bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TB Control in Namibia 2002-2011: Progress and Technical Assistance
Authors: van Gorkom Jeroen , Mavhunga Farai , Omer Omer Ahmed , Kutwa Amos , Zezai Abbas , Ruswa Nunurai , Dhliwayo Panganai , Sawadogo Souleymane , Schreuder Bert , Indongo Rosalia , Shihepo Ella
Published: May 2013

Namibia is among the five countries worstly affected by tuberculosis (TB) with a notification rate of
465/100,000 in 2011. This paper describes how the National Tuberculosis Leprosy Program (NTLP) developed from a
poorly performing TB control program in 2002 into a well performing program in 2011.

The program achieved 85% treatment success for new sputum-positive patients, high coverage and performance on
TB/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) collaborative program activities, and institution of Programmatic
Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (PMDT) where this was absent before.

Provision of significant short- and long-term technical assistance provided by KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation (KNCV)
in the period 2002-2011 was catalytic in leveraging a total of U$ 80million of external funding in a stepwise approach
balanced with absorption capacity, in combination with national policy review and support for its implementation on the
basis of two consecutive costed national strategic plans.

The technical assistance by KNCV, in partnership with other international technical agencies for specialized areas, proved
to work very well in this context where Namibian human resources and funding for TB control were initially limited and
the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) welcomed extensive technical assistance.
Effectiveness of Interventions to Increase Referral of Clients Exhibiting
TB Symptoms by Pharmacies and Corner Stores in Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic
Authors: Mitchell Ellen M.H. , Perez-Then Eddy , Orejel-Juarez Ivonne , Baez Jeannette , Gonzales Franz , Morrobel Ana Lucia , Marcelino Belkys , Kamp Netty
Published: May 2013

Engagement of the private sector and community leaders are popular strategies for improving tuberculosis (TB)
case detection. However the impact of engaging pharmacies and community shop keepers in TB referral varies and the
best method to achieve it are unknown.

To evaluate changes in referral and TB case detection following workshops and/or motivational “detailing” visits, mystery
clients visited 188 pharmacies and 103 grocery stores to seek advice for chronic symptoms reflecting pulmonary TB.
Most sites (89% n=255) were exposed to “detailing” and 26.8% (76) also attended 1 hour workshops designed by the
National TB program and KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation (KNCV). Sites were scored pre- and post-intervention,
obtaining 1 point each for a) spontaneous recognition of TB symptoms, b) acknowledgement of symptoms as possibly TB
when prompted, c) referral to medical care d) not promoting drugs e) exhibiting TB health education materials on site and
f) referral of mystery clients to the TB program.

The TB recognition and referral scores of all exposed establishments increased by an average of 2.0 points (95%C.I. 1.9-
2.1) at post-test compared with an increase of 0.6 points (95%C.I. 0.4-.0.9) among those in the comparison group
(p<0.001). Attempted sales of antibiotics and palliatives declined from 38.3% at baseline to 16.1%. After six months,
33.1% of pharmacies and 22.7% of grocery stores reported referring. Seven smear-positive TB cases were diagnosed from
among 70 TB suspects referred by pharmacies, but none from among 30 suspects sent by groceries. TB investigations rose
by 8.4% in the area for a six month period. The intervention is likely to have contributed to the doubling of TB case
notifications over two years.

A simple motivation intervention led to improvement in referral and TB case detection. The National TB program
introduced interventions with pharmacies to other provinces.
Improving Surveillance on Tuberculosis and HIV Co-Infection in
Kazakhstan
Authors: Tursynbayeva Aigul , Idrissova Maria , Markabaeva Tatyana , Usenova Gayni , Utepkaliyeva Gulbaram , Akhmetova Guljakhan , Suleymenova Lazzat , Urankayeva Gaukhar , Hof Susan van den
Published: May 2013

In Kazakhstan, tuberculosis (TB) patients are screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and HIVinfected
individuals are screened for active TB. However, there is no exchange of case-based information between the TB
and HIV/AIDS programs.

To assess the proportion of co-infected patients registered as such in both registers and to assess reasons for patients
missing in either register, we compared 2009 data from the TB and HIV/AIDS registers from two areas in Kazakhstan.
Almaty city and the adjacent Almaty oblast, represent 22% of the country’s population. Also, co-infected patients as well
as a number of HIV-infected individuals were interviewed.

In total, 85 patients diagnosed with TB and HIV were registered, of whom 73 were registered in the TB register, 79 in the
HIV/AIDS register, and 67 in both registers. In the TB register, twelve patients were wrongly recorded as HIV negative.
Only 9 (11%) out of the 82 patients who started treatment (three died shortly after diagnosis) had been prescribed
antiretroviral treatment.

