bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein E and Change in Episodic Memory in Blacks and Whites
Authors: Barnes L.L. , Arvanitakis Z. , Yu L. , Kelly J. , De Jager P.L. , Bennett D.A.
Published: January 2013

Background: Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 is related to faster decline in episodic memory in Whites, but the relation is unknown in Blacks. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ε4 has a selective effect on decline in episodic memory in Blacks. Methods: Data are from two cohort studies with similar design. The sample consisted of 1,211 participants [28.4% Blacks, mean age = 78.6 years (SD = 7.4), education = 14.7 years (SD = 3.1)] without dementia at baseline, who underwent annual clinical evaluations for up to 6 years. Summary measures of 5 cognitive abilities were derived from 18 neuropsychological tests. Results: In mixed models that controlled for age, sex, education, and race, possession of ε4 (present in 32.9% of Blacks and 21.0% of Whites, p < 0.001) was related to faster decline in episodic memory and 4 other cognitive abilities (all p values <0.01). In separate models that examined the interaction of race and ε4 on decline, there was no significant difference between Blacks and Whites in the effect of ε4 on decline in episodic memory, perceptual speed, or visuospatial ability. By contrast, the effect of ε4 differed for semantic memory and working memory. Results were similar after adjusting for vascular conditions. Conclusions: The results suggest that APOE ε4 is related to a faster rate of decline in episodic memory in Blacks similar to Whites. In addition, there were racial differences in the effect of ε4 in other cognitive abilities such that the ε4 allele was related to faster decline in semantic memory and working memory for Whites but not for Blacks.
A Combination Regimen of Bortezomib, Cyclophosphamide and Betamethasone Gives Quicker, Better and More Durable Response than VAD/CyBet Regimens: Results from a Swedish Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Uttervall Katarina , Admasie Johannes , Alici Evren , Lund Johan , Liwing Johan , Aschan Johan , Barendse Mirjam , Deneberg Stefan , Mellqvist Ulf-Henrik , Carlson Kristina , Nahi Hareth
Published: January 2013

Background: Induction therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) and remission status before high-dose treatment (HDT) have been shown to be prognostic factors for survival outcome, although the optimal induction therapy is yet to be defined. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the impact of induction therapy on survival outcome before and after HDT in MM patients. The study included 236 consecutive patients who underwent HDT. Results: One hundred and forty-two patients (62%) were treated with vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (VAD) or cyclophosphamide and betamethasone (CyBet) and 94 (38%) were treated with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and betamethasone (VCB) as induction. Time to first and time to best response was faster in the VCB group than in the VAD/CyBet group, with 42 versus 75 (p < 0.001) and 54 versus 88 days (p < 0.001), respectively. After induction therapy, 49% of the patients in the VCB group and 38% in the VAD/CyBet group achieved a very good partial response or better. Multivariate analysis revealed younger age, lower International Staging System stage and induction treatment with VCB as variables associated with favourable time to progression. Conclusions: Outcome measured as response and time to progression before and after HDT in MM differs depending on type of induction treatment and suggests that VCB is a highly effective induction regimen that confers a post-HDT advantage.
Continuous Noninvasive Monitoring of Lung Recruitment during High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation by Electrical Impedance Measurement: An Animal Study
Authors: Burkhardt Wolfram , Kurth Florian , Pitterle Manuela , Blassnig Nicola , Wemhöner Andreas , Rüdiger Mario
Published: January 2013

Background: Ventilatory pressures should target the range between the upper and lower inflection point of the pressure volume curve in order to avoid atelecto- and volutrauma. During high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), this range is difficult to determine. Quadrant impedance measurement (QIM) has recently been shown to allow accurate and precise measurement of lung volume changes during conventional mechanical ventilation. Objectives: To investigate if QIM can be used to determine a static pressure-residual impedance curve during a recruitment-derecruitment manoeuvre on HFOV and to monitor the time course of alveolar recruitment after changing mean airway pressure (MAP). Methods: An incremental and decremental MAP trial (6 cm H2O to 27 cm H2O) was conducted in five surfactant-depleted newborn piglets during HFOV. Ventilatory, gas exchange and haemodynamic parameters were recorded. Continuous measurement of thoracic impedance change was performed. Results: Mean residual impedance (RI) increased with each stepwise increase of MAP resulting in a total mean increase of +26.5% (±4.0) at the highest MAP (27 cm H2O) compared to baseline ventilation at 6 cm H2O. Upon decreasing MAP levels, RI fell more slowly compared to its ascent; 83.4% (±19.1) and 84.8% (±16.4) of impedance changes occurred in the first 5 min after an increase or decrease in airway pressure, respectively. Conclusions: QIM could be used for continuous monitoring of thoracic impedance and determination of the pressure-RI curve during HFOV. The method could prove to be a promising bedside method for the monitoring of lung recruitment during HFOV in the future.
Adherence to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Brazilian Single-Center Cohort
Authors: de Almeida Maria H. , Pagnano Katia B.B. , Vigorito Afonso C. , Lorand-Metze Irene , de Souza Carmino A.
Published: January 2013

