bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychopathy, Traumatic Exposure, and Lifetime Posttraumatic Stress
Authors: Willemsen Jochem , De Ganck Julie , Verhaeghe Paul
Published: April 2011

This study examined two theoretical models on the interaction between psychopathy, traumatic exposure, and lifetime posttraumatic stress in a sample of 81 male detainees. In Model 1, the interpersonal and affective features of psychopathy were assumed to protect against posttraumatic stress. In Model 2, the lifestyle and antisocial traits of psychopathy were assumed to lead to a lifestyle that increases the risk of traumatic exposure and subsequent posttraumatic stress. The authors found significant negative bivariate associations between Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R) total, Interpersonal and Affective facet scores, and posttraumatic stress. Model 1 was confirmed, as they found the interaction between the Affective facet and traumatic exposure had a significant negative effect on posttraumatic stress. Model 2 was rejected. The authors’ findings confirm that the interpersonal and affective features of psychopathy are associated with an emotional deficit and that the affective features of psychopathy are crucial for understanding the relationship between psychopathy and anxiety.
Skills on the Move
Authors: Hagan Jacqueline , Lowe Nichola , Quingla Christian
Published: April 2011

Studies of immigrant labor market incorporation in the unregulated sector of the U.S. economy either assume that immigrant workers are trapped in low-wage jobs because of low human capital, or paint a picture of blocked mobility because of exploitation and discrimination. In this article, we offer a third sociological alternative to understand processes of occupational mobility and skill learning. Drawing on work histories of 111 immigrant construction workers, we find that many immigrants are skilled; having come to their jobs with technical skill sets acquired in their home communities and their previous U.S. jobs. We further find that these less-educated immigrants, who rank low on traditional human capital attributes but high on work experience may circumvent exploitation and build mobility pathways through skill transference, on-the-job reskilling, and brincando (job jumping).
Management of Pediatric Central Nervous System Demyelinating Disorders: Consensus of United States Neurologists
Authors: Waldman Amy T. , Gorman Mark P. , Rensel Mary R. , Austin Tracy E. , Hertz Deborah P. , Kuntz Nancy L. ,   Network of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Published: April 2011

Demyelinating diseases are a group of autoimmune inflammatory disorders affecting the central nervous system in adults and children; however, the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of these disorders are primarily based on adult data. The purpose of this study was to assess the practice patterns of US physicians who specialize in treating acquired central nervous system demyelinating diseases in children and adolescents. The Delphi technique was used to identify areas of consensus in management and treatment. Forty-two experts in the field participated in the process. Intravenous methylprednisolone was the first-line treatment of choice for acute episodes of all forms of demyelinating disease; however, consensus was lacking regarding specific dose, treatment duration, and use of an oral taper. First-line disease-modifying therapies for pediatric multiple sclerosis were interferons and glatiramer acetate, chosen based on perceived efficacy and tolerability, respectively. Areas lacking agreement among the expert panel and requiring further research are identified.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Perceived Prejudice in Health Care Scale–Modified (PPHC-M) Among Baccalaureate Student Nurses
Authors: Ohm Ruth , Rosen Libby
Published: April 2011

Purpose: Discrepancy in quality of health care for patients with diverse backgrounds contributes to health outcome disparities. BSN students reveal surprise regarding the presence of health care disparities. Critical social theory guided this study. The psychometric properties of the Perception of Prejudice in Health Care Scale–Modified (PPHC-M) were evaluated, and the relationship between perceived discrimination in health care delivery and cultural sensitivity awareness was explored. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey of 146 Midwest BSN students was conducted using Cultural Competence Assessment (CCA), PPHC-M, and the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Results: PPHC-M demonstrated reliability (α = .781.) Cronbach’s alphas for General Perception of Prejudice (GPP) and Personal Experience of Prejudice (PEP) were .759 and .756, respectively. Construct validity was supported by contrasted groups. The PPHC was not significantly correlated with the CCA scores. Discussion/Conclusion: PPHC-M shows promise in measuring perceived prejudice in health care.
Getting Into Trouble
Authors: Strickland C. June , Cooper Michelle
Published: April 2011

Suicide rates among Indian youth in the United States are two to three times the national average. Although researchers have identified related risk and protective factors, they have limited understanding of the perspectives of youth at risk. In this descriptive, ethnographic study in a Pacific Northwest tribe, the goal was to gain an understanding of the life experiences of the youth. Focus groups and observations were conducted with 30 Indian youth aged between 14 and 19 years in a Pacific Northwest tribe. Youth were asked to talk about their stressors, sense of family/community support, and hopes for the future. Youth reported major stress and noted that friends and family were both a support and also a source of stress. They hoped for strengthening of cultural values, economic development, and opportunities to give their talents to the tribe. These findings provide further insight about suicide risk among Indian youth and advance the understanding of suicide prevention in a transcultural setting.
Postpartum Psychosocial Changes Among Experienced and Inexperienced Mothers in Taiwan
Authors: Hung Chich-Hsiu , Yu Ching-Yun , Chang Shun-Jen , Stocker Joel
Published: April 2011