In conclusion, gaps and mistakes with regard to TB/HIV patients were identified in both registers. Collaboration between
the TB and HIV/AIDS centers was strengthened, which includes routine monitoring of TB/HIV diagnoses and treatment.
This should lead to improved quality of care for TB/HIV patients and an improved insight in TB/HIV epidemiology.
Psychosocial Support Improves Treatment Adherence Among MDR-TB
Patients: Experience from East Kazakhstan
Authors: Kaliakbarova G. , Pak S. , Zhaksylykova N. , Raimova G. , Temerbekova B. , Hof S. van den
Published: May 2013

A novel patient–oriented treatment delivery program was introduced for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis
(MDR-TB) patients at high risk of treatment default in East Kazakhstan region, The Republic of Kazakhstan. In parallel
interventions were introduced to improve programmatic and clinical management for all MDR-TB patients. To assess the
effects of the patient support program on patient default rates, we analyzed the characteristics of MDR-TB patients
referred to the psychosocial support (PSS) program, treatment adherence before and during the intervention for patients
referred to the patient support program.

In 2010, the total number of MDR-patients starting second-line drug MDR-TB treatment was 426. The PSS program
supported 228 (53%) patients considered to be at high risk of treatment default. The program contributed to strengthening
of management of all MDR-TB patients during the ambulatory, continuation phase of treatment. The proportion of drug
doses taken under direct observation improved from 48% to 97%, while division of intake of second-line anti-TB drugs in
2-3 portions per day decreased from 20% in 2009 to 0%. Interruptions of anti-TB drugs for at least one day decreased
from 18% to 4% among all MDR-TB patients. Among patients included in the PSS program, no treatment default was
observed and only one patient missed doses of treatment.

In conclusion, our patient–oriented support program was successful in reducing rates of treatment default among MDRTB
patients.
Epidemiological Surveys Embedded in Technical Assistance to
Tuberculosis Control Programmes
Authors: Leth Frank van , Klinkenberg Eveline
Published: May 2013

Many National Tuberculosis Programmes (NTPs) receive Technical Assistance (TA) for the implementation
and evaluation of their TB-control strategies. KNCV tuberculosis Foundation (KNCV) in the Netherlands is a TA
organization providing assistance for many years in over 30 countries.

The NTPs use their own surveillance data to assess TB control strategies. These data are not accurate enough to serve as
valid epidemiological parameters. KNCV adds an epidemiological research component to the general TA.
Epidemiological research does give the evidence-base needed for TB control. Embedding this research in continued
programme support from TA consultants has been fruitful.

This paper details KNCV's experiences with such TA plus epidemiological research approach, specially in conducting
large-scale population-based surveys: tuberculin surveys, TB prevalence surveys, and drug resistance surveys. The lessons
learned include the added value of long-term programme support, of a thorough knowledge of the survey's situational
context, of in-country capacity building, and of guidelines for guiding, as opposed to dictating, research.
The Coming Fiscal Crisis
Authors: Andersen Martin J. , Friedman Allon N.
Published: May 2013

Nephrologists in the United States face a very uncertain economic future. The astronomical federal debt and unfunded liability burden of Medicare combined with the aging population will place unprecedented strain on the health care sector. To address these fundamental problems, it is conceivable that the federal government will ultimately institute rationing and other budget-cutting measures to rein in costs of ESRD care, which is generously funded relative to other chronic illnesses. Therefore, nephrologists should expect implementation of cost-cutting measures, such age-based rationing, mandated delayed dialysis and home therapies, compensated organ donation, and a shift in research priorities from the dialysis to the predialysis patient population. Nephrologists also need to recognize that these changes, which are geared toward the population level, may make it more difficult to advocate effectively for the needs of individual patients.
Investigating Young Children's Talk about the Media
Authors: Grace Donna J. , Henward Allison S.
Published: May 2013

This study was an investigation into the ways in which two classes of six- and seven-year-old children in Hawaii talked about the media. The children were shown video clips from a variety of media and asked to respond both orally and in writing. The qualitative data gathered in this study were researcher notes, video and audio-taped focus group interviews with the children, and their written responses to open-ended questions about the media clips they viewed. The results suggest that these children were more media savvy than commonly assumed, and already grasped basic understandings of key media concepts. Drawing upon Foucauldian theory, we argue for the need to move from the dominant model of developmental stage theory in media education, based on a deficit view of the child, to a strengths-based approach that recognizes and validates young people's varying experience with and knowledge about the media, and their agency when interacting with it.
Early Childhood Dental Caries: A Rising Dental Public Health Crisis
Authors: Gomez Grace Felix
Published: May 2013

The aim of this article is to examine the literature and review the risk factors and disparities contributing to early childhood caries (ECC), which is a major health problem among preschoolers in the United States of America. A search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases and the key terms ‘early childhood caries’, ‘baby bottle tooth decay’, ‘nursing caries’, ‘dental caries’, and ‘access to dental care and disparities’. ECC is a multifactorial disease with risk factors like biological, social, environmental, dietary and cultural determinants. Prevalence of ECC is highest among disadvantaged children living in poverty and in high-risk North American population groups such as, American Indians, Mexican Americans and in Hispanics. It is also found in families with less education and who have limited access to dental care services. This summarized review of early childhood caries will determine the need of future intervention programs focusing on the underserved and disadvantaged section of the population to prevent ECC.
Pricing of Risky Initial Audit Engagements
Authors: Elliott John A. , Ghosh Aloke , Peltier Elisabeth
Published: May 2013

