bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New approach to regeneration of an ionic liquid containing solvent by molecular distillation
Authors: Blahušiak Marek , Schlosser Štefan , Cvengroš Ján , Marták Ján
Published: June 2011

A promising new process for the regeneration of solvents with ionic liquid by molecular distillation has been proposed. The main advantage of this process compared with the classic stripping of acids with alkali solution is that the volatile organic acid is recovered with a yield of about 88 % in the form of free acid, not as its salt. Furthermore, improvement on the yield of the stripping can be assumed. The consumption of chemicals in stripping by molecular distillation is reduced.
Spectroscopic and magnetic evidence of coordination properties of bioactive diethyl (pyridin-4-ylmethyl)phosphate ligand with chloride transition-metal ions
Authors: Kalinowska-Lis Urszula , Żurowska Bogumiła , Ochocki Justyn
Published: June 2011

A series of five chloride coordination compounds of diethyl (pyridin-4-ylmethyl)phosphate (4-pmOpe) ligand, i.e. [CuCl2(4-pmOpe)2], [NiCl2(4-pmOpe)4], [CoCl2(4-pmOpe)], [ZnCl2(4-pmOpe)2], and [CdCl2(4-pmOpe)2], was prepared and studied. Stoichiometry and stereochemistry of the compounds was confirmed by spectroscopic and magnetic studies as well as by elemental analyses. The 4-pmOpe ligand has a capacity to coordinate to metal ions by means of phosphoryl oxygen and/or nitrogen of pyridine atoms. In Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) compounds, 4-pmOpe adopts the monodentate coordination mode, bonding metal centers through the pyridine nitrogen atom only. On the contrary, in Co(II) and Cd(II) compounds, 4-pmOpe acts as N,O-bridging ligand forming polynuclear structures. Magnetic studies (1.8–300 K) indicate mononuclear structure of the Co(II) and Ni(II) compounds and suggest existence of a very weak exchange coupling between metal centers in crystal lattice.
Constructing fear in academia: neoliberal practices at a public college
Authors: Davis Dana-Ain
Published: June 2011

Neoliberal values and ideology, which have broadly undermined social justice ideals, have been inserted into a range of public spheres both in the U.S.A. and internationally. Public higher education institutions have increasingly acquiesced to neoliberal strategies, which restrict access to public services, commodify the public sphere and challenge the legitimacy of progressive and liberal politics. This article explores some neoliberal practices at one public institution of higher education in the United States. I present three incidents that took place between 2000 and 2006 at a college that is part of a public State University system: a shift to disparagement of 'activism' in a college that had prided itself on its activist traditions; a confusion over the profitable marketability of Global Black Studies, in a context where political pressures diminished 'minority' perspectives in the interest of reasserting homogeneous 'Western civilisation'; and a partnership between this public college and a prestigious private university. In each case I explore my own response in terms of faculty governance, and how I developed new courses and pedagogies to open up these aspects of the operation of neoliberalism to critical examination by students. These incidents show how neoliberal practices create fear and feelings of vulnerability among faculty, especially faculty members of colour; they also show the importance of developing critical pedagogies to expose their assaults on social justice and equity.
Asymmetric single‐strand conformation polymorphism: An accurate and cost‐effective method to amplify and sequence allelic variants
Authors: Rodríguez Flor , Cai Danying , Teng Yuanwen , Spooner David
Published: June 2011

• Premise of the study: An efficient alternative strategy to conventional cloning was needed to generate high‐quality DNA sequences from a variety of nuclear orthologs for phylogenetic studies. This method would facilitate studies and minimize technical problems typically encountered in cloning methodologies.

• Methods: We tested a variety of single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) protocols including purified and unpurified symmetric and asymmetric PCR, loading buffers, and electrophoresis conditions (buffers, matrix, running time, temperature). Results obtained from direct SSCP band sequencing were compared to those obtained from cloning.

• Key results: Our optimized protocol uses asymmetric PCR, with the majority of the samples run in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). It consistently separated PCR products from 450 to 1200 bp.

• Conclusions: Asymmetric PCR single‐strand conformation polymorphism is an efficient alternative technique for isolating allelic variants of highly heterozygous individuals, with its greatest applications in sequencing allopolyploids. It eliminates two common problems encountered in cloning: PCR recombination and heteroduplex fixation. In addition, our protocol greatly lowers costs and time associated with procedures.
Geographic distribution of genetic variation among native and introduced populations of Chinese tallow tree, Triadica sebifera (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: DeWalt Saara J. , Siemann Evan , Rogers William E.
Published: June 2011

• Premise of the study: Invasive plants often display genetically determined variation in patterns of growth and resource allocation between native and introduced genotypes, as well as among genotypes within different regions of the introduced range. We examined patterns of genetic variation within and among native and introduced populations of the tetraploid Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera, Euphorbiaceae) to determine whether nonselective evolutionary processes or the introduction history could contribute to previously observed phenotypic differences between native and introduced populations as well as among introduced populations.

• Methods: We used six microsatellite markers to study 12 native populations in China, 51 introduced populations in the southeastern USA, and one introduced population in Australia.

• Key results: Genetic diversity was greater within and among native populations than introduced populations. Within the southeastern USA, populations in Georgia and South Carolina differed substantially in their genetic composition and had greater genetic diversity than the rest of the southeastern USA. Greater genetic similarity between some populations in the native range and introduced range indicate a common provenance for Georgia and South Carolina populations that could have come from any of several western or southern Chinese populations and a different provenance for other southeastern USA populations and the Australian population, which were most similar to more northeastern Chinese populations.

