bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifts in justice beliefs induced by Hurricane Katrina: The impact of claims of racism
Authors: Eccleston Collette P. , Kaiser Cheryl R. , Kraynak Lindsay R.
Published: July 2010

This study utilized the context of Hurricane Katrina to examine changes in justice beliefs. We suggest that racism claims being embedded within an emotionally involving context and covered by the mainstream media facilitated openness to the idea that the American social system is not entirely just. We hypothesized that exposure to images of the disaster and racism explanations would lead Whites who initially perceived the American social system as just to shift their beliefs. Furthermore, lower justice beliefs after exposure to disaster images would be associated with greater perceptions of similarity with victims and less preference for the racial ingroup. Results were consistent with these hypotheses. Thus, under some circumstances, disconfirming evidence can produce belief change.
Intergroup friendships on campus: Predicting close and casual friendships between White and African American first-year college students
Authors: Schofield Janet Ward , Hausmann Leslie R.M. , Feifei Ye  , Woods Rochelle L.
Published: July 2010

Intergroup friendships have been linked to important outcomes such as reduced prejudice, increased empathy for outgroups, and lower intergroup anxiety. However, little is known about the factors facilitating such friendships. This longitudinal study therefore examined factors associated with the development of friendships between White and African American freshmen at a predominantly White university. African American (vs. White) and male (vs. female) students had more intergroup friendships at the end of freshman year. Friendships between African American and White freshmen were also associated with more direct and indirect intergroup contact during high school, less prejudice upon entering college, having an outgroup roommate (White or African American), having any roommate, and having more contact with outgroup members during the academic year.
Renin-angiotensin system may trigger kidney damage in NOD mice
Authors: Colucci Juliana Almada , Yuri Arita Danielle , Sousa Cunha Tatiana , Seno Di Marco Giovana , Vio Carlos P. , Pacheco-Silva Álvaro , Casarini Dulce Elena
Published: July 2010

Diabetic nephropathy is a complication of diabetes and one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease. A possible causal link between renin—angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) and diabetes is widely recognized but the mechanisms by which the RAAS may lead to this complication remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) activity and expression in numerous tissues, especially kidney, of non-obese diabetic mouse. Kidney, lung, pancreas, heart, liver and adrenal tissues from diabetic and control female NOD mice were homogenized for measurement of ACE activity, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting for ACE and ACE2, immunohistochemistry for ACE and angiotensins I, II and 1-7 and bradykinin quantification. ACE activity was higher in kidney, lung and adrenal tissue of diabetic mice compared with control mice. In pancreas, activity was decreased in the diabetic group. Western blotting analysis indicated that both groups presented ACE isoforms with molecular weights of 142 and 69 kDa and a decrease in ACE2 protein expression. Angiotensin concentrations were not altered within groups, although bradykinin levels were higher in diabetic mice. The immunohistochemical study in kidney showed an increase in tubular ACE expression. Our results show that the RAAS is affected by diabetes and the elevated ACE/ACE2 ratio may contribute to renal damage.
Oregon’s Senate Bill 560: Practical Policy Lessons for Nurse Advocates
Authors: Gilson Sistrom Maria
Published: July 2010

In response to striking rates of childhood obesity in Oregon, advocates led by a nurse lobbyist proposed legislation in 2005 to regulate junk foods in public schools. Several theories propose to explain the policy-making process, yet Senate Bill 560 (SB 560) followed a twisted course through rule making, legislative and political processes that are not well articulated in policy theory. Three overlapping mechanisms were identified in content analysis of documents and interviews with participants in the SB 560 policy process. Strategically placed legislative “banana peels,” proponents’ amateur advocacy, and legislative outflanking by professional lobbyists more fully characterize this policy process and better account for the failure of SB 560. Subsequent passage of the Oregon Healthy School Foods bill in the more politically conducive 2007 legislature suggest that advocacy and incremental change frameworks are less predictive of successful passage than is the ability to take advantage of political opportunities to change public health policy.
Is Transition of Internationally Educated Nurses a Regulatory Issue?
Authors: Yu Xu
Published: July 2010

Based on a review of initial evidence, this article suggests that transition of internationally educated nurses (IENs) is a regulatory issue. Given the absence of global nurse regulation, the questionable credibility in many areas where national regulation does operate, and more important, the commercialization of nurse training in some countries to meet international demand, the quality and competence of IENs are likely to be varied in both quantitative and qualitative terms. This variability in quality and competence affect their ability and readiness to practice with direct implications for patient safety and quality of care. After description of a transition program as a proposed regulatory mechanism modeled after the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s Transition Initiatives, this article calls for comparative outcomes research on IENs and U.S. educated nurses to definitively determine if transition of IENs is a regulatory issue.
Low-dose radiation augments vasculogenesis signaling through HIF-1–dependent and –independent SDF-1 induction
Authors: Lerman Oren Z. , Greives Matthew R. , Singh Sunil P. , Thanik Vishal D. , Chang Christopher C. , Seiser Natalie , Brown Daniel J. , Knobel Denis , Schneider Robert J. , Formenti Silvia C. , Saadeh Pierre B. , Levine Jamie P.
Published: July 2010

