bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis of Maltese Dogs
Authors: Stalis I. H. , Chadwick B. , Dayrell-Hart B. , Summers B. A. , Van Winkle T. J.
Published: January 2010

The clinical and pathologic features of five young Maltese dogs with a necrotizing meningoencephalitis were studied and compared with published reports of the necrotizing meningoencephalitis of Pug dogs. The ages of the Maltese dogs ranged from 9 months to 4 years. Four dogs were male, and one was female. The dogs had a history of seizures with or without other neurologic signs for 3 days to 20 weeks prior to death. Cerebrospinal fluid examination in three dogs revealed a pleocytosis and elevated levels of protein. At necropsy, the cerebrum was asymmetrically swollen in four dogs, with a loss of distinction between the gray and white matter and mild to moderate asymmetrical dilation of the lateral ventricles. Histologically, there was extensive necrosis and nonsuppurative inflammation of the cerebral gray and white matter, overlying meninges, and adjacent thalamus and hippocampus. The 4-year-old dog had the longest duration of clinical signs and had little inflammation but extensive atrophy of affected areas, with astrocytosis. The clinical course and pathologic changes in these Maltese dogs are indistinguishable from those in reported cases of necrotizing meningoencephalitis of Pug dogs, indicating that this lesion is probably not unique to Pug dogs.
P-selectin- and CD18-mediated Recruitment of Canine Neutrophils under Conditions of Shear Stress
Authors: Doré M. , Simon S. I. , Hughes B. J. , Entman M. L. , Smith C. W.
Published: January 2010

Neutrophil mobilization at sites of inflammation or thrombosis involves the participation of several adhesion molecules expressed on neutrophils and vascular endothelial cells. Local vascular damage with disruption of the endothelium results in adhesion of platelets to the exposed subendothelium, and these platelets could also participate in neutrophil recruitment. This initial phase of mobilization could be followed by heterotypic aggregation to recruit more leukocytes in the area. The present study first examined the interactions of adherent canine platelets and flowing canine neutrophils using an in vitro system that simulates vascular flow conditions. Results showed that collagen-adherent platelets express the adhesion molecule P-selectin on their surface and can support neutrophil arrest (612 ± 43 neutrophils/mm2) at shear stresses of approximately 2.5 dynes/cm2. Both transient adhesion (manifested by a rolling-type behavior) and complete arrest were observed. These interactions could be totally inhibited by a monoclonal antibody directed against platelet P-selectin (24 ± 18 neutrophils/mm2) but not by a monoclonal antibody against neutrophil CD18 (625 ± 46 neutrophils/mm2). Additionally, under shear mixing conditions (700 RPM), canine blood leukocytes exhibited aggregation (>80% singlets recruited into aggregates after 5 minutes), and this process does not involve P-selectin but is dependent on the neutrophil integrin CD 18. However, stimulation of the blood with platelet-activating factor (5-20 ng/ml) induced a rapid aggregation with a significantly greater number of aggregates when compared with stirring alone (68.3% ± 3.2% versus 35.2% ± 6.3% at 1 minute, P < 0.05), and this aggregation was both P-selectin and CD 18 dependent. Overall, these two mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment (neutrophil arrest on adherent platelets and aggregation) could act sequentially and in a cooperative manner to bring into close contact platelets and neutrophils at sites of inflammation and thrombosis in pathologic conditions in the dog.
Amyloidosis in the Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus
Authors: Cowan D. F.
Published: January 2010

Four cases of amyloidosis were recognized in a study population of 21 (19%) bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) examined as part of an investigation of the causes of cetacean strandings along the Texas Gulf Coast. Amyloid deposition was mainly and most prominently in the corticomedullary regions of the kidneys and less consistently in the vessels of the spleen, lung, and heart and around acini of the palatal salivary gland and the thyroid gland. Pretreatment of sections with permanganate and sulfuric acid greatly diminished Congo red staining, suggesting the dolphin amyloid is of the AA variety.
Hypophosphatemic Rickets in Rheas (Rhea americana)
Authors: Gröne A. , Swayne D. E. , Nagode L. A.
Published: January 2010

Rickets was diagnosed in 11 rheas from four flocks in Ohio. At necropsy, birds had pliable bones with prominent valgus or varus deformation of the femoral bone and/or the tibiotarsal bone, marked thickening of the metaphyseal plates, and frequent fractures. Histopathologically, bones of rachitic birds showed marked retention of cartilage core within the growth plate, mainly because of a significant lengthening of the hypertrophied zone of the growth plate in relationship to the remaining zones. Feed analysis showed that rachitic; birds were fed diets having higher calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) ratios (1.38-4.32) than that of the diet fed to nonrachitic birds from a different flock (0.65 Ca/P ratio). Serum analysis of blood from clinically rachitic birds from the affected flocks revealed a marked hypophosphatemia (3.0-4.7 mg/dl), mild hypocalcemia, and normal 25-(OH)-vitamin D concentrations as compared with values in nonrachitic birds, which had serum phosphorus concentrations of 8.5-8.7 mg/dl. These findings suggest that rickets in growing rheas was associated with marked hypophosphatemia and improper Ca/P ratios.
Pleural Mesocestoides and Cardiac Shock in an Obese Vervet Monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops)
Authors: Fincham J. E. , Seier J. V. , Verster A. , Rose A. G. , Taljaard J. J. F. , Woodroof C. W. , Rutherfoord G. S.
Published: January 2010

