bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review: Adiponectin for prediction of cardiovascular risk?
Authors: Karastergiou Kalypso , Mohamed-Ali Vidya , Jahangiri Marjan , Kaski Juan-Carlos
Published: August 2009

Adiponectin is an endogenous insulin-sensitising and anti-inflammatory hormone, released by the adipose tissue. Because of its in vitro effects on endothelial cells, macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, adiponectin is thought to have anti-atherogenic properties. Moreover, findings from the Health Professionals Follow-up Studies and other cohort studies, mainly in male populations, suggest that adiponectin may be an independent predictor for cardiovascular risk. This, however, was not confirmed by subsequent studies that included female subjects, different ethnicities and patients with established coronary artery disease. The present article briefly summarises recent findings regarding the potential role of adiponectin as a predictor of risk and its biological role.

Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2009;9: 150—154
Results of the LEAD-2 study in relation to NICE and ADA/EASD guidelines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the UK
Authors: Wilding John
Published: August 2009

Guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus from the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the joint American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes identify a role for glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists as second- or third-line treatments. In the LEAD-2 trial the GLP-1 agonist liraglutide was similar to glimepiride for glycaemic control in patients receiving background metformin. Liraglutide was generally well tolerated, with a low incidence of hypoglycaemia, and it significantly reduced body weight and systolic blood pressure compared with glimepiride. These results suggest that addition of liraglutide may help to improve glycaemic control and reduce body weight and systolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes who have unsatisfactory control with metformin. Patients who are particularly obese or for whom hypoglycaemia is problematic may be especially suitable for this agent. The future place of liraglutide in guidelines will depend on further data regarding efficacy, tolerability and long-term benefits.
Cardiovascular benefit of intensive glucose control: approaching closure
Authors: Narendran Parth
Published: August 2009

Several studies have demonstrated that lower blood glucose concentrations are associated with reduced cardiovascular endpoints. The publication of intervention trials designed to investigate the impact of tighter glycaemic control on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes have generally failed, individually, to generate statistically significant improvements in cardiovascular endpoints. This has spurred controversy regarding the role of glycaemic control within a multifactorial approach to treatment. However, a recent meta-analysis of these intervention trials showed that intensive glucose control improves cardiovascular outcomes.
The Protective Effect of Oxygenated Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) on Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury (I/R) in Rabbits
Authors: Ntinas Achilleas , Iliadis Stavros , Alvanou Achparaki Athanasia , Vrochides Dionisios , Pitoulias Georgios , Papageorgiou Georgios , Spyridis Charalambos , Papadimitriou Dimitrios , Karamanos Dimitrios , Gerasimidis Thomas
Published: August 2009

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intraluminal administration of oxygenated perfluorocarbons (PFCs) on small intestine’s viability in an experimental model of acute ischemia-reperfusion (I/R).

Methods: Twenty rabbits were divided in four groups: sham-operated controls (group A), acute I/R (group B), acute I/R plus infusion of PFCs 30 min before ischemia (group C), and acute I/R plus infusion of PFCs 30 min before reperfusion (group D). Malondialdehyde (MDA) tissue levels and d-lactate blood samples were taken. All tissue sections were examined under light microscope.

Results: Mean MDA levels in group A: 1.79 ± 0.97 at 0 min, 2.25 ± 1.76 at 120 min and 3.70 ± 1.76 nmols/g at 180 min. Group B: 2.60 ± 0.58 at 0 min, 4.20 ± 0.58 at 120 min and 5.48 ± 2.01 at 180 min. Group C: 1.54 ± 0.85 at 0 min, 1.14 ± 0.37 at 120 min and 0.59 ± 0.35 at 180 min. Group D: 2.12 ± 0.62 at 0 min, 3.97 ± 0.70 at 120 min and 2.32 ± 0.37 at 180 min (p < 0.05). Mean d-lactate levels in group A: at 0 min 36.45 ± 1.99, at 120 min 39.10 ± 2.37 and at 180 min 40.05 ± 2.13 mg/dl. Group B: 61.23 ± 11.03 at 0 min, 74.84 ± 10.70 at 120 min and 89.90 ± 9.29 at 180 min. Group C: at 0 min 51.05 ± 10.36, at 120 min 56.07 ± 11.27 and at 180 min 57.20 ± 11.19. Group D: 64.36 ± 5.26 at 0 min, 72.55 ± 7.19 at 120 min and 77.02 ± 9.41 at 180 min (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis indicated a significant improvement in the groups of oxygenated PFCs compared with I/R group.

Conclusion: Intraluminal administration of oxygenated PFCs seems that protect the intestine from the I/R injury.
Debating the appropriateness and effectiveness of regulation as a mechanism to manage and control the risk to health from tattooing and body piercing activities
Authors: Chalmers Claire
Published: August 2009

here is currently an overwhelming trend towards the implementation of more stringent measures to govern tattooing and body piercing practices, with state-controlled regulation being targeted most frequently as the current strategy of choice. The aim of this type of regulation within the tattooing and body piercing industry is predominantly to introduce consistent controls, which can then assist in the management and reduction of associated risk to health from such activities.

