bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HLA class II alleles associations of anticardiolipin and anti b2GPI antibodies in a large series of European patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Galeazzi Mauro , Sebastiani Gian Domenico , Tincani Angela , Piette Jean-Charles , Allegri Flavio , Morozzi Gabriella , Bellisai Francesca , Scorza Raffaella , Ferrara Giovanni Battista , Carcassi Carlo , Font Josep , Passiu Giuseppe , Smolen Josef , Papasteriades Chryssa , Houssiau Frederic , Nebro Antonio Fernandez , De Ramon Garrido Enrique , Jedryka-Goral Anna , Marcolongo Roberto ,   European Concerted Action on the Immunogenetics of SLE
Published: November 2006

The objective of this study was to determine the HLA class II associations of the anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-b2GPI (ab2GPI) antibodies in a large series of European patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

A cohort of 577 European SLE patients was enrolled. aCL and ab2GPI were measured by ELISA methods. Molecular typing of HLA-DRB1, DRB3, DRB4, DRB5, DQA1 and DQB1 loci was performed by the polymerase chain reaction–sequence specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR–SSOP) method.

aCL of IgG, IgM and IgA isotypes were detected in 22.8%, 14% and 13.9% of patients, respectively. IgG and IgM ab2GPI were detected in 20% of patients. aCL showed positive association with HLA DRB1*04, DRB1*0402, DRB1*0403, DRB1*07, DRB3*0301, DQA1*0201, DQA1*0301, DQB1*0302, and negative association with DQA1*0501, DRB3*0202. ab2GPI showed positive association with DRB1*0402, DRB1*0403, DQB1*0302. DRB1*0402 carried the highest relative risk for the presence of both aCL (RR = 8.1) and ab2GPI (RR = 4.6).

Our results confirm the already described associations of aCL with HLA DR4 and DR7, but also demonstrate that, among the alleles at the DRB1*04 locus, the *0402 was most represented both in aCL and in ab2GPI positive patients. In addition, HLA class II associations of ab2GPI are for the first time extensively examined in a large cohort of European SLE patients.
Grand Rounds from International Lupus Centres `Catastrophic' antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Maddison P J , Thorpe C , Seale J R C , Ahmed W , Whiteley G S
Published: November 2006

When `catastrophic' is applied as an adjective to the antiphospholipid syndrome, it implies a characteristic presentation due to predominantly small blood vessel thrombosis leading to rapidly progressive failure of multiple organs and a frequently fatal outcome. We present the case of a 48year-old woman who presented with the `catastrophic' antiphospholipid syndrome without previous history of coagulation disorder or connective tissue disease that illustrates the difficulties in diagnosing and managing this disorder. We also review the factors that have been reported to have a role in the development of this condition and show how this case throws light on its pathogenesis.
Induction of anti-DNA antibodies by immunization with anti-DNA antibodies: mechanism and characterization
Authors: Satake F , Watanabe N , Miyasaka N , Kanai Y , Kubota T
Published: November 2006

Two well-characterized IgG monoclonal antibodies, reactive with double-stranded (ds) DNA and nucleosomes, were administered to normal BALB/c mice to examine the reproducibility and the biology of a previously reported model of anti-DNA antibody induction by immunization with antiDNA antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies were purified either with or without a high-salt wash to remove nucleosomal antigens bound to them during the cell culture. Both monoclonal antibodies, but not normal IgG, induced significant IgG anti-dsDNA antibody production from 1 week to 25 weeks after the last immunization. The antibodies produced in this manner possess different binding preferences to ds synthetic polynucleotides than the antibodies used for the immunization, and they did not react with nucleosomes. The monoclonal antibodies purified with the high-salt wash were more effective in anti-DNA antibody induction than those purified without the high-salt wash. Even when bound to these monoclonal antibodies, neither dsDNA, nucleosomes, or ds synthetic polynucleotides exert significant antigenicity. For example, anti-DNA antibodies produced by mice immunized with an immune complex formed by poly(dA-dT) and one of the monoclonal antibodies that has a high affinity to this polynucleotide did not show an increased affinity to poly(dA-dT). Together, these results suggest that anti-DNA antibody molecules or processed antibody peptides, and not DNA/nucleosomes carried by anti-DNA antibodies, play a role in this model of anti-DNA antibody production.
Intrathecal cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus with central nervous system involvement
Authors: Trysberg E , Carlsten H , Tarkowski A
Published: November 2006

Symptoms originating from central nervous system (CNS) are frequently occuring in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Reliable diagnostic markers for this condition are presently lacking. Importantly, CNS involvement in lupus patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective evaluate was to study the diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine levels in SLE patients with CNS involvement.

34 patients with SLE were hospitalized and investigated for the presence of CNS lupus. These patients were evaluated clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CSF analyses, as well as with neuropsychiatric tests. 13 patients were found to have CNS lupus whereas another four of the patients fulfilled the criteria for CNS involvement but were excluded from this group due to other causes of CNS involvement. Lastly, in 17 SLE cases, the diagnosis of CNS lupus could not be confirmed.

