bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cosmopolitan beliefs and cosmopolitan practices
Authors: Phillips Timothy , Smith Philip
Published: November 2008

The field of cosmopolitanism research, for several years the topic of a mostly theoretical elaboration, is presently on the cusp of an empirical moment where research questions are specified and answered. The dimension of this shift that is of interest to us here concerns the impact of cosmopolitanism on the individual. While qualitative research is starting to gather momentum, a systematic quantitative research agenda remains less developed. We propose the association between cosmopolitan outlook and cosmopolitan practice as a useful starting point for such work. Here we report and reflect upon some initial findings on the nature and direction of this relationship as it exists among the general population in Australia.
Sustained Increase of HDL Cholesterol Over a 72-Week Period in HIV-Infected Patients Exposed to an Antiretroviral Regimen Including Lopinavir/Ritonavir
Authors: Meynard Jean-Luc , Lacombe Karine , Poirier Jean-Marie , Massot Olivier , Lefebvre Bénédicte , Bouchaud Olivier , Guiard-Schmidt Jean-Baptiste , Martinez Alvaro , Benlian Pascale , Girard Pierre-Marie
Published: November 2008

Metabolic disorders are a major concern during antiretroviral therapy, especially for their potential to increase cardiovascular disease risk. In a multicenter, prospective study conducted in patients exposed to an antiretroviral regimen including lopinavir boosted with ritonavir, an early and sustained increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed over a 72-week period. This increase was positively correlated with the exposure to lopinavir/ritonavir during the first 24 weeks.
Effect of solution impurities on morphology and composition of copper electrodeposits obtained in membrane based cell
Authors: Cifuentes L. , Grágeda M. , Casas J. M. , Vargas T.
Published: November 2008

Chemical and physical characterisation of copper electrodeposits obtained on mesh and plate cathodes in a lab scale reactive electrodialysis cell and cells of conventional design have been carried out. The effect of Fe, Mn, Cl and guar in the electrolyte on electrodeposit composition and morphology were determined by means of metallographies, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, atomic force microscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Metallographies revealed that electrolytes with Cl, Fe and Fe–Cl–Mn generated thick columnar deposits. Impurity free and Mn containing solutions produced thin columnar electrodeposits. The presence of all the impurities plus the organic additive resulted in small grained equiaxial electrodeposits. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the latter deposits, and those where Mn was present in solution, exhibited the smoother surfaces (100–200 nm mean surface rugosity) whereas other deposits showed higher degrees of roughness (over 400 nm mean surface rugosity). Impurities and additive were present in small concentrations (<1 mg dm–3) in the produced electrodeposits.
Preparation of porous Ni–YSZ coatings by EB–PVD
Authors: Meng B. , He X. D. , Sun Y. , Li M. W.
Published: November 2008

Porous Ni–8YSZ (zirconia stabilised by 8 mol-% yttria) coatings were prepared by electron beam physical vapour deposition (EB–PVD) technique with a high deposition rate of 2 μm min−1 via simultaneously evaporating the ingots of metal Ni and 8YSZ. The coating composition showed a significant dependence on the deposition position in vacuum chamber. The porosity, hardness and electrical conductivity of the coating were severely influenced by Ni content in this coating. The SEM and TEM observations exhibited that the coating presented a distinct columnar structure and many pores were uniformly dispersed at the boundaries of the columns. A Brunauer, Emmet and Teller analysis demonstrated that the average diameter of the pores in this coating was 25 nm and the coating had a high specific surface area of 3·232 m2 g−1.
Effect of transformation mechanism (static or dynamic) on final ferrite grain size
Authors: Shokouhi A. , Hodgson P. D.
Published: November 2008

A simple series of test was developed to highlight and compare the difference between the static strain induced transformation (SSIT) and the dynamic strain induced transformation (DSIT) mechanism in grain refinement and also to investigate the origin of the difference between the two mechanisms. The results showed that while the SSIT sets up a two-dimensional impingement among the ferrite grains, it cannot avoid their coarsening (normal growth). However, the DSIT forms a group of grains with a three-dimensional impingement which does not coarsen and maintains their fine size throughout the transformation, thereby, reduces the final average grain size.
Dynamic Young's modulus and glass transition temperature of selected tropical wood species
Authors: Hamdan S. , Sedik Y. , Jusoh I. , Hasan M. , Talib Z. A.
Published: November 2008

Dynamic Young's modulus ( Ed) of selected tropical wood species, namely Dyera polyphylla, Endospermum diadenum, Cratoxylum arborecens, Alstonia pneumatophora, Macaranga gigantea and Commersonia bartramia, used for the study was measured using the free–free flexural vibration method. Young's modulus from three point bending ( E3pb) and compression parallel to grain ( Ecp) was also studied. The results show that the relationship between Ed and E3pb for all wood species is very significant with the mean value of Ed consistently larger than or sometime equal to E3pb. Surprisingly, the relationship between Ed and Ecp is not significant except for Alstonia pneumatophora. The dynamic mechanical thermal properties were also investigated using the dynamic mechanical thermal analyser (DMTA). The results showed that the storage modulus of the wood species at –90°C is in the range of 1·48–4·09 GPa with a glass transition temperature ranging from 50 to 70°C.
Effects of welding parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of resistance spot welded magnesium alloy joints
Authors: Lang B. , Sun D. Q. , Li G. Z. , Qin X. F.
Published: November 2008

