bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Availability of Aluminum in Formulations for Parenteral Nutrition Containing Silicate
Authors: Bohrer Denise , Bortoluzzi Fabiana , Nascimento Paulo Cícero do , de Carvalho Leandro Machado , de Oliveira Sandra Ribeiro
Published: July 2009

Background: Silicate (Si) and aluminum (Al) may be concomitant impurities in solutions for parenteral nutrition (PN). Silicate can bind to Al to form stable hydroxyaluminosilicates (HAS), thus reducing Al availability. This possibility is investigated by heating solutions containing constituents of PN in glass containers to promote the release of Si and Al. Methods: The total amount of Si and Al in solution is measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, and the Al not bound to Si is evaluated by reaction with morin. Results: When the Si:Al molar ratio is >5, no free Al is found in solution. For ratios <5, it is found that the lower the ratio, the higher the free Al fraction. However, in solutions of some amino acids, even with a low Si:Al ratio (<2), the amount of free Al is lower than that found in other solutions. The same tendency is observed among commercial formulations. Although in salt solutions the free fraction of Al reaches almost 100% when the Si concentration is low, in amino acid formulations the free fraction of Al does not surpass 50%. Moreover, even for Si:Al ratios >5, there is a “residual” fraction of free Al in amino acid formulations. Conclusions: The concomitant presence of Al and Si in solutions for PN reduces the amount of Al available attributable to the formation of HAS. In amino acid formulations this effect may be slightly reduced given the affinity of certain amino acids for Al. Therefore, amino acids may behave in the same fashion as silicate.
What We Know About At-Risk Students
Authors: Foster Johnson Amy , Wellman Perkins Gerra
Published: July 2009

Schools are focusing considerable efforts on reaching students who are identified as at risk of becoming future dropouts due to poverty, behavior, and/or academics. This article details the important role that middle school counselors can play in meeting the needs of the at-risk population because of the specialized training they receive in working with individuals to address their academic, career, and personal/social development needs.
The terms ‘native’ and ‘alien’ — a biogeographical perspective
Authors: Preston Christopher D.
Published: July 2009

The concepts of native and alien species are essential to biogeography. They are fundamental to our understanding of why organisms grow where they do. Many species are easy to allocate to one or other category (eg, New World species in the Old World), although there are also of course doubtful cases. The biogeographical use of the terms as factual descriptions of modes of origin should be distinguished from their use in evaluating species for conservation purposes.
Geographies of consumption: engaging with absent presences
Authors: Mansvelt Juliana
Published: July 2009

For geographers and others studying landscapes of consumption, sustained engagements with ‘absent presences’ — be they historically constituted or exhibited as more contemporary silences — have prompted researchers to reflect on contradictions and biases in narratives, exposing taken-for-granted assumptions about the research endeavour and the subjects of research. Focusing on research related to consuming, branding imaginaries, material and relational geographies, I outline how researchers have examined existing categorizations and conceptualizations of consumption practices and places to reflect on the power and politics ‘at work’.
Understanding the Paradox of Patient Pain and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Daly Quinlan-Colwell Ann
Published: July 2009

Pain, in all probability, is the most common symptom experienced by individuals who interact with health care providers. It is understood as a complex and highly individual experience. This complexity is reflected in the paradoxical relationship between patient satisfaction and patient reported pain scores. Using a holistic, caring approach, nurses can optimize the effect of analgesia and facilitate comfort for the person living in pain. Caring for the patient in pain begins with heartfelt compassion and intention to help the person who is suffering. The author describes how the complex relationship and interchange between the patient and the holistic nurse explains the paradox.
Rationalization of Indigenous Male Circumcision as a Sacred Religious Custom
Authors: Mavundla Thandisizwe Redford , Netswera Fulufelo Godfrey , Bottoman Brian , Toth Ferenc
Published: July 2009

This article presents research findings based on the meaning of indigenous circumcision to Xhosa men in South Africa. In South Africa, male circumcision is a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood. The country has experienced serious problems associated with the practice of this rite ranging from dehydration to death in the traditional “bush” circumcision schools. A qualitative, endogenous research design that is explorative, descriptive, and contextual was undertaken using individual interviews, focus group interviews, and community meetings discussing this ritual. A total of 25 men were interviewed. Only one question was posed throughout the research process: “How do you experience having a son who is undergoing the circumcision rite?” The study revealed cultural circumcision as a “sacred religious practice” with five themes, namely (a) readiness of Xhosa families to engage in the circumcision ritual, (b) the act of circumcision and preparation for manhood, (c) the importance of symbolic purity during the circumcision ritual, (d) celebrating acquired manhood, and (5) aspects of manhood and the rejection of clinical care. Secondary to this are health promotion recommendations made for individuals involved in this ritual.
An Intelligent Controller Design for Magnetorheological Damper Based on a Quarter-car Model
Authors: Tusset Angelo Marcelo , Rafikov Marat , Balthazar José Manoel
Published: July 2009

