bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energiebilanzversuche mit einer kohlenhydratfreien Protein-Fett-Diät
Authors: Kirchgessner M. , Müller H.L.
Published: November 2008

The effect of a carbohydrate-free protein-fat (PF) diet compared with a mixed diet (CPF diet) on the energy metabolism was studied in a changeover trial with mature sows. The PF diet contained two thirds of its metabolizable energy as protein and one third as fat; in the CPF diet the relationship was 3.5 carbohydrate: 1 protein:0.2 fat. Under the conditions of undernutrition and neutral temperature nitrogen, carbon and energy balance were assessed as parameters according to the procedures of indirect calorimetry in four 24-hour measurements each for the gaseous exchange of the animals. At isocaloric supply of metabolizable energy, no differences were found in the N, C and energy retention. The mean heat production amounted to 23.6 MJ/day in both dietary groups. Also, no dietary influence could be observed with regards to the daily time pattern of heat production nor to the physical activity of the animals. Computation of the nutrient utilization on the basis of potential ATP formation resulted in a turnover of 304 mol ATP/day for the mixed diet and in 275 mol ATP for the carbohydrate-free diet. The discrepancy is discussed. Overall, the results show that an increased heat production, providing the possibility of an augmented loss of body energy, could not be induced by the carbohydrate-free protein-fat diet in the course of undernutrition.
Dietary Management of Chronic Renal Failure with Oral Amino Acids
Authors: Lee H.A. , Talbot S. , Rowlands A. , Jackson M.A.
Published: November 2008

6 patients in end-stage renal failure of varying aetiologies have been studied on low protein dietary regimens according to a P 6 formulation. All patients had part of their daily protein allowance substituted by an essential amino acid capsule also containing histidine and glutamic acid. All patients were maintained in nutritional balance as a result of the regimens prescribed. No toxic effects were noted and patient compliance was good. Our studies suggest the amino acid formulation given is safe and did not cause any fluctuations in patient plasma amino acid profiles. Our studies suggest an improved method of low protein dietary management for chronic renal failure patients together with a greater flexibility and wider range of prescribing possibilities. It is recommended that amino acid supplements according to the formula produced here constitute an improvement on currently prescribed Giovannetti regimens.
Bakteriologische Aspekte des Warmhaltens von frisch zubereitetem Spinat
Authors: Bomar M.T. , Wedler A.-M.
Published: November 2008

In sterilized spinach which was inoculated with bacteria, a reduction of NO-3 to NO-2, due to their metabolic activity, was detectable, depending on the holding conditions. The reaction rate was highest in the presence of thermophilic bacteria. A lower reaction rate was altogether found with mesophilic bacteria which, depending on counts and holding time, may temporarily cause high nitrite contents. The reaction rate was lowest with cold-tolerant bacteria.
Tissue Distribution of 14C-Labelled Triolein in a Soybean Oil Emulsion
Authors: Appelgren Lars Erik , Rössner Stephan
Published: November 2008

A fed and a starved group of mice were injected with a 14C-labelled triolein emulsion, similar to Intralipid®, in a dose corresponding to 0.1 mg triglyceride per gram body weight. The animals were sacrificed from 30 sec to 24 h after injection. The tissue distribution of the fat emulsion depended on the nutritional state of the animals. A marked concentration of radioactivity was found in the gastric mucosa of all animals as soon as 30 sec after injection which declined with time but was still clearly discernible in the autoradiograms 24 h after injection. Although the radioactivity only demonstrates the presence of the labelled oleic acid without indication of the degree of triglyceride lipolysis, the autoradiograms showed marked differences in the concentration of radioactivity between the various groups of skeletal muscles and between the different parts of the reticulo-endothelial system.
Red Blood Cell Fatty Acid Composition in a Sample of Italian Middle-Aged Men on Free Diet
Authors: Angelico F. , Amodeo P. , Borgogelli C. , Cantafora A. , Montali A. , Ricci G.
Published: November 2008

Within the framework of a project of primary prevention of coronary heart disease the erythrocyte fatty acid composition was determined in 140 Italian middle-aged men on free diet. The linoleic/oleic ratio ranged from 0.27 to 0.96 pointing out remarkable differences in dietary fat intake. A negative correlation was observed between erythrocyte linoleic/oleic ratio and plasma cholesterol levels. This gives indirect support to the validity of this ratio as an index of adherence to cholesterol-lowering diets in long-term studies.
Effects of Timing on Energy Expenditure during Rest and Exercise in Obese Women
Authors: Zahorska-Markiewicz Barbara
Published: November 2008

The metabolic rate of obese women and control group was established by indirect calorimetry. Each subject in resting state and during ergometer cycling test was examined three times a day, before meals. The resting metabolic rate of both groups increased during the day. During exercise the energy expenditure of obese subjects was significantly higher than that of the control group. The presented results show that in obese subjects the highest exercise energy expenditure appeared in the evening and in the afternoon.
Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Uremia
Authors: Attman Per-Ola , Gustafson Anders
Published: November 2008

