bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of orally administered Megasphaera elsdenii and Ruminococcus bromii in the rumen of beef cattle fed a high grain (barley) diet
Authors: Klieve Athol V. , McLennan Stuart R. , Ouwerkerk Diane
Published: May 2012

When cattle are fed grain, acidotic ruminal conditions and decreased efficiency in starch utilisation can result from the rapid production and accumulation of lactic acid in the rumen. The efficacy of drenching cattle with Megasphaera elsdenii and Ruminococcus bromii to improve animal performance was investigated. A feedlot trial was undertaken with 80 Bos indicus crossbred steers (initial liveweight 347.1 (s.d. 31.7) kg) in 10 pens in a randomised complete block design. An empty-pen-buffer was maintained between treated (inoculated) and untreated (control) groups to avoid transfer of inoculant bacteria to the control steers. Inoculated steers were orally drenched with M. elsdenii YE34 and R. bromii YE282, and populations increased rapidly over 3–14 days. The steers were fed for a total of 70 days with commercial, barley-based, feedlot rations. High growth rates (1.91 kg per day) were achieved throughout the experiment in both the inoculated and control steers. Intakes averaged 21.3 g dry matter (DM) per kg liveweight per day. There was probably no acidosis achieved in this trial following challenge (i.e. no change in pH occurred). There were no differences in any production or carcass measurements between the control and inoculated steers overall. However, the control group acquired dense ruminal populations of M. elsdenii by Day 14, while R. bromii populations established at high densities within the first 2 weeks but then declined and were undetectable by Day 50. R. bromii appears to be only transiently dominant, and once its dominance waned, it appeared that Ruminobacter spp. established in the rumen. Ruminobacter spp. became dominant between 14 and 28 days in all the steers examined and persisted through to the end of the study. These Ruminobacter spp. may be of future interest in the development of probiotics for grain-fed cattle.
True dry matter digestibility of feeds evaluated in situ with different bags and in vitro using rumen fluid collected from intact donor cows
Authors: Tagliapietra Franco , Cattani Mirko , Hindrichsen Ida K. , Hansen Hanne H. , Colombini Stefania , Bailoni Lucia , Schiavon Stefano
Published: May 2012

The aim of the study was to determine the comparability of the true dry matter digestibility (TDMd) achieved in situ with either traditional nylon bags (IS nylon) or synthetic filter bags (IS filter), and in vitro with either conventional bottles (CB) or the DaisyII incubation technique, using rumen fluid collected by oro-ruminal suction from intact cows. The four TDMd results were compared by linear regression. For each method, 11 feeds were incubated for 48 h in two separate incubations. The reproducibility of TDMd measurements was 97.9%, 95.1%, 98.8% and 96.0% for IS nylon, IS filter, CB and DaisyII, respectively. The determination coefficient, the slope (b), and the significant difference of the slope from unity, of the linear relationship between TDMd values (g/kg DM) were as follows: IS nylon v. IS filter, R2 = 0.97, b = 0.86, P = 0.02; IS nylon v. CB, R2 = 0.90, b = 1.02, P = 0.27; IS nylon v. DaisyII, R2 = 0.90, b = 1.06, P < 0.01; and IS filter v. DaisyII, R2 = 0.95, b = 0.98, P = 0.13. In situ filter bags and DaisyII underestimated the TDMd values compared with IS nylon bags and CB, respectively. In situ, the replacement of nylon with filter bags could simplify the procedure of analysis, with less manipulation of residuals and less labour, and offers the possibility to increase the number of samples analysed simultaneously. The close relationships found among methods suggest that rumen fluid collected from intact cows can produce in vitro estimates of TDMd at 48 h well correlated with those obtained in situ.
Preliminary investigations into the effect of ostrich feather lice (Struthiolipeurus struthionis) on production and leather quality
Authors: Engelbrecht A. , Cloete S. W. P.
Published: May 2012

The effect of ostrich feather lice (Struthiolipeurus struthionis) on productivity and leather quality was investigated in the light of louse-related skin damage on other livestock species that seems similar to defects, called pitting, seen on ostrich skins. The occurrence and spread of feather lice on ostriches were also studied. Natural infestation of louse-free ostriches within a group mixed with louse-infested ostriches was achieved within 6 months. Lousiness was determined by visual counts on the body and feathers of the ostriches on five locations. There was a relatively low correlation between the number of lice observed on the live ostriches and the actual number of lice extracted from harvested wing feathers. However, it was demonstrated that lice obtained from feathers increased at a rate of 3.29 (s.e. = 1.34) lice per 100 g of feathers for an increase of one louse observed on the live birds in the paddock (R2 = 0.23). Treatment with synthetic pyrethroid insecticides eradicated all lice. Louse infestation had no significant influence on growth or slaughter traits, while no causal relationship between louse infestation and pitting damage on the processed ostrich skins could be demonstrated.
Ligands and signaling proteins govern the conformational landscape explored by a G protein-coupled receptor
Authors: Mary Sophie , Damian Marjorie , Louet Maxime , Floquet Nicolas , Fehrentz Jean-Alain , Marie Jacky , Martinez Jean , Banères Jean-Louis
Published: May 2012

