bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety ofGwakhyangjeonggi-SanRetention Enema in Normal Rats and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Song Eunyoung , Lee Euiju , Bu Yongmin , Lee Junhee , Shin Seungwon , Yoo Junghee , Park Jaewoo , Kwon Jinhyeok
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study is to establish a protocol of retention-enema experiments and evaluate the antihypertensive effect and the safety ofGwakhyangjeonggi-sanretention enema. Normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were divided into treatment and control groups, respectively. We applied theGwakhyangjeonggi-sanextract by decoction and 0.9% NaCl in each group, estimated the blood pressure and body weight, and performed HPLC analysis. ALT, AST, BUN, and creatinine were examined. The systolic blood pressure within each group in normal rats differed significantly in time effect, and so did the diastolic blood pressure in the treatment group of normal rats. The systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure showed significant differences in group effect in the treatment group of the SHRs. The time effect of the body weight in both groups of normal rats differed significantly, so did group × time and time effects in both groups of SHRs. AST, ALT, BUN, and creatinine showed no significant difference between groups. We concluded that theGwakhyangjeonggi-sanretention enema has a hypotensive effect in normal rats within the regular range of blood pressure, but an antihypertensive effect in SHRs. Also, the intervention is safe and does not affect the liver and kidney functions in normal rats.
Acupuncture-Evoked Response in Somatosensory and Prefrontal Cortices Predicts Immediate Pain Reduction in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Maeda Yumi , Kettner Norman , Lee Jeungchan , Kim Jieun , Cina Stephen , Malatesta Cristina , Gerber Jessica , McManus Claire , Im Jaehyun , Libby Alexandra , Mezzacappa Pia , Morse Leslie R. , Park Kyungmo , Audette Joseph , Napadow Vitaly
Published: June 2013

The linkage between brain response to acupuncture and subsequent analgesia remains poorly understood. Our aim was to evaluate this linkage in chronic pain patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Brain response to electroacupuncture (EA) was evaluated with functional MRI. Subjects were randomized to 3 groups: (1) EA applied at local acupoints on the affected wrist (PC-7 to TW-5), (2) EA at distal acupoints (contralateral ankle, SP-6 to LV-4), and (3) sham EA at nonacupoint locations on the affected wrist. Symptom ratings were evaluated prior to and following the scan. Subjects in the local and distal groups reported reduced pain. Verum EA produced greater reduction of paresthesia compared to sham. Compared to sham EA, local EA produced greater activation in insula and S2 and greater deactivation in ipsilateral S1, while distal EA produced greater activation in S2 and deactivation in posterior cingulate cortex. Brain response to distal EA in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and brain response to verum EA in S1, SMA, and PFC were correlated with pain reduction following stimulation. Thus, while greater activation to verum acupuncture in these regions may predict subsequent analgesia, PFC activation may specifically mediate reduced pain when stimulating distal acupoints.
A Study on Multiattribute Aggregation Approaches to Product Recommendation
Authors: Jin Jing-Zhong , Nakamori Yoshiteru , Wierzbicki Andrzej P.
Published: June 2013

In today’s increasingly competitive market, consumers usually have to face a huge number of products with different designs but having the same use. Therefore, an important problem for manufacturers is to attract consumers by special designs of the products. This paper aims at the improvement of a consumer-oriented approach in recommending products, and proposing a recommendation system for Japanese traditional crafts based on target-oriented fuzzy method and ontological engineering. Specifically, a target-oriented fuzzy method is used for measuring the fitness of a selected attribute to a certain object. Two aggregation models for dealing with a multiattribute evaluation and ranking are introduced; four ranking methods are also examined for getting a recommendation list. To test the aggregation models and the ranking methods, a recommendation system was developed and a comparison test was conducted.
Systematic Review of Compound Danshen Dropping Pill: A Chinese Patent Medicine for Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Luo Jing , Xu Hao , Chen Keji
Published: June 2013

Objective. This paper systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of compound Danshen dropping pill (CDDP) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing CDDP with no intervention, placebo, or conventional western medicine, were retrieved. Data extraction and analyses were conducted in accordance with the Cochrane standards. We assessed risk of bias for each included study and evaluated the strength of evidence on prespecified outcomes.Results. Seven RCTs enrolling 1215 patients were included. CDDP was associated with statistically significant reductions in the risk of cardiac death and heart failure compared with no intervention based on conventional therapy for AMI. In addition, CDDP was associated with improvement of quality of life and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction. Nevertheless, the safety of CDDP was unproven for the limited data. The quality of evidence for each outcome in the main comparison (CDDP versus no intervention) was “low” or “moderate.”Conclusion. CDDP showed some potential benefits for AMI patients, such as the reductions of cardiac death and heart failure. However, the overall quality of evidence was poor, and the safety of CDDP for AMI patients was not confirmed. More evidence from high quality RCTs is warranted to support the use of CDDP for AMI patients.
Synchronous Bilateral Solid Papillary Carcinomas of the Breast
Authors: Yoshimura Noriko , Murakami Shigeru , Kaneko Mayumi , Sakatani Akio , Hirabayashi Naoki , Takiyama Wataru
Published: June 2013

