bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial infarction impairs renal function, induces renal interstitial fibrosis, and increases renal KIM-1 expression: implications for cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Lekawanvijit Suree , Kompa Andrew R. , Zhang Yuan , Wang Bing H. , Kelly Darren J. , Krum Henry
Published: February 2012

Progressive decline in renal function coexists with myocardial infarction (MI); however, little is known about its pathophysiology. This study aimed to systematically identify post-MI renal changes (functional, histological, and molecular) over time in a rat MI model and examine potential mechanisms that may underlie these changes. Rats were randomized into three groups: nonoperated, sham, and MI. Cardiac and renal function was assessed before death at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 wk with tissues collected for histological, protein, and gene studies. Tail-cuff blood pressure was lower in MI than sham and nonoperated animals only at 1 wk ( P < 0.05). Systolic function was reduced ( P < 0.0001) while heart/body weight and left ventricle/body weight were significantly greater in MI animals at all time points. Glomerular filtration rate decreased following MI at 1 and 4 wk ( P < 0.05) but not at 8 and 12 wk and then deteriorated further at 16 wk ( P = 0.052). Increased IL-6 gene and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β protein expression as well as macrophage infiltration in kidney cortex was detected at 1 wk ( P < 0.05). Renal cortical interstitial fibrosis was significantly greater in MI animals from 4 wk, while TGF-β bioactivity (phospho-Smad2) was upregulated at all time points. The degree of fibrosis increased and was maximal at 16 wk. In addition, kidney injury molecule-1-positive staining in the tubules was more prominent in MI animals, maximal at 1 wk. In conclusion, renal impairment occurs early post-MI and is associated with hemodynamic and structural changes in the kidney possibly via activation of the Smad2 signaling pathway.
Chloride secretion by cultures of pig tracheal gland cells
Authors: Widdicombe J. H. , Borthwell Rachel M. , Hajighasemi-Ossareh Mohammad , Lachowicz-Scroggins Marrah E. , Finkbeiner W. E. , Stevens Jeremy E. , Modlin Sara
Published: February 2012

Malfunction of airway submucosal glands contributes to the pathology of cystic fibrosis (CF), and cell cultures of CF human airway glands show defects in Cl− and water transport. Recently, a transgenic pig model of CF (the CF pig) has been developed. Accordingly, we have developed cell cultures of pig airway gland epithelium for use in investigating alterations in gland function in CF. Our cultures form tight junctions (as evidenced by high transepithelial electrical resistance) and show high levels of active anion secretion (measured as amiloride-insensitive short-circuit current). In agreement with recent results on human airway glands, neurohumoral agents that elevate intracellular Ca2+ potently stimulated anion secretion, while elevation of cAMP was comparatively ineffective. Our cultures express lactoferrin and lysozyme (serous gland cell markers) and MUC5B (the main mucin of airway glands). They are, therefore, potentially useful in determining if CF-related alterations in anion transport result in altered secretion of serous cell antimicrobial agents or mucus.
IgM-type GM-CSF autoantibody is etiologically a bystander but associated with IgG-type autoantibody production in autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Authors: Nei Takahito , Urano Shinya , Motoi Natsuki , Takizawa Jun , Kaneko Chinatsu , Kanazawa Hiroko , Tazawa Ryushi , Nakagaki Kazuhide , Akagawa Kiyoko S. , Akasaka Keiichi , Ichiwata Toshio , Azuma Arata , Nakata Koh
Published: February 2012

The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoantibody (GMAb) is the causative agent underlying autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP). It consists primarily of the IgG isotype. At present, information on other isotypes of the autoantibody is limited. We detected serum the IgM isotype of GMAb (IgM-GMAb) in more than 80% of patients with aPAP and 22% of healthy subjects, suggesting that a continuous antigen pressure may be present in most patients. Levels of the IgM isotype were weakly correlated with IgG-GMAb levels but not IgA-GMAb, suggesting that its production may be associated with that of IgG-GMAb. The mean binding avidity to GM-CSF of the IgM isotype was 100-fold lower than the IgG-GMAb isotype, whereas the IC50value for neutralizing capacity was 20,000-fold higher than that of IgG-GMAb, indicating that IgM-GMAb is only a very weak neutralizer of GM-CSF. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from nine patients, IgG-GMAb was consistently detected, but IgM-GMAb was under the detection limit in most patients, confirming that IgM-GMAb is functionally a bystander in the pathogenesis of aPAP. It rather may be involved in the mechanism for development of IgG-GMAb in vivo.
Stability of Analytical and Numerical Solutions for Nonlinear Stochastic Delay Differential Equations with Jumps
Authors: Li Qiyong , Gan Siqing
Published: February 2012

