bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OMITTING TYPES, BOUNDED WIDTH AND THE ABILITY TO COUNT
Authors: LAROSE BENOIT , VALERIOTE MATT , ZÁDORI LÁSZLÓ
Published: September 2009

We say that a finite algebra 𝔸 = 〈A; F〉 has the ability to count if there are subalgebras C of 𝔸3 and Z of 𝔸 such that the structure 〈A; C, Z〉 has the ability to count in the sense of Feder and Vardi. We show that for a core relational structure A the following conditions are equivalent: (i) the variety generated by the algebra 𝔸 associated to A contains an algebra with the ability to count; (ii) 𝔸2 has the ability to count; (iii) the variety generated by 𝔸 admits the unary or affine type. As a consequence, for CSP's of finite signature, the bounded width conjectures stated in Feder–Vardi [10], Larose–Zádori [17] and Bulatov [5] are identical.
FREGEAN VARIETIES
Authors: IDZIAK PAWEŁ , SŁOMCZYŃSKA KATARZYNA , WROŃSKI ANDRZEJ
Published: September 2009

A class [Formula: see text] of algebras with a distinguished constant term 0 is called Fregean if congruences of algebras in [Formula: see text] are uniquely determined by their 0–cosets and ΘA (0,a) = ΘA (0,b) implies a = b for all [Formula: see text]. The structure of Fregean varieties is investigated. In particular it is shown that every congruence permutable Fregean variety consists of algebras that are expansions of equivalential algebras, i.e. algebras that form an algebraization of the purely equivalential fragment of the intuitionistic propositional logic. Moreover the clone of polynomials of any finite algebra A from a congruence permutable Fregean variety is uniquely determined by the congruence lattice of A together with the commutator of congruences. Actually we show that such an algebra A itself can be recovered (up to polynomial equivalence) from its congruence lattice expanded by the commutator, i.e. the structure ( Con (A); ∧, ∨, [·,·]). This leads to Fregean frames, a notion that generalizes Kripke frames for intuitionistic propositional logic.
REPRESENTING SUBDIRECT PRODUCT MONOIDS BY GRAPHS
Authors: KOUBEK VÁCLAV , RÖDL VOJTĚCH , SHEMMER BENJAMIN
Published: September 2009

Hedrlín and Pultr proved that for any monoid M there exists a graph G with endomorphism monoid isomorphic to M. In a previous paper, we give a construction G(M) for a graph with prescribed endomorphism monoid M known as a [Formula: see text]-graph. Using this construction, we derived bounds on the minimum number of vertices and edges required to produce a graph with a given endomorphism monoid for various classes of finite monoids. In this paper, we generalize the [Formula: see text]-graph construction and derive several new bounds for monoid classes not handled by our first paper. Among these are the so called "strong semilattices of C-semigroups" where C is one of the following: Groups, Abelian Groups, Rectangular Groups, and completely simple semigroups.
PRODUCTS OF HOMOGENEOUS SUBSPACES IN FREE LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: STÖHR RALPH , VAUGHAN-LEE MICHAEL
Published: September 2009

Let L be a free Lie algebra of finite rank. If n ≥ 1 then we let Lndenote the homogeneous subspace of L spanned by Lie products of weight n in the free generators of L. We obtain formulae for the dimensions of the subspaces [Lm,Ln] for all m and n.
Facultative Symbionts in Aphids and the Horizontal Transfer of Ecologically Important Traits
Authors: Oliver Kerry M. , Degnan Patrick H. , Burke Gaelen R. , Moran Nancy A.
Published: September 2009

Aphids engage in symbiotic associations with a diverse assemblage of heritable bacteria. In addition to their obligate nutrient-provisioning symbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, aphids may also carry one or more facultative symbionts. Unlike obligate symbionts, facultative symbionts are not generally required for survival or reproduction and can invade novel hosts, based on both phylogenetic analyses and transfection experiments. Facultative symbionts are mutualistic in the context of various ecological interactions. Experiments on pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) have demonstrated that facultative symbionts protect against entomopathogenic fungi and parasitoid wasps, ameliorate the detrimental effects of heat, and influence host plant suitability. The protective symbiont, Hamiltonella defensa, has a dynamic genome, exhibiting evidence of recombination, phage-mediated gene uptake, and horizontal gene transfer and containing virulence and toxin-encoding genes. Although transmitted maternally with high fidelity, facultative symbionts occasionally move horizontally within and between species, resulting in the instantaneous acquisition of ecologically important traits, such as parasitoid defense.
Insect Silk: One Name, Many Materials
Authors: Sutherland Tara D. , Young James H. , Weisman Sarah , Hayashi Cheryl Y. , Merritt David J.
Published: September 2009