Purpose: To compare differences in psychosocial changes among experienced and first-time mothers over 6 postpartum weeks. Design: A trend research study design. Method: A cohort of 439 first-time mothers and 420 experienced mothers during the 6 postpartum weeks was recruited in southern Taiwan. Each participant was interviewed over the phone to complete the Hung Postpartum Stress Scale, the Social Support Scale, and the Chinese Health Questionnaire. Findings: Concern about lack of social support was significantly higher in first-time mothers in the third week than in the first week. Conclusions: Postpartum stressors are different for inexperienced and experienced mothers, and these stressors vary in their importance over the 6 postpartum weeks, suggesting that the postpartum nursing needs of the two groups in 6 postpartum weeks may be different. Implication for Practice: Knowledge and skills in mothering capability should be emphasized for first-time mothers, and physical exercises are needed for both groups of mothers.
Performance Assessment of the Masses in 30 Seconds or Less
Authors: Dunbar Laura
Published: April 2011

Performance assessment does not have to be a time-consuming ordeal; it is a great way to assess our students’ skills. It is essential to create a rubric that is simple, quick, and objective. This article discusses the process of creating a rubric as well as showing a rubric used by the author in her general music classroom for several years. Differences between assessment and evaluation are also mentioned.
ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters and Their Roles in Protecting the Brain
Authors: ElAli Ayman , Hermann Dirk M.
Published: April 2011

The blood-brain barrier is a network of endothelial cells that are tightly attached with each other via specialized cell-cell contacts. This passive diffusion barrier is complemented by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which are localized on the surface of the endothelial cells. ABC transporters play important roles in the maintenance of blood-brain barrier integrity, as they carry a wide range of organic molecules, cell metabolites, and nutrients both out of the brain and into the brain. Recent studies have unraveled important roles of ABC transporters in the preservation of tissue homeostasis, pointing out the fact that ABC transporters protect both brain parenchymal cells and microvascular cells from injury. As such, ABC transporters have been involved in the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases, recently. This has led to the idea that neurodegenerative processes might be targeted by restoration of transport processes across the blood-brain barrier.
New Tools for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Fjell Anders M. , Walhovd Kristine B.
Published: April 2011

Early detection is vital in the quest to develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and CSF biomarkers (Aβ42, t-tau, p-tau) and MRI morphometry distinguish AD from healthy controls. Aβ42 and neurodegenerative biomarkers may precede clinical symptoms, but it is not clear whether AD invariably follows and whether neuropsychological tests are as sensitive. Aβ42 is related to plaque burden, which was assumed to be the main cause of AD. Evidence is now pointing to other forms of Aβ, for example, soluble Aβ oligomers, and it is possible that plaques are secondary rather than causative to neuronal damage. This makes it less obvious that CSF Aβ42 necessarily is the most potent marker. Atrophy has been regarded as a downstream event, but novel MRI analysis techniques detect atrophy at a stage where the cognitive reductions are small and possibly reversible, and MRI is superior to CSF biomarkers in the prediction of cognitive decline. The impact of biomarkers may be dynamic; changed Aβ42 is seen in cognitively normal, while atrophy causes decrements later. In conclusion, CSF and MRI biomarkers are extremely important, but it is not known whether they can distinguish events that will lead to AD from events that will not before cognitive reductions are measurable.
Building Excitable Membranes
Authors: Pristerá Alessandro , Okuse Kenji
Published: April 2011

Multiple plasma membrane proteins such as ion transporters and ion channels are involved in electrogenesis by setting resting membrane potentials and triggering/propagating action potentials. Recent findings strongly suggest that some of these membrane proteins are selectively transported into membrane microdomains termed lipid rafts. There appear to be multiple mechanisms for the specific protein translocation to lipid rafts, and many of these proteins exhibit distinct properties when inserted into the raft microdomains. Here the authors review the plasma membrane ion channels specifically localized at membrane lipid rafts in neurons. The mechanisms to selectively translocate these molecules to the lipid rafts and the consequences of the trafficking are also discussed.
When blogs become organizations
Authors: Lowrey Wilson , Parrott Scott , Meade Tom
Published: April 2011

This study first examines the degree to which public interest bloggers are adopting organizational forms and processes as they pursue heightened popularity, status, and advertising revenue. The study also examines the relationship between organizational form and formality of content; relationships between pursuit of revenue, organizational form and level of popularity are also assessed. Informed by classic organizational theory, the study involves an analysis of 151 public issue blogs. Most blogs demonstrated aspects of organizational form by adopting rules and policies, employing staff, and pursuing revenue. Pursuit of revenue corresponds with popularity in the blogosphere as well as with frequency of posting. Pursuit of revenue also correlates positively with organizational form, which in turn correlates positively with traditional journalistic practices such as primary source reporting, source balance, and fact-based rather than opinion-based reporting.
Press pundits and Portuguese society
Authors: Figueiras Rita
Published: April 2011

