bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soluble HLA-G Inhibits Myeloid Dendritic Cell Function in HIV-1 Infection by Interacting with Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor B2
Authors: Huang Jinghe , Burke Patrick , Yang Yue , Seiss Katherine , Beamon Jill , Cung Thai , Toth Ildiko , Pereyra Florencia , Lichterfeld Mathias , Yu Xu G.
Published: August 2010

Dendritic cells represent a specialized class of professional antigen-presenting cells that are responsible for priming and maintaining antigen-specific effector cell responses and regulating immune activation by cytokine secretion. In HIV-1 infection, myeloid dendritic cells are highly dysfunctional, but mechanisms contributing to their functional alterations are not well defined. Here, we show that soluble molecules of the nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class Ib (MHC-Ib) antigen HLA-G are highly upregulated in the plasma during progressive HIV-1 infection, while levels of membrane-bound HLA-G surface expression on dendritic cells, monocytes, and T cells only slightly differ among HIV-1 progressors, HIV-1 elite controllers, and HIV-1-negative persons. These elevated levels of soluble HLA-G in progressive HIV-1 infection likely result from increased secretion of intracellularly stored HLA-G molecules in monocytes and dendritic cells and contribute to a functional disarray of dendritic cells by inhibiting their antigen-presenting properties, while simultaneously enhancing their secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, we observed that these immunoregulatory effects of soluble HLA-G were mainly mediated by interactions with the myelomonocytic HLA class I receptor leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2 (LILRB2; ILT4), while binding of soluble HLA-G to its alternative high-affinity receptor, LILRB1 (ILT2), appeared to be less relevant for its immunomodulatory functions on dendritic cells. Overall, these results demonstrate a critical role for soluble HLA-G in modulating the functional characteristics of professional antigen-presenting cells in progressive HIV-1 infection and suggest that soluble HLA-G might represent a possible target for immunotherapeutic interventions in HIV-1-infected persons.
ON THE JONES POLYNOMIAL OF ADEQUATE VIRTUAL LINKS
Authors: BAE YONGJU , LEE HYE SOOK , PARK CHAN-YOUNG
Published: August 2010

In this paper, we prove that an adequate virtual link diagram of an adequate virtual link has minimal real crossing number.
THE EFFECT OF DECOHERENCE ON MIXING TIME IN CONTINUOUS-TIME QUANTUM WALKS ON ONE-DIMENSIONAL REGULAR NETWORKS
Authors: SALIMI S. , RADGOHAR R.
Published: August 2010

In this paper, we study decoherence in continuous-time quantum walks (CTQWs) on one-dimensional regular networks. For this purpose, we assume that every node is represented by a quantum dot continuously monitored by an individual point contact (Gurvitz's model). This measuring process induces decoherence. We focus on small rates of decoherence and then obtain the mixing time bound of the CTQWs on the one-dimensional regular network, whose distance parameter is l ≥ 2. Our results show that the mixing time is inversely proportional to the rate of decoherence, which is in agreement with the mentioned results for cycles in Refs. 29 and 37. Also, the same result is provided in Ref. 38 for long-range interacting cycles. Moreover, we find that this quantity is independent of the distance parameter l (l ≥ 2) and that the small values of decoherence make short the mixing time on these networks.
Synthesis and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of meso-tetrakis(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin functionalized platinum nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Lu Yongtao , Du Yukou , Yang Ping , Wang Xiaomei
Published: August 2010

Meso-tetrakis(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS4) functionalized platinum nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized using ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis), fluorescence spectroscopy (FL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The postulated configuration of TPPS4 functionalized platinum nanocomposite may be described as an antenna system containing a photoreceptive TPPS4 shell and a nanosize platinum core. Fluorescence and photoelectrochemistry studies of both TPPS4 and the platinum nanocomposites showed that efficient electron/energy transfer occurred from the TPPS4 donor to the metallic nanocore acceptor. TPPS4 functionalized platinum nanocomposites are photocatalytic active for water reduction to produce hydrogen. The turnover numbers (TONPt and TONTPPS4) and quantum yield of hydrogen (ϕH2) for the photocatalyst (nPt:nTPPS4= 250) were 44, 11056, and 1.8%, respectively, calculated on the basis of the total amount of H2 evolution for 12 h irradiation.
Theory and applications of geometric scaling of localized calcium release events
Authors: Parsons Sean P. , Harhun Maksym I. , Huizinga Jan D.
Published: August 2010

Geometric measures of localized calcium release (LCR) events have been used to understand their biophysical basis. We found power law scaling between three such metrics—maximum amplitude (MA), mass above half-maximum amplitude (MHM), and area at half-maximum amplitude (AHM). In an effort to understand this scaling a minimal analytic model was employed to simulate LCR events recorded by confocal line scan. The distribution of logMHM as a function of logAHM, pMHM(pAHM), was dependent on model parameters such as channel open time, current size, line scan offset, and apparent diffusion coefficient. The distribution of log[MHM/AHM] as a function of logMA, p[MHM/AHM](pMA), was invariant, reflecting the gross geometry of the LCR event. The findings of the model were applied to real LCR line scan data from rabbit portal vein myocytes, rat cerebral artery myocytes, and guinea pig fundus knurled cells. pMHM(pAHM) could be used to distinguish two populations of LCR events in portal vein, even at the scale of “calcium noise,” and to calculate the relative current of the two. The relative current was 2. pMHM(pAHM) could also be used to study pharmacological effects. The pMHM(pAHM) distribution of knurled cell LCR events was markedly contracted by ryanodine, suggesting a reduction in channel open time. The p[MHM/AHM](pMA) distributions were invariant across all cell types and were consistent with the model, underlying the common physical basis of their geometry. The geometric scaling of LCR events demonstrated here may help with their mechanistic characterization.
FXYD-11 associates with Na+-K+-ATPase in the gill of Atlantic salmon: regulation and localization in relation to changed ion-regulatory status
Authors: Tipsmark Christian K. , Mahmmoud Yasser A. , Borski Russell J. , Madsen Steffen S.
Published: August 2010

