bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AtKinesin-13A is located on Golgi-associated vesicle and involved in vesicle formation/budding in Arabidopsis root-cap peripheral cells
Authors: Wei Liqin , Zhang Wei , Liu Zhaohui , Li Yan
Published: November 2009

Background

AtKinesin-13A is an internal-motor kinesin from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Previous immunofluorescent results showed that AtKinesin-13A localized to Golgi stacks in plant cells. However, its precise localization and biological function in Golgi apparatus is unclear.

Results

In this paper, immunofluorescent labeling and confocal microscopic observation revealed that AtKinesin-13A was co-localized with Golgi stacks in Arabidopsis root tip cells. Immuno-electron microscopic observations indicated that AtKinesin-13A is primarily localized on Golgi-associated vesicles in Arabidopsis root-cap cells. By T-DNA insertion, the inactivation of the AtKinesin-13A gene (NM-112536) resulted in a sharp decrease of size and number of Golgi vesicles in root-cap peripheral cells. At the same time, these cells were vacuolated in comparison to the corresponding cells of the wild type.

Conclusion

These results suggest that AtKinesin-13A decorates Golgi-associated vesicles and may be involved in regulating the formation of Golgi vesicles in the root-cap peripheral cells in Arabidopsis.
PHA665752, a small-molecule inhibitor of c-Met, inhibits hepatocyte growth factor-stimulated migration and proliferation of c-Met-positive neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Crosswell Hal E , Dasgupta Anindya , Alvarado Carlos S , Watt Tanya , Christensen James G , De Pradip , Durden Donald L , Findley Harry W
Published: November 2009

Background

c-Met is a tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF), and both c-Met and its ligand are expressed in a variety of tissues. C-Met/HGF/SF signaling is essential for normal embryogenesis, organogenesis, and tissue regeneration. Abnormal c-Met/HGF/SF signaling has been demonstrated in different tumors and linked to aggressive and metastatic tumor phenotypes. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated inhibition of c-Met/HGF/SF signaling by the small-molecule inhibitor PHA665752. This study investigated c-Met and HGF expression in two neuroblastoma (NBL) cell lines and tumor tissue from patients with NBL, as well as the effects of PHA665752 on growth and motility of NBL cell lines. The effect of the tumor suppressor protein PTEN on migration and proliferation of tumor cells treated with PHA665752 was also evaluated.

Methods

Expression of c-Met and HGF in NBL cell lines SH-EP and SH-SY5Y and primary tumor tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR. The effect of PHA665752 on c-Met/HGF signaling involved in NBL cell proliferation and migration was evaluated in c-Met-positive cells and c-Met-transfected cells. The transwell chemotaxis assay and the MTT assay were used to measure migration and proliferation/cell-survival of tumor cells, respectively. The PPAR-γ agonist rosiglitazone was used to assess the effect of PTEN on PHA665752-induced inhibition of NBL cell proliferation/cell-survival and migration

Results

High c-Met expression was detected in SH-EP cells and primary tumors from patients with advanced-stage disease. C-Met/HGF signaling induced both migration and proliferation of SH-EP cells. Migration and proliferation/cell-survival were inhibited by PHA665752 in a dose-dependent manner. We also found that induced overexpression of PTEN following treatment with rosiglitazone significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of PHA665752 on NBL-cell migration and proliferation.

Conclusion

c-Met is highly expressed in most tumors from patients with advanced-stage, metastatic NBL. Furthermore, using the NBL cell line SH-EP as a model, PHA665752 was shown to inhibit cMet/HGF/SF signaling in vitro, suggesting c-Met inhibitors may have efficacy for blocking local progression and/or metastatic spread of c-Met-positive NBL in vivo. These are novel findings for this disease and suggest that further studies of agents targeting the c-Met/HGF axis in NBL are warranted
Oral mite anaphylaxis by Thyreophagus entomophagus in a child: a case report
Authors: Iglesias-Souto Javier , Sánchez-Machín Inmaculada , Iraola Víctor , Poza Paloma , González Ruperto , Matheu Víctor
Published: November 2009

Sensitization to Thyreophagus entomophagus, a storage mite, is uncommon and might produce occupational respiratory disorders in farmers. We present the first case of a child suffering anaphylaxis produced by ingestion of contaminated flour with Thyreophagus entomophagus.
Ets-2 and p53 mediate cAMP-induced MMP-2 expression, activity and trophoblast invasion
Authors: Staun-Ram Elsebeth , Goldman Shlomit , Shalev Eliezer
Published: November 2009

Background

We have previously shown that Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 is a key-enzyme in early trophoblast invasion and that Protein Kinase A (PKA) increases MMP-2 expression and trophoblast invasion. The aim of this study was to examine MMP -2 regulation by PKA in invasive trophoblasts: JAR choriocarcinoma cell-line and 6-8 w first trimester trophoblasts.

Methods

The effect of Forskolin (PKA) on MMP-2 expression was assessed by Northern Blot and RT-PCR. Possible transcription factors binding to consensus MMP-2 promoter sequences in response to Forskolin, were detected by EMSA binding assay and their expression assessed by western blot analysis. Antisense transfection of relevant transcription factors was performed and the inhibitory effect assessed on MMP-2 expression (RT-PCR), secretion (zymography) and trophoblast invasiveness (transwell migration assay).

