bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A distinctive subpopulation of medial septal slow-firing neurons promote hippocampal activation and theta oscillations
Authors: Zhang Hao , Lin Shih-Chieh , Nicolelis Miguel A. L.
Published: August 2011

The medial septum-vertical limb of the diagonal band of Broca (MSvDB) is important for normal hippocampal functions and theta oscillations. Although many previous studies have focused on understanding how MSVDB neurons fire rhythmic bursts to pace hippocampal theta oscillations, a significant portion of MSVDB neurons are slow-firing and thus do not pace theta oscillations. The function of these MSVDB neurons, especially their role in modulating hippocampal activity, remains unknown. We recorded MSVDB neuronal ensembles in behaving rats, and identified a distinct physiologically homogeneous subpopulation of slow-firing neurons (overall firing <4 Hz) that shared three features: 1) much higher firing rate during rapid eye movement sleep than during slow-wave (SW) sleep; 2) temporary activation associated with transient arousals during SW sleep; 3) brief responses (latency 15∼30 ms) to auditory stimuli. Analysis of the fine temporal relationship of their spiking and theta oscillations showed that unlike the theta-pacing neurons, the firing of these “pro-arousal” neurons follows theta oscillations. However, their activity precedes short-term increases in hippocampal oscillation power in the theta and gamma range lasting for a few seconds. Together, these results suggest that these pro-arousal slow-firing MSvDB neurons may function collectively to promote hippocampal activation.
Cell Uptake and Validation of Novel PECs for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Palamà Ilaria E. , Musarò Mariarosaria , Coluccia Addolorata M. L. , D'Amone Stefania , Gigli Giuseppe
Published: August 2011

This pilot study provides the proof of principle for biomedical application of novel polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) obtained via electrostatic interactions between dextran sulphate (DXS) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that DXS/PAH polyelectrolyte complexes were Monodispersed with regular rounded-shape features and average diameters of 250 nm at 2 : 1 weight ratios of DXS/PAH. Fluorescently labelled DXS and fluorescein-isothiocyanate- (FITC-)conjugate DXS were used to follow cell uptake efficiency of PECs and biodegradability of their enzymatically degradable DXS-layers by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Moreover, quantitative MTT and Trypan Blue assays were employed to validate PECs as feasible and safe nanoscaled carriers at single-cell level without adverse effects on metabolism and viability.
Serum Amyloid Alpha in Parapneumonic Effusions
Authors: Boultadakis Vagelis , Skouras Vasilis , Makris Demosthenes , Damianaki Aggeliki , Nikoulis Dimitrios J. , Kiropoulos Theodoros , Oikonomidi Smaragda , Tsilioni Irene , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos
Published: August 2011

Study objectives. To assess serum amyloid alpha (SAA) pleural fluid levels in parapneumonic effusion (PPE) and to investigate SAA diagnostic performance in PPE diagnosis and outcome.Methods. We studied prospectively 57 consecutive patients with PPE (empyema (EMP), complicated (CPE), and uncomplicated parapneumonic effusion (UPE)). SAA, CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were evaluated in serum and pleural fluid at baseline. Patients were followed for 6-months to detect pleural thickening/loculations.Results. Pleural SAA levels (mg/dL) median(IQR) were significantly higher in CPE compared to UPE (P<0.04); CRP levels were higher in EMP and CPE compared to UPE (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α level in different PPE forms. No significant association between SAA levels and 6-month outcome was found. At 6-months, patients with no evidence of loculations/thickening had significantly higher pleural fluid pH, glucose levels (P=0.03), lower LDH (P=0.005), IL-1β levels (P=0.001) compared to patients who presented pleural loculations/thickening.Conclusions. SAA is increased in complicated PPE, and it might be useful as a biomarker for UPE and CPE diagnosis. SAA levels did not demonstrate considerable diagnostic performance in identifying patients who develop pleural thickening/loculations after a PPE.
Garlic and Onion Attenuates Vascular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Fructose-Fed Rats
Authors: Vazquez-Prieto Marcela Alejandra , Rodriguez Lanzi Cecilia , Lembo Carina , Galmarini Claudio Rómulo , Miatello Roberto Miguel
Published: August 2011

This study evaluates the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory properties of garlic (G) and onion (O) in fructose-fed rats (FFR). Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats were assigned to control (C), F (10% fructose in drinking water), F+T (tempol 1 mM as control antioxidant), F+G, and F+O. Aqueous G and O extracts were administered orally in doses of 150 and 400 mg/kg/d respectively, and along with tempol, were given during the last 8 weeks of a 14-week period. At the end of the study, FFR had developed insulin resistance, aortic NADPH oxidase activity, increased SBP, plasma TBARS and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in mesenteric arteries, and a decrease in heart endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Garlic and onion administration to F rats reduced oxidative stress, increased eNOS activity, and also attenuated VCAM-1 expression. These results provide new evidence showing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of these vegetables.
Ultrafast Dynamics of 1,3-Cyclohexadiene in Highly Excited States
Authors: Bühler Christine C. , Minitti Michael P. , Deb Sanghamitra , Bao Jie , Weber Peter M.
Published: August 2011

