bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonresponse Bias and Cost-Effectiveness in a Norwegian Survey of Family Physicians
Authors: Bjertnaes Oyvind A. , Garratt Andrew , Botten Grete
Published: January 2008

Low response rates are a common problem in surveys of family physicians leading to uncertainty about the validity of results. In this study, the authors examined the association between multiple reminders and nonresponse bias, survey estimates and costs in a survey of family physicians in Norway ( N = 3,463). After three postal reminders and one telephone follow-up, the response rate was 65.9%. They analyzed differences in nine demographic and practice variables between respondents and nonrespondents, the effect of nonresponse bias on survey estimates, and the cost-effectiveness of each reminder. Statistically significant differences between respondents and nonrespondents were found for six variables. However, demographic and practice variables had little association with the main outcome variables, and the overall survey estimates changed little with additional reminders. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of the final reminders was poor.
Methodological Issues in Explaining Maternal Outcomes
Authors: Minnick Ann F. , Needleman Jack
Published: January 2008

Anesthesia provider models were characterized based on responsibilities and technique privileges and the distribution of clinical resource and process variables using a survey of 1,135 hospitals offering obstetric care in eight representative states. The resulting models were then analyzed by resource availability. In the 40% of hospitals where certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists both practiced obstetric anesthesia, three models emerged based on consistency of privileges within the institution and permission to initiate procedures. Hospitals in which only anesthesiologists practice and those in which CRNAs practice was most restricted had more resources than other hospitals surveyed. Traditional characterizations of provider fail to capture differences in technique privileges. Clinical resource variables and the scope of technique privileges should be included in the study of anesthesia provider credentials on outcomes.
Oral narrative intervention for children with mixed reading disability
Authors: Westerveld Marleen F. , Gillon Gail T.
Published: January 2008

Ten children (aged between 7;11 and 9;2) with mixed reading disability participated in an oral narrative intervention programme that focused on enhancing children's story structure knowledge. The participants had all demonstrated persistent reading and oral narrative comprehension and production difficulties in a two-year longitudinal study prior to the intervention. A non-equivalent pretest—posttest control group design was used in which one group of five children was randomly selected to receive the intervention immediately and the other group of five children received the intervention delayed. A speech language therapist implemented the intervention in small group sessions twice weekly until 12 hours of intervention were completed. The results indicated significant treatment effects for oral narrative comprehension performance. Despite this improvement in children's ability to answer comprehension questions relating to story structure elements, there was little change in oral narrative production performance as a result of the intervention, and transfer to reading comprehension was not evident.
The assessment and identification of language impairment in Asperger's syndrome: A case study
Authors: Worth Sarah , Reynolds Sophie
Published: January 2008

Although sharing many of the identified difficulties associated with autism, Asperger's syndrome (AS) is widely believed to differ in the domain of linguistic deficit. While researchers may disagree in detail about the language and communication performance of pupils with Asperger's syndrome, there seems to be general consensus that such difficulties that they do experience are the result of their social impairments. This case study, of an 11-year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome, suggests that such pupils do experience subtle difficulties that have significant implications for their academic progress and social well-being. Detailed assessment followed by carefully targeted intervention may improve both aspects of these pupils' school lives.
Interview stories: Early years practitioners' experiences with children with speech, language and communication needs
Authors: Mroz Maria , Letts Carolyn
Published: January 2008

Interviews were conducted with 50 early years practitioners, exploring their experiences with children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). A narrative approach was taken to elicit information on the children they were working with who had these needs. This included characteristics of the children's behaviour, how they were identified and strategies used to help them. Participants identified children to discuss, many of whom had complex needs. There was large variation in how the children were identified and who the participants liaised with. Responsibilities taken on by participants when working with and devising strategies for the children did not relate to seniority of post held, or to level of relevant training.
Fair Trade—Just How “Fair” Are the Exchanges?
Authors: Beji-Becheur Amina , Diaz Pedregal Virginie , Ozcaglar-Toulouse Nil
Published: January 2008

Fair trade has become increasingly recognized and studied since the late 1990s. It purports to be an example of a “fairer” exchange than conventional trade between South producers and North purchasers. Beyond the controversial definition of a “fair trade,” it is important to query stake-holder practices: To what extent do fair trade stakeholders actually practice the principles of justice in exchanges? How do they perceive fairness? Given these questions, the authors of this article analyze both specialized and labeled commodity chains, using the Laotian organization Lao Farmers Product as a case study. Based on documentary and netnographic research, as well as semistructured interviews, the study identifies impediments to the emergence of a consensus on the notion of fairness in exchange. The theories of Kant, Habermas, Walzer, and Elster help to explain why.
The impact of social policy on fertility: evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Bonoli Giuliano
Published: January 2008

