bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citrobacter rodentium Infection Induces MyD88-Dependent Formation of Ubiquitinated Protein Aggregates in the Intestinal Epithelium
Authors: Kaniuk Natalia A. , Lam Grace Y. , Ma Caixia , Galindo-Mata Esther , Jones Nicola , Vallance Bruce A. , Brumell John H.
Published: October 2010

Citrobacter rodentium utilizes a type 3 secretion system (T3SS) to inject effector proteins into host intestinal epithelial cells, causing structural and functional changes in these cells during infection. Here, we examined the effects of C. rodentium infection on host cell protein ubiquitination in vivo. We observed the appearance of ubiquitinated protein (Ub+) aggregates in intestinal epithelial cells near the site of bacterial attachment. Formation of aggregates was dependent on T3SS activity and the effector translocated intimin receptor (Tir). Aggregates formed at 6 days after infection, when bacterial loads were maximal, but were absent at 12 days. Aggregates were not observed in MyD88–/– mice. Aggregate formation correlated with MyD88-dependent induction of NADPH oxidase 1, implicating reactive oxygen species in their formation. Aggregates were also observed in gastric tissues of mice infected with Helicobacter pylori. This is the first report describing the formation of Ub+ aggregates in vivo during enteric infection, and reveals that this phenotype is dependent on both bacterial and host factors. Our experiments extend previous in vitro studies suggesting that Ub+ aggregates play an important role in the initiation of immune responses to infection. Ub+ aggregates are a novel marker of the cellular response to enteric pathogens and will be useful for studies of host-pathogen interactions in vivo.
Advances in the Genetics of Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease
Authors: Zhou Xu-Jie , Lv Ji-Cheng , Zhao Ming-Hui , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2010

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease is a rare but lethal autoimmune disorder. Over the past few years, the nature of the autoantigen and its epitopes has been defined, as well as the possible pathogenic role played by environmental factors, and by cellular and humoral immunity. However, the majority of data on anti-GBM disease comes from studies conducted on animal models, since human studies are relatively scarce. Genetic studies have highlighted strong positive associations of anti-GBM disease with the HLA-DRB1*1501 allele. In addition, the disease has been associated with genes of the FCGR and KLK families. Important as they are, these findings have to be considered preliminary, if not contentious. Here, we provide an overview of recent discoveries in the genetics of anti-GBM disease that may help elucidate the disease pathogenesis while improving therapeutic approaches. We also discuss the limitations of such discoveries. Finally, we suggest that extensive collaboration between investigators and novel integrative approaches are essential to the progress of our understanding of the anti-GBM disease. We attempted to summarize the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of anti-GBM disease by providing different but complementary perspectives from previous reviews.
Epicutaneous Immunotherapy Using a New Epicutaneous Delivery System in Mice Sensitized to Peanuts
Authors: Mondoulet Lucie , Dioszeghy Vincent , Vanoirbeek Jeroen A.J. , Nemery Benoit , Dupont Christophe , Benhamou Pierre-Henri
Published: October 2010

Background: Peanut allergy is a life-threatening condition for which new efficient and safe treatment is expected. We evaluated epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) as a new alternative treatment for peanut allergy in sensitized mice. Methods: Sixty BALB/c mice were sensitized by gavages with peanut protein extract (PPE) mixed with cholera toxin. An epicutaneous delivery system, coated with 100 µg PPE (Viaskin®, DBV Technologies, Paris, France), was applied to intact skin every week during 48 h (EPIT; n = 20). This group was compared with sensitized mice treated with subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT; n = 20), untreated sensitized mice (sham, n = 20), and naive mice (naive; n = 20). After the 8-week treatment, a histamine release test, airway hyperreactivity measurement by plethysmography, and a resistance-compliance measurement after the challenge were performed. Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage were sampled for serology, cytokines, and cytology. Results: Specific IgE (sIgE) increased after sensitization in the EPIT (0.26 µg/ml) and SCIT (0.21 µg/ml) groups and decreased after treatment (0.09 µg/ml, p < 0.001 and 0.06 µg/ml, p < 0.001, respectively). The IgG1/IgG2a ratio decreased in the EPIT and SCIT groups versus the sham group (3.7; p < 0.001 and 2.7; p < 0.01 and 15.1, respectively). At the higher metacholine concentration, enhanced pause values were lower in the EPIT and SCIT groups than in the sham group (7.29, 6.74, and 10.99, p < 0.01, respectively), and did not differ from that of the naive group (5.06). Resistance-compliance was reversed in the treated groups versus the sham group (p < 0.001). IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin, and eosinophils were reduced in the BAL of the EPIT and SCIT groups versus the sham group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In peanut-sensitized mice, based on biological and physiological responses, EPIT is as efficient as subcutaneous treatment which is the reference method in immunotherapy.
Warfarin Discontinuation After Starting Warfarin for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Fang Margaret C. , Go Alan S. , Chang Yuchiao , Borowsky Leila H. , Pomernacki Niela K. , Udaltsova Natalia , Singer Daniel E.
Published: October 2010

