bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrolyzed Konjac Glucomannan Suppresses IgE Production in Mice B Cells
Authors: Suzuki Hidenori , Oomizu Souichi , Yanase Yuhki , Onishi Nobukazu , Uchida Kazue , Mihara Shoji , Ono Kazuhisa , Kameyoshi Yoshikazu , Hide Michihiro
Published: December 2009

Background: Oral administration of pulverized Konjac glucomannan (KGM) reduces increased plasma IgE and the amount of Ε-germline transcript (ΕGT) in the spleen, as well as preventing the development of dermatitis in mice. To elucidate the mechanism of action of pulverized KGM, we solubilized KGM and studied its effect on IgE in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Solubilized KGM was prepared by acid hydrolysis, and we analyzed the effective molecular size for the suppression of IgE production and ΕGT in vitro and the level of plasma IgE induced by immunization with ovalbumin in BALB/c mice. Results: The production of IgE and ΕGT in splenic cells, but not purified B cells, was inhibited by hydrolyzed KGM (KGM hydrolyzed with 0.25 N HCl; H-KGM) at the optimal size of between 10 and 500 kDa. However, no effect was observed when H-KGM was substituted with unhydrolyzed KGM in vitro. IgE production from purified B cells cocultured with purified monocytes, but not with purified T cells, was inhibited by H-KGM. The release of IFNγ in cultures of monocytes but in purified B cells with or without T cells was enhanced in the presence of H-KGM. Injection of mice with H-KGM also suppressed the production of plasma IgE and IgG1 but not IgG2a in vivo. Conclusion: KGM at an optimal size prevents germline class-switching and IgE production both in vitro and in vivo. H-KGM may be useful as a tool to study the mechanism of action of KGM and as a dietary supplement to prevent atopic diseases.
Human Leukocyte Antigen (DR1)-DQB1*0501 and (DR15)-DQB1*0602 Haplotypes Are Associated with Humoral Responses to Early Food Allergens in Children
Authors: Savilahti Emma M. , Ilonen Jorma , Kiviniemi Minna , Saarinen Kristiina M. , Vaarala Outi , Savilahti Erkki
Published: December 2009

Background: Infants’ immunological responses to cow’s milk (CM) proteins, which in 2–3% result in allergy, may partially depend on genetic factors. We evaluated whether genes with immunological functions, i.e. human leukocyte antigen (HLA) II, the protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) and filaggrin, modulate immune responses to dietary antigens. Methods: We analyzed 14 HLA class II haplotypes, the PTPN22 1858 SNP (R620W allele) and 5 known filaggrin null mutations from blood samples of 87 patients with CM allergy (CMA) and 76 control subjects (age 8.0–9.3 years). Serum levels of IgA, IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies to β-lactoglobulin, α-casein and ovalbumin were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, levels of IgE antibodies to CM, ovalbumin and birch with UniCap (Phadia, Uppsala, Sweden). Results: In children with CMA, the HLA (DR15)-DQB1*0602 haplotype was associated with high levels of β-lactoglobulin-specific total IgG (p < 0.001) and IgG4 (p < 0.001) and α-casein-specific total IgG (p = 0.003) and IgG4 (p = 0.002), but not among control subjects. (DR1/10)-DQB1*0501 was associated with lower levels of β-lactoglobulin-specific total IgG (p < 0.001) and IgG4 (p < 0.001), ovalbumin-specific total IgG (p = 0.002) and IgG4 (p < 0.001), particularly in control subjects (p < 0.001). Six children with eczema (3 with CMA) had the filaggrin mutation del22824. PTPN22 was not associated with specific antibody responses or CMA. Conclusion: The HLA II, but not PTPN22 or filaggrin, genotype modulates humoral responses to early food allergens, whereas none of these genes was associated with CMA.
Anaphylaxis to Wheat Flour-Derived Foodstuffs and the Lipid Transfer Protein Syndrome: A Potential Role of Wheat Lipid Transfer Protein Tri a 14
Authors: Palacin Arantxa , Bartra Joan , Muñoz Rosa , Diaz-Perales Araceli , Valero Antonio , Salcedo Gabriel
Published: December 2009

Background: Food allergy to wheat-derived foodstuffs is on the rise. Tri a 14, a wheat flour lipid transfer protein (LTP) allergen, has been described as a major allergen associated with baker’s asthma and wheat food allergy. Cross-reactivity among LTP allergens leads to the so-called ‘LTP syndrome’. Methods: Eight adult patients showing anaphylaxis after ingestion of wheat-derived foodstuffs were selected. A homemade wheat extract, purified natural (n) and recombinant (r) Tri a 14, and peach fruit and Artemisia pollen LTP allergens Pru p 3 and Art v 3 were subjected to skin prick test, specific IgE determination (ELISA) and IgE immunodetection assays. Results: All tests were positive in the 8 selected patients with the homemade extract. Positive skin prick test responses to nTri a 14, Pru p 3 and Art v 3 were found in 5/8, 6/8 and 4/4 patients, respectively. Specific IgE determined by ELISA assays was detected in 6 to nTri a 14 and rTri a 14, in 4 to Pru p 3 and in 3 to Art v 3 out of 8 individual sera tested, whereas all these sera showed IgE binding to nTri a 14 and Pru p 3 in immunodetection after SDS-PAGE separation. Conclusions: Tri a 14 seems to be a relevant allergen in patients with anaphylaxis after ingestion of wheat flour foodstuffs, according to in vitro and in vivo results. Clinical history of the analyzed patients, together with sensitization to peach Pru p 3 and Artemisia pollen Art v 3, suggests that 6 of them suffer from LTP syndrome.
Cdc42 Regulates Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor Nuclear Shuttling and α-Smooth Muscle Actin Promoter Activity during Renal Tubular Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Sebe Attila , Erdei Zsuzsa , Varga Karolina , Bodor Csaba , Mucsi István , Rosivall László
Published: December 2009

