bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency with inadvertent caries in infants
Authors: BLAKE FELIX , BLESSMANN MARCO , WERLE HEINER , LI LEI , GBARA ALI
Published: September 2006

Background.  Long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD) is a rare systemic disease that is associated with early tooth decay.

Case report.  This report describes the case of a 3‐year‐old boy suffering from LCHADD. At the time of referral, extensive carious lesions of the subject's maxillary dentition necessitated the surgical removal of eight teeth. Preventive treatment for LCHADD involves a regular oral intake of glucose that is vital for the survival of the affected individual. In young infants, the glucose solution needs to be administered as often as every 3 h in order to prevent hypoglycaemia, leading to a local environment similar to that experienced in nursing bottle syndrome. While nursing bottle syndrome can be resolved by eliminating the sugar substrate and curtailing the feeding sessions, these alternatives are not available in cases of LCHADD.

Conclusion.  This report highlights this rare disease and emphasizes its dire consequences for the dentition. Prophylactic recommendations for high‐risk children are reviewed. Familiarity with LCHADD allows this high‐risk group of patients to be identified, and thus, ensures diligent prophylactic action.
Is amelogenesis imperfecta an indication for renal examination?
Authors: HUNTER LINDSAY , ADDY LIAM D. , KNOX JEREMY , DRAGE NICHOLAS
Published: September 2006

Background.  The term ‘amelogenesis imperfecta’ (AI) describes a diverse group of hereditary conditions primarily affecting the quality and/or quantity of dental enamel.

Case report.  This paper describes a case in which hypoplastic AI with delayed/failure of eruption of the permanent teeth was shown to be associated with renal calcification.

Conclusion.  Given the importance of the renal involvement, the authors suggest that paediatric dentists consider referring all children with this dental phenotype for renal ultrasound examination.
Understanding distress in people with severe communication difficulties: developing and assessing the Disability Distress Assessment Tool (DisDAT)
Authors: Regnard C. , Reynolds Joanna , Watson Bill , Matthews Dorothy , Gibson Lynn , Clarke Charlotte
Published: September 2006

Background  Meaningful communication with people with profound communication difficulties depends on the ability of carers to recognize and translate many different verbal cues. Carers appear to be intuitively skilled at identifying distress cues, but have little confidence in their observations. To help in this process, a number of pain tools have been developed, but this sits uncomfortably with the lack of evidence that pain has any specific signs or behaviours. A palliative care team working with people with intellectual disabilities developed the Disability Distress Assessment Tool (DisDAT) to document a wide range of signs and behaviours of distress and when an individual is content.

Method  The tool was piloted with 16 carers and 8 patients. It was then assessed using quantitative and qualitative methods, employing 56 carers in routine clinical situations with 25 patients, most with severe communication difficulties. Carers of 10 patients participated in semi‐structured interviews exploring the signs and behaviours demonstrated by patients when distressed and when content. These same 10 patients were observed for distress cues during different activities.

Results  It became clear that distress did not have a common meaning among carers, but there was a clear understanding that distress did not just cover physical pain. The range of distress cues was wide, with no evidence that any cues were specific to particular causes. Although some distress cues were common between patients, each patient had a distinct pattern of distress cues. In addition, different carers identified a different range of distress cues, while the length of the relationship did not influence the number of cues identified. Most distress cues were a change from the norm, but some patients demonstrated distress as an absence of content cues. Carers found the DisDAT simple to use and useful, and several felt that DisDAT would have helped advocate for the patients in previous conflicts with clinical teams.

Conclusions  There was no evidence that pain has any specific signs or behaviours. The preliminary and assessment phases showed that distress was a useful clinical construct in providing care. The DisDAT reflected patients’ distress communication identified by a range of carers, and provided carers with evidence for their intuitive observations of distress.
‘To help them is to educate them’: power and pedagogy in the prevention and treatment of malaria in Tanzania
Authors: Montgomery Catherine M. , Mwengee William , Kong'ong'o Maurice , Pool Robert
Published: September 2006

Objectives  Acknowledging that mothers are often the primary caregivers at the household level, malaria control efforts have emphasized educating women in its early recognition. This fails to consider the context in which knowledge will be transformed into action, as women lack decision‐making responsibility and financial resources. We examine the knowledge and power dynamics of provider–patient interactions and the implications for malaria treatment of educating mothers during consultations.

Methods  We conducted in‐depth interviews in Tanga, Tanzania, with 79 household participants over 2 years to explore knowledge and perceptions of febrile illness, its treatment and prevention. We also interviewed 55 clinicians at government and private healthcare facilities about their patients’ knowledge and treatment‐seeking behaviour. We analysed our data using a grounded theory approach.

Results  Informants had good knowledge of malaria aetiology, symptoms and treatment. Healthcare workers reported that mothers were able to give them sufficient information about their child for accurate diagnosis. However, health staff continued to see mothers who present ‘late’ as uneducated, intellectually incapable and lazy. Whilst evidence shows that decisions about treatment do not rest with mothers, but with male family members, it is women who continue to be blamed and targeted by health education.