The inflammatory response to ionizing radiation (IR) includes a proangiogenic effect that could be counterproductive in cancer but can be exploited for treating impaired wound healing. We demonstrate for the first time that IR stimulates hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) up-regulation in endothelial cells (ECs), a HIF-1α–independent up-regulation of stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1), as well as endothelial migration, all of which are essential for angiogenesis. 5 Gray IR-induced EC HIF-1α and SDF-1 expression was greater when combined with hypoxia suggesting an additive effect. While small interfering RNA silencing of HIF-1α mRNA and abolition of HIF-1α protein induction down-regulated SDF-1 induction by hypoxia alone, it had little effect on SDF-1 induction by IR, demonstrating an independent pathway. SDF-1–mediated EC migra-tion in hypoxic and/or radiation-treated media showed IR induced strong SDF-1–dependent migration of ECs, augmented by hypoxia. IR activates a novel pathway stimulating EC migration directly through the expression of SDF-1 independent of HIF-1α induction. These observations might be exploited for stimulation of wound healing or controlling tumor angiogenesis.
Nomenclature of monocytes and dendritic cells in blood
Authors: Ziegler-Heitbrock Loems , Ancuta Petronela , Crowe Suzanne , Dalod Marc , Grau Veronika , Hart Derek N. , Leenen Pieter J. M. , Liu Yong-Jun , MacPherson Gordon , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Scherberich Juergen , Schmitz Juergen , Shortman Ken , Sozzani Silvano , Strobl Herbert , Zembala Marek , Austyn Jonathan M. , Lutz Manfred B.
Published: July 2010

Monocytes and cells of the dendritic cell lineage circulate in blood and eventually migrate into tissue where they further mature and serve various functions, most notably in immune defense. Over recent years these cells have been characterized in detail with the use of cell surface markers and flow cytometry, and subpopulations have been described. The present document proposes a nomenclature for these cells and defines 3 types of monocytes (classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocytes) and 3 types of dendritic cells (plasmacytoid and 2 types of myeloid dendritic cells) in human and in mouse blood. This classification has been approved by the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Immunological Societies, and we are convinced that it will facilitate communication among experts and in the wider scientific community.
Novel targets for endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in B-CLL
Authors: Rosati Emanuela , Sabatini Rita , Rampino Giuliana , De Falco Filomena , Di Ianni Mauro , Falzetti Franca , Fettucciari Katia , Bartoli Andrea , Screpanti Isabella , Marconi Pierfrancesco
Published: July 2010

A better understanding of apoptotic signaling in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells may help to define new therapeutic strategies. This study investigated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling in spontaneous apoptosis of B-CLL cells and whether manipulating ER stress increases their apoptosis. Results show that a novel ER stress-triggered caspase cascade, initiated by caspase-4 and involving caspase-8 and -3, plays an important role in spontaneous B-CLL cell apoptosis. ER stress-induced apoptosis in B-CLL cells also involves CHOP/GADD153 up-regulation, increased JNK1/2 phosphorylation, and caspase-8–mediated cleavage of Bap31 to Bap20, known to propagate apoptotic signals from ER to mitochondria. In ex vivo B-CLL cells, some apoptotic events associated with mitochondrial pathway also occur, including mitochondrial cytochrome c release and caspase-9 processing. However, pharmacologic inhibition studies show that caspase-9 plays a minor role in B-CLL cell apoptosis. ER stress also triggers survival signals in B-CLL cells by increasing BiP/GRP78 expression. Manipulating ER signaling by siRNA down-regulation of BiP/GRP78 or treating B-CLL cells with 2 well-known ER stress-inducers, tunicamycin and thapsigargin, increases their apoptosis. Overall, our findings show that ER triggers an essential pathway for B-CLL cell apoptosis and suggest that genetic and pharmacologic manipulation of ER signaling could represent an important therapeutic strategy.
Integrative analysis reveals selective 9p24.1 amplification, increased PD-1 ligand expression, and further induction via JAK2 in nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma and primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Green Michael R. , Monti Stefano , Rodig Scott J. , Juszczynski Przemyslaw , Currie Treeve , O'Donnell Evan , Chapuy Bjoern , Takeyama Kunihiko , Neuberg Donna , Golub Todd R. , Kutok Jeffery L. , Shipp Margaret A.
Published: July 2010

