bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depolarized MUC1 Expression Is Closely Associated With Hypoxic Markers and Poor Outcome in Resected Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kaira Kyoichi , Nakagawa Kazuo , Ohde Yasuhisa , Okumura Takehiro , Takahashi Toshiaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Endo Masahiro , Kondo Haruhiko , Nakajima Takashi , Yamamoto Nobuyuki
Published: November 2011

MUC1 is transmembrane mucin aberrantly overexpressed in various cancers. However, little is known about how MUC1 expression is associated with hypoxia, glucose metabolism, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, which are related to cancer progression. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between MUC1 expression and these molecular markers in lung cancer. Of all 126 patients, high-grade polarized expression (HP), low-grade polarized expression (LP), and depolarized expression (DP) group were 50 (39.7%), 35 (27.8%), and 41 (32.5%), respectively. Depolarized MUC1 expression was significantly associated with poor outcome and was closely correlated with glucose metabolism (Glut1), hypoxia (HIF-1α), angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor and microvessel density), amino acid metabolism (LAT1), and EGFR expression. High-grade polarized MUC1 expression was associated with favorable prognosis and adenocarcinoma. Depolarized MUC1 expression was significantly associated with poor outcome. Glucose metabolism, hypoxia, angiogenesis, amino acid metabolism, and EGFR pathway may play an important role in the development of depolarized MUC1 expression.
Mean Platelet Volume Is Increased in Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Gulcan Mehmet , Varol Ercan , Etli Mustafa , Aksoy Fatih , Kayan Mustafa
Published: November 2011

Background: Pulmonary thromboembolism is a serious complication in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Previous studies have demonstrated that platelet activation occurs in patients with DVT. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a simple and easy method of assessing platelet function. The aim of this study was to assess the MPV, an indicator of platelet activation in patients with DVT. Patients and Methods: The study group consisted of 52 patients with newly diagnosed acute DVT. An age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. All patients and control participants underwent ultrasonographic examination. We measured the serum MPV values in patients with DVT and control participants. Results: Mean platelet volume was significantly higher among patients with DVT when compared with the control group (8.6 ± 0.8 vs 7.7 ± 0.9 fL, respectively; P < .001). Conclusion: We have shown that MPV was significantly elevated in patients with DVT compared to controls.
Improving Patient Safety and Quality
Authors: Murphy Wayne Alan
Published: November 2011

Today’s health care environment demands an increased focus on improving the safety and quality of care provided to patients. Although home care is a separate and distinct industry, home care providers must collaborate and coordinate care with other health care professionals. As the need for coordination of care increases, it is critical for home care providers to not only understand their role in the continuum of care but also how to better align themselves with local, regional, and national health care quality initiatives to improve care. Implementing an effective fall risk reduction program will have an impact on quality, safety, and effectiveness. Therefore, a home care organization that works to reduce the risk of falls will be working to achieve outcomes aligned with the National Quality Strategy as well as Medicare’s priority quality areas for outcomes.
Tribological evaluation of sportswear with negative fit worn next to skin
Authors: Troynikov Olga , Ashayeri Elnaz , Fuss Franz K
Published: November 2011

Compression garments are constructed to have a negative fit where the size of the garment is smaller than that of the body over which they are fitted. Due to this negative fit, these types of garments generate pressure on the underlying tissue of the human body where the inner surface of these garments is in full contact with the wearer’s skin. Sensorial or tactile comfort is an important part of an overall physiological comfort of sport apparel. The friction between fabric and skin and the fabric surface roughness are two important components in evaluation of the sensorial comfort of fabrics and materials. The objective of this study is to investigate and compare the material surface characteristics of fabrics suitable for the sport compression garments under conditions similar to those when such garments are worn. The study quantitatively examines and evaluates the effects of fabric construction, physical structural parameters and especially fabric elastic deformation on the fabric surface topography as relevant to the practical wear of sport garments with negative fit made from it. In addition, the influence of the presence of moisture in the fabrics due to the sweat absorption during strenuous physical activity on the textile surface characteristics is addressed.
Designing, perfecting, and evaluation of a newly developed tribometer for the study of the wear behaviour of forging dies
Authors: Kchaou M , Elleuch R , Boidin X , Desplanques Y
Published: November 2011

In hot forging processes, wear is the predominant factor in the operating lives of dies. To test die materials, studies on friction and wear devices are commonly conducted in laboratories using different configurations of tribometers. In this study, a specific tribometer was designed to study the tribological problems of rubbing surfaces in the case of hot forging process. A conformal contact is chosen with a pad–disc configuration. Tested sample materials are made, respectively, from X40CrMoV5-1 steel and brass. The technical difficulties (heating, lubrication, alignment) and the technological solutions are presented. The instrumentation of the tribometer (force, temperature, contact resistance) is described. To evaluate the new device, three tests are conducted at different temperatures and loading conditions. Results show a satisfaction compliance of the contact between the pad and the disc and a metal transfer covers the pad in the presence of some abrasive grooves.
Habits and routines in the daily management of hypertension
Authors: Cohn Ellen S. , Cortés Dharma E. , Fix Gemmae , Mueller Nora , Solomon Jeffery L. , Bokhour Barbara G.
Published: November 2011