Silks play a crucial role in the survival and reproduction of many insects. Labial glands, Malpighian tubules, and a variety of dermal glands have evolved to produce these silks. The glands synthesize silk proteins, which become semicrystalline when formed into fibers. Although each silk contains one dominant crystalline structure, the range of molecular structures that can form silk fibers is greater than any other structural protein group. On the basis of silk gland type, silk protein molecular structure, and the phylogenetic relationship of silk-producing species, we grouped insect silks into 23 distinct categories, each likely to represent an independent evolutionary event. Despite having diverse functions and fundamentally different protein structures, these silks typically have high levels of protein crystallinity and similar amino acid compositions. The substantial crystalline content confers extraordinary mechanical properties and stability to silk and appears to be required for production of fine protein fibers.
Sex Differences in Phenotypic Plasticity Affect Variation in Sexual Size Dimorphism in Insects: From Physiology to Evolution
Authors: Stillwell R. Craig , Blanckenhorn Wolf U. , Teder Tiit , Davidowitz Goggy , Fox Charles W.
Published: September 2009

Males and females of nearly all animals differ in their body size, a phenomenon called sexual size dimorphism (SSD). The degree and direction of SSD vary considerably among taxa, including among populations within species. A considerable amount of this variation is due to sex differences in body size plasticity. We examine how variation in these sex differences is generated by exploring sex differences in plasticity in growth rate and development time and the physiological regulation of these differences (e.g., sex differences in regulation by the endocrine system). We explore adaptive hypotheses proposed to explain sex differences in plasticity, including those that predict that plasticity will be lowest for traits under strong selection (adaptive canalization) or greatest for traits under strong directional selection (condition dependence), but few studies have tested these hypotheses. Studies that combine proximate and ultimate mechanisms offer great promise for understanding variation in SSD and sex differences in body size plasticity in insects.
Comparative Genomics on the Drosophila Phylogenetic Tree
Authors: Singh Nadia D. , Larracuente Amanda M. , Sackton Timothy B. , Clark Andrew G.
Published: September 2009

With the sequencing of 12 complete euchromatic Drosophila genomes, the genus Drosophila is a leading model for comparative genomics. In this review, we discuss the novel insights into evolutionary processes afforded by the newly available genomic sequences when placed in the context of the phylogeny. We focus on three levels: insights into whole-genome content, such as changes in genome size and content across the phylogeny; insights into large-scale patterns of divergence and conservation, such as selective constraints on genes and chromosome-level evolution of sex chromosomes; and insights into finer-scale processes in individual lineages and genes, such as lineage-specific evolution in response to ecological context. As the field of comparative genomics is still young, we also discuss current challenges, such as the development of more sophisticated evolutionary models to capture nonequilibrium processes and the improvement of assembly and alignment algorithms to better capture uncertainty in the data.
Honey Bees as a Model for Vision, Perception, and Cognition
Authors: Srinivasan Mandyam V.
Published: September 2009

Among the so-called simpler organisms, the honey bee is one of the few examples of an animal with a highly evolved social structure, a rich behavioral repertoire, an exquisite navigational system, an elaborate communication system, and an extraordinary ability to learn colors, shapes, fragrances, and navigational routes quickly and accurately. This review examines vision and complex visually mediated behavior in the honey bee, outlining the structure and function of the compound eyes, the perception and discrimination of colors and shapes, the learning of complex tasks, the ability to establish and exploit complex associations, and the capacity to abstract general principles from a task and apply them to tackle novel situations. All this is accomplished by a brain that weighs less than a milligram and carries fewer than a million neurons, thus making the bee a promising subject in which to study a variety of fundamental questions about behavior and brain function.
Pancreas-specific aquaporin 12 null mice showed increased susceptibility to caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis
Authors: Ohta Eriko , Itoh Tomohiro , Nemoto Tomomi , Kumagai Jiro , Ko Shigeru B. H. , Ishibashi Kenichi , Ohno Mayuko , Uchida Keiko , Ohta Akihito , Sohara Eisei , Uchida Shinichi , Sasaki Sei , Rai Tatemitsu
Published: September 2009

Aquaporin 12 (AQP12) is the most recently identified member of the mammalian AQP family and is specifically expressed in pancreatic acinar cells. In vitro expression studies have revealed that AQP12 is localized at intracellular sites. To determine the physiological roles of AQP12 in the pancreas, we generated knockout mice for this gene (AQP12-KO). No obvious differences were observed under normal conditions between wild-type (WT) and AQP12-KO mice in terms of growth, blood chemistry, pancreatic fluid content, or histology. However, when we induced pancreatitis through the administration of a cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) analog, the AQP12-KO mice showed more severe pathological damage to this organ than WT mice. Furthermore, when we analyzed exocytosis in the pancreatic acini using a two-photon excitation imaging method, the results revealed larger exocytotic vesicles (vacuoles) in the acini of AQP12-KO mice at a high CCK-8 dose (100 nM). From these results, we conclude that AQP12 may function in the mechanisms that control the proper secretion of pancreatic fluid following rapid and intense stimulation.
New method of manometric measurement of gastroduodenal motility in conscious mice: effects of ghrelin and Y2 depletion
Authors: Tanaka Rumi , Inui Akio , Asakawa Akihiro , Atsuchi Kaori , Ataka Koji , Fujimiya Mineko
Published: September 2009