CSF levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8, as well as the CSF/serum IL-6 ratio, were elevated in the CNS lupus group, compared with the 17 SLE patients not fullfilling a diagnosis of cerebral lupus. Interestingly, follow-up of five patients being successfully treated for CNS lupus revealed profound decrease of intrathecal IL-6 levels. These results indicate that analysis of CSF cytokine levels, especially IL-6 and IL-8, may be useful in the diagnostics and possibly follow-up of SLE patients with cerebral lupus.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mimori A , Suzuki T , Hashimoto M , Nara H , Yoshio T , Masuyama J-I , Okazaki H , Hirata D , Kano S , Minota S
Published: November 2006

The frequency, clinical profile, treatment and outcome of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were assessed retrospectively, based on the case records of SLE of the Jichi Medical School Hospital over a 20 year period. Clinically defined SAH was found in 10 (3.9%) out of 258 SLE patients, which represented a frequency higher than previously assumed. Five patients had active SLE and lacked an apparent cause of SAH, other than SLE. A high mortality rate (5=5), no visible aneurysm on angiogram (3=4), and an onset during intractable SLE or after discontinued or no steroid therapy because of medical noncompliance (4=5) were characteristic of patients with active SLE, and thus an earlier successful suppression of SLE, if possible, might have prevented their SAH. In contrast, in the 5 patients with inactive SLE, 2 out of 3 saccular aneurysms were succcessfuly clipped and small bleeding of one patient without aneurysms remitted spontaneously without the need for additional steroid therapy. When one death, which occurred outside of medical care, was excluded, the survival ratio of the hospitalized SAH patients with inactive SLE was significantly better than that with active SLE (3=4 versus 0=5, P ‘ 0.0476).

In conclusion, the relatively common occurence of SAH in SLE patients, and a significantly different clinical impact of SAH in respect to active and inactive SLE, were suggested from the results.
Parvovirus B19 infection associated with the production of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and anticardiolipin antibody (aCL)
Authors: Chou T-N K , Hsu T-C , Chen R-M , Lin L-I , Tsay G J
Published: November 2006

We described four patients who had clinical diagnosis of erythema infectiosum and presented with skin rash, polyarthralgia, polyarthritis, and mild fever. Anti-parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG antibodies were found in all four patients and parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in three of the four patients by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in sera using standard methods. Anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) was positive in three of the four patients included three with anti-b2 glycoprotein I (b2GPI). The immunoglobulin isotype of aCL was found to be IgM. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) included three p-ANCA and one c-ANCA was detected in all four patients by indirect immunofluoresence (IIF). Both anti-proteinase 3 (PR3) and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies were found in two patients whom had polyarthritis for more than 6 months. These data indicate parvovirus B19 may be linked to the induction of an autoimmune response.
Thymus Function in Drug-Induced Lupus
Authors: Rubin R L , Salomon D R , Guerrero R S
Published: November 2006

Autoimmunity develops when a lupus-inducing drug is introduced into the thymus of normal mice, but the relevance of this model to the human disorder is unclear in part because it is widely assumed that the thymus is non-functional in the adult. We compared thymus function in 10 patients with symptomatic procainamide-induced lupus to that in 13 asymptomatic patients who only developed drug-induced autoantibodies.T cell output from the thymus was quantified using a competitive polymerase chain reaction that detects T cell receptor DNA excision circles in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Despite the advanced age of the patient population under study, newly generated T cells were detected in all subjects. Although there was no overall quantitative difference between the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, we found a positive correlation between the level of T cell receptor excision circles in peripheral lymphocytes and serum IgG anti-chromatin antibody activity in patients with drug-induced lupus. The association between autoantibodies and nascent peripheral T cells supports the requirement for T cells in autoantibody production. Our observations are consistent with findings in mice in which autoreactive T cells derived from drug-induced abnormalities in T cell development in the thymus
The curiously suspicious: a role for Epstein-Barr virus in lupus
Authors: Harley J B , Harley I T W , Guthridge J M , James J A
Published: November 2006

While the events initiating the development of autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have not yet been convincingly established, newly developed tools for molecular investigation make such an undertaking increasingly practical. Applied to the earliest events in the sequence culminating in lupus autoimmunity, we present a critical potential role for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the development and perhaps perpetuation of SLE. The expected properties for an environmental risk factor for SLE are found in this virus and the human host response against it. Existing data show the molecular progression to autoimmunity observed in SLE patient sera, the discovery of the first autoimmune epitopes in the Sm and Ro autoantigen systems, and the possible emergence of these autoantibodies from the heterologous antibodies against Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1). Further, existing data demonstrate association of SLE with EBV infection, even preceding the development of autoimmunity. Finally, the data are consistent with a proposed model of lupus pathogenesis that begins with antibodies to EBNA-1, predisposing to immune responses that develop crossreactive autoantibodies that culminate in the development of SLE autoimmunity.
Ultraviolet light and cutaneous lupus
Authors: Bijl Marc , Kallenberg Cees GM
Published: November 2006

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the major factors known to trigger cutaneous disease activity in (systemic) lupus erythematosus patients. UV light, UVB in particular, is a potent inducer of apoptosis. Currently, disturbed clearance of apoptotic cells is one of the concepts explaining the development of inflammation in lupus patients. We review the role of apoptotic cells and autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of UVB induced skin lesions.
Loss of the female advantage with cardiovascular disease forwomen with diabetes
Authors: Leibson C
Published: November 2006

Background: The relative risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with diabetes is greater for women than men, and diabetic women did not experience temporal declines in CVD mortality observed for the general population and diabetic men.

