bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular docking analysis of 2009-H1N1 and 2004-H5N1 influenza virus HLA-B*4405-restricted HA epitope candidates: implications for TCR cross-recognition and vaccine development
Authors: Su Chinh TT , Schönbach Christian , Kwoh Chee-Keong
Published: January 2013

Background

The pandemic 2009-H1N1 influenza virus circulated in the human population and caused thousands deaths worldwide. Studies on pandemic influenza vaccines have shown that T cell recognition to conserved epitopes and cross-reactive T cell responses are important when new strains emerge, especially in the absence of antibody cross-reactivity. In this work, using HLA-B*4405 and DM1-TCR structure model, we systematically generated high confidence conserved 2009-H1N1 T cell epitope candidates and investigated their potential cross-reactivity against H5N1 avian flu virus.

Results

Molecular docking analysis of differential DM1-TCR recognition of the 2009-H1N1 epitope candidates yielded a mosaic epitope (KEKMNTEFW) and potential H5N1 HA cross-reactive epitopes that could be applied as multivalent peptide towards influenza A vaccine development. Structural models of TCR cross-recognition between 2009-H1N1 and 2004-H5N1 revealed steric and topological effects of TCR contact residue mutations on TCR binding affinity.

Conclusions

The results are novel with regard to HA epitopes and useful for developing possible vaccination strategies against the rapidly changing influenza viruses. Yet, the challenge of identifying epitope candidates that result in heterologous T cell immunity under natural influenza infection conditions can only be overcome if more structural data on the TCR repertoire become available.
Improved moderation for gene-wise variance estimation in RNA-Seq via the exploitation of external information
Authors: Patrick Ellis , Buckley Michael , Lin David Ming , Yang Yee Hwa
Published: January 2013

Background

The cost of RNA-Seq has been decreasing over the last few years. Despite this, experiments with four or less biological replicates are still quite common. Estimating the variances of gene expression estimates becomes both a challenging and interesting problem in these situations of low replication. However, with the wealth of microarray and other publicly available gene expression data readily accessible on public repositories, these sources of information can be leveraged to make improvements in variance estimation.

Results

We have proposed a novel approach called Tshrink+ for inferring differential gene expression through improved modelling of the gene-wise variances. Existing methods share information between genes of similar average expression by shrinking, or moderating, the gene-wise variances to a fitted common variance. We have been able to achieve improved estimation of the common variance by using gene-wise sample variances from external experiments, as well as gene length.

Conclusions

Using biological data we show that utilising additional external information can improve the modelling of the common variance and hence the calling of differentially expressed genes. These sources of additional information include gene length and gene-wise sample variances from other RNA-Seq and microarray datasets, of both related and seemingly unrelated tissue types. The results of this are promising, with our differential expression test, Tshrink+, performing favourably when compared to existing methods such as DESeq and edgeR when considering both gene ranking and sensitivity. These improved variance models could easily be implemented in both DESeq and edgeR and highlight the need for a database that offers a profile of gene variances over a range of tissue types and organisms.
A cross-sectional study of the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension in rural Nepali women
Authors: Khan Rumana J , Stewart Christine P , Christian Parul , Schulze Kerry J , Wu Lee , LeClerq Steven C , Khatry Subarna K , West Keith P
Published: January 2013

Background

The prevalence of hypertension is increasing in much of the South Asian region, including Nepal. This paper reports the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension and pre-hypertension among adult women in a rural community of Nepal.

Methods

Cross-sectional data on socioeconomic status (SES), lifestyle factors and blood pressure (BP) were collected from a cohort of 15,934 women in rural Nepal in 2006–08. Among a subsample (n = 1679), anthropometry and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk were measured.

Results

The mean age of women was 34.2 years (range 16.4-71.2 years). More than three percent (3.3%) had hypertension and 14.4% had pre-hypertension. In an adjusted analysis, lower SES, especially lower household farm assets and storage of food for long term consumption, was associated with increased odds of hypertension (OR = 1.14 for mid-level SES and OR = 1.40 for low SES; p for trend < 0.01). Smoking, alcohol use and not working outside the home were also associated with higher risk. In a subsample, both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were positively associated with high triglycerides (SBP β = 4.1 mm Hg; DBP β =3.6 mm Hg), high HbA1c (SBP β = 14.0; DBP β = 9.2), raised fasting glucose (SBP β = 10.0; DBP β = 6.9), high BMI (SBP β = 6.7; DBP β = 5.1) and high waist circumference (SBP β = 6.2; DBP β = 5.3) after adjusting for potential confounders (p for all <0.01).

