bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echinogammarus trichiatus (Martynov, 1932) — a new Ponto-Caspian amphipod invader in Poland with remarks on other alien amphipods from the Oder River
Authors: Rachalewski Michał , Konopacka Alicja , Grabowski Michał , Bącela-Spychalska Karolina
Published: October 2013

Echinogammarus trichiatus (Martynov, 1932), was recorded for the first time in Poland, in the lower Oder River, in September 2012. The species has most probably reached the Oder through the Havel-Oder Canal, being a part of the German inland canal system in which it has been already present since 2006. We found individuals of both sexes, including ovigerous females and juveniles. The structure of its population and its abundance (second dominant gammarid species on the site) suggests that it is well established and, thus, we may expect further invasion of the species into Polish waters. Six other invasive species of amphipods were recorded along the course of the Oder. Four of them, Dikerogammarus villosus, D. haemobaphes, Gammarus tigrinus and Chelicorophium curvispinum, occurred in the entire studied section of the river. Two, Pontogammarus robustoides and Obesogammarus crassus, were found only in the lowest part of the Oder.
Suprabenthic amphipods from the littoral zone of Barlovento, Venezuela: spatial distribution and seasonal variation
Authors: Ortega I. , Martin A.
Published: October 2013

Peracarid crustaceans are a very diverse benthic group and one of the dominant taxa within the suprabenthic community. The Barlovento beaches in Venezuela are characterised by large inputs of organic matter and an important assemblage of amphipods has been observed to thrive in this area. In this paper we describe the species composition of this amphipod assemblage along with their spatial and temporal variation and relationship with some environmental variables on four beaches (Agua Sal, Los Timones, Las Cabañas, Valle Seco). Results showed no significant differences in the amphipod community structure and total density of organisms regardless of the season (rainy and dry). From the 7569 amphipods collected, a total of 20 species were identified within 14 families and 17 genera. The speciesApohyale media(Dana, 1953),Metatiron tropakis(J. L. Barnard, 1972) andNototropis minikoi(A. O. Walker, 1905) were the most abundant species in terms of density, and the last two also in terms of frequency of occurrence. Differences in biomass were not significant at any level (season, beach and their interactions); however, the highest amphipod biomass throughout the year was observed at Valle Seco Beach with peaks in January, August and December coinciding with large accumulations of bryozoans and wood debris. Amphipod density and biomass had low correlation values with the environmental variables; the material caught in the suprabenthos net being the most common variable influencing the community.
Molecular phylogeny of the weevil genus Dichromacalles Stüben (Curculionidae: Cryptorhynchinae) and description of a new species
Authors: STÜBEN PETER E. , SCHÜTTE ANDRÉ , ASTRIN JONAS J.
Published: October 2013

A molecular phylogeny of the western Palearctic weevil genus Dichromacalles Stüben, 1998, is presented, combining two mitochondrial genes, COI and 16S, and the nuclear gene 28S in a Bayesian analysis of up to 1528 combined nucleotide positions. Based on this data we point out the putative ancestor of the currently known extant Dichromacalles species that initiated the unique radiation within the species of the formerly Acalles s.l. on the Canary Islands around 10 to 20 million years ago. Where morphology reaches its limits in species differentiation, molecular analysis can provide deeper insight. By combining morphology and molecular biology into an integrative taxonomy, new characters can be found, making phenotypic descriptions easier. Using this integrative taxonomy background, the new species Dichromacalles algecirasensis Stüben (Spain: Cádiz) is described here and D. lentisci (Chevrolat, 1861) is transferred into the subgenus Balcanacalles Stüben & Behne, 1998 following a molecular phylogenetic reconstruction. A catalogue of all 12 species of Dichromacalles is given and a key is presented, combined with image stackings of the habitus and aedeagus for all species.
Sight Word and Phonics Training in Children With Dyslexia
Authors: McArthur Genevieve , Castles Anne , Kohnen Saskia , Larsen Linda , Jones Kristy , Anandakumar Thushara , Banales Erin
Published: October 2013

The aims of this study were to (a) compare sight word training and phonics training in children with dyslexia, and (b) determine if different orders of sight word and phonics training have different effects on the reading skills of children with dyslexia. One group of children ( n = 36) did 8 weeks of phonics training (reading via grapheme–phoneme correspondence rules) and then 8 weeks of sight word training (reading irregular words as a whole), one group did the reverse ( n = 36), and one group did phonics and sight word training simultaneously for two 8-week periods ( n = 32). We measured the effects of phonics and sight word training on sight word reading (trained irregular word reading accuracy, untrained irregular word reading accuracy), phonics reading (nonword reading accuracy, nonword reading fluency), and general reading (word reading fluency, reading comprehension). Sight word training led to significant gains in sight word reading measures that were larger than gains made from phonics training, phonics training led to statistically significant gains in a phonics reading measure that were larger than gains made from sight word training, and both types of training led to significant gains in general reading that were similar in size. Training phonics before sight words had a slight advantage over the reverse order. We discuss the clinical implications of these findings for improving the treatment and assessment of children with dyslexia.
Biomechanics of the Monopedicle Skin Flap
Authors: Lovald Scott T. , Topp Shelby G. , Ochoa Jorge A. , Gaball Curtis W.
Published: October 2013

Objective

The design and implementation of skin flaps remains a puzzle for the reconstructive surgeon. The objective of the present study is to use finite element (FE) analysis to characterize and understand the biomechanics of the monopedicle skin flap design.

