bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Female Adolescents Tell Whether They Will Test Positive for Chlamydia Infection?
Authors: Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Downs Julie S. , Murray Pamela , Fischhoff Baruch
Published: August 2009

Objectives. Having better predictors of chlamydia infection may improve health care providers’ decisions about when to provide testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). Adolescents’ probability judgments of significant life events in the next year and by age 20 y have shown promising validity, being significantly correlated with subsequent self-reports of having experienced these events. Here, the authors examine whether female adolescents’ probability judgments of having chlamydia were correlated with the objective outcome of a Ct polymerase chain reaction assay. Methods. Three hundred sexually active female adolescents were recruited from urban health care clinics in Pittsburgh. They assessed ‘‘the percent chance that you have chlamydia right now,’’ then answered questions about their demographic background and sexual history. Subsequently, the authors tested for Ct infection using a self-administered introital swab. Results. Adolescents’ probability judgments of having chlamydia ‘‘right now’’ were correlated with whether they tested positive for Ct infection, even after controlling for demographic variables and sexual history. This result held when probability judgments were dichotomized in terms of whether adolescents had assigned a zero or nonzero probability. Adolescents’ mean probability judgment was less than their infection rate, indicating that, on average, they underestimated their actual risk. Conclusions. Adolescents can tell whether they are at increased risk for chlamydia but may need better information about its absolute magnitude. Eliciting adolescents’ probability judgments of having chlamydia can add value to clinical decision making.
Concurrent and Predictive Validity of the Raven Progressive Matrices and the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test
Authors: Balboni Giulia , Naglieri Jack A. , Cubelli Roberto
Published: August 2009

The concurrent and predictive validities of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) and Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) were investigated in a large group of Italian third-and fifth-grade students with different sociocultural levels evaluated at the beginning and end of the school year. CPM and NNAT scores were related to math and reading comprehension tests. The CPM and NNAT concurrent and predictive validity coefficients were moderate, and there were no differences between concurrent and predictive validities with reading scores. The mutual incremental concurrent validity of the NNAT with the math test was significantly higher than the corresponding CPM validity. Finally, via step-down hierarchical regression analysis, the authors found that the predictive validity of both nonverbal tests is independent from the participants’ sociocultural level. These two relatively simple nonverbal tests are commonly used to assess general ability; however, the present study shows that they can also provide useful information for predicting the academic performance of students with different sociocultural levels.
From the Streets to Institutions
Authors: Aguilar Jemel P. , Jackson Anna K.
Published: August 2009

This article seeks to build on prior research and knowledge about young female drug sellers’ social power by answering the following research question: What are the behavioral manifestations of young female drug sellers’ social power as these young women move through their native environments and social institutions? How do these behavioral manifestations influence their perception of the professionals with whom these young women interact in treatment and alternative education programs? The results indicate that young women develop requisite skills for surviving on the streets of their neighborhoods and that some bring these skills into the social institutions they enter for education or treatment. Moreover, the transfer of street-based skills into social institutions influences how young women respond to staff in these social institutions.
Exploration of Apparel Brand Knowledge
Authors: Dew Leah , Kwon Wi-Suk
Published: August 2009

Four phases of research were conducted to explore female college consumers’ apparel brand knowledge using students from a Southeastern university. First, results from a survey revealed a positive correlation between apparel brands’ recall and recognition performances (Phase 1). In Phase 2, through a brand-sorting task, four major apparel brand categories commonly perceived by female college consumers were identified. An online survey with a random sample of students (Phase 3) discovered that brands with higher levels of brand awareness were not necessarily linked to more favorable brand associations. Finally, an online experiment revealed that consumers’ cognitive structures of brand-category memberships were significantly affected by the model of categorization they were asked to use by the researchers (Phase 4). This study provided insight into the constructs of brand awareness, brand associations, and the three models of categorization which may aid consumers when identifying and classifying apparel brands in the market.
YouTube on Masculinity and the Founding Fathers: Constitutionalism 2.0
Authors: Burgess Susan
Published: August 2009

While it may be tempting to dismiss the broad humor and downright inaccuracies of politically oriented YouTube videos such as Brad Neely’s animated short on George Washington, this article argues it would be a mistake. The campy exaggerations and absurd claims contained therein may offer new sources of populist resistance to dominant understandings of masculinity as played out in the relation between the founding fathers and contemporary constitutional politics. This article explores two parodies of masculinity and paternity, suggesting ways in which YouTube may be used to integrate or converge scholarly and popular understandings into a new discourse, called Constitutionalism 2.0.
Gender, Context, and Television Advertising: A Comprehensive Analysis of 2000 and 2002 House Races
Authors: Sapiro Virginia , Cramer Walsh Katherine , Strach Patricia , Hennings Valerie
Published: August 2009