The ultrafast dynamics of 1,3-cyclohexadiene has been investigated via structurally sensitive Rydberg electron binding energies and shown to differ upon excitation to the 1B state and the 3p Rydberg state. Excitation of the molecule with 4.63 eV photons into the ultrashort-lived 1B state yields the well-known ring opening to 1,3,5-hexatriene, while a 5.99 eV photon lifts the molecule directly into the 3p-Rydberg state. Excitation to 3p does not induce ring opening. In both experiments, time-dependent shifts of the Rydberg electron binding energy reflect the structural dynamics of the molecular core. Structural distortions associated with 3p-excitation cause a dynamical shift in the - and -binding energies by 10 and 26 meV/ps, respectively, whereas after excitation into 1B, more severe structural transformations along the ring-opening coordinate produce shifts at a rate of 40 to 60 meV/ps. The experiment validates photoionization-photoelectron spectroscopy via Rydberg states as a powerful technique to observe structural dynamics of polyatomic molecules.
Strong Trinucleotide Circular Codes
Authors: Michel Christian J. , Pirillo Giuseppe
Published: August 2011

Recently, we identified a hierarchy relation between trinucleotide comma-free codes and trinucleotide circular codes (see our previous works). Here, we extend our hierarchy with two new classes of codes, called DLD and LDL codes, which are stronger than the comma-free codes. We also prove that no circular code with 20 trinucleotides is a DLD code and that a circular code with 20 trinucleotides is comma-free if and only if it is a LDL code. Finally, we point out the possible role of the symmetric group ∑4 in the mathematical study of trinucleotide circular codes.
Perturbation Results and Monotone Iterative Technique for Fractional Evolution Equations
Authors: Mu Jia
Published: August 2011

We mainly study the fractional evolution equation in an ordered Banach
space X
, 1 < α < 2, u(0) = x ∈ X, u′(0) = θ. Using the monotone iterative technique based on lower and upper solutions, the existence
and uniqueness results are obtained. The necessary perturbation results for accomplishing
this approach are also developed.
Associations between Circle of Willis Morphology and White Matter Lesion Load in Subjects with Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Chuang Yu-Ming , Huang Kuo-Lun , Chang Yeu-Jhy , Chang Chien-Hung , Chang Ting-Yu , Wu Tai-Cheng , Lin Ching-Po , Wong Ho-Fai , Liu Shan-Jin , Lee Tsong-Hai
Published: August 2011

Background: Various cerebral pathological changes have been reported to cause leukoaraiosis (LA). We hypothesized that circle of Willis (CoW) anomalies may contribute to LA in severe carotid artery stenosis victims through impaired cerebral autoregulation. We conducted a retrospective review on cerebral magnetic resonance (MR) patterns in patients with severe symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and compared white matter lesion (WML) load between subjects with and without complete CoW. Methods: LA on fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) MR images at the levels of the centrum semiovale and frontal horns in both cerebral hemispheres were scored in 106 patients with unilateral carotid artery stenosis (64 men and 42 women; mean age 68.7 ± 9.2 years, range 44–82). Subjects were divided into groups of complete and incomplete CoW according to cerebral MR angiography. Differences in the LA scores between the groups of complete and incomplete CoW were further analyzed. Results: Compared with those with incomplete configuration of the CoW, subjects with a complete CoW demonstrated a decreased WML load at the level of the centrum semiovale (2.78 ± 1.17 vs. 5.62 ± 2.12, p = 0.02) and frontal horns (2.21 ± 0.79 vs. 4.22 ± 1.83, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Our results support the importance of a complete CoW since it may protect from WML in case of carotid stenosis.
Mouse Models for Down Syndrome-Associated Developmental Cognitive Disabilities
Authors: Liu Chunhong , Belichenko Pavel V. , Zhang Li , Fu Dawei , Kleschevnikov Alexander M. , Baldini Antonio , Antonarakis Stylianos E. , Mobley William C. , Yu Y. Eugene
Published: August 2011

Down syndrome (DS) is mainly caused by the presence of an extra copy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) and is a leading genetic cause for developmental cognitive disabilities in humans. The mouse is a premier model organism for DS because the regions on Hsa21 are syntenically conserved with three regions in the mouse genome, which are located on mouse chromosome 10 (Mmu10), Mmu16 and Mmu17. With the advance of chromosomal manipulation technologies, new mouse mutants have been generated to mimic DS at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Further mouse-based molecular genetic studies in the future may lead to the unraveling of the mechanisms underlying DS-associated developmental cognitive disabilities, which would lay the groundwork for developing effective treatments for this phenotypic manifestation. In this review, we will discuss recent progress and future challenges in modeling DS-associated developmental cognitive disability in mice with an emphasis on hippocampus-related phenotypes.
Environmental Enrichment Rescues Postnatal Neurogenesis Defect in the Male and Female Ts65Dn Mouse Model of Down Syndrome
Authors: Chakrabarti Lina , Scafidi Joseph , Gallo Vittorio , Haydar Tarik F.
Published: August 2011

