bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of Ca2+ Modifications for Osseointegration of Smooth and Moderately Rough Anodized Titanium Implants – A Removal Torque and Histological Evaluation in Rabbit
Authors: Fröjd Victoria , Wennerberg Ann , Franke Stenport Victoria
Published: October 2010

Background: Incorporation of Ca2+ into the titania of anodized titanium surfaces has been found to enhance osseointegration. It provides a stable surface when the ions are incorporated into the oxide layer during the anodizing process. The Ca2+ may suggestively be prominent sites for mineral induction, attract proteins, and catalyze intracellular cascades.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the osseointegration of smooth (Sa < 0.5 µm) and moderately rough (Sa 1.0–2.0 µm) commercially pure titanium implants, with and without Ca2+, in order to reflect on the importance of surface chemistry in relation to topography.

Materials and Methods: Anodized implants with (OxCa) or without Ca2+ (Ox), blasted implants (Bl), and blasted anodized implants, with (BlOxCa) or without Ca2+ (BlOx), were inserted in rabbit femur and tibia. The implant surfaces were characterized using interferometry, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy prior to implant installation. Removal torque (RTQ) measurements were executed on all implants after a healing period of 12 weeks. The implants were, thereafter, removed en bloc with surrounding tissues and prepared for histological evaluations.

Results: RTQ measurements of tibial implants revealed significantly higher values for BlOxCa implants (90.7 ± 23.3 Ncm) compared to OxCa (64.6 ± 18.2 Ncm) and BlOx implants (69.7 ± 17.5 Ncm) (p = 0.029). Ca2+ modification of smooth implants placed in the femur did not reveal any differences.

Conclusion: Ca2+ modification of smooth implants resulted in similar interfacial shear strength as moderately rough implants and Ca2+ modification of moderately rough implants demonstrated the significantly strongest interfacial shear strength when placed in rabbit tibia. This possibly demonstrated surface chemistry compensating for lesser roughness.
DETERMINATION OF T1 RELAXATION TIME OF NORMAL EQUINE TENDONS USING MAGIC ANGLE MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Authors: SPRIET MATHIEU , WISNER ERIK R. , ANTHENILL LUCY A. , BUONOCORE MICHAEL H.
Published: October 2010

Seven isolated equine front limbs were used to establish the normal T1 relaxation time of equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), and suspensory ligament (SL) using magic angle magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MR imaging of the metacarpi was performed with the limbs positioned at 55° (the magic angle) relative to the main magnetic field. Transverse spin‐echo proton density and inversion recovery images were acquired. T1 relaxation time was calculated based on ratios of signal intensity determined from the different pulse sequences. T1 relaxation times for SDFT, DDFT, and SL were 288 (±17), 244 (±14), and 349 (±16) ms, respectively. The difference in T1 values between SDFT, DDFT, and SL was statistically significant. T1 values of equine tendons can be determined with magic angle imaging on a clinical MR system using <10 min total scan time. The knowledge of the normal range of T1 values may be useful to identify horses with chronic tendinopathy, where based on the human literature, an increased T1 value may be expected.
A phase II study of gemcitabine plus paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer and prior anthracycline treatment
Authors: XU Binghe , SHEN Zhenzhou , JIANG Zefei , GUAN Zhongzhen , ZHANG Xiaoqing
Published: October 2010

Aim:  To investigate the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine‐paclitaxel in Chinese patients with metastatic breast cancer following anthracycline failure in a multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm, phase II clinical trial.

Methods:  Chinese female patients with unresectable, locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer who had relapsed after neo‐adjuvant anthracycline‐based chemotherapy were included. All patients had measurable disease and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 at baseline. Gemcitabine (1250 mg/m2)‐paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) was administered on a 3‐weekly schedule until disease progression, and patients were followed up for 12 months (post‐enrolment). The primary end point was objective response rate; secondary end points included duration of response, progression‐free survival and overall survival.

Results:  Overall 60 patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 46.9 (SD ± 9.0) years and 90% of patients had metastatic disease. All patients had previously received chemotherapy. A total of 48 patients (80%) completed the 12‐month follow up, and 40 patients (67%) completed at least six cycles of study therapy. The objective response rate (complete response + partial response) was 50% (95% CI: 36.6–63.4). Median duration of response was 5.6 months (95% CI: 4.4–7.6) and median progression‐free survival was 7.6 months (95% CI: 5.8–8.8). Overall survival at 12 months was 87% (95% CI: 77.9–95.2). Laboratory toxicities were primarily hematologic, including Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia (n = 27 [45%]) and leukopenia (n = 18 [30%]). Eight patient deaths (13%) were not treatment‐related.

Conclusion:  Gemcitabine‐paclitaxel combination therapy is an active and well‐tolerated chemotherapy regimen, with expected and manageable toxicity in Chinese patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Concept Analysis of Similarity Applied to Nursing Diagnoses: Implications for Educators
Authors: Falan Sharie
Published: October 2010

PURPOSE.  This philosophical inquiry examined similarity using the concept analysis methodology by Walker and Avant (2005).