Are men and women portrayed differently in campaigns? Much scholarship and commentary expects that this is so, yet previous studies provide ambiguous evidence on the extent of gender difference.The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of gender differences in television advertisements in congressional races in 2000 and 2002 with data that allow them to take into account the frequency of airings, the sponsorship of the advertisements, partisanship, and competitiveness of the race. Although some gender differences emerge, the analysis reveals undeniable similarity in the presentation of male and female candidates in television advertisements.
Atomoxetine Treatment for ADHD
Authors: Durell Todd , Adler Lenard , Wilens Timothy , Paczkowski Martin , Schuh Kory
Published: August 2009

Objective: Atomoxetine is a nonstimulant medication for treating child, adolescent, and adult ADHD. This meta-analysis compared the effects in younger and older adults. Method: A post hoc analysis was conducted using data from two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Data from patients aged 18-25 years were compared with data from patients older than 25 years. Results: In younger adults (mean age = 21.7), atomoxetine produces greater improvement than placebo on the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale’s total ADHD symptom score ( p = .041, effect size = .797) and the clinical global impressions severity ( p = .006, effect size = 1.121). In older adults (mean age = 43.4 years), atomoxetine also produces significant benefit on the CAARS—Inv:SV ( p < .001, effect size = .326) and CGI-ADHD-S ( p < .001, effect size = .346). The study findings reveal response rates to be 56.4% and 47.8% for the younger and older adults, respectively ( p = .188). Tolerability is similar although older adults reported more sexual side effects. Conclusion: Younger and older adults show similar improvements at endpoint. The effect size is higher in younger adults, but this is due primarily to greater variability of response in older patients. (J. of Att. Dis. 2010; 13(4) 401-406)
Kirchheimer Italian Style
Authors: Forestiere Carolyn
Published: August 2009

In this article, I use the Italian case to demonstrate that Kirchheimer’s catch-all thesis can be applied in various ways. Unlike parties in many European nations, Italian parties did not undergo a catch-all transformation in the post-war period. However, after the parties and party system were dramatically reformed in the 1990s, some catch-all characteristics — with clarifications — in Italy are in evidence. Specifically, an important distinction needs to be made between what Kirchheimer called a ‘catch-all party’ and what we may refer to as a ‘catch-all bloc’. The catch-all party is a single party that aims to capture as much of the vote as it can, oftentimes by converging its policy preferences on the centre political space. The catch-all bloc is a group of individual parties, catch-all or not, that agrees in advance to collaborate, and behaves, collectively, as a catch-all party. This important distinction helps us understand changes in the Italian party system over time and shows that Kirchheimer’s ideas — though modified — still have relevance in modern-day Italian politics.
The Catch-All Party Revisited
Authors: Safran William
Published: August 2009

This article aims to do the following: reflect upon the life, experiences, ideas and teaching of Kirchheimer from the perspective of the author, his first dissertation advisee at Columbia University and one of his last students; discuss some of his major political observations and arguments; and consider their relevance today.
Kirchheimer’s French Twist
Authors: Hale Williams Michelle
Published: August 2009

Despite the fact that the catch-all thesis has profoundly affected scholarship on political parties, operationalizing the thesis and applying it to evaluate empirical cases has proved challenging for scholars. The thesis has been criticized for lacking a theoretical framework of analysis and clear causal logic. Therefore, while it is often cited it is rarely tested. In this article I develop a model of the catch-all thesis and then test it in the case of France, one of the original cases specified by Otto Kirchheimer in his observations. The French case exhibits competing tendencies of party convergence and polarization with the persistence of ideology. Findings suggest some confirmation of the catch-all thesis prediction regarding bipolarization, yet not according to the rationale asserted in the thesis. Additionally, presidentialism effects prove an important explanatory factor and the 2007 elections suggest a possible catch-all party in the UMP.
Stearyl Alcohol/2,4-Toluene Diisocyanate/Perfluorinated Alcohols Adduct as a New Textile Water/Oil Repellent
Authors: Abo-Shosha M.H. , El-Hilw Z.H. , Amr A. , Rabie A.M.
Published: August 2009

Stearyl alcohol/2,4-toluene diisocyanate/perfluorinated alcohols adduct was prepared at a total conversion of 98% by reacting these substances using a molar ratio of 1/1/1 at 100°C for 90 minutes. The purified adduct has a melting point of 67°C, and its FTIR spectrum was investigated. An aqueous emulsion containing the adduct (105 g/kg), stearic acid (45 g/kg), and TEA (24 g/kg) acquired 100% cotton fabric water/oil repellency when padded in a bath containing different concentration (20—50 g/L) of the emulsion and dried at 100°C per 3 minutes. Raising drying temperature (100—180°C) enhanced water/oil repellency. The so-treated fabric lost water/oil repellency after five washes. Addition of DMDHEU to the padding bath relatively improved water/oil repellency up to the 10th wash, but it was completely lost after the 25th wash. It was concluded that the adduct is mechanically entrapped within the crosslinker/fabric network and it escapes this entrapment during repeated laundering.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Stoughton Samuel Joseph
Published: August 2009