Background—

Although warfarin is widely recommended to prevent atrial fibrillation-related thromboembolism, many eligible patients do not take warfarin. The objective of this study was to describe factors associated with warfarin discontinuation in patients newly starting warfarin for atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results—

We identified 4188 subjects newly starting warfarin in the Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation Study and tracked longitudinal warfarin use through pharmacy and laboratory databases. Data on patient characteristics, international normalized ratio (INR) tests, and incident hospitalizations for hemorrhage were obtained from clinical and laboratory databases. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of prolonged warfarin discontinuation, defined as ≥180 consecutive days off warfarin. Within 1 year after warfarin initiation, 26.3% of subjects discontinued therapy despite few hospitalizations for hemorrhage (2.3% of patients). The risk of discontinuation was higher in patients aged <65 years (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.33 [95% CI, 1.03 to 1.72] compared to those aged ≥85 years), patients with poorer anticoagulation control (HR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.42 to 1.49] for every 10% decrease in time in therapeutic INR range), and patients with lower stroke risk (HR, 2.54 [95% CI, 1.86 to 3.47] for CHADS
2
stroke risk index of 0 compared to 4 to 6).

Conclusions—

More than 1 in 4 patients newly starting warfarin for atrial fibrillation discontinued therapy in the first year despite a low overall hemorrhage rate. Individuals deriving potentially less benefit from warfarin, including those with younger age, fewer stroke risk factors, and poorer INR control, were less likely to remain on warfarin. Maximizing the benefits of anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation depends on determining which patients are most appropriately initiated and maintained on therapy.
Age and Sex Differences and 20-Year Trends (1986 to 2005) in Prehospital Delay in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Nguyen Hoa L. , Gore Joel M. , Saczynski Jane S. , Yarzebski Jorge , Reed George , Spencer Frederick A. , Goldberg Robert J.
Published: October 2010

Background—

The prompt administration of coronary reperfusion therapy for patients with an evolving acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is crucial in reducing mortality and the risk of serious clinical complications in these patients. However, long-term trends in extent of prehospital delay and factors affecting patient's care-seeking behavior remain relatively unexplored, especially in men and women of different ages. The objectives of this study were to examine the overall magnitude and 20-year trends (1986 to 2005) in duration of prehospital delay in middle-aged and elderly men and women hospitalized with AMI.

Methods and Results—

The study sample consisted of 5967 residents of the Worcester, Mass, metropolitan area hospitalized at all greater Worcester medical centers for AMI between 1986 and 2005 who had information available about duration of prehospital delay. Compared with men <65 years, patients in other age-sex strata exhibited longer prehospital delays over the 20-year period under study. The multivariable-adjusted medians of prehospital delay were 1.96, 2.07, and 2.57 hours for men <65 years, men 65 to 74 years, and men ≥75 years and 2.08, 2.33, and 2.27 hours for women <65 years, women 65 to 74 years, and women ≥75 years, respectively. These age and sex differences have narrowed over time, which has been largely explained by changes in patient's comorbidity profile and AMI-associated characteristics.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that duration of prehospital delay in persons with symptoms of AMI has remained essentially unchanged during the 20-year period under study and elderly individuals are more likely to delay seeking timely medical care than younger persons.
The Scope of Principal Efforts to Improve Instruction
Authors: May Henry , Supovitz Jonathan A.
Published: October 2010

Researchers have used many angles and perspectives to investigate how principals enact instructional leadership in schools. Most research has emphasized the practices of school leaders, although investigations of leadership styles and leadership processes are also present in the literature. In this study, the authors take a different approach by examining the scope of principal efforts to improve instruction. Scope of principal effort refers to the extent to which principals target or distribute their instructionally oriented work with teachers. Using data from principal web logs and teacher surveys conducted in 51 schools in an urban southeastern district, the authors develop models to examine not only differences in average instructional change at the school level but also variability in instructional change across teachers within schools. The results indicate that the scope of principals’ instructional leadership activities varies from one school to the next, from very broad approaches that target the entire faculty to very targeted approaches that focus on a few teachers, and that the frequency of a principal’s instructional leadership activities with an individual teacher is directly related to the magnitude of instructional changes reported by that teacher. These findings support the notion that principals who focus on the improvement of particular teachers in conjunction with broader approaches can produce greater changes in instructional practice.
Perception and Conceptualization of House Floor Plans: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Ishikawa Toru , Nakata Saya , Asami Yasushi
Published: October 2010

This study examines how people read and comprehend house floor plans, by conducting a psychological experiment. In the experiment, 94 people are asked to classify 48 cards on which various types of floor plans differing along 5 dimensions were printed. Participants’ categorization data are analyzed in terms of (a) which attributes of floor plans people attend to when classifying them, and (b) whether and how people differ in the way of conceiving and classifying floor plans. Results show the existence of (a) a systematic pattern in people’s perception and conceptualization of house floor plans, and (b) group differences among people in the attributes of plans that they think important and attend to in classification. Implications for a housing information search and provision are discussed, particularly the possibility of providing information about floor plans in ways that are tailored to the recipient’s type of information search.
Who Gives a Hoot?: Intercept Surveys of Litterers and Disposers
Authors: Bator Renée J. , Bryan Angela D. , Wesley Schultz P.
Published: October 2010

