bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schistosome Egg Antigens Elicit a Proinflammatory Response by Trophoblast Cells of the Human Placenta
Authors: McDonald Emily A. , Kurtis Jonathan D. , Acosta Luz , Gundogan Fusun , Sharma Surendra , Pond-Tor Sunthorn , Wu Hai-wei , Friedman Jennifer F.
Published: December 2012

Schistosomiasis affects nearly 40 million women of reproductive age. Many of these women are infected while pregnant and lactating. Several studies have demonstrated transplacental trafficking of schistosome antigens; however, little is known regarding how these antigens affect the developing fetus and placenta. To evaluate the impact of schistosomiasis on trophoblasts of the human placenta, we isolated primary trophoblast cells from healthy placentas delivered at term. These trophoblasts were placed in culture and treated with
Schistosoma japonicum
soluble egg antigens (SEA) or plasma from
S. japonicum
-infected pregnant women. Outcomes measured included cytokine production and activation of signal transduction pathways. Treatment of primary human trophoblast cells with SEA resulted in upregulation of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 and the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α). Cytokine production in response to SEA was dose dependent and reminiscent of production in response to other proinflammatory stimuli, such as Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 agonists. In addition, the signaling pathways extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), p38, and NF-κB were all activated by SEA in primary trophoblasts. These effects appeared to be mediated through both carbohydrate and protein epitopes of SEA. Finally, primary trophoblasts cocultured with plasma from
S. japonicum
-infected pregnant women produced increased levels of IL-8 compared to trophoblasts cocultured with plasma from uninfected pregnant women. We report here a direct impact of SEA on primary human trophoblast cells, which are critical for many aspects of a healthy pregnancy. Our data indicate that schistosome antigens can activate proinflammatory responses in trophoblasts, which might compromise maternal-fetal health in pregnancies complicated by schistosomiasis.
Quantification of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound in HCC: prediction of response to a new combination therapy of sorafenib and panobinostat in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Knieling Ferdinand , Waldner Maximilian J , Goertz Ruediger S , Strobel Deike
Published: December 2012

Here, we report the case of a patient, who showed an antitumour response to a new combination therapy of sorafenib and the histon deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat (LBH-589). D-CEUS (Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography) was able to predict response to the new therapy regime and may be an interesting tool in the early evaluation of response to therapy. It might be especially useful to differentiate between responders and non-responders of new-targeted pharmaceuticals like multikinase inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinomas.
Republished: Bacterial proteases in IBD and IBS
Authors: Steck Natalie , Mueller Kerstin , Schemann Michael , Haller Dirk
Published: December 2012

Proteases play a decisive role in health and disease. They fulfil diverse functions and have been associated with the pathology of gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The current knowledge focuses on host-derived proteases including matrix metalloproteinases, various serine proteases and cathepsins. The possible contribution of bacterial proteases has been largely ignored in the pathogenesis of IBD and IBS, although there is increasing evidence, especially demonstrated for proteases from pathogenic bacteria. The underlying mechanisms extend to proteases from commensal bacteria which may be relevant for disease susceptibility. The intestinal microbiota and its proteolytic capacity exhibit the potential to contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD and IBS. This review highlights the relevance of host- and bacteria-derived proteases and their signalling mechanisms.
Effects of discharge regulation on slackwater characteristics at multiple scales in a lowland river
Authors: Price Amina E. , Humphries Paul , Gawne Ben , Thoms Martin C.
Published: December 2012

The spatial and temporal dynamics of physical habitat in rivers is driven by the interaction between channel morphology and discharge. However, little is known about how altered discharge affects the dynamics of habitat patches such as slackwaters. This study investigated the influence of discharge on the availability, stability, quality, and diversity of slackwaters in a southeastern Australian lowland river. The area, spatial configuration, permanence, and within-patch characteristics of slackwaters of two reaches in a regulated section and two reaches in a largely unregulated section of the river were compared. There was less slackwater area and it was less permanent at higher discharges and in the two regulated reaches than at lower discharges and in the largely unregulated reaches. Individual slackwaters were more homogenous in relation to within-patch characteristics in the regulated than in the largely unregulated reaches. However, variability in the spatial configuration of slackwaters and within-patch characteristics and diversity at the reach scale were not related to discharge. We suggest that channel morphology, rather than discharge, is the main driver of these characteristics.
Behavioural and genetic analyses of mate choice and reproductive success in two Chinook salmon populations
Authors: Evans Melissa L. , Neff Bryan D. , Heath Daniel D.
Published: December 2012

