bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colletotrichum truncatum: an Unusual Pathogen Causing Mycotic Keratitis and Endophthalmitis
Authors: Shivaprakash M. R. , Appannanavar Suma B. , Dhaliwal Manpreet , Gupta Amit , Gupta Sunita , Gupta Amod , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: June 2011

In recent years, the well-known plant pathogens of the
Colletotrichum
genus were increasingly reported to cause ophthalmic infections in humans. Among 66 species in the
Colletotrichum
genus, only a few are known to be pathogenic for humans. We report here five cases of ophthalmic infections due to
Colletotrichum truncatum
, a species never reported earlier to cause human infection. The isolates were identified by morphological characteristics and the sequencing of internal spacer regions of ribosomal DNA. The progress of lesions in those patients was slow compared to that of lesions caused by
Aspergillus
or
Fusarium
infections. The surgical management included total penetrating keratoplasty in patients with keratitis and pars plana vitrectomy in endophthalmitis. Two patients were treated additionally with intravitreal amphotericin B deoxycholate, one patient with oral itraconazole, and another patient with oral and topical fluconazole therapy. The present series therefore highlights the expanding spectrum of agents causing eye infections and the inclusion of
C. truncatum
as a human pathogen.
Influenza A Virus N5 Neuraminidase Has an Extended 150-Cavity
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Qi Jianxun , Liu Yue , Vavricka Christopher J. , Wu Yan , Li Qing , Gao George F.
Published: June 2011

There are 9 serotypes of neuraminidase (NA) from influenza A virus (N1 to N9), which are classified into two groups based on primary sequences (groups 1 and 2). The structural hallmark of the two groups is the presence or absence of an extra 150-cavity (formed by the 150-loop) in the active site. Thus far, structures of NAs from 6 out of the 9 serotypes have been solved. Here, we solved the N5 structure, the last unknown structure group 1 serotype with a unique Asn147 residue in its 150-loop, demonstrating that it has an extended 150-cavity that closes upon inhibitor binding.
Active Depletion of Host Cell Inhibitor-of-Apoptosis Proteins Triggers Apoptosis upon Baculovirus DNA Replication
Authors: Vandergaast Rianna , Schultz Kimberly L. W. , Cerio Rebecca J. , Friesen Paul D.
Published: June 2011

Apoptosis is an important antivirus defense by virtue of its impact on virus multiplication and pathogenesis. To define molecular mechanisms by which viruses are detected and the apoptotic response is initiated, we examined the antiviral role of host inhibitor-of-apoptosis (IAP) proteins in insect cells. We report here that the principal IAPs, DIAP1 and SfIAP, of the model insects
Drosophila melanogaster
and
Spodoptera frugiperda
, respectively, are rapidly depleted and thereby inactivated upon infection with the apoptosis-inducing baculovirus
Autographa californica
multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV). Virus-induced loss of these host IAPs triggered caspase activation and apoptotic death. Elevation of IAP levels by ectopic expression repressed caspase activation. Loss of host IAP in both species was triggered by AcMNPV DNA replication. By using selected inhibitors, we found that virus-induced IAP depletion was mediated in part by the proteasome but not by caspase cleavage. Consistent with this conclusion, mutagenic disruption of the SfIAP RING motif, which acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, stabilized SfIAP during infection. Importantly, SfIAP was also stabilized upon the removal of its 99-residue N-terminal leader, which serves as a critical determinant of IAP turnover. These data indicated that a host pathway initiated by virus DNA replication and acting through instability motifs embedded within IAP triggers IAP depletion and thereby causes apoptosis. Taken together, the results of our study suggest that host modulation of cellular IAP levels is a conserved mechanism by which insects mount an apoptotic antiviral response. Thus, host IAPs may function as critical sentinels of virus invasion in insects.
Retinoic Acid as a Vaccine Adjuvant Enhances CD8+T Cell Response and Mucosal Protection from Viral Challenge
Authors: Tan Xuefang , Sande Jamie L. , Pufnock Jeffrey S. , Blattman Joseph N. , Greenberg Philip D.
Published: June 2011

Vaccine-induced memory T cells localized at mucosal sites can provide rapid protection from viral infection. All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) has been shown to act physiologically to induce the expression of gut-homing receptors on lymphocytes. We tested whether the administration of exogenous ATRA during a systemic vaccination of mice could enhance the generation of mucosal CD8+T cell immunity, which might represent a strategy for establishing better protection from viral infection via mucosal routes. ATRA induced the expression of CCR9 and α4β7 on both mouse and human CD8+T cells activatedin vitro. The administration of ATRA to mice duringin vivopriming with a replication-defective recombinant adenovirus vector expressing the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus glycoprotein (LCMVgp) (Ad5gp) increased numbers of both effector and memory T cells in intestinal mucosal tissues and showed higher frequencies of systemic central memory-like T cells that exhibited enhanced proliferation during boosting immunization with recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara expressing LCMVgp (MVAgp). Mice that received ATRA during Ad5gp vaccination were more resistant to intravaginal challenge by recombinant vaccinia virus expressing LCMVgp (VVgp), reflecting in part stronger T cell recall responsesin situ. Thus, ATRA appears to be useful as an adjuvant during vaccination to increase memory T cell responses and protection from viral infection at mucosal sites and may facilitate the development of more effective vaccines against mucosally transmitted pathogens such as HIV.
Evolution of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 in a Patient with Cross-Reactive Neutralizing Activity in Serum
Authors: van Gils Marit J. , Edo-Matas Diana , Bowles Emma J. , Burger Judith A. , Stewart-Jones Guillaume B. , Schuitemaker Hanneke
Published: June 2011

