bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding angiosperm diversification using small and large phylogenetic trees
Authors: Smith Stephen A. , Beaulieu Jeremy M. , Stamatakis Alexandros , Donoghue Michael J.
Published: March 2011

How will the emerging possibility of inferring ultra‐large phylogenies influence our ability to identify shifts in diversification rate? For several large angiosperm clades (Angiospermae, Monocotyledonae, Orchidaceae, Poaceae, Eudicotyledonae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae), we explore this issue by contrasting two approaches: (1) using small backbone trees with an inferred number of extant species assigned to each terminal clade and (2) using a mega‐phylogeny of 55473 seed plant species represented in GenBank. The mega‐phylogeny approach assumes that the sample of species in GenBank is at least roughly proportional to the actual species diversity of different lineages, as appears to be the case for many major angiosperm lineages. Using both approaches, we found that diversification rate shifts are not directly associated with the major named clades examined here, with the sole exception of Fabaceae in the GenBank mega‐phylogeny. These agreements are encouraging and may support a generality about angiosperm evolution: major shifts in diversification may not be directly associated with major named clades, but rather with clades that are nested not far within these groups. An alternative explanation is that there have been increased extinction rates in early‐diverging lineages within these clades. Based on our mega‐phylogeny, the shifts in diversification appear to be distributed quite evenly throughout the angiosperms. Mega‐phylogenetic studies of diversification hold great promise for revealing new patterns, but we will need to focus more attention on properly specifying null expectation.
Intraperitoneal Pressure and Intra-Abdominal Pressure: Are they the Same?
Authors: Al-Hwiesh Abdullah , Al-Mueilo Sameer , Saeed Ibrahiem , Al-Muhanna Fahd A.
Published: March 2011

Background

In peritoneal dialysis (PD), a standard therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the effects of using the peritoneum as an exchange membrane and of dialysate dwelling within the peritoneal cavity creates some mechanical changes, including an increase in intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) that might lead to intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). The diagnosis of IAH and ACS depend on intra-abdominal measurement of IAP by an indirect technique. There is no clear distinction between IPP and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Our objective in this study was to find if there is real difference between IPP and IAP.

Methods

This study was conducted at the PD unit of King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, between July 2008 and January 2009. To be included, patients had to have known ESRD for at least 5 years, to be 18 years of age or older at enrollment, with stable body weight and blood pressure, and with no clinical signs of overhydration. Patients with congestive heart failure III and IV (New York Heart Association criteria) and severe pulmonary disease, psychiatric illnesses, neurogenic bladder, known history of peritonitis, or medical or surgical abdominal intervention in the preceding 3 months were excluded. We measured IAP by the direct technique through the peritoneal catheter and by an indirect technique using an intravesical catheter.

Results

The 25 patients who met the inclusion criteria included 13 men and 12 women, with a mean age of 53 ± 2 years (range: 18 – 76 years). The predominant causes of ESRD were diabetes mellitus and glomerulonephritis. Mean IPP in the dry state (supine) was 9.49 ± 5 mmHg, and mean IAP was 9.4 ± 5.4 mmHg ( p = 0.9). In the dry state (erect), the mean IPP increased to 16.9 ± 7.2 mmHg, and the mean IAP, to 16.4 ± 6.9 mmHg ( p = 0.8). In the filled state (supine), mean IPP was 12.6 ± 4.7 mmHg, and mean IAP, 12.8 ± 4.8 mmHg ( p = 0.88); the erect pressures were 21.4 ± 7 mmHg and 21.6 ± 6.9 mmHg respectively ( p = 0.9).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that there is no statistical difference between IPP and IAP in either the erect or the supine position.
Atorvastatin Reduces High Glucose Toxicity in Rat Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Carrión Blanca , Pérez–Martínez Francisco C. , Monteagudo Silvia , Pérez–Carrión María D. , Gómez–Roldán Carmen , Ceña Valentín , Pérez–Martínez Juan
Published: March 2011

Objective

Continuous exposure of the peritoneal membrane to high glucose dialysis solutions can produce functional alterations in this membrane. We studied the toxic effects of high glucose (50 mmol/L and 83 mmol/L) and its reversal by atorvastatin (0.5 – 5 μmol/L) on cultures of rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs).

Methods

Rat PMCs were harvested from the peritonea of male Sprague–Dawley rats and grown in M199 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. The effects of high glucose (50 mmol/L and 83 mmol/L) on levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), on caspase 3 activity, and on phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the cultures were evaluated.

Results

Exposure to high glucose (for 4, 8, and 24 hours) increased intracellular levels of ROS and phospho-p38 MAPK (indices of cellular toxicity). Atorvastatin blocked these toxic effects of high glucose, being more effective against 50 mmol/L glucose (protective effects were observed above 0.5 μmol/L) than against 83 mmol/L (protective effects were observed above 2.5 μmol/L). Atorvastatin was also able to prevent glucose-induced increase in caspase 3 activity.

Conclusions

The present study shows that high glucose may promote oxidative stress and may activate apoptotic pathways in rat PMCs. These toxic effects could be reversed by atorvastatin.
Rapid Improvement in the Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Certolizumab Pegol Treatment Predicts Better Longterm Outcomes: Post-hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: KEYSTONE EDWARD C. , CURTIS JEFFREY R. , FLEISCHMANN ROY M. , FURST DANIEL E. , KHANNA DINESH , SMOLEN JOSEF S. , MEASE PHILIP J. , SCHIFF MICHAEL H. , COTEUR GEOFFROY , DAVIES OWEN , COMBE BERNARD
Published: March 2011

Objective.

