bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flat-knitted innovative three-dimensional spacer fabrics: a competitive solution for lightweight composite applications
Authors: Abounaim MD , Cherif Chokri
Published: October 2011

Flat-knitted spacer fabrics offer a strong potential for complex shape preforms, which could be used to manufacture composites with reduced waste and shorter production times. A reinforced spacer fabric made of individual surface layers and joined with connecting layers shows improved mechanical properties for lightweight applications, such as textile-based sandwich preforms. We report the development of flat-knitted multi-layered innovative three-dimensional (3D) spacer fabrics from hybrid yarns consisting of glass and polypropylene filaments. Moreover, for structural health monitoring of composites, sensor networks could be created into a 3D spacer fabric structure in a single processing step through innovative integration of functional yarns.
Evaluation of the possibility of using surface free energy study to design protective fabrics
Authors: Cieslak Malgorzata , Puchowicz Dorota , Schmidt Hubert
Published: October 2011

Contact angle measurements, using the dynamic contact angle and Washburn methods, were taken for 100% aramid and viscose fabrics, as well as for 50:50 aramid and viscose mixed fabrics of different structure. Based on the measurements of contact angles wetted with hexane, water and formamide, the fabric surface free energy was calculated by means of three (Owens–Wendt, Wu and van Oss–Chaudhury–Good) theoretical models. The aim of the study was to analyze the usefulness of the dynamic contact angle and Washburn methods for assessing surface properties of textile materials, using selected measurement liquids, and to relate the results to the further investigation of actual wetting and penetration of model fabrics designed to protect against hazardous or irritant liquids. It was found that both methods are useful for determining the fabric surface free energy values; the Washburn method is characterized by the high practical value in assessing surface properties of textile materials, regardless of their structure, whereas the dynamic contact angle method allows for more thorough observation of how the fabric structure of the same raw material composition exerts its effect on the wettability and surface free energy value.
Concurrent studies on braided and filament wound carbon fiber composites – a comparative appraisal
Authors: Srikanth L. , Rao R.M.V.G.K.
Published: October 2011

Braided and filament wound CFRP were fabricated with varied fiber orientations. These composites exhibited not only similar trends in their experimental strength and stiffness properties but also good correlations with predictions made by CLT.
Effect of polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride on properties of high-density polyethylene and polystyrene blend/layered silicate nanocomposites
Authors: Azizi Susan , Yunus Wan Md Zin Wan , Ahmad Mansor
Published: October 2011

Effects of PE-gr-MA on properties of HDPE and PS blend nanocomposite were studied. The surface morphology, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of the composites were characterized. XRD and TEM results show that PE-gr-MA facilitated the intercalation of polymers into layered silicates. The SEM micrographs reveal that the presence of PE-gr-MA greatly increases matrices adhesion but decreases the flexibility of the nanocomposites. The thermal stability, tensile strength, and modulus are enhanced when PE-gr-MA is used.
Extracorporeal Therapies in Sepsis
Authors: Panagiotou Anthi , Gaiao Sérgio , Cruz Dinna N.
Published: October 2011

The treatment of sepsis is an ongoing challenge for clinicians; despite the wide choice of effective antibiotics to treat infection, sepsis remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Dysregulation of the immune response is now recognized to be a key factor in multiple organ dysfunction, yet our therapy for inflammation remains ineffective. It has been advocated for more than a decade that cytokine reduction in blood compartment could lead to a reduction in mortality in sepsis. Over the years, multiple extracorporeal techniques have evolved, with the intent of influencing the circulating levels of inflammatory mediators like cytokines and chemokines, the complement system, as well as factors of the coagulation system. These include high-volume hemofiltration, use of high cutoff membranes, and systems based on adsorption, such as coupled plasma filtration adsorption and the polymyxin-B column. In addition, new experimental systems that utilize human phagocytic cells and immobilized antibodies for targeted immunomodulation have emerged. In the context of limited resources and growing expansion in the availability of technologies, a better understanding of these therapies is required before they can be properly integrated into standard clinical practice in the hope of influencing major clinical outcomes. In this article, we will provide a concise overview of selected extracorporeal modalities currently in clinical use and briefly introduce some new promising techniques for sepsis.
Délices de l’appropriation, ventres explicités et commentaire-peau: Sur l’agrammaticalité du discours corpologique
Authors: Lampropoulos Apostolos
Published: October 2011

Cet article propose une lecture de trois films, Delicatessen de Jeunet et Caro, Le Ventre de l’architecte de Peter Greenaway et Dans ma peau de Marina de Van. Il étudie le corps tel qu’il y est pensé en s’appuyant sur la thèse de Nancy selon laquelle on ne peut toucher le corps qu’avec « l’incorporel du sens » et que le corps sert d’«archi-tectonique » de ce sens. Partant de l’idée d’un corps opérationnel, l’article examine d’abord la problématique de l’appropriation d’une entité étrangère à travers le discours ; puis il se penche sur quelques cas d’échec de l’extension du corps par le langage ; enfin, il revient sur l’idée que, le discours corpologique ne pouvant qu’effleurer son objet, il devient un commentaire agrammatical sur sa propre quasi-impossibilité, donc un discours prenant ses distances par rapport à son propre monolinguisme.
The Intertexts of ‘Seeing’ and ‘Non-Seeing’ in Schnabel’s Le Scaphandre et le papillon
Authors: McCaffrey Enda
Published: October 2011

