bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible Surface Properties of Polybenzoxazine/Silica Nanocomposites Thin Films
Authors: Su Wei-Chen , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: October 2013

We report the reversible surface properties (hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity) of a polybenzoxazine (PBZ) thin film through simple application of alternating UV illumination and thermal treatment. The fraction of intermolecularly hydrogen bonded O–H⋯O=C units in the PBZ film increased after UV exposure, inducing a hydrophilic surface; the surface recovered its hydrophobicity after heating, due to greater O–H⋯N intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Taking advantage of these phenomena, we prepared a PBZ/silica nanocomposite coating through two simple steps; this material exhibited reversible transitions from superhydrophobicity to superhydrophilicity upon sequential UV irradiation and thermal treatment.
Strategies for Imaging Androgen Receptor Signaling Pathway in Prostate Cancer: Implications for Hormonal Manipulation and Radiation Treatment
Authors: Giovanni Luca Gravina , Festuccia Claudio , Bonfili Pierluigi , Di Staso Mario , Franzese Pietro , Ruggieri Valeria , Popov Vladimir M. , Tombolini Vincenzo , Masciocchi Carlo , Carosa Eleonora , Lenzi Andrea , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Di Cesare Ernesto
Published: October 2013

Prostate cancer (Pca) is a heterogeneous disease; its etiology appears to be related to genetic and epigenetic factors. Radiotherapy and hormone manipulation are effective treatments, but many tumors will progress despite these treatments. Molecular imaging provides novel opportunities for image-guided optimization and management of these treatment modalities. Here we reviewed the advances in targeted imaging of key biomarkers of androgen receptor signaling pathways. A computerized search was performed to identify all relevant studies in Medline up to 2013. There are well-known limitations and inaccuracies of current imaging approaches for monitoring biological changes governing tumor progression. The close integration of molecular biology and clinical imaging could ease the development of new molecular imaging agents providing novel tools to monitor a number of biological events that, until a few years ago, were studied by conventional molecular assays. Advances in translational research may represent the next step in improving the oncological outcome of men with Pca who remain at high risk for systemic failure. This aim may be obtained by combining the anatomical properties of conventional imaging modalities with biological information to better predict tumor response to conventional treatments.
Selective Interarterial Radiation Therapy (SIRT) in Colorectal Liver Metastases: How Do We Monitor Response?
Authors: Hipps D. , Ausania F. , Manas D. M. , Rose J. D. G. , French J. J.
Published: October 2013

Radioembolisation is a way of providing targeted radiotherapy to colorectal liver metastases. Results are encouraging but there is still no standard method of assessing the response to treatment. This paper aims to review the current experience assessing response following radioembolisation. A literature review was undertaken detailing radioembolisation in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases comparing staging methods, criteria, and response. A search was performed of electronic databases from 1980 to November 2011. Information acquired included year published, patient numbers, resection status, chemotherapy regimen, criteria used to stage disease and assess response to radioembolisation, tumour markers, and overall/progression free survival. Nineteen studies were analysed including randomised controlled trials, clinical trials, meta-analyses, and case series. There is no validated modality as the method of choice when assessing response to radioembolisation. CT at 3 months following radioembolisation is the most frequently modality used to assess response to treatment. PET-CT is increasingly being used as it measures functional and radiological aspects. RECIST is the most frequently used criteria.Conclusion.A validated modality to assess response to radioembolisation is needed. We suggest PET-CT and CEA pre- and postradioembolisation at 3 months using RECIST 1.1 criteria released in 2009, which includes criteria for PET-CT, cystic changes, and necrosis.
Direction Finding for Bistatic MIMO Radar with Uniform Circular Array
Authors: Yunhe Cao , Zijing Zhang , Shenghua Wang , Fengzhou Dai
Published: October 2013

A method of direction of arrival (DOA) and direction of departure (DOD) angle estimation based on polynomial rooting for bistatic multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar with uniform circular array (UCA) configuration is proposed in this paper. The steering vector of the UCA is firstly transformed into a steering vector with a Vandermonde structure by using the Jacobi-Anger expansion. Then the null-spectrum function of the MIMO radar can be written as an expression in which the transmit and receive steering vectors are decoupled. Finally, a two-step polynomial rooting is used to estimate DOA and DOD of targets instead of two-dimensional multiple signal classification (MUSIC) search method for bistatic UCA MIMO radar. The angle estimation performance of the proposed method is similar to that of the MUSIC spectral search method, but the computation burden of the proposed polynomial rooting algorithm is much lower than that of the conventional MUSIC method. The simulation results of the proposed algorithm are presented and the performances are investigated and analyzed.
Fabrication, Modification, and Emerging Applications of TiO2Nanotube Arrays by Electrochemical Synthesis: A Review
Authors: Huang Jian-Ying , Zhang Ke-Qin , Lai Yue-Kun
Published: October 2013

