bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translating Vocabulary Research to Social Studies Instruction: Before, During, and After Text-Reading Strategies
Authors: Hairrell Angela , Simmons Deborah , Swanson Elizabeth , Edmonds Meaghan , Vaughn Sharon , Rupley William H.
Published: November 2010

In the upper elementary grades, content-area text gains increasing importance as a primary source of reading and information. This article focuses on the specialized vocabulary demands of social studies texts and presents a framework of teaching and learning strategies based on vocabulary research. Strategies are introduced before, during, and after social studies text reading, illustrating how to develop and relate vocabulary knowledge to social studies concepts and content.
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Induces Apoptosis in N9 Microglial Cell Line
Authors: Zhang Ling , Li Yuan-yuan , Zeng Huai-cai , Li Miao , Wan Yan-Jian , Schluesener Hermann J. , Zhang Zhi-yuan , Xu Shun-qing
Published: November 2010

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is an environmental persistent acid found at low levels in human, wildlife, and environmental media samples. To study the apoptosis effects of PFOS on microglia, murine N9 cell line was used as a model in current research. The results showed that PFOS could reduce the cell viability significantly, and the cellular apoptosis induced by PFOS was closely accompanied with dissipation of mitochondria membrane potential, upregulation messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of p53, Bax, caspase 9, and caspase 3, and decreased expression of Bcl-2 mRNA. These results suggested that PFOS could disturb homeostasis of N9 cells, impact mitochondria, and affect gene expression of apoptotic regulators, all of which resulted in a start-up of apoptosis.
Multicultural attitudes among adolescents
Authors: van Geel Mitch , Vedder Paul
Published: November 2010

In this study predictors of multiculturalism at the individual and classroom level are tested in a multilevel model. Previous studies attempting to find predictors of multiculturalism focused only on the individual level, possibly risking an attribution error. Multiculturalism is presented in this study as a notion stressing equal opportunities and minimizing discrimination as well as the conviction that the access to other cultures enriches ones own life. Using a sample of 448 adolescents from junior vocational education it was found that more ethnic diversity at the classroom level is positively related to adolescents’ support for multiculturalism. As such, this study supports the intergroup contact theory.
Fiscal federalism reforms in the European Union and the Greek crisis
Authors: Hallerberg Mark
Published: November 2010

Based upon existing fiscal federal arrangements, this article considers the options facing the European Union to reform its own framework. There are two plausible ways the EU can stabilize the finances of its member states over the longer term. The first is to take steps that complement the market discipline of individual member states. For market discipline to play this positive role, three conditions need to be met: (1) markets need to have accurate information on member state finances; (2) the market valuation of a given state also has to be an accurate valuation of the sustainability of that state’s finances; and (3) populations need to interpret market discipline as a signal about their government’s competence and punish governments that face market pressure. Such a system is possible under the current Stability and Growth Pact, and indeed it appears that all three conditions held in summer 2009. Any bailout of a member state, however, undermines this type of system. More political integration would be needed to prevent a state from getting into a situation where a bailout would be an option. The Brazilian model is a precedent that the European Union could emulate.
Sharing the costs of political injustices
Authors: Pasternak Avia
Published: November 2010

It is commonly thought that when democratic states act wrongly, they should bear the costs of the harm they cause. However, since states are collective agents, their financial burdens pass on to their individual citizens. This fact raises important questions about the proper distribution of the state’s collective responsibility for its unjust policies. This article identifies two opposing models for sharing this collective responsibility in democracies: first, in proportion to citizens’ personal association with the unjust policy; second, by giving each citizen an equal share of the costs. Proportional distribution is compatible with the principle of fairness. And yet, both in the literature and in political praxis we find many supporters for the equal sharing of the costs of unjust policies in democracies. How can equal distribution be defended on normative grounds? This article develops a defense that is grounded in citizens’ associative obligations. I argue that, at least in some democracies, one of the intrinsic values of the civic bond revolves around the joint formation and execution of worthy political goals. This social good generates the political associative obligation to accept an equal distribution of the costs of unjust policies.
Electoral Competition and the Frequency of Initiative Use in the U.S. States
Authors: McGrath Robert J.
Published: November 2010

To what extent has direct democracy, specifically the ballot initiative process, served to substitute for perceived deficiencies of representative democracy in the United States? Despite extensive literatures on both direct democracy and democratic representation, there exist very few direct evaluations of the interplay between the two. I examine whether variation in the frequency of a state’s initiative use is related to the extent to which that state’s representative institutions lack electoral competition. I find that initiative states with a higher percentage of uncontested elections for representative office see more initiative use than states with more competitive elections, conditional on the ideological divergence between citizens and legislators. The results contribute much to our understanding of the processes driving cycles of initiative use and identify a tangible consequence of the presence of misrepresentative state institutions.
Avoiding Constitutional Cases
Authors: Goelzhauser Greg
Published: November 2010