This paper is concerned with the stability of analytical and numerical solutions for nonlinear stochastic delay differential equations (SDDEs) with jumps. A sufficient condition for mean‐square exponential stability of the exact solution is derived. Then, mean‐square stability of the numerical solution is investigated. It is shown that the compensated stochastic θ methods inherit stability property of the exact solution. More precisely, the methods are mean‐square stable for any stepsize Δt = τ/m when 1/2 ≤ θ ≤ 1, and they are exponentially mean‐square stable if the stepsize Δt ∈ (0, Δt0) when 0 ≤ θ < 1. Finally, some numerical experiments are given to illustrate the theoretical results.
Case Report: Successful Staged Ureteroscopic Treatment of a 5 cm Staghorn Renal Calculus
Authors: Ciccone Joseph M. , McCabe J. Clinton , Eyre Robert C.
Published: February 2012

It is widely accepted that percutaneous nephrostolithotorny (PCNL) is the standard of choice for the removal of large staghorn renal calculi. Although data exists supporting a stagad ureteroscopic as an alternate treatment for stones up to 3 cm in select patients, little data exists to support a ureteroscopic approach for stones as large as 5 cm. We present a case of a 68 year old female with a 5 cm staghorn renal calculus managed successfully with a staged ureteroscopic approach. A staged ureteroscopic approach can be effective in treating stones as large as 5 cm.
Redefining Hormone Sensitive Disease in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hou Xiaoyu , Flaig Thomas W.
Published: February 2012

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. For decades, the cornerstone of medical treatment for advanced prostate cancer has been hormonal therapy, intended to lower testosterone levels, known as Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT). The development of hormone-resistant prostate cancer (now termed castration-resistant prostate cancer:CRPC) remains the key roadblock in successful long-term management of prostate cancer. New advancements in medical therapy for prostate cancer have added to the hormonal therapy armamentarium. These new therapeutic agents not only provide a survival benefit but also show potential for reversing hormonal resistance in metastatic CRPC, and thus redefining hormonally sensitive disease.
δ- and γ-Tocopherols, but not α-Tocopherol, Inhibit Colon Carcinogenesis in Azoxymethane-Treated F344 Rats
Authors: Guan Fei , Li Guangxun , Liu Anna B. , Lee Mao-Jung , Yang Zhihong , Chen Yu-Kuo , Lin Yong , Shih Weichung , Yang Chung S.
Published: February 2012

The cancer preventive activity of vitamin E has been extensively discussed, but the activities of specific forms of tocopherols have not received sufficient attention. Herein, we compared the activities of δ-tocopherol (δ-T), γ-T, and α-T in a colon carcinogenesis model. Male F344 rats, seven weeks old, were given two weekly subcutaneous injections of azoxymethane (AOM) each at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight. Starting 1 week before the AOM injection, the animals were maintained on a modified AIN76A diet, or the same diet containing 0.2% of δ-T, γ-T, α-T, or a γ-T-rich mixture of tocopherols (γ-TmT), until the termination of the experiment at 8 weeks after the second AOM injection. δ-T treatment showed the strongest inhibitory effect, decreasing the numbers of aberrant crypt foci by 62%. γ-T and γ-TmT were also effective, but α-T was not. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that δ-T and γ-T treatments reduced the levels of 4-hydroxynonenal and nitrotyrosine and the expression of cyclin D1 in the colon, preserved the expression of PPAR-γ, and decreased the serum levels of prostaglandin E2 and 8-isoprostane. Supplementation with 0.2% δ-T, γ-T, or α-T increased the respective levels of tocopherols and their side-chain degradation metabolites in the serum and colon tissues. Rather high concentrations of δ-T and γ-T and their metabolites were found in colon tissues. Our study provides the first evidence for the much higher cancer preventive activity of δ-T and γ-T than α-T in a chemically induced colon carcinogenesis model. It further suggests that δ-T is more effective than γ-T. Cancer Prev Res; 5(4); 644–54. ©2012 AACR.
Patient characteristics associated with GP referral to the Access to Allied Psychological Services Program: A case-control study
Authors: Maddock Gillian R , Startup Mike , Carter Gregory L
Published: February 2012

Background: GPs have referred patients for psychological treatment under the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care, Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) Program since 2003. It is not known how GPs might select patients for referral. We explored which characteristics identified ATAPS patients compared to usual GP patients.

Methods: The study was conducted in GP Access, a Division of General Practice (Newcastle and Lower Hunter) in NSW, Australia. It was a case-control design with 63 cases (ATAPS patients), and 64 controls (GP patients never referred to ATAPS). Unadjusted and sequentially adjusted logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of being an ATAPS case based on official referral guidelines: ICD-10 diagnosis of depression or anxiety and scores on the K-10 (psychological distress) and DASS-21 (psychological symptoms). A multivariable logistic regression was also used to determine the best minimum set of predictor variables.

Results: Eight-three per cent of ATAPS cases had anxiety or depression. In unadjusted models, any mood disorder, OR 7.68 (95% CI: 3.47, 17.01), any anxiety disorder, OR 2.88 (95% CI: 1.37, 6.05), higher K-10 score, OR 1.06 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.14) and higher DASS-21 score, OR 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.09) were associated with being an ATAPS case. Any mood disorder, any anxiety disorder, K-10 score and DASS-21 scores remained significant in most adjusted analyses and all models showed change when adjusted for mental disability and physical disability. Three variables predicted being an ATAPS case in the multivariable regression: greater mental disability, lesser physical disability and greater number of substances misused.