This third of three articles on the topical issue of tattooing and body piercing considers the appropriateness and effectiveness of state controlled regulation as a mechanism for implementing these tighter controls, and ultimately for managing and reducing the associated risk to health from tattooing and body piercing.
Can education and training for domestic staff increase awareness of infection control practices and improve cleanliness within hospitals?
Authors: Aziz Ann-Marie
Published: August 2009

Patients and the public are rightly concerned about cleanliness in hospitals. In response to these concerns a review of current infection prevention and control education and training for domestic staff was investigated. This review elicited a project that analysed whether education and training for domestic staff can increase awareness of infection control practices and improve cleanliness. A series of methods were introduced to gather information pre- and post-training. The project highlighted significant awareness deficiencies of the basic principles of infection prevention and control; it also showed that many domestic staff received little introduction to infection prevention and control practices when starting employment and updates were seldom followed up. The introduction of the Infection Prevention and Control Workbook for Domestic Staff improved domestic staff awareness of infection prevention and control practices on the wards. The workbook was tailored to the particular working practices of the organisation and the infection prevention and control team felt the workbooks were a great way to learn. This project highlighted that only by providing education and training in infection prevention and control can we be assured that domestic staff deliver a service that is safe and correct.
Storytelling: its place in infection control education
Authors: Cole Mark
Published: August 2009

It is generally accepted that hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent health care associated infection. Similarly, education is thought to be the cornerstone of effective practice. While common sense supports the notion that hand hygiene compliance would be enhanced by producing a well informed health care worker, traditional didactic methods of teaching are often poor at invoking and sustaining behaviour change. Storytelling is gaining popularity as an educational activity as it is said to stimulate thought, reflection and enhance the learning experience. This paper, describes one way in which storytelling may be used within a hand hygiene improvement strategy.
Improving standards of aseptic practice through an ANTT trust-wide implementation process: a matter of prioritisation and care
Authors: Rowley Stephen , Clare Simon
Published: August 2009

septic technique is a critical last line of defence between patients and clinical staff. Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) recognises this and is based on the premise that reducing the variables in aseptic practice across large clinical workforces by standardising aseptic technique will improve quality of practice and subsequently infection rates. The scale of adoption of ANTT in the National Health Service (NHS) continues to grow, with uptake currently estimated at between 150—250 NHS hospitals using ANTT as a standard aseptic technique. To better understand how effectively the implementation process was working in different trusts a convenience sample of acute trusts (n=7) was reviewed. The trusts used the recommended ANTT implementation framework and applicable audit tools. Feedback was requested regarding the implementation process as well as healthcare associated infection (HCAI) trends mapped before and after ANTT implementation. All seven trusts had found the ANTT implementation process an effective tool for standardising aseptic practice across large clinical workforces. Data reviewed from five of the trusts suggests the process impacted positively on HCAI trends. Limitations include appreciating ANTT implementation alongside other infection control interventions. More controlled studies appear to be warranted, especially now that ANTT is the most common standard aseptic technique in NHS hospitals.
Dr Thomas Latta: the father of intravenous infusion therapy
Authors: MacGillivray Neil
Published: August 2009

The paper reviews the work of Dr Thomas Latta who during the cholera epidemic of 1831—32 pioneered the use of intravenous saline infusion in the treatment of cholera. The reaction of the medical profession to this new therapy is described and the reasons for the profession’s failure to acknowledge the importance of this advance is analysed. The reasons why the name of Thomas Latta and his contribution did not survive his death in 1833 are discussed and the contributions of twentieth century scholars in remembering his work are highlighted.
Blood cultures: towards zero false positives
Authors: Thompson Frankie , Madeo Maurice
Published: August 2009

The culture of micro-organisms from blood is an essential laboratory test for the diagnosis of bacteraemia. Early positive results provide valuable diagnostic information on which appropriate antimicrobial therapy can be initiated. Like any tests, however, false-positive blood culture results can limit the utility of this important tool. These false-positive results arise due to contamination. Reports from NHS trusts and equipment suppliers suggest these contamination rates could be as high as 10% (Department of Health (DH), 2007). A variety of strategies have been investigated and employed to decrease contamination rates. This article describes the utility of a variety of approaches to reduce the number of false-positive percutaneous blood cultures specifically in the adult population.
Writing a business case for the expansion of service: expanding the IV therapy team, from start to finish
Authors: Bolton Deborah
Published: August 2009

Health professionals wishing to expand the service that they offer to their patients must present their employers with a convincing cost-effective and evidence-based rationale for doing so. This article outlines the development of a business case to expand the intravenous therapy service in an English National Health Service trust.
Using students on a short educational placement with an infection prevention team to assist in implementation of universal MRSA screening: achieving educational outcomes and identifying policy compliance
Authors: Cooper Tracey , Brooks Julie
Published: August 2009

his article describes how an infection prevention team (IPT) used an interprofessional group of student healthcare professionals on a short placement to audit meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening policy compliance in the run-up to implementation of a new national MRSA screening target in England. It highlights the resource required by the IPT to support the group, the process of the audit and results, the experience of the students, and the policy and learning outcomes from both the audit and the experience of the placement. Other teams may find a similar approach beneficial for their organisations.
Indulging curiosity — researching infection prevention
Authors: Loveday HP , Prieto JA , Hodgson G. , Tanner J.
Published: August 2009

