bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pb2(AsO2OH)Cl2, a new phase from the Lavrion ancient slags, Greece: occurrence and characterization
Authors: Siidra O. I. , Chukanov N. V. , Pekov I. V. , Krivovichev S. V. , Magganas A. , Katerinopoulos A. , Voudouris P.
Published: July 2012

Transparent prismatic crystals of Pb2(AsO2OH)Cl2were collected in black metallurgical slag on the coast in the Punta Zeza area, 3 km south of the town of Lavrion, Greece. Analyses by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) provided the following chemical composition: PbO 73.04, As2O315.97, Cl 11.42, O=Cl –2.58, total 97.85 wt.%. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of As = 1 is HxPb2.03(AsO3)1.00Cl1.995(x = 0.96). The infrared spectrum of Pb2(AsO2OH)Cl2has characteristic AsO33–bands at 707 and 594 cm–1, O–H stretching vibrations at 3310 and 2900 cm–1and a band at 1107 cm–1which is assigned to As–O–H bending vibrations. The structure, which is monoclinic P21/m, a = 6.4235(8), b = 5.5399(7), c = 9.321(1) Å, β = 90.767(2)°, V = 331.67(7) Å3, R1= 0.035, is identical to that of synthetic Pb2(AsO2OH)Cl2and contains two symmetrically unique Pb sites and one As site. The crystal structure is based on [Pb2AsO2OH]2+double chains interconnected via weak Pb–Cl bonds to produce a three-dimensional framework which is closely related to that of Pb oxysalt minerals containing [O2Pb3]2+chains of oxocentred [OPb4]6+tetrahedra including mendipite, damaraite, rickturnerite and plumboselite.
Arsenohopeite, a new zinc arsenate mineral from the Tsumeb mine, Namibia
Authors: Neuhold F. , Kolitsch U. , Bernhardt H.-J. , Lengauer C. L.
Published: July 2012

Arsenohopeite, ideally Zn3(AsO4)2·4H2O, is the arsenate analogue of hopeite, Zn3(PO4)2·4H2O (it is isostructural with α-hopeite). It was found as a single colourless to blue crystalline grain from the Tsumeb mine, Namibia. The holotype specimen is ∼1 × 1 × 1 mm in size. Arsenohopeite is associated with tiny white fibres of an unidentified Zn- and As-bearing phase. It is orthorhombic, space group Pnma, with a = 10.804(2), b = 19.003(4), c = 5.112(1) Å, V = 1049.5(4) Å3 and Z = 4. Electron microprobe analysis yielded: ZnO 44.92, Fe2O3 0.92, MnO 0.51, MgO 0.20, CuO 0.02, As2O5 45.84 (wt.%). The empirical formula is (Zn2.80Fe0.06Mn0.04Mg0.03)Σ2.93(As1.01O4)2·4H2O, based on 12 oxygen atoms. Optically, the mineral is biaxial negative, with α = 1.598(2), β = 1.606(2), γ = 1.613(2) (white light) and 2Vcalc = 86°. It is not pleochroic or fluorescent. Arsenohopeite is translucent with a vitreous lustre. It is brittle, has an uneven fracture and (by analogy with hopeite) a cleavage that is perfect on {010}, good on {100} and poor on {001}. The calculated density is 3.420 g cm–3. The five strongest calculated powder diffraction lines are [d in Å (I)(hkl)]: 9.502 (100)(020), 2.926 (95)(241), 4.937 (50)(011), 4.110 (48)(230) and 3.567 (31)(240). The crystal structure of arsenohopeite has been solved by direct methods and refined in space group Pnma to R1 = 0.0353. Raman spectroscopy confirms the crystal-structure data and indicates the presence of weak hydrogen bonds.
Krásnoite, the fluorophosphate analogue of perhamite, from the Huber open pit, Czech Republic and the Silver Coin mine, Nevada, USA
Authors: Mills S. J. , Sejkora J. , Kampf A. R. , Grey I. E. , Bastow T. J. , Ball N. A. , Adams P. M. , Raudsepp M. , Cooper M. A.
Published: July 2012

Krásnoite is a new mineral (IMA2011-040) from the Huber open pit, Krásno ore district, Czech Republic and the Silver Coin mine, Nevada, USA. Krásnoite is the fluorophosphate analogue of perhamite. Krásnoite occurs as compact to finely crystalline aggregates, balls and rosette-like clusters up to 1 mm across. Individual crystals are platy, show a hexagonal outline and can reach 0.1 mm on edge at Krásno and 0.4 mm at Silver Coin. At both localities, krásnoite occurs very late in phosphaterich paragenetic sequences. Krásnoite crystals are partly transparent with a typically pearly lustre, but can also appear greasy (Krásno) or dull (Silver Coin). The streak is white and the hardness is 5 on the Mohs scale. Crystals are brittle, have an irregular fracture, one imperfect cleavage on {001} and are not fluorescent under SW and LW ultraviolet light. Penetration twinning ⊥ {001} is common. The density for both Krásno and Silver Coin material is 2.48(4) g cm–3, measured by the sink–float method in an aqueous solution of sodium polytungstate. The calculated density is 2.476 g cm–3 (Krásno). Krásnoite crystals are uniaxial (+), with ω = 1.548(2) and ε = 1.549(2) (Krásno) and ω = 1.541(1) and ε = 1.543(1) (Silver Coin). The simplified formula of krásnoite is: Ca3Al7.7Si3P4O23.5(OH)12.1F2·8H2O. Krásnoite is trigonal, space group Pm1, with a = 6.9956(4), c = 20.200(2) Å, V = 856.09(9) Å3 and Z = 3. Raman and infrared spectroscopy, coupled with magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS–NMR) spectrometry, confirmed the presence of PO3F, PO4, SiO4, H2O and OH in the crystal structure of krásnoite.
A reinvestigation of mayenite from the type locality, the Ettringer Bellerberg volcano near Mayen, Eifel district, Germany
Authors: Galuskin E. V. , Kusz J. , Armbruster T. , Bailau R. , Galuskina I. O. , Ternes B. , Murashko M.
Published: July 2012