Across 14 different outdoor settings in 8 states, the authors interviewed 102 disposers to examine how littering behavior is affected by environmental factors, social norms, demographic characteristics, and self-reported motivations. Observations revealed that 25% of all disposals were littered, and the most commonly littered item was cigarette butts. Participants were less likely to litter in locations with more receptacles available and with receptacles positioned so they could be easily reached.Younger participants, who reported weaker personal norms against littering, were more likely to litter. Implications of this work suggested the necessity of adequate receptacle availability and accessibility, especially cigarette-butt receptacles. In addition, antilittering campaigns were advised to direct their appeals to those most at risk for littering—targets under the age of 30.
Consumer Response to Product-Integrated Energy Feedback: Behavior, Goal Level Shifts, and Energy Conservation
Authors: McCalley L.T. , de Vries Peter W. , Midden Cees J. H.
Published: October 2010

Results of recent experiments suggest that interactive control panels of individual appliances can be used to stimulate energy saving behavior by offering the means for consumers to set a goal and receive immediate energy use feedback. The underlying source of the behavioral response, however, remains unclear. The present study compares the effects of a foot-in-the-door intervention, designed to activate a general conservation goal, and a specific task-related goal-setting procedure on the basis of feedback intervention theory (FIT). FIT predicts that any intervention that results in activating a goal at any other hierarchical level of specificity than that needed to perform a task in an energy-saving way will distract attention from the conservation action and attenuate performance. Results lend support to this interpretation. The roles of attention, goal parameters, and goal prioritization are discussed in terms of the present and future research.
Strategies for Selecting Effective Patient Nutrition Education Materials
Authors: Clayton Laura H.
Published: October 2010

Nutrition and diet therapy are at the center of health promotion activities and self‐management of chronic diseases. To assist an individual in making informed decisions regarding his or her diet and increase adherence to dietary recommendations or treatments, healthcare professionals must select health information that is appropriate to the client's level of understanding. A systematic approach in the evaluation of patient education material, whether in print or on the World Wide Web, must focus on the information's content, literacy level, graphical displays, layout and typography, motivating principles, cultural relevance, and feasibility. Additional criteria should be evaluated when accessing Web sites and include source, site credibility, conflict of interest, disclaimer, disclosure, navigation, and interactivity information.
Effect of a Fish Oil–Containing Beverage on Changes in Plasma Lipid Fatty Acids in Patients With Malabsorption
Authors: McCowen Karen C. , Ling Pei‐Ra , Ollero Mario , Tawa Nicholas , Bistrian Bruce R.
Published: October 2010

Background: The aim of this pilot study was to assess tolerance of a beverage containing ω‐3 fatty acids (fish oil) in patients with malabsorption receiving chronic parenteral nutrition (PN). The authors wanted to determine whether fish oil could be absorbed and incorporated into plasma fatty acids and reduce markers of inflammation. Methods: This was a small intervention study in home‐dwelling PN‐dependent patients with chronic malabsorption. Ten patients were provided a drink containing 1.5 g of fish oil per day for 12 weeks. Baseline and post–supplement serum fatty acid profiles were compared. Results: Five of 10 patients withdrew from the study because of GI side effects, principally worsened diarrhea, associated with the supplement. Modest increases were found in 20:5ω‐3, 22:5ω‐3, and 22:6ω‐3 levels in both phospholipids and triglycerides in plasma (all P < .05). In phospholipids, a reduced arachidonic acid level was seen (P = .02). These changes were not sufficient to effect improvements in serum tumor necrosis factor–alpha (TNFα), soluble TNF receptor, C‐reactive protein, or interleukin‐6. Conclusions: Some patients with severe malabsorption can absorb oral ω‐3 fatty acid supplements and incorporate these fatty acids into serum phospholipids and triglycerides. However, side effects are very common, and no anti‐inflammatory effect was found, presumably related to the modest level of fatty acid change.
Article Commentary: Dietetics Students’ Ability to Choose Appropriate Communication and Counseling Methods Is Improved by Teaching Behavior‐Change Strategies in Computer‐Assisted Instruction
Authors: Mullin Gerard E.
Published: October 2010

Dietetics Students’ Ability to Choose Appropriate Communication and Counseling Methods Is Improved by Teaching Behavior‐Change Strategies in Computer‐Assisted Instruction Puri R Bell C Evers WD J Am Diet Assoc. 2010; 110:892‐7.
Antimutagenic and Antioxidant Characteristics of Chukrasia tabularis A Juss Extracts
Authors: Kaur Rajbir , Sharma Upendra , Singh Bikram , Arora Saroj
Published: October 2010

