bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
After the Ball Is Over
Authors: Robbins Derek
Published: August 2009

This review article is stimulated by the publication by Polity Press in 2008 of a translation of Bourdieu’s Le Bal des célibataires, which had been published by Editions du Seuil in the year of his death — 2002. Le Bal des célibataires assembled three articles about his native Béarn which Bourdieu had written at roughly ten-year intervals, starting in 1962. Given that Le Bal des célibataires formally constitutes a new publication in that it juxtaposes the three earlier articles, adds a short introduction and republishes, as an appendix, a methodological article first published in the 1970s, the 2002 text provides access to four stages in the development of Bourdieu’s reflexive analysis of traditional society (dating from 1962, 1972, 1989 and 2002). The article draws attention to some of the objective socio-economic changes in Béarn society in the second half of the 20th century and asks whether the autonomous logic of Bourdieu’s conceptual development in this period was the product of his partisan participation in an originally traditional situation and whether his maintenance of this logic over time was a device to give scientific legitimation to that situation. Consideration of these microcosmic analyses of the Béarn raises questions relevant to international socio-economic development in general, about whether sociology is equipped to offer a scientific explanation of economic and technological changes in society or whether, by definition, it is categorally committed to a conservative value-orientation which criticizes ‘post-human’ postmodernity.
Effect of melatonin and vitamin C on expression of endothelial NOS in heart of chronic alcoholic rats
Authors: Sönmez MF , Narin F , Akkuş D , Özdamar S
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin and vitamin C on expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in heart tissue of chronic alcoholic rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were used in this study. Rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as control ( n = 6). The second group was treated with ethanol (%7.2) for 28 days ( n = 6), which was administered in artificial isocaloric diets. The third group was given ethanol and supplemented with 40 mg/kg vitamin C [intraperitoneally (i.p.)] ( n = 6). The fourth group was given ethanol and supplemented with 4 mg/kg melatonin (i.p.) ( n = 6). At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and heart tissues were processed for immunohistochemistry analysis to endothelial NOS (eNOS). eNOS immunoreactivity showed heterogeneous distribution in control group. eNOS immunoreactivity was (+) in some myocytes and (++) in some others. Expression of eNOS in alcohol group was heterogeneous like control group but also stronger than that. Immunoreactivity was (+++) in myocytes near the epicardial zone and (++) in myocytes near the endocardium border. In melatonin and vitamin C-treated groups, eNOS immunoreactivity was diffuse and the intensity of reaction was (+++) in subepicardial region. However, eNOS immunoreactivity scores were weaker in these groups when compared with the alcohol group. Our results indicate that alleviation of oxidative stress by antioxidant therapy reduces reactive oxygen species-mediated nitric oxide inactivation.
Eastern Europe since 1989
Authors: Katz Stanley N.
Published: August 2009

The author began working in Eastern Europe in connection with his project to study the impact of U.S. constitutionalism following the U.S. constitutional bicentennial in 1987. This led him to organize a conference on constitutionalism in Eastern Europe in 1990 and to collaborate in projects on the progress of constitutionalism in the region since that time. The question the author addresses is whether the constitutional promise apparent in 1989 and following has been fulfilled two decades later.
The German Democratic Republic
Authors: Gałecki Łukasz , Tymowski Andrzej W.
Published: August 2009

The 1989 revolution in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) constituted an integral element of wider revolutionary processes in Eastern Europe. But in contrast to what happened in Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, where the abrogation of real socialism meant return to one’s own national history, to distinctive national and state traditions, what happened in the GDR left its citizens in a great void, because they lacked a collective identity of their own. The crisis of GDR society came down to the fact that rejecting socialism meant rejecting one’s own country, and this had for a long time been against the wishes of the majority. As 1989 unfolded, opposition intellectuals continued to see the only alternative to the GDR to be a new, improved, but still socialist GDR. Meanwhile, the popular demonstration in Leipzig on 9 October 1989 signaled the end of the Communist regime. The destruction of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 was its last dying breath. The paradox was that although the popular call for reunification with West Germany succeeded, the result was widespread frustration, not satisfaction. Moreover, it must be said that the pre-1989 opposition played only a small role in the transformation.
The Euro-lupus project: epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in Europe
Authors: Cervera R , Khamashta MA , Hughes GRV
Published: August 2009

The Euro-lupus project provides updated information on the epidemiologic characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the change of the millennium and defines several clinical and immunological prognostic factors. The Euro-lupus cohort is composed of 1000 patients with SLE who have been followed prospectively since 1991. Among other findings, this project has shown that a) the age at onset of the disease, the gender and the autoantibody pattern, among other factors, modify the disease expression and define some specific SLE subsets; b) most of the SLE inflammatory manifestations are less common after long-term evolution of the disease, thus probably reflecting the effect of therapy as well as the progressive remission of the disease in many patients and c) a more prominent role of thrombotic events is becoming evident affecting both morbidity and mortality in SLE.
The Euro-Lupus Nephritis Trial: the development of the sequential treatment protocol
Authors: D’Cruz DP , Houssiau FA
Published: August 2009