Abstract. Only one case of infection by tetrathyridia larvae of the tapeworm genus Mesocestoides was detected in 416 necropsies of captive vervet monkeys ( Cercopithecus aethiops). Two hundred nine larvae were distributed between both pleural cavities. Mass and size ranges of larvae were determined. A plasma cell reaction indicated a humoral immune response to parasite antigens, which may have contributed to acute, lethal cardiac shock. Coagulative myocytolysis was confirmed. The history of this case and associated circumstantial evidence and reports in the literature suggest that infection of primates by tetrathyridia probably occurs after capture rather than before.
Immunohistochemical Detection of p53 Tumor Suppressor Gene Protein in Canine Epithelial Colorectal Tumors
Authors: Wolf J. C. , Ginn P. E. , Homer B. , Fox L. E. , Kurzman I. D.
Published: January 2010

Eighty canine epithelial colorectal tumors obtained by excisional biopsy were evaluated immunohistochemically for p53 tumor suppressor gene protein. Dogs in the study averaged 6.9 years of age (range, 1-12.5 years). A standard avidin-biotin immunohistochemical protocol incorporated a polyclonal antibody of rabbit origin (CM-1) as the primary antibody. Positive staining was observed within all subcategories of lesions, including hyperplastic polyps 1/2 (50%), adenomas 14/29 (48%), carcinomas in situ 9/22 (41%), adenocarcinomas 3/4 (75%), and invasive carcinomas 8/23 (35%). A total of 35/80 (44%) positive tumors were identified. Fifteen of 31 (48%) benign tumors labeled for p53 protein compared to 20/49 (41%) malignant tumors. Survival data was available for 57/80 (71%) dogs. The average age of dogs within the group with survival data was 4.4 years. Males predominated 34/57 (60%). Mean survival time was 20.6 months. There was no significant difference in survival time between dogs grouped according to p53 immunoreactivity, cellular stain location, or tumor site. A statistically significant increase in survival time was observed between dogs with clean surgical margins and those without ( P < 0.018) and for dogs with adenomas or carcinomas in situ over dogs with invasive carcinomas ( P < 0.02). In this study, the overall greater positive staining frequency of benign lesions compared to malignant lesions is contrary to data derived from similar immunohistochemical analyses of human tumors and is incongruous with the theorized late-stage participation of the p53 protein in the development of human colorectal cancers. The results of this study suggest that if the p53 tumor suppressor gene protein is involved in the progression of canine colorectal tumors, it may play a relatively early role, possibly analogous to the early appearance of p53 overexpression in precancerous lesions of human ulcerative colitis. Immunohistochemical detection of p53 was not useful prognostically.
Periodontal Inflammatory and Cystlike Lesions in BDF1 and B6C3F1 Mice
Authors: Sakura Y.
Published: January 2010

Periodontal inflammatory and cystlike lesions were detected in aged BDF1 and B6C3F1 mice. Lesions were unilateral, single, and located in the labial region of the incisor teeth. The largest cystlike lesion deformed the skull. Histologically, the cystlike lesions were classified into three types: predominantly an inflammatory reaction, predominantly a cyst formation, and a mixed lesion. These periodontal inflammatory and cystlike lesions were pathogenetically similar and were considered sequential changes; the lesions showing both cyst formation and inflammatory reaction seemed to be intermediate along a path toward formation of large cysts. The cysts probably were derived from periodontal tissue and developed as a result of inflammatory reaction to foreign bodies, including hair. The term "murine periodontal cyst" is proposed for this lesion. Detailed pathogenetic studies on murine odontogenic cystic lesions may be warranted.
Chlamydiae in Porcine Abortion
Authors: Thoma R. , Guscetti F. , Schiller I. , Schmeer N. , Corboz L. , Pospischil A.
Published: January 2010

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded fetal livers and lungs from 139 cases of swine abortion were investigated retrospectively for chlamydiae by means of immunohistochemistry. Using a genus-specific antibody, chlamydial antigen was found in eight livers obtained from five (3.6%) abortion cases from different herds. All lung sections were negative. Chlamydiae were also labeled in five of the eight positive livers using a monoclonal antibody against immunotype 1 of Chlamydia psittaci; the remaining three livers were negative. No reactivity was seen using an antibody specific for C. trachomatis. Chlamydiae should be considered a cause of abortion in sows in Switzerland. Porcine abortigenic strains identified in this study differed immunologically from intestinal strains (known to be mainly C. trachomatis) but shared similarities with abortigenic chlamydiae of ruminants.
In Situ Hybridization Demonstration of Albumin mRNA in B6C3F1 Murine Liver and Hepatocellular Neoplasms
Authors: Pilling A. M. , Endersby-Wood H. J. , Jones S. A. , Williams T. C.
Published: January 2010