• Conclusions: Differences among introduced populations in potentially adaptive traits (e.g., herbivore tolerance, herbivore resistance, growth rates) may result in part from the introduction history, in particular from differences present among source populations in the native range.
Characterization of rhizosphere fungi from selenium hyperaccumulator and nonhyperaccumulator plants along the eastern Rocky Mountain Front Range
Authors: Wangeline Ami L. , Valdez J. Rodolfo , Lindblom Stormy Dawn , Bowling Keri L. , Reeves F. Brent , Pilon‐Smits Elizabeth A. H.
Published: June 2011

•Premise of study:Selenium‐hyperaccumulator plants can store over 1% (dry mass) Se in their tissues, despite the toxicity of this element at high concentrations across eukaryotes. These levels of Se can have widespread effects on the plant's ecological partners, including herbivores and pathogens. Still other partners seem to have coevolved Se tolerance. This is the first known study addressing the rhizosphere mycoflora of Se hyperaccumulators and aims to evaluate the rhizospheric fungal diversity and Se tolerance to further the knowledge of how these organisms interact with their host plants and survive in these extreme habitats.

•Methods:Rhizosphere fungi were isolated from Se‐hyperaccumulator and nonaccumulator plant species collected from five sites in Colorado and Wyoming; four seleniferous sites and one nonseleniferous site. 259 isolates were identified to genus or species and evaluated for Se tolerance.

•Key results:Among the 24 represented genera, 11 comprised 86% of the isolates. The majority of isolates from the seleniferous sites were unaffected by 10 mg·L−1Se, irrespective of host plant (hyperaccumulator vs. nonaccumulator), while rhizosphere fungi from a control, nonseleniferous site were highly sensitive to Se at 10 mg·L−1and as a group were significantly less (α = 0.05) tolerant than the isolates from the seleniferous sites.

•Conclusions:Even though Se is a commonly used antifungal agent, these results suggest that rhizosphere fungi from seleniferous habitats have widespread Se tolerance, likely an adaptive advantage in their Se‐rich habitat.
A set of novel microsatellite markers developed for the traditional Tibetan medicinal plant Halenia elliptica (Gentianaceae)
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Rong , Yang Jing , Sun Yao , Gao Tian‐Gang , Li De‐Zhu , Xue Chun‐Ying
Published: June 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in the traditional Tibetan medicinal plant Halenia elliptica D. Don to investigate its genetic diversity and population genetic structure.

• Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing (FIASCO) repeats protocol, 24 primer sets were identified in two wild populations. Of these primers, 12 displayed polymorphisms and 12 were monomorphic. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6, with a mean of 3.9. The expected (HE) and observed (HO) heterozygosities ranged from 0.191 to 0.784 and from 0.417 to 0.917, respectively. All these primers successfully amplified in two close relatives of H. elliptica, Swertia bimaculata (Siebold & Zucc.) Hook. f. & Thomson ex C. B. Clarke and S. tetraptera Maxim.

• Conclusions: These markers will facilitate further studies on the population genetics of Halenia elliptica and its allied species.
In Vivo Assessment of Total Hip Femoral Head Separation from the Acetabular Cup During 4 Common Daily Activities
Authors: Blumenfeld Thomas J. , Glaser Diana A. , Bargar William L. , Langston Glen D. , Mahfouz Mohamed R. , Komistek Richard D.
Published: June 2011

In vivo video fluoroscopies of well-functioning total hip arthroplasties (THA) have shown that femoral head separation from the medial articular bearing surface occurs during gait. Other activities may cause the same phenomenon. We examined this while patients performed the following 4 activities of daily living: pivoting to each side in stance, shoe tying, sitting down, and standing up. Ten healthy patients (5 men, 5 women, average age 66 years) all 1 year or more after cementless THA performed for degenerative arthritis, with Harris Hip Scores ≥90, were studied. Each patient performed the activities of daily living while data was captured using video fluoroscopy. Based on previously reported criteria, femoral head separation (the femoral head sliding lateral to the acetabular liner) was determined to be reliably predicted if the distance between the femoral head and acetabular cup was ≥0.5. Results showed that the greatest femoral head separation occurred during the pivoting activity (mean, 1.53 mm; range, 0.00–3.34 mm; SD, 1.05 mm). The separation values identified during pivoting occurred at the extremes of internal or external rotation for all patients. The other 3 activities showed lower separation distances. Separation during the pivoting activity exceeded the reported separations occurring during walking. This finding was seen in a small group of patients, and the data should be interpreted with caution. We conclude from this study that the evaluation of gait alone may not be sufficient to accurately assess femoral head separation occurring during activities of daily living for healthy, active patients.
Ginsenoside Rg1, a Novel Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonist of Plant Origin, Maintains Glucocorticoid Efficacy with Reduced Side Effects
Authors: Du Juan , Cheng Binbin , Zhu Xiaoyan , Ling Changquan
Published: June 2011

