bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practice Behaviors of Eighth-Grade Instrumental Musicians
Authors: Rohwer Debbie , Polk Jeremy
Published: July 2008

The purposes of the current study were to (1) determine the relationship between the number of practice strategies students could articulate and their performance improvement scores, (2) identify trends in students'5-minute practice behaviors, and (3) compare students' achievement based on their practice procedures. Participants were 65 eighth-grade students from five middle schools. Results documented a positive correlation between performance improvement and number of verbalized practice techniques. Based on the participants' 5-minute practice behaviors, four categories of practicers were determined: holistic, noncorrective practicers, who did not stop for errors in their run-throughs; holistic, corrective practicers, who stopped only for errors in their run-throughs; analytic, reactive practicers, who stopped to remediate sections of music; and analytic, proactive practicers, who jumped around in the music to fix errors. There were significant differences between the holistic and analytic practicers, as well as between the pre- and postperformances, and a significant interaction between practicers and performances. From the baseline to the final performance, the analytic practicers made significantly more gains than did the holistic practicers.
Metacognitive Instruction for Second Language Listening Development
Authors: Goh Christine
Published: July 2008

There has been a growing interest in and concern for the teaching of listening in the last 40 years. Looking back over the years, we can see how the emphases on teaching listening and the focus of listening instruction have changed. Although instructional practices were initially heavily influenced by models of the written language and a behaviourist approach, the focus has since moved to developing listening as a skill needed for constructing and communicating meaning. More recently, discussions about listening instruction have emphasized the role of strategy training and learner metacognition in facilitating comprehension. In this paper I discuss a metacognitive approach, drawing on understandings from educational research as well as second language listening studies. I explain its theoretical rationale and identify principles for carrying out metacognitive instruction, as well as outline general instructional objectives and learning activities for this purpose. Finally, I suggest possible research directions for examining the role of metacognition in second language listening and the relevance of metacognitive instruction to listening development.
The TAR Effect: When the Ones Who Dislike Become the Ones Who Are Disliked
Authors: Gawronski Bertram , Walther Eva
Published: July 2008

Four studies tested whether a source's evaluations of other individuals can recursively transfer to the source, such that people who like others acquire a positive valence, whereas people who dislike others acquire a negative valence (Transfer of Attitudes Recursively; TAR). Experiment 1 provides first evidence for TAR effects, showing recursive transfers of evaluations regardless of whether participants did or did not have prior knowledge about the (dis)liking source. Experiment 2 shows that previously but not subsequently acquired knowledge about targets that were (dis)liked by a source overrode TAR effects in a manner consistent with cognitive balance. Finally, Experiments 3 and 4 demonstrate that TAR effects are mediated by higher order propositional inferences (in contrast to lower order associative processes), in that TAR effects on implicit attitude measures were fully mediated by TAR effects on explicit attitude measures. Commonalities and differences between the TAR effect and previously established phenomena are discussed.
l‐Alanyl‐l‐Glutamine‐Supplemented Parenteral Nutrition Decreases Infectious Morbidity Rate in Patients With Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Fuentes‐Orozco Clotilde , Cervantes‐Guevara Gabino , Muciño‐Hernández Ivette , López‐Ortega Alejandro , Ambriz‐González Gabriela , Gutiérrez‐de‐la‐Rosa José Luis , Gómez‐Herrera Efraín , Hermosillo‐Sandoval José Manuel , González‐Ojeda Alejandro
Published: July 2008

Background: The effect of parenteral GLN on recovery from severe acute pancreatitis has not been thoroughly investigated. The aims of this study were to determine whether parenteral GLN improves nutrition status and immune function, and to determine its ability to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with this condition. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 44 patients with severe acute pancreatitis were randomly assigned to receive either standard PN (n = 22) or l‐alanyl‐l‐glutamine‐supplemented PN (n = 22) after hospital admission. Nitrogen balance, counts of leukocytes, total lymphocytes, and CD4 and CD8 subpopulations, and serum levels of immunoglobulin A, total protein, albumin, C‐reactive protein, and serum interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 were measured on days 0, 5, and 10. Hospital stay, infectious morbidity, and mortality were also evaluated. Results: Demographics, laboratory characteristics, and pancreatitis etiology and severity at entry to the study were similar between groups. The study group exhibited significant increases in serum IL‐10 levels, total lymphocyte and lymphocyte subpopulation counts, and albumin serum levels. Nitrogen balance also improved to positive levels in the study group and remained negative in the control group. Infectious morbidity was more frequent in the control group than in the study group. The duration of hospital stay was similar between groups, as was mortality. Conclusion: The results suggest that treatment of patients with GLN‐supplemented PN may decrease infectious morbidity rate compared with those who treated with nonenriched PN.
Cecal Infusion of Butyrate Does Not Alter Cecal Concentration of Butyrate in Piglets Fed Inulin
Authors: Kien C. Lawrence , Blauwiekel Ruth
Published: July 2008

