bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
M2 macrophages exhibit higher sensitivity to oxLDL-induced lipotoxicity than other monocyte/macrophage subtypes
Authors: Isa Suleiman A , Ruffino José S , Ahluwalia Maninder , Thomas Andrew W , Morris Keith , Webb Richard
Published: December 2011

Background

In obesity, phenotypic switches occur in macrophage populations such that the predominantly M2-polarised anti-inflammatory state seen in lean individuals changes to a predominantly M1-polarised pro-inflammatory state in those who are obese. However, the mechanisms by which these phenotypic shifts occur have not yet been fully elucidated.

Results

The effects of oxLDL (1-40 μg/ml; 24 h) on several parameters relevant to the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR)-mediated lipotoxic effects of oxLDL (disruption of ER Ca2+ handling; activation of the UPR transcription factor XBP-1; upregulation of the UPR target genes BiP and CHOP; apoptosis; cell viability) were investigated in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages, and also in monocyte-macrophages derived from the THP-1 monocytic cell line. A consistent pattern was observed: M2-polarised macrophages were more sensitive to the lipotoxic effects of oxLDL than either non-polarised macrophages or non-differentiated monocytic cells. Specifically, M2-polarised macrophages were the only cell type to undergo significantly increased apoptosis (Primary cells: 1.23 ± 0.01 basal; THP-1-derived: 1.97 ± 0.12 basal; P < 0.05 in both cases) and decreased cell viability (Primary cells: 0.79 ± 0.04 basal; THP-1-derived: 0.67 ± 0.02 basal; P < 0.05 in both cases) when exposed to oxLDL levels similar to those seen in overweight individuals (ie. 1 μg/ml).

Conclusions

We propose that the enhanced susceptibility of M2-polarised macrophages to lipotoxicity seen in the present in vitro study could, over time, contribute to the phenotypic shift seen in obese individuals in vivo. This is because a higher degree of oxLDL-induced lipotoxic cell death within M2 macrophages could contribute to a decrease in numbers of M2 cells, and thus a relative increase in proportion of non-M2 cells, within macrophage populations. Given the pro-inflammatory characteristics of a predominantly M1-polarised state, the data presented here may constitute a useful contribution to our understanding of the origin of the pro-inflammatory nature of obesity, and of the pathogenesis of obesity-associated inflammatory disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Laparoscopic low anterior resection for hematogenous rectal metastasis from gastric adenocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Lim Sang Woo , Huh Jung Wook , Kim Young Jin , Kim Hyeong Rok
Published: December 2011

Background

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world and is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in Korea. Colorectal metastases from gastric adenocarcinoma are known to be very rare. We report an unusual case of rectal metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 43-year-old female patient with gastric cancer who first presented with epigastric pain. The endoscopic and radiologic findings were suggestive of Borrmann type III advanced gastric cancer with linitis plastica. Radical total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection was performed. The pathology report was AJCC TNM Stage II gastric adenocarcinoma (T3N0M0). On follow up at 34 months after surgery, the patient complained of difficulty in defecation. On colonoscopy, a hard, indurated extraluminal mass was detected 7 cm proximal to the anal verge. The biopsy demonstrated chronic nonspecific colitis. Abdominal CT, rectal MRI and PET-CT revealed rectal metastasis from gastric cancer. Laparoscopic ultralow anterior resection with diverting ileostomy was performed. The pathology report was metastatic adenocarcinoma, and this diagnosis was identical to the gastric pathology reported in the previous pathology report. The patient was discharged after the 11thpostoperative day with no adverse events.

Conclusion

Rectal metastasis from gastric cancer is known to be very rare. However, metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with a colorectal mass and a past history of gastric cancer.
Performance assessment of fragmentation mechanisms for vehicular delay-tolerant networks
Authors: Dias João A. F. F. , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Isento João N. , Pereira Paulo R. B. A. , Lloret Jaime
Published: December 2011

Vehicular Delay-Tolerant Networks (VDTNs) are a new approach for vehicular communications where vehicles cooperate with each other, acting as the communication infrastructure, to provide low-cost asynchronous opportunistic communications. These communication technologies assume variable delays and bandwidth constraints characterized by a non-transmission control protocol/internet protocol architecture but interacting with it at the edge of the network. VDTNs are based on the principle of asynchronous communications, bundle-oriented communication from the DTN architecture, employing a store-carry-and-forward routing paradigm. In this sense, VDTNs should use the tight network resources optimizing each opportunistic contact among nodes. Given the limited contact times among nodes, fragmentation appears as a possible solution to improve the overall network performance, increasing the bundle delivery probability. This article proposes the use of several fragmentation approaches (proactive, source, reactive, and toilet paper) for VDTNs. They are discussed and evaluated through a laboratory testbed. Reactive and toilet paper approaches present the best results. It was also shown that only the source fragmentation approach presents worst results when compared with non-fragmentation approaches.
A fixed point theorem for a special class of probabilistic contraction
Authors: Došenović Tatjana , Takači Aleksandar , Rakić Dušan , Brdar Mirjana
Published: December 2011

In this paper, a special class of probabilistic contraction will be considered. Using the theory of countable extension of t-norms, we proved a fixed point theorem for such a class of mappings f : S → S, where

(

S
,
F
,
T

)

is a Menger space.

