bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of an autoinhibitory interface in the structure of the tyrosine kinase ZAP-70 impacts T cell receptor response
Authors: Deindl Sebastian , Kadlecek Theresa A. , Cao Xiaoxian , Kuriyan John , Weiss Arthur
Published: November 2009

The delivery of signals from the activated T cell antigen receptor (TCR) inside the cell relies on the protein tyrosine kinase ZAP-70 (ζ-associated protein of 70 kDa). A recent crystal structure of inactive full-length ZAP-70 suggests that a central interface formed by the docking of the two SH2 domains of ZAP-70 onto the kinase domain is crucial for suppressing catalytic activity. Here we validate the significance of this autoinhibitory interface for the regulation of ZAP-70 catalytic activity and the T cell response. For this purpose, we perform in vitro catalytic activity assays and binding experiments using ZAP-70 proteins purified from insect cells to examine activation of ZAP-70. Furthermore, we use cell lines stably expressing wild-type or mutant ZAP-70 to monitor proximal events in T cell signaling, including TCR-induced phosphorylation of ZAP-70 substrates, activation of the MAP kinase pathway, and intracellular Ca
2+
levels. Taken together, our results directly correlate the stability of the autoinhibitory interface with the activation of these key events in the T cell response.
Combining the semantics of collocations with situation-driven search paths in specialized dictionaries
Authors: L'Homme Marie-Claude , Leroyer Patrick
Published: November 2009

The systematic presentation of collocations is increasingly recognized as a very useful addition to specialized reference works. However, few dictionaries or terminological databases actually include this kind of data. More surprisingly still, no method has been designed yet to allow efficient access to and retrieval of specific specialized collocations from electronic reference tools. This article presents two new search paths for accessing and extracting collocations from an English-French specialized lexical database. The paths have been designed according to two specific user-defined situations: (1) translation from L1 to L2; and (2) text production in L2. We exploit a formal semantic encoding of collocations based on Lexical Functions (LFs). LFs allow us to establish an equivalence relationship between collocations that convey the same meaning in different languages without having to link the collocations formally. They also allow us to extract sets of collocations associated with specific meanings.
Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Liver Protection and Chemotherapy Completion among Cancer Patients
Authors: Liu Mei-Ling , Chien Li-Yin , Tai Cheng-Jeng , Lin Kuan-Chia , Tai Chen-Jei
Published: November 2009

While traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used among Chinese patients with cancer, studies evaluating the effectiveness of TCM using objective indicators are rare. We examined the effectiveness of TCM for liver protection and completion of chemotherapy among patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. We used a case‐control design to examine the medical records of patients with cancer who received chemotherapy in a teaching hospital in Taipei in 2004. A total of 184 courses of chemotherapy among 89 patients were studied. Of the 184 courses, 42 used TCM jointly with chemotherapy served as cases, while the remaining 142 courses served as controls. Outcome variables included counts of cancelled or delayed chemotherapies and liver function (aspartate aminotransferase, AST and alanine aminotransferase, ALT) 1 week before, during and 2 weeks after chemotherapy. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the data. Patients who had concomitant TCM with chemotherapy had lower serum ALT and AST during chemotherapy than the controls given that the age, sex, cancer stage, radiotherapy sites, cancer diagnosis and potential hepatotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic drugs were controlled for in the model [β  = −3.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) −10.08 to 3.11 for AST; β  = −5.95, 95% CI: −11.47 to −0.44 for ALT]. There was no significant difference between the case and control groups for odds of completing one course of chemotherapy. Use of TCM with chemotherapy resulted in protection of the liver during chemotherapy, as manifested by lower serum AST and ALT levels.
Definition of Early Transcriptional Circuitry Involved in Light-Induced Reversal of PIF-Imposed Repression of Photomorphogenesis in YoungArabidopsisSeedlings
Authors: Leivar Pablo , Tepperman James M. , Monte Elena , Calderon Robert H. , Liu Tiffany L. , Quail Peter H.
Published: November 2009

Light signals perceived by the phytochromes induce the transition from skotomorphogenic to photomorphogenic development (deetiolation) in dark-germinated seedlings. Evidence that a quadruple mutant (pifq) lacking four phytochrome-interacting bHLH transcription factors (PIF1, 3, 4, and 5) is constitutively photomorphogenic in darkness establishes that these factors sustain the skotomorphogenic state. Moreover, photoactivated phytochromes bind to and induce rapid degradation of the PIFs, indicating that the photoreceptor reverses their constitutive activity upon light exposure, initiating photomorphogenesis. Here, to define the modes of transcriptional regulation and cellular development imposed by the PIFs, we performed expression profile and cytological analyses of pifq mutant and wild-type seedlings. Dark-grown mutant seedlings display cellular development that extensively phenocopies wild-type seedlings grown in light. Similarly, 80% of the gene expression changes elicited by the absence of the PIFs in dark-grown pifq seedlings are normally induced by prolonged light in wild-type seedlings. By comparing rapidly light-responsive genes in wild-type seedlings with those responding in darkness in the pifq mutant, we identified a subset, enriched in transcription factor–encoding genes, that are potential primary targets of PIF transcriptional regulation. Collectively, these data suggest that the transcriptional response elicited by light-induced PIF proteolysis is a major component of the mechanism by which the phytochromes pleiotropically regulate deetiolation and that at least some of the rapidly light-responsive genes may comprise a transcriptional network directly regulated by the PIF proteins.
The cost‐effectiveness of consistent and early intervention of harm reduction for injecting drug users in Bangladesh
Authors: Guinness Lorna , Vickerman Peter , Quayyum Zahidul , Foss Anna , Watts Charlotte , Rodericks Andrea , Azim Tasnim , Jana Smarajit , Kumaranayake Lilani
Published: November 2009

