bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eosinophilic Fasciitis Associated with Mycoplasma arginini Infection
Authors: Silló Pálma , Pintér Dóra , Ostorházi Eszter , Mazán Mercedes , Wikonkál Norbert , Pónyai Katinka , Volokhov Dmitriy V. , Chizhikov Vladimir E. , Szathmary Susan , Stipkovits Laszlo , Kárpáti Sarolta
Published: December 2011

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) with generalized sclerodermiform skin lesions developed over a 19-month period in a previously healthy 23-year-old man. Although we confirmed EF by skin histology and laboratory tests, the recurrent fevers and the clinical observation of sclerotic prepuce with urethritis indicated further bacteriological analysis by conventional microbiological and DNA-based tests. Urethra cultures were positive for an arginine-hydrolyzing mycoplasma and
Ureaplasma urealyticum
. The patient also had serum IgM antibodies to
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based qualitative detection.
Mycoplasma arginini
was isolated from two independent venous blood serum samples and was identified by conventional microbiological tests and sequencing of the 16S rRNA and
rpoB
genes (GenBank sequence accession numbers
HM179555
and
HM179556
, respectively).
M. arginini
genomic DNA also was detected by species-specific PCR in the skin lesion biopsy sample. Treatment with corticosteroids and long-term courses of selected antibiotics led to remission of skin symptoms and normalization of laboratory values. This report provides the first evidence of EF associated with mycoplasma infection and the second report of human infection with
M. arginini
and therefore suggests that this mycoplasma infection might have contributed to the pathogenesis of the disease.
Genetic Analyses Reveal Differences in the VP7 and VP4 Antigenic Epitopes between Human Rotaviruses Circulating in Belgium and Rotaviruses in Rotarix and RotaTeq
Authors: Zeller Mark , Patton John T. , Heylen Elisabeth , De Coster Sarah , Ciarlet Max , Van Ranst Marc , Matthijnssens Jelle
Published: December 2011

Two live-attenuated rotavirus group A (RVA) vaccines, Rotarix (G1P[8]) and RotaTeq (G1-G4, P[8]), have been successfully introduced in many countries worldwide, including Belgium. The parental RVA strains used to generate the vaccines were isolated more than 20 years ago in France (G4 parental strain in RotaTeq) and the United States (all other parental strains). At present, little is known about the relationship between currently circulating human RVAs and the vaccine strains. In this study, we determined sequences for the VP7 and VP4 outer capsid proteins of representative G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8], G9P[8], and G12P[8] RVAs circulating in Belgium during 2007 to 2009. The analyses showed that multiple amino acid differences existed between the VP7 and VP4 antigenic epitopes of the vaccine viruses and the Belgian isolates, regardless of their G and P genotypes. However, the highest variability was observed among the circulating G1P[8] RVA strains and the G1 and P[8] components of both RVA vaccines. In particular, RVA strains of the P[8] lineage 4 (OP354-like) showed a significant number of amino acid differences with the P[8] VP4 of both vaccines. In addition, the circulating Belgian G3 RVA strains were found to possibly possess an extra N-linked glycosylation site compared to the G3 RVA vaccine strain of RotaTeq. These results indicate that the antigenic epitopes of RVA strains contained in the vaccines differ substantially from those of the currently circulating RVA strains in Belgium. Over time, these differences might result in selection for strains that escape the RVA neutralizing-antibody pressure induced by vaccines.
Recent Hepatitis C Virus Infections in HIV-Infected Patients in Taiwan: Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Sun Hsin-Yun , Chang Sui-Yuan , Yang Zong-Yu , Lu Ching-Lan , Wu Hsiu , Yeh Chang-Ching , Liu Wen-Chun , Hsieh Chia-Yin , Hung Chien-Ching , Chang Shan-Chwen
Published: December 2011

Outbreaks of sexually transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections have been recently reported in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe, Australia, and North America. Little is known concerning whether this also occurs in other Asia-Pacific countries. Between 1994 and 2010, a prospective observational cohort study was performed to assess the incidence of recent HCV seroconversion in 892 HIV-infected patients (731 MSM and 161 heterosexuals) who were not injecting drug users. A nested case-control study was conducted to identify associated factors with recent HCV seroconversion, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using NS5B sequences amplified from seroconverters. During a total followup duration of 4,270 person-years (PY), 30 patients (3.36%) had HCV seroconversion, with an overall incidence rate of 7.03 per 1,000 PY. The rate increased from 0 in 1994 to 2000 and 2.29 in 2001 to 2005 to 10.13 per 1,000 PY in 2006 to 2010 (
P
< 0.05). After adjustment for age and HIV transmission route, recent syphilis remained an independent factor associated with HCV seroconversion (odds ratio, 7.731; 95% confidence interval, 3.131 to 19.086;
P
< 0.01). In a nested case-control study, seroconverters had higher aminotranferase levels and were more likely to have CD4 ≥ 200 cells/μl and recent syphilis than nonseroconverters (
P
< 0.05). Among the 21 patients with HCV viremia, phylogenetic analysis revealed 7 HCV transmission clusters or pairs (4 within genotype 1b, 2 within genotype 2a, and 1 within genotype 3a). The incidence of HCV seroconversion that is associated with recent syphilis is increasing among HIV-infected patients in Taiwan.
Gemella morbillorum Bacteremia after Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha as Acne Inversa Therapy
Authors: Vossen Matthias G. , Gattringer Klaus B. , Khalifeh Neda , Koreny Maria , Spertini Verena , Mallouhi Ammar , Willeit Markus , Volc-Platzer Beatrix , Asboth Friederike , Graninger Wolfgang , Thalhammer Florian , Lagler Heimo
Published: December 2011