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiac muscle disorder. Damaged myocardium is replaced by scar tissue and fat. ARVC was discovered in the late 1970s on postmortem examinations of young athletes who had died suddenly. This disease has since been observed to affect the left ventricle as well.
Effects of laser surface modification on microstructures and properties of copper based PM friction plates
Authors: Shi Y , Zhang H , Xu C Y
Published: August 2009

The copper based powder metallurgy friction plates were treated by a broad beam laser. The microstructures were characterised by SEM, TEM, electron probe microanalysis and XRD. The hardness and density also have been tested. The properties of the friction plates were tested by the clutch and friction element dynamic properties tester. The test results show that, after the laser surface modification the α-Cu aggregates generate edge solid phase dissolution and the large agglomerate aggregates of α-Cu dismember to small strips. The nanocrystal is discovered in the α-Cu aggregate. The density and apparent hardness of friction material is increased by 6 and 12·7% respectively. The microhardness of α-Cu is increased by 14%. The static and kinetic friction coefficient of friction plate is increased by 7·4 and 9·2% respectively. The wear loss and wear rate is reduced by 33 and 49·6% respectively. The allowable heat load value is increased by 40%.
Synthesis and characterisation of ZnS optical thin films through cathodic electrodeposition technique
Authors: Zhu H , Huang J F , Wang Y , Cao L Y , He H Y , Wu J P
Published: August 2009

Zinc sulphide (ZnS) thin films were deposited on iridium tin oxide glass by a cathodic electrodeposition technique. The phase compositions, morphologies and optical properties of the prepared thin films were characterised. Both X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy analyses show the growth of ZnS thin films is highly preferential along (200) orientation and the crystallisation of the thin films improves with increasing the solution pH values. The ultraviolet absorption spectra of the films reveal a broad absorption peak ∼300 nm and the bandgap of the as deposited films ranges from 3·42 to 3·71 eV.
Identification of 4 new HLA-DR–restricted minor histocompatibility antigens as hematopoietic targets in antitumor immunity
Authors: Stumpf Anita N. , van der Meijden Edith D. , van Bergen Cornelis A. M. , Willemze Roel , Falkenburg J. H. Frederik , Griffioen Marieke
Published: August 2009

Potent graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects can be mediated by donor-derived T cells recognizing minor histocompatibility antigens (mHags) in patients treated with donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) for relapsed hematologic malignancies after HLA-matched allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). Donor-derived T cells, however, may not only induce GVL, but also mediate detrimental graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Because HLA-class II is under noninflammatory conditions predominantly expressed on hematopoietic cells, CD4+ T cells administered late after alloSCT may selectively confer GVL without GVHD. Although a broad range of different HLA-class I–restricted mHags have been identified, the first 2 autosomal HLA-class II–restricted mHags have only recently been characterized. By screening a recombinant bacteria cDNA expression library, we identified 4 new HLA-class II–restricted mHags recognized by CD4+ T cells induced in a patient with relapsed chronic myeloid leukemia who achieved long-term complete remission and experienced only mild GVHD of the skin after DLI. All CD4+ T cells were capable of recognizing the mHags presented by HLA-DR surface molecules on primary hematopoietic cells, but not on skin-derived (cytokine-treated) fibroblasts. The selective recognition of hematopoietic cells as well as the balanced population frequencies and common HLA-DR restriction elements make the novel mHags possible targets for development of immunotherapeutic strategies.
Comprehensive assessment of T-cell receptor β-chain diversity in αβ T cells
Authors: Robins Harlan S. , Campregher Paulo V. , Srivastava Santosh K. , Wacher Abigail , Turtle Cameron J. , Kahsai Orsalem , Riddell Stanley R. , Warren Edus H. , Carlson Christopher S.
Published: August 2009

The adaptive immune system uses several strategies to generate a repertoire of T- and B-cell antigen receptors with sufficient diversity to recognize the universe of potential pathogens. In αβ T cells, which primarily recognize peptide antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex molecules, most of this receptor diversity is contained within the third complementarity-determining region (CDR3) of the T-cell receptor (TCR) α and β chains. Although it has been estimated that the adaptive immune system can generate up to 1016 distinct αβ pairs, direct assessment of TCR CDR3 diversity has not proved amenable to standard capillary electrophoresis-based DNA sequencing. We developed a novel experimental and computational approach to measure TCR CDR3 diversity based on single-molecule DNA sequencing, and used this approach to determine the CDR3 sequence in millions of rearranged TCRβ genes from T cells of 2 adults. We find that total TCRβ receptor diversity is at least 4-fold higher than previous estimates, and the diversity in the subset of CD45RO+ antigen-experienced αβ T cells is at least 10-fold higher than previous estimates. These methods should prove valuable for assessment of αβ T-cell repertoire diversity after hematopoietic cell transplantation, in states of congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, and during normal aging.
Relapse risk after umbilical cord blood transplantation: enhanced graft-versus-leukemia effect in recipients of 2 units
Authors: Verneris Michael R. , Brunstein Claudio G. , Barker Juliet , MacMillan Margaret L. , DeFor Todd , McKenna David H. , Burke Michael J. , Blazar Bruce R. , Miller Jeffrey S. , McGlave Philip B. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Wagner John E.
Published: August 2009

