bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effector and Regulatory Lymphocytes in Asthmatic Pregnant Women
Authors: Bohács Anikó , Cseh Áron , Stenczer Balázs , Müller Veronika , Gálffy Gabriella , Molvarec Attila , Rigó János , Losonczy György , Vásárhelyi Barna , Tamási Lilla
Published: May 2010

Citation Bohács A, Cseh Á, Stenczer B, Müller V, Gálffy G, Molvarec A, Rigó J Jr, Losonczy G, Vásárhelyi B, Tamási L. Effector and regulatory lymphocytes in asthmatic pregnant women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 393–401

Problem  Asthma influences pregnancy outcome and pregnancy affects asthma severity, but the immunologic mechanisms of these interactions are not fully elucidated.

Method  The prevalence of lymphocyte subsets was identified by cell surface markers and intracellular FoxP3 staining, in healthy non‐pregnant (HNP; N = 15), healthy pregnant (HP; N = 33), asthmatic non‐pregnant (ANP; N = 62) and asthmatic pregnant (AP; N = 61) women.

Results  Regulatory T cell (Treg) prevalence was higher in HP than in HNP subjects and showed a positive correlation with fetal birth weight, which was blunted in AP group. Treg prevalence was lower and invariable natural killer T cell prevalence was higher in AP patients (compared to HP). Higher naive and lower effector T cell prevalence was observed in AP than in ANP group.

Conclusion  Pregnancy‐induced increase in Treg cell prevalence is absent in asthmatic pregnancy that may interfere with physiological intrauterine growth. However, pregnancy‐specific inhibition of asthmatic inflammation can be detected in uncomplicated asthmatic pregnancy.
Frequency of intrusive luxation in deciduous teeth and its effects
Authors: Carvalho Vivian , Jacomo Diana Ribeiro , Campos Vera
Published: May 2010

Abstract –  The aims of this study were three‐fold: First, to determine the prevalence of partial and total intrusion of the primary anterior teeth. Second, to investigate the sequelae of total and partial intrusive luxation in the primary anterior teeth and in their successors and finally, to establish whether the sequelae on both deciduous and permanent teeth were related to the child’s age at the time of the intrusion. Data collected from records of 169 boys and 138 girls, all between the ages of zero and 10 years, who were undergoing treatment during the period of March 1996 to December 2004. The sample was composed of 753 traumatized deciduous teeth, of which 221 presented intrusive luxation injury. Children with ages ranging from one to 4 years were the most affected with falls being the main cause of intrusion. Of all intruded teeth 128 (57.9%) were totally intruded and 93 (42.1%) partially. Pulp necrosis/premature loss and color change were the most frequent sequelae in both total and partial intrusions. Concerning permanent dentition, the most common disturbances were color change and/or enamel hypoplasia. Both types of intrusion caused eruption disturbance. Total intrusion was the most frequent type of intrusive luxation. There was no significant correlation between the child’s age at the time of intrusion and the frequency of subsequent sequela on primary injured teeth (P = 0.035), between the age at the time of injury and the developmental disturbances on permanent teeth (P = 0.140).
Hyperactivity, startle reactivity and cell‐proliferation deficits are resistant to chronic lithium treatment in adult Nr2e1frc/frc mice
Authors: Wong B. K. Y. , Hossain S. M. , Trinh E. , Ottmann G. A. , Budaghzadeh S. , Zheng Q.Y. , Simpson E. M.
Published: May 2010

The NR2E1 region on Chromosome 6q21‐22 has been repeatedly linked to bipolar disorder (BP) and NR2E1 has been associated with BP, and more specifically bipolar I disorder (BPI). In addition, patient sequencing has shown an enrichment of rare candidate‐regulatory variants. Interestingly, mice carrying either spontaneous (Nr2e1frc) or targeted (Tlx−) deletions of Nr2e1 (here collectively known as Nr2e1‐null) show similar neurological and behavioral anomalies, including hypoplasia of the cerebrum, reduced neural stem cell proliferation, extreme aggression and deficits in fear conditioning; these are the traits that have been observed in some patients with BP. Thus, NR2E1 is a positional and functional candidate for a role in BP. However, no Nr2e1‐null mice have been fully evaluated for behaviors used to model BP in rodents or pharmacological responses to drugs effective in treating BP symptoms. In this study we examine Nr2e1frc/frc mice, homozygous for the spontaneous deletion, for abnormalities in activity, learning and information processing, and cell proliferation; these are the phenotypes that are either affected in patients with BP or commonly assessed in rodent models of BP. The effect of lithium, a drug used to treat BP, was also evaluated for its ability to attenuate Nr2e1frc/frc behavioral and neural stem cell‐proliferation phenotypes. We show for the first time that Nr2e1‐null mice exhibit extreme hyperactivity in the open field as early as postnatal day 18 and in the home cage, deficits in open‐field habituation and passive avoidance, and surprisingly, an absence of acoustic startle. We observed a reduction in neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation in Nr2e1frc/frc mice, similar to that seen in other Nr2e1‐null strains. These behavioral and cell‐proliferation phenotypes were resistant to chronic‐adult‐lithium treatment. Thus, Nr2e1frc/frc mice exhibit behavioral traits used to model BP in rodents, but our results do not support Nr2e1frc/frc mice as pharmacological models for BP.
Crystal structure determination and inhibition studies of a novel xylanase and α‐amylase inhibitor protein (XAIP) from Scadoxus multiflorus
Authors: Kumar Sanjit , Singh Nagendra , Sinha Mau , Dube Divya , Singh S. Baskar , Bhushan Asha , Kaur Punit , Srinivasan Alagiri , Sharma Sujata , Singh Tej P.
Published: May 2010

