bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-operative cardiac workup after anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Is it really necessary?
Authors: Shapiro Ron , Barsuk Daphna , Segev Lior , Shimon-Paluch Shani , Berkenstadt Haim , Zippel Douglas B , Papa Moshe Z
Published: March 2011

INTRODUCTION

In patients receiving pre-operative anthracyclines for locally advanced breast cancer, early cardiotoxicity is a well-recognised complication that may interfere with surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of breast surgery after neoadjuvant treatment with Doxorubicin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of breast cancer patients treated with Doxorubicin as part of their neoadjuvant protocol. All patients were subsequently operated in our institution. Intra-operative and postoperative haemodynamic, cardiac or respiratory events were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 83 patients were included. All patients had a normal left ventricular ejection fraction before starting on chemotherapy. Doxorubicin was given in conjunction with Cyclophosphamide and Paclitaxel. The cumulative dose of Doxorubicin was 240 mg/m2. All patients completed their chemotherapy less than a year before surgery and were clinically asymptomatic. Of the patients, 2.3% displayed a significant reduction in cardiac function to meet cardiotoxicity criteria, although not clinically apparent. No complications occurred intra-operatively or postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast surgery can be safely performed after breast neoadjuvant chemotherapy with Doxorubicin. The risk of early cardiotoxicity does not mandate a cardiac function assessment after completion of treatment. Work-up should be individualised according to the anthracycline regimen, patient's cardiac risk factors and functional status before surgery.
The importance of pre-operative axillary ultrasound and intra-operative sentinel lymph node frozen section analysis in patients with early breast cancer – a 3-year study
Authors: Sanders Melissa M , Waheed Shamaela , Joshi Sanjay , Pogson Caroline , Ebbs Stephen R
Published: March 2011

INTRODUCTION

To ensure appropriate axillary surgery is performed at a single operation, we have sought to identify patients with involved nodes who might progress directly to axillary dissection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated pre-operative ultrasound of the axilla and intra-operative frozen section of sentinel lymph nodes over a 3-year period. Patients with clinical early breast cancer underwent axillary ultrasound. Abnormal nodes were defined as a cortex > 2.5 mm, loss of high echogenic medulla, and morphological changes. Any axilla containing a lymph node considered abnormal had ultrasound-directed fine needle aspiration (FNA) performed. Patients with positive cytology proceeded directly to axillary dissection. Patients with negative cytology and those with normal ultrasound proceeded to sentinel four-node biopsy using Patent Blue dye alone. A single sentinel node was evaluated by intra-operative frozen section.

RESULTS

A total of 311 patients underwent pre-operative ultrasound successfully, identifying 115 (77%) patients of the total 150 who were found to have positive lymph nodes. Overall, 196 patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy analysis intra-operatively. Of the 11 false negative cases in which the lymph node was found to be positive postoperatively, eight cases showed the single tested sentinel node contained cancer that was recognised on postoperative staining but not frozen section. In six, the deposit in the sentinel node was a micrometastasis. Three cases were found to contain cancer in the ‘non-sentinel' node; in all, this was micrometastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the value of pre-operative ultrasound and intra-operative frozen section examination of axillary nodes. Only 3.5% of patients required two operations.
Intraoperative red blood cell salvage and autologous transfusion during open radical retropubic prostatectomy: a cost–benefit analysis
Authors: Ubee Sarvpreet , Kumar Manal , Athmanathan Nallaswami , Singh Gurpreet , Vesey Sean
Published: March 2011

INTRODUCTION

Open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) has an average blood loss of over 1,000ml. This has been reported even from high volume centres of excellence. 1 – 4 We have looked at the clinical and financial benefits of using intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) as a method of reducing the autologous blood transfusion requirements for our RRP patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Group A comprised 25 consecutive patients who underwent RRP immediately prior to the acquisition of a cell saver machine. Group B consisted of the next 25 consecutive patients undergoing surgery using the Dideco Electa (Sorin Group, Italy) cell saver machine. Blood transfusion costs for both groups were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

The mean postoperative haemoglobin was similar in both groups (11.1gm/dl in Group A and 11.4gm/dl in Group B). All Group B patients received autologous blood (average 506ml, range: 103–1,023ml). In addition, 5 patients (20%) in Group B received a group total of 16 units (average 0.6 units) of homologous blood. For Group A the total cost of transfusing the 69 units of homologous blood was estimated as £9,315, based on a per blood unit cost of £135. This cost did not include consumables or nursing costs.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence that autologous transfusions increased the risk of early biochemical relapse or of disease dissemination. ICS reduced our dependence on donated homologous blood.
Age, obesity and inflammation at baseline predict the effects of testosterone administration on the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Saad Farid , Haider Ahmad , Giltay Erik J. , Gooren Louis J.G.
Published: March 2011

Background: Testosterone administration to hypogonadal men improves the metabolic syndrome. This study analyzed whether age, serum testosterone, body mass index/waist circumference, increment in testosterone values and C-reactive protein (CRP) predicted the outcome of testosterone administration.

