bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlamydia trachomatisInhibits Inducible NO Synthase in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Stimulating Polyamine Synthesis
Authors: Abu-Lubad Mohammad , Meyer Thomas F. , Al-Zeer Munir A.
Published: August 2014

Chlamydia trachomatis is considered the most common agent of sexually transmitted disease worldwide. As an obligate intracellular bacterium, it relies on the host for survival. Production of NO is an effective antimicrobial defense mechanism of the innate immune system. However, whether NO is able to arrest chlamydial growth remains unclear. Similarly, little is known about the mechanisms underlying subversion of cellular innate immunity by C. trachomatis. By analyzing protein and mRNA expression in infected human mesenchymal stem cells, combined with RNA interference and biochemical assays, we observed that infection with C. trachomatis led to downregulated expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Furthermore, infection upregulated the expression of the rate-limiting enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, ornithine decarboxylase, diverting the iNOS substrate l-arginine toward the synthesis of polyamines. Inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase activity using small interfering RNA or the competitive inhibitor difluoromethylornithine restored iNOS protein expression and activity in infected cells and inhibited chlamydial growth. This inhibition was mediated through tyrosine nitration of chlamydial protein by peroxynitrite, an NO metabolite. Thus, Chlamydia evades innate immunity by inhibiting NO production through induction of the alternative polyamine pathway.
The Proto-MHC of Placozoans, a Region Specialized in Cellular Stress and Ubiquitination/Proteasome Pathways
Authors: Suurväli Jaanus , Jouneau Luc , Thépot Dominique , Grusea Simona , Pontarotti Pierre , Du Pasquier Louis , Rüütel Boudinot Sirje , Boudinot Pierre
Published: August 2014

The MHC is a large genetic region controlling Ag processing and recognition by T lymphocytes in vertebrates. Approximately 40% of its genes are implicated in innate or adaptive immunity. A putative proto-MHC exists in the chordate amphioxus and in the fruit fly, indicating that a core MHC region predated the emergence of the adaptive immune system in vertebrates. In this study, we identify a putative proto-MHC with archetypal markers in the most basal branch of Metazoans—the placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens, indicating that the proto-MHC is much older than previously believed—and present in the common ancestor of bilaterians (contains vertebrates) and placozoans. Our evidence for a T. adhaerens proto-MHC was based on macrosynteny and phylogenetic analyses revealing approximately one third of the multiple marker sets within the human MHC-related paralogy groups have unique counterparts in T. adhaerens, consistent with two successive whole genome duplications during early vertebrate evolution. A genetic ontologic analysis of the proto-MHC markers in T. adhaerens was consistent with its involvement in defense, showing proteins implicated in antiviral immunity, stress response, and ubiquitination/proteasome pathway. Proteasome genes psma, psmb, and psmd are present, whereas the typical markers of adaptive immunity, such as MHC class I and II, are absent. Our results suggest that the proto-MHC was involved in intracellular intrinsic immunity and provide insight into the primordial architecture and functional landscape of this region that later in evolution became associated with numerous genes critical for adaptive immunity in vertebrates.
Holistic Life-Span Health Outcomes Among Elite Intercollegiate Student–Athletes
Authors: Sorenson Shawn C. , Romano Russell , Scholefield Robin M. , Martin Brandon E. , Gordon James E. , Azen Stanley P. , Schroeder E. Todd , Salem George J.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Competitive sports are recognized as having unique health benefits and risks, and the effect of sports on life-span health among elite athletes has received increasing attention. However, supporting scientific data are sparse and do not represent modern athletes.

Objective:

To assess holistic life-span health and health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) among current and former National Collegiate Athletic Association student–athletes (SAs).

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

A large Division I university.

Patients or Other Participants:

Population-based sample of 496 university students and alumni (age 17–84 years), including SAs and an age-matched and sex-matched nonathlete (NA) control group.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Participants completed anonymous, self-report questionnaires. We measured the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) physical and mental component HRQL scores and cumulative lifetime experience and relative risk of treatment for joint, cardiopulmonary, and psychosocial health concerns.

Results:

Older alumni (age 43+ years) SAs reported greater joint health concerns than NAs (larger joint summary scores; P = .04; Cohen d = 0.69; probability of clinically important difference [pCID] = 77%; treatment odds ratio [OR] = 14.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6, 126). Joint health for current and younger alumni SAs was similar to that for NAs. Older alumni reported greater cardiopulmonary health concerns than younger alumni (summary score P < .001; d = 1.05; pCID = 85%; OR = 5.8, 95% CI = 2.0, 16) and current students (P < .001; d = 2.25; pCID >99.5%; OR = 7.1, 95% CI = 3.3, 15), but the risk was similar for SAs and NAs. Current SAs demonstrated evidence of better psychosocial health (summary score P = .006; d = −0.52; pCID = 40%) and mental component HRQL (P = .008; d = 0.50; pCID = 48%) versus NAs but similar psychosocial treatment odds (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.39, 1.9). Psychosocial health and mental component HRQL were similar between alumni SAs and NAs. No differences were observed between SAs and NAs in physical component HRQL.

