bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Attitude Toward Premarital Sexual Activities Among School-Going Adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Rahman Azriani Abdul , Rahman Razlina Abdul , Ismail Shaiful Bahari , Ibrahim Mohd Ismail , Ali Siti Hawa , Salleh Halim , Wan Muda Wan Abdul Manan
Published: June 2012

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the factors associated with the attitudes toward premarital sexual activities among school-going adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia. It was conducted among 1032 secondary school students using a self-administered validated questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression revealed that the risk factors for having permissive attitudes toward practice of premarital sexual activities were male students (odds ratio [OR] = 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.34-2.48), being less religious (OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.49-2.73), and younger age group of students (13 to 14 years old; OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.05-1.92). Having good knowledge on sexual and reproductive health was a protective factor against permissive sexual attitude (OR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.20-0.36). In conclusion, male and young adolescents were at risk of having permissive attitudes toward sexual behaviors, but good knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and being more religious may protect them from it.
Primary thrombophilia in Mexico IX
Authors: Ruiz-Argüelles Guillermo J. , Garcés-Eisele Javier , Camacho-Alarcón Cecilia , Reyes-Nuñez Virginia , Moncada-González Benjamín , Valdés-Tapia Patricia , León-Montes Nancy , Ruiz-Delgado Guillermo J.
Published: June 2012

Introduction:

The sticky platelet syndrome (SPS) seems to be a common cause of thrombosis, although no molecular substrate to explain platelet hyperaggregability has been found.

Objective:

To analyze an association between the SPS phenotype and the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIIa PLA1/A2 (human platelet antigen [HPA]-1a/b) gene polymorphism.

Methods:

Along an 18-month period, Mexican mestizo thrombophilic patients were prospectively accrued. The SPS phenotype was assessed by aggregometry, whereas a tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to detect the PLA1 and PLA2 alleles.

Results:

A total of 95 individuals with SPS and 127 healthy donors were studied; in 11 of the donors and 16 of the patients with SPS the A2 allele of the GP IIb/IIIA was found, yielding a weak and nonsignificant association (odds ratio 2.14, 95% CI 0.94-4.85).

Conclusion:

In Mexican mestizo patients, the platelet GP IIIa PLA1/A2 gene polymorphism does not lead to the SPS phenotype.
Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Divani Afshin A. , Zantek Nicole D. , Borhani-Haghighi Afshin , Rao Gundu H. R.
Published: June 2012

Platelets play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and stroke. Aspirin used alone or in combination with other antiplatelet drugs has been shown to offer significant benefit to patients at high risk of vascular events. Resistance to the action of aspirin may decrease this benefit. Aspirin resistance has been defined by clinical and/or laboratory criteria; however, detection by laboratory methods prior to experiencing a clinical event will likely provide the greatest opportunity for intervention. Numerous laboratory methods with different cutoff points have been used to evaluate the resistance. Noncompliance with aspirin treatment has also confounded studies. A single assay is currently insufficient to establish resistance. Combinations of results to confirm compliance and platelet inhibition may identify “at-risk” individuals who truly have aspirin resistance. The most effective strategy for managing patients with aspirin resistance is unknown; however, studies are currently underway to address this issue.
Alterations in Procoagulant, Anticoagulant, and Fibrinolytic Systems Before and After Start of Induction Chemotherapy in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Albayrak Meryem , Gürsel Turkiz , Kaya Zuhre , Koçak Ülker
Published: June 2012

Induction chemotherapy is associated with increased thrombosis risk in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In this prospective study, we explored the effects of ALL and induction chemotherapy on the procoagulant, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic systems in 20 children with ALL. The levels of d-dimer, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, protein C, antithrombin III, and thrombin-activated fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) were elevated at diagnosis. These changes were not related with peripheral blast count. The levels of fibrinogen, d-dimer, coagulation inhibitors, and plasminogen decreased, whereas the levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 increased progressively following prednisolone monotherapy, administration of vincristine plus daunorubicin, and l-asparaginase. The levels of factor VIII, d-dimer, and TAFI remained elevated during the study period. In conclusion, coagulation activation and impaired fibrinolysis already exist at diagnosis, whereas induction chemotherapy leads to reactivation of coagulation and progressive impairment in fibrinolytic and anticoagulant capacities in childhood ALL.
Increased Ratio of Soluble Fibrin Formation/Thrombin Generation in Patients With DIC
Authors: Kushimoto Shigeki , Wada Hideo , Kawasugi Kazuo , Okamoto Kohji , Uchiyama Toshimasa , Seki Yoshinobu , Hatada Tsuyoshi , Imai Hiroshi , Nobori Tsutomu ,   Japanese Society of Thrombosis Hemostasis/DIC subcommittee
Published: June 2012

