bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiographer-acquired and radiologist-reviewed ultrasound examination – agreement with radiologist's bedside evaluation
Authors: Stenman Carina , Thorelius Lars , Knutsson Anders , Smedby Örjan
Published: May 2011

Background

Growing demand for ultrasound examinations and higher quality requirements motivate searching for routines combining the diagnostic accuracy of radiologist-performed examinations with the economical advantages of sonographer-performed examinations. One possible approach is to use strictly standardized acquisition and documentation schemes that give the radiologist access to all relevant information after the examination.

Purpose

To compare a recently introduced routine, combining acquisition by a radiographer, documentation as standardized cine-loops, and review by a radiologist (‘standardized method’), with the formerly used routine where the diagnosis is made bedside by the radiologist (‘traditional method’).

Material and Methods

In 64 policlinic patients, the kidneys ( n = 27) or the gallbladder ( n = 37) were examined with both the standardized and the traditional method. The radiologists' findings of hydronephrosis, tumors, cysts, echogenicity changes, and cortical thickness (in the kidneys), and wall thickness, concrements, and polyps (in the gallbladder) were compared between the methods with respect to agreement (proportion of agreement and kappa coefficient) as well as systematic differences (McNemar's test).

Results

The findings at the gallbladder examination showed a median agreement of 97% (86–100%; kappa = 0.64–1.00), and those at the kidney examination, an agreement of 90% (78–100%; kappa = 0.69–1.00). There were no significant systematic differences between the methods.

Conclusion

The satisfactory agreement in this preliminary study indicates that the new workflow with ultrasound examinations performed by a radiographer and analyzed off-line by a radiologist is promising, and motivates further studies.
Effects of outsourcing magnetic resonance examinations from a public university hospital to a private agent
Authors: Tavakol Parvin , Labruto Fausto , Bergstrand Lott , Blomqvist Lennart
Published: May 2011

Background

Sometimes the measures taken to make a radiology department more effective, such as prioritizing the workload and keeping equipment running for as many hours as staffing permits, are not enough. In such cases, outsourcing radiological examinations is a potential solution for reducing waiting times.

Purpose

To investigate differences in waiting time, quality and costs between magnetic resonance (MR) examinations performed in a university hospital and examinations outsourced to private service.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively selected a group of consecutive, outsourced MR examinations ( n = 97) and a control group of in-house MR examinations, matched for type of examination. In each group there were referrals that had a specified preferred timeframe for completion. We measured the percentage of cases in which this timeframe was met and if it was not met, how many days exceeded the preferred time. In referrals without a specified preferred timeframe, we also calculated the waiting time. Quality standards were measured by the percentage of examinations that had to be re-done and re-assessed. Finally, we calculated the cumulative costs, taking into account the costs for re-doing and re-assessing examinations.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups, in either the number of examinations that were not performed within the preferred time or the number of days that exceeded the preferred timeframe. For referrals without a preferred timeframe, the waiting time was shorter for outsourced examinations than those not outsourced. There were no differences in the number of examinations that had to be re-done, but more examinations needed to be re-assessed in the outsourced group than in the in-house group. The calculated costs for outsourced examinations were lower than the costs for internally performed examinations.

Conclusion

Outsourcing magnetic resonance examinations may be an effective way of reducing a radiology department's workload. Ways in which to reduce the additional costs incurred for re-assessment of outsourced examinations must be investigated further.
Aliasing artifact depicted on ultrasound (US)-elastography for breast cystic lesions mimicking solid masses
Authors: Cho Nariya , Moon Woo Kyung , Chang Jung Min , Kim Seung Ja , Lyou Chae Yeon , Choi Hye Young
Published: May 2011

Background

It has been reported that ultrasound (US)-elastography is helpful in differentiation of benign and malignant solid masses and in reducing benign biopsy procedures for the supplemental breast US in addition to screening mammography. Furthermore, potential application of US-elastography in distinguishing cystic lesions which is known to be a major source of benign biopsy results has been suggested.

Purpose

To describe the aliasing artifact on US-elastography for breast cystic lesions that mimic solid masses.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 13 lesions which showed a blue-green-red pattern artifact on US-elastography in 13 women (mean age 50 years; age range 3–66 years). They disappeared immediately after a needle biopsy. Breast composition, mammography and US findings, histology and follow-up imaging findings were analyzed.

Results

All 13 patients showed heterogeneously dense ( n = 5) or extremely dense breast parenchyma ( n = 8). The most common US findings were an irregular shape ( n = 7, 54%) and a circumscribed margin ( n = 7, 54%). All 13 lesions had internal echogenicity and were initially considered as solid masses; 62% ( n = 8) showed hypoechogenicity and 38% ( n = 5) had echogenic and anechoic components. Posterior shadowing was seen in 31% ( n = 4) of the lesions. All 13 lesions have been proven to be fibrocystic changes on biopsy histology. Follow-up US performed for 10 of 13 lesions showed no residual lesion ( n = 9) or decreased its size ( n = 1).