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (MLBCL) are lymphoid malignancies with certain shared clinical, histologic, and molecular features. Primary cHLs and MLBCLs include variable numbers of malignant cells within an inflammatory infiltrate, suggesting that these tumors escape immune surveillance. Herein, we integrate high-resolution copy number data with transcriptional profiles and identify the immunoregulatory genes, PD-L1 and PD-L2, as key targets at the 9p24.1 amplification peak in HL and MLBCL cell lines. We extend these findings to laser-capture microdissected primary Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells and primary MLBCLs and find that programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) ligand/9p24.1 amplification is restricted to nodular sclerosing HL, the cHL subtype most closely related to MLBCL. Using quantitative immunohistochemical methods, we document the association between 9p24.1 copy number and PD-1 ligand expression in primary tumors. In cHL and MLBCL, the extended 9p24.1 amplification region also included the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) locus. Of note, JAK2 amplification increased protein expression and activity, specifically induced PD-1 ligand transcription and enhanced sensitivity to JAK2 inhibition. Therefore, 9p24.1 amplification is a disease-specific structural alteration that increases both the gene dosage of PD-1 ligands and their induction by JAK2, defining the PD-1 pathway and JAK2 as complementary rational therapeutic targets.
hTERT promoter activity and CpG methylation in HPV-induced carcinogenesis
Authors: de Wilde Jillian , Kooter Jan M , Overmeer Renée M , Claassen-Kramer Debbie , Meijer Chris JLM , Snijders Peter JF , Steenbergen Renske DM
Published: July 2010

Background

Activation of telomerase resulting from deregulated hTERT expression is a key event during high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-induced cervical carcinogenesis. In the present study we examined hTERT promoter activity and its relation to DNA methylation as one of the potential mechanisms underlying deregulated hTERT transcription in hrHPV-transformed cells.

Methods

Using luciferase reporter assays we analyzed hTERT promoter activity in primary keratinocytes, HPV16- and HPV18-immortalized keratinocyte cell lines and cervical cancer cell lines. In the same cells as well as cervical specimens we determined hTERT methylation by bisulfite sequencing analysis of the region spanning -442 to +566 (relative to the ATG) and quantitative methylation specific PCR (qMSP) analysis of two regions flanking the hTERT core promoter.

Results

We found that in most telomerase positive cells increased hTERT core promoter activity coincided with increased hTERT mRNA expression. On the other hand basal hTERT promoter activity was also detected in telomerase negative cells with no or strongly reduced hTERT mRNA expression levels. In both telomerase positive and negative cells regulatory sequences flanking both ends of the core promoter markedly repressed exogenous promoter activity.

By extensive bisulfite sequencing a strong increase in CpG methylation was detected in hTERT positive cells compared to cells with no or strongly reduced hTERT expression. Subsequent qMSP analysis of a larger set of cervical tissue specimens revealed methylation of both regions analyzed in 100% of cervical carcinomas and 38% of the high-grade precursor lesions, compared to 9% of low grade precursor lesions and 5% of normal controls.

Conclusions

Methylation of transcriptionally repressive sequences in the hTERT promoter and proximal exonic sequences is correlated to deregulated hTERT transcription in HPV-immortalized cells and cervical cancer cells. The detection of DNA methylation at these repressive regions may provide an attractive biomarker for early detection of cervical cancer.
Associations between body mass index, weight control concerns and behaviors, and eating disorder symptoms among non-clinical Chinese adolescents
Authors: Fan Yiou , Li Yanping , Liu Ailing , Hu Xiaoqi , Ma Guansheng , Xu Guifa
Published: July 2010

Background

Previous research with adolescents has shown associations of body weight, weight control concerns and behaviors with eating disorder symptoms, but it is unclear whether these associations are direct or whether a mediating effect exists. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity, weight control concerns and behaviors, and eating disorder symptoms and to examine the mediating function of weight control concerns and behaviors on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and eating disorder symptoms among non-clinical adolescents in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey among 2019 adolescent girls and 1525 adolescent boys in the 7th, 8th, 10th and 11th grades from seven cities in China was conducted. Information on weight control concerns and behaviors, and eating disorder symptoms (Eating Disorder Inventory-3) were collected from the adolescents using a self-administrated questionnaire.

Results

Weight control concerns and behaviors, and eating disorder symptoms were prevalent among the study population. A high proportion of adolescents scored at or above the threshold on the eating disorder inventory (EDI) subscale such as bulimia, interoceptive deficits, perfectionism, and maturity fears, which indicated eating disorder symptoms. High BMI was significantly associated with high score of drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, bulimia, low self-esteem, interceptive deficits and maturity fears, so do perceived body weight status. Almost all weight control concerns and behaviors we investigated were significantly associated with high EDI subscale scores. When weight control concerns were added to the model, as shown in the model, the association between BMI and tendency of drive to thinness and bulimia was attenuated but still kept significant. The association between BMI and body dissatisfaction were no further significant. The association of BMI and drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction and bulimia was considerably weaker than when weight control behaviors were not included.

Conclusions

Weight control concerns and behaviors may be mediators of the association between BMI and eating disorder symptoms. Interpretation of these weight control problems is crucial to develop culturally appropriate educational and intervention programs for adolescents.
Strengthening preventive care programs: a permanent challenge for healthcare systems; lessons from PREVENIMSS México
Authors: Gutiérrez Gonzalo , Pérez-Cuevas Ricardo , Levy Santiago , Reyes Hortensia , Acosta Benjamín , Cantón Sonia Fernández , Muñoz Onofre
Published: July 2010

Background

In 2001, the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) carried out a major reorganization to provide comprehensive preventive care to reinforce primary care services through the PREVENIMSS program. This program divides the population into programmatic age groups that receive specific preventive services: children (0-9 years), adolescents (10-19 years), men (20-59 years), women (20-59 years) and older adults (> = 60 years). The objective of this paper is to describe the improvement of the PREVENIMSS program in terms of the increase of coverage of preventive actions and the identification of unmet needs of unsolved and emergent health problems.