The generation of thrombin–antithromin (AT) complex (TAT) or soluble fibrin (SF) was prospectively compared with prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) generation in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The plasma levels of TAT, SF, and F1 + 2 were significantly higher in the DIC group than in the non-DIC group. The differences in these levels between the DIC group and non-DIC group were significantly related to infections and hematopoietic tumors. There were no significant differences in the TAT/F1 + 2 ratio between DIC and non-DIC patients, but the SF/F1 + 2 ratio was significantly higher in the DIC group than the non-DIC group. The plasma AT activity was significantly higher in patients with DIC with resolution than in those without resolution, and in survivors than in nonsurvivors. These findings suggest that the ratio of TAT/thrombin is constant between the patients with and without DIC but that the ratio of fibrin formation/thrombin might increase in DIC.
Pushing the limits for medical image reconstruction on recent standard multicore processors
Authors: Treibig Jan , Hager Georg , Hofmann Hannes G. , Hornegger Joachim , Wellein Gerhard
Published: June 2012

Volume reconstruction by backprojection is the computational bottleneck in many interventional clinical computed tomography (CT) applications. Today vendors in this field replace special purpose hardware accelerators with standard hardware such as multicore chips and GPGPUs. Medical imaging algorithms are on the verge of employing high-performance computing (HPC) technology, and are therefore an interesting new candidate for optimization. This paper presents low-level optimizations for the backprojection algorithm, guided by a thorough performance analysis on four generations of Intel multicore processors (Harpertown, Westmere, Westmere EX, and Sandy Bridge). We choose the RabbitCT benchmark, a standardized testcase well supported in industry, to ensure transparent and comparable results. Our aim is to provide not only the fastest possible implementation but also compare with performance models and hardware counter data in order to fully understand the results. We separate the influence of algorithmic optimizations, parallelization, SIMD vectorization, and microarchitectural issues and pinpoint problems with current SIMD instruction set extensions on standard CPUs (SSE, AVX). The use of assembly language is mandatory for best performance. Finally, we compare our results to the best GPGPU implementations available for this open competition benchmark.
An experimental and numerical investigation in elastohydrodynamic behaviour of a plain cylindrical journal bearing heavily loaded
Authors: Bendaoud N , Mehala K , Youcefi A , Fillon M
Published: June 2012

This article is an experimental and numerical study on elastohydrodynamic behavior of a plain cylindrical journal bearing subjected to the radial loads. An experimental study conducted on the effects of applied load on the determination of the characteristics of a cylindrical journal bearing, with 100 mm diameter and a radial clearance of 0.09 mm. The bearing is made of steel backing material and babitted (88% tin) on its inner surface. Lubrication is insured using PM3 type oil which features good rheological properties as well as a large density. The operating conditions are variable, with the radial load ranging up to 10 kN and the rotational speed ranging up to 2000 r/min. The numerical analysis investigates the deformation effects on the bearing behavior. This analysis considers the impact of various parameters such as rotational speed up to 9000 r/min, radial load up to 150 kN. Finally, the numerical predictions have been validated in comparison with experimental data.
Ionic liquid long-term stability assessment and its contribution to toxicity and biodegradation study of untreated and altered ionic liquids
Authors: Pisarova Lucia , Steudte Stephanie , Dörr Nicole , Pittenauer Ernst , Allmaier Günter , Stepnowski Piotr , Stolte Stefan
Published: June 2012

In contrast to well understood degradation mechanisms in conventional lubricants generally promoted by thermo-oxidative stress, the degradation of ionic liquids is widely unknown although they are considered as promising novel types of lubricants. Hence, the ionic liquid long-term stability has been evaluated by small scale artificial alteration experiments under thermo-oxidative conditions. The ionic liquid selection was based on non-functionalized and functionalized ammonium type cations with three different counter anions. The identification of ionic liquid degradation products accomplished by high end mass spectrometric methods, namely time-of-flight/reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry and linear quadrupole trap-orbitrap-mass spectrometry, revealed that ionic liquids which were composed of functionalized cation moieties were prone to degradation. Furthermore, the amounts of the most abundant degradation product formed under various artificial alteration conditions have been quantified by ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization linear quadrupole ion trap orbitrap mass spectrometry, suggesting that the ionic liquid degradation preferably takes place at higher temperatures after a longer period of time. The proposed degradation mechanism requires the presence of nucleophilic species such as methanesulphonate anion. The (eco)toxicological impact of the selected ionic liquids have been evaluated by comprehensive toxicity studies and biodegradation experiments. As the evaluation of selected ionic liquids revealed contrary assessments from stability and (eco)toxicological studies, the need for mutual and complementary consideration of the ionic liquids for a successful implementation of ionic liquid lubricants has been disclosed.
Prevalence and economic burden of pulmonary embolism in Germany
Authors: Kröger Knut , Küpper-Nybelen Jutta , Moerchel Christian , Moysidis Theodoros , Kienitz Carsten , Schubert Ingrid
Published: June 2012

The prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE), PE mortality and treatment-associated costs for the years 2000 to 2006 were analysed using a statutory health insurance sample of AOK Hesse/KV Hesse, which contained information for an 18.75% random sample of 1.9 million persons insured with the AOK Hesse. Within the sample a PE diagnosis was accepted as valid if it was documented as the main discharge diagnosis or as an additional hospital diagnosis during hospitalization and if at least one of the following criteria was met: prescription of oral anticoagulants or heparins, PE documented for at least two quarterly periods or documented in only one quarter for patients who died within 28 days after hospital discharge. The economic burden from the perspective of the insurance fund was assessed by an analysis of resource consumption (direct costs) and by a matched pair analysis with controls without PE to estimate excess costs. A 99% winsorization of each cost category was performed to control for extreme outlying values. The prevalence of PE as the main discharge diagnosis and an additional hospital diagnosis varied from 55.3 to 71.7 per 100,000 insurants in the years 2000 to 2006. Insurants aged 80 years and more had a prevalence of 406.9 per 100,000 (year 2006). From 2001 to 2003 the in-hospital mortality rate ranged from 20.4% to 24.9% and decreased to 14% in 2006. A total of 85% of all patients with PE who survived the first year had at least one prescription of vitamin K antagonists. For patients who survived the first year, treatment costs exceeded € 20,000, with an estimation of additional costs of € 5816 for men and € 8962 for women in the matched-pair analysis. Owing to high in-hospital costs, the overall cost of treatment was highest for patients younger than 60 years. In conclusion, the prevalence rate of PE in Germany is comparable to international data. Treatment costs within the first year after hospital discharge are high, and there is a need to clarify the settings associated with PE in Germany with its high rate of prophylaxis.
Childhood abuse and loss in the lives of low-income women
Authors: Gringeri Christina , Vogel-Ferguson Mary Beth
Published: June 2012

About 700,000 cases of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect are substantiated each year, making childhood maltreatment a common form of trauma in the histories of adults. We summarize the literature on the consequences of child maltreatment across the lifespan, agreeing with those researchers who see maltreatment as a public health problem. We examine low-income women’s perceptions of the impacts of childhood abuse on their adult experiences through 19 life narratives collected during 2008. Using a theoretical lens of Hobfoll’s Conservation of Resources, we discuss themes of loss and developmental stress in women’s experiences of childhood maltreatment. We conclude with implications for professionals and case managers working with low-income women, suggesting that assessment for childhood maltreatment is an important aspect of supporting low-income women and their families on the road to self sufficiency.
Damage detection at cryogenic temperatures in composites using piezoelectric wafer active sensors
Authors: Santoni-Bottai Giola , Giurgiutiu Victor
Published: June 2012

An experimental evaluation of the structural health monitoring capability of piezoelectric wafer active sensors on composite structures at cryogenic temperatures is presented. The piezoelectric wafer active sensor–based electromechanical impedance and the pitch–catch methods were first qualified for cryogenic temperatures using piezoelectric wafer active sensor–instrumented composite specimens dipped in liquid N2. Subsequently, damage detection experiments were performed on laboratory-scale composite specimens with (a) impact damage and (b) built-in Teflon patches simulating in service delaminations. Finally, a comprehensive damage detection test was performed on a full-scale specimen subjected to pressure and cryogenic temperature cycles. Based on these tests, we conclude that piezoelectric wafer active sensor–based structural health monitoring methods show promise for damage detection in composite materials even in extreme cryogenic conditions. Recommendations for further work are also included.
Trabzonite, Ca4[Si3O9(OH)]OH: crystal structure, revised formula, new occurrence and relation to killalaite
Authors: Armbruster T. , Lazic B. , Galuskina I. O. , Galuskin E. V. , Gnos E. , Marzec K. M. , Gazeev V. M.
Published: July 2012

The crystal structure of the rare skarn mineral trabzonite, Ca4[Si3O9(OH)]OH, from the type locality near Ikizdere, Turkey and from the Upper Chegem caldera, Northern Caucasus, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia has been solved and refined using single-crystal X-ray data. This shows that the chemical formula should be modified from Ca4(Si3O10)˙2H2O, reported in the original trabzonite description, to an OH-bearing composition. The crystal structure, which contains Si3O10 trimers embedded in a framework of CaO6–8 polyhedra, has orthorhombic symmetry, space group Ama2, a = 20.6, b = 9.1, c = 10.3 Å. The orthorhombic A-centred cell is easily obtained by transformation from the original monoclinic cell of P21/m symmetry. The revised formula means that trabzonite and foshagite are polymorphs; foshagite has wollastonite-like silicate chains and in contrast to trabzonite it does not contain silanol groups. The structure and composition of killalaite from both localities was also studied. Single-crystal X-ray structure refinement of killalaite from the Northern Caucasus confirmed it to be non-stoichiometric with a composition between Ca6[Si2O6(OH)]2(OH)2 and Ca7[Si2O7]2(OH)2(Z = 2). Trabzonite, killalaite and dellaite form a series of modular structures which differ mainly in the degree of condensation of the SiO4 units.
Distinct and overlapping gene regulatory networks in BMP- and HDAC-controlled cell fate determination in the embryonic forebrain
Authors: Scholl Catharina , Weiβmüller Kathrin , Holenya Pavlo , Shaked-Rabi Maya , Tucker Kerry L , Wölfl Stefan
Published: July 2012

Background

Both bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) have previously been established to play a role in the development of the three major cell types of the central nervous system: neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. We have previously established a connection between these two protein families, showing that HDACs suppress BMP-promoted astrogliogenesis in the embryonic striatum. Since HDACs act in the nucleus to effect changes in transcription, an unbiased analysis of their transcriptional targets could shed light on their downstream effects on BMP-signaling.