The introduction of oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has dramatically improved outcomes in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. However, treatment success is directly related to good long-term adherence. Adherence to TKI therapy was evaluated in 137 CML patients over a period of 1 year. Three different methods were used to evaluate adherence: the Morisky questionnaire, a medication diary and the medication possession ratio (MPR). MPR was the most effective method of assessing adherence (median adherence 96.5%; p = 0.0001), duration of TKI treatment was the variable that most impacted adherence (p = 0.03), and the MPR was inversely correlated to the duration of therapy. Additionally, participation in clinical trials, better quality of life as reported by patients and higher socioeconomic status were all related to better compliance (p = 0.02, 0.007 and 0.01, respectively). For patients treated with imatinib for 24–48 months (n = 22), individuals with major molecular response (MMR) had a significantly better MPR than those who failed to achieve MMR (p = 0.04). In this group, the mean MPR was 87% for the population without apparent molecular response and 96% for those achieving MMR; however, only 24% of the patients were completely adherent to TKI treatment.
Tumor-Associated Macrophage Promotes Tumor Progression via STAT3 Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Mano Yohei , Aishima Shinichi , Fujita Nobuhiro , Tanaka Yuki , Kubo Yuichiro , Motomura Takashi , Taketomi Akinobu , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko , Oda Yoshinao
Published: January 2013

Objective: Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is activated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and tumor-associated macrophage plays an important role in tumor progression. Therefore, we examined STAT3 activation, cytokine expression and infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages in resected HCCs as well as the alteration of cell growth and migration by cytokine stimulation in HCC cell lines. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), CD163, interleukin (IL)-6, Ki-67 and Bcl-XL was performed for 101 cases of resected HCC, and correlations between pSTAT3 staining and clinicopathological findings were analyzed. In HCC cell lines (PLC/PRF/5 and Huh7), cell proliferation and migration by IL-6 stimulation and S3I-201 (STAT3 inhibitor) treatment were analyzed. Results: In HCC specimens, the pSTAT3-positive group showed high levels of α-fetoprotein (p = 0.0276), large tumor size (p = 0.0092), frequent intrahepatic metastasis (p = 0.0214), high Ki-67 (p = 0.0002) and Bcl-XL (p = 0.0001), poor prognosis (p = 0.0234), and high recurrence rate (p = 0.0003). CD163-positive cells were frequently observed in the pSTAT3-positive group (p = 0.0013). In two HCC cell lines, IL-6 stimulation promoted cell proliferation and migration via the STAT3 phosphorylation, and S3I-201 inhibited this activation. Conclusions: STAT3 activation was correlated with aggressive behavior of HCC and may be mediated via tumor-associated macrophage. We expect that STAT3 signaling and tumor-associated macrophages can be attractive therapeutic targets in HCC patients.
Absence of Association between the Incidence of BK Virus and Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Authors: Jeong Byung-Hoon , Lee Jung-Hwa , Cho Han-Jeong , Kim Yong-Sun
Published: January 2013

Background: Many studies suggest that the virus-like particles are required for the infection of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Objective: To determine the relationship between BK polyomavirus (BKV) and sporadic CJD. Materials and Methods: We investigated the prevalence of BKV in urine samples from 94 sporadic CJD patients and 54 other neurological disease (OND) patients using polymerase chain reaction. Results: BKV DNA was detected in 16 (17%) and 9 (16.7%) urine samples from sporadic CJD and OND patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of BKV infection between Korean sporadic CJD and OND patients (p = 0.9558). In order to investigate the genotypes of BKV, we analyzed 22 BKV isolates obtained from Korean patients by DNA sequencing and nucleotide sequence analysis. Three distinct subtypes, namely I, III, and IV, were found in 66.7, 22.2, and 11.1% of 9 BKV isolates from OND patients, whereas subtypes I and IV were detected in 76.9 and 23.1% of 13 BKV isolates from sporadic CJD patients. Interestingly, subtype III was not detected in sporadic CJD patients. Significant differences in the frequency of BKV genotypes were not observed between sporadic CJD and OND patients. Conclusions: These results indicate that BKV may not play an important role in the pathogenesis of prion diseases.
Piracy in Asian Waters Part 2: Piracy, Sovereignty, and the Early Modern Asian State—An Introduction
Authors: Prange Sebastian R. , Antony Robert J.
Published: January 2013

Abstract

This is the second of a two-part special issue on piracy in Asian waters. Part 1 (vol. 16, no. 6) explored the social and economic dynamics of pan-Asian piracy, and here in Part 2, contributors delve into the political dimensions of piracy by focusing on its interrelationship with notions of sovereignty, the changing nature of states in early modern Asia, and the rise of global seaborne empires. The four articles here challenge the conventional wisdom that Asian waters were great voids in indigenous political imagination and that Asian polities never regulated maritime space before the arrival of the West. Piracy played a significant role in the intense economic rivalries and competing political claims over sovereignty, not just between Western imperial powers but also among indigenous polities. Maritime space, therefore, was actively contested by both European powers and by various Asian states. In this contestation the early modern Asian pirate served as both instrument and contender of nascent projects of empire-building and sovereignty.
The Empire’s Scorched Shore: Coastal China, 1633-1683
Authors: Ho Dahpon David
Published: January 2013