Titania nanotube arrays (TNAs) as a hot nanomaterial have a unique highly ordered array structure and good mechanical and chemical stability, as well as excellent anticorrosion, biocompatible, and photocatalytic performance. It has been fabricated by a facile electrochemical anodization in electrolytes containing small amounts of fluoric ions. In combination with our research work, we review the recent progress of the new research achievements of TNAs on the preparation processes, forming mechanism, and modification. In addition, we will review the potential and significant applications in the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, solar cells, water splitting, and other aspects. Finally, the existing problems and further prospects of this renascent and rapidly developing field are also briefly addressed and discussed.
Robust Nanogenerator Based on Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanorods Using Copper Substrate
Authors: Sheikh Naveed , Afzulpurkar Nitin , Ashraf Muhammad Waseem
Published: October 2013

We report the growth of well‐aligned ZnO nanorods that were successfully synthesized on copper (Cu) substrate by using a simple hydrothermal method at low temperature leading to a robust large area nanogenerator (NG) based on cost effective Cu electrode which could enable energy harvest from the walking motions. First, the seed layer of gold (Au) has been deposited by plasma sputtering. Then, the growth process of nanorods was carried out in a sealed chemical bath. The lengths of nanorods 5‐6 μm were achieved. The longer and bigger nanorods produced a surface with larger contact area and higher roughness. The larger contact area improves the absorption rate of incident light and the rougher surface strengthens the scattering effect. The surfaces were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Then, Cu substrate was used for the development of high‐output NG. Twenty‐seven NGs were developed with maximum output voltage that exceeded to 1.8 V and maximum output current that exceeded to 148 nA. The structural simulation of nanorod has also been performed in ANSYS. The Cu substrate‐based NG provides a feasible technique for effectively converting mechanical energies to electrical energy from external force.
The Transcriptomics of Secondary Growth and Wood Formation in Conifers
Authors: Carvalho Ana , Paiva Jorge , Louzada José , Lima-Brito José
Published: October 2013

In the last years, forestry scientists have adapted genomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to the search for candidate genes related to the transcriptomics of secondary growth and wood formation in several tree species. Gymnosperms, in particular, the conifers, are ecologically and economically important, namely, for the production of wood and other forestry end products. Until very recently, no whole genome sequencing of a conifer genome was available. Due to the gradual improvement of the NGS technologies and inherent bioinformatics tools, two draft assemblies of the whole genomes sequence ofPicea abiesandPicea glaucaarose in the current year. These draft genome assemblies will bring new insights about the structure, content, and evolution of the conifer genomes. Furthermore, new directions in the forestry, breeding and research of conifers will be discussed in the following. The identification of genes associated with the xylem transcriptome and the knowledge of their regulatory mechanisms will provide less time-consuming breeding cycles and a high accuracy for the selection of traits related to wood production and quality.
Study of Alloying Process on 40Cr Surface with Electron Beam after Electroplated Cr Layer
Authors: Hongbin Xu , Jianjun Hu , Hui Li , Rongshan Mao , Fei Sun , Tianfeng Hou
Published: October 2013

The electroplated hard chromium coat was selected as precoating to improve surface properties of 40Cr. Then electron beam alloying process was experimentalized. The relation rules were summarized between alloying process parameters and overall surface properties by surface morphology observation, surface energy spectrum analysis, EDX analysis in section, and XRD. Experiment results showed that the microcracks appeared on surface of electron beam alloying specimen. Microcracks could disappear when the orthogonal experimental optimum process was used. The matrix metal elements diffused into metal coating surface after electron beam treatment. The maximum depth of alloyed layer could reach 8 μm after electron beam alloying treatment, and electron beam alloying process generated new residual austenite phase.
MET and AXL Inhibitor NPS-1034 Exerts Efficacy against Lung Cancer Cells Resistant to EGFR Kinase Inhibitors Because of MET or AXL Activation
Authors: Rho Jin Kyung , Choi Yun Jung , Kim Seon Ye , Kim Tae Won , Choi Eun Kyung , Yoon Seon-Joo , Park Bu Man , Park Eunhye , Bae Jong Hwan , Choi Chang-Min , Lee Jae Cheol
Published: October 2013

In non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, acquired resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) can occur through a generation of bypass signals such as MET or AXL activation. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of NPS-1034, a newly developed drug that targets both MET and AXL, in NSCLC cells with acquired resistance to gefitinib or erlotinib (HCC827/GR and HCC827/ER, respectively). Characterization of H820 cells and evaluation of NPS-1034 efficacy in these cells were also performed. The resistance of HCC827/GR was mediated by MET activation, whereas AXL activation led to resistance in HCC827/ER. The combination of gefitinib or erlotinib with NPS-1034 synergistically inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell death in both resistant cell lines. Accordingly, suppression of Akt was noted only in the presence of treatment with both drugs. NPS-1034 was also effective in xenograft mouse models of HCC827/GR. Although the H820 cell line was reported previously to have T790M and MET amplification, we discovered that AXL was also activated in this cell line. There were no antitumor effects of siRNA or inhibitors specific for EGFR or MET, whereas combined treatment with AXL siRNA or NPS-1034 and EGFR-TKIs controlled H820 cells, suggesting that AXL is the main signal responsible for resistance. In addition, NPS-1034 inhibited cell proliferation as well as ROS1 activity in HCC78 cells with ROS1 rearrangement. Our results establish the efficacy of NPS-1034 in NSCLC cells rendered resistant to EGFR-TKIs because of MET or AXL activation or ROS1 rearrangement. Cancer Res; 74(1); 253–62. ©2013 AACR.
Outcomes of Breast Cancer in Brazil Related to Health Care Coverage: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liedke Pedro E.R. , Finkelstein Dianne M. , Szymonifka Jackie , Barrios Carlos H. , Chavarri-Guerra Yanin , Bines José , Vasconcelos Cláudia , Simon Sérgio D. , Goss Paul E.
Published: October 2013

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women in Brazil. Differences between patients with public versus private healthcare coverage about general characteristics, disease presentation, treatment of primary tumors, and clinical outcomes have not been fully investigated.