Objective: To examine sex differences in CVD risk factors for persons with diabetes over time.

Design: Population-based historical cohort study.

Methods: The provider-linked medical records of all Rochester, MN, residents assigned a clinical diagnosis of diabetes were reviewed to confirm case status and assign diagnosis date. Data on fasting glucose, obesity, persistent proteinuria, smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were obtained at diagnosis for confirmed incidence cases.

Results: There were 1330 diabetes cases 1970–1989. Compared to men, women at diagnosis were older and more likely hypertensive, had similar levels of fasting glucose and persistent proteinuria, and less likely to smoke. Among persons diagnosed at younger ages, women were more likely than men to be obese. Comparison with published data for the Rochester population revealed the excess obesity and hypertension associated with diabetes were highest for women < age 55 y. Temporal trends in CVD risk factors did not differ between diabetic men and women.
Mechanical signaling in the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Turner R T
Published: November 2006

Estrogen deficiency results in increased bone turnover and net bone loss in rats as well as humans. The respective roles of bone turnover and mechanical strain in mediating estrogen deficiencyinduced cancellous bone loss were investigated in ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomy resulted in increased bone turnover in long bones. However, cancellous bone was preferentially lost in the metaphysis, a site that experiences low strain energy during normal physical activity. No bone loss was observed in the epiphysis, a site experiencing higher strain energy, despite a similar increase in bone turnover. The role of mechanical strain in maintaining bone balance was investigated by altering the strain history. Mechanical strain was increased or decreased in long bones of ovariectomized rats by treadmill exercise or functional unloading, respectively. Increasing mechanical loading reduced bone loss in the metaphysis. In contrast, decreasing weight bearing accentuated bone loss in the metaphysis and resulted in bone loss in the epiphysis. Finally, administration of estrogen to ovariectomized rats reduced bone loss in unloaded limbs and prevented bone loss in the loaded limbs. These results suggest that estrogen alters the mechanosensory (mechanostat) set point for skeletal adaptation, effectively reducing the minimum strain energy levels at which bone is added. Additionally, these studies suggest that physical activity as well as endocrine status play an important role in maintenance of the female skeleton during aging.
High frequency of antibody activity against ribosomal protein S10 in anti-Sm sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hasegawa H , Uchiumi T , Sato T , Ofuchi Y , Murakami S , Honda S , Hirose S , Ito S , Nakano M , Arakawa M , Gejyo F
Published: November 2006

This study was carried out to clarify the frequency of detection of antibody activity to ribosomal protein S10 (anti-S10) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with anti-Sm antibodies (anti-Sm), and clinical differences between anti-Sm-positive SLE patients with and without anti-S10. Twenty-seven of 31 serum samples containing anti-Sm reacted with ribosomal protein S10 along with Sm core proteins B/B' and D (87.1%). Four serum samples containing anti-Sm against only B/B' but not D did not react with S10 (12.9%). Patients who had both anti-Sm and anti-S10 showed lower serum complements levels, high frequency of skin lesion and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody. Many anti-Sm antibodies may recognize B/B', D, and S10 simultaneously, and such antibodies may appear in active disease.
Re-searching Research Models: What is Emergent, Elastic, and Nonlinear All Over?
Authors: Tyler Jo A.
Published: November 2006

The rising popularity of research partnerships between practitioners and scholars raises questions about the efficacy of current research models for in situ research that yield timely and practical results to practitioners at the same time as they meet scholarly requirements and continue to grow the knowledge base in the field of HRD. Three characteristics—emergence, elasticity, and nonlinearity—are suggested as fundamental elements of new models. Tensions between the worlds of the scholar and the practitioner are discussed and concrete actions that would facilitate the development of new models are suggested.
Emotional Intelligence Training: A Case of Caveat Emptor
Authors: Clarke Nicholas
Published: November 2006

Training programs purporting to develop emotional intelligence (EI) are widely available, yet to date few empirical studies have appeared in the literature providing support that training results in demonstrable changes to EI, and more significantly whether these changes can then be traced to more positive individual or organizational outcomes. This article questions the usefulness of personality and/or mixed model conceptualizations of EI that underpin many training programs as offering nothing new beyond our existing understanding of the importance of soft-skills training in the work-place. Instead it is argued that research should be directed at better understanding how emotional abilities associated with the ability model of EI might be targeted by human resource development practitioners in organizations. In this respect, a rationale is posited as to why workplace learning methods may potentially offer some success in this area.
Effect of B content on thermal stability of nanocomposite Ti–B–N thin films
Authors: Lu Y. H. , Shen Y. G. , Zhou Z. F. , Li K. Y. , Chen H.
Published: November 2006

