bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing a vapour‐phase model of stomatal responses to humidity
Authors: MOTT KEITH A. , PEAK DAVID
Published: October 2012

This study tests two predictions from a recently proposed model for stomatal responses to humidity and temperature. The model is based on water potential equilibrium between the guard cells and the air at the bottom of the stomatal pore and contains three independent variables: gs0, Z and Θ. gs0 is the value of stomatal conductance that would occur at saturating humidity and will vary among leaves and with CO2 and light. The value of Z is determined primarily by the resistance to heat transfer from the epidermis to the evaporating site and the value of Θ is determined primarily by the resistance to water vapour diffusion from the evaporating site to the guard cells. This leads to the two predictions that were tested. Firstly, the values of Z and Θ should be constant for leaves of a given species grown under given conditions, although gs0 should vary among leaves and with light and CO2. And secondly, the ratio of Z to Θ should be higher in leaves having their stomata in crypts because the distance for heat transfer is greater than that for water vapour diffusion. Data from three species, Nerium oleander, Pastinaca sativum and Xanthium strumarium support these two predictions.
Midline Congenital Cervical Cleft Mimicking Linear Scleroderma
Authors: Méndez‐Gallart Roberto , Martinez Elina Estévez , Rodríguez‐Barca Pablo , Nallib Ihab Abdulkader , Bautista‐Casasnovas Adolfo
Published: October 2012

Midline congenital cervical cleft is an extremely uncommon anomaly of the neck. Fewer than 100 cases have been reported. It is usually described as a cervical scar‐like skin defect. We present a case of midline cervical cleft mimicking linear morphea and treated with topical steroids for 2 years. This is an unusual presentation of this entity that must be treated with surgical excision to confirm the diagnosis histopathologically.
Unilateral Striae Distensae Affecting the Right Axilla in a 16‐Year‐Old Boy: Brief Report
Authors: Alshaiji Jasem M. , Handler Marc Z. , Schwartzfarb Elissa , Izakovic Jan , Schachner Lawrence A.
Published: October 2012

Striae distensae or stretch marks are a common skin condition that occurs frequently in association with adolescent growth spurts and pregnancy. They are characterized by linear symmetrical asymptomatic smooth bands of atrophic‐appearing skin on the thighs, buttocks, and breasts in girls and on the shoulders, outer thighs, and lumbosacral areas in boys. We present a rare case of unilateral striae distensae affecting the right axilla in a 16‐year‐old boy.
Prostaglandin E2 receptors have differential effects on Leishmania major infection
Authors: Penke L. R. , Sudan R. , Sathishkumar S. , Saha B.
Published: October 2012

Through their receptors, prostaglandins play crucial roles in various infections. Although prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is implicated as a susceptibility factor in Leishmania infection, the relative contributions of its four receptors – EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 – to this infection remain unknown. We report that Leishmania major infection of BALB/c‐derived peritoneal macrophages up‐regulated EP1 and EP3 expressions but down‐regulated EP2 and EP4 expressions. EP2 and EP4 agonists reduced parasite load, but EP1 and EP3 agonists increased parasite load in macrophages in vitro. Agonists of EP2 and EP4, antagonists of EP1 and EP3, or lentivirally expressed EP1‐shRNA and EP3‐shRNA significantly reduced parasite burden in susceptible BALB/c mice. These novel data suggest differential regulation and counteractive functions of EP receptor subsets.
Virulence Meets Metabolism: Cra and KdpE Gene Regulation in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Njoroge Jacqueline W. , Nguyen Y. , Curtis Meredith M. , Moreira Cristiano G. , Sperandio Vanessa
Published: October 2012

Gastrointestinal (GI) bacteria sense diverse environmental signals as cues for differential gene regulation and niche adaptation. Pathogens such as enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC), which causes bloody diarrhea, use these signals for the temporal and energy-efficient regulation of their virulence factors. One of the main virulence strategies employed by EHEC is the formation of attaching and effacing (AE) lesions on enterocytes. Most of the genes necessary for the formation of these lesions are grouped within a pathogenicity island, the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), whose expression requires the LEE-encoded regulator Ler. Here we show that growth of EHEC in glycolytic environments inhibits the expression of
ler
and consequently all other LEE genes. Conversely, growth within a gluconeogenic environment activates expression of these genes. This sugar-dependent regulation is achieved through two transcription factors: KdpE and Cra. Both Cra and KdpE directly bind to the
ler
promoter, and Cra’s affinity to this promoter is catabolite dependent. Moreover, we show that the Cra and KdpE proteins interact
in vitro
and that KdpE’s ability to bind DNA is enhanced by the presence of Cra. Cra is important for AE lesion formation, and KdpE contributes to this Cra-dependent regulation. The deletion of
cra
and
kdpE
resulted in the ablation of AE lesions. One of the many challenges that bacteria face within the GI tract is to successfully compete for carbon sources. Linking carbon metabolism to the precise coordination of virulence expression is a key step in the adaptation of pathogens to the GI environment.

