bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parstatin Prevents Renal Injury following Ischemia/Reperfusion and Radiocontrast Administration
Authors: Diamantopoulos Athanasios , Kyriazis Iason , Geronatsiou Katerina , Papadaki Helen , Loudos George , Kagadis George C. , Katsanos Konstantinos , Liatsikos Evangelos , Karnabatidis Dimitrios , Siamblis Dimitrios , Tsopanoglou Nikos E.
Published: September 2012

Background/Aims: Parstatin is a 41-mer peptide formed by proteolytic cleavage on activation of the protease-activated receptor 1. Parstatin was recently found to be cardioprotective against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. In the present study, it was hypothesized that parstatin would protect the kidneys in acute renal failure. Methods: We investigated the effects of parstatin on the renal dysfunction and injury caused either by renal IR injury or contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in two animal models. Renal IR injury was induced in rats by bilateral occlusion of renal arteries and veins for 45 min followed by 4 h of reperfusion, while CIN was induced in rabbits by intravenous injection of the radiocontrast medium Iopromide. Results: Treatment with parstatin 15 min before or immediately after renal ischemia attenuated the resulting renal dysfunction as demonstrated by the improved biochemical indicators (serum creatinine and fractional excretion of Na+) and scintigraphic analysis. The effect was dose depended and provided evidence for a more prominent protection of tubular than glomerulal function. Histopathological examination of the kidneys revealed severe renal damage, which was significantly suppressed by the parstatin. Similarly, administration of a single dose of parstatin before the induction of CIN significantly protected against the resulting renal dysfunction and histologically evidenced renal tubular injury. Conclusion: These results suggest that parstatin is able to act as nephroprotective agent and may be useful in enhancing the tolerance of the kidney against renal injury associated with clinical conditions of acute renal failure. Further investigation on the mechanism underlying the nephroprotective properties of parstatin is deemed necessary.
Gene Expression of Vitamin D Metabolic Enzymes at Baseline and in Response to Vitamin D Treatment in Thyroid Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Bennett Robert G. , Wakeley Shannon E. , Hamel Frederick G. , High Robin R. , Korch Christopher , Goldner Whitney S.
Published: September 2012

The association between vitamin D and thyroid cancer is unclear. It is unknown if CYP27A1 or CYP2R1 are present in normal thyroid or cancer cells and there is limited information regarding response to treatment with vitamin D. SV40 immortalized follicular cells (N-thy) and six thyroid cancer cell lines were treated with 10 µm vitamin D3, 0.1 µm 1,25(OH)2D3 or vehicle × 24 h. CYP27A1, CYP2R1, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 mRNA were measured using quantitative real-time-PCR before and after treatment. Cell proliferation was also evaluated in TPC1 and C643 cells after treatment with D3, 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3. Baseline CYP27A1 and CYP27B1 mRNA were present in all cells, CYP2R1 was higher and CYP24A1 mRNA was lower in cancer cell lines versus N-thy. TPC1 cells had increased CYP24A1 mRNA levels when treated with both D3 (3.49, p < 0.001) and 1,25(OH)2D3 (5.05, p < 0.001). C643 cells showed increased CYP24A1 mRNA expression when treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 (5.36, p < 0.001). D3, 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 all significantly decreased cell proliferation in TPC1 and C643 cells. Overall, both cancerous and N-thy cell lines express CYP27A1 and CYP2R1 in addition to CYP27B1, establishing the potential to metabolize D3 to 1,25(OH)2D3. Additionally, vitamin D3, 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 all had an antiproliferative effect on two thyroid cancer cell lines.
The Association of Plasma Fluorescent Oxidation Products and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Rebholz Casey M. , Wu Tianying , Hamm L. Lee , Arora Robin , Khan Islam E. , Liu Yanxi , Chen Chung-Shiuan , Mills Katherine T. , Rogers Stephanie , Kleinpeter Myra A. , Simon Eric E. , Chen Jing
Published: September 2012

Background/Aims: Plasma fluorescent oxidation products (FLOP) constitute a stable and easily measured biomarker of cumulative oxidative stress. However, their association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been studied. Methods: We examined the association of FLOP and CKD in 201 CKD patients and 201 controls without CKD from the community. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or the presence of albuminuria. Results: Adjusted median (interquartile range) FLOP levels were significantly higher in patients with CKD than in controls [FLOP1 (lipid oxidation products): 215.2 (181.3–268.7) vs. 156.6 (139.6–177.3) fluorescent intensity units/ml, p < 0.0001; FLOP2 (DNA oxidation products): 534.8 (379.3–842.4) vs. 269.9 (232.4–410.5) fluorescent intensity units/ml, p < 0.0001; FLOP3 (protein and phospholipid oxidation products): 51.4 (44.4–66.0) vs. 45.2 (38.3–51.7) fluorescent intensity units/ml, p = 0.002]. Compared with those with a FLOP level below the 75th percentile, participants with a FLOP level above the 75th percentile had increased odds of CKD after adjustment for covariables (FLOP1: odds ratio 13.1, 95% confidence interval 6.2–27.6; FLOP2: odds ratio 5.7, 95% confidence interval 2.9–11.1; FLOP3: odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.2–4.7). Levels of FLOP1, FLOP2 and FLOP3 were related to eGFR (p < 0.0001 for all) and log-transformed urine albumin (p < 0.005 for all) in multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. Conclusion: These data indicate that an elevated FLOP level is associated with CKD status and severity. Future studies are warranted to elucidate its role in the development and progression of CKD.
Staphylococcus aureus Persisters Tolerant to Bactericidal Antibiotics
Authors: Lechner Sabrina , Lewis Kim , Bertram Ralph
Published: September 2012