Mathematics Subject Classification (2000)

54H25, 47H10
Common coupled coincidence and coupled fixed point results in two generalized metric spaces
Authors: Shatanawi Wasfi , Abbas Mujahid , Nazir Talat
Published: December 2011

In this article, we prove the existence of common coupled coincidence and coupled fixed point of generalized contractive type mappings in the context of two generalized metric spaces. These results generalize several comparable results from the current literature. We also provide illustrative examples in support of our new results.

2000 MSC: 47H10.
A diagnostic algorithm combining clinical and molecular data distinguishes Kawasaki disease from other febrile illnesses
Authors: Ling Xuefeng B , Lau Kenneth , Kanegaye John T , Pan Zheng , Peng Sihua , Ji Jun , Liu Gigi , Sato Yuichiro , Yu Tom TS , Whitin John C , Schilling James , Burns Jane C , Cohen Harvey J
Published: December 2011

Background

Kawasaki disease is an acute vasculitis of infants and young children that is recognized through a constellation of clinical signs that can mimic other benign conditions of childhood. The etiology remains unknown and there is no specific laboratory-based test to identify patients with Kawasaki disease. Treatment to prevent the complication of coronary artery aneurysms is most effective if administered early in the course of the illness. We sought to develop a diagnostic algorithm to help clinicians distinguish Kawasaki disease patients from febrile controls to allow timely initiation of treatment.

Methods

Urine peptidome profiling and whole blood cell type-specific gene expression analyses were integrated with clinical multivariate analysis to improve differentiation of Kawasaki disease subjects from febrile controls.

Results

Comparative analyses of multidimensional protein identification using 23 pooled Kawasaki disease and 23 pooled febrile control urine peptide samples revealed 139 candidate markers, of which 13 were confirmed (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC 0.919)) in an independent cohort of 30 Kawasaki disease and 30 febrile control urine peptidomes. Cell type-specific analysis of microarrays (csSAM) on 26 Kawasaki disease and 13 febrile control whole blood samples revealed a 32-lymphocyte-specific-gene panel (ROC AUC 0.969). The integration of the urine/blood based biomarker panels and a multivariate analysis of 7 clinical parameters (ROC AUC 0.803) effectively stratified 441 Kawasaki disease and 342 febrile control subjects to diagnose Kawasaki disease.

Conclusions

A hybrid approach using a multi-step diagnostic algorithm integrating both clinical and molecular findings was successful in differentiating children with acute Kawasaki disease from febrile controls.
Protein-x of hepatitis B virus in interaction with CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) - an in silico analysis approach
Authors: Mohamadkhani Ashraf , Shahnazari Parisa , Minuchehr Zarrin , Madadkar-Sobhani Armin , Tehrani Mahmoud Jeddi , Jazii Ferdous Rastgar , Poustchi Hossein
Published: December 2011

Background

Even though many functions of protein-x from the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) have been revealed, the nature of protein-x is yet unknown. This protein is well-known for its transactivation activity through interaction with several cellular transcription factors, it is also known as an oncogene. In this work, we have presented computational approaches to design a model to show the structure of protein-x and its respective binding sites associated with the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα). C/EBPα belongs to the bZip family of transcription factors, which activates transcription of several genes through its binding sites in liver and fat cells. The C/EBPα has been shown to bind and modulate enhancer I and the enhancer II/core promoter of HBV. In this study using the bioinformatics tools we tried to present a reliable model for the protein-x interaction with C/EBPα.

Results

The amino acid sequence of protein-x was extracted from UniProt [UniProt:Q80IU5] and the x-ray crystal structure of the partial CCAAT-enhancer α [PDB:1NWQ] was retrieved from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Similarity search for protein-x was carried out by psi-blast and bl2seq using NCBI [GenBank: BAC65106.1] and Local Meta-Threading-Server (LOMETS) was used as a threading server for determining the maximum tertiary structure similarities. Advanced MODELLER was implemented to design a comparative model, however, due to the lack of a suitable template, Quark was used for ab initio tertiary structure prediction.

The PDB-blast search indicated a maximum of 23% sequence identity and 33% similarity with crystal structure of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus leader protease Nsp1α [PDB:3IFU]. This meant that protein-x does not have a suitable template to predict its tertiary structure using comparative modeling tools, therefore we used QUARK as an ab initio 3D prediction approach. Docking results from the ab initio tertiary structure of protein-x and crystal structure of the C/EBPα- DNA region [PDB:1NWQ] illustrated the protein-binding site interactions. Indeed, the N-terminal part of 1NWQ has a high affinity for certain regions in protein-x (e.g. from Ala76 to Ser101 and Thr105 to Glu125).