This paper presents the control strategies of nonlinear vehicle suspension using a magnetorheological (MR) damper. We used two different approaches for modeling and control of the mechanical and electrical parts of the suspension systems with the MR damper. First, we have formulated and resolved the control problem in order to design the linear feedback dumping force controller for a nonlinear suspension system. Then the values of the control dumping force functions were transformed into electrical control signals by the application of a fuzzy logic control method. The numerical simulations were provided in order to show the effectiveness of this method for the semi-active control of the quarter-car suspension.
Discriminative and Predictive Validity of the Penile Plethysmograph in Adolescent Sex Offenders
Authors: Clift Robert J. W. , Rajlic Gordana , Gretton Heather M.
Published: July 2009

The current study addresses the discriminative and predictive validity of the penile plethysmograph (PPG) in a sample of 132 male adolescent sex offenders who were admitted to a sex offender treatment program. The subjects were assessed pretreatment and posttreatment, under two different instructions sets: an Arouse condition, where subjects allowed themselves to become aroused; and a Suppress condition, where subjects attempted to suppress or control their arousal. Under the pretreatment Arouse condition, the group with male child victims demonstrated significantly greater arousal to child stimuli than the group with female nonchild victims. However, the group with female child victims could not be differentiated from the group with female nonchild victims. Under the Suppress condition, there was no evidence of discriminative validity for any of the PPG indices. As for predictive validity, posttreatment arousal to male and female children was significantly related to sexual offense recidivism. Posttreatment inability to suppress deviant arousal to male and female children was also significantly related to sexual offense recidivism over the 6-year follow-up period. In light of these findings, the implications for adolescent sex offender research and treatment are discussed.
New Technologies and New Spaces for Relation
Authors: Núñez Puente Sonia , García Jiménez Antonio
Published: July 2009

In recent decades, Spanish feminist praxis has diversified its theoretical proposals and objectives, presenting the use of the new virtual communities from perspectives that bring it closer both to cyberfeminism and to technofeminism. The purpose of this article is to consider and explore in depth the construction and the use of the new technologies and internet in the new spaces for relationships in this feminist praxis. The article analyses the theoretical and agency proposals presented by two of the founders of the most significant portals in recent years in Spain: E-leusis, founded by María Angustias Bertomeu, and Mujeres en Red, founded by Montserrat Boix. From a position closer to the essential utopia defended by Bertomeu, Spanish feminist praxis has advanced towards a kind of technofeminism that Montserrat Boix herself has transformed into what she has denominated social cyberfeminism.
The information and financial power of the World Bank
Authors: Das Tara
Published: July 2009

Like military might and financial resources – the conventional forms of political influence – information is an important source of influence in international relations. International organisations disseminate vast amounts of information, which shape how social problems are perceived and addressed. The World Bank maintains two forms of power that reinforce one another:, information power and financial power, which is evident in the representations of HIV/AIDS implicit in Bank-lending requirements and project designs. This article contributes to the burgeoning literature on World Bank knowledge production by examining how information power is cultivated by the World Bank through collaboration with sister UN agencies and sustained by its established financial power. Production of knowledge by the World Bank involves UN collaboration with the use of HIV/AIDS focal points (‘go-to’ people for information, who communicate with one another and read the same publications) and external peer review of World Bank documents. As a result, information is consistent across international institutions and simultaneously expansive, as they adhere to individual UN agency mandates while also borrowing from one another. Country actors will become accustomed to international information, in interactions with any one of the international institutions and with each other, as well as by adhering to World Bank lending requirements and participating in World Bank projects.
Can genetically modified cotton contribute to sustainable development in Africa?
Authors: Morse Stephen , Mannion A.M.
Published: July 2009

Genetically modified (GM) crops and sustainable development remain the foci of much media attention, especially given current concerns about a global food crisis. However, whilst the latter is embraced with enthusiasm by almost all groups, GM crops generate very mixed views. Some countries have welcomed GM, but others, notably those in Europe, adopt a cautious stance. This article aims to review the contribution that GM crops can make to agricultural sustainability in the developing world. Following brief reviews of both issues and their linkages, notably the pros and cons of GM cotton as a contributory factor in sustainability, a number of case studies from resourcepoor cotton farmers in Makhathini Flats, South Africa, is presented for a six-year period. Data on expenditure, productivity and income indicate that Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is advantageous because it reduces costs, for example, of pesticides, and increases income, and the indications are that those benefits continued over at least the six years covered by the studies. There are repercussions of the additional income in the households; debts are reduced and money is invested in children's education and in the farms. However, in the general GM debate, the results show that GM crops are not miracle products which alleviate poverty at a stroke, but nor is there evidence that they will cause the scale of environmental damage associated with indiscriminate pesticide use. Indeed, for some GM antagonists, perhaps even the majority, such debates are irrelevant – the transfer of genes between species is unnatural and unethical. For them, GM crops will never be acceptable despite the evidence and pressure to increase world food production.
Methamphetamine Exposure, Iron Deficiency, and Implications for Cognitive-Communicative Function: A Case Study
Authors: Goldberg Lynette R. , Heiss Cynthia J. , White Letitia , Kaf Wafaa A. , Becker Alan , Schindler Jessica B. , Dion Nancy , Oswalt Jill
Published: July 2009