The dynamic character of G protein-coupled receptors is essential to their function. However, the details of how ligands stabilize a particular conformation to selectively activate a signaling pathway and how signaling proteins affect this conformational repertoire remain unclear. Using a prototypical peptide-activated class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), the ghrelin receptor, reconstituted as a monomer into lipid discs and labeled with a fluorescent conformational reporter, we demonstrate that ligand efficacy and functional selectivity are directly related to different receptor conformations. Of importance, our data bring direct evidence that distinct effector proteins affect the conformational landscape of the ghrelin receptor in different ways. Whereas G proteins affect the balance between active and inactive receptor substates in favor of the active state, agonist-induced arrestin recruitment is accompanied by a marked change in the structural features of the receptor that adopt a conformation different from that observed in the absence of arrestin. In contrast to G proteins and arrestins, μ-AP2 has no significant effect on the organization of the transmembrane core of the receptor. Such a modulation of a GPCR conformational landscape by pharmacologically distinct ligands and effectors provides insights into the structural bases that decisively affect ligand efficacy and subsequent biological responses. This is also likely to have major implications for the design of drugs activating specific GPCR-associated signaling pathways.
Quantum critical scaling at the edge of Fermi liquid stability in a cuprate superconductor
Authors: Butch Nicholas P. , Jin Kui , Kirshenbaum Kevin , Greene Richard L. , Paglione Johnpierre
Published: May 2012

In the high-temperature cuprate superconductors, the pervasiveness of anomalous electronic transport properties suggests that violation of conventional Fermi liquid behavior is closely tied to superconductivity. In other classes of unconventional superconductors, atypical transport is well correlated with proximity to a quantum critical point, but the relative importance of quantum criticality in the cuprates remains uncertain. Here, we identify quantum critical scaling in the electron-doped cuprate material La

2-
x

Ce

x

CuO
4
with a line of quantum critical points that surrounds the superconducting phase as a function of magnetic field and charge doping. This zero-temperature phase boundary, which delineates a metallic Fermi liquid regime from an extended non-Fermi liquid ground state, closely follows the upper critical field of the overdoped superconducting phase and gives rise to an expanse of distinct non-Fermi liquid behavior at finite temperatures. Together with signatures of two distinct flavors of quantum fluctuations, these facts suggest that quantum criticality plays a significant role in shaping the anomalous properties of the cuprate phase diagram.
Active DNA unwinding dynamics during processive DNA replication
Authors: Morin José A. , Cao Francisco J. , Lázaro José M. , Arias-Gonzalez J. Ricardo , Valpuesta José M. , Carrascosa José L. , Salas Margarita , Ibarra Borja
Published: May 2012

Duplication of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) requires a fine-tuned coordination between the DNA replication and unwinding reactions. Using optical tweezers, we probed the coupling dynamics between these two activities when they are simultaneously carried out by individual Phi29 DNA polymerase molecules replicating a dsDNA hairpin. We used the wild-type and an unwinding deficient polymerase variant and found that mechanical tension applied on the DNA and the DNA sequence modulate in different ways the replication, unwinding rates, and pause kinetics of each polymerase. However, incorporation of pause kinetics in a model to quantify the unwinding reaction reveals that both polymerases destabilize the fork with the same active mechanism and offers insights into the topological strategies that could be used by the Phi29 DNA polymerase and other DNA replication systems to couple unwinding and replication reactions.
Streamer inhibition for improving force and electric wind produced by DBD actuators
Authors: Debien Antoine , Benard Nicolas , Moreau Eric
Published: May 2012

The use of thin wires from 13 to 300 µm in diameter as the exposed electrode of a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma actuator is experimentally investigated by electrical and optical diagnostics, electrohydrodynamic force measurements and produced electric wind characterization from time-averaged and time-resolved measurements. The streamer inhibition and glow discharge enhancement due to the use of a thin wire active electrode fully modify the topology and the temporal behaviour of the thrust and the electric wind production. With a typical plate-to-plate DBD, the electric wind velocity increases during the negative going cycle. With a wire-to-plate design, both positive and negative going-cycle discharges result in an electric wind velocity increase. The four main quantitative results are as follows: (1) for a power consumption of 1 W cm−1, the force is increased from 65 to 95 mN m−1 when a 13 µm wire is used, (2) this corresponds to a 15% electric wind velocity enhancement, (3) electromechanical efficiency can be increased from 0.1% to 0.25%, (4) these improvements are applied for definition of a new multi-DBD design plasma actuator that allows us to produce a mean velocity of 10.5 m s−1.
Local interdiffusion at buried TiN/Si interfaces with scanning probes
Authors: Chen C-H , Cheng C-E , Hsu C-C , Chang M-N , Shiu H W , Chien F S-S
Published: May 2012

This study proposes a novel scanning-probe-based approach to induce local interdiffusion at buried interfaces. Scanning-probe oxidation (SPO) was performed on a thin TiN layer on a Si substrate with ethanol menisci. The diffusion of Si and Ti at the interface was observed using Auger electron analysis and photoelectron spectroscopy and mapping. The results of photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that SPO converted the TiN layer into TiN
x
O
y
. The significant conductivity of TiN
x
O
y
was verified by conductive atomic force microscopy. Joule heating in the conductive TiN
x
O
y
induced Si diffusion in the amorphous TiN
x
O
y
layer.
Evaluation of the thermoelectric potential of the type-I clathrate Ba8NiyZnxGe46−x−y
Authors: Falmbigl M , Nasir N , Grytsiv A , Rogl P , Seichter S , Zavarsky A , Royanian E , Bauer E
Published: May 2012

