bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Megaureter
Authors: Hodges Steve J. , Werle David , McLorie Gordon , Atala Anthony
Published: August 2011

Almost one-quarter of the children referred to a pediatric urologist for obstructive uropathy suffer from an obstructive megaureter. However, not all megaureters are due to obstruction, as some may be the result of reflux and many simply represent a slightly skewed stage of development that can result in a normal urinary tract if observed. As the use of fetal ultrasonography has expanded, the majority of children with megaureters are now diagnosed early in their development, and physicians are faced with the complex task of distinguishing which children need medical intervention and which do not. The surgical treatments of megaureter are well established, relatively simple, and effective if performed in the correct candidates. Therefore, research efforts in this field have recently focused on improving our ability to diagnose clinically relevant obstructive uropathy and examining the developmental causes of megaureter, and how this disorder may be prevented.
Thyroid Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma: Review of the Literature
Authors: Sindoni Alessandro , Rizzo Massimo , Tuccari Giovanni , Ieni Antonio , Barresi Valeria , Calbo Letterio , Cucinotta Eugenio , Trimarchi Francesco , Benvenga Salvatore
Published: August 2011

The thyroid gland is a rare site of clinically detectable tumor metastasis and kidneys are frequently the site of the parent malignancy. In the present review on thyroid metastases from renal cell carcinoma, cases were searched on PubMed by entering the strings: “renal carcinoma [or“hypernephroma”] AND thyroid metastasis/metastases”. Thus, we retrieved a total of 111 cases that were published between 1964 and 2007, a total that became 113 by adding two patients observed by us. The female to male ratio was 1.35:1. The primary renal cancer was almost always unilateral (90%) (with no significant side preference) and only rarely bilateral (9% in men, 4% in women), whereas bilaterality of thyroid metastases was relatively more frequent (28%). Thyroid metastasis from renal cancer was commonly single with a unique node that appears solid and hypoechoic at ultrasonography, approximately 9 years after nephrectomy. Concordance of lateralization was insignificantly greater for the right kidney/right thyroid lobe pattern (54%) than for the left kidney/left thyroid lobe pattern (40%), regardless of gender. Finally, survival was longer for women. Thyroid metastases, even if rare in the clinical practice, must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a thyroid nodule, particularly in patients who have a history of malignancies.
The Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Inoculation and Mulch of Contrasting Chemical Composition on the Yield of Cassava under Humid Tropical Conditions
Authors: Okon Iniobong E. , Solomon M. G. , Osonubi O.
Published: August 2011

The influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF),Glomus deserticola, and leaf mulch fromGliricidia sepiumand Senna siamea on the yield of cassava (Manihot esculenta) in a degraded alfisol of southwestern Nigeria was investigated. Inoculation in conjunction with mulching increased cassava tuber yield by 40–278% over the control. The highest yield was obtained withG. sepiumandS. siameamulch applied together in equal proportions. The results are explained in the light of the growth-enhancing effects of AMF, encouraged by the ameliorating effects of mulch on the soil structure and nutrient contents.
Precipitation Chemistry and Occurrence of Acid Rain over the Oil-Producing Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Nduka John Kanayo Chukwu , Orisakwe Orish Ebere
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the nitrate, sulfate, total dissolved solid (TDS), electrical conductivity, total hardness (TH), and bicarbonates of rainwater samples collected from Warri and Port Harcourt between April–June, July–August, and September–October of 2005 and 2006 to depict onset of rainy season, mid-rainy season, and end of rainy season for the two major crude oil–producing cities of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria (although Port Harcourt is also noted for non-oil manufacturing industries). The same was done in Awka, a non-oil producing city in the hinterland of southeastern Nigeria. In each of the cities, rain samples were collected from three points in a triangular equilibrium using a clean plastic basin fastened to a table 2 m above ground level and 115 m away from tall buildings and trees. The parameters were determined after filtering, using their respective standard methods. Averages of 1.50, 1.81, 1.13 and 2.14, 1.50, 1.86 mg/l of nitrate for April–June, July–August, and September–October were recorded for Warri in 2005 and 2006, respectively. While 15.21, 3.23, 22.31 and 20.89, 9.96, and 14.27 mg/l were recorded in Port Harcourt. Sulfate levels for Warri and Port Harcourt for the same periods are follows: 1.38, 1.88, 1.06, 1.50, 1.43, 1.50 and 2.64, 1.15, 5.88, 4.73, 1.90, 1.55 mg/l, respectively. Nitrate levels were higher than sulfate. Other parameters include TDS (5.44, 4.79, 3.30 and 7.63, 3.69, 2.56 mg/l for Warri in 2005 and 2006; 12.57, 2.07, 25.214 and 28.87, 6.73, 7.80 mg/l for Port Harcourt for the same periods). Other parameters also varied in that order for the 2 years in same cities. Crude oil exploration and gas flaring in the Niger Delta, and multiplicity of cottage industries in Awka, impacted on the inorganic ion pollution of the rainwater. This may have public health implications in the region.
Nurturing Holistic Development of University Students in Hong Kong: Where Are We and Where Should We Go?
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: August 2011