Sexual selection is recognized as an important evolutionary force in salmon. However, relatively little is known about variation in sexual selection pressures across salmon populations or the potential role of natural selection as a driver of adaptive mating patterns. Here, we examine mating behaviour and correlates of reproductive success in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from the Quinsam and Little Qualicum rivers in British Columbia, Canada — two populations for which we have previously found evidence of natural selection operating on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. In both populations, males courted females and exhibited dominance behaviour towards other males, and the frequency of each behaviour was positively associated with reproductive success. Males were more aggressive towards females with whom they would produce offspring of low or high MHC class II diversity, and the offspring of males from the Quinsam River exhibited higher diversity at the MHC class I than expected. We discuss our results in relation to local natural selection pressures on the MHC and the potential for MHC-dependent mate choice.
Sphingolipids: A Potential Molecular Approach to Treat Allergic Inflammation
Authors: Sun Wai Y. , Bonder Claudine S.
Published: December 2012

Allergic inflammation is an immune response to foreign antigens, which begins within minutes of exposure to the allergen followed by a late phase leading to chronic inflammation. Prolonged allergic inflammation manifests in diseases such as urticaria and rhino-conjunctivitis, as well as chronic asthma and life-threatening anaphylaxis. The prevalence of allergic diseases is profound with 25% of the worldwide population affected and a rising trend across all ages, gender, and racial groups. The identification and avoidance of allergens can manage this disease, but this is not always possible with triggers being common foods, prevalent air-borne particles and only extremely low levels of allergen exposure required for sensitization. Patients who are sensitive to multiple allergens require prophylactic and symptomatic treatments. Current treatments are often suboptimal and associated with adverse effects, such as the interruption of cognition, sleep cycles, and endocrine homeostasis, all of which affect quality of life and are a financial burden to society. Clearly, a better therapeutic approach for allergic diseases is required. Herein, we review the current knowledge of allergic inflammation and discuss the role of sphingolipids as potential targets to regulate inflammatory development in vivo and in humans. We also discuss the benefits and risks of using sphingolipid inhibitors.
Factors Involved in theIn VitroFermentability of Short Carbohydrates in Static Faecal Batch Cultures
Authors: Gietl Eva , Mengerink Wim , de Slegte Jaap , Gibson Glenn , Rastall Robert , van den Heuvel Ellen
Published: December 2012

In recent years, research has focused on the positive effects of prebiotics on intestinal health and gut microbiota. The relationship between their chemical structure and their fermentation pattern by human intestinal microbiota is still not well understood. The aim of this study was to improve understanding of this relationship and identify factors that may be used to design galactooligosaccharides that reach more distal regions than commercial prebiotics which mainly target the proximal colon. The following factors were investigated: monomer type, linkage, substitution, and degree of polymerisation. Total organic acid production from sugars by faecal bacteria was fitted to a model which allowed an estimate of the time when half of the maximal organic acid concentration was reached (T50) in static faecal batch cultures. The different factors can be grouped by their effectiveness at prolonging fermentation time as follows: substitution is most effective, with methylgalactose,β-galactose-pentaacetate, D-fucose, and galactitol fermented more slowly than D-galactose. Monomers and linkage also influence fermentation time, with L rhamnose, arabinose, melezitose, and xylose being fermented significantly slower than D-glucose (P<0.05), maltose, isomaltose, cellobiose, and gentiobiose showing that Glcα1-6Glc and Glcβ1-4Glc were utilised slowest. Chain length had the smallest effect on fermentation time.
Spinning Dust Emission from Wobbling Grains: Important Physical Effects and Implications
Authors: Hoang Thiem , Lazarian A.
Published: December 2012

We review the major progress on the modeling of electric dipole emission from rapidly spinning tiny dust grains, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We begin by summarizing the original model of spinning dust proposed by Draine and Lazarian and recent theoretical results improving the Draine and Lazarian model. The paper is focused on important physical effects that were disregarded in earlier studies for the sake of simplicity and recently accounted for by us, including grain wobbling due to internal relaxation, impulsive excitation by single-ion collisions, the triaxiality of grain shape, charge fluctuations, and the turbulent nature of astrophysical environments. Implications of the spinning dust for constraining the physical properties of ultrasmall dust grains and environmental conditions are discussed. We discuss the alignment of tiny dust grains and the possibility of polarized spinning dust emission. Suggestions for constraining the alignment of tiny grains and polarization of spinning dust are also discussed.
A Novel Technique of Impression Procedure in a Hemimaxillectomy Patient with Microstomia
Authors: Deogade Suryakant C.
Published: December 2012

A restricted mouth opening in hemimaxillectomy patient can create a significant problem with the insertion and the removal of the obturator prosthesis. Even it poses a problem in impression making due to small oral opening. A modification of the standard impression procedure is often necessary to accomplish an acceptable impression in the fabrication of a successful prosthesis. Sectional trays are a good option for such patients. This paper describes a novel technique of impression procedure and a method of fabricating a sectional tray with the anterior and the posterior locking mechanism for a hemimaxillectomy patient with limited oral opening.
An Insight into the Genesis of Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia in a Case Report
Authors: Kumar Kiran , Shetty Devi Charan , Dua Mahima , Dua Amit , Dhanapal Raghu
Published: December 2012

