bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructions and Experiences of Authenticity in Medical Tourism: The Performances of Places, Spaces, Practices, Objects and Bodies
Authors: Cook Peta S.
Published: April 2011

Using the concepts of constructivist authenticity and existential authenticity, I will analyse how claims to, and experiences and understandings of authenticity, are central to medical tourism. This is achieved by examining the interplay of places, spaces, objects, practices and bodies that create this cultural phenomenon. This includes a concern with how medical tourism is constructed around and performed through the perceptions of bodies, and the experiences of being a body. It is these complexities and their interdependencies that provide medical tourism its dynamism. This theorizing of medical tourism goes beyond existing studies that primarily seek to define it or restrict it to typologies, by analysing the practices and experiences that actually constitute this significant social phenomenon.
Low Cost Air Travel: Welcome Aboard?
Authors: Casey Mark E.
Published: April 2011

This paper presents a small sample of passenger’s experiences of low cost air travel (LCAT) and the opinions of principle tourism professionals. The paper draws from research undertaken in Newcastle upon Tyne in the north-east of England. The paper initially discusses the limited amount of focus given to social class by those academics concerned with tourism and travel. In particular the paper suggests that a new emphasis is needed on the role and impact of social class on individual’s abilities to partake in low cost air travel and the inclusions and exclusions social class can underpin within touristic experiences. Literature on low cost airlines is then addressed, identifying an overemphasis on the financial success stories of LCAT, suggesting a need for a clearer focus on the social and cultural impacts of LCAT. The paper then draws from 12 interviews and 38 questionnaire responses from the travelling public and travel professionals. In so doing the paper suggests that experiences offered of LCAT highlight the role of financial, social and cultural capital in an individual’s abilities to partake in the LCAT boom — where the middle class or those already mobile may be those who primarily benefit from the arrival of LCAT.
Incidence of factor VIII inhibitors throughout life in severe hemophilia A in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hay Charles R.M. , Palmer Ben , Chalmers Elizabeth , Liesner Ri , Maclean Rhona , Rangarajan Savita , Williams Michael , Collins Peter W. ,   on behalf of United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors' Organisation (UKHCDO)
Published: April 2011

The age-adjusted incidence of new factor VIII inhibitors was analyzed in all United Kingdom patients with severe hemophilia A between 1990 and 2009. Three hundred fifteen new inhibitors were reported to the National Hemophilia Database in 2528 patients with severe hemophilia who were followed up for a median (interquartile range) of 12 (4-19) years. One hundred sixty (51%) of these arose in patients ≥ 5 years of age after a median (interquartile range) of 6 (4-11) years' follow-up. The incidence of new inhibitors was 64.29 per 1000 treatment-years in patients < 5 years of age and 5.31 per 1000 treatment-years at age 10-49 years, rising significantly (P = .01) to 10.49 per 1000 treatment-years in patients more than 60 years of age. Factor VIII inhibitors arise in patients with hemophilia A throughout life with a bimodal risk, being greatest in early childhood and in old age. HIV was associated with significantly fewer new inhibitors. The inhibitor incidence rate ratio in HIV-seropositive patients was 0.32 times that observed in HIV-seronegative patients (P < .001). Further study is required to explore the natural history of later-onset factor VIII inhibitors and to investigate other potential risk factors for inhibitor development in previously treated patients.
Ikaros-Notch axis in host hematopoietic cells regulates experimental graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Toubai Tomomi , Sun Yaping , Tawara Isao , Friedman Ann , Liu Chen , Evers Rebecca , Nieves Evelyn , Malter Chelsea , Chockley Peter , Maillard Ivan , Winandy Susan , Reddy Pavan
Published: April 2011

Host hematopoietically derived APCs play a vital role in the initiation of GVH responses. However, the APC autonomous molecular mechanisms that are critical for the induction of GVHD are not known. We report here that the Ikaros-Notch axis in host hematopoietically derived APCs regulates the severity of acute GVHD across multiple clinically relevant murine models of experimental bone marrow transplantation. In the present study, Ikaros deficiency (Ik−/−) limited to host hematopoietically derived APCs enhanced donor T-cell expansion and intensified acute GVHD, as determined by survival and other GVHD-specific parameters. The Ik−/− conventional CD8+ and CD8−CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent APCs, showed no increase in the expression of activation markers or in response to TLR stimulation compared with wild-type controls. However, Ik−/− DCs demonstrated an enhanced stimulation of allogeneic T cells. Deficiency of Ikaros in the conventional CD8+ and CD8−CD11c+ DCs was associated with an increase in Notch signaling, the blockade of which mitigated the enhanced in vitro and in vivo allostimulatory capacity. Therefore, the Ikaros-Notch axis is a novel pathway that modulates DC biology in general, and targeting this pathway in host hematopoietically derived APCs may reduce GVHD.
Differential expression and function of breast regression protein 39 (BRP-39) in murine models of subacute cigarette smoke exposure and allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Nikota Jake K , Botelho Fernando M , Bauer Carla MT , Jordana Manel , Coyle Anthony J , Humbles Alison A , Stampfli Martin R
Published: April 2011

Background

While the presence of the chitinase-like molecule YKL40 has been reported in COPD and asthma, its relevance to inflammatory processes elicited by cigarette smoke and common environmental allergens, such as house dust mite (HDM), is not well understood. The objective of the current study was to assess expression and function of BRP-39, the murine equivalent of YKL40 in a murine model of cigarette smoke-induced inflammation and contrast expression and function to a model of HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation.