Materials and methods: A total of 110 mainly elderly men, aged between 18 and 83 years (mean±SD=59.6±8.0) with baseline serum testosterone of 5.8–12.1 nmol/L (mean±SD=9.3±1.7) (n>14.0 nmol/L), received parenteral testosterone undecanoate whereupon serum testosterone normalized between 3 and 24 months.

Results: (i) The lower the baseline testosterone, the stronger the decreases in waist size and triglycerides. (ii) The greater the increment in serum testosterone, the stronger the decreases in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. (iii) Older age was associated with stronger beneficial effects on waist size, glucose and all lipids, but a small negative effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. (iv) Obese men and men with the largest waist circumference showed the strongest declines over 2 years in weight, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), and also in total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose. Baseline BMI predicted a stronger decline in LDL cholesterol, but a smaller decline in CRP levels. (v) Higher baseline CRP predicted larger declines in levels of triglycerides, glucose and CRP. (vi) In the multivariate model, age, BMI and CRP were independent predictors of the strongest benefit of testosterone treatment on the metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions: Older men, particularly when obese with chronic low-grade inflammation benefited most of normalizing their testosterone levels, preferably if they reached mid-normal reference values.
Design and synthesis of substrate mimetics based on an indole scaffold: potential inhibitors of 17β-HSD type 1
Authors: Starčević Štefan , Božnar Polona , Turk Samo , Gobec Stanislav , Rižner Tea Lanišnik
Published: March 2011

Background: Human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1) acts at a pre-receptor level. It catalyzes NADPH-dependent reduction of the weak estrogen estrone into the most potent estrogen estradiol, which exerts its proliferative effects via estrogen receptors. Overexpression of 17β-HSD1 in estrogen-responsive tissues is related to the development of hormone-dependent diseases, such as breast cancer and endometriosis. 17β-HSD1 thus represents an attractive target for development of new drugs.

Methods: We designed and synthesized a series of 3-, 5- and 6-phenyl indole derivatives as mimetics of the steroid substrate estrone. All of these compounds were evaluated for inhibition of recombinant human 17β-HSD1 from Escherichia coli, at concentrations of 0.6 μM and 6.0 μM.

Results: Among 14 indole derivatives, compound 9 was an initial hit inhibitor of 17β-HSD1, with moderate inhibition (64% at 6 μM). Molecular docking into the crystal structure of 17β-HSD1 (1A27) revealed that this 5-phenyl indole derivative binds to 17β-HSD1 similarly to co-crystalized E2. Compound 9 forms two H-bonds with 17β-HSD1: one between the indole nitrogen and His222, and the second between the phenolic OH group and catalytic Tyr155.

Conclusions: The indole scaffold is one of the possible starting points for the design of substrate mimetics of the steroid substrate estrone. Our study shows that these 6- and, especially, 5-phenol indole derivatives can act as moderate inhibitors of 17β-HSD1. Based on inhibition assays and docking simulations, we can infer further improvements of the 5-phenol indole derivatives that might result in better inhibition profiles.
Neurologic Outcomes at School Age in Very Preterm Infants Born With Severe or Mild Growth Restriction
Authors: Guellec Isabelle , Lapillonne Alexandre , Renolleau Sylvain , Charlaluk Marie-Laure , Roze Jean-Christophe , Marret Stéphane , Vieux Rachel , Monique Kaminski , Ancel Pierre-Yves ,   the EPIPAGE Study Group
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether mild and severe growth restriction at birth among preterm infants is associated with neonatal mortality and cerebral palsy and cognitive performance at 5 years of age and school performance at 8 years of age.

METHODS:

All 2846 live births between 24 and 32 weeks' gestation from 9 regions in France in 1997 were included in a prospective observational study (the EPIPAGE [Étude Epidémiologique sur les Petits Ages Gestationnels] study) and followed until 8 years of age. Infants were classified as “small-for-gestational-age” (SGA) if their birth weight for gestational age was at the <10th centile, “mildly-small-for-gestational-age” (M-SGA) if birth weight was at the ≥10th centile and <20th centile, and “appropriate-for-gestational-age” (AGA) if birth weight was at the ≥20th centile.

RESULTS:

Among the children born between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation, the mortality rate increased from 30% in the AGA group to 42% in the M-SGA group and to 62% in the SGA group (P < .01). Birth weight was not significantly associated with any cognitive, behavioral, or motor outcomes at the age of 5 or any school performance outcomes at 8 years. For the children born between 29 and 32 weeks' gestation, SGA children had a higher risk for mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.50–5.20]), minor cognitive difficulties (aOR: 1.73 [95% CI: 1.12–2.69]), inattention-hyperactivity symptoms (aOR: 1.78 [95% CI: 1.10–2.89]), and school difficulties (aOR: 1.74 [1.07–2.82]) compared with AGA children. Being born M-SGA was associated with an increased risk for minor cognitive difficulties (aOR: 1.87 [95% CI: 1.24–2.82]) and behavioral difficulties (aOR: 1.66 [95% CI: 1.04–2.62]).