Bacterial persister cells are non- or slow-growing reversible phenotypic variants of the wild type, tolerant to bactericidal antibiotics. We analyzed here Staphylococcus aureus persister levels by monitoring colony-forming unit counts of planktonically grown cells treated with six different antimicrobials over time. The model laboratory strains HG001–HG003, SA113 and the small colony variant (SCV) strains hemB and menD were challenged by the compounds at different logs of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in exponential or stationary growth phase. Antibiotic tolerance was usually elevated in SCV strains compared to normally growing cells and in stationary versus exponential phase cultures. Biphasic killing kinetics, typical for persister cell enrichment, were observed in both growth phases under different selective conditions. Treatment of exponential phase cultures of HG001–HG003 with 10-fold MIC of tobramycin resulted in the isolation of persisters which upon cultivation on plates formed either normal or phenotypically stable small colonies. Trajectories of different killing curves indicated physiological heterogeneity within persister subpopulations. Daptomycin added at 100-fold MIC to stationary phase SA113 cells rapidly isolated very robust persisters. Fractions of antibiotic-tolerant cells were observed with all S. aureus strains and mutants tested. Our results refute the hypothesis that S. aureus stationary phase cells are equivalent to persisters, as not all of these cells showed antibiotic tolerance. Isolation of S. aureus persisters of different robustness seems to depend on the kind and concentration of the antibiotic, as well as on the strain used.
An Unusual Case of Significant Weight Loss Following Malposition of a Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
Authors: Labib Peter Lawrence Zaki , Agrawal Sanjay
Published: September 2012

Objective: Malposition or misplacement of gastric bands is a rare but recognised early complication of gastric band surgery. Malposition of the band would not normally result in significant weight loss after surgery. Case Report: To our knowledge, we report the first case in the English literature of a malpositioned gastric band encircling the pericardial fat pad only, who presented with delayed symptoms of dysphagia and gastro-oesophageal reflux resulting in significant weight loss (>60% of excess body weight) approximately 6 years after primary surgery. The patient underwent a water-soluble contrast study with antero-posterior views which was suggestive of a slipped band. However, on laparoscopy the band was found to be encircling the pericardial fat pad. Conclusion: We suggest that all contrast swallow studies for patients presenting with symptoms of gastric band slippage should include lateral views to exclude gastric band malposition, irrespective of the time of onset of symptoms after primary surgery.
Automated Invariant Alignment to Improve Canonical Variates in Image Fusion of Satellite and Weather Radar Data
Authors: Vestergaard Jacob S. , Nielsen Allan A.
Published: September 2012

Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) maximizes the correlation between two sets of multivariate data. CCA is applied to multivariate satellite data and univariate radar data to produce a subspace descriptive of heavily precipitating clouds. A misalignment, inherent to the nature of the two datasets, was observed, corrupting the subspace. A method for aligning the two datasets is proposed to overcome this issue and render a useful subspace projection. The observed corruption of the subspace gives rise to the hypothesis that the optimal correspondence between a heavily precipitating cloud in the radar data and the associated cloud top registered in the satellite data is found by a scale, rotation, and translation invariant transformation together with a temporal displacement. The method starts by determining a conformal transformation of the radar data at the time of maximum precipitation for optimal correspondence with the satellite data at the same time. This optimization is repeated for an increasing temporal lag until no further improvement can be found. The method is applied to three meteorological events that caused heavy precipitation in Denmark. The three cases are analyzed with and without using the proposed method. In all cases, the use of prealignment shows significant improvements in the descriptive capabilities of the subspaces, thus supporting the posed hypothesis.
Deep Convective Systems Observed by A-Train in the Tropical Indo-Pacific Region Affected by the MJO
Authors: Yuan Jian , Houze Robert A.
Published: September 2012

In the Indo-Pacific region, mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) occur in a pattern consistent with the eastward propagation of the large-scale convective envelope of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). MCSs are major contributors to the total precipitation. Over the open ocean they tend to be merged or connected systems, while over the Maritime Continent area they tend to be separated or discrete. Over all regions affected by the MJO, connected systems increase in frequency during the active phase of the MJO. Characteristics of each type of MCS (separated or connected) do not vary much over MJO-affected regions. However, separated and connected MCSs differ in structure from each other. Connected MCSs have a larger size and produce less but colder-topped anvil cloud. For both connected and separated MCSs, larger systems tend to have colder cloud tops and less warmer-topped anvil cloud. The maximum height of MCS precipitating cores varies only slightly, and the variation is related to sea surface temperature. Enhanced large-scale convection, greater frequency of occurrence of connected MCSs, and increased midtroposphere moisture coincide, regardless of the region, season, or large-scale conditions (such as the concurrent phase of the MJO), suggesting that the coexistence of these phenomena is likely the nature of deep convection in this region. The increase of midtroposphere moisture observed in all convective regimes during large-scale convectively active phases suggests that the source of midtroposphere moisture is not local or instantaneous and that the accumulation of midtroposphere moisture over MJO-affected regions needs to be better understood.
Tropical Precipitation Extremes
Authors: Rossow William B. , Mekonnen Ademe , Pearl Cindy , Goncalves Weber
Published: September 2012