Study Design

The current study uses a nonlinear hyperelastic FE model of the human skin to understand the biomechanics of monopedicle‐based flap designs as geometric flap parameters are varied.

Setting

In silico.

Subjects and Methods

The simulation included the displacement loading, stitching, and relaxation of various forms of the flap design. Stress and strain outcomes, previously correlated with scarring, necrosis, and blood perfusion, are reported for a basic monopedicle design as well as a number of modifications to this design.

Results

The results suggest that the length of the monopedicle flap should not exceed 3 times the size of the defect, as the benefit in reducing principal strain (deformation) is diminished beyond this point. Further, to minimize skin strain, the ideal Burrow's triangle size can be described as proportional to flap length and inversely proportional to defect height, according to a linear function.

Conclusion

The ideal flap design should attempt to minimize not only the stress in the skin, but the size of the incisions and the degree of undermining. The results of our analyses provide guidance to increase the general understanding of monopedicle flap mechanics and provide context for the clinician and insight into designing a better monopedicle flap for individual situations.
Consensus and Cooperation on State Supreme Courts
Authors: Leonard Meghan E. , Ross Joseph V.
Published: October 2013

The opinion-writing process is a vital yet understudied aspect of judicial decision making on state supreme courts. We argue that this process is influenced by the political context and particularly by institutional rules that serve to reactivate and reinforce divisions among justices, leading to less cooperation on the court. We test our theory with original data comprising all education cases decided from 1995 to 2005 in all 50 states and find evidence to support our theory. Specifically, we find that elections lead to fewer unanimous decisions and more separate written opinions, indicating that judicial elections may have a more pervasive effect on the daily work of these courts than previously thought.
Atherosclerotic plaque identification by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound in a rabbit abdominal aorta model of vulnerable plaque
Authors: Lin Qing-Fei , Luo Yu-Kun , Zhao Zi-Wen , Cai Wei , Zhen Xing-Chun , Chen Liang-Long
Published: October 2013

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) for recognizing vulnerable plaque compared to histological pathological analysis. Four-month-old New Zealand rabbits ( n = 16) were randomly divided into two groups: one fed a high-fat diet and subjected to balloon injury (experimental, n = 10) and one fed a high-fat diet alone (control, n = 6). Blood lipid profiles of overnight-fasted rabbits were measured at week 2 (beginning of study) and week 12 (end of study). At week 12, experimental group rabbits underwent IVUS under anaesthesia. Rabbits were sacrificed and a 5-cm segment of the abdominal aorta was removed. Arterial sections were subjected to pathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Serum lipid levels increased in all rabbits fed with high-fat diet, with low-density lipid cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increasing the most. Levels of six biomarkers (high sensitivity C-reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinase-3, interleukin [IL]-1, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor-α, and oxidized [ox]-LDL) showed no differences between the two groups at week 2, but were higher in the experimental group at week 12. A total of 276 atherosclerotic plaques in the experimental group were analysed. VH-IVUS had sensitivities of 87% and 92% for detection of noncalcified and calcified thin-cap fibroatheromas, respectively. VH-IVUS correctly identified 85% and 89% of noncalcified and calcified fibroatheromas, respectively. For detection of pathological intimal thickening, VH-IVUS showed a sensitivity of 79% and positive predictive value of 78%. Linear regression analysis showed a strong correlation between histology and VH-IVUS for the percent area of fibrous fibro-fatty tissue, necrotic calcified tissue, and confluent necrotic core. The intra-observer and inter-observer variability of the intimal and medial-adventitial boundaries was low. Endothelial injury followed by a high-fat diet in rabbits is a viable method for inducing atheroma, and VH-IVUS is a feasible, reproducible, and valuable means of vulnerable plaque identification in vivo.
From Landscape to Portable Art: The Changing Settings of Simple Rock Art in South-West Britain and its Wider Context
Authors: Jones Andy M. , Kirkham Graeme
Published: October 2013