IMPORTANCE
An appropriate and prompt response to environmental cues is crucial for bacterial survival. Cra and KdpE are two proteins found in both nonpathogenic and pathogenic bacteria that regulate genes in response to differences in metabolite concentration. In this work, we show that, in the deadly pathogen enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) O157:H7, which causes bloody diarrhea, these two proteins influence important virulence traits. We also propose that their control of one or more of these virulence traits is due to the direct interaction of the Cra and KdpE proteins with each other, as well as with their DNA targets. This work shows how EHEC coopts established mechanisms for sensing the metabolites and stress cues in the environment, to induce virulence factors in a temporal and energy-efficient manner, culminating in disease. Understanding how pathogens commandeer nonpathogenic systems can help us develop measures to control them.
Rectal adenocarcinoma in an adult with imperforate anus at birth
Authors: Gupta Rahul Amreesh , Nagral Sanjay , Mangukiya Dhaval , Nagral Aabha
Published: October 2012

A 43-year-old man with imperforate anus surgically corrected at birth presented with bleeding per rectum and constipation. On investigations, there was an adenocarcinoma at 2 cm from anal verge involving mid and lower rectum. He underwent abdominoperineal resection. During surgery, he was found to have a rectourethral fistula. The relationship between imperforate anus, rectourethral fistula and carcinoma of rectum is disclosed.
Ventricular fibrillation coinciding with phentermine initiation
Authors: Tobbia Patrick , Norris Leslie A , Klima Lawrence D
Published: October 2012

A 70-year-old woman developed ventricular fibrillation subsequent to initiation of phentermine therapy. She was hospitalised and experienced recurrent ventricular fibrillation. During cardiac catheterisation, she was found to have a right coronary artery vasospasm, which resolved with intravenous nitroglycerin. Her phentermine was discontinued and the patient remained symptom free at last follow-up.
Medical intervention in a constitutionally tall child
Authors: Nasrat Ghada H , Al-Alwan Ibrahim
Published: October 2012

Constitutionally tall stature (CTS) in children is a normal variant of growth within populations. Based mainly on psychological factors, sex steroids have been prescribed since the 1950s to induce puberty, as a mean to reduce final adult height. Controversy remains in the treatment of CTS, as well as lack of established criteria for initiating treatment. We report a constitutionally tall Saudi boy who was treated with sex steroids and was successful in reducing his final adult height.
Sweet's syndrome as the presenting manifestation of gall bladder adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jindal Rashmi , Jain Anshu , Mittal Ankur , Shirazi Nadia
Published: October 2012

Sweet's syndrome is a neutrophilic inflammatory dermatosis presenting with sudden onset tender red to purple papules and nodules, fever and neutrophilia. Gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections, pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, drugs and malignancy are some of the known aetiological factors. Paraneoplastic Sweet's syndrome accounts for 15–20% cases and thus forms an important subset. At times its onset helps in suspecting an underlying malignancy, thus making timely intervention possible. In the present case report Sweet's syndrome was the presenting feature of gall bladder adenocarcinoma; an association that has been rarely reported before.
Lack of effect of high-volume continuous veno-venous haemofiltration with dialysis in massive carbamazepine overdose
Authors: Shah Sachin , Tomlin Mark , Sparkes David
Published: October 2012

A 32-year-old man, with a long history of chronic pain and bipolar disorder, was admitted to our emergency department 2 h after a mixed overdose, predominately consisting of carbamazepine. Following no clinical improvement after four days of ventilation on our intensive care unit (ICU), high-volume continuous veno-venous haemofiltration with dialysis was instituted to enhance the elimination of the carbamazepine. It had no significant effect on the patient's clinical status or serum carbamazepine level. It was discontinued after 48 h. He spontaneously recovered and was discharged uneventfully from ICU after 7 days.
Fatal haemoptysis due to ruptured aortic arch aneurysm with aorto-pulmonary fistula
Authors: Rajasekharan Chandrasekharan , Deepak Madhu , Ratheesh Narayanan Santhanavally
Published: October 2012