Effects of welding parameters on spot welded magnesium alloy joints have been investigated. With increasing welding time, the weld nugget diameter increased and the nugget microstructure became coarser. The joint strength (shear load at failure) of 2930–3050 N was obtained when welding time was longer than six cycles. Increasing welding currents from 15 to 23 kA resulted in an increase in the joint strength due to an increase in the nugget diameter. In the range of 1˙5–4˙5 kN electrode force, lowering the electrode force favours increasing the weld nugget diameter and improving the joint strength, but too low electrode force (1˙5 kN) easily causes metal expulsion. The joints have two failure modes (interfacial failure and button pullout failure) under tensile shear loading conditions. For the button pullout failure, the crack initiates at cellular dendritic structure of nuggets and propagates along the cellular dendritic structure, heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal in sequence.
Cellular microRNA expression correlates with susceptibility of monocytes/macrophages to HIV-1 infection
Authors: Wang Xu , Ye Li , Hou Wei , Zhou Yu , Wang Yan-Jian , Metzger David S. , Ho Wen-Zhe
Published: November 2008

Although both monocytes and macrophages possess essential requirements for HIV-1 entry, peripheral blood monocytes are infrequently infected with HIV-1 in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, tissue macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro are highly susceptible to infection with HIV-1 R5 tropic strains. We investigated intracellular anti–HIV-1 factors that contribute to differential susceptibility of monocytes/macrophages to HIV-1 infection. Freshly isolated monocytes from peripheral blood had significantly higher levels of the anti–HIV-1 microRNAs (miRNA, miRNA-28, miRNA-150, miRNA-223, and miRNA-382) than monocyte-derived macrophages. The suppression of these anti–HIV-1 miRNAs in monocytes facilitates HIV-1 infectivity, whereas increase of the anti–HIV-1 miRNA expression in macrophages inhibited HIV-1 replication. These findings provide compelling and direct evidence at the molecular level to support the notion that intracellular anti–HIV-1 miRNA-mediated innate immunity may have a key role in protecting monocytes/macrophages from HIV-1 infection.
RNomics and Modomics in the halophilic archaea Haloferax volcanii: identification of RNA modification genes
Authors: Grosjean Henri , Gaspin Christine , Marck Christian , Decatur Wayne A , de Crécy-Lagard Valérie
Published: November 2008

Background

Naturally occurring RNAs contain numerous enzymatically altered nucleosides. Differences in RNA populations (RNomics) and pattern of RNA modifications (Modomics) depends on the organism analyzed and are two of the criteria that distinguish the three kingdoms of life. If the genomic sequences of the RNA molecules can be derived from whole genome sequence information, the modification profile cannot and requires or direct sequencing of the RNAs or predictive methods base on the presence or absence of the modifications genes.

Results

By employing a comparative genomics approach, we predicted almost all of the genes coding for the t+rRNA modification enzymes in the mesophilic moderate halophile Haloferax volcanii. These encode both guide RNAs and enzymes. Some are orthologous to previously identified genes in Archaea, Bacteria or in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but several are original predictions.

Conclusion

The number of modifications in t+rRNAs in the halophilic archaeon is surprisingly low when compared with other Archaea or Bacteria, particularly the hyperthermophilic organisms. This may result from the specific lifestyle of halophiles that require high intracellular salt concentration for survival. This salt content could allow RNA to maintain its functional structural integrity with fewer modifications. We predict that the few modifications present must be particularly important for decoding, accuracy of translation or are modifications that cannot be functionally replaced by the electrostatic interactions provided by the surrounding salt-ions. This analysis also guides future experimental validation work aiming to complete the understanding of the function of RNA modifications in Archaeal translation.
Identifying Positioned Nucleosomes with Epigenetic Marks in Human from ChIP-Seq
Authors: Zhang Yong , Shin Hyunjin , Song Jun S , Lei Ying , Liu X Shirley
Published: November 2008

Background

In vivo positioning and covalent modifications of nucleosomes play an important role in epigenetic regulation, but genome-wide studies of positioned nucleosomes and their modifications in human still remain limited.

Results

This paper describes a novel computational framework to efficiently identify positioned nucleosomes and their histone modification profiles from nucleosome-resolution histone modification ChIP-Seq data. We applied the algorithm to histone methylation ChIP-Seq data in human CD4+ T cells and identified over 438,000 positioned nucleosomes, which appear predominantly at functionally important regions such as genes, promoters, DNase I hypersensitive regions, and transcription factor binding sites. Our analysis shows the identified nucleosomes play a key role in epigenetic gene regulation within those functionally important regions via their positioning and histone modifications.

