bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informed consent in Sri Lanka: A survey among ethics committee members
Authors: Sumathipala Athula , Siribaddana Sisira , Hewage Suwin , Lekamwattage Manura , Athukorale Manjula , Siriwardhana Chesmal , Murray Joanna , Prince Martin
Published: May 2008

Background

Approval of the research proposal by an ethical review committee from both sponsoring and host countries is a generally agreed requirement in externally sponsored research.

However, capacity for ethics review is not universal. Aim of this study was to identify opinions and views of the members serving in ethical review and ethics committees in Sri Lanka on informed consent, essential components in the information leaflet and the consent form.

Methods

We obtained ethical approval from UK and Sri Lanka. A series of consensus generation meetings on the protocol were conducted. A task oriented interview guide was developed. The interview was based on open-ended questionnaire. Then the participants were given a WHO checklist on informed consent and requested to rate the items on a three point scale ranging from extremely important to not important.

Results

Twenty-nine members from ethics committees participated. Majority of participants (23), believed a copy of the information leaflet and consent form, should accompany research proposal. Opinions about the items that should be included in the information leaflets varied. Participants identified 18 criteria as requirements in the information leaflet and 19 for the consent form.

The majority, 20 (69%), believed that all research need ethical approval but identified limited human resource, time and inadequate capacity as constraints. Fifteen (52%) believed that written consent is not required for all research. Verbal consent emerged as an alternative to written consent. The majority of participants rated all components of the WHO checklist as important.

Conclusion

The number of themes generated for the consent form (N = 18) is as many as for the information leaflet (N = 19) and had several overlaps. This suggests that the consent form should be itemized to reflect the contents covered in the information leaflet. The participants' opinion on components of the information leaflets and consent forms proved to be similar with WHO checklist on informed consent.
Uteroplacental insufficiency down regulates insulin receptor and affects expression of key enzymes of long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) metabolism in skeletal muscle at birth
Authors: Germani Daniela , Puglianiello Antonella , Cianfarani Stefano
Published: May 2008

Background

Epidemiological studies have revealed a relationship between early growth restriction and the subsequent development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Ligation of the uterine arteries in rats mimics uteroplacental insufficiency and serves as a model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and subsequent developmental programming of impaired glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia and adiposity in the offspring. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of uterine artery ligation on the skeletal muscle expression of insulin receptor and key enzymes of LCFA metabolism.

Methods

Bilateral uterine artery ligation was performed on day 19 of gestation in Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats. Muscle of the posterior limb was dissected at birth and processed by real-time RT-PCR to analyze the expression of insulin receptor, ACCα, ACCβ (acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha and beta subunits), ACS (acyl-CoA synthase), AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase, alpha2 catalytic subunit), CPT1B (carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 beta subunit), MCD (malonyl-CoA decarboxylase) in 14 sham and 8 IUGR pups.

Muscle tissue was treated with lysis buffer and Western immunoblotting was performed to assay the protein content of insulin receptor and ACC.

Results

A significant down regulation of insulin receptor protein (p < 0.05) and reduced expression of ACS and ACCα mRNA (p < 0.05) were observed in skeletal muscle of IUGR newborns. Immunoblotting showed no significant change in ACCα content.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that uteroplacental insufficiency may affect skeletal muscle metabolism down regulating insulin receptor and reducing the expression of key enzymes involved in LCFA formation and oxidation.
The microneme proteins CTRP and SOAP are not essential for Plasmodium berghei ookinete to oocyst transformation in vitro in a cell free system
Authors: Nacer Adéla , Underhill Ann , Hurd Hilary
Published: May 2008

Background

Two Plasmodium berghei ookinete micronemal proteins, circumsporozoite and TRAP related protein (CTRP) and secreted ookinete adhesive protein (SOAP) both interact with the basal lamina component laminin. Following gene disruption studies it has been proposed that, apart from their role in motility, these proteins may be required for interactions leading to ookinete-to-oocyst transformation.

Methods

CTRP and SOAP null mutant P. berghei ookinetes were compared to P. berghei ANKA wild-type for their ability to transform and grow in vitro. To confirm in vitro findings for P. berghei CTRP-KO ookinetes were injected into the haemocoel of An opheles gambiae female mosquitoes.

Results

Transformation, growth, and viability were comparable for the gene disrupted and wild-type parasites. P. berghei CTRP-KO ookinetes were able to transform into oocysts in the haemocoel of An. gambiae mosquitoes.

Conclusion

Neither CTRP nor SOAP is required for parasite transformation in vitro. By-passing the midgut lumen allows for the transformation of P. berghei CTRP-KO ookinetes suggesting that it is not required for transformation in vivo.
Review of Australian health economic evaluation – 245 interventions: what can we say about cost effectiveness?
Authors: Dalziel Kim , Segal Leonie , Mortimer Duncan
Published: May 2008

Background

There is an increasing body of published cost-utility analyses of health interventions which we sought to draw together to inform research and policy.

Methods

To achieve consistency in costing base and policy context, study scope was limited to Australian-based cost-effectiveness analyses. Through a comprehensive literature review we identified 245 health care interventions that met our study criteria.

