Several Forms (several + form)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Etiology of cicatricial alopecias: a basic science point of view

DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 4 2008
Kevin J. McElwee
ABSTRACT: This article presents a short summary of our current knowledge of cicatricial alopecia disease pathogenesis and the hypothetical disease mechanisms that may be involved in scarring alopecia development. Several forms of scarring alopecia likely involve targeted cytotoxic action against hair follicle cells mediated by a folliculocentric inflammation. However, the specific nature of the inflammatory interference in hair follicle growth is open to question. A popular hypothesis of lymphocyte-mediated scarring alopecia development involves autoimmune targeting of hair follicle,specific self-antigens, although there is no direct evidence in support of such a view. Alternative hypotheses focus on defects in sebaceous gland function, destruction of hair follicle stem cells, and interference in the communication between hair follicle mesenchyme and epithelium. Many questions arise from these hypotheses, and addressing them with a systematic research approach may enable significant advances in understanding cicatricial alopecia etiology. [source]


Expression of HYAL2 mRNA, hyaluronan and hyaluronidase in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Relationship with tumor aggressiveness

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 2 2005
Philippe Bertrand
Abstract Hyaluronidases and their substrate, hyaluronan (HA), were mainly explored in solid tumors but rarely in hematologic malignancies. While HA involvement was demonstrated in invasion and metastasis in most cases of solid tumors, the role of hyaluronidases in cancer progression remains controversial. One of the hyaluronidases, HYAL2, is suspected to be involved in the first step of HA degradation. In this work, HYAL2 mRNA, HA and total hyaluronidases expression were examined in lymphoma tissue extracts and correlated to the lymphoma subtype. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to evaluate HYAL2 mRNA. HA and hyaluronidase were assayed by enzyme-linked sorbent assay. Our results showed that HYAL2 mRNA expression was correlated to lymphoma diagnosis (p = 6 × 10,3) and was significantly lower in high-grade lymphoma, i.e., diffuse large B-cell diffuse lymphomas (DLBCLs). Several forms of hyaluronidase were detected by zymography and total hyaluronidase activity detected in tissue extracts was not significantly different according to tumor grade. HA levels also correlated to lymphoma subtype (p = 1 × 10,5) and were higher in DLBCLs. Moreover, HYAL2 mRNA and HA expressions were inversely correlated (p = 0.035). HYAL2 gene is localized on chromosome 3p21, which contains candidates tumor suppressor genes. Our results suggest that HYAL2 may have a prognostic significance in lymphomas and an antioncogenic activity. Conversely, HA overexpression in high-grade lymphomas is in favor of its involvement in tumor development and could provide a useful target for lymphoma therapy using HA-binding peptides. [source]


