bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health, environmental, and economic costs from the use of a stabilized diesel/ethanol mixture in the city of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Miraglia Simone Georges El Khouri
Published: November 2007

In Greater Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil, fossil fuel combustion in the transportation system is a major cause of outdoor air pollution. Air quality improvement requires additional policies and technological upgrades in fuels and vehicle engines. The current study thus simulated the environmental and social impacts resulting from the use of a stabilized diesel/ethanol mixture in the bus and truck fleet in Greater Metropolitan São Paulo. The evaluation showed reductions in air pollutants, mainly PM10, which would help avert a number of disease events and deaths, as estimated through dose-response functions of epidemiological studies on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Valuation of the impacts using an environmental cost-benefit analysis considered operational installation, job generation, potential carbon credits, and health costs, with an overall positive balance of US$ 2.851 million. Adding the estimated qualitative benefits to the quantitative ones, the project's benefits far outweigh the measured costs. Greater Metropolitan São Paulo would benefit from any form of biodiesel use, producing environmental, health and socioeconomic gains, the three pillars of sustainability.
Poluição do ar e baixo peso ao nascer no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2002
Authors: Junger Washington Leite , Ponce de Leon Antonio
Published: November 2007

O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o efeito da poluição do ar sobre o peso ao nascer de recém-nascidos a termo e de gestação única no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. O desenho deste estudo foi o de corte transversal tendo como base o ano de 2002. Os dados sobre os nascimentos foram obtidos do Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) do Ministério da Saúde. Baixo peso foi definido como menos de 2.500g. A exposição das mães foi estimada como a média do poluente para cada trimestre de gestação. Razões de odds (RO) ajustadas foram estimadas para cada fator de risco em potencial. Para PM10, CO e NO2 foram encontrados aumentos não significativos. Para SO2, a RO do quarto intervalo interquartil de exposição no terceiro trimestre de gestação foi 1,149 (IC95%: 1,016;1,301). Para o O3, a RO estimada foi 0,830 (IC95%: 0,750;0,987). Quando a variável de exposição foi introduzida no modelo como uma medida contínua, as RO para PM10, CO e SO2 no terceiro trimestre foram não significativas e iguais a 1,089, 2,223 e 1,259, respectivamente.
Saúde e ambiente em sua relação com o consumo de agrotóxicos em um pólo agrícola do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Peres Frederico , Moreira Josino Costa
Published: November 2007

O uso de agrotóxicos na lavoura é uma realidade nacional, assim como é do tamanho de nosso país a dimensão dos problemas relacionados a este uso. Sua ampla e crescente utilização no processo de produção agropecuária, entre outras aplicações, tem gerado uma série de transtornos e modificações para o ambiente, seja através da contaminação das comunidades de seres vivos que o compõem, seja através da sua acumulação nos segmentos bióticos e abióticos dos ecossistemas (biota, água, ar, solo, sedimentos etc.). Também se apresenta como determinante de uma série de doenças e agravos à saúde das populações humanas. O presente trabalho discute algumas implicações do uso de agrotóxicos para a saúde humana e o ambiente da região serrana do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, importante pólo agrícola estadual. Para tanto, apresenta resultados de estudos realizados na região, apontando para os possíveis determinantes do quadro ora vigente na região e alguns dos principais desafios de superação do problema.
Air pollution and respiratory diseases in the Municipality of Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil
Authors: Castro Hermano Albuquerque de , Hacon Sandra , Argento Roberta , Junger Washington Leite , Mello Carla F. de , Castiglioni Júnior Nilson , Costa José Gustavo da
Published: November 2007

In Brazil, increasing air pollution in urban areas has led to a rise in respiratory diseases among children and the elderly and has also been the main cause of hospital admissions. This study aims to evaluate the air pollution levels in Vitória, capital of Espírito Santo State, Brazil, in comparison to Brazilian legislation and recent World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, analyzing the spatial distribution of asthma cases treated at local outpatient services. A descriptive epidemiological study was performed with daily records on air pollution and outpatient treatment for respiratory diseases from 2001 to 2003, for children under 6 years of age. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to identify asthma distribution in the municipality. Air pollution levels were relatively low when compared to the Brazilian legislation and WHO guidelines. Only mean PM10 and NO2 exceeded the annual quality standard. The three highest asthma outpatient treatment rates were observed in the districts of São José, Jabou, and Morro do Quadro.
Acondicionamento e coleta de resíduos sólidos domiciliares e impactos na saúde de crianças residentes em assentamentos periurbanos de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Moraes Luiz Roberto Santos
Published: November 2007