DATA SOURCES.  Data were obtained from Google, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and PubMed using keywords “similarity,”“concept analysis,” and “similarity concept analysis.”

DATA SYNTHESIS.  Various definitions, uses, and defining attributes of similarity were identified; model cases were presented along with antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents.

CONCLUSIONS.  The concept analysis of similarity identified five defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and different ways to measure the concept.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE.  Representing nursing care involves similarity and when applied can promote or enhance shared understanding.
My First Patient as a Nurse Practitioner: A Man With Low Literacy
Authors: Reyes Darcel
Published: October 2010

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate the use of the nursing process and the standardized nursing languages of NANDA‐I, the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), and the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) to assist a man with low literacy to self‐manage his medication regimen.

DATA SOURCES:  The data sources for this article are clinical nursing practice, research evidence related to helping people with low literacy, and the books that explain NANDA‐I, NOC, and NIC.

DATA SYNTHESIS:  This case study demonstrates nurses’ clinical decision making in providing care for a person with low health literacy.

CONCLUSIONS:  Low health literacy should be considered when nurses identify the nursing diagnosis of Ineffective Self‐Health Management. After trust is established, a screening tool should be used to evaluate the person's literacy level. Active partnership of the nurse and the person supports interventions to assist the person implement the medication regimen.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING:  Inadequate evaluation of health literacy may result in mislabeling a person as “nonadherent” or “noncompliant” to a medication or treatment regimen. Low literacy is often an unrecognized barrier to effective self‐health management.
Hypomyelination in three Weimaraner dogs
Authors: Millán Y. , Mascort J. , Blanco A. , Costa C. , Masian D. , Guil‐Luna S. , Pumarola M. , Martin de las Mulas J.
Published: October 2010

Hypomyelination syndrome of the Weimaraner dog is a disease characterised by a reduction or absence of myelin in the axons of the central nervous system (CNS) exclusively. The objective of this study was to analyse the cause of this deficiency of myelin. Tissue samples of the CNS of three Weimaraner dogs with neurological signs were fixed in 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin wax, and histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies were performed. Histochemical staining with haematoxylin and eosin and Kluver‐Barrera techniques showed generalised pallor in the peripheral areas of the ventral and lateral funiculi of the spinal cord. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a weak expression of both proteolipid protein (PLP) and myelin basic protein (MBP) and a marked decrease of Olig2+ cells in the demyelinated areas. The immunohistochemical findings suggested a myelination or remyelination failure because of the smaller population of oligodendrocytes. However, PLP gene mutations may also be the cause of the decrease of PLP expression as described in other species.
Insights from life history traits of Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) in Taiwanese waters: Shorter body length characterizes northwest Pacific population
Authors: Chen Ing , Watson Alastair , Chou Lien‐Siang
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) are widely distributed throughout temperate to tropical pelagic waters of the world and are one of the most frequently encountered cetaceans in eastern Taiwanese coastal waters. Because their life history is poorly known, the goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between age, body length, and sexual maturity of Risso's dolphins in Taiwanese waters. Ninety‐two carcasses of dead‐stranded or fisheries bycaught dolphins (1994–2008) were measured and dissected (total body length, TBL 125–290 cm); sexual maturity was assessed in 33 dolphins; and age was estimated by counting dentinal growth layer groups in routine histologically prepared tooth sections of 28 dolphins. Sexual dimorphism in TBL was not detected. The onset of sexual maturity occurred at 240–255 cm in females and 253–265 cm in males, which was at about 10 yr of age for both sexes. Our stranding, bycatch, and previous boat survey records suggest that Risso's dolphins occur year‐round and likely have a summer‐fall calving season in Taiwanese waters. The similar life history parameters and calving season in dolphins from Taiwanese and Japanese waters suggest a common population in the northwest Pacific, which has a noticeably shorter body length than in other regions.
Craniometric variation of some Mediterranean and Atlantic populations of Stenella coeruleoalba (Mammalia, Delphinidae): A three‐dimensional geometric morphometric analysis
Authors: Loy Anna , Tamburelli Arianna , Carlini Rossella , Slice Dennis E.
Published: October 2010