We herein report a case of synchronous bilateral solid papillary carcinoma of the breast. A 73-year-old female had a mass that was detected in the right breast on mammography. An ultrasound examination revealed one intracystic tumor in the right breast and two tumors in the left breast. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy of these three tumors was performed, which revealed a diagnosis of malignancy. A magnetic resonance imaging examination of the breasts showed diffuse small nodules surrounding these tumors bilaterally. Bilateral partial mastectomy and a sentinel lymph node biopsy were performed. Lymph node metastasis was detected in the right axilla, and additional lymph node dissection was performed. The pathological diagnosis was synchronous bilateral breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma NOS of the right breast, mucinous carcinomas of the left breast, and bilateral SPCs. A wide range of surgical margins were positive for SPCs, and additional bilateral total mastectomy was then performed. To the best of our knowledge, little is known about synchronous bilateral SPCs. Our case indicates that some SPCs can be widely scattered and make up a variety of invasive carcinomas. It is difficult to make a correct preoperative evaluation in such cases.
Bonellia albiflora: A Mayan Medicinal Plant That Induces Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
Authors: Moo-Puc Rosa , Chale-Dzul Juan , Caamal-Fuentes Edgar
Published: June 2013

Few studies have been carried out on the medical flora of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in search for new therapeutic agents, in particular against cancer. In this paper, we evaluated the cytotoxic potential of the extract ofBonellia albiflora, a plant utilized in the traditional Mayan medicine for treatment of chronic injuries of the mouth. We carried out the methanolic extracts of different parts of the plant by means of extraction with the Soxhlet equipment. We conducted liquid-liquid fractions on each extract with solvents of increasing polarity. All extracts and fractions were evaluated for cytotoxic activity versus four human cancer cell lines and one normal cell line through a tetrazolium dye reduction (MTT) assay in 96-well cell culture plates. The methanolic root-bark extract possessed much greater cytotoxic activity in the human oropharyngeal cancer cell line (KB); its hexanic fraction concentrated the active metabolites and induced apoptosis with the activation of caspases 3 and 8. The results demonstrate the cytotoxic potential of theB. albiflorahexanic fraction and substantiate the importance of the study of the traditional Mayan medicinal plants.
Adsorption of Albumin on Silica Surfaces Modified by Silver and Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumari Prity , Majewski Peter
Published: June 2013

Silver and copper nanoparticles, respectively, were produced on glass slides via magnetron sputtering. The experiments show that with magnetron sputtering the size and concentration of the nanoparticles can be easily controlled via sputter time and plasma power. Silver nanoparticles grow much faster than copper nanoparticles, which also require higher plasma power for their synthesis. Exposed to albumin solution, the glass slides with silver nanoparticles clearly show a delay in albumin attachment compared to pure glass slides. Glass slides with copper nanoparticles show a slight attachment of albumin even after 3 h of exposure. However, the albumin concentration on the surface of the glass slides was much smaller compared to pure glass slides and did not increase within 24 h.
Factors Associated with the Recent Increasing Cesarean Delivery Rate at a Japanese Perinatal Center
Authors: Suzuki Shunji , Nakata Mariyo
Published: June 2013

Objective. We examined which specific factors contributed to the increase in Cesarean delivery rate at our hospital over a 10-year period.
Methods. From January 2002 to December 2012, data on the Japanese singleton deliveries at ≥22-week gestation managed at Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity Hospital were collected. Potential factors associated with the increasing Cesarean delivery rate were selected according to previous studies. In this study, the incidences of intrauterine fetal demise, umbilical artery pH <7.1, and severe perineal laceration were calculated for each year. Results. The Cesarean delivery rate at our institution increased significantly during the study period (17.3% in 2002 versus 23.4% in 2012, P<0.01). During the study period, the Cesarean delivery rates in the cases of nulliparity, preterm delivery, low birth weight (<2,500 g), previous Cesarean deliveries and breech presentation were increased significantly. The incidence of intrauterine fetal demise and low umbilical artery pH was significantly decreased, and a negative correlation was found between the Cesarean delivery rate and the incidence of low umbilical artery pH for each year (r=−0.92, P<0.01). Conclusion. At our institute, the neonatal outcomes seemed to be improved associated with the increased Cesarean delivery rate between 2002 and 2012.
Characterization of the Transient Response of Coupled Optimization in Multidisciplinary Design
Authors: Devendorf Erich , Lewis Kemper
Published: June 2013