Aims To assess the cost‐effectiveness of the CARE‐SHAKTI harm reduction intervention for injecting drug users (IDUs) over a 3‐year period, the impact on the cost‐effectiveness of stopping after 3 years and how the cost‐effectiveness might vary with baseline human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence.

Design Economic cost data were collected from the study site and combined with impact estimates derived from a dynamic mathematical model.

Setting Dhaka, Bangladesh, where the HIV prevalence has remained low despite high‐risk sexual and injecting behaviours, and growing HIV epidemics in neighbouring countries.

Findings The cost per HIV infection prevented over the first 3 years was US$110.4 (33.1–182.3). The incremental cost‐effectiveness of continuing the intervention for a further year, relative to stopping at the end of year 3, is US$97 if behaviour returns to pre‐intervention patterns. When baseline IDU HIV prevalence is increased to 40%, the number of HIV infections averted is halved for the 3‐year period and the cost per HIV infection prevented doubles to US$228.

Conclusions The analysis confirms that harm reduction activities are cost‐effective. Early intervention is more cost‐effective than delaying activities, although this should not preclude later intervention. Starting harm reduction activities when IDU HIV prevalence reaches as high as 40% is still cost‐effective. Continuing harm reduction activities once a project has matured is vital to sustaining its impact and cost‐effectiveness.
Variable effects of cyclophosphamide in rodent models of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis
Authors: Mangano K , Nicoletti A , Patti F , Donia M , Malaguarnera L , Signorelli S , Magro G , Muzio V , Greco B , Zaratin P , Meroni P , Zappia M , Nicoletti F
Published: November 2009

In this study, we have evaluated the effects of cyclophosphamide on the development of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in four EAE rodent models: monophasic EAE in Lewis rats, protracted relapsing (PR)-EAE in DA rats, myelin oligodendrocyte protein (MOG)-induced EAE in C57Bl/6 mice and proteolipid protein (PLP)-induced EAE in Swiss/Jackson Laboratory (SJL) mice. Cyclophosphamide, administered either prophylactically or therapeutically, suppressed most strongly the clinical symptoms of PR-EAE in DA rats. Treated rats in this group also exhibited the lowest degree of inflammatory infiltration of the spinal cord, as well as the lowest levels of nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma. Cyclophosphamide prophylactically, but not therapeutically, also delayed significantly the onset of EAE in Lewis rats. In contrast, regardless of the treatment regimen used, was unable to influence the clinical course of EAE in either MOG-induced EAE in C57Bl/6 mice or PLP-induced EAE in SJL mice. This heterogeneous pharmacological response to cyclophosphamide suggests that significant immunopathogenic differences exist among these EAE rodent models that must be considered when designing preclinical studies. In addition, the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide in dark Agouti (DA) rats with PR-EAE suggests that this may be a particularly useful model for studying novel therapeutic approaches for refractory and rapidly worsening multiple sclerosis in human patients.
Soil carbon stocks, deforestation and land‐cover changes in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot (India)
Authors: LO SEEN DANNY , RAMESH B. R. , NAIR K. M. , MARTIN MANUEL , ARROUAYS DOMINIQUE , BOURGEON GÉRARD
Published: November 2009

Habitat loss and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock variations linked to land‐cover change were estimated over two decades in the most densely populated biodiversity hotspot in the world, in order to assess the possible influence of conservation practices on the protection of SOC. For a study area of 88 484 km2, 70% of which lie inside the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot (WGBH), land‐cover maps for two dates (1977, 1999) were built from various data sources including remote sensing images and ecological forest maps. SOC stocks were calculated from climatic parameters, altitude, physiography, rock type, soil type and land‐cover, with a modelling approach used in predictive learning and based on Multiple Additive Regression Tree. The model was trained on 361 soil profiles data, and applied to estimate SOC stocks from predictor variables using a Geographical Information System (GIS). Comparison of 1977 and 1999 land‐cover maps showed 628 km2 of dense forests habitat loss (6%), corresponding to an annual deforestation rate of 0.44%. This was found consistent with other studies carried out in other parts of the WGBH, but not with FAO figures showing an increase in forest area. This could be explained by the different forest definitions used, based on ecological classification in the former, and on percentage tree cover in the latter. Unexpectedly, our results showed that despite ongoing deforestation, overall SOC stock was maintained (∼0.43 Pg). But a closer examination of spatial differences showed that soil carbon losses in deforested areas were compensated by sequestration elsewhere, mainly in recent plantations and newly irrigated croplands. This suggests that more carbon sequestration in soils could be achieved in the future through appropriate wasteland management. It is also expected that increasing concerns about biodiversity loss will favour more conservation and reinforce the already prevailing protective measures, thus further maintaining C stocks.
Oestrogen imprinting causes nuclear changes in epithelial cells and overall inhibition of gene transcription and protein synthesis in rat ventral prostate
Authors: Augusto T. M. , Bruni‐Cardoso A. , Damas‐Souza D. M. , Zambuzzi W. F. , Kühne F. , Lourenço L. B. , Ferreira C. V. , Carvalho H. F.
Published: November 2009