Conclusion

An aliasing artifact that appears as a blue-green-red pattern in a breast mass as depicted on US-elastography is suggestive of a possible cystic breast lesion.
Texture-based quantification of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration from conventional T2-weighted MRI
Authors: Michopoulou Sofia , Costaridou Lena , Vlychou Marianna , Speller Robert , Todd-Pokropek Andrew
Published: May 2011

Background

Disc degeneration quantification is important for monitoring the effects of new therapeutic methods, such as cell and growth factor therapy. Magnetic resonance (MR) image texture reflects biochemical and structural tissue properties and has been used for differentiating between normal and pathological status in a variety of medical applications.

Purpose

To investigate the suitability of textural descriptors for the quantification of intervertebral disc degeneration using conventional T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of the lumbar spine.

Material and Methods

A 3 Tesla scanner was used, and conventional T2- weighted MR images were obtained, and a total of 255 lumbar discs were analyzed. An atlas-based method was used for segmenting the disc regions from the images. A set of first and second order statistics describing texture of each region were calculated. The validity and reliability of these descriptors for disc degeneration severity quantification was tested through their correlation with patient age and qualitative clinical grading of degeneration severity. Texture quantification results were compared to a widely accepted method for disc degeneration quantification based on the measurement of disc's mean signal intensity.

Results

Out of the set of texture descriptors tested, two descriptors quantifying image intensity inhomogeneity, i.e. the grey level standard deviation and co-occurrence derived sum of squares displayed the strongest association to patient age and clinical grading of disc degeneration severity ( P < 0.001). This is attributed to these inhomogeneity descriptors' capability to capture the progressive loss of nucleus-annulus distinction in the degenerative progress. Statistical analysis indicates that these descriptors can effectively separate between early stages of degeneration. Quantitative measurements are highly repeatable (intraclass correlation >0.98).

Conclusion

Inhomogeneity descriptors could be a valuable tool for tracking the evolution of disc degeneration and monitoring the response to treatment in a simple, precise and repeatable manner.
Minimally invasive application of thrombin in the treatment of pseudoaneurysms following open aortic surgery
Authors: Schellhammer Frank , Cohnen Mathias , Fürst Günter , Mödder Ullrich
Published: May 2011

Background

Anastomotic leaks are uncommon complications following aortic surgery. To avoid the morbidity associated with a second surgical procedure, minimally invasive techniques have become increasingly popular.

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of thrombin in interventional treatment of postoperative pseudoaneurysms.

Material and Methods

CT-guided percutaneous injection was chosen in four cases. Endovascular access using an occlusion balloon catheter placed in the orifice of the pseudoaneurysm was utilized in one case.

Results

The average volume of all pseudoaneurysms was 178 ± 190 mL with a volume of the patent lumen of 25 ± 28 mL. All aneurysms thrombosed after injection of 600 ± 237 IU of thrombin. During the follow-up period of an average of 10 months all pseudoaneurysms remained occluded.

Conclusion

Our series demonstrates the feasibility of thrombin in the treatment of aortic anastomotic pseudoaneurysms. In combination with occlusion balloon catheters, even wide-necked pseudoaneurysms may be treated successfully. However, further investigations are warranted.
Breast ultrasonography in young Asian women: analyses of BI-RADS final assessment category according to symptoms
Authors: Sohn Yu-Mee , Kim Min Jung , Kwak Jin Young , Moon Hee Jung , Kim Soo Jin , Kim Eun-Kyung
Published: May 2011

Background

Breast ultrasound is the major imaging modality in young women because it incurs no radiation exposure and dense breast tissue, which is common in young women, yields a high rate of false-negative results on mammography.

Purpose

To investigate the cancer rates of the sonographic BI-RADS categorization and histopathologic results according to the presence of symptoms in young Asian women.

Material and Methods

We included 811 young women under 30 years of age who underwent a breast ultrasound during the study period. The mean age of all subjects was 24.5 years (range 11–29 years). Histopathologic results were compared with the results after application of the BI-RADS categorization.

Results

Sonographic findings were classified as category 1 ( n = 192), category 2 ( n = 81), category 3 ( n = 399), category 4 ( n = 134), and category 5 ( n = 5). The cancer rates for category 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 0, 0, 0.3, 6.3, and 100% in the symptomatic group, respectively. For the asymptomatic group, the cancer rates were 0, 0, 0, 8.7, and 100%, respectively. More cancers were found in high-risk women (22.2%, 4/18) than in non-high-risk women (1.4%, 11/793).

Conclusion

BI-RADS categorization was helpful for predicting the probability of malignancy in young Asian women.
The detection of recurrent breast cancer in patients with a history of breast cancer surgery: comparison of clinical breast examination, mammography and ultrasonography
Authors: Kim Seung Ja , Moon Woo Kyung , Cho Nariya , Chang Jung Min
Published: May 2011

Background

Breast sonography is commonly used as a follow-up imaging modality for the patients with a history of breast cancer surgery in Korea. It would be necessary to compare its efficacy with other examinations in order to justify inclusion of breast sonography among the routine follow-up imaging modalities.

Purpose

To retrospectively compare the efficacies of clinical breast examination, mammography, and ultrasonography (US), and to evaluate the additional value of US for the detection of recurrent breast cancer in patients with a history of breast cancer surgery.

Material and Methods

During a 2-year period, we found 74 women with 81 recurrent breast cancers (including locoregional recurrence and contralateral breast cancer) after breast-conserving therapy or mastectomy. The detection abilities of clinical breast examination, mammography, and US were compared for different lesion locations.