Down syndrome (DS), the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability and developmental delay, results from impaired neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Impaired neurogenesis in the neocortex, hippocampus and cerebellum is believed to be the underlying cause of learning and behavioral deficits in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. Aggressive sensorimotor and cognitive therapies have shown promise in mitigating the cognitive disabilities in DS but these behavioral therapies have not yet been investigated at the cellular level. Here, using the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS, we demonstrate that a combination of environmental enrichment and physical exercise starting in juvenile mice (postnatal day 18) markedly increases cell proliferation, neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and the forebrain subventricular zone (SVZ) of both male and female mice. Enrichment and exercise increased the rate of Ts65Dn DG neurogenesis to be comparable to that of the nonenriched euploid group, while the effect on SVZ neurogenesis was reduced and seen only after prolonged exposure. These results clearly indicate that in a comprehensive stimulatory environment, the postnatal DS brain has the intrinsic capability of improving neurogenesis and gliogenesis to the levels of normal matched controls and that this cellular response underlies the cognitive improvement seen following behavioral therapies.
Does Automatic Transmission Improve Driving Behavior in Older Drivers?
Authors: Selander Helena , Bolin Ingrid , Falkmer Torbjörn
Published: August 2011

Background: Most older drivers continue to drive as they age. To maintain safe and independent transport, mobility is important for all individuals, but especially for older drivers. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether automatic transmission, compared with manual transmission, may improve the driving behavior of older drivers. Method: In total, 31 older drivers (mean age 75.2 years) and 32 younger drivers – used as a control group (mean age 39.2 years) – were assessed twice on the same fixed route; once in a car with manual transmission and once in a car with automatic transmission. The cars were otherwise identical. The driving behavior was assessed with the Ryd On-Road Assessment driving protocol. Time to completion of left turns (right-hand side driving) and the impact of a distraction task were measured. Results: The older group had more driving errors than the younger group, in both the manual and the automatic transmission car. However, and contrary to the younger drivers, automatic transmission improved the older participants’ driving behavior as demonstrated by safer speed adjustment in urban areas, greater maneuvering skills, safer lane position and driving in accordance with the speed regulations. Conclusion: Switching to automatic transmission may be recommended for older drivers as a means to maintain safe driving and thereby the quality of their transport mobility.
Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Bortezomib in Various in vivo Models
Authors: Tung David , Cheung Peter H. , Kaur Pali , Foreman Oded , Kavirayani Anoop , Hain Heather S. , Saha Saurabh
Published: August 2011

Bortezomib (Velcade®) is a proteasome inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. It has been shown to inhibit the expression of cell adhesion molecules, co-stimulatory molecules, and NFĸB activation, to deplete alloreactive T lymphocytes, and to decrease Th1 cytokine production. The anti-inflammatory effects of bortezomib were further investigated in this current set of studies. Systemic treatment with bortezomib was efficacious in the thioglycolate-induced MCP-1 production model, and the dinitrofluorobenzene-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity model. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects about 2% of the world population. Many treatments have been reported with varying degrees of efficacy. A topical bortezomib formulation was developed to minimize systemic exposure. Its tolerability was investigated in a topical imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model. Daily application of IMQ on mouse skin induced inflamed scaly skin lesions resembling plaque-type psoriasis. Fatality was observed in the 1-mg/ml dose group. At 0.1 and 0.01 mg/ml, bortezomib potentiated IMQ-induced erythema, scaling, skin thickening, and caused necrotic lesions. Lower doses had no effect on the clinical observations. Histologically, bortezomib dose-dependently increased parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. This study demonstrated that topical bortezomib is not suitable for the treatment of psoriasis.
Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Almorexant in Japanese and Caucasian Healthy Male Subjects
Authors: Hoch Matthias , Hoever Petra , Alessi Federica , Marjason Joanne , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: August 2011

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of single doses of the dual orexin receptor antagonist almorexant in Japanese and Caucasian healthy male subjects (n = 10 in each group, body weight matched ±5%). Methods: Almorexant (200 mg) was administered in the morning in the fasted state. The pharmacokinetic parameters of almorexant were calculated by noncompartmental analysis from the plasma concentration data. Results:The pharmacokinetics of almorexant in Japanese and Caucasian subjects were similar. The plasma concentration-time profile of almorexant was characterized by a rapid absorption and disposition. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) were reached at approximately 1.0 h in both ethnic groups. Cmax was 13% lower (ratio of geometric means [90% CI]: 0.87 [0.53, 1.43]), and the total exposure (AUC0–∞) was 15% lower (0.85 [0.54, 1.35]) in the Japanese subjects. There was no difference in the geometric mean ratio for t1/2 between the two ethnic groups (1.03 [0.84, 1.25]). Almorexant was well tolerated in both ethnic groups. Conclusion: The pharmacokinetics and tolerability profiles of almorexant in Japanese and Caucasian healthy male subjects are similar. No dose adjustments for clinical studies with almorexant in Japanese subjects appear to be needed.
Isotretinoin and the Risk of Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular and Thromboembolic Disorders
Authors: Bérard Anick , Azoulay Laurent , Nakhai-Pour Hamid Reza , Moussally Krystel
Published: August 2011

