bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PDT Dose Parameters Impact Tumoricidal Durability and Cell Death Pathways in a 3D Ovarian Cancer Model
Authors: Rizvi Imran , Anbil Sriram , Alagic Nermina , Celli Jonathan P. , Zheng Lei Zak , Palanisami Akilan , Glidden Michael D. , Pogue Brian W. , Hasan Tayyaba
Published: February 2013

The successful implementation of photodynamic therapy (PDT)‐based regimens depends on an improved understanding of the dosimetric and biological factors that govern therapeutic variability. Here, the kinetics of tumor destruction and regrowth are characterized by systematically varying benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD)‐light combinations to achieve fixed PDT doses (M × J cm−2). Three endpoints were used to evaluate treatment response: (1) Viability evaluated every 24 h for 5 days post‐PDT; (2) Photobleaching assessed immediately post‐PDT; and (3) Caspase‐3 activation determined 24 h post‐PDT. The specific BPD‐light parameters used to construct a given PDT dose significantly impact not only acute cytotoxic efficacy, but also treatment durability. For each dose, PDT with 0.25 μM BPD produces the most significant and sustained reduction in normalized viability compared to 1 and 10 μM BPD. Percent photobleaching correlates with normalized viability for a range of PDT doses achieved within BPD concentrations. To produce a cytotoxic response with 10 μM BPD that is comparable to 0.25 and 1 μM BPD a reduction in irradiance from 150 to 0.5 mW cm−2 is required. Activated caspase‐3 does not correlate with normalized viability. The parameter‐dependent durability of outcomes within fixed PDT doses provides opportunities for treatment customization and improved therapeutic planning.
Influence of the FecXR Allele in Heterozygous Ewes on Follicular Population and Outcomes of IVP and ET using LOPU‐Derived Oocytes
Authors: Lahoz B , Alabart JL , Folch J , Sánchez P , Echegoyen E , Cocero MJ
Published: February 2013

Contents

Ewes heterozygous for the FecXR allele (R+) in the bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) gene display increased ovulation rate and prolificacy. Besides this phenotypic advantage, the influence of the FecXR allele on follicle number and size, oocyte competence and in vitro production (IVP) remains undefined. With these aims, 8 R+ and 8 wild‐type (++) ewes were subjected to 2 laparoscopic ovum pick‐up (LOPU) trials (four sessions per trial; two with and two without FSH) and subsequent IVP and fresh embryo transfer. All follicles >3 mm were punctured (n = 1673). Genotype did not significantly affect the number of punctured follicles per ewe and session (10.4 and 10.2 in R+ and ++ untreated ewes, 17.4 and 14.3 in R+ and ++ FSH‐treated ewes, respectively), but follicular diameter of R+ ewes was significantly reduced compared with ++ ewes (−0.2 mm in untreated and −0.8 mm in FSH‐treated ewes; p < 0.01). R+ ewes showed higher recovery rate and increased numbers of total and suitable cumulus–oocyte complexes for in vitro maturation (IVM). Similar rates of day 8 blastocysts were observed in R+ (36.1%, 147/407) and ++ (32.6%, 100/307) ewes, but the final output of day 8 blastocysts per ewe and session was higher in R+ ewes (+0.75; p < 0.005), without differences in survival rate at birth of the transferred embryos (40.4%, 21/52 vs 36.4%, 16/44, respectively). In conclusion, a higher number of oocytes proven to be competent for in vitro development and embryo survival after transfer are recovered from R+ ewes, despite the lower mean size of their follicles at puncture.
A Long‐Term Comparison of Hydrology and Plant Community Composition in Constructed Versus Naturally Occurring Vernal Pools
Authors: Collinge Sharon K. , Ray Chris , Marty Jaymee T.
Published: February 2013

Successful restoration of ephemeral wetlands worldwide is particularly challenging, given the often‐precise relationship between hydrological features and plant community dynamics. Using a long‐term experiment in vernal pool restoration, we compare hydrological and vegetative characteristics of constructed pools with those of adjacent, naturally occurring reference pools. Although constructed and reference pools were similar in maximum water depth and duration of inundation at the beginning of our experiment in 2000, constructed pools were shallower and inundated for shorter periods by 2009. Native vernal pool species were able to establish populations in many constructed pools, and seeding sped their establishment. Comparing seeded plots in constructed pools with unseeded plots in reference pools, we found no significant difference in the cover of seeded species, native species, or exotic species in most years. In recent years, however, native species have declined in both constructed and reference pools. Finally, the cover of native vernal pool species was positively and non‐linearly associated with both water depth and seeding treatment. We conclude that the establishment of appropriate hydrological conditions was necessary, but not sufficient to promote successful performance of vernal pool species in constructed pools. Constructed pools with hydrologic conditions similar to those of reference pools were more likely to support populations of native vernal pool plant species, but only seeded pools were similar to reference pools in abundance of native cover. Most importantly, hydrological conditions in experimental pools have worsened since their construction, which may hamper persistence of native species in this restoration effort.
The Arabidopsis leaf provascular cell transcriptome is enriched in genes with roles in vein patterning
Authors: Gandotra Neeru , Coughlan Sean J. , Nelson Timothy
Published: February 2013