Conclusion

In this study, we predicted the structure of protein-x of HBV in interaction with C/EBPα. The docking results showed that protein-x has an interaction synergy with C/EBPα. However, despite previous experimental data, protein-x was found to interact with DNA. This can lead to a better understanding of the function of protein-x and may provide an opportunity to use it as a therapeutic target.
Effects of hypodontia on craniofacial structures and mandibular growth pattern
Authors: Kreczi Amelia , Proff Peter , Reicheneder Claudia , Faltermeier Andreas
Published: December 2011

Introduction

This study was performed to examine craniofacial structures in persons with hypodontia and to reveal any differences, that may occur, when agenetic teeth are only found in the maxilla, the mandible or in both jaws. The groups consistent of 50 children (33 girls, 17 boys) aged between 9 and 13.5 years were analyzed and assigned to three subgroups. Group 1 = upper jaw hypodontia. Group 2 = lower jaw hypodontia. Group 3 = hypodontia in both jaws.

Materials and methods

Eleven angular and three index measurements from lateral encephalographs and two linear measurements from dental blaster casts were calculated. All data was statistically analyzed, parameters with p < 5% were investigated for each subgroup respectively.

Results

In comparison with standards the study group showed bimaxillary retrognathism and a reduction of the lower anterior facial height. Moreover both overbite and overjet significantly increased. Other values laid within the normal ranges. Evaluating results of the subgroups, differences in the means of SNA, SNB and overjet between the groups were observed.

Analysis of the mandibular growth pattern revealed, that neither vertical nor horizontal patterns are dominant in hypodontia patients.

Conclusions

In certain dentofacial parameters differences between persons with hypodontia and such with full dentition exist. According to our findings agenetic teeth may have a negative influence on the saggital development of a jaw and the lower face and may be responsible for increased overbites. This should receive attention in orthodontic treatment of hypodontia patients.
Assessing forest products usage and local residents' perception of environmental changes in peri-urban and rural mangroves of Cameroon, Central Africa
Authors: Nfotabong-Atheull Adolphe , Din Ndongo , Essomè Koum Léopold G , Satyanarayana Behara , Koedam Nico , Dahdouh-Guebas Farid
Published: December 2011

Background

Deforestation is one of the most ubiquitous forms of land degradation worldwide. Although remote sensing and aerial photographs can supply valuable information on land/use cover changes, they may not regularly be available for some tropical coasts (e.g., Cameroon estuary) where cloud cover is frequent. With respect to mangroves, researchers are now employing local knowledge as an alternative means of understanding forest disturbances. This paper was primarily aimed at assessing the mangrove forest products usage, along with the local people's perceptions on environmental changes, between Littoral (Cameroon estuary) and Southern (mouth of the Nyong River and Mpalla village) regions of Cameroon.

Methods

The data from both locations were obtained through conducting household interviews and field observations.

Results

In the Cameroon estuary (Littoral region), 69.23% of respondents (mostly elders) could distinguish two to four mangrove plants, whereas the informants (65.45%) in the mouth of the Nyong River and Mpalla village (mostly young people interviewed from the Southern region) are familiar with only one or two commonly found mangroves. Also, more respondents from the Cameroon estuary are depending on mangroves for fuelwood (Rhizophora spp.) and housing (Rhizophora spp., Avicennia germinans (L.) Stearn and Nypa fruticans (Thumb.) Wurmb.) purposes, in contrast to Nyong River mouth and Mpalla village. Although local people perceived wood extraction as a greater disruptive factor, there are several causes for mangrove depletion in the Cameroon estuary. Among others, over-harvesting, clear-felled corridors, sand extraction and housing were found important. Furthermore, a decline in mangrove fauna composition (in terms of fishery products) was recorded in the Littoral as well as Southern regions. However, the causes of such perceived negative changes were not similar in both cases.

Conclusions

Findings of this study highlight the need to improve sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystems through afforestation (in large impacted areas), selective removal of senescent tree stems and branches (in little damage stands), regulating sand extraction and housing activities, and creating awareness and law enforcement.
Simulation of future global warming scenarios in rice paddies with an open-field warming facility
Authors: Rehmani Muhammad Ishaq Asif , Zhang Jingqi , Li Ganghua , Ata-Ul-Karim Syed Tahir , Wang Shaohua , Kimball Bruce A , Yan Chuan , Liu Zhenghui , Ding Yanfeng
Published: December 2011

To simulate expected future global warming, hexagonal arrays of infrared heaters have previously been used to warm open-field canopies of upland crops such as wheat. Through the use of concrete-anchored posts, improved software, overhead wires, extensive grounding, and monitoring with a thermal camera, the technology was safely and reliably extended to paddy rice fields. The system maintained canopy temperature increases within 0.5°C of daytime and nighttime set-point differences of 1.3 and 2.7°C 67% of the time.
Tularemia in Alaska, 1938 - 2010
Authors: Hansen Cristina M , Vogler Amy J , Keim Paul , Wagner David M , Hueffer Karsten
Published: December 2011