O artigo apresenta estudo do acondicionamento e coleta de resíduos sólidos domiciliares e o impacto na saúde de crianças, por meio de pesquisa realizada em nove assentamentos humanos localizados em área periurbana da cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Como indicadores epidemiológicos foram utilizados, em 1.893 crianças entre 5 e 14 anos, a infecção por nematóides intestinais, expressa pela prevalência de Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura e ancilostomídeos, e em 1.204 crianças menores de cinco anos, a incidência de diarréia e o estado nutricional, este expresso por indicadores antropométricos. Os resultados apresentam a maior prevalência dos três nematóides nas crianças dos domicílios que não dispõem de acondicionamento adequado e de coleta de resíduos sólidos que naquelas de domicílios com acondicionamento adequado e coleta regular, sendo a diferença encontrada estatisticamente significante, mesmo quando outros fatores de risco sócio-econômicos, culturais, demográficos e ambientais são considerados. Resultado semelhante é também observado com relação aos indicadores epidemiológicos, incidência de diarréia e estado nutricional.
Effects of hyper- and hypothyroid on expression of thyroid hormone receptor mRNA in rat myocardium
Authors: Liu C R , Li L Y , Shi F , Zang X Y , Liu Y M , Sun Y , Kan B H
Published: November 2007

Thyroid dysfunction is classified into hyperthyroidism and congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Both hyperthyroidism and CH can cause heart lesions; however, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. The left ventricle was collected from eu-, hyper-, and hypothyroid rat. RNA was extracted and reverse-transcripted to cDNA. Real-time fluorescence quantitation-PCR was used to quantify the differential expression of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) subtype mRNA among eu-, hyper-, and hypothyroid rat myocardium. Here, we show that compared with the normal myocardium, TRα1 mRNA expression was upregulated by 51% (P<0.01), TRα2 mRNA expression was downregulated by 58% (P<0.01), and TRβ1 mRNA expression remained unchanged in hyperthyroid rat myocardium (P>0.05). TRα1, TRα2, and TRβ1 were expressed in normal and hypothyroid rat myocardium throughout the developmental process. In hypothyroid rats, myocardial TRα1 mRNA expression was generally downregulated and the expression peak appeared late. Myocardial TRα2 mRNA expression was generally upregulated and the expression peak appeared late. Myocardial TRβ1 mRNA expression was generally downregulated and changed similarly with the control group. In addition, the hypogenetic myocardium can be seen in the hypothyroid rat by pathology study. Taken together, the abnormal expression of TR subtype mRNA may have a close relationship with the pathogenesis of CH and hyperthyroidism heart disease.
Calcitonin inhibits osteoclast formation in mouse haematopoetic cells independently of transcriptional regulation by receptor activator of NF-κB and c-Fms
Authors: Granholm Susanne , Lundberg Pernilla , Lerner Ulf H
Published: November 2007

The effects of calcitonin (CT) on osteoclast formation and gene expression have been studied in cultured mouse spleen cells and mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). CT inhibited the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts and resorption pits in spleen cell cultures and BMM as well as in CD115+ CD3− CD45R−sorted BMM cultures, incubated in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). No effect on apoptosis by CT was observed. CT did not affect the mRNA expressions of RANK and c-Fms, or the mRNA expressions of a wide variety of transcription factors and genes important for osteoclast differentiation and activity. CT induced inhibition of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), positive multinucleated osteoclast formation was not associated with any decrease of total TRAP activity, resulting in a large number of TRAP+ mononucleated cells in CT-treated cultures. CT did not affect the mRNA expression of dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein, d2 isoform of vacuolar (H+) ATPase vo domain, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 8 (ADAM8), ADAM12, DNAX-activating protein or Fc receptor common γ chain suggested to be involved in fusion of mononucleated osteoclast progenitor cells. The inhibitory effect by CT was mimicked not only by compounds activating cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) but also by a cAMP analogue activating the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) pathway. It is concluded that CT, through cAMP/PKA/Epac cascades, inhibits osteoclast formation and that this effect is not associated with decreased transcription of genes known to be important for osteoclast progenitor cell differentiation, fusion or function.
Estrogen receptor α-induced cholecystokinin type A receptor expression in the female mouse pituitary
Authors: Kim Hyun Joon , Gieske Mary C , Hudgins Susan , Kim Beob Gyun , Krust Andree , Chambon Pierre , Ko CheMyong
Published: November 2007

Estrogen plays a critical role in inducing LH surge. In the pituitary, estrogen receptor α (ERα) mediates the action of estrogen, while the downstream pathway of ERα activation is yet to be elucidated. Here, we report the finding that cholecystokinin type A receptor (CCK-AR) is an ERα downstream gene in the mouse anterior pituitary. In the cycling mouse pituitary, the expression of CCK-AR mRNA is markedly higher in the afternoon of proestrus compared with metestrus. Both ovariectomy (OVX) and null mutation of the ERα gene completely abolish CCK-AR mRNA expression. Injection of 17β-estradiol to OVX wild-type mice induces recovery of CCK-AR mRNA expression to levels observed at proestrus, but no such recovery is induced in OVX ERα knockout mice. The same pattern of estrogen dependency in inducing CCK-AR mRNA expression was seen in cultured primary anterior pituitary cells, indicating that estrogen directly acts on pituitary cells to induce CCK-AR expression. Immunohistological analysis revealed that more than 80% of gonadotrophs express CCK-AR in the afternoon of proestrus. To test whether CCK-AR mediated the sensitizing effect of estrogen in GnRH-induced LH secretion, primary pituitary cells were primed with estrogen followed by treatment with GnRH in the presence or absence of lorglumide, a CCK-AR antagonist. While both groups secreted LH upon GnRH treatment, lorglumide treatment significantly decreased LH secretion. Taken together, this study finds CCK-AR to be an ERα downstream gene in the pituitary and suggests that CCK-AR may play a role in the estrogen sensitization of the pituitary response to GnRH.
Regulation of gene expression in human mammary epithelium: effect of breast pumping
Authors: Maningat Patricia D , Sen Partha , Sunehag Agneta L , Hadsell Darryl L , Haymond Morey W
Published: November 2007