To assess the kinetics of response to certolizumab pegol (CZP), and association between rapid response and longterm outcomes, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

This was a post-hoc analysis of the randomized, double-blind RAPID 1 study in patients who received methotrexate (MTX) and either CZP 200 mg subcutaneously or placebo every 2 weeks for 52 weeks. Clinical and radiographic outcomes at Week 52 were evaluated based on the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) ≥ 1.2 and American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) responses at Week 6 and Week 12.

Results.

Clinical responses [European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), DAS28 ≥ 1.2, and ACR20 responses] were rapid in CZP-treated patients. Week 12 DAS28 ≥ 1.2 responders had better clinical and radiographic outcomes at Week 52 compared with nonresponders. Among Week 12 responders, incremental benefit of earlier response was observed: Week 6 DAS28 ≥ 1.2 responders and ACR20 responders had significantly higher ACR response rates and were more likely to achieve remission at Week 52 than Week 12 responders. Patients with a clinical response at Week 6 had faster, more meaningful sustained improvements in patient-derived outcomes than those responding by Week 12 only.

Conclusion.

Rapid attainment of clinical response in patients with RA is associated with improved longterm outcomes. Analysis of the kinetics of response to CZP during the first 12 weeks of therapy potentially permits informed prediction of clinical success or need to alter treatment. In patients not achieving a clinical response at Week 12 treatment adjustment should be considered. Trial registration NCT00152386.
Summary of Minutes of the GRAPPA Meeting Adjacent to the American Academy of Dermatology 67th Annual Meeting: Table 1.
Authors: BOEHNCKE WOLF-HENNING , GOTTLIEB ALICE B. , KRUEGER GERALD G. , QURESHI ABRAR A. , GARG AMIT
Published: March 2011

At a half-day meeting adjacent to the 67th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in San Francisco, USA, in 2009, dermatology members of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) met to discuss recognition of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the dermatology clinic; multidisciplinary management of psoriasis patients; examples of physician tiering; comparative treatments for psoriasis and PsA; and biomarkers as predictors of response to treatment. Key results and minutes of the San Francisco meeting were presented at the 2009 GRAPPA annual meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, and are summarized here.
Análisis bibliométrico de la situación de las mujeres investigadoras de Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas en España
Authors: Torres-Salinas Daniel , Muñoz-Muñoz Ana M. , Jiménez-Contreras Evaristo
Published: March 2011

Se presenta un estudio bibliométrico cuyo objetivo es analizar la productividad y la citación de las investigadoras en las Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas en España en el marco de las revistas científi cas nacionales. Como fuente de información se han empleado los rankings de investigadores/as presentes en el Índice de Impacto de las Revistas Españolas de Ciencias Sociales (INRECS) y el Índice de Impacto de las Revistas Españolas de Ciencias Jurídicas (INRECJ). El estudio analiza 11 disciplinas científicas diferentes y la muestra final de investigadores/as extraídos de dichos rankings ha sido de 3.370 de las que el 30 % eran mujeres. Para estudiar las diferencias de géneros se han seleccionado y analizado cuatro variables: el número de trabajos publicados, el número de citas obtenidas, número de citas internacionales y el promedio de citas. Los resultados muestran como las mujeres en las 11 áreas analizadas tienen una menor productividad así como un menor número de citas bruto. Por otro lado las mujeres en diversas áreas sí obtienen un mayor número de citas internacionales y en casi todas alcanzan promedios de citas mayores. Sin embargo aún es escasa la presencia de las mujeres en los rankings y en la élite científica española.
Excessifs dons de sang
Authors: Copeman Jacob
Published: March 2011

En Inde, l’interdiction en 1998 des dons rémunérés a exigé des stratégies innovatrices de la part des banques de sang et des autres établissements de santé afin d’augmenter le nombre des dons de sang bénévoles. Jusqu’à présent, les campagnes n’ont pas été particulièrement fructueuses. Il existe cependant des cas de succès exemplaires : depuis quelques années, les mouvements religieux, en particulier ceux dirigés par des gourous, sont devenus des pourvoyeurs majeurs des dons de sang bénévoles à travers l’Inde. Les médecins collecteurs de sang ont habilement reconnu le pouvoir et l’intensité de la relation qui existe entre les gourous et leurs fidèles et le mobilisent à leurs propres fins. De leur côté, les fidèles utilisent le don de sang comme un moyen d’enrichir et de transformer la base empirique de leur vie religieuse. Cet article met en lumière les aspects dévotionnels et ascétiques des pratiques indiennes du don de sang et montre de quelle façon celui-ci s’est développé tel un mouvement vibrant de créativité et de dynamisme religieux.
Respiratory Dysfunction in Patients With Sepsis: Protective Effect of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yang Yong , Salam Zakir-Hussain Abdul , Ong Biauw Chi , Yang Kok Soong
Published: March 2011

Background

Sepsis is a common complication in patients with diabetes mellitus. In a Western population, risk of respiratory dysfunction was lower in diabetic patients with sepsis.

Objective

To compare organ dysfunction, particularly respiratory dysfunction, between sepsis patients with and without diabetes mellitus in an Asian population.