Results

Using neurospheres from the embryonic striatum as an in vitro system to analyze this phenomenon, we have performed microarray expression profiling on BMP2- and TSA-treated cultures, followed by validation of the findings with quantitative RT-PCR and protein analysis. In BMP-treated cultures we first observed an upregulation of genes involved in cell-cell communication and developmental processes such as members of BMP and canonical Wnt signaling pathways. In contrast, in TSA-treated cultures we first observed an upregulation of genes involved in chromatin modification and transcription. Interestingly, we could not record direct changes in the protein levels of canonical members of BMP2 signaling, but we did observe an upregulation of both the transcription factor STAT3 and its active isoform phospho-STAT3 at the protein level.

Conclusions

STAT3 and SMAD1/5/8 interact synergistically to promote astrogliogenesis, and thus we show for the first time that HDACs act to suppress BMP-promoted astrogliogenesis by suppression of the crucial partner STAT3.
Seeking consent to genetic and genomic research in a rural Ghanaian setting: A qualitative study of the MalariaGEN experience
Authors: Tindana Paulina , Bull Susan , Amenga-Etego Lucas , de Vries Jantina , Aborigo Raymond , Koram Kwadwo , Kwiatkowski Dominic , Parker Michael
Published: July 2012

Background

Seeking consent for genetic and genomic research can be challenging, particularly in populations with low literacy levels, and in emergency situations. All of these factors were relevant to the MalariaGEN study of genetic factors influencing immune responses to malaria in northern rural Ghana. This study sought to identify issues arising in practice during the enrolment of paediatric cases with severe malaria and matched healthy controls into the MalariaGEN study.

Methods

The study used a rapid assessment incorporating multiple qualitative methods including in depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations of consent processes. Differences between verbal information provided during community engagement processes, and consent processes during the enrolment of cases and controls were identified, as well as the factors influencing the tailoring of such information.

Results

MalariaGEN participants and field staff seeking consent were generally satisfied with their understanding of the project and were familiar with aspects of the study relating to malaria. Some genetic aspects of the study were also well understood. Participants and staff seeking consent were less aware of the methodologies employed during genomic research and their implications, such as the breadth of data generated and the potential for future secondary research.

Moreover, trust in and previous experience with the Navrongo Health Research Centre which was conducting the research influenced beliefs about the benefits of participating in the MalariaGEN study and subsequent decision-making about research participation.

Conclusions

It is important to recognise that some aspects of complex genomic research may be of less interest to and less well understood by research participants and that such gaps in understanding may not be entirely addressed by best practice in the design and conduct of consent processes. In such circumstances consideration needs to be given to additional protections for participants that may need to be implemented in such research, and how best to provide such protections.

Capacity building for research ethics committees with limited familiarity with genetic and genomic research, and appropriate engagement with communities to elicit opinions of the ethical issues arising and acceptability of downstream uses of genome wide association data are likely to be important.
The use of LeptiCore® in reducing fat gain and managing weight loss in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kuate Dieudonne , Etoundi Blanche C O , Azantsa Boris K G , Kengne Anne-Pascale N , Ngondi Judith L , Oben Julius E
Published: July 2012

Background

LeptiCore® is a proprietary combination of various ingredients which have been shown to have properties which could be beneficial to weight loss in obese and overweight human subjects. This study evaluates the effect of Lepticore® on bodyweight as well as parameters associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Methods

The study was an 8 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 92 obese (mean BMI > 30 kg/m2) participants (37 males; 55 females; ages 19-52; mean age = 30.7). The participants were randomly divided into three groups: placebo (n = 30), LeptiCore® formula A (low dose) (n = 31) and LeptiCore® formula B (high dose) (n = 31). Capsules containing the placebo or active formulations were administered twice daily before meals with 300 ml of water. None of the participants followed any specific diet nor took any weight-reducing medications for the duration of the study. A total of 12 anthropomorphic and serological measurements were taken at the beginning of the study and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment.

Results

Compared to the placebo group, the two active groups showed statistically significant differences on all 12 variables by week 8. These included four anthropomorphic variables (body weight, body fat, waist and hip size) and eight measures of serological levels (plasma total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, blood glucose, serotonin, leptin, C-reactive protein). The two active groups also showed significant intra-group differences on all 12 variables between study onset and week 8.

