bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased serum lipids are associated with higher CD4 lymphocyte count in HIV‐infected women
Authors: Floris‐Moore M , Howard AA , Lo Y , Arnsten JH , Santoro N , Schoenbaum EE
Published: August 2006

Objective

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been associated with dyslipidaemia; however, the roles of immune status and non‐HIV‐disease risk factors remain unclear.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of fasting lipids was carried out for 231 women, of whom 132 were HIV‐infected and 99 were uninfected. The concentrations of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B (apo B) were measured. CD4 lymphocyte count, hepatitis C status, demographics, diet, and anthropometrics were also assessed.

Results

A total of 132 women were HIV‐infected [30 were antiretroviral‐naive, 68 were on protease inhibitors (PIs), and 34 were on non‐PI HAART]. HIV infection was associated with higher triglycerides, lower HDL‐C, and, among obese women, higher total cholesterol and LDL‐C. Non‐PI and PI HAART were each independently associated with higher total cholesterol, LDL‐C, and apo B, compared with being ART‐naive. Among HIV‐infected women, after adjustment for HAART use, women with a CD4 lymphocyte count≥500 cells/μL had total cholesterol 41.8 mg/dL (P=0.002) and LDL‐C 28.8 mg/dL (P=0.01) higher, on average, than women with a CD4 count <200 cells/μL. Women with a CD4 count of 200–499 cells/μL had total cholesterol 26.31 mg/dL higher, on average, than those with a CD4 count <200 cells/μL (P=0.04), although differences in LDL‐C did not reach significance (15.51 mg/dL; P=0.12). A higher CD4 count was also associated with higher apo B (P<0.001). Active hepatitis C infection was associated with lower total cholesterol, LDL‐C, triglycerides, and apo B.

Conclusions

Higher CD4 lymphocyte counts were associated with higher lipid levels, suggesting that immune competence may independently affect the dyslipidaemia seen in the HAART era. In addition, it is important that hepatitis C status be assessed in studies of dyslipidaemia in the HIV‐infected population.
Persistent low‐level viraemia and virological failure in HIV‐1‐infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Sungkanuparph S , Groger RK , Overton ET , Fraser VJ , Powderly WG
Published: August 2006

Objective

To assess the prognostic significance of persistent low‐level viraemia (PLV, defined as persistent plasma viral loads of 51–1000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL for at least 3 months) in patients who had achieved viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

A retrospective cohort of HIV‐infected patients who received ART, were followed‐up for ≥12 months, made regular visits to the clinic during which blood tests were performed for an ultrasensitive HIV RNA assay every 3 months, and achieved viral loads <50 copies/mL were evaluated. Virological failure was defined as two consecutive viral load measurements >1000 copies/mL.

Results

Of 362 patients, 78 (27.5%) experienced PLV. The demographics of patients with and without PLV were similar. PLV occurred at a mean (±standard deviation) of 22.6±16.9 months after ART initiation and lasted for 6.4±3.4 months. During a median follow‐up of 29.5 months, patients with PLV had a higher rate of virological failure (39.7% vs 9.2%; P<0.001). The median time to failure was 68.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 37.0–99.7] for patients with PLV and >72 months for patients without PLV (log rank test, P<0.001). By Cox regression, patients with PLV had a greater risk of virological failure [hazard ratio (HR) 3.8; 95% CI 2.2–6.4; P<0.001]. Among patients with PLV, a PLV of >400 copies/mL (HR 3.3; 95% CI 1.5–7.1; P=0.003) and a history of ART (HR 2.4; 95% CI 1.0–5.7; P=0.042) predicted virological failure.

Conclusions

PLV is associated with virological failure. Patients with a PLV >400 copies/mL and a history of ART experience are more likely to experience virological failure. Patients with PLV should be considered for treatment optimization and interventional studies.
Prevalence of protective antibody against measles in HIV‐infected children with immune recovery after highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Aurpibul L , Puthanakit T , Siriaksorn S , Sirisanthana T , Sirisanthana V
Published: August 2006

Objectives

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of measles‐protective antibody in HIV‐infected children with immune recovery after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods

Ninety‐six HIV‐infected children were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 9.7±2.6 years, 47% were boys, and 47% were in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clinical category C. All participants had been treated with HAART until they achieved a CD4 cell percentage ≥15%. Three children with a history of clinical measles infection were not included in the data analysis.

Results

Only 39 out of 93 children (42%) had a measles‐protective antibody level, defined as an anti‐measles immunoglobulin G (IgG) level ≥320 mIU/mL. There was no significant difference between the groups with and without protective levels of measles antibody in gender, clinical category, age at which HAART was started, duration of severe immune suppression, CD4 cell count and percentage, or plasma HIV RNA level before and after HAART.