Conclusions  Aggressive didactic teaching methods used by health staff may be disempowering those already equipped with knowledge, yet unable to control treatment decisions within the household. This may lead to further delays in presentation at a healthcare facility. We propose a rethinking of health education that is context‐sensitive, acknowledges class and gendered power relations, and targets men as well as women.
Expression of maize D‐type cyclins: comparison, regulation by phytohormones during seed germination and description of a new D cyclin
Authors: Quiroz‐Figueroa Francisco , Vázquez‐Ramos Jorge M.
Published: September 2006

While cloning maize D‐type cyclins previously reported in databases (described as of D1, D2 and D4 types), a fourth D cyclin was cloned that showed high homology (75%) with the D1 cyclin. Because this D1 cyclin has been recently described as a D5‐type cyclin (D5;1), the new cyclin was named D5;2. All maize cyclins have been compared among themselves and among D cyclins from other plant species. All maize D cyclins possess the retinoblastoma protein–binding motif and cyclin boxes but no PEST sequences or destruction box sequences are required for protein degradation. D5 and D2 cyclins also have canonical cyclin‐dependent kinase (Cdk)–phosphorylation sites. Every cyclin showed a different expression pattern during seed germination, standing out cyclin D5;2, which seems to be expressed only during the early stages (equivalent to postmitotic interphase), and cyclin D4;1, which progressively accumulates from an almost undetectable level in dry seed embryo axes. Phytohormones like cytokinins and auxins, which accelerate the germination process, change the expression pattern of all cyclins, with cytokinins promoting an increase in expression during the early hours of germination (by 6 h), whereas auxins promote a constant increase in the levels of three out of the four D cyclins (except D5;1). Cyclin D5;1 is the least expressed of all cyclins in all tissues measured (embryo axes, seedlings and plantlets), and all cyclins are expressed in both meristematic and non‐meristematic tissues. We discuss their relevance for the germination process and plantlet establishment.
The Fixed Slope Rule: An Inter‐Specific Study
Authors: Gulbransen Dana , Segrist Tatiana , Del Castillo Pauline , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: September 2006

There are two broad mechanisms by which animals can assess risk when deciding whether to flee: temporally and spatially. Animals that employ temporal mechanisms use predator speed to gauge threat. In contrast, those that use spatial mechanisms use the distance to the predator as an indication of danger. Traditionally, this was viewed as a fixed distance. Recently, a new type of spatial mechanism was proposed that focused on animals initiating flight at a fixed ratio of the distance at which they first responded to the threat. Our study investigated the consistency of this slope among three species: the Eastern gray kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), the Australian wood duck (Chenonetta jubata), and the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen). We found that these species exhibited statistically indistinguishable slopes from each other and the 0.44 slope that was initially reported in another species. Our results further support the assumption that escape decisions are dynamic. Future studies should determine the ubiquity of this fixed ratio.
Costs of Reproduction in Male Bicyclus anynana and Pieris napi Butterflies: Effects of Mating History and Food Limitation
Authors: Ferkau Carina , Fischer Klaus
Published: September 2006

Life history theory predicts trade‐offs arising from the costs of reproduction: individuals investing more into reproduction should have less energy available for their own somatic demands. Despite a wealth of research on such costs for females, very few studies have looked at the male side. We investigated the costs of reproduction in males of two butterfly species, Bicyclus anynana and Pieris napi. The males of these species differ tremendously in their allocation of nutrients to reproduction: virgin male spermatophores were 18.5 times larger in the latter compared with those in the former. Based on this striking difference, we expected to find a longevity cost of mating in P. napi, but not necessarily in B. anynana. In line with our predictions, we found no evidence for a survival cost of mating in B. anynana, while there was some evidence for such a cost in P. napi. Here, virgin males lived longer than once‐ or twice‐mated ones. However, this overall trend did not hold for all treatment groups, and there was no linear relationship between the number of copulations and longevity. Adult food limitation reduced longevity throughout, but had otherwise very little impact. Spermatophore dry mass decreased in later compared with first spermatophores, while water content increased, indicating that spermatophore production is indeed physiologically costly. Additionally, adult food limitation tended to reduce spermatophore fresh and dry mass, and tended to increase spermatophore water content. Based on our results we tentatively conclude that longevity and reproduction may not always be traded off against each other, as in our study organisms’ longevity seems to depend in first place on adult carbohydrate income, while male reproduction seems to be primarily (although not entirely) fuelled by larval storage reserves.
Effects of Group Size on Approach to Novel Objects in Ravens (Corvus corax)
Authors: Stöwe Mareike , Bugnyar Thomas , Heinrich Bernd , Kotrschal Kurt
Published: September 2006