Background: Case reports suggest that isotretinoin use is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders; however, the clinical significance has not been determined. Objective: To determine whether isotretinoin increases the risk of cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: A case crossover study was performed among subjects who filled ≧1 isotretinoin prescription during 1984–2003. Cases were defined as those with a first-ever diagnosis or hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, phlebitis/thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism (PE) or thrombosis. Exposure to isotretinoin in a 5-month hazard period immediately prior to the index date (calendar date of the diagnosis or hospitalization for the study outcomes) was compared to a 5-month control period. Odds ratios (ORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Results: Of 30,496 isotretinoin users identified, 872 (3%) cases met the inclusion criteria; 381 (43.7%) had a stroke, 268 (30.7%) phlebitis/thrombophlebitis, 133 (15.3%) MI, 61 (7.0%) PE and 29 (3.3%) thrombosis. When stratified according to type of outcome, ORs were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.38–1.47), 1.31 (95% CI: 0.64–2.69) and 2.00 (95% CI: 0.50–8.00) for stroke, phlebitis/thrombophlebitis and MI, respectively. Conclusion: No statistically significant association was found between isotretinoin and cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and thromboembolic outcomes.
‘EASIdig’ – A Digital Tool to Document Disease Activity in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Tremp Mathias , Knafla Imke , Burg Günter , Wüthrich Brunello , Schmid-Grendelmeier Peter
Published: August 2011

Background: Different scoring systems have been developed to determine the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD); the SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis) and EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index) are among the best-validated scoring systems. Objective: The aim of this study was to produce a rational quality control for routine clinical use by using the modern facilities of digital imaging. Methods: 63 AD patients were scored by a single person at each visit using the SCORAD and EASI scoring methods. Images were taken and rated by two non-dermatology physicians trained in the scoring system. In addition, blood samples were taken for the determination of total IgE, eosinophils and eosinophilic cationic protein. Results: The EASI score established from the digital images, hereby named ‘EASIdig’, correlated at all visits with the results of the SCORAD and EASI. Together with immunological parameters, they also reflected changes of disease severity during the 3 time points. Conclusion: The digital evaluation of the EASI is a reliable tool for the digital assessment of severity and extent of AD.
The Future Hope in Adam Smith’s System
Authors: Oslington Paul
Published: August 2011

Many of the contemporary global challenges we face involve economics, and theologians serving the contemporary church cannot escape an engagement with economics. This paper explores the place of future hope in economics through an examination of Adam Smith’s treatment of the topic. It begins by outlining the eighteenth-century theological background of Smith’s work, including Stoicism, the Newtonian tradition of natural theology, and the Calvinism of the Scottish Enlightenment moderates. It argues that the future hope plays an important (and neglected) role in Smith’s system. Future rewards and punishments are never invoked in a utilitarian manner; instead judgment and future life operate as a court of appeal where wrongs on this world are righted. The justice of this divine court of appeal is continuous with and reinforces the natural sense of justice we have in this present life. There can be no conflict between the two because, as Smith affirms, the same ‘great Director of nature’ is at work in both. For Smith the future state also operates as imaginative space where morality can be considered and renegotiated. Moving from the eighteenth to the twenty-first century, some comments are offered on hope and contemporary economics, particularly how they might be brought together again to more fruitfully engage with the global challenges we face.
Age at onset as a determinant of presenting phenotype and initial relapse recovery in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cossburn M , Ingram G , Hirst C , Ben-Shlomo Y , Pickersgill TP , Robertson NP
Published: August 2011

Background: Age at onset modifies prognosis in multiple sclerosis (MS) and may also exert an effect on the characteristics of disease ignition. Understanding how age influences presentation informs disease management and may allow differentiation of distinct clinical sub-groups.

Objectives: To determine the nature of age-specific presentations of relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) with respect to onset symptoms, gender ratios and index event outcomes.

Methods: In a prospective, population-based sample of 1424 patients in South-East Wales we examined associations between age at onset, clinical features and outcome of the onset event, making specific comparisons between paediatric, adolescent and late-onset MS.

Results: Age at onset varied significantly between sexes (Male 31.2, Female 29.3, p = 0.002), 0.7% had paediatric onset, 2.7% adolescent onset and 2.8% late-onset MS (>50 years). Optic neuritis was common in younger patients and declined after age 30. Lower limb motor, facial sensory, sexual and sphincteric symptoms rose with age independent of sex and disease course. F:M ratios were highest <16 years of age and declined with increasing age, with a male excess in those over 50. Probability of complete recovery from index event declined with age from 87.4% in the youngest group to 68% in the eldest ( p = 0.009).