South-west Britain—Cornwall, Devon and west Somerset—has featured little in discussions of British rock art. However, although it lacks the complex motifs found in northern Britain or the rich ornamentation of the Irish passage graves, it has a growing number of sites with simple cup-marks and stands at a pivotal location in the wider distribution of this form of rock art within north-west Europe. This paper considers the cup-mark tradition in south-west Britain and its wider European context, drawing attention to comparable traditions in western France, Wales, and south-west Ireland where simple cup-marks occur in analogous contexts. We propose a chronology for cup-marks in the south-west, from suggested Neolithic origins associated with rock outcrops and chambered tombs through to their use in Bronze Age barrows and subsequently roundhouses in the second millennium BC.
Exome sequencing reveals a thrombopoietin ligand mutation in a Micronesian family with autosomal recessive aplastic anemia
Authors: Dasouki Majed J. , Rafi Syed K. , Olm-Shipman Adam J. , Wilson Nathan R. , Abhyankar Sunil , Ganter Brigitte , Furness L. Mike , Fang Jianwen , Calado Rodrigo T. , Saadi Irfan
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Recessive mutations in the thrombopoietin gene are a novel cause of aplastic anemia. Such patients may benefit from treatment with eltrombopag or romiplostim.
Drug repositioning for orphan genetic diseases through Conserved Anticoexpressed Gene Clusters (CAGCs)
Authors: Molineris Ivan , Ala Ugo , Provero Paolo , Di Cunto Ferdinando
Published: October 2013

Background

The development of new therapies for orphan genetic diseases represents an extremely important medical and social challenge. Drug repositioning, i.e. finding new indications for approved drugs, could be one of the most cost- and time-effective strategies to cope with this problem, at least in a subset of cases. Therefore, many computational approaches based on the analysis of high throughput gene expression data have so far been proposed to reposition available drugs. However, most of these methods require gene expression profiles directly relevant to the pathologic conditions under study, such as those obtained from patient cells and/or from suitable experimental models. In this work we have developed a new approach for drug repositioning, based on identifying known drug targets showing conserved anti-correlated expression profiles with human disease genes, which is completely independent from the availability of ‘ad hoc’ gene expression data-sets.

Results

By analyzing available data, we provide evidence that the genes displaying conserved anti-correlation with drug targets are antagonistically modulated in their expression by treatment with the relevant drugs. We then identified clusters of genes associated to similar phenotypes and showing conserved anticorrelation with drug targets. On this basis, we generated a list of potential candidate drug-disease associations. Importantly, we show that some of the proposed associations are already supported by independent experimental evidence.

Conclusions

Our results support the hypothesis that the identification of gene clusters showing conserved anticorrelation with drug targets can be an effective method for drug repositioning and provide a wide list of new potential drug-disease associations for experimental validation.
Aneuploidy in neuroblastoma tumors is not associated with inactivating point mutations in the STAG2 gene
Authors: Djos Anna , Fransson Susanne , Kogner Per , Martinsson Tommy
Published: October 2013

Background

Chromosomal instability is a hallmark of human cancer caused by errors in mitotic control and chromosome segregation. STAG2 encodes a subunit of the cohesion complex that participates in mitotic chromatid separation and was recently found to show low expression and inactivating mutations in Ewing’s sarcoma, melanoma and glioblastoma.

In the childhood tumor neuroblastoma (NB) segmental chromosomal alterations are associated with poor prognosis whereas tumors displaying whole chromosome gains and losses have a much better prognosis.

Method

As the genetic contribution to aneuploidy is unknown in NB, we investigated the presence of STAG2 mutations through sequence analysis of all 33 coding exons in 37 primary NB tumors.

Results and conclusion

As no STAG2 mutation was detected in this study, we conclude that inactivating mutation of STAG2 is not likely causative to neuroblastoma aneuploidy.
Lovastatin improves impaired synaptic plasticity and phasic alertness in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Mainberger Florian , Jung Nikolai H , Zenker Martin , Wahlländer Ute , Freudenberg Leonie , Langer Susanne , Berweck Steffen , Winkler Tobias , Straube Andreas , Heinen Florian , Granström Sofia , Mautner Victor-Felix , Lidzba Karen , Mall Volker
Published: October 2013

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common genetic disorders causing learning disabilities by mutations in the neurofibromin gene, an important inhibitor of the RAS pathway. In a mouse model of NF1, a loss of function mutation of the neurofibromin gene resulted in increased gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition which led to decreased synaptic plasticity and deficits in attentional performance. Most importantly, these defictis were normalized by lovastatin. This placebo-controlled, double blind, randomized study aimed to investigate synaptic plasticity and cognition in humans with NF1 and tried to answer the question whether potential deficits may be rescued by lovastatin.

Methods

In NF1 patients (n = 11; 19–44 years) and healthy controls (HC; n = 11; 19–31 years) paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to study intracortical inhibition (paired pulse) and synaptic plasticity (paired associative stimulation). On behavioural level the Test of Attentional Performance (TAP) was used. To study the effect of 200 mg lovastatin for 4 days on all these parameters, a placebo-controlled, double blind, randomized trial was performed.