New electron-microprobe analyses of mayenite from the Ettringer Bellerberg volcano near Mayen in the Eifel district, Germany have high Cl contents and Raman spectroscopy indicates the presence of OH groups. Neither of these components is included in the generally accepted chemical formula, Ca12Al14O33. A refinement of the crystal structure by single-crystal X-ray methods reveals a previously unrecognized partial substitution. The O2 site which forms one of the apices of an AlO4tetrahedron (with 3 × O1 sites) is replaced by 3 × O2a sites, which change the coordination of the central Al atom from tetrahedral to octahedral. This substitution is related to partial hydration of Ca12Al14O32Cl2according to the isomorphic scheme (O2–+ Cl–) ↔ 3(OH)–. The revised composition of Eifel mayenite is best described by the formula Ca12Al14O32–xCl2–x(OH)3x(x ∼0.75); the original formula, Ca12Al14O33, is inadequate. The analysed mineral can be considered to consist of endmember Ca12Al14O32Cl2 (62.5 mol.%) and endmember Ca12Al14O30(OH)6(37.5 mol.%).
Metavivianite, Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2·6H2O: new data and formula revision
Authors: Chukanov N. V. , Scholz R. , Aksenov S. M. , Rastsvetaeva R. K. , Pekov I. V. , Belakovskiy D. I. , Krambrock K. , Paniago R. M. , Righi A. , Martins R. F. , Belotti F. M. , Bermanec V.
Published: July 2012

The composition, structure, X-ray powder diffraction pattern, optical properties, density, infrared, Raman and Mössbauer spectra, and thermal properties of a homogeneous sample of metavivianite from the Boa Vista pegmatite, near Galiléia, Minas Gerais, Brazil are reported for the first time. Metavivianite is biaxial (+) with α = 1.600(3), β = 1.640(3), γ = 1.685(3) and 2Vmeas = 85(5)°. The measured and calculated densities are Dmeas = 2.56(2) and Dcalc = 2.579 g cm–3. The chemical composition, based on electronmicroprobe analyses, Mössbauer spectroscopy (to determine the Fe2+:Fe3+ ratio) and gas chromatography (to determine H2O) is MgO 0.70, MnO 0.92, FeO 17.98, Fe2O3 26.60, P2O5 28.62, H2O 26.5; total 101.32 wt.%. The empirical formula is (Fe3+1.64Fe2+1.23Mg0.085Mn0.06)Σ3.015(PO4)1.98(OH)1.72·6.36H2O. Metavivianite is triclinic, P, a = 7.989(1), b = 9.321(2), c = 4.629(1) Å, α = 97.34(1), β = 95.96(1), γ = 108.59(2)°, V = 320.18(11) Å3 and Z = 1. The crystal structure was solved using a single-crystal techniques to an agreement index R = 6.0%. The dominant cations in the independent sites are Fe2+ and Fe3+, with multiplicities of 1 and 2, respectively. The simplified crystal-chemical formula for metavivianite is Fe2+ (Fe3+, Fe2+)2(PO4)2(OH,H2O)2·6H2O; the endmember formula is Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2·6H2O, which is dimorphous with ferrostrunzite.
Debattistiite, Ag9Hg0.5As6S12Te2, a new Te-bearing sulfosalt from Lengenbach quarry, Binn valley, Switzerland: description and crystal structure
Authors: Guastoni A. , Bindi L. , Nestola F.
Published: July 2012

Debattistiite, ideally Ag9Hg0.5As6S12Te2, is a new mineral (IMA-CNMNC 2011-098) from the Lengenbach quarry in the Binn Valley, Valais, Switzerland. It occurs as very rare tabular euhedral crystals up to 150 μm across in cavities in dolomitic marble, associated with realgar, rutile, trechmannite and hutchinsonite. Debattistiite is opaque with a metallic lustre and a grey streak. It is brittle; the Vickers hardness (VHN25) is 80 kg mm–2 (range: 65–94), corresponding to a Mohs hardness of 2–2½. In reflected light debattistiite is dark grey, highly bireflectant and weakly pleochroic from dark grey to a slightly greenish grey. Between crossed polars it is highly anisotropic with brownish to blue rotation tints. Internal reflections are absent. Reflectance percentages for the four COM wavelengths (Rmin and Rmax) are 27.2, 34.5 (471.1 nm), 25.5, 31.0 (548.3 nm), 22.9, 28.4 (586.6 nm), and 20.1, 25.2 (652.3 nm), respectively.

Debattistiite is triclinic, space group P1, with a = 7.832(5), b = 8.606(4), c = 10.755(5) Å, α = 95.563(9), β = 95.880(5), γ = 116.79(4)°, V = 635.3(6) Å3 and Z = 1. The crystal structure [R1 = 0.0826 for 795 reflections with I > 2σ(I)] consists of corner-sharing AsS3 pyramids forming three-membered distorted rings linked by Ag atoms in triangular or tetrahedral coordination.