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation is potentially curative for acute leukemia. This analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with leukemia relapse following myeloablative UCB transplantation. Acute leukemia patients (n = 177; 88 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 89 with acute myeloid leukemia) were treated at a single center. Patients received a UCB graft composed of either 1 (47%) or 2 (53%) partially human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–matched unit(s). Conditioning was with cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation with or without fludarabine. The incidence of relapse was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19%-33%). In multivariate analysis, relapse was higher in advanced disease patients (≥ third complete remission [CR3]; relative risk [RR], 3.6; P < .01), with a trend toward less relapse in recipients of 2 UCB units (RR = 0.6; P = .07). However, relapse was lower for CR1-2 patients who received 2 UCB units (RR 0.5; P < .03). Leukemia-free survival was 40% (95% CI, 30%-51%) and 51% (95% CI, 41%-62%) for single- and double-unit recipients, respectively (P = .35). Although it is known that transplantation in CR1 and CR2 is associated with less relapse risk, this analysis reveals an enhanced graft-versus-leukemia effect in acute leukemia patients after transplantation with 2 partially HLA-matched UCB units. This trial was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00309842.
Comparative 454 pyrosequencing of transcripts from two olive genotypes during fruit development
Authors: Alagna Fiammetta , D'Agostino Nunzio , Torchia Laura , Servili Maurizio , Rao Rosa , Pietrella Marco , Giuliano Giovanni , Chiusano Maria Luisa , Baldoni Luciana , Perrotta Gaetano
Published: August 2009

Background

Despite its primary economic importance, genomic information on olive tree is still lacking. 454 pyrosequencing was used to enrich the very few sequence data currently available for the Olea europaea species and to identify genes involved in expression of fruit quality traits.

Results

Fruits of Coratina, a widely cultivated variety characterized by a very high phenolic content, and Tendellone, an oleuropein-lacking natural variant, were used as starting material for monitoring the transcriptome. Four different cDNA libraries were sequenced, respectively at the beginning and at the end of drupe development. A total of 261,485 reads were obtained, for an output of about 58 Mb. Raw sequence data were processed using a four step pipeline procedure and data were stored in a relational database with a web interface.

Conclusion

Massively parallel sequencing of different fruit cDNA collections has provided large scale information about the structure and putative function of gene transcripts accumulated during fruit development. Comparative transcript profiling allowed the identification of differentially expressed genes with potential relevance in regulating the fruit metabolism and phenolic content during ripening.
CGHnormaliter: an iterative strategy to enhance normalization of array CGH data with imbalanced aberrations
Authors: van Houte Bart PP , Binsl Thomas W , Hettling Hannes , Pirovano Walter , Heringa Jaap
Published: August 2009

Background

Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is a popular technique for detection of genomic copy number imbalances. These play a critical role in the onset of various types of cancer. In the analysis of aCGH data, normalization is deemed a critical pre-processing step. In general, aCGH normalization approaches are similar to those used for gene expression data, albeit both data-types differ inherently. A particular problem with aCGH data is that imbalanced copy numbers lead to improper normalization using conventional methods.

Results

In this study we present a novel method, called CGHnormaliter, which addresses this issue by means of an iterative normalization procedure. First, provisory balanced copy numbers are identified and subsequently used for normalization. These two steps are then iterated to refine the normalization. We tested our method on three well-studied tumor-related aCGH datasets with experimentally confirmed copy numbers. Results were compared to a conventional normalization approach and two more recent state-of-the-art aCGH normalization strategies. Our findings show that, compared to these three methods, CGHnormaliter yields a higher specificity and precision in terms of identifying the 'true' copy numbers.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that the normalization of aCGH data can be significantly enhanced using an iterative procedure that effectively eliminates the effect of imbalanced copy numbers. This also leads to a more reliable assessment of aberrations. An R-package containing the implementation of CGHnormaliter is available at http://www.ibi.vu.nl/programs/cghnormaliterwww.
Two distinct groups of porcine enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains of serogroup O45 are revealed by comparative genomic hybridization and virulence gene microarray
Authors: Bruant Guillaume , Zhang Yongxiang , Garneau Philippe , Wong Justin , Laing Chad , Fairbrother John M , Gannon Victor PJ , Harel Josée
Published: August 2009

Background

Porcine enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (PEPEC) strains of serogroup O45 cause post-weaning diarrhea and produce characteristic attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions. Most O45 PEPEC strains possess the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), encoding the virulence factors required for production of A/E lesions, and often possess the paa gene, which is thought to contribute to the early stages of PEPEC pathogenicity. In this study, nine O45 PEPEC strains and a rabbit enteropathogenic (REPEC) strain, known to produce A/E lesions in vivo, were characterized using an E. coli O157-E. coli K12 whole genome microarray and a virulence gene-specific microarray, and by PCR experiments.