Conclusions

We conclude that, despite a history of measles immunization and evidence of immune reconstitution after HAART, many healthy HIV‐infected children are still susceptible to measles.
Networks to Nerdistan: The Role of Labor Market Intermediaries in the Entry‐level IT Labor Market
Authors: CHAPPLE KAREN
Published: August 2006

Although networks have long governed economic relations, they assume even more importance in a knowledge‐based economy. Yet, some argue that because of the lack of social networks and human capital, some groups are permanently ‘switched off’ the networks of the global economy. Evidence presented in this article suggests that instead there is latent potential for access to the network, due to the rise of networked community‐based organizations and the increasing accessibility of technology. Based on surveys and in‐depth interviews with almost 700 workers and training providers, I show how the switched off are entering jobs in information technology through network ties and the acquisition of soft skills, or communication and interaction skills. Although community‐based training providers are best positioned to help disadvantaged jobseekers enter the network society, changes in the US workforce development system are reinforcing network exclusivity, rather than facilitating this upward mobility.
Variations in Immigrant Incorporation in the Neighborhoods of Amsterdam
Authors: LOGAN JOHN R.
Published: August 2006

Amsterdam’s immigrants of Caribbean and southern Mediterranean origin have been characterized as modestly segregated from Dutch residents, and their residential assimilation has been expected to proceed rapidly. This article tests the hypothesis of spatial assimilation using both aggregate data on levels of segregation and individual‐level analyses of the people who live in ethnic minority neighborhoods. Evidence is presented of assimilation for immigrants from the former colonies of Surinam and the Antilles, but Turks and Moroccans are shown to face stronger barriers. The former groups’ higher standing favors their mobility from ethnically distinct neighborhoods. There is a generational shift for Surinamese and Antilleans, while the Turks and Moroccans born in Amsterdam are as likely as the immigrant generation to settle in ethnic minority neighborhoods.
Using simulation to develop testable functionalist explanations: a case study of church survival
Authors: Chattoe Edmund
Published: August 2006

Many arguments for and against functionalism have revolved around logical and methodological issues, discouraging attempts to develop testable functionalist theories. This paper takes a different approach, arguing that the problem with sociological functionalism is not its logic of explanation but the absence of appropriatetechniquesfor formalizing functionalist theories. The solution presented – agent‐based simulation – is illustrated by a case study: a functionalist account of church survival. The case study suggests that there is nothing wrong with the logic of functionalism properly formalized, illustrates how simulation can enable testing of functionalist explanations and suggests why existing sociological methods have not proved fruitful for this task. In the light of new techniques like simulation, the current neglect of functionalism may no longer be justified.
New ways of believing or belonging: is religion giving way to spirituality?1
Authors: Glendinning Tony , Bruce Steve
Published: August 2006

In this article, the presence of alternative spirituality and practices within the general culture and their relationship to institutional religion are examined using national survey data collected as part of the 2001 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey. Alternative practices are found to divide into two groups of interests: concerns with personal well‐being and interest in divination. Better‐educated women are much more likely to engage with holistic practices associated with well‐being; a minority of younger, less well‐educated women are more likely to have found horoscopes, astrology, fortune‐telling and tarot ‘important in their lives’. Churchgoers find divination antithetical to religion while the use and salience of a range of holistic practices is as acceptable among churchgoers as it is among non‐attenders and the secular (once allowance has been made for the connections between putatively alternative practices, gender, age and education). This underscores a focus on personal well‐being rather than alternative spirituality in the consumption of holistic products and practices within the general culture. The study findings are used to assess claims for a spiritual revolution in modern Britain.
The reproduction of gender: housework and attitudes towards gender equality in the home among Swedish boys and girls1
Authors: Evertsson Marie
Published: August 2006

The housework Swedish girls and boys age 10 to 18 do, and their attitudes towards gender equality in the home are studied. One aim is to see whether the work children do is gendered and if so, whether they follow their parents’, often gendered, pattern in housework. A second aim is to see whether children's attitudes are influenced by their parents’ attitudes and practices. When it comes to issues like these, Sweden is of special interest because in 1995, Sweden was appointed the most gender equal country in the world by the United Nations.

The data used were the Swedish Child Level of Living Survey 2000 (see http://www.sofi.su.se/LNU2000/english.htm), a data set that includes extensive first‐hand information from both children and their parents. The results indicate that girls and boys in two‐parent families are more prone to engage in gender atypical work the more their parent of the same sex engages in this kind of work. The fact that girls still do more housework than boys in all families independent of, among other things, the parental division of housework and the mother's educational level indicates that housework to some extent signifies gender also to children. However, no clear relation is found between the parents’ division of work and the child's attitude towards gender equality in the home. Neither is there any clear relation between the parents’ attitude towards gender equality in the home and the children's attitude to the same topic.
Intimate relationships and changing patterns of money management at the beginning of the twenty‐first century1
Authors: Vogler Carolyn , Brockmann Michaela , Wiggins Richard D.
Published: August 2006