The effects of low protein diet on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in uremia were investigated in 22 patients treated during a period of 3–18 months (mean 9.5 months). Before treatment, the patients showed elevated serum triglycerides, low α-lipoprotein cholesterol and reduced glucose elimination rate. There were no major changes in mean serum lipid or carbohydrate metabolism variables during treatment. The arachidonic acid content of lecithin decreased while linoleic acid increased during treatment. While the dietary treatment was effective in ameliorating uremic symptoms, it did evidently not influence the deranged lipid/carbohydrate metabolism.
‘Post-Coronary’ Rehabilitation, Body Composition, and Recurrent Infarction
Authors: Shephard Roy J.
Published: November 2008

Changes in body composition have been studied in patients with ischemic heart disease over a 2-year period, commencing 3–12 months after a well-documented myocardial infarction. Findings have been related to diet, the exercise undertaken (random allocation of volunteers to high intensity and low intensity exercise programmes) and the recurrence of myocardial infarction. When first recruited, subjects were not much more obese than other middle-aged men. In contrast with experience in the ‘healthy’ middle-aged exerciser, compliance of postcoronary patients with the required regimen was uninfluenced by body build. Over the 2 years of observation, both high and low intensity exercise groups showed small losses of fat and gains of lean mass. It is suggested that these changes reflect responses to dietary regulation and an increase of physical activity rather than a specific effect of the prescribed effort; the potential advantage of the high intensity exercise programme was lost through a larger food intake. Patients who sustained a recurrence of their infarction had an average percentage of body fat, but a low excess weight and lean mass; although isometric exercise is not frequently implicated in the recurrence of an infarction, the development of muscle mass might be advantageous to patients who must continue to work in occupations that demand sustained isometric muscular activity.
Role of Low-Density and High-Density Lipoproteins in Atherogenesis
Authors: Assmann G. , Schriewer H.
Published: November 2008

Among the cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) have been associated with coronary heart disease as a risk factor while high-density lipoproteins (HDL) appear to protect against coronary heart disease. According to studies with cells in tissue culture, control mechanisms of receptor-mediated LDL uptake are important in maintaining the cholesterol balance within the arterial cells. HDL may be a vehicle for transporting cholesterol from peripheral cells to the liver. Recent results, derived from studies of patients affected with Tangier disease (absence of HDL in plasma), favor the hypothesis that HDL precursors (e.g. surface remnants of chylomicrons) may be more potent in cholesterol uptake than mature HDL.
Recent International Changes in Coronary Heart Disease Mortality
Authors: Epstein Frederick H.
Published: November 2008

Monitoring secular trends in mortality as well as morbidity from coronary heart disease (CHD) is important in order to relate favourable or unfavourable habits of daily living to the risk of disease, with a view toward effective preventive measures. A marked decline in CHD mortality has been observed in the United States during the past decade. Similar, but smaller, reductions have been recorded in a few other countries but the overall international tendency is toward unchanged or increasing mortality. There is a suggestion for countries with initially higher rates to register declines while the reverse tends to occur for low-mortality countries. The favourable trends in the United States can be linked to improvements in the style of life but parallel information in other countries is largely lacking. International, collaborative efforts to monitor CHD disease rates, living habits and risk factor distributions by country, region and social groups is a major need in the search for effective prevention programmes in the community.
L’acide linoléique dans I’équilibre alimentaire
Authors: Lederer J. , Pottier-Arnould A.M. , Niethals E. , Dehez-Delhaye M. , Chakroun R. , Delhaye-Pottier C. , Goovaerts M.
Published: November 2008

In the male rat a diet rich in beef fat facilitates the occurrence of hyper-insulinemia after a glucose load whereas fats rich in linoleic acid produce no such effect. The combination of saturated fat and saccharose facilitates the occurrence of hyper-triglyceridemia in the male rat, no such effect is produced by the combination of fats rich in linoleic acid and saccharose. Linoleic acid prevents natrium chloride from provoking hypertriglyceridemia in male and in female rats subjected to a diet enriched in saccharose and fat. Estrogen-induced hypertriglyceridemia in castrated animals is strongly inhibited if the diet is rich in linoleic acid. Physical effort can prevent saccharose combined with saturated fats from inducing hypertriglyceridemia.
Interaction of the Central Nervous System with the Endocrine System in Thermoregulation in Baboons
Authors: Gale C.C. , Toivola P.
Published: November 2008

Control by the central nervous system of neural and humoral thermoregulatory mechanisms was studied in conscious baboons. Local cooling and warming of the anterior hypothalamus respectively stimulated and inhibited the sympathico-adrenomedullary system and the adrenal cortex. These endocrine responses correlated with physical heat gain and heat loss and with thermoregulatory behavior. Evidence of and essential role of the sympathico-adrenomedullary system in thermogenesis was obtained when baboons were treated with a ganglionic blockingagent. Intrahypothalamic infusion of norepinephrine lowered internal temperature as did central warming, suggesting that this monoamine may be a central neurotransmitter triggering heat loss. Systemic and intrahypothalamic infusion of adrenergic blocking agents provided evidence for an adrenergic mechanism mediating reciprocal secretion of growth hormone and insulin.
Topo-Chemical and Ultra-Structural Pathology of Family Goitres by Deficiency of Intra and Extra Thyroidal Deiodase
Authors: Milcu S.M. , Simionescu N. , Simionescu Maia , Petrovici A. , Constantinescu Anca
Published: November 2008

