bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Roles of CX3CR1-Mediated Signals in Toxin A-Induced Enteritis through the Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression
Authors: Inui Masanori , Ishida Yuko , Kimura Akihiko , Kuninaka Yumi , Mukaida Naofumi , Kondo Toshikazu
Published: December 2010

The injection of Clostridium difficile toxin A into the ileal loops caused fluid accumulation with the destruction of intestinal epithelial structure and the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. Concomitantly, intraileal gene expression of CX3CL1/fractalkine (FKN) and its receptor, CX3CR1, was enhanced. When treated with toxin A in a similar manner, CX3CR1-deficient (CX3CR1−/−) mice exhibited exaggerated fluid accumulation, histopathological alterations, and neutrophil recruitment, but not macrophage infiltration. Mice reconstituted with CX3CR1−/− mouse-derived bone marrow cells exhibited exacerbated toxin A-induced enteritis, indicating that the lack of the CX3CR1 gene for hematopoietic cells aggravated toxin A-induced enteritis. A heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitor, tin-protoporphyrin-IX, markedly increased fluid accumulation in toxin A-treated wild-type mice, indicating the protective roles of HO-1 in this situation. HO-1 expression was detected mainly in F4/80-positive cells expressing CX3CR1, and CX3CR1−/− mice failed to increase HO-1 expression after toxin A treatment. Moreover, CX3CL1/FKN induced HO-1 gene expression by isolated lamina propria-derived macrophages or a mouse macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, through the activation of the ERK signal pathway. Thus, CX3CL1/FKN could induce CX3CR1-expressing macrophages to express HO-1, thereby ameliorating toxin A-induced enteritis.
Profiling of CD4+ T Cells with Epigenetic Immune Lineage Analysis
Authors: Janson Peter C. J. , Linton Ludvig Bernt , Ahlén Bergman Emma , Marits Per , Eberhardson Michael , Piehl Fredrik , Malmström Vivianne , Winqvist Ola
Published: December 2010

Proper transcriptional control of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses of the immune system is important for a fine-tuned balance between protection and tolerance. Emerging evidence suggests a key role for epigenetic regulation in governing the Th cell differentiation, where effector cytokines direct the overall immune response. In this study, we describe a method to pinpoint the location of isolated human CD4+ T cells on any T cell effector axis based on specific CpG methylation of cytokine and transcription factor loci. We apply the method on CD4+ cells obtained from rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis patients and show that synovial fluid infiltrating CD4+ T cells are committed toward both Th1 and regulatory T cell phenotype, whereas the Th2 response is suppressed. Furthermore, we show that the IL-17A gene is regulated by promoter methylation and that Th17 commitment is not a common feature in the inflamed joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients. We conclude that the method described in this paper allows for accurate profiling of Th lineage commitment in ex vivo-isolated CD4+ T cells.
The TLR7 Agonist R848 Alleviates Allergic Inflammation by Targeting Invariant NKT Cells To Produce IFN-γ
Authors: Grela Françoise , Aumeunier Aude , Bardel Emilie , Van Linh Pham , Bourgeois Elvire , Vanoirbeek Jeroen , Leite-de-Moraes Maria , Schneider Elke , Dy Michel , Herbelin André , Thieblemont Nathalie
Published: December 2010

It has been documented that TLR7 stimulation triggers not only antiviral responses, but also alleviates experimental asthma. Considering the implication of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells in both situations, we postulated that they might contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect of TLR7 ligands. We show in this study that spleen cells activated by the TLR7 agonist resiquimod (R848) attenuate allergic inflammation upon adoptive transfer when they are recovered from wild-type, but not from iNKT cell-deficient Jα18−/− mice, which proves the specific involvement of this regulatory population. Furthermore, we provide evidence that IFN-γ is critical for the protective effect, which is lost when transferred iNKT cells are sorted from IFN-γ–deficient mice. In support of a direct activation of iNKT cells through TLR7 signaling in vivo, we observed a prompt increase of serum IFN-γ levels, associated with upregulation of CD69 expression on iNKT cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that iNKT cells effectively express TLR7 and respond to R848 in vitro by producing high levels of IFN-γ in the presence of IL-12, consistent with the conclusion that their contribution to the alleviation of allergic inflammation upon treatment with TLR7 ligands is mediated through IFN-γ.
T and B Cells Are Not Required for ClearingStaphylococcus aureusin Systemic Infection Despite a Strong TLR2–MyD88-Dependent T Cell Activation
Authors: Schmaler Mathias , Jann Naja J. , Ferracin Fabrizia , Landmann Regine
Published: December 2010