Conclusions:

The SAs demonstrated significant, clinically meaningful evidence of greater joint health concerns later in life, comparable cardiopulmonary health, and differences in life-span psychosocial health and HRQL profiles compared with NAs. These data provide timely evidence regarding a compelling public issue and highlight the need for further study of life-span health among modern athletes.
Die gawe van onderskeiding as spieël vir die kerk
Authors: Beyers Jaco
Published: August 2014

The gift of discernment as mirror for the church. In the encounter between man and the Holy, man reacts with the ambivalent emotion of fear and fascination. Man is confronted by something incomprehensible. How will man know whether this is God? Any response by man, even faith, might be a self-deception. This condition is called ‘bad faith’ by Sartre and Berger. In an existential struggle with the numineuse, man constantly tries to get to know God and his will. This struggle is faith. The Holy Spirit bestows the gift of faith on mankind. The pneumatic moment is when congruency is established between on the one hand the human identity arrived at in Christ and, on the other hand, the existential expression of the response to the calling by God.
Enhanced Accumulation of Bone Seekers at Superior Lateral Orbital Margin: Potential Origin
Authors: Swietaszczyk Cyprian , Pilecki Stanisław
Published: August 2014

Enhanced accumulation of the radiotracer at superior lateral orbital margin is a common finding in bone scintigraphy. Its possible sources are discussed and illustrated with examples from own archive of the authors as well as from the literature. These sources include: Physiologically enhanced bone metabolism at frontozygomatic suture (normal variant), a metastasis at this suture (illustrated with an example of solitary metastasis from prostate cancer), lesions to the zygomatic bone or the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, deepened fossa for lacrimal gland and the gland itself.
Select the Optimized Effective Dose to Reduce Nuclear Radiations in Pediatric Nuclear Medicine
Authors: Bai Ying , Wang Dali
Published: August 2014

Many techniques and research models on calculating and reducing the nuclear radiation dose on pediatric nuclear medicine procedure have been developed and reported in recent years. However, most those models either utilized simple shapes to present the organs or used more realistic models to estimate the nuclear dose applied on pediatric patients. The former are too simple to provide accurate estimation results, and the latter are too complicated to intensively involve complex calculations. In this study, a simple but practical model is developed to enable physicians to easily and quickly calculate and select the average optimal effective nuclear dose for the given age and body-size of the pediatric patients. This model is built based on one research result reported by Frederic Fahey, et al and it can be easily implemented in most common pediatric nuclear medicine procedures. This is the first research of using fuzzy inference system to calculate the optimal effective dose applied in the nuclear medicine for pediatric patients.
The Role of Octreotate Scan in Discrimination of Solitary Pulmonary Nodule
Authors: Rezaeetalab Fariba , Aryana Kamran , Attaran Davood , Bagheri Reza , Nattagh Farshid , Lari Shahrzad
Published: August 2014

Solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is one of the most controversial clinical findings in patients. The aim of this study is to use 99m Tc-ethylenediamine diacetic acid/hydrazine nicotinamide (HYNIC)-TATE scan technique to evaluate nodules. From 2008 to 2010, 21 patients with SPN underwent 99m Tc-HYNIC-TATE scan after the initial assessment with high-resolution computed tomography and then accurate histopathologic diagnosis was established by trans-thoracic needle biopsy, Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery and thoracotomy. After demographic evaluations, specificity and sensitivity of this method was studied. A total of 21 patients were included in our study, of which 12 patients were male and 9 were female. Their mean age was 45 ± 14.3 years. About 43% of the patients were symptom-free and in patients with pulmonary complaints, the most prevalent symptom was cough. Final histopathology tests and clinical follow-up proved that 14 cases (67%) were benign and 7 (33%) were malignant. The diagnostic technique used in our study had no false negative and there were only 3 cases of false positive. Sensitivity and specificity of this method are 100% and 79%, respectively and the diagnostic accuracy is 86%. 99m Tc-HYNIC-TATE scan can be helpful in evaluating patients with SPN and to reach a sensible decision on the method of treatment.
Comparative Study of Radionuclide Uptake Levels between Primary and Metastatic Bone Tumors
Authors: Huguette Yigbedeck , Kwame Kyere , Kojo Wilson , Francis Hasford , Kwabla Sosu , Otoe Ankrah
Published: August 2014

Study on 95 patients to compare radionuclide uptake levels in patients undergoing bone scintigraphy at a Nuclear Medicine Unit has been performed quantitatively using Image J software. Patients were administered with activity ranging from 0.555 to 1.110 MBq depending on their body weight, and their whole-body bone scans obtained with an installed e.cam single-photon emission computed tomography system. Matrix size of 256 × 1024 was used in acquiring the scintigrams. Quantitative analyses performed with installed Image J software revealed higher radionuclide uptake levels in metastatic tumors compared with primary tumors for all selected skeletal parts. Average normalized count of activity in metastatic tumors was 37.117 ± 27.740 cts/mm 2 /MBq and its corresponding uptake in primary tumors was 23.035 ± 19.542 cts/mm 2 /MBq. The relative higher uptake in metastatic tumors over primary tumors could be attributed to higher osteoblastic activity and blood flow in metastatic tumors.
Persistent High Grade Flurodeoxyglucose Uptake in Lipomatous Hypertrophy of the Interatrial Septum on Dual Time Point Imaging and with Ambient Warming
Authors: Kamaleshwaran K , Sudhakar N , Shibu D , Kurup E R R , Shinto Ajit
Published: August 2014

Lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum (LHIS) is a relatively uncommon disorder of the heart characterized by benign fatty infiltration of the interatrial septum that usually spares the fossa ovalis. LHIS showing flurodeoxyglucose uptake has been reported, and is presumed to be due to activated brown adipose tissue (BAT). We here report a case of a patient who had isolated mediastinal uptake in interatrial septum, mimicking metastasis. Rescanning with external warming to deactivate BAT and a delayed time point image was done, which showed persistent and progressively increasing metabolic uptake respectively, suggesting that LHIS uptake might be unrelated to activated BAT or inflammation.
Sperm Morphological Features Associated with Chronic Chagas Disease in the Semen of Experimentally Infected Dogs
Authors: Rodríguez-Morales Olivia , Pedro-Martínez Elvia , Hernández-Pichardo José Ernesto , Alejandre-Aguilar Ricardo , Aranda-Fraustro Alberto , Graullera-Rivera Verónica , Arce-Fonseca Minerva
Published: August 2014

The presence of trypanosomatids in the reproductive systems of different mammals (causing genital lesions in the acute stage of the disease) may predispose the animals to low semen quality. However, there are no studies examining the alterations in the sperm morphological features in the chronic stage of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Knowledge of these aspects is important to understand the other ways of transmission of the Chagas disease. Progressive motility, mass motility, concentration, and sperm morphology of 84 ejaculates of dogs that were chronically infected with T. cruzi were evaluated. Most of the findings were consistent with the reference values and with those obtained from healthy control dogs. The scrotal circumference was not correlated with spermatozoa concentration in the infected animals. In conclusion, the T. cruzi Ninoa (MHOM/MX/1994/Ninoa) strain does not cause significant alterations in the semen quality of dogs experiencing chronic Chagas disease (at concentrations of 5 × 104 to 1 × 106 parasites per animal).
Bacterial Shedding in Household Contacts of Cholera Patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Weil Ana A. , Begum Yasmin , Chowdhury Fahima , Khan Ashraful I. , Leung Daniel T. , LaRocque Regina C. , Charles Richelle C. , Ryan Edward T. , Calderwood Stephen B. , Qadri Firdausi , Harris Jason B.
Published: August 2014

Multiple Vibrio cholerae infections within the same household are common. Household contacts of patients with cholera were observed with daily clinical assessments and collection of rectal swab cultures for nine days after presentation of the index case. During the follow-up period, 71 (24%) of 294 household contacts developed a positive V. cholerae rectal swab, signifying bacterial shedding. The average length of bacterial shedding was 2.0 days (95% confidence interval 1.7–2.4). However, 16 (5%) of 294 contacts shed V. cholerae for ≥ 4 days. In a multivariate analysis, malnutrition was predictive of long-term shedding (odds ratio = 1.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.3–13, P = 0.02). High rates of V. cholerae infection and bacterial shedding among household contacts of cholera patients represent an opportunity for intervention to reduce V. cholerae transmission.
Press Imprint Smear: A Rapid, Simple, and Cheap Method for the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis
Authors: Sousa Anastácio Q. , Pompeu Margarida M. L. , Frutuoso Mércia S. , Lima José W. O. , Tinel Juliana M. B. M. , Pearson Richard D.
Published: August 2014