Topochemical, radio chromatographical, electron microscopic studies about 3 cases of family goitre by deficiency of deiodase. Protein synthesis is almost directed towards cell-division and co-exists with a dishormogenesis, pointed out by extracellular losses of iodotyrosins (MIT and especially DTT), the insufficient synthesis of tyronins (T3 and especially T4) and the inconsistency of the extracellular storage process of thyroglobulin. The alteration of the mitochondrial apparatus shows that, at least partially, the activity of mitochondrial enzyme is deficient. The absence of microvilli, the reduced number of lysosomes, the poorness of the cytoplasmic fundamental matrix are still other factors which point to the existence of an abnormal quantitative and qualitative secretory cycle. Our results show that the ultra-structural lesions of family goitres by deficiency of deiodase differ from structural troubles pointed out for goitres by a deficiency of organification of iodine and reproduce only partially the cyto-structure of embryonic thyroid.
GIT1 Mediates VEGF-Induced Podosome Formation in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wang Jing , Taba Yoji , Pang Jinjiang , Yin Guoyong , Yan Chen , Berk Bradford C.
Published: November 2008

Objective—

We and others showed that tyrosine kinase receptors (TKRs) such as the epidermal growth factor receptor stimulate G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1) phosphorylation via c-Src, which is required for phospholipase C-γ (PLCγ) activation, indicating that GIT1 participates in TKR signaling. VEGF is the most important TKR in endothelial cells (ECs); essential for cell survival, migration, and angiogenesis. Podosomes, actin-rich structures, were found to contribute to EC migration, tissue invasion, and matrix remodeling, suggesting a role for podosomes in angiogenesis. Because GIT1 is a substrate of c-Src, and podosome formation is c-Src dependent, we hypothesized that GIT1 plays an important role in VEGF-induced EC podosome formation and cell migration.

Methods and Results—

Exposure of ECs to VEGF for 30 minutes stimulated GIT1 colocalization with podosomes. Depletion of GIT1 by siRNA significantly decreased VEGF-induced podosome formation. A key role for PLCγ was suggested by several experiments. Double staining PLCγ and actin showed colocalization of PLCγ with podosomes. Podosome formation was dramatically reduced by PLCγ inhibitor U73122, Src inhibitor PP2, or expression of dominant negative small GTPases. Therefore, VEGF-induced EC podosome formation is dependent on Src, GIT1, PLCγ, and small GTPases. In addition, matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2) and MT-MMP1 were detected at sites of VEGF-induced podosomes. Depletion of GIT1 by siRNA also significantly inhibited VEGF-induced MMP2 activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Therefore, GIT1 mediates VEGF-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation and ECM degradation by regulating podosome formation. Finally, depletion of GIT1 by siRNA significantly decreased VEGF-induced cell migration.

Conclusions—

These data indicate that GIT1 is an essential mediator for VEGF-induced EC podosome formation and cell migration via PLCγ.
Paracrine Mechanisms in Adult Stem Cell Signaling and Therapy
Authors: Gnecchi Massimiliano , Zhang Zhiping , Ni Aiguo , Dzau Victor J.
Published: November 2008

Animal and preliminary human studies of adult cell therapy following acute myocardial infarction have shown an overall improvement of cardiac function. Myocardial and vascular regeneration have been initially proposed as mechanisms of stem cell action. However, in many cases, the frequency of stem cell engraftment and the number of newly generated cardiomyocytes and vascular cells, either by transdifferentiation or cell fusion, appear too low to explain the significant cardiac improvement described. Accordingly, we and others have advanced an alternative hypothesis: the transplanted stem cells release soluble factors that, acting in a paracrine fashion, contribute to cardiac repair and regeneration. Indeed, cytokines and growth factors can induce cytoprotection and neovascularization. It has also been postulated that paracrine factors may mediate endogenous regeneration via activation of resident cardiac stem cells. Furthermore, cardiac remodeling, contractility, and metabolism may also be influenced in a paracrine fashion. This article reviews the potential paracrine mechanisms involved in adult stem cell signaling and therapy.
Proteomics Identifies Thymidine Phosphorylase As a Key Regulator of the Angiogenic Potential of Colony-Forming Units and Endothelial Progenitor Cell Cultures
Authors: Pula Giordano , Mayr Ursula , Evans Colin , Prokopi Marianna , Vara Dina S. , Yin Xiaoke , Astroulakis Zoe , Xiao Qingzhong , Hill Jonathan , Xu Qingbo , Mayr Manuel
Published: November 2008

Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) cultures and colony-forming units (CFUs) have been extensively studied for their therapeutic and diagnostic potential. Recent data suggest a role for EPCs in the release of proangiogenic factors. To identify factors secreted by EPCs, conditioned medium from EPC cultures and CFUs was analyzed using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer combined with offline peptide separation by nanoflow liquid chromatography. Results were verified by RT-PCR and multiplex cytokine assays and complemented by a cellular proteomic analysis of cultured EPCs and CFUs using difference in-gel electrophoresis. This extensive proteomic analysis revealed the presence of the proangiogenic factor thymidine phosphorylase (TP). Functional experiments demonstrated that inhibition of TP by 5-bromo-6-amino-uracil or gene silencing resulted in a significant increase in basal and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, whereas supplementation with 2-deoxy-
d
-ribose-1-phosphate (dRP), the enzymatic product of TP, abrogated this effect. Moreover, dRP produced in EPC cultures stimulated endothelial cell migration in a paracrine manner, as demonstrated by gene-silencing experiments in transmigration and wound repair assays. RGD peptides and inhibitory antibodies to integrin αvβ3 attenuated the effect of conditioned medium from EPC cultures on endothelial migration. Finally, the effect of TP on angiogenesis was investigated by implantation of Matrigel plugs in mice. In these in vivo experiments, dRP strongly promoted neovascularization. Our data support the concept that EPCs exert their proangiogenic activity in a paracrine manner and demonstrate a key role of TP activity in their survival and proangiogenic potential.
Bcr Kinase Activation by Angiotensin II Inhibits Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Transcriptional Activity in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Alexis Jeffrey D. , Wang Nadan , Che Wenyi , Lerner-Marmarosh Nicole , Sahni Abha , Korshunov Vyacheslav A. , Zou Yiping , Ding Bo , Yan Chen , Berk Bradford C. , Abe Jun-ichi
Published: November 2008

Bcr is a serine/threonine kinase activated by platelet-derived growth factor that is highly expressed in the neointima after vascular injury. Here, we demonstrate that Bcr is an important mediator of angiotensin (Ang) II and platelet-derived growth factor–mediated inflammatory responses in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Among transcription factors that might regulate Ang II–mediated inflammatory responses we found that ligand-mediated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ transcriptional activity was significantly decreased by Ang II. Ang II increased Bcr expression and kinase activity. Overexpression of Bcr significantly inhibited PPARγ activity. In contrast, knockdown of Bcr using Bcr small interfering RNA and a dominant-negative form of Bcr (DN-Bcr) reversed Ang II–mediated inhibition of PPARγ activity significantly, suggesting the critical role of Bcr in Ang II–mediated inhibition of PPARγ activity. Point-mutation and in vitro kinase analyses showed that PPARγ was phosphorylated by Bcr at serine 82. Overexpression of wild-type Bcr kinase did not inhibit ligand-mediated PPARγ1 S82A mutant transcriptional activity, indicating that Bcr regulates PPARγ activity via S82 phosphorylation. DN-Bcr and Bcr small interfering RNA inhibited Ang II–mediated nuclear factor κB activation in VSMCs. DN-PPARγ reversed DN-Bcr–mediated inhibition of nuclear factor κB activation, suggesting that PPARγ is downstream from Bcr. Intimal proliferation in low-flow carotid arteries was decreased in Bcr knockout mice compared with wild-type mice, suggesting the critical role of Bcr kinase in VSMC proliferation in vivo, at least in part, via regulating PPARγ/nuclear factor κB transcriptional activity.
Relationship Between Parenting Stress and Concerns Identified by Developmental Screening and Their Effects on Parental Medical Care—Seeking Behavior
Authors: Voigt Robert G. , Johnson Shirley K. , Mellon Michael W. , Hashikawa Andrew H. , Campeau Lynnelle J. , Williams Arthur R. , Yawn Barbara P. , Juhn Young J.
Published: November 2008

This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between parenting stress and concerns identified by developmental screening and their effects on parents' decisions to seek medical care for their children. A total of 182 parents completed both the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) when their children were admitted to a sick child care program that provides parents the option of requesting medical evaluations for their children with mild acute illnesses. Although 31.6% of parents (N = 62) requested medical evaluations, neither PSI nor PEDS scores were associated with these requests. However, PEDS scores indicating significant parental concerns about their child's development or behavior predicted clinically significant levels of parenting stress on the PSI (odds ratio 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-15.9; P = .007). Primary pediatric health care providers who routinely perform developmental screening need to consider this relationship when interpreting developmental screening results and offer supportive and referral services to families as needed.
Acrolein health effects
Authors: Faroon O , Roney N , Taylor J , Ashizawa A , Lumpkin MH , Plewak DJ
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Acrolein is a chemical used as an intermediate reactive aldehyde in chemical industry. It is used for synthesis of many organic substances, methionine production, and methyl chloride refrigerant. The general population is exposed to acrolein via smoking, second-hand smoke, exposure to wood and plastic smoke. Firefighters and population living or working in areas with heavy automotive traffic may expose to higher level of acrolein via inhalation of smoke or automotive exhaust. Degradation of acrolein in all environmental media occurs rapidly, therefore, environmental accumulation is not expected. Acrolein degrade in 6 days when applied to surface water, and it has not been found as a contaminant in municipal drinking water. Acrolein vapor may cause eye, nasal and respiratory tract irritations in low level exposure. A decrease in breathing rate was reported by volunteers acutely exposed to 0.3 ppm of acrolein. At similar level, mild nasal epithelial dysplasia, necrosis, and focal basal cell metaplasia have been observed in rats. The acrolein effects on gastrointestinal mucosa in the animals include epithelial hyperplasia, ulceration, and hemorrhage. The severity of the effects is dose dependent. Acrolein induces the respiratory, ocular, and gastrointestinal irritations by inducing the release of peptides in nerve terminals innervating these systems. Levels of acrolein between 22 and 249 ppm for 10 min induced a dose-related decrease in substance P (a short-chain polypeptide that functions as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator).
Presynaptic NMDA Receptors: Newly Appreciated Roles in Cortical Synaptic Function and Plasticity
Authors: Corlew Rebekah , Brasier Daniel J. , Feldman Daniel E. , Philpot Benjamin D.
Published: November 2008