Results

Fifty-six of the cancers (69.1%) were parenchymal recurrences and 25 (30.9%) were chest wall or axillary lymph node recurrences. Thirty-five were ipsilateral and 46 were contralateral recurrences. For these recurrent lesions, detection rates were 50.6% (41 of 81) by clinical breast examination, 66.1% (39 of 59) by mammography, and 97.5% (79 of 81) by US. Of the 40 nonpalpable recurrent lesions, 19 lesions (23.5%; eight ipsilateral and 11 contralateral) were detected by US alone, two lesions (2.5%; one ipsilateral and one contralateral) were detected by mammography alone, and 19 lesions (four ipsilateral and 15 contralateral) were detected by both US and mammography.

Conclusion

US has a crucial role in the detection of recurrent lesions after breast cancer surgery, especially in patients that present with nonpalpable chest wall or axillary lymph node recurrences and mammographic occult parenchymal masses.
Incremental value of T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI for prediction of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy in clinically localized prostate cancer
Authors: Nishida Kaori , Yuen Sachiko , Kamoi Kazumi , Yamada Kei , Akazawa Kentaro , Ito Hirotoshi , Okihara Koji , Kawauchi Akihiro , Miki Tsuneharu , Nishimura Tsunehiko
Published: May 2011

Background

For men with clinically localized prostate cancer and candidates to receive radical prostatectomy (RP) a main concern is a cancer recurrence after treatment. Although previous studies have demonstrated the diagnostic utility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for prostate cancer, the prognostic value of pretreatment DWI has not been investigated yet.

Purpose

To investigate the incremental value of MRI-based T staging using DWI and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) as compared with the clinical parameters in prediction of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after RP for clinically localized prostate cancer.

Material and Methods

Sixty MR examinations, obtained before RP between April 2002 and March 2009, were retrospectively reviewed using T2WI alone, DWI alone, or T2WI + DWI for T staging according to the 2002 American Joint Committee on Cancer guidelines. The relationship between MRI stage and BCR was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. Multivariate analysis and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were used to investigate the incremental value over the standard clinical variables in prediction of BCR.

Results

As of August 2009, 12 (20%) patients had BCR. Based on T2WI + DWI, both T3a (compared to OC disease) and T2 (compared to T1c) showed significantly higher BCR rates (p = 0.047 and 0.025, respectively). Multivariate analysis and area under ROC curve analysis confirmed the additional value of MRI staging to the conventional clinical variables in prediction of BCR.

Conclusion

The combination of T2WI and DWI on performing pretreatment MRI helped predict BCR after RP in clinically localized prostate cancer.
Substrate specificity and mutational analysis of Kluyveromyces lactis γ-toxin, a eukaryal tRNA anticodon nuclease
Authors: Jain Ruchi , Poulos Michael G. , Gros Julien , Chakravarty Anupam K. , Shuman Stewart
Published: May 2011

tRNA anticodon damage inflicted by the Kluyveromyces lactis γ-toxin underlies an RNA-based innate immune system that distinguishes self from nonself species. γ-toxin arrests the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by incising a single phosphodiester 3′ of the wobble base of tRNAGlu(UUC) to generate a break with 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate and 5′-OH ends. Recombinant γ-toxin cleaves oligonucleotide substrates in vitro that mimic the anticodon stem–loop of tRNAGlu. A single 2′-deoxy sugar substitution at the wobble nucleoside abolishes anticodon nuclease activity. To gain further insights to γ-toxin's substrate specificity, we tested deoxynucleoside effects at positions other than the site of transesterification. The results attest to a stringent requirement for a ribonucleoside at the uridine 5′ of the wobble base. In contrast, every other nonwobble ribonucleoside in the anticodon loop can be replaced by a deoxy without significantly affecting γ-toxin's cleavage activity. Whereas either the 5′ half or the 3′ half of the anticodon stem can be replaced en bloc with DNA without a major effect, simultaneously replacing both strands with DNA interfered strongly, signifying that γ-toxin requires an A-form helical conformation of the anticodon stem. We purified γ-toxin mutants identified previously as nontoxic in vivo and gauged their anticodon nuclease activities in vitro. The results highlight Glu9 and Arg151 as candidate catalytic residues, along with His209 implicated previously. By analogy to other endoribonucleases, we speculate that γ-toxin drives transesterification by general acid-base catalysis (via His209 and Glu9) and transition-state stabilization (via Arg151).
Viewing Hyaluronan
Authors: de la Motte Carol A. , Drazba Judith A.
Published: May 2011

Hyaluronan (HA) is an ubiquitous extracellular matrix polymer that plays many roles in health and disease. The ability to view the spatial and temporal expression of HA in tissues and on/in cells has provided researchers with insights into the tremendously diverse biological processes in which HA is involved. Biochemical extraction, quantity, and size measurement of HA can tell part of the story, but these techniques are incomplete in placing HA at the scene of a biological event and determining which other molecules are likely to be cooperating. HA, however, is not immunogenic, so preparing antibodies for histochemistry is problematic. Fortunately, a probe for HA was devised based on the HA binding region of aggrecan, and today this probe is commercially available and very useful for histochemistry. This article discusses the conditions and considerations that the authors’ lab and others have developed for optimal HA staining in many tissues and cell types.
Visualization of CD44 and CD133 in Normal Pancreas and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Immervoll Heike , Hoem Dag , Steffensen Ole Johnny , Miletic Hrvoje , Molven Anders
Published: May 2011