Since the end of the 1980s, the relevance and visibility of media pundits have increased considerably in Portuguese society, due to the institutionalization of the Portuguese democracy, the increased relevance given to public debate and the development of the media sector. This article presents an empirical study regarding the space given over to pundits in mainstream Portuguese print media between 1980 and 2005, a period of significant change in Portugal. It is argued that, seen as a public space, punditry can be conceived as an indicator of the democratization process in Portugal. This study aims to analyze how the changes that took place in Portuguese media and society affected the pundits’ world, their profile and the presence of women in their midst. This study aims to answer several questions: Who are the Portuguese media pundits? Where do they come from? Is this a balanced gender space? What was the impact of structural changes in the media sector and Portuguese society throughout the past 26 years, with regards to the space occupied by pundits? In spite of so many major structural changes in Portuguese society and in the media sector, why is the pundits’ profile perpetuating itself through the years?
Does Language Matter? The Impact of Spanish Versus English-Language GOTV Efforts on Latino Turnout
Authors: Abrajano Marisa , Panagopoulos Costas
Published: April 2011

Latino voters comprise a growing segment of the voting electorate, yet their levels of participation in elections lags behind the general population and even other ethnic and racial groups. Recent experimental studies have found mobilization efforts directed at the Latino electorate to boost electoral turnout in federal, state, and local elections. Over the past two decades, campaign organizations and operatives have been increasingly relying on the use of Spanish-language appeals to mobilize Latinos. Surprisingly, the impact of language use in targeting Latino voters has, for the most part, eluded scholarly inquiry. We conduct a randomized field experiment in which Latino voters were randomly exposed to a mobilization message in either English or Spanish. It is, to the best of our knowledge, the first randomized experiment to present a direct test between English- and Spanish-language appeals. The experiment was conducted in the context of a special election that took place in February 2009 to fill a vacancy on the New York City Council for District 21, located in Queens. The results from our field experiment suggest that both Spanish- and English-language mobilization have the capacity to boost Latino turnout. That said, English-language appeals were effective across the board for Latinos in our sample, whereas Spanish-language outreach was only effective among low-propensity voters and participants whose primary language was Spanish.
Talk is Not Cheap: A Narrative Approach to the Successful Discharge of a “Dangerous Male With Schizophrenia” From a Medium Security Ward
Authors: Vaskinn Anja , Sele Peter , Eftevåg Larsen Frédéric André , Dal Asle
Published: April 2011

This case presents a man diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and persistent violent behavior admitted to a security ward. A treatment deadlock characterized by a defeatist personal narrative and a staff narrative highlighting alleged antisocial traits and unpredictable violence called for a new clinical approach. Assessment confirmed a schizophrenia diagnosis and disconfirmed a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder.Violence only appeared inside the ward. This enabled an alternative narrative to manifest itself. According to the new staff narrative, he struggled with persistent psychotic symptoms and used violence to deal with negative emotions, such as anxiety arising from perceived interpersonal rejection or potential failure at independent living. The new client narrative included a sense of agency. The case illustrates how oppressing narratives can block treatment progress and how this can be overcome by allowing alternative narratives. Violence was reduced, and he was discharged 3.5 months after the start of the narrative intervention.
An Increase in Serum Creatinine after Initiation of Fenofibrate in an HIV-Infected Individual
Authors: Bruno Christine B. , Schapiro Jeffrey M. , Saberi Parya
Published: April 2011

Hypertriglyceridemia is common among patients infected with HIV and often requires treatment with a triglyceride-lowering medication, such as fenofibrate. Studies have shown that fenofibrate has the potential to increase serum creatinine, a phenomenon that seems to occur more in patients with baseline renal dysfunction or who are on medications that can affect renal hemodynamics. HIV-infected individuals are at an increased risk of developing renal problems and may be a target population for fenofibrate-induced increases in serum creatinine. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of an HIV-infected individual who experienced a considerable increase in serum creatinine after initiating fenofibrate, and to highlight this underreported yet important adverse effect. Additionally, we discuss the postulated mechanisms, relevant literature among HIV noninfected individuals, and potential risk factors.
Cardiology Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Johnson Janet H.
Published: April 2011

Background. The role of the acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) evolved as a response to a reduction in the health care workforce and the increased acuity of illness in hospitalized patients. Objective. This article reviews the purpose of the ACNP role at a university medical center in the specialty area of cardiology. An overview of role development as well as expansion of the role in the division of cardiology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where there are currently more than 200 NPs now employed, is discussed. The responsibilities of the Cardiology Telemetry NP service are reviewed, including discussion of physician satisfaction with the collaborative clinical decision-making process. Conclusion. The role of the cardiology NP has evolved as a result of a focused effort at expanding the care provided by NPs to patients in cardiology. Clinical Implications. Strategies used by this service may be used in other departments to promote the development of the ACNP role, including garnering administrative support, promoting collegial practice relationships with medical departments, demonstration of advance knowledge and skills, and professional role modeling.
The lymphoma-associated NPM-ALK oncogene elicits a p16INK4a/pRb-dependent tumor-suppressive pathway
Authors: Martinelli Paola , Bonetti Paola , Sironi Cristina , Pruneri Giancarlo , Fumagalli Caterina , Raviele Paola Rafaniello , Volorio Sara , Pileri Stefano , Chiarle Roberto , McDuff Fiona Kate Elizabeth , Tusi Betsabeh Khoramian , Turner Suzanne D. , Inghirami Giorgio , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Colombo Emanuela
Published: April 2011

