bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FishMicrosat: a microsatellite database of commercially important fishes and shellfishes of the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Nagpure Naresh Sahebrao , Rashid Iliyas , Pati Rameshwar , Pathak Ajey Kumar , Singh Mahender , Singh Shri Prakash , Sarkar Uttam Kumar
Published: September 2013

Background

Microsatellite DNA is one of many powerful genetic markers used for the construction of genetic linkage maps and the study of population genetics. The biological databases in public domain hold vast numbers of microsatellite sequences for many organisms including fishes. The microsatellite data available in these data sources were extracted and managed into a database that facilitates sequences analysis and browsing relevant information. The system also helps to design primer sequences for flanking regions of repeat loci for PCR identification of polymorphism within populations.

Description

FishMicrosat is a database of microsatellite sequences of fishes and shellfishes that includes important aquaculture species such as Lates calcarifer, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Penaeus monodon, Labeo rohita, Oreochromis niloticus, Fenneropenaeus indicus and Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The database contains 4398 microsatellite sequences of 41 species belonging to 15 families from the Indian subcontinent. GenBank of NCBI was used as a prime data source for developing the database. The database presents information about simple and compound microsatellites, their clusters and locus orientation within sequences. The database has been integrated with different tools in a web interface such as primer designing, locus finding, mapping repeats, detecting similarities among sequences across species, and searching using motifs and keywords. In addition, the database has the ability to browse information on the top 10 families and the top 10 species, through record overview.

Conclusions

FishMicrosat database is a useful resource for fish and shellfish microsatellite analyses and locus identification across species, which has important applications in population genetics, evolutionary studies and genetic relatedness among species. The database can be expanded further to include the microsatellite data of fishes and shellfishes from other regions and available information on genome sequencing project of species of aquaculture importance.
Efficient utilization of aerobic metabolism helps Tibetan locusts conquer hypoxia
Authors: Zhao Dejian , Zhang Zhenyu , Cease Arianne , Harrison Jon , Kang Le
Published: September 2013

Background

Responses to hypoxia have been investigated in many species; however, comparative studies between conspecific geographical populations at different altitudes are rare, especially for invertebrates. The migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, is widely distributed around the world, including on the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau (TP) and the low-altitude North China Plain (NP). TP locusts have inhabited Tibetan Plateau for over 34,000 years and thus probably have evolved superior capacity to cope with hypoxia.

Results

Here we compared the hypoxic responses of TP and NP locusts from morphological, behavioral, and physiological perspectives. We found that TP locusts were more tolerant of extreme hypoxia than NP locusts. To evaluate why TP locusts respond to extreme hypoxia differently from NP locusts, we subjected them to extreme hypoxia and compared their transcriptional responses. We found that the aerobic metabolism was less affected in TP locusts than in NP locusts. RNAi disruption of PDHE1β, an entry gene from glycolysis to TCA cycle, increased the ratio of stupor in TP locusts and decreased the ATP content of TP locusts in hypoxia, confirming that aerobic metabolism is critical for TP locusts to maintain activity in hypoxia.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that TP and NP locusts have undergone divergence in hypoxia tolerance. These findings also indicate that insects can adapt to hypoxic pressure by modulating basic metabolic processes.
Partial loss of Smad signaling during in vitroprogression of HPV16-immortalized human keratinocytes
Authors: Altomare Diego , Velidandla Rupa , Pirisi Lucia , Creek Kim E
Published: September 2013

Background

Disruption of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway is observed in many cancers, including cervical cancer, resulting in TGF-β resistance. While normal human keratinocytes (HKc) and human papillomavirus type 16-immortalized HKc (HKc/HPV16) are sensitive to the growth inhibitory effects of TGF-β, HKc/HPV16 develop resistance to TGF-β1 as they progress in vitro to a differentiation resistant phenotype (HKc/DR). The loss of sensitivity to the antiproliferative effects of TGF-β1 in HKc/DR is due, at least partially, to decreased expression of the TGF-β receptor type I. In the present study, we explored in detail whether alterations in Smad protein levels, Smad phosphorylation, or nuclear localization of Smads in response to TGF-β could contribute to the development of TGF-β resistance during in vitro progression of HKc/HPV16, and whether TGF-β induction of a Smad-responsive reporter gene was altered in HKc/DR.

Methods

Western blot analysis was used to assess Smad protein levels. In order to study Smad nuclear localization we performed indirect immunofluorescence. In addition, we determined Smad-mediated TGF-β signaling using a luciferase reporter construct.