Many aspects of synaptic development, plasticity, and neurotransmission are critically influenced by NMDAtype glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Moreover, dysfunction of NMDARs has been implicated in a broad array of neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, stroke, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain. Classically, NMDARs were thought to be exclusively postsynaptic. However, substantial evidence in the past 10 years demonstrates that NMDARs also exist presynaptically and that presynaptic NMDA receptors (preNMDARs) modulate synapse function and have critical roles in plasticity at many synapses. Here the authors review current knowledge of the role of preNMDARs in synaptic transmission and plasticity, focusing on the neocortex. They discuss the prevalence, function, and development of these receptors, and their potential modification by experience and in brain pathology.
Glial Cells as Players in Parkinsonism: The “Good,” the “Bad,” and the “Mysterious” Glia
Authors: Mena Maria A. , García de Yébenes Justo
Published: November 2008

The role of glia in Parkinson's disease (PD) is very interesting because it may open new therapeutic strategies in this disease. Traditionally it has been considered that astrocytes and microglia play different roles in PD: Astroglia are considered the “good” glia and have traditionally been supposed to be neuroprotective due to their capacity to quench free radicals and secrete neurotrophic factors, whereas microglia, considered the “bad” glia, are thought to play a critical role in neuroinflammation. The proportion of astrocytes surrounding dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra, the target nucleus for neurodegeneration in PD, is the lowest for any brain area, suggesting that DA neurons are more vulnerable in terms of glial support than any neuron in other brain areas. Astrocytes are critical in the modulation of the neurotoxic effects of many toxins that induce experimental parkinsonism and they produce substances in vitro that could modify the effects of L-DOPA from neurotoxic to neurotrophic. There is a great interest in the role of inflammation in PD, and in the brains of these patients there is evidence for microglial production of cytokines and other substances that could be harmful to neurons, suggesting that microglia of the substantia nigra could be actively involved, primarily or secondarily, in the neurodegeneration process. There is, however, evidence in favor of the role of neurotoxic diffusible signals from microglia to DA neurons. More recently a third glial player, oligodendroglia, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. Oligodendroglia play a key role in myelination of the nervous system. Recent neuropathological studies suggested that the nigrostriatal dopamine neurons, which were considered classically as the primary target for neurodegeneration in PD, degenerate at later stages than other neurons with poor myelination. Therefore, the role of oligodendroglia, which also secrete neurotrophic factors, has entered the center of interest of neuroscientists.
Factor V Leiden Mutation and Thrombotic Occlusion of Microsurgical Anastomosis After Free TRAM Flap
Authors: Handschin A.E. , Guggenheim M. , Calcagni M. , Künzi W. , Giovanoli P.
Published: November 2008

The transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap is widely used in free microvascular tissue transfer for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Flap survival may be compromised by failure at the microsurgical anastomosis due to both venous and arterial thrombosis. It is unclear, whether hereditary thrombophilia represents a risk factor for early thrombotic occlusion following free flap procedures. We present a case of a patient with previously diagnosed activated protein resistance caused by heterozygous factor V (position 1691 G→A) Leiden mutation in whom a free transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap was performed. The postoperative course was complicated by repeated thrombosis of both the venous and arterial part of the anastomosis. Immediate thrombectomy and repeated arteriography allowed for partial flap salvage. More data are needed to analyze the impact of hereditary thrombophilia on microvascular anastomosis failure.
A Comparison of Field Methods to Assess Body Composition in a Diverse Group of Sedentary Women
Authors: D'Alonzo Karen T. , Aluf Ana , Vincent Linda , Cooper Kristin
Published: November 2008

Accurate assessment of body composition is essential in the evaluation of obesity. While laboratory methods are commonly used to assess fat mass, field measures (e.g., skinfold thickness [SKF] and bioelectrical impedance [BIA]) may be more practical for screening large numbers of individuals in intervention studies. In this study, a correlational design was used among 46 racially and ethnically diverse, sedentary women (mean age = 25.73 years) to (a) compare the percentage of body fat as determined by SKF and the upper body BIA and (b) examine the effects of body mass index (BMI), racial/ethnic background, age, and stage of the menstrual cycle on differences in the estimated percentage of body fat obtained using the SKF and BIA. Overall, a significant correlation between SKF and BIA (r = .98, p < .001) was found, with similar findings among Black, Hispanic and White non-Hispanic women. The mean differences between BIA and SKF were not significantly correlated with BMI, age, race/ethnicity or stage of the menstrual cycle. Data from this study suggest that BIA showed similar body fat prediction values compared with SKF and may be a viable alternative to SKF among diverse groups of healthy women. Additional testing and comparison of these field methods with the laboratory methods of hydrodensitometry or dual energy X-ray absorptiometry is recommended to further determine whether BIA devices can be routinely recommended as an alternative to the SKF.
LineageSpecificSeqgen: generating sequence data with lineage-specific variation in the proportion of variable sites
Authors: Shavit Grievink Liat , Penny David , Hendy Mike D , Holland Barbara R
Published: November 2008