Oestrogen exposure during the early post‐natal period affects male growth, physiology, and susceptibility to disease in adult life. The prostate gland is susceptible to this oestrogen imprinting, showing a reduced expression of the androgen receptor and inability to respond to androgen stimulus. In this context, we decided to study key signalling regulators of ventral prostate (VP) functioning after early postnatal exposure to high‐dose oestrogen. Our results showed a decrease of mTOR phosphorylation and its direct downstream target 4EBP. It is known that mTOR‐induced signalling is a pivotal pathway of cell metabolism, which is able to control gene transcription and protein synthesis. We then decided to investigate other indicators of a reduced metabolism in the oestrogenized prostate, and found that the luminal epithelial cells were shorter, less polarized and had smaller nuclei containing more compacted chromatin, suggesting that a general mechanism of regulating gene expression and protein synthesis could be installed in the epithelium of the oestrogenized VP. To evaluate this idea, we analysed nucleolar morphology, and measured the amount of ribosomes and the level of methylation of the 45S ribosomal RNA promoter region. These data indicated that the nucleolus was dismantled and that the methylation at the 45S promoter was increased (∼five‐fold). Taken together, the results support the idea that the oestrogenized prostate maintains a very low transcriptional level and protein turnover by affecting canonical signalling pathways and promoting nuclear and nucleolar changes.
The use of interdisciplinary seminars for the development of caring dispositions in nursing and social work students
Authors: Chan Engle Angela , Mok Esther , Po‐ying Amy Ho , Man‐chun Jenny Hui
Published: November 2009

Title.  The use of interdisciplinary seminars for the development of caring dispositions in nursing and social work students.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to evaluate the influence of interdisciplinary seminars for undergraduate nursing and social work students on development of their understanding of the meaning of caring.

Background.  There is growing international interest in interprofessional education, which is believed to have the potential to improve patient care. If interprofessional education and subsequent collaboration are truly to be patient‐centred, it is important to identify a value base which creates a healthcare professional identity that facilitates collaboration. Caring, as a humanistic value, is found in both nursing and social work professionals.

Method.  A mixed method approach, primarily qualitative but with a quantitative component, was chosen for evaluation of the interprofessional seminars. The data were collected between 2007–2008 by videotape recordings of the sessions, follow‐up telephone interviews and a questionnaire.

Findings.  There was cultivation in the nursing students of a deeper understanding of caring based on openness and a non‐judgmental approach, learned from their social work counterparts. Reciprocally, social work students learned about the nursing students’ daily activities as they observed the natural process of trust and communication in the context of caring.

Conclusion.  Enhanced understanding of caring in practice is not possible via learning through a uni‐professional approach. Students’ reflections and dialogue enable their development of relation‐centred caring, particularly in the realm of biomedical and technical environments.
Reducing burnout in mothers with an intellectually disabled child: an education programme
Authors: Bilgin Sonay , Gozum Sebahat
Published: November 2009

Title.  Reducing burnout in mothers with an intellectually disabled child: an education programme.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine the effect of participating in an education program on burnout for mothers of children with an intellectual disability.

Background.  Mothers with an intellectually disabled child are prone to suffer from excessive stress and burnout. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of education interventions aimed at reducing burnout levels in this population.

Methods.  After baseline screening, mothers who agreed to participate (n = 90) were randomized to an intervention or control group. The intervention group participated in an interactive education programme for 1 hour, in addition to using an educational booklet designed and presented by the researchers. The booklet contained information about the characteristics of intellectually disabled children, the specific health care and education they require, non‐profit organizations and foundations providing assistance, and ways in which mothers can cope with stress. The control group received the same intervention separately after completing the post‐test. The study was carried out from 2004 to 2005.

Findings.  Intervention group members reported fewer episodes of emotional burnout compared to the control group, indicating that participation in a nursing education programme reduced the level of burnout experienced by mothers who have an intellectually disabled child. There were no effects of the education programme on perceptions of personal success, i.e. mother’s feelings of competence and successful achievement in care of their intellectually disabled child.