We present a case of fever, brain abscesses, andGemella morbillorumbacteremia after anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) therapy in a 21-year-old acne inversa patient currently taking long-term dapsone. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing such a case. During antimicrobial therapy, the patient developed systemic varicella infection with severe thrombocytopenia.
A Quantitative Analysis of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum Compared with Host Immune Response in Preterm Neonates at Risk of Developing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Payne Matthew S. , Goss Kevin C. W. , Connett Gary J. , Legg Julian P. , Bruce Ken D. , Chalker Vicki
Published: December 2011

Multiplex, real-time PCR for the identification of
Ureaplasma urealyticum
and
Ureaplasma parvum
was performed on nucleic acids extracted from sequential endotracheal aspirates obtained from preterm neonates born at <29 weeks of gestation and ventilated for more than 48 h admitted to two level 3 neonatal intensive care units. Specimens were obtained shortly after birth and sequentially up until extubation. One hundred fifty-two specimens (93.8%) contained material suitable for analysis.
Ureaplasma
spp. were identified in 5 of 13 neonates studied. In most cases, the DNA load of the detected
Ureaplasma
species was low and decreased over time. In addition, changes in detectable
Ureaplasma
species DNA did not relate to changes in the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) or respiratory status. All but two blood samples obtained at times of suspected sepsis were culture positive for other microorganisms; the species cultured were typically coagulase-negative staphylococci and were associated with increased levels of CRP (>10 mg/liter). This study was limited by the small number of patients examined and does not have the power to support or contradict the hypothesis that postnatal lung infection with
Ureaplasma parvum
is causally related to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or adverse respiratory outcomes after preterm birth. However, in this study, increases in CRP levels were not associated with patients in whom
Ureaplasma parvum
was detected, in contrast to the detection of other bacterial species.
Genome-Scale Phylogeny of the Alphavirus Genus Suggests a Marine Origin
Authors: Forrester N. L. , Palacios G. , Tesh R. B. , Savji N. , Guzman H. , Sherman M. , Weaver S. C. , Lipkin W. I.
Published: December 2011

The genus Alphavirus comprises a diverse group of viruses, including some that cause severe disease. Using full-length sequences of all known alphaviruses, we produced a robust and comprehensive phylogeny of the Alphavirus genus, presenting a more complete evolutionary history of these viruses compared to previous studies based on partial sequences. Our phylogeny suggests the origin of the alphaviruses occurred in the southern oceans and spread equally through the Old and New World. Since lice appear to be involved in aquatic alphavirus transmission, it is possible that we are missing a louse-borne branch of the alphaviruses. Complete genome sequencing of all members of the genus also revealed conserved residues forming the structural basis of the E1 and E2 protein dimers.
Borna Disease Virus Infects Human Neural Progenitor Cells and Impairs Neurogenesis
Authors: Brnic Dragan , Stevanovic Vladimir , Cochet Marielle , Agier Cécilia , Richardson Jennifer , Montero-Menei Claudia N. , Milhavet Ollivier , Eloit Marc , Coulpier Muriel
Published: December 2011

Understanding the complex mechanisms by which infectious agents can disrupt behavior represents a major challenge. The Borna disease virus (BDV), a potential human pathogen, provides a unique model to study such mechanisms. Because BDV induces neurodegeneration in brain areas that are still undergoing maturation at the time of infection, we tested the hypothesis that BDV interferes with neurogenesis. We showed that human neural stem/progenitor cells are highly permissive to BDV, although infection does not alter their survival or undifferentiated phenotype. In contrast, upon the induction of differentiation, BDV is capable of severely impairing neurogenesis by interfering with the survival of newly generated neurons. Such impairment was specific to neurogenesis, since astrogliogenesis was unaltered. In conclusion, we demonstrate a new mechanism by which BDV might impair neural function and brain plasticity in infected individuals. These results may contribute to a better understanding of behavioral disorders associated with BDV infection.
The Receptor Binding Specificity of the Live Attenuated Influenza H2 and H6 Vaccine Viruses Contributes to Vaccine Immunogenicity and Protection in Ferrets
Authors: Chen Zhongying , Zhou Helen , Kim Lomi , Jin Hong
Published: December 2011