We reexamine the association between audit fees and risky initial engagements by developing an ex ante client-risk metric that is based on auditor change 8-K filings. We concentrate on auditor-client disagreements and other reportable events (restatement, management integrity, scope limitations, illegal acts, reaudits) disclosed in the 8-K auditor change filings. We find that audit fees are significantly higher for clients reporting disagreements and other reportable events in their 8-K auditor change filings for the initial year of engagement. However, the fee premium is only attributable to Big 4 auditors. While the Big 4 charge 45 percent higher fees when clients have disagreements or other reportable events, there is no such fee premium associated with non-Big 4 clients. More importantly, Big 4 predecessor auditors increase fees prior to the auditor switch as clients develop problems. Big 4 successor auditors continue to charge significantly higher fees for at least three years following adverse 8-K disclosures. Our results provide evidence on how successor and predecessor auditors incorporate risk in the pricing of audit fees, where risk is based on the information contained in auditor change 8-K reports.
Gamma Knife surgery for the treatment of patients with asymptomatic meningiomas
Authors: Salvetti David J. , Nagaraja Tara G. , Levy Carl , Xu Zhiyaun , Sheehan Jason
Published: May 2013

Object

Increasingly, meningiomas are detected incidentally, prior to symptom development. While these lesions are traditionally managed conservatively until symptoms develop or lesion growth occurs, it is conceivable that patients at high risk for symptom development may benefit from earlier intervention prior to the appearance of symptoms. However, little research has been performed to determine whether Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) can alter the rate of symptom development in such patients.

Methods

A retrospective case study was performed by screening the University of Virginia GKS database for patients treated for asymptomatic meningiomas. From the patient's medical records, pertinent demographic and treatment information was obtained. Yearly follow-up MRI had been performed to assess tumor control and detect signs of radiation-induced injury. Clinical follow-up via neurological examination had been performed to assess symptom development.

Results

Forty-two patients, 33 females (78.6%) and 9 males (21.4%), with 42 asymptomatic meningiomas were included in the analysis. The median age at GKS was 53 years. The most common lesion location was the cerebral convexities (10 lesions [23.8%]), and the median lesion size was 4.0 ml. The median duration of imaging and clinical follow-ups was 59 and 76 months, respectively. During the follow-up period, 1 tumor (2.4%) increased in size, 2 patients (4.8%) demonstrated symptoms, and 1 patient (2.4%) exhibited possible signs of radiation-induced injury. Thus, actuarial tumor control rates were 100%, 95.7%, and 95.7% for 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Actuarial symptom control at 5 and 10 years was 97% and 93.1%, respectively. Overall progression-free survival was 91.1% and 77.8% at 5 and 10 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Compared with published rates of symptom development in patients with untreated meningiomas, results in this study indicated that patients with asymptomatic lesions may benefit from prophylactic radiosurgery prior to the appearance of symptoms. Additionally, GKS is a treatment option that offers low morbidity.
The hemodynamic effects during sustained low-efficiency dialysis versus continuous veno-venous hemofiltration for uremic patients with brain hemorrhage: a crossover study
Authors: Wu Vin-Cent , Huang Tao-Min , Shiao Chih-Chung , Lai Chun-Fu , Tsai Pi-Ru , Wang Wei-Jie , Huang Hui-Yu , Wang Kuo-Chuan , Ko Wen-Je , Wu Kwan-Dun , _ _
Published: May 2013

Object

Hemodynamic instability occurs frequently during dialysis treatment and remains a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with brain hemorrhage. This study aims to compare the effects of hemodynamic parameters and intracranial pressure (ICP) between sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED) and continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in dialysis patients with brain hemorrhage.

Methods

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with brain hemorrhage undergoing ICP monitoring were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive CVVH or SLED on the 1st day and were changed to the other modality on the 2nd day. The ultrafiltration rate was set at between 1.0 kg/8 hrs and 1.5 kg/8 hrs according to the patient's fluid status. The primary study end point was the change in hemodynamics and ICP during the dialytic periods. The secondary end point was the difference between cardiovascular peptides and oxidative and inflammatory assays.

Results

Ten patients (6 women; mean age 59.9 ± 3.6 years) were analyzed. The stroke volume variation was higher with SLED than CVVH (generalized estimating equations method, p = 0.031). The ICP level increased after both SLED and CVVH (time effect, p = 0.003) without significant difference between modalities. The dialysis dose quantification after 8-hour dialysis was higher in SLED than CVVH (equivalent urea clearance by convection, 62.7 ± 4.4 vs 50.2 ± 3.9 ml/min; p = 0.002). Additionally, the endothelin-1 level increased after CVVH treatment (p = 0.019) but not SLED therapy.