Drawing on British data from two annual sweeps of theISSPeight years apart in 1994 and 2002, for modules focusing on ‘Family and Changing Gender Roles’, this paper examines the extent to which changes in women's labour market participation, changing ideologies/discourses of gender and changing forms of intimate relationships are affecting the ways in which couples organize household money, and the implications of such changes for recent theories of intimate relationships. The analysis indicates that by 2002, the type of relationship respondents had established, together with their social class position, were both independently related to the ways in which they managed money, after controlling for socio‐economic and cultural or discursive factors. Our findings also provide a degree of support for the thesis of a partial decline in the male breadwinner model of gender, as indicated by small declines in the use of the relatively inegalitarian female whole wage and housekeeping allowance systems which were most likely to be used by married couples and cohabiting fathers, expressing relatively traditional ideologies/discourses of breadwinning – and a slight increase in the use of the partial pool, which was most likely to be used by childless cohabiting couples in which male partners expressed less traditional ideologies of breadwinning and women were in middle‐class jobs with incomes high enough to facilitate partially separate finances. We also suggest, however, that in so far as cohabiting couples earning different amounts define equality as contributing equally to household expenditure, it is possible that rather than being associated with shifts to greater equality in access to money for personal spending and saving, the partial pool may be associated with marked inequalities, because it may enable gender inequalities generated in the labour market to be more directly transposed into inequalities within households, despite the decline of traditional discourses of male breadwinning and the increasing importance of egalitarian ideologies of co‐provisioning.
Criterion validity of the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire for depressive episodes in clinic and non‐clinic subjects
Authors: Burleson Daviss W. , Birmaher Boris , Melhem Nadine A. , Axelson David A. , Michaels Shana M. , Brent David A.
Published: August 2006

Background:  Previous measures of pediatric depression have shown inconsistent validity in groups with differing demographics, comorbid diagnoses, and clinic or non‐clinic origins. The current study re‐examines the criterion validity of child‐ and parent‐versions of the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ‐C, MFQ‐P) in a heterogeneous sample of children and adolescents from clinic and non‐clinic sources.

Methods:  Among 470 consecutive youth completing semi‐structured interviews at a university‐based child psychiatry center, total scores from the 33‐item MFQ‐C and 34‐item MFQ‐P were examined across subjects with and without mood disorders using analysis of variance, and receiver operating characteristics analysis.

Results:  Mean scores of the MFQ‐C and MFQ‐P, respectively, differed significantly (p < .0005) across youth having major depressive episodes (MDE) (33 and 32, n = 77), mood disorders not meeting criteria for current MDE (24 and 28, n = 75), and no mood disorders (12 and 10, n = 318). In the overall sample, areas under the curve (AUC) for discriminating MDE and any mood disorder, respectively, were .85 and .83 on the MFQ‐C, .86 and .90 on the MFQ‐P, and .89 and .90 on the MFQ‐C and MFQ‐P averaged together, suggesting moderate to high criterion validity. Similar findings were noted in subgroups divided by age, sex, race, comorbid psychopathology, and clinic or non‐clinic origins. AUCs of these MFQ scores compared favorably with those of the Beck's Depressive Inventory, the Child Behavior Checklist's Anxious/Depressed scale and the Children's Depressive Rating Scale–Revised by the same raters. A score of 29 on the MFQ‐C (positive screen rate 21%, sensitivity 68%, specificity 88%) or 27 on the MFQ‐P (positive screen rate 23%, sensitivity 61%, specificity 85%) optimally discriminated youth with MDE from the rest of the sample.

Conclusions:  The MFQ‐C and MFQ‐P, especially used in combination, validly identify MDE or other mood disorders in youth diverse in demographic and clinical characteristics.
Prenatal smoking predicts non‐responsiveness to an intervention targeting attention‐deficit/hyperactivity symptoms in elementary schoolchildren
Authors: Vuijk Patricia , Van Lier Pol A.C. , Huizink Anja C. , Verhulst Frank C. , Crijnen Alfons A.M.
Published: August 2006

Patricia Vuijk 1, Pol A.C. van Lier 1,2, Anja C. Huizink 1, Frank C. Verhulst 1, Alfons A.M. Crijnen (2006). Prenatal smoking predicts non‐responsiveness to an intervention targeting attention‐deficit/hyperactivity symptoms in elementary schoolchildren. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 47(9), 891–901.

The above article, published online on 22 August 2006, has been retracted by agreement between the Journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Tony Charman, ACAMH and Blackwell Publishing Ltd. After notifying the authors, the retraction has been agreed due to a concern surrounding the accuracy of some of the data that was not possible to resolve between the authors.

Tony Charman
 Editor‐in‐Chief The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry

Reference

Patricia Vuijk, Pol A.C. van Lier, Anja C. Huizink, Frank C. Verhulst, & Alfons A.M. Crijnen (2006). Prenatal smoking predicts non‐responsiveness to an intervention targeting attention‐deficit/hyperactivity symptoms in elementary schoolchildren. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47(9), 891–901. doi: 10.1111/j.1469‐7610.2006.01647.x
Emergency medical service and in‐hospital vital signs as predictors of subsequent PTSD symptom severity in pediatric injury patients
Authors: Nugent Nicole R. , Christopher Norman C. , Delahanty Douglas L.
Published: August 2006

Background:  The present study investigated the extent to which heart rate (HR) levels soon after a traumatic event predicted posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity assessed 6 weeks and 6 months later in child trauma victims.