Tularemia is a serious, potentially life threatening zoonotic disease. The causative agent, Francisella tularensis, is ubiquitous in the Northern hemisphere, including Alaska, where it was first isolated from a rabbit tick (Haemophysalis leporis-palustris) in 1938. Since then, F. tularensis has been isolated from wildlife and humans throughout the state. Serologic surveys have found measurable antibodies with prevalence ranging from < 1% to 50% and 4% to 18% for selected populations of wildlife species and humans, respectively. We reviewed and summarized known literature on tularemia surveillance in Alaska and summarized the epidemiological information on human cases reported to public health officials. Additionally, available F. tularensis isolates from Alaska were analyzed using canonical SNPs and a multi-locus variable-number tandem repeats (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) system. The results show that both F. t. tularensis and F. t. holarctica are present in Alaska and that subtype A.I, the most virulent type, is responsible for most recently reported human clinical cases in the state.
Gene expression and pathway analysis of ovarian cancer cells selected for resistance to cisplatin, paclitaxel, or doxorubicin
Authors: Sherman-Baust Cheryl A , Becker Kevin G , Wood III William H , Zhang Yongqing , Morin Patrice J
Published: December 2011

Background

Resistance to current chemotherapeutic agents is a major cause of therapy failure in ovarian cancer patients, but the exact mechanisms leading to the development of drug resistance remain unclear.

Methods

To better understand mechanisms of drug resistance, and possibly identify novel targets for therapy, we generated a series of drug resistant ovarian cancer cell lines through repeated exposure to three chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin, doxorubicin, or paclitaxel), and identified changes in gene expression patterns using Illumina whole-genome expression microarrays. Validation of selected genes was performed by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Pathway enrichment analysis using the KEGG, GO, and Reactome databases was performed to identify pathways that may be important in each drug resistance phenotype.

Results

A total of 845 genes (p < 0.01) were found altered in at least one drug resistance phenotype when compared to the parental, drug sensitive cell line. Focusing on each resistance phenotype individually, we identified 460, 366, and 337 genes significantly altered in cells resistant to cisplatin, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel, respectively. Of the 845 genes found altered, only 62 genes were simultaneously altered in all three resistance phenotypes. Using pathway analysis, we found many pathways enriched for each resistance phenotype, but some dominant pathways emerged. The dominant pathways included signaling from the cell surface and cell movement for cisplatin resistance, proteasome regulation and steroid biosynthesis for doxorubicin resistance, and control of translation and oxidative stress for paclitaxel resistance.

Conclusions

Ovarian cancer cells develop drug resistance through different pathways depending on the drug used in the generation of chemoresistance. A better understanding of these mechanisms may lead to the development of novel strategies to circumvent the problem of drug resistance.
Nonmalignant Late Effects and Compromised Functional Status in Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Khera Nandita , Storer Barry , Flowers Mary E.D. , Carpenter Paul A. , Inamoto Yoshihiro , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Martin Paul J. , Lee Stephanie J.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

Our objective was to describe the incidence of nonmalignant late complications and their association with health and functional status in a recent cohort of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors.

Patients and Methods

We determined the incidence of 14 nonmalignant late effects in adults who underwent transplantation from January 2004 through June 2009 at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center who survived at least 1 year after HCT. Data were derived from review of medical records and annual self-reported questionnaires.

Results

The 1,087 survivors in the study had a median age at HCT of 53 years (range, 21 to 78 years) and were followed for a median of 37 months (range, 12 to 77 months) after HCT. The prevalence of pre-existing conditions ranged from 0% to 9.8%. The cumulative incidence of any nonmalignant late effect at 5 years after HCT was 44.8% among autologous and 79% among allogeneic recipients; 2.5% of autologous and 25.5% of allogeneic recipients had three or more late effects. Survivors with three or more late effects had lower physical functioning and Karnofsky score, lower likelihood of full-time work or study, and a higher likelihood of having limitations in usual activities. Predictors of at least one late effect were age ≥ 50 years, female sex, and unrelated donor, but not the intensity of the conditioning regimen.

Conclusion

The burden of nonmalignant late effects after HCT is high, even with modern treatments and relatively short follow-up. These late effects are associated with poor health and functional status, underscoring the need for close follow-up of this group and additional research to address these complications.
Žižek's China, China's Žižek
Authors: Yiwu Zhang
Published: December 2011

Among the many theories that evaluate “made by Žižek” and “made in China,” history reveals an uncanny similarity. Both of them unexpectedly project the complexity and nuances of the capitalist imaginary in the post-cold war era of globalization. They are both sorts of “global commodities” piercing the limits of culture and history to announce themselves in the West.
Microwave-Assisted Direct H/D Exchange Reactions of Dimetridazole and Metronidazole in Alkaline D2O
Authors: Miyazawa Akira , Shimodaira Haruki , Kawanishi Yuji
Published: December 2011

Upon microwave irradiation, a ring proton at the 4-position and protons at the 2-methyl positions of dimetridazole, 1,2-dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole, and metronidazole, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole, were selectively and rapidly exchanged with deuterium at an exchange efficiency in excess of 98 atom % within 30 min.
Direct Decomposition of NO over Ba–Y2O3 Catalyst Prepared by Coprecipitation
Authors: Haneda Masaaki , Doi Yasuyuki , Ozawa Masakuni
Published: December 2011