Conclusions

Although the prevalence of hypertension was low in this cohort, it was more prevalent among the poorer women and was strongly associated with other cardiovascular risks. These associations at a relatively young age may confer greater risk for cardiovascular disease among women in later life, indicating the need for interventions to reduce the progression from pre-hypertension to hypertension.
Micro-ultracapacitors with highly doped silicon nanowires electrodes
Authors: Thissandier Fleur , Pauc Nicolas , Brousse Thierry , Gentile Pascal , Sadki Saïd
Published: January 2013

Highly n-doped silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with several lengths have been deposited via chemical vapor deposition on silicon substrate. These nanostructured silicon substrates have been used as electrodes to build symmetrical micro-ultracapacitors. These devices show a quasi-ideal capacitive behavior in organic electrolyte (1 M NEt4BF4 in propylene carbonate). Their capacitance increases with the length of SiNWs on the electrode and has been improved up to 10 μFcm−2 by using 20 μm SiNWs, i.e., ≈10-fold bulk silicon capacitance. This device exhibits promising galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling stability with a maximum power density of 1.4 mW cm−2.
People, plants and health: a conceptual framework for assessing changes in medicinal plant consumption
Authors: Smith-Hall Carsten , Larsen Helle Overgaard , Pouliot Mariève
Published: January 2013

Background

A large number of people in both developing and developed countries rely on medicinal plant products to maintain their health or treat illnesses. Available evidence suggests that medicinal plant consumption will remain stable or increase in the short to medium term. Knowledge on what factors determine medicinal plant consumption is, however, scattered across many disciplines, impeding, for example, systematic consideration of plant-based traditional medicine in national health care systems. The aim of the paper is to develop a conceptual framework for understanding medicinal plant consumption dynamics. Consumption is employed in the economic sense: use of medicinal plants by consumers or in the production of other goods.

Methods

PubMed and Web of Knowledge (formerly Web of Science) were searched using a set of medicinal plant key terms (folk/peasant/rural/traditional/ethno/indigenous/CAM/herbal/botanical/phytotherapy); each search terms was combined with terms related to medicinal plant consumption dynamics (medicinal plants/health care/preference/trade/treatment seeking behavior/domestication/sustainability/conservation/urban/migration/climate change/policy/production systems). To eliminate studies not directly focused on medicinal plant consumption, searches were limited by a number of terms (chemistry/clinical/in vitro/antibacterial/dose/molecular/trial/efficacy/antimicrobial/alkaloid/bioactive/inhibit/antibody/purification/antioxidant/DNA/rat/aqueous). A total of 1940 references were identified; manual screening for relevance reduced this to 645 relevant documents. As the conceptual framework emerged inductively, additional targeted literature searches were undertaken on specific factors and link, bringing the final number of references to 737.

Results

The paper first defines the four main groups of medicinal plant users (1. Hunter-gatherers, 2. Farmers and pastoralists, 3. Urban and peri-urban people, 4. Entrepreneurs) and the three main types of benefits (consumer, producer, society-wide) derived from medicinal plants usage. Then a single unified conceptual framework for understanding the factors influencing medicinal plant consumption in the economic sense is proposed; the framework distinguishes four spatial levels of analysis (international, national, local, household) and identifies and describes 15 factors and their relationships.

Conclusions

The framework provides a basis for increasing our conceptual understanding of medicinal plant consumption dynamics, allows a positioning of existing studies, and can serve to guide future research in the area. This would inform the formation of future health and natural resource management policies.
Fatty acid variability in three medicinal herbs of Panaxspecies
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Jing , Huang Li-Li , Cai Xiu-Jiang , Li Peng , Wang Yi-Tao , Wan Jian-Bo
Published: January 2013

Background

Fatty acid profiling has been widely used in the bacteria species identification, we hypothesized that fatty acid characteristics might discriminate the Panax herbs according to species. To test the hypothesis, fatty acids of Panax species, including Panax ginseng, Panax notoginseng and Panax quinquefolius, were characterized and compared using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) followed by multivariate statistical analysis.

Results

The content of investigated 11 fatty acids, including myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidic acid and eicosadienoic acid, obviously varied among three species, suggesting each species has its own fatty acid pattern. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis according to the absolute and relative contents of fatty acids, showed that 30 tested samples could be clearly differentiated according to the species.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that GC-MS-based fatty acid profiling coupled with multivariate statistical analysis provides reliable platform to classify these three Panax species, which is helpful for ensuring their safety and efficacy.
Expression of trypsin modulating oostatic factor (TMOF) in an entomopathogenic fungus increases its virulence towards Anopheles gambiae and reduces fecundity in the target mosquito
Authors: Kamareddine Layla , Fan Yanhua , Osta Mike A , Keyhani Nemat O
Published: January 2013

Background

Adult and larval mosquitoes regulate food digestion in their gut with trypsin modulating oostatic factor (TMOF), a decapeptide hormone synthesized by the ovaries and the neuroendocrine system. TMOF is currently being developed as a mosquitocide, however, delivery of the peptide to the mosquito remains a significant challenge. Entomopathogenic fungi offer a means for targeting mosquitoes with TMOF.

Findings

The efficacy of wild type and transgenic Beauveria bassiana strains expressing Aedes aegypti TMOF (Bb-Aa1) were evaluated against larvae and sugar- and blood-fed adult Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes using insect bioassays. Bb- Aa1 displayed increased virulence against larvae, and sugar and blood fed adult A. gambiae when compared to the wild type parent strain. Median lethal dose (LD50) values decreased by ~20% for larvae, and ~40% for both sugar and blood-fed mosquitoes using Bb-Aa1 relative to the wild type parent. Median lethal time (LT50) values were lower for blood-fed compared to sugar-fed mosquitoes in infections with both wild type and Bb-Aa1. However, infection using Bb-Aa1 resulted in 15% to 25% reduction in LT50 values for sugar- and blood fed mosquitoes, and ~27% for larvae, respectively, relative to the wild type parent. In addition, infection with Bb-Aa1 resulted in a dramatic reduction in fecundity of the target mosquitoes.