Neophobia may constrain explorative behaviour, learning and innovation, while social context may facilitate approach to novel objects and acceptance of novel food. We examined the effects of neophobia on the exploration of novel objects in relation to social context in ravens (Corvus corax). Ravens are suitable subjects for studying effects of social context, as they are highly neophobic scavengers that recruit conspecifics to food. We tested two groups of six and 11 hand‐raised birds in three conditions: single‐bird, in dyadic combinations and sibling sub‐groups of three to six birds. Contrary to expectation, individuals of both groups were quicker to approach novel objects when tested alone than when tested with conspecifics. However, they spent more time close to and manipulating the novel objects in the social conditions (dyadic and group) than when being alone. We discuss the possibility that the higher latencies of dyads and groups to approach novel objects may reflect a ‘negotiation’ process in a ‘war of attrition’ between the individuals over risk‐taking.
The Role of Visual Ornamentation in Female Choice of a Multimodal Male Courtship Display
Authors: Hebets Eileen A. , Cuasay K. , Rivlin P. K.
Published: September 2006

The courtship behavior of male Schizocosa uetzi wolf spiders incorporates both visual and seismic signals into a multimodal display. These two signals have been shown to interact in such a manner that the seismic signal alters a female's response to the visual signal, leading to a putative increased importance of visual signaling in the presence of a seismic signal. Experiments leading to this attention‐focusing hypothesis relied in part on the video playback technique, eliciting the question of its significance under more biologically relevant conditions. Here, we directly examine female mate choice of males with differing visual signals (foreleg pigmentation) both in the presence and absence of a seismic courtship signal. We first quantified the natural variation of male foreleg pigmentation within a population of S. uetzi. The proportion of the tibia covered in pigmentation was found to be positively correlated with male weight, suggesting that this signal may convey reliable information about male size. Visual signals of live males were then manipulated into two treatments: black and brown male foreleg tibias, representing the extreme ends of the natural variation found. The seismic signaling environment was also manipulated into two treatments: seismic signal present and absent. Mating frequency was higher in the presence of a seismic signal than in its absence, but there was no interaction between the seismic and visual signaling treatments. Females mated with black and brown males equally whether a seismic signal was present or absent. This study suggests that inexperienced females do not distinguish between males of different manipulated foreleg pigmentations in mate‐choice decisions, even when in the presence of a seismic courtship signal.
Sunblocking efficiency of various TiO2‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticle formulations1
Authors: Cengiz E. , Wissing S. A. , Müller R. H. , Yazan Y.
Published: September 2006

Synopsis

In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) was incorporated into solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations using both classical and novel preparation methods. The SLNs were investigated by evaluating their stabilities and physicochemical characteristics. UV‐protection abilities of formulations were investigated using in vitro TransporeTM and Sun To SeeTM test methods. Results have been discussed by comparing the classical SLN formulation with the novel SLN, hybrid SLN (H‐SLN) and the emulsion formulations. The results showed the superiority of the H‐SLN formulations compared with the classical SLN; all SLN formulations were better when compared with the emulsion formulations considering the UV protection. Incorporation of TiO2 as a sunscreen agent into SLN formulations gives opportunity to produce stable and safe formulations with reduced amount but high UV‐protection ability.
Effect of hormone replacement therapy on epidermal barrier lipids1
Authors: Misra M. , Feinberg C. , Matzke M. , Pocalyko D.
Published: September 2006

Synopsis

Current evidence of the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on skin lipids, of postmenopausal women is scanty and indirect. Here, we report the ultrastructural differences in epidermal lipids between postmenopausal subjects who were and were not on HRT and a comparison is made with younger subjects. Biopsies were obtained from arms and legs, in a blinded, no‐treatment, study conducted on postmenopausal subjects who were and were not on HRT and younger subjects. The ultrastructure of skin lipids and the lipid coverage of underlying corneocytes were compared for biopsies obtained from different subjects. Qualitative assessment as well as quantitative estimation of lipid‐covered regions of corneocytes shows that skin lipids do not cover corneocytes effectively in postmenopausal women who are not on HRT. However, women who are on HRT show significantly improved lipid coverage of corneocytes, which is comparable with the younger subjects. This implies that HRT should improve the lipid coverage and skin condition of postmenopausal women.
Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora
Authors: Lambers H. , Piessens S. , Bloem A. , Pronk H. , Finkel P.
Published: September 2006

Synopsis

Variable skin pH values are being reported in literature, all in the acidic range but with a broad range from pH 4.0 to 7.0. In a multicentre study (N = 330), we have assessed the skin surface pH of the volar forearm before and after refraining from showering and cosmetic product application for 24 h. The average pH dropped from 5.12 ± 0.56 to 4.93 ± 0.45. On the basis of this pH drop, it is estimated that the ‘natural’ skin surface pH is on average 4.7, i.e. below 5. This is in line with existing literature, where a relatively large number of reports (c. 50%) actually describes pH values below 5.0; this is in contrast to the general assumption, that skin surface pH is on average between 5.0 and 6.0. Not only prior use of cosmetic products, especially soaps, have profound influence on skin surface pH, but the use of plain tap water, in Europe with a pH value generally around 8.0, will increase skin pH up to 6 h after application before returning to its ‘natural’ value of on average below 5.0. It is demonstrated that skin with pH values below 5.0 is in a better condition than skin with pH values above 5.0, as shown by measuring the biophysical parameters of barrier function, moisturization and scaling. The effect of pH on adhesion of resident skin microflora was also assessed; an acid skin pH (4–4.5) keeps the resident bacterial flora attached to the skin, whereas an alkaline pH (8–9) promotes the dispersal from the skin.
Using Employer Hiring Behavior to Test the Educational Signaling Hypothesis*
Authors: Albrecht James W. , Van Ours Jan C.
Published: September 2006