The catalytic performance of Ba–Y2O3 prepared by a coprecipitation method for the direct decomposition of NO was investigated. Although Y2O3 catalyzed NO decomposition, its activity was increased by addition of Ba. The maximum NO decomposition activity was achieved on Ba–Y2O3 with 5 wt % Ba loading. XRD measurements revealed the formation of a solid solution of Ba and Y2O3 as well as BaCO3 small particles, when Ba loading was increased up to 5 wt %. From the comparison between the amount of CO2 desorption measured by temperature-programmed desorption of CO2 (CO2-TPD) and the NO decomposition activity of Ba–Y2O3, highly dispersed Ba species, which is initially present as BaCO3 small particles, on the catalyst surface act as catalytically active sites for NO decomposition. On the basis of in situ observation of surface species formed during NO decomposition by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, we proposed that highly dispersed Ba species plays a role for the formation and adsorption of nitrite (NO2−) as reactive species for NO decomposition over Ba–Y2O3 catalyst.
Longitudinal evaluation of balance quality using a modified bathroom scale: usability and acceptability
Authors: Duchêne Jacques , Hewson David J
Published: December 2011

We adapted a commercial bathroom scale in order to acquire the raw data from the weight sensors and then to send them to a server via a mobile phone. We investigated the usability and acceptability of the device in a long-term experiment with 22 elderly users that produced more than 5000 weight recordings. Four basic variables were extracted from the vertical force measurements and the stabilogram. The technology was accepted unreservedly, presumably because it did not differ from devices usually encountered in the home. The quantitative results showed a high variability of day-to-day measurement, which was countered by taking a moving average. A balance index was able to identify changes in balance over time. The preliminary results appear promising.
Impact of a kiosk educational module on HIV screening rates and patient knowledge
Authors: Saifu Hemen N , Shamouelian Albert , Davis Lisa G , Santana-Rios Elizabeth , Goetz Matthew Bidwell , Asch Steven M , Sun Benjamin C
Published: December 2011

We assessed the effect of a kiosk educational module on HIV screening rates and patient knowledge about HIV testing. The evaluation was performed in a walk-in clinic offering routine HIV screening. During alternating two-week periods, patients were referred either to view a kiosk-based, educational module prior to receiving usual care, or the kiosk module was turned off and no alterations to care processes were made. The primary outcome was HIV testing rate. The secondary outcome was knowledge about HIV rapid screening, as measured with a questionnaire. There were 71 patients in the kiosk periods and 79 patients in the usual-care periods. The overall HIV testing rate was 41%. The kiosk period was not associated with greater odds of HIV testing (OR 0.7; 95% CI: 0.4–1.4). In 44 patients who completed the knowledge survey, the kiosk group was strongly associated with increased knowledge (predicted increase in knowledge score: 1.3; 95% CI: 036–2.1). The brief kiosk educational module did not improve HIV screening rates, but it increased overall patient knowledge about HIV testing.
A review of telephone coaching services for people with long-term conditions
Authors: Hutchison Andrew J , Breckon Jeff D
Published: December 2011

In one-to-one telephone coaching, the patient receives regular telephone calls from a health professional. We have reviewed the evidence for one-to-one telephone coaching. Following a literature search we retrieved 41 articles which reported on the development and the efficacy of 34 separate telephone coaching interventions for LTC management. Telephone coaching for LTC management has only occurred in the last ten years, is becoming increasingly prevalent, and is dominated by interventions in North America and Europe. Twenty-seven (79%) of the studies reported on randomised designs involving at least one control or comparison group/condition. Of the 34 interventions reviewed, 17 (50%) were aimed at diabetes management and 17 (50%) were designed to manage chronic cardiovascular conditions. Most studies (32 or 94%) reported outcomes in favour of the telephone coaching intervention, although few (15%) employed any form of cost-benefit analysis (CBA). In order to obtain a better impression of overall service efficacy, more clearly defined service outcomes are required in future.
Review of ultrasound elastography quality control and training test phantoms
Authors: Cournane S , Fagan A J , Browne J E
Published: December 2011

While the rapid development of ultrasound elastography techniques in recent decades has sparked its prompt implementation in the clinical setting adding new diagnostic information to conventional imaging techniques, questions still remain as to its full potential and efficacy in the hospital environment. A limited number of technical studies have objectively assessed the full capabilities of the different elastography approaches, perhaps due, in part, to the scarcity of suitable tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs) and appropriately designed phantoms available. Few commercially available elastography phantoms possess the necessary test target characteristics or mechanical properties observed clinically, or indeed reflect the lesion-to-background elasticity ratio encountered during clinical scanning. Thus, while some phantoms may prove useful, they may not fully challenge the capabilities of the different elastography techniques, proving limited when it comes to quality control (QC) and/or training purposes. Although a variety of elastography TMMs, such as agar and gelatine dispersions, co-polymer in oil and poly(vinyl) alcohol cryogel, have been developed for specific research purposes, such work is yet to produce appropriately designed phantoms to adequately challenge the variety of current commercially available elastography applications. Accordingly, there is a clear need for the further development of elastography TMMs and phantoms to keep pace with the rapid developments in elastography technology, to ensure that the performance of these new diagnostic approaches are validated, and for clinical training purposes.
The role of sonoelastography in acute, subacute and chronic thyroiditis: a novel application of the method
Authors: Ruchala Marek , Szczepanek-Parulska Ewelina , Zybek Ariadna , Moczko Jerzy , Czarnywojtek Agata , Kaminski Grzegorz , Sowinski Jerzy
Published: December 2011

Objective

Reports on sonoelastography, which provide an objective estimation of tissue elasticity, are scarce in terms of thyroiditis. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the applicability of sonoelastography in different types of thyroiditis.