Why does the Supreme Court avoid deciding cases it accepts for review? In this article, I contend that the Court uses procedural access doctrines such as standing, ripeness, and mootness to sidestep constitutional cases when confronted with certain internal and external pressures. Using data from 1946 to 2001, the results suggest that the Court utilizes procedural tools to dismiss constitutional cases when preference heterogeneity on the Court increases and when the justices are confronted with issues about which groups feel strongly and are deeply divided. Although the Court does not appear to be influenced by the threat of political opposition, it is more reluctant to resolve disputes when members of Congress file an amicus brief. The results offer a first glimpse into how often the Court invokes the “passive virtues.” They also have implications for our understanding of agenda setting, decision-making in access cases, and normative constitutional theory.
Ankle Training With a Robotic Device Improves Hemiparetic Gait After a Stroke
Authors: Forrester Larry W. , Roy Anindo , Krebs Hermano Igo , Macko Richard F.
Published: November 2010

Background. Task-oriented therapies such as treadmill exercise can improve gait velocity after stroke, but slow velocities and abnormal gait patterns often persist, suggesting a need for additional strategies to improve walking. Objectives. To determine the effects of a 6-week visually guided, impedance controlled, ankle robotics intervention on paretic ankle motor control and gait function in chronic stroke. Methods. This was a single-arm pilot study with a convenience sample of 8 stroke survivors with chronic hemiparetic gait, trained and tested in a laboratory. Subjects trained in dorsiflexion–plantarflexion by playing video games with the robot during three 1-hour training sessions weekly, totaling 560 repetitions per session. Assessments included paretic ankle ranges of motion, strength, motor control, and overground gait function. Results. Improved paretic ankle motor control was seen as increased target success, along with faster and smoother movements. Walking velocity also increased significantly, whereas durations of paretic single support increased and double support decreased. Conclusions. Robotic feedback training improved paretic ankle motor control with improvements in floor walking. Increased walking speeds were comparable with reports from other task-oriented, locomotor training approaches used in stroke, suggesting that a focus on ankle motor control may provide a valuable adjunct to locomotor therapies.
Moral Anger Is More Flexible Than Moral Disgust
Authors: Russell Pascale Sophie , Giner-Sorolla Roger
Published: November 2010

The research examines whether anger rather than disgust is more likely to be responsible for changes in moral judgment, after individuals consider potential circumstances. Participants first read a scenario that described a moral violation (harm or fairness vs. purity) and then gave their initial moral judgment and emotions toward the act. They were then asked to list things that could change their opinion and were provided with an opportunity to fill out the measures again, re-evaluating the scenario with these changes in mind. It was found that ratings of disgust did not change after generating potential circumstances; however, anger changed in differential ways for the two violation types. It was also found that anger but not disgust predicted change in moral judgment. These findings suggest that moral anger is a more flexible emotion than moral disgust because anger is more likely to respond to changes in circumstances.
Prevention of type 1 diabetes mellitus using a novel vaccine
Authors: Orban Tihamer , Kis Janos Tibor
Published: November 2010

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) affects 1 in 300 people and the incidence of the disease is rising worldwide. T1DM is caused by chronic autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing β-cells. The exact etiology and primary auto-antigen are not yet known. The autoimmune, chronic, and progressive nature of the disease raises the possibility of intervention, preferably by slowing down or stopping the destruction of the β-cells as early as the prediabetic stage. Since the 1980s, several attempts have been made to maintain β-cell function using immunosuppressive agents, immune modulation such as plasmapheresis, cytokine therapy, or antibody treatment. These agents were not diabetes specific; the occasionally observed beneficial effect did not compensate for the often very severe side effects. According to the latest assumption, the administration of diabetes-specific auto-antigens can elicit tolerance, which can prevent the destruction of the β-cells, hopefully without serious side effects. The authors summarize current understanding of the immunology of T1DM, review the trials on prevention, and discuss their vaccination study.
Genome-wide DNA profiling of marginal zone lymphomas identifies subtype-specific lesions with an impact on the clinical outcome
Authors: Rinaldi Andrea , Mian Michael , Chigrinova Ekaterina , Arcaini Luca , Bhagat Govind , Novak Urban , Rancoita Paola M. V. , De Campos Cassio P. , Forconi Francesco , Gascoyne Randy D. , Facchetti Fabio , Ponzoni Maurilio , Govi Silvia , Ferreri Andrés J. M. , Mollejo Manuela , Piris Miguel A. , Baldini Luca , Soulier Jean , Thieblemont Catherine , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Gattei Valter , Marasca Roberto , Franceschetti Silvia , Gaidano Gianluca , Tucci Alessandra , Uccella Silvia , Tibiletti Maria Grazia , Dirnhofer Stephan , Tripodo Claudio , Doglioni Claudio , Dalla Favera Riccardo , Cavalli Franco , Zucca Emanuele , Kwee Ivo , Bertoni Francesco
Published: November 2010

Marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (MZLs) have been divided into 3 distinct subtypes (extranodal MZLs of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT] type, nodal MZLs, and splenic MZLs). Nevertheless, the relationship between the subtypes is still unclear. We performed a comprehensive analysis of genomic DNA copy number changes in a very large series of MZL cases with the aim of addressing this question. Samples from 218 MZL patients (25 nodal, 57 MALT, 134 splenic, and 2 not better specified MZLs) were analyzed with the Affymetrix Human Mapping 250K SNP arrays, and the data combined with matched gene expression in 33 of 218 cases. MALT lymphoma presented significantly more frequently gains at 3p, 6p, 18p, and del(6q23) (TNFAIP3/A20), whereas splenic MZLs was associated with del(7q31), del(8p). Nodal MZLs did not show statistically significant differences compared with MALT lymphoma while lacking the splenic MZLs-related 7q losses. Gains of 3q and 18q were common to all 3 subtypes. del(8p) was often present together with del(17p) (TP53). Although del(17p) did not determine a worse outcome and del(8p) was only of borderline significance, the presence of both deletions had a highly significant negative impact on the outcome of splenic MZLs.
Clinical similarities and differences of patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 1 (XLP-1/SAP deficiency) versus type 2 (XLP-2/XIAP deficiency)
Authors: Schmid Jana Pachlopnik , Canioni Danielle , Moshous Despina , Touzot Fabien , Mahlaoui Nizar , Hauck Fabian , Kanegane Hirokazu , Lopez-Granados Eduardo , Mejstrikova Ester , Pellier Isabelle , Galicier Lionel , Galambrun Claire , Barlogis Vincent , Bordigoni Pierre , Fourmaintraux Alain , Hamidou Mohamed , Dabadie Alain , Le Deist Françoise , Haerynck Filomeen , Ouachée-Chardin Marie , Rohrlich Pierre , Stephan Jean-Louis , Lenoir Christelle , Rigaud Stéphanie , Lambert Nathalie , Milili Michèle , Schiff Claudin , Chapel Helen , Picard Capucine , de Saint Basile Geneviève , Blanche Stéphane , Fischer Alain , Latour Sylvain
Published: November 2010

X-linked lymphoproliferative syndromes (XLP) are primary immunodeficiencies characterized by a particular vulnerability toward Epstein-Barr virus infection, frequently resulting in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). XLP type 1 (XLP-1) is caused by mutations in the gene SH2D1A (also named SAP), whereas mutations in the gene XIAP underlie XLP type 2 (XLP-2). Here, a comparison of the clinical phenotypes associated with XLP-1 and XLP-2 was performed in cohorts of 33 and 30 patients, respectively. HLH (XLP-1, 55%; XLP-2, 76%) and hypogammaglobulinemia (XLP-1, 67%; XLP-2, 33%) occurred in both groups. Epstein-Barr virus infection in XLP-1 and XLP-2 was the common trigger of HLH (XLP-1, 92%; XLP-2, 83%). Survival rates and mean ages at the first HLH episode did not differ for both groups, but HLH was more severe with lethal outcome in XLP-1 (XLP-1, 61%; XLP-2, 23%). Although only XLP-1 patients developed lymphomas (30%), XLP-2 patients (17%) had chronic hemorrhagic colitis as documented by histopathology. Recurrent splenomegaly often associated with cytopenia and fever was preferentially observed in XLP-2 (XLP-1, 7%; XLP-2, 87%) and probably represents minimal forms of HLH as documented by histopathology. This first phenotypic comparison of XLP subtypes should help to improve the diagnosis and the care of patients with XLP conditions.
HLA-matched sibling bone marrow transplantation for β-thalassemia major
Authors: Sabloff Mitchell , Chandy Mammen , Wang Zhiwei , Logan Brent R. , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Li Chi-Kong , Irfan Syed Mohammad , Bredeson Christopher N. , Cowan Morton J. , Gale Robert Peter , Hale Gregory A. , Horan John , Hongeng Suradej , Eapen Mary , Walters Mark C.
Published: November 2010

We describe outcomes after human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for 179 patients with β-thalassemia major. The median age at transplantation was 7 years and the median follow-up was 6 years. The distribution of Pesaro risk class I, II, and III categories was 2%, 42%, and 36%, respectively. The day 30 cumulative incidence of neutrophil recovery and day 100 platelet recovery were 90% and 86%, respectively. Seventeen patients had graft failure, which was fatal in 11. Six of 9 patients with graft failure are alive after a second transplantation. The day 100 probability of acute graft-versus-host disease and 5-year probability of chronic graft-versus-host disease was 38% and 13%, respectively. The 5-year probabilities of overall- and disease-free survival were 91% and 88%, respectively, for patients with Pesaro risk class II, and 64% and 62%, respectively, for Pesaro risk class III. In multivariate analysis, mortality risks were higher in patients 7 years of age and older and those with hepatomegaly before BMT. The leading causes of death were interstitial pneumonitis (n = 7), hemorrhage (n = 8), and veno-occlusive disease (n = 6). Proceeding to BMT in children younger than 7 years before development of end-organ damage, particularly in the liver, should improve results after BMT for β-thalassemia major.
Symptom variability in patients with severe COPD: a pan-European cross-sectional study
Authors: Kessler R. , Partridge M.R. , Miravitlles M. , Cazzola M. , Vogelmeier C. , Leynaud D. , Ostinelli J.
Published: November 2010