Methods

From 2003 to 2006, four nation-wide cross-sectional probabilistic population based surveys were conducted using a four stage sampling design. Thirty thousand households were visited in each survey. The number of IMSS members interviewed ranged from 79,797 respondents in 2003 to 117,036 respondents in 2006.

Results

The four surveys showed a substantial increase in coverage indicators for each age group: children, completed schemes of vaccination (> 90%), iron supplementation (17.8% to 65.5%), newborn screening for metabolic disorders (60.3% to 81.6%). Adolescents, measles - rubella vaccine (52.4% to 71.4%), hepatitis vaccine (9.3% to 46.2%), use of condoms (17.9% to 59.9%). Women, measles-rubella vaccine (28.5% to 59-2%), cervical cancer screening (66.7% to 75%), breast cancer screening (> 2.1%). Men, type 2 diabetes screening (38.6% to 57.8%) hypertension screening (48-4% to 64.0%). Older adults, pneumococcal vaccine (13.2% to 24.9%), influenza vaccine (12.6% to 52.9) Regarding the unmet needs, the prevalence of anemia in children was 30% and a growing prevalence of overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension was found in men, women and older adults.

Conclusion

PREVENIMSS showed an important increase in the coverage of preventive services and stressed the magnitude of the old and new challenges that this healthcare system faces. The unsolved problems such as anemia, and the emerging ones such as overweight, obesity, among others, point out the need to strength preventive care through designing and implementing innovative programs aimed to attain effective coverage for those conditions in which prevention obtains substandard results.
Analysis of the 5'UTR of HCV genotype 3 grown in vitro in human B cells, T cells, and macrophages
Authors: Revie Dennis , Alberti Michael O , Prichard John G , Kelley Ann S , Salahuddin S Zaki
Published: July 2010

Background

Previously, we have reported the isolation and molecular characterization of human Hepatitis C virus genotype 1 (HCV-1) from infected patients. We are now reporting an analysis of HCV obtained from patients infected with HCV genotype 3 (HCV-3) as diagnosed by clinical laboratories.

Results

HCV was cultured in vitro using our system. HCV RNA was isolated from patients' blood and from HCV cultured in various cell types for up to three months. The 5'UTR of these isolates were used for comparisons. Results revealed a number of sequence changes as compared to the serum RNA. The HCV RNA produced efficiently by infected macrophages, B-cells, and T-cells had sequences similar to HCV-1, which suggests that selection of the variants was performed at the level of macrophages. Virus with sequences similar to HCV-1 replicated better in macrophages than HCV having a 5'UTR similar to HCV-3.

Conclusions

Although HCV-3 replicates in cell types such as B-cells, T-cells, and macrophages, it may require a different primary cell type for the same purpose. Therefore, in our opinion, HCV-3 does not replicate efficiently in macrophages, and patients infected with HCV-3 may contain a population of HCV-1 in their blood.
Bilateral transtibial amputation with concomitant thoracolumbar vertebral collapse in a Sichuan earthquake survivor
Authors: Wong Caroline Ngar-Chi , Yu Joseph Man-Kit , Law Sheung-Wai , Lau Herman Mun-Cheung , Chan Cavor Kai-Ming
Published: July 2010

The devastating earthquake in Sichuan, China on 12 May 2008 left thousands of survivors requiring medical care and intensive rehabilitation. In view of this great demand, the Chinese Speaking Orthopaedic Society established the "Stand Tall" project to provide voluntary services to aid amputee victims in achieving total rehabilitation and social integration. This case report highlights the multidisciplinary rehabilitation of a girl who suffered thoracolumbar vertebral collapse and underwent bilateral transtibial amputation. The rehabilitation team was involved in all stages of the care process from the pre-operative phase, through amputation, into prosthetic training, and during her life thereafter. Despite this catastrophic event, early rehabilitation and specially designed bilateral prostheses allowed her a high level of functional ability. The joint efforts of the multidisciplinary team and the advancement of new technology have revolutionized the care process for amputees.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone type II antagonist induces apoptosis in MCF-7 and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Gründker Carsten , Föst Crispin , Fister Stefanie , Nolte Nadine , Günthert Andreas R , Emons Günter
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancer does not express estrogen and progesterone receptors, and no overexpression/amplification of the HER2-neu gene occurs. Therefore, this subtype of breast cancer lacks the benefits of specific therapies that target these receptors. Today chemotherapy is the only systematic therapy for patients with triple-negative breast cancer. About 50% to 64% of human breast cancers express receptors for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which might be used as a target. New targeted therapies are warranted. Recently, we showed that antagonists of gonadotropin-releasing hormone type II (GnRH-II) induce apoptosis in human endometrial and ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. This was mediated through activation of stress-induced mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), followed by activation of proapoptotic protein Bax, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of caspase-3. In the present study, we analyzed whether GnRH-II antagonists induce apoptosis in MCF-7 and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells that express GnRH receptors. In addition, we ascertained whether knockdown of GnRH-I receptor expression affects GnRH-II antagonist-induced apoptosis and apoptotic signaling.