CONCLUSIONS:

In preterm children, growth restriction was associated with mortality, cognitive and behavioral outcomes, as well as school difficulties.
Secondhand Smoke and Adverse Fetal Outcomes in Nonsmoking Pregnant Women: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Leonardi-Bee Jo , Britton John , Venn Andrea
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the risk of adverse fetal outcomes of secondhand smoke exposure in nonsmoking pregnant women.

METHODS:

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. We searched Medline and Embase (to March 2009) and reference lists for eligible studies; no language restrictions were imposed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by using random-effect models. Our search was for epidemiologic studies of maternal exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy in nonsmoking pregnant women. The main outcome measures were spontaneous abortion, perinatal and neonatal death, stillbirth, and congenital malformations.

RESULTS:

We identified 19 studies that assessed the effects of secondhand smoke exposure in nonsmoking pregnant women. We found no evidence of a statistically significant effect of secondhand smoke exposure on the risk of spontaneous abortion (OR: 1.17 [95% CI: 0.88–1.54]; 6 studies). However, secondhand smoke exposure significantly increased the risk of stillbirth (OR: 1.23 [95% CI: 1.09–1.38]; 4 studies) and congenital malformation (OR: 1.13 [95% CI: 1.01–1.26]; 7 studies), although none of the associations with specific congenital abnormalities were individually significant. Secondhand smoke exposure had no significant effect on perinatal or neonatal death.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pregnant women who are exposed to secondhand smoke are estimated to be 23% more likely to experience stillbirth and 13% more likely give birth to a child with a congenital malformation. Because the timing and mechanism of this effect is not clear, it is important to prevent secondhand smoke exposure in women before and during pregnancy.
Urinary Bladder Paraganglioma in Childhood: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bohn Olga L. , Pardo-Castillo Edgar , Fuertes-Camilo Mariana , Rios-Luna Nina P. , Martinez Andres , Sanchez-Sosa Sergio
Published: March 2011

Bladder paraganglioma (BP) is a rare entity and is exceedingly uncommon in childhood. Pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas are components of several hereditary cancer syndromes, and up to 30% may be associated with germ-line mutations of genes, including VHL, RET, and SDH. We present a 16-year-old female who was admitted with macroscopic hematuria and anemia. A cystoscopy demonstrated a polypoid and hemorrhagic mass arising from the floor of the bladder. She underwent a transurethral resection of clinically suspected urothelial papilloma. A histologic examination of the tumor showed large polygonal cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, arranged in a zellballen pattern, surrounded by a fibrous network. Immunohistochemical studies showed a strong expression of neuroendocrine markers and lack of reactivity for epithelial markers. The diagnosis of BP was established; eight months later, a recurrence was observed and the patient underwent a partial cystectomy. Our case represents the 1st BP in childhood reported in the literature with absent SDHB staining by immunohistochemistry. We discuss the clinical and pathologic findings and present a review of BP in childhood.
Factorial and Cross-Cultural Validity of a Farsi Version of the Anger Rumination Scale
Authors: Besharat Mohammad Ali
Published: March 2011

This study aimed to examine factorial and cross-cultural validity of a Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale. 933 undergraduate students (388 men, 545 women) from the University of Tehran participated. The Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale, the Tehran Multidimensional Anger Scale, and the Mental Health Inventory were completed by all participants. Results supported the four-factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale. The factors found in the Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale are similar to the factors found in previous studies and were accordingly labeled as Angry After-thoughts, Thoughts of Revenge, Angry Memories, and Understanding Causes. The results also provided evidence for applicability of the Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale and its cross-cultural validity.
Co-Regulation of Movement Speed and Accuracy by Children with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Simmons Roger W. , Madra Naju J. , Levy Susan S. , Riley Edward P. , Mattson Sarah N.
Published: March 2011

The study investigated how children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure regulate movement speed and accuracy during goal-directed movements. 16 children ages 7 to 17 years with confirmed histories of heavy in utero alcohol exposure, and 21 nonalcohol-exposed control children completed a series of reciprocal tapping movements between two spatial targets. 5 different targets sets were presented, representing a range of task difficulty between 2 and 6 bits of information. Estimates of percent error rate, movement time, slope, and linear fit of the resulting curve confirmed that for goal-directed, reciprocal tapping responses, performance of the group with prenatal alcohol exposure was described by a linear function, as predicted by Fitts' law, by sacrificing movement accuracy. The index of performance was the same for the two groups: it initially increased, then leveled off for more difficult movements.
Use of Gilliam Asperger's Disorder Scale in Differentiating High and Low Functioning Autism and ADHD
Authors: Mayes Susan Dickerson , Calhoun Susan L. , Murray Michael J. , Morrow Jill D. , Cothren Shiyoko , Purichia Heather , Yurich Kirsten K. L. , Bouder James N.
Published: March 2011

Little is known about the validity of Gilliam Asperger's Disorder Scale (GADS), although it is widely used. This study of 199 children with high functioning autism or Asperger's Disorder, 195 with low functioning autism, and 83 with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) showed high classification accuracy (autism vs ADHD) for clinicians' GADS Quotients (92%), and somewhat lower accuracy (77%) for parents' Quotients. Both children with high and low functioning autism had clinicians' Quotients ( M = 99 and 101, respectively) similar to the Asperger's Disorder mean of 100 for the GADS normative sample. Children with high functioning autism scored significantly higher on the Cognitive Patterns subscale than children with low functioning autism, and the later had higher scores on the remaining subscales: Social Interaction, Restricted Patterns of Behavior, and Pragmatic Skills. Using the clinicians' Quotient and Cognitive Patterns score, 70% of children were correctly identified as having high or low functioning autism or ADHD.
Sex Differences in Coincidence-Anticipation Timing (Cat): A Review
Authors: Sanders Geoff
Published: March 2011