A key objective in the IPS research and development strategy is to increase research capability and capacity among the Society’s membership. This article summarises the recent work of the IPS Research and Development Group. On the fiftieth anniversary of the appointment of the first infection control nurse the IPS are launching annual research awards to encourage research active practitioners to build and improve their research skills and make a significant contribution to evidence based practice in the specialty.
CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells confer long-term regulation of factor VIII–specific immune responses in plasmid-mediated gene therapy–treated hemophilia mice
Authors: Miao Carol H. , Harmeling Benjamin R. , Ziegler Steven F. , Yen Benjamin C. , Torgerson Troy , Chen Liping , Yau Roger J. , Peng Baowei , Thompson Arthur R. , Ochs Hans D. , Rawlings David J.
Published: August 2009

Gene transfer of a factor VIII (FVIII) plasmid into hemophilia A (HemA) mice achieved supraphysiologic FVIII expression, but triggered production of high-titer FVIII-specific antibodies and loss of functional FVIII activity. To test whether FVIII-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) can modulate immune responses against FVIII, we developed a HemA mouse model in which all T cells overexpressed Foxp3 (HemA/Foxp3-Tg). FVIII plasmid therapy did not induce antibody production in HemA/Foxp3-Tg mice. CD4+Foxp3+ T cells isolated from plasmid-treated HemA/Foxp3-Tg mice significantly suppressed proliferation of FVIII-stimulated CD4+ effector T cells. The percentage of CD4+ T cells expressing CD25, glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 increased significantly in spleen and peripheral blood for 9 weeks. Mice receiving adoptively transferred Tregs from FVIII-exposed HemA/Foxp3-Tg mice produced significantly reduced antibody titers compared with controls after initial challenge with FVIII plasmid and second challenge 16 weeks after first plasmid treatment. Adoptively transferred Tregs engrafted and distributed at 2% to 4% in the Treg compartment of blood, lymph nodes, and spleens of the recipient mice and induced activation of endogenous Tregs; the engraftment decreased to negligible levels over 8 to 12 weeks. Antigen-specific Tregs can provide long-lasting protection against immune responses in vivo and limit recall responses induced by a second challenge via infectious tolerance.
Role of the ArcAB two-component system in the resistance of Escherichia colito reactive oxygen stress
Authors: Loui Cindy , Chang Alexander C , Lu Sangwei
Published: August 2009

Background

The global regulatory system ArcAB controls the anaerobic growth of E. coli, however, its role in aerobic conditions is not well characterized. We have previously reported that ArcA was necessary for Salmonella to resist reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aerobic conditions.

Results

To investigate the mechanism of ROS resistance mediated by ArcAB, we generated deletion mutants of ArcA and ArcB in E. coli. Our results demonstrated that both ArcA and ArcB were necessary for resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a type of ROS, and their function in this resistance was independent from H2O2 scavenge. Mutagenesis analysis of ArcA indicated that ROS resistance was mediated through a distinct signaling pathway from that used in anaerobic conditions. An abundant protein flagellin was elevated at both the protein and mRNA levels in the ΔarcA mutant as compared to the wild type E. coli, and deletion of flagellin restored the resistance of the ΔarcA mutant to H2O2. The resistance of the ΔarcA mutant E. coli to H2O2 can also be restored by amino acid supplementation, suggesting that a deficiency in amino acid and/or protein synthesis in the mutant contributed to its susceptibility to H2O2, which is consistent with the notion that protein synthesis is necessary for ROS resistance.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that in addition to its role as a global regulator for anaerobic growth of bacteria, ArcAB system is also important for bacterial resistance to ROS in aerobic conditions, possibly through its influence on bacterial metabolism, especially amino acid and/or protein assimilation and synthesis.
Molecular detection of rifampin and isoniazid resistance to guide chronic TB patient management in Burkina Faso
Authors: Miotto Paolo , Saleri Nuccia , Dembelé Mathurin , Ouedraogo Martial , Badoum Gisèle , Pinsi Gabriele , Migliori Giovanni B , Matteelli Alberto , Cirillo Daniela M
Published: August 2009

Background

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is considered a real threat to the achievement of TB control. Testing of mycobacterial culture and testing of drug susceptibility (DST) capacity are limited in resource-poor countries, therefore inadequate treatment may occur, favouring resistance development. We evaluated the molecular assay GenoType® MTBDRplus (Hain Lifescience, Germany) in order to detect DR-TB directly in clinical specimens as a means of providing a more accurate management of chronic TB patients in Burkina Faso, a country with a high TB-HIV co-infection prevalence.