The current study aims to evaluate the antioxidative and antimutagenic activities of methanol extract and different fractions of Chukrasia tabularis leaves. The antioxidative potential was evaluated using 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) cation and superoxide anion radical-scavenging assay. The antimutagenic potential was evaluated against direct-acting mutagens, 4-nitro- o-phenylenediamine and sodium azide; and S9-dependent mutagen, 2-aminofluorene in TA98 and TA100 strains of Salmonella typhimurium using Ames assay. It has been found that methanol extract and its fractions were more efficient against S9-dependent mutagen in pre-incubation mode of treatment as compared to direct-acting mutagens in both the strains. Methanol extract and its fractions also exhibited strong radical-scavenging potential. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of methanol extract showed the presence of gallic acid, epicatechin, 7-hydroxycoumarin, and rutin. From the study, it could be concluded that antioxidative and antimutagenic activity of methanol extract and its fractions was related to the synergistic interactions among different chemical compounds.
Using Social Networking Sites in Subject Tracing
Authors: Nwadiuko Joseph , Isbell Patricia , Zolotor Adam J. , Hussey Jon , Kotch Jonathan B.
Published: October 2010

Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace provide a novel method for tracing subjects in longitudinal research studies. This article describes how the southern site of the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) consortium used Facebook and MySpace to follow-up subjects inaccessible to traditional means of contact. A search conducted on both sites for the profiles of 151 subjects not located by traditional means yielded profiles belonging to 35 users, 7 of whom responded to our communication by agreeing to remain in the study, reducing the number of attritted subjects by 4.6%. The results suggest that Facebook and MySpace do carry potential as platforms for confidential tracing processes, although they may provide limited success when applied to a study’s most hard-to-locate subjects.
Pins and Rubber Band Traction System and Osteosynthesis With a Hook Plate for the Treatment of Old Fracture-Dislocation of a Toe Application of Hand Operative Techniques in a Foot Operation
Authors: Tonogai Ichiro , Hamada Yoshitaka , Kashima Masahiro , Takahashi Masami , Kanematsu Yoshiji , Henmi Tatsuhiko
Published: October 2010

The treatment of old fracture-dislocation of a toe is usually difficult. The authors used 2 techniques that are commonly used in finger operations: One is the pins and rubber band traction system, and the other is the hook plate osteosynthesis. They treated a 56-year-old woman using these methods, and obtained a good result.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV
Hepatitis viruses and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: epidemiology, mechanisms of tumorigenesis, and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Marcucci Fabrizio , Mele Alfonso
Published: October 2010

Over the past 2 decades considerable evidence has accumulated on the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and several hematologic malignancies, most notably B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In this review we summarize this evidence, address possible mechanisms whereby hepatitis viruses may contribute to lymphomagenesis, and discuss the therapeutic fallouts from this knowledge. Most of this evidence is on HCV, and this is the main focus of the review. Moreover, we mainly address the association with NHL, the most prevalent hematologic malignancy, and the most extensively investigated with regard to an association with hepatitis viruses. Available evidence on the association with other hematologic malignancies is also addressed briefly.
Visualization of lymphatic vessels by Prox1-promoter directed GFP reporter in a bacterial artificial chromosome-based transgenic mouse
Authors: Choi Inho , Chung Hee Kyoung , Ramu Swapnika , Lee Ha Neul , Kim Kyu Eui , Lee Sunju , Yoo Jaehyuk , Choi Dongwon , Lee Yong Suk , Aguilar Berenice , Hong Young-Kwon
Published: October 2010

Although the blood vessel-specific fluorescent transgenic mouse has been an excellent tool to study vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, a lymphatic-specific fluorescent mouse model has not been established to date. Here we report a transgenic animal model that expresses the green fluorescent protein under the promoter of Prox1, a master control gene in lymphatic development. Generated using an approximately 200-kb-long bacterial artificial chromosome harboring the entire Prox1 gene, this Prox1-green fluorescent protein mouse was found to faithfully recapitulate the expression pattern of the Prox1 gene in lymphatic endothelial cells and other Prox1-expressing organs, and enabled us to conveniently visualize detailed structure and morphology of lymphatic vessels and networks throughout development. Our data demonstrate that this novel transgenic mouse can be extremely useful for detection, imaging, and isolation of lymphatic vessels and monitoring wound-associated lymphangiogenesis. Together, this Prox1-green fluorescent protein transgenic mouse will be a great tool for the lymphatic research.
Use of consensus sequences for the design of high density resequencing microarrays: the influenza virus paradigm
Authors: Leclercq India , Berthet Nicolas , Batéjat Christophe , Rousseaux Claudine , Dickinson Philip , Old Iain G , Kong Katherine , Kennedy Giulia C , Cole Stewart T , Manuguerra Jean-Claude
Published: October 2010

Background

A resequencing microarray called PathogenID v2.0 has been developed and used to explore various strategies of sequence selection for its design. The part dedicated to influenza viruses was based on consensus sequences specific for one gene generated from global alignments of a large number of influenza virus sequences available in databanks.

Results

For each HA (H1, H2, H3, H5, H7 and H9) and NA (N1, N2 and N7) molecular type chosen to be tested, 1 to 3 consensus sequences were computed and tiled on the microarray. A total of 12 influenza virus samples from different host origins (humans, pigs, horses and birds) and isolated over a period of about 50 years were used in this study. Influenza viruses were correctly identified, and in most cases with the accurate information of the time of their emergence.

