bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of extrathyroidal TSHR expression in adipocyte differentiation and its association with obesity
Authors: Lu Sumei , Guan Qingbo , Liu Yuantao , Wang Haibo , Xu Wei , Li Xia , Fu Yuchang , Gao Ling , Zhao Jiajun , Wang Xiangdong
Published: January 2012

Background

Obesity is known to be associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSHR) is the receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, or thyrotropin), the key regulator of thyroid functions. The expression of TSHR, once considered to be limited to thyrocytes, has been so far detected in many extrathyroidal tissues including liver and fat. Previous studies have shown that TSHR expression is upregulated when preadipocytes differentiate into mature adipocytes, suggestive of a possible role of TSHR in adipogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether TSHR expression in adipocytes is implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity.

Methods

In the present study, TSHR expression in adipose tissues from both mice and human was analyzed, and its association with obesity was evaluated.

Results

We here showed that TSHR expression was increased at both mRNA and protein levels when 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were induced to differentiate. Knockdown of TSHR blocked the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes as evaluated by Oil-red-O staining for lipid accumulation and by RT-PCR analyses of PPAR-γ and ALBP mRNA expression. We generated obesity mice (C57/BL6) by high-fat diet feeding and found that the TSHR protein expression in visceral adipose tissues from obesity mice was significantly higher in comparison with the non-obesity control mice (P< 0.05). Finally, the TSHR expression in adipose tissues was determined in 120 patients. The results showed that TSHR expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue is correlated with BMI (body mass index).

Conclusion

Taken together, these results suggested that TSHR is an important regulator of adipocyte differentiation. Dysregulated expression of TSHR in adipose tissues is associated with obesity, which may involve a mechanism of excess adipogenesis.
Evaluation of health related quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome patients
Authors: Jamali Raika , Jamali Arsia , Poorrahnama Maryam , Omidi Abdollah , Jamali Bardia , Moslemi Neda , Ansari Reza , Dolatshahi Shahab , Ebrahimi Daryani Naser
Published: January 2012

Background

Quality of life (QOL) is an important measure in the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Controversy exists in the findings of studies evaluating QOL in IBS subtypes, and little is known about this issue in Iranian patients. Determination of the factors affecting QOL in IBS patients may influence treatment outcomes. The aims of this study are to: 1) compare QOL between subtypes in a sample of Iranian IBS patients, 2) determine the factors associated with QOL in IBS.

Methods

This cross sectional study included two hundred and fifty IBS patients with the mean age (± standard deviation) of 31.62 (± 11.93) years that were referred to outpatient gastroenterology clinic. IBS patients were diagnosed based on Rome-3 criteria by a gastroenterologist, and then they were categorized into three subtypes according to the predominant type of bowel habit. The "QOL specific for IBS", "Stait-trait anxiety inventory", and "Beck depression inventory-2" questioners were used to evaluate QOL, anxiety, and depression symptoms, respectively.

Results

The mean QOL scores in IBS mixed subtype (71.7 ± 25.57), constipation predominant subtype (80.28 ± 25.57), and diarrhea predominant subtype (76.43 ± 19.13) were not different. (P value: 0.05) In multivariate linear regression analysis, anxiety symptom scores were inversely correlated with QOL scores. [Standardized beta: -0.43, (95% confidence interval: -0.70, -0.39), P value: < 0.01]

Conclusion

It seems reasonable to manage anxiety symptoms properly in IBS patients since this might increase their QOL.
Involvement of Plasmodium falciparum protein kinase CK2 in the chromatin assembly pathway
Authors: Dastidar Eeshita G , Dayer Guillem , Holland Zoe M , Dorin-Semblat Dominique , Claes Aurélie , Chêne Arnaud , Sharma Amit , Hamelin Romain , Moniatte Marc , Lopez-Rubio Jose-Juan , Scherf Artur , Doerig Christian
Published: January 2012

Background

Protein kinase CK2 is a pleiotropic serine/threonine protein kinase with hundreds of reported substrates, and plays an important role in a number of cellular processes. The cellular functions of Plasmodium falciparum CK2 (PfCK2) are unknown. The parasite's genome encodes one catalytic subunit, PfCK2α, which we have previously shown to be essential for completion of the asexual erythrocytic cycle, and two putative regulatory subunits, PfCK2β1 and PfCK2β2.

Results

We now show that the genes encoding both regulatory PfCK2 subunits (PfCK2β1 and PfCK2β2) cannot be disrupted. Using immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, we examined the intra-erythrocytic stages of transgenic parasite lines expressing hemagglutinin (HA)-tagged catalytic and regulatory subunits (HA-CK2α, HA-PfCK2β1 or HA-PfCK2β2), and localized all three subunits to both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments of the parasite. The same transgenic parasite lines were used to purify PfCK2β1- and PfCK2β2-containing complexes, which were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The recovered proteins were unevenly distributed between various pathways, with a large proportion of components of the chromatin assembly pathway being present in both PfCK2β1 and PfCK2β2 precipitates, implicating PfCK2 in chromatin dynamics. We also found that chromatin-related substrates such as nucleosome assembly proteins (Naps), histones, and two members of the Alba family are phosphorylated by PfCK2α in vitro.