This article examines the complexity of the relationship between ‘seeing’ and ‘non-seeing’ and its connection to a knowledge of the Self in Julian Schnabel’s film Le Scaphandre et le papillon. It is argued that ‘seeing’ is an impediment to an understanding of the visible world, while variations on ‘non-seeing’ enhance knowledge of visibility and Self. In the context of the filmic text, knowledge is associated specifically with the act of retrospectivity in writing and in the mind. This reading of the film as a retrospective and visually veiled event is reinforced and enhanced by reference to the work of two contemporary French writers. Visual impairment is the subject of Hélène Cixous’s autobiographical text Savoir. For Cixous, myopia and its ‘seeing’ are linked to a knowledge that is only attainable retrospectively through nostalgia. The work of Hervé Guibert draws on the philosophical and literary implications of half-sightedness and blindness as gateways to a different expression of knowledge and ‘sight’ that take their inspiration, by contrast, from a ‘continuum’ of invisibility in which ‘non-seeing’ is represented as a continuous seeing in thought.
French Intellectuals and Globalisation: A War of Worlds
Authors: Waters Sarah
Published: October 2011

French intellectuals have been at the forefront of a national and international movement of opposition to neo-liberal globalisation. Drawing on Samuel Huntington’s controversial work, The Clash of Civilisations, I will argue that French intellectuals shared a civilisational perspective of globalisation, seeing it not as a piecemeal market process or economic reform, but as an all-encompassing external threat. This civilisational perspective had contradictory effects on the nature of their opposition. On the one hand, intellectuals were able to produce a radical critique that challenged neo-liberalism and reinscribed the market within a specific political and ideological context. On the other hand, they tended to perpetuate an essentialist view of globalisation that saw this not as an economic process but as an expression of a pre-determined Anglo-Saxon type.
Piperine as an adjuvant increases the efficacy of curcumin in mitigating benzo(a)pyrene toxicity
Authors: Sehgal A , Kumar M , Jain M , Dhawan DK
Published: October 2011

In the present study, the antioxidative and anticlastogenic effects of curcumin and piperine separately and in combination have been investigated against benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)-mediated toxicity in mice. Male Swiss albino mice were pretreated with curcumin (100 mg kg−1 body weight) and piperine (20 mg kg−1 body weight) separately as well as in combination orally in corn oil for 7 days; and subsequently, after 2 h of pretreatment, BaP was administered orally in corn oil (125 mg kg−1 body weight). A single dose of BaP in normal mice increased the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl content (PCC), and frequency of bone marrow micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) but decreased significantly the levels of endogenous antioxidants such as superoxide dismutases (SODs), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver. Pretreatments with curcumin and curcumin plus piperine before administration of single dose of BaP significantly decreased the levels of LPO, PCC, and incidence of MNPCEs but elevated the level of GSH and enzyme activities of GPx, GR, SOD, CAT, and glutathione- S-transferase (GST) when compared to the BaP-treated group. The effect of curcumin plus piperine is more pronounced as compared to curcumin in attenuating BaP-induced oxidative insult and clastogenicity.
Hair nicotine/cotinine concentrations as a method of monitoring exposure to tobacco smoke among infants and adults
Authors: Tzatzarakis MN , Vardavas CI , Terzi I , Kavalakis M , Kokkinakis M , Liesivuori J , Tsatsakis AM
Published: October 2011

In this pilot study, we examined the validity and usefulness of hair nicotine–cotinine evaluation as a biomarker of monitoring exposure to tobacco. Head hair samples were collected from 22 infants (<2 years of age) and 44 adults with different exposures to tobacco (through either active or passive smoking) and analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for nicotine and cotinine. Hair samples were divided into three groups, infants, passive smoker adults and active smoker adults, and into eight subgroups according to the degree of exposure. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.1 ng/mg for nicotine and 0.05 ng/mg for cotinine. Mean recovery was 69.15% for nicotine and 72.08% for cotinine. The within- and between-day precision for cotinine and nicotine was calculated at different concentrations. Moreover, hair nicotine and cotinine concentrations were highly correlated among adult active smokers ( R2 = 0.710, p < 0.001), among adult nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS; R2 = 0.729, p < 0.001) and among infants ( R2 = 0.538, p = 0.01). Among the infants exposed to SHS from both parents the noted correlations were even stronger ( R2 = 0.835, p = 0.02). The above results identify the use of hair samples as an effective method for assessing exposure to tobacco, with a high association between nicotine and cotinine especially among infants heavily exposed to SHS.
Synergistic effects of parabens on the induction of calbindin-D9k gene expression act via a progesterone receptor-mediated pathway in GH3 cells
Authors: Yang H , Nguyen T-T , An B-S , Choi K-C , Jeung E-B
Published: October 2011