Hypohidrotic (anhidrotic) ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a congenital syndrome characterized by sparse hair, oligodontia, and reduced sweating. It is estimated to affect at least one in 17000 people worldwide. We report a rare case of HED in a 14-year-old male child patient which extraorally manifested as alopecia, scanty eyebrow and eye lashes, frontal bossing, depressed nasal bridge, and full and everted lips. Intraoral examination revealed complete anodontia of the deciduous teeth and partial anodontia of the permanent teeth. It is usually inherited as an X-linked recessive trait caused by mutation in any of the three EDA pathway genes. X-linked and autosomal recessive forms are phenotypically similar; thus, identification of carriers of partial forms of the disorder in their families is the key to clarifying intrafamilial genetic transmission.
First Case Report of Turcot Syndrome Type 1 in Colombia
Authors: Dora Vallejo , Diego Garnica , Rómulo Bonilla , Natalia Olaya
Published: December 2012

Turcot syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder clinically characterized by the occurrence of primary tumors of the central nervous system and adenomatous colonic polyps during the first or second decades of life, with a spectrum of clinical features such as “café-au-lait” spots, axillary freckling, and hyperpigmented spots. Currently its prevalence globally and in Colombia remains unknown. We present the case of a 20-year-old male with a clinical presentation of both glioblastoma multiforme and multiple adenomatous colonic polyps. The molecular genetics study revealed a mutation in KrasAsp12gene and altered expression of HMSH2 and HMSH6 proteins encoded by the DNA mismatch repair genes in two of the colonic polyps. Even though this clinical presentation may suggest a shorter survival rate, this patient is still alive after seven months of treatment. A literature review complements this report.
Uncommon Cause of Psychotic Behavior in a 9-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report
Authors: Van Putten Willemina K. , Hachimi-Idrissi Said , Jansen Anna , Van Gorp Viola , Huyghens Luc
Published: December 2012

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors encephalitis (ANMDARE) is a well-defined, life threatening, but treatable disorder that often occurs as a paraneoplastic manifestation of ovarian teratomas in adult women. We report a child with this disorder who displayed a subacute onset of delirium, seizures, and autonomic instability. Antibodies against NMDA receptor were detectable in the serum and in the cerebrospinal fluid. No teratoma or other tumour was detected. We speculate that the previous viral/mycoplasma infection may be the trigger of this encephalitis. This patient showed a reversal of the neurological symptoms after intravenous immunoglobulin. Prompt recognition of this disorder followed by immunotherapy results in full neurological recovery.
Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy in a 1-Month-Old Infant
Authors: Mares Joseph C. , Bar-Cohen Yaniv
Published: December 2012

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common arrhythmia in children and is especially common in infants. SVT is typically thought of as an acute condition; however, if unrecognized, a persistent tachyarrhythmia can progress to a state of cardiac contractile dysfunction known as tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. A high index of suspicion for an underlying arrhythmia is needed in the workup of any patient with new onset heart failure, and the 12-lead electrocardiogram can aid in the diagnosis. While this may be a rare cause of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure in children, the condition is usually reversible and should be considered in infants and young children.
Diet, Inflammation, and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Integrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Nowlin Sarah Y. , Hammer Marilyn J. , D'Eramo Melkus Gail
Published: December 2012

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing national health problem affecting 35% of adults ≥20 years of age in the United States. Recently, diabetes has been categorized as an inflammatory disease, sharing many of the adverse outcomes as those reported from cardiovascular disease. Medical nutrition therapy is recommended for the treatment of diabetes; however, these recommendations have not been updated to target the inflammatory component, which can be affected by diet and lifestyle. To assess the current state of evidence for which dietary programs contain the most anti-inflammatory and glycemic control properties for patients with T2D, we conducted an integrative review of the literature. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 2000 to May 2012 yielded 786 articles. The final 16 studies met the selection criteria including randomized control trials, quasiexperimental, or cross-sectional studies that compared varying diets and measured inflammatory markers. The Mediterranean and DASH diets along with several low-fat diets were associated with lower inflammatory markers. The Mediterranean diet demonstrated the most clinically significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Information on best dietary guidelines for inflammation and glycemic control in individuals with T2D is lacking. Continued research is warranted.
Parallel Computing for LURR of Earthquake Prediction
Authors: Feng Yangde , Ji Guoliang , Cui Wenkai
Published: December 2012

The LURR theory is a new approach for earthquake prediction, which achieves a good result within China mainland and some regions in America, Japan, and Australia. However, the expansion of the prediction region leads to the refinement of its longitude and latitude and the increase of the time period. This requires more and more computations and volume of data reaching the order of GB, which will be very difficult for a single CPU. In this paper, adopting the technology of domain decomposition and parallelizing using MPI, we developed a new parallel tempospatial scanning program.
Limit‐Cycle‐Preserving Simulation of Gene Regulatory Oscillators
Authors: You Xiong
Published: December 2012