Conclusions

Our reverse-genetics data show that each of the two regulatory PfCK2 subunits is required for completion of the asexual erythrocytic cycle. Our interactome study points to an implication of PfCK2 in many cellular pathways, with chromatin dynamics being identified as a major process regulated by PfCK2. This study paves the way for a kinome-wide interactomics-based approach to elucidate protein kinase function in malaria parasites.
Traditional use of medicinal plants in the boreal forest of Canada: review and perspectives
Authors: Uprety Yadav , Asselin Hugo , Dhakal Archana , Julien Nancy
Published: January 2012

Background

The boreal forest of Canada is home to several hundred thousands Aboriginal people who have been using medicinal plants in traditional health care systems for thousands of years. This knowledge, transmitted by oral tradition from generation to generation, has been eroding in recent decades due to rapid cultural change. Until now, published reviews about traditional uses of medicinal plants in boreal Canada have focused either on particular Aboriginal groups or on restricted regions. Here, we present a review of traditional uses of medicinal plants by the Aboriginal people of the entire Canadian boreal forest in order to provide comprehensive documentation, identify research gaps, and suggest perspectives for future research.

Methods

A review of the literature published in scientific journals, books, theses and reports.

Results

A total of 546 medicinal plant taxa used by the Aboriginal people of the Canadian boreal forest were reported in the reviewed literature. These plants were used to treat 28 disease and disorder categories, with the highest number of species being used for gastro-intestinal disorders, followed by musculoskeletal disorders. Herbs were the primary source of medicinal plants, followed by shrubs. The medicinal knowledge of Aboriginal peoples of the western Canadian boreal forest has been given considerably less attention by researchers. Canada is lacking comprehensive policy on harvesting, conservation and use of medicinal plants. This could be explained by the illusion of an infinite boreal forest, or by the fact that many boreal medicinal plant species are widely distributed.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this review is the most comprehensive to date to reveal the rich traditional medicinal knowledge of Aboriginal peoples of the Canadian boreal forest. Future ethnobotanical research endeavours should focus on documenting the knowledge held by Aboriginal groups that have so far received less attention, particularly those of the western boreal forest. In addition, several critical issues need to be addressed regarding the legal, ethical and cultural aspects of the conservation of medicinal plant species and the protection of the associated traditional knowledge.
A simple and efficient method for the long-term preservation of plant cell suspension cultures
Authors: Boisson Anne-Marie , Gout Elisabeth , Bligny Richard , Rivasseau Corinne
Published: January 2012

Background

The repeated weekly subculture of plant cell suspension is labour intensive and increases the risk of variation from parental cells lines. Most of the procedures to preserve cultures are based on controlled freezing/thawing and storage in liquid nitrogen. However, cells viability after unfreezing is uncertain. The long-term storage and regeneration of plant cell cultures remains a priority.

Results

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Arabidopsis cell were preserved over six months as suspensions cultures in a phosphate-free nutrient medium at 5°C. The cell recovery monitored via gas exchange measurements and metabolic profiling using in vitro and in vivo
13C- and 31P-NMR took a couple of hours, and cell growth restarted without appreciable delay. No measurable cell death was observed.

Conclusion

We provide a simple method to preserve physiologically homogenous plant cell cultures without subculture over several months. The protocol based on the blockage of cell growth and low culture temperature is robust for heterotrophic and semi-autotrophic cells and should be adjustable to cell lines other than those utilised in this study. It requires no specialized equipment and is suitable for routine laboratory use.
Skin toxicity from external beam radiation therapy in breast cancer patients: protective effects of Resveratrol, Lycopene, Vitamin C and anthocianin (Ixor®)
Authors: Franco Rossella Di , Calvanese MariaGrazia , Murino Paola , Manzo Roberto , Guida Cesare , Gennaro Davide Di , Anania Caterina , Ravo Vincenzo
Published: January 2012

Introduction

This is an observational study and the aim is to evaluate the effect of dietary supplements based on Resveratrol, Lycopene, Vitamin C and Anthocyanins (Ixor®) in reducing skin toxicity due to external beam radiotherapy in patients affected by breast cancer.

Materials and methods

71 patients were enrolled and they were divided in two different groups: a control group (CG) of 41 patients treated with prophylactic topical therapy based on hyaluronic acid and topical steroid therapy in case of occurrence of radiodermatitis, and a Ixor-Group (IG) of 30 patients treated also with an oral therapy based on Resveratrol, Lycopene, Vitamin C and Anthocyanin (Ixor®) at a dose of 2 tablets/day, starting from 10 days before the radiation treatment until 10 days after the end of treatment. Skin toxicity has been related to PTV, to breast volume that received a radiation dose equal or lower than 107%, included between 107% and 110%, or greater than 110% of the prescribed dose. Moreover it's been studied the relationship between skin toxicity and the chemotherapy schedule used before treatment. We calculated in both groups the percentage of patients who had a skin toxicity of grade 2 or 3 (according to RTOG scale). Absolute risk reduction (ARR), relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR) have been calculated for each relationship.

Results

Control Group (CG) patients with a PTV > 500 ml presented skin toxicity G2 + G3 in 30% of cases, versus 25% of Ixor-Group (IG) [OR 0.77]. In patients with a PTV < 500 ml G2 + G3 toxicity was 0% in the IG compared to 18% in CG (OR 0.23). When Dmax was less than or equal to 107% of the prescribed dose skin toxicity was G2 + G3 in 12.5% in CG, versus 0% in IG (OR 0.73), instead when Dmax was included between 107 and 110% of the prescribed dose, G2 + G3 skin toxicity was 35% in CG and 21% in IG (OR 0.50). In patients undergoing chemotherapy with anthracyclines and taxanes, G2 + G3 toxicity was 27% in CG, against 20% in IG (OR 0.68).