An 80-year-old woman presenting with a single episode of acute haemoptysis yielded a cup of fresh blood. She gave a history of acute onset breathlessness and retrosternal chest discomfort, breathlessness and chest discomfort (1 day). She had no history of pulmonary tuberculosis or bleeding diathesis. She was diagnosed with hypertension 20 years before, but she discontinued medications. On examination she was conscious, alert, pale and without cyanosis or icterus. Pulse rate was 100/mt, regular BP 200/140 mm of Hg right upper limb in the supine position. The radiograph of her chest showed an aortic arch aneurysm. A high-resolution computed scan of the chest showed a leaking aortic arch aneurysm with haemothorax and destruction of the bronchoalveolar architecture. Surgical correction was planned but she succumbed because of hypovolaemic shock. This case is reported as it is an important differential diagnosis of refractory haemoptysis.
Ruptured pulmonary hydatid disease mimicking a lung mass: diagnosed by flexible video bronchoscopy
Authors: Basu Arup , Dhamija Amit , Agarwal Abhishek , Jindal Pramoj
Published: October 2012

Echinococcosisis frequently seen in an endemic country like India. The vast majority of infestations in humans are caused byEchinococcosis granulosus. The cyst is most commonly seen in the liver in about 74% of the cases, followed by pulmonary involvement in about 24% of cases. In our case report, a 25-year-old man presented with a mass-like lesion in the upper and middle lobe of the right lung. The patient had deteriorated clinically as the mass like opacity grew in size. Here, we have highlighted an uncommon presentation of hydatid disease of the lung diagnosed by video bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as clinico-radiological examination along with FNAC (fine-needle aspiration cytology) of the lesion proved insufficient tools to make a diagnosis.
Sequence and comparative analysis of theMIPgene in Chinese straw mushroom,Volvariella volvacea
Authors: Chen Bing-Zhi , Gui Fu , Xie Bao-Gui , Zou Feng , Jiang Yu-Ji , Deng You-Jin
Published: October 2012

The mitochondrial intermediate peptidase (MIP) gene is conserved in fungi. It is linked closely with the mating-type A (mtA) gene. In this study, a fragment of the MIP gene in Volvariella volvacea (Bull. ex Fr.) Singer was first cloned by homologue-based cloning technology. Subsequently, the entire MIP DNA sequence (PYd21-MIP) was obtained after the fragment was compared with the genomic data through BLAST analysis. The PYd21-MIP sequence appeared to be homologous with the MIP gene in other fungi. Phylogenetic analysis of PYd21-MIP and other MIP sequences from diverse fungi agreed with the current organism phylogeny. Analysis of protein domains by InterProScan software and motif searching demonstrated that PYd21-MIP encodes a homologous MIP protein. These data support the hypothesis that the PYd21-MIP protein is a Hog-MIP protein homologue from V. volvacea.
Molecular and cytogenetic characterization of a small alien-segment translocation line carrying the softness genes of Haynaldia villosa
Authors: Zhang Ruiqi , Wang Xiue , Chen Peidu
Published: October 2012

The wheat–alien small segment translocation (SAST) lines carrying the beneficial genes from wild species are useful genetic stocks for wheat improvement. In this study, to introduce the grain hardness-related genes of Haynaldia villosa (L.) Schur. into common wheat ( Triticum aesitivum L.), the mature female gametes of whole-arm wheat – H. villosa translocation line T5VS·5DL was irradiated by 60CO-γ ray to develop SAST lines involving 5VS. Among the BC2F2 population, six homozygous SAST lines with different fragment sizes of 5VS were identified by GISH, and the exact fragment sizes were further defined using four 5VS-specific markers and four Ha gene-based markers. The results showed that five lines (NAU5VS-1 to NAU5VS-5) carried the softness gene Dina/Dinb of H. villosa, and that NAU5VS-5 had the smallest alien translocation segment, identified to be a 5VS-6AS·6AL terminal translocation. The translocation chromosome 5VS-6AS·6AL was proved to be stably inherited to the successive generations. In the BC3F2 generation, the individuals having the homozygous 5VS-6AS·6AL translocation chromosomes all showed soft grain texture, with an approximately 50% reduction in the SKCS hardness index compared with that of their backcrossing parent. Both the 5VS-6AS·6AL translocation line and the molecular markers developed in this study will be valuable in wheat breeding for soft grain quality improvement.
DNA methyltransferase 1(Dnmt1) mutation affectsSnrpnimprinting in the mouse male germ line
Authors: Saferali Aabida , Moussette Sanny , Chan Donovan , Trasler Jacquetta , Chen Taiping , Rozen Rima , Naumova Anna K.
Published: October 2012

DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferases are essential for spermatogenesis. Mutations in the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1 gene exert a paternal effect on epigenetic states and phenotypes of offspring, suggesting that DNMT1 is important for the epigenetic remodeling of the genome that takes place during spermatogenesis. However, the specific role of DNMT1 in spermatogenesis and the establishment of genomic imprints in the male germ line remains elusive. To further characterize the effect of DNMT1 deficiency on the resetting of methylation imprints during spermatogenesis, we analyzed the methylation profiles of imprinted regions in the spermatozoa of mice that were heterozygous for a Dnmt1 loss-of-function mutation. The mutation did not affect the H19 or IG differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that are usually highly methylated but led to a partial hypermethylation of the Snrpn DMR, a region that should normally be unmethylated in mature spermatozoa. This defect does not appear in mouse models with mutations in Dnmt3a and Mthfr genes and, therefore, it is specific for the Dnmt1 gene and is suggestive of a role of DNMT1 in imprint resetting or maintenance in the male germ line.
Multiple and different genomic rearrangements of therbcL gene are present in the parasitic orchidNeottia nidus-avis
Authors: Cafasso Donata , Chinali Gianni
Published: October 2012

In parasitic plants that have lost most, if not all, of their photosynthetic genes, the genome of their plastids has also undergone a dramatic reduction. For example, photosynthetic genes, such as rbcL, frequently become pseudogenes, in which large portions of the gene have been found to be deleted. Orchids are flowering plants with several parasitic lineages. This is consistent with the observation that parasitic orchids can invade pre-existing mutualistic associations between ectomycorrhizal trees and fungi to obtain fixed carbon and nutrients. In addition, some parasitic species are devoid of chlorophyll, and consequently, have lost their photosynthetic capacity. Here, the organization of the plastid genome of the parasitic orchid Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich. was investigated using sequencing and hybridization experiments. In particular, genomic rearrangements in the rbcL region of this parasitic orchid were analyzed. At least three distinct rbcL sequences were found to be present as pseudogenes and were likely located in the plastid genome. Based on these results, it is hypothesized that N. nidus-avis contains different plastomes, each with a different pseudogene, and these can exist within the same individual plant.
THE SINGLE TOP QUARK PHYSICS
Authors: BOOS E. , DUDKO L.
Published: October 2012

The single top quark production has an electroweak nature and provides an additional support to the top pair production source of the top quarks. The processes involving single top have unique properties and are very interesting from both theoretical and experimental viewpoints. Short review of the single top quark production processes is given in the paper.
LOCALIZED MODES OF A COMPRESSION WAVE IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL SOLID–SOLID PHONONIC CRYSTALS
Authors: XU ZHENLONG , WU FUGEN , GUO ZHONGNING
Published: October 2012

We have studied the compression (P) wave band structures at a low frequency in two-dimensional solid–solid phononic crystals. The plane-wave expansion method based on the decomposition of elastic waves was used. The pressure field distribution of P-wave localized modes at Γ points in the lowest bands, including multiple flat bands of systems comprising different configurations, were analyzed. The results show that a lower symmetry of the scatterer are an effective method to enhance the localization of vibration modes. The property has potential applications in the design of waveguides.
ANOTHER ANALYTIC VIEW ABOUT QUANTIFYING SOCIAL FORCES
Authors: AUSLOOS MARCEL
Published: October 2012

Montroll [Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA75 (1978) 4633–4637] had considered a Verhulst evolution approach for introducing a notion he called "social force", to describe a jump in some economic output when a new technology or product outcompetes a previous one. In fact, Montroll's adaptation of Verhulst equation is more like an economic field description than a "social force". The empirical Verhulst logistic function and the Gompertz double exponential law are used here in order to present an alternative view, within a similar mechanistic physics framework as done in [Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA75 (1978) 4633–4637]. As an example, a "social force" modifying the rate in the number of temples constructed by a religious movement, the Antoinist community, between 1910 and 1940 in Belgium is found and quantified. Practically, two temple inauguration regimes are seen to exist over different time spans, separated by a gap attributed to a specific "constraint", a taxation system, but allowing for a different, smooth, evolution rather than a jump. The impulse force duration is also emphasized as being better taken into account within the Gompertz framework. Moreover, a "social force" can be as here, attributed to a change in the limited need for capacity of some population, coupled to some external field, in either Verhulst or Gompertz equation, rather than resulting from already acquired but competing goods as in [Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA75 (1978) 4633–4637].
GLOBAL FLUCTUATIONS FOR LINEAR STATISTICS OF β-JACOBI ENSEMBLES
Authors: DUMITRIU IOANA , PAQUETTE ELLIOT
Published: October 2012