Little is known of the molecular regulation of human milk production because of limitations in obtaining mammary tissue from lactating women. Our objectives were to evaluate whether RNA isolated from breast milk fat globules (MFGs) could be an alternative to mammary biopsies and to determine whether intense breast pumping, which increases prolactin (PRL) secretion, will upregulate α-lactalbumin (α-LA, a major determinant of lactose synthesis) transcription. RNA was isolated from MFG and transcripts of interest were identified and quantitated by real-time RT-PCR using an external standard for normalization. In addition, we performed microarray studies to determine MFG RNA gene expression profile. Ten lactating women were studied using two protocols: protocol A with intense pumping from 0800 to 0814 h followed by short pumping and protocol B with intense pumping from 1200 to 1214 h preceded by short pumping. Plasma PRL and MFG α-LA mRNA expression were measured. During protocol A, plasma PRL (61±7–248±43 μg/l by 14 min) and α-LA (3.5±0.9 fold by 6 h; P<0.03) increased. During protocol B, PRL gradually increased over 4 h from 69±14 to 205±28 μg/l, and further to 329±23 μg/l by 12 min of intense pumping; α-LA mRNA expression did not increase significantly. We conclude that MFGs provide a unique source to study the in vivo regulation of gene expression in mammary epithelial cells. α-LA mRNA is abundant in the MFG and its expression may be regulated by hormonal and temporal factors.
Researching New Literacies: Web 2.0 Practices and Insider Perspectives
Authors: Lankshear Colin , Knobel Michele
Published: November 2007

This article argues that ‘new literacies’ is a useful construct for recognizing and understanding the extent to which changes in the current conjuncture are extending social practices of using codes for making and exchanging meanings in directions that warrant serious rethinking of how and why we research literacies. It provides a conceptual definition of ‘literacies’, according to which literacies can best be described as new when they are constituted by ‘new technical stuff’ and ‘new ethos stuff’. On the basis of this account of new literacies the article advances a framework for envisaging new literacies research agendas and briefly discusses two cases of current research that illustrate this framework.
Adolescents Composing Fiction in Digital Game and Written Formats: Tacit, Explicit and Metacognitive Strategies
Authors: McClay Jill Kedersha , MacKey Margaret , Carbonaro Mike , Szafron Duane , Schaeffer Jonathan
Published: November 2007

This article reports on a study of 23 tenth-grade students who created fiction in digital game and written formats. The researchers observed them at work, analysed their stories in both formats, and interviewed selected students to learn what affordances and constraints they demonstrate and/or articulate in such authoring. The students used ScriptEase, a software tool that supports the creation of digital stories, based on the game engine of Neverwinter Nights (Bioware). The authors consider the theoretical literature about narrative and games, focusing especially on indicators of verbal tense and mood. They discuss the overlaps and differences between digital and written stories, drawing in particular on the work of two students, and they conclude with implications for theoretical understandings of contemporary narratives in multiple formats and implications for literacy education.
Assessing Multimodal Learning Practices
Authors: Burke Anne , Rowsell Jennifer
Published: November 2007

The authors examine how to assess multimodal reading practices with a group of middle school students attending an elementary school in Eastern Canada. They argue that to assess new reading practices, we need a fine-grained account of what students do, when they do it, with whom, why they do it, and finally, where they go in web space. The authors explore and introduce a framework for considering children's reading of multimodal texts.
How to Certify Learning in a Country Split into Two by a Civil War: Governmental and Non-Governmental Initiatives in Côte d'Ivoire, 2002–06
Authors: Hamer Magali Chelpi-Den
Published: November 2007

Following political turmoil and rising socio-economic difficulties, Côte d'Ivoire has been split into two since September 2002. The rebellion controls the northern part of the country and the main towns of Bouaké, Korhogo and Man, while the government controls the southern part with Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Daloa and all the ports in the coastal area. At the beginning of the war, civil servants who were in place in the north of the country were called back to Abidjan to be redeployed in government-controlled areas. These included many teachers and education officials, but not all, as some of them chose to stay in the war-affected areas to continue their initial work. This article focuses specifically on governmental and local non-governmental initiatives related to education which were put in place at the onset of the crisis. What type(s) of education have been offered to the children in war-affected areas and to the displaced children in government-controlled areas? What have been the difficulties of organizing national examinations in war-affected areas? How have educational attainments been certified on both sides? The study covers the period 2002–06, and is based on document analysis, grey literature collected on site and interviews with key informants.
Histamine Sensitivity in the Nasal Mucosa during Long-term Use of Xylometazoline in the Doubled Recommended Dose
Authors: Graf Peter M. , Juto Jan-Erik
Published: November 2007

It has been suggested that the severity of rhinitis medicamentosa is dependent on the length of time the drug has been used, on how frequently it is used, and on the amount administered. It has been reported that a 4-week use of oxymetazoline in the recommended dose induced a rebound swelling and an increased histamine sensitivity as a sign of rhinitis medicamentosa and nasal hyperractivity.

