bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guardian Availability in Children Evaluated in the Emergency Department for Blunt Head Trauma
Authors: Holmes James F. , Holubkov Richard , Kuppermann Nathan ,   for the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: November 2008

Background:  Enrolling children in research studies in the emergency department (ED) is typically dependent on the presence of a guardian to provide written informed consent.

Objectives:  The objectives were to determine the rate of guardian availability during the initial ED evaluation of children with nontrivial blunt head trauma, to identify the reasons why a guardian is unavailable, and to compare clinical factors in patients with and without a guardian present during initial ED evaluation.

Methods:  This was a prospective study of children (<18 years of age) presenting to a single Level 1 trauma center after nontrivial blunt head trauma over a 10‐month period. Physicians documented patient history and physical examination findings onto a structured data form after initial evaluation. The data form contained data points regarding the presence or absence of the patient’s guardian during the initial ED evaluation. For those children for whom the guardian was not available during the initial ED evaluation, the physicians completing the data forms documented the reasons for the absence.

Results:  The authors enrolled 602 patients, of whom 271 (45%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 41% to 49%) did not have a guardian available during the initial ED evaluation. In these 271 patients, 261 had reasons documented for lack of guardian availability, 43 of whom had multiple reasons. The most common of these was that the guardian did not ride in the ambulance (51%). Those patients without a guardian available were more likely to be older (mean age, 11.4 years vs. 7.6 years; p < 0.001), be victims of a motor vehicle collision (MVC; 130/268 [49%] vs. 35/328 [11%]; p < 0.001), have a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score <14 (21/269 [7.8%] vs. 11/331 [3.3%]; p = 0.02), and undergo cranial computed tomography (CT) scanning (224/271 [83%] vs. 213/331 [64%]; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified similar independent risk factors for lack of guardian presence.

Conclusions:  Nearly one‐half of children with nontrivial blunt head trauma evaluated in the ED may not have a guardian available during their initial ED evaluation. Patients whose guardians are not available at the time of initial ED evaluation are older and have more severe mechanisms of injury and more serious head trauma. ED research studies of pediatric trauma patients that require written informed consent from a guardian at the time of initial ED evaluation and treatment may have difficulty enrolling targeted sample size numbers and will likely be limited by enrollment bias.
Volcanic Risk Exposure, Feelings of Insecurity, Stress, and Coping Strategies in México1
Authors: Esperanza López‐Vázquez , Luisa Marván María , Fabiola Flores‐Espino , Adriana Peyrefitte
Published: November 2008

The present study investigates stress levels, feelings of insecurity, and coping strategies used by people living near an active volcano in México (Popocatépetl). The sample was composed of 198 adults, who were divided into 4 groups according to the risk zones in which they live. They answered a questionnaire addressing feelings of insecurity regarding volcanic risk, a coping strategies scale, and a stress scale. A significant interaction between active and passive coping strategies and risk zone was found. Higher levels of insecurity feelings regarding volcanic risk were associated with the highest stress levels evoked by facing a volcanic risk. A possible application of this study is at the community‐service level concerning risk prevention.
The Moderating Role of Social Support Between Role Stressors and Job Attitudes Among Roman Catholic Priests1
Authors: Zickar Michael J. , Balzer William K. , Aziz Shahnaz , Wryobeck John M.
Published: November 2008

This study examined the relations role stressors and job attitudinal variables, as well as the potential moderating effects of social support in a sample of 190 Roman Catholic priests. The priesthood is an important occupation to study because the work priests do can be considered a vocation instead of a job. Role stressors were negatively correlated with job attitudes (e.g., job satisfaction, turnover intention). Consistent with a buffering hypothesis, several sources of social support (parishioners, staff, fellow priests) consistently moderated this relationship, in that the relationship attenuated as social support increased. The implications of these results are discussed with respect to the role of the priest, as well as with other types of work‐based vocations.
A Comparison of Help Giving to Individuals Versus Humanitarian Organizations1
Authors: Kayser Daniela Niesta , Farwell Lisa , Greitemeyer Tobias
Published: November 2008

The theories of social conduct, seriousness of need, and similarity; cost–benefit models; and individual differences in ideology are used to predict self‐reported help giving that is interpersonal or through humanitarian organizations. The results indicate that persons tend to be more helpful interpersonally than through organizations, are more responsive to characteristics of the needy when helping interpersonally than through organizations, and have stronger affective responses toward individuals than toward individuals represented by organizations. For both interpersonal and organization‐mediated assistance, perceived benefit to the donor strongly predicts help giving. Relatively conservative persons report less helpfulness, both interpersonally and through humanitarian organizations. Collectively, these findings offer an integrative approach to help giving and have implications for fundraising in the humanitarian sector.
Contact and Anxiety as Predictors of Bias Toward the Homeless1
Authors: Aberson Christopher L. , McVean Aaron D. W.
Published: November 2008

We examined contact and anxiety as predictors of attitudes toward the homeless and attributions for homelessness. Study 1 presents data on undergraduates' attitudes, Study 2 reports on student and nonstudent data from an Internet survey, and Study 3 examined attitudes of individuals who have been homeless at one time. Structural equation modeling and path analyses indicated that data fit our conceptual model well and that contact quality consistently predicted more positive attitudes and situational attributions for homelessness. However, contact quantity did not reliably predict attitudes or attributions, and the mediating role of anxiety was inconsistent across studies. We contrast results with findings regarding attitudes toward other types of out‐groups and suggest reasons for why our findings differ.
Moderators of Social Power Use for In‐Group/Out‐Group Targets: An Experimental Paradigm1
Authors: Koslowsky Meni , Schwarzwald Joseph , Keshet Shira
Published: November 2008