To prepare for influenza pandemics that may be caused by the H2 and H6 subtype influenza viruses, live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) H2 and H6 vaccines are being developed and evaluated. The H2 and H6 vaccine candidates with different receptor binding preferences specified by amino acid substitutions at residues 226 and 228 were generated and evaluated for their growth in embryonated chicken eggs and their immunogenicity and protection against wild-type virus challenge in the ferret model. The viruses containing Q226 and G228 in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein bound to the avian-like α2,3-sialic acid (SA) receptor and replicated efficiently in chicken eggs. The viruses with L226 and G228 bound preferentially to the human-like α2,6-SA receptor. The viruses containing L226 and S228 displayed dual binding to both α2,3-SA and α2,6-SA receptors and replicated efficiently in eggs. The strains containing L226/G228 or L226/S228 that preferentially bound to α2,6-SA receptors replicated efficiently in the upper respiratory tract of ferrets, induced high levels of neutralizing antibody, and conferred a high level of protection against wild-type virus challenge infection compared to the strain with the Q226/G228 residues. Our data suggest that pandemic vaccines with receptor binding preference to both avian- and human-like receptors might be desired for efficient viral replication in eggs and for inducing protective immune responses in humans.
Fluorescently Tagged pUL47 of Marek's Disease Virus Reveals Differential Tissue Expression of the Tegument Protein
In Vivo
Authors: Jarosinski Keith W. , Arndt Sina , Kaufer Benedikt B. , Osterrieder Nikolaus
Published: December 2011

Marek's disease virus (MDV), a lymphotropic alphaherpesvirus, causes Marek's disease (MD) in chickens. MD is characterized by neurological signs, chronic wasting, and T cell lymphomas that predominate in the visceral organs. MDV replicates in a highly cell-associated manner
in vitro
and
in vivo
, with infectious virus particles being released only from feather follicle epithelial (FFE) cells in the skin. Virus produced and shed from FFE cells allows transmission of MDV from infected to naïve chickens, but the mechanisms or roles of differential virus gene expression have remained elusive. Here, we generated recombinant MDV in which we fused enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to the C terminus of the tegument protein pUL47 (vUL47-EGFP) or pUL49 (vUL49-EGFP). While vUL49-EGFP was highly attenuated
in vitro
and
in vivo
, vUL47-EGFP showed unaltered pathogenic potential and stable production of pUL47-EGFP, which facilitated direct analysis of pUL47 expression in cells and tissues. Our studies revealed that pUL47-EGFP is expressed at low levels and localizes to the nucleus during lytic replication
in vitro
and in lymphocytes in the spleen
in vivo
, while it is undetectable in tumors. In contrast, pUL47-EGFP is highly abundant and localizes predominantly in the cytoplasm in FFE cells in the skin, where MDV is shed into the environment. We concluded that differential expression and localization of MDV pUL47-EGFP tegument protein is potentially important for the unique cell-associated nature of MDV
in vitro
and in lymphocytes
in vivo
, as well as production of free virus in FFE cells.
Conformationally locked nucleoside analogues based on the bridgehead substituted 7-oxonorbornane and their antiviral properties
Authors: Dejmek Milan , Hřebabecký Hubert , Dračínský Martin , Neyts Johan , Leyssen Pieter , Mertlíková-Kaiserová Helena , Nencka Radim
Published: December 2011

We report on the preparation of novel 1′-homonucleoside derivatives locked in a West conformation by 1′,4′-bridge consisting of annulated benzene or naphthalene ring. The crucial step of the synthesis was Diels–Alder reaction of an appropriate aryne with a suitable furane derivative. Antiviral properties of novel compounds were studied and slight activity against HCV was detected in several compounds.
Attitudes and perceptions of medical students about family medicine in Spain: protocol for a cross-sectional survey: Figure 1
Authors: Alonso-Coello Pablo , Villa Josep Jiménez , Hijar Antonio Monreal , Tuduri Xavier Mundet , Puime Ángel Otero , Zurro Amando Martín ,   for the University and Family Medicine Research Group (UNIMEDFAM)
Published: December 2011

Background

Despite the fact that family medicine (FM) has become established as a specialty in the past 25 years, this has not been reflected in the inclusion of the specialty in the majority of medical schools in Spain. Almost 40% of the students will work in primary care but, in spite of this, most universities do not have an assessed placement as such. There are only specific practice periods in health centres or some student-selected components with little weight in the overall curricula.

Objectives

To evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of medical students about FM in the health system and their perception about the need for specific training in FM at the undergraduate level. To explore change over time of these attitudes and perceptions and to examine potential predictive factors for change. Finally, we will review what teaching activity in FM is offered across the Spanish schools of medicine.

Methods

Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Each one of the different analyses will consist of two surveys: one for all the students in the first, third and fifth year of medical school in all the Spanish schools of medicine asking about their knowledge, perceptions and attitudes in relation to primary care and FM. There will be an additional survey for the coordinating faculty of the study in each university about the educational activities related to FM that are carried out in their centres. The repetition of the study every 2 years will allow for an analysis of the evolution of the cohort of students until they receive their degree and the potential predictive factors.

Discussion

This study will provide useful information for strategic planning decisions, content and educational methodology in medical schools in Spain and elsewhere. It will also help to evaluate the influence of the ongoing changes in FM, locally and at the European level, on the attitudes and perceptions of the students towards FM in Spain.
Helping pregnant women make better decisions: a systematic review of the benefits of patient decision aids in obstetrics
Authors: Say Rebecca , Robson Stephen , Thomson Richard
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Patient decision aids can be used to support pregnant women engaging in shared decisions, but little is known about their effects in obstetrics. The authors aimed to evaluate the effects of patient decision aids designed for pregnant women on clinical and psychosocial outcomes.