In order to study the impact of an increased amount of vasoconstrictor on the histamine sensitivity, nine healthy subjects had xylometazoline nasal spray in the doubled recommended dose (1.0 mg/mL; 0.28 mL in each nostril three times daily) for 30 days. After 10 days on the drug the histamine sensitivity was slightly increased, and after another 20 days the sensitivity was significantly increased compared to that before the start of the medication (P < 0.01). When comparing the results from this study with the corresponding ones from the oxymetazoline study, no difference in the histamine sensitivity was seen. One month after the medication was finished three subjects still had an increased sensitivity to histamine.

It was concluded that the doubled recommended dose of xylometazoline did not further increase the elevated histamine sensitivity seen following vasoconstrictor used in recommended dose. The results also indicate that the increased histamine sensitivity was not caused by the preservatives. Finally, the subjects achieved a drug-induced non allergic nasal hyperreactivity (NANH) that in some subjects persisted for a long time.
Osteoplastic Macroscopic and Microscopic Frontal Sinus Surgery
Authors: Weber Rainer , Draf Wolfgang , Constantinidis Janni
Published: November 2007

In a retrospective study we evaluated 75 osteoplastic frontal sinus operations performed in Fulda between 1979 and 1992. Indications for operation were fractures (43), infections (19), tumors (11), and pneumatosinus (2). An obliteration with abdominal fat was done in 31 cases. The average duration of follow-up was 3.8 years. The overall aesthetic and functional outcome was very good. Revision was necessary in only one case. The patient had forced air into the frontal sinus by blowing his nose too early, so that there was threat of infection. No serious complications such as surgery-related meningeal damage, impaired vision, or double vision occurred.
Adult Cystic Fibrosis Presenting with Nasal Polyposis and Chronic Sinusitis
Authors: Thaler Erica R. , Smullen Sean M. , Kennedy David W.
Published: November 2007

The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is important to the otolaryngologist because of the association with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis. Eighty-five percent of patients are diagnosed under the age of 15, and diagnosis beyond age 20 is uncommon. We present two patients over 35 years of age in whom the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was made during the course of workup and treatment for recurrent nasal polyposis and chronic sinusitis. To our knowledge, only one prior such case has been reported. This paper will provide a brief overview of the general aspects of the disease, discuss otolaryngic manifestations and management, and recommend indications for sweat testing in the adult.
Nasal Histamine Provocation of Tenants in a Sick-Building Residential Area
Authors: Ohm Michael , Juto Jan-Erik , Andersson Kjell , Bodin Lennart
Published: November 2007

Health problems associated with the indoor climate have aroused an increasing scientific interest, and the term “sick-building syndrome” (SBS), which describes the most frequent symptoms in this context, has been coined. However, it has been difficult to demonstrate objectively any pathophysiological changes in the subjects affected. Thirty-three healthy and nonatopic persons were randomly selected on the basis of answers in a postal questionnaire dealing with discomfort or health symptoms experienced in their home environment. Twenty-three lived in a residential area with indoor climate problems (SBS area) and 10 lived in an area without climate problems (non-SBS area). Twelve persons from the SBS area reported nasal symptoms, which they ascribed to their home environment. The remaining 11 persons from the same area, as well as the 10 subjects from the non-SBS area, had no nasal distress. They were examined with rhinostereometry during histamine provocation. Hyperreactivity, defined as mucosal swelling exceeding 0.4 mm at 5 and 10 minutes after provocation with 0.14 ml of 2 mg/ml histamine chloride, was frequent in the symptomatic SBS group as well as in the asymptomatic SBS group. The analysis of the increment of mucosal swelling for the whole range of histamine chloride concentrations (0.1 mg/ml to 16 mg/ml) showed significantly different growth curves for the three groups in the residential areas and an external reference group, (p < 0.0001). Subjects living in the SBS area were prone to nasal hyperreactivity, whether they reported symptoms from the upper airways or not. The results support the hypothesis that living in an SBS area increases the risk of developing nonspecific nasal hyperreactivity.
Inverted Papillomas of the Paranasal Sinuses and the Nasal Cavity: DNA Indices and HPV Infection
Authors: Bernauer Hubert S. , Welkoborsky Hans-J. , Tilling Astrid , Amedee Ronald G. , Mann Wolf J.
Published: November 2007

Inverted papillomas are rare tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. These tumors are commonly regarded as benign lesions; nevertheless, malignant transformation occurs in up to 13% of cases. In the present retrospective study, specimens from 21 patients with inverted papillomas of the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity were investigated in order to analyze the distribution of genetic imbalance and to classify chromosomal aneuploidy in these tumors as a predictor for their biological behavior. Currently, human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are accepted as tumor-inducing and -promoting agents involved in benign and malignant tumors of mucosal tissues in the upper aerodigestive tract. To date more than 80 HPV types have been identified by differences in the nucleotide sequences. Several types (e.g., HPV16, HPV18) are associated with an increased risk for developing cancer. Other types (e.g., HPV6/11) are identified more frequently in benign lesions of stratified mucous membranes. We detected HPV genomes by universal and specific primer polymerase chain reaction. Using degenerated primers derived from the L1 major envelope gene, an amplification of HPV DNA fragments of the correct size was observed in 7 of 21 cases. In one specimen, where an inverted papilloma associated with a squamous cell carcinoma was histologically confirmed, HPV18-specific primers detected the HPV18 genome. The tumors in which an amplification of HPV DNA fragments were observed showed the highest proliferation scores along with the highest rate of aneuploid cells detected by quantitative DNA analysis.
Recurrent Sinusitis: Examining Medical Treatment Options
Authors: Kaliner Michael A.
Published: November 2007