Conclusion: Cases had higher levels of mental disability and greater substance misuse, but lower levels of physical disability. This may reflect GP referral decision making and have implications for policy development.
Beyond the Schoolyard
Authors: Bennett Pamela R. , Lutz Amy C. , Jayaram Lakshmi
Published: February 2012

We investigate class differences in youth activity participation with interview, survey, and archival data from a diverse sample of parents (n = 51) in two schools. Findings point toward structural rather than cultural explanations. Working- and middle-class parents overlap in parenting logics about participation, though differ in one respect: middle-class parents are concerned with customizing children’s involvement in activities, while working-class parents are concerned with ensuring safety and social mobility for children through participation. Like financial constraints among the working class, social institutions are implicated in class differences. Schools act as an equalizing institution by offering low-cost activities; yet, contribute to class differences by offering different activities to working- and middle-class youth. Opportunities for working-class youth to participate in non-school activities are few due to the scarcity of community organizations in their neighborhood, while middle-class families are heavily involved in out-of-school activities. We explore the implications of our findings for educational stratification.
Social Marginalisation, Federal Assistance and Repopulation Patterns in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area following Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Kamel Nabil
Published: February 2012

Five years after Katrina’s devastation, almost 90 per cent of New Orleans metropolitan population has returned. Recovery patterns, however, remain highly uneven. This paper examines the relationship between pre-existing demographic and housing conditions, damage from Hurricane Katrina, access to federal individual and housing assistance, and repopulation rates in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Findings shed light on the respective roles of pre-existing conditions, damage and assistance in shaping long-term recovery outcomes. In the case of Katrina, areas that have experienced the lowest repopulation rates had high levels of damage and received disproportionately low individual and housing assistance relative to damage. These areas are characterised by higher concentrations of minorities, low-income households and rental units than areas that experienced higher repopulation rates. Findings also highlight structural causes for the unevenness of recovery outcomes. The paper concludes with suggestions for a more effective and sustainable post-disaster assistance and recovery approach.
Differences in Head and Neck Cancer Risk Perception between Smoking and Nonsmoking NASCAR Attendees
Authors: White Laura J. , Chin‐Quee Anthony L. , Berg Carla J. , Wise Justin C. , Hapner Edie R.
Published: February 2012

Objective

Although research has documented a difference in cancer risk perception between smokers and nonsmokers, this has not been specifically documented for head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to determine differences in risk perception for head and neck cancer between smokers and nonsmokers in an at‐risk population.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional survey was administered.

Setting

Community‐based head and neck cancer screenings.

Subjects and Methods

Participants completed a 28‐item questionnaire assessing sociodemographic information, smoking status, and risk perception of head and neck cancer.

Results

In total, 507 participants completed the questionnaire. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANCOVA) using dependent variables related to risk perception of head and neck cancer evidenced a significant main effect that smokers (mean [SD], 1.10 [0.07]) worried about head and neck cancer significantly more than nonsmokers (0.64 [0.06]), F(1, 459) = 26.97, P <. 001, η2 =. 06, and nonsmokers (2.70 [0.05]) believed head and neck cancer was significantly more dangerous than did smokers (2.53 [0.06]), F(1, 459) = 5.90, P =. 015, η2 =. 01.

Conclusion

Findings indicated differences in perception of risk for head and neck cancer between smokers and nonsmokers. By gaining a better understanding of the psychosocial factors related to perceived risk of head and neck cancer, otolaryngologists and health care providers may better tailor interventions aimed at increasing awareness of cancer risk and promoting cessation.
Giftedness and ethics
Authors: Sternberg Robert J.
Published: February 2012

What is, or should be, the role of ethics in giftedness? In this article, I consider why ethical behavior is much harder to come by than one would expect. Ethical behavior requires completion of a series of eight steps to action, the failure of any one of which may result in a person, even one who is ethically well trained, to act in a manner that lacks the translation of ethical knowledge into action. Many people identified as gifted through traditional means are nevertheless lacking in ethics, in part because socialization may not reward them for the development of ethical patterns of behavior. The result has been catastrophic for the world.
Is entrepreneurship a leading or lagging indicator of the business cycle? Evidence from UK self-employment data
Authors: Parker Simon C. , Congregado Emilio , Golpe Antonio A.
Published: February 2012

Previous studies provide suggestive evidence that entrepreneurship varies with the state of the business cycle. This article extends the knowledge base by exploring whether the rate of self-employment – a widely used measure of entrepreneurship – is a lagging or leading indicator of the business cycle. The study, which utilizes time series UK data on aggregate output, unemployment and self-employment rates, is robust to structural breaks in the cyclical relationships between these variables. The study finds evidence of significant bi-directional causality: that is, entrepreneurship both causes and is caused by business cycles. The covariance of entrepreneurship is positive with respect to output and negative with respect to unemployment.
Environmental and thermal benefits of linking Brayton, absorption chiller, and organic Rankine cycles with low-enthalpy geothermal source at an arid-zone area of Libya
Authors: Masheiti S A , Agnew B , Talbi M , Atan R , Walker S
Published: February 2012