Conclusions

PathogenID v2.0 microarray demonstrated its ability to type and subtype influenza viruses, often to the level of viral variants, with a minimum number of tiled sequences. This validated the strategy of using consensus sequences, which do not exist in nature, for our microarray design. The versatility, rapidity and high discriminatory power of the PathogenID v2.0 microarray could prove critical to detect and identify viral genome reassortment events resulting in a novel virus with epidemic or pandemic potential and therefore assist health authorities to make efficient decisions about patient treatment and outbreak management.
Antitumor activity against murine lymphoma L5178Y model of proteins from cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) seeds in relation with in vitro antioxidant activity
Authors: Preza Ana M , Jaramillo María E , Puebla Ana M , Mateos Juan C , Hernández Rodolfo , Lugo Eugenia
Published: October 2010

Background

Recently, proteins and peptides have become an added value to foodstuffs due to new knowledge about its structural analyses as related to antioxidant and anticancer activity. Our goal was to evaluate if protein fractions from cacao seeds show antitumor activity on lymphoma murine L5178Y model. The antioxidant activity of these fractions was also evaluated with the aim of finding a correlation with the antitumor activity.

Methods

Differential extraction of proteins from unfermented and semi-fermented-dry cacao seeds was performed and characterized by SDS-PAGE and FPLC size-exclusion chromatography. Antitumor activity was evaluated against murine lymphoma L5178Y in BALB/c mice (6 × 104 cells i.p.), with a treatment oral dose of 25 mg/kg/day of each protein fraction, over a period of 15 days. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the ABTS+ and ORAC-FL assays.

Results

Albumin, globulin and glutelin fractions from both cacao seed type were obtained by differential solubility extraction. Glutelins were the predominant fraction. In the albumin fraction, polypeptides of 42.3 and 8.5 kDa were found in native conditions, presumably in the form of two peptide chains of 21.5 kDa each one. The globulin fraction presented polypeptides of 86 and 57 kDa in unfermented cacao seed that produced the specific-cacao aroma precursors, and after fermentation the polypeptides were of 45 and 39 kDa. The glutelin fraction presented proteins >200 kDa and globulins components <100 KDa in lesser proportion. Regarding the semifermented-dry cacao seed, it was observed that the albumin fraction showed antitumoral activity, since it caused significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the ascetic fluid volume and packed cell volume, inhibiting cell growth in 59.98 ± 13.6% at 60% of the population; while the greatest antioxidant capacity due to free radical scavenging capacity was showed by the albumin and glutelin fraction in both methods assayed.

Conclusion

This study is the first report on the biological activity of semifermented-dry cacao protein fractions with their identification, supporting the traditional use of the plant. The albumin fraction showed antitumor and free radical scavenging capacity, however both activities were not correlated. The protein fractions could be considered as source of potential antitumor peptides.
Categorizing and comparing psychophysical detection strategies based on biomechanical responses to short postural perturbations
Authors: Bhatkar Viprali V , Skufca Joseph D , Pilkar Rakesh B , Storey Christopher M , Robinson Charles J
Published: October 2010

Background

A fundamental unsolved problem in psychophysical detection experiments is in discriminating guesses from the correct responses. This paper proposes a coherent solution to this problem by presenting a novel classification method that compares biomechanical and psychological responses.

Methods

Subjects (13) stood on a platform that was translated anteriorly 16 mm to find psychophysical detection thresholds through a Adaptive 2-Alternative-Forced-Choice (2AFC) task repeated over 30 separate sequential trials. Anterior-posterior center-of-pressure (APCoP) changes (i.e., the biomechanical response RB) were analyzed to determine whether sufficient biomechanical information was available to support a subject's psychophysical selection (RΨ) of interval 1 or 2 as the stimulus interval. A time-series-bitmap approach was used to identify anomalies in interval 1 (a1) and interval 2 (a2) that were present in the resultant APCoP signal. If a1 > a2 then RB = Interval 1. If a1 < a2, then RB= Interval 2. If a2 - a1 < 0.1, RB was set to 0 (no significant difference present in the anomaly scores of interval 1 and 2).

Results

By considering both biomechanical (RB) and psychophysical (RΨ) responses, each trial run could be classified as a: 1) HIT (and True Negative), if RB and RΨ both matched the stimulus interval (SI); 2) MISS, if RB matched SI but the subject's reported response did not; 3) PSUEDO HIT, if the subject signalled the correct SI, but RB was linked to the non-SI; 4) FALSE POSITIVE, if RB = RΨ, and both associated to non-SI; and 5) GUESS, if RB = 0, if insufficient APCoP differences existed to distinguish SI. Ensemble averaging the data for each of the above categories amplified the anomalous behavior of the APCoP response.

Conclusions

The major contributions of this novel classification scheme were to define and verify by logistic models a 'GUESS' category in these psychophysical threshold detection experiments, and to add an additional descriptor, "PSEUDO HIT". This improved classification methodology potentially could be applied to psychophysical detection experiments of other sensory modalities.
Consumption of diets high in prebiotic fiber or protein during growth influences the response to a high fat and sucrose diet in adulthood in rats
Authors: Maurer Alannah D , Eller Lindsay K , Hallam Megan C , Taylor Kim , Reimer Raylene A
Published: October 2010

Background

Early dietary exposure can influence susceptibility to obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. We examined the lasting effects of a high protein or high prebiotic fiber weaning diet when followed by a high energy diet in adulthood.