In vitro antioxidant activities of mouthrinses and their components

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 5 2002
M. Battino
Abstract Objectives: Several forms of periodontal diseases (PD) are often associated with activated phagocytosing leukocytes and contemporary free radical production. Host antioxidant defenses could benefit from mouthrinses used as adjuncts to counteract plaque-associated bacteria. The aim of the present study was to determine possible antioxidant activity (AA) of a number of antiseptic mouthrinses and of their stated active principles (AP), regardless of their efficacy as antimicrobial agents. Material and Methods: The antioxidant activities of 11 mouthrinses and their active principles were tested with a specific spectrophotometric method. Comet assay was used to test whether pure chemical antioxidant activity actually corresponded to prevention of in vitro DNA fragmentation. Results: Methylsalicylate-containing mouthrinses were the most effective. Several compounds, and some vehicles, behaved as antioxidants. Fibroblast DNA fragmentation was limited by preincubation with methylsalicylate-containing mouthrinse but was unaffected by treatment with chlorexidine. Conclusion: The results described herein indicate that several mouthrinses possess AA; such a property could be ascribed to either AP or vehicles or both. All the data were obtained in systems in vitro and the demonstration of in vivo AA is necessary. These findings could be useful in the treatment of some forms of PD and should be considered when arranging new mouthrinse formulations. Zusammenfassung In vitro antioxidative Aktivitäten von Mundwässern und ihren Komponenten Ziele:,Verschiedene Formen von parodontalen Erkrankungen (PD) sind häufig mit aktivierten phagozytierenden Leukozyten und gleichzeitiger Produktion von freien Radikalen verbunden. Die Antioxydantienabwehr des Wirtes könnte von Mundwässern genützt werden, die als Adjunktive zur Bekämpfung der plaque-assoziierten Bakterien verwendet werden. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Bestimmung der möglichen Antioxydantienaktivität (AA) von einer Anzahl antiseptischer Mundwässer und ihrer angegebenen aktiven Prinzipien (AP), unabhängig von ihrer Effektivität als antimikrobielle Agentien. Material und Methoden:,Die antioxydative Aktivität von 11 Mundwässern und ihre Aktivitätsprinzipien wurden mit einer spezifischen Spektralphotometrie getestet. Ein Assay wurde für die Testung genutzt, ob die reine chemische antioxydative Aktivität tatsächlich mit der Prävention der in vitro DNA Fragmentation korrespondiert. Ergebnisse:,Methylsalicylat enthaltende Mundwässer waren am effektivsten. Verschiedene Bestandteile und einige Vehikel verhielten sich wie Antioxydantien. Fibroblasten DNA Fragmentation wurde durch Präinkubation mit Methylsalicylat enthaltende Mundwässer begrenzt, war aber unbeeinflusst durch Behandlung mit Chlorhexidin. Schlussfolgerung:,Die beschriebenen Ergebnisse zeigen, dass verschiedene Mundwässer über AA verfügen; solch eine Eigenschaft könnte entweder AP oder Vehikeln oder beiden zugeschrieben werden. Alle Daten sind in in vitro Systemen gewonnen worden, aber die Demonstration der in vivo AA ist notwendig. Diese Ergebnisse könnten in der Behandlung von einigen Formen der PD nützlich sein und sollten bei der Entwicklung neuer Mundwasserrezepte beachtet werden. Résumé Activité antioxydante in vitro des bains de bouche et de leurs composants Buts:,Plusieurs formes d'affections parodontales (periodontal diseases, PD) sont souvent associées à des leucocytes phagocytaires activés et à la production de radicaux libres contemporains. L'utilisation de bains de bouche comme adjuvants pourrait être bénéfique aux défenses antioxidantes de l'hôte pour lutter contre les bactéries de plaque. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer l'activité antioxydante (antioxidant activity, AA) potentielle d'un certain nombre de bains de bouche antiseptiques et de leurs principes actifs reconnus (active principles, AP), indifféremment de leur efficacité en tant qu'agents antimicrobiens. Matériaux et méthodes:,L'activité antioxydante de 11 bains de bouche et de leurs principes actifs a été testée à l'aide d'une méthode spectrophotométrique spécifique. Le test Comet a été utilisé pour voir si l'activité antioxydante chimique pure permet effectivement de prévenir la fragmentation de l'ADN in vitro. Résultats:,Les bains de bouche contenant du méthylsalicylate étaient les plus efficaces. Plusieurs composés et certains vecteurs se comportaient comme des antioxydants. La pré-incubation dans des bains de bouche contenant du méthylsalicylate limitait la fragmentation de l'ADN des fibroblastes, mais le traitement à la chlorhexidine ne l'affectait pas. Conclusion:,Les résultats décrits dans cette étude indiquent que plusieurs bains de bouche possèdent une AA, propriété qui pourrait être attribuée aux AP ou aux véhicules ou aux deux. Toutes les données ont été obtenues sur des systèmes in vitro, et l'AA in vivo reste à démontrer. Ces résultats pourraient s'avérer utiles pour le traitement de certaines formes de PD et devraient être pris en compte lors de l'élaboration de nouvelles formulations de bains de bouche. [source]


Assessing corporate environmental reporting motivations: differences between ,close-to-market' and ,business-to-business' companies

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2008
Janet Haddock-Fraser
Abstract In this paper we examine whether proximity to market affects the extent and form of corporate environmental reporting of companies listed in the FTSE 250. The reason for examining this issue is that it is frequently asserted, but not demonstrated, that closeness to market will correlate positively with proactive communication of environmental activities. Our results show that this assertion is, in particular reporting contexts, true. In particular, we find that companies who are close to market, or are brand-name companies, are highly likely to adopt one of the several forms of environmental reporting considered (particularly reporting on product life-cycle or supply chain and reporting through the BitC benchmark system). We also show that companies proximate to market are more likely to be the target of media attention, but are unable within the bounds of the research to assess whether this is a cause of increased environmental reporting or an effect of it. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source]


