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Methods for Primary Concentration of Viruses from Water Samples: A Review and Meta‐Analysis of Recent Studies
Abstract Since the beginning of environmental virology in the mid‐20th century, a key challenge to scientists in the environmental field has been how to collect, isolate, and detect pathogenic viruses from water that is used for drinking and/or recreational purposes. Early studies investigated different types of membrane filters, with more sophisticated technologies being developed more recently. The purpose of this study was to look at the current state of the science of methods for the concentration of viruses from water. Several technologies were reviewed, and associated data was included in a meta‐analysis which sh...
Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology - January 29, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Jennifer L. Cashdollar, Larry Wymer Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Preimplantation Stress and Development
The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis holds that inappropriate environmental cues in utero, a period marked by tremendous developmental sensitivity, facilitate cellular reprogramming to ultimately predispose disease in adulthood. In this review, we analyze if stress during early stages of development can affect future health. This has wide clinical importance, given that 5 million children have been conceived with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Because the primary outcome of assisted reproduction procedures is delivery at term of a live, healthy baby, the postnatal effects occurring outside ...
Source: Birth Defects Research Part C: Embryo Today: Reviews - January 29, 2013 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Sky Feuer, Paolo Rinaudo Tags: Review Source Type: research

Prenatal Stress and Development: Beyond The Single Cause and Effect Paradigm
Our awareness of the causes of stress‐induced developmental dysfunction has increased dramatically over the past decade, and it is becoming increasingly clear that a number of factors can have considerable impacts on the developing fetus. Although there is a tendency in investigations of developmental teratogens to attribute specific causes to adverse fetal outcomes, it is important we recognize that for most developmental dysfunctions it is unlikely a single cause, but yet a series of environmental insults combined with genetic predisposition that ultimately leads to a disease state. Nonetheless, a number of development...
Source: Birth Defects Research Part C: Embryo Today: Reviews - January 29, 2013 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Heather J. Hamlin Tags: Review Source Type: research

The influence of habitats on female mobility in Central and Western Africa inferred from human mitochondrial variation
Conclusions: Our analyses highlight an aspect of the influence of habitat variation on human genetic diversity that has yet to be understood. Rather than depending simply on geographic linear distances, patterns of female genetic variation vary substantially between savannah and rainforest environments. Our findings may be explained by the effects of recent gene flow constrained by environmental factors, which superimposes on a background shaped by pre-agricultural peopling.
Source: BMC Evolutionary Biology - Latest articles - January 29, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Valeria MontanoVeronica MarcariMariano PavanelloOkorie AnyaeleDavid ComasGiovanni Destro-BisolChiara Batini Source Type: research

Next-generation text-mining mediated generation of chemical response-specific gene sets for interpretation of gene expression data
Conclusions: Gene set analysis with next-gen TM-derived chemical response-specific gene sets is a scalable method for identifying similarities in gene responses to other chemicals, from which one may infer potential mode of action and/or toxic effect.
Source: BioMed Central - January 29, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Kristina M HettneAndre¿ BoorsmaDorien A van DartelJelle J GoemanEsther de JongAldert H PiersmaRob H StierumJos C KleinjansJan A Kors Source Type: research

A case of "precocious" mummification
Abstract: Mummification is a peculiar transformative process consisting of the total drying of the body soft tissues. It is produced, in particular conditions, between 6 and 12 months after death. "Precocious" mummification has been reported in countries where recorded weather conditions are more extreme than in Italy, in a confined environment, or with particular micro-climate conditions. Here we present a case of mummification produced in a central region of Italy in four weeks. We also analyze conditions allowing for the rapidity of this phenomenon.
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - January 28, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Gian Luca Marella, Emilio Perfetti, Stefano Manciocchi, Giovanni Arcudi Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Epidemiology of human atopic dermatitis - seven areas of notable progress and seven areas of notable ignorance.
Abstract Background -  This narrative review highlights areas within the epidemiology of human atopic dermatitis (AD) where significant progress has been made and where considerable ignorance still exists. The review is supported by systematic reviews wherever possible, with the purpose of stimulating fresh approaches to human and veterinary research into AD. Progress -  Areas of progress include valid and repeatable methods of disease definition, global documentation of disease prevalence and impact, clarification of the role of some genetic factors, such as filaggrin gene mutations, clear evidence that en...
Source: Veterinary Dermatology - January 28, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Williams HC Tags: Vet Dermatol Source Type: research