We study the global fluctuations for linear statistics of the form [Formula: see text] as n → ∞, for C1functions f, and λ1, …, λnbeing the eigenvalues of a (general) β-Jacobi ensemble. The fluctuation from the mean [Formula: see text] turns out to be given asymptotically by a Gaussian process. We compute the covariance matrix for the process and show that it is diagonalized by a shifted Chebyshev polynomial basis; in addition, we analyze the deviation from the predicted mean for polynomial test functions, and we obtain a law of large numbers.
Role of calcium-independent phospholipase A2β in human pancreatic islet β-cell apoptosis
Authors: Lei Xiaoyong , Zhang Sheng , Bohrer Alan , Barbour Suzanne E. , Ramanadham Sasanka
Published: October 2012

Death of β-cells due to apoptosis is an important contributor to β-cell dysfunction in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Previously, we described participation of the Group VIA Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β) in apoptosis of insulinoma cells due to ER stress. To examine whether islet β-cells are similarly susceptible to ER stress and undergo iPLA2β-mediated apoptosis, we assessed the ER stress response in human pancreatic islets. Here, we report that the iPLA2β protein is expressed predominantly in the β-cells of human islets and that thapsigargin-induced ER stress promotes β-cell apoptosis, as reflected by increases in activated caspase-3 in the β-cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ER stress is associated with increases in islet iPLA2β message, protein, and activity, iPLA2β-dependent induction of neutral sphingomyelinase and ceramide accumulation, and subsequent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. We also observe that basal activated caspase-3 increases with age, raising the possibility that β-cells in older human subjects have a greater susceptibility to undergo apoptotic cell death. These findings reveal for the first time expression of iPLA2β protein in human islet β-cells and that induction of iPLA2β during ER stress contributes to human islet β-cell apoptosis. We hypothesize that modulation of iPLA2β activity might reduce β-cell apoptosis and this would be beneficial in delaying or preventing β-cell dysfunction associated with diabetes.
Inconsistencies in the assessment of food intake
Authors: Woods Stephen C. , Langhans Wolfgang
Published: October 2012

Many peptides and other compounds that influence metabolism also influence food intake, and numerous hypotheses explaining the observed effects in terms of energy homeostasis have been suggested over the years. For example, cholecystokinin (CCK), a duodenal peptide secreted during meals that aids in digestion, also reduces ongoing food intake, thereby contributing to satiation; and insulin and leptin, hormones secreted in direct proportion to body fat, act in the brain to help control adiposity by reducing energy intake. These behavioral actions are often considered to be hard-wired, such that negative experiments, in which an administered compound fails to have its purported effect, are generally disregarded. In point of fact, failures to replicate the effects of compounds on food intake are commonplace, and this occurs both between and within laboratories. Failures to replicate have historically fueled heated debate about the efficacy and/or normal function of one or another compound, leading to confusion and ambiguity in the literature. We review these phenomena and their implications and argue that, rather than eliciting hard-wired behavioral responses in the maintenance of homeostasis, compounds that alter food intake are subjected to numerous influences that can render them completely ineffective at times and that a major reason for this variance is that food intake is not under stringent homeostatic control.
Functional prediction and physiological characterization of a novel short trans-membrane protein 1 as a subunit of mitochondrial respiratory complexes
Authors: Zhang Dapeng , Xi Yanwei , Coccimiglio Maria L. , Mennigen Jan A. , Jonz Michael G. , Ekker Marc , Trudeau Vance L.
Published: October 2012

