bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Revisited: The Perception of HIV Risk in a Community Sample of Low-Income African American Women
Authors: Younge Sinead N. , Salem Deborah , Bybee Deborah
Published: July 2008

Despite the high rate of HIV infection among low-income African American women, research suggests that perceptions of HIV risk among this population are not elevated compared to other groups. It is evident that an individual’s subjective perception of risk is based on a multiplicity of both internal and external factors, including relationship context and cultural worldview. This study examines the contribution of cultural worldview to low-income African American women’s HIV risk perception. A hierarchical linear regression was conducted on a community sample of low-income African American women (N = 196). Results demonstrate that when partner infidelity was controlled, financial independence and interpersonal control were significant predictors of perceived HIV risk, with lack of power related to elevated levels of perceived risk. When relationship power and HIV knowledge were taken into account, cultural worldview was a significant negative predictor of perceived risk, with high levels of fatalism associated with low perceived risk. Findings suggest that knowledge alone is not enough to explain HIV risk perception. The role of cultural worldview must be taken into account.
The Epidemiology of United States High School Soccer Injuries, 2005–2007
Authors: Yard Ellen E. , Schroeder Matthew J. , Fields Sarah K. , Collins Christy L. , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: July 2008

Background

United States high school soccer participation increased 5 fold over the last 30 years. With increased participation comes increased injury incidence.

Hypothesis

High school soccer injury patterns will vary by gender and type of exposure.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiologic study.

Methods

Soccer-related injury data were collected over the 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 school years from 100 nationally representative United States high schools via Reporting Information Online (RIO, an Internet-based sports-related injury surveillance system).

Results

Participating certified athletic trainers reported 1524 soccer injuries during 637 446 athlete exposures (AEs), for an injury rate of 2.39 per 1000 AEs, corresponding to a nationally estimated 807 492 soccer-related injuries during the 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 seasons. The injury rate per 1000 AEs was greater during competition (4.77) than practice (1.37) (rate ratio [RR] = 3.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.15–3.87). Overall, the most frequent diagnoses were incomplete ligament sprains (26.8%), incomplete muscle strains (17.9%), contusions (13.8%), and concussions (10.8%). The most commonly injured body sites were the ankle (23.4%), knee (18.7%), head/face (13.7%), and thigh/upper leg (13.1%). Similar proportions of boys (57.9%) and girls (53.9%) returned to activity in <1 week. During competition, girls sustained complete knee ligament sprains requiring surgery at a rate of 26.4 per 100 000 AEs, higher than the rate among boys during competition (1.98 per 100 000 AEs) (RR = 13.3; 95% CI, 3.15–56.35) and among girls during practice (2.34 per 100 000 AEs) (RR = 11.3; 95% CI, 4.31–29.58). Player-to-player contact was more common among competition injuries (injury proportion ratio [IPR] = 2.42; 95% CI, 2.01–2.92), while noncontact mechanisms were more common among practice injuries (IPR = 2.39; 95% CI, 1.90–3.01).

Conclusions

High school soccer injury patterns vary by gender and type of exposure. Identifying such differences in injury patterns is the important first step in the development of evidence-based, targeted injury prevention efforts.
Differentiated Curriculum Enhancements in Inclusive Fifth-Grade Science Classes
Authors: Simpkins Pamela McCrea , Mastropieri Margo A. , Scruggs Thomas E.
Published: July 2008

Sixty-one normally achieving and at-risk fifth-grade students (of whom three had learning disabilities), in three classrooms, were taught two 5-week science units via experimental or control conditions in which treatment order and unit of instruction were counterbalanced. In the control condition, students received typical instruction, with teacher lecture and discussion, textbook reading, and worksheet exercise completion. In the experimental condition, students received differentiated curriculum enhancements, in which multitiered activities were undertaken by students in a classwide peer tutoring format. Analysis of gain score data revealed that students scored higher on production tests, but not identification tests, when in the experimental condition. Student and teacher reports indicated a high degree of satisfaction with experimental methods and materials.
Excellence in Design
Authors: Haar Sherry J.
Published: July 2008

Faces, an art-to-wear skirt and knitted top, was created from multiple techniques of surface design, including sealing and painting fabric, free-motion stitching, dyeing, and knitting. Inspired by the emotions women show, and at times hide, the skirt imagery depicts faces emerging from abstract swirls of color created through paint and thread. Novelty yarn in a violet and aqua color scheme was used for the knitted top and guided the paint and thread color selections. This article presents the inspiration, process, and techniques used to create Faces.
Juxtaposing Jacquards
Authors: Jennings Tracy
Published: July 2008

Juxtaposing Jacquards illustrates the concept that individual cultures can keep their unique traditions even as they participate in the global arena. The jacquard ribbons represent the beauty and individuality of traditional cultures. The gold color woven through the ribbons and in the base fabric exemplifies the common values or threads that bond all cultures of the world. Just as each unique ribbon is juxtaposed to contribute to the unified textile design of the dress, it is asserted that cultures can come together harmoniously while maintaining their individuality. The knife-pleated empire waist dress is made from antique and designer jacquard ribbons and antique gold metallic lame.
An Innovative Model of Management Education for the Poor
Authors: Heaton Dennis P.
Published: July 2008

Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA) City Campus is a private business college that provides bachelor's degrees to economically disadvantaged students in South Africa. CIDA's model of management education is in stark contrast to conventional business schools, which are not accessible to or adapted to students from extreme poverty. To help overcome their disadvantaged backgrounds, CIDA students are provided with holistic education encompassing inner development and community spirit, not just career-oriented skills and knowledge. Furthermore, CIDA students are engaged in creating economic value for their school and their communities, in contrast to traditional education that sequesters students from productive engagement with their communities. The CIDA model provides lessons for management educators seeking to target impoverished students and their communities.
Contesting Content, or How the Emperor Sheds His Old Clothes
Authors: Haywood Rolling James
Published: July 2008

This brief article is written as an introduction to this Qualitative Inquiry special thematic issue, exploring the intersection of performance studies, critical race theory, and autoethnography. What do these forms of inquiry look like? The guest editor, a visual artist, has chosen the strategy of showing rather than merely telling.
Drumming Against the Quiet
Authors: Powell Kimberly
Published: July 2008

Drawing largely from the realm of performance theory, critical race theory, and Asian American studies, the author examines the ways in which performance, performativity, and the cooptation of aesthetic forms constitute and disrupt racial identity categories. In this article, the author focuses on the growing contemporary artistic practice of taiko drumming and its role in Asian American identity politics. As an artist-researcher, the author uses the methodological tools of ethnography and autoethnography to analyze the aesthetic components of taiko, the meaning it has for participants—including the author—as well as the author's personal background to delve into the politics of unknown ethnicity and racial amorphism in America. To understand how taiko performance can be used to rupture and recreate raced and gendered categories, the author examines how particular aesthetic forms of taiko become sites of intervention that challenge fixed notions of identity and hegemonic descriptions of race as a discrete category. Calling for a broader conception of race, the author argues for an epistemology of race that considers art and aesthetics as viable sites for the investigation of social constructs such as identity.
The Role of Audiologic Evaluation in Progressive Audiologic Tinnitus Management
Authors: Henry James A. , Zaugg Tara L. , Myers Paula J. , Schechter Martin A.
Published: July 2008

Progressive Audiologic Tinnitus Management (PATM) is based on the premise that tinnitus is managed most efficiently using a hierarchy of clinical services that address different levels of need. PATM includes five levels of management: (a) triage; (b) audiologic evaluation; (c) group education; (d) tinnitus evaluation; and (e) individualized management. This article provides an overview of PATM and focuses on the procedures that make up the Level 2 Audiologic Evaluation. The evaluation is conducted to assess the potential need for medical, audiologic (hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis), and/or mental health services. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Hearing Handicap Inventory, and Tinnitus and Hearing Survey are used to differentiate effects of tinnitus and hearing loss. If indicated, patients are interviewed with the Tinnitus-Impact Screening Interview. Patients requiring amplification receive hearing aids. Often, management of hearing loss at Level 2 addresses any problems that were attributed to the tinnitus, which obviates further tinnitus-specific intervention.
Exploring tourism experience sought: A cohort comparison of Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation
Authors: Lehto Xinran Y. , Jang SooCheong (Shawn) , Achana Francis T. , O'Leary Joseph T.
Published: July 2008

Seniors compose an important segment of the travel and tourism market. With an aging population, and the biggest bulge of `new' seniors beginning to join the mature travel market in the form of Baby Boomers, the question arises as to whether the travel industry and destination organizations fully understand the needs and wants of these aging segments, and whether they are adequately prepared for them. From the perspective of past age-based analysis, what applied to certain age groups yesterday may not now be relevant. Using the Travel Activities and Motivation Survey, this study pursued a comparative assessment of the Baby Boomer generation and the Silent Generation in the tourism experiences sought and actual vacation activities. The findings show that differences in cohort-induced lifestyles and values permeate into vacation experience and activity. It would be unwise to assume that people in similar chronological age and life stages will always have similar travel preferences from generation to generation. The comparison allows the industry to anticipate any changes of emphasis necessary to better serve the up and coming boomer senior travel customer.
A process model of small and medium enterprise sponsorship of regional sport tourism events
Authors: Lamont Matthew , Dowell Ron
Published: July 2008

Small-scale sport tourism events have been adopted by many regional communities as an economic diversification strategy in response to global pressures such as industrialization and urbanization. In many instances, sponsorship provided by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is the financial lifeblood of such events. Few studies to date have paid attention to the processes underpinning sponsorship agreements between SMEs and regional sport tourism events. This paper proposes a conceptual model depicting the processes and interactions in sponsorship agreements between SMEs and regional sport tourism events. The proposed model draws upon existing literature and the outcomes of an exploratory study informed by five case studies. The results indicated that SMEs sponsored regional sport tourism events primarily for community involvement purposes, while leveraging and sponsorship effectiveness evaluation techniques tended to be unsophisticated and inexpensive to execute. It is intended that the proposed conceptual model will serve as a platform for future inquiry into this emerging field of event sponsorship.
Assessing the brand position of Danish kros
Authors: Johns Nick , Gyimóthy Szilvia
Published: July 2008

