bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibodies to Glycoproteins Shared by Human Peripheral Nerve andCampylobacter jejuniin Patients with Multifocal Motor Neuropathy
Authors: Suturkova Ljubica , Brezovska Katerina , Poceva-Panovska Ana , Grozdanova Aleksandra , Knežević Apostolski Sladjana , Basta Ivana
Published: May 2013

We have tested serum samples from 24 patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) for reactivity to ganglioside GM1 and to Gal(β1–3)GalNAc-bearing glycoproteins isolated from human peripheral nerve and fromCampylobacter jejuni(Cj) serotype O:19. IgM anti-GM1 antibodies were detected by ELISA in 11 patients (45.8%) with MMN and in only one subject (4%) from the control group. Western blots showed positive reactivity of sera from 6 patients (25%) with MMN to several Gal(β1–3)GalNAc-bearing glycoproteins from human peripheral nerve and fromCjO:19 isolates. Sera from three patients (12.5%) with MMN showed positively reactive bands with similar electrophoretic mobility in all isolates (60–62 kDa, 48–51 kDa, 42 kDa, and 38 kDa). All six patients showed positive reactivity to 48–52 kDa protein isolated from human peripheral nerve. Increased titer of IgG antibodies to 60–62 kDa protein isolated fromCjO:19 associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome was detected in three patients, and their serum showed also IgG positive reactivity to peripheral nerve antigen with the same electrophoretic mobility. One of these patients had a previous history ofCjinfection which suggests the possibility thatCjmay be also involved in the pathogenesis of MMN.
Refractory Asthma Treatment Is Complicated by Tracheobronchomalacia: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Boonpiyathad Sawad , Sangasapaviliya Atik
Published: May 2013

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is defined as the condition where the airway lumen narrows more than 50 percent. The acquired TBM usually occurs in adults; however, the prevalence of TBM in asthma is unknown. We report two cases of severe asthma in elderly patients that could not be controlled with higher medication use. Case 1 was a 70-year-old woman with sever persistent asthma for 10 years, presented with uncontrolled symptoms for 4 months. A CT of the chest showed collapse of the trachea at the posterior wall. Case 2 involved a 72-year-old woman with partly controlled asthma presenting with uncontrolled symptoms for 3 months. A CT of the chest showed normal distal tracheal anteroposterior diameter. However, bronchoscopy showed bronchomalacia at the right and left bronchus of the lower lungs. Patients who have severe asthma, despite adequate treatment with medication, should be further investigated to exclude other diseases that have clinical features similar to asthma such as tracheobronchomalacia, particularly in the elderly.
Unified Treatment of the Krätzel Transformation for Generalized Functions
Authors: Al-Omari S. K. Q. , Kılıçman A.
Published: May 2013

We discuss a generalization of the Krätzel transforms on certain spaces of ultradistributions. We have proved that the Krätzel transform of an ultradifferentiable function is an ultradifferentiable function and satisfies its Parseval's inequality. We also provide a complete reading of the transform constructing two desired spaces of Boehmians. Some other properties of convergence and continuity conditions and its inverse are also discussed in some detail.
Immune Vulnerability of Infants to Tuberculosis
Authors: Vanden Driessche Koen , Persson Alexander , Marais Ben J. , Fink Pamela J. , Urdahl Kevin B.
Published: May 2013

One of the challenges faced by the infant immune system is learning to distinguish the myriad of foreign but nonthreatening antigens encountered from those expressed by true pathogens. This balance is reflected in the diminished production of proinflammatory cytokines by both innate and adaptive immune cells in the infant. A downside of this bias is that several factors critical for controllingMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection are significantly restricted in infants, including TNF, IL-1, and IL-12. Furthermore, infant T cells are inherently less capable of differentiating into IFN-γ-producing T cells. As a result, infected infants are 5–10 times more likely than adults to develop active tuberculosis (TB) and have higher rates of severe disseminated disease, including miliary TB and meningitis. Infant TB is a fundamentally different disease than TB in immune competent adults. Immunotherapeutics, therefore, should be specifically evaluated in infants before they are routinely employed to treat TB in this age group. Modalities aimed at reducing inflammation, which may be beneficial for adjunctive therapy of some forms of TB in older children and adults, may be of no benefit or even harmful in infants who manifest much less inflammatory disease.
Modified Chaihu Shugan Powder for Functional Dyspepsia: Meta-Analysis for Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Nan , Jiang Xuehua , Qiu Xuelan , Hu Zhiqiang , Wang Ling , Song Minxian
Published: May 2013

Context. Modified Chaihu Shugan powder (MCSP) is a popular traditional Chinese herbal formula for functional dyspepsia, which is revised from Chaihu Shugan San and recorded in a medical classic works of China. However, its role and effect in treating functional dyspepsia have not been well established.Objective. To assess the effect and safety of modified Chaihu Shugan powder for functional dyspepsia.Methods. We searched the published and unpublished studies up to August 2012. Only RCTs of modified Chaihu Shugan powder with or without prokinetic drugs versus prokinetic drugs in the patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia were included.Results. Twenty-two clinical trials involving 1998 participants were included. There were evidences that modified Chaihu Shugan powder (RR = 1.20, 95%, CI 1.14 to 1.27) and modified Chaihu Shugan powder plus prokinetic drugs (RR = 1.18, 95%, CI 1.11 to 1.25) were significantly better treatment options than prokinetic drugs alone in improving symptoms. No serious adverse events were described in the included trials.Conclusions. This meta-analysis showed that modified Chaihu Shugan powder alone or in combination with prokinetic drugs might be more effective than prokinetic drugs alone. However, with poor methodological quality, all the included trials were at high risk of bias. Further large-scale high-quality trials are required for assessment.
Magnesium Can Protect against Vanadium-Induced Lipid Peroxidation in the Hepatic Tissue
Authors: Ścibior Agnieszka , Gołębiowska Dorota , Niedźwiecka Irmina
Published: May 2013