Conclusion.  Nurse‐administered education should be provided for mothers who have an intellectually disabled child in order to reduce the degree of emotional burnout that these mothers typically experience.
Inhibiting microbial adhesion to denture base acrylic resin by titanium dioxide coating
Authors: ARAI T. , UEDA T. , SUGIYAMA T. , SAKURAI K.
Published: November 2009

Summary  Mechanical cleaning of dentures is effective in preventing infections such as aspiration pneumonia and denture stomatitis. For denture wearers with a physical handicap and the elderly, however, mechanical cleaning can present problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of coating denture base acrylic resin with titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the inhibition of oral microbial adhesion. We prepared uniformly sized acrylic resin plates (10 mm × 10 mm × 0·5 mm), which were divided into two groups (a non‐coated group and a TiO2‐coated group). The plates were immersed in cultured Streptococcus sanguinis or Candida albicans and incubated for 24 h. After incubation, each plate was washed to remove loosely adherent microorganisms, and then incubated for a further 24 h. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content of the microorganisms was evaluated using a reagent containing benzalkonium, which extracts intra‐cellular ATP. In addition, to determine biofilm formation, we also observed each plate by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We found that the ATP content of both S. sanguinis and C. albicans was reduced by the TiO2 coating (P = 0·000). Observation by SEM confirmed that the TiO2 coating inhibited biofilm formation. The results indicate that a TiO2 coating on a denture base acrylic resin inhibits adhesion of S. sanguinis and C. albicans.
Could the bugTriatoma sherlockibe vectoring Chagas disease in small mining communities in Bahia, Brazil?
Authors: ALMEIDA C. E. , FOLLY‐RAMOS E. , PETERSON A. T. , LIMA‐NEIVA V. , GUMIEL M. , DUARTE R. , LIMA M. M. , LOCKS M. , BELTRÃO M. , COSTA J.
Published: November 2009

Searches for Chagas disease vectors were performed at the type locality from whichTriatoma sherlockiPapaet al.(Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) was described in the municipality of Gentio do Ouro, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, and in a small artisan quarry‐mining community ∼13 km distant in a remote area of the same municipality. The latter site represents a new locality record for this species. Adults, nymphs and exuviae ofT. sherlockiwere found in 21% of human dwellings, indicating that the species is in the process of domiciliation. Prevalence ofTrypanosoma cruziinfection in collected bugs was 10.8%. Simple predictive approaches based on environmental similarity were used to identify additional sites likely suitable for this species. The approach successfully predicted an additional five sites for the species in surrounding landscapes. Ecological and entomological indicators were combined to discuss whether this scenario likely represents an isolated case or an emerging public health problem.
The oral susceptibility of South African field populations of Culicoides to African horse sickness virus
Authors: VENTER G. J. , WRIGHT I. M. , VAN DER LINDE T. C. , PAWESKA J. T.
Published: November 2009

Twenty‐two isolates of African horse sickness virus (AHSV), representing its distinct serotypes, geographical and historical origins, were fed to three populations of South African livestock‐associated Culicoides spp. (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae). Infective blood meals included 12 recent isolates, nine historical reference strains and one live attenuated vaccine strain serotype 7 (AHSV‐7) of the virus. Field‐collected midges were fed through a chicken‐skin membrane on sheep blood spiked with one of the viruses, which concentrations ranged from 5.4 to 8.8 log10TCID50/mL of blood. After 10 days incubation at 23.5°C, AHSV was isolated from 11 Culicoides species. Standard in vitro passaging of AHSV‐7, used for the preparation of live attenuated vaccine, did not reduce its ability to infect Culicoides species. Virus recovery rates in orally infected Culicoides midges differed significantly between species and populations, serotypes, isolates and seasons. Significant variations in oral susceptibility recorded in this study emphasize a complex inter‐relationship between virus and vector, which is further influenced by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors. As it is not possible to standardize all these factors under laboratory conditions, conclusive assessment of the role of field‐collected Culicoides midges in the transmission of orbiviruses remains problematic. Nevertheless, results of this study suggest the potential for multi‐vector transmission of AHSV virus in South Africa.
Computing options for multiple‐trait test‐day random regression models while accounting for heat tolerance
Authors: Aguilar I. , Tsuruta S. , Misztal I.
Published: November 2009

Data included 90 242 799 test day records from first, second and third parities of 5 402 484 Holstein cows and 9 326 754 animals in the pedigree. Additionally, daily temperature humidity indexes (THI) from 202 weather stations were available. The fixed effects included herd test day, age at calving, milking frequency and days in milk classes (DIM). Random effects were additive genetic, permanent environment and herd‐year and were fit as random regressions. Covariates included linear splines with four knots at 5, 50, 200 and 305 DIM and a function of THI. Mixed model equations were solved using an iteration on data program with a preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm. Preconditioners used were diagonal (D), block diagonal due to traits (BT) and block diagonal due to traits and correlated effects (BTCORR). One run included BT with a ‘diagonalized’ model in which the random effects were reparameterized for diagonal (co)variance matrices among traits (BTDIAG). Memory requirements were 8.7 Gb for D, 10.4 Gb for BT and BTDIAG, and 24.3 Gb for BTCORR. Computing times (rounds) were 14 days (952) for D, 10.7 days (706) for BT, 7.7 days (494) for BTDIAG and 4.6 days (289) for BTCORR. The convergence pattern was strongly influenced by the choice of fixed effects. When sufficient memory is available, the option BTCORR is the fastest and simplest to implement; the next efficient method, BTDIAG, requires additional steps for diagonalization and back‐diagonalization.
Disclosing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal biodiversity in soil through a land‐use gradient using a pyrosequencing approach
Authors: Lumini Erica , Orgiazzi Alberto , Borriello Roberto , Bonfante Paola , Bianciotto Valeria
Published: November 2009

The biodiversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities present in five Sardinian soils (Italy) subjected to different land‐use (tilled vineyard, covered vineyard, pasture, managed meadow and cork‐oak formation) was analysed using a pyrosequencing‐based approach for the first time. Two regions of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene were considered as molecular target. The pyrosequencing produced a total of 10924 sequences: 6799 from the first and 4125 from the second target region. Among these sequences, 3189 and 1003 were selected to generate operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and to evaluate the AMF community richness and similarity: 117 (37 of which were singletons) and 28 (nine of which were singletons) unique AMF OTUs were detected respectively. Within the Glomeromycota OTUs, those belonging to the Glomerales order were dominant in all the soils. Diversisporales OTUs were always detected, even though less frequently, while Archaeosporales and Paraglomerales OTUs were exclusive of the pasture soil. Eleven OTUs were shared by all the soils, but each of the five AMF communities showed particular features, suggesting a meaningful dissimilarity among the Glomeromycota populations. The environments with low inputs (pasture and covered vineyard) showed a higher AMF biodiversity than those subjected to human input (managed meadow and tilled vineyard). A reduction in AMF was found in the cork‐oak formation because other mycorrhizal fungal species, more likely associated to trees and shrubs, were detected. These findings reinforce the view that AMF biodiversity is influenced by both human input and ecological traits, illustrating a gradient of AMF communities which mirror the land‐use gradient. The high number of sequences obtained by the pyrosequencing strategy has provided detailed information on the soil AMF assemblages, thus offering a source of light to shine on this crucial soil microbial group.
Combination peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ and α agonist treatment in Type 2 diabetes prevents the beneficial pioglitazone effect on liver fat content
Authors: Balasubramanian R. , Gerrard J. , Dalla Man C. , Firbank M. J. , Lane A. , English P. T. , Cobelli C. , Taylor R.
Published: November 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 150–156 (2010)

Aims  Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ and PPAR‐α agonists individually reduce intra‐organ triglyceride content and improve insulin sensitivity. However, the precise effects of combined PPAR‐γ and PPAR‐α therapy on intra‐organ triglyceride content and insulin sensitivity in subjects with Type 2 diabetes have not yet been determined.

Methods  Diet‐controlled Type 2 subjects (n = 9) were studied before and after 16 weeks of combined PPAR‐γ [pioglitazone (PIO), 45 mg daily] and PPAR‐α [bezafibrate (BEZA), modified release 400 mg daily] agonist therapy. Glucose metabolism and endogenous glucose production were measured following a standard liquid test meal. Liver and muscle triglyceride levels were measured by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results  Combined PIO and BEZA therapy reduced mean fasting (7.5 ± 0.5 vs. 6.5 ± 0.2 mmol/l, P = 0.04) and peak postprandial plasma glucose (15.3 ± 1.1 vs. 11.7 ± 0.6 mmol/l, P = 0.007). No significant change in hepatic or muscle triglyceride content was observed. Postprandial suppression of endogenous glucose production remained similar on both study days. Both subcutaneous and visceral fat content increased following therapy.

Conclusions  Combined PIO and BEZA therapy in Type 2 diabetes does not decrease intrahepatic triglyceride content or postprandial endogenous glucose production. This study demonstrates an unexpected adverse interaction of PPAR‐α with PPAR‐γ agonist therapy.
Comparison of risk factors and work‐up in young and middle‐aged patients with TIA and ischaemic stroke
Authors: Telman G. , Sprecher E. , Namestnikov O. , Kouperberg E.
Published: November 2009

Background:  The transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is accepted as a subtype of resolved ischaemic stroke. In that case, the risk factor profiles as well as the work‐up results of TIA and stroke patients should be similar in both groups. Given that such data are limited, we compared the risk factor profiles and work‐up results in young and middle‐aged patients with TIA and ischaemic stroke.

Patients and methods:  Data on 167 TIA patients and 489 stroke patients aged ≤60 were compared for risk factor profiles, work‐up results, and pre‐ and post‐event treatment regimens.

Results:  The only difference found between the groups in the distribution of vascular risk factors was a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes in the stroke group (P = 0.02). There were no differences found between the two groups in the distributions of carotid and aortic plaques, carotid stenoses and occlusion, homocysteine levels, or frequencies of patient foramen ovale by echocardiography. The levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as abnormal brain CT, were higher in the stroke group, both before and after adjustment. There was no difference found in any compared parameter of treatment between the TIA and the stroke patients.