Methods

Induction of apoptosis was analyzed by measurement of the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Apoptotic signaling was measured with quantification of activated MAPK p38 and caspase-3 by using the Western blot technique. GnRH-I receptor protein expression was inhibited by using the antisense knockdown technique. In vivo experiments were performed by using nude mice bearing xenografted human breast tumors.

Results

We showed that treatment of MCF-7 and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells with a GnRH-II antagonist results in apoptotic cell death in vitro via activation of stress-activated MAPK p38 and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, we showed GnRH-II antagonist-induced activation of caspase-3 in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. After knockdown of GnRH-I receptor expression, GnRH-II antagonist-induced apoptosis and apoptotic signaling was only slightly reduced, indicating that an additional pathway mediating the effects of GnRH-II antagonists may exist. The GnRH-I receptor seems not to be the only target of GnRH-II antagonists. The antitumor effects of the GnRH-II antagonist could be confirmed in nude mice. The GnRH-II antagonist inhibited the growth of xenotransplants of human breast cancers in nude mice completely, without any apparent side effects.

Conclusions

GnRH-II antagonists seem to be suitable drugs for an efficacious and less-toxic endocrine therapy for breast cancers, including triple-negative breast cancers.
Chemokines at the crossroads of tumor-fibroblast interactions that promote malignancy
Authors: Mishra Pravin , Banerjee Debabrata , Ben-Baruch Adit
Published: July 2010

Cells of the tumor microenvironment play active roles in determining the malignancy phenotype. The host cells and the cancer cells cross-talk via a large variety of soluble factors, whose effects on both partners determine the final outcome of the tumorigenic process. In this review, we focus on the interactions between cancer cells and fibroblasts that are found in their proximity in the growing and progressing tumor and describe the roles of chemokines in mediating such cross-talks. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs, also termed tumor-associated fibroblasts) were found recently to acquire properties that promote tumor development and metastasis formation, as is also the case for specific members of the chemokine family. In this review, we suggest that there is a bidirectional cross-talk between tumor cells and CAFs, which leads via chemokine activities to increased malignancy. This cross-talk is manifested by the fact that cancer cells release factors that enhance the ability of the fibroblasts to secrete a variety of tumor-promoting chemokines, which then act back on the malignant cells to promote their proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties. The CAF-released chemokines also affect the tumor microenvironment, leading to increased angiogenesis and possibly to an elevated presence of cancer-supporting macrophages in tumors. Here, we describe these bidirectional interactions and the chemokines that are involved in these processes: mainly the CXCL12-CXCR4 pair but also other chemokines, including CCL2, CCL5, CCL7, CXCL8, and CXCL14. The overall findings suggest that chemokines stand at the crossroads of tumor-CAF interactions that lead to increased malignancy in many cancer diseases.
Mouse CD84 is a pan-leukocyte cell-surface molecule that modulates LPS-induced cytokine secretion by macrophages
Authors: Sintes Jordi , Romero Xavier , de Salort Jose , Terhorst Cox , Engel Pablo
Published: July 2010

CD84 is a modulator of the amplitude and the quality of the TLR-induced response in murine macrophages.

CD84 is 1 of the 9 SLAM family cell-surface receptors involved in leukocyte activation. The CD84 ectodomain is highly glycosylated, and its cytoplasmic tail contains 2 copies of an ITSM, which can be phosphorylated. Here, we report that although mouse CD84 was present on all BM HSCs, its expression declined in developing thymic and BM lymphocytes. However, CD84 expression levels did increase significantly during the later maturation stages and were expressed abundantly on mature B and T cells. Among lymphocyte subsets, the highest expression was found on innate-like lymphocytes; specifically, on NKT and marginal zone B cells. Splenic CD4+ TFH cells exhibited higher levels of CD84 compared with the other CD4+ T cell subsets. CD84 was expressed abundantly on monocytes, macrophages, granulocytes, and DCs. Moreover, as the function of CD84 in myeloid cells remains unknown, we focused on the role this receptor plays in mouse macrophage activation. Transfection of CD84 in RAW-264.7 macrophages led to an increase in MAPK phosphorylation and NF-κB activation upon LPS stimulation. Concomitantly, the presence of CD84 increased the LPS-induced secretion of TNF-α and MCP-1 but lowered IL-10 and IL-6 production significantly. This modulatory effect was mediated by Y300 within the second ITSM of CD84. Additionally, CD84 knock-down decreased TNF-α and IL-6 production in LPS-activated BMDMs. Taken together, these results show that mouse CD84 is a pan-leukocyte receptor, able to modulate signaling pathways downstream of TLR4, and regulates macrophage cell-fate decisions and effector functions.
Peroxiredoxin IV protects cells from oxidative stress by removing H2O2 produced during disulphide formation
Authors: Tavender Timothy J. , Bulleid Neil J.
Published: July 2010