Background: Cecal or distal colonic concentration of butyrate has been used as an index of butyrate production from various fermentable carbohydrates. However, we previously found that cecal concentration of butyrate does not correlate with the rate of synthesis of butyrate in the cecal lumen. As part of a larger study of the cellular effects of cecal infusions of butyrate, we sought to rule out the null hypothesis that cecal infusion of butyrate also would not alter butyrate concentration in the cecum. Methods: Piglets (n = 10) were fed sow milk replacement formula plus inulin (3 g × L‐1). After 6 days of oral feeding, the piglets were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups: (I) Cecal infusion of phosphate‐buffered NaCl and (II) cecal infusion of butyrate (2.13 μmol× kg‐1 × min‐1). The concentration of butyrate was measured by gas chromatography in the cecum and distal colon. Results: There was no effect of cecal butyrate infusion on butyrate concentration (mM; I vs II) in the cecum (5.7 ± 0.4 vs 5.3 ± 1.1) or distal colon (3.3 ± 0.6 vs 4.1 ± 0.8) or on the ratio of cecal butyrate concentration to the sum of the concentrations of butyrate, acetate, propionate, and valerate (0.101 ± 0.004 vs 0.083 ± 0.011). There was no effect of cecal butyrate infusion on the concentration of any of these short chain fatty acids. Conclusions: At an entry rate into the cecum within the physiological range, butyrate had no effect on cecal or distal colonic luminal concentration of butyrate.
Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety
Authors: Johnson MW , Richards WA , Griffiths RR
Published: July 2008

There has recently been a renewal of human research with classical hallucinogens (psychedelics). This paper first briefly discusses the unique history of human hallucinogen research, and then reviews the risks of hallucinogen administration and safeguards for minimizing these risks. Although hallucinogens are relatively safe physiologically and are not considered drugs of dependence, their administration involves unique psychological risks. The most likely risk is overwhelming distress during drug action ('bad trip'), which could lead to potentially dangerous behaviour such as leaving the study site. Less common are prolonged psychoses triggered by hallucinogens. Safeguards against these risks include the exclusion of volunteers with personal or family history of psychotic disorders or other severe psychiatric disorders, establishing trust and rapport between session monitors and volunteer before the session, careful volunteer preparation, a safe physical session environment and interpersonal support from at least two study monitors during the session. Investigators should probe for the relatively rare hallucinogen persisting perception disorder in follow-up contact. Persisting adverse reactions are rare when research is conducted along these guidelines. Incautious research may jeopardize participant safety and future research. However, carefully conducted research may inform the treatment of psychiatric disorders, and may lead to advances in basic science.
Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later
Authors: Griffiths RR , Richards WA , Johnson MW , McCann UD , Jesse R.
Published: July 2008

Psilocybin has been used for centuries for religious purposes; however, little is known scientifically about its long-term effects. We previously reported the effects of a double-blind study evaluating the psychological effects of a high psilocybin dose. This report presents the 14-month follow-up and examines the relationship of the follow-up results to data obtained at screening and on drug session days. Participants were 36 hallucinogen-naïve adults reporting regular participation in religious/ spiritual activities. Oral psilocybin (30 mg/70 kg) was administered on one of two or three sessions, with methylphenidate (40 mg/70 kg) administered on the other session(s). During sessions, volunteers were encouraged to close their eyes and direct their attention inward. At the 14-month follow-up, 58% and 67%, respectively, of volunteers rated the psilocybin-occasioned experience as being among the five most personally meaningful and among the five most spiritually significant experiences of their lives; 64% indicated that the experience increased well-being or life satisfaction; 58% met criteria for having had a 'complete' mystical experience. Correlation and regression analyses indicated a central role of the mystical experience assessed on the session day in the high ratings of personal meaning and spiritual significance at follow-up. Of the measures of personality, affect, quality of life and spirituality assessed across the study, only a scale measuring mystical experience showed a difference from screening. When administered under supportive conditions, psilocybin occasioned experiences similar to spontaneously occurring mystical experiences that, at 14-month follow-up, were considered by volunteers to be among the most personally meaningful and spiritually significant of their lives.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Humerus Fractures among Skiers and Snowboarders
Authors: Bissell Benjamin T. , Johnson Robert J. , Shafritz Adam B. , Chase Derek C. , Ettlinger Carl F.
Published: July 2008

Background

The incidence of humerus fractures while participating in snowboarding and skiing is undefined. Very little is known about the risk factors associated with these fractures.

Hypothesis

Snowboarders are at increased risk for sustaining humerus fractures when compared with skiers. In addition, the types of fractures, laterality, and risk factors differ between the 2 groups.

Study Design

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

At a major ski area clinic, 318 humerus fractures were evaluated over 34 seasons. Radiographs were classified according to the AO and Neer systems. Patient data were analyzed and compared with that of a control population of uninjured skiers and snowboarders to determine incidence and risk factors.