Results

The median cost-effectiveness ratio was A$18,100 (~US$13,000) per QALY/DALY/LY (quality adjusted life year gained or, disability adjusted life year averted or life year gained). Some modalities tended to perform worse, such as vaccinations and diagnostics (median cost/QALY $58,000 and $68,000 respectively), than others such as allied health, lifestyle, in-patient interventions (median cost/QALY/DALY/LY all at ~A$9,000~US$6,500). Interventions addressing some diseases such as diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance or alcohol and drug dependence tended to perform well (median cost/QALY/DALY/LY < A$3,700, < US$5,000). Interventions targeting younger persons < 25 years (median cost/QALY/DALY/LY < A$41,200) tended to perform less well than those targeting adults > 25 years (median cost/QALY/DALY/LY < A$16,000). However, there was also substantial variation in the cost effectiveness of individual interventions within and across all categories.

Conclusion

For any given condition, modality or setting there are likely to be examples of interventions that are cost effective and cost ineffective. It will be important for decision makers to make decisions based on the individual merits of an intervention rather than rely on broad generalisations. Further evaluation is warranted to address gaps in the literature and to ensure that evaluations are performed in areas with greatest potential benefit.
Persistent Borna Disease Virus (BDV) infection activates microglia prior to a detectable loss of granule cells in the hippocampus
Authors: Ovanesov Mikhail V , Moldovan Krisztina , Smith Kimberly , Vogel Michael W , Pletnikov Mikhail V
Published: May 2008

Neonatal Borna Disease Virus (BDV) infection in rats leads to a neuronal loss in the cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum. Since BDV is a non-lytic infection in vitro, it has been suggested that activated microglia could contribute to neuronal damage. It is also conceivable that BDV-induced cell death triggers activation of microglia to remove cell debris. Although an overall temporal association between neuronal loss and microgliosis has been demonstrated in BDV-infected rats, it remains unclear if microgliosis precedes or results from neuronal damage. We investigated the timing of microglia activation and neuronal elimination in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. We found a significant increase in the number of ED1+ microglia cells as early as 10 days post infection (dpi) while a detectable loss of granule cells of the DG was not seen until 30 dpi. The data demonstrate for the first time that a non-lytic persistent virus infection of neurons activates microglia long before any measurable neuronal loss.
Neuroinflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide is exacerbated in mice genetically deficient in cyclooxygenase-2
Authors: Aid Saba , Langenbach Robert , Bosetti Francesca
Published: May 2008

Background

Cyclooxygenases (COX) -1 and -2 are key mediators of the inflammatory response in the central nervous system. Since COX-2 is inducible by inflammatory stimuli, it has been traditionally considered as the most appropriate target for anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the specific roles of COX-1 and COX-2 in modulating a neuroinflammatory response are unclear. Recently, we demonstrated that COX-1 deficient mice show decreased neuroinflammatory response and neuronal damage in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods

In this study, we investigated the role of COX-2 in the neuroinflammatory response to intracerebroventricular-injected LPS (5 μg), a model of direct activation of innate immunity, using COX-2 deficient (COX-2-/-) and wild type (COX-2+/+) mice, as well as COX-2+/+ mice pretreated for 6 weeks with celecoxib, a COX-2 selective inhibitor.

Results

Twenty-four hours after LPS injection, COX-2-/- mice showed increased neuronal damage, glial cell activation, mRNA and protein expression of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, such as cytokines, chemokines, iNOS and NADPH oxidase. Brain protein levels of IL-1β, NADPH oxidase subunit p67phox, and phosphorylated-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were higher in COX-2-/- and in celecoxib-treated mice, compared to COX-2+/+ mice. The increased neuroinflammatory response in COX-2-/- mice was likely mediated by the upregulation of STAT3 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3).

Conclusion

These results show that inhibiting COX-2 activity can exacerbate the inflammatory response to LPS, possibly by increasing glial cells activation and upregulating the STAT3 and SOCS3 pathways in the brain.
The inhibition of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 activity by crude and purified human pregnancy plug mucus and mucins in an inhibition assay
Authors: Habte Habtom H , de Beer Corena , Lotz Zoë E , Tyler Marilyn G , Schoeman Leann , Kahn Delawir , Mall Anwar S
Published: May 2008

Background

The female reproductive tract is amongst the main routes for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission. Cervical mucus however is known to protect the female reproductive tract from bacterial invasion and fluid loss and regulates and facilitates sperm transport to the upper reproductive tract. The purpose of this study was to purify and characterize pregnancy plug mucins and determine their anti-HIV-1 activity in an HIV inhibition assay.

Methods

Pregnancy plug mucins were purified by caesium chloride density-gradient ultra-centrifugation and characterized by Western blotting analysis. The anti-HIV-1 activities of the crude pregnancy plug mucus and purified pregnancy plug mucins was determined by incubating them with HIV-1 prior to infection of the human T lymphoblastoid cell line (CEM SS cells).

Results

The pregnancy plug mucus had MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC5B. The HIV inhibition assay revealed that while the purified pregnancy plug mucins inhibit HIV-1 activity by approximately 97.5%, the crude pregnancy plug mucus failed to inhibit HIV-1 activity.