Abstract

In the mid-seventeenth century, the Qing empire of China reacted to piracy and rebellion by forcibly depopulating the coast and burning its shoreline into wasteland for twenty years. As unique as the scale and brutality of this response may be in maritime history, the Qing state was not inherently isolationist or anti-maritime. Its underlying imperatives were shared by other early modern states: a desire to establish sovereignty, impose subjecthood, and constrain the mobility of peripheral populations. This article places the Qing Coastal Depopulation of 1661-1683 in the context of fifty years of maritime militarization, invasion, and civil war in the coastal province of Fujian. It portrays the Depopulation as not just a military act to combat pirates or the powerful sealord Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), but also an act of social engineering to subjugate the coastal population by removing it behind an artificial land boundary. At the same time, the article shows that the Qing state’s practice of “outsourcing” coastal control to regional lords helps to account for the policy’s longevity and some of its severest abuses.
The Mean Meridional Circulation of the Atmosphere Using the Mass above Isentropes as the Vertical Coordinate
Authors: Chen Gang
Published: January 2013

The mean meridional circulation of the atmosphere is presented using the mass (more specifically, the pressure corresponding to the mass) above the isentrope of interest as the vertical coordinate. In this vertical coordinate, the mass-weighted mean circulation is exactly balanced by entropy sources and sinks with no eddy flux contribution as in the isentropic coordinate, and the coordinate can be readily generalized to the mass above moist isentropes or other quasi-conservative tracers by construction. The corresponding Eliassen–Palm (EP) flux divergence for the zonal-mean angular momentum is formulated in a hybrid isobaric–isentropic form, extending the conventional transformed Eulerian-mean (TEM) formulation to finite-amplitude nongeostrophic eddies on the sphere. In the small-amplitude limit, the hybrid isobaric–isentropic formulation reduces to the TEM formulation.

Applying to the NCEP–U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Reanalysis 2, the new formulation resolves the deficiency of the conventional TEM formulation for the near-surface flow, where the isentropic surface intersects the ground, and the mean circulation agrees well with the TEM above the near-surface layer. In the small-amplitude limit, this improvement near the surface can be partially attributed to the isentropic static stability over the isobaric counterpart, as the mass density in the near-surface isentropic layers gradually approaches zero. Also, the mean mass streamfunction can be approximately obtained from the EP flux divergence except for the deep tropics or the near-surface flow, highlighting the dominant control of potential vorticity mixing for the subtropics-to-pole mean circulations. It is then expected to provide a valuable diagnostic framework not only for global circulation theory, but also for atmospheric transport in the troposphere.
Postoperative Urinary Tract Infection and Short‐Term Outcomes and Costs in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Authors: Chan Jason Y. K. , Semenov Yevgeniy R. , Gourin Christine G.
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Catheter‐associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) have been identified as a preventable “never event” by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. We sought to determine the relationship between UTI and in‐hospital mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay, and costs in head and neck cancer (HNCA) surgery.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis using cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression modeling.

Setting

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.

Subjects and Methods

Discharge data for 93,663 patients who underwent an ablative procedure for a malignant oral cavity, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal neoplasm in 2003‐2008 were analyzed.

Results

Urinary tract infection was diagnosed in 2% of patients, with catheter‐associated UTI coded in only 20 patients. Patients with UTI were more likely to be older than 80 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.3; P =. 008), be female (OR, 1.9; P <. 001), have advanced comorbidity (OR, 1.8; P <. 012), undergo major surgical procedures (OR, 1.7; P =. 001), and have predisposing bladder and prostate conditions (OR, 3.8; P <. 001), surgical complications (OR, 2.3; P <. 001), and acute medical complications (OR, 3.1; P <. 001). Urinary tract infection was associated with significantly increased length of hospitalization and hospital‐related costs, after controlling for all other variables.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infection is unusual in HNCA surgical patients but is more common with extent of surgery and age and is significantly associated with postoperative complications, length of hospitalization, and hospital‐related costs. Catheter‐associated UTI is likely underestimated because of difficulty in distinguishing between a catheter‐associated UTI and postoperative UTI in patients undergoing major surgical procedures, who routinely undergo perioperative urinary catheterization. Patients with HNCA are a high‐risk group for this “never event,” particularly as the population ages.
Middle Ear Effusion in Patients with Sinonasal Cancer Treated by Surgery with or without Radiotherapy
Authors: Redaelli de Zinis Luca Oscar , Parrinello Giovanni , Schreiber Alberto , Nicolai Piero
Published: January 2013

Objective

To identify the prevalence and risk factors of eustachian tube dysfunction after surgery for sinonasal cancer by observing the occurrence of middle ear effusion.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Academic university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Clinical records of 112 patients surgically treated for sinonasal cancer over a 16‐year period were evaluated. Initial bivariate analysis was followed by a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

The best model included 2 variables: posterior extension of surgical resection (nasopharynx, soft palate, eustachian tube, pterygomaxillary fossa, parapharyngeal space) with an odds ratio of 5.662 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.877‐9.447) and postoperative radiotherapy with an odds ratio of 8.691 (95% CI, 4.187‐13.194).