Conclusions

B. bassiana expressing Ae. aegypti TMOF exhibited increased virulence against A. gambiae compared to the wild type strain. These data expand the range and utility of entomopathogenic fungi expressing mosquito-specific molecules to improve their biological control activities against mosquito vectors of disease.
Branch retinal artery occlusion associated with posterior uveitis
Authors: Kahloun Rim , Mbarek Samah , Khairallah-Ksiaa Imen , Jelliti Bechir , Yahia Salim Ben , Khairallah Moncef
Published: January 2013

Background

The purpose of this study is to report the clinical features and visual outcome of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) associated with posterior uveitis. This is a retrospective study including the 18 eyes of 18 patients. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic evaluation. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and visual field testing were performed in all cases.

Results

Diseases associated with BRAO included active ocular toxoplasmosis in 7 patients, rickettsiosis in 4, Behçet’s uveitis in 2, West Nile virus infection in 1, idiopathic retinal vasculitis in 1, Crohn’s disease in 1, ocular tuberculosis in 1, and idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis syndrome in 1 patient. The mean initial visual acuity was 20/50. BRAO involved the first order retinal artery in 33.3% of the eyes, the second order retinal artery in 33.3%, an arteriole in 27.8%, and a cilioretinal artery in 5.5%. The macula was involved in 44.4% of the eyes and an acute focus of retinitis or retinochoroiditis was associated to BRAO in 55.5%. Repermeabilization of the occluded artery occurred in all patients with permanent scotomas in the corresponding visual field. The mean visual acuity at last visit was 20/32.

Conclusions

BRAO, with subsequent visual impairment, may occur in the eyes with posterior uveitis. Physicians should be aware of such vision-threatening complication of infectious and inflammatory eye diseases.
The brain slice method for studying drug distribution in the CNS
Authors: Loryan Irena , Fridén Markus , Hammarlund-Udenaes Margareta
Published: January 2013

The high-throughput brain slice method is a precise and robust technique for estimating the overall uptake of drugs into brain tissue through determination of the unbound volume of distribution in the brain (Vu,brain; ml·g brain-1). Vu,brain describes the relationship between the total drug concentration in the brain and the concentration of unbound drug in the brain interstitial fluid, regardless of blood–brain barrier function. The brain slice method is more physiologically based than the brain homogenate method with respect to the assessment of drug distribution in the brain because the cell-cell interactions, pH gradients and active transport systems are all conserved. The method provides information that is directly relevant to issues such as nonspecific binding to brain tissue, lysosomal trapping, and active uptake into the cells. For these reasons, the brain slice method is recommended for estimation of target-site pharmacokinetics in the early drug discovery process and fundamental pharmacological studies. This article provides a detailed protocol for the rat and mouse brain slice methods, with the aim of enabling simple, cost-effective profiling of compounds with diverse physicochemical properties. The procedure for assessing the viability of the brain slices after the 5 h incubation period is also described. The results are interpreted for a set of compounds covering a wide range of physicochemical properties and various pharmacological targets. Application of the method for evaluating the unbound intracellular-to-extracellular concentration ratio (Kp,uu,cell) and the unbound brain-to-plasma concentration ratio (Kp,uu,brain) is discussed.
Expression of regulatory receptors on γδ T Cells and their cytokine production in Behcet's disease
Authors: Parlakgul Gunes , Guney Ekin , Erer Burak , Kılıcaslan Zeki , Direskeneli Haner , Gul Ahmet , Saruhan-Direskeneli Guher
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Behcet's disease (BD) is a multi-systemic disorder with muco-cutaneous, ocular, arthritic, vascular or central nervous system involvement. The role of γδ T cells is implicated in BD. The activation status of γδ T cells and their cytokine secretion against phosphoantigens are evaluated in BD.

Methods

NKG2A, NKG2C, NKG2D, CD16 and CCR7 molecules on γδ T cells were analyzed in 70 BD, 27 tuberculosis (TB) patients and 26 healthy controls (HC). Peripheral γδ T cells were expanded with a phosphoantigen (BrHPP) and IL-2, restimulated with BrHPP and a TLR3 ligand, and cytokine production was measured.

Results

γδ T cells were not increased in both BD and TB patients, but the proportions of TCRVδ2+ T cells were lower (58.9 and 50.7 vs. 71.7%, P = 0.04 and P = 0.005) compared to HC. Higher proportion of TCRVδ2+ T cells were CD16+ (26.2 and 33.9 vs. 16.6%, P = 0.02 and P = 0.001) and CCR7- (32.2 and 27.9 vs. 17.7%, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.014) in BD and TB patients compared to HC. NKG2C+ γδ+ T cells were relatively increased (0.5 and 0.6 vs. 0.3%, P = 0.008 and 0.018), whereas NKG2D positivity was decreased in patients with BD and TB (77.7 and 75.8 vs. 87.5%, P = 0.001 and 0.004). Expansion capacity of γδ T cells in BD and TB as well as production of IL-13, IFN-γ, granulocyte monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), TNF-α, CCL4 and CCL5 in BD was lower compared to HC, when restimulated by TLR3 ligand and BrHPP.