With reference to the mental health and developmental problems among university students, there is a need to review the university's role in nurturing holistic development of students. This paper explores the question of how holistic development of university students in Hong Kong can be promoted. Based on the positive youth development approach, it is argued that promotion of intrapersonal competencies, interpersonal relationship skills, civic responsibilities, and citizenship among university students is an important strategy to facilitate holistic development of young people in Hong Kong. Two general education or freshman seminar courses that focus on the cultivation of intrapersonal competencies, interpersonal relationship skills, civic responsibilities, and sense of citizenship among university students in Hong Kong are proposed.
Early Events inPopulusHybrid andFagus sylvaticaLeaves Exposed to Ozone
Authors: Desotgiu R. , Bussotti F. , Faoro F. , Iriti M. , Agati G. , Marzuoli R. , Gerosa G. , Tani C.
Published: August 2011

This paper aims to investigate early responses to ozone in leaves ofFagus sylvatica(beech) andPopulus maximowicziixPopulus berolinensis(poplar). The experimental setup consisted of four open-air (OA) plots, four charcoal-filtered (CF) open-top chambers (OTCs), and four nonfiltered (NF) OTCs. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out on nonsymptomatic (CF) and symptomatic (NF and OA) leaves of both species. Qualitative analyses were performed applying microscopic techniques: Evans blue staining for detection of cell viability, CeCl3staining of transmission electron microscope (TEM) samples to detect the accumulation of H2O2, and multispectral fluorescence microimaging and microspectrofluorometry to investigate the accumulation of fluorescent phenolic compounds in the walls of the damaged cells. Quantitative analyses consisted of the analysis of the chlorophyll a fluorescence transients (fast kinetics). The early responses to ozone were demonstrated by the Evans blue and CeCl3staining techniques that provided evidence of plant responses in both species 1 month before foliar symptoms became visible. The fluorescence transients analysis, too, demonstrated the breakdown of the oxygen evolving system and the inactivation of the end receptors of electrons at a very early stage, both in poplar and in beech. The accumulation of phenolic compounds in the cell walls, on the other hand, was a species-specific response detected in poplar, but not in beech. Evans blue and CeCl3staining, as well as the multispectral fluorescence microimaging and microspectrofluorometry, can be used to support the field diagnosis of ozone injury, whereas the fast kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence provides evidence of early physiological responses.
Multiple Functions of Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Enhancer (PIKE)
Authors: Chan Chi Bun , Ye Keqiang
Published: August 2011

GTP-binding proteins are the molecular switches of numerous cellular functions, including migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In the past 10 years, we have characterized a novel class of GTPases called phosphoinositide-3 kinase enhancer (PIKE) that interacts with PI3K/Akt. In neurons, PIKE is involved in the protective mechanisms against neuroexcitotoxic insults by linking various receptors, such as mGluR1 and Unc5H2, to the PI3K cascade. Interestingly, thePIKEgene (CENTG1) is also amplified in a variety of human cancers and enhances Akt activity, leading to their resistance against apoptosis and invasion. It has also been demonstrated that PIKE is involved in endosome formation and nuclear protein accumulation. Thus, PIKE possesses multitudinous biological functions rather than solely acting as an apoptosis inhibitor. In this review, we will update our current knowledge of the role of PIKE in various cellular activities. Moreover, the functions of PIKE in peripheral tissues as revealed by the unique phenotypes in PIKE knock-out mice will be discussed as well.
New Therapeutic Targets for Mood Disorders
Authors: Machado-Vieira Rodrigo , Salvadore Giacomo , DiazGranados Nancy , Ibrahim Lobna , Latov David , Wheeler-Castillo Cristina , Baumann Jacqueline , Henter Ioline D. , Zarate Carlos A.
Published: August 2011

Existing pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder (BPD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are often insufficient for many patients. Here we describe a number of targets/compounds that clinical and preclinical studies suggest could result in putative novel treatments for mood disorders. These include: (1) glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and protein kinase C (PKC), (2) the purinergic system, (3) histone deacetylases (HDACs), (4) the melatonergic system, (5) the tachykinin neuropeptides system, (6) the glutamatergic system, and (7) oxidative stress and bioenergetics. The paper reviews data on new compounds that have shown antimanic or antidepressant effects in subjects with mood disorders, or similar effects in preclinical animal models. Overall, an improved understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of mood disorders is critical in order to develop targeted treatments that are more effective, act more rapidly, and are better tolerated than currently available therapies.
Genetic Correction of Sickle Cell Anemia and β-Thalassemia: Progress and New Perspective
Authors: Perumbeti Ajay , Malik Punam
Published: August 2011

Gene therapy for β-globinopathies, particularly β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, holds promise for the future as a definitive corrective approach for these common and debilitating disorders. Correction of the β-globinopathies using lentivirus vectors carrying the β- or γ-globin genes and elements of the locus control region has now been well established in murine models, and an understanding of "what is required to cure these diseases" has been developed in the first decade of the 21st century. A clinical trial using one such vector has been initiated in France with intriguing results, while other trials are under development. Vector improvements to enhance the safety and efficiency of lentivirus vectors are being explored, while new strategies, including homologous recombination in induced pluripotent cells, for correction of sickle cell anemia have shown proof-of-conceptin vitro. Here, a review is provided of the current substantial progress in genetic correction of β-globin disorders.
Cellular Senescence: Many Roads, One Final Destination
Authors: Saab Raya
Published: August 2011