The treatment of lupus nephritis has evolved over many decades and cyclophosphamide has become the standard of care for proliferative lupus nephritis. This article describes the development of a protocol that utilises fixed low doses of cyclophosphamide followed sequentially by azathioprine as a maintenance agent, which has stood the test of time. As novel therapies and biologic agents are more widely used, it is likely that cyclophosphamide use will decline. In particular the prolonged high-dose regimen pioneered by the National Institutes of Health studies will no longer be used on account of its toxicity.
Antiphosphatidylethanolamine antibodies and the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Sanmarco M , Boffa M-C
Published: August 2009

The antiphospholipid antibodies included as laboratory criteria of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are antibodies reacting with anionic phospholipids – anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant – and with β2-glycoprotein I. However, antibodies reacting with phosphatidylethanolamine (aPE), a zwitterionic phospholipid, have also been described to be associated with the main features of APS. The objectives of this review are to describe the characteristics of aPE and to bring attention to recent evidence that aPE are correlated with the main clinical features of APS, notably, in the absence of the laboratory criteria of this syndrome.
Licensed Nurses’ Perceptions of Ethical Climates in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Filipova Anna A
Published: August 2009

This study examines the presence of ethical climates in skilled nursing facilities and identifies their antecedents (work group, job position, tenure). A cross-sectional survey design was implemented. A total of 359 facilities were selected in the Midwestern United States. Responses were received from nurses representing 100 of those facilities (28%). A total of 656 usable questionnaires were returned of the 3060 distributed (21.4% response rate). Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and multivariate and univariate analyses of variance were used. The results confirmed the presence of five ethical climates. Significant differences between registered and licensed practical nurses with regard to egoistic and independence ethical climates were found. Furthermore, nurses in management and non-management positions differed significantly in their perceptions of caring and egoistic climates. The results suggest incongruence in value perceptions and imply that researchers and practitioners have to direct efforts towards preventing and identifying reasons behind this.
Public Perceptions of Health Care Professionals' Participation in Pharmaceutical Marketing
Authors: Crigger Nancy J , Courter Laura , Hayes Kristen , Shepherd K.
Published: August 2009

Trust in the nurse—patient relationship is maintained not by how professionals perceive their actions but rather by how the public perceives them. However, little is known about the public's view of nurses and other health care professionals who participate in pharmaceutical marketing. Our study describes public perceptions of health care providers' role in pharmaceutical marketing and compares their responses with those of a random sample of licensed family nurse practitioners. The family nurse practitioners perceived their participation in marketing activities as significantly more ethically appropriate than did the public responders. Further research is warranted before conclusions can be drawn, but these early findings suggest that nurse practitioners should consider a conservative approach to participating in pharmaceutical marketing.
Reduced p16 and Increased Cyclin D1 and pRb Expression Are Correlated With Progression in Cutaneous Melanocytic Tumors
Authors: Karim Rooshdiya Z. , Li Wei , Sanki Amira , Colman Marjorie H. , Yang Yee Hwa , Thompson John F. , Scolyer Richard A.
Published: August 2009

The immunohistochemical expression of cell cycle proteins p16, cyclin D1, and pRb was assessed in 112 benign and malignant melanocytic tumors and correlated with tumor progression, prognosis, and outcome. Comparing benign and malignant tumors, there were significant differences in the median score for all 3 proteins, with decreased p16 ( P = .000001), increased cyclin D1 ( P = .01), and increased pRb in melanomas ( P = .01). There was a progressive loss of expression of p16 with progression from benign naevi to primary melanomas and to metastases. p16 was significantly decreased in primary tumors from melanoma patients who developed recurrent disease ( P = .0000013). Cyclin D1 and pRb showed a progressive increase in expression from benign to malignant tumors but with relative decreases in the more advanced tumors (thick primaries and metastatic melanomas). Alterations in cell cycle proteins involved in G1/S transition are implicated in melanocytic tumor progression and have a potential role in diagnosis and prognostication.
Use of Heparin in Women With Early and Late Miscarriages With and Without Thrombophilia
Authors: Monien Silke , Kadecki Oliver , Baumgarten Susanne , Salama Abdulgabar , Dörner Thomas , Kiesewetter Holger
Published: August 2009