Design

Systematic review. Data on all outcomes were extracted and summarised. All studies were critically appraised for potential sources of bias and, when possible to obtain, the reported decision aids were evaluated. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of outcomes in primary studies and the small number of studies.

Data sources

Electronic searches were performed using Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Medion databases from inception until December 2010. Reference lists of all included articles were also examined and key experts contacted.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Eligibility criteria included randomised controlled trials, which reported on patient decision aids for women facing any treatment decision in pregnancy published in English. Studies evaluating health education material that did not address women's values and preferences were excluded.

Results

Patient decision aids have been developed for decisions about prenatal testing, vaginal birth after Caesarean section, external cephalic version and labour analgesia. Use of decision aids is associated with a number of positive effects including reduced anxiety, lower decisional conflict, improved knowledge, improved satisfaction and increased perception of having made an informed choice.

Conclusions

Patient decision aids have the potential to improve obstetric care. However, currently the evidence base is limited by the small number of studies, the quality of the studies and because they involved heterogeneous decision aids, patient groups and outcomes.
The polypill in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: cost-effectiveness in the Dutch population
Authors: van Gils Paul F , Over Eelco A B , Hamberg-van Reenen Heleen H , de Wit G Ardine , van den Berg Matthijs , Schuit Albertine J , Engelfriet Peter M
Published: December 2011

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the polypill in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Design

A health economic modelling study.

Setting

Primary healthcare in the Netherlands.

Participants

Simulated individuals from the general Dutch population, aged 45–75 years.

Interventions

Opportunistic screening followed by prescription of the polypill to eligible individuals. Eligibility was defined as having a minimum 10-year risk of cardiovascular death as assessed with the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation function of alternatively 5%, 7.5% or 10%. Different versions of the polypill were considered, depending on composition: (1) the Indian polycap, with three different types of blood pressure-lowering drugs, a statin and aspirin; (2) as (1) but without aspirin and (3) as (2) but with a double statin dose. In addition, a scenario of (targeted) separate antihypertensive and/or statin medication was simulated.

Primary outcome measures

Cases of acute myocardial infarction or stroke prevented, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and the costs per QALY gained. All interventions were compared with usual care.

Results

All scenarios were cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio between €7900 and 12 300 per QALY compared with usual care. Most health gains were achieved with the polypill without aspirin and containing a double dose of statins. With a 10-year risk of 7.5% as the threshold, this pill would prevent approximately 3.5% of all cardiovascular events.

Conclusions

Opportunistic screening based on global cardiovascular risk assessment followed by polypill prescription to those with increased risk offers a cost-effective strategy. Most health gain is achieved by the polypill without aspirin and a double statin dose.
Clinical decision making in spinal fusion for chronic low back pain. Results of a nationwide survey among spine surgeons
Authors: Willems Paul , de Bie Rob , Öner Cumhur , Castelein René , de Kleuver Marinus
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To assess the use of prognostic patient factors and predictive tests in clinical decision making for spinal fusion in patients with chronic low back pain.

Design and setting

Nationwide survey among spine surgeons in the Netherlands.

Participants

Surgeon members of the Dutch Spine Society were questioned on their surgical treatment strategy for chronic low back pain.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The surgeons' opinion on the use of prognostic patient factors and predictive tests for patient selection were addressed on Likert scales, and the degree of uniformity was assessed. In addition, the influence of surgeon-specific factors, such as clinical experience and training, on decision making was determined.

Results

The comments from 62 surgeons (70% response rate) were analysed. Forty-four surgeons (71%) had extensive clinical experience. There was a statistically significant lack of uniformity of opinion in seven of the 11 items on prognostic factors and eight of the 11 items on predictive tests, respectively. Imaging was valued much higher than predictive tests, psychological screening or patient preferences (all p<0.01). Apart from the use of discography and long multisegment fusions, differences in training or clinical experience did not appear to be of significant influence on treatment strategy.

Conclusions

The present survey showed a lack of consensus among spine surgeons on the appreciation and use of predictive tests. Prognostic patient factors were not consistently incorporated in their treatment strategy either. Clinical decision making for spinal fusion to treat chronic low back pain does not have a uniform evidence base in practice. Future research should focus on identifying subgroups of patients for whom spinal fusion is an effective treatment, as only a reliable prediction of surgical outcome, combined with the implementation of individual patient factors, may enable the instalment of consensus guidelines for surgical decision making in patients with chronic low back pain.
Synthesis and characterization of novel "Clicked" dimers of unsymmetrically substituted tetraphenylporphyrins
Authors: Malig Jenny , Strauss Volker , Groenningen Philip , Guldi Dirk. M. , Jux Norbert
Published: December 2011

Herein, we present a novel and facile approach to porphyrin tweezer scaffolds through copper catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). To this end, asymmetric structures arise that are highly versatile precursors for the molecular design of multi-functional porphyrin systems. The synthesis and characterization by means of photophysical and electrochemical methods and first results on the formation of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are described.
Application of magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy to porphyrins, phthalocyanines and hemes
Authors: Tiedemann Michael T. , Stillman Martin J.
Published: December 2011