Results

The incidence of humerus fractures among snowboarders (0.062 per 1000 snowboarder days) was significantly higher than that of skiers (0.041 per 1000, P < .05). Skiers were more likely to sustain proximal fractures, and snowboarders were relatively more likely to sustain diaphyseal and distal fractures ( P < .05). Of glenohumeral dislocations, 6.56% were associated with proximal humerus fractures among skiers (1.7% among snowboarders). Snowboarders who lead with their left foot were more likely to fracture their left humerus ( P = .023). Helmet use and gender were not risk factors for humerus fractures among either skiers or snowboarders. Jumping was involved in 28.3% of humerus fractures among snowboarders and in 5.4% among skiers. Skiers with humerus fractures were more skilled, older, and fell less frequently than controls. Snowboarders were less skilled, younger, and fell at a similar rate compared with controls.

Conclusion

Snowboarders are at significantly higher risk of sustaining humerus fractures than skiers. In skiers, humerus fractures show no laterality and most often involve the proximal humerus. In contrast, snowboarders more often fracture the left humerus at the diaphysis.
Achilles Tendon Doppler Flow May be Associated with Mechanical Loading among Active Athletes
Authors: Malliaras Peter , Richards Paula J. , Garau Giorgio , Maffulli Nicola
Published: July 2008

Background

Tendon Doppler flow may be associated with tendon pain in symptomatic patients, but the relationship between Doppler flow and pain among athletes who are still competing is unclear.

Hypothesis

Among active athletes, Doppler flow may partly reflect tendon adaptation to increased mechanical load and/or asymptomatic tendinopathy.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The Achilles tendons of 61 badminton players (24 elite, 37 recreational) were examined with gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound. Achilles tendon pain and activity level (badminton training, badminton playing, badminton years) were measured.

Results

Doppler flow was not associated with current Achilles tendon pain but was associated with an increased anteroposterior tendon diameter (an indicator of tendinopathy) ( P = .02). Athletes who had been playing badminton for longer were more likely to have Doppler flow ( P< .01), and there was a trend toward an association between a greater number of badminton playing hours per week and Doppler flow ( P = .07).

Conclusion

Achilles tendon Doppler flow appears to be a sign of asymptomatic tendinopathy rather than pain among active athletes. The association between weekly badminton hours and badminton years and Doppler flow suggests that Doppler flow may be a response to mechanical load in this cohort.
Lessons Learned in the Sandwich
Authors: Petrovich Anne
Published: July 2008

In this personal account of caring for an aging father until his death in her home, the author reflects on the personal and professional challenges of being a “sandwich-generation” professional social worker. Both the poignant rewards and stresses of caretaking are described, as are the conflict and confluence of professional and personal roles. The ironies of appearing competent in the professional role while feeling overwhelmed in one's personal life and the need for support from professional colleagues are elaborated on, with concluding comments concerning future challenges and lessons to be learned.
Explaining the underdevelopment of `Social Europe': a critical realization
Authors: Bailey David J.
Published: July 2008

This article argues that existing accounts of the underdevelopment of `Social Europe' have failed to adequately integrate the contending obstacles that explain the absence they rightly identify. It argues that by employing a critical realist methodology, including the concepts of generation, emergence, and stratification, it is possible to more adequately integrate knowledge of the obstacles to `Social Europe'. Concretely, the article argues that obstacles to `Social Europe' exist at three strata, constituted by institutional relations, political relations, and Europe-wide social relations, respectively. The underdevelopment of `Social Europe' emerged from the institutional stratum, which in turn was generated (but not determined) by the underlying political relations, which were themselves in turn generated by EU-wide social relations. From this perspective, the oft-lamented absence of `Social Europe' is an emergent property of underlying institutional, political and EU-wide social relations; its occurrence, therefore, is far less contingent than existing, less integrated, accounts suggest.
Size matters: targeting efficiency and poverty reduction effects of means-tested and universal child benefits in Russia
Authors: Notten Geranda , Gassmann Franziska
Published: July 2008

This article evaluates a policy change from universal to means-tested child allowances in terms of targeting efficiency and poverty reduction, taking the introduction of the latter form of benefits in Russia as a case-study. We use the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS) from 2000 to 2004 to analyse the impact of the reforms and to simulate the effects of various means-tested and universal child benefit schemes. Since the reforms in 2000, more children have received benefits and there has been improved targeting of low income households. Nevertheless, both inclusion and exclusion errors are considerable and although the poverty reduction impact has improved marginally since the reforms, its effect on child poverty has been small. Our simulations show that universal schemes achieve additional poverty reductions with regard to all indicators because previously excluded children now also receive a benefit. However, size matters most: only by increasing benefit levels considerably can more substantial poverty reductions be achieved.
American Idol, Arabic Idol
Authors: Reynolds Geoffrey A.
Published: July 2008

The music of the Arab League is rich and vastly different from most other world musics taught in American music classrooms. The purpose of this article is to provide the music educator with ideas for incorporating Arabic popular music into their curricula. Two popular artists and their songs are discussed in detail as instructional models. Arabic music theory and cultural information are provided.
Enalapril and Losartan Are More Effective Than Carvedilol in Preventing Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Syrian Cardiomyopathic Hamster
Authors: Crespo Maria J. , Cruz Nildris , Altieri Pablo I. , Escobales Nelson
Published: July 2008