Results

In patients with NF1, lovastatin revealed significant decrease of intracortical inhibition, significant increase of synaptic plasticity as well as significant increase of phasic alertness. Compared to HC, patients with NF1 exposed increased intracortical inhibition, impaired synaptic plasticity and deficits in phasic alertness.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates, for the first time, a link between a pathological RAS pathway activity, intracortical inhibition and impaired synaptic plasticity and its rescue by lovastatin in humans. Our findings revealed mechanisms of attention disorders in humans with NF1 and support the idea of a potential clinical benefit of lovastatin as a therapeutic option.
HOXB7 mRNA is overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and its knockdown induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Chile Thais , Fortes Maria Angela Henriques Zanella , Corrêa-Giannella Maria Lúcia Cardillo , Brentani Helena Paula , Maria Durvanei Augusto , Puga Renato David , de Paula Vanessa de Jesus R , Kubrusly Marcia Saldanha , Novak Estela Maria , Bacchella Telésforo , Giorgi Ricardo Rodrigues
Published: October 2013

Background

Human homeobox genes encode nuclear proteins that act as transcription factors involved in the control of differentiation and proliferation. Currently, the role of these genes in development and tumor progression has been extensively studied. Recently, increased expression ofHOXB7homeobox gene (HOXB7) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) was shown to correlate with an invasive phenotype, lymph node metastasis and worse survival outcomes, but no influence on cell proliferation or viability was detected. In the present study, the effects arising from the knockdown ofHOXB7in PDAC cell lines was investigated.

Methods

Real time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) (Taqman) was employed to assessHOXB7mRNA expression in 29 PDAC, 6 metastatic tissues, 24 peritumoral tissues and two PDAC cell lines. siRNA was used to knockdownHOXB7mRNA in the cell lines and its consequences on apoptosis rate and cell proliferation were measured by flow cytometry and MTT assay respectively.

Results

Overexpression ofHOXB7mRNA was observed in the tumoral tissues and in the cell lines MIA PaCa-2 and Capan-1.HOXB7knockdown elicited (1) an increase in the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and BAD in both cell lines; (2) a decrease in the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 and in cyclin D1 and an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the MIA PaCa-2 cell line; (3) accumulation of cell in sub-G1 phase in both cell lines; (4) the modulation of several biological processes, especially in MIA PaCa-2, such as proteasomal ubiquitin-dependent catabolic process and cell cycle.

Conclusion

The present study confirms the overexpression ofHOXB7mRNA expression in PDAC and demonstrates that decreasing its protein level by siRNA could significantly increase apoptosis and modulate several biological processes.HOXB7might be a promising target for future therapies.
Associations between risk perception, spontaneous adaptation behavior to heat waves and heatstroke in Guangdong province, China
Authors: Liu Tao , Xu Yan Jun , Zhang Yong Hui , Yan Qing Hua , Song Xiu Ling , Xie Hui Yan , Luo Yuan , Rutherford Shannon , Chu Cordia , Lin Hua Liang , Ma Wen Jun
Published: October 2013

Background

In many parts of the world, including in China, extreme heat events or heat waves are likely to increase in intensity, frequency, and duration in light of climate change in the next decades. Risk perception and adaptation behaviors are two important components in reducing the health impacts of heat waves, but little is known about their relationships in China. This study aimed to examine the associations between risk perception to heat waves, adaptation behaviors, and heatstroke among the public in Guangdong province, China.

Methods

A total of 2,183 adult participants were selected using a four-stage sampling method in Guangdong province. From September to November of 2010 each subject was interviewed at home by a well-trained investigator using a structured questionnaire. The information collected included socio-demographic characteristics, risk perception and spontaneous adaptation behaviors during heat wave periods, and heatstroke experience in the last year. Chi-square tests and unconditional logistic regression models were employed to analyze the data.

Results

This study found that 14.8%, 65.3% and 19.9% of participants perceived heat waves as a low, moderate or high health risk, respectively. About 99.1% participants employed at least one spontaneous adaptation behavior, and 26.2%, 51.2% and 22.6% respondents employed <4, 4–7, and >7 adaptation behaviors during heat waves, respectively. Individuals with moderate (OR=2.93, 95% CI: 1.38-6.22) or high (OR=10.58, 95% CI: 4.74-23.63) risk perception experienced more heatstroke in the past year than others. Drinking more water and wearing light clothes in urban areas, while decreasing activity as well as wearing light clothes in rural areas were negatively associated with heatstroke. Individuals with high risk perception and employing <4 adaptation behaviors during heat waves had the highest risks of heatstroke (OR=47.46, 95% CI: 12.82-175.73).

Conclusions

There is a large room for improving health risk perception and adaptation capacity to heat waves among the public of Guangdong province. People with higher risk perception and fewer adaptation behaviors during heat waves may be more vulnerable to heat waves.
Biomechanical comparison of three stand-alone lumbar cages — a three-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Chen Shih-Hao , Chiang Ming-Chieh , Lin Jin-Fu , Lin Shang-Chih , Hung Ching-Hua
Published: October 2013

Background

For anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), stand-alone cages can be supplemented with vertebral plate, locking screws, or threaded cylinder to avoid the use of posterior fixation. Intuitively, the plate, screw, and cylinder aim to be embedded into the vertebral bodies to effectively immobilize the cage itself. The kinematic and mechanical effects of these integrated components on the lumbar construct have not been extensively studied. A nonlinearly lumbar finite-element model was developed and validated to investigate the biomechanical differences between three stand-alone (Latero, SynFix, and Stabilis) and SynCage-Open plus transpedicular fixation. All four cages were instrumented at the L3-4 level.