A detailed investigation of the high-temperature thermoelectric properties of the ternary clathrate of type-I Ba8Zn
x
Ge46−x
for the range 7.2 ⩽ x ⩽ 7.8 is presented. Electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity and Hall-effect measurements clearly demonstrate that the maximum ZT-value can be expected for the composition Ba8Zn7.7Ge38.3, which reaches ZT ∼ 0.46 at a temperature of 730 K. Furthermore, the influence on the thermoelectric properties was studied for partial substitution of Zn by one Ni-atom (Ba8Ni
y
Zn
x
Ge46−x−y
with y
nom = 1, and 6.5 ⩽ x ⩽ 7.2) or by three Ni-atoms per unit cell (Ba8Ni
y
Zn
x
Ge46−x−y
with y
nom = 3 and x = 1 to 3). Whereas a small amount of Ni increases the figure of merit ZT to 0.65 at 800 K, a higher Ni-content reduces the thermoelectric performance. Hall-effect measurements reveal that this improvement is essentially due to an increased charge carrier mobility.
Progressive sheet-to-tubule transformation is a general mechanism for endoplasmic reticulum partitioning in dividing mammalian cells
Authors: Puhka Maija , Joensuu Merja , Vihinen Helena , Belevich Ilya , Jokitalo Eija
Published: May 2012

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is both structurally and functionally complex, consisting of a dynamic network of interconnected sheets and tubules. To achieve a more comprehensive view of ER organization in interphase and mitotic cells and to address a discrepancy in the field (i.e., whether ER sheets persist, or are transformed to tubules, during mitosis), we analyzed the ER in four different mammalian cell lines using live-cell imaging, high-resolution electron microscopy, and three dimensional electron microscopy. In interphase cells, we found great variation in network organization and sheet structures among different cell lines. In mitotic cells, we show that the ER undergoes both spatial reorganization and structural transformation of sheets toward more fenestrated and tubular forms. However, the extent of spatial reorganization and sheet-to-tubule transformation varies among cell lines. Fenestration and tubulation of the ER correlates with a reduced number of membrane-bound ribosomes.
Macropinocytosis of the PDGF β-receptor promotes fibroblast transformation by H-RasG12V
Authors: Schmees C. , Villaseñor R. , Zheng W. , Ma H. , Zerial M. , Heldin C.-H. , Hellberg C.
Published: May 2012

Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling is frequently increased in tumor cells, sometimes as a result of decreased receptor down-regulation. The extent to which the endocytic trafficking routes can contribute to such RTK hyperactivation is unclear. Here, we show for the first time that fibroblast transformation by H-RasG12V induces the internalization of platelet-derived growth factor β-receptor (PDGFRβ) by macropinocytosis, enhancing its signaling activity and increasing anchorage-independent proliferation. H-RasG12V transformation and PDGFRβ activation were synergistic in stimulating phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase activity, leading to receptor macropinocytosis. PDGFRβ macropinocytosis was both necessary and sufficient for enhanced receptor activation. Blocking macropinocytosis by inhibition of PI 3-kinase prevented the increase in receptor activity in transformed cells. Conversely, increasing macropinocytosis by Rabankyrin-5 overexpression was sufficient to enhance PDGFRβ activation in nontransformed cells. Simultaneous stimulation with PDGF-BB and epidermal growth factor promoted macropinocytosis of both receptors and increased their activation in nontransformed cells. We propose that H-Ras transformation promotes tumor progression by enhancing growth factor receptor signaling as a result of increased receptor macropinocytosis.
ARAP1 regulates the ring size of circular dorsal ruffles through Arf1 and Arf5
Authors: Hasegawa Junya , Tsujita Kazuya , Takenawa Tadaomi , Itoh Toshiki
Published: May 2012

Small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs) regulate membrane traffic and actin reorganization under the strict control of GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). ARAP1 (Arf GAP with Rho GAP domain, ankyrin repeat, and PH domain 1) is an Arf GAP molecule with multiple PH domains that recognize phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. We found that growth factor stimulation induced localization of ARAP1 to an area of the plasma membrane inside the ring structure of circular dorsal ruffles (CDRs). Moreover, expression of ARAP1 increased the size of the CDR filamentous-actin ring in an Arf GAP activity–dependent manner, whereas smaller CDRs were formed by ARAP1 knockdown. In addition, expression of a dominant-negative mutant of Arf1 and Arf5, the substrates of ARAP1, expanded the size of CDRs, suggesting that the two Arf isoforms regulate ring structure downstream of ARAP1. Therefore our results reveal a novel molecular mechanism of CDR ring size control through the ARAP1–Arf1/5 pathway.
Distinct roles of mitochondria- and ER-localized Bcl-xLin apoptosis resistance and Ca2+homeostasis
Authors: Eno Colins O. , Eckenrode Emily F. , Olberding Kristen E. , Zhao Guoping , White Carl , Li Chi
Published: May 2012