Variation in fertility rates, across both countries and time, is sometimes explained with reference to specific types of social policies. In particular, the recent increase in fertility rates seen in some Nordic countries and in France has been ascribed to these countries' efficient child care systems. One major limitation of these studies is represented by the small number of cases (usually some 22 OECD countries) and the large number of potential determinants of fertility rates, which makes powerful multivariate analysis impossible. This article, while not solving the small-N-many-variables problem, provides additional independent evidence on which to test the hypotheses generated by international comparisons, by looking at variation in fertility rates within Switzerland. Switzerland is a federal country where subnational units (the cantons) enjoy almost total autonomy in matters of family policy and are experiencing very different levels of fertility. The analysis basically confirms the findings of previous studies, highlighting the importance of child care but also of the level of family benefits as determinants of fertility rates.
Patterns of paid and unpaid work in Western Europe: gender, commodification, preferences and the implications for policy
Authors: Lewis Jane , Campbell Mary , Huerta Carmen
Published: January 2008

This article explores how parents in couple families reconcile employment and child-care, and how far the current emphasis of EU-level policy on enhancing the formal provision of child-care fits with patterns and/or preferences in Western European member states. We use European Social Survey data from 2004—05 on working patterns and preferences, and on child-care use and preferences regarding the amount of formal provision. We find that working hours remain a very important dimension of work/family reconciliation practices, with large differences in both patterns and preferences. There is very little evidence of convergence towards a dual, full-time worker model family outside the Nordic countries, although the balance between the hours which men and women spend in paid work is becoming less unequal. The part that kin (partners and grandparents) play in providing child-care remains important in all but three countries, and, for the most part, mothers report that they are content with the amount of formal child-care available. We suggest that work/family reconciliation measures need to encompass a more extended policy package, the components of which are likely to be specific to member states.
The political logic of labour market reforms and popular images of target groups
Authors: Larsen Christian Albrekt
Published: January 2008

Even though the shift from `passive' to `active' labour market policy exhibits large cross-national variations, all examples seem to share two common characteristics: (a) the first group exposed to the new policies and the group exposed to the harshest policies was young people on social assistance; and (b) as the target group gradually came to include `ordinary' unemployed people, most countries made exceptions for the oldest unemployed people. The article argues that this striking policy convergence has to do with the public perception of the target groups. The article substantiates this argument first, by giving a theoretical explanation for the different popular images of target groups, and second, by showing — using a national Australian sample — that these general popular images influence the way the public wants `active' labour market policy to be conducted.
Social dialogue and lifelong learning in new EU member states: 'reform fit' in Latvia
Authors: Woolfson Charles
Published: January 2008

Vocational education and training (VET) is regarded by EU policymakers as crucial to creating a high-skill workforce capable of adapting to European and global demands in an intensified competitive environment. It is part of the so-called Copenhagen Process, in which social dialogue between employers and employees is seen as an important means of realizing policy. However, many of the new member states from the Eastern European countries which joined the European Union in 2004 have only weak forms of social dialogue. Moreover, the prevailing neo-liberal environment in many post-communist new member states undermines `reform fit' between broad European social policy goals and narrower domestic agendas. This article explores the resulting problems in social dialogue with regard to VET in the new member states, using Latvia as a case-study.
Implementation of supra-national policies: lessons from the Nordic countries' experiences of European directives
Authors: Aisbitt Sally
Published: January 2008

The article analyses the process of implementation of the Accounting Directives in the Nordic countries as a case study of supra-national regulation. The experiences in the Nordic countries are documented for an English-speaking readership based on the drafts of the legislation, commentaries by the implementing committees and interviews with individuals involved in the process. The article concludes that, in the current economic and political climate, the European Union has apparently drawn on the experience of implementing the original directives with its new model for regulating accounting change introduced with the IAS Regulation of 2002.
A Two-Factor Assessment of the Beliefs That Influence Attitudes Toward Privatization
Authors: Wated Guillermo , Sanchez Juan I. , Gómez Carolina
Published: January 2008

A two-factor model of positive and negative beliefs underlying attitudes toward privatization was tested among Ecuadorian employees. In Study 1, semistructured interviews uncovered 23 negative and positive beliefs associated with privatization. Using these beliefs, an instrument was developed to test the relationships among beliefs, attitudes, and intention to support a strike in Study 2. A factor analysis of the beliefs supported a two-factor solution that separately gauged positive and negative beliefs toward privatization. Positive beliefs concerning the economic and organizational benefits of privatization explained attitudes above and beyond negative beliefs concerning its social and national costs. The interaction between these beliefs, however, indicated that extremely negative beliefs can override positive beliefs. The attitudes of public sector employees were more strongly associated with negative beliefs and less associated with positive beliefs. Results underscored the importance of assessing beliefs associated with privatization when implementing privatization programs and highlighted the distinct role played by positive and negative beliefs.
Alcohol and Homicide in Eastern Europe
Authors: Bye Elin K.
Published: January 2008

Few studies have addressed the association between alcohol consumption and homicide rates at the population level in eastern European countries. The aim of the present study was to test hypotheses on how this association may vary across countries with different drinking patterns and for gender specific homicide rates. Time series analysis was used on annual alcohol consumption and homicide rates for six eastern European countries. The estimates were pooled into two groups of countries with more (Russia and Belarus) and somewhat less (Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and former Czechoslovakia) hazardous drinking patterns. The overall results showed that annual changes in alcohol consumption were positively and significantly associated with homicide rates and also indicated that the estimates were stronger in countries with a more detrimental drinking pattern. The results suggest that alcohol consumption has an effect on homicide rates in Eastern Europe and that this effect varies with drinking pattern.
Using Mortality Data to Refine Our Understanding of Homicide Patterns in Select Postcommunist Countries
Authors: Stamatel Janet P.
Published: January 2008

