bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body image change and improved eating self-regulation in a weight management intervention in women
Authors: Carraça Eliana V , Silva Marlene N , Markland David , Vieira Paulo N , Minderico Cláudia S , Sardinha Luís B , Teixeira Pedro J
Published: August 2011

Background

Successful weight management involves the regulation of eating behavior. However, the specific mechanisms underlying its successful regulation remain unclear. This study examined one potential mechanism by testing a model in which improved body image mediated the effects of obesity treatment on eating self-regulation. Further, this study explored the role of different body image components.

Methods

Participants were 239 overweight women (age: 37.6 ± 7.1 yr; BMI: 31.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2) engaged in a 12-month behavioral weight management program, which included a body image module. Self-reported measures were used to assess evaluative and investment body image, and eating behavior. Measurements occurred at baseline and at 12 months. Baseline-residualized scores were calculated to report change in the dependent variables. The model was tested using partial least squares analysis.

Results

The model explained 18-44% of the variance in the dependent variables. Treatment significantly improved both body image components, particularly by decreasing its investment component (f2= .32 vs.f2= .22). Eating behavior was positively predicted by investment body image change (p < .001) and to a lesser extent by evaluative body image (p < .05). Treatment had significant effects on 12-month eating behavior change, which were fully mediated by investment and partially mediated by evaluative body image (effect ratios: .68 and .22, respectively).

Conclusions

Results suggest that improving body image, particularly by reducing its salience in one's personal life, might play a role in enhancing eating self-regulation during weight control. Accordingly, future weight loss interventions could benefit from proactively addressing body image-related issues as part of their protocols.
High prevalence of myositis in a southeastern United States pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus cohort
Authors: Record Jessica L , Beukelman Timothy , Cron Randy Q
Published: August 2011

Inflammatory myositis is reported in 4-16% of adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of myositis in a cohort of pediatric SLE patients in the southeastern United States. A retrospective chart review was performed of 55 SLE patients evaluated by Pediatric Rheumatologists in Alabama since January 1, 2008. Patients were defined as having myositis if they satisfied one of the following categories: 1) Proximal muscle weakness on exam with lower extremity muscle edema on MRI; 2) Proximal muscle weakness with elevation in CK, AST, aldolase, or LDH muscle enzymes; or 3) Patient reported weakness or muscle pain and an elevated CK. Inflammatory myositis was present as a feature of SLE in 31% (n = 17) with a 95% confidence interval of 19-45%, statistically different from the reported rates of 4-16% (p < 0.0001). Myositis was positively associated with the presence of anti-ribonucleoprotein antibodies (p = 0.009). Negative associations with myositis were the presence of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (p = 0.02) and hematologic disorders (p = 0.02). Thus, in the state of Alabama, pediatric SLE myositis is present at a statistically higher rate than previously published values of adult SLE myositis, possibly reflecting geographic (genetic or environmental) and/or age-of-onset related influence(s).
Resource allocation for maximizing outage throughput in OFDMA systems with finite-rate feedback
Authors: Wu Bo , Bai Lin , Chen Chen , Choi Jinho
Published: August 2011

Previous works on orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems with quantized channel state information (CSI) were mainly based on suboptimal quantization methods. In this paper, we consider the performance limit of OFDMA systems with quantized CSI over independent Rayleigh fading channels using the rate-distortion theory. First, we establish a lower bound on the capacity of the feedback channel and build the test channel that achieves this lower bound. Then, with the derived test channel, we characterize the system performance with the outage throughput and formulate the outage throughput maximization problem with quantized channel state information (CSI). To solve this problem in low complexity, we develop a suboptimal algorithm that performs resource allocation in two steps: subcarrier allocation and power allocation. Using this approach, we can numerically evaluate the outage throughput in terms of feedback rate. Numerical results show that this suboptimal algorithm can provide a near optimal performance (with a performance loss of less than 5%) and the outage throughput with a limited feedback rate can be close to that with perfect CSI.
Generalization of fixed point theorems in ordered metric spaces concerning generalized distance
Authors: Graily Elham , Vaezpour Seiyed Mansour , Saadati Reza , Cho Yeol JE
Published: August 2011

In this article, we consider ordered metric spaces concerning generalized distance and prove some fixed point theorems in these spaces. Our results generalize, improve, and simplify the proof of the previous results given by some authors.

Mathematics Subject Classification (2000)

47H10, 54H25
Erratum to: Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients
Authors: Gupta Pawan K , Prabhakar Sudesh , Sharma Suresh , Anand Akshay
Published: August 2011

Correction to Gupta P K, Prabhakar S, Sharma S, Anand A. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Journal of Neuroinflammation 8:47.
Visual detection of H3 subtype avian influenza viruses by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Peng Yi , Xie Zhixun , Liu Jiabo , Pang Yaoshan , Deng Xianwen , Xie Zhiqin , Xie Liji , Fan Qing , Feng Jiaxun , Khan Mazhar I
Published: August 2011

Background

Recent epidemiological investigation of different HA subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) shows that the H3 subtype is the most predominant among low pathogenic AIVs (LPAIVs), and the seasonal variations in isolation of H3 subtype AIVs are consistent with that of human H3 subtype influenza viruses. Consequently, the development of a rapid, simple, sensitive detection method for H3 subtype AIVs is required. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay is a simple, rapid, sensitive and cost-effective nucleic acid amplification method that does not require any specialized equipment.