This review of the application of the MCD spectroscopic technique to porphyrinoids aims to illustrate the features and unique information that can be obtained and used in the assignment of the optical absorption spectrum and also the electronic structures of porphyrins and phthalocyanines. By illustrating each of the major and readily available spectral features with simple compounds we hope this review will act to guide new users in formulating the questions that room temperature MCD measurements can answer. The review is in three parts: (i) a brief introduction to the instrumental and theoretical background with an emphasis on the parameters that can be readily extracted without computational or theoretical analyses. (ii) Illustration of each MCD spectral feature observed in room temperature spectra. The MCD spectra Zn -porphyrins and phthalocyanines, and chlorophyll a are described to provide models for measurements of new compounds. (iii) The use of "finger printing" to determine the oxidation and spin states of the central iron in heme proteins, and to identify the proximal (5th) and distal (6th) iron binding ligands from the MCD spectral envelope observed between 250 nm and 1000 nm. The value of this approach is immeasurable because through room temperature measurement of the MCD spectra from dilute solutions under conditions that allow the heme protein to be stabilized it is possible to identify accurately the proximal and distal ligands. Identifying the heme binding environment for heme proteins newly purified and for heme enzymes during their reaction cycle allows function to be considered long before X-ray structural analysis is available.
Calmodulin kinase II and protein kinase C mediate the effect of increased intracellular calcium to augment late sodium current in rabbit ventricular myocytes
Authors: Ma Jihua , Luo Antao , Wu Lin , Wan Wei , Zhang Peihua , Ren Zhiqiang , Zhang Shuo , Qian Chunping , Shryock John C. , Belardinelli Luiz
Published: December 2011

An increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) augments late sodium current ( INa.L) in cardiomyocytes. This study tests the hypothesis that both Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and protein kinase C (PKC) mediate the effect of increased [Ca2+]i to increase INa.L. Whole cell and open cell-attached patch clamp techniques were used to record INa.L in rabbit ventricular myocytes dialyzed with solutions containing various concentrations of [Ca2+]i. Dialysis of cells with [Ca2+]i from 0.1 to 0.3, 0.6, and 1.0 μM increased INa.L in a concentration-dependent manner from 0.221 ± 0.038 to 0.554 ± 0.045 pA/pF ( n = 10, P < 0.01) and was associated with an increase in mean Na+ channel open probability and prolongation of channel mean open-time ( n = 7, P < 0.01). In the presence of 0.6 μM [Ca2+]i, KN-93 (10 μM) and bisindolylmaleimide (BIM, 2 μM) decreased INa.L by 45.2 and 54.8%, respectively. The effects of KN-93 and autocamtide-2-related inhibitory peptide II (2 μM) were not different. A combination of KN-93 and BIM completely reversed the increase in INa.L as well as the Ca2+-induced changes in Na+ channel mean open probability and mean open-time induced by 0.6 μM [Ca2+]i. Phorbol myristoyl acetate increased INa.L in myocytes dialyzed with 0.1 μM [Ca2+]i; the effect was abolished by Gö-6976. In summary, both CaMKII and PKC are involved in [Ca2+]i-mediated augmentation of INa.L in ventricular myocytes. Inhibition of CaMKII and/or PKC pathways may be a therapeutic target to reduce myocardial dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmias caused by calcium overload.
Antibodies to kidney endothelial cells contribute to a “leaky” glomerular barrier in patients with chronic kidney diseases
Authors: Hernandez Nidia Maritza , Casselbrant Anna , Joshi Meghnad , Johansson Bengt R. , Sumitran-Holgersson Suchitra
Published: December 2011

Anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) have been reported to cause endothelial dysfunction, but their clinical importance for tissue-specific endothelial cells is not clear. We hypothesized that AECA reactive with human kidney endothelial cells (HKEC) may cause renal endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney diseases. We report that a higher fraction (56%) of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients than healthy controls (5%) have AECA reactive against kidney endothelial cells ( P <0.001). The presence of antibodies was associated with female gender ( P < 0.001), systolic hypertension ( P < 0.01), and elevated TNF-α ( P < 0.05). These antibodies markedly decrease expression of both adherens and tight junction proteins VE-cadherin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1 and provoked a rapid increase in cytosolic free Ca2+and rearrangement of actin filaments in HKEC compared with controls. This was followed by an enhancement in protein flux and phosphorylation of VE-cadherin, events associated with augmented endothelial cell permeability. Additionally, kidney biopsies from ESRD patients with AECA but not controls demonstrated a marked decrease in adherens and tight junctions in glomerular endothelium, confirming our in vitro data. In summary, our data demonstrate a causal link between AECA and their capacity to induce alterations in glomerular vascular permeability.
Calcineurin homologous protein: a multifunctional Ca2+-binding protein family
Authors: Di Sole Francesca , Vadnagara Komal , Moe Orson W. , Babich Victor
Published: December 2011