This article uses mortality data from the World Health Organization to provide a descriptive overview of the patterns and trends of homicides in a select group of East-Central European countries. It compares homicide rates across 10 countries during a period of profound social changes. The data show that homicide rates in East-Central Europe during the communist period were higher than in Western Europe and were increasing even before the fall of communism in 1989. Postcommunist homicide trends increased in all the countries, but there was considerable variation in the magnitude, timing, and duration of the rising trends across countries. The demographic characteristics of homicide victims show that middle-aged men are generally the most vulnerable group to experience homicide in East-Central Europe. Discussion about the sociohistorical context of these countries and the nature of the postcommunist transformations is provided to interpret the descriptive findings and offer suggestions for further empirical research.
Economic Inequality and Homicide in the Developed Nations From 1975 to 1995
Authors: Jacobs David , Richardson Amber M.
Published: January 2008

This study tests the Blau and Blau theory about the relationship between economic inequality and homicide rates. This literature has largely ignored cumulative effects and the time it takes for long-term relationships to be completed. Cross-sectional studies also have difficulty correcting for omitted variable bias, but fixed-effects panel designs can better overcome problems with dynamic relationships and omitted variables. Using moving averages to capture long-term cumulative relationships, this study uses a fixed-effects pooled time-series design to analyze the relationship between inequality and homicide rates in 14 developed democracies. The findings support Blau and Blau as they suggest that homicide rates are higher in the most unequal societies, but the nonlinear relationship the authors detect provides additional support for relative deprivation theory. Elasticities show that economic inequality and the presence of young males have strong relationships with the murder rates. These results have policy implications that are explored as well.
Characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders who received services through community mental health centers
Authors: Bryson Stephanie A. , Corrigan Susan K. , Mcdonald Thomas P. , Holmes Cheryl
Published: January 2008

Despite the presence of significant psychiatric comorbidity among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), little research exists on those who receive community-based mental health services. This project examined one year (2004) of data from the database maintained by 26 community mental health centers (CMHCs) in the Midwestern US state of Kansas. Children with autism were compared to children with other ASDs — Asperger's disorder, Rett's disorder, and PDD-NOS. Children with autism predictably received more special education services than children with other ASDs, while the latter were more likely to have experienced prior psychiatric hospitalization. Children with ASDs other than autism were also significantly more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, depressive disorders, and bipolar disorder. In 2004, Kansas CMHCs served less than 15 percent of the children estimated to have an ASD. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Policy Issues Related to Expanded Newborn Screening: A Review of Three Genetic/Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Bishop Hubbard Heddy
Published: January 2008

In 2005, a federal advisory committee recommended that the number of disorders in state newborn screening programs be expanded from 9 to 29. In view of this recommendation, state leaders will need to make cogent decisions regarding the expanse of their state newborn screening programs. They must consider several factors, including the costs and outcomes of the screening program. The expense of the initial screening test can be misleading because it does not include the cost of the entire program (testing, tracking, notifying, retesting, confirmatory testing, and follow-up). Also, outcomes such as false positive findings can be costly to newborn screening programs, result in additional testing for infants, and lead to parental concern and worry. This article examines some of the policy issues related to newborn screening and specifically focuses on three disorders recommended for newborn screening, cystic fibrosis (CF), medium-chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD), and beta-ketothiolase (BKT).
International Nurse Migration: Impacts on New Zealand
Authors: North Nicola
Published: January 2008

As a source and destination country, nurse flows in and out of New Zealand (NZ) are examined to determine impacts and regional contexts. A descriptive statistics method was used to analyze secondary data on nurses added to the register, NZ nurse qualifications verified by overseas authorities, nursing workforce data, and census data. It found that international movement of nurses was minimal during the 1990s, but from 2001 a sharp jump in the verification of NZ-registered nurses (RNs) by overseas authorities coincided with an equivalent increase in international RNs (IRNs) added to the NZ nursing register—a pattern that has been sustained to the present. Movement of NZ RNs to Australia is expedited by the Trans-Tasman Agreement, whereas entry of IRNs to NZ is facilitated by nursing being an identified Priority Occupation. Future research needs to consider health system and nurse workforce contexts and take a regional perspective on migration patterns.
Recommended Newborn Screening Policy Change for the NICU Infant
Authors: Balk Katherine G.
Published: January 2008