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is a barrier for tumor development. Oncogene-dependent DNA damage and activation of the ARF/p53 pathway play a central role in OIS and, accordingly, ARF and p53 are frequently mutated in human cancer. A number of leukemia/lymphoma-initiating oncogenes, however, inhibit ARF/p53 and only infrequently select for ARF or p53 mutations, suggesting the involvement of other tumor-suppressive pathways. We report that NPM-ALK, the initiating oncogene of anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs), induces DNA damage and irreversibly arrests the cell cycle of primary fibroblasts and hematopoietic progenitors. This effect is associated with inhibition of p53 and is caused by activation of the p16INK4a/pRb tumor-suppressive pathway. Analysis of NPM-ALK lymphomagenesis in transgenic mice showed p16INK4a-dependent accumulation of senescent cells in premalignant lesions and decreased tumor latency in the absence of p16INK4a. Accordingly, human ALCLs showed no expression of either p16INK4a or pRb. Up-regulation of the histone-demethylase Jmjd3 and de-methylation at the p16INK4a promoter contributed to the effect of NPM-ALK on p16INK4a, which was transcriptionally regulated. These data demonstrate that p16INK4a/pRb may function as an alternative pathway of oncogene-induced senescence, and suggest that the reactivation of p16INK4a expression might be a novel strategy to restore the senescence program in some tumors.
Alemtuzumab with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide reduces chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Marsh Judith C. , Gupta Vikas , Lim ZiYi , Ho Aloysius Y. , Ireland Robin M. , Hayden Janet , Potter Victoria , Koh Mickey B. , Islam M. Serajul , Russell Nigel , Marks David I. , Mufti Ghulam J. , Pagliuca Antonio
Published: April 2011

We evaluated a novel alemtuzumab-based conditioning regimen in HSCT for acquired severe aplastic anemia (SAA). In a multicenter retrospective study, 50 patients received transplants from matched sibling donors (MSD; n = 21) and unrelated donors (UD; n = 29), using fludarabine 30 mg/m2 for 4 days, cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 for 4 days, and alemtuzumab median total dose of 60 mg (range:40-100 mg). Median age was 35 years (range 8-62). Overall survival at 2 years was 95% ± 5% for MSD and 83% for UD HSCT (p 0.34). Cumulative incidence of graft failure was 9.5% for MSD and 14.5% for UD HSCT. Full-donor chimerism (FDC) in unfractionated peripheral blood was 42%; no patient achieved CD3 FDC. Acute GVHD was observed in only 13.5% patients (all grade I-II) and only 2 patients (4%) developed chronic GVHD. A low incidence of viral infections was seen. Factors influencing overall survival were HSCT comorbidity 2-year index (92% with score 0-1 vs 42% with score ≥ 2, P < .001) and age (92% for age < 50 years vs 71% ≥ 50 years, P < .001). Our data suggest that the use of an alemtuzumab-based HSCT regimen for SAA results in durable engraftment with a low incidence of chronic GVHD.
The inhibition of the mammalian DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) by dietary black tea and coffee polyphenols
Authors: Rajavelu Arumugam , Tulyasheva Zumrad , Jaiswal Rakesh , Jeltsch Albert , Kuhnert Nikolai
Published: April 2011

Background

Black tea is, second only to water, the most consumed beverage globally. Previously, the inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1 was shown by dietary polyphenols and epi-gallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main polyphenolic constituent of green tea, and 5-caffeoyl quinic acid, the main phenolic constituent of the green coffee bean.

Results

We studied the inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 3a by a series of dietary polyphenols from black tea such as theaflavins and thearubigins and chlorogenic acid derivatives from coffee. For theaflavin 3,3 digallate and thearubigins IC50 values in the lower micro molar range were observed, which when compared to pharmacokinetic data available, suggest an effect of physiological relevance.

Conclusions

Since Dnnmt3a has been associated with development, cancer and brain function, these data suggest a biochemical mechanism for the beneficial health effect of black tea and coffee and a possible molecular mechanism for the improvement of brain performance and mental health by dietary polyphenols.
The Proteogenomic Mapping Tool
Authors: Sanders William S , Wang Nan , Bridges Susan M , Malone Brandon M , Dandass Yoginder S , McCarthy Fiona M , Nanduri Bindu , Lawrence Mark L , Burgess Shane C
Published: April 2011

Background

High-throughput mass spectrometry (MS) proteomics data is increasingly being used to complement traditional structural genome annotation methods. To keep pace with the high speed of experimental data generation and to aid in structural genome annotation, experimentally observed peptides need to be mapped back to their source genome location quickly and exactly. Previously, the tools to do this have been limited to custom scripts designed by individual research groups to analyze their own data, are generally not widely available, and do not scale well with large eukaryotic genomes.