Coincidence-anticipation timing (CAT) is the ability to judge when a moving stimulus will arrive at a target. 43 articles were reviewed which investigated sex differences in this skill. Performance was typically recorded as one or more of three error measures, absolute error (AE), constant error (CE), and variable error (VE). Despite many null findings, it is argued that the evidence for a male advantage is strong, particularly for AE and VE. 10 parameters typically associated with CAT studies were analyzed (e.g., knowledge of results, number of trials, stimulus duration, and stimulus speed), but none differentiated clearly between the presence and absence of the sex difference. However, when the mean AE score was used as a measure of task difficulty, a male advantage was reliably associated with lower values of AE (easier tasks) and null findings with higher values (more difficult tasks). An attempt to compare sex difference findings from Bassin timer and real-world tasks was thwarted by the lack of studies using real-world tasks. Given little evidence for the influence of socialization on sex differences in CAT, it is suggested that the difference may have originated from the evolutionary selection of women for gathering and men for hunting.
Increasing Task Complexity and ICE Hockey Skills of Youth Athletes
Authors: Fait Philippe E. , McFadyen Bradford J. , Reed Nick , Zabjek Karl , Taha Tim , Keightley Michelle
Published: March 2011

The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the effects on cognitive performance of progressively adding tasks specific to ice hockey (skating, stick handling, and obstacle avoidance) during a visual interference task (Stroop Color Word Test–interference condition). In addition, the effects on locomotor performance of progressively adding tasks of stickhandling, visual interference, and obstacle avoidance related to maximal skating speed and minimal obstacle clearance were investigated in eight male athletes ages 10 to 12 years. Results revealed decreased performance on both cognitive and physical measures with increased task complexity, suggesting that adding complexity to an environment influences hockey skill performance.
Visual Skills Involved in Decision Making by Expert Referees
Authors: Ghasemi Abdullah , Momeni Maryam , Jafarzadehpur Ebrahim , Rezaee Meysam , Taheri Hamid
Published: March 2011

Previous studies have compared visual skills of expert and novice athletes; referees' performance has not been addressed. Visual skills of two groups of expert referees, successful and unsuccessful in decision making, were compared. Using video clips of soccer matches to assess decision-making success of 41 national and international referees from 31 to 42 years of age, 10 top referees were selected as the Successful group and 10 as the Unsuccessful group. Visual tests included visual memory, visual reaction time, peripheral vision, recognition speed, saccadic eye movement, and facility of accommodation. The Successful group had better visual skills than the Unsuccessful group. Such visual skills enhance soccer referees' performance and may be recommended for young referees.
Use of Ratings of Perceived Exertion to Anticipate Treadmill Test Termination in Patients Taking Beta-Blockers
Authors: Goss Fredric L. , Robertson Robert J. , Haile Luke , Nagle Elizabeth F. , Metz Kenneth F. , Kim Kevin
Published: March 2011

This investigation identified a perceptually-based “warning zone” that can be used to anticipate termination of treadmill tests administered to individuals taking beta-blockers. The use of ratings of perceived exertion to anticipate test termination may be valuable given the attenuation of heart rate associated with the use of this class of medication. Sixteen men with coronary artery disease participated in this investigation. Ratings of perceived exertion (Borg 6–20 Scale) were estimated during the last 15 sec. of each minute of a progressively incremented treadmill test. Tests were terminated when participants indicated they were too fatigued to continue. The time-to-test termination was determined from the point that participants estimated a rating of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 in order to determine the rating that was less than or equal to the time associated with a single exercise stage. A rating of 14 was associated with impending termination, which can be used as a “warning zone.” The time to termination corresponding to a rating of 14 was 153.1 sec. ( SD = 27.0). Participants exercised for 153.1 sec. ( SE=27.0) after estimating a rating of 14. Once a rating of 14 is reached, volitional test termination will occur before the next exercise stage is completed.
Relationships between Self-Regulation Skills and Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Obese Adults: Mediation of Mood and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Annesi James J.
Published: March 2011

In cognitive-behavioral treatments for obesity, self-regulation is thought to be a strong predictor of behavioral change, but it is rarely directly measured in intervention research. Thus, how self-regulation interacts with other psychological variables regarding treatment effects is largely unknown. In this preliminary field study, self-regulatory skills were directly measured and were found to be significantly associated with both volume of exercise and fruit and vegetable consumption in severely obese adults ( N = 116) enrolled in a behavioral weight management program. Significant partial and complete mediation of the relationship between self-regulation for physical activity and physical activity, and self-regulation for appropriate eating and fruit and vegetable intake, respectively, were found by reported negative mood. Self-efficacy was not found to be a significant mediator of these relationships. The bivariate relationship between baseline scores of self-regulation for physical activity and self-regulation for appropriate eating was significant ( r = .46), which supported the premise that self-regulation is a traitlike personal characteristic. Volume of exercise and fruit and vegetable consumption significantly predicted weight loss over 6 months ( R2 = .35). Results were consistent with the few laboratory-based findings available and, after replication, may extend theory related to obesity treatment.
Love of Life in Kuwaiti and American College Students
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M. , Lester David
Published: March 2011