The Na+-K+-ATPase is the primary electrogenic component driving transepithelial ion transport in the teleost gill; thus regulation of its level of activity is of critical importance for osmotic homeostasis. In the present study, we examined the dynamics of the gill-specific FXYD-11 protein, a putative regulatory subunit of the pump, in Atlantic salmon during seawater (SW) acclimation, smoltification, and treatment with cortisol, growth hormone, and prolactin. Dual-labeling immunohistochemistry showed that branchial FXYD-11 is localized in Na+-K+-ATPase immunoreactive cells, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed a direct association between FXYD-11 and the Na+-K+-ATPase α-subunit. Transfer of freshwater (FW)-acclimated salmon to SW induced a parallel increase in total α-subunit and FXYD-11 protein expression. A similar concurrent increase was seen during smoltification in FW. In FW fish, cortisol induced an increase in both α-subunit and FXYD-11 abundance, and growth hormone further stimulated FXYD-11 levels. In SW fish, prolactin induced a decrease in FXYD-11 and α-subunit protein levels. In vitro cortisol (18 h, 10 μg/ml) stimulated FXYD-11, but not FXYD-9, mRNA levels in gills from FW and SW salmon. The data show that Na+-K+-ATPase expressed in branchial mitochondrion-rich cells is accompanied by FXYD-11, and that regulation of the two proteins is highly coordinated. The demonstrated association of FXYD-11 and α-subunit strengthens our hypothesis that FXYD-11 has a role in modulating the pump's kinetic properties. The presence of putative phosphorylation sites on the intracellular domain of FXYD-11 suggests the possibility that this protein also may transmit external signals that regulate Na+-K+-ATPase activity.
Sex differences in nitrosative stress during renal ischemia
Authors: Rodríguez Francisca , Nieto-Cerón Susana , Fenoy Francisco J. , López Bernardo , Hernández Isabel , Martinez Raquel Rodado , Soriano Ma José González , Salom Miguel G.
Published: August 2010

Females. suffer a less severe ischemic acute renal failure than males, apparently because of higher nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and/or lower levels of oxidative stress. Because the renal ischemic injury is associated with outer medullary (OM) endothelial dysfunction, the present study evaluated sex differences in OM changes of NO and peroxynitrite levels (by differential pulse voltammetry and amperometry, respectively) during 45 min of ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein expression and their phosphorylated forms [peNOS(Ser1177) and pnNOS(Ser1417)], 3-nitrotyrosine, reduced sulfhydryl groups (-SH), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were also determined. No sex differences were observed in monomeric eNOS and nNOS expression, NO, or 3-nitrotyrosine levels in nonischemic kidneys, but renal -SH content was higher in females. Ischemia increased dimeric/monomeric eNOS and nNOS ratio more in females, but the dimeric phosphorylated peNOS(Ser1177) and pnNOS(Ser1417) forms rose similarly in both sexes, indicating no sex differences in nitric oxide synthase activation. However, NO levels increased more in females than in males (6,406.0 ± 742.5 and 4,058.2 ± 272.35 nmol/l respectively, P < 0.05), together with a lower increase in peroxynitrite current (5.5 ± 0.7 vs. 12.7 ± 1.5 nA, P < 0.05) and 3-nitrotyrosine concentration, (28.7 ± 3.7 vs. 48.7 ± 3.7 nmol/mg protein, P < 0.05) in females than in males and a better preserved GFR after ischemia in females than in males (689.7 ± 135.0 and 221.4 ± 52.5 μl·min−1·g kidney wt−1, P < 0.01). Pretreatment with the antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine or ebselen abolished sex differences in peroxynitrite, nitrotyrosine, and GFR, suggesting that a greater oxidative and nitrosative stress worsens renal damage in males.
Contractile properties of muscle fibers from the deep and superficial digital flexors of horses
Authors: Butcher M. T. , Chase P. B. , Hermanson J. W. , Clark A. N. , Brunet N. M. , Bertram J. E. A.
Published: August 2010