Methods

CD1, C57BL/6, and BALB/c mice were room air- or cigarette smoke-exposed for 4 days in a whole-body exposure system. In separate experiments, BALB/c mice were challenged with HDM extract once a day for 10 days. BRP-39 was assessed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. IL-13, IL-1R1, IL-18, and BRP-39 knock out (KO) mice were utilized to assess the mechanism and relevance of BRP-39 in cigarette smoke- and HDM-induced airway inflammation.

Results

Cigarette smoke exposure elicited a robust induction of BRP-39 but not the catalytically active chitinase, AMCase, in lung epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages of all mouse strains tested. Both BRP-39 and AMCase were increased in lung tissue after HDM exposure. Examining smoke-exposed IL-1R1, IL-18, and IL-13 deficient mice, BRP-39 induction was found to be IL-1 and not IL-18 or IL-13 dependent, while induction of BRP-39 by HDM was independent of IL-1 and IL-13. Despite the importance of BRP-39 in cellular inflammation in HDM-induced airway inflammation, BRP-39 was found to be redundant for cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation and the adjuvant properties of cigarette smoke.

Conclusions

These data highlight the contrast between the importance of BRP-39 in HDM- and cigarette smoke-induced inflammation. While functionally important in HDM-induced inflammation, BRP-39 is a biomarker of cigarette smoke induced inflammation which is the byproduct of an IL-1 inflammatory pathway.
dbOGAP - An Integrated Bioinformatics Resource for Protein O-GlcNAcylation
Authors: Wang Jinlian , Torii Manabu , Liu Hongfang , Hart Gerald W , Hu Zhang-Zhi
Published: April 2011

Background

Protein O-GlcNAcylation (or O-GlcNAc-ylation) is an O-linked glycosylation involving the transfer of β-N-acetylglucosamine to the hydroxyl group of serine or threonine residues of proteins. Growing evidences suggest that protein O-GlcNAcylation is common and is analogous to phosphorylation in modulating broad ranges of biological processes. However, compared to phosphorylation, the amount of protein O-GlcNAcylation data is relatively limited and its annotation in databases is scarce. Furthermore, a bioinformatics resource for O-GlcNAcylation is lacking, and an O-GlcNAcylation site prediction tool is much needed.

Description

We developed a database of O-GlcNAcylated proteins and sites, dbOGAP, primarily based on literature published since O-GlcNAcylation was first described in 1984. The database currently contains ~800 proteins with experimental O-GlcNAcylation information, of which ~61% are of humans, and 172 proteins have a total of ~400 O-GlcNAcylation sites identified. The O-GlcNAcylated proteins are primarily nucleocytoplasmic, including membrane- and non-membrane bounded organelle-associated proteins. The known O-GlcNAcylated proteins exert a broad range of functions including transcriptional regulation, macromolecular complex assembly, intracellular transport, translation, and regulation of cell growth or death. The database also contains ~365 potential O-GlcNAcylated proteins inferred from known O-GlcNAcylated orthologs. Additional annotations, including other protein posttranslational modifications, biological pathways and disease information are integrated into the database. We developed an O-GlcNAcylation site prediction system, OGlcNAcScan, based on Support Vector Machine and trained using protein sequences with known O-GlcNAcylation sites from dbOGAP. The site prediction system achieved an area under ROC curve of 74.3% in five-fold cross-validation. The dbOGAP website was developed to allow for performing search and query on O-GlcNAcylated proteins and associated literature, as well as for browsing by gene names, organisms or pathways, and downloading of the database. Also available from the website, the OGlcNAcScan tool presents a list of predicted O-GlcNAcylation sites for given protein sequences.

Conclusions

dbOGAP is the first public bioinformatics resource to allow systematic access to the O-GlcNAcylated proteins, and related functional information and bibliography, as well as to an O-GlcNAcylation site prediction tool. The resource will facilitate research on O-GlcNAcylation and its proteomic identification.
Word sense disambiguation for event trigger word detection in biomedicine
Authors: Martinez David , Baldwin Timothy
Published: April 2011

This paper describes a method for detecting event trigger words in biomedical text based on a word sense disambiguation (WSD) approach. We first investigate the applicability of existing WSD techniques to trigger word disambiguation in the BioNLP 2009 shared task data, and find that we are able to outperform a traditional CRF-based approach for certain word types. On the basis of this finding, we combine the WSD approach with the CRF, and obtain significant improvements over the standalone CRF, gaining particularly in recall.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma-associated polymyositis treated with corticosteroids along with cancer specific treatment: case report
Authors: Syrios John , Kechagias Georgios , Xynos Ioannis D , Gamaletsou Maria N , Papageorgiou Aristea , Agrogiannis George , Tsavaris Nicolas
Published: April 2011