Several classes of genes have been associated, by mutant phenotypes or cell biology, with the formation of vein patterns during early leaf development, including genes for certain transcription factors, auxin transport and response factors, endomembrane traffic components and other signaling pathway components. The majority of these are expressed with spatial and temporal specificity that includes expression in the precursors of vascular cells – provascular (PV) and procambial (PC) cells – suggesting that other PV/PC‐specific genes might have roles in vein patterning. We inventoried the PV/PC transcriptome of Arabidopsis leaves using a combination of laser microdissection and microarray expression profiling, and determined the phenotypes of knock‐outs of previously uncharacterized PV/PC‐specific genes. As examples, we observed vein pattern defects in knock‐out lines of KEG and a CCCH zinc finger protein. This strategy of gene discovery, based on the identification of a gene set co‐expressed in the same cells during the targeted developmental event, appears to be an efficient means of identifying genes functionally relevant to the event. In the case of vein patterning, this strategy would have identified many or most of the genes previously obtained by labor‐intensive screening for pattern‐defective mutants.
Comparison of visually estimated blood loss with direct hemoglobin measurement in multilevel spine surgery
Authors: Guinn Nicole R. , Broomer Bob W. , White William , Richardson William , Hill Steven E.
Published: February 2013

Background

Estimates of blood loss in the operating room are typically performed as a visual assessment by providers, despite multiple studies showing this to be inaccurate. Use of a less subjective measurement of blood loss such as direct measurement of the hemoglobin (Hb) mass lost from the surgical field may better quantify surgical bleeding. The objective of this investigation was to compare anesthesiologist estimates of intraoperative blood loss with measured Hb loss.

Study Design and Methods

Sixty patients undergoing posterior spine surgery were enrolled in a prospective, randomized trial comparing intraoperative blood loss using unipolar cautery alone or with use of a bipolar tissue sealant device. Hb concentration and fluid volume were measured from all surgical sponges, suction canisters, and the cell salvage device. Using the volume and concentration of Hb from each solution allowed calculation of Hb mass, which was converted into volume of blood lost and compared with estimates of blood loss documented by the anesthesia team. A single‐sample t test of no difference was used to compare estimated with measured blood loss.

Results

Mean estimated blood loss exceeded measured blood loss by 246 mL (860 mL vs. 614 mL, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Estimated blood loss exceeded measured blood loss by 40% on average. The likely etiology of this discrepancy relates to the inability to visually determine Hb concentration of sanguineous solutions in suction canisters and surgical sponges. Ramifications of excessive bleeding estimates include unnecessary transfusion and overadministration of intravenous fluids, both of which may have deleterious effects.
Aberrant wound healing in the horse: Naturally occurring conditions reminiscent of those observed in man
Authors: Theoret Christine L. , Wilmink Jacintha M.
Published: February 2013

Impaired wound healing represents an enormous clinical and financial problem for companion animals and humans alike. Unfortunately, most models used to study healing rely on rodents, which have significant differences in the healing and scarring process and rarely develop complications. In order to better simulate impaired healing, the model should strive to reproduce the natural processes of healing and delayed healing. Wounds on the limbs of horses display similarities to wounds in humans in their epithelialization/contraction ratio, genetic influence as well as dysregulated cytokine profile and the spontaneous development of fibroproliferative disorders. Veterinarians have access to advanced wound therapies that are often identical to those provided to human patients. Wound research in large animals has resulted in new wound models as well as a better understanding of the physiology, immunology, and local environmental impact on both normal and aberrant wound healing. One such model reproduces the naturally occurring fibroproliferative disorder of horses known as exuberant granulation tissue. Comparisons between the normally healing and impaired wounds provide insight into the repair process and can facilitate product development. A better understanding of the wound healing physiopathology based on clinically accurate animal models should lead to the development of novel therapies thereby improving outcomes in both human and veterinary patients.
STEROID FOCUSING BY MICELLE COLLAPSE IN MICELLAR ELECTROKINETIC CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: MOHAMED KHIR NORTHAQIFAH HASNA , JAAFAR JAFARIAH , BAKAR MOHD BAKRI
Published: February 2013

Preliminary studies on the separation of neutral steroids through analyte focusing by micelle collapse (AFMC) are presented to investigate its efficiency, sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD). The focusing mechanism of AFMC is based on the transport, release, and accumulation of molecules bound to micelle carriers that are made to collapse into a liquid phase zone. The sample solution of the neutral analytes (S) is prepared using sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) at a concentration above the critical micelle concentration (cmc) with higher conductivity than the running buffer. Normal mode–micellar electrokinetic chromatography (NM–MEKC) separation was initially performed on 100 mg/L of six neutral steroids in methanol using 20 mM SDS, 10% (v/v) methanol and sodium borate buffer (pH 9.0) with positive applied voltage of 25 kV and pressure injection of 50 mbar for 1 sec at 25°C. The same buffer condition has been applied to AFMC–MEKC, whereby the mixture of six neutral steroids was dissolved in 2 mM SDS and 250 mM sodium borate buffer which gave a conductivity ratio of 0.49. Results showed a good separation of prednisolone, prednisone, betamethasone, testosterone, 17–α–methyltestosterone, and 4–androstene–3,17–dione at 240 nm with sensitivity enhancement factors of 2.08, 1.17, 0.92, 16.9, 0.8, and 1.21 respectively. AFMC–MEKC allowed several folds improvement in sensitivity compared to NM–MEKC.
A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF AIR QUALITY IN MAKASSAR CITY SOUTH SULAWESI INDONESIA
Authors: A. SATTAR , RASHID M. , MAT R. , PUJI L.
Published: February 2013