In between exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is usually regarded as a stable condition, but there is increasing recognition of variability in this state. This cross-sectional study assessed patients' perception of symptom variability.

Participants were outpatients >45 yrs old with COPD, current or ex-smokers, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) <50% predicted, FEV1/forced vital capacity <0.7 and no exacerbation leading to therapeutic intervention in the previous 3 months. Patients' perceptions of COPD symptoms and their impact on daily life activities were recorded. Alterations in therapy use in response to COPD worsening were also recorded.

COPD symptoms were experienced by 2,258 (92.5%) out of 2,441 patients during the 7 days before interview. Breathlessness was the most common symptom (72.5%). Daily and/or weekly symptom variability was reported by 62.7% of symptomatic patients; the morning was the worst time of day. Factors associated with perception of variability of breathlessness included younger age, symptom severity and recruitment to the study by general practitioners. The perception of variability was significantly different between European countries or regions.

Patient-perceived COPD symptoms vary over the day and the week, and impact on daily activities; morning being the worst time of day. The majority of patients appear not to adjust treatment when symptoms worsen.
The INTERPRET Decision-Support System version 3.0 for evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy data from human brain tumours and other abnormal brain masses
Authors: Pérez-Ruiz Alexander , Julià-Sapé Margarida , Mercadal Guillem , Olier Iván , Majós Carles , Arús Carles
Published: November 2010

Background

Proton Magnetic Resonance (MR) Spectroscopy (MRS) is a widely available technique for those clinical centres equipped with MR scanners. Unlike the rest of MR-based techniques, MRS yields not images but spectra of metabolites in the tissues. In pathological situations, the MRS profile changes and this has been particularly described for brain tumours. However, radiologists are frequently not familiar to the interpretation of MRS data and for this reason, the usefulness of decision-support systems (DSS) in MRS data analysis has been explored.

Results

This work presents the INTERPRET DSS version 3.0, analysing the improvements made from its first release in 2002. Version 3.0 is aimed to be a program that 1st, can be easily used with any new case from any MR scanner manufacturer and 2nd, improves the initial analysis capabilities of the first version. The main improvements are an embedded database, user accounts, more diagnostic discrimination capabilities and the possibility to analyse data acquired under additional data acquisition conditions. Other improvements include a customisable graphical user interface (GUI). Most diagnostic problems included have been addressed through a pattern-recognition based approach, in which classifiers based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were trained and tested.

Conclusions

The INTERPRET DSS 3.0 allows radiologists, medical physicists, biochemists or, generally speaking, any person with a minimum knowledge of what an MR spectrum is, to enter their own SV raw data, acquired at 1.5 T, and to analyse them. The system is expected to help in the categorisation of MR Spectra from abnormal brain masses.
Visceral regeneration in a sea cucumber involves extensive expression of survivin and mortalin homologs in the mesothelium
Authors: Mashanov Vladimir S , Zueva Olga R , Rojas-Catagena Carmencita , Garcia-Arraras Jose E
Published: November 2010

Background

The proper balance of cell division and cell death is of crucial importance for all kinds of developmental processes and for maintaining tissue homeostasis in mature tissues. Dysregulation of this balance often results in severe pathologies, such as cancer. There is a growing interest in understanding the factors that govern the interplay between cell death and proliferation under various conditions. Survivin and mortalin are genes that are known to be implicated in both mitosis and apoptosis and are often expressed in tumors.

Results

The present study takes advantage of the ability of the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima Selenka, 1867 (Holothuroidea, Aspidochirota) to discard its viscera and completely regrow them. This visceral regeneration involves an extensive expression of survivin and mortalin transcripts in the gut mesothelium (the outer tissue layer of the digestive tube), which coincides in time with drastic de-differentiation and a burst in cell division and apoptosis. Double labeling experiments (in situ hybridization combined with TUNEL assay or with BrdU immunohistochemistry) suggest that both genes support cell proliferation, while survivin might also be involved in suppression of the programmed cell death.