Although the endocrine-disrupting bioactivity of parabens is weakly estrogenic (parabens are xenoestrogens), their combined synergistic effect is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of methyl paraben (MP), ethyl paraben (EP), propyl paraben (PP), isopropyl paraben (IPP), butyl paraben (BP), and isobutyl paraben (IBP), either alone or in combination (MP + EP + PP + BP; PP + IPP; and BP + IBP) on the induction of the estrogenic biomarker gene, calbindin-D9k( CaBP-9k), in rat pituitary lactosomatotrophic GH3 cells. The expression of CaBP-9k mRNA and protein was analyzed using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. After 24 h of treatment, a significant increase in CaBP-9k expression was observed. This was dependent upon the length of the paraben alkyl chains (shortest in MP and longest in IBP). Interestingly, the synergistic effects of these paraben combinations were observed at a dose (10−5 M) of these parabens, which induced the highest expression of CaBP-9k mRNA and protein. To investigate the involvement of estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PRs), through which parabens exert their effects, the expression levels of ERα and PR-B were also examined. The expression of ERα mRNA and protein fluctuated after paraben treatment in GH3 cells, which was not significant. However, the expression level of ERα gene was induced when cotreated with 17β-estradiol (E2) and ICI 182, 780 (estrogen receptor antagonist). The different combinations of parabens induced the expression of the PR-B gene, which was abolished by cotreatment with ICI 182,780. The expression patterns of CaBP-9k and PR-B genes appeared to be similar in response to paraben treatments. This implied that CaBP-9k expression in GH3 cells may be induced by parabens via a PR-mediated pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that exposure to multiple parabens at low concentrations may increase their synergistic estrogenic activities in GH3 cells through a PR-mediated pathway.
Expression and methylation analysis of p15 and p16 in mouse bone marrow cells exposed to 1,4-benzoquinone
Authors: Tian J-F , Peng C-H , Yu X-Y , Yang X-J , Yan H-T
Published: October 2011

Benzene is an important industrial chemical. It is also an environmental pollutant recognized as a human carcinogen. Both prenatal and adult exposures to benzene are associated with the development of leukemia. To understand the mechanism of benzene-induced epigenetic variations, we investigated the expression and methylation patterns of CpG (phosphodiester bond between cytosine and guanine) islands in p15 and p16 promoter regions in 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ)-treated primary cultivated C57BL/6J mouse bone marrow cells in vitro. The cell toxicity of 1,4-BQ was evaluated by cell viability test, real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels, and bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) was used to look into the methylation patterns. The cell viability test indicates that 1,4-BQ exhibited a dose-dependent toxicity to mouse bone marrow cells. After a 24-h exposure to 1,4-BQ at final concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 μmol/L, the mRNA expression of p15 and p16 decreased with the increase in 1,4-BQ concentration. The BSP results gathered from the exposure and the control groups were the same. In summary, despite the observation that short-term exposure to 1,4-BQ primary cultivated mouse bone marrow cells decreased the p15 and p16 transcripts, with no influence by their gene promoter methylation.
Psychotic disorder, hypertension and seizures associated with vitamin B12 deficiency: a case report
Authors: Dogan M , Ariyuca S , Peker E , Akbayram S , Dogan ŞZ , Ozdemir O , Cesur Y
Published: October 2011

This report highlights a rare presentation of vitamin B12 deficiency (concurrent psychotic disorder, seizures and hypertension). A 16-year-old girl presented with nervousness that had been persisting for 2 weeks. She had stopped eating and there was decreased self-care and she could not walk and sleep. Two days prior to admission, generalized tonic–clonic convulsions were noted. On physical examination, vital signs were normal, except for hypertension (150/100 mm Hg). She did not respond to conversation; she could not answer the questions. Mood was depressive and hallucinations were noted. Laboratory analyses were normal, except for a low vitamin B12 level (<150 pg mL−1). The patient was not given any treatment of hypertension, psychosis or seizures, except vitamin B12 injections. After that, she showed improvement within 1 week. In the 7 days of hospitalization, the arterial blood pressure returned to normal, psychotic symptoms were resolved, the visual hallucinations and the depressive mood subsided, and she could eat and speak clearly. No hypertension or convulsions have been detected on the control examinations, and she has now been followed-up without any symptoms or findings. In conclusion, with this report we emphasized that psychosis, seizures and hypertension can be a rare manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency, which is reversible with therapy and serum vitamin B12 level should be checked in patients who do not have an obvious cause for psychosis, seizures or hypertension.
Toxicity of melamine and cyanuric acid in broilers and residues in tissues
Authors: Ding X-M , Zhang K-Y , Wang L , Bai S-P
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this study was to characterize the toxicity potential of melamine (MEL), cyanuric acid (CYA), and a combination of MEL and CYA in broilers. A total of 720 commercial 1-day-old COBB 500 male broilers were randomly allotted into 6 groups with 6 replicates each and 20 broilers in each replicate. The dietary treatments were as follows: group I was the control group, group II included 10 mg/kg MEL and 3.3 mg/kg CYA, group III included 30 mg/kg MEL and 10 mg/kg CYA, group IV included 100 mg/kg MEL and 33.3 mg/kg CYA, group V included 100 mg/kg MEL, and group VI included 33.3 mg/kg CYA. The trial lasted for 42 days. CYA alone and the combination of MEL and CYA had adverse effects on the performance, but MEL alone had no effects on the performance. On day 21, the uric acid (UA) content of group IV was increased in serum ( p < 0.05); on day 42, the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-8 increased in group IV ( p < 0.05); 100 mg/kg MEL alone increased the level of TNF-α and the rate of renal apoptosis ( p < 0.05); and 33.3 mg/kg CYA alone increased the level of IL-8 and the rate of renal apoptosis ( p < 0.05). The livers contained MEL concentrations of 17–125 μg/kg wet weight and CYA concentrations of 28–73 μg/kg, and the muscle contained MEL concentrations of 14–105 μg/kg wet weight. It was indicated that MEL alone, CYA alone, and a combination of MEL and CYA inhibit the growth and damage the kidney and liver.
Serum trace elements and heavy metals in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Kurdoglu Z , Kurdoglu M , Demir H , Sahin HG
Published: October 2011