Since no previous studies have reported dual measurements of stomach and duodenal motility in conscious mice, we developed a manometric method to measure the gastroduodenal motility in the physiological fed and fasted states of conscious mice. By this method we measured, for the first time, the gastroduodenal motility in Y2 knockout mice and analyzed the effects of ghrelin on the gastroduodenal motility in conscious mice. To evaluate this new method, we provide the comparison on the effects of CCK-8 examined by present and previous methods. In the fasted state of mice, phase III-like contractions with frequencies of 7.8 ± 0.5 contractions/h in the antrum and 6.6 ± 0.7 contractions/h in the duodenum were observed. This fasted pattern was disrupted and replaced by the fed pattern after feeding, with an increase of the motor index (MI) immediately after feeding. Intravenous injection of ghrelin induced the fasted pattern in the duodenum when injected in the fed state and increased %MI (114.3 ± 9.8%) compared with saline-injected controls (64.4 ± 9.6%) in the antrum. Intravenous injection of CCK-8 disrupted phase III-like contractions in both antrum and duodenum, which were replaced by fed-like motor patterns accompanied with the elevation of baseline pressure. In Y2 knockout mice, the frequency of phase III-like contractions was decreased in the antrum compared with wild-type mice and the immediate increase of MI after feeding seen in wild-type mice was disrupted in Y2 knockout mice. Our model provides a new method for studies of gastrointestinal motility in various mouse models, including transgenic and knockout ones.
Septic shock induces distinct changes in sympathetic nerve activity to the heart and kidney in conscious sheep
Authors: Ramchandra Rohit , Wan Li , Hood Sally G. , Frithiof Robert , Bellomo Rinaldo , May Clive N.
Published: September 2009

Sepsis and septic shock are the chief cause of death in intensive care units, with mortality rates between 30 and 70%. In a large animal model of septic shock, we have demonstrated hypotension, increased cardiac output, and tachycardia, together with renal vasodilatation and renal failure. The changes in cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA) that may contribute to the tachycardia have not been investigated, and the changes in renal SNA (RSNA) that may mediate the changes in renal blood flow and function are unclear. We therefore recorded CSNA and RSNA during septic shock in conscious sheep. Septic shock was induced by administration of Escherichia coli, which caused a delayed hypotension and an immediate, biphasic increase in heart rate (HR) associated with similar changes in CSNA. After E. coli, RSNA decreased for over 3 h, followed by a sustained increase (180%), whereas renal blood flow progressively increased and remained elevated. There was an initial diuresis, followed by oliguria and decreased creatinine clearance. There were differential changes in the range of the arterial baroreflex curves; it was depressed for HR, increased for CSNA, and unchanged for RSNA. Our findings, recording CSNA for the first time in septic shock, suggest that the increase in SNA to the heart is not driven solely by unloading of baroreceptors and that the increase has an important role to increase HR and cardiac output. There was little correlation between the changes in RSNA and renal blood flow, suggesting that the renal vasodilatation was mediated mainly by other mechanisms.
Thrombospondin-2 therapy ameliorates experimental glomerulonephritis via inhibition of cell proliferation, inflammation, and TGF-β activation
Authors: Daniel Christoph , Wagner Andrea , Hohenstein Bernd , Hugo Christian
Published: September 2009

We recently identified thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) as an endogenous regulator of matrix remodelling and inflammation in experimental kidney disease by studying TSP-2-deficient mice. In this study, we asked whether systemic TSP-2 overexpression via thigh muscle transfection is able to ameliorate the time course of the anti-Thy1 glomerulonephritis model. After induction of anti-Thy1 nephritis, rats were transfected either with an overexpression plasmid for TSP-2 or lacZ as a control. Biopsies, urine, and blood samples were taken on days 1, 3, and 6 after disease induction. Muscular overexpression of TSP-2 reduced glomerular transforming growth factor (TGF)-β activation and glomerular extracellular matrix formation as determined by collagen IV and fibronectin. In addition, activation of mesangial cells to the myofibroblast-like phenotype was also significantly decreased in TSP-2-overexpressing animals. TSP-2 overexpression inhibited both glomerular endothelial and mesangial cell proliferation, resulting in a reduced glomerular cell number and glomerular tuft area. The inflammatory response, as monitored by T cells and antigen-presenting cells, was reduced significantly by TSP-2 overexpression, but influx of macrophages was unchanged. These data demonstrate TSP-2 as a potential therapeutic agent to inhibit the glomerular proliferative and inflammatory response as well as TGF-β activation and extracellular matrix accumulation in experimental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.
Rac1 promotes TGF-β-stimulated mesangial cell type I collagen expression through a PI3K/Akt-dependent mechanism
Authors: Hubchak Susan C. , Sparks Erin E. , Hayashida Tomoko , Schnaper H. William
Published: September 2009