In situ hybridization was used to detect albumin mRNA in normal liver and hepatocellular neoplasms in 20 male B6C3F1 mice between 17 and 24 months of age. Positive signals for albumin were observed consistently in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes in normal liver, particularly in periportal areas. No signals were observed in other cells, such as Kupffer's cells, mesenchymal cells, or bile duct epithelium. Of hepatocellular adenomas, 11/11 (100%) stained positively for albumin mRNA, whereas 14/15 (93%) of primary hepatocellular carcinomas showed positive expression. Albumin mRNA was also detected in extrahepatic metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma, including 9/15 (60%) of pulmonary neoplasms and 5/12 (42%) of metastases at other sites. The pulmonary metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma frequently exhibited a glandular, papillary, or sarcomatous histologic appearance. The presence of albumin in these tumors, lacking characteristic hepatocellular phenotype, is a potential determinant of hepatic lineage. We conclude that in situ hybridization for albumin mRNA in mice is a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly in the case of pulmonary metastasis. This technique may also enable recognition of hepatocyte differentiation in glandular structures with phenotypic features of biliary cells, as seen in mixed hepatocellular-cholangial neoplasms.
Regression of Pulmonary Lesions Produced by Inhaled Titanium Dioxide in Rats
Authors: Baggs R. B. , Ferin J. , Oberdörster G.
Published: January 2010

Inhaled ultrafine particles of TiO2 (TiO2-D, 20 nm particle size) lead to a greater pulmonary inflammatory response than larger pigment-grade particles (TiO2-F, 250 nm). Male Fisher 344 rats were exposed for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 3 months to 1) filtered air (control); 2) TiO2-F, 22.3 mg/m3; 3) TiO2-D, 23.5 mg/m3; or 4) crystalline SiO2, a positive control particle (∼ 800 nm particle size, 1.3 mg/m3). Groups of 3-4 animals were sacrificed at 6 and 12 months following the completion of exposure. Pulmonary effects of exposure were evaluated using standard hematoxylin and eosin–stain sections, histochemical stains for collagen, and immunohistochemical assays for cell turnover. Six months after animals were exposed to SiO2, they had moderate focal interstitial fibrosis and moderately severe focal alveolitis. Animals exposed to TiO2-D had slightly less fibrosis. The least fibrosis was seen in the TiO2-F group. At 1 year after exposure, fibrosis was still present but decreased in the SiO2 group. The amount of interstitial fibrosis in the TiO2-D– and TiO2-F–treated animals had largely returned to untreated control levels, although an increased number of alveolar macrophages persisted, usually with retained particles. There was discordance between bromodeoxyuridine and proliferating cell nuclear antigen indices, most probably due to cytokine elaboration in the areas of inflammation, which may have altered the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigens. There was no detectable fibroblast labeling at the 6-month observation and only very low levels at 12 months. Thus, although initially irritant, TiO2-induced lesions regressed during a 1-year period following cessation of exposure.
The Cell Cycle: A Review
Authors: Schafer K. A.
Published: January 2010

The cell cycle is a complex process that involves numerous regulatory proteins that direct the cell through a specific sequence of events culminating in mitosis and the production of two daughter cells. Central to this process are the cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks), which complex with the cyclin proteins. These proteins regulate the cell's progression through the stages of the cell cycle and are in turn regulated by numerous proteins, including p53, p21, p16, and cdc25. Downstream targets of cyclin-cdk complexes include pRb and E2F. The cell cycle can be altered to the advantage of many viral agents, most notably polyomaviruses, papillomaviruses, and adenoviruses. The cell cycle often is dysregulated in neoplasia due to alterations either in oncogenes that indirectly affect the cell cycle or in tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes that directly impact cell cycle regulation, such as pRb, p53, p16, cyclin D1, or mdm-2. The cell cycle has become an intense subject of research in recent years. This research has led to the development of techniques useful for the determination of the effects of drugs and toxins on the cell cycle. Any drug or toxin with DNA damaging ability would be expected to alter cell cycle progression, and therefore, the cell cycle should be considered in the design of studies using such chemicals. With the appropriate techniques, cell cycle alterations may also be detected in tissue sections. Because of the ubiquitous nature of the cell cycle, it deserves consideration in the design and interpretation of studies in a wide variety of disciplines.
Acute Fulminant Sarcocystosis in a Captive-born Rhesus Macaque
Authors: Lane J. H. , Mansfield K. G. , Jackson L. R. , Diters R. W. , Lin K. C. , MacKey J. J. , Sasseville V. G.
Published: January 2010