A combined system which consists of Brayton, LiBr/H2O absorption chiller, and HFC 245fa organic Rankine cycles has been developed and linked to a high potential low-temperature geothermal source of energy. Situated in an arid-zone area at Waddan City Libya, the geothermal source could provide sufficient energy for the City and surrounding villages and satisfy their full electrical demand of 100 MW in an uninterrupted and stable way. The system could also supply district heating and hot water. The simulated results show that the output power and thermal efficiency of the combined cycles were improved by 5 per cent and 1.5 per cent, respectively, compared to a standalone gas turbine and it also reduced carbon emissions by 55.7 per cent (291 g/kWh instead of 649 g/kWh). Incorporating district heating to the electrical energy raised the energy utilization factor to 55.1 per cent.
Consistent causal effect estimation under dual misspecification and implications for confounder selection procedures
Authors: Gruber Susan , van der Laan Mark J
Published: February 2012

In a previously published article in this journal, Vansteeland et al. [ Stat Methods Med Res. Epub ahead of print 12 November 2010. DOI: 10.1177/0962280210387717] address confounder selection in the context of causal effect estimation in observational studies. They discuss several selection strategies and propose a procedure whose performance is guided by the quality of the exposure effect estimator. The authors note that when a particular linearity condition is met, consistent estimation of the target parameter can be achieved even under dual misspecification of models for the association of confounders with exposure and outcome and demonstrate the performance of their procedure relative to other estimators when this condition holds. Our earlier published work on collaborative targeted minimum loss based learning provides a general theoretical framework for effective confounder selection that explains the findings of Vansteelandt et al. and underscores the appropriateness of their suggestions that a confounder selection procedure should be concerned with directly targeting the quality of the estimate and that desirable estimators produce valid confidence intervals and are robust to dual misspecification.
Structural damage detection based on incomplete modal data using pattern search algorithm
Authors: Kourehli SS , Amiri G Ghodrati , Ghafory-Ashtiany M , Bagheri A
Published: February 2012

Incomplete sensed data in structures have made exact structural damage detection a serious challenge. In this paper, an effective method is presented for damage detection and estimation in structures based on incomplete modal data of a damaged structure via a pattern search algorithm. An objective function based on the condensed mass and stiffness matrices is formulated. The proposed method determines the damage to structural elements using optimization of the objective function by using pattern search algorithm. The performance of the presented method has been verified through two numerical examples, namely, a two-span continuous beam and a three-story plane frame with and without noise in the modal data containing several damages. Also, the effect of the discrepancy in mass and stiffness between the finite-element model and the actual tested dynamic system has been investigated. Furthermore, the experimental data from the vibration test of a mass–stiffness system are used for verification of the proposed approach. The results show that the presented method is sensitive to the location and severity of structural damage in spite of the incomplete modal data.
Evaluation of propofol containing 2% benzyl alcohol preservative in cats
Authors: Taylor Polly M , Chengelis Christopher P , Miller Walter R , Parker George A , Gleason Teresa R , Cozzi Elizabeth
Published: February 2012

Propofol emulsion containing benzyl alcohol preservative (BA) was evaluated in cats. Eight (PB) received 1% propofol containing 2% benzyl alcohol and eight (PC) preservative-free propofol. In phase 1, cats were anaesthetised (8 mg/kg) three times at 48 h intervals. In phase 2, cats underwent three anaesthetic procedures at 48 h intervals where anaesthesia was maintained until 24 mg/kg had been administered. Clinical examination and haematological and biochemical analyses were performed regularly. Cardiorespiratory function was monitored throughout anaesthesia. Neurological examination was performed daily for 7 days after phase 2. All cats were euthanased 7 days after phase 2 and examined post mortem to determine any organ toxicity and to comply with regulatory requirements. Anaesthesia was as expected for propofol in cats and no clinically relevant differences between PB and PC were detected. The addition of BA has no additional effect when propofol is used at normal-to-high clinical doses in healthy cats.
Cross-cultural effects in conflict management: Examining the nature and relationship between culture and international mediation
Authors: Bercovitch Jacob , Foulkes Jon
Published: February 2012

While the importance of culture in organizational behavior has long been accepted, scholars of political science are still trying to come to terms with the concept and its implications. Traditional approaches to conflict emphasize the supremacy of the state while ignoring many of the unique internal features which differ between states. We argue that this is a mistaken approach and that one feature in particular, namely culture, does indeed have a profound effect on how states perceive the world, behave in it, and manage their conflicts. Culture has become more important in the current environment, where much conflict takes place not just between states, but mostly between groups, divided along cultural or religious lines, within a state. In this paper we want to examine how culture affects the process and effectiveness of international mediation. We develop a theoretical framework to examine culture, its dimensions, and how these may impact on mediation. We use a large-scale dataset of international mediation events to assess the relevance of our notions, and find that cultural variation does indeed have a significant impact on mediation and conflict resolution. We conclude by suggesting that greater attention be paid to cross-cultural factors in international conflict management.
Structural health monitoring of fatigue crack growth in plate structures with ultrasonic guided waves
Authors: Cho Hwanjeong , Lissenden Cliff J
Published: February 2012