Tumor-initiating cells of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been isolated based on expression of either CD133 or CD44. The authors aimed to visualize pancreatic cells simultaneously expressing both these cell surface markers by employing the same antibodies commonly used in cell-sorting studies. Normal and diseased pancreatic tissue, including 51 PDAC cases, were analyzed. CD44 and CD133 expression was determined by immunohistochemical double staining on formalin-fixed material and subcellular protein distribution evaluated by immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy. In the normal pancreas, CD44 and CD133 were coexpressed in the centroacinar regions but in non-overlapping subcellular compartments. As expected, CD44 was found mainly basolaterally, whereas CD133 was present on the apical/endoluminal membrane. This was also the case in chronically inflamed/atrophic pancreatic tissue and in PDAC. In some malignant ducts, CD44 was found at the apical cell membrane adjacent to but never overlapping with CD133 expression. CD44 level was significantly associated with the patient’s lymph node status. In conclusion, a CD44+/CD133+ cell population does exist in the normal and neoplastic pancreas. The preferentially centroacinar localization of the doubly positive cells in the normal parenchyma suggests that this population could be of particular interest in attempts to identify tumor-initiating cells in PDAC. This article contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org . Please visit this article online to view these materials.
Factors Influencing the Degradation of Archival Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Sections
Authors: Xie Ran , Chung Joon-Yong , Ylaya Kris , Williams Reginald L. , Guerrero Natalie , Nakatsuka Nathan , Badie Cortessia , Hewitt Stephen M.
Published: May 2011

The loss of antigenicity in archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections negatively affects both diagnostic histopathology and advanced molecular studies. The mechanisms underlying antigenicity loss in FFPE tissues remain unclear. The authors hypothesize that water is a crucial contributor to protein degradation and decrement of immunoreactivity in FFPE tissues. To test their hypothesis, they examined fixation time, processing time, and humidity of storage environment on protein integrity and antigenicity by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and protein extraction. This study revealed that inadequate tissue processing, resulting in retention of endogenous water in tissue sections, results in antigen degradation. Exposure to high humidity during storage results in significant protein degradation and reduced immunoreactivity, and the effects of storage humidity are temperature dependent. Slides stored under vacuum with desiccant do not protect against the effects of residual water from inadequate tissue processing. These results support that the presence of water, both endogenously and exogenously, plays a central role in antigenicity loss. Optimal tissue processing is essential. The parameters of optimal storage of unstained slides remain to be defined, as they are directly affected by preanalytic variables. Nevertheless, minimization of exposure to water is required for antigen preservation in FFPE tissue sections. This article contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org . Please visit this article online to view these materials.
Inconsistent Immunohistochemical Expression Patterns of Four Different CD133 Antibody Clones in Glioblastoma
Authors: Hermansen Simon K. , Christensen Karina G. , Jensen Stine S. , Kristensen Bjarne W.
Published: May 2011

The putative tumor stem cell marker CD133 is the marker of choice for identifying brain tumor stem cells in gliomas, but the use of different CD133 antibody clones possibly recognizing different CD133 splice variants with epitopes of different glycosylation status confuses the field. The aim was to investigate if current inconsistent CD133 observations could be a result of using different CD133 antibodies for immunohistochemical identification of CD133. Ten glioblastomas were immunohistochemically stained with four different CD133 antibody clones (AC133, W6B3C1, C24B9, and ab19898) and analyzed by quantitative stereology. Moreover, the CD133 staining pattern of each antibody clone was investigated in kidney, pancreas, and placenta tissue as well as in glioblastoma and retinoblastoma cultures and cell lines. All antibody clones revealed CD133+ niches and single cells in glioblastomas, but when using different clones, their distribution rarely corresponded. Morphology of identified single cells varied, and staining of various tissues, cultures, and cells lines was also inconsistent among the clones. In conclusion, the authors report inconsistent CD133 detection when using different primary CD133 antibody clones. Thus, direct comparison of studies using different antibody clones and conclusions based on CD133 immunohistochemistry should be performed with caution.
GD1b-Derived Gangliosides Modulate FcεRI Endocytosis in Mast Cells
Authors: Mazucato Vivian Marino , Silveira e Souza Adriana Maria Mariano , Nicoletti Liliana Martos , Jamur Maria Célia , Oliver Constance
Published: May 2011

The role of the mast cell–specific gangliosides in the modulation of the endocytic pathway of FcεRI was investigated in RBL-2H3 cells and in the ganglioside-deficient cell lines, E5 and D1. MAb BC4, which binds to the α subunit of FcεRI, was used in the analysis of receptor internalization. After incubation with BC4-FITC for 30 min, endocytic vesicles in RBL-2H3 and E5 cells were dispersed in the cytoplasm. After 1 hr, the endocytic vesicles of the RBL-2H3 cells had fused and formed clusters, whereas in the E5 cells, the fusion was slower. In contrast, in D1 cells, the endocytic vesicles were smaller and remained close to the plasma membrane even after 3 hr of incubation. When incubated with BC4-FITC and subsequently imunolabeled for markers of various endocytic compartments, a defect in the endocytic pathway in the E5 and D1 cells became evident. In the D1 cells, this defect was observed at the initial steps of endocytosis. Therefore, the ganglioside derivatives from GD1b are important in the endocytosis of FcεRI in mast cells. Because gangliosides may play a role in mast cell–related disease processes, they provide an attractive target for drug therapy and diagnosis.
Chemical Pretreatment of Growth Plate Cartilage Increases Immunofluorescence Sensitivity
Authors: Ahrens Molly J. , Dudley Andrew T.
Published: May 2011