Methods:  Participants consisted of 82 children (56 boys, 26 girls) aged 8–18 who were admitted to a Midwestern trauma center. HR data were recorded from emergency medical services (EMS) records, upon admission to the emergency department (ED), for the first 20 minutes following admission, and upon discharge. Subsequent PTSD and depressive symptoms were assessed 6‐weeks and 6‐months post‐trauma.

Results:  HR recorded during EMS transport was significantly correlated with PTSD symptoms at 6 weeks (r = .42) and at 6 months (r = .35). After removing the variance associated with demographic variables and depressive symptoms, HR during EMS transport and averaged over the first 20 minutes following admission significantly predicted 6‐week PTSD symptoms. The first recorded EMS HR measure significantly predicted 6‐month PTSD symptoms. HR averaged over the first 20 minutes of EMS transport and averaged over the first 20 minutes following admission marginally predicted 6‐month PTSD symptoms (ps = .051 and .079, respectively).

Conclusions:  The present findings suggest that physiological arousal soon after a traumatic event may be associated with increased risk for the development of PTSD symptoms in child trauma victims. These findings provide preliminary support for the use of acute cardiovascular levels as markers of child trauma victims at higher risk of developing symptoms of PTSD.
Ethnic differences in relations between family process and child internalizing problems
Authors: Vendlinski Matthew , Silk Jennifer S. , Shaw Daniel S. , Lane Tonya J.
Published: August 2006

Background:  Family process variables have been linked to child problem behavior, but recent research suggests that child ethnicity may moderate relations between family process and child outcomes. The current study examined how ethnicity moderates relations between parent conflict, parent–child relationship quality, and internalizing problems.

Methods:  A sample of 101 mother–child dyads was drawn from a larger longitudinal study of childhood‐onset depression. Maternal reports of family process factors were used with child reports of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Results:  The results indicated a moderating effect of ethnicity for multiple indicators of internalizing symptoms, such that child‐rearing disagreement and low levels of mother–child openness were associated with internalizing problems only for European American (not African American) children.

Conclusions:  Findings suggest that ethnicity moderates the effects of family process factors on child psychopathology. Ethnic differences may be accounted for by the normativeness of family processes and the meaning that children of different ethnic backgrounds assign to these processes.
New tricks of an old molecule: lifespan regulation by p53
Authors: Bauer Johannes H. , Helfand Stephen L.
Published: August 2006

As guardian of the genome the tumor suppressor p53 controls a crucial point in protection from cellular damage and response to stressors. Activation of p53 can have beneficial (DNA repair) or detrimental (apoptosis) consequences for individual cells. In either case activation of p53 is thought to safeguard the organism at large from the deleterious effects of various stresses. Recent data suggest that the function of p53 might also play a role in the regulation of organismal lifespan. Increased p53 activity leads to lifespan shortening in mice, while apparent reduction of p53 activity in flies leads to lifespan extension. Although the mechanism by which p53 regulates lifespan remains to be determined, these findings highlight the possibility that careful manipulation of p53 activity during adult life may result in beneficial effects on healthy lifespan.
Relative contribution of V‐H+ATPase and NA+/H+ exchanger to bicarbonate reabsorption in proximal convoluted tubules of old rats
Authors: Fiori Mariana , Radrizzani Martín , Díaz‐Sylvester Paula , Müller Angélica , Corti Tomás , Monserrat Alberto , Amorena Carlos
Published: August 2006