Bcl-2 proteins are major regulators of cellular responses to intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic stimuli. Among them, overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xLmodulates intracellular Ca2+homeostasis and organelle-specific apoptotic signaling pathways. However, the specific activities of Bcl-xLat mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) have not been fully defined. To further explore this, we generated mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell lines deficient in Bcl-xLexpression (Bcl-x-KO). Deficiency in Bcl-xLexpression did not induce compensatory changes in the expression of other Bcl-2 proteins, and Bcl-x-KO MEF cells showed increased sensitivity to various apoptotic stimuli compared with wild-type MEF cells. Targeting Bcl-xLat mitochondria but not at the ER restored apoptosis protection in Bcl-x-KO MEF cells to the degree observed in wild-type MEF cells. However, expression of ER-targeted Bcl-xLbut not mitochondrially targeted Bcl-xLwas required to restore Ca2+homeostasis in Bcl-x-KO MEF cells. Of importance, ER-targeted Bcl-xLwas able to protect cells against death stimuli in the presence of endogenous Bcl-xL. These data indicate that mitochondrial Bcl-xLcan regulate apoptosis independently of ER Bcl-xLand that when localized exclusively at the ER, Bcl-xLimpinges on Ca2+homeostasis but does not affect apoptosis unless Bcl-xLis present in additional cellular compartments.
Immune Deficiency in Children
Authors: Edwards Helen , Lakshman Raman
Published: May 2012

Recurrent viral respiratory infections in childhood are extremely common and GPs are regularly asked by concerned parents whether there is ‘something wrong’ with their child's immune system. The vast majority of children have normal immune function. There is, however, a small subgroup of children who have problems with their immune system. Early recognition of these children and timely referral for specialist assessment and treatment can profoundly affect their prognosis. The GP therefore has an important role in not only identifying those children for whom further investigation is warranted, but also in appropriately reassuring those for whom it is not. This article describes causes of recurrent infections in children and the clinical features which should raise suspicion of immunodeficiency, prompting referral for further assessment.
Huntington's Disease
Authors: Jain Vani , Vasudevan Pradeep , Abbott Richard
Published: May 2012

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 10 000. It is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by involuntary movements, changes in behaviour and cognition as well as psychiatric manifestations. There are currently no treatments that will cure or slow its progression. But, direct mutation testing allows a definitive diagnosis to be given and at-risk individuals to undergo predictive testing if they so wish. HD can be multigenerational in its impact upon a family which means GPs are in a unique position to educate, support and coordinate care for these patients. The aim of this article is to give an overview of HD, including its genetics, clinical features, different types of genetic testing and reproductive options as well as to introduce some of the ethical issues that can arise during a consultation. Many of the concepts covered are applicable to other genetic conditions that GPs may come across in their practice.
Evolution of Cannulation Techniques for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery a 10-Year Journey
Authors: Chan Edward Y. , Lumbao Dennis M. , Iribarne Alexander , Easterwood Rachel , Yang Jonathan Y. , Cheema Faisal H. , Smith Craig R. , Argenziano Michael
Published: May 2012

Objective

For minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), cannulation techniques vary and seem to be important determinants of technical difficulty and clinical outcomes. Over 10 years of MICS, we have modified our techniques substantially, and the present report outlines the evolution of our current cannulation platform.

Methods

From October 2000 to November 2010, 1087 minimally invasive cardiac procedures were performed at our institution; of these, 165 were done without CPB and were excluded. Methods of arterial and venous cannulation and aortic occlusion were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes of interest included CPB and aortic cross-clamp time, as well as rates of in-hospital stroke, myocardial infarction, and short- and long-term mortality.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 57 ± 15 years, with 50% being men. The MICS procedures included mitral valve surgery, atrial septal defect repair, atrial fibrillation ablation, and cardiac tumor resections. Over the study period, peripheral arterial cannulation was replaced by central aortic cannulation, which was used in 33% of patients in 2000–2001 and 93% in 2008–2010. Venous cannulation strategies also evolved over time, from percutaneous neck and femoral (78% of cases from 2000–2005), to direct superior vena cava and percutaneous femoral (67% in 2006–2007), to percutaneous dual-stage femoral (51% in 2008–2010). Aortic occlusion was achieved by endoaortic balloon in 33% of cases in 2000–2001 but, by 2002, was replaced by transaxillary clamp occlusion and direct antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia. In the post-endoballoon era, CPB and cross-clamp times have remained consistent. Overall, there were nine strokes (<1.0%), no myocardial infarctions, and 18 deaths (2.0%) within 30 days of surgery, and the incidence of these outcomes has not changed over time.

Conclusions

Over 10 years, our cannulation strategy for MICS has evolved to favor central aortic over femoral arterial cannulation, percutaneous femoral dual-stage bicaval venous drainage over percutaneous neck access, and transaxillary clamping over endoaortic balloon occlusion of the aorta. In our experience, this approach has resulted in low complication rates and a reliable platform for a variety of MICS procedures.
Implantation of the eSVS Mesh
Authors: Emery Robert W. , Solien Eric , Jamieson Stuart W.
Published: May 2012

The eSVS Mesh (Kipps Bay Medical, Minneapolis, MN USA) Mesh (Kipps Bay Medical, Minneapolis, MN USA) is a new concept in improving saphenous vein graft patency for coronary bypass grafting. This is a nitinol-based external support device that maintains external support of the graft and prevents detrimental expansion when exposed to arterial pressure. The implanting technique is critical to outcomes and is described in this article. Clinical testing in the United States is pending.
Robotic En Bloc First-Rib Resection for Paget-Schroetter Disease, a Form of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Technique and Initial Results
Authors: Gharagozloo Farid , Meyer Mark , Tempesta Barbara J. , Margolis Marc , Strother Eric T. , Tummala Srini
Published: May 2012

Objective

First-rib resection is a key component of the treatment of Paget-Schroetter disease. There are many controversies regarding the management of this disease. We report a safe, effective, minimally invasive robotic transthoracic approach for resection of the first rib.