To assess the role of the renin—angiotensin (RAS) and adrenergic systems in the development and progression of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Syrian cardiomyopathic hamster (SCH), echocardiographic parameters were evaluated in 6-month-old animals after 5 months of treatment with enalapril (25 mg/kg/day) plus losartan (10 mg/kg/day), or with carvedilol (1 mg/kg/day). Cardiac output indexes (COI) increased by 53% after RAS blockade and by 20% after β-blockade in SCH. Moreover, LVEDV and LVESV decreased 30% and 62%, respectively ( P < .05) during RAS blockade, whereas ejection fraction (EF) increased by 48%. By contrast, carvedilol reduced LVESV by only 28% ( P < .05) and increased EF by only 15% ( P < .05). These results suggest that RAS activation plays a critical role in the development of cardiac dysfunction in SCH and that suppression of RAS may be more effective than β-blockade in retarding the development of cardiomyopathy in SCH. Owing to timing (pre—heart failure stage) and to the single dose protocol, the implications of this study for human subjects remain to be clarified.
Mechanical and Physical Properties of Soy Protein Films with pH-Modified Microstructures
Authors: Mauri A.N. , Añón M.C.
Published: July 2008

Mechanical, physical, and barrier properties of films obtained from soy protein isolate solutions at different pH were studied and correlated with the structural properties and the microstructure of films. Films obtained at pH 2 and 11, which had denser microstructures and a higher amount of disulfide bonds, showed a higher tensile strength — of about 1.05 MPa — and a higher Young's modulus — of at least 0.15MPa — than the one at pH 8. However, films formed at alkaline pH (8 and 11) exhibited a higher deformation than films at pH 2 — by about 70%. The presence of at least a protein fraction in native state allowed macromolecules to unfold during the mechanical test, reaching greater deformation before breaking. Acidic films exhibited higher water vapor permeability — of about 7 × 10-11 g/m s Pa — and water content — of about 1.5% — and a lower glass transition temperature — of at least 15 °C — than basic ones, due to their higher hydrophilic nature.
Organic Acids and Soluble Sugars in Edible and Nonedible Parts of Damson Plum (Prunus domestica L. subsp. insititia cv. Syriaca) Fruits During Development and Ripening
Authors: García-Mariño N. , de la Torre F. , Matilla A.J.
Published: July 2008

The contribution of the seed and pericarp to the content of malic, quinic, citric and fumaric acids, and sucrose, fructose and glucose was determined during development and ripening of damson plum fruits. In whole fruit, (i) malic and quinic acids were the principal organic acids (OA) and their levels varied significantly, the highest being found at the beginning of the late-green stage; and (ii) the content of citric and fumaric acids was scarce but fluctuated remarkably towards development and ripening. In the seed, the levels of malic, quinic and fumaric acid were lower in ripening than at the beginning of maturation, and a notable synthesis of citric was found from the middle of maturation onwards. In mesocarp, however, malic, quinic, and citric acids peaked in the middle of maturation, whereas fumaric acid notably increased towards ripening. In epicarp, the maximum for the quinic and malic was found at the beginning of ripening and maturation, respectively. In the seed, all soluble sugars (SS) studied peaked at the middle of maturation, and while fructose and glucose (the most abundant SS) tended to be stored during ripening, sucrose (the most abundant in the edible part of fruit) decreased. All the SS studied tend to increase in mesocarp and epicarp throughout maturation and ripening.
Potential of Conceptual Design Methodology for Food Process Innovation
Authors: Hadiyanto H. , van Straten G. , Boom R. , van Boxtel A.J.B. , Esveld D.C.
Published: July 2008

The available time span for food product and process innovation is steadily decreasing, and to increase the efficacy of the development cycles, systematic design procedures can be used to develop new and to redesign existing processes. The Conceptual Process Design (CPD) methodologies used in chemical industry might also be applied in the food industry to rethink their systems and to break down the complexity of problems into several hierarchical levels. The Delft design matrix, a combination of the iterative design procedure, hierarchical decomposition and task driven methods, is a promising tool which can cover the different objectives and criteria of food design. This article analyzes the potential applicability of Delft Design Matrix as a CPD methodology for food process design and illustrates its functionality with the design of a bakery production system.
Decimal Dust, Significant Digits, and the Search for Stars
Authors: Bedeian Arthur G. , Sturman Michael C. , Streiner David L.
Published: July 2008