Background

Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas only rarely is associated with inflammatory myopathy. In this setting, polymyositis may be treated with glucocorticoids in combination with cancer specific treatment.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 52-year-old man with stage IIA pancreatic tail adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical treatment and six months into therapy with gemcitabine he developed symmetrical, painful, proximal muscle weakness with peripheral oedema. Re-evaluation with imaging modalities, muscle histology and biochemistry conferred the diagnosis of polymyositis associated with pancreatic cancer progression. The patient was treated with glucocorticoids along with gemcitabine and erlotinib which resulted in complete remission within six months. He remained in good health for a further six months on erlotinib maintenance therapy when a new computer tomography scan showed pancreatic cancer relapse and hence prompted 2nd line chemotherapy with gemcitabine.

Conclusions

Polymyositis associated with pancreatic cancer may respond to glucocorticoids along with cancer specific treatment.
Reassessing the role of mitochondrial DNA mutations in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Álvarez-Iglesias Vanesa , Mosquera-Miguel Ana , Cuscó Ivón , Carracedo Ángel , Pérez-Jurado Luis Alberto , Salas Antonio
Published: April 2011

Background

There is increasing evidence that impairment of mitochondrial energy metabolism plays an important role in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD; OMIM number: 209850). A significant proportion of ASD cases display biochemical alterations suggestive of mitochondrial dysfunction and several studies have reported that mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecule could be involved in the disease phenotype.

Methods

We analysed a cohort of 148 patients with idiopathic ASD for a number of mutations proposed in the literature as pathogenic in ASD. We also carried out a case control association study for the most common European haplogroups (hgs) and their diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by comparing cases with 753 healthy and ethnically matched controls.

Results

We did not find statistical support for an association between mtDNA mutations or polymorphisms and ASD.

Conclusions

Our results are compatible with the idea that mtDNA mutations are not a relevant cause of ASD and the frequent observation of concomitant mitochondrial dysfunction and ASD could be due to nuclear factors influencing mitochondrion functions or to a more complex interplay between the nucleus and the mitochondrion/mtDNA.
Association of kynurenine aminotransferase II gene C401T polymorphism with immune response in patients with meningitis
Authors: de Souza Fladjule Rejane Soares , Fontes Fabrícia Lima , da Silva Thayse Azevedo , Coutinho Leonam Gomes , Leib Stephen L , Agnez-Lima Lucymara Fassarella
Published: April 2011

Background

The kynurenine (KYN) pathway has been shown to be altered in several diseases which compromise the central nervous system (CNS) including infectious diseases such as bacterial meningitis (BM). The aim of this study was to assess single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four genes of KYN pathway in patients with meningitis and their correlation with markers of immune response in BM.

Methods

One hundred and one individuals were enrolled in this study to investigate SNPs in the following genes: indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1 gene), kynureninase (KYNU gene), kynurenine aminotransferase I (CCBL1 gene), and kynurenine aminotransferase II (AADAT gene). SNP analyses were performed by primer-introduced restriction analysis-PCR (PIRA-PCR) followed by RFLP. Cytokines were measured using multiplex bead assay while immunoglobulins (IG) by immunodiffusion plates and NF-kappaB and c-Jun by dot blot assay.

Results

The variant allele of SNP AADAT+401C/T showed prevalent frequency in patients with BM. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MIP-1αCCL3 and MIP-1β/CCL4 levels was observed in BM patients homozygous (TT) to the SNP AADAT+401C/T. Furthermore, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in cell count was observed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with TT genotype. In addition, an increase in the IgG level in adults (p < 0.05) was observed. The variant allele for KYNU+715G/A was found with low frequency in the groups, and the SNPs in IDO1+434T/G, KYNU+693G/A, CCBL1+164T/C, and AADAT+650C/T had no frequency in this population.

Conclusions

This study is the first report of an association of SNP AADAT+401C/T with the host immune response to BM, suggesting that this SNP may affect the host ability in recruitment of leukocytes to the infection site. This finding may contribute to identifying potential targets for pharmacological intervention as adjuvant therapy for BM.
Effects of short-term treatment with atorvastatin in smokers with asthma - a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Braganza Georgina , Chaudhuri Rekha , McSharry Charles , Weir Christopher J , Donnelly Iona , Jolly Lisa , Lafferty Jane , Lloyd Suzanne M , Spears Mark , Mair Frances , Thomson Neil C
Published: April 2011

Background

The immune modulating properties of statins may benefit smokers with asthma. We tested the hypothesis that short-term treatment with atorvastatin improves lung function or indices of asthma control in smokers with asthma.

Methods

Seventy one smokers with mild to moderate asthma were recruited to a randomized double-blind parallel group trial comparing treatment with atorvastatin (40 mg per day) versus placebo for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks treatment inhaled beclometasone (400 μg per day) was added to both treatment arms for a further 4 weeks. The primary outcome was morning peak expiratory flow after 4 weeks treatment. Secondary outcome measures included indices of asthma control and airway inflammation.