Staphylococcus aureus infection elicits through its mature lipoproteins an innate immune response by TLR2–MyD88 signaling, which improves bacterial clearing and disease outcome. The role of dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells in this immune activation and the function of T and B cells in defense against S. aureus infection remain unclear. Therefore, we first evaluated DC and T cell activation after infection with S. aureus wild type (WT) and its isogenic mutant, which is deficient in lipoprotein maturation, in vitro. Lipoproteins in viable S. aureus contributed via TLR2–MyD88 to activation of DCs, which promoted the release of IFN-γ and IL-17 in CD4+ T cells. This strong effect was independent of superantigens and MHC class II. We next evaluated the function of T cells and their cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17 in infection in vivo. Six days after systemic murine infection IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-10 production in total spleen cells were MyD88-dependent and their levels increased until day 21. The comparison of CD3−/−, Rag2−/−, and C57BL/6 mice after infection revealed that IFN-γ and IL-17 originated from T cells and IL-10 originated from innate immune cells. Furthermore, vaccination of mice to activate T and B cells did not improve eradication of S. aureus from organs. In conclusion, S. aureus enhances DC activation via TLR2–MyD88 and thereby promotes TH1 and TH17 cell differentiation. However, neither T cells and their MyD88-regulated products, IFN-γ and IL-17, nor B cells affected bacterial clearing from organs and disease outcome.
SHIP Represses Th2 Skewing by Inhibiting IL-4 Production from Basophils
Authors: Kuroda Etsushi , Antignano Frann , Ho Victor W. , Hughes Michael R. , Ruschmann Jens , Lam Vivian , Kawakami Toshiaki , Kerr William G. , McNagny Kelly M. , Sly Laura M. , Krystal Gerald
Published: December 2010

We report that SHIP−/− mice, compared to SHIP+/+ mice, are Th2 skewed with elevated serum IgE and twice as many splenic CD4+ Th2 cells that, when stimulated with anti-CD3, produce more IL-4 and less IFN-γ. Exploring the reason for this Th2 skewing, we found that freshly isolated SHIP−/− splenic and bone marrow basophils are present in elevated numbers and secrete far more IL-4 in response to IL-3 or to FcεRI stimulation than do WT basophils. These SHIP−/− basophils markedly skew wild-type macrophage colony stimulating factor–derived macrophages toward an M2 phenotype, stimulate OT-II CD4+ Th cells to differentiate into Th2 cells, and trigger SHIP+/+ B cells to become IgE-producing cells. All these effects are completely abrogated with neutralizing anti–IL-4 Ab. Exploring the cell signaling pathways responsible for hyperproduction of IL-4 by SHIP−/− basophils, we found that IL-3–induced activation of the PI3K pathway is significantly enhanced and that PI3K inhibitors, especially a p110α inhibitor, dramatically suppresses IL-4 production from these cells. In vivo studies, in which basophils were depleted from mast cell-deficient SHIP+/+ and SHIP−/− mice, confirmed the central role that basophils play in the Th2 skewing of naive SHIP-deficient mice. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that SHIP is a potent negative regulator of IL-4 production from basophils and thus may be a novel therapeutic target for Th1- and Th2-related diseases.
Chemokine Receptor Ccr2 Is Critical for Monocyte Accumulation and Survival in West Nile Virus Encephalitis
Authors: Lim Jean K. , Obara Christopher J. , Rivollier Aymeric , Pletnev Alexander G. , Kelsall Brian L. , Murphy Philip M.
Published: December 2010

West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emerging pathogen responsible for outbreaks of fatal meningoencephalitis in humans. Previous studies have suggested a protective role for monocytes in a mouse model of WNV infection, but the molecular mechanisms have remained unclear. In this study, we show that genetic deficiency in Ccr2, a chemokine receptor on Ly6chi inflammatory monocytes and other leukocyte subtypes, markedly increases mortality due to WNV encephalitis in C57BL/6 mice; this was associated with a large and selective reduction of Ly6chi monocyte accumulation in the brain. WNV infection in Ccr2+/+ mice induced a strong and highly selective monocytosis in peripheral blood that was absent in Ccr2−/− mice, which in contrast showed sustained monocytopenia. When a 1:1 mixture of Ccr2+/+ and Ccr2−/− donor monocytes was transferred by vein into WNV-infected Ccr2−/− recipient mice, monocyte accumulation in the CNS was not skewed toward either component of the mixture, indicating that Ccr2 is not required for trafficking of monocytes from blood to brain. We conclude that Ccr2 mediates highly selective peripheral blood monocytosis during WNV infection of mice and that this is critical for accumulation of monocytes in the brain.
Late Onset of Cerebellar Abiotrophy in a Boxer Dog
Authors: Gumber Sanjeev , Cho Doo-Youn , Morgan Timothy W.
Published: December 2010

Cerebellar abiotrophy is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system and has been reported in humans and animals. This case report documents clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings of cerebellar abiotrophy in an adult Boxer dog. A 3.5-year-old, female, tan Boxer dog presented with a six-week history of left-sided head tilt. Neurological examination and additional diagnostics during her three subsequent visits over 4.5 months revealed worsening of neurological signs including marked head pressing, severe proprioceptive deficits in all the four limbs, loss of menace response and palpebral reflex in the left eye, and a gradual seizure lasting one hour at her last visit. Based on the immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein and histopathological examination of cerebellum, cerebellar cortical abiotrophy was diagnosed. This is the first reported case of cerebellar abiotrophy in a Boxer dog to our knowledge.
Aflatoxin B1‐Associated DNA Adducts Stall S Phase and Stimulate Rad51 foci in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Fasullo Michael , Chen Yifan , Bortcosh William , Sun Minzeng , Egner Patricia A.
Published: December 2010