Ti–B–N thin films with different B contents were deposited on Si (100) at room temperature, followed by vacuum annealed at 400, 600, 800 and 1000°C for 1 h respectively. Effect of boron content on thermal stability was investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and nanoindentation measurements. The results indicated that incorporation of B into TiN produced a nanocomposite structure, which had a positive effect on microstructure stability. A high B content resulted in an elevated recrystallisation temperature. The hardness stability was not consistent with that of microstructure, and depended on phase configuration and composition. The films with a high as deposited hardness showed high hardness stability. Excessive or lack of amorphous phase decreased hardness stability. The residual stress value was decreased with increasing annealing temperature owing to recovery of amorphous matrix, and crystallisation of amorphous phase made its direction transform from compression to tension.
Numerical modelling of small disc creep test
Authors: Evans R. W. , Evans M.
Published: November 2006

The small disc creep test is described. The disc creep curves observed need to be related to the creep properties of the material obtained by conventional testing. This relationship should include a means of assessing the creep damage which is initially present in the material and therefore to an estimate of remanent life. There are difficulties with such correlations and these are shown to be related to an imperfect understanding of the complex nature of the small punch test. This understanding can be improved by suitable physical modelling of the deformation occurring. The present paper describes a suitable finite element model and verifies the model against experimental observations of disc creep tests. The model uses a realistic creep deformation law which includes strain hardening, thermal softening and damage accumulation for 0·5Cr0·5Mo0·25V steel. It is shown that the results obtained from the test are sensitive not only to the initial condition of the specimen but also to the conditions of the test (e.g. the values of frictional forces at the punch/specimen interface). The paper makes suggestions of how the model may be used to optimise the disc creep test.
Process parameter selection for optimising weld bead geometry in stainless steel cladding using Taguchi's approach
Authors: Palani P. K. , Murugan N. , Karthikeyan B.
Published: November 2006

In the present study, the Taguchi method, a tool to design optimisation for quality, is used to find the optimal welding process parameters for cladding of austenitic stainless steel. An orthogonal array, the signal to noise (S/N) ratio, and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) are employed to investigate the effect of process parameters on weld bead characteristics. The present study was conducted by depositing AISI 317L onto an IS : 2062 structural steel substrate by the flux cored arc welding (FCAW) process under the shield of 95%Ar and 5%CO2 gas mixture. The weld bead parameters are optimised individually (single objective) as well as collectively (multiobjective) to get the desired quality characteristics. The results show that these techniques can be used effectively to control the process parameters in cladding with certain limitations.
Gasars: A class of metallic materials with ordered porosity
Authors: Drenchev L. , Sobczak J. , Malinov S. , Sha W.
Published: November 2006

High porosity metallic materials are designed for special properties, which can be used in many industrial applications. The development of new porous structures is a challenge for materials scientists. This paper discusses general characteristics, structure, properties and some manufacturing practices of a class of relatively new metallic materials named gasars, ordered porosity materials, or lotus type porous materials. An overview of the metals and alloys used and mechanical properties studied is presented. Some relations between structure characteristics and mechanical properties are discussed. Basic relations between processing parameters and structure characteristics are analysed. Special attention is paid to the complex physical phenomena in ordered porosity structure formation. Conditions for production of high porosity ingot are discussed.
Neural network model for improvement of strength–ductility compromise in low carbon sheet steels
Authors: Capdevila C. , Garcia-Mateo C. , Caballero F. G. , de Andrés C. García
Published: November 2006

The goal of the work reported in the present paper is to develop a neural network model for describing the evolution of the compromise (UTS × EL) between ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation (EL) mechanical properties on low carbon sheet steels. The model presented here take into account the influence of 21 parameters describing chemical composition, and thermomechanical processes such as austenite and ferrite rolling, coiling, cold working and subsequent annealing involved in the production route of low carbon steels. The results presented in the present paper demonstrate that this model can help with optimising simultaneously both strength and ductility for the various types of forming operation that the sheets can be subjected to.
Effect of thermal characteristics of commercial and special polyacrylonitrile fibres on the fabrication of carbon fibres
Authors: Shokuhfar A. , Sedghi A. , Farsani R. Eslami
Published: November 2006