The five strongest powder-diffraction lines [d in Å (I/I0) (hkl)] are as follows: 10.56 (6) (001); 3.301 (5) (12); 2.991 (4) (22); 2.742 (1) and 2.733 (10) (30). A mean of nine electron microprobe analyses gave: Ag 44.88, Hg 4.49, As 20.77, S 17.72, Te 11.82; total 99.68 wt.%, which corresponds to Ag9.02Hg0.49As6.012S11.98Te2.01, on the basis of 29.5 atoms. The new mineral is named for Luca De Battisti, a systematic mineralogist and expert on the minerals of Lengenbach quarry.
Forêtite, a new secondary arsenate mineral from the Cap Garonne mine, France
Authors: Mills S. J. , Kampf A. R. , McDonald A. M. , Favreau G. , Chiappero P.-J.
Published: July 2012

Forêtite, ideally Cu2Al2(AsO4)(OH,O,H2O)6, is a new secondary arsenate mineral from the Cap Garonne mine, Var, France (IMA2011-100). It has also been identified at the Salsigne gold mine, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. Although it was identified as a potentially new mineral in 1993, a formal description has only been possible as a result of a new find in a chamber called Annex S located near the entrance of the Cap Garonne mine. Forêtite occurs as pale sky blue to aqua aggregates, up to ∼0.1 mm across, made up of minute plates no more than 20 μm in length. It has a very pale blue streak. Individual crystals have a vitreous lustre and are transparent, whereas clusters appear translucent. The calculated density is 3.286 g cm–3. The crystals are brittle, with an irregular fracture and have a hardness of ∼3–4 on Moh's scale. Forêtite is found in direct association with bariopharmacoalumite, cyanotrichite, parnauite, chalcophyllite and mansfieldite in an Al-rich assemblage which is presumed to have formed under acidic conditions. It is biaxial; the average refractive index measured in white light on aggregates of forêtite crystals is 1.620(5). The empirical formula (based on 10 oxygen atoms per formula unit) is Cu1.94(Al1.96Fe0.04)Σ2.00(As0.84S0.09Si0.04)Σ0.97O10H5.19. Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of OH and H2O in the structure. Forêtite is triclinic, space group P, with a = 6.969(9), b = 7.676(9), c = 8.591(11) Å, α = 82.01(9), β = 71.68(8), γ = 102.68(8)°, V = 415(1) Å3 and Z = 2. The five strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern [d in A ˚ , (I), (hkl)] are as follows: 7.307, (100), (010, 00); 3.141, (24), (200, 00); 2.818, (24), (20, 20); 4.519, (23), (111); 2.343, (22), (11). The mineral is named in honour of Dr Jean-Paul Forêt, who co-founded the project that turned the Cap Garonne mine into a protected site and museum.
Stem and progenitor cells in myelodysplastic syndromes show aberrant stage-specific expansion and harbor genetic and epigenetic alterations
Authors: Will Britta , Zhou Li , Vogler Thomas O. , Ben-Neriah Susanna , Schinke Carolina , Tamari Roni , Yu Yiting , Bhagat Tushar D. , Bhattacharyya Sanchari , Barreyro Laura , Heuck Christoph , Mo Yonkai , Parekh Samir , McMahon Christine , Pellagatti Andrea , Boultwood Jacqueline , Montagna Cristina , Silverman Lewis , Maciejewski Jaroslaw , Greally John M. , Ye B. Hilda , List Alan F. , Steidl Christian , Steidl Ulrich , Verma Amit
Published: July 2012

Even though hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) dysfunction is presumed in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), the exact nature of quantitative and qualitative alterations is unknown. We conducted a study of phenotypic and molecular alterations in highly fractionated stem and progenitor populations in a variety of MDS subtypes. We observed an expansion of the phenotypically primitive long-term HSCs (lineage−/CD34+/CD38−/CD90+) in MDS, which was most pronounced in higher-risk cases. These MDS HSCs demonstrated dysplastic clonogenic activity. Examination of progenitors revealed that lower-risk MDS is characterized by expansion of phenotypic common myeloid progenitors, whereas higher-risk cases revealed expansion of granulocyte-monocyte progenitors. Genome-wide analysis of sorted MDS HSCs revealed widespread methylomic and transcriptomic alterations. STAT3 was an aberrantly hypomethylated and overexpressed target that was validated in an independent cohort and found to be functionally relevant in MDS HSCs. FISH analysis demonstrated that a very high percentage of MDS HSC (92% ± 4%) carry cytogenetic abnormalities. Longitudinal analysis in a patient treated with 5-azacytidine revealed that karyotypically abnormal HSCs persist even during complete morphologic remission and that expansion of clonotypic HSCs precedes clinical relapse. This study demonstrates that stem and progenitor cells in MDS are characterized by stage-specific expansions and contain epigenetic and genetic alterations.
Somatic mosaicism for oncogenic NRAS mutations in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Doisaki Sayoko , Muramatsu Hideki , Shimada Akira , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Mori-Ezaki Makiko , Sato Masanori , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki , Kinoshita Akitoshi , Sotomatsu Manabu , Hayashi Yasuhide , Furukawa-Hibi Yoko , Yamada Kiyofumi , Hoshino Hideaki , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Yoshida Nao , Sakaguchi Hirotoshi , Narita Atsushi , Wang Xinan , Ismael Olfat , Xu Yinyan , Nishio Nobuhiro , Tanaka Makito , Hama Asahito , Koike Kenichi , Kojima Seiji
Published: July 2012

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare pediatric myeloid neoplasm characterized by excessive proliferation of myelomonocytic cells. Somatic mutations in genes involved in GM-CSF signal transduction, such as NRAS, KRAS, PTPN11, NF1, and CBL, have been identified in more than 70% of children with JMML. In the present study, we report 2 patients with somatic mosaicism for oncogenic NRAS mutations (G12D and G12S) associated with the development of JMML. The mutated allele frequencies quantified by pyrosequencing were various and ranged from 3%-50% in BM and other somatic cells (ie, buccal smear cells, hair bulbs, or nails). Both patients experienced spontaneous improvement of clinical symptoms and leukocytosis due to JMML without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These patients are the first reported to have somatic mosaicism for oncogenic NRAS mutations. The clinical course of these patients suggests that NRAS mosaicism may be associated with a mild disease phenotype in JMML.
A comparative analysis of the heterotrimeric G-protein Gα, Gβ and Gγ subunits in the wheat pathogen Stagonospora nodorum
Authors: Gummer Joel P A , Trengove Robert D , Oliver Richard P , Solomon Peter S
Published: July 2012

Background

It has been well established that the Gα subunit of the heterotrimeric G-protein in the wheat pathogen Stagonospora nodorum is required for a variety of phenotypes including pathogenicity, melanisation and asexual differentiation. The roles though of the Gγ and Gβ subunits though were unclear. The objective of this study was to identify and understand the role of these subunits and assess their requirement for pathogenicity and development.