Results

We found that Forskolin increased MMP-2 mRNA in JAR cells within 24 hours, and induced binding to p53, Ets, C/EBP and AP-2. Transcription factors Ets-2, phospho- p53, C/EBP epsilon, C/EBP lambda and AP-2 alpha bound to their respective binding sequences in response to Forskolin and the expressions of these transcription factors were all elevated in Forskolin- treated cells. Inhibition of Ets-2 and p53 reduced MMP-2 expression, secretion and invasiveness of Forskolin treated cells.

Conclusion

MMP-2 is regulated by PKA through several binding sites and transcription factors including Ets-2, p53, C/EBP, C/EBP lambda and AP-2 alpha. Ets-2 and p53 mediate cAMP- induced trophoblast invasiveness, through regulation of MMP-2.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based subcellular visualization of pathogen-induced host receptor signaling
Authors: Buntru Alexander , Zimmermann Timo , Hauck Christof R
Published: November 2009

Background

Bacteria-triggered signaling events in infected host cells are key elements in shaping the host response to pathogens. Within the eukaryotic cell, signaling complexes are spatially organized. However, the investigation of protein-protein interactions triggered by bacterial infection in the cellular context is technically challenging. Here, we provide a methodological approach to exploit fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to visualize pathogen-initiated signaling events in human cells.

Results

Live-cell microscopy revealed the transient recruitment of the Src family tyrosine kinase Hck upon bacterial engagement of the receptor carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 3 (CEACAM3). In cells expressing a CEACAM3 variant lacking the cytoplasmic domain, the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain of Hck (Hck-SH2) was not recruited, even though bacteria still bound to the receptor. FRET measurements on the basis of whole cell lysates revealed intimate binding between Hck-SH2 (using enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (YPet)-Hck-SH2) and the tyrosine-phosphorylated enhanced cyan fluorescent protein-labeled cytoplasmic domain of wild-type CEACAM3 (CEACAM3 WT-CyPet) and a flow cytometry-based FRET approach verified this association in intact cells. Using confocal microscopy and acceptor photobleaching, FRET between Hck-SH2 and CEACAM3 was localized to the sites of bacteria-host cell contact.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate not only the intimate binding of the SH2 domain of Hck to the tyrosine-phosphorylated cytoplasmic domain of CEACAM3 in intact cells, but furthermore, FRET measurements allow the subcellular localization of this process during bacterial infection. FRET-based assays are valuable tools to resolve bacteria-induced protein-protein interactions in the context of the intact host cell.
Comparative analysis of cell culture and prediction algorithms for phenotyping of genetically diverse HIV-1 strains from Cameroon
Authors: Ragupathy Viswanath , Zhao Jiangqin , Wang Xue , Wood Owen , Lee Sherwin , Burda Sherri , Nyambi Phillipe , Hewlett Indira
Published: November 2009

Background

With the advent of entry inhibitors, monitoring of viral tropism in the clinical setting is important. Conventional methods are cell-based and lengthy, therefore V3 sequence based prediction algorithms are becoming increasingly attractive as monitoring tools. Here we report a comparative analysis of viral tropism of strains circulating in Cameroon where diverse and emerging variant strains are prevalent.

Methods

Viruses were isolated from 17 HIV positive individuals from three cities in Cameroon. Ghost cell lines expressing either CCR5 or CXCR4 with CD4 or CD4 alone (NIH AIDS Reagent Program) were used to determine co-receptor usage. HIV replication was determined by measuring p24 antigen levels. Plasma viral load (VL) was determined using the Versant bDNA assay. Nucleotide sequencing was performed on the V3 region and sequences were edited, aligned and translated into amino acids as described in the algorithm. Bio-informatics tools based on the 11/25 and charge rule were used to predict co-receptor usage.

Results

The majority of patient isolates in our study were CRF02_AG or CRF02_AG containing recombinants. Tropism of these complex viruses based on the cell culture assay was determined to be R5 in 15/17 (88.2%) patients. However, two patient isolates were dual tropic R5X4 and had drug-specific mutations. Of these two patients, one was on antiretroviral treatment with a VL of 20,899 copies/ml and the other was drug-naïve with 141,198 copies/ml. Genotype based prediction was overall in good agreement with phenotype for R5 viruses, where 93% (14/15) of results were comparable, dual tropic viruses being reported as X4 viruses by prediction.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that most HIV strains in Cameroon were R5 tropic and some harbored drug-resistant mutations. V3 sequence based prediction compared well with cell based assays for R5 strains and may be useful even in settings where highly diverse strains are prevalent.
A rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous analysis of aliphatic and polar molecules containing free carboxyl groups in plant extracts by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Kallenbach Mario , Baldwin Ian T , Bonaventure Gustavo
Published: November 2009

Background

Aliphatic molecules containing free carboxyl groups are important intermediates in many metabolic and signalling reactions, however, they accumulate to low levels in tissues and are not efficiently ionized by electrospray ionization (ESI) compared to more polar substances. Quantification of aliphatic molecules becomes therefore difficult when small amounts of tissue are available for analysis. Traditional methods for analysis of these molecules require purification or enrichment steps, which are onerous when multiple samples need to be analyzed. In contrast to aliphatic molecules, more polar substances containing free carboxyl groups such as some phytohormones are efficiently ionized by ESI and suitable for analysis by LC-MS/MS. Thus, the development of a method with which aliphatic and polar molecules -which their unmodified forms differ dramatically in their efficiencies of ionization by ESI- can be simultaneously detected with similar sensitivities would substantially simplify the analysis of complex biological matrices.