The brand image of traditional Danish inns (known as kros ) was evaluated through their brand personality, brand snapshot and brand identity profile. These were established from in depth interviews with 26 customers at representative kros and 4 potential customers interviewed at other locations. The brand personality was an older man or woman, hard-working, warm and friendly, but unsophisticated and difficult for customers to identify with directly. The brand snapshot of a kro was an old traditional Danish half timbered building, decorated in an old fashioned style, much used by local country people. It would be cosy but smoky inside and would serve heavy traditional Danish fare. From these images and the brand identity profile it was clear that Danish kros had become a kind of museum-like repository of Danish values, which many would like to visit occasionally, but few espouse on a permanent basis. In addition, perception of kros as democratic institutions meant that customers did not expect to pay a premium for them. These findings are discussed and recommendations made for optimising the kro brand.
The work of making Malta: The Council of Europe's archaeology and planning committee 1988–1996
Authors: Willems Willem J.H.
Published: July 2008

This article began life as a paper in the session ‘Opening Doors for Archaeologists: Making Malta Work’ at the 2006 EAA Annual Meeting in Kracow, Poland. It explores the background of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Revised), also known as the Valletta Convention or the Convention of Malta. The article examines some of the major issues that were discussed and describes the drafting process of the Convention from the author's personal perspective as one of the members of the committee responsible. It concludes with a brief consideration of some subsequent developments and a plea for a more active role for the EAA at Strasbourg and Brussels.
Scientific Research, Educational Policy, and Educational Practice in the United Kingdom: The Impact of the Audit Culture on Further Education
Authors: Hodkinson Phil
Published: July 2008

This article examines the relationships between the U.K. government's policy toward education and what is often termed the audit culture. In it, the author argues that audit and evidence-based practice are synergistic arms of policy development that presuppose a neo-positivistic research stance. Most directly through audit, this "regime of truth" is having a damaging effect on educational provision, explored here through the further education sector. The underlying reasons for this damage lie in the ways that audit and evidence-based practice misunderstand and misrepresent learning. Within this approach, the U.K. educational research field must distance itself from developing links with policy and government that are too close. It is this independence from external control that is the foundation of science, rather than positivist-derived methodological objectivity.
An Essay on the Politics of Schooling and Educational Research
Authors: Smith John K. , Gallagher Deborah J.
Published: July 2008

For a very long time, the process of schooling and the research on that process were thought of as above or beyond politics. The myth of a politics-free schooling was exposed beginning with the social movements of the 1960s. The myth of educational research as apolitical is now on its way to being exposed because of these movements and because of changes in our understandings of the nature of social and educational inquiry. The result of all of this has been so profound in the past few years that it is now clear that schools may be the most politicized institution in our society and, with the No Child Left Behind Legislation, governmental agencies now have a profound influence as to what is considered acceptable versus unacceptable educational research.
Twice Betrayed by the Truth: A Narrative About the Cultural Similarities Between the Cold War and the Global War on Terror
Authors: Goodall H.L.
Published: July 2008

This narrative explores the relationship of some forgotten legacies of Cold War (particularly Vietnam-era) politics, language, and culture to the current Global War on Terror (GWOT). One theme that ties these historical eras together is the rise of secrecy among power elites and the resulting lack of available truth capable of informing policies and practices used to justify war abroad and spread fear and anxiety at home. The implications of this cultural and political déjà vu in light of the current GWOT are examined with particular emphases on how a "war" waged by a rhetoric of deceit and deception has produced unintended global consequences and new risks to our security while devaluing the power of the story that we give to the world.
"They Must Be Working Hard": An (Auto-)Ethnographic Account of Women's Artistic Gymnastics
Authors: Barker-Ruchti Natalie
Published: July 2008

This article includes narrative excerpts compiled from field notes the author collected observing six Australian women's elite artistic gymnasts and their two coaches. Using creative nonfiction and auto-ethnography, the stories' plots describe the gymnasts' daily training realities and include personal reflections on the author's gymnastics experiences and reactions to what she saw during the observations. The stories illustrate how, despite differing levels of authority, the coaches', gymnasts', and parts of her own identity and behaviors are shaped by a dominant gymnastics model. This ideal coerces the coaches and gymnasts to regulate their selves and behaviors according to its dominant characteristics. Although potentially beneficial and satisfactory, the training model's discourses and practices can have debilitating effects.
Language at the Fault Lines
Authors: Shaunessy Elizabeth , Alvarez McHatton Patricia
Published: July 2008

Language can be a divisive issue, particularly in places where a single language is associated with nationality. One's native tongue (or remnant of) indicates cultural origin and can thus function as social capitol, allowing or denying entrée into physical and social worlds. Children from dual-language families, especially those from Spanish-speaking homes, provide unique perspectives about bilingualism, especially as they consider how language can affect how others respond to language. Through reflective dialogue, two researchers explore conversations of six bilingual Hispanic adolescents. Presented in a Reader's Theatre format, the inner conflicts about the authors' respective observations about and experiences with language are interwoven with students' perceptions as they consider the attitudes of their peers, educators, and the community.
Faxes From the Dead
Authors: Leverette Marc
Published: July 2008