Conclusion

The changes on γδ T cells of BD as well as TB patients implicate that γδ T cells have already been exposed to regulatory effects, which changed their activity. Lower cytokine response of γδ T cells implicates down modulation of these cells in BD.
Use of Posidonia oceanica seedlings from beach-cast fruits for seagrass planting
Authors: Terrados Jorge , Marín Arnaldo , Celdrán David
Published: January 2013

Posidonia oceanica seedlings produced from beach-cast fruits were planted in an area where this Mediterranean seagrass was lost as a consequence of fish-farming. The effects of substratum type (dead matte vs. meadow) and planting level (above vs. below bottom surface) on seedling survivorship and leaf development were evaluated after 3 years. Seedling capacity to resist uprooting was also tested by comparing survivorship and leaf development after 2 years in seedlings firmly anchored in dead matte by artificial means (mesh-pot) with those planted without any anchoring other than their roots. Survivorship in dead matte was 44% after 3 years and was not affected by planting level. Seedling planting inside the meadow led to complete mortality after 3 years. Seedlings planted below the bottom surface branched during the second year and 50% had produced from one to five additional shoots after 3 years. After 2 years, survivorship and leaf development of seedlings planted with mesh-pot anchoring was similar to that of seedlings planted without anchoring. Current environmental conditions in the impacted area allow P. oceanica seedlings to survive, but natural recovery might be limited by propagule availability. Planting of seedlings in dead matte without anchoring does not affect survivorship and leaf development and might be a feasible technique for restoration of P. oceanica meadows.
Editorial changes at Botanica Marina
Authors: Stöber Gunda , Dawson Stephanie
Published: January 2013

No abstract available.
The prevalence of bullying and cyberbullying in high school: a 2011 survey
Authors: Gan Sophie S. , Zhong Connie , Das Shreya , Gan Julia S. , Willis Stephanie , Tully Eileen
Published: January 2013

Background: Bullying is common among young students, and cyberbullying has increased due to the use of technology. This study investigates the prevalence of bullying and cyberbullying among high school students and the emotional effects of bullying on students.

Methods: Students at East Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina completed the Gatehouse Bullying Scale and the Peer Relations Questionnaire. They answered questions regarding how often they had experienced certain types of bullying in school and the emotional effects the bullying had on them.

Results: The combined results from both surveys indicated that the prevalence of bullying was 55% with 18% of respondents reporting cyberbullying. Teasing and name-calling were the most common types of bullying, as 40% of students reported having been teased or called names. The most serious type of bullying, being threatened with harm, hit, or kicked, occurred in 20% of boys and 8% of girls, with 25% of respondents reported “quite upset” by the experience. The majority (79%) of students who had been bullied did not share with anyone about being bullied, and of those who did, only 50% were taken seriously.

Conclusions: Bullying is still prevalent among high school students, and cyberbullying is becoming more widespread. Most victims do not share their bullying experience, and if they did, only half believe they are taken seriously. Both bullying among students in school and cyberbullying deserve attention due to their potentially devastating effects on victims.
Personal and family attributes of pregnant teenagers: findings from a community-based study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Fernando Dulitha N. , Gunawardena Nalika S. , Weerasinghe Manuj Chrishantha
Published: January 2013

Background: Teenage pregnancies are associated with negative outcomes. Prevention requires understanding them and their families.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe personal and family attributes of pregnant teenagers in Sri Lanka.

Methods: This was a community-based study in Sri Lanka among 510 pregnant teenagers.

Results: Half (50%) of the subjects were 19 years of age at the time of pregnancy. A majority (79.8%) had studied up to grades 6–11. Confidence in decision-making (80.7%) and in refusing unnecessary requests (88.3%) was “excellent” in a majority. Mean age of marriage/co-habiting was 17.6 years. For 31%, marriage/cohabiting was a sudden decision taken jointly with their partner (81.6%) and 83% reported being “legally” married. Substantial proportions of mothers (17.6%) and fathers (13.9%) had not attended school, and 33.1% mothers had worked abroad. Teenagers reported the death of a parent (14.1%), parental separation (10.9%) and being brought up by relatives (20%). Only a few rated strictness of rules/regulations (32.4%), freedom to discuss problems regarding puberty (25.5%), love affairs (12.7%) and sexuality (26.7%) as excellent/good. Of the spouses, 12.9% were <20 years, 71.9% had low education and 98.8% were employed. A majority had “planned” the pregnancy, and for 79.8%, the reason was “husband’s wish to have a baby”.