Methods

Samples were collected in Burkina Faso where culture and DST are not currently available, and where chronic cases are therefore classified and treated based on clinical evaluation and sputum-smear microscopy results. One hundred and eight chronic TB patients (sputum smear-positive, after completing a re-treatment regimen for pulmonary TB under directly observed therapy) were enrolled in the study from December 2006 to October 2008. Two early morning sputum samples were collected from each patient, immediately frozen, and shipped to Italy in dry ice. Samples were decontaminated, processed for smear microscopy and DNA extraction. Culture was attempted on MGIT960 (Becton Dickinson, Cockeysville, USA) and decontaminated specimens were analyzed for the presence of mutations conferring resistance to rifampin and isoniazid by the molecular assay GenoType® MTBDRplus.

Results

We obtained a valid molecular test result in 60/61 smear-positive and 47/47 smear-negative patients.

Among 108 chronic TB cases we identified patients who (i) harboured rifampin- and isoniazid-susceptible strains (n 24), (ii) were negative for MTB complex DNA (n 24), and (iii) had non-tuberculous mycobacteria infections (n 13). The most represented mutation conferring rifampin-resistance was the D516V substitution in the hotspot region of the rpoB gene (43.8% of cases). Other mutations recognized were the H526D (15.6%), the H526Y (15.6%), and the S531L (9.4%).

All isoniazid-resistant cases (n 36) identified by the molecular assay were carrying a S315T substitution in the katG gene. In 41.7% of cases, a mutation affecting the promoter region of the inhA gene was also detected.

Conclusion

The GenoType® MTBDRplus assay performed directly on sputum specimens improves the management of chronic TB cases allowing more appropriate anti-TB regimens.
Localization of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport proteins PfMRP1, PfMRP2, and PfMDR5 at the Plasmodium falciparum plasma membrane
Authors: Kavishe Reginald A , van den Heuvel Jeroen MW , van de Vegte-Bolmer Marga , Luty Adrian JF , Russel Frans GM , Koenderink Jan B
Published: August 2009

Background

The spread of drug resistance has been a major obstacle to the control of malaria. The mechanisms underlying drug resistance in malaria seem to be complex and multigenic. The current literature on multiple drug resistance against anti-malarials has documented PfMDR1, an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein, as an important determinant of resistance. In thePlasmodium falciparumgenome, there are several ABC transporters some of which could be putative drug transporting proteins. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance, characterization of these transporters is essential. The aim of this study was to characterize and localize putative ABC transporters.

Methods

In the plasmoDB database, 16 members of theP. falciparumABC family can be identified, 11 of which are putative transport proteins. A phylogenetic analysis of the aligned NBDs of the PfABC genes was performed. Antibodies against PfMRP1 (PfABCC1), PfMRP2 (PfABCC2), and PfMDR5 (PfABCB5) were generated, affinity purified and used in immunocytochemistry to localize the proteins in the asexual stages of the parasite.

Results

The ABC family members ofP. falciparumwere categorized into subfamilies. The ABC B subfamily was the largest and contained seven members. Other family members that could be involved in drug transport are PfABCC1, PfABCC2, PfABCG1, and PfABCI3. The expression and localization of three ABC transport proteins was determined. PfMRP1, PfMRP2, and PfMDR5 are localized to the plasma membrane in all asexual stages of the parasite.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 11 of the 16 ABC proteins in theP. falciparumgenome are putative transport proteins, some of which might be involved in drug resistance. Moreover, it was demonstrated that three of these proteins are expressed on the parasite's plasma membrane.
Proteomic profiling of L-cysteine induced selenite resistance in Enterobacter sp. YSU
Authors: Jasenec Ashley , Barasa Nathaniel , Kulkarni Samatha , Shaik Nabeel , Moparthi Swarnalatha , Konda Venkataramana , Caguiat Jonathan
Published: August 2009

Background

Enterobacter sp. YSU is resistant to several different heavy metal salts, including selenite. A previous study using M-9 minimal medium showed that when the selenite concentration was 100,000 times higher than the sulfate concentration, selenite entered Escherichia coli cells using two pathways: a specific and a non-specific pathway. In the specific pathway, selenite entered the cells through a yet to be characterized channel dedicated for selenite. In the non-specific pathway, selenite entered the cells through a sulfate permease channel. Addition of L-cystine, an L-cysteine dimer, appeared to indirectly decrease selenite import into the cell through the non-specific pathway. However, it did not affect the level of selenite transport into the cell through the specific pathway.

Results

Growth curves using M-9 minimal medium containing 40 mM selenite and 1 mM sulfate showed that Enterobacter sp. YSU grew when L-cysteine was present but died when it was absent. Differential protein expression analysis by two dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that CysK was present in cultures containing selenite and lacking L-cysteine but absent in cultures containing both selenite and L-cysteine. Additional RT-PCR studies demonstrated that transcripts for the sulfate permease genes, cysA, cysT and cysW, were down-regulated in the presence of L-cysteine.