Salvation: Its Forms and Dynamics in the New Testament

DIALOG, Issue 3 2006
Arland J. Hultgren
Abstract:, Salvation takes several forms in the New Testament, including earthly-historical saving acts by the earthly Jesus and eschatological salvation by God's saving work in Christ. The dynamics of salvation can be considered from both anthropocentric and theocentric approaches. In the former salvation is by works, faith, or grace, but issues can be raised about each. In the latter salvation is spoken of as the act of God in Christ (a theopractic approach) or by the act of Christ on God's behalf (a Christopractic approach). Issues arise concerning canonical contexts, whether something happened at the cross effective for humanity and the cosmos, and the scope of redemption. [source]


Characterization of the mouse adenylyl cyclase type VIII gene promoter: regulation by cAMP and CREB

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 7 2002
Jennifer R. Chao
Abstract Adenylyl cyclase (AC) type VIII has been implicated in several forms of neural plasticity, including drug addiction and learning and memory. In the present study, we directly examined the role for the transcription factor CREB (cAMP response element binding protein) in regulating ACVIII expression by cloning a 5.2 kilobase region upstream of the translation start site of the mouse ACVIII gene. Analysis of this fragment revealed consensus elements for several transcription factors, including a canonical cAMP response element (CRE) in close proximity to the transcription initiation region. Next, ACVIII promoter activity was studied in two neural-derived cell lines and in primary cultures of rat striatal neurons. Activation of the cAMP pathway by forskolin treatment increased promoter activity, and a series of deletion and point mutants demonstrated that this activation is mediated specifically via the canonical CRE site. Gel shift assays confirmed that this site can bind CREB and several CREB family proteins. Further, activation of the ACVIII promoter by forskolin was potentiated by expression of a constitutively active form of CREB, CREB-VP16, whereas it was inhibited by expression of a dominant-negative form of CREB, A-CREB. Finally, over-expression of CREB in vivo, by viral-mediated gene transfer, induced ACVIII promoter activity in the brains of ACVIII-LacZ transgenic mice. These results suggest that the ACVIII gene is regulated by CREB in vitro and in vivo and that this regulation may contribute to CREB-dependent neural plasticity. [source]


An essential role for the H218/AGR16/Edg-5/LPB2 sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor in neuronal excitability

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 2 2001
A. John MacLennan
Abstract A wealth of indirect data suggest that the H218/AGR16/Edg-5/LPB2 sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor plays important roles in development. In vitro, it activates several forms of development-related signal transduction and regulates cellular proliferation, differentiation and survival. It is expressed during embryogenesis, and mutation of an H218 -like gene in zebrafish leads to profound defects in embryonic development. Nevertheless, the in vivo functions served by H218 signalling have not been directly investigated. We report here that mice in which the H218 gene has been disrupted are unexpectedly born with no apparent anatomical or physiological defects. In addition, no abnormalities were observed in general neurological development, peripheral axon growth or brain structure. However, between 3 and 7 weeks of age, H218,/, mice have seizures which are spontaneous, sporadic and occasionally lethal. Electroencephalographic abnormalities were identified both during and between the seizures. At a cellular level, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that the loss of H218 leads to a large increase in the excitability of neocortical pyramidal neurons. Therefore, H218 plays an essential, unanticipated and functionally important role in the proper development and/or mediation of neuronal excitability. [source]


Towards an integrated computational tool for spatial analysis in macroecology and biogeography

GLOBAL ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2006
Thiago Fernando L. V. B. Rangel
ABSTRACT Because most macroecological and biodiversity data are spatially autocorrelated, special tools for describing spatial structures and dealing with hypothesis testing are usually required. Unfortunately, most of these methods have not been available in a single statistical package. Consequently, using these tools is still a challenge for most ecologists and biogeographers. In this paper, we present sam (Spatial Analysis in Macroecology), a new, easy-to-use, freeware package for spatial analysis in macroecology and biogeography. Through an intuitive, fully graphical interface, this package allows the user to describe spatial patterns in variables and provides an explicit spatial framework for standard techniques of regression and correlation. Moran's I autocorrelation coefficient can be calculated based on a range of matrices describing spatial relationships, for original variables as well as for residuals of regression models, which can also include filtering components (obtained by standard trend surface analysis or by principal coordinates of neighbour matrices). sam also offers tools for correcting the number of degrees of freedom when calculating the significance of correlation coefficients. Explicit spatial modelling using several forms of autoregression and generalized least-squares models are also available. We believe this new tool will provide researchers with the basic statistical tools to resolve autocorrelation problems and, simultaneously, to explore spatial components in macroecological and biogeographical data. Although the program was designed primarily for the applications in macroecology and biogeography, most of sam's statistical tools will be useful for all kinds of surface pattern spatial analysis. The program is freely available at http://www.ecoevol.ufg.br/sam (permanent URL at http://purl.oclc.org/sam/). [source]