The protective effect of magnesium as magnesium sulfate (MS) on sodium-metavanadate- (SMV-) induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) underin vivoandin vitroconditions was studied. The 18-week SMV intoxication (Group II, 0.125 /mL) enhanced spontaneous malondialdehyde (MDA) generation in rat liver, compared with the control (Group I) and MS-supplemented animals (Group III, 0.06 /mL). Coadministration of SMV with MS (Group IV, SMV-MS) caused a return of the MDA level to the control value range. The effect seems to result from the -independent action and its antagonistic interaction with . Thein vitrotreatment of liver supernatants (LS) obtained from all the tested animals groups with selected exogenous concentrations of or exhibited enhanced MDA production, compared with spontaneously formed MDA. It also showed -stimulating effect on LPO (LS I, Group I) and revealed that the changes in the MDA generation in LS IV (Group IV) might have resulted from the synergistic interactions of with and and from the antagonistic interactions of with and . The findings allow a suggestion that adequate Mg intake for a specific period in the conditions of SMV exposure may prevent V-induced LPO in the liver.
Fixed Point and Common Fixed Point Theorems on Ordered Cone b-Metric Spaces
Authors: Abusalim Sahar Mohammad , Noorani Mohd Salmi Md
Published: May 2013

The concept of a cone b-metric space has been introduced recently as a generalization of a b-metric space and a cone metric space in 2011. The aim of this paper is to establish some fixed point and common fixed point theorems on ordered cone b-metric spaces. The proposed theorems expand and generalize several well-known comparable results in the literature to ordered cone b-metric spaces. Some supporting examples are given.
Effect of Electroacupuncture on Rat Ischemic Brain Injury: Importance of Stimulation Duration
Authors: Zhou Fei , Guo Jingchun , Cheng Jieshi , Wu Gencheng , Xia Ying
Published: May 2013

We explored the optimal duration of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation for protecting the brain against ischemic injury. The experiments were carried out in rats exposed to right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 60 min followed by 24-hr reperfusion. EA was delivered to “Shuigou” (Du 26) and “Baihui” (Du 20) acupoints with sparse-dense wave (5/20 Hz) at 1.0 mA for 5, 15, 30, and 45 min, respectively. The results showed that 30 min EA, starting at 5 minutes after the onset of MCAO (EA during MCAO) or 5 minutes after reperfusion (EA after MCAO), significantly reduced ischemic infarct volume, attenuated neurological deficits, and decreased death rate with a larger reduction of the ischemic infarction in the former group. Also in the group of EA during MCAO, this protective benefit was positively proportional to the increase in the period of stimulation, that is, increased protection in response to EA from 5- to 30-min stimulation. In all groups, EA induced a significant increase in cerebral blood flow and promoted blood flow recovery after reperfusion, and both blood flow volume and blood cell velocity returned to the preischemia level in a short period of time. Surprisingly, EA for 45 min did not show reduction in the neurological deficits or the infarct volume and instead demonstrated an increase in death rate in this group. Although EA for 45 min still increased the blood flow during MCAO, it led to a worsening of perfusion after reperfusion compared to the group subjected only to ischemia. The neuroprotection induced by an “optimal” period (30 min) of EA was completely blocked by Naltrindole, aδ-opioid receptor (DOR) antagonist (10 mg/kg, i.v.). These findings suggest that earlier EA stimulation leads to better outcomes, and that EA-induced neuroprotection against ischemia depends on an optimal EA-duration via multiple pathways including DOR signaling, while “over-length” stimulation exacerbates the ischemic injury.
Analysis of Complete Genomes ofPropionibacterium acnesReveals a Novel Plasmid and Increased Pseudogenes in an Acne Associated Strain
Authors: Kasimatis Gabriela , Fitz-Gibbon Sorel , Tomida Shuta , Wong Marthew , Li Huiying
Published: May 2013

The human skin harbors a diverse community of bacteria, including the Gram-positive, anaerobic bacteriumPropionibacterium acnes.P. acneshas historically been linked to the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, a common skin disease affecting over 80% of all adolescents in the US. To gain insight into potentialP. acnespathogenic mechanisms, we previously sequenced the complete genome of aP. acnesstrain HL096PA1 that is highly associated with acne. In this study, we compared its genome to the first published complete genome KPA171202. HL096PA1 harbors a linear plasmid, pIMPLE-HL096PA1. This is the first describedP. acnesplasmid. We also observed a five-fold increase of pseudogenes in HL096PA1, several of which encode proteins in carbohydrate transport and metabolism. In addition, our analysis revealed a few island-like genomic regions that are unique to HL096PA1 and a large genomic inversion spanning the ribosomal operons. Together, these findings offer a basis for understandingP. acnesvirulent properties, host adaptation mechanisms, and its potential role in acne pathogenesis at the strain level. Furthermore, the plasmid identified in HL096PA1 may potentially provide a new opportunity forP. acnesgenetic manipulation and targeted therapy against specific disease-associated strains.
Design of Special Impacting Filter for Multicarrier ABPSK System
Authors: Chen Zhimin , Wu Lenan
Published: May 2013