With aging, the kidney develops a progressive deterioration of several structures and functions. Proximal tubular acidification is impaired in old rats with a decrease in the activity of brush border Na+/H+ exchange and a fall of H‐ion flux measured with micropuncture experiments. In the present work we evaluate the contribution of 5‐N‐ethyl‐n‐isopropyl amiloride‐ (EIPA) and bafilomycin‐sensitive bicarbonate flux () in proximal convoluted tubules of young and aged rats. We performed micropuncture experiments inhibiting the Na+/H+ exchanger with EIPA (10−4 M) and the V‐H+ATPase with bafilomycin (10−6 M). We used antibodies against the NHE3 isoform of the Na+/H+ exchanger and the subunit E of the V‐H+ATPase for detecting by Western blot the abundance of these proteins in brush border membrane vesicles from proximal convoluted tubules of young and old rats. The abundance of NHE3 and the V‐H+ATPase was similar in 18‐month‐old and 3‐month‐old rats. The bicarbonate flux in old rats was 30% lower than in young rats. EIPA reduced by 60% and bafilomycin by 30% in young rats; in contrast, EIPA reduced by ∼40% and bafilomycin by ∼50% in old rats. The inhibited by bafilomycin was the same in young and old rats: 0.62 nmol · cm−2· s−1 and 0.71 nmol · cm−2· s−1, respectively. However, the EIPA‐sensitive fraction was larger in young than in old rats: 1.26 nmol · cm−2· s−1 vs. 0.85 nmol · cm−2· s−1, respectively. These results suggest that the component more affected in bicarbonate reabsorption of proximal convoluted tubules from aged rats is the Na+‐H+ exchanger, probably a NHE isoform different from NHE3.
Is retinoic acid genetic machinery a chordate innovation?
Authors: Cañestro Cristian , Postlethwait John H. , Gonzàlez‐Duarte Roser , Albalat Ricard
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY
Development of many chordate features depends on retinoic acid (RA). Because the action of RA during development seems to be restricted to chordates, it had been previously proposed that the “invention” of RA genetic machinery, including RA‐binding nuclear hormone receptors (Rars), and the RA‐synthesizing and RA‐degrading enzymes Aldh1a (Raldh) and Cyp26, respectively, was an important step for the origin of developmental mechanisms leading to the chordate body plan. We tested this hypothesis by conducting an exhaustive survey of the RA machinery in genomic databases for twelve deuterostomes. We reconstructed the evolution of these genes in deuterostomes and showed for the first time that RA genetic machinery—that is Aldh1a, Cyp26, and Rar orthologs—is present in nonchordate deuterostomes. This finding implies that RA genetic machinery was already present during early deuterostome evolution, and therefore, is not a chordate innovation. This new evolutionary viewpoint argues against the hypothesis that the acquisition of gene families underlying RA metabolism and signaling was a key event for the origin of chordates. We propose a new hypothesis in which lineage‐specific duplication and loss of RA machinery genes could be related to the morphological radiation of deuterostomes.
Transcriptional readthrough of Hox genes Ubx and Antp and their divergent post‐transcriptional control during crustacean evolution
Authors: Shiga Yasuhiro , Sagawa Kazunori , Takai Rieko , Sakaguchi Hiromi , Yamagata Hideo , Hayashi Shigeo
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY
Hox genes are in principle tandemly arranged in an order colinear with their order of expression along the anterior–posterior axis. Combinations of Hox proteins encode information that specifies the unique characteristics of axial regions in the metazoan body plan. The independent regulation of Hox genes achieved by differential promoter activity is essential for the expression of Hox proteins in distinct territories and thereby creating a full repertoire of Hox codes. Here we report the abundant expression of transcriptional readthrough products of two adjacent Hox genes, Ubx, and Antp, in five crustacean species of Branchiopoda and Malacostraca. Bicistronic mRNA places Antp under the control of the Ubx promoter, which is active in the posterior segments of two branchiopodans Daphnia and Artemia, and would normally reduce the complexity of Hox codes if translated. This does not occur, however, as the translational capability of the bicistronic mRNA is limited. In Daphnia, bicistronic Ubx/Antp mRNA produced no significant level of either UBX or ANTP. In Artemia, on the other hand, the bicistronic mRNA produced only UBX, and replaced the role of monocistronic Ubx mRNA. In this way, multiple post‐transcriptional control mechanisms in two extant branchiopodans can be seen as preventing the potentially deleterious consequences of Hox gene fusion.
Unique features of Myf‐5 in turtles: nucleotide deletion, alternative splicing, and unusual expression pattern
Authors: Ohya Yoshie Kawashima , Usuda Ryo , Kuraku Shigehiro , Nagashima Hiroshi , Kuratani Shigeru
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY
Turtles characteristically possess a bony shell and show an extensive reduction of the trunk muscles. To gain insight into the evolution of this animal group, we focused on the underlying mechanism of the turtle‐specific developmental pattern associated with the somitic mesoderm, which differentiates into both skeleton and muscle. We isolated Myf‐5, a member of the myogenic‐transcription‐factor‐encoding gene family expressed in the myotome, from the Chinese soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis. We detected a deletion of 12 sequential nucleotides in P. sinensis Myf‐5 (PsMyf‐5), which appears to be shared by the turtle group. The expression pattern of PsMyf‐5 in P. sinensis embryos differed from those of its orthologs in other amniotes, especially in the hypaxial region of the flank. We also identified two isoforms of the PsMyf‐5 protein, a normal form similar to those of other vertebrates, and a short form produced by a translational frameshift. The short PsMyf‐5 showed weaker myogenic activity in cultured cells than that of the normal protein, although the tissue distribution of the two isoforms overlapped perfectly. We propose that the unusual features of PsMyf‐5 may be related to the unique developmental patterns of this animal group, and constitute one of the molecular bases for their evolutionary origin.
Comparative gene expression of steroidogenic factor 1 in Chrysemys picta and Apalone mutica turtles with temperature‐dependent and genotypic sex determination
Authors: Valenzuela Nicole , LeClere Andrea , Shikano Takahito
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY Characterizing the molecular network underlying temperature‐dependent (TSD) and genotypic (GSD) sex determination, including patterns across closely related taxa, is crucial to elucidate the still enigmatic evolution of sex determining mechanisms in vertebrates. Here we examined the expression of an important gene for sexual differentiation common to both systems, Sf1, at male‐ and female‐producing temperatures, in TSD (Chrysemys picta) and GSD turtles (Apalone mutica). We tested the hypotheses that Sf1 expression responds to temperature consistently across TSD turtles but is unaffected in GSD turtles, and that this differential expression starts no earlier than the onset of the thermosensitive period (TSP). As expected, Sf1 expression was thermally insensitive in A. mutica (GSD). Although Sf1 exhibited a differential expression by temperature in C. picta, the expression pattern differed from other TSD turtles (Trachemys scripta), perhaps reflecting divergence of the gene regulatory networks underlying sex determination over evolutionary time. Most notably, Sf1 was differentially expressed in C. picta (significantly higher at the male‐producing temperature) before the onset of the TSP, implying that in TSD taxa significant thermal effects may occur early in development. This result may reconcile field observations where temperatures experienced prior to the TSP have an effect on sex ratios, thus challenging traditional TSP models. Importantly, the molecular factors that render TSD mechanisms thermosensitive remain unknown, and potential candidates are genes that express differentially before the onset of the TSP (genes shaping or opening the TSP‐window rather those acting once the TSP window has opened). Therefore, our findings make Sf1 one such potential candidate.
Testing homology with morphology, development and gene expression: sex‐specific thoracic appendages of the ant Diacamma