In order to simulate gene regulatory oscillators more effectively, Runge‐Kutta (RK) integrators are adapted to the limit‐cycle structure of the system. Taking into account the oscillatory feature of the gene regulatory oscillators, phase‐fitted and amplification‐fitted Runge‐Kutta (FRK) methods are designed. New FRK methods with phase‐fitted and amplification‐fitted updated are also considered. The error coefficients and the error constant for each of new FRK methods are obtained. In the numerical simulation of the two‐gene regulatory system, the new methods are shown to be more accurate and more efficient than their prototype RK methods in the long‐term integration. It is a new discovery that the best fitting frequency not only depends on the problem to be solved, but also depends on the method.
Clinical Management of Acute Interstitial Pneumonia: A Case Report
Authors: Xia Yang , Liang Zhenyu , Fu Zhenzhen , Liu Laiyu , Paudel Omkar , Cai Shaoxi
Published: December 2012

We describe a 51-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital because of cough and expectoration accompanied with general fatigue and progressive dyspnea. Chest HRCT scan showed areas of ground glass attenuation, consolidation, and traction bronchiectasis in bilateral bases of lungs. BAL fluid test and transbronchial lung biopsy failed to offer insightful evidence for diagnosis. She was clinically diagnosed with acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP). Treatment with mechanical ventilation and intravenous application of methylprednisolone (80 mg/day) showed poor clinical response and thus was followed by steroid pulse therapy (500 mg/day, 3 days). However, she died of respiratory dysfunction eventually. Autopsy showed diffuse alveolar damage associated with hyaline membrane formation, pulmonary interstitial, immature collagen edema, and focal type II pneumocyte hyperplasia.
Influence of Diet and Tobacco Smoking on Pancreatic Cancer Incidence in Poland in 1960–2008
Authors: Jarosz Mirosław , Sekuła Włodzimierz , Rychlik Ewa
Published: December 2012

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between pancreatic cancer incidence and selected dietary factors, alcohol consumption, and tobacco smoking in Poland in 1960–2008. Data on pancreatic cancer morbidity were derived from the National Cancer Registry and on food consumption from the national food balance sheets. In 1960–1989 correlations were found between pancreatic cancer incidence rates and energy (0.60 for males and 0.57 for females), cholesterol (0.87 and 0.80), fibre (−0.84 and −0.89) and folate (−0.45 and −0.49) intake, the consumption of total fats (0.94 and 0.91), animal fats (0,90 and 0,82), sugar (0.88 and 0.87), cereals (−0.93 and −0.91), and alcohol (0.86 and 0.82). In 1990–2008 morbidity correlated with the consumption of red meat (0.67 and 0.48), poultry (−0.88 and −0.57), and fruit (−0.62 and −0.50). Correlation with tobacco smoking was observed in the whole studied period (0.55 and 0.44). Increased incidence of pancreatic cancer in 1960–1995 was probably related to adverse dietary patterns up to 1989, especially high consumption of fats, sugar, and alcohol. Further positive changes in the diet such as lowering red meat consumption and increasing fruit consumption could influence incidence reduction in recent years. Also changes in tobacco smoking could affect the morbidity.
Factors Associated with the Decline of Kidney Function Differ among eGFR Strata in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Meguro Shu , Tomita Masuomi , Kabeya Yusuke , Katsuki Takeshi , Oikawa Yoichi , Shimada Akira , Kawai Toshihide , Itoh Hiroshi , Atsumi Yoshihito
Published: December 2012

Introduction. There is no report about risk factors for renal deterioration according to the clinical stage, divided by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in type 2 diabetes.Materials and Methods. We evaluated the factors correlated with the annual eGFR decline in 1303 subjects with type 2 diabetes whose eGFR was ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2. eGFR strata were defined by baseline eGFR value as follows: stratum 1: ≥90, stratum 2: ≥60, <90, and stratum 3: ≥30, <60.Results. The annual eGFR decline was2.3±5.4 mL/min/1.73 m2in overall subjects. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that age, male sex, systolic blood pressure, logarithmically transformed albumin excretion rate (AER), eGFR strata, and hemoglobin concentration were significantly correlated with the annual eGFR decline. When stratified by eGFR, the factors that showed a significant correlation were different among eGFR strata. AER was significantly correlated with annual eGFR decline in all eGFR strata. Hemoglobin concentration showed a significant correlation only in the advanced eGFR stratum.Conclusion. The factors correlated with the annual eGFR decline were different among eGFR strata in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hemoglobin concentration and AER were important factors for renal deterioration, especially in the advanced eGFR stratum.
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus Infection among General Population in Central Region of Yemen
Authors: Gacche Rajesh N. , Al-Mohani Sadiq K.
Published: December 2012