Conclusion

Although it is not clear why the crude sample did not inhibit HIV-1 activity, it may be that the amount of mucins in the crude pregnancy plug mucus (which contains water, mucins, lipids, nucleic acids, lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulins and ions), is insufficient to cause viral inhibition or aggregation.
Calcific myofibrosis due to pentazocine abuse: a case report
Authors: Goyal Vinay , Chawla Jatinder M , Balhara Yatan P S , Shukla Garima , Singh Sumit , Behari Madhuri
Published: May 2008

Introduction

Pentazocine, a synthetic narcotic analgesic, is commonly used for the relief of moderate to severe pain secondary to various conditions. It is usually well tolerated; however, adverse effects are not uncommon, especially when higher doses are used and when it is used in a dependent fashion. There have been reports of various complications associated with its use, including skin fibrosis, skin ulceration, abnormal skin pigmentation and symmetrical myopathy with fibrous myopathy. Fibrosis has usually been reported in the muscles at the site of injection of the drug. Being opioid in nature, it has a high abuse potential.

Case presentation

Here we report a case of pentazocine-induced calcific myofibrosis in a 42-year-old man involving muscles which were not injected with pentazocine.

Conclusion

This case highlights the care that needs to be taken when prescribing opioid analgesics, such as pentazocine, as routine painkillers. Patients who have history of substance abuse are more likely to abuse other agents, including prescription drugs. Rare consequences such as calcific myofibrosis are devastating and can cause significant lifelong disability.
Combined effects of 5-Fluorouracil, Folinic acid and Oxaliplatin on the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen in human colon cancer cells: pharmacological basis to develop an active antitumor immunochemotherapy
Authors: Prete Salvatore P , Turriziani Mario , Massara Maria C , De Rossi Alessia , Correale Pierpaolo , De Vecchis Liana , Torino Francesco , Bonmassar Laura , Aquino Angelo
Published: May 2008

Background

Five-fluorouracil (FU), mainly associated with leucovorin (L), plays an essential role in chemotherapy of colorectal carcinoma. Moreover, FU ± L has been found to increase the expression of tumor-associated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), that may be an important target in therapeutic protocols of active specific immunotherapy. FU + L (FUL) are frequently combined with oxaliplatin (OXA) in advanced colon cancer patients. Thus, we investigated whether FUL in combination with OXA according to 2 different schedules may influence CEA expression in human colon cancer cells in vitro.

Methods

CEA protein expression was evaluated by cytofluorimetric and western blot analysis. Relative quantification of CEA mRNA was assessed by real time RT-PCR analysis.

Results

Levels of CEA protein and transcript were found to be higher in FUL-treated cells than in controls. However, when target cells were exposed to OXA before but not after FUL treatment, the up-regulation of CEA was partially inhibited.

Conclusion

These results suggest that target cells must be exposed to OXA after but not before treatment with the fluoropyrimidine in order to exploit drug-induced up-regulation of CEA. This finding appears to provide useful information to design chemo-immunotherapy protocols based on FUL + OXA, combined with host's immunity against CEA directed cancer vaccines.
Phase I Dose Escalation and Pharmacokinetic Study of Lapatinib in Combination With Trastuzumab in Patients With Advanced ErbB2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Storniolo Anna Maria , Pegram Mark D. , Overmoyer Beth , Silverman Paula , Peacock Nancy W. , Jones Suzanne F. , Loftiss Jill , Arya Nikita , Koch Kevin M. , Paul Elaine , Pandite Lini , Fleming Ronald A. , Lebowitz Peter F. , Ho Peter T.C. , Burris Howard A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The combination of lapatinib and trastuzumab has been observed to have a synergistic, antiproliferative effect against ErbB2-positive breast cancer cells in vitro. This phase I study assessed the safety, clinical feasibility, optimally tolerated regimen (OTR), pharmacokinetics (PK), and preliminary clinical activity of this combination in patients with ErbB2-positive advanced breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Cohorts of three patients with ErbB2-positive advanced breast cancer were treated with escalating doses of lapatinib (750 to 1,500 mg) administered once daily (continuous) in combination with trastuzumab (4 mg/kg loading dose then 2 mg/kg weekly) to determine the OTR. Once the OTR was determined, additional patients were enrolled to provide the PK profile of both agents alone and in combination.

Results

A total of 54 patients were treated: 27 in the dose-escalation group and 27 in the PK group. Overall, adverse events were mild to moderate in severity, with no drug-related grade 4 events. The most frequent drug-related grade 3 events included diarrhea (17%), fatigue (11%), and rash (6%). The OTR was 1,000 mg lapatinib with standard weekly trastuzumab. One patient had a complete response and seven patients had partial responses. The PK parameters (maximum concentration in plasma and area under the curve) of lapatinib and trastuzumab in combination were not significantly different than when either was administered alone.