Methamphetamine (meth) exposure during fetal development has the potential to adversely affect the development of multiple organ systems. An interdisciplinary case study of a 4-year 11-month-old child born to a mother addicted to meth revealed significant cognitive and communicative delays. Possible meth-related consequences for these delays included stroke in utero with associated hemiparesis and epilepsy, congenital eye dysfunction, recurrent middle ear infections, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), social adjustment problems, and parental neglect. An important additional finding was the child’s nondietary iron deficiency anemia, which could contribute to or compound meth-related behavioral problems. The influence of chronic iron deficiency anemia on cognitive-communicative function speaks to the importance of including dietitians in the interdisciplinary team assessment of children exposed to meth.
The importance of hand anatomy in the accident and emergency department: assessment of hand anatomy knowledge in doctors in training
Authors: DICKSON J. K. , MORRIS G. , HERON M.
Published: July 2009

Good anatomical knowledge is essential for the early recognition of severe or significant hand injuries in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, in particular nerve, vascular or tendon injuries. In 1992, Murphy and Olney assessed hand anatomy knowledge in junior doctors. We have repeated this study 16 years on. The 2008 cohort performed worse in response to every question asked and in some areas significantly so. We discuss the results in relation to the recognition of serious injuries and also with regards to anatomy teaching in medical schools and at postgraduate level.
Elbow Flexion after Primary Reconstruction in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy
Authors: TERZIS J. K. , KOKKALIS Z. T.
Published: July 2009

Fifty-two children (54 upper extremities) with obstetric brachial plexus palsy who underwent primary reconstruction for elbow flexion restoration were studied. The outcomes were analysed in relation to the type of brachial plexus lesion, timing of surgery, and the type of reconstruction. Overall, 42 of 54 extremities (78%) achieved good and excellent results (≥M3+). The average postoperative muscle grading for the biceps was 3.7 (SD 0.8), and the average postoperative active elbow flexion was 108° (SD 33°). The average elbow flexion contracture was 18° (SD 21°). The timing of surgery and the type of the brachial plexus injury significantly influenced the final outcome. The best results were seen in early cases (≤3 months), where the lateral cord was reconstructed from intraplexus donors. In this group, minimal flexion contracture deformity was observed. Late reconstruction (≥7 months) of the musculocutaneous nerve resulted in inferior results.
Detection and quantification of five major periodontal pathogens by single copy gene-based real-time PCR
Authors: Hyvärinen Kati , Laitinen Saara , Paju Susanna , Hakala Anne , Suominen-Taipale Liisa , Skurnik Mikael , Könönen Eija , Pussinen Pirkko J.
Published: July 2009

Periodontitis is a common chronic multibacterial infection in the tooth-supporting tissues. It has been shown that periodontitis patients carry higher number of disease-associated bacteria than healthy ones. The aim of this study was to generate a novel, single copy gene-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for five major periodontal pathogens — Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia. The primer/probe sets were designed for conservative lipopolysaccharide-coding gene regions. They proved to be sensitive and able to detect strains representing different serotypes of the target bacteria. The specificity of designed primers was tested using 49 selected bacterial species and no false positive or negative results were observed. We validated the assay with a case-control population, including 165 saliva samples, and proved the diagnostic accuracy by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. All quantified pathogens alone were able to distinguish significantly between the subjects with and without periodontitis, and provided areas under the ROC curve larger than 0.5. The total pathogen burden comprising all five species associated with periodontitis with an area of 0.821 (95% CI, 0.758—0.885, P50.001). Our prominently sensitive and specific assay may have major importance in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontitis.
TLR4-mediated induction of TLR2 signaling is critical in the pathogenesis and resolution of otitis media
Authors: Leichtle Anke , Hernandez Michelle , Pak Kwang , Yamasaki Kenshi , Cheng Chun-Fang , Webster Nicholas J. , Ryan Allen F. , Wasserman Stephen I.
Published: July 2009

Otitis media is the most prevalent childhood disease in developed countries. The involvement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in otitis media pathophysiology has been implicated by studies in cell lines and association studies of TLR gene polymorphisms. However, precise functions of TLRs in the etiology of otitis media in vivo have not been examined. We investigated the inflammatory response to nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae using a model of otitis media in wild-type, TLR2— /— and TLR4—/ — mice by gene microarray, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis and histopathology. Toll-like receptor-2— /— and TLR4— /— mice exhibited a more profound, persistent inflammation with impaired bacterial clearance compared to controls. While wild-type mice induced tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF) after non-typeable H. influenzae challenge, TLR2—/— and TLR4—/— mice lack TNF induction in the early phase of otitis media. Moreover, lack of TLR2 resulted in a late increase in IL-10 expression and prolonged failure to clear bacteria. Toll-like receptor-4—/— mice showed impaired early bacterial clearance and loss of TLR2 induction in early otitis media. Our results demonstrate that both TLR2 and TLR4 signalling are critical to the regulation of infection in non-typeable H. influenzae-induced otitis media. Toll-like receptor-4 signalling appears to induce TLR2 expression, and TLR2 activation is critical for bacterial clearance and timely resolution of otitis media.
Lyn, PKC-δ, SHIP-1 interactions regulate GPVI-mediated platelet-dense granule secretion
Authors: Chari Ramya , Kim Soochong , Murugappan Swaminathan , Sanjay Archana , Daniel James L. , Kunapuli Satya P.
Published: July 2009