Background/Aims: Epithelial–mesenchymal transition of tubular cells into α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-expressing myofibroblasts is a central mechanism in tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Previously, a ‘two-hit’ model was proposed for epithelial–mesenchymal transition wherein an initial injury of the intercellular contacts and TGF-β1 are both required for SMA protein expression in LLC-PK1 cells. The Rho-Rho kinase-myosin light chain-myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-serum response factor (SRF) pathway and Rac1, p21-activated kinase (PAK) and p38 were described as important regulators of MRTF localization and SMA expression. Cdc42 is another small G protein situated upstream of PAK and p38, and is activated upon cell contact disassembly. Here, we investigated its potential role in the regulation of MRTF nuclear shuttling and in the regulation of the SMA promoter. Results: Transfection of a constitutive active (CA) Cdc42 construct alone induced the activation of the SMA promoter. The dominant negative (DN) Cdc42 construct prevented the activation of the promoter induced by cell contact disassembly, and reduced the combined effect of cell contact disruption and TGF-β1. SRF showed a marked nuclear accumulation in CA Cdc42-transfected cells. Cdc42 induced the nuclear translocation of MRTF, while DN Cdc42 inhibited its nuclear translocation induced by cell contact disassembly. Blocking PAK, MRTF and p38 by the corresponding DN constructs blunted the effects of CA Cdc42 on the SMA promoter. Conclusion: Cdc42 is involved in the regulation of SMA promoter activation through PAK, p38, MRTF and SRF. Cdc42 may be an important regulator of MRTF cellular localization.
Effect of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Knockout on Vein Graft Remodelling in Mice
Authors: Thomas Anita C. , Newby Andrew C.
Published: December 2009

Long-term success in vein grafting for bypassing arteries blocked by atherosclerosis is limited by migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells to form a neointima. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in particular MMP-2 and MMP-9, are implicated in neointimal formation by freeing smooth muscle cells from the cell-matrix contacts that normally restrict migration. We investigated the role of MMP-9 in vein grafts directly, using knockout mice. Vein grafts in MMP-9–/– and wild-type mice had similar luminal and graft areas at 1, 4 and 8 weeks after engraftment, increasing with time. There was a relationship between the perimeter of the external elastic lamina and graft thickness (indicating graft remodelling) in MMP-9–/– mice at 1 week after surgery not apparent in control mice until later (r2 = 0.933 for MMP-9–/– mice, r2 = 0.040 for wild-type mice). Grafts in MMP-9–/– mice had 6-fold more pro- and active MMP-2 (p = 0.013, p = 0.026) than grafts in wild-type mice. Grafts from MMP-9–/– mice also had more collagen (p = 0.046 at 8 weeks), without any difference in cell number. Thus, while a lack of MMP-9 did not alter vein graft wall area or cellularity, grafts from MMP-9–/–mice accumulated more collagen and had earlier linear expansive remodelling, possibly due to an early compensatory increase in MMP-2.
Identification of a ‘Snapshot’ of Co-Expressed Angiogenic Markers in Laser-Dissected Vessels from Unstable Carotid Plaques with Targeted Arrays
Authors: Slevin M. , Turu M.M. , Rovira N. , Luque A. , Baldellou M. , Krupinski J. , Badimon L.
Published: December 2009

Background/Aims: Angiogenesis is a feature of the atherogenic process, with intimal neovascularisation arising from vessels in the adventitia, adjacent to a plaque. Immature, leaky blood vessels from unstable plaques proliferate abnormally and, being poorly invested with smooth muscle cells, may contribute to instability of the plaque by facilitation of inflammatory cell infiltration and haemorrhagic complications. Methods: We used laser-capture microdissection to isolate angiogenic areas of the extracellular matrix (containing CD105/flt-1-positive, fragile thin-walled vessels) and non-angiogenic vascular areas (CD105-negative, with smooth muscle cell covering) of complicated endarterectomy plaques, and specifically designed angiogenesis-TaqMan real-time PCR microarrays to identify gene expression. Results: Important pro-angiogenic components, including Notch-3, delta-like-4 (DLL4), Tie-2, angiopoietin-1 (Angio-1) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and one anti-angiogenic factor, endostatin, were up-regulated in these regions. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated localisation within intimal, active (CD105-positive) microvessels and co-localisation of Notch-3 and DLL4/Tie-2 and Angio-1 in the same vessels indicating multiple/synergistic signalling mechanisms associated with vessel development. Conclusion: These data, although providing only a snapshot of information, demonstrate that plaque vascularisation occurs in the presence of multiple angiogenically active factors. Knowledge of their combined effects could help in the formulation of novel therapeutics designed to stabilise or prevent their formation in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Autonomous Effects of Shear Stress and Cyclic Circumferential Stretch regarding Endothelial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress: An ex vivo Arterial Model
Authors: Thacher Tyler N. , Silacci Paolo , Stergiopulos Nikos , da Silva Rafaela F.
Published: December 2009