Results

Based on their virulence gene profiles, the 10 strains were considered to be atypical EPEC. The differences in their genomes pointed to the identification of two distinct evolutionary groups of O45 PEPEC, Groups I and II, and provided evidence for a contribution of these genetic differences to their virulence in pigs. Group I included the REPEC strain and four O45 PEPEC strains known to induce severe A/E lesions in challenged pigs whereas Group II was composed of the five other O45 PEPEC strains, which induced less severe or no A/E lesions in challenged pigs. Significant differences between Groups I and II were found with respect to the presence or absence of 50 O-Islands (OIs) or S-loops and 13 K-islands (KIs) or K-loops, including the virulence-associated islands OI#1 (S-loop#1), OI#47 (S-loop#71), OI#57 (S-loop#85), OI#71 (S-loop#108), OI#115, OI#122, and OI#154 (S-loop#253).

Conclusion

We have genetically characterized a collection of O45 PEPEC strains and classified them into two distinct groups. The differences in their virulence gene and genomic island content may influence the pathogenicity of O45 PEPEC strains, and explain why Group I O45 PEPEC strains induced more severe A/E lesions in explants and challenged pigs than Group II strains.
Transduction of the MPG-tagged fusion protein into mammalian cells and oocytes depends on amiloride-sensitive endocytic pathway
Authors: Kwon So-Jung , Han Kyuyong , Jung Suhyun , Lee Jong-Eun , Park Seongsoon , Cheon Yong-Pil , Lim Hyunjung Jade
Published: August 2009

Background

MPG is a cell-permeable peptide with proven efficiency to deliver macromolecular cargoes into cells. In this work, we examined the efficacy of MPG as an N-terminal tag in a fusion protein to deliver a protein cargo and its mechanism of transduction.

Results

We examined transduction of MPG-EGFP fusion protein by live imaging, flow cytometry, along with combination of cell biological and pharmacological methods. We show that MPG-EGFP fusion proteins efficiently enter various mammalian cells within a few minutes and are co-localized with FM4-64, a general marker of endosomes. The transduction of MPG-EGFP occurs rapidly and is inhibited at a low temperature. The entry of MPG-EGFP is inhibited by amiloride, but cytochalasin D and methyl-β-cyclodextrin did not inhibit the entry, suggesting that macropinocytosis is not involved in the transduction. Overexpression of a mutant form of dynamin partially reduced the transduction of MPG-EGFP. The partial blockade of MPG-EGFP transduction by a dynamin mutant is abolished by the treatment of amiloride. MPG-EGFP transduction is also observed in the mammalian oocytes.

Conclusion

The results show that the transduction of MPG fusion protein utilizes endocytic pathway(s) which is amiloride-sensitive and partially dynamin-dependent. Collectively, the MPG fusion protein could be further developed as a novel tool of "protein therapeutics", with potentials to be used in various cell systems including mammalian oocytes.
Measuring adolescents' HRQoL via self reports and parent proxy reports: an evaluation of the psychometric properties of both versions of the KINDL-R instrument
Authors: Erhart Michael , Ellert Ute , Kurth Bärbel-Maria , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike
Published: August 2009

Background

Several instruments are available to assess children's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) based on self reports as well as proxy reports from parents. Previous studies have found only low-to-moderate agreement between self and proxy reports, but few studies have explicitly compared the psychometric qualities of both. This study compares the reliability, factorial validity and convergent and known group validity of the self-report and parent-report versions of the HRQoL KINDL-R questionnaire for children and adolescents.

Methods

Within the nationally representative cross-sectional German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), 6,813 children and adolescents aged 11 to 17 years completed the KINDL-R generic HRQoL instrument while their parents answered the KINDL proxy version (both in paper-and-pencil versions). Cronbach's alpha and confirmatory factor-analysis models (linear structural equation model) were obtained. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed by calculating the Pearson's correlation coefficient for the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Known-groups differences were examined (ANOVA) for obese children and children with a lower familial socio-economic status.

Results

The parent reports achieved slightly higher Cronbach's alpha values for the total score (0.86 vs. 0.83) and most sub-scores. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an acceptable fit of the six-dimensional measurement model of the KINDL for the parent (RMSEA = 0.07) and child reports (RMSEA = 0.06). Factorial invariance across the two versions did not hold with regards to the pattern of loadings, the item errors and the covariation between latent concepts. However the magnitude of the differences was rather small. The parent report version achieved slightly higher convergent validity (r = 0.44 – 0.63 vs. r = 0.33 – 0.59) in the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. No clear differences were observed for known-groups validity.