Conclusion

The OTR of the lapatinib/trastuzumab combination was lapatinib 1,000 mg per day with standard weekly trastuzumab. At these doses, the regimen was well tolerated and clinically active in this heavily pretreated ErbB2-positive breast cancer population.
Integrin-dependent phagocytosis – spreading from microadhesion to new concepts
Authors: Dupuy Aurélien G. , Caron Emmanuelle
Published: May 2008

By linking actin dynamics to extracellular components, integrins are involved in a wide range of cellular processes that are associated with or require cytoskeletal remodelling and cell-shape changes. One such function is integrin-dependent phagocytosis, a process that several integrins are capable of mediating and that allows the binding and clearance of particles. Integrin-dependent phagocytosis is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, from the clearance of microorganisms and apoptotic-cell removal to extracellular-matrix remodelling. Integrin signalling is also exploited by microbial pathogens for entry into host cells. Far from being a particular property of specific integrins and specialised cells, integrin-dependent uptake is emerging as a general, intrinsic ability of most integrins that is associated with their capacity to signal to the actin cytoskeleton. Integrin-mediated phagocytosis can therefore be used as a robust model in which to study integrin regulation and signalling.
Investigation by Mass Spectrometry of Metal Complexes of New Molecular Hosts: Cyclic Oligomer of Sugar Amino Acid and Sugar-Aza-Crown Ethers
Authors: Fournier Françoise , Afonso Carlos , Ménand Mickaël , Hamon Louis , Xie Juan , Tabet Jean-Claude
Published: May 2008

The affinity of cyclic oligomers of sugar amino acid and sugar-aza-crown ether compounds towards various transition metal cations (CuII, NiII, CoII, FeII and ZnII) was investigated with positive-ion electrospray mass spectrometry. The binding between the receptors (M) and the different metals (Met) is evidenced mainly by the presence of the [M + MetIICl]+ ion. The experimental results showed that all studied receptors present specificity to CuII. An attempt has been made with CuI but no complexation was obtained. The formation of these complexes can be rationalized by considering the presence of two oxygens and two nitrogens on the receptor rim. The lone electron pair can serve as the electron donor to CuII. Theoretical calculations were carried out in order to show the structure of the complex and, in particular, to determine if Cu2+ is situated either on the outer surface, on the rim of the receptor or inside the cavity. Comparison of complex formation was carried out by mixing the four receptors with various amounts of CuII (one equivalent and five equivalents). It appears that the best complexation was obtained with the sugar-aza-crown ethers (amine linker) for both benzylated and methylated compounds. In addition, the stereochemical effects have been investigated.
Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization Mass Spectrometry of Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
Authors: Bagag A. , Giuliani A. , Laprévote O.
Published: May 2008

Small oligonucleotides (di- and trimers) were investigated by atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) with focus on the fragmentation mechanisms. The fragmentation patterns of these biomolecular ions have been monitored under dopant-assisted photoionization (DA-APPI) conditions. Our results reveal new aspects of the gas-phase chemistry of ions formed from such biomolecules. They illustrate that the reaction between low-energy electrons released from photoionization processes and di- and trinucleotides lies in dissociative electron attachment processes leading to phosphodiester bond cleavages and to the formation of numerous fragments in the ion source. The conditions of DA-APPI, which involve protic solvents and atmospheric pressure conditions, seem to be relevant for the study of radiation damages to biological molecules
Detection of Binuclear Copper—Caffeine Complexes under Electrospray Ionization Condition
Authors: Frańska Magdalena
Published: May 2008

A number of copper salts, Cu(OOCCH3)2, Cu(ClO4)2, Cu(NO3)2, CuCl2 and CuSO4 have been tested for their ability to form binuclear copper–caffeine complexes. The electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra of methanol solution containing caffeine and CuCl2 or CuSO4 show signals of two copper atom containing ions, so the signals correspond to binuclear complexes: [2Caf + Cu2SO4]+, [2Caf + Cu2]+, [2Caf + Cu2Cl]+, [2Caf + Cu2Cl2]+ and [2Caf + Cu2Cl3]+. Sulfate and chloride anion are characterized by charge densities higher than those of the carboxylate, nitrate and perchlorate anion. Thus, due to the electrostatic forces, the binuclear complexes containing SO2-4 or Cl− can survive the transfer from solution to the gas phase and then can successfully be observed on ESI mass spectra. The ion [2Caf + Cu2Cl3]+ is present in solution and could be detected when using methanol/chloroform as solvent. The ions [2Caf + Cu2]+, [2Caf + Cu2Cl]+ and [2Caf + Cu2Cl2]+ are formed from the [2Caf + Cu2Cl3]+ ion (by subsequent loss of Cl atoms) on transfer from the solution to the gas phase or in the gas phase. The ion [2Caf + Cu2]+ does not contain a bridging agent, thus it is reasonable to assume that it contains a Cu–Cu bond.
The experience of patients taking the lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) tablet compared with the LPV/r soft-gel capsule in Zambia
Authors: Torpey Kwasi , Kasond Dorothy , Goma Fastone
Published: May 2008

Many underdeveloped countries with poor health-care systems and limited resources are not capable of providing optimal treatment for HIV/AIDS to the millions of patients in need. The purpose of this study was to compare the adherence profile, adverse events and storage methods of patients in Zambia after switching from the lopinavir/ritonavir soft-gelatin capsule (SGC) to the LPV/r tablet. Twenty patients who had been taking LPV/r SGC 133.3 mg/33.3 mg twice daily for at least one month and who switched to LPV/r tablet 200 mg/50 mg, while maintaining the same nucleoside backbone, were surveyed. Results showed that patients adhered similarly to both formulations of LPV/r. However, 50% of patients taking the LPV/r SGC reported doing so without food on at least one occasion. Fifty-five percent of patients taking the LPV/r tablet reported rare or no diarrhoea compared with 15% of those taking the LPV/r SGC. Patients reported either foregoing refrigeration of the LPV/r SGC or adapting their lifestyles to fit the storage requirements of the SGC. These survey data demonstrate the advantage of using the LPV/r tablet over the LPV/r SGC in resource-limited countries such as Zambia.
The Role of Robust Optimization in Single-Leg Airline Revenue Management
Authors: Birbil Ş. İlker , Frenk J. B. G. , Gromicho Joaquim A. S. , Zhang Shuzhong
Published: May 2008