Results

A simple, rapid, specific and sensitive method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of free aliphatic molecules (e.g., free fatty acids (FFA)) and small polar molecules (e.g., jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA)) containing free carboxyl groups by direct derivatization of leaf extracts with Picolinyl reagent followed by LC-MS/MS analysis is presented. The presence of the N atom in the esterified pyridine moiety allowed the efficient ionization of 25 compounds tested irrespective of their chemical structure. The method was validated by comparing the results obtained after analysis of Nicotiana attenuata leaf material with previously described analytical methods.

Conclusion

The method presented was used to detect 16 compounds in leaf extracts of N. attenuata plants. Importantly, the method can be adapted based on the specific analytes of interest with the only consideration that the molecules must contain at least one free carboxyl group.
Emergent management of postpartum hemorrhage for the general and acute care surgeon
Authors: Weisbrod Allison B , Sheppard Forest R , Chernofsky Mildred R , Blankenship Charles L , Gage Frederick , Wind Gary , Elster Eric A , Liston William A
Published: November 2009

Background

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the rare occasions when a general or acute care surgeon may be emergently called to labor and delivery, a situation in which time is limited and the stakes high. Unfortunately, there is generally a paucity of exposure and information available to surgeons regarding this topic: obstetric training is rarely found in contemporary surgical residency curricula and is omitted nearly completely from general and acute care surgery literature and continuing medical education.

Methods

The purpose of this manuscript is to serve as a topic specific review for surgeons and to present a surgeon oriented management algorithm. Medline and Ovid databases were utilized in a comprehensive literature review regarding the management of postpartum hemorrhage and a management algorithm for surgeons developed based upon a collaborative panel of general, acute care, trauma and obstetrical surgeons' review of the literature and expert opinion.

Results

A stepwise approach for surgeons of the medical and surgical interventions utilized to manage and treat postpartum hemorrhage is presented and organized into a basic algorithm.

Conclusion

The manuscript should promote and facilitate a more educated, systematic and effective surgeon response and participation in the management of postpartum hemorrhage.
Gliomatosis cerebri type II: two case reports
Authors: D'Urso Pietro Ivo , D'Urso Oscar Fernando , Marsigliante Santo , Storelli Carlo , Distante Alessandro , Sanguedolce Francesca , Cimmino Antonia , Luzi Giuseppe , Gianfreda Cosimo Damiano , Montinaro Antonio , Ciappetta Pasqualino
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Two types of gliomatosis cerebri exist: Type I and Type II. We report the results of a histological and genetic study of two cases of gliomatosis cerebri Type II, correlating these results with therapy and prognosis.

Case presentation

Two patients, a 52-year-old man (Patient 1) and a 76-year-old man (Patient 2) with gliomatosis cerebri II were admitted to our institution; they underwent surgical treatment and received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. At the 24-month follow-up, Patient 1 was still alive, while Patient 2 had died. The poor prognosis of Patient 2 was underlined by molecular analysis which showed that the angiogenesis related genes VCAM1 and VEGF were overexpressed, reflecting the high degree of neovascularization.

Conclusion

Genes involved in drug resistance and metallothioneins were highly expressed in Patient 2 and this, associated with unmethylated O6-methylguanine methyltransferase, can explain the lack of response to chemotherapy.
Extremely high doses of radioiodine required for treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism: a case report
Authors: Neto Arnaldo Moura , Tambascia Marcos Antonio , Brunetto Sergio , Ramos Celso Dario , Zantut-Wittmann Denise Engelbrecht
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Radioactive iodine (131I) is widely prescribed for treatment of Graves' disease. A dose of 370 to 555 MBq (10 to 15 mCi) is usually enough, but reports of improved remission rates with single doses up to 20-30 mCi, and 38.5 mCi at most, exist.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old male patient was evaluated in September 2005, with symptoms of thyrotoxicosis for 2 years. He presented with tachycardia (130 bpm) and a large goiter. Thyrotropin was <0.01 uIU/ml (0,41-4,5), free thyroxin >7.77 ng/dl (0.9-1.8), anti-thyreoperoxidase antibody: 374 IU/ml (<35) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody: 749 IU/ml (<115). Ultrasound: diffuse goiter, no nodules; right lobe: 7.9 × 3.8 × 3.8 cm; left: 7.7 × 3.5 × 3.8 cm; isthmus: 1.6 cm. Propylthiouracil 300 mg t.i.d. and propranolol were prescribed. Thyroid 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake: 52% (0.35-1.7%) and estimated thyroid volume: 149 mL. After 30 days, he received 555 MBq (15 mCi) of 131I-iodide. Six months after radioiodine therapy, under methimazole 40 mg, thyroid stimulating hormone was 1.5 uIU/ml; free thyroxine 0.54 ng/dl. Methimazole was suspended. In 21 days, thyroid stimulating hormone was 0.03 uIU/ml; free thyroxine 0.96 ng/dl. Methimazole was reintroduced. One year later, thyroid stimulating hormone was <0.01 uIU/ml and free thyroxine >7.77 ng/dl. Thyroid 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake was 45% and estimated thyroid volume 144 mL. A 1110 MBq (30 mCi) radioiodine therpy was administered. He used Methimazole for 8 months, when overt hypothyroidism appeared (TSH: 25.30 uIU/ml; free thyroxine: 0.64 ng/dl). Methimazole was interrupted. Hyperthyroidism returned 6 weeks later (thyroid stimulating hormone <0.01 uIU/ml; free thyroxine >7.77 ng/dl). Thyroid 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake was 25% and estimated thyroid volume 111 mL. Methimazole was prescribed again. In March 2008 he received a 2590 MBq (70 mCi) radioiodine therapy. By may/2008, under methimazole 20 mg, his TSH was 0.07 uIU/ml; free thyroxine 1.31 ng/dl. In October 2008 he presented overt hypothyroidism (TSH 91.6 uIU/ml; free thyroxine 0.34) and was given levothyroxine 75 mcg/day. He remains euthyroid under hormone replacement.