Time is an asset of critical importance in a multidisciplinary design process and it is desirable to reduce the amount of time spent designing products and systems. Design is an iterative activity and designers consume a significant portion of the product development process negotiating a mutually acceptable solution. The amount of time necessary to complete a design depends on the number and duration of design iterations. This paper focuses on accurately characterizing the number of iterations required for designers to converge to an equilibrium solution in distributed design processes. In distributed design, systems are decomposed into smaller, coupled design problems where individual designers have control over local design decisions and seek to achieve their own individual objectives. These smaller coupled design optimization problems can be modeled using coupled games and the number of iterations required to reach equilibrium solutions varies based on initial conditions and process architecture. In this paper, we leverage concepts from game theory, classical controls, and discrete systems theory to evaluate and approximate process architectures without carrying out any solution iterations. As a result, we develop an analogy between discrete decisions and a continuous time representation that we analyze using control theoretic techniques.
Pregabalin for Opioid-Refractory Pain in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Kontoangelos Konstantinos A. , Kouzoupis Anastasios V. , Ferentinos Panagiotis P. , Xynos Ioannis D. , Sipsas Nikolaos V. , Papadimitriou George N.
Published: June 2013

Background. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic inflammatory disease with chronic back pain as the most common presenting symptom. We present a case of a male patient with AS reporting symptoms of severe low back pain, buttock pain, and limited spinal mobility. After chronic treatment with opioids, we administered pregabalin at a dose of 300 mg as an analgesic agent while opioids were discontinued.Findings. Pain symptoms improved progressively, and opioids were gradually discontinued without any withdrawal symptoms reported.Conclusions. Pregabalin is potentially useful in the management of pain in patients with AS while effectively managing the discontinuation of opioid treatment.
Applicability of Different Isothermal EOS at Nanomaterials
Authors: Joshi Deepika P. , Senger Anjali
Published: June 2013

The present study explains the behaviour of nanomaterials such as AlN, CdSe, Ge, WC, and Ni- and Fe-filled-MWCNTs under high pressure. Among the number of isothermal EOSs available, we prefer only two parameter-based isothermal equations (i.e., Murnaghan equation, usual Tait's equation, Suzuki equation and Shanker equation). The present work shows the theoretical study of thermo-elastic properties especially relative compression (V/V0), isothermal bulk modulus (KP/K0), and compressibility (αP/α0) of nanomaterials. After comparing all formulations with available experimental data, we conclude that pressure dependence of relative compression (V/V0) for the nanomaterials, are in good agreement for all the equations at lower pressure range. At higher pressure range, Suzuki and Shanker formulations show some deviation from experimental values.
Robust Adaptive Control for a Class of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Wang Ruliang , Li Jie , Zhang Shanshan , Gao Dongmei , Sun Huanlong
Published: June 2013

We present adaptive neural control design for a class of perturbed nonlinear MIMO time‐varying delay systems in a block‐triangular form. Based on a neural controller, it is obtained by constructing a quadratic‐type Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, which efficiently avoids the controller singularity. The proposed control guarantees that all closed‐loop signals remain bounded, while the output tracking error dynamics converge to a neighborhood of the desired trajectories. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
An Innovative Thinking‐Based Intelligent Information Fusion Algorithm
Authors: Lu Huimin , Hu Liang , Liu Gang , Zhou Jin
Published: June 2013

This study proposes an intelligent algorithm that can realize information fusion in reference to the relative research achievements in brain cognitive theory and innovative computation. This algorithm treats knowledge as core and information fusion as a knowledge‐based innovative thinking process. Furthermore, the five key parts of this algorithm including information sense and perception, memory storage, divergent thinking, convergent thinking, and evaluation system are simulated and modeled. This algorithm fully develops innovative thinking skills of knowledge in information fusion and is a try to converse the abstract conception of brain cognitive science to specific and operable research routes and strategies. Furthermore, the influences of each parameter of this algorithm on algorithm performance are analyzed and compared with those of classical intelligent algorithms trough test. Test results suggest that the algorithm proposed in this study can obtain the optimum problem solution by less target evaluation times, improve optimization effectiveness, and achieve the effective fusion of information.
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 43. New combinations in Lophocoleaceae (Marchantiophyta)
Authors: SÖDERSTRÖM LARS , VÁŇA JIŘÍ , CRANDALL-STOTLER BARBARA , E. STOTLER RAYMOND , HAGBORG ANDERS , VON KONRAT MATT
Published: June 2013

Söderström et al. (2013) outlined the current status of the family Lophocoleaceae. Following their concept several new combinations are needed, most of which are made here. While many of the taxa treated below need to be lectotypified, we are generally not doing that here.
Review of the Australian Apiocera minor Norris species-group (Diptera: Apioceridae) with a revised key to species
Authors: YEATES DAVID K. , OBERPRIELER STEFANIE K.
Published: June 2013