Results

We did not find a decrease in protein levels of Smad2, Smad3 or Smad4, or an increase in the inhibitory Smad7 that paralleled the loss of sensitivity to the growth inhibitory effects of TGF-β1 observed in HKc/DR. However, we found diminished Smad2 phosphorylation, and delayed nuclear Smad3 localization in response to TGF-β1 in HKc/DR, compared to normal HKc and TGF-β sensitive HKc/HPV16. In addition, we determined that TGF-β1 induction of a Smad responsive promoter is reduced by about 50% in HKc/DR, compared to HKc/HPV16.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that alterations in Smad protein levels are not associated with the loss of response to the antiproliferative effects of TGF-β in HKc/DR, but that diminished and delayed Smad phosphorylation and nuclear localization, and decreased Smad signaling occur in response to TGF-β in HKc/DR.
Optimizing expectations to prevent side effects and enhance quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: von Blanckenburg Pia , Schuricht Franziska , Albert Ute-Susann , Rief Winfried , Nestoriuc Yvonne
Published: September 2013

Background

Adjuvant endocrine therapy can improve disease-free survival and time before recurrence in breast cancer patients. However, it is associated with considerable side effects that negatively affect patients’ quality of life and cause non-adherence. The recently demonstrated effect of individual expectations on side-effect development (nocebo effect) suggests that psychological factors play a role in the prevention of side effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate cognitive-behavioral side-effect prevention training (SEPT) for breast cancer patients. This article describes the study protocol and applied research methods.

Methods/Design

In a randomized controlled trial, 184 female breast cancer patients are assigned to receive either SEPT, standard medical care or a manualized supportive therapy at the start of adjuvant endocrine treatment. SEPT consists of three sessions of cognitive-behavioral training including psychoeducation to provide a realistic view of endocrine therapy, imagination-training to integrate positive aspects of medication into daily life, and side-effect management to enhance expectations about coping ability. Side effects three months after the start of endocrine therapy serve as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, coping ability and patients’ medication adherence. Patients’ expectations (i.e., expectations about side effects, coping ability, treatment and illness) are analyzed as mediators.

Discussion

The optimization of expectations might be a potential pathway in health care to improve patients’ quality of life during long-term medication intake. The results will provide implications for a possible integration of evidence-based prevention training into clinical practice.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, (NCT01741883).
A prospective study of high dose sedation for rapid tranquilisation of acute behavioural disturbance in an acute mental health unit
Authors: Calver Leonie , Drinkwater Vincent , Isbister Geoffrey K
Published: September 2013

Background

Acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) is a common problem in psychiatry and both physical restraint and involuntary parenteral sedation are often required to control patients. Although guidelines are available, clinical practice is often guided by experience and there is little agreement on which drugs should be first-line treatment for rapid tranquilisation. This study aimed to investigate sedation for ABD in an acute mental healthcare unit, including the effectiveness and safety of high dose sedation.

Methods

A prospective study of parenteral sedation for ABD in mental health patients was conducted from July 2010 to June 2011. Drug administration (type, dose, additional doses), time to sedation, vital signs and adverse effects were recorded. High dose parenteral sedation was defined as greater than the equivalent of 10 mg midazolam, droperidol or haloperidol (alone or in combination), compared to patients receiving 10 mg or less (normal dose). Effective sedation was defined as a fall in the sedation assessment tool score by two or a score of zero or less. Outcomes included frequency of adverse drug effects, time to sedation/tranquilisation and use of additional sedation.

Results

Parenteral sedation was given in 171 cases. A single drug was given in 96 (56%), including droperidol (74), midazolam (19) and haloperidol (3). Effective sedation occurred in 157 patients (92%), and the median time to sedation was 20 min (Range: 5 to 100 min). The median time to sedation for 93 patients receiving high dose sedation was 20 min (5-90 min) compared to 20 min (5-100 min; p = 0.92) for 78 patients receiving normal dose sedation. Adverse effects occurred in 16 patients (9%); hypotension (14), oxygen desaturation (1), hypotension and oxygen desaturation (1). There were more adverse effects in the high dose sedation group compared to the normal dose group [11/93 (12%) vs. 5/78 (6%); p = 0.3]. Additional sedation was given in 9 of 171 patients (5%), seven in the high dose and two in the normal dose groups.

Conclusions

Large initial doses of sedative drugs were used for ABD in just over half of cases and additional sedation was uncommon. High dose sedation did not result in more rapid or effective sedation but was associated with more adverse effects.
Age-dependent effect of high-fructose and high-fat diets on lipid metabolism and lipid accumulation in liver and kidney of rats
Authors: de Castro Uberdan Guilherme Mendes , dos Santos Robson Augusto Souza Augusto Souza , Silva Marcelo Eustáquio , de Lima Wanderson Geraldo , Campagnole-Santos Maria José , Alzamora Andréia Carvalho
Published: September 2013

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by variable coexistence of metabolic and pathophysiological alterations which are important risk factors for developing of type II diabetes and/or cardiovascular diseases. Increased of MS patients in worldwide has stimulated the development of experimental models. However, it is still challenging to find an dietetic model that most closely approximates human MS and, in addition, is not yet fully established the effect of different diets of MS in lipid metabolism in rats of different ages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different diets of MS in lipid metabolism and ectopic fat deposition and define the most appropriate diet for inducing the characteristic disturbances of the human MS in rats of different ages.

Methods

Young (4 weeks old) and adult rats (12 weeks old) were given a high-fat (FAT) or high-fructose diet (FRU) for 13 weeks and biochemical, physiological, histological and biometric parameters were evaluated.