The calcineurin homologous protein (CHP) belongs to an evolutionarily conserved Ca2+-binding protein subfamily. The CHP subfamily is composed of CHP1, CHP2, and CHP3, which in vertebrates share significant homology at the protein level with each other and between other Ca2+-binding proteins. The CHP structure consists of two globular domains containing from one to four EF-hand structural motifs (calcium-binding regions composed of two helixes, E and F, joined by a loop), the myristoylation, and nuclear export signals. These structural features are essential for the function of the three members of the CHP subfamily. Indeed, CHP1–CHP3 have multiple and diverse essential functions, ranging from the regulation of the plasma membrane Na+/H+exchanger protein function, to carrier vesicle trafficking and gene transcription. The diverse functions attributed to the CHP subfamily rendered an understanding of its action highly complex and often controversial. This review provides a comprehensive and organized examination of the properties and physiological roles of the CHP subfamily with a view to revealing a link between CHP diverse functions.
Sex-specific, rapid neuroestrogen fluctuations and neurophysiological actions in the songbird auditory forebrain
Authors: Remage-Healey L. , Dong S. M. , Chao A. , Schlinger B. A.
Published: December 2011

Recent evidence shows that brain-derived steroids such as estrogens (“neuroestrogens”) are controlled in a manner very similar to traditional neurotransmitters. The advent of in vivo microdialysis for steroids in songbirds has provided new information about the spatial and temporal dynamics of neuroestrogen changes in a region of the auditory cortex, the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM). Here, experiments using in vivo microdialysis demonstrate that neuroestradiol (E2) fluctuations occur within the auditory NCM during presentation of naturalistic auditory and visual stimuli in males but only to the presentation of auditory stimuli in females. These changes are acute (within 30 min) and appear to be specific to the NCM, because similar treatments elicit no changes in E2in a nearby mesopallial region or in circulating plasma. Further experiments coupling in vivo steroid microdialysis with extracellular recordings in NCM show that neuroestrogens rapidly boost auditory responses to song stimuli in females, similar to recent observations in males. We also find that the rapid actions of estradiol on auditory responses are fully mimicked by the cell membrane-impermeable estrogen biotinylestradiol, consistent with acute estrogen actions at the neuronal membrane. Thus we conclude that local and acute E2flux is regulated by convergent multimodal sensory input, and that this regulation appears to be sex-specific. Second, rapid changes in local E2levels in NCM have consequences for the modulation of auditory processing in females and males. Finally, the rapid actions of neuroestrogens on NCM auditory processing appear to be mediated by a nonclassical, membrane-bound estrogen receptor.
Kinetics of GABABautoreceptor-mediated suppression of GABA release in rat insular cortex
Authors: Kobayashi Masayuki , Takei Hiroki , Yamamoto Kiyofumi , Hatanaka Hiroshige , Koshikawa Noriaki
Published: December 2011

Release of GABA is controlled by presynaptic GABA receptor type B (GABAB) autoreceptors at GABAergic terminals. However, there is no direct evidence that GABABautoreceptors are activated by GABA release from their own terminals, and precise profiles of GABABautoreceptor-mediated suppression of GABA release remain unknown. To explore these issues, we performed multiple whole-cell, patch-clamp recordings from layer V rat insular cortex. Both unitary inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic currents (uIPSCs and uEPSCs, respectively) were recorded by applying a five-train depolarizing pulse injection at 20 Hz. In connections from both fast-spiking (FS) and non-FS interneurons to pyramidal cells, the GABABreceptor antagonist CGP 52432 had little effect on the initial uIPSC amplitude. However, uIPSCs, responding to later pulses, were effectively facilitated. This CGP 52432-induced facilitation was prominent in the fourth uIPSCs, which were evoked 150 ms after the first uIPSC. The facilitation of uIPSCs was accompanied by an increase in the paired-pulse ratio. In addition, analysis of the coefficient of variation suggests the involvement of presynaptic mechanisms in CGP 52432-induced uIPSC facilitation. Paired-pulse stimulation (interstimulus interval = 150 ms) of presynaptic FS cells revealed that the second uIPSC was also facilitated by CGP 52432, which had little effect on the amplitude and interevent interval of miniature IPSCs. In contrast, uEPSCs, responding to all five stimulations of a presynaptic pyramidal cell, were less affected by CGP 52432. These results suggest that a single presynaptic action potential is sufficient to activate GABABautoreceptors and to suppress GABA release in the cerebral cortex.
Influence of Titania Dispersivity on the Conversion Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Yamamoto Yasuhiro , Aoyama Yukihiro , Shimizu Sumiyo , Kano Junya , Saito Fumio , Ito Seigo
Published: December 2011

Titania powder (P25) was dispersed by bead-milling breakdown method, and the dispersivity of TiO2was controlled by adjusting the mean secondary TiO2particle size to 45, 56, and 75 nm by changing the dispersion solvent blend ratio of ethanol and terpineol. The transparency of the coated layer increased when the particle size of TiO2aggregates became smaller than 100 nm. Although the transparency was significantly different according to differences in the size of nanocrystallyne-TiO2aggregates, the resulting photovoltaic (PV) effect of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was not significantly different between the different aggregate sizes. A double layer structure (transparent TiO2layer/opaque TiO2layer) was adopted to improve the PV effect, which resulted in an improvement of the photocurrent and conversion efficiency of 13.2% and 11.1%, respectively, from that for the DSSCs with single-layered TiO2electrodes.
Acute HIV Infection in Pregnancy: The Case for Third Trimester Rescreening
Authors: Wertz Jocelyn , Cesario Jason , Sackrison Jennifer , Kim Sean , Dola Chi
Published: December 2011