Objective: We aimed to investigate the serum levels of essential trace elements copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg) and heavy metals cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A total of 65 (35 patients with PCOS and 30 healthy controls) women were included in the study. Serum Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Mg, Co and Cd levels were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. Results: Serum Cu and Zn levels were significantly higher, but Mn and Pb levels were lower in patients with PCOS compared with the healthy participants ( p < 0.01). There was no difference between patients with PCOS and the controls with respect to the serum levels of Mg, Co and Cd. Conclusions: This is the first study investigating serum Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Co, Mg and Cd levels in the patients with PCOS. The serum levels of trace elements and heavy metals might change in patients with PCOS. The findings in this study should be investigated with further trials in order to obtain new insights into PCOS.
A case of textile dermatitis due to disperse blue on the surgical wound
Authors: Caliskaner Z , Kartal O , Baysan A , Yesillik S , Demirel F , Gulec M , Sener O
Published: October 2011

Disperse blue (DB) 106 and DB 124 are the most frequent fabric dye allergens inducing textile dermatitis, but contact allergy to them may easily undiagnosed because the clinical picture usually needs high index of suspicion. We present the case of a 35-year-old woman who was referred for a recurred lesion over the incision scar of right total hip replacement surgery, which did not respond to treatment with povidone–iodine, mupirocin, and rifampicin. Patch testing, conducted with a European standard series and therapeutics that were used in the treatment of the lesion, revealed a positive reaction to dispersion mix blue 106/124. The patient was questioned in detail and reported that she has been wearing dark-colored synthetic panties for long years. The correlation was done between the positive antigen in the patch test and the clinical findings. The patient was treated with a corticosteroid cream for 2 weeks. She did not wear any dark-colored synthetic panties afterward and no flare-up was seen in the follow-up period. In this report, we emphasize the importance of detailed questioning of patients and that contact dermatitis should be considered potential cause of dermatitis at skin sites where the barrier function is compromised.
Studies on the toxicological effect of nevirapine, an antiretroviral drug, on the liver, kidney and testis of male Wistar rats
Authors: Adaramoye OA , Adesanoye OA , Adewumi OM , Akanni O
Published: October 2011

We investigated the toxic effect of nevirapine (NVP; Viramune®), an antiretroviral drug, on the liver, kidney and testis of Wistar rats. Twenty-one rats were assigned into 3 groups of 7 animals each. The first group served as control, and the second and third groups received NVP at 18 and 36 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Clinical signs of toxicity were not observed in the animals. NVP at both doses did not significantly ( p > 0.05) alter the body weight gain, relative weights of kidney and testis, serum protein, urea, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels of the animals. However, NVP2 significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the relative weight of liver, level of serum total bilirubin and activities of γ-glutamyl transferase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases. NVP administration caused a dose-dependent, significant ( p < 0.05) elevation of lipid peroxidation measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver, kidney and testis of the rats. Hepatic, renal and testicular MDA were increased by 107%, 80% and 163%, respectively, in NVP2-treated rats. Elevation in MDA was accompanied by a significant ( p < 0.05) decrease in the activities of hepatic, renal and testicular superoxide dismutase and catalase. NVP2 caused 43% and 32% decrease in spermatozoa motility and live/dead sperm count, respectively, and 94% increase in total sperm abnormalities. Histopathological findings showed that NVP2 caused degeneration of seminiferous tubules in testis, and severe necrosis in liver slides. NVP induced oxidative stress with corresponding decrease in antioxidant status of the rats. The changes in sperm parameters and, elevation of liver marker enzymes suggest an interference of NVP2 with these organs.
Effect of transient TCDD exposure on immortalized human trophoblast-derived cell lines
Authors: Fukushima K , Tsukimori K , Li D , Takao T , Morokuma S , Kato K , Seki H , Takeda S , Matsumura S , Wake N
Published: October 2011