Methods

The lumbar models were subjected to the follower load along the lumbar column and the moment at the lumbar top to produce flexion (FL), extension (EX), left/right lateral bending (LLB, RLB), and left/right axial rotation (LAR, RAR). A 10 Nm moment was applied to obtain the six physiological motions in all models. The comparison indices included disc range of motion (ROM), facet contact force, and stresses of the annulus and implants.

Results

At the surgical level, the SynCage-open model supplemented with transpedicular fixation decreased ROM (>76%) greatly; while the SynFix model decreased ROM 56-72%, the Latero model decreased ROM 36-91%, in all motions as compared with the INT model. However, the Stabilis model decreased ROM slightly in extension (11%), lateral bending (21%), and axial rotation (34%). At the adjacent levels, there were no obvious differences in ROM and annulus stress among all instrumented models.

Conclusions

ALIF instrumentation with the Latero or SynFix cage provides an acceptable stability for clinical use without the requirement of additional posterior fixation. However, the Stabilis cage is not favored in extension and lateral bending because of insufficient stabilization.
Balance ability and postural stability among patients with painful shoulder disorders and healthy controls
Authors: Baierle Tobias , Kromer Thilo , Petermann Carmen , Magosch Petra , Luomajoki Hannu
Published: October 2013

Background

In therapeutic settings, patients with shoulder pain often exhibit deficient coordinative abilities in their trunk and lower extremities. The aim of the study was to investigate 1) if there is a connection between shoulder pain and deficits in balance ability and postural stability, 2) if pain intensity is related to balance ability and postural stability, and 3) if there is a connection between body mass index (BMI) and balance ability and postural stability.

Methods

In this case–control study, patients (n = 40) with pathological shoulder pain (> 4 months) were matched with a healthy controls (n = 40) and were compared with regard to their balance ability and postural stability. Outcome parameters were postural stability, balance ability and symmetry index which were measured using the S3-Check system. In addition, the influence of shoulder pain intensity and BMI on the outcome parameters was analysed.

Results

Patients with shoulder pain showed significantly worse results in measurements of postural stability right/left (p < 0.01) and front/back (p < 0.01) as well as balance ability right/left (p = 0.01) and front/back (p < 0.01) compared to healthy controls. There were no significant group differences with regard to symmetry index. However, there was a significant (p < 0.01) symmetry shift towards the affected side within the shoulder pain group. There was no correlation between pain intensity and measurements of balance ability or postural stability. Likewise, no correlation between BMI and deficiencies in balance ability and postural stability was established.

Conclusions

Patients with pathological shoulder pain (> 4 months) have deficiencies in balance ability and postural stability; however the underlying mechanisms for this remain unclear. Neither pain intensity nor BMI influenced the outcome parameters. Patients with shoulder pain shift their weight to the affected side. Further research is needed to determine if balance training can improve rehabilitation results in patients with shoulder pathologies.
Agro-ecosystems impact malaria prevalence: large-scale irrigation drives vector population in western Ethiopia
Authors: Jaleta Kassahun T , Hill Sharon R , Seyoum Emiru , Balkew Meshesha , Gebre-Michael Teshome , Ignell Rickard , Tekie Habte
Published: October 2013

Background

Development strategies in Ethiopia have largely focused on the expansion of irrigated agriculture in the last decade to reduce poverty and promote economic growth. However, such irrigation schemes can worsen the socio-economic state by aggravating the problem of mosquito-borne diseases. In this study, the effect of agro-ecosystem practices on malaria prevalence and the risk of malaria transmission by the primary vector mosquito, Anopheles arabiensis, in Ethiopia were investigated.

Methods

In three villages in western Ethiopia practising large-scale sugarcane irrigation, traditional smallholder irrigation and non-irrigated farming, cross-sectional parasitological surveys were conducted during the short rains, after the long rains and during the dry season. Entomological surveys were undertaken monthly (February 2010-January 2011) in each village using light traps, pyrethrum spray collections and artificial pit shelters.

Results

Malaria prevalence and the risk of transmission by An. arabiensis assessed by the average human biting rate, mean sporozoite rate and estimated annual entomological inoculation rate were significantly higher in the irrigated sugarcane agro-ecosystem compared to the traditionally irrigated and non-irrigated agro-ecosystems. The average human biting rate was significantly elevated by two-fold, while the mean sporozoite rate was 2.5-fold higher, and the annual entomological inoculation rate was 4.6 to 5.7-fold higher in the irrigated sugarcane compared to the traditional and non-irrigated agro-ecosystems. Active irrigation clearly affected malaria prevalence by increasing the abundance of host seeking Anopheles mosquitoes year-round and thus increasing the risk of infective bites. The year-round presence of sporozoite-infected vectors due to irrigation practices was found to strengthen the coupling between rainfall and risk of malaria transmission, both on- and off-season.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the negative impact of large-scale irrigation expansion on malaria transmission by increasing the abundance of mosquito vectors and indicates the need for effective vector monitoring and control strategies in the implementation of irrigation projects.
Measures of health-related quality of life and socio-cultural aspects in young patients who after mandible primary reconstruction with free fibula flap
Authors: Zhu Juanfang , Xiao Yan , Liu Fei , Wang Jing , Yang Wenli , Xie Weihong
Published: October 2013