Results

A reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay was developed to detect the H3 subtype AIVs visually. Specific primer sets target the sequences of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of H3 subtype AIVs were designed, and assay reaction conditions were optimized. The established assay was performed in a water bath for 50 minutes, and the amplification result was visualized directly as well as under ultraviolet (UV) light reflections. The detection limit of the RT-LAMP assay was 0.1pg total RNA of virus, which was one hundred-fold higher than that of RT-PCR. The results on specificity indicated that the assay had no cross-reactions with other subtype AIVs or avian respiratory pathogens. Furthermore, a total of 176 clinical samples collected from birds at the various live-bird markets (LBMs) were subjected to the H3-subtype-specific RT-LAMP (H3-RT-LAMP). Thirty-eight H3 subtype AIVs were identified from the 176 clinical samples that were consistent with that of virus isolation.

Conclusions

The newly developed H3-RT-LAMP assay is simple, sensitive, rapid and can identify H3 subtype AIVs visually. Consequently, it will be a very useful screening assay for the surveillance of H3 subtype AIVs in underequipped laboratories as well as in field conditions.
Metabolic responses to high-fat diets rich in n-3 or n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in mice selected for either high body weight or leanness explain different health outcomes
Authors: Nuernberg Karin , Breier Bernhard H , Jayasinghe Shakeela N , Bergmann Hannes , Thompson Nichola , Nuernberg Gerd , Dannenberger Dirk , Schneider Falk , Renne Ulla , Langhammer Martina , Huber Korinna
Published: August 2011

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) confer health benefits by improving insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in liver, muscle and adipose tissue.

Methods

The present study investigates metabolic responses in two different lines of mice either selected for high body weight (DU6) leading to rapid obesity development, or selected for high treadmill performance (DUhTP) leading to a lean phenotype. At 29 days of age the mice were fed standard chow (7.2% fat, 25.7% protein), or a high-fat diet rich in n-3 PUFA (n-3 HFD, 27.7% fat, 19% protein) or a high-fat diet rich in n-6 PUFA (n-6 HFD, 27.7% fat, 18.6% protein) for 8 weeks. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of these PUFA-rich high-fat diets on the fatty acid profile and on the protein expression of key components of insulin signalling pathways.

Results

Plasma concentrations of leptin and insulin were higher in DU6 in comparison with DUhTP mice. The high-fat diets stimulated a strong increase in leptin levels and body fat only in DU6 mice. Muscle and liver fatty acid composition were clearly changed by dietary lipid composition. In both lines of mice n-3 HFD feeding significantly reduced the hepatic insulin receptor β protein concentration which may explain decreased insulin action in liver. In contrast, protein kinase C ζ expression increased strongly in abdominal fat of n-3 HFD fed DUhTP mice, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue.

Conclusions

A diet high in n-3 PUFA may facilitate a shift from fuel deposition in liver to fuel storage as fat in adipose tissue in mice. Tissue specific changes in insulin sensitivity may describe, at least in part, the health improving properties of dietary n-3 PUFA. However, important genotype-diet interactions may explain why such diets have little effect in some population groups.
Underage drinking on saturday nights, sociodemographic and environmental risk factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gallimberti Luigi , Chindamo Sonia , Buja Alessandra , Forza Giovanni , Tognazzo Federica , Galasso Laura , Vinelli Angela , Baldo Vincenzo
Published: August 2011

Background

Excessive alcohol consumption in underage people is a rising phenomenon. A major proportion of the disease burden and deaths of young people in developed nations is attributable to alcohol abuse. The aim of this study was to investigate social, demographic and environmental factors that may raise the risk of Saturday night drinking and binge drinking among Italian school students.

Methods

The study was conducted on a sample of 845 Italian underage school students, by means of an anonymous, self-test questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify independent risk factors for alcohol drinking and binge drinking. Ordered logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for harmful drinking patterns.

Results

The independent variables that confer a higher risk of drinking in underage students are older age classes, male sex, returning home after midnight, belonging to a group with little respect for the rules, or to a group where young people are not seen as leaders. The higher the perception of alcohol consumption by the group, the higher the risk. Spending time in bars or discos coincides with a two-fold or four-fold increase, respectively, in the risk of alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Our findings show that certain environmental and social risk factors are associated with underage drinking. The most important role for preventing young people's exposure to these factors lies with the family, because only parents can exert the necessary control and provide a barrier against potentially harmful situations.
Gastrointestinal symptoms of infantile colic and their change after light needling of acupuncture: a case series study of 913 infants
Authors: Reinthal Marianne , Lund Iréne , Ullman Dacil , Lundeberg Thomas
Published: August 2011

Background

Infantile colic is a common painful clinical condition associated with signs of distended intestines and an increase in colon peristalsis. However, clinical documentation of observed gastrointestinal functions in the condition is still lacking. Even though the ailment is common, no clear treatment guidelines exist. While acupuncture with minimal stimulation has been shown to be effective in reducing crying behaviour of infants suffering from colic, the documented effect of acupuncture on gastrointestinal function in children with infantile colic is scarce. This case series study aims to document the symptoms of routinely rated gastrointestinal function and the changes in these symptoms after minimal acupuncture in a larger group of children with infantile colic.