Results

In young rats, the FAT diet induced increased mean blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), body weight after 6 to 10 weeks, and in the 13th week, increased the liver, mesenteric, retroperitoneal and epididymal fat weights, fasting glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and reduced HDL cholesterol; and also induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and renal inflammatory infiltrates. In adult rats, the FRU diet induced transient elevations of MAP and HR in the 6th week, and, at 13 weeks, increased fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, AST and ALT; increased liver, kidneys and retroperitoneal fat weights; and induced macrovesicular and microvesicular NAFLD, the presence of fat cells in the kidney, glomerular sclerosis, and liver and kidney inflammation. Additionally, the FAT and FRU diets induced, respectively, increases in liver glycogen in adults and young rats.

Conclusions

Our data show that FRU diet in adult rats causes biggest change on metabolism of serum lipids and lipid accumulation in liver and kidney, while the FAT diet in young rats induces elevation of MAP and HR and higher increased visceral lipid stores, constituting the best nutritional interventions to induce MS in rats.
Sarcoidosis lymphoma syndrome - the value of PET-CT in the diagnosis
Authors: Kis Adrian , Eszes Noemi , Tamasi Lilla , Losonczy Gyorgy , Csekeo Attila , Csomor Judit , Muller Veronika
Published: September 2013

We report a 52-year-old patient who developed B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma subsequent to sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis was diagnosed 16 years ago and remained asymptomatic for 14 years after steroid treatment. She presented with new symptoms of arthralgia, photosensitivity, butterfly erythema, autoimmune antibodies (ANA, chromatin positivity) associated with progression of the known left upper lobe lesion on the chest X-ray suggesting primary autoimmune disease (systemic lupus erythematosus). As steroid treatment was not effective, we started bolus cyclophosphamide therapy after which progression was seen on the chest X-ray. Computed tomography (CT)-guided needle biopsy confirmed malignancy of indefinable origin. Despite of the well-known fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity in active sarcoidosis, a FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) scan was performed to stage the primary tumour. Intensive FDG uptake was detected in the affected lung segment, with moderate uptake in mediastinal lymph nodes. The patient underwent left upper lobectomy. The histology showed pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoma (bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma) in the lung tissue, while only sarcoidosis was present in the mediastinal lymph nodes. Bone marrow biopsy was negative.

The association between sarcoidosis and lymphoma is known as sarcoidosis lymphoma syndrome, which is a rare disease. PET-CT was helpful in the differentiation of sarcoidosis and malignancy in this patient. It is important to be aware of the risk of lymphoma in sarcoidosis and FDG-PET, used for adequate purpose, can help the diagnosis.
Direct transdifferentiation of spermatogonial stem cells to morphological, phenotypic and functional hepatocyte-like cells via the ERK1/2 and Smad2/3 signaling pathways and the inactivation of cyclin A, cyclin B and cyclin E
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Gong Yuehua , Guo Ying , Hai Yanan , Yang Hao , Yang Shi , Liu Yang , Ma Meng , Liu Linhong , Li Zheng , Gao Wei-Qiang , He Zuping
Published: September 2013

Background

Severe shortage of liver donors and hepatocytes highlights urgent requirement of extra-liver and stem cell source of hepatocytes for treating liver-related diseases. Here we hypothesized that spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) can directly transdifferentiate to hepatic stem-like cells capable of differentiating into mature hepatocyte-like cells in vitro without an intervening pluripotent state.

Results

SSCs first changed into hepatic stem-like cells since they resembled hepatic oval cells in morphology and expressed Ck8, Ck18, Ck7, Ck19, OV6, and albumin. Importantly, they co-expressed CK8 and CK19 but not ES cell markers. Hepatic stem-like cells derived from SSCs could differentiate into small hepatocytes based upon their morphological features and expression of numerous hepatic cell markers but lacking of bile epithelial cell hallmarks. Small hepatocytes were further coaxed to differentiate into mature hepatocyte-like cells, as identified by their morphological traits and strong expression of Ck8, Ck18, Cyp7a1, Hnf3b, Alb, Ta t, Ttr, albumin, and CYP1A2 but not Ck7 or CK19. Notably, these differentiated cells acquired functional attributes of hepatocyte-like cells because they secreted albumin, synthesized urea, and uptake and released indocyanine green. Moreover, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Smad2/3 rather than Akt was activated in hepatic stem cells and mature hepatocytes. Additionally, cyclin A, cyclin B and cyclin E transcripts and proteins but not cyclin D1 or CDK1 and CDK2 transcripts or proteins were reduced in mature hepatocyte-like cells or hepatic stem-like cells derived from SSCs compared to SSCs.