Analysis of longitudinally obtained HIV-1
env
sequences from an individual with reported cross-reactive neutralizing activity revealed that the majority of viral variants obtained from serum between 4 and 7 years after seroconversion were unable to persist in peripheral blood. Here we show that these viral variants were more sensitive to autologous serum neutralization, had shorter envelopes with fewer potential N-linked glycosylation sites, and showed lower replication kinetics than successfully evolving HIV-1 variants. These data reflect the host selection pressures on phenotypic characteristics of HIV-1 and illustrate in detail the dynamic interaction between HIV-1 and its host's humoral immune responses.
The Bicyclists' Injuries and the Cycling Environment study: a protocol to tackle methodological issues facing studies of bicycling safety
Authors: Harris M Anne , Reynolds Conor C O , Winters Meghan , Chipman Mary , Cripton Peter A , Cusimano Michael D , Teschke Kay
Published: June 2011

Background and aims

Bicycling may be less appealing in parts of the world where cycling is less safe. Differences between jurisdictions suggest route design is key to improving safety and increasing ridership. Previous studies faced difficulties in effectively assessing denominators for risk calculations and controlling confounding. This paper describes the advantages of the case-crossover design of the Bicyclists' Injuries and the Cycling Environment study to address these challenges to observational studies of cycling safety.

Methods

Injured cyclists were recruited from the emergency departments of five hospitals in Vancouver and Toronto, Canada. In 18 months, 690 participants were successfully recruited and interviewed. Each participant was interviewed to map the route of their injury trip, identify the injury site and select two control sites at random from the same route. Infrastructural characteristics at each study site were scored by site observers who were blinded as to whether sites were crash or comparison sites. Analyses will compare infrastructural variables between case and control sites with conditional logistic regression.

Discussion

This study presents a novel application of the case-crossover design to the evaluation of relationships between infrastructure and cycling safety while controlling confounders and exposure to risk. It is hoped that the value of this method and the efficiency of the recruitment process will encourage replication in other locations, to expand the range of cycling infrastructure compared and to facilitate evidence-based cycling infrastructure choices that can make cycling safer and more appealing.
Biomechanical attributes of microcatheters used in liquid embolization of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Simon Scott D , Reig Adam S , Archer Kellie J , Mericle Robert A
Published: June 2011

Objective

A steel-reinforced and a nitanol-reinforced microcatheter are both approved for use with Onyx HD-500 embolization of intracranial aneurysms. The biomechanical behavior of these catheters when used with high viscosity embolic liquids is poorly understood. We performed biomechanical laboratory testing and examined our clinical experience to identify situations where one catheter might have an advantage over the other.

Methods

The catheters were tested for detachment force from aneurysm cast, burst pressure, burst location, and pressure under dynamic delivery pressure. The results were compared using ANOVA.

Results

The average detachment forces for the Echelon 10, 14, and Rebar 14 catheters were 97.6, 76.825, and 62.6 g, respectively (p=0.023). The average burst pressures for the Echelon 10, 14, and Rebar 14 were 1108, 1213, and 1365 psi, respectively (p=0.003). The average burst location was 26.0, 20.0, and 4.5 mm, respectively, from the tip (p=0.035). There was no significant difference regarding burst location (p=0.39). The delivery pressures of the catheters were not significant (p=0.98). Two cases are presented that illustrate the importance of these findings and how they can be incorporated into practice.

Conclusion

The lower detachment force of the Rebar 14 makes it ideal for liquid embolization, but its stiffness makes it less desirable for accessing smaller aneurysms or navigating tortuous anatomy. The Echelon 10 should be avoided unless it is the only catheter that can access an aneurysm because of small size or tortuous anatomy. In such cases, the higher detachment force suggests a stent should be in place to prevent the cast from being destabilized.
Selection ofMycoplasma genitaliumstrains harbouring macrolide resistance-associated 23S rRNA mutations by treatment with a single 1 g dose of azithromycin: Table 1
Authors: Ito Shin , Shimada Yasushi , Yamaguchi Yuko , Yasuda Mitsuru , Yokoi Shigeaki , Ito Shin-ichi , Nakano Masahiro , Ishiko Hiroaki , Deguchi Takashi
Published: June 2011

Objective

A single 1 g dose regimen of azithromycin has been recommended for the treatment ofMycoplasma genitaliuminfections. The authors evaluated whether this regimen could selectM genitaliumstrains with macrolide resistance after treatment forM genitalium-positive non-gonococcal urethritis.

Methods

In seven men with non-gonococcal urethritis, who were infected withM genitaliumwithout macrolide resistance-associated mutations but experienced microbiological azithromycin treatment failure,M genitaliumDNAs in their post-treatment urine specimens were examined for mutations in the 23S rRNA gene and the ribosomal protein genes of L4 and L22. To assess the relatedness ofM genitaliumstrains before and after treatment, their DNAs in pretreatment and post-treatment urine were genotyped by analysing short tandem repeats of an AGT/AAT unit in the MG309 gene and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the MG191 gene.