Methods: A national, retrospective cohort of 3,142 patients drawn from a representative sample of Brazilian medical centers was selected. Clinical and demographic data and type of healthcare coverage were retrieved by chart review. Groups were compared using the χ2 test. The log-rank test was used for comparison of disease-free survival (DFS), postrelapse, and overall survival (OS). Multivariate Cox regression modeling with adjustment for patient characteristics and stage at diagnosis was performed. All P values are two sided.

Results: Patients with public health coverage presented with more advanced disease at diagnosis (P < 0.001). DFS and OS for patients presenting with stage 0–II disease did not differ according to the type of healthcare coverage, whereas a significant difference in outcomes was seen for stage III–IV patients (P = 0.002 and P = 0.008, respectively). In a Cox multivariate analysis, no association was found for the type of health coverage with either DFS or OS, but there was an association for postrelapse survival (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: In Brazil, patients with breast cancer with public health coverage present with more advanced disease, and this possibly explains worse DFS and OS when compared with those with private coverage.

Impact: Earlier diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer could improve outcomes of women with public health coverage in Brazil. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 126–33. ©2013 AACR.
Comprehensive Biomarker Analysis and Final Efficacy Results of Sorafenib in the BATTLE Trial
Authors: Blumenschein George R. , Saintigny Pierre , Liu Suyu , Kim Edward S. , Tsao Anne S. , Herbst Roy S. , Alden Christine , Lee J. Jack , Tang Ximing , Stewart David J. , Kies Merrill S. , Fossella Frank V. , Tran Hai T. , Mao L. , Hicks Marshall E. , Erasmus Jeremy , Gupta Sanjay , Girard Luc , Peyton Michael , Diao Lixia , Wang Jing , Davis Suzanne E. , Minna John D. , Wistuba Ignacio , Hong Waun K. , Heymach John V. , Lippman Scott M.
Published: October 2013

Purpose: To report the clinical efficacy of sorafenib and to evaluate biomarkers associated with sorafenib clinical benefit in the BATTLE (Biomarker-Integrated Approaches of Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer Elimination) program.

Patients and Methods: Patients with previously treated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) received sorafenib until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Eight-week disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Prespecified biomarkers included K-RAS, EGFR, and B-RAF mutations, and EGFR gene copy number. Gene expression profiles from NSCLC cell lines and patient tumor biopsies with wild-type EGFR were used to develop a sorafenib sensitivity signature (SSS).

Results: A total of 105 patients were eligible and randomized to receive sorafenib. Among 98 patients evaluable for eight-week DCR, the observed DCR was 58.2%. The median PFS and OS were 2.83 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.04–3.58] and 8.48 months (95% CI, 5.78–10.97), respectively. Eight-week DCR was higher in patients with wild-type EGFR than patients with EGFR mutation (P = 0.012), and in patients with EGFR gene copy number gain (FISH-positive) versus patients FISH-negative (P = 0.048). In wild-type EGFR tumors, the SSS was associated with improved PFS (median PFS 3.61 months in high SSS vs. 1.84 months in low SSS; P = 0.026) but not with eight-week DCR. Increased expression of fibroblast growth factor-1, NF-κB, and hypoxia pathways were identified potential drivers of sorafenib resistance.

Conclusion: Sorafenib demonstrates clinical activity in NSCLC, especially with wild-type EGFR. SSS was associated with improved PFS. These data identify subgroups that may derive clinical benefit from sorafenib and merit investigation in future trials. Clin Cancer Res; 19(24); 6967–75. ©2013 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Transcription Factories and Chromosomal Translocations
Authors: Osborne Cameron S.
Published: October 2013

The mammalian nucleus is a highly complex structure that carries out a diverse range of functions such as DNA replication, cell division, RNA processing, and nuclear export/import. Many of these activities occur at discrete subcompartments that intersect with specific regions of the genome. Over the past few decades, evidence has accumulated to suggest that RNA transcription also occurs in specialized sites, called transcription factories, that may influence how the genome is organized. There may be certain efficiency benefits to cluster transcriptional activity in this way. However, the clustering of genes at transcription factories may have consequences for genome stability, and increase the susceptibility to recurrent chromosomal translocations that lead to cancer. The relationships between genome organization, transcription, and chromosomal translocation formation will have important implications in understanding the causes of therapy-related cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 20(2); 296–300. ©2013 AACR.
Anticipating the Clinical Use of Prognostic Gene Expression–Based Tests for Colon Cancer Stage II and III: Is Godot Finally Arriving?
Authors: Sveen Anita , Nesbakken Arild , Ågesen Trude H. , Guren Marianne G. , Tveit Kjell M. , Skotheim Rolf I. , Lothe Ragnhild A.
Published: October 2013