Cyclic circumferential stretch and shear stress caused by pulsatile blood flow work in concert, yet are very different stimuli capable of independently mediating endothelial function by modulating eNOS expression, oxidative stress (via production of superoxide anion) and NO bioavailability. Porcine carotid arteries were perfused using an ex vivo arterial support system for 72 h. Groups we created by combining normal (5%) and reduced (1%) stretch with high shear (6 ± 3 dynes/cm2) and oscillatory shear (0.3 ± 3 dynes/cm2) stress while maintaining a pulse pressure of 80 ± 10 mm Hg. Oscillatory flow and reduced stretch both proved detrimental to endothelial function, whereas oscillatory flow alone dominated total endogenous vascular wall superoxide anion production. Yet, when superoxide anion production was analyzed in just the endothelial region, we observed that it was modulated more significantly by reduced cyclic stretch than by oscillatory shear, emphasizing an important distinction between shear- and stretch-mediated effects to the vascular wall. Western blotting analysis of eNOS and nitrotyrosine proved that they too are more significantly negatively modulated by oscillatory flow than by reduced stretch. These findings point out how shear and stretch stimulate regions of the vascular wall differently, affecting NO bioavailability and contributing to vascular disease.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Antigens and Interleukin-6 Stimulate the Production of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 via the Upregulation of Early Growth Response-1 Transcription in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells
Authors: Maekawa Tomoki , Takahashi Naoki , Honda Tomoyuki , Yonezawa Daisuke , Miyashita Hirotaka , Okui Takafumi , Tabeta Koichi , Yamazaki Kazuhisa
Published: December 2009

Background: Individuals with periodontitis have elevated serum levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein and have been reported to have a significantly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The transcription factor early growth response factor 1 (Egr-1) has been shown to play an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. However, it is not known whether periodontal infection affects the expression of Egr-1 and subsequent endothelial cells expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, a key molecule of leukocyte chemoattraction into vessels. Methods: Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were stimulated with either sonicated extracts from Porphyromonas gingivalis strains 381 or SU63, or a combination of IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (IL-6/sIL-6R). The expression of Egr-1, and subsequently MCP-1, was then analyzed. The role of Egr-1 on MCP-1 expression was analyzed by siRNA transfection. Results: Both P. gingivalis antigens and IL-6/sIL-6R stimulations upregulated the expression of Egr-1, with a more robust effect by IL-6/sIL-6R. Increased expression of Egr-1 coincided with MCP-1 production, and Egr-1 downregulation by siRNA suppressed this effect. Conclusion: These results clearly suggest that periodontal infection has the potential to affect HCAECs and hence contribute to the development of subsequent atherosclerosis.
Cultural Differences in Coping Among New Zealand Adolescents
Authors: Jose Paul E. , Schurer Katherine
Published: December 2009

The present study was conducted to determine whether idiocentrism and allocentrism would moderate the relationship between coping strategies and psychological maladjustment in three cultural groups of New Zealand adolescents. Self-report data assessing idiocentrism, allocentrism, coping strategies, and psychological maladjustment were collected from 566 adolescents. Māori adolescents reported higher levels of allocentrism than did either European New Zealanders (ENZ) or Asian New Zealanders (ANZ). Māori and ANZ teenagers reported higher levels of rumination than did ENZ. Rumination and externalization were found to be positively related, and social support was negatively related to psychological maladjustment. Moderation analysis results showed that in Māori youth idiocentrism was found to exacerbate the association among rumination, externalization, and problem solving with maladjustment. Similar but weaker findings were obtained for ANZ youth. These findings suggest that idiocentrism may have a deleterious association with coping strategies employed by members of collectivist populations. In contrast, for all youth, allocentrism buffered the relationship between rumination and maladjustment.
Psychometric Properties of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale in Eight African Countries and Switzerland
Authors: Verardi Sabrina , Dahourou Donatien , Ah-Kion Jennifer , Bhowon Uma , Tseung Caroline Ng , Amoussou-Yeye Denis , Adjahouisso Marcel , Bouatta Cherifa , Dougoumalé Cissé Daouda , Mbodji Mamadou , Barry Oumar , Minga David Minga , Ondongo François , Tsokini Dieudonné , Rigozzi Christine , Meyer de Stadelhofen Franz , Rossier Jérôme
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this study was to assess the cross-cultural validity of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability scale short form C, in a large sample of French-speaking participants from eight African countries and Switzerland. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses suggested retaining a two-factor structure. Item bias detection according to country was conducted for all 13 items and effect was calculated with R2. For the two-factor solution, 9 items were associated with a negligible effect size, 3 items with a moderate one, and 1 item with a large one. A series of analyses of covariance considering the acquiescence variable as a covariate showed that the acquiescence tendency does not contribute to the bias at item level. This research indicates that the psychometric properties of this instrument do not reach a scalar equivalence but that a culturally reliable measurement of social desirability could be developed.
The Community, Autonomy, and Divinity Scale (CADS): A New Tool for the Cross-Cultural Study of Morality
Authors: Guerra Valeschka M. , Giner-Sorolla Roger
Published: December 2009