AFB1 is a potent recombinagen in budding yeast. AFB1 exposure induces RAD51 expression and triggers Rad53 activation in yeast cells that express human CYP1A2. It was unknown, however, when and if Rad51 foci appear. Herein, we show that Rad53 activation correlates with cell‐cycle delay in yeast and the subsequent formation of Rad51 foci. In contrast to cells exposed to X‐rays, in which Rad51 foci appear exclusively in G2 cells, Rad51 foci in AFB1‐exposed cells can appear as soon as cells enter S phase. Although rad51 and rad4 mutants are mildly sensitive to AFB1, chronic exposure of the NER deficient rad4 cells to AFB1 leads to increased lag times, while rad4 rad51 double mutants exhibit synergistic sensitivity and do not grow when exposed to 50 μM AFB1. We suggest RAD51 functions to facilitate DNA replication after replication fork stalling or collapse in AFB1‐exposed cells.
Acute Experimental Hyperthyroidism Does Not Affect Basal and Volume-Induced Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Secretion in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Giamouzis Gregory , Pappas Dimitrios , Simeonidis Nikolaos , Stathogiannis Evangelos , Triposkiadis Filippos , Koukoulis George N.
Published: December 2010

Background. Excess circulating thyroid hormones are associated with increased cardiac atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion but the exact mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated in vivo.Methods. To examine whether thyroid hormone regulation of ANP secretion is the result of a direct action on the myocardium and/or of an indirect action through alterations in the peripheral circulation, plasma ANP levels (baseline and volume expansion-induced) were evaluated in 14 healthy men, before and after triiodothyronine (T3) administration.Results. T3administration was followed by a significant increase in serum T3levels and a significant decrease in serum TSH levels, without significantly affecting ANP levels. Systemic vascular resistance, plasma rennin activity (PRA), and aldosterone (ALDO) levels, as well as indices of left atrial function, were not significantly altered, despite a significant increase in cardiac output. Plasma volume expansion, induced by a 1500 ml normal saline (NSal) infusion, both before and after T3administration, was followed by a significant decrease in PRA and ALDO and a significant increase in plasma ANP levels, without significantly affecting the mean blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in each study period. The NSal-induced response, measured as the integrated area under the curve corrected for baseline values (-AUC), was not different after T3administration for ANP, ALDO, PRA, HR, and mean BP.Conclusion. In vivo thyroid hormone-induced myocardial ANP secretion is the result of an indirect action mainly through hemodynamic changes that increase atrial stretch.
Volume Assessment in Mechanically Ventilated Critical Care Patients Using Bioimpedance Vectorial Analysis, Brain Natriuretic Peptide, and Central Venous Pressure
Authors: House Andrew A. , Haapio Mikko , Lentini Paolo , Bobek Ilona , de Cal Massimo , Cruz Dinna N. , Virzì Grazia M. , Carraro Rizzieri , Gallo Giampiero , Piccinni Pasquale , Ronco Claudio
Published: December 2010

Purpose. Strategies for volume assessment of critically ill patients are limited, yet early goal-directed therapy improves outcomes. Central venous pressure (CVP), Bioimpedance Vectorial Analysis (BIVA), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are potentially useful tools. We studied the utility of these measures, alone and in combination, to predict changing oxygenation.Methods. Thirty-four mechanically ventilated patients, 26 of whom had data beyond the first study day, were studied. Relationships were assessed between CVP, BIVA, BNP, and oxygenation index (O2I) in a cross-sectional (baseline) and longitudinal fashion using both univariate and multivariable modeling.Results. At baseline, CVP and O2I were positively correlated (R=0.39;P=.021), while CVP and BIVA were weakly correlated (R=-0.38;P=.025). The association between slopes of variables over time was negligible, with the exception of BNP, whose slope was correlated with O2I (R=0.40;P=.044). Comparing tertiles of CVP, BIVA, and BNP slopes with the slope of O2I revealed only modest agreement between BNP and O2I (kappa=0.25;P=.067). In a regression model, only BNP was significantly associated with O2I; however, this was strengthened by including CVP in the model.Conclusions. BNP seems to be a valuable noninvasive measure of volume status in critical care and should be assessed in a prospective manner.
A High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Model for Reformate Gas
Authors: Mamlouk M. , Sousa Tiago , Scott Keith
Published: December 2010

A one-dimensional model of a high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell using polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes is described. The model considers mass transport through a thin film electrolyte covering the catalyst particles as well as through the porous media. The incorporation of a thin film model describing reactant gas mass transport through electrolyte covering the electrocatalyst is shown to be an essential requirement for accurate simulation. The catalyst interface is represented using a macrohomogeneous model. The influence of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane, which would be present in a reformate gas, is considered in terms of the effect on the anode polarisation/kinetics behaviour. The model simulates the influence of operating conditions, cell parameters, and fuel gas compositions on the cell voltage current density characteristics. The model gives good predictions of the effect of oxygen and air pressures on cell behaviour and correctly simulates the mass transport behaviour of the cell. The model with reformate gas shows that additional voltage losses associated with CO poisoning can lead to loss in voltage of tens of mV and thus reduction in power.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing ofMycobacterium bovisIsolates from Michigan White-Tailed Deer during the 2009 Hunting Season
Authors: Fitzgerald Scott D. , Schooley Angie M. , Berry Dale E. , Kaneene John B.
Published: December 2010

Michigan has had an ongoing outbreak of endemicMycobacterium boviswhich has been recognized within and sustained by its free-ranging white-tailed deer population since 1994. Worldwide, organisms within theMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex have exhibited the ability to develop resistance to antimicrobial agents, resulting in both the multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of human tuberculosis. Michigan's Bovine Tuberculosis Working Group has conducted active antimicrobial susceptibility testing on wildlife isolates of the endemicM. bovisorganism at five-year intervals to detect any emerging drug resistance patterns. The results of 33 white-tailed deer origin isolates collected from the 2009 hunting season are reported here. There continues to be no evidence of any drug resistance except for pyrazinamide resistance. These results are likely due to the lack of antibacterial treatment applied to either wildlife or domestic animals which would provide selection pressure for the development of drug resistance.
Computer hardware for radiologists: Part 2
Authors: Indrajit IK , Alam A
Published: December 2010

Computers are an integral part of modern radiology equipment. In the first half of this two-part article, we dwelt upon some fundamental concepts regarding computer hardware, covering components like motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), chipset, random access memory (RAM), and memory modules. In this article, we describe the remaining computer hardware components that are of relevance to radiology. "Storage drive" is a term describing a "memory" hardware used to store data for later retrieval. Commonly used storage drives are hard drives, floppy drives, optical drives, flash drives, and network drives. The capacity of a hard drive is dependent on many factors, including the number of disk sides, number of tracks per side, number of sectors on each track, and the amount of data that can be stored in each sector. "Drive interfaces" connect hard drives and optical drives to a computer. The connections of such drives require both a power cable and a data cable. The four most popular "input/output devices" used commonly with computers are the printer, monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The "bus" is a built-in electronic signal pathway in the motherboard to permit efficient and uninterrupted data transfer. A motherboard can have several buses, including the system bus, the PCI express bus, the PCI bus, the AGP bus, and the (outdated) ISA bus. "Ports" are the location at which external devices are connected to a computer motherboard. All commonly used peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and portable drives, need ports. A working knowledge of computers is necessary for the radiologist if the workflow is to realize its full potential and, besides, this knowledge will prepare the radiologist for the coming innovations in the ′ever increasing′ digital future.
Pictorial essay: Susceptibility-weighted imaging in cerebral ischemia
Authors: Mittal Puneet , Kalia Vishal , Dua Sarika
Published: December 2010

The susceptiblity effect in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been recognized for long and often has been considered undesirable, producing unnecessary noise. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) aims at exploiting this effect to provide a different type of contrast that is suited for vascular imaging. We describe five different cases in which SWI was found useful to delineate the underlying ischemia or to arrive at the corect diagnosis.
Disseminated cysticercosis with pulmonary and cardiac involvement
Authors: Jain Bharat K , Sankhe Shilpa S , Agrawal Mukta D , Naphade Prashant S
Published: December 2010

Pulmonary and cardiac involvement by cysticercosis is extremely rare, and is usually asymptomatic. We report the case of a 19-year-old boy who presented with a history of headache and vomiting and was found to have disseminated cysticercosis with pulmonary and cardiac involvement; the emphasis is on the rare occurrence of pulmonary, cardiac, pancreatic, intraocular, and extradural spinal canal involvement in the same patient. This case demonstrates the extent to which cysticercosis can be disseminated.
Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery associated with Chiari II malformation: Diagnosis and clinical implications
Authors: Gupta Mudit , Gupta Rashmi , Seith Ashu
Published: December 2010

We present a case of persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) associated with Chiari II malformation and discuss the clinical implications. There has been one reported case of PPHA associated with Chiari 1 malformation, but none in association with Chiari II. Our patient also had a widened hypoglossal canal, with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sac herniation through it.
Evaluation of the styloid process on digital panoramic radiographs
Authors: More Chandramani B , Asrani Mukesh K
Published: December 2010

Background: The styloid process is an anatomical structure, whose clinical importance is not well understood. Proper clinical and radiographic evaluation can detect an elongated styloid process and calcification of the stylohyoid ligament. It has been reported that 2 - 28% of the general population show radiographic evidence of mineralization of a portion of the stylohyoid chain. The elongated styloid process may be symptomatic in many cases. Panoramic radiography is the best imaging modality to view the styloid process bilaterally. Aim: To assess the styloid process on digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 500 digital panoramic radiographs available in the archives of our department as soft copies. These radiographs were taken using a digital panoramic system. The radiographic length of the styloid process was measured on both sides using the measurement toolbars on the accompanying analysis software. For statistical analysis we used the unpaired t test, Chi-square test, and one-way ANOVA test, as necessary. Results: The average length of the left styloid was 25.41 ± 6.32 mm and that of the right styloid was 25.53 ± 6.62 mm. The length of both styloids increased with age and males had longer styloids than females. Elongated styloids were present in 19.4% of the panoramic radiographs. Langlais type I elongated styloids and a partial calcification pattern were more common than others. Conclusion: Panoramic radiography is useful for detection of an elongated styloid process and / or ossification of the stylohyoid ligament in patients with or without symptoms, and helps avoid a misdiagnosis of tonsillar pain or pain of dental, pharyngeal, or muscular origin.
Ovarian cystadenofibroma: A masquerader of malignancy
Authors: Wasnik Ashish , Elsayes Khaled
Published: December 2010

Ovarian cystadenofibroma is a relatively rare benign ovarian tumor that contains both epithelial and fibrous stromal components. The appearance of cystadenofibroma on imaging is often complex; cystic- to solid-appearing masses may be visualized and it often resembles a malignant tumor. Owing to the fibrous component of this tumor, MRI shows low-signal intensity on T2W images. This finding may help a radiologist make a preoperative diagnosis of this tumor and thus perhaps avoid aggressive surgical management.
Color Doppler evaluation of left gastric vein hemodynamics in cirrhosis with portal hypertension and its correlation with esophageal varices and variceal bleed
Authors: Adithan Subathra , Venkatesan Bhuvaneswari , Sundarajan Elangovan , Kate Vikram , Kalayarasan Raja
Published: December 2010

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the value of Doppler evaluation of left gastric vein hemodynamics when monitoring portal hypertension patients, by correlating Doppler ultrasonography (USG) parameters with the severity of esophageal varices and occurrence of variceal bleeding. Methods: This study was carried out on 100 patients using Doppler USG and endoscopy. Forty-seven of these were patients with cirrhosis with portal hypertension, who had not had a recent variceal bleed (group 1) and 26 were patients with cirrhosis with portal hypertension, with a recent history of bleeding (group 2). The control group comprised of 27 subjects who did not have liver disease or varices on endoscopy (group 3). The hemodynamic parameters, namely the diameter of the left gastric vein and the direction and flow velocity in the vessel, were compared in these groups, with the grade of esophageal varices. Results: Hepatofugal flow velocity in the left gastric vein was higher in patients with large-sized varices compared to those patients with small-sized varices (P < 0.001). The left gastric vein hepatofugal flow velocity was higher in patients with a recent variceal bleed than in those patients without a history of a recent variceal bleed (P < 0.0149). Large-sized varices were more commonly found in patients with a history of a recent variceal bleed (P < 0.0124). Conclusion: Left gastric vein hemodynamics were found to correlate with the severity of the varices and the occurrence of recent variceal bleed in patients with cirrhosis with portal hypertension. Evaluation of the left gastric vein portal dynamics could be helpful in monitoring the progress of the disease in these patients.
Role of magnetic resonance diffusion imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient values in the evaluation of spinal tuberculosis in Indian patients
Authors: Palle Lalitha , Reddy MCH Balaji , Reddy K Jagannath
Published: December 2010

Aim: To define a range of apparent diffusion coefficient values in spinal tuberculosis and to evaluate the sensitivity of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and apparent diffusion coefficient values in patients of spinal tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 20 months and included 110 patients with a total of 230 vertebral bodies. The study was performed in two parts. The first part included all patients of known tuberculosis and patients with classical features of tuberculosis. The second part included patients with spinal pathology of indeterminate etiology. All the patients underwent a routine MRI examination along with diffusion sequences. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated from all the involved vertebral bodies. Results: The mean ADC value of affected vertebrae in first part of the study was found to be 1.4 ± 0.20 ×10 -3 mm 2 /s. This ADC value was then applied to patients in the second part of study in order to determine its ability in predicting tuberculosis. This range of ADC values was significantly different from the mean ADC values of normal vertebrae and those with metastatic involvement. However, there was an overlap of ADC values in a few tuberculous vertebrae with the ADC values in metastatic vertebrae. Conclusion: We found that DW-MRI and ADC values may help in the differentiation of spinal tuberculosis from other lesions of similar appearance. However, an overlap of ADC values was noted with those of metastatic vertebrae. Therefore diffusion imaging and ADC values must always be interpreted in association with clinical history and routine MRI findings and not in isolation.
Colorectal cancer - patterns of locoregional recurrence and distant metastases as demonstrated by FDG PET / CT
Authors: Purandare Nilendu C , Dua Sumeet G , Arora Abhishek , Shah Sneha , Rangarajan Venkatesh
Published: December 2010

Colorectal cancer (CRC) can recur locoregionally or at distant sites. Timely diagnosis of recurrence is of paramount importance, as radical treatment of the localized disease can prolong survival. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT) is routinely used in restaging and surveillance of colorectal cancer, as it can demonstrate recurrent disease with good accuracy. This article illustrates the spectrum of standard as well as unusual patterns of local recurrence and distant metastases of colorectal cancer.
Identification of Unique Blood and Urine Biomarkers in Influenza Virus andStaphylococcus aureusCo-infection: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Prescott Meagan A. , Pastey Manoj K.
Published: December 2010

Each year, there are estimated to be approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths due to influenza in the United States. Reports have indicated that most deaths are not directly due to influenza virus, but to secondary bacterial pneumonia, predominantly staphylococcal in origin. Here we identify the presence of candidate blood and urine biomarkers in mice with Staphyococcus aureus and influenza virus co-infection. In this pilot study, mice were grouped into four treatments: co-infected with influenza virus and S. aureus, singly infected with influenza virus or S. aureus, and a control group of uninfected mice (PBS treated). Gene expression changes were identified by DNA-microarrays from blood samples taken at day five post infection. Proteomic changes were obtained from urine samples collected at three and five days post infection using 2-D DIGE followed by protein ID by mass spectrometry. Differentially expressed genes and/or proteins were identified as candidate biomarkers for future validation in larger studies.
Decreased Serum Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in Individuals with Schizophrenia Normalizes after Zinc and B-6 Therapy
Authors: Russo A.J. , deVito Robert
Published: December 2010

Aim

To assess serum HGF concentration in individuals with schizophrenia and investigate the efficacy of zinc and B-6 therapy on these levels.

Subjects and methods

Serum from 18 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 19 age and gender similar controls ( P = 0.18) were tested for HGF concentration using ELISAs, and tested for copper and zinc plasma levels using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

Results

HGF serum levels of individuals with schizophrenia, before zinc and B-6 therapy, were significantly lower than age and gender similar controls ( P = 0.016), and significantly lower in schizophrenia patients pre-therapy compared to post therapy ( P = 0.028). HGF levels normalized (reached levels similar to controls) post-therapy. Zinc levels in these same individuals also normalized, and perceived symptoms, particularly anxiety ( P = 0.03), improved significantly after therapy.

Discussion

These results suggest an association between low HGF levels and schizophrenia and demonstrate that zinc and B-6 therapy may be associated with the normalization of HGF levels and perceived improvement in symptoms.
Asymptotic concordance invariants for ergodic vector fields
Authors: Baader Sebastian
Published: December 2010

We study the asymptotics of a family of link invariants on the orbits of a smooth volume-preserving ergodic vector field on a compact domain of the 3-space. These invariants, called linear saddle invariants, include many concordance invariants and generate an infinite-dimensional vector space of link invariants. In contrast, the vector space of asymptotic linear saddle invariants is 1-dimensional, generated by the asymptotic signature. We also determine the asymptotic slice genus and relate it to the asymptotic signature.
Actions of automorphism groups of free groups on homology spheres and acyclic manifolds
Authors: Bridson Martin R. , Vogtmann Karen
Published: December 2010

For

n ≥ 3

, let

\mathrm{SAut}(F_n)

denote the unique subgroup of index two in the automorphism group of a free group. The standard linear action of

\mathrm{SL}(n,ℤ)

on

ℝ^n

induces non-trivial actions of

\mathrm{SAut}(F_n)

on

ℝ^n

and on

\mathbb S^{n−1}

. We prove that

\mathrm{SAut}(F_n)

admits no non-trivial actions by homeomorphisms on acyclic manifolds or spheres of smaller dimension. Indeed,

\mathrm{SAut}(F_n)

cannot act non-trivially on any generalized

ℤ_2

-homology sphere of dimension less than

n − 1

, nor on any

ℤ_2

-acyclic

ℤ_2

-homology manifold of dimension less than

n

. It follows that

\mathrm{SL}(n,ℤ)

cannot act non-trivially on such spaces either. When

n

is even, we obtain similar results with

ℤ_3

coefficients.
On the convergence of the modified Kähler–Ricci flow and solitons
Authors: Phong D. H. , Song Jian , Sturm Jacob , Weinkove Ben
Published: December 2010

We investigate the Kähler–Ricci flow modified by a holomorphic vector field. We find equivalent analytic criteria for the convergence of the flow to a Kähler–Ricci soliton. In addition, we relate the asymptotic behavior of the scalar curvature along the flow to the lower boundedness of the modified Mabuchi energy.
Poisson–Furstenberg boundary of random walks on wreath products and free metabelian groups
Authors: Erschler Anna
Published: December 2010

We study the Poisson–Furstenberg boundary of random walks on

C = A ≀ B

, where

A = ℤ^d

and

B

is a finitely generated group having at least

2

elements. We show that for

d ≥ 5

, for any measure on

C

such that its third moment is finite and the support of the measure generates

C

as a group, the Poisson boundary can be identified with the limit “lamplighter” configurations on

A

. This provides a partial answer to a question of Kaimanovich and Vershik [44]. Also, for free metabelian groups

S_{d,2}

on

d

generators,

d ≥ 5

, we answer a question of Vershik [56] and give a complete description of the Poisson–Furstenberg boundary for any non-degenerate random walk on

S_{d,2}

having finite third moment. Finally, we give various examples of slowly decaying measures on wreath products with non-standard boundaries.
The Lagrangian Conley conjecture
Authors: Mazzucchelli Marco
Published: December 2010

We prove a Lagrangian analogue of the Conley conjecture: given a 1-periodic Tonelli Lagrangian with global flow on a closed configuration space, the associated Euler–Lagrange system has infinitely many periodic solutions. More precisely, we show that there exist infinitely many contractible integer periodic solutions with a priori bounded mean action and either infinitely many of them are 1-periodic or they have unbounded period.
Weight Reduction in an Indian Railway CASNUB Bogie Bolster Considering Fatigue Strength
Authors: Shukla Sanjay , Gupta Rajive , Vyas Nalinaksh S.
Published: December 2010