Background

Commonly used phylogenetic models assume a homogeneous evolutionary process throughout the tree. It is known that these homogeneous models are often too simplistic, and that with time some properties of the evolutionary process can change (due to selection or drift). In particular, as constraints on sequences evolve, the proportion of variable sites can vary between lineages. This affects the ability of phylogenetic methods to correctly estimate phylogenetic trees, especially for long timescales. To date there is no phylogenetic model that allows for change in the proportion of variable sites, and the degree to which this affects phylogenetic reconstruction is unknown.

Results

We present LineageSpecificSeqgen, an extension to the seq-gen program that allows generation of sequences with both changes in the proportion of variable sites and changes in the rate at which sites switch between being variable and invariable. In contrast to seq-gen and its derivatives to date, we interpret branch lengths as the mean number of substitutions per variable site, as opposed to the mean number of substitutions per site (which is averaged over all sites, including invariable sites). This allows specification of the substitution rates of variable sites, independently of the proportion of invariable sites.

Conclusion

LineageSpecificSeqgen allows simulation of DNA and amino acid sequence alignments under a lineage-specific evolutionary process. The program can be used to test current models of evolution on sequences that have undergone lineage-specific evolution. It facilitates the development of both new methods to identify such processes in real data, and means to account for such processes. The program is available at: http://awcmee.massey.ac.nz/downloads.htm.
Prolactin Activates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling and Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Transcription in Rat Hypothalamic Neurons
Authors: Blume Annegret , Torner Luz , Liu Ying , Subburaju Sivan , Aguilera Greti , Neumann Inga D.
Published: November 2008

Prolactin (PRL) modulates maternal behavior and mediates hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis inhibition during lactation via PRL receptors in the brain. To identify mechanisms mediating these effects, we examined the effects of PRL on signaling and CRH transcription in hypothalamic neurons in vivo and in vitro. Western blot of hypothalamic proteins from rats receiving intracerebroventricular PRL injection revealed increases in phosphorylation of the MAPK and ERK. Double-staining immunohistochemistry demonstrated phosphorylated ERK localization in parvocellular CRH neurons as well as magnocellular vasopressin and oxytocin neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei. PRL also induced ERK phosphorylation in vitro in the hypothalamic cell line, 4B, which expresses PRL receptors, and in primary hypothalamic neuronal cultures. Using reporter gene assays in 4B cells, or quantitative RT-PCR for primary transcript in hypothalamic cell cultures, PRL potentiated forskolin-stimulated CRH transcription through activation of the ERK/MAPK pathway. The effect of PRL in hypothalamic cell cultures was unaffected by tetrodotoxin, suggesting a direct effect on CRH neurons. The data show that PRL activates the ERK/MAPK pathway and facilitates CRH transcription in CRH neurons, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of PRL on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis activity reported in vivo is indirect and probably mediated through modulation of afferent pathways to the PVN. In addition, the prominent stimulatory action of PRL on the ERK/MAPK pathway in the hypothalamic PVN and supraoptic nucleus is likely to mediate neuroplasticity of the neuroendocrine system during lactation.
Reversal of Physiological Deficits Caused by Diminished Levels of Peptidylglycine α-Amidating Monooxygenase by Dietary Copper
Authors: Bousquet-Moore D. , Ma X. M. , Nillni E. A. , Czyzyk T. A. , Pintar J. E. , Eipper B. A. , Mains R. E.
Published: November 2008

Amidated peptides are critically involved in many physiological functions. Genetic deletion of peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), the only enzyme that can synthesize these peptides, is embryonically lethal. The goal of the present study was the identification of physiological functions impaired by haploinsufficiency of PAM. Regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and body temperature, functions requiring contributions from multiple amidated peptides, were selected for evaluation. Based on serum T4 and pituitary TSH-β mRNA levels, mice heterozygous for PAM (PAM+/−) were euthyroid at baseline. Feedback within the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis was impaired in PAM+/− mice made hypothyroid using a low iodine/propylthiouracil diet. Despite their normal endocrine response to cold, PAM+/− mice were unable to maintain body temperature as well as wild-type littermates when kept in a 4 C environment. When provided with additional dietary copper, PAM+/− mice maintained body temperature as well as wild-type mice. Pharmacological activation of vasoconstriction or shivering also allowed PAM+/− mice to maintain body temperature. Cold-induced vasoconstriction was deficient in PAM+/− mice. This deficit was eliminated in PAM+/− mice receiving a diet with supplemental copper. These results suggest that dietary deficiency of copper, coupled with genetic deficits in PAM, could result in physiological deficits in humans.
Transcription Factor Activating Protein-2β: A Positive Regulator of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Gene Expression
Authors: Kondo Motoyuki , Maegawa Hiroshi , Obata Toshiyuki , Ugi Satoshi , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Morino Katsutaro , Nakai Yukie , Nishio Yoshihiko , Maeda Shiro , Kashiwagi Atsunori
Published: November 2008