Protein kinase C-δ (PKC-δ) is expressed in platelets and activated downstream of protease-activated receptors (PARs) and glycoprotein VI (GPVI) receptors. We have previously shown that PKC-δ positively regulates PAR-mediated dense granule secretion, whereas it negatively regulates GPVI-mediated dense granule secretion. We further investigated the mechanism of such differential regulation of dense granule release by PKC-δ in platelets. SH2 domain–containing inositol phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1) is phosphorylated on Y1020, a marker for its activation, upon stimulation of human platelets with PAR agonists SFLLRN and AYPGKF or GPVI agonist convulxin. GPVI-mediated SHIP-1 phosphorylation occurred rapidly at 15 seconds, whereas PAR-mediated phosphorylation was delayed, occurring at 1 minute. Lyn and SHIP-1, but not SHIP-2 or Shc, preferentially associated with PKC-δ on stimulation of platelets with a GPVI agonist, but not with a PAR agonist. In PKC-δ–null murine platelets, convulxin-induced SHIP-1 phosphorylation was inhibited. Furthermore, in Lyn null murine platelets, GPVI-mediated phosphorylations on Y-1020 of SHIP-1 and Y311 of PKC-δ were inhibited. In murine platelets lacking Lyn or SHIP-1, GPVI-mediated dense granule secretions are potentiated, whereas PAR-mediated dense granule secretions are inhibited. Therefore, we conclude that Lyn-mediated phosphorylations of PKC-δ and SHIP-1 and their associations negatively regulate GPVI-mediated dense granule secretion in platelets.
Identification of novel antigens with induced immune response in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Blotta Simona , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Prabhala Rao H. , Tagliaferri Piersandro , Cervi David , Amin Samir , Jakubikova Jana , Tai Yu-Tzu , Podar Klaus , Mitsiades Constantine S. , Zullo Alessandro , Franco Brunella , Anderson Kenneth C. , Munshi Nikhil C.
Published: July 2009

The transformation from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma (MM) is thought to be associated with changes in immune processes. We have therefore used serologic analysis of recombinant cDNA expression library to screen the sera of MGUS patients to identify tumor-associated antigens. A total of 10 antigens were identified, with specific antibody responses in MGUS. Responses appeared to be directed against intracellular proteins involved in cellular functions, such as apoptosis (SON, IFT57/HIPPI), DNA and RNA binding (ZNF292, GPATCH4), signal transduction regulators (AKAP11), transcriptional corepressor (IRF2BP2), developmental proteins (OFD1), and proteins of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (PSMC1). Importantly, the gene responsible for the oral-facial-digital type I syndrome (OFD1) had response in 6 of 29 (20.6%) MGUS patients but 0 of 11 newly diagnosed MM patients. Interestingly, 3 of 11 (27.2%) MM patients after autologous stem cell transplantations showed responses to OFD1. We have confirmed T-cell responses against OFD1 in MGUS and observed down-regulation of GLI1/PTCH1 and p-β-catenin after OFD1 knock-down with specific siRNA, suggesting its functional role in the regulation of Hh and Wnt pathways. These findings demonstrate OFD1 as an important immune target and highlight its possible role in signal transduction and tumorigenesis in MGUS and MM.
How I treat the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Giannakopoulos Bill , Krilis Steven A.
Published: July 2009

This article discusses how we approach medical decision making in the treatment of the various facets of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), including secondary prophylaxis in the setting of venous and arterial thrombosis, as well as treatment for the prevention of recurrent miscarriages and fetal death. The role of primary thromboprophylaxis is also discussed in depth. Great emphasis is given to incorporating the most up-to-date and relevant evidence base both from the APS literature, and from large, recent, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of primary and secondary thrombotic prophylaxis in the general population setting (ie, the population that has not been specifically investigated for APS).
A novel binding site for ADAMTS13 constitutively exposed on the surface of globular VWF
Authors: Zanardelli Sara , Chion Alain C. K. , Groot Evelyn , Lenting Peter J. , McKinnon Thomas A. J. , Laffan Mike A. , Tseng Michelle , Lane David A.
Published: July 2009