Authors: Baratte Sébastien , Peeters Christian , Deutsch Jean S.
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY
Females of the ants belonging to the queenless genus Diacamma have a pair of unique tiny thoracic appendages, called “gemmae,” located on the mesothoracic segment. They are covered with sensory hairs, filled with exocrine glands and are involved in the behavioral regulation of reproduction. We report here a morphological, developmental, and genetic study of the development of the gemmae. Both male and female larvae have dorsal mesothoracic discs, although differing in shape and fate. In Diacamma ceylonense, we show that, contrary to butterflies, these discs specify parts of the adult thorax in addition to wing tissues, as in Drosophila. We have cloned and studied the expression of wingless (wg) and scalloped (sd), two genes known to play a critical role in wing morphogenesis in Drosophila. In the fly's mesothoracic dorsal disc, sd is specifically expressed in the wing pouch. In Diacamma, we show that sd is also expressed in male dorsal thoracic discs, whereas its expression was undetectable in females. From this result and observations of shape and growth of cultured isolated discs, we suggest that gemmae originate from a more ventral part of the dorsal disc than the wing pouch and discuss the pro and cons of gemma/wing homology.
Gene deployment for tooth replacement in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): a developmental model for evolution of the osteichthyan dentition
Authors: Fraser Gareth J. , Berkovitz Barry K. , Graham Anthony , Smith Moya M.
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY
Repeated tooth initiation occurs often in nonmammalian vertebrates (polyphyodontism), recurrently linked with tooth shedding and in a definite order of succession. Regulation of this process has not been genetically defined and it is unclear if the mechanisms for constant generation of replacement teeth (secondary dentition) are similar to those used to generate the primary dentition. We have therefore examined the expression pattern of a sub‐set of genes, implicated in tooth initiation in mouse, in relation to replacement tooth production in an osteichthyan fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Two epithelial genes pitx2, shh and one mesenchymal bmp4 were analyzed at selected stages of development for O. mykiss. pitx2 expression is upregulated in the basal outer dental epithelium (ODE) of the predecessor tooth and before cell enlargement, on the postero‐lingual side only. This coincides with the site for replacement tooth production identifying a region responsible for further tooth generation. This corresponds with the expression of pitx2 at focal spots in the basal oral epithelium during initial (first generation) tooth formation but is now sub‐epithelial in position and associated with the dental epithelium of each predecessor tooth. Co‐incidental expression of bmp4 and aggregation of the mesenchymal cells identifies the epithelial–mesenchymal interactions and marks initiation of the dental papilla. These together suggest a role in tooth site regulation by pitx2 together with bmp4. Conversely, the expression of shh is confined to the inner dental epithelium during the initiation of the first teeth and is lacking from the ODE in the predecessor teeth, at sites identified as those for replacement tooth initiation. Importantly, these genes expressed during replacement tooth initiation can be used as markers for the sites of “set‐aside cells,” the committed odontogenic cells both epithelial and mesenchymal, which together can give rise to further generations of teeth. This information may show how initial pattern formation is translated into secondary tooth replacement patterns, as a general mechanism for patterning the vertebrate dentition. Replacement of the marginal sets of teeth serves as a basis for discussion of the evolutionary significance, as these dentate bones (dentary, premaxilla, maxilla) form the restricted arcades of oral teeth in many crown‐group gnathostomes, including members of the tetrapod stem group.
Early differentiating neuron in larval abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) reveals the relationship between ontogenetic torsion and crossing of the pleurovisceral nerve cords
Authors: Page Louise R.
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYCrossing of the pleurovisceral nerve cords in gastropods has supported the view that gastropods evolved by 180° rotation between the ventral and dorsal body regions. Indeed, a rotation of this type occurs as a dramatic morphogenetic movement (“ontogenetic torsion”) during the development of basal gastropods. According to a long‐standing hypothesis, ontogenetic torsion in basal gastropods preserves an ancient developmental aberration that generated the contorted gastropod body plan. It follows from this reasoning that crossing of the pleurovisceral nerve cords during gastropod development should be mechanically coupled to ontogenetic torsion. The predicted mechanical coupling can now be examined because of the discovery of an early differentiating neuron inHaliotis kamtschatkana(Vetigastropoda) that expresses 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐like immunoreactivity. The neuron appeared to delineate the trajectory of the pleurovisceral nerve cords beginning before ontogenetic torsion. Before torsion, the neuronal soma is embedded in mantle epithelium at the ventral midline and two neurites extend anteriorly toward the apical sensory organ. Contrary to expectation, the two neurites of this cell did not cross‐over during ontogenetic torsion because the soma of this mantle neuron shifted in the same direction as the rotating head and foot. Full crossing of the pleurovisceral nerve cords occurred gradually during later development as the mantle cavity deepened and expanded leftward. These results are consistent with a generalization emerging from comparative studies indicating a conserved developmental stage for gastropods in which the mantle cavity is localized to one side, despite a fully “post‐torsional” orientation for other body components. Developmental morphology before this stage is much more variable among different gastropod clades.
The contribution of epistatic pleiotropy to the genetic architecture of covariation among polygenic traits in mice
Authors: Wolf Jason B. , Pomp Daniel , Eisen Eugene J. , Cheverud James M. , Leamy Larry J.
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYThe contribution that pleiotropic effects of individual loci make to covariation among traits is well understood theoretically and is becoming well documented empirically. However, little is known about the role of epistasis in determining patterns of covariation among traits. To address this problem we combine a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis with a two‐locus model to assess the contribution of epistasis to the genetic architecture of variation and covariation of organ weights and limb bone lengths in a backcross population of mice created from the M16i and CAST/Ei strains. Significant epistasis was exhibited by 14 pairwise combinations of QTL for organ weights and 10 combinations of QTL for limb bone lengths, which contributed, on average, about 5% of the variation in organ weights and 8% in limb bone lengths beyond that of single‐locus QTL effects. Epistatic pleiotropy was much more common in the limb bones (seven of 10 epistatic combinations affecting limb bone lengths were pleiotropic) than the organs (three of the 14 epistatic combinations affecting organ weights were pleiotropic). In both cases, epistatic pleiotropy was less common than single‐locus pleiotropy. Epistatic pleiotropy accounted for an average of 6% of covariation among organ weights and 21% of covariation among limb bone lengths, which represented an average of one‐fifth (for organ weights) and one‐third (for limb bone lengths) of the total genetic covariance between traits. Thus, although epistatic pleiotropy made a smaller contribution than single‐locus pleiotropy, it clearly made a significant contribution to the genetic architecture of variation/covariation.
Cluster Headache: Clinical Presentation, Lifestyle Features, and Medical Treatment
Authors: Schürks Markus , Kurth Tobias , De Jesus Janete , Jonjic Mira , Rosskopf Dieter , Diener Hans‐Christoph
Published: August 2006