The practice of rounding statistical results to two decimal places is one of a large number of heuristics followed in the social sciences. In evaluating this heuristic, the authors conducted simulations to investigate the precision of simple correlations. They considered a true correlation of .15 and ran simulations in which the sample sizes were 60, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 10,000, and 100,000. They then looked at the digits in the correlations’ first, second, and third decimal places to determine their reproducibility. They conclude that when n < 500, the habit of reporting a result to two decimal places seems unwarranted, and it never makes sense to report the third digit after the decimal place unless one has a sample size larger than 100,000. Similar results were found with rhos of .30, .50, and .70. The results offer an important qualification to what is otherwise a misleading practice.
Relationship between Exchange Rate Volatility and Central Bank Intervention
Authors: Behera Harendra , Narasimhan Vathsala , Murty K.N.
Published: July 2008

In a world of high capital mobility, several risks are emerging in the financial markets and the Central Bank intervention has played an important role in managing these risks. In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervenes in the foreign exchange market to maintain orderly market conditions. This article empirically explores the relationship between Central Bank intervention and exchange rate behaviour in the Indian foreign exchange market. Specifically, the article investigates the effects of RBI intervention on exchange rate level and volatility. Using monthly data for April 1995 through December 2006 and GARCH (1,1) model, it is found that the intervention of the RBI is effective in reducing volatility in the Indian foreign exchange market instead of reversing trend movement of exchange rate. It is also observed that FII investments increase exchange rate volatility in India.
Some Methodological Aspects of Rates of Growth Computations
Authors: Sethi Amarjit Singh
Published: July 2008

Rates of growth in economic time series are one of the most commonly made computations in analytical programmes. Although exponential equation plays a pivotal role in estimating such rates of growth, there is a multiplicity of weak points associated with the usual methodology adopted for the purpose. The present note aims at highlighting some such limitations and points out avoidance of an indiscriminate use of the exponential equation. Depending upon the situation being faced with, the note outlines alternative approaches for estimating average annual rates of growth.
Understanding neonatal jaundice: UK practice and international profile
Authors: Shortland David B , Hussey Martin , Dey Chowdhury Ashoka
Published: July 2008

Over the last 25 years there have been considerable advances in the treatment and technologies used in the care of newborn infants. Most of these advances are related to the care of the premature infants and there have been few changes in the management of conditions commonly seen in term infants.

Neonatal jaundice is one of the commonest neonatal disorders and has been recognized since early history. Early neonatal jaundice is usually caused by the physiological destruction of red blood cells in the infant and its importance lies in the ability of the bilirubin pigment so produced to cross the blood brain barrier resulting in neurotoxicity. Prolonged neonatal jaundice (after 14 days of age) may be an indication of an underlying liver disorder. The approach to neonatal jaundice has remained largely unchanged over the last two to three decades. We continue to rely on visual inspection to assess the severity of early neonatal jaundice. We have technology that is effective in reducing the level of bilirubinaemia but in the UK there is no clear consensus as to the level at which jaundice should be treated. We do not have a standardized approach to the management of prolonged jaundice and there is potential for infants with significant liver problems to be diagnosed at a relatively late stage. Some countries (for example the US) have professional bodies who have introduced guidelines to ensure a standardized approach to the jaundice infant. We have little information about neonatal jaundice treatment in other parts of the developing world.
Understanding mental distress in film and media: a new agenda?
Authors: Harper Stephen
Published: July 2008

This paper surveys some recent developments in media criticism and recent developments in film and media representations of mental distress. Focusing on a representations drawn from various forms of media, the paper argues that media and film images of mental distress are in many cases `positive' and sympathetic, although they can also contain sexist, racist and other problematic elements that are not commonly identified by anti-stigma campaigners. It also suggests that while still valid in many ways, existing anti-stigma criticism tends to focus on a rather undifferentiated notion of `violence to others' as the sole criterion against which media images are judged. Finally, the paper proposes that critics and campaigners pay closer attention to how the particular form or genre of any media text influences its treatment of psychological distress.
A novel polymorphism of the human CD40 receptor with enhanced function
Authors: Peters Anna L. , Plenge Robert M. , Graham Robert R. , Altshuler David M. , Moser Kathy L. , Gaffney Patrick M. , Bishop Gail A.
Published: July 2008

CD40 signaling is critical for innate and adaptive immunity against pathogens, and the cytoplasmic domain of CD40 is highly conserved both within and between species. A novel missense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the cytoplasmic domain of CD40 at position 227 (P227A) was identified, which resides on a conserved ancestral haplotype highly enriched in persons of Mexican and South American descent. Functional studies indicated that signaling via human (h) CD40-P227A stably expressed in several B-cell lines led to increased phosphorylation of c-Jun, increased secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)–6 and TNF-α, and increased Ig production, compared with wild-type hCD40. Cooperation between hCD40-P227A signaling and B-cell receptor (BCR)– or Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)–mediated signaling was also enhanced, resulting in elevated and synergistic production of IL-6 and Ig. We have thus identified a novel genetic variant of hCD40 with a gain-of-function immune phenotype.
Annexin 1 mediates the rapid anti-inflammatory effects of neutrophil-derived microparticles
Authors: Dalli Jesmond , Norling Lucy V. , Renshaw Derek , Cooper Dianne , Leung Kit-Yi , Perretti Mauro
Published: July 2008