Carbon fibres are still expensive. Although in recent years, many attempts have been made to use commercial polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres instead of special PAN fibres as a carbon fibre precursor in order to reduce price, this replacement shows some difficulties in processing and properties of final carbon fibres. In the present research, thermal properties of commercial and special PAN fibres are investigated by thermal analysis methods such as differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis in order to find the effect of chemical composition and characterisation of these precursors on stabilisation conditions and properties of resultant carbon fibres. Results show that the type of comonomers used in acrylic fibres changes the stabilisation conditions. Addition of sodium 2-methyl-2-acrylamidopropane sulphonate (SAMPS) and sodium methallyl sulphonate (SMS) comonomers to improve dyeability of commercial acrylic fibres will increase cyclisation reaction initiation and stabilisation temperature, but the effect of SAMPS in this respect is more harmful and the presence of SAMPS produces carbon fibres with lower tensile strength. On the other hand, addition of itaconic acid comonomer decreases cyclisation reaction initiation and stabilisation temperatures and finally gives carbon fibres desirable properties.
The influence of partnership centrality on organizational perceptions of support: a case study of the AHLN structure
Authors: Moore Spencer , Smith Cynthia , Simpson Tammy , Minke Sharlene Wolbeck
Published: November 2006

Background

Knowledge of the structure and character of inter-organizational relationships found among health promotion organizations is a prerequisite for the development of evidence-based network-level intervention activities. The Alberta Healthy Living Network (AHLN) mapped the inter-organizational structure of its members to examine the effects of the network environment on organizational-level perceptions. This exploratory analysis examines whether network structure, specifically partnership ties among AHLN members, influences organizational perceptions of support after controlling for organizational-level attributes.

Methods

Organizational surveys were conducted with representatives from AHLN organizations as of February 2004 (n = 54). Organizational attribute and inter-organizational data on various network dimensions were collected. Organizations were classified into traditional and non-traditional categories. We examined the partnership network dimension. In- and out-degree centrality scores on partnership ties were calculated for each organization and tested against organizational perceptions of available financial support.

Results

Non-traditional organizations are more likely to view financial support as more readily available for their HEALTR programs and activities than traditional organizations (1.57, 95% CI: .34, 2.79). After controlling for organizational characteristics, organizations that have been frequently identified by other organizations as valuable partners in the AHLN network were found significantly more likely to perceive a higher sense of funding availability (In-degree partnership value) (.03, 95% CI: .01, .05).

Conclusion

Organizational perceptions of a supportive environment are framed not only by organizational characteristics but also by an organization's position in an inter-organizational network. Network contexts can influence the way that organizations perceive their environment and potentially the actions that organizations may take in light of such perceptions. By developing evidence-based understandings on the influence of network contexts, the AHLN can better target the particularities of its specific health promotion network.
Lymphokine-activated killer cell susceptibility and adhesion molecule expression of multidrug resistant breast carcinoma
Authors: Savas Burhan , Kerr Pauline E , Pross Hugh F
Published: November 2006

Reports showing susceptibility of multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cells to immune effectors, together with P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression in immune effector subsets, including immature natural killer (NK) cells, and some activated T cells, suggest P-gp or some changes associated with it, have implications in immune-mediated mechanisms. A series of experiments were done to determine the nature of alterations associated with susceptibility to immune effector cells of MDR tumor cells. A cell line isolated from the malignant pleural effusion of a breast cancer patient was transfected with human and murine MDR1 genes, and four variants with different levels of MDR were obtained. Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activity was measured by a51Chromium release, and conjugate formation assays. MDR1 transfectant P-gp+breast carcinoma lines had increased LAK susceptibility compared to their parent line. Some part of the increased LAK susceptibility of drug-resistant cell lines was at the binding/recognition level as shown by conjugate formation assays. This suggests that differences may exist between paired cell lines with respect to the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to CAMs and flow cytometry were used to quantitate these antigens. The CAMs studied were those previously found to be upregulated by stimulating NK cells with (interleukin-2) IL-2; ICAM-1 (CD54), LFA-3 (CD58), N-CAM (CD56), and the β chain of LFA-1 (CD18). Although no differences in these CAMs were found between the breast carcinoma line and its MDR1-transfected variants, the target susceptibility results given above suggest that IL-2 treatment could be effective in combination with current protocols using chemotherapeutics, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and stem cell transplantation.
Spatial and temporal variation in malaria transmission in a low endemicity area in northern Tanzania
Authors: Oesterholt MJAM , Bousema JT , Mwerinde OK , Harris C , Lushino P , Masokoto A , Mwerinde H , Mosha FW , Drakeley CJ
Published: November 2006

Background

Spatial and longitudinal monitoring of transmission intensity will allow better targeting of malaria interventions. In this study, data on meteorological, demographic, entomological and parasitological data over the course of a year was collected to describe malaria epidemiology in a single village of low transmission intensity.

Methods

Entomological monitoring of malaria vectors was performed by weekly light trap catches in 10 houses. Each house in the village of Msitu wa Tembo, Lower Moshi, was mapped and censused. Malaria cases identified through passive case detection at the local health centre were mapped by residence using GIS software and the incidence of cases by season and distance to the main breeding site was calculated.