A captive-born juvenile female rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta) was acquired from a commercial breeder and placed in quarantine. Within 8 days of arrival, the animal became anorexic, inactive, and dehydrated. Subsequently, generalized edema and facial ecchymoses developed, and despite supportive therapy, the animal became moribund and was euthanatized. Macroscopic examination showed diffuse stippling and streaking of the myocardium. Histopathologic examination revealed multifocal to coalescing myocardial edema, necrosis, lymphohistiocytic inflammation, and generalized endothelial infection with Sarcocystis sp. Immature and mature schizonts within endothelial cells were most prevalent in the heart. Fewer schizonts were present in the vasculature of other tissues, including skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, adipose tissue, brain, and retina. Mature tissue cysts within muscle fibers were not found in the myocardium but were occasionally seen in skeletal muscle. Analysis of polymerase-chain-reaction-amplified 18s ribosomal RNA gene sequences revealed 96% identity to published sequences of S. hirsuta, S. hominis, and S. fusiformis and 95% identity to S. cruzi and S. tenella. However, sequences did not show complete identity with any organism in the GenBank database. Sequence homology suggests that this is a newly described Sarcocystis sp. Results of antibody tests for simian retrovirus, simian T-lymphotropic virus 1, and simian immunodeficiency virus were negative, suggesting that viral immunosuppression was unlikely to have augmented the pathogenicity of sarcosporidial infection. Clinical and histopathologic findings in this case of fulminant sarcosporidiosis are similar to those described in Dalmeny disease in cattle, which is associated with ingestion of massive numbers of infective Sarcocystis oocysts.
Immunohistochemical Studies in Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU)
Authors: Romeike A. , Brügmann M. , Drommer W.
Published: January 2010

Despite extensive clinical research, the etiology of equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is still unknown. After an immunologic pathogenesis was established in recurrent uveitis in humans, a similar pathogenic mechanism was assumed to exist in ERU. To investigate whether immunopathologic mechanisms are involved in ERU, 20 eyes of 15 horses with ERU were examined immunohistochemically with a T cell marker, B cell marker, and anti-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antibodies. Twenty-six eyes of 20 horses were used for investigation of MHC class II antigen expression in normal equine eyes. In 18 eyes of 14 horses, the number of T cells in the inflammatory cell population within the uvea was assessed. In 16/18 eyes (89%), the T lymphocyte fraction was >70%. This cell population was distributed mostly in a diffuse manner throughout the uvea and also within the mantle zone of follicular lymphocytic aggregates. Foci of B lymphocytes could be found within the center of follicular aggregates in three eyes. The expression of MHC class II antigen on resident ocular cells was evaluated in 10 eyes of six horses with ERU. An increase of MHC class II antigen expression in the trabecular meshwork and on the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium was noted as was a deviant expression on proliferating Müller cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells. The predominance of T cells in the inflammatory infiltrates supports the central role of a cell-mediated immune response. Furthermore, the observation of a deviant MHC class II expression on resident ocular cells suggests that aberrant immune regulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of ERU.
The Dramaturgical Process as a Mechanism for Identity Development of LGBTQ Youth and Its Relationship to Detypification
Authors: Rosenfeld Halverson Erica
Published: January 2010

This article describes the dramaturgical process—the telling, adapting, and performing of personal stories—as a method for accessing how youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) construct and present complex identities. Using data collected during an extended case study with the About Face Youth Theatre, an organization that works with LGBTQ youth on the dramaturgical process, this article focuses on the ways in which youth engage with complex issues of identity by telling their personal stories in community contexts and adapting others’ stories for performance.Through a narrative analysis of the stories as they were originally told, and a conversational discourse analysis of an adaptation session among a small group of youth, supplemented with reflections from participating youth, this article highlights the ways these practices can support identity development. The author finds that the evolving relationship between master and individual narratives provides great leverage for understanding how LGBTQ youth construct identities. This narrative process demonstrates that detypification is the mechanism by which LGBTQ youth work toward building a viable social identity. This study concludes by reflecting on the similarities between detypification and the developmental processes of other groups of marginalized youth.
De Escuela a la Vida Adulta/From School to Adult Life: Transition Needs for Latino Youth With Disabilities and Their Families
Authors: Povenmire-Kirk Tiana C. , Lindstrom Lauren , Bullis Michael
Published: January 2010

Postschool outcomes for youth with disabilities vary depending on culture, ethnicity, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the needs of youth with disabilities from Latino backgrounds who are transitioning from school to adulthood in Oregon. Using a conceptual model that included community context, cultural context, and individual factors, the authors conducted individual and focus group interviews with school and transition professionals, Latino youth, and their families to identify available transition services and barriers faced by this population. The results were summarized into five major categories: (a) language issues, (b) concerns regarding documentation and citizenship, (c) lack of culturally appropriate practices, (d) barriers to family participation and, (e) limited school and community resources. Findings support the need for changes in transition service delivery for Latino students with disabilities at both the individual and school district levels.
Leaving Abusive Relationships: Constructions of Self and Situation by Abused Women
Authors: Baly Andrew R.
Published: January 2010

This study gathered data by interviewing women who had left abusive relationships. Analysis of the discursive resources used by participants indicated that their constructions of the abusive situation were influenced by wider social and cultural discourses. Some of these maintained participants in their abusive relationships and gave rise to dilemmas that reduced their ability to deal with the situation. Other discourses promoted self-reliant ways of behaving. These helped participants to leave the abusive situation and encouraged a self-construction of personal strength and agency. The role of social discourses in how women deal with abuse and the implications of this are discussed.
Drug- or Alcohol-Facilitated, Incapacitated, and Forcible Rape in Relationship to Mental Health Among a National Sample of Women
Authors: Zinzow Heidi M. , Resnick Heidi S. , Amstadter Ananda B. , McCauley Jenna L. , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Kilpatrick Dean G.
Published: January 2010