Conclusions:  The risk factor profiles and the work‐up results are similar between the TIA and the stroke patients. These findings highlight the etiologic homogeneity of both conditions; therefore, justify their uniform management. In addition, low yield of CT in TIA patients was found, questioning thus the routine use of CT in work‐up of TIA.
Typhoon Evacuation in Wenzhou, China: A Preliminary Analysis of Progress and the Remaining Challenges1
Authors: Lu Xiaoli
Published: November 2009

The need for a well‐prepared response to hurricanes and typhoons2 has become increasingly evident given the catastrophic impacts. While much research has focused on how American governmental and non‐governmental organizations operate in response to hurricanes, the response in developing countries has received less attention. This article describes the progress and challenges evidenced in Chinese local government operations during typhoon evacuations, and is based on field research in Wenzhou City in September 2008, which includes historical official document analysis, on‐site observation of the 2008 Typhoon Sinlaku response process and face‐to‐face interviews with one NGO director and 16 officials. Mass evacuation response in China has changed: there are basic shelters, emergency plans and legislation supports. But there are still problems that block effective and efficient response.
Nuclear protein kinases: still enigmatic components in plant cell signalling
Authors: Dahan Jennifer , Wendehenne David , Ranjeva Raoul , Pugin Alain , Bourque Stéphane
Published: November 2009

Plants constantly face changing conditions in their environment. Unravelling the transduction mechanisms from signal perception at the plasma membrane level down to gene expression in the nucleus is a fascinating challenge. Protein phosphorylation, catalysed by protein kinases, is one of the major posttranslational modifications involved in the specificity, kinetic(s) and intensity of a signal transduction pathway. Although commonly assumed, the involvement of nuclear protein kinases in signal transduction is often poorly characterized. In particular, both their regulation and mode of action remain to be elucidated and may lead to the unveiling of new original mechanisms. For example, unlike animal cells, plant cells contain only a few strictly nucleus‐localized protein kinases, which calls into question the role of this cellular distribution between the cytosol and the nucleus in their activation and functions. The control of their nucleocytoplasmic trafficking appears to play a major role in their regulation, probably through promoting interactions with their substrates under specific cellular conditions. However, recent findings showing that the nucleus can generate complex networks of second messengers (e.g. Ca2+or diacyglycerol) suggest that nuclear protein kinases could play an active role in the decoding of such signals.

Contents

Summary
355

I.
Introduction
356

II.
Features of plant protein kinases
356

III.
Nuclear protein kinases
358

IV.
Nuclear PKs in the control of the cell cycle and mitosis
361

V.
Nuclear calcium‐dependent protein kinases
362

VI.
Nucleus‐localized MAPKs
362

VII.
Nuclear protein kinases: cytosolic translocation of  an activated form or activation in the nucleus?
363

VIII.
Concluding remarks
365

Acknowledgements
365

References
365
Predicting the impact of climate change on Australia’s most endangered snake, Hoplocephalus bungaroides
Authors: Penman Trent D. , Pike David A. , Webb Jonathan K. , Shine Richard
Published: November 2009

Aim  To predict how the bioclimatic envelope of the broad‐headed snake (BHS) (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) may be redistributed under future climate warming scenarios.

Location  South‐eastern New South Wales, Australia.

Methods  We used 159 independent locations for the species and 35 climatic variables to model the bioclimatic envelope for the BHS using two modelling approaches – Bioclim and Maxent. Predictions were made under current climatic conditions and we also predicted the species distribution under low and high climate change scenarios for 2030 and 2070.

Results  Broad‐headed snakes currently encompass their entire bioclimatic envelope. Both modelling approaches predict that suitable climate space for BHS will be lost to varying degrees under both climate warming scenarios, and under the worst case, only 14% of known snake populations may persist.

Main conclusions  Areas of higher elevation within the current range will be most important for persistence of this species because they will remain relatively moist and cool even under climate change and will match the current climate envelope. Conservation efforts should focus on areas where suitable climate space may persist under climate warming scenarios. Long‐term monitoring programs should be established both in these areas and where populations are predicted to become extirpated, so that we can accurately determine changes in the distribution of this species throughout its range.
Home, Colonial and Foreign: Europe, Empire and the History of Migration in 20th‐century Britain
Authors: Webster Wendy
Published: November 2009

This essay reviews the increasingly rich recent literature on 20th‐century transnational movements from empire and Europe to Britain and in the opposite directions, particularly on migration. It suggests that this work offers a way of thinking about British‐empire and British‐European relations – themes that have been comparatively neglected in 20th‐century social and cultural history, especially in the period of decolonisation. While much of the literature on migration treats empire and Europe separately, as well as immigration and emigration, the essay makes connections between them, looking at changing British perceptions of Europe and the world beyond Europe: of home, colonial and foreign. It argues that the second half of the century saw an increasing erosion of distinctions between ‘colonial’ and ‘foreign’ and a reorientation of British world views towards Europe that owed little to its membership of the EU.
Vertebral Artery Dissection in Turner's Syndrome: Diagnosis by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Muscat Paul , Lidov Mika , Nahar Tammana , Tuhrim Stanley , Weinberger Jesse
Published: November 2009