Background

The reconstruction of mandibular defects after trauma or tumor resection is one of the most challenging problems facing reconstructive surgeons. Although the primary intended outcome of surgery to treat head-and-neck malignancies is still the disease-free survival of the patient, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is now seen as an essential secondary outcome. This study aims to evaluate HRQOL outcomes in young patients undergoing primary mandible reconstruction with free fibula flap and to collect information about their socio-cultural situation.

Methods

The HRQOL outcomes of 25 young patients after primary mandible reconstruction with free fibula flap for mandible malignancies were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36) and University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaires 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Using the UW-QOL questionnaire, the best-scoring domain was ‘pain’, whereas ‘chewing’ and ‘anxiety’ were given the lowest scores. Using the MOS SF-36 questionnaire, the best-scoring domain was ‘physical functioning’, while ‘bodily pain’ and ‘general health’ also scored well.

Conclusions

Mandible reconstruction with fibula flap will significantly influence a young patient’s HRQOL. Young patients pay more attention to postoperative facial appearance; this should be considered in surgical planning. The socio-cultural data show a fairly low level of education for the majority of patients.
Zinc inhibits osteoclast differentiation by suppression of Ca2+-Calcineurin-NFATc1 signaling pathway
Authors: Park Kwang Hwan , Park Boryung , Yoon Dong Suk , Kwon Seung-Hyun , Shin Dong Min , Lee Jin Woo , Lee Hyun Gyu , Shim Jae-Hyuck , Park Jeon Han , Lee Jae Myun
Published: October 2013

Background

Zinc, an essential trace element, inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanism for the inhibitory effect of zinc, however, is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc and determine its molecular mechanism on receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in mouse bone marrow-derived monocyte cells (BMMs) and RAW264.7 cells.

Results

In BMMs, zinc treatment during osteoclast differentiation decreased RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner. We show that zinc suppressed the mRNA levels of nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (Nfatc1). Zinc also accumulated phospho-Nfatc1 (p-Nfatc1) in the cytosol in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited the translocation of Nfatc1 to the nucleus in RAW264.7 cells. Zinc suppressed the activities of Nfatc1 in the nucleus without changing the activities of NF-κB in RAW264.7 cells. In contrast, calcineurin activity decreased in response to zinc but its protein level was unchanged. RANKL-induced Ca2+ oscillations were inhibited by zinc treatment, but phospho-phospholipase Cγ1 (p-PLCγ1), the upstream signaling molecule of Ca2+ oscillations, was unaffected. Moreover, a constitutively active form of Nfatc1 obviously rescued suppression of osteoclastogenesis by zinc.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that the inhibitory effect of zinc during osteoclastogesis is caused by suppressing the Ca2+-Calcineurin-NFATc1 signaling pathway. Thus, zinc may be a useful therapeutic candidate for the prevention of bone loss caused by NFATc1 activation in osteoclasts.
Spatial organization of dendritic cells within tumor draining lymph nodes impacts clinical outcome in breast cancer patients
Authors: Chang Andrew Y , Bhattacharya Nupur , Mu Jian , Setiadi A Francesca , Carcamo-Cavazos Valeria , Lee Gerald H , Simons Diana L , Yadegarynia Sina , Hemati Kaveh , Kapelner Adam , Ming Zheng , Krag David N , Schwartz Erich J , Chen Danny Z , Lee Peter P
Published: October 2013

Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) are important mediators of anti-tumor immune responses. We hypothesized that an in-depth analysis of dendritic cells and their spatial relationships to each other as well as to other immune cells within tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) could provide a better understanding of immune function and dysregulation in cancer.

Methods

We analyzed immune cells within TDLNs from 59 breast cancer patients with at least 5 years of clinical follow-up using immunohistochemical staining with a novel quantitative image analysis system. We developed algorithms to analyze spatial distribution patterns of immune cells in cancer versus healthy intra-mammary lymph nodes (HLNs) to derive information about possible mechanisms underlying immune-dysregulation in breast cancer. We used the non-parametric Mann–Whitney test for inter-group comparisons, Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Ranks test for intra-group comparisons and log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test for Kaplan Maier analyses.

Results

Degree of clustering of DCs (in terms of spatial proximity of the cells to each other) was reduced in TDLNs compared to HLNs. While there were more numerous DC clusters in TDLNs compared to HLNs,DC clusters within TDLNs tended to have fewer member DCs and also consisted of fewer cells displaying the DC maturity marker CD83. The average number of T cells within a standardized radius of a clustered DC was increased compared to that of an unclustered DC, suggesting that DC clustering was associated with T cell interaction. Furthermore, the number of T cells within the radius of a clustered DC was reduced in tumor-positive TDLNs compared to HLNs. Importantly, clinical outcome analysis revealed that DC clustering in tumor-positive TDLNs correlated with the duration of disease-free survival in breast cancer patients.