In this paper, we introduce robust versions of the classical static and dynamic single-leg seat allocation models. These robust models take into account the inaccurate estimates of the underlying probability distributions. As observed by simulation experiments, it turns out that for these robust versions the variability compared to their classical counterparts is considerably reduced with a negligible decrease in average revenue.
Properties of the Social Discount Rate in a Benthamite Framework with Heterogeneous Degrees of Impatience
Authors: Nocetti Diego , Jouini Elyès , Napp Clotilde
Published: May 2008

This paper derives the properties of the discount rate that should be applied to a public-sector project when the affected population has heterogeneous degrees of impatience. We show that, for any distribution of discount rates, the social discount rate has the following properties: it decreases over time, it is lower than the average of the discount rates in the population, and it converges to the discount rate of the most patient individual in the economy. These properties hold for both constant and decreasing individual discount rates. Finally, we evaluate how changes in the distribution of individual discount rates affect the social discount rate.
Measuring Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin by Direct Immunoassay: Factors Affecting Diagnostic Sensitivity for Excessive Alcohol Intake
Authors: Whitfield John B , Dy Veronica , Madden Pamela A F , Heath Andrew C , Martin Nicholas G , Montgomery Grant W
Published: May 2008

Background: Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is a marker of alcohol intake that is used for detecting or monitoring alcohol-use disorders. The introduction of a new direct immunoassay for CDT justifies reevaluation of test performance and reexamination of factors affecting test diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

Methods: Individuals enrolled in twin/family studies of alcohol use and dependence provided blood samples and information on recent alcohol use. Serum CDT concentration was measured in 2 088 people with the N Latex CDT (Dade Behring) method, and CDT percentage (CDT%) was calculated as the proportion of the total transferrin concentration measured with Roche reagents.

Results: Diagnostic sensitivity was low, both for comparisons of men who reported an alcohol intake of >28 drinks/week vs those who consumed ≤28 drinks/week (28% sensitivity) and for women who consumed >14 drinks/week vs those who consumed ≤14 drinks/week (18% sensitivity), at cutoff values that yielded a 95% specificity. Body mass index, variables associated with metabolic syndrome, and smoking had notable effects on the probability of an abnormal CDT result with excessive alcohol use. Diagnostic sensitivity was greater in men of normal weight (43%) than in obese men (10%) and greater in male smokers (38%) than in male nonsmokers (21%). In women, diagnostic sensitivities were ≤20%, even for those of normal weight and for smokers.

Conclusions: CDT is a poor marker of excessive alcohol intake in both women and men who are overweight or obese. It is also less useful in nonsmokers than in smokers. The diagnostic performance of the direct immunoassay and the effects of obesity and smoking are similar to those reported with previous anion-exchange immunoassay methods.
Biological Anthropology Section
Authors: Vitzthum Virginia J
Published: May 2008

•Anthropology of Food at Indiana University Andrea Wiley
Society for the Anthropology of Food and Nutrition
Authors: Black Rachel
Published: May 2008

•Gretel Pelto: SAFN Anthropologist of the Year •Call for Submissions: Christine Wilson Awards
Society for Psychological Anthropology
Authors: Chapin Bambi
Published: May 2008

•2008‐09 Conferences and Awards •SPA Biennial Meeting: March 27‐29, 2009 Tanya Luhrmann  •Lemelson/SPA Conference Awards for 2008‐09 •Nominations Being Accepted for the 2008 SPA Awards
Society for Visual Anthropology
Authors: Dickinson Wendy
Published: May 2008

•Untangling Misunderstandings Jerome Crowder, Swati Laroia, Esperanza Vredenburg, Jessica Wilson
A random walk analogue of Lévy’s Theorem
Authors: Fujita Takahiko
Published: May 2008

In this paper we will give a simple symmetric random walk analogue of Lévy’s Theorem. We will give a new definition of a local time of the simple symmetric random walk. We apply a discrete Itô formula to some absolute value like function to obtain a discrete Tanaka formula. Results in this paper rely upon a discrete Skorokhod reflection argument. This random walk analogue of Lévy’s theorem was already obtained by G. Simons ([14]) but it is still worth noting because we will use a discrete stochastic analysis to obtain it and this method is applicable to other research. We note some connection with previous results by Csáki, Révész, Csörgő and Szabados. Finally we observe that the discrete Lévy transformation in the present version is not ergodic. Lastly we give a Lévy-type theorem for simple nonsymmetric random walk using a discrete bang-bang process.
Those We Don't Speak Of: Indians inThe Village
Authors: Coats Lauren , Cohen Matt , Miles John David , Nishikawa Kinohi , Walsh Rebecca
Published: May 2008