Purpose: According to current recommendations for adjuvant treatment, patients with colon cancer stage II are not routinely offered chemotherapy, unless considered to have a high risk of relapse based on specific clinicopathological parameters. Following these criteria, it is challenging to identify the subgroup of patients that will benefit the most from adjuvant treatment. Contrarily, patients with colon cancer stage III are routinely offered chemotherapy, but due to expected adverse effects and frailty, elderly patients are often excluded from standard protocols. Colon cancer is a disease of the elderly and accordingly, there is a large subgroup of patients for which guidelines for adjuvant treatment remain less clear. In these two clinical settings, improved risk stratification has great potential impact on patient care, anticipating that high-risk patients will benefit from chemotherapy. However, microsatellite instability is the only molecular prognostic marker recommended for clinical use.

Experimental Design: In this perspective, we provide an updated view on the status and clinical potential of the many proposed prognostic gene expression–based tests for colon cancer stage II and III.

Results: The main limitation for clinical implementation is lack of prospective validation. For patients with stage II, highly promising tests have been identified and clinical trials are ongoing. For elderly patients with stage III, the value of such tests has received less focus, but promising early results have been shown.

Conclusion: Although awaiting results from prospective trials, improved risk assessment for patients with stage II and III is likely to be achieved in the foreseeable future. Clin Cancer Res; 19(24); 6669–77. ©2013 AACR.
Phase I Safety, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Study of SAR245408 (XL147), an Oral Pan-Class I PI3K Inhibitor, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Rodon Jordi , Bedell Cynthia , Kwak Eunice L. , Baselga Jose , Braña Irene , Pandya Shuchi S. , Scheffold Christian , Laird A. Douglas , Nguyen Linh T. , Xu Yi , Egile Coumaran , Edelman Gerald
Published: October 2013

Purpose: SAR245408 is a pan-class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. This phase I study determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of two dosing schedules [first 21 days of a 28-day period (21/7) and continuous once-daily dosing (CDD)], pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, and preliminary efficacy.

Experimental Design: Patients with refractory advanced solid malignancies were treated with SAR245408 using a 3 + 3 design. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined after single and repeated doses. Pharmacodynamic effects were evaluated in plasma, hair sheath cells, and skin and tumor biopsies.

Results: Sixty-nine patients were enrolled. The MTD of both schedules was 600 mg; dose-limiting toxicities were maculopapular rash and hypersensitivity reaction. The most frequent drug-related adverse events included dermatologic toxicities, diarrhea, nausea, and decreased appetite. Plasma pharmacokinetics showed a median time to maximum concentration of 8 to 22 hours, mean terminal elimination half-life of 70 to 88 hours, and 5- to 13-fold accumulation after daily dosing (first cycle). Steady-state concentration was reached between days 15 and 21, and exposure was dose-proportional with doses up to 400 mg. SAR245408 inhibited the PI3K pathway (∼40%–80% reduction in phosphorylation of AKT, PRAS40, 4EBP1, and S6 in tumor and surrogate tissues) and, unexpectedly, also inhibited the MEK/ERK pathway. A partial response was seen in one patient with advanced non–small cell lung cancer. Eight patients were progression-free at 6 months. Pharmacodynamic and clinical activity were observed irrespective of tumor PI3K pathway molecular alterations.

Conclusions: SAR245408 was tolerable at doses associated with PI3K pathway inhibition. The recommended phase II dose of the capsule formulation is 600 mg administered orally with CDD. Clin Cancer Res; 20(1); 233–45. ©2013 AACR.
Vasopressin-Induced Constriction of the Isolated Rat Occipital Artery is Segment Dependent
Authors: Chelko Stephen P. , Schmiedt Chad W. , Lewis Tristan H. , Lewis Stephen J. , Robertson Tom P.
Published: October 2013

Background: Circulating factors delivered to the nodose ganglion (NG) by the occipital artery (OA) have been shown to affect vagal afferent activity, and thus the contractile state of the OA may influence blood flow to the NG. Methods: OA were isolated and bisected into proximal and distal segments relative to the external carotid artery. Results: Bisection highlighted stark differences between maximal contractile responses and OA sensitivity. Specifically, maximum responses to vasopressin and the V1 receptor agonist were significantly higher in distal than proximal segments. Distal segments were significantly more sensitive to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the 5-HT2 receptor agonist than proximal segments. Angiotensin II (AT)2, V2 and 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists did not elicit vascular responses. Additionally, AT1 receptor agonists elicited mild, yet not significantly different maximal responses between segments. Conclusion: The results of this study are consistent with contractile properties of rat OA being mediated via AT1, V1 and 5-HT2 receptors and dependent upon the OA segment. Furthermore, vasopressin-induced constriction of the OA, regardless of a bolus dose or a first and second concentration-response curve, retained this unique segmental difference. We hypothesize that these segmental differences may be important in the regulation of blood flow through the OA in health and disease.
Tularemia in Differential Diagnosis of Cervical Lymphadenopathy: Cytologic Features of Tularemia Lymphadenitis
Authors: Markoc Fatma , Koseoglu Resid Dogan , Koc Sema , Gurbuzler Levent
Published: October 2013