Methods

At birth, litters of Wistar rats were culled to 10 pups. At 21 d pups were weaned onto control (C), high prebiotic fiber (HF) or high protein (HP) diet. Rats consumed the experimental diets until 14 wk when they were switched to a high fat/sucrose (HFHS) diet for 6 wk. Body composition and energy intake were measured and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed. Blood was analyzed for satiety hormones and tissues collected for real-time PCR.

Results

Weight gain was attenuated in male rats fed HF from 12 wk until study completion. In females there were early reductions in body weight that moderated until the final two wk of HFHS diet wherein HF females weighed less than HP. Final body weight was significantly higher following the high fat challenge in male and female rats that consumed HP diet from weaning compared to HF. Lean mass was higher and fat mass lower with HF compared to HP and compared to C in males. Energy intake was highest in HP rats, particularly at the start of HFHS feeding. Plasma glucose was higher in HP rats compared to HF during an OGTT. Plasma amylin was higher in HF females compared to C and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was higher in HF rats during the OGTT. Leptin was higher in HP rats during the OGTT. HF upregulated GLUT 5 mRNA expression in the intestine and downregulated hepatic hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Male rats fed HP had higher hepatic triglyceride content than C or HF.

Conclusion

These data suggest that while a long-term diet high in protein predisposes to an obese phenotype when rats are given a high energy diet in adulthood, consumption of a high fiber diet during growth may provide some protection.
‘Choosing shoes’: a preliminary study into the challenges facing clinicians in assessing footwear for rheumatoid patients
Authors: Silvester Renee N , Williams Anita E , Dalbeth Nicola , Rome Keith
Published: October 2010

Background

Footwear has been accepted as a therapeutic intervention for the foot affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Evidence relating to the objective assessment of footwear in patients with RA is limited. The aims of this study were to identify current footwear styles, footwear characteristics, and factors that influence footwear choice experienced by patients with RA.

Methods

Eighty patients with RA were recruited from rheumatology clinics during the summer months. Clinical characteristics, global function, and foot impairment and disability measures were recorded. Current footwear, footwear characteristics and the factors associated with choice of footwear were identified. Suitability of footwear was recorded using pre‐determined criteria for assessing footwear type, based on a previous study of foot pain.

Results

The patients had longstanding RA with moderate‐to severe disability and impairment. The foot and ankle assessment demonstrated a low‐arch profile with both forefoot and rearfoot structural deformities. Over 50% of shoes worn by patients were open‐type footwear. More than 70% of patients’ footwear was defined as being poor. Poor footwear characteristics such as heel rigidity and sole hardness were observed. Patients reported comfort (17%) and fit (14%) as important factors in choosing their own footwear. Only five percent (5%) of patients wore therapeutic footwear.

Conclusions

The majority of patients with RA wear footwear that has been previously described as poor. Future work needs to aim to define and justify the specific features of footwear that may be of benefit to foot health for people with RA.
The level of glycolytic metabolism in acute myeloid leukemia blasts at diagnosis is prognostic for clinical outcome
Authors: Herst Patries M , Howman Rebecca A , Neeson Paul J , Berridge Michael V , Ritchie David S
Published: October 2010

This research investigated the level of glycolytic metabolism in leukemic blasts as a prognostic marker in AML. Using an in vitro dye-reduction assay, we determined the level of glycolytic metabolism in 26 BM samples taken from 23 adult patients with newly diagnosed (n=19) or relapsed (n=4) AML, and AML blasts stratified into two distinct cohorts of moderate (<70%) or high (>80%) levels of glycolytic metabolism. All samples taken at relapse were moderately glycolytic. However, nine of the 19 samples taken at diagnosis were highly glycolytic, and 10 were moderately glycolytic. Three patients had paired samples taken at diagnosis and relapse, and the glycolytic metabolism of these samples did not alter between the two time-points. The level of glycolytic metabolism did not correlate with the percentage of marrow blasts, patient age, or CG/molecular risk group. Highly glycolytic AML blasts were more resistant to apoptosis induced by ATRA and/or ATO in vitro, suggesting potential resistance to induction chemotherapy, as has been observed in solid tumors. Despite this, high levels of glycolytic metabolism at diagnosis were predictive of a significantly improved duration of CR1 and OS following AML remission induction chemotherapy. In conclusion, we found that the extent of myeloblast glycolysis may be an effective and easily applied method to determine the pretreatment prognosis of AML.
The Bow and Arrow War Days on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of Alaska
Authors: Funk Caroline
Published: October 2010

Yupiit living along the Bering Sea coast south of the mouth of the Yukon River regularly engaged in violent conflict with more northern riverine Yupiit prior to the 1840s AD arrival of Russian explorers and traders. The conflict is known as the Bow and Arrow War Days, and outside Alaska few people are aware of it. Local oral histories tell of the war, and archaeological and historical sources provide complementary details. This article documents war events and techniques for war for one specific area: the Triangle in Yup'ik Alaska.
Spirit Beings, Mental Illness, and Murder: Fur Traders and the Windigo in Canada's Boreal Forest, 1774 to 1935
Authors: Smallman Shawn
Published: October 2010