American literary studies has shown that the symbolic exclusion of Native Americans from the Puritan and early national imaginaries was an essential component of the making of an American identity. This argument builds on reading practices that stress literary-historical contextualization. Our essay considers how M. Night Shyamalan's filmThe Village(2004) addresses the continuing relevance of Native American exclusion from the national imaginary not by faithfully representing “history” but by layering its narrative with multiple historical registers. Realized through editing, cinematography, and set design, these registers—seventeenth-century Puritan, turn-of-the-twentieth-century utopian, and “the present”—are stage-managed by a group of idealistic elders who wish to protect their community from the evils of the world outside. While most critics have reducedThe Villageto an allegory of post-9/11 United States political culture, we propose a viewing of the film as parable that marks historical collapses and exclusions as the limits of utopia.
Comics as Literature? Reading Graphic Narrative
Authors: Chute Hillary
Published: May 2008

Comics—A form once considered pure junk—Is sparking interest in literary studies. I'm as amazed as anybody else by the comics boom—despite the fact that I wrote an English department dissertation that makes the passionate case that we should not ignore this innovative narrative form. Yet if there's promoting of comics, there's also confusion about categories and terms. Those of us in literary studies may think the moves obvious: making claims in the name of popular culture or in the rich tradition of word-and-image inquiry (bringing us back to the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages). But comics presents problems we're still figuring out (the term doesn't settle comfortably into our grammar; nomenclature remains tricky and open to debate). The field hasn't yet grasped its object or properly posed its project. To explore today's comics we need to go beyond preestablished rubrics: we have to reexamine the categories of fiction, narrative, and historicity. Scholarship on comics—and specifically on what I will call graphic narrative—is gaining traction in the humanities. Comics might be defined as a hybrid word-and-image form in which two narrative tracks, one verbal and one visual, register temporality spatially. Comics moves forward in time through the space of the page, through its progressive counterpoint of presence and absence: packed panels (also called frames) alternating with gutters (empty space). Highly textured in its narrative scaffolding, comics doesn't blend the visual and the verbal—or use one simply to illustrate the other—but is rather prone to present the two nonsynchronously; a reader of comics not only fills in the gaps between panels but also works with the often disjunctive back-and-forth ofreadingandlookingfor meaning. Throughout this essay, I treat comics as a medium—not as a lowbrow genre, which is how it is usually understood. However, I will end by focusing attention on the strongest genre in the field: nonfiction comics.
Effect of sulphation on the oestrogen agonist activity of the phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells
Authors: Pugazhendhi D , Watson K A , Mills S , Botting N , Pope G S , Darbre P D
Published: May 2008

The phytoestrogens genistein, daidzein and the daidzein metabolite equol have been shown previously to possess oestrogen agonist activity. However, following consumption of soya diets, they are found in the body not only as aglycones but also as metabolites conjugated at their 4′- and 7-hydroxyl groups with sulphate. This paper describes the effects of monosulphation on the oestrogen agonist properties of these three phytoestrogens in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in terms of their relative ability to compete with [3H]oestradiol for binding to oestrogen receptor (ER), to induce a stably transfected oestrogen-responsive reporter gene (ERE-CAT) and to stimulate cell growth. In no case did sulphation abolish activity. The 4′-sulphation of genistein reduced oestrogen agonist activity to a small extent in whole-cell assays but increased the relative binding affinity to ER. The 7-sulphation of genistein, and also of equol, reduced oestrogen agonist activity substantially in all assays. By contrast, the position of monosulphation of daidzein acted in an opposing manner on oestrogen agonist activity. Sulphation at the 4′-position of daidzein resulted in a modest reduction in oestrogen agonist activity but sulphation of daidzein at the 7-position resulted in an increase in oestrogen agonist activity. Molecular modelling and docking studies suggested that the inverse effects of sulphation could be explained by the binding of daidzein into the ligand-binding domain of the ER in the opposite orientation compared with genistein and equol. This is the first report of sulphation enhancing activity of an isoflavone and inverse effects of sulphation between individual phytoestrogens.
Prolactin inhibition at the end of lactation programs for a central hypothyroidism in adult rat
Authors: Bonomo Isabela Teixeira , Lisboa Patrícia Cristina , Passos Magna Cottini Fonseca , Alves Simone Bezerra , Reis Adelina Martha , de Moura Egberto Gaspar
Published: May 2008