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major worldwide public health problem.
Though several studies from Yemen have provided an estimate of the prevalence
of this viral infection, there exist only few studies which reflect the status in the general population.
Aim. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C infection among
general population in central region of Yemen. Methods. The study population comprised 2,379 apparently
healthy subjects who were screened for hepatitis C antibodies (HCV Abs) status using ELISA quantitative
technique. Seroprevalence rate of seropositive subjects was calculated and stratified by age, sex,
educational level, and monthly income. Results. The study showed that out of 2,379 subjects, 31
(1.3%) were HCV Abs positive. Higher prevalence of HCV Abs was found among females, 24
(1.01%), than males, 7 (0.29%). The age specific prevalence rose from 00 (0.00%) in subjects aged
≤14 years to a maximum of 9 (0.38%) in subjects aged ≥55 years. The prevalence of HCV Abs was
more prevalent in illiterate subjects and increased with decreasing monthly income. Conclusion.
It was found that variables including age and educational level were significantly associated with
HCV Ab positivity and not associated with gender and monthly income.
A High Ductal Flow Velocity Is Associated with Successful Pharmacological Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants 22–27 Weeks Gestational Age
Authors: Olsson Karl Wilhelm , Jonzon Anders , Sindelar Richard
Published: December 2012

Objective. To identify factors affecting closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in newborn infants born at 22–27 weeks gestational age (GA) during pharmacological treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitors.Method. Infants born at 22–27 weeks of GA between January 2006 and December 2009 who had been treated pharmacologically for PDA were identified retrospectively. Medical records were assessed for clinical, ventilatory, and outcome parameters. Echocardiographic examinations during treatment were reviewed.Results. Fifty-six infants were included in the study. Overall success rate of ductal closure with pharmacological treatment was 52%. Infants whose PDA was successfully closed had a higher GA (25+4weeks versus24+3weeks;P=0.047),and a higher pretreatment left to right maximal ductal flow velocity (1.6 m/s versus 1.1 m/s;P=0.023). Correcting for GA, preeclampsia, antenatal steroids, and age at start of treatment, a higher maximal ductal flow velocity was still associated with successful ductal closure (OR 3.04;P=0.049).Conclusion. Maximal ductal flow velocity was independently associated with success of PDA treatment.
Hepatic Myelopathy in a Patient with Decompensated Alcoholic Cirrhosis and Portal Colopathy
Authors: Premkumar Madhumita , Bagchi Avishek , Kapoor Neha , Gupta Ankit , Maurya Gaurav , Vatsya Shubham , Kapahtia Siddharth , Kar Premashish
Published: December 2012

Cirrhotic or hepatic myelopathy is a rare neurological complication of chronic liver disease usually seen in adults and presents as a progressive pure motor spastic paraparesis which is usually associated with overt liver failure and a surgical or spontaneous systemic portocaval shunt. We describe the development of progressive spastic paraparesis, in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis with portal hypertension and portal colopathy who presented with the first episode of hepatic encephalopathy. The patient had not undergone any shunt procedure.
Plasma Reactors and Plasma Thrusters Modeling by Ar Complete Global Models
Authors: Berenguer Chloe , Katsonis Konstantinos
Published: December 2012

A complete global model for argon was developed and adapted to plasma reactor and plasma thruster modeling. It takes into consideration ground level and excited Ar and Ar+species and the reactor and thruster form factors. The electronic temperature, the species densities, and the ionization percentage, depending mainly on the pressure and the absorbed power, have been obtained and commented for various physical conditions.
Application of Seemingly Unrelated Regression in Medical Data with Intermittently Observed Time-Dependent Covariates
Authors: Keshavarzi Sareh , Ayatollahi Seyyed Mohammad Taghi , Zare Najaf , Pakfetrat Maryam
Published: December 2012

Background. In many studies with longitudinal data, time-dependent covariates can only be measured intermittently (not at all observation times), and this presents difficulties for standard statistical analyses. This situation is common in medical studies, and methods that deal with this challenge would be useful.Methods. In this study, we performed the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) based models, with respect to each observation time in longitudinal data with intermittently observed time-dependent covariates and further compared these models with mixed-effect regression models (MRMs) under three classic imputation procedures. Simulation studies were performed to compare the sample size properties of the estimated coefficients for different modeling choices.Results. In general, the proposed models in the presence of intermittently observed time-dependent covariates showed a good performance. However, when we considered only the observed values of the covariate without any imputations, the resulted biases were greater. The performances of the proposed SUR-based models in comparison with MRM using classic imputation methods were nearly similar with approximately equal amounts of bias and MSE.Conclusion. The simulation study suggests that the SUR-based models work as efficiently as MRM in the case of intermittently observed time-dependent covariates. Thus, it can be used as an alternative to MRM.
Evaluation and Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures
Authors: Khmelnitskaya Ekaterina , Lamont Lauren E. , Taylor Samuel A. , Lorich Dean G. , Dines David M. , Dines Joshua S.
Published: December 2012