The genomics revolution: will canine atopic dermatitis be predictable and preventable?
Conclusions -  Canine AD has a complex genotype that varies between breeds and gene pools. Breeding programmes to eliminate AD are therefore unlikely to succeed, but this complexity could explain variations in clinical phenotype and response to treatment. Genotyping of affected dogs will identify novel target molecules and enable better targeting of treatment and management options. However, we must avoid misuse of genomic data. PMID: 23331674 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Veterinary Dermatology - January 28, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Nuttall T Tags: Vet Dermatol Source Type: research

Circulating plasma testosterone during early neonatal life in the socially monogamous and biparental prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster)
This study is the first to examine circulating testosterone in neonatal prairie voles, or any other species of Microtus, and the results indicate similarity to other rodents. This is surprising because some previous studies manipulating gonadal hormones in neonatal prairie voles have found limited effects on their neurobehavioral development, suggesting the existence of some unique, yet-to-be-revealed aspects of their neuroendocrine profile during early life.
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - January 28, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Sarah W. Lansing, Jeffrey A. French, Joseph S. Lonstein Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

Pursuing Magnet Designation: The Role of Structural Empowerment
The Structural Empowerment component of the Magnet Recognition Program® model includes organizational structure, personnel policies and programs, professional development, community outreach, and the health care organization’s promotion of a positive nursing image. Structural Empowerment centers on the idea that executive leaders can influence the professional practice of staff members by providing an innovative environment that supports collaboration and professional development. Leaders can promote this type of environment using multiple methods, such as developing a strong strategic plan and solid policies and proced...
Source: AORN Journal - January 28, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Michelle R. Tinkham Tags: Magnet Insights Source Type: research

A Few Minutes With Michelle R. Tinkham
I became a perioperative nurse as a new graduate. The OR was a very intimidating environment for a young nurse, and even though I was often overwhelmed, I knew I was home. For various reasons throughout my 13-year career, I have left the OR to explore other endeavors in nursing, but I have always returned to my love of surgery.
Source: AORN Journal - January 28, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Michelle R. Tinkham Tags: Editorial Board Outlook Source Type: research

Effective interprofessional collaboration in rural contexts: a research protocol
This study is funded by an Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching grant (January 2010). DiscussionRural healthcare challenges are well documented; however, studies investigating the nature of interprofessional practice in rural contexts are not common. Rural contexts also present research design, particularly data collection, challenges. This proposed research is one of the first to identify the factors that facilitate or constrain effective interprofessional work in rural settings. This is particularly important, given the continuing workforce shortages and maldistribution and poorer health outcomes in rural communities globally.
Source: Journal of Advanced Nursing - January 28, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Rebecca Mitchell, Penelope Paliadelis, Karen McNeil, Vicki Parker, Michelle Giles, Isabel Higgins, Glenda Parmenter, Yvonne Ahrens Tags: Research Protocol Source Type: research

Pharmacy benefit managers say payers could save more than $100 billion
The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) says a study it commissioned shows that an expanded use of preferred and limited pharmacy networks could save payers $115 billion over the next 10 years. The study, conducted by Visante, claims there are more pharmacies in the U.S. than McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Domino’s Pizza and Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants combined, creating a “highly competitive environment.” “Greater use…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 28, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: W. Scott Bailey Source Type: research

Effects of Sulfate Reduction on the Bacterial Community and Kinetic Parameters of a Dechlorinating Culture under Chemostat Growth Conditions
Environmental Science & TechnologyDOI: 10.1021/es304244z
Source: Environmental Science and Technology - January 28, 2013 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Dusty R. V. Berggren, Ian P. G. Marshall, Mohammad F. Azizian, Alfred M. Spormann and Lewis Semprini Source Type: research

Constraining Nitrogen Inputs to Urban Streams from Leaking Sewers Using Inverse Modeling: Implications for Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) Retention in Urban Environments
Environmental Science & TechnologyDOI: 10.1021/es304331m
Source: Environmental Science and Technology - January 28, 2013 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Marion T. Divers, Emily M. Elliott and Daniel J. Bain Source Type: research

