Sister grouping of chimpanzees and humans as revealed by genome-wide phylogenetic analysis of brain gene expression profiles

Gene expression profiles from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of human, chimpanzee, gorilla, and macaque samples provide clues about genetic regulatory changes in human and other catarrhine primate brains. The ACC, a cerebral neocortical region, has human-specific histological features. Physiologically, an individual's ACC displays increased activity during that individual's performance of cognitive tasks. Of approximately 45,000 probe sets on microarray chips representing transcripts of all or most human genes, approximately 16,000 were commonly detected in human ACC samples and comparable numbers, 14,000-15,000, in gorilla and chimpanzee ACC samples. Phylogenetic results obtained from gene expression profiles contradict the traditional expectation that the non-human African apes (i.e., chimpanzee and gorilla) should be more like each other than either should be like humans. Instead, the chimpanzee ACC profiles are more like the human than like the gorilla; these profiles demonstrate that chimpanzees are the sister group of humans. Moreover, for those unambiguous expression changes mapping to important biological processes and molecular functions that statistically are significantly represented in the data, the chimpanzee clade shows at least as much apparent regulatory evolution as does the human clade. Among important changes in the ancestry of both humans and chimpanzees, but to a greater extent in humans, are the up-regulated expression profiles of aerobic energy metabolism genes and neuronal function-related genes, suggesting that increased neuronal activity required increased supplies of energy.

Metalloinitiation Routes to Biocompatible Poly(lactic acid) and Poly(acrylic acid) Stars with Luminescent Ruthenium Tris(bipyridine) Cores

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) biomaterials with luminescent ruthenium tris(bipyridine) centers couple drug delivery and imaging functions. Hydrophobic [Ru(bpyPLA2)3](PF6)2 (1) was generated from [Ru[bpy(CH2OH)2]3](PF6)2 in bulk monomer using 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine as the catalyst. The bromoesters, [Ru[bpy(CH2OR)2]3](PF6)2, [Ru[bpy(C13H27)2][bpy(CH2OR]2](PF6)2 (4), and [Ru[bpy(PLAOR)2]3]2+ (9) (R=COCBr(CH3)2), served as initiators for tert-butyl acrylate (tBA) polymerization. Conversion of PtBA to PAA via hydrolysis affords water soluble materials, [Ru(bpyPAA2)3]2+ (7) and [Ru[bpy(C13H27)2](bpyPAA2)2]2+ (8) and the amphiphilic star polymer [Ru[bpy(PLA-PAA)2]3)](PF6)2 (11), which is soluble in a H2O/CH3CN (1:1) mixture. Luminescence excitation and emission spectra of the Ru polymers were in agreement with the parent [Ru(bpy)3]2+ chromophore (lambdaex=468, lambdaem=621 nm). Lifetimes of tau approximately 700 ns in both air and nitrogen atmospheres are typical for most materials; however, the amphiphilic star block copolymer 11 is quenched by oxygen to some degree. Thermal analysis shows the expected glass transitions for the polymeric ruthenium complex materials.

Review of evaluations of educational approaches to promote safe storage of firearms

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review evaluation studies of educational interventions promoting safe firearm storage.

METHODS

Medline, ERIC, PsycINFO, Criminal Justice Periodicals Index, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Sociofile were searched. The references from each potentially eligible study were checked, and experts in the field were contacted for additional reports. In addition, an internet search was performed to identify programs not published in the conventional literature. Sources relevant to safe firearm storage promotion were selected and evaluated.

RESULTS

Seven studies met inclusion criteria: adult subjects, program description was included, and firearm storage outcomes were measured. One was a randomized controlled trial and the other six were one group pre-test and/or post-test. The studies were classified into the following categories based on the intervention strategies used: (1). counseling and firearm safety materials (n=3); (2). counseling/educational message (n=3); and (3). firearm safety materials distribution (n=1). The outcomes were safe firearms storage (firearms locked up and unloaded or removal from home) after intervention. Four studies, three using counseling and materials distribution, reported improved storage after the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

It is not yet clear what types of interventions, or which specific intervention components, prompt gun owners to securely store their weapons. Increased understanding of gun storage behaviors and stronger evaluation designs will aid further understanding of this important issue.