Results

In four of seven patients,M genitaliumin post-treatment urine had an A-to-G transition at nucleotide position 2071 or 2072, corresponding to 2058 or 2059 in the 23S rRNA gene ofEscherichia coli. In one of the four strains, Pro81Ser in the ribosomal protein L4 accompanied the mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. The genotyping ofM genitaliumDNAs suggested that these four post-treatment strains were selected from the respective closely related or identical pretreatment strains without macrolide resistance-associated mutations by the treatment.

Conclusions

The single 1 g dose treatment of azithromycin could selectM genitaliumstrains harbouring macrolide resistance-associated mutations. ForM genitalium, this regimen might increase the risk of macrolide resistance selection after treatment.
COSMIC PARALLAX IN ELLIPSOIDAL UNIVERSE
Authors: CAMPANELLI L. , CEA P. , FOGLI G. L. , TEDESCO L.
Published: June 2011

The detection of a time variation of the angle between two distant sources would reveal an anisotropic expansion of the universe. We study this effect of cosmic parallax within the ellipsoidal universe model, namely a particular homogeneous anisotropic cosmological model of Bianchi type I, whose attractive feature is the potential to account for the observed lack of power of the large-scale cosmic microwave background anisotropy. The preferred direction in the sky, singled out by the axis of symmetry inherent to planar symmetry of ellipsoidal universe, could in principle be constrained by future cosmic parallax data. However, that will be a real possibility if and when the experimental accuracy will be enhanced at least by two orders of magnitude.
HOPF MAPS AND WIGNER'S LITTLE GROUPS
Authors: MKRTCHYAN RUBEN , NERSESSIAN ARMEN , YEGHIKYAN VAHAGN
Published: June 2011

We present the explicit formulas relating Hopf maps with Wigner's little groups. They, particularly, explain simple action of group on a fiber for the first and second Hopf fibrations, and present most simplified form for the third one. Corresponding invariant Lagrangians are presented, and their possible reductions are discussed.
INVESTIGATION OF NUCLEAR STRUCTURE OF EVEN–EVEN 98–136Cd, 102–136Te AND 114–146Xe ISOTOPES
Authors: AYTEKIN HÜSEYIN
Published: June 2011

In this paper, the ground state properties of neutron rich even–even Cd, Te and Xe isotopes are investigated using the Skyrme–Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov (SHFB) methods with SKM* and SLy4 force parameters. These isotopes are vital to the structural studies of unstable nuclei taking place at near Z = 50 closed shell. The main subject of this paper is to calculate the binding energies per particle, the rms nuclear charge radii, the rms nuclear proton density radii, and the rms nuclear neutron density radii with SHFB methods. The results are compared with experimental data and with the results of relativistic meanfield theory (RMFT). In addition to these calculations the initial neutron and proton exciton numbers for 112 Cd , 124 Te and 126 Xe isotopes, which have high cross sections for proton induced nuclear reactions (p, 2n) and used for radioisotopes production, will also be calculated. These exciton numbers can be used for pre-equilibrium proton induced (p, 2n) reactions on 112 Cd , 124 Te and 126 Xe isotopes.
KN EQUATIONS HIERARCHY WITH SELF-CONSISTENT SOURCES AND ITS INTEGRABLE COUPLINGS
Authors: YU FA-JUN , CHANG JIN-CAI
Published: June 2011

A hierarchy of the KN equations with self-consistent sources is derived with the Lie algebra sl(4). As an application example, the integrable couplings of the KN soliton hierarchy with self-consistent sources are constructed by using of Kronecker product and loop algebra [Formula: see text].
THE PROPERTIES OF STRONG-COUPLING IMPURITY BOUND MAGNETOPOLARON IN AN ANISOTROPIC QUANTUM DOT
Authors: XIAO WEI , XIAO JING-LIN
Published: June 2011

We study the vibrational frequency, the ground-state energy and the ground-state binding energy of the strong-coupling impurity bound magnetopolaron in an anisotropic quantum dot. The effects of the transverse and longitudinal effective confinement lengths, the electron–phonon coupling strength, the cyclotron frequency of a magnetic field and the Coulomb bound potential are taken into consideration by using an linear combination operator and unitary transformation methods. It is found that the vibrational frequency, the ground-state energy and the ground-state binding energy will increase rapidly with decreasing confinement lengths. The vibrational frequency is an increasing function of the Coulomb bound potential, the electron–phonon coupling strength and cyclotron frequency, whereas the ground-state energy is a decreasing function of the potential and coupling strength, and the ground-state binding energy is an increasing function of the potential and coupling strength. The ground-state energy and the ground-state binding energy increases with increasing cyclotron frequency.
Expression of renal distal tubule transporters TRPM6 and NCC in a rat model of cyclosporine nephrotoxicity and effect of EGF treatment
Authors: Ledeganck Kristien J. , Boulet Gaëlle A. , Horvath Caroline A. , Vinckx Marleen , Bogers Johannes J. , Van Den Bossche Rita , Verpooten Gert A. , De Winter Benedicte Y.
Published: June 2011