Abstract

The variability of cranial features of Atlantic and Mediterranean samples of Stenella coeruleoalba was examined using a three‐dimensional geometric morphometric approach. Data were collected on 79 skulls from the upper and middle Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic French coasts, and Scotland. Three‐dimensional x, y, and z coordinates of 27 landmarks were recorded on each left half skull using a Microscribe 3‐D digitizer. All configurations were rotated, centered, and scaled, and residuals from the mean configuration were analyzed through multivariate analyses of variance. Mahalanobis distances among populations were used to evaluate phenetic relationships. Consensus configurations were compared to visualize shape differences among samples. Analyses revealed significant differences among populations, a clear distinction of the Scottish coasts dolphins from the other samples, and a closer relationship of the dolphins from the French coasts to the Mediterranean populations than to the Scottish one. Shape differences are mainly concentrated in the rostral and in the occipital regions of the skull. Phylogenetic and adaptive factors were invoked as possible causes of the variation patterns.
Responses of Kamchatkan fish‐eating killer whales to playbacks of conspecific calls
Authors: Filatova Olga A. , Fedutin Ivan D. , Burdin Alexander M. , Hoyt Erich
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Killer whales produce repertoires of stereotyped call types that are primarily transmitted vertically through social learning, leading to dialects between sympatric pods. The potential function of these call repertoires remains untested. In this study, we compared the reaction of Kamchatkan fish‐eating killer whales to the playbacks of calls from the same and different pods. After the playback of recordings from a different pod, in three cases whales changed the direction of their movement toward the boat, and in three cases no changes in direction were observed. After the playback of recordings from the same pod (either from the same or a different unit within the pod), in seven cases whales changed the direction of their movement toward the boat, and in only one case no change in direction was observed. Whales remained silent after all six playbacks of recordings from a different pod, even when they changed direction toward the boat. After the playback of recordings from the same pod, however, in all eight cases whales started calling in response. Our playback study shows that killer whales may react to playbacks of conspecific sounds and that reactions are dependent on the type of playback stimuli.
Rationale and Design of the Treatment of Hyponatremia Based on Lixivaptan in NYHA Class III/IV Cardiac Patient Evaluation (THE BALANCE) Study
Authors: Abraham William T. , Aranda Juan M. , Boehmer John P. , Elkayam Uri , Gilbert Edward M. , Gottlieb Stephen S. , Hasenfuβ Gerd , Kukin Marrick , Lowes Brian D. , O’Connell John B. , Tavazzi Luigi , Feldman Arthur M. , Ticho Barry , Orlandi Cesare
Published: October 2010

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder in patients with heart failure (HF) associated with cognitive dysfunction and increased mortality and rehospitalization rates. Loop diuretics worsen renal function, produce neurohormonal activation, and induce electrolyte imbalances. Lixivaptan is a selective, oral vasopressin V2‐receptor antagonist that improves hyponatremia by promoting electrolyte‐free aquaresis without significant side effects. The Treatment of Hyponatremia Based on Lixivaptan in NYHA Class III/IV Cardiac Patient Evaluation (BALANCE) study is a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 trial designed to evaluate the effects of lixivaptan on serum sodium in patients hospitalized with worsening heart failure (target N= 650), signs of congestion and serum sodium concentrations <135 mEq/L. Other endpoints include assessment of dyspnea, body weight, cognitive function, and days of hospital‐free survival. Patients are randomized 1:1 to lixivaptan or matching placebo for 60 days, with a 30‐day safety follow‐up. Doses of lixivaptan or placebo are adjusted based on serum sodium and volume status. Lixivaptan was shown to increase serum sodium and reduce body weight, without renal dysfunction or hypokalemia. BALANCE seeks to address unmet questions regarding the use of vasopressin antagonists including their effects on cognitive function and clinical outcomes in patients with hyponatremia and worsening heart failure. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 249–253.
Altered Immune Phenotype in Peripheral Blood Cells of Patients with Scleroderma‐Associated Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Risbano Michael G , Meadows Christina A. , Coldren Christopher D. , Jenkins Tiffany J. , Edwards Michael G. , Collier David , Huber Wendy , Mack Douglas G. , Fontenot Andrew P. , Geraci Mark W. , Bull Todd M
Published: October 2010

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a common and fatal complication of scleroderma that may involve inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms. Alterations in the gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells have been previously described in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our goal is to identify differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in scleroderma patients with and without pulmonary hypertension as biomarkers of disease.

Gene expression analysis was performed on a Microarray Cohort of scleroderma patients with (n= 10) and without (n= 10) pulmonary hypertension. Differentially expressed genes were confirmed in the Microarray Cohort and validated in a Validation Cohort of scleroderma patients with (n= 15) and without (n= 19) pulmonary hypertension by RT‐qPCR. We identified inflammatory and immune‐related genes including interleukin‐7 receptor (IL‐7R) and chemokine receptor 7 as differentially expressed in patients with scleroderma‐associated pulmonary hypertension. Flow cytometry confirmed decreased expression of IL‐7R on circulating CD4+ T‐cells from scleroderma patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Differences exist in the expression of inflammatory and immune‐related genes in peripheral blood cells from patients with scleroderma‐related pulmonary hypertension compared to those with normal pulmonary artery pressures. These findings may have implications as biomarkers to screen at‐risk populations for early diagnosis and provide insight into mechanisms of scleroderma‐related pulmonary hypertension. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 210–218
Training and Career Development for Comparative Effectiveness Research Workforce Development: CTSA Consortium Strategic Goal Committee on Comparative Effectiveness Research Workgroup on Workforce Development
Authors: Kroenke Kurt , Kapoor Wishwa , Helfand Mark , Meltzer David O. , McDonald Mary Anne , Selker Harry
Published: October 2010

As comparative effectiveness research (CER) increasingly becomes a national priority, there are increased needs for training and workforce development in this area. Particularly important CER competencies include clinical epidemiology, biomedical informatics, economic analyses, systematic reviews, clinical practice guideline development, use of large databases and electronic health records for research, practice‐based research, implementation and dissemination, health services research, and decision analysis. Institutions funded by Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) should be one of the central stakeholders in providing training and career development in CER. Survey results regarding the current CER capacity and needs of CTSAs are presented, and recommendations are provided. Volume 5: 258–262.
Significant Downregulation of Platelet Gene Expression in Metastatic Lung Cancer
Authors: Calverley David C. , Phang Tzu L. , Choudhury Qamrul G. , Gao Bifeng , Oton Ana B. , Weyant Michael J. , Geraci Mark W.
Published: October 2010