Conclusions: Age at disease onset in RRMS exerts a significant effect on gender ratios and presenting phenotype, and allows identification of specific clinical sub-groups. In addition, ability to recover from initial relapse declines with age, suggesting accumulation of disability in MS is an age-dependent response to relapse.
Angiopoietin-2 promotes myeloid cell infiltration in a β2-integrin–dependent manner
Authors: Scholz Alexander , Lang Victoria , Henschler Reinhard , Czabanka Marcus , Vajkoczy Peter , Chavakis Emmanouil , Drynski Janina , Harter Patrick N. , Mittelbronn Michel , Dumont Daniel J. , Plate Karl H. , Reiss Yvonne
Published: August 2011

In human inflammatory diseases, we identified endothelial angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) expression to be strongly associated with inflammations mediated by myeloid cells but not lymphocytes. To identify the underlying mechanism, we made use of a transgenic mouse model with inducible endothelial cell-specific expression of Ang-2. In this model, in the absence of inflammatory stimuli, long-term expression of Ang-2 led to a time-dependent accumulation of myeloid cells in numerous organs, suggesting that Ang-2 is sufficient to recruit myeloid cells. In models of acute inflammation, such as delayed-type hypersensitivity and peritonitis, Ang-2 transgenic animals showed an increased responsiveness. Intravital fluorescence video microscopy revealed augmented cell adhesion as an underlying event. Consequently, we demonstrated that Ang-2 is able to induce strong monocyte adhesion under shear in vitro, which could be blocked by antibodies to β2-integrin. Taken together, our results describe Ang-2 as a novel, endothelial-derived regulator of myeloid cell infiltration that modulates β2-integrin–mediated adhesion in a paracrine manner.
Vertical decomposition with Genetic Algorithm for Multiple Sequence Alignment
Authors: Naznin Farhana , Sarker Ruhul , Essam Daryl
Published: August 2011

Background

Many Bioinformatics studies begin with a multiple sequence alignment as the foundation for their research. This is because multiple sequence alignment can be a useful technique for studying molecular evolution and analyzing sequence structure relationships.

Results

In this paper, we have proposed a Vertical Decomposition with Genetic Algorithm (VDGA) for Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA). In VDGA, we divide the sequences vertically into two or more subsequences, and then solve them individually using a guide tree approach. Finally, we combine all the subsequences to generate a new multiple sequence alignment. This technique is applied on the solutions of the initial generation and of each child generation within VDGA. We have used two mechanisms to generate an initial population in this research: the first mechanism is to generate guide trees with randomly selected sequences and the second is shuffling the sequences inside such trees. Two different genetic operators have been implemented with VDGA. To test the performance of our algorithm, we have compared it with existing well-known methods, namely PRRP, CLUSTALX, DIALIGN, HMMT, SB_PIMA, ML_PIMA, MULTALIGN, and PILEUP8, and also other methods, based on Genetic Algorithms (GA), such as SAGA, MSA-GA and RBT-GA, by solving a number of benchmark datasets from BAliBase 2.0.

Conclusions

The experimental results showed that the VDGA with three vertical divisions was the most successful variant for most of the test cases in comparison to other divisions considered with VDGA. The experimental results also confirmed that VDGA outperformed the other methods considered in this research.
Identification of lignin genes and regulatory sequences involved in secondary cell wall formation in Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium via de novo transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Wong Melissa ML , Cannon Charles H , Wickneswari Ratnam
Published: August 2011

Background

Acacia auriculiformis × Acacia mangium hybrids are commercially important trees for the timber and pulp industry in Southeast Asia. Increasing pulp yield while reducing pulping costs are major objectives of tree breeding programs. The general monolignol biosynthesis and secondary cell wall formation pathways are well-characterized but genes in these pathways are poorly characterized in Acacia hybrids. RNA-seq on short-read platforms is a rapid approach for obtaining comprehensive transcriptomic data and to discover informative sequence variants.

Results

We sequenced transcriptomes of A. auriculiformis and A. mangium from non-normalized cDNA libraries synthesized from pooled young stem and inner bark tissues using paired-end libraries and a single lane of an Illumina GAII machine. De novo assembly produced a total of 42,217 and 35,759 contigs with an average length of 496 bp and 498 bp for A. auriculiformis and A. mangium respectively. The assemblies of A. auriculiformis and A. mangium had a total length of 21,022,649 bp and 17,838,260 bp, respectively, with the largest contig 15,262 bp long. We detected all ten monolignol biosynthetic genes using Blastx and further analysis revealed 18 lignin isoforms for each species. We also identified five contigs homologous to R2R3-MYB proteins in other plant species that are involved in transcriptional regulation of secondary cell wall formation and lignin deposition. We searched the contigs against public microRNA database and predicted the stem-loop structures of six highly conserved microRNA families (miR319, miR396, miR160, miR172, miR162 and miR168) and one legume-specific family (miR2086). Three microRNA target genes were predicted to be involved in wood formation and flavonoid biosynthesis. By using the assemblies as a reference, we discovered 16,648 and 9,335 high quality putative Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the transcriptomes of A. auriculiformis and A. mangium, respectively, thus yielding useful markers for population genetics studies and marker-assisted selection.