Background.—Cluster headache (CH) is a rare but severe headache form with a distinct clinical presentation. Misdiagnoses and mismanagement among these patients are high.

Objective.—To characterize clinical features and medical treatment in patients with CH.

Methods.—We established a cohort of 246 clinic‐based and non‐clinic‐based CH patients. The diagnosis of CH was verified according to International Headache Society (IHS) criteria. We used standardized questionnaires to assess associated factors as well as success or failure of treatments.

Results.—The majority (75.6%) was not treated before at our clinic—77.6% were males; 74.8% had episodic CH, 16.7% had chronic CH, in the remaining patients, the periodicity was undetermined because they were newly diagnosed. Cranial autonomic features were present in 98.8%, nausea and vomiting in 27.8%, and photophobia or phonophobia in 61.2% of CH patients. Most (67.9%) reported restlessness during attacks and 23% a typical migrainous aura preceding the attacks. The rate of current smoking was high (65.9%). Half of the patients reported that alcohol (red wine in 70%) triggered CH attacks. Eighty‐seven percent reported the use of drugs of first choice (triptans 77.6%, oxygen 71.1%) with sumatriptan subcutaneous injection being the most effective drug for acute therapy (81.2%). The most frequently used preventive medications were verapamil (70.3%) and glucocorticoids (57.7%) with equally high effectiveness.

Conclusions.—Apart from the IHS criteria additional features like nausea/vomiting and migrainous aura may guide the diagnosis of CH. A large number of CH patients do not receive adequate treatments.
Implicit Associations in Tension‐Type Headaches: A Cognitive Analysis Based on Stress Reactivity Processes
Authors: Armstrong Jennifer F. , Wittrock David A. , Robinson Michael D.
Published: August 2006

Objective.—To determine whether tension‐type headache (TTH) patients display stronger associations between negative events and headache‐related information than headache‐free controls.

Background.—Generally, stress/diathesis models are common in clinical research and in the context of TTHs specifically. Data involving stress reactivity processes are compatible with such models. However, it would be of interest to tap the associative cognitive processes that likely mediate such relations.

Methods.—In the present study, we selectively recruited individuals who do (n = 19) and do not (n = 19) suffer from episodic TTHs. We examined implicit associations between negative evaluations and headache‐related information through the use of an implicit association test.

Results.—As hypothesized, TTH patients displayed associations between negative evaluations and headache‐related information, whereas the control group did not.