Results

The Proteogenomic Mapping Tool includes a Java implementation of the Aho-Corasick string searching algorithm which takes as input standardized file types and rapidly searches experimentally observed peptides against a given genome translated in all 6 reading frames for exact matches. The Java implementation allows the application to scale well with larger eukaryotic genomes while providing cross-platform functionality.

Conclusions

The Proteogenomic Mapping Tool provides a standalone application for mapping peptides back to their source genome on a number of operating system platforms with standard desktop computer hardware and executes very rapidly for a variety of datasets. Allowing the selection of different genetic codes for different organisms allows researchers to easily customize the tool to their own research interests and is recommended for anyone working to structurally annotate genomes using MS derived proteomics data.
Algal MIPs, high diversity and conserved motifs
Authors: Anderberg Hanna I , Danielson Jonas ÅH , Johanson Urban
Published: April 2011

Background

Major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) also named aquaporins form channels facilitating the passive transport of water and other small polar molecules across membranes. MIPs are particularly abundant and diverse in terrestrial plants but little is known about their evolutionary history. In an attempt to investigate the origin of the plant MIP subfamilies, genomes of chlorophyte algae, the sister group of charophyte algae and land plants, were searched for MIP encoding genes.

Results

A total of 22 MIPs were identified in the nine analysed genomes and phylogenetic analyses classified them into seven subfamilies. Two of these, Plasma membrane Intrinsic Proteins (PIPs) and GlpF-like Intrinsic Proteins (GIPs), are also present in land plants and divergence dating support a common origin of these algal and land plant MIPs, predating the evolution of terrestrial plants. The subfamilies unique to algae were named MIPA to MIPE to facilitate the use of a common nomenclature for plant MIPs reflecting phylogenetically stable groups. All of the investigated genomes contained at least one MIP gene but only a few species encoded MIPs belonging to more than one subfamily.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that at least two of the seven subfamilies found in land plants were present already in an algal ancestor. The total variation of MIPs and the number of different subfamilies in chlorophyte algae is likely to be even higher than that found in land plants. Our analyses indicate that genetic exchanges between several of the algal subfamilies have occurred. The PIP1 and PIP2 groups and the Ca2+ gating appear to be specific to land plants whereas the pH gating is a more ancient characteristic shared by all PIPs. Further studies are needed to discern the function of the algal specific subfamilies MIPA-E and to fully understand the evolutionary relationship of algal and terrestrial plant MIPs.
Genotyping errors in a calibrated DNA register: implications for identification of individuals
Authors: Haaland Øystein A , Glover Kevin A , Seliussen Bjørghild B , Skaug Hans J
Published: April 2011

Background

The use of DNA methods for the identification and management of natural resources is gaining importance. In the future, it is likely that DNA registers will play an increasing role in this development. Microsatellite markers have been the primary tool in ecological, medical and forensic genetics for the past two decades. However, these markers are characterized by genotyping errors, and display challenges with calibration between laboratories and genotyping platforms. The Norwegian minke whale DNA register (NMDR) contains individual genetic profiles at ten microsatellite loci for 6737 individuals captured in the period 1997-2008. These analyses have been conducted in four separate laboratories for nearly a decade, and offer a unique opportunity to examine genotyping errors and their consequences in an individual based DNA register. We re-genotyped 240 samples, and, for the first time, applied a mixed regression model to look at potentially confounding effects on genotyping errors.

Results

The average genotyping error rate for the whole dataset was 0.013 per locus and 0.008 per allele. Errors were, however, not evenly distributed. A decreasing trend across time was apparent, along with a strong within-sample correlation, suggesting that error rates heavily depend on sample quality. In addition, some loci were more error prone than others. False allele size constituted 18 of 31 observed errors, and the remaining errors were ten false homozygotes (i.e., the true genotype was a heterozygote) and three false heterozygotes (i.e., the true genotype was a homozygote).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation of genotyping error rates in a wildlife DNA register, and the first application of mixed models to examine multiple effects of different factors influencing the genotyping quality. It was demonstrated that DNA registers accumulating data over time have the ability to maintain calibration and genotyping consistency, despite analyses being conducted on different genotyping platforms and in different laboratories. Although errors were detected, it is demonstrated that if the re-genotyping of individual samples is possible, these will have a minimal effect on the database's primary purpose, i.e., to perform individual identification.
Genome-wide linkage study of atopic dermatitis in West Highland White Terriers
Authors: Salzmann Cary A , Olivry Thierry JM , Nielsen Dahlia M , Paps Judith S , Harris Tonya L , Olby Natasha J
Published: April 2011

Background

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, heritable, chronic allergic skin condition prevalent in the West Highland White Terrier (WHWT). In canine AD, environmental allergens trigger an inflammatory response causing visible skin lesions and chronic pruritus that can lead to secondary bacterial and yeast infections. The disorder shares many of the clinical and histopathological characteristics of human AD and represents an animal model of this disorder that could be used to further elucidate genetic causes of human AD. Microsatellite markers genotyped in families of WHWTs affected with AD were used to perform a genome-wide linkage study in order to isolate chromosomal regions associated with the disorder.