Rape is a well-established risk factor for mental health disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. However, most studies have focused on forcible rape tactics and have not distinguished these from tactics that involve drug or alcohol intoxication. The authors’ aim was to examine correlates of PTSD and depression in a community sample of women, with particular emphasis on evaluating the unique effects of lifetime exposure to three specific rape tactics. A nationally representative sample of 3,001 noninstitutionalized, civilian, English- or Spanish-speaking women (aged 18-86 years) participated in a structured telephone interview by use of Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) technology. Multivariable models showed that history of drug or alcohol-facilitated rape tactics (OR = 1.87, p < .05) and history of forcible rape tactics (OR = 3.46, p < .001) were associated with PTSD. History of forcible rape was associated with depression (OR = 3.65, p < .001). Forcible rape tactics were associated with a number of factors that may have contributed to their stronger association with mental health outcomes, including force, injury, lower income, revictimization history, and labeling the event as rape. The results underscore the importance of using a behaviorally specific assessment of rape history, as rape tactic and multiple rape history differentially predicted psychopathology outcomes. The association between drug- or alcohol-facilitated rape tactics and PTSD suggests that these are important rape tactics to include in assessments and future studies.
Contemporary Review 2009: Cognitive Aging
Authors: Drag Lauren L. , Bieliauskas Linas A.
Published: January 2010

This article addresses key topics in cognitive aging, intending to provide the reader with a brief overview of the current state of research in this growing, multidisciplinary field. A summary of the physiological changes in the aging brain is provided as well as a review of variables that influence cognitive abilities in older age. Normal aging differentially affects various aspects of cognition, and specific changes within various domains such as attention, executive functioning, and memory are discussed. Various theories have been proposed to account for the cognitive changes that accompany normal aging, and a brief examination of these theories is presented in the context of these domain-specific changes.
Metabolomic Differences in Heart Failure Patients With and Without Major Depression
Authors: Steffens David C. , Wei Jiang  , Krishnan K. Ranga R. , Karoly Edward D. , Mitchell Matthew W. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Kaddurah-Daouk Rima
Published: January 2010

Metabolomics is an emerging technology that allows researchers to characterize hundreds of small molecules that comprise the metabolome. We sought to determine metabolic differences in depressed and nondepressed participants. The sample consisted of a depressed group of patients with heart failure enrolled in an NIMH-supported clinical trial of sertraline versus placebo in depressed heart failure patients, and a nondepressed comparator group of heart failure patients. Plasma was obtained from blood samples provided by participants at baseline, and samples were profiled on GC-MS and LC-MS metabolomics platforms for biochemical content. A number of biochemicals were significantly different between groups, with depressed participants showing higher concentrations of several amino acids and dicarboxylic fatty acids. These results are consistent with prior findings where changes in neurotransmitter systems and fatty acid metabolism were shown to associate with the depressed state. It is unclear what role heart failure may have played in these differing concentrations.
The demise of the mutual life insurer: An analysis of the impact of regulatory change on the performance of Australian life insurers in the 1990s
Authors: Keneley Monica J.
Published: January 2010

In the 1980s and 1990s the demutualization of building societies, life insurers and general insurers was a re-occurring theme in many countries. In Australia, the demutualisation of major life insurers was linked to the deregulation of the financial sector. The experience of Australian life insurers represents an interesting case study on the impact of regulatory transition. The lifting of restrictions changed the institutional environment within which life insurers operated. In doing so it precipitated changes in the strategies and organizational structures of these financial intermediaries and the disappearance of the industry’s long established mutual tradition.
Alterations of Cardiac ERK1/2 Expression and Activity Due to Volume Overload Were Attenuated by the Blockade of RAS
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Elimban Vijayan , Xu Yan Jun , Zhang Ming , Nijjar Mohinder S. , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: January 2010

The activities and protein content of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in the heart were measured in rats at 4 and 16 weeks after volume overload due to aortocaval shunt. Protein content of phosphorylated ERK1/2 was increased at both 4 and 16 weeks, whereas protein content of total ERK1/2 was increased only at 16 weeks of inducing volume overload. The ERK1/2 activities, estimated as phospho-Elk-1 content, were also increased at 4 and 16 weeks of inducing volume overload. The increased phosphorylated ERK1/2 and E-26-like (Elk)-1 protein content in 16 weeks failing hearts was much greater than that in 4 weeks hypertrophied hearts. These changes in phosphorylated ERK1/2 and Elk-1 protein content in both 4 and 16 weeks volume overloaded animals were attenuated by treatment with enalapril and/or losartan. The results indicate that activation of ERK1/2 may be involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure due to volume overload, and these changes are partially prevented by blockade of the renin—angiotensin system (RAS).
Reflexivity as a Ground-Clearing Activity Within the Context of Early Years’ Pedagogy
Authors: Jones Liz
Published: January 2010