Recurrent sinusitis is an increasingly important disease in its own right and is an often overlooked underlying trigger for chronic asthma and/or bronchitis. The complications of unresolved recurrent sinusitis may include intracranial conditions with significant clinical implications. Patients failing conventional therapy require more aggressive therapy to avoid the necessity for invasive measures, and extensive patient education may help increase compliance with the regimen. Invasive measures (surgery) for the treatment of recurrent sinusitis carry a serious complication rate of 0.5% in 200,000 cases/year. For this reason, aggressive medical management of these patients is an essential effort. This article explores recurrent sinusitis and its pathophysiology, and suggests a medical treatment regimen using nasally inhaled corticosteroids together with antimicrobial and supportive therapy.
Signalment differences in bone mineral content and bone mineral density in canine appendicular bones
Authors: Loebcke S. , Skalicky M. , Grampp S. , Lorinson D. , Lorinson K.
Published: November 2007

The objective was to determine signalment-related differences in bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in dogs. Unilateral appendicular bones were harvested from 62 canine cadavers. Middiaphyseal regions of interest (ROIs) were scanned using a Hologic® DXA device Braincon, Vienna, Austria). BMC and BMD were calculated within this region. Middle-aged dogs (3 . 10 years) revealed the highest BMC and BMD levels. Mean BMC and BMD were higher in males compared to females. Furthermore, bodyweight of the male dogs was significantly higher compared to the females (P<0.0001). Body weight and bone length were significantly associated with BMC and BMD (P.0.023) in all bones but the radius. These data suggest that BMC and BMD appear to be highest in male large-breed dogs with a body weight greater than 30 kg. These results may help determine risk factors in fracture development and healing.
Tibial plateau angle in four common canine breeds with cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and its relationship to meniscal tears
Authors: Fox D. B. , Cook J. L. , Guastella D. B.
Published: November 2007

Objectives: To compare tibial plateau angle (TPA) among Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Boxers, and German Shepherd Dogs that had undergone tibial plateau leveling osteotomies (TPLO) for cranial cruciate ligament disease, and to determine if higher TPAs are associated with increased risk for concurrent meniscal injury. Methods: This was a retrospective study including 275 client-owned dogs of one of the four aforementioned breeds that received TPLO radiographs between 1999 and 2005 prior to undergoing the TPLO procedure. The TPA measured by the original surgeon was compared among four breeds and analyzed with respect to presence or absence of meniscal injury diagnosed via arthroscopy or arthrotomy at the time of surgery. Results: Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Boxers, and German Shepherd Dogs had mean TPAs of 25.9°, 26.2°, 25.9°, and 28.2°, respectively. The TPA of German Shepherd Dogs was significantly higher than that of the other breeds of dogs examined. TPA higher than the mean for dogs in this study did not significantly increase the risk for concurrent meniscal injury. Clinical significance: German Shepherd Dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease had a significantly higher TPA compared to the other breeds examined. Higher TPA did not increase the likelihood of meniscal tears in this study. However, several variables that were not assessed, including the degree of cranial cruciate ligament integrity at the time of surgery and the time between original CrCL deficiency and surgical assessment, could have affected this analysis.
Osteochondritis dissecans-like lesion of the intercondylar fossa of the femur in a dog
Authors: Lee K. , Schoeniger S. , Moores A. P. , Kulendra E.
Published: November 2007

An 11-month-old neutered female crossbreed dog was admitted with left pelvic limb lameness. Radiographs and computed tomography identified an osteochondritis dissecans- (OCD) like lesion in the intercondylar fossa of the femur originating from the axial aspect of the medial femoral condyle. Stifle arthrotomy was performed in order to remove the bony fragment. It was concluded that the clinical features and location of this lesion indicate an osteochondritis dessicans-like lesion. Fragment removal was associated with an excellent outcome.
Pathological fractures secondary to metaphyseal osteopathy in a dog
Authors: Philbey A. W. , Bennett D. , Arnott J. L.
Published: November 2007

A four-month-old German Shepherd Dog (GSD) was admitted with bilateral non-weight bearing hindlimb lameness and pyrexia. A diagnosis of bilateral distal femoral fractures secondary to metaphyseal osteopathy was made on the basis of clinical signs, radiography and biopsy. The dog returned to normal function following conservative management. As far as the authors are aware there are no previous reports of pathological fractures secondary to this condition.
Successful management of bilateral patellar tendon rupture in a dog
Authors: Shahar R. , Joseph R. , Milgram J. , Shipov A.
Published: November 2007