Disulphide formation within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) requires the activity of the ER oxidase Ero1, and as a consequence, generates hydrogen peroxide. The production of hydrogen peroxide is thought to lead to oxidative stress that ultimately results in apoptosis. Here, we show that mammalian peroxiredoxin IV (PrxIV) metabolises hydrogen peroxide produced by Ero1. We demonstrate that the presence of PrxIV within the ER provides a cytoprotective effect against stresses known to enhance Ero1 activity and perturb ER redox balance. Increased Ero1 activity and production of hydrogen peroxide led to preferential hyperoxidation of PrxIV relative to peroxiredoxins in other cellular compartments. The hyperoxidation was increased by the upregulation of Ero1 and by the expression of a hyperactive Ero1. These findings provide the first evidence for an enzymatic mechanism that facilitates peroxide removal from the ER, and show that the oxidation status of PrxIV acts as a marker for ER oxidative stress.
Hydrogen Production from Water Using Novel Three-dimensional Interpenetrated Zn–Pd Coordination Polymer
Authors: Miyazaki Yuhei , Kataoka Yusuke , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Okumura Mitutaka , Mori Wasuke
Published: July 2010

A novel three-dimensional interpenetrated coordination polymer, [Zn{Pd(INA)4}]n (INA = isonicotinate), was synthesized and structurally characterized. This material was performed as a hydrogen production catalyst for photochemical reduction of water in the presence of [Ru(bpy)3]2+, methyl viologen, and EDTA–2Na.
Microporous Acidic Cesium Salt of 12-Tungstosilicic Acid Cs3HSiW12O40 as a Size-selective Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Kamiya Yuichi , Sano Shogo , Miura Yu-ki , Uchida Yohei , Ogawa Yuki , Iwase Yukari , Okuhara Toshio
Published: July 2010

An acidic Cs salt of H4SiW12O40 (Cs3HSiW12O40), which was prepared by titrating an aqueous solution of H4SiW12O40 with an aqueous solution of Cs2CO3, possessed only micropores and exhibited size-selective catalysis for acid-catalyzed reactions in liquid phase.
Spectroscopic Changes of Silicon Nanowires Induced by Femtosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Zhang Xiaodan , Tian Hua , He Junhui , Fang Xiangyun
Published: July 2010

When HF-treated silicon nanowires (SiNWs) were irradiated by femtosecond laser pulses, three new energy transitions appeared in the UV region, which might be attributed to defect-related deep levels, especially oxygen and silicon vacancies rather than their morphology and structure changes.
Nickel-catalyzed [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of Alkynes to Carbonylsalicylamides via Elimination of Isocyanates
Authors: Yoshino Yasufumi , Kurahashi Takuya , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: July 2010

An intermolecular nickel-catalyzed [4 + 2] cycloaddition has been developed where carbonylsalicylamides react with alkynes to afford substituted chromones. The reaction involves an elimination of isocyanates and an addition of alkynes, that is, a formal substitution reaction of an isocyanate by an alkyne.
Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Review of the Medical Management
Authors: Carbone Antonia , Siu Anita , Patel Rupal
Published: July 2010

Objective:

To evaluate the available treatment options for pediatric atopic dermatitis,

Data Sources:

A literature review was performed in MEDLINE (1950-February 2010) using the key word atopic dermatitis. The references identified were evaluated in comparative treatment. The references included in this review were limited to studies conducted in children less than 18 years of age and written in the English language.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All of the literature retrieved that was published within the last 5 years (2005-2010) was included in this review. Other pertinent articles published prior to 2005 were also included.

Data Synthesis:

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that usually begins during infancy. Potential causes include irritants such as soap and detergents, food allergens, contact allergens, and skin infections. Emollients, moisturizing agents that inhibit water loss and provide a protective coating, are recommended in all patients with atopic dermatitis. Additionally, emollients may reduce the need to use topical corticosteroids. Patients receiving desanide 0.05% plus an emollient achieved significant reductions in severity scores compared to those receiving desonide 0.05% as monotherapy (80% vs 70%; p < 0.01). Topical calcineurin inhibitors are not recommended as first-line therapy in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis; however, their use in children above 2 years of age who fail to respond to topical corticosteroids may be considered.

Conclusions:

Emollients are recommended in pediatric patients with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis regardless of symptoms. Topical corticosteroids reduce the inflammation and pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis and are available in several formulations and strengths. Calcineurin inhibitors may be an alternative in children older than 2 years of age who do not respond to topical corticosteroids,
Implementing a Referral to Telephone Tobacco Cessation Services in Louisiana Community Pharmacies: A Pilot Study
Authors: Baggarly Scott A , Jenkins Tara L , Biglane Gina C , Smith Gregory W , Smith Connie M , Blaylock Benny L
Published: July 2010

Background:

With one of the highest rates of tobacco dependence in the nation, Louisiana has been searching for economical and effective methods for assisting patients in cessation efforts. Community pharmacists are in an excellent position to promote tobacco cessation due to their availability to patients. The “Ask-Advise-Refer” model is a short intervention in which patients desiring to quit smoking are referred to free tobacco cessation telephone counseling services.