Studies of social power use have frequently employed self‐report instruments that are prone to response bias. In the present study, an experimental design was conducted in which 100 participants were asked to gain compliance from in‐group and out‐group members. We tested whether harsh tactics—often used for elevating self‐image at the dyadic level—also provide a means for gaining advantage at the group level. For this purpose, self‐esteem and self‐efficacy were examined as possible moderators. Findings indicated that self‐esteem interacted with target group: Low self‐esteem participants used harsh tactics more frequently toward in‐group than out‐group members; and moderate and high self‐esteem participants used harsh tactics more frequently toward out‐group than in‐group members. The process involved in this interaction is discussed.
Third‐Party Dispute Resolution in India and the United States1
Authors: Wall James A. , Arunachalam Vairam , Callister Ronda R.
Published: November 2008

This study investigates the dispute‐resolution approaches of 50 Indian panchayats (a team of 5 male elders), 50 Indian elders, and 50 U.S. informal mediators. A literature review as well as preliminary interviews with Indian students in the United States (n = 90) and with villagers in India (n = 60) established that Indian villagers rely principally on a panchayat or male elder to handle their disputes. Our subsequent study of panchayats and elders in India indicated that they do manage disputes and that their approaches differ in several distinctive ways. Subsequent qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the Indian elders' techniques with those of the U.S. mediators indicated that Indian elders were more assertive in their approaches.
Measurement by electroantennogram of airborne pheromone in cotton treated for mating disruption of Pectinophora gossypiella following removal of pheromone dispensers
Authors: Koch Uwe T. , Lüder Wolfgang , Andrick Ulf , Staten Robert T. , Cardé Ring T.
Published: November 2008

The presence of pheromone in cotton foliage after removal of pheromone dispensers was assessed by measuring the airborne pheromone concentration with an electroantennogram device. Plots of 0.4 ha in isolated cotton fields were treated with Shin‐Etsu PBW‐Rope® pheromone dispensers for mating disruption of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). The dispensers contained (Z,Z)‐ and (Z,E)‐7,11‐hexadecadienyl acetates (gossyplure) in a 49:51 ratio and were applied at a density of 1 000/ha. The 400 pheromone dispensers were removed 1–12 days later. In four experiments involving canopy heights from 30–150 cm, the decay of the pheromone concentration was recorded repeatedly in short intervals for up to 7 h. Decay to undetectable concentrations generally occurred within 1–10 h, depending on plant size and wind conditions. In all four experiments, pheromone concentration 24 h after removal was found to be near or below detection threshold of the electroantennogram. The presence of pheromone within and above the cotton after dispenser removal would be due to re‐entrainment of pheromone that had been adsorbed on cotton foliage or possibly some residual airborne pheromone.
Effects of maternal diet on fecundity and larval development in the ‘primitive’ granivorous carabidAmara(Curtonotus)macronota
Authors: Sasakawa Kôji
Published: November 2008

Granivory is one of the most specialized food habits in the Carabidae and has been reported for species from the tribes Zabrini and Harpalini. Most studies of carabid granivory have been conducted using specialized granivorous species, and few have examined primitive ones. This study examined effects of maternal diet on fecundity and larval development inAmara(Curtonotus)macronota(Solsky) (Coleoptera: Carabidae), a member of the most basal clade of the tribe Zabrini; a previous study indicated that larvae of this species are omnivores with a tendency toward carnivory. Three diet types,Tenebrio molitorL. larvae, mixed seeds [Bidens frondosaL. (Asteraceae),Setariaspp., andDigitaria ciliaris(Retz.) Koeler (both Poaceae)], andT. molitorlarvae + mixed seeds, were used as maternal diets, and larvae were reared onT. molitorlarvae + mixed seeds (optimal diet) orT. molitorlarvae (suboptimal diet). Fecundity differed significantly among treatments, with individuals fed theT. molitorlarvae + mixed seeds diet having the highest fecundities and the mixed seeds diet producing the lowest values. Larval development [survival and duration of development through pre‐overwintering stages (first and second instars)] was not significantly affected by either maternal or larval diets, but the addition of seeds to the maternal diet had a weak negative effect on larval survival. These results are in contrast with findings from specialized granivorous carabids, in which both adults and larvae performed best with pure‐seed diets. Recent molecular phylogenies indicate that these specialized granivorous carabids belong to derived lineages, whileA. macronotais the most basal clade of each tribe. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that carabid granivory has evolved gradually from ancestral carnivory, with omnivorous habits occurring as a transient state.
Is dental care utilization associated with oral cavity cancer in a large sample of community‐based United States residents?
Authors: Holmes Jr L. , DesVignes‐Kendrick M. , Slomka J. , Mahabir S. , Beeravolu S. , Emani S. R.
Published: November 2008

Abstract –  Objectives:  Cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx remains one of the 10 leading causes of cancer deaths in US. Besides smoking and alcohol consumption, there are no well‐established risk factors. While poor dental care had been implicated, it is unknown if lack of dental care, implying poor dental hygiene predisposes to oral cavity cancer. This study aimed to assess the relationship between dental care utilization during the past 12 months and the prevalence of oral cavity cancer.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional design of the National Health Interview Survey of Adult, noninstitutionalized US residents (n = 30 475) was used to assess the association between dental care utilization and self‐reported diagnosis of oral cavity cancer. Chi‐square statistic was used to examine the crude association between the explanatory variable, dental care utilization and other covariates, while unconditional logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between oral cavity cancer and dental care utilization.