Conclusion

Despite the limited number of patients, the study gives a prediction of middle ear effusion based on 2 well‐defined factors: surgical resection of anatomic structures involved in tubal function and adjuvant radiotherapy.
VWF propeptide and ratios between VWF, VWF propeptide, and FVIII in the characterization of type 1 von Willebrand disease
Authors: Eikenboom Jeroen , Federici Augusto B. , Dirven Richard J. , Castaman Giancarlo , Rodeghiero Francesco , Budde Ulrich , Schneppenheim Reinhard , Batlle Javier , Canciani Maria Teresa , Goudemand Jenny , Peake Ian , Goodeve Anne ,   the MCMDM-1VWD Study Group
Published: January 2013

Key Points

VWFpp/VWF:Ag and FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratios define the pathophysiological mechanisms that play a role in VWD and various VWF mutations. A high VWFpp/VWF:Ag ratio indicates increased clearance of VWF and a high FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratio decreased synthesis of VWF.
The effects of the anti-hepcidin Spiegelmer NOX-H94 on inflammation-induced anemia in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Schwoebel Frank , van Eijk Lucas T. , Zboralski Dirk , Sell Simone , Buchner Klaus , Maasch Christian , Purschke Werner G. , Humphrey Martin , Zöllner Stefan , Eulberg Dirk , Morich Frank , Pickkers Peter , Klussmann Sven
Published: January 2013

Key Points

The hepcidin inhibitor NOX-H94, a structured mirror-image RNA oligonucleotide, and its in vitro and in vivo characterization are described. First published hepcidin inhibitor that entered clinical trials for the treatment of anemia due to functional iron deficiency.
Association of anaemia in primary care patients with chronic kidney disease: cross sectional study of quality improvement in chronic kidney disease (QICKD) trial data
Authors: Dmitrieva Olga , de Lusignan Simon , Macdougall Iain C , Gallagher Hugh , Tomson Charles , Harris Kevin , Desombre Terry , Goldsmith David
Published: January 2013

Background

Anaemia is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and treating anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) may improve outcomes. However, little is known about the scope to improve primary care management of anaemia in CKD.

Methods

An observational study (N = 1,099,292) with a nationally representative sample using anonymised routine primary care data from 127 Quality Improvement in CKD trial practices (ISRCTN5631023731). We explored variables associated with anaemia in CKD: eGFR, haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), iron status, cardiovascular comorbidities, and use of therapy which associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, oral iron and deprivation score. We developed a linear regression model to identify variables amenable to improved primary care management.

Results

The prevalence of Stage 3–5 CKD was 6.76%. Hb was lower in CKD (13.2 g/dl) than without (13.7 g/dl). 22.2% of people with CKD had World Health Organization defined anaemia; 8.6% had Hb ≤ 11 g/dl; 3% Hb ≤ 10 g/dl; and 1% Hb ≤ 9 g/dl. Normocytic anaemia was present in 80.5% with Hb ≤ 11; 72.7% with Hb ≤ 10 g/dl; and 67.6% with Hb ≤ 9 g/dl; microcytic anaemia in 13.4% with Hb ≤ 11 g/dl; 20.8% with Hb ≤ 10 g/dl; and 24.9% where Hb ≤ 9 g/dl. 82.7% of people with microcytic and 58.8% with normocytic anaemia (Hb ≤ 11 g/dl) had a low ferritin (<100ug/mL). Hypertension (67.2% vs. 54%) and diabetes (30.7% vs. 15.4%) were more prevalent in CKD and anaemia; 61% had been prescribed aspirin; 73% non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); 14.1% warfarin 12.4% clopidogrel; and 53.1% aspirin and NSAID. 56.3% of people with CKD and anaemia had been prescribed oral iron. The main limitations of the study are that routine data are inevitably incomplete and definitions of anaemia have not been standardised.

Conclusions

Medication review is needed in people with CKD and anaemia prior to considering erythropoietin or parenteral iron. Iron stores may be depleted in over >60% of people with normocytic anaemia. Prescribing oral iron has not corrected anaemia.
Blood glucose may be an alternative to cholesterol in CVD risk prediction charts
Authors: Braun Julia , Bopp Matthias , Faeh David
Published: January 2013

Background

Established risk models for the prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) include blood pressure, smoking and cholesterol parameters. The use of total cholesterol for CVD risk prediction has been questioned, particularly for primary prevention. We evaluated whether glucose could be used instead of total cholesterol for prediction of fatal CVD using data with long follow-up.

Methods

We followed-up 6,095 men and women aged ≥16 years who participated 1977-79 in a community based health study and were anonymously linked with the Swiss National Cohort until the end of 2008. During follow-up, 727 participants died of CVD. Based on the ESC SCORE methodology (Weibull regression), we used age, sex, blood pressure, smoking, and fasting glucose or total cholesterol. The mean Brier score (BS), area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used for model comparison. We validated our models internally using cross-validation and externally using another data set.