In samples of 198 Kuwaiti and 158 American college students, the Love of Life Scale appeared to have good reliability. The American students obtained slightly higher scores than the Kuwaiti students.
Object-Control Skills in Hispanic Preschool Children Enrolled in Head Start
Authors: Pope Michelle L. , Liu Ting , Getchell Nancy
Published: March 2011

Fundamental movement skills are considered a building block for movement competence. However, little is known about the influence of culture and ethnicity on the development of fundamental motor skills. A total of 111 Hispanic preschool children enrolled in a Head Start program, ages 38 to 52 months, was assessed on object-control skills using Ulrich's Test of Gross Motor Development–2. About 83% of the participants scored poor (standard score ≤5) and 17% of children scored very poor on the performance scale (standard score ≤3) using the descriptions in the manual. In addition, both boys and girls evidenced similar deficiencies. This information has implications for exploring and implementing age-appropriate object-control skills for children with low socioeconomic status, such as these Hispanic Head Start preschoolers.
Knowledge of Text Message Abbreviations as a Predictor of Spelling Ability
Authors: Kreiner David S. , Davis Danielle L.
Published: March 2011

The relationships of self-reported text messaging frequency and knowledge of text message abbreviations with spelling ability were investigated. Two studies were conducted in which the college student participants provided self-reports of text messaging frequency, responded to a test of knowledge of text message abbreviations, and completed a standardized spelling test. In both studies, self-reported text messaging frequency was not predictive of scores on the spelling test. Knowledge of text message abbreviations was positively correlated with spelling scores. In the second study, spelling ability was positively correlated with processing time to identify abbreviations as real. The results were not consistent with the idea that better knowledge of text messaging is predictive of lower spelling ability. Instead, individuals with better knowledge of abbreviations tended to be better spellers.
Work-Family Conflict and Job Burnout among Correctional Staff: A Comment on Lambert and Hogan (2010)
Authors: Smith Kenneth J.
Published: March 2011

Lambert and Hogan (2010) examined the relations between work-family conflict, role stress, and other noted predictors, on reported emotional exhaustion among a sample of 272 correctional staff at a maximum security prison. Using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model, the authors found work-on-family conflict, perceived dangerousness of the job, and role strain to have positive relations with emotional exhaustion. However, contrary to expectation they found that custody officers reported lower exhaustion than did their noncustody staff counterparts. Suggestions are provided for follow-up efforts designed to extend this line of research and correct methodological issues.
The catalogue of the palaearctic species of Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from the patrimony of "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History (Bucharest) (Part V)
Authors: Serafim Rodica
Published: March 2011

The catalogue of the palaearctic species of Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from the patrimony of "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History (Bucharest) (Part V)

The catalogue presents Palaearctic Cerambycidae coleopteran species of the subfamily Lamiinae preserved in the collections of "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History of Bucharest.
Contributions to the knowledge of the herpetofauna of the Eastern Jiu and Upper Lotru drainage basins (Southern Carpathians, Romania)
Authors: Iftime Alexandru , Iftime Oana
Published: March 2011

Contributions to the knowledge of the herpetofauna of the Eastern Jiu and Upper Lotru drainage basins (Southern Carpathians, Romania)

The results of herpetological studies in the Eastern Jiu and Upper Lotru basins in the Parâng-Lotru-Şureanu mountain massif (Hunedoara and Vâlcea counties, Romania), are presented. 16 amphibian and reptile species were identified in the field in 33 sites investigated; these are presented together with data on their habitat association and intra-specific variability.
Bird fauna long-term monitoring in the Romanian lower Prut river basin
Authors: Gache Carmen
Published: March 2011

Bird fauna long-term monitoring in the Romanian lower Prut river basin

In the present paper, we give data on the bird' fauna's dynamic during the last 18 years in the Romanian Lower Prut River basin. This valley shelters a good level of the biodiversity being very well protected through the border status, but due the low level of the industrial development, too, despite an increasing of the human pressure in the last years. We recorded in this area some very rare breeding bird species for Romania - Platalea leucorodia, Plegadis falcinellus, Limosa limosa, Recurvirostra avosetta, Himantopus himantopus, Luscinia svecica, etc. but also some globally threatened species like Phalacrocorax pygmeus, Aythya nyroca or Crex crex. In this sector of the Prut River basin three Important Birds Areas (IBA) were delimited, all included in the "Romanian Nature 2000 Network".
Glycoinformatics: Data Mining-based Approaches
Authors: Mamitsuka Hiroshi
Published: March 2011