Makassar has a strategic position as it is located in between the south and north in the provinces of South Sulawesi. Thus, the rapid growth of urbanization and industrialization within the area is unavoidable, resulting Makassar to be an area of mixed commercial–residential–industrial along with the problem of air pollution. Hence, it is important to monitor the quality of air in Makassar. This paper presents a preliminary survey of urban air quality in Makassar area based on SO2, CO, NO2, O3, Pb, and TSP (Total Suspended Particle) sampled over ten years period (2001 to 2010), while PM10was monitored for five years (2006 to 2010). The air quality data were obtained from measurements made by the Office of Ministry of Environment Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua and Environment Board of the Province of South Sulawesi as well as Environment agency of Makassar City. The average annual concentrations of SO2, CO, NO2, O3, Pb, TSP and PM10 recorded were 76 μg/m3, 1041 μg/m3, 43.2 μg/m3, 54.5 μg/m3, 0.7 μg/m3, 188 μg/m3, 54.6 μg/m3, respectively. Subsequently, these data are compared to the air quality threshold limits recommended by the Indonesia National Ambient Air Quality Standard (INAAQS) as well as guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐like‐proteins confer high sensitivity to the scorpion toxin AmmTX3 to Kv4‐mediated A‐type K+ channels
Authors: Maffie Jon K. , Dvoretskova Elena , Bougis Pierre Edouard , Martin‐Eauclaire Marie‐France , Rudy Bernardo
Published: February 2013

Key points

AmmTX3, a member of the α‐KTX15 family of scorpion toxins, efficiently and specifically blocks the subthreshold‐operating A‐type K+ current in cerebellar granule neurons from wild‐type mice but not in neurons from mice lacking the Kv4 channel‐associated protein DPP6.

In heterologous cells high‐affinity blockade of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 channels by AmmTX3 requires the presence of the associated proteins DPP6 and DPP10.

These results validate AmmTX3 as a specific blocker of Kv4 channels in CNS neurons and explain the discrepancy between previous observations in neurons and heterologous cells.

They contribute a powerful tool to investigate the physiological role of A‐type K+ currents, believed to be important in dendritic integration and plasticity and to be involved in a number of diseases.

Our results demonstrate that, in addition to changing the kinetics and voltage dependence of Kv4 channel complexes, DDP‐like Kv4‐associated proteins also affect their pharmacological profile.

Abstract  K+ channels containing Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 pore‐forming subunits mediate most of the subthreshold‐operating somatodendritic A‐type K+ current in CNS neurons. These channels are believed to be important in regulating the frequency of repetitive firing, the backpropagation of action potential into dendrites, and dendritic integration and plasticity. Moreover, they have been implicated in several diseases from pain to epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. The lack of toxins that specifically and efficiently block these channels has hampered studies aimed at confirming their functional role and their involvement in disease. AmmTX3 and other related members of the α‐KTX15 family of scorpion toxins have been shown to block the A‐type K+ current in cultured neurons, but their specificity has been questioned because the toxins do not efficiently block the currents mediated by Kv4.2 or Kv4.3 subunits expressed in heterologous cells. Here we show that the high‐affinity blockade of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 channels by AmmTX3 depends on the presence of the auxiliary subunits DPP6 and DPP10. These proteins are thought to be components of the Kv4 channel complex in neurons and to be important for channel expression in dendrites. These studies validate the use of AmmTX3 as a blocker of the Kv4‐mediated A‐type K+ current in neurons.
A Systems Approach for Decoding Mitochondrial Retrograde Signaling Pathways
Authors: Chae Sehyun , Ahn Byung Yong , Byun Kyunghee , Cho Young Min , Yu Myeong-Hee , Lee Bonghee , Hwang Daehee , Park Kyong Soo
Published: February 2013

Transcriptional profiling and transcription factor matching reveal potential targets for therapies against diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Caspase-11–Dependent Pyroptosis
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: February 2013

Caspase-11 triggers cell death in response to bacteria that gain access to the cytosol of macrophages.
Targeting Dimerization
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: February 2013

Targeting the dimerization interface of Raf disrupts signaling by all but the most active mutants.
The Plasma Cell Fountain of Youth?
Authors: Obhrai Jagdeep S.
Published: February 2013

Plasma cell longevity requires the antiapoptotic molecule Mcl-1.
Inoculum Effect on the Efficacies of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate, Piperacillin-Tazobactam, and Imipenem against Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing and Non-ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli in an Experimental Murine Sepsis Model
Authors: Docobo-Pérez F. , López-Cerero L. , López-Rojas R. , Egea P. , Domínguez-Herrera J. , Rodríguez-Baño J. , Pascual A. , Pachón J.
Published: February 2013