A novel plant protein isolated from the underground bulbs of Scadoxus multiflorus, xylanase and α‐amylase inhibitor protein (XAIP), inhibits two structurally and functionally unrelated enzymes: xylanase and α‐amylase. The mature protein contains 272 amino acid residues which show sequence identities of 48% to the plant chitinase hevamine and 36% to xylanase inhibitor protein‐I, a double‐headed inhibitor of GH10 and GH11 xylanases. However, unlike hevamine, it is enzymatically inactive and, unlike xylanase inhibitor protein‐I, it inhibits two functionally different classes of enzyme. The crystal structure of XAIP has been determined at 2.0 Å resolution and refined to Rcryst and Rfree factors of 15.2% and 18.6%, respectively. The polypeptide chain of XAIP adopts a modified triosephosphate isomerase barrel fold with eight β‐strands in the inner circle and nine α‐helices forming the outer ring. The structure contains three cis peptide bonds: Gly33–Phe34, Tyr159–Pro160 and Trp253–Asp254. Although hevamine has a long accessible carbohydrate‐binding channel, in XAIP this channel is almost completely filled with the side‐chains of residues Phe13, Pro77, Lys78 and Trp253. Solution studies indicate that XAIP inhibits GH11 family xylanases and GH13 family α‐amylases through two independent binding sites located on opposite surfaces of the protein. Comparison of the structure of XAIP with that of xylanase inhibitor protein‐I, and docking studies, suggest that loops α3–β4 and α4–β5 may be involved in the binding of GH11 xylanase, and that helix α7 and loop β6–α6 are suitable for the interaction with α‐amylase.
Dendritic cells transfected with lentiviral vector‐encoding human granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor augment anti‐tumour T‐cell response in vitro
Authors: Cui J. , Lin A. L. , Liu Q. , Sun Q. , Gao Z.‐H.
Published: May 2010

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen‐presenting cells that can actively taken up and present tumour‐derived proteins to induce a tumour‐specific immune response. Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) plays a pivotal role in the generation, sensitization, maturation and survival of DC. We charged the peripheral blood monocyte cell‐derived DC with tumour lysate, and then transfected the DC with lentiviral vector‐encoding human GM‐CSF (hGM‐CSF). The antigen‐presenting capacity of the hGM‐CSF‐transfected DC was tested by means of the mixed lymphocyte reaction and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte assay using wild‐type DC as the control. The Lenti‐hGM‐CSF‐transfected DC was able to stimulate the proliferation of naive allogeneic T lymphocytes and to generate tumour‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes more efficiently than the wild‐type DC. This data indicates that Lenti‐hGM‐CSF‐transfected DC could potentially be used as an effective clinical approach for cancer immunotherapy.
Evaluation of Gossypium species for resistance to cotton leaf curl Burewala virus
Authors: Akhtar K.P. , Haidar S. , Khan M.K.R. , Ahmad M. , Sarwar N. , Murtaza M.A. , Aslam M.
Published: May 2010

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), caused by cotton leaf curl Burewala virus (CLCuBV), has emerged as a major threat to cotton production in Pakistan. Resistance to CLCuBV was evaluated in cultivated and wild cotton genotypes representing six Gossypium species by visual symptom scoring and virus assessment using PCR tests. Considerable variation in responses was observed when using whitefly and graft transmission to inoculate Gossypium genotypes with CLCuBV in field and greenhouse experiments. Under field evaluation, all cultivated genotypes of Gossypium hirsutum and three genotypes of G. barbadense were susceptible. Eleven genotypes that represented six wild and cultivated Gossypium species were considered to be highly resistant as they were free from infection. Similar results were obtained when these genotypes were tested using whitefly transmission. To verify these findings, 132 cultivated and wild genotypes were tested by graft inoculation. All G. hirsutum genotypes (116 cultivated, 1 wild, 1 transgenic Coker‐312 and 1 non‐transgenic Coker‐312), three G. barbadense genotypes and one G. thurberi genotype were highly susceptible and exhibited symptoms 9–12 days after grafting. Four genotypes of G. arboreum and one genotype of G. anomalum did not express symptoms but had a detectable level of virus. One genotype of G. herbaceum and three wild genotypes of G. hirsutum showed mild symptoms (severity indexes of 1–2) and exhibited delayed disease development. These genotypes were classified as moderately resistant to resistant. Resistant genotypes that were identified in this study will be useful sources for exploitation of breeding programmes aimed at developing CLCuBV‐resistant varieties and increasing genetic diversity.
Ultrastructure of the nuchal organs in the polychaete Platynereis dumerilii (Annelida, Nereididae)
Authors: Schmidtberg Henrike , Dorresteijn Adriaan W. C.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. We examined the nuchal organs of adults of the nereidid polychaete Platynereis dumerilii by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The most prominent features of the nuchal organs are paired ciliary bands located dorsolaterally at the posterior margin of the prostomium. They are composed of primary sensory cells and multiciliated supporting cells, both covered by a thin cuticle. The supporting cells have motile cilia that penetrate the cuticle and are responsible for the movement of water. Subapically, they have a narrowed neck region; the spaces between the neck regions of these supporting cells comprise the olfactory chamber. The dendrites of the sensory cells give rise to a single modified cilium that crosses the olfactory chamber; numerous thin microvillus‐like processes, presumably extending from the sensory cells, also traverse the olfactory chamber. At the periphery of the ciliated epithelium runs a large nervous process between the ciliated supporting cells. It consists of smaller bundles of sensory dendrites that unite to form the nuchal nerve, which leaves the ciliated epithelium basally and runs toward the posterior part of the brain, where the perikarya of the sensory cells are located in clusters. The ciliated epithelium of the nuchal organs is surrounded by non‐ciliated, peripheral epidermal cells. Those immediately adjacent to the ciliated supporting cells have a granular cuticle; those further away have a smooth cuticle. The nuchal organs of epitokous individuals of P. dumerilii are similar to those described previously in other species of polychaetes and are a useful model for understanding the development of nuchal organs in polychaetes.
EMERGENCE OF BACILLUS CEREUS AS A DOMINANT ORGANISM IN IRISH RETAILED POWDERED INFANT FORMULAE (PIF) WHEN RECONSTITUTED AND STORED UNDER ABUSE CONDITIONS
Authors: HAUGHTON PHILLIPA , GARVEY MARY , ROWAN NEIL J.
Published: May 2010