Methods

Over an 8-month period, five patients underwent robotic first-rib resection. Preoperative assessment included physical examination and bilateral venous angiography. On a thoracoscopic platform using three 2-cm incisions and one 1-cm incision, the robot was used to dissect the first rib and divide the scalene muscles. Success of the first-rib resection was assessed by postoperative venous angiography.

Results

There were four men and one woman. Mean age was 34.6 ± 10 years. Mean operative time was 195 ± 24.6 minutes. There were no complications and no mortality. All patients had a patent subclavian vein on the postoperative venogram and were anticoagulated with warfarin for 3 months. At a median follow-up of 12 months, all patients had an open subclavian vein for a patency rate of 100%.

Conclusions

Robotic thoracoscopic first-rib resection represents a feasible minimally invasive approach to en bloc resection of the first rib. This technique minimizes the risk of neurovascular complications that are associated with conventional techniques.
The Early Inflammatory Response in a Mini–Cardiopulmonary Bypass System a Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Kiaii Bob , Fox Stephanie , Swinamer Stuart A. , Rayman Reiza , Higgins Jennifer , Cleland Andrew , Fernandes Philip , MacDonald James , Dobkowski Wojciech B. , Stitt Larry W. , Novick Richard J. , Singh Bhagirath , Bureau Yves , Summers Kelly
Published: May 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the early systemic inflammatory response of the Resting Heart System (RHS; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN USA), a miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system, with two groups using a standard extracorporeal circulation system during on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.

Methods

A total of 60 consecutive patients requiring CABG were prospectively randomized to undergo on-pump CABG using conventional CPB without cardiotomy suction (group A), conventional CPB with cardiotomy suction (group B), or the RHS (group C). Blood samples were collected at five time points: immediately before CPB, 30 minutes into CPB, immediately at the end of CPB, 30 minutes post-CPB, and 1 hour post-CPB. Inflammation was analyzed by changes in (a) levels of plasma proteins, including inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α), chemokines (IL-8, monokine induced by interferon-γ, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted, and interferon-inducible protein-10), and acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein and complement protein 3); (b) biochemical variables (cardiac troponin I, hematocrit, and immunoglobulin G); and (c) cell numbers (leukocytes, neutrophils, and thrombocytes).

Results

The RHS showed more delayed secretion of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-10, chemokines monokine induced by interferon-γ (P < 0.001); IL-8, and interferon-inducible protein-10; and complement protein 3 than conventional CPB systems did. Median thrombocyte numbers were higher in the RHS group. Levels of cardiac troponin I, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and IL-6 were lower in both the RHS and conventional CPB without suction than with suction. Levels of C-reactive protein and regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted, plus leukocyte and neutrophil numbers, were similar in all groups.

Conclusions

The Medtronic RHS may induce less systemic inflammation than conventional CPB systems, particularly when cardiotomy suction was used, but it did not result in improved clinical benefit.
Lobectomy for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Differences in Morbidity and Mortality between Thoracotomy and Thoracoscopy
Authors: Papiashvilli Michael , Stav David , Cyjon Arnold , Haitov Zoya , Gofman Vladislav , Bar Ilan
Published: May 2012

Objective

Until the last decade, lobectomy by thoracotomy (TL) was the “gold standard” for treatment of patients with operable lung carcinoma. Today, video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy (VATS-L) has become accepted as a safe and effective procedure to treat early-stage lung cancer. We analyzed and compared postoperative complications, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality after TL and VATS-L in patients with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods

Between February 1998 and December 2007, we performed 326 TLs in patients with NSCLC. From December 2007, VATS-L was preferentially performed, and 63 cases of NSCLC patients underwent surgery using this method. Comorbidities were scaled according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and propensity scores between the TL and VATS-L patients were compared.

Results

Postoperative complications occurred in 142 TL patients (43.6%) and 17 VATS-L patients (27%), with 3.6% and 1.6% intra-hospital mortality, respectively. There were no significant differences between the TL and VATS-L patients in Charlson Comorbidity Index or propensity scores, which led us to compare complications between TL and VATS-L groups and discovered that VATS-L patients had a shorter median length of stay (P < 0.001) and VATS-L was associated with a reduction in the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (P = 0.011) and offered benefits for patients with more significant comorbidities, for example, congestive heart failure patients (P = 0.042).

Conclusions

Our clinical impression is that VATS-L offers advantages over TL in terms of lower morbidity, fewer and less serious complications, shorter hospital stays, and the possibility to operate on patients with more comorbidities.
TRPC3 and TRPC6 are essential for normal mechanotransduction in subsets of sensory neurons and cochlear hair cells
Authors: Quick Kathryn , Zhao Jing , Eijkelkamp Niels , Linley John E. , Rugiero Francois , Cox James J. , Raouf Ramin , Gringhuis Martine , Sexton Jane E. , Abramowitz Joel , Taylor Ruth , Forge Andy , Ashmore Jonathan , Kirkwood Nerissa , Kros Corné J. , Richardson Guy P. , Freichel Marc , Flockerzi Veit , Birnbaumer Lutz , Wood John N.
Published: May 2012