A seven-year-old, 41 kg, intact, cross breed dog, was presented with a history of bilateral hind limb lameness after falling from a height of 1 m. Clinical and radiographic findings were consistent with bilateral patellar tendon rupture. Surgical repair was performed bilaterally. The tendons were sutured primarily, and an internal splint of nylon leader was added. Good apposition of the severed tendon ends had been achieved intraoperatively; however, post operative radiographs showed supra-trochlear displacement of both patellae. The casts used to immobilize the stifle joints slipped distally and three days post operatively the tendon repair had broken down, bilaterally. Revision surgery was undertaken and the tendons were re-sutured. Nylon leader was placed through holes that had been drilled in the patellae and tibiae. The stifle joints were immobilized with type I external skeletal fixators (ESFs). Both freeform polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) connecting bars were found to be broken at the level of the stifle joints two days later, without any disruption of the primary tendon repair. Each connecting bar was replaced with two connecting bars of PMMA reinforced with 3 mm steel wire. The dog was fully weight-bearing with a reduced range of motion in flexion immediately after removal of the ESFs at six weeks and was still sound 18 months post-operatively. Primary tendon repair in combination with adequate immobilization allowed for an excellent outcome in a complicated bilateral pathology.
Temporary transarticular stabilization with a locking plate for medial shoulder luxation in a dog
Authors: Guerrero T. , Voss K. , Montavon P. M. , Post C.
Published: November 2007

This report describes the temporary fixation of a traumatic shoulder luxation in a large-breed dog using a 3.5-mm Locking Round-Hole Reconstruction Plate (LRHRP) to provide stable internal splinting, allowing healing of the injured ligaments, joint capsule, glenohumeral ligaments, tendons, and muscles for restoration of joint stability. The use of a temporary plate with a locking system should be considered as an option in the treatment of canine shoulder joint luxations with severe tissue damage.
Glutathione‐Dependent Bioactivation
Authors: Lash Lawrence H.
Published: November 2007

The classical view of the glutathione (GSH) conjugation pathway involves GSHS‐transferase (GST)‐dependent formation of thioether conjugates between GSH and an electrophilic substrate, processing to yield the corresponding cysteineS‐conjugate, which is then converted to anN‐acetylcysteine conjugate (or mercapturate). Mercapturates of most GST substrates are rendered more polar and thus readily excreted in urine. In contrast, there is a growing number of GST substrates that, rather than being detoxified, are bioactivated. These substrates include several halogenated solvents, many of which are nephrotoxic because of the tissue distribution of GSH conjugation pathway enzymes and membrane transporters, and prodrugs of certain chemotherapeutic agents. Although the initiating steps are the same regardless of whether the substrate is detoxified or bioactivated, the cysteine conjugate functions as a branch point. Bioactivated cysteineS‐conjugates are metabolized in the kidneys by either cysteine conjugate β‐lyase or flavin‐containing monooxygenase to produce a reactive intermediate.Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 34:6.12.1‐6.12.16. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Phosphoproteomics
Authors: Zhong Jun , Molina Henrik , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: November 2007

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most important mechanisms of regulating protein function in cells, and it plays an important role in controlling diverse biological processes, including cellular proliferation, migration, and metabolism. The term “phosphoproteome” refers to the complement of proteins that undergoes phosphorylation, the extent of their phosphorylation status at the level of individual residues, as well as the dynamics of the phosphorylation events in response to various stimuli. This unit provides methods for enrichment of phosphorylated proteins and peptides using anti‐phosphotyrosine antibodies or titanium dioxide, respectively. Support protocols are provided for two detergent‐free cell lysis methods, fractionation of proteins prior to enrichment, and use of stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) method for studying dynamics of phosphorylation events. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 50:24.4.1‐24.4.21. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measurement of Interleukin‐17
Authors: Pappu Bhanu P. , Dong Chen
Published: November 2007

Upon antigenic stimulation, naive CD4+ T cells undergo proliferation and differentiate into cytokine‐producing T helper (TH) effector cells. TH1 cells secrete effector cytokine IFN‐γ and regulate cell‐mediated immunity, whereas TH2 cells produce IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 cytokines, and mediate immunity against extracellular pathogens and allergic reactions. Recent studies have identified a novel TH subset, called TH17, THIL‐17, or inflammatory TH (THi) cells, characterized by the production of a proinflammatory cytokine, IL‐17, and regulating inflammatory responses. In this unit, we describe the protocols for the differentiation of mouse IL‐17‐expressing T cells in vitro, detection of IL‐17‐expressing T cells by intracellular cytokine staining, and measurement of IL‐17 secretion in culture supernatants by ELISA. Generation of IL‐17‐expressing T cells in vitro under defined culture conditions allows investigation of their differentiation regulation. Detection of IL‐17 in cell culture and tissue samples helps in monitoring inflammatory diseases and determining efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 79:6.25.1‐6.25.8. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Animal Models of M. tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Orme Ian , Gonzalez‐Juarrero Mercedes
Published: November 2007