Classifying tropical deep convective systems by the mesoscale distribution of their cloud properties and sorting matching precipitation measurements over an 11-yr period reveals that the whole distribution of instantaneous precipitation intensity and daily average accumulation rate is composed of (at least) two separate distributions representing distinctly different types of deep convection associated with different meteorological conditions (the distributions of non-deep-convective situations are also shown for completeness). The two types of deep convection produce very different precipitation intensities and occur with very different frequencies of occurrence. Several previous studies have shown that the interaction of the large-scale tropical circulation with deep convection causes switching between these two types, leading to a substantial increase of precipitation. In particular, the extreme portion of the tropical precipitation intensity distribution, above 2 mm h−1, is produced by 40% of the larger, longer-lived mesoscale-organized type of convection with only about 10% of the ordinary convection occurrences producing such intensities. When average precipitation accumulation rates are considered, essentially all of the values above 2 mm h−1 are produced by the mesoscale systems. Yet today’s atmospheric models do not represent mesoscale-organized deep convective systems that are generally larger than current-day circulation model grid cell sizes but smaller than the resolved dynamical scales and last longer than the typical physics time steps. Thus, model-based arguments for how the extreme part of the tropical precipitation distribution might change in a warming climate are suspect.
1980–2010 Variability in U.K. Surface Wind Climate
Authors: Earl Nick , Dorling Steve , Hewston Richard , von Glasow Roland
Published: September 2012

The climate of the northeast Atlantic region comprises substantial decadal variability in storminess. It also exhibits strong inter- and intra-annual variability in extreme high and low wind speed episodes. Here the authors quantify and discuss causes of the variability seen in the U.K. wind climate over the recent period 1980–2010. Variations in U.K. hourly mean (HM) wind speeds, in daily maximum gust speeds and in associated wind direction measurements, made at standard 10-m height and recorded across a network of 40 stations, are considered. The Weibull distribution is shown to generally provide a good fit to the hourly wind data, albeit with the shape parameter k spatially varying from 1.4 to 2.1, highlighting that the commonly assumed k = 2 Rayleigh distribution is not universal. It is found that the 10th and 50th percentile HM wind speeds have declined significantly over this specific period, while still incorporating a peak in the early 1990s. The authors' analyses place the particularly “low wind” year of 2010 into longer-term context and their findings are compared with other recent international studies. Wind variability is also quantified and discussed in terms of variations in the exceedance of key wind speed thresholds of relevance to the insurance and wind energy industries. Associated interannual variability in energy density and potential wind power output of the order of ±20% around the mean is revealed. While 40% of network average winds are in the southwest quadrant, 51% of energy in the wind is associated with this sector. The findings are discussed in the context of current existing challenges to improve predictability in the Euro-Atlantic sector over all time scales.
Changes in Cloud Cover, Precipitation, and Summer Temperature in North America from 1982 to 2009
Authors: Tang Qiuhong , Leng Guoyong
Published: September 2012

In North America (NA), trends in summer surface air temperatures vary on decadal time scales, and some regions have temperature trends that exhibit a lack of warming in 1982–2009. From a surface energy balance perspective, the summer mean daily maximum temperature change can be affected by changes in solar heating that are associated with cloud cover change and changes in surface evaporative cooling caused by different precipitation and land surface wetness, but little is known about regional cloud cover and precipitation feedbacks to decadal temperature trends. Changes in cloudiness and precipitation and their connections with summer mean daily maximum temperature variations in NA were investigated using observation-based products of temperature and precipitation and satellite-derived cloud cover and radiation products. Results show that summer mean daily maximum temperature variance is largely explained by changes in cloud cover and precipitation. Cloud cover effect dominates at the high and middle latitudes of NA, and precipitation is a more dominant factor in the southern United States. The results indicate that cloud cover is either the major indicator of the summer mean daily maximum temperature changes (the effect) or the important local factor influencing the changes (the cause). Cloud cover is negatively correlated with mean daily maximum temperature variation in spring and autumn at the middle latitudes of NA but not at the high latitudes.
Warming of the Intermediate Atlantic Water of the Arctic Ocean in the 2000s
Authors: Polyakov Igor V. , Pnyushkov Andrey V. , Timokhov Leonid A.
Published: September 2012