Results:  There were statistically significant differences between those who utilized dental care during the past 12 months and those who did not with respect to education, income, age, marital status, and gender (P < 0.05), but not health insurance coverage (P = 0.53). In addition, those who utilized dental care relative to those who did not were 65% less likely to present with oral cavity cancer, prevalence odds ratio (POR), 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12–0.98. Further, higher income, advanced age, people of African heritage, and unmarried status were statistically significantly associated with oral cavity cancer (P < 0.05), but health insurance coverage, alcohol use, and smoking were not, P > 0.05. After simultaneously controlling for the relevant covariates, the association between dental care and oral cavity cancer did persist but imprecise. Thus, when compared with those who did not use dental care, those who did were 62% less likely to be diagnosed with oral cavity cancer, adjusted POR, 0.38, 95% CI, and 0.13–1.10.

Conclusions:  Among US adults residing in community settings, use of dental care during the past 12 months was marginally statistically significantly associated with oral cavity cancer, but clinically relevant in assessing oral cavity cancer prevalence in this sample. However, because of the nature of our data, which restricts temporal sequence, a large sample prospective study that may identify modifiable factors associated with oral cavity cancer development, namely poor dental care is needed.
Subcutaneous palisading granulomatous pseudocysts of Echinococcus granulosus origin
Authors: Deonarain Julian , Ramdial Pratistadevi K. , Sing Yetish , Calonje Eduardo , Singh Bhugwan
Published: November 2008

Background:  Palisading granulomatous reactions are documented in many diseases. Although subcutaneous cystic echinococcosis (CE) is documented rarely, a subcutaneous palisading, granulomatous, pseudocystic (PGP) reaction to elusive Echinococcus granulosus membranous components, in the absence of cutaneous fistulisation, is undocumented.

Methods:  Seven‐year clinicopathological review of subcutaneous echinococcal PGP reactions.

Results:  Gross: seven thick‐walled ‘cysts’ containing clear or straw‐colored fluid were investigated. Histopathology: the pseudocysts contained a palisade of epithelioid histiocytes and giant cells. Focal periodic acid Schiff (PAS)‐positive eosinophilic fragments, some resembling keratin ‘flakes’, were identified within the lumen or within the cellular palisade, consistent with a PGP reaction to fragmented E. granulosus membrane. Clinical correlation: the initial histopathological diagnosis of two patients was ruptured epidermoid cysts with an assumed granulomatous reaction to eosinophilic keratinous debris. Subsequent diagnosis of CE in the liver and cervical soft tissue necessitated review of the ‘epidermoid cysts’; PAS‐positive E. granulosus membranous fragments masqueraded as keratinous debris. Renal, hepatic and pleuropulmonary CE were confirmed in the remaining patients following confirmation of an echinococcal PGP reaction.

Conclusion:  Heightened awareness and obsessive appraisal of subcutaneous PGP reactions for subtle, focal, PAS‐positive and echinococcal membranous fragments are pivotal to the diagnosis that also serves as a clue to visceral CE.
Proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 expression in basal and squamous cell carcinomas compared with normal skin
Authors: Dastgheib Ladan , Monabati Ahmad , Mohammadian Amanollah , Sari‐Aslani Fatemeh , Marzban Saeed , Namazi Mohammad R.
Published: November 2008

Proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR‐2) is a transmembrane G‐protein expressed in many normal tissues and overexpressed in several cancer cell lines. It contributes to metastasis, promotes epidermal growth factor receptor proliferation, angiogenesis and tumor progression in many carcinomas. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of PAR‐2 in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in comparison with that of normal skin.

Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of PAR‐2 was examined using paraffin‐embedded sections from 30 BCCs, 30 SCCs and also 30 normal sun‐exposed skin specimens. PAR‐2 was expressed in all specimens of SCC and normal skin. In marked contrast, all BCC specimens had negative IHC staining. Given the important role of PAR‐2 in angiogenesis and metastasis, our finding can explain the far less aggressive behavior of BCC as compared with SCC.
Lobular panniculitis at the site of subcutaneous interferon beta injections for the treatment of multiple sclerosis can histologically mimic pancreatic panniculitis. A study of 12 cases
Authors: Ball Nigel J. , Cowan Bryce J. , Hashimoto Stanley A.
Published: November 2008

Background:  Thrombosis, mucinosis and necrosis are well‐described complications of subcutaneous interferon beta injections.

Methods:  We report 12 incisional biopsies from subcutaneous interferon beta injection sites in 12 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from a single neurologist’s practice.