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to treat inflammatory diseases. However, they cause debilitating side effects, which limit the use of these compounds. In the past decade, many researchers have attempted to find so-called dissociated GCs that have separate distinct transactivation and transrepression activities. Anti-inflammation of GCs is a result of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated transactivation and transrepression in some tissues, similar to their side effects; therefore, the goal to discover a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, but lacks the negative side effects seen with GCs, has yet to be achieved. In the present study, we introduce a plant-derived compound, ginsenoside Rg1, which possesses GC and estrogen-like activities. In this study, we show that Rg1 downmodulates LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine release and inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity. The negative effects on NF-κB activation are due to a decrease in IκB phosphorylation and protein stabilization. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of Rg1 on NF-κB is GR-dependent, as small interfering RNA knockdown of GR abrogated this function. Rg1 also displayed profound inhibitory effects on LPS-induced MAPK activation. Importantly, Rg1 did not impair proliferation or differentiation of mouse osteoblasts. Finally, we show that Rg1 can effectively inhibit acute and chronic inflammation in vivo, but it does not cause hyperglycemia or osteoporosis as seen with dexamethasone. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 may serve as a novel anti-inflammatory agent and may exhibit a potential profile for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory diseases.
Functional Specializations of Intestinal Dendritic Cell and Macrophage Subsets That Control Th17 and Regulatory T Cell Responses Are Dependent on the T Cell/APC Ratio, Source of Mouse Strain, and Regional Localization
Authors: Denning Timothy L. , Norris Brian A. , Medina-Contreras Oscar , Manicassamy Santhakumar , Geem Duke , Madan Rajat , Karp Christopher L. , Pulendran Bali
Published: June 2011

Although several subsets of intestinal APCs have been described, there has been no systematic evaluation of their phenotypes, functions, and regional localization to date. In this article, we used 10-color flow cytometry to define the major APC subsets in the small and large intestine lamina propria. Lamina propria APCs could be subdivided into CD11c+CD11b−, CD11c+CD11b+, and CD11cdullCD11b+ subsets. CD11c+CD11b− cells were largely CD103+F4/80− dendritic cells (DCs), whereas the CD11c+CD11b+ subset comprised CD11c+CD11b+CD103+F4/80− DCs and CD11c+CD11b+CD103−F4/80+ macrophage-like cells. The majority of CD11cdullCD11b+ cells were CD103−F4/80+ macrophages. Although macrophages were more efficient at inducing Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells than DCs, at higher T cell/APC ratios, all of the DC subsets efficiently induced Foxp3+ Treg cells. In contrast, only CD11c+CD11b+CD103+ DCs efficiently induced Th17 cells. Consistent with this, the regional distribution of CD11c+CD11b+CD103+ DCs correlated with that of Th17 cells, with duodenum > jejunum > ileum > colon. Conversely, CD11c+CD11b−CD103+ DCs, macrophages, and Foxp3+ Treg cells were most abundant in the colon and scarce in the duodenum. Importantly, however, the ability of DC and macrophage subsets to induce Foxp3+ Treg cells versus Th17 cells was strikingly dependent on the source of the mouse strain. Thus, DCs from C57BL/6 mice from Charles River Laboratories (that have segmented filamentous bacteria, which induce robust levels of Th17 cells in situ) were more efficient at inducing Th17 cells and less efficient at inducing Foxp3+ Treg cells than DCs from B6 mice from The Jackson Laboratory. Thus, the functional specializations of APC subsets in the intestine are dependent on the T cell/APC ratio, regional localization, and source of the mouse strain.
Protein Kinase C and NF-κB–Dependent CD4 Downregulation in Macrophages Induced by T Cell-Derived Soluble Factors: Consequences for HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Raposo Rui André Saraiva , Trudgian David C. , Thomas Benjamin , Wilgenburg Bonnie van , Cowley Sally A. , James William
Published: June 2011

Upon activation, CD4+ T cells release cytokines, chemokines, and other soluble factors that influence the kinetics of HIV-1 replication in macrophages (Mϕ). In this article, we show that activation of human primary T cells suppresses the early stages of HIV-1 replication in human primary Mϕ by downregulating the main cellular receptor for the virus CD4. The secreted factors responsible for this effect have a molecular mass greater than conventional cytokines, are independent of Th1 or Th2 polarization, and are not IFN-γ, IL-16, RANTES, or macrophage inhibitory factor, as revealed by cytokine array analysis and neutralization assays. CD4 downregulation is entirely posttranslational and involves serine phosphorylation of CD4 and its targeting to an intracellular compartment destined for acidification and degradation. CD4 downregulation is dependent on the activities of both protein kinase C and NF-κB as well as the proteasomes. Using high-resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis in conjugation with label-free protein quantitation software, we found that proteins that promote Mϕ adherence and spreading, such as attractin, fibronectin, and galectin-3–binding protein, were significantly overrepresented in the activated T cell supernatant fractions. These results reveal the existence of previously unreported anti–HIV-1 proteins, released by activated T cells that downregulate CD4 expression, and are of fundamental importance to understand the kinetics of HIV infection in vivo.
Suppression of TLR9 Immunostimulatory Motifs in the Genome of a Gammaherpesvirus
Authors: Pezda Andrea C. , Penn Alex , Barton Gregory M. , Coscoy Laurent
Published: June 2011