This analysis evaluates the thermal state of the intermediate (depth range of 150–900 m) Atlantic Water (AW) of the Arctic Ocean, beginning in the 1950s and with particular focus on the transition from the 1990s to the 2000s and on changes during the 2000s. Using an extensive array of observations, the authors document AW warming trends across various time scales and demonstrate that the 2000s were exceptionally warm, with no analogy since the 1950s or probably in the history of instrumental observations in the Arctic Ocean. Warming in the recent decade was dominated by a warm AW pulse in addition to the underlying trend. Since 1997, the Canadian Basin experienced a faster warming rate compared with the Eurasian Basin. The relative role of the AW warmth in setting the net energy flux and mass balance of the Arctic sea ice is still under debate. Additional carefully orchestrated field experiments are required in order to address this question of ongoing Arctic climate change.
Vertical Eddy Energy Fluxes in the North Atlantic Subtropical and Subpolar Gyres
Authors: Zhai Xiaoming , Marshall David P.
Published: September 2012

Eddy energy generation and energy fluxes are examined in a realistic eddy-resolving model of the North Atlantic. Over 80% of the wind energy input is found to be released by the generation of eddies through baroclinic instability. The eddy energy generation is located near the surface in the subtropical gyre but deeper down in the subpolar gyre. To reconcile the mismatch between the depth of eddy energy production and the vertical structure of the horizontal dispersion of eddy energy, the vertical eddy energy flux is downward in the subtropical gyre and upward in the subpolar gyre.
Christian Military Chaplaincy: “Being there”
Authors: Earl Murray D.
Published: September 2012

What responsibility does the church have towards those who serve in the military? Answering this question is complex over time. “Chaplaincy” is one answer to the question. What is chaplaincy and how does it work? What are the elements of chaplaincy? What of the chaplain as person? Can Christianity survive in the workplace, especially the military workplace? What spiritual issues arise in the military context for the church, the chaplain, the Christian and non-Christian alike?
The distribution of object clitic pronouns in the Grottaferrata manuscript of Digenis Akritis
Authors: Soltic Jorie
Published: September 2012

The Grottaferrata manuscript of Digenis Akritis may be of more interest to Medieval Greek linguists than previously assumed. This rather ‘archaizing’ version obeys the same medieval distribution rules for object clitic pronouns postulated by Mackridge for the more ‘vernacular’ Escorial version. Moreover, it is shown that the medieval rules – divided into a syntactic and a pragmatic principle – clearly constitute a gradual continuation of older, post-Classical, tendencies. Much attention is paid to the pragmatic principle in relation to verbs, which is invoked as an explanatory principle for apparent exceptions.
Effects of small additions of Zr and Sr on as cast microstructure and tensile properties of Mg–4Y–1·2Mn–0·9Sc (wt-) alloy
Authors: Yang M B , Pan F S , Zhu Y , Shen J
Published: September 2012

The effects of small additions of Zr and Sr on the as cast microstructure and tensile properties of the Mg–4Y–1·2Mn–0·9Sc (wt-) magnesium alloy were investigated. The results indicate that small additions of Zr and/or Sr to the Mg–4Y–1·2Mn–0·9Sc alloy do not cause an obvious change in the morphology and size of the secondary phases. However, the grains of the Zr and/or Sr containing alloys are effectively refined. Among the Zr and/or Sr containing alloys, the grains of the alloy with addition of 0·5 wt-Zr+0·1 wt-Sr are found to be the finest, followed by the alloys with additions of 0·5 wt-Zr and 0·1 wt-Sr respectively. Furthermore, the tensile properties of the Mg–4Y–1·2Mn–0·9Sc alloy, especially the room temperature ductility, are improved by small additions of Zr and/or Sr. Among the Zr and/or Sr containing alloys, the alloy with addition of 0·5 wt-Zr+0·1 wt-Sr obtains the optimum tensile properties at room temperature and 300°C, and the tensile properties of the alloys with additions of 0·5 wt-Zr and 0·1 wt-Sr are similar.
Influence of S and AlN on hot ductility of high Al, TWIP steels
Authors: Kang S E , Banerjee J R , Mintz B
Published: September 2012

The hot ductility of a high Al, twin induced plasticity austenitic steel with S levels of 0·003, 0·010 and 0·023 has been examined after heating to 1250°C and cooling at 60 K min−1 to test temperatures in the range of 700–1100°C. Ductility as measured by reduction of area ( R of A) was very poor, (∼20 R of A) in the two higher S steels in the temperature range of 950–1100°C but was better at lower temperatures of 700–900°C reaching 30–40 R of A. For the very low S steel, ductility was similar for the temperature range of 700–900°C but improved in the higher temperature range of 950–1100°C to 50–55 R of A. In the higher S steels (0·01 and 0·023S), ductility was poor because of the presence of long, coarse dendritic AlN rods situated at both the dendrite, but, more importantly, the austenite grain boundaries, the latter being particularly detrimental for encouraging intergranular failure. AlN seems to need MnS inclusions as nuclei in the melt for it to precipitate in the form of these detrimental long rods, and a reasonable volume fraction of MnS (equivalent to having more than 0·003S present) is required for this to happen. If the S level is low (⩽0·003), there are only a few MnS nucleation sites, and the AlN precipitates out in the form of coarse hexagonal plates. These precipitates end up mainly within the austenite matrix and have little influence on the hot ductility. It is therefore very important commercially in these high Al steels to limit the S level to ⩽0·003 to avoid transverse cracking.
Inception of plasticity in copper single crystal in presence of stacking fault tetrahedra
Authors: Salehinia I. , Bahr D. F.
Published: September 2012