Results

In our models, the p-value of total cholesterol was 0.046, that of glucose was p < 0.001. The model with glucose had a slightly better predictive capacity (BS: 2216x10-5 vs. 2232x10-5; AUC: 0.9181 vs. 0.9169, IDI: 0.009 with p-value 0.026) and could well discriminate the overall risk of persons with high and low concentrations. The external validation confirmed these findings.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that instead of total cholesterol glucose can be used in models predicting overall CVD mortality risk.
The influence of microbial physiology on biocatalyst activity and efficiency in the terminal hydroxylation of n-octane using Escherichia coli expressing the alkane hydroxylase, CYP153A6
Authors: Olaofe Oluwafemi A , Fenner Caryn J , Gudiminchi RamaKrishna , Smit Martha S , Harrison Susan TL
Published: January 2013

Background

Biocatalyst improvement through molecular and recombinant means should be complemented with efficient process design to facilitate process feasibility and improve process economics. This study focused on understanding the bioprocess limitations to identify factors that impact the expression of the terminal hydroxylase CYP153A6 and also influence the biocatalytic transformation of n–octane to 1-octanol using resting whole cells of recombinant E. coli expressing the CYP153A6 operon which includes the ferredoxin (Fdx) and the ferredoxin reductase (FdR).

Results

Specific hydroxylation activity decreased with increasing protein expression showing that the concentration of active biocatalyst is not the sole determinant of optimum process efficiency. Process physiological conditions including the medium composition, temperature, glucose metabolism and product toxicity were investigated. A fed-batch system with intermittent glucose feeding was necessary to ease overflow metabolism and improve process efficiency while the introduction of a product sink (BEHP) was required to alleviate octanol toxicity. Resting cells cultivated on complex LB and glucose-based defined medium with similar CYP level (0.20 μmol gDCW
-1) showed different biocatalyst activity and efficiency in the hydroxylation of octane over a period of 120 h. This was influenced by differing glucose uptake rate which is directly coupled to cofactor regeneration and cell energy in whole cell biocatalysis. The maximum activity and biocatalyst efficiency achieved presents a significant improvement in the use of CYP153A6 for alkane activation. This biocatalyst system shows potential to improve productivity if substrate transfer limitation across the cell membrane and enzyme stability can be addressed especially at higher temperature.

Conclusion

This study emphasises that the overall process efficiency is primarily dependent on the interaction between the whole cell biocatalyst and bioprocess conditions.
Analysis of whole genome sequences of 16 strains of rubella virus from the United States, 1961–2009
Authors: Abernathy Emily , Chen Min-hsin , Bera Jayati , Shrivastava Susmita , Kirkness Ewen , Zheng Qi , Bellini William , Icenogle Joseph
Published: January 2013

Rubella virus is the causative agent of rubella, a mild rash illness, and a potent teratogenic agent when contracted by a pregnant woman. Global rubella control programs target the reduction and elimination of congenital rubella syndrome. Phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of rubella viruses has contributed to virus surveillance efforts and played an important role in demonstrating that indigenous rubella viruses have been eliminated in the United States. Sixteen wild-type rubella viruses were chosen for whole genome sequencing. All 16 viruses were collected in the United States from 1961 to 2009 and are from 8 of the 13 known rubella genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis of 30 whole genome sequences produced a maximum likelihood tree giving high bootstrap values for all genotypes except provisional genotype 1a. Comparison of the 16 new complete sequences and 14 previously sequenced wild-type viruses found regions with clusters of variable amino acids. The 5′ 250 nucleotides of the genome are more conserved than any other part of the genome. Genotype specific deletions in the untranslated region between the non-structural and structural open reading frames were observed for genotypes 2B and genotype 1G. No evidence was seen for recombination events among the 30 viruses. The analysis presented here is consistent with previous reports on the genetic characterization of rubella virus genomes. Conserved and variable regions were identified and additional evidence for genotype specific nucleotide deletions in the intergenic region was found. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed genotype groupings originally based on structural protein coding region sequences, which provides support for the WHO nomenclature for genetic characterization of wild-type rubella viruses.
A rheumatoid factor paradox: inhibition of rituximab effector function
Authors: Jones Jonathan D , Shyu Irene , Newkirk Marianna M , Rigby William FC
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Rituximab (RTX) therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibits enhanced effectiveness in seropositive patients. Using patient sera, we tested if this improved efficacy was associated with enhanced RTX mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity (RTX-CDC).

Methods

We developed an in vitro assay for RTX-CDC using patient sera and the Daudi human B cell line. Using propidium iodide uptake and flow cytometry, we compared RTX-CDC with rheumatoid factor (RF)+ sera relative to normal volunteer, non-RA and RF- sera. Additional studies examined mixing studies of RF+ and RF- sera, as well as the effect of monoclonal IgA or IgM RF. Finally, the effect of RF on RTX mediated trogocytosis of normal B cells was evaluated.

Results

Using human sera, addition of RTX resulted in rapid and profound (> 50%) Daudi cell death that was complement dependent. Surprisingly, RF+ patient sera exhibited reduced RTX-CDC relative to RF- sera, with an inverse relationship of RTX-CDC and RF titer. Mixing studies indicated the presence of an inhibitor of RTX-CDC in RF+ sera. The addition of monoclonal IgM or IgA RF to RF- sera markedly inhibited RTX-CDC. This effect was specific for RF binding to the Fc portion of RTX as it was not apparent with the F(ab)' domains of RTX engineered onto IgG3 heavy chain. RF also modestly inhibited RTX mediated trogocytosis.