Numerical analysis of Augmented Lagrangian algorithms in complementary elastoplasticity

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 14 2004
L. Contrafatto
The main subject of the paper is the investigation of Augmented Lagrangian algorithms and update formulas in the solution of elastoplastic problems. A stress rate formulation for elastoplastic models with internal variables and its finite increment form is employed to state the mechanical problem. In this formulation the Augmented Lagrangian is used to enforce the constraint of plastic admissibility directly on the stresses and thermodynamic forces. This is not a limitation of the Augmented Lagrangian approach, and the same framework can be built on more classical displacement formulations as well. The meaning and the derivation of various first and second order Lagrangian multipliers update formulas and iterative schemes is shown. A new diagonal iteration algorithm and the introduction of a scale factor for the Augmented Lagrangian term are proposed. Numerical examples compare the efficiency of several forms of Augmented Lagrangian algorithms and illustrate the influence of the scale factor and of the penalty parameter. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Virus-vectored immunocontraception to control feral cats on islands: a mathematical model

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2000
Franck Courchamp
Summary 1. ,Feral cats Felis catus introduced onto oceanic islands pose a major ecological threat to endemic vertebrates, but their control is difficult. Immunocontraception has not been considered previously as a method for their control or eradication, and therefore we used a modelling approach to assess whether virus-vectored immunocontraception (VVIC) might be effective. 2. ,We compared the relative efficiency of cat control/eradication using immunocontraception and three different disseminating techniques, i.e. baits, genetically modified viral vectors, or both. We accounted for several forms of dynamic compensation likely to arise in a population with artificially reduced fertility. 3. ,We conclude that, under the assumptions of our model, immunocontraception can control or eradicate feral cats on oceanic islands. VVIC was found to be a more efficient dissemination technique than baits, but an integrated method involving viral-infected baits was the most likely to lead to eradication. 4. ,We advocate field trials of this VVIC technique, when available, under island conditions where any risks to non-target fauna would be minimal. [source]


Cancer stem cells in leukemia, recent advances

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
Gang-Ming Zou
The history of stem cell research was started in the early 1900s in Europe where the researcher realized that various types of blood cells came from a particular "stem cells." However, it was not until 1963 that the first quantitative description of the self-renewal activities of transplanted mouse bone marrow cells were documented by Canadian scientist Ernest A McCulloch and James E Till in Toronto. The concept of cancer stem cells has been used over 50 years ago; whereas the strong evidence for the existence of a Cancer Stem Cells was obtained recently. Consequently, there is increasing attention in recent year about cancer stem cells. The findings from recent studies support the concept that stem cells are integral to the development of several forms of human cancer. Changes in stem cell behavior can contribute to tumor formation. Leukemia is a cancer of blood-forming tissue, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Leukemic stem cells represent the cancer stem cells in the leukemia. In this review, we summarize the recent advance in the study of leukemic stem cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 440,444, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Skin-derived fibroblasts from long-lived species are resistant to some, but not all, lethal stresses and to the mitochondrial inhibitor rotenone

AGING CELL, Issue 1 2007
James M. Harper
Summary Fibroblast cell lines were developed from skin biopsies of eight species of wild-trapped rodents, one species of bat, and a group of genetically heterogeneous laboratory mice. Each cell line was tested in vitro for their resistance to six varieties of lethal stress, as well as for resistance to the nonlethal metabolic effects of the mitochondrial inhibitor rotenone and of culture at very low glucose levels. Standard linear regression of species-specific lifespan against each species mean stress resistance showed that longevity was associated with resistance to death induced by cadmium and hydrogen peroxide, as well as with resistance to rotenone inhibition. A multilevel regression method supported these associations, and suggested a similar association for resistance to heat stress. Regressions for resistance to cadmium, peroxide, heat, and rotenone remained significant after various statistical adjustments for body weight. In contrast, cells from longer-lived species did not show significantly greater resistance to ultraviolet light, paraquat, or the DNA alkylating agent methylmethanesulfonate. There was a strong correlation between species longevity and resistance to the metabolic effects of low-glucose medium among the rodent cell lines, but this test did not distinguish mice and rats from the much longer-lived little brown bat. These results are consistent with the idea that evolution of long-lived species may require development of cellular resistance to several forms of lethal injury, and provide justification for evaluation of similar properties in a much wider range of mammals and bird species. [source]