Objective: In women with a history of recurrent miscarriage, the risk of miscarriage in a subsequent pregnancy is about 30% to 40%. In patients with thrombophilia, the risk is even higher. Placental thrombosis has been found in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage independent of thrombophilia. In addition, proinflammatory changes, for example, altered Th1 to Th2 cytokine ratio and complement activation, have been repeatedly demonstrated in these women. Because of the fact that heparin has both anticoagulative and anti-inflammatory effects, the current study evaluated the efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in unexplained abortions. Study Design: A total of 164 women with unexplained early and late miscarriages presented in our hemostaseological clinic for thrombophilia screening. For these 164 women, 82 subsequent pregnancies in 79 patients were treated with subcutaneous LMWH independently of thrombophilia. In 54/82 unselected pregnancies, 100 mg aspirin was administered in addition to LMWH. Two patients were excluded due to termination of pregnancy. Results: Overall, 83.8% (67/80) of pregnancies resulted in live births. In 22/79 women (27.8%), thrombophilia markers were positive. Most noteworthy, patients with thrombophilia markers had live births at a similar frequency as patients without those parameters. No severe side effects of LMWH were seen. Conclusions: Our data support the notion that LMWH is efficacious in patients with recurrent abortions and thrombophilia. We demonstrated the same effect of LMWH in women with unexplained abortions without thrombophilia. The potential mechanism of action of LMWH in early and late abortions warrants further study.
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis-induced upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Melanson M. , Miao P. , Eisenstat D. , Gong Y. , Gu X. , Au K. , Zhu W. , Begum F. , Frost EE , Namaka M.
Published: August 2009

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurological disease characterized by targeted destruction of central nervous system (CNS) myelin. The autoimmune theory is the most widely accepted explanation of disease pathology. Circulating Th1 cells become activated by exposure to CNS-specific antigens such as myelin basic protein. The activated Th1 cells secrete inflammatory cytokines, which are pivotal for inflammatory responses. We hypothesize that enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines triggers cellular events within the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and/or spinal cord, facilitating the development of neuropathic pain (NPP) in MS. NPP, the second worst disease-induced symptom suffered by patients with MS, is normally regulated by DRG and/or spinal cord.

Objective: To determine gene and protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) within DRG and/or spinal cord in an animal model of MS.

Methods: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in adolescent female Lewis rats. Animals were sacrificed every 3 days post-disease induction. DRG and spinal cords were harvested for protein and gene expression analysis.

Results: We show significant increases in TNFα expression in the DRG and of EAE animals at peak disease stage, as assessed by clinical symptoms.

Conclusion: Antigen-induced production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα within the DRG identifies a potential novel mechanism for MS-induced NPP.
Hairy cell leukemias with unmutated IGHV genes define the minor subset refractory to single-agent cladribine and with more aggressive behavior
Authors: Forconi Francesco , Sozzi Elisa , Cencini Emanuele , Zaja Francesco , Intermesoli Tamara , Stelitano Caterina , Rigacci Luigi , Gherlinzoni Filippo , Cantaffa Renato , Baraldi Anna , Gallamini Andrea , Zaccaria Alfonso , Pulsoni Alessandro , Gobbi Marco , Tassi Maristella , Raspadori Donatella , Leoncini Lorenzo , Rinaldi Andrea , Sabattini Elena , Bertoni Francesco , Pileri Stefano A. , Lauria Francesco
Published: August 2009

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is generally responsive to single-agent cladribine, and only a minority of patients are refractory and with poor prognosis. HCLs generally express mutated (M) and, in a minority, unmutated (UM) IGHV. In a multicenter clinical trial in newly diagnosed HCL, we prospectively investigated clinical and molecular parameters predicting response and event-free survival after single-agent cladribine. Of 58 HCLs, 6 expressed UM-IGHV (UM-HCL) and 52 M-IGHV (M-HCL). Beneficial responses were obtained in 53 of 58 patients (91%), whereas treatment failures were observed in 5 of 58 patients (9%). Failures were associated significantly with UM-IGHV (5 of 5 failures vs 1 of 53 beneficial responses had UM-IGHV, P < .001), leukocytosis (3 of 5 vs 3 of 53, P = .006), and bulky spleen (4 of 5 vs 4 of 53, P < .001). The UM-HCL not benefiting from cladribine characteristically had bulky spleen (4 of 5, 80%), leukocytosis (3 of 5, 60%), and TP53 defects (2 of 5, 40%), and progressed rapidly after first treatment (median event-free survival, 7.5 months). Our data suggest that UM-HCLs identify the minor subgroup failing cladribine treatment and with more aggressive disease. High incidence of TP53 dysfunction indicates a potential mechanism of resistance to cladribine in the UM-HCL group. Overall, our data provide new molecular elements relevant for treatment concerns in HCL.
Left ventricular non-compaction: clinical features and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Yousef Zaheer R , Foley Paul WX , Khadjooi Kayvan , Chalil Shajil , Sandman Harald , Mohammed Noor UH , Leyva Francisco
Published: August 2009

Background

It is apparent that despite lack of family history, patients with the morphological characteristics of left ventricular non-compaction develop arrhythmias, thrombo-embolism and left ventricular dysfunction.

Methods

Forty two patients, aged 48.7 ± 2.3 yrs (mean ± SEM) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for the quantification of left ventricular volumes and extent of non-compacted (NC) myocardium. The latter was quantified using planimetry on the two-chamber long axis LV view (NC area). The patients included those referred specifically for CMR to investigate suspected cardiomyopathy, and as such is represents a selected group of patients.