ADAMTS13 metalloprotease regulates the multimeric size of von Willebrand factor (VWF) by cleaving the Tyr1605-Met1606 bond in the VWF A2 domain. The mechanisms of VWF recognition by ADAMTS13 have yet to be fully resolved. Most studies have focused on the role of exosites within the VWF A2 domain, involved in interaction with the ADAMTS13 spacer domain. In the present study, we expressed different C-terminal domain VWF fragments and evaluated their binding to ADAMTS13 and its truncated mutants, MDTCS and del(TSP5-CUB). Using plate binding assay and surface plasmon resonance, we identified a novel ADAMTS13 binding site (KD ∼ 86 nM) in the region of VWF spanning residues 1874 to 2813, which includes the VWF D4 domain and that interacts with the C-terminal domains of ADAMTS13. We show that the interaction occurs even when VWF is in static conditions, assumed to be globular and where the VWF A2 domain is hidden. We demonstrate that C-terminal VWF fragments, as well as an antibody specifically directed toward the VWF D4 domain, inhibit VWF proteolysis by ADAMTS13 under shear conditions. We propose that this novel VWF C-terminal binding site may participate as the initial step of a multistep interaction ultimately leading to proteolysis of VWF by ADAMTS13.
Complex coevolutionary history of symbiotic Bacteroidales bacteria of various protists in the gut of termites
Authors: Noda Satoko , Hongoh Yuichi , Sato Tomoyuki , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: July 2009

Background

The microbial community in the gut of termites is responsible for the efficient decomposition of recalcitrant lignocellulose. Prominent features of this community are its complexity and the associations of prokaryotes with the cells of cellulolytic flagellated protists. Bacteria in the order Bacteroidales are involved in associations with a wide variety of gut protist species as either intracellular endosymbionts or surface-attached ectosymbionts. In particular, ectosymbionts exhibit distinct morphological patterns of the associations. Therefore, these Bacteroidales symbionts provide an opportunity to investigate not only the coevolutionary relationships with the host protists and their morphological evolution but also how symbiotic associations between prokaryotes and eukaryotes occur and evolve within a complex symbiotic community.

Results

Molecular phylogeny of 31 taxa of Bacteroidales symbionts from 17 protist genera in 10 families was examined based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Their localization, morphology, and specificity were also examined by fluorescent in situ hybridizations. Although a monophyletic grouping of the ectosymbionts occurred in three related protist families, the symbionts of different protist genera were usually dispersed among several phylogenetic clusters unique to termite-gut bacteria. Similar morphologies of the associations occurred in multiple lineages of the symbionts. Nevertheless, the symbionts of congeneric protist species were closely related to one another, and in most cases, each host species harbored a unique Bacteroidales species. The endosymbionts were distantly related to the ectosymbionts examined so far.

Conclusion

The coevolutionary history of gut protists and their associated Bacteroidales symbionts is complex. We suggest multiple independent acquisitions of the Bacteroidales symbionts by different protist genera from a pool of diverse bacteria in the gut community. In this sense, the gut could serve as a reservoir of diverse bacteria for associations with the protist cells. The similar morphologies are considered a result of evolutionary convergence. Despite the complicated evolutionary history, the host-symbiont relationships are mutually specific, suggesting their cospeciations at the protist genus level with only occasional replacements.
Exploring temporal transcription regulation structure of Aspergillus fumigatus in heat shock by state space model
Authors: Do Jin Hwan , Yamaguchi Rui , Miyano Satoru
Published: July 2009

Background

The thermotolerance of Aspergillus fumigatus plays a critical role in mammalian and avian infections. Thus, the identification of its adaptation mechanism to higher temperature is very important for an efficient anti-fungal drug development as well as fundamental understanding of its pathogenesis. We explored the temporal transcription regulation structure of this pathogenic fungus under heat shock conditions using the time series microarray data reported by Nierman et al. (Nature 2005, 438:1151-1156).

Results

The estimated transcription regulation structure of A. fumigatus shows that the heat shock proteins are strongly negatively associated with central metabolic pathway genes such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) and carbohydrate metabolism. It was 60 min and 120 min, respectively, after the growth temperature changes from 30°C (corresponding to environments of tropical soil) to 37°C and 48°C (corresponding to temperatures in the human body and compost, respectively) that some of genes in TCA cycle were started to be upregulated. In these points, most of heat shock proteins showed lowest expression level after heat shocks. Among the heat shock proteins, the HSP30 (AFU6G06470), a single integral plasma membrane heat shock protein, presented most active role in transcription regulation structure in both heat shock conditions of 37°C and 48°C. The metabolic genes associated with multiple genes in the gene regulation network showed a tendency to have opposite expression patterns of heat shock proteins. The role of those metabolic genes was second regulator in the coherent feed-forward loop type of regulation structure having heat shock protein as its first regulator. This type of regulation structure might be very advantageous for the thermal adaptation of A. fumigatus under heat shock because a small amount of heat shock proteins can rapidly magnify their regulation effect on target genes. However, the coherent feed-forward loop type of regulation of heat shock proteins with metabolic genes became less frequent with increasing temperature. This might be the reason for dramatic increase in the expression of heat shock proteins and the number of heat shock response genes at heat shock of 48°C.