Mitochondrial respiration is mediated by a set of multisubunit assemblies of proteins that are embedded in the mitochondrial inner membranes. Respiratory complexes do not only contain central catalytic subunits essential for the bioenergetic transformation, but also many short trans-membrane subunits (sTMs) that are implicated in the proper assembly of complexes. Defects in sTMs have been discovered in some human neurodegenerative diseases. Here we identify a new subunit that we named Stmp1 and have characterized its function using both computational and experimental approaches. Stmp1 is a short trans-membrane protein, and sequence/structure analysis revealed that it shares common features like the small size, presence of a single or two TM region, and a COOH-terminal charged region, as many typical sTMs of respiratory complexes. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR assays showed that the Stmp1 expression is ubiquitous throughout zebrafish embryogenesis. In adults, Stmp1 expression was highest in the brain compared with muscle and liver. In zebrafish larvae (3–5 days postfertilization), antisense morpholino oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown of the Stmp1 gene (Stmp1-MO) resulted in a series of mild morphological defects, including abnormal shape of head and jaw and cardiac edema. Larvae injected with the Stmp1-MO had negligible responses to touch stimuli. By ventilation frequency analysis we found that Stmp1-MO-injected zebrafish displayed a severe dysfunction of ventilatory activities when exposed to hypoxic conditions, suggesting a defective mitochondrial activity induced by the loss of Stmp1. Phylogenetic profiling of known respiratory sTMs compared with Stmp1 revealed that all defined sTMs from four respiratory complexes have restricted or variable phyletic distribution, indicating that they are products of evolutionary innovations to fulfill lineage-related functional requirements for respiratory complexes. Thus, being present in animals, filasterea, choanoflagellida, amoebozoa, and plants, Stmp1 may have evolved to confer a new or complementary regulation of respiratory activities.
Superior Penetration and Retention Behavior of 50 nm Gold Nanoparticles in Tumors
Authors: Huo Shuaidong , Ma Huili , Huang Keyang , Liu Juan , Wei Tuo , Jin Shubin , Zhang Jinchao , He Shengtai , Liang Xing-Jie
Published: October 2012

Nanoparticles offer potential as drug delivery systems for chemotherapeutics based on certain advantages of molecular drugs. In this study, we report that particle size exerts great influence on the penetration and retention behavior of nanoparticles entering tumors. On comparing gold-coated Au@tiopronin nanoparticles that were prepared with identical coating and surface properties, we found that 50 nanoparticles were more effective in all in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays conducted using MCF-7 breast cells as a model system. Beyond superior penetration in cultured cell monolayers, 50 nm Au@tiopronin nanoparticles also penetrated more deeply into tumor spheroids ex vivo and accumulated more effectively in tumor xenografts in vivo after a single intravenous dose. In contrast, larger gold-coated nanoparticles were primarily localized in the periphery of the tumor spheroid and around blood vessels, hindering deep penetration into tumors. We found multicellular spheroids to offer a simple ex vivo tumor model to simulate tumor tissue for screening the nanoparticle penetration behavior. Taken together, our findings define an optimal smaller size for nanoparticles that maximizes their effective accumulation in tumor tissue. Cancer Res; 73(1); 319–30. ©2012 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Understanding the Role of Rad52 in Homologous Recombination for Therapeutic Advancement
Authors: Lok Benjamin H. , Powell Simon N.
Published: October 2012

The Rad52 protein was largely ignored in humans and other mammals when the mouse knockout revealed a largely “no-effect” phenotype. However, using synthetic lethal approaches to investigate context-dependent function, new studies have shown that Rad52 plays a key survival role in cells lacking the function of the breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1)–BRCA2 pathway of homologous recombination. Biochemical studies also showed significant differences between yeast and human Rad52 (hRad52), in which yeast Rad52 can promote strand invasion of replication protein A (RPA)–coated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in the presence of Rad51 but hRad52 cannot. This results in the paradox of how is hRad52 providing Rad51 function: presumably there is something missing in the biochemical assays that exists in vivo, but the nature of this missing factor is currently unknown. Recent studies have suggested that Rad52 provides back-up Rad51 function for all members of the BRCA1–BRCA2 pathway, suggesting that Rad52 may be a target for therapy in BRCA pathway–deficient cancers. Screening for ways to inhibit Rad52 would potentially provide a complementary strategy for targeting BRCA-deficient cancers in addition to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 18(23); 6400–6. ©2012 AACR.
Patterns of Stress Testing and Diagnostic Catheterization After Coronary Stenting in 250 350 Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Mudrick Daniel W. , Shah Bimal R. , McCoy Lisa A. , Lytle Barbara L. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Federspiel Jerome J. , Cowper Patricia A. , Green Cynthia , Douglas Pamela S.
Published: October 2012

Background—

Patterns of noninvasive stress test (ST) and invasive coronary angiography (CA) utilization after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are not well described in older populations.