Immunofluorescence detection of proteins in growth plate cartilage is often unsuccessful because of innate autofluorescence, fixative-induced fluorescence, and dense cartilage matrix, which can inhibit antibody penetration. To overcome these limitations, the authors have tested various chemical pretreatments, including the autofluorescence quencher sodium borohydride, the antigen retrieval method of boiling sodium citrate, sugar-degrading enzymes (hyaluronidase, heparinase, and chondroitinase), and the proteolytic enzyme protease XXIV. Here the authors show that, in most cases, background fluorescence in cartilage is the primary obstacle to high-quality imaging. Blocking intrinsic fluorescence of the specimen in combination with specific pretreatments allows visualization using antibodies that previously did not generate a robust signal in the growth plate. Each antibody requires a specific combination of chemical pretreatments that must be empirically determined to achieve optimal staining levels. This manuscript contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org . Please visit this article online to view these materials.
Alteration of Subcapsular Adrenocortical Zonation in Humans with Aging
Authors: Aiba Motohiko , Fujibayashi Mariko
Published: May 2011

Few studies have examined functional adrenal zonation throughout human life. Adrenals from 61 surgical/autopsy patients from 1 day old to 92 years old who had no clinical endocrinological/mineralocorticoid abnormalities were assessed for immunohistochemically defined adrenal zonation. The zona glomerulosa (zG) was well developed in all 11 patients ranging in age from newborn to the 30s. After 40 years of age, however, the zG occupied less than one-quarter of the adrenal circumference, suggestive of zG involution. The other subcapsular areas were occupied by the progenitor zone (zP), which expressed neither cytochrome P450aldo nor P45011β but 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and P450scc, although some autopsy cases had adrenals with zG zonation because of secondary aldosteronism, and others who had experienced severe stresses showed subcapsular zona fasciculata (zF). In conclusion, the adrenal cortex consists of homogeneous zG-topped columns from birth to adolescence. Subsequently, in the fifth decade of life, the cortex is reconstituted by integration of three types of cortical columns: scattered zG-topped columns and zonal zP-topped columns, the latter having the ability for bidirectional differentiation into either zG-topped columns or zF-topped columns, according to secondary aldosteronism or the presence of severe stresses. Such adrenocortical remodeling is ascribed to high-sodium/low-potassium diets.
Lipid Bodies in Inflammatory Cells
Authors: Melo Rossana C. N. , D’Avila Heloisa , Wan Hsiao-Ching , Bozza Patrícia T. , Dvorak Ann M. , Weller Peter F.
Published: May 2011

Lipid bodies (LBs), also known as lipid droplets, have increasingly been recognized as functionally active organelles linked to diverse biological functions and human diseases. These organelles are actively formed in vivo within cells from the immune system, such as macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils, in response to different inflammatory conditions and are sites for synthesis and storage of inflammatory mediators. In this review, the authors discuss structural and functional aspects of LBs and current imaging techniques to visualize these organelles in cells engaged in inflammatory processes, including infectious diseases. The dynamic morphological aspects of LBs in leukocytes as inducible, newly formable organelles, elicitable in response to stimuli that lead to cellular activation, contribute to the evolving understanding of LBs as organelles that are critical regulators of different inflammatory diseases, key markers of leukocyte activation, and attractive targets for novel anti-inflammatory therapies.
DVD Reviews
Authors: Webb Emma , Cheetham James
Published: May 2011

Vivre sa vie
(My Life to Live, 1962) France Director: Jean-Luc Godard Runtime: 83 minutes DVD USA, 2010 Produced and Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region 1)

Martyrs
(2008) France Director: Pascal Laugier Runtime: 95 Minutes DVD France,
2008 Produced and Distributed by Optimum Home Entertainment (region 2)
Book Reviews
Authors: Brewis Deborah , Dawkins Megan
Published: May 2011

Figures of Resistance: Essays in Feminist Theory
Teresa de Lauretis, (2007) Champaign: University of Illinois Press, 320pp., ISBN: 0252074394 (pbk), $20.00, ISBN: 0252031970 (hbk), $65.00

The Big Lebowski
J.M. Tyree and Ben Walters, (2008)
London: British Film Institute, 123pp., ISBN: 978-1844571734 (pbk), $14.95
Effects of Moist Aggregates on the Performance of Warm Mix Asphalt Mixtures Containing Non-Foaming Additives
Authors: Punith V. S. , Xiao Feipeng , Amirkhanian Serji N.
Published: May 2011