Proximal humerus fractures are common injuries, especially among older osteoporotic women. Restoration of function requires a thorough understanding of the neurovascular, musculotendinous, and bony anatomy. This paper addresses the relevant anatomy and highlights various management options, including indication for arthroplasty. In the vast majority of cases, proximal humerus fractures may be treated nonoperatively. In the case of displaced fractures, when surgical intervention may be pursued, numerous constructs have been investigated. Of these, the proximal humerus locking plate is the most widely used. Arthroplasty is generally reserved for comminuted 4-part fractures, head-split fractures, or fractures with significant underlying arthritic changes. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is reserved for patients with a deficient rotator cuff, or highly comminuted tuberosities.
Bacteriophages and Their Role in Food Safety
Authors: Sillankorva Sanna M. , Oliveira Hugo , Azeredo Joana
Published: December 2012

The interest for natural antimicrobial compounds has increased due to alterations in consumer positions towards the use of chemical preservatives in foodstuff and food processing surfaces. Bacteriophages fit in the class of natural antimicrobial and their effectiveness in controlling bacterial pathogens in agro-food industry has led to the development of different phage products already approved by USFDA and USDA. The majority of these products are to be used in farm animals or animal products such as carcasses, meats and also in agricultural and horticultural products. Treatment with specific phages in the food industry can prevent the decay of products and the spread of bacterial diseases and ultimately promote safe environments in animal and plant food production, processing, and handling. This is an overview of recent work carried out with phages as tools to promote food safety, starting with a general introduction describing the prevalence of foodborne pathogens and bacteriophages and a more detailed discussion on the use of phage therapy to prevent and treat experimentally induced infections of animals against the most common foodborne pathogens, the use of phages as biocontrol agents in foods, and also their use as biosanitizers of food contact surfaces.
The Link between Peer Relations, Prosocial Behavior, and ODD/ADHD Symptoms in 7–9-Year-Old Children
Authors: Paap Muirne C. S. , Haraldsen Ira R. , Breivik Kyrre , Butcher Phillipa R. , Hellem Frøydis M. , Stormark Kjell M.
Published: December 2012

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are characterized by symptoms that hinder successful positive interaction with peers. The main goal of this study was to examine if the presence of symptoms of ODD and ADHD affects the relationship between positive social behavior and peer status found in 7–9-year-old children who show symptoms typical of ADHD and/or ODD. Furthermore, the possible interaction with sex was investigated. We used data collected in the first wave of The Bergen Child Study of mental health (BCS), a prospective longitudinal total population study of children’s developmental and mental health. The target population consisted of children in the second to the fourth, in all public, private, and special schools in Bergen, Norway, in the fall of 2002 (N=9430). All 79 primary schools in Bergen participated in the study. Both teacher (8809 complete cases) and parent (6253 complete cases) report were used in the analyses. ADHD and ODD scores were estimated using the Swanson Noland and Pelham rating scale version IV (SNAP-IV), and peer problems and prosocial behavior were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). We replicated the relationship between peer problems and prosocial behavior found previously in typically developing children. Our results showed that the relationship between peer problems and prosocial behavior became weaker as the ODD symptoms increased in number and severity. For ADHD this effect was only found in the teacher report of the children. A sex effect for ODD symptoms was found only using the parent report: boys with ODD symptoms showed less prosocial behavior than girls with similar levels of ODD symptoms. Since this effect was not found using the teacher data, it may imply a situational effect (school/home) for girls with high levels of ODD. The moderator effect of ODD/ADHD was comparable for boys and girls. Our findings suggest that even if children with ADHD/ODD symptoms have the opportunity to practice their social skills in peer relationships, this is not necessarily accompanied by an increase in prosocial behavior.
Electronically Tunable Transimpedance Instrumentation Amplifier Based on OTRA
Authors: Pandey Rajeshwari , Pandey Neeta , Paul Sajal K.
Published: December 2012

Operational transresistance amplifier (OTRA) is the most suitable analog building block (ABB) for transimpedance type signal processing due to its very nature of current input and voltage output. In this paper, OTRA-based transimpedance instrumentation amplifier (TIA) is presented. It provides high differential gain and bandwidth, which is independent of gain. It also offers high common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR). The amplifier gain can be controlled electronically by implementing resistors using MOS transistors operating in linear region. The circuit can be made fully integrated. The proposed circuit is insensitive to parasitic input capacitances and input resistances due to the internally grounded input terminals of OTRA. Theoretical analysis is verified through PSPICE simulations and experimentation.
Easy Access to Coumarin Derivatives Using Alumina Sulfuric Acid as an Efficient and Reusable Catalyst under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Amoozadeh Ali , Ahmadzadeh Majid , Kolvari Eskandar
Published: December 2012

A new and efficient condition for the use of alumina sulfuric acid (ASA) as a heterogeneous catalyst in the Pechmann condensation reaction in solvent‐free condition for the formation of coumarins has been reported.
Multiple Criteria ABC Analysis with FCM Clustering
Authors: Aydin Keskin Gulsen , Ozkan Coskun
Published: December 2012