This paper presents a test of the educational signaling hypothesis. If employers use education as a signal in the hiring process, they will rely more on education when less is otherwise known about applicants. We find that employers are more likely to lower educational standards when an informal, more informative recruitment channel is used. We thus reject the hypothesis that education is not used as a signal in the hiring process.
Admitted to College, Restricted from Work: A Conflict for Young Iranian Women
Authors: Shavarini Mitra K.
Published: September 2006

This article examines the phenomenon of young Iranian women who are encouraged to pursue higher education but who are deterred from entering the labor market. It identifies the factors that college women themselves recognize as motivating or inhibiting their participation in these two public realms. The research reported suggests that the impediment to women in Iranian society not entering the work force is not Islam per se, but broader sociocultural elements. These findings reflect one of the most significant challenges faced by countries with significant Muslim populations: the transformation of gender roles through higher education.
Refraining Internalized Oppression and Internalized Domination: From the Psychological to the Sociocultural
Authors: Tappan Mark B.
Published: September 2006

This article presents a reinterpretation of “internalized oppression” and “internalized domination,” not as internal, psychological qualities or characteristics, but rather as sociocultural phenomena—that is, as forms of “mediated action.” Mediated action entails two central elements: (1) an agent, the person who is doing the acting, and (2) cultural tools (or “mediational means”), the tools, means, or instruments appropriated from the culture and used by the agent to accomplish a given action. Such a reframing leads to a new conception of appropriated oppression and appropriated domination/ privilege, both of which have significant implications for the practice of critical pedagogy in general, and what has come to be called antioppressive education in particular.
Revisiting the European Monetary System Experience: Were Some Members More Equal than Others?
Authors: Bini Smaghi Lorenzo , Ferri Giovanni
Published: September 2006

Difficulties in implementing effective liquidity support – to counter speculative attacks – may partly explain why regional exchange rate agreements crawl regional trade integration. Our novel analysis of the European Monetary System confirms that liquidity support was provided under the discretion of the anchor country (Germany), and was indeed asymmetric across member countries and/or periods. In particular, it was less forthcoming (i) to countries further away from Germany (less politically influential there), (ii) to larger countries (interfering more with the Bundesbank's monetary control) and (iii) during periods when German inflation accelerated (and the Bundesbank needed a firmer grip on liquidity).
Tax‐induced Dissimilarities Between Domestic and Foreign Mutual Funds in Italy
Authors: Savona Roberto
Published: September 2006

Using data from Italy over the period 1998–2002, this study investigates whether tax effects can account for differences in return patterns between domestic and foreign mutual funds, and if this dissimilarity translates into performance. The paper presents evidence that much of the difference between domestic and foreign funds is explained by the different tax systems. The asymmetry between the two groups, due to the fact that domestic funds are obliged to pay taxes on a daily basis while foreign funds are taxed when capital gains are collected, also affects performance. We prove that comparing pre‐tax returns, Italian funds are virtually indistinguishable from their foreign counterparts in terms of risk‐adjusted returns, while when comparing after‐tax returns, foreign funds outperform.
Credibility, Irreversibility of Investment, and Liberalization Reforms in LDCs
Authors: Bassanini Andrea
Published: September 2006

Empirical evidence of the impact of policy uncertainty on aggregate investment is mixed. However, if the relationship between policy uncertainty and investment performance is nonlinear, linear regression exercises might not capture the effect of policy uncertainty. In this paper, I present a simple model with investment irreversibility which shows that, in the presence of legal constraints on investment in foreign assets, domestic real investment performance is poorer when liberalization reforms are only partially incredible.
Rishtas: adding emotion to strategy in understanding British Pakistani transnational marriages
Authors: SHAW ALISON , CHARSLEY KATHARINE
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe popularity of transnational marriages that in most cases involve first cousins or other kin distinguishes Pakistanis from other British South Asian groups. In this article we explain the popularity of such marriages. We seek to complement accounts that stress kinship obligations and socio‐economic strategy by showing that transnational marriages are also motivated by the emotional ties of kinship. Central to this analysis is a focus on the Urdu/Panjabi concept of rishta, which conveys ideas about a ‘good’ match and about emotional connections between people. Our attention to emotional discourse between siblings, between parents and children and between prospective spouses in the context of marriage arrangements augments the understanding of what is at stake for those involved in transnational marriages. Our analysis also complements accounts that emphasize parental exegesis by offering a multigenerational perspective.
The Children And Parents Service (CAPS): A Multi‐Agency Early Intervention Initiative for Young Children and their Families
Authors: White Caroline , Verduyn Chrissie
Published: September 2006