Conclusion

Our method provides an effective framework for studying nucleosome positioning and epigenetic marks in mammalian genomes. The algorithm is open source and available at http://liulab.dfci.harvard.edu/NPS/.
Genomic characterization of putative allergen genes in peach/almond and their synteny with apple
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhang Shuiming , Illa Eudald , Song Lijuan , Wu Shandong , Howad Werner , Arús Pere , Weg Eric van de , Chen Kunsong , Gao Zhongshan
Published: November 2008

Background

Fruits from several species of the Rosaceae family are reported to cause allergic reactions in certain populations. The allergens identified belong to mainly four protein families: pathogenesis related 10 proteins, thaumatin-like proteins, lipid transfer proteins and profilins. These families of putative allergen genes in apple (Mal d 1to4) have been mapped on linkage maps and subsequent genetic study on allelic diversity and hypoallergenic traits has been carried out recently. In peach (Prunus persica), these allergen gene families are denoted asPru p 1to4and for almond (Prunus dulcis)Pru du 1to4. Genetic analysis using current molecular tools may be helpful to establish the cause of allergenicity differences observed among different peach cultivars. This study was to characterize putative peach allergen genes for their genomic sequences and linkage map positions, and to compare them with previously characterized homologous genes in apple (Malus domestica).

Results

EightPru p/du 1genes were identified, four of which were new. All thePru p/du 1genes were mapped in a single bin on the top of linkage group 1 (G1). FivePru p/du 2genes were mapped on four different linkage groups, two very similarPru p/du 2.01genes (AandB) were on G3,Pru p/du 2.02on G7,Pru p/du 2.03on G8 andPru p/du 2.04on G1. There were differences in the intron and exon structure in thesePru p/du 2genes and in their amino acid composition. ThreePru p/du 3genes (3.01–3.03) containing an intron and a mini exon of 10 nt were mapped in a cluster on G6. TwoPru p/du 4genes (Pru p/du 4.01and4.02) were located on G1 and G7, respectively. ThePru p/du 1cluster on G1 aligned to theMal d 1clusters on LG16;Pru p/du 2.01AandBon G3 toMal d 2.01AandBon LG9; thePru p/du 3cluster on G6 toMal d 3.01on LG12;Pru p/du 4.01on G1 toMal d 4.03on LG2; andPru p/du 4.02on G7 toMal d 4.02on LG2.

Conclusion

A total of 18 putative peach/almond allergen genes have been mapped on five linkage groups. Their positions confirm the high macro-synteny between peach/almond and apple. The insight gained will help to identify key genes causing differences in allergenicity among different cultivars of peach and otherPrunusspecies.
Long-term neprilysin gene transfer is associated with reduced levels of intracellular Abeta and behavioral improvement in APP transgenic mice
Authors: Spencer Brian , Marr Robert A , Rockenstein Edward , Crews Leslie , Adame Anthony , Potkar Rewati , Patrick Christina , Gage Fred H , Verma Inder M , Masliah Eliezer
Published: November 2008

Background

Proteolytic degradation has emerged as a key pathway involved in controlling levels of the Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in the brain. The endopeptidase, neprilysin, has been implicated as a major Aβ degrading enzyme in mice and humans. Previous short and intermediate term studies have shown the potential therapeutic application of neprilysin by delivering this enzyme into the brain of APP transgenic mice using gene transfer with viral vectors. However the effects of long-term neprilysin gene transfer on other aspects of Aβ associated pathology have not been explored yet in APP transgenic mice.

Results

We show that the sustained expression of neprilysin for up to 6 months lowered not only the amyloid plaque load but also reduced the levels of intracellular Aβ immunoreactivity. This was associated with improved behavioral performance in the water maze and ameliorated the dendritic and synaptic pathology in the APP transgenic mice.

Conclusion

These data support the possibility that long-term neprilysin gene therapy improves behavioral and neurodegenerative pathology by reducing intracellular Aβ.
Expression of Galpha14 in sweet-transducing taste cells of the posterior tongue
Authors: Tizzano Marco , Dvoryanchikov Gennady , Barrows Jennell K , Kim Soochong , Chaudhari Nirupa , Finger Thomas E
Published: November 2008

Background

"Type II"/Receptor cells express G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for sweet, umami (T1Rs and mGluRs) or bitter (T2Rs), as well as the proteins for downstream signalling cascades. Transduction downstream of T1Rs and T2Rs relies on G-protein and PLCβ2-mediated release of stored Ca2+. Whereas Gαgus (gustducin) couples to the T2R (bitter) receptors, which Gα-subunit couples to the sweet (T1R2 + T1R3) receptor is presently not known. We utilized RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and single-cell gene expression profiling to examine the expression of the Gαq family (q, 11, 14) in mouse taste buds.

Results

By RT-PCR, Gα14 is expressed strongly and in a taste selective manner in posterior (vallate and foliate), but not anterior (fungiform and palate) taste fields. Gαq and Gα11, although detectable, are not expressed in a taste-selective fashion. Further, expression of Gα14 mRNA is limited to Type II/Receptor cells in taste buds. Immunocytochemistry on vallate papillae using a broad Gαq family antiserum reveals specific staining only in Type II taste cells (i.e. those expressing TrpM5 and PLCβ2). This staining persists in Gαq knockout mice and immunostaining with a Gα11-specific antiserum shows no immunoreactivity in taste buds. Taken together, these data show that Gα14 is the dominant Gαq family member detected. Immunoreactivity for Gα14 strongly correlates with expression of T1R3, the taste receptor subunit present in taste cells responsive to either umami or sweet. Single cell gene expression profiling confirms a tight correlation between the expression of Gα14 and both T1R2 and T1R3, the receptor combination that forms sweet taste receptors.