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels TRPC3 and TRPC6 are expressed in both sensory neurons and cochlear hair cells. Deletion of TRPC3 or TRPC6 in mice caused no behavioural phenotype, although loss of TRPC3 caused a shift of rapidly adapting (RA) mechanosensitive currents to intermediate-adapting currents in dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons. Deletion of both TRPC3 and TRPC6 caused deficits in light touch and silenced half of small-diameter sensory neurons expressing mechanically activated RA currents. Double TRPC3/TRPC6 knock-out mice also showed hearing impairment, vestibular deficits and defective auditory brain stem responses to high-frequency sounds. Basal, but not apical, cochlear outer hair cells lost more than 75 per cent of their responses to mechanical stimulation. FM1-43-sensitive mechanically gated currents were induced when TRPC3 and TRPC6 were co-expressed in sensory neuron cell lines. TRPC3 and TRPC6 are thus required for the normal function of cells involved in touch and hearing, and are potential components of mechanotransducing complexes.
Lolium latent virus (Alphaflexiviridae) coat proteins: expression and functions in infected plant tissue
Authors: Vaira Anna Maria , Lim Hyoun-Sub , Bauchan Gary R. , Owens Robert A. , Natilla Angela , Dienelt Margaret M. , Reinsel Michael D. , Hammond John
Published: May 2012

The genome of Lolium latent virus (LoLV; genus Lolavirus, family Alphaflexiviridae) is encapsidated by two carboxy-coterminal coat protein (CP) variants (about 28 and 33 kDa), in equimolar proportions. The CP ORF contains two 5′-proximal AUGs encoding Met 1 and Met 49, respectively promoting translation of the 33 and 28 kDa CP variants. The 33 kDa CP N-terminal domain includes a 42 aa sequence encoding a putative chloroplast transit peptide, leading to protein cleavage and alternative derivation of the approximately 28 kDa CP. Mutational analysis of the two in-frame start codons and of the putative proteolytic-cleavage site showed that the N-terminal sequence is crucial for efficient cell-to-cell movement, functional systemic movement, homologous CP interactions and particle formation, but is not required for virus replication. Blocking production of the 28 kDa CP by internal initiation shows no major outcome, whereas additional mutation to prevent proteolytic cleavage at the chloroplast membrane has a dramatic effect on virus infection.
Biosynthesis of the Halogenated Auxin, 4-Chloroindole-3-Acetic Acid
Authors: Tivendale Nathan D. , Davidson Sandra E. , Davies Noel W. , Smith Jason A. , Dalmais Marion , Bendahmane Abdelhafid I. , Quittenden Laura J. , Sutton Lily , Bala Raj K. , Le Signor Christine , Thompson Richard , Horne James , Reid James B. , Ross John J.
Published: May 2012

Seeds of several agriculturally important legumes are rich sources of the only halogenated plant hormone, 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid. However, the biosynthesis of this auxin is poorly understood. Here, we show that in pea (Pisum sativum) seeds, 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid is synthesized via the novel intermediate 4-chloroindole-3-pyruvic acid, which is produced from 4-chlorotryptophan by two aminotransferases, TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE RELATED1 and TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE RELATED2. We characterize a tar2 mutant, obtained by Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes, the seeds of which contain dramatically reduced 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid levels as they mature. We also show that the widespread auxin, indole-3-acetic acid, is synthesized by a parallel pathway in pea.
Structural characteristics of dibromoborylated benzene derivatives
Authors: Popp Sebastian , Ruth Kai , Lerner Hans-Wolfram , Bolte Michael
Published: May 2012

The crystal structures of five dibromobenzene derivatives, namely dibromoborylbenzene, C6H5BBr2, (I), 1-dibromoboryl-4-(trimethylsilyl)benzene, C9H13BBr2Si, (II), 4-bromo-1-(dibromoboryl)benzene, C6H4BBr3, (III), dibromo(dimethylamino)(phenyl)borane, C8H12BBr2N, (IV), and dibromo(dimethylsulfanyl)[4-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl]borane, C11H19BBr2SSi, (V), have been determined. Compounds (I)–(IV) crystallize with one molecule in the asymmetric unit, but the molecule of (V) is located on a crystallographic mirror plane, implying twofold disorder of the central aromatic ring, the S atom and one of the methyl groups bonded to the S atom. In (I), (II) and (III), the B atom is three-coordinated, and in (IV) and (V) it is four-coordinated. The geometric parameters of the –BBr2group in these five structures agree well with those of comparable structures retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database. The C—B and B—Br bond lengths in the molecules with a three-coordinated B atom are significantly shorter than those in the molecules with a four-coordinated B atom. In the compounds with a three-coordinated B atom, the –BBr2group tends to be coplanar with the aromatic ring to which it is attached.
Two closely related, and unexpected, quinolinone derivatives: a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded framework structure and a hydrogen-bonded molecular ribbon ofR22(18) andR44(24) rings
Authors: Insuasty Daniel , Abonía Rodrigo , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: May 2012

1,5-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-3-yl)pentane-1,5-dione, (Ia), and 1,5-bis(2-chlorophenyl)-3-(2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-3-yl)pentane-1,5-dione, (Ib), crystallize as an 84:16 mixture, 0.84C26H19Cl2NO3·0.16C26H19Cl2NO3, in the space groupI41/a, where the molecules of the two isomers occupy very similar sites in the unit cell. A combination of one N—H...O hydrogen bond and one C—H...O hydrogen bond links the molecules, regardless of isomeric form, into a single three-dimensional framework structure. The molecules of (9RS,10RS)-8,9-bis(4-chlorobenzyl)-10-(2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-3-yl)-5,6,9,10-tetrahydrophenanthridine, C36H22Cl2N2O4, (II), are linked by two hydrogen bonds, one each of the N—H...O and C—H...O types, into a molecular ribbon in which centrosymmetric rings ofR22(18) andR44(24) types alternate. The hydrogen-bonded ribbons enclose channels, which contain highly disordered solvent molecules.
Phase II study of sorafenib in patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma
Authors: Guidetti Anna , Carlo‐Stella Carmelo , Locatelli Silvia L. , Malorni Walter , Pierdominici Marina , Barbati Cristiana , Mortarini Roberta , Devizzi Lilli , Matteucci Paola , Marchianò Alfonso , Lanocita Rodolfo , Farina Lucia , Dodero Anna , Tarella Corrado , Di Nicola Massimo , Corradini Paolo , Anichini Andrea , Gianni Alessandro M.
Published: May 2012