Moral rules are an important aspect of culture.Yet to date, no published scale exists to measure the endorsement of different moral codes. We report the development of the Community, Autonomy, and Divinity Scale (CADS), based on Shweder’s moral codes, as a means to measure cross-cultural, subcultural, and individual differences in the contents of morality. Scale development, confirmatory factor analysis, and convergent and discriminant validity are reported in Studies 1 and 2, as well as analysis for structural invariance and meaningful differences across British and Brazilian cultural contexts. The authors find the CADS to be a reliable and valid scale, thereby enabling the cross-cultural quantitative study of similarities and differences in endorsement of moral codes.
Self-Esteem and Trait Importance Moderate Cultural Differences in Self-Evaluations
Authors: Brown Jonathon D. , Cai Huajian
Published: December 2009

It is widely assumed that East Asians evaluate themselves less positively than do Westerners, but this assumption lacks consistent support. In this report, the authors provide evidence that cultural differences in self-evaluations are moderated by two factors: trait importance and self-esteem. American and Chinese college students completed a self-esteem scale and then evaluated themselves on traits that varied in their cultural importance. Culture and trait importance did not affect the self-evaluations of high self-esteem participants, but did affect the self-evaluations of low self-esteem participants. Whereas low self-esteem Americans evaluated their agentic qualities more positively than did low self-esteem Chinese, low self-esteem Chinese evaluated their communal qualities more positively than did low self-esteem Americans. The discussion considers the implications of these findings for theories of cultural differences and self-esteem functioning.
Winch Reassessed
Authors: Gunnell John G.
Published: December 2009

Hutchinson, Read, and Sharrock have provided an important analysis of the work of Peter Winch. They succeed in rescuing his philosophy from many of the distorting characterizations and categorizations to which it has been subjected, and they provide a fresh account of its relevance for thinking about the theory and practice of social science.
System Justification, the Denial of Global Warming, and the Possibility of “System-Sanctioned Change”
Authors: Feygina Irina , Jost John T. , Goldsmith Rachel E.
Published: December 2009

Despite extensive evidence of climate change and environmental destruction, polls continue to reveal widespread denial and resistance to helping the environment. It is posited here that these responses are linked to the motivational tendency to defend and justify the societal status quo in the face of the threat posed by environmental problems. The present research finds that system justification tendencies are associated with greater denial of environmental realities and less commitment to pro-environmental action. Moreover, the effects of political conservatism, national identification, and gender on denial of environmental problems are explained by variability in system justification tendencies. However, this research finds that it is possible to eliminate the negative effect of system justification on environmentalism by encouraging people to regard pro-environmental change as patriotic and consistent with protecting the status quo (i.e., as a case of “system-sanctioned change”). Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Who Am I Without You? The Influence of Romantic Breakup on the Self-Concept
Authors: Slotter Erica B. , Gardner Wendi L. , Finkel Eli J.
Published: December 2009

Romantic relationships alter the selves of the individuals within them. Partners develop shared friends and activities and even overlapping self-concepts. This intertwining of selves may leave individuals’ self-concepts vulnerable to change if the relationship ends. The current research examines several different types of self-concept change that could occur after a breakup and their relation to emotional distress. Across three studies, using varied methodologies, the authors examined change in both the content (Study 1a and 1b) and the structure of the self-concept, specifically, reduced self-concept clarity (Studies 1 through 3). As predicted, individuals experienced self-concept content change and reduced self-concept clarity post-breakup. Additionally, reduced clarity uniquely predicted post-breakup emotional distress.
Proceedings of the 2009 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium
Authors: Bach Ute , Hailey James R. , Hill Georgette D. , Kaufmann Wolfgang , Latimer Kenneth S. , Malarkey David E. , Maronpot Robert M. , Miller Rodney A. , Moore Rebecca R. , Morrison James P. , Nolte Thomas , Rinke Matthias , Rittinghausen Susanne , Suttie Andrew W. , Travlos Gregory S. , Vahle John L. , Willson Gabrielle A. , Elmore Susan A.
Published: December 2009

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) Satellite Symposium is a one-day meeting that is held in conjunction with the annual Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) meeting. The topic of the 2009 Symposium was ‘‘Tumor Pathology and INHAND (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice) Nomenclature.’’ The goal of this article is to provide summaries of each speaker’s presentation, including the diagnostic or nomenclature issues that were presented, along with a few select images that were used for voting. The results of the voting process and interesting points of discussion that were raised during the presentation are also provided. A supplemental file with voting choices and voting results for each case presented at the symposium is available at http://tpx.sagepub.com/supplemental.
Commentary: Moving Beyond Crisis, Crossroads, and the Abyss in the Disciplinary Formation of Planning
Authors: Beard Victoria A. , Basolo Victoria
Published: December 2009