Animal models of tuberculosis infection continue to provide useful information about the nature of the disease process, including specific information about the immune response to the infection and the disease pathology. In addition, standardized animal models are now used extensively to test the capacity of new vaccines to inhibit the course of the infection, as well as test the capacity of new drugs to sterilize the infection. This unit describes some basic protocols illustrating established protocols for infecting animals with tuberculosis, subsequent processes for analysis, and various aspects of biosafety that must be observed. Using these protocols the course of infection, the basic immune response, and the extent of lung pathology can be determined in mouse and guinea pig models of experimental tuberculosis. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 7:10A.5.1‐10A.5.29. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation and Laboratory Maintenance of Treponema pallidum
Authors: Lukehart Sheila A. , Marra Christina M.
Published: November 2007

The spirochetal bacteria that cause syphilis, yaws, and bejel cannot be cultivated in vitro. This unit describes methods for the isolation of subspecies of Treponema pallidum and other pathogenic treponemes from clinical specimens, the propagation of these isolates in rabbits, isolation of clonal populations of T. pallidum, and techniques for maintenance of frozen stocks of these treponemes. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 7:12A.1.1‐12A.1.18. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using Vectors Derived from Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus (TBSV) and TBSV Defective Interfering RNAs (DIs)
Authors: Qiu Wenping , Scholthof Herman B.
Published: November 2007

This unit describes principles and protocols for expressing a gene of interest in plant cells using gene vectors that are derived from an infectious full‐length cDNA plasmid of the tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) genomic RNA, and from defective interfering RNAs (DIs). The TBSV gene vector system permits convenient cloning, allows modification and abundant expression of the gene of interest, and facilitates biosecure containment of the gene vectors. These vectors can be employed for functional genomics studies and for analyzing the biochemical properties and subcellular distribution of expressed RNAs and/or their cognate proteins. As with other plant virus gene vectors, recombination and deletion of the gene of interest during virus multiplication limits the application of the TBSV gene vectors to the inoculated cells or leaves. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 7:16I.4.1‐16I.4.16. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth: how belief in the Tooth Fairy can engender false memories
Authors: Principe Gabrielle F. , Smith Eric
Published: November 2007

To examine how children's fantasy beliefs can affect memory for their experiences, 5‐ and 6‐year‐olds with differing levels of belief in the reality of the Tooth Fairy were prompted to recall their most recent primary tooth loss in either a truthful or fun manner. Many of the children who fully believed in the existence of the Tooth Fairy reported supernatural experiences consistent with the myth under both sets of recall instructions, whereas those who realized the fictionality of the myth recalled mainly realistic experiences. However, those children with equivocal beliefs evidenced a different pattern under each set of instructions, recalling mainly realistic experiences when asked to be truthful and reporting many fantastical experiences when prompted to relate the tooth loss in a fun manner. These findings suggest that children's beliefs in the reality of fantastic phenomena can give rise to genuine constructive memory errors in line with their fantasies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charge Transport through Oligoarylene Self‐assembled Monolayers: Interplay of Molecular Organization, Metal–Molecule Interactions, and Electronic Structure
Authors: Grave C. , Risko C. , Shaporenko A. , Wang Y. , Nuckolls C. , Ratner M. A. , Rampi M. A. , Zharnikov M.
Published: November 2007

The electrical properties of two molecular wires?a novel aryl moiety, 6‐(5‐pyridin‐2‐ylpyrazin‐2‐yl)pyridine‐3‐thiol (PPPT), and the well studied 1,1';4',1''‐terphenyl‐4‐thiol (TPT)?organized in self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are measured using metal–molecule–metal (MMM) mercury‐drop junctions. Current measured at the same bias voltage through PPPT is found to be more than one order of magnitude lower than through TPT. To interpret and understand these results, characterization of the structure, organization of the SAMs, and theoretical analyses of the molecular systems are discussed. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) indicate that although PPPT forms high‐quality SAMs on both Au and Ag substrates, it exhibits a lower packing density (by 20 %) and less orientational order than TPT. In addition, electronic structure calculations with density functional theory (DFT) reveal that the electron‐withdrawing nitrogen atoms in the PPPT aryl backbone stabilize the valence molecular electronic structure and pull negative charge from the thiol sulfur. This behavior can influence both charge‐injection barriers and metal–molecule binding interactions in the MMM junctions. The current–voltage data are interpreted on the basis of a hole‐tunneling, through‐bond mechanism. Conductance analysis through a model for off‐resonant tunneling transport suggests that a comparatively small difference in the charge‐injection barrier can explain the factor of ten difference in observed conduction.
Aggregation‐induced Emission (AIE)‐active Starburst Triarylamine Fluorophores as Potential Non‐doped Red Emitters for Organic Light‐emitting Diodes and Cl2 Gas Chemodosimeter
Authors: Ning Z. , Chen Z. , Zhang Q. , Yan Y. , Qian S. , Cao Y. , Tian H.
Published: November 2007