Results:  We identified abscesses (two cases) or induration (two cases) in acute clinical lesions and lipoatrophy (eight cases) in chronic lesions (biopsied over a year after symptom onset at injection sites). Biopsies from three acute lesions showed vascular thrombosis, dermal mucinosis, lobular neutrophilic panniculitis, necrosis, calcification and hemosiderin deposition (biopsied 2 weeks to 2 months after symptom onset). Two cases contained sterile abscesses. Five of the eight chronic cases presented as hard, indurated lipoatrophy with livedo reticularis. Their biopsies showed subcutaneous calcification and lipoatrophy. Biopsies from the early calcific suppurative and late calcific atrophic phases histologically resembled the early and late phases of subcutaneous saponification in pancreatic panniculitis.

Conclusions:  Reactions at the site of subcutaneous interferon beta injections are common. Lipoatrophy can be clinically identified in 39 of 85 MS patients (46%) receiving subcutaneous interferon beta injections for 1 year or longer in our practice. A reaction to interferon should be considered in the differential diagnosis of biopsies that show features of pancreatic panniculitis.
Serial light microscopy of experimental phytophotodermatitis in animal model
Authors: Jorge Valeria M. , De Almeida Hiram L. , Amado Milton
Published: November 2008

Background:  Phytophotodermatitis (PPD) is a common phototoxic eruption, but very little information is available about its histological aspects, as the diagnosis is clinically established.

Methods:  The epilated right half of the back of four albino rats was sprayed with peel juice of Tahiti lemon, one quadrant was exposed to sunlight for 5 min and the other for 8 min. The left back served as control. Biopsies were taken after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h in both sides.

Results:  The first six time intervals showed a normal epidermis in both sides. After 24 h, the area with peel lemon juice showed keratinocyte necrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization and spongiosis in all rats, independent of the exposure time. The control side showed isolated keratinocyte necrosis with only 8 min of exposure. After 48 h, erythema is evident and strong vacuolization was observed, which progresses to sub‐ or intraepidermal blisters. After 72 h, the erythema persisted and histological findings were less intense.

Conclusions:  PPD can be successfully reproduced in rat skin. After 24 h spongiosis, vacuolization and keratinocyte necrosis are observed, clinically there are no changes. After 48 h, erythema appears with intra‐ and subepidermal blistering.
Correlation of BCR/ABL transcript variants with patients’ characteristics in childhood chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Adler Ronald , Viehmann Susanne , Kuhlisch Eberhard , Martiniak Yvonne , Röttgers Silja , Harbott Jochen , Suttorp Meinolf
Published: November 2008

Background and objective:  The characteristic chromosomal translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11) in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) mainly results in the two different BCR/ABL fusion transcripts b2a2 or b3a2. Both transcript variants can occur simultaneously due to alternative splicing of the b3a2 transcript. Conflicting results have been reported on the influence of the transcripts on haematological findings at diagnosis and the course of the disease in adults while data concerning these topics on childhood CML are still missing. This paper reports on a correlation of BCR/ABL transcript variants with patients’ characteristics in childhood CML.

Design and methods:  Transcript types were determined in 146 paediatric patients with CML enrolled in trial CML‐paed‐I. Fifty‐five patients (38%) expressed b2a2, 53 patients (36%) b3a2 and 38 patients (26%) both transcripts, respectively. These findings were correlated with patients’ characteristics (sex, age, WBC, Hb, platelet count, hepatosplenomegaly, etc.) assessed at diagnosis.

Results:  While the co‐expression of both transcripts was evenly distributed among genders [b2a2 + b3a2: 22 females (28%), 16 males (24%)] a highly significant difference (P = 0.007) was found concerning the expression of the b2a2 transcript [34 male (51%) vs. 21 female (27%)] and vice versa of the b3a2 transcript [17 male (25%) vs. 36 female (45%)]. High platelet counts and the combination of high platelet counts in conjunction with pronounced leukocytosis were observed more often in patients expressing the b3a2 transcript.

Conclusions:  These findings demonstrate that in children like in adults specific BCR/ABL transcript types present at diagnosis are associated with distinct haematological alterations (e.g. a high platelet count with the transcript b3a2). However, the sex‐dependent skewed distribution of the BCR/ABL transcript types observed so far in this paediatric cohort only deserves further investigation.
The effect of depth, distance from dam and habitat on spatial distribution of fish in an artificial reservoir
Authors: Prchalová M. , Kubečka J. , Čech M. , Frouzová J. , Draštík V. , Hohausová E. , Jůza T. , Kratochvíl M. , Matěna J. , Peterka J. , Říha M. , Tušer M. , Vašek M.
Published: November 2008

Abstract –  Spatial distribution of the fish community in the deep canyon‐shaped Římov Reservoir, Czech Republic, was studied using overnight gillnetting fishing in 1999–2007. Effects of depth, distance from the dam to the tributary and habitat type (benthic and pelagic) on fish community structure, catch per unit of effort (CPUE), biomass per unit of effort (BPUE) and average weight were tested. Fish were recorded in all sampled depths and parts of the reservoir. Redundancy analysis revealed that effects of three environmental variables were significant and most variability was explained by depth, then by distance from the dam and habitat type. CPUE and BPUE of all species decreased with depth and responses of individual species to depth were similar for juvenile and adult fish. Number of species, CPUE and BPUE of all species except perch increased heading towards the tributary and peaked close to or at the tributary part of the reservoir. Responses of juvenile fish to distance from the dam differed from that of adult fish. Structure of fish community differed in benthic and pelagic habitats with species preferably occupying epipelagic (bleak, asp, rudd and juvenile bleak, roach and bream) or littoral waters (perch, pikeperch, ruffe, roach, bream and juvenile percids). This study showed that fish distribution in the reservoir followed distinct patterns, which were probably shaped by a combination of physiological constraints plus trade‐off between food resources and competition.
The Road More Popular versus the Road Less Travelled: An ‘Insider's’ Perspective of Advancing Chinese Management Research
Authors: Cheng Bor-Shiuan , Wang An-Chih , Huang Min-Ping
Published: November 2008