The objective was to conduct a laboratory investigation of moisture susceptibility and rutting resistance of non-foaming warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures containing moist aggregates. Gyration number and weight loss of various samples, indirect tensile strength (ITS), tensile strength ratio (TSR), rut depths of dry and moisture conditioned specimens, as well as failed temperatures and rutting factors of recovered binders were measured for all mixtures. The experimental design included two aggregate moisture contents (0 and ∼0.5 % by weight of the dry mass of the aggregate), two lime contents (1 and 2 % lime by weight of dry aggregate) and one liquid anti-stripping agent (ASA), three non-foaming WMA additives (Cecabase®, Evotherm®, and Rediset®) with control, and two aggregate sources. A total of 34 mixtures were designed and a total of 340 specimens were tested in this study. The test results indicated that the aggregate source significantly affects the ITS and rutting resistance regardless of the WMA additive, ASA, and moisture content. In addition, the ITS and rut depth of the non-foaming WMA mixtures containing moist aggregates generally satisfied the demand of pavement without additional treatment. The mixtures with three WMA additives exhibited similar rutting resistance under dry and wet conditions. The liquid ASA, used in this study, for moisture resistance is not recommended to use in WMA mixtures containing moist aggregates as the aggregate is sensitive to moisture.
A Global Method for the Identification of Failure Modes in Fiberglass Using Acoustic Emission
Authors: Arumugam V. , Kumar C. Suresh , Santulli C. , Sarasini F. , Stanley A. Joseph
Published: May 2011

The various failure mechanisms in bidirectional glass/epoxy laminates loaded in tension are identified using acoustic emission (AE) analysis. AE data recorded during the tensile testing of a single layer specimen are used to identify matrix cracking and fiber failure, while delamination signals are characterized using a two-layer specimen with a pre-induced defect. Parametric studies using AE count rate and cumulative counts allowed damage discrimination at different levels of loading and Fuzzy C-means clustering associated with principal component analysis were used to discriminate between failure mechanisms. The two above methods led to AE waveform selection: On selected waveforms, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) enabled calculating the frequency content of each damage mechanism. Continuous wavelet transform allowed identifying frequency range and time history for failure modes, whilst noise content associated with the different failure modes was calculated and removed by discrete wavelet transform. Short Time FFT finally highlighted the possible failure mechanism associated with each signal.
Lysosomal Proteolysis Inhibition Selectively Disrupts Axonal Transport of Degradative Organelles and Causes an Alzheimer's-Like Axonal Dystrophy
Authors: Lee Sooyeon , Sato Yutaka , Nixon Ralph A.
Published: May 2011

In the hallmark neuritic dystrophy of Alzheimer's disease (AD), autophagic vacuoles containing incompletely digested proteins selectively accumulate in focal axonal swellings, reflecting defects in both axonal transport and autophagy. Here, we investigated the possibility that impaired lysosomal proteolysis could be a basis for both of these defects leading to neuritic dystrophy. In living primary mouse cortical neurons expressing fluorescence-tagged markers, LC3-positive autophagosomes forming in axons rapidly acquired the endo-lysosomal markers Rab7 and LAMP1 and underwent exclusive retrograde movement. Proteolytic clearance of these transported autophagic vacuoles was initiated after fusion with bidirectionally moving lysosomes that increase in number at more proximal axon levels and in the perikaryon. Disrupting lysosomal proteolysis by either inhibiting cathepsins directly or by suppressing lysosomal acidification slowed the axonal transport of autolysosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes and caused their selective accumulation within dystrophic axonal swellings. Mitochondria and other organelles lacking cathepsins moved normally under these conditions, indicating that the general functioning of the axonal transport system was preserved. Dystrophic swellings induced by lysosomal proteolysis inhibition resembled in composition those in several mouse models of AD and also acquired other AD-like features, including immunopositivity for ubiquitin, amyloid precursor protein, and hyperphosphorylated neurofilament proteins. Restoration of lysosomal proteolysis reversed the affected movements of proteolytic Rab7 vesicles, which in turn essentially cleared autophagic substrates and reversed the axonal dystrophy. These studies identify the AD-associated defects in neuronal lysosomal proteolysis as a possible basis for the selective transport abnormalities and highly characteristic pattern of neuritic dystrophy associated with AD.
Trees and Family Trees in the Aeneid
Authors: Gowers Emily
Published: May 2011

Tree-chopping in the Aeneid has long been seen as a disturbingly violent symbol of the Trojans' colonization of Italy. The paper proposes a new reading of the poem which sees Aeneas as progressive extirpator not just of foreign rivals but also of his own Trojan relatives. Although the Romans had no family “trees” as such, their genealogical stemmata (“garlands”) had “branches” (rami) and “stock” (stirps), and their vocabulary of family relationships takes many of its metaphors from planting, adoption, and uprooting, while plant life is often described in human metaphors. Imperial historians use the growth and collapse of trees to mark the rise and fall of dynasties; natural historians like Columella and Pliny use metaphors of adoption, abortion, and adultery to characterize the perversions of agriculture and horticulture. It is thus no coincidence that Aeneas' encounters with Hector, Priam, Deiphobus, and others often take place against a background of real or metaphorical trees (tree similes, headless or mutilated human trunks, ancient trees and woods). These encourage us to see an element of dynastic encroachment in scenes that look pious and peaceable but confirm Aeneas' ascendancy and claim to Trojan succession. The Polydorus episode in particular can be read not just as a grotesque interlude but as a nightmare about endlessly reproducing heirs; one loose strand from Priam's house is allowed to remain, while Virgil deals imperfectly with the problem of Aeneas' own successors. The paper ends by re-examining Virgil's account of grafting in Georgics 2 and arguing that it is viewed positively, perhaps in order to cast Augustus' adoption of heirs as a miracle solution.
Pozzolanic activity of a spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst residue
Authors: Garcés Pedro , Glasser Fred P. , Brew Daniel R. M. , Zornoza Emilio , Payá Jordi
Published: May 2011