The safety and activity of the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib were investigated in patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoproliferative disorders who received sorafenib (400 mg) twice daily until disease progression or appearance of significant clinical toxicity. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). Biomarkers of sorafenib activity were analysed at baseline and during treatment. Thirty patients (median age, 61 years; range, 18–74) received a median of 4 months of therapy. Grade 3–4 toxicities included hand/foot skin reactions (20%), infections (12%), neutropenia (20%) and thrombocytopenia (14%). Two patients achieved complete remission (CR), and two achieved partial remission (PR) for an ORR of 13%. Stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) was observed in 15 (50%) and 11 patients (37%), respectively. The median overall survival (OS) for all patients was 16 months. For patients who achieved CR, PR and SD, the median time to progression and OS was 5 and 24 months, respectively. Compared with patients with PD, responsive patients had significantly higher baseline levels of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase phosphorylation and autophagy and presented a significant reduction of these parameters after 1 month of therapy. Sorafenib was well tolerated and had a clinical activity that warrants development of combination regimens.
De novo childhood myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disease with unique molecular characteristics
Authors: Ismael Olfat , Shimada Akira , Hama Asahito , Elshazley Momen , Muramatsu Hideki , Goto Aya , Sakaguchi Hirotoshi , Tanaka Makito , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Yinyan Xu , Fukuda Minoru , Miyajima Yuji , Yamashita Yuka , Horibe Keizo , Hanada Ryoji , Ito Masafumi , Kojima Seiji
Published: May 2012

Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative uclassifiable (MDS/MPN‐U) is a rare myeloid neoplasm characterized by myelodysplasia and myeloproliferation at the time of initial presentation, which is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. The molecular pathogenesis of MDS/MPN‐U patients remains to be elucidated. Among five patients diagnosed with MDS/MPN‐U, three patients harboured RUNX1 (AML1) mutations; one carried somatic mosaicism of RUNX1 mutation with JAK2V617F mutation and one had dual RUNX1 and FLT3‐internal tandem duplication mutations with progression to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Germline mutation of TP53 was detected as a sole genetic lesion in one patient. JAK2V617F and somatic mosaicism of KRAS and TET2 mutations co‐existed in one patient. Otherwise, no alterations were detected in PTPN11, NRAS, CBL and ASXL1 genes. ETV6‐PDGFRB fusion transcript was not detected in all patients. Four patients recieved haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); three patients relapsed and one achieved complete remission after three donor lymphocyte infusions. Our findings suggest that the mutational spectrum observed in childhood MDS/MPN‐U is quite different from that seen in juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia and, to some extent, resemble chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia. Moreover, two patients had constitutional alterations of genes frequently found in AML. Further investigations are required to define the roles of these genetic alterations in the pathogenesis of childhood MDS/MPN‐U.
Short‐ and long‐term risks of splenectomy for benign haematological disorders: should we revisit the indications?
Authors: Rodeghiero Francesco , Ruggeri Marco
Published: May 2012

Splenectomy has represented a key treatment option in the treatment of many benign haematological diseases, including immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and disorders associated with ongoing haemolysis (thalassaemia major and intermedia, sickle cell disease, and hereditary or acquired haemolytic anaemias). Improvements in surgical techniques have reduced perioperative complications and mortality. Preventive measures (new protein conjugate vaccines, antibiotic prophylaxis, and increased vigilance) are thought to greatly reduce the risk of overwhelming post‐splenectomy infection (OPSI), although their implementation is inconsistent. Nevertheless, there is increasing documentation of the short‐ and long‐term risks of splenectomy, which vary according to the underlying indication. Splenectomized patients are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism, particularly within the splenoportal system. The long‐term thromboembolic risk is higher in haematological disorders associated with ongoing haemolysis, particularly in thalassaemia intermedia, which has led to a more conservative approach. In comparison, patients with ITP appear to be at lower risk of adverse effects of splenectomy, which maintains its place as the potentially most curative and safe second‐line treatment. However, a splenectomy‐sparing approach is also emerging for ITP, and recent guidelines recommend that this procedure is deferred until ≥12 months from ITP diagnosis, to allow sufficient time for possible remission.
Bortezomib combined with low‐dose cytarabine in Intermediate‐2 and high risk myelodysplastic syndromes. A phase I/II Study by the GFM
Authors: Natarajan‐Amé Shanti , Park Sophie , Ades Lionel , Vey Norbert , Guerci‐Bresler Agnès , Cahn Jean‐Yves , Etienne Gabriel , Bordessoule Dominique , Ravoet Christophe , Legros Laurence , Cheze Stephane , Stamatoullas Aspasia , Berger Elisabeth , Schmidt Aline , Charbonnier Aude , Chaury Marie‐Pierre , Braun Thorsten , Fenaux Pierre , Dreyfus Francois ,   on behalf of the Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies (GFM)
Published: May 2012