Objective: Tularemia can cause cervical lymphadenopathy. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is the first step in the workup for cervical lymphadenopathy; however, little has been published regarding the cytomorphological features of tularemia lymphadenitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the FNA cytology of tularemia lymphadenitis. Study Design: Review of medical records identified 36 patients with serologically proven tularemia, and who had undergone lymph node FNA. In each case, the original May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained FNA smears from enlarged cervical lymph node were reevaluated. Results: Suppuration and cytolysis were frequent cytological findings. Twenty-three (63.8%) of the 36 cases were assessed as suppurative inflammation. In 10 of these cases (27.8% of the total), cytolysis was prominent. In 7 cases (19.4%) the smears featured microgranulomas as well as suppuration, and 2 of these (5.6%) also featured giant cells. In 1 case (2.8%), there was caseous necrosis. In 2 cases (5.6%), the cytopathological findings were consistent with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Three aspirates (8.3%) were inadequate for evaluation. Conclusion: Cytopathological findings on FNA of tularemia lymphadenitis are nonspecific; however, in regions where tularemia is endemic, this disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis for suppurative lymphadenitis.
Learning to Read an Alphabet of Human Faces Produces Left-lateralized Training Effects in the Fusiform Gyrus
Authors: Moore Michelle W. , Durisko Corrine , Perfetti Charles A. , Fiez Julie A.
Published: October 2013

Numerous functional neuroimaging studies have shown that most orthographic stimuli, such as printed English words, produce a left-lateralized response within the fusiform gyrus (FG) at a characteristic location termed the visual word form area (VWFA). We developed an experimental alphabet (FaceFont) comprising 35 face–phoneme pairs to disentangle phonological and perceptual influences on the lateralization of orthographic processing within the FG. Using functional imaging, we found that a region in the vicinity of the VWFA responded to FaceFont words more strongly in trained versus untrained participants, whereas no differences were observed in the right FG. The trained response magnitudes in the left FG region correlated with behavioral reading performance, providing strong evidence that the neural tissue recruited by training supported the newly acquired reading skill. These results indicate that the left lateralization of the orthographic processing is not restricted to stimuli with particular visual-perceptual features. Instead, lateralization may occur because the anatomical projections in the vicinity of the VWFA provide a unique interconnection between the visual system and left-lateralized language areas involved in the representation of speech.
First zoeal stage of ?Cataleptodius parvulus (Fabricius, 1793) and Xanthodius denticulatus (White, 1848) (Decapoda: Brachyura): larval evidences and systematic position
Authors: BARROS-ALVES SAMARA DE P. , ALVES DOUGLAS F.R. , BOLLA EDUARDO JR ANTÔNIO , COBO VALTER JOSÉ , NEGREIROS-FRANSOZO MARIA LUCIA
Published: October 2013

The first zoeal stages of ?Cataleptodius parvulus and Xanthodius denticulatus are described and compared with zoeae of other members of the subfamily Xanthinae. The larvae of ?C. parvulus and X. denticulatus differ mainly in: 1) spinulation of rostral and dorsal spines; 2) type of antenna; 3) setation of the basis of first maxilliped; and 4) type of telson. Features common to both species include a carapace provided with well-developed spines on the dorsal (1), rostral (1), and lateral (2) portions; and the antennal protopod and rostrum similar in length. The morphological differences between the zoea I of X. denticulatus and ?C. parvulus are nevertheless consistent enough to suggest that these species do not belong to the same genus Xanthodius Stimpson, 1859 as previously supposed. Also we presume that ?C. parvulus does not belong to the genus Cataleptodius.
A taxonomic review of the genus Antodynerus de Saussure, 1855 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from the Indian subcontinent
Authors: KUMAR GIRISH P. , CARPENTER James M.
Published: October 2013

The genus Antodynerus de Saussure, 1855 is reviewed from the Indian subcontinent. Three species with one additional subspecies are present, namely Antodynerus flavescens flavescens (Fabricius, 1775), A. f. karachiensis Giordani Soika, 1970, A. limbatus (de Saussure, 1852), and A. punctatipennis (de Saussure, 1853). The parasitic association of strepsipteran insects and the symbiotic association of mites are reported for the first time in the genus Antodynerus. The distribution of A. f. flavescens (Fabricius) and A. limbatus (de Saussure) in the Indian states is augmented. The latter species is newly recorded from China (Tibet). A key to species of the Indian subcontinent is provided.
Channa andrao, a new species of dwarf snakehead from West Bengal, India (Teleostei: Channidae)
Authors: BRITZ RALF
Published: October 2013

Channa andrao, new species, from Lefraguri swamp, West Bengal, India, differs from all its congeners except, C. asiatica, C. bleheri and C. burmanica and the recently described C. hoaluensis and C. ninhbinhensis by the absence of pelvic fins. It can be distinguished from all other pelvic fin-less species of snakeheads by its colour pattern, and differs further in its number of vertebrae, dorsal- and anal-fin rays, and lateral-line scales from individual snakehead species in this complex. Channa andrao raises the number of snakehead species endemic to the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot to ten, representing almost one third of the known species in the genus.
Evaluation of a Two-Source Snow–Vegetation Energy Balance Model for Estimating Surface Energy Fluxes in a Rangeland Ecosystem
Authors: Kongoli Cezar , Kustas William P. , Anderson Martha C. , Norman John M. , Alfieri Joseph G. , Flerchinger Gerald N. , Marks Danny
Published: October 2013