Conclusions

With this controlled crossover study, the authors provide the pilot evidence that both SLED and CVVH display identical acute hemodynamic effects and increased ICP after dialysis in brain hemorrhage patients. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01781585 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Programming jammed Codman Hakim programmable valves: study of an explanted valve and successful programming in a patient
Authors: Wong Sui-To , Wen Eleanor , Fong Dawson
Published: May 2013

Malfunction of a Codman Hakim programmable valve due to jamming of its programmable component may necessitate shunt revision. The authors report a method for programming jammed Codman Hakim programmable valves by using a Strata II magnet and additional neodymium magnets. The programming method was derived after studying a jammed valve in the laboratory that was explanted from an 10-year-old boy with a history of fourth ventricle ependymoma. Programming the explanted valve with a Codman programmer failed, but rotating a Strata II magnet above the valve resulted in rotation of the spiral cam in the valve. It was found that the Strata II magnet could be used to program the jammed valve by rotating the magnet 90° or multiples of 90° above the valve. The strength of the magnetic field of the Strata II magnet was able to be increased by putting neodymium magnets on it. The programming method was then successfully used in a patient with a jammed Codman Hakim programmable valve. After successful programming using this method, clinical and radiological follow-up of the patient was advised.
Multistep pedicle screw insertion procedure with patient-specific lamina fit-and-lock templates for the thoracic spine
Authors: Sugawara Taku , Higashiyama Naoki , Kaneyama Shuichi , Takabatake Masato , Watanabe Naoko , Uchida Fujio , Sumi Masatoshi , Mizoi Kazuo
Published: May 2013

Object

Pedicle screw fixation is a standard procedure of spinal instrumentation, but accurate screw placement is essential to avoid injury to the adjacent structures, such as the vessels, nerves, and viscera. The authors recently developed an intraoperative screw guiding method in which patient-specific laminar templates were used, and verified the accuracy of the multistep procedure in the thoracic spine.

Methods

Preoperative bone images of the CT scans were analyzed using 3D/multiplanar imaging software and the trajectories of the screws were planned. Plastic templates with screw guiding structures were created for each lamina by using 3D design and printing technology. Three types of templates were made for precise multistep guidance, and all templates were specially designed to fit and lock on the lamina during the procedure. Plastic vertebra models were also generated and preoperative screw insertion simulation was performed. Surgery was performed using this patient-specific screw guide template system, and the placement of screws was postoperatively evaluated using CT scanning.

Results

Ten patients with thoracic or cervicothoracic pathological entities were selected to verify this novel procedure. Fifty-eight pedicle screws were placed using the screw guide template system. Preoperatively, each template was found to fit exactly and to lock on the lamina of the vertebra models, and screw insertion simulation was successfully performed. Intraoperatively the templates also fit and locked on the patient lamina, and screw insertion was completed successfully. Postoperative CT scans confirmed that no screws violated the cortex of the pedicles, and the mean deviation of the screws from the planned trajectories was 0.87 ± 0.34 mm at the coronal midpoint section of the pedicles.

Conclusions

The multistep, patient-specific screw guide template system is useful for intraoperative pedicle screw navigation in the thoracic spine. This simple and economical method can improve the accuracy of pedicle screw insertion and reduce the operating time and radiation exposure of spinal fixation surgery.
Yield, Quality, and Other Characteristics of Selected Lines of Crested Wheatgrass
Authors: Gul Zeynep Dumlu , Yolcu Halil , Tan Mustafa , Serin Yunus , Gul Ismail
Published: May 2013

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate yield, quality, and other characteristics in selected lines of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum L. Gaertn.) at Ataturk University Agriculture Faculty Research Farm under unirrigated conditions during 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 in Eastern Turkey. The research was established in 2006 as a randomized complete block with three replications. Lines AC1 (Reg. No. PL‐12, PI 667083), AC2 (Reg. No. PL‐13, PI 667084), AC23 (Reg. No. PL‐14, PI 667085), AC29 (Reg. No. PL‐15, PI 667086), AC37 (Reg. No. PL‐16, PI 667087), AC39 (Reg. No. PL‐17, PI 667088), AC65 (Reg. No. PL‐18, PI 667089), AC66 (Reg. No. PL‐19, PI 667090), AC83 (Reg. No. PL‐20, PI 667091), AC107 (Reg. No. PL‐21, PI 667092), AC113 (Reg. No. PL‐22, PI 667093), AC121 (Reg. No. PL‐23, PI 667094), AC125 (Reg. No. PL‐24, PI 667095) and Tohum Islah population (Reg. No. PL‐11, PI 667082) (control) were evaluated for dry matter yield (DMY), seed yield (SY), straw yield (SWY), crude protein content (CPC), crude protein yield (CPY), stem number, plant height, and fertile tiller ratio. Forage DMY and SY increased over the first 4 yr, but the yields decreased due to the aging of the crested wheatgrass stand in the subsequent year. There were significant differences for lines in all variables, except for SWY and CPC. Particularly, lines AC1, AC23, AC29, AC37, AC39, AC65, AC66, AC107, and AC121 in DMY; AC1, AC37, AC83, AC107, AC113, AC121, and AC125 in SY; and AC23, AC39, and AC113 in CPY showed significant improvement compared with the original parent material. The results of DMY, SY, and CPY show that selection studies were effective. Selected lines will be useful for breeding studies and livestock production.
Reliability of Inference of Directed Climate Networks Using Conditional Mutual Information
Authors: Hlinka Jaroslav , Hartman David , Vejmelka Martin , Runge Jakob , Marwan Norbert , Kurths Jürgen , Paluš Milan
Published: May 2013