Combination testing with anti-HIV Elisa and Western blot is both sensitive and specific for diagnosis of established HIV-1 infection but could not detect acute HIV infection (AHI). AHI is a time of extremely high viral load, which may correlate to increased risk of horizontal or vertical transmission. Thus, early identification of AHI could allow for interventions to decrease transmission. However, recognition of AHI can be challenging as symptoms could be absent or nonspecific, therefore, AHI is often not detected, particularly in pregnancy. We present a case report of AHI in a pregnant woman who presented with headache and fever. She tested negative for HIV in the first trimester and at time of AHI at 26 3/7 weeks by anti-HIV Elisa, but was diagnosed with AHI based on an HIV RNA viral load of 434,000 copies/mL. This report presents a case for improved awareness of AHI in pregnancy, and the need for repeat HIV testing in late pregnancy, and highlighted that early detection of AHI might be possible with adding HIV RNA testing at time of standard anti-HIV Elisa screening test in pregnancy. Novel laboratory approaches including pooling of sera for HIV RNA could reduce the cost of HIV RNA testing.
Histopathological Features in a Case of Peters' Anomaly with Acquired Corneal Staphyloma
Authors: Shirai Kumi , Okada Yuka , Nakamura Yasushi , Saika Shizuya
Published: December 2011

We report a case of corneal staphyloma histologically diagnosed as caused by Peters' anomaly. A 62-year-old male had a protruding opaque vascularized cornea that began to bulge from six months ago in the right eye. Since his right eye was blind and he wanted us to remove the eyeball for cosmetic improvement, we enucleated the affected eye. The enucleated tissue was fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin for histological examination. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the cornea lacked the posterior part of the corneal stroma and Descemet's membrane in the central region and the entire corneal endothelium. The corneal epithelium was keratinized. Collagen type I was strongly positive in peripheral cornea and weakly in protruding stroma. The cells labeled by antibodies againstαSMA were scattered in the entire corneal stroma. As judged by the histological findings, the eye with the central corneal staphyloma was diagnosed as Peters' anomaly.
Decision Analysis Framework for Risk Management of Crude Oil Pipeline System
Authors: Dawotola Alex W. , van Gelder P. H. A. J. M. , Vrijling J. K.
Published: December 2011

A model is constructed for risk management of crude pipeline subject to rupture on the basis of a methodology that incorporates structured expert judgment and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The risk model calculates frequency of failure and their probable consequences for different segments of crude pipeline, considering various failure mechanisms. Specifically, structured expert judgment is used to provide frequency of failure assessments for identified failure mechanisms of the pipeline. In addition, AHP approach is utilized to obtain relative failure likelihood for attributes of failure mechanisms with very low probability of occurrence. Finally, the expected cost of failure for a given pipeline segment is estimated by combining its frequency of failure and the consequences of failure, estimated in terms of historical costs of failure from the pipeline operator’s database. A real-world case study of a crude pipeline is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology.
A Novel Technique for Rotor Bar Failure Detection in Single‐Cage Induction Motor Using FEM and MATLAB/SIMULINK
Authors: Taher Seyed Abbas , Malekpour Majid
Published: December 2011

In this article, a new fault detection technique is proposed for squirrel cage induction motor (SCIM) based on detection of rotor bar failure. This type of fault detection is commonly carried out, while motor continues to work at a steady‐state regime. Recently, several methods have been presented for rotor bar failure detection based on evaluation of the start‐up transient current. The proposed method here is capable of fault detection immediately after bar breakage, where a three‐phase SCIM is modelled in finite element method (FEM) using Maxwell2D software. Broken rotor bars are then modelled by the corresponding outer rotor impedance obtained by GA, thereby presenting an analogue model extracted from FEM to be simulated in a flexible environment such as MATLAB/SIMULINK. To improve the failure recognition, the stator current signal was analysed using discrete wavelet transform (DWT).
Hybrid Differential Evolution with Biogeography-Based Optimization for Design of a Reconfigurable Antenna Array with Discrete Phase Shifters
Authors: Li Xiangtao , Yin Minghao
Published: December 2011

Multibeam antenna arrays have important applications in communications and radar. This paper presents a new method of designing a reconfigurable antenna with quantized phase excitations using a new hybrid algorithm, called DE/BBO. The reconfigurable design problem is to find the element excitation that will result in a sector pattern main beam with low sidelobes with additional requirement that the same excitation amplitudes applied to the array with zero-phase should be in a high directivity, low sidelobe pencil-shaped main beam. In order to reduce the effect of mutual coupling between the antenna-array elements, the dynamic range ratio is minimized. Additionally, compared with the continuous realization and subsequent quantization, experimental results indicate that the performance of the discrete realization of the phase excitation value can be improved. In order to test the performances of hybrid differential evolution with biogeography-based optimization, the results of some state-of-art algorithms are considered, for the purposed of comparison. Experiment results indicate the better performance of the DE/BBO.
Simultaneous Occurrence of Duane Retraction Syndrome with Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Kothari Mihir , Manurung Florence , Mithiya Bhavesh
Published: December 2011