Conclusions

SSCs can transdifferentiate to hepatic stem-like cells capable of differentiating into cells with morphological, phenotypic and functional characteristics of mature hepatocytes via the activation of ERK1/2 and Smad2/3 signaling pathways and the inactivation of cyclin A, cyclin B and cyclin E. This study thus provides an invaluable source of mature hepatocytes for treating liver-related diseases and drug toxicity screening and offers novel insights into mechanisms of liver development and cell reprogramming.
AMP-activated protein kinase activation mediates CCL3-induced cell migration and matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression in human chondrosarcoma
Authors: Hsu Chin-Jung , Wu Min-Huan , Chen Chin-Yuan , Tsai Chun-Hao , Hsu Horng-Chaung , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: September 2013

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3), also known as macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, is a cytokine involved in inflammation and activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. CCL3 has been detected in infiltrating cells and tumor cells. Chondrosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor that causes distant metastasis. However, the effect of CCL3 on human chondrosarcoma metastasis is still unknown. Here, we found that CCL3 increased cellular migration and expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in human chondrosarcoma cells. Pre-treatment of cells with the MMP-2 inhibitor or transfection with MMP-2 specific siRNA abolished CCL3-induced cell migration. CCL3 has been reported to exert its effects through activation of its specific receptor, CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5). The CCR5 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor or siRNA also attenuated CCL3-upregulated cell motility and MMP-2 expression. CCL3-induced expression of MMP-2 and migration were also inhibited by specific inhibitors, and inactive mutants of AMPK, p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 or p38-MAPK), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) cascades. On the other hand, CCL3 treatment demonstrably activated AMPK, p38, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, the expression levels of CCL3, CCR5, and MMP-2 were correlated in human chondrosarcoma specimens. Taken together, our results indicate that CCL3 enhances the migratory ability of human chondrosarcoma cells by increasing MMP-2 expression via the CCR5, AMPK, p38, and NF-κB pathways.
Over-expression of the special AT rich sequence binding protein 1 (SATB1) promotes the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: association with EBV LMP-1 expression
Authors: Shen Zhihua , Zeng Yumei , Guo Junli , Wu Yanxia , Jiang Xiaofan , Ding Ranran , Wu Changli , Li Rujia , Luo Botao , Zeng Chao , Jiang Hanguo , Jie Wei
Published: September 2013

Background

Special AT rich sequence binding protein 1 (SATB1) plays a crucial role in the biology of various types of human cancer. However, the role of SATB1 in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unknown. In the present study, we sought to investigate the contribution of aberrant SATB1 expression in the progression of NPC and its association with the Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1).

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect SATB1 and LMP-1 protein in clinical samples, and the association of SATB1 protein expression with patient clinicopathological characteristics and LMP-1 expression were analyzed. SATB1 expression profiles were evaluated in well-differentiated NPC cell line CNE1, poorly-differentiated CNE2Z, undifferentiated C666-1 and immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelia NP-69 cells using quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting and fluorescent staining. After inhibition the SATB1 expression by using SATB1 specific small interfering RNA in these cell lines, the change of cell proliferation was investigated by western blotting analysis of PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) expression and CCK-8 assay, and the cell migration was assessed by Transwell migration assay. Finally, the expressions of SATB1 and PCNA were examined in CNE1 cells that forced LMP-1 expression by fluorescent staining and RT-PCR.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SATB1 protein expression was elevated in NPC tissues compared to benign nasopharyngeal tissues (P = 0.005). Moreover, high levels of SATB1 protein expression were positively correlated with clinical stage (P = 0.025), the status of lymph node metastasis (N classification) (P = 0.018), distant metastasis (M classification) (P = 0.041) and LMP-1 expression status (r = 2.35,P < 0.01) in NPC patients.In vitroexperiments demonstrated that an inverse relationship between SATB1 expression and NPC differentiation status, with SATB1 weakly expressed in NP-69 cells and CNE1 cells, and significant increasingly expressed in CNE-2Z and C666-1 cells. Targeted knockdown of SATB1 expression obviously attenuated the proliferation and migration of highly SATB1-expressing CNE2Z and C666-1 cells, but not NP-69 and CNE1 cells. Interestingly, forced LMP-1 expression in CNE1 cells led to a surprisingly increasing SATB1 expression and nuclear location, companying with an up-regulated PCNA expression.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that EBV LMP-1-mediated over-expression of SATB1 is associated with NPC progression, suggesting SATB1 may represent a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for NPC.
MicroRNAs induced in melanoma treated with combination targeted therapy of Temsirolimus and Bevacizumab
Authors: Wagenseller Aubrey G , Shada Amber , D’Auria Kevin M , Murphy Cheryl , Sun Dandan , Molhoek Kerrington R , Papin Jason A , Dutta Anindya , Slingluff Jr Craig L
Published: September 2013

Background

Targeted therapies directed at commonly overexpressed pathways in melanoma have clinical activity in numerous trials. Little is known about how these therapies influence microRNA (miRNA) expression, particularly with combination regimens. Knowledge of miRNAs altered with treatment may contribute to understanding mechanisms of therapeutic effects, as well as mechanisms of tumor escape from therapy. We analyzed miRNA expression in metastatic melanoma tissue samples treated with a novel combination regimen of Temsirolimus and Bevacizumab. Given the preliminary clinical activity observed with this combination regimen, we hypothesized that we would see significant changes in miRNA expression with combination treatment.

Methods

Using microarray analysis we analyzed miRNA expression levels in melanoma samples from a Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program-sponsored phase II trial of combination Temsirolimus and Bevacizumab in advanced melanoma, which elicited clinical benefit in a subset of patients. Pre-treatment and post-treatment miRNA levels were compared using paired t-tests between sample groups (patients), using a p-value < 0.01 for significance.