Two purposive case studies illustrate the role of habits and routines in illness management and how they are addressed in the clinical encounter. We argue habits and routines are related, but distinct constructs, and that by overlooking habits and routines, providers may be missing key opportunities to influence behaviour change. Utilization of ‘habit-changing’ professionals or health coaches who have the opportunity to communicate with patients on a regular basis in their daily living environment is proposed.
Studying political microblogging: Twitter users in the 2010 Swedish election campaign
Authors: Larsson Anders Olof , Moe Hallvard
Published: November 2011

Among the many so-called microblogging services that allow their users to describe their current status in short posts, Twitter is probably among the most popular and well known. Since its launch in 2006, Twitter use has evolved and is increasingly used in a variety of contexts. This article utilizes emerging online tools and presents a rationale for data collection and analysis of Twitter users. The suggested approach is exemplified with a case study: Twitter use during the 2010 Swedish election. Although many of the initial hopes for e-democracy appear to have gone largely unfulfilled, the successful employment of the internet during the 2008 US presidential campaign has again raised voices claiming that the internet, and particularly social media applications like Twitter, provides interesting opportunities for online campaigning and deliberation. Besides providing an overarching analysis of how Twitter use was fashioned during the 2010 Swedish election campaign, this study identifies different user types based on how high-end users utilized the Twitter service. By suggesting a novel approach to the study of microblogging and by identifying user types, this study contributes to the burgeoning field of microblog research and gives specific insights into the practice of civic microblogging.
Indigenous recognition in state-based planning systems: Understanding textual mediation in the contact zone
Authors: Barry Janice , Porter Libby
Published: November 2011

Indigenous peoples around the world are claiming and, in many cases, achieving recognition of their customary land rights, with significant challenges for planning systems. How should we understand both the nature of this demand and its politics of recognition? This article demonstrates how the insights and principles contained in political and democratic theory, along with a methodological framework inspired by Institutional Ethnography informs the conceptualization of what is happening between Indigenous peoples and planning systems in British settler-states. Using the highly evocative language of the ‘contact zone’ and an illustration from environmental planning in British Columbia, Canada, this article indicates how reading these theories together builds an approach for critically analysing the textual constraints placed on the social spaces where Indigenous peoples and state-based planning systems meet.
A structural health monitoring fastener for tracking fatigue crack growth in bolted metallic joints
Authors: Rakow Alexi , Chang Fu-Kuo
Published: November 2011

In this study, a structural health monitoring (SHM) fastener consisting of a conformable eddy current sensor film that is integrated with a metallic sleeve that goes around the fastener shank was developed for in situ monitoring of fatigue cracks at hole locations in layered metallic joints. Integration of sensors with the fastener shank is an optimal methodology for embedding sensors to detect cracks, which most commonly initiate at bolt–hole boundaries in metallic airframe components. The sensors are located in proximity to the bolt–hole boundary through the entire joint stack up, enabling detection of cracks on inner joint layers, which are otherwise inaccessible and cannot be detected with traditional surface-mounted SHM technologies. An additive, interleaved, multilayered, electromagnetic (AIME) sensor was designed for this application. The sensor’s salient qualities are an enhanced capability to inspect adjacent joint layers with high degrees of liftoff, or separation between sensor and joint layer, and a capability to track cracks out to great depth as they propagate from a through-hole boundary. The analysis and design of the sensor film and sensor/fastener system are presented herein followed by an experimental validation of the complete SHM system.
Distinctions and distinctiveness in the work of prison officers: Legitimacy and authority revisited
Authors: Liebling Alison
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for thinking about the work of prison officers. It is a well-known maxim that relationships are ‘at the heart’ of prison life (Home Office, 1984). In this paper, I develop and illustrate this proposition, arguing that the moral quality of prison life is enacted and embodied by the attitudes and conduct of prison officers. There are important distinctions to be made in their work: between ‘good’ and ‘right’ relationships; ‘tragic’ and ‘cynical’ perspectives; ‘reassurance’ and ‘relational’ safety; and ‘good’ and ‘bad’ confidence. These distinctions are largely unseen but are decisive in shaping the prison’s moral and social climate. The best prison officer work can be described using these kinds of distinctions.
On humour in prison
Authors: Nielsen Malene Molding
Published: November 2011

This paper unravels the presence of humour in prison as an institutionalized aspect of prison life. The analysis shows how officers use humour to manage their relationships with prisoners and other staff, and how they make use of humour to establish a collective understanding of the officer job, crafting themselves as a group. The humorous exchanges between officers, prisoners and other staff facilitate social spaces where officers briefly meet prisoners as equals, and where staff articulate hostility towards one another. These social spaces exist as briefly as the humorous exchanges, but the implications are real. The officer–prisoner joking relationship fosters conflict avoidance, smooth daily interactions, service provision for prisoners and transgression of officer norms for camaraderie. In contrast, the staff–staff joking relationship grants officers a sense of power vis-à-vis other staff and an opportunity to articulate hostility where staff solidarity is required. As a communication device with ambiguous qualities, humour unites the real and the unreal, shapes social structure, interaction and positioning and is suitable for identity work in prison.
A Novel Technology to Screen for Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly
Authors: Wright David W. , Nevárez Harriet , Kilgo Patrick , LaPlaca Michelle , Robinson Amber , Fowler Shawn , Brumfield John , Goldstein Felicia C.
Published: November 2011