Conclusion

Gα14 is co-expressed with the sweet taste receptor in posterior tongue, although not in anterior tongue. Thus, sweet taste transduction may rely on different downstream transduction elements in posterior and anterior taste fields.
Large-scale collection and annotation of full-length enriched cDNAs from a model halophyte, Thellungiella halophila
Authors: Taji Teruaki , Sakurai Tetsuya , Mochida Keiichi , Ishiwata Atsushi , Kurotani Atsushi , Totoki Yasushi , Toyoda Atsushi , Sakaki Yoshiyuki , Seki Motoaki , Ono Hirokazu , Sakata Yoichi , Tanaka Shigeo , Shinozaki Kazuo
Published: November 2008

Background

Thellungiella halophila (also known as Thellungiella salsuginea) is a model halophyte with a small plant size, short life cycle, and small genome. It easily undergoes genetic transformation by the floral dipping method used with its close relative, Arabidopsis thaliana. Thellungiella genes exhibit high sequence identity (approximately 90% at the cDNA level) with Arabidopsis genes. Furthermore, Thellungiella not only shows tolerance to extreme salinity stress, but also to chilling, freezing, and ozone stress, supporting the use of Thellungiella as a good genomic resource in studies of abiotic stress tolerance.

Results

We constructed a full-length enriched Thellungiella (Shan Dong ecotype) cDNA library from various tissues and whole plants subjected to environmental stresses, including high salinity, chilling, freezing, and abscisic acid treatment. We randomly selected about 20 000 clones and sequenced them from both ends to obtain a total of 35 171 sequences. CAP3 software was used to assemble the sequences and cluster them into 9569 nonredundant cDNA groups. We named these cDNAs "RTFL" (RIKEN Thellungiella Full-Length) cDNAs. Information on functional domains and Gene Ontology (GO) terms for the RTFL cDNAs were obtained using InterPro. The 8289 genes assigned to InterPro IDs were classified according to the GO terms using Plant GO Slim. Categorical comparison between the whole Arabidopsis genome and Thellungiella genes showing low identity to Arabidopsis genes revealed that the population of Thellungiella transport genes is approximately 1.5 times the size of the corresponding Arabidopsis genes. This suggests that these genes regulate a unique ion transportation system in Thellungiella.

Conclusion

As the number of Thellungiella halophila (Thellungiella salsuginea) expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was 9388 in July 2008, the number of ESTs has increased to approximately four times the original value as a result of this effort. Our sequences will thus contribute to correct future annotation of the Thellungiella genome sequence. The full-length enriched cDNA clones will enable the construction of overexpressing mutant plants by introduction of the cDNAs driven by a constitutive promoter, the complementation of Thellungiella mutants, and the determination of promoter regions in the Thellungiella genome.
Polyol pathway and modulation of ischemia-reperfusion injury in Type 2 diabetic BBZ rat hearts
Authors: Li Qing , Hwang Yuying C , Ananthakrishnan Radha , Oates Peter J , Guberski Dennis , Ramasamy Ravichandran
Published: November 2008

We investigated the role of polyol pathway enzymes aldose reductase (AR) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) in mediating injury due to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in Type 2 diabetic BBZ rat hearts. Specifically, we investigated, (a) changes in glucose flux via cardiac AR and SDH as a function of diabetes duration, (b) ischemic injury and function after IR, (c) the effect of inhibition of AR or SDH on ischemic injury and function. Hearts isolated from BBZ rats, after 12 weeks or 48 weeks diabetes duration, and their non-diabetic littermates, were subjected to IR protocol. Myocardial function, substrate flux via AR and SDH, and tissue lactate:pyruvate (L/P) ratio (a measure of cytosolic NADH/NAD+), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release (a marker of IR injury) were measured. Zopolrestat, and CP-470,711 were used to inhibit AR and SDH, respectively. Myocardial sorbitol and fructose content, and associated changes in L/P ratios were significantly higher in BBZ rats compared to non-diabetics, and increased with disease duration. Induction of IR resulted in increased ischemic injury, reduced ATP levels, increases in L/P ratio, and poor cardiac function in BBZ rat hearts, while inhibition of AR or SDH attenuated these changes and protected hearts from IR injury. These data indicate that AR and SDH are key modulators of myocardial IR injury in BBZ rat hearts and that inhibition of polyol pathway could in principle be used as a therapeutic adjunct for protection of ischemic myocardium in Type 2 diabetic patients.
The influence of feeding linoleic, gamma-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acid rich oils on rat brain tumor fatty acids composition and fatty acid binding protein 7 mRNA expression
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Javad , Siassi Fereydoun , Doosti Mahmood , Eshraghian Mohammad Reza , Shokri Fazel , Modarressi Mohammad Hossein , Mohammadi-Asl Javad , Abdi Khosro , Nikmanesh Arash , Karimian Seyed Morteza
Published: November 2008

Background

Experimental studies indicate that gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may inhibit glioma cells growth but effects of oral consumption of these fatty acids on brain tumor fatty acid composition have not been determined in vivo.

Methods

GLA oil (GLAO; 72% GLA), DHA oil (DHAO; 73% DHA) were fed to adult wistar rats (1 mL/rat/day) starting one week prior to C6 glioma cells implantation and continued for two weeks after implantation. Control group were fed same amount of high linoleic acid safflower oil (74–77% linoleic acid). Fatty acid composition of tumor samples was determined in a set of 8–12 animals in each group and serum fatty acid in 6 animals per each group. Gene expression of tumor fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) and retinoid × receptor-α (RXR-α) were determined in a set of 18 animals per group.