Low level, antenatal exposure to dioxins is associated with low birth weight, which in turn is associated with long-term sequelae. We exposed the human extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVT) lines HTR-8/SV40 and TCL1 to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) and assessed cell growth, invasion, and differentiation. TCDD had no effect on cell proliferation, invasion, or tube formation in Matrigel. The EVT-derived cells expressed a functional aryl hydrocarbon receptor protein; however, TCDD exposure did not alter expression levels of proteins involved in EVT differentiation in early pregnancy, including hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Integrin A1, A6, and AVB3. These results suggest that the reduction in fetal weight induced by dioxin is not the result of vascular remodeling via EVT dysfunction.
Family Outcomes of Early Intervention
Authors: Epley Pamela H. , Summers Jean Ann , Turnbull Ann P.
Published: October 2011

Relationships between parent ratings of Part C/early intervention (EI) services and family outcomes for families of young children with disabilities were examined—specifically, the early childhood outcomes (ECO)–recommended family outcomes and family quality of life (FQOL). Measures included the Early Childhood Services Survey, the ECO Center Family Outcomes Survey, and the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale. Findings support a logic-model relationship between parent ratings of Part C/EI services, ECO-recommended family outcomes, and FQOL. Parent ratings of Part C/EI services were found to predict immediate family outcomes as measured by ECO-recommended family outcomes, and ECO-recommended family outcomes, in turn, predicted the broader outcome of enhanced FQOL. Implications for EI practice and evaluation are discussed.
A biomimetic approach to robot table tennis
Authors: Mülling Katharina , Kober Jens , Peters Jan
Published: October 2011

Playing table tennis is a difficult motor task that requires fast movements, accurate control, and adaptation to task parameters. Although human beings see and move slower than most robot systems, they significantly outperform all table tennis robots. One important reason for this higher performance is the human movement generation. In this article, we study human movements during table tennis and present a robot system that mimics human striking behavior. Our focus lies on generating hitting motions capable of adapting to variations in environmental conditions, such as changes in ball speed and position. Therefore, we model the human movements involved in hitting a table tennis ball using discrete movement stages and the virtual hitting point hypothesis. The resulting model was evaluated both in a physically realistic simulation and on a real anthropomorphic seven degrees of freedom Barrett WAMTM robot arm.
Bacteremia During Quinsy and Elective Tonsillectomy
Authors: Klug Tejs Ehlers , Henriksen Jens-Jacob , Rusan Maria , Fuursted Kurt , Ovesen Therese
Published: October 2011

Aims:

Bacteremia during elective tonsillectomy is well recognized, whereas bacteremia during quinsy tonsillectomy has never been studied. The aim of the present study was to explore the incidence of bacteremia during elective and quinsy tonsillectomy in order to evaluate the antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations to patients at high risk of infective endocarditis who are undergoing tonsillectomy.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted on 80 patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy and 36 patients undergoing acute tonsillectomy due to peritonsillar abscess. Blood cultures, tonsillar swabs, core tissue, and pus aspirates were analyzed by standard microbiological techniques.

Results:

Bacteremia was detected in 73% of patients during elective tonsillectomy compared to 56% during quinsy tonsillectomy ( P = .089, Fishers exact test). Significantly more blood culture bottles were positive for each isolate obtained from elective tonsillectomy cases compared to quinsy tonsillectomy cases ( P < .001, Spearman rank correlation). In all, 59% and 42% of electively and acutely tonsillectomized patients, respectively, had bacteremia with microorganisms that are predominant in bacterial endocarditis. Ninety-three percent of the isolated strains were sensitive to amoxicillin, and all were sensitive to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid.

Discussion:

Our results challenge the distinction made by the European Society of Cardiology between elective and quinsy tonsillectomy, with regard to antibiotic prophylaxis recommendation only to patients undergoing procedures to treat an established infection. To provide full empiric coverage, including coverage for Staphylococcus aureus, we advocate the use of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid in patients at high risk of infective endocarditis.
Relaxin increases human endothelial progenitor cell NO and migration and vasculogenesis in mice
Authors: Segal Mark S. , Sautina Laura , Li Shiyu , Diao YanPeng , Agoulnik Alexander I. , Kielczewski Jennifer , McGuane Jonathan T. , Grant Maria B. , Conrad Kirk P.
Published: October 2011

The ovarian peptide hormone, relaxin, circulates during pregnancy, contributing to profound maternal vasodilation through endothelial and nitric oxide (NO)–dependent mechanisms. Circulating numbers of bone marrow–derived endothelial cells (BMDECs), which facilitate angiogenesis and contribute to repair of vascular endothelium, increase during pregnancy. Thus, we hypothesized that relaxin enhances BMDEC NO production, circulating numbers, and function. Recombinant human relaxin-2 (rhRLX) stimulated PI3K/Akt B-dependent NO production in human BMDECs within minutes, and activated BMDEC migration that was inhibited by L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester. In BMDECs isolated from relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2 gene (Rxfp2) knockout and wild-type mice, but not Rxfp1 knockout mice, rhRLX rapidly increased NO production. Similarly, rhRLX increased circulating BMDEC number in Rxfp2 knockout and wild-type mice, but not Rxfp1 knockout mice as assessed by colony formation and flow cytometry. Taken together, these results indicate that relaxin effects BMDEC function through the RXFP1 receptor. Finally, both vascularization and incorporation of GFP-labeled BMDECs were stimulated in rhRLX-impregnated Matrigel pellets implanted in mice. To conclude, relaxin is a novel regulator of BMDECs number and function, which has implications for angiogenesis and vascular remodeling in pregnancy, as well as therapeutic potential in vascular disease.
Loss of genes for DNA recombination and repair in the reductive genome evolution of thioautotrophic symbionts of Calyptogena clams
Authors: Kuwahara Hirokazu , Takaki Yoshihiro , Shimamura Shigeru , Yoshida Takao , Maeda Taro , Kunieda Takekazu , Maruyama Tadashi
Published: October 2011