Cellular senescence is a tumor-suppressor mechanism that has been shown to occur in response to multiple signals, including oncogenic stress, DNA damage, oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and other tumor-promoting insults. Over the past decade, much has been uncovered regarding the phenotype of this tumor-suppressor response and the underlying pathways necessary for its establishment. However, we have also learned that the intricate details of signaling pathways underlying senescence as a tumor-suppressor response are very much context dependent. In addition, cross-talk among pathways, and negative and positive feedback loops, all complicate our understanding of this process. This short review attempts to summarize what is known to date regarding senescence in tumor suppression, bothin vitroandin vivo. Further insights into pathways necessary for senescence will hopefully identify appropriate targets for interventions to not only induce senescence as a treatment of cancerous lesions, but also to maintain this state in premalignant lesions in an effort to prevent progression to cancer.
Long Noncoding RNAs, Chromatin, and Development
Authors: Caley Daniel P. , Pink Ryan C. , Trujillano Daniel , Carter David R. F.
Published: August 2011

The way in which the genome of a multicellular organism can orchestrate the differentiation of trillions of cells and many organs, all from a single fertilized egg, is the subject of intense study. Different cell types can be defined by the networks of genes they express. This differential expression is regulated at the epigenetic level by chromatin modifications, such as DNA and histone methylation, which interact with structural and enzymatic proteins, resulting in the activation or silencing of any given gene. While detailed mechanisms are emerging on the role of different chromatin modifications and how these functions are effected at the molecular level, it is still unclear how their deposition across the epigenomic landscape is regulated in different cells. A raft of recent evidence is accumulating that implicates long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in these processes. Most genomes studied to date undergo widespread transcription, the majority of which is not translated into proteins. In this review, we will describe recent work suggesting that lncRNAs are more than transcriptional "noise", but instead play a functional role by acting as tethers and guides to bind proteins responsible for modifying chromatin and mediating their deposition at specific genomic locations. We suggest that lncRNAs are at the heart of developmental regulation, determining the epigenetic status and transcriptional network in any given cell type, and that they provide a means to integrate external differentiation cues with dynamic nuclear responses through the regulation of a metastable epigenome. Better characterization of the lncRNA-protein "interactome" may eventually lead to a new molecular toolkit, allowing researchers and clinicians to modulate the genome at the epigenetic level to treat conditions such as cancer.
New Molecular Knowledge Towards the Trigemino-Cardiac Reflex as a Cerebral Oxygen-Conserving Reflex
Authors: Sandu N. , Spiriev T. , Lemaitre F. , Filis A. , Schaller B.
Published: August 2011

The trigemino-cardiac reflex (TCR) represents the most powerful of the autonomous reflexes and is a subphenomenon in the group of the so-called “oxygen-conserving reflexes”. Within seconds after the initiation of such a reflex, there is a powerful and differentiated activation of the sympathetic system with subsequent elevation in regional cerebral blood flow (CBF), with no changes in the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) or in the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglc). Such an increase in regional CBF without a change of CMRO2or CMRglcprovides the brain with oxygen rapidly and efficiently. Features of the reflex have been discovered during skull base surgery, mediating reflex protection projects via currently undefined pathways from the rostral ventrolateral medulla oblongata to the upper brainstem and/or thalamus, which finally engage a small population of neurons in the cortex. This cortical center appears to be dedicated to transduce a neuronal signal reflexively into cerebral vasodilatation and synchronization of electrocortical activity; a fact that seems to be unique among autonomous reflexes. Sympathetic excitation is mediated by cortical-spinal projection to spinal preganglionic sympathetic neurons, whereas bradycardia is mediated via projections to cardiovagal motor medullary neurons. The integrated reflex response serves to redistribute blood from viscera to the brain in response to a challenge to cerebral metabolism, but seems also to initiate a preconditioning mechanism. Previous studies showed a great variability in the human TCR response, in special to external stimuli and individual factors. The TCR gives, therefore, not only new insights into novel therapeutic options for a range of disorders characterized by neuronal death, but also into the cortical and molecular organization of the brain.
Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Fibril Binding to Catalase: A Transmission Electron Microscopy and Microplate Study
Authors: Milton Nathaniel G. N. , Harris J. Robin
Published: August 2011