Equine digital flexor muscles have independent tendons but a nearly identical mechanical relationship to the main joint they act upon. Yet these muscles have remarkable diversity in architecture, ranging from long, unipennate fibers (“short” compartment of DDF) to very short, multipennate fibers (SDF). To investigate the functional relevance of the form of the digital flexor muscles, fiber contractile properties were analyzed in the context of architecture differences and in vivo function during locomotion. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform fiber type was studied, and in vitro motility assays were used to measure actin filament sliding velocity (Vf). Skinned fiber contractile properties [isometric tension (P0/CSA), velocity of unloaded shortening (VUS), and force-Ca2+relationships] at both 10 and 30°C were characterized. Contractile properties were correlated with MHC isoform and their respective Vf. The DDF contained a higher percentage of MHC-2A fibers with myosin (heavy meromyosin) and Vfthat was twofold faster than SDF. At 30°C, P0/CSA was higher for DDF (103.5 ± 8.75 mN/mm2) than SDF fibers (81.8 ± 7.71 mN/mm2). Similarly, VUS(pCa 5, 30°C) was faster for DDF (2.43 ± 0.53 FL/s) than SDF fibers (1.20 ± 0.22 FL/s). Active isometric tension increased with increasing Ca2+concentration, with maximal Ca2+activation at pCa 5 at each temperature in fibers from each muscle. In general, the collective properties of DDF and SDF were consistent with fiber MHC isoform composition, muscle architecture, and the respective functional roles of the two muscles in locomotion.
Cells in Dengue Virus Infection In Vivo
Authors: Noisakran Sansanee , Onlamoon Nattawat , Songprakhon Pucharee , Hsiao Hui-Mien , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Perng Guey Chuen
Published: August 2010

Dengue has been recognized as one of the most important vector-borne emerging infectious diseases globally. Though dengue normally causes a self-limiting infection, some patients may develop a life-threatening illness, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)/dengue shock syndrome (DSS). The reason why DHF/DSS occurs in certain individuals is unclear. Studies in the endemic regions suggest that the preexisting antibodies are a risk factor for DHF/DSS. Viremia and thrombocytopenia are the key clinical features of dengue virus infection in patients. The amounts of virus circulating in patients are highly correlated with severe dengue disease, DHF/DSS. Also, the disturbance, mainly a transient depression, of hematological cells is a critical clinical finding in acute dengue patients. However, the cells responsible for the dengue viremia are unresolved in spite of the intensive efforts been made. Dengue virus appears to replicate and proliferate in many adapted cell lines, but these in vitro properties are extremely difficult to be reproduced in primary cells or in vivo. This paper summarizes reports on the permissive cells in vitro and in vivo and suggests a hematological cell lineage for dengue virus infection in vivo, with the hope that a new focus will shed light on further understanding of the complexities of dengue disease.
Telemedical Support in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: Experience from Different Projects in Germany
Authors: Müller Axel , Schweizer Johannes , Helms Thomas M. , Oeff Micheal , Sprenger Claudia , Zugck Christian
Published: August 2010

The great epidemiological significance and costs associated with chronic heart failure pose a challenge to health systems in Western industrial countries. In the past few years, controlled randomised studies have shown that patients with chronic heart failure benefit from telemedical monitoring; specifically, telemonitoring of various vital parameters combined with a review of the symptoms, drug compliance and patient education. In Germany, various telemedical monitoring projects for patients with chronic heart failure have been initiated in the past few years; seven of them are presented here. Currently 7220 patients are being monitored in the seven selected projects. Most patients (51.1%) are in NYHA stage II, 26.3% in NYHA stage III, 14.5% in NYHA stage I and only 6.6% in NYHA stage IV respectively. Most projects are primarily regional. Their structure of telemedical monitoring tends to be modular and uses stratification according to the NYHA stages. All projects include medical or health economics assessments. The future of telemedical monitoring projects for patients with chronic heart failure will depend on the outcome of these assessments. Only of there is statistical evidence for medical benefit to the individual patient as well as cost savings will these projects continue.
Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Babalola Dolapo A. , Omole Folashade
Published: August 2010

An increasing number of studies are confirming an association between periodontal disease (PD) and adverse outcomes in pregnancy. PD places pregnant women at greater risk for preterm birth than alcohol consumption or smoking. This underscores the importance of offering dental screening to women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy and the need for physicians who provide obstetric care to be aware of the possible connection between poor dental health and poor pregnancy outcomes.
On Global Attractivity of a Class of Nonautonomous Difference Equations
Authors: Liu Wanping , Yang Xiaofan , Cao Jianqiu
Published: August 2010

We mainly investigate the global behavior to the family of higher‐order nonautonomous recursive equations given by yn = (p + ryn−s)/(q + ϕn(yn−1, yn−2, …, yn−m) + yn−s), n ∈ ℕ0, with p ≥ 0, r, q > 0, s, m ∈ ℕ and positive initial values, and present some sufficient conditions for the parameters and maps ϕn : (ℝ+) m → ℝ+, n ∈ ℕ0, under which every positive solution to the equation converges to zero or a unique positive equilibrium. Our main result in the paper extends some related results from the work of Gibbons et al. (2000), Iričanin (2007), and Stević (vol. 33, no. 12, pages 1767–1774, 2002; vol. 6, no. 3, pages 405–414, 2002; vol. 9, no. 4, pages 583–593, 2005). Besides, several examples and open problems are presented in the end.
Measurement of the Effective Nonradiative Relaxation Rate near a Metallic Film
Authors: Liu Jing , Shen Yifan , Dai Kang
Published: August 2010