Weight and strength are critical measures in the design of a railway bogie. The present work deals with the design of CASNUB bogie bolster of freight rolling stock in Indian Railways. The bogie is modelled using NX3, UGS software. Finite element analysis of the model is performed using MSC Patran/Nastran. Natural frequencies obtained from free vibration analysis are compared with those obtained experimentally using a Rap-Test. Effort has been made to reduce the weight of bogie bolster considering fatigue strength. Bogie loading includes vertical forces, longitudinal emergency brake force and vertical as well as lateral track excitations. Transient analysis of bogie is performed to identify the critical areas and surfaces relevant for weight reduction. Thicknesses of the bolster top, bottom and side surfaces are subsequently identified as design variables. These parameters are optimized using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm techniques. Such optimization has resulted in approximately 7.6% reduction in weight of the bolster. The optimal bogie bolster has been verified for its fatigue strength using Goodman diagram.
Sexual interference in the golden snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana): a test of the sexual competition hypothesis in a polygynous species
Authors: Qi Xiao‐Guang , Yang Bin , Garber Paul A. , Ji Weihong , Watanabe Kunio , Li Bao‐Guo
Published: December 2010

Sexual interference (SI), which is defined as any disturbance directed to a mating pair by other individuals, has been reported in several primate species. It is widely suggested that successful harassers experience improved mating success by increasing their access to reproductive partners as well as by reducing the mating success of rivals. Although theories of primate sexual conflict highlight male intra‐sexual mating competition, females also are reported to actively disrupt copulations between mating partners. In this study, we investigated SI in a multilevel troop of Golden snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) inhabiting the Qinling Mountains, China. Behavioral observations of 11 one‐male units (OMU) that comprised the multilevel troop were conducted from September 2007 to May 2008. During this period 17.1% of 652 documented intra‐OMU sexual encounters were characterized either by mild or aggressive forms of harassment. Sexual harassment was typically performed by a single individual (91.9%), and in 75.7% of cases the harasser was an adult or sub‐adult female. The frequency of female harassment was positively correlated with the number of adult and sub‐adult females residing in an OMU, and resulted in a significant decrease in matings ending in ejaculation. We found that the amount of SI a female received was not a significant predictor of her reproductive success. However, females who conceived during the mating season directed higher levels of harassment at other females than females who did not conceive. We evaluate the strength of the sexual competition hypothesis and the hormonally modulated aggression hypothesis in explaining patterns of SI in female Golden snub‐nosed monkeys. Am. J. Primatol. 73:366–377, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanistic population modeling of diabetes disease progression in Goto‐Kakizaki rat muscle
Authors: Nie Jing , DuBois Debra C. , Jusko William J. , Almon Richard R.
Published: December 2010

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is a lipid status responsive gene involved in muscle fuel selection. Evidence is mounting in support of the therapeutic potential of PDK4 inhibitors to treat diabetes. Factors that regulate PDK4 mRNA expression include plasma corticosterone, insulin and free fatty acids. The objective was to determine the impact of those plasma factors on PDK4 mRNA and to develop and validate a population mathematical model to differentiate aging, diet and disease effects on muscle PDK4 expression. The Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rat, a polygenic non‐obese model of type 2 diabetes, was used as the diabetic animal model. Muscle PDK4 mRNA expression was examined by real‐time QRTPCR. Groups of GK rats along with controls fed with either a normal or high fat diet were killed at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age. Plasma corticosterone, insulin and free fatty acids were measured. The proposed mechanism‐based model successfully described the age, disease and diet effects and the relative contribution of these plasma regulators on PDK4 mRNA expression. Muscle growth reduced the PDK4 mRNA production rate by 14% per gram increase. The high fat diet increased the initial production rate constant in GK rats by 2.19‐fold. The model indicated that corticosterone had a moderate effect and PDK4 was more sensitive to free fatty acid than insulin fluxes, which was in good agreement with the literature data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein synthesis in plasma cells is regulated by crosstalk between endoplasmic reticulum stress and mTOR signaling
Authors: Goldfinger Meidan , Shmuel Miri , Benhamron Sandrine , Tirosh Boaz
Published: December 2010

Plasma cells (PCs) secrete copious levels of immunoglobulins. To achieve this, their endoplasmic reticulum (ER) undergoes expansion in a process that requires continuous ER stress and activation of the unfolded protein response. It is important that protein synthesis, the driver of ER stress, is regulated in a manner that does not induce apoptosis. We followed protein synthesis in murine splenic B cells activated in vitro with LPS. Total protein synthesis levels increased and then steeply decreased when the cells acquired a secretory phenotype. We explored the involvement of two mechanisms in controlling protein synthesis levels, namely ER stress‐mediated phosphorylation of eukaryote initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which attenuate or activate mRNA translation, respectively. We show that induction of ER stress in activated B cells counter‐intuitively led to dephosphorylation of eIF2α. Despite the reduction in phosphorylated eIF2α, expression of activating transcription factor 4, an effector of hyper eIF2α phosphorylation, was induced. In addition, ER stress attenuated the mTOR pathway, which ultimately reduced protein synthesis. Finally, B cells engineered to overactivate the mTOR pathway exhibited higher apoptosis in the course of LPS stimulation. We conclude that protein synthesis in PCs is controlled by an ER stress‐mediated mTOR regulation, which is needed for optimal cell viability.
Surgical management of radiation‐induced temporal lobe necrosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Report of 14 cases
Authors: Mou Yong‐gao , Sai Ke , Wang Zhen‐ning , Zhang Xiang‐heng , Lu Yan‐chun , Wei Da‐nian , Yang Qun‐ying , Chen Zhong‐ping
Published: December 2010

Background

Radiation‐induced temporal lobe necrosis is a rare and serious late complication in irradiated patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Treatment of radiation‐induced temporal lobe necrosis with surgery has been seldom thoroughly investigated.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 14 patients with radiation‐induced temporal lobe necrosis treated with surgical intervention.