Marrow cells from patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) exhibit constitutive nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation. The proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, has limited efficacy as a single agent in acute myeloid leukaemia. Its activity on leukaemic cell lines is potentiated by chemotherapy. We treated 43 higher‐risk MDS patients with bortezomib (1·5 mg/m2, days 1, 4, 8 and 11) and low dose cytarabine arabinoside (LDAC; 10 mg/m2, then 20 mg/m2 from days 1–14), every 28 d for four cycles. Median follow‐up was 29·7 months. Responses were seen in 12 of the 43 patients (28%), including complete response (CR, n = 1), marrow‐CR (n = 3), partial response (PR, n = 5) and haematological improvement (HI, n = 3). Responses were seen in 12 (36%) of the 33 previously untreated patients (11% CR, 13% PR, 2·5% HI), compared to none in the 12 previously treated patients (P < 0·01). Responders had better overall survival (median 18·2 vs. 10 months). One CR and 3 marrow‐CRs were seen in patients with complex karyotypes. Main toxicity was haematological, responsible for infection in six patients and bleeding in 3. Three patients with Grade 1–2 pre‐treatment haematotoxicity developed Grade 3–4 toxicity. Neuropathy was seen in 12% of patients. The addition of bortezomib to LDAC in higher‐risk MDS may improve results obtained with LDAC alone, especially in patients with unfavourable karyotypes.
Synergies and tensions in child protection and parent support: policy lines and practitioners cultures1
Authors: Fargion Silvia
Published: May 2012

Social workers' interventions in support of children and their families have often proved a minefield of sort, filled up with conflicting demands, expectations and tasks. This paper sets the resulting debate in the context of both social policy orientations and social work cultures. It argues that partnerships between families and practitioners have to be understood as the result of a complex set of factors. Data from a qualitative study of social work professional cultures suggest that among practitioners, policy orientations intertwine with different styles of conceiving social work; accordingly, professional cultures play an important part in connecting, or failing to connect, child protection and family support.
Effects of Leishmania major clones showing different levels of virulence on infectivity, differentiation and maturation of human dendritic cells
Authors: Markikou-Ouni W , Ben Achour-Chenik Y , Meddeb-Garnaoui A
Published: May 2012

Leishmania parasites and dendritic cell interactions (DCs) play an essential role in initiating and directing T cell responses and influence disease evolution. These interactions may vary depending on Leishmania species and strains. To evaluate the correlation between Leishmania major (Lm) virulence and in-vitro human DC response, we compared the ability of high (HV) and low virulent (LV) Lm clones to invade, modulate cytokine production and interfere with differentiation of DCs. Clones derived from HV and LV (HVΔlmpdi and LVΔlmpdi), and deleted for the gene coding for a Lm protein disulphide isomerase (LmPDI), probably involved in parasite natural pathogenicity, were also used. Unlike LV, which fails to invade DCs in half the donors, HV promastigotes were associated with a significant increase of the infected cells percentage and parasite burden. A significant decrease of both parameters was observed in HVΔlmpdi-infected DCs, compared to wild-type cells. Whatever Lm virulence, DC differentiation was accompanied by a significant decrease in CD1a expression. Lm clones decreased interleukin (IL)-12p70 production similarly during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced maturation of DCs. LPS stimulation was associated with a weak increase in tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10 productions in HV-, HVΔlmpdi- and LVΔlmpdi-infected DCs. These results indicate that there is a significant variability in the capacity of Lm clones to infect human DCs which depends upon their virulence, probably involving LmPDI protein. However, independently of their virulence, Lm clones were able to down-regulate CD1a expression during DC differentiation and IL-12p70 production during DC maturation, which may favour their survival.
Influence of the number of samples on prediction error of visible and near infrared spectroscopy of selected soil properties at the farm scale
Authors: Kuang B. , Mouazen A. M.
Published: May 2012

This paper reports on the influence of the number of samples used for the development of farm‐scale calibration models for moisture content (MC), total nitrogen (TN) and organic carbon (OC) on the prediction error expressed as root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) for visible and near infrared (vis‐NIR) spectroscopy. Fresh (wet) soil samples collected from four farms in the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark and the UK were scanned with a fibre‐type vis‐NIR, AgroSpec spectrophotometer with a spectral range of 305–2200 nm. Spectra were divided into calibration (two thirds) and prediction (one third) sets and the calibration spectra were subjected to a partial least squares regression (PLSR) with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation using Unscrambler 7.8 software. The RMSEP values of models with a large sample number (46–84 samples from each farm) were compared with those of models developed with a small sample number (25 samples selected from the large sample set of each farm) for the same variation range. Both large‐set and small‐set models were validated by the same prediction set for each property. Further PLSR analysis was carried out on samples from the German farm, with different sample numbers of the calibration set of 25, 50, 75 and 100 samples. Results showed that the large‐size dataset models resulted in smaller RMSEP values than the small‐size dataset models for all the soil properties studied. The results also demonstrated that with the increase in sample number used in the calibration set, RMSEP decreased in almost linear fashion, although the largest decrease was between 25 and 50 samples. Therefore, it is recommended that the number of samples should be chosen according to the accuracy required, although 50 soil samples is considered appropriate in this study to establish calibration models of TN, OC and MC with smaller expected prediction errors as compared with smaller sample numbers.