Conclusions

Visceral regeneration in the sea cucumber H. glaberrima is accompanied by elevated levels of cell division and cell death, and, moreover, involves expression of pro-cancer genes, such as survivin and mortalin, which are known to support proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. Nevertheless, once regeneration is completed and the expression pattern of both genes returns to normal, the regrown digestive tube shows no anomalies. This strongly suggests that sea cucumbers must possess some robust cancer-suppression mechanisms that allow rapid re-growth of the adult tissues without leading to runaway tumor development.
Comparative genomics of prevaccination and modern Bordetella pertussis strains
Authors: Bart Marieke J , van Gent Marjolein , van der Heide Han GJ , Boekhorst Jos , Hermans Peter , Parkhill Julian , Mooi Frits R
Published: November 2010

Background

Despite vaccination since the 1950s, pertussis has persisted and resurged. It remains a major cause of infant death worldwide and is the most prevalent vaccine-preventable disease in developed countries. The resurgence of pertussis has been associated with the expansion of Bordetella pertussis strains with a novel allele for the pertussis toxin (Ptx) promoter, ptxP3, which have replaced resident ptxP1 strains. Compared to ptxP1 strains, ptxP3 produce more Ptx resulting in increased virulence and immune suppression. To elucidate how B. pertussis has adapted to vaccination, we compared genome sequences of two ptxP3 strains with four strains isolated before and after the introduction vaccination.

Results

The distribution of SNPs in regions involved in transcription and translation suggested that changes in gene regulation play an important role in adaptation. No evidence was found for acquisition of novel genes. Modern strains differed significantly from prevaccination strains, both phylogenetically and with respect to particular alleles. The ptxP3 strains were found to have diverged recently from modern ptxP1 strains. Differences between ptxP3 and modern ptxP1 strains included SNPs in a number of pathogenicity-associated genes. Further, both gene inactivation and reactivation was observed in ptxP3 strains relative to modern ptxP1 strains.

Conclusions

Our work suggests that B. pertussis adapted by successive accumulation of SNPs and by gene (in)activation. In particular changes in gene regulation may have played a role in adaptation.
Apoplast proteome reveals that extracellular matrix contributes to multistress response in poplar
Authors: Pechanova Olga , Hsu Chuan-Yu , Adams Joshua P , Pechan Tibor , Vandervelde Lindsay , Drnevich Jenny , Jawdy Sara , Adeli Ardeshir , Suttle Jeffrey C , Lawrence Amanda M , Tschaplinski Timothy J , Séguin Armand , Yuceer Cetin
Published: November 2010

Background

Riverine ecosystems, highly sensitive to climate change and human activities, are characterized by rapid environmental change to fluctuating water levels and siltation, causing stress on their biological components. We have little understanding of mechanisms by which riverine plant species have developed adaptive strategies to cope with stress in dynamic environments while maintaining growth and development.

Results

We report that poplar (Populusspp.) has evolved a systems level "stress proteome" in the leaf-stem-root apoplast continuum to counter biotic and abiotic factors. To obtain apoplast proteins fromP. deltoides, we developed pressure-chamber and water-displacement methods for leaves and stems, respectively. Analyses of 303 proteins and corresponding transcripts coupled with controlled experiments and bioinformatics demonstrate that poplar depends on constitutive and inducible factors to deal with water, pathogen, and oxidative stress. However, each apoplast possessed a unique set of proteins, indicating that response to stress is partly compartmentalized. Apoplast proteins that are involved in glycolysis, fermentation, and catabolism of sucrose and starch appear to enable poplar to grow normally under water stress. Pathogenesis-related proteins mediating water and pathogen stress in apoplast were particularly abundant and effective in suppressing growth of the most prevalent poplar pathogenMelampsora. Unexpectedly, we found diverse peroxidases that appear to be involved in stress-induced cell wall modification in apoplast, particularly during the growing season. Poplar developed a robust antioxidative system to buffer oxidation in stem apoplast.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that multistress response in the apoplast constitutes an important adaptive trait for poplar to inhabit dynamic environments and is also a potential mechanism in other riverine plant species.
High diversity of root associated fungi in both alpine and arctic Dryas octopetala
Authors: Bjorbækmo Marit Frederikke Markussen , Carlsen Tor , Brysting Anne , Vrålstad Trude , Høiland Klaus , Ugland Karl Inne , Geml Jozsef , Schumacher Trond , Kauserud Håvard
Published: November 2010

Background

Dryas octopetala is a widespread dwarf shrub in alpine and arctic regions that forms ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiotic relationships with fungi. In this study we investigated the fungal communities associated with roots of D. octopetala in alpine sites in Norway and in the High Arctic on Svalbard, where we aimed to reveal whether the fungal diversity and species composition varied across the Alpine and Arctic regions. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA was used to identify the fungal communities from bulk root samples obtained from 24 plants.