Results

At 4 weeks, there was no improvement in the atorvastatin group compared to the placebo group in morning peak expiratory flow [-10.67 L/min, 95% CI -38.70 to 17.37, p = 0.449], but there was an improvement with atorvastatin in asthma quality of life score [0.52, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.87 p = 0.005]. There was no significant improvement with atorvastatin and inhaled beclometasone compared to inhaled beclometasone alone in outcome measures at 8 weeks.

Conclusions

Short-term treatment with atorvastatin does not alter lung function but may improve asthma quality of life in smokers with mild to moderate asthma.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:NCT00463827
Proximity ligation in situ assay for monitoring the global DNA methylation in cells
Authors: Hervouet Eric , Hulin Philippe , Vallette François M , Cartron Pierre-François
Published: April 2011

Background

DNA methylation has a central role in the epigenetic control of mammalian gene expression, and is required for X inactivation, genomics imprinting and silencing of retrotransposons and repetitive sequences. Thus, several technologies have been developed to measure the degree of DNA methylation.

Results

We here present the development of the detection of protein-protein interactions via the adaptation of the proximity ligation in situ technology to evaluate the DNA methylation status in cells since the quantification of Dnmt1/PCNA interaction in cells reflects the degree of DNA methylation.

Conclusion

This method being directly realizable on cells, it appears that it could suggest a wide range of applications in basic research and drug development. More particularly, this method is specially adapted for the investigations realized from a weak quantity of biologic materiel such as stem cells or primary cultured tumor cells for examples.
A common polymorphism rs3781637 in MTNR1B is associated with type 2 diabetes and lipids levels in Han Chinese individuals
Authors: Ling Yan , Li Xiaomu , Gu Qian , Chen Hongyan , Lu Daru , Gao Xin
Published: April 2011

Background

Several studies have shown that common variants in theMTNR1Bgene were associated with fasting glucose level and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in theMTNR1Bregion were associated with type 2 diabetes and related traits in a Han Chinese population.

Methods

We investigated the association of polymorphisms in theMTNR1Bgene with type 2 diabetes by employing a case-control study design (1118 cases and 1161 controls). Three tagging SNPs (rs10830963, rs3781637, and rs1562444) with R2>0.8 and minor allele frequency>0.05 across the region of theMTNR1Bgene were studied. Genotyping was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy using a MassARRAY platform.

Results

The polymorphism rs3781637 was associated with type 2 diabetes adjusted for age, sex and body mass index (BMI) in the additive model and recessive model (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.46, p = 0.038 and OR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.28-6.17, p = 0.01, respectively). In the non-diabetic controls, rs3781637 was nominally associated with plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the recessive model (p = 0.018, 0.008 and 0.038, respectively). After adjustment for multiple comparisons, the associations of rs3781637 with total cholesterol and LDL-C remained significant in the recessive model (the empirical p = 0.024 and 0.045, respectively), but the association between rs3781637 and triglyceride became non-significant (the empirical p = 0.095). The associations of rs10830963 and rs1562444 with type 2 diabetes and related traits were not significant in the additive, dominant and recessive models.

Conclusions

The rs3781637 A/G polymorphism of theMTNR1Bgene is associated with type 2 diabetes, plasma, total cholesterol and LDL-C levels in the Han Chinese population.
Users' and health service providers' perception on quality of laboratory malaria diagnosis in Tanzania
Authors: Derua Yahya A , Ishengoma Deus RS , Rwegoshora Rwehumbiza T , Tenu Filemoni , Massaga Julius J , Mboera Leonard EG , Magesa Stephen M
Published: April 2011

Background

Correct diagnosis of malaria is crucial for proper treatment of patients and surveillance of the disease. However, laboratory diagnosis of malaria in Tanzania is constrained by inadequate infrastructure, consumables and insufficient skilled personnel. Furthermore, the perceptions and attitude of health service providers (laboratory personnel and clinicians) and users (patients/care-takers) on the quality of laboratory services also present a significant challenge in the utilization of the available services. This study was conducted to assess perceptions of users and health-care providers on the quality and utilization of laboratory malaria diagnostic services in six districts from three regions in Tanzania.

Methods

Questionnaires were used to collect information from laboratory personnel, clinicians and patients or care-takers.

Results

A total of 63 laboratory personnel, 61 clinicians and 753 patients/care-takers were interviewed. Forty-six (73%) laboratory personnel claimed to be overworked, poorly motivated and that their laboratories were under-equipped. About 19% (N = 12) of the laboratory personnel were lacking professional qualification. Thirty-seven clinicians (60.7%) always requested for blood smear examination to confirm malaria. Only twenty five (41.0%) clinicians considered malaria microscopy results from their respective laboratories to be reliable. Forty-five (73.8%) clinicians reported to have been satisfied with malaria diagnostic services provided by their respective laboratories. Majority (90.2%, N = 679) of the patients or care-takers were satisfied with the laboratory services.