Malnutrition during lactation is associated with hypoprolactinemia and failure in milk production. Adult rats whose mothers were malnourished presented higher body weight and serum tri-iodothyronine (T3). Maternal hypoprolactinemia at the end of lactation caused higher body weight in adult life, suggesting an association between maternal prolactin (PRL) level and programming of the offspring's adult body weight. Here, we studied the consequences of the maternal PRL inhibition at the end of lactation by bromocriptine (BRO) injection, a dopaminergic agonist, upon serum TSH and thyroid hormones, thyroid iodide uptake, liver mitochondrial α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (mGPD), liver and pituitary de-iodinase activities (D1 and/or D2), and in vitro post-TRH TSH release in the adult offspring. Wistar lactating rats were divided into BRO – injected with 1 mg/twice a day, daily for the last 3 days of lactation, and C – control, saline-injected with the same frequency. At 180 days of age, the offspring were injected with 125I i.p. and after 2 h, they were killed. Adult animals whose mothers were treated with BRO at the end of lactation presented lower serum TSH (−51%), T3 (−23%), and thyroxine (−21%), lower thyroid 125I uptake (−41%), liver mGPD (−55%), and pituitary D2 (−51%) activities, without changes in the in vitro post-TRH TSH release. We show that maternal PRL suppression at the end of lactation programs a hypometabolic state in adulthood, in part due to a thyroid hypofunction, caused by a central hypothyroidism, probably due to decreased TRH secretion. We suggest that PRL during lactation can regulate the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid axis and programs its function.
Adeno-associated virus-mediated knockdown of melanocortin-4 receptor in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus promotes high-fat diet-induced hyperphagia and obesity
Authors: C Garza Jacob , Kim Chung Sub , Liu Jing , Zhang Wei , Lu Xin-Yun
Published: May 2008

Pharmacological and genetic studies have suggested that melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) signaling in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) regulates appetite and energy balance. However, the specific role of MC4R signaling in PVN neurons in these processes remains to be further elucidated in normally developed animals. In the present study, we employed RNA interference to determine whether MC4R knockdown in the PVN modulates food intake and body weight in adult rats. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors encoding short hairpin RNAs targeting MC4R (AAV-shRNA-MC4R) were generated to induce MC4R knockdown in the PVN. By in situ hybridization, we detected a high-level expression of Dicer, a key enzyme required for shRNA-mediated gene silencing, along the entire rostrocaudal extent of the PVN. Bilateral injection of AAV-shRNA-MC4R vectors into the PVN of the adult rat resulted in significant and specific reduction of MC4R mRNA expression. Animals with MC4R knockdown exhibited an increase in food intake and excessive body weight gain when exposed to a high-fat diet. Our results provide evidence that AAV-mediated silencing of MC4R on PVN neurons promotes hyperphagia and obesity in response to the dietary challenge in the adult animal.
Differential regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response in pancreatic β-cells exposed to long-chain saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Diakogiannaki Eleftheria , Welters Hannah J , Morgan Noel G
Published: May 2008

Exposure of pancreatic β-cells to long-chain fatty acids leads to the activation of some components of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway and this mechanism may underlie the ability of certain fatty acids to promote β-cell death. We have studied ER stress in BRIN-BD11 β-cells exposed to either the saturated fatty acid palmitate (C16:0) or the monounsaturated palmitoleate (C16:1). Palmitate (0.025–0.25 mM) induced the expression of various markers of the RNA-dependent protein kinase-like ER eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) kinase (PERK)-dependent pathway of ER stress (phospho-eIF2α; ATF4, activating transcription factor 4 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP-10)) although it failed to promote the expression of the ER chaperone GRP78. By contrast, palmitoleate did not induce any markers of the ER stress pathway even at concentrations as high as 1 mM. When palmitate and palmitoleate were added in combination, a marked attenuation of the ER stress response occurred. Under these conditions, the levels of phospho-eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP-10 were reduced to less than those found in control cells. Palmitoleate also attenuated the ER stress response to the protein glycosylation inhibitor, tunicamycin, and improved the viability of the cells exposed to this agent. Exposure of the BRIN-BD11 cells to the protein phosphatase inhibitor, salubrinal, in the absence of fatty acids resulted in increased eIF2α phosphorylation but this was abolished by co-incubation with palmitoleate. We conclude that saturated fatty acids activate components of the PERK-dependent ER stress pathway in β-cells, ultimately leading to increased apoptosis. This effect is antagonised by monounsaturates that may exert their anti-apoptotic actions by regulating the activity of one or more kinase enzymes involved in mediating the phosphorylation of eIF2α.
Stress and Depression among Older Residents in Religious Monasteries: Do Friends and God Matter?
Authors: Bishop Alex J.
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this investigation was to explore how friendship and attachment to God provide protective benefits against stress and depression. Participants included 235 men and women, age 64 and older, residing in religious monasteries affiliated with the Order of St. Benedict. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were completed to assess main and moderating effects of friendship and attachment to God relative to the influence of stress on depressive symptomology. Lower degree of friendship closeness (β = –.12, p < .10) and greater insecurity with God (β = –.15, p < .01) were directly associated with greater depressive symptoms. A significant three-way interaction (Stress × Friendship × Attachment to God) also existed relative to depressive symptoms (β = .14, p < .05). Three “stress-buffering” mechanisms emerged relative to the influence of stress on depressive symptomology. First, a greater degree of friendship closeness in combination with less secure attachment to God represented a greater risk for depressive symptoms. Second, greater friendship closeness in combination with greater secure attachment to God reduced the risk for depressive symptoms. Third, lower degree of friendship closeness combined with less secure attachment to God diminished the noxious effects of stress on depressive symptoms. This has implications relative to how social and spiritual resources can be used to reduce stress and improve quality of life for older adults residing in religious communities.
Effects of Culture and Age on the Perceived Exchange of Social Support Resources
Authors: VonDras Dean D. , Pouliot Gregory S. , Malcore Sylvia A. , Iwahashi Shigetoshi
Published: May 2008