Results

The principle vector was Anopheles arabiensis and peak mosquito numbers followed peaks in recent rainfall. The entomological inoculation rate estimated was 3.4 (95% CI 0.7–9.9) infectious bites per person per year. The majority of malaria cases (85/130) occurred during the rainy season (χ2 = 62,3, p < 0.001). Living further away from the river (OR 0.96, CI 0.92–0.998, p = 0.04 every 50 m) and use of anti-insect window screens (OR 0.65, CI 0.44–0.94, p = 0.023) were independent protective factors for the risk of malaria infection. Children aged 1–5 years and 5–15 years were at greater risk of clinical episodes (OR 2.36, CI 1.41–3.97, p = 0.001 and OR 3.68, CI 2.42–5.61, p < 0.001 respectively).

Conclusion

These data show that local malaria transmission is restricted to the rainy season and strongly associated with proximity to the river. Transmission reducing interventions should, therefore, be timed before the rain-associated increase in mosquito numbers and target households located near the river.
Phosphorylation of HIV-1 Tat by CDK2 in HIV-1 transcription
Authors: Ammosova Tatyana , Berro Reem , Jerebtsova Marina , Jackson Angela , Charles Sharroya , Klase Zachary , Southerland William , Gordeuk Victor R , Kashanchi Fatah , Nekhai Sergei
Published: November 2006

Background

Transcription of HIV-1 genes is activated by HIV-1 Tat protein, which induces phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) C-terminal domain (CTD) by CDK9/cyclin T1. Earlier we showed that CDK2/cyclin E phosphorylates HIV-1 Tat in vitro. We also showed that CDK2 induces HIV-1 transcription in vitro and that inhibition of CDK2 expression by RNA interference inhibits HIV-1 transcription and viral replication in cultured cells. In the present study, we analyzed whether Tat is phosphorylated in cultured cells by CDK2 and whether Tat phosphorylation has a regulatory effect on HIV-1 transcription.

Results

We analyzed HIV-1 Tat phosphorylation by CDK2 in vitro and identified Ser16 and Ser46 residues of Tat as potential phosphorylation sites. Tat was phosphorylated in HeLa cells infected with Tat-expressing adenovirus and metabolically labeled with 32P. CDK2-specific siRNA reduced the amount and the activity of cellular CDK2 and significantly decreased phosphorylation of Tat. Tat co-migrated with CDK2 on glycerol gradient and co-immunoprecipitated with CDK2 from the cellular extracts. Tat was phosphorylated on serine residues in vivo, and mutations of Ser16 and Ser46 residues of Tat reduced Tat phosphorylation in vivo. Mutation of Ser16 and Ser46 residues of Tat reduced HIV-1 transcription in transiently transfected cells. The mutations of Tat also inhibited HIV-1 viral replication and Tat phosphorylation in the context of the integrated HIV-1 provirus. Analysis of physiological importance of the S16QP(K/R)19 and S46YGR49 sequences of Tat showed that Ser16 and Ser46 and R49 residues are highly conserved whereas mutation of the (K/R)19 residue correlated with non-progression of HIV-1 disease.

Conclusion

Our results indicate for the first time that Tat is phosphorylated in vivo; Tat phosphorylation is likely to be mediated by CDK2; and phosphorylation of Tat is important for HIV-1 transcription.
Case mix, outcomes and comparison of risk prediction models for admissions to adult, general and specialist critical care units for head injury: a secondary analysis of the ICNARC Case Mix Programme Database
Authors: Hyam Jonathan A , Welch Catherine A , Harrison David A , Menon David K
Published: November 2006

Introduction

This report describes the case mix and outcome (mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay) for admissions to ICU for head injury and evaluates the predictive ability of five risk adjustment models.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted of data from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC) Case Mix Programme, a high quality clinical database, of 374,594 admissions to 171 adult critical care units across England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 1995 to 2005. The discrimination and calibration of five risk prediction models, SAPS II, MPM II, APACHE II and III and the ICNARC model plus raw Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) were compared.

Results

There were 11,021 admissions following traumatic brain injury identified (3% of all database admissions). Mortality in ICU was 23.5% and in-hospital was 33.5%. Median ICU and hospital lengths of stay were 3.2 and 24 days, respectively, for survivors and 1.6 and 3 days, respectively, for non-survivors. The ICNARC model, SAPS II and MPM II discriminated best between survivors and non-survivors and were better calibrated than raw GCS, APACHE II and III in 5,393 patients eligible for all models.

Conclusion

Traumatic brain injury requiring intensive care has a high mortality rate. Non-survivors have a short length of ICU and hospital stay. APACHE II and III have poorer calibration and discrimination than SAPS II, MPM II and the ICNARC model in traumatic brain injury; however, no model had perfect calibration.
Suicidal behaviour in youths with depression treated with
new-generation antidepressants
Authors: Dubicka Bernadka , Hadley Sarah , Roberts Christopher
Published: November 2006

Background

Concern exists that antidepressants can cause suicidality in youths with
depression.

Aims

To determine the pooled risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour from
randomised trials of newer antidepressants.

Method

A meta-analysis was carried out to calculate odds ratios for the combined
data.