To complement Barney and Zhang's as well as Whetten's articles in this issue ofManagement and Organization Review, we offer ways to develop indigenous management theory to explain unique Chinese management phenomena. We first briefly review the imbalance of developing theories of Chinese management versus developing Chinese theories of management in Chinese research societies. We then describe a five-step research process that uses an indigenous research approach to theory development: discovery of interesting phenomena, field observations, construction of the theoretical framework, empirical examination, and theory refinement. This process may be useful not only in the Chinese context, but also in any other context. We identify several challenges in both Chinese and international academic societies that must be overcome to facilitate learning across the two approaches proposed by Barney and Zhang: the need for high quality journals in the Chinese language, international journals' efforts to ease the imbalance between the two approaches, and collaboration between Chinese and Western management schools.
Relative contribution of caries and periodontal disease in adult tooth loss among patients reporting to the Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum, India
Authors: Shigli Kamal , Hebbal Mamata , Angadi Gangadhar Shivappa
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  To examine the reasons for tooth loss in an adult population.

Methods:  Patients who reported to the department of prosthodontics in Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum, located in the north‐western part of the state of Karnataka, in the southern region of India over a period of 2 months, with at least one missing tooth (excluding third molars) constituted the sample size. There were a total of 365 patients (185 females and 180 males) within the age group of 16–84 years (mean age 51.06 ± 16.47 years) who fulfilled this criterion. Socio‐demographic profile was recorded along with a clinical examination for assessing the number and pattern of tooth loss. The reasons for tooth loss were recorded according to the history reported by the patient.

Results:  In the present study of 365 patients, 58.9% of the patients were completely edentulous, 41% were partially dentate, of which 20.8% had lost their teeth from caries, 11% from periodontal disease and 9.3% from a combination of reasons. More females had lost their teeth because of dental caries whereas more males had lost their teeth because of periodontal disease, this being statistically significant. (χ2 = 16.53, p = 0.001). Highly significant results were obtained for age and reasons for tooth loss. (χ2 = 150.39, p < 0.001). Irrespective of the socio‐economic status, dental caries was the most common cause for tooth loss in partially dentate patients though it was not statistically significant (χ2 = 13.62, p = 0.325). Mandibular first molars were the teeth most frequently lost due to dental caries. The maxillary left central incisor was most frequently lost due to periodontal disease, followed by the maxillary right central incisor.

Conclusions:  Since both dental caries and periodontal disease contributed to tooth loss at different ages, risk indicators need to be identified.
Respective roles of the catalytic domains and C‐terminal tail peptides in the oligomerization and secretory trafficking of human acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase
Authors: Liang Dong , Blouet Jean‐Philippe , Borrega Fernanda , Bon Suzanne , Massoulié Jean
Published: November 2008

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and the T splice variant of acetylcholinesterase that is predominant in mammalian brain and muscles (AChET) possess a characteristic C‐terminal tail (t) peptide. This t peptide allows their assembly into tetramers associated with the anchoring proteins ColQ and PRiMA. Although the t peptides of all vertebrate cholinesterases are remarkably similar and, in particular, contain seven strictly conserved aromatic residues, these enzymes differ in some of their oligomerization properties. To explore these differences, we studied human AChE (Aa) and BChE (Bb), and chimeras in which the t peptides (aandb) were exchanged (AbandBa). We found that secretion was increased by deletion of the t peptides, and that it was more efficient withathan withb. The patterns of oligomers were similar forAaandAb, as well as forBaandBb, indicating a predominant influence of the catalytic domains. However, addition of a cysteine within the aromatic‐rich segment of the t peptides modified the oligomeric patterns: with a cysteine at position 19, the proportion of tetramers was markedly increased forAa(S19C) andBa(S19C), and to a lesser extent forBb(N19C); theAb(N19C) mutant produced all oligomeric forms, from monomers to hexamers. These results indicate that both the catalytic domains and the C‐terminal t peptides contribute to the capacity of cholinesterases to form and secrete various oligomers. Sequence comparisons show that the differences between the t peptides of AChE and BChE are remarkably conserved among all vertebrates, suggesting that they reflect distinct functional adaptations.
Electron‐transfer subunits of the NiFe hydrogenases in Thiocapsa roseopersicina BBS
Authors: Palágyi‐Mészáros Lívia S. , Maróti Judit , Latinovics Dóra , Balogh Tímea , Klement Éva , Medzihradszky Katalin F. , Rákhely Gábor , Kovács Kornél L.
Published: November 2008