Conclusions

Contrary to expectations, RF+ sera exhibits reduced RTX-CDC due to the presence of RF. The enhanced efficacy of RTX in seropositive RA patients cannot be attributed to improved B cell depletion through CDC. This result indicates that high RF levels may potentially modulate the efficacy of any therapeutic monoclonal antibody dependent on Fc effector function.
Quantitative Analysis of Coke Formation during Steam Reforming of Methane on a Nickel–Hydrotalcite Catalyst under Practical Operation Conditions
Authors: Takeguchi Tatsuya , Watanabe Hiroshi , Murayama Toru , Takahashi Hiroki , Ueda Wataru
Published: January 2013

Relation between redox properties of a nickel–hydrotalcite (Ni–HT) catalyst and a Ni/Al2O3 catalyst and rate of coke deposition during steam reforming of methane is examined. Ni–HT is oxidized by water-vapor treatment to form Ni-incorporated hydrotalcite. Rate of coke deposition on Ni–HT under thermodynamically coke-deposition-free condition is less than one third of that on Ni/Al2O3. No coke deposition is expected on Ni–HT at H2O/CH4 = 1.4 even at equilibrium CH4 conversion owing to redox between metallic Ni and Ni-incorporated hydrotalcite.
Systematic Exploration of Lipophilic Tags That Allow Efficient Anchoring of Aptamers to Live Cell Surfaces
Authors: Tokunaga Takeshi , Kuwahata Kohei , Sando Shinsuke
Published: January 2013

We carried out a systematic exploration of lipophilic tag molecules that allow efficient anchoring of aptamers to live cell surfaces. Among the lipids tested, the C16 dialkyl (dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine) tag showed a good performance: a high anchoring yield and long retention on live cells. The 3′-C16 dialkyl tag-labeled fluorescent aptamer sensor, targeting thrombin, was prepared. The aptamer sensor was anchored successfully to live cells, allowing fluorescence detection of thrombin on the cell surface.
Evaluation of healing wound and genotoxicity potentials from extracts hydroalcoholic of Plantago major and Siparuna guianensis
Authors: Thomé Ralph Gruppi , Santos HéLio Batista Dos , Santos Fábio Vieira Dos , Oliveira Renato José Da Silva , De Camargos Luis Fernando , Pereira Mariana Nunes , Longatti Tamara Ribeiro , Souto Cássio Martins , Franco Carlaile Soares , De Oliveira Aquino Schüffner Raissa , Ribeiro Rosy Iara Maciel Azambuja
Published: January 2013

Despite the large use of the Plantago major and Siparuna guianensis in traditional medicine, there are no studies demonstrating the effectiveness from extracts of these plants in the healing process by the present methodology. This study reported the effects and toxicity of the P. major and S. guianensis extracts in the wound healing compared with a commercial product used in Brazil by macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Following injury in cervical dorsal area of the mice, the extract from P. major and S. guianensis and ointment was applied after an injury in cervical dorsal area of the mice. Wound healing rates were calculated at 4, 9, 15 and 21 d after the wounding, and tissues were obtained on the ninth day for histological analysis. Moreover, mutagenic assay of extracts was performed. Mutagenicity studies carried out with plant extracts showed not mutagenic with or without metabolic activations. Reduction of the wound area occurred earlier in mice treated with P. major and control treatment. On the 15th day, the complete wound closure occurred in P. major-treated wounds. Throughout ointment and S. guianensis treatment it was not observed the wound closured. Microscopic analyses of the wound, on the ninth day, showed the more efficient formation of the neoepithelium and skin appendages in animals treated with S. guianensis and P. major, while ointment treatment presented no re-epithelialization and absent skin appendages in wound. Thus, P. major extract showed good effects on wound healing processes rendering it a promising candidate for the treatment of wounds what also justified its traditional usage in wound treatment.
Classifiers augment and maintain shape-based categorization in Mandarin speakers
Authors: Sera Maria D. , Johnson Kaitlin R. , Kuo Jenny Yichun
Published: January 2013

Past evidence suggests that adult Mandarin speakers rely on shape more heavily than English speakers when categorizing solid objects (Kuo and Sera 2009). In this experiment, we began to examine that effect developmentally by investigating the acquisition of the three most common Mandarin Chinese classifiers for solid objects (i.e. ge, zhi and tiao) in relation to development in shape-based categorization by native speakers of Mandarin and English from 3 years of age to adulthood. We found that 3-year-old Mandarin speakers were above chance in their classifier knowledge, but this knowledge continued to develop through 7 years of age. We also found that Mandarin speakers relied more heavily on shape than English speakers, and that shape-based categorization among English speakers tended to decline with age on the trials in which shape choices matched the Mandarin classifiers. The findings suggest that classifiers initially augment Mandarin speakers' attention to the shape of solid objects, and then maintain this early stronger shape bias after they are fully learned. The work highlights how categorization and word learning are graded and intertwined.
A New Coal Permeability Prediction Method Based on Experiment and Dimension Analysis
Authors: Zhiming Wang , Gang Yang , Jian Zhang
Published: January 2013

This paper aims to investigate the effect of temperature and effective stress on coal permeability. Through the experiment, we find a reversal phenomenon in which the coal permeability presents different change trends as temperature increases at two sides of the reverse point.