Renal magnesium (Mg2+) and sodium (Na+) loss are well-known side effects of cyclosporine (CsA) treatment in humans, but the underlying mechanisms still remain unclear. Recently, it was shown that epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates Mg2+ reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) via TRPM6 (Thébault S, Alexander RT, Tiel Groenestege WM, Hoenderop JG, Bindels RJ. J Am Soc Nephrol 20: 78–85, 2009). In the DCT, the final adjustment of renal sodium excretion is regulated by the thiazide-sensitive Na+-Cl− cotransporter (NCC), which is activated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The aim of this study was to gain more insight into the molecular mechanisms of CsA-induced hypomagnesemia and hyponatremia. Therefore, the renal expression of TRPM6, TRPM7, EGF, EGF receptor, claudin-16, claudin-19, and the NCC, and the effect of the RAAS on NCC expression, were analyzed in vivo in a rat model of CsA nephrotoxicity. Also, the effect of EGF administration on these parameters was studied. CsA significantly decreased the renal expression of TRPM6, TRPM7, NCC, and EGF, but not that of claudin-16 and claudin-19. Serum aldosterone was significantly lower in CsA-treated rats. In control rats treated with EGF, an increased renal expression of TRPM6 together with a decreased fractional excretion of Mg2+ (FE Mg2+) was demonstrated. EGF did not show this beneficial effect on TRPM6 and FE Mg2+ in CsA-treated rats. These data suggest that CsA treatment affects Mg2+ homeostasis via the downregulation of TRPM6 in the DCT. Furthermore, CsA downregulates the NCC in the DCT, associated with an inactivation of the RAAS, resulting in renal sodium loss.
Reversal of anemia with allogenic RBC transfusion prevents post-cardiopulmonary bypass acute kidney injury in swine
Authors: Patel Nishith N. , Lin Hua , Toth Tibor , Welsh Gavin I. , Jones Ceri , Ray Paramita , Satchell Simon C. , Sleeman Philippa , Angelini Gianni D. , Murphy Gavin J.
Published: June 2011

Anemia during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is strongly associated with acute kidney injury in clinical studies; however, reversal of anemia with red blood cell (RBC) transfusions is associated with further renal injury. To understand this paradox, we evaluated the effects of reversal of anemia during CPB with allogenic RBC transfusion in a novel large-animal model of post-cardiac surgery acute kidney injury with significant homology to that observed in cardiac surgery patients. Adult pigs undergoing general anesthesia were allocated to a Sham procedure, CPB alone, Sham+RBC transfusion, or CPB+RBC transfusion, with recovery and reassessment at 24 h. CPB was associated with dilutional anemia and caused acute kidney injury in swine characterized by renal endothelial dysfunction, loss of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, vasoconstriction, medullary hypoxia, cortical ATP depletion, glomerular sequestration of activated platelets and inflammatory cells, and proximal tubule epithelial cell stress. RBC transfusion in the absence of CPB also resulted in renal injury. This was characterized by endothelial injury, microvascular endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, and equivalent cortical tubular epithelial phenotypic changes to those observed in CPB pigs, but occurred in the absence of severe intrarenal vasoconstriction, ATP depletion, or reductions in creatinine clearance. In contrast, reversal of anemia during CPB with RBC transfusion prevented the reductions in creatinine clearance, loss of NO bioavailability, platelet activation, inflammation, and epithelial cell injury attributable to CPB although it did not prevent the development of significant intrarenal vasoconstriction and endothelial dysfunction. In conclusion, contrary to the findings of observational studies in cardiac surgery, RBC transfusion during CPB protects pigs against acute kidney injury. Our study underlines the need for translational research into indications for transfusion and prevention strategies for acute kidney injury.
Establishment of conditionally immortalized human glomerular mesangial cells in culture, with unique migratory properties
Authors: Sarrab Ramadan M. , Lennon Rachel , Ni Lan , Wherlock Matthew D. , Welsh Gavin I. , Saleem Moin A.
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to establish an immortalized human mesangial cell line similar to mesangial cells in vivo for use as a tool for understanding glomerular cell function. Mesangial cells were isolated from glomerular outgrowths from a normal human kidney, then retrovirally transfected with a temperature-sensitive SV40T antigen+human telomerase (hTERT). Mesangial cells exhibited features of compact cells with small bodies in a confluent monolayer at 33°C, but the cell shape changed to flat and stellate after 5 days in growth-restrictive conditions (37°C). Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis showed that podocyte markers (nephrin, CD2AP, podocin, Wilms' tumor-1) and an endothelial-specific molecule (VE-cadherin) were not detectable in this cell line, whereas markers characteristic of mesangial cells (α-SMA, fibronectin, and PDGFβ-R) were strongly expressed. In migration assays, a significant reduction in wound surface was observed in podocyte and endothelial cells as soon as 12 h (75 and 62%, respectively) and complete wound closure after 24 h. In contrast, no significant change was observed in mesangial cells after 12 h, and even after 48 h the wounds were not completely closed. Until now, conditionally immortalized podocyte and endothelial cell lines derived from mice and humans have been described, and this has greatly boosted research on glomerular physiology and pathology. We have established the first conditionally immortalized human glomerular mesangial cell line, which will be an important adjunct in studies of representative glomerular cells, as well as in coculture studies. Unexpectedly, mesangial cells' ability to migrate seems to be slower than for other glomerular cells, suggesting this line will demonstrate functional properties distinct from previously available mesangial cell cultures. This conditionally immortalized human mesangial cell line represents a new tool for the study of human mesangial cell biology in vitro.
Facilitation of postural limb reflexes in spinal rabbits by serotonergic agonist administration, epidural electrical stimulation, and postural training
Authors: Lyalka V. F. , Hsu L.-J. , Karayannidou A. , Zelenin P. V. , Orlovsky G. N. , Deliagina T. G.
Published: June 2011