The reaction between a spent fluid cracking catalyst (FC3R) residue and portlandite was monitored over 56 days using several material characterisation techniques. The results showed that the residue was heterogeneous and composed of reactive and non-reactive fractions and that both fractions contained silicon and aluminium. After 56 days, the development of C–S–H gel was evident; part of the catalyst residue was pozzolanic. The CH combination could be monitored by thermogravimetry or X-ray diffraction, by measuring the signal corresponding to CH. However, due to the low crystallinity of cementing products and their complex stoichiometry, the above-mentioned techniques were less able to characterise C–A–S–H. However, nuclear magnetic resonance techniques allowed the evolution of the pozzolanic reaction to be evaluated and the hydrate products to be characterised.
Dry olive leaf extract (DOLE) down-regulates the progression of experimental immune-mediated diabetes by modulation of cytokine profile in the draining lymph nodes
Authors: Saksida Tamara , Miljkovic D. , Dekanski Dragana , Stojanovic Ivana , Stosic-Grujicic Stanislava
Published: May 2011

We have recently demonstrated the beneficial effects of dry olive leaf
extract (DOLE) in two preclinical models of type 1 diabetes. Here we analyze
the potential mechanisms underlying diabetes amelioration at the level of
lymph node drainage. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with DOLE during induction of
diabetes with multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD-SZ) modulated
cytokine expression and production in pancreatic lymph node cells, thereby
changing the balance between potentially pathogenic and down-regulating
cytokines. These results support the immunoregulatory potential of DOLE which
takes place at the level of lymph node drainage and preserves the target
tissue from autoimmune attack.
A mini review: RuBisCo small subunit as a strong, green tissue-specific promoter
Authors: Bakhsh Allah , Qayyum Rao , Shamim Zeeshan , Husnain Tayyab
Published: May 2011

Plant genetic transformation is a powerful application used to study gene
expression in plants. Transcriptomics has the potential to rapidly increase
our knowledge of spatial and temporal gene expression and lead to new
promoters for research and development. The availability of a broad spectrum
of promoters with the ability to regulate the temporal and spatial expression
patterns of transgenes can increase the successful application of transgenic
technology. A variety of promoters is necessary at all levels of genetic
engineering in plants, from basic research, to the development of
economically viable crops and plant commodities, it can address legitimate
concerns raised about the safety and containment of transgenic plants in the
environment. Compared with temporal- or spatial-specific expression of a
toxin, constitutive expression of foreign proteins in transgenic plants can
cause adverse effects. The constitutive overexpression of transgenes that
interferes with normal processes in a plant underscores the need for
refinement of transgene expression. The development of tissue-specific
promoters to drive transgene expression has helped fulfill that need.
Therefore, in certain circumstances it is desirable to use
expression-specific promoters which only express the foreign gene in specific
plant tissues or organs. This review highlights the uses and benefits reaped
by the use of green tissue-specific promoter for the RuBisCo small subunit in
different crops and systems and thus establishing a broad range of
tissue-specific promoters. Such plant promoters that are activated precisely
when and where they are needed would be ideal for genetic engineering
strategies.
Immunohistochemical detection of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the human lacrimal gland
Authors: Gligorijevic Jasmina , Krstic M. , Babic Gordana
Published: May 2011

The nature and extent of estrogen and progesterone action on the lacrimal
gland is not known, and neither are the targets for their action.
Immunohistochemical detection of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the
human lacrimal glands in both sexes in different age groups was performed in
this study. Twenty human lacrimal glands from autopsies were analyzed by the
immunohistochemical method of cell counting and the ?? test. Estrogen and
progesterone receptors were detected in the lacrimal glands of both sexes
with significantly higher total and average cell counts in females (p<0,001).
Estrogen and progesterone receptors are present in human lacrimal glands with
age and gender dependent expression.
Genetic divergence of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) populations in Serbia revealed by RAPD
Authors: Lucic A. , Isajev V. , Rakonjac L. , Ristic Danijela , Kostadinovic Marija , Babic Vojka , Nikolic Ana
Published: May 2011

The ability of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to distinguish among
Scots pine populations from Serbia was evaluated. Sixteen arbitrary 10-mer
primers employed in the analysis produced 54 fragments of which 21 were
polymorphic (38.89%). Certain rare and genotype-specific bands were
identified which could be effectively used to distinguish between the
populations. Polymorphism in RAPD markers among P. sylvestris populations was
high and sufficient to distinguish each of the populations. The results
obtained suggest that RAPD markers are valuable for the genetic divergence
estimation in Pinus sylvestris and for the study of divergence among
populations.
Antioxidative enzymes in the response of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) to complete submergence
Authors: Stanisavljevic N.S. , Nikolic Dragana , Jovanovic Z.S. , Samardzic Jelena , Radovic Svetlana , Maksimovic Vesna
Published: May 2011