Conclusion

The LeptiCore® formulation at both the low and high dosages appears to be helpful in the management of fat gain and its related complications. The higher dosage resulted in significantly greater reductions in body weight and triglyceride, blood glucose, and C-reactive protein levels, as well as increased serotonin levels.
Primary lung lymphoma involving the superior vena cava
Authors: Wei Sen , Li Xin , Qiu Xiaomin , Zhao Honglin , Chen Gang , Chen Jun , Zhou Qinghua
Published: June 2012

Primary lung lymphoma (PLL) presenting as a primary pulmonary lesion is rare and usually affects elderly people. Here we describe a 25-year-old Chinese man diagnosed with primary lung lymphoma, which presented as a huge lung tumor mimicking a primary lung cancer and involving the superior vena cava. He underwent double-sleeve reconstructions of bronchus and pulmonary arteries with right upper- and middle-lobe lobectomy along with replacement of the superior vena cava with a graft, and was then given standard chemotherapy of CHOP plus Rituximab. The patient has been well, showing no local recurrence or distal metastasis during a 27-month follow-up.
Modification of optical and electrical properties of zinc oxide-coated porous silicon nanostructures induced by swift heavy ion
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Herrera-Zaldivar Manuel , Olive-Méndez Sion Federico , Singh Fouran , Mathew Xavier , Agarwal Vivechana
Published: July 2012

Morphological and optical characteristics of radio frequency-sputtered zinc aluminum oxide over porous silicon (PS) substrates were studied before and after irradiating composite films with 130 MeV of nickel ions at different fluences varying from 1 × 1012 to 3 × 1013 ions/cm2. The effect of irradiation on the composite structure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. Current–voltage characteristics of ZnO-PS heterojunctions were also measured. As compared to the granular crystallites of zinc oxide layer, Al-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) layer showed a flaky structure. The PL spectrum of the pristine composite structure consists of the emission from the ZnO layer as well as the near-infrared emission from the PS substrate. Due to an increase in the number of deep-level defects, possibly oxygen vacancies after swift ion irradiation, PS-Al-doped ZnO nanocomposites formed with high-porosity PS are shown to demonstrate a broadening in the PL emission band, leading to the white light emission. The broadening effect is found to increase with an increase in the ion fluence and porosity. XRD study revealed the relative resistance of the film against the irradiation, i.e., the irradiation of the structure failed to completely amorphize the structure, suggesting its possible application in optoelectronics and sensing applications under harsh radiation conditions.
Positive solutions of a singular semipositone boundary value problems for fourth-order coupled difference equations
Authors: Li Wenjin , Fei Yupeng , Shan Biaoan , Pang Yanni
Published: July 2012

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A case of phace syndrome and acquired hypopituitarism?
Authors: Denzer Friederike , Denzer Christian , Lennerz Belinda S , Bode Harald , Wabitsch Martin
Published: June 2012

Background

PHACE is a neurocutaneous syndrome associated with: Posterior fossa brain malformations, large “segmental” facial hemangiomas, arterial cerebrovascular-, cardiovascular-, and eye anomalies.

Case vignette

We are reporting a girl with PHACE syndrome. The patient had a congenital right-sided facial hemangioma with plaque-morphology. At age 11 years and 2 months she presented with short stature, markedly decreased growth velocity and signs and symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed complex structural and cerebrovascular arterial anomalies, including an empty sella. Testing of pituitary function revealed multiple pituitary dysfunctions, including absolute growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, central hypothyroidism, and secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Conclusions

This case suggests the necessity to screen all patients with PHACE syndrome and intracranial malformations for pituitary dysfunction at regular intervals.
Determining the degradation efficiency and mechanisms of ethyl violet using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS and GC-MS
Authors: Chung Wen-Hsin , Lu Chung-Shin , Lin Wan-Yu , Wang Jian-Xun , Wu Chia-Wei , Chen Chiing-Chang
Published: June 2012

Background

The discharge of wastewater that contains high concentrations of reactive dyes is a well-known problem associated with dyestuff activities. In recent years, semiconductor photocatalysis has become more and more attractive and important since it has a great potential to contribute to such environmental problems. One of the most important aspects of environmental photocatalysis is in the selection of semiconductor materials like ZnO and TiO2, which are close to being two of the ideal photocatalysts in several respects. For example, they are relatively inexpensive, and they provide photo-generated holes with high oxidizing power due to their wide band gap energy. In this work, nanostructural ZnO film on the Zn foil of the Alkaline-Manganese Dioxide-Zinc Cell was fabricated to degrade EV dye. The major innovation of this paper is to obtain the degradation mechanism of ethyl violet dyes resulting from the HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS analyses.

Results

The fabrication of ZnO nanostructures on zinc foils with a simple solution-based corrosion strategy and the synthesis, characterization, application, and implication of Zn would be reported in this study. Other objectives of this research are to identify the reaction intermediates and to understand the detailed degradation mechanism of EV dye, as model compound of triphenylmethane dye, with active Zn metal, by HPLC-ESI-MS and GC-MS.

Conclusions

ZnO nanostructure/Zn-foils had an excellent potential for future applications on the photocatalytic degradation of the organic dye in the environmental remediation. The intermediates of the degradation process were separated and characterized by the HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS and GC-MS, and twenty-six intermediates were characterized in this study. Based on the variation of the amount of intermediates, possible degradation pathways for the decolorization of dyes are also proposed and discussed.
Misdiagnosis of otosclerosis in a patient with enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome: a case report
Authors: Távora-Vieira Dayse , Miller Stuart
Published: July 2012

Introduction

In the present case we report on the mismanagement of a patient misdiagnosed with otosclerosis, who was subsequently found to have enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome bilaterally. This highlights the need to not only be vigilant in pre-operative assessment of otosclerosis but also in post-operative investigations of stapedectomy failures.