Results

Self-harm or suicide-related events occurred in 71 of 1487 (4.8%) of
depressed youths treated with antidepressants v. 38 of
1254 (3.0%) of those given placebo (fixed effects odds ratio 1.70, 95% CI
1.13–2.54, P=0.01). There was a trend for individual
suicidal thoughts, attempts and self-harm to occur more often in youths
taking antidepressants than in those given placebo, but none of these
differences was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Antidepressants may cause a small short-term risk of self-harm or
suicidal events in children and adolescents with major depressive
disorder.
Sustained attention and executive functions in euthymic young
people with bipolar disorder
Authors: Kolur U. S. , Reddy Y. C. J. , John J. P. , Kandavel T. , Jain S.
Published: November 2006

Background

Persistent neuropsychological impairments have been reported in the
euthymic phase of bipolar affective disorder. However, the findings have
been confounded by multiple episodes, chronic illness and residual mood
symptoms.

Aims

To assess sustained attention and executive functioning in euthymic young
people with bipolar I disorder who had had no more than two affective
episodes.

Method

Thirty euthymic patients (with illness duration of less than 5 years and
no more than two affective episodes) and 30 matched healthy individuals
were assessed for sustained attention and executive functioning.

Results

The bipolar group (mean age 22.4 years, s.d.=2.52; duration of illness
20.87 months, s.d.=14.72), showed impairment on tasks of attention and
executive functioning. Multivariate logistic regression analysis
demonstrated that deficits in executive functioning differentiated cases
from controls. There was no correlation between residual depressive
symptoms and neuropsychological performance.

Conclusions

Deficits in attention and executive functioning were present in young
people who had experienced only a few episodes of bipolar disorder,
suggesting that the deficits are possibly trait abnormalities. Whether
these deficits worsen with progression of illness needs to be examined in
longitudinal studies.
The schizophrenia drug-treatment paradox: pharmacological
treatment based on best possible evidence may be hardest to practise in
high-income countries
Authors: Adams Clive E. , Tharyan Prathap , Coutinho Evandro S. F. , Stroup T. Scott
Published: November 2006

Most people with schizophrenia live in low- and middle-income countries in
which clinicians/policy makers are not the first targets of marketing.
Because it is years after a drug is first launched that the full effects
become known with confidence, the evidence upon which to base practice in
low- and middle-income countries may be less biased than that in richer
nations.
Activin and Glucocorticoids Synergistically Activate Follicle-Stimulating Hormone β-Subunit Gene Expression in the Immortalized LβT2 Gonadotrope Cell Line
Authors: McGillivray Shauna M. , Thackray Varykina G. , Coss Djurdjica , Mellon Pamela L.
Published: November 2006

FSH is produced by the pituitary gonadotrope to regulate gametogenesis. Production of the β-subunit of FSH is the rate-limiting step in FSH synthesis, and a number of peptide and steroid hormones within the reproductive axis have been found to regulate transcription of the FSH β-subunit gene. Although both activin and glucocorticoids are notable regulators of FSHβ by themselves, we find that cotreatment results in a synergistic interaction on the mouse FSHβ promoter at the level of the gonadotrope using transient transfection of a reporter gene into the LβT2 immortalized gonadotrope-derived cell line. This synergistic interaction is specific to FSHβ, because only additive effects of these two hormones are observed on LH β-subunit, GnRH receptor, and mouse mammary tumor virus gene expression. Components of both activin and glucocorticoid signaling are found to be necessary for synergy, and there are specific cis elements on the mouse FSHβ promoter that contribute to the synergistic response as well. We also identify novel activin-responsive regions in the mouse FSHβ promoter and find that the −120 site can bind Smad2/3 in vitro. In addition, the glucocorticoid receptor and Smad3 are sufficient to confer a striking synergy with glucocorticoids on the mouse FSHβ promoter. Our studies provide the first evidence of a synergistic interaction between activin and glucocorticoids within the gonadotrope cell and demonstrate that this synergy can occur directly at the level of the mouse FSHβ promoter.
Fleeting with Passenger and Cargo Origin-Destination Booking Control
Authors: Sandhu Rivi , Klabjan Diego
Published: November 2006

In tactical planning of an airline, fleeting or capacity planning is the process of assigning an equipment type to each flight. The existing fleeting models take into account only passenger flow while completely ignoring cargo traffic. We propose a fleeting model that captures both passenger and cargo revenue. In addition, the model integrates fleeting and a bid price based origin-destination (O-D) revenue management approach. We use Benders decomposition to solve the model. We give extensive computational experiments on data obtained by a major carrier.
The Marketing of Opioid Medications without Prescription over the Internet
Authors: Forman Robert F. , Block Lauren G.
Published: November 2006

No-prescription Web sites are online pharmacies that supply controlled substances without a valid prescription. The authors present a comprehensive investigation and content analysis of no-prescription Web sites, including a review of the legal environment, an in-depth critique of policy and interventions, and suggestions to help monitor and shut down these illegal sites.
Who are the Victims of Identity Theft? The Effect of Demographics
Authors: Anderson Keith B.
Published: November 2006