Background

Two Calyptogena clam intracellular obligate symbionts, Ca. Vesicomyosocius okutanii (Vok; C. okutanii symbiont) and Ca. Ruthia magnifica (Rma; C. magnifica symbiont), have small genomes (1.02 and 1.16 Mb, respectively) with low G+C contents (31.6% and 34.0%, respectively) and are thought to be in an ongoing stage of reductive genome evolution (RGE). They lack recA and some genes for DNA repair, including mutY. The loss of recA and mutY is thought to contribute to the stabilization of their genome architectures and GC bias, respectively. To understand how these genes were lost from the symbiont genomes, we surveyed these genes in the genomes from 10 other Calyptogena clam symbionts using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Phylogenetic trees reconstructed using concatenated 16S and 23S rRNA gene sequences showed that the symbionts formed two clades, clade I (symbionts of C. kawamurai, C. laubieri, C. kilmeri, C. okutanii and C. soyoae) and clade II (those of C. pacifica, C. fausta, C. nautilei, C. stearnsii, C. magnifica, C. fossajaponica and C. phaseoliformis). recA was detected by PCR with consensus primers for recA in the symbiont of C. phaseoliformis. A detailed homology search revealed a remnant recA in the Rma genome. Using PCR with a newly designed primer set, intact recA or its remnant was detected in clade II symbionts. In clade I symbionts, the recA coding region was found to be mostly deleted.

In the Rma genome, a pseudogene of mutY was found. Using PCR with newly designed primer sets, mutY was not found in clade I symbionts but was found in clade II symbionts. The G+C content of 16S and 23S rRNA genes in symbionts lacking mutY was significantly lower than in those with mutY.

Conclusions

The extant Calyptogena clam symbionts in clade II were shown to have recA and mutY or their remnants, while those in clade I did not. The present results indicate that the extant symbionts are losing these genes in RGE, and that the loss of mutY contributed to the GC bias of the genomes during their evolution.
Molecular typing of mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates circulating in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Liu Qiao , Yang Dandan , Xu Weiguo , Wang Jianming , LV Bing , Shao Yan , Song Honghuan , Li Guoli , Dong Haiyan , Wan Kanglin , Wang Hua
Published: October 2011

Background

Globally, China is the second place with high burden of tuberculosis (TB). To explore the characteristics of the pathogens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) circulating in this area is helpful for understanding and controlling the spread of the strains. Recent developments in molecular biology have allowed prompt identification and tracking specific strains of MTB spreading through the population.

Methods

Spacer-oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping) and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) were performed in combination to yield specific genetic profiles of 260 MTB strains isolated from 30 counties of Jiangsu province in China between June and July 2010. The spoligotyping results were in comparison to the world Spoligotyping Database of Institute Pasteur de Guadeloupe (SpolDB4). Drug susceptibility test (DST) was performed on all strains by proportion method on Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture media.

Results

Based on the spoligotyping method, 246 strains displayed known patterns and 14 were absent in the database. Predominant spoligotypes belonged to the Beijing family (80.4%). By using the 24-loci VNTR typing scheme, 224 different patterns were identified, including 20 clusters and 204 unique patterns. The largest clade comprised 195 strains belonging to the Beijing family. The combination of spoligotyping and 24-loci MIRU-VNTR demonstrated maximal discriminatory power. Furthermore, we observed a significant association between Beijing family strains and drug-resistant phenotypes. The Beijing family strains presented increased risks for developing multi-drug resistant TB, with the OR (95% CI) of 11.07(1.45-84.50).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that Beijing family isolates were the most prevalent strains circulating in Jiangsu province of China. The utility of spoligotyping in combination with 24-loci MIRU-VNTR might be a useful tool for epidemiological analysis of MTB transmission.
Clinical and genetic analyses of three Korean families with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Kim Mi-Jung , Kim Seon-Tae , Lee Hyoung-Doo , Lee Kyu-Yong , Seo Jiyoung , Lee Jae-Bom , Lee Young-Jae , Oh Suk P
Published: October 2011

Background

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal-dominant vascular disorder, characterized by recurrent epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectases, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in various visceral organs. Endoglin (ENG) and activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1; ALK1), receptors for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, have been identified as the principal HHT-causing genes.

Methods

Three unrelated Korean HHT patients and their asymptomatic as well as symptomatic family members were genetically diagnosed by sequencing whole exons and their flanking regions of ENG and ACVRL1. Functionality of an aberrant translation start codon, which is created by a substitution mutation at the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of ENG found in a HHT family, was tested by transient in vitro transfection assay. Decay of the mutant transcripts was also assessed by allele-specific expression analysis.