Design

The study assessed and compared the thyroid tissue stiffness in patients with acute thyroiditis (AT), subacute thyroiditis (SAT), and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT) with healthy control subjects (CS), followed up for 10 weeks.

Methods

The study group consisted of two patients with AT, 18 patients with SAT, 18 patients with CAT, and 40 CS matched for age and gender. Sonoelastography was performed at baseline, at a 4-week follow-up during treatment, and at 10 weeks following diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Results

Thyroid tissue stiffness was higher in SAT at baseline (214.26±32.5 kPa) in comparison with values recorded at a 4-week follow-up (45.92±17.4 kPa) and at 10 weeks following diagnosis and treatment initiation (21.65±5.3 kPa, P<0.0001). Baseline thyroid stiffness in SAT was higher than that found in CAT (36.15±18.7 kPa, P<0.0001) and CS (16.18±5.4 kPa, P<0.0001). In the remission of SAT, thyroid stiffness was lower than that found in CAT (P=0.006), while it was higher than that in CS (P=0.0008). No difference was observed between thyroid stiffness in SAT at 4-week follow-up and in CAT. Patients with CAT presented higher thyroid stiffness than CS (P<0.0001), which was not influenced by l-thyroxine treatment. Thyroid stiffness in patients with AT was 216.6 and 241.9 kPa at baseline; after treatment, it decreased to 17.93 and 85.348 kPa respectively.

Conclusions

Sonoelastography may assist in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of AT, SAT and CAT, as well as in the differentiation of the various types of thyroiditis.
Oxidative stress: a new risk factor for thyroid cancer
Authors: Xing Mingzhao
Published: December 2011

Oxidative stress (OS) is a state of excessive free radicals and reactive metabolites among which the most important class is reactive oxygen species (ROS) – radicals derived from oxygen – as represented by the superoxide anion radical () and its reactive metabolites, hydroxyl radical (•OH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In essence, OS represents an imbalance between the production of oxidants – ROS – and their elimination by antioxidative systems in the body. Many studies have linked OS to thyroid cancer by showing its association with abnormally regulated oxidative or antioxidative molecules. The study by Wanget al. in the December 2011 issue ofEndocrine-Related Cancer(18, 773–782) further supports this relationship by demonstrating a high total oxidant status and OS index in thyroid cancer patients. The origin of ROS in thyroid cancer patients has not been defined, but thyroid cancer itself can be one since inflammation, a major event in it, is a classical source of ROS. ROS may in turn enhance the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathways, forming a vicious cycle propelling thyroid tumorigenesis. Regardless of the mechanism, the clinical implication of the association of OS with thyroid cancer is severalfold: one, OS is a new risk factor for thyroid cancer; two, OS confers thyroid cancer patients an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, degenerative neurological disorders, and other cancers that are classically associated with OS; and three, interference with OS may reduce this risk and be therapeutically beneficial to thyroid cancer itself in thyroid cancer patients. These interesting possibilities deserve further studies.
HOXC10 is overexpressed in breast cancer and transcriptionally regulated by estrogen via involvement of histone methylases MLL3 and MLL4
Authors: Ansari Khairul I , Hussain Imran , Kasiri Sahba , Mandal Subhrangsu S
Published: December 2011

HOXC10is a critical player in the development of spinal cord, formation of neurons, and associated with human leukemia. We found thatHOXC10is overexpressed in breast cancer and transcriptionally regulated by estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2). TheHOXC10promoter contains several estrogen response elements (ERE1–7, half-sites). A luciferase-based reporter assay showed that ERE1 and ERE6 ofHOXC10promoter are E2responsive. ERα and ERβ play critical roles in E2-mediated activation ofHOXC10. Knockdown of ERα and ERβ downregulated E2-inducedHOXC10expression. ERα and ERβ bind to ERE1 and ERE6 regions in an E2-dependent manner. Additionally, knockdown of histone methylasesMLL3andMLL4(but notMLL1andMLL2) diminished E2-induced expression ofHOXC10. MLL3 and MLL4 were bound to the ERE1 and ERE6 regions ofHOXC10promoter in an E2-dependent manner. Overall, we demonstrated thatHOXC10is overexpressed in breast cancer, and it is an E2-responsive gene. Histone methylases MLL3 and MLL4, along with ERs, regulateHOXC10gene expression in the presence of E2.
Uncoupling of Genomic and Epigenetic Signals in the Maintenance and Inheritance of Heterochromatin Domains in Fission Yeast
Authors: Wheeler Bayly S , Ruderman Brandon T , Willard Huntington F , Scott Kristin C
Published: December 2011