Multiple receptors within the innate immune system have evolved to recognize nucleic acids as signatures of viral infection. It is believed that this specificity is essential for viral detection, as viruses often lack other invariant features that can serve as suitable targets for innate receptors. One such innate receptor, TLR9, has been implicated in the detection of many dsDNA viruses. In this study, we investigate the detection of murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) by TLR9. We find that the genomic DNA of the murine CMV, a very potent inducer of innate responses. Genome-wide analysis of the number of stimulatory versus nonstimulatory CpG motifs present in the genome of each virus reveals that the MHV68 genome contains only a fraction of the number of immunostimulatory motifs present in murine CMV. Notably, MHV68 appears to have selectively suppressed the number of stimulatory motifs through cytosine to thymine conversion. These data suggest that certain viruses may have evolved and modified their genomic content to avoid recognition by nucleic acid-sensing receptors of the innate immune system.
A Critical Role for Dendritic Cells in the Formation of Lymphatic Vessels within Tertiary Lymphoid Structures
Authors: Muniz Luciana R. , Pacer Michelle E. , Lira Sergio A. , Furtado Glaucia C.
Published: June 2011

Ectopic, or tertiary, lymphoid aggregates often form in chronically inflamed areas. Lymphatic vessels, as well as high endothelial venules, form within these lymphoid aggregates, but the mechanisms underlying their development are poorly understood. Overexpression of the chemokine CCL21 in the thyroid of transgenic mice leads to formation of lymphoid aggregates containing topologically segregated T and B lymphocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and specialized vasculature, including Lyve-1+/Prox-1+ lymphatic vessels. In this article, we show that adoptive transfer of mature CD4+ T cells into animals expressing CCL21 in a RAG-deficient background promotes the influx of host NK cells and DCs into the thyroid and the formation of new lymphatic vessels within 10 d. This process is dependent on the expression of lymphotoxin ligands by host cells, but not by the transferred CD4+ T cells. Ablation of host DCs, but not NK cells, reduces the formation of new lymphatic vessels in the thyroid. Taken together, these data suggest a critical role for CD11c+ DCs in the induction of lymphangiogenesis in tertiary lymphoid structures.
Cholinergic Regulatory Lymphocytes Re-Establish Neuromodulation of Innate Immune Responses in Sepsis
Authors: Peña Geber , Cai Bolin , Ramos Laura , Vida Gergely , Deitch Edwin A. , Ulloa Luis
Published: June 2011

Many anti-inflammatory strategies that are successful in treating sepsis in healthy animals fail in clinical trials, in part because sepsis normally involves immunocompromised patients, and massive lymphocyte apoptosis prevents immunomodulation. In this article, we report a new set of regulatory lymphocytes that are able to re-establish the cholinergic anti-inflammatory modulation and to provide therapeutic advantages in sepsis. The vagus nerve controls inflammation in healthy, but not in septic, mice. Likewise, vagus nerve and cholinergic agonists fail to control inflammation in splenectomized and nude animals. Unlike typical suppressor CD25+ cells, CD4+CD25− lymphocytes re-establish the anti-inflammatory potential of the vagus nerve and cholinergic agonists in immunocompromised and septic animals. These cholinergic lymphocytes re-establish splenic protection and the potential of cholinergic agonists to rescue immunocompromised animals from established sepsis. The study results revealed these new regulatory lymphocytes as, to our knowledge, the first known physiological target for neuromodulation of the innate immune responses and a potential therapeutic target for sepsis.
Physical and Functional Bivalency Observed Among TCR/CD3 Complexes Isolated from Primary T Cells
Authors: Schrum Adam G. , Gil Diana , Turka Laurence A. , Palmer Ed
Published: June 2011

Unlike BCR and secreted Ig, TCR expression is not thought to occur in a bivalent form. The conventional monovalent model of TCR/CD3 is supported by published studies of complexes solubilized in the detergent digitonin, in which bivalency was not observed. We revisited the issue of TCR valency by examining complexes isolated from primary αβ T cells after solubilization in digitonin. Using immunoprecipitation followed by flow cytometry, we unexpectedly observed TCR/CD3 complexes that contained two TCRs per complex. Standard anti-TCR Abs, being bivalent themselves, tended to bind with double occupancy to bivalent TCRs; this property masked the presence of the second TCR per complex in certain Ab binding assays, which may partially explain why previous data did not reveal these bivalent complexes. We also found that the prevalence of bivalency among fully assembled, mature TCR/CD3 complexes was sufficient to impact the functional performance of immunoprecipitated TCRs in binding antigenic peptide/MHC-Ig fusion proteins. Both TCR positions per bivalent complex required an Ag-specific TCR to effect optimal binding to these soluble ligands. Therefore, we conclude that in primary T cells, TCR/CD3 complexes can be found that are physically and functionally bivalent. The expression of bivalent TCR/CD3 complexes has implications regarding potential mechanisms by which Ag may trigger signaling. It also suggests the possibility that the potential for bivalent expression could represent a general feature of Ag receptors.
Unexpected Role for Granzyme K in CD56bright NK Cell-Mediated Immunoregulation of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Jiang Wenzheng , Chai Noo Ri , Maric Dragan , Bielekova Bibiana
Published: June 2011