Conclusion

Our presented case of Graves' disease received a cumulative dose of 4255 MBq (115 mCi). The high uptake could indicate accelerated iodine turnover with 131I short time of action. Impaired hormone synthesis could also be present. We believe the extremely high dose required was due to the initial very high iodine uptake and large thyroid volume.
Gorlin-Goltz syndrome: incidental finding on routine ct scan following car accident
Authors: Kalogeropoulou Christina , Zampakis Petros , Kazantzi Santra , Kraniotis Pantelis , Mastronikolis Nicholas S
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is a rare hereditary disease. Pathogenesis of the syndrome is attributed to abnormalities in the long arm of chromosome 9 (q22.3-q31) and loss or mutations of human patched gene (PTCH1 gene). Multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), odontogenic keratocysts, skeletal abnormalities, hyperkeratosis of palms and soles, intracranial ectopic calcifications of the falx cerebri and facial dysmorphism are considered the main clinical features. Diagnosis is based upon established major and minor clinical and radiological criteria and ideally confirmed by DNA analysis. Because of the different systems affected, a multidisciplinary approach team of various experts is required for a successful management.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 19 year-old female who was involved in a car accident and found to present imaging findings of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome during a routine whole body computed tomography (CT) scan in order to exclude traumatic injuries.

Conclusion

Radiologic findings of the syndrome are easily identifiable on CT scans and may prompt to early verification of the disease, which is very important for regular follow-up and better survival rates from the co-existent diseases.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix presenting with atypical symptomatology and presence of pseudomyxoma peritonei: a case report
Authors: Alexiou Konstantinos , Sikalias Nikolaos , Demonakou Maria , Mylona Sylvia-Christina , Triantafyllis Vasileios , Kalogirou Asimina , Antsaklis Georgios
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Primary tumors of the appendix are unusual and most of them are carcinoids. Their main presentation is that of an acute appendicitis or as a palpable mass, mainly in the right lower quadrant.

Case presentation

A female patient with mucous adenocarcinoma of the appendix, which primarily presented as atypical abdominal pain. Diagnosis of the disease was made after appendicectomy and histopathological analysis of the specimen. The patient finally underwent a complementary right hemicolectomy.

Conclusion

Mucin producing adenocarcinomas of the appendix are a category of rare cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Although at present they are a well studied pathologic entity, the crucial issue of their preoperative diagnosis remains unsolved.
Special theme on HIV and disability ‐ time for closer bonds
Authors: Heidari Shirin , Kippax Susan
Published: November 2009

With the success of antiretrovirals and increased access to this lifesaving treatment, the life expectancy of people living with HIV has been substantially increased and, in many instances, is comparable to that of the general population. However, HIV infection, as well as its treatment, can cause physical, psychological or social disabilities that prevent people living with HIV from full and equal participation in society. At the same time, there is evidence that people with disabilities are at greater risk of contracting HIV. Although more attention is being paid to these overlapping fields, the field of HIV and disability remains largely overlooked.

The Journal of the International AIDS Society is publishing, for the first time, a thematic section consisting of a number of papers on HIV and disability to provide readers with an update of developments in the field.
Meeting report of the International Policy Dialogue on HIV/AIDS and Disability
Authors: Peake Sharon
Published: November 2009

As part of a partnership arrangement with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada hosted an International Policy Dialogue on HIV/AIDS and Disability from 11 to 13 March 2009 in Ottawa, Canada. The dialogue provided a forum for stakeholders from governments, academia, and non‐governmental and multilateral organizations to explore the issues and evidence related to HIV/AIDS and disability, and to chart a way forward in terms of policy and programme development. This meeting report outlines the participants, objectives and high‐level outcomes.
The fields of HIV and disability: past, present and future
Authors: Hanass‐Hancock Jill , Nixon Stephanie A
Published: November 2009