Behaviour problems make up approximately 30–50% of all referrals to child and adolescent mental health services. Behavioural parent training is one of the most effective interventions for young children. However, those families most at risk of difficulties fail to access services. This paper outlines the Children And Parents Service (CAPS), a citywide multi‐agency, early intervention service to young children and their families. The intervention includes parent training groups, multi‐agency training and liaison in community settings. The model of service delivery is outlined and the obstacles to service implementation and the strategies used to overcome them are discussed. The service has adopted a well validated evidence‐based model of parent training, monitoring of outcomes and user involvement, and is delivered in the wider context of multi‐agency systems. A thorough evaluation of service delivery models, including CAPS, would be beneficial. Whilst research trials examine the efficacy of treatments, the effective delivery of treatments within clinical services requires clarity about the place of the intervention within wider systems. The CAPS model proposes a framework for delivering interventions within these systems.
Managing Psychotic Illness in Young People: A Practical Overview
Authors: Tiffin Paul A.
Published: September 2006

Background:  The management of early onset psychosis poses a significant challenge to professionals working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Young people with psychotic illness often present with a mixed clinical picture and a wide variety of attendant issues. Over the last decade there has been accumulating research, mainly based on work with adults, regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of medical and psychosocial interventions for patients with schizoaffective spectrum disorders. This article takes a symptoms‐based approach, collating and summarising recent evidence, where it exists, regarding best practice when managing young people affected by schizophrenia, schizoaffective or bipolar affective disorder.
Competing narratives for the future of European agriculture: the agri‐environmental consequences of neoliberalization in the context of the Doha Round
Authors: POTTER CLIVE
Published: September 2006

Whatever their eventual outcome, the current round of international trade negotiations taking place as part of the Doha Development Round offers a clear demonstration of the growing influence of a neoliberal agenda for international agricultural policy reform. Despite being powerfully supported by an alliance of agribusiness interests and country groupings, neoliberalism is far from universally accepted as the model for the future governance of an agriculture which is both commodifying and market led. This paper assesses the nature of the resulting debate and the range of alternative visions being proposed. It analyses the development of the European negotiating stance within the current round of trade talks and compares the merits of a decoupled policy approach to managing the rural environment with one much more closely linked to the practice of farming. The paper concludes by suggesting that an outcome of the continuing liberalization of agricultural policy will be a more demarcated countryside, in which productive and internationally competitive operators will increasingly be removed in space and in terms of policy treatment from the large number of economically marginal producers whose role will be to supply the public environmental goods under contract from the state.
Representational Altruism: The Wary Cooperator as Authoritative Decision Maker
Authors: Smith Kevin B.
Published: September 2006

What drives policymakers to put the interests of others above their own? If human nature is inherently selfish, it makes sense to institutionalize incentives that counter decision makers' temptations to use their positions to benefit themselves over others. A growing literature rooted in evolutionary theories of human behavior, however, suggests that humans, under certain circumstances, have inherent predispositions towards “representational altruism,” i.e., to make an authoritative decision to benefit another at one's own expense. Drawing on Hibbing and Alford's conception of the wary cooperator, a theoretical case is made for such behavioral expectations, which are confirmed in a series of original laboratory experiments.
Approaches for Calculating Power for Case–Cohort Studies
Authors: Kim Mimi Y. , Xue Xiaonan , Du Yunling
Published: September 2006

Summary An approach for determining the power of a case–cohort study for a single binary exposure variable and a low failure rate was recently proposed by Cai and Zeng (2004, Biometrics60, 1015–1024). In this article, we show that computing power for a case–cohort study using a standard case–control method yields nearly identical levels of power. An advantage of the case–control approach is that existing sample size software can be used for the calculations. We also propose an additional formula for computing the power of a case–cohort study for the situation when the event is not rare.
Regulation of Cytoskeletal Dynamics at the Immune Synapse: New Stars Join the Actin Troupe
Authors: Billadeau Daniel D. , Burkhardt Janis K.
Published: September 2006

Reorganization of actin cytoskeletal dynamics plays a critical role in controlling T‐lymphocyte activation and effector functions. Interaction of T‐cell receptors (TCR) with appropriate major histocompatability complex–peptide complexes on antigen‐presenting cells results in the activation of signaling cascades, leading to the accumulation of F‐actin at the cell–cell contact site. This event is required for the formation and stabilization of the immune synapse (IS), a cellular structure essential for the modulation of T‐cell responses. Analysis of actin cytoskeletal dynamics following engagement of the TCR has largely focused on the Arp2/3 regulator, WASp, because of its early identification and its association with human disease. However, recent studies have shown equally important roles for several additional actin regulatory proteins. In this review, we turn the spotlight on the expanding cast of actin regulatory proteins, which co‐ordinate actin dynamics at the IS.
Three‐dimensional documentation of wound healing: First results of a new objective method for measurement
Authors: Körber Andreas , Rietkötter Jost , Grabbe Stephan , Dissemond Joachim
Published: September 2006

Background: The objective assessment of wound healing is one essential parameter of quality assurance in a modern chronic wound management program. In the past assessment has been based exclusively on a two‐dimensional measurement of the wound surface with planimetry or digital photo documentation in combination with such measurements. An objective method for measuring the volume of chronic wounds has not yet been available.