Conclusion

Our study showed that parent proxy reports and child self reports on the child's HRQoL slightly differ with regards to how the perceptions, evaluations and possibly the affective resonance of each group are structured and internally consistent. Overall, the parent reports achieved slightly higher reliability and thus are favoured for the examination of small samples. No version was universally superior with regards to the validity of the measurements. Whenever possible, children's HRQoL should be measured via both sources of information.
Botulinum toxin type A injections for the management of muscle tightness following total hip arthroplasty: a case series
Authors: Bhave Anil , Zywiel Michael G , Ulrich Slif D , McGrath Mike S , Seyler Thorsten M , Marker David R , Delanois Ronald E , Mont Michael A
Published: August 2009

Background

Development of hip adductor, tensor fascia lata, and rectus femoris muscle contractures following total hip arthroplasties are quite common, with some patients failing to improve despite treatment with a variety of non-operative modalities. The purpose of the present study was to describe the use of and patient outcomes of botulinum toxin injections as an adjunctive treatment for muscle tightness following total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

Ten patients (14 hips) who had hip adductor, abductor, and/or flexor muscle contractures following total arthroplasty and had been refractory to physical therapeutic efforts were treated with injection of botulinum toxin A. Eight limbs received injections into the adductor muscle, 8 limbs received injections into the tensor fascia lata muscle, and 2 limbs received injection into the rectus femoris muscle, followed by intensive physical therapy for 6 weeks.

Results

At a mean final follow-up of 20 months, all 14 hips had increased range in the affected arc of motion, with a mean improvement of 23 degrees (range, 10 to 45 degrees). Additionally all hips had an improvement in hip scores, with a significant increase in mean score from 74 points (range, 57 to 91 points) prior to injection to a mean of 96 points (range, 93 to 98) at final follow-up. There were no serious treatment-related adverse events.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin A injections combined with intensive physical therapy may be considered as a potential treatment modality, especially in difficult cases of muscle tightness that are refractory to standard therapy.
Watermelon juice: a promising feedstock supplement, diluent, and nitrogen supplement for ethanol biofuel production
Authors: Fish Wayne W , Bruton Benny D , Russo Vincent M
Published: August 2009

Background

Two economic factors make watermelon worthy of consideration as a feedstock for ethanol biofuel production. First, about 20% of each annual watermelon crop is left in the field because of surface blemishes or because they are misshapen; currently these are lost to growers as a source of revenue. Second, the neutraceutical value of lycopene and L-citrulline obtained from watermelon is at a threshold whereby watermelon could serve as starting material to extract and manufacture these products. Processing of watermelons to produce lycopene and L-citrulline, yields a waste stream of watermelon juice at the rate of over 500 L/t of watermelons. Since watermelon juice contains 7 to 10% (w/v) directly fermentable sugars and 15 to 35 μmol/ml of free amino acids, its potential as feedstock, diluent, and nitrogen supplement was investigated in fermentations to produce bioethanol.

Results

Complete watermelon juice and that which did not contain the chromoplasts (lycopene), but did contain free amino acids, were readily fermentable as the sole feedstock or as diluent, feedstock supplement, and nitrogen supplement to granulated sugar or molasses. A minimum level of ~400 mg N/L (~15 μmol/ml amino nitrogen) in watermelon juice was required to achieve maximal fermentation rates when it was employed as the sole nitrogen source for the fermentation. Fermentation at pH 5 produced the highest rate of fermentation for the yeast system that was employed. Utilizing watermelon juice as diluent, supplemental feedstock, and nitrogen source for fermentation of processed sugar or molasses allowed complete fermentation of up to 25% (w/v) sugar concentration at pH 3 (0.41 to 0.46 g ethanol per g sugar) or up to 35% (w/v) sugar concentration at pH 5 with a conversion to 0.36 to 0.41 g ethanol per g sugar.

Conclusion

Although watermelon juice would have to be concentrated 2.5- to 3-fold to serve as the sole feedstock for ethanol biofuel production, the results of this investigation indicate that watermelon juice, either as whole juice fermented on-site or as a waste stream from neutraceutical production, could easily integrate with other more concentrated feedstocks where it could serve as diluent, supplemental feedstock, and nitrogen supplement.
Disparity in health care: HIV, stigma, and marginalization in Nepal
Authors: Jha Chandra K , Madison Jeanne
Published: August 2009

Background

The provision of effective health care to people with HIV and those from usually marginalised backgrounds, such as drug users and sex workers is a growing concern in Nepal, because these populations often do not seek health care, as willingly as the general population. Exploration of the factors, which hinder them seeking health care is crucial. The ‘lived' experiences of the usually marginalized participants in this research will reflect on the constraining factors, and contribute to the development of appropriate strategies, which will facilitate people with HIV and other marginal populations to seek more readily appropriate health services.

Methods

This study explored the healthcare‐seeking experiences of 20 HIV‐positive participants in Nepal, as well as 10 drug‐using participants who had never had an HIV test and did not know their HIV status. Using grounded theory, this study investigated the perceptions and experiences of HIV‐positive persons, or those perceived to be at risk for HIV, as they sought health care services in locations around Kathmandu Valley.

Results

Health professionals were perceived to lack knowledge and sensitivity in providing health care to often marginalized and stigmatized injecting drug users, sex workers and HIV‐positive people. Stigma and marginalization seem to interfere with doctors' and other health professionals' decisions to voluntarily treat persons who they perceive to be at high risk for HIV infections. Doctors and other health professionals appear suspicious, even unaware, of contemporary biomedical knowledge as it relates to HIV. The fear that certain marginalized groups, such as injecting drug users and sex workers, would be infected with HIV has further intensified stigma against these groups.

Conclusion

The study identified the beginning of a change in the experiences of HIV‐positive people, or those at risk of HIV, in their seeking of health care. With focused, contemporary HIV education and training, the beginning of positive changes in the knowledge base and attitude of health providers seemed to be apparent to some participants of this study.
'Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome: providing an open access future for diabetes research'
Authors: Giannella-Neto Daniel , de Brito Gomes Marília
Published: August 2009

Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome (D&MS), the official journal of the Brazilian Diabetes Society (SBD), is a new open access, peer reviewed journal publishing research on all aspects of the pathophysiology of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. With the many ongoing and upcoming challenges for diabetes diagnosis, treatment and care, a dedicated journal providing unrestricted access for researchers and health care professionals working in the field of diabetes is needed. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome aims to fulfil this need.
Resident macrophages influence stem cell activity in the mammary gland
Authors: Gyorki David E , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse , van Rooijen Nico , Lindeman Geoffrey J , Visvader Jane E
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Macrophages in the mammary gland are essential for morphogenesis of the ductal epithelial tree and have been implicated in promoting breast tumor metastasis. Although it is well established that macrophages influence normal mammopoiesis, the mammary cell types that these accessory cells influence have not been determined. Here we have explored a role for macrophages in regulating mammary stem cell (MaSC) activity, by assessing the ability of MaSCs to reconstitute a mammary gland in a macrophage-depleted fat pad.

Methods

Two different in vivo models were used to deplete macrophages from the mouse mammary fat pad, allowing us to examine the effect of macrophage deficiency on the mammary repopulating activity of MaSCs. Both the Csf1
op/op
mice and clodronate liposome-mediated ablation models entailed transplantation studies using the MaSC-enriched population.

Results

We show that mammary repopulating ability is severely compromised when the wild-type MaSC-enriched subpopulation is transplanted into Csf1
op/op
fat pads. In reciprocal experiments, the MaSC-enriched subpopulation from Csf1
op/op
glands had reduced regenerative capacity in a wild-type environment. Utilizing an alternative strategy for selective depletion of macrophages from the mammary gland, we demonstrate that co-implantation of the MaSC-enriched subpopulation with clodronate-liposomes leads to a marked decrease in repopulating frequency and outgrowth potential.

Conclusions

Our data reveal a key role for mammary gland macrophages in supporting stem/progenitor cell function and suggest that MaSCs require macrophage-derived factors to be fully functional. Macrophages may therefore constitute part of the mammary stem cell niche.
BRCA1-deficient mammary tumor cells are dependent on EZH2 expression and sensitive to Polycomb Repressive Complex 2-inhibitor 3-deazaneplanocin A
Authors: Puppe Julian , Drost Rinske , Liu Xiaoling , Joosse Simon A , Evers Bastiaan , Cornelissen-Steijger Paulien , Nederlof Petra , Yu Qiang , Jonkers Jos , van Lohuizen Maarten , Pietersen Alexandra M
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Treatment of breast cancer is becoming more individualized with the recognition of tumor subgroups that respond differently to available therapies. Breast cancer 1 gene (BRCA1)-deficient tumors are usually of the basal subtype and associated with poor survival rates, highlighting the need for more effective therapy.

Methods

We investigated a mouse model that closely mimics breast cancer arising in BRCA1-mutation carriers to better understand the molecular mechanism of tumor progression and tested whether targeting of the Polycomb-group protein EZH2 would be a putative therapy for BRCA1-deficient tumors.

Results

Gene expression analysis demonstrated that EZH2 is overexpressed in BRCA1-deficient mouse mammary tumors. By immunohistochemistry we show that an increase in EZH2 protein levels is also evident in tumors from BRCA1-mutation carriers. EZH2 is responsible for repression of genes driving differentiation and could thus be involved in the undifferentiated phenotype of these tumors. Importantly, we show that BRCA1-deficient cancer cells are selectively dependent on their elevated EZH2 levels. In addition, a chemical inhibitor of EZH2, 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep), is about 20-fold more effective in killing BRCA1-deficient cells compared to BRCA1-proficient mammary tumor cells.

Conclusions

We demonstrate by specific knock-down experiments that EZH2 overexpression is functionally relevant in BRCA1-deficient breast cancer cells. The effectiveness of a small molecule inhibitor indicates that EZH2 is a druggable target. The overexpression of EZH2 in all basal-like breast cancers warrants further investigation of the potential for targeting the genetic make-up of this particular breast cancer type.
Effects of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibition or norepinephrine on the neurovascular coupling in an endotoxic rat shock model
Authors: Rosengarten Bernhard , Wolff Stephanie , Klatt Sabine , Schermuly Ralf T
Published: August 2009

Introduction

The inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays a crucial role in early sepsis-related microcirculatory dysfunction. Compared to a catecholamine therapy we tested effects of a specific iNOS-inhibitor (1400W) on the microcirculatory function in the brain.