Results

Blood samples and health questionnaires were collected from 108 WHWTs spanning three families. A linkage simulation using these 108 dogs showed high power to detect a highly penetrant mutation. Ninety WHWTs were genotyped using markers from the Minimal Screening Set 2 (MSS-2). Two hundred and fifty six markers were informative and were used for linkage analysis. Using a LOD score of 2.7 as a significance threshold, no chromosomal regions were identified with significant linkage to AD. LOD scores greater than 1.0 were located in a 56 cM region of chromosome 7.

Conclusions

The study was unable to detect any chromosomal regions significantly linked to canine AD. This could be a result of factors such as environmental modification of phenotype, incorrect assignment of phenotype, a mutation of low penetrance, or incomplete genome coverage. A genome-wide SNP association study in a larger cohort of WHWTs may prove more successful by providing higher density coverage and higher statistical power.
Nucleosome DNA sequence structure of isochores
Authors: Frenkel Zakharia M , Bettecken Thomas , Trifonov Edward N
Published: April 2011

Background

Significant differences in G+C content between different isochore types suggest that the nucleosome positioning patterns in DNA of the isochores should be different as well.

Results

Extraction of the patterns from the isochore DNA sequences by Shannon N-gram extension reveals that while the general motif YRRRRRYYYYYR is characteristic for all isochore types, the dominant positioning patterns of the isochores vary between TAAAAATTTTTA and CGGGGGCCCCCG due to the large differences in G+C composition. This is observed in human, mouse and chicken isochores, demonstrating that the variations of the positioning patterns are largely G+C dependent rather than species-specific. The species-specificity of nucleosome positioning patterns is revealed by dinucleotide periodicity analyses in isochore sequences. While human sequences are showing CG periodicity, chicken isochores display AG (CT) periodicity. Mouse isochores show very weak CG periodicity only.

Conclusions

Nucleosome positioning pattern as revealed by Shannon N-gram extension is strongly dependent on G+C content and different in different isochores. Species-specificity of the pattern is subtle. It is reflected in the choice of preferentially periodical dinucleotides.
Rapid identification of Aspergillus fumigatus within the section Fumigati
Authors: Serrano Rita , Gusmão Leonor , Amorim António , Araujo Ricardo
Published: April 2011

Background

New fungal species that are morphologically similar to Aspergillus fumigatus were recently described and included in section Fumigati. Misidentification of such fungal species, particularly of the human pathogens, Aspergillus lentulus, Neosartorya fischeri, Neosartorya hiratsukae, Neosartorya pseudofischeri and Neosartorya udagawae, has been increasingly reported by numerous clinical labs. Nevertheless, A. fumigatus still accounts for more than 90% of all invasive aspergillosis cases. The purpose of the present study was to develop a rapid method for the molecular identification of A. fumigatus to distinguish it from other species within the section Fumigati.

Results

A multiplex PCR was developed using prior information based on β-tubulin (βtub) and rodlet A (rodA) partial gene sequences. PCR amplification of βtub and rodA fragments resulted in a distinctive electrophoretic pattern in A. fumigatus and N. udagawae. The polymorphisms found in the smallest amplified sequence of βtub (153 bp) and rodA (103 bp) genes were then compared among and within species of this taxonomic section. βtub was able to differentiate among 13 individual species and two groups of species that included the pathogenic fungus A. lentulus. A more limited number of sequences were available for rodA; nevertheless, we were able to distinguish Aspergillus viridinutans, N. hiratsukae and N. udagawae.

Conclusions

The assay described in the present study proved to be specific and highly reproducible, representing a fast and economic way of targeting molecular identification of the relevant mould, A. fumigatus, in clinical laboratories.
Molecular and functional analyses of COPT/Ctr-type copper transporter-like gene family in rice
Authors: Yuan Meng , Li Xianghua , Xiao Jinghua , Wang Shiping
Published: April 2011

Background

The copper (Cu) transporter (COPT/Ctr) gene family has an important role in the maintenance of Cu homeostasis in different species. The rice COPT-type gene family consists of seven members (COPT1 to COPT7). However, only two, COPT1 and COPT5, have been characterized for their functions in Cu transport.