The article concerns itself with the struggles that are prompted by the question, “What is my position as a teacher who whilst wanting to pursue emancipatory practices nevertheless is fearful of finding herself supporting and perpetuating normalizing structures?” An extract drawn from a journal entry serves as a base on which a series of reflexive readings are rehearsed. These have spanned over a period of time (2000-2009) and, as a consequence, convey the theoretical vantage points that have been used to create conceptual openings where there are possibilities for thinking “differently.” Both practices of deconstruction (Derrida) and anthropological work on purification rites (Douglas and Kristeva) are used to shift the means with which the author makes sense. Overall, the article depicts an individual’s attempts at creating a becoming space, where thinking and doing may be a little less bounded.
An Inquiry in to the Ethical Nature of a Deleuzian Creative Educational Practice
Authors: Gale Ken
Published: January 2010

In introducing the work of Deleuze and Guattari Massumi says, “A concept is a brick. It can be used to build the courthouse of reason. Or it can be thrown through the window.” Therefore, in taking the Deleuzian view that concepts have no subjects or objects other than themselves and that the creation of concepts are acts, this article is conceived as a nomadic inquiry into the possible ethical, affective, and political aspects of the events with which these acts are associated. The article is informed by the author’s own collaborative and performative research practices, and the inquiry is sited within the context of his teaching and learning practices in postgraduate education and professional development in higher education in the United Kingdom at the present time. In short, the article explores the ethical implications and sensitivities of the use of creative practices of conceptualization within educational settings of this kind.
Paradise in the New World: an Iberian vision of tropicality
Authors: Scott Heidi V.
Published: January 2010

This article provides an in-depth exploration of early modern ideas of the American tropics in the specific context of colonial Spanish America. Its principal focus is a 17th century treatise entitled Paraíso en el Nuevo Mundo (Paradise in the New World). Written in the mid-17th century by a jurist named Antonio de León Pinelo, the treatise proposes that Eden was once located in the South American tropics. León Pinelo, although born in Spain, considered himself a criollo or Spanish American due to his long years of residence in Peru. Building on studies of criollo consciousness, as well as on recent work that demonstrates the prominence of ideas about the tropics in Iberian colonial expansion, this article intervenes in a rapidly growing academic literature on the genealogies of tropicality since the early modern era. In doing so, it highlights the importance of recognizing criollo writers as producers of distinctive discourses of tropicality that reflected and responded to their ambivalent subject positions and their political and personal aims. First, the article illustrates how León Pinelo’s argument about paradise involved the construction of a comparative tropical geography and the sketching out of a distinctive New World tropicality. Second, it examines León Pinelo’s embrace of negative as well as positive elements in his depiction of American tropical nature and suggests that his incorporation of negative phenomena was intended to lend weight to his argument about paradise. Third, the article considers how the author’s representations of a tropical New World Eden were inflected by his Spanish American patriotism as well as by his role as an agent of empire situated in Madrid.
A New Mechanism of Injury for Scaphoid Fractures: ‘Test Your Strength’ Punch-Bag Machines
Authors: Sutton P.A. , Clifford O. , Davis T.R.C.
Published: January 2010

We investigated the mechanism of injury in a consecutive series of 153 confirmed scaphoid fractures. We found that ten (6%) occurred as a result of using a ‘test your strength’ punch-bag machine, a device found in public houses and amusement arcades. Clinicians should be aware that scaphoid fractures can occur as a result of punching these machines or other similar objects.
Review: Efficacy and safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Duarte-Rojo Andrés , Heathcote E. Jenny
Published: January 2010

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is prevalent worldwide. It may cause cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment for this condition may need to be lifelong, thus the drugs used must be both efficacious and safe. Clinical trials of tenofovir have demonstrated a good safety profile for this drug and it has potent antiviral properties. However, to better characterize the safety of this drug, the postmarketing surveillance must be taken into account. Clinicians need to be vigilant, as infrequent adverse events may be revealed during this phase. The current review presents a detailed exposé of preclinical and clinical data on tenofovir to increase awareness of possible adverse events and drug—drug interactions, based on the large experience of this drug in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment (and to date in patients with CHB). Several recommendations that may help the clinician to prevent the development of adverse events associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment are outlined, along with a suggested surveillance protocol for the timely and proper identification of possible renal and bone toxicity.
Review: Current directions of biologic therapies in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Reenaers Catherine , Louis Edouard , Belaiche Jacques
Published: January 2010