We previously reported an association between the activating protein (AP)-2β transcription factor gene and type 2 diabetes. This gene is preferentially expressed in adipose tissue, and subjects with a disease-susceptible allele of AP-2β showed stronger AP-2β expression in adipose tissue than those without the susceptible allele. Furthermore, overexpression of AP-2β leads to lipid accumulation by enhancing glucose transport and inducing insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In this study, we found that overexpression of AP-2β in 3T3-L1 adipocytes accelerated the promoter activity of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and subsequently increased both mRNA and protein expression and protein secretion. Furthermore, knockdown of endogenous AP-2β by RNA interference reduced the mRNA and the protein expression of MCP-1. EMSAs and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed specific binding of AP-2β to MCP-1 promoter regions, in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, site-directed mutagenesis of the AP-2 binding site located at −137 to −129 relative to the transcription start site markedly diminished MCP-1 promoter activity, whereas other putative AP-2 binding sites did not. Our results clearly show that AP-2β directly enhanced MCP-1 secretion by binding to its promoter. Thus, we propose that AP-2β positively regulates MCP-1 expression; subsequently contributes to the infiltration of macrophages to adipose tissue; and leads to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Overlapping Generations: The First Jubilee
Authors: Weil Philippe
Published: November 2008

Paul Samuelson's (1958) overlapping generations model has turned 50. Seldom has so simple a model been so influential. The paper, in spite of its ripe age, still elicits wonder. Starting from the uncontroversial observation that “we live in a world where new generations are always coming along” Samuelson built a model that violates the credo of the first fundamental welfare theorem with which we still inculcate undergraduates 50 years later. According to Samuelson, all is not necessarily well in the best of market economies: with overlapping generations, even absent the usual suspects such as distortions and market failures, a competitive equilibrium need not be Pareto efficient. Worst of all, this failure of the first welfare theorem in an overlapping generations model occurs in a framework that is, in many ways, more plausible and realistic than the world of agents living synchronous and finite existences in which the theorem is usually proved. Like Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile, the mysterious welfare properties of the overlapping generations model are, to a significant extent, responsible for its popularity—along with the many economic issues it has illuminated in the last half-century. I take it as my brief in this celebratory paper to provide, after a short exposition of the main results of the overlapping generations model under certainty, an explanation of why the welfare properties of the overlapping generations model differ so much from the canonical Arrow–Debreu framework and to review, in a deliberately nonencyclopedic mode, a few striking applications and extensions of Samuelson's deceptively straightforward model.
Susan C. Athey: John Bates Clark Award Winner 2007
Authors: Roberts John
Published: November 2008

Susan Carleton Athey is the 2007 recipient of the American Economic Association's John Bates Clark Medal, which is “awarded biennially to that American economist under the age of forty who is adjudged to have made the most significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge.” I have had the immense pleasure of being Susan's teacher, her advisor, her coauthor, and her friend. Yet I never cease to be amazed at her abilities and her accomplishments on so many dimensions. The AEA specifically cited her work in four distinct areas: monotone information models; industrial organization and particularly auctions; macroeconomics; and econometrics. Yet there is even more breadth to Susan's research contributions than this suggests, as I will show.
Promoting change through research and evidence-informed practice: a Knowledge Transfer Partnership project between a university and a local authority
Authors: McEwen Jess , Crawshaw Marilyn , Liversedge Angie , Bradley Greta
Published: November 2008

This article reports on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership project between a local authority and a university, the aim of which is to encourage a culture of evidence-informed practice and continual improvement across the local authority’s Family Services Directorate as part of its performance management framework and to ensure that the Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care (DH, 2001) is fully implemented. The article describes the successful completion of some of the key stages of the project, including developing and implementing an improvement strategy aimed at increasing levels of engagement with research and evidence-informed approaches to practice.
On the blocking number and the covering number of a convex body
Authors: Yu Long , Zong Chuanming
Published: November 2008

In this paper, we introduce and study several numbers and functions associated to a convex body, by them we can study the covering number, the blocking number and even Borsuk's partition number of a convex body in one setting.
Factorized spread sets and translation planes with large homology groups
Authors: Dempwolff Ulrich , Müller Peter
Published: November 2008

In this note we construct some series of translation planes of order q
2 which possess two commuting homology groups of order q – 1 and (q + 1)(q – 1, 2) respectively. These translation planes can be considered as relatives of nearfield planes: for nearfield planes the nontrivial part of the associated spread set is a group whereas in our case this set is the product of two groups.
The political economy of Croatian television: Exploring the impact of Latin American telenovelas
Authors: Vujnovic Marina
Published: November 2008

This article explores the implications of the emerging new players in the global arena of telenovelas. Latin American telenovelas have had phenomenal success in the post-communist countries of Eastern Europe. There has been an effort to localize the genre of telenovelas in some of those countries. The Croatian case emerges as a specific example because of its recent trend in the domestic production of telenovelas. Studying the political-economic aspect of this imported genre by examining debates surrounding the domestically produced Villa Maria could help us understand some of the logic of the global media flow.