Globin gene switching in primates

Evolutionary approaches to the identification of DNA sequences required for transcription of the genes of the beta-globin cluster are reviewed. Sequence alignments of non-coding regions from widely divergent species revealed many conserved motifs (phylogenetic footprints) that were putative transcription factor binding sites and candidate binding proteins were identified. The differential timing of the prosimian and simian gamma-globin genes was analyzed by identifying base changes in the vicinity of the phylogenetic footprints. These differential phylogenetic footprints were shown to bind different nuclear factors, and the behavior of constructs with human or galago gamma-promoters in transgenic mice indicated that DNA motifs near the gamma-globin genes are sufficient to determine the developmental stage of expression. Locus control region alignments have identified many conserved sequence differences outside of the hypersensitive sites. Globin protein and mRNA expression profiles during embryological development in a series of catarrhine (Old World monkeys and apes) and platyrrhine (New World monkeys) primates have been determined. While all catarrhines examined to date have globin expression patterns that are highly similar to the well-established human switching behavior, platyrrhines have inactivated their gamma 1 genes by a variety of mechanisms, and have an earlier gamma-beta switch.

Law enforcement officers' opinions about gun locks: anchors on life jackets?

OBJECTIVES

One way law enforcement officers support firearm safety is by promoting the use of gun locks. This investigation examined law enforcement officers' willingness to use gun locks on their own guns, as well as their opinions regarding gun locks in general.

SETTING

Law enforcement officers from an urban agency in the southern region of the United States.

METHODS

Free keyed cable gun locks were distributed to all law enforcement officers in one agency who wanted one, and then an anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted about their subsequent use of, and attitudes toward, these devices.

RESULTS

About half of the 207 officers collected gun locks (n=103). Nearly three quarters (73%) completed and returned the questionnaire. Two thirds reported that they were not using the gun lock they collected (65%), and over half disagreed that gun lock use should be required (56%). Very few cited any actual or potential technical problems with the device. An important reason given for non-use of gun locks related to being able to access the weapon quickly in case of an emergency.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the need for further investigation into law enforcement officers' attitudes toward gun locks, the degree to which their attitudes affect their firearm safety counseling, and the need to develop a gun safety device that can be disengaged quickly.

Firearm storage practices of officers in a law enforcement agency in the South

BACKGROUND

Law enforcement officers play an important role in promoting firearm safety. This study examined their firearm-related attitudes and practices.

METHODS

We conducted an anonymous, self-administered survey of law enforcement officers in an agency in the South concerning firearm ownership, storage practices, and opinions.

RESULTS

The 207 respondents (response rate=71%) were primarily white (60%) and male (89%). The proportions of respondents with (55%) and without (45%) children were similar. Eighty percent of the officers had firearms in addition to the one they were issued for work. Most stored firearms unlocked (59%) and loaded (68%); almost half (44%) reported storing firearms both unlocked and loaded. Eighty-five percent indicated that they felt an added need to protect themselves and family because of their job. Those who reported having firearms for self-protection were less likely than those who had firearms for recreation to store firearms securely. As compared to those without children, law enforcement officers with children were more likely to store firearms safely, and were especially likely to store firearms locked up (chi(2)=12.72, p<0.0001). Respondents favored background checks, mandatory safety training, and enforcement of storage laws. Three quarters approved of government safety regulations for handguns.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the law enforcement officers' prominent role in firearm safety promotion and support for initiatives that limit unauthorized access, our study found that many do not practice safe storage. Apparently, many officers keep their firearms stored unlocked and loaded for the purpose of protecting themselves and their families. Addressing concerns about personal safety is a necessary step in promoting safe storage to law enforcement officers.

"Love our kids, lock your guns": a community-based firearm safety counseling and gun lock distribution program

BACKGROUND

Safer storage practices may reduce injury rates by limiting youth access to firearms.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if a firearm safety counseling and gun lock distribution program improved storage practices.

DESIGN

Community-based before-after trial.

SETTING

Urban county in central North Carolina.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred twelve adult gun owners recruited through a mass media advertising campaign.

INTERVENTION

In the parking lot of a shopping mall, participants completed a survey, and were then provided with tailored counseling, gun safety information, a gun lock, and instructions to use it.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Firearm storage practices, assessed by survey and personal interview (baseline) and telephone interview (6-month follow-up).

RESULTS

Most participants were white (62%), men (63%), had children (58%), and owned a gun for protection (74%). At follow-up, of the 82 participants, 63 (77%) (up from 39 [48%]) reported storing their gun(s) in a locked compartment (P =.004), 59 (72%) (up from 0) reported using gun locks (P =.001), 61 (74%) (up from 57 [69%]) reported storing their ammunition locked in a separate location, 59 (72%) (up from 52 [63%]) reported storing their gun(s) unloaded, and 6 (7%) (down from 15 [18%]) reported storing firearms unlocked and loaded. Participants with children were more likely at baseline to store weapons unlocked and loaded (38 [59%] vs 19 [41%]; P =.02) but were more likely after counseling to lock their weapons (29 [58%] vs 14 [44%]) and remove guns from the home (5 [10%] vs 0 [0%]).