Conclusions

The protective effect of Resveratrol, Lycopene, Vitamin C and Anthocyanin (Ixor®) is more detected in patients with PTV < 500 ml, when Dmax reaches values lower or equal to 107%, but not exceeding 110% of the prescribed dose, and in patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy with anthracyclines and taxanes.
Response to sunitinib in combination with proton beam radiation in a patient with chondrosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Dallas Jennifer , Imanirad Iman , Rajani Rajiv , Dagan Roi , Subbiah Sukanthini , Gaa Rebecca , Dwarica Wayne A , Ivey Alison M , Zlotecki Robert A , Malyapa Robert , Indelicato Daniel J , Scarborough Mark T , Reith John D , Gibbs C Parker , Dang Long H
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Chondrosarcoma is well-known to be primarily resistant to conventional radiation and chemotherapy.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 32-year-old Caucasian man with clear cell chondrosarcoma who presented with symptomatic recurrence in his pelvis and metastases to his skull and lungs. Our patient underwent systemic therapy with sunitinib and then consolidation with proton beam radiation to his symptomatic site. He achieved complete symptomatic relief with a significantly improved performance status and had an almost complete and durable metabolic response on fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

Conclusions

Our findings have important clinical implications and suggest novel clinical trials for this difficult to treat disease.
A cost-effective and universal strategy for complete prokaryotic genomic sequencing proposed by computer simulation
Authors: Jiang Jingwei , Li Jun , Kwan Hoi Shan , Au Chun Hang , Wan Law Patrick Tik , Li Lei , Kam Kai Man , Lun Ling Julia Mei , Leung Frederick C
Published: January 2012

Background

Pyrosequencing techniques allow scientists to perform prokaryotic genome sequencing to achieve the draft genomic sequences within a few days. However, the assemblies with shotgun sequencing are usually composed of hundreds of contigs. A further multiplex PCR procedure is needed to fill all the gaps and link contigs into complete chromosomal sequence, which is the basis for prokaryotic comparative genomic studies. In this article, we study various pyrosequencing strategies by simulated assembling from 100 prokaryotic genomes.

Findings

Simulation study shows that a single end 454 Jr. run combined with a paired end 454 Jr. run (8 kb library) can produce: 1) ~90% of 100 assemblies with < 10 scaffolds and ~95% of 100 assemblies with < 150 contigs; 2) average contig N50 size is over 331 kb; 3) average single base accuracy is > 99.99%; 4) average false gene duplication rate is < 0.7%; 5) average false gene loss rate is < 0.4%.

Conclusions

A single end 454 Jr. run combined with a paired end 454 Jr. run (8 kb library) is a cost-effective way for prokaryotic whole genome sequencing. This strategy provides solution to produce high quality draft assemblies for most of prokaryotic organisms within days. Due to the small number of assembled scaffolds, the following multiplex PCR procedure (for gap filling) would be easy. As a result, large scale prokaryotic whole genome sequencing projects may be finished within weeks.
HIV‐free survival among nine‐ to 24‐month‐old children born to HIV‐positive mothers in the Rwandan national PMTCT programme: a community‐based household survey
Authors: Ruton Hinda , Mugwaneza Placidie , Shema Nadine , Lyambabaje Alexandre , Bizimana Jean de Dieu , Tsague Landry , Nyankesha Elevanie , Wagner Claire M , Mutabazi Vincent , Nyemazi Jean Pierre , Nsanzimana Sabin , Karema Corine , Binagwaho Agnes
Published: January 2012

Background

Operational effectiveness of large‐scale national programmes for the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa remains limited. We report on HIV‐free survival among nine‐ to 24‐month‐old children born to HIV‐positive mothers in the national PMTCT programme in Rwanda.

Methods

We conducted a national representative household survey between February and May 2009. Participants were mothers who had attended antenatal care at least once during their most recent pregnancy, and whose children were aged nine to 24 months. A two‐stage stratified (geographic location of PMTCT site, maternal HIV status during pregnancy) cluster sampling was used to select mother‐infant pairs to be interviewed during household visits. Alive children born from HIV‐positive mothers (HIV‐exposed children) were tested for HIV according to routine HIV testing protocol. We calculated HIV‐free survival at nine to 24 months. We subsequently determined factors associated with mother to child transmission of HIV, child death and HIV‐free survival using logistic regression.

Results

Out of 1448 HIV‐exposed children surveyed, 44 (3.0%) were reported dead by nine months of age. Of the 1340 children alive, 53 (4.0%) tested HIV positive. HIV‐free survival was estimated at 91.9% (95% confidence interval: 90.4‐93.3%) at nine to 24 months. Adjusting for maternal, child and health system factors, being a member of an association of people living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.1‐0.995) improved by 30% HIV‐free survival among children, whereas the maternal use of a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen for PMTCT (aOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3‐1.07) had a borderline effect.