Patients and Methods: In cooperation with the company RSI, we linked digital photography, optical raster by means of digital scanner, and picture processing software (DigiSkin®) for an exact three‐dimensional image of chronic wounds. The generated point clouds allow the visual, computer‐assisted three‐dimensional quantification and can document the course of healing of chronic wounds.

Results: In comparison to currently available systems, our new method makes possible the objective measurement of volume changes and wound healing course in chronic wounds.We demonstrate the utility of the system in reference to three patients with chronic venous leg ulcers.

Conclusions: Using this new, objective three‐dimensional wound measurement system,it is possible to reliably quantify changes in wound healing for the first time. Future clinical studies have a new option for the gathering of data which will facilitate evidenced‐based conclusions.
Human enhancer of rudimentary is a molecular partner of PDIP46/SKAR, a protein interacting with DNA polymerase δ and S6K1 and regulating cell growth
Authors: Smyk Amelia , Szuminska Magdalena , Uniewicz Katarzyna A. , Graves Lee M. , Kozlowski Piotr
Published: September 2006

Enhancer of rudimentary (ER) is a small protein that has a unique amino acid sequence and structure. Its highly conserved gene has been found in all eukaryotic kingdoms with the exception of fungi. ER was proposed to be involved in the metabolism of pyrimidines and was reported to act as a transcriptional repressor in a cell type‐specific manner. To further elucidate ER functions, we performed the yeast two‐hybrid screen of the human lung cDNA library for clones encoding proteins interacting with the human ER protein. The screen yielded polymerase δ interacting protein 46 or S6K1 Aly/REF‐like target (PDIP46/SKAR), a protein possessing one RNA recognition motif (RRM) and being a protein partner of both the p50 subunit of DNA polymerase δ and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1). This interaction was further confirmed in vitro by the glutathione S‐transferase‐ER pull‐down of a protein of 46 kDa from a nuclear extract from human cells which was identified as PDIP46/SKAR by tandem mass spectrometry. The bipartite region of PDIP46/SKAR interacting with ER comprising residues 274–421 encompasses the docking site for S6K1 within the RRM and two serines phosphorylated by S6K1. ER and both isoforms of PDIP46/SKAR share the same nuclear localization in the mammalian cells and their genes display a ubiquitous pattern of expression in a variety of human tissues, so the interaction between ER and PDIP46/SKAR has an opportunity to occur universally in mammalian cells. Because PDIP46/SKAR is involved in the regulation of cell growth its interaction with ER may suggest some function for ER in that control.
Structural and thermodynamic insights into the binding mode of five novel inhibitors of lumazine synthase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Morgunova Ekaterina , Illarionov Boris , Sambaiah Thota , Haase Ilka , Bacher Adelbert , Cushman Mark , Fischer Markus , Ladenstein Rudolf
Published: September 2006

Recently published genomic investigations of the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis have revealed that genes coding the proteins involved in riboflavin biosynthesis are essential for the growth of the organism. Because the enzymes involved in cofactor biosynthesis pathways are not present in humans, they appear to be promising candidates for the development of therapeutic drugs. The substituted purinetrione compounds have demonstrated high affinity and specificity to lumazine synthase, which catalyzes the penultimate step of riboflavin biosynthesis in bacteria and plants. The structure of M. tuberculosis lumazine synthase in complex with five different inhibitor compounds is presented, together with studies of the binding reactions by isothermal titration calorimetry. The inhibitors showed the association constants in the micromolar range. The analysis of the structures demonstrated the specific features of the binding of different inhibitors. The comparison of the structures and binding modes of five different inhibitors allows us to propose the ribitylpurinetrione compounds with C4–C5 alkylphosphate chains as most promising leads for further development of therapeutic drugs against M. tuberculosis.
EFFECT OF RIPENING TEMPERATURE ON QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF CHINESE‐STYLE SAUSAGES
Authors: TAN F.J. , HSU K.C. , OCKERMAN H.W.
Published: September 2006

After drying, Chinese‐style sausages were ripened at 12, 15 or 18C with 85% relative humidity for 0, 5 and 10 days. The moisture contents of the sausage samples for the 12C ripening group increased after 10 days of ripening, while the 15 and 18C ripening group samples remained the same. The samples' pH values significantly decreased with storage time, and the samples ripened at 18C had significantly lower pH of 5.70 and a higher pH reduction of 1.34‐pH unit compared with the other two groups after 10‐day ripening. No significant difference of L*, a* and b* values of the sausages occurred among the three treatments during 10 days of ripening. After the 10‐day ripening, only total plate count of the 12C samples met a standard set by a local sanitary authority, which was ≤3 × 106 cfu/g.
OXYGEN SCAVENGER EFFECT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF METMYOGLOBIN ON BEEFSTEAKS DURING EARLY LOW‐OXYGEN STORAGE
Authors: BEGGAN M. , ALLEN P. , BUTLER F.
Published: September 2006