Escherichia coli
is commonly involved in infections with a heavy bacterial burden. Piperacillin-tazobactam and carbapenems are among the recommended empirical treatments for health care-associated complicated intra-abdominal infections. In contrast to amoxicillin-clavulanate, both have reduced
in vitro
activity in the presence of high concentrations of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and non-ESBL-producing
E. coli
bacteria. Our goal was to compare the efficacy of these antimicrobials against different concentrations of two clinical
E. coli
strains, one an ESBL-producer and the other a non-ESBL-producer, in a murine sepsis model. An experimental sepsis model {∼5.5 log
10
CFU/g [low inoculum concentration (LI)] or ∼7.5 log
10
CFU/g [high inoculum concentration (HI)]} using
E. coli
strains ATCC 25922 (non-ESBL producer) and Ec1062 (CTX-M-14 producer), which are susceptible to the three antimicrobials, was used. Amoxicillin-clavulanate (50/12.5 mg/kg given intramuscularly [i.m.]), piperacillin-tazobactam (25/3.125 mg/kg given intraperitoneally [i.p.]), and imipenem (30 mg/kg i.m.) were used. Piperacillin-tazobactam and imipenem reduced spleen ATCC 25922 strain concentrations (−2.53 and −2.14 log
10
CFU/g [
P
< 0.05, respectively]) in the HI versus LI groups, while amoxicillin-clavulanate maintained its efficacy (−1.01 log
10
CFU/g [no statistically significant difference]). Regarding the Ec1062 strain, the antimicrobials showed lower efficacy in the HI than in the LI groups: −0.73, −1.89, and −1.62 log
10
CFU/g (
P
< 0.05, for piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, and amoxicillin-clavulanate, respectively, although imipenem and amoxicillin-clavulanate were more efficacious than piperacillin-tazobactam). An adapted imipenem treatment (based on the time for which the serum drug concentration remained above the MIC obtained with a HI of the ATCC 25922 strain) improved its efficacy to −1.67 log
10
CFU/g (
P
< 0.05). These results suggest that amoxicillin-clavulanate could be an alternative to imipenem treatment of infections caused by ESBL- and non-ESBL-producing
E. coli
strains in patients with therapeutic failure with piperacillin-tazobactam.
Zafirlukast Inhibits Complexation of Lsr2 with DNA and Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Pinault Lucile , Han Jeong-Sun , Kang Choong-Min , Franco Jimmy , Ronning Donald R.
Published: February 2013

The mycobacterial nucleoid-associated protein Lsr2 is a DNA-bridging protein that plays a role in condensation and structural organization of the genome and acts as a global repressor of gene transcription. Here we describe experiments demonstrating that zafirlukast inhibits the complexation between Lsr2 and DNA
in vitro
. Zafirlukast is shown to inhibit growth in two different species of mycobacteria tested but exhibits no growth inhibition of
Escherichia coli
. The Lsr2 inhibitory activity is reflected
in vivo
as determined by monitoring of transcription levels in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. These data suggest that zafirlukast inhibits Lsr2 function
in vivo
, promoting dysregulation of the expression of an array of genes typically bound by Lsr2 and hindering growth. Since zafirlukast likely operates by a mechanism distinct from current
M. tuberculosis
drugs and is currently used as a prophylactic treatment for asthma, it offers an intriguing lead for development of new treatments for tuberculosis.
The Actin-Polymerizing Activity of SipA Is Not Essential for Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium-Induced Mucosal Inflammation
Authors: Li Dongju , Wang Xueqin , Wang Lu , Zhou Daoguo
Published: February 2013

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium depends on type III secretion systems to inject effector proteins into host cells to promote bacterial invasion and to induce intestinal inflammation. SipA, a type III effector, is known to play important roles in both the invasion and the elicitation of intestinal inflammation. The actin-modulating activity of SipA has been shown to promote
Salmonella
entry into epithelial cells. To investigate whether the actin-modulating activity of SipA is required for its ability to induce an inflammatory response
in vivo
, we generated the SipA
K635A E637W
mutant, which is deficient in actin-modulating activity.
Salmonella
strains expressing the chromosomal SipA
K635A E637W
point mutation had reduced invasion abilities but still caused colitis similar to that caused by the wild-type strain in a mouse model of infection. Our data indicate that the SipA actin-polymerizing activity is not essential for the SipA-induced inflammatory response in the mouse model of infection.
H
2
-Independent Growth of the Hydrogenotrophic Methanogen Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Costa Kyle C. , Lie Thomas J. , Jacobs Michael A. , Leigh John A.
Published: February 2013

Hydrogenotrophic methanogenic
Archaea
require reduced ferredoxin as an anaplerotic source of electrons for methanogenesis. H
2
oxidation by the hydrogenase Eha provides these electrons, consistent with an H
2
requirement for growth. Here we report the identification of alternative pathways of ferredoxin reduction in
Methanococcus maripaludis
that operate independently of Eha to stimulate methanogenesis. A suppressor mutation that increased expression of the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase resulted in a strain capable of H
2
-independent ferredoxin reduction and growth with formate as the sole electron donor. In this background, it was possible to eliminate all seven hydrogenases of
M. maripaludis
. Alternatively, carbon monoxide oxidation by carbon monoxide dehydrogenase could also generate reduced ferredoxin that feeds into methanogenesis. In either case, the reduced ferredoxin generated was inefficient at stimulating methanogenesis, resulting in a slow growth phenotype. As methanogenesis is limited by the availability of reduced ferredoxin under these conditions, other electron donors, such as reduced coenzyme F
420
, should be abundant. Indeed, when F
420
-reducing hydrogenase was reintroduced into the hydrogenase-free mutant, the equilibrium of H
2
production via an F
420
-dependent formate:H
2
lyase activity shifted markedly toward H
2
compared to the wild type.