Atomistic simulations have been used to investigate the effect of a spatially distinct defect, i.e. stacking fault tetrahedron (SFT), on the inception of plastic deformation in a perfect copper single crystal during nanoindentation. An SFT positioned within a volume under significant stress from indentation lowers the stress required for dislocation nucleation by up to 50 from that of the perfect crystal when the nucleation event occurs at the SFT. The orientation of the SFT affects the required load for the initiation of plastic deformation and provides an envelope for the effect an SFT can have in weakening an otherwise perfect crystal. The weakening effect of the upward SFT vanishes faster than the downward SFT when it is lowered along the indentation axis. The load at the onset of plasticity changes with position, and the load drop after the inception of plastic deformation increases with SFT distance from the surface.
Mystery of current spike: Nanoscale plasticity revisited
Authors: Nowak R. , Chrobak D. , Nagao S. , Vodnick D. , Berg M.
Published: September 2012

This paper addresses the current spike (CS) phenomenon revealed by in situ measurements of electrical response during nanoindentation. The CS is defined as the sharp initial increase in electric current through the highly compressed GaAs/metallic indenter nanocontact and its decay to zero upon termination of elastic deformation. The clarification of this new effect is justified by our ab initio analysis of the metal/semiconductor contact. The obtained results reveal the common origin of the simultaneous mechanical and electrical responses, these being the pop-in event and the CS respectively. This leads to a substantial revision of our understanding of the onset of nanoscale plasticity. Our results support the hypothesis, deduced from atomistic simulations, of the non-dislocation incipient plasticity of GaAs. They are also in accord with the fresh idea of nanoscale deconfinement driven deformation of compressed silicon nanospheres.
New lightweight mirror billet: Connection of γ-TiAl and K9 glass with Ti6Al4V foil as interlayer
Authors: Luo X , Li J W , Huo X K , Wang Y C , Yang Y Q , Wang X R , Zhang W
Published: September 2012

A new type of lightweight mirror billet with excellent dimensional stability was prepared by connecting γ-TiAl and K9 glass through solid diffusion bonding with Ti6Al4V foil as an interlayer. The Ti6Al4V layer was used to reduce the thermal residual stresses generated in the glass due to the mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion between γ-TiAl and K9 glass. The surface of Ti6Al4V foil was oxidised in order to connect the K9 glass. After the preparation of the mirror billet, the TiAl/Ti6Al4V interface and the Ti6Al4V/glass interface were studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results show that both the interfaces are bonded well. Moreover, the mirror billet was subjected to thermal shock tests for 20 cycles between 25 and 400°C, which indicates the mirror billet has excellent thermal shock resistance.
Annealing effect on physical properties of spin coated ZnO films
Authors: Sundaresan B , Vasumathi A , Ravichandran K , Ravikumar P , Sakthivel B
Published: September 2012

ZnO thin films were deposited onto glass substrates using sol–gel spin coating technique from starting solutions having different precursor concentrations (0·1, 0·3 and 0·5M). The effects of precursor concentration and annealing temperature on the physical properties of the films were investigated. The X-ray diffraction studies confirm that all the films have preferential orientation along the (002) plane with hexagonal wurtzite structure. The optical transparency gradually decreases (from 95 to 80%) as the precursor concentration increases. The optical energy gap is in the range of 3·18–3·32 eV. The systematic study shows that the post-annealing process has significant impact on the quality of the films. The SEM images depict that the grain size decreases as the precursor concentration increases, and the AFM images show that the film annealed at 550°C has well defined uniform grains. The lowest dislocation density is observed for 0·3M annealed at 550°C.
Transcriptomic analysis of the red seaweed Laurencia dendroidea (Florideophyceae, Rhodophyta) and its microbiome
Authors: de Oliveira Louisi Souza , Gregoracci Gustavo Bueno , Silva Genivaldo Gueiros Zacarias , Salgado Leonardo Tavares , Filho Gilberto Amado , Alves-Ferreira Marcio , Pereira Renato Crespo , Thompson Fabiano L
Published: September 2012

Background

Seaweeds of theLaurenciagenus have a broad geographic distribution and are largely recognized as important sources of secondary metabolites, mainly halogenated compounds exhibiting diverse potential pharmacological activities and relevant ecological role as anti-epibiosis. Host-microbe interaction is a driving force for co-evolution in the marine environment, but molecular studies of seaweed-associated microbial communities are still rare. Despite the large amount of research describing the chemical compositions ofLaurenciaspecies, the genetic knowledge regarding this genus is currently restricted to taxonomic markers and general genome features. In this work we analyze the transcriptomic profile ofL.dendroideaJ. Agardh, unveil the genes involved on the biosynthesis of terpenoid compounds in this seaweed and explore the interactions between this host and its associated microbiome.