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a central mediator in the progression of glomerulosclerosis, leading to accumulation of aberrant extracellular matrix proteins and inappropriate expression of smooth muscle α-actin in the kidney. Previously, we reported that disrupting the cytoskeleton diminished TGF-β-stimulated type I collagen accumulation in human mesangial cells. As cytoskeletal signaling molecules, including the Rho-family GTPases, have been implicated in fibrogenesis, we sought to determine the respective roles of RhoA and Rac1 in HMC collagen I expression. TGF-β1 activated both RhoA and Rac1 within 5 min of treatment, and this activation was dependent on the kinase activity of the type I TGF-β receptor. TGF-β1-stimulated induction of type I collagen mRNA expression and promoter activity was diminished by inhibiting Rac1 activity and was increased by a constitutively active Rac1 mutant, whereas inhibiting RhoA activity had no such effect. Rac1 activation required phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) activity. Furthermore, the PI3K antagonist, LY294002, reduced TGF-β1-stimulated COL1A2 promoter activity and Rac1 activation. It also partially blocked active Rac1-stimulated collagen promoter activity, suggesting that PI3K activity contributes to both TGF-β activation of Rac1 and signal propagation downstream of Rac1. Thus, while both Rac1 and RhoA are rapidly activated in response to TGF-β1 in human mesangial cells, only Rac1 activation enhances events that contribute to mesangial cell collagen expression, through a positive feedback loop involving PI3K.
Analysis of the cytoplasmic interaction between polycystin-1 and polycystin-2
Authors: Casuscelli Jozefina , Schmidt Stefan , DeGray Brenda , Petri Edward T. , Ćelić Andjelka , Folta-Stogniew Ewa , Ehrlich Barbara E. , Boggon Titus J.
Published: September 2009

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) arises following mutations of either Pkd1 or Pkd2. The proteins these genes encode, polycystin-1 (PC1) and polycystin-2 (PC2), form a signaling complex using direct intermolecular interactions. Two distinct domains in the C-terminal tail of PC2 have recently been identified, an EF-hand and a coiled-coil domain. Here, we show that the PC2 coiled-coil domain interacts with the C-terminal tail of PC1, but that the PC2 EF-hand domain does not. We measured the K0.5of the interaction between the C-terminal tails of PC1 and PC2 and showed that the direct interaction of these proteins is abrogated by a PC1 point mutation that was identified in ADPKD patients. Finally, we showed that overexpression of the PC1 C-terminal tail in MDCK cells alters the Ca2+response, but that overexpression of the PC1 C-terminal tail containing the disease mutation does not. These results allow a more detailed understanding of the mechanism of pathogenic mutations in the cytoplasmic regions of PC1 and PC2.
Inducing Homeostatic-Like Plasticity in Human Motor Cortex Through Converging Corticocortical Inputs
Authors: Pötter-Nerger Monika , Fischer Sarah , Mastroeni Claudia , Groppa Sergiu , Deuschl Günther , Volkmann Jens , Quartarone Angelo , Münchau Alexander , Siebner Hartwig Roman
Published: September 2009

Transcranial stimulation techniques have revealed homeostatic-like metaplasticity in the hand area of the human primary motor cortex (M1HAND) that controls stimulation-induced changes in corticospinal excitability. Here we combined two interventional protocols that induce long-term depression (LTD)–like or long-term potentiation (LTP)–like plasticity in left M1HAND through different afferents. We hypothesized that the left M1HAND would integrate LTP- and LTD-like plasticity in a homeostatic fashion. In ten healthy volunteers, low-intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the left dorsal premotor cortex (PMD) was first applied to produce an LTP-like increase (5 Hz rTMS) or LTD-like decrease (1 Hz rTMS) in corticospinal excitability in left M1HAND via premotor-to-motor inputs. Following PMD rTMS, paired-associative stimulation (PAS) was applied to the right median nerve and left M1HAND to induce spike-time–dependent plasticity in sensory-to-motor inputs to left M1HAND. We adjusted the interstimulus interval to the N20 latency of the median nerve somatosensory-evoked cortical potential to produce an LTP-like increase (PASN20+2ms) or an LTD-like decrease (PASN20−5ms) in corticospinal excitability. The amplitude of motor-evoked potentials was recorded from intrinsic hand muscles to assess stimulation-induced changes in corticospinal excitability. Premotor-to-motor preconditioning triggered a homeostatic response to subsequent sensory-to-motor PAS. After facilitatory 5 Hz rTMS, “facilitatory” PASN20+2ms suppressed corticospinal excitability. Likewise, “inhibitory” PASN20−5ms facilitated corticospinal excitability after “inhibitory” 1 Hz rTMS. There was a negative linear relationship between the excitability changes induced by PMD rTMS and those elicited by subsequent PAS. Excitability changes were not paralleled by changes in performance during a finger-tapping task. These results provide evidence for a homeostatic response pattern in the human M1HAND that integrates acute plastic changes evoked through different “input channels.”
Biochemical Characterization of Bovine Brain Myristoyl‐CoA:Protein N‐Myristoyltransferase Type 2
Authors: Selvakumar Ponniah , Lakshmikuttyamma Ashakumary , Sharma Rajendra K.
Published: September 2009