Results

G-protein Gγ and Gβ subunits, named Gga1 and Gba1 respectively, were identified in the Stagonospora nodorum genome by comparative analysis with known fungal orthologues. A reverse genetics technique was used to study the role of these and revealed that the mutant strains displayed altered in vitro growth including a differential response to a variety of exogenous carbon sources. Pathogenicity assays showed that Stagonospora nodorum strains lacking Gba1 were essentially non-pathogenic whilst Gga1- impaired strains displayed significantly slower growth in planta. Subsequent sporulation assays showed that like the previously described Gα subunit mutants, both Gba1 and Gga1 were required for asexual sporulation with neither mutant strain being able to differentiate either pycnidia nor pycnidiospores under normal growth conditions. Continued incubation at 4°C was found to complement the mutation in each of the G-protein subunits with nearly wild-type levels of pycnidia recovered.

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence on the significance of cAMP-dependent signal transduction for many aspects of fungal development and pathogenicity. The observation that cold temperatures can complement the G-protein sporulation defect now provides an ideal tool by which asexual differentiation can now be dissected.
Association of estrogen receptor betavariants and serum levels of estradiol with risk of colorectal cancer: a case control study
Authors: Wu Huanlei , Xu Li , Chen Jigui , Hu Junbo , Yu Shiying , Hu Guangyuan , Huang Liu , Chen Xiaoping , Yuan Xianglin , Li Guojun
Published: July 2012

Background

Endogenous estrogens may play a vital role in colorectal tumorigenesis. Estrogen receptor beta is the predominant subtype which mediates the biological effect of estrogens, while loss of expression of estrogen receptor beta has been indicated as a common step in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Epidemiological studies have revealed several functional polymorphisms of estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) for cancer risk, but relevant study in CRC is limited, particularly in men. This study aimed to investigate the association of circulating estradiol and variations of ESR2 with CRC risk in men.

Methods

We initiated a case–control study consisting of 390 patients with CRC and 445 healthy controls in men only. We genotyped ESR2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1256049 and rs4986938 and measured serum estradiol concentration using chemilluminescence immunoassay. Multivariable logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the associations between these variables and CRC risk.

Results

ESR2 rs1256049 CT/TT genotypes were associated with reduced risk of CRC (odds ratio [OR], 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5–1.0), while rs4986938 CT/TT genotypes were associated with increased risk of CRC (OR, 1.5, 95% CI, 1.0–2.1). In addition, the CRC risk increased with the number of risk genotypes of these two SNPs in a dose–response manner (P

trend
, 0.003). Specifically, subjects carrying risk genotypes of both SNPs had the highest risk of CRC (OR, 2.0, 95% CI, 1.3–3.3.). Moreover, serum estradiol concentration alone was associated with risk of CRC in men (OR, 1.2, 95% CI, 1.0–1.3). However, individuals presenting both rs4986938 CT/TT genotypes and high level of serum estradiol had a high risk of CRC (OR, 2.3, 95% CI, 1.4–3.9), compared with those presenting CC genotype and low level of serum estradiol. The similar joint results were not observed for SNP rs1256049.

Conclusions

These results suggest that endogenous estrogen and genetic variations in ESR2 may individually, or more likely jointly, affect CRC risk in male Han Chinese population, while larger studies are needed to validate our findings.
Ovarian metastases resection from extragenital primary sites: outcome and prognostic factor analysis of 147 patients
Authors: Li Wenhua , Wang Huaying , Wang Jian , LV Fangfang , Zhu Xiaodong , Wang Zhonghua
Published: July 2012

Background

To explore the outcomes and prognostic factors of ovarian metastasectomy intervention on overall survival from extragenital primary cancer.

Methods

Patients with ovarian metastases from extragenital primary cancer confirmed by laparotomy surgery and ovarian metastases resection were retrospectively collected in a single institution during an 8-year period. A total of 147 cases were identified and primary tumor sites were colorectal region (49.0%), gastric (40.8%), breast (8.2%), biliary duct (1.4%) and liver (0.7%). The pathological and clinical features were evaluated. Patients’ outcome with different primary tumor sites and predictive factors for overall survival were also investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Metachronous ovarian metastasis occurred in 92 (62.6%) and synchronous in 55 (37.4%) patients. Combined metastases occurred in 40 (27.2%). Bilateral metastasis was found in 97 (66%) patients. The median ovarian metastasis tumor size was 9 cm. There were 39 (26.5%) patients with massive ascites ≥ 1000 mL on intraoperative evaluation. With a median follow-up of 48 months, the median OS after ovarian metastasectomy for all patients was 8.2 months (95% CI 7.2-9.3 months). In univariate analyses, there is significant (8.0 months vs. 41.0 months, P = 0.000) difference in OS between patients with gastrointestinal cancer origin from breast origin, and between patients with gastric origin from colorectal origin (7.4 months vs. 8.8 months, P = 0.036). In univariate analyses, synchronous metastases, locally invasion, massive intraoperative ascites (≥ 1000 mL), and combined metastasis, were identified as significant poor prognostic factors. In multivariate analyses combined metastasis (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.09-2.69, P = 0.018), locally invasion (RR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.03-2.54, P = 0.038) and massive intraoperative ascites (RR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.02-2.49, P = 0.04) were independent factors for predicting unfavorable overall survival.