One hundred powdered infant formulae (PIF), representative of the 10 leading brands available in Ireland, were subjected to a variety of preparation and storage conditions. All PIF analyzed immediately after reconstitution were of satisfactory bacteriological quality, exhibiting a total aerobic mesophilic count of <104 cfu/g (mean 3.8 × 102 cfu/g) and a Bacillus cereus count of <103 cfu/g powder (mean 1.9 × 102 cfu/g). Enterobacter sakazakii was not detected in PIF. While 24 of all PIF examined contained B. cereus, subsequent reconstitution and storage over a 24‐h period at≥20C resulted in this organism being detected in a further 35 PIF at levels in excess of 103 cfu/g. The bacteriological quality of PIF depended on the type and number of organisms initially present and on the product temperature and duration of storage. While PIF predominantly consisted of members of the Bacillus subtilis group, subsequent reconstitution and storage at≥20C for 14 h resulted in the emergence of B. cereus as the dominant organism. Co‐culture studies revealed that B. cereus inhibited the growth of members of the B. subtilis group and Listeria monocytogenes. Not all diarrheagenic and emetic strains of B. cereus exhibited antagonistic activity, and there was also evidence of intraspecies antagonism among B. cereus isolated from PIF.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The high biocidal temperatures that occur during spray drying of powdered infant formulae (PIF) combined with good manufacturing practice compliance ensure that these high‐risk foods are of satisfactory bacteriological quality. However, acceptably low numbers of recalcitrant bacterial endospores with toxigenic potential do frequently survive this process. Thus, identifying interrelated preparation and storage conditions (including abuse scenarios) that foster growth of bacterial contaminants in reconstituted PIF to potentially hazardous levels is of paramount importance, as this will inform and safeguard consumer health. This study reports on the occurrence, interaction, emergence and predominance of Bacillus cereus in reconstituted PIF under various storage regimes. The tests described in this study are practical and will benefit food technologists in the profiling of spoilage and potentially pathogenic bacteria that may contaminate these high‐risk products. Guidance is also provided to consumers on conditions for safe storage of reconstituted PIF prior to consumption.
EVALUATION OF BACTERIOCINOGENIC PEDIOCOCCUS ACIDILACTICI AS PROTECTIVE CULTURE IN THE PRESERVATION OF TSIRE, A TRADITIONAL NIGERIAN STICK MEAT
Authors: OLAOYE O.A. , DODD C.E.R.
Published: May 2010

In an effort to control spoilage and pathogenic organisms in tsire, a Nigerian stick meat, the potential of a bacteriocinogenic Pediococcus acidilactici NCIMB 700993 as protective culture was evaluated. Preliminary experiments showed that P. acidilactici produced pediocin in an in vitro assay, among twelve strains of Pediococcus that were tested. Confirmation by polymerase chain reaction revealed that the organism encode gene for pediocin production of approximately 710 bp; its nucleotide sequences showed 99% homology to pediocin operon of P. acidilactici, (GenBank accession number AY705375.1). The pediocin exhibited full activity at 70C for 2 h while loss in activity was observed when treated with proteolytic enzymes, suggesting it may be proteinaceous in nature. Culture of P. acidilactici was inoculated on tsire at 6 log cfu/g and stored for 7 days at 30C to represent ambient temperature in Nigeria. Microbiological analysis showed reductions in the Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, yeast & moulds, Staphylococcus and total bacterial counts in starter inoculated samples. In a challenge test, foodborne pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium, were initially inoculated at 6 log cfu/g on tsire samples; treatment with the P. acidilactici isolate reduced counts by 2 and 4 log, respectively, during storage while increase was observed in uninoculated control samples.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The present study focused on the potential of biological preservatives in the control of spoilage and pathogenic organisms in a traditional stick meat product tsire in Nigeria. Our findings may prove useful in the preservation of the product, as possible transformation into practical application could constitute an important economically viable approach for improving food safety and promoting public health. However, it would be imperative that the sellers of the product be given required training, especially on the need for observing personal hygiene and good manufacturing practices in order to reduce or prevent contamination of the product.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF ENTEROCOCCUS SPP. SPREAD IN POULTRY PRODUCTS IN LITHUANIA
Authors: RUZAUSKAS MODESTAS , SUZIEDELIENE EDITA , SIUGZDINIENE RITA , SEPUTIENE VAIDA , POVILONIS JUSTAS
Published: May 2010

The objective of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of enterococci spread in raw products of poultry origin intended for human consumption in Lithuania. Samples were obtained from retail markets all over the country. Fifty‐eight samples (83%) from a total of 70 tested were positive for Enterococcus spp.