This article provides an historic overview of the fields of disability and HIV. We describe this area of concern in terms of “fields” versus “a single field” because of the two related but distinct trends that have evolved over time. The first field involves people living with HIV and their experiences of disability, disablement and rehabilitation brought on by the disease and its treatments. The second involves people with disabilities and their experiences of vulnerability to and life with HIV. These two fields have evolved relatively independently over time. However, in the final section of this article, we argue that the divide between these fields is collapsing, and that this collapse is beginning to produce a new understanding about shared concerns, cross‐field learning and the mutual benefits that might be realized from integrating policy and programmatic responses. We close by identifying directions that we expect these merging fields to take in the coming years.
Putting episodic disability into context: a qualitative study exploring factors that influence disability experienced by adults living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: O'Brien Kelly K , Davis Aileen M , Strike Carol , Young Nancy L , Bayoumi Ahmed M
Published: November 2009

Background

An increasing number of individuals may be living with the health‐related consequences of HIV and its associated treatments, a concept we term disability. However, the context in which disability is experienced from the HIV perspective is not well understood. The purpose of this paper is to describe the contextual factors that influence the experiences of disability from the perspective of adults living with HIV.

Methods

We conducted four focus groups and 15 face‐to‐face interviews with 38 men and women living with HIV. We asked participants to describe their health‐related challenges, the physical, social and psychological areas of their life affected, and the impact of these challenges on their overall health. We also conducted two validity check focus groups with seven returning participants. We analyzed data using grounded theory techniques to develop a conceptual framework of disability for adults living with HIV, called the Episodic Disability Framework.

Results

Contextual factors that influenced disability were integral to participants' experiences and emerged as a key component of the framework. Extrinsic contextual factors included social support (support from friends, family, partners, pets and community, support from health care services and personnel, and programme and policy support) and stigma. Intrinsic contextual factors included living strategies (seeking social interaction with others, maintaining a sense of control over life and the illness, “blocking HIV out of the mind”, and adopting attitudes and beliefs to help manage living with HIV) and personal attributes (gender and aging). These factors may exacerbate or alleviate dimensions of HIV disability.

Conclusion

This framework is the first to consider the contextual factors that influence experiences of disability from the perspective of adults living with HIV. Extrinsic factors (level of social support and stigma) and intrinsic factors (living strategies and personal attributes) may exacerbate or alleviate episodes of HIV‐related disability. These factors offer a broader understanding of the disability experience and may suggest ways to prevent or reduce disability for adults living with HIV.
Anonymous HIV workplace surveys as an advocacy tool for affordable private health insurance in Namibia
Authors: de Beer Ingrid , Coutinho Hannah M , van Wyk Peter J , Gaeb Esegiel , de Wit Tobias Rinke , van Vugt Michèle
Published: November 2009

Background

With an estimated adult HIV prevalence of 15%, Namibia is in need of innovative health financing strategies that can alleviate the burden on the public sector. Affordable and private health insurances were recently developed in Namibia, and they include coverage for HIV/AIDS. This article reports on the efficacy of HIV workplace surveys as a tool to increase uptake of these insurances by employees in the Namibian formal business sector. In addition, the burden of HIV among this population was examined by sector.

Methods

Cross‐sectional anonymous HIV prevalence surveys were conducted in 24 private companies in Namibia between November 2006 and December 2007. Non‐invasive oral fluid‐based HIV antibody rapid tests were used. Anonymous test results were provided to the companies in a confidential report and through presentations to their management, during which the advantages of affordable private health insurance and the available insurance products were discussed. Impact assessment was conducted in October 2008, when new health insurance uptake by these companies was evaluated.

Results

Of 8500 targeted employees, 6521 were screened for HIV; mean participation rate was 78.6%. Overall 15.0% (95% CI 14.2‐15.9%) of employees tested HIV positive (range 3.0‐23.9% across companies). The mining sector had the highest percentage of HIV‐positive employees (21.0%); the information technology (IT) sector had the lowest percentage (4.0%). Out of 6205 previously uninsured employees, 61% had enrolled in private health insurance by October 2008. The majority of these new insurances (78%) covered HIV/AIDS only.

Conclusion

The proportion of HIV‐positive formal sector employees in Namibia is in line with national prevalence estimates and varies widely by employment sector. Following the surveys, there was a considerable increase in private health insurance uptake. This suggests that anonymous HIV workplace surveys can serve as a tool to motivate private companies to provide health insurance to their workforce. Health insurance taken up by those who are able to pay the fees will alleviate the burden on the public sector.
Variables that influence HIV‐1 cerebrospinal fluid viral load in cryptococcal meningitis: a linear regression analysis
Authors: Cecchini Diego M , Cañizal Ana M , Rojas Haroldo , Arechavala Alicia , Negroni Ricardo , Bouzas María B , Benetucci Jorge A
Published: November 2009

Background

The central nervous system is considered a sanctuary site for HIV‐1 replication. Variables associated with HIV cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral load in the context of opportunistic CNS infections are poorly understood. Our objective was to evaluate the relation between: (1) CSF HIV‐1 viral load and CSF cytological and biochemical characteristics (leukocyte count, protein concentration, cryptococcal antigen titer); (2) CSF HIV‐1 viral load and HIV‐1 plasma viral load; and (3) CSF leukocyte count and the peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocyte count.