Carbohydrates or glycans are major cellular macromolecules, working for a variety of vital biological functions. Due to long-term efforts by experimentalists, the current number of structurally different, determined carbohydrates has exceeded 10,000 or more. As a result data mining-based
approaches for glycans (or trees in a computer science sense) have attracted attention and have been developed over the last five years, presenting new techniques even from computer science viewpoints. This review summarizes cutting-edge techniques for glycans in each of the three categories
of data mining: classification, clustering and frequent pattern mining, and shows results obtained by applying these techniques to real sets of glycan structures.
Organic Chemistry and Immunochemical Strategies in the Design of Potent Carbohydrate-based Vaccines
Authors: Roy René , Chieh Shiao Tze
Published: March 2011

A brief overview of carbohydrate antigens processing and uptakes involved in the adaptive immune system is highlighted. To counter balance the poor immunogenicity and T-cell independent characteristics of carbohydrate antigens, chemists have developed original hybrid molecules aimed
at targeting specific competent immune cell receptors. Amongst several potential vaccine candidates dedicated against diseases, this short report will focused on those most advance and state of the art organic chemistry involved therein. One case has led to the first example of a commercial
vaccine entirely prepared from a synthetic carbohydrate antigen against infections caused by the Gram-negative bacteria Haemophilus influenza type b responsible for pneumonia and acute bacterial meningitis in infants. Other commendable examples will illustrate the immunochemical strategies
engaged in the development of anticancer carbohydrate-based vaccines.
Therapeutic Targets for Inhibitors of Glycosylation
Authors: Alonzi Dominic S. , Butters Terry D.
Published: March 2011

Small molecule inhibitors of glycoconjugate metabolism are being exploited for therapeutic benefit in a number of human disorders. As examples of this class of compound, imino sugars, as monosaccharide mimics, have a number of advantages for compound design and synthesis to define biological
activity. As polyhydroxylated molecules, each chiral centre offers manipulation to generate isomers with restricted or enhanced mimicry, and the endocyclic nitrogen atom is readily modified to gain selectivity, increase potency or improve pharmacodynamics. This review focuses on the discovery
of imino sugars that have considerable potential for treating a diverse range of diseases, from lysosomal storage disorders diabetes and cystic fibrosis to viral pathogenesis, and addresses the mechanism of action that is dictated by structural modification.
Lipo-Chitooligosaccharidic Nodulation Factors: Synthesis and Agricultural Perspectives
Authors: Beau Jean-Marie
Published: March 2011

Lipo-chitooligosaccharidic nodulation (Nod) factors produced by rhizobia are a class of signalling molecules that induce a symbiotic association between legumes and soil bacteria rhizobia leading to the formation of the nitrogen-fixing root nodule. They consist of a chitin oligomeric
backbone N-acylated at the non-reducing unit and are equipped with a variety of substituents at both ends of the oligosaccharide. This brief account focuses on the different approaches developed for their synthesis with particular emphasis on glycosylation methods. Current use of these
Nod factors or analogs as additives in agricultural applications has shown to be very promising for sustainable agriculture.
Cardiac Hormones Target the Ras-MEK 1/2-ERK 1/2 Kinase Cancer Signaling Pathways
Authors: Vesely David L.
Published: March 2011

The heart is a sophisticated endocrine gland synthesizing the atrial natriuretic peptide prohormone which contains four peptide hormones, i.e., atrial natriuretic peptide, vessel dilator, kaliuretic peptide and long-acting natriuretic peptide, which decrease up to 97% of human pancreatic, breast, colon, prostate, kidney and ovarian carcinomas as well as small-cell and squamous cell lung cancer cells in cell culture. In vivo, these four cardiac hormones eliminate up to 80% of human pancreatic adenocarcinomas, two-thirds of human breast cancers, and up to 86% of human small-cell lung cancers growing in athymic mice. Their signaling in cancer cells includes inhibition of up to 95% of the basal activity of Ras, 98% inhibition of the phosphorylation of the MEK 1/2 kinases and 97% inhibition of the activation of basal activity of the ERK 1/2 kinases mediated via the intracellular messenger cyclic GMP. They also completely block the activity of mitogens such as epidermal growth factor’s ability to stimulate ERK and Ras. They do not inhibit the activity of ERK in healthy cells such as human fibroblasts. The final step in their anticancer mechanism of action is that they enter the nucleus as demonstrated by immunocytochemical studies to inhibit DNA synthesis within cancer cells.
New Armenian Wood-Associated Coprinoid Mushrooms: Coprinopsis strossmayeri and Coprinellus aff. radians
Authors: Badalyan Susanna M. , Szafranski Karol , Hoegger Patrik J. , Navarro-González Monica , Majcherczyk Andrzej , Kües Ursula
Published: March 2011