The number of stock keeping units (SKUs) possessed by organizations can easily reach quite a few. An inventory management policy for each individual SKU is not economical to design. ABC analysis is one of the conventionally used approaches to classify SKUs. In the classical method, the SKUs are ranked with respect to the descending order of the annual dollar usage, which is the product of unit price and annual demand. The few of the SKUs that have the highest annual dollar usage are in group A and should be taken into account mostly; the SKUs with the least annual dollar usage are in group C and should be taken into account least; the remaining SKUs are in group B. In this study, we proposed fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering to a multicriteria ABC analysis problem to help managers to make better decision under fuzzy circumstancse. The obtained results show that the FCM is a quite simple and an easily adaptable method to inventory management.
Development and Evaluation of Dual Cross-Linked Pulsatile Beads for Chronotherapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bansal Abanesh kumar , Pande Vishal
Published: December 2012

In the present investigation, pulsatile release beads were prepared by ionic gelation technique. Lornoxicam dual cross-linked beads were prepared by dropping dispersed phase of lornoxicam, pectin, and sodium alginate into the dispersion phase of different concentrations of calcium chloride solution followed by aluminium chloride solution. The formulated beads were further coated by Eudragit L & S 100 in the ratio 1 : 2 w/w in order to achieve desired lag time. In vitro release study showed lag time of 5–8 h before release of lornoxicam from the formulated beads. Thus, formulated dual cross-linked beads when administered at bed time may release lornoxicam when needed most for chronotherapeutics of early morning rheumatoid arthritis attacks in chronic patients.
Production of Biodiesel (B100) from Jatropha Oil Using Sodium Hydroxide as Catalyst
Authors: Folaranmi Joshua
Published: December 2012

This research work is about the production of biodiesel from jatropha oil. Other oils can also be used for the production, but jatropha was chosen because it is not edible therefore, it will not pose a problem to humans in terms of food competition. Before the transesterification process was carried out, some basic tests such as free fatty acid content, iodine value, and moisture content were carried out. This was done so as to ascertain quality yield of the biodiesel after the reaction. The production of the biodiesel was done with standard materials and under standard conditions which made the production a hitch-free one. The jatropha oil was heated to 60°C, and a solution of sodium methoxide (at 60°C) was added to the oil and stirred for 45 minutes using a magnetic stirrer. The mixture was then left to settle for 24 hours. Glycerin, which is the byproduct, was filtered off. The biodiesel was then thoroughly washed to ensure that it was free from excess methanol and soap. The characterization was done at NNPC Kaduna refinery and petrochemicals. The result shows that the product meets the set standard for biodiesel.
Autocrine Motility Factor Promotes HER2 Cleavage and Signaling in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Kho Dhong Hyo , Nangia-Makker Pratima , Balan Vitaly , Hogan Victor , Tait Larry , Wang Yi , Raz Avraham
Published: December 2012

Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is an effective targeted therapy in HER2-overexpressing human breast carcinoma. However, many HER2-positive patients initially or eventually become resistant to this treatment, so elucidating mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance that emerge in breast carcinoma cells is clinically important. Here, we show that autocrine motility factor (AMF) binds to HER2 and induces cleavage to the ectodomain-deleted and constitutively active form p95HER2. Mechanistic investigations indicated that interaction of AMF with HER2 triggers HER2 phosphorylation and metalloprotease-mediated ectodomain shedding, activating phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and ablating the ability of trastuzumab to inhibit breast carcinoma cell growth. Furthermore, we found that HER2 expression and AMF secretion were inversely related in breast carcinoma cells. On the basis of this evidence that AMF may contribute to HER2-mediated breast cancer progression, our findings suggest that AMF–HER2 interaction might be a novel target for therapeutic management of patients with breast cancer, whose disease is resistant to trastuzumab. Cancer Res; 73(4); 1411–9. ©2012 AACR.
Contrasting Hypoxic Effects on Breast Cancer Stem Cell Hierarchy Is Dependent on ER-α Status
Authors: Harrison Hannah , Rogerson Lynsey , Gregson Hannah J. , Brennan Keith R. , Clarke Robert B. , Landberg Göran
Published: December 2012

Tumor hypoxia is often linked to decreased survival in patients with breast cancer and current therapeutic strategies aim to target the hypoxic response. One way in which this is done is by blocking hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. Antiangiogenic therapies show some therapeutic potential with increased disease-free survival, but these initial promising results are short lived and followed by tumor progression. We hypothesized that this may be due to altered cancer stem cell (CSC) activity resulting from increased tumor hypoxia. We studied the effects of hypoxia on CSC activity, using in vitro mammosphere and holoclone assays as well as in vivo limiting dilution experiments, in 13 patient-derived samples and four cell lines. There was a HIF-1α–dependent CSC increase in ER-α–positive cancers following hypoxic exposure, which was blocked by inhibition of estrogen and Notch signaling. A contrasting decrease in CSC was seen in ER-α–negative cancers. We next developed a xenograft model of cell lines and patient-derived samples to assess the hypoxic CSC response. Varying sizes of xenografts were collected and analyzed for HIF1-α expression and CSC. The same ER-α–dependent contrasting hypoxic-CSC response was seen validating the initial observation. These data suggest that ER-α–positive and negative breast cancer subtypes respond differently to hypoxia and, as a consequence, antiangiogenic therapies will not be suitable for both subgroups. Cancer Res; 73(4); 1420–33. ©2012 AACR.
New Strategies in Prostate Cancer: Translating Genomics into the Clinic
Authors: Beltran Himisha , Rubin Mark A.
Published: December 2012