Functional NK cell deficiencies are associated with autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. NK cells can promote or inhibit adaptive immunity via either cytokine production or cytotoxicity toward immature dendritic cells and activated T cells. In humans, this immunoregulatory role resides in the CD56bright NK cell subset, which is selectively expanded by daclizumab, a CD25-blocking Ab that suppresses multiple sclerosis-associated inflammation. The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity of NK cells toward activated T cells. We demonstrated that NK cells induce caspase-independent apoptosis that requires NK cell degranulation and causes mitochondrial dysfunction in activated T cells. Although both granzyme A and granzyme K (GrK) can mediate this form of apoptosis, quantitatively we observed preferential transfer of GrK to target cells. Consequently, gene silencing of GrK in the NK-92 cell line, which retains functional characteristics of CD56bright NK cells, profoundly inhibited the ability of NK-92 cells to kill activated syngeneic T cells. Finally, we demonstrated that daclizumab treatment significantly enhanced this newly defined mechanism of cytotoxicity by CD56bright NK cells. Our study describes the important physiological role that GrK plays in immunoregulation of adaptive immunity in humans and indicates that therapeutic exploitation of this pathway is beneficial in controlling autoimmunity.
Antiproliferative, Ultrastructural, and Physiological Effects of Amiodarone on Promastigote and Amastigote Forms of Leishmania amazonensis
Authors: Macedo-Silva Sara Teixeira de , Oliveira Silva Thais Larissa Araújo de , Urbina Julio A. , Souza Wanderley de , Rodrigues Juliany Cola Fernandes
Published: June 2011

Amiodarone (AMIO), the most frequently antiarrhythmic drug used for the symptomatic treatment of chronic Chagas' disease patients with cardiac compromise, has recently been shown to have also specific activity against fungi, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania. In this work, we characterized the effects of AMIO on proliferation, mitochondrial physiology, and ultrastructure of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. The IC50 values were 4.21 and 0.46 μM against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes, respectively, indicating high selectivity for the clinically relevant stage. We also found that treatment with AMIO leads to a collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species, in a dose-dependent manner. Fluorescence microscopy of cells labeled with JC-1, a marker for mitochondrial energization, and transmission electron microscopy confirmed severe alterations of the mitochondrion, including intense swelling and modification of its membranes. Other ultrastructural alterations included (1) presence of numerous lipid-storage bodies, (2) presence of large autophagosomes containing part of the cytoplasm and membrane profiles, sometimes in close association with the mitochondrion and endoplasmic reticulum, and (3) alterations in the chromatin condensation and plasma membrane integrity. Taken together, our results indicate that AMIO is a potent inhibitor of L. amazonensis growth, acting through irreversible alterations in the mitochondrial structure and function, which lead to cell death by necrosis, apoptosis and/or autophagy.
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy is useful evaluating mediastinal lymphadenopathy in a cancer center
Authors: Khazai Laila , Kundu Uma R. , Jacob Betsy , Patel Shobha , Sneige Nour , Eapen George A. , Morice Rodolfo C. , Caraway Nancy P.
Published: June 2011

Background:

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided tra0nsbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) biopsy is used to stage mediastinal lymph nodes in cancer patients to optimize treatment strategies. In this retrospective study, the authors determined the utility of EBUS-TBNA biopsy in the evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy at a high-volume cancer center.

Materials and Methods:

The pathology database was searched for all patients who had undergone EBUS-TBNA biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes over a one-year period. Cytologic diagnoses were correlated with clinical histories, subsequent resection, and clinical follow-up data.

Results:

Of 928 lymph node samples, 226 (24%) were diagnosed as malignant, 4 (0.4%) were suspicious for malignancy, 9 (1%) were atypical, 640 (69%) were benign, and 47 (5%) were insufficient for evaluation. In 89 (9.6%) cases, the patients had surgical resection. There was one false positive, in which the primary tumor contained infiltrating lymphocytes, had been sampled. There were five false-negative cases, which resulted from sampling errors, including two with micrometastases. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value rates for EBUS-TBNA biopsy in the evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes were 68.7% and 98.6% and 91.6% and 93.5%, respectively on a per lymph node basis. The overall clinical sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value rates after one year clinical/radiological and histologic follow-up were 97%, 99.3%, 96.7% and 99.4%, respectively.

Conclusions:

EBUS-TBNA biopsy is a sensitive and specific method for evaluating mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with lung and other primary tumors.
Producción y Composición de los Cultivares Mulato I y II de Bachiaria Híbridos Inoculados con Micorriza y Trichoderma harzianum
Authors: Castillo Miguel S. , Vélez Miguel , Rosas Juan Carlos , Trabanino Rogelio
Published: June 2011

Se evaluó la producción de Materia Seca (MS), Fibra Neutro Detergente (FND), Fibra Ácido Detergente (FAD), Digestibilidad in vitro de la Materia Orgánica (DIVMO), Proteína Cruda (PC) y absorción de nutrientes de los cultivares Mulato I y II de Brachiaria híbridos en respuesta a la aplicación de los hongos micorriza y Trichoderma harzianum en El Zamorano, Honduras. Se utilizaron 32 parcelas de 3 × 5 m, con cuatro cortes cada 21 días.  Se contaron las conidias de T. harzianum cada mes en los tres primeros meses y de esporas e infección de raíces con micorriza al tercer mes. En base a análisis del suelo se fertilizó con 150 kg N/ha/año (Urea) cada dos cortes. Se usó un diseño factorial en el cual el factor principal fue la variedad de pasto (Mulato I o Mulato II) y el factor secundario la aplicación de biofertilizantes (Mycoral®, Trichozam®, Mycoral® + Trichozam® y el Testigo). Para analizar las variables de producción de MS y conteo de conidias de T. harzianum se utilizaron medidas repetidas en el tiempo y sin medidas repetidas para esporas y porcentaje de infección de raíces con micorriza. La aleatorización en campo se realizó en un Diseño Completo al Azar (DCA) con cuatro repeticiones por cada combinación de tratamientos. No hubo diferencia (P>0.05) en la producción de MS entre los pastos (117.4 kg/ha/día  y 110.9 kg/ha/día para Mulato I y II, respectivamente) ni entre la aplicación del biofertilizante. El tratamiento con micorriza + T. harzianum tuvo el menor rendimiento (107.1 kg/ha/día). El contenido de FND (50.5%), FAD (29.2%) y DIVMO (60.3%) fueron similares en ambos pastos. El contenido de PC fue mayor en Mulato II (15.1%) que en Mulato I (29.2%). La absorción de nutrientes fue similar en ambos pastos, a excepción del zinc y nitrógeno.Palabras clave: Digestibilidad In Vitro de la Materia Orgánica (DIVMO); Fibra Ácido Detergente (FAD); Fibra Neutro Detergente (FND); Materia Seca (MS); Proteína Cruda (PC). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v47i1-2.444 Ceiba, 2006. Volumen 47(1-2):25-32
Resúmenes de Tesis de Biotecnología Aplicada, 2006
Authors: Autores Varios
Published: June 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v47i1-2.448 Ceiba, 2006. Volumen 47(1-2):117-128
Etnobotánica de los Helechos de Honduras
Authors: Hernández Cibrián Ruth Karina , Nelson Sutherland Cyril Hardy
Published: June 2011