The Australian Apiocera minor species-group is reviewed. We provide a key to the species groups of Paramonov (1953) in Apiocera Westwood and all described species in the A. minor species group: A. mackerrasi Paramonov, A. cerata Par-amonov, A. australis Paramonov, A. newmani Norris, A. minor Norris, A. vespera Paramonov, A. macrocerata sp. n., A. evansi sp. n., A. rieki sp. n., A. collessi sp. n., A. mullewa sp. n. and A. microeremia sp. n. This brings the total number of species in the group to 12. Habitus, wing, abdomen and genitalic images and distribution maps are provided. All species in the A.minor group are diagnosed. Our studies have revealed a number of undescribed species in the ANIC that are rep-resented by few and/or poorly preserved specimens.
Revision of the Immaculatus Group of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from the Australasian Region with description of two new species
Authors: BELLIS G. A. , DYCE A. L. , GOPURENKO D. , MITCHELL A.
Published: June 2013

The Immaculatus Group of Culicoides encompassing four species from Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Solomon Islands, New Guinea and the Malay archipelago is revised. A diagnosis for the group, descriptions of males and females of C. shivasi sp. n. and C. collessi sp. n., a description of the male of C. immaculatus Lee & Reye, a redescription of the female of C. immaculatus and a diagnosis of C. agas Wirth & Hubert together with keys for their specific determination are pre-sented. Specific separation of the morphologically similar C. shivasi and C. immaculatus is supported by DNA barcodes (mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I or COI) and nuclear carbomoylphosphate synthetase (CAD) sequence data.
New species of the hairy-eyed horse fly subgenera Scaptia (Myioscaptia) Mackerras, 1955 and Scaptia (Scaptia) Walker, 1850 (Diptera: Tabanidae) from Australia
Authors: LESSARD BRYAN D. , YEATES DAVID K.
Published: June 2013

New material has accumulated in several Australian Museums since Mackerras’ extensive 1960’s revision of the austral horse fly genus Scaptia Walker 1850, including one new species of Scaptia (Scaptia) Walker, 1850 and two new species of Scaptia (Myioscaptia) Mackerras, 1955. The new species are Scaptia (Scaptia) aurinigra Lessard, sp. n. and Scaptia (Myioscaptia) collessi Lessard, sp. n. both from Queensland, and Scaptia (Myioscaptia) lambkinae Lessard, sp. n. from Western Australia. All new species are described and illustrated. Additionally, an updated key to species of Scaptia (My-ioscaptia) is provided and includes all eleven known species of the subgenus. One novel species significantly extends the known distribution of the genus over 700 km further NE into central Western Australia.
Instrument-making as music-making: An ethnographic study of shakuhachi students’ learning experiences
Authors: Matsunobu Koji
Published: June 2013

Instrument-making is a powerful way to teach and learn music, especially world music. This case study looks at adult music learners whose engagement in music involves instrument-making and the long lasting practice of music. A case in point is Japanese and North American practitioners of Japanese bamboo flutes, especially the end-blown shakuhachi. Informants in this ethnographic study were involved in the organic process of harvesting bamboo, making instruments, and performing music on self-made instruments. Findings indicate that instrument-making contributed to the formation of attachment to the instruments, the development of place-based musical thinking, and the creation of an enriched music-learning environment. Through the examination of an existing model of sustainable musical engagement, this study proposes a world music pedagogy that begins with instrument-making.
Trends, Patters and Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in China
Authors: Jiang Naihua , Liping Wang , Sharma Kishor
Published: June 2013

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has played a pivotal role in the transformation of the Chinese economy. It is the largest host of FDI among the developing world, attracting over one-third of total world investment. China’s success in attracting FDI appears to have been linked with its large domestic market, openness, quality of physical infrastructure and lower wage rates. While China remains an attractive location for foreign investors, our findings point to the need to remove the bias against private sector by privatizing state-owned enterprises to facilitate foreign investment.
The body on display: Exploring the role and use of figurines in early Anglo-Saxon England
Authors: Brundle Lisa
Published: June 2013

This article examines the significance and social context of early Anglo-Saxon figurines. Dating to the seventh century AD, these objects are three-dimensional metallic sculptures of the human form, between 30 and 50 mm in length, and only 12 are known to exist. The figurative portrayal of the human form is exceptional; the majority of designs in this timeframe incorporating the human form are represented in two dimensions. The figurines are therefore a marked development in the manufacture and deployment of anthropomorphic representational art that demands explanation. The figurines are considered here in terms of their three-dimensionality, structural function and the gestures they represent. It is suggested that the figurines are crucial, if rare, material evidence for the emerging importance of gestural and gendered expression within elite social contexts.
Mapping an archaeology of the present: Counter-mapping at the Gummingurru stone arrangement site, southeast Queensland, Australia
Authors: Thomas E. Jaydeyn , Ross Anne
Published: June 2013