A modified imprint method, Press-Imprint-Smear, was compared with histopathology for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Amastigotes were seen in 69 (92%) of 75 individuals in one or both assays. The Press-Imprint-Smear was positive in 85.3%, and histopathology was positive in 44%. Press-Imprint-Smear is a rapid and relatively sensitive method for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Electrical charging changes the composition of sulfuric acid–ammonia/dimethylamine clusters
Authors: Ortega I. K. , Olenius T. , Kupiainen-Määttä O. , Loukonen V. , Kurtén T. , Vehkamäki H.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Sulfuric acid clusters stabilized by base molecules are likely to have a significant role in atmospheric new-particle formation. Recent advances in mass spectrometry techniques have permitted the detection of electrically charged clusters. However, direct measurement of electrically neutral clusters is not possible. Mass spectrometry instruments can be combined with a charger, but the possible effect of charging on the composition of neutral clusters must be addressed in order to interpret and understand the measured data. In the present work we have used formation free energies from quantum chemical methods to calculate the evaporation rates of electrically charged (both positive and negative) sulfuric acid–ammonia/dimethylamine clusters. To understand how charging will affect the composition of electrically neutral clusters, we have compared the evaporation rates of the most stable neutral clusters with those of the corresponding charged clusters. Based on the evaporation rates of different molecules from the charged clusters, we determined the most likely resulting cluster composition when a stable neutral cluster is charged and the molecules with the highest evaporation rates are lost from it. We found that all of the most stable neutral clusters will be altered by both positive and negative charging. In the case of charging clusters negatively, base molecules will completely evaporate from clusters with 1 to 3 sulfuric acid molecules in the case of ammonia, and from clusters with 1 or 2 sulfuric acid molecules in the case of dimethylamine. Larger clusters will maintain some base molecules, but the H2SO4 : base ratio will increase. In the case of positive charging, some of the acid molecules will evaporate, decreasing the H2SO4 : base ratio.
Increasing concentrations of dichloromethane, CH2Cl2, inferred from CARIBIC air samples collected 1998–2012
Authors: Leedham Elvidge Emma C. , Oram D. E. , Laube J. C. , Baker A. K. , Montzka S. A. , Humphrey S. , O'Sullivan D. A. , Brenninkmeijer C. A. M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Dichloromethane, CH2Cl2, is a short-lived chlorocarbon of predominantly anthropogenic origin. Increasing industrial usage and associated emissions resulted in an increasing atmospheric burden throughout the 1900s. Atmospheric abundance peaked around 1990 and was followed by a decline in the early part of the 21st century. Despite the importance of ongoing monitoring and reporting of atmospheric CH2Cl2 (it is a regulated toxic air pollutant and a contributor to stratospheric ozone depletion) no time series has been discussed in detail since 2006. The CARIBIC project (Civil Aircraft for the Regular Investigation of the atmosphere Based on an Instrument Container) has analysed the halocarbon content of whole air samples collected at altitudes of between ~10–12 km via a custom-built container installed on commercial passenger aircraft since 1998, providing a long-term record of CH2Cl2 observations. In this paper we present this unique CH2Cl2 time series, discussing key flight routes which have been traversed at various times over the past 15 years. Between 1998 and 2012 increases were seen in all northern hemispheric regions and at different altitudes, ranging from ~7–9 ppt in background air to ~12–15 ppt in regions with stronger emissions (equating to a 38–69% increase). Of particular interest is the rising importance of India as a source of atmospheric CH2Cl2: based on CARIBIC data we provide regional emission estimates for the Indian subcontinent and show that regional emissions have increased from 3–15 Gg yr−1 (1998–2000) to 16–25 Gg yr−1 (2008). Potential causes of the increasing atmospheric burden of CH2Cl2 are discussed. One possible source is the increased use of CH2Cl2 as a feedstock for the production of HFC-32, a chemical used predominantly as a replacement for ozone-depleting substances in a variety of applications including air conditioners and refrigeration.
A global water cycle reanalysis (2003–2012) merging satellite gravimetry and altimetry observations with a hydrological multi-model ensemble
Authors: van Dijk A. I. J. M. , Renzullo L. J. , Wada Y. , Tregoning P.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. We present a global water cycle reanalysis that merges water balance estimates derived from the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission, satellite water level altimetry and off-line estimates from several hydrological models. Error estimates for the sequential data assimilation scheme were derived from available uncertainty information and the triple collocation technique. Errors in four GRACE storage products were estimated to be 11–12 mm over land areas, while errors in monthly storage changes derived from five global hydrological models were estimated to be 17–28 mm. Prior and posterior water storage estimates were evaluated against independent observations of river water level and discharge, snow water storage and glacier mass loss. Data assimilation improved or maintained agreement overall, although results varied regionally. Uncertainties were greatest in regions where glacier mass loss and subsurface storage decline are both plausible but poorly constrained. We calculated a global water budget for 2003–2012. The main changes were a net loss of polar ice caps (−342 Gt yr−1) and mountain glaciers (−230 Gt yr−1), with an additional decrease in seasonal snowpack (−18 Gt yr−1). Storage increased due to new impoundments (+16 Gt yr−1), but this was compensated by decreases in other surface water bodies (−10 Gt yr−1). If the effect of groundwater depletion (−92 Gt yr−1) is considered separately, subsurface water storage increased by +202 Gt yr−1 due particularly to increased wetness in northern temperate regions and in the seasonally wet tropics of South America and southern Africa. The reanalysis results are publicly available via www.wenfo.org/wald/.
Controls of macropore network characteristics on preferential solute transport
Authors: Larsbo M. , Koestel J. , Jarvis N.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. In this study we examined the relationships between macropore network characteristics, hydraulic properties and state variables and measures of preferential transport in undisturbed columns sampled from four agricultural topsoils of contrasting texture and structure. Macropore network characteristics were computed from 3-dimensional X-ray tomography images of the soil pore system. Non-reactive solute transport experiments were carried out at five steady-state water flow rates from 2 to 12 mm h−1. The degree of preferential transport was evaluated by the normalised 5% solute arrival time and the apparent dispersivity calculated from the resulting breakthrough curves. Near-saturated hydraulic conductivities were measured on the same samples using a tension disk infiltrometer placed on top of the columns. Results showed that many of the macropore network characteristics were inter-correlated. For example, large macroporosities were associated with larger specific macropore surface areas and better local connectivity of the macropore network. Generally, an increased flow rate resulted in earlier solute breakthrough and a shifting of the peak concentration towards smaller drained volumes. Columns with smaller macroporosities, poorer local connectivity of the macropore network and smaller near-saturated hydraulic conductivities exhibited a greater degree of preferential transport. This can be explained by the fact that, with only two exceptions, global (i.e. sample-scale) continuity of the macropore network was still preserved at low macroporosities. Thus, for any given flow rate pores of larger diameter were actively conducting solute in soils of smaller near-saturated hydraulic conductivity. With less time for equilibration between the macropores and the surrounding matrix the transport became more preferential. Conversely, the large specific macropore surface area and well-connected macropore networks associated with columns with large macroporosities limit the degree of preferential transport because they increase the diffusive flux between macropores and the soil matrix and they increase the near-saturated hydraulic conductivity. The normalised 5% arrival times were most strongly related with the estimated hydraulic state variables (e.g. with the degree of saturation in the macropores R2 = 0.589), since these combine into one measure the effects of irrigation rate and the near-saturated hydraulic conductivity function, which in turn implicitly depends on the volume, size distribution, global continuity, local connectivity and tortuosity of the macropore network.
Isotropy restoration toward high-beta space plasmas
Authors: Comişel H. , Narita Y. , Motschmann U.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Wavevector anisotropy of ion-scale plasma turbulence is studied at various values of beta. Two complementary methods are used. One is multi-point measurements of magnetic field in the near-Earth solar wind as provided by the Cluster spacecraft mission, and the other is hybrid numerical simulation of two-dimensional plasma turbulence. The both methods provide evidence of wavevector anisotropy as a function of beta such that isotropy is gradually restored toward higher values of beta. Furthermore, the numerical simulation study demonstrates the existence of scaling law between plasma beta and wavevector anisotropy. This fact can be used to construct a diagnostic tool to determine or to constrain plasma beta using multi-point magnetic field measurements in space.
Excelsoside: A New Benzylic Diglycoside from the Leaves of Milicia excelsa
Authors: Ouete Judith L. Nantchouang , Sandjo Louis P. , Kapche Deccaux W. F. G. , Yeboah Samuel O. , Mapitse Renameditswe , Abegaz Berhanu M. , Opatz Till , Ngadjui Bonaventure T.
Published: August 2014

A new benzylic diglycoside was isolated from the leaves of Milicia excelsa and identified as 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl ß-D-xylopyranosyl(1⃗2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1). It was oßtained together with four known secondary metaßolites including lupeol acetate (2), ursolic acid (3), triacontyl (E)- ferulate (4), and 2-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)ßenzofuran-5,6-diol (5). Their structures were determined ßased on their spectroscopic data and by comparison with those reported in the literature.
‘Hygienic’ Lymphocytes Convey Increased Cancer Risk
Authors: Tatiana Levkovich  , Theofilos Poutahidis  , Kelsey Cappelle  , Mark B. Smith  , Allison Perrotta  , Eric J. Alm  , Susan E. Erdman
Published: August 2014

Risk of developing inflammation-associated cancers has increased in industrialized countries during the past 30 years. One possible explanation is societal hygiene practices with use of antibiotics and Caesarian births that provide too few early life exposures of beneficial microbes. Building upon a ‘hygiene hypothesis’ model whereby prior microbial exposures lead to beneficial changes in CD4+ lymphocytes, here we use an adoptive cell transfer model and find that too few prior microbe exposures alternatively result in increased inflammation-associated cancer growth in susceptible recipient mice. Specifically, purified CD4+ lymphocytes collected from ‘restricted flora’ donors increases multiplicity and features of malignancy in intestinal polyps of recipient ApcMin/+ mice, coincident with increased inflammatory cell infiltrates and instability of the intestinal microbiota. We conclude that while a competent immune system serves to maintain intestinal homeostasis and good health, under hygienic rearing conditions CD4+ lymphocytes instead exacerbate inflammation-associated tumorigenesis, subsequently contributing to more frequent cancers in industrialized societies.
Loss of Malignancy in Mouse Melanoma Cells by Long-Term Impact of Interferon-Beta In Vitro is Associated with N- and VE-Cadherins Suppression without Inhibition of Expression of EMT-Associated Twist and Slug Proteins
Authors: Alexandra Lykhova  , Natalia Bezdenezhnykh  , Nadiia Semesiuk  , Inna Adamenko  , Ada Vorontsova  , Yuri Kudryavets
Published: August 2014

Aim: To study the effect of long-term impact of mouse interferon-beta (IFN-b) on the behavior of mouse melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated proteins. Materials and Methods: Studies were performed on mouse B16 melanoma cells as a tumor model (MM-4 cell line). Immunocytochemical and tumor cell biology approaches have been used in this study. Results: Long-time treatmentof MM-4 melanoma cellswith low-dose IFN-b (1/2 of IC50) leads to change their morphology, significant inhibition of cell growth and plating efficiency, suppression of cell migration and anchorage-independent growth in semisolid agar. Moreover, IFN-modification of melanoma cells is accompanied by the significant suppression of their malignancy in vivo: growth of tumor induced by IFN-treated cells has inhibited on 50% and growth of metastases - on 90%. Also, IFN-modification of MM-4 cells affects on the expression of proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and inhibits expression of some molecules of adhesion (N-, VE-cadherins), but not influence on the expression of EMT-associated Twist and Slug proteins and E-cadherin. Conclusions: Long-term impact of mouse IFN-beta in low dose on melanoma cells in vitro changes their phenotype and inhibits their proliferative potential, signs of malignancy in vitro, tumorigenicity and metastatic ability in vivo. Loss of malignancy is associated with inhibition of N- and VE-cadherins expression, but not associated with the change of expression and subcellular localization of E-cadherin and EMT transcription factors Twist and Slug.
Posttraumatic stress in breast cancer patients
Authors: Bulotienė Giedrė , Matuizienė Jurgita
Published: August 2014