Many essential aspects of genome function, including gene expression and chromosome segregation, are mediated throughout development and differentiation by changes in the chromatin state. Along with genomic signals encoded in the DNA, epigenetic processes regulate heritable gene expression patterns. Genomic signals such as enhancers, silencers, and repetitive DNA, while required for the establishment of alternative chromatin states, have an unclear role in epigenetic processes that underlie the persistence of chromatin states throughout development. Here, we demonstrate in fission yeast that the maintenance and inheritance of ectopic heterochromatin domains are independent of the genomic sequences necessary for their de novo establishment. We find that both structural heterochromatin and gene silencing can be stably maintained over an ∼10-kb domain for up to hundreds of cell divisions in the absence of genomic sequences required for heterochromatin establishment, demonstrating the long-term persistence and stability of this chromatin state. The de novo heterochromatin, despite the absence of nucleation sequences, is also stably inherited through meiosis. Together, these studies provide evidence for chromatin-dependent, epigenetic control of gene silencing that is heritable, stable, and self-sustaining, even in the absence of the originating genomic signals.
Trends in Preventive Asthma Medication Use Among Children and Adolescents, 1988–2008
Authors: Kit Brian K. , Simon Alan E. , Ogden Cynthia L. , Akinbami Lara J.
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

To examine trends in preventive asthma medication (PAM) use among children with current asthma in the United States from 1988 to 2008.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of PAM use among 2499 children aged 1 to 19 years with current asthma using nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 3 time periods: 1988–1994, 1999–2002, and 2005–2008. PAMs included inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, long-acting β-agonists, mast-cell stabilizers, and methylxanthines.

Results:

Among children with current asthma, there was an increase in the use of PAMs from 17.8% (SE: 3.3) in 1988–1994 to 34.9% (SE: 3.3) in 2005–2008 (P < .001 for trend). Adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and health insurance status, the odds of PAM use were higher in 2005–2008 compared with 1988–1994 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–4.5). A multivariate analysis, combining all 3 time periods, showed lower use of PAMs among non-Hispanic black (aOR = 0.5 [95% CI: 0.4–0.7]) and Mexican American (aOR = 0.6 [95% CI: 0.4–0.9]) children compared to non-Hispanic white children. PAM use was also lower in 12 to 19 year olds compared with 1 to 5 year olds and also in children who did not have health insurance compared with those who did.

Conclusions:

Between 1988 and 2008, the use of PAM increased among children with current asthma. Non-Hispanic black and Mexican American children, adolescents aged 12 to 19 years, and uninsured children with current asthma had lower use of PAM.
A multicriteria group decision model aggregating the preferences of decision-makers based on electre methods
Authors: Alencar Luciana Hazin , Almeida Adiel Teixeira de , Morais Danielle Costa
Published: December 2011

Often decisions taken in organizations are made by a group of people, and in order to build a collective decision, the preferences of individuals must be considered. The two most useful approaches to aggregating individual preferences are the aggregation of individual judgments and the aggregation of individual priorities. This paper focuses on the latter approach and proposes a multicriteria group decision model in situations where there is no information with regard to the relative importance of the decision-makers. This model includes three stages. In the first, the ELECTRE II method is applied so as to obtain the individual rankings. In the second stage, a global matrix of alternatives versus decision-makers is built up using the results from the previous stage. Finally, the third stage aggregates the individual preferences by applying the ELECTRE IV method and the final collective evaluation is undertaken. A numerical application is presented to illustrate the model.
Impact of HER-2 Overexpression/Amplification on the Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Patients Undergoing Resection: A Single-Center Study of 1,036 Patients
Authors: Hsu Jun-Te , Chen Tse-Ching , Tseng Jeng-Hwei , Chiu Cheng-Tang , Liu Keng-Hao , Yeh Chun-Nan , Hwang Tsann-Long , Jan Yi-Yin , Yeh Ta-Sen
Published: December 2011

Background.

Opinions regarding the impact of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2 overexpression or HER-2 amplification on the prognosis of gastric cancer patients are mixed. The present study attempted to clarify this issue by investigating a large cohort of surgical patients.

Methods.

We investigated 1,036 gastric cancer patients undergoing curative-intent resection. Their surgical specimens were evaluated for HER-2 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and those with HER-2 expression levels of 2+ were additionally subjected to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Data on demographic and clinicopathological features and relevant prognostic factors in these patients were analyzed.

Results.

HER-2 positivity was noted in 64 (6.1%) of 1,036 gastric cancer patients, including 46 patients whose HER-2 expression level was 3+ on IHC and 18 patients whose FISH results were positive. On univariate analysis, HER-2 positivity was more often associated with differentiated histology, intestinal type, and negative resection margins, whereas only differentiated histology was independently associated with HER-2 positivity in a logistic regression model. For stage I–IV gastric cancer, HER-2 was not a prognostic factor. In a subpopulation study, although HER-2 positivity emerged as a favorable prognostic factor for stage III–IV gastric cancer on univariate analysis, it failed to be an independent prognostic factor after multivariate adjustment.

Conclusions.