A rather intuitive technique known as pole-zero placement is introduced to illustrate the frequency response of the special impacting filters (SIFs) with a pair of conjugate zero-poles and deduce the equation of the pole radii. Based on that, the paper proposes an iterative scheme to derive the parameters of the cascade notch filter. The cost function is determined by the cascading notch filter’s influence on impacting filters, converting the cost function’s least square problem to a filter parameters’ standard quadratic programming problem. Finally, a cascading notch SIF (CNSIF) designed to demodulate the ABPSK signals is realized.
Hypomethylation of ETS Transcription Factor Binding Sites and Upregulation of PARP1 Expression in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Bi Fang-Fang , Li Da , Yang Qing
Published: May 2013

Although PARP1 promoter methylation is involved in the regulation of PARP1 expression in human keratinocyte lines and lymphoblastoid cell lines, its roles in human endometrial cancer are unknown. DNA from forty normal endometrium (NE) and fifty endometrial adenocarcinoma (EAC) tissues were analyzed by bisulfite sequencing using primers focusing on the core promoter region of PARP1. Expression levels of PARP1 were assessed by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Associations between patient clinicopathological characteristics and PARP1 protein levels were assessed by Fisher’s exact test. Here, PARP1 mRNA and protein were overexpressed in EAC tissues(P<0.05). CpG sites within the ETS motif in the PARP1 promoter exhibited significant hypomethylation in EAC tissues, and there was a significant negative correlation between PARP1 mRNA levels and the number of methylated sites in both NE and EAC tissues (R2=0.262,P<0.001). Notably, PARP1 protein expression was associated with FIGO stage(P=0.026), histological grade(P=0.002), and body mass index(P=0.04). Our findings imply that PARP1 overexpression may participate in endometrial cancer progression, and abnormal hypomethylation of CpG sites within the ETS motif in the core promoter region may be responsible for PARP1 overexpression in EAC tissues.
Variations in Rodent Models of Type 1 Diabetes: Islet Morphology
Authors: Novikova Lesya , Smirnova Irina V. , Rawal Sonia , Dotson Abby L. , Benedict Stephen H. , Stehno-Bittel Lisa
Published: May 2013

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by hyperglycemia due to lost or damaged islet insulin-producingβ-cells. Rodent models of T1D result in hyperglycemia, but with different forms of islet deterioration. This study focused on 1 toxin-induced and 2 autoimmune rodent models of T1D: BioBreeding Diabetes Resistant rats, nonobese diabetic mice, and Dark Agouti rats treated with streptozotocin. Immunochemistry was used to evaluate the insulin levels in theβ-cells, cell composition, and insulitis. T1D caused complete or significant loss ofβ-cells in all animal models, while increasing numbers ofα-cells. Lymphocytic infiltration was noted in and around islets early in the progression of autoimmune diabetes. The loss of lymphocytic infiltration coincided with the absence ofβ-cells. In all models, the remainingα- andδ-cells regrouped by relocating to the islet center. The resulting islets were smaller in size and irregularly shaped. Insulin injections subsequent to induction of toxin-induced diabetes significantly preservedβ-cells and islet morphology. Diabetes in animal models is anatomically heterogeneous and involves important changes in numbers and location of the remainingα- andδ-cells. Comparisons with human pancreatic sections from healthy and diabetic donors showed similar morphological changes to the diabetic BBDR rat model.
Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Associated with Serum Amyloid A Protein Amyloidosis: Pitfalls in Diagnosis and Successful Treatment with Melphalan-Based Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Muzaffar Jameel , Katragadda Lakshmikanth , Haider Sajjad , Abdallah Al-Ola , Anaissie Elias , Usmani Saad Z.
Published: May 2013

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is increasingly being associated with amyloidosis particularly of the amyloid light-chain variety. We report on one of the few cases of WM associated with serum amyloid A protein (AA) amyloidosis. Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is now being increasingly used for the treatment of amyloidosis, but most studies are small case series. Traditionally AA amyloid is associated with connective tissue disorders and periodic fever syndromes and has been treated by addressing the underlying condition. We present the first case of serum amyloid A being treated with melphalan-based ASCT to deal with the underlying WM and thereby control the amyloid, thus demonstrating the viability of this novel approach for the treatment of this disorder.
Targeting CD30 in Malignant Tissues: Challenges in Detection and Clinical Applications
Authors: Wasik Mariusz A. , Jimenez Gretchen S. , Weisenburger Dennis D.
Published: May 2013