Experimental and Modeling Study of Residual Liquid Recovery from Spent Sand in Bitumen Extraction Processes from Oil Sands
Environmental Science & TechnologyDOI: 10.1021/es301760p
Source: Environmental Science and Technology - January 28, 2013 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Moosa Rabiei Faradonbeh, Mingzhe Dong, Thomas G. Harding and Jalal Abedi Source Type: research

Triclosan Impairs Swimming Behavior and Alters Expression of Excitation-Contraction Coupling Proteins in Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Environmental Science & TechnologyDOI: 10.1021/es303790b
Source: Environmental Science and Technology - January 28, 2013 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Erika B. Fritsch, Richard E. Connon, Inge Werner, Rebecca E. Davies, Sebastian Beggel, Wei Feng and Isaac N. Pessah Source Type: research

The solvent effect on the luminescence of silver nanoclusters
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2013, Advance ArticleDOI: 10.1039/C3CP44309D, CommunicationYang Li, Xumei Wang, Shuping Xu, Weiqing XuChanges in the local surrounding environments influence the existing state of silver nanoclusters in organic solvents.To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry
Source: RSC - Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. latest articles - January 28, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Yang Li Source Type: research

Exploiting the Physicochemical Properties of Dendritic Polymers for Environmental and Biological Applications
, 2013, Accepted ManuscriptDOI: 10.1039/C3CP44591G, PerspectivePriyanka Bhattacharya, Nicholas K Geitner, Sapna Sarupria, Pu Chun KeIn this Perspective we first examine the rich physicochemical properties of dendritic polymers for hosting cations, anions, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. We then extrapolate these conceptual discussions to the use of...The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry
Source: RSC - Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. latest articles - January 28, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Priyanka Bhattacharya Source Type: research

Apple's Supply Chain Still Has Issues with Underage Workers
By Ariel Schwartz The company has been increasingly trying to clean up the labor and environmental issues associated with making its products. [More]
Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed - January 28, 2013 Category: Science Tags: Energy & Sustainability,Society Policy,Consumer Electronics,Communications,Computing,Technology,Ethics Source Type: research

Regulation of osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells by controlling electromagnetic field conditions.
This study provides a framework for future work on controlling stem cell differentiation. PMID: 23306704 [PubMed - in process]
Source: exp Mol Med - January 28, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Kang KS, Hong JM, Kang JA, Rhie JW, Jeong YH, Cho DW Tags: Exp Mol Med Source Type: research

Taking the Stairs Instead: The impact of workplace design standards on health promotion strategies
Conclusion The stairs, despite being promoted as better life choice for better health, is not promoted through these building codes nor, consequently, through the building design in actuality. It is proposed that health promotion strategies could be coupled with design-led movement strategies in workplace design so that the promotional language, such as “take the stairs instead”, is balanced by the design language of the building.
Source: Australasian Medical Journal - AMJ - January 28, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Source Type: research

Targeting Multiplicity: the Key Factor for Anti-cancer Nanoparticles.
Abstract In this mini-review, we focus on different strategies to bring nanotools specifically to cancer cells. We discuss about a better targeting of tumor, combining the characteristics of tumor environment, the increase in nanoparticles life time, the biomarkers overexpressed on cancer cell and different physical methods for non invasive therapies. Here we detail the necessity of a synergy between passive and active targeting for an actual specificity of cancer cells. PMID: 23409718 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry - January 28, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Gary-Bobo M, Vaillant O, Maynadier M, Basile I, Gallud A, El Cheikh K, Bouffard E, Morère A, Rébillard X, Puche P, Nirdé P, Garcia M Tags: Curr Med Chem Source Type: research

What is metabolic syndrome, and why are children getting it?
Metabolic syndrome comprises a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, altered glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, and abdominal obesity) that occur in obese children. However, metabolic syndrome can also occur in lean individuals, suggesting that obesity is a marker for the syndrome, not a cause. Metabolic syndrome is difficult to define, due to its nonuniform classification and reliance on hard cutoffs in the evaluation of disorders with non‐Gaussian distributions. Defining the syndrome is even more difficult in children, owing to racial and pubertal differences and lack of cardiovascular events. Lipid part...
Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences - January 28, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Ram Weiss, Andrew A. Bremer, Robert H. Lustig Source Type: research