Method

Hospital discharge data were collected for the period 2004 through 2008. Patients with sepsis, diabetes mellitus, and organ dysfunction were identified by using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th Revision, Australian Modification codes.

Results

Of the 383 238 patients hospitalized during the 5 years, 2943 of the 9221 who had sepsis also had diabetes (31.9%).The most common organ dysfunctions in patients with sepsis were renal (31.5%), cardiovascular (19.2%), and respiratory (10.9%). Among patients with sepsis, respiratory dysfunction was less likely in patients with diabetes (9.4%) than in those without (11.6%; P = .002), but renal dysfunction was more likely in patients with diabetes (46.5%) than in those without (24.4%; P < .001). However, only 27.6% of patients with diabetes had a respiratory source of sepsis compared with 33.4% in patients without diabetes (P < .001). Among patients with sepsis, diabetes mellitus was a significant and independent predictor of respiratory dysfunction (odds ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.98) after adjustments for age, sex, ethnicity, admission to intensive care, number of comorbid conditions, and other infection sources.

Conclusion

Among an Asian population, respiratory dysfunction in patients with sepsis is less likely to develop in those with diabetes than in those without diabetes.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α–Dependent Protection from Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Involves Ecto-5′-Nucleotidase (CD73) and the A2B Adenosine Receptor
Authors: Hart Melanie L. , Grenz Almut , Gorzolla Iris C. , Schittenhelm Jens , Dalton Julee H. , Eltzschig Holger K.
Published: March 2011

Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IR) is characterized by intermittent loss of perfusion to the gut, resulting in dramatic increases in morbidity and mortality. Based on previous studies indicating an anti-inflammatory role for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1–elicited enhancement of extracellular adenosine production via ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) and signaling through the A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR), we targeted HIF-1 during IR using pharmacological or genetic approaches. Initial studies with pharmacological HIF activation indicated attenuation of intestinal injury with dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG) treatment during murine IR. Although DMOG treatment was associated with induction of CD73 transcript and protein, DMOG protection was abolished in cd73−/− mice. Similarly, DMOG treatment enhanced A2BAR transcript and protein levels, whereas DMOG protection was abolished in A2BAR−/− mice. Finally, studies of mice with conditional HIF-1α deletion in intestinal epithelia or pharmacological inhibition of HIF-1 with 17-(dimethylaminoethylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin revealed enhanced tissue injury during IR. These studies indicated a tissue-protective role of HIF-dependent enhancement of intestinal adenosine generation and signaling during intestinal IR.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor LAQ824 Augments Inflammatory Responses in Macrophages through Transcriptional Regulation of IL-10
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Cheng Fengdong , Woan Karrune , Sahakian Eva , Merino Oscar , Rock-Klotz Jennifer , Vicente-Suarez Ildefonso , Pinilla-Ibarz Javier , Wright Kenneth L. , Seto Edward , Bhalla Kapil , Villagra Alejandro , Sotomayor Eduardo M.
Published: March 2011

APCs are important in the initiation of productive Ag-specific T cell responses and the induction of T cell anergy. The inflammatory status of the APC at the time of encounter with Ag-specific T cells plays a central role in determining such divergent T cell outcomes. A better understanding of the regulation of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes in its natural setting, the chromatin substrate, might provide novel insights to overcome anergic mechanisms mediated by APCs. In this study, we show for the first time, to our knowledge, that treatment of BALB/c murine macrophages with the histone deacetylase inhibitor LAQ824 induces chromatin changes at the level of the IL-10 gene promoter that lead to enhanced recruitment of the transcriptional repressors HDAC11 and PU.1. Such an effect is associated with diminished IL-10 production and induction of inflammatory cells able of priming naive Ag-specific T cells, but more importantly, capable of restoring the responsiveness of anergized Ag-specific CD4+ T cells.
Cross Talk between Glucocorticoid and Estrogen Receptors Occurs at a Subset of Proinflammatory Genes
Authors: Cvoro Aleksandra , Yuan Chaoshen , Paruthiyil Sreenivasan , Miller Oliver H. , Yamamoto Keith R. , Leitman Dale C.
Published: March 2011

Glucocorticoids exert potent anti-inflammatory effects by repressing proinflammatory genes. We previously demonstrated that estrogens repress numerous proinflammatory genes in U2OS cells. The objective of this study was to determine if cross talk occurs between the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and estrogen receptor (ER)α. The effects of dexamethasone (Dex) and estradiol on 23 proinflammatory genes were examined in human U2OS cells stably transfected with ERα or GR. Three classes of genes were regulated by ERα and/or GR. Thirteen genes were repressed by both estradiol and Dex (ER/GR-repressed genes). Five genes were repressed by ER (ER-only repressed genes), and another five genes were repressed by GR (GR-only repressed genes). To examine if cross talk occurs between ER and GR at ER/GR-repressed genes, U2OS-GR cells were infected with an adenovirus that expresses ERα. The ER antagonist, ICI 182780 (ICI), blocked Dex repression of ER/GR-repressed genes. ICI did not have any effect on the GR-only repressed genes or genes activated by Dex. These results demonstrate that ICI acts on subset of proinflammatory genes in the presence of ERα but not on GR-activated genes. ICI recruited ERα to the IL-8 promoter but did not prevent Dex recruitment of GR. ICI antagonized Dex repression of the TNF response element by blocking the recruitment of nuclear coactivator 2. These findings indicate that the ICI–ERα complex blocks Dex-mediated repression by interfering with nuclear coactivator 2 recruitment to GR. Our results suggest that it might be possible to exploit ER and GR cross talk for glucocorticoid therapies using drugs that interact with ERs.
HIV-1 Tat-Mediated Induction of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor in Astrocytes: Role of Early Growth Response Gene 1
Authors: Bethel-Brown Crystal , Yao Honghong , Callen Shannon , Lee Young Han , Dash Prasanta K. , Kumar Anil , Buch Shilpa
Published: March 2011