The CD30 transmembrane receptor from the tumor necrosis factor receptor family is expressed in a distinct, yet diverse set of lymphoproliferative disorders and a small subset of normal activated lymphocytes. Therefore, detection of CD30 expression when performed properly according to the standardized methods facilitates diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and other disorders expressing the receptor. More recently, CD30 has also become an attractive therapeutic target. The preliminary observations indicate that the methods currently used to detect CD30 expression, typically immunohistochemistry performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, may be suboptimal in regard to identifying CD30 as a therapeutic target since only a limited number of CD30 receptor molecules per cell may be sufficient to achieve therapeutic effect.
Tunneled Pleural Catheters in the Management of Chylothorax from Central Venous Catheter-Related Superior Vena Cava Obstruction
Authors: Luks Vanessa , Aljohaney Ahmed , Amjadi Kayvan
Published: May 2013

Chylothorax is characterized by the accumulation of chyle in the pleural space, of which the most common cause is trauma or neoplasm. Although chylothorax accounts for a small proportion of clinical pleural effusions, prompt recognition is needed to avoid malnutrition, immunodeficiency, and fibrothorax. We report 2 patients with superior vena cava obstruction caused by tunneled venous catheters resulting in chylothorax and demonstrate the potential safety of tunneled pleural catheters for prolonged chylothorax drainage in an outpatient setting with rigorous follow-up. Changes in pleural fluid chemistries of the effusions and the possible pathophysiology were assessed with a review of the literature on pleural fluid chemistries in superior vena cava obstruction.
siRNA-Act1 Inhibits the Function of IL-17 on Lung Fibroblasts via the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Dong Zhaoxing , Yang Yanni , Zhang Tao , Li Yongxia , Kang Qinxin , Lei Wen , Cao Yu , Niu Xiaoqun , Wang Dianhua , Tai Wenlin
Published: May 2013

Background: Interleukin (IL)-17-producing T lymphocytes play a role in pulmonary fibrosis, but the possible mechanism of IL-17 on lung fibroblasts remains uncertain. Objectives: To explore the role and possible mechanism of IL-17 on lung fibroblasts. Methods: A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal administration of 5 mg/kg bleomycin. At 14 days following bleomycin administration the pulmonary fibroblasts were isolated, cultured and identified. siRNA for activator 1 (Act1) were transfected into lung fibroblasts, which were cocultured with IL-17. The NF-κB pathway was detected for IL-17 on the lung fibroblasts. Results: IL-17R was increased significantly at 14 days in the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibroblast model, exogenous IL-17 significantly promoted the proliferation of the pulmonary fibroblasts in primary culture and obviously increased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and type I and type III collagen in the fibroblasts. We found that IL-17 rapidly activated the NF-κB signaling pathway through activated phosphorylated p65 and IκB, and all roles of IL-17 on lung fibroblasts were inhibited under the interference for the expression of Act1 in lung fibroblasts. Conclusion: IL-17 may directly promote the proliferation, transformation and collagen synthesis of lung fibroblasts via the NF-kB signaling pathway, which can be inhibited by the interference for the expression of Act1.
Partial Virological Response to Adefovir Add-On Lamivudine Rescue Therapy in Patients with Lamivudine-Resistant Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Chon Young Eun , Park Jun Yong , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Do Young , Han Kwang-Hyub , Chon Chae Yoon , Choi Ara , Kim Seung Up
Published: May 2013

Background/Aims: In patients with lamivudine (LAM)-resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving adefovir (ADV) add-on LAM therapy, insufficient viral suppression or the appearance of additional ADV resistance has remained unresolved. This study determined the partial virological response (PVR) criteria to predict a virological response (VR) at week 96 in these patients. Methods: 96 patients with LAM-resistant CHB (ADV add-on LAM therapy >2 years) were analyzed. For predicting VR at week 96, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values at different time points were compared to establish the optimal time point, and the maximal Youden index was calculated to determine the optimal cut-off hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level. Results: 50 (52.1%) patients achieved VR at 2 years after ADV add-on LAM therapy. The optimal PVR criteria were determined to be HBV DNA 500 IU/ml at week 48. 44 (45.8%) patients who met optimal PVR criteria showed a significantly higher risk for detectable HBV DNA levels at week 96 than those with a favorable VR (HBV DNA <500 IU/ml) at week 48. Conclusions: This study suggested optimal PVR criteria in patients with LAM-resistant CHB receiving ADV add-on LAM therapy. Modification of the antiviral agent regimen should be considered if the serum HBV DNA level exceeds 500 IU/ml at week 48.
Detection and Characterization of Two Novel Mutations in the HNF4A Gene in Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young Type 1 in Two Japanese Families
Authors: Fujiwara Makoto , Namba Noriyuki , Miura Kohji , Kitaoka Taichi , Hirai Haruhiko , Kondou Hiroki , Shimotsuji Tsunesuke , Numakura Chikahiko , Ozono Keiichi
Published: May 2013