Results

Radiation‐induced temporal lobe necrosis presented as obvious cystic formation or as heterogeneous enhanced nodule on MRI. Among 3 patients with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) PET‐CT scan, increased uptake of 18F‐FDG was observed in 2 cases. Four patients were anesthestized nasotracheally and 1 was through tracheostomy during surgery because of other radiation complications, including trismus and skull base osteoradionecrosis. The temporal approach was applied in all cases, with the removal of bone flap in 11 patients. During follow‐up, 1 patient died of exhaustion.

Conclusions

Surgery benefits selected patients with NPC with radiation‐induced temporal lobe necrosis. The goals of surgery are to relieve the increased intracranial pressure and to establish the accurate diagnosis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Efficacy of salvage neck dissection for isolated nodal recurrences in early carcinoma of oral tongue with watchful waiting management of initial N0 neck
Authors: Tsang Raymond King Yin , Chung Joseph Chun Kit , Howe To Victor Shing , Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , Ho Wai Kuen , Wei William Ignace
Published: December 2010

Background

Recent studies have shown that salvage treatment may be effective for early tongue carcinoma with nodal failures after watchful waiting policy. We wanted to assess the efficacy of salvage neck dissection.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with pT1 and pT2 oral tongue cancer who underwent partial glossectomy without any neck surgery and determined the survival after salvage neck dissection in this group of patients.

Results

Seventy patients with N0 disease underwent partial glossectomy, 20 patients had development of isolated nodal failures after watchful waiting policy. Apart from the initial T classification, which found to have significant difference in 5‐year disease specific survival rate (100% vs 46%, p = .023); other parameters including age, sex, tumor thickness, adjuvant radiotherapy and rN classification had shown no significance in affecting survival.

Conclusions

Salvage neck dissection may not be effective for controlling isolated nodal recurrence in patients with oral tongue carcinoma with T2 disease. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
New aspects of the Slug Mucosal Irritation assay: predicting nasal stinging, itching and burning sensations
Authors: Lenoir Joke , Adriaens Els , Remon Jean‐Paul
Published: December 2010

Stinging, itching and/or burning (SIB) sensations cannot be detected by animal tests or in vitro models. In the past, the Slug Mucosal Irritation (SMI) assay demonstrated a relation between an increased mucus production in slugs and an elevated incidence of SIB sensations in humans. A new 1‐day SMI test procedure was developed focusing on the prediction of these short‐term sensations. The objective of this study was to verify whether this new procedure is capable predicting mucosal tolerance of several marketed nasal formulations using the slug Arion lusitanicus. Irritation and tissue damage were quantified with a 5‐day repeated exposure study by means of the mucus produced and proteins and enzymes released. The new protocol predicted SIB sensations by means of mucus production. The effects of six liquid nasal formulations were tested with both protocols, while five physiologic saline solutions were only tested with the new protocol to optimize it. None of the tested liquid nasal formulations resulted in tissue damage; however, exposure to the different formulations had a clear effect on the mucus production of the slugs and moderate discomfort was observed in some cases. These effects were due to the active ingredient, the presence of benzalkonium chloride as a preservative or the hyperosmolality of the formulation. For the most part results agreed with clinical data found in literature. It was concluded that the SMI assay, and the new 1‐day protocol in particular, is a good tool to predict nasal clinical discomfort. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functions of Runx in IgA class switch recombination
Authors: Sugai Manabu , Watanabe Kakeru , Nambu Yukiko , Hayashi Tatsunari , Shimizu Akira
Published: December 2010

Runt‐related (Runx) transcriptional regulators play essential roles in various cell fate determination processes, and dysfunction of these regulators causes many human diseases. Considerable insight into the functions of Runx proteins was provided mainly by studies of hematopoietic and skeletal disorders. Recently, extensive investigations have revealed new functions of these transcription factors in immune cell differentiation and functioning. In the present review, we discuss the mechanisms of selective IgA production in the intestine and report the involvement of Runx proteins in this process. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 409–414, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of trypsin activity by peptide fraction of an aqueous extract of human placenta used as wound healer
Authors: De Debashree , Chakraborty Piyali Datta , Bhattacharyya Debasish
Published: December 2010

An aqueous extract of human placenta, used as wound healer, shows stabilization of trypsin against autodigestion as one of the peptides of the extract binds very strongly with the protease. Trypsin retains 40% of activity at constant level between 20 and 26 days in presence of the extract against complete inactivation in its absence. Inhibition of esterolytic activity and inability to react with p‐nitrophenyl‐p'‐guanidinobenzoate, HCl, an active site directed reagent, by trypsin in presence of a peptide fraction of the extract indicated blocking of the catalytic site of the enzyme. Rayleigh scattering, size‐exclusion HPLC, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and surface plasmon resonance show that fibronectin type III‐like peptide present in the extract interacts with trypsin. The peptide–trypsin complex is dissociated in presence of high concentration of substrates. Thus, regulation of trypsin activity by the placental extract is evident. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2033–2040, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.