Across geosciences, many investigated phenomena relate to specific complex systems consisting of intricately intertwined interacting subsystems. Such dynamical complex systems can be represented by a directed graph, where each link denotes an existence of a causal relation, or information exchange between the nodes. For geophysical systems such as global climate, these relations are commonly not theoretically known but estimated from recorded data using causality analysis methods. These include bivariate nonlinear methods based on information theory and their linear counterpart. The trade-off between the valuable sensitivity of nonlinear methods to more general interactions and the potentially higher numerical reliability of linear methods may affect inference regarding structure and variability of climate networks. We investigate the reliability of directed climate networks detected by selected methods and parameter settings, using a stationarized model of dimensionality-reduced surface air temperature data from reanalysis of 60-year global climate records. Overall, all studied bivariate causality methods provided reproducible estimates of climate causality networks, with the linear approximation showing higher reliability than the investigated nonlinear methods. On the example dataset, optimizing the investigated nonlinear methods with respect to reliability increased the similarity of the detected networks to their linear counterparts, supporting the particular hypothesis of the near-linearity of the surface air temperature reanalysis data.
Mixed Methods Pilot Study of Sharing Behaviors among Waterpipe Smokers of Rural Lao PDR: Implications for Infectious Disease Transmission
Authors: Martin Robyn , Safaee Sahar , Somsamouth Khamphithoun , Mounivong Boualoy , Sinclair Ryan , Bansal Shweta , Singh Pramil
Published: May 2013

To date, the sharing behaviors associated with the homemade tobacco waterpipe used in rural areas of the Western Pacific Region have not been studied. Evidence from studies of manufactured waterpipes raises the possibility of infectious disease transmission due to waterpipe sharing. The objective of our pilot study in rural Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) was to identify and measure the prevalence of waterpipe sharing behaviors. We first conducted ethnographic studies to investigate waterpipe-smoking behaviors. These findings were then used to develop an interviewer-administered household survey that was used in a sampling of waterpipe smokers from three villages of the Luang Namtha province of Lao PDR (n = 43). Sampled waterpipe smokers were predominantly male (90.7%), older (mean age 49, SD 13.79), married (95.4%), farmers (78.6%), and had completed no primary education. Pipes were primarily made from bamboo (92.9%). Almost all (97.6%) smokers were willing to share their pipe with others. At the last time they smoked, smokers shared a pipe with at least one other person (1.2 ± 0.5 persons). During the past week, they had shared a pipe with five other persons (5.2 ± 3.8 persons). The high prevalence of sharing behaviors among waterpipe smokers in rural Southeast Asia raises the possibility that this behavior provides important and unmeasured social network pathways for the transmission of infectious agents.
The Genomic Landscape of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Spans Lien , Clinckemalie Liesbeth , Helsen Christine , Vanderschueren Dirk , Boonen Steven , Lerut Evelyne , Joniau Steven , Claessens Frank
Published: May 2013

By the age of 80, approximately 80% of men will manifest some cancerous cells within their prostate, indicating that prostate cancer constitutes a major health burden. While this disease is clinically insignificant in most men, it can become lethal in others. The most challenging task for clinicians is developing a patient-tailored treatment in the knowledge that this disease is highly heterogeneous and that relatively little adequate prognostic tools are available to distinguish aggressive from indolent disease. Next-generation sequencing allows a description of the cancer at an unprecedented level of detail and at different levels, going from whole genome or exome sequencing to transcriptome analysis and methylation-specific immunoprecipitation, followed by sequencing. Integration of all these data is leading to a better understanding of the initiation, progression and metastatic processes of prostate cancer. Ultimately, these insights will result in a better and more personalized treatment of patients suffering from prostate cancer. The present review summarizes current knowledge on copy number changes, gene fusions, single nucleotide mutations and polymorphisms, methylation, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs obtained from high-throughput studies.
Impact of an Altered Wnt1/β-Catenin Expression on Clinicopathology and Prognosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kruck Stephan , Eyrich Christian , Scharpf Marcus , Sievert Karl-Dietrich , Fend Falco , Stenzl Arnulf , Bedke Jens
Published: May 2013