Results

Here we report the molecular and functional characterization of the other five members of the rice COPT gene family (COPT2, COPT3, COPT4, COPT6, and COPT7). All members of the rice COPT family have the conserved features of known COPT/Ctr-type Cu transporter genes. Among the proteins encoded by rice COPTs, COPT2, COPT3, and COPT4 physically interacted with COPT6, respectively, except for the known interaction between COPT1 and COPT5. COPT2, COPT3, or COPT4 cooperating with COPT6 mediated a high-affinity Cu uptake in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant that lacked the functions of ScCtr1 and ScCtr3 for Cu uptake. COPT7 alone could mediate a high-affinity Cu uptake in the yeast mutant. None of the seven COPTs alone or in cooperation could complement the phenotypes of S. cerevisiae mutants that lacked the transporter genes either for iron uptake or for zinc uptake. However, these COPT genes, which showed different tissue-specific expression patterns and Cu level-regulated expression patterns, were also transcriptionally influenced by deficiency of iron, manganese, or zinc.

Conclusion

These results suggest that COPT2, COPT3, and COPT4 may cooperate with COPT6, respectively, and COPT7 acts alone for Cu transport in different rice tissues. The endogenous concentrations of iron, manganese, or zinc may influence Cu homeostasis by influencing the expression of COPTs in rice.
Comparative analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) between drought-tolerant and -susceptible genotypes of chickpea under terminal drought stress
Authors: Deokar Amit A , Kondawar Vishwajith , Jain Pradeep K , Karuppayil S Mohan , Raju N L , Vadez Vincent , Varshney Rajeev K , Srinivasan R
Published: April 2011

Background

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important grain-legume crop that is mainly grown in rainfed areas, where terminal drought is a major constraint to its productivity. We generated expressed sequence tags (ESTs) by suppression subtraction hybridization (SSH) to identify differentially expressed genes in drought-tolerant and -susceptible genotypes in chickpea.

Results

EST libraries were generated by SSH from root and shoot tissues of IC4958 (drought tolerant) and ICC 1882 (drought resistant) exposed to terminal drought conditions by the dry down method. SSH libraries were also constructed by using 2 sets of bulks prepared from the RNA of root tissues from selected recombinant inbred lines (RILs) (10 each) for the extreme high and low root biomass phenotype. A total of 3062 unigenes (638 contigs and 2424 singletons), 51.4% of which were novel in chickpea, were derived by cluster assembly and sequence alignment of 5949 ESTs. Only 2185 (71%) unigenes showed significant BLASTX similarity (<1E-06) in the NCBI non-redundant (nr) database. Gene ontology functional classification terms (BLASTX results and GO term), were retrieved for 2006 (92.0%) sequences, and 656 sequences were further annotated with 812 Enzyme Commission (EC) codes and were mapped to 108 different KEGG pathways. In addition, expression status of 830 unigenes in response to terminal drought stress was evaluated using macro-array (dot blots). The expression of few selected genes was validated by northern blotting and quantitative real-time PCR assay.

Conclusion

Our study compares not only genes that are up- and down-regulated in a drought-tolerant genotype under terminal drought stress and a drought susceptible genotype but also between the bulks of the selected RILs exhibiting extreme phenotypes. More than 50% of the genes identified have been shown to be associated with drought stress in chickpea for the first time. This study not only serves as resource for marker discovery, but can provide a better insight into the selection of candidate genes (both up- and downregulated) associated with drought tolerance. These results can be used to identify suitable targets for manipulating the drought-tolerance trait in chickpea.
Ureaplasma parvum infection alters filamin a dynamics in host cells
Authors: Allam Ayman B , Alvarez Sophie , Brown Mary B , Reyes Leticia
Published: April 2011

Background

Ureaplasmas are among the most common bacteria isolated from the human urogenital tract. Ureaplasmas can produce asymptomatic infections or disease characterized by an exaggerated inflammatory response. Most investigations have focused on elucidating the pathogenic potential of Ureaplasma species, but little attention has been paid to understanding the mechanisms by which these organisms are capable of establishing asymptomatic infection.

Methods

We employed differential proteome profiling of bladder tissues from rats experimentally infected with U. parvum in order to identify host cell processes perturbed by colonization with the microbe. Tissues were grouped into four categories: sham inoculated controls, animals that spontaneously cleared infection, asymptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI), and complicated UTI. One protein that was perturbed by infection (filamin A) was used to further elucidate the mechanism of U. parvum-induced disruption in human benign prostate cells (BPH-1). BPH-1 cells were evaluated by confocal microscopy, immunoblotting and ELISA.

Results

Bladder tissue from animals actively colonized with U. parvum displayed significant alterations in actin binding proteins (profilin 1, vinculin, α actinin, and filamin A) that regulate both actin polymerization and cell cytoskeletal function pertaining to focal adhesion formation and signal transduction (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.004; ANOVA, P < 0.02). This phenomenon was independent of clinical profile (asymptomatic vs. complicated UTI). We selected filamin A as a target for additional studies. In the BPH-1 model, we confirmed that U. parvum perturbed the regulation of filamin A. Specifically, infected BPH-1 cells exhibited a significant increase in filamin A phosphorylated at serine2152 (P ≤ 0.01), which correlated with impaired proteolysis of the protein and its normal intracellular distribution.