Thiocapsa roseopersicina BBS contains at least three different active NiFe hydrogenases: two membrane‐bound enzymes and one apparently localized in the cytoplasm. In addition to the small and large structural subunits, additional proteins are usually associated with the NiFe hydrogenases, connecting their activity to other redox processes in the cells. The operon of the membrane‐associated hydrogenase, HynSL, has an unusual gene arrangement: between the genes coding for the large and small subunits, there are two open reading frames, namely isp1 and isp2. Isp1 is a b‐type haem‐containing transmembrane protein, whereas Isp2 displays marked sequence similarity to the heterodisulfide reductases. The other membrane‐bound (Hup) NiFe hydrogenase contains the hupC gene, which codes for a cytochrome b‐type protein that probably plays a role in electron transport. The operon of the NAD+‐reducing Hox hydrogenase contains a hoxE gene. In addition to the hydrogenase and diaphorase parts of the complex, the fifth HoxE subunit may serve as a third redox gate of this enzyme. The physiological functions of these putative electron‐mediating subunits were studied by disruption of their genes. The deletion of some accessory proteins dramatically reduced the in vivo activities of the hydrogenases, although they were fully active in vitro. The absence of HupC resulted in a decrease in HupSL activity in the membrane, but removal of the Isp1 and Isp2 proteins did not have any significant effect on the location of HynSL activity. Through the use of a tagged HoxE protein, the whole Hox hydrogenase pentamer could be purified as an intact complex.
The identification of a phospholipase B precursor in human neutrophils
Authors: Xu Shengyuan , Zhao Linshu , Larsson Anders , Venge Per
Published: November 2008

A phospholipase B (PLB) precursor was purified from normal human granulocytes using Sephadex G‐75, Mono‐S cation‐exchange and hydroxyapatite columns. The molecular mass of the protein was estimated to be ∼ 130 kDa by gel filtration and 22 and 42 kDa by SDS/PAGE. Tryptic peptide and sequence analyses by MALDI‐TOF and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) identified the protein as a FLJ22662 (Homo sapiens) gene product, a homologue of the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum PLB. The native protein needed modifications to acquire deacylation activity against phospholipids including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine and lysophospholipids. Enzyme activity was associated with fragments derived from the 42 kDa fragment. The enzyme revealed a PLB nature by removing fatty acids from both the sn‐1 and sn‐2 positions of phospholipids. The enzyme is active at a broad pH range with an optimum of 7.4. Immunoblotting of neutrophil postnuclear supernatant using antibodies against the 42 kDa fragment detected a band at a molecular mass of 42 kDa, indicating a neutrophil origin of the novel PLB precursor. The existence of the PLB precursor in neutrophils and its enzymatic activity against phospholipids suggest a role in the defence against invading microorganisms and in the generation of lipid mediators of inflammation.
Light‐induced gene expression of fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase during heterotrophic growth in a cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Tabei Yosuke , Okada Katsuhiko , Makita Nobuaki , Tsuzuki Mikio
Published: November 2008

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 exhibits light‐activated heterotrophic growth (LAHG) under dark conditions with glucose as a carbon source. The light activation is remarkable at a late period of photoautotrophic preculture, such as the late‐linear and stationary growth phases. To understand the physiological effects of light irradiation and glucose under LAHG conditions, their effects on the expression of soluble proteins were analyzed by means of 2D‐PAGE. Various soluble proteins, which were minimal under photoautotrophic preculture conditions, were observed clearly under LAHG conditions, suggesting that proteins were synthesized actively under these conditions. Fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase, one of the glycolytic enzymes, was found to be induced under LAHG conditions on 2D‐PAGE. The activity of fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase, which had decreased during photoautotrophic preculture, also increased under LAHG conditions, similar to the mRNA level of the encoding gene, fbaA. In addition, we found that a deletion mutant of sll1330, a putative gene containing a helix‐turn‐helix DNA‐binding motif, could not grow under LAHG conditions, whereas it could grow photoautotrophically. The increases in the protein level of FbaA and fbaA gene expression observed in wild‐type cells under LAHG conditions were greatly inhibited in the deletion mutant. These results suggest that the regulation of fbaA gene expression by way of sll1330 is one of the important processes in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under light pulse LAHG conditions.
Effects of Amburoside A and Isokaempferide, Polyphenols fromAmburana cearensis, on Rodent Inflammatory Processes and Myeloperoxidase Activity in Human Neutrophils
Authors: Leal Luzia Kalyne Almeida Moreira , Canuto Kirley Marques , Da Silva Costa Kassiane Cristine , Nobre‐Júnior Hélio Vitoriano , Vasconcelos Silvânia Mendes , Silveira Edilberto Rocha , Ferreira Márcia Valéria Pitombeira , Fontenele Juvênia Bezerra , Andrade Geane Matos , De Barros Viana Glauce Socorro
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  The present study evaluated the anti‐inflammatory activity of amburoside A (a phenol glucoside) and isokaempferide (a flavonol) isolated from the trunk bark ofAmburana cearensis, a medicinal plant used in northeast Brazil for the treatment of asthma. Animals (male Wistar rats or Swiss mice) pre‐treated with amburoside A (25 and 50 mg/kg) or isokaempferide (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg), orally or intraperitoneally, showed a significant inhibition of the paw oedema induced by carrageenan (1%), prostaglandin E2(30 nmol/paw), histamine (200 µg/paw) or serotonin (200 µg/paw). Histological and morphometric evaluations of the rat paw oedema induced by carrageenan showed that amburoside A and isokaempferide also inhibited the accumulation of inflammatory cells. Amburoside A reduced significantly the paw oedema and the increase in vascular permeability induced by dextran, as related to the control group. Similar results were observed with the isokaempferide pre‐treatment. Furthermore, amburoside A or isokaempferide inhibited both leucocyte and neutrophil migrations, in mouse peritoneal cavity, after the carrageenan injection. The polyphenols were not cytotoxic and blocked N‐formyl‐methyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine‐induced myeloperoxidase release and activity in human neutrophils. In addition, amburoside A and isokaempferide at 50 and 100 µg/ml concentrations reduced significantly the lipopolysaccharide‐mediated increase in tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels. These results provide, for the first time, evidence to support the anti‐inflammatory activity of amburoside A and isokaempferide that seems to be related to an inhibition of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF‐α, as well as histamine, serotonin and prostaglandin E2, besides leucocyte infiltration in a dose‐ or concentration‐dependent manner. These anti‐inflammatory effects can be explained, at least in part, by the ability of these compounds to reduce neutrophil degranulation, myeloperoxidase activity, mediators as well as TNF‐α secretion.
The Effect of Behçet’s Disease on Sexual Function and Psychiatric Status of Premenopausal Women
Authors: Koçak Mukadder , Başar M. Murad , Vahapoğlu Güler , Mert H. Çağatay , Güngör Şule
Published: November 2008