Results

A total of 137 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected (using 97% similarity cut off during sequence clustering) and well-known ECM genera such as Cenococcum, Cortinarius, Hebeloma, Inocybe and Tomentella occurred frequently. There was no decrease in fungal diversity with increasing latitude. The overall spatial heterogeneity was high, but a weak geographical structuring of the composition of OTUs in the root systems was observed. Calculated species accumulation curves did not level off.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the diversity of fungi associated with D. octopetala does not decrease in high latitude arctic regions, which contrasts observations made in a wide spectrum of other organism groups. A high degree of patchiness was observed across root systems, but the fungal communities were nevertheless weakly spatially structured. Non-asymptotical species accumulation curves and the occurrence of a high number of singletons indicated that only a small fraction of the fungal diversity was detected.
Genetic structure and ecogeographical adaptation in wild barley (Hordeum chilenseRoemer et Schultes) as revealed by microsatellite markers
Authors: Castillo Almudena , Dorado Gabriel , Feuillet Catherine , Sourdille Pierre , Hernandez Pilar
Published: November 2010

Background

Multi-allelic microsatellite markers have become the markers of choice for the determination of genetic structure in plants. Synteny across cereals has allowed the cross-species and cross-genera transferability of SSR markers, which constitute a valuable and cost-effective tool for the genetic analysis and marker-assisted introgression of wild related species.Hordeum chilenseis one of the wild relatives with a high potential for cereal breeding, due to its high crossability (both interspecies and intergenera) and polymorphism for adaptation traits. In order to analyze the genetic structure and ecogeographical adaptation of this wild species, it is necessary to increase the number of polymorphic markers currently available for the species. In this work, the possibility of using syntenic wheat SSRs as a new source of markers for this purpose has been explored.

Results

From the 98 wheat EST-SSR markers tested for transferability and polymorphism in the wild barley genome, 53 primer pairs (54.0%) gave cross-species transferability and 20 primer pairs (20.4%) showed polymorphism. The latter were used for further analysis in theH. chilensegermplasm. TheH. chilense-Triticum aestivumaddition lines were used to test the chromosomal location of the new polymorphic microsatellite markers. The genetic structure and diversity was investigated in a collection of 94H. chilenseaccessions, using a set of 49 SSR markers distributed across the seven chromosomes. Microsatellite markers showed a total of 351 alleles over all loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 27, with a mean of 7.2 alleles per locus and a mean Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) of 0.5.

Conclusions

According to the results, the germplasm can be divided into two groups, with morphological and ecophysiological characteristics being key determinants of the population structure. Geographic and ecological structuring was also revealed in the analyzed germplasm. A significant correlation between geographical and genetic distance was detected in the Central Chilean region for the first time in the species. In addition, significant ecological influence in genetic distance has been detected for one of the population structure groups (group II) in the Central Chilean region. Finally, the association of the SSR markers with ecogeographical variables was investigated and one marker was found significantly associated with precipitation. These findings have a potential application in cereal breeding.
Behavioural and psychological symptoms in the older population without dementia - relationship with socio-demographics, health and cognition
Authors: van der Linde Rianne , Stephan Blossom CM , Matthews Fiona E , Brayne Carol , Savva George M ,   the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study
Published: November 2010

Background

Behavioural and psychological symptoms are associated with dementia, but are also present in a significant number of the older population without dementia. Here we explore the distribution of behavioural and psychological symptoms in the population without dementia, and their relationship with domains and severity of health and cognitive impairment.

Methods

The Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study is a two-phase longitudinal study of ageing representative of the population aged 65 and over of England and Wales. A subsample of 1781 participants without a study diagnosis of dementia was included in this study. Information on symptoms including depression, apathy, anxiety, feelings of persecution, hallucination, agitated behaviour, elation, irritability, sleep problems, wandering, confabulation and misidentification, cognitive function, health related factors and socio-demographic information was extracted from interviews with participants and knowledgeable informants. Participants were classified according to the Mini-Mental State Examination and by criteria for subtypes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The prevalence of behavioural and psychological symptoms and associations with cognitive function, health and socio-demographics was examined. Co-occurrence of symptoms was tested using factor analysis.

Results

Most symptoms were reported more frequently in those with more severe cognitive impairment. Subjective memory complaints were the strongest independent predictor of reported symptoms, and most were reported more often in those classified as having MCI than in those with cognitive impairments that did not meet the MCI criteria. The pattern of co-occurrence of symptoms is similar to that seen in dementia.

Conclusions

Our results highlight that behavioural and psychological symptoms are prevalent in the cognitively impaired older population, and partly explain the variation observed in previous cohorts of individuals with MCI. Behavioural and psychological symptoms offer a target for intervention and so are an important consideration in the assessment of cognitively impaired older people.
High prevalence of germline STK11mutations in Hungarian Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome patients
Authors: Papp Janos , Kovacs Marietta Eva , Solyom Szilvia , Kasler Miklos , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Olah Edith
Published: November 2010

Background

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disease characterized by gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyposis and mucocutaneous pigmentation. The genetic predisposition for PJS has been shown to be associated with germline mutations in the STK11/LKB1 tumor suppressor gene. The aim of the present study was to characterize Hungarian PJS patients with respect to germline mutation in STK11/LKB1 and their association to disease phenotype.