Objective:

To evaluate the implementation of the Ask-Advise-Refer model in a sample of Louisiana pharmacies and identify barriers experienced by pharmacists when identifying and referring appropriate patients.

Methods:

Nine pharmacists from across the state implemented the Ask-Advise-Refer model in their community pharmacies. Each pharmacist submitted a weekly tally sheet consisting oí number of patients asked about tobacco dependence, number of patients not ready to quit, number referred to tobacco cessation telephone counseling, number enrolled in study, and amount of lime involved with interventions. Additionally, participating pharmacists completed a self-administered survey at the completion of the pilot study to determine opinions on barriers to widespread implementation of the program.

Results:

Over a 6-month period, the 9 pharmacists asked 5429 patients about tobacco dependence. Of the 657 self-identified tobacco-dependent patients, 478 (72.8%) were not ready to quit, and 179 (27.2%) indicated that they were ready to quit tobacco in the next 30 days. Of the patients ready to quit, 169 (94.4%) were referred to telephone counseling services to assist in their cessation efforts.

Conclusions:

Louisiana community pharmacists have the ability to screen and identify tobacco-dependent patients ready to quit tobacco use, but barriers exist that prevent a large number of these patients from being referred to available, free cessation counseling,
An Interaction Between Levodopa and Enteral Nutrition Resulting in Neuroleptic Malignant-Like Syndrome and Prolonged ICU Stay
Authors: Bonnici André , Ruiner Carola-Ellen , St-Laurent Lyne , Hornstein David
Published: July 2010

Objective:

To describe a probable interaction between enteral feeds and levodopa leading to neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome (NMLS) in a polytrauma patient with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Case Summary:

A 63-year-old morbidly obese male polytrauma patient with PD and type 2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to our intensive care unit postoperatively. Enteral feeds were administered per nasogastric tube and provided 0.88 g/kg/day of protein based on ideal body weight (IBW). His PD medications (pramipexole, entacapone, and immediate-release levodopa/carbidopa 100mg/25mg, 1.5 tablets 4 times daily) were administered via nasogastric tube. To achieve better glycemic control, his enteral feeds were changed to a formula that provided 1.8 g/kg/day of protein based on IBW. In the following 24 hours, the patient's mental status deteriorated and he was reintubated, He developed a high fever (40.5°C), leukocytosis, elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) (480-1801 units/L), and acute renal impairment His enteral nutrition was changed to decrease protein intake to 1.0 g/kg/day based on IBW and he was given bromocriptine 5 mg 3 times daily via nasogastric tube. Within 24 hours, the patient's mental status improved, his temperature and CK decreased, and his renal function began to improve; the values returned to baseline levels on the 18th day of admission.

Discussion:

Withdrawal or dose reduction of levodopa in patients with PD has been reported to precipitate NMLS, which is potentially fatal. Because dietary protein can decrease the absorption of levodopa, a potential for an interaction between levodopa and enteral feedings exists, although published reports of such an interaction are limited. In this patient, the likelihood that a drug-nutrient interaction occurred between levodopa and enteral feedings is considered to be probable based on the Naranjo probability scale and the Horn Drug Interaction Probability Scale.

Conclusions:

Health-care professionals should be aware of the interaction between levodopa and protein content of enteral nutrition to avoid the occurrence of NMLS in patients with PD.
Inverse spectral problems for differential operators on arbitrary compact graphs
Authors: Yurko Vjacheslav Anatoljevich
Published: July 2010

Inverse problems of spectral analysis are studied for Sturm–Liouville differential operators on arbitrary compact graphs. The uniqueness of recovering operators from their spectra is proved, and a constructive procedure for the solution of this class of inverse problems is provided.
Ill-posed quadratic optimization in Banach spaces
Authors: Belgacem Faker Ben
Published: July 2010

Quadratic optimization in Banach spaces is explored in the context of ill-posedness. We elucidate the conditions under which the cost function is bounded from below. Issues related to the ill-posedness in Hilbert scales have been comprehensively studied in a constructive way in Inverse Probl.
24 (2008), 055002. Things are entirely different in Banach spaces where the spectral theory does not work and calculating fractional powers of the quadratic operator we are involved in does not make sense anymore. Specific functional analysis tools such as the interpolation of Banach spaces are required. A by-product of the results we state is the possibility to handle numerically the quadratic optimization problem as if it were a least-squares problem, for a class of data that is described accurately. Needless to recall the important impact of such results on the regularization procedures, necessary for a safe computational treatment of the problem.
Corrosion detection in a 2D domain with a polygonal boundary
Authors: Bacchelli Valeria , Veneziani Alessandro , Vessella Sergio
Published: July 2010