HIV-associated neurologic disorders (HAND) are estimated to affect almost 60% of HIV-infected individuals. HIV encephalitis, the pathologic correlate of the most severe form of HAND, is often characterized by glial activation, cytokine-chemokine dysregulation, and neuronal damage and loss. However, the severity of HIV encephalitis correlates better with glial activation rather than viral load. Using the macaque model, it has been demonstrated that SIV encephalitis correlates with increased expression of the mitogen platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B chain in the brain. The goal of this study was to explore the role of PDGF-B chain in HIV-associated activation and proliferation of astrocytes. Specifically, the data demonstrate that exposure of rat and human astrocytes to the HIV-1 protein Tat resulted in the induction of PDGF at both the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, PDGF-BB induction was regulated by activation of ERK1/2 and JNK signaling pathways and the downstream transcription factor early growth response 1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated binding of Egr-1 to the PDGF-B promoter. Exposure of astrocytes to PDGF-BB in turn led to increased proliferation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines MCP-1 and IL-1β. Because astrogliosis is linked to disease severity, understanding its regulation by PDGF-BB could aid in the development of therapeutic intervention strategies for HAND.
Plasticity of Human Regulatory T Cells in Healthy Subjects and Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: McClymont Stephanie A. , Putnam Amy L. , Lee Michael R. , Esensten Jonathan H. , Liu Weihong , Hulme Maigan A. , Hoffmüller Ulrich , Baron Udo , Olek Sven , Bluestone Jeffrey A. , Brusko Todd M.
Published: March 2011

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute an attractive therapeutic target given their essential role in controlling autoimmunity. However, recent animal studies provide evidence for functional heterogeneity and lineage plasticity within the Treg compartment. To understand better the plasticity of human Tregs in the context of type 1 diabetes, we characterized an IFN-γ–competent subset of human CD4+CD127lo/−CD25+ Tregs. We measured the frequency of Tregs in the peripheral blood of patients with type 1 diabetes by epigenetic analysis of the Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR) and the frequency of the IFN-γ+ subset by flow cytometry. Purified IFN-γ+ Tregs were assessed for suppressive function, degree of TSDR demethylation, and expression of Treg lineage markers FOXP3 and Helios. The frequency of Tregs in peripheral blood was comparable but the FOXP3+IFN-γ+ fraction was significantly increased in patients with type 1 diabetes compared to healthy controls. Purified IFN-γ+ Tregs expressed FOXP3 and possessed suppressive activity but lacked Helios expression and were predominately methylated at the TSDR, characteristics of an adaptive Treg. Naive Tregs were capable of upregulating expression of Th1-associated T-bet, CXCR3, and IFN-γ in response to IL-12. Notably, naive, thymic-derived natural Tregs also demonstrated the capacity for Th1 differentiation without concomitant loss of Helios expression or TSDR demethylation.
Differential B7–CD28 Costimulatory Requirements for Stable and Inflationary Mouse Cytomegalovirus-Specific Memory CD8 T Cell Populations
Authors: Arens Ramon , Loewendorf Andrea , Redeker Anke , Sierro Sophie , Boon Louis , Klenerman Paul , Benedict Chris A. , Schoenberger Stephen P.
Published: March 2011

CMV establishes a lifelong persistent infection, and viral immune-modulating strategies are important in facilitating this. A particularly diverse CD8 T cell response develops as a result of this host-virus détente, with the CMV-specific memory T cell pool displaying unique functions and phenotypes. To gain insight into the factors that regulate CMV-specific CD8 T cell responses, we examined the influence of the B7–CD28 costimulatory pathway on magnitude, kinetics, and phenotype. Initial expansion of mouse CMV-specific CD8 T cells that establish stable memory pools was severely lower in mice lacking B7–CD28 signaling, and the resulting memory levels also remained reduced during persistent/latent infection. In contrast, expansion of CD8 T cells that undergo memory inflation during chronic infection was less affected in the absence of B7–CD28 costimulatory signals, eventually reaching the levels seen in wild-type mice at later times. Regardless of their differential requirements for B7–CD28 signals, both stable and inflationary memory T cell populations showed normal cytotoxic capacity. These results reveal that B7–CD28 costimulation differentially regulates the magnitude and kinetics of the multifaceted CD8 T cell response that develops during CMV infection.
IL-27 and IL-21 Are Associated with T Cell IL-10 Responses in Human Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Ansari Nasim Akhtar , Kumar Rajiv , Gautam Shalini , Nylén Susanne , Singh Om Prakash , Sundar Shyam , Sacks David
Published: March 2011