Results

microRNA expression remained unchanged with Temsirolimus alone; however, expression of 15 microRNAs was significantly upregulated (1.4 to 2.5-fold) with combination treatment, compared to pre-treatment levels. Interestingly, twelve of these fifteen miRNAs possess tumor suppressor capabilities. We identified 15 putative oncogenes as potential targets of the 12 tumor suppressor miRNAs, based on published experimental evidence. For 15 of 25 miRNA-target mRNA pairings, changes in gene expression from pre-treatment to post-combination treatment samples were inversely correlated with changes in miRNA expression, supporting a functional effect of those miRNA changes. Clustering analyses based on selected miRNAs suggest preliminary signatures characteristic of clinical response to combination treatment and of tumor BRAF mutational status.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing miRNA expression in pre-treatment and post-treatment human metastatic melanoma tissue samples. This preliminary investigation suggests miRNAs that may be involved in the mechanism of action of combination Temsirolimus and Bevacizumab in metastatic melanoma, possibly through inhibition of oncogenic pathways, and provides the preliminary basis for further functional studies of these miRNAs.
Electrochemically hydrogenated TiO2 nanotubes with improved photoelectrochemical water splitting performance
Authors: Xu Chen , Song Ye , Lu Linfeng , Cheng Chuanwei , Liu Dongfang , Fang Xiaohong , Chen Xiaoyuan , Zhu Xufei , Li Dongdong
Published: September 2013

One-dimensional anodic titanium oxide (ATO) nanotube arrays hold great potential as photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In this work, we report a facile and eco-friendly electrochemical hydrogenation method to modify the electronic and PEC properties of ATO nanotube films. The hydrogenated ATO (ATO-H) electrodes present a significantly improved photocurrent of 0.65 mA/cm2 in comparison with that of pristine ATO nanotubes (0.29 mA/cm2) recorded under air mass 1.5 global illumination. The incident photon-to-current efficiency measurement suggests that the enhanced photocurrent of ATO-H nanotubes is mainly ascribed to the improved photoactivity in the UV region. We propose that the electrochemical hydrogenation induced surface oxygen vacancies contribute to the substantially enhanced electrical conductivity and photoactivity.
Comparing sociocultural features of cholera in three endemic African settings
Authors: Schaetti Christian , Sundaram Neisha , Merten Sonja , Ali Said M , Nyambedha Erick O , Lapika Bruno , Chaignat Claire-Lise , Hutubessy Raymond , Weiss Mitchell G
Published: September 2013

Background

Cholera mainly affects developing countries where safe water supply and sanitation infrastructure are often rudimentary. Sub-Saharan Africa is a cholera hotspot. Effective cholera control requires not only a professional assessment, but also consideration of community-based priorities. The present work compares local sociocultural features of endemic cholera in urban and rural sites from three field studies in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (SE-DRC), western Kenya and Zanzibar.

Methods

A vignette-based semistructured interview was used in 2008 in Zanzibar to study sociocultural features of cholera-related illness among 356 men and women from urban and rural communities. Similar cross-sectional surveys were performed in western Kenya (n = 379) and in SE-DRC (n = 360) in 2010. Systematic comparison across all settings considered the following domains: illness identification; perceived seriousness, potential fatality and past household episodes; illness-related experience; meaning; knowledge of prevention; help-seeking behavior; and perceived vulnerability.

Results

Cholera is well known in all three settings and is understood to have a significant impact on people’s lives. Its social impact was mainly characterized by financial concerns. Problems with unsafe water, sanitation and dirty environments were the most common perceived causes across settings; nonetheless, non-biomedical explanations were widespread in rural areas of SE-DRC and Zanzibar. Safe food and water and vaccines were prioritized for prevention in SE-DRC. Safe water was prioritized in western Kenya along with sanitation and health education. The latter two were also prioritized in Zanzibar. Use of oral rehydration solutions and rehydration was a top priority everywhere; healthcare facilities were universally reported as a primary source of help. Respondents in SE-DRC and Zanzibar reported cholera as affecting almost everybody without differentiating much for gender, age and class. In contrast, in western Kenya, gender differentiation was pronounced, and children and the poor were regarded as most vulnerable to cholera.

Conclusions

This comprehensive review identified common and distinctive features of local understandings of cholera. Classical treatment (that is, rehydration) was highlighted as a priority for control in the three African study settings and is likely to be identified in the region beyond. Findings indicate the value of insight from community studies to guide local program planning for cholera control and elimination.
Immunophenotypic features and t(14;18) (q32;q21) translocation of Chinese follicular lymphomas helps to distinguish subgroups
Authors: Zhang Fen , Yan Li-Xu , Lin Su-Xia , Ye Zi-Yin , Zhuang Heng-Guo , Yun Jing-Ping , Lin Han-Liang , Luo Dong-Lan , Xu Fang-Ping , Luo Xin-Lan , Cheng Jie , Zhang Ke-Ping , Liu Yan-Hui
Published: September 2013