The article explicates the contours of an academic discipline and builds an argument in favor of viewing planning as an evolving discipline. As part of our argument, we discuss the unique historical trajectory of the planning discipline, its emphasis on practice and public scholarship, and how this contrasts to the traditional social sciences. We argue that planning scholars need to reorient toward the discipline’s central organizing concept, Friedmann’s knowledge-action framework, and to engage in an ongoing dialectical process of refinement, revision, and extension. To illustrate this point, we provide an example of how recent scholarly work on collective action and social movement contributes to the terrain of planning thought.
Evolving Institutional Arrangements, Scaling Up, and Sustainability
Authors: Das Ashok K. , Takahashi Lois M.
Published: December 2009

Urban development and poverty alleviation efforts in the Global South, such as slum upgrading, have been transformed by policy shifts toward more decentralization, reduced state control, and greater civil society and community participation in local governance. The Slum Networking Project (SNP) in Ahmedabad, India, is an internationally recognized “best practice” in participatory slum upgrading. We illustrate how changing the nature of multi-stakeholder participation in the SNP affected its potentials for sustainability and scaling up. Stakeholder ability to alter the institutional arrangement resulted in a significant transfer of project implementation responsibility and authority from the state to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Although these stakeholder-initiated institutional innovations initially expedited and expanded SNP and made it more sustainable, we argue that the enlarged role for NGOs in the current institutional arrangement can limit the program’s potential for further scaling up.
Framing the Oregon Land Use Debate
Authors: Bassett Ellen M.
Published: December 2009

While there has been extensive examination of the property rights movement, there is little research into the way we talk (and fight) about property rights and community planning in the public sphere. Using a content analysis approach, this study analyzes language and argumentation about land use planning in the state of Oregon as contained in arguments over ballot measures published in the state’s voters’ pamphlets. The debate is bifurcated: initially a fight over the locus of control, recent contestation has been over the impacts of the system. A variety of themes were deployed in arguments over time; “fairness” appears only in 2000. Using insights from cognitive linguistics, the article argues that planners need to develop a nontechnocratic language that expresses the values central to planning.
How to Critically Evaluate Case Studies in Social Work
Authors: Eunjung Lee  , Mishna Faye , Brennenstuhl Sarah
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this article is to develop guidelines to assist practitioners and researchers in evaluating and developing rigorous case studies. The main concern in evaluating a case study is to accurately assess its quality and ultimately to offer clients social work interventions informed by the best available evidence. To assess the quality of a case study, we propose criteria, including transferability/external validity, credibility/internal validity, confirmability/construct validity, and dependability/reliability. Guidelines are presented in a phase-oriented framework: research design, data collection, and data analysis. Finally, several dimensions to enhance the quality at each phase of the guidelines in evaluating the case study are discussed.
Toward Evidence-Informed Policy and Practice in Child Welfare
Authors: Littell Julia H. , Shlonsky Aron
Published: December 2009

Drawing on the authors’ experience in the international Campbell Collaboration, this essay presents a principled and pragmatic approach to evidence-informed decisions about child welfare. This approach takes into account the growing body of empirical evidence on the reliability and validity of various methods of research synthesis. It also considers wide variations in the cultural, economic, and political contexts in which policy and practice decisions are made—and the contexts in which children live and die. This essay illustrates the use of Campbell and Cochrane systematic reviews to inform child welfare decisions in the diverse contexts that exist around the globe.
Interviews and Internet Forums: A Comparison of Two Sources of Qualitative Data
Authors: Seale Clive , Charteris-Black Jonathan , MacFarlane Aidan , McPherson Ann
Published: December 2009

We report a comparative keyword analysis of interviews and Internet postings involving people with breast and prostate cancer and discussion of sexual health. Interviewees produce retrospective accounts, their content guided by interviewers’ questions, which might elicit rich biographical and contextual details. Internet exchanges concern participants’ current experiences and contain detailed accounts of disease processes, medical procedures, bodily processes, and, in the case of sexual health, sexual practices. They are used by participants to exchange information and support in a relatively anonymous context. Because of the ease with which large amounts of such archived Internet materials can be accessed and analyzed, this source has considerable potential for direct observation of illness experiences, although some disadvantages also exist. This reverses an earlier situation where observational research was more laborious than qualitative interviews. Observational material for research purposes is, through the Internet, now easy to obtain and produces naturalistic data.
Know Thyself: Examining Factors That Influence the Activation of Organizational Identity Concepts in Top Managers’ Minds
Authors: Debora Riantoputra Corina
Published: December 2009

This article addresses how top managers activate their organizational identity concepts during strategic decision making. It integrates the social cognition and strategic management literature by employing the accessibility principle in strategic management processes. Data were gathered through interviews and case scenario—based questionnaires from top managers in four Indonesian pharmaceutical companies. Analysis suggests that cognitive associations that are achieved through decision integration, desired future image, and information sharing are keys in making identity dimensions accessible, thus enabling the activation of organizational identity concepts in these top managers’ minds. Results also indicate an association between perception of control and top managers’ ability to activate concepts of organizational identity. The article discusses the theoretical and practical implications of findings.
Reaching Linguistically Isolated People: Findings from a Telephone Survey Using Real-time Interpreters
Authors: Hu S. Sean , Link Michael W. , Mokdad Ali H.
Published: December 2009

We can no longer ignore nonresponse rates in telephone surveys because of a language barrier (i.e., people who could not speak either English or Spanish) and the corresponding potential for bias in estimates from surveys that involve only English- or Spanish-speaking respondents. Building on a few published studies focusing on this problem, a pilot study was conducted in California as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), the world’s largest ongoing public health telephone survey. The aim of this follow-up study is to evaluate the effectiveness of conducting BRFSS interviews of non-English- and non-Spanish-speaking respondents via real-time interpreters. One hundred and ninety-five people identified as having a language barrier in the 2006 California BRFSS were interviewed with the assistance of on-phone interpreters. The use of real-time interpreters increased the number of completed interviews among Asian respondents in the California BRFSS from 262 to 400 and allowed a more reliable examination of key health conditions and behavioral risk factors among Asian Americans. In addition, the study reached persons with demographic profiles different from those typically interviewed in English or Spanish. The methodology used in this study might be an effective tool for telephone survey researchers to consider using to reach linguistically isolated respondents.
“People as Technology” Conceptual Model: Toward a New Value Creation Paradigm for Strategic Human Resource Development
Authors: Hughes Claretha
Published: December 2009

This article proposes a “people as technology” (PT) conceptual model that introduces five key values providing connections of human resource development and technology development: location, use, maintenance, modification, and time. The PT conceptual model provides a scheme for identifying how HRD and technology development may change and/or mediate the relationship between organization employees and leaders. The relationships between people and technology can be better managed through the cognitive, behavioral, and/or cultural perspectives of the organization, create five key values, and produce competitive advantage for organizations.The PT conceptual model provides a theoretical framework for further research and practical applications of management practices, training practices, HRD philosophy, and HRD strategies within organizations.
Multiple extrathymic precursors contribute to T-cell development with different kinetics
Authors: Saran Namita , Łyszkiewicz Marcin , Pommerencke Jens , Witzlau Katrin , Vakilzadeh Ramin , Ballmaier Matthias , von Boehmer Harald , Krueger Andreas
Published: December 2009

T-cell development in the thymus depends on continuous supply of T-cell progenitors from bone marrow (BM). Several extrathymic candidate progenitors have been described that range from multipotent cells to lymphoid cell committed progenitors and even largely T-lineage committed precursors. However, the nature of precursors seeding the thymus under physiologic conditions has remained largely elusive and it is not known whether there is only one physiologic T-cell precursor population or many. Here, we used a competitive in vivo assay based on depletion rather than enrichment of classes of BM-derived precursor populations, thereby only minimally altering physiologic precursor ratios to assess the contribution of various extrathymic precursors to T-lineage differentiation. We found that under these conditions multiple precursors, belonging to both multipotent progenitor (MPP) and common lymphoid progenitor (CLP) subsets have robust T-lineage potential. However, differentiation kinetics of different precursors varied considerably, which might ensure continuous thymic output despite gated importation of extrathymic precursors. In conclusion, our data suggest that the thymus functions to impose T-cell fate on any precursor capable of filling the limited number of progenitor niches.
Hypercholesterolemia promotes bone marrow cell mobilization by perturbing the SDF-1:CXCR4 axis
Authors: Gomes Ana L. , Carvalho Tânia , Serpa Jacinta , Torre Cheila , Dias Sérgio
Published: December 2009

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with elevated peripheral blood leukocytes and increased platelet levels, generally attributed to cholesterol-induced proinflammatory cytokines. Bone marrow (BM) cell mobilization and platelet production is achieved by disrupting the SDF-1:CXCR4 axis, namely with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and/or CXCR4 antagonists. Here we show that high cholesterol disrupts the BM SDF-1:CXCR4 axis; promotes the mobilization of B cells, neutrophils, and progenitor cells (HPCs); and creates thrombocytosis. Hypercholesterolemia was achieved after a 30-day high-cholesterol feeding trial, resulting in elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and inversion of the LDL to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. Hypercholesterolemic mice displayed lymphocytosis, increased neutrophils, HPCs, and thrombocytosis with a lineage-specific decrease in the BM. Histologic analysis revealed that megakaryocyte numbers remained unaltered but, in high-cholesterol mice, they formed large clusters in contact with BM vessels. In vitro, LDL induced stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1) production, suggesting that megakaryocyte delocalization resulted from an altered SDF-1 gradient. LDL also stimulated B cells and HPC migration toward SDF-1, which was blocked by scavenger receptor class B type I (cholesterol receptor) inhibition. Accordingly, hypercholesterolemic mice had increased peripheral blood SDF-1 levels, increased platelets, CXCR4-positive B lymphocytes, neutrophils, and HPCs. High cholesterol interferes with the BM SDF-1:CXCR4 axis, resulting in lymphocytosis, thrombocytosis, and HPC mobilization.
Genetic diversity of Ophiocordyceps sinensis, a medicinal fungus endemic to the Tibetan Plateau: Implications for its evolution and conservation
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Xu Lingling , Zhang Shu , Liu Xingzhong , An Zhiqiang , Wang Mu , Guo Yinglan
Published: December 2009