Newborn screening (NBS), the practice by which infants are tested for certain genetic and metabolic conditions by heel prick 3 to 5 days after birth, has been a beneficial and cost-effective public health strategy. Many of the screened conditions present in the first 2 weeks of life and are life threatening. Because of the risk of metabolic acidosis, seizures, coma, neurological devastation, or death, NBS is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment, including dietary, hormonal, and other interventions. However, due to the fact that aminoglycosides, blood transfusions, nothing by mouth status, and the presence of heparinized solutions all potentially affect the screening results, NBS guidelines in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) ought to be changed to obviate inaccurate results. These guidelines, originally initiated by nurses at the Johns Hopkins NICU due to the missed diagnosis and death of an infant, include screening the day of birth prior to any interventions, performing the screen at 1 and/or 2 weeks of life, and repeating screening as needed.
Enhancing the Antibacterial Properties of Cotton Fabric
Authors: Ibrahim N.A. , Aly A.A. , Gouda M.
Published: January 2008

Attempts were made to enhance the antibacterial properties of the cotton fabrics via pre-crosslinking with trimethylol melamine followed by subsequent treatment with iodine ( NH and NI) solution to create new active sites. The treated fabric shows the ability to inhibit as well as to arrest the growth of both of the bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The antibacterial activity is determined by the degree of modification, the extent of iodine retention, as well as the ease of iodine liberation. Repeated laundering—recharging cycle could fully bring back the antibacterial functions of the finished cotton fabrics.
Can We Predict Immediate Outcome After Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Splenomegaly? Multivariate Analysis of Clinical, Anatomic, and Pathologic Features After 3D Reconstruction of the Spleen
Authors: Berindoague R. , Targarona E.M. , Balague C. , Pernas J.C. , Pallares J.L. , Gich I. , Trias M.
Published: January 2008

The laparoscopic approach is the treatment of choice for splenectomy, but its definitive role in splenomegaly is controversial. Factors that influence immediate outcome are clinical, anatomic, and pathological. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive factors on outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy in splenomegaly. We reviewed patients submitted to laparoscopic splenectomy with a final spleen weight superior to 700 g. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the spleen was performed, and spleen volume and diameters were measured. Multivariate analysis showed that factors that predicted for conversion were mediolateral diameter ( P = .039, RR: 1.43) and platelet count ( P < .05, RR: 1). For intraoperative bleeding, the predictive factor was spleen volume ( P < .03, RR: 1.003). Anteroposterior spleen diameter was related to operative time ( P = .011), and the factor related to postoperative morbidity was age ( P = .049, RR: 0.941). Local anatomy and clinical factors affect surgical outcome in laparoscopic splenectomy for splenomegaly. These factors should be taken into account when planning this kind of procedure.
NOTES Transvaginal Cholecystectomy: Report of the First Case
Authors: Zorrón Ricardo , Filgueiras Marcos , Maggioni Luís Carlos , Pombo Luciana , Lopes Carvalho Gustavo , Lacerda Oliveira Andre
Published: January 2008

Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery is a new development area with potential advantages for patients. However, technical and ethical challenges involved in perforation and closure of a healthy organ, as seen in transgastric access, and lack of comprehension of physiopathology of these approaches haven't allowed clinical application. The present study, based on previous animal experiments, describes the first clinical application of transvaginal Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery. On March 13, 2007, a 43-year-old female patient with symptomatic cholelithiasis with surgical indication was submitted to elective Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery transvaginal cholecystectomy using a colonoscope, endoscopic graspers, and vaginal platform instruments. Operative time was 66 minutes, and vaginal access and closure were obtained in 15 minutes. The patient had good postoperative evolution and was dismissed within 48 hours without complications. Recent literature and experience of the present study group suggest possibilities for preliminary clinical applications by transvaginal natural orifice surgery. The access may offer earlier benefits in the literature than the transgastric route because of lack of danger of fistula and peritonitis. Further studies regarding instrument development and physiology of natural orifice surgery are ongoing, possibly bringing solutions for more advanced procedures.
Colocalization of the IL-12 receptor and FcγRIIIa to natural killer cell lipid rafts leads to activation of ERK and enhanced production of interferon-γ
Authors: Kondadasula Sri Vidya , Roda Julie M. , Parihar Robin , Yu Jianhua , Lehman Amy , Caligiuri Michael A. , Tridandapani Susheela , Burry Richard W. , Carson William E.
Published: January 2008

Natural killer (NK) cells express an activating receptor for the Fc portion of IgG (FcγRIIIa) that mediates interferon (IFN)–γ production in response to antibody (Ab)–coated targets. We have previously demonstrated that NK cells activated with interleukin-12 (IL-12) in the presence of immobilized IgG secrete 10-fold or more higher levels of IFN-γ as compared with stimulation with either agent alone. We examined the intracellular signaling pathways responsible for this synergistic IFN-γ production. NK cells costimulated via the FcR and the IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) exhibited enhanced levels of activated STAT4 and Syk as compared with NK cells stimulated through either receptor alone. Extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) was also synergistically activated under these conditions. Studies with specific chemical inhibitors revealed that the activation of ERK was dependent on the activation of PI3-K, whose activation was dependent on Syk, and that sequential activation of these molecules was required for NK cell IFN-γ production in response to FcR and IL-12 stimulation. Retroviral transfection of ERK1 into primary human NK cells substantially increased IFN-γ production in response to immobilized IgG and IL-12, while transfection of human NK cells with a dominant-negative ERK1 abrogated IFN-γ production. Confocal microscopy and cellular fractionation experiments revealed that FcγRIIIa and the IL-12R colocalized to areas of lipid raft microdomains in response to costimulation with IgG and IL-12. Chemical disruption of lipid rafts inhibited ERK signaling in response to costimulation and significantly inhibited IFN-γ production. These data suggest that dual recruitment of FcγRIIIa and the IL-12R to lipid raft microdomains allows for enhanced activation of downstream signaling events that lead to IFN-γ production.
Band 3 Courcouronnes (Ser667Phe): a trafficking mutant differentially rescued by wild-type band 3 and glycophorin A
Authors: Toye Ashley M. , Williamson Rosalind C. , Khanfar Moudji , Bader-Meunier Brigitte , Cynober Thérèse , Thibault Madeleine , Tchernia Gil , Déchaux Michèle , Delaunay Jean , Bruce Lesley J.
Published: January 2008