Introduction

Little is known about the relationship between Behçet’s disease (BD) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

Aims

The aims were to evaluate the prevalence of FSD in premenopausal BD patients and to compare hormonal and psychiatric conditions to healthy subjects.

Methods

A total of 71 married women with BD and 63 healthy married women between 18 and 44 years old were enrolled into the study. After evaluating detailed history and physical examination, serum steroid hormone levels were measured. Presence of genital ulcerations in physical examination and any medical treatment were recorded in patients. All subjects were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual status and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for psychiatric assessment.

Main Outcomes Measures

FSFI and BDI scores and serum sex steroid hormone levels were measured in women with BD and healthy controls.

Results

The mean BDI score of patients was significantly greater than that for controls (P = 0.001), and there was a statistically significant difference between BDI scores (Pearson χ2 = 19.109, P = 0.001). FSD was found in 34 patients with BD (47.9%) and in 11 controls (17.5%). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (Pearson χ2 = 13.855, P = 0.001). While the most common sexual problem in the patients with BD was diminished arousal (n = 49, 69.0%), diminished desire was found in 32 patients (45.1%) and lubrication problems in 36 patients (50.7%). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between BDI and FSFI score in BD patients. On the contrary, there was no relationship between FSFI and presence of genital ulcerations.

Conclusion

FSD is more common in BD patients than in healthy subjects. We conclude that depressive mood according to the BDI scale correlates with the sexual status of BD patients, and this may be because of the depressive effect of BD as a chronic disease.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Lodenafil Carbonate for Oral Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction: A Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Glina Sidney , Toscano Iderpol , Gomatzky Celso , De Góes Plínio Moreira , Júnior Archimedes Nardozza , Claro Joaquim Francisco de Almeida , Pagani Eduardo
Published: November 2008

Introduction

Oral treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5) is considered the first-line treatment for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Lodenafil carbonate (LC) is a novel PDE5.

Aim

This is a phase II, prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled clinical trial of LC.

Main Outcome Measures

Efficacy end points were International Index of Sexual Function (IIEF) erectile domain, IIEF questions 3 and 4, and Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) questions 2 and 3, before and after the use of LC or placebo.

Methods

Seventy-two men older than 18 years, with ED for at least 6 months with stable sexual relationship were enrolled. Patients were randomized to placebo or LC 80 mg, 40 mg, or 20 mg and followed for 4 weeks.

Results

IIEF erectile domain scores before and after the use of medications were (mean ± standard deviation [SD]): placebo: 11.9 ± 3.4 and 12.6 ± 5.5; LC 20 mg: 15.8 ± 4.1 and 18.9 ± 6.6; LC 40 mg: 11.9 ± 4.4 and 15.4 ± 8.1; LC 80 mg: 14.2 ± 4.7 and 22.8 ± 6.0 (anovaP < 0.01). The SEP-2 scores before and after the use of medications were (Mean ± SD): placebo: 71.0 ± 33.1 and 51.2 ± 43.1; LC 20 mg 70.3 ± 34.2 and 75.5 ± 31.5; LC 40 mg: 48.4 ± 42.1 and 60.8 ± 42.5; LC 80 mg: 68.6 ± 33.5 and 89.6 ± 26.0. The SEP-3 scores were: placebo 23.3 ± 27.6 and 33.6 ± 42.3; LC 20 mg: 32.3 ± 38.9 and 51.2 ± 41.7; LC 40 mg: 39.7 ± 44.7 and 46.7 ± 41.1; LC 80 mg* 17.2 ± 29.5 and 74.3 ± 36.4 (*P < 0.05 for difference to placebo).

Conclusions

The drug was well tolerated. Adverse reactions were mild and self-limited and included headache, rhinitis, flushing, color visual disorders, and dyspepsia. This study showed that the dosage of 80 mg of LC was significantly more efficacious than placebo and well tolerated.
The Novel Antioxidant, AC3056 (2,6-di-t-butyl-4-((Dimethyl-4-Methoxyphenylsilyl)Methyloxy)Phenol), Reverses Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats and Improves NO-mediated Responses in Penile Tissue from Diabetic Men
Authors: Angulo Javier , Peiró Concepción , Cuevas Pedro , Gabancho Sonia , Fernández Argentina , González-Corrochano Rocío , La Fuente José M. , Baron Alain D. , Chen Kim S. , De Tejada Iñigo Sáenz
Published: November 2008

Introduction

Diabetes is associated with a high incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and poor response to standard treatments. Oxidative stress could be relevant in the pathophysiology of diabetic ED.