Results

DHAO feeding increased EPA of brain tumors and decreased ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids. Serum levels of EPA were also increased in DHAO group. A similar trend in serum and tumor levels of DHA were observed in DHAO group but it did not achieve statistical significance. GLAO increased serum concentration of GLA but had no significant effect on tumor GLA or dihomo-gamma linolenic acid (DGLA) concentrations. Gene expression of FABP7 was up-regulated in tumors of DHAO group but no other significant effects were observed on EGFR, PPAR-γ or RXR-α expression, and expression of these genes in tumors of GLAO were not different from SFO group.

Conclusion

Dietary supplementation of DHA containing oil could be an effective way to increase levels of long chain n-3 fatty acids in brain tumors and this increase may be mediated partly by up-regulation of FABP7 expression.
Biomimetic poly(amidoamine) hydrogels as synthetic materials for cell culture
Authors: Jacchetti Emanuela , Emilitri Elisa , Rodighiero Simona , Indrieri Marco , Gianfelice Antonella , Lenardi Cristina , Podestà Alessandro , Ranucci Elisabetta , Ferruti Paolo , Milani Paolo
Published: November 2008

Background

Poly(amidoamine)s (PAAs) are synthetic polymers endowed with many biologically interesting properties, being highly biocompatible, non toxic and biodegradable. Hydrogels based on PAAs can be easily modified during the synthesis by the introduction of functional co-monomers. Aim of this work is the development and testing of novel amphoteric nanosized poly(amidoamine) hydrogel film incorporating 4-aminobutylguanidine (agmatine) moieties to create RGD-mimicking repeating units for promoting cell adhesion.

Results

A systematic comparative study of the response of an epithelial cell line was performed on hydrogels with agmatine and on non-functionalized amphoteric poly(amidoamine) hydrogels and tissue culture plastic substrates. The cell adhesion on the agmatine containing substrates was comparable to that on plastic substrates and significantly enhanced with respect to the non-functionalized controls. Interestingly, spreading and proliferation on the functionalized supports are slower than on plastic exhibiting the possibility of an easier control of the cell growth kinetics. In order to favor the handling of the samples, a procedure for the production of bi-layered constructs was also developed by means the deposition via spin coating of a thin layer of hydrogel on a pre-treated cover slip.

Conclusion

The obtained results reveal that PAAs hydrogels can be profitably functionalized and, in general, undergo physical and chemical modifications to meet specific requirements. In particular the incorporation of agmatine warrants good potential in the field of cell culturing and the development of supported functionalized hydrogels on cover glass are very promising substrates for applications in cell screening devices.
The involvement of beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase and N-acetylglucosamine residues in fertilization has been lost in the horse
Authors: Mugnier Sylvie , Boittin Stéphane , Douet Cécile , Monget Philippe , Magistrini Michèle , Goudet Ghylène
Published: November 2008

Background

In human and rodents, sperm-zona pellucida binding is mediated by a sperm surface Galactosyltransferase that recognizes N-Acetylglucosamine residues on a glycoprotein ZPC. In large domestic mammals, the role of these molecules remains unclear: in bovine, they are involved in sperm-zona pellucida binding, whereas in porcine, they are not necessary. Our aim was to clarify the role of Galactosyltransferase and N-Acetylglucosamine residues in sperm-zona pellucida binding in ungulates. For this purpose, we analyzed the mechanism of sperm-zona pellucida interaction in a third ungulate: the horse, since the Galactosyltransferase and N-Acetylglucosamine residues have been localized on equine gametes.

Methods

We masked the Galactosyltransferase and N-Acetylglucosamine residues before the co-incubation of gametes. Galactosyltransferase was masked either with an anti-Galactosyltransferase antibody or with the enzyme substrate, UDP Galactose. N-Acetylglucosamine residues were masked either with a purified Galactosyltransferase or with an anti-ZPC antibody.

Results and discussion

The number of spermatozoa bound to the zona pellucida did not decrease after the masking of Galactosyltransferase or N-Acetylglucosamine. So, these two molecules may not be necessary in the mechanism of in vitro sperm-zona pellucida interaction in the horse.

Conclusion

The involvement of Galactosyltransferase and N-Acetylglucosamine residues in sperm-zona pellucida binding may have been lost during evolution in some ungulates, such as porcine and equine species.
Aged B lymphocytes retain their ability to express surface markers but are dysfunctional in their proliferative capability during early activation events
Authors: Blaeser Anthony , McGlauchlen Kiley , Vogel Laura A
Published: November 2008

Background

Ageing is associated with dysfunction in the humoral response leading to decreased protection against infectious diseases. Defects in T cell function due to age have been well characterized but it is unclear if dysfunctions in antibody responses are due to deficiencies in a helper environment or intrinsic B cell defects. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that aged B lymphocytes are able to differentiate into high affinity antibody-secreting cells at a frequency similar to their young counterparts. However, expansion of B cellsin vivowas reduced in aged animals when compared to young.