Conclusion

We have produced the first comprehensive transcriptome-wide analysis in A. auriculiformis and A. mangium using de novo assembly techniques. Our high quality and comprehensive assemblies allowed the identification of many genes in the lignin biosynthesis and secondary cell wall formation in Acacia hybrids. Our results demonstrated that Next Generation Sequencing is a cost-effective method for gene discovery, identification of regulatory sequences, and informative markers in a non-model plant.
Molecular targeting of prostate cancer cells by a triple drug combination down-regulates integrin driven adhesion processes, delays cell cycle progression and interferes with the cdk-cyclin axis
Authors: Wedel Steffen , Hudak Lukasz , Seibel Jens-Michael , Makarević Jasmina , Juengel Eva , Tsaur Igor , Waaga-Gasser Ana , Haferkamp Axel , Blaheta Roman A
Published: August 2011

Background

Single drug use has not achieved satisfactory results in the treatment of prostate cancer, despite application of increasingly widespread targeted therapeutics. In the present study, the combined impact of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-inhibitor RAD001, the dual EGFr and VGEFr tyrosine kinase inhibitor AEE788 and the histone deacetylase (HDAC)-inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) on prostate cancer growth and adhesion in vitro was investigated.

Methods

PC-3, DU-145 and LNCaP cells were treated with RAD001, AEE788 or VPA or with a RAD-AEE-VPA combination. Tumor cell growth, cell cycle progression and cell cycle regulating proteins were then investigated by MTT-assay, flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. Furthermore, tumor cell adhesion to vascular endothelium or to immobilized extracellular matrix proteins as well as migratory properties of the cells was evaluated, and integrin α and β subtypes were analyzed. Finally, effects of drug treatment on cell signaling pathways were determined.

Results

All drugs, separately applied, reduced tumor cell adhesion, migration and growth. A much stronger anti-cancer effect was evoked by the triple drug combination. Particularly, cdk1, 2 and 4 and cyclin B were reduced, whereas p27 was elevated. In addition, simultaneous application of RAD001, AEE788 and VPA altered the membranous, cytoplasmic and gene expression pattern of various integrin α and β subtypes, reduced integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and deactivated focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Signaling analysis revealed that EGFr and the downstream target Akt, as well as p70S6k was distinctly modified in the presence of the drug combination.

Conclusions

Simultaneous targeting of several key proteins in prostate cancer cells provides an advantage over targeting a single pathway. Since strong anti-tumor properties became evident with respect to cell growth and adhesion dynamics, the triple drug combination might provide progress in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Evaluation of the impact of the voucher and accreditation approach on improving reproductive behaviors and status in Cambodia
Authors: Bellows Benjamin , Warren Charlotte , Vonthanak Saphonn , Chhorvann Chhea , Sokhom Hean , Men Chean , Bajracharya Ashish , Rob Ubaidur , Rathavy Tung
Published: August 2011

Background

Cost of delivering reproductive health services to low income populations will always require total or partial subsidization by government and/or development partners. Broadly termed "demand-side financing" or "output-based aid", these strategies include a range of interventions that channel government or donor subsidies to the user rather than the service provider. Initial pilot assessments of reproductive health voucher programs suggest that they can increase access, reduce inequities, and enhance program efficiency and service quality. However, there is a paucity of evidence describing how these programs function in different settings for various reproductive health services.

Methods/Design

Population Council, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, intends to generate evidence around the "voucher and accreditation" approaches to improving the reproductive health of low-income women in Cambodia. The study comprises of four populations: facilities, providers, women of reproductive age using facilities, and women and men who have been pregnant and/or used family planning within the previous 12 months. The study will be carried out in a sample of 20 health facilities that are accredited to provide maternal and newborn health and family planning services to women holding vouchers from operational districts in three provinces: Kampong Thom, Kampot and Prey Veng and a matched sample of non-accredited facilities in three other provinces. Health facility assessments will be conducted at baseline and endline to track temporal changes in quality-of-care, client out-of-pocket costs, and utilization. Facility inventories, structured observations, and client exit interviews will be used to collect comparable data across facilities. Health providers will also be interviewed and observed providing care. A population survey of about 3000 respondents will also be conducted in areas where vouchers are distributed and similar non-voucher locations.