Therapeutic potential of melatonin in traumatic central nervous system injury

JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009
Supriti Samantaray
Abstract:, A vast literature extolling the benefits of melatonin has accumulated during the past four decades. Melatonin was previously considered of importance to seasonal reproduction and circadian rhythmicity. Currently, it appears to be a versatile anti-oxidative and anti-nitrosative agent, a molecule with immunomodulatory actions and profound oncostatic activity, and also to play a role as a potent neuroprotectant. Nowadays, melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement with differential availability as an over-the-counter aid in different countries. There is a widespread agreement that melatonin is nontoxic and safe considering its frequent, long-term usage by humans at both physiological and pharmacological doses with no reported side effects. Endeavors toward a designated drug status for melatonin may be enormously rewarding in clinics for treatment of several forms of neurotrauma where effective pharmacological intervention has not yet been attained. This mini review consolidates the data regarding the efficacy of melatonin as an unique neuroprotective agent in traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Well-documented actions of melatonin in combating traumatic CNS damage are compiled from various clinical and experimental studies. Research on traumatic brain injury and ischemia/reperfusion are briefly outlined here as they have been recently reviewed elsewhere, whereas the studies on different animal models of the experimental spinal cord injury have been extensively covered in this mini review for the first time. [source]


Enhanced visualization of histological samples with an adjustable RGB contrast system with application for tissue used in photodynamic therapy

MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 6 2008
Wilma Regina Barrionuevo
Abstract The analysis of histological sections has long been a valuable tool in the pathological studies. The interpretation of tissue conditions, however, relies directly on visual evaluation of tissue slides, which may be difficult to interpret because of poor contrast or poor color differentiation. The Chromatic Contrast Visualization System (CCV) combines an optical microscope with electronically controlled light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in order to generate adjustable intensities of RGB channels for sample illumination. While most image enhancement techniques rely on software post-processing of an image acquired under standard illumination conditions, CCV produces real-time variations in the color composition of the light source itself. The possibility of covering the entire RGB chromatic range, combined with the optical properties of the different tissues, allows for a substantial enhancement in image details. Traditional image acquisition methods do not exploit these visual enhancements which results in poorer visual distinction among tissue structures. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) procedures are of increasing interest in the treatment of several forms of cancer. This study uses histological slides of rat liver samples that were induced to necrosis after being exposed to PDT. Results show that visualization of tissue structures could be improved by changing colors and intensities of the microscope light source. PDT-necrosed tissue samples are better differentiated when illuminated with different color wavelengths, leading to an improved differentiation of cells in the necrosis area. Due to the potential benefits it can bring to interpretation and diagnosis, further research in this field could make CCV an attractive technique for medical applications. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Association of body rolling, leg rolling, and rhythmic feet movements in a young adult: A video-polysomnographic study performed before and after one night of clonazepam

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 4 2008
Giovanni Merlino MD
Abstract We report clinical and polysomnographic data of a young adult affected by several forms of rhythmic movement disorder (RMD), present in the same night, including a new kind of it, known as rhythmic feet movements. The patient was monitored by means of three consecutive video-polysomnographic recordings, the first two performed to confirm the presence of the sleep disorder and the last one to observe the acute effectiveness of clonazepam on rhythmic movements. We discuss the characteristics of the RMD and the response to the first administration of pharmacological treatment, observed in our patient. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society [source]


Deep brain stimulation for the treatment of atypical parkinsonism

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 15 2007
Ludy C. Shih MD
Abstract Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has gained widespread acceptance for improving motor function and disability in Parkinson's disease (PD). Patients with features suggestive of atypical parkinsonism (AP) usually have a poorer and less sustained response to levodopa and a poorer prognosis overall when compared with patients with PD. However, experience in the use of DBS with this group of patients is limited and evidence is lacking with regards to its efficacy and adverse effects. We review in detail the experience of DBS surgery in patients with several forms of AP including multiple system atrophy. On the basis of the limited available data reviewed here, DBS for patients with AP is not recommended. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society [source]