Fatigue crack growth in plate structures is monitored with ultrasonic guided waves generated from piezoelectric transducers. Cracks initiate in the vicinity of fastener holes due to cyclic in-plane loading. Ultrasonic guided waves that are partially obstructed by the fastener holes are investigated. Since fatigue crack growth increases the obstruction, these waves are effective for monitoring fatigue crack growth in a pitch-catch mode. The transmission coefficient (TC), which is defined essentially as the current-to-baseline amplitude ratio, and the transmission coefficient ratio (TCR), which is based on amplitude ratios from a single wave, are signal features used for crack characterization. The TCR is well suited for structural health monitoring. The excellent agreement between experimental results and finite element analysis of wave propagation corroborates the experiments. A sparse array of transducers is shown to effectively monitor a multifastener joint. The approach using obstructed ultrasonic guided waves has strong potential for prognostics-based structural health management due to the linear relationship between crack size and the TC.
Baseline-free guided wave imaging via adaptive source removal
Authors: Lee Sang Jun , Gandhi Navneet , Hall James S. , Michaels Jennifer E. , Xu Buli , Michaels Thomas E. , Ruzzene Massimo
Published: February 2012

Structural health monitoring systems employing in situ guided wave transducers are being considered for civil, mechanical, and aerospace applications. In particular, guided wave-based imaging methods have been applied to graphically depict the area of interest and localize the damage. Most existing imaging techniques have relied on scattered waves extracted by baseline subtraction to quantify the effects of damage on the guided waves. In many cases, however, baseline data may not have been recorded or may be ineffective for baseline subtraction because of uncompensated variations between baseline and in-service signals. Proposed here is an alternative approach whereby source signals are first adaptively estimated from the in-service signals, direct arrivals are then calculated by forward propagation, and scattered signals are obtained by subtraction of the direct arrivals. Images using these scattered signals can then be created by, for example, delay-and-sum methods. This approach is demonstrated using synthetic signals generated by ray tracing and conventional delay-and-sum imaging. Its feasibility is further demonstrated with experimental data recorded on an aluminum plate using a single in situ transducer as a source and a laser vibrometer to record guided signals around the periphery of the region of interest.
Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma
Authors: Moss Mark , Oliver Lorraine
Published: February 2012

Objective

The mode of influence of the aromas of plant essential oils on human behaviour is largely unclear. This study was designed to assess the potential pharmacological relationships between absorbed 1,8-cineole following exposure to rosemary aroma, cognitive performance and mood.

Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers performed serial subtraction and visual information processing tasks in a cubicle diffused with the aroma of rosemary. Mood assessments were made pre and post testing, and venous blood was sampled at the end of the session. Pearson correlations were carried out between serum levels of 1,8-cineole, cognitive performance measures and change in mood scores.

Results

Here we show for the first time that performance on cognitive tasks is significantly related to concentration of absorbed 1,8-cineole following exposure to rosemary aroma, with improved performance at higher concentrations. Furthermore, these effects were found for speed and accuracy outcomes, indicating that the relationship is not describing a speed–accuracy trade off. The relationships between 1,8-cineole levels and mood were less pronounced, but did reveal a significant negative correlation between change in contentment and plasma 1,8-cineole levels.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that compounds absorbed from rosemary aroma affect cognition and subjective state independently through different neurochemical pathways.
Role of bone marrow transplantation for correcting hemophilia A in mice
Authors: Follenzi Antonia , Raut Sanj , Merlin Simone , Sarkar Rita , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: February 2012

To better understand cellular basis of hemophilia, cell types capable of producing FVIII need to be identified. We determined whether bone marrow (BM)–derived cells would produce cells capable of synthesizing and releasing FVIII by transplanting healthy mouse BM into hemophilia A mice. To track donor-derived cells, we used genetic reporters. Use of multiple coagulation assays demonstrated whether FVIII produced by discrete cell populations would correct hemophilia A. We found that animals receiving healthy BM cells survived bleeding challenge with correction of hemophilia, although donor BM-derived hepatocytes or endothelial cells were extremely rare, and these cells did not account for therapeutic benefits. By contrast, donor BM-derived mononuclear and mesenchymal stromal cells were more abundant and expressed FVIII mRNA as well as FVIII protein. Moreover, injection of healthy mouse Kupffer cells (liver macrophage/mononuclear cells), which predominantly originate from BM, or of healthy BM-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, protected hemophilia A mice from bleeding challenge with appearance of FVIII in blood. Therefore, BM transplantation corrected hemophilia A through donor-derived mononuclear cells and mesenchymal stromal cells. These insights into FVIII synthesis and production in alternative cell types will advance studies of pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic development in hemophilia A.
The zebrafish reveals dependence of the mast cell lineage on Notch signaling in vivo
Authors: Da'as Sahar I. , Coombs Andrew J. , Balci Tugce B. , Grondin Chloe A. , Ferrando Adolfo A. , Berman Jason N.
Published: February 2012