A protective-compensatory model may reconcile the genetic and the developmental findings in schizophrenia
Conclusion: These four observations could be reconciled under the hypothesis that highly familial and sporadic cases share mechanisms based on defective protective genes, a model to an extent similar to cancer findings. These defective protective genes running in families would longitudinally disturb the compensatory mechanisms in children inheriting them and might be at the core of the schizophrenia process.
Source: Schizophrenia Research - January 28, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Michel Maziade, Thomas Paccalet Tags: Biological Studies Source Type: research

Cumulative lead exposure in community-dwelling adults and fine motor function: Comparing standard and novel tasks in the VA Normative Aging Study.
CONCLUSIONS: Long-term cumulative environmental lead exposure was associated with deficits in GP performance, but not handwriting production. Higher lead appeared to be associated with greater consistency on the lm task. Lead sensitivity differences could suggest that lead affects neural processing speed rather than motor function per se, or could result from distinct brain areas involved in the execution of different motor tasks. PMID: 23370289 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Neurotoxicology - January 28, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Grashow R, Spiro A, Taylor KM, Newton K, Shrairman R, Landau A, Sparrow D, Hu H, Weisskopf M Tags: Neurotoxicology Source Type: research

The Pathogenesis and Genetics of Psoriasis.
Abstract Psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis are interrelated disorders with an important genetic component. While linkage studies have identified several candidate loci and genes, only recent technological advances and extensive genome-wide association studies have provided robust evidence of associations between psoriasis and several genes inside and outside the major histocompatibility complex. Most of these genes can be incorporated into an integrated pathogenic model of psoriatic disease comprising distinct signaling networks affecting skin barrier function (LCE3, DEFB4, GJB2), innate immune responses i...
Source: Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas - January 28, 2013 Category: Dermatology Authors: Puig L, Julià A, Marsal S Tags: Actas Dermosifiliogr Source Type: research

Whole-genome DNA methylation in skin lesions from patients with psoriasis vulgaris.
Abstract Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, is characterized by aberrant keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in the epidermis. Although the pathogenesis of psoriasis is still incompletely understood, both genetic susceptibilities and environmental triggers are known to act as key players in its development. Several studies have suggested that DNA methylation is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the regulation and maintenance of the methylome as well as their relationship with this disease remain poorly characterized. Herein, we used methyl...
Source: Journal of Autoimmunity - January 28, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Zhang P, Zhao M, Liang G, Yin G, Huang D, Su F, Zhai H, Wang L, Su Y, Lu Q Tags: J Autoimmun Source Type: research

Digestive capacities allow the Mexican long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) to live in cold environments.
Abstract Digestive capabilities of nectar-feeding vertebrates to assimilate sugars affect their ability to acquire and store energy and could determine the minimal temperatures at which these animals can survive. Here, we described the sugar digestive capability of Leptonycteris nivalis and related it with its capacity to live in cold environments. We measured the enzymatic activity, food intake rate and changes in body mass of bats feeding at four different sucrose concentrations (from 5 to 35% wt./vol.). Additionally, we used a mathematical model to predict food intake and compared it with the food intake of bats...
Source: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A, Molecular and integrative physiology. - January 28, 2013 Category: Physiology Authors: Ayala-Berdon J, Galicia R, Flores-Ortíz C, Medellín RA, Schondube JE Tags: Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol Source Type: research

Resistance to oxidative damage but not immunesuppression by organic tin compounds in natural populations of Daubenton's bats (Myotis daubentoni).
Abstract The acute toxicity of organic tin compounds (OTCs) has been studied in detail. However, due to their complex nature, very little is known about species-specific methods of accumulation and consequences for food-webs. Chironomids, on which e.g. Daubenton's bats feed, may act as vectors for the transport of organic tin compounds from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems. Bats are prone to environmental toxins because of their longevity and their ecological role as top predators. Organic tin compounds are associated with increased formation of reactive oxygen species and associated oxidative damage as well as su...
Source: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology and pharmacology : CBP - January 28, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Lilley T, Ruokolainen L, Meierjohann A, Kanerva M, Stauffer J, Laine VN, Atosuo J, Lilius EM, Nikinmaa M Tags: Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol Source Type: research