Platelets play a major role in the metastatic dissemination of tumor cells in vivo. Recent evidence reveals megakaryocyte‐derived platelet pre‐mRNA is spliced to mRNA and then translated into functional proteins in response to external stimulation. Employing a human lung cancer model, we hypothesized a subset of megakaryocyte/platelet genes exists that are significantly over or underexpressed in metastasis compared with noncancer. Microarray analysis employing platelet mRNA followed by unsupervised hierarchical clustering revealed an expression profile that includes decreased expression of 197 of the 200 platelet genes with the most altered expression (p < 1.0 × 10−4). Among the 608 splicing events identified between the metastasis and negative control groups, 33 highly variable genes were identified with between 3 and 13 splicing events each. In conclusion, this preliminary study reveals a platelet‐based gene expression signature that differentiates metastatic lung cancer from negative controls on the basis of decreased expression of 197 of the 200 genes with the most altered expression levels. Further study may yield a prognostic tool for future metastasis among subsets of early stage lung cancer patients. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 227–232
Participatory geographic information systems and public engagement within flood risk management
Authors: White I. , Kingston R. , Barker A.
Published: October 2010

In this paper we review the emerging lessons from a recent initiative on utilising Public Participatory Geographic Information Systems within Shoreline Management Planning to help unpack the theoretical and actual role of this approach for developing flood risk management policy options and scenarios. We discuss the benefits and limitations of stakeholder engagement in flood risk management decisions before highlighting some of the technical aspects of developing such an approach. We then examine how stakeholder access to mapping and spatial policies offers the potential for improved stakeholder dialogue and involvement in flood risk management. The paper highlights some of the underlying principles of the approach, potential pitfalls that the policy making community should avoid and good practice approaches to developing a participatory approach within flood risk management.
DIM SUM: demography and individual migration simulated using a Markov chain
Authors: BROWN JEREMY M. , SAVIDGE KEVIN , McTAVISH EMILY JANE B.
Published: October 2010

An increasing number of studies seek to infer demographic history, often jointly with genetic relationships. Despite numerous analytical methods for such data, few simulations have investigated the methods’ power and robustness, especially when underlying assumptions have been violated. DIM SUM (Demography and Individual Migration Simulated Using a Markov chain) is a stand‐alone Java program for the simulation of population demography and individual migration while recording ancestor‐descendant relationships. It does not employ coalescent assumptions or discrete population boundaries. It is extremely flexible, allowing the user to specify border positions, reactions of organisms to borders, local and global carrying capacities, individual dispersal kernels, rates of reproduction and strategies for sampling individuals. Spatial variables may be specified using image files (e.g., as exported from gis software) and may vary through time. In combination with software for genetic marker simulation, DIM SUM will be useful for testing phylogeographic (e.g., nested clade phylogeographic analysis, coalescent‐based tests and continuous‐landscape frameworks) and landscape‐genetic methods, specifically regarding violations of coalescent assumptions. It can also be used to explore the qualitative features of proposed demographic scenarios (e.g. regarding biological invasions) and as a pedagogical tool. DIM SUM (with user’s manual) can be downloaded from http://code.google.com/p/bio‐dimsum.
Assessing population structure: FST and related measures
Authors: MEIRMANS PATRICK G. , HEDRICK PHILIP W.
Published: October 2010

Although FST is widely used as a measure of population structure, it has been criticized recently because of its dependency on within‐population diversity. This dependency can lead to difficulties in interpretation and in the comparison of estimates among species or among loci and has led to the development of two replacement statistics, F′ST and D. F′ST is the normal FST standardized by the maximum value it can obtain, given the observed within‐population diversity. D uses a multiplicative partitioning of diversity, based on the effective number of alleles rather than on the expected heterozygosity. In this study, we review the relationships between the three classes of statistics (FST, F′ST and D), their estimation and their properties. We illustrate the relationships between the statistics using a data set of estimates from 84 species taken from the last 4 years of Molecular Ecology. As with FST, unbiased estimators are available for the two new statistics D and F′ST. Here, we develop a new unbiased F′ST estimator based on GST, which we call G′′ST. However, F′ST can be calculated using any FST estimator for which the maximum value can be obtained. As all three statistics have their advantages and their drawbacks, we recommend continued use of FST in combination with either F′ST or D. In most cases, F′ST would be the best choice among the latter two as it is most suited for inferences of the influence of demographic processes such as genetic drift and migration on genetic population structure.
Validity of noncycloplegic refraction in the assessment of refractive errors: the Tehran Eye Study
Authors: Fotouhi Akbar , Morgan Ian G. , Iribarren Rafael , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Hashemi Hassan
Published: October 2010

Purpose:  To determine the sensitivity and specificity of noncycloplegic autorefraction for determining refractive status compared to cycloplegic autorefraction.