Results

Two ENG and one ACVRL1 mutations were identified: a known ENG mutation (c.360+1G > A; p.Gly74_Tyr120del); a novel ENG mutation (c.1-127C > T); and a novel ACVRL1 mutation (c.252_253insC; p.Val85fsX168). We further validated that the 5'-UTR ENG mutation prevents translation of ENG from the biological translation initiation site of the mutant allele, and leads to degradation of the mutant transcripts.

Conclusions

This is the first experimental demonstration that a 5'-UTR mutation can prevent translation of ENG among HHT patients, and further supports the previous notion that haploinsufficiency is the primary mechanism of HHT1. Our data also underscore the importance of including exons encoding 5' UTR for HHT mutation screening.
Isolated metastasis of colon cancer to the scapula: is surgical resection warranted?
Authors: Onesti Jill K , Mascarenhas Christopher R , Chung Mathew H , Davis Alan T
Published: October 2011

Background

Distant metastases from colon cancer spread most frequently to the liver and the lung. Risk factors include positive lymph nodes and high grade tumors. Isolated metastases to the appendicular skeleton are very rare, particularly in the absence of identifiable risk factors.

Case report

The patient was a 55 year old male with no previous personal or family history of colon cancer. Routine screening revealed a sigmoid adenocarcinoma. He underwent resection with primary anastomosis and was found to have Stage IIA colon cancer. He declined chemotherapy as part of a clinical trial, and eight months later was found to have an isolated metastasis in his right scapula. This was treated medically, but grew to 12 × 15 cm. The patient underwent a curative forequarter amputation and is now more than four years from his original colon surgery.

Discussion

Stage IIA colon cancers are associated with a high five year survival rate, and chemotherapy is not automatically given. If metastases occur, they are likely to arise from local recurrence or follow lymphatic dissemination to the liver or lungs. Isolated skeletal metastases are quite rare and are usually confined to the axial skeleton. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an isolated scapular metastasis in a patient with node negative disease. The decision to treat the recurrence with radiation and chemotherapy did not reduce the tumor, and a forequarter amputation was eventually required.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of adequately analyzing the stage of colon cancer and offering appropriate treatment. Equally important is the early involvement of a surgeon in discussing the timing of the treatment for recurrence. Perhaps if the patient had received chemotherapy or earlier resection, he could have been spared the forequarter amputation. The physician must also be aware of the remote possibility of an unusual presentation of metastasis in order to pursue timely work up.
Immunologic and virologic failure after first-line NNRTI-based antiretroviral therapy in Thai HIV-infected children
Authors: Bunupuradah Torsak , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Kosalaraksa Pope , Kerr Stephen , Boonrak Pitch , Prasitsuebsai Wasana , Lumbiganon Pagakrong , Mengthaisong Tawan , Phasomsap Chayapa , Pancharoen Chitsanu , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Ananworanich Jintanat
Published: October 2011

Background

There are limited data of immunologic and virologic failure in Asian HIV-infected children using non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We examined the incidence rate of immunologic failure (IF) and virologic failure (VF) and the accuracy of using IF to predict VF in Thai HIV-infected children using first-line NNRTI-based HAART.

Methods

Antiretroviral (ART)-naïve HIV-infected children from 2 prospective cohorts treated with NNRTI-based HAART during 2001-2008 were included. CD4 counts were performed every 12 weeks and plasma HIV-RNA measured every 24 weeks. Immune recovery was defined as CD4%≥25%. IF was defined as persistent decline of ≥5% in CD4% in children with CD4%<15% at baseline or decrease in CD4 count ≥30% from baseline. VF was defined as HIV-RNA>1,000 copies/ml after at least 24 weeks of HAART. Clinical and laboratory parameter changes were assessed using a paired t-test, and a time to event approach was used to assess predictors of VF. Sensitivity and specificity of IF were calculated against VF.

Results

107 ART-naive HIV-infected children were included, 52% female, % CDC clinical classification N:A:B:C 4:44:30:22%. Baseline data were median (IQR) age 6.2 (4.2-8.9) years, CD4% 7 (3-15), HIV-RNA 5.0 (4.9-5.5) log10copies/ml. Nevirapine (NVP) and efavirenz (EFV)-based HAART were started in 70% and 30%, respectively.

At 96 weeks, none had progressed to a CDC clinical classification of AIDS and one had died from pneumonia. Overall, significant improvement of weight for age z-score (p = 0.014), height for age z-score, hemoglobin, and CD4 were seen (all p < 0.001). The median (IQR) CD4% at 96 weeks was 25 (18-30)%. Eighty-nine percent of children had immune recovery (CD4%≥25%) and 75% of children had HIV-RNA <1.7log10copies/ml.

Thirty five (32.7%) children experienced VF within 96 weeks. Of these, 24 (68.6%) and 31 (88.6%) children had VF in the first 24 and 48 weeks respectively.

Only 1 (0.9%) child experienced IF within 96 weeks and the sensitivity (95%CI) of IF to VF was 4 (0.1-20.4)% and specificity was 100 (93.9-100)%.

Conclusion

Immunologic failure, as defined here, had low sensitivity compared to VF and should not be recommended to detect treatment failure. Plasma HIV-RNA should be performed twice, at weeks 24 and 48, to detect early treatment failure.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identification number
NCT00476606
Resveratrol enhances prostate cancer cell response to ionizing radiation. Modulation of the AMPK, Akt and mTOR pathways
Authors: Rashid Ayesha , Liu Caiqiong , Sanli Toran , Tsiani Evangelia , Singh Gurmit , Bristow Robert G , Dayes Ian , Lukka Himu , Wright James , Tsakiridis Theodoros
Published: October 2011

Background

Prostate cancer (PrCa) displays resistance to radiotherapy (RT) and requires radiotherapy dose escalation which is associated with greater toxicity. This highlights a need to develop radiation sensitizers to improve the efficacy of RT in PrCa. Ionizing radiation (IR) stimulates pathways of IR-resistance and survival mediated by the protein kinase Akt but it also activates the metabolic energy sensor and tumor suppressor AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK). Here, we examined the effects of the polyphenol resveratrol (RSV) on the IR-induced inhibition of cell survival, modulation of cell cycle and molecular responses in PrCa cells.

Methods

Androgen-insensitive (PC3), sensitive (22RV1) PrCa and PNT1A normal prostate epithelial cells were treated with RSV alone (2.5-10 μM) or in combination with IR (2-8 Gy). Clonogenic assays, cell cycle analysis, microscopy and immunoblotting were performed to assess survival, cell cycle progression and molecular responses.

Results

RSV (2.5-5 μM) inhibited clonogenic survival of PC3 and 22RV1 cells but not of normal prostate PNT1A cells. RSV specifically sensitized PrCa cells to IR, induced cell cycle arrest at G1-S phase and enhanced IR-induced nuclear aberrations and apoptosis. RSV enhanced IR-induced expression of DNA damage (γH2Ax) and apoptosis (cleaved-caspase 3) markers as well as of the cell cycle regulators p53, p21cip1and p27kip1. RSV enhanced IR-activation of ATM and AMPK but inhibited basal and IR-induced phosphorylation of Akt.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that RSV arrests cell cycle, promotes apoptosis and sensitizes PrCa cells to IR likely through a desirable dual action to activate the ATM-AMPK-p53-p21cip1/p27kip1and inhibit the Akt signalling pathways.
The glucocorticoid dexamethasone programs human dendritic cells for enhanced phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils and inflammatory response
Authors: Hodrea Judit , Majai Gyöngyike , Doró Zoltán , Zahuczky Gábor , Pap Attila , Rajnavölgyi Éva , Fésüs László
Published: October 2011

GCs are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds inhibiting inflammatory cell recruitment and production of proinflammatory cytokines. We have recently found that DCs, the key players of T cell priming and polarization, respond to allogeneic apoptotic neutrophils with proinflammatory cytokine release and Th1 cell activation. Here, we show that monocyte-derived human DCs develop their capacity to engulf apoptotic cells by up-regulating a set of apoptophagocytic genes. This gene expression pattern was reprogrammed when differentiation took place in the presence of the synthetic GC Dex, which increased the expression of phagocytosis receptors MERTK and CD14, the bridging molecule C1QA, DNASE2, and ADORA3. The increased phagocytosis was attenuated by the addition of ADORA3 antagonist and could not be observed when bone marrow-derived DCs of ADORA3 KO mice were treated with Dex. The GC-treated human DCs loaded with allogeneic apoptotic neutrophils secreted, in response to LPS and IFN-γ, the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Furthermore, the Dex-treated DCs could activate autologous T lymphocytes toward Th1 effector cells, and this was enhanced by their exposure to allogeneic apoptotic neutrophils.
Glucocorticoids inhibit dendritic cell maturation induced by Toll-like receptor 7 and Toll-like receptor 8
Authors: Larangé Alexandre , Antonios Diane , Pallardy Marc , Kerdine-Römer Saadia
Published: October 2011

GCs are widely prescribed to treat inflammatory disorders and autoimmune and allergic diseases. Their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects may be related, in part, to their ability to control the maturation and functions of DCs. Here, we report that GCs inhibit the maturation of human CD34-DCs induced by the TLR7 agonist imiquimod and the TLR8 agonist 3M-002. GCs down-regulate the expression of CD86, CD40, CD83, CCR7, and HLA-DR on DCs and inhibit IL-6 and IL-12p40 production by DCs following TLR7 and TLR8 stimulation. This inhibitory effect is abolished by RU486, suggesting a role for GR transcriptional activity. Our results also show that GCs do not affect TLR-mediated DNA-binding activity of NF-κBp65. We observe that GCs control the activation of JNK induced by TLR agonists, without affecting its upstream MKK4. However, p38MAPK activation is not affected by GCs. Concomitantly to JNK inhibition, we observe the induction of the DUSP MKP-1 but not of other DUSPs by GCs. However, although silencing of MKP-1 in DCs reverses GC-mediated JNK inhibition, no significant effect on GC-induced inhibition of DC maturation was evidenced. Our results show that GCs alter DC maturation in response to TLR7 or TLR8 through a mechanism involving GR transcriptional activity.