We have studied the effective nonradiative relaxation rate of the hyperfine level
near a metallic film with diode laser-induced retrofluorescence spectroscopy and saturated-absorption spectroscopy technique. The glass-vapor interface is considered as two distinct regions, a wavelength-thickness vapor layer joined to the surface and a more remote vapor region. The total experimental retrofluorescence signal is the summation of the signal originating from the far-field region and the signal originating from the near-field region . Considering the thermalization of atoms in the far-field region, we can approximate by using the vertical fluorescence signal near the entrance window. Thus we get the experimental hyperfine signal profile of in the near-field region. The value of the effective nonradiative transfer rate near the metallic film is relatively large compared to the spontaneous emission rate
Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Effects of Antineoplastic Therapy in Lymphoproliferative Syndromes
Authors: Álvaro Tomás , de la Cruz-Merino Luis , Henao-Carrasco Fernando , Villar Rodríguez José Luis , Vicente Baz David , Codes Manuel de Villena Manuel , Provencio Mariano
Published: August 2010

Lymphomas represent a wide group of heterogenic diseases with different biological and clinical behavior. The underlying microenvironment-specific composition seems to play an essential role in this scenario, harboring the ability to develop successful immune responses or, on the contrary, leading to immune evasion and even promotion of tumor growth. Depending on surrounding lymphoid infiltrates, lymphomas may have different prognosis. Moreover, recent evidences have emerged that confer a significant impact of main lymphoma's treatment over microenvironment, with clinical consequences. In this review, we summarize these concepts from a pathological and clinical perspective. Also, the state of the art of lymphoma's anti-idiotype vaccine development is revised, highlighting the situations where this strategy has proven to be successful and eventual clues to obtain better results in the future.
Insulin-Induced Electrophysiology Changes in Human Pleura Are Mediated via Its Receptor
Authors: Kouritas V. K. , Ioannou M. , Foroulis C. N. , Desimonas N. , Evaggelopoulos K. , Gourgoulianis K. I. , Molyvdas P. A. , Hatzoglou C.
Published: August 2010

Background. Insulin directly changes the sheep pleural electrophysiology. The aim of this study was to investigate whether insulin induces similar effects in human pleura, to clarify insulin receptor's involvement, and to demonstrate if glibenclamide (hypoglycemic agent) reverses this effect.Methods. Human parietal pleural specimens were mounted in Ussing chambers. Solutions containing insulin or glibenclamide and insulin with anti-insulin antibody, anti-insulin receptor antibody, and glibenclamide were used. The transmesothelial resistance (RTM) was determined. Immunohistochemistry for the presence of Insulin Receptors (IRa, IRb) was also performed.Results. Insulin increasedRTMwithin 1st min (P=.016), when added mesothelially which was inhibited by the anti-insulin and anti-insulin receptor antibodies. Glibenclamide also eliminated the insulin-induced changes. Immunohistochemistry verified the presence of IRa and IRb.Conclusion. Insulin induces electrochemical changes in humans as in sheep via interaction with its receptor. This effect is abolished by glibenclamide.
A Novel Chemoimmunomodulating Property of Docetaxel: Suppression of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Tumor Bearers
Authors: Kodumudi Krithika N. , Woan Karrune , Gilvary Danielle L. , Sahakian Eva , Wei Sheng , Djeu Julie Y.
Published: August 2010

Purpose: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) accumulate in tumor-bearing hosts and are associated with immune suppression. To date, there have only been few studies that evaluate the direct effect of chemotherapeutic agents on MDSCs. Agents that inhibit MDSCs may be useful in the treatment of patients with various cancers.

Experimental Design: We investigated the in vivo effects of docetaxel on immune function in 4T1-Neu mammary tumor-bearing mice to examine if a favorable immunomodulatory effect accompanies tumor suppression. Primary focus was on the differentiation status of MDSCs and their ability to modulate T-cell responses.

Results: Docetaxel administration significantly inhibited tumor growth in 4T1-Neu tumor-bearing mice and considerably decreased MDSC proportion in the spleen. The treatment also selectively increased CTL responses. Docetaxel-pretreated MDSCs cocultured with OT-II splenocytes in the presence of OVA323-339 showed OT-II–specific CD4 activation and expansion in vitro. In characterizing the phenotype of MDSCs for M1 (CCR7) and M2 [mannose receptor (CD206)] markers, MDSCs from untreated tumor bearers were primarily MR+ with few CCR7+ cells. Docetaxel treatment polarized MDSCs toward an M1-like phenotype, resulting in 40% of MDSCs expressing CCR7 in vivo and in vitro, and macrophage differentiation markers such as MHC class II, CD11c, and CD86 were upregulated. Interestingly, docetaxel induced cell death selectively in MR+ MDSCs while sparing the M1-like phenotype. Finally, inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 may in part be responsible for the observed results.

Conclusions: These findings suggest potential clinical benefit for the addition of docetaxel to current immunotherapeutic protocols. Clin Cancer Res; 16(18); 4583–94. ©2010 AACR.
Genistein Blunts the Negative Effect of Ischaemia to the Retina Caused by an Elevation of Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Kamalden T.A. , Ji D. , Fawcett R.J. , Osborne N.N.
Published: August 2010