These poems are a self-reflexive performance of the author's doctoral thesis and the experience of writing it. They argue that a Kristevan "poetic language" may be a more appropriate form for discussing authors who contribute to an otherness of language-who write at the limits of ordinary language. Thus, these poems as academic arguments offer themselves as contradictions, as movements between the knowable and unknowable. In doing so, these poems, and poetry as an alternative to traditional academic rhetoric, transcend logic and exist as productions of meaning in and of themselves.
Development of IF steel–Al multilayer composite by repetitive roll bonding and annealing process
Authors: Jindal V. , Srivastava V. C. , Ghosh R. N.
Published: July 2008

The present study shows feasibility of synthesising steel–aluminium based metal intermetallic laminate (MIL) composites by an industrially viable and repetitive roll bonding process and subsequent annealing. Roll bonding process has been utilised to achieve solid state bonding of interstitial free (IF) steel and aluminium with simultaneous reduction in sheet thickness. Further annealing of roll bonded laminate sheets gives rise to IF steel–aluminides/aluminium multilayer composites. Formation of Al5Fe2 phase at the interface is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of stainless steel under Nd:YAG pulsed laser irradiation
Authors: Cui C. Y. , Hu J. D. , Liu Y. H. , Guo Z. X.
Published: July 2008

Microstructure and mechanical properties of stainless steel under the Nd:YAG pulsed laser irradiation were investigated. X-ray diffraction was used to identify the phases in the laser treated layer, and the growth morphology was observed by field emission scanning electron microscope. The results showed that a homogeneous microstructure with fine grains (60–300 nm) can be attained under the applied laser energy densities (2˙175×103 to 3˙585×103 J cm–2) and after that, it was difficult to get further refinement. Mechanical properties including microhardness and sliding wear were evaluated. The results indicated that the laser surface treatment was beneficial to increase the microhardness and to decrease the sliding wear rate.
Crystal structure and crystal chemistry of fluorannite and its relationships
to annite
Authors: Brigatti M. F. , Caprilli E. , Malferrari D. , Mottana A.
Published: July 2008

This study focuses on the crystal-chemical characterization of fluorannite
from the Katugin Ta-Nb deposit, Chitinskaya Oblast’, Kalar Range, Transbaikalia,
eastern Siberia, Russia. The chemical formula of this mineral is
(K0.960Na0.020Ba0.001)(Fe2+2.102Fe3+0.425Cr3+0.002Mg0.039Li0.085Ti0.210Mn0.057)(Al0.674Si3.326)
O10(F1.060OH0.028O0.912).
This mica belongs to the 1M polytype (space group C2/m) with layer parameters a =
5.3454(2) Å, b = 9.2607(4) Å, c = 10.2040(5) Å, b = 100.169(3)º. Structure
refinement, using anisotropic displacement parameters, converged at R = 0.0384.
When compared to annite, fluorannite shows a smaller cell volume
(Vfluorannite = 497.19 Å3;
Vannite = 505.71 Å3), because of its
smaller lateral dimensions and c parameter. Flattening in the plane of the
tetrahedral basal oxygen atoms decreases with F content, together with the A–O4
distance (i.e. the distance between interlayer cation A and the octahedral anionic
position) due to the reduced repulsion between the interlayer cation and the anion
sited in O4.
Overexpression of B cell–activating factor of TNF family (BAFF) is associated with Helicobacter pylori–independent growth of gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with histologic evidence of MALT lymphoma
Authors: Kuo Sung-Hsin , Yeh Pei-Yen , Chen Li-Tzong , Wu Ming-Shiang , Lin Chung-Wu , Yeh Kun-Huei , Tzeng Yi-Shin , Chen Jing-Yi , Hsu Ping-Ning , Lin Jaw-Town , Cheng Ann-Lii
Published: July 2008

We have recently demonstrated that nuclear expression of BCL10 predicts Helicobacter pylori (HP) independence of early-stage gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with histologic evidence of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). In this study, we examined the role of B cell–activating factor of TNF family (BAFF) in mediating BCL10 nuclear translocation and HP independence of gastric DLBCL (MALT). We used immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting to measure the expression of BAFF, pAKT, BCL3, BCL10, and NF-κB. Transactivity of NF-κB was measured by electromobility shift assay. In lymphoma samples from 26 patients with gastric DLBCL (MALT), we detected aberrant expression of BAFF in 7 of 10 (70%) HP-independent and in 3 of 16 (18.8%) HP-dependent cases (P = .015). BAFF overexpression was associated with pAKT expression (P = .032), and nuclear expression of BCL3 (P = .014), BCL10 (P = .015), and NF-κB (P = .004). In B-cell lymphoma Pfeiffer cells, BAFF activated NF-κB and AKT; the activated NF-κB up-regulated BCL10, and the activated AKT caused formation of BCL10/BCL3 complexes that translocated to the nucleus. Inhibition of AKT by LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) blocked BCL10 nuclear translocation, NF-κB transactivity, and BAFF expression. Our results indicate that autocrine BAFF signal transduction pathways may contribute to HP-independent growth of gastric DLBCL (MALT).
Tissue-type plasminogen activator and the low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein induce Akt phosphorylation in the ischemic brain
Authors: An Jie , Zhang Chen , Polavarapu Rohini , Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Xiumei , Yepes Manuel
Published: July 2008