Conclusion

We systemically analysed the thermal adaption mechanism of A. fumigatus by state space model with times series microarray data in terms of transcription regulation structure. We suggest for the first time that heat shock proteins might efficiently regulate metabolic genes using the coherent feed-forward loop type of regulation structure. This type of regulation structure would also be efficient for adjustment to the other stresses requiring rapid change of metabolic mode as well as thermal adaptation.
Hmrbase: a database of hormones and their receptors
Authors: Rashid Mamoon , Singla Deepak , Sharma Arun , Kumar Manish , Raghava Gajendra PS
Published: July 2009

Background

Hormones are signaling molecules that play vital roles in various life processes, like growth and differentiation, physiology, and reproduction. These molecules are mostly secreted by endocrine glands, and transported to target organs through the bloodstream. Deficient, or excessive, levels of hormones are associated with several diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes etc. Thus, it is important to collect and compile information about hormones and their receptors.

Description

This manuscript describes a database called Hmrbase which has been developed for managing information about hormones and their receptors. It is a highly curated database for which information has been collected from the literature and the public databases. The current version of Hmrbase contains comprehensive information about ~2000 hormones, e.g., about their function, source organism, receptors, mature sequences, structures etc. Hmrbase also contains information about ~3000 hormone receptors, in terms of amino acid sequences, subcellular localizations, ligands, and post-translational modifications etc. One of the major features of this database is that it provides data about ~4100 hormone-receptor pairs. A number of online tools have been integrated into the database, to provide the facilities like keyword search, structure-based search, mapping of a given peptide(s) on the hormone/receptor sequence, sequence similarity search. This database also provides a number of external links to other resources/databases in order to help in the retrieving of further related information.

Conclusion

Owing to the high impact of endocrine research in the biomedical sciences, the Hmrbase could become a leading data portal for researchers. The salient features of Hmrbase are hormone-receptor pair-related information, mapping of peptide stretches on the protein sequences of hormones and receptors, Pfam domain annotations, categorical browsing options, online data submission, DrugPedia linkage etc. Hmrbase is available online for public from http://crdd.osdd.net/raghava/hmrbase/.
Integrin α6Bβ4 inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation and c-Myc activity
Authors: Dydensborg Anders Bondo , Teller Inga C , Groulx Jean-François , Basora Nuria , Paré Fréderic , Herring Elizabeth , Gauthier Rémy , Jean Dominique , Beaulieu Jean-François
Published: July 2009

Background

Integrins are known to be important contributors to cancer progression. We have previously shown that the integrin β4 subunit is up-regulated in primary colon cancer. Its partner, the integrin α6 subunit, exists as two different mRNA splice variants, α6A and α6B, that differ in their cytoplasmic domains but evidence for distinct biological functions of these α6 splice variants is still lacking.

Methods

In this work, we first analyzed the expression of integrin α6A and α6B at the protein and transcript levels in normal human colonic cells as well as colorectal adenocarcinoma cells from both primary tumors and established cell lines. Then, using forced expression experiments, we investigated the effect of α6A and α6B on the regulation of cell proliferation in a colon cancer cell line.

Results

Using variant-specific antibodies, we observed that α6A and α6B are differentially expressed both within the normal adult colonic epithelium and between normal and diseased colonic tissues. Proliferative cells located in the lower half of the glands were found to predominantly express α6A, while the differentiated and quiescent colonocytes in the upper half of the glands and surface epithelium expressed α6B. A relative decrease of α6B expression was also identified in primary colon tumors and adenocarcinoma cell lines suggesting that the α6A/α6B ratios may be linked to the proliferative status of colonic cells. Additional studies in colon cancer cells showed that experimentally restoring the α6A/α6B balance in favor of α6B caused a decrease in cellular S-phase entry and repressed the activity of c-Myc.

Conclusion

The findings that the α6Bβ4 integrin is expressed in quiescent normal colonic cells and is significantly down-regulated in colon cancer cells relative to its α6Aβ4 counterpart are consistent with the anti-proliferative influence and inhibitory effect on c-Myc activity identified for this α6Bβ4 integrin. Taken together, these findings point out the importance of integrin variant expression in colon cancer cell biology.
Artificial arterial blood pressure artifact models and an evaluation of a robust blood pressure and heart rate estimator
Authors: Li Qiao , Mark Roger G , Clifford Gari D
Published: July 2009

Background

Within the intensive care unit (ICU), arterial blood pressure (ABP) is typically recorded at different (and sometimes uneven) sampling frequencies, and from different sensors, and is often corrupted by different artifacts and noise which are often non-Gaussian, nonlinear and nonstationary. Extracting robust parameters from such signals, and providing confidences in the estimates is therefore difficult and requires an adaptive filtering approach which accounts for artifact types.