Changes in color and metmyoglobin fraction on the surface of M. longissimus lumborum (LL), M. semimembranosus (Sm) and M. psoas major (PM) steaks were assessed during a 1‐week storage under an ultra‐low‐oxygen atmosphere (with/without an oxygen scavenger). Sm and PM muscles had a redder and more highly saturated color than the LL muscle throughout the storage period. LL steaks had lower percentage metmyoglobin and oxymyoglobin, and higher percentage deoxymyoglobin than Sm and PM steaks. These differences were present from the time of packing. A significantly higher percentage of metmyoglobin formed on all muscles stored without an oxygen scavenger between 72 and 168 h compared with muscles stored with an oxygen scavenger (P < 0.05). The additional metmyoglobin formation on steaks stored without an oxygen scavenger, suggests that differences in headspace composition existed, however, these differences were not detected by the gas chromatography method used in this experiment.
EFFECT OF MYOSIN HEAVY CHAIN ISOFORMS ON MUSCLE FIBER CHARACTERISTICS AND MEAT QUALITY IN PORCINE LONGISSIMUS MUSCLE
Authors: CHOI Y.M. , RYU Y.C. , KIM B.C.
Published: September 2006

This study examined the effect of the myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms on the muscle fiber characteristics, protein denaturation and meat quality in the porcine longissimus muscle. MHC 1 isoform content showed a higher correlation with the number and area (r = 0.74 − 0.77) percentage of fiber type I than other isoforms. The low group, categorized by low MHC 1 isoform content, had a lower pH45min, a paler surface and a higher drip loss than the high group. Moreover, the MHC 1 isoform content showed a positive correlation with the level of protein solubility (r = 0.42 − 0.45). These results suggest that the contents of the MHC isoforms affect the biochemical characteristics of the muscles and pork quality. Therefore, the contents of the MHC isoforms, particularly MHC 1 isoform, are a useful parameter for examining the variation in protein denaturation and meat quality.
EFFECT OF FREEZING, EXPOSURE TO ENHANCEMENT SOLUTION AND MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE ON PORK BONE DISCOLORATION
Authors: NICOLALDE C. , STETZER A.J. , TUCKER E. , MCKEITH F.K. , BREWER M.S.
Published: September 2006

The objective of this study was to develop a model system to evaluate the effects of freezing, exposure to enhancement solution and modified atmosphere on discoloration of pork rib bones. Bones were removed from carcasses, split along the transverse plane, then frozen (−20C) or held at 4C for 24 h. Half of each temperature pretreatment group was exposed to a 4% phosphate/4% NaCl enhancement solution, while half served as controls. Samples were packaged in modified atmosphere packaging (80% O2/20% CO2) or air and displayed in a retail case (4C, 24 h). Visual discoloration occurred during the first 10 h of display; additional visual darkening (brown, green/black) occurred in previously frozen samples, while refrigerated samples remained redder. After 24 h, Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*, a* and b* values indicated that previously frozen samples were darker and less red. The frozen samples contained more methemoglobin per gram of protein than those that had never been frozen.
Degradation of STAT5 proteins in 3T3-L1 adipocytes is induced by TNF-α and cycloheximide in a manner independent of STAT5A activation
Authors: Floyd Z. Elizabeth , Segura Brant M. , He Fang , Stephens Jacqueline M.
Published: September 2006

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a multifunctional cytokine that has been implicated as a causative factor in obesity-linked insulin resistance. It is commonly accepted that macrophage-derived TNF-α acts in a paracrine manner on adjacent adipocytes to inhibit the expression of various adipocyte genes and to attenuate insulin signaling. Several studies have revealed that signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5 proteins are modulated during adipogenesis and can modulate the transcription of some adipocyte genes. In this study, we demonstrate that TNF-α treatment, in the presence of cycloheximide, also results in the rapid turnover of STAT5A and STAT5B in a process that is independent of STAT5 activation by tyrosine phosphorylation. In addition, STAT5B is more labile than STAT5A under these conditions, suggesting that the COOH terminus of STAT5 may be involved in the turnover of each protein. Initial characterization of the TNF-α and cycloheximide-mediated degradation of STAT5 indicates that inhibition of the proteasome stabilizes both forms of STAT5 in the presence of TNF-α. In addition, the use of an NF-κB inhibitor results in the stabilization of STAT5A in the presence of TNF-α and cycloheximide, indicating that the degradation of STAT5 proteins under these conditions may involve the NF-κB pathway. STAT5 proteins are abundantly expressed in mature adipocytes and are normally extremely stable proteins under a wide range of conditions. However, our results demonstrate that the potentiation of TNF-α-mediated signaling in the presence of cyclohexmide is associated with a significant increase in the degradation of STAT5 proteins in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Quality and Quantity of Saliva DNA Obtained from the Self-administrated Oragene Method—A Pilot Study on the Cohort of Swedish Men
Authors: Rylander-Rudqvist Tove , Håkansson Niclas , Tybring Gunnel , Wolk Alicja
Published: September 2006