IL-10 is believed to underlie many of the immunologic defects in human visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We have identified CD4+CD25−Foxp3− T cells as the major source of IL-10 in the VL spleen. IL-27, a member of the IL-6/IL-12 cytokine family, has been shown to promote development of IL-10–producing T cells, in part by upregulating their production of autocrine IL-21. We investigated whether IL-27 and IL-21 are associated with human VL. IL-27 was elevated in VL plasma, and at pretreatment, spleen cells showed significantly elevated mRNA levels of both IL-27 subunits, IL-27p28 and EBI-3, as well as IL-21, compared with posttreatment biopsies. CD14+ spleen cells were the main source of IL-27 mRNA, whereas CD3+ T cells were the main source of IL-21. IL-27 mRNA could be strongly upregulated in normal donor macrophages with IFN-γ and IL-1β, conditions consistent with those in the VL spleen. Last, a whole-blood assay revealed that most VL patients could produce Ag-specific IFN-γ and IL-10 and that the IL-10 could be augmented with recombinant human IL-21. Thus, proinflammatory cytokines acting on macrophages in the VL spleen have the potential to upregulate IL-27, which in turn can induce IL-21 to expand IL-10–producing T cells as a mechanism of feedback control.
Cutting Edge: Attrition of Plasmodium-Specific Memory CD8 T Cells Results in Decreased Protection That Is Rescued by Booster Immunization
Authors: Schmidt Nathan W. , Harty John T.
Published: March 2011

Sterile protection against infection with Plasmodium sporozoites requires high numbers of memory CD8 T cells. However, infections with unrelated pathogens, as may occur in areas endemic to malaria, can dramatically decrease pre-existing memory CD8 T cells. It remains unknown whether unrelated infections will compromise numbers of Plasmodium-specific memory CD8 T cells and thus limit the duration of antimalarial immunity generated by subunit vaccination. We show that P. berghei circumsporozoite-specific memory CD8 T cells underwent significant attrition in numbers in mice subjected to unrelated infections. Attrition was associated with preferential loss of effector memory CD8 T cells and reduced immunity to P. berghei sporozoite challenge. However, and of relevance to deployment of Plasmodium vaccines in areas endemic to malaria, attrition of memory CD8 T cells was reversed by booster immunization, which restored protection. These data suggest that regular booster immunizations may be required to sustain protective vaccine-induced Plasmodium-specific memory CD8 T cells in the face of attrition caused by unrelated infections.
Becker nevus on the neck with ear involvement
Authors: Al Aboud Khalid Mohammad
Published: March 2011

This is a concise observation of Becker nevus located on the right side of the neck with involvement of the ear.
Serum N-Terminal Propeptide of Collagen Type I is Associated with the Number of Bone Metastases in Breast and Prostate Cancer and Correlates to Other Bone Related Markers
Authors: Leeming D.J. , Koizumi M. , Qvist P. , Barkholt V. , Zhang C. , Henriksen K. , Byrjalsen I. , Karsdal M.A.
Published: March 2011

Background

A number of biomarkers have been proven potentially useful for their ability to indicate bone metastases (BM) in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative utility of a newly developed N-terminal propeptide of collagen type I (PINP) human serum assay for the detection of BM in cancer patients. This assay has a corresponding rat PINP assay which in the future might help in translational science between rodent and human trials.

Methods

Participants were 161 prostate, lung and breast cancer patients stratified by number of BM(Soloway score). PINP was assessed and correlated to number of BM. Additionally, the PINP marker was correlated to bone resorption of young (ALPHA CTX-I)- and aged bone (BETA CTX-I); number of osteoclasts (Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, TRACP5B) and osteoclast activity (CTX-I/TRACP5B).

Results

PINP was significantly elevated in breast- and prostate cancer patients +BM, compared to –BM ( P < 0.001), however not in lung cancer patients. A strong linear association was seen between PINP and the number of BMs. Significant elevation of PINP was observed at Soloway scores 1–4 (<0 BM) compared with score 0 (0 BM) ( P < 0.001). The correlation between bone resorption of young bone or aged bone and bone formation was highly significant in patients +BM and –BM ( P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Data suggest that the present PINP potentially could determine skeletal involvement in patients with breast or prostate cancer. Correlations suggested that coupling between bone resorption and bone formation was maintained in breast- and prostate cancer patients.
Review of the Management of Relapsed Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Amrubicin Hydrochloride
Authors: Kimura Tatsuo , Kudoh Shinzoh , Hirata Kazuto
Published: March 2011

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and approximately 15% of all lung cancer patients have small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Although second-line chemotherapy can produce tumor regression, the prognosis is poor. Amrubicin hydrochloride (AMR) is a synthetic anthracycline anticancer agent and a potent topoisomerase II inhibitor. Here, we discuss the features of SCLC, the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of AMR, the results of in vitro and in vivo studies, and the efficacy and safety of AMR monotherapy and combination therapy in clinical trials. With its predictable and manageable toxicities, AMR is one of the most attractive agents for the treatment of chemotherapy-sensitive and -refractory relapsed SCLC. Numerous studies are ongoing to define the applicability of AMR therapy for patients with SCLC. These clinical trials, including phase III studies, will clarify the status of AMR in the treatment of SCLC.
Edematous Erythema at the Hands and Feet Probably Caused by the Traditional Herb “Radix Astragali”
Authors: Kogure Toshiaki , Tatsumi Takeshi , Oku Yuko
Published: March 2011

Objective

To describe a patient with erhythema and edema after Radix Astragali was added to a kampo formula.