Case presentation

Our patient, a 56-year-old Caucasian Australian woman, lost the hearing in her right ear following a stapedectomy approximately 25 years ago. It is thought that preoperative imaging was not conducted, while an inadequate (unmasked) audiogram was used to formulate the initial diagnosis of otosclerosis. The hearing in her left ear deteriorated to the point that a cochlear implant was now being considered for her right ear. Imaging performed as part of our pre-cochlear implant battery revealed bilateral enlarged vestibular aqueducts and thus the decision to proceed with a right cochlear implant was made following discussion with our patient and her family in regard to not only general surgical risks but specifically the remote risk that the surgical drilling required during the procedure could risk a deterioration of the hearing in her left ear because of the enlarged vestibular aqueduct on that side.

Conclusions

This report illustrates a case of misdiagnosis and mismanagement of bilateral enlarged vestibular aqueduct resulting in profound hearing loss. Fortunately our patient has been successfully implanted with a right cochlear implant with remarkable outcomes.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma incidentally detected by thyroid ultrasonography: a case report
Authors: Kim Bu Kyung , Choi Young Sik , Gwoo Sangeon , Park Yo Han , Yang Song I. , Kim Jeong Hoon
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a common heritable neurocutaneous disorder. Neurofibromatosis type 1 may be associated with tumors of the central nervous system and pheochromocytoma. However, papillary thyroid carcinoma associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 is very rare. We present what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of papillary thyroid carcinoma to be detected incidentally by ultrasonography in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old South Korean man with neurofibromatosis type 1 presented to our study hospital because of thyroid nodules detected incidentally by ultrasonography. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed by ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration, and then a total thyroidectomy with central compartment neck dissection was performed. The B isoform of the RafV600E mutation was identified by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

Conclusions

Papillary thyroid carcinoma associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 is very rare. However, it is speculated that papillary thyroid carcinoma is more likely to be detected in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 if screening by ultrasonography is performed for them.
Arg9 facilitates the translocation and downstream signal inhibition of an anti-HER2 single chain antibody
Authors: Hu Yi , Qiao Chunxia , Lv Ming , Feng Jiannan , Yu Ming , Shen Beifen , Zhang Qiuping , Li Yan
Published: July 2012

Background

HER2 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of many cancers and is linked to poor prognosis or cancer metastases. Monoclonal antibodies, such as Herceptin against HER2-overexpressing cancers, have showed satisfactory clinical therapeutic effect. However, they have difficulty to surmount obstacles to enter cells or blood–brain barrier.

Results

In this study, a cell-penetrating peptide Arg9 was linked to the C-terminus of anti-HER2 single chain antibody (MIL5scFv). Flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and electron microscopy analysis all revealed that Arg9 peptide facilitated the penetration of MIL5scFv into HER2-negative cell line NIH3T3 and orientate in mitochondria. More interestingly, Western blot assay showed the potential enhanced bioactivity of MIL5scFv-Arg9 in HER2+ cell line SKOV3, indicating that Arg9 could help large molecules (e.g. antibody) to penetrate into cells and therefore enhance its anti-neoplastic function.

Conclusions

Our work represented an attractive by preliminary strategy to enhance the therapeutic effect of existing antibodies by entering cells easier, or more desirable, surmounting the physical barriers, especially in hard-to-reach cancers such as brain metastases cases.
GenomeGems: evaluation of genetic variability from deep sequencing data
Authors: Ben-Zvi Sharon , Givati Adi , Shomron Noam
Published: July 2012

Background

Detection of disease-causing mutations using Deep Sequencing technologies possesses great challenges. In particular, organizing the great amount of sequences generated so that mutations, which might possibly be biologically relevant, are easily identified is a difficult task. Yet, for this assignment only limited automatic accessible tools exist.

Findings

We developed GenomeGems to gap this need by enabling the user to view and compare Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) from multiple datasets and to load the data onto the UCSC Genome Browser for an expanded and familiar visualization. As such, via automatic, clear and accessible presentation of processed Deep Sequencing data, our tool aims to facilitate ranking of genomic SNP calling. GenomeGems runs on a local Personal Computer (PC) and is freely available athttp://www.tau.ac.il/~nshomron/GenomeGems.

Conclusions

GenomeGems enables researchers to identify potential disease-causing SNPs in an efficient manner. This enables rapid turnover of information and leads to further experimental SNP validation. The tool allows the user to compare and visualize SNPs from multiple experiments and to easily load SNP data onto the UCSC Genome browser for further detailed information.
A predicted protein interactome for rice
Authors: Ho Chai-Ling , Wu Yingzhou , Shen Hong-bin , Provart Nicholas J , Geisler Matt
Published: July 2012

Background

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) create the steps in signaling and regulatory networks central to most fundamental biological processes. It is possible to predict these interactions by making use of experimentally determined orthologous interactions in other species.