Results

A total of 6 transcriptomes were obtained from specimens ofL. dendroideasampled in three different coastal locations of the Rio de Janeiro state. Functional annotations revealed predominantly basic cellular metabolic pathways. Bacteria was the dominant active group in the microbiome ofL.dendroidea, standing out nitrogen fixing Cyanobacteria and aerobic heterotrophic Proteobacteria. The analysis of the relative contribution of each domain highlighted bacterial features related to glycolysis, lipid and polysaccharide breakdown, and also recognition of seaweed surface and establishment of biofilm. Eukaryotic transcripts, on the other hand, were associated with photosynthesis, synthesis of carbohydrate reserves, and defense mechanisms, including the biosynthesis of terpenoids through the mevalonate-independent pathway.

Conclusions

This work describes the first transcriptomic profile of the red seaweedL.dendroidea, increasing the knowledge about ESTs from the Florideophyceae algal class. Our data suggest an important role forL. dendroideain the primary production of the holobiont and the role of Bacteria as consumers of organic matter and possibly also as nitrogen source. Furthermore, this seaweed expressed sequences related to terpene biosynthesis, including the complete mevalonate-independent pathway, which offers new possibilities for biotechnological applications using secondary metabolites fromL. dendroidea.
Clinical isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica Biotype 1A represent two phylogenetic lineages with differing pathogenicity-related properties
Authors: Sihvonen Leila M , Jalkanen Kaisa , Huovinen Elisa , Toivonen Susanna , Corander Jukka , Kuusi Markku , Skurnik Mikael , Siitonen Anja , Haukka Kaisa
Published: September 2012

Background

Y. enterocoliticabiotype (BT) 1A strains are often isolated from human clinical samples but their contribution to disease has remained a controversial topic. Variation and the population structure among the clinicalY. enterocoliticaBT 1A isolates have been poorly characterized. We used multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, PCR forystAandystB, lipopolysaccharide analysis, phage typing, human serum complement killing assay and analysis of the symptoms of the patients to characterize 298 clinicalY. enterocoliticaBT 1A isolates in order to evaluate their relatedness and pathogenic potential.

Results

A subset of 71 BT 1A strains, selected based on their varying LPS patterns, were subjected to detailed genetic analyses. The MLST on seven house-keeping genes (adk, argA, aroA, glnA, gyrB, thrA, trpE) conducted on 43 of the strains discriminated them into 39 MLST-types. By Bayesian analysis of the population structure (BAPS) the strains clustered conclusively into two distinct lineages, i.e. Genetic groups 1 and 2. The strains of Genetic group 1 were more closely related (97% similarity) to the pathogenic bio/serotype 4/O:3 strains than Genetic group 2 strains (95% similarity). Further comparison of the 16S rRNA genes of the BT 1A strains indicated that altogether 17 of the 71 strains belong to Genetic group 2. On the 16S rRNA analysis, these 17 strains were only 98% similar to the previously identified subspecies ofY. enterocolitica. The strains of Genetic group 2 were uniform in their pathogenecity-related properties: they lacked theystBgene, belonged to the same LPS subtype or were of rough type, were all resistant to the five tested yersiniophages, were largely resistant to serum complement and did not ferment fucose. The 54 strains in Genetic group 1 showed much more variation in these properties. The most commonly detected LPS types were similar to the LPS types of reference strains with serotypes O:6,30 and O:6,31 (37%), O:7,8 (19%) and O:5 (15%).

Conclusions

The results of the present study strengthen the assertion that strains classified asY. enterocoliticaBT 1A represent more than one subspecies. Especially the BT 1A strains in our Genetic group 2 commonly showed resistance to human serum complement killing, which may indicate pathogenic potential for these strains. However, their virulence mechanisms remain unknown.
The study of two barley Type I-like MADS-boxgenes as potential targets of epigenetic regulation during seed development
Authors: Kapazoglou Aliki , Engineer Cawas , Drosou Vicky , Kalloniati Chrysanthi , Tani Eleni , Tsaballa Aphrodite , Kouri Evangelia D , Ganopoulos Ioannis , Flemetakis Emmanouil , Tsaftaris Athanasios S
Published: September 2012

Background

MADS-box genes constitute a large family of transcription factors functioning as key regulators of many processes during plant vegetative and reproductive development. Type II MADS-box genes have been intensively investigated and are mostly involved in vegetative and flowering development. A growing number of studies of Type I MADS-box genes in Arabidopsis, have assigned crucial roles for these genes in gamete and seed development and have demonstrated that a number of Type I MADS-box genes are epigenetically regulated by DNA methylation and histone modifications. However, reports on agronomically important cereals such as barley and wheat are scarce.