Methods:  The target population was noninstitutionalized citizens of all ages, residing in Tehran in 2002, selected through stratified cluster sampling. From 6497 eligible residents, 70.3% participated in the study, from August to November 2002. Here, we report data on 3501 people over the age of 5 years who had autorefraction with and without cycloplegia (two drops of cyclopentolate 1.0% 5 min apart, with autorefraction 25 min after the second drop).

Results:  Overall, the sensitivity of noncycloplegic autorefraction for myopia was 99%, but the specificity was only 80.4%. In contrast, the sensitivity for hyperopia was only 47.9%, but the specificity was 99.4%. At all ages, noncycloplegic autorefraction overestimated myopia and underestimated hyperopia. Overestimation of myopia was highest in the 21–30 and 31–40 year groups. Underestimation of hyperopia was high up to the age of 50 (20–40%), but decreased with age, to about 8% after the age of 50, down to almost 0% after 70. The difference in mean spherical equivalent with and without cycloplegia fell from 0.71 dioptres (D) in the 5–10 age group to 0.14D in those over 70.

Conclusion:  Use of noncycloplegic autorefraction in epidemiological studies leads to considerable errors relative to cycloplegic measurements, except in those over 50–60. The difference between cycloplegic and noncycloplegic measurements varies with age and cycloplegic refractive category, and there is considerable individual variation, ruling out adjusting noncycloplegic measurements to obtain accurate cycloplegic refractions.
Chondrocyte death by apoptosis is associated with the initiation and severity of articular cartilage degradation
Authors: THOMAS Carla M. , FULLER Cathy J. , WHITTLES Cheryll E. , SHARIF Mohammed
Published: October 2010

Aim: To investigate the role of chondrocyte apoptosis in the initiation and severity of articular cartilage (AC) damage.

Methods: Articular cartilage from equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) (n = 13) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) (n = 16) joints was used and each graded macroscopically for cartilage degradation (macroscopic osteoarthritis [OA] grade). Cartilage was sampled from six regions on the articular surface of both joint types and graded using a ‘modified’ Mankin scoring system. Apoptosis of chondrocytes in cartilage sections was assessed by expression of active caspase‐3 using indirect immunohistochemistry.

Results: Apoptosis was found to increase significantly with macroscopic OA grade (P < 0.0001). There was a significant trend for increasing ‘modified’ Mankin score with increasing macroscopic OA grade (P < 0.0009). Apoptosis was significantly higher in the superficial zone than in the middle or deep zones (P < 0.01 andP < 0.001, respectively). The incidence of apoptosis correlated significantly with the early stages of microscopic cartilage damage (‘modified’ Mankin scores 0–3). Significant differences in overall apoptosis were noted when cartilage specimens with a ‘modified’ Mankin score of 3 were compared to grade 2 (P < 0.001), grade 1 (P < 0.001) and grade 0 (P < 0.05) specimens. However, no significant difference in overall apoptosis was noted between grade 3, 4 and 5 samples.

Conclusions: The positive correlations of chondrocyte apoptosis with early stages of OA and severity of cartilage damage in the joints, suggest that this process is intrinsically linked to cartilage damage and may be associated with the initiation of cartilage degradation in OA.
Community profiling and quantification of putative autotrophic thaumarchaeal communities in environmental samples
Authors: Offre Pierre , Nicol Graeme W. , Prosser James I.
Published: October 2010

Growth of thaumarchaea with ammonia as a sole energy source has been demonstrated but their mode(s) of carbon metabolism remain uncertain, with evidence for autotrophy, heterotrophy and mixotrophy. Understanding the role played by autotrophy in thaumarchaeal growth strategies has been hindered by the lack of an adequate marker gene and PCR primers. The aim of this study was to develop PCR‐based approaches to determine the prevalence of autotrophy associated with thaumarchaea. Primer pairs were designed specifically targeting hcd genes, encoding putative 4‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA dehydratase, a key functional enzyme in thaumarchaeal autotrophy. Phylogenetic analysis of hcd gene sequences amplified from soils and sediments indicated the existence of environment‐specific sequence clusters and hcd abundance in soil was 105–106 g−1 soil, as assessed by quantitative PCR. Abundance and diversity of hcd genes were also determined in soil microcosms incubated with and without acetylene, a known inhibitor of nitrification. Nitrification was accompanied by increases in hcd gene abundance and in the relative abundance of two bands in denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles. Nitrification, growth and community changes were inhibited by acetylene and the findings are consistent with active autotrophic ammonia oxidation by archaea in soil.
Case of cavitary pulmonary endometriosis with catamenial hemoptysis
Authors: Ohshio Y , Asakura S , Ichinose M
Published: October 2010

A 32‐year‐old woman was admitted to our department with recurrent hemoptysis coincident with the onset of her menses. Chest computed tomography revealed a cyst in the left S4 area of the lung and, during the menses, ill‐defined opacity with blood oozing from the cyst. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed adenomyomatosis uteri and endometriosis of the right ovary. Bronchoscopic washing was carried out at the left B4, but no endometrial tissue was obtained. The patient refused hormone therapy, so left S4+5 segmentectomy was carried out thoracoscopically. The histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed typical findings of endometrial tissue. The postoperative course was favorable with no further episodes of hemoptysis.
Through which layer, between the gallbladder and the liver, does the deep branch of the cystic artery run?
Authors: Honda G , Iwasaki KI , Matsumura H , Kurata M , Matsumoto H , Horiguchi S , Katoh I
Published: October 2010

Introduction: During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, an enlarged field of vision increases safety and precision, but surgeons often encounter bleeding that can cause difficulties. It is important to prevent and control arterial bleeding from Calot's triangle and the liver bed that results from injury to the deep branch of the cystic artery (DBCA). However, no previous reports have mentioned the layer between the gallbladder and liver through which the DBCA runs.