Methods

This study included 913 infants with normal weights, and lengths at birth. The infants' mean age was 5.4 weeks when the observations started, and had colic symptoms since two weeks after birth. Light needling stimulation of the acupuncture point LI4 was performed for 10-20 seconds bilaterally on a daily basis for a mean of 6.2 consecutive days. A questionnaire with verbal rating scales for the parents' evaluation was used before and after the treatment period.

Results

Before treatment the infants were assessed by the parents in terms of 'often have inflated stomachs' (99%) and 'seldom drool' (76%), 'regurgitate' (53%) and 'belch' (62%). Moreover, the reported frequency of defecation was 5-8 times per day (64%), with a yellowish-green colour (61%) and with a water-thin consistency (74%). After treatment, the variables of inflated stomachs, drooling and regurgitating were systematically changed, and rated by the parents as occurring 'sometimes' while belching was rated as occurring 'often' and the frequency of defecation was reduced to 1-4 times/day with a mustard yellow colour and a gruel-like consistency. The parents also rated their impression of the infants' general colic symptoms including crying behaviour as much ameliorated in 76% of the cases.

Conclusion

The results of the present study show that minimal acupuncture at LI4 in infantile colic is an effective and easy treatment procedure that, furthermore, is reported to be without serious side effects.
Pulmonary intravascular lymphoma diagnosed by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-guided transbronchial lung biopsy in a man with long-term survival: a case report
Authors: Niida Tomiharu , Isoda Kikuo , Miyazaki Koji , Kanoh Soichiro , Kobayashi Hideo , Kobayashi Ayako , Kimura Fumihiko , Hayashi Katsumi , Kusuhara Masatoshi , Ohsuzu Fumitaka
Published: August 2011

Introduction

18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography can detect the pulmonary involvement of intravascular lymphoma that presents no abnormality in a computed tomography scan.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 61-year-old Japanese man who had pulmonary intravascular lymphoma and no computed tomography abnormality. We were able to make an antemortem diagnosis of pulmonary intravascular lymphoma by transbronchial lung biopsy according to 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography findings. He is free of recurrent disease 24 months after chemotherapy.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a long-term survivor of pulmonary intravascular lymphoma diagnosed by transbronchial lung biopsy under the guide of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.
Rhodococcus equi venous catheter infection: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Guerrero Rosalinda , Bhargava Ashish , Nahleh Zeina
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Rhodococcus equiis an animal pathogen that was initially isolated from horses and is being increasingly reported as a cause of infection in humans with impaired cellular immunity. However, this pathogen is underestimated as a challenging antagonist and is frequently considered to be a mere contaminant despite the potential for life-threatening infections. Most case reports have occurred in immunocompromised patients who have received organ transplants (for example kidney, heart, bone marrow) or those with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Infections often manifest as pulmonary involvement or soft tissue abscesses. Bacteremia related toR. equiinfections of tunneled central venous catheters has rarely been described.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 63-year-old non-transplant recipient, non-HIV infected Caucasian woman with endometrial carcinoma who developed recurrent bloodstream infections and septic shock due toR. equiand ultimately required the removal of her port catheter, a subcutaneous implantable central venous catheter. We also review the medical literature related to human infections withR. equi.

Conclusion

R. equishould be considered a serious pathogen, not a contaminant, particularly in an immunocompromised patient who presents with a central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection. Counseling patients with central venous catheters who participate in activities involving exposure to domesticated animals is recommended.
Context-based FISH localization of genomic rearrangements within chromosome 15q11.2q13 duplicons
Authors: Khan Wahab A , Knoll Joan HM , Rogan Peter K
Published: August 2011

Background

Segmental duplicons (SDs) predispose to an increased frequency of chromosomal rearrangements. These rearrangements can cause a diverse range of phenotypes due to haploinsufficiency, in cis positional effects or gene interruption. Genomic microarray analysis has revealed gene dosage changes adjacent to duplicons, but the high degree of similarity between duplicon sequences has confounded unequivocal assignment of chromosome breakpoints within these intervals. In this study, we localize rearrangements within duplicon-enriched regions of Angelman/Prader-Willi (AS/PWS) syndrome chromosomal deletions with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results

Breakage intervals in AS deletions were localized recursively with short, coordinate-defined, single copy (SC) and low copy (LC) genomic FISH probes. These probes were initially coincident with duplicons and regions of previously reported breakage in AS/PWS. Subsequently, probes developed from adjacent genomic intervals more precisely delineated deletion breakage intervals involving genes, pseudogenes and duplicons in 15q11.2q13. The observed variability in the deletion boundaries within previously described Class I and Class II deletion AS samples is related to the local genomic architecture in this chromosomal region.

