H pylori infection is associated with downregulation of E-cadherin, a molecule involved in epithelial cell adhesion and proliferation control

Extracellular matrix proteins and proteins involved in epithelial adhesion are essential for maintenance of tissue structure. Helicobacter pylori is the major aetiological agent in peptic ulcer disease and has been shown to increase gastric cancer risk up to ninefold. In this study, changes induced by H pylori on the expression of extracellular matrix proteins (collagen IV, fibronectin, and laminin) as well as two essential proteins for cell-basement and cell-cell adhesion (alpha 6-integrin and E-cadherin) were assessed. Immunohistochemistry was performed in antral biopsy sections obtained from infected and non-infected patients, and light microscopy was used to determine the distribution and intensity of specific staining. The results showed that the infection was significantly associated with downregulation of E-cadherin, an essential protein for maintenance of solid tissues and differentiation, but did not induce changes in the expression of alpha 6-integrin or the extracellular matrix proteins.     

Randomized Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adult Female Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

The authors conducted a randomized clinical trial of individual psychotherapy for women with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to childhood sexual abuse (n = 74), comparing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with a problem-solving therapy (present-centered therapy; PCT) and to a wait-list (WL). The authors hypothesized that CBT would be more effective than PCT and WL in decreasing PTSD and related symptoms. CBT participants were significantly more likely than PCT participants to no longer meet criteria for a PTSD diagnosis at follow-up assessments. CBT and PCT were superior to WL in decreasing PTSD symptoms and secondary measures. CBT had a significantly greater dropout rate than PCT and WL. Both CBT and PCT were associated with sustained symptom reduction in this sample. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Generation of intergranular strains during high temperature creep fatigue loading of 316H stainless steel

Abstract

This paper investigates the development of intergranular strains and stresses in AISI type 316H austenitic stainless steel during cyclic loading at high temperature. Isothermal cyclic creep tests at 650°C with 2 h displacement controlled creep dwells at maximum strain are conducted with in situ neutron diffraction monitoring at a time of flight facility. The evolution of intergranular strains in five independent {hkl} grain families were successfully measured during consecutive cycles. The grain family with {111} lattice planes normal to the loading direction exhibited linearly reversible behaviour with cyclic load whereas the {200} planes deformed in a non-linear manner forming a hysteresis loop. Intergranular strains during the first dwell remained unchanged with time, but relaxed with time during later dwells. The start of dwell intergranular strains increased from cycle 1 to cycle 2, but markedly less moving from cycle 2 to cycle 3.     

Nonfunctionalized nanocrystals can exploit a cell's active transport machinery delivering them to specific nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments

We use high content cell analysis, live cell fluorescent imaging, and transmission electron microscopy approaches combined with inhibitors of cellular transport and nuclear import to conduct a systematic study of the mechanism of interaction of nonfunctionalized quantum dots (QDs) with live human blood monocyte-derived primary macrophages and cell lines of phagocytic, epithelial, and endothelial nature. Live human macrophages are shown to be able to rapidly uptake and accumulate QDs in distinct cellular compartment specifically to QDs size and charge. We show that the smallest QDs specifically target histones in cell nuclei and nucleoli by a multistep process involving endocytosis, active cytoplasmic transport, and entering the nucleus via nuclear pore complexes. Treatment of the cells with an anti-microtubule agent nocodazole precludes QDs cytoplasmic transport whereas a nuclear import inhibitor thapsigargin blocks QD import into the nucleus. These results demonstrate that the nonfunctionalized QDs exploit the cell's active transport machineries for delivery to specific intranuclear destinations.     

Business programmes and information systems methodologies

Abstract. An Information Systems Methodology is usually presented as a sequential set of tasks — planning, analysis, design and construction — resulting in a new business application. This classical 'forward-engineering' approach must be adapted to changing business needs — business process redesign, quality management, process and systems templates, advanced technologies, application packages, the reuse of existing information systems resources, and rapid delivery cycles. Using the most general concept of a Business Programme, this paper describes a methodological approach incorporating these modern themes that is qualitatively and quantitatively different from the classical model. It provides a framework for the integration of otherwise independent methodologies, and shows how an entire programme can be formulated, planned and executed. An example is provided, and the approach is justified.     