Conclusions.—These data provide initial support for a plausible cognitive model for the occurrence of TTHs among predisposed individuals.
Repression of Stimulated Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide Secretion by Topiramate
Authors: Durham Paul L , Niemann Christine , Cady Roger
Published: August 2006

Objective.—The goal of the proposed research was to determine the effect of topiramate on basal and stimulated release of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) from trigeminal ganglia neurons.

Background.—CGRP is implicated in migraine headaches. Clinical evidence supports topiramate as an effective migraine prophylactic. In this study, the connection between topiramate and CGRP expression was investigated.

Methods.—Primary cultures of rat trigeminal ganglia were utilized to determine the effects of topiramate on CGRP release stimulated by a depolarizing stimulus (KCl), nitric oxide, and/or protons. The amount of CGRP secreted into the culture media was determined using a CGRP‐specific radioimmunoassay.

Results.—Treatment of trigeminal cultures with KCl, nitric oxide donor S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine, or protons (pH 5.5 media) caused a marked increase (3 to 5 fold) in the amount of CGRP release. Topiramate treatment repressed KCl‐stimulated CGRP release in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. However, topiramate did not alter the amount of unstimulated or basal CGRP released from trigeminal neurons. In addition, topiramate inhibited nitric oxide and proton mediated CGRP secretion.

Conclusions.—Findings from these studies demonstrate that topiramate can directly repress the stimulated release of CGRP from sensory trigeminal neurons. We propose that topiramate's ability to prevent migraine attacks may involve inhibition of CGRP secretion from trigeminal neurons.
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Responding to Pregabalin
Authors: Guido Marco , Specchio Luigi Maria
Published: August 2006

The author reports the use of pregabalin in a patient with glossopharyngeal neuralgia. The patient achieved complete pain relief and tolerated the medication. This is the first published report of the use of this medicine for glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
Therapeutic efficacy and safety of photochemically treated apheresis platelets processed with an optimized integrated set
Authors: Janetzko Karin , Cazenave Jean‐Pierre , Klüter Harald , Kientz Daniel , Michel Martine , Beris Photis , Lioure Bruno , Hastka Jan , Marblie Stephane , Mayaudon Veronique , Lin Lily , Lin Jin‐Sying , Conlan Maureen G. , Flament Jocelyne
Published: August 2006

BACKGROUND: This multicenter, randomized, controlled, double‐blind Phase III clinical study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and safety of apheresis platelets (PLTs) photochemically treated (PCT) with amotosalen and ultraviolet A light (INTERCEPT Blood System, Baxter Healthcare Corp.) compared with conventional apheresis PLTs (reference).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty‐three patients with transfusion‐dependent thrombocytopenia were randomly assigned to receive either PCT or reference PLT transfusions for up to 28 days.

RESULTS: The mean 1‐ and 24‐hour corrected count increments were lower in response to PCT PLTs (not significant). When analyzed by longitudinal regression analysis, the estimated effect of treatment on 1‐hour PLT count was a decrease of 7.2 × 109 per L (p = 0.05) and on 24‐hour PLT count a decrease of 7.4 × 109 per L (p = 0.04). Number, frequency, and dose of PLT transfusions; acute transfusion reactions; and adverse events were similar between the two groups. There was no transfusion‐associated bacteremia. Four PCT patients experienced clinical refractoriness; however, only one exhibited lymphocytotoxicity assay seroconversion. Antibodies against potential amotosalen‐related neoantigens were not detected.

CONCLUSION: PCT PLTs provide effective and safe transfusion support for thrombocytopenic patients.
Polymerase chain reaction inhibition assay documenting the amotosalen‐based photochemical pathogen inactivation process of platelet concentrates
Authors: Bruchmüller Iris , Janetzko Karin , Bugert Peter , Mayaudon Veronique , Corash Laurence , Lin Lily , Klüter Harold
Published: August 2006

BACKGROUND:The INTERCEPT Blood System (Baxter Healthcare Corp.) for platelets (PLTs) uses amotosalen‐HCl (S‐59) in conjunction with ultraviolet A (UVA) light to inactivate contaminating pathogens by modifying the nucleic acids of pathogens. The success of this photochemical treatment (PCT) process can be documented indirectly with a high‐performance liquid chromatography assay measuring the photodegradation of amotosalen and measurement of the UVA light dose delivered by the illumination system.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:To develop an assay that documents the success of PCT directly on the effector molecule DNA, the effect of PCT on PLT‐derived mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was examined. mtDNA‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were tested with regard to their susceptibility for PCT, their reliability in terms of PCR performance, and the absence of polymorphic sites in primer hybridization loci.

RESULTS:Suitable PCR amplification targets were found in the regions of 16S rDNA, cytochrome coxidase I, and cytochrome c oxidase III of mitochondria. Amplicon sizes between 868 and 1248 bp gave consistent signals before PCT and complete inhibition of the PCR signal after PCT. Amplicons of less than 300 bp were found to be transparent to PCT.

CONCLUSION:Based on PCT‐mediated mtDNA modifications in PLTs, a PCR inhibition assay was established with a large amplicon documenting the success of PCT and a small amplicon serving as an internal control.