Background: Traditional evaluation of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be costly, time consuming, and impractical for widespread screening. DETECT is a portable device developed to rapidly perform cognitive testing in diverse settings. This study compares DETECT with formal clinical assessment.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional comparison of the DETECT device versus an expert neuropsychologist’s assessment (NPA). A total of 405 participants ≥65 years old, recruited from geriatric clinics and retirement facilities, completed both DETECT and NPA. Multivariable logistic regression methods were used to evaluate the degree of correlation between DETECT testing and the NPA diagnosis.Results: Predictive modeling demonstrated very good ability to discriminate between normal, MCI, and dementia per the NPA reference standard using DETECT subtests (c = 0.85 for any impairment; c = 0.99 for dementia). Conclusion: DETECT scores closely correlate with NPA. DETECT can identify and discriminate between normal, MCI, and dementia and could be incorporated as a screener for MCI.
My Better Half
Authors: Brown Jonathon D. , Han Albert
Published: November 2011

People define themselves in terms of their relationship partners and they incorporate their partners into their self-concepts. Consequently, partner enhancement—viewing one’s partner in excessively positive terms—might constitute an indirect form of self-enhancement when feelings of self-worth are threatened. To test this hypothesis, the authors gave participants evaluative feedback (e.g., success and failure) and then asked them to appraise themselves, their current (or most recent) relationship partner and (in Study 2) most other people. The authors found that low self-esteem participants, but not high self-esteem participants, responded to failure by exaggerating the virtues of their romantic partners. These findings highlight the flexibility of self-enhancement strategies and provide further evidence that low self-esteem people pursue indirect forms of self-enhancement in their efforts to blunt the adverse impact of adverse feedback.
Lowering the Pitch of Your Voice Makes You Feel More Powerful and Think More Abstractly
Authors: Stel Mariëlle , Dijk Eric van , Smith Pamela K. , Dijk Wilco W. van , Djalal Farah M.
Published: November 2011

Voice pitch may not only influence the listeners but also the speakers themselves. Based on the theories of embodied cognition and previous research on power, we tested whether lowering their pitch leads people to feel more powerful and think more abstractly. In three experiments, participants received instructions to read a text out loud with either a lower or a higher voice than usual. Subsequently, feelings of power (Experiments 1 and 2) and abstract thinking (Experiment 3) were assessed. Participants who lowered their voice pitch perceived themselves more as possessing more powerful traits (Experiments 1 and 2) and had a higher level of abstract thinking (Experiment 3) compared to participants who raised their voice pitch.
Nodal marginal zone lymphoma: gene expression and miRNA profiling identify diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Arribas Alberto J. , Campos-Martín Yolanda , Gómez-Abad Cristina , Algara Patrocinio , Sánchez-Beato Margarita , Rodriguez-Pinilla Maria S. , Montes-Moreno Santiago , Martinez Nerea , Alves-Ferreira Javier , Piris Miguel A. , Mollejo Manuela
Published: November 2011

Nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL) is a small B-cell neoplasm whose molecular pathogenesis is still essentially unknown and whose differentiation from other small B-cell lymphomas is hampered by the lack of specific markers. We have analyzed gene expression, miRNA profile, and copy number data from 15 NMZL cases. For comparison, 16 follicular lymphomas (FLs), 9 extranodal marginal zone lymphomas, and 8 reactive lymph nodes and B-cell subtypes were included. The results were validated by quantitative RT-PCR in an independent series, including 61 paraffin-embedded NMZLs. NMZL signature showed an enriched expression of gene sets identifying interleukins, integrins, CD40, PI3K, NF-κB, and TGF-β, and included genes expressed by normal marginal zone cells and memory B cells. The most highly overexpressed genes were SYK, TACI, CD74, CD82, and CDC42EP5. Genes linked to G2/M and germinal center were down-regulated. Comparison of the gene expression profiles of NMZL and FL showed enriched expression of CHIT1, TGFB1, and TACI in NMZL, and BCL6, LMO2, and CD10 in FL. NMZL displayed increased expression of miR-221, miR-223, and let-7f, whereas FL strongly expressed miR-494. Our study identifies new candidate diagnostic molecules for NMZL and reveals survival pathways activated in NMZL.
Effects of low frequency ultrasound on some properties of fibrinogen and its plasminolysis
Authors: Cherniavsky Eugene A , Strakha Igor S , Adzerikho Igor E , Shkumatov Vladimir M
Published: November 2011

Background

Pharmacological thrombolysis with streptokinase, urokinase or tissue activator of plasminogen (t-PA), and mechanical interventions are frequently used in the treatment of both arterial and venous thrombotic diseases. It has been previously reported that application of ultrasound as an adjunct to thrombolytic therapy offers unique potential to improve effectiveness. However, little is known about effects of the ultrasound on proteins of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. Here, we investigated the effects of the ultrasound on fibrinogen on processes of coagulation and fibrinogenolysis in an in vitro system.