Case summary

A 21-year-old male, who was diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis in 1989, demonstrated systemic dry eruptions and consulted our department for treatment with traditional herbal medicine (THM) in 2004. The oral administration of herbal medicine resulted in decreased symptoms as well as a reduction in the serum IgE level. In August 2007, he complained of sweating on the neck and we added Radix Astragali to the previous formula. About 18 hours after he ingested the new formula including Radix Astragali, erhythema appeared with swelling of the bilateral hands and feet. Administration of the formula was discontinued and about 48 hours later, his symptoms had almost disappeared. Astragaloside, which is the main ingredient of Radix Astragali, was negative on lymphocyte transforming test (LTT) and we could not determine the ingredient that induced erhythema.

Conclusion

We consider that the Radix Astragali induced acute erhythema with swelling based on the clinical course. Acute edematous erythema due to THM is very rare and we discuss allergic reactions to traditional herbs and review the litrature.
A review of fractal, prefractal and pore-solid-fractal models for parameterizing the soil water retention curve
Authors: Ghanbarian-Alavijeh Behzad , Millán Humberto , Huang Guanhua
Published: March 2011

Ghanbarian-Alavijeh, B., Millán, H. and Huang, G. 2011. A review of fractal, prefractal and pore-solid-fractal models for parameterizing the soil water retention curve. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 1–14. The soil water retention curve is an important hydraulic parameter for characterizing water flow and contaminant transport in porous media. Therefore, many empirical, semi physical, and physical models of the soil water retention curve have been proposed. Among them, fractal models appear to be a useful approach for modeling soil as a heterogeneous porous medium and its hydraulic characteristics. Fractal models are mathematically based, and their parameters have physical meanings. In this study, we review published fractal, prefractal and pore-solid-fractal models for soil water retention curves including Tyler and Wheatcraft, Rieu and Sposito, Perrier et al., Perfect, Bird et al., Millán and González-Posada, and Cihan et al. models. In the pore-solid fractal (PSF) approach the pore phase and matrix phase have a finite volume even for an infinite number of iterations. The results of fitting the PSF model to measured soil water retention data indicate that this model works well, particularly at lower water contents.
Optimum liquid density in separation of the physically uncomplexed organic matter in Arctic soils
Authors: Charles Paré Maxime , Bedard-Haughn Angela
Published: March 2011

Paré, M. C. and Bedard-Haughn, A. 2011. Optimum liquid density in separation of the physically uncomplexed organic matter in Arctic soils. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 65–68. Using an appropriate density to separate the soil light fraction (LF) and heavy fraction (HF) is an important aspect of the density fractionation technique. The effect of liquid density when separating the physically uncomplexed Arctic soil organic matter (SOM) was tested on three Arctic sites: High-Arctic, Low-Arctic, and Sub-Arctic. Our results showed that selecting the right density to use for Arctic soils is not unequivocal. Nevertheless, based on these two criteria: (1) the difference between the C:N values of the LF and HF needs to be as large as possible, and (2) the C:N value of the whole soil needs to be different from the C:N values of the LF and HF, the optimum density for all of our Arctic sites was between 1.49 and 1.55 g mL−1. We concluded that 1.55g mL−1 was the conservative optimum liquid density to use to separate Arctic SOM light and heavy fractions.
Komplexe Analysis
Authors: Demailly Jean-Pierre , Hulek Klaus , Peternell Thomas
Published: March 2011

The aim of this workshop was to discuss recent developments in several complex variables and complex geometry. Special emphasis was put on the interaction between model theory and the classification theory of complex manifolds. Other topics included Kähler geometry, foliations, complex symplectic manifolds and moduli theory.
Deformation Methods in Mathematics and Physics
Authors: Fialowski Alice , Fröhlich Jürg M. , Schlichenmaier Martin
Published: March 2011

Deformations of mathematical structures play an important role in most parts of mathematics but also in theoretical physics. In this interdisciplinary workshop, different aspects of deformations and their applications were discussed. The workshop was attended by experts in the fields, but also by quite a number of young post-docs and PhD students. One of the goals was to foster interactions between different communities.
Relationship of the Presence of a Household Improved Latrine with Diarrhea and Under-Five Child Mortality in Indonesia
Authors: Semba Richard D. , Kraemer Klaus , Sun Kai , de Pee Saskia , Akhter Nasima , Moench-Pfanner Regina , Rah Jee Hyun , Campbell Ashley A. , Badham Jane , Bloem Martin W.
Published: March 2011

We characterized the relationship of the presence of an improved latrine with diarrhea and under-five child mortality in Indonesia. The proportion of rural and urban families, respectively, without an improved latrine was 52.1% and 16.2%, with a child with a history of diarrhea in the last 7 days was 8.2% and 9.7%, and with a history of under-five child mortality was 11.1% and 8.5%. Among rural and urban families, respectively, lack of an improved latrine was associated with a child history of diarrhea in the last 7 days (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–1.29, P < 0.0001; OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.13–1.27, P < 0.0001) and under-five child mortality (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.25–1.31, P < 0.0001; OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.12–1.32, P < 0.0001) in separate multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for covariates. The lack of a household improved latrine is associated with diarrhea and under-five child mortality in Indonesia.
Using Geographic Information System-based Ecologic Niche Models to Forecast the Risk of Hantavirus Infection in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Wei Lan , Qian Quan , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Glass Gregory E. , Song Shao-Xia , Zhang Wen-Yi , Li Xiu-Jun , Yang Hong , Wang Xian-Jun , Fang Li-Qun , Cao Wu-Chun
Published: March 2011