Conclusions

HIV‐free survival among HIV‐exposed children aged nine to 24 months is estimated at 91.9% in Rwanda. The national PMTCT programme could achieve greater impact on child survival by ensuring access to HAART for all HIV‐positive pregnant women in need, improving the quality of the programme in rural areas, and strengthening linkages with community‐based support systems, including associations of people living with HIV.
Low doses of esmolol and phenylephrine act as diuretics during intravenous anesthesia
Authors: Li Yu Hong , Zhu Hai Bin , Zheng Xiaozhu , Chen Han Jian , Shao Liang , Hahn Robert G
Published: January 2012

Introduction

The renal clearance of infused crystalloid fluid is very low during anaesthesia and surgery, but experiments in conscious sheep indicate that the renal fluid clearance might approach a normal rate when the adrenergic balance is modified.

Methods

Sixty females (mean age, 32 years) undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery were randomized to control group and received only the conventional anesthetic drugs and 20 ml/kg of lactated Ringer's over 30 mins. The others were also given an infusion of 50 μg/kg/min of esmolol (beta1-receptor blocker) or 0.01 μg/kg/min of phenylephrine (alpha1-adrenergic agonist) over 3 hours. The distribution and elimination of infused fluid were studied by volume kinetic analysis based on urinary excretion and blood hemoglobin level.

Results

Both drugs significantly increased urinary excretion while heart rate and arterial pressure remained largely unaffected. The urine flows during non-surgery were 43, 147, and 176 ml in the control, esmolol, and phenylephrine groups, respectively (medians, P < 0.03). When surgery had started the corresponding values were 34, 65 and 61 ml (P < 0.04). At 3 hours, averages of 9%, 20%, and 25% of the infused volume had been excreted in the three groups (P < 0.01). The kinetic analyses indicated that both treatments slowed down the distribution of fluid from the plasma to the interstitial fluid space, thereby preventing hypovolemia.

Conclusions

Esmolol doubled and phenylephrine almost tripled urinary excretion during anesthesia-induced depression of renal fluid clearance.
Dissecting the regulatory architecture of gene expression QTLs
Authors: Gaffney Daniel J , Veyrieras Jean-Baptiste , Degner Jacob F , Pique-Regi Roger , Pai Athma A , Crawford Gregory E , Stephens Matthew , Gilad Yoav , Pritchard Jonathan K
Published: January 2012

Background

Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) are likely to play an important role in the genetics of complex traits; however, their functional basis remains poorly understood. Using the HapMap lymphoblastoid cell lines, we combine 1000 Genomes genotypes and an extensive catalogue of human functional elements to investigate the biological mechanisms that eQTLs perturb.

Results

We use a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate the enrichment of eQTLs in a wide variety of regulatory annotations. We find that approximately 40% of eQTLs occur in open chromatin, and that they are particularly enriched in transcription factor binding sites, suggesting that many directly impact protein-DNA interactions. Analysis of core promoter regions shows that eQTLs also frequently disrupt some known core promoter motifs but, surprisingly, are not enriched in other well-known motifs such as the TATA box. We also show that information from regulatory annotations alone, when weighted by the hierarchical model, can provide a meaningful ranking of the SNPs that are most likely to drive gene expression variation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates how regulatory annotation and the association signal derived from eQTL-mapping can be combined into a single framework. We used this approach to further our understanding of the biology that drives human gene expression variation, and of the putatively causal SNPs that underlie it.
Estrogen Receptor (ER) mRNA and ER-Related Gene Expression in Breast Cancers That Are 1% to 10% ER-Positive by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Iwamoto Takayuki , Booser Daniel , Valero Vicente , Murray James L. , Koenig Kimberly , Esteva Francisco J. , Ueno Naoto T. , Zhang Jie , Shi Weiwei , Qi Yuan , Matsuoka Junji , Yang Elliana J. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Hatzis Christos , Symmans W. Fraser , Pusztai Lajos
Published: January 2012

Purpose

We examined borderline estrogen receptor (ER) –positive cancers, defined as having 1% to 10% positivity by immunohistochemistry (IHC), to determine whether they show the same global gene-expression pattern and high ESR1 mRNA expression as ER-positive cancers or if they are more similar to ER-negative cancers.

Patients and Methods

ER status was determined by IHC in 465 primary breast cancers and with the Affymetrix U133A gene chip. We compared expressions of ESR1 mRNA and a 106 probe set ER-associated gene signature score between ER-negative (n = 183), 1% to 9% (n = 25), 10% (n = 6), and more than 10% (n = 251) ER-positive cancers. We also assessed the molecular class by using the PAM50 classifier and plotted survival by ER status.

Results

Among the 1% to 9%, 10%, and more than 10% ER IHC–positive patients, 24%, 67%, and 92% were also positive by ESR1 mRNA expression. The average ESR1 expression was significantly higher in the ≥ 10% ER-positive cohorts compared with the 1% to 9% or ER-negative cohort. The average ER gene signature scores were similar for the ER-negative and 1% to 9% IHC-positive patients and were significantly lower than in ≥ 10% ER-positive patients. Among the 1% to 9% ER-positive patients, 8% were luminal B and 48% were basal-like; among the 10% ER-positive patients, 50% were luminal. The overall survival rate of 1% to 9% ER-positive patients with cancer was between those of patients in the ≥ 10% ER-positive and ER-negative groups.