Materials and Surgical Technique: To determine this layer, we investigated the histological findings from consecutive thin‐slice (3 mm) blocks in six cases (three cadavers and three patients who underwent extended cholecystectomy).

Results: The subserosal layer of the gallbladder wall can be divided into an inner (ss‐i) layer, which consists of abundant vasculature and some fibrous tissue, and an outer (ss‐o) layer, which consists of abundant fat tissue. DBCA runs through the ss‐o layer, far from the ss‐i layer in Calot's triangle, and runs toward the gallbladder body and ramifies into several branches that flow into the ss‐i layer.

Discussion: If the gallbladder is dissected in the layer close to the ss‐i layer, as in our standardized procedure, the subbranches of DBCA are transected at the border of the ss‐i layer, and most of the DBCA is left within the ss‐o layer in Calot's triangle and the liver bed. Knowledge of the anatomy of DBCA is useful to avoid and stop bleeding from the deep part of Calot's triangle and the liver bed.
Sequence analysis of the S gene region in HBV DNA from patients positive for both HBsAg and HBsAb tests
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Hua , Ning Xiaoxiao , Gao Feng
Published: October 2010

Aims:  To study the characteristics of mutation in the amino acids coded by the S gene region in the HBV DNA sequence and to comprehensively explore and analyze the cause of the double positive result phenomena in both HBsAg and HBsAb tests.

Methods:  Specimens collected from 43 cases of chronic hepatitis B patients with positive results for both HBsAg and HBsAb tests were used as the experimental group; specimens collected from 43 cases randomly picked from all patients with chronic hepatitis B with a single positive result for HBsAg test were used as the control group. In HBV DNA, the S gene region was amplified and sequenced. Amino acid sequences were grouped, and mutations were analyzed based on the sequencing results.

Results:  The patients were infected with HBV of the genotype B and C and those who with genotype C show more mutations than genotype B carriers. Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a marked increase in S gene amino acid mutations; a higher amino acid mutation rate was observed in the first loop (aa124–137) of the a‐determinant (aa124–147) and there was a statistical difference (genotype B: 2.68% vs. 0.00%, P = 0.041; genotype C: 7.14% vs. 2.01%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  The first loop in a‐determinant of S gene sequence possesses a large numbers of mutated amino acids, leading to changes of antigenicity and simultaneous positive results in both HBsAg and HBsAb tests finally.
Combined pre‐S deletion and core promoter mutations related to hepatocellular carcinoma: A nested case‐control study in China
Authors: Qu Li‐Shuai , Liu Tao‐Tao , Jin Fei , Guo Yan‐Mei , Chen Tao‐Yang , Ni Zheng‐Pin , Shen Xi‐Zhong
Published: October 2010

Aim:  To investigate the roles of biomedical factors, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels, genotypes, and specific viral mutation patterns on the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Qidong, China.

Methods:  A total of 2387 males (aged 20–65 years) who were seropositive for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), but had not been diagnosed with HCC, were recruited to a community‐based HCC screening study from August, 1996. Evaluation of virological parameters at recruitment was determined for 196 HCC patients during 10 years of follow‐up and 323 controls.

Results:  After adjustment for age at recruitment, history of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels >20 ng/mL, hepatitis B e antigen positive, HBV DNA levels ≥4.00 log10 copies/mL, pre‐S deletion, T1653 mutation, T1762/A1764 double mutations, and T1766 and/or A1768 mutations were associated with subsequent risk of HCC. A significant biological gradient of HCC risk by HBV DNA levels from less than 2.69 log10 copies/mL to 6.00 log10 copies/mL or greater was observed. HBV with a complex mutation combination pattern (pre‐S deletion, T1762/A1764 double mutations, and T1766 and/or A1768 mutations) rather than a single mutation was associated with the development of HCC. The longitudinal observation demonstrated a gradual combination of pre‐S deletion, T1762/A1764 double mutations, and T1766 and/or A1768 mutations during the development of HCC.