The first Japanese patient with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD)

NEUROPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2009
Akiyo Shinde
Eleven years after a brief visit to some European countries, a 48-year-old Japanese man developed writing difficulty, irritability and general fatigue. Then he complained of dysesthetic pains in his legs, for which benzodiazepines were prescribed. However, at the time pulvinar sign was retrospectively confirmed on brain MRI. Eighteen months after the onset, his gait became ataxic with rapid deterioration of mental status over the following several months. Thirty-one months after the onset, he became akinetic and mute with periodic synchronous discharges on EEG, and died at the age of 51. The total clinical course was approximately 43 months. Pathological examination revealed the characteristic alterations of spongiform encephalopathy, severe in the thalamus, moderate but widely spread in the cerebral cortices, and moderate in the cerebellum. Abundant amyloid plaques were easily identified in the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum on HE staining. Immunohistochemistry for abnormal prion protein (PrPsc) confirmed amyloid plaques in several forms, such as florid, uni- and multi-centric plaques as well as perineuronal and periaxonal deposits in the basal ganglia and synaptic patterns in the thalami. A Western blotting study identified type 2B protease-resistant PrP. This is the first Japanese patient who was definitely diagnosed as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). The pathological findings were similar to those of previous reports of vCJD in the UK. However, the changes were much more severe both in degree and distribution, probably due to a longer duration of the illness than those in the UK. [source]


Developing best practice in critical care nursing: knowledge, evidence and practice

NURSING IN CRITICAL CARE, Issue 3 2003
Paul Fulbrook
Summary ,Because the current drive towards evidence-based critical care nursing practice is based firmly within the positivist paradigm, experimentally derived research tends to be regarded as ,high level' evidence, whereas other forms of evidence, for example qualitative research or personal knowing, carry less weight ,This poses something of a problem for nursing, as the type of knowledge nurses use most in their practice is often at the so-called ,soft' end of science. Thus, the ,Catch 22' situation is that the evidence base for nursing practice is considered to be weak ,Furthermore, it is argued in this paper that there are several forms of nursing knowledge, which critical care nurses employ, that are difficult to articulate ,The way forward requires a pragmatic approach to evidence, in which all forms of knowledge are considered equal in abstract but are assigned value according to the context of a particular situation ,It is proposed that this can be achieved by adopting an approach to nursing in which practice development is the driving force for change [source]


Dynamic in-hand movements in adult and young juvenile chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Jessica Crast
Abstract Descriptions of manual function in nonhuman primates have largely focused on static precision and power grasping (as first defined by Napier,1956), while identification and description of dynamic manual function are rare and incomplete. Here, we describe several forms of in-hand movements used by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) when manipulating small objects. In-hand movements are defined as the movement of an object within one hand via manipulation of the digits. We presented adult and young juvenile chimpanzees (ages 5,29 years) with a task that required inserting small objects through correspondingly shaped cutouts in a transparent Plexiglas panel. While attempting to insert the objects through the cutouts, the subjects used at least two forms of in-hand movements to change their grip on the object for more precise alignment. We describe in detail the in-hand movements they used and the variability observed in form and execution among the subjects. In general, the adult subjects used in-hand movements more frequently and used a wider variety of forms than did the young juvenile subjects, suggesting that in-hand movements are in the process of fine-tuning around the age of 5 years in chimpanzees. The dexterity exhibited by the adults, however, shows that the neuromuscular and morphological requirements for relatively complex digital manipulation are present in the adult chimpanzee. Am J Phys Antropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Kidneys for Sale: Who Disapproves, and Why?