In 2010 a large project to map the 5ha Gummingurru stone arrangement site on the Darling Downs, southeast Queensland, Australia, was completed; 9368 rocks were plotted and recorded and many of these rocks make up the over 20 motifs on the site. But Gummingurru is a site that is more than rocks. It is part of a large cultural landscape which includes neighboring sites, resource tree plantings, scarred trees, story places and memoryscapes (Lavers, 2010). Current mapping of the site and the associated landscape features has been inhibited by the constraints of two-dimensional mapping. In this article we outline an alternative map for the site and its cultural landscape – the Prezi web-based tool. The Prezi ‘map’ allows the documentation of a fluid and contextual approach to place and is easily updated or modified as data or attachment to place change.
Mediating the Maya: Hieroglyphic imaging and objectivity
Authors: Watson Matthew C.
Published: June 2013

Drawing from the science studies literature on scientific visualization, this essay examines how techniques of imaging Maya hieroglyphs have established conditions that constrain contemporary scholars’ systems of historical imagination and interpretation. I discuss imaging techniques innovated by three significant Mayanists: J. Eric S. Thompson, Merle Greene Robertson, and Linda Schele. Building on the work of historians of science Lorraine Daston and Peter Galison, I identify these Mayanist scholars’ techniques of visualization as established practices of ‘mechanical objectivity’ and ‘trained judgment’. These practices helped to reduce aesthetically complex and materially diverse ancient Maya inscriptions to the equivalent of modernist texts. I question this reduction, drawing from the work of Bruno Latour to advocate an empirical attentiveness to the located and embodied material practices that produce equivalences between objects rendered in diverse media: stone, paint, paper, and pixels. The essay thus calls for the extension of context-oriented archaeological empiricism to practices of image production.
Five-year workplace wellness intervention in the NHS
Authors: Blake Holly , Zhou Dingyuan , Batt Mark E
Published: June 2013

Aims:

Poor health and well-being has been observed among NHS staff and has become a key focus in current public health policy. The objective of this study was to deliver and evaluate a five-year employee wellness programme aimed at improving the health and well-being of employees in a large NHS workplace.

Method:

A theory-driven multi-level ecological workplace wellness intervention was delivered including health campaigns, provision of facilities and health-promotion activities to encourage employees to make healthy lifestyle choices and sustained behaviour changes. An employee questionnaire survey was distributed at baseline ( n = 1,452) and at five years ( n = 1,134), including measures of physical activity, BMI, diet, self-efficacy, social support, perceived general health and mood, smoking behaviours, self-reported sickness absence, perceived work performance and job satisfaction.

Results:

Samples were comparable at baseline and follow-up. At five years, significantly more respondents actively travelled (by walking or cycling both to work and for non-work trips) and more were active while at work. Significantly more respondents met current recommendations for physical activity at five years than at baseline. Fewer employers reported ‘lack of time’ as a barrier to being physically active following the intervention. Significantly lower sickness absence, greater job satisfaction and greater organisational commitment was reported at five years than at baseline.

Conclusions:

Improvements in health behaviours, reductions in sickness absence and improvements in job satisfaction and organisational commitment were observed following five years of a workplace wellness intervention for NHS employees. These findings suggest that health-promoting programmes should be embedded within NHS infrastructure.
Determinants of Stamp Duty Revenue in Indian States
Authors: Mukherjee Vivekananda
Published: June 2013

This article exploits a panel data set from 18 Indian states over the period between 1993–1994 and 2009–2010 and identifies a set of parameters significantly affecting stamp duty revenue collection in the states. It turns out that among all the parameters, the per capita income of the state has the most significant impact on stamp duty revenue collection. The administrative reforms at the states’ stamp duty and registration departments, like introduction of franking machines and e-governance, have a positive impact on stamp duty revenue collection as well. It is found that the central government’s choice of capital gains tax rate creates an externality on stamp duty revenue collection in the states. The results are used to critically assess the policy of lowering of stamp duty rates and introducing administrative reforms as part of the Urban Reform Incentive Fund implemented by the central government since 2003–2004 (later subsumed under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)).

JEL Classification: H21, H71, H77, C33
Mobilomics in Saccharomyces cerevisiaestrains
Authors: Menconi Giulia , Battaglia Giovanni , Grossi Roberto , Pisanti Nadia , Marangoni Roberto
Published: June 2013

Background

Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) are selfish DNA integrated in the genomes. Their detection is mainly based on consensus-like searches by scanning the investigated genome against the sequence of an already identified MGE. Mobilomics aims at discovering all the MGEs in a genome and understanding their dynamic behavior: The data for this kind of investigation can be provided by comparative genomics of closely related organisms. The amount of data thus involved requires a strong computational effort, which should be alleviated.

Results

Our approach proposes to exploit the high similarity among homologous chromosomes of different strains of the same species, following a progressive comparative genomics philosophy. We introduce a software tool based on our new fast algorithm, called regender, which is able to identify the conserved regions between chromosomes. Our case study is represented by a unique recently available dataset of 39 different strains of S.cerevisiae, which regender is able to compare in few minutes. By exploring the non-conserved regions, where MGEs are mainly retrotransposons called Tys, and marking the candidate Tys based on their length, we are able to locate a priori and automatically all the already known Tys and map all the putative Tys in all the strains. The remaining putative mobile elements (PMEs) emerging from this intra-specific comparison are sharp markers of inter-specific evolution: indeed, many events of non-conservation among different yeast strains correspond to PMEs. A clustering based on the presence/absence of the candidate Tys in the strains suggests an evolutionary interconnection that is very similar to classic phylogenetic trees based on SNPs analysis, even though it is computed without using phylogenetic information.