Methods and Results—

We linked National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI Registry data with longitudinal Medicare claims data for 250 350 patients undergoing PCI from 2005 to 2007 and described subsequent testing and outcomes. Between 60 days post-PCI and end of follow-up (median 24 months), 49% (n=122 894) received ST first, 10% (n=25 512) underwent invasive CA first, and 41% (n=101 944) had no testing. Several clinical risk factors at time of index PCI were associated with decreased likelihood of downstream testing (ST or CA,
P
<0.05 for all), including older age (hazard ratio [HR] 0.784 per 10-year increase), male sex (HR 0.946), heart failure (HR 0.925), diabetes mellitus (HR 0.954), smoking (HR 0.804), and renal failure (HR 0.880). Fifteen percent of patients with ST first proceeded to subsequent CA within 90 days of testing (n=18 472/101 884); of these, 48% (n=8831) underwent revascularization within 90 days, compared with 53% (n=13 316) of CA first patients (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

In this descriptive analysis, ST and invasive CA were common in older patients after PCI. Paradoxically, patients with higher risk features at baseline were less likely to undergo post-PCI testing. The revascularization yield was low on patients referred for ST after PCI, with only 9% undergoing revascularization within 90 days.
MicroRNA-10A* and MicroRNA-21 Modulate Endothelial Progenitor Cell Senescence Via Suppressing High-Mobility Group A2
Authors: Zhu Shoukang , Deng Shanming , Ma Qi , Zhang Taifang , Jia Chunling , Zhuo Degen , Yang Falin , Wei Jianqin , Wang Liyong , Dykxhoorn Derek M. , Hare Joshua M. , Goldschmidt-Clermont Pascal J. , Dong Chunming
Published: October 2012

Rationale:

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to the regeneration of endothelium. Aging-associated senescence results in reduced number and function of EPCs, potentially contributing to increased cardiac risk, reduced angiogenic capacity, and impaired cardiac repair effectiveness. The mechanisms underlying EPC senescence are unknown. Increasing evidence supports the role of microRNAs in regulating cellular senescence.

Objective:

We aimed to determine whether microRNAs regulated EPC senescence and, if so, what the underlying mechanisms are.

Methods and Results:

To map the microRNA/gene expression signatures of EPC senescence, we performed microRNA profiling and microarray analysis in lineage-negative bone marrow cells from young and aged wild-type and apolipoprotein E–deficient mice. We identified 2 microRNAs, microRNA-10A* (miR-10A*), and miR-21, and their common target gene Hmga2 as critical regulators for EPC senescence. Overexpression of miR-10A* and miR-21 in young EPCs suppressed Hmga2 expression, caused EPC senescence, as evidenced by senescence-associated β–galactosidase upregulation, decreased self-renewal potential, increased p16
Ink4a
/p19
Arf
expression, and resulted in impaired EPC angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, resembling EPCs derived from aged mice. In contrast, suppression of miR-10A* and miR-21 in aged EPCs increased Hmga2 expression, rejuvenated EPCs, resulting in decreased senescence-associated β–galactosidase expression, increased self-renewal potential, decreased p16
Ink4a
/p19
Arf
expression, and improved EPC angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, these phenotypic changes were rescued by miRNA-resistant Hmga2 cDNA overexpression.

Conclusions:

miR-10A* and miR-21 regulate EPC senescence via suppressing Hmga2 expression and modulation of microRNAs may represent a potential therapeutic intervention in improving EPC-mediated angiogenesis and vascular repair.
Sleight of Hand? Practice Opacity, Third-party Responses, and the Interorganizational Diffusion of Controversial Practices
Authors: Briscoe Forrest , Murphy Chad
Published: October 2012

We examine the role of a practice’s opacity (versus transparency) in the interorganizational diffusion of organizational practices. Though the opacity of a practice is typically thought to impede diffusion, a political-cultural approach to institutions suggests that opacity can sometimes play a positive role. Given that adoption decisions are embedded in a web of conflicting interests, transparency may bring negative attention that, when observed by prospective adopters, inhibits them from following suit. Opacity, in contrast, helps avoid that cycle. Using the curtailment of health benefits for retirees among large U.S. employers (1989 to 2009), we compare the diffusion of transparent adoptions (i.e., partial or complete benefit cuts) with opaque adoptions (i.e., spending caps that trigger disenrollment). We find that transparent adoptions reduce subsequent diffusion of the practice to other organizations. This effect is fully mediated by negative media coverage, which is itself conditioned by the presence of opposition from interest groups. Opaque adoptions, in contrast, increase subsequent diffusion to other organizations and are facilitated by the involvement of professional experts. Thus, in addition to providing findings on practice opacity, our study contributes insight into how organizational fields shape diffusion by illuminating the role of third parties in the spread of controversial practices.
The Effects of Reform in Principal Selection on Leadership Behavior of General and Vocational High School Principals in Taiwan
Authors: Hsiao Hsi-Chi , Lee Ming-Chao , Tu Ya-Ling
Published: October 2012