Enterococcus faecium (36.2%), E. faecalis (29.3%) and E. hirae (17.2%) were the most prevalent species. Susceptibility testing was based on a microdilution test. Results were interpreted according to clinical breakpoints. The most frequent resistance was demonstrated to tetracycline (84.5%), tylosin (64.5%), erythromycin (63.8%) and ciprofloxacin (36.2%). No resistant strains were found to vancomycin, linezolid and tigecycline. Susceptibility to antimicrobials varied among different species of enterococci. E. faecalis demonstrated more frequent resistance to tylosin, E. hirae– to nitrofuranes. E. faecium was more frequently resistant to penicillin and tetracycline. Both E. faecium and E. hirae demonstrated more frequent resistance to fluoroquinolones than E. faecalis. Susceptibility to other antimicrobials statistically was unreliable between these species of enterococci.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Enterococci are widely spread in raw poultry products. Antimicrobial resistance is highly important for antimicrobials that are used in human medicine. The results demonstrate the frequent resistance of enterococci to tetracycline, macrolides and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin). This could be associated with the intensive and extensive usage of these antimicrobials within the country.

Hygienic measures in raw food‐production should be strongly enforced. Personal hygiene during marketing is also very important since resistant bacteria could easily spread among salespersons and consumers.

Commensal bacteria should be used as indicators for antimicrobial resistance in food control operations.
Implication of life history strategies for prenatal investment in cetaceans
Authors: Huang Shiang‐Lin , Chou Lien‐Siang , Shih Nien‐Tsu , Ni I‐Hsun
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Prenatal investment directly determines the size at birth and fetus growth rate, which affects neonatal survival and growth and potentially affects maternal fitness. This study explored the associated prenatal life history traits of cetaceans. Using multivariate analysis and ANCOVA, baleen whales and toothed cetaceans had distinct energy patterns, with two exceptions including beaked whales and eusocial cetaceans. Baleen whales are characterized by fast prenatal growth, which suggests high prenatal energetics, and utilize the capital breeder tactic. Toothed cetaceans, except for beaked whales, utilize income breeder energetics, which yields relatively slow prenatal growth. However, eusocial cetaceans have especially slow prenatal growth, suggesting very low prenatal energetic effort with social compensation. Although beaked whales are behaviorally income breeders, both discriminant analysis and ANCOVA showed that they are energetically similar to baleen whales, utilizing capital energetics. ANCOVA further revealed that beaked whales have comparatively large calf size, suggesting high prenatal investment. Because all cetaceans wean their calves at comparable size, high prenatal investment may further suggest reduced cost of lactation, which may be behaviorally and energetically adaptive to their specific deep‐dive‐feeding niche.
Proteomic Profiling of the Epileptic Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Li Aiqing , Choi Yun‐Sik , Dziema Heather , Cao Ruifeng , Cho Hee‐Yeon , Jung Yeon Joo , Obrietan Karl
Published: May 2010

The development of epilepsy is often associated with marked changes in central nervous system cell structure and function. Along these lines, reactive gliosis and granule cell axonal sprouting within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus are commonly observed in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Here we used the pilocarpine model of TLE in mice to screen the proteome and phosphoproteome of the dentate gyrus to identify molecular events that are altered as part of the pathogenic process. Using a two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis‐based approach, followed by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, 24 differentially expressed proteins, including 9 phosphoproteins, were identified. Functionally, these proteins were organized into several classes, including synaptic physiology, cell structure, cell stress, metabolism and energetics. The altered expression of three proteins involved in synaptic physiology, actin, profilin 1 and α‐synuclein was validated by secondary methods. Interestingly, marked changes in protein expression were detected in the supragranular cell region, an area where robust mossy fibers sprouting occurs. Together, these data provide new molecular insights into the altered protein profile of the epileptogenic dentate gyrus and point to potential pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis.
Flat adenoma in colon: Two decades of debate
Authors: LAU Patrick CP , SUNG Joseph JY
Published: May 2010

The existence of flat adenomas in the colon is well recognized. Whether they represent a distinct disease with a pathogenetic pathway different from that of the classical adenoma‐carcinoma sequence in colorectal tumorigenesis and have higher malignant potential remains a matter of debate. To review the epidemiology, clinical features, detection and management of flat and depressed (non‐polypoid) colonic neoplasm, we performed a thorough literature review on studies focusing on the prevalence, histological features, genetics, detection and treatment of flat and depressed (non‐polypoid) colonic neoplasm. A high percentage of severe dysplasia in flat colonic adenomas has not been consistently demonstrated. Their malignant potential appears to be size‐dependent. Flat adenomas are found to have a lower incidence of major genetic abnormalities involved in the classical adenoma‐carcinoma sequence and that has raised suspicions that they may have a different pathogenesis. The depressed type of colorectal carcinoma is uncommon but shows more aggressive behavior. More advanced colonoscopic techniques, such as chromoendoscopy, may enhance the detection of small and inconspicuous colonic neoplastic lesions that lack a protruding configuration. It is essential for endoscopists to appreciate the existence and clinical significance of flat and depressed colonic lesions as an important variant of colonic neoplasms so that the goal of reducing colorectal carcinoma incidence by polypectomy can be better achieved.
Hepatitis B virus‐induced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis: The value of liver and spleen volumetry with multi‐detector spiral computed tomography
Authors: LI Wei Xia , ZHAO Xiang Tian , CHAI Wei Min , ZHU Nai Yi , DU Lian Jun , HUANG Wei , LING Hua Wei , CHEN Ke Min , XIE Qing
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE:  To study the correlation of liver and spleen volume with the degree of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis induced by hepatitis B virus infection.