The term “critical effective stress” refers to the effective stress at the reverse point. When effective stress is lower than the critical effective stress, the outward expansion effect of the coal block caused by grain and gas swell is greater than compaction effect as temperature increases under low effective stress condition. Therefore, the coal expands primarily outward, which results in fissure opening and permeability increase. When effective stress is higher than the critical effective stress, high effective stress limits the coal's outward expansion. The coal expands inward with increasing temperature, thus causing fissure closure and permeability decrease.

On the basis of dimension analysis and regression analysis, combined with experimental data, this paper develops a high-precision semitheoretical coal permeability model of Qinshui basin in China. Simultaneously, what this paper presents is a permeability prediction method: measuring coal core permeability and performing dimension analysis and regression analysis. With this work done, we can establish a similar permeability model suitable for other target zones. Thus, the analytical method presented in this paper provides a basis for coal permeability prediction.
Cbl-b Is a Critical Regulator of Macrophage Activation Associated With Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance in Mice
Authors: Abe Tomoki , Hirasaka Katsuya , Kagawa Sachiko , Kohno Shohei , Ochi Arisa , Utsunomiya Kenro , Sakai Atsuko , Ohno Ayako , Teshima-Kondo Shigetada , Okumura Yuushi , Oarada Motoko , Maekawa Yoichi , Terao Junji , Mills Edward M. , Nikawa Takeshi
Published: January 2013

We previously reported the potential involvement of casitas B-cell lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) in aging-related murine insulin resistance. Because obesity also induces macrophage recruitment into adipose tissue, we elucidated here the role of Cbl-b in obesity-related insulin resistance. Cbl-b+/+ and Cbl-b−/− mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and then examined for obesity-related changes in insulin signaling. The HFD caused recruitment of macrophages into adipose tissue and increased inflammatory reaction in Cbl-b−/− compared with Cbl-b+/+ mice. Peritoneal macrophages from Cbl-b−/− mice and Cbl-b–overexpressing RAW264.7 macrophages were used to examine the direct effect of saturated fatty acids (FAs) on macrophage activation. In macrophages, Cbl-b suppressed saturated FA-induced Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling by ubiquitination and degradation of TLR4. The physiological role of Cbl-b in vivo was also examined by bone marrow transplantation and Eritoran, a TLR4 antagonist. Hematopoietic cell-specific depletion of the Cbl-b gene induced disturbed responses on insulin and glucose tolerance tests. Blockade of TLR4 signaling by Eritoran reduced fasting blood glucose and serum interleukin-6 levels in obese Cbl-b−/− mice. These results suggest that Cbl-b deficiency could exaggerate HFD-induced insulin resistance through saturated FA-mediated macrophage activation. Therefore, inhibition of TLR4 signaling is an attractive therapeutic strategy for treatment of obesity-related insulin resistance.
Nox2 NADPH Oxidase Has a Critical Role in Insulin Resistance–Related Endothelial Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Sukumar Piruthivi , Viswambharan Hema , Imrie Helen , Cubbon Richard M. , Yuldasheva Nadira , Gage Matthew , Galloway Stacey , Skromna Anna , Kandavelu Parkavi , Santos Celio X. , Gatenby V. Kate , Smith Jessica , Beech David J. , Wheatcroft Stephen B. , Channon Keith M. , Shah Ajay M. , Kearney Mark T.
Published: January 2013

Insulin resistance is characterized by excessive endothelial cell generation of potentially cytotoxic concentrations of reactive oxygen species. We examined the role of NADPH oxidase (Nox) and specifically Nox2 isoform in superoxide generation in two complementary in vivo models of human insulin resistance (endothelial specific and whole body). Using three complementary methods to measure superoxide, we demonstrated higher levels of superoxide in insulin-resistant endothelial cells, which could be pharmacologically inhibited both acutely and chronically, using the Nox inhibitor gp91ds-tat. Similarly, insulin resistance–induced impairment of endothelial-mediated vasorelaxation could also be reversed using gp91ds-tat. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nox2, which was specifically elevated in insulin-resistant endothelial cells, significantly reduced superoxide levels. Double transgenic mice with endothelial-specific insulin resistance and deletion of Nox2 showed reduced superoxide production and improved vascular function. This study identifies Nox2 as the central molecule in insulin resistance–mediated oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. It also establishes pharmacological inhibition of Nox2 as a novel therapeutic target in insulin resistance–related vascular disease.
Type 2 Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation and Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome: Report of a New Association
Authors: Millington Karmaine A. , Mani Haresh
Published: January 2013