The utility of a snow–vegetation energy balance model for estimating surface energy fluxes is evaluated with field measurements at two sites in a rangeland ecosystem in southwestern Idaho during the winter of 2007: one site dominated by aspen vegetation and the other by sagebrush. Model parameterizations are adopted from the two-source energy balance (TSEB) modeling scheme, which estimates fluxes from the vegetation and surface substrate separately using remotely sensed measurements of land surface temperature. Modifications include development of routines to account for surface snowmelt energy flux and snow masking of vegetation. Comparisons between modeled and measured surface energy fluxes of net radiation and turbulent heat showed reasonable agreement when considering measurement uncertainties in snow environments and the simplified algorithm used for the snow surface heat flux, particularly on a daily basis. There was generally better performance over the aspen field site, likely due to more reliable input data of snow depth/snow cover. The model was robust in capturing the evolution of surface energy fluxes during melt periods. The model behavior was also consistent with previous studies that indicate the occurrence of upward sensible heat fluxes during daytime owing to solar heating of vegetation limbs and branches, which often exceeds the downward sensible heat flux driving the snowmelt. However, model simulations over aspen trees showed that the upward sensible heat flux could be reversed for a lower canopy fraction owing to the dominance of downward sensible heat flux over snow. This indicates that reliable vegetation or snow cover fraction inputs to the model are needed for estimating fluxes over snow-covered landscapes.
Innate immune response after acute myocardial infarction and pharmacomodulatory action of tacrolimus in reducing infarct size and preserving myocardial integrity
Authors: Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Sung Pei-Hsun , Leu Steve , Chai Han-Tan , Zhen Yen-Yi , Chen Yi-Ching , Chua Sarah , Chen Yung-Lung , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Lee Fan-Yen , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Ko Sheung-Fat , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: October 2013

Background

This study investigated the association between innate immune reaction and myocardial damage after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and anti-inflammatory role of tacrolimus in reducing infarct size. Male mini-pigs (n=18) were equally categorized into sham control (SC), untreated AMI (by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery), and AMI-Tacrolimus (AMI-Tac) (0.5 mg intra-coronary injection 30 minutes post-AMI). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at post-AMI days 2, 5 and 21 before sacrificing the animals.

Results

By post-AMI day 21, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was lowest in untreated AMI animals, significantly higher in SC than in AMI-Tac group (all p<0.003). Infarct areas at basal, middle, and apical levels, numbers of CD14+ and iNOS+ cells in infarct area (IA) and peri-IA, and protein expression of CD14, CD68, and Ly6g from circulating inflammatory cells showed an opposite pattern compared with that of LVEF in all groups (all p<0.005). Protein expressions of MCP-1, MIP-1, TNF-α, NF-κB, iNOS, and IL-12 in IA and peri-IA exhibited an identical pattern compared to that of CD14, CD68, and Ly6g from circulating inflammatory cells (all p<0.01). Expressions of myocardial damage biomarkers in IA and peri-IA [γ-H2AX, β-myosin heavy chain (MHC), Smad3, TGF-β] were highest in AMI and higher in AMI-Tac than in SC, whereas expressions of myocardial integrity biomarkers (connexin43, mitochondrial cytochrome-C, α-MHC, BMP-2, Smad1/5) were opposite to those of damage biomarkers (all p<0.001).

Conclusion

Innate immune responses were markedly augmented and LVEF was significantly reduced after AMI but were remarkably improved after tacrolimus treatment.
High-level expression of sugar inducible gene2 (HSI2) is a negative regulator of drought stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sharma Nirmala , Bender Yarnel , Boyle Kerry , Fobert Pierre R
Published: October 2013

Background

HIGH-LEVEL EXPRESSION OF SUGAR INDUCIBLE GENE2 (HSI2), also known as VAL1, is a B3 domain transcriptional repressor that acts redundantly with its closest relative, HSI2-LIKE1 (HSL1), to suppress the seed maturation program following germination. Mutant hsi2 hsl1 seedlings are arrested early in development and differentially express a number of abiotic stress-related genes. To test the potential requirement for HSI2 during abiotic stress, hsi2 single mutants and plants overexpressing HSI2 were subjected to simulated drought stress by withholding watering, and characterized through physiological, metabolic and gene expression studies.

Results

The hsi2 mutants demonstrated reduced wilting and maintained higher relative water content than wild-type after withholding watering, while the overexpressing lines displayed the opposite phenotype. The hsi2 mutant displayed lower constitutive and ABA-induced stomatal conductance than wild-type and accumulated lower levels of ABA metabolites and several osmolytes and osmoprotectants following water withdrawal. Microarray comparisons between wild-type and the hsi2 mutant revealed that steady-state levels of numerous stress-induced genes were up-regulated in the mutant in the absence of stress but down-regulated at visible wilting. Plants with altered levels of HSI2 responded to exogenous application of ABA and a long-lived ABA analog, but the hsi2 mutant did not show altered expression of several ABA-responsive or ABA signalling genes 4 hr after application.