Conclusions: Pregnant teenagers were mostly in their late teens, from poor families and with low formal education. Though teenagers showed confidence in decision-making, the decision to have a pregnancy had mostly been their spouses. Parents and spouses of the teenagers were also young, less educated and poor. There was evidence of poor parenting practices.
Risk of developing diabetes and dyslipidemia among adolescents with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
Authors: Enger Cheryl , Jones Meghan E. , Kryzhanovskaya Ludmila , Doherty Michael , McAfee Andrew T.
Published: January 2013

The risks of developing diabetes and dyslipidemia among adolescents with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have not been well-characterized. This study was designed to characterize these risks and compare them among adolescents in the general population.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study used claims data from a large U.S. health insurer to identify adolescents (13–17 years) with claims for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder from 1997 to 2006. Adolescents without evidence of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were randomly selected for comparison. Study outcomes were new diagnoses of diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Results: We identified 17,884 adolescents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and 188,059 for the general population cohort. The incidence rate per 100,000 person-years of diabetes was higher in the schizophrenia or bipolar disorder cohort [424.3 (95% CI: 344.5–517.3)] than in the general population cohort (90.0 [95% CI: 79.6–101.3]). The incidence rate per 100,000 person-years of dyslipidemia was 346.4 (95% CI: 274.9–431.0) in the schizophrenia or bipolar disorder cohort and 86.6 (95% CI: 76.4–97.7) in the general population cohort. The adjusted hazard ratios of developing diabetes and dyslipidemia in the schizophrenia or bipolar disorder cohort relative to the general population cohort were 1.76 (95% CI: 1.15–2.72) and 1.66 (95% CI: 1.22–2.28), respectively. Adolescents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder treated with antipsychotics had a higher risk of developing diabetes and dyslipidemia than those who were untreated.

Conclusions: Adolescents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder had significantly increased risks of developing diabetes and dyslipidemia compared to adolescents without these disorders.
Attitudes and knowledge levels of nurses and residents caring for adolescents with an eating disorder
Authors: Raveneau Gladys , Feinstein Ronald , Rosen Lisa M. , Fisher Martin
Published: January 2013

Although the vast majority of youths with an eating disorder (ED) are treated as outpatients, some require treatment in an inpatient unit. The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes of nurses and pediatric residents towards adolescents and young adults with ED.

Methods: Nursing questionnaires were distributed through a nurse manager and resident questionnaires were distributed in coordination with the chief residents.

Results: A total of 82 individuals (32 nurses and 50 pediatric residents) completed the survey. Only two nurses and six residents had not worked with a patient with an ED in the previous year. The vast majority of nurses and residents recognized that fear of gaining weight, refusal to maintain body weight and, disturbed body image were frequent signs occurring in patients with an ED. Both nurses and residents believed that emotional problems, influence of friends and family, family pressure, influence of the media, and being self-induced were the most likely causes of EDs. Genetics and influence of other medical problems were deemed less likely causes. The majority of residents identified having different rules for different patients and poor communication as factors that make it difficult to take care of ED patients. More than half of all nurses and residents (58.2%) thought that ED patients were responsible for their disease “always” or “in most cases”. Residents (68.8%) were more likely than nurses (45.2%) to frequently feel frustrated with ED patients (χ2, p<0.0370).

Conclusion: Adolescents with an ED provide a unique challenge to nurses and residents caring for them.
Weight loss as a result of religious zeal in young Orthodox Jewish males
Authors: Fisher Martin
Published: January 2013

This paper presents three cases involving young Orthodox Jewish males, each of whom lost 15–25 pounds over a course of time ranging between a few months and up to 2 years, as the result of decreased food intake because of misinterpretation of a religious concept learned in their Judaic studies. Although each had a body mass index between 15.8 and 16.1, they did not display the body image concerns necessary for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. The discussion covers the distinction between anorexia nervosa and the newly described diagnosis in these young men, i.e., weight loss as a result of religious zeal, along with a brief history of fasting for religious reasons as described in previous centuries.
Recurrent somatic mutation in hairy cell leukemia
Authors: Sári Eszter , Nagy Zsolt , Demeter Judit
Published: January 2013

Hairy cell leukemia is a mature B-cell non-Hogkin lymphoma characterized by unique clinical, morphological and immunhistochemical features. Patients with hairy cell leukemia usually present with splenomegaly, progressive pancytopenia and a relative indolent clinical course. The diagnosis does not always indicate immediate treatment, as treatment depends on the clinical stage of the leukemia. Asymptomatic disease without progression requires a watchful waiting policy, while other categories usually need treatment. The treatment of choice is purin nucleosid analogues (pentostatin, cladribine) which can achieve complete remission even for decades. Interferon and monoclonal CD20 antibodies can also significantly prolong tevent free survival. Unfortunately, only the latter two therapies are easily available in Hungary. Splenectomy, which was suggested as first line treatment before the era of purin nucleosid analogues, is only recommended as ultimum refugium. Although hairy cell leukemia is a well-defined lymphoproliferative disease, sometimes it is difficult to differentiate it from other similar entities such as hairy cell leukema variant, splenic marginal zone lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma etc. Making the correct diagnosis is of utmost importance because of the great difference in treatment modalities. Recently, a somatic mutation was found in all analysed hairy cell leukemia samples, but not in other splenic B-cell lymphomas. This article reviews the significance of this observation and presents the different types of methods for the detection of this mutation. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 123–127.
Larsen-syndrome: final diagnosis following multiple surgical interventions
Authors: Kisfali Péter , Komlósi Katalin , Hadzsiev Kinga , Melegh Béla
Published: January 2013

Larsen-syndrome is a rare genetic skeletal dysplasia belonging to the group of actin-binding filamin B associated diseases. The features include congenital dislocations of the large joints, scoliosis and cervical kyphosis, short, broad, spatulate distal phalanges, and distinctive craniofacies. Diagnosis is based on clinical and radiographic findings and confirmed by molecular genetic testing. The authors have performed filamin B molecular genetic analysis since 2005 and have found several cases with unusual phenotypes since. This case report presents the diagnostic difficulties of a 30-year-old woman, who was operated several times with congenital hip dislocations and foot deformities. The craniofacial features, short, broad, spatulate fingers, scoliosis and cervical kyphosis directed diagnosis towards Larsen-syndrome and molecular genetic analysis confirmed a previously-described heterozygous missense mutation (c.G679A). They conclude that genetic analysis performed in time would prevent additional superfluous long diagnostic procedures in patients with rare diseases and would ensure adequate supportive therapy and management of the symptoms. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 143–146.
Variation in stochastic demography between and within central and peripheral regions in a widespread short‐lived herb
Authors: Villellas Jesús , Morris William F. , García María B.
Published: January 2013

Analyzing intraspecific variation in population dynamics in relation to environmental factors is crucial to understand the current and future distributions of plant species. Across ranges, peripheral populations are often expected to show lower and more temporally variable vital rates than central populations, although it remains unclear how much any differences in vital rates actually contribute to differences in population growth rates. Moreover, few demographic studies accounting for environmental stochasticity have been carried out both at continental and regional scales. In this study we calculated stochastic growth rates in five central and six northern peripheral populations of the widespread short‐lived herb Plantago coronopus along the Atlantic Coast in Europe. To evaluate at two spatial scales how mean values and variability of vital rates (i.e., fecundity, recruitment, survival, growth, and shrinkage) contributed to the differences in stochastic growth rates, we performed Stochastic Life Table Response Experiment (SLTRE) analyses between and within central and peripheral regions. Additionally, we searched for correlations between vital rate contributions and local environmental conditions. Lower mean values and greater variability for some vital rates in peripheral than in central populations had an overall negative but nonsignificant effect on the stochastic growth rates in the periphery. Different life cycle components accounted for differences in population growth depending on spatial scale, although recruitment was the vital rate with the highest influence both between and within regions. Interestingly, the same pattern of differentiation among populations was found within central and peripheral areas: in both regions, one group of populations displayed positive contributions of growth and shrinkage and negative contributions of recruitment and survival; the opposite pattern was found in the remaining populations. These differences in vital rate contributions among populations within regions were correlated with precipitation regime, whereas at the continental scale, differences in contribution patterns were related to temperature. Altogether, our results show how populations of P. coronopus exhibit life cycle differences that may enable the species to persist in locations with widely varying environmental conditions. This demographic flexibility may help to explain the success of widespread plants across large and heterogeneous ranges.
Influence of Higher Growing‐season Temperatures on Yield Components of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Nishio Zenta , Ito Miwako , Tabiki Tadashi , Nagasawa Koichi , Yamauchi Hiroaki , Hirota Tomoyoshi
Published: January 2013

Over a 15‐yr period (1997–2011), the relationship between growing‐season temperatures and both sink components and yield of two elite winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, Hokushin (soft red) and Kitanokaori (hard red), was investigated in Hokkaido, Japan. Culm length, spike length, duration from heading to maturation, and thousand‐grain weights showed a significant inverse correlation to mean seasonal ambient temperatures. In particular, higher temperatures during vegetative stage significantly reduced the magnitude of sink components. Specifically, a 1°C rise in temperature in late May resulted in spike length being shortened by 2.8 mm (3.2%) for Hokushin and 4.4 mm (4.5%) for Kitanokaori. Higher temperatures from heading to maturity significantly shortened the duration from heading to maturation and resulted in a smaller grain size. Specifically, a mean rise in temperature of 1°C from heading to maturation resulted in a 2.8‐d (6.4%) shortening of the duration from heading to maturation in both cultivars, and a concurrent decline in thousand‐grain weight of 2.3 g (6.1%) for Hokushin and 1.9 g (4.6%) for Kitanokaori. Given the dissonance between the large sink size and limited supply of assimilates arising from lower spring and higher summer temperatures, severe yield reductions can be expected. The maintenance of higher grain weight under heat stress, such as exhibited by Kitanokaori, can serve as a useful measure of heat tolerance in wheat.
Adapting water policy tools to new issues: lessons from Colorado's experience over time
Authors: Gallaher Samuel , Heikkila Tanya , Patterson Will , Frank Vanessa , Weible Christopher
Published: January 2013