Results

Here we report the identification and characterization of two Type I-like MADS-box genes, from barley (Hordeum vulgare), a monocot cereal crop of high agronomic importance. Protein sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed that the putative proteins are related to Type I MADS-box proteins, and classified them in a distinct cereal clade. Significant differences in gene expression among seed developmental stages and between barley cultivars with varying seed size were revealed for both genes. One of these genes was shown to be induced by the seed development- and stress-related hormones ABA and JA whereas in situ hybridizations localized the other gene to specific endosperm sub-compartments. The genomic organization of the latter has high conservation with the cereal Type I-like MADS-box homologues and the chromosomal position of both genes is close to markers associated with seed quality traits. DNA methylation differences are present in the upstream and downstream regulatory regions of the barley Type I-like MADS-box genes in two different developmental stages and in response to ABA treatment which may be associated with gene expression differences.

Conclusions

Two barley MADS-box genes were studied that are related to Type I MADS-box genes. Differential expression in different seed developmental stages as well as in barley cultivars with different seed size was evidenced for both genes. The two barley Type I MADS-box genes were found to be induced by ABA and JA. DNA methylation differences in different seed developmental stages and after exogenous application of ABA is suggestive of epigenetic regulation of gene expression. The study of barley Type I-like MADS-box genes extends our investigations of gene regulation during endosperm and seed development in a monocot crop like barley.
Association between stigma, depression and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in South India – a community based cross sectional study
Authors: Charles Bimal , Jeyaseelan Lakshmanan , Pandian Arvind Kumar , Sam Asirvatham Edwin , Thenmozhi Mani , Jayaseelan Visalakshi
Published: September 2012

Background

India has around 2.27 million adults living with HIV/AIDS who face several challenges in the medical management of their disease. Stigma, discrimination and psychosocial issues are prevalent. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of severe stigma and to study the association between this, depression and the quality of life (QOL) of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in Tamil Nadu.

Methods

This was a community based cross sectional study carried out in seven districts of Tamil Nadu, India, among 400 PLHA in the year 2009. The following scales were used for stigma, depression and quality of life, Berger scale, Major Depression Inventory (MDI) scale and the WHO BREF scale. Both Stigma and QOL were classified as none, moderate or severe/poor based on the tertile cut off values of the scale scores. Depression was classified as none, mild, moderate and severe. Logistic regression analyses were performed to study the risk factors.

Results

Twenty seven per cent of PLHA had experienced severe forms of stigma. These were severe forms of personalized stigma (28.8%), negative self-image (30.3%), perceived public attitude (18.2%) and disclosure concerns (26%). PLHA experiencing severe depression were 12% and those experiencing poor quality of life were 34%. Poor QOL reported in the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains was 42.5%, 40%, 51.2% and 34% respectively. PLHA who had severe personalized stigma and negative self-image had 3.4 (1.6-7.0) and 2.1 (1.0-4.1) times higher risk of severe depression respectively (p < .001). PLHA who had severe depression had experienced 2.7(1.1-7.7) times significantly poorer QOL.

Conclusions

Severe forms of stigma were equivalently prevalent among all the categories of PLHA. However, PLHA who had experienced severe depression had only developed poor QOL. A high level of social support was associated with a high level of QOL.
Trends in overweight and obesity in Lebanon: evidence from two national cross-sectional surveys (1997 and 2009)
Authors: Nasreddine Lara , Naja Farah , Chamieh Marie Claire , Adra Nada , Sibai Abla-Mehio , Hwalla Nahla
Published: September 2012

Background

Even though the obesity epidemic continues to grow in various parts of the world, recent reports have highlighted disparities in obesity trends across countries. There is little empirical evidence on the development and growth of obesity in Lebanon and other countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Acknowledging the need for effective obesity preventive measures and for accurate assessment of trends in the obesity epidemic, this study aims at examining and analyzing secular trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over a 12-year period in Lebanon.

Methods

Based on weight and height measurements obtained from two national cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1997 and 2009 on subjects 6 years of age and older, BMI was calculated and the prevalence of obesity was determined based on BMI for adults and BMI z-scores for children and adolescents, according to WHO criteria. Age -and sex- adjusted odds ratios for overweight and obesity were determined, with the 1997 year as the referent category. Annual rates of change in obesity prevalence per sex and age group were also calculated.

Results

The study samples included a total of 2004 subjects in the 1997 survey and 3636 in the 2009 survey. Compared to 1997, mean BMI values were significantly higher in 2009 among all age and sex groups, except for 6–9 year old children. Whereas the prevalence of overweight appeared stable over the study period in both 6–19 year old subjects (20.0% vs. 21.2%) and adults aged 20 years and above (37.0% vs. 36.8%), the prevalence of obesity increased significantly (7.3% vs. 10.9% in 6–19 year olds; 17.4% vs. 28.2% in adults), with the odds of obesity being 2 times higher in 2009 compared to 1997, in both age groups (OR = 1.96, 95% CI:1.29-2.97 and OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.67-2.43, respectively). The annual rates of change in obesity prevalence ranged between +4.1% in children and adolescents and +5.2% in adults.