Protein N‐myristoylation is a lipidic modification which refers to the covalent attachment of myristate, a 14‐carbon saturated fatty acid, to the N‐terminal glycine residue of a number of mammalian, viral, and fungal proteins. In this paper, we have cloned the gene coding for myristoyl‐CoA:protein N‐myristoyltransferase (NMT) from Bos tarus brain. The open reading frame codes for a 410‐amino‐acid protein and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Kinetic studies suggested that bovine brain NMT2 and human NMT1 show significant differences in their peptide substrate specificities. The metal ion Ca2+ had stimulatory effects on NMT2 activity while Mn2+ and Zn2+ inhibited the enzyme activity. In addition, NMT2 activity was inhibited by various organic solvents and other detergents while NMT1 had a stimulatory effect. Biochemical characterization suggested that both forms of NMT have unique characteristics. Further analysis towards functional role NMT2 will lead the development of therapeutic target for the progression of various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus p75 and p110 CUX1 Transgenic Mice Develop Mammary Tumors of Various Histologic Types
Authors: Cadieux Chantal , Kedinger Valérie , Yao Lu , Vadnais Charles , Drossos Maria , Paquet Marilène , Nepveu Alain
Published: September 2009

The p75 and p110 isoforms of the CUX1 homeodomain protein are overexpressed in breast tumors and cancer cell lines. To assess and compare the ability of these short CUX1 isoforms in driving mammary tumor development, we used site-specific transgenesis into the Hprt locus to generate transgenic mice expressing p75 or p110 CUX1 under the control of the mouse mammary tumor virus-long terminal repeat. We report that mammary tumors developed after a long latency period, and although various histopathologies were observed, the proportion of adenosquamous carcinomas was significantly higher in p75 CUX1 than in p110 CUX1 transgenic mice. Metastasis to the lung was observed in three p75 CUX1 transgenic mice. Comparisons between tumors and adjacent normal mammary glands revealed that transgenes were overexpressed in most but not all tumors, yet in all cases tested, CUX1 DNA binding was increased, suggesting that both higher expression and changes in post-translational modifications can contribute to stimulate transgene activity. Interestingly, higher expression of erbB2 mRNA was seen in most tumors, not only solid carcinomas but also adenosquamous carcinomas, whereas higher expression of various Wnt genes and activation of the β-catenin pathway was observed primarily in adenosquamous carcinomas. Activation of erbB2 expression appeared to represent a cooperating event that occurred independently of CUX1. In contrast, chromatin immunoprecipitation, short hairpin RNA–mediated knockdown, and reporter assays established that CUX1 is involved in the transcriptional regulation of several Wnt genes. Together, these results support the notion that oncogenic activity of CUX1 can facilitate the establishment of a Wnt/β-catenin autocrine loop. [Cancer Res 2009;69(18):7188–97]
Down-regulation of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-3 Causes Prostate Cancer Cell Death through Activation of the Extrinsic and Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathways
Authors: Puhr Martin , Santer Frédéric R. , Neuwirt Hannes , Susani Martin , Nemeth Jeffrey A. , Hobisch Alfred , Kenner Lukas , Culig Zoran
Published: September 2009

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) acts as a negative feedback regulator of the Janus-activated kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription factors signaling pathway and plays an important role in the development and progression of various cancers. To better understand the role of SOCS-3 in prostate cancer, SOCS-3 expression was down-regulated in DU-145, LNCaP-IL-6+, and PC3 cells by consecutive SOCS-3 small interfering RNA transfections. SOCS-3 mRNA and protein expression as measured by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot, respectively, were decreased by ∼70% to 80% compared with controls. We observed a significant decrease in cell proliferation and viability in all SOCS-3–positive cell lines but not in the parental LNCaP cell line, which is SOCS-3 negative. In this study, we show that down-regulation of SOCS-3 leads to an increased cell death in prostate cancer cell lines. We found a considerable increase in the activation of the proapoptotic caspase-3/caspase-7, caspase-8, and caspase-9. A significant up-regulation of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and inhibition of Bcl-2 expression was observed in all SOCS-3–positive cell lines. Overexpression of Bcl-2 could rescue cells with decreased SOCS-3 levels from going into apoptosis. Tissue microarray data prove that SOCS-3 is highly expressed in castration-refractory tumor samples. In conclusion, we show that SOCS-3 is an important protein in the survival machinery in prostate cancer and is overexpressed in castration-resistant tumors. SOCS-3 knockdown results in an increase of cell death via activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. [Cancer Res 2009;69(18):7375–84]
Oxygen-Ozone Therapy in Medicine: An Update
Authors: Bocci Velio , Di Paolo Nicola
Published: September 2009

Oxygen-ozone therapy, initially started as an empirical approach, has now reached a stage where most of the biological mechanisms of action of ozone have been clarified, showing that they are in the realm of orthodox biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology. Here we have reviewed a few relevant clinical applications and have shown that ozone therapy is particularly useful in cardiovascular disorders and tissue ischemia. In chronic viral infections, it is unable to eliminate the viremia but it may display supportive help by stimulating the immune system. Recently, its use has been successfully extended to the herniated disk pathology and therapy of primary caries in children.
Lower concentrations of thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) correlate to higher recanalisation rates among ischaemic stroke patients treated with t-PA
Authors: Fernandez-Cadenas Israel , Mendioroz Maite , Munuera Josep , Alvarez-Sabin José , Rovira Alex , Quiroga Adoracion , Corbeto Natalia , Rubiera Marta , Delgado Pilar , Rosell Anna , Ribó Marc , Molina Carlos A. , Montaner Joan
Published: September 2009