Results

Our study demonstrated that low frequency high intensity pulse ultrasound (25.1 kHz, 48.4 W/cm2, duty 50%) induced denaturation of plasminogen and t-PA and fibrinogen aggregates formation in vitro. The aggregates were characterized by the loss of clotting ability and a greater rate of plasminolysis than native fibrinogen. We investigated the effect of the ultrasound on individual proteins. In case of plasminogen and t-PA, ultrasound led to a decrease of the fibrinogenolysis rate, while it increased the fibrinogenolysis rate in case of fibrinogen. It has been shown that upon ultrasound treatment of mixture fibrinogen or fibrin with plasminogen, t-PA, or both, the rate of proteolytic digestion of fibrin(ogen) increases too. It has been shown that summary effect on the fibrin(ogen) proteolytic degradation under the conditions for combined ultrasound treatment is determined exclusively by effect on fibrin(ogen).

Conclusions

The data presented here suggest that among proteins of fibrinolytic systems, the fibrinogen is one of the most sensitive proteins to the action of ultrasound. It has been shown in vitro that ultrasound induced fibrinogen aggregates formation, characterized by the loss of clotting ability and a greater rate of plasminolysis than native fibrinogen in different model systems and under different mode of ultrasound treatment. Under ultrasound treatment of plasminogen and/or t-PA in the presence of fibrin(ogen) the stabilizing effect fibrin(ogen) on given proteins was shown. On the other hand, an increase in the rate of fibrin(ogen) lysis was observed due to both the change in the substrate structure and promoting of the protein-protein complexes formation.
iAssembler: a package for de novo assembly of Roche-454/Sanger transcriptome sequences
Authors: Zheng Yi , Zhao Liangjun , Gao Junping , Fei Zhangjun
Published: November 2011

Background

Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) have played significant roles in gene discovery and gene functional analysis, especially for non-model organisms. For organisms with no full genome sequences available, ESTs are normally assembled into longer consensus sequences for further downstream analysis. However current de novo EST assembly programs often generate large number of assembly errors that will negatively affect the downstream analysis. In order to generate more accurate consensus sequences from ESTs, tools are needed to reduce or eliminate errors from de novo assemblies.

Results

We present iAssembler, a pipeline that can assemble large-scale ESTs into consensus sequences with significantly higher accuracy than current existing assemblers. iAssembler employs MIRA and CAP3 assemblers to generate initial assemblies, followed by identifying and correcting two common types of transcriptome assembly errors: 1) ESTs from different transcripts (mainly alternatively spliced transcripts or paralogs) are incorrectly assembled into same contigs; and 2) ESTs from same transcripts fail to be assembled together. iAssembler can be used to assemble ESTs generated using the traditional Sanger method and/or the Roche-454 massive parallel pyrosequencing technology.

Conclusion

We compared performances of iAssembler and several other de novo EST assembly programs using both Roche-454 and Sanger EST datasets. It demonstrated that iAssembler generated significantly more accurate consensus sequences than other assembly programs.
Transcriptional analysis of the HeT-A retrotransposon in mutant and wild type stocks reveals high sequence variability at Drosophila telomeres and other unusual features
Authors: Piñeyro David , López-Panadès Elisenda , Lucena-Pérez María , Casacuberta Elena
Published: November 2011

Background

Telomere replication in Drosophila depends on the transposition of a domesticated retroelement, the HeT-A retrotransposon. The sequence of the HeT-A retrotransposon changes rapidly resulting in differentiated subfamilies. This pattern of sequence change contrasts with the essential function with which the HeT-A is entrusted and brings about questions concerning the extent of sequence variability, the telomere contribution of different subfamilies, and whether wild type and mutant Drosophila stocks show different HeT-A scenarios.

Results

A detailed study on the variability of HeT-A reveals that both the level of variability and the number of subfamilies are higher than previously reported. Comparisons between GIII, a strain with longer telomeres, and its parental strain Oregon-R indicate that both strains have the same set of HeT-A subfamilies. Finally, the presence of a highly conserved splicing pattern only in its antisense transcripts indicates a putative regulatory, functional or structural role for the HeT-A RNA. Interestingly, our results also suggest that most HeT-A copies are actively expressed regardless of which telomere and where in the telomere they are located.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates how the HeT-A sequence changes much faster than previously reported resulting in at least nine different subfamilies most of which could actively contribute to telomere extension in Drosophila. Interestingly, the only significant difference observed between Oregon-R and GIII resides in the nature and proportion of the antisense transcripts, suggesting a possible mechanism that would in part explain the longer telomeres of the GIII stock.
Transcriptional responses underlying the hormetic and detrimental effects of the plant secondary metabolite gossypol on the generalist herbivore Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Celorio-Mancera Maria de la Paz , Ahn Seung-Joon , Vogel Heiko , Heckel David G
Published: November 2011

Background

Hormesis is a biphasic biological response characterized by the stimulatory effect at relatively low amounts of chemical compounds which are otherwise detrimental at higher concentrations. A hormetic response in larval growth rates has been observed in cotton-feeding insects in response to increasing concentrations of gossypol, a toxic metabolite found in the pigment glands of some plants in the family Malvaceae. We investigated the developmental effect of gossypol in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, an important heliothine pest species, by exposing larvae to different doses of this metabolite in their diet. In addition, we sought to determine the underlying transcriptional responses to different gossypol doses.