Background

The revised 2008 World Health Organization classification maintains a histological grading system (grades 1–3) for follicular lymphoma (FL). The value of grading FL has been debated. This study will yield deeper insights into the morphologic, immunophenotypic characterization and t(14;18) translocation in FL and explore their significance of diagnosis of Chinese FL subgroups.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the FL diagnoses according to the 2008 WHO classification in all diagnostic specimens from a multicentric cohort of 122 Chinese patients. Upon review, 115 cases proved to be truly FL. CD10, BCL6, MUM1, BCL2 and t(14;18) (q32;q21) translocation were detected by Envision immunostaining technique and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results

FL1 has larger proportion of follicular pattern (93.0%) than that of FL2 (73.7%, P = 0.036), FL3B (63.6%, P = 0.003) and FL3A (77.4%, P = 0.053), although the last P value was more than 0.05 (Pearson’s chi-squared test). Areas of DLBCL were present in 25.8% (8/31) of FL3A and more frequent in FL3B (59.1%, 13/22; P = 0.015). The positivity of CD10 and BCL2 in FL1-2 were significantly higher than those in FL3 (P < 0.001, P = 0.043, respectively). The positivity of MUM1 in FL1-2 was significantly lower than that in FL3 (10.2% vs. 51.0%; P < 0.001). Furthermore the positivity of MUM1 in FL3A was significantly lower than that in FL3B (37.9% vs. 68.2%; P = 0.032). The positivity of t(14;18) was higher in FL1-2 than in FL3 (73.5% vs. 35.6%, P < 0.001), and was higher in FL3A than in FL3B (51.9% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.005). t(14;18) was significantly correlated with CD10+ (R = 0.453, P < 0.001) and MUM1+ (R = -0.482, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

FL1 and FL2 were immunophenotypically and genomically similar, while FL3A and FL3B were partly immunophenotypically similar but morphologically, genomically distinct. FL3A was genomically closer to FL1-2, whereas FL3A was genomically closer DLBCL. Thus we hypothesize that FL may in fact be a heterogeneous indolent lymphoma encompassing entities with distinct molecular pathogenesis and genetic characteristics. Immunohistochemical and genetic characterization helps to distinguish subgroups of FLs.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1334018129864616.
Dosimetric impact of reduced nozzle-to-isocenter distance in intensity-modulated proton therapy of intracranial tumors in combined proton-carbon fixed-nozzle treatment facilities
Authors: Jelen Urszula , Bubula Marta E , Ammazzalorso Filippo , Engenhart-Cabillic Rita , Weber Uli , Wittig Andrea
Published: September 2013

Background

In combined proton-carbon fixed-nozzle treatment facilities with raster scanning delivery, the scattering of proton pencil beams caused by nozzle elements and the relatively large nozzle-to-isocenter distance cause a beam broadening. This may pose limitations to the achievable dose conformity. One way to counteract this effect is by delivering the treatment in a position closer to the nozzle than the room isocenter. Purpose of this study was to assess the potential dosimetric benefit of such solution, in terms of dose conformity and normal tissue sparing, in intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) of intracranial tumors.

Material and methods

For 12 patients with intracranial lesions, IMPT-plans were created at two treatment positions: nozzle-to-treatment-isocenter distance: 100 cm (room isocenter) and nozzle-to-treatment-isocenter distance: 60 cm. The resulting plans were compared in terms of dose distributions, dose-volume histograms and selected dosimetric indexes.

Results

With comparable target coverage, statistically significant normal tissue sparing was achieved through the reduction of the distance between nozzle and treatment isocenter. The decrease in mean dose (Dmean) was 12.5% to the whole brain, 16.2% to the brainstem, 9.7% and 15.4% to the temporal lobes, 10.0% and 12.9% to the hippocampi, 11.8% and 12.5% to the optic nerves and 0.2% to the chiasm. The volume receiving at least 10% of the prescribed dose (V10%) was reduced by more than 10% for most organs at risk (OARs). The maximum dose (Dnear-max) values to most OARs remained without significant difference.

Conclusion

A reduced distance between nozzle and treatment isocenter leads to steeper lateral dose gradients and significantly reduces the volume of OARs adjacent to the target, which receives low to intermediate doses. Technical solutions shifting the treatment isocenter closer to the nozzle should be considered in clinical situations, where critical OARs are adjacent to the beam channel and where the integral dose should be minimized.
A system to simultaneously detect tick-borne pathogens based on the variability of the 16S ribosomal genes
Authors: Melničáková Jana , Derdáková Marketa , Barák Imrich
Published: September 2013

Background

DNA microarrays can be used to quickly and sensitively identify several different pathogens in one step. Our previously developed DNA microarray, based on the detection of variable regions in the 16S rDNA gene (rrs), which are specific for each selected bacterial genus, allowed the concurrent detection of Borrelia spp., Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella spp.

Methods

In this study, we developed a comprehensive detection system consisting of a second generation DNA microarray and quantitative PCRs. New oligonucleotide capture probes specific for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis were included. This new DNA microarray system required substantial changes in solution composition, hybridization conditions and post-hybridization washes.