Methods

Using a large ICU database, and over 6000 hours of simultaneously acquired electrocardiogram (ECG) and ABP waveforms sampled at 125 Hz from a 437 patient subset, we documented six general types of ABP artifact. We describe a new ABP signal quality index (SQI), based upon the combination of two previously reported signal quality measures weighted together. One index measures morphological normality, and the other degradation due to noise. After extracting a 6084-hour subset of clean data using our SQI, we evaluated a new robust tracking algorithm for estimating blood pressure and heart rate (HR) based upon a Kalman Filter (KF) with an update sequence modified by the KF innovation sequence and the value of the SQI. In order to do this, we have created six novel models of different categories of artifacts that we have identified in our ABP waveform data. These artifact models were then injected into clean ABP waveforms in a controlled manner. Clinical blood pressure (systolic, mean and diastolic) estimates were then made from the ABP waveforms for both clean and corrupted data. The mean absolute error for systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure was then calculated for different levels of artifact pollution to provide estimates of expected errors given a single value of the SQI.

Results

Our artifact models demonstrate that artifact types have differing effects on systolic, diastolic and mean ABP estimates. We show that, for most artifact types, diastolic ABP estimates are less noise-sensitive than mean ABP estimates, which in turn are more robust than systolic ABP estimates. We also show that our SQI can provide error bounds for both HR and ABP estimates.

Conclusion

The KF/SQI-fusion method described in this article was shown to provide an accurate estimate of blood pressure and HR derived from the ABP waveform even in the presence of high levels of persistent noise and artifact, and during extreme bradycardia and tachycardia. Differences in error between artifact types, measurement sensors and the quality of the source signal can be factored into physiological estimation using an unbiased adaptive filter, signal innovation and signal quality measures.
Possible roles of Epstein-Barr virus in Castleman disease
Authors: Chen Chih-Hao , Liu Hung-Chang , Hung Tzu-Ti , Liu Tsang-Pai
Published: July 2009

Background

Complete resection seemed to be curative in patients with Castleman disease of any location but the disease is likely to be reactive in its pathogenesis. The relation between Epstein-Barr virus and Castleman disease has not been elucidated. We tried to define the role of Epstein-Barr virus in the pathogenesis of Castleman disease.

Methods

20 cases of Castleman disease were retrospectively reviewed from 1993 to 2006. At least 2 to 4 representative sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from each patient were obtained to examine the presence of EBV and its localization by hematoxylin-eosin stain, immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction and In-situ hybridization

Results

Hyaline-vascular type was diagnosed in 18 cases, plasma cell type in 1 and mixed type in 1 case. All of them were positive for Epstein-Barr virus confirmed by PCR. For tumors that EBER(Epstein-Barr early region) signals mainly localized in the germinal centers have increased vascularity than cases with EBER detected in inter-follicular areas.

Conclusion

There is a strong association between Castleman disease and Epstein-Barr virus. EBV may have a potential role in angiogenesis of Castleman disease. For smaller lesion with high activity of angiogenesis but not amenable for curative resection, anti-angiogenesis medications may have a potential role to control the disease.
Foot orthoses: how much customisation is necessary?
Authors: Menz Hylton B
Published: July 2009

The relative merit of customised versus prefabricated foot orthoses continues to be the subject of passionate debate among foot health professionals. Although there is currently insufficient evidence to reach definitive conclusions, a growing body of research literature suggests that prefabricated foot orthoses may produce equivalent clinical outcomes to customised foot orthoses for some conditions. Consensus guidelines for the prescription of customised foot orthoses need to be developed so that the hypothesised benefits of these devices can be thoroughly evaluated.
Effect of interleukin-1β on spinal cord nociceptive transmission of normal and monoarthritic rats after disruption of glial function
Authors: Constandil Luis , Hernández Alejandro , Pelissier Teresa , Arriagada Osvaldo , Espinoza Karla , Burgos Hector , Laurido Claudio
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Cytokines produced by spinal cord glia after peripheral injuries have a relevant role in the maintenance of pain states. Thus, while IL-1β is overexpressed in the spinal cords of animals submitted to experimental arthritis and other chronic pain models, intrathecal administration of IL-1β to healthy animals induces hyperalgesia and allodynia and enhances wind-up activity in dorsal horn neurons.

Methods

To investigate the functional contribution of glial cells in the spinal cord nociceptive transmission, the effect of intrathecally administered IL-1β was studied in both normal and adjuvant-induced arthritic rats with or without glial inhibition. Four weeks after induction of monoarthritis, rats were treated with the glial cell inhibitor propentofylline (10 μg i.t. daily during 10 days) and submitted to a C-fiber-mediated reflex paradigm evoked by single and repetitive (wind-up) electric stimulation.