Deregulation has formed the primary core of education reform in Taiwan in the past decade. The principal selection system was one of the specific recommendations in the deregulation of education. The method of designation of senior high school principals has changed from being “appointed” to being “selected.” The issue as to whether selection of principals affects their leadership styles is a subject worthy of examination. This study employs transformational and transactional leaderships as a framework for identifying leadership behavior exhibited by general and vocational high school principals that differed from past behavior and caused by reform in the principal selection system. This study employed interviews to accumulate principals’ viewpoints about the change of principal designation and its effects on their leadership behavior. Questionnaires were used to collect teachers’ perceptions about the changes of principal leadership behavior in the different principal designation method in addition to directly getting the information from principals. The main results of the study indicated that the principal selection system conforms to society’s expectations and democratic basis and appointed principals’ leadership behavior tends to be transactional, while selected principals’ leadership behavior tends to be transformational. Recommendations are made for principals and education authorities.
Effects of Working Full-Time and Studying in the Evening Hours Among Young Apprentices and Trainees
Authors: da Luz Andréa Aparecida , Vergueiro da Silva Miryam Cristina Mazieiro , Turte Samantha Lemos , Lopes Marildo de Oliveira , Fischer Frida Marina
Published: October 2012

Objective:

This research aims to assess apprentices’ and trainees’ work conditions, psychosocial factors at work, as well as health symptoms after joining the labor force.

Background:

Despite the fact that there are over 3.5 million young working students in Brazil, this increasing rate brings with it difficult working conditions such as work pressure, heavy workloads, and lack of safety training.

Method:

This study was carried out in a nongovernmental organization (NGO) with 40 young members of a first job program in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. They filled out a comprehensive questionnaire focused on sociodemographic variables, working conditions, and health symptoms. Individual and collective semi-structured interviews were conducted. Empirical data analysis was performed using analysis of content.

Results:

The majority of participants mentioned difficulties in dealing with the pressure and their share of responsibilities at work. Body pains, headaches, sleep deprivation during the workweek, and frequent colds were mentioned. Lack of appropriate task and safety training contributed to the occurrence of work injuries.

Conclusion:

Having a full-time job during the day coupled with evening high school attendance may jeopardize these people’s health and future.

Application:

This study can make a contribution to the revision and implementation of work training programs for adolescents. It can also help in the creation of more sensible policies regarding youth employment.
Quilombismo and the Afro-Brazilian Quest for Citizenship
Authors: Afolabi Niyi
Published: October 2012

Between the radicalism of Black Brazilian movements of the 1980s, an aftermath of the negation and rejection of the myth of “racial democracy” that denies Brazilian subtle racism, the rise of re- Africanization sensibilities among Afro-Carnival groups, and the current ambivalent co-optation that has been packaged as “affirmative action” in the new millennium, a missing link to the many quests for Afro-Brazilianness lies in the (dis)locations that permeate the issues of identity, consciousness, and Africa-rootedness. Recent studies have remained invested in the polarity between the rigidity of “race” (one-drop rule) from the North American perspective and the fluidity of identity as professed by the South American miscegenation thesis. Regardless of the given schools of thought, or discourses, that have not resolved the oppressive sociopolitical realities on the ground, one must face the many levels of (dis)locations that define Afro-Brazilian identities. This essay draws upon the cultural productions of five Afro-Brazilian poets from various regions of Brazil, namely, Oliveira Silveira, Lepê Correia, Jamu Minka, Abelardo Rodrigues, and Carlos de Assumpção. Beyond exposing the marginalized poets to a wider readership in English, the essay also engages the current debate in the shift from racial democracy to affirmative action in Brazil and the implications for continued racial tensions and contradictions in the Brazilian state.
Parameters and structure identification of complex delayed networks via pinning control
Authors: Xu Junqun , Zhang Jianxiong , Tang Wansheng
Published: October 2012

In this paper, an uncertain complex delayed network model with non-identical nodes is established. The parameters of each dynamical node and the network structure are considered to be uncertain. