bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UbcH10 Expression in Benign, Hyperplastic, and Malignant Endometrial Curetted Materials
Authors: Kefeli Mehmet , Yildiz Levent , Celik Handan , Tosun Migraci , Karagoz Filiz
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of UbcH10 expression in the differential diagnosis of benign, hyperplastic, and malignant endometrial tissues and also the relationship of UbcH10 with the clinicopathologic parameters of malignant cases. A tissue microarray was performed for 81 endometrial curettage biopsies, which histological diagnosis had demonstrated to be 13 cases of proliferative endometrium, 7 cases of disordered proliferative endometrium, 5 cases of complex atypical hyperplasia, 24 cases of nonatypical hyperplasia, and 32 cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Expression of UbcH10 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. When groups were compared according to UbcH10 percentages and scores, a statistically significant difference was found only between the carcinoma group and the other groups, except the complex atypical hyperplasia group ( P < .05). In the malignant group, UbcH10 percentages and scores were only significantly related to age. There was no significant association between UbcH10 expression and tumor grade and stage. Overexpression of UbcH10 may be a useful indicator of endometrial carcinoma. UbcH10 also deserves further evaluation in the detection of prognostic mean and also for its role in endometrial carcinogenesis.
Potential of Spanish sour–sweet pomegranates (cultivar C25) for the juice industry
Authors: Carbonell-Barrachina AA , Calín-Sánchez A , Bagatar B , Hernández F , Legua P , Martínez-Font R , Melgarejo P
Published: March 2012

Commercial juices of sweet pomegranates and fresh juices of sour–sweet pomegranates were analysed for organic acids, sugars, antioxidant activity, volatile composition, sensory profile and consumer liking. Organic acids and sugars were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography, while volatiles were extracted using hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–flame ionisation detector. Malic acid was predominant in sweet juices while citric acid in sour–sweet samples. Fructose and glucose were found as the predominant sugars in all juices. A total of 18 compounds were found in pomegranate aroma profile, including monoterpenes, aldehydes, alcohols, monoterpenoids and linear hydrocarbons; the most abundant compounds were 3-carene, α-terpinene and α-terpineol. The total concentration of volatiles ranged from 2.0 up to 5.1 mg/L, with commercial samples presenting higher total concentrations due to the presence of peel volatiles. The high potential of sour-sweet pomegranate fruits for the juice industry was supported by (a) the high values of positive attributes, such as colour and fresh pomegranate flavour and (b) the high overall liking of consumers.
The antimicrobial effects of cranberry against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lian Poh Yng , Maseko T , Rhee M , Ng K
Published: March 2012

The antimicrobial effects of the American cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) on a major food-borne pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, were investigated using commercially obtained Lakewood® organic cranberry juice and Ocean Spray® cranberry juice cocktail and four other berry fruit extracts (acai berry, strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry). The results showed that cranberry is a potent antimicrobial against S. aureus and the most potent among the berries studied. The order of percentage inhibition of bacterial growth at the same concentration of phenolic materials as gallic acid equivalents was Lakewood cranberry juice > Ocean Spray cranberry juice ≫ blueberry > acai berry ≫ raspberry ≫ strawberry. The antimicrobial effect was not due to the acidity of the berries as NaOH-neutralized samples were almost as effective in terms of percentage inhibition of viable cell growth. Solid-phase extraction of cranberry juice using C18 solid phase showed that the antimicrobial effects reside exclusively with the C18-bound materials.
Phenolic compounds and sensorial characterization of wines aged with alternative to barrel products made of Spanish oak wood (Quercus pyrenaica Willd.)
Authors: Gallego L , Del Alamo M , Nevares I , Fernández JA , de Simón B Fernández , Cadahía E
Published: March 2012

Wood of Quercus pyrenaica has suitable properties for the wine ageing process. However, the forest available for the barrel making from this particular type of tree is very limited. Nevertheless, it is highly advisable to use this kind of wood in order to manufacture alternative oak products. This study presents the results of ageing the same red wine using different pieces of wood (chips and staves) of Spanish oak ( Q. pyrenaica), American oak ( Quercus alba) and French oak ( Quercus petraea) in conjunction with small, controlled amounts of oxygen. In addition, the phenolic parameters, colour and sensory analysis point out that wines aged with Q. pyrenaica pieces have similar enological characteristics to those aged with American or French oak pieces of wood (chips and staves). Furthermore, the total oxygen consumed and its relation with sensory properties also has been studied in this article in order to know how the oxygen behaves in these processes. Besides, it is going to put forward the fact that chips and staves from Q. pyrenaica oak are suitable for the ageing of red wines and better considered than American or French ones, showing higher aromatic intensity, complexity, woody, balsamic and cocoa. Finally, the tasters valued highly the wines with staves, pointing out its flavour and roundness in mouth.
Microbiological quality of Cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) fillets stored in dry and wet ice
Authors: Jeyasekaran G , Shakila R Jeya , Sukumar D
Published: March 2012

Microbiological quality of cuttlefish ( Sepia pharaonis) fillets stored in three different ice conditions was studied. Fillets stored in wet ice at a ratio of 1:1 (package III) were sensorially acceptable for only 18 h, while that stored in dry ice at 1:1 (package I) and combination of dry ice and wet ice at 1:0.2:0.5 (package II) were in acceptable condition up to 24 h without re-icing and thus there was an extension of shelf life by about 33%. Total bacterial load was 7 log10 cfu/g at the end of the storage period. Total psychrophilic population increased from zero to 7 log10 cfu/g while total lactic acid bacteria from zero to 5 log10 cfu/g. H2S producers were detected only at 18 h, with a count of 1 log10 cfu/g. Sulphite-reducing Clostridia increased gradually from zero to 110 most probable number count/g. Fresh cuttlefish fillets carried a bacterial flora of Micrococcus, Planococcus, Streptococcus, Moraxella, Proteus and Aeromonas. Pseudomonas was dominant in wet ice pack, while Aeromonas was dominant in both the dry ice and combination pack. Immediately after packing, the temperatures recorded in packages I, II and III were 10.5, 1.2 and 3.0 °C, respectively, which drastically decreased in 1 h and then maintained and finally increased gradually. The results indicate that use of combination of dry ice and wet ice is economical and very much useful to seafood industries, as this package considerably reduced the cost of air freight, as well as improved the quality and shelf life of cuttlefish.
Through the door, up the stairs
Authors: Alidadi Katayoun
Published: March 2012

In light of the upsurge in interest for religion or belief in conjunction with equality in law, policy and political discourse, this review article looks at two recent additions to the steadily growing literature relating to the intersection of religion and equality, in particular with regard to the British scene: Equality. The New Legal Framework by Bob Hepple and Ethnic, Racial and Religious Inequalities. The Perils of Subjectivity by Marie Macey and Alan Carling. This review article brings out the inherent dialogue between the two works with regard to a number of reforms under the UK Equality Act 2010, including whether this Act signifies a shift away from the politics of single identities towards the politics of fundamental human rights.
Light and Heavy Touch Reduces Postural Sway and Modifies Axial Tone in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Franzén Erika , Paquette Caroline , Gurfinkel Victor , Horak Fay
Published: March 2012

Background. Light touch with a stable object reduces postural sway by increasing axial postural tone in healthy subjects. However, it is unknown whether subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD), who have more postural sway and higher axial postural tone than healthy subjects, can benefit from haptic touch. Objective. To investigate the effect of light and heavy touch on postural stability and hip tone in subjects with PD. Methods. Fourteen subjects with mid-stage PD and 14 healthy control subjects were evaluated during quiet standing with eyes closed with their arms ( a) crossed, ( b) lightly touching a fixed rigid bar in front of them, and ( c) firmly gripping the bar. Postural sway was measured with a forceplate, and axial hip tone was quantified using a unique device that measures the resistance of the hips to yaw rotation while maintaining active stance. Results. Subjects with PD significantly decreased their postural sway with light or heavy touch ( P < .001 vs arms crossed), similarly as control subjects. Without touch, hip tone was larger in PD subjects. With touch, however, tone values were similar in both groups. This change in hip tone with touch was highly correlated with the initial amount of tone (PD, r = −.72 to −.95; controls, r = −.74 to −.85). Conclusions. The authors showed, for the first time, that subjects with PD benefit from touch similarly to control subjects and that despite higher axial postural tone, PD subjects are able to modulate their tone with touch. Future studies should investigate the complex relationship between touch and postural tone.
Accessing primary health care: a meta-ethnography of the experiences of British South Asian patients with diabetes, coronary heart disease or a mental health problem
Authors: Garrett Charlotte R , Gask Linda L , Hays Rebecca , Cherrington Andrea , Bundy Christine , Dickens Chris , Waheed Waquas , Coventry Peter A
Published: March 2012

Objectives: To develop an explanatory framework of the problems accessing primary care health services experienced by British South Asian patients with a long-term condition or mental health problem.

Methods: This study used meta-ethnographic methods. Published qualitative studies were identified from a structured search of six databases and themes synthesized across studies to develop a new explanatory framework.

Results: Initial searches identified 951 potentially relevant records from which a total of 27 articles were identified that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twelve of these articles were chosen on the basis of their quality and relevance. These 12 articles described themes relating to the cultural, spatial and temporal dimensions of patient experiences of accessing and using health care. Our interpretive synthesis showed that access to primary care among British South Asians with diabetes, coronary heart disease and psychological health problems is co-constructed and negotiated over time and space along the key domains of the candidacy model of access: from help-seeking to interactions at the interface to following treatment advice. In the case of each condition, British South Asians’ claims to candidacy were constrained where their individual as well as broader social and cultural characteristics lacked fit with professionals’ ways of working and cultural typifications.

Conclusion: Interventions that positively affect professionals’ capacity to support patient claims to candidacy are likely to help support British South Asians overcome a broad range of barriers to care for physical and mental health problems.
Outcomes in patients with gram-negative sepsis treated with gentamicin
Authors: Pillans Peter , Iedema Joel , Donovan Peter , Newbery Robert , Whitehead Venetia , Halliday Cameron , Sheehy Robert , Springford Annaka , Patterson Tina
Published: March 2012

Objective: Recent changes to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of gentamicin have been advocated in Australia. It remains uncertain whether these will have an effect on hard clinical endpoints. The aim of this study was to determine clinical outcomes in patients with gram-negative infections treated with gentamicin.

Methods: Microbiology results of patients with confirmed gram-negative cultures were retrospectively reviewed and those treated with gentamicin included. Medical records were reviewed and patient demographics, diagnosis, renal function, comorbidities, gentamicin doses, duration, monitoring, concomitant antibiotics, antimicrobial sensitivity and clinical and microbiological outcomes recorded.

Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study: 52% were male, median age 64 years (17–97). Total body weight was recorded in 56% (median 74.5 kg, range 35–134 kg). Most patients had two or more important comorbidities. A total of 72% received empiric and 28% directed treatment. The organism was identified on blood culture in 45%, urine culture in 43% and aspiration of liver abscess in 12%; 95% of organisms were sensitive to gentamicin. Baseline renal function was normal in 62%. Mean gentamicin dose was 3.9 ± 0.9 mg/kg and mean duration 2.9 ± 2.5 days. Only 21% had optimal TDM. Clinical outcome was favourable in 90%. There were no cases of preventable serious toxicity.

Conclusions: Despite the modest doses of gentamicin used in an elderly population with comorbidities, as well as the absence of optimal TDM, outcomes were favourable without preventable serious toxicity.
A review of modafinil and armodafinil as add-on therapy in antipsychotic-treated patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Wittkampf Laura Christina , Arends Johannes , Timmerman Leo , Lancel Marike
Published: March 2012

Schizophrenia is characterized by reality distortion, psychomotor poverty and cognitive disturbances. These characteristics contribute to a lesser social functioning and lower quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. It has been suggested that modafinil and its isomer armodafinil as an add-on strategy to antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia may improve cognitive functioning, attenuate fatigue, inactiveness and other negative functions as well as weight gain. In this paper we review the literature relevant to the question of whether modafinil and armodafinil are beneficial as add-on therapy in antipsychotic-treated patients with schizophrenia. A total of 15 articles were included in this review; of the 15 articles, 10 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Evidence for the use of modafinil or armodafinil as add-on therapy to antipsychotic drugs to alleviate fatigue, sleepiness and inactivity is inconclusive. One cohort study and one out of two single-dose crossover RCTs in which modafinil addition was studied could demonstrate a positive effect. All five RCTs of modafinil (three RCTs) and armodafinil (two RCTs) addition with a longer study duration could not demonstrate a positive effect. With respect to cognitive disturbances, animal models of cognitive deficits show clear improvements with modafinil. In RCTs with a treatment duration of 4 weeks or more, however, no positive effect could be demonstrated on cognitive functioning with modafinil and armodafinil addition. Yet, four single-dose crossover RCTs of modafinil addition show significant positive effects on executive functioning, verbal memory span, visual memory, working memory, spatial planning, slowing in latency, impulse control and recognition of faces expressing sadness and sadness misattribution in the context of disgust recognition. The addition of modafinil or armodafinil to an antipsychotic regime, despite theoretical and preclinical considerations, has not been proved to enhance cognitive function, attenuate fatigue, enhance activity, improve negative symptoms and reduce weight in patients with schizophrenia.
Validation of Sexological Worldview
Authors: Sitron Justin A. , Dyson Donald A.
Published: March 2012

The authors originally posited that a new construct must be developed to measure the success of affective training for sexologists, particularly the Sexuality Attitudes Reassessment (SAR) modality. Couching their critique in studies that have been conducted to measure the SAR’s effectiveness as a method used to evoke perspective transformation and more sensitive and humanistic service provision, the authors argued that the development of a professional’s sexological worldview would be a more accurate construct than attitude change to measure when considering the outcomes of SAR training. This study in the United States used a two-phase qualitative approach to validate the proposed sexological worldview construct. In the first phase, they surveyed a panel of 16 sexologists regarding their original proposed definition of sexological worldview and refined it. In the second phase, they completed 30 one-on-one interviews with a convenience sample of sexologists and sexology students. Using an inductive content analysis of the interview transcripts, seven themes emerged in support of the proposed definition of sexological worldview, including its components and its developmental characteristics. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for the use of the construct for the training of sexologists.
Factors Affecting the Productivity of Government Workers
Authors: Haenisch Jerry P.
Published: March 2012

While there have been a variety of studies concerning government worker motivation and productivity, few, if any, studies have focused specifically on state government workers’ perceptions about what factors affect their productivity. With more than 5 million workers employed by state governments in the United States, any improvement in state workplace productivity could have significant financial and service impact for society. In this study, state government workers identified those factors perceived as most affecting their workplace productivity. Data were collected through a survey offered to state government workers in the state of Wyoming. Factor analysis was used to derive key productivity factors from survey responses. The results indicate that state government workers appreciate having freedom and autonomy, like their jobs and the sense of achievement, and welcome teamwork, but feel limited by poor supervision and management, poor communications, and insufficient budgets and staffing. To improve productivity, the workers would eliminate bureaucracy, supervise better, and improve communication.
BMI and EAT-26, Predictors for Low BMD?
Authors: Sanderson Sonya , Raab Scot , Moch Peggy
Published: March 2012

The primary purpose of this study was to characterize bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy adult females in the Southern United States. A secondary purpose was to determine to what extent age, race, body mass index (BMI), and disordered eating contribute to BMD status. Age ranged from 25 to 50 years (39.8 ± 8.5). Race was classified into Caucasian or non-Caucasian. BMI was 28.97 ± 7.85 (kg/m2). The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used to identify disordered eating characteristics. The Alara MetriScan was used to assess BMD values. Regression results showed that the linear combination of three independent variables—age, race, and BMI—predicted 34.5% of the variance in BMD, R2 = .345, R2adj = .334, F(3, 170) = 29.87, p < .001. The strongest predictor of low BMD was Caucasian race.
Is female preference for large sexual ornaments due to a bias to escape predation risk?
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Won Kim Tae , Choe Jae Chun
Published: March 2012

Background

A female preference for intense sexual visual signals is widespread in animals. Although the preferences for a signalper seand for the intensity of the signal were often regarded to have the identical origin, no study has demonstrated if this is true. It was suggested that the female fiddler crabs prefer males with courtship structures because of direct benefit to escape predation. Here we tested if female preference for both components (i.e. presence and size) of the courtship structure inUca lacteais from the sensory bias to escape predation. If both components have the identical origin, females should show the same response to different-sized courtship structures regardless of predation risk.

Results

First, we observed responses of mate-searching femaleU. lacteato courting males with full-sized, half-sized and no semidomes which were experimentally manipulated. Females had a directional preference for males with bigger semidomes within normal variation. Thereafter, we tested the effect of predation risk on the female bias in the non-courtship context. When threatened by an avian mock predator, females preferentially approached burrows with full-sized semidomes regardless of reproductive cycles (i.e. reproductive periods and non-reproductive periods). When the predator cue was absent, however, females preferred burrows with semidomes without discriminating structure size during reproductive periods but did not show any bias during non-reproductive periods.

Conclusions

Results indicate that selection for the size of courtship structures inU. lacteamay have an origin in the function to reduce predation risk, but that the preference for males with structures may have evolved by female choice, independent of predation pressure.
Transcriptional profile analysis of E3 ligase and hormone-related genes expressed during wheat grain development
Authors: Capron Delphine , Mouzeyar Said , Boulaflous Aurélia , Girousse Christine , Rustenholz Camille , Laugier Christel , Paux Etienne , Bouzidi Mohamed Fouad
Published: March 2012

Background

Wheat grains are an important source of food, stock feed and raw materials for industry, but current production levels cannot meet world needs. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying wheat grain development will contribute valuable information to improving wheat cultivation. One of the most important mechanisms implicated in plant developmental processes is the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Among the different roles of the UPS, it is clear that it is essential to hormone signaling. In particular, E3 ubiquitin ligases of the UPS have been shown to play critical roles in hormone perception and signal transduction.

Results

A NimbleGen microarray containing 39,179 UniGenes was used to study the kinetics of gene expression during wheat grain development from the early stages of cell division to the mid-grain filling stage. By comparing 11 consecutive time-points, 9284 differentially expressed genes were identified and annotated during this study. A comparison of the temporal profiles of these genes revealed dynamic transcript accumulation profiles with major reprogramming events that occurred during the time intervals of 80-120 and 220-240°Cdays. The list of the genes expressed differentially during these transitions were identified and annotated. Emphasis was placed on E3 ligase and hormone-related genes. In total, 173 E3 ligase coding genes and 126 hormone-related genes were differentially expressed during the cell division and grain filling stages, with each family displaying a different expression profile.

Conclusions

The differential expression of genes involved in the UPS and plant hormone pathways suggests that phytohormones and UPS crosstalk might play a critical role in the wheat grain developmental process. Some E3 ligase and hormone-related genes seem to be up- or down-regulated during the early and late stages of the grain development.
How effective are programs at managing transition from hospital to home? A case study of the Australian transition care program
Authors: Gray Leonard C , Peel Nancye M , Crotty Maria , Kurrle Susan E , Giles Lynne C , Cameron Ian D
Published: March 2012

Background

An increasing demand for acute care services due in part to rising proportions of older people and increasing rates of chronic diseases has led to new models of post-acute care for older people that offer coordinated discharge, ongoing support and often a focus on functional restoration. Overall, review of the literature suggests there is considerable uncertainty around the effectiveness and resource implications of the various model configurations and delivery approaches. In this paper, we review the current evidence on the efficacy of such programs, using the Australian Transition Care Program as a case study.

Discussion

The Australian Transition Care Program was established at the interface of the acute and aged care sectors with particular emphasis on transitions between acute and community care. The program is intended to enable a significant proportion of care recipients to return home, rather than prematurely enter residential aged care, optimize their functional capacity, and reduce inappropriate extended lengths of hospital stay for older people. Broadly, the model is configured and targeted in accordance with programs reported in the international literature to be effective. Early evaluations suggest good acceptance of the program by hospitals, patients and staff. Ultimately, however, the program's place in the array of post-acute services should be determined by its demonstrated efficacy relative to other services which cater for similar patient groups.

Currently there is a lack of robust evaluation to provide convincing evidence of efficacy, either from a patient outcome or cost reduction perspective. As the program expands and matures, there will be opportunity to scrutinise the systematic effects, with lessons for both Australian and international policy makers and clinical leaders.
Clinical significance of serological biomarkers and neuropsychological performances in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Chang Chiung-Chih , Lui Chun-Chung , Lee Chen-Chang , Chen Shang-Der , Chang Wen-Neng , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Chen Nai-Ching , Chang Alice Y W , Chan Samuel H H , Chuang Yao-Chung
Published: March 2012

Background

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common form of focal epilepsy. Serum biomarkers to predict cognitive performance in TLE patients without psychiatric comorbidities and the link with gray matter (GM) atrophy have not been fully explored.

Methods

Thirty-four patients with TLE and 34 sex - and age-matched controls were enrolled for standardized cognitive tests, neuroimaging studies as well as measurements of serum levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), S100ß protein (S100ßP), neuronal specific enolase (NSE), plasma nuclear and mitochondrial DNA levels.

Results

Compared with the controls, the patients with TLE had poorer cognitive performances and higher HSP70 and S100ßP levels (p < 0.01). The patients with higher frequencies of seizures had higher levels of HSP70, NSE and S100ßP (p < 0.01). Serum HSP70 level correlated positively with duration of epilepsy (σ = 0.413, p < 0.01), and inversely with memory scores in the late registration (σ = −0.276, p = 0.01) and early recall score (σ = −0.304, p = 0.007). Compared with the controls, gray matter atrophy in the hippocampal and parahippocampal areas, putamen, thalamus and supplementary motor areas were found in the patient group. The HSP70 levels showed an inverse correlation with hippocampal volume (R square = 0.22, p = 0.007) after controlling for the effect of age.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that serum biomarkers were predictive of higher frequencies of seizures in the TLE group. HSP70 may be considered to be a stress biomarker in patients with TLE in that it correlated inversely with memory scores and hippocampal volume. In addition, the symmetric extratemporal atrophic patterns may be related to damage of neuronal networks and epileptogenesis in TLE.
Genetic diversity and population structure of genes encoding vaccine candidate antigens of Plasmodium vivax
Authors: Chenet Stella M , Tapia Lorena L , Escalante Ananias A , Durand Salomon , Lucas Carmen , Bacon David J
Published: March 2012

Background

A major concern in malaria vaccine development is genetic polymorphisms typically observed among Plasmodium isolates in different geographical areas across the world. Highly polymorphic regions have been observed in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax antigenic surface proteins such as Circumsporozoite protein (CSP), Duffy-binding protein (DBP), Merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1), Apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) and Thrombospondin related anonymous protein (TRAP).

Methods

Genetic variability was assessed in important polymorphic regions of various vaccine candidate antigens in P. vivax among 106 isolates from the Amazon Region of Loreto, Peru. In addition, genetic diversity determined in Peruvian isolates was compared to population studies from various geographical locations worldwide.

Results

The structured diversity found in P. vivax populations did not show a geographic pattern and haplotypes from all gene candidates were distributed worldwide. In addition, evidence of balancing selection was found in polymorphic regions of the trap, dbp and ama-1 genes.

Conclusions

It is important to have a good representation of the haplotypes circulating worldwide when implementing a vaccine, regardless of the geographic region of deployment since selective pressure plays an important role in structuring antigen diversity.
Successful salvage therapy with Daptomycin for osteomyelitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a renal transplant recipient with Fabry-Anderson disease
Authors: Polilli Ennio , Ursini Tamara , Mazzotta Elena , Sozio Federica , Savini Vincenzo , D'Antonio Domenico , Barbato Michelino , Consorte Augusta , Parruti Giustino
Published: March 2012

Daptomycin is licensed in adults for the management of Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant infections, including bone and skin complicated infections. We describe for the first time its use in a renal transplant recipient for Fabry-Anderson Disease with right heel osteomyelitis. The patient was unresponsive to first-line Teicoplanin and second-line Tigecycline, whereas he was successfully treated with third-line Daptomycin monotherapy at 4 mg/Kg/qd for 4 weeks. Local debridement was performed in advance of each line of treatment.
Histological spectrum of pulmonary manifestations in kidney transplant recipients on sirolimus inclusive immunosuppressive regimens
Authors: Kirby Sean , Satoskar Anjali , Brodsky Sergey , Pope-Harman Amy , Nunley David , Hitchcock Charles , Pelletier Ronald , Ross Patrick , Nadasdy Tibor , Shilo Konstantin
Published: March 2012

Background

After the introduction of novel effective immunosuppressive therapies, kidney transplantation became the treatment of choice for end stage renal disease. While these new therapies lead to better graft survival, they can also cause a variety of complications. Only small series or case reports describe pulmonary pathology in renal allograft recipients on mTOR inhibitor inclusive therapies. The goal of this study was to provide a systematic review of thoracic biopsies in kidney transplant recipients for possible association between a type of immunosuppressive regimen and pulmonary complications.

Methods

A laboratory database search revealed 28 of 2140 renal allograft recipients (18 males and 10 females, 25 to 77 years old, mean age 53 years) who required a biopsy for respiratory symptoms. The histological features were correlated with clinical findings including immunosuppressive medications.

Results

The incidence of neoplasia on lung biopsy was 0.4% (9 cases), which included 3 squamous cell carcinomas, 2 adenocarcinomas, 1 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 1 lymphomatoid granulomatosis, and 2 post transplant B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Diffuse parenchymal lung disease was identified in 0.4% (9 cases), and included 5 cases of pulmonary hemorrhage, 3 cases of organizing pneumonia and 1 case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Five (0.2%) cases showed histological features indicative of a localized infectious process. Patients on sirolimus had neoplasia less frequently than patients on other immunosuppressive combinations (12.5% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.03). Lung biopsies in 4 of 5 patients with clinically suspected sirolimus toxicity revealed pulmonary hemorrhage as the sole histological finding or in combination with other patterns.

Conclusions

Our study documents a spectrum of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in renal allograft recipients on current immunosuppressive therapies. Sirolimus inclusive regimens are associated with increased risk of pulmonary toxicity but may be beneficial in cases of posttransplant neoplasia.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/3320012126569395.
lemmingA encodes the Apc11 subunit of the APC/C in Drosophila melanogaster that forms a ternary complex with the E2-C type ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, Vihar and Morula/Apc2
Authors: Nagy Olga , Pál Margit , Udvardy Andor , Shirras Christine AM , Boros Imre , Shirras Alan D , Deák Péter
Published: March 2012

Background

Ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation is a critical step in key cell cycle events, such as metaphase-anaphase transition and mitotic exit. The anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) plays a pivotal role in these transitions by recognizing and marking regulatory proteins for proteasomal degradation. Its overall structure and function has been elucidated mostly in yeasts and mammalian cell lines. The APC/C is, however, a multisubunit assembly with at least 13 subunits and their function and interaction within the complex is still relatively uncharacterized, particularly in metazoan systems. Here, lemming (lmg) mutants were used to study the APC/C subunit, Apc11, and its interaction partners in Drosophila melanogaster.

Results

The lmg gene was initially identified through a pharate adult lethal P element insertion mutation expressing developmental abnormalities and widespread apoptosis in larval imaginal discs and pupal abdominal histoblasts. Larval neuroblasts were observed to arrest mitosis in a metaphase-like state with highly condensed, scattered chromosomes and frequent polyploidy. These neuroblasts contain high levels of both cyclin A and cyclin B. The lmg gene was cloned by virtue of the lmg

03424
P element insertion which is located in the 5' untranslated region. The lemming locus is transcribed to give a 2.0 kb mRNA that contains two ORFs, lmgA and lmgB. The lmgA ORF codes for a putative protein with more than 80% sequence homology to the APC11 subunit of the human APC/C. The 85 amino acid protein also contains a RING-finger motif characteristic of known APC11 subunits. The lmgA ORF alone was sufficient to rescue the lethal and mitotic phenotypes of the lmg

138
null allele and to complement the temperature sensitive lethal phenotype of the APC11-myc9 budding yeast mutant. The LmgA protein interacts with Mr/Apc2, and they together form a binding site for Vihar, the E2-C type ubiquitin conjugating enzyme. Despite being conserved among Drosophila species, the LmgB protein is not required for viability or fertility.

Conclusions

Our work provides insight into the subunit structure of the Drosophila APC/C with implications for its function. Based on the presented data, we suggest that the Lmg/Apc11 subunit recruits the E2-C type ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, Vihar, to the APC/C together with Mr/Apc2 by forming a ternary complex.
Recent updates on the role of microRNAs in prostate cancer
Authors: Hassan Oudai , Ahmad Aamir , Sethi Seema , Sarkar Fazlul H
Published: March 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that are involved in several important biological processes through regulation of genes post-transcriptionally. Carcinogenesis is one of the key biological processes where miRNAs play important role in the regulation of genes. The miRNAs elicit their effects by binding to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of their target mRNAs, leading to the inhibition of translation or the degradation of the mRNA, depending on the degree of complementary base pairing. To-date more than 1,000 miRNAs are postulated to exist, although the field is moving rapidly. Currently, miRNAs are becoming the center of interest in a number of research areas, particularly in oncology, as documented by exponential growth in publications in the last decade. These studies have shown that miRNAs are deregulated in a wide variety of human cancers. Thus, it is reasonable to ask the question whether further understanding on the role of miRNAs could be useful for diagnosis, prognosis and predicting therapeutic response for prostate cancer (PCa). Therefore, in this review article, we will discuss the potential roles of different miRNAs in PCa in order to provide up-to-date information, which is expected to stimulate further research in the field for realizing the benefit of miRNA-targeted therapeutic approach for the treatment of metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in the near future because there is no curative treatment for mCRPC at the moment.
A novel fault tolerant service selection framework for pervasive computing
Authors: Silas Salaja , Ezra Kirubakaran , Blessing Rajsingh Elijah
Published: March 2012

Background

Service selection in pervasive computing is significant as it requires identifying the best service provider based on users requirements. After identifying the best service provider, when a service is being executed, service disruptions happen due to various faults.

Methods

Though attempts are made to provide best services to the user, executing the service without service disruptions becomes an important challenge in the pervasive environment. In this paper, a novel Fault tolerant Service Selection Framework (FTSSF) has been proposed.

Results

Adequate theoretical analysis was carried out and experimental results were obtained for the proposed framework and have been compared with the existing techniques.

Conclusion

The results prove that the proposed framework is efficient and fault tolerant.
TLR2 ligation induces the production of IL-23/IL-17 via IL-6, STAT3 and NF-kB pathway in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome
Authors: Kwok Seung-Ki , Cho Mi-La , Her Yang-Mi , Oh Hye-Joa , Park Mi-Kyung , Lee Seon-Yeong , Woo Yun Ju , Ju Ji Hyeon , Park Kyung-Su , Kim Ho-Youn , Park Sung-Hwan
Published: March 2012

Introduction

The study was undertaken to investigate the interrelation of toll-like receptor (TLR) and interleukin (IL)-17 in the salivary glands of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) and to determine the role of TLR and IL-17 in the pathophysiology of pSS.

Methods

The expressions of various TLRs, IL-17 and the cytokines involved in Th17 cell differentiation including IL-6, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-1β were examined by immunohistochemistry in salivary glands of pSS patients. The IL-17 producing CD4+ T cells (Th17 cells) were examined by flow cytometry and confocal staining in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBCs) and salivary glands of pSS patients. After PBMCs were treated with TLR specific ligands, the induction of IL-17 and IL-23 was determined using real-time PCR and ELISA. The signaling pathway that mediates the TLR2 stimulated production of IL-17 and IL-23 was investigated by using treatment with specific signaling inhibitors.

Results

We showed that TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, IL-17 and the cytokines associated with Th17 cells were highly expressed in salivary glands of pSS patients but not in controls. The expressions of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR6 were observed in the infiltrating mononuclear cells and ductal epithelial cells, whereas IL-17 was mainly observed in infiltrating CD4+ T cells. The number of IL-17 producing CD4+ T cells was significantly higher in pSS patients both in PBMCs and minor salivary glands. The stimulation of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR6 additively induced the production of IL-17 and IL-23 from the PBMCs of pSS patients especially in the presence of TLR2 stimulation. IL-6, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB) pathways were implicated in the TLR2 stimulated IL-17 and IL-23.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that TLR2 ligation induces the production of IL-23/IL-17 via IL-6, STAT3 and NF-kB pathway in pSS. Therefore, therapeutic strategies that target TLR/IL-17 pathway might be strong candidates for treatment modalities of pSS.
Granzyme B- and Fas ligand-mediated cytotoxic function induced by mitogenic CD28 stimulation of human memory CD4+ T cells
Authors: Medina Miguel A , Couturier Jacob , Feske Marsha L , Mahne Ashley E , Turner Mary , Yu Xiaoyong , Kozinetz Claudia A , Orozco Aaron F , Hutchison Alexander T , Savidge Tor C , Rodgers John R , Lewis Dorothy E
Published: March 2012

Some human memory CD4+ T cells have cytotoxic functions best understood in the context of viral infections; however, their possible role in pathologic processes is understudied. The novel discovery that mitogenic CD28 antibodies induced proliferation and expansion of Tregs offered therapeutic promise for autoimmune disorders. However, the failed TGN1412 trial forced reassessment of this concept. As memory CD4+ T cells are known to produce toxic molecules, including granzyme B (GrzB) and FasL, we wondered whether mitogenic CD28 was able to induce these cytotoxic molecules. A commercially available mitogenic human CD28 mAb (clone ANC28.1) was used to determine whether mitogenic CD28 induces cytotoxic function from human memory CD4+ T cells. We found that stimulation of memory CD4+ T cells by ANC28.1, as well as by conventional costimulation (CD3/CD28 mAb), robustly induced enzymatically active GrzB, along with increased surface expression of FasL. These functional phenotypes were induced in association with increased expression of T cell activation markers CD69 and CD25, and elimination of target cells by ANC28.1-activated memory CD4+ T cells involved both GrzB and FasL. Additionally, ANC28.1-activated memory CD4+ T cells caused disruption of epithelial cell monolayer integrity, which was partially mediated by GrzB. These findings reveal functions of memory CD4+ T cells previously unknown to be induced by mitogenic CD28, and suggest that these pathogenic mechanisms may have been responsible for some of the widespread tissue destruction that occurred in the TGN1412 trial recipients.
Early IL-10 production is essential for syngeneic graft acceptance
Authors: Takiishi Tatiana , Tadokoro Carlos Eduardo , Rizzo Luiz Vicente , de Moraes Luciana Vieira
Published: March 2012

IL-10 production by donor epithelial cells immediately upon transplantation is essential for syngeneic skin graft acceptance.

We performed a comparative study and evaluated cellular infiltrates and anti-inflammatory cytokine production at different time-points after syngeneic or allogeneic skin transplantation. We observed an early IL-10 production in syngeneic grafts compared with allografts. This observation prompted us to investigate the role of IL-10 in isograft acceptance. For this, we used IL-10 KO and WT mice to perform syngeneic transplantation, where IL-10 was absent in the graft or in the recipient. The majority of syngeneic grafts derived from IL-10 KO donors did not engraft or was only partially accepted, whereas IL-10 KO mice transplanted with skin from WT donors accepted the graft. We evaluated IL-10 producers in the transplanted skin and observed that epithelial cells were the major source. Taken together, our data show that production of IL-10 by donor cells, but not by the recipient, is determinant for graft acceptance and strongly suggest that production of this cytokine by keratinocytes immediately upon transplantation is necessary for isograft survival.
The value of diffusion tensor imaging in the differential diagnosis of subcortical ischemic vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease in patients with only mild white matter alterations on T2-weighted images
Authors: Fu Jian-Liang , Zhang Ting , Chang Cheng , Zhang Yu-Zhen , Li Wen-Bin
Published: March 2012

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a form of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that allows examination of the microstructural integrity of white matter in the brain. Dementia is a neurodegenerative disease, and DTI can provide indirect insights of the microstructural characteristics of brains in individuals with different forms of dementia.

Purpose

To evaluate the value of DTI in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of patients with subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Material and Methods

The study included 40 patients (20 AD patients and 20 SIVD patients) and 20 normal controls (NC). After routine MRI and DTI, fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured and compared in regions of interest (ROI).

Results

Compared to NC and AD patients, SIVD patients had lower FA values and higher ADC values in the inferior-fronto-occipital fascicles (IFOF), genu of the corpus callosum (GCC), splenium of the corpus callosum (SCC), and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). Compared to controls and SIVD patients, AD patients had lower FA values in the anterior frontal lobe, temporal lobe, hippocampus, IFOF, GCC, and CF; and higher ADC values in the temporal lobe and hippocampus.

Conclusion

DTI can be used to estimate the white matter impairment in dementia patients. There were significant regional reductions of FA values and heightened ADC values in multiple regions in SIVD patients compared to AD patients. When compared with conventional MRI, DTI may provide a more objective method for the differential diagnosis of SIVD and AD disease patients who have only mild white matter alterations on T2-weighted imaging.
Differential diagnosis of vertebral compression fracture using in-phase/opposed-phase and short TI inversion recovery imaging
Authors: Ogura Akio , Hayakawa Katsumi , Maeda Fumie , Saeki Fumito , Syukutani Ai , Shibutani Sachiko , Kuroda Emi
Published: March 2012

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly useful for detecting diseases of the bone marrow. The sensitivity for detecting compression fracture is very high, but specificity is low for differential diagnosis between malignant and benign cases.

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of in-phase/opposed-phase and short TI inversion recovery (STIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of bone marrow for differentiation between benign and malignant vertebral compression fractures.

Material and Methods

A retrospective review of 66 patients with 70 vertebral compression fractures was performed. The signal intensity ratio (SIR) defined as SIR (opposed/in) was calculated from in-phase/opposed-phase MR images, and the signal intensity ratio as SIR (STIR) was calculated from STIR MR images. The relationships between values of SIR (opposed/in) and SIR (STIR) and the differential diagnosis of malignant vs. benign fractures were considered.

Results

When SIR (opposed/in) was less than 1.0, bone marrow was benign. The bone marrow was malignant when both SIR (opposed/in) was greater than 1.0 and SIR (STIR) was less than 2.0.

Conclusion

In cases of acute compression fracture, malignant bone marrow showed SIR(STIR) values less than 2.0 and SIR (in/opposed) greater than 1.0. In contrast, benign bone marrow showed SIR (STIR) values greater than 2.5. For chronic compression fracture, malignant bone marrow showed SIR (in/opposed) greater than 1.0. Bone marrow was benign in all cases with SIR (in/opposed) less than 1.0.