Aim

To evaluate the effects of the antioxidant, AC3056 (2,6-di-t-butyl-4-((dimethyl-4-methoxyphenylsilyl)methyloxy)phenol), on diabetic ED.

Methods

Erectile responses to cavernosal nerve electrical stimulation were determined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Relaxation of human corpus cavernosal (HCC) tissue and penile resistance arteries (HPRA) from human cavernosal specimens was evaluated in organ chambers and myographs, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures

The influence of AC3056 on erectile responses, lipid peroxidation, and nitrite plus nitrate serum content, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression in penile tissue, in diabetic rats, and on endothelium-dependent and neurogenic relaxation of HCC and HPRA from diabetic patients was determined.

Results

Eight weeks of diabetes caused ED in rats that was prevented by oral AC3056 (0.3% w/w in rat chow) when given from the induction of diabetes. AC3056 also prevented the diabetes-induced elevation of serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), the reduction of serum nitric oxide (NO) derivatives, and the increase of NF-κB expression. Acute oral administration of AC3056 (450 mg/kg) partially reversed ED in 8-week diabetic rats. Complete reversion of ED was achieved after 3 days of treatment with 0.3% AC3056. This effect remained after 5 weeks of treatment, but it disappeared after withdrawing for 1 week. Erectile function in diabetic rats was inversely related to serum TBARS. AC3056- (30 µM) reversed endothelial dysfunction in diabetic HCC and enhanced endothelium-dependent relaxation in diabetic HPRA and significantly potentiated neurogenic relaxation of both tissues. The reduced cGMP content in HCC from diabetic patients after exposure to acetylcholine (10 µM) was corrected by AC3056 (30 µM).

Conclusions

These results suggest that oxidative stress has a relevant role in pathophysiology of diabetic ED and provide a rationale for the use of antioxidant therapy in the treatment of ED in diabetes.
Acquired tolerance of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Micro‐Tom) plants to cadmium‐induced stress
Authors: Gratão P.L. , Monteiro C.C. , Antunes A.M. , Peres L.E.P. , Azevedo R.A.
Published: November 2008

The effects of varying concentrations of cadmium (Cd) on the development of Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Micro‐Tom (MT) plants were investigated after 40 days (vegetative growth) and 95 days (fruit production), corresponding to 20 days and 75 days of exposure to CdCl2, respectively. Inhibition of growth was clearly observed in the leaves after 20 days and was greater after 75 days of growth in 1 mM CdCl2, whereas the fruits exhibited reduced growth following the exposure to a concentration as low as 0.1 mM CdCl2. Cd was shown to accumulate in the roots after 75 days of growth but was mainly translocated to the upper parts of the plants accumulating to high concentrations in the fruits. Lipid peroxidation was more pronounced in the roots even at 0.05 mM CdCl2 after 75 days, whereas in leaves, there was a major increase after 20 days of exposure to 1 mM CdCl2, but the fruit only exhibited a slight significant increase in lipid peroxidation in plants subjected to 1 mM CdCl2 when compared with the control. Oxidative stress was also investigated by the analysis of four key antioxidant enzymes, which exhibited changes in response to the increasing concentrations of Cd tested. Catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) activity was shown to increase after 75 days of Cd treatment, but the major increases were observed at 0.1 and 0.2 mM CdCl2, whereas guaiacol peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) did not vary significantly from the control in leaves and roots apart from specific changes at 0.5 and 1 mM CdCl2. The other two enzymes tested, glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), did not exhibit any significant changes in activity, apart from a slight decrease in SOD activity at concentrations above 0.2 mM CdCl2. However, the most striking results were obtained when an extra treatment was used in which a set of plants was subjected to a stepwise increase in CdCl2 from 0.05 to 1 mM, leading to tolerance of the Cd applied even at the final highest concentration of 1 mM. This apparent adaptation to the toxic effect of Cd was confirmed by biomass values being similar to the control, indicating a tolerance to Cd acquired by the MT plants.
Wear Mechanisms of TiB2 and TiB2–TiSi2 at Fretting Contacts with Steel and WC–6 wt% Co
Authors: Brahma Raju Golla , Basu Bikramjit
Published: November 2008

Unlubricated fretting wear tests on TiB2 and TiB2–5 wt% TiSi2 ceramics against two different mating materials (bearing grade steel and WC–6 wt% Co balls) were performed with a view to understand the counterbody‐dependent difference in friction and wear properties. The fretting experiments were conducted systematically by varying load (2–10 N) at an oscillating frequency of 4 Hz and 100 μm linear stroke, for a duration of 100,000 cycles. Adhesion, abrasion, and three‐body wear have been observed as mechanisms of material damage for both the TiB2/steel and TiB2/WC–Co tribosystems. The third body is predominantly characterized as tribochemical layer for TiB2/steel and loose wear debris particles for TiB2/WC–Co tribocouple. An explanation on differences in tribological properties has been provided in reference to the counterbody material as well as microstructure and mechanical properties of flat materials.