We describe a mutation in human erythrocyte band 3 (anion exchanger 1; SLC4A1) causing both hereditary spherocytosis and distal renal tubular acidosis. The proband developed a transfusion-dependent, hemolytic anemia following birth. Immunoblotting showed band 3 was reduced to approximately 35% of wildtype; other proteins of the band 3/Rh macrocomplex were also reduced. DNA sequence analysis revealed a novel homozygous mutation, c.2000C>T, leading to the amino acid substitution Ser667Phe. The parents were heterozygous for the same mutation. Sulfate influx in the patient's erythrocytes was approximately 40% wild type. The mutant band 3 produced very little chloride influx when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Influx was partially rescued by coexpression of glycophorin A and also rescued by coexpression of wild-type band 3. At 2 years of age, an ammonium chloride challenge showed the child has incomplete distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA). Stable expression of mutant kidney band 3 in both nonpolarized and polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells showed that most of the mutant protein was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. Overall our results suggest that the Ser667Phe does not affect the anion transport function of band 3, but causes a trafficking defect in both erythrocytes and kidney cells.
Multiple forms of atypical rearrangements generating supernumerary derivative chromosome 15
Authors: Wang Nicholas J , Parokonny Alexander S , Thatcher Karen N , Driscoll Jennette , Malone Barbara M , Dorrani Naghmeh , Sigman Marian , LaSalle Janine M , Schanen N Carolyn
Published: January 2008

Background

Maternally-derived duplications that include the imprinted region on the proximal long arm of chromosome 15 underlie a complex neurobehavioral disorder characterized by cognitive impairment, seizures and a substantial risk for autism spectrum disorders[1]. The duplications most often take the form of a supernumerary pseudodicentric derivative chromosome 15 [der(15)] that has been called inverted duplication 15 or isodicentric 15 [idic(15)], although interstitial rearrangements also occur. Similar to the deletions found in most cases of Angelman and Prader Willi syndrome, the duplications appear to be mediated by unequal homologous recombination involving low copy repeats (LCR) that are found clustered in the region. Five recurrent breakpoints have been described in most cases of segmental aneuploidy of chromosome 15q11-q13 and previous studies have shown that most idic(15) chromosomes arise through BP3:BP3 or BP4:BP5 recombination events.

Results

Here we describe four duplication chromosomes that show evidence of atypical recombination events that involve regions outside the common breakpoints. Additionally, in one patient with a mosaic complex der(15), we examined homologous pairing of chromosome 15q11-q13 alleles by FISH in a region of frontal cortex, which identified mosaicism in this tissue and also demonstrated pairing of the signals from the der(15) and the normal homologues.

Conclusion

Involvement of atypical BP in the generation of idic(15) chromosomes can lead to considerable structural heterogeneity.
N-hexanoyl chitosan stabilized magnetic nanoparticles: Implication for cellular labeling and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bhattarai Shanta R , Kc Remant B , Kim Sun Y , Sharma Manju , Khil Myung S , Hwang Pyoung H , Chung Gyung H , Kim Hak Y
Published: January 2008

This project involved the synthesis of N-hexanoyl chitosan or simply modified chitosan (MC) stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles (MC-IOPs) and the biological evaluation of MC-IOPs. IOPs containing MC were prepared using conventional methods, and the extent of cell uptake was evaluated using mouse macrophages cell line (RAW cells). MC-IOPs were found to rapidly associate with the RAW cells, and saturation was typically reached within the 24 h of incubation at 37°C. Nearly 8.53 ± 0.31 pg iron/cell were bound or internalized at saturation. From these results, we conclude that MC-IOPs effectively deliver into RAW cells in vitro and we also hope MC-IOPs can be used for MRI enhancing agents in biomedical fields.
VIP differentially activates β2 integrins, CR1, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in human monocytes through cAMP/PKA, EPAC, and PI-3K signaling pathways via VIP receptor type 1 and FPRL1
Authors: El Zein Nabil , Badran Bassam , Sariban Eric
Published: January 2008