Background: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a subgroup of monogenic diabetes mellitus, of which MODY1, caused by HNF4A mutations, accounts for only 5% or less and has been rarely reported in East Asian countries. Here we report two novel HNF4A mutations in two Japanese families with MODY1. Methods: Proband 1 is an 8-year-old girl and proband 2 is a 14-year-old girl. Both were nonobese, demonstrated elevated HbA1c and negative serum anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies, and had a family history of diabetes. We directly sequenced HNF4A and performed functional analysis of the detected missense mutation. Results: Proband 1 had a heterozygous missense mutation, c.824A>G (p.Asn275Ser). Luciferase assay demonstrated a significant reduction in transcriptional activity. A heterozygous frame shift mutation, c.692-695delAGGA (p.Lys231ThrfsX5), was detected in proband 2. Affected family members shared the same mutations, showing high penetrance. Both mutations reside in the HNF4α dimerization domain and the corresponding amino acids are well conserved between species. Conclusions: These two mutations are most likely the cause of MODY1 in these families. Considering the effectiveness of sulfonylureas, it is important to correctly diagnose MODY1.
Physical Mapping of 20 Unmapped Fragments of the Btau_4.0 Genome Assembly in Cattle, Sheep and River Buffalo
Authors: De Lorenzi L. , Genualdo V. , Perucatti A. , Iannuzzi A. , Iannuzzi L. , Parma P.
Published: May 2013

The recent advances in sequencing technology and bioinformatics have revolutionized genomic research, making the decoding of the genome an easier task. Genome sequences are currently available for many species, including cattle, sheep and river buffalo. The available reference genomes are very accurate, and they represent the best possible order of loci at this time. In cattle, despite the great accuracy achieved, a part of the genome has been sequenced but not yet assembled: these genome fragments are called unmapped fragments. In the present study, 20 unmapped fragments belonging to the Btau_4.0 reference genome have been mapped by FISH in cattle (Bos taurus, 2n = 60), sheep (Ovis aries, 2n = 54) and river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis, 2n = 50). Our results confirm the accuracy of the available reference genome, though there are some discrepancies between the expected localization and the observed localization. Moreover, the available data in the literature regarding genomic homologies between cattle, sheep and river buffalo are confirmed. Finally, the results presented here suggest that FISH was, and still is, a useful technology to validate the data produced by genome sequencing programs.
Some shallow-water hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from the central east coast of Florida, USA
Authors: CALDER DALE R.
Published: May 2013

This paper gives a systematic account of 67 species, referable to 22 families and 40 genera, identified in a small collection of hydroids from the central Atlantic coast of Florida between Melbourne and Palm Beach. The fauna mostly comprises an assemblage of tropical western Atlantic species ranging northwards along the southeastern coast of the United States. One new species, Lafoea intorta, is described. Applying Reversal of Precedence provisions in zoological nomenclature, the widely-used generic name Halopteris Allman, 1877 is designated as valid and as a nomen protectum, while its virtually unused senior synonym Halicornaria Hincks, 1865 (not Halicornaria Allman, 1874) is reduced to a nomen oblitum. The genus Pasya Stechow, 1922 is resurrected for the hydroid generally known as Dynamena quadridentata (Ellis & Solander, 1786). Laomedea tottoni Leloup, 1935 is shown to be a junior objective synonym of Clytia fragilis Congdon, 1907, which in turn is a junior subjective synonym of Clytia linearis (Thornely, 1900). Obelia oxydentata Stechow, 1914 is recognized as distinct from O. bidentata Clark, 1875. Hincksella brevitheca Galea, 2009, first described from Cuba, is reported for only the second time; records of the species are added here from Grand Cayman Island and the Caribbean coast of Panama as well as from the Atlantic coast of Florida. Also reported for the second time is Antennella incerta Galea, 2010, previ-ously known only from Guadeloupe in the Caribbean Sea. The true Halopteris diaphana (Heller, 1868), known from the Mediterranean Sea and from Brazil, is reported for the first time from the western North Atlantic. Earlier records of the species in the region are based on misidentifications of H. alternata (Nutting, 1900). Male gonothecae of Halecium calderi Galea, 2010 are reported and illustrated for the first time.
Muscidae (Insecta: Diptera) of Latin America and the Caribbean: geographic distribution and check-list by country
Authors: LÖWENBERG-NETO PETER , DE CARVALHO CLAUDIO J.B.
Published: May 2013

Here we provide a geographic database for the Muscidae (Insecta: Diptera) that are endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and non-synanthropic. We summarize the geographic information provided by specimens from three entomological collections in Brazil (DZUP, MNRJ, and MZUEFS) as well as geographic information we compiled in the literature. The resulting 817 species were linked to their geographic records by country, state/province/department, locality, latitude and longitude, including source reference. When coordinates were not provided in specimens' labels, we used the locality information to search geographic coordinates in online gazetteers. We also separated the species by country for a country-species list. These data comprise 250 years of collections and taxonomic studies of Neotropical Muscidae and we expect that it provides a foundation and serves as guide for future studies of systematics and biogeography of the family.
Effects of Synoptic-Scale Wind under the Typical Summer Pressure Pattern on the Mesoscale High-Temperature Events in the Osaka and Kyoto Urban Areas by the WRF Model
Authors: Takane Yuya , Ohashi Yukitaka , Kusaka Hiroyuki , Shigeta Yoshinori , Kikegawa Yukihiro
Published: May 2013