Methods

Seventy SD-rats (280-310 g) were divided into 1 control and 6 sepsis groups. Sepsis groups received 1 or 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intravenously to induce a moderate or severe sepsis syndrome. Thirty minutes later rats were further randomized into subgroups receiving moderate volume therapy alone or additionally continuous norepinephrine (NE) or 1400W infusion. Separately, effects of 1400W on neurofunctional parameters were investigated in 3 rats without sepsis induction. Performing electric forepaw-stimulation evoked potentials (N2-P1 amplitude, P1-latency) and local hemodynamic responses were recorded with surface electrodes and laser Doppler over the somatosensory cortex at baseline and repeatedly after LPS administration. Cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL6), interferon-gamma (IFNγ)) and cell destruction markers (neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S-100 calcium binding protein B (S100B)) were obtained at the end of experiments.

Results

During sepsis progression resting cerebral blood flow increased and functionally activated hemodynamic responses decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Whereas 1400W and NE improved blood pressure, only 1400W stabilized resting flow levels. However, both regimens were ineffective on the functionally coupled flow responses and destruction markers were similar between groups.

Conclusions

NE and 1400W appeared to be ineffective in mitigating the effects of sepsis on the neurovascular coupling. Other regimens are needed to protect the cerebral microcirculation under septic conditions.
Depletion of T-cell intracellular antigen proteins promotes cell proliferation
Authors: Reyes Raquel , Alcalde José , Izquierdo José M
Published: August 2009

Background

T-cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) and TIA-1 related/like protein (TIAR/TIAL1), two DNA/RNA binding proteins broadly expressed in eukaryotic cells, participate in the regulation of gene expression through RNA metabolism. Despite the biological relevance of these regulators, there are no genome-wide studies assessing global transcriptomic and phenotypic impacts after changes in the expression and/or function of these proteins.

Results

Using high-throughput gene expression profiling, we found that the TIA-1/TIAR-depleted cell phenotype is linked to a transcriptome involved in the control of inflammation, cell-cell signaling, immune-suppression, angiogenesis, metabolism and cell proliferation. Induced genes included pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory chemokines, growth-stimulating factors and pro-angiogenic inducers. Repressed genes involved the RAS oncogene family member RAB40B, regulators of cytoskeleton organization and biogenesis and a mitochondrial modulator. Consistent with these observations, depletion of TIA proteins in HeLa cells results in increased cell proliferation, altered cell-cycle and anchorage-independent growth. Mechanistically, the changes associated with the steady-state target mRNA levels regulated by TIA proteins are consistent with overlapping effects on gene basal transcription rate and mRNA turnover.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings suggest a role for TIA proteins as cellular sensors that modulate gene expression control at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, coupling cell proliferation responses and metabolic homeostasis to cell survival and growth.
Transmigration across activated endothelium induces transcriptional changes, inhibits apoptosis, and decreases antimicrobial protein expression in human monocytes
Authors: Williams Marcie R , Sakurai Yumiko , Zughaier Susu M , Eskin Suzanne G , McIntire Larry V
Published: August 2009

Monocyte transmigration across stimulated ECs promotes further monocyte recruitment, inhibits monocyte apoptosis, and leads to a reduction in antimicrobial protein expression.

We investigated the hypothesis that transmigration drives monocyte transcriptional changes. Using Agilent whole human genome microarrays, we identified over 692 differentially expressed genes (2×, P<0.05) in freshly isolated human monocytes following 1.5 h of transmigration across IL-1β-stimulated ECs compared with untreated monocytes. Genes up-regulated by monocyte transmigration belong to a number of over-represented functional groups including immune response and inhibition of apoptosis. qRT-PCR confirmed increased expression of MCP-1 and −3 and of NAIP following monocyte transmigration. Additionally, quantification of Annexin V binding revealed a reduction in apoptosis following monocyte transmigration. Comparison of gene expression in transmigrated monocytes with additional controls (monocytes that failed to transmigrate and monocytes incubated beneath stimulated ECs) revealed 89 differentially expressed genes, which were controlled by the process of diapedesis. Functional annotation of these genes showed down-regulation of antimicrobial genes (e.g., α-defensin down 50×, cathelicidin down 9×, and CTSG down 3×). qRT-PCR confirmed down-regulation of these genes. Immunoblots confirmed that monocyte diapedesis down-regulates α-defensin protein expression. However, transmigrated monocytes were functional and retained intact cytokine and chemokine release upon TLR ligand exposure. Overall, these data indicate that the process of monocyte transmigration across stimulated ECs promotes further monocyte recruitment and inhibits monocyte apoptosis. Unexpectedly, following transmigration, monocytes displayed reduced antimicrobial protein expression.