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is found in the intravascular space and in the central nervous system. The low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein (LRP) is expressed in neurons and in perivascular astrocytes. During cerebral ischemia, tPA induces the shedding of LRP's extracellular domain from perivascular astrocytes, and this is followed by the development of cerebral edema. Protein kinase B (Akt) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a critical role not only in cell survival but also in the regulation of the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. We found that, in the early phases of the ischemic insult, the interaction between tPA and LRP induces Akt phosphorylation (pAkt) in perivascular astrocytes and inhibits pAkt in neurons. Coimmunoprecipitation studies indicate that pAkt and LRP's intracellular domain interact in perivascular astrocytes and that this interaction is dependent on the presence of tPA and results in the development of edema. Together, these results indicate that, in the early stages of cerebral ischemia, the interaction between tPA and LRP in perivascular astrocytes induces the activation of a cell signaling event mediated by pAkt that leads to increase in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier.
A role for multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4; ABCC4) in human dendritic cell migration
Authors: van de Ven Rieneke , Scheffer George L. , Reurs Anneke W. , Lindenberg Jelle J. , Oerlemans Ruud , Jansen Gerrit , Gillet Jean-Pierre , Glasgow Joel N. , Pereboev Alexander , Curiel David T. , Scheper Rik J. , de Gruijl Tanja D.
Published: July 2008

The capacity of dendritic cells (DCs) to migrate from peripheral organs to lymph nodes (LNs) is important in the initiation of a T cell–mediated immune response. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp; ABCB1) and the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1; ABCC1) have been shown to play a role in both human and murine DC migration. Here we show that a more recently discovered family member, MRP4 (ABCC4), is expressed on both epidermal and dermal human skin DCs and contributes to the migratory capacity of DCs. Pharmacological inhibition of MRP4 activity or down-regulation through RNAi in DCs resulted in reduced migration of DCs from human skin explants and of in vitro generated Langerhans cells. The responsible MRP4 substrate remains to be identified as exogenous addition of MRP4's known substrates prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4 and D4, or cyclic nucleotides (all previously implicated in DC migration) could not restore migration. This notwithstanding, our data show that MRP4 is an important protein, significantly contributing to human DC migration toward the draining lymph nodes, and therefore relevant for the initiation of an immune response and a possible target for immunotherapy.
Graft rejection as a Th1-type process amenable to regulation by donor Th2-type cells through an interleukin-4/STAT6 pathway
Authors: Mariotti Jacopo , Foley Jason , Ryan Kaitlyn , Buxhoeveden Nicole , Kapoor Veena , Amarnath Shoba , Fowler Daniel H.
Published: July 2008

Graft rejection has been defined as the mirror image of graft-versus-host disease, which is biologically characterized primarily as a Th1-type process. As such, we reasoned that graft rejection would represent a Th1 response amenable to Th2 modulation. Indeed, adoptive transfer of host Th1-type cells mediated rejection of fully MHC-disparate murine bone marrow allografts more effectively than host Th2-type cells. Furthermore, STAT1-deficient host T cells did not differentiate into Th1-type cells in vivo and failed to mediate rejection. We next hypothesized that donor Th2 cell allograft augmentation would prevent rejection by modulation of the host Th1/Th2 balance. In the setting of donor Th2 cell therapy, host–anti-donor allospecific T cells acquired Th2 polarity, persisted posttransplantation, and did not mediate rejection. Abrogation of rejection required donor Th2 cell IL-4 secretion and host T-cell STAT6 signaling. In conclusion, T cell–mediated marrow graft rejection primarily resembles a Th1-type process that can be abrogated by donor Th2 cell therapy that promotes engraftment through a novel mechanism whereby cytokine polarization is transferred to host T cells.
Accelerated exchange of exon segments in Viperid three-finger toxin genes (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii; Desert Massasauga)
Authors: Doley Robin , Pahari Susanta , Mackessy Stephen P , Kini R Manjunatha
Published: July 2008

Background

Snake venoms consist primarily of proteins and peptides showing a myriad of potent biological activities which have been shaped by both adaptive and neutral selective forces. Venom proteins are encoded by multigene families that have evolved through a process of gene duplication followed by accelerated evolution in the protein coding region.

Results

Here we report five gene structures of three-finger toxins from a viperid snake,Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii. These toxin genes are structured similarly to elapid and hydrophiid three-finger toxin genes, with two introns and three exons. Both introns and exons show distinct patterns of segmentation, and the insertion/deletion of segments may define their evolutionary history. The segments in introns, when present, are highly similar to their corresponding segments in other members of the gene family. In contrast, some segments in the exons show high similarity, while others are often distinctly different among corresponding regions of the isoforms.