An elevated concentration of the thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) has been associated with high mortality rates and poor outcome in ischaemic stroke patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). Moreover, antithrombin drugs have been tested in combination with t-PA in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke to increase treatment efficacy. We aimed to study whether poor outcome associated with TAT among ischaemic stroke patients treated with t-PA could be due to the effects of this complex on recanalisation rates of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and on haemorrhagic transformation. The TAT levels of 89 patients having a proximal MCA occlusion were measured by ELISA, and the patients were then treated with t-PA. Complete recanalisation was diagnosed by transcranial Doppler (TCD) at 1, 2 and 6 hours post-t-PA infusion and haemorrhagic transformation was identified by computed tomography (CT). Lower levels of TAT were associated with better recanalisation rates at all time-points (1 hour: OR = 24.8 95% CI 1.4–434.8, p = 0.028;2 hours:OR = 6.3 95% CI 1.5–27, p = 0.014; 6 hours: OR = 6.4 95% CI 1.5–26.5, p = 0.011) after adjustment for stroke risk factors. However, no correlation was found between TAT concentration and haemorrhagic transformation. The elevated mortality rates previously observed in patients with high levels of TAT might have been due to revascularisation resistance. Low levels of TAT are not associated with an increase in haemorrhagic complications after t-PA, indicating that the combination of thrombin blockers and t-PA could be a safe and effective treatment for ischaemic stroke in the future.
Utility of 96-well plate aggregometry and measurement of thrombi adhesion to determine aspirin and clopidogrel effectiveness
Authors: Armstrong Paul C. J. , Dhanji Al-Rehan , Truss Nicola J. , Zain Zetty N. M. , Tucker Arthur T. , Mitchell Jane A. , Warner Timothy D.
Published: September 2009

Aspirin and clopidogrel are key anti-thrombotic therapies. Results from platelet reactivity testing during therapy, have been shown to correlate with future events and would allow for the optimisation of therapy. However, there is little agreement among current tests and there remains a clear clinical need for a universal standardised test. It was the objective of this study to explore the potential of 96-well plate aggregometry as a definitive clinical test of platelet reactivity with respect to aspirin and clopidogrel.A small non-blinded trial of 16 healthy male volunteers assigned to seven days of aspirin (75mg/day) or clopidogrel (75mg/day) therapy. Blood was collected before and on day 7 of treatment. Platelet aggregation was measured using a 96-well plate based aggregation method, and thrombi adhesion measured by colourimetric assay. Platelet agonists used were ADP (0.1–30µM), arachidonic acid (0.03–1.3mM), collagen (0.1–30µg/ml), adrenaline (0.001–100µM), ristocetin (0.2–3mg/ ml),TRAP6 amide (0.130µM) and U46619 (0.130µM). Concentration response curves were constructed to each agonist under the various conditions and used to extract data such as log EC50, Hill slope, and area under the curve. These demonstrated low intraand inter-assay variability and strong discrimination of drug effects.This study demonstrates the ability of the 96-well plate based aggregation and adhesion method to detect and differentiate between stable aspirin and clopidogrel treatment in healthy volunteers.Moreover,this assay marries the ability to test subjects or patients using a range of platelet agonists with more rapidity and ease than the current gold standard platelet assay, traditional light transmission aggregometry, making it a serious alternative assay for use in clinical settings.
C-reactive protein and venous thromboembolism
Authors: Lutsey Pamela L. , Astor Brad C. , Cushman Mary , Folsom Aaron R.
Published: September 2009

The role of inflammation in the causation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain. In 10,505 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, we assessed the association of the systemic inflammation marker, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), with incidence of VTE (n=221) over a median of 8.3 years of follow-up. Adjusted for age, race, and sex, the hazard ratios of VTE across quintiles of CRP were 1.0, 1.61, 1.16, 1.56, and 2.31 (p for trend p<0.0007). For CRP above the upper 10 percentile (≥8.55 mg/L), compared with the lowest 90% of CRP values, the hazard ratio of VTE was 2.07 (95% CI 1.47, 2.94). Further adjustment for baseline hormone replacement therapy, diabetes, and body mass index attenuated the hazard ratios only slightly. For example, the adjusted hazard ratio of VTE was 1.76 (95% CI 1.23, 2.52) for CRP above versus below the 90th percentile. In conclusion, this prospective, populationbased study suggests elevated CRP is independently associated with increased risk of VTE.
Food Sovereignty – An Appropriate Approach to Ensure the Right to Food?
Authors: Haugen Hans Morten
Published: September 2009