IMPORTANCE
Hydrogenotrophic methanogens are thought to require H
2
as a substrate for growth and methanogenesis. Here we show alternative pathways in methanogenic metabolism that alleviate this H
2
requirement and demonstrate, for the first time, a hydrogenotrophic methanogen that is capable of growth in the complete absence of H
2
. The demonstration of alternative pathways in methanogenic metabolism suggests that this important group of organisms is metabolically more versatile than previously thought.
Unexpected Diversity during Community Succession in the Apple Flower Microbiome
Authors: Shade Ashley , McManus Patricia S. , Handelsman Jo
Published: February 2013

Despite its importance to the host, the flower microbiome is poorly understood. We report a culture-independent, community-level assessment of apple flower microbial diversity and dynamics. We collected flowers from six apple trees at five time points, starting before flowers opened and ending at petal fall. We applied streptomycin to half of the trees when flowers opened. Assessment of microbial diversity using tag pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes revealed that the apple flower communities were rich and diverse and dominated by members of TM7 and
Deinococcus-Thermus
, phyla about which relatively little is known. From thousands of taxa, we identified six successional groups with coherent dynamics whose abundances peaked at different times before and after bud opening. We designated the groups Pioneer, Early, Mid, Late, Climax, and Generalist communities. The successional pattern was attributed to a set of prevalent taxa that were persistent and gradually changing in abundance. These taxa had significant associations with other community members, as demonstrated with a cooccurrence network based on local similarity analysis. We also detected a set of less-abundant, transient taxa that contributed to general tree-to-tree variability but not to the successional pattern. Communities on trees sprayed with streptomycin had slightly lower phylogenetic diversity than those on unsprayed trees but did not differ in structure or succession. Our results suggest that changes in apple flower microbial community structure are predictable over the life of the flower, providing a basis for ecological understanding and disease management.

IMPORTANCE
Flowering plants (angiosperms) represent a diverse group of an estimated 400,000 species, and their successful cultivation is essential to agriculture. Yet fundamental knowledge of flower-associated microbiotas remains largely unknown. Even less well understood are the changes that flower microbial communities experience through time. Flowers are particularly conducive to comprehensive temporal studies because they are, by nature, ephemeral organs. Here, we present the first culture-independent time series of bacterial and archaeal communities associated with the flowers of apple, an economically important crop. We found unexpected diversity on apple flowers, including a preponderance of taxa affiliated with
Deinococcus
-
Thermus
and TM7, phyla that are understudied but thought to be tolerant to an array of environmental stresses. Our results also suggest that changes in microbial community structure on the apple flower may be predictable over the life of the flower, providing the basis for ecological understanding and disease management.
The transition between work, sickness absence and pension in a cohort of Danish colorectal cancer survivors
Authors: Carlsen Kathrine , Harling Henrik , Pedersen Jacob , Christensen Karl Bang , Osler Merete
Published: February 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic and clinical factors on the transitions between work, sickness absence and retirement in a cohort of Danish colorectal cancer survivors.

Design

Register-based cohort study with up to 10 years of follow-up.

Setting

Population-based study with use of administrative health-related and socioeconomic registers.

Participants

All persons (N=4343) diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Denmark during the years 2001–2009 while they were in their working age (18–63 years) and who were part of the labour force 1 year postdiagnosis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

By the use of multistate models in Cox proportional hazards models, we analysed the HR for re-employment, sickness absence and retirement in models including clinical as well as health-related variables.

Results

1 year after diagnosis, 62% were working and 58% continued until the end of follow-up. Socioeconomic factors were found to be associated with retirement but not with sickness absence and return to work. The risk for transition from work to sickness absence increased if the disease was diagnosed at a later stage (stage III) 1.52 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.91), not operated curatively 1.35 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.63) and with occurrence of postoperative complications 1.25 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.41). The opposite was found for the transition from sickness absence back to work.