METHODS:  128 participants who had undergone liver and spleen volumetry were enrolled. The control group consisted of 41 participants who were potential living liver donors. The liver fibrosis group consisted of 63 histologically proved liver fibrosis patients who were further divided into two subgroups: 44 patients with slight liver fibrosis, and 19 patients with advanced liver fibrosis. The liver cirrhosis group consisted of 24 patients. The following parameters were determined by multi‐detector spiral computed tomography (MSCT) examination: total liver volume (TLV), right liver lobe volume (RV), left lateral liver segment volume (LLV), left medial liver segment volume (LMV), caudate lobe volume (CV), and spleen volume (SV). The ratios of CV to TLV (C/T), RV to TLV (R/T), LLV to TLV (LL/T), LMV to TLV (LM/T), and SV to TLV (S/T) were calculated.

RESULTS:  TLV, RV, LMV tended to decrease and SV, C/T, S/T tended to increase gradually with the increased degree of fibrosis. C/T ≥ 3.34% and S/T ≥ 47.36% were identified as the cut‐off values of fibrosis ≥F3 (advanced liver fibrosis) and cirrhosis, respectively. Their sensitivities were 68.4% and 87.5% and their specificities were 59.1% and 89.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:  Variations in liver and spleen volume correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and could be used in the non‐invasive follow‐up of the development of liver fibrosis.
Performance of Two Metabolic Syndrome Definitions in the Estimation of Cardiovascular Disease Among Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Hirota Andréa H. , Rodrigues Cássio J. O. , Borges Rodolfo L. , Ribeiro Artur B. , Zanella Maria T. , Batista Marcelo C.
Published: May 2010

J Clin Hypertens(Greenwich). 2010;12:588–596. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors evaluated the significance of metabolic syndrome (MetS) diagnosis, as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. Among 638 patients, the prevalence of MetS was 54.7% when the IDF criteria were used, compared with 45.5% when the NCEP criteria were used. MetS correlated significantly with the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), only MetS diagnosed using the IDF criteria was associated with the presence of CVD. In those with T2DM, MetS was not associated with CVD, regardless of the criteria used. The diagnosis of MetS, using either set of criteria, was associated with the development of T2DM. We conclude that, in hypertensive patients without diabetes, a diagnosis of MetS according to IDF criteria, but not the NCEP criteria, is useful in identifying individuals with a higher probability of incident CVD. In patients with diabetes, a population already considered at high risk for CVD, a diagnosis of MetS, regardless of the criteria used, has no further impact on prognosis.
Taking Less Than Prescribed: Medication Nonadherence and Provider‐Patient Relationships in Lower‐Income, Rural Minority Adults With Hypertension
Authors: Martin Michelle Y. , Kohler Connie , Kim Young‐il , Kratt Polly , Schoenberger Yu‐Mei , Litaker Mark S. , Prayor‐Patterson Heather M. , Clarke Stephen J. , Andrews Shiquina , Pisu Maria
Published: May 2010

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:706–713. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Control of hypertension remains poor, and lack of adherence to medication is considered a primary reason. Few studies have examined the reasons for medication nonadherence in African American, lower‐income, rural adults receiving medications at no personal cost. Moreover, our understanding of how the provider‐patient relationship influences adherence in this population is limited. In this study, the authors (1) examined reasons for taking less medication than prescribed and (2) examined the association between provider‐patient variables and medication adherence. A total of 434 participants (94.8% African American) were included. The most frequently endorsed reasons for taking less medication than prescribed were not having blood pressure medicine when it was time to take a dose (36%), running out of medicine (35%), bothered by side effects (29%), and a change in one’s daily routine (27%). Nonadherent individuals were significantly more likely to report discomfort with asking the health provider questions (74% vs 63%), were more likely to report that health care visits were stressful (25% vs 16%), and exhibited more depressive symptoms (58% vs 45%). Adherent patients had lower blood pressure (systolic: 133±15.8 mm Hg vs 138±17.6 mm Hg, P value=.002; diastolic: 80±9.8 mm Hg vs 83±11 mm Hg, P value=.003) than individuals who were less adherent. Clinicians providing care to rural, poor hypertensive patients should routinely assess self‐management behaviors, logistical barriers, and emotional health. Creating clinical encounters that minimize the stressful nature of the visit and encourage patient question‐asking behavior may also be important for the optimal management of hypertension.
Improving the Well‐Being of Couples Facing Cancer: A Review of Couples‐Based Psychosocial Interventions
Authors: Baik Ok Mi , Adams Kathryn Betts
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this review article is to assess the available scientific evidence on the effects of couples‐based psychosocial interventions for couples when one spouse faces cancer. For the present study, we conducted an extensive search of three electronic databases using a comprehensive search strategy. The literature search identified 14 studies evaluating couples intervention where one partner is facing cancer. Among them, eight studies concluded there was overall improvement for patients and eight studies reported overall improvement for partners, whereas an additional five studies showed partial improvement for patients and three demonstrated partial improvements for partners. Taken in the aggregate, these studies illustrated partial effectiveness—most had some positive results—but with clear limitations in terms of how many aspects of psychosocial well‐being changed, lack of equal effectiveness for both patients and their partners, or limited maintenance of improvements over time, a common concern with brief psychosocial interventions. Although couples‐based interventions may facilitate emotional support and dyadic coping, how these psychosocial interventions should be delivered, at what point in the illness and treatment they should be delivered, and how long they should continue remain as future challenges.
Physiological and biochemical effects of conjugated linoleic acid and its use in aquaculture
Authors: Rosa Rui , Andrade Ana M. , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Nunes Maria L.
Published: May 2010