Conclusion

The findings show that laboratory personnel were not satisfied with the prevailing working conditions, which were reported to undermine laboratory performance. It was evident that there was no standard criteria for ordering malaria laboratory tests and test results were under-utilized. Majority of the clinicians and patients or care-takers were comfortable with the overall performance of laboratories, but laboratory results were having less impact on patient management.
Traditional medicines as a mechanism for driving research innovation in Africa
Authors: Addae-Mensah Ivan , Fakorede Foluke , Holtel Andreas , Nwaka Solomon
Published: April 2011

The outcomes from recent high profile deliberations concerning African health research and economic development all point towards the need for a mechanism to support health innovation on the continent. The mission of the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI), is to promote and sustain African-led health product innovation to address African public health needs through the assembly of research networks, and building of capacity to support human and economic development. ANDI is widely viewed as the vehicle to implementing some of these recommendations. There is tremendous opportunity for Africa, to leverage the expertise in natural products and traditional medicines in support of this objective to kick-start innovation. This report highlights key recommendations that have emerged through expert forums convened by ANDI on the challenges, opportunities and prospects for investing in this important area of research.
Embryo implantation is closely associated with dynamic expression of proprotein convertase 5/6 in the rabbit uterus
Authors: Nicholls Peter K , Sun Zhaogui , Heng Sophea , Li Ying , Wang Jian , Nie Guiying
Published: April 2011

Background

Proprotein convertase 5/6 (PC5/6) is critical for embryo implantation in women, regulating both uterine epithelial receptivity and stromal cell decidualization. PC5/6 is likewise essential for implantation in mice, but involved only in decidualization. An alternative animal model is required to address the function of PC5/6 in the uterine epithelium. This study aimed to establish whether PC5/6 is associated with embryo implantation in rabbits.

Methods

Virgin New-Zealand white rabbits aged 3-4 moths were mated with males of the same strain, or pseudo-pregnancy induced. After mating, uterine tissues were collected over a 10 day (d) period (n = 3 per time point) for RNA, protein and histological analyses to determine the temporal and spatial uterine expression pattern of PC5/6 during the initial stages of pregnancy or induced pseudo-pregnancy.

Results

PC5/6 mRNA was up-regulated just prior to embryo attachment on d6, and the elevated expression was maintained throughout implantation on d6.5-10. Western analysis revealed a preferential up-regulation of PC5/6 in the implantation sites. Immunohistochemical analysis identified that both the amount and cellular localization of PC5/6 changed with increasing pregnancy stages. Before embryo attachment, PC5/6 was low and localised in the luminal and glandular epithelium. It increased on d6.5 in the basal glands and mucosal folds, and then strongly intensified on d7-10 in the multinucleated luminal symplasma and decidual cells at the site of embryo implantation. In contrast, the pseudo-pregnant uterus displayed relatively low and static PC6 mRNA expression throughout the 10 days, with no obvious changes in either PC5/6 level or cellular localization.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that embryo implantation in the rabbit is closely associated with dynamic expression of uterine PC5/6, and that the rabbit may be an appropriate model to investigate the function of PC5/6 in the uterine epithelium during embryo attachment.
Biocompatibility of hydrophilic silica-coated CdTe quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Ruan Jing , Wang Kan , Song Hua , Xu Xin , Ji Jiajia , Cui Daxiang
Published: April 2011

Fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles exhibit great application prospects in biomedical engineering. Herein, we reported the effects of hydrophilic silica-coated CdTe quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles (FMNPs) on human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells and mice with the aim of investigating their biocompatibility. FMNPs with 150 nm in diameter were prepared, and characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectra and magnetometer. HEK293 cells were cultured with different doses of FMNPs (20, 50, and 100μ g/ml) for 1-4 days. Cell viability and adhesion ability were analyzed by CCK8 method and Western blotting. 30 mice were randomly divided into three groups, and were, respectively, injected via tail vein with 20, 60, and 100 μg FMNPs, and then were, respectively, raised for 1, 7, and 30 days, then their lifespan, important organs, and blood biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results show that the prepared water-soluble FMNPs had high fluorescent and magnetic properties, less than 50 μg/ml of FMNPs exhibited good biocompatibility to HEK293 cells, the cell viability, and adhesion ability were similar to the control HEK293 cells. FMNPs primarily accumulated in those organs such as lung, liver, and spleen. Lung exposed to FMNPs displayed a dose-dependent inflammatory response, blood biochemical parameters such as white blood cell count (WBC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), displayed significant increase when the FMNPs were injected into mice at dose of 100μg. In conclusion, FMNPs exhibit good biocompatibility to cells under the dose of less than 50 μg/ml, and to mice under the dose of less than 2mg/kg body weight. The FMNPs' biocompatibility must be considered when FMNPs are used for in vivo diagnosis and therapy.
Effect of the carbon nanotube surface characteristics on the conductivity and dielectric constant of carbon nanotube/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites
Authors: Carabineiro Sónia AC , Pereira Manuel FR , Pereira João N , Caparros Cristina , Sencadas Vitor , Lanceros-Mendez Senentxu
Published: April 2011