Conclusion

Ordered, conserved exon structure strongly suggests that segments in corresponding regions in exons have been exchanged with distinctly different ones during the evolution of these genes. Such a "switching" of segments in exons may result in drastically altering the molecular surface topology and charge, and hence the molecular targets of these three-finger toxins. Thus the phenomenon ofacceleratedsegmentswitch inexons to altertargeting (ASSET) may play an important role in the evolution of three-finger toxins, resulting in a family of toxins with a highly conserved structural fold but widely varying biological activities.
Complex population genetic and demographic history of the Salangid, Neosalanx taihuensis, based on cytochrome b sequences
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhang Jie , Liu Zhijin , Funk Stephan M , Wei Fuwen , Xu Muqi , Li Ming
Published: July 2008

Background

The Salangid icefishNeosalanx taihuensis(Salangidae) is an economically important fish, which is endemic to China, restricted to large freshwater systems (e.g. lakes, large rivers and estuaries) and typically exhibit low vagility. The continuous distribution ranges from the temperate region of the Huai and Yellow River basins to the subtropical region of the Pearl River basin. This wide ranging distribution makes the species an ideal model for the study of palaeoclimatic effects on population genetic structure and phylogeography. Here, we aim to analyze population genetic differentiation within and between river basins and demographic history in order to understand how this species responded to severe climatic oscillations, decline of the sea levels during the Pleistocene ice ages and tectonic activity.

Results

We obtained the complete mtDNA cytochromebsequences (1141 bp) of 354 individuals from 13 populations in the Pearl River, the Yangze River and the Huai River basin. Thirty-six haplotypes were detected. Haplotype frequency distributions were strongly skewed, with most haplotypes (n = 24) represented only in single samples each and thus restricted to a single population. The most common haplotype (H36) was found in 49.15% of all individuals. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a random pattern in the distribution of genetic diversity, which is inconsistent with contemporary hydrological structure. Significant levels of genetic subdivision were detected among populations within basins rather than between the three basins. Demographic analysis revealed that the population size in the Pearl River basin has remained relatively constant whereas the populations in the Yangze River and the Huai River basins expanded about 221 and 190 kyr ago, respectively, with the majority of mutations occurring after the last glacial maximum (LGM).

Conclusion

The observed complex genetic pattern ofN. taihuensisis coherent with a scenario of multiple unrelated founding events by long-distance colonization and dispersal combined with contiguous population expansion and locally restricted gene flow. We also found that this species was likely severely impacted by past glaciations. More favourable climate and the formation of large suitable habitations together facilitated population expansion after the late Quaternary (especially the LGM). We proposed that all populations should be managed and conserved separately, especially for habitat protection.
Molecular phylogeny of diplomonads and enteromonads based on SSU rRNA, alpha-tubulin and HSP90 genes: Implications for the evolutionary history of the double karyomastigont of diplomonads
Authors: Kolisko Martin , Cepicka Ivan , Hampl Vladimir , Leigh Jessica , Roger Andrew J , Kulda Jaroslav , Simpson Alastair GB , Flegr Jaroslav
Published: July 2008

Background

Fornicata is a relatively recently established group of protists that includes the diplokaryotic diplomonads (which have two similar nuclei per cell), and the monokaryotic enteromonads, retortamonads and Carpediemonas, with the more typical one nucleus per cell. The monophyly of the group was confirmed by molecular phylogenetic studies, but neither the internal phylogeny nor its position on the eukaryotic tree has been clearly resolved.

Results

Here we have introduced data for three genes (SSU rRNA, α-tubulin and HSP90) with a wide taxonomic sampling of Fornicata, including ten isolates of enteromonads, representing the genera Trimitus and Enteromonas, and a new undescribed enteromonad genus. The diplomonad sequences formed two main clades in individual gene and combined gene analyses, with Giardia (and Octomitus) on one side of the basal divergence and Spironucleus, Hexamita and Trepomonas on the other. Contrary to earlier evolutionary scenarios, none of the studied enteromonads appeared basal to diplokaryotic diplomonads. Instead, the enteromonad isolates were all robustly situated within the second of the two diplomonad clades. Furthermore, our analyses suggested that enteromonads do not constitute a monophyletic group, and enteromonad monophyly was statistically rejected in 'approximately unbiased' tests of the combined gene data.

Conclusion

We suggest that all higher taxa intended to unite multiple enteromonad genera be abandoned, that Trimitus and Enteromonas be considered as part of Hexamitinae, and that the term 'enteromonads' be used in a strictly utilitarian sense. Our result suggests either that the diplokaryotic condition characteristic of diplomonads arose several times independently, or that the monokaryotic cell of enteromonads originated several times independently by secondary reduction from the diplokaryotic state. Both scenarios are evolutionarily complex. More comparative data on the similarity of the genomes of the two nuclei of diplomonads will be necessary to resolve which evolutionary scenario is more probable.
Enzyme phylogenies as markers for the oxidation state of the environment: The case of respiratory arsenate reductase and related enzymes
Authors: Duval Simon , Ducluzeau Anne-Lise , Nitschke Wolfgang , Schoepp-Cothenet Barbara
Published: July 2008

Background

Phylogenies of certain bioenergetic enzymes have proved to be useful tools for deducing evolutionary ancestry of bioenergetic pathways and their relationship to geochemical parameters of the environment. Our previous phylogenetic analysis of arsenite oxidase, the molybdopterin enzyme responsible for the biological oxidation of arsenite to arsenate, indicated its probable emergence prior to the Archaea/Bacteria split more than 3 billion years ago, in line with the geochemical fact that arsenite was present in biological habitats on the early Earth. Respiratory arsenate reductase (Arr), another molybdopterin enzyme involved in microbial arsenic metabolism, serves as terminal oxidase, and is thus situated at the opposite end of bioenergetic electron transfer chains as compared to arsenite oxidase. The evolutionary history of the Arr-enzyme has not been studied in detail so far.