El estudio se realizó en el sendero La Esperanza del parque nacional La Tigra, de septiembre a diciembre de 2002 y de febrero a marzo de 2003. El sendero La Esperanza tiene una longitud de 2.5 km; está ubicado entre 1,940 y 2,120 msnm y se caracteriza por tener una vegetación latifoliada muy diversa. El objetivo principal del estudio fue conocer la diversidad de helechos presentes en el sendero, lo mismo que la etnobotánica de los helechos en Honduras. Se encontró una alta diversidad de helechos (54 especies) dentro de los cuales sobresale Elaphoglossum latifolium, Phlebodium pseudoaureum (helechos epífitos), Alsophila salvinii, Cyathea divergens var. tuerckheimii, Cyathea valdecrenata, Dicksonia gigantea y Lophosoria quadripinnata var. quadripinnata (helechos arborescentes) que son las especies que son comúnmente utilizadas en Honduras. P. pseudoaureum es una de las especies más ampliamente utilizada en Centro y Suramérica. Los helechos arborescentes citados anteriormente son objeto de comercio ilegal en Honduras, Centro América y Sur América, por lo que se encuentran en el Apéndice II de CITES. Palabras clave: Arborescente; epífito; epipétrico; etnobotánica; helecho; terrestre. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v48i1-2.311 Ceiba, 2007. Volumen 48(1-2):1-10
Una Especie Nueva de Zamia (Zamiaceae) de Honduras
Authors: Nelson Sutherland Cyril Hardy , Sandoval González German Giovanny
Published: June 2011

Se describe la especie nueva Zamia onan-reyesii del norte de Honduras.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v49i1.299
Las subespecies de Lonchocarpus rugosus Benth. (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae: Millettieae)
Authors: Sousa S. Mario
Published: June 2011

Se consideran a cuatro subespecies para Lonchocarpus rugosus Benth., de ellas una es  nueva para la ciencia y en otra se realiza una nueva combinación, todas se describen  y se ilustran dos, la nueva para la ciencia y la combinación propuesta.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v49i1.302
La investigación aplicada en la Carrera de Ciencia y Producción Agropecuaria
Authors: Vélez Miguel
Published: June 2011

La presente edición de la revista Ceiba contiene los resúmenes de las investigaciones realizadas en 2007 y 2008 en la Carrera de Ciencia y Producción Agropecuaria de la Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, Zamorano, Honduras. Las investigaciones fueron las tesis de los estudiantes dirigidas por los docentes de la Escuela Agrícola Panamericana y profesionales colaboradores de otras universidades o empresas. Las áreas y tipo de investigación demuestran el interés y compromiso con la misión de Zamorano de apoyar el desarrollo de la industria agropecuaria nacional e internacional para hacerla más productiva, eficiente en el uso de los recursos y más amigable con el ambiente. En el área de producción vegetal las investigaciones incluyen el mapeo detallado de los suelos de la Escuela Agrícola Panamericana y propuestas para su manejo; la determinación de la absorción de nutrientes y de agua por cultivos como la caña y las flores en sus etapas de desarrollo, el efecto de diversas técnicas de conservación de suelos, el uso de biofertilizantes, el control químico y biológico de insectos y malezas, la identificación de los agentes causantes de la destrucción de más del 95% de las palmas de coco en la Costa Atlántica de Honduras, la identificación de nuevos agentes biológicos capaces de controlar plagas y enfermedades, el mejoramiento genético del frijol y el desarrollo de técnicas para la micropropagación de cultivos. En producción animal la investigación incluyó el uso de enzimas, levaduras, secuestrantes de micotoxinas y otros aditivos para mejorar el aprovechamiento de los alimentos y reducir la excreción de nutrientes en las heces, el uso de alimentos no convencionales como la caña en ganado lechero, nuevas técnicas de manejo de aves (diversas camas para el engorde), cerdos (engorde de verracos) y de peces (hormonas, jaulas en lagunas), manipulación de la reproducción mediante manejo y uso de hormonas en vacunos y cerdos, inducción de la lactancia en vaquillas y economía de diversos sistemas de producción de vacunos de leche y carne. La Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, los profesores y estudiantes esperan que los resultados de las investigaciones de estas tesis sean útiles a la agricultura nacional e internacional de la región a la que sirve la Escuela Agrícola Panamericana. Las tesis completas están disponibles al público en la Biblioteca Wilson Popenoe de la Escuela Agrícola Panamericana.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v49i2.294
Resúmenes de Tesis de Fitotecnia, 2008
Authors: Autores Varios
Published: June 2011