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases which can be difficult to control with conventional therapies. A greater understanding of their pathophysiology has led to new therapies that target specific molecules of the inflammatory cascade. Three anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibodies have been developed. Infliximab and adalimumab can induce clinical response and sustained remission in CD. Infliximab is also effective in UC. Certolizumab pegol gives good short-term results but long-term efficacy has yet to be determined in other clinical trials. Therapies that target leucocyte trafficking (anti-integrins) have also been developed and are associated with good clinical response in CD. Natalizumab (anti-α4 integrin antibody) is associated with important side effects and is not used anymore in gastroenterology in Europe but is still used in the USA. Vedolizumab (MLN0002), an anti-α4β7 integrin antibody, has a good efficacy and safety profile. Monoclonal antibodies targeting other cytokines are also under development. For example, ustekinumab (CNTO 1275) inhibits interleukins 12 and 23. It is associated with a good clinical response in CD.
Phosphorylation status of transcription factor C/EBPα determines cell-surface poly-LacNAc branching (I antigen) formation in erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis
Authors: Twu Yuh-Ching , Hsieh Chuang-Yi , Lin Marie , Tzeng Cheng-Hwai , Sun Chien-Feng , Yu Lung-Chih
Published: January 2010

The cell-surface straight and branched repeats of N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) units, called poly-LacNAc chains, characterize the histo-blood group i and I antigens, respectively. The transition of straight to branched poly-LacNAc chain (i to I) is determined by the I locus, which expresses 3 IGnT transcripts, IGnTA, IGnTB, and IGnTC. Our previous investigation demonstrated that the i-to-I transition in erythroid differentiation is regulated by the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα). In the present investigation, the K-562 cell line was used as a model to show that the i-to-I transition is determined by the phosphorylation status of the C/EBPα Ser-21 residue, with dephosphorylated C/EBPα Ser-21 stimulating the transcription of the IGnTC gene, consequently resulting in I branching. Results from studies using adult erythropoietic and granulopoietic progenitor cells agreed with those derived using the K-562 cell model, with lentiviral expression of C/EBPα in CD34+ hematopoietic cells demonstrating that the dephosphorylated form of C/EBPα Ser-21 induced the expression of I antigen, granulocytic CD15, and also erythroid CD71 antigens. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the regulation of poly-LacNAc branching (I antigen) formation in erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis share a common mechanism, with dephosphorylation of the Ser-21 residue on C/EBPα playing the critical role.
Genetic variation in the folate metabolic pathway and risk of childhood leukemia
Authors: Lightfoot Tracy J. , Johnston W. Thomas , Painter Dan , Simpson Jill , Roman Eve , Skibola Chris F. , Smith Martyn T. , Allan James M. , Taylor G. Malcolm
Published: January 2010

Studies of childhood leukemia and the potential etiologic role of genetic variation in folate metabolism have produced conflicting findings and have often been based on small numbers. We investigated the association between polymorphisms in key folate metabolism enzymes (MTHFR 677 C>T, MTHFR 1298 A>C, SHMT1 1420 C>T, MTR 2756 A>G, TS 1494del6, and TS 28bp repeat) in 939 cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 89 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) recruited into the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study. We also examined the maternal genotypes of 752 of these cases. Data from 824 noncancer controls recruited were used for comparison. No evidence of an association with MTHFR 677 was observed for ALL or AML, either in children or their mothers. However, in children an increased risk of ALL (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-3.07; P = .010) and AML (OR = 2.74; 95% CI, 1.07-7.01; P = .036) was observed with the MTR 2756 GG genotype; the association was most pronounced for cases with the MLL translocation (OR = 4.90; 95% CI, 1.30-18.45; P = .019). These data suggest that genetic variation in methionine synthase could mediate risk of childhood leukemia, either via effects on DNA methylation or via effects on fetal growth and development.
Agreement of left ventricular mass in steady state free precession and delayed enhancement MR images: implications for quantification of fibrosis in congenital and ischemic heart disease
Authors: Stephensen Sigurdur S , Carlsson Marcus , Ugander Martin , Engblom Henrik , Olivecrona Goran , Erlinge David , Arheden Hakan
Published: January 2010

Background

Left ventricular mass (LVM) is used when expressing infarct or fibrosis as a percentage of the left ventricle (LV). Quantification of LVM is interchangeably carried out in cine steady state free precession (SSFP) and delayed enhancement (DE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, these techniques may yield different LVM. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare LVM determined by SSFP and DE MRI in patients and determine the agreement with these sequences with ex vivo data in an experimental animal model.

Methods

Ethics committees approved human and animal studies. Informed written consent was obtained from all patients. SSFP and DE images were acquired in 60 patients (20 with infarction, 20 without infarction and 20 pediatric patients). Ex vivo MRI was used as reference method for LVM in 19 pigs and compared to in vivo SSFP and DE.

Results

LVM was greater in SSFP than in DE (p < 0.001) with a bias of 5.0 ± 6.7% in humans (r2 = 0.98), and a bias of 7.3 ± 6.7% (p < 0.001) in pigs (r2 = 0.83). Bias for SSFP and DE images compared to ex vivo LVM was -0.2 ± 9.0% and -7.7 ± 8.5% respectively.