Results

We performed a genomic search of genes related to arrA coding for the molybdopterin subunit. The multiple alignment of the retrieved sequences served to reconstruct a neighbor-joining phylogeny of Arr and closely related enzymes. Our analysis confirmed the previously proposed proximity of Arr to the cluster of polysulfide/thiosulfate reductases but also unravels a hitherto unrecognized clade even more closely related to Arr. The obtained phylogeny strongly suggests that Arr originated after the Bacteria/Archaea divergence in the domain Bacteria, and was subsequently laterally distributed within this domain. It further more indicates that, as a result of accumulation of arsenate in the environment, an enzyme related to polysulfide reductase and not to arsenite oxidase has evolved into Arr.

Conclusion

These findings are paleogeochemically rationalized by the fact that the accumulation of arsenate over arsenite required the increase in oxidation state of the environment brought about by oxygenic photosynthesis.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the bag-shelter moth Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae)
Authors: Salvato Paola , Simonato Mauro , Battisti Andrea , Negrisolo Enrico
Published: July 2008

Background

Knowledge of animal mitochondrial genomes is very important to understand their molecular evolution as well as for phylogenetic and population genetic studies. The Lepidoptera encompasses more than 160,000 described species and is one of the largest insect orders. To date only nine lepidopteran mitochondrial DNAs have been fully and two others partly sequenced. Furthermore the taxon sampling is very scant. Thus advance of lepidopteran mitogenomics deeply requires new genomes derived from a broad taxon sampling. In present work we describe the mitochondrial genome of the moth Ochrogaster lunifer.

Results

The mitochondrial genome of O. lunifer is a circular molecule 15593 bp long. It includes the entire set of 37 genes usually present in animal mitochondrial genomes. It contains also 7 intergenic spacers. The gene order of the newly sequenced genome is that typical for Lepidoptera and differs from the insect ancestral type for the placement of trnM. The 77.84% A+T content of its α strand is the lowest among known lepidopteran genomes. The mitochondrial genome of O. lunifer exhibits one of the most marked C-skew among available insect Pterygota genomes. The protein-coding genes have typical mitochondrial start codons except for cox1 that present an unusual CGA. The O. lunifer genome exhibits the less biased synonymous codon usage among lepidopterans. Comparative genomics analysis study identified atp6, cox1, cox2 as cox3, cob, nad1, nad2, nad4, and nad5 as potential markers for population genetics/phylogenetics studies. A peculiar feature of O. lunifer mitochondrial genome it that the intergenic spacers are mostly made by repetitive sequences.

Conclusion

The mitochondrial genome of O. lunifer is the first representative of superfamily Noctuoidea that account for about 40% of all described Lepidoptera. New genome shares many features with other known lepidopteran genomes. It differs however for its low A+T content and marked C-skew. Compared to other lepidopteran genomes it is less biased in synonymous codon usage. Comparative evolutionary analysis of lepidopteran mitochondrial genomes allowed the identification of previously neglected coding genes as potential phylogenetic markers. Presence of repetitive elements in intergenic spacers of O. lunifer genome supports the role of DNA slippage as possible mechanism to produce spacers during replication.
ATP-induced autophagy is associated with rapid killing of intracellular mycobacteria within human monocytes/macrophages
Authors: Biswas Debasis , Qureshi Omar S , Lee Wing-Yiu , Croudace Joanne E , Mura Manuela , Lammas David A
Published: July 2008

Background

We have previously reported that ATP treatment of M bovis-BCG infected human macrophages induces P2X7 receptor-dependent killing of intracellular mycobacteria. The mechanism mediating this bactericidal effect has not been full characterized but is known to be Ca2+-dependent and to promote the maturation and acidification of mycobacteria-containing phagosomes. In this study we demonstrate that the ATP/P2X7-mediated, mycobactericidal effect also involves the induction of cell autophagy.

Results

We report that 3 mM ATP induces rapid cell autophagy in THP1 cells and monocyte-derived macrophages within 30 minutes post-treatment, as revealed by the expression of LC3-II bands on western blot analysis. Using Ca2+-free media and selective P2X7 agonists and antagonists, ATP-induced cell autophagy was shown to be Ca2+ and P2X7 receptor-dependent. Electron microscopy of ATP-treated, BCG-infected MDMs revealed the presence of the bacteria within characteristic double-membraned autophagosomes. Confocal analysis further confirmed that pharmacological inhibition of autophagy by wortmannin or pre-treatment of macrophages with anti-P2X7 antibody blocked ATP-induced phago-lysosomal fusion. Induction of cell autophagy with ATP was also temporally associated with a fall in intracellular mycobacterial viability, which was suppressed by treatment with wortmannin or the selective P2X7 antagonist, oxidized ATP (oATP).