Background. Breast cancer diagnosis is a potential life-threatening event associated with significant distress. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of posttraumatic stress and its association with clinical and social factors in early breast cancer patients and one year after surgery.
Materials and methods. Four hundred twenty one newly diagnosed breast cancer patients completed three questionnaires: Impact of Event Scale – revised (IES-R), Beck Depression Inventory  II (BDI-II), Vrana & Lauterbach Traumatic Events Scale-Civilian (TEQ). Women were questioned before surgery and one year later. Patients were 18–80 years old resident Lithuanian women with histologically confirmed breast cancer and no history of other cancers. Additional requirements were as follows: ability to read Lithuanian and being capable of completing a questionnaire.
Results. 51.5% of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients had from moderate to severe symptoms of PTSD (score average of IES-R ≥ 1.5). After one year it decreased and there were 33.5% of patients who had symptoms of PTSD. The scores of all subscales were decreased a bit as well. Immediately after statement of diagnosis, PTSD correlated with sadness, often cry and earlier traumatic experience. One year later, PTSD correlated with poor self perception, sadness and traumatic experience during this year. Pessimistic mood, lack of energy, difficulties to concentrate were significant to breast cancer patients.
Conclusions. A significant number of breast cancer patients suffers from PTSD symptoms. After one year, the amount of patients suffering from PTSD decreased almost twice. Depression and traumatic experience are the predictors of PTSD. The findings show that early evaluation of psychoemotional needs of breast cancer patients is necessary and early interventions are meaningful.
The study of cancer patients’ distress
Authors: Lunevičiūtė Ūla , Masteikienė Egidija
Published: August 2014

Background. Distress of cancer patients is often left unnoticed and it induces various problems: it is harder for patients to adjust to the illness, the quality of life is poorer, it causes much distress for the team of oncologists. 1 year before in the VU Institute of Oncology the Distress Thermometer was started to be used for all patients in the hospital.
Purpose. To explore distress prevalence and features of cancer patients’ in the hospital.
Participants and methods. There were 488 participants. The Distress Thermometer (DT) was used to evaluate distress of the participants. DT consists of a Likert type scale from 0 to 10 that assesses the strength of experienced distress, and a problem list that includes practical, family, emotional, spiritual and physical problem groups.
Results. The mean score of distress of all participants was 3.47 (SD = 2.47). 82% of participants pointed from 0 to 5 scores, 18% of participants indicated from 6 to 10 scores. There was a statistically significant corellation between the distress score and the number of problems (r = 0.43, p
Spatial regularity in suicides and alcohol psychoses in Belarus
Authors: Razvodovsky Yury E. , Kandrychyn Sergey V.
Published: August 2014

Objective. Epidemiological evidence suggests that rates of suicide mortality vary noticeably between the regions in Belarus with the regular spatial pattern in suicide distribution. The present study considers the effect of regional alcohol consumption as a factor responsible for regional variations in suicide rates.
Methods. The cross-sectional time series analysis of suicide and alcohol psychoses (as a proxy for alcohol consumption) rates by the regions of Belarus between 1990 and 2010 was made.
Results. In general, the regional variations of suicide and alcohol psychoses incidence rates have a similar spatial regularity, meaning that the regions with a high suicide rate also have a high alcohol psychoses incidence rate.
Conclusions. The findings on spatial relationship between suicide and alcohol psychoses incidence rates seem to support the hypothesis that considers the regional pattern of alcohol consumption as a factor responsible for suicide rate regional variations.
Clinical results of vulvar cancer treatment in early stages based on sentinel lymph node biopsy and classic surgical treatment in the Institute of Onco­logy of Vilnius University between 2011 and 2013
Authors: Žilinskas Kastytis , Maculevič Kristina , Volochovič Jelena , Zakarevičienė Jolita
Published: August 2014