Self-collection of saliva has the potential to provide molecular epidemiologic studies with DNA in a user-friendly way. We evaluated the new Oragene saliva collection method and requested saliva samples by mail from 611 men (ages 53-87 years). We obtained a response rate of, on average, 80% [varying from 89% (ages 67-71 years) to 71% (ages 77-87 years)]. DNA was extracted from 90 randomly selected samples, and its usefulness was evaluated with respect to quality, quantity, and whole-genome amplification (WGA). Visual inspection of DNA on agarose gels showed high molecular weight DNA (>23 kb) and no degradation. Total DNA yield measured with PicoGreen ranged from 1.2 to 169.7 μg, with a mean of 40.3 μg (SD, 36.5 μg) and a median of 29.4 μg. Human DNA yield was estimated by real-time PCR of the human prothrombin gene to account for 68% (SD, 20%) of total DNA. We did WGA on 81 saliva DNA samples by using the GenomiPhi DNA kit and genotyped both saliva DNA and WGA DNA for 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms randomly selected from the human genome. Overall genotyping success rate was 96% for saliva DNA and 95% for WGA DNA; 79% of saliva DNA samples and 79% of WGA DNA samples were successfully genotyped for all 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. For the 10 specific assays, the success rates ranged between 88% and 100%. Almost complete genotypic concordance (99.7%) was observed between saliva DNA and WGA DNA. In conclusion, Oragene saliva DNA in this study collected from men is of high quality and can be used as an alternative to blood DNA in molecular epidemiologic studies. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(9):1742–5)
Prevalence of Fragile Histidine Triad Expression in Tumors from Saudi Arabia: A Tissue Microarray Analysis
Authors: Bavi Prashant , Jehan Zeenath , Atizado Valerie , Al-Dossari Hassan , Al-Dayel Fouad , Tulbah Asmah , Amr Samir S. , Sheikh Salwa S. , Ezzat Adnan , El-Solh Hassan , Uddin Shahab , Al-Kuraya Khawla
Published: September 2006

Aim: The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene was discovered and proposed as a tumor suppressor gene for most human cancers. It encodes the most active common human chromosomal fragile region, FRA3B. We studied the prevalence of loss of FHIT expression in various tumors and correlated its loss with various clinicopathologic features.

Methods: To determine whether the absence of FHIT expression correlates with clinical variables such as grade, stage, and survival time, we assessed FHIT expression using immunohistochemistry. More than 1,800 tumors from more than 75 tumor categories were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray format.

Results: Loss of FHIT expression ranged from 19% in ovarian tumors to 67% in lung cancers. Clinical and pathologic features like grade, stage, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis showed correlation with loss of FHIT expression in some tumors. No difference was seen in the survival patterns and loss of FHIT expression in any of the tumor groups studied.

Conclusions: Loss of FHIT expression is an ubiquitous event in the multistep, multifactorial carcinogenesis process. FHIT may be altered at different stages in different types of cancers. Most of the tumors with a wider prevalence of loss of FHIT expression as an early event show a correlation with clinicopathologic features. However, in some of the tumors, FHIT expression is lost as a late event and is only seen in a fraction of the tumors. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(9):1708–18)
Serum Heat Shock Protein 70 Levels and Lung Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study Nested in a Large Cohort Study
Authors: Suzuki Koji , Ito Yoshinori , Wakai Kenji , Kawado Miyuki , Hashimoto Shuji , Seki Nao , Ando Masahiko , Nishino Yoshikazu , Kondo Takaaki , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Ozasa Kotaro , Inoue Takashi , Tamakoshi Akiko ,   for the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study Group
Published: September 2006

Chronic inflammation contributes to the process of carcinogenesis, but few epidemiologic studies have examined associations with risk of lung cancer. Relationships between lung cancer risk and serum levels of both heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were investigated in a case-control study nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for Evaluation of Cancer Risk. Serum samples and lifestyle information were collected at baseline from 39,242 men and women between 1988 and 1990. Of these, 240 deaths from lung cancer were identified through 1999, and 569 controls were matched for sex, age, and study area. Serum levels were measured in 189 cases and 377 controls for Hsp70 and in 209 cases and 425 controls for hsCRP. Odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) across quartiles, adjusted for confounding factors, including smoking habits, were 0.83 (0.44-1.58), 1.41 (0.77-2.60), and 1.84 (0.92-3.71) for Hsp70 (Ptrend = 0.042) and 1.13 (0.67-1.91), 0.66 (0.38-1.16), and 1.19 (0.70-2.02) for hsCRP (Ptrend = 0.941). In males, odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) across quartiles were 1.30 (0.59-2.84), 1.74 (0.83-3.67), and 2.49 (1.06-5.85) for Hsp70 (Ptrend = 0.029). High levels of serum Hsp70 might thus be associated with increased risk of lung cancer among Japanese males, although further studies are needed to clarify associations between chronic inflammation and lung cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(9):1733–7)