Conclusions

Chromosome 15 abnormalities associated with SDs were precisely delineated at a resolution equivalent to genomic Southern analysis. This context-dependent approach can define the boundaries of chromosome rearrangements for other genomic disorders associated with SDs.
Evaluation of long-term antinociceptive properties of stabilized hyaluronic acid preparation (NASHA) in an animal model of repetitive joint pain
Authors: Boettger Michael Karl , Kümmel Diana , Harrison Andrew , Schaible Hans-Georg
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Clinical trials provided controversial results on whether the injection of hyaluronan preparations into osteoarthritic joints reduces pain. Problems of clinical studies may be the substantial placebo effects of intra-articular injections, different severity and rate of progression of the disease and others. We hypothesize that the use of preclinical pain models may help to clarify whether a certain hyaluronan exerts antinociceptive effects upon intra-articular injection. In the present study we tested in the bradykinin/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) model primarily the putative antinociceptive effect of stabilized hyaluronic acid from a non animal source (NASHA), a stabilized hyaluronic acid based gel for intra-articular treatment of OA. We established a dose-response relationship for NASHA and we compared NASHA to other hyaluronans with different formulations that are in clinical use.

Methods

To induce transient joint pain episodes bradykinin and PGE2 were repetitively administered intra-articularly and unilaterally into rat knee joints during short anaesthesia. After establishment of the predrug nociceptive responses, a single intra-articular injection of saline or NASHA at different concentrations was administered and pain responses to further bradykinin/PGE2 injections were monitored up to 56 days after NASHA. Furthermore, the obtained effective dose was compared to clinically defined concentrations of Hylan GF20 and sodium hyaluronate. The primary outcome measures were primary mechanical hyperalgesia at the knee joint and pain-induced weight bearing.

Results

On day 1 after injection, all tested hyaluronan preparations showed an antinociceptive effect >50% compared to saline. Single injections of higher doses of NASHA (50, 75 and 100 μl) were antinociceptive up to 56 days. When injection volumes in rat knee joints were adapted to clinical injection volumes in humans, the antinociceptive effects of the cross-linked NASHA and Hylan GF20 had a longer duration than that of the non cross-linked sodium hyaluronate (with a slightly better effect of NASHA than Hylan GF20).

Conclusions

In the bradykinin/PGE2 model of joint pain a single injection of all hyaluronan preparations provided significant antinociceptive effects compared to saline. It appeared that the duration of the antinociceptive effect of the cross-linked hyaluronan preparations NASHA and Hylan GF20 was more prolonged. In addition, the gel beads structure allowing only a slow release of hyaluronic acid (NASHA) may even enhance this prolonged antinociceptive effect.
C-Reactive Protein in Adolescent Twins: Patterns and Relationship to Adiposity
Authors: Wang Guoying , Christoffel Katherine Kaufer , Brickman Wendy J. , Hong Xiumei , Arguelles Lester , Zhang Shanchun , Wang Binyan , Li Zhiping , Xing Houxun , Tang Gengfu , Zimmerman Donald , Xu Xiping , Wang Xiaobin
Published: August 2011

Context:

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of cardiovascular risk in adults. Patterns and determinants of CRP in adolescents have not been well described.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine how CRP varies by age, gender, Tanner stage, and body fat composition in rural Chinese adolescents and to what degree adiposity-CRP associations are attributable to shared genetic and environmental factors.

Design and Setting:

Data were derived from an ongoing study of metabolic syndrome in a large community-based twin cohort enrolled in Anqing, China.

Participants:

The study sample included 1180 adolescent twins aged 13–21 yr.

Main Outcome Measures:

Plasma CRP concentrations were measured by sandwich immunoassay using flow metric xMAP technology. Body fat composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Results:

CRP levels linearly increased across age and Tanner stage in males (P ≤ 0.0001), but in females, CRP exhibited no trend after adjusting for fat mass (P > 0.05). For males, the most explanatory measure was body mass index (partial r2 = 5.2%), whereas percent body fat (partial r2 = 8.8%) was more explanatory in females. Of the phenotypic correlations between adiposity measures and CRP (0.25–0.28), 86–89% were attributed to shared genetic factors and 11–14% to common unique environmental factors in both sexes.

Conclusions:

Adiposity is a strong determinant of CRP even in this relatively lean Chinese population. There is notable gender difference for the CRP pattern and the relationship of CRP with adiposity during adolescence. To a large degree, common genetic factors may underlie the observed adiposity-CRP-phenotypic correlations.
VAB-10 spectraplakin acts in cell and nuclear migration in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kim Hon-Song , Murakami Ryoko , Quintin Sophie , Mori Masataka , Ohkura Kiyotaka , Tamai Katsuyuki K. , Labouesse Michel , Sakamoto Hiroshi , Nishiwaki Kiyoji
Published: August 2011