This research explores the perceived exchange of social support resources of young, midlife, and older adults in the United States and Japan, and how perceptions of exchange may moderate attributions of control, difficulty, and success in attaining important life-goals. A survey was administered to participants in the United States and Japan who ranged in age from 17 to 70 years. Results suggested culture and age to influence the designation of important life-goals, and to interactively moderate the perceived exchange of social support resources in the interpersonal contexts of family and business associates and co-workers. Furthermore, relationships between the perceived exchange of social support and perceptions of control and success in achieving life-goals indicated different intracultural effects. Overall, these findings suggest nuances in the perceived exchange of social support and social cognitions that reflect the cultural orientations of young, midlife and older adults in the United States and Japan. A culturally grounded model of social support is proposed and discussed.
Sublingual Immunotherapy: A Novel, Albeit Not so New, Immunotherapy Treatment Modality
Authors: Saporta Diego
Published: May 2008

Background

Specific allergy immunotherapy traditionally has been thought of as subcutaneous injection immunotherapy (SCIT). There also are noninjection routes for the administration of immunotherapy. The best-known and studied of these noninjection routes is the sublingual route, usually known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT has been in use for many decades; however, to this date, it is not well known to the majority of allergy practitioners in this country. The purpose of this study is to help change this perception so that SLIT eventually can be considered one more tool in the allergist's armamentarium.

Methods

A literature review was performed. It included articles from the early American clinicians and present publications that are mostly of European origin.

Results

It will become clear to the reader that the key features of SLIT are its efficacy, great safety, and simplicity of administration.

Conclusion

SLIT is a safe treatment modality that should be considered as a useful additional tool in the therapeutic armamentarium.
Effect of Ginkgo Biloba and Dexamethasone in the Treatment of 3-methylindole-induced Anosmia Mouse Model
Authors: Lee Chul Hee , Mo Ji-Hun , Shim Seung Hee , Ahn Jung-Min , Kim Jeong-Whun
Published: May 2008

Background

Olfactory loss is a challenging disease. Although glucocorticoid is sometimes used for the treatment of anosmia, it has been reported that it potentiated neural damage in the early phase of treatment. This study is designed to identify the effect of ginkgo biloba, an antioxidant that acts as a free radical scavenger, in the treatment of olfactory injury aggravated by dexamethasone.

Methods

Anosmia mouse model was induced by i.p. injection of 3-methylindole (3-MI). Twenty-five mice were divided into one control group without anosmia and four anosmia treatment groups (given treatments of dexamethasone and/or ginkgo biloba). The effects of treatment were evaluated by behavioral test, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry 2 weeks after 3-MI injection.

Results

Induction of anosmia was confirmed by behavioral tests. The thickness and cell number of olfactory neuroepithelium were decreased more significantly in the dexamethasone treatment group than in the combination treatment group. The expression of olfactory marker protein (OMP) in olfactory epithelium was more decreased also in the dexamethasone treatment group than in the combination treatment group. The expression of OMP was decreased significantly in the olfactory bulbs of anosmia groups but there were no differences between the anosmia treatment groups.

Conclusion

Dexamethasone treatment was associated with further deterioration of olfactory injury by 3-MI and it was recovered by combination treatment of dexamethasone and ginkgo biloba. The antioxidant effect of ginkgo biloba might play a role in restoration of olfactory loss and it was effective only when oxidative stress is maximized by dexamethasone.
Prevalence of Biofilm-forming Bacteria in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Prince Anthony A. , Steiger Jacob D. , Khalid Ayesha N. , Dogrhamji Laurel , Reger Christine , Claire Steven Eau , Chiu Alexander G. , Kennedy David W. , Palmer James N. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: May 2008

Background

Recently, biofilms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We sought to determine the prevalence of biofilm-forming cultures obtained from patients with CRS and clinical factors that may contribute to biofilm formation.

Methods

Endoscopically guided sinonasal cultures were obtained in duplicate from CRS patients with evidence of mucopurulence. Bacterial swabs were sent for microbiological characterization and were simultaneously evaluated for biofilm-forming capacity by a modified Calgary Biofilm Detection Assay. Biofilm formation was based on concomitant values of biofilm-forming Pseudomonas aeruginosa O1 (PAO1) (positive control) and non-biofilm-forming mutants sad-31 (type IV pili) and sad-36 (flagella K; negative control). Samples, with growth greater than the sad-31 mutant, were designated as biofilm formers.

Results

Sinonasal cultures were obtained from 157 consecutive patients (83 female patients) over a 4-month period. Forty-five samples (28.6%) showed biofilm formation. Among patients with a prior history of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), 30.7% (n = 42) showed biofilm growth. For patients naive to surgical intervention (n = 20), only 15% showed biofilm formation. A positive, statistically significant correlation existed between biofilm formation and number of prior FESS procedures. Polymicrobial cultures, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and/or Staphylococcus aureus comprised 71% of samples. Chi-squared analysis showed an association with prior infections, but not with any pharmacologic therapy or comorbidies.

Conclusion

We show a high percentage of CRS patients (28.6%) whose sinonasal mucopurulence has biofilm-forming capacity. Postsurgical patients had a high prevalence of biofilm-forming bacteria, a possible reflection of the severe nature of their disease. Additional studies are warranted.