The diabetes-associated human islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is a 37-amino-acid peptide that forms fibrilsin vitroandin vivo. Human IAPP fibrils are toxic in a similar manner to Alzheimer's amyloid-β (Aβ) and prion protein (PrP) fibrils. Previous studies have shown that catalase binds to Aβ fibrils and appears to recognize a region containing the Gly-Ala-Ile-Ile sequence that is similar to the Gly-Ala-Ile-Leu sequence found in human IAPP residues 24-27. This study presents a transmission electron microscopy (TEM)—based analysis of fibril formation and the binding of human erythrocyte catalase to IAPP fibrils. The results show that human IAPP 1-37, 8-37, and 20-29 peptides form fibrils with diverse and polymorphic structures. All three forms of IAPP bound catalase, and complexes of IAPP 1-37 or 8-37 with catalase were identified by immunoassay. The binding of biotinylated IAPP to catalase was high affinity with a KDof 0.77nM, and could be inhibited by either human or rat IAPP 1-37 and 8-37 forms. Fibrils formed by the PrP 118-135 peptide with a Gly-Ala-Val-Val sequence also bound catalase. These results suggest that catalase recognizes a Gly-Ala-Ile-Leu—like sequence in amyloid fibril-forming peptides. For IAPP 1-37 and 8-37, the catalase binding was primarily directed towards fibrillar rather than ribbon-like structures, suggesting differences in the accessibility of the human IAPP 24-27 Gly-Ala-Ile-Leu region. This suggests that catalase may be able to discriminate between different structural forms of IAPP fibrils. The ability of catalase to bind IAPP, Aβ, and PrP fibrils demonstrates the presence of similar accessible structural motifs that may be targets for antiamyloid therapeutic development.
Reversible Renal Insufficiency Secondary to Extrinsic Splenic Compression of the Kidney in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Hadj-Moussa Miriam , Brown James A.
Published: August 2011

While increased renal venous and direct renal parenchymal pressure may cause renal insufficiency, there are no prior reports of hypersplenism secondary to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) doing so. This first report of massive splenomegaly leading to marked compression of the left kidney associated with renal insufficiency that resolved after splenectomy illustrates that profound extrinsic renal compression from splenomegaly may significantly compromise left renal function and splenectomy should be considered in this situation.
Exact Probabilities and Confidence Limits for Binomial Samples: Applied to the Difference between Two Proportions
Authors: Jäntschi Lorentz , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: August 2011

An exact probabilities method is proposed for computing the confidence limits of medical binomial parameters obtained based on the 2×2 contingency table. The developed algorithm was described and assessed for the difference between two binomial proportions (a bidimensional parameter). The behavior of the proposed method was analyzed and compared to four previously defined methods: Wald and Wilson, with and without continuity corrections. The exact probabilities method proved to be monotonic in computing the confidence limits. The experimental errors of the exact probabilities method applied to the difference between two proportions has never exceeded the imposed significance level of 5%.
Insulin/IGF-I and Related Signaling Pathways Regulate Aging in Nondividing Cells: from Yeast to the Mammalian Brain
Authors: Parrella Edoardo , Longo Valter D.
Published: August 2011

Mutations that reduce glucose or insulin/insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) signaling increase longevity in organisms ranging from yeast to mammals. Over the past 10 years, several studies confirmed this conserved molecular strategy of longevity regulation, and many more have been added to the complex mosaic that links stress resistance and aging. In this review, we will analyze the similarities that have emerged over the last decade between longevity regulatory pathways in organisms ranging from yeast, nematodes, and fruit flies to mice. We will focus on the role of yeast signal transduction proteins Ras, Tor, Sch9, Sir2, their homologs in higher organisms, and their association to oxidative stress and protective systems. We will discuss how the “molecular strategy” responsible for life span extension in response to dietary and genetic manipulations appears to be remarkably conserved in various organisms and cells, including neuronal cells in different organisms. Taken together, these studies indicate that simple model systems will contribute to our comprehension of aging of the mammalian nervous system and will stimulate novel neurotherapeutic strategies in humans.
Pulmonary Localization Revealing Wegener's Granulomatosis
Authors: Mlika Mona , Ayadi-Kaddour Aida , Marghli Adel , Kilani Tarek , El Mezni Faouzi
Published: August 2011

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is the most frequent antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis. It affects mainly the upper airways, lungs, and kidneys. Two forms are identified: systemic and limited. We describe three cases of limited WG diagnosed during a 7-year period. Our aim is to report three localized forms of WG and to put emphasis on the necessity of differentiating localized from systemic forms because of their different prognoses and manner of management. Our study contained two men and one woman with a mean age of 43 years. All our patients were symptomatic and presented with nonspecific respiratory signs. The cANCA were positive in all patients. The imaging findings consisted of cavitary masses. The diagnosis was based on surgical lung biopsy in all cases. All patients were put on cyclophosphamide and prednisolone. Only one patient presented with renal complications after a 2-year follow-up period. The two other patients did not present complications after, respectively, 1 month and 1 year of follow-up. These case reports put emphasis on a rare form of WG, the limited form. The low number of patients, due to the rarity of this disease, does not allow us to delineate the characteristics and the differences between this form and the systemic form, but we highlight the necessity of future investigations in order to explore the pathogenesis, therapeutic, and prognosis differences between these two subsets.
An Emerging Role for IQGAP1 in Regulating Protein Traffic
Authors: Osman Mahasin
Published: August 2011