Commercial multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) were functionalized by oxidation with HNO3, to introduce oxygen-containing surface groups, and by thermal treatments at different temperatures for their selective removal. The obtained samples were characterized by adsorption of N2 at -196°C, temperature-programmed desorption and determination of pH at the point of zero charge. CNT/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites were prepared using the above CNT samples, with different filler fractions up to 1 wt%. It was found that oxidation reduced composite conductivity for a given concentration, shifted the percolation threshold to higher concentrations, and had no significant effect in the dielectric response.
Synthesis of carbon nanotubes with and without catalyst particles
Authors: Rümmeli Mark Hermann , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Börrnert Felix , Schäffel Franziska , Ibrahim Imad , Cendrowski Krzysztof , Simha-Martynkova Grazyna , Plachá Daniela , Borowiak-Palen Ewa , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Büchner Bernd
Published: April 2011

The initial development of carbon nanotube synthesis revolved heavily around the use of 3d valence transition metals such as Fe, Ni, and Co. More recently, noble metals (e.g. Au) and poor metals (e.g. In, Pb) have been shown to also yield carbon nanotubes. In addition, various ceramics and semiconductors can serve as catalytic particles suitable for tube formation and in some cases hybrid metal/metal oxide systems are possible. All-carbon systems for carbon nanotube growth without any catalytic particles have also been demonstrated. These different growth systems are briefly examined in this article and serve to highlight the breadth of avenues available for carbon nanotube synthesis.
Fabrication of functional micro- and nanoneedle electrodes using a carbon nanotube template and electrodeposition
Authors: An Taechang , Choi WooSeok , Lee Eunjoo , Kim In-tae , Moon Wonkyu , Lim Geunbae
Published: April 2011

Carbon nanotube (CNT) is an attractive material for needle-like conducting electrodes because it has high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. However, CNTs cannot provide the desired properties in certain applications. To obtain micro- and nanoneedles having the desired properties, it is necessary to fabricate functional needles using various other materials. In this study, functional micro- and nanoneedle electrodes were fabricated using a tungsten tip and an atomic force microscope probe with a CNT needle template and electrodeposition. To prepare the conductive needle templates, a single-wall nanotube nanoneedle was attached onto the conductive tip using dielectrophoresis and surface tension. Through electrodeposition, Au, Ni, and polypyrrole were each coated successfully onto CNT nanoneedle electrodes to obtain the desired properties.
Combining scanning probe microscopy and x-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Fauquet Carole , Dehlinger Maël , Jandard Franck , Ferrero Sylvain , Pailharey Daniel , Larcheri Sylvia , Graziola Roberto , Purans Juris , Bjeoumikhov Aniouar , Erko Alexei , Zizak Ivo , Dahmani Brahim , Tonneau Didier
Published: April 2011

A new versatile tool, combining Shear Force Microscopy and X-Ray Spectroscopy was designed and constructed to obtain simultaneously surface topography and chemical mapping. Using a sharp optical fiber as microscope probe, it is possible to collect locally the visible luminescence of the sample. Results of tests on ZnO and on ZnWO4 thin layers are in perfect agreement with that obtained with other conventional techniques. Twin images obtained by simultaneous acquisition in near field of surface topography and of local visible light emitted by the sample under X-Ray irradiation in synchrotron environment are shown. Replacing the optical fibre by an X-ray capillary, it is possible to collect local X-ray fluorescence of the sample. Preliminary results on Co-Ti sample analysis are presented.
Friction-induced nanofabrication method to produce protrusive nanostructures on quartz
Authors: Song Chenfei , Li Xiaoying , Yu Bingjun , Dong Hanshan , Qian Linmao , Zhou Zhongrong
Published: April 2011

In this paper, a new friction-induced nanofabrication method is presented to fabricate protrusive nanostructures on quartz surfaces through scratching a diamond tip under given normal loads. The nanostructures, such as nanodots, nanolines, surface mesas and nanowords, can be produced on the target surface by programming the tip traces according to the demanded patterns. The height of these nanostructures increases with the increase of the number of scratching cycles or the normal load. Transmission electron microscope observations indicated that the lattice distortion and dislocations induced by the mechanical interaction may have played a dominating role in the formation of the protrusive nanostructures on quartz surfaces. Further analysis reveals that during scratching, a contact pressure ranged from 0.4Py to Py (Py is the critical yield pressure of quartz) is apt to produce protuberant nanostructures on quartz under the given experimental conditions. Finally, it is of great interest to find that the protrusive nanostructures can be selectively dissolved in 20% KOH solution. Since the nanowords can be easily 'written' by friction-induced fabrication and 'erased' through selective etching on a quartz surface, this friction-induced method opens up new opportunities for future nanofabrication.
An investigation into the conversion of In2O3 into InN nanowires
Authors: Papageorgiou Polina , Zervos Matthew , Othonos Andreas
Published: April 2011

Straight In2O3 nanowires (NWs) with diameters of 50 nm and lengths ≥2 μm have been grown on Si(001) via the wet oxidation of In at 850°C using Au as a catalyst. These exhibited clear peaks in the X-ray diffraction corresponding to the body centred cubic crystal structure of In2O3 while the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum at 300 K consisted of two broad peaks, centred around 400 and 550 nm. The post-growth nitridation of In2O3 NWs was systematically investigated by varying the nitridation temperature between 500 and 900°C, flow of NH3 and nitridation times between 1 and 6 h. The NWs are eliminated above 600°C while long nitridation times at 500 and 600°C did not result into the efficient conversion of In2O3 to InN. We find that the nitridation of In2O3 is effective by using NH3 and H2 or a two-step temperature nitridation process using just NH3 and slower ramp rates. We discuss the nitridation mechanism and its effect on the PL.
Sustained release of VEGF from PLGA nanoparticles embedded thermo-sensitive hydrogel in full-thickness porcine bladder acellular matrix
Authors: Geng Hongquan , Song Hua , Qi Jun , Cui Daxiang
Published: April 2011

We fabricated a novel vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-nanoparticles (NPs)-embedded thermo-sensitive hydrogel in porcine bladder acellular matrix allograft (BAMA) system, which is designed for achieving a sustained release of VEGF protein, and embedding the protein carrier into the BAMA. We identified and optimized various formulations and process parameters to get the preferred particle size, entrapment, and polydispersibility of the VEGF-NPs, and incorporated the VEGF-NPs into the (poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic®) F127 to achieve the preferred VEGF-NPs thermo-sensitive gel system. Then the thermal behavior of the system was proven by in vitro and in vivo study, and the kinetic-sustained release profile of the system embedded in porcine bladder acellular matrix was investigated. Results indicated that the bioactivity of the encapsulated VEGF released from the NPs was reserved, and the VEGF-NPs thermo-sensitive gel system can achieve sol-gel transmission successfully at appropriate temperature. Furthermore, the system can create a satisfactory tissue-compatible environment and an effective VEGF-sustained release approach. In conclusion, a novel VEGF-loaded PLGA NPs-embedded thermo-sensitive hydrogel in porcine BAMA system is successfully prepared, to provide a promising way for deficient bladder reconstruction therapy.
Understanding the benefit of metformin use in cancer treatment
Authors: Dowling Ryan JO , Goodwin Pamela J , Stambolic Vuk
Published: April 2011

Biguanides have been developed for the treatment of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. Recently, metformin, the most widely prescribed biguanide, has emerged as a potential anticancer agent. Epidemiological, preclinical and clinical evidence supports the use of metformin as a cancer therapeutic. The ability of metformin to lower circulating insulin may be particularly important for the treatment of cancers known to be associated with hyperinsulinemia, such as those of the breast and colon. Moreover, metformin may exhibit direct inhibitory effects on cancer cells by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and protein synthesis. The evidence supporting a role for metformin in cancer therapy and its potential molecular mechanisms of action are discussed.
Validation of an elastic registration technique to estimate anatomical lung modification in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Tomotherapy
Authors: Faggiano Elena , Cattaneo Giovanni M , Ciavarro Cristina , Dell'Oca Italo , Persano Diego , Calandrino Riccardo , Rizzo Giovanna
Published: April 2011

Background

The study of lung parenchyma anatomical modification is useful to estimate dose discrepancies during the radiation treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients. We propose and validate a method, based on free-form deformation and mutual information, to elastically register planning kVCT with daily MVCT images, to estimate lung parenchyma modification during Tomotherapy.

Methods

We analyzed 15 registrations between the planning kVCT and 3 MVCT images for each of the 5 NSCLC patients. Image registration accuracy was evaluated by visual inspection and, quantitatively, by Correlation Coefficients (CC) and Target Registration Errors (TRE). Finally, a lung volume correspondence analysis was performed to specifically evaluate registration accuracy in lungs.

Results

Results showed that elastic registration was always satisfactory, both qualitatively and quantitatively: TRE after elastic registration (average value of 3.6 mm) remained comparable and often smaller than voxel resolution. Lung volume variations were well estimated by elastic registration (average volume and centroid errors of 1.78% and 0.87 mm, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that this method is able to estimate lung deformations in thorax MVCT, with an accuracy within 3.6 mm comparable or smaller than the voxel dimension of the kVCT and MVCT images. It could be used to estimate lung parenchyma dose variations in thoracic Tomotherapy.
A two-step species-specific 16S rRNA PCR assay for the detection of Taylorella equigenitalis in horses
Authors: Buckley Thomas C. , Millar B. Cherie , Egan Claire L. , Gibson Paula , Cosgrove Hazel , Stanbridge Siobhan , Matsuda Motoo , Moore John E.
Published: April 2011

A two-step PCR assay was developed for the molecular detection of Taylorella equigenitalis, a Gram-negative genital bacterial pathogen in horses. Two specific oligonucleotide primers (TE16SrRNABCHf [25mer] and TE16SrRNABCHr [29mer]) were designed from multiple alignments of the 16S rRNA gene loci of several closely related taxa, including T. asinigenitalis. Subsequent enhanced surveillance of 250 Thoroughbred animals failed to detect the presence of this organism directly from clinical swabs taken from the genital tract of mares and stallions. Such a molecular approach offers a sensitive and specific alternative to conventional culture techniques, and has the potential to lead to improved diagnosis and subsequent management of horses involved in breeding programmes.
Whole blood transcriptional profiling in ankylosing spondylitis identifies novel candidate genes that might contribute to the inflammatory and tissue-destructive disease aspects
Authors: Pimentel-Santos Fernando M , Ligeiro Dário , Matos Mafalda , Mourão Ana F , Costa José , Santos Helena , Barcelos Anabela , Godinho Fátima , Pinto Patricia , Cruz Margarida , Fonseca João E , Guedes-Pinto Henrique , Branco Jaime C , Brown Matthew A , Thomas Gethin P
Published: April 2011