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)–derived microparticles display inhibitory properties on target cells as assessed in vitro; since PMNs contain abundant amounts of the endogenous anti-inflammatory protein annexin 1 (AnxA1), we tested here whether biologically active AnxA1 could be present in PMN-derived microparticles. PMN adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers led to the generation of microparticles that contained AnxA1, as detected by Western blotting, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry analyses. Addition of these microparticles to recipient PMNs prior to flow over HUVEC monolayers significantly inhibited cell adhesion, an effect abrogated by a neutralizing anti-AnxA1 antibody, or an antibody raised against the AnxA1 receptor, that is termed lipoxin A4 receptor or ALX. Intravenous delivery of human PMN–derived microparticles markedly inhibited PMN recruitment to an air pouch inflamed with IL-1β. This anti-inflammatory effect was also dependent on endogenous AnxA1, since injection of microparticles produced from wild-type PMNs (bone marrow derived), but not from AnxA1-null PMNs, inhibited IL-1β–induced leukocyte trafficking. In conclusion, PMN-derived microparticles contain functionally active AnxA1 that confers them anti-inflammatory properties; generation of these microparticles in the microcirculation could promote inflammatory resolution by time-dependent dampening of cell recruitment.
Evolution of SET-domain protein families in the unicellular and multicellular Ascomycota fungi
Authors: Veerappan Chendhore S , Avramova Zoya , Moriyama Etsuko N
Published: July 2008

Background

The evolution of multicellularity is accompanied by the occurrence of differentiated tissues, of organismal developmental programs, and of mechanisms keeping the balance between proliferation and differentiation. Initially, the SET-domain proteins were associated exclusively with regulation of developmental genes in metazoa. However, finding of SET-domain genes in the unicellular yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe suggested that SET-domain proteins regulate a much broader variety of biological programs. Intuitively, it is expected that the numbers, types, and biochemical specificity of SET-domain proteins of multicellular versus unicellular forms would reflect the differences in their biology. However, comparisons across the unicellular and multicellular domains of life are complicated by the lack of knowledge of the ancestral SET-domain genes. Even within the crown group, different biological systems might use the epigenetic 'code' differently, adapting it to organism-specific needs. Simplifying the model, we undertook a systematic phylogenetic analysis of one monophyletic fungal group (Ascomycetes) containing unicellular yeasts, Saccharomycotina (hemiascomycetes), and a filamentous fungal group, Pezizomycotina (euascomycetes).

Results

Systematic analysis of the SET-domain genes across an entire eukaryotic phylum has outlined clear distinctions in the SET-domain gene collections in the unicellular and in the multicellular (filamentous) relatives; diversification of SET-domain gene families has increased further with the expansion and elaboration of multicellularity in animal and plant systems. We found several ascomycota-specific SET-domain gene groups; each was unique to either Saccharomycotina or Pezizomycotina fungi. Our analysis revealed that the numbers and types of SET-domain genes in the Saccharomycotina did not reflect the habitats, pathogenicity, mechanisms of sexuality, or the ability to undergo morphogenic transformations. However, novel genes have appeared for functions associated with the transition to multicellularity. Descendents of most of the SET-domain gene families found in the filamentous fungi could be traced in the genomes of extant animals and plants, albeit as more complex structural forms.

Conclusion

SET-domain genes found in the filamentous species but absent from the unicellular sister group reflect two alternative evolutionary events: deletion from the yeast genomes or appearance of novel structures in filamentous fungal groups. There were no Ascomycota-specific SET-domain gene families (i.e., absent from animal and plant genomes); however, plants and animals share SET-domain gene subfamilies that do not exist in the fungi. Phylogenetic and gene-structure analyses defined several animal and plant SET-domain genes as sister groups while those of fungal origin were basal to them. Plants and animals also share SET-domain subfamilies that do not exist in fungi.
Cross-diagnostic validity of the Nottingham health profile index of distress (NHPD)
Authors: Wann-Hansson Christine , Klevsgård Rosemarie , Hagell Peter
Published: July 2008

Background

The Nottingham Health Profile index of Distress (NHPD) has been proposed as a generic undimensional 24-item measure of illness-related distress that is embedded in the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Data indicate that the NHPD may have psychometric advantages to the 6-dimensional NHP profile scores. Detailed psychometric evaluations are, however, lacking. Furthermore, to support the validity of the generic property of outcome measures evidence that scores can be interpreted in the same manner in different diagnostic groups are needed. It is currently unknown if NHPD scores have the same meaning across patient populations. This study evaluated the measurement properties and cross-diagnostic validity of the NHPD as a survey instrument among people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods

Data from 215 (PD) and 258 (PAD) people were Rasch analyzed regarding model fit, reliability, differential item functioning (DIF), unidimensionality and targeting. In cases of cross-diagnostic DIF this was adjusted for and the impact of DIF on the total score and person measures was assessed.