IQGAP1, an effector of CDC42p GTPase, is a widely conserved, multifunctional protein that bundles F-actin through its N-terminus and binds microtubules through its C-terminus to modulate the cell architecture. It has emerged as a potential oncogene associated with diverse human cancers. Therefore, IQGAP1 has been heavily investigated; regardless, its precise cellular function remains unclear. Work from yeast suggests that IQGAP1 plays an important role in directed cell growth, which is a conserved feature crucial to morphogenesis, division axis, and body plan determination. New evidence suggests a conserved role for IQGAP1 in protein synthesis and membrane traffic, which may help to explain the diversity of its cellular functions. Membrane traffic mediates infections by intracellular pathogens and a range of degenerative human diseases arise from dysfunctions in intracellular traffic; thus, elucidating the mechanisms of cellular traffic will be important in order to understand the basis of a wide range of inherited and acquired human diseases. Recent evidence suggests that IQGAP1 plays its role in cell growth through regulating the conserved mTOR pathway. The mTOR signaling cascade has been implicated in membrane traffic and is activated in nearly all human cancers, but clinical response to the mTOR-specific inhibitor rapamycin has been disappointing. Thus, understanding the regulators of this pathway will be crucial in order to identify predictors of rapamycin sensitivity. In this review, I discuss emerging evidence that supports a potential role of IQGAP1 in regulating membrane traffic via regulating the mTOR pathway.
Supra-Acetabular Brown Tumor due to Primary Hyperparathyroidism Associated with Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Ruggeri Rosaria M. , Calamoneri Emanuele , Russo Antonia , Sindoni Alessandro , Mondello Baldassarre , Monaco Maurizio , Rosa Michele A. , Baldari Sergio , Benvenga Salvatore , Campennì Alfredo , Trimarchi Francesco
Published: August 2011

A 63-year-old woman presented to the Orthopedic Unit of our hospital complaining of right hip pain of 6 months'duration associated with a worsening limp. Her past medical history included chronic renal insufficiency. Physical examination revealed deep pain in the iliac region and severe restriction of the right hip's articular function in the maximum degrees of range of motion. X-rays and CT scan detected an osteolytic and expansive lesion of the right supra-acetabular region with structural reabsorption of the right iliac wing.99mTc-MDP whole-body bone scan showed an abnormal uptake in the right iliac region. Bone biopsy revealed an osteolytic lesion with multinucleated giant cells, indicating a brown tumor. Serum intact PTH was elevated (1020 pg/ml; normal values, 12 62 pg/ml), but her serum calcium was normal (total = 9.4 mg/dl, nv 8.5–10.5; ionized = 5.0 mg/dl, nv 4.2–5.4) due to the coexistence of chronic renal failure.99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy revealed a single focus of sestamibi accumulation in the left retrosternal location, which turned out to be an intrathoracic parathyroid adenoma at surgical exploration. After surgical removal of the parathyroid adenoma, PTH levels decreased to 212 pg/ml. Three months after parathyroidectomy, the imaging studies showed complete recovery of the osteolytic lesion, thus avoiding any orthopedic surgery. This case is noteworthy because (1) primary hyperparathyroidism was not suspected due to the normocalcemia, likely attributable to the coexistence of chronic renal failure; and (2) it was associated with a brown tumor of unusual location (right supra-acetabular region).
The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Aging Process
Authors: Oliveira Barbara F. , Nogueira-Machado José Augusto , Chaves Míriam M.
Published: August 2011

The aging of organisms is characterized by a gradual functional decline of all organ systems. An appropriate theory must explain four main characteristics of aging: it is progressive, endogenous, irreversible, and deleterious for the individual. The aging of the immune system, or immunosenescence, is manifested by an increased susceptibility to infections with increased morbidity and mortality. Phagocytic capacity, synthesis of reactive oxygen intermediaries, and the intracellular killing efficiency of neutrophils are impaired in the elderly. Among all aging theories, the most updated one describes the free radicals. It implies that progressive aging is associated with higher levels of oxidative biomolecules reacted with free radicals. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) are predominantly implicated in causing cell damage, they also play a major physiological role in several aspects of intracellular signaling and regulation. ROS include a number of chemically reactive molecules derived from oxygen. Not only oxygen, but also nitrogen can be deleterious species. The overproduction of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is called nitrosative stress. ROS/RNS are known to play a dual role in biological systems since they can be either harmful or beneficial to living systems.
Distribution, Levels, and Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Some Water Bodies along the Coastal Belt of Ghana
Authors: Essumang David Kofi
Published: August 2011

The levels and distribution of 24 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in six water bodies along the coastal belt of Ghana using gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection (GC/FID). The average total PAHs recorded are from the Pra estuary, 6.3 μg/L; Benya lagoon, 7.5 μg/L; Sakumono lagoon, 10.1 μg/L; lower Volta estuary, 26.3 μg/L; Keta lagoon, 10.6 μg/L; and Narkwa lagoon, 16.1 μg/L.The 12 PAHs that were well distributed in all the coastal waters analyzed include naphthalene, pyrene, fluorene, 2-methylnaphthalene, 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene, acephnaphthalene, acephnaphthene, 1-methylphenanthrene, 2,3,5-trimethylnaphthalene, chrysene, biphenyl, and phenanthrene. The presence of benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(a)anthracene, and benzo(j,k)fluoranthene in some of the water bodies is a source of concern as they have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as probable human carcinogens. These water bodies are used for fishing and for some domestic purposes by the people living around them, thereby exposing them to some dangers and the risk of getting cancer. The human health cancer risk assessment carried out also indicates that there is the possibility of some users of the water bodies getting cancer in their lifetime.
Midregion PTHrP and Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Luparello Claudio
Published: August 2011