Conclusion

L-cysteine appeared to confer selenite resistance upon Enterobacter sp. YSU by decreasing the level of selenite transport into the cell through the non-specific pathway.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing the clinical course of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: prognostic markers with pathogenetic relevance
Authors: Dal-Bo Michele , Bertoni Francesco , Forconi Francesco , Zucchetto Antonella , Bomben Riccardo , Marasca Roberto , Deaglio Silvia , Laurenti Luca , Efremov Dimitar G , Gaidano Gianluca , Del Poeta Giovanni , Gattei Valter
Published: August 2009

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most frequent leukemia in the Western world, is characterized by extremely variable clinical courses with survivals ranging from 1 to more than 15 years. The pathogenetic factors playing a key role in defining the biological features of CLL cells, hence eventually influencing the clinical aggressiveness of the disease, are here divided into "intrinsic factors", mainly genomic alterations of CLL cells, and "extrinsic factors", responsible for direct microenvironmental interactions of CLL cells; the latter group includes interactions of CLL cells occurring via the surface B cell receptor (BCR) and dependent to specific molecular features of the BCR itself and/or to the presence of the BCR-associated molecule ZAP-70, or via other non-BCR-dependent interactions, e.g. specific receptor/ligand interactions, such as CD38/CD31 or CD49d/VCAM-1. A putative final model, discussing the pathogenesis and the clinicobiological features of CLL in relationship of these factors, is also provided.
Breast cancer humoral immune response: involvement of Lewis y through the detection of circulating immune complexes and association with Mucin 1 (MUC1)
Authors: Larrain Marina Isla , Demichelis Sandra , Crespo Marina , Lacunza Ezequiel , Barbera Alberto , Cretón Aldo , Terrier Francisco , Segal-Eiras Amada , Croce María Virginia
Published: August 2009

Background

In cancer patients, MUC1 glycoprotein may carry Lewis y which could be involved in immune response. Purposes: 1- to evaluate the presence of Lewis y and MUC1 in circulating immune complexes (Lewis y/CIC and MUC1/CIC, respectively) and their correlation; 2- to analyze the possible presence of Lewis y in carbohydrate chains of tumoral MUC1 glycoprotein and 3- to correlate serum and tissue parameters considered.

Methods

Pretreatment serum and tissue breast samples from 76 adenocarcinoma, 34 benign and 36 normal specimens were analyzed. Anti-MUC1 and anti-Lewis y MAbs were employed. To detect Lewis y/CIC and MUC1/CIC, ELISA tests were developed; serum samples containing MUC1 were previously selected by Cancer Associated Serum Antigen (CASA). Immunoprecipitation (IP) was performed in 9 malignant, benign and normal samples and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Lewis y and MUC1 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Statistical analysis was performed employing principal component analysis (PCA), ANOVA, Tukey HSD, Chi square test and classical correlation (p < 0.05).

Results

By ELISA, Lewis y/IgM/CIC levels showed statistically significant differences between breast cancer versus benign and normal samples; mean ± SD values expressed in OD units were: 0.525 ± 0.304; 0.968 ± 0.482 and 0.928 ± 0.447, for breast cancer, benign disease and normal samples, respectively, p < 0.05. Lewis y/IgG/CIC did not show any statistically significant difference. MUC1/IgM/CIC correlated with Lewis y/IgM/CIC. By CASA, 9 samples with MUC1 values above the cut off were selected and IP was performed, followed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot; bands at 200 kDa were obtained with each MAb in all the samples. By IHC, with C14 MAb, 47.5%, 31% and 35% of malignant, benign and normal samples, respectively, showed positive reaction while all the samples were positive with anti-MUC1 MAb; in both cases, with a different pattern of expression between malignant and non malignant samples.

Conclusion

Our findings support that in breast cancer there was a limited humoral immune response through Lewis y/IgM/CIC levels detection which correlated with MUC1/IgM/CIC. We also found that Lewis y might be part of circulating MUC1 glycoform structure and also that Lewis y/CIC did not correlate with Lewis y expression.
Optimizing Learning and Quality of Life throughout the Lifespan
Authors: Loizzo Joseph
Published: August 2009

This overview surveys the new optimism about the aging mind/brain, focusing on the potential for self‐regulation practices to advance research in stress‐protection and optimal health. It reviews recent findings and offers a research framework. The review links the age‐related biology of stress and regeneration to the variability of mind/brain function found under a range of conditions from trauma to enrichment. The framework maps this variation along a biphasic continuum from atrophic dysfunction to peak performance. It adopts the concept ofallostatic loadas a measure of the wear‐and‐tear caused by stress, andenvironmental enrichmentas a measure of the use‐dependent enhancement caused by positive reinforcement. It frames the dissociation, aversive affect and stereotyped reactions linked with stress as cognitive, affective and behavioral forms ofallostatic drag; and the association, positive affect, and creative responses in enrichment as forms ofallostatic lift. It views the human mind/brain as a heterarchy of higher intelligence systems that shift between a conservative, egocentric mode heightening self‐preservation and memory and a generative, altruistic mode heightening self‐correction and learning. Cultural practices like meditation and psychotherapy work by teaching the self‐regulation of shifts from the conservative to the generative mode. This involves a systems shift fromallostatic dragtoallostatic lift, minimizing wear‐and‐tear and optimizing plasticity and learning. For cultural practices to speed research and application, a universal typology is needed. This framework includes a typology aligning current brain models of stress and learning with traditional Indo‐Tibetan models of meditative stress‐cessation and learning enrichment.
The Inflammatory Reflex and the Role of Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies
Authors: Oke Stacey L. , Tracey Kevin J.
Published: August 2009