Conclusion

We provide the first evidence that ATP/P2X7-mediated killing of intracellular mycobacteria involves the induction of cell autophagy. The findings support the hypothesis that autophagy plays a key role in the control of mycobacterial infections.
Leukotriene B4-loaded microspheres: a new therapeutic strategy to modulate cell activation
Authors: Nicolete Roberto , Rius Cristina , Piqueras Laura , Jose Peter J , Sorgi Carlos A , Soares Edson G , Sanz Maria J , Faccioli Lúcia H
Published: July 2008

Background

Leukotriene B4(LTB4) is a potent inflammatory mediator that also stimulates the immune response. In addition, it promotes polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytosis, chemotaxis, chemokinesis and modulates cytokines release. Regarding chemical instability of the leukotriene molecule, in the present study we assessed the immunomodulatory activities conferred by LTB4released from microspheres (MS). A previous oil-in-water emulsion solvent extraction-evaporation method was chosen to prepare LTB4-loaded MS.

Results

In the mice cremasteric microcirculation, intraescrotal injection of 0.1 ml of LTB4-loaded MS provoked significant increases in leukocyte rolling flux, adhesion and emigration besides significant decreases in the leukocyte rolling velocity. LTB4-loaded MS also increase peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) expression by murine peritoneal macrophages and stimulate them to generate nitrite levels. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and nitric oxide (NO) productions were also increased when human umbilical vein and artery endothelial cells (HUVECs and HUAECs, respectively) were stimulated with LTB4-loaded MS.

Conclusion

LTB4-loaded MS preserve the biological activity of the encapsulated mediator indicating their use as a new strategy to modulate cell activation, especially in the innate immune response.
The function of BCL9 in Wnt/β-catenin signaling and colorectal cancer cells
Authors: de la Roche Marc , Worm Jesper , Bienz Mariann
Published: July 2008

Background

Most cases of colorectal cancer are initiated by hyperactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway due to mutations in the APC tumour suppressor, or in β-catenin itself. A recently discovered component of this pathway is Legless, which is essential for Wnt-induced transcription duringDrosophiladevelopment. Limited functional information is available for its two mammalian relatives, BCL9 and B9L/BCL9-2: like Legless, these proteins bind to β-catenin, and RNAi-mediated depletion of B9L/BCL9-2 has revealed that this protein is required for efficient β-catenin-mediated transcription in mammalian cell lines. No loss-of-function data are available for BCL9.

Methods

We have used overexpression of dominant-negative forms of BCL9, and RNAi-mediated depletion, to study its function in human cell lines with elevated Wnt pathway activity, including colorectal cancer cells.

Results

We found that BCL9 is required for efficient β-catenin-mediated transcription in Wnt-stimulated HEK 293 cells, and in the SW480 colorectal cancer cell line whose Wnt pathway is active due toAPCmutation. Dominant-negative mutants of BCL9 indicated that its function depends not only on its β-catenin ligand, but also on an unknown ligand of its C-terminus. Finally, we show thatBCL9andB9Lare both Wnt-inducible genes, hyperexpressed in colorectal cancer cell lines, indicating that they are part of a positive feedback loop.

Conclusion

BCL9 is required for efficient β-catenin-mediated transcription in human cell lines whose Wnt pathway is active, including colorectal cancer cells, indicating its potential as a drug target in colorectal cancer.
Modelling lifetime cost consequences of ReSTOR®in cataract surgery in four European countries
Authors: Lafuma Antoine , Berdeaux Gilles
Published: July 2008

Background

To compare the lifetime costs of liberating patients from spectacles after cataract surgery by implanting the multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) 'ReSTOR®' versus monofocal IOLs in France, Italy, Germany and Spain.

Methods

A Markov model was created to follow patient cohorts from cataract surgery until death. Prevalence rates of patients not needing spectacles after cataract surgery were obtained from clinical trials. Resource utilisation included implant surgery, IOLs, spectacles, visits to ophthalmologists and eye centres, transport, and time lost by patients. Economic perspectives were those of Society and Sickness Funds (SFs).

Results

The mean number of spectacles purchased after ReSTOR® was 1.34–1.61 and after monofocal IOLs 6.05–7.27. From the societal perspective, total cost estimates discounted by 3% were between €3,551 and €4,052 with ReSTOR® compared to €3,989 and €5,548 with monofocal IOLs. Undiscounted savings related to ReSTOR® ranged from €815 to €2,164. From the SFs' perspective total cost estimates discounted by 3% were between €2,150 and €2,524 with ReSTOR® compared to €2,324 and €2,610 with monofocal IOLs. Savings related to ReSTOR®, once costs discounted, ranged from €61 to €219. Discount and spectacle freedom prevalence rates were the most sensitive parameters.

Conclusion

The bulk of the savings related to ReSTOR® were realized outside the SF. From both a societal and SF perspective, savings, after a 3% discounting, achieved by liberating patients from spectacles counterbalanced the initially higher cost of ReSTOR®. ReSTOR® is a cost saving alternative to spectacles for patients requiring cataract surgery.