Conclusion

Filamin A dynamics were perturbed in both models of infection. Phosphorylation of filamin A occurs in response to various cell signaling cascades that regulate cell motility, differentiation, apoptosis and inflammation. Thus, this phenomenon may be a useful molecular marker for identifying the specific host cell pathways that are perturbed during U. parvum infection.
The influence of chronic renal failure on the spectrum and antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens in community-acquired acute pyelonephritis presenting as a positive urine culture
Authors: Jung Yeon Soon , Shin Ho Sik , Rim Hark
Published: April 2011

Background

The role of chronic renal failure (CRF) in the antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens in patients with community-acquired acute pyelonephritis (APN) remains poorly understood.

Method

We performed a retrospective analysis of 502 adults (54 men, 448 women; mean age 61.7 ± 16.0 years, range 18-98 years) who were treated for community-acquired APN at Kosin University Gospel Hospital (Busan, Republic of Korea) during a ten-year period (January 2000 to December 2009). We evaluated the spectra and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of uropathogens in CRF and non-CRF patients with community-acquired APN that presented as a positive urine culture.

Results

The 502 adult subjects were classified as either non-CRF APN patients (336 patients, 66.9%) or CRF APN patients (166 patients, 33.1%) according to their estimated glomerular filtration rate. No significant differences in the sensitivity of E. coli to a third cephalosporin, aminoglycoside (except gentamycin), or ciprofloxacin were observed between non-CRF and CRF patients.

Conclusions

In our series of patients with community-acquired APN that initially presented as a positive urine culture, CRF did not influence the isolation rates of different uropathogens or their patterns of susceptibility to antimicrobials.
Prognosis and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in conservatively treated twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Li Xiangqun , Morokuma Seiichi , Fukushima Kotaro , Otera Yuka , Yumoto Yasuo , Tsukimori Kiyomi , Ochiai Masayuki , Hara Toshiro , Wake Norio
Published: April 2011

Background

Amnioreduction remains a treatment option for pregnancies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) not meeting criteria for laser surgery or those in which it is not feasible. Amnioreduction is a relatively simple treatment which does not require sophisticated technical equipment. Previous reports of conservative management have indicated that major neurodevelopmental impairment occurs in 14.3-26% of survivors. The purpose of this study was to investigate long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in conservatively treated TTTS.

Methods

During the nine-year study period from January 1996 to December 2004, all pregnancies with TTTS who were admitted to our center were investigated. TTTS was diagnosed by using standard prenatal ultrasound criteria, and staged according to the criteria of Quinteroet al. We reviewed gestational age at diagnosis, gestational age at delivery, the stage of TTTS at diagnosis, and diagnosis to delivery interval. Neonatal cranial ultrasound findings were reviewed and the neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-one pregnancies with TTTS were included. Thirteen pregnancies (62%) were treated with serial amnioreduction. The mean gestational age at delivery was 28 weeks (22 - 34 weeks). The perinatal mortality rate was 42.9%. Twenty survivors were followed up until at least 3 years of age. The mean age at follow-up was 6.3 years (3 - 12 years). Six children (30%) had neurodevelopmental impairment. Four children (20%) had major neurodevelopmental impairment and two children (10%) had minor neurodevelopmental impairment. Children with neurodevelopmental impairment were delivered before 29 weeks of gestation.

Conclusions

Our study showed a high rate of perinatal mortality and a high rate of major neurodevelopmental impairment in conservatively treated TTTS. The long-term outcomes for the survivors with TTTS were good when survivors were delivered after 29 weeks of gestation.
Relation between therapeutic response and side effects induced by methylphenidate as observed by parents and teachers of children with ADHD
Authors: Lee James , Grizenko Natalie , Bhat Venkataramana , Sengupta Sarojini , Polotskaia Anna , Joober Ridha
Published: April 2011

Background

The desired (therapeutic) and undesired (side) effects of methylphenidate might have underlying correlations. The aim of this study was to explore the strength and the possible sources of these correlations.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-seven children with ADHD (6-12 years) were administered placebo and methylphenidate (0.5 mg/kg in a divided b.i.d. dose), each for a one-week period, in a double-blind, crossover trial. Therapeutic response was assessed using the Conners' Global Index for parents (CGI-Parents) and teachers (CGI-Teachers), while side effects were assessed using the Barkley Side Effects Rating Scale (SERS).

Results

The side effect profile as assessed by the SERS was similar to that of previous studies with insomnia, decreased appetite, and headaches showing significant treatment effects (p < 0.005). These "somatic/physical" side effects did not correlate with CGI-Parents or CGI-Teachers. However, the side effects of "irritability", "proneness to crying", and "anxiousness" showed significant relationships with CGI-Parents. These "mood/anxiety" side effects showed no significant correlations with the CGI-Teachers.

Conclusion

The greater "mood/anxiety" side effects on methylphenidate and placebo, the less the parents observe improvement of their children while treated with methylphenidate. This suggests that the correlations between "mood/anxiety" side effects and poor response to treatment may be driven by observer effects rather than biological commonalities between therapeutic and side effects of methylphenidate.