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an important public health problem in Shandong Province, China. In this study, we combined ecologic niche modeling with geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques to identify the risk factors and affected areas of hantavirus infections in rodent hosts. Land cover and elevation were found to be closely associated with the presence of hantavirus-infected rodent hosts. The averaged area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.864, implying good performance. The predicted risk maps based on the model were validated both by the hantavirus-infected rodents' distribution and HFRS human case localities with a good fit. These findings have the applications for targeting control and prevention efforts.
Induction of Increased Permeability of Polarized Enterocyte Monolayers by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin
Authors: Kreisberg Roderick B. , Harper Jill , Strauman Maura C. , Marohn Mark , Clements John D. , Nataro James P.
Published: March 2011

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a common cause of acute diarrhea in resource-poor settings. We report that some ETEC strains elicit a reduction in trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TER) in polarized T84 epithelial cell monolayers. The effect was irreversible up to 48 hours after a three-hour infection and was observed with heat-labile enterotoxin (LT)–producing strains, but not with heat-stable enterotoxin (ST)–producing strains. Using purified LT, a mutant with reduced ADP-ribosylating activity, and the LT-B subunit alone, we demonstrate that TER reduction requires a functional enterotoxin. Treatment of monolayers with LT or LT-producing strains of ETEC increases paracellular permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran. Our data suggest that LT-producing ETEC strains may induce intestinal barrier dysfunction.
African Burkitt Lymphoma: Age-Specific Risk and Correlations with Malaria Biomarkers
Authors: Emmanuel Benjamin , Kawira Esther , Ogwang Martin D. , Wabinga Henry , Magatti Josiah , Nkrumah Francis , Neequaye Janet , Bhatia Kishor , Brubaker Glen , Biggar Robert J. , Mbulaiteye Sam M.
Published: March 2011

African Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive B-cell, non-Hodgkin lymphoma linked to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Malaria biomarkers related to onset of African Burkitt lymphoma are unknown. We correlated age-specific patterns of 2,602 cases of African Burkitt lymphoma (60% male, mean ± SD age = 7.1 ± 2.9 years) from Uganda, Ghana, and Tanzania with malaria biomarkers published from these countries. Age-specific patterns of this disease and mean multiplicity of P. falciparum malaria parasites, defined as the average number of distinct genotypes per positive blood sample based on the merozoite surface protein-2 assessed by polymerase chain reaction, were correlated and both peaked between 5 and 9 years. This pattern, which was strong and consistent across regions, contrasted parasite prevalence, which peaked at 2 years and decreased slightly, and geometric mean parasite density, which peaked between 2 and 3 years and decreased sharply. Our findings suggest that concurrent infection with multiple malaria genotypes may be related to onset of African Burkitt lymphoma.
Comparison of Major Immunoglobulins Intrathecal Synthesis Patterns in Ecuadorian and Cuban Patients with Angiostrongyliasis
Authors: Padilla-Docal Bárbara , Dorta-Contreras Alberto J. , Moreira Juan M. , Martini-Robles Luiggi , Muzzio-Aroca Jenny , Alarcón Fernando , Magraner-Tarrau María Esther , Bu-Coifiu-Fanego Raisa
Published: March 2011

Angiostrongylus cantonensis meningitis was first reported in Cuba in 1981, and it was recently reported in South America. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis patterns from Cuba's and Ecuador's patients with angiostrongyliasis; 8 Ecuadorian patients from two different outbreaks and 28 Cuban patients were studied. Simultaneous blood and cerebrospinal fluid simples were taken. Immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, IgG, and albumin were quantified by radial immunodiffusion. Corresponding Reibergrams were applied. A three-Ig pattern was the most frequent in the two groups, but IgM was presented in all Ecuadorian young mature patients; however, in the Cuban children, only 12 of 28 patients had intrathecal IgM, but about 90% had an IgA and IgG synthesis at time of later puncture. This indicates that, with a larger amount of parasites ingested, clinical symptoms are more severe, and a higher frequency of intrathecal IgM synthesis could be observed. This is discussed as a similarity with the intrathecal IgM synthesis in African trypanosomiasis.
An Acarologic Survey and Amblyomma americanum Distribution Map with Implications for Tularemia Risk in Missouri
Authors: Brown Heidi E. , Yates Karen F. , Dietrich Gabrielle , MacMillan Katherine , Graham Christine B. , Reese Sara M. , Helterbrand Wm. Steve , Nicholson William L. , Blount Keith , Mead Paul S. , Patrick Sarah L. , Eisen Rebecca J.
Published: March 2011