The body's first defense against invading pathogens or tissue injury is the innate immune system. Since excessive immune responses can be damaging, anti‐inflammatory mechanisms function to control the pro‐inflammatory response and prevent injury. The cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway is a neural mechanism that suppresses the innate inflammatory response. Knowledge concerning innervation of the immune system offers a unique opportunity to explore previously unrecognized techniques to treat disease. It also enables consideration of the neurological basis of complementary and alternative medical therapies, such as meditation and acupuncture. This evolving area of research has implications for the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions of excessive cytokine release.
Tibetan Medical Interpretation of Myelin Lipids and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Husted Cynthia , Dhondup Lobsang
Published: August 2009

Tibetan medicine integrates diet, lifestyle, herbs, and accessory therapies to increase health and longevity. A comparison of the three humor theory of Tibetan medicine and the three thermodynamic phase properties of myelin lipids exemplifies how integrating medical systems can increase understanding of complex chronic disabling conditions. As a correlative study to microscopically better understand multiple sclerosis (MS) from the view of Tibetan medicine, the physical disruption of central nervous system myelin membranes in MS is interpreted from the theory of the three humors (vital energies) of Tibetan medicine: rLung (Wind), MKhris pa (Bile), and Bad gen (Phlegm). The three classes of myelin lipids – phospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol – are interpreted as one of three humors based on Langmuir isotherm thermodynamic measurements. The nature of rLung is movement or change. Myelin sphingolipids have rLung properties based on thermodynamic observations of changes in phase organization. MKhris pa is fire, energetic. Phospholipids have MKhris pa properties based on thermodynamic observations of being energetic membrane lipids with fast molecular motions and fluid‐like properties. The nature of Bad gen is substance and form; it dominates body structure. Cholesterol relates to Bad gen because it dominates membrane structure. We propose a theoretical relationship whereby demyelination in MS is viewed as a continuum of imbalance of the three humors as understood in Tibetan medicine. Myelin lipid data is presented to support this theoretical relationship. Clinically, MS is, in general, a rLung‐MKhrispa disorder in women and a Bad gen‐MKhrispa disorder in men, with rLung‐MKhrispa excess in both genders during exacerbation, inflammation, and demyelination. Studying Tibetan medicine in its traditional context will create an integrative model for the treatment of MS and other chronic conditions.
The Trans-American Outcast and Figurations of Displacement
Authors: CHANADY AMARYLL
Published: August 2009

This essay develops the concept of the “transamerican outcast” in order to examine the literary figure of economic exile in the Americas. This essay addresses emerging “translocalities” in the hemisphere—that is, multiple cultural networks and socially stratified global cities. Based on a reading of the fiction of the Canadian-Caribbean author Austin Clarke, the essay offers a symbolic mapping of urban translocalities as organisms that expel the immigrant as waste.
The adhesive delivery system of viscous capture threads spun by orb-weaving spiders
Authors: Opell Brent D. , Hendricks Mary L.
Published: August 2009

The sticky viscous capture threads in araneoid orb-webs are responsible for retaining insects that strike these webs. We used features of 16 species'threads and the stickiness that they expressed on contact plates of four widths to model their adhesive delivery systems. Our results confirm that droplets at the edges of thread contact contribute the greatest adhesion, with each successively interior droplet contributing only 0.70 as much adhesion. Thus, regardless of the size and spacing of a thread's large primary droplets,little adhesion accrues beyond a span of 20 droplets. From this pattern we computed effective droplet number (EDN), an index that describes the total droplet equivalents that contribute to the stickiness of thread spans. EDN makes the greatest positive contribution to thread stickiness, followed by an index of the shape and size of primary droplets, and the volume of small secondary droplets. The proportion of water in droplets makes the single greatest negative contribution to thread stickiness, followed by a thread's extensibility, and the area of flattened droplets. Although highly significant, this six-variable model failed to convincingly describe the stickiness of six species, a problem resolved when species were assigned to three groups and a separate model was constructed for each. These models place different weights on the variables and, in some cases, reverse or exclude the contribution of a variable. Differences in threads may adapt them to particular habitats, web architectures or prey types, or they may be shaped by a species' phylogeny or metabolic capabilities.
Estimation of homing distance in desert ants,Cataglyphis fortis, remains unaffected by disturbance of walking behaviour
Authors: Steck Kathrin , Wittlinger Matthias , Wolf Harald
Published: August 2009