Epstein-Barr-based episomal chromosomes shuttle 100 kb of self-replicating circular human DNA in mouse cells

We describe the microcell fusion transfer of 100-200 kb self-replicating circular human minichromosomes from human into mouse cells. This experimental approach is illustrated through the shutting of the latent 170 kb double-stranded DNA genome from the human herpesvirus, Epstein-Barr virus, into nonpermissive rodent cells. Using this interspecies transfer strategy, circular episomes carrying 95-105 kb of human DNA were successfully established at low copy number in mouse A9 cells. Selected episomes were stably maintained for 6 months, and unselected episomes were characterized by a 95% episomal retention per cell division. The establishment of a mouse artificial episomal chromosome system should facilitate evolutionary and therapeutic studies of large human DNA in rodent genetic backgrounds.     

Enhancement of oxidative cell injury and antitumor effects of localized 44 degrees C hyperthermia upon combination with respiratory hyperoxia and xanthine oxidase

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were designed to amplify 56- and 99-base regions of the pmoA gene from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b and Methylomicrobium albus BG8, two species of methanotrophic bacteria that are of interest for monitoring bioremediation activity. The PCR product sizes are in a mass range that is accessible to analysis by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A rapid purification procedure using commercially available reversed-phase cartridges was applied prior to MALDI-TOF analysis. A small aliquot (1.5%, 1.5 microL) from a single 100-microL PCR reaction was sufficient for reliable detection. No cross-amplification products were observed when primers designed for one bacterial species were used with genomic DNA of the other species. The methodology described here has potential to allow less expensive and faster characterization of the ability of microbial populations to destroy pollutants in groundwater and soil at contaminated industrial sites.     

Development and qualitative assessment of the GAME(Cycle) exercise system.

Increased physical activity is important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, among people with disabilities, inactivity is prevalent. In order to encourage exercise among members of this group, an exercise system combining arm ergometry with video gaming, called the GAME(Cycle) was previously developed. User input was received through an arm crank ergometer on a swivel, with the angular velocity of the ergometer resistance wheel controlling one axis and rotation of ergometer about the swivel controlling the other. The purpose of this study was to detail the algorithms used in this device and present novel features included in a second generation of the GAME(Cycle). The features include a wheel on base, a steering return mechanism, and wireless fire buttons. A focus group of clinicians (n = 8), wheelchair users (n = 8), and clinician wheelchair users (n = 2) was conducted to evaluate the features of the GAME(Cycle). The focus group suggested improvements to the steering mechanism and to reduce vibration in the system. However, the focus group enjoyed the GAME(Cycle) and felt that it would encourage exercise among persons with disabilities.     

An investigation of amorphous phase separation, leachability and surface area of an ionomer glass system and a sodium-boro-silicate glass system

Glasses from a complex SiO₂-Al₂O₃-P₂O₅-CaO-CaF₂ glass series, known as 'ionomer glasses' were investigated. For comparison, a sodium-boro-silicate (s-b-s) glass system, which is known to undergo amorphous phase separation was also investigated. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX) and BET surface area and pore distribution analysis were the principal analytical techniques used in this study. SEM analysis of the ionomer glass compositions revealed smooth spherical droplets of 2–15 nm while the background morphology appeared rough and speckled. A classic interconnected structure was observed for the s-b-s glass. EDX analysis of the s-b-s glass confirmed that the sodium-borate phase was removed by leaching with 0.3 M HNO₃, leaving behind a silica-rich structure. EDX analysis of ionomer glasses leached with 10% NaOH showed that the calcium and phosphate phases were being removed, although not to completion. For the base s-b-s glass a surface area of m 8² g^–1 was recorded. However, the base glass after extraction with 0.3 M HNO₃ of the sodium borate rich phase gave a BET surface area of 330 m² g^–1 indicating that it had already undergone phase separation on quenching from the melt, giving rise to a fine scale interconnected structure. The leached s-b-s glasses exhibited type 4 adsorption/desorption isotherms characteristic of mesoporous materials. Glasses which had been heat treated at 580°C for 4 h exhibited a surface area of 62 m² g^–1. This indicates that the as-quenched glass is already phase separated and that the phase separated microstructure is coarsening on heat treatment. A surface area of 4 m² g^–1 was measured for the base ionomer glasses. After leaching with 10% NaOH this value rose 10-fold with a maximum surface area of 44.1 m² g^–1 being recorded. The ionomer glasses also exhibited adsorption/desorption isotherms characteristic of mesoporous materials.