Cytoskeletal regulation is important in cell migration. The Caenorhabditis elegans gonadal distal tip cells (DTCs) offer a simple model with which to investigate the mechanism of cell migration in organogenesis. Here, we report that one of the spectraplakin isoforms, VAB-10B1, plays an essential role in cell and nuclear migration of DTCs by regulating the actin and microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton. In the vab-10(tk27) mutant, which lacks VAB-10B1, alignment of filamentous (F)-actin and MTs was weakly and severely disorganized, respectively, which resulted in a failure to translocate the DTC nucleus and a premature termination of DTC migration. An MT growing-tip marker, EBP-2-GFP, revealed that polarized outgrowth of MTs towards the nuclei of migrating DTCs was strikingly impaired in tk27 animals. A vab-10 mini-gene encoding only the actin- and MT-binding domains significantly rescued the gonadal defects, suggesting that VAB-10B1 has a role in linking actin and MT filaments. These results suggest that VAB-10B1/spectraplakin regulates the polarized alignment of MTs, possibly by linking F-actin and MTs, which enables normal nuclear translocation and cell migration of DTCs.
Ectopic myelinating oligodendrocytes in the dorsal spinal cord as a consequence of altered semaphorin 6D signaling inhibit synapse formation
Authors: Leslie Jennifer R. , Imai Fumiyasu , Fukuhara Kaori , Takegahara Noriko , Rizvi Tilat A. , Friedel Roland H. , Wang Fan , Kumanogoh Atsushi , Yoshida Yutaka
Published: August 2011

Different types of sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia project axons to the spinal cord to convey peripheral information to the central nervous system. Whereas most proprioceptive axons enter the spinal cord medially, cutaneous axons typically do so laterally. Because heavily myelinated proprioceptive axons project to the ventral spinal cord, proprioceptive axons and their associated oligodendrocytes avoid the superficial dorsal horn. However, it remains unclear whether their exclusion from the superficial dorsal horn is an important aspect of neural circuitry. Here we show that a mouse null mutation of Sema6d results in ectopic placement of the shafts of proprioceptive axons and their associated oligodendrocytes in the superficial dorsal horn, disrupting its synaptic organization. Anatomical and electrophysiological analyses show that proper axon positioning does not seem to be required for sensory afferent connectivity with motor neurons. Furthermore, ablation of oligodendrocytes from Sema6d mutants reveals that ectopic oligodendrocytes, but not proprioceptive axons, inhibit synapse formation in Sema6d mutants. Our findings provide new insights into the relationship between oligodendrocytes and synapse formation in vivo, which might be an important element in controlling the development of neural wiring in the central nervous system.
Fgf and Hh signalling act on a symmetrical pre-pattern to specify anterior and posterior identity in the zebrafish otic placode and vesicle
Authors: Hammond Katherine L. , Whitfield Tanya T.
Published: August 2011

Specification of the otic anteroposterior axis is one of the earliest patterning events during inner ear development. In zebrafish, Hedgehog signalling is necessary and sufficient to specify posterior otic identity between the 10 somite (otic placode) and 20 somite (early otic vesicle) stages. We now show that Fgf signalling is both necessary and sufficient for anterior otic specification during a similar period, a function that is completely separable from its earlier role in otic placode induction. In lia–/– (fgf3–/–) mutants, anterior otic character is reduced, but not lost altogether. Blocking all Fgf signalling at 10-20 somites, however, using the pan-Fgf inhibitor SU5402, results in the loss of anterior otic structures and a mirror image duplication of posterior regions. Conversely, overexpression of fgf3 during a similar period, using a heat-shock inducible transgenic line, results in the loss of posterior otic structures and a duplication of anterior domains. These phenotypes are opposite to those observed when Hedgehog signalling is altered. Loss of both Fgf and Hedgehog function between 10 and 20 somites results in symmetrical otic vesicles with neither anterior nor posterior identity, which, nevertheless, retain defined poles at the anterior and posterior ends of the ear. These data suggest that Fgf and Hedgehog act on a symmetrical otic pre-pattern to specify anterior and posterior otic identity, respectively. Each signalling pathway has instructive activity: neither acts simply to repress activity of the other, and, together, they appear to be key players in the specification of anteroposterior asymmetries in the zebrafish ear.
Vreteno, a gonad-specific protein, is essential for germline development and primary piRNA biogenesis inDrosophila
Authors: Zamparini Andrea L. , Davis Marie Y. , Malone Colin D. , Vieira Eric , Zavadil Jiri , Sachidanandam Ravi , Hannon Gregory J. , Lehmann Ruth
Published: August 2011

In Drosophila, Piwi proteins associate with Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and protect the germline genome by silencing mobile genetic elements. This defense system acts in germline and gonadal somatic tissue to preserve germline development. Genetic control for these silencing pathways varies greatly between tissues of the gonad. Here, we identified Vreteno (Vret), a novel gonad-specific protein essential for germline development. Vret is required for piRNA-based transposon regulation in both germline and somatic gonadal tissues. We show that Vret, which contains Tudor domains, associates physically with Piwi and Aubergine (Aub), stabilizing these proteins via a gonad-specific mechanism that is absent in other fly tissues. In the absence of vret, Piwi-bound piRNAs are lost without changes in piRNA precursor transcript production, supporting a role for Vret in primary piRNA biogenesis. In the germline, piRNAs can engage in an Aub- and Argonaute 3 (AGO3)-dependent amplification in the absence of Vret, suggesting that Vret function can distinguish between primary piRNAs loaded into Piwi-Aub complexes and piRNAs engaged in the amplification cycle. We propose that Vret plays an essential role in transposon regulation at an early stage of primary piRNA processing.
Hippo pathway regulation by cell morphology and stress fibers
Authors: Wada Ken-Ichi , Itoga Kazuyoshi , Okano Teruo , Yonemura Shigenobu , Sasaki Hiroshi
Published: August 2011