The actual conditions of mesoscale summer high temperatures (HTs) recorded in the Osaka–Kyoto urban area of Japan were investigated using an observation network. The daytime temperatures observed on 10 HT events in this area were the highest in the southern area of Kyoto [area with no Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System (AMeDAS) observation sites]. To quantitatively evaluate the formation mechanisms of HT events, a heat budget analysis on an atmospheric column was conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The results showed that over the HT area the daytime column temperature increased as a result of sensible-heat diffusion generated from the urban surface at the contribution rate of 54% and as a result of the sensible-heat advection and diffusion supplied from the sides and at the top of the column at the rate of 46% of all sensible heat supplied. To clarify previously unreported effects of synoptic-scale winds under typical summer pressure patterns on the HT events, a sensitivity experiment with no surface heat fluxes, backward trajectory analysis, and Euler forward tracer analysis was performed. These analyses yielded the following findings: 1) sensible heat at the synoptic scale and/or mesoscale was transported from the tropics by circulation patterns along the edge of the Pacific high as well as from tropical cyclones that were present in the vicinity of Japan and 2) airflow over the Kii Mountains also contributes to the HT events.
Solutions for Improving the Radar Refractivity Measurement by Taking Operational Constraints into Account
Authors: Besson Lucas , Parent du Châtelet Jacques
Published: May 2013

Atmospheric refractivity depends on meteorological parameters such as temperature, water vapor pressure, and air pressure and can be measured using weather radar. This could be useful for convection prediction through the assimilation by numerical forecasting models in the boundary layer, particularly in prestorm conditions. However, this measurement is highly sensitive to phase ambiguities, induced by signal undersampling during rapid atmospheric fluctuations because of strong turbulent fluxes in the boundary layer or during extreme events. The refractivity measurement has been recently implemented on some radars of the French Application Radar à la Météorologie Infra-Synoptique (ARAMIS) network, which is composed of three different frequencies (S, C, and X bands). In view of operational applications, investigations are performed to improve the measurement and limit the phase ambiguity rate. The first recommendation is to decrease the time interval between two measurements by increasing the antenna speed rotation or by the use of a higher elevation angle. These methods lead to decreased sensitivity of the refractivity to the phase aliasing. The second recommendation is to improve the information from ground target by combining the two polarization radar returns and using shorter pulse width. These two different approaches, based on the radar capacity and the description of the target, are complementary and noticeably improve the quality of the refractivity retrieval.
Extracolonic findings (ECF) on CT colonography (CTC) in patients presenting with colorectal symptoms
Authors: Badiani Sarit , Tomas-Hernandez Silvia , Karandikar Sharad , Roy-Choudhury Shuvro
Published: May 2013

Background

Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) is now an established method for imaging the colon and rectum in the screening and symptomatic setting. Additional benefit of CTC is the ability to assess for extracolonic findings especially in patients presenting with colorectal symptoms.

Purpose

To determine prevalence of extracolonic findings (ECF) in symptomatic patients undergoing CTC and determine accuracy of CTC for exclusion of significant abdominal disease and extracolonic malignancy (ECM).

Material and Methods

A total of 1359 unenhanced prone and postcontrast supine CTC studies were performed between March 2002 and December 2007. ECF were retrospectively classified according to C-RADS criteria into E1 to E4 findings. For ECM, a gold standard of clinical and/or radiological follow-up supplemented with data from the regional cancer registry with a median follow-up of 42 months was created. Sensitivity and negative predictive values for ECM was calculated.

Results

Following exclusions, 1177 CTCs were analyzed. Of 1423 extracolonic findings reported, 328/1423 (23%) E3 and 100/1423 (7%) E4 (including six eventual FP studies) findings were identified. Thirty-two ECMs were confirmed following further investigations. Seven further small ECMs were detected during the entire follow-up, of which two were potentially visible in retrospect (false-negative studies). Additional tests were generated from 55/1177 (4.7%) studies. Sensitivity and negative predictive value for ECM was 94.1% (95% CI 78.9–98.9%) and 99.8% (95% CI 99.3–99.9%), respectively.

Conclusion

One in 37 patients were found to have an ECM. Two potentially detectable cancers were missed. Only a small proportion of patients underwent additional work-up.
Utility of high-definition FDG-PET image reconstruction for lung cancer staging
Authors: Ozawa Yoshiyuki , Hara Masaki , Shibamoto Yuta , Tamaki Tsuneo , Nishio Masami , Omi Kumiko
Published: May 2013

Background

High-definition (HD) positron emission tomography (PET) image reconstruction is a new image reconstruction method based on the point spread function system, which improves the spatial resolution of the images.

Purpose

To compare the utility of HD reconstruction of PET images for staging lung cancer with that of conventional 2D ordered subset expectation maximization + Fourier rebinning (2D) reconstruction.

Material and Methods

Thirty-five lung cancer patients (24 men, 11 women; median age, 66 years) who underwent surgery after 18F-2-deoxy-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG)-PET-CT were studied. Their PET data were reconstructed with 2D and HD PET reconstruction algorithms. Two radiologists individually TNM staged both sets of images. They also evaluated the quality of the images and the diagnostic confidence that the images afforded them using 5-point scales.

Results

T, N, and M stages were correctly diagnosed on both the 2D and HD reconstructed images in 23 (66%), 25 (71%), and 30 (86%) of 35 cases, respectively. Overall TNM stage was correctly diagnosed on both types of reconstructed images in 23 cases (66%), underestimated in three (9%), and overestimated in nine (26%). No significant difference in T, N, or M stage or overall TNM stage was observed between the two reconstruction methods. However, the HD reconstructed images afforded a significantly higher level of diagnostic confidence during TNM staging than the 2D reconstructed images and were also of higher quality than the 2D reconstructed images.