Introduction

A number of genetic-association studies have identified genes contributing to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility but such approaches provide little information as to the gene activity changes occurring during the disease process. Transcriptional profiling generates a 'snapshot' of the sampled cells' activity and thus can provide insights into the molecular processes driving the disease process. We undertook a whole-genome microarray approach to identify candidate genes associated with AS and validated these gene-expression changes in a larger sample cohort.

Methods

A total of 18 active AS patients, classified according to the New York criteria, and 18 gender- and age-matched controls were profiled using Illumina HT-12 whole-genome expression BeadChips which carry cDNAs for 48,000 genes and transcripts. Class comparison analysis identified a number of differentially expressed candidate genes. These candidate genes were then validated in a larger cohort using qPCR-based TaqMan low density arrays (TLDAs).

Results

A total of 239 probes corresponding to 221 genes were identified as being significantly different between patients and controls with aP-value <0.0005 (80% confidence level of false discovery rate). Forty-seven genes were then selected for validation studies, using the TLDAs. Thirteen of these genes were validated in the second patient cohort with 12 downregulated 1.3- to 2-fold and only 1 upregulated (1.6-fold). Among a number of identified genes with well-documented inflammatory roles we also validated genes that might be of great interest to the understanding of AS progression such asSPOCK2(osteonectin) andEP300, which modulate cartilage and bone metabolism.

Conclusions

We have validated a gene expression signature for AS from whole blood and identified strong candidate genes that may play roles in both the inflammatory and joint destruction aspects of the disease.
The role of chromatin accessibility in directing the widespread, overlapping patterns of Drosophila transcription factor binding
Authors: Li Xiao-Yong , Thomas Sean , Sabo Peter J , Eisen Michael B , Stamatoyannopoulos John A , Biggin Mark D
Published: April 2011

Background

In Drosophila embryos, many biochemically and functionally unrelated transcription factors bind quantitatively to highly overlapping sets of genomic regions, with much of the lowest levels of binding being incidental, non-functional interactions on DNA. The primary biochemical mechanisms that drive these genome-wide occupancy patterns have yet to be established.

Results

Here we use data resulting from the DNaseI digestion of isolated embryo nuclei to provide a biophysical measure of the degree to which proteins can access different regions of the genome. We show that the in vivo binding patterns of 21 developmental regulators are quantitatively correlated with DNA accessibility in chromatin. Furthermore, we find that levels of factor occupancy in vivo correlate much more with the degree of chromatin accessibility than with occupancy predicted from in vitro affinity measurements using purified protein and naked DNA. Within accessible regions, however, the intrinsic affinity of the factor for DNA does play a role in determining net occupancy, with even weak affinity recognition sites contributing. Finally, we show that programmed changes in chromatin accessibility between different developmental stages correlate with quantitative alterations in factor binding.

Conclusions

Based on these and other results, we propose a general mechanism to explain the widespread, overlapping DNA binding by animal transcription factors. In this view, transcription factors are expressed at sufficiently high concentrations in cells such that they can occupy their recognition sequences in highly accessible chromatin without the aid of physical cooperative interactions with other proteins, leading to highly overlapping, graded binding of unrelated factors.
Individual music therapy for depression: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Erkkilä Jaakko , Punkanen Marko , Fachner Jörg , Ala-Ruona Esa , Pöntiö Inga , Tervaniemi Mari , Vanhala Mauno , Gold Christian
Published: April 2011

Background

Music therapy has previously been found to be effective in the treatment of depression but the studies have been methodologically insufficient and lacking in clarity about the clinical model employed.

Aims

To determine the efficacy of music therapy added to standard care compared with standard care only in the treatment of depression among working-age people.

Method

Participants (n= 79) with an ICD–10 diagnosis of depression were randomised to receive individual music therapy plus standard care (20 bi-weekly sessions) or standard care only, and followed up at baseline, at 3 months (after intervention) and at 6 months. Clinical measures included depression, anxiety, general functioning, quality of life and alexithymia. Trial registration: ISRCTN84185937.

Results

Participants receiving music therapy plus standard care showed greater improvement than those receiving standard care only in depression symptoms (mean difference 4.65, 95% CI 0.59 to 8.70), anxiety symptoms (1.82, 95% CI 0.09 to 3.55) and general functioning (–4.58, 95% CI −8.93 to −0.24) at 3-month follow-up. The response rate was significantly higher for the music therapy plus standard care group than for the standard care only group (odds ratio 2.96, 95% CI 1.01 to 9.02).

Conclusions

Individual music therapy combined with standard care is effective for depression among working-age people with depression. The results of this study along with the previous research indicate that music therapy with its specific qualities is a valuable enhancement to established treatment practices.