CONCLUSIONS

This program prompted reporting of safer firearm storage practices, particularly among parents. Longer follow-up, verification of self-reports and correct use, testing of gun locks, and monitoring firearm injury rates after distribution programs are needed to establish the public health potential of this approach.

Kawasaki-like syndromes associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile vasculitic syndrome of early childhood. It is very rarely seen in adults. Among the adult patients with Kawasaki disease who have been described, a disproportionate number are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This suggests that the immunocompromised state may predispose individuals to this syndrome. We report our experience with 2 HIV-positive patients who presented with Kawasaki-like syndromes and review the published literature on HIV-positive patients with similar syndromes.

Facial fractures in a level I trauma centre: the importance of protective devices and alcohol abuse

Urban trauma centres have recently noted a shift in the causative mechanism of facial fractures away from motor vehicle crashes (MVC) to blunt assaults (BA). This study was conducted to examine the incidence and aetiology of facial fractures at our institution as well as the relationship with alcohol and protective device use. Trauma registry records of all patients admitted to a level I trauma centre from 1 January 1988 to 1 January 1999 were reviewed. There were 13594 trauma admissions during the 11-year period. Facial fractures were sustained by 1429 patients (10.5%) and this group forms the subject of this study. MVC was the predominant aetiology (59.9%) followed by BA (18.8%). Facial fractures were found in 9.5% of restrained MVC patients compared to 15.4% of unrestrained patients (P<0.00l). Non-helmeted motorcyclists were four times more likely to sustain facial fractures (4.3% vs. 18.4%) than helmeted patients (P<0.00l). 39.6% of patients in the MVC group were legally intoxicated compared to 73.5% in the BA group (P<0.00l). 45.4% of unrestrained patients with facial fractures were intoxicated compared to 11.8% of restrained MVC patients with facial fractures (P<0.001). MVC continue to be the primary aetiology of facial fractures in our trauma population. Protective devices decrease the incidence of facial fractures. Lack of protective device use and the consumption of alcohol correlate with sustaining facial fractures.

Biomechanical analysis of clinical stability in the cervical spine

This study was undertaken because there is a dearth of objective information in the literature on the clinical instability of the cervical spine below C2. To our knowledge, it is the first biomechanical investigation designed to analyze clinical stability. We have carried out a quantitative analysis of the behavior of the spine as a function of the systematic destruction of various anatomic elements. Under controlled conditions designed to maintain the biological integrity of the specimens, 17 motion segments from 8 cervical spines were analyzed. The spines were studied with either flexion or extension simulated using physiologic loads. Some of the more important findings are: (1) In sectioning the ligaments, one observes small increments of change followed without warning by sudden, complete disruption of the spine; (2) Removal of the facets alters the motion segment such that in flexion, there is less angular displacement and more horizontal displacement; (3) The anterior ligaments contribute more to stability in extension than the posterior ligaments and in flexion, the converse is true; (4) The adult cervical spine is unstable, or on the brink of instability, when any of the following conditions are present: a) All the anterior or all the posterior elements are destroyed or unable to function. b) More than 3.5 mm horizontal displacement of one vertebra in relation to an adjacent vertebra measured on lateral roentgenograms (resting or flexion-extension). c) More than 11 degrees of rotation difference to that of either adjacent vertebra measured on a resting lateral or flexion-extension roentgenogram. These findings can be aptly applied to clinical situations and when instability as determined by the above criteria is present, surgical fusion or some other method to achieve stability should be seriously considered. Work is continuing on this problem as we do not consider this to be altogether complete or definitive. Hopefully, this initial study will stimulate further scientific and clinical investigations.