Results

At presentation, 50% had dyspnoea, 19% chest pain, 14% palpitations and 5% stroke. Pulmonary embolism had occurred in 7% and brachial artery embolism in 2%. The ECG was abnormal in 81% and atrial fibrillation occurred in 29%. Transthoracic echocardiograms showed features of NC in only 10%. On CMR, patients who presented with dyspnoea had greater left ventricular volumes (both p < 0.0001) and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.0001) than age-matched, healthy controls. In patients without dyspnoea (n = 21), NC area correlated positively with end-diastolic volume (r = 0.52, p = 0.0184) and end-systolic volume (r = 0.56, p = 0.0095), and negatively with EF (r = -0.72, p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Left ventricular non-compaction is associated with dysrrhythmias, thromboembolic events, chest pain and LV dysfunction. The inverse correlation between NC area and EF suggests that NC contributes to left ventricular dysfunction.
Lessons learned from implementation of a demonstration program to reduce the burden of anemia and hookworm in women in Yen Bai Province, Viet Nam
Authors: Phuc Tran Q , Mihrshahi Seema , Casey Gerard J , Phu Luong B , Tien Nong T , Caruana Sonia R , Thach Tran D , Montresor Antonio , Biggs Beverley-Ann
Published: August 2009

Background

Iron deficiency, anemia and hookworm disease are important public health problems for women of reproductive age living in developing countries and affect the health of newborns and infants. Iron supplementation and deworming treatment are effective in addressing these problems in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Daily iron supplementation and deworming after the first trimester is recommended for pregnant women although these programs usually do not operate efficiently or effectively. Weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and regular deworming for non-pregnant women may be a viable approach for improving iron status and preventing anemia during the reproductive years. Addressing these diseases at a population level before women become pregnant could significantly improve women's health before and during pregnancy, as well as their infants' growth and development.

Methods and Results

This paper describes the major processes undertaken in a demonstration intervention of preventive weekly iron-folic acid supplementation with regular deworming for all 52,000 women aged 15–45 years in two districts of Yen Bai province, in northern Viet Nam. The intervention strategy included extensive consultation with community leaders and village, commune, district and provincial health staff, and training for village health workers. Distribution of the drugs was integrated with the existing health service infrastructure and the village health workers were the direct point of contact with women. Iron-folic acid tablets and deworming treatment were provided free of charge from May 2006. An independent Vietnamese NGO was commissioned to evaluate compliance and identify potential problems. The program resulted in effective distribution of iron-folic acid tablets and deworming treatment to all villages in the target districts, with full or partial compliance of 85%.

Conclusion

Training for health staff, the strong commitment of all partners and the use of appropriate educational materials led to broad support for weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and high participation in the regular deworming days. In March 2008 the program was expanded to all districts in the province, a target population of approximately 250,000 WRA, and management was handed over to provincial authorities.
Roles of the AMPA Receptor Subunit GluA1 but Not GluA2 in Synaptic Potentiation and Activation of ERK in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Toyoda Hiroki , Zhao Ming-Gao , Ulzhöfer Bettina , Wu Long-Jun , Xu Hui , Seeburg Peter H , Sprengel Rolf , Kuner Rohini , Zhuo Min
Published: August 2009

Cortical areas including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are important for pain and pleasure. Recent studies using genetic and physiological approaches have demonstrated that the investigation of basic mechanism for long-term potentiation (LTP) in the ACC may reveal key cellular and molecular mechanisms for chronic pain in the cortex. Glutamate N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the ACC are critical for the induction of LTP, including both NR2A and NR2B subunits. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms for the expression of ACC LTP have been less investigated. Here, we report that the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit, GluA1 but not GluA2 contributes to LTP in the ACC using genetic manipulated mice lacking GluA1 or GluA2 gene. Furthermore, GluA1 knockout mice showed decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in the ACC in inflammatory pain models in vivo. Our results demonstrate that AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 is a key mechanism for the expression of ACC LTP and inflammation-induced long-term plastic changes in the ACC.
Subtype-Specific Regulation of P2X3 and P2X2/3 Receptors by Phosphoinositides in Peripheral Nociceptors
Authors: Mo Gary , Bernier Louis-Philippe , Zhao Qi , Chabot-Doré Anne-Julie , Ase Ariel R , Logothetis Diomedes , Cao Chang-Qing , Séguéla Philippe
Published: August 2009

Background

P2X3 and P2X2/3 purinergic receptor-channels, expressed in primary sensory neurons that mediate nociception, have been implicated in neuropathic and inflammatory pain responses. The phospholipids phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) are involved in functional modulation of several types of ion channels. We report here evidence that these phospholipids are able to modulate the function of homomeric P2X3 and heteromeric P2X2/3 purinoceptors expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptors and in heterologous expression systems.