Conclusions

These findings are the first to describe the spatial organization of DCs within TDLNs and their association with survival outcome. In addition, we characterized specific changes in number, size, maturity, and T cell co-localization of such clusters. Strategies to enhance DC function in-vivo, including maturation and clustering, may provide additional tools for developing more efficacious DC cancer vaccines.
A multidisciplinary approach to study a couple of monozygotic twins discordant for the chronic fatigue syndrome: a focus on potential salivary biomarkers
Authors: Ciregia Federica , Giusti Laura , Da Valle Ylenia , Donadio Elena , Consensi Arianna , Giacomelli Camillo , Sernissi Francesca , Scarpellini Pietro , Maggi Fabrizio , Lucacchini Antonio , Bazzichi Laura
Published: October 2013

Background

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a severe, systemic illness characterized by persistent, debilitating and medically unexplained fatigue. The etiology and pathophysiology of CFS remains obscure, and diagnosis is formulated through the patient’s history and exclusion of other medical causes. Thereby, the availability of biomarkers for CFS could be useful for clinical research. In the present study, we used a proteomic approach to evaluate the global changes in the salivary profile in a couple of monozygotic twins who were discordant for CFS. The aim was to evaluate differences of salivary protein expression in the CFS patient in respect to his healthy twin.

Methods

Saliva samples were submitted to two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE). The gels were stained with Sypro, and a comparison between CFS subject and the healthy one was performed by the software Progenesis Same Spot including the Analysis of variance (ANOVA test). The proteins spot found with a ≥2-fold spot quantity change and p<0.05 were identified by Nano-liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. To validate the expression changes found with 2DE of 5 proteins (14-3-3 protein zeta/delta, cyclophilin A, Cystatin-C, Protein S100-A7, and zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein), we used the western blot analysis. Moreover, proteins differentially expressed were functionally analyzed using the Ingenuity Pathways Analysis software with the aim to determine the predominant canonical pathways and the interaction network involved.

Results

The analysis of the protein profiles allowed us to find 13 proteins with a different expression in CFS in respect to control. Nine spots were up-regulated in CFS and 4 down-regulated. These proteins belong to different functional classes, such as inflammatory response, immune system and metabolism. In particular, as shown by the pathway analysis, the network built with our proteins highlights the involvement of inflammatory response in CFS pathogenesis.

Conclusions

This study shows the presence of differentially expressed proteins in the saliva of the couple of monozygotic twins discordant for CFS, probably related to the disease. Consequently, we believe the proteomic approach could be useful both to define a panel of potential diagnostic biomarkers and to shed new light on the comprehension of the pathogenetic pathways of CFS.
High frequency distribution of heterogeneous vancomycin resistant Enterococcous faecium (VREfm) in Iranian hospitals
Authors: Shokoohizadeh Leili , Mobarez Ashraf Mohabati , Zali Mohammad Reza , Ranjbar Reza , Alebouyeh Masoud , Sakinc Türkan , Ali Liaqat
Published: October 2013

Background

Enterococcus faecium is a multi-resistant nosocomial pathogen causing infection in debilitated patients. Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus faecium (VREfm) are a major concern and increased dramatically worldwide especially in hospitals environment. The current study focused on determining the high prevalence and distribution patterns of antibiotic resistance and also its genetic linkages among various VREfm strains isolated from indoor hospitalized patients in four major Iranian teaching hospitals of Tehran.

Methods

The clinical samples were obtained from hospitalized patients during September 2010 to June 2011 from different teaching hospitals of Tehran. Antibiotics Resistance patterns, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value for vancomycin, ampicillin, gentamicin and presence of genetic linkage among the isolates were determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results

Overall, total of 92 (41.4%) isolates were identified as E. faecium, 45 (49%) were resistant to vancomycin with an MIC50 of ≥128 mg/L. The results showed that simultaneous resistance to teicoplanin, ampicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacine, tetracycline and erythromycin were observed the most frequent pattern. All the vancomycin resistant E. faecium isolates carried the van A gene. intensive care units (ICUs) and Kidney transplantation, are most probably the wards with highest risk of infection by VRE. 17 pulsotypes were also detected by PFGE, most of the related pulsotypes belongs to the same hospitals.

Conclusions

This study shows the high alarming prevalence of Enterococcus faecium infection and similar clones of VREfm strains in Iranian hospitals with threatening resistance phenotypes.

Virtual slides

The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1270863903102282
Reconstruction of the experimentally supported human protein interactome: what can we learn?
Authors: Klapa Maria I , Tsafou Kalliopi , Theodoridis Evangelos , Tsakalidis Athanasios , Moschonas Nicholas K
Published: October 2013

Background

Understanding the topology and dynamics of the human protein-protein interaction (PPI) network will significantly contribute to biomedical research, therefore its systematic reconstruction is required. Several meta-databases integrate source PPI datasets, but the protein node sets of their networks vary depending on the PPI data combined. Due to this inherent heterogeneity, the way in which the human PPI network expands via multiple dataset integration has not been comprehensively analyzed. We aim at assembling the human interactome in a global structured way and exploring it to gain insights of biological relevance.