Aims: Deduce whether the isoflavone genistein blunts the effect of ischaemia to the retina. Methods: Ischaemia was induced in rats by raising the intraocular pressure (120 mm Hg) for 50 min. Genistein (10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1 h before and after ischaemia. Seven days after ischaemia, the level of mRNAs for neurofilament light (NF-L), caspase 3, caspase 8, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), Thy-1 and proteins (GFAP, NF-L, PARP) in whole retinas were determined. NF-L and tubulin proteins in optic nerves were also determined. Retinas were also processed for the localization of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and GFAP immunoreactivities. Results: Ischaemia caused a significant reduction in ganglion cell proteins in the optic nerve (NF-L and tubulin) and retina (NF-L). Retinal Thy-1 (mRNA and protein) and NF-L (mRNA) were also reduced while mRNAs of caspase 3, caspase 8, PARP and GFAP (also protein) were increased. Changes in the mRNAs and proteins induced by ischaemia were significantly blunted by genistein with the exception of the increase in GFAP and PARP protein/mRNA levels. Ischaemia-induced changes in the localization of ChAT were also clearly attenuated by genistein treatment. Conclusions: Genistein blunts most of the damaging effects caused to the retina by ischaemia.
Epidemiology of Diabetic Retinopathy in Egypt: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Macky Tamer A. , Khater Noha , Al-Zamil Mohammad A. , El Fishawy Hussein , Soliman Mahmoud M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and determinants of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients ≧18 years at the Cairo University and Sixth of October University hospitals. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey among known diabetic patients attending diabetic clinics. Patients were randomly selected to complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a medical assessment. All patients had a dilated fundus examination for evidence of DR using slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Results: A sample of 1,325 patients was selected with a mean age of 49 years (SD ±12.9). DR was found in 20.5% of patients. Most patients (82%) were not aware of the hazards of diabetes mellitus for the eyes. The prevalence of DR was statistically significantly higher in females (22 vs.17%, p < 0.05), with longer diabetes disease duration (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001) and absence of hypertension control (p < 0.001), especially proliferative DR. Increasing age and poor glycemic control were associated with a nonsignificant increase in the rate of DR (p = 0.340 and p = 0.444, respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of DR in our study population is 20.5%. Regular screening is highly recommended for early detection of DR where timely laser photocoagulation is known to reduce the risk of visual loss in these patients.
Idiopathic Phantosmia: Outcome and Clinical Significance
Authors: Landis Basile N. , Reden Jens , Haehner Antje
Published: August 2010

Background/Aim: Little is known about the clinical significance of phantosmia. The literature on phantosmia indicates that this symptom has a wide range of differential diagnoses. However, most cases of phantosmia remain of unknown origin. Our goal was to follow up patients with idiopathic phantosmia, with special regard to improvement rates and possible severe health conditions preceded by phantosmia of unknown origin. Methods: Forty-four patients with idiopathic phantosmia which had consulted our Ear-Nose-Throat Smell and Taste Clinic over the last 10 years were contacted by telephone and underwent a structured medical interview. Results: None of the patients had developed any severe health condition or Parkinson’s disease. More than 5 years after the occurrence of phantosmia, more than 50% of the patients experienced disappearance (31.8%) or improvement (25%). In the remaining cases, phantosmia did not change (38.7%) or became worse (<5%). Conclusion: The main findings of the present study were that idiopathic phantosmia improves or disappears in almost two thirds of the patients after more than 5 years, and that idiopathic phantosmia seems to be more likely a harmless symptom rather than a reliable predictor of early Parkinson’s disease or other severe diseases.
Using a Pharmacokinetic Model to Relate an Individual’s Susceptibility to Alcohol Dependence to Genotypes
Authors: Mustavich Laura F. , Miller Perry , Kidd Kenneth K. , Zhao Hongyu
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Population-based studies have successfully identified genes affecting common diseases, but have not provided a molecular mechanism. We describe an approach for alcohol dependence connecting a mechanistic model at the molecular level with disease risk at the population level, and investigate how this model implies statistical gene-gene interactions that affect disease risk. Methods: We develop a pharmacokinetic model describing how genetic variations in ADH1B, ADH1C, ADH7, ALDH2, and TAS2R38 affect consumption behavior, and alcohol and acetaldehyde levels over time in various tissues of individuals with a particular genotype to predict their susceptibility to alcohol dependence. Results: We show that there is good agreement between the observed genotype/haplotype frequencies and those predicted by the model among cases and controls. Based on this framework, we show that we expect to observe statistical interactions among these genes for a reasonably large sample size when logistic regression models are used to relate genotype effects and disease risk. Conclusion: Our model exemplifies mechanistic modeling of how genes interact to influence an individual’s susceptibility to alcohol dependence. We anticipate that this general approach could also be applied to study other diseases at the molecular level.
Increasing Dietary α-Linolenic Acid Enhances Tissue Levels of Long-Chain n-3 PUFA when Linoleic Acid Intake Is Low in Hamsters
Authors: Aziz Alfred A. , Cruz-Hernandez Cristina , Plouffe Louise J. , Casey Valerie , Xiao Chaowu , Nimal Ratnayake W.M.
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: We tested whether feeding hamsters diets varying in α-linolenic acid (ALA) content and low in linoleic acid (LA) could increase the tissue levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to the same extent as a fish oil-supplemented diet. Methods: For 5 weeks, 60 hamsters were fed 1 of the following 5 diets containing 2% of total dietary energy (TE) as LA and either 0.5% (diet A), 1% (diets B and E), 2% (diet C), or 4% (diet D) ALA of TE, so that the ratio of LA/ALA was 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, or 1:2. Diet E was supplemented with fish oil at the level of 0.2% of total energy intake. At the end of the study, overnight-fasted hamsters were sacrificed, and blood and tissues were collected. Results: Tissue levels of ALA, EPA, DPA, and DHA rose in proportion to the increase in the dietary ALA level (p < 0.01); however, the levels of DHA reached a plateau at ALA intakes above 1% (p < 0.01). These changes were accompanied by decreases in arachidonic acid with or without increases in LA levels (p < 0.01). Hamsters fed diet D had similar or higher EPA, DPA, and DHA tissue levels to those fed diet E (p < 0.01). Conclusions: In hamsters, diets containing 4% energy as ALA and 2% energy as LA can increase the tissue levels of EPA, DPA, and DHA to the same extent as feeding 0.2% energy as fish oil.
Change in Augmentation Index during NOS Inhibition, an Index of Basal NO Production, Is an Independent Determinant of Large-Artery Function
Authors: Schneider M.P. , Ott C. , Raff U. , Ritt M. , Schmieder R.E.
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Arterial wave reflection, measured as augmentation index (AIx), and central pulse pressure (PP) closely predict cardiovascular events. We hypothesized that basal nitric oxide (NO) production would be a determinant of AIx and central PP. Methods: AIx and central PP were assessed at baseline by pulse wave analysis in 86 male subjects across a wide range of age, blood pressure and lipid values. The basal NO production in the cardiovascular system was then determined as change in AIx during NO synthase blockade with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 3.25 mg/kg). Results: AIx increased from 17.5 ± 14.6 to 23.1 ± 14.2 during L-NMMA infusion (p < 0.001). The increase in AIx during NO synthase blockade, an index of basal NO production, was inversely related to baseline central AIx and PP, and positively to PP amplification. Multiple linear regression analyses disclosed that in addition to age and mean blood pressure, change of AIx to L-NMMA is a strong and independent determinant of baseline central AIx, central PP and PP amplification. Conclusion: Greater change of AIx to L-NMMA, an index of basal NO production, is associated with better large-artery function. Therefore, therapeutic interventions which increase the basal NO production might be particularly effective in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Association Analysis of Genes of the IL19 Cluster and Their Receptors in Vitiligo Patients
Authors: Kingo Külli , Reimann Ene , Karelson Maire , Rätsep Ranno , Raud Kristi , Vasar Eero , Silm Helgi , Kõks Sulev
Published: August 2010