Aortic artery dissection is a rare but well‐recognized complication of Turner's syndrome. Isolated carotid or vertebral artery dissection has not previously been reported. The authors report the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings in a 30‐year‐old woman with Turner's syndrome who developed a high cervical spinal cord infarction with a Brown‐Sequard syndrome owing to bilateral vertebral artery dissection. The diagnosis and management of the case is reviewed.
Nitrous Oxide Determination in Postmortem Biological Samples: A Case of Serial Fatal Poisoning in a Public Hospital*
Authors: Poli Diana , Gagliano‐Candela Roberto , Strisciullo Giuseppe , Colucci Anna P. , Strada Luigi , Laviola Domenica , Goldoni Matteo , Mutti Antonio
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  In a public hospital, eight cases of fatal poisoning by nitrous oxide (N2O) occurred under oxygen administration, due to an erroneous swapping of the lines in the gas system. The aim of the study was to clarify the factors involved in asphyxia by characterizing gases from different lines and measuring N2O concentrations in postmortem biological samples from bodies exhumed. Analyses carried out on the gas system confirmed the erroneous substitution of O2 line with N2O and air line with O2. Consequently, high N2O amounts were revealed in several tissues and gaseous biological samples. All specimens were analyzed by headspace gas chromatography technique. A rigorous quantitative analysis was possible only in blood (11.29–2152.04 mg/L) and urine (95.11 mg/L) and in air samples from stomach and trachea (from 5.28 to 83.63 g/m3). This study demonstrates that N2O can be detected in biological samples even 1 month after death.
What Brazil learned from labour flexibilization in the 1990s
Authors: POCHMANN Marcio
Published: November 2009

The debt crisis of 1981–83 changed the course that Brazil's social and labour policy had followed from the 1930s to the 1970s. The social and labour protection systems built up over those five decades – in conjunction with urbanization, industrialization and the rise of wage employment – were gradually dismantled. The neo‐liberal policies adopted, however, failed to generate sufficient economic growth and brought worsening unemployment and job insecurity instead. Since the end of 2002, Brazil has been turning away from its “neo‐liberal society “project.
The evolution of depression and suicidality in first episode psychosis
Authors: Upthegrove R. , Birchwood M. , Ross K. , Brunett K. , McCollum R. , Jones L.
Published: November 2009

Upthegrove R, Birchwood M, Ross K, Brunett K, McCollum R, Jones L. The evolution of depression and suicidality in first episode psychosis.

Objective:  To have a clearer understanding of the ebb and flow of depression and suicidal thinking in the early phase of psychosis, whether these events are predictable and how they relate to the early course of psychotic symptoms.

Method:  Ninety‐two patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) completed measures of depression, including prodromal depression, self‐harm and duration of untreated psychosis. Follow‐up took place over 12 months.

Results:  Depression occurred in 80% of patients at one or more phases of FEP; a combination of depression and suicidal thinking was present in 63%. Depression in the prodromal phase was the most significant predictor of future depression and acts of self‐harm.

Conclusion:  Depression early in the emergence of a psychosis is fundamental to the development of future depression and suicidal thinking. Efforts to predict and reduce depression and deliberate self‐harm in psychosis may need to target this early phase to reduce later risk.
Cutaneous neuroblastoma‐like schwannoma: a report of two cases, one with a plexiform pattern, and a review of the literature
Authors: Suchak Ravi , Luzar Bostjan , Bacchi Carlos E. , Maguire Brigid , Calonje Eduardo
Published: November 2009

Cutaneous schwannomas in their classical form are readily identified histologically. A number of variants, including ancient, cellular, epithelioid, plexiform, microcystic and neuroblastoma‐like, may cause diagnostic difficulty and rarely be confused with malignancy. Neuroblastoma‐like schwannoma was first described by Goldblum et al. in 1994, and very few cases have since been reported. It is a benign sporadic neoplasm with no reported association with neurofibromatosis, and is characterized histologically by small round lesional cells surrounding collagenous cores forming rosette‐like structures. The differential diagnosis includes other lesions with the formation of rosettes including neuroblastoma, low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma and dendritic cell neurofibroma, as well as primitive neuroectodermal tumors and rare malignant transformation in a schwannoma. We describe two further cases of this rare entity and review the literature on the subject. Our first case additionally has a plexiform multinodular pattern, a feature described in only one previous report.

Suchak R, Luzar B, Bacchi CE, Maguire B, Calonje E. Cutaneous neuroblastoma‐like schwannoma: a report of two cases, one with a plexiform pattern, and a review of the literature.
Effects of central administration of glucagon on feed intake and endocrine responses in sheep
Authors: KUROSE Yohei , KAMISOYAMA Hiroshi , HONDA Kazuhisa , AZUMA Yoshiyuki , SUGAHARA Kunio , HASEGAWA Shin , KOBAYASHI Shigeki
Published: November 2009

This study was conducted to investigate effects of glucagon intracerebroventricularly administered on feed intake and endocrine changes in sheep. Four male sheep (48–55 kg BW) were used. The animals were acclimatized to be fed alfalfa hay cubes at 12.00 hour. Human glucagon (40 and 80 µg/0.5 mL) was injected into the lateral ventricle at 12.00 hour. Blood samples were taken every 10 min from 30 min before to 180 min after the glucagon injection. Soon after the injection, the animals were given alfalfa hay cubes, and the amounts of the feed eaten within 2 h were measured. Feed intakes were significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed by 80 µg of glucagon. Plasma glucose levels in control animals were gradually decreased after the feeding, whilst those in glucagon‐treated animals were temporarily elevated just after the feeding and then kept higher than control levels. Plasma insulin was abruptly elevated after the feeding and was maintained at higher levels than before the feeding in all treatments. Plasma NEFA concentrations were decreased after the feeding in all treatments. A tendency of increase in plasma cortisol levels occurred in glucagon‐injected animals. The present study provides the first evidence that glucagon directly acts on the brain, then inhibiting feeding behavior and inducing endocrine responses in ruminants.
Normoxic destabilization of ATF‐4 depends on proteasomal degradation
Authors: Wottawa M. , Köditz J. , Katschinski D. M.
Published: November 2009

Aim:  Hypoxia‐inducible gene expression is an important physiological adaptive mechanism in response to a decreased oxygen supply. We have recently described an oxygen‐ and prolyl‐4‐hydroxylase (PHD)3‐dependent stabilization of the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF‐4). The aim of the present study was to examine if the normoxic destabilization of ATF‐4 is regulated by oxygen‐dependent proteasomal degradation.