Conclusion

A minority of the 1% to 9% IHC ER–positive tumors show molecular features similar to those of ER-positive, potentially endocrine-sensitive tumors, whereas most show ER-negative, basal-like molecular characteristics. The safest clinical approach may be to use both adjuvant endocrine therapy and chemotherapy in this rare subset of patients.
Sequential Versus Single High-Dose Chemotherapy in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Germ Cell Tumors: Long-Term Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Lorch Anja , Kleinhans Antje , Kramar Andrew , Kollmannsberger Christian K. , Hartmann Jörg T. , Bokemeyer Carsten , Rick Oliver , Beyer Jörg
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term survival rates in patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors (GCTs) after single or sequential high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT).

Patients and Methods

Between November 1999 and November 2004, 211 patients with relapsed or refractory GCT were randomly assigned to treatment with either one cycle of cisplatin 100 mg/m2, etoposide 375 mg/m2, and ifosfamide 6 g/m2 (VIP) plus three cycles of high-dose carboplatin 1,500 mg/m2 and etoposide 1,500 mg/m2 (CE, arm A) or three cycles of VIP plus one cycle of high-dose carboplatin 2,200 mg/m2, etoposide 1,800 mg/m2, and cyclophosphamide 6,400 mg/m2 (CEC, arm B) followed by autologous stem-cell reinfusion. Long-term progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) 6 years after random assignment of the last patient were compared by using the log-rank test.

Results

Overall, 108 and 103 patients were randomly assigned to arms A and B, respectivelyl. The study was stopped prematurely because of excess treatment-related mortality in arm B (14%) compared with that in arm A (4%; P = .01). As of December 2010, nine (5%) of 211 patients were lost to follow-up; 94 (45%) of 211 are alive and 88 (94%) of 94 patients are progression free. Five-year PFS is 47% (95% CI, 37% to 56%) in arm A and 45% (95% CI, 35% to 55%) in arm B (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.70; P = .454). Five-year OS is 49% (95% CI, 40% to 59%) in arm A and 39% (95% CI, 30% to 49%) in arm B (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.99 to 2.05; P = .057).

Conclusion

Patients with relapsed or refractory GCT achieve durable long-term survival after single as well as sequential HDCT. Fewer early deaths related to toxicity translated into superior long-term OS after sequential HDCT.
The role of clathrin in mitotic spindle organisation
Authors: Royle Stephen J.
Published: January 2012

Clathrin, a protein best known for its role in membrane trafficking, has been recognised for many years as localising to the spindle apparatus during mitosis, but its function at the spindle remained unclear. Recent work has better defined the role of clathrin in the function of the mitotic spindle and proposed that clathrin crosslinks the microtubules (MTs) comprising the kinetochore fibres (K-fibres) in the mitotic spindle. This mitotic function is unrelated to the role of clathrin in membrane trafficking and occurs in partnership with two other spindle proteins: transforming acidic coiled-coil protein 3 (TACC3) and colonic hepatic tumour overexpressed gene (ch-TOG; also known as cytoskeleton-associated protein 5, CKAP5). This review summarises the role of clathrin in mitotic spindle organisation with an emphasis on the recent discovery of the TACC3–ch-TOG–clathrin complex.
First Identification of Circulating Prepro–A-Type Natriuretic Peptide (PreproANP) Signal Peptide Fragments in Humans: Initial Assessment as Cardiovascular Biomarkers
Authors: Pemberton Chris J , Siriwardena Maithri , Kleffmann Torsten , Ruygrok Peter , Palmer Suetonia C , Yandle Tim G , Richards A Mark
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

New biomarkers are needed to assist clinical decision making in cardiovascular disease. We have recently shown that signal peptides may represent a novel biomarker target in cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

We developed a novel immunoassay for the signal peptide of preproANP (ANPsp) and used it to document cardiac tissue levels of ANPsp in explant human hearts (n = 9), circulating venous concentrations of ANPsp in healthy volunteers (n = 65), temporal ANPsp concentrations in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) <4 h after chest pain onset (n = 23), and regional plasma ANPsp concentrations in patients undergoing clinically indicated catheterization (n = 10). We analyzed the structure and sequence of circulating ANPsp by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).

RESULTS

ANPsp levels in human heart tissue were 50–1000 times lower than those of ANP/NT-proANP. ANPsp was detectable in control human plasma at concentrations comparable with ANP itself (approximately 20 ng/L). In STEMI patients, plasma concentrations of ANPsp rose to peak values at 5 h after symptom onset, significantly earlier than myoglobin, creatine kinase-MB, and troponin (P < 0.001). There were significant arteriovenous increases in ANPsp concentrations (P < 0.05) across the heart and kidney; arterial and coronary sinus concentrations of ANPsp both negatively correlated with systolic and mean arterial blood pressures (both P < 0.01). MS/MS verified circulating ANPsp to be preproANP(16–25) and preproANP(18–25).