In quadrupeds, spinalization in the thoracic region severely impairs postural control in the hindquarters. The goal of this study was to improve postural functions in chronic spinal rabbits by regular application of different factors: intrathecal injection of the 5-HT2 agonist (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI), epidural electrical spinal cord stimulation (EES), and specific postural training (SPT). The factors were used either alone (SPT group) or in combination (DOI+SPT, EES+SPT, and DOI+EES+SPT groups) or not used (control group). It was found that in none of these groups did normal postural corrective movements in response to lateral tilts of the supporting platform reappear within the month of treatment. In control group, reduced irregular electromyographic (EMG) responses, either correctly or incorrectly phased in relation to tilts, were observed. By contrast, in DOI+SPT and EES+SPT groups, a gradual threefold increase in the proportion of correctly phased EMG responses (compared with control) was observed. The increase was smaller in DOI+EES+SPT and SPT groups. Dissimilarly to these long-term effects, short-term effects of DOI and EES were weak or absent. In addition, gradual development of oscillatory EMG activity in the responses to tilts, characteristic for the control group, was retarded in DOI+SPT, EES+SPT, DOI+EES+SPT, and SPT groups. Thus regular application of the three tested factors and their combinations caused progressive, long-lasting plastic changes in the isolated spinal networks, resulting in the facilitation of spinal postural reflexes and in the retardation of the development of oscillatory EMG activity. The facilitated reflexes, however, were insufficient for normal postural functions.
Evidence for the use of rotational optic flow cues for locomotor steering in healthy older adults
Authors: Berard Jessica R. , Fung Joyce , Lamontagne Anouk
Published: June 2011

Optic flow is a powerful visual cue for the control of locomotion. Considerable research has focused on how healthy young people use and perceive optic flow. However, little is known on how older adults use this type of visual motion to control walking. The purpose of this study is to investigate the ability of young and older adults to adjust their physical walking trajectory in response to a rotation of the optic flow presented in a virtual environment. Ten healthy young adults (mean age 23.49 ± 4.72 yr) and 10 healthy older adults (mean age 76.22 ± 3.11 yr) participated in the study. Subjects were instructed to walk straight in a virtual environment viewed within a head-mounted display unit as they walked overground for 5 m, while the focus of expansion was gradually rotated to the left or the right by 40°. All subjects responded with a similar strategy by rotating their head and body in the direction away from the orientation of the perturbation. The younger subjects achieved almost complete corrections and had very small net heading errors. In contrast, the older adults had delayed and smaller reorientations, particularly in the head, thus showing significantly larger heading errors compared with younger subjects. We conclude that older adults retain the ability to use optic flow to control their walking trajectory, although smaller, delayed head rotations and larger heading errors may indicate an age-dependent effect on sensorimotor coordination.
Psychological Problems Derived from Mastectomy: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Arroyo José Manuel García , López María Luisa Domínguez
Published: June 2011

Advances in treatment of breast cancer have not avoided using mastectomy in all cases, and when this happens, we are dealing with a woman who is suffering from psychological problems. In order to study this issue we have carried out a research with the collaboration of The Andalusian Association of Women with Mastectomies (AMAMA) in Seville, which provided us with a sample of 46 mastectomized women. The objective of this study is to analyze in depth the psychological reaction of women to mastectomy through its different stages from diagnosis to surgical treatment. We chose a cualitative method so as to explore the subjective components of psicologycal respons. As a result, we found in studied women: (a) The “fracture” of the “corporal imaginary” related to the disappearance of a valuable organ, linked to the feeling of loss of personal attractiveness, low self-esteem and avoidance of social relationships. (b) The problem with “femininity” has been linked to the issue of “desirability”, something innate in the “feminine position”. (c) Many of them keep in mind the idea of mutilation, as a “hole” which is impossible to integrate. (d) Finally, we demonstrate how certain features of personality made them especially vulnerable to the explained phenomena.
EGFR Signals Downregulate Tumor Suppressors miR-143 and miR-145 in Western Diet–Promoted Murine Colon Cancer: Role of G1 Regulators
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Dougherty Urszula , Robinson Victoria , Mustafi Reba , Pekow Joel , Kupfer Sonia , Li Yan-Chun , Hart John , Goss Kathleen , Fichera Alessandro , Joseph Loren , Bissonnette Marc
Published: June 2011

Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) contribute to colonic tumorigenesis in experimental models of colon cancer. We previously showed that EGFR was also required for colonic tumor promotion by Western diet. The goal of this study was to identify EGFR-regulated microRNAs that contribute to diet-promoted colonic tumorigenesis. Murine colonic tumors from Egfrwt and hypomorphic Egfrwa2 mice were screened using micro RNA (miRNA) arrays and miR-143 and miR-145 changes confirmed by Northern, real-time PCR, and in situ analysis. Rodent and human sporadic and ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated colon cancers were examined for miR-143 and miR-145. Effects of EGFR on miR-143 and miR-145 expression were assessed in murine and human colonic cells and their putative targets examined in vitro and in vivo. miR-143 and miR-145 were readily detected in normal colonocytes and comparable in Egfrwt and Egfrwa2 mice. These miRNAs were downregulated in azoxymethane and inflammation-associated colonic tumors from Egfrwt mice but upregulated in Egfrwa2 tumors. They were also reduced in human sporadic and UC colon cancers. EGFR signals suppressed miR-143 and miR-145 in human and murine colonic cells. Transfected miR-143 and miR-145 inhibited HCT116 cell growth in vitro and in vivo and downregulated G1 regulators, K-Ras, MYC, CCND2, cdk6, and E2F3, putative or established targets of these miRNAs. miRNA targets Ras and MYC were increased in colonic tumors from Egfrwt but not Egfrwa2 mice fed a Western diet. EGFR suppresses miR-143 and miR-145 in murine models of colon cancer. Furthermore, Western diet unmasks the tumor suppressor roles of these EGFR-regulated miRNAs. Mol Cancer Res; 9(7); 960–75. ©2011 AACR.
Bipolar Mood Disorder, Creativity and Schizotypy: An Experimental Study
Authors: Rybakowski Janusz K. , Klonowska Paulina
Published: June 2011

Aims: Our purpose was to make an experimental assessment of the elements of creativity and the features of schizotypy in patients with bipolar disorder, compared with healthy control subjects and to investigate the effect of an acute affective episode (depressed or manic) and the features of schizotypy on the measurements of creativity. Methods: Forty patients with bipolar disorder, and 48 age- and gender-matched control subjects were studied. For the assessment of creativity the Revised Art Scale and the ‘inventiveness’ part of the Berlin Intelligence Structure Test (BIS) were used. The Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences was applied for estimation of schizotypy. Results: The bipolar patients did not differ on the RAS scale from the control subjects but obtained significantly higher scores on the BIS-total as well as on the verbal part of the test. Their scores on the BIS scale during depression were significantly lower than in remission. The bipolar patients obtained significantly higher scores on all dimensions of schizotypy compared with the controls. Conclusions: These results confirm previous data showing higher scores on some creativity scales in bipolar patients compared with healthy subjects. They also corroborate a relationship between the features of schizotypy and creativity scores in bipolar patients.
Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease and Associated Risk Factors, and Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease: Data from the PREVADIAB Study
Authors: Vinhas José , Gardete-Correia Luis , Boavida José Manuel , Raposo João Filipe , Mesquita Ana , Fona Maria Conceição , Carvalho Raquel , Massano-Cardoso Salvador
Published: June 2011

Background/Aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem. However, data on risk factors and prevalence of CKD exist only in a small number of countries. Portugal has the highest incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among European countries, but there are huge disparities among countries. Whether these disparities reflect differences in risk factors, prevalence of CKD or other factors is currently unknown. Methods: We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 5,167 subjects, and estimated the prevalence of CKD and associated risk factors, and combined these prevalence estimates with available data on ESRD. Results: The prevalence of risk factors such as diabetes (11.7%), obesity (33.7%), and metabolic syndrome (41.5%) was similar to that in the US, but greater than in most European countries. The prevalence of CKD stages 3–5 was 6.1%, which is similar to that in other Western countries. The risk of ESRD was greater than in other European countries, but lower than in the US. Conclusion: The high incidence of ESRD among the Portuguese population is not due to a greater prevalence of CKD. A higher rate of progression associated with the high prevalence of risk factors may account for the high incidence of ESRD. The role of unmeasured factors needs to be evaluated in further studies.
Pure Red Cell Aplasia Induced Only by Intravenous Administration of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin
Authors: Shimizu Hiroaki , Saitoh Takayuki , Ota Fumie , Jimbo Takahiro , Tsukada Yoshito , Murakami Hirokazu , Nojima Yoshihisa
Published: June 2011

Antibody (Ab)-mediated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare but important side effect in patients with chronic kidney disease who receive recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). Ab-mediated PRCA was first reported in the 1990s, and the incidence subsequently increased and reached a peak in 2001. After improvements in rhEPO products and the administration route, the incidence was reduced by 90%, and now Ab-mediated PRCA only develops in a limited number of patients who receive rhEPO subcutaneously for a long period. We describe here the clinical course of one such rare patient with Ab-mediated PRCA. The patient was a 70-year-old man with chronic renal failure secondary to diabetic nephropathy. He had not received rhEPO therapy before the initiation of hemodialysis. He started hemodialysis and began to receive rhEPO therapy intravenously. Three months later, his hemoglobin level started declining and he became transfusion dependent. A diagnosis of Ab-mediated PRCA was made by bone marrow examination and detection of anti-EPO Abs. He was successfully treated with cyclosporine and became independent of blood transfusions. This case is a reminder that vigilance is required regarding the development of Ab-mediated PRCA upon rhEPO therapy, regardless of the administration route.
Multifactorial Analysis of Factors Associated with the Incidence and Progression of Erosive Tooth Wear
Authors: El Aidi H. , Bronkhorst E.M. , Huysmans M.C.D.N.J.M. , Truin G.J.
Published: June 2011