In renal cell carcinoma (RCC), single members of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade were recently identified to contribute to cancer progression. However, the role of Wnt1, one of the key ligands in β-catenin regulation, is currently unknown in RCC. Therefore, alterations of the Wnt1/β-catenin axis in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) were examined with regard to clinicopathology, overall survival (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS). Corresponding ccRCCs and benign renal tissue were analyzed in 278 patients for Wnt1 and β-catenin expression by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays. Expression scores, including intensity and percentage of stained cells, were compared between normal kidney and ccRCCs. Data was categorized according to mean expression scores and correlated to tumor and patients’ characteristics. Survival was analyzed according to the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to explore the independent prognostic value of Wnt1 and β-catenin. In ccRCCs, high Wnt1 was associated with increased tumor diameter, stage and vascular invasion (p ≤ 0.02). High membranous β-catenin was associated with advanced stage, vascular invasion and tumor necrosis (p ≤ 0.01). Higher diameter, stage, node involvement, grade, vascular invasion and sarcomatoid differentiation (p ≤ 0.01) were found in patients with high cytoplasmic β-catenin. Patients with a high cytoplasmic β-catenin had a significantly reduced OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1.75) and CSS (HR 2.26), which was not independently associated with OS and CSS after adjustment in the multivariable model. Increased ccRCC aggressiveness was reflected by an altered Wnt1/β-catenin signaling. Cytoplasmic β-catenin was identified as the most promising candidate associated with unfavorable clinicopathology and impaired survival. Nevertheless, the shift of membranous β-catenin to the cytoplasm with a subsequently increased nuclear expression, as shown for other malignancies, could not be demonstrated to be present in ccRCC.
Integrated -Omics: A Powerful Approach to Understanding the Heterogeneous Lignification of Fibre Crops
Authors: Guerriero Gea , Sergeant Kjell , Hausman Jean-François
Published: May 2013

Lignin and cellulose represent the two main components of plant secondary walls and the most abundant polymers on Earth. Quantitatively one of the principal products of the phenylpropanoid pathway, lignin confers high mechanical strength and hydrophobicity to plant walls, thus enabling erect growth and high-pressure water transport in the vessels. Lignin is characterized by a high natural heterogeneity in its composition and abundance in plant secondary cell walls, even in the different tissues of the same plant. A typical example is the stem of fibre crops, which shows a lignified core enveloped by a cellulosic, lignin-poor cortex. Despite the great value of fibre crops for humanity, however, still little is known on the mechanisms controlling their cell wall biogenesis, and particularly, what regulates their spatially-defined lignification pattern. Given the chemical complexity and the heterogeneous composition of fibre crops’ secondary walls, only the use of multidisciplinary approaches can convey an integrated picture and provide exhaustive information covering different levels of biological complexity. The present review highlights the importance of combining high throughput -omics approaches to get a complete understanding of the factors regulating the lignification heterogeneity typical of fibre crops.
Immune-Pineal Axis: Nuclear Factor κB (NF-kB) Mediates the Shift in the Melatonin Source from Pinealocytes to Immune Competent Cells
Authors: Markus Regina , Cecon Erika , Pires-Lapa Marco
Published: May 2013

Pineal gland melatonin is the darkness hormone, while extra-pineal melatonin produced by the gonads, gut, retina, and immune competent cells acts as a paracrine or autocrine mediator. The well-known immunomodulatory effect of melatonin is observed either as an endocrine, a paracrine or an autocrine response. In mammals, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) blocks noradrenaline-induced melatonin synthesis in pinealocytes, which induces melatonin synthesis in macrophages. In addition, melatonin reduces NF-κB activation in pinealocytes and immune competent cells. Therefore, pathogen- or danger-associated molecular patterns transiently switch the synthesis of melatonin from pinealocytes to immune competent cells, and as the response progresses melatonin inhibition of NF-κB activity leads these cells to a more quiescent state. The opposite effect of NF-κB in pinealocytes and immune competent cells is due to different NF-κB dimers recruited in each phase of the defense response. This coordinated shift of the source of melatonin driven by NF-κB is called the immune-pineal axis. Finally, we discuss how this concept might be relevant to a better understanding of pathological conditions with impaired melatonin rhythms and hope it opens new horizons for the research of side effects of melatonin-based therapies.
Characterization and Antimicrobial Property of Poly(Acrylic Acid) Nanogel Containing Silver Particle Prepared by Electron Beam
Authors: Choi Jong-Bae , Park Jong-Seok , Khil Myung-Seob , Gwon Hui-Jeong , Lim Youn-Mook , Jeong Sung-In , Shin Young-Min , Nho Young-Chang
Published: May 2013

In this study, we developed a one step process to synthesize nanogel containing silver nanoparticles involving electron beam irradiation. Water-soluble silver nitrate powder is dissolved in the distilled water and then poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) and hexane are put into this silver nitrate solution. These samples are irradiated by an electron beam to make the PAAc nanogels containing silver nanoparticles (Ag/PAAc nanogels). The nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, the particle size and zeta-potential were confirmed by a particle size analyzer (PSA). The antibacterial properties of the nanogels were evaluated by paper diffusion test. The Ag/PAAc nanogels had an antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The nanogels also demonstrated a good healing effect against diabetic ulcer. The size of the Ag/PAAc nanogels decreased with increasing irradiation doses, and the absolute value of the zeta potential increased with increasing irradiation doses. Also, the Ag/PAAc nanogels exhibited good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In in vivo wound healing, the Ag/PAAc nanogels have a good healing effect.
Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme 9 Promotes Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cell Proliferation in Vitro
Authors: Dong Mei , Pang Xiaoyan , Xu Yang , Wen Fang , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2013