Results

Larval weight gain, pupal weight and larval development time were measured in feeding experiments and a hormetic response was seen for the first two characters. On the basis of net larval weight gain responses to gossypol, three concentrations (0%, 0.016% and 0.16%) were selected for transcript profiling in the gut and the rest of the body in a two-color double reference design microarray experiment. Hormesis could be observed at the transcript level, since at the low gossypol dose, genes involved in energy acquisition such as β-fructofuranosidases were up-regulated in the gut, and genes involved in cell adhesion were down-regulated in the body. Genes with products predicted to be integral to the membrane or associated with the proteasome core complex were significantly affected by the detrimental dose treatment in the body. Oxidoreductase activity-related genes were observed to be significantly altered in both tissues at the highest gossypol dose.

Conclusions

This study represents the first transcriptional profiling approach investigating the effects of different concentrations of gossypol in a lepidopteran species. H. armigera's transcriptional response to gossypol feeding is tissue- and dose-dependent and involves diverse detoxifying mechanisms not only to alleviate direct effects of gossypol but also indirect damage such as pH disturbance and oxygen radical formation. Genes discovered through this transcriptional approach may be additional candidates for understanding gossypol detoxification and coping with gossypol-induced stress. In a generalist herbivore that has evolved transcriptionally-regulated responses to a variety of different plant compounds, hormesis may be due to a lower induction threshold of growth-promoting, stress-coping responses and a higher induction threshold of detoxification pathways that are costly and cause collateral damage to the cell.
The alkylation response protein AidB is localized at the new poles and constriction sites in Brucella abortus
Authors: Dotreppe Delphine , Mullier Caroline , Letesson Jean-Jacques , De Bolle Xavier
Published: November 2011

Background

Brucella abortus is the etiological agent of a worldwide zoonosis called brucellosis. This alpha-proteobacterium is dividing asymmetrically, and PdhS, an essential histidine kinase, was reported to be an old pole marker.

Results

We were interested to identify functions that could be recruited to bacterial poles. The Brucella ORFeome, a collection of cloned predicted coding sequences, was placed in fusion with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) coding sequence and screened for polar localizations in B. abortus. We report that AidB-YFP was systematically localized to the new poles and at constrictions sites in B. abortus, either in culture or inside infected HeLa cells or RAW264.7 macrophages. AidB is an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACAD) homolog, similar to E. coli AidB, an enzyme putatively involved in destroying alkylating agents. Accordingly, a B. abortus aidB mutant is more sensitive than the wild-type strain to the lethality induced by methanesulphonic acid ethyl ester (EMS). The exposure to EMS led to a very low frequency of constriction events, suggesting that cell cycle is blocked during alkylation damage. The localization of AidB-YFP at the new poles and at constriction sites seems to be specific for this ACAD homolog since two other ACAD homologs fused to YFP did not show specific localization. The overexpression of aidB, but not the two other ACAD coding sequences, leads to multiple morphological defects.

Conclusions

Data reported here suggest that AidB is a marker of new poles and constriction sites, that could be considered as sites of preparation of new poles in the sibling cells originating from cell division. The possible role of AidB in the generation or the function of new poles needs further investigation.
Excretion of complement proteins and its activation marker C5b-9 in IgA nephropathy in relation to renal function
Authors: Onda Kisara , Ohsawa Isao , Ohi Hiroyuki , Tamano Mariko , Mano Satoshi , Wakabayashi Michiro , Toki Akie , Horikoshi Satoshi , Fujita Teizo , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: November 2011

Background

Glomerular damage in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is mediated by complement activation via the alternative and lectin pathways. Therefore, we focused on molecules stabilizing and regulating the alternative pathway C3 convertase in urine which might be associated with IgAN pathogenesis.

Methods

Membrane attack complex (MAC), properdin (P), factor H (fH) and Complement receptor type 1 (CR1) were quantified in urine samples from 71 patients with IgAN and 72 healthy controls. Glomerular deposition of C5, fH and P was assessed using an immunofluorescence technique and correlated with histological severity of IgAN and clinical parameters. Fibrotic changes and glomerular sclerosis were evaluated in renal biopsy specimens.

