bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a
KCNQ1
Polymorphism Acting as a Protective Modifier Against Arrhythmic Risk in Long-QT Syndrome
Authors: Duchatelet Sabine , Crotti Lia , Peat Rachel A. , Denjoy Isabelle , Itoh Hideki , Berthet Myriam , Ohno Seiko , Fressart Véronique , Monti Maria Cristina , Crocamo Cristina , Pedrazzini Matteo , Dagradi Federica , Vicentini Alessandro , Klug Didier , Brink Paul A. , Goosen Althea , Swan Heikki , Toivonen Lauri , Lahtinen Annukka M. , Kontula Kimmo , Shimizu Wataru , Horie Minoru , George Alfred L. , Trégouët David-Alexandre , Guicheney Pascale , Schwartz Peter J.
Published: July 2013

Background—

Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by such striking clinical heterogeneity that, even among family members carrying the same mutation, clinical outcome can range between sudden death and no symptoms. We investigated the role of genetic variants as modifiers of risk for cardiac events in patients with LQTS.

Methods and Results—

In a matched case–control study including 112 patient duos with LQTS from France, Italy, and Japan, 25 polymorphisms were genotyped based on either their association with QTc duration in healthy populations or on their role in adrenergic responses. The duos were composed of 2 relatives harboring the same heterozygous
KCNQ1
or
KCNH2
mutation: 1 with cardiac events and 1 asymptomatic and untreated. The findings were then validated in 2 independent founder populations totaling 174 symptomatic and 162 asymptomatic patients with LQTS, and a meta-analysis was performed. The
KCNQ1
rs2074238 T-allele was significantly associated with a decreased risk of symptoms 0.34 (0.19–0.61;
P
<0.0002) and with shorter QTc (
P
<0.0001) in the combined discovery and replication cohorts.

Conclusions—

We provide evidence that the
KCNQ1
rs2074238 polymorphism is an independent risk modifier with the minor T-allele conferring protection against cardiac events in patients with LQTS. This finding is a step toward a novel approach for risk stratification in patients with LQTS.
Hospital Strategies Associated With 30-Day Readmission Rates for Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Bradley Elizabeth H. , Curry Leslie , Horwitz Leora I. , Sipsma Heather , Wang Yongfei , Walsh Mary Norine , Goldmann Don , White Neal , Piña Ileana L. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: July 2013

Background—

Reducing hospital readmission rates is a national priority; however, evidence about hospital strategies that are associated with lower readmission rates is limited. We sought to identify hospital strategies that were associated with lower readmission rates for patients with heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Using data from a Web-based survey of hospitals participating in national quality initiatives to reduce readmission (n=599; 91% response rate) during 2010–2011, we constructed a multivariable linear regression model, weighted by hospital volume, to determine strategies independently associated with risk-standardized 30-day readmission rates (RSRRs) adjusted for hospital teaching status, geographic location, and number of staffed beds. Strategies that were associated with lower hospital RSRRs included the following: (1) partnering with community physicians or physician groups to reduce readmission (0.33% percentage point lower RSRRs;
P
=0.017), (2) partnering with local hospitals to reduce readmissions (0.34 percentage point;
P
=0.020), (3) having nurses responsible for medication reconciliation (0.18 percentage point;
P
=0.002), (4) arranging follow-up appointments before discharge (0.19 percentage point;
P
=0.037), (5) having a process in place to send all discharge paper or electronic summaries directly to the patient’s primary physician (0.21 percentage point;
P
=0.004), and (6) assigning staff to follow up on test results that return after the patient is discharged (0.26 percentage point;
P
=0.049). Although statistically significant, the magnitude of the effects was modest with individual strategies associated with less than half a percentage point reduction in RSRRs; however, hospitals that implemented more strategies had significantly lower RSRRs (reduction of 0.34 percentage point for each additional strategy).

Conclusions—

Several strategies were associated with lower hospital RSRRs for patients with heart failure.
Disruption of Visual Awareness during the Attentional Blink Is Reflected by Selective Disruption of Late-stage Neural Processing
Authors: Harris Joseph A. , McMahon Alex R. , Woldorff Marty G.
Published: July 2013

Any information represented in the brain holds the potential to influence behavior. It is therefore of broad interest to determine the extent and quality of neural processing of stimulus input that occurs with and without awareness. The attentional blink is a useful tool for dissociating neural and behavioral measures of perceptual visual processing across conditions of awareness. The extent of higher-order visual information beyond basic sensory signaling that is processed during the attentional blink remains controversial. To determine what neural processing at the level of visual-object categorization occurs in the absence of awareness, electrophysiological responses to images of faces and houses were recorded both within and outside the attentional blink period during a rapid serial visual presentation stream. Electrophysiological results were sorted according to behavioral performance (correctly identified targets vs. missed targets) within these blink and nonblink periods. An early index of face-specific processing (the N170, 140- to 220-msec poststimulus) was observed regardless of whether the participant demonstrated awareness of the stimulus, whereas a later face-specific effect with the same topographic distribution (500- to 700-msec poststimulus) was only seen for accurate behavioral discrimination of the stimulus content. The present findings suggest a multistage process of object-category processing, with only the later phase being associated with explicit visual awareness.
Perceptual Sequence Learning Is More Severely Impaired than Motor Sequence Learning in Patients with Chronic Cerebellar Stroke
Authors: Dirnberger Georg , Novak Judith , Nasel Christian
Published: July 2013