Conclusion

Ovarian metastases are more commonly originated from primary gastrointestinal tract. The prognosis of ovarian metastasis is dismal and the benefit of ovarian metastatectomy is limited. Combined metastasis outside ovaries, locally invasion and massive intraoperative ascites were independent factors for predicting unfavorable overall survival. The identification of the primary tumor is required to plan for adequate treatment for this group of patients.
Using pathology-specific laboratory profiles in Clinical Pathology to reduce inappropriate test requesting: two completed audit cycles
Authors: Baricchi Roberto , Zini Michele , Nibali Maria Grazia , Vezzosi Walter , Insegnante Vincenzo , Manfuso Clotilde , Polese Alessandra , Costoli Valmer , Spelti Antonio , Formisano Debora , Orlandini Danilo , Nicolini Fausto , Poli Antonio
Published: July 2012

Background

Systematic reviews have shown that, although well prepared, the Consensus Guidelines have failed to change clinical practice. In the healthcare district of Castelnovo né Monti (Reggio Emilia, Italy), it became necessary for the GPs and Clinical Pathologists to work together to jointly define laboratory profiles.

Methods

Observational study with two cycles of retrospective audit on test request forms, in a primary care setting. Objectives of the study were to develop pathology-specific laboratory profiles and to increase the number of provisional diagnoses on laboratory test request forms. A Multiprofessional Multidisciplinary Inter-hospital Work Team developed pathology-specific laboratory profiles for more effective test requesting. After 8 training sessions that used a combined strategy with multifaceted interventions, the 23 General Practitioners (GPs) in the trial district (Castelnovo nè Monti) tested the profiles; the 21 GPs in the Puianello district were the control group; all GPs in both districts participated in the trial. All laboratory tests for both healthcare districts are performed at the Laboratory located in the trial district. A baseline and a 1-year audit were performed in both districts on the GPs’ request forms.

Results

Seven pathology-specific laboratory profiles for outpatients were developed. In the year after the first audit cycle: 1) the number of tests requested in the trial district was distinctly lower than that in the previous year, with a decrease of about 5% (p < 0.001); 2) the provisional diagnosis on the request forms was 52.8% in the trial district and 42% in the control district (P < 0.001); 3) the decrease of the number of tests on each request form was much more marked in the trial district (8.73 vs. 10.77; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The first audit cycle showed a significant decrease in the number of tests ordered only in the trial district. The combined strategy used in this study improved the prescriptive compliance of most of the GPs involved. The presence of the clinical pathologist is seen as an added value.
Identification of proteins related to the stress response in Enterococcus faecalis V583 caused by bovine bile
Authors: Bøhle Liv Anette , Færgestad Ellen M , Veiseth-Kent Eva , Steinmoen Hilde , Nes Ingolf F , Eijsink Vincent GH , Mathiesen Geir
Published: July 2012

Background

Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen and one of the most important causes of hospital infections. Bile acids are a major stress factor bacteria have to cope with in order to colonize and survive in the gastro-intestinal tract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bile acids on the intracellular proteome of E. faecalis V583.

Results

The proteomes of cells challenged with 1% bile were analyzed after 20 - 120 minutes exposure, using 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Among the approximately 500 observed proteins, 53 unique proteins were found to be regulated in response to bile and were identified with mass spectrometry. The identified proteins belonged to nine different functional classes, including fatty acid- and phospholipid-biosynthesis, energy metabolism, and transport and binding. Proteins involved in fatty acid and phospholipid biosynthesis pathways were clearly overrepresented among the identified proteins and all were down-regulated upon exposure to bile. The proteome data correlated reasonably well with data from previous transcriptome experiments done under the same conditions, but several differences were observed.

Conclusion

The results provide an overview of potentially important proteins that E. faecalis V583 needs to regulate in order to survive and adapt to a bile-rich environment, among which are several proteins involved in fatty acid and phospholipid biosynthesis pathways. In addition, this study reveals several hypothetical proteins, which are both abundant and clearly regulated and thus stand out as targets for future studies on bile stress.
A complete response to S-1 plus cis-diamminedichloroplatinum in advanced-stage esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Matsuno Yoritaka , Kochi Mitsugu , Fujii Masashi , Kanamori Noriaki , Kaiga Teruo , Mihara Yoshiaki , Funada Tomoya , Miyazaki Teruyuki , Takayama Tadatoshi
Published: July 2012

Background

Complete remission from advanced-stage synchronous double primary (SDP) esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma by chemotherapy alone is rare. We report a case of advanced-stage SDP esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma in which a complete response to treatment was obtained with S-1 and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP).

Case presentation

The patient was a 74-year-old man referred to our hospital complaining of dysphagia. Gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and advanced-stage SDP esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma diagnosed. Computed tomography revealed multiple regional lymph node metastases in the mediastinum. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 and CDDP for advanced esophageal and gastric cancer was planned. An endoscopy following two courses of chemotherapy revealed that the esophageal cancer had been replaced with a normal mucosal lesion and the gastric tumor with a scar lesion; the results of biopsies of both were negative for cancer. Computed tomography revealed that the multiple lymph node metastases had disappeared. We diagnosed a complete response to S-1 and CDDP in advanced-stage SDP esophageal and gastric cancer. The patient is still alive with no signs of recurrence 22 months after the disappearance of the original tumor and metastatic lesions without surgical treatment.