Conclusions

The case study indicates that the proposed methodology brings two major advantages: (a) it does not require any template sequence for the wanted MGEs and (b) it can be applied to infer MGEs also for low coverage genomes with unresolved bases, where traditional approaches are largely ineffective.
Genetic heterogeneity revealed by sequence analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from extra-pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Authors: Das Sarbashis , Roychowdhury Tanmoy , Kumar Parameet , Kumar Anil , Kalra Priya , Singh Jitendra , Singh Sarman , Prasad HK , Bhattacharya Alok
Published: June 2013

Background

Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem. Clinical tuberculosis manifests often as pulmonary and occasionally as extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. The emergence of drug resistant tubercle bacilli and its association with HIV is a formidable challenge to curb the spread of tuberculosis. There have been concerted efforts by whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to identify genomic patterns and to establish a relationship between the genotype of the organism and clinical manifestation of tuberculosis. Extra-pulmonary TB constitutes 15–20 percent of the total clinical cases of tuberculosis reported among immunocompetent patients, whereas among HIV patients the incidence is more than 50 percent. Genomic analysis of M. tuberculosis isolates from extra pulmonary patients has not been explored.

Results

The genomic DNA of 5 extra-pulmonary clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis derived from cerebrospinal fluid, lymph node fine needle aspirates (FNAC) / biopsies, were sequenced. Next generation sequencing approach (NGS) was employed to identify Single Nucleotide Variations (SNVs) and computational methods used to predict their consequence on functional genes. Analysis of distribution of SNVs led to the finding that there are mixed genotypes in patient isolates and that many SNVs are likely to influence either gene function or their expression. Phylogenetic relationship between the isolates correlated with the origin of the isolates. In addition, insertion sites of IS elements were identified and their distribution revealed a variation in number and position of the element in the 5 extra-pulmonary isolates compared to the reference M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain.

Conclusions

The results suggest that NGS sequencing is able to identify small variations in genomes of M. tuberculosis isolates including changes in IS element insertion sites. Moreover, variations in isolates of M. tuberculosis from non-pulmonary sites were documented. The analysis of our results indicates genomic heterogeneity in the clinical isolates.
Community acquisition of β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae in neonatal gut
Authors: Kothari Charu , Gaind Rajni , Singh Laishram Chandreshwor , Sinha Anju , Kumari Vidya , Arya Sugandha , Chellani Harish , Saxena Sunita , Deb Monorama
Published: June 2013

Background

Commensal flora constitutes a reservoir of antibiotic resistance. The increasing variety of β-lactamases and the emergence of Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in community, raise concerns regarding efficacy of β-lactams. It is important to know the exact load of antibiotic resistance in the absence of any antibiotic selection pressure including via food and water.

In the present study gut colonization in neonates with no direct antibiotic pressure was used as a model to evaluate β-lactam resistance in the community.

Results

In this prospective study, 75 healthy, vaginally delivered, antibiotic naive, breast fed neonates were studied for gut colonization by Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), AmpC β-lactamases hyperproducing Enterobacteriaceae and CRE on day 0, 21 and 60. Total 267 Enterobacteriaceae were isolated and E.coli was the predominant flora. ESBL, AmpC and coproduction was seen in 20.6%, 19.9% and 11.2% isolates respectively. ESBL carriage increased threefold from day 1 to 60 showing predominance of CTX-M group 15 (82.5%), ampC genes were heterogeneous. Colonization with CRE was rare, only one baby harboured Enterobacter sp positive for kpc-2. The reservoirs for these genes are likely to be mother and the environment.

Conclusions

Data strongly suggests that in absence of any antibiotic pressure there is tremendous load of antibiotic resistance to β-lactam drugs. Wide spread presence of ESBL and AmpC can drive rapid emergence and dissemination of CRE. This is the first report from India which depicts the smaller picture of true antibiotic pressure present in the Indian community.
Clinical characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibilities of viridans streptococcal bacteremia during febrile neutropenia in patients with hematologic malignancies: a comparison between adults and children
Authors: Han Seung Beom , Bae E Young , Lee Jae Wook , Lee Dong-Gun , Chung Nack-Gyun , Jeong Dae-Chul , Cho Bin , Kang Jin Han , Kim Hack-Ki
Published: June 2013

Background

This study was performed to compare the clinical characteristics and antibiotic susceptibilities of viridans streptococcal bacteremia (VSB) between febrile neutropenic adults and children with hematologic malignancies.