Conclusions

These results implicate HSI2 as a negative regulator of drought stress response in Arabidopsis, acting, at least in part, by regulating transpirational water loss. Metabolic and global transcript profiling comparisons of the hsi2 mutant and wild-type plants do not support a model whereby the greater drought tolerance observed in the hsi2 mutant is conferred by the accumulation of known osmolytes and osmoprotectants. Instead, data are consistent with mutants experiencing a relatively milder dehydration stress following water withdrawal.
SORBS2 and TLR3 induce premature senescence in primary human fibroblasts and keratinocytes
Authors: Liesenfeld Melanie , Mosig Sandy , Funke Harald , Jansen Lars , Runnebaum Ingo B , Dürst Matthias , Backsch Claudia
Published: October 2013

Background

Genetic aberrations are required for the progression of HPV-induced cervical precancers. A prerequisite for clonal expansion of cancer cells is unlimited proliferative capacity. In a cell culture model for cervical carcinogenesis loss of genes located on chromosome 4q35→qter and chromosome 10p14-p15 were found to be associated with escape from senescence. Moreover, by LOH and I-FISH analyses a higher frequency of allele loss of these regions was also observed in cervical carcinomas as compared to CIN3. The aim of this study was to identify candidate senescence-related genes located on chromosome 4q35→qter and chromosome 10p14-p15 which may contribute to clonal expansion at the transition of CIN3 to cancer.

Methods

Microarray expression analyses were used to identify candidate genes down-regulated in cervical carcinomas as compared to CIN3. In order to relate these genes with the process of senescence their respective cDNAs were overexpressed in HPV16-immortalized keratinocytes as well as in primary human fibroblasts and keratinocytes using lentivirus mediated gene transduction.

Results

Overall fifteen genes located on chromosome 4q35→qter and chromosome 10p14-p15 were identified. Ten of these genes could be validated in biopsies by RT-PCR. Of interest is the novel finding that SORBS2 and TLR3 can induce senescence in primary human fibroblasts and keratinocytes but not in HPV-immortalized cell lines. Intriguingly, the endogenous expression of both genes increases during finite passaging of primary keratinocytes in vitro.

Conclusions

The relevance of the genes SORBS2 and TLR3 in the process of cellular senescence warrants further investigation. In ongoing experiments we are investigating whether this increase in gene expression is also characteristic of replicative senescence.
Preliminary estimation of the prevalence of chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia in Japanese patients with cancer
Authors: Imai Hiroo , Soeda Hiroshi , Komine Keigo , Otsuka Kazunori , Shibata Hiroyuki
Published: October 2013

Background

Although dysgeusia is a common adverse event in chemotherapy patients; it has not been evaluated using objective methods, and its prevalence and frequency have not been quantified.

Methods

Salt-impregnated taste strips were used to objectively assess dysgeusia in patients receiving chemotherapy at Akita University (n = 38) and those off chemotherapy (n = 9). Participant characteristics, and ongoing and previous chemotherapies were evaluated, and their associations with dysgeusia analyzed.

Results

Dysgeusia developed in 38.8% (14/38) of chemotherapy patients, and was most prevalent in patients receiving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or its oral analogs (48.1%, 13/27). Particularly, dysgeusia developed in 55.6% (10/18) of patients receiving oral 5-FU analogs; however, prevalence in patients receiving and off chemotherapy was not significantly different. Patients aged ≥70 years also tended to experience dysgeusia (75.0%, 6/8).

Conclusions

Association with dysgeusia may be higher for some chemotherapeutic drugs. Dysgeusia should be routinely assessed in chemotherapy patients with objective methods such as paper strips; interventions for its prevention may be required.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Syzygium jambos L. (Alston) and isolated compounds on acne vulgaris
Authors: Sharma Richa , Kishore Navneet , Hussein Ahmed , Lall Namrita
Published: October 2013

Background

Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin disorder leading to inflammation as a result of the production of reactive oxygen species due to the active involvement of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in the infection site of the skin. The current study was designed to assess the potential of the leaf extract of Syzygium jambos L. (Alston) and its compounds for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity against the pathogenic P. acnes.

Methods

The broth dilution method was used to assess the antibacterial activity. The cytotoxicity investigation on mouse melanocyte (B16-F10) and human leukemic monocyte lymphoma (U937) cells was done using sodium 3’-[1-(phenyl amino-carbonyl)-3,4-tetrazolium]-bis-[4-methoxy-6-nitrobenzene sulfonic acid hydrate (XTT) reagent. The non-toxic concentrations of the samples was investigated for the suppression of cytokines interleukin 8 (IL 8) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF α) by testing the supernatants in the co-culture of the human U937 cells and heat killed P. acnes using enzyme immunoassay kits (ELISA). The statistical analysis was done using the Graph Pad Prism 4 program.