Methods

To further investigate the cause of this reduced expansion, we have now examined early activation events of aged B cells in response to anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulationin vitro. To do this spleen cells were harvested from young, middle-aged and aged quasi-monoclonal (QM) mice and cultured in complete RPMI for 24 and 48 hours. Cultures contained either LPS or anti-CD40 mAb and murine IL-4. Cells were collected and analyzed using flow cytometry. To examine the proliferative capacity of aged B cells spleen cells were collected as before and cultured in 96 well microtiter plates with either LPS or anti-CD40 mAb and murine IL-4 for 24 hours. Tritiated thymidine ([3H]-Tdr) was added to each well and incubated for another 24 hours after which cells were collected and analyzed using a scintillation counter.

Results

Resting aged B cells exhibited similar levels of CD40 expression when compared to young cells and efficiently up-regulated CD86 and CD69 and also down-regulated CD38 upon stimulation. However, aged B cells proliferated less than young B cells and showed a consistent, but not statistically significant, reduction in their ability to form blast cells.

Conclusion

Aged B cells exhibited a reduced response in some early activation events but produced at least a partial response in all cases. Thus, therapeutic intervention may be possible, despite intrinsically different responses in aged B cells.
Case-case analysis of enteric diseases with routine surveillance data: Potential use and example results
Authors: Wilson Nick , Baker Michael , Edwards Richard , Simmons Greg
Published: November 2008

Background

Case-control studies and outbreak investigations are the major epidemiological tools for providing detailed information on enteric disease sources and risk factors, but these investigations can be constrained by cost and logistics.

Methods

We explored the advantages and disadvantages of comparing risk factors for enteric diseases using the case-case method. The main issues are illustrated with an analysis of routine notification data on enteric diseases for 2006 collected by New Zealand's national surveillance system.

Results

Our analyses of aggregated New Zealand surveillance data found that the associations (crude odds ratios) for risk factors of enteric disease were fairly consistent with findings from local case-control studies and outbreak investigations, adding support for the use of the case-case analytical approach. Despite various inherent limitations, such an approach has the potential to contribute to the monitoring of risk factor trends for enteric diseases. Nevertheless, using the case-case method for analysis of routine surveillance data may need to be accompanied by: (i) reduction of potential selection and information biases by improving the quality of the surveillance data; and (ii) reduction of confounding by conducting more sophisticated analyses based on individual-level data.

Conclusion

Case-case analyses of enteric diseases using routine surveillance data might be a useful low-cost means to study trends in enteric disease sources and inform control measures. If used, it should probably supplement rather than replace outbreak investigations and case-control studies. Furthermore, it could be enhanced by utilising high quality individual-level data provided by nationally-representative sentinel sites for enteric disease surveillance.
Methods for stratification of person-time and events – a prerequisite for Poisson regression and SIR estimation
Authors: Rostgaard Klaus
Published: November 2008

Introduction

Many epidemiological methods for analysing follow-up studies require the calculation of rates based on accumulating person-time and events, stratified by various factors. Managing this stratification and accumulation is often the most difficult aspect of this type of analysis.

Tutorial

We provide a tutorial on accumulating person-time and events, stratified by various factors i.e. creating event-time tables. We show how to efficiently generate event-time tables for many different outcomes simultaneously. We also provide a new vocabulary to characterise and differentiate time-varying factors. The tutorial is focused on using a SAS macro to perform most of the common tasks in the creation of event-time tables. All the most common types of time-varying covariates can be generated and categorised by the macro. It can also provide output suitable for other types of survival analysis (e.g. Cox regression). The aim of our methodology is to support the creation of bug-free, readable, efficient, capable and easily modified programs for making event-time tables. We briefly compare analyses based on event-time tables with Cox regression and nested case-control studies for the analysis of follow-up data.

Conclusion

Anyone working with time-varying covariates, particularly from large detailed person-time data sets, would gain from having these methods in their programming toolkit.
Plaque assay for human coronavirus NL63 using human colon carcinoma cells
Authors: Herzog Petra , Drosten Christian , Müller Marcel A
Published: November 2008

Background

Coronaviruses cause a broad range of diseases in animals and humans. Human coronavirus (hCoV) NL63 is associated with up to 10% of common colds. Viral plaque assays enable the characterization of virus infectivity and allow for purifying virus stock solutions. They are essential for drug screening. Hitherto used cell cultures for hCoV-NL63 show low levels of virus replication and weak and diffuse cytopathogenic effects. It has not yet been possible to establish practicable plaque assays for this important human pathogen.

Results

12 different cell cultures were tested for susceptibility to hCoV-NL63 infection. Human colon carcinoma cells (CaCo-2) replicated virus more than 100 fold more efficiently than commonly used African green monkey kidney cells (LLC-MK2). CaCo-2 cells showed cytopathogenic effects 4 days post infection. Avicel, agarose and carboxymethyl-cellulose overlays proved suitable for plaque assays. Best results were achieved with Avicel, which produced large and clear plaques from the 4th day of infection. The utility of plaque assays with agrose overlay was demonstrated for purifying virus, thereby increasing viral infectivity by 1 log 10 PFU/mL.