Conclusions:  AFP levels >20 ng/mL, high HBV DNA levels, pre‐S deletion, and T1762/A1764 double mutations at recruitment were independent risk factors of HCC. Combination of pre‐S deletion and core promoter mutations increased the risk of HCC.
Organic anion transporter 1B1 (SLCO1B1) polymorphism and gallstone formation: High incidence of Exon4 CA genotype in female patients in North India
Authors: Srivastava Anshika , Srivastava Anvesha , Srivastava Neena , Choudhuri Gourdas , Mittal Balraj
Published: October 2010

Aim:  Gallstone disease is an important cause of abdominal morbidity Organic anion transport protein 1B1 (OATP1B1) (encoded by SLCO1B1) is a major transporter protein for bile salt uptake in enterohepatic circulation of bile salts. Disturbance in this pathway can decrease relative concentration of bile salts in gallbladder and may lead to formation of gallstones. We investigated role of SLCO1B1 polymorphisms [(Exon4 C > A (Pro155Thr; rs11045819) and Ex6 + 40T > C (Val174Ala; rs4149056)] in conferring interindividual susceptibility to gallstone disease.

Methods:  A total of 173 healthy controls and 226 gallstone patients (USG positive) were recruited. Genotyping was done by using standard polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method.

Results:  The observed control frequencies of both polymorphisms of SLCO1B1 gene [(Exon4 C > A (Pro155Thr; rs11045819) and Ex6 + 40T > C (Val174Ala; rs4149056)] were in agreement with Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. The frequency CA genotype and A allele of Exon4 C > A polymorphism was higher in gallstones patients (12.4% and 6.2%) as compared to controls (5.2% and 2.6%) which was statistically significant [(P = 0.029; OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.1–5.0); (P = 0.034; OR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.1–4.8)], respectively). However, distribution of genotypes and alleles of Ex6 + 40T > C polymorphism was almost similar between gallstone patients and controls. Haplotype analysis showed frequency of A,T haplotype consisting of was significantly higher in gallstone patients as compared to controls and was imposing risk for the disease (P = 0.036; OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.0–5.1).

Conclusion:  These results suggest that SLCO1B1 Exon4 C > A polymorphism confers increased risk for gallstone disease in North Indian population.
Delivering the Lateral Inhibition Punchline: It’s All About the Timing
Authors: Axelrod Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2010

New ways to understand lateral inhibition in patterning sensory bristles in the fruit fly are proposed.
Apoptosis, Stem Cells, and Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Bergmann Andreas , Steller Hermann
Published: October 2010

Cells undergoing stress- or injury-induced apoptosis can stimulate tissue regeneration by promoting stem or progenitor cell proliferation.
Computational Prediction of Type III and IV Secreted Effectors in Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: McDermott Jason E. , Corrigan Abigail , Peterson Elena , Oehmen Christopher , Niemann George , Cambronne Eric D. , Sharp Danna , Adkins Joshua N. , Samudrala Ram , Heffron Fred
Published: October 2010

In this review, we provide an overview of the methods employed in four recent studies that described novel methods for computational prediction of secreted effectors from type III and IV secretion systems in Gram-negative bacteria. We present the results of these studies in terms of performance at accurately predicting secreted effectors and similarities found between secretion signals that may reflect biologically relevant features for recognition. We discuss the Web-based tools for secreted effector prediction described in these studies and announce the availability of our tool, the SIEVE server (http://www.sysbep.org/sieve). Finally, we assess the accuracies of the three type III effector prediction methods on a small set of proteins not known prior to the development of these tools that we recently discovered and validated using both experimental and computational approaches. Our comparison shows that all methods use similar approaches and, in general, arrive at similar conclusions. We discuss the possibility of an order-dependent motif in the secretion signal, which was a point of disagreement in the studies. Our results show that there may be classes of effectors in which the signal has a loosely defined motif and others in which secretion is dependent only on compositional biases. Computational prediction of secreted effectors from protein sequences represents an important step toward better understanding the interaction between pathogens and hosts.
Discovery of Novel Secreted Virulence Factors from
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium by Proteomic Analysis of Culture Supernatants
Authors: Niemann George S. , Brown Roslyn N. , Gustin Jean K. , Stufkens Afke , Shaikh-Kidwai Afshan S. , Li Jie , McDermott Jason E. , Brewer Heather M. , Schepmoes Athena , Smith Richard D. , Adkins Joshua N. , Heffron Fred
Published: October 2010

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis throughout the world. This pathogen has two type III secretion systems (TTSS) encoded in
Salmonella
pathogenicity islands 1 and 2 (SPI-1 and SPI-2) that deliver virulence factors (effectors) to the host cell cytoplasm and are required for virulence. While many effectors have been identified and at least partially characterized, the full repertoire of effectors has not been catalogued. In this proteomic study, we identified effector proteins secreted into defined minimal medium designed to induce expression of the SPI-2 TTSS and its effectors. We compared the secretomes of the parent strain to those of strains missing essential (
ssaK
::
cat
) or regulatory (Δ
ssaL
) components of the SPI-2 TTSS. We identified 20 known SPI-2 effectors. Excluding the translocon components SseBCD, all SPI-2 effectors were biased for identification in the Δ
ssaL
mutant, substantiating the regulatory role of SsaL in TTS. To identify novel effector proteins, we coupled our secretome data with a machine learning algorithm (SIEVE,
S
VM-based
i
dentification and
e
valuation of
v
irulence
e
ffectors) and selected 12 candidate proteins for further characterization. Using CyaA′ reporter fusions, we identified six novel type III effectors and two additional proteins that were secreted into J774 macrophages independently of a TTSS. To assess their roles in virulence, we constructed nonpolar deletions and performed a competitive index analysis from intraperitoneally infected 129/SvJ mice. Six mutants were significantly attenuated for spleen colonization. Our results also suggest that non-type III secretion mechanisms are required for full
Salmonella
virulence.
Myeloperoxidase Selectively Binds and Selectively Kills Microbes
Authors: Allen Robert C. , Stephens Jackson T.
Published: October 2010