To prevent erosive tooth wear, early diagnosis and identification of causative factors are essential. The aim of the present 3-year longitudinal study was to investigate the association between a broad collection of biological and behavioural factors and the incidence and progression of erosive tooth wear among adolescents. The study sample consisted of 656 attendees of a dental clinic with at baseline a mean age of 11.9 years (SD = 0.9). The criteria for the assessment of erosive wear were a modification of the erosion criteria developed by Lussi [Eur J Oral Sci 1996;104:191–198]. Information on biological and behavioural factors was gathered by clinical examinations (at baseline, after 1.5 and 3 years) and by self-reported questionnaires (completed semi-annually). Of the erosion-free children at baseline, 24.2% developed erosive wear. In children with erosion at baseline, 68.3% showed progression. Multivariate analyses showed significant associations between the incidence of erosive tooth wear and alcoholic mixed drinks (odds ratio, OR = 1.82), sour vegetables (OR = 1.16) and tooth grinding (OR = 4.03). The intake of yoghurt products was significantly negatively associated with the incidence of erosive wear (OR = 0.79). The interaction of acidic products and tooth grinding showed a significant extra risk (OR = 1.2). The intake of vitamins was positively associated with progression (OR = 2.03). Erosive wear was less likely to progress in subjects who consumed milk and yoghurt products (OR = 0.89 and 0.76, respectively). The present study showed that the aetiology of erosive tooth wear is complex. Possible aetiological factors include more than acidic drinks, and factors such as tooth grinding play a large role.
Phase II Study of Combined Treatment with Irinotecan and S-1 (IRIS) in Patients with Inoperable or Recurrent Advanced Colorectal Cancer (HGCSG0302)
Authors: Komatsu Yoshito , Yuki Satoshi , Sogabe Susumu , Fukushima Hiraku , Iwanaga Ichiro , Kudo Mineo , Tateyama Miki , Meguro Takashi , Uebayashi Minoru , Saga Akiyoshi , Sakata Yuh , Asaka Masahiro
Published: June 2011

Objectives: This phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 plus irinotecan (IRIS regimen) in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods: The response rate was the primary endpoint. Safety, progression-free survival time, and median survival time were secondary endpoints. The subjects were untreated patients with inoperable advanced colorectal cancer. Irinotecan was administered at a dose of 100 mg/m2 (on days 1 and 15). S-1 (40 mg/m2) was administered for 2 weeks (on days 1 to 14) and followed by a 2-week rest. Results: Forty patients were enrolled. Four patients had grade 4 neutropenia, and six patients had grade 3 diarrhea. No other serious hematologic or nonhematologic adverse reactions occurred, and all patients received IRIS safely on an outpatient basis. The response rate was 52.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36.1–68.5%). Median progression-free survival was 8.6 months (95% CI, 5.3–11.9), and median survival time was 23.4 months (95% CI, 15.9–30.8). Conclusions: IRIS produced a high response rate and could be given safely. IRIS may become a first-line treatment for inoperable or recurrent advanced colorectal cancer.
Haemostatic profiles assessed by thromboelastography in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Darlington Andrew , Luis Ferreiro Josè , Ueno Masafumi , Suzuki Yoshi , Desai Bhaloo , Capranzano Piera , Capodanno Davide , Tello-Montoliu Antonio , Bass Theodore A. , Nahman Norris S , Angiolillo Dominick J.
Published: June 2011

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have abnormalities in the cellular and plasmatic systems regulating blood homeostasis, which may contribute to their risk for thrombotic and bleeding complications. However, their relative contributions in this population are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of enzymatic and cellular abnormalities in ESRD patients on haemodialysis as assessed by thromboelastography (TEG®). Whole blood samples were analysed by TEG in ESRD patients (n=70) and in a control group (n=70) of subjects with coronary artery disease. Profiles were constructed considering the maximum amplitude (MA), a marker of platelet function, and reaction time (R), a marker of thrombin generation, values. R values were higher in ESRD patients compared with the control group (8.2 ± 2.8 vs. 5.7 ± 1.9 minutes [min], p <0.0001), while there were no differences in MA (66.7 ± 8.1 vs. 66.2 ± 6.6 mm, p=0.562). Nor mal manufacturer defined coagulation (2–8 min) and aggregation (51–69 mm) parameters were present in 31% of ESRD patients compared with 56% of controls (p=0.006). A hypocoagulable status was observed in 42.9% of ESRD patients compared with 8.9% in the control group (p<0.0001). There were no differences in platelet function, which showed a hyperaggregable status in 41.4% versus 35.7% of cases (p=0.603). Abnormalities in both parameters were observed in 15.7% of ESRD patients versus 1.4% in the control group (p = 0.004), which were more common among older patients (p= 0.005). In conclusion, patients with ESRD have an elevated prevalence of abnormal haemostatic profiles, which may contribute to their elevated risk of bleeding and thrombotic complications.
Framing Matters
Authors: Babbitt Laura G. , Sommers Samuel R.
Published: June 2011