PTHrP is a polyhormone undergoing proteolytic processing into smaller bioactive forms, comprising an N-terminal peptide, which is the mediator of the “classical” PTH-like effect, as well as midregion and C-terminal peptides. The midregion PTHrP domain (38-94)-amide was found to restrain growth and invasionin vitroof some breast cancer cell lines, causing striking toxicity and accelerating death; the most responsive being MDA-MB231, whose tumorigenesis was also attenuatedin vivo. In addition, midregion PTHrP appears to be imported in the nucleoplasm of cultured MDA-MB231 cells andin vitro, it can bind chromatin of metaphase spread preparations and also an isolated 20-mer oligonucleotide, thereby appearing endowed with a putative transcription factor–like DNA-binding ability. The object of this review is to discuss collectively and critically both precedent and more updated data obtained in the lab, the latter arising from assays on DNA status, and gene and protein expression patterns of treated cells, aiming to check whether the cytotoxicity of the peptide may result from a reprogramming of gene expression towards apoptotic death or, instead, it is to be ascribed to an unprogrammed perturbation of cell functions.
Molecular Circuits of Resolution in the Eye
Authors: Liclican Elvira L. , Gronert Karsten
Published: August 2011

Lipid autacoids have well-established key roles in physiology and pathophysiology. Eicosanoids derived from ω-6 arachidonic acid (AA) have long been recognized for their roles in cardiovascular and renal functions, and vascular tone, as well as regulating inflammatory and immune functions. It is now appreciated that AA is a substrate for generating lipid mediators with anti-inflammatory and proresolving properties, namely lipoxins (i.e., LXA4), which are an integral component for the successful execution of beneficial and essential acute inflammatory responses. In addition to AA, the ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) also serve as substrates to generate potent and protective autacoids, such as resolvins and neuroprotectin (i.e., NPD1), respectively. These ω-3–derived signals may mediate the remarkable protective action of essential dietary ω-3 PUFAs. Formation and bioactivity of lipid mediators in the eye are relatively unexplored and of considerable interest, as the eye contains highly specialized tissues, including the transparent avascular and immune-privileged cornea, and the neuro-retina. A rapidly emerging field has identified key biosynthetic enzymes, receptors, and temporally defined endogenous formation of ω-3– and ω-6–derived protective lipid circuits in the eye. Protective endogenous roles of LXA4 and NPD1 have been established utilizing lipidomic analysis, knockout mice, and pharmacological, genetic, and dietary manipulation, providing compelling evidence that these intrinsic lipid autacoid circuits play essential roles in restraining inflammation, promoting wound healing, inhibiting pathological angiogenesis, and providing neuroprotection in the delicate visual axis.
Family Processes and Suicidal Ideation among Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Kwok Sylvia Y. C. L. , Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: August 2011

Based on the responses of 5,557 Chinese secondary students in Hong Kong, the relationships between perceived family functioning (systemic correlate), parent-adolescent communication (dyadic correlate), and suicidal ideation were examined in this study. Results showed that suicidal ideation was negatively related to global family functioning and parent-adolescent communication. Regression analyses indicated that the dyadic and systemic factors had similar importance in predicting suicidal ideation. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
TCR-Engineered, Customized, Antitumor T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy: Advantages and Limitations
Authors: Chhabra Arvind
Published: August 2011

The clinical outcome of the traditional adoptive cancer immunotherapy approaches involving the administration of donor-derived immune effectors, expandedex vivo, has not met expectations. This could be attributed, in part, to the lack of sufficient high-avidity antitumor T-cell precursors in most cancer patients, poor immunogenicity of cancer cells, and the technological limitations to generate a sufficiently large number of tumor antigen-specific T cells. In addition, the host immune regulatory mechanisms and immune homeostasis mechanisms, such as activation-induced cell death (AICD), could further limit the clinical efficacy of the adoptively administered antitumor T cells. Since generation of a sufficiently large number of potent antitumor immune effectors for adoptive administration is critical for the clinical success of this approach, recent advances towards generating customized donor-specific antitumor-effector T cells by engrafting human peripheral blood-derived T cells with a tumor-associated antigen-specific transgenic T-cell receptor (TCR) are quite interesting. This manuscript provides a brief overview of the TCR engineering-based cancer immunotherapy approach, its advantages, and the current limitations.
Inverted Nutcracker Syndrome: A Case of Persistent Hematuria and Pain in the Presence of a Left-Sided Inferior Vena Cava
Authors: Ekwenna Obi , Gorin Michael A. , Castellan Miguel , Casillas Victor , Ciancio Gaetano
Published: August 2011