The prevalence of HER-2 positivity, determined using standardized assays and scoring criteria in a large cohort of gastric cancer patients after resection, was 6.1%. HER-2 positivity was phenotypically associated with differentiated histology. HER-2 is not an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer.
A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate and Compare Implants Placed in Augmented Versus Non‐Augmented Extraction Sockets: 3‐Year Results
Authors: Barone Antonio , Orlando Bruno , Cingano Luciano , Marconcini Simone , Derchi Giacomo , Covani Ugo
Published: December 2011

Background: The alveolar ridge undergoes reabsorption and atrophy subsequent to tooth removal and thus exhibits a wide range of dimensional changes. Preservation of the alveolar crest after tooth extraction is essential to enhance the surgical site before implant fixture placement. The aim of this randomized clinical study is to investigate and compare the need for additional augmentation procedures at implant insertion, as well as the success rate and marginal bone loss for implants placed in the grafted sites versus those placed in naturally healed sites.

Methods: Forty patients with ≥1 hopeless tooth were randomly allocated to: 1) a test group, receiving extraction and grafting corticocancellous porcine bone; and 2) a control group, receiving extraction without any graft. After 7 months of healing, implants were inserted in each of the sites. The implants were submerged and loaded after 4 months with metal–ceramic rehabilitation. The follow‐up included evaluation of implant diameter and length, the need for additional augmentation procedures at implant placement, implant failure, and marginal bone level changes. All patients were followed over a 3‐year period.

Results: One implant failed in the control group at the second stage of surgery (6 months after placement); one implant failed in the test group after 2 years of loading. The cumulative implant success rate at the 3‐year follow‐up visit reached 95% for both groups. No statistically significant differences were detected for marginal bone changes between the two groups.

Conclusions: It was concluded that implants placed into grafted extraction sockets exhibited a clinical performance similar to implants placed into non‐grafted sites in terms of implant survival and marginal bone loss. However, grafted sites allowed placement of larger implants and required less augmentation procedures at implant placement when compared to naturally healed sites.
Oral Mucosa Tissue Response to Titanium Cover Screws
Authors: Olmedo Daniel G. , Paparella María L. , Spielberg Martín , Brandizzi Daniel , Guglielmotti María B. , Cabrini Rómulo L.
Published: December 2011

Background: Titanium is the most widely used metal in dental implantology. The release of particles from metal structures into the biologic milieu may be the result of electrochemical processes (corrosion) and/or mechanical disruption during insertion, abutment connection, or removal of failing implants. The aim of the present study is to evaluate tissue response of human oral mucosa adjacent to titanium cover screws.

Methods: One hundred fifty‐three biopsies of the supra‐implant oral mucosa adjacent to the cover screw of submerged dental implants were analyzed. Histologic studies were performed to analyze epithelial and connective tissue as well as the presence of metal particles, which were identified using microchemical analysis. Langerhans cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes were studied using immunohistochemical techniques. The surface of the cover screws was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results: Forty‐one percent of mucosa biopsies exhibited metal particles in different layers of the section thickness. Particle number and size varied greatly among specimens. Immunohistochemical study confirmed the presence of macrophages and T lymphocytes associated with the metal particles. Microchemical analysis revealed the presence of titanium in the particles. On SEM analysis, the surface of the screws exhibited depressions and irregularities.

Conclusions: The biologic effects seen in the mucosa in contact with the cover screws might be associated with the presence of titanium or other elements, such as aluminum or vanadium. The potential long‐term biologic effects of particles on soft tissues adjacent to metallic devices should be further investigated because these effects might affect the clinical outcome of the implant.
The Subgingival Microbiota of Papillon‐Lefèvre Syndrome
Authors: Albandar Jasim M. , Khattab Razan , Monem Fawza , Barbuto Sara M. , Paster Bruce J.
Published: December 2011

Background: There is little information about the microbiologic profiles of periodontal lesions in Papillon‐Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) and the significance of bacteria in the pathogenesis of periodontitis in these patients. This comprehensive analysis of the subgingival microbiota in patients with PLS used 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) clonal analysis and the 16S rRNA‐based Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM).

Methods. Thirteen patients with PLS from seven unrelated families volunteered for this microbiologic study. Subgingival plaque was collected with sterile paper points from multiple sites with ≥5 mm probing depth, and whole genomic DNA was extracted. The 16S rRNA genes were amplified, cloned, and sequenced. The samples were then probed for ≈300 predominant oral bacterial species using the HOMIM.

Results: The most commonly detected phylotypes in the clonal analysis were Gemella morbillorum, Gemella haemolysans, Granulicatella adiacens, Lachnospiraceae OT 100 (EI074), Parvimonas micra, Selenomonas noxia, and Veillonella parvula. As a group, streptococci were commonly detected in these individuals. In the HOMIM analysis, a total of 170 bacterial species/phylotypes were detected, with a range of 40 to 80 species per patient with PLS. Of these, 12 bacterial species were detected in medium to high levels in ≥50% of the individuals. The high‐frequency strains were clustered into eight groups: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Campylobacter spp., Capnocytophaga granulosa, G. morbillorum, P. micra, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Streptococcus spp., and Tannerella forsythia.

Conclusions: The subgingival microbiota in PLS is diverse. Periodontal pathogens commonly associated with chronic and aggressive periodontitis and opportunistic pathogens may be associated with the development of severe periodontitis in patients with PLS.