The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) regulates the exocytosis of secretory granules in a wide variety of cells of neuronal and non-neuronal origin. In human monocytes, we show that the proinflammatory effects of VIP are associated with stimulation of exocytosis of secretory vesicles as well as tertiary (gelatinase) granules with, respectively, up-regulation of the membrane expression of the β2 integrin CD11b, the complement receptor 1 (CD35), and the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Using the low-affinity formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) antagonist Trp-Arg-Trp-Trp-Trp-Trp (WRW4) and the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC)-specific compound 8CPT-2Me-cAMP and measuring the expression of Rap1 GTPase-activating protein as an indicator of EPAC activation, we found that the proinflammatory effect of VIP is mediated via the specific G protein-coupled receptor VIP/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating protein (VPAC1) receptor as well as via FPRL1: VIP/VPAC1 interaction is associated with a cAMP increase and activation of a cAMP/p38 MAPK pathway, which regulates MMP-9, CD35, and CD11b exocytosis, and a cAMP/EPAC/PI-3K/ERK pathway, which regulates CD11b expression; VIP/FPRL1 interaction results in cAMP-independent PI-3K/ERK activation with downstream integrin up-regulation. In FPRL1-transfected Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells lacking VPAC1, VIP exposure also resulted in PI-3K/ERK activation. Thus, the proinflammatory effects of VIP lie behind different receptor interactions and multiple signaling pathways, including cAMP/protein kinase A, cAMP/EPAC-dependent pathways, as well as a cAMP-independent pathway, which differentially regulates p38 and ERK MAPK and exocytosis of secretory vesicles and granules.
Adiponectin Antagonizes Stimulatory Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification: Regulation of Growth Arrest-Specific Gene 6-Mediated Survival Pathway by Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Son Bo-Kyung , Akishita Masahiro , Iijima Katsuya , Kozaki Koichi , Maemura Koji , Eto Masato , Ouchi Yasuyoshi
Published: January 2008

Adiponectin exhibits diverse protective effects against atherogenesis and antagonizes many effects of TNFα. Here, we investigated the effect of adiponectin and TNFα on vascular calcification, a critical event in the development and progression of vascular disease. In human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC), TNFα augmented inorganic phosphate (Pi)-induced calcification, whereas adiponectin significantly suppressed it and abolished the stimulatory effect of TNFα in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, adiponectin ameliorated the accelerating effect of TNFα on Pi-induced apoptosis, the essential process of HASMC calcification. Furthermore, these effects of TNFα and adiponectin were associated with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) expression and Akt signaling. The AMPK activator, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR), induced phosphorylation of AMPK and significantly inhibited Pi-induced calcification in HASMC. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of AMPK by compound C blocked both AMPK activation and the inhibitory effect of adiponectin on calcification, providing evidence that AMPK plays a regulatory role in vascular calcification. Reporter assay revealed that adiponectin restored Gas6 promoter activity decreased by TNFα, and the effect of adiponectin was abrogated by compound C. These results demonstrate that adiponectin antagonizes the stimulatory effect of TNFα on vascular calcification by restoration of the AMPK-dependent Gas6-mediated survival pathway.
Mechanism of Action of l-CDB-4022, a Potential Nonhormonal Male Contraceptive, in the Seminiferous Epithelium of the Rat Testis
Authors: Koduri Sailaja , Hild Sheri Ann , Pessaint Laurent , Reel Jerry R. , Attardi Barbara J.
Published: January 2008

The present study was conducted to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms involved in the antispermatogenic activity of l-CDB-4022, an indenopyridine. In this study 45-d-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a single oral dose of l-CDB-4022 (2.5 mg/kg) or vehicle, and blood and testes were collected at various time points. The rate of body weight gain was not affected, but a significant loss of testes weight was induced by l-CDB-4022. Serum hormones were assayed using specific RIAs or ELISAs, and testicular protein and RNA were analyzed by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. There was a significant decrease in inhibin B and concomitant increase in FSH in serum from l-CDB-4022-treated rats, but serum levels of activin A, testosterone, and LH were unchanged. Western analysis of testicular lysates from l-CDB-4022-treated rats exhibited phosphorylation of ERK1/2 at 4 h and later time points. Loss of nectin/afadin complex occurred at 48 h, but there was an increase in levels of integrin-β1, N-cadherin, α-catenin, and β-catenin protein at 24 h and later time points. Increase in expression of Fas ligand and Fas receptor was detected 8 and 24 h after l-CDB-4022 treatment. The ratio of the membrane to soluble form of stem cell factor mRNA was decreased. Immunohistochemical analysis of testicular sections indicated a dramatic disruption of the Sertoli cell microtubule network in l-CDB-4022-treated rats. Collectively, these results suggest that l-CDB-4022 activates the MAPK pathway, reduces expression of prosurvival factors such as the membrane form of stem cell factor, alters expression of Sertoli-germ cell adherens junction proteins, disrupts Sertoli cell microtubule structure, and induces the proapoptotic factor, Fas, culminating in germ cell loss from the seminiferous epithelium.
Progesterone and Interferon Tau Regulate Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in the Endometrium of the Ovine Uterus
Authors: Song Gwonhwa , Kim Jinyoung , Bazer Fuller W. , Spencer Thomas E.
Published: January 2008