Coprinoid mushrooms grown on wood of broad-leaf species were collected for the first time in Armenia and dikaryotic mycelial cultures were established. ITS (internal transcribed spacer) sequences identified one species as Coprinopsis strossmayeri and the other as a species closely related to Coprinellus radians. Mycelial growth and morphological features on different media are described. The pearl-white-silky colonies of C. strossmayeri are characterized by mycelial strands and by a light-yellow agar colorization. The species forms chlamydospores intercalary in its hyphae. Some hyphal ends form hyphal loops. Colonies of C. aff. radians have a characteristic yellow pigmentation and stain the agar yellowish. Hyphae are mostly clampless but at some septa, pseudoclamps are seen from which side-branches develop growing along the parental hyphae. In the mycelium of C. aff. radians, hyphal loops, hyphal swellings, cystidia and typical allocysts were observed. Both new species from Armenia show growth optima at temperatures of 25 to 30 °C and pHs of 6.0 to 7.0. Both grow in alkaline conditions up to pH 12.0 but not at pHs 3.0 and 4.0, classifying them with other coprinoid mushrooms as “ammonia fungi”. Both species grew on a variety of lignocellulosic substrates and both show polyphenol oxidase activities.
NEK1 Facilitates Cohesin Removal during Mammalian Spermatogenesis
Authors: Holloway Kim , Roberson Elle C. , Corbett Kelly L. , Kolas Nadine K. , Nieves Edward , Cohen Paula E.
Published: March 2011

Meiosis is a highly conserved process, which is stringently regulated in all organisms, from fungi through to humans. Two major events define meiosis in eukaryotes. The first is the pairing, or synapsis, of homologous chromosomes and the second is the exchange of genetic information in a process called meiotic recombination. Synapsis is mediated by the meiosis-specific synaptonemal complex structure in combination with the cohesins that tether sister chromatids together along chromosome arms through prophase I. Previously, we identified FKBP6 as a novel component of the mammalian synaptonemal complex. Further studies demonstrated an interaction between FKBP6 and the NIMA-related kinase-1, NEK1. To further investigate the role of NEK1 in mammalian meiosis, we have examined gametogenesis in the spontaneous mutant, Nek1kat2J. Homozygous mutant animals show decreased testis size, defects in testis morphology, and in cohesin removal at late prophase I of meiosis, causing complete male infertility. Cohesin protein SMC3 remains localized to the meiotic chromosome cores at diplonema in the Nek1 mutant, and also in the related Fkbp6 mutant, while in wild type cells SMC3 is removed from the cores at the end of prophase I and becomes more diffuse throughout the DAPI stained region of the nucleus. These data implicate NEK1 as a possible kinase involved in cohesin redistribution in murine spermatocytes.
Experimental Construction of BMP2 and VEGF Gene Modified Tissue Engineering Bone in Vitro
Authors: Jiang Jia , Fan Cun-Yi , Zeng Bing-Fang
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and advantages of constructing a novel tissue engineering bone, using β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), modified with human bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene (hBMP2) and human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 gene (hVEGF165), through lentiviral transfection. Both genes were successfully co-expressed in the co-transfection group for up to eight weeks confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After seeding MSCs onto the scaffolds, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that MSCs grew and proliferated well in co-transfection group at 7 and 14 days. There was no significant difference among all the groups in hoechst DNA assay for cell proliferation for 14 days after cell seeding (P > 0.05), but the highest alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was observed in the co-transfection group at 14 days after cell seeding (p < 0.01). These results demonstrated that it was advantageous to construct tissue engineering bone using β-TCP combined with MSCs lentivirally co-transfected with BMP2 and VEGF165, providing an innovative way for treating bone defects.
The Biology of the Cytolethal Distending Toxins
Authors: Guerra Lina , Cortes-Bratti Ximena , Guidi Riccardo , Frisan Teresa
Published: March 2011

The cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs), produced by a variety of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, are the first bacterial genotoxins described, since they cause DNA damage in the target cells. CDT is an A-B2 toxin, where the CdtA and CdtC subunits are required to mediate the binding on the surface of the target cells, allowing internalization of the active CdtB subunit, which is functionally homologous to the mammalian deoxyribonuclease I. The nature of the surface receptor is still poorly characterized, however binding of CDT requires intact lipid rafts, and its internalization occurs via dynamin-dependent endocytosis. The toxin is retrograde transported through the Golgi complex and the endoplasmic reticulum, and subsequently translocated into the nuclear compartment, where it exerts the toxic activity. Cellular intoxication induces DNA damage and activation of the DNA damage responses, which results in arrest of the target cells in the G1 and/or G2 phases of the cell cycle and activation of DNA repair mechanisms. Cells that fail to repair the damage will senesce or undergo apoptosis. This review will focus on the well-characterized aspects of the CDT biology and discuss the questions that still remain unanswered.
The use of ground‐penetrating radar to extend the results of archaeological excavation
Authors: Utsi Erica
Published: March 2011

This paper describes the use of ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) to extrapolate from data generated by a long‐term training excavation in Gloucestershire, SW England for which geophysical survey techniques including GPR had been used. Due to external circumstances beyond the control of the archaeological team, the ownership of the site changed hands and all excavation and associated investigation had to cease. However, an adjacent landowner granted permission for a GPR survey across his land. These latest GPR survey results have been used to supplement the excavation results, significantly extending the information available to the archaeological team. The data demonstrate the accuracy with which GPR data can be matched to excavation data and the improvement in target definition possible with reduction of transect spacing. The impact of some of this information is still being evaluated.
Natural IgM Is Required for Suppression of Inflammatory Arthritis by Apoptotic Cells
Authors: Notley Clare A. , Brown Mark A. , Wright Graham P. , Ehrenstein Michael R.
Published: March 2011