Results

The NHPD was found to have good overall and individual item fit in both disorders as well as in the pooled sample, but seven items displayed signs of cross-diagnostic DIF. Following adjustment for DIF some aspects of model fit were slightly compromised, whereas others improved somewhat. DIF did not impact total NHPD scores or resulting person measures, but the unadjusted scale displayed minor signs of multidimensionality. Reliability was > 0.8 in all within- and cross-diagnostic analyses. Items tended to represent more distress (mean, 0 logits) than that experienced by the sample (mean, -1.6 logits).

Conclusion

This study supports the within- and cross-diagnostic validity of the NHPD as a survey tool among people with PD and PAD. We encourage others to reassess available NHP data within the NHPD framework to further evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of this simple patient-reported index of illness-related distress.
Characterization of APOBEC3G binding to 7SL RNA
Authors: Bach Daniel , Peddi Shyam , Mangeat Bastien , Lakkaraju Asvin , Strub Katharina , Trono Didier
Published: July 2008

Human APOBEC3 proteins are editing enzymes that can interfere with the replication of exogenous retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepadnaviruses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), and with the retrotransposition of endogenous retroelements such as long-interspersed nuclear elements (LINE) and Alu. Here, we show that APOBEC3G, but not other APOBEC3 family members, binds 7SL RNA, the common ancestor of Alu RNAs that is specifically recruited into HIV virions. Our data further indicate that APOBEC3G recognizes 7SL RNA and Alu RNA by its common structure, the Alu domain, suggesting a mechanism for APOBEC3G- mediated inhibition of Alu retrotransposition. However, we also demonstrate that APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G are normally recruited into and inhibit the infectivity of ΔVif HIV1 virions when 7SLRNA is prevented from accessing particles by RNA interference against SRP14 or by over expression of SRP19, both components of the signal recognition particle. We thus conclude that 7SL RNA is not an essential mediator of the virion packaging of these antiviral cytidine deaminases.
Detection of co-eluted peptides using database search methods
Authors: Alves Gelio , Ogurtsov Aleksey Y , Kwok Siwei , Wu Wells W , Wang Guanghui , Shen Rong-Fong , Yu Yi-Kuo
Published: July 2008

Background

Current experimental techniques, especially those applying liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, have made high-throughput proteomic studies possible. The increase in throughput however also raises concerns on the accuracy of identification or quantification. Most experimental procedures select in a given MS scan only a few relatively most intense parent ions, each to be fragmented (MS2) separately, and most other minor co-eluted peptides that have similar chromatographic retention times are ignored and their information lost.

Results

We have computationally investigated the possibility of enhancing the information retrieval during a given LC/MS experiment by selecting the two or three most intense parent ions for simultaneous fragmentation. A set of spectra is created via superimposing a number of MS2 spectra, each can be identified by all search methods tested with high confidence, to mimick the spectra of co-eluted peptides. The generated convoluted spectra were used to evaluate the capability of several database search methods – SEQUEST, Mascot, X!Tandem, OMSSA, and RAId_DbS – in identifying true peptides from superimposed spectra of co-eluted peptides. We show that using these simulated spectra, all the database search methods will gain eventually in the number of true peptides identified by using the compound spectra of co-eluted peptides.

Open peer review

Reviewed by Vlad Petyuk (nominated by Arcady Mushegian), King Jordan and Shamil Sunyaev. For the full reviews, please go to the Reviewers' comments section.
White-matter hyperintensities in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Zanetti Marcus V. , Schaufelberger Maristela S. , de Castro Cláudio C. , Menezes Paulo R. , Scazufca Márcia , McGuire Philip K. , Murray Robin M. , Busatto Geraldo F.
Published: July 2008

Background

White-matter hyperintensities have been associated with both schizophrenia and mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, but results are inconsistent across studies

Aims

To examine whether white-matter hyperintensities are a vulnerability marker for psychosis or are specifically associated with bipolar disorder

Method

T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired in 129 individuals with first-episode psychosis (either affective or non-affective psychoses) and 102 controls who were randomly selected from the same geographical areas. Visual white-matter hyperintensity ratings were used for group and subgroup comparisons

Results

There were no statistically significant between-group differences in white-matter hyperintensity frequency or severity scores. No significant correlations were found between white-matter hyperintensity scores and duration of illness, duration of untreated psychosis, or severity of psychotic, manic or depressive symptoms

Conclusions

White-matter hyperintensities are not associated with vulnerability to psychosis in general, or specifically with affective psychoses. Further, first-episode psychosis investigations using more quantitative methods are warranted to confirm these findings
Patterns of suicide by occupation in England and Wales: 2001–2005
Authors: Meltzer Howard , Griffiths Clare , Brock Anita , Rooney Cleo , Jenkins Rachel
Published: July 2008

Background

Suicide rates vary by occupation but this relationship has not been frequently studied

Aims

To identify the occupations with significantly high suicide rates in England and Wales in 2001–2005 and to compare these with rates from previous decades

Method

Mortality data from death registrations in England and Wales over the calendar years 2001–2005 were used to calculate proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) for both men and women aged 20–64 years by their occupation