Methods

Our approach was to use a prospective collection and analysis of pre‐treatment, paired CSF and plasma samples from antiretroviral‐naive HIV‐positive patients with cryptococcal meningitis and assisted at the Francisco J Muñiz Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina (period: 2004 to 2006). We measured HIV CSF and plasma levels by polymerase chain reaction using the Cobas Amplicor HIV‐1 Monitor Test version 1.5 (Roche). Data were processed with Statistix 7.0 software (linear regression analysis).

Results

Samples from 34 patients were analyzed. CSF leukocyte count showed statistically significant correlation with CSF HIV‐1 viral load (r = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.13‐0.63, p = 0.01). No correlation was found with the plasma viral load, CSF protein concentration and cryptococcal antigen titer. A positive correlation was found between peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocyte count and the CSF leukocyte count (r = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.125‐0.674, p = 0.0123).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that CSF leukocyte count influences CSF HIV‐1 viral load in patients with meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans.
Disability and HIV/AIDS ‐ a systematic review of literature on Africa
Authors: Hanass‐Hancock Jill
Published: November 2009

This systematic review focuses on empirical work on disability and HIV/AIDS in Africa in the past decade and considers all the literature currently accessible. The review presents data from different surveys and summarizes the findings. In this way, it convincingly reveals that people with disabilities are very vulnerable to contracting HIV, and lack access to information, testing and treatment. The review further reveals gaps in the research and areas of concern. While vulnerability and accessibility have been investigated, there are few prevalence studies or evaluations available. A certain amount of work has focused on the deaf population, but little has been done for other disability groups. A growing area of concern is sexual abuse and exploitation of people with disabilities. Only a few studies or interventions focus on this crucial area.
Estimation of interval anisotropic attenuation from reflection data
Authors: Behura Jyoti , Tsvankin Ilya
Published: November 2009

Knowledge of interval attenuation can be highly beneficial in reservoir characterization and lithology discrimination. We combine the spectral-ratio method with velocity-independent layer stripping to develop a technique for the estimation of the interval attenuation coefficient from reflection seismic data. The layer-stripping procedure is based on identifying the reflections from the top and bottom of the target layer that share the same ray segments in the overburden. The algorithm is designed for heterogeneous, arbitrarily anisotropic target layers, but the overburden is assumed to be laterally homogeneous with a horizontal symmetry plane. Although no velocity information about the overburden is needed, interpretation of the computed anisotropic attenuation coefficient involves the phase angle in the target layer. Tests on synthetic P-wave data from layered transversely isotropic and orthorhombic media confirm the high accuracy of 2D and 3D versions of the algorithm. We also demonstrate that the interval attenuation estimates are independent of the inhomogeneity angle of the incident and reflected waves.
High-resolution velocity field imaging around a borehole: Excavation-damaged zone characterization
Authors: Balland Cyrille , Renaud Vincent
Published: November 2009

The excavation of a deep underground structure induces stress-field redistribution that creates an excavation-damaged zone (EDZ). The study of EDZ physical properties is of prime importance in the framework of nuclear-waste geologic storage, where EDZ constitutes a preferential pathway for storage materials toward the biosphere. A probe for measuring the ultrasonic velocity field around a cylindrical excavation zone has been developed. The probe uses PZT transducers operating at 150 kHz. To collect all required data with high accuracy and minimum effort, the probe is fully monitored for automatic data acquisition. Also, a numerical inversion method reconstructs a stress field using the measured velocity field. This method was partially validated in the laboratory on a multilayer test bed. Following laboratory tests and probe development, an in situ experiment was performed in the Meuse/Haute-Marne Underground Research Laboratory (France) to assess the safety of nuclear-waste storage in the Callovo-Oxfordian argillaceous layer. The damaged zone extends up to 0.175 diameter of depth, with an anisotropic damage pattern oriented according to the regional stress field. The results show the potential of the method to forecast damage of similar larger structures.
3D vector gravity potential and line integrals for the gravity anomaly of a rectangular prism with 3D variable density contrast
Authors: Zhou Xiaobing
Published: November 2009

Three-dimensional rectangular prisms are building blocks for calculating gravity anomalies from irregular 3D mass bodies with spatially variable density contrasts. A 3D vector gravity potential is defined for a 3D rectangular prism with density contrast varying in depth and horizontally. The vertical component of the gravity anomaly equals the flux of the 3D vector gravity potential through the enclosed surface of the prism. Thus, the 3D integral for the gravity anomaly is reduced to a 2D surface integral. In turn, a 2D vector gravity potential is defined. The vertical component of the gravity anomaly equals the net circulation of the 2D vector gravity potential along the enclosed contour bounding the surfaces of the prism. The 3D integral for the gravity anomaly is reduced to 1D line integrals. Further analytical or numerical solutions can then be obtained from the line integrals, depending on the forms of the density contrast functions. If an analytical solution cannot be obtained, the line-integral method is semianalytical, requiring numerical quadratures to be carried out at the final stages. Singularity and discontinuity exist in the algorithm and the method of exclusive infinitesimal sphere or circle is effective to remove them. Then the vector-potential line-integral method can calculate the gravity anomaly resulting from a rectangular prism with density contrast, varying simply in one direction and sophisticatedly in three directions. The advantage of the method is that the constraint to the form of the density contrast is greatly reduced and the numerical calculation for the gravity anomaly is fast.
Improved use of the local wavenumber in potential-field interpretation
Authors: Keating Pierre
Published: November 2009