Results

This second generation chip displayed high specificity and sensitivity. The specificity of the capture probes was tested by hybridizing the DNA microarrays with Cy5-labeled, PCR-generated amplicons encoding the rrs genes of both target and non-target bacteria. The detection limit was determined to be 103 genome copies, which corresponds to 1–2 pg of DNA. A given sample was evaluated as positive if its mean fluorescence was at least 10% of the mean fluorescence of a positive control. Those samples with fluorescence close to the threshold were further analyzed using quantitative PCRs, developed to identify Francisella spp., Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella spp. Like the DNA microarray, the qPCRs were based on the genus specific variable regions of the rrs gene. No unspecific cross-reactions were detected. The detection limit for Francisella spp. was determined to be only 1 genome copy, for Coxiella spp. 10 copies, and for Rickettsia spp., 100 copies.

Conclusions

Our detection system offers a rapid method for the comprehensive identification of tick-borne bacteria, which is applicable to clinical samples. It can also be used to identify both pathogenic and endosymbiontic bacteria in ticks for eco-epidemiological studies, tick laboratory colony testing, and many other applications.
The long-term ingestion of a diet high in extra virgin olive oil produces obesity and insulin resistance but protects endothelial function in rats: a preliminary study
Authors: Keita Hady , Ramírez-San Juan Eduardo , Paniagua-Castro Norma , Garduño-Siciliano Leticia , Quevedo Lucía
Published: September 2013

Background

It has been hypothesized that fatty acids derived from a diet high in saturated fat may negatively affect endothelial function more significantly than a diet high in unsaturated fat; nevertheless, the effects of the long-term ingestion of monounsaturated fatty acids on endothelial function have been poorly studied.

Methods

To examine the chronic effects of monounsaturated (e.g., extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)) or saturated (e.g., margarine (M)) fatty acid-rich diets on the development of insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in rats, three groups of rats were fed control, high-EVOO or high-M diets for 20 weeks. Body weight, energy consumption, insulin resistance, lipid peroxidation and in vitro vascular reactivity with and without metformin were assessed during the study period.

Results

Both high-fat diets produced obesity and insulin resistance. EVOO-fed rats showed smaller increases in total cholesterol and arterial lipid peroxidation when compared with M-fed rats. Vascular reactivity to phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside was not modified, but the vasodilating effect of carbachol was especially reduced in the M-fed rats compared with the EVOO-fed or control groups. Metformin addition to the incubation media decreased the vascular response to phenylephrine; decrease that was lower in rats fed with both high fat diets, and increased the carbachol and nitroprusside effects, but the metformin-enhanced response to carbachol was lower in the M group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that feeding rats with high quantities of EVOO, despite producing obesity and insulin resistance, produces low levels of circulating cholesterol and arterial lipoperoxidation compared to M fed rats and shows a preserved endothelial response to carbachol, effect that is significantly enhanced by metformin only in rats fed with control and EVOO diets.
The influence of temperature on the electrical resistivity of the cellular polypropylene and the effect of activation energy
Authors: Vila Floran , Dhima Pranvera , Mandija Florian
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we determine the surface and volume electrical resistivity of the 50 μm thick cellular polypropylen (VHD50), for the temperature range 393–453 K. For this we use a contemporary methodology, which consist of a voltage measurement across the sample, with a known current flowing through it. This methodology includes a three-electrode system, which allows us to estimate the resistivity of the samples, based on their corresponding total resistances. The electric fields applied for a time interval of 1 min are of the order of 200 kVm
−1. The order of magnitude of surface and volume electrical resistivity is 1013 Ω and 1011 Ωm, respectively. For both types of the resistivity, the temperature dependence is an increasing or decreasing exponential function, depending on the type of the activation energy, (its average value for the temperature range mentioned above is 41,20 kJmol
−1), totally confirmed by the corresponding theoretical interpretation, conditioned by the ionic conduction.

The methodology and equipment used, as well as the satisfying accordance with the results, found out directly or indirectly with the consulted literature, confirm the high accuracy of experimental measurements.
Quantitative assessment of synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using fluorescence optical imaging
Authors: Schäfer Valentin S , Hartung Wolfgang , Hoffstetter Patrick , Berger Jörn , Stroszczynski Christian , Müller Martina , Fleck Martin , Ehrenstein Boris
Published: September 2013

Introduction

To prospectively evaluate quantitative assessment of fluorescence optical imaging (FOI) for differentiation of synovitic from non-synovitic joints in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

FOI of the hands was performed in patients with active RA, and a stratified quantitative fluorescence readout (FLRO) of 3 phases (1-120 s; 121-240 s; 241-360 s) was generated for 5 individual joints of the clinical predominant hand (carpal joint, metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of digits II & III). To dissect the effect of the overall perfusion of the hand from the perfusion due to synovitis, a fluorescence ratio (FLRA) was additionally calculated, dividing each FLRO by the readout of the eponychium of digit II. The mean FLRO and FLRA were compared between joints with absent vs. present synovitis determined by clinical examination, grayscale, color Doppler ultrasonography, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

The analysis for 90 individual joints from 18 patients yielded FLRO ranging from 4.4 to 49.0 × 103, and FLRAs ranging from 0.37 to 2.27. Overall, the analyses based on the FLRA revealed a higher discrimination than the analyses related to the FLRO, demonstrating most significant differences in phases 2 and 3. A sensitivity of 26/39 (67%) and a specificity of 31/40 (77%) were calculated for FLRA of phase 3 using a cut-off value of more than 1.2 to detect MRI-confirmed synovitis with FOI.