Results

Among men, in 2001–2005, construction workers, and plant and machine operatives had the greatest number of suicides. The highest PMRs were for health professionals (PMR=164) and agricultural workers (PMR=133). Among women, administrative and secretarial workers had the greatest number of suicides yet the highest PMRs were found for health (PMR=232), and sport and fitness (PMR=244) occupations

Conclusions

Excess mortality from suicide remains in some occupational groups. The apparent changes in suicide patterns merits further exploration, for example examining the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation in medical practitioners, dentists, veterinarians, agricultural workers, librarians and construction workers
Psychoses, ethnicity and socio-economic status
Authors: Kirkbride J. B. , Barker D. , Cowden F. , Stamps R. , Yang M. , Jones P. B. , Coid J. W.
Published: July 2008

Background

Consistent observation of raised rates of psychoses among Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups may possibly be explained by their lower socio-economic status

Aims

To test whether risk for psychoses remained elevated in BME populations compared with the White British, after adjustment for age, gender and current socio-economic status

Method

Population-based study of first-episode DSM–IV psychotic disorders, in individuals aged 18–64 years, in East London over 2 years

Results

All BME groups had elevated rates of a psychotic disorder after adjustment for age, gender and socio-economic status. For schizophrenia, risk was elevated for people of Black Caribbean (incidence rate ratios (IRR)=3.1, 95% CI 2.1–4.5) and Black African (IRR=2.6, 95% CI 1.8–3.8) origin, and for Pakistani (IRR=3.1, 95% CI 1.2–8.1) and Bangladeshi (IRR=2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.7) women. Mixed White and Black Caribbean (IRR=7.7, 95% CI 3.2–18.8) and White Other (IRR=2.1, 95% CI 1.2–3.8) groups had elevated rates of affective psychoses (and other non-affective psychoses)

Conclusions

Elevated rates of psychoses in BME groups could not be explained by socio-economic status, even though current socio-economic status may have overestimated the effect of this confounder given potential misclassification as a result of downward social drift in the prodromal phase of psychosis. Our findings extended to all BME groups and psychotic disorders, though heterogeneity remains
Clinical pathways in psychiatry
Authors: Evans-Lacko Sara E. , Jarrett Manuela , McCrone Paul , Thornicroft Graham
Published: July 2008

This editorial summarises the literature on the use of care pathways in psychiatry. Further, it considers the case-mix clusters used in care pathways in relation to health service financial tariff and currency systems, and also reviews the evidence for the effectiveness of clinical pathways
Psychiatry's 200th birthday
Authors: Marneros Andreas
Published: July 2008

Professor Johann Christian Reil of Halle, Germany, first introduced the term ‘psychiatry’ in 1808. He argued that mental illness should be treated by physicians and that psychiatry required the very best medical practitioners. He stressed the important relationships between physical and mental factors in illness and the role of psychotherapy as one of the main treatment approaches in medicine. He was a strong advocate of humane treatment and reduction of stigma. Many of his ideas remain important today
Substrate Arrays for Fluorescence‐Based Enzyme Fingerprinting and High‐Throughput Screening
Authors: Reymond Jean‐Louis
Published: July 2008

Indirect release of fluorogenic phenols such as umbelliferone was used as a chemical principle to prepare fluorogenic substrates for a variety of enzymes in which the enzyme‐reactive group is separated from the fluorescent reporter group, allowing structural and functional diversification. Fluorescent probes were obtained for enzymes useful for asymmetric synthesis including aldolase catalytic antibodies, transaldolases, alcohol dehydrogenases, lipases, epoxide hydrolases, proteases, and Bayer‐Villiger monoxygenases. Arrays of structurally related substrates were prepared and used to record the activity of enzymes on multiple substrates simultaneously in parallel formats such as microtiter plates, microarrays, and substrate cocktails, leading to enzyme‐specific activity patterns. Arrays of nonlabeled substrates were assayed using indirect product sensors such as the adrenaline‐periodate back‐titration assay for 1,2‐diols or the copper–calcein assay for amino acids. Many of the fluorogenic substrates and sensors described here are either commercially available or accessible in one or two simple synthetic steps and can be used for high‐throughput screening of enzyme activities.
Probing the Interior of Living Cells with Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Weiss Matthias
Published: July 2008

To a large extent the cellular interior is occupied by two complex fluids, the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm, both of which show a considerable degree of macromolecular crowding. While it is easy to imagine that the chromosomal DNA provides the nucleoplasm with properties similar to a polymer melt, the material properties of the cytoplasm are also affected by the high amount of dissolved macromolecules, the cytoskeletal network, and dispersed organelles. By virtue of the strongly obstructed random motion, reactions in the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm are not comparable to the aqueous conditions commonly used in biochemical experiments. To overcome this gap, a thorough understanding of the material properties of intracellular fluids, and hence transport properties within the cell, is mandatory. Here, we review some recent results on bulk diffusion in living cells and some generic consequences that arise from these observations.