Conclusion

These results suggest that complete remission from advanced-stage esophageal and gastric cancer can be obtained with chemotherapy with S-1 plus CDDP.
Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma
Authors: Herrera-Gómez Ángel , Ortega-Gutiérrez César , Betancourt Alejandro Mohar , Luna-Ortiz Kuauhyama
Published: July 2012

Background

Liposarcoma is the most frequent histopathological variety of the retroperitoneum, surgery is the gold standard for treatment.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 24-year-old male who was diagnosed with a giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma. The patient received palliative treatment due to non-resectability on the basis of chemotherapy. We decided to perform surgery after no benefit was received with systemic treatment. Complete macroscopic resection of the tumor was performed, without multi-organ resection. The patient is currently alive and disease free at 14 months of evolution.

Conclusion

Retroperitoneal liposarcomas represent a unique situation and require a more aggressive surgical approach including multiple resections for recurrences. Based on the ability of the patient to tolerate the procedure, surgery is suggested to evaluate resectability of the tumor. We must take into consideration whether prolonged survival will be attained and tumor removal will result in palliation of symptoms.
Investigations into the impact of various substrates and ZnO ultra thin seed layers prepared by atomic layer deposition on growth of ZnO nanowire array
Authors: Ding JN , Liu YB , Tan CB , Yuan NY
Published: July 2012

The impact of various substrates and zinc oxide (ZnO) ultra thin seed layers prepared by atomic layer deposition on the geometric morphology of subsequent ZnO nanowire arrays (NWs) fabricated by the hydrothermal method was investigated. The investigated substrates included B-doped ZnO films, indium tin oxide films, single crystal silicon (111), and glass sheets. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that the geometry and aligment of the NWs were controlled by surface topography of the substrates and thickness of the ZnO seed layers, respectively. According to atomic force microscopy data, we suggest that the substrate, fluctuate amplitude and fluctuate frequency of roughness on ZnO seed layers have a great impact on the alignment of the resulting NWs, whereas the influence of the seed layers' texture was negligible.
Lymphocyte Responses to Chymotrypsin- or Trypsin V-Digested β-Lactoglobulin in Patients with Cow's Milk Allergy
Authors: Kondo Masashi , Fukao Toshiyuki , Shinoda Shinji , Kawamoto Norio , Kaneko Hideo , Kato Zenichiro , Matsui Eiko , Teramoto Takahide , Nakano Taku , Kondo Naomi
Published: July 2012

Chymotrypsin- or trypsin V- (a mixture of trypsin and chymotrypsin) digested β-lactoglobulin (BLG) peptides were prepared and were confirmed to have much less immunoglobulin (lg)G and lgE reactivity compared with intact BLG by IgG inhibition enzymelinked immunosorbent assay and IgE dot blotting. The lymphocyte responses to intact BLG and these peptides were examined using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 10 patients with cow's milk allergy. The PBMCs from most patients had lower lymphocyte responses to chymotrypsin- and trypsin V-digested BLG peptides than those to intact BLG. However, PBMCs from one and two patients retained significant proliferative responses to both peptides and to only the former peptide, respectively. Interferon-c production stimulated by chymotrypsin-digested peptides was still detectable in all five patients tested. Chymotrypsindigested BLG reduced lgE reactivity but still induced some lymphocyte responses.
Subcellular forms and biochemical events triggered in human cells by HCV polyprotein expression from a viral vector
Authors: Vandermeeren Andrée M , Gómez Carmen Elena , Patiño Cristina , Domingo-Gil Elena , Guerra Susana , González Jose Manuel , Esteban Mariano
Published: July 2012

To identify the subcellular forms and biochemical events induced in human cells after HCV polyprotein expression, we have used a robust cell culture system based on vaccinia virus (VACV) that efficiently expresses in infected cells the structural and nonstructural proteins of HCV from genotype 1b (VT7-HCV7.9). As determined by confocal microscopy, HCV proteins expressed from VT7-HCV7.9 localize largely in a globular-like distribution pattern in the cytoplasm, with some proteins co-localizing with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. As examined by electron microscopy, HCV proteins induced formation of large electron-dense cytoplasmic structures derived from the ER and containing HCV proteins. In the course of HCV protein production, there is disruption of the Golgi apparatus, loss of spatial organization of the ER, appearance of some "virus-like" structures and swelling of mitochondria. Biochemical analysis demonstrate that HCV proteins bring about the activation of initiator and effector caspases followed by severe apoptosis and mitochondria dysfunction, hallmarks of HCV cell injury. Microarray analysis revealed that HCV polyprotein expression modulated transcription of genes associated with lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cellular proliferation. Our findings demonstrate the uniqueness of the VT7-HCV7.9 system to characterize morphological and biochemical events related to HCV pathogenesis.
Avian influenza: genetic evolution under vaccination pressure
Authors: Escorcia Magdalena , Vázquez Lourdes , Méndez Sara T , Rodríguez-Ropón Andrea , Lucio Eduardo , Nava Gerardo M
Published: July 2012

Antigenic drift of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) has been observed in chickens after extended vaccination program, similar to those observed with human influenza viruses. To evaluate the evolutionary properties of endemic AIV under high vaccination pressure (around 2 billion doses used in the last 12 years), we performed a pilot phylogenic analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of AIVs isolated from 1994 to 2006. This study demonstrates that Mexican low pathogenicity (LP) H5N2-AIVs are constantly undergoing genetic drifts. Recent AIV isolates (2002–2006) show significant molecular drifts when compared with the H5N2 vaccine-strain or other field isolates (1994–2000). This study also demonstrates that molecular drifts in the HA gene lineages follow a yearly trend, suggesting gradually cumulative sequence mutations. These findings might explain the increasing incidence of LP H5N2 AIV isolated from commercial avian farms. These findings support recent concerns about the challenge of AIV antigenic drift and influenza epidemics.
Genetic Variation in the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Gene and Morphine Requirements in Cancer Patients with Pain
Authors: Rakvåg Trude T , Ross Joy R , Sato Hiroe , Skorpen Frank , Kaasa Stein , Klepstad Pål
Published: July 2012