Discussion

A quasi-experimental study will investigate the impact of the voucher approach on improving reproductive health behaviors, reproductive health status and reducing inequities at the population level and assess effects on access, equity and quality of care at the facility level. If the voucher scheme in Cambodia is found effective, it may help other countries adopt this approach for improving utilization and access to reproductive health and family planning services.
Socio-demographic, psychosocial and home-environmental attributes associated with adults' domestic screen time
Authors: Van Dyck Delfien , Cardon Greet , Deforche Benedicte , Owen Neville , De Cocker Katrien , Wijndaele Katrien , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse
Published: August 2011

Background

Sedentary behaviors (involving prolonged sitting time) are associated with deleterious health consequences, independent of (lack of) physical activity. To inform interventions, correlates of prevalent sedentary behaviors need to be identified. We examined associations of socio-demographic, home-environmental and psychosocial factors with adults' TV viewing time and leisure-time Internet use; and whether psychosocial and environmental correlates differed according to gender, age and educational attainment.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ghent, Belgium, between March and May 2010. Respondents to a mail-out survey (n = 419; 20-65 years; mean age 48.5 [12.1] years; 47.3% men) completed a questionnaire on sedentary behaviors and their potential socio-demographic, psychosocial and home environmental correlates. Statistical analyses were performed using multiple linear regression models.

Results

The independent variables explained 31% of the variance in TV viewing time and 38% of the variance in leisure-time Internet use. Higher education, greater perceived pros of and confidence about reducing TV time were negatively associated with TV viewing time; older age, higher body mass index, larger TV set size and greater perceived cons of reducing TV time showed positive associations. Perceived pros of and confidence about reducing Internet use were negatively associated with leisure-time Internet use; higher education, number of computers in the home, positive family social norms about Internet use and perceived cons of reducing Internet use showed positive associations. None of the socio-demographic factors moderated these associations.

Conclusions

Educational level, age, self-efficacy and pros/cons were the most important correlates identified in this study. If further cross-sectional and longitudinal research can confirm these findings, tailored interventions focusing on both psychosocial and environmental factors in specific population subgroups might be most effective to reduce domestic screen time.
Renal cell carcinoma with a tumor thrombus in the ureter: a case report
Authors: Fujita Osamu , Wada Koichiro , Yamasaki Tomoya , Manabe Daisuke , Takeda Katsuji , Nakamura Satoko
Published: August 2011

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCCs) is the most common malignancy of the kidney. When RCC progresses, it is known to form tumor thrombus in the renal vein and/or inferior vena cava. However, RCC does not normally form tumor thrombus in the ureter or renal pelvis.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old man presented to our department for the treatment of a renal tumor with asymptomatic gross hematuria. In a dynamic CT study, contrast enhancement revealed a tumor suspected to be RCC, but atypical finding as a tumor thrombus that filled the renal pelvis and the whole ureter was also observed. Nephroureterectomy was performed, and the tumor was diagnosed histopathologically as RCC.

Conclusion

We report here a very rare case of RCC with a tumor thrombus in the whole ureter.
Functional characterization of the complement receptor type 1 and its circulating ligands in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Arakelyan Arsen , Zakharyan Roksana , Khoyetsyan Aren , Poghosyan David , Aroutiounian Rouben , Mrazek Frantisek , Petrek Martin , Boyajyan Anna
Published: August 2011

Background

Whereas the complement system alterations contribute to schizophrenia, complement receptors and regulators are little studied. We investigated complement receptor type 1 (CR1) expression on blood cells, the levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) containing ligands of CR1, C1q complement protein and fragments of C3 complement protein (C1q-CIC, C3d-CIC), and CR1 C5507G functional polymorphism in schizophrenia patients and controls.

Results

We found an increased C1q-CIC level and CR1 expression on blood cells, elevated number of CR1 positive erythrocytes and reduced number of CR1 positive lymphocytes and monocytes in patients compared to controls. No difference in the levels of C3d-CIC between groups was observed. Higher CR1 expression on erythrocytes in CC genotype versus CG+GG for both groups was detected, whereas no difference was observed for other cell populations. Our results indicated that schizophrenia is associated with the increased CR1 expression and C1q-CIC level.

Conclusions

Our study for the first time indicated that schizophrenia is associated with the increased CR1 expression and C1q-CIC level. Further studies in other ethnic groups are needed to replicate these findings.
Does adding risk-trends to survival models improve in-hospital mortality predictions? A cohort study
Authors: Wong Jenna , Taljaard Monica , Forster Alan J , van Walraven Carl
Published: August 2011

Background

Clinicians informally assess changes in patients' status over time to prognosticate their outcomes. The incorporation of trends in patient status into regression models could improve their ability to predict outcomes. In this study, we used a unique approach to measure trends in patient hospital death risk and determined whether the incorporation of these trend measures into a survival model improved the accuracy of its risk predictions.

Methods

We included all adult inpatient hospitalizations between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2009 at our institution. We used the daily mortality risk scores from an existing time-dependent survival model to create five trend indicators: absolute and relative percent change in the risk score from the previous day; absolute and relative percent change in the risk score from the start of the trend; and number of days with a trend in the risk score. In the derivation set, we determined which trend indicators were associated with time to death in hospital, independent of the existing covariates. In the validation set, we compared the predictive performance of the existing model with and without the trend indicators.