Background

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis), endemic to alpine regions on the Tibetan plateau, is one of the most valuable medicinal fungi in the world. Huge commercial demand has led to excessive harvest and a dramatic decline in its numbers. The diversity of terrains and climates on the Tibetan Plateau and the broad insect host range (more than 50 species in the family Hepialidae) may have resulted in substantial intraspecific genetic diversity for this fungus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the population distribution of O. sinensis from geographically diverse regions of the Tibetan Plateau based on nrDNA ITS and MAT1-2-1 gene sequences. Understanding of the genetic diversity and genesis of O. sinensis will provide important information for the evolution and conservation of this fungus.

Results

Significant sequence variations in the ITS and MAT1-2-1 genes (27 and 23 informative sites, eight and seven haplotypes, respectively) were observed. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences, MAT1-2-1 sequences, or their combined data set, clustered isolates from northern regions in one clade (clade I), whereas isolates from southern regions were dispersed in all four clades (clade I-IV). Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analyses of 2639 ITS clones from seven samples revealed 91 different SSCP patterns that were subsequently sequenced. ITS heterogeneity was found in XZ-LZ07-H1 (Nyingchi population), and 17 informative sites and five haplotypes were detected from 15 clones. The five haplotypes clustered into three clades (clade I, II, and IV).

Conclusions

Significant genetic divergence in O. sinensis was observed and the genetic diversification was greater among southern isolates than that among northern isolates. The polymorphism of nrDNA ITS sequences suggested that O. sinensis spread from a center of origin (the Nyingchi District) to southern regions and subsequently to northern areas. These results suggest that southern populations are important reservoirs of genetic diversity and should be taken into account in conservation programs.
A simple method for estimating genetic diversity in large populations from finite sample sizes
Authors: Bashalkhanov Stanislav , Pandey Madhav , Rajora Om P
Published: December 2009

Background

Sample size is one of the critical factors affecting the accuracy of the estimation of population genetic diversity parameters. Small sample sizes often lead to significant errors in determining the allelic richness, which is one of the most important and commonly used estimators of genetic diversity in populations. Correct estimation of allelic richness in natural populations is challenging since they often do not conform to model assumptions. Here, we introduce a simple and robust approach to estimate the genetic diversity in large natural populations based on the empirical data for finite sample sizes.

Results

We developed a non-linear regression model to infer genetic diversity estimates in large natural populations from finite sample sizes. The allelic richness values predicted by our model were in good agreement with those observed in the simulated data sets and the true allelic richness observed in the source populations. The model has been validated using simulated population genetic data sets with different evolutionary scenarios implied in the simulated populations, as well as large microsatellite and allozyme experimental data sets for four conifer species with contrasting patterns of inherent genetic diversity and mating systems. Our model was a better predictor for allelic richness in natural populations than the widely-used Ewens sampling formula, coalescent approach, and rarefaction algorithm.

Conclusions

Our regression model was capable of accurately estimating allelic richness in natural populations regardless of the species and marker system. This regression modeling approach is free from assumptions and can be widely used for population genetic and conservation applications.
Risk of urinary bladder cancer: a case-control analysis of industry and occupation
Authors: Cassidy Adrian , Wang Wei , Wu Xifeng , Lin Jie
Published: December 2009

Background

Uncertainty remains about urinary bladder cancer (UBC) risk for many occupations. Here, we investigate the association between occupation, industry and UBC.

Methods

Lifetime occupational history was collected by in-person interview for 604 newly diagnosed UBC patients and 604 cancer-free controls. Each job title was assigned a two-digit industry code and a three-digit occupation code. Odds ratios (ORs) for UBC associated with ever being employed in an industry or occupation were calculated by unconditional logistic regression adjusting for age, gender and smoking status. We also examined UBC risk by duration of employment (>0 to <10, ≥10 years) in industry or occupation.

Results

Significantly increased risk of UBC was observed among waiters and bartenders (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.05 to 7.72) and occupations related to medicine and health (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.21 to 3.92), agricultural production, livestock and animal specialties (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.49), electrical assembly, installation and repair (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.65), communications (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.00 to 3.01), and health services (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.44). For these occupations we also observed a significant excess risk of UBC for long-term work (i.e. ≥10 years), with the exception of waiters and bartenders. Employment for 10 years or more was associated with increased risk of UBC in general farmers (OR 9.58; 95% CI 2.18 to 42.05), agricultural production of crops (OR 3.36; 95% CI 1.10 to 10.27), occupations related to bench working (OR 4.76; 95% CI 1.74 to 13.01), agricultural, fishery, forestry & related (OR 4.58; 95% CI 1.97 to 10.65), transportation equipment (OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.03 to 6.97), and structural work (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.16 to 2.95).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of increased risk of UBC for occupations that were previously reported as at-risk. Workers in several occupation and industry groups have a significantly higher risk of UBC, particularly when duration of employment is 10 years or more.
Site of cochlear stimulation and its effect on electrically evoked compound action potentials using the MED-EL standard electrode array
Authors: Brill Stefan , Müller Joachim , Hagen Rudolf , Möltner Alexander , Brockmeier Steffi-Johanna , Stark Thomas , Helbig Silke , Maurer Jan , Zahnert Thomas , Zierhofer Clemens , Nopp Peter , Anderson Ilona , Strahl Stefan
Published: December 2009