Methods:  We determined poly‐ubiquitination of ATF‐4 in normoxia compared to hypoxia by immunoprecipitation and immunoblots. Furthermore, we analysed the expression of the ATF‐4 target gene GADD153 as a function of oxygen concentration.

Results:  ATF‐4 protein levels were not detectable in normoxia. Normoxic degradation correlated with an oxygen‐dependent poly‐ubiquitination of ATF‐4, which was hindered by hypoxic incubation of the cells. As a result of hypoxia, GADD153 was expressed. The hypoxic GADD153 expression was attenuated or increased by transfecting the cells with ATF‐4 siRNA or PHD3 siRNA respectively.

Conclusion:  Our results demonstrate the involvement of oxygen‐dependent proteasomal degradation of ATF‐4 in the hypoxia‐induced expression of GADD153. Taken together, hypoxia/PHD3‐regulated stabilization of ATF‐4 by hindering oxygen‐dependent degradation may play a critical role in linking cell fate decisions to oxygen availability.
Insider access: pepducin symposium explores a new approach to GPCR modulation
Authors: Miller Jacquelyn , Agarwal Anika , Devi Lakshmi A. , Fontanini Kellen , Hamilton James A. , Pin Jean‐Philippe , Shields Denis C. , Spek C. Arnold , Sakmar Thomas P. , Kuliopulos Athan , Hunt III Stephen W.
Published: November 2009

The inaugural Pepducin Science Symposium convened in Cambridge, Massachusetts on March 8–9, 2009 provided the opportunity for an international group of distinguished scientists to present and discuss research regarding G protein–coupled receptor‐related research. G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are, arguably, one of the most important molecular targets in drug discovery and pharmaceutical development today. This superfamily of membrane receptors is central to nearly every signaling pathway in the human body and has been the focus of intense research for decades. However, as scientists discover additional properties of GPCRs, it has become clear that much is yet to be understood about how these receptors function. Everyone agrees, however, that tremendous potential remains if specific GPCR signaling pathways can be modulated to correct pathological states. One exciting new approach to this challenge involves pepducins: novel, synthetic lipopeptide pharmacophores that modulate heptahelical GPCR activity from inside the cell membrane.
Effects of Ultraviolet A‐1 Radiation on Calcineurin Activity and Cytokine Production in (Skin) Cell Cultures†
Authors: Smit Nico , Musson Ruben , Romijn Fred , Van Rossum Huub , Van Pelt Johannes
Published: November 2009

Calcineurin (Cn) is the target of immunosuppressive drugs used for maintenance therapy of transplant patients. UV radiation is also known to be immunosuppressive and, like the Cn inhibitors, UV has been shown to positively influence various inflammatory skin diseases. Recently, Cn activity has been demonstrated in skin and skin cell cultures. In the present study we have investigated the effects of UV(A‐1) irradiation on Cn activity in skin. In total skin we found a significant reduction in Cn activity after exposure to 450 kJ m−2 of UVA‐1 (340–400 nm). In repeated experiments cultures of fibroblasts and keratinocytes also showed dose‐dependent and selective reduction in Cn activity after UVA‐1 irradiation. UVB irradiation caused a decrease in the Cn activity of one of two fibroblast cultures and was ineffective in keratinocytes. In Jurkat cells and PBMC UVA‐1 reduced Cn activity and also the production of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐2, γ‐interferon, IL‐4 and IL‐10 that are controlled by the Ca2+–Cn pathway. These results indicate that UV(A‐1) irradiation may lead to inactivation of Cn in the skin and thus suppress the skin immune system in a similar fashion to the Cn inhibitors.
Photodegradation of Methanol Under UV–Visible Irradiation by Titania Dispersed on Polyester Cloth
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kaustava , Tripathi Arvind K. , Gupta Narendra M. , Tyagi Avesh K.
Published: November 2009

Titania supported on polyester fabric (TiO2–PY) with varying titania loadings (2–7 wt%) were prepared via the dip‐coating method at room temperature using an aqueous slurry of anatase titania. Structural and morphological characterizations by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the titanium dioxide crystallites deposited on the surface of the polyester fabric were in the micrometer range while their phase remained to be anatase. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2–PY fabric catalysts was evaluated for vapor‐phase oxidation of methanol in air as a test reaction in the presence of UV as well as solar radiation under ambient conditions. These catalysts were found to be quite active in both UV and solar irradiation with activity being higher in the former case. CO2 yield from photo‐oxidation of methanol depended on titania content and also on its dispersion over polyester fabric support.