Leaf Proteome profiling of transgenic Mint infected with Alternaria alternata.
Abstract The genus Mentha has been widely used in food, flavor, culinary, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Substantial damage to this crop happened regularly due to environmental stresses like metal toxicity and pathogen attack. Here, an approach has been taken to raise transgenic mint over-expressing γ-Glutamyl-cysteine synthetase (γ-ECS), the rate-limiting enzyme of GSH biosynthesis, resulted enhanced GSH content and it's in planta expression confers significant tolerance towards abiotic/biotic stresses viz. metal toxicity - Cd, Zn as well as against infection of Alternaria alternata and Rhizoctonia sola...
Source: Journal of Proteomics - January 28, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Sinha R, Bhattacharyya D, Majumdar AB, Datta R, Hazra S, Chattopadhyay S Tags: J Proteomics Source Type: research

Biomonitoring a human population inhabiting nearby a deactivated uranium mine.
Abstract Environmental exposure to uranium and its daughter radionuclides, has been linked to several negative effects such as those related with important physiological processes, like hematopoiesis, and may also be associated with genotoxicity effects. Herein, genotoxic effects, immunotoxicity, trace elements and C reactive protein (CRP) analyses, were performed in peripheral blood samples collected from individuals of a population living near a deactivated uranium mine. C reactive protein analysis was performed to exclude candidates with active inflammatory processes from further evaluations. DNA damage and immu...
Source: Toxicology - January 28, 2013 Category: Toxicology Authors: Lourenço J, Pereira R, Pinto F, Caetano T, Silva A, Carvalheiro T, Guimarães A, Gonçalves F, Paiva A, Mendo S Tags: Toxicology Source Type: research

Enlightened publics for public health: assessing disease in colonial Mexico.
This article examines the content and format of these journals before turning to the response of urban publics during outbreaks of epidemics, when the broader social participation envisioned by enlightenment men of letters came to fruition through pasquinades and rumors conveying dissent, skepticism, and protest. PMID: 23369446 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Endeavour - January 28, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Ramírez P Tags: Endeavour Source Type: research

Evolution of the ONSEN retrotransposon family activated upon heat stress in Brassicaceae.
Abstract A Ty1/Copia-like retrotransposon, ONSEN, is activated subjected to heat stress in A. thaliana, and its de novo integrations observed preferentially within genes implies its regulation of neighboring genes. Here we show that ONSEN related copies were found in most species of Brassicaceae, forming a cluster with each species in phylogenetic tree. Most copies were localized close to genes in Arabidopsis lyrata and Brassica rapa, suggesting conserved integration specificity of ONSEN family into genic or open chromatin. In addition, we found heat-induced transcriptional activation of ONSEN family in several spe...
Source: Gene - January 28, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Ito H, Yoshida T, Tsukahara S, Kawabe A Tags: Gene Source Type: research

Disability pension due to musculoskeletal diagnoses: importance of work-related factors in a prospective cohort study of Finnish twins.
CONCLUSIONS: Uninfluenced by family background or other confounding factors, several work-related factors were identified as being strong and direct risk factors for DP due to musculoskeletal diagnoses. PMID: 23359018 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health - January 28, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Kärkkäinen S, Pitkäniemi J, Silventoinen K, Svedberg P, Huunan-Seppälä A, Koskenvuo K, Koskenvuo M, Alexanderson K, Kaprio J, Ropponen A Tags: Scand J Work Environ Health Source Type: research

Effects of physical activity programmes in the workplace (PAPW) on the perception and intensity of musculoskeletal pain experienced by garment workers.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that PAPW that target muscle groups that are more tense in sewing tasks, may be considered by companies for supporting adaptation to the work environment and improving health by reducing muscle and joint pain. PMID: 23364203 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Work - January 28, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Pereira CC, López RF, Vilarta R Tags: Work Source Type: research

Environment size and the use of feature and geometric cues for reorientation.
Abstract We tested associative-based accounts of orientation by investigating the influence of environment size on the use of feature and geometric cues for reorientation. Two groups of participants were trained in dynamic three-dimensional virtual rectangular environments that differed in size to find a distinctly colored bin located at one of the four corners. Subsequently, we probed the reliance on feature and geometric cues for reorientation during test trials by presenting six trial types: Small Geometry Only, Large Geometry Only, Small Cue Conflict, Large Cue Conflict, Small Distal, and Large Distal. During G...
Source: Acta Psychologica - January 28, 2013 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Sturz BR, Kelly DM Tags: Acta Psychol (Amst) Source Type: research

Helios+ and Helios- Cells Coexist within the Natural FOXP3+ T Regulatory Cell Subset in Humans.
Abstract FOXP3-expressing T regulatory cells (Tregs) can be divided into two distinct subsets: naturally occurring Tregs (nTregs) that develop in the thymus, and induced Tregs (iTregs) that differentiate in peripheral tissues upon exposure to Ag in a tolerogenic environment. Recently it has been proposed that expression of Helios, an Ikaros family transcription factor, may specifically identify nTregs, allowing specific tracking of Tregs from different origins in health and disease. Surprisingly, we found that Helios(-) cells can be readily identified within naive (CD45RA(+)CD31(+)CCR7(+)CD62L(+)) FOXP3(+) Tregs, a...
Source: Journal of Immunology - January 28, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Himmel ME, Macdonald KG, Garcia RV, Steiner TS, Levings MK Tags: J Immunol Source Type: research

Butyrophilin-like 2 Modulates B7 Costimulation To Induce Foxp3 Expression and Regulatory T Cell Development in Mature T Cells.
In this study, we show that recombinant mouse BTNL2 modifies B7/CD28 signaling to promote expression of Foxp3, a transcription factor necessary for regulatory T cell (Treg) development and function. BTNL2 blocks Akt-mediated inactivation of Foxo1, a transcription factor necessary for Foxp3 expression. Immunophenotyping and gene profiling reveal that BTNL2-induced Treg share many properties with natural Treg, and in vivo they suppress enteritis induced by mouse effector T cells. These findings describe a mechanism by which environmental Ag-specific Tregs may be induced by APC expressing specific modulators of costimulatory ...
Source: Journal of Immunology - January 28, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Swanson RM, Gavin MA, Escobar SS, Rottman JB, Lipsky BP, Dube S, Li L, Bigler J, Wolfson M, Arnett HA, Viney JL Tags: J Immunol Source Type: research

Quantitative imaging of murine osteoarthritic cartilage by phase‐contrast micro–computed tomography
ConclusionWe established an imaging technology that comprehensively assessed and quantified the 2‐dimensional and 3‐dimensional changes of articular cartilage. Application of this technology will facilitate the rapid and high‐throughput assessment of genetic and therapeutic models of OA in mice.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - January 28, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Merry Z. C. Ruan, Brian Dawson, Ming‐Ming Jiang, Francis Gannon, Michael Heggeness, Brendan H. L. Lee Tags: Osteoarthritis Source Type: research

Evaluation of the expression of p53, MDM2, and SUMO‐1 in oral lichen planus
ConclusionsThe results demonstrated overexpression of important proteins (p53 and MDM2) related to regulatory mechanisms of apoptosis in OLP, suggesting that there is a favorable environment for malignant transformation. The expression of SUMO‐1 in OLP was similar to NM and IFH, suggesting that alterations of this protein occur at later stages of carcinogenesis, because important overexpression occurred in oral epithelial dysplasia and OSCC.
Source: Oral Diseases - January 28, 2013 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: MG Oliveira Alves, I Balducci, Y Rodarte Carvalho, LAG Cabral, FD Nunes, JD Almeida Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

The feral horse foot. Part B: radiographic, gross visual and histopathological parameters of foot health in 100 Australian feral horses
ConclusionsFoot health appeared to be affected by the environment inhabited by the horses. The observed chronic laminitis may be attributable to either nutritional or traumatic causes. Given the overwhelming evidence of suboptimal foot health, it may not be appropriate for the feral horse foot to be the benchmark model for equine foot health.
Source: Australian Veterinary Journal - January 28, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: BA Hampson, MA de Laat, PC Mills, DM Walsh, CC Pollitt Tags: EQUINE Source Type: research

Statistical analysis of the spatial-temporal distribution of aerosol extinction retrieved by micro-pulse lidar in Kashgar, China
The spatial-temporal distribution of dust aerosol is important in climate model and ecological environment. An observation experiment of the aerosol vertical distribution in the low troposphere was made using the micro-pulse lidar system from Sept. 2008 to Aug. 2009 at the oasis city Kashgar, ...
Source: Optics Express - January 28, 2013 Category: Physics Authors: Wenyue ZhuChidong XuXianmei QianHeli Wei Source Type: research

Alleviation of high salt toxicity-induced oxidative damage by salicylic acid pretreatment in two wheat cultivars
Role of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) in the antioxidative response to salt toxicity of two wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars (Gerek-79 and Bezostaya) was investigated. Hydroponic growth environment of 10-day wheat seedlings grown under normal conditions (22/20°C) was adjusted to 0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 M of salt (NaCl), and then freshly prepared SA solutions (0.0, 0.01 and 0.1 mM) were once sprayed on leaves of the same seedlings. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT) were determined in fresh leaves obtained from 15-day seedlings. Treatment with SA alone increased a...
Source: Toxicology and Industrial Health current issue - January 28, 2013 Category: Toxicology Authors: Mutlu, S., Atici, O. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Time series analysis of fine particulate matter and asthma reliever dispensations in populations affected by forest fires
Dr C. Elliott and colleagues monitor the impact of chronic lung diseases by measuring dispensation of Salubutamol in forest fire afflicted regions in British Columbia.
Source: Environmental Health - January 28, 2013 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Catherine ElliottSarah HendersonVictoria Wan Source Type: research

A trial of patient-oriented problem-solving system for immunology teaching in China: a comparison with dialectic lectures
Conclusions: While POPS can break up the monotony of dialectic lectures and serve as a better teaching method, it may not be feasible for the current educational environment in China. The main reason for this is the relative shortage of teaching resources such as space, library facilities and well-trained teachers.
Source: BMC Medical Education - January 28, 2013 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Zhiren ZhangWei LiuJunfeng HanSheng GuoYuzhang Wu Source Type: research

Iron homeostasis in porphyria cutanea tarda: mutation analysis of promoter regions of CP, CYBRD1, HAMP and SLC40A1
Introduction Mutations in the UROD gene are demonstrable in approximately only one quarter of all familial porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) cases with a typical 50% decrease in the catalytic activity of hepatic UROD.1 In the remaining 75% of cases, there is no underlying mutation in the UROD gene, and the disease results from an acquired inhibition of hepatic UROD, referred to as sporadic PCT. Of importance is a near-universal association between PCT and raised hepatic iron concentrations. Most patients with PCT will have evidence of direct or indirect iron overload, and PCT appears not to develop in the absence of adequate i...
Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology - January 28, 2013 Category: Pathology Authors: Panton, N. A., Strickland, N. J., Hift, R. J., Warnich, L., Zaahl, M. G. Tags: PostScript Source Type: research

Impairments in real-world executive function increase from childhood to adolescence in autism spectrum disorders.
Conclusions: Older children with ASD show greater EF problems compared with the normative sample than younger children with ASD. Specifically, there is a widening divergence from the normative sample in metacognitive executive abilities in children with ASD as they age. This, in combination with significant, albeit more stable, impairments in flexibility, has implications for the challenges faced by high-functioning individuals with ASD as they attempt to enter mainstream work and social environments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)
Source: Neuropsychology - January 28, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Rosenthal, Michael; Wallace, Gregory L.; Lawson, Rachel; Wills, Meagan C.; Dixon, Eunice; Yerys, Benjamin E.; Kenworthy, Lauren Source Type: research

The impact of socioenvironmental characteristics on domains of oral health-related quality of life in Brazilian schoolchildren
Conclusions: Clinical and socio-environmental factors had different impacts on domains of oral health-related quality of life, demonstrating the need to consider these conditions in planning strategies for the oral health of schoolchildren.
Source: BMC Oral Health - Latest articles - January 28, 2013 Category: Dentistry Authors: Janice de PaulaIsabel LeiteAnderson de AlmeidaGlaucia AmbrosanoFábio Mialhe Source Type: research

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Regulates Endothelial Cell Responsiveness to Interleukin 1 and Amplifies the Cytokine‐Mediated Effect on Cell Proliferation, Migration and the Release of Angiogenic Factors
ConclusionsThese findings reveal a new mechanism by which hCG may target endothelial cells to directly stimulate angiogenesis and favor embryonic growth.
Source: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology - January 28, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Amélie Bourdiec, David Bédard, C. V. Rao, Ali Akoum Tags: Original Article Source Type: research