Background

The standard electrode array for the MED-EL MAESTRO cochlear implant system is 31 mm in length which allows an insertion angle of approximately 720°. When fully inserted, this long electrode array is capable of stimulating the most apical region of the cochlea. No investigation has explored Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential (ECAP) recordings in this region with a large number of subjects using a commercially available cochlear implant system. The aim of this study is to determine if certain properties of ECAP recordings vary, depending on the stimulation site in the cochlea.

Methods

Recordings of auditory nerve responses were conducted in 67 subjects to demonstrate the feasibility of ECAP recordings using the Auditory Nerve Response Telemetry (ART™) feature of the MED-EL MAESTRO system software. These recordings were then analyzed based on the site of cochlear stimulation defined as basal, middle and apical to determine if the amplitude, threshold and slope of the amplitude growth function and the refractory time differs depending on the region of stimulation.

Results

Findings show significant differences in the ECAP recordings depending on the stimulation site. Comparing the apical with the basal region, on average higher amplitudes, lower thresholds and steeper slopes of the amplitude growth function have been observed. The refractory time shows an overall dependence on cochlear region; however post-hoc tests showed no significant effect between individual regions.

Conclusions

Obtaining ECAP recordings is also possible in the most apical region of the cochlea. However, differences can be observed depending on the region of the cochlea stimulated. Specifically, significant higher ECAP amplitude, lower thresholds and steeper amplitude growth function slopes have been observed in the apical region. These differences could be explained by the location of the stimulating electrode with respect to the neural tissue in the cochlea, a higher density, or an increased neural survival rate of neural tissue in the apex.

Trial registration

The Clinical Investigation has the Competent Authority registration number DE/CA126/AP4/3332/18/05.
The protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type R gene is an early and frequent target of silencing in human colorectal tumorigenesis
Authors: Menigatti Mirco , Cattaneo Elisa , Sabates-Bellver Jacob , Ilinsky Valery V , Went Philip , Buffoli Federico , Marquez Victor E , Jiricny Josef , Marra Giancarlo
Published: December 2009

Background

Tumor development in the human colon is commonly accompanied by epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and chromatin modifications. These alterations result in significant, inheritable changes in gene expression that contribute to the selection of tumor cells with enhanced survival potential.

Results

A recent high-throughput gene expression analysis conducted by our group identified numerous genes whose transcription was markedly diminished in colorectal tumors. One of these, the
p

rotein-

t

yrosine

p

hosphatase

r

eceptor type

R
(PTPRR) gene, was dramatically downregulated from the earliest stages of cellular transformation. Here, we show that levels of both major PTPRR transcript variants are markedly decreased (compared with normal mucosal levels) in precancerous and cancerous colorectal tumors, as well in colorectal cancer cell lines. The expression of the PTPRR-1 isoform was inactivated in colorectal cancer cells as a result of de novo CpG island methylation and enrichment of transcription-repressive histone-tail marks, mainly H3K27me3. De novo methylation of the PTPRR-1 transcription start site was demonstrated in 29/36 (80%) colorectal adenomas, 42/44 (95%) colorectal adenocarcinomas, and 8/8 (100%) liver metastases associated with the latter tumors.

Conclusions

Epigenetic downregulation of PTPRR seems to be an early alteration in colorectal cell transformation, which is maintained during the clonal selection associated with tumor progression. It may represent a preliminary step in the constitutive activation of the RAS/RAF/MAPK/ERK signalling, an effect that will later be consolidated by mutations in genes encoding key components of this pathway.
Human synthetic lethal inference as potential anti-cancer target gene detection
Authors: Conde-Pueyo Nuria , Munteanu Andreea , Solé Ricard V , Rodríguez-Caso Carlos
Published: December 2009

Background

Two genes are called synthetic lethal (SL) if mutation of either alone is not lethal, but mutation of both leads to death or a significant decrease in organism's fitness. The detection of SL gene pairs constitutes a promising alternative for anti-cancer therapy. As cancer cells exhibit a large number of mutations, the identification of these mutated genes' SL partners may provide specific anti-cancer drug candidates, with minor perturbations to the healthy cells. Since existent SL data is mainly restricted to yeast screenings, the road towards human SL candidates is limited to inference methods.

Results

In the present work, we use phylogenetic analysis and database manipulation (BioGRID for interactions, Ensembl and NCBI for homology, Gene Ontology for GO attributes) in order to reconstruct the phylogenetically-inferred SL gene network for human. In addition, available data on cancer mutated genes (COSMIC and Cancer Gene Census databases) as well as on existent approved drugs (DrugBank database) supports our selection of cancer-therapy candidates.

Conclusions

Our work provides a complementary alternative to the current methods for drug discovering and gene target identification in anti-cancer research. Novel SL screening analysis and the use of highly curated databases would contribute to improve the results of this methodology.