In ruminants, progesterone (P4) from the ovary and interferon tau (IFNT) from the elongating blastocyst regulate expression of genes in the endometrium that are hypothesized to be important for uterine receptivity and blastocyst development. These studies determined effects of the estrous cycle, pregnancy, P4, and IFNT on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) expression in the ovine uterus. HIF1A mRNA, HIF2A mRNA, and HIF2A protein were most abundant in the endometrial luminal and superficial glandular epithelia (LE and sGE, respectively) of the uterus and conceptus trophectoderm. During the estrous cycle, HIF1A and HIF2A mRNA levels were low to undetectable on d 10 in the endometrial LE/sGE, increased between d 10 and 14, and then declined on d 16. Both HIF1A and HIF2A mRNA were more abundant in the endometrial LE/sGE of pregnant ewes. However, HIF3A, HIF1B, HIF2B, and HIF3B mRNA abundance was low in most cell types of the endometria and conceptus. Treatment of ovariectomized ewes with P4 induced HIF1A and HIF2A in the endometrial LE/sGE, and intrauterine infusion of ovine IFNT further increased HIF2A in P4-treated ewes, but not in ewes treated with P4 and the antiprogestin ZK 136,317. HIF3A, HIF1B, HIF2B, and HIF3B mRNA abundance was not regulated by either P4 or IFNT. Two HIF-responsive genes, carboxy-terminal domain 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor A, were detected in both the endometrium and conceptus. These studies identified new P4-induced (HIF1A and HIF2A) and IFNT-stimulated (HIF2A) genes in the uterine LE/sGE, and implicate the HIF pathway in regulation of endometrial epithelial functions and angiogenesis, as well as peri-implantation blastocyst development.
Transrepression Function of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Regulates Eyelid Development and Keratinocyte Proliferation but Is Not Sufficient to Prevent Skin Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Donet Eva , Bosch Pilar , Sanchis Ana , Bayo Pilar , Ramírez Angel , Cascallana José L. , Bravo Ana , Paloma Paloma
Published: January 2008

Glucocorticoids (GCs) play a key role in skin homeostasis and stress responses acting through the GC receptor (GR), which modulates gene expression by DNA binding-dependent (transactivation) and -independent (transrepression) mechanisms. To delineate which mechanisms underlie the beneficial and adverse effects mediated by GR in epidermis and other epithelia, we have generated transgenic mice that express a mutant GR (P493R, A494S), which is defective for transactivation but retains transrepression activity, under control of the keratin 5 promoter (K5-GR-TR mice). K5-GR-TR embryos exhibited eyelid opening at birth and corneal defects that resulted in corneal opacity in the adulthood. Transgenic embryos developed normal skin, although epidermal atrophy and focal alopecia was detected in adult mice. GR-mediated transrepression was sufficient to inhibit keratinocyte proliferation induced by acute and chronic phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate exposure, as demonstrated by morphometric analyses, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, and repression of keratin 6, a marker of hyperproliferative epidermis. These antiproliferative effects were mediated through negative interference of GR with MAPK/activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-κB activities, although these interactions occurred with different kinetics. However, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced inflammation was only partially inhibited by GR-TR, which efficiently repressed IL-1β and MMP-3 genes while weakly repressing IL-6 and TNF-α. Our data highlight the relevance of deciphering the mechanisms underlying GR actions on epithelial morphogenesis as well as for its therapeutic use to identify more restricted targets of GC administration.
Identification of PCBP2, a facilitator of IRES-mediated translation, as a novel constituent of stress granules and processing bodies
Authors: Fujimura Ken , Kano Fumi , Murata Masayuki
Published: January 2008

Recent advances in microscopic techniques have shed light on the roles of specific subcellular structures in the regulation of gene expression. One such structure is the stress granule (SG), which is engaged in stress-triggered translational arrest by sequestering pre-initiation complexes of translation. Recent studies revealed the spatial, compositional, and functional linkage of the SG to the processing body (P-body), another cytoplasmic structure that has been implicated in mRNA degradation and siRNA- or miRNA-mediated gene silencing. In this study, we report that PCBP2, a facilitator of IRES (Internal Ribosomal Entry Site)-mediated translation, is a novel constituent of the SG and P-body. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that while PCBP2 is diffusely distributed throughout the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm, the protein is enriched in a subset of P-bodies under normal conditions. Upon exposure to heat and arsenic stress, PCBP2 became predominantly accumulated at the SG, but was still present in Dcp1a-positive P-bodies. Live-cell imaging revealed the dynamic association of PCBP2-enriched P-bodies and the SG, and FRAP experiments demonstrated that PCBP2 actively moves in and out of the SG and P-body. Taken together, these results suggest that PCBP2 shuttles between the cytoplasm and the two structures under stress. We propose that PCBP2 may be involved in stress-induced remodeling of mRNP complexes and that it may also play a role in the rapid transition of certain silenced mRNAs into a translationally active state. Additionally, given the property of PCBP2 as a nuclear–cytoplasmic shuttling protein, PCBP2 may play a role in directly targeting nascent mRNPs to specific P-bodies for storage.
Avaliação ultra-sonográfica da dinâmica folicular e lútea em vacas da raça Guzerá
Authors: Coutinho G.T.R.M. , Viana J.H.M. , Sá W.F. , Camargo L.S. , Ferreira A.M. , Palhão P.M. , Nogueira L.A.G.
Published: January 2008