With the rapidly developing use of next-generation sequencing technologies, there has been a surge in our knowledge of the genomic landscape of prostate cancer and a movement toward developing a molecular subclassification system for the disease. With this new understanding comes great clinical potential, both for the development of biomarkers as well as new therapeutic targets. Herein, we highlight the potential clinical use of recent discoveries and how they fit into our current paradigm. We describe the challenges that lie ahead as we move from genomic sequencing toward routine clinical practice and adopt precision cancer care for patients with prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 19(3); 517–23. ©2012 AACR.
MUC1 Vaccine for Individuals with Advanced Adenoma of the Colon: A Cancer Immunoprevention Feasibility Study
Authors: Kimura Takashi , McKolanis John R. , Dzubinski Lynda A. , Islam Kazi , Potter Douglas M. , Salazar Andres M. , Schoen Robert E. , Finn Olivera J.
Published: December 2012

Cancer vaccines based on human tumor-associated antigens (TAA) have been tested in patients with advanced or recurrent cancer, in combination with or following standard therapy. Their immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy has been difficult to properly evaluate in that setting characterized by multiple highly suppressive effects of the tumor and the standard therapy on the patient's immune system. In animal models of human cancer, vaccines administered in the prophylactic setting are most immunogenic and effectively prevent cancer development and progression. We report results of a clinical study that show that in patients without cancer but with a history of premalignant lesions (advanced colonic adenomas, precursors to colon cancer), a vaccine based on the TAA MUC1 was highly immunogenic in 17 of 39 (43.6%) of vaccinated individuals, eliciting high levels of anti-MUC1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and long-lasting immune memory. Lack of response in 22 of 39 individuals was correlated with high levels of circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) prevaccination. Vaccine-elicited MUC1-specific immune response and immune memory were not associated with significant toxicity. Our study shows that vaccines based on human TAAs are immunogenic and safe and capable of eliciting long-term memory that is important for cancer prevention. We also show that in the premalignant setting, immunosuppressive environment (e.g., high levels of MDSC) might already exist in some individuals, suggesting an even earlier premalignant stage or preselection of nonimmunosuppressed patients for prophylactic vaccination. Cancer Prev Res; 6(1); 18–26. ©2012 AACR.
Targeting of Integrin-Linked Kinase with Small Interfering RNA Inhibits VEGF-Induced Angiogenesis in Retinal Endothelial Cells
Authors: Xie Wankun , Zhao Min , Zhou Weiyan , Guo Lili , Huang Lvzhen , Yu Wenzhen , Li Xiaoxin
Published: December 2012

Background: The pathological angiogenesis in the retina is a major cause of vision loss at all ages. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported as the most potent inducer of retinal neovascularization. We previously demonstrated that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) regulates retinal vascular endothelial proliferation, migration and tube formation. However, little is known about the existence of cross-talk between ILK and VEGF signaling in retinal vascular endothelial cells and the probable regulatory role of ILK during VEGF-induced retinal endothelial cell migration. The purpose of this work was to investigate the role of ILK in VEGF-induced retinal neovascularization. Methods: Cultured retinal endothelial cells (RF/6A) were knocked down for ILK using a small interfering RNA (siRNA). For this, cellular ILK expression was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical assay, and cytotoxicity of transfection was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. ILK siRNA-transfected RF/6A cells were induced by VEGF, and cell proliferation was determined by the MTT assay, cell migration was measured by cell counting in modified Boyden chambers and cell spreading and tube formation assays were performed. Furthermore, the impact of ILK-specific siRNA on VEGF-induced VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) phosphorylation and activation of downstream signal pathways were tested by Western blot analysis. Results: Both ILK mRNA and protein levels were virtually undetectable after transfection with ILK siRNA, and blocking the expression of ILK by siRNA significantly inhibited VEGF-induced retinal endothelial cell proliferation, attachment, spreading, migration and tube formation. Knockdown of ILK effectively suppressed VEGF-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt phosphorylation, but had no effects on VEGFR-2, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and Jun N terminus kinase phosphorylation. Conclusion: We conclude that knockdown of ILK with siRNA effectively inhibited VEGF-induced retinal endothelial cell attachment, spreading, migration and tube formation. p38 MAPK and Akt are downstream signaling pathways of the ILK that regulated VEGF-induced retinal neovascularization. Targeting ILK may be a potentially useful therapeutic approach for treating ocular neovascularization.