This article builds on the extensive literature regarding the Algonquian belief in the windigo, a cannibal spirit, by examining how traders of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) viewed this phenomenon from the eighteenth to the early twentieth century. As native people brought windigos to posts for care or sought help from HBC employees to protect their families, traders responded to this disorder based on their company's economic interests and their adherence to Enlightenment thought as well as on indigenous expectations of reciprocity. The fur trade and the windigo disorder were linked historically, so that the passing of the one marked the fading of the other, as the economic and cultural ties that shaped relationships between Algonquians and outsiders underwent a profound change in the early twentieth century. An imperial context ultimately determined how most Canadian institutions responded to the windigo, as colonial authorities created narratives around this disorder designed to increase their control over Cree and Ojibwa communities.
Trans-Indian Identity and the Inuit “Other”: Relations between the Chipewyan and Neighboring Aboriginal Communities in the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Roberts Strother E.
Published: October 2010

The history of the Canadian Arctic and Subarctic hints at how certain aboriginal American communities constructed identities across the lines drawn by differences in language and culture. This history also suggests that aboriginal communities' ability, or willingness, to stretch the limits of group inclusion faced certain environmentally and economically dictated constraints. A study of the relationships between Chipewyan Indians and their Indian and Inuit neighbors in the lands lying west of Hudson Bay in the eighteenth century suggests that Indian trading, cohabitation, and war-making served to create and reinforce culturally constructed intercommunity identities. These identities proved fluid enough to incorporate sometime rivals (the Crees and Yellowknives) as well as new trading partners (Hudson's Bay Company employees) while still excluding cultural others (the Inuit), at least until the end of the century. This study of the interactions of Indian and Inuit communities west of Hudson Bay suggests that, at least during the eighteenth century, the Chipewyan constructed a cross-tribal, trans-Indian sense of identity at least partially defined by their rejection of the Inuit “other.”
Ethnic Community in Early Tsilhqut'in Contact History
Authors: Dinwoodie David W.
Published: October 2010

With the emergence of the Canadian policy of land claims in the 1970s and 1980s, the early contact phase of aboriginal history became a prime factor determining recognition. First Nations historiography has, as a result, become polarized and politicized in particular ways. This article is an attempt to illuminate the question of the sociopolitical standing of the Tsilhqut'in of west central British Columbia in the early contact period in what has become a frankly political environment. Key sources are identified, prevailing approaches are critically evaluated, and a new line of interpretation is developed by drawing on the ethnosymbolic approach of John Armstrong and Anthony D. Smith.
PEX13 deficiency in mouse brain as a model of Zellweger syndrome: abnormal cerebellum formation, reactive gliosis and oxidative stress
Authors: Müller C. Catharina , Nguyen Tam H. , Ahlemeyer Barbara , Meshram Mallika , Santrampurwala Nishreen , Cao Siyu , Sharp Peter , Fietz Pamela B. , Baumgart-Vogt Eveline , Crane Denis I.
Published: October 2010

Delayed cerebellar development is a hallmark of Zellweger syndrome (ZS), a severe neonatal neurodegenerative disorder. ZS is caused by mutations in PEX genes, such as PEX13, which encodes a protein required for import of proteins into the peroxisome. The molecular basis of ZS pathogenesis is not known. We have created a conditional mouse mutant with brain-restricted deficiency of PEX13 that exhibits cerebellar morphological defects. PEX13 brain mutants survive into the postnatal period, with the majority dying by 35 days, and with survival inversely related to litter size and weaning body weight. The impact on peroxisomal metabolism in the mutant brain is mixed: plasmalogen content is reduced, but very-long-chain fatty acids are normal. PEX13 brain mutants exhibit defects in reflex and motor development that correlate with impaired cerebellar fissure and cortical layer formation, granule cell migration and Purkinje cell layer development. Astrogliosis and microgliosis are prominent features of the mutant cerebellum. At the molecular level, cultured cerebellar neurons from E19 PEX13-null mice exhibit elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase-2 (MnSOD), and show enhanced apoptosis together with mitochondrial dysfunction. PEX13 brain mutants show increased levels of MnSOD in cerebellum. Our findings suggest that PEX13 deficiency leads to mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress, neuronal cell death and impairment of cerebellar development. Thus, PEX13-deficient mice provide a valuable animal model for investigating the molecular basis and treatment of ZS cerebellar pathology.
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli induce attaching and effacing lesions and hemorrhagic colitis in human and bovine intestinal xenograft models
Authors: Golan Lilach , Gonen Erez , Yagel Simcha , Rosenshine Ilan , Shpigel Nahum Y.
Published: October 2010