Results

Bioassay guided isolation of ethanol extract of the leaves of S. jambos led to the isolation of three known compounds namely; squalene, an anacardic acid analogue and ursolic acid which are reported for the first time from this plant. The ethanol extract of S. jambos and one of the isolated compound namely, anacardic acid analogue were able to inhibit the growth of P. acnes with a noteworthy minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 31.3 and 7.9 μg/ml, respectively. The ethanol extract and three commercially acquired compounds namely; myricetin, myricitrin, gallic acid exhibited significant antioxidant activity with fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging between 0.8-1.9 μg/ml which was comparable to that of vitamin C, the reference antioxidant agent. The plant extract, compounds ursolic acid and myricitrin (commercially acquired) significantly inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines IL 8 and TNF α by suppressing them by 74 - 99%. TEM micrographs showed the lethal effects of selected samples against P. acnes.

Conclusions

The interesting antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of S. jambos shown in the present study warrant its further investigation in clinical studies for a possible alternative anti-acne agent.
Ex vivo tetramer staining and cell surface phenotyping for early activation markers CD38 and HLA-DR to enumerate and characterize malaria antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells induced in human volunteers immunized with a Plasmodium falciparum adenovirus-vectored malaria vaccine expressing AMA1
Authors: Schwenk Robert , Banania Glenna , Epstein Judy , Kim Yohan , Peters Bjoern , Belmonte Maria , Ganeshan Harini , Huang Jun , Reyes Sharina , Stryhn Anette , Ockenhouse Christian F , Buus Soren , Richie Thomas L , Sedegah Martha
Published: October 2013

Background

Malaria is responsible for up to a 600,000 deaths per year; conveying an urgent need for the development of a malaria vaccine. Studies with whole sporozoite vaccines in mice and non-human primates have shown that sporozoite-induced CD8+ T cells targeting liver stage antigens can mediate sterile protection. There is a need for a direct method to identify and phenotype malaria vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells in humans.

Methods

Fluorochrome-labelled tetramers consisting of appropriate MHC class I molecules in complex with predicted binding peptides derived from Plasmodium falciparum AMA-1 were used to label ex vivo AMA-1 epitope specific CD8+ T cells from research subjects responding strongly to immunization with the NMRC-M3V-Ad-PfCA (adenovirus-vectored) malaria vaccine. The identification of these CD8+ T cells on the basis of their expression of early activation markers was also investigated.

Results

Analyses by flow cytometry demonstrated that two of the six tetramers tested: TLDEMRHFY: HLA-A*01:01 and NEVVVKEEY: HLA-B*18:01, labelled tetramer-specific CD8+ T cells from two HLA-A*01:01 volunteers and one HLA-B*18:01 volunteer, respectively. By contrast, post-immune CD8+ T cells from all six of the immunized volunteers exhibited enhanced expression of the CD38 and HLA-DRhi early activation markers. For the three volunteers with positive tetramer staining, the early activation phenotype positive cells included essentially all of the tetramer positive, malaria epitope- specific CD8+ T cells suggesting that the early activation phenotype could identify all malaria vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells without prior knowledge of their exact epitope specificity.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that class I tetramers can identify ex vivo malaria vaccine antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and could therefore be used to determine their frequency, cell surface phenotype and transcription factor usage. The results also demonstrated that vaccine antigen-specific CD8+ T cells could be identified by activation markers without prior knowledge of their antigen-specificity, using a subunit vaccine for proof-of-concept. Whether, whole parasite or adjuvanted protein vaccines will also induce {CD38 and HLA-DRhi}+ CD8+ T cell populations reflective of the antigen-specific response will the subject of future investigations.
Diabetes in Argentina: cost and management of diabetes and its complications and challenges for health policy
Authors: Caporale Joaquín E , Elgart Jorge F , Gagliardino Juan J
Published: October 2013

Background

Diabetes is an expensive disease in Argentina as well as worldwide, and its prevalence is continuously rising affecting the quality of life of people with the disease and their life expectancy. It also imposes a heavy burden to the national health care budget and on the economy in the form of productivity losses.

Aims

To review and discuss a) the reported evidence on diabetes prevalence, the degree of control, the cost of care and outcomes, b) available strategies to decrease the health and economic disease burden, and c) how the disease fits in the Argentinian health care system and policy. Finally, to propose evidence-based policy options to reduce the burden of diabetes, both from an epidemiological as well as an economic perspective, on the Argentinian society. The evidence presented is expected to help the local authorities to develop and implement effective diabetes care programmes.

Methodology

A comprehensive literature review was performed using databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences). Literature published from 1980 to 2011 was included. This information was complemented with grey literature, including data from national and provincial official sources, personal communications and contacts with health authorities and diabetes experts in Argentina.

Results

Overall diabetes prevalence increased from 8.4% in 2005 to 9.6% 2009 at national level. In 2009, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death with a mortality rate of 19.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, and it accounted for 1,328,802 DALYs lost in the adult population, mainly affecting women aged over fifty. The per capita hospitalisation cost for people with diabetes was significantly higher than for people without the disease, US$ 1,628 vs. US$ 833 in 2004. Evidence shows that implementation of combined educative interventions improved quality of care and outcomes, decreased treatment costs and optimised the use of economic resources.

Conclusions

Based on the evidence reviewed, we believe that the implementation of structured health care programmes including diabetes education at every level, could improve quality of care as well as its clinical, metabolic and economic outcomes. If implemented across the country, these programmes could decrease the disease burden and optimise the use of human and economic resources.