We used the opportunities afforded by the zebrafish to determine upstream pathways regulating mast cell development in vivo and identify their cellular origin. Colocalization studies demonstrated zebrafish notch receptor expression in cells expressing carboxypeptidase A5 (cpa5), a zebrafish mast cell-specific marker. Inhibition of the Notch pathway resulted in decreased cpa5 expression in mindbomb mutants and wild-type embryos treated with the γ-secretase inhibitor, Compound E. A series of morpholino knockdown studies specifically identified notch1b and gata2 as the critical factors regulating mast cell fate. Moreover, hsp70::GAL4;UAS::nicd1a transgenic embryos overexpressing an activated form of notch1, nicd1a, displayed increased cpa5, gata2, and pu.1 expression. This increase in cpa5 expression could be reversed and reduced below baseline levels in a dose-dependent manner using Compound E. Finally, evidence that cpa5 expression colocalizes with lmo2 in the absence of hematopoietic stem cells revealed that definitive mast cells initially delineate from erythromyeloid progenitors. These studies identify a master role for Notch signaling in vertebrate mast cell development and establish developmental origins of this lineage. Moreover, these findings postulate targeting the Notch pathway as a therapeutic strategy in mast cell diseases.
Met receptor tyrosine kinase signals through a cortactin-Gab1 scaffold complex, to mediate invadopodia
Authors: Rajadurai Charles V. , Havrylov Serhiy , Zaoui Kossay , Vaillancourt Richard , Stuible Matthew , Naujokas Monica , Zuo Dongmei , Tremblay Michel L. , Park Morag
Published: February 2012

Invasive carcinoma cells form actin rich matrix-degrading protrusions called invadopodia. These structures resemble podosome produced by some normal cells and play a crucial role in extracellular matrix remodeling. In cancer, formation of invadopodia is strongly associated with invasive potential. Although deregulated signals from the Met receptor tyrosine kinase are linked to cancer metastasis and poor prognosis, its role in invadopodia formation is not known. Here we show that stimulation of breast cancer cells with the ligand for Met, hepatocyte growth factor, promotes invadopodia formation, and in aggressive gastric tumor cells where Met is amplified, invadopodia formation is dependent on Met activity. We show that Met mediated invadopodia formation and cell invasion requires the scaffold protein Gab1, using both Gab1-null fibroblasts and specific knock-down of Gab1 in tumor cells. By a structure function approach, we demonstrate that two proline-rich motifs (p4/5) within Gab1 are essential for invadopodia formation. We identify the actin regulatory protein, cortactin, as a direct interaction partner for Gab1 and show that a Gab1-cortactin interaction is dependent on the SH3 domain of cortactin and the integrity of p4/5 region of Gab1. Both cortactin and Gab1 localize to invadopodia rosettes in Met transformed cells and the specific uncoupling of cortactin from Gab1 abrogates invadopodia biogenesis and cell invasion downstream from the Met RTK. Met localizes to invadopodia along with cortactin and promotes phosphorylation of cortactin. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of invadopodia formation and identify Gab1 as a scaffold protein involved in this process.
ZizB, a novel RacGEF regulates development, cell motility and cytokinesis in Dictyostelium.
Authors: Pakes Nicholl K. , Veltman Douwe M. , Rivero Francisco , Nasir Jamal , Insall Robert , Williams Robin S. B.
Published: February 2012

Dock (Dedicator of Cytokinesis) proteins represent a family of Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs) that include the well studied Dock180 family and the poorly characterised zizimin family. Our current understanding of Dock180 function is to regulate Rho small GTPases, playing a role in a number of cell processes including cell migration, development and division. Here, we have employed a tractable model for cell motility research, Dictyostelium discoideum, to help elucidate the role of the related zizimin proteins. We show that gene ablation of zizA causes no change in development whereas ablation of zizB gives rise to an aberrant developmental morphology and a reduction in cell directionality and velocity, and altered cell shape. Fluorescently labeled ZizA protein associates with the microtubule organizing centre (MTOC), whereas the ZizB protein exhibits cortical enrichment. Overexpression of ZizB also causes an increase in the number filopodia and a partial inhibition of cytokinesis. Analysis of ZizB protein binding partners indicates interacts with Rac1a and a range of actin-interacting proteins. In conclusion our work provides the first insight into the molecular and cellular functions of zizimin GEF proteins playing a role in cell movement, filopodia formation and cytokinesis.
Effect of follicular aspiration just before ovulation on corpus luteum characteristics, circulating progesterone concentrations and uterine receptivity in single-ovulating and superstimulated heifers
Authors: O'Hara L , Scully S , Maillo V , Kelly A K , Duffy P , Carter F , Forde N , Rizos D , Lonergan P
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate, in unstimulated and superstimulated heifers, the effect of follicle aspiration just before ovulation on corpus luteum (CL) development, circulating progesterone (P4) concentrations and the ability of the uterus to support embryo development. Following follicle aspiration or ovulation timed from GNRH administration, CL development was assessed by daily ultrasonography, and CL function was assessed in terms of the capacity to produce P4 and the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis in luteal tissue. The capacity of the uterine environment to support conceptus development was assessed following transfer and recovery of in vitro-produced embryos. Follicular aspiration just before the expected time of ovulation leads to a significant reduction in CL diameter, CL area and area of luteal tissue. This was associated with a decrease in circulating P4 in both unstimulated and superstimulated heifers. Follicle aspiration leads to a reduction in conceptus length and area on day 14 in unstimulated heifers only. Follicle aspiration leads to a reduction in the expression of LHCGR in luteal tissue from unstimulated heifers compared with those in which the CL formed after ovulation. Superstimulation significantly reduced the expression of STAR in luteal tissue in both ovulated and follicle-aspirated heifers. In conclusion, in stimulated and unstimulated heifers, aspiration of the preovulatory dominant follicle(s) just before expected ovulation interferes with the subsequent formation and function of the CL, in terms of size and P4 output and this, in turn, is associated with a reduced capacity of the uterus to support conceptus elongation in unstimulated heifers.
Preferência de Aphis craccivora por genótipos de feijão-caupi de porte prostrado, em Aquidauana, MS
Authors: Rodrigues Sérgio Roberto , Oliveira Junior Osni de , Ceccon Gessi , Correa Agenor Martinho , Abot Alfredo Raúl
Published: February 2012

O feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) é uma importante fonte de alimento. Na região centrooeste do Brasil, poucos são os estudos desenvolvidos com essa cultura. Assim, foram desenvolvidos experimentos, em condições de campo, em Aquidauana, MS, visando encontrar genótipos menos preferidos pelo pulgão preto (Aphis craccivora) para infestação e colonização. Em abril e outubro de 2009, foram semeados 20 genótipos de porte prostrado e após a germinação verificouse o número de fêmeas e colônias de pulgão presentes e aos 30 dias avaliouse a porcentagem de plantas infestadas. No experimento conduzido em abril e maio, verificouse que todos os genótipos de feijãocaupi foram colonizados por A. craccivora. Porém nos genótipos MNC99537F142 e BRS Paraguassu foram observadas as menores percentagens de colônias. Em maio encontrouse as menores percentagens nos genótipos MNC99537F142, MNC01631F205 e BRS Paraguassu, com 6,3, 5,7 e 6,3% de plantas infestadas, respectivamente. Dentre os genótipos estudados, concluise que MNC99537F142, MNC01631F205 e BRS Paraguassu, podem ser melhores estudados, visando à seleção de materiais resistentes ao pulgão preto.
Desenvolvimento e qualidade da lima ácida Tahiti em Colorado do Oeste, RO
Authors: Miranda Marcelo Notti , Campelo Junior José Holanda
Published: February 2012

Os aspectos de crescimento, desenvolvimento e qualidade de frutos cítricos na região de Colorado do Oeste, RO, não têm sido explorados. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento e a qualidade fisico-química de frutos de lima ácida Tahiti em diferentes épocas de desenvolvimento, sem irrigação, na região de Colorado do Oeste, RO. O experimento foi realizado no Instituto Federal de Rondônia (IFRO), Campus de Colorado do Oeste, durante os anos de 2006, 2007 e 2008, com o acompanhamento das safras de 2006/07 e 2007/08. Para cada safra foram avaliadas oito épocas de desenvolvimento dos frutos, da fase de chumbinho à colheita. Determinaram-se soma térmica em graus-dia, unidades fototérmicas e precipitação pluviométrica. Houve influência das condições meteorológicas na duração das épocas de desenvolvimento dos frutos e na qualidade dos frutos na safra 2006/07, mas na safra 2007/08 não houve diferença significativa para peso, tamanho médio dos frutos, acidez e rendimento médio de suco. Tamanho e peso dos frutos, pH, sólidos solúveis, acidez, relação SS/AT e teor de vitamina C do suco dos frutos apresentaram valores médios adequados aos padrões comerciais exigidos pelo mercado in natura e pela indústria. O rendimento de suco dos frutos colhidos na safra 2006/07 apresentou qualidade satisfatória para atender às necessidades do mercado in natura ou industrial, mas não para a safra 2007/08, devido ao baixo rendimento de suco dos frutos, provavelmente em razão da menor precipitação pluviométrica ocorrida nessa safra. O índice tecnológico encontrado nas safras avaliadas está abaixo do exigido pela indústria.
Influência do substrato e do enraizamento na aclimatização de Melocactus glaucescens Buining & Brederoo propagados in vitro
Authors: Resende Sheila Vitória , Lima-Brito Alone , Santana José Raniere Ferreira de
Published: February 2012