Desert ants, Cataglyphis fortis, use a stride integrator as a distance gauge in their well-studied path integration system (while a skylight compass provides the direction gauge). To further scrutinize the mechanisms of the ant odometer, we tried to disturb the stride integrator by interfering with normal walking behaviour. First, legs that contribute to one of the two leg tripods alternately used in normal walking were selectively amputated. This prevented the normal tripod gait and should interfere with both the normal walking programme controlled by the central nervous system, and normal sensory feedback from the legs. Second, manipulation of the walking substrate in the form of regular corrugations was observed to interfere with normal walking behaviour, at least for corrugation wavelengths (12–25 mm) in the range of normal stride lengths. The animals fell and stumbled, or footfall patterns were entrained to the corrugation wavelength. The relationship between stride length and stride frequency was altered in several situations. Surprisingly, distance estimation and homing performance remained virtually unaffected even by the most severe interferences with walking behaviour. This demonstrates a remarkable robustness of walking behaviour and homing, and it suggests that stride length is determined by robust signals of leg sense organs.
Seasonal upregulation of fatty acid transporters in flight muscles of migratory white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Authors: McFarlan Jay T. , Bonen Arend , Guglielmo Christopher G.
Published: August 2009

Endurance flights of birds, some known to last several days, can only be sustained by high rates of fatty acid uptake by flight muscles. Previous research in migratory shorebirds indicates that this is made possible in part by very high concentrations of cytosolic heart-type fatty acid binding protein(H-FABP), which is substantially upregulated during migratory seasons. We investigated if H-FABP and other components of muscle fatty acid transport also increase during these seasons in a passerine species, the white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). Fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36)and plasma-membrane fatty acid binding protein (FABPpm) are well characterized mammalian proteins that facilitate transport of fatty acid through the muscle membrane, and in this study they were identified for the first time in birds. We used quantitative PCR to measure mRNA of FAT/CD36, FABPpm and H-FABP and immunoblotting to measure protein expression of FABPpm and H-FABP in the pectoralis muscles of sparrows captured in migratory (spring, fall) and non-migratory (winter) seasons. During migratory seasons, mRNA expression of these genes increased 70–1000% above wintering levels, while protein expression of H-FABP and FABPpm increased 43% and 110% above wintering levels. Activities of key metabolic enzymes, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HOAD),carnitine palmitoyl transferase II (CPT II), and citrate synthase (CS) also increased (90–110%) in pectoralis muscles of migrant birds. These results support the hypothesis that enhanced protein-mediated transport of fatty acids from the circulation into muscle is a key component of the changes in muscle biochemistry required for migration in birds.
The effect of schedules of reinforcement on the composition of spontaneous and evoked black-capped chickadee calls
Authors: Proppe Darren S. , Sturdy Christopher B.
Published: August 2009

Songbirds often modify elements of their songs or calls in particular social situations (e.g. song matching, flock convergence, etc.) but whether adult individuals also make vocal modifications in response to abiotic environmental factors (e.g. food availability) is relatively unknown. In the present study we test whether two different schedules of food reinforcement,fixed ratio continuous reinforcement and variable ratio partial reinforcement,cause adult black-capped chickadees to change the structure of their chick-a-dee calls. We also examine how these calls differ in two contexts:being alone versus when experiencing an alarming event. Wild-caught black-capped chickadees were housed in isolation to prevent social interaction and recorded weekly for seven weeks. Baseline recordings on week one show that calls given alone differed from those given during an alarming event in both note type composition and frequency (i.e. pitch). Calls also changed over time between birds on the two different schedules of reinforcement. In addition,birds on different reinforcement schedules responded differently during the two recording conditions. Our results suggest that call characteristics can be modified rapidly and may reflect abiotic environmental conditions. If call structure varies consistently with particular abiotic environmental conditions, much can be gained from bioacoustic analyses of calls from wild birds. However, vocal patterns must be consistent across dialects, and we must disentangle vocal changes due to the abiotic environment from those due to social interaction. Further research is needed from natural populations and across multiple regions.
Physiological response of the symbiotic gorgonianEunicella singularisto a long-term temperature increase
Authors: Ferrier-Pagès Christine , Tambutté Eric , Zamoum Thamilla , Segonds Natacha , Merle Pierre-Laurent , Bensoussan Nathaniel , Allemand Denis , Garrabou Joaquim , Tambutté Sylvie
Published: August 2009

Increase in seawater temperature is one of the major effects of global climate change that affects marine organisms, including Cnidaria. Among them,gorgonians from the NW Mediterranean Sea, such as the species Eunicella singularis, have suffered spectacular and extensive damage. We thus investigated in a controlled laboratory experiment the response of E. singularis to a long-term increase in temperature and we took a special interest in its photosynthetic and calcification response to the stress. Two populations collected at 15 and 35 m depths were studied in order to determine whether there was a difference in sensitivity to thermal stress between living depths. Our results show: (a) that calcification and photosynthesis were impacted only when gorgonians were maintained for more than two weeks at 26°C, and (b) that colonies of E. singularis living in shallow waters were less tolerant than those living in deep waters. Because E. singularis is a symbiotic species, we have also discussed the potential role of symbiosis in the thermotolerance response.
Endothermy of dynastine scarab beetles (Cyclocephala colasi)associated with pollination biology of a thermogenic arum lily(Philodendron solimoesense)
Authors: Seymour Roger S. , White Craig R. , Gibernau Marc
Published: August 2009