Given the commercial development of broadcasting and the subsequent rise of U.S.- and Latin American-produced fiction, this article is an analysis of the political-economic and globalization debates that emerged in the Croatian press around domestically produced telenovela Villa Maria.
Mechanical Properties of High Strength Concrete with Field-Demolished Concrete as Aggregates
Authors: Liu Juanyu , Chen Bing
Published: November 2008

Environmental and economic factors are increasingly encouraging higher value utilization of demolition debris. While the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is confined mainly to low-grade application, it would be more beneficial if high strength concrete (HSC) can be produced with demolished concrete for new concrete construction. Hence, an experimental study was undertaken to explore the feasibility and potential of using field-demolished concrete as full replacement of natural aggregates to produce HSC, as reported in this paper. The workability of fresh concrete and mechanical properties of hardened concrete made with RCAs were investigated. The preliminary results indicated that HSC with up to 80 MPa of 28-day compressive strength made with field-demolished concrete as coarse aggregate and natural sand as fine aggregate can be obtained with the facilitation of a modified mixing method and the addition of silica fume. By providing a general basis for evaluating demolished concrete as aggregates for HSC, the investigation reported herein should contribute significantly to the understanding of recycled aggregate concrete as a viable option in the HSC construction industry.
The single-macro domain protein LRP16 is an essential cofactor of androgen receptor
Authors: Yang J , Zhao Y-L , Wu Z-Q , Si Y-L , Meng Y-G , Fu X-B , Mu Y-M , Han W-D
Published: November 2008

LRP16 is a special member of the macro domain superfamily, containing only a stand-alone macro domain functional module. Previous study demonstrated that the estrogenically regulated LRP16 cooperates with the estrogen receptor α and enhances the receptor's transcriptional activity in an estrogen-dependent manner. Here, we discovered that LRP16 binds to androgen receptor (AR) via its macro domain and amplifies the transactivation function of AR in response to androgen. Similarly, we also discovered that LRP16 acts as a potential coactivator to amplify the transactivation of at least other four nuclear receptors (NRs). Importantly, we show that the single macro domain in LRP16 can serve as the AR coactivator. RNA interference knockdown of LRP16 leads to impaired AR function and greatly attenuates the coactivation of AR by other AR coactivators such as ART-27 and steroid receptor coactivator-1. This interference also markedly inhibits the androgen-stimulated proliferation of androgen-sensitive LNCaP prostate cancer cells. However, LRP16 knockdown did not significantly affect the growth rate of AR-negative PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, we observed the induction effect of LRP16 expression by androgen and established a feedforward mechanism that activated AR transactivation. Our results suggest that the macro domain protein LRP16 represents a novel type of cofactor of NR. They also indicate that LRP16 plays an essential role in AR transactivation.
PRESENT STATUS OF PLAGUE, WITH HISTORICAL REVIEW
Authors: Kellogg W. H.
Published: November 2008

Health officers have known something of the early plague situation in California, but never before has the story been related in such stirring fashion as in this paper. It is an experience that, fortunately, seldom goes to such lengths. The necessity for strenuous extermination activities now against plague carriers is patent.
Environmental health and safety in the academic setting.
Authors: DeRoos R L
Published: November 2008

The academic institution can be viewed as a community within a community, with many environmental concerns similar to those of a municipality: private water supplies, housing, food sanitation, injury control, occupational health, radiation protection, waste control, etc. The complexity of a university environmental health and safety (EHS) program is closely related to the size of the college or university, and the type of program carried on by the institution (e.g., teaching hospital, agrigultural experiment stations, amount and variety of research programs). This paper seeks to convey information about environmental health and safety programs in colleges and universities which will be of help to environmental regulatory agencies as they interact with academic institutions. Understanding internal organizations and policy matters will make environmental regulatory agencies more effective as they interact with academic institutions. The extent of regulatory change now impacting on academic institutions is also discussed.
Stigmatization of carrier status: social implications of heterozygote genetic screening programs.
Authors: Kenen R H , Schmidt R M
Published: November 2008

Possible latent psychological and social consequences ensuing from genetic screening programs need to be investigated during the planning phase of national genetic screening programs. The relatively few studies which have been performed to determine psychological, social, and economic consequences resulting from a genetic screening program are reviewed. Stigmatization of carrier-status, having major psychosocial implications in heterozygote genetic screening programs, is discussed and related to Erving Goffman's work in the area of stigmatization. Questions are raised regarding the relationship between such variables as religiosity and sex of the individual and acceptance of the status of newly identified carrier of a mutant gene. Severity of the deleterious gene and visibility of the carrier status are two important factors to consider in an estimation of potential stigma. Specific implications are discussed for four genetic diseases: Tay-Sachs, Sickle-Cell Anemia, Huntington's disease and Hemophilia.