Conclusions

FOI has a potential for visualizing synovitis in subjects with RA. For adequate FOI interpretation, quantitative analysis should be based on the novel FLRA calculated for phases 2 and 3.
Global Ground Motion Prediction Equation for Shallow Crustal Regions
Authors: Graizer Vladimir , Kalkan Erol , Lin Kuo-Wan
Published: September 2013

The Graizer-Kalkan ground-motion prediction equation (GMPE) for peak ground acceleration (PGA) constitutes a series of filters, each of which represents a certain physical phenomenon affecting the radiation of seismic waves from the source. The performance of this GMPE is examined by using about 14,000 records from 245 worldwide shallow crustal events. The recorded data and predictions show an excellent match as far as 100 km from the fault. Beyond 100 km, the data generally show faster attenuation on the order of Rrup−4 due to a relatively low Q (as in the western United States) or slower attenuation on the order of Rrup−1.5 due to a high Q (as in the central and eastern United States). An improved GMPE is developed to account for regional variations in ground motion attenuation. The The new GMPE produces a better match to recorded data up to 500 km from the fault.
Post-Earthquake Building Safety Inspection: Lessons from the Canterbury, New Zealand, Earthquakes
Authors: Marshall Justin D. , Jaiswal Kishor , Gould Nathan , Turner Fred , Lizundia Bret , Barnes Jim C.
Published: September 2013

The authors discuss some of the unique aspects and lessons of the New Zealand post-earthquake building safety inspection program that was implemented following the Canterbury earthquake sequence of 2010–2011. The post-event safety assessment program was one of the largest and longest programs undertaken in recent times anywhere in the world. The effort engaged hundreds of engineering professionals throughout the country, and also sought expertise from outside, to perform post-earthquake structural safety inspections of more than 100,000 buildings in the city of Christchurch and the surrounding suburbs. While the building safety inspection procedure implemented was analogous to the ATC 20 program in the United States, many modifications were proposed and implemented in order to assess the large number of buildings that were subjected to strong and variable shaking during a period of two years. This note discusses some of the key aspects of the post-earthquake building safety inspection program and summarizes important lessons that can improve future earthquake response.
Probabilities and Fallacies: Why Hazard Maps Cannot be Validated by Individual Earthquakes
Authors: Iervolino Iunio
Published: September 2013

In countries with an advanced seismic technical culture, where best-practice hazard studies (which are therefore necessarily probabilistic) are available, the occurrence of a damaging event often triggers a debate, which is as understandable as it is delicate, aimed toward the verification and/or validation of the ground motion intensity estimates provided by the official hazard maps. Evaluations such as these are typically based either on the comparison of elastic response spectra derived from records of the event in question with uniform hazard (design) spectra, or on superimposing ground motion intensity measures on available hazard curves to retrieve the return period to which they correspond. This short note, using the recent 2012 Mw 6.0 Emilia (Italy) earthquake, discusses a few arguments, according to which this type of exercise should take into account the implications inherent in the probabilistic nature of hazard analyses, in order to avoid the risk of drawing conclusions that may be misleading or that may be likely to cause misconceptions about rationality of the current approach to seismic hazard.
Development and Validation of a Potential-Based Model for City Evacuation in Post-Earthquake Fires
Authors: Nishino Tomoaki , Tanaka Takeyoshi , Tsuburaya Shin-ichi
Published: September 2013

A computational model for the city evacuation of residents in post-earthquake fires has been developed. When a major earthquake affects a city in Japan, a tremendous number of evacuees are likely to escape in an urban area from hazards due to urban fires following the earthquake. The proposed model is based on the concept of potential. In this concept, an evacuee travels toward a descending direction of potential in the same manner that water runs from a high point to a low point. The potential is calculated from such hazard levels as the intensity of thermal radiation and the temperature rise caused by wind-blown fire plumes. In this paper, we simulate the evacuation behavior of residents in the 1923 Kanto earthquake fires to validate the proposed model. The number of fatalities estimated by the model is in reasonable agreement with the number of fatalities reported from the survey after the fires.
Pounding of San Francisco–Type Soft-Story Midblock Buildings
Authors: Maison Bruce , McDonald Brian , Schotanus Marko
Published: September 2013

Presented is a study into the effects of pounding on the collapse performance of midblock wood-frame soft-story buildings. This study analyzed various pounding situations and found that it can change the collapse risk when compared to the risk of the same building having no adjacent buildings (no-pounding). Key factors include relative building strengths, weights, and separation (gap) distances. When the buildings had similar strengths, it was found that the risk was about the same as that for no-pounding, independent of building relative weights and/or gap size. When the strengths varied, it was found that pounding could change the risk of certain buildings. The risk increased in the stronger and decreased in the weaker buildings, and the risk was biased toward the no-pounding risk of the heavier buildings. The risk generally increased with larger building separation distances, but there were exceptions.