Patients with cerebellar stroke are impaired in procedural learning. Several different learning mechanisms contribute to procedural learning in healthy individuals. The aim was to compare the relative share of different learning mechanisms in patients and healthy controls. Ten patients with cerebellar stroke and 12 healthy controls practiced a visuomotor serial reaction time task. Learning blocks with high stimulus–response compatibility were exercised repeatedly; in between these, participants performed test blocks with the same or a different (mirror-inverted or unrelated) stimulus sequence and/or the same or a different (mirror-inverted) stimulus–response allocation. This design allowed to measure the impact of motor learning and perceptual learning independently and to separate both mechanisms from the learning of stimulus–response pairs. Analysis of the learning blocks showed that, as expected, both patients and controls improved their performance over time, although patients remained significantly slower. Analysis of the test blocks revealed that controls showed significant motor learning as well as significant visual perceptual learning, whereas cerebellar patients showed only significant motor learning. Healthy participants were able to use perceptual information for procedural learning even when the rule linking stimuli and responses had been changed, whereas patients with cerebellar lesions could not recruit this perception-based mechanism. Therefore, the cerebellum appears involved in the accurate processing of perceptual information independent from prelearned stimulus–response mappings.
Taxonomic notes on the spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae, Corinnidae), with the description of the new genera Copuetta and Wasaka and the first cladistic analysis of Afrotropical Castianeirinae
Authors: HADDAD CHARLES R.
Published: July 2013

The Afrotropical sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898, presently placed in the Castianeirinae, is reviewed. The type material of the type species, M. martini Simon, 1898, clearly represents two different species, a corinnine female (here designated the lectotype) and a castianeirine male (the paralectotype). The female is redescribed and its corresponding male is described for the first time. As a result, Messapus is transferred to the Corinninae. Corinna natalis Pocock, 1898 is transferred to Messapus, while Messapus secundus Strand, 1907 is transferred to Merenius Simon, 1909. The new genus Copuetta gen. nov., with the type species C. maputa sp. nov., is established to accommodate the misidentified castianeirine male paralectotype of M. martini, and its matching female is described for the first time. Castianeira kibonotensis Lessert, 1921 syn. nov. is considered a junior synonym of Copuetta lacustris (Strand, 1916) comb. nov., which is redescribed from both sexes and transferred from Copa Simon, 1885. A further eleven new species of Copuetta are described: C. comorica sp. nov., C. erecta sp. nov., C. kakamega sp. nov., C. kwamgumi sp. nov., C. lesnei sp. nov., C. litipo sp. nov., C. lotzi sp. nov., C. magna sp. nov., C. naja sp. nov., C. uzungwa sp. nov. and C. wagneri sp. nov. Of these species, only C. lacustris and C. magna sp. nov. have large distribution ranges. Seven of the species are only known from the type locality and the remaining four have distributions restricted to one or two countries. A second new genus, Wasaka gen. nov., is described for four new species with restricted distributions from East and Central Africa: W. imitatrix sp. nov., W. montana sp. nov., W. occulta sp. nov. (type species) and W. ventralis sp. nov. A first phylogenetic analysis focused on the Afrotropical Castianeirinae is presented. The results support the placement and transfer of Messapus (including M. natalis comb. nov.) and Medmassa Simon, 1887 in the Corinninae, and the monophyly of a clade including the four cryptic lycosiform castianeirine genera from the Afrotropical Region (Copa, Copuetta gen. nov., Echinax Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001 and Wasaka gen. nov.). The implications of the phylogenetic results are briefly discussed.
A Study of Nocturnal Surface Wind Speed Overprediction by the WRF-ARW Model in Southeastern Texas
Authors: Ngan Fong , Kim Hyuncheol , Lee Pius , Al-Wali Khalid , Dornblaser Bright
Published: July 2013