The article reviews the food sovereignty concept, comparing it with the legally recognised human right to food. It is found that there are certain elements of Article 11(2) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which have not been properly emphasised in the context of food trade and new technologies in food production. The article argues in favour of strengthening the right to food approach when faced with these challenges. While acknowledging the mobilising potential that the concept food sovereignty has among civil society actors, it is nevertheless argued that the right to food is both more precise, has stronger support among states, and is on a much higher level with regard to legally binding obligations compared to the food sovereignty concept.
Judicial Review of UN Sanctions by the European Court of Justice
Authors: Lavranos Nikolaos
Published: September 2009

With its Kadi-judgment, the European Court of Justice firmly rejected the Kadi/Yusuf-judgments of the Court of First Instance. The Court of Justice made unambiguously clear that Community law, in particular its basic, core fundamental rights values prevail over any international law obligations of the EC and its Member States, including UN Security Council Resolutions and the UN Charter. As a consequence thereof, individuals targeted by UN sanctions must have access to full judicial review in order to be able to ensure the effective protection of their fundamental rights, including procedural rights as guaranteed by the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). As a result, the Court of Justice proved that the Community is indeed based on the rule of law and that the fight against terrorism – how important it may be – cannot be used as a justification for completely abrogating European constitutional law values as guaranteed within the Community and its Member States.
The International Criminal Court and the Warrant of Arrest for Sudan's President Al-Bashir: A Crucial Step Towards Challenging Impunity or a Political Decision?
Authors: Ssenyonjo Manisuli
Published: September 2009

On 4 March 2009 the Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) held that it was satisfied that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir, the president of Sudan, is criminally responsible under Article 25(3)(a) of the Rome Statute as an indirect (co)perpetrator for war crimes and crimes against humanity (but not for genocide). The Chamber issued a warrant for the arrest of Al Bashir making him the third sitting head of state to be charged by an international court following Liberia's Charles Taylor and Yugoslavia's Slobodan Milošević. Since then the ICC has been accused of making a "political decision" and that it is "part of a new mechanism of neo-colonialism". This article examines the ICC's decision against the background of the situation in Darfur. The article concludes that although the ICC decision and warrant cannot be considered political and neo-colonial in nature, the decision and warrant can be criticised as selective. It calls on the ICC to broaden its scope of investigations and for the international community to affirm its support for the ICC and insist that Sudan and other states cooperate fully as required by the United Nations Security Council.
Private International Law Aspects of the Introduction of Same-Sex Marriages in Sweden
Authors: Bogdan Michael
Published: September 2009

On 1 May 2009, Swedish law was amended in order to allow regular marriages between two persons of the same gender. While this reform was relatively simple from the point of view of Swedish family law, it gives rise to a number of questions concerning private international law, mainly because the large majority of foreign countries do not, and within foreseeable future will not, permit such marriages.
Using In-Service and Coaching to Increase Kindergarten Teachers’ Accurate Delivery of Group Instructional Units
Authors: Kretlow Allison G. , Wood Charles L. , Cooke Nancy L.
Published: September 2009

Early intervention is key to preventing academic failure and referral to special education. General educators are responsible for providing primary instruction for students at risk for failure; however, the training they receive related to specific instructional strategies for these students is often insufficient (e.g., 1-day workshops). Alternative forms of professional development that include a combination of in-service and follow-up support have shown more promise in promoting changes in teaching behaviors.This study examined the effects of in-service support plus coaching on kindergarten teachers’ accurate delivery of group instructional units in math. Teachers were trained to use a combination of whole-class instruction strategies, including model-lead-test for introducing new concepts and correcting errors, choral responding, and response cards. Results indicated that all teachers improved their delivery of instruction after the in-service training, with a second level of growth achieved after coaching. Teachers also reported high levels of satisfaction using the strategies.
Residential Redevelopment and the Entrepreneurial Local State: The Implications of Beijing’s Shifting Emphasis on Urban Redevelopment Policies
Authors: Shin Hyun Bang
Published: September 2009

The entrepreneurial nature of local government activities has significantly influenced socioeconomic and spatial changes in urban China. It is against this backdrop that property-led redevelopment projects were implemented in Beijing after 1990, guided by a programme whose very success depended on the participation of real estate capital for financial contributions. In 2000, however, a new policy was put in practice, which aimed at supplying affordable housing on government-provided land to increase the rehousing rate. This paper analyses the implications of this shifting emphasis on Beijing’s redevelopment policy and examines whether the local government has become less entrepreneurial and more socially inclusive in its redevelopment approach. Based on the case study of two redevelopment projects, the paper argues that the local state’s entrepreneurial nature has persisted and that this is largely due to its power to dispose of urban land use rights, effectively making local governments de facto landlords.
On the Psychology of the Belief in a Just World: Exploring Experiential and Rationalistic Paths to Victim Blaming
Authors: van den Bos Kees , Maas Marjolein
Published: September 2009