Resúmenes de las tesis terminadas en 2008 en el área de fitotecnia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v49i2.297
Resúmenes de Tesis de Zootecnia 2008
Authors: Autores Varios
Published: June 2011

Resúmenes de las tesis del área de zootecnia terminadas en 2008.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v49i2.298
Redescubrimiento del holotipo de Epidendrum × doroteae P.H. Allen (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Nelson Sutherland Cyril H. , Guerrero Eydi Yanina
Published: June 2011

Se ha redescbierto el holotipo de Epidendrum × doroteae en el herbario EAP y se descarta el neotipo, Honduras, col. 1959 by Paul H. Alulen, mounted 17 October 1975, Fritz Hamer A5, SEL 44075, de L. Sánchez S. & E. Hágsater, y se aboga por conservar doroteae como la ortografía original del epíteto, basado en el Código Internacional de Nomenclatura Botánica (Código de Viena).Palabras clave: Código, descarte, holotipo, lectotipo, neotipo, Orquidáceas, ortografía original.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v50i1.193
Species of Heterothrips Hood (Terebrantia: Heterothripidae) from Central America
Authors: Retana-Salazar Axel P.
Published: June 2011

Heterothripidae is a family with three genera: Lenkothrips De Santis & Sureda, Scutothrips Stannard, and Heterothrips Hood. Lenkothrips contains a single species from South America, Scutothrips contains four species, and Heterothrips has more than 60 species. Heterothrips has not been adequately defined. Some species in this genus are associated with host plants of economic importance. In this paper, three new species are described, two of them associated with flowers in fruit tree crops of the family Myrtaceae and the other with a plant in the family Malpighiaceae used as an ornamental. The new species can be distinguished as follows: Heterothrips lopezae n. sp. has remarkably different sculpturing on the pronotum compared with H. sericatus Hood and H. mimosae Mound & Marullo and antennal segments III-IV are pale in colour. Heterothrips lankesteriensis n. sp. is distinguished by the presence of setose tubercles behind the eyes; this character is present only in one other species, H. pubescens Hood, which is clearly distinguished by the presence of pronotal sculpture and the sculpturing of the metanotum. Heterothrips hondurensis n. sp. has unique antennal morphology and is easily recognized from H. lyoniae Hood by the pedicel with divergent sides and antennal segment IV truncated not rounded as in H. lyoniae. A key to the Central American species of Heterothrips is provided.Key words: Heterothripidae, Myrtaceae, Malpighiaceae, fruit crops, ornamentals.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v50i1.195
Virologic Outcome of Using Tenofovir/Emtricitabine to Treat Hepatitis B in HIV-Coinfected Patients
Authors: Engell Christian A. , Pham Vinh Philip , Holzman Robert S. , Aberg Judith A.
Published: June 2011

Goal. To study the effect of combination antiviral therapy with tenofovir and emtricitabine or lamivudine with and without prior monotherapy with lamivudine. Study. We reviewed charts of 31 HIV-/HBV-coinfected patients. Twelve 3TC-naïve patients initially received tenofovir plus emtricitabine. Nineteen epivir experienced patients who had previously failed epivir were given tenofovir plus emtricitabine. Results. Baseline median HBV DNA was similar in the epivir-naïve (5.8×107 copies/mL) and experienced group (7.3×107 copies/mL, P  =  .65). The median time to complete suppression of HBV was 466 days in the naïve group and 877 days in the experienced (P  =  .001). After 12 months, 6/10 (60%) naïve patients and 3/14 (21%) experienced patients had HBV DNA below the detectionlimit (P  =  .067). After 24 months, 5/5 (100%) naïve patients and 4/13 (31%) experienced patients had an undetectable HBV DNA level (P  =  .015). Conclusions. The median time to suppression of HBV DNA was significantly shorter among treatment naïve patients. There was a significantly greater proportion of naïve patients with suppressed HBV DNA at 24 months. Our results support using initial dual therapy in those with HIV/HBV coinfection.
Polynomial GCD Derived through Monic Polynomial Subtractions
Authors: Chang Feng Cheng
Published: June 2011

A simple and efficient algorithm for finding the GCD of a pair of univariate polynomials is derived. The process requires only successive subtraction of two monic polynomials. Amazingly, this approach gives the desired GCD for a pair of test polynomials of very high degree, such as
and its derivative.
Use of the one‐minute preceptor as a teaching tool in the gross anatomy laboratory
Authors: Chan Lap Ki , Wiseman Jeffrey
Published: June 2011

The one‐minute preceptor (OMP) is a time‐efficient technique used for teaching in busy clinical settings. It consists of five microskills: (1) get a commitment from the student, (2) probe for supporting evidence, (3) reinforce what was done right, (4) correct errors and fill in omissions, and (5) teach a general rule. It can also be used to address structure‐identification questions in gross anatomy laboratory small‐group settings. The OMP is an active learner‐centered teaching approach that prepares students for a style of learning that they need to master in clinical settings, provides novice anatomy teachers with an efficient and effective teaching strategy, and moves anatomy learning beyond mere name tagging to active knowledge construction. Anat Sci Educ. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
Importance of adequate gross anatomy education: The impact of a structured pelvic anatomy course during gynecology fellowship
Authors: Heisler Christine Aminda
Published: June 2011