In the United States, tickborne diseases occur focally. Missouri represents a major focus of several tickborne diseases that includes spotted fever rickettsiosis, tularemia, and ehrlichiosis. Our study sought to determine the potential risk of human exposure to human-biting vector ticks in this area. We collected ticks in 79 sites in southern Missouri during June 7–10, 2009, which yielded 1,047 adult and 3,585 nymphal Amblyomma americanum, 5 adult Amblyomma maculatum, 19 adult Dermacentor variabilis, and 5 nymphal Ixodes brunneus. Logistic regression analysis showed that areas posing an elevated risk of exposure to A. americanum nymphs or adults were more likely to be classified as forested than grassland, and the probability of being classified as elevated risk increased with increasing relative humidity during the month of June (30-year average). Overall accuracy of each of the two models was greater than 70% and showed that 20% and 30% of the state were classified as elevated risk for human exposure to nymphs and adults, respectively. We also found a significant positive association between heightened acarologic risk and counties reporting tularemia cases. Our study provides an updated distribution map for A. americanum in Missouri and suggests a wide-spread risk of human exposure to A. americanum and their associated pathogens in this region.
Developing Detailed Rubrics for Assessing Critique Writing: Impact on EFL University Students' Performance and Attitudes
Authors: DIAB RULA , BALAA LUMA
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this study was to develop specific rubrics for assessing critiques in English 202, an English as a foreign language course at the Lebanese American University to explore the effectiveness of these rubrics on students' writing and to investigate students' attitudes and reactions to the use of these rubrics. After development of the rubrics, students wrote an in‐class critique of an article, using the rubrics as a guide. Based on teachers' comments and grades on the rubrics, students revised and wrote the second draft. Students were then administered an anonymous online survey asking them for feedback on the use of rubrics. A t‐test comparing students' grades on the first and second drafts revealed a significant difference, suggesting that use of the rubrics helped students effectively revise their drafts. The survey results support this hypothesis because students revealed positive attitudes and reactions. Based on the findings, we recommend that consistent use of well‐developed rubrics can enhance outcomes for English learners enrolled in writing courses.
Length and time scales of atmospheric moisture recycling
Authors: van der Ent R. J. , Savenije H. H. G.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. It is difficult to quantify the degree to which terrestrial evaporation supports the occurrence of precipitation within a certain study region (i.e. regional moisture recycling) due to the scale- and shape-dependence of regional moisture recycling ratios. In this paper we present a novel approach to quantify the spatial and temporal scale of moisture recycling, independent of the size and shape of the region under study. In contrast to previous studies, which essentially used curve fitting, the scaling laws presented by us follow directly from the process equation. thus allowing a fair comparison between regions and seasons. The calculation is based on ERA-Interim reanalysis data for the period 1999 to 2008. It is shown that in the tropics or in mountainous terrain the length scale of recycling can be as low as 500 to 2000 km. In temperate climates the length scale is typically between 3000 to 5000 km whereas it amounts to more than 7000 km in desert areas. The time scale of recycling ranges from 3 to 20 days, with the exception of deserts, where it is much longer. The most distinct seasonal differences can be observed over the Northern Hemisphere: in winter, moisture recycling is insignificant, whereas in summer it plays a major role in the climate. The length and time scales of atmospheric moisture recycling can be useful metrics to quantify local climatic effects of land use change.
Forecasts and assimilation experiments of the Antarctic ozone hole 2008
Authors: Flemming J. , Inness A. , Jones L. , Eskes H. J. , Huijnen V. , Schultz M. G. , Stein O. , Cariolle D. , Kinnison D. , Brasseur G.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The 2008 Antarctic ozone hole was one of the largest and most long-lived in recent years. Predictions of the ozone hole were made in near-real time (NRT) and hindcast mode with the Integrated Forecast System (IFS) of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The forecasts were carried out both with and without assimilation of satellite observations from multiple instruments to provide more realistic initial conditions. Three different chemistry schemes were applied for the description of stratospheric ozone chemistry: (i) a linearization of the ozone chemistry, (ii) the stratospheric chemical mechanism of the Model of Ozone and Related Chemical Tracers, version 3, (MOZART-3) and (iii) the relaxation to climatology as implemented in the Transport Model, version 5, (TM5). The IFS uses the latter two schemes by means of a two-way coupled system. Without assimilation, the forecasts showed model-specific shortcomings in predicting start time, extent and duration of the ozone hole. The assimilation of satellite observations from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), the Solar Backscattering Ultraviolet radiometer (SBUV-2) and the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CartograpHY (SCIAMACHY) led to a significant improvement of the forecasts when compared with total columns and vertical profiles from ozone sondes. The combined assimilation of observations from multiple instruments helped to overcome limitations of the ultraviolet (UV) sensors at low solar elevation over Antarctica. The assimilation of data from MLS was crucial to obtain a good agreement with the observed ozone profiles both in the polar stratosphere and troposphere. The ozone analyses by the three model configurations were very similar despite the different underlying chemistry schemes. Using ozone analyses as initial conditions had a very beneficial but variable effect on the predictability of the ozone hole over 15 days. The initialized forecasts with the MOZART-3 chemistry produced the best predictions of the increasing ozone hole whereas the linear scheme showed the best results during the ozonehole closure.
Ionization effect of solar particle GLE events in low and middle atmosphere
Authors: Usoskin I. G. , Kovaltsov G. A. , Mironova I. A. , Tylka A. J. , Dietrich W. F.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Using a new reconstruction of the solar proton energy spectra for Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) events, based on fits to measurements from ground-based and satellite-borne instruments covering a wide energy range, we quantitatively evaluate the possible ionization effects in the low and middle atmosphere for 58 out of the 66 GLE events recorded by the world-wide neutron monitor network since 1956. The ionization computations are based on the numerical 3D CRAC:CRII model. A table of the ionization effect caused by the GLE events at different atmospheric heights is provided. It is shown that the direct ionization effect is negligible or even negative, due to the accompanying Forbush decreases, in all low- and mid-latitude regions. The ionization effect is important only in the polar atmosphere, where it can be dramatic in the middle and upper atmosphere (above 30 km) during major GLE events.