Methods

The consecutive medical records of neutropenic patients with hematologic malignancies who were admitted to the Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center between April 2009 and July 2012, and who were subsequently diagnosed with VSB were reviewed retrospectively. A comparison was made between the clinical and laboratory characteristics of adults and pediatric patients and also between patients with cefepime susceptible or not susceptible VSB.

Results

A total of 202 episodes (141 in adults, 61 in children) of VSB were identified. Among them, 26 (12.9%) cases had severe complications including four (2.0%) cases of death attributable to VSB. For antibacterial prophylaxis, most adults received ciprofloxacin (97.1%), but children more frequently received trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (86.9%). Oral mucositis (p = 0.005) and abdominal pain (p = 0.001) were found more frequently in adults, and cough was found more frequently in children (p = 0.004). The occurrence rates of severe complications and death attributable to VSB were not significantly different between adults and children. Susceptibility rate to cefepime was significantly higher in adults than children (85.7% vs. 66.1%, p = 0.002). However, in multivariate analysis, cefepime susceptibility had no impact on clinical outcome.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in clinical outcome between adults and children with VSB despite a difference in cefepime susceptibility. Hence, different antibiotic treatment strategies may not be necessary.
Antibacterial activity of extracellular compounds produced by a Pseudomonas strain against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains
Authors: Cardozo Viviane F , Oliveira Admilton G , Nishio Erick K , Perugini Marcia RE , Andrade Célia GTJ , Silveira Wanderley D , Durán Nelson , Andrade Galdino , Kobayashi Renata KT , Nakazato Gerson
Published: June 2013

Background

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a world health problem. Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, is one of the most important human pathogens associated with hospital and community-acquired infections. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa-derived compound against MRSA strains.

Methods

Thirty clinical MRSA strains were isolated, and three standard MRSA strains were evaluated. The extracellular compounds were purified by vacuum liquid chromatography. Evaluation of antibacterial activity was performed by agar diffusion technique, determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration, curve of growth and viability and scanning electron microscopy. Interaction of an extracellular compound with silver nanoparticle was studied to evaluate antibacterial effect.

Results

The F3 (ethyl acetate) and F3d (dichloromethane- ethyl acetate) fractions demonstrated antibacterial activity against the MRSA strains. Phenazine-1-carboxamide was identified and purified from the F3d fraction and demonstrated slight antibacterial activity against MRSA, and synergic effect when combined with silver nanoparticles produced by Fusarium oxysporum. Organohalogen compound was purified from this fraction showing high antibacterial effect. Using scanning electron microscopy, we show that the F3d fraction caused morphological changes to the cell wall of the MRSA strains.

Conclusions

These results suggest that P. aeruginosa-produced compounds such as phenazines have inhibitory effects against MRSA and may be a good alternative treatment to control infections caused by MRSA.
Impact of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody on dendritic cell-tumor fusion vaccine efficacy in a murine melanoma model
Authors: Tan Chunrui , Reddy Varun , Dannull Jens , Ding Enyu , Nair Smita K , Tyler Douglas S , Pruitt Scott K , Lee Walter T
Published: June 2013

Background

A promising cancer vaccine involves the fusion of tumor cells with dendritic cells (DCs). As such, a broad spectrum of both known and unidentified tumor antigens is presented to the immune system in the context of the potent immunostimulatory capacity of DCs. Murine studies have demonstrated the efficacy of fusion immunotherapy. However the clinical impact of DC/tumor fusion vaccines has been limited, suggesting that the immunosuppresive milieu found in patients with malignancies may blunt the efficacy of cancer vaccination. Thus, novel strategies to enhance fusion vaccine efficacy are needed. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to suppress anti-tumor immunity, and depletion or functional inactivation of these cells improves immunotherapy in both animal models and clinical trials. In this study, we sought to investigate whether functional inactivation of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg with anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (mAb) PC61 prior to DC/tumor vaccination would significantly improve immunotherapy in the murine B16 melanoma model.

Methods

Treg blockade was achieved with systemic PC61 administration. This blockage was done in conjunction with DC/tumor fusion vaccine administration to treat established melanoma pulmonary metastases. Enumeration of these metastases was performed and compared between experimental groups using Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test. IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay was performed on splenocytes from treated mice.

Results

We demonstrate that treatment of mice with established disease using mAb PC61 and DC/tumor fusion significantly reduced counts of pulmonary metastases compared to treatment with PC61 alone (p=0.002) or treatment with control antibody plus fusion vaccine (p=0.0397). Furthermore, IFN-gamma ELISPOT analyses reveal that the increase in cancer immunity was mediated by anti-tumor specific CD4+ T-helper cells, without concomitant induction of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Lastly, our data provide proof of principle that combination treatment with mAb PC61 and systemic IL-12 can lower the dose of IL-12 necessary to obtain maximal therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report investigating the effects of anti-CD25 mAb administration on DC/tumor-fusion vaccine efficacy in a murine melanoma model, and our results may aide the design of future clinical trials with enhanced therapeutic impact.
Quantitative assessment of the association between MHTFR C677T (rs1801133, Ala222Val) polymorphism and susceptibility to bladder cancer
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Fa , Wang Honghui
Published: June 2013

Background

The association between Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) Ala222Val (rs1801133) has been implicated to alter the risk of bladder cancer, but the results are controversial.