The Hippo signaling pathway plays an important role in regulation of cell proliferation. Cell density regulates the Hippo pathway in cultured cells; however, the mechanism by which cells detect density remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that changes in cell morphology are a key factor. Morphological manipulation of single cells without cell-cell contact resulted in flat spread or round compact cells with nuclear or cytoplasmic Yap, respectively. Stress fibers increased in response to expanded cell areas, and F-actin regulated Yap downstream of cell morphology. Cell morphology- and F-actin-regulated phosphorylation of Yap, and the effects of F-actin were suppressed by modulation of Lats. Our results suggest that cell morphology is an important factor in the regulation of the Hippo pathway, which is mediated by stress fibers consisting of F-actin acting upstream of, or on Lats, and that cells can detect density through their resulting morphology. This cell morphology (stress-fiber)-mediated mechanism probably cooperates with a cell-cell contact (adhesion)-mediated mechanism involving the Hippo pathway to achieve density-dependent control of cell proliferation.
New integrated approach to the problem of ranking and supplier selection under uncertainties
Authors: Tadic D , Milanovic D D , Misita M , Tadic B
Published: August 2011

The problem of ranking and supplier selection in the uncertain environment is part of a purchasing plan and its relationship has a critical effect on the competitive advantage (high-quality products at lower cost with higher customer satisfaction) of each industrial organization. The considered problem can be stated as a multicriteria decision problem which includes both quantitative and qualitative criteria. The criteria present supplier performances which are defined by the purchasing Management Team depending on the size of industrial organizations and on production type. In this paper, the Management Team, using European Union (EU) recommendations, made a choice of criteria for supplier evaluation. The fuzzy rating weights of each pair of the considered criteria and uncertain criteria values are described by linguistic expressions which are modelled by triangular fuzzy numbers. The fuzzy extent approach for the synthetic extent values of the pairwise comparison for handling fuzzy analytic hierarchical process (AHP) is used to calculate the weight vector. The extension of the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is applied to rank the suppliers. The proposed model is illustrated by an example. It is shown that the developed model is highly suitable as a decision-making tool for reaching decisions about supplier selection.
Introduction of an innovation for the reduction of maternal mortality in Kano State, northern Nigeria: a case study of magnesium sulphate
Authors: Tukur J , Ogedengbe C , Nwanchukwu E , Araoyinbo I A , Yakasai I A , Adaji S E , Ajala B
Published: August 2011

In this project, sponsored by the McArthur Foundation and the Population Council, magnesium sulphate was introduced in February 2007 to 10 general hospitals in Kano State, northern Nigeria. Changes were monitored via data collected at the hospital. At an initial training of the trainers' workshop, 25 master trainers were trained. They then conducted step down trainings and trained 160 clinical providers. Within 12 months, 1045 patients were treated with magnesium sulphate. The attributable deaths from eclampsia fell by 42.4%. The community became aware of an improved outcome for eclampsia. The providers expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the treated patients. Four of the master trainers trained 30 clinical providers from the other 25 general hospitals. Initiatives for the reduction of maternal mortality should be evidence-based.
Atypical trichinellosis without eosinophilia associated with osteomyelitis
Authors: Dubey Mohan Lal , Khurana Sumeeta , Singhal Lipika , Dogra Shivani , Singh Surjit
Published: August 2011

Human trichinellosis is an important food-borne zoonosis caused by a nematode worm, Trichinella. The symptoms of the disease vary widely depending on the infection load, stage of infection and host immunity and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, facial edema and muscle pain. The disease is usually characterized by moderate to high eosinophilia. We hereby discuss an atypical case of trichinellosis, which presented with myositis of the thigh muscles but had no eosinophilia and no facial or periorbital edema and was associated with osteomyelitis of the femur. The diagnosis was made by the demonstration of anti-trichinella antibodies and later confirmed by the presence of larvae of Trichinella in the digested muscle biopsy. Physicians must be aware of trichinosis and should include it in their differential diagnosis when examining patients with fever and myositis with or without eosinophilia.
What Firms Make vs. What They Know: How Firms' Production and Knowledge Boundaries Affect Competitive Advantage in the Face of Technological Change
Authors: Kapoor Rahul , Adner Ron
Published: August 2011