Using the Federal Trade Commission's 2003 identity theft survey data, this article examines the relationship between a person's demographic characteristics and the likelihood of experiencing identity theft. Among other factors, the risk of identity theft appears to be higher for people with higher incomes, for younger consumers, and for women. A person's risk of being a victim of identity theft may depend, at least in part, on how many noncash accounts the consumer has and the intensity of their use. It may also depend on where the consumer conducts business and the precautions the consumer exercises. Because data to measure these factors directly are not available, differences in the risk faced by demographic groups may reflect differences in these considerations. This article should be of interest to those who are concerned with educating consumers about limiting identity theft risk and to law enforcement authorities.
Aggressive and Predatory Pricing: Insights and Empirical Examination in the Airline Industry
Authors: Dixit Ashutosh , Gundlach Gregory T. , Malhotra Naresh K. , Allvine Fred C.
Published: November 2006

The authors advance the understanding of predatory pricing through an examination of the Supreme Court's elements for proving allegations of such conduct in the marketplace. On the basis of recent research in economics, marketing, and other fields and a 2001 U.S. Department of Transportation report, the authors offer several insights into understanding and applying these elements in the airline industry. Drawing on these insights, the authors conduct empirical research to examine patterns of market power on the part of major airlines in selected hub airports and the pricing response to the entry of discount airlines over time on the part of a major airline. They also examine the relationship between market power and pricing-related conduct through a simultaneous equation model. Findings from these analyses yield insights into understanding aggressive and predatory pricing in the airline industry.
The Calcium Quandary: How Consumers use Nutrition Labels
Authors: Block Lauren G. , Peracchio Laura A.
Published: November 2006

It has been a decade since the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act mandated that the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels be formatted with nutrient reference values, namely, percent daily value (%DV). Across a series of three studies, the authors demonstrate that consumers have difficulty using %DV from the Nutrition Facts panel to determine their required calcium intake. These effects are demonstrated in Study 1 with consumers who are at risk for osteoporosis (seniors age 55 and over). In Study 2, the authors provide evidence that physicians dispense calcium recommendations to their patients in milligrams, even though most doctors cannot transform the %DV from the Nutrition Facts panel into milligrams. Study 3 reveals that exposing pregnant and lactating women to easy-to-use information in combination with the Nutrition Facts panel increases their calcium consumption to within the suggested daily recommended range.
Tests of Graphic Visuals and Cigarette Package Warning Combinations: Implications for the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Authors: Kees Jeremy , Burton Scot , Andrews J. Craig , Kozup John
Published: November 2006

The World Health Organization recently adopted the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a groundbreaking public health treaty that will require that warning information in the form of text, pictures, or a combination of these two forms cover at least 30% of the front and back of cigarette packages. In three studies using smokers from the United States and Canada, the authors examine the effects of specific graphic visuals in the context of current U.S. verbal warnings. The findings indicate that including both graphic visual warnings, such as those used in Canada, and warning statements currently used in the United States can decrease the perceived attractiveness of the package and create higher levels of negative affect, such as fear or anxiety. The results also show that the addition of the specific visual warnings examined to the U.S. statements increases smokers’ perceived intentions of quitting smoking compared with warning statements alone. The authors offer implications for public policy and public health and provide suggestions for further research.
Treaties That Dominate and Literacy That Empowers? I Wish It Was All in Ojibwemowin
Authors: Hermes Mary
Published: November 2006

In considering literacy, we take a step back to ask: literacy in which language? And what is the purpose and measure of achievement? Although not in disagreement with the Bialostok and Whitman article in this issue, we place English literacy as a part of the continuing drive to colonize and assimilate indigenous peoples. Local indigenous control of literacy efforts must largely conform to state educational standards, and thus are not completely liberatory. Further, the literacy efforts lauded by Bialostok and Whitman demonstrate a high potential for social disruption through individualization of learners and alienation of local authority. Although there are no simple solutions, seeing the complexity of working in indigenous communities through a postmodern lens of shifting meanings and identities within their specific historical, social, and economic circumstances can be a helpful starting point.
Bonding strength of a carbon nanofiber array to its substrate
Authors: Zhang Yi , Suhir Ephraim , Xu Yuan , Gu Claire
Published: November 2006

The bonding strength of a carbon nanofiber array (CNFA) grown on a copper substrate is evaluated based on the measured shearing force-at-failure and the developed analytical stress model that enables one to determine the magnitude and the distribution of the interfacial shearing stress causing the measured (given) shearing force. The experiment is conducted using specially designed test specimens. A table version of the Instron tester is used to measure the applied force and the corresponding displacement in shear. The maximum predicted shear-off stress is about 300 psi (0.211 kgf/m2), and was determined, based on the developed stress model, as a product of the measured 5 kgf/m force at the interface failure and the computed parameter k = 0.0422 m–1 of the interfacial shearing stress.