bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High presence/absence gene variability in defense-related gene clusters of Cucumis melo
Authors: González Víctor M , Aventín Núria , Centeno Emilio , Puigdomènech Pere
Published: November 2013

Background

Changes in the copy number of DNA sequences are one of the main mechanisms generating genome variability in eukaryotes. These changes are often related to phenotypic effects such as genetic disorders or novel pathogen resistance. The increasing availability of genome sequences through the application of next-generation massive sequencing technologies has allowed the study of genomic polymorphisms at both the interspecific and intraspecific levels, thus helping to understand how species adapt to changing environments through genome variability.

Results

Data on gene presence/absence variation (PAV) in melon was obtained by resequencing a cultivated accession and an old-relative melon variety, and using previously obtained resequencing data from three other melon cultivars, among them DHL92, on which the current draft melon genome sequence is based. A total of 1,697 PAV events were detected, involving 4.4% of the predicted melon gene complement. In all, an average 1.5% of genes were absent from each analyzed cultivar as compared to the DHL92 reference genome. The most populated functional category among the 304 PAV genes of known function was that of stress response proteins (30% of all classified PAVs). Our results suggest that genes from multi-copy families are five times more likely to be affected by PAV than singleton genes. Also, the chance of genes present in the genome in tandem arrays being affected by PAV is double that of isolated genes, with PAV genes tending to be in longer clusters. The highest concentration of PAV events detected in the melon genome was found in a 1.1 Mb region of linkage group V, which also shows the highest density of melon stress-response genes. In particular, this region contains the longest continuous gene-containing PAV sequence so far identified in melon.

Conclusions

The first genome-wide report of PAV variation among several melon cultivars is presented here. Multi-copy and clustered genes, especially those with putative stress-response functions, were found to be particularly affected by PAV polymorphisms. As cucurbits are known to possess a significantly lower number of defense-related genes compared to other plant species, PAV variation may play an important role in generating new pathogen resistances at the subspecies level. In addition, these results show the limitations of single reference genome sequences as the only basis for characterization and cloning of resistance genes.
Physical inactivity prevalence and trends among Mexican adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2006 and 2012
Authors: Medina Catalina , Janssen Ian , Campos Ismael , Barquera Simón
Published: November 2013

Background

Lifestyles such as unhealthy diets and the lack of physical activity have been contributed to the increased prevalence of obesity. In 2012, the world health organization published the first global recommendation for physical activity and health. People who do not meet at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are considered to be physically inactive. The prevalence of physical inactivity worldwide is 31%, however there is insufficient data from prevalence and trends of physical inactivity in Mexican population. The purposes of this study are to describe the physical inactivity prevalence and recent trends in Mexican adults and to examine the association between physical inactivity with biologic and sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

Representative samples of 17,183 and 10,729 adults (aged 20 to 69 years) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) in 2006 and 2012, respectively. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed using the short form version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), which was administered in face-to-face interviews. Self-reported IPAQ MVPA levels were adjusted using an equation derived from a previous validation study. Participants were considered inactive if they engaged in <150-minutes/week of moderate physical activity or <75 minutes/week of vigorous physical activity according to WHO classification criteria.

Results

The prevalence of physical inactivity was significantly higher in 2012 (19.4%, 95% CI: 18.1, 20.7) than in 2006 (13.4%, 95% CI: 12.5, 14.5). Adults in the obese category, 60–69 age group, and those in the highest socioeconomic status tertile were more likely to be physically inactive.

Conclusions

The proportion of the Mexican adult population who do not meet the minimum WHO physical activity criteria has increased by 6% points between 2006 and 2012. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity, the aging of the population, and the shift in socioeconomic status in Mexico, physical inactivity could continue to increase in the coming years unless effective public health interventions are implemented.
Cytotoxic effect of Alpinia scabra (Blume) Náves extracts on human breast and ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Reddy Annushuya Subba , Malek Sri urestri Abd , Ibrahim Halijah , Sim Kae Shin
Published: November 2013

Background

Alpinia scabra, locally known as 'Lengkuas raya’, is an aromatic, perennial and rhizomatous herb from the family Zingiberaceae. It is a wild species which grows largely on mountains at moderate elevations in Peninsular Malaysia, but it can also survive in the lowlands like in the states of Terengganu and Northern Johor. The present study reports the cytotoxic potential of A. scabra extracts from different parts of the plant.

Methods

The experimental approach in the present study was based on a bioassay-guided fractionation. The crude methanol and fractionated extracts (hexane, chloroform and water) from different parts of A. scabra (leaves, rhizomes, roots and pseudo stems) were prepared prior to the cytotoxicity evaluation against human ovarian (SKOV-3) and hormone-dependent breast (MCF7) carcinoma cells. The identified cytotoxic extracts were then subjected to chemical investigations in order to identify the active ingredients. A normal human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5) was used to determine the specificity for cancerous cells. The cytotoxic extracts and fractions were also subjected to morphological assessment, DNA fragmentation analysis and DAPI nuclear staining.

Results

The leaf (hexane and chloroform) and rhizome (chloroform) extracts showed high inhibitory effect against the tested cells. Ten fractions (LC1-LC10) were yielded after purification of the leaf chloroform extract. Fraction LC4 which showed excellent cytotoxic activity was further purified and resulted in 17 sub-fractions (VLC1-VLC17). Sub-fraction VLC9 showed excellent cytotoxicity against MCF7 and SKOV-3 cells but not toxic against normal MRC-5 cells. Meanwhile, eighteen fractions (RC1-RC18) were obtained after purification of the rhizome chloroform extract, of which fraction RC5 showed cytotoxicity against SKOV-3 cells with high selectivity index. There were marked morphological changes when observed using phase-contrast inverted microscope, DAPI nuclear staining and also DNA fragmentations in MCF7 and SKOV-3 cells after treatment with the cytotoxic extracts and fractions which were indicative of cell apoptosis. Methyl palmitate and methyl stearate were identified in the hexane leaf extract by GC-MS analysis.

Conclusions

The data obtained from the current study demonstrated that the cell death induced by cytotoxic extracts and fractions of A. scabra may be due to apoptosis induction which was characterized by apoptotic morphological changes and DNA fragmentation. The active ingredients in the leaf sub-fraction VLC9 and rhizome fraction RC5 may lead to valuable compounds that have the ability to kill cancer cells but not normal cells.
Evaluation of p21 promoter for interleukin 12 radiation induced transcriptional targeting in a mouse tumor model
Authors: Kamensek Urska , Sersa Gregor , Cemazar Maja
Published: November 2013

Background

Radiation induced transcriptional targeting is a gene therapy approach that takes advantage of the targeting abilities of radiotherapy by using radio inducible promoters to spatially and temporally limit the transgene expression. Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (CDKN1A), also known as p21, is a crucial regulator of the cell cycle, mediating G1 phase arrest in response to a variety of stress stimuli, including DNA damaging agents like irradiation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the suitability of the p21 promoter for radiation induced transcriptional targeting with the objective to test the therapeutic effectiveness of the combined radio-gene therapy with p21 promoter driven therapeutic gene interleukin 12.

Methods

To test the inducibility of the p21 promoter, three reporter gene experimental models with green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of p21 promoter were established by gene electrotransfer of plasmid DNA: stably transfected cells, stably transfected tumors, and transiently transfected muscles. Induction of reporter gene expression after irradiation was determined using a fluorescence microplate reader in vitro and by non-invasive fluorescence imaging using fluorescence stereomicroscope in vivo. The antitumor effect of the plasmid encoding the p21 promoter driven interleukin 12 after radio-gene therapy was determined by tumor growth delay assay and by quantification of intratumoral and serum levels of interleukin 12 protein and intratumoral concentrations of interleukin 12 mRNA.

Results

Using the reporter gene experimental models, p21 promoter was proven to be inducible with radiation, the induction was not dose dependent, and it could be re-induced. Furthermore radio-gene therapy with interleukin 12 under control of the p21 promoter had a good antitumor therapeutic effect with the statistically relevant tumor growth delay, which was comparable to that of the same therapy using a constitutive promoter.

Conclusions

In this study p21 promoter was proven to be a suitable candidate for radiation induced transcriptional targeting. As a proof of principle the therapeutic value was demonstrated with the radio-inducible interleukin 12 plasmid providing a synergistic antitumor effect to radiotherapy alone, which makes this approach feasible for the combined treatment with radiotherapy.
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) induces Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV) transcription
Authors: Assinger Alice , Yaiw Koon-Chu , Göttesdorfer Ingmar , Leib-Mösch Christine , Söderberg-Nauclér Cecilia
Published: November 2013

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is highly prevalent in tumours of different origin. This virus is implied to have oncogenic and oncomodulatory functions, through its ability to control host gene expression. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) are also frequently active in tumours of different origin, and are supposed to contribute as cofactors to cancer development. Due to the high prevalence of HCMV in several different tumours, and its ability to control host cell gene expression, we sought to define whether HCMV may affect HERV transcription.

Findings

Infection of 3 established cancer cell lines, 2 primary glioblastoma cells, endothelial cells from 3 donors and monocytes from 4 donors with HCMV (strains VR 1814 or TB40/F) induced reverse transcriptase (RT) activity in all cells tested, but the response varied between donors. Both, gammaretrovirus-related class I elements HERV-T, HERV-W, HERV-F and ERV-9, and betaretrovirus-related class II elements HML-2 - 4 and HML-7 - 8, as well as spuma-virus related class III elements of the HERV-L group were up-regulated in response to HCMV infection in GliNS1 cells. Up-regulation of HERV activity was more pronounced in cells harbouring active HCMV infection, but was also induced by UV-inactivated virus. The effect was only slightly affected by ganciclovir treatment and was not controlled by the IE72 or IE86 HCMV genes.

Conclusions

Within this brief report we show that HCMV infection induces HERV transcriptional activity in different cell types.
Evidence of the causal role of human papillomavirus type 58 in an oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Baboci Lorena , Boscolo-Rizzo Paolo , Holzinger Dana , Bertorelle Roberta , Biasini Lorena , Michel Angelika , Schmitt Markus , Spinato Giacomo , Bussani Rossana , Alemany Laia , Tirelli Giancarlo , Da Mosto Maria Cristina , Del Mistro Annarosa , Pawlita Michael
Published: November 2013

Persistent human papillomavirus infection (HPV) is recognized as an important etiologic factor for a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), especially those arising from the oropharynx. Whereas HPV16 accounts for the majority of HPV DNA-positive oropharyngeal SCC, infections with other mucosal high-risk HPV types are quite rare and biological data demonstrating their causal involvement are insufficient. Here we present the first case of an oropharyngeal SCC driven by HPV type 58. A 69-year-old Caucasian woman presented with an enlarged and firm left tonsil. A computed tomography scan showed a left tonsillar mass, extending to the soft palate and the glossotonsillar sulcus. The patient underwent extended radical tonsillectomy and ipsilateral selective neck dissection. Pathology confirmed an infiltrating, poorly differentiated SCC of the left tonsil with node metastasis (pT2N1). Adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (60 Grays (Gy)) was administered. After 1 year of follow-up, the patient is well with no evidence of cancer recurrence. HPV analyses of the tumor tissue by BSGP5+/6+ −PCR/MPG, targeting 51 mucosal HPV types, showed single positivity for HPV type 58. Presence of HPV58 E6*I RNA demonstrated biological activity of the virus in the tumor tissue, and presence of serum antibodies to HPV58 oncoproteins E6 and E7 indicated presence of an HPV58-driven cancer. Overexpression of cellular protein p16INK4a and reduced expression of pRb, two cellular markers for HPV-induced cell transformation, were observed. Exons 4–10 of TP53 showed no mutations or polymorphisms. The presence of HPV58 as single HPV infection in combination with a broad variety of direct and indirect markers of HPV transformation provides comprehensive evidence that this oropharyngeal SCC was driven by HPV58.
SagE induces highly effective protective immunity against Streptococcus iniae mainly through an immunogenic domain in the extracellular region
Authors: Sun Yun , Sun Li , Xing Ming-qing , Liu Chun-sheng , Hu Yong-hua
Published: November 2013

Background

Streptococcus iniae is a Gram-positive bacterium and a severe pathogen of a wide range of farmed fish. S. iniae possesses a virulence-associated streptolysin S cluster composed of several components, one of which is SagE. SagE a transmembrane protein with one major extracellular region named ECR. This study aimed to develop a SagE-based DNA candidate vaccine against streptococcosis and examine the immunoprotective mechanism of the vaccine.

Results

We constructed a DNA vaccine, pSagE, based on the sagE gene and examined its immunological property in a Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) model. The results showed that at 7 days post-vaccination, expression of SagE at transcription and translation levels was detected in the tissues of the vaccinated fish. After challenge with S. iniae at one and two months post-vaccination, pSagE-vaccinated fish exhibited relative percent survival (RPS) of 95% and 88% respectively. Immunological analysis showed that (i) pSagE significantly upregulated the expression of a wide range of immune genes, (ii) pSagE induced the production of specific serum antibodies that bound whole-cell S. iniae, and (iii) treatment of S. iniae with pSagE-induced antibodies blocked bacterial invasion of host cells. To localize the immunoprotective domain of SagE, the ECR-expressing DNA vaccine pSagEECR was constructed. Immunization analysis showed that flounder vaccinated with pSagEECR exhibited a RPS of 68%, and that pSagEECR induced serum antibody production and immune gene expression in a manner similar to, though to lower magnitudes than, those induced by pSagE.

Conclusions

We in this study developed a DNA vaccine, pSagE, which induces highly protective immunity against S. iniae. The protective effect of pSagE is probably due to its ability to elicit systemic immune response, in particular that of the humoral branch, which leads to production of specific serum antibodies that impair bacterial infection. These results add insights to the immunoprotective mechanism of fish DNA vaccine.
Validation of miRNA-mRNA interactions by electrophoretic mobility shift assays
Authors: Solé Anna , Mencia Núria , Villalobos Xenia , Noé Véronique , Ciudad Carlos J
Published: November 2013

Background

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs involved in gene expression regulation by targeting specific regions in the 3′-UTR of the mRNA of their target genes. This binding leads to a decrease in the protein levels of such genes either by mRNA degradation or mRNA destabilization and translation inhibition. The interaction between a miRNA and its target mRNAs is usually studied by co-transfection of a reporter expression vector containing the 3′-UTR region of the mRNA and an inhibitory or precursor molecule for the miRNA. This approach, however, does not measure the direct and physical interaction between a miRNA and a specific mRNA.

Findings

RNA molecules corresponding to miR-224 and to the 3′-UTR of SLC4A4 were incubated together and their interaction studied under different binding conditions using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. A direct and specific interaction between miR-224 and SLC4A4 mRNA was observed. This interaction was abolished in the presence of competitors.

Conclusions

In this study, we explored a new application for the electrophoretic mobility shift assay and we demonstrated that it is a useful alternative method to assess, in a direct and specific manner, whether a miRNA binds to a specific predicted target mRNA.
Systemic vascular phenotypes of Loeys-Dietz syndrome in a child carrying a de novo R381P mutation in TGFBR2: a case report
Authors: Uike Kiyoshi , Matsushita Yuki , Sakai Yasunari , Togao Osamu , Nagao Michinobu , Ishizaki Yoshito , Nagata Hazumu , Yamamura Kenichiro , Torisu Hiroyuki , Hara Toshiro
Published: November 2013

Background

Loeys–Dietz syndrome, also known as Marfan syndrome type II, is a rare connective tissue disorder caused by dominant mutations in transforming growth factor-beta receptors (TGFBR1 and 2).

Case presentation

We report a 7-year-old Japanese boy with Loeys–Dietz syndrome who carried a novel, de novo missense mutation in TGFBR2 (c.1142g > c, R381P). He showed dysmorphic faces and skeletal malformations that were typical in previous cases with Loeys-Dietz syndrome. The cardiac studies disclosed the presence of markedly dilated aortic root and patent ductus aorteriosus. The cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography (MRA) detected the tortuous appearances of the bilateral middle cerebral and carotid arteries.

Conclusion

This study depicts the systemic vascular phenotypes of a child with Loeys–Dietz syndrome that were caused by a novel heterozygous mutation of TGFR2. A large cohort with serial imaging studies for vascular phenotypes will be useful for delineating the genotype-phenotype correlations of Loeys–Dietz syndrome.
Does overcrowding and health insurance type impact patient outcomes in emergency departments?
Authors: de Araujo Pedro , Khraiche Maroula , Tukan Andrea
Published: November 2013

We examine the impact of Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding on wait times and patient outcomes using a unique cross section of about 32,000 patients for an ED located in the Southwestern United States. We construct a measure of a patient’s outcome and estimate the extent to which it is worsened by long waits in the ED. We find that waiting at an ED due to overcrowding tends to generate a negative outcome for all patients. We also find that this negative outcome is larger for those on Medicaid or who have no insurance and smaller for those with private insurance or Medicare.

JEL Classification Codes: I12; I13
Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in acute kidney injury superimposed on chronic kidney disease after cardiac surgery: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Doi Kent , Urata Masahiro , Katagiri Daisuke , Inamori Mikako , Murata Seiichiro , Hisagi Motoyuki , Ono Minoru , Matsubara Takehiro , Ishii Takeshi , Yahagi Naoki , Nangaku Masaomi , Noiri Eisei
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is reportedly useful for post-cardiac surgery acute kidney injury (AKI). Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a strong risk factor for AKI development, no clinical evaluation of plasma NGAL has specifically examined AKI occurring in patients with CKD. This study evaluated plasma NGAL in AKI superimposed on CKD after cardiac surgery.

Methods

This study prospectively evaluated 146 adult patients with scheduled cardiac surgery at 2 general hospitals. Plasma NGAL was measured before surgery, at ICU arrival after surgery (0 hours), and 2, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 60 hours after ICU arrival.

Results

Based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD guideline, 72 (49.3%) were diagnosed as having CKD. Of 146 patients, 53 (36.3%) developed AKI after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative plasma NGAL, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and operation time are significantly associated with AKI occurrence after surgery. Plasma NGAL in AKI measured after surgery was significantly higher than in non-AKI irrespective of CKD complication. However, transient decrease of plasma NGAL at 0 to 4 hours was observed especially in AKI superimposed on CKD. Plasma NGAL peaked earlier than serum creatinine and at the same time in mild AKI and AKI superimposed on CKD with increased preoperative plasma NGAL (>300 ng/ml). Although AKI superimposed on CKD showed the highest plasma NGAL levels after surgery, plasma NGAL alone was insufficient to discriminate de novo AKI from CKD without AKI after surgery. Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed different cutoff values of AKI for CKD and non-CKD patients.

Conclusions

Results show the distinct features of plasma NGAL in AKI superimposed on CKD after cardiac surgery: 1) increased preoperative plasma NGAL is an independent risk factor for post-cardiac surgery AKI; 2) plasma NGAL showed an earlier peak than serum creatinine did, indicating that plasma NGAL can predict the recovery of AKI earlier; 3) different cutoff values of post-operative plasma NGAL are necessary to detect AKI superimposed on CKD distinctly from de novo AKI. Further investigation is necessary to confirm these findings because this study examined a small number of patients.
An Improved Method for the Generating of Spectrum-Compatible Time Series Using Wavelets
Authors: Gao Yufeng , Wu Yongxin , Li Dayong , Zhang Ning , Zhang Fei
Published: November 2013

In dynamic analyses of important structures, seismic input may be defined in the form of time series. It is required that the response spectrum of this input time series be compatible with a specified target response spectrum. Time domain spectral matching, which is used to generate spectrum compatible acceleration time series, is investigated in some detail. First, a new, improved wavelet is presented, and the new adjustment wavelet can prevent drifts in the resulting velocity and displacement time series without applying a baseline correction. Next, the analytical solution of the matrix accounting for the cross correlation of each wavelet is given in order to ensure the speed of the matching procedure. Finally, some aspects, such as the reduction factors and the matching order, are discussed to ensure the stability and efficiency of the matching procedure. Accordingly, the characteristics of the matching procedure are illustrated by numerical examples.
Legal Positions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation on Civil Law Questions
Authors: Садиков Олег , Sadikov Olyeg
Published: November 2013

Legal positions formulated by the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation in his decisions are obligatory for all Russian courts, state agencies and social organisations. The author examines legal positions of the Constitutional Court on following civil law questions; limitation and protection of ownership, freedom of contract, recovery of damage and penalty, limitation of actions.
Guarantees of Provision of Social Protection of Judges
Authors: Баранков Владимир , Barankov Vladimir
Published: November 2013

The concept of social protection of judges — one of the most important guarantees of ensuring their independence is analyzed; classification of social guarantees of judges is given. Questions of life insurance and health of judges, coordination of relationship of judges and members of their families with territorial bodies of health care and the medical organizations are considered.
Geoscience of Climate and Energy 9. History and Governance Models as a Blueprint for Future Federal–Provincial Co-operation on Environmental Monitoring in the Alberta Oil Sands Region
Authors: Wallace Ron R.
Published: November 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12789/geocanj.2013.40.011
Geoscience of Climate and Energy 10. The Alberta Oil Sands: Developing a New Regime of Environmental Management, 2010–2013
Authors: Miall Andrew D.
Published: November 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12789/geocanj.2013.40.015
Constrained Min-Cut Replication for K-Way Hypergraph Partitioning
Authors: Yazici Volkan , Aykanat Cevdet
Published: November 2013

Replication is a widely-used technique in information retrieval and database systems for providing fault tolerance and reducing parallelization and processing costs. Combinatorial models based on hypergraph partitioning are proposed for various problems arising in information retrieval and database systems. We consider the possibility of using vertex replication to improve the quality of hypergraph partitioning. In this study, we focus on the constrained min-cut replication (CMCR) problem, where we are initially given a maximum replication capacity and a K-way hypergraph partition with an initial imbalance ratio. The objective in the CMCR problem is finding the optimal vertex replication sets for each part of the given partition such that the initial cut size of the partition is minimized, where the initial imbalance is either preserved or reduced under the given replication capacity constraint. In this study, we present a complexity analysis of the CMCR problem and propose a model based on a unique blend of coarsening and integer linear programming (ILP) schemes. This coarsening algorithm is derived from a novel utilization of the Dulmage-Mendelsohn decomposition. Experiments show that the ILP formulation coupled with the Dulmage-Mendelsohn decomposition-based coarsening provides high quality results in practical execution times for reducing the cut size of a given K-way hypergraph partition.
Preparation and properties of sodium alginate films
Authors: Zaman Haydar U. , Beg Md. Dalour Hossen
Published: November 2013

Sodium alginate (SA) films were prepared by casting from methanol (MeOH) solutions and their tensile properties, like tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (Eb %), were monitored. The resulting films of SA were photocured with vinyltriethoxysilane [H2C=CH–Si–(OC2H5)3] in order to improve the tensile properties. Several acrylic monomers of different functionalities as additives (2%), like ethyl acrylate (EA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (2-HEA), and tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA), were incorporated with silane with the aid of UV radiation. Further analyses of the prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a TS test. FTIR studies indicate that there are intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions, i.e., –OH·····O=C in silane/SA blends. This blend films also exhibited the higher thermal stability and improved the tensile properties of the films. Degradation of SA by UV spectrometry induces time-dependent degradation.
The skeletal effects of pioglitazone in type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grey Andrew , Bolland Mark , Fenwick Sheryl , Horne Anne , Gamble Greg , Drury Paul L , Reid Ian R
Published: November 2013

Objective

Preclinical studies, observational studies, and clinical trials suggest that thiazolidinediones (TZDs) reduce bone mineral density (BMD) and increase fracture risk. Most of the evidence on the skeletal effects of TZDs is from studies of rosiglitazone. We set out to investigate the magnitude and etiology of the adverse skeletal effects of pioglitazone.

Design

Double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Trial registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, actr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12607000610437, date of registration 28/11/07.

Methods

A total of 86 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), median age 64 years, were randomized to receive either pioglitazone 30 mg/day or placebo for 1 year, in addition to their usual diabetes treatments. The primary outcome was change in lumbar spine BMD; secondary outcomes included changes in BMD at other sites and in biochemical markers of bone turnover.

Results

Change in spine BMD was not altered by treatment with pioglitazone (Ptreatment×time=0.5). After 1 year, the mean (95% CI) between-groups difference in lumbar spine BMD was −0.7% (−2.1, 0.7). Pioglitazone increased bone loss at the proximal femur (Ptreatment×time=0.03). After 12 months, the between-groups difference in total hip BMD was −1.2% (−2.1, 0.2). Pioglitazone did not alter change in BMD at other skeletal sites, nor did it affect changes in the levels of either of the biochemical markers of bone turnover, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide, or β-C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen.

Conclusions

Over 1 year, treatment with pioglitazone 30 mg/day did not produce consistent effects on either BMD or bone turnover in people with T2DM or IGT. The mechanism(s) by which pioglitazone increases fracture risk in T2DM is unclear.
Involvement of hyaluronan synthesis in ovarian follicle growth in rats
Authors: Takahashi Noriyuki , Tarumi Wataru , Ishizuka Bunpei
Published: November 2013

Most of the previous studies on ovarian hyaluronan (HA) have focused on mature antral follicles or corpora lutea, but scarcely on small preantral follicles. Moreover, the origin of follicular HA is unknown. To clarify the localization of HA and its synthases in small growing follicles, involvement of HA in follicle growth, and gonadotropin regulation of HA synthase (Has) gene expression, in this study, perinatal, immature, and adult ovaries of Wistar-Imamichi rats were examined histologically and biochemically and byin vitrofollicle culture. HA was detected in the extracellular matrix of granulosa and theca cell layers of primary follicles and more advanced follicles. Ovarian HA accumulation ontogenetically started in the sex cords of perinatal rats, and its primary site shifted to the intrafollicular region of primary follicles within 5 days of birth. TheHas1–3mRNAs were expressed in the ovaries of perinatal, prepubertal, and adult rats, and the expression levels ofHas1andHas2genes were modulated during the estrous cycle in adult rats and following administration of exogenous gonadotropins in immature acyclic rats. TheHas1andHas2mRNAs were predominantly localized in the theca and granulosa cell layers of growing follicles respectively. Treatments with chemicals known to reduce ovarian HA synthesis induced follicular atresia. More directly, the addition ofStreptomyceshyaluronidase, which specifically degrades HA, induced the arrest of follicle growth in anin vitroculture system. These results indicate that gonadotropin-regulated HA synthesis is involved in normal follicle growth.
Long-Term Outcomes following Alemtuzumab Induction in Lung Transplantation
Authors: Wehman Brody , Griffith Bartley P. , Balwan Akshu , Kon Zachary N. , Suffredini Dante A. , Evans Charles , Garcia Jose P. , Iacono Aldo
Published: November 2013

Objectives: Alemtuzumab is a commonly used induction agent for solid-organ transplantation. Its use in lung transplantation with reduced immunosuppressive regimens, however, has yet to be well characterized.Methods: From November 2006 to March 2008, 20 consecutive lung transplantation patients received alemtuzumab induction with a reduced maintenance immunosuppression regimen. Twenty consecutive case-controls who underwent transplantation between 2005 and 2006 were treated with a standard immunosuppression regimen without induction. Outcome variables were patient survival, acute rejection, infection, and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.Results: Mean follow-up time was 1400 days in the alemtuzumab group and 1210 days in the control group. Double lung transplantation was performed in 21 patients (12 in the alemtuzumab group and 9 in the control group). There was no difference in survival between the alemtuzumab (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. There was also not a significant difference in time-adjusted death based on Kaplan-Meier analysis. The mean number of any grade of rejection event per patient was not significantly different (alemtuzumab 2.3 ± 2.7 vs. control 3.2 ± 2.35; P = .22). There was a trend toward the reduced incidence of infection requiring intravenous antibiotics per patient (alemtuzumab 2.4 vs. control 3.8; P = .08). The incidence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome was similar in both groups (alemtuzumab 55% vs. control 70%; P = .25).Conclusions: Alemtuzumab induction with reduced immunosuppression offers a comparable 5-year survival and rejection rate compared to standard-dose immunosuppression regimen.
QTc Interval Prolongation and Severe Apneas Associated With a Change in Infant Positioning
Authors: Ellsworth Marc A. , Ulrich Timothy J. , Carey William A. , Colby Christopher E. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: November 2013

For more than a decade there has been considerable interest in the role of QT interval prolongation in the pathogenesis of sudden infant death syndrome. It has been proposed that the QT interval is a surrogate marker for autonomic instability and can be used to identify infants at risk for significant morbidity and mortality, including sudden infant death syndrome. We present the case of an infant that experienced a significant increase in his QTc, as detected by continuous QTc monitoring in the NICU after repositioning from a supine to prone position. This increase from a 413 ± 6 millisecond baseline average to 500 milliseconds was sustained for 2 hours and associated with clinically relevant apnea that ultimately required repositioning of the infant back to the supine position. Repositioning resulted in an immediate decrease of the QTc back to the previous baseline and termination of the apneic events. This case demonstrates an example of how the use of continuous QTc monitoring in the NICU setting may be used to detect QTc-accentuating factors in real time and identify situations that cause perturbations in an infant’s autonomic nervous system.
Estrategias e desenvolvimento de garantia e controle de qualidade no ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Schmidt Maria Ines , Griep Rosane Harter , Passos Valeria Maria , Luft Vivian Cristine , Goulart Alessandra Carvalho , Menezes Greice Maria de Souza , Molina Maria del Carmen Bisi , Vigo Alvaro , Nunes Maria Angelica
Published: November 2013

O Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) é um estudo de coorte composto de 15.105 adultos acompanhados para avaliar o desenvolvimento de doenças crônicas, especialmente diabetes e doença cardiovascular. Seu porte, natureza multicêntrica e diversidade de medidas exigiram mecanismos ágeis e efetivos de garantia e controle de qualidade. Entre as atividades de garantia de qualidade (aquelas desenvolvidas antes de iniciar a coleta de dados), destacam-se: seleção criteriosa dos instrumentos de pesquisa, treinamento e certificação centralizados, pré-testes e estudos pilotos, e elaboração de manuais de operações para os procedimentos. As atividades de controle de qualidade (realizadas durante a coleta e processamento dos dados) foram efetuadas mais intensivamente no início, quando as rotinas ainda não estavam estabelecidas. Entre elas, ressaltam-se: observação periódica dos aferidores, estudos de teste reteste, monitoramento dos dados, rede de supervisores e visitas cruzadas. Dados que estimam a confiabilidade das informações obtidas atestam que as metas de qualidade foram alcançadas.
Desafios à implantação do centro de leitura de eletrocardiografia no ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Ribeiro Antonio Luiz , Pereira Samuel Vianney da Cunha , Bergmann Kaiser , Ladeira Roberto Marini , Oliveira Rackel Aguiar Mendes , Lotufo Paulo A , Mill José Geraldo , Barreto Sandhi Maria
Published: November 2013

O eletrocardiograma é um método estabelecido de avaliação cardiovascular de baixo custo utilizado há décadas em estudos epidemiológicos de grande porte. Apesar disso, sua utilização em estudos desse tipo se constitui em desafio, especialmente quando se pretende implantar Centro de Leitura próprio. Este artigo descreve o processo, dificuldades e desafios de implantação do Centro de Leitura em eletrocardiograma no Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). Dentre os aspectos discutidos, ressaltam-se: os critérios para escolha dos eletrocardiógrafos e da central de armazenamento e manejo dos aparelhos; o pessoal necessário; os procedimentos de aquisição e de transmissão dos eletrocardiogramas para o Centro de Leitura; os sistemas de codificação dos traçados, com ênfase para o código de Minnesota; os aspectos éticos e práticos relacionados à entrega dos laudos aos participantes do estudo; e os aspectos relacionados ao controle de qualidade.
Measurement and Evaluation of the Alar Base in Unilateral Secondary Lip Nasal Deformities by Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography
Authors: Wu Yilai , Yang Yusheng , Chen Yang , Zhang Yong , Wang Guomin
Published: November 2013

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the asymmetry of the pyriform aperture and alar base in patients with unilateral secondary nasal deformities by three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT).

Methods

3D-CT images of the subject group of 101 adult patients and of a control group of 65 normal adults were examined. Sixty-nine patients without alveolar bone grafting (ABG) were classified as Group A, and 32 patients with ABG were classified as Group B. Seven landmarks (INM, LPA, IPA, Gbase, Gsup, Glat, and Sbal) were measured for both the subject and control groups, and comparative analyses were done to assess the degree of asymmetry in the subject group.

Results

For over 95% of Group A and 80% to 85% of Group B, the index of LPA and IPA showed asymmetry or marked asymmetry. The index of Gbase, Glat, Gsup, and Sbal showed symmetry for around 50% of Group A and about 60% of Group B. In Group A, dorsal, lateral, and caudal translocation was found on the cleft side in LPA and IPA, while all soft landmarks showed dorsal translocation. In Group B, caudal translocation was found in both LPA and IPA, but only LPA appeared dorsal on the cleft side, while Glat showed dorsal and caudal translocation.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the degree of asymmetry of hard tissue landmarks far exceeded that of the soft tissue landmarks, and the degree of asymmetry of pyriform aperture was higher than expected for patients after ABG.
Perceived Marital Status and Depressive Symptoms among Asian Americans with Same-Sex Partners
Authors: Leung Patrick , Cheung Monit , Luu Thang D.
Published: November 2013

By observing factors that predict depressive symptoms, this study examines the need to identify whether the perception or the reality of being married helps Asian Americans in same-sex partnerships improve their mental health. In a Texas sample (N = 1,840) of respondents to a survey on needs and hardships of Asian ethnic communities, 163 individuals (n = 9%) reported having a same-sex partner; this subsample reported a 24.5% depression rate as measured by the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist. Logistic regression results from those with a same-sex partner show 3 findings: having a perceived status of being married may reduce the likelihood of having depressive symptoms by 73.4%; those with discrimination concerns may be 2.7 times more likely to experience depressive symptoms; and those with domestic violence problems may be 2 times more likely to experience depressive symptoms.
Synthesis and characterization of ultrafine tungsten samples produced by plasma-activated sintering
Authors: Manigandan Kannan , Srivatsan Tirumalai S. , Sudarshan Tirumalai S.
Published: November 2013

Plasma-activated sintering was used to densify micron-size tungsten powders to obtain bulk samples. This sintering technique offers the capability of producing bulk samples having a very high density. The average size of the starting tungsten powder particles was 4·61 µm. Using a combination of pressure and temperature, during sintering, 11 different samples were prepared. The bulk samples were produced over a range of pressure from 41 to 61 MPa. At selected pressure levels of 47–61 MPa, the bulk samples produced were sintered at different temperatures. Microstructural observations and density measurements provide evidence for the presence of porosity at both the microscopic and macroscopic levels. The extrinsic influence of processing parameters used during sintering, namely, pressure and temperature, on microstructural development to include the presence, size and distribution of porosity, density, microhardness, nanohardness and stiffness is presented and discussed.
Bioretention gardens for improved nutrient removal
Authors: Randall Mark T. , Bradford Andrea
Published: November 2013

Bioretention gardens are stormwater management practices capable of providing numerous water quantity and quality benefits. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent removal of nitrogen and phosphorus in these systems. This study used ten, vegetated, mesoscale (0.20 m3), bioretention cells in a field setting to provide a comparison of the nutrient removal capabilities of five, alternative bioretention designs. Applying a synthetic stormwater to the bioretention cells demonstrated that a sandy soil mix can provide a 75.5 and 53.4% reduction in concentrations of total phosphorus and total nitrogen, respectively. Phosphorus removal was found to be only slightly enhanced in bioretention cells where soil was amended with alum-based drinking water treatment residuals, a commercially available oxide-coated media, or a commercially available lanthanum-modified bentonite product. However, improvements in phosphorus removal were observed in some cells when elevated phosphorus loads were applied to evaluate longer term performance. In cells incorporating a permanently saturated zone containing shredded newspaper to promote denitrification, effluent concentrations of nitrate were reduced by >99%, however total nitrogen concentrations increased.
Influence of hydrological conditions and peat extraction operations on suspended sediment concentration and deposition in the East Branch Portage River, New Brunswick (Canada)
Authors: Es-Salhi M. A. , Clément M. , St-Hilaire A. , Caissie D. , Courtenay S. C.
Published: November 2013

Peat extraction activities often generate sediments that can be transported into streams and rivers. These sediments have sometimes been shown to negatively affect the natural environment. This study investigated the effects of peat production on the East Branch Portage River, New Brunswick (NB), Canada. Relationships between discharge, precipitation and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) were analysed. The effect of sedimentation pond maintenance activities on SSC was also studied. Finally, the grain size distribution and organic content of deposited sediments were quantified at five sites downstream of the pond. Three water quality stations were monitored during the ice-free period in 2007 and 2008. Results showed that SSC was not significantly correlated with precipitation and weakly correlated with discharge, although some of the high SSC events were triggered by high discharge and precipitation. Pond maintenance alone failed to ensure optimal sedimentation pond efficiency. In 2008, SSC increased a few days after pond maintenance. The NB SSC 25 mg/L guideline was exceeded at all stations in both years. Analysis of variance results showed that there were significant differences in the grain size distribution of deposited sediments at the five sampled sites. Sand was the prevailing sediment type deposited downstream of the sedimentation pond.
Fate of triclosan in tertiary wastewater treatment: chlorination
Authors: Pape Jennifer , Woudneh Million B. , Grace Richard , Ronald MacGillivray A. , Fikslin Thomas , Cosgrove John R.
Published: November 2013

Behavior of the antimicrobial triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) was investigated under laboratory chlorination conditions and in a wastewater treatment plant discharging 380 million liters daily to the Delaware River, USA. Reactions of triclosan with chlorine were investigated using concentrations and exposure time typical of municipal wastewater treatment plants, i.e., 1 h contact time and average 1–2 mg/L residual chlorine. In reagent water, triclosan reacted quickly, transforming into mono- and dichlorinated species and further into dichlorophenol and trichlorophenol. However, triclosan remained stable for up to 2 h in wastewater samples chlorinated under these conditions. To confirm observed behavior under field conditions, a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based analytical method capable of monitoring triclosan and its transformation products in wastewater was developed. Qualitative and quantitative wastewater characterization before and after chlorination are presented. Triclosan was present at the same concentration (P > 0.05) in pre-chlorination and post-chlorination aqueous wastewater samples (mean 368 ng/L). This finding is consistent with the non-detection of specific triclosan transformation products above sample reporting limits (30.0–100 ng/L), but contrasts markedly with detection of chlorination transformation products reported in reagent water. These data suggest the importance of influent matrix components in chlorination reactions of triclosan in contaminated wastewater under treatment plant conditions.
Considerations of Translating Psychological Tests into Digital Mediums: A Case Study
Authors: Scheu Ian Edward , Lawrence Thomas
Published: November 2013

This article details the construction of a computer program to test cognitive processing differences in adolescents engaged in a standard presentation of tests versus a fantasy-based game presentation. The article will discuss the challenges of creating a replication of traditional psychological tests into a new medium which holds comparable validity, the design of the play condition, the incorporation of the tests into a game, piloting the study, and technical issues encountered in the final development. Finally, guidance will be offered from this case study to other researchers attempting similar projects.
Classroom Response Systems Facilitate Student Accountability, Readiness, and Learning
Authors: Jones Sara J. , Crandall Jason , Vogler Jane S. , Robinson Daniel H.
Published: November 2013

In three experiments using crossover designs, we investigated the effects of Classroom Response Systems (CRS) when presenting multiple-choice questions in real classrooms. In Experiment 1, students either used CRS for bonus points or simply saw the questions. There were no differences on a unit exam. In Experiment 2, students were told prior to a unit that they would either use CRS for course credit or no credit. Students using CRS for credit performed better on pre-lecture questions and a unit exam. In Experiment 3, students used CRS to answer pre-lecture questions for course credit or no credit. Students using CRS for credit again performed better on a unit exam. CRS appear to enhance learning when they encourage student accountability and increase readiness for lectures.