Type 2 congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) has been reported in association with many other congenital anomalies. To the best of our knowledge, however, an association of type 2 CPAM with congenital nephrotic syndrome has not been heretofore reported. We present the 1st report of such an association in a boy who had a prenatal diagnosis of cystic lung malformation and was found to have congenital nephrotic syndrome (diffuse mesangial sclerosis) at 1 month of age. A prenatal ultrasonogram had also shown oligohydramnios, and additionally the child had cleft lip and palate. There was no family history of childhood renal or pulmonary disease, and genetic testing for genes mutated in congenital nephrotic syndrome was negative.
The Influence of Age and Gender on the Value Orientation of Extreme Sports Participants
Authors: Pólus-Thiry Éva , Rédei Csaba
Published: January 2013

Research has shown that the popularity of extreme sports is on the rise in Hungary just as in developed countries. While we cannot question the influence of the press, it is very likely that shifts and changes in the value orientation of a society also play an important role in fostering the process. In the first stage of the present study, the value orientation of a group of Hungarian people involved in action sports is mapped where the values are arranged into a latent structure using principal component analysis. In the second stage of research, it is checked whether the examined group is a homogenous community regarding their value orientations, and researchers examine if two variables - age and gender - significantly influence the value orientations of the respondents. Our conclusion is that there is little difference between group members regarding their high preferences for community values and the low preferences for traditional values, but age and gender significantly influence respondents’ attitudes to post-materialist values and partially those to materialist values. Younger participants report higher preferences for both materialist and postmaterialist values, while females attribute higher importance to post-materialist values.
Legal Prevention of Ambush Marketing – Case Study of UEFA Euro 2012
Authors: Piątkowska Monika
Published: January 2013

Given the seriousness and negative consequences of the ambush marketing phenomenon, it was necessary to fight with great force and strength ambush marketing activities by developing effective prevention strategies. There might be two categories of strategies distinguished: reactive and proactive strategies (Burton & Chadwick, 2008). The most common proactive strategy is to pass normative acts regulating the issues of ambush marketing by the host-country of the sporting event.

The purpose of this paper is an analysis of Polish preparations to host the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship in the context of the legal response to unfair practices of ambush marketing.

The scope of existing legislation of general application provides sufficient protection for the obligations arising from the Polish international agreements. Issues relating to the protection of intellectual property rights are governed by acts dealing with combating unfair competition, copyright and industrial property law.

Poland has not introduced additional regulations protecting the rights of the organizers and official sponsors of major sporting events against fraudulent marketing activities. When analyzing the current legal status it can be concluded that Poland fulfilled the guarantees provided to UEFA. The government adopted the simplest solution: they accepted the facts and did not make any amendments to the existing legal system.
Registration of ‘Forefront’ Wheat
Authors: Glover K. D. , Rudd J. C. , Devkota R. N. , Hall R. G. , Jin Y. , Osborne L. E. , Ingemansen J. A. , Turnipseed E. B. , Rickertsen J. R. , Hareland G. A.
Published: January 2013

To maximize acceptance, new hard red spring wheat (HRSW; Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars require high agronomic and end‐use quality as well as good disease resistance. The objective of this research was to release a HRSW cultivar with competitive grain yield, grain volume weight (GVW), and grain protein concentration (GPC), and several competitive end‐use quality characteristics and acceptable levels of resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) [caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe; telomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch]. ‘Forefront’ (Reg. No. CV‐1082, PI 664483) HRSW was developed at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and released by the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (SDAES) in February 2012. The cross FN1700‐155/FN1500‐074//‘Walworth’ (PI 630938) was made during spring 2001. Both FN1700‐155 and FN1500‐074 are unreleased experimental breeding lines developed by the SDSU‐HRSW breeding program. Walworth was released by the SDAES in fall 2000. The population was advanced via an early‐generation bulk‐testing program where F4:6 seed was included in the 2005 preliminary yield trial and the line was designated SD3997. SD3997 also was tested in the advanced yield trial from 2006 through 2011. Forefront was released for its combination of high yield potential, GVW, GPC, and high bread loaf volume in conjunction with low flour ash content and deoxynivalenol accumulation than other HRSW cultivars developed by the SDSU‐HRSW breeding program.
Diffusion Profiles of Health Beneficial Components from Goji Berry (Lyceum barbarum) Marinated in Alcohol and Their Antioxidant Capacities as Affected by Alcohol Concentration and Steeping Time
Authors: Song Yang , Xu Baojun
Published: January 2013

The fruit (goji berry) of Lycium barbarum, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in health diets due to its potential role in the prevention of chronic diseases. One of the most popular applications of goji berry is to make goji wine in China by steeping goji berry in grain liquor. However, how the steeping process affects antioxidant capacities and phytochemicals of goji berry is not yet fully understood. Therefore, to provide scientific data for the utilization of goji berry in the nutraceutical industry, the diffusion rate of betaine, β-carotene, phenolic compounds in goji berry and their antioxidant capacities affected by alcohol concentration and steeping time were determined by UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The results showed that low alcohol concentration (15% or 25%) would promote the diffusion of betaine and increase antioxidant activity, while high concentration (55% or 65%) would generally increase the diffusion of flavonoids and reduce antioxidant activity. The steeping time had no significant effect on the diffusion of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. However, all goji berry wine steeped for 14 days with different alcohol concentrations exhibited the highest betaine concentration. Current findings provide useful information for the nutraceutical industries to choose proper steeping time and alcohol concentration to yield desired health promotion components from goji.