Cyclocephala colasi beetles are facultative endotherms that spend most of their adult lives inside the inflorescences of Philodendron solimoesense, where ambient temperature (Ta) averages about 28°C due to floral thermogenesis. Measurements of respiration within a range of Ta showed that active beetles became spontaneously endothermic at Ta below 28°C but were rarely endothermic above it. There was no evidence of endothermy within the inflorescences, indicating that activities in the floral chamber can occur without the high energy expense of endothermy. Bouts of endothermy occurred at lower Ta in respirometer chambers mainly in the evening,when the insects normally fly from one inflorescence to another, and during the night, when they normally eat and mate within the inflorescence. Patterns of endothermy in individual episodes were studied in non-flying beetles with respirometry and infrared thermal imaging. Heat was generated in the thorax by oscillatory waves of respiration that were coupled with thoracic temperature(Tth) increases. Stationary beetles could regulate Tth at about 33°C independently of Ta between 16 and 29°C. At Ta=20°C, this represents a 116-fold increase in metabolic rate over resting, ectothermic values. Endothermy was clearly a requirement for flight, and beetles departing inflorescences warmed to about 30°C before take-off. During flight, Tth was dependent on Ta, decreasing from 37 to 28°C at Ta of 37 to 20°C, respectively. The lowest Ta at which flight could occur was about 20°C. Thermal conductance of stationary, endothermic beetles increased at higher metabolic rates, probably because of increased ventilatory heat loss.
Preparing for escape: anti-predator posture and fast-start performance in gobies
Authors: Turesson Håkan , Satta Andrea , Domenici Paolo
Published: August 2009

The adoption of postures as a response to threats is often interpreted in terms of predator detection or signalling (e.g. vigilance and defence display). The possibility that an alternative or additional function of anti-predator postures might be to enhance the subsequent escape has been largely unexplored. Here, we use black goby (Gobius niger) to test the hypothesis that a postural curvature caused by a bending response (i.e. a slow muscle contraction which bends the body with no forward displacement)induced by a weak stimulus (WS) may affect escape responses. Three experiments were carried out. (1) Control and WS-stimulated fish were startled using lateral mechanical stimuli, to test whether the orientation of the postural C-bend affected escape direction and performance. Postural curvature was defined as positive when escapes were towards the convex side of the postural C-shape, and negative when they were towards the concave side. Locomotor performance increased with postural curvature, although fish showed a preference for escaping away from the stimulus regardless of postural curvature. (2) Control and WS-stimulated fish were startled from above, hence minimising the directionality of the threat on the horizontal plane. WS-stimulated fish showed a bias towards escaping from a positive curvature,thereby enhancing their locomotor performance. (3) Field observations with stimuli coming from above showed that gobies escape most often towards the convex side of the postural C-shape. By escaping from positively curved postures, most of the initial tailsweep is directed backwards and may provide more thrust than when starting from straight or negatively curved postures. Hence, the anti-predator posture adopted by alerted benthic fishes may`prepare' them for their subsequent escape response because it conveys an advantage when they are attacked from above (a likely occurrence), although when gobies are stimulated horizontally, escape direction may be favoured over high locomotor performance when the two trade off.
The XIAP IRES activates 3′ cistron expression by inducing production of monocistronic mRNA in the βgal/CAT bicistronic reporter system
Authors: Saffran Holly A. , Smiley James R.
Published: August 2009

X-chromosome linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) mRNA has been proposed to bear a stress-activated internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that stimulates translation under conditions that inhibit cap-dependent initiation. However, several reports have indicated that the strong activity of the XIAP IRES in certain bicistronic reporter assay systems stems from production of unintended monocistronic transcripts through splicing or cryptic promoter activity. Here we extend these findings by providing evidence that the XIAP IRES similarly provokes the production of monocistronic mRNA encompassing the 3′ cistron in the βgal/CAT bicistronic reporter plasmid that was originally used to identify and characterize this putative IRES, through cryptic promoter activity.
Business School Research: Measuring Value Contribution Through Citations of Journals in Patents
Authors: O'Leary Daniel E.
Published: August 2009

Academic research from business schools should be relevant and rigorous; however, business school research has often been criticized for its lack of value and relevance to business. In addition, business schools have been asked to assess the impact of faculty research. This paper examines citations of journals in patents to assess one dimension of that value, relevance, and impact. In particular, this paper analyzes the number of patents that cite specific journals focusing on eight business disciplines, as an alternative approach for assessing this one dimension: patentable research. In addition, this paper uses citations of journals in patents to assess the leading journals in these eight disciplines.