In the past few decades, the major compelling force in the study of marine lipids has been the need of the developing aquaculture industry to understand the lipid nutritional requirements of farmed fish so as to optimize production. At present, there is also increased interest to include health‐promoting nutrients (nutraceuticals) in farmed foods, such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Conjugated linoleic acid, a group of positional and stereoisomers of linoleic acid (18:2), acts as a growth factor to promote a repartitioning of fat to lean, lower blood lipids, and shows anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolaemic and anti‐atherogenic properties. In the present paper, we discuss current knowledge of the role of CLA in animal physiology and health and review advances in its application in fish aquaculture.
Organic aquaculture in Greece: a brief review
Authors: Perdikaris Costas , Paschos Ioannis
Published: May 2010

Organic aquaculture has recently attracted attention from both researchers and industry. Organically produced aquatic products are increasingly available to consumers and, in particular, sea bass and sea bream from certified farms in Greece have been exported and also channelled to large retail markets in Greece since 2008. The current paper briefly reviews issues pertaining to global organic aquaculture and national organic and conventional aquaculture production with a special focus on organic sea bass and sea bream production. Finally, future prospects and challenges are discussed in a wider context with regard to environmental sustainability, markets and further development of organic aquaculture.
Vision‐related function after low‐dose transpupillary thermotherapy versus photodynamic therapy for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Odergren Anne , Algvere Peep V. , Seregard Stefan , Libert Carina , Kvanta Anders
Published: May 2010

Purpose:  To compare the effects of low‐dose transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) and verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) on patient‐reported visual function using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ‐25) in patients with occult neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods:  Patients were randomized to receive either low‐dose TTT (and sham PDT) (n = 52) or PDT (and sham TTT) (n = 46). Patients were followed for 12 months with retreatment according to clinical assessment. The clinical outcome of this study has been recently reported. The NEI VFQ‐25 questionnaire was administered at baseline and at 12 months.

Results:  Forty‐two patients (80.1%) in the TTT group and 37 patients (80.0%) in the PDT group completed the questionnaire at the 12‐month follow‐up. The mean change in the NEI VFQ‐25 composite score was +1.2 for the TTT group (p > 0.05) and +0.7 for PDT group (p > 0.05). None of the subscale categories showed significant changes between treatment groups at 12 months. Subgroup analysis showed that NEI VFQ‐25 scores were lower in patients treated in their better‐seeing eye.

Conclusion:  In this randomized study on patients with occult neovascular AMD, low‐dose TTT and PDT appeared to be equally potent at stabilizing patient‐reported visual function. However, the study was underpowered for this conclusion to be made firmly. Also, given the impressive results obtained with ranibizumab for all types of neovascular AMD, neither PDT nor low‐dose TTT should be considered as first‐line treatments.
Donor age and gestational age influence on growth factor levels in human amniotic membrane
Authors: López‐Valladares Maria J. , Teresa Rodríguez‐Ares M. , Touriño Rosario , Gude Francisco , Teresa Silva M. , Couceiro Jose
Published: May 2010

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: e211–e216

Purpose:  Amniotic membrane (AM) is used as a biomaterial for reconstruction in ocular surface surgery. This study investigated the influence of interdonor variations and processing and preservation procedures applied to the AM on growth factors and protein levels.

Methods:  Samples of human AM from thirteen donors were analysed. Collected donor data were age, parity and gestational age. Total protein amount was measured in extracts of intact AM nonpreserved, lyophilized and cryopreserved, at −80°C and in liquid nitrogen. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assay growth factors protein levels for epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), transforming growth factor beta1 (TFG‐β1) and nerve growth factor (NGF). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to study the influence of the preservation method applied and interdonor variations on growth factors levels.

Results:  We detected important variations in growth factors and protein concentrations between samples from different donors. Total protein amount, bFGF, HGF, KGF and TGF‐β1 showed lower levels in samples from donors with higher gestational ages and donor ages, for all groups.