Fast interpretation of potential field data (magnetic data are a typical example) often uses simple geometries to describe a complex geologic reality. Many of these techniques assume that the potential field arising from the source body is homogeneous. The degree of homogeneity of a source is characteristic of its geometry. However, very few source geometries are known to generate a homogeneous field. The contact, thin sheet, horizontal cylinder, pole, and dipole all cause a homogeneous magnetic field. More complex geometries such as the thick dike or rectangular prism do not. Therefore, a major problem is to check for the validity of the homogeneity hypothesis when these types of interpretation techniques are used. The local wavenumber of a potential field calculated at a series of increasing heights above the measurement datum can be used to directly compute the depth to a source and its degree of homogeneity. In addition, the vertical derivative of the local wavenumber can provide an estimate of the depth to sources without knowledge of their degree of homogeneity. The proposed technique also allows us to test if the source is homogeneous or not, and it applies to any type of potential field data. The technique breaks down on synthetic magnetic data when anomalous sources are closer than about four times their depths. This behavior is expected from interpretation techniques that use upward continuation. The technique can be applied to profile and gridded data. Its main advantage is that it allows testing the homogeneity hypothesis and therefore the validity of the interpretation.
Five-dimensional interpolation: Recovering from acquisition constraints
Authors: Trad Daniel
Published: November 2009

Although 3D seismic data are being acquired in larger volumes than ever before, the spatial sampling of these volumes is not always adequate for certain seismic processes. This is especially true of marine and land wide-azimuth acquisitions, leading to the development of multidimensional data interpolation techniques. Simultaneous interpolation in all five seismic data dimensions (inline, crossline, offset, azimuth, and frequency) has great utility in predicting missing data with correct amplitude and phase variations. Although there are many techniques that can be implemented in five dimensions, this study focused on sparse Fourier reconstruction. The success of Fourier interpolation methods depends largely on two factors: (1) having efficient Fourier transform operators that permit the use of large multidimensional data windows and (2) constraining the spatial spectrum along dimensions where seismic amplitudes change slowly so that the sparseness and band limitation assumptions remain valid. Fourier reconstruction can be performed when enforcing a sparseness constraint on the 4D spatial spectrum obtained from frequency slices of five-dimensional windows. Binning spatial positions into a fine 4D grid facilitates the use of the FFT, which helps on the convergence of the inversion algorithm. This improves the results and computational efficiency. The 5D interpolation can successfully interpolate sparse data, improve AVO analysis, and reduce migration artifacts. Target geometries for optimal interpolation and regularization of land data can be classified in terms of whether they preserve the original data and whether they are designed to achieve surface or subsurface consistency.
Joint electromagnetic and seismic inversion using structural constraints
Authors: Hu Wenyi , Abubakar Aria , Habashy Tarek M.
Published: November 2009

We have developed a frequency-domain joint electromagnetic (EM) and seismic inversion algorithm for reservoir evaluation and exploration applications. EM and seismic data are jointly inverted using a cross-gradient constraint that enforces structural similarity between the conductivity image and the compressional wave (P-wave) velocity image. The inversion algorithm is based on a Gauss-Newton optimization approach. Because of the ill-posed nature of the inverse problem, regularization is used to constrain the solution. The multiplicative regularization technique selects the regularization parameters automatically, improving the robustness of the algorithm. A multifrequency data-weighting scheme prevents the high-frequency data from dominating the inversion process. When the joint-inversion algorithm is applied in integrating marine controlled-source electromagnetic data with surface seismic data for subsea reservoir exploration applications and in integrating crosswell EM and sonic data for reservoir monitoring and evaluation applications, results improve significantly over those obtained from separate EM or seismic inversions.
Application of frequency-dependent multichannel Wiener filters to detect events in 2D three-component seismometer arrays
Authors: Wang J. , Tilmann F. , White R. S. , Bordoni P.
Published: November 2009