Results

Immunofluorescence studies revealed glomerular depositions of C5, fH and P in patients with IgAN. Urinary MAC, fH and P levels in IgAN patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (p < 0.001), but CR1 was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Urinary MAC and fH levels were positively correlated with serum creatinine (sCr), urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (u-NAG), urinary β2 microglobulin (u-Bm), urinary protein (p < 0.001), interstitial fibrosis (MAC: p < 0.01, fH: p < 0.05) and the percentage of global glomerular sclerosis (p < 0.01). Urinary P was positively correlated with u-NAG, u-Bm, and urinary protein (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Complement activation occurs in the urinary space in IgAN and the measurement of levels of MAC and fH in the urine could be a useful indicator of renal injury in patients with IgAN.
Intravitreal triamcinolone versus laser photocoagulation as a primary treatment for diabetic macular oedema - a comparative pilot study
Authors: Norlaili Mustapha , Bakiah Shaharuddin , Zunaina Embong
Published: November 2011

Background

Diabetic macular oedema is the leading causes of blindness. Laser photocoagulation reduces the risk of visual loss. However recurrences are common and despite laser treatment, patients with diabetic macular oedema experienced progressive loss of vision. Stabilization of the blood retinal barrier introduces a rationale for intravitreal triamcinolone treatment in diabetic macular oedema. This study is intended to compare the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the macular oedema index (MEI) at 3 month of primary treatment for diabetic macular oedema between intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) and laser photocoagulation.

Methods

This comparative pilot study consists of 40 diabetic patients with diabetic macular oedema. The patients were randomized into two groups using envelope technique sampling procedure. Treatment for diabetic macular oedema was based on the printed envelope technique selected for every patient. Twenty patients were assigned for IVTA group (one injection of IVTA) and another 20 patients for LASER group (one laser session). Main outcome measures were mean BCVA and mean MEI at three months post treatment. The MEI was quantified using Heidelberg Retinal Tomography II.

Results

The mean difference for BCVA at baseline [IVTA: 0.935 (0.223), LASER: 0.795 (0.315)] and at three months post treatment [IVTA: 0.405 (0.224), LASER: 0.525 (0.289)] between IVTA and LASER group was not statistically significant (p = 0.113 and p = 0.151 respectively). The mean difference for MEI at baseline [IVTA: 2.539 (0.914), LASER: 2.139 (0.577)] and at three months post treatment [IVTA: 1.753 (0.614), LASER: 1.711 (0.472)] between IVTA and LASER group was also not statistically significant (p = 0.106 and p = 0.811 respectively).

Conclusions

IVTA demonstrates good outcome comparable to laser photocoagulation as a primary treatment for diabetic macular oedema at three months post treatment.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN05040192 (http://www.controlled-trial.com)
Development of an HPLC method for determination of pentachloronitrobenzene, hexachlorobenzene and their possible metabolites
Authors: Khan Fazlurrahman , Prakash Dhan , Jain RK
Published: November 2011

Background

Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) are highly toxic and widespread in every environmental compartment. Some of metabolic products such as amino/nitro containing chlorinated aromatic compounds can be determined by gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). However, it is difficult to identify some of chlorophenolic and chloroquinolic intermediates produced from PCNB and HCB by the above mentioned technique. Therefore, for analysis of these compounds and their metabolites, we have developed a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) based method.

Results

The extraction of PCNB and HCB from soil and minimal salt medium was carried out with ethyl acetate and hexane respectively with good recoveries (98% for PCNB and 97% for HCB). The validation of the proposed extraction and HPLC method was done by analysis of PCNB and HCB biodegradation and their metabolites identification from anaerobic enriched soil samples.

Conclusion

A rapid, sensitive and simple HPLC based analytical method was developed for the analysis of PCNB, HCB and their possible intermediates.
Nicorandil prevents endothelial dysfunction due to antioxidative effects via normalisation of NADPH oxidase and nitric oxide synthase in streptozotocin diabetic rats
Authors: Serizawa Ken-ichi , Yogo Kenji , Aizawa Ken , Tashiro Yoshihito , Ishizuka Nobuhiko
Published: November 2011

Background

Nicorandil, an anti-angina agent, reportedly improves outcomes even in angina patients with diabetes. However, the precise mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of nicorandil on diabetic patients has not been examined. We investigated the protective effect of nicorandil on endothelial function in diabetic rats because endothelial dysfunction is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in diabetes.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg, once a day for 3 days) to induce diabetes. Nicorandil (15 mg/kg/day) and tempol (20 mg/kg/day, superoxide dismutase mimetic) were administered in drinking water for one week, starting 3 weeks after STZ injection. Endothelial function was evaluated by measuring flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the femoral arteries of anaesthetised rats. Cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were treated with high glucose (35.6 mM, 24 h) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production with or without L-NAME (300 µM), apocynin (100 µM) or nicorandil (100 µM) was measured using fluorescent probes.

Results

Endothelial function as evaluated by FMD was significantly reduced in diabetic as compared with normal rats (diabetes, 9.7 ± 1.4%; normal, 19.5 ± 1.7%; n = 6-7). There was a 2.4-fold increase in p47phox expression, a subunit of NADPH oxidase, and a 1.8-fold increase in total eNOS expression in diabetic rat femoral arteries. Nicorandil and tempol significantly improved FMD in diabetic rats (nicorandil, 17.7 ± 2.6%; tempol, 13.3 ± 1.4%; n = 6). Nicorandil significantly inhibited the increased expressions of p47phox and total eNOS in diabetic rat femoral arteries. Furthermore, nicorandil significantly inhibited the decreased expression of GTP cyclohydrolase I and the decreased dimer/monomer ratio of eNOS. ROS production in HCAECs was increased by high-glucose treatment, which was prevented by L-NAME and nicorandil suggesting that eNOS itself might serve as a superoxide source under high-glucose conditions and that nicorandil might prevent ROS production from eNOS.