A new series of starburst triarylamine fluorophores SBCHO, DBCHO, CZCHO, CZCN, and SBCN, that incorporate diphenylamine or carbazole as the electron donor and dicyanovinyl or aldehyde as the electron acceptor, has been prepared and their photophysical properties are investigated. In sharp contrast to most red‐emitting dopants, which show serious aggregation‐caused quench phenomena, the new starburst triphenylamine derivatives reported here show unique enhanced emission in the solid state or upon aggregation. Organic light emitting diodes using these compounds as non‐doped host emitters and hole transporters have been fabricated. The highest external quantum yield reaches 2.09 % for CZCHO. SBCHO was investigated as a chlorine gas fluorescence (FL) solid‐film sensor for the first time. The high‐intensity emission was ‘turned off' immediately after being blown by Cl2 gas.
Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis accompanied by the formation of bone cysts: Harboring clues to pathogenesis?
Authors: Moog Ute , Roelens Filip , Mortier Geert R. , Sijstermans Han , Kelly Mary , Cox Gerald F. , Robson Caroline D. , Kimonis Virginia E.
Published: November 2007

Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL) is a sporadically occurring neurocutaneous disorder characterized by ocular anomalies, mainly choristomas; by skin lesions consisting of hairless fatty tissue nevi (nevus psiloliparus), focal dermal hypoplasia, alopecia, and periocular skin tags; and by CNS anomalies, including intracranial and spinal lipomas and often mental retardation and seizures. Here, we report on three boys with ECCL with typical abnormalities of the eyes, skin and brain and, in addition, coarctation of the aorta. All three children developed multiple cystic bone lesions, which progressively spread throughout the skeleton in Patient 1 and was shown histologically to be non‐ossifying fibromas in Patient 2. We hypothesize that ECCL may be caused by mosaicism for a mutated gene involved in benign mesenchymal tumors and in vasculogenesis. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acanthosis nigricans in a child with mild osteochondrodysplasia and K650Q mutation in the FGFR3 gene
Authors: Leroy Jules G. , Nuytinck Lieve , Lambert Jo , Naeyaert Jean‐Marie , Mortier Geert R.
Published: November 2007

A girl with a mild sporadic osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) similar to hypochondroplasia but with significant short stature is reported. She has been followed clinically between the ages of 9 months and 14 years. Growth remained normal throughout childhood with stature evolving about 3.5 SDs under the mean for age. By 8 years of age gradually appearing acanthosis nigricans (AN) in the neck and flanks was histopathologically confirmed. It provided the new incentive to search for specific FGFR3 mutations associated with this dermatologic abnormality. This resulted in the identification of the 1948A > C transversion predicting the K650Q missense substitution in the FGFR3 protein. Besides the expansion of the phenotypic spectrum of FGFR3‐related OCDs to HCH with AN, this observation underscores the continuing adverse effect of this specific mutation upon the normal inhibitory signaling of the receptor at least in epidermal cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cyclopia, aprosencephaly, and acardiac twinning: Is hypoxia‐ischemia a unifying mechanism?
Authors: Siebert Joseph R.
Published: November 2007

In a recent case of monochorionic diamniotic twinning we observed one twin with acardia, cyclopia, and aprosencephaly, an association not reported previously. In most cases of acardia, the development of tissues in superior regions of the body is disrupted severely, while inferior structures develop more normally. A common explanation for this disruption is hypoxia‐ischemia due to twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP). In this condition, arterial–arterial and venous–venous anastomoses in the placenta permit twin–twin transfusion and reversal of blood flow in the umbilical vessels and aorta of the recipient twin. The heart is absent or severely deficient, either by secondary atrophy or possibly a more primary, though currently unknown, mechanism. As a result, cranial tissues are less likely to be perfused with oxygenated blood than caudal tissues. A host of craniocerebral anomalies are observed in acardia, including total absence of the head and brain, rudimentary brain, anencephaly, holoprosencephaly, neuronal migration defects, and near‐normal brain. Hypoxia‐ischemia could be an important factor in the disruption of tissues in the present case, although a more generalized process affecting heart, head, and brain cannot be excluded. The findings suggest that hypoxia‐ischemia may play a role in the pathogenesis of some cases of holoprosencephaly and aprosencephaly. This mechanism has been underreported and requires additional investigation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Severe presentation of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome associated with high levels of constitutional paternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 11p15
Authors: Smith Adam C. , Shuman Cheryl , Chitayat David , Steele Leslie , Ray Peter N. , Bourgeois Jaqueline , Weksberg Rosanna
Published: November 2007

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an overgrowth syndrome characterized by macrosomia, macroglossia, omphalocele, hemihyperplasia, and increased tumor risk. BWS can be associated with genetic and/or epigenetic alterations that modify imprinted gene expression on chromosome 11p15.5. Somatic mosaicism for paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) of chromosome 11p15, found in 20% of BWS patients, is associated with specific features of BWS including hemihyperplasia, Wilms tumor, and hepatoblastoma. The highly variable phenotypic spectrum of BWS associated with UPD may well reflect the level of UPD 11 cells in specific organs and tissues such that very high levels of UPD might produce a more severe phenotypic expression of BWS. In this regard we report on two patients with severe presentations of BWS and extremely high levels of UPD in DNA from lymphocytes. Clinically, both patients demonstrated extreme macroglossia, persistent hypoglycemia, cardiomyopathy, hemihyperplasia, renal abnormalities, abdominal organomegaly, hepatoblastoma and died in the first 6 months of life. These two patients support the hypothesis that high levels of UPD define high expressivity in BWS. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.