Product innovation often hinges on technological changes in underlying components and architectures, requiring extensive coordination between upstream component development tasks and downstream product development tasks. We explore how differences in the ways in which firms are organized with respect to components affect their ability to manage technological change. We consider how firms are organized in terms of both division of labor and division of knowledge. We categorize product innovations according to whether they are enabled by changes in components or by changes in architectures. We test our predictions in the context of the global dynamic random access memory industry from 1974 to 2005, during which it transitioned through 12 distinct product generations. We find that vertically integrated firms had, on average, a faster time to market for new product generations than nonintegrated firms. The performance benefit that firms derived from vertical integration was greater when the new product generation was enabled by architectural change than when it was enabled by component change. We also find that although many nonintegrated firms extended their knowledge boundaries by developing knowledge of outsourced components, the performance benefits from such knowledge mostly accrued to “fully nonintegrated” firms (i.e., those that did not vertically integrate into any upstream component), rather than “partially integrated” firms (i.e., those that vertically integrated into some components but not others). Our study makes a strong case for the value of integrating the knowledge- and governance-based theoretical perspectives to broaden our examination of how firms organize for innovation and to uncover the technological and organizational sources of performance heterogeneity.
Quality characteristics of virgin coconut oil: Comparisons with refined coconut oil
Authors: Dayrit Fabian M. , Dimzon Ian Ken D. , Valde Melodina F. , Santos Jaclyn Elizabeth R. , Garrovillas Mark Joseph M. , Villarino Blanca J.
Published: August 2011

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a vegetable oil that is extracted from fresh coconut meat and is processed using only physical and other natural means. VCO was compared to refined, bleached, and deodorized coconut oil (RCO) using standard quality parameters, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and headspace solid-phase micro-extraction/gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME/GCMS). VCO tends to have higher free fatty acids (FFAs), moisture, and volatile matter and lower peroxide value than RCO. However, the range of values overlap and no single standard parameter alone can be used to differentiate VCO from RCO. Using 31P NMR, VCO and RCO can be distinguished in terms of the total amount of diglycerides: VCO showed an average content (w/w %) of 1.55, whereas RCO gave an average of 4.10. There was no overlap in the values found for individual VCO and RCO samples. There are four common methods of producing VCO: expeller (EXP), centrifuge (CEN), and fermentation with and without heat. VCO products prepared using these four methods could not be differentiated using standard quality parameters. Sensory analysis showed that VCO produced by fermentation (with and without heat) could be distinguished from those produced using the EXP and CEN methods; this sensory differentiation correlated with the higher levels of acetic acid and octanoic acid in the VCO produced by fermentation. Studies on physicochemical deterioration of VCO showed that VCO is stable to chemical and photochemical oxidation and hydrolysis. VCO is most susceptible to microbial attack, which leads to the formation of various organic acids, in particular, lactic acid. However, at moisture levels below 0.06 %, microbial action is significantly lessened.
Legal Abortion Worldwide in 2008: Levels and Recent Trends
Authors: Sedgh Gilda , Singh Susheela , Henshaw Stanley K. , Bankole Akinrinola
Published: August 2011

CONTEXT: Periodic assessments of abortion incidence are essential for monitoring trends in unintended pregnancy and gaps in contraceptive services and use.

METHODS: Statistics and estimates of legal induced abortions in 2008 were compiled for 64 of the 77 countries in which legal abortion is generally available; the 64 are home to 98% of women aged 15–44 who live in the countries eligible for inclusion. Data sources included reports or completed questionnaires from national statistical offices and nationally representative surveys. The completeness of official figures was assessed by in‐country and regional experts. Trends since 1996 and 2003 were examined.

RESULTS: Of the 77 countries with liberal abortion laws, 36 are in the developing world. In 2008, abortion rates in the 25 countries with complete records—all of which were developed—ranged from seven (Germany and Switzerland) to 30 (Estonia) per 1,000 women aged 15–44. Abortion rates declined in about half of the 20 countries with consistently reliable information on trends between 1996 and 2008; declines were generally steeper than increases, although the pace of decline slowed after 2003. The highest observed abortion rates were in developing countries with incomplete estimates. For most developing countries that had liberal laws, the reported abortion rates were incomplete and varied widely.

CONCLUSIONS: High abortion rates in some countries, and small increases in rates in others, indicate a great need for more effective family planning services for these populations. Reliable data collection systems, needed to ensure that trends can be effectively monitored, are lacking in many countries.
The Sodium-Dependent Inorganic Phosphate Transporter SLC34A1 (NaPi-IIa) Is Not Localized in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Larsson Max , Morland Cecilie , Poblete-Naredo Irais , Biber Jürg , Danbolt Niels Christian , Gundersen Vidar
Published: August 2011

The sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate transporter NaPi-IIa is expressed in the kidney. Here, the authors used a polyclonal antiserum raised against NaPi-IIa- and NaPi-IIa-deficient mice to characterize its expression in nervous tissue. Western blots showed that a NaPi-IIa immunoreactive band (~90 kDa) was only present in wild-type kidney membranes and not in kidney knockout or wild-type brain membranes. In the water-soluble fraction of wild-type and knockout brains, another band (~50 kDa) was observed; this band was not detected in the kidney. Light and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry using the NaPi-IIa antibodies showed immunolabeling of kidney tubules in wild-type but not knockout mice. In the brain, labeling of presynaptic nerve terminals was present also in NaPi-IIa-deficient mice. This labeling pattern was also produced by the NaPi-IIa preimmune serum. The authors conclude that the polyclonal antiserum is specific toward NaPi-IIa in the kidney, but in the brain, immunolabeling is caused by a cross-reaction of the antiserum with an unknown cytosolic protein that is not present in the kidney. This tissue-specific cross-reactivity highlights a potential pitfall when validating antibody specificity using knockout mouse-derived tissue other than the specific tissue of interest and underlines the utility of specificity testing using preimmune sera.
Chronic UVR Causes Increased Immunostaining of CD44 and Accumulation of Hyaluronan in Mouse Epidermis
Authors: Siiskonen Hanna , Törrönen Kari , Kumlin Timo , Rilla Kirsi , Tammi Markku I. , Tammi Raija H.
Published: August 2011

Chronic intense UV radiation is the main cause of epidermal tumors. Because hyaluronan (HA), a large extracellular polysaccharide, is known to promote malignant growth, hyaluronan expression was studied in a model in which long-term UV radiation (UVR) induces epidermal tumors. Mouse back skin was exposed three times a week for 10.5 months to UVR corresponding to one minimal erythema dose, processed for histology, and stained for hyaluronan and the hyaluronan receptor CD44. This exposure protocol caused epidermal hyperplasia in most of the animals; tumors, mainly squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), were found in ~20% of the animals. Specimens exposed to UVR showed increased hyaluronan and CD44 staining throughout the epidermal tissue. In hyperplastic areas, hyaluronan and CD44 stainings correlated positively with the degree of hyperplasia. Well-differentiated SCCs showed increased hyaluronan and CD44 staining intensities, whereas poorly differentiated tumors and dysplastic epidermis showed areas where HA and CD44 were locally reduced. The findings indicate that HA and CD44 increase in epidermal keratinocytes in the premalignant hyperplasia induced by UV irradiation and stay elevated in dysplasia and SCC, suggesting that the accumulation of hyaluronan and CD44 is an early marker for malignant transformation and may be a prerequisite for tumor formation.
Localization of a Wide-Ranging Panel of Antigens in the Rat Retina by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Chidlow Glyn , Daymon Mark , Wood John P. M. , Casson Robert J.
Published: August 2011

The preferred fixative for whole eyes is Davidson’s solution, which provides optimal tissue preservation while avoiding retinal detachment. Hitherto, the compatibility of Davidson’s solution with immunohistochemistry has been largely untested. The goal of the present study was to compare the immunolabeling patterns of a wide-ranging panel of commercially available, previously validated antibodies in formalin- and Davidson’s-fixed retinas. Immunohistochemistry was performed in normal pigmented rat eyes and, to facilitate localization of inducible proteins, eyes injected with the bacterial toxin lipopolysaccharide or subjected to laser-induced photoreceptor damage. Specificity of labeling was judged by the morphology and distribution of immunopositive cells, by the absence of signal in appropriate controls, and by comparison with expected staining patterns. Retinas fixed in formalin displayed only adequate morphological integrity but were highly compatible with all 39 antibodies evaluated. Retinas fixed in Davidson’s solution displayed morphological integrity superior to those fixed in formalin. Generally, the cellular and subcellular patterns and intensities of immunoreactivities obtained with each fixative were identical; however, Davidson’s fixative was less compatible with certain antibodies, such as the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid, the microglial marker iba1, the macroglial stress protein nestin, and the small heat shock proteins Hsp27 and αB-crystallin, shortfalls that somewhat temper enthusiasm concerning its use.
Expression of Ezrin in Human Embryonic, Fetal, and Normal Adult Tissues
Authors: Xie Jian-Jun , Zhang Fa-Ren , Tao Li-Hua , Lü Zhuo , Xu Xiu-E , Jian-Shen  , Xu Li-Yan , Li En-Min
Published: August 2011

Ezrin, which cross-links the cytoskeleton and plasma membrane, was involved in a wide variety of cellular processes. Here, to investigate the distribution of ezrin, tissue microarray technology was employed to perform immunohistochemical experiments on human embryos, fetuses at 4 to 22 weeks’ gestation, and adult tissue specimens. Results showed that ezrin was widely expressed in the gastrointestinal tract throughout the human developmental stages studied. At 6 to 8 weeks’ gestation, ezrin was found in epithelial cells, and this staining pattern was particularly pronounced in the brush border of mature absorptive cells lining the villus in later developmental stages and adult tissues. Throughout neural development, ezrin was only expressed in the neural tube at 4 weeks’ gestation. Ezrin was also detected in the cortex and medulla of the adrenal gland at 8 to 12 weeks’ gestation, whereas its immunoreactivity was increased from the zona glomerulosa through the zona reticularis and was essentially undetectable in the adrenal medulla of adult tissues. Significant expression of ezrin was seen throughout development in the kidney, spleen, lymph nodes, and cells of stratified squamous epithelia. However, ezrin was undetectable in lung, liver, heart, and blood vessels. These results demonstrated that the expression pattern of ezrin was highly time specific and tissue specific.