Background. Radical vulvectomy accompanied by bilateral inguinal lymph nodes dissection (ILND) has been performed to treat cancer for a long time but, due to various short and long term postoperative complications, alternatives have been found. The objective was to compare the clinical results of vulvar cancer treatment in early stages based on sentinel lymph node(s) biopsy (SLNB) and classic surgical treatment and to evaluate the radiological safety of SLNB.
Materials and methods. Retrospective study involved 26 patients with clinical stage I–II of vulvar carcinoma treated in the Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University, between 2011 and 2013. The women were divided into two groups: 14 patients underwent a reduced surgical treatment based on the SLNB method, and 12 patients underwent a classic surgical treatment.
Results. After SLNB and intraoperative histological examination, 9 patients in the first group underwent radical tumour excision, while the others underwent ipsilateral or bilateral ILND. Final histological examination detected metastases in lymph nodes in 4 patients from the first group and 3 patients from the second group. The average surgery duration on the patients undergoing only SLNB and radical tumour excision was 77.2 minutes, and the classical surgery took 177.7 minutes. Average exposure levels measured in the first group reached up to 1 µSv/hour.
Conclusions. Surgery treatment based on SLNB for patients with early stages of vulvar carcinoma can reduce the extent of surgical interventions. Exposure limits to the patients and staff were safe.
The effect of conducted electrical weapons on the human body
Authors: Laima Sigitas , Fomin Dmitrij , Jasulaitis Algimantas , Andriuškevičiūtė Gerda , Chmieliauskas Sigitas , Sabaliauskas Vaidas , Sergejevas Vladimiras
Published: August 2014

Background and objective. Fatal accidents occur due to the effect of electric current on the human body. The most common reasons are invalid electrical installations or misuse of electrical devices, but rarely murder and suicide cases are possible. Recently, conducted electrical weapon handling cases which resulted in sudden death have been observed.
In this article we have provided our findings about the effects of conducted electrical weapons on the heart muscle, with emphasis on the use of conducted electrical weapons by officials.
Materials and methods. Lithuanian and foreign authors’ findings about the effect of conducted electrical weapons on the heart muscle are analysed. Recommendations for the use of these weapons are made to the officials. The results are evaluated using descriptive statistical methods.
Results. The working principle of this weapon is the effect on striated muscles. The muscles contract reacting to electric impulses, hence the affected person cannot struggle with the policeman. Although this weapon was created as a safe tool to suppress aggressive persons, new researches revealed its dangerous effect on the heart muscle that caused fatal arrhythmias.
Conclusions. Stress on the body, systemic disease and the presence of chemicals in the body modify the body’s response to electrical impulses that directly increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia due to the developing of ventricular fibrillation and probability of sudden cardiac death. It is recommended to officials who use conducted electrical weapons that in the location of the event there should be qualified medical personnel (ambulance) able to provide the first aid in case of complications after the use of the weapon.
Prognostic value of cardiac iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine imaging in patients with indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Maneikienė Vytė Valerija , Vajauskas Donatas , Aidietis Audrius , Tamošiūnas Algirdas Edvardas , Ručinskas Kęstutis , Skiauterytė Eglė , Marinskis Germanas
Published: August 2014

Background. The aim of our study was to assess the cardiac 123I-MIBG imaging predictive value on the clinical outcome in HF patients with wide QRS complexes and compare its power in different treatment groups.
Materials and methods. We have prospectively investigated 67 heart failure patients with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II–IV, wide QRS complexes (>120 milliseconds), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) eligible for CRT. 123I-MIBG planar and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans were performed in a supine position with calculation of early and late heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratios, washout ratio (WR), summed defect scores and scores difference from SPECT acquisition. All patients were then divided in two groups according to their clinical status – 36 patients underwent implantation of CRT, and 31 patients were continued with OMT. Initial conventional heart failure markers and NYHA were assessed at the time of 123I-MIBG imaging and 6 months later. Comparisons of two groups were done applying the Student’s t-test, and if samples were small, the Fisher’s exact test was used. NYHA groups were compared applying the ANOVA single factor analysis. ROC curve analysis was performed to establish cut off values for predictors of response.
Results. Cardiac 123I-MIBG imaging data differed insignificantly, presenting a similar cardiac adrenergic innervation status in both groups. In the CRT group, NYHA and LV EF indicated more pronounced signs of HF. For all patients, NYHA IV patients had significantly larger LV diameter, smaller EF, larger BNP levels, lower late H/M values and larger denervation score difference. Responders to therapy (both groups) had significantly higher early H/M ratio  –  2.35  ±  0.41 than non-responders  –  2.00  ±  0.44 (p  =  0.004), and late H/M ratio  –  2.11  ±  0.44 for responders and 1.72 ± 0.54 for non-responders (p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in regional cardiac 123I-MIBG data for responders and non-responders.
Conclusions. Cardiac 123I-MIBG imaging has valuable prognostic power predicting clinical outcomes of HF patients with wide QRS complexes, despite the chosen type of treatment, with better outcomes for patients with early H/M ratio 2.00 and late H/M ratio above 1.77.
Beam-induced motion correction for sub-megadalton cryo-EM particles
Authors: Scheres Sjors HW
Published: August 2014

In electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM), the electron beam that is used for imaging also causes the sample to move. This motion blurs the images and limits the resolution attainable by single-particle analysis. In a previous Research article (Bai et al., 2013) we showed that correcting for this motion by processing movies from fast direct-electron detectors allowed structure determination to near-atomic resolution from 35,000 ribosome particles. In this Research advance article, we show that an improved movie processing algorithm is applicable to a much wider range of specimens. The new algorithm estimates straight movement tracks by considering multiple particles that are close to each other in the field of view, and models the fall-off of high-resolution information content by radiation damage in a dose-dependent manner. Application of the new algorithm to four data sets illustrates its potential for significantly improving cryo-EM structures, even for particles that are smaller than 200 kDa.
Heteropoly Acid Catalysts for the Synthesis of Fragrance Compounds from Biorenewables: The Alkoxylation of Monoterpenes
Authors: de Meireles Augusto L. P. , dos Santos Costa Maíra , da Silva Rocha Kelly A. , Kozhevnikova Elena F. , Kozhevnikov Ivan V. , Gusevskaya Elena V.
Published: August 2014

The cesium salt of tungstophosphoric heteropoly acid, Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40, is an active and environmentally friendly solid‐acid catalyst for the liquid‐phase alkoxylation of widespread monoterpenes, such as camphene, limonene, α‐pinene, and β‐pinene. These reactions provide isobornyl or α‐terpenyl ethers, useful as fragrances, in good to excellent yields. The reactions are equilibrium‐controlled and occur with high catalyst turnover numbers (TONs) up to 1500–4200 without catalyst leaching. Heteropoly acid H3PW12O40 also efficiently catalyzes the alkoxylation of these monoterpenes under homogeneous conditions with TONs up to 1500–11 300.
Air‐Stable Solid Aryl and Heteroaryl Organozinc Pivalates: Syntheses and Applications in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Manolikakes Sophia M. , Ellwart Mario , Stathakis Christos I. , Knochel Paul
Published: August 2014

A wide range of air‐stable, solid, polyfunctional aryl and heteroarylzinc pivalates were efficiently prepared by either magnesium insertion or Hal/Mg exchange followed by transmetalation with Zn(OPiv)2 (OPiv=pivalate). By reducing the amount of LiCl the air stability could be significantly enhanced compared with previously prepared reagents. An alternative route is directed magnesiation using TMPMgCl⋅LiCl (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidyl) followed by transmetalation with Zn(OPiv)2 or, for very sensitive substrates, direct zincation by using TMPZnOPiv. These zinc reagents not only show excellent stability towards air, but they also undergo a broad range of CC bond‐formation reactions, such as allylation and carbocupration reactions, as well as addition to aldehydes and 1,4‐addition reactions. Acylation reactions can be performed by using an excess of TMSCl to overcome side reactions of the omnipresent pivalate anion.
Alternative methods for toxicity assessments in fish: Comparison of the fish embryo toxicity and the larval growth and survival tests in zebrafish and fathead minnows
Authors: Jeffries Marlo K. Sellin , Stultz Amy E. , Smith Austin W. , Rawlings Jane M. , Belanger Scott E. , Oris James T.
Published: August 2014

An increased demand for chemical toxicity evaluations has resulted in the need for alternative testing strategies that address animal welfare concerns. The fish embryo toxicity (FET) test developed for zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one such alternative, and the application of the FET test to other species such as the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) has been proposed. In the present study, the performances of the FET test and the larval growth and survival (LGS; a standard toxicity testing method) test in zebrafish and fathead minnows were evaluated. This required that testing methods for the fathead minnow FET and zebrafish LGS tests be harmonized with existing test methods and that the performance of these testing strategies be evaluated by comparing the median lethal concentrations of 2 reference toxicants, 3,4-dicholoraniline and ammonia, obtained via each of the test types. The results showed that procedures for the zebrafish FET test can be adapted and applied to the fathead minnow. Differences in test sensitivity were observed for 3,4-dicholoraniline but not ammonia; therefore, conclusions regarding which test types offer the least or most sensitivity could not be made. Overall, these results show that the fathead minnow FET test has potential as an alternative toxicity testing strategy and that further analysis with other toxicants is warranted in an effort to better characterize the sensitivity and feasibility of this testing strategy. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2584–2594. © 2014 SETAC
Update on the melanoma staging system: The importance of sentinel node staging and primary tumor mitotic rate
Authors: Balch Charles M. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Soong Seng‐jaw , Thompson John F.
Published: August 2014

The 7th Edition of the AJCC Staging Manual includes a detailed summary of melanoma staging and prognosis. The revisions are summarized in this article, along with details on two key aspects of melanoma staging: the incorporation of mitotic rate of the primary melanoma and the key role of the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in determining accurate staging for clinically occult nodal metastases. Primary tumor mitotic rate was introduced as a major criterion for melanoma staging and prognosis that replaces the Clark's level of invasion, and is now proven to be an important independent adverse predictor of survival. Analysis of the AJCC melanoma staging database demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between primary tumor mitotic rate (histologically defined as mitoses/mm2) and survival. The use of SLNB reliably identifies melanoma patients with nodal micrometastases, enabling clinicians to identify patients with occult nodal metastases that would otherwise take months or years to become clinically palpable The number of nodal metastases was the most significant independent predictor of survival among all patients with stage III disease, including among patients with nodal micrometastases, and continues to be a primary criterion for defining Stage III melanoma. A clinical scoring system model and multivariate predictive tool under the auspices of the AJCC has led to a first‐generation web‐based predictive tool (www.melanomaprognosis.org). J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:379–385. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.