The overprediction of surface wind speed during nighttime by the Advanced Research core of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model was investigated for a period of the Second Texas Air Quality Study (28 May–3 July 2006). In coastal regions of southeastern Texas, the model had a significant increase of wind speed biases on the surface in the evening throughout the period, especially between 4 and 12 June. The synoptic pattern was a high pressure system centered over the Louisiana–Mississippi area that was subjected to a weak easterly–southeasterly flow in the lower troposphere. The weather conditions favorable for sea-breeze development brought a southerly–southwesterly onshore flow to the near-surface levels. In comparison with measurements, the downward sensible heat flux was overpredicted at night, which resulted in a warm bias in surface temperature. For the vertical wind profile on days with an evening wind bias, sea-breeze-driven nocturnal low-level jets (southerly–southwesterly) were present at around 300 m while another wind maximum was observed at higher levels (around 1.5–2 km), which were associated with a high pressure system centered on southeastern states. The vertical gradient of wind speed in the lowest 150 m was smoother in the model than it was in the observations; this could be attributed to excessive downward mixing. Sensitivities using different land surface and PBL parameterizations showed that the model's overprediction of nocturnal wind was still present despite improvements in the predictions of surface temperature and sensible heat flux.
Evaluation of the Hydrometeor Layers in the East and West Pacific within ISCCP Cloud-Top Pressure–Optical Depth Bins Using Merged CloudSat and CALIPSO Data
Authors: Mace Gerald G. , Wrenn Forrest J.
Published: July 2013

The International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) provides a multidecadal and global description of cloud properties that are often grouped into joint histograms of column visible optical depth τ and effective cloud-top pressure Ptop. It has not been possible until recently to know the actual distributions of hydrometeor layers within the ISCCP Ptop–τ bins. Distributions of hydrometeor layers within the ISCCP Ptop–τ conditional probability space using measurements from the CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar and the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) lidar within two 40° × 40° regions in the eastern and western equatorial Pacific over a 2-yr period are examined. With the exception of thin cirrus and stratocumulus, the authors show that of the Ptop–τ types that are commonly analyzed, none of the types contain unique distributions of geometrically defined layer types but tend to be populated by diverse sets of hydrometeor layers whose bulk profile properties conspire to render specific radiative signatures when interpreted by two-channel visible and IR sensors from space. In comparing the geometric distribution of cloud layers for common Ptop–τ types, it is found that the ISCCP Cirrostratus, Deep Convection, and Stratocumulus types appear to have been drawn from a common geometric distribution of hydrometeor layers. The other six common ISCCP Ptop–τ types do not share this feature. The authors can confidently reject an assumption that even though they have common top-of-atmosphere radiative signatures, they do not appear to share a common distribution of cloud layers and therefore are likely to have significantly different radiative heating profiles and different surface radiative forcing even though their top-of-atmosphere radiative signatures are similar.
An Analysis of Loop Current Frontal Eddies in a ⅙° Atlantic Ocean Model Simulation
Authors: Huang Haosheng , Walker Nan D. , Hsueh Ya , Chao Yi , Leben Robert R.
Published: July 2013

The Loop Current frontal eddies (LCFEs) refer to cyclonic cold eddies moving downstream along the outside edge of the Loop Current in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. They have been observed by in situ measurements and satellite imagery, mostly downstream of the Campeche Bank continental shelf. Their evolution, simulated by a primitive equation ⅙° and 37-level Atlantic Ocean general circulation numerical model, is described in detail in this study. Some of the simulated LCFEs arise, with the passage through the Yucatan Channel of a Caribbean anticyclonic eddy, as weak cyclones with diameters less than 100 km near the Yucatan Channel. They then grow to fully developed eddies with diameters on the order of 150–200 km while moving along the Loop Current edge. Modeled LCFEs have a very coherent vertical structure with isotherm doming seen from 50- to ~1000-m depth. The Caribbean anticyclone and LCFE are two predominant features in this numerical model simulation, which account for 22% and 10%, respectively, of the short-term (period less than 100 days) temperature variance at 104.5 m in the complex empirical orthogonal function (CEOF) analysis. The source water inside the LCFEs that are generated by Caribbean anticyclonic eddy impingement can be traced back, using a backward-in-time Lagrangian particle-tracking method, to the western edge of the Caribbean Current in the northwest Caribbean Sea and to coastal waters near the northern Yucatan Peninsula. The model results indicating a pairing of anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies within and north of the Yucatan Channel are supported by satellite altimetry measurements during February 2002 when several altimeters were operational.
Current Perspectives
Authors: Choi A.H. , Ben-Nissan B. , Matinlinna J.P. , Conway R.C.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of coatings on implants is to achieve some or all of the improvements in biocompatibility, bioactivity, and increased protection from the release of harmful or unnecessary metal ions. During the last decade, there has been substantially increased interest in nanomaterials in biomedical science and dentistry. Nanocomposites can be described as a combination of two or more nanomaterials. By this approach, it is possible to manipulate mechanical properties, such as strength and modulus of the composites, to become closer to those of natural bone. This is feasible with the help of secondary substitution phases. Currently, the most common composite materials used for clinical applications are those selected from a handful of available and well-characterized biocompatible ceramics and natural and synthetic polymers. This approach is currently being explored in the development of a new generation of nanocomposite coatings with a wider range of oral and dental applications to promote osseointegration. The aim of this review is to give a brief introduction into the new advances in calcium phosphate nanocoatings and their composites, with a range of materials such as bioglass, carbon nanotubes, silica, ceramic oxide, and other nanoparticles being investigated or used in dentistry.
Accurate identification of fastidious Gram-negative rods: integration of both conventional phenotypic methods and 16S rRNA gene analysis
Authors: de Melo Oliveira Maria G , Abels Susanne , Zbinden Reinhard , Bloemberg Guido V , Zbinden Andrea
Published: July 2013

Background

Accurate identification of fastidious Gram-negative rods (GNR) by conventional phenotypic characteristics is a challenge for diagnostic microbiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of molecular methods, e.g., 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis for identification of fastidious GNR in the clinical microbiology laboratory.