The aim of the present study was to explore whether the genes encoding interleukin (IL) 19, IL-20, IL-24 and 2 chains of the IL-20 receptor type I (IL-20-RI), IL-20RA and IL-20RB, located on chromosomes 1q32, 6q22–23 and 3q22, respectively, are associated with vitiligo. The study involved 76 patients with vitiligo and 236 unrelated healthy volunteers. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood and the frequencies of 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms were analysed by tetraprimer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction. The minor allele of IL19 rs2243188 was significantly increased in vitiligo patients compared to controls (53.3 vs. 28.6%, adjusted p < 0.0001). The haplotype analysis revealed associations of 2 IL19/IL20 extended haplotypes (AACGTAA and ACCGTAA) and 2 IL20RB haplotypes (AGTA and AGGA) with vitiligo, remaining significant after correction for multiple testing. The A-to-C exchange at position IL19 rs2243188 leads to the loss of a nuclear receptor subfamily 2 factor binding site that is thought to influence mouse hippocampal development and neuronal differentiation. The third position of the IL20RB haplotypes is taken by rs747842 that induces the loss of the interferon regulatory factor 4 binding site that has an important role in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity and in the signalling of pigmentation as well. In conclusion, the present study describes first-time associations between polymorphisms of genes of the IL19 cluster and their receptors and vitiligo, indicative of the part of IL19 and its receptor gene IL20RB in disease pathogenesis.
Awareness of Memory Abilities in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Suspected Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Lin Feng , Wharton Whitney , Dowling N. Maritza , Ries Michele L. , Johnson Sterling C. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Asthana Sanjay , Gleason Carey E.
Published: August 2010

Aims: To examine awareness of memory abilities by groups (healthy control, suspected dementia/mild cognitive impairment, MCI, and diagnosed dementia/MCI), and to describe group differences in the relationship between awareness and cognitive performance in a community sample. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 183 subjects were evaluated in a community setting and categorized into 3 groups based on their cognitive performance and reported medical history. Awareness of memory abilities was quantified using a published anosognosia ratio (AR) comparing the estimated to the objective memory performance by subjects. Each group was further categorized into ‘overestimators’, ‘accurate estimators’, and ‘underestimators’ based on their AR scores. Results: The suspected and diagnosed dementia/MCI groups had significantly higher AR scores than the controls. The suspected group also had a significantly larger proportion (96.2%) of overestimators than the diagnosed (73.3%) and control groups (26.1%). Impaired awareness in overestimators of the suspected and diagnosed groups was correlated with deficits in executive function, language or global cognition. Conclusion: Impaired awareness of memory abilities was prevalent in community-dwelling older adults with suspected and diagnosed dementia or MCI. Those with suspected dementia or MCI were more likely to overestimate their memory abilities than their diagnosed counterparts, suggesting that limited awareness of deficits may hinder utilization of dementia diagnostic services.
Tacrolimus-Associated Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome after Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Wu Qisi , Marescaux Christian , Wolff Valérie , Jeung Mi-Young , Kessler Romain , Lauer Valérie , Chen Yangmei
Published: August 2010