Conclusions

These results suggest that nicorandil improved diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction through antioxidative effects by inhibiting NADPH oxidase and eNOS uncoupling.
The use of plasma aldosterone and urinary sodium to potassium ratio as translatable quantitative biomarkers of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism
Authors: Eudy Rena J , Sahasrabudhe Vaishali , Sweeney Kevin , Tugnait Meera , King-Ahmad Amanda , Near Kristen , Loria Paula , Banker Mary Ellen , Piotrowski David W , Boustany-Kari Carine M
Published: November 2011

Background

Accumulating evidence supports the role of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. These findings have generated renewed interest in novel MR antagonists with improved selectivity against other nuclear hormone receptors and a potentially reduced risk of hyperkalemia. Characterization of novel MR antagonists warrants establishing translatable biomarkers of activity at the MR receptor. We assessed the translatability of urinary sodium to potassium ratio (Na+/K+) and plasma aldosterone as biomarkers of MR antagonism using eplerenone (Inspra®), a commercially available MR antagonist. Further we utilized these biomarkers to demonstrate antagonism of MR by PF-03882845, a novel compound.

Methods

The effect of eplerenone and PF-03882845 on urinary Na+/K+ and plasma aldosterone were characterized in Sprague-Dawley rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Additionally, the effect of eplerenone on these biomarkers was determined in healthy volunteers. Drug exposure-response data were modeled to evaluate the translatability of these biomarkers from rats to humans.

Results

In Sprague-Dawley rats, eplerenone elicited a rapid effect on urinary Na+/K+ yielding an EC50 that was within 5-fold of the functional in vitro IC50. More importantly, the effect of eplerenone on urinary Na+/K+ in healthy volunteers yielded an EC50 that was within 2-fold of the EC50 generated in Sprague-Dawley rats. Similarly, the potency of PF-03882845 in elevating urinary Na+/K+ in Sprague-Dawley rats was within 3-fold of its in vitro functional potency. The effect of MR antagonism on urinary Na+/K+ was not sustained chronically; thus we studied the effect of the compounds on plasma aldosterone following chronic dosing in SHR. Modeling of drug exposure-response data for both eplerenone and PF-03882845 yielded EC50 values that were within 2-fold of that estimated from modeling of drug exposure with changes in urinary sodium and potassium excretion. Importantly, similar unbound concentrations of eplerenone in humans and SHR rats yielded the same magnitude of elevations in aldosterone, indicating a good translatability from rat to human.

Conclusions

Urinary Na+/K+ and plasma aldosterone appear to be translatable biomarkers of MR antagonism following administration of single or multiple doses of compound, respectively.

Trial Registration

For clinical study reference EE3-96-02-004, this study was completed in 1996 and falls out scope for disclosure requirements.

Clinical study reference A6141115: http://clinicaltrials.gov, http://NIHclinicaltrails.gov; NCTID: NCT00990223
Characteristics of functionalized nano-hydroxyapatite and internalization by human epithelial cell
Authors: Yan-zhong Zhao , Yan-yan Huang , Jun Zhu , Shai-hong Zhu , Zhi-you Li , Ke-chao Zhou
Published: November 2011

Hydroxyapatite is the main inorganic component of biological bone and tooth enamel, and synthetic hydroxyapatite has been widely used as biomaterials. In this study, a facile method has been developed for the fabrication of arginine-functionalized and europium-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (Arg-Eu-HAP). The synthesized nanoparticles characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared, and Zeta potential analyzer. Its biological properties with DNA binding, cell toxicity, cell binding and intracellular distribution were tested by agarose gel electrophoresis assay, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscope and laser scanning confocal microscope. The synthesized Arg-Eu-HAP could effectively bind DNA without any cytotoxicity and be internalized into the cytoplasm and perinuclear of human lung epithelial cells.
One-dimensional silver nanostructures on single-wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Mercado Eunice , Santiago Steven , Baez Luis , Rivera Daniel , Gonzalez Miguel , Rivera-Ramos Milton E , Leon Madeline , Castro Miguel E
Published: November 2011

We report the synthesis and characterization of one-dimensional silver nanostructures using single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) as a template material. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy are consistent with the formation of a one-dimensional array of silver particles on SWCNT. We observe evidence for the excitation of the longitudinal silver plasmon mode in the optical absorption spectra of Ag-SWCNT dispersions, even in the lowest silver concentrations employed. The results indicate that silver deposits on SWCNT may be candidates for light-to-energy conversion through the coupling of the electric field excited in arrays of plasmonic particles.
Mitigating preventable chronic disease: Progress report of the Cleveland Clinic's Lifestyle 180 program
Authors: Ricanati Elizabeth HW , Golubić Mladen , Yang Dongsheng , Saager Leif , Mascha Edward J , Roizen Michael F
Published: November 2011

Background

Poor lifestyle choices are key in development and progression of preventable chronic diseases. The purpose of the study was to design and test a program to mitigate the physical and fiscal consequences of chronic diseases.