Results

In dissociated rat DRG neurons, incubation with the PI3K/PI4K inhibitor wortmannin at 35 μM induced a dramatic decrease in the amplitude of ATP- or α,β-meATP-evoked P2X3 currents, while incubation with 100 nM wortmannin (selective PI3K inhibition) produced no significant effect. Intracellular application of PIP2was able to fully reverse the inhibition of P2X3 currents induced by wortmannin. In Xenopus oocytes and in HEK293 cells expressing recombinant P2X3, 35 μM wortmannin incubation induced a significant decrease in the rate of receptor recovery. Native and recombinant P2X2/3 receptor-mediated currents were inhibited by incubation with wortmannin both at 35 μM and 100 nM. The decrease of P2X2/3 current amplitude induced by wortmannin could be partially reversed by application of PIP2or PIP3, indicating a sensitivity to both phosphoinositides in DRG neurons and Xenopus oocytes. Using a lipid binding assay, we demonstrate that the C-terminus of the P2X2 subunit binds directly to PIP2, PIP3and other phosphoinositides. In contrast, no direct binding was detected between the C-terminus of P2X3 subunit and phosphoinositides.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a functional regulation of homomeric P2X3 and heteromeric P2X2/3 ATP receptors by phosphoinositides in the plasma membrane of DRG nociceptors, based on subtype-specific mechanisms of direct and indirect lipid sensing.
Captopril as a Potential Inhibitor of Lung Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Attoub Samir , Gaben Anne Marie , Al‐Salam Suhail , Al Sultan M.A.H. , John Anne , Nicholls M. Gary , Mester Jan , Petroianu Georg
Published: August 2009

Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world, and 90% of patients die from their disease. The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used widely as antihypertensive agents, and it has been suggested that they decrease the risk of some cancers, although available data are conflicting. Accordingly, we investigated the anticancer activity of the ACE inhibitor, captopril, in athymic mice injected with highly tumorigenic LNM35 human lung cells as xenografts. Using this model, we demonstrated that daily IP administration of captopril (2.8 mg/mouse) for 3 weeks resulted in a remarkable reduction of tumor growth (58%, P < 0.01) and lymph node metastasis (50%, P= 0.088). There were no undesirable effects of captopril treatment on animal behavior and body weight. In order to determine the mechanism by which captopril inhibited tumor growth, we investigated the impact of this drug on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that captopril treatment significantly reduced the number of proliferating cells (Ki‐67) in the tumor samples but was not associated with inhibition of tumor angiogenesis (CD31). Using cell viability and fluorescent activated cell sorting analysis tests, we demonstrated that captopril inhibited the viability of LNM35 cells by inducing apoptosis, providing insight about the mechanisms underlying its antitumorigenic activities. In view of these experimental findings, we conclude that captopril could be a promising option for the treatment of lung cancer.
Characterization of Breast Cancer Progression in the Rat
Authors: Al‐Dhaheri Wafa S. , Hassouna Imam , Al‐Salam Suhail , Karam Sherif M.
Published: August 2009

The incidence of breast cancer is continuously increasing worldwide. This increasing trend is attributed partly to the fact that a considerable number of cases are related to environmental factors and partly to the little information available on the early changes that occur during mammary gland carcinogenesis. To characterize some of these early cellular changes, breast cancer was induced in female rats using a single intragastric dose of the environmental carcinogen 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA; 80 mg/kg body weight). Mammary gland tissues of control and DMBA‐treated rats were processed for routine histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis using an antibody specific for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Microscopic examination of all mammary glands of DMBA‐treated rats revealed a wide range of preneoplastic stages in addition to the well‐characterized benign and malignant tumors that developed. The first stage was characterized by slightly dilated terminal ducts with accumulation of dead cells. This was designated the stage of cell death. Then, stages of hyperplasia, dysplasia, and carcinomain situfollowed. Immunohistochemical localization of PCNA in these preneoplastic lesions revealed an initial decrease followed by a gradual increase in the labeling index of PCNA. In conclusion, the DMBA‐treated rats provide a useful model to dissect the early changes that occur during the multistep process of mammary gland carcinogenesis.
Cervical Cancer Prevention in the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Era
Authors: Ghazal‐Aswad Saad
Published: August 2009

Globally, cervical cancer is second only to breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer in women, with a global prevalence of 2.3 million. It is the third most common cause of female cancer‐related mortality worldwide, and 82% of new cervical cancer cases occur in developing countries. As stated by WHO, “without screening programs, cervical cancer is detected too late and leads to death in almost all cases.” However, even in Europe, the United States, and Canada, where most women have access to routine screening, approximately 30,000 women die each year. Infection with oncogenic types of HPV 16 and 18 is the most significant risk/causative factor in cervical cancer etiology, and worldwide HPV positivity in cervical carcinoma has been documented to be 99.7%. In 2006 Merck's quadrivalent vaccine was approved by FDA. It targets four HPV types (6, 11, 16, and 18) that are involved in cervical cancer, high and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and anogenital warts. Results from combined Phase II/III studies show that the efficacy of vaccine was 95–100% against LGSIL and HGSIL related to HPV 16 and 18 and vaccine use led to a 99% reduction in the incidence of genital warts (related to HPV 6 and 11). Due to morbidity associated with infection with HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, a prophylactic quadrivalent HPV vaccine targeting these four HPV types is expected to substantially reduce the burden of HPV‐related disease.
Mapping Phonological Information from Auditory to Written Modality during Foreign Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Kaushanskaya Margarita , Marian Viorica
Published: August 2009