Results

A total of 158 clinical isolates covering 20 genera and 50 species isolated from 1993 to 2010 were analyzed by comparing biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis based identification. 16S rRNA gene homology analysis identified 148/158 (94%) of the isolates to species level, 9/158 (5%) to genus and 1/158 (1%) to family level. Compared to 16S rRNA gene sequencing as reference method, phenotypic identification correctly identified 64/158 (40%) isolates to species level, mainlyAggregatibacter aphrophilus,Cardiobacterium hominis,Eikenella corrodens, Pasteurella multocida, and 21/158 (13%) isolates correctly to genus level, notablyCapnocytophagasp.; 73/158 (47%) of the isolates were not identified or misidentified.

Conclusions

We herein propose an efficient strategy for accurate identification of fastidious GNR in the clinical microbiology laboratory by integrating both conventional phenotypic methods and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. We conclude that 16S rRNA gene sequencing is an effective means for identification of fastidious GNR, which are not readily identified by conventional phenotypic methods.
Redox-sensitive DNA binding by homodimeric Methanosarcina acetivorans MsvR is modulated by cysteine residues
Authors: Isom Catherine E , Turner Jessica L , Lessner Daniel J , Karr Elizabeth A
Published: July 2013

Background

Methanoarchaea are among the strictest known anaerobes, yet they can survive exposure to oxygen. The mechanisms by which they sense and respond to oxidizing conditions are unknown. MsvR is a transcription regulatory protein unique to the methanoarchaea. Initially identified and characterized in the methanogen Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus (Mth), MthMsvR displays differential DNA binding under either oxidizing or reducing conditions. Since MthMsvR regulates a potential oxidative stress operon in M. thermautotrophicus, it was hypothesized that the MsvR family of proteins were redox-sensitive transcription regulators.

Results

An MsvR homologue from the methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans, MaMsvR, was overexpressed and purified. The two MsvR proteins bound the same DNA sequence motif found upstream of all known MsvR encoding genes, but unlike MthMsvR, MaMsvR did not bind the promoters of select genes involved in the oxidative stress response. Unlike MthMsvR that bound DNA under both non-reducing and reducing conditions, MaMsvR bound DNA only under reducing conditions. MaMsvR appeared as a dimer in gel filtration chromatography analysis and site-directed mutagenesis suggested that conserved cysteine residues within the V4R domain were involved in conformational rearrangements that impact DNA binding.

Conclusions

Results presented herein suggest that homodimeric MaMsvR acts as a transcriptional repressor by binding Ma P
msvR
under non-reducing conditions. Changing redox conditions promote conformational changes that abrogate binding to Ma P
msvR
which likely leads to de-repression.
Staphylococcus aureus colonization of healthy military service members in the United States and Afghanistan
Authors: Vento Todd J , Calvano Tatjana P , Cole David W , Mende Katrin , Rini Elizabeth A , Tully Charla C , Landrum Michael L , Zera Wendy , Guymon Charles H , Yu Xin , Beckius Miriam L , Cheatle Kristelle A , Murray Clinton K
Published: July 2013

Background

Staphylococcus aureus [methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible (MRSA/MSSA)] is a leading cause of infections in military personnel, but there are limited data regarding baseline colonization of individuals while deployed. We conducted a pilot study to screen non-deployed and deployed healthy military service members for MRSA/MSSA colonization at various anatomic sites and assessed isolates for molecular differences.

Methods

Colonization point-prevalence of 101 military personnel in the US and 100 in Afghanistan was determined by swabbing 7 anatomic sites. US-based individuals had received no antibiotics within 30 days, and Afghanistan-deployed personnel were taking doxycycline for malaria prophylaxis. Isolates underwent identification and testing for antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors, and pulsed-field type (PFT).

Results

4 individuals in the US (4 isolates- 3 oropharynx, 1 perirectal) and 4 in Afghanistan (6 isolates- 2 oropharynx, 2 nare, 1 hand, 1 foot) were colonized with MRSA. Among US-based personnel, 3 had USA300 (1 PVL+) and 1 USA700. Among Afghanistan-based personnel, 1 had USA300 (PVL+), 1 USA800 and 2 USA1000. MSSA was present in 40 (71 isolates-25 oropharynx, 15 nare) of the US-based and 32 (65 isolates- 16 oropharynx, 24 nare) of the Afghanistan-based individuals. 56 (79%) US and 41(63%) Afghanistan-based individuals had MSSA isolates recovered from extra-nare sites. The most common MSSA PFTs were USA200 (9 isolates) in the US and USA800 (7 isolates) in Afghanistan. MRSA/MSSA isolates were susceptible to doxycycline in all but 3 personnel (1 US, 2 Afghanistan; all were MSSA isolates that carried tetM).