Conclusion

CaCo-2 cells support hCoV-NL63 better than LLC-MK2 cells and enable cytopathogenic plaque assays. Avicel overlay is favourable for plaque quantification, and agarose overlay is preferred for plaque purification. HCoV-NL63 virus stock of increased infectivity will be beneficial in antiviral screening, animal modelling of disease, and other experimental tasks.
Single Dose of Morphine Produced a Prolonged Effect on Dopamine Neuron Activities
Authors: Zhang Die , Zhang Hai , Jin Guo-zhang , Zhang Kehong , Zhen Xuechu
Published: November 2008

Background:

Clinical observation and experimental studies have indicated that a single exposure to morphine could induce tolerance and dependence. It has become a concern in clinical antinociceptive practice. However, the underling mechanism remains unknown. This study was designed to explore the changes of dopamine (DA) neuron activities in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) by employing a spectral analysis followed single morphine treatment.

Results:

Acute morphine treatment significantly increased not only the firing rate and firing population but also the power of slow oscillation of DA neurons in naïve rats. These changes lasted at least for 3 days following the morphine treatment. During this period of time, responses of the DA neurons to subsequent morphine challenge were diminished. We further demonstrated a transient desensitization of opiate receptors as monitored by GTPγS binding to G-proteins. The present study provided first direct evidence for the temporal changes in the VTA DA neuron activities and opiate receptors desensitization.

Conclusion:

Prolonged VTA DA neuron activation and opiate receptors desensitization followed single morphine exposure may underlie the development of dependence and tolerance that may associate with the acute analgesic tolerance and acute addiction of morphine.
Does the Pain-Protective GTP Cyclohydrolase Haplotype Significantly Alter the Pattern or Severity of Pain in Humans with Chronic Pancreatitis?
Authors: Lazarev Mark , Lamb Janette , Barmada M Michael , Dai Feng , Anderson Michelle A , Max Mitchell B , Whitcomb David C
Published: November 2008

Background:

Pain is often a dominant clinical feature of chronic pancreatitis but the frequency and severity is highly variable between subjects. We hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms contribute to variations in clinical pain patterns. Since genetic variations in the GTP cyclohydrolase (GCH1) gene have been reported to protect some patients from pain, we investigated the effect of the “pain protective haplotype” in well characterized patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) or recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) from the North American Pancreatitis Study 2 (NAPS2).

Results:

Subjects in the NAPS2 study were asked to rank their pain in one of 5 categories reflecting different levels of pain frequency and severity. All subjects were genotyped at rs8007267 and rs3783641 to determine the frequency of the GCH1 pain-protective haplotype. In Caucasian subjects the frequency of the pain-protective GCH1 haplotype was no different in the control group (n = 236), CP patients (n = 265), RAP patients (N = 131), or in CP patients subclassified by pain category compared to previously reported haplotype frequencies in the general Caucasian population.

Conclusion:

The GCH1 pain-protective haplotype does not have a significant effect on pain patterns or severity in RAP or CP. These results are important for helping to define the regulators of visceral pain, and to distinguish different mechanisms of pain.
High ceruloplasmin levels are associated with obsessive compulsive disorder: a case control study
Authors: Virit Osman , Selek Salih , Bulut Mahmut , Savas Haluk Asuman , Celik Hakim , Erel Ozcan , Herken Hasan
Published: November 2008

Background

Alterations in ceruloplasmin are currently assumed as one of the mechanisms underlying the development of a number of neurodegenerative disorders. Several studies indicate that elevated serum ceruloplasmin levels may play a role in schizophrenia by exacerbating or perpetuating dopaminergic dysregulation. No study investigating the relationship between ceruloplasmin and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been published to date. Nowadays OCD is increasingly speculated to be a different disorder than other anxiety disorders, and rather is considered to be more similar to psychotic disorders. The objective of this study to explore whether there is an association of ceruloplasmin with OCD as in schizophrenia.

Method

26 pure OCD and 9 co-morbid OCD patients from Gaziantep University Sahinbey Research Hospital, Psychiatry Clinics, diagnosed according to the DSM IV and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. Blood samples were collected; ceruloplasmin levels were measured.

Results

The mean ceruloplasmin level in pure OCD patients, co-morbid OCD patients, and control group persons were 544.46 ± 26.53, 424.43 ± 31.50 and 222.35 ± 8.88 U/L respectively. Results of all 3 groups differ significantly. Positive predictive value of ceruloplasmin for that cut-off point is 31/31 (100%) and negative predictive value is 40/44 (91%) in our group.

Conclusion

Although the nature of relationship is not clear there was an association between ceruloplasmin levels and OCD in our study.
The utility of the mannitol challenge in the assessment of chronic cough: a pilot study
Authors: Singapuri Amisha , McKenna Susan , Brightling Christopher E
Published: November 2008