This article examines why people may blame innocent victims of robbery or sexual assault. We propose that in experiential mind-sets associative links are formed between the victim and the negative event. As the creation of such links is independent of explicit beliefs, people in experiential mind-sets produce negative reactions to the victim independent of their just-world beliefs. Rationalistic mind-sets, however, instigate propositional and consistency-based reasoning. For people who strongly endorse just-world beliefs (such as people who have strong predispositions to believe that the world is just or whose just-world beliefs have been threatened strongly), learning about an innocent victim creates a logically inconsistent system of beliefs. This inconsistency can be resolved by blaming the victim. For people who only weakly endorse just-world beliefs, there is no inconsistency in the first place and therefore no need to blame the victim. Two experiments support this line of reasoning.
Economic Pressure and Marital Conflict in Retirement-Aged Couples
Authors: Dew Jeffrey , Yorgason Jeremy
Published: September 2009

Tests of the relationship between economic difficulties and marital distress have generally excluded retirement-aged couples. Given the aging U.S. population and the upcoming retirement of the baby boom cohort, this research gap is problematic.To rectify this omission, this study uses longitudinal data from the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH; N = 3,853) and assesses whether the family stress model operates differently for three retirement-aged groups of couples (one group that retired before the study, one that retired during the study, and one group of retirement-aged couples that did not retire during the study) and a comparison group of younger couples. The family stress model did not operate for married couples that began the NSFH already retired but did operate for the two other retirement-aged couples. The authors discuss the potential mechanisms behind these findings and the implications for the upcoming retirement of the baby boom cohort.
A Critical Analysis of Western Perspectives on Families of Arab Descent
Authors: Beitin Ben K. , Allen Katherine R. , Bekheet Maureen
Published: September 2009

Western research on families of Arab descent has increased in the current decade, compared to the previous 30 years. In this review of 256 empirical articles, through a critical postcolonial lens, domestic violence and family planning were the two most established areas of study. Generally, samples have come from a small group of countries such as Israel and Egypt, using primarily quantitative methodology. Theoretical development is limited in scope. Recommendations include a research agenda that is grounded in interdisciplinary and cross-national family theory and is informed by the perspectives of multiple family members.
A Clinical Comparison of Screw and Suture Fixation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Avulsion Fractures
Authors: Seon Jong Keun , Park Sang Jin , Lee Keun Bae , Gadikota Hemanth R. , Kozanek Michal , Oh Luke S. , Hariri Sanaz , Song Eun Kyoo
Published: September 2009

Background

Screw and suture fixations are the most commonly used methods of fixation in treatment of anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures. Even though a few biomechanical studies have compared the stability of the 2 fixation techniques, a clinical comparison has not yet been reported.

Hypothesis

The authors hypothesized that both fixations would be identical in all studied clinical outcome measures at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-three patients treated with either screw fixation (16 patients) or suture fixation (17 patients) within 1 month of the anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture (type II or III) without associated ligamentous injury were included. All patients were evaluated at a minimum 2-year follow-up in terms of Lysholm knee scores and return to preinjury activities. Knee stability was compared based on the Lachman test and stress radiography.

Results

No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of average Lysholm knee scores (91.7 in the screw group and 92.7 in the suture group, P = .413) at follow-up. All patients except 2 (1 in each group) returned to preinjury activity levels. However, flexion contractures (5° to 10°) were found in 3 patients in the screw group and 2 patients in the suture group without significant intergroup difference. Stabilities based on the Lachman test and instrumented stress radiography were also similar between the 2 groups at follow-up. However, 2 patients in the screw group and 1 in the suture group showed more than 5 mm laxity compared with the contralateral knee on stress radiographs.

Conclusion

Both the screw and suture fixation techniques for the anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture produced relatively good results in terms of functional outcomes and stability without any significant differences. However, some patients in both groups showed residual laxity or flexion contractures.
The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) Is a Valid and Reliable Clinical Assessment Tool of Jump-Landing Biomechanics
Authors: Padua Darin A. , Marshall Stephen W. , Boling Michelle C. , Thigpen Charles A. , Garrett William E. , Beutler Anthony I.
Published: September 2009

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are common in athletes and have serious sequelae. A valid clinical tool that reliably identifies individuals at an increased risk for ACL injury would be highly useful for screening sports teams, because individuals identified as “high-risk” could then be provided with intensive prevention programs.

Hypothesis

A clinical screening tool (the Landing Error Scoring System, or LESS) will reliably identify subjects with potentially high-risk biomechanics.

Study Design

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

A jump-landing-rebound task was used. Off-the-shelf camcorders recorded frontal and sagittal plane views of the subject performing the task. The LESS was scored from replay of this video. Three-dimensional lower extremity kinematics and kinetics were also collected and used as the gold standard against which the validity of the LESS was assessed. Three trials of the jump-landing task were collected for 2691 subjects. Kinematic and kinetic measures were compared across LESS score quartiles using 1-way analysis of variance; LESS quartiles were compared across genders using the chi-square test. The LESS scores from a subset of 50 subjects were rescored to determine intrarater and interrater reliability.

Results

Subjects with high LESS scores (poor jump-landing technique) displayed significantly different lower extremity kinematics and kinetics compared with subjects with low LESS scores (excellent jump-landing technique). Women had higher (worse) LESS scores than men. Intrarater and interrater reliability of the LESS ranged from good to excellent.

Conclusion

The LESS is a valid and reliable tool for identifying potentially high-risk movement patterns during a jump-landing task.