Conclusion

MRSA and MSSA colonization of military personnel was not associated with deployment status or doxycycline exposure. Higher S. aureus oropharynx colonization rates were observed and may warrant changes in decolonization practices.
Lack of association between Fas rs180082polymorphism and risk of cervical cancer: an update by meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xu , Mo Wuning , Peng Qiliu , Su Xiandu
Published: July 2013

Background

The Fas rs180082 polymorphism has been reported to be associated with cervical cancer susceptibility, yet the results of these previous results have been inconsistent or controversial. The objective of this study was to explore whether the Fas rs180082 polymorphism confers susceptibility to cervical cancer.

Methods

The relevant studies were identified through a search of PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Elsevier Science Direct and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) until July 2012. The association between the Fas rs180082 polymorphism and cervical cancer risk was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) together with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 7 case–control studies were eventually identified. We found no association between Fas rs180082 polymorphism and cervical cancer susceptibility in overall population (G versus A: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.99-1.07, P = 0.197; AG + GG versus AA: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.98-1.09, P = 0.176; GG versus AA + AG: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.84–1.31, P = 0.701). In subgroup analysis, similar results were found in Asian (G versus A: OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.97–1.15, P = 0.195; AG + GG versus AA: OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.98–1.19, P = 0.176; GG versus AA + AG: OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.51–1.84, P = 0.935) and African (G versus A: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.97-1.15, P = 0.195; AG + GG versus AA: OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.91–1.07, P = 0.739; GG versus AA + AG: OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.94–1.25, P = 0.745).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis has shown that there is a lack of association of the Fas rs180082 polymorphisms with cervical cancer susceptibility. However, larger scale primary studies with the consideration of gene–gene and gene–environment interactions are still required to further evaluate the interaction of Fas rs180082 polymorphism with cervical cancer susceptibility.
Cancer history, bandemia, and serum creatinine are independent mortality predictors in patients with infection-precipitated hyperglycemic crises
Authors: Huang Chien-Cheng , Chou Willy , Lin Hung-Jung , Chen Shih-Chung , Kuo Shu-Chun , Chen Wei-Lung , Chen Jiann-Hwa , Wang Hsien-Yi , Guo How-Ran
Published: July 2013

Background

Infection is the most common precipitating factor and cause of death in patients with hyperglycemic crises. Treating infection-precipitated hyperglycemic crises includes using empiric antibiotics early; correcting dehydration, hyperglycemia, and electrolyte imbalances; and frequent monitoring. Intensive care unit admission, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and even novel therapy for infection may be beneficial for patients with a high risk of mortality. However, these management options are costly and not beneficial for every patient. Selecting high-risk patients who would most likely benefit is more appropriate. We investigated the independent mortality predictors of patients with infection-precipitated hyperglycemic crises to facilitate clinical decision making.

Methods

This study was conducted in a university-affiliated medical center. Consecutive adult patients (> 18 years old) visiting the Emergency Department between January 2004 and December 2010 were enrolled when they met the criteria of an infection-precipitated hyperglycemic crisis. Thirty-day mortality was the primary endpoint.

Results

One hundred forty-two patients were enrolled. The infection source did not predict mortality. The presenting variables that were independently associated with 30-day mortality in a multiple logistic regression model were cancer history (odds ratio [OR], 7.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-23.2), bandemia (OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 1.6-30.3), and serum creatinine (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8). The common sources of infection were the lower respiratory tract (30.3%), urinary tract (49.3%), skin or soft tissue (12.0%), and intra-abdominal (6.3%).

Conclusions

Cancer history, bandemia, and serum creatinine level are three independent mortality predictors for patients with infection-precipitated hyperglycemic crises. These predictors are both readily available and valuable for physicians making decisions about risk stratification, treatment, and disposition.
Salivary pellicles on titanium and their effect on metabolic activity in Streptococcus oralis
Authors: Dorkhan Marjan , Svensäter Gunnel , Davies Julia R
Published: July 2013

Background

Titanium implants in the oral cavity are covered with a saliva-derived pellicle to which early colonizing microorganisms such as Streptococcus oralis can bind. The protein profiles of salivary pellicles on titanium have not been well characterized and the proteins of importance for binding are thus unknown. Biofilm bacteria exhibit different phenotypes from their planktonic counterparts and contact with salivary proteins may be one factor contributing to the induction of changes in physiology. We have characterized salivary pellicles from titanium surfaces and investigated how contact with uncoated and saliva-coated titanium surfaces affects metabolic activity in adherent cells of S. oralis.

Methods

Salivary pellicles on smooth titanium surfaces were desorbed and these, as well as purified human saliva, were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectroscopy. A parallel plate flow-cell model was used to study binding of a fresh isolate of S. oralis to uncoated and saliva-coated titanium surfaces. Metabolic activity was assessed using the Bac Light CTC Vitality Kit and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Experiments were carried out in triplicate and the results analyzed using Student’s t-test or ANOVA.

Results

Secretory IgA, α-amylase and cystatins were identified as dominant proteins in the salivary pellicles. Selective adsorption of proteins was demonstrated by the enrichment of prolactin-inducible protein and absence of zinc-α2-glycoprotein relative to saliva. Adherence of S. oralis to titanium led to an up-regulation of metabolic activity in the population after 2 hours. In the presence of a salivary pellicle, this effect was enhanced and sustained over the following 22 hour period.

Conclusions

We have shown that adherence to smooth titanium surfaces under flow causes an up-regulation of metabolic activity in the early oral colonizer S. oralis, most likely as part of an adaptation to the biofilm mode of life. The effect was enhanced by a salivary pellicle containing sIgA, α-amylase, cystatins and prolactin-inducible protein which was, for the first time, identified as an abundant component of salivary pellicles on titanium. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying the effect of surface contact on metabolic activity as well as to identify the salivary proteins responsible for enhancing the effect.
A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of PCSO-524®, a patented oil extract of the New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), on the behaviour, mood, cognition and neurophysiology of children and adolescents (aged 6–14 years) experiencing clinical and sub-clinical levels of hyperactivity and inattention: study protocol ACTRN12610000978066
Authors: Kean James D , Camfield David , Sarris Jerome , Kras Marni , Silberstein Richard , Scholey Andrew , Stough Con
Published: July 2013

Background

The prevalence rate of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) within Western cultures is between 5% and 12%, and is the most common psychiatric illness among school-aged children, with an estimated 50% of these children retaining ADHD symptoms for the rest of their lives. Children with ADHD have lower blood levels of long-chain Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (LC PUFAs) compared with children without ADHD, and following PUFA supplementation, have shown improvements in ADHD-related symptoms. One highly promising marine based LC PUFA preparation is the Omega-3-rich Lyprinol/Omega XL which is a natural formulation containing standardised lipid extract of the New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) known as PCSO-524® which contains a unique combination of free fatty acids, sterol esters, polar lipids and carotenoids. It is this unique combination of marine lipids that may assist in correcting the decreased levels of LC PUFA levels in children with symptoms of ADHD. The compound is a mixture belonging to a lipid group called sterol esters (SE). The fatty acids in the SE fraction are mainly myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Lyprinol/Omega XL has previously been shown to contain a potent group of Omega-3 lipids that block the 5 - lipoxygenase metabolic pathway responsible for inflammation in the body.

Methods

A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial will be utilized to assess the effects of 14 weeks administration of Lyprinol/Omega XL versus placebo in 150 children aged 6 to 14 years with high levels of hyperactivity and inattention. Additionally, a range of cognitive, mood and central electrophysiological measures will be undertaken during the 14 week supplementation trial. The primary outcome measure, the Conners’ Parent Rating Scales will be completed initially at baseline, then in weeks 4, 8, 10, 14 and then again at 4 weeks post-administration (week 18). The results will contribute to our understanding of the efficacy of marine based Omega-3 s with high anti-inflammatory actions on inattention and hyperactivity in children aged 6 to 14 years.
Identification of cellular proteome using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis in ST cells infected with transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus
Authors: Zhang Xin , Shi Hong-Yan , Chen Jian-Fei , Shi Da , Lang Hong-Wu , Wang Zhong-Tian , Feng Li
Published: July 2013

Background

Transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV) is an enteropathogenic coronavirus that causes diarrhea in pigs, which is correlated with high morbidity and mortality in suckling piglets. Information remains limited about the comparative protein expression of host cells in response to TGEV infection. In this study, cellular protein response to TGEV infection in swine testes (ST) cells was analyzed, using the proteomic method of two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE) coupled with MALDI-TOF-TOF/MS identification.

Results

33 differentially expressed protein spots, of which 23 were up-regulated and 10 were down-regulated were identified. All the protein spots were successfully identified. The identified proteins were involved in the regulation of essential processes such as cellular structure and integrity, RNA processing, protein biosynthesis and modification, vesicle transport, signal transduction, and the mitochondrial pathway. Western blot analysis was used to validate the changes of alpha tubulin, keratin 19, and prohibitin during TGEV infection.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, we have performed the first analysis of the proteomic changes in host cell during TGEV infection. 17 altered cellular proteins that differentially expressed in TGEV infection were identified. The present study provides protein-related information that should be useful for understanding the host cell response to TGEV infection and the underlying mechanism of TGEV replication and pathogenicity.
Measurement precision of the disability for back pain scale-by applying Rasch analysis
Authors: Lu Yen-Mou , Wu Yuh-Yih , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Lin Chih-Lung , Hwang Shiuh-Lin , Cheng Kuang-I , Lue Yi-Jing
Published: July 2013

Background

The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is widely used for patients with back pain. However, few studies have examined its psychometric properties using modern measurement theory. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the ODI in patients with back pain using Rasch analysis.