Conclusion

Although HD reconstruction of FDG-PET images did not improve the diagnostic accuracy of lung cancer staging compared with 2D reconstruction, the quality of the HD reconstructed images and the diagnostic confidence level they afforded the radiologists were higher than those of the conventional 2D reconstructed images.
Pearls and pitfalls: Neuroimaging in headache
Authors: May Arne
Published: May 2013

Premise

One of the most exciting developments in modern neuroscience was the development of imaging techniques providing a non-invasive technique for detection of structure-function relationships characteristic of pain and headache. There is no question that neuroimaging has provided us with a better understanding of how the aura in migraine develops, and it has served as a bridge between neurophysiological studies and clinical findings, although doubtless several questions remain.

Pearls

Neuroimaging drew attention toward central mechanisms in idiopathic headache syndromes. Outstanding functional studies have reinforced the crucial role of the brainstem in acute and chronic migraine and the hypothalamic area in trigemino-autonomic headaches. Several morphometric studies suggest a decreased gray matter in pain-transmitting areas in headache patients; however, those have to be seen in the light of a wealth of pain studies and studies on exercise-dependent plasticity.

Goal

This review focuses on neuroimaging as a scientific tool and highlights the recent advances made in studying primary headache syndromes using functional and structural neuroimaging techniques. It will also point toward open questions and gives recommendations for future studies.
Ethical considerations in biomedical research: A personal view
Authors: Dahlöf Carl
Published: May 2013

Premise

Ethical considerations are made when an experiment is planned and take a regulatory system of moral principles into account.

Discussion

Ethical considerations should first and foremost be made in order to protect the individual subject/animal from being exposed to any unethical and perhaps even illegal intervention and to ensure that the experimental conditions used are appropriate.

The main role of research ethics committees is to assess the scientific and ethical aspects of submitted protocols and follow up the trial until its closure.
Pearls and pitfalls in neural CGRP immunohistochemistry
Authors: Warfvinge Karin , Edvinsson Lars
Published: May 2013

This review outlines the pearls and pitfalls of calcitonin-gene related protein (CGRP) immunohistochemistry of the brain.

Pearls

In 1985, CGRP was first described in cerebral arteries using immunohistochemistry. Since then, cerebral CGRP (and, using novel antibodies, its receptor components) has been widely scrutinized. Here, we describe the distribution of cerebral CGRP and pay special attention to the surprising reliability of results over time.

Pitfalls

Pitfalls might include a fixation procedure, antibody clone and dilution, and interpretation of results. Standardization of staining protocols and true quantitative methods are lacking. The use of computerized image analysis has led us to believe that our examination is objective. However, in the steps of performing such an analysis, we make subjective choices. By pointing out these pitfalls, we aim to further improve immunohistochemical quality.

Recommendations

Having a clear picture of the tissue/cell morphology is a necessity. A primary morphological evaluation with, for example, hematoxylin-eosin, helps to ensure that small changes are not missed and that background and artifactual changes, which may include vacuoles, pigments, and dark neurons, are not over-interpreted as compound-related changes. The antigen-antibody reaction appears simple and clear in theory, but many steps might go wrong. Remember that methods including the antigen-antibody complex rely on handling/fixation of tissues or cells, antibody shipping/storing issues, antibody titration, temperature/duration of antibody incubation, visualization of the antibody and interpretation of the results. Optimize staining protocols to the material you are using.
Pearls and pitfalls in experimental in vivo models of headache: Conscious behavioral research
Authors: Romero-Reyes Marcela , Ye Yi
Published: May 2013

Background

Physiological studies have been determinant for the understanding of migraine pathophysiology and the screening of novel therapeutics. At present, there is no animal model that translates fully the clinical symptoms of migraine, and generally these studies are conducted on anesthetized animals.

Methodology

Pain as well as non-painful symptoms such as photophobia, need to have a conscious individual to be experienced; therefore, the new development and adaptation of behavioral assays assessing pain and other non-painful symptomatology in conscious animals represents a great opportunity for headache research and it is exciting that more and more researchers are using behavioral paradigms.

This review will describe the different behavioral models for the study of headache that are performed in non-anesthetized conscious animals. The pearls and challenges for measuring hypersensitivity in rodents such as the common tests for measuring mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia have been the landmark for the development of assays that measure hypersensitivity in the craniofacial region. Here we describe the different behavioral assays that measure hypersensitivity in the craniofacial region as well as the established behavioral models of trigeminovascular nociception and non-nociceptive migrainous symptoms.
Pearls and pitfalls: Electrophysiology for primary headaches
Authors: Magis Delphine , Vigano Alessandro , Sava Simona , d’Elia Tullia Sasso , Schoenen Jean , Coppola Gianluca
Published: May 2013

Background

Primary headaches are functional neurological diseases characterized by a dynamic cyclic pattern over time (ictal/pre-/interictal). Electrophysiological recordings can non-invasively assess the activity of an underlying nervous structure or measure its response to various stimuli, and are therefore particularly appropriate for the study of primary headaches. Their interest, however, is chiefly pathophysiological, as interindividual, and to some extent intraindividual, variations preclude their use as diagnostic tools.

Aim of the work

This article will review the most important findings of electrophysiological studies in primary headache pathophysiology, especially migraine on which numerous studies have been published.