CONCLUSIONS

ANPsp is a novel circulating natriuretic peptide with potential to act as a cardiovascular biomarker. The rapid increase of plasma ANPsp in STEMI and its significant relationship with blood pressure encourage further study of its potential clinical utility.
Derivation of bond-valence parameters for some cation-oxygen pairs on the basis of empirical relationships between ro
and b
Authors: Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: January 2012

Relationships between the ro
and b bond-valence parameters are investigated for ideal and distorted coordination polyhedra. For some ranges of the b values, this relationship can be approximated by linear functions, which are used to derive bond-valence parameters for some cation-oxygen pairs (ro
, b [Å]): Cu2+—O (1.679, 0.36), Pb2+—O (1.963, 0.49), Hg2+—O (1.924, 0.38), Bi3+—O (1.990, 0.48), Sb3+—O (1.885, 0.53), Y3+—O (2.028, 0.35), La3+—O (2.086, 0.45), Nd3+—O (2.021, 0.46).
Crystal structure of 1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane diiodide monohydrate
Authors: Maderlehner Sebastian , Pfitzner Arno
Published: January 2012

1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane diiodide monohydrate was synthesized by protonation of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) with an excess of concentrated hydroiodic acid in water. It forms colourless rod-like crystals. At room temperature an orthorhombic unit cell, space group Cmc21, a = 7.781(2) Å, b = 13.010(3) Å, c = 11.610 (2) Å, V = 1175.3(4) Å3, Z = 4, is observed. Both nitrogen atoms bear a proton. The hydrate water ämolecule within the compound is statistically disordered on a site besides a crystallographic mirror plane at room temperature. DSC measurements indicate a phase transition at about –10 °C. A single crystal X-ray diffraction measurement at 123 K reveals a primitive unit cell, space group Pca21, a = 12.8835(2) Å, b = 7.6819(1) Å, c = 11.4392(2) Å, V = 1132.16(3) Å3, Z = 4. The water molecule with its hydrogen atoms is well ordered at this temperature. Two almost linear hydrogen bonds O—H···I are formed. The formation of hydrogen bonds is also detected by IR-spectroscopy with O—H stretching frequencies at -v = 3403 cm–1 and -v = 3354 cm–1, respectively.
Impact of Chronic Diseases on Work Ability in Ageing Firefighters
Authors: Plat Marie‐Christine J , Frings‐Dresen Monique HW , Sluiter Judith K
Published: January 2012

Impact of Chronic Diseases on Work Ability in Ageing Firefighters: Marie‐Christine J PLAT, et al. Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, The Netherlands—

Objectives

The aim of this study was to study the impact of chronic diseases on work ability in different age groups of Dutch firefighters.

Methods

Firefighters filled out a questionnaire about the presence of nine types of chronic diseases and rated their current work ability (0 unable to10 best ever). The differences in work ability in firefighters in total and in four age groups with and without chronic diseases were calculated with a Fisher's exact test.

Results

Of 276 firefighters 23% reported having a chronic disease, with the rate varying among the age groups between 18 and 41%. Median work ability was 8, varying between 7 and 8 in the age groups. No significant difference was found in work ability for firefighters with and without chronic diseases, independent of the age groups.

Conclusions

Having a chronic disease is not associated with a significantly lower self reported work ability estimate in firefighters.
Annual Summary of Vital Statistics: 2009
Authors: Kochanek Kenneth D. , Kirmeyer Sharon E. , Martin Joyce A. , Strobino Donna M. , Guyer Bernard
Published: January 2012

The number of births in the United States decreased by 3% between 2008 and 2009 to 4 130 665 births. The general fertility rate also declined 3% to 66.7 per 1000 women. The teenage birth rate fell 6% to 39.1 per 1000. Birth rates also declined for women 20 to 39 years and for all 5-year groups, but the rate for women 40 to 44 years continued to rise. The percentage of all births to unmarried women increased to 41.0% in 2009, up from 40.6% in 2008. In 2009, 32.9% of all births occurred by cesarean delivery, continuing its rise. The 2009 preterm birth rate declined for the third year in a row to 12.18%. The low-birth-weight rate was unchanged in 2009 at 8.16%. Both twin and triplet and higher order birth rates increased. The infant mortality rate was 6.42 infant deaths per 1000 live births in 2009. The rate is significantly lower than the rate of 6.61 in 2008. Linked birth and infant death data from 2007 showed that non-Hispanic black infants continued to have much higher mortality rates than non-Hispanic white and Hispanic infants. Life expectancy at birth was 78.2 years in 2009. Crude death rates for children and adolescents aged 1 to 19 years decreased by 6.5% between 2008 and 2009. Unintentional injuries and homicide, the first and second leading causes of death jointly accounted for 48.6% of all deaths to children and adolescents in 2009.
Effect of Heat Treatment Solution on the Size and Distribution of Gamma Prime (γ´) of Super-alloy INCONEL 738
Authors: Guzmán I. , Garza A. , Garcia F. , Acevedo J. , Méndez R.
Published: January 2012

Nickel base superalloys, which are gamma prime γ‘(Ni3Al, Ti) precipitation strengthened, is largely responsible for the elevated-temperature strength of the material and the higher resistance to creep deformation. The amount of γ’ depends on the chemical composition and temperature, heat treatment, these alloy are widely used in hot sections of aero-engines, land based turbines, stator parts, nozzle guide vanes, blades and integral wheels, due to its excellent elevated temperature strength and hot corrosion resistance. The γ‘ size decreases not only by the high temperature of heat treatment solution (1120 °C), the cooling environment and cooling rate are important parameter to decrease γ’ size to 0.65 μm. This paper presents the effect of heat treatment solution in base nickel IN 738 superalloy under service conditions, on the size and morphology of the gamma phase γ’ Ni3 (Al, Ti), main phase in the nickel base superalloys. Also shown coarse carbide and precipitates gamma prime size distributed and improve interdentritic spacing in the matrix after heat treatment solution.
Variations in Mechanical Properties of Wood Plates Due Fluctuations on Relative Humidity of Air
Authors: Torres J. A. , De Icaza M. , Boullosa R. R.
Published: January 2012