Methods

A total of 408 patients with back pain participated in this cross-sectional study. Patients were recruited from the orthopedic, neurosurgery, rehabilitation departments and pain clinic of two hospitals. Rasch analysis was used to examine the Chinese version of ODI 2.1 for unidimensionality, item difficulty, category function, differential item functioning, and test information.

Results

The fit statistics showed 10 items of the ODI fitted the model’s expectation as a unidimensional scale. The ODI measured the different levels of functional limitation without skewing toward the lower or higher levels of disability. No significant ceiling and floor effects and gaps among the items were found. The reliability was high and the test information curve demonstrated precise dysfunction estimation.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the ODI is a unidimensional questionnaire with high reliability. The ODI can precisely estimate the level of dysfunction, and the item difficulty of the ODI matches the person ability. For clinical application, using logits scores could precisely represent the disability level, and using the item difficulty could help clinicians design progressive programs for patients with back pain.
The characteristics of oviposition and hormonal and gene regulation of ovarian follicle development in Magang geese
Authors: Qin Qingming , Sun Aidong , Guo Rihong , Lei Mingming , Ying Shijia , Shi Zhendan
Published: July 2013

Background

Egg laying in Magang geese is characterized by extended interruption between clutches and lowing laying rate. Both the ovarian follicular development and ovulation characteristics, and the associated endocrine and molecular regulatory mechanisms involved are poorly understood, but could be important for guiding development of molecule aided selection of egg laying performances in geese. This study, therefore, recorded egg-laying characteristics of Magang geese, and the endocrine and molecular regulatory mechanisms of ovarian follicular development, maturation, and ovulation in Magang geese.

Methods

Oviposition, ovarian follicle development, and reproductive hormone and gene expression profiles were observed in a small flock of Magang geese.

Results

Greater than 73% of eggs were laid during the day. The average oviposition interval was 46.8 h (36–55 h). It took approximately 18 days for large white follicles to develop into mature F1 follicles; follicular growth was exponential. LHR expression levels increased from the small to the large mature follicles, but FSHR expression decreased in the granulosa and thecal layers. As the follicles matured, inhibin alpha and inhibin betaA expression increased in the granulosa layer. Activin IR, activin IIRA, activin IIRB, and beta-glycan expressions also increased as the follicles increased in size, but were more abundantly expressed in the thecal than in the granulosa layers. During the oviposition cycle, plasma concentrations of gonadal hormones decreased rapidly, whereas the level of PGFM peaked around ovulation. The profiles of activin, inhibin, follistatin, estradiol, and progesterone leading to ovulation were characterized.

Conclusions

The molecular and endocrine mechanisms that regulate follicular development in Magang geese are similar to those in chickens. Moreover, gonadotropin regulation and interaction between activin, inhibin, and follistatin secretion may govern 3-stage maturation in the final preovulatory follicles in Magang geese. The rapid rebound of post-ovulatory secretions of inhibin and follistatin may inhibit recruitment of new SYF recruitment once a sequence of eggs is started, and may limit the egg clutch size to no more than the number of LYFs present before the first sequence egg.
Analytic Nakagami fading parameter estimation in dependent noise channel using copula
Authors: Gholizadeh Mohammad Hossein , Amindavar Hamidreza , Ritcey James A
Published: July 2013

In this paper, the probability density function (PDF) estimation is introduced in the framework of estimating the Nakagami fading parameter. This approach provides an analytic procedure for finding the fading parameter. Using the copula theory, an accurate PDF estimate is obtained even when the desired signal is corrupted in a noisy environment. In the real world, the noise samples could be highly dependent on the main signal. Copula-based models are a general set of statistical models defined for any multivariate random variable. Thus, they depict the statistical behavior of a received signal including two dependent terms, representative of the desired signal and noise. Previous works in the Nakagami parameter determination have mainly examined estimation based on either a noiseless sample model or an independent trivial noisy one. In this paper, we consider a more comprehensive situation about the noise destruction and our investigation is done in low signal-to-noise ratios. The parametric bootstrap method approves the accuracy of the analytically estimated PDF, and simulation results show that the new estimator has superior performance over conventional estimators.
Development of prophylactic vaccines against HIV-1
Authors: Schiffner Torben , Sattentau Quentin J , Dorrell Lucy
Published: July 2013

The focus of most current HIV-1 vaccine development is on antibody-based approaches. This is because certain antibody responses correlated with protection from HIV-1 acquisition in the RV144 phase III trial, and because a series of potent and broad spectrum neutralizing antibodies have been isolated from infected individuals. Taken together, these two findings suggest ways forward to develop a neutralizing antibody-based vaccine. However, understanding of the correlates of protection from disease in HIV-1 and other infections strongly suggests that we should not ignore CTL-based research. Here we review recent progress in the field and highlight the challenges implicit in HIV-1 vaccine design and some potential solutions.
Endoscopic rendez-vous after damage control surgery in treatment of retroperitoneal abscess from perforated duodenal diverticulum: a techinal note and literature review
Authors: Barillaro Ivan , Grassi Veronica , De Sol Angelo , Renzi Claudio , Cochetti Giovanni , Barillaro Francesco , Corsi Alessia , Cacurri Alban , Petrina Adolfo , Cagini Lucio , Boselli Carlo , Cirocchi Roberto , Noya Giuseppe
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The duodenum is the second seat of onset of diverticula after the colon. Duodenal diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic, but duodenal perforation with abscess may occur.