Learning to read in a foreign language often entails recognizing the printed form of words learned by sound. In the current study, the ability to map novel phonological information from the auditory modality onto the written modality was examined at different levels of overlap between the native language and an artificially constructed foreign language. In this study, monolingual English‐speaking adults learned novel foreign words in the auditory modality. Recognition testing was first conducted in the auditory modality and then in the written modality. Participants who learned foreign words that matched English phonology showed similar accuracy rates when tested in either modality. Participants who learned foreign words that mismatched English phonology showed decreased recognition accuracy when tested in the written modality. Results indicate that cross‐linguistic matching in phonology facilitated mapping of phonological information to the written modality. In addition, at different levels of cross‐linguistic overlap, specific cognitive skills were found to correlate with the ability to map phonological information across modalities. This finding suggests that the cognitive skills required for acquisition of a foreign language may vary depending upon degree of cross‐linguistic similarity.
The Development of Reading across Languages
Authors: Goswami Usha
Published: August 2009

A selective review is presented of empirical evidence from different languages concerning phonological development and reading development in children. It is demonstrated that the development of reading depends on phonological awareness in all languages so far studied. However, because languages vary in syllable structure and in the consistency with which phonology is represented by the orthography, there are developmental differences in the grain size of lexical representations and in the reading strategies that develop across languages. It is argued that these cross‐language data can be explained by a psycholinguistic grain size theory of reading and its development, as proposed by Ziegler and Goswami.
Neurokinin‐1 Receptor Expression and Function in Human Macrophages and Brain
Authors: Douglas Steven D. , Lai Jian‐Ping , Tuluc Florin , Schwartz Lynnae , Kilpatrick Laurie E.
Published: August 2009

Substance P (SP) is upregulated in HIV infection in adult men and women, as determined by increased plasma levels. There is a reciprocal and bidirectional relationship between substance P and HIV in HIV‐infected monocyte‐derived macrophages and cell lines (e.g., THP‐1). Substance P up‐regulates HIV and HIV up‐regulates SP protein expression. Neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1R) antagonists inhibit HIV infectivity through downregulation of the chemokine receptor, CCR5, and downregulation of HIV LTR. Neurokinin‐1 receptor is expressed in full‐length and truncated forms. The full‐length NK1R is capable of signaling, whereas the truncated NK1R primes the chemokine receptor CCR5. Both full‐length and truncated NK1R are expressed in several brain regions in human autopsy brains. SP–NK1R interactions have regulatory roles in inflammation and infection. The differential expression of truncated and full‐length NK1R has important biological consequences. These include receptor–receptor interaction (e.g., NK1R–CCR5); changes in expression during cell differentiation (e.g., THP‐1 cells); and differences in regional tissue distribution (e.g., differences in different brain regions). NK1R‐SP receptor pathways are important cell regulatory pathways.
Studying the Brain–Gut Axis with Pharmacological Imaging
Authors: Tillisch Kirsten , Wang Zhuo , Kilpatrick Lisa , Holschneider Daniel P. , Mayer Emeran A.
Published: August 2009

Pharmacological imaging provides great potential both for evaluating the efficacy of new candidate compounds in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptom‐based disorders, and for furthering our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of such disorders. By combining evaluation of symptoms, behavior, and brain responses to relevant stimuli, use of neuroimaging is able to move the study of brain–gut disorders away from more subjective outcomes and emphasize the underlying neural networks involved in symptom generation and treatment. This chapter reviews the state of the art in pharmacological imaging studies, both in human subjects and in animal models of brain–gut interactions.
Performance of Metarhizium anisopliae and Its Combination with Deltamethrin against a Pyrethroid‐Resistant Strain of Boophilus microplus in a Stall Test
Authors: Bahiense Thiago C. , Fernandes Éverton K. K. , Angelo Isabele da C. , Perinotto Wendell M. S. , Bittencourt Vânia R. E. P.
Published: August 2009

The use of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, to control ticks is a promising alternative to chemical acaricides, but both chemical and biological products could also work together in an integrated management. The current study evaluated the performance of M. anisopliae and its combination with deltamethrin to control a Boophilus microplus strain resistant to pyrethroid. Calves were held in individual pens and artificially infested with B. microplus. They were treated with an aqueous conidial suspension of M. anisopliae, a deltamethrin solution, or both fungus and deltamethrin combined. After treatment, engorged females that naturally dropped off from calves were counted daily and evaluated in the laboratory. The mean mortality rate was 32.57% in the groups treated with M. anisopliae, 38.58% in those groups treated with deltamethrin, and 30.92% in those treated with fungus and chemical combined. Additionally, ticks that dropped off from calves after 2 days had a lower nutrient index (NI) and egg production index (EPI) than those that dropped off at a later day after treatment. This indicates that M. anisopliae may reduce B. microplus population only for a few days after treatment when a simple aqueous conidial suspension was used.
Infectious Diseases and the Illegal Wildlife Trade
Authors: Gómez Andrés , Aguirre A. Alonso
Published: August 2009