Melocactus glaucescens (Cactaceae) é espécie endêmica da Bahia e está incluída na lista da IUCN e MMA como ameaçada de extinção. A transferência da condição in vitro para o ambiente ex vitro é uma etapa crítica, podendo ser um fator limitante para a produção das mudas micropropagadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o efeito de diferentes substratos e do enraizamento na aclimatização de Melocactus glaucescens. As plantas propagadas in vitro foram mantidas sob 100% de luminosidade, com regas diárias por 75 dias. Os resultados demonstraram que o substrato adequado para a aclimatização deve conter 50% de terra vegetal e 50% de areia lavada; o tamanho mínimo do diâmetro e do comprimento da parte aérea para transferência para as condições ex vitro é de 5 mm e que as etapas de enraizamento in vitro e rustificação podem ser eliminadas da micropropagação de M. glaucescens. Estudos para demonstrar tempos de dessecação dos brotos acima de 5 mm são necessários, para se eliminar completamente a etapa do enraizamento in vitro para esta espécie.
Diagnosis of Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi infection in dogs and the relationship with environmental and sanitary aspects in the municipality of Palmas, state of Tocantins, Brazil
Authors: Bigeli Julio Gomes , Oliveira Júnior Waldesse Piragé de , Teles Natália Melquie Monteiro
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to identify the presence of Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi infection in dogs in the City of Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, using the PCR technique to list the hot spots of infected dogs in the city and associate their occurrence to significant environmental changes at capture sites. METHODS: DNA was extracted from blood of dogs, and the PCR were performed with primers RV1/RV2. After screening the population studied, the regions of the city that had the highest occurrence of canine infection were detected. These sites were visited, and ecological parameters denoting anthropogenic disturbance were evaluated. RESULTS: Some important features were listed in the regions visited, such as low urbanization, lack of public collection of sewage, limited garbage collection, vacant lots with tall vegetation, decaying organic matter, and, most importantly, the occurrence of stray dogs and poultry in homes. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology for screening the population was very efficient, especially in evaluating a large number of individuals in a short time, with a high degree of automation. The results indicate an association between the observed parameters and the occurrence of infection in dogs. The model presented in the city is ideal for studies of disease progression and expansion and for the evaluation of control measures adopted for canine VL.
Profile of pregnant women and children treated at a reference center for congenital toxoplasmosis in the northern state of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Soares Janer Aparecida Silveira , Carvalho Sílvio Fernando Guimarães , Caldeira Antônio Prates
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of pregnant women and children treated at a reference outpatient clinic for congenital toxoplasmosis. METHODS: Pregnant women potentially exposed to Toxoplasma gondii were observed. Diagnoses were made using serologic tests compatible with acute toxoplasmosis. Children presenting with: Toxoplasma-specific antibodies (IgM or IgA or ascending IgG titers higher than maternal titers in the first 3 months of life) coupled with toxoplasmosis symptoms; intracranial calcifications (by transfontanelar ultrasound or cephalic segment tomography); or retinochoroiditis (by fundoscopy examination) in the first 8 months of life were also included in the study. RESULTS: Fifty-eight mother-child pairs were observed (mean age of the mothers was 22.1 years). Most patients lived in urban areas (86.2%) and had attended less than 8 years of school (51.7%). Diagnosis was made after birth in 19 (32.8%) children. Thirty-four (58.6%) women received some type of treatment during pregnancy. Most (72.4%) of the children did not present with clinical alterations at birth. The main findings were ophthalmological: 20 (34.5%) children with retinochoroiditis, 17 (29.3%) with strabismus, and 7 (12.1%) with nystagmus. Of the children with retinochoroiditis, 9 presented with subnormal vision. Ten (32.3%) out of 31 children presented with intracranial calcifications by cephalic segment congenital toxoplasmosis, and 9 (42.9%) children presented with delayed psychomotor development. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight a critical situation. Protocols for follow-up of pregnant women and their children must be created to improve medical care and minimize sequelae.
Electromyography function, disability degree, and pain in leprosy patients undergoing neural mobilization treatment
Authors: Véras Larissa Sales Téles , Vale Rodrigo Gomes de Souza , Mello Danielli Braga de , Castro José Adail Fonseca de , Lima Vicente , Trott Alexis , Dantas Estélio Henrique Martin
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the neural mobilization technique on electromyography function, disability degree, and pain in patients with leprosy. METHODS: A sample of 56 individuals with leprosy was randomized into an experimental group, composed of 29 individuals undergoing treatment with neural mobilization, and a control group of 27 individuals who underwent conventional treatment. In both groups, the lesions in the lower limbs were treated. In the treatment with neural mobilization, the procedure used was mobilization of the lumbosacral roots and sciatic nerve biased to the peroneal nerve that innervates the anterior tibial muscle, which was evaluated in the electromyography. RESULTS: Analysis of the electromyography function showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the experimental group in both the right (Δ%=22.1, p=0.013) and the left anterior tibial muscles (Δ%=27.7, p=0.009), compared with the control group pre- and post-test. Analysis of the strength both in the movement of horizontal extension (Δ%right=11.7, p=0.003/Δ%left=27.4, p=0.002) and in the movement of back flexion (Δ%right=31.1; p=0.000/Δ%left=34.7, p=0.000) showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in both the right and the left segments when comparing the experimental group pre- and post-test. The experimental group showed a significant reduction (p=0.000) in pain perception and disability degree when the pre- and post-test were compared and when compared with the control group in the post-test. CONCLUSIONS: Leprosy patients undergoing the technique of neural mobilization had an improvement in electromyography function and muscle strength, reducing disability degree and pain.