The sustainable governance of freshwater resources requires that policymakers adapt to changing environmental and socioeconomic contexts. Yet scant literature has offered a systematic understanding of whether or how the issues that water policies address and the tools they use change over time. This paper explores both an original dataset of over 200 water laws passed by the state legislature of Colorado, USA throughout the 20th century and the secondary literature on the history of Colorado water policy. We show how policymakers have developed new policy tools over time in response to Colorado's changing issues, such as shifting and expanding water demands and values toward the environment. At the same time our analysis shows how Colorado's prior appropriation system of water rights places constraints on this adaptive capacity. Finally, the analysis suggests that as new issues have emerged on the agenda, old issues remain, thus challenging the ability of policymakers to respond to the full array of issues in coming years.
Spatial interactions between organizations and the symbolic landscapes created by their public information campaigns
Authors: Cutts Bethany B.
Published: January 2013

This study investigates public information as a component of the democratic process, advancing previous frameworks by considering information as a spatial product of multiple governmental and civil society organizations. The symbolic weight of information campaigns is a critical component of two democratic processes: awareness of the public's vulnerability to formal water policy change and the perception within the public that the policy space is open to their participation. This research examines the locations of water-centered public information across 31 organizations in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The patterns of disparities found in the study indicate that the neighborhoods in the eastern portion of the study region receive more information than those in Phoenix or cities to the west. There is also more information in areas with large numbers of rental homes, but less information in regions with larger Latino populations. Results support a need to evaluate new initiatives for public information with respect to the content and distribution of materials originating from multiple sources. Evaluating the patterns created by water information providers could aid more strategic coordination among groups and provide a bellwether of whether public interests are adequately considered in local water decision-making processes and the distribution of outcomes.
Affordability of water supply in Mongolia: empirical lessons for measuring affordability
Authors: Gawel Erik , Sigel Katja , Bretschneider Wolfgang
Published: January 2013

Affordability of water services is a pressing water policy issue for both the developed and, in particular, for the developing world. Despite its well-known theoretical shortcomings, affordability analysis of water supply has, up to now, been widely based on the ratio of a household's water expenditure to its income, the Conventional Affordability Ratio (CAR). However, in the housing sector, alternative concepts for measuring affordability have been developed, among them being the ‘Potential Affordability Approach’ (PAA) and the ‘Residual Income Approach’ (RIA). Against this background, this paper compares these three prominent affordability measures (CAR, PAA, RIA) on the basis of an empirical case study of a peri-urban, low-income area in the second largest Mongolian city of Darkhan, using household data from a survey conducted in 2009. Thus we gain insight into both the water-related affordability situation of people in Mongolia, checking the World Bank's finding of an absence of water affordability problems in peri-urban areas in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, as well as into the comparative functionality of different affordability measures. It is shown that affordability problems do occur but have to be distinguished depending on the economic causation. We argue that none of the regarded measures give a satisfyingly contoured notion of affordability properly distinguished from the adjacent problems of poverty and access.
Application of the Water Poverty Index in border colonias of west Texas
Authors: Korc Marcelo E. , Ford Paula B.
Published: January 2013

This study applied the Water Poverty Index (WPI) in border colonias of west Texas. The colonias are mostly unincorporated communities located primarily in New Mexico and Texas along the border with Mexico and are characterized by high poverty rates and sub-standard living conditions. In Texas, access to drinking water and sanitation services has been identified as one of the most significant determinants of health in over 350 colonias with about 50,000 residents. The WPI is a multidimensional measure that links household welfare with water availability which has been applied primarily in water poor countries. WPI components were identified and prioritized by a wide range of state stakeholders. This study demonstrated that the WPI can be an effective tool in integrating physical, social, economic and environmental information and in determining priorities associated with the water situation in wealthy countries with water poor communities such as colonias. These results highlight the need to classify the water necessities of colonias using a comprehensive but simple assessment tool that integrates several factors and is not based solely on infrastructure. They provide information that can be used by policy makers to provide assistance to Texas border communities with the greatest need.
Genetic analysis of spike traits in two- and multi-rowed barley crosses
Authors: Madic Milomirka , Knezevic Desimir , Paunovic Aleksandar , Djurovic Dragan
Published: January 2013

Mode of inheritance and genetic variance components for spike length, grain
number per spike and grain weight per spike were evaluated in four parental
genotypes and their F1 and F2 hybrids obtained through incomplete diallel
crossing. Multi-rowed barley genotypes HVW-247 and Partizan and two-rowed
barley genotypes KG-15 and NS-293 were selected for the crossing based on the
trait concept with the parents being divergent for spike length, grain number
per spike and grain weight per spike. The average values for spike length in
F1 and F2 generations were intermediate or close to those of the parent
having longer spikes, with the mode of inheritance being partial dominance,
dominance or overdominance, depending on the crossing combination. The
six-rowed x six-rowed and two-rowed x two-rowed crossing combinations showed
dominance of increased grain number per spike and increased grain weight per
spike in the inheritance of grain number per spike and grain weight per
spike, respectively, whereas the six-rowed x two-rowed cross was predominated
by partial dominance.
Reaction of winter oilseed rape varieties to elevated concentrations of lead
Authors: Orescanin Bojana , Miladinovic Dragana , Marjanovic-Jeromela Ana , Pajevic Slobodanka , Borisev Milan , Nikolic Natasa , Balalic Igor
Published: January 2013