Conclusions

This nationwide study of colorectal cancer patients who have survived 1 year shows that the stage of disease, general health condition of the individual, postoperative complications and the history of sickness absence and unemployment have an impact on the transition between work, sickness absence and disability pension. This leads to an increased focus on the rehabilitation process for the more vulnerable persons who have a combination of severe disease and a history of work-related problems with episodes outside the working market.
Exploring the potential of expatriate social networks to reduce HIV and STI transmission: a protocol for a qualitative study
Authors: Crawford Gemma , Bowser Nicole Jasmine , Brown Graham Ernest , Maycock Bruce Richard
Published: February 2013

Introduction

HIV diagnoses acquired among Australian men working or travelling overseas including  Southeast Asia are increasing. This change within transmission dynamics means traditional approaches to prevention need to be considered in new contexts. The significance and role of social networks in mediating sexual risk behaviours may be influential. Greater understanding of expatriate and traveller behaviour is required to understand how local relationships are formed, how individuals enter and are socialised into networks, and how these networks may affect sexual intentions and behaviours. This paper describes the development of a qualitative protocol to investigate how social networks of Australian expatriates and long-term travellers might support interventions to reduce transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

Methods and analysis

To explore the interactions of male expatriates and long-term travellers within and between their environments, symbolic interactionism will be the theoretical framework used. Grounded theory methods provide the ability to explain social processes through the development of explanatory theory. The primary data source will be interviews conducted in several rounds in both Australia and Southeast Asia. Purposive and theoretical sampling will be used to access participants whose data can provide depth and individual meaning.

Ethics and dissemination

The role of expatriate and long-term traveller networks and their potential to impact health are uncertain. This study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the Australian expatriate culture, behavioural contexts and experiences within social networks in  Southeast Asia. This research will provide tangible recommendations for policy and practice as the findings will be disseminated to health professionals and other stakeholders, academics and the community via local research and evaluation networks, conference presentations and online forums. The Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee has granted approval for this research.
Photosynthetic and morphological responses of white birch, balsam poplar, and trembling aspen to freezing and artificial defoliation
Authors: Man Rongzhou , Lu Pengxin , Colombo Steve , Li Junlin , Dang Qing-Lai
Published: February 2013

Comparative stress resistance of 1-year-old white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.), and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) seedlings was evaluated after exposure to freezing or defoliation. Photosynthesis in leaves surviving freezing (−5 °C) declined immediately after treatment, but nearly fully recovered within 3 weeks. Defoliation did not significantly increase photosynthesis in the remaining leaves. Refoliation occurred after freezing that killed terminal shoots and released current buds from apical dominance, while new leaves of larger size were produced through continuous growth of terminal shoots in 50% or 100% defoliation. Freezing and complete defoliation significantly reduced diameter and height growth in all species, whereas 50% defoliation did not affect growth. These results indicate some of the physiological and morphological responses to foliage loss in broadleaved boreal species that can help to maintain growth and productivity under a warming climate, which may result in more frequent damaging spring frosts and insect defoliation.
Comparison of culture and qPCR methods in detection of mycobacteria from drinking waters
Authors: Räsänen Noora H.J. , Rintala Helena , Miettinen Ilkka T. , Torvinen Eila
Published: February 2013

Environmental mycobacteria are common bacteria in man-made water systems and may cause infections and hypersensitivity pneumonitis via exposure to water. We compared a generally used cultivation method and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method to detect mycobacteria in 3 types of drinking waters: surface water, ozone-treated surface water, and groundwater. There was a correlation between the numbers of mycobacteria obtained by cultivation and qPCR methods, but the ratio of the counts obtained by the 2 methods varied among the types of water. The qPCR counts in the drinking waters produced from surface or groundwater were 5 to 34 times higher than culturable counts. In ozone-treated surface waters, both methods gave similar counts. The ozone-treated drinking waters had the highest concentration of assimilable organic carbon, which may explain the good culturability. In warm tap waters, qPCR gave 43 times higher counts than cultivation, but both qPCR counts and culturable counts were lower than those in the drinking waters collected from the same sites. The TaqMan qPCR method is a rapid and sensitive tool for total quantitation of mycobacteria in different types of clean waters. The raw water source and treatments affect both culturability and total numbers of mycobacteria in drinking waters.
Calcul des coefficients des taux d'ionisation de l'hélium neutre
Authors: Dilmi Samia , Guedda El Habib , Boumali Abdelmalek
Published: February 2013

L'ionisation par impact électronique est un processus atomique important dans le modèle collisionnel radiatif et aussi pour l'étude de l'équilibre d'ionisation. Dans plusieurs types de plasmas il a été observé que certains électrons (chauds) sont régis par une distribution non-maxwellienne en énergie. Ces électrons affectent les spectres de raies et d'autres caractéristiques du plasma. Dans ce travail nous avons étudié les effets de la fraction des électrons chauds sur le taux d'ionisation d'un plasma d'hélium neutre. La fraction des électrons chauds est représentée par une distribution non-maxwellienne en énergie. Les taux d'ionisation sont générés à partir des sections efficaces qui sont obtenues par le code FAC (flexible atomic code) et pondérées par cette distribution. L'utilisation d'une distribution non-maxwellienne en énergie des électrons chauds, pour différentes fractions, nous a permis de montrer la sensibilité de ces taux par rapport aux fractions des électrons chauds. Les résultats sont comparés à ceux trouvés dans la littérature.
ASYMPTOTIC FIXED-SPEED REDUCED DYNAMICS FOR KINETIC EQUATIONS IN SWARMING
Authors: BOSTAN MIHAI , CARRILLO JOSE ANTONIO
Published: February 2013