The clearance of dying cells is vital for re-establishing tolerance during inflammation and has potent immunoregulatory consequences. Because natural IgM plays a key role in the removal of apoptotic cells, we investigated whether the immune modulatory properties of apoptotic cells depended on its presence. Using an Ab-independent, Ag-induced model of inflammatory arthritis, we tested whether natural IgM is essential for the arthritis-suppressing properties of apoptotic cells. Whereas administration of apoptotic cells reduced joint inflammation and damage in normal mice accompanied by suppression of the Th17 response, no protection was afforded in secreted IgM-deficient (Sμ–) mice. The enhanced production of IL-10 by T cells from draining lymph nodes and splenic marginal zone B cells, driven by the infusion of apoptotic cells, was abrogated in the absence of natural IgM. Apoptotic cells were present shortly after administration in the splenic marginal zone, but their removal was substantially delayed in the absence of natural IgM. Incubation of apoptotic cells with natural IgM in vitro restored their arthritis-suppressing properties in Sμ– mice. Moreover, these IgM-coated apoptotic cells were cleared rapidly after injection from the spleens of Sμ– mice. Our results demonstrate that natural IgM is a critical factor in a chain of events triggered by the administration of apoptotic cells that promote IL-10–secreting B and T cells and restrain the development of inflammation.
GroEL1, a Heat Shock Protein 60 of Chlamydia pneumoniae, Induces Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor 1 Expression in Endothelial Cells and Enhances Atherogenesis in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits
Authors: Lin Feng-Yen , Lin Yi-Wen , Huang Chun-Yao , Chang Yu-Jia , Tsao Nai-Wen , Chang Nen-Chung , Ou Keng-Liang , Chen Ta-Liang , Shih Chun-Ming , Chen Yung-Hsiang
Published: March 2011

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) plays a major role in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced vascular inflammation. Chlamydia pneumoniae has been found in atherosclerotic lesions and is related to atherosclerotic pathogenesis, although its specific mechanism remains unknown. This study was conducted to investigate the mechanisms of LOX-1 expression in GroEL1 (a heat shock protein from C. pneumoniae)-administered human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and atherogenesis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. We demonstrated that in the hypercholesterolemic rabbit model, GroEL1 administration enhanced fatty streak and macrophage infiltration in atherosclerotic lesions, which may be mediated by elevated LOX-1 expression. In in vitro study using HCAECs, stimulation with GroEL1 increased TLR4 and LOX-1 expression. Increased LOX-1 expression was downregulated by Akt activation and PI3K-mediated endothelial NO synthase activation. PI3K inhibitor and NO synthase inhibitor induced LOX-1 mRNA production, whereas the NO donor ameliorated the increasing effect of LOX-1 mRNA in GroEL1-stimulated HCAECs. LOX-1 expression was regulated by NADPH oxidase, which mediates reactive oxygen species production and intracellular MAPK signaling pathway in GroEL1-stimulated HCAECs. Treatment with polyethylene-glycol–conjugated superoxide dismutase, apocynin, or diphenylene iodonium significantly decreased GroEL1-induced LOX-1 expression, as did the knockdown of Rac1 gene expression by RNA interference. In conclusion, the GroEL1 protein may induce LOX-1 expression in endothelial cells and atherogenesis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The elevated level of LOX-1 in vitro may be mediated by the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway, endothelial NO synthase activation, NADPH oxidase-mediated reactive oxygen species production, and MAPK activation in GroEL1-stimulated HCAECs. The GroEL1 protein of C. pneumoniae may contribute to vascular inflammation and cardiovascular disorders.
α-Galactosylceramide–Induced Airway Eosinophilia Is Mediated through the Activation of NKT Cells
Authors: Chuang Ya-Hui , Wang Tzu-Chun , Jen Hsiao-Yu , Yu Alice L. , Chiang Bor-Luen
Published: March 2011

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells bridge innate and adaptive immune responses, resulting in the expansion of Ag-specific B and T cell responses. α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), the most studied glycolipid that activates iNKT cells, has been proposed to be an effective adjuvant against infections and tumors. We found that the activation of iNKT cells by intranasal injection of α-GalCer induced airway eosinophilia in naive mice. Eosinophils, which mediate tissue damage and dysfunction by secreting mediators, play important roles in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of how eosinophils are recruited to the lung by α-GalCer. Our results demonstrated that α-GalCer–induced eosinophil inflammation was mediated through iNKT cells. These cells secreted IL-5 to recruit eosinophils directly to the lung and/or secreted IL-4 and IL-13 to recruit eosinophils indirectly by inducing lung epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblast to secrete the eosinophil chemoattractant eotaxin. In addition, in the OVA-alum murine model of allergic asthma, α-GalCer administration in OVA-immunized mice also increased airway eosinophilia after challenge. Given our findings, intranasal administration of α-GalCer induced airway eosinophilic inflammation in both naive and allergic mice. Hence, it remains to be determined whether the activation of iNKT cells would be applicable in therapeutics for human diseases.