Tacrolimus (TAC) is an immunosuppressant drug discovered in 1984 by Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. This drug belongs to the group of calcineurin inhibitors, which has been proven highly effective in preventing acute rejection after transplantation of solid organs. However, neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity are its major adverse effects. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is the most severe and dramatic consequence of calcineurin inhibitor neurotoxicity. It was initially described by Hinchey et al. in 1996 [N Engl J Med 1996;334:494–450]. Patients typically present with altered mental status, headache, focal neurological deficits, visual disturbances, and seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive imaging test to detect this. With the more deep-going studies done recently, we have learnt more about this entity. It was noted that this syndrome is frequently reversible, rarely limited to the posterior regions of the brain, and often located in gray matter and cortex as well as in white matter. Therefore, in this review, the focus is on the current understanding of clinical recognition, pathogenesis, neuroimaging and management of TAC-associated PRES after solid organ transplantation.
Association of Internal Border Zone Infarction with Middle Cerebral Artery Steno-Occlusion
Authors: Kim Doh-Eui , Lee Kyung-Bok , Roh Hakjae , Ahn Moo-Young , Roh Jae-Kyu
Published: August 2010

Background: Demonstrating the precise anatomical area of the internal border zone (IB) by brain imaging has been unclear, and it is not well known which relevant arteries are associated with IB infarction. Methods: Patients with IB infarctions were selected from 748 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke. The IB infarctions were identified by coronal diffusion-weighted imaging, excluding lesions over the upper pole of the lateral ventricle. The angiographic findings of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA), on contrast-enhanced MRA, were evaluated in the patients with and without IB infarction. Results: Thirty patients met the criteria for an IB infarction: 7 had MCA steno-occlusion without ICA disease, and 23 had ICA steno-occlusion. Sixty-one patients had ICA steno-occlusion without IB infarction. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a more than moderate degree of steno-occlusion of the MCA was a significant factor (OR, 11.32; p = 0.006) associated with IB infarction; whereas that of the ICA was not significant (OR, 2.19; p = 0.298). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that IB infarctions were associated with MCA steno-occlusion. ICA disease resulting in IB infarctions would be expected to have significant MCA steno-occlusion causing hemodynamic compromise.
Osteopontin Overproduction Is Associated with Progression of Glomerular Fibrosis in a Rat Model of Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Merszei Justin , Wu Jean , Torres Lisa , Hicks John M. , Bartkowiak Todd , Tan Filemon , Lou Ya-Huan
Published: August 2010

Background: Glomerular fibrosis is the common end result of glomerulonephritis (GN) regardless of etiology. In our rat model for anti-glomerular basement membrane GN, severe fibrosis follows glomerular inflammation. We investigated the association between expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and progression of glomerular fibrosis. Methods: Expression of ECM genes in glomeruli was determined at RNA and protein levels. Immunofluorescence was applied to identify cell sources for the molecules. Results: DNA microarray for ECM genes, quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot revealed significant upregulation of osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional molecule, in the glomeruli only after onset of glomerular fibrosis. Two-dimensional electrophoresis showed that the expressed OPN was in three major isoforms. Immunofluorescence showed that fibrotic tissues in glomeruli accumulated massive deposits of extracellular OPN. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that a novel population of multinucleated α-smooth muscle actin+CD90– myofibroblast-like cells, which surrounded fibrotic tissue, was the main source of OPN during progression of fibrosis. Since senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity was detected in those cells both in vitro and in vivo, these cells probably were terminally differentiated senescent myofibroblasts. Conclusion: OPN has been implicated in fibrosis in several organs. Our results suggest potential roles of OPN and its main source, the senescent myofibroblasts, in glomerular fibrosis.
Urinary Type IV Collagen in Nondiabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Furumatsu Yoshiyuki , Nagasawa Yasuyuki , Shoji Tatsuya , Yamamoto Ryohei , Iio Kenichiro , Matsui Isao , Takabatake Yoshitsugu , Kaimori Jun-ya , Iwatani Hirotsugu , Kaneko Tetsuya , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Imai Enyu , Isaka Yoshitaka , Rakugi Hiromi
Published: August 2010

Background: Type IV collagen is one of the major components of basement membrane. In diabetic nephropathy, it is already known that urinary excretion of type IV collagen increases with the disease progression. However, in nondiabetic kidney disease, urinary type IV collagen (u-IVc) levels have not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate u-IVc levels in various nephropathies except diabetic nephropathy. Methods: u-IVc levels were measured cross-sectionally from 527 biopsy-proven nondiabetic renal disease patients at tertiary care hospitals by one-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Results: On simple regression analyses, u-IVc levels had positive correlation with age, blood pressure, urinary protein (u-Prot), urinary β2 microglobulin, urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, HbA1c, and selectivity index (SI), while u-IVc had negative correlation with eGFR and serum albumin. Multiple regression analyses revealed that u-IVc was positively correlated with u-Prot, HbA1c and SI. Among biopsy-proven nondiabetic nephropathies, elevation of u-IVc was distinctively observed in membranous nephropathy and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis. Conclusion: u-IVc levels were elevated with the increase in u-Prot, HbA1c and SI. In addition, among nondiabetic kidney disease, elevation of u-IVc was observed in patients with membranous nephropathy and ANCA, which might reflect the thickening of basement membrane or severe kidney damage.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 2 Signals Through Leukemia-Associated RhoGEF (LARG), to Promote Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation
Authors: Medlin Matt D. , Staus Dean P. , Dubash Adi D. , Taylor Joan M. , Mack Christopher P.
Published: August 2010

Objective—

The goals of this study were to identify the signaling pathway by which sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) activates RhoA in smooth muscle cells (SMC) and to evaluate the contribution of this pathway to the regulation of SMC phenotype.