Case presentation

Woman, 83 years old, emergency hospitalised for generalized abdominal pain. On the abdominal tomography in the third portion of the duodenum a herniation and a concomitant full-thickness breach of the visceral wall was detected. The patient underwent emergency surgery. A surgical toilette of abscess was performed passing through the perforated diverticula and the Petzer’s tube drainage was placed in the duodenal lumen; the duodenostomic Petzer was endoscopically removed 4 months after the surgery.

Discussion

A review of medical literature was performed and our treatment has never been described.

Conclusion

For the treatment of perforated duodenal diverticula a sequential two-stage non resective approach is safe and feasible in selected cases.
Overcoming barriers and thresholds – signaling of oligomeric Aβ through the prion protein to Fyn
Authors: Wang Hansen , Ren Carl He , Gunawardana C Geeth , Schmitt-Ulms Gerold
Published: July 2013

Evidence has been mounting for an involvement of the prion protein (PrP) in a molecular pathway assumed to play a critical role in the etiology of Alzheimer disease. A currently popular model sees oligomeric amyloid β (oAβ) peptides bind directly to PrP to emanate a signal that causes activation of the cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase Fyn, an essential player in a cascade of events that ultimately leads to NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity and hyper-phosphorylation of tau. The model does not reveal, however, how extracellular binding of oAβ to PrP is communicated across the plasma membrane barrier to affect activation of Fyn. A scenario whereby PrP may adapt a transmembrane topology to affect Fyn activation in the absence of additional partners is currently not supported by evidence. A survey of known candidate PrP interactors leads to a small number of molecules that are known to acquire a transmembrane topology and understood to contribute to Fyn activation. Because multiple signaling pathways converge onto Fyn, a realistic model needs to take into account a reality of Fyn acting as a hub that integrates signals from multiple inhibitory and activating effectors. To clarify the role of PrP in oAβ-dependent excitotoxicity, future studies may need to incorporate experimental designs that can probe the contributions of Fyn modulator pathways and rely on analogous readouts, rather than threshold effects, known to underlie excitotoxic signaling.
Molecular Profiling Improves Classification and Prognostication of Nodal Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas: Results of a Phase III Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Piccaluga Pier Paolo , Fuligni Fabio , De Leo Antonio , Bertuzzi Clara , Rossi Maura , Bacci Francesco , Sabattini Elena , Agostinelli Claudio , Gazzola Anna , Laginestra Maria Antonella , Mannu Claudia , Sapienza Maria Rosaria , Hartmann Sylvia , Hansmann Martin L. , Piva Roberto , Iqbal Javeed , Chan John C. , Weisenburger Denis , Vose Julie M. , Bellei Monica , Federico Massimo , Inghirami Giorgio , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Pileri Stefano A.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The differential diagnosis among the commonest peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs; ie, PTCL not otherwise specified [NOS], angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma [AITL], and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma [ALCL]) is difficult, with the morphologic and phenotypic features largely overlapping. We performed a phase III diagnostic accuracy study to test the ability of gene expression profiles (GEPs; index test) to identify PTCL subtype.

Methods

We studied 244 PTCLs, including 158 PTCLs NOS, 63 AITLs, and 23 ALK-negative ALCLs. The GEP-based classification method was established on a support vector machine algorithm, and the reference standard was an expert pathologic diagnosis according to WHO classification.

Results

First, we identified molecular signatures (molecular classifier [MC]) discriminating either AITL and ALK-negative ALCL from PTCL NOS in a training set. Of note, the MC was developed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples and validated in both FFPE and frozen tissues. Second, we found that the overall accuracy of the MC was remarkable: 98% to 77% for AITL and 98% to 93% for ALK-negative ALCL in test and validation sets of patient cases, respectively. Furthermore, we found that the MC significantly improved the prognostic stratification of patients with PTCL. Particularly, it enhanced the distinction of ALK-negative ALCL from PTCL NOS, especially from some CD30+ PTCL NOS with uncertain morphology. Finally, MC discriminated some T-follicular helper (Tfh) PTCL NOS from AITL, providing further evidence that a group of PTCLs NOS shares a Tfh derivation with but is distinct from AITL.

Conclusion

Our findings support the usage of an MC as additional tool in the diagnostic workup of nodal PTCL.