Previous studies indicate that interracial interactions frequently have negative outcomes but have typically focused on social contexts. The current studies examined the effect of manipulating interaction context. In Study 1, Black and White participants worked together with instructions that created either a social focus or a task focus. With a task focus, interracial pairs were more consistently synchronized, Black participants showed less executive function depletion, and White participants generally showed reduced implicit bias. Follow-up studies suggested that prejudice concerns help explain these findings: White participants reported fewer concerns about appearing prejudiced when they imagined an interracial interaction with a task focus rather than a social focus (Study 2a), and Black participants reported less vigilance against prejudice in an imagined interracial interaction with a task focus rather than a social focus (Study 2b). Taken together, these studies illustrate the importance of interaction context for the experiences of both Blacks and Whites.
Fitting In but Getting Fat
Authors: Guendelman Maya D. , Cheryan Sapna , Monin Benoît
Published: June 2011

In two experiments, we tested the hypothesis that pressure felt by U.S. immigrant groups to prove they belong in America causes them to consume more prototypically American, and consequently less healthy, foods. Asian Americans were three times more likely to report a prototypically American food as their favorite after being asked whether they spoke English than when they had not been asked; in contrast, questioning the English abilities of White Americans had no effect on their reports (Experiment 1). Also, Asian Americans ordered and ate dishes that were more American and contained an average of 182 additional calories and 12 extra grams of fat when their American identity was directly challenged than when their American identity was not challenged (Experiment 2). Identity-based psychological processes may help explain why the diets of U.S. immigrant groups tend to decline in nutritional value with longer residence in the United States and over generations.
Scalable detection of MPI-2 remote memory access inefficiency patterns
Authors: Hermanns Marc-André , Geimer Markus , Mohr Bernd , Wolf Felix
Published: June 2011

Wait states in parallel applications can be identified by scanning event traces for characteristic patterns. In our earlier work we defined such inefficiency patterns for MPI-2 one-sided communication, although still based on a serial trace-analysis scheme with limited scalability. In this article we show how wait states in one-sided communications can be detected in a more scalable fashion by taking advantage of a new scalable trace-analysis approach based on a parallel replay, which was originally developed for MPI-1 point-to-point and collective communication. Moreover, we demonstrate the scalability of our method and its usefulness for the optimization cycle with applications running on up to 32,768 cores.
Hyperhomocysteinemia impairs endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor–mediated vasorelaxation in transgenic cystathionine beta synthase–deficient mice
Authors: Cheng Zhongjian , Jiang Xiaohua , Kruger Warren D. , Praticò Domenico , Gupta Sapna , Mallilankaraman Karthik , Madesh Muniswamy , Schafer Andrew I. , Durante William , Yang Xiaofeng , Wang Hong
Published: June 2011

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with endothelial dysfunction (ED), but the mechanism is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of HHcy-induced ED in microvasculature in our newly established mouse model of severe HHcy (plasma total homocysteine, 169.5μM). We found that severe HHcy impaired nitric oxide (NO)– and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)–mediated, endothelium-dependent relaxations of small mesenteric arteries (SMAs). Endothelium-independent and prostacyclin-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxations were not changed. A nonselective Ca2+-activated potassium channel (KCa) inhibitor completely blocked EDHF-mediated relaxation. Selective blockers for small-conductance KCa (SK) or intermediate-conductance KCa (IK) failed to inhibit EDHF-mediated relaxation in HHcy mice. HHcy increased the levels of SK3 and IK1 protein, superoxide (O2−), and 3-nitrotyrosine in the endothelium of SMAs. Preincubation with antioxidants and peroxynitrite (ONOO−) inhibitors improved endothelium-dependent and EDHF-mediated relaxations and decreased O2− production in SMAs from HHcy mice. Further, EDHF-mediated relaxation was inhibited by ONOO− and prevented by catalase in the control mice. Finally, L-homocysteine stimulated O2− production, which was reversed by antioxidants, and increased SK/IK protein levels and tyrosine nitration in cultured human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells. Our results suggest that HHcy impairs EDHF relaxation in SMAs by inhibiting SK/IK activities via oxidation- and tyrosine nitration–related mechanisms.
New mutations and pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Vainchenker William , Delhommeau François , Constantinescu Stefan N. , Bernard Olivier A.
Published: June 2011

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal disorders characterized by excessive production of mature blood cells. In the majority of classic MPN—polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primitive myelofibrosis—driver oncogenic mutations affecting Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) or MPL lead to constitutive activation of cytokine-regulated intracellular signaling pathways. LNK, c-CBL, or SOCSs (all negative regulators of signaling pathways), although infrequently targeted, may either drive the disease or synergize with JAK2 and MPL mutations. IZF1 deletions or TP53 mutations are mainly found at transformation phases and are present at greater frequency than in de novo acute myeloid leukemias. Loss-of-function mutations in 3 genes involved in epigenetic regulation, TET2, ASXL1, and EZH2, may be early events preceding JAK2V617F but may also occur late during disease progression. They are more frequently observed in PMF than PV and ET and are also present in other types of malignant myeloid diseases. A likely hypothesis is that they facilitate clonal selection, allowing the dominance of the JAK2V617F subclone during the chronic phase and, together with cooperating mutations, promote blast crisis. Their precise roles in hematopoiesis and in the pathogenesis of MPN, as well as their prognostic impact and potential as a therapeutic target, are currently under investigation.