We consider the problem of quantitative non-destructive evaluation of corrosion in a 2D domain representing a thin metallic plate. Corrosion damage is assumed to occur in an inaccessible part of the domain. Reconstruction of the damaged profile is possible by measuring an electrostatic current properly induced by a potential in an accessible part of the boundary (electrical impedance tomography). We present here numerical methods and results based on a formulation of the problem introduced and analyzed in Bacchelli–Vessella,Inverse Problems22(2006), where the corroded profile is represented by a polygonal boundary. We resort in particular to the Landweber method and the Brakhage semi-iterative scheme. Numerical results show the reliability of this approach in general situations, including nongraph corroded boundaries.
Theca: the forgotten cell of the ovarian follicle
Authors: Young J M , McNeilly A S
Published: July 2010

Theca cells function in a diverse range of necessary roles during folliculogenesis; to synthesize androgens, provide crosstalk with granulosa cells and oocytes during development, and provide structural support of the growing follicle as it progresses through the developmental stages to produce a mature and fertilizable oocyte. Thecal cells are thought to be recruited from surrounding stromal tissue by factors secreted from an activated primary follicle. The precise origin and identity of these recruiting factors are currently not clear, but it appears that thecal recruitment and/or differentiation involves not just one signal, but a complex and tightly controlled combination of multiple factors. It is clear that thecal cells are fundamental for follicular growth, providing all the androgens required by the developing follicle(s) for conversion into estrogens by the granulosa cells. Their function is enabled through the establishment of a vascular system providing communication with the pituitary axis throughout the reproductive cycle, and delivering essential nutrients to these highly active cells. During development, the majority of follicles undergo atresia, and the theca cells are often the final follicular cell type to die. For those follicles that do ovulate, the theca cells then undergo hormone-dependent differentiation into luteinized thecal cells of the corpus luteum. While the theca is an essential component of follicle development and ovulation, we do not yet fully understand the control of recruitment and function of theca cells, an important consideration since their function appears to be altered in certain causes of infertility.
Targeted Genome Modification in Mice Using Zinc-Finger Nucleases
Authors: Carbery Iara D , Ji Diana , Harrington Anne , Brown Victoria , Weinstein Edward J , Liaw Lucy , Cui Xiaoxia
Published: July 2010

Homologous recombination-based gene targeting using Mus musculus embryonic stem cells has greatly impacted biomedical research. This study presents a powerful new technology for more efficient and less time-consuming gene targeting in mice using embryonic injection of zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), which generate site-specific double strand breaks, leading to insertions or deletions via DNA repair by the nonhomologous end joining pathway. Three individual genes, multidrug resistant 1a (Mdr1a), jagged 1 (Jag1), and notch homolog 3 (Notch3), were targeted in FVB/N and C57BL/6 mice. Injection of ZFNs resulted in a range of specific gene deletions, from several nucleotides to >1000 bp in length, among 20–75% of live births. Modified alleles were efficiently transmitted through the germline, and animals homozygous for targeted modifications were obtained in as little as 4 months. In addition, the technology can be adapted to any genetic background, eliminating the need for generations of backcrossing to achieve congenic animals. We also validated the functional disruption of Mdr1a and demonstrated that the ZFN-mediated modifications lead to true knockouts. We conclude that ZFN technology is an efficient and convenient alternative to conventional gene targeting and will greatly facilitate the rapid creation of mouse models and functional genomics research.
The Rapidly Evolving Centromere-Specific Histone Has Stringent Functional Requirements inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ravi Maruthachalam , Kwong Pak N , Menorca Ron M G , Valencia Joel T , Ramahi Joseph S , Stewart Jodi L , Tran Robert K , Sundaresan Venkatesan , Comai Luca , Chan Simon W-L
Published: July 2010

Centromeres control chromosome inheritance in eukaryotes, yet their DNA structure and primary sequence are hypervariable. Most animals and plants have megabases of tandem repeats at their centromeres, unlike yeast with unique centromere sequences. Centromere function requires the centromere-specific histone CENH3 (CENP-A in human), which replaces histone H3 in centromeric nucleosomes. CENH3 evolves rapidly, particularly in its N-terminal tail domain. A portion of the CENH3 histone-fold domain, the CENP-A targeting domain (CATD), has been previously shown to confer kinetochore localization and centromere function when swapped into human H3. Furthermore, CENP-A in human cells can be functionally replaced by CENH3 from distantly related organisms including Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have used cenh3-1 (a null mutant in Arabidopsis thaliana) to replace endogenous CENH3 with GFP-tagged variants. A H3.3 tail domain–CENH3 histone-fold domain chimera rescued viability of cenh3-1, but CENH3's lacking a tail domain were nonfunctional. In contrast to human results, H3 containing the A. thaliana CATD cannot complement cenh3-1. GFP–CENH3 from the sister species A. arenosa functionally replaces A. thaliana CENH3. GFP–CENH3 from the close relative Brassica rapa was targeted to centromeres, but did not complement cenh3-1, indicating that kinetochore localization and centromere function can be uncoupled. We conclude that CENH3 function in A. thaliana, an organism with large tandem repeat centromeres, has stringent requirements for functional complementation in mitosis.