Methods and Results—

Using a combination of receptor-specific agonists and antagonists we identified S1P receptor 2 (S1PR2) as the major S1P receptor subtype that regulates SMC differentiation marker gene expression. Based on the known coupling properties of S1PR2 and our demonstration that overexpression of Gα
12
or Gα
13
increased SMC-specific promoter activity, we next tested whether the effects of S1P in SMC were mediated by the regulator of G protein-signaling-Rho guanine exchange factors (RGS-RhoGEFs) (leukemia-associated RhoGEF [LARG], PDZ-RhoGEF [PRG], RhoGEF [p115]). Although each of the RGS-RhoGEFs enhanced actin polymerization, myocardin-related transcription factor-A nuclear localization, and SMC-specific promoter activity when overexpressed in 10T1/2 cells, LARG exhibited the most robust effect and was the only RGS-RhoGEF activated by S1P in SMC. Importantly, siRNA-mediated depletion of LARG significantly inhibited the activation of RhoA and SMC differentiation marker gene expression by S1P. Knockdown of LARG had no effect on SMC proliferation but promoted SMC migration as measured by scratch wound and transwell assays.

Conclusion—

These data indicate that S1PR2-dependent activation of RhoA in SMC is mediated by LARG and that this signaling mechanism promotes the differentiated SMC phenotype.
Effects of Prenatal Poverty on Infant Health
Authors: Strully Kate W. , Rehkopf David H. , Xuan Ziming
Published: August 2010

This study estimates the effects of prenatal poverty on birth weight using changes in state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) as a natural experiment. We seek to answer two questions about poverty and child wellbeing. First, are there associations between prenatal poverty and lower birth weights even after factoring out unmeasured potential confounders? Because birth weight predicts a range of outcomes across the life course, lower birth weights that result from poverty may have lasting consequences for children’s life chances. Second, how have recent expansions of a work-based welfare program (i.e., the EITC) affected maternal and infant health? In recent decades, U.S. poverty relief has become increasingly tied to earnings and labor markets, but the consequences for children’s wellbeing remain controversial. We find that state EITCs increase birth weights and reduce maternal smoking. However, results related to AFDC/TANF and varying EITC effects across maternal ages raise cautionary messages.
The influence of frictional energy on the load-extension behavior of plain woven fabrics
Authors: Dabiryan Hadi , Jeddi Ali Asghar Asgharian , Rastgo Abbas
Published: August 2010

Many researches have been performed to present a mathematical model to predict the initial modulus of fabrics. Most of them were performed without taking friction into account whereas, friction phenomenon can play a very important role in the mechanical properties of fabrics. In the present study, the load-extension behavior of plain woven fabrics was investigated with respect to friction. For this purpose, the energy method and Castigliano’s theorem were used to derive the relations. Then a new parameter, frictional energy, was introduced to investigate the effect of friction on the tensile behavior of fabrics. Thereafter, a mathematical model for predicting the initial modulus of fabrics was generated. The result of this model was compared with Leaf’s effort. The results show that the suggested model corresponds to the experimental data more than previous models.
African American Ethnic and Class-Based Identities on the World Wide Web: Moderating the Effects of Self-Perceived Information Seeking/Finding and Web Self-Efficacy
Authors: Warren Jennifer R. , Hecht Michael L. , Jung Eura , Kvasny Lynette , Henderson Mark G.
Published: August 2010

The web is a potentially powerful tool for communicating information to diverse audiences. Unfortunately, all groups are not equally represented on the web, and this may have implications for online information seeking. This study investigated the role of class-and ethnic-based identity in self-perceived web-based information seeking/finding and self-efficacy. A questionnaire is administered, asking African Americans about their class and ethnic identities and web use to test a conceptual model predicting that these identities are positively related to web-based information seeking and web self-efficacy, which are then positively related to web-based information finding. Gender and previous web experience are expected to moderate the relationships. Structural equations modeling of these data support most of the predictions and indicate that these identities influence perceptions of online information seeking.
Automatically Activated Attitudes as Mechanisms for Message Effects: The Case of Alcohol Advertisements
Authors: Goodall Catherine E. , Slater Michael D.
Published: August 2010

Alcohol advertisements may influence impulsive, risky behaviors indirectly, via automatically activated attitudes toward alcohol. Results from an experiment in which participants were exposed to either four alcohol advertisements, four control advertisements, or four drunk driving public service advertisements (PSAs) suggested that alcohol advertisements had more measurable effects on implicit than on explicit attitude measures. Moreover, there were significant indirect paths from alcohol advertisement exposure through automatically activated alcohol attitudes on willingness to engage in risky alcohol-related behaviors, notably drinking and driving. A mechanism that may explain how these advertisements activate automatic, nondeliberative alcohol attitudes was investigated. Associative evidence was found supportive of an evaluative conditioning mechanism, in which positive responses to an alcohol advertisement may lead to more positive automatically activated attitudes toward alcohol.