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 9 (Ubc9), the sole conjugating enzyme for sumoylation, regulates protein function and plays an important role in sumoylation-mediated cellular pathways. Although sumoylation plays a key role in DNA repair and tumorgenesis, whether Ubc9 is involved in EOC progression remains unknown. In the present study, we constructed Ubc-9 expressed recombined plasmid pEGFP-N1-Ubc9. The mRNA levels of Ubc9 were confirmed in human ovarian cell lines before and after transfection with pEGFP-N1-Ubc9 or small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted Ubc9 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was used to observe the effect of Ubc9 on cell proliferation. The protein levels of Ubc9, and proliferation-related signals Akt and physphorylated Akt were determined by Western blot. Our results showed that proliferation of EOC cells increased significantly in Ubc9 overexpressing cells, but decreased in Ubc9 knockdown cells. The physphorylation of Akt showed similar trends. In addition, the inhibitor of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, LY294002, dramatically inhibited the growth of Ubc9 overexpressing cells. Therefore, Ubc9 gene plays an important role in cell proliferation in EOC through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Construction of a Full-Length Enriched cDNA Library and Preliminary Analysis of Expressed Sequence Tags from Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris tigris
Authors: Liu Changqing , Liu Dan , Guo Yu , Lu Taofeng , Li Xiangchen , Zhang Minghai , Ma Jianzhang , Ma Yuehui , Guan Weijun
Published: May 2013

In this study, a full-length enriched cDNA library was successfully constructed from Bengal tiger, Panthera tigris tigris, the most well-known wild Animal. Total RNA was extracted from cultured Bengal tiger fibroblasts in vitro. The titers of primary and amplified libraries were 1.28 × 106 pfu/mL and 1.56 × 109 pfu/mL respectively. The percentage of recombinants from unamplified library was 90.2% and average length of exogenous inserts was 0.98 kb. A total of 212 individual ESTs with sizes ranging from 356 to 1108 bps were then analyzed. The BLASTX score revealed that 48.1% of the sequences were classified as a strong match, 45.3% as nominal and 6.6% as a weak match. Among the ESTs with known putative function, 26.4% ESTs were found to be related to all kinds of metabolisms, 19.3% ESTs to information storage and processing, 11.3% ESTs to posttranslational modification, protein turnover, chaperones, 11.3% ESTs to transport, 9.9% ESTs to signal transducer/cell communication, 9.0% ESTs to structure protein, 3.8% ESTs to cell cycle, and only 6.6% ESTs classified as novel genes. By EST sequencing, a full-length gene coding ferritin was identified and characterized. The recombinant plasmid pET32a-TAT-Ferritin was constructed, coded for the TAT-Ferritin fusion protein with two 6× His-tags in N and C-terminal. After BCA assay, the concentration of soluble Trx-TAT-Ferritin recombinant protein was 2.32 ± 0.12 mg/mL. These results demonstrated that the reliability and representativeness of the cDNA library attained to the requirements of a standard cDNA library. This library provided a useful platform for the functional genome and transcriptome research of Bengal tigers.
A Digital Auto-Zeroing Circuit to Reduce Offset in Sub-Threshold Sense Amplifiers
Authors: Beshay Peter , Ryan Joseph , Calhoun Benton
Published: May 2013

Device variability in modern processes has become a major concern in SRAM design leading to degradation of both performance and yield. Variation induced offset in the sense amplifiers requires a larger bitline differential, which slows down SRAM access times and causes increased power consumption. The effect aggravated in the sub-threshold region. In this paper, we propose a circuit that reduces the sense amp offset using an auto-zeroing scheme with automatic temperature, voltage, and aging tracking. The circuit enables flexible tuning of the offset voltage. Measurements taken from a 45 nm test chip show the circuit is able to limit the offset to 20 mV. A 16kB SRAM is designed using the auto-zeroing circuit for the sense amps. The reduction in the total read energy and delay is reported for various configurations of the memory.
Effect of Core–Shell Ceria/Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) Nanoparticles Incorporated in Polymer Films and Their Optical Properties
Authors: Itoh Toshio , Uchida Toshio , Izu Noriya , Matsubara Ichiro , Shin Woosuck
Published: May 2013

We fabricated hybrid films of pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) with core–shell ceria/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) nanoparticles, which consist of cerium oxide as the core and PVP as the shell, and investigated the film optical properties. In this study, we used ceria/PVP nanoparticles with average diameters of 37, 49 and 91 nm. We obtained translucent films consisting of PETA with core–shell ceria/PVP nanoparticles. The core–shell ceria/PVP nanoparticles can reduce the transmittance of near-ultraviolet light. The transmittance of visible light and haze values depends not only on the thickness of the films, but also on the average diameter of the nanoparticles. A SEM observation and the optical analyses prove that the core–shell ceria/PVP nanoparticles do not aggregate into the PETA matrix.
Full-Field Strain Mapping at a Ge/Si Heterostructure Interface
Authors: Li Jijun , Zhao Chunwang , Xing Yongming , Su Shaojian , Cheng Buwen
Published: May 2013