There is a need for more objective outcome measures for chronic cough. In this pilot study we sought to investigate the utility of the mannitol challenge as a cough-provocation test in non-asthmatic chronic cough. We studied 16 healthy controls and 13 subjects with chronic cough. We assessed cough severity using a visual analogue score, capsaicin cough sensitivity, health status using the Leicester Cough Questionnaire and the dose of mannitol to cause 2 (C2) or 5 (C5) coughs. In all of the subjects with chronic cough and 6 of the controls we assessed the 1-week repeatability of the mannitol challenge. We found that in those subjects with chronic cough the geometric mean (logSEM) mannitol C2 and C5 was heightened compared to controls (C2: 4 (0.2) versus 16 (0.1); p = 0.04 and C5: 63 (0.1) versus 251 (0.1); p = 0.04). Cough visual analogue score, capsacin-induced cough sensitivity and health status were also altered in chronic cough compared to healthy controls, but in those subjects with chronic cough none of these outcomes was correlated with the mannitol C2 or C5. The repeatability of the mannitol challenge assessed by intraclass correlation was C2 = 0.53 and C5 = 0.59. A cut-off in the dose of mannitol of 62 mg/ml for C2 and 550 mg/ml for C5 had a sensitivity of 69 and 62% and specificity of 69 and 81% respectively to distinguish chronic coughers from healthy controls. In conclusion, the mannitol challenge my have potential as a novel cough challenge test and further work is required to extend our findings and to assess whether it has utility in different causes of chronic cough.
Bone metastases mimicking Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I: a case report
Authors: Huggler Melchior , Kissling Rudolf , Brunner Florian
Published: November 2008

Introduction

Since there are no valid tools available for the diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I, exclusion of other underlying conditions plays an important role in the diagnostic process.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old Caucasian man was referred with painful swelling and dysfunction of the right knee. Based on the history and clinical presentation, the referring physician assumed a case of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I. However, after careful evaluation of the differential diagnosis, a metastatic urothelial carcinoma was diagnosed.

Conclusion

Even if the clinical picture resembles Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I, the differential diagnosis must be evaluated carefully.
Giant cell arteritis complicated by acute pancreatitis: a case report
Authors: Seneviratne Deepthi Renuka , Mollan Susan P. , Elsherbiny Samer , Worstmann Theresa
Published: November 2008

Introduction

We describe a case of giant cell arteritis in a woman who was treated with high-dose systemic corticosteroids and subsequently developed acute pancreatitis.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old Caucasian woman presented with four weeks of progressive headache and scalp tenderness. One day before ophthalmology assessment, she had experienced visual obscurations in both eyes. Her visual acuity was 6/9 in both eyes, with a right afferent pupillary defect and right swollen optic nerve. She was diagnosed as having temporal arteritis and was urgently treated with high-dose pulsed intravenous and oral corticosteroids. Her previous diet-controlled diabetes needed insulin and oral hyperglycaemic therapy to control erratic blood sugars. On day 8 of treatment with steroids, she became unwell with epigastric pain and vomiting. She was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and was treated conservatively.

Conclusion

Acute pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition, is a rare but important side effect of systemic corticosteroids.
Bilateral dystonia in type 1 diabetes: a case report
Authors: Yasuhara Akihiro , Wada Jun , Makino Hirofumi
Published: November 2008

Introduction

Diabetic hemichorea-hemiballismus is a rare complication of type 2 diabetes. Here, we report a case with type 1 diabetes, with hemichorea and bilateral dystonia manifested as hyperglycemia-induced involuntary movement.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old Japanese women with body weight loss of 30 kg during the past year developed symptoms of thirst, polydipsia and polyuria. She also presented with hemichorea and bilateral dystonia for 5 days and extremely high plasma glucose (774 mg/dl), hemoglobin A1c (21.2%) and glycated albumin (100%) with ketosis. Based on the presence of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (18,000 U/ml; normal <1.3 U/ml), low daily urinary excretion of C-peptide (7.8 μg), ketosis and human leucocyte antigen typing DR-4, we diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus. We treated the patient with a continuous intravenous regular insulin infusion and medication with haloperidol, and dystonia completely disappeared within 3 days.

Conclusion

Hyperglycemia-induced involuntary movement is one of the manifestations of dystonia and hemichorea-hemiballism.
Incidents and complications of totally implanted vascular access devices in children: a prospective study
Authors: Tercier Stéphane , Gapany Christophe , Diezi Manuel , Clément Chantal , Lemay Katy , Joseph Jean-Marc
Published: November 2008

Background

Totally implanted vascular access devices are frequently used in children for repeated blood samples or intravenous treatments. This prospective study aims at identifying the risk factors associated with infections, obstructions and surgical complications of these devices in pediatric patients.

Methods

From January 2006 to January 2008, all children older than one year of age with a diagnosis of solid or blood cell malignancy were included in the study. Insertion was performed by the surgeon according to a standardized protocol after landmark-guided puncture of the subclavian or internal jugular vein by a senior anesthesiologist. Dressing and post-operative care were standardized. Every manipulation was prospectively recorded by specialized dedicated nurses, and all patients were screened for complications one month post-surgery.

Results

45 consecutive patients 1 to 16 years old were enrolled in the study. Mean age at the time of procedure was 8.5 years (range 1.3–15.6; SD ± 4.88). There were 12 peroperative adverse events in 45 procedures (27%), detailed as follows: 3 pneumothoraces (7%), 3 hematomas (7%), 6 arterial punctures (13%). Among these events, intervention was necessary for two pneumothorax and one arterial puncture. There was no air embolism. At one month, we recorded 5 post-operative complications (11%): 2 thrombotic obstructions, one unsightly scar, and one scapular pain of unknown etiology. One patient needed repositioning of the catheter. There was no catheter-related infection.

Conclusion

Prospective recording of TIVA insertion in children reveals a significant number of early incidents and complications, mainly associated with the percutaneous puncture technique. We found no infection in this series. Results of a longer follow-up in the same population are pending.