We perform an asymptotic analysis of general particle systems arising in collective behavior in the limit of large self-propulsion and friction forces. These asymptotics impose a fixed speed in the limit, and thus a reduction of the dynamics to a sphere in the velocity variables. The limit models are obtained by averaging with respect to the fast dynamics. We can include all typical effects in the applications: short-range repulsion, long-range attraction, and alignment. For instance, we can rigorously show that the Cucker–Smale model is reduced to a Vicsek-like model without noise in this asymptotic limit. Finally, a formal expansion based on the reduced dynamics allows us to treat the case of diffusion reducing the Cucker–Smale model with diffusion to the non-normalized Vicsek model as in Ref. 29. This technique follows closely the gyroaverage method used when studying the magnetic confinement of charged particles. The main new mathematical difficulty is to deal with measure solutions in this expansion procedure.
Role of the cytoskeleton in muscle transcriptional responses to altered use
Authors: Meyer Gretchen A. , Schenk Simon , Lieber Richard L.
Published: February 2013

In this work, the interaction between the loss of a primary component of the skeletal muscle cytoskeleton, desmin, and two common physiological stressors, acute mechanical injury and aging, were investigated at the transcriptional, protein, and whole muscle levels. The transcriptional response of desmin knockout ( des−/−) plantarflexors to a bout of 50 eccentric contractions (ECCs) showed substantial overlap with the response in wild-type ( wt) muscle. However, changes in the expression of genes involved in muscle response to injury were blunted in adult des−/−muscle compared with wt (fold change with ECC in des−/−and wt, respectively: Mybph, 1.4 and 2.9; Xirp1, 2.2 and 5.7; Csrp3, 1.8 and 4.3), similar to the observed blunted mechanical response (torque drop: des−/−30.3% and wt 55.5%). Interestingly, in the absence of stressors, des−/−muscle exhibited elevated expression of many these genes compared with wt. The largest transcriptional changes were observed in the interaction between aging and the absence of desmin, including many genes related to slow fiber pathway (Myh7, Myl3, Atp2a2, and Casq2) and insulin sensitivity (Tlr4, Trib3, Pdk3, and Pdk4). Consistent with these transcriptional changes, adult des−/−muscle exhibited a significant fiber type shift from fast to slow isoforms of myosin heavy chain ( wt, 5.3% IIa and 71.7% IIb; des−/−, 8.4% IIa and 61.4% IIb) and a decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake ( wt, 0.188 μmol/g muscle/20 min; des−/−, 0.085 μmol/g muscle/20 min). This work points to novel areas of influence of this cytoskeletal protein and directs future work to elucidate its function.
Regulation Effect of Zinc Fingers and Homeoboxes 2 on Alpha-Fetoprotein in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Shao Wei , Zhang Meng , Xue Ling , Wen Jian Ming
Published: February 2013

Aim. To investigate the relationship between alpha-fetoprotein and zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 in hepatocellular carcinoma.Materials and Methods. The expressions of zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2, nuclear factor-YA, and alpha-fetoprotein mRNA in 63 hepatocellular carcinoma were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and compared with the clinical parameters of the patients. Selectively, silence of zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 in HepG2 cells was detected by RNA interference technique.Results. Alpha-fetoprotein mRNA expression was detected in 60.3% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases. Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 mRNA expression (36.5%) was significantly negatively correlated with serum alpha-fetoprotein concentration and mRNA expression. A strong positive correlation was found between zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 and nuclear factor-YA mRNA expression (42.9%), while the latter was negatively correlated with serum alpha-fetoprotein concentration and mRNA expression. Treatment with zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 small interfering RNA led to 85% and 83% silence of zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 mRNA and protein expression and 60% and 61% reduction of nuclear factor-YA mRNA and protein levels in the HepG2 cells, respectively. Downregulation of zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 also induced a 2.4-fold increase in both alpha-fetoprotein mRNA and protein levels.Conclusions. Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 can regulate alpha-fetoprotein expression via the interaction with nuclear factor-YA in human hepatocellular carcinoma and may be used as an adjuvant diagnostic marker for alpha-fetoprotein-negative hepatocellular carcinoma.
Is There Any Relationship between Human Herpesvirus-8 and Multiple Myeloma?
Authors: Sadeghian Mohammad Hadi , Mohammadnia Avval Maryam , Ayatollahi Hossein , Keramati Mohammad Reza , Memar Bahram , Amel Jamedar Saeed , Sheikhi Maryam , Shaghayegh Gohar
Published: February 2013

Background. Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is associated with some human diseases including Kaposi’s sarcoma and also some B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Few studies have highlighted the potential role of HHV-8 in the development of multiple myeloma (MM) which is known as a malignant proliferation of plasma cells derived from a single clone. Aims. The aim of this study was to find a relationship between HHV-8 and MM using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.
Materials and Methods. This study was conducted on 30 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) bone marrow biopsies of multiple myeloma and 30 normal FFPE bone marrow biopsies. After the sample preparation, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted by nonheating procedure. PCR for HHV-8 virus was carried out with commercial kit and the PCR products were visualized by gel electrophoresis. Finally, the statistical analysis was performed. Results. HHV-8 virus was not detected by PCR from FFPE blocks of multiple myeloma samples, while only one of the controls showed DNA band of the corrected molecular weights. Fisher’s exact test showed that no statistical differences were found between the two groups (P=0.999). Conclusion. Our report adds to the body of evidence that there is no association between HHV- 8 and MM against a major role of HHV-8 infection in the pathogenesis of clonal plasma cell proliferation.
Validated Spectrophotometric Methods for Simultaneous Determination of Food Colorants and Sweeteners
Authors: Turak Fatma , Ozgur Mahmure Ustun
Published: February 2013