Methods

A comprehensive databases of Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) were searched for case–control studies investigating the association between MTHFR Ala222Val polymorphism and bladder cancer susceptibility. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to assess this possible association. A χ
2-based Q-test was used to examine the heterogeneity assumption. Begg’s and Egger’s test were used to examine the potential publication bias. The leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine whether our assumptions or decisions have a major effect on the results of the review. Statistical analysis was performed with the software program Stata 12.0.

Results

A total of 15 independent studies were identified, including 3,570 cases and 3,926 controls. Our analysis suggested that Ala222Val was not associated with bladder cancer risk in overall population under additive model (OR=0.96, 95%CI=0.76-1.21, P=0.731), dominant model (OR=1.00, 95%CI=0.87-1.15, P=0.975), recessive model (OR=0.92, 95%CI=0.79-1.07, P=0.279), and Ala allele versus Val allele (OR=0.96, 95%CI=0.86-1.07, P=0.427). In the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity and sources of controls, there were also no significant associations detected among different descent populations, population-based studies and hospital-based studies.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed the evidence that MTHFR Ala222Val polymorphism was not contributed to the development of bladder cancer.

Virtual slide

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2117182849994994.
Multiple peripheral typical carcinoid tumors of the lung: associated with sclerosing hemangiomas
Authors: Kim Young , Choi Yoo-Duk , Kim Beum Jin , Oh In-Jae , Song Sang-Yun , Nam Jong-Hee , Park Chang-Soo
Published: June 2013

This study presents a first case of multiple peripheral typical carcinoid tumors associated with sclerosing hemangiomas in the lung. A 52-year-old male presented with incidentally detected multiple pulmonary nodules on a simple chest X-ray during routine health check-up. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed multiple nodular lesions in the middle and lower lobes of the right lung. These were initially suspected as inflammatory lesions due to miliary tuberculosis. However, possibility of malignancy could not be excluded and right lower lobe lobectomy was performed. Histopathologically, some nodules including two largest nodules were composed of small round to spindle shaped cells with fine chromatin pattern, whereas the rest of the sclerotic nodules were composed of two epithelial cell types- surface cells and round cells. The final diagnosis of this case was multiple peripheral typical carcinoid tumors associated with sclerosing hemangiomas of the lung. For past three years of post-surgery follow up period, no new lesions or changes in the right middle lobe have been identified.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1511610609725790.
Expression of genes controlling fat deposition in two genetically diverse beef cattle breeds fed high or low silage diets
Authors: da Costa Ana Sofia Henriques , Pires Virgínia Maria Rico , Fontes Carlos Mendes Godinho Andrade , Mestre Prates José António
Published: June 2013

Background

Both genetic background and finishing system can alter fat deposition, thus indicating their influence on adipogenic and lipogenic factors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying fat deposition and fatty acid composition in beef cattle are not fully understood. This study aimed to assess the effect of breed and dietary silage level on the expression patterns of key genes controlling lipid metabolism in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle of cattle. To that purpose, forty bulls from two genetically diverse Portuguese bovine breeds with distinct maturity rates, Alentejana and Barrosã, were selected and fed either low (30% maize silage/70% concentrate) or high silage (70% maize silage/30% concentrate) diets.

Results

The results suggested that enhanced deposition of fatty acids in the SAT from Barrosã bulls, when compared to Alentejana, could be due to higher expression levels of lipogenesis (SCD and LPL) and β-oxidation (CRAT) related genes. Our results also indicated that SREBF1 expression in the SAT is increased by feeding the low silage diet. Together, these results point out to a higher lipid turnover in the SAT of Barrosã bulls when compared to Alentejana. In turn, lipid deposition in the LL muscle is related to the expression of adipogenic (PPARG and FABP4) and lipogenic (ACACA and SCD) genes. The positive correlation between ACACA expression levels and total lipids, as well trans fatty acids, points to ACACA as a major player in intramuscular deposition in ruminants. Moreover, results reinforce the role of FABP4 in intramuscular fat development and the SAT as the major site for lipid metabolism in ruminants.

Conclusions

Overall, the results showed that SAT and LL muscle fatty acid composition are mostly dependent on the genetic background. In addition, dietary silage level impacted on muscle lipid metabolism to a greater extent than on that of SAT, as evaluated by gene expression levels of adipogenic and lipogenic factors. Moreover, the response to diet composition evaluated through mRNA levels and fatty acid composition showed interesting differences between Alentejana and Barrosã bulls. These findings provide evidence that the genetic background should be taken into account while devising diet-based strategies to manipulate fatty acid composition of beef cattle tissues.