Results

Both the propentofylline treatment and the monoarthritic condition modified the stimulating current required for threshold activation of C reflex responses. Intrathecal IL-1β increased spinal cord wind-up activity in normal and monoarthritic rats without propentofylline pre-treatment, but resulted in decreased wind-up activity in normal and monoarthritic propentofylline-treated animals. Intrathecal saline did not produce any effect. Thus, glial inactivation reverted into inhibition the excitatory effect of IL-1β on spinal cord wind-up, irrespective of the normal or monoarthritic condition of rats.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the excitatory effect of nanomolar doses of IL-1β on spinal wind-up in healthy rats is produced by an unidentified glial mediator, while the inhibitory effects of IL-1β on wind-up activity in animals with inactivated glia resulted from a direct effect of the cytokine on dorsal horn neurons. The present study failed to demonstrate a differential sensitivity of normal and monoarthritic rats to IL-1β administration into the spinal cord and to disruption of β glial function, as both normal and monoarthritic animals changes wind-up activity in the same direction after propentofylline treatment, suggesting that after glial inhibition normal and monoarthritic animals behave similarly relative to the capability of dorsal horn neurons to generate wind-up activity when repeatedly stimulated by C-fibers.
Motif composition, conservation and condition-specificity of single and alternative transcription start sites in the Drosophila genome
Authors: Rach Elizabeth A , Yuan Hsiang-Yu , Majoros William H , Tomancak Pavel , Ohler Uwe
Published: July 2009

Background

Transcription initiation is a key component in the regulation of gene expression. mRNA 5' full-length sequencing techniques have enhanced our understanding of mammalian transcription start sites (TSSs), revealing different initiation patterns on a genomic scale.

Results

To identify TSSs in Drosophila melanogaster, we applied a hierarchical clustering strategy on available 5' expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and identified a high quality set of 5,665 TSSs for approximately 4,000 genes. We distinguished two initiation patterns: 'peaked' TSSs, and 'broad' TSS cluster groups. Peaked promoters were found to contain location-specific sequence elements; conversely, broad promoters were associated with non-location-specific elements. In alignments across other Drosophila genomes, conservation levels of sequence elements exceeded 90% within the melanogaster subgroup, but dropped considerably for distal species. Elements in broad promoters had lower levels of conservation than those in peaked promoters. When characterizing the distributions of ESTs, 64% of TSSs showed distinct associations to one out of eight different spatiotemporal conditions. Available whole-genome tiling array time series data revealed different temporal patterns of embryonic activity across the majority of genes with distinct alternative promoters. Many genes with maternally inherited transcripts were found to have alternative promoters utilized later in development. Core promoters of maternally inherited transcripts showed differences in motif composition compared to zygotically active promoters.

Conclusions

Our study provides a comprehensive map of Drosophila TSSs and the conditions under which they are utilized. Distinct differences in motif associations with initiation pattern and spatiotemporal utilization illustrate the complex regulatory code of transcription initiation.
A comparative study of teledermatoscopy and face-to-face examination of pigmented skin lesions
Authors: Ishioka Priscila , Tenório Josceli M , Lopes Paulo RL , Yamada Sérgio , Michalany Nílceo S , Amaral Márcio B , Pisa Ivan T , Hirata Sérgio H , Almeida Fernando A
Published: July 2009

We examined the agreement between diagnoses of pigmented skin lesions based on an in-person (face-to-face) dermatological examination and diagnoses based on the study of medical records and images transferred through the web (teledermatoscopy). Two experienced dermatologists examined and diagnosed 64 pigmented skin lesions, which had been surgically excised and undergone histopathology examination. Two years later, the same cases were studied and diagnosed once again by the same dermatologists via the web. There was 72% agreement between the in-person diagnoses and the biopsy results (the gold standard), and 66% agreement between the telediagnoses and the biopsy results. Telemedicine had high sensitivity (87%) and specificity (73%), although there were 4 false-negative diagnoses. A web-based dermatoscopic diagnostic service appears to be feasible and would meet the needs for access to specialized services in rural areas. However, further work is required to decrease the number of false negative cases.
Predicting need for intervention in individuals with congestive heart failure using a home-based telecare system
Authors: Biddiss Elaine , Brownsell Simon , Hawley Mark S
Published: July 2009

We have studied how well the need for a medical intervention can be predicted by a telecare monitoring system. During a study period of about 18 months, 45 elderly individuals with congestive heart failure used a home health monitor to enter daily information pertaining to their symptoms and health status. A total of 8576 alerts were generated by the monitoring system, although in most cases, patient and service provider interaction was not required. When system alerts were considered to be serious, or if symptoms persisted, the patient was contacted. A total of 171 key medical events (6 deaths; 28 hospital admissions; 59 changes in medication; 54 cases of advice given; 24 instances where immediate medical attention was recommended) were recorded in the monitoring logs. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed to predict these medical interventions/events. The model correctly predicted key medical events in 75% of cases with a specificity of 74% and an overall cross-validated accuracy of 74% (95% CI, 68–80%). Key predictors included the number of system alerts, self-rated mobility, self-rated health and self-rated anxiety. This suggests that subjective measures are useful in addition to physiological ones for predicting health status. A multivariate decision support model has potential to supplement practitioners and current telecare systems in identifying heart failure patients in need of medical intervention.