Two simple spectrophotometric methods have been proposed for simultaneous determination of two colorants (Indigotin and Brilliant Blue) and two sweeteners (Acesulfame‐K and Aspartame) in synthetic mixtures and chewing gums without any prior separation or purification. The first method, derivative spectrophotometry (ZCDS), is based on recording the first derivative curves (for Indigotin, Brillant Blue, and Acesulfame‐K) and third‐derivative curve (for Aspartame) and determining each component using the zero‐crossing technique. The other method, ratio derivative spectrophotometry (RDS), depends on application ratio spectra of first‐ and third‐derivative spectrophotometry to resolve the interference due to spectral overlapping. Both colorants and sweeteners showed good linearity, with regression coefficients of 0.9992–0.9999. The LOD and LOQ values ranged from 0.05 to 0.33 μgmL−1 and from 0.06 to 0.47 μgmL−1, respectively. The intraday and interday precision tests produced good RSD% values (<0.81%); recoveries ranged from 99.78% to 100.67% for all two methods. The accuracy and precision of the methods have been determined, and the methods have been validated by analyzing synthetic mixtures containing colorants and sweeteners. Two methods were applied for the above combination, and satisfactory results were obtained. The results obtained by applying the ZCDS method were statistically compared with those obtained by the RDS method.
Statistical Analysis of Metal Chelating Activity of Centella asiatica and Erythroxylum cuneatum Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Mohd Salim R. J. , Adenan M. I. , Amid A. , Jauri M. H. , Sued A. S.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the relationship between the extraction parameters and the metal chelating activity of Centella asiatica (CA) and Erythroxylum cuneatum (EC). The response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction parameters of methanolic extract of CA and EC with respect to the metal chelating activity. For CA, Run 17 gave optimum chelating activity with IC50 = 0.93 mg/mL at an extraction temperature of 25°C, speed of agitation at 200 rpm, ratio of plant material to solvent at 1 g : 45 mL and extraction time at 1.5 hour. As for EC, Run 13 with 60°C, 200 rpm, 1 g : 35 mL and 1 hour had metal chelating activity at IC50 = 0.3817 mg/mL. Both optimized extracts were further partitioned using a solvent system to evaluate the fraction responsible for the chelating activity of the plants. The hexane fraction of CA showed potential activity with chelating activity at IC50 = 0.090 and the ethyl acetate fraction of EC had IC50 = 0.120 mg/mL. The study showed that the response surface methodology helped to reduce the extraction time, temperature and agitation and subsequently improve the chelating activity of the plants in comparison to the conventional method.
Rutting Model for HMA Overlay Treatment of Composite Pavements
Authors: Abdullah Nur Mohammad , Khattak Mohammad Jamal , Bhuyan Mohammad Reza-Ul-Karim
Published: February 2013

Timely rehabilitation and preservation of pavement systems are imperative to maximize benefits in terms of driver’s comfort and safety. However, the effectiveness of any treatment largely depends on the time of treatment and triggers governed by treatment performance models. This paper presents the development of rutting model for overlay treatment of composite pavement in the State of Louisiana. Various factors affecting the rutting of overlay treatment were identified. Regression analysis was conducted, and rut prediction model is generated. In order to better predict the pavement service life, the existing condition of the pavement was also utilized through the model. The developed models provided a good agreement between the measured and predicted rut values. It was found that the predictions were significantly improved, when existing pavement condition was incorporated. The resulting rutting model could be used as a good pavement management tool for timely pavement maintenance and rehabilitation actions to maximize LADOTD benefits and driver’s comfort and safety.
Fecal Calprotectin and Clinical Disease Activity in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Kolho Kaija-Leena , Turner Dan
Published: February 2013

Objective. To explore fecal calprotectin levels in pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) in relation with the validated clinical activity index PUCAI. Methods. This study included all 37 children (median age 14 years) with UC who had calprotectin measured (PhiCal ELISA Test) by the time of PUCAI assessment at the Children's Hospital of Helsinki in a total of 62 visits. Calprotectin values <100 μg/g of stool were considered as normal. The best cut-off value of each measure to predict 3-month clinical outcome was derived by maximizing sensitivity and specificity. Results. In clinically active disease (PUCAI ≥ 10), calprotectin was elevated in 29/32 patients (91% sensitivity). When in clinical remission, 26% (8/30) of the children had normal calprotectin but 7 (23%) had an exceedingly high level (>1000 μg/g). The best cut-off value for calprotectin for predicting poor outcome was 800 μg/g (sensitivity 73%, specificity 72%; area under the ROC curve being 0.71 (95%CI 0.57–0.85)) and for the PUCAI best cut-off values >10 (sensitivity 62%, specificity 64%; area under the ROC curve 0.714 (95%CI 0.58–0.85)). Conclusion. The clinical relevance of somewhat elevated calprotectin during clinical remission in pediatric UC is not known and, until further evidence accumulates, does not indicate therapy escalation.