Humans and old world monkeys have similar patterns of fetal globin expression

The expression of epsilon- and gamma-globin mRNA and protein has been determined in three Old World monkey species (Macaca mulatta, Macaca nemestrina, and Cercopithecus aethiops). Using RT-PCR with primers for epsilon- and gamma-globin, both mRNAs were detected in early fetal stages, whereas at 128 days (85% of full term), only gamma was expressed. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for separation and quantitation, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry was used for identification of globin polypeptides. An alpha-globin polymorphism was observed in all of the species examined. During fetal life, gamma-globin was the predominant expressed beta-type globin. The red blood cells of infants still contained substantial amounts of gamma-globin, which declined to negligible levels in 14 weeks as beta-globin expression reached adult values. The ratio of gamma1- to gamma2-globins (equivalent to Ggamma/Agamma in humans) was approximately 2.5, similar to the Ggamma/Agamma ratio observed in humans. Thus, gamma-globin gene expression in these Old World monkeys species has three features in common with human expression: expression of both duplicated gamma genes, the relative preponderance of gamma1 over gamma2 expression, and the delay of the switch from gamma- to beta-globin until the perinatal period. Thus, the catarrhines seem to share a common pattern of developmental switching in the beta-globin gene cluster, which is distinct from the timing of expression in either prosimians or the New World monkeys. Our results indicate that an Old World monkey, such as Rhesus, could serve as a model organism (resembling humans) for experimentally investigating globin gene expression patterns during the embryonic, fetal, and postnatal stages.

Multimodal versus progressive treatment techniques to correct burn scar contractures

The treatment of burn scar contractures is a major emphasis in the rehabilitation of patients with burn injuries. Many treatment techniques have been used successfully but without a critical investigation of the best practice of care. In this study, we compared the outcomes for pediatric and adult patients treated with a multimodal therapy approach to treatment techniques that are considered to be progressive to determine if differences existed in the techniques. The medical records of 52 patients with documented burn scar contractures were reviewed for patient and rehabilitation treatment parameters. Included were population demographic information and type of treatment intervention used to correct the scar contracture. In particular, the postburn day when the contracture appeared, the percentage of range of motion deficit, the day when definitive treatment that eventually corrected the contracture was begun, and the days required to correct the contracture were noted. With equal range-of-motion deficits identified, the burn scar contractures of patients in the progressive treatment group were corrected in less than half the time of the burn scar contractures of the patients in the multimodal treatment group. This result occurred despite scar contractures that appeared significantly earlier and later initiation of definitive treatment.

Red cells from glutathione peroxidase-1-deficient mice have nearly normal defenses against exogenous peroxides

The role of glutathione peroxidase in red cell anti-oxidant defense was examined using erythrocytes from mice with a genetically engineered disruption of the glutathione peroxidase-1 (GSHPx-1) gene. Because GSHPx-1 is the sole glutathione peroxidase in the erythrocyte, all red cell GSH peroxidase activity was eliminated. Oxidation of hemoglobin and membrane lipids, using the cis-parinaric acid assay, was determined during oxidant challenge from cumene hydroperoxide and H(2)O(2). No difference was detected between wild-type red cells and GSHPx-1-deficient cells, even at high H(2)O(2) exposures. Thus, GSHPx-1 appears to play little or no role in the defense of the erythrocyte against exposure to peroxide. Simultaneous exposure to an H(2)O(2) flux and the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole supported this conclusion. Hemoglobin oxidation occurred only when catalase was depleted. Circulating erythrocytes from the GSHPx-1-deficient mice exhibited a slight reduction in membrane thiols, indicating that high exposure to peroxides might occur naturally in the circulation. (Blood. 2000;96:1985-1988)

Diagnosing and managing seasonal affective disorder

Mood and behavior changes that have a seasonal pattern were first called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in 1984. SAD, which affects about 5% of Americans, is most common among reproductive-age women. Afflicted patients typically experience debilitating somatic complaints of fatigue, discomfort, lethargy and atypical depressive complaints of hypersomnia, increased appetite, carbohydrate craving, and weight gain. This article presents current issues in the clinical assessment and management of SAD.

Needle diameter in outpatient myelography: rates of adverse effects and current practice trends

Telephone calls were made to 1251 consecutive patients one day following outpatient myelography. Data were available on 518 patients punctured with 22-gauge (g) (large-diameter) and 465 with 25-g (small-diameter) spinal needles. We surveyed 48 academic and private practice groups regarding needle diameter use in myelography; data were obtained from 34 private practice and 14 academic radiology departments. Patients reported adverse effects including mild and severe headache, back pain and nausea. The percentage of total adverse effects was significantly greater in the 22-g than in the 25-g needle group. The percentage of patients with headache was higher in the 22-g than in the 25-g group, but this difference was not statistically significant. Only 19% of private practice groups and 17% of academic centers use 25-g needles; the remainder use 20-g or 22-g needles.