We provide a compilation of pathogens directly associated with illegally traded wildlife. We find that these pathogens span the gamut of taxonomic origins, affect most vertebrate taxa, and can have negative consequences for human and animal health and the global economy. Significantly, published health assessments of illegally traded wild animals are extremely scarce, making the results of this survey an underestimation of the true extent of the problem. Concerted action aimed at preventing further negative health effects is warranted.
The Application of PCR and Reverse Line Blot Hybridization to Detect Arthropod‐borne Hemopathogens of Dogs and Cats in Trinidad
Authors: Georges Karla , Ezeokoli Chukwudozi D. , Newaj‐Fyzul Aweeda , Campbell Mervyn , Mootoo Natasha , Mutani Alexander , Sparagano Olivier A. E.
Published: August 2009

Arthropod‐borne diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality of companion animals in Trinidad. As clinical signs are vague, more sensitive methods to diagnose these diseases based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) of amplified products are being developed. An RLB of 14 oligonucleotide probes coupled with polymerase chain‐amplified regions of 16S rRNA or 18S rRNA genes of hemoparasites from cats and dogs detected Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Babesia canis vogeli, feline mycoplasmas (“Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,”Mycoplasma haemofelis), and some unknown species within the Babesia/Theileria group and the Anaplasma/Ehrlichia tribe. Amplified products were obtained from blood samples collected from 348 dogs and 15 cats. Overall, hemopathogen DNA was detected in 92 (26.4%) dogs and six (40.0%) cats. E. canis (49, 14.1%) and feline mycoplasma (5, 33.3%) DNA were most frequently identified in dogs and cats, respectively. B. canis vogeli (1, 6.7%) and E. canis (1, 6.7%) were also detected in cats. Mixed infections of Anaplasma/Ehrlichia sp. and Babesia sp. were present in five (1.4%) dogs, while mixed infections of the feline mycoplasmas were present in two (13.3%) cats, one of which was also positive for E. canis. Pyrexia was significantly associated with a positive RLB result in dogs (P= 0.00, χ2, 1 df). This is the first reported application of macro‐arraying techniques to detect arthropod‐borne hemopathogens of companion animals in the Americas and the first detection of DNA of B. canis vogeli and E. canis in cats in Trinidad.
Examples of Probable Host–Pathogen Co‐adaptation/Co‐evolution in Isolated Farmed Animal Populations in the Mountainous Regions of North Vietnam
Authors: Maillard Jean‐Charles , Van Kiem Phan , Nguyen Tung , Van Thu Nhu , Berthouly Cecile , Libeau Genevieve , Kwiatek Olivier
Published: August 2009

In Vietnam, for a number of specific geographical and historical reasons, the mountainous areas have preserved an exceptional diversity of wild and domestic animal species of high socioeconomic interest. This endemic genetic diversity fosters a rapid response to environmental change in mostly isolated local communities and, in particular, fosters the constant adaptation of ecosystems common to humans and farmed and wild animal populations and pathogens. During a 2‐year study carried out in several mountainous regions of North Vietnam near the Chinese border, we surveyed 1697 breeders in 249 villages and gathered 5815 biological samples among the four main domesticated species of food animals: chickens, cattle, buffaloes, and goats. Serological analyses were carried out by ELISA on 726 sera in order to assess the prevalence of antibodies specific to two major diseases suspected to be present in the region: avian influenza (AI) and peste des petits ruminants (PPR). The results reported here reveal the presence of antibodies specific to AI, but not the H5N1 highly pathogenic strain, and the presence of antibodies specific to PPR, confirming that this disease, never previously described in Southeast Asia, is present in this region, with no mortality and little or no evidence of clinical cases. These are probably situations of co‐evolutive epidemiological equilibrium between pathogen populations, which may have lost their virulence, and animal populations that have acquired genetic resistances over generations, either naturally or through genetic introgression from related wild species better adapted to such pathogens. These results suggest the need for more research, both short‐term and, more globally, long‐term.
Therapeutic DNA Vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Dogs
Authors: Quijano‐Hernandez Israel Alejandro , Bolio‐González Manuel Emilio , Rodríguez‐Buenfil Jorge Carlos , Ramirez‐Sierra María Jesus , Dumonteil Eric
Published: August 2009

Chagas' disease is an important health problem in most Latin American countries, and a concern in dog populations, which act as a reservoir. We showed in previous studies that a therapeutic DNA vaccine could partially control the pathology after Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice, and this vaccine may represent an alternative treatment for Chagas' disease. Here we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of this vaccine in experimentally infected dogs for up to 2 months after infection. Our results suggest that DNA vaccine treatment may affect the immune response and delay Chagas' disease progression in T. cruzi–infected dogs, and confirm the potential of this novel treatment.
Analysis of Single, Purified Inclusions as a Novel Approach to Understand Methamphetamine Neurotoxicity
Authors: Lenzi Paola , Fulceri Federica , Lazzeri Gloria , Casini Alessandro , Ruggieri Stefano , Paparelli Antonio , Fornai Francesco
Published: August 2009