The misfit dislocations and strain fields at a Ge/Si heterostructure interface were investigated experimentally using a combination of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and quantitative electron micrograph analysis methods. The type of misfit dislocation at the interface was determined to be 60° dislocation and 90° full-edge dislocation. The full-field strains at the Ge/Si heterostructure interface were mapped by using the geometric phase analysis (GPA) and peak pairs analysis (PPA), respectively. The effect of the mask size on the GPA and PPA results was analyzed in detail. For comparison, the theoretical strain fields of the misfit dislocations were also calculated by the Peierls-Nabarro and Foreman dislocation models. The results showed that the optimal mask sizes in GPA and PPA were approximately three tenths and one-tenth of the reciprocal lattice vector, respectively. The Foreman dislocation model with an alterable factor a = 4 can best describe the strain field of the misfit dislocation at the Ge/Si heterostructure interface.
Study of PVD AlCrN Coating for Reducing Carbide Cutting Tool Deterioration in the Machining of Titanium Alloys
Authors: Cadena Natalia , Cue-Sampedro Rodrigo , Siller Héctor , Arizmendi-Morquecho Ana , Rivera-Solorio Carlos , Di-Nardo Santiago
Published: May 2013

The manufacture of medical and aerospace components made of titanium alloys and other difficult-to-cut materials requires the parallel development of high performance cutting tools coated with materials capable of enhanced tribological and resistance properties. In this matter, a thin nanocomposite film made out of AlCrN (aluminum–chromium–nitride) was studied in this research, showing experimental work in the deposition process and its characterization. A heat-treated monolayer coating, competitive with other coatings in the machining of titanium alloys, was analyzed. Different analysis and characterizations were performed on the manufactured coating by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDXS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the mechanical behavior of the coating was evaluated through hardness test and tribology with pin-on-disk to quantify friction coefficient and wear rate. Finally, machinability tests using coated tungsten carbide cutting tools were executed in order to determine its performance through wear resistance, which is a key issue of cutting tools in high-end cutting at elevated temperatures. It was demonstrated that the specimen (with lower friction coefficient than previous research) is more efficient in machinability tests in Ti6Al4V alloys. Furthermore, the heat-treated monolayer coating presented better performance in comparison with a conventional monolayer of AlCrN coating.
Mercury(II) Removal with Modified Magnetic Chitosan Adsorbents
Authors: Kyzas George , Deliyanni Eleni
Published: May 2013

Two modified chitosan derivatives were prepared in order to compare their adsorption properties for Hg(II) removal from aqueous solutions. The one chitosan adsorbent (CS) is only cross–linked with glutaraldehyde, while the other (CSm), which is magnetic, is cross-linked with glutaraldehyde and functionalized with magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4). Many possible interactions between materials and Hg(II) were observed after adsorption and explained via characterization with various techniques (SEM/EDAX, FTIR, XRD, DTG, DTA, VSM, swelling tests). The adsorption evaluation was done studying various parameters as the effect of pH (optimum value 5 for adsorption and 2 for desorption), contact time (fitting to pseudo–first, –second order and Elovich equations), temperature (isotherms at 25, 45, 65 °C), in line with a brief thermodynamic analysis (ΔG0 < 0, ΔH0 > 0, ΔS0 > 0). The maximum adsorption capacity (fitting with Langmuir and Freundlich model) of CS and CSm at 25 °C was 145 and 152 mg/g, respectively. The reuse ability of the adsorbents prepared was confirmed with sequential cycles of adsorption-desorption.
Estimation of Herbaceous Fuel Moisture Content Using Vegetation Indices and Land Surface Temperature from MODIS Data
Authors: Sow Momadou , Mbow Cheikh , Hély Christelle , Fensholt Rasmus , Sambou Bienvenu
Published: May 2013

The monitoring of herbaceous fuel moisture content is a crucial activity in order to assess savanna fire risks. Faced with the difficulty of managing wide areas of vegetated surfaces, remote sensing appears an attractive alternative for terrestrial measurements because of its advantages related to temporal resolution and spatial coverage. Earth observation (EO)-based vegetation indices (VIs) and the ratio between Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and surface temperature (ST) were used for assessment of herbaceous fuel moisture content estimates and validated against herbaceous data collected in 2010 at three open savanna sites located in Senegal, West Africa. EO-based estimates of water content were more consistent with the use of VI as compared to the ratio NDVI/ST. Different VIs based on near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) reflectance were tested and a consistent relationship was found between field measurements of leaf equivalent water thickness (EWT) from all test sites and Normalized Difference Infrared Index (NDII), Global Vegetation Moisture Index (GVMI) and Moisture Stress Index (MSI). Also, strong relationships were found between fuel moisture content (FMC) and VIs for the sites separately; however, they were weaker for the pooled data. The correlations between EWT/FMC and VIs were found to decrease progressively as the woody cover increased. Although these results suggest that NIR and SWIR reflectance can be used for the estimation of herbaceous water content, additional validation from an increased number of study sites is necessary to study the robustness of such indices for a larger variety of savanna vegetation types.