Background:

Genetic variation contributes to differences in pain sensitivity and response to different analgesics. Catecholamines are involved in the modulation of pain and are partly metabolized by the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme. Genetic variability in the COMT gene may therefore contribute to differences in pain sensitivity and response to analgesics. It is shown that a polymorphism in the COMT gene, Rs4680 (Val158Met), influence pain sensitivity in human experimental pain and the efficacy for morphine in cancer pain treatment. In this study we wanted to investigate if variability in other regions in the COMT gene also contributes to interindividual variability in morphine efficacy.

Results:

We genotyped 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) throughout the COMT gene, and constructed haplotypes from these 11 SNPs, which were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We compared both genotypes and haplotypes against pharmacological, demographical and patient symptoms measurements in a Caucasian cancer patient cohort (n = 197) receiving oral morphine treatment for cancer pain. There were two frequent haplotypes (34.5% and 17.8%) in our cohort. Multivariate analyses showed that patients carrying the most frequent haplotype (34.5%) needed lower morphine doses than patients not carrying the haplotype, with a reduction factor of 0.71 (p = 0.005). On the allele level, carriers of alleles for six of the SNPs show weak associations in respect to morphine dose and the alleles associated with the lowest morphine doses constitute part of the most frequent haplotype.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that genetic variability in the COMT gene influence the efficacy of morphine in cancer patients with pain, and that increased understanding of this variability is reached by expanding from analyses of single SNPs to haplotype construction and analyses.
Use acupuncture to treat functional constipation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Ying , Zheng Hui , Zeng Fang , Zhou Si-yuan , Zhong Feng , Zheng Hua-bing , Chen Min , Jing Xiang-hong , Cai Yu-ying , Jia Bao-hui , Zhu Bing , Liu Zhi-shun
Published: July 2012

Background

Whether acupuncture is effective for patients with functional constipation is still unclear. Therefore, we report the protocol of a randomized controlled trial of using acupuncture to treat functional constipation.

Design

A randomized, controlled, four-arm design, large-scale trial is currently undergoing in China. Seven hundred participants are randomly assigned to three acupuncture treatment groups and Mosapride Citrate control group in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Participants in acupuncture groups receive 16 sessions of acupuncture treatment, and are followed up for a period of 9 weeks after randomization. The acupuncture groups are: (1) Back-Shu and Front-Mu acupoints of Large Intestine meridians (Shu-Mu points group); (2) He-Sea and Lower He-Sea acupoints of Large Intestine meridians (He points group); (3) Combining used Back-Shu, Front-Mu, He-Sea, and Lower He-Sea acupoints of Large Intestine meridians (Shu-Mu-He points group). The control group is Mosapride Citrate group. The primary outcome is frequency of defecation per week at the fourth week after randomization. The secondary outcomes include Bristol stool scale, the extent of difficulty during defecating, MOS 36-item Short Form health survey (SF-36), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). The first two of second outcomes are measured 1 week before randomization and 2, 4, and 8 weeks after randomization. Other second outcomes are measured 1 week before randomization and 2 and 4 weeks after randomization, but SF-36 is measured at randomization and 4 weeks after randomization.

Discussion

The result of this trial (which will be available in 2012) will confirm whether acupuncture is effective to treat functional constipation and whether traditional acupuncture theories play an important role in it.

Trials registration

Clinical Trials.gov NCT01411501
A concept for trial institutions focussing on randomised controlled trials in surgery
Authors: Rahbari Nuh N , Diener Markus K , Fischer Lars , Wente Moritz N , Kienle Peter , Büchler Markus W , Seiler Christoph M
Published: July 2012

Background

Although considered the reference standard for generating valid scientific evidence of a treatment's benefits and harms, the number of Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT) comparing surgical techniques remains low. Much effort has been made in order to overcome methodological issues and improve quality of RCTs in surgery. To the present there has been, however, only little emphasis on development and maintenance of institutions for implementation of adequately designed and conducted surgical RCTs.

Mehods/Design

Description of the developments in surgical RCT infrastructure in Germany between 2001 and 2006. Cross sectional evaluation of completed and ongoing surgical RCTs within the German Surgical Society and the Clinical Study Centre, Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg.

Results

Foundation of a national Clinical Trial Centre (CTC) for the organisation of multi-centre RCTs in the surgical setting (Study Center of the German Surgical Society, SDGC). Establishment of a network of CTCs with affiliated Clinical Sites (CSs) to enhance patient recruitment and shorten the duration of RCTs. Since its foundation four surgical RCTs with a total sample size of 1650 patients (1006 of these randomised) have been supervised by the SDGC with 35 CSs involved in patient recruitment. Five further CTCs were set up in 2006. Together with their affiliated CSs a network has been organised providing improved conditions for the conduction of surgical RCTs.