A variety of neurodegenerative diseases leading to movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD) are characterized by neuronal inclusions. Despite evidence of the presence of these intrusions, these intracellular bodies have been poorly investigated because of the technical limits of reproducing them in experimental models and the difficulties in isolating these ultrastuctures. Here, we describe a simple method for the isolation of single, purified inclusion bodies using immunomagnetic separation. We profited from the high number and maturation stage of inclusions produced in vitro by methamphetamine (METH) in cultured PC12 cells; in fact, this experimental condition is highly reproducible and has a limited number of experimental variables, while it is predictive of what is described in vivo in dopamine neurons.
Transcriptional Correlates of Human Substance Use
Authors: Lehrmann Elin , Freed William J.
Published: August 2009

Drugs of abuse produce both acute and chronic changes in brain function, each of which is reflected in altered gene expression patterns. A number of large‐scale gene expression studies have employed microarray analysis of human postmortem brain to identify transcriptional correlates of antemortem substance use. These studies have identified changes in transcripts encoding proteins functionally involved in neuronal function and synaptic plasticity, oligodendrocyte function and myelination, lipid and energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation, and cytoskeleton‐related signal transduction. Overall, different types of substance use appear to share some of these effects, but there are more differences than similarities in gene expression for different types of substance use. Moreover, data suggest that transcriptional subtypes within a diagnostic classification of substance use may occur. These transcriptional subtypes, or “endophenotypes,” may reflect complex patterns of substance use and co‐morbid neuropsychiatric disorders or other diseases, which may interact with substance use to differentially affect gene expression. A broader understanding of the manner in which substance abuse causes long‐term changes in brain function may be obtained from studies replicating and expanding the present gene expression data. In particular, cross‐referencing comprehensive transcriptional data on regional and/or substance use–specific changes with genetic and proteomic data may further aid in identifying candidate biomarkers of altered brain function in substance‐use disorders.
Psychosocial Withdrawal Characteristics of Nicotine Compared with Alcohol and Caffeine
Authors: Miyata Hisatsugu , Hironaka Naoyuki , Takada Kohji , Miyasato Katsumasa , Nakamura Koichi , Yanagita Tomoji
Published: August 2009

The purpose of the present study was to observe the psychosocial characteristics of withdrawal from cigarette smoking in comparison with those from caffeine (CAF) and alcoholic (ALC) beverage withdrawal. Twenty‐seven healthy volunteers at a medial level of dependence on both cigarettes (nicotine, NCT) and either CAF or ALC, as judged by the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for substance dependence, participated in this study. The participants were required to abstain from smoking and either CAF or ALC for 7 days, each one after another, with a 7‐day interval. The order of abstinence was counterbalanced among the participants. Psychosocial parameters, including a desire for substances, social activity function, well‐being, withdrawal symptoms, and vital signs, were assessed during the withdrawal periods. The study protocol was approved by the Jikei University Review Board. The results indicated that there were no differences in the maximum level of desire for a substance and the influence on social activity function between NCT and other substances during the withdrawal periods. As for withdrawal symptoms, NCT caused a more intensive degree of irritability than CAF or ALC, and a more intensive degree of difficulty concentrating and restlessness than did withdrawal from ALC. However, the subjective well‐being questionnaire indicated no differences in these symptoms between NCT and other substances. The present results suggest that there are no significant differences in psychosocial manifestations regarding the difficulty in abstaining from NCT, CAF, and ALC.
Effect of Acetaldehyde on Behavioral and Neurochemical Changes Induced by MK‐801 in Rats
Authors: Padilla‐de la Torre Mónica , Franco‐Pérez Javier , Santamaría Abel , Galvan Sonia , González Edith , Paz Carlos
Published: August 2009

Alterations in motor activity related to dopamine changes in some brain regions have been described as consequences of the modifications produced by systemic administration of MK‐801 (a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist) in rats. Acetaldehyde (ACH), the main metabolite of ethanol, has been implicated in different alterations in the central nervous system after ethanol ingestion. ACH might exert some control on dopaminergic transmission through the formation of other compounds with dopamine, which eventually may modify dopamine content and its metabolism. In order to evaluate such a hypothesis, we used Wistar rats in the present study to evaluate the effect of ACH on locomotor alterations and dopamine metabolism changes induced by MK‐801. Our results show that the MK‐801‐treated group had a significant increase in locomotor activity. In contrast, we did not find significant differences in locomotion tests after ACH administration. However, the group to which both drugs were administered showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity compared with those given MK‐801 alone. Neurochemical analysis showed an increase in dopamine content in the striatum and frontal cortex after MK‐801 administration, however; the increase was reversed by giving 200 mg/kg of ACH. These results indicate that ACH can produce an antagonic‐like effect on locomotor alterations and dopamine content changes induced by MK‐801, thus modulating the MK‐801‐induced hyperlocomotion by interfering with dopamine metabolism.