Results

First, we defined the UniProtKB manually reviewed human “complete” proteome as the reference protein-node set and then we mined five major source PPI datasets for direct PPIs exclusively between the reference proteins. We updated the protein and publication identifiers and normalized all PPIs to the UniProt identifier level. The reconstructed interactome covers approximately 60% of the human proteome and has a scale-free structure. No apparent differentiating gene functional classification characteristics were identified for the unrepresented proteins. The source dataset integration augments the network mainly in PPIs. Polyubiquitin emerged as the highest-degree node, but the inclusion of most of its identified PPIs may be reconsidered. The high number (>300) of connections of the subsequent fifteen proteins correlates well with their essential biological role. According to the power-law network structure, the unrepresented proteins should mainly have up to four connections with equally poorly-connected interactors.

Conclusions

Reconstructing the human interactome based on the a priori definition of the protein nodes enabled us to identify the currently included part of the human “complete” proteome, and discuss the role of the proteins within the network topology with respect to their function. As the network expansion has to comply with the scale-free theory, we suggest that the core of the human interactome has essentially emerged. Thus, it could be employed in systems biology and biomedical research, despite the considerable number of currently unrepresented proteins. The latter are probably involved in specialized physiological conditions, justifying the scarcity of related PPI information, and their identification can assist in designing relevant functional experiments and targeted text mining algorithms.
Trace elements can influence the physical properties of tooth enamel
Authors: Ghadimi Elnaz , Eimar Hazem , Marelli Benedetto , Nazhat Showan N , Asgharian Masoud , Vali Hojatollah , Tamimi Faleh
Published: October 2013

In previous studies, we showed that the size of apatite nanocrystals in tooth enamel can influence its physical properties. This important discovery raised a new question; which factors are regulating the size of these nanocrystals? Trace elements can affect crystallographic properties of synthetic apatite, therefore this study was designed to investigate how trace elements influence enamel’s crystallographic properties and ultimately its physical properties.

The concentration of trace elements in tooth enamel was determined for 38 extracted human teeth using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The following trace elements were detected: Al, K, Mg, S, Na, Zn, Si, B, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se and Ti. Simple and stepwise multiple regression was used to identify the correlations between trace elements concentration in enamel and its crystallographic structure, hardness, resistance to crack propagation, shade lightness and carbonate content. The presence of some trace elements in enamel was correlated with the size (Pb, Ti, Mn) and lattice parameters (Se, Cr, Ni) of apatite nanocrystals. Some trace elements such as Ti was significantly correlated with tooth crystallographic structure and consequently with hardness and shade lightness. We conclude that the presence of trace elements in enamel could influence its physical properties.
Glycaemic control in Australia and New Zealand before and after the NICE-SUGAR trial: a translational study
Authors: Kaukonen Kirsi-Maija , Bailey Michael , Pilcher David , Orford Neil , Finfer Simon , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: October 2013

Introduction

There is no information on the uptake of Intensive Insulin Therapy (IIT) before the Normoglycemia in Intensive Care Evaluation and Surviving Using Glucose Algorithm Regulation (NICE-SUGAR) trial in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and on the bi-national response to the trial, yet such data would provide important information on the evolution of ANZ practice in this field. We aimed to study ANZ glycaemic control before and after the publication of the results of the NICE-SUGAR trial.

Methods

We analysed glucose control in critically ill patients across Australia and New Zealand during a two-year period before and after the publication of the NICE-SUGAR study. We used the mean first day glucose (Glu1) (a validated surrogate of ICU glucose control) to define practice. The implementation of an IIT protocol was presumed if the median of Glu1 measurements was <6.44 mmol/L for a given ICU. Hypoglycaemia was categorised as severe (glucose ≤2.2 mmol/L) or moderate (glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L).

Results

We studied 49 ICUs and 176,505 patients. No ICU practiced IIT before or after NICE-SUGAR. Overall, Glu1 increased from 7.96 (2.95) mmol/L to 8.03 (2.92) mmol/L (P <0.0001) after NICE-SUGAR. Similar increases were noted in all patient subgroups studied (surgical, medical, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, ICU stay >48/<48 hours). The rate of severe and moderate hypoglycaemia before and after NICE-SUGAR study were 0.59% vs. 0.55% (P =0.33) and 6.62% vs. 5.68% (P <0.0001), respectively. Both crude and adjusted mortalities declined over the study period.

Conclusions

IIT had not been adopted in ANZ before the NICE-SUGAR study and glycaemic control corresponded to that delivered in the control arm of NICE-SUGAR trial. There were only minor changes in practice after the trial toward looser glycaemic control. The rate of moderate hypoglycaemia and mortality decreased along with such changes.