Often, mechanical properties of wood plates are accurately approximated through orthotropic characterization. However, the numerical values may show considerable variations in the case of real wood plates immersed in fluctuant environmental conditions, especially if the relative humidity of air (RH) is changing. Problems arising from the natural variations in RH have been reported on making musical instruments. In this work, the influence of changing RH on the mechanical properties of a guitar’s top plate (clamped on its contour) has been measured. Vibratory responses of the plate were experimentally obtained, through forced vibration, while data were recorded for several RH values, without any alteration in the experimental set-up devices. The six lowest natural frequencies of the structure were extracted from peaks detected in the responses. Natural frequencies depend on mass distribution and mechanical properties of the structure. For the highest sensed RH (67 %), each natural frequency of the plate decreased at least in 11 Hz compared with reference values measured at the lowest sensed RH (53 %). To determine the connection between the shift in natural frequencies and the changes in the wood elastic and shear modulus, a finite element model of the plate was performed. It was useful calculating natural frequencies through simulated modal analyses. Elastic and shear modulus were handled to match simulated results with experimental natural frequencies recorded for a RH=53% level. These elastic moduli must be decreased around 10 % to obtain a similar frequency decrease in the experimental natural frequencies obtained under a RH=67% level. The experimental results show quantitative information on an interaction scarcely researched, that is, the modification on mechanical properties of wood plates induced by RH variations. Sensed changes due this wood-air interaction are responsible of a modification in the behavior of musical instruments, as guitars and violins.
Effect of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties on the Stress Corrosion Cracking Assessment of Type 304 Stainless Steel Using Slow Strain Rate Tests
Authors: Contreras A. , Hernández S. L. , Terres E. , Galvan R.
Published: January 2012

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of the commercial austenitic stainless steel type 304 was investigated as function of test temperature, microstructure and mechanical properties in acidic chloride solution (25 wt.%-MgCl2) using slow strain rate tests (SSRT). Susceptibility and mechanism of SCC was investigated using SSRT performed at strain rate of 1 x 10-6 in/s in a glass autoclave containing a magnesium chloride solution at 20, 50 and 80°C. The SCC assessment was carried out in function of the results of time to failure ratio (TFR), elongation ratio (ELR), ultimate tensile strength ratio (UTS-R), strain ratio(eR), yielding strength ratio (YS-R) and stress rupture ratio (SR-R). This assessment was complemented by some scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, in order to determine the type of fracture and its features. SSRT results indicate that 304 stainless steel was susceptible to SCC at 50 and 80°C. SCC susceptibility increases as the temperature increase. By the contrary, the mechanical properties decreases with temperature increase. SEM observations showed a ductile type of fracture, indicating that cracks appear to be originated from the pits, increasing the number of cracks as the temperature increases. Corrosion pits are one of the main potential sites for surface crack initiation. The stress concentration in the pits will be the nucleation site for cracks.
Influence of Aging Time on the Structural Changes of Cassava Thermoplastic Starch
Authors: Mina José H. , Valadez Alex , Herrera-Franco Pedro J. , Toledano Tanit
Published: January 2012

In this work the change in the structural properties of cassava (manihot sculenta Crantz) thermoplastic starch (TPS) under controlled environment (humidity and temperature) was studied. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed an evident increasing in the amorphous phase of the TPS regarding the native starch. There was a relative decrease of the band at 1047 cm-1 associated to crystalline structure of starch compared to the amorphous peak at 1022 cm-1. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the increment of the amorphous phase in the TPS samples. Likewise the X-ray diffraction patterns shows evidence of residual type C crystallinity and the formation of a new crystalline phase type VH due to the orientation induced in plasticization process. In first stage of conditioning the tensile yield stress drops from 7.5 drops to 0.5 MPa and the break strain increases 1000%. At the same time it seems that the crystallinity of the samples increases as was evidenced by the gradually increasing of the FTIR band at 1047 cm-1. In a second stage, the yield stress increases, the break strain drops and the crystallinity continue growing steadily. These findings suggest that coexist two phenomena simultaneously in the samples. A phenomenon of re-crystallization (retrogradation) that tends to make the material more stiff and a process of plasticization that tends to softening it. It seems that the latter mechanism predominates in the first stage, at short times, and the former in the second stage, at older times.
Microstructural and Mechanical Properties Enhancement in Ultrafine Grained Ni-Cr Alloy
Authors: Song Kuk Hyun , Lee Hye Jin , Kim Han Sol , Kim Won Yong
Published: January 2012

The present study was carried out to evaluate the microstructures and mechanical properties of severely deformed Ni-30Cr alloy. Cross-roll rolling (CRR) as severe plastic deformation (SPD) process was introduced and Ni-30Cr alloy sheets were cold rolled to a 90% thickness reduction and subsequently annealed at 700 °C for 30 min so as to obtain the recrystallized microstructure. For the analysis of grain boundary character distributions (GBCDs), electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) technique was introduced. CRR on Ni-30Cr alloy was effective to enhance the grain refinement through heat treatment; consequently, average grain size was significantly reduced from 33 μm in initial material to 0.6 μm in CRR processed material. This grain refinement directly affected the mechanical properties improvement, in which yield and tensile strengths were significantly increased than those of initial material. In this study, we systematically discussed the grain refinement, accompanying with increase in mechanical properties, in terms of the effective strain imposed by CRR, comparing with conventional rolling (CR).
VLS Synthesis and Characterization of SnO2 Nanowires
Authors: Castillo Dulce N. , Becerril Tomás D. , Andrés Enrique R. , Santiesteban Héctor J. , Salgado Godofredo G.
Published: January 2012