Nutcracker syndrome is described as the symptomatic compression of left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery, resulting in outflow congestion of the left kidney. We present the case of a 51-year-old male with a left-sided inferior vena cava, resulting in compression of the right renal vein by the superior mesenteric artery. Secondary to this anatomic anomaly, the patient experienced a many-year history of flank pain and intermittent gross hematuria. We have termed this unusual anatomic finding and its associated symptoms as the “inverted nutcracker syndrome”, and describe its successful management with nephrectomy and autotransplantation.
Green Urine
Authors: Gupta Diptesh , Gupta Raghav
Published: August 2011

Urinalysis is an integral part of a thorough patient evaluation. Change in urine characteristics can give clues to help solve some of the diagnostic challenges faced by physicians. We discuss a case of a benign cause of green discoloration of urine caused by propofol infusion, which reversed following its discontinuation.
Eradication of HIV by Transplantation of CCR5-Deficient Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Hütter Gero , Ganepola Susanne
Published: August 2011

Today, 30 years after the onset of the HIV pandemic, although treatment strategies have considerably improved, there is still no cure for the disease. Recently, we described a successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in an HIV-1–infected patient, transferring donor-derived cells with a natural resistance against HIV infection. These hematopoietic stem cells engrafted, proliferated, and differentiated into mature myeloid and lymphoid cells. To date, the patient has not required any antiretroviral treatment, more than 4 years after allogeneic transplantation. In the analysis of peripheral blood cells and different tissue samples, including gut, liver, and brain, no viral load or proviral DNA could be detected. Our report raises the hope for further targeted treatment strategies against HIV and represents a successful personalized treatment with allogeneic stem cells carrying a beneficial gene. However, this case has ignited a controversy regarding the question of whether this patient has achieved complete eradication of HIV or not. Here we give an update on open questions, unsolved aspects, and clinical consequences concerning this unique case.
Emission Rate of Particulate Matter and Its Removal Efficiency by Precipitators in Under-Fired Charbroiling Restaurants
Authors: Lee Jun-Bok , Kim Ki-Hyun , Kim Heung-Joo , Cho Seog-Ju , Jung Kweon , Kim Shin-Do
Published: August 2011

In order to explore the potent role of meat cooking processes as the emission sources of particulate matter (PM), emission rates and the associated removal efficiency by precipitators were estimated based on the on-site measurements made at five under-fired charbroiling (UFC) restaurants. The emission patterns of PM for these five restaurants were compared after having been sorted into the main meat types used for cooking: beef (B), chicken (C), intestines (I), and pork (P: two sites). The mass concentrations (μg m-3) of three PM fractions (PM2.5/PM10/TSP) measured from these restaurants were 15,510/15,701/17,175 (C); 8,525/10,760/12,676 (B); 11,027/13,249/13,488 (P); and 22,409/22,412/22,414 (I). Emission factors (g kg-1) for those PM fractions were also estimated as 3.23/4.08/4.80 (B), 3.07/3.82/3.87 (P), 8.12/8.22/8.99 (C), and 6.59/6.59/6.59 (I). If the annual emission rate of PM10is extrapolated by combining its emission factor, population, activity factor, etc., it is estimated as 500 ton year-1, which corresponds to 2.4% of the PM10budget in Seoul, Korea. Removal efficiencies of PM10via precipitators, such as an electrostatic precipitator (ESP), bag filter (BF), and the combination system (ESP + catalyst), installed in those UFC restaurants ranged between 54.76 and 98.98%. The removal efficiency of PM by this control system was the least effective for particles with <0.4 μm, although those in the range of 0.4–10 μm were the most effective.
Current and Emerging Bladder Cancer Urinary Biomarkers
Authors: Parker Justin , Spiess Philippe E.
Published: August 2011

Bladder cancer continues to be one of the most common malignancies. Those who have been already diagnosed are at high risk for recurrence, especially if the pathology demonstrates high-grade disease. Diagnosis and surveillance is reliant on invasive evaluation with cystoscopy. Urinary cytology has been used to aid in diagnosis, but its use is limited. Other assays have been developed that may aid in clinical decision making. The ultimate goal will be the development of a highly sensitive and specific urinary marker for bladder cancer. This would provide a noninvasive means of diagnosing the disease and limit the number of unnecessary cystoscopies. This article will review the currently available urinary bladder cancer markers. It will also review new and investigational urinary markers that have shown promise for future clinical use.
Asthma in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Newaskar Manisha , Hardy Karen A. , Morris Claudia R.
Published: August 2011