Conclusion

The study’s findings highlight an alarming increase in obesity prevalence in the Lebanese population, over the 12-year study period, and alert to the importance of formulating policies and nutritional strategies to curb the obesity rise in the country.
Immunomodulatory and antitumour effects of abnormal Savda Munziq on S180 tumour-bearing mice
Authors: Aikemu Ainiwaer , Umar Anwar , Yusup Abdiryim , Upur Halmurat , Berké Bénédicte , Bégaud Bernard , Moore Nicholas
Published: September 2012

Background

Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), a traditional uyghur medicine, has shown anti-tumour properties in vitro. This study attempts to confirm these effects in vivo and measure effects on the immune system.

Methods

Kunming mice transplanted with Sarcoma 180 cells were treated with ASMq (2–8 g/kg/day) by intra-gastric administration compared to model and cyclophosphamide (20 mg/kg/day). After the 14th day post tumour implant, thymus, liver, spleen and tumours were removed, weighed, and processed for histopathological analysis. Blood samples were also taken for haematological and biochemical analyses including TNF-α , IL-1 β and IL-2. Splenic lymphocyte function was measured with MTT; lymphocyte subpopulations were measured by flow cytometry.

Results

ASMq treated animals had reduced tumour volume compared to model and increased concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2 compared to untreated and to cyclophosphamide-treated animals. No histopathological alterations were observed. The absence of viable S180 cells and the presence of necrotic cells and granulation tissue were observed in tumour tissue of treated animals. The effect on T lymphocytes was unclear.

Conclusions

ASMq confirmed in vivo anti-tumour effects observed in vitro, which may be at least in part mediated by increased immune activity.
Accuracy validation of adjuvant! online in Taiwanese breast cancer patients - a 10-year analysis
Authors: Yao-Lung Kuo , Dar-Ren Chen , Tsai-Wang Chang
Published: September 2012

Background

Adjuvant! Online (http://www.adjuvantonline.com) is an Internet-based software program that allows clinicians to make predictions about the benefits of adjuvant therapy and 10-year survival probability for early-stage breast cancer patients. This model has been validated in Western countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Holland. The aim of our study was to investigate the performance and accuracy of Adjuvant! Online in a cohort of Taiwanese breast cancer patients.

Methods

Data on the prognostic factors and clinical outcomes of 559 breast cancer patients diagnosed at the National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Tainan between 1992 and 2001 were enrolled in the study. Comprehensive demographic, clinical outcome data, and adjuvant treatment data were entered into the Adjuvant! Online program. The outcome prediction at 10 years was compared with the observed and predicted outcomes using Adjuvant! Online.

Results

Comparison between low- and high-risk breast cancer patient subgroups showed significant differences in tumor grading, tumor size, and lymph node status (p < 0.0001). The mean 10-year predicted death probability in 559 patients was 19.44%, and the observed death probability was 15.56%. Comparison with the Adjuvant! Online-predicted breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) showed significant differences in the whole cohort (p < 0.001). In the low-risk subgroup, the predicted and observed outcomes did not differ significantly (3.69% and 3.85%, respectively). In high-risk patients, Adjuvant! Online overestimated breast cancer-specific survival (p = 0.016); the predicted and observed outcomes were 21.99% and 17.46%, respectively.

Conclusions

Adjuvant! Online accurately predicted 10-year outcomes and assisted in decision making about adjuvant treatment in low-risk breast cancer patients in our study, although the results were less accurate in the high-risk subgroup. Development of a prognostic program based on a national database should be considered, especially for high-risk breast cancer patients in Taiwan.
Endemic bacteriophages: a cautionary tale for evaluation of bacteriophage therapy and other interventions for infection control in animals
Authors: Kropinski Andrew M , Lingohr Erika J , Moyles Dianne M , Ojha Shivani , Mazzocco Amanda , She Yi-Min , Bach Susan J , Rozema Erica A , Stanford Kim , McAllister Tim A , Johnson Roger P
Published: September 2012

Background

One of the most effective targets for control of zoonotic foodborne pathogens in the farm to fork continuum is their elimination in food animals destined for market. Phage therapy for Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ruminants, the main animal reservoir of this pathogen, is a popular research topic. Since phages active against this pathogen may be endemic in host animals and their environment, they may emerge during trials of phage therapy or other interventions, rendering interpretation of trials problematic.

Methods

During separate phage therapy trials, sheep and cattle inoculated with 109 to 1010 CFU of E. coli O157:H7 soon began shedding phages dissimilar in plaque morphology to the administered therapeutic phages. None of the former was previously identified in the animals or in their environment. The dissimilar “rogue” phage was isolated and characterized by host range, ultrastructure, and genomic and proteomic analyses.

Results

The “rogue” phage (Phage vB_EcoS_Rogue1) is distinctly different from the administered therapeutic Myoviridae phages, being a member of the Siphoviridae (head: 53 nm; striated tail: 152 x 8 nm). It has a 45.8 kb genome which is most closely related to coliphage JK06, a member of the “T1-like viruses” isolated in Israel. Detailed bioinformatic analysis reveals that the tail of these phages is related to the tail genes of coliphage lambda. The presence of “rogue” phages resulting from natural enrichments can pose problems in the interpretation of phage therapeutic studies. Similarly, evaluation of any interventions for foodborne or other bacterial pathogens in animals may be compromised unless tests for such phages are included to identify their presence and potential impact.