Methods

Here we report the outcomes for 429 participants with one or more chronic conditions, including obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus, many of whom had failed traditional disease management programs, who enrolled into a comprehensive lifestyle intervention. The Lifestyle 180 program integrates nutrition, physical activity and stress management interventions and was conducted at the Wellness Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, United States. An intensive 6 week immersion course, with 8 hours of group instruction per week, was followed by 3 follow-up, 4 hour-long sessions over the course of 6 months.

Results

Changes in biometric (weight, height, waist circumference, resting heart rate and blood pressure) and laboratory variables (fasting lipid panel, blood glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, ultra sensitive C-reactive protein) at 6 months were compared with baseline (pre-post analysis). At week 30, biometric and laboratory data were available for 244 (57%) and 299 (70%) participants, respectively. These had a mean ± SD reduction in weight (6.8 ± 6.9 kg, P < 0.001), waist circumference (6.1 ± 7.3 cm, P < 0.001), glucose (4.5 ± 29.6 mg/dL or 0.25 ± 1.64 mmol/L, P = 0.009), triglycerides (26.4 ± 58.5 mg/dL or 0.30 ± 0.66 mmol/L, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (7.9 ± 25.1 mg/dL or 0.2 ± 0.65 mmol/L, P < 0.001), hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) (0.20 ± 0.64%, P = 0.001), insulin (3.8 ± 11 microU/ml or 26.6 ± 76.4 ρmol, P < 0.001) and ultra sensitive C-reactive protein (US - CRP) (0.9 ± 4.8 mg/dL or 7.3 ± 40.2 nmol/L, P = 0.012), an increase in mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (3.7 ± 8.4 mg/dL or 0.1 ± 0.22, P < 0.001), and decreased use of medications.

Conclusion

Implementation of a comprehensive lifestyle modification program among adults with common chronic conditions results in significant and clinically meaningful improvements in biometric and laboratory outcomes after 6 months.
Co-Induction of Cyclooxyenase-2 and Early Growth Response Gene (Egr-1) in Spinal Cord in a Clinical Model of Persistent Inflammation and Hyperalgesia
Authors: Dolan Sharron , Hastie Peter , Crossan Claire , Nolan Andrea M
Published: November 2011

Background:

This study characterised the effects of persistent peripheral inflammation of the foot on pain and spinal cord expression of cyclooxygenase-1 and −2 (COX-1 and COX-2) and early growth response gene 1 (Egr-1), known markers of neuronal plasticity, in a clinical model of naturally-occurring inflammatory disease and hyperalgesia in sheep (‘footrot’), before and after routine treatment (parenteral treatment with antibiotics and antiseptic footbathing). The temporal pattern of expression of COX-1, COX-2 and Egr-1 mRNA and protein were analysed using real-time PCR and Western blotting.

Results:

Animals affected with persistent peripheral inflammation displayed significant hyperalgesia and lameness (a proxy indicator of spontaneous pain) restricted to the inflamed limb. Hyperalgesia and lameness were significantly attenuated 1 day after treatment, and resolved further by day 7 and day 3, respectively. COX-2 but not COX-1, protein expression was up-regulated in spinal cord from lame animals on day 0, before treatment. Following treatment and attenuation of pain behaviours, levels of COX-2 returned to control levels. Significant induction of Egr-1 mRNA and protein were observed in spinal cord from lame animals. Three days after treatment, levels of Egr-1 mRNA returned to control levels, however, Egr-1 protein remained elevated.

Conclusion:

Elevated levels of spinal COX-2 and Egr-1 protein correlate with the presence of pain and hyperalgesia, and may underlie persistent pain, although a direct causal link has still to be established. Understanding the temporal pattern of expression of key mediators in clinical pain states may lead to better strategies to manage pain.
Importance of local knowledge in plant resources management and conservation in two protected areas from Trás-os-Montes, Portugal
Authors: Carvalho Ana Maria , Frazão-Moreira Amélia
Published: November 2011

Many European protected areas were legally created to preserve and maintain biological diversity, unique natural features and associated cultural heritage. Built over centuries as a result of geographical and historical factors interacting with human activity, these territories are reservoirs of resources, practices and knowledge that have been the essential basis of their creation. Under social and economical transformations several components of such areas tend to be affected and their protection status endangered.

Carrying out ethnobotanical surveys and extensive field work using anthropological methodologies, particularly with key-informants, we report changes observed and perceived in two natural parks in Trás-os-Montes, Portugal, that affect local plant-use systems and consequently local knowledge. By means of informants' testimonies and of our own observation and experience we discuss the importance of local knowledge and of local communities' participation to protected areas design, management and maintenance. We confirm that local knowledge provides new insights and opportunities for sustainable and multipurpose use of resources and offers contemporary strategies for preserving cultural and ecological diversity, which are the main purposes and challenges of protected areas. To be successful it is absolutely necessary to make people active participants, not simply integrate and validate their knowledge and expertise. Local knowledge is also an interesting tool for educational and promotional programs.