In recent years, evidence has increased that asthma predisposes to complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), such as pain crises, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, and stroke, and is associated with increased mortality. An obstructive pattern of pulmonary function, along with a higher-than-expected prevalence of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) when compared to the general population, has led some researchers to suspect that underlying hemolysis may contribute to the development of a pulmonary disease similar to asthma in patients with SCD. While the pathophysiologic mechanism in atopic asthma involves up-regulation of Th2 cytokines, mast cell– and eosinophil-driven inflammation, plus increased activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase in airway epithelium resulting in obstructive changes and AHR, the exact mechanisms of AHR, obstructive and restrictive lung disease in SCD is unclear. It is known that SCD is associated with a proinflammatory state and an enhanced inflammatory response is seen during vaso-occlusive events (VOE). Hemolysis-driven acute-on-chronic inflammation and dysregulated arginines–nitric oxide metabolism are potential mechanisms by which pulmonary dysfunction could occur in patients with SCD. In patients with a genetic predisposition of atopic asthma, these changes are probably more severe and result in increased susceptibility to sickle cell complications. Early recognition and aggressive management of asthma based on established National Institutes of Health asthma guidelines is recommended in order to minimize morbidity and mortality.
Nanoparticles and Inflammation
Authors: Stevenson Ross , Hueber Axel J. , Hutton Alan , McInnes Iain B. , Graham Duncan
Published: August 2011

The development of nanoscale molecular probes capable of diagnosis, characterization, and clinical treatment of disease is leading to a new generation of imaging technologies. Such probes are particularly relevant to inflammation, where the detection of subclinical, early disease states could facilitate speedier detection that could yield enhanced, tailored therapies. Nanoparticles offer robust platforms capable of sensitive detection, and early research has indicated their suitability for the detection of vascular activation and cellular recruitment at subclinical levels. This suggests that nanoparticle techniques may provide excellent biomarkers for the diagnosis and progression of inflammatory diseases with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescent quantum dots (QDs), and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes being just some of the new methodologies employed. Development of these techniques could lead to a range of sensitive probes capable of ultrasensitive, localized detection of inflammation. This article will discuss the merits of each approach, with a general overview to their applicability in inflammatory diseases.
The Origins, Specificity, and Potential Biological Relevance of Human Anti-IgG Hinge Autoantibodies
Authors: Brezski Randall J. , Knight David M. , Jordan Robert E.
Published: August 2011

Human anti-IgG hinge (HAH) autoantibodies constitute a class of immunoglobulins that recognize cryptic epitopes in the hinge region of antibodies exposed after proteolytic cleavage, but do not bind to the intact IgG counterpart. Detailed molecular characterizations of HAH autoantibodies suggest that they are, in some cases, distinct from natural autoantibodies that arise independent of antigenic challenge. Multiple studies have attempted to define the specificity of HAH autoantibodies, which were originally detected as binding to fragments possessing C-terminal amino acid residues exposed in either the upper or lower hinge regions of IgGs. Numerous investigators have provided information on the isotype profiles of the HAH autoantibodies, as well as correlations among protease cleavage patterns and HAH autoantibody reactivity. Several biological functions have been attributed to HAH autoantibodies, ranging from house-cleaning functions to an immunosuppressive role to restoring function to cleaved IgGs. In this review, we discuss both the historic and current literature regarding HAH autoantibodies in terms of their origins, specificity, and proposed biological relevance.
Defining the Thrombotic Risk in Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Vianello Fabrizio , Battisti Anna , Cella Giuseppe , Marchetti Marina , Falanga Anna
Published: August 2011

Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are two Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) associated with an acquired mutation in theJAK2tyrosine kinase gene. There is a rare incidence of progression to myelofibrosis and myeloid metaplasia in both disorders, which may or may not precede transformation to acute myeloid leukemia, but thrombosis is the main cause of morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of thrombosis in patients with MPN is complex. Traditionally, abnormalities of platelet number and function have been claimed as the main players, but increased dynamic interactions between platelets, leukocytes, and the endothelium do probably represent a fundamental interplay in generating a thrombophilic state. In addition, endothelial dysfunction, a well-known risk factor for vascular disease, may play a role in the thrombotic risk of patients with PV and ET. The identification of plasma markers translating the hemostatic imbalance in patients with PV and ET would be extremely helpful in order to define the subgroup of patients with a significant clinical risk of thrombosis.
Extracellular Vesicles Derived fromAcholeplasma laidlawiiPG8
Authors: Chernov Vladislav M. , Chernova Olga A. , Mouzykantov Alexey A. , Efimova Irina R. , Shaymardanova Gulnara F. , Medvedeva Elena S. , Trushin Maxim V.
Published: August 2011

Extracellular vesicle production is believed to be a ubiquitous process in bacteria, but the data on such a process in Mollicutes are absent. We report the isolation of ultramicroforms – extracellular vesicles from supernatants ofAcholeplasma laidlawiiPG8 (ubiquitous mycoplasma; the main contaminant of cell culture). Considering sizes, morphology, and ultrastructural organization, the ultramicroforms ofA. laidlawiiPG8 are similar to membrane vesicles of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We demonstrate thatA. laidlawiiPG8 vesicles contain genetic material and proteins, and are mutagenic to lymphocytes of human peripheral blood. We show thatMycoplasma gallisepticumS6, the other mycoplasma, also produce similar structures, which suggests that shedding of the vesicles might be the common phenomenon in Mollicutes. We found that the action of stress conditions results in the intensive formation of ultramicroforms in mycoplasmas. The role of vesicular formation in mycoplasmas remains to be studied.