Conclusion:  The variability in the biochemical composition of AM from different donors is considerable, and it is related with donor factors as donor age and gestational age. As AM biochemical composition has a role in its therapeutic effects, these variations could affect the clinical results of amniotic membrane transplantation and must be taken into account in donor selection processes.
Multiple myeloma presenting with musculoskeletal manifestations: a case report
Authors: AGARWAL Divya , SHARMA Amit , KAPOOR Sanjeev , GARG Shri Ram , MALAVIYA Anand Narayan
Published: May 2010

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder. Musculoskeletal and skin manifestations of this disorder are rare. Here we report a case of a young male patient presenting with polyarthritis and skin rash resembling vasculitis. Detailed investigations revealed that he was suffering from multiple myeloma in which arthritis was a musculoskeletal complication of the disease.
Lack of association of high body mass index with risk for developing polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: HOGANSON Deana D. , CROWSON Cynthia S. , WARRINGTON Kenneth J. , GABRIEL Sherine E. , MATTESON Eric L.
Published: May 2010

Background:  High body mass index (BMI) may have modulatory effects on the immune system.

Objectives:  To determine the association between BMI and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) as well as the influence of BMI on glucocorticoid treatment duration and development of giant‐cell arteritis (GCA) in patients with PMR.

Methods:  The BMI of 364 patients with PMR from a population‐based incidence cohort was compared to the BMI of non‐PMR subjects from the same population. High and low BMI were defined as ≥ 25 and < 18.5 kg/m2, respectively. The association between BMI and case status was determined. The association between BMI and the duration of glucocorticoid therapy, as well as the development of GCA after accounting for relevant variables, were also examined.

Results:  The mean BMI at index was similar in both groups (PMR: 26 ± 5.4 kg/m2; non‐PMR: 25.9 ± 4.0 kg/m2, P = 0.83). There was no association between BMI and the duration of glucocorticoid therapy. No significant association was found between BMI and the development of GCA in patients with PMR.

Conclusion:  Patients with high BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2) are not more likely to develop PMR. BMI did not influence the duration of glucocorticoid therapy or the occurrence of GCA in patients with PMR.
ZnCdSe nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Lan B. W. , Hsiao C. H. , Hung S. C. , Chang S. J. , Young S. J. , Cheng Y. C. , Chih S. H. , Huang B. R.
Published: May 2010

The authors report the growth of high density ternary Zn1−xCdxSe (x=0.1,0.3) nanowires on an oxidized Si(100) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy and the fabrication of ZnCdSe nanowire photodetectors. It was found that the as-grown ZnCdSe nanowires exhibited mixture of cubic zinc-blende and hexagonal wurtzite structures. It was also found that the average diameters for the Zn0.9Cd0.1Se and Zn0.7Cd0.3Se nanowires were 36.0 and 70.6 nm, respectively, while the average lengths of Zn0.9Cd0.1Se and Zn0.7Cd0.3Se nanowires were both around 1 μm. Furthermore, it was found that the turn-on and turn-off time constants of the fabricated photodetectors were both less than 3 s.
Spatial and Temporal Variations of Groundwater Arsenic in South and Southeast Asia
Authors: Fendorf Scott , Michael Holly A. , van Geen Alexander
Published: May 2010

Arsenic in Asia

Millions of humans in South and Southeast Asia are exposed to potentially dangerous levels of the carcinogen arsenic via their drinking water every day. Although high arsenic levels are a known problem, a growing demand for drinking water drives the continued construction of new groundwater wells in these regions.

Fendorf
et al.

(p.
1123
) review chemical and hydrological factors controlling the release of arsenic in groundwater in South and Southeast Asia, which include the distribution of arsenic in groundwater aquifers used for drinking water and irrigation. Despite incomplete sampling and characterization of these factors across these regions, several key directions for improvements to water quality are presented.
Response to Comment on the Paleoenvironment of
Ardipithecus ramidus
Authors: White Tim D. , Ambrose Stanley H. , Suwa Gen , WoldeGabriel Giday
Published: May 2010

Cerling
et al
. contest our interpretation of the woodland habitat preference of
Ardipithecus ramidus
. However, their reconstruction of a predominantly open grassy environment with riparian woodlands is inconsistent with the totality of the fossil, geological, and geochemical evidence. In the Middle Awash,
Ar. ramidus
fossils are confined to the western portion of the sampled Pliocene landscape where the species is associated with woodland to grassy woodland habitat indicators.
Plectasin, a Fungal Defensin, Targets the Bacterial Cell Wall Precursor Lipid II
Authors: Schneider Tanja , Kruse Thomas , Wimmer Reinhard , Wiedemann Imke , Sass Vera , Pag Ulrike , Jansen Andrea , Nielsen Allan K. , Mygind Per H. , Raventós Dorotea S. , Neve Søren , Ravn Birthe , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J. , De Maria Leonardo , Andersen Anders S. , Gammelgaard Lora K. , Sahl Hans-Georg , Kristensen Hans-Henrik
Published: May 2010

Defining Defensins' Mode of Action

Defensins are antimicrobial host defense peptides that play a role in innate immunity. Many such peptides act by disrupting the bacterial membrane; however,

Schneider
et al.

(p.
1168
) now show that the fungal defensin, plecstasin, targets cell wall biosynthesis. Biochemical studies identified Lipid II as the cellular target of plecstasin and the residues involved in complex formation were identified using NMR spectroscopy and computational modeling. Initial studies identified two defensins from invertebrates that also target Lipid II. Plecstasin is active against some drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, and its action against a validated target makes it a promising lead for further drug development.
Genome-Wide Kinetics of Nucleosome Turnover Determined by Metabolic Labeling of Histones
Authors: Deal Roger B. , Henikoff Jorja G. , Henikoff Steven
Published: May 2010

Everything Changes

Nucleosomes package DNA, and their assembly and disassembly regulate access to the genome. The ability to follow these changes is limited to steady-state methods in higher eukaryotes, although direct kinetic analyses are available in yeast. To address this deficiency,

Deal
et al.