Methods

Mutation screening of 21 patients from 13 PJS families were performed using direct DNA sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Comparative semi-quantitative sequencing was applied to investigate the mRNA-level effects of nonsense and splice-affecting mutations.

Results

Thirteen different pathogenic mutations in STK11, including a high frequency of large genomic deletions (38%, 5/13), were identified in the 13 unrelated families studied. One of these deletions also affects two neighboring genes (SBNO2 and GPX4), located upstream of STK11, with a possible modifier effect. The majority of the point mutations (88%, 7/8) can be considered novel. Quantification of the STK11 transcript at the mRNA-level revealed that the expression of alleles carrying a nonsense or frameshift mutation was reduced to 30-70% of that of the wild type allele. Mutations affecting splice-sites around exon 2 displayed an mRNA processing pattern indicative of co-regulated splicing of exons 2 and 3.

Conclusions

A combination of sensitive techniques may assure a high (100%) STK11 mutation detection frequency in PJS families. Characterization of mutations at mRNA level may give a deeper insight into the molecular consequences of the pathogenic mutations than predictions made solely at the genomic level.
Estimation of hospital-based HIV seroprevalence as a nationwide scale by novel method; 2002-2008 in Korea
Authors: Lee Jin-Hee , Hong Kee-Jong , Wang Jin-Sook , Kim Sung Soon , Kee Mee-Kyung
Published: November 2010

Background

In Korea, approximately 70% of HIV-positive individuals are currently diagnosed in hospitals, while most HIV-positive patients were diagnosed at public health centers in 1980 s and 1990 s. However, there are no reporting systems to identify how many HIV tests are performed in the Korean hospitals different from public health centers and Blood centers. We estimated how many HIV tests were performed in hospitals and analyzed the nationwide hospital-based HIV seroprevalence in the present study.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2008, data included HIV tests on insurance claims in hospitals and the proportion of computerized insurance claims from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Services. The number of HIV tests from the survey in the External Quality Assurance Scheme for hospital laboratories was collected to calculate the insurance claim proportion. HIV seroprevalence was estimated using data of tested individuals, including infected individuals. Statistical analysis was confirmed with the 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance was defined at p-values < 0.05.

Results

The number of HIV tests in hospitals increased from 2.7 million in 2002 to 5.0 million in 2008. The trend of HIV seroprevalence was decrease (1.5-1.3 per 10,000 individuals, P < 0.0028), except in 2002. The number of women tested was greater than men, and the proportion increased in older individuals and in small towns. Men had a higher annual HIV seroprevalence than women (P < 0.0001). The annual seroprevalence decreased in men (P = 0.0037), but was stable in women. The seroprevalence in the 30-39 year age group demonstrated higher than other age groups except 2008.

Conclusions

The nationwide hospital-based number of HIV tests and seroprevalence were estimated using a new method and seroprevalence trends were identified. This information will facilitate improvement in national HIV prevention strategies.
Aberrant WNT/β-catenin signaling in parathyroid carcinoma
Authors: Svedlund Jessica , Aurén Maria , Sundström Magnus , Dralle Henning , Åkerström Göran , Björklund Peyman , Westin Gunnar
Published: November 2010

Background

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a very rare malignancy with a high tendency to recur locally, and recurrent disease is difficult to eradicate. In most western European countries and United States, these malignant neoplasms cause less than 1% of the cases with primary hyperparathyroidism, whereas incidence as high as 5% have been reported from Italy, Japan, and India. The molecular etiology of PC is poorly understood.

Results

The APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) tumor suppressor gene was inactivated by DNA methylation in five analyzed PCs, as determined by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing analyses. This was accompanied by accumulation of stabilized active nonphosphorylated β-catenin, strongly suggesting aberrant activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in these tumors. Treatment of a primary PC cell culture with the DNA hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine, Dacogen(r)) induced APC expression, reduced active nonphosphorylated β-catenin, inhibited cell growth, and caused apoptosis.

Conclusion

Aberrant WNT/β-catenin signaling by lost expression and DNA methylation of APC, and accumulation of active nonphosphorylated β-catenin was observed in the analyzed PCs. We suggest that adjuvant epigenetic therapy should be considered as an additional option in the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic parathyroid carcinoma.
Quality of life and life circumstances in German myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Twork Sabine , Wiesmeth Susanne , Klewer Jörg , Pöhlau Dieter , Kugler Joachim
Published: November 2010

Background

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic neuromuscular disease. Advances in medical therapy have continuously increased the life expectancy of MG patients, without definitively curing the disease. To analyze life circumstances and quality of life (QoL), a large German MG cohort was investigated.