Conclusion

Improvement of infrastructure substantially facilitates integration of RCTs into routine surgical practice. A network of collaborating CTCs and CSs can provide an adequate infrastructure for the conduction of multi-centre RCTs.
Gadd45β expression in chondrosarcoma: A pilot study for diagnostic and biological implications in histological grading
Authors: Zenmyo Michihisa , Tanimoto Akihide , Sakakima Harutoshi , Yokouchi Masahiro , Nagano Satoshi , Yamamoto Takuya , Ishido Yasuhiro , Komiya Setsuro , Ijiri Kosei
Published: July 2012

Background

Although the diagnosis of chondrosarcoma, especially the distinction between enchondroma and low-grade chondrosarcoma or low-grade chondrosarcoma and high-grade chondrosarcoma, is pathologically difficult, differential diagnosis is very important because the treatment strategies for these diseases are completely different. The grading system is crucial in predicting biologic behavior and prognosis, however, exact pathological grading is difficult using only routine examinations because the criteria of the grading system are not necessarily definitive. Growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 45β (GADD45β) is an essential molecule for chondrocytes during terminal differentiation. In the present study, we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of GADD45β in enchondroma, and chondrosarcoma of histological grades I, II, and III, to clarify the diagnostic significance of GADD45β in pathological grading of chondrosarcoma.

Methods

Twenty samples (enchondroma = 6, chondrosarcoma grade I = 7, grade II = 6, grade III = 1) were used for immunohistochemical analysis to investigate the expression of GADD45β. Quantitative analysis was performed to compare the number of GADD45β positive cells and pathological grading.

Results

Over 70% of the cells in enchondromas expressed GADD45β. On the other hand, the expression of GADD45β decreased significantly according to the histological grade of chondrosarcoma (grade I: 45%; grade II: 13.8%; and grade III: 3.8%).

Conclusions

The association of GADD45β expression and pathological grading of chondrosarcoma in the present study suggests that the immunohistochemical study of GADD45β may be a specific diagnostic parameter for chondrosarcoma cell differentiation.
The abdomen of Drosophila: does planar cell polarity orient the neurons of mechanosensory bristles?
Authors: Fabre Caroline CG , Casal José , Lawrence Peter A
Published: July 2012

Background

In the adult abdomen of Drosophila, the shafts of mechanosensory bristles point consistently from anterior to posterior. This is an example of planar cell polarity (PCP); some genes responsible for PCP have been identified. Each adult bristle is made by a clone of four cells, including the neuron that innervates it, but little is known as to how far the formation or positions of these cells depends on PCP. The neurons include a single dendrite and an axon; it is not known whether the orientation of these processes is influenced by PCP.

Results

We describe the development of the abdominal mechanosensory bristles in detail. The division of the precursor cell gives two daughters, one (pIIa) divides to give rise to the bristle shaft and socket cell and the other (pIIb) generates the neuron, the sheath and the fifth cell. Although the bristles and their associated shaft and socket cells are consistently oriented, the positioning and behaviour of the neuron, the sheath and the fifth cell, as well as the orientation of the axons and the dendritic paths, depend on location. For example, in the anterior zone of the segment, the axons grow posteriorly, while in the posterior zone, they grow anteriorly. Manipulating the PCP genes can reverse bristle orientation, change the path taken by the dendrite and the position of the cell body of the neuron. However, the paths taken by the axon are not affected.

Conclusion

PCP genes, such as starry night and dachsous orient the bristles and position the neuronal cell body and affect the shape of the dendrites. However, these PCP genes do not appear to change the paths followed by the sensory axons, which must, therefore, be polarised by other factors.
Semaphorin-6A controls guidance of corticospinal tract axons at multiple choice points
Authors: Rünker Annette E , Little Graham E , Suto Fumikazu , Fujisawa Hajime , Mitchell Kevin J
Published: July 2012

Background

The trajectory of corticospinal tract (CST) axons from cortex to spinal cord involves a succession of choice points, each of which is controlled by multiple guidance molecules. To assess the involvement of transmembrane semaphorins and their plexin receptors in the guidance of CST axons, we have examined this tract in mutants of Semaphorin-6A (Sema6A), Plexin-A2 (PlxnA2) and Plexin-A4 (PlxnA4).

Results

We describe defects in CST guidance in Sema6A mutants at choice points at the mid-hindbrain boundary (MHB) and in navigation through the pons that dramatically affect how many axons arrive to the hindbrain and spinal cord and result in hypoplasia of the CST. We also observe defects in guidance within the hindbrain where a proportion of axons aberrantly adopt a ventrolateral position and fail to decussate. This function in the hindbrain seems to be mediated by the known Sema6A receptor PlxnA4, which is expressed by CST axons. Guidance at the MHB, however, appears independent of this and of the other known receptor, PlxnA2, and may depend instead on Sema6A expression on CST axons themselves at embryonic stages.

Conclusion

These data identify Sema6A as a major contributor to the guidance of CST axons at multiple choice points. They highlight the active control of guidance at the MHB and also implicate the inferior olive as an important structure in the guidance of CST axons within the hindbrain. They also suggest that Sema6A, which is strongly expressed by oligodendrocytes, may affect CST regeneration in adults.
Long-term alterations of striatal parvalbumin interneurons in a rat model of early exposure to alcohol
Authors: De Giorgio Andrea , Comparini Sara E , Intra Francesca Sangiuliano , Granato Alberto
Published: July 2012

Background

Exposure to alcohol in utero is a known cause of mental retardation. Although a certain degree of motor impairment is always associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, little is known about the neurobiological basis of the defective motor control. We have studied the striatal interneurons containing parvalbumin in a rat model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Methods

Newborn rats received ethanol by inhalation from postnatal day two through six and parvalbumin striatal neurons were labeled by immunohistochemistry on postnatal day 60. The spatial distribution of parvalbumin interneurons was studied using Voronoi spatial tessellation and their dendritic trees were completely reconstructed.

Results

Parvalbumin interneurons of ethanol-treated animals showed a clustered spatial distribution similar to that observed in control animals. The dendritic tree of parvalbumin interneurons was significantly reduced in ethanol-treated animals, as compared with controls.

Conclusions

Striatal parvalbumin interneurons are crucial components of the brain network serving motor control. Therefore, the shrinkage of their dendrites could contribute to the motor and cognitive symptoms observed in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.