Caracterizaram-se o padrão de crescimento folicular e a função lútea ao longo do ciclo estral em vacas da raça Guzerá (n=5), multíparas, não-lactantes. Os animais utilizados apresentavam idade e condição corporal semelhantes e peso corporal médio de 518± 48.5kg. A dinâmica folicular foi monitorada diariamente a partir do dia da ovulação, durante dois ciclos consecutivos, utilizando-se um aparelho de ultra-sonografia equipado com uma probe linear retal de 5MHz. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas a cada 48h, a partir do momento da ovulação, durante os dois ciclos. O primeiro ciclo foi sincronizado pela administração de um luteolítico (cloprostenol), e o segundo foi natural. Os folículos foram identificados e mensurados; e os dados obtidos, registrados em função do dia do ciclo. O comprimento do ciclo estral foi de 19,10± 1,86 dias. Observou-se maior incidência de ciclos com três ondas de crescimento folicular (50%), mas ciclos com duas (37,5%) ou quatro ondas (12,5%) também foram identificados. O diâmetro máximo dos folículos dominantes não ovulatórios foi de 11,60± 2,37 mm, e dos folículos ovulatórios de 14,4± 0,5 mm. A taxa de crescimento dos folículos dominantes da primeira, segunda, terceira e quarta onda foi de 1,48± 0,60; 0,81± 0,13; 1,10± 0,27 e 1,33mm/dia, respectivamente. A concentração máxima de progesterona no diestro foi de 5,50± 0,92ng/ml. A raça Guzerá apresenta características da dinâmica folicular semelhantes àquelas observadas em outras raças zebuínas, como a tendência ao maior número de ondas de crescimento associadas à menor taxa de crescimento, diâmetro máximo e persistência dos folículos dominantes das ondas intermediárias.
Infecção por leptospira em bovinos e sua associação com transtornos reprodutivos e condições climáticas
Authors: Mineiro A.L.B.B. , Bezerra E.E.A. , Vasconcellos S.A. , Costa F.A.L. , Macedo N.A.
Published: January 2008

Realizou-se estudo sorológico, por meio do teste de soroaglutinação microscópica, utilizando antígenos vivos, para pesquisa de aglutininas anti-leptospiras em bovinos de leite na Microrregião de Parnaíba, PI, em dois períodos do ano: estações seca e chuvosa. Das 1975 amostras analisadas, pertinentes a 16 rebanhos, 1044 (52,9%) mostraram-se positivas a pelo menos um sorovar e todos os rebanhos apresentaram animais reagentes. A prevalência variou entre 25% e 81%. O sorovar de maior prevalência foi Hardjo reagindo em 39,5%, seguido de Wolffi com 26,7% e Hebdomadis com 12,2%. Os sorovares mais freqüentes foram Hardjo e Wolffi presentes em 100% dos rebanhos. Foram ainda encontrados animais reagentes aos sorovares Australis, Bratislava, Autumnalis, Butembo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Shermani e Patoc. Houve correlação positiva entre a proporção de animais sororreagentes para leptospirose e pluviometria, mas não para temperatura. Foi constatada associação entre infecção e ocorrência de transtornos reprodutivos, e o sorovar que apresentou maior associação foi o Hardjo.
Pênfigo foliáceo em eqüino: relato de caso
Authors: Oliveira Filho J.P. , Gonçalves R.C. , Chiacchio S.B. , Amorim R.M. , Conceição L.G. , Borges A.S.
Published: January 2008

Diagnosticou-se pênfigo foliáceo em um eqüino macho, castrado, quatro anos de idade da raça Árabe apresentando dermatite generalizada caracterizada por placas escamo-crostosas e presença de dermatite pustular acantolítica subcorneal.
Hepatic granulomas in canine visceral leishmaniasis and clinical status
Authors: Sant’Ana J.A.P. , Lima W.G. , Oliveira M.R. , Simões L.A. , Michalick M.S.M. , Melo M.N. , Tafuri W.L. , Tafuri Wg.L.
Published: January 2008

The histopathological description of intralobular hepatic granulomas in animals with a defined clinical status (asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic and symptomatic animals) was reported. Seventy-one mongrel dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi were obtained from two Brazilian endemic areas: João Pessoa, PB and Belo Horizonte, MG. The hepatic parasite load was determined and compared to granuloma formation. Liver fragments from all infected animals showed remarkable leishmaniotic granulomatous inflammatory reaction. Granulomas with variable size were constituted by macrophages (parasitized or not with amastigotes of L. chagasi), some epithelioid cells, small numbers of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and rare neutrophils. Asymptomatic dogs had higher numbers of granulomas than oligosymptomatic and symptomatic animals from both geographical regions. However, the average diametric size of granulomas was very heterogeneous in all groups, independently of the geographic region (P>0.05). Parasite tissue load did not show any difference among liver fragments of all animals, especially when considering the defined clinical status and/or their geographic origin.