Results

In migraine, the most reproducible hallmark is the interictal lack of neuronal habituation to the repetition of various types of sensory stimulations. The mechanism subtending this phenomenon remains uncertain, but it could be the consequence of a thalamocortical dysrythmia that results in a reduced cortical preactivation level. In tension-type headache as well as in cluster headache, there seems to be an impairment of central pain-controlling mechanisms but the studies are scarce and their outcomes are contradictory. The discrepancies between studies might be as a result of methodological differences as well as patients’ dissimilarities, which are also discussed.

Conclusions and perspectives

Electrophysiology is complementary to functional neuroimaging and will undoubtedly remain an important tool in headache research. One of its upcoming applications is to help select neurostimulation techniques and protocols that correct best the functional abnormalities detectable in certain headache disorders.
Pearls and pitfalls in genetic studies of migraine
Authors: Eising Else , de Vries Boukje , Ferrari Michel D , Terwindt Gisela M , van den Maagdenberg Arn MJM
Published: May 2013

Purpose of review

Migraine is a prevalent neurovascular brain disorder with a strong genetic component, and different methodological approaches have been implemented to identify the genes involved. This review focuses on pearls and pitfalls of these approaches and genetic findings in migraine.

Common forms of migraine (i.e. migraine with and without aura) are thought to have a polygenic make-up, whereas rare familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) presents with a monogenic pattern of inheritance. Until a few years ago only studies in FHM yielded causal genes, which were identified by a classical linkage analysis approach. Functional analyses of FHM gene mutations in cellular and transgenic animal models suggest abnormal glutamatergic neurotransmission as a possible key disease mechanism. Recently, a number of genes were discovered for the common forms of migraine using a genome-wide association (GWA) approach, which sheds first light on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved.

Conclusions

Novel technological strategies such as next-generation sequencing, which can be implemented in future genetic migraine research, may aid the identification of novel FHM genes and promote the search for the missing heritability of common migraine.
From a Pinch to an Open Hand: Appeals to the Evolution of Cooperation in Contemporary Political Thought
Authors: Hordern Joshua
Published: May 2013

This article considers the political significance of game theoretical notions of cooperation by responding theologically to the writings of David Willetts, a minister in the UK government. The argument is that the forms of cooperative institutional life which societies require can be neither explained nor planned for solely by mathematical modelling of rational self-interest. What altruistic, civic cooperation depends upon is a complex web of affective trust, often theologically formed by open-handed faith rather than a self-protective pinch, so that wise risks may be taken for the sake of future generations.
Evolutionary Biology, ‘Enlightened’ Anthropological Narratives, and Social Morality: A View from Christian Ethics
Authors: Biggar Nigel
Published: May 2013

The natural evolution of ethics is commonly understood in terms of the development from the selfish struggle to survive, via prudent cooperation, to altruism. However, cooperation that is prudent in the sense of serving basically selfish interests is not really altruistic. Besides, Christian ethics should not identify morality with absolutely disinterested altruism. Self-interest is only selfish when it is disproportionate or unfair; otherwise it is morally legitimate. Therefore the natural evolution of ethics is better understood as the gradual diversification of the goods in which human beings have an interest. And evidently, whatever their origins, humans do have an interest in a range of goods, not just the preservation of their genes or their kin or themselves. Therefore the reductionist, Hobbesian assumptions about human motivation that game theory makes are empirically untrue of human behaviour in general, and so the range of cases to which it applies is accordingly narrow. Rather than using biology to interpret human motivation reductionistically, we should use zoology and anthropology to track the evolution of interest in diverse goods. The fact that eudaimonistic Christian ethics, as represented by Thomas Aquinas and Joseph Butler, has long recognised this diversity of human goods is one sign of its continuing explanatory power, and counts towards its truth.
From Game Theoretical Accounts of Cooperation to Meta-Ethical Choices
Authors: Ahmed Arif
Published: May 2013

Evolutionary game theory is ethically neutral: its assumption of ‘rationality’ has nothing to do with selfishness but is in fact entirely compatible with altruism. If altruism has an evolutionary explanation then this fact is of no theological relevance: in particular it is not any sort of evidence of a divine plan etc.
The Fruits of Contradiction: Evolution, Cooperation and Ethics in an Inter-Religious Context
Authors: Weiss Daniel H.
Published: May 2013

While recent developments in evolutionary theory, particularly game-theoretical models of group selection, can appear to provide a potential evolutionary grounding for human altruism, significant ethical problems remain embedded in such portrayals of human interaction. Specifically, such models end up treating the value of the individual as subservient to group survival, rather than viewing each unique individual as an ‘end in herself’. As such, a contradiction remains between the picture of human relationships that arises from evolutionary game-theoretical accounts and the picture that arises from many ethical and religious accounts, particularly those linked to the biblical conception of the image of God. However, I argue that such contradictions between scientific and ethical-religious pictures need not lead to despair; rather, by drawing a parallel to dialogues between individuals holding ‘contradictory’ theological claims, we can discern ways in which such contradiction can generate a fruitful tension that can lead to deeper understanding both of one’s own tradition and that of the other person. Accordingly, as with inter-faith dialogue, interactions between evolutionary theorists and religious ethicists can also give rise to greater self-understanding and expanded intellectual horizons, not in spite of but precisely by virtue of their ‘incompatible’ pictures of the human being.