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue, while Duane retraction syndrome (DRS) is a congenital cranial dysinnervation disorder (CCDD) which can be transmitted as autosomal dominant disorder in 5–10% of patients. In this paper, we present an 8-year-old girl who presented with left eye DRS and bilateral subluxation of the lens associated with MFS in absence of familial involvement. To our knowledge this is the first case report of DRS with MFS. The occurrence of these syndromes together is very rare and appears to be coincidental.
Good Outcome Following Copeland Hemiarthroplasty for Acromegalic Arthropathy
Authors: Johnson-Lynn S. E. , Candal-Couto J.
Published: December 2011

We report the unusual case of a patient with acromegalic arthropathy who presented with severe shoulder arthrosis with marked osteophytosis. This patient is currently pain-free and has good shoulder function 4 years following a Copeland shoulder hemiarthroplasty. Acromegaly is a rare condition of growth hormone oversecretion, but arthropathy is a common feature of the natural history of the disease. This is the first published case report of the outcome of shoulder arthroplasty in a patient with acromegalic arthropathy and demonstrated that a good result can be obtained in this patient.
Numerical Investigation on Mixed Convection in Triangular Cross-Section Ducts with Nanofluids
Authors: Manca Oronzio , Nardini Sergio , Ricci Daniele , Tamburrino Salvatore
Published: December 2011

Convective heat transfer can be enhanced passively by changing flow geometry and boundary conditions or by improving the thermal conductivity of the working fluid, for example, introducing suspended small solid nanoparticles. In this paper, a numerical investigation on laminar mixed convection in a water-Al2O3-based nanofluid, flowing in a triangular cross-sectioned duct, is presented. The duct walls are assumed at uniform temperature, and the single-phase model has been employed in order to analyze the nanofluid behaviour. The hydraulic diameter is equal to 0.01 m. A fluid flow with different values of Richardson number and nanoparticle volume fractions has been considered. Results show the increase of average convective heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number for increasing values of Richardson number and particle concentration. However, also wall shear stress and required pumping power profiles grow significantly.
Effect of an Ethanol Extract ofScutellaria baicalensison Relaxation in Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle
Authors: Li Xiang , Oh Hyun Cheol , Son Su Bin , Lee Yun Jung , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub
Published: December 2011

Aims of study. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether an ethanol extract ofScutellaria baicalensis(ESB) relaxes penile corpus cavernosum muscle in organ bath experiments.Materials and methods. Changes in tension of cavernous smooth muscle strips were determined by penile strip chamber model and in penile perfusion model. Isolated endothelium-intact rabbit corpus cavernosum was precontracted with phenylephrine (PE) and then treated with ESB.Results. ESB relaxed penile smooth muscle in a dose-dependent manner, and this was inhibited by pre-treatment with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, and 1H-[1, 2, 4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-α]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor. ESB-induced relaxation was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with tetraethylammonium (TEA), a nonselective K+channel blocker, and charybdotoxin, a selective Ca2+-dependent K+channel inhibitor. ESB increased the cGMP levels of rabbit corpus cavernosum in a concentration-dependent manner without changes in cAMP levels. In a perfusion model of penile tissue, ESB also relaxed penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion. Taken together, these results suggest that ESB relaxed rabbit cavernous smooth muscle via the NO/cGMP system and Ca2+-sensitive K+channels in the corpus cavernosum.
Lack of Association betweenCLEC5AGene Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Kawasaki Disease in Taiwanese Children
Authors: Yang Ya-Ling , Chang Wei-Pin , Hsu Yu-Wen , Chen Wei-Chiao , Yu Hong-Ren , Liang Chi-Di , Tsai Yao-Ting , Huang Ying-Hsien , Yang Kuender D. , Kuo Ho-Chang , Chang Wei-Chiao
Published: December 2011

Background. Kawasaki disease is characterized by systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology. Previous genetic studies have identified certain candidate genes associated with susceptibility to KD and coronary artery lesions. Host innate immune response factors are involved in modulating the disease outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate CLEC5A (C-type lectin domain family 5) genetic polymorphisms with regards to the susceptibility and outcome of KD.Methods. A total of 1045 subjects (381 KD patients and 664 controls) were enrolled to identify 4 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) ofCLEC5A(rs1285968, rs11770855, rs1285935, rs1285933) by using the TaqMan Allelic Discrimination Assay. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was assessed in cases and controls, and genetic effects were evaluated by the chi-square test.Results. No significant associations were noted between the genotypes and allele frequency of the 4CLEC5AtSNPs between controls and patients. In the patients, polymorphisms ofCLEC5Ashowed no significant association with coronary artery lesion formation and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment response.Conclusions. This study showed for the first time that polymorphisms ofCLEC5Aare not associated with susceptibility to KD, coronary artery lesion formation, and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment response in a Taiwanese population.