Results

In this study, prediction of PPIs in rice was carried out by the interolog method of mapping deduced orthologous genes to protein interactions supported by experimental evidence from reference organisms. We predicted 37112 interactions for 4567 rice proteins, including 1671 predicted self interactions (homo-interactions) and 35441 predicted interactions between different proteins (hetero-interactions). These matched 168 of 675 experimentally-determined interactions in rice. Interacting proteins were significantly more co-expressed than expected by chance, which is typical of experimentally-determined interactomes. The rice interacting proteins were divided topologically into 981 free ends (proteins with single interactions), 499 pipes (proteins with two interactions) and 3087 hubs of different sizes ranging from three to more than 100 interactions.

Conclusions

This predicted rice interactome extends known pathways and improves functional annotation of unknown rice proteins and networks in rice, and is easily explored with software tools presented here.
Severe multiple organ injury in HSF1 knockout mice induced by lipopolysaccharide is associated with an increase in neutrophil infiltration and surface expression of adhesion molecules
Authors: Chen Shuhua , Zuo Xiaoxia , Yang Mingshi , Lu Hongwei , Wang Nian , Wang Kangkai , Tu Zizhi , Chen Guangwen , Liu Meidong , Liu Ke , Xiao Xianzhong
Published: June 2012

HSF1 alleviated multiple organ damage and PMN infiltration in mice by suppressing the surface expression of PSGL-1 and CD11b on PMNs during endotoxemia.

We have reported previously that HSF1 is essential in protection against the lethal systemic inflammation induced by LPS. However, the mechanism by which HSF1 protects against LPS-induced systemic inflammation remains unknown. In this study, HSF1−/− mice were subjected to endotoxemia by a bolus injection of LPS (10 mg/kg, i.p.). The serum levels of LDH, BUN, and transaminase (ALT and AST) were measured. PMN infiltration in lung, liver, and kidney tissues after endotoxemia was observed with immunohistochemistry. Comparing with the WT control, LPS administration induced more severe multiple organ dysfunction and lower survival rates in the HSF1−/− mice. Moreover, PMN infiltration into lungs, liver, and kidneys in HSF1−/− mice was more than that in the WT mice. The augmented tissue PMN infiltration in HSF1−/− mice was associated with their enhanced adhesive properties to endothelium in vivo. In addition, HSF1−/− caused greater surface expression of PSGL-1 and CD11b on the PMN surface after LPS treatment. These findings suggested that HSF1 alleviated LPS-induced multiple organ injury in mice by suppressing the surface expression of adhesion molecules on PMNs and subsequent infiltration of PMNs in tissues.
Th17 cells: critical mediators of host responses to burn injury and sepsis
Authors: Rendon Juan L , Choudhry Mashkoor A
Published: June 2012

Review on Th17 cells in critical care settings, including burn injury and clinical sepsis, and the potential therapeutic role of IL-22.

Th cells have long been recognized as vital components of the adaptive immune system. Until recently, CD3+CD4+ Th cells were divided into cell-mediated Th1 or humoral Th2 responses. However, the Th1-Th2 hypothesis failed to accommodate the more recently described Th17 cells. Today, the major Th cell subsets include Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, and Tregs, each of which produce specific effector cytokines under unique transcriptional regulation. Specifically, Th17 cells produce effector cytokines IL-17, IL-21, and IL-22 under the regulation of ROR-γt. Th17 lymphocytes were first described as orchestrators of neutrophil recruitment and activation and as key players in chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. More recent evidence suggest that Th17 lymphocytes and their effector cytokines play a crucial role in maintaining mucosal immunity and barrier integrity, including the skin, lung, and gut. Burn injury induces global changes to the systemic immune response, including suppressed immune function and increased susceptibility to infection. Moreover, burn trauma is associated with remote organ injury. This relationship between burn and remote organ injury supports the hypothesis that immune suppression may facilitate the development of sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in critically ill burn patients. Herein, we discuss this emerging adaptive cell subset in critical care settings, including burn injury and clinical sepsis, and highlight the potential therapeutic role of IL-22.
Genetic susceptibility to lupus: the biological basis of genetic risk found in B cell signaling pathways
Authors: Vaughn Samuel E , Kottyan Leah C , Munroe Melissa E , Harley John B
Published: June 2012

Review on B cell signaling pathways in lupus risk genes, possibly representing a unique therapeutic opportunity.

Over 50 genetic variants have been statistically associated with the development of SLE (or lupus). Each genetic association is a key component of a pathway to lupus pathogenesis, the majority of which requires further mechanistic studies to understand the functional changes to cellular physiology. Whereas their use in clinical practice has yet to be established, these genes guide efforts to develop more specific therapeutic approaches. The BCR signaling pathways are rich in lupus susceptibility genes and may well provide novel opportunities for the understanding and clinical treatment of this complex disease.
ATP release and autocrine signaling through P2X4 receptors regulate γδ T cell activation
Authors: Manohar Monali , Hirsh Mark I , Chen Yu , Woehrle Tobias , Karande Anjali A , Junger Wolfgang G
Published: June 2012

Circulating human γδ T cells release ATP upon in vitro stimulation, which signals through P2X4 receptors and governs these cellsˈ function.