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is an important cause of diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans worldwide. The two major virulence determinants of EHEC are the Shiga toxins (Stx) and the type III secretion system (T3SS), including the injected effectors. Lack of a good model system hinders the study of EHEC virulence. Here, we investigated whether bovine and human intestinal xenografts in SCID mice can be useful for studying EHEC and host tissue interactions. Fully developed, germ-free human and bovine small intestine and colon were established by subcutaneous transplantation of human and bovine fetal gut into SCID mice. Xenografts were allowed to develop for 3–4 months and thereafter were infected by direct intraluminal inoculation of Stx-negative derivatives of EHEC O157:H7, strain EDL933. The small intestine and colon xenografts closely mimicked the respective native tissues. Upon infection, EHEC induced formation of typical attaching and effacing lesions and tissue damage that resembled hemorrhagic colitis in colon xenografts. By contrast, xenografts infected with an EHEC mutant deficient in T3SS remained undamaged. Furthermore, EHEC did not attach to or damage the epithelium of small intestinal tissue, and these xenografts remained intact. EHEC damaged the colon in a T3SS-dependent manner, and this model is therefore useful for studying the molecular details of EHEC interactions with live human and bovine intestinal tissue. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Stx and gut microflora are not essential for EHEC virulence in the human gut.
Trap of Biomolecular Ions in the Gas Phase Produced by IR-laser Ablation of Droplet Beam
Authors: Kohno Jun-ya , Kondow Tamotsu
Published: October 2010

We describe a novel method to trap biomolecular ions in the gas phase produced by an IR-laser ablation of a droplet beam. The IR-laser ablation is performed in an ion trap so that the product ions are readily trapped with high efficiency. The ions are thermalized in collisions with the ambient water molecules which are simultaneously produced with the ions by the IR-laser ablation.
CD200 (OX-2 Membrane Glycoprotein) Expression in B Cell–Derived Neoplasms
Authors: Dorfman David M. , Shahsafaei Aliakbar
Published: October 2010

We studied the expression of CD200, an immunoglobulin superfamily membrane glycoprotein, in a wide range of B cell–derived neoplasms by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded tissue sections. In addition to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), CD200 is expressed in other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, including hairy cell leukemia. In addition, neoplastic cells in classical Hodgkin lymphoma are immunoreactive for CD200. CD200 was previously reported to be expressed in acute myeloid leukemia, and we find that it is also expressed in B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. We conclude that CD200 may be a useful immunophenotypic marker in the evaluation of B cell–derived neoplasms. Furthermore, since an anti-CD200 immunotherapeutic agent is in clinical trials, a number of B cell–derived neoplasms in addition to CLL/SLL may be suitable therapeutic targets.
Immunophenotypic Correlation Between Skin Biopsy and Peripheral Blood Findings in Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Kelemen Katalin , White Clifton R. , Gatter Ken , Braziel Rita M. , Fan Guang
Published: October 2010

In mycosis fungoides (MF) with blood involvement, T-cell immunophenotypes in skin and blood have not been compared. Our aim was to evaluate T-cell immunophenotypes in skin by immunohistochemical analysis and compare results with flow cytometric (FC) findings in blood. Of 20 patients with MF with blood involvement, the immunophenotype was discrepant in 11 (55%). Compared with FC findings in blood, immunohistochemical analysis of skin samples failed to detect partial deletion of CD2 (5/11 [45%]), CD3 (3/11 [27%]), and CD5 (3/11 [27%]) and overrepresented deletion of CD7 in 2 (18%) of 11 patients. In addition, CD8+ MF was missed by immunohistochemical analysis in 2 (18%) of 11 patients. Identical T-cell populations were demonstrated by T-cell gene polymerase chain reaction in skin and blood in 8 of the 11 patients who had a discrepant immunophenotype. Awareness of the limitations of immunohistochemical analysis of skin samples is of practical value for pathologists interpreting skin biopsies in MF patients. In addition, our findings suggest CD8+ MF to be more common than previously reported.
Platelet Factor 4/Heparin Antibodies in Blood Bank Donors
Authors: Hursting Marcie J. , Pai Poulomi J. , McCracken Julianna E. , Hwang Fred , Suvarna Shayela , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Bandarenko Nicholas , Arepally Gowthami M.
Published: October 2010

Platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin antibody, typically associated with heparin therapy, is reported in some heparin-naive people. Seroprevalence in the general population, however, remains unclear. We prospectively evaluated PF4/heparin antibody in approximately 4,000 blood bank donors using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for initial and then repeated (confirmatory) testing. Antibody was detected initially in 249 (6.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.8%–7.4%) of 3,795 donors and repeatedly in 163 (4.3%; 95% CI, 3.7%–5.0%) of 3,789 evaluable donors. “Unconfirmed” positives were mostly (93%) low positives (optical density [OD] = 0.40–0.59). Of 163 repeatedly positive samples, 116 (71.2%) were low positives, and 124 (76.1%) exhibited heparin-dependent binding. Predominant isotypes of intermediate to high seropositive samples (OD >0.6) were IgG (20/39 [51%]), IgM (9/39 [23%]), and indeterminate (10/39 [26%]). The marked background seroprevalence of PF4/heparin antibody (4.3%–6.6%) with the preponderance of low (and frequently nonreproducible) positives in blood donors suggests the need for further assay calibration, categorization of antibody level, and studies evaluating clinical relevance of “naturally occurring” PF4/heparin antibodies.