Methods and Sample

In cooperation with the German Myasthenia Association, 2,150 patients with confirmed MG were asked to respond to a mailed questionnaire. The standardized questions related to demographic data, impairments, therapeutic course, use of complementary therapies, illness-related costs, and quality of life (SF-36). In total, 1,518 patients participated, yielding a response rate of 70.6%. The average age was 56.7 years, and the proportion of females 58.6%.

Results

Despite receiving recommended therapy, many patients still suffered from MG-related impairments. In particular, mobility and mental well-being were reduced; moreover, quality of life was markedly reduced. Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed illness stability, impairments, mental conditions, comorbid diseases, and employment to be determinants of QoL.

Conclusion

Results indicate that despite prolonged life expectancy among MG patients, health-related quality of life is low. This outcome resulted mainly from impaired mobility and depression. Physical and mental well-being might be improved by additional therapy options. Additionally, health care resources could be used more efficiently in these patients.
Shift work, cancer and "white-box" epidemiology: Association and causation
Authors: Erren Thomas C
Published: November 2010

This commentary intends to instigate discussions about upcoming epidemiologic research, and its interpretation, into putative links between shift work, involving circadian disruption or chronodisruption [CD], and the development of internal cancers.

In 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) convened an expert group to examine the carcinogenicity of shift work, inter alia characterized by light exposures at unusual times. After a critical review of published data, the following was stated: "There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of light during the daily dark period (biological night)". However, in view of limited epidemiological evidence, it was overall concluded: "Shiftwork that involves circadian disruption is probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A)".

Remarkably, the scenario around shift work, CD and internal cancers provides a unique case for "white-box" epidemiology: Research at many levels - from sub-cellular biochemistry, to whole cells, to organs, to organisms, including animals and humans - has suggested a series of quite precise and partly related causal mechanisms. This is in stark contrast to instances of "black box" or "stabs in the dark" epidemiology where causal mechanisms are neither known nor hypothesized or only poorly defined. The overriding theme that an adequate chronobiological organization of physiology can be critical for the protection against cancer builds the cornerstone of biological plausibility in this case.

We can now benefit from biological plausibility in two ways: First, epidemiology should use biologically plausible insights into putative chains of causation between shift work and cancer to design future investigations. Second, when significant new data were to become available in coming years, IARC will re-evaluate cancer hazards associated with shift work. Biological plausibility may then be a key viewpoint to consider and, ultimately, to decide whether (or not) to pass from statistical associations, possibly detected in observational studies by then, to a verdict of causation.

In the meantime, biological plausibility should not be invoked to facilitate publication of epidemiological research of inappropriate quality. Specific recommendations as to how to design, report and interpret epidemiological research into biologically plausible links between shift work and cancer are provided.

Epidemiology is certainly a poor tool

for learning about the mechanism

by which a disease is produced,

but it has the tremendous advantage

that it focuses on the diseases and the deaths

that actually occur,

and experience has shown that it continues to be second to none as

a means of discovering links

in the chain of causation

that are capable of being broken.

-Sir Richard Doll [1]
Epidemiological manifestations of hepatitis C virus genotypes and its association with potential risk factors among Libyan patients
Authors: Elasifer Hana A , Agnnyia Yossif M , Al-Alagi Basher A , Daw Mohamed A
Published: November 2010

Background

The information on hepatitis C virus genotypes and subtypes among Libyan population and its association with various risk factors is not known. The objectives of this study were to determine the epidemiological manifestations of HCV genotypes among Libyan patients and their association with certain potential risk factors.

Methods

A total of 1240 of HCV infected patients registered at Tripoli Medical Centre were studied in five years period from January 2005 to October 2009. The information were reviewed and the data were collected. A sample from each patient (785 male; 455 female) was analysed for genotyping and sub-typing using specific genotyping assay. The information was correlated with the risk factors studied and the statistical data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5.

Results

Off the total patients studied, four different genotypes were reported, including genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4. Genotype4 was the commonest (35.7%), followed by genotype1 (32.6%). According to subtypes 28% were unclassified genotype 4, 14.6% were genotype 1b and some patients infected with more than one subtype (2.3% genotype 4c/d, 1% genotype 2a/c). Genotypes 1 was the commonest among males, while genotype 4 among females. According to the risk factors studied, Genotype1 and genotype 4 were found with most of the risk factors. Though they were particularly evident surgical intervention, dental procedures and blood transfusion while genotype 1 was only followed by genotype 3 mainly which mainly associated with certain risk groups such as intravenous drug abusers.

Conclusion

Here in we report on a detailed description of HCV genotype among Libyans. The most common genotype was type 4 followed by genotype 1, other genotypes were also reported at a low rate. The distribution of such genotypes were also variable according to gender and age. The commonly prevalent genotypes found to be attributable to the medical -related transmission of HCV, such as blood, surgery and dental procedures when compared with other risk factors. This however, raises an alarming signal on the major steps to be taken to reduce such infection in Libya