(p.
1161
) developed a general method for following the genome-wide dynamics of nucleosome assembly and disassembly. High levels of nucleosome turnover were observed across gene bodies and at the sites of epigenetic regulatory elements in fruit fly tissue culture cells. Nucleosomes were replaced multiple times during each 20-hour cell cycle, suggesting that histone modifications themselves are unlikely to transmit epigenetic information. Furthermore, analysis of replication origins indicates that they are determined by chromatin dynamics and not by sequence features.
Cutting a Controversy Down to Size
The Trashing of Margaret Mead
Anatomy of an Anthropological Controversy

by Paul Shankman

University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, 2009. 320 pp. Paper, $29.95. ISBN 9780299234546. e-book, $9.99. ISBN 9780299234539. Studies in American Culture and Thought.
Authors: LeVine Robert A.
Published: May 2010

Shankman evaluates both the scientific issues and media coverage of the controversy generated by Derek Freeman's claims against Margaret Mead and her work in Samoa.
A Reformer's Change of Heart
The Death and Life of the Great American School System
How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education

by Diane Ravitch

Basic Books, New York, 2010. 293 pp. $26.95, C$33.95. ISBN 9780465014910.
Authors: Reese William J.
Published: May 2010

Weighing claims of school reformers against evidence, Ravitch explains how she has come to reverse her position on the value of choice and testing.
Hints of Greater Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry Challenge Theorists
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: May 2010

When a team reported last week that certain particles showed a huge matter-antimatter asymmetry, physicists—and the front page of
The New York Times
—took note, as it could be a sign of new particles. But the marginal result could be a fluke, and theorists say it's difficult to explain why the effect is so big in this study and so small in earlier work on related particles.
A Forgotten Corridor Rediscovered
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: May 2010

As the world's first civilizations emerged in the 3rd millennium B.C.E., an obscure region in eastern Arabia served as a crucial trade link while developing a surprisingly sophisticated independent culture of its own.
The Shipping News, Circa 2200 B.C.E
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: May 2010

Archaeological discoveries show a maritime link between the Indus, Arabia, and Mesopotamia in what may have been the world's first oceangoing vessels. But debate continues over the design of what may have been the world's first oceangoing vessels.
TRAF6 and A20 Regulate Lysine 63–Linked Ubiquitination of Beclin-1 to Control TLR4-Induced Autophagy
Authors: Shi Chong-Shan , Kehrl John H.
Published: May 2010

Regulation of the ubiquitination of Beclin-1 may be a general mechanism that controls autophagy.
Cytosol,
Salmonella
, and pH
Authors: Hurtley Stella M.
Published: May 2010

Intravacuolar
Salmonella
sense host cytosolic pH, resulting in degradation of a regulatory complex and effector translocation.
Early Bactericidal Activity and Pharmacokinetics of PA-824 in Smear-Positive Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Diacon Andreas H. , Dawson Rodney , Hanekom Madeleine , Narunsky Kim , Maritz Stefan J. , Venter Amour , Donald Peter R. , van Niekerk Christo , Whitney Karl , Rouse Doris J. , Laurenzi Martino W. , Ginsberg Ann M. , Spigelman Melvin K.
Published: May 2010

PA-824 is a novel nitroimidazo-oxazine being evaluated for its potential to improve tuberculosis (TB) therapy. This randomized study evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and extended early bactericidal activity of PA-824 in drug-sensitive, sputum smear-positive, adult pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Fifteen patients per cohort received 1 of 4 doses of oral PA-824: 200, 600, 1,000, or 1,200 mg per day for 14 days. Eight subjects received once daily standard antituberculosis treatment as positive control. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean rate of change in log CFU of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in sputum incubated on agar plates from serial overnight sputum collections, expressed as log
10
CFU/day/ml (± standard deviation [SD]). The drug demonstrated increases that were dose linear but less than dose proportional in serum concentrations in doses from 200 to 1,000 mg daily. Dosing of 1,200 mg gave no additional exposure compared to 1,000 mg daily. The mean daily CFU fall under standard treatment was 0.148 (±0.055), consistent with that found in previous studies. The mean daily fall under PA-824 was 0.098 (±0.072) and was equivalent for all four dosages. PA-824 appeared safe and well tolerated; the incidence of adverse events potentially related to PA-824 appeared dose related. We conclude that PA-824 demonstrated bactericidal activity over the dose range of 200 to 1,200 mg daily over 14 days. Because maximum efficacy was unexpectedly achieved at the lowest dosage tested, the activity of lower dosages should now be explored.
Mutant Selection Window and Characterization of Allelic Diversity for Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Mutants of
Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Niwa Hidekazu , Lasker Brent A.
Published: May 2010

The mutant prevention concentration (MPC) for ciprofloxacin was determined for two
Rhodococcus equi
strains. The MPC for both strains was 32 μg/ml, which is above the peak serum concentration of ciprofloxacin obtainable by oral administration in humans. Nine single nucleotide changes corresponding to eight amino acid substitutions in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of DNA gyrase subunits A and B were characterized. Only mutants with amino acid changes in Ser-83 of GyrA were highly resistant (≥64 μg/ml). Our results suggest that ciprofloxacin monotherapy against
R. equi
infection may result in the emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant mutants.