Medical education underwent standardization at the turn of the 20th century and remained fairly consistent until recently. Incorporation of a patient‐centered or case‐based curriculum is believed to reinforce basic science concepts. One negative aspect is a reduction in hours spent with cadaveric dissection in the gross anatomy laboratory. For those entering a surgical career, limited anatomical exposure leaves knowledge deficits that must be corrected during further education during residency training. The benefit of providing formal anatomy education to residents and surgical fellows is described in the literature, specifically noting improvement in written test scores and surgical application. Anat Sci Educ. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
Attitudes to cadaveric organ donation in Irish preclinical medical students
Authors: Cahill Kevin C. , Ettarh Rajunor R.
Published: June 2011

There is a worldwide shortage of organs for transplantation. It has been shown that the attitude of healthcare professionals can improve the rates of organ donation, and that educational programs aimed at improving both attitudes and knowledge base of professionals can have positive outcomes. Although there has been research carried out on this topic, there has been none in Ireland. Anatomy dissection can be a stressor to medical students—we investigate the attitudes of Irish students to organ donation and how they change with exposure to anatomy dissection. A questionnaire was administered to first year students in the School of Medicine in University College Dublin, Ireland, three times over a nine‐week period at the commencement of classes in an academic year. The attitudes of the students were positive throughout regarding organ donation by a stranger, a family member, or themselves. There was, however, a significant decrease in support for the donation of a family member's organs in a minority of students. Irish students' attitudes to postmortem organ donation are positive and are not changed by exposure to the dissecting room. There is support for the donation of organs, and willingness among students to donate their own organs and support donation by family members. Anat Sci Educ. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
Reactive ZrIV and HfIV Butterfly Peroxides on Polyoxometalate Surfaces: Bridging the Gap between Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Carraro Mauro , Nsouli Nadeen , Oelrich Holger , Sartorel Andrea , Sorarù Antonio , Mal Sib Sankar , Scorrano Gianfranco , Walder Lorenz , Kortz Ulrich , Bonchio Marcella
Published: June 2011

At variance with previously known coordination compounds, the polyoxometalate (POM)‐embedded ZrIV and HfIV peroxides with formula: [M2(O2)2(α‐XW11O39)2]12− (M=ZrIV, X=Si (1), Ge (2); M=HfIV, X=Si (3)) and [M6(O2)6(OH)6(γ‐SiW10O36)3]18− (M=ZrIV (4) or HfIV (5)) are capable of oxygen transfer to suitable acceptors including sulfides and sulfoxides in water. Combined 1H NMR and electrochemical studies allow monitoring of the reaction under both stoichiometric and catalytic conditions. The reactivity of peroxo‐POMs 1–5 is compared on the basis of substrate conversion and kinetic. The results show that the reactivity of POMs 1–3 outperforms that of the trimeric derivatives 4 and 5 by two orders of magnitude. Reversible peroxidation of 1–3 occurs by H2O2 addition to the spent catalysts, restoring oxidation rates and performance of the pristine system. The stability of 1–3 under catalytic regime has been confirmed by FT‐IR, UV/Vis, and resonance Raman spectroscopy. The reaction scope has been extended to alcohols, leading to the corresponding carbonyl compounds with yields up to 99 % under microwave (MW) irradiation. DFT calculations revealed that polyanions 1–3 have high‐energy peroxo HOMOs, and a remarkable electron density localized on the peroxo sites as indicated by the calculated map of the electrostatic potential (MEP). This evidence suggests that the overall description of the oxygen‐transfer mechanism should include possible protonation equilibria in water, favored for peroxo‐POMs 1–3.
Investigating Correlations and Variations of Air Pollutant Concentrations under Conditions of Rapid Industrialization – Kocaeli (1987–2009)
Authors: Doğruparmak Şenay Çetin , Özbay Bilge
Published: June 2011

In this study, it was aimed to characterize temporal variations of air pollutants for determining contribution to pollution episodes and to obtain correlations between these pollutants. With this aim we used data analysis for measured sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM, black fume and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), and non‐methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) recorded in Kocaeli, one of the most industrilizated cities of Turkey. Pollutant concentrations were the results of continuous and semi‐automatic measurements. Semi‐automatic measurements of SO2 and PM (black fume) were enclosing period from 1987 to 2008 whereas continuous monitoring of all pollutants included years of 2007–2009. In the first stage of the study daily, monthly, annual, and seasonal variations of pollution were researched. Annual average concentrations were compared with limits set by Air Quality Protection Regulation (AQPR), Air Quality Evaluation and Management Regulation (AQEMR), World Health Organization (WHO), European Union (EU), and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (USEPA). In the following stage relationships between pollutants such as NO2–O3, NOx–CO, NOx–NMHC, and NOx–SO2 were investigated and correlation coefficients were determined as 0.87, 0.56, 0.51, and 0.69, respectively. R2 values of regression models developed from these correlations were 0.78, 0.56, 0.34, and 0.72, respectively. Vehicle density of the traffic was evaluated with NOx–O3 emissions and decrease was seen in NOx emissions due to decreasing vehicle density at weekends whereas O3 concentrations increased. These correlations enable prediction of the parameters that cannot be measured which is important for providing improvement in early warning systems.