Purinergic signaling plays a key role in a variety of physiological functions, including regulation of immune responses. Conventional αβ T cells release ATP upon TCR cross-linking; ATP binds to purinergic receptors expressed by these cells and triggers T cell activation in an autocrine and paracrine manner. Here, we studied whether similar purinergic signaling pathways also operate in the “unconventional” γδ T lymphocytes. We observed that γδ T cells purified from peripheral human blood rapidly release ATP upon in vitro stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28-coated beads or IPP. Pretreatment of γδ T cells with 10panx-1, CBX, or Bf A reversed the stimulation-induced increase in extracellular ATP concentration, indicating that panx-1, connexin hemichannels, and vesicular exocytosis contribute to the controlled release of cellular ATP. Blockade of ATP release with 10panx-1 inhibited Ca2+ signaling in response to TCR stimulation. qPCR revealed that γδ T cells predominantly express purinergic receptor subtypes A2a, P2X1, P2X4, P2X7, and P2Y11. We found that pharmacological inhibition of P2X4 receptors with TNP-ATP inhibited transcriptional up-regulation of TNF-α and IFN-γ in γδ T cells stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28-coated beads or IPP. Our data thus indicate that purinergic signaling via P2X4 receptors plays an important role in orchestrating the functional response of circulating human γδ T cells.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 activation induces autophagy in thymocytes through ROS-regulated AMPK and Atg4C pathways
Authors: Farfariello Valerio , Amantini Consuelo , Santoni Giorgio
Published: June 2012

TRPV1 activation and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the CPS-induced autophagy in thymocytes.

Autophagy is a highly conserved process involved in lymphocyte development and differentiation. Herein, we demonstrated for the first time that triggering of TRPV1 by the specific agonist CPS induces autophagy in mouse thymocytes. TRPV1-dependent autophagy required [Ca2+]i and ROS generation, resulting in AMPK activation. CPS specifically increased Atg4C mRNA expression and induced oxidation of Atg4C protein by ROS generation. TRPV1-triggered autophagy was Atg6/Beclin-1-dependent, as demonstrated by the use of Beclin-1+/− transgenic mice, and involved ROS- and AMPK-mediated up-regulation of Beclin-1 expression. Autophagy is activated as a prosurvival process, as its inhibition triggered apoptosis of thymocytes: this effect was accompanied by down-regulation of Atg4C, Bcl-XL, and Irgm1 mRNA expression, decreased Bcl-XL and Beclin-1 protein levels, and caspase-3 activation, suggesting the existence of a molecular interplay between autophagic and apoptotic programs. TRPV1 activation by CPS altered the expression of CD4 and CD8α antigens, inducing the development of DPdull. Interestingly, we found that CPS induces autophagy of DPdull cells, and inhibition of CPS-induced autophagy by the 3-MA autophagic inhibitor induces apoptosis of DPdull cells, suggesting the presence of an interplay between autophagic survival and apoptotic cell death. Overall, our findings suggest that DPdull cells constitute a distinct thymocyte subpopulation involved in the homeostatic control of cellularity and in the responses to chemical stress signals during thymocyte maturation, via regulating autophagy and apoptosis in a TRPV1-dependent manner.
Mechanisms of triglyceride accumulation in activated macrophages
Authors: Feingold Kenneth R , Shigenaga Judy K , Kazemi Mahmood R , McDonald Carol M , Patzek Sophie M , Cross Andrew S , Moser Arthur , Grunfeld Carl
Published: June 2012

TLR activation by multiple pathways leads to triglyceride accumulation in macrophages that could contribute to the accelerated atherosclerosis seen in chronic infections and inflammatory diseases.

LPS treatment of macrophages induces TG accumulation, which is accentuated by TG-rich lipoproteins or FFA. We defined pathways altered during macrophage activation that contribute to TG accumulation. Glucose uptake increased with activation, accompanied by increased GLUT1. Oxidation of glucose markedly decreased, whereas incorporation of glucose-derived carbon into FA and sterols increased. Macrophage activation also increased uptake of FFA, associated with an increase in CD36. Oxidation of FA was markedly reduced, whereas the incorporation of FA into TGs increased, associated with increased GPAT3 and DGAT2. Additionally, macrophage activation decreased TG lipolysis; however, expression of ATGL or HSL was not altered. Macrophage activation altered gene expression similarly when incubated with exogenous FA or AcLDL. Whereas activation with ligands of TLR2 (zymosan), TLR3 (poly I:C), or TLR4 (LPS) induced alterations in macrophage gene expression, leading to TG accumulation, treatment of macrophages with cytokines had minimal effects. Thus, activation of TLRs leads to accumulation of TG in macrophages by multiple pathways that may have beneficial effects in host defense but could contribute to the accelerated atherosclerosis in chronic infections and inflammatory diseases.