Remediation methods allow the removal of metals from contaminated soil, and
phytoremediation a technology for cleaning contaminated soil and waste
material by plants, is becoming increasingly used. Brassica napus L., as one
of the main oilcrops and high-biomass producing species, is becoming more and
more interesting for the use in phytoextraction as it is proved to be
tolerant to higher concentrations of heavy metals. The aim of this study was
to examine the specific responses of three commercial winter rapeseed
varieties, Banacanka, Slavica and Kata, to the increased concentrations of
lead in vitro. Significant reduction in root length of plants treated with
lead was observed only in the variety Slavica, indicating susceptibility of
this variety to the increased concentrations of this heavy metal. As in
variety Kata a significant reduction in the length of the above-ground part
due to the treatment with lead was detected, it could be concluded that the
variety Banacanka is the most tolerant to the applied concentrations of lead
since there were no significant changes in the growth and biomass
accumulation in all treatments except one, and could be recommended for
further use in phytoremediation studies.
An assessment of nutritional quality of hybryd maize grain based on chemical composition
Authors: Stevanovic Milan , Mladenovic-Drinic Snezana , Dragicevic Vesna , Camdzija Zoran , Filipovic Milomir , Velickovic Nevena , Stankovic Goran
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate chemical composition of grain of 20
maize hybrids, from different maturity groups, to define their nutritional
quality from the point of main grain constituents: starch, total proteins,
soluble proteins, oil, phytate, inorganic phosphorus, and soluble phenolics,
as well as mass of 1.000 grains. A set of 20 ZP hybrids, FAO 400-800, were
grown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) at Zemun Polje (Serbia),
during the summer of 2009. Average content of proteins, oil and starch of
analyzed maize hybrids was 10.5%, 4.7% and 80.8%, respectively. Hybrids from
FAO maturity group 600 had highest grain mass (in average 419.5 g). Genetic
variability in seed phytate content was observed, with values ranging from
2.64 to 3.75, averaged 3.44 g kg-1. Inorganic phosphorus (Pi) concentrations
were between 0.120 ? g g-1 (ZP 805) to 0.415 ? g g-1 (ZP 588ex), averaged
0.24 ? g g-1. Content of soluble proteins varied from 54.33 to 78.74 mg g-1.
The high positive correlation was observed between total proteins and oil
content in hybrids, as well as between starch and phenolics content. Phytate
content was positively correlated with proteins, but this correlation was not
significant, while the correlation between phytate and mass of 1,000 grains
was positive and significant. A negative correlation occurred between phytate
and starch.
In vitro culture as a part of Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. breeding
Authors: Pavlovic Suzana , Adzic Sladjan , Cvikic Dejan , Zdravkovic Jasmina , Zdravkovic Milan
Published: January 2013

Fourteen genotypes of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.), that are
a part of Institute for Vegetable Crops collection, were tested for their
ability to regenerate shoots in vitro. Five of them are early, while nine are
late genotypes. Lateral buds from plants grown in the open field were used as
explants. In all genotypes, lateral buds showed the high percentage of shoot
formation, ranged from 80% to 100%. They were incubated on Murashige and
Skoog?s (MS) media supplemented with 1.0 and 2.0 mgl-1 of benzyladenine (BA)
or 1.0 mgl-1 6-furfurylaminopurine (KIN) in combination with 0, 0.5 and 1.0
mgl-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The BA- supplemented media were optimal
for both growth and multiplication of shoots. In both groups of genotypes,
the highest index of multiplication (IM) was achieved on medium supplemented
with 2.0 mgl-1 BA and 1.0 mgl-1 IBA, in R9 early genotype (IM 8.53) and K1
late genotype (IM 10.06). R5 early and in K29 and K75 late genotypes had no
multiplication on medium with 1.0 mgl-1 KIN (IM 1.00). Also, in all genotypes
the lowest index of multiplication was observed on media supplemented with
KIN (without or in combination with IBA).
Examination of antimicrobial potential in natural isolates of lactobacillus casei/paracasei group
Authors: Tolinacki Maja , Lozo Jelena , Veljovic Katarina , Kojic Milan , Fira Djordje , Topisirovic Ljubisa
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of 52
natural isolates of Lactobacillus casei/paracasei. The incidence of relevant
genes encoding BacSJ (bacSJ2-8/bacSJ2-8i gene cluster), acidocin 8912 (acdT),
ABC-transporter (abcT) and accessory protein (acc) was also studied. These
genes were found to be widespread amongst the analyzed L. casei/paracasei
strains. The bacSJ2-8/bacSJ2-8i gene cluster was present in 49 (94.23%) and
acdT in 41 (78.85%) of the 52 tested strains. Forty of these strains (76.92%)
harbored both analyzed genes. Interestingly, only 17 strains (32.69%) with
the bacSJ2-8/bacSJ2-8i gene cluster and/or the acdT gene showed bacteriocin
production. Strain L. paracasei BGNK1-62 contained the bacSJ2-8/bacSJ2-8i
gene cluster, but did not produce bacteriocin BacSJ possibly due to absence
of the abcT and acc genes. Hence, these genes were introduced into BGNK1-62
by transformation with constructed plasmid pA2A, after which BacSJ was
produced. In addition, it was found that L. paracasei BGGR2-66 produced new
bacteriocin designated as BacGR that was biochemically characterized and its
N- terminal sequence was determined.