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is reported to selectively bind to bacteria. The present study provides direct evidence of MPO binding selectivity and tests the relationship of selective binding to selective killing. The microbicidal effectiveness of H2O2and of OCl−was compared to that of MPO plus H2O2. Synergistic microbicidal action was investigated by combiningStreptococcus sanguinis, a H2O2-producing microbe showing low MPO binding, with high-MPO-bindingEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus, orPseudomonas aeruginosawithout exogenous H2O2, with and without MPO, and with and without erythrocytes (red blood cells [RBCs]). Selectivity of MPO microbicidal action was conventionally measured as the MPO MIC and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) for 82 bacteria includingE. coli,P. aeruginosa,S. aureus,Enterococcus faecalis,Streptococcus pyogenes,Streptococcus agalactiae, and viridans streptococci. Both H2O2and OCl−destroyed RBCs at submicrobicidal concentrations. Nanomolar concentrations of MPO increased H2O2microbicidal action 1,000-fold. Streptococci plus MPO produced potent synergistic microbicidal action against all microbes tested, and RBCs caused only a small decrease in potency without erythrocyte damage. MPO directly killed H2O2-producingS. pyogenesbut was ineffective against non-H2O2-producingE. faecalis. The MPO MICs and MBCs forE. coli,P. aeruginosa, andS. aureuswere significantly lower than those forE. faecalis.The streptococcal studies showed much higher MIC/MBC results, but such testing required lysed horse blood-supplemented medium, thus preventing valid comparison of these results to those for the other microbes.E. faecalisMPO binding is reportedly weak compared to binding ofE. coli,P. aeruginosa, andS. aureusbut strong compared to binding of streptococci. Selective MPO binding results in selective killing.
Multicentric Castleman's disease with abundant IgG4-positive cells: a clinical and pathological analysis of six cases
Authors: Sato Yasuharu , Kojima Masaru , Takata Katsuyoshi , Morito Toshiaki , Mizobuchi Kohichi , Tanaka Takehiro , Inoue Dai , Shiomi Hideyuki , Iwao Haruka , Yoshino Tadashi
Published: October 2010

Background

Differentiation between multicentric Castleman's disease and systemic immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related lymphadenopathy is sometimes difficult. It has been suggested that measurement of the IgG4-/IgG-positive cell ratio is useful for the differential diagnosis of the two diseases. However, the authors present a detailed report of six patients with multicentric Castleman's disease with abundant IgG4-positive cells (IgG4-/IgG-positive cell ratio, >40%).

Results

In the present series, the patients showed systemic lymphadenopathy, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia and elevated serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein levels. Further, anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, hypocholesterolaemia and thrombocytosis were observed. These findings were consistent with those of multicentric Castleman's disease. Although five patients showed elevated serum IgG4 levels, only two patients showed an increased serum IgG4/IgG ratio. However, the two patients showed highly elevated serum IgG4 levels, but the serum IgG4/IgG ratios were, although increased, not very high. Also, a patient with increased serum IgG4/IgG ratio showed a good response to antihuman IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody (tocilizumab). Histologically, the germinal centres were mostly small and regressive, and frequently penetrated by hyalinised blood vessels, and there was no eosinophil infiltration. These findings were different from those of IgG4-related lymphadenopathy.

Conclusions

The authors conclude that multicentric Castleman's disease sometimes occurs with abundant IgG4-positive cells and elevated serum IgG4 levels. Therefore, the two diseases cannot be differentially diagnosed by immunohistochemical staining alone. Laboratory findings, especially IL-6 level, C-reactive protein level and platelet count, are important for the differential diagnosis of the two diseases.
Deliver us from evil: carer burden in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zimmermann Martina
Published: October 2010

Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in today's developed world that is also increasingly picked out as a focal theme in fictional literature. In dealing with the subjectivity of human experience, such literature enhances the reader's empathy and is able to teach about moral, emotional and philosophical issues, offering the chance to see situations from a position otherwise possibly never taken by the reader. The understanding and insight so gained may well be unscientific, but the literary approach offers an insight into the whole person's perspective and the particularity and uniqueness of a situation that includes ethical conflicts. A key motif of fictional literature centred around dementia remains the burden the adult-child carer is confronted with, considering the parent's remorseless decline and personality change, the sudden demand for devoted and continuous care, and the constantly changing relationship with the declining parent. In the context of an ever increasing demand for a constructive public discussion regarding end-of-life treatment of demented patients, Christine Devars (Le Piano Désaccordé) and Andrés Barba (Ahora Tocad Música de Baile) illustrate how powerful and burdensome the impact of Alzheimer's disease is on both patient and carer and what extremes may be reached under such truly exceptional circumstances.