Oxidative stress and antioxidative defense system activity were studied in
buckwheat leaves after complete submergence and re-aeration. The levels of
H2O2 and lipid peroxidation were found to be significantly higher in stressed
than in untreated buckwheat leaves. Enzymes catalyzing the degradation of
H2O2 and peroxides were shown to participate actively, whereas superoxide
dismutase did not take part in the buckwheat leaf response to flooding
stress. The most prominent increase in antioxidative enzyme activities was
noticed upon return to air, when the strongest oxidative stress occurred and
the need for antioxidative defense was the greatest.
Ecological and structural characteristics of monodominant montane beech forests in the National park Biogradska Gora, Montenegro
Authors: Curovic M. , Stesevic Danijela , Medarevic M. , Cvjeticanin R. , Pantic D. , Spalevic V.
Published: May 2011

Due to their extraordinary diversity and high level of conservation, the
forest ecosystems of Biogradska Gora undoubtedly fall under the most
significant forest objects. Owing to the lack of anthropogenic impacts, it is
an especially interesting and gratifying research subject for different
experts and scientists. In order to implement a sufficiently high
biodiversity level management, it is necessary to know the structural
characteristics of untouched forests. In this paper we focused our attention
on monodominant montane beech forests with their ecological and structural
characteristics, as a bioecological basis for environmentally friendly
planning and sustainable management of these and similar forest ecosystems.
Determination of some structural features of the nest paper of Vespa orientalis Linneaus, 1771 and Vespa crabro Linneaus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Vespinae) in Turkey
Authors: Bagriaçik Nil
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the nest materials and some physical
features and elemental composition of Vespa orientalis and Vespa crabro
nests. The nest surfaces were observed with a stereomicroscope and scanning
electron microscope (SEM). In the V. orientalis nest, the average thickness
of the fibers was 13.47?m, the nitrogen concentration was 18.75%, the
percentages of the fibers, saliva, soil and the water absorption capacity
were calculated to be 20%, 20%, 60% and 91%, respectively. In the V. crabro
nest, the average thickness of the fibers was 11.48?m and the nitrogen
concentration was 27.93%. The percentages of fiber, saliva and the water
absorption capacity were calculated to be 23%, 77% and 100%, respectively.
Potential antitumor activity of two Polygonum species
Authors: Mazid Abdul , Nahar Lutfun , Datta Bidyut , Bashar Khairum , Sarker Satyajit
Published: May 2011

Two Bangladeshi Polygonum species, P. barbatum (L.) Hara var. barbata (common
name ?bekhanjabaj?) and P. stagninum Buch.-Ham. ex Meissn. (common name
?ratooti sag? or ?bara bishkatali?), are perennial herbs of the family
Polygonaceae. The genus Polygonum L. is well-known for its use in oriental
traditional medicine systems for the treatment of various ailments including
fever, pain, inflammation, infections, cancer and tumors. The extracts of P.
barbatum var. barbata and P. stagninum were assessed for potential antitumor
properties using the potato disc assay. All extracts showed a considerable
level of potential antitumor activity. The petroleum ether extract of P.
barbatum var. barbata and the n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of P.
stagninum, having IC50 values of 290, 200 and 180 ?g/disc, respectively, were
the most active among the extracts. The methanol extracts of both plants were
the least active and had an IC50 value of >400 ?g/disc. Overall, the extracts
of P. stagninum showed better antitumor activity potential than the extracts
of P. barbatum var. barbata.
A Cavernicolous pseudoscorpion of the Genus Chthonius (Chthonius) c.l. koch from Dalmatia
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Radja T. , Makarov S.E. , Curcic S.B. , Ilic B.S. , Dimitrijevic R.N.
Published: May 2011

A new cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion from the Badanj (or Vilisnica) Cave, nr.
Sveti Filip i Jakov, Dalmatia (Croatia) is thoroughly described and
illustrated. Its main morphometric characteristics and important diagnostic
traits are analyzed and compared to those of its phenetically close congener
Chthonius (Chthonius) absoloni Beier from Dalmatia. The new species is relict
and endemic to the area studied.
Facile Synthesis of Imidazoisoindolones and Quinoxalinediones from 2,3-diamino-1,4-naphthoquinone
Authors: Aly Ashraf A.
Published: May 2011

In aqueous acetic acid, 2,3-diamino-1,4-naphthoquinone reacted with phthalic anhydride and 4,5,6,7-tetrabromophthalic anhydride to give naphtho[2’,3’:4,5]imidazo[2,1- a]isoindole-6,11,13-triones. In the same solvent, the reaction of diaminonaphthoquinone with 2,2-dihydroxy-1 H-indene-1,3(2 H)-dione gave 11 H-benzo[ g]indeno [1,2- b]quinoxaline-6,11,13-trione. Under the same conditions, diaminonaphthoquinone reacted with succinic anhydride and with maleic anhydride, the corresponding 4-(3-amino-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalene-2-ylamino)-4-oxobutanoic acid and 3,5,10-trioxo-3,4,5,10-tetrahydrobenzo[ g]-quinoxaline-2(1 H)-ylidene-acetic acid derivatives were obtained. The reaction of 2,3-diamino-1,4-naphthoquinone with ( E)-1,2-dibenzoylethylene and 1,4-diphenylbut-2-yne-1,4-dione in aqueous acetic acid afforded dihydrobenzo[ g]quinoxaline-5,10-diones.