Results

Three trend indicators were independently associated with time to hospital mortality: the absolute change in the risk score from the previous day; the absolute change in the risk score from the start of the trend; and the number of consecutive days with a trend in the risk score. However, adding these trend indicators to the existing model resulted in only small improvements in model discrimination and calibration.

Conclusions

We produced several indicators of trend in patient risk that were significantly associated with time to hospital death independent of the model used to create them. In other survival models, our approach of incorporating risk trends could be explored to improve their performance without the collection of additional data.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and biofeedback therapy may improve endometrial growth for patients with thin endometrium during frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A preliminary report
Authors: Bodombossou-Djobo Madafeitom MA , Zheng Chengyu , Chen Shaoqing , Yang Dongzi
Published: August 2011

Background

To investigate the effect of pelvic floor Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) Therapy in improving endometrial thickness in women with thin endometrium.

Methods

41 patients undergoing assisted reproduction with a thin endometrium (less than or equal to7 mm) were recruited and advised to go for a pelvic floor NMES in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle. PHENIX Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Therapy System was used according to the manufacturer's recommended protocol for 20 to 30 minutes of intermittent vaginal electrical stimulation on the treatment days.

Results

A total of 20 and 21 were included in the NMES and non-NMES groups respectively. 12 out of 20 (60%) patients developed endometrial thickness equal to or more than 8 mm after the NMES therapy, which was the primary outcome. The mean thickness of endometrium before and after was respectively 5.60 mm (0.82 mm) and 7.93 mm (1.42 mm) in the therapy group versus 5.50 mm (1.00) and 6.78 mm (0.47) in the control group; the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.002). There was higher pregnancy rate in the NMES group (42% versus 35%) but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Neuromuscular Electrical stimulation therapy may be effective for the patients with a thin endometrium. Further studies are needed to investigate its effectiveness.
Functionalised graphene sheets as effective high dielectric constant fillers
Authors: Romasanta Laura J , Hernández Marianella , López-Manchado Miguel A , Verdejo Raquel
Published: August 2011

A new functionalised graphene sheet (FGS) filled poly(dimethyl)siloxane insulator nanocomposite has been developed with high dielectric constant, making it well suited for applications in flexible electronics. The dielectric permittivity increased tenfold at 10 Hz and 2 wt.% FGS, while preserving low dielectric losses and good mechanical properties. The presence of functional groups on the graphene sheet surface improved the compatibility nanofiller/polymer at the interface, reducing the polarisation process. This study demonstrates that functionalised graphene sheets are ideal nanofillers for the development of new polymer composites with high dielectric constant values.

PACS: 78.20.Ci, 72.80.Tm, 62.23.Kn
Production of silk sericin/silk fibroin blend nanofibers
Authors: Zhang Xianhua , Tsukada Masuhiro , Morikawa Hideaki , Aojima Kazuki , Zhang Guangyu , Miura Mikihiko
Published: August 2011

Silk sericin (SS)/silk fibroin (SF) blend nanofibers have been produced by electrospinning in a binary SS/SF trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) solution system, which was prepared by mixing 20 wt.% SS TFA solution and 10 wt.% SF TFA solution to give different compositions. The diameters of the SS/SF nanofibers ranged from 33 to 837 nm, and they showed a round cross section. The surface of the SS/SF nanofibers was smooth, and the fibers possessed a bead-free structure. The average diameters of the SS/SF (75/25, 50/50, and 25/75) blend nanofibers were much thicker than that of SS and SF nanofibers. The SS/SF (100/0, 75/25, and 50/50) blend nanofibers were easily dissolved in water, while the SS/SF (25/75 and 0/100) blend nanofibers could not be completely dissolved in water. The SS/SF blend nanofibers could not be completely dissolved in methanol. The SS/SF blend nanofibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and differential thermal analysis. FTIR showed that the SS/SF blend nanofibers possessed a random coil conformation and ß-sheet structure.
Polarization division multiple access with polarization modulation for LOS wireless communications
Authors: Cao Bin , Zhang Qin-Yu , Jin Lin
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we discuss a potential multiple access and modulation scheme based on polarized states (PS) of electromagnetic (EM) waves for line-of-sight (LOS) communications. The proposed scheme is theoretic different from the existing polar modulation for EDGE and WCDMA systems. We propose the detailed bit representation (modulation) and multiple access scheme using PS. Because of the inflexibility of polarization information in the time and frequency domains, as well as independence of frequency and space, the polarization information can be used independently for wireless communications, i.e., another independent resource domain that can be utilized. Due to the independence between the PS and the specific features of signals (such as waveform, bandwidth and data rate), the discussed polarization division multiple access (PDMA) and polarization modulation (PM) are expected to improve the spectrum utilization effectively. It is proved that the polarization filtering technique can be adopted in the PDMA-PM wireless communications to separate the multiuser signals and demodulate the bit information representing by PS for desired user. Some theoretical analysis is done to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme, and the simulation results are made to evaluate the performance of the suggested system.