We have synthesized core-shell 1D nanostructures by the Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) mechanism. Gold (Au) was used as a catalyst and tin oxide (SnO) powder as a precursor; the growth temperature was of 600 °C. These structures were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, and PL. The nanowires have an average diameter of 20 nm and their lengths are of tens of micrometers; the core is tin dioxide (SnO2) with the tetragonal rutile structure and it has an average diameter of 12 nm; the shell is amorphous Sn of 8 nm average thickness. Photoluminescence measurements show a broad band in the 400-800 nm range. On the same growth process, SnO2 nanoparticles and a mixture of SnO2 rods and wires were also obtained, at 400 °C and 800 °C, respectively.
Transmission properties of multilayered Period Doubling and Silver-Mean graphene structures
Authors: Rodríguez-Arellano G. , Juárez-López D. P. , Madrigal-Melchor J. , Pérez-Álvarez R. , Martínez-Orozco J. C. , Rodríguez-Vargas I.
Published: January 2012

We present the propagation properties of Dirac-electrons in multilayered Period-Doubling (MPDGS) and Silver-Mean (MSMGS) graphene structures. The multilayered graphene structures are built arranging breaking and non-breaking symmetry substrates such as SiC and SiO2 following a given quasirregular substitution rule locating on them a graphene sheet. We have implemented the Transfer Matrix technique to calculate the transmittance of these multilayered graphene structures. This technique allows us to analyze readily the main differences of the transmission properties between MPDGS and MSMGS.
Integrated management of heterogeneous landscape—Mediterranean Israel as a study case
Authors: Perevolotsky Avi , Sheffer Efrat
Published: January 2012

Natural and semi-natural landscapes usually serve varied land uses, including grazing, forestry, recreation, and nature or biodiversity protection. In most cases areas with differing land uses are managed by different agencies, with differing perspectives, goals, and operating methodologies. In his teaching, Imanuel Noy-Meir emphasized the ecological basis of the management of principal land-use practices (forests, rangelands, nature reserves) in Mediterranean Israel, and advocated ecological thinking to achieve better management and to minimize inter-agency conflicts. We propose a broader framework for integrated management of multiple uses by adoption of a landscape perspective that cuts across administrative lines. The reasoning for taking such an approach is based on the newly developing understanding of the impact of dynamic processes that occur spontaneously on a large scale in Mediterranean Israel. Landscape-scale interactions—oak woodland succession and pine colonization—may interfere or even conflict with some management goals set by the agencies involved. Attempts to mitigate these interactions may be very costly or ineffective. We propose coordinated management, planning, and implementation, based on common ecological criteria. We base this paper on observations and on perceptions gained from analyzing landscape dynamics of the predominant ecosystems in Mediterranean Israel: dense oak woodland and planted pine forests. The small size of Israel and the consequently small size of different land-use units, as well as their close proximity to each other, call for coordination of the organizational perspectives that relate at present independently to the various units. The new perspective should be broader, regional, landscape-oriented, and should take into consideration ecological processes that integrate neighboring units. As a first step, all agencies involved should accept the pine-oak interaction and dynamics as part of the local succession and should adapt their management schemes accordingly.
Response of herbaceous vegetation functional diversity to land use change across five sites in Europe and Israel
Authors: Lavorel Sandra , de Bello Francesco , Grigulis Karl , Lepš Jan , Garnier Eric , Castro Helena , Dolezal Jiri , Godolet Carly , Quétier Fabien , Thébault Aurélie
Published: January 2012

Only a few studies have examined responses of grassland functional diversity to management and major environmental gradients, in order to address the question of whether grassland use can promote functional divergence. For five grassland sites in Israel, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Mediterranean France, and the French Alps, where traditional grassland management is being abandoned, we quantified community-weighted means (CWM) and functional divergence (FDvg) for the three Leaf-Height-Seed (LHS) traits, individually and in combination. Responses of CWM and FDvg to land use were analyzed by mixed linear models with aridity, phosphorus, fertility, and the fractions of grasses and annuals as covariates.

Responses of community-weighted traits to land use were consistent with current knowledge. More intense management favored plants with more rapid resource acquisition (high Specific Leaf Area, or SLA), whereas abandonment or less intense grassland management increased the dominance by tall plants with more conservative strategies (low SLA). Seed weight did not respond to land use. For the three traits and their combination, functional divergence decreased in response to land use change overall. Detailed responses, however, varied depending on sites and especially their climate. At the two French sites, traditional site management promoted functional divergence within communities by suppressing dominance by large perennial tussocks, whereas at the two Mediterranean sites it is likely that the drier climate promoted a functionally diverse pool of species tolerant to grazing.

This study demonstrates how simultaneous analyses of variations in community-mean traits and functional divergence for a focused set of traits offer promising avenues to understand mechanisms of community response to environmental change.