Hydraulic fracture-induced microseismic events in producing oil and gas fields are usually small, and noise levels are high at the surface as a result of the heavy equipment in use. Similarly, in nonhydrocarbon settings, arrays for detecting local earthquakes will benefit from reduced noise levels and the ability to detect smaller events will be increased. We propose a frequency-dependent multichannel Wiener filtering technique with linear constraints that uses an adaptive least-squares method to remove coherent noise in seismic array data. The noise records on several reference channels are used to predict the noise on a primary channel and then can be subtracted from the observed data. On a test with an unconstrained version of this filter, maximal noise suppression leads to signal distortion. Two methods of im-posing constraints then achieve signal preservation. In one case study, synthetic signals are added to noise from a pilot deployment of a hexagonal array (nine three-component seismometers, approximately [Formula: see text]) above a gas field; noise levels are suppressed by up to [Formula: see text] (at [Formula: see text]). In a second case study, natural seismicity recorded at a dense array ([Formula: see text] spacing) in Italy is used, where the application of the filter improves the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) more than [Formula: see text] (at [Formula: see text]) using 35 stations. In both cases, the performance of the multichannel Wiener filters is significantly better than stacking, espe-cially at lower frequencies where stacking does not help to suppress the coherent noise. The unconstrained version of the filter yields the best improvement in signal-to-noise ratio, but the constrained filter is useful when waveform distortion is unacceptable.
Population prevalence of depression and mean Beck Depression Inventory score
Authors: Veerman J. L. , Dowrick C. , Ayuso-Mateos J. L. , Dunn G. , Barendregt J. J.
Published: December 2009

Background

For some phenomena the mean of population distributions predicts the proportion of people exceeding a threshold value.

Aims

To investigate whether in depression, too, the population mean predicts the number of individuals at the extreme end of the distribution.

Method

We used data from the European Outcome in Depression International Network (ODIN) study from populations in Finland, Norway and the UK to create models that predicted the prevalence of depression based on the mean Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score. The models were tested on data from Ireland and Spain.

Results

Mean BDI score correlated well with the prevalence of depression determined by clinical interviews. A model based on the beta distribution best fitted the BDI distribution. Both models predicted the depression prevalence in Ireland and Spain fairly well.

Conclusions

The mean of a continuous population distribution of mood predicts the prevalence of depression. Characteristics of both individuals and populations determine depression rates.
Attenuation of Canonical Transient Receptor Potential-Like Channel 6 Expression Specifically Reduces the Diacylglycerol-Mediated Increase in Intracellular Calcium in Human Myometrial Cells
Authors: Chung Daesuk , Kim Yoon-Sun , Phillips Jennifer N. , Ulloa Aida , Ku Chun-Ying , Galan Henry L. , Sanborn Barbara M.
Published: November 2009

An increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) as a result of release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores or influx of extracellular Ca2+ contributes to the regulation of smooth muscle contractile activity. Human uterine smooth muscle cells exhibit receptor-, store-, and diacylglycerol (OAG)-mediated extracellular Ca2+-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i (SRCE) and express canonical transient receptor potential-like channels (TRPC) mRNAs (predominantly TRPC1, -4, and -6) that have been implicated in SRCE. To determine the role of TRPC6 in human myometrial SRCE, short hairpin RNA constructs were designed that effectively targeted a TRPC6 mRNA reporter for degradation. One sequence was used to produce an adenovirus construct (TC6sh1). TC6sh1 reduced TRPC6 mRNA but not TRPC1, -3, -4, -5, or -7 mRNAs in PHM1-41 myometrial cells. Compared with uninfected cells or cells infected with empty vector, the increase in [Ca2+]i in response to OAG was specifically inhibited by TC6sh1, whereas SRCE responses elicited by either oxytocin or thapsigargin were not changed. Similar findings were observed in primary pregnant human myometrial cells. When PHM1-41 cells were activated by OAG in the absence of extracellular Na+, the increase in [Ca2+]i was partially reduced. Furthermore, pretreatment with nifedipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, also partially reduced the OAG-induced [Ca2+]i increase. Similar effects were observed in primary human myometrial cells. These findings suggest that OAG activates channels containing TRPC6 in myometrial cells and that these channels act via both enhanced Na+ entry coupled to activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ entry channels and a nifedipine-independent Ca2+ entry mechanism to promote elevation of intracellular Ca2+.
Dysregulation of Corticosterone Secretion in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats: Modulatory Role of the Adrenocortical Nitrergic System
Authors: Repetto E. M. , Sanchez R. , Cipelli J. , Astort F. , Martinez Calejman C. , Piroli G. G. , Arias P. , Cymeryng C. B.
Published: November 2009

An increased activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in exaggerated glucocorticoid secretion has been repeatedly described in patients with diabetes mellitus and in animal models of this disease. However, it has been pointed out that experimental diabetes is accompanied by a decreased glucocorticoid response to ACTH stimulation. Because previous studies from our laboratory demonstrate the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of corticosterone production, present investigations were designed to evaluate 1) the impact of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on the adrenocortical nitrergic system and 2) the role of NO in the modulation of adrenal steroidogenesis in STZ-diabetic rats. Four weeks after STZ injection, increased activity and expression levels of proteins involved in l-arginine transport and in NO synthesis were detected, and increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, carbonyl adducts, and nitrotyrosine-modified proteins were measured in the adrenocortical tissue of hyperglycemic rats. An impaired corticosterone response to ACTH was evident both in vivo and in adrenocortical cells isolated from STZ-treated animals. Inhibition of NO synthase activity resulted in higher corticosterone generation in adrenal tissue from STZ-treated rats. Moreover, a stronger inhibition of steroid output from adrenal cells by a NO donor was observed in adrenocortical Y1 cells previously subjected to high glucose (30 mm) treatment. In summary, results presented herein indicate an inhibitory effect of endogenously generated NO on steroid production, probably potentiated by hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, in the adrenal cortex of STZ-treated rats.