Conclusions

LVM was higher when measured with SSFP compared to DE. Thus, the percentage infarction of the LV will differ if SSFP or DE is used to determine LVM. There was no significant difference between SSFP and ex vivo LVM suggesting that SSFP is more accurate for LVM quantification. To avoid intrinsic error due to the differences between the sequences, we suggest using DE when expressing infarct as a percentage of LVM.
The G-Protein β3 subunit 825 TT genotype is associated with epigastric pain syndrome-like dyspepsia
Authors: Oshima Tadayuki , Nakajima Shigemi , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Toyoshima Fumihiko , Sakurai Jun , Tanaka Junji , Tomita Toshihiko , Kim Yongmin , Hori Kazutoshi , Matsumoto Takayuki , Miwa Hiroto
Published: January 2010

Background

Although familial clustering of functional dyspepsia (FD) has been reported, the role of genetics in the susceptibility to FD is still not well understood. Several reports indicate an association between FD and G-protein β3 (GNB3) subunit gene polymorphism (C825T); however, these studies had small sample sizes and the findings are inconclusive. In the present study we clarified the association between GNB3 gene polymorphism and dyspepsia in a large population of Japanese subjects who visited a hospital for annual health check-up.

Methods

Subjects with significant upper gastrointestinal findings were excluded. Subjects with dyspeptic symptoms were divided into either a postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) group or an epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) group according to the Rome III criteria. The presence of the GNB3 C825T polymorphism was then evaluated and logistic regression analysis was used to test all variables.

Results

The GNB3 genotype distribution in subjects without dyspepsia was 191 CC (25.1%), 368 TC (48.4%), and 202 TT (26.5%) and 17 CC (25.0%), 29 TC (42.6%), and 22 TT (32.4%) in subjects with dyspepsia. No significant correlation was found between the GNB3 825TT genotype and dyspepsia. However, the TT genotype was significantly associated with subjects with EPS-like symptoms (odds ratio (OR) = 2.00, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.07-3.76) compared to the CT/CC genotype adjusted for gender and age. No significant correlation was found between GNB3 polymorphism and PDS-like symptoms (OR = 0.68, 95% CI; 0.31-1.51). With the exclusion of subjects with both EPS- and PDS-like symptoms, only the TT genotype was significantly associated with EPS-like symptoms (OR = 2.73, 95% CI; 1.23-5.91).

Conclusion

The homozygous GNB3 825T allele influences the susceptibility to EPS-like dyspepsia.
Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk of re-operation due to post-surgical bleeding in breast cancer patients: a Danish population-based cohort study
Authors: Gärtner Rune , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre , Hundborg Heidi H , Pedersen Lars , Lash Timothy L , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Kroman Niels
Published: January 2010

Background

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) decrease platelet-function, which suggests that SSRI use may increase the risk of post-surgical bleeding. Few studies have investigated this potential association.

Methods

We conducted a population-based study of the risk of re-operation due to post-surgical bleeding within two weeks of primary surgery among Danish women with primary breast cancer. Patients were categorised according to their use of SSRI: never users, current users (SSRI prescription within 30 days of initial breast cancer surgery), and former users (SSRI prescription more than 30 days before initial breast cancer surgery). We calculated the risk of re-operation due to post-surgical bleeding within 14 days of initial surgery, and the relative risk (RR) of re-operation comparing SSRI users with never users of SSRI adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

389 of 14,464 women (2.7%) were re-operated. 1592 (11%) had a history of SSRI use. Risk of re-operation was 2.6% among never users, 7.0% among current SSRI users, and 2.7% among former users. Current users thus had an increased risk of re-operation due to post-operative bleeding (adjusted relative risk = 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4, 3.9) compared with never users. There was no increased risk of re-operation associated with former use of SSRI (RR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.66, 1.3).

Conclusions

Current use of SSRI is associated with an increased risk of re-operation due to bleeding after surgery for breast cancer.
Molecular evidence for the occurrence of a new sibling species within the Anopheles (Kerteszia) cruzii complex in south-east Brazil
Authors: Rona Luísa DP , Carvalho-Pinto Carlos J , Peixoto Alexandre A
Published: January 2010

Background

Anopheles cruzii(Diptera: Culicidae) has long been known as a vector of human and simian malaria parasites in southern and south-eastern Brazil. Previous studies have provided evidence thatAn. cruziiis a species complex, but the status of the different populations and the number of sibling species remains unclear. A recent analysis of the genetic differentiation of thetimelessgene amongAn. cruziipopulations from south and south-east Brazil has suggested that the population from Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro State (south-east Brazil), is in a process of incipient speciation.

Methods

A ~180 bp fragment ofcpr, a gene encoding the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, an enzyme involved in metabolic insecticide resistance and odorant clearance in insects, was used in this study as a molecular marker to analyse the divergence between fiveAn. cruziipopulations from south and south-east Brazil.

Results

Analysis of the genetic differentiation in thecprgene revealed very highFSTvalues and fixed differences between Itatiaia and the other four populations studied (Florianópolis, Cananéia, Juquitiba and Santa Teresa). In addition, the data also provided preliminary evidence that seems to indicate the occurrence of two sympatric sibling species in Itatiaia.

Conclusions

Population genetics analysis ofAn. cruziisamples from different localities using a fragment of thecprgene suggests that the Itatiaia sample represents at least one new sibling species in this complex.