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2010
S. Leider
The shortage of transplant kidneys has spurred debate about legalizing monetary payments to donors to increase the number of available kidneys. However, buying and selling organs faces widespread disapproval. We survey a representative sample of Americans to assess disapproval for several forms of kidney market, and to understand why individuals disapprove by identifying factors that predict disapproval, including disapproval of markets for other body parts, dislike of increased scope for markets and distrust of markets generally. Our results suggest that while the public is potentially receptive to compensating kidney donors, among those who oppose it, general disapproval toward certain kinds of transactions is at least as important as concern about specific policy details. Between 51% and 63% of respondents approve of the various potential kidney markets we investigate, and between 42% and 58% want such markets to be legal. A total of 38% of respondents disapprove of at least one market. Respondents who distrust markets generally are not more disapproving of kidney markets; however we find significant correlations between kidney market disapproval and attitudes reflecting disapproval toward certain transactions,including both other body markets and market encroachment into traditionally nonmarket exchanges, such as food preparation. [source]


Fukutin gene mutations in steroid-responsive limb girdle muscular dystrophy

ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 5 2006
Caroline Godfrey BSc
Objective Defects in glycosylation of ,-dystroglycan are associated with several forms of muscular dystrophy, often characterized by congenital onset and severe structural brain involvement, collectively known as dystroglycanopathies. Six causative genes have been identified in these disorders including fukutin. Mutations in fukutin cause Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy. This is the second most common form of muscular dystrophy in Japan and is invariably associated with mental retardation and structural brain defects. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic defect in two white families with a dystroglycanopathy. Methods The six genes responsible for dystroglycanopathies were studied in three children with a severe reduction of ,-dystroglycan in skeletal muscle. Results We identified pathogenic fukutin mutations in these two families. Affected children had normal intelligence and brain structure and shared a limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) phenotype, had marked elevation of serum creatine kinase, and were all ambulant with remarkable steroid responsiveness. Interpretation Our data suggest that fukutin mutations occur outside Japan and can be associated with much milder phenotypes than Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy. These findings significantly expand the spectrum of phenotypes associated with fukutin mutations to include this novel form of limb girdle muscular dystrophy that we propose to name LGMD2L. Ann Neurol 2006 [source]


Serving in College, Flourishing in Adulthood: Does Community Engagement During the College Years Predict Adult Well-Being?

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, Issue 1 2010
Nicholas Bowman
Colleges and universities are placing a renewed emphasis on the importance of service and community engagement. Although the short-term effects of these college experiences are fairly well understood, little is known about the long-term impact of college volunteering and participating in engaged forms of learning (e.g. service-learning). This longitudinal study examines 416 participants during their freshman year of college, their senior year, and 13 years after graduation. Results show that both college volunteering and service-learning have positive, indirect effects on several forms of well-being during adulthood, including personal growth, purpose in life, environmental mastery, and life satisfaction. Specifically, these college experiences are associated with subsequent behaviors (adult volunteering) and attitudes and values (prosocial orientation), which in turn are positively associated with well-being. Implications for research and practice are discussed. [source]


Using analog assessment procedures for determining the effects of a gluten-free and casein-free diet on rate of problem behaviors for an adolescent with autism

BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS, Issue 4 2006
Douglas S. Irvin
The behavioral effects of a gluten/casein-free diet were evaluated for an adolescent with autism who displayed several forms of aberrant behavior. An analog assessment was used to measure behavioral response rates within four conditions with type of diet controlled using a BABA design. Results suggested that a gluten/casein-free diet did not serve as an abolishing operation for assessed problem behaviors. Both the limitations and generality of this finding are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Population and species boundaries in the South American subterranean rodent Ctenomys in a dynamic environment

BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 2 2010
PATRICIA MIROL
Subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys are an interesting system to assess the effects of habitat instability on the genetic structure of populations. The perrensi group is a complex of three species (C. roigi, C. perrensi and C. dorbignyi) and several forms of uncertain taxonomic status, distributed in the vicinity of the Iberá wetland in Argentina. Because of limited availability of suitable dry habitat, Ctenomys populations are distributed patchily around a vast mosaic of marshes, swamps and lagoons and become connected or isolated over time, depending particularly on the precipitation regime. Genetic variation at 16 microsatellite loci in 169 individuals collected in the area revealed eight clusters of populations which are thought to be evolutionary units, but which do not fit previous species limits. We interpret this lack of congruence between taxonomy and genetic structure as the result of a dynamic population structure. Where populations become connected, hybridization is possible. Where populations become isolated, rapid genetic divergence may occur. In the perrensi group, it appears that both of these factors disrupt the association between different genetic and morphological characters. The study of multiple characters is crucial to the understanding of the recent evolutionary history for dynamic systems such as this. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100, 368,383. [source]


Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analyses of several forms of the CfaB major subunit of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli CFA/I fimbriae

ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2009
Yong-Fu Li
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a major global cause of diarrhea, initiates the pathogenic process via fimbriae-mediated attachment to the small intestinal epithelium. A common prototypic ETEC fimbria, colonization factor antigen I (CFA/I), consists of a tip-localized minor adhesive subunit CfaE and the stalk-forming major subunit CfaB, both of which are necessary for fimbrial assembly. To elucidate the structure of CFA/I at atomic resolution, three recombinant proteins were generated consisting of fusions of the minor and major subunits (CfaEB) and of two (CfaBB) and three (CfaBBB) repeats of the major subunit. Crystals of CfaEB diffracted X-rays to 2.1,Å resolution and displayed the symmetry of space group P21. CfaBB exhibited a crystal diffraction limit of 2.3,Å resolution and had the symmetry of space group P21212. CfaBBB crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2 and diffracted X-rays to 2.3,Å resolution. These structures were determined using the molecular-replacement method. [source]


Use of Physicochemical Tools to Determine the Choice of Optimal Enzyme: Stabilization of d -Amino Acid Oxidase

BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 3 2003
Lorena Betancor
An evaluation of the stability of several forms (including soluble and two immobilized preparations) of d -amino acid oxidases from Trigonopsis variabilis (TvDAAO) and Rhodotorula gracilis (RgDAAO) is presented here. Initially, both soluble enzymes become inactivated via subunit dissociation, and the most thermostable enzyme seemed to be TvDAAO, which was 3,4 times more stable than RgDAAO at a protein concentration of 30 ,g/mL. Immobilization on poorly activated supports was unable to stabilize the enzyme, while highly activated supports improved the enzyme stability. Better results were obtained when using highly activated glyoxyl agarose supports than when glutaraldehyde was used. Thus, multisubunit immobilization on highly activated glyoxyl agarose dramatically improved the stability of RgDAAO (by ca. 15 000-fold) while only marginally improving the stability of TvDAAO (by 15,20-fold), at a protein concentration of 6.7 ,g/mL. Therefore, the optimal immobilized RgDAAO was much more stable than the optimal immobilized TvDAAO at this enzyme concentration. The lower stabilization effect on TvDAAO was associated with the inactivation of this enzyme by FAD dissociation that was not prevented by immobilization. Finally, nonstabilized RgDAAO was marginally more stable in the presence of H2O2 than TvDAAO, but after stabilization by multisubunit immobilization, its stability became 10 times higher than that of TvDAAO. Therefore, the most stable DAAO preparation and the optimal choice for an industrial application seems to be RgDAAO immobilized on glyoxyl agarose. [source]


Advanced Statistics: Missing Data in Clinical Research,Part 1: An Introduction and Conceptual Framework

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 7 2007
Jason S. Haukoos MD
Missing data are commonly encountered in clinical research. Unfortunately, they are often neglected or not properly handled during analytic procedures, and this may substantially bias the results of the study, reduce study power, and lead to invalid conclusions. In this two-part series, the authors will introduce key concepts regarding missing data in clinical research, provide a conceptual framework for how to approach missing data in this setting, describe typical mechanisms and patterns of censoring of data and their relationships to specific methods of handling incomplete data, and describe in detail several simple and more complex methods of handling such data. In part 1, the authors will describe relatively simple approaches to handling missing data, including complete-case analysis, available-case analysis, and several forms of single imputation, including mean imputation, regression imputation, hot and cold deck imputation, last observation carried forward, and worst case analysis. In part 2, the authors will describe in detail multiple imputation, a more sophisticated and valid method for handling missing data. [source]


Multiple forms of violence and other criminal activities as an indicator of severe child maltreatment

CHILD ABUSE REVIEW, Issue 4 2004
Janet Stanley
Abstract Child protection practice still appears to view child maltreatment as an event largely isolated from other family violence and criminal activities. Research undertaken by the authors suggests that children who have been subjected to the more severe forms of abuse are likely to have come from families who engage in several forms of criminal activity, inside and outside the family, which is often severe in nature. The child who has been maltreated may also become a participant in these activities. The authors recommend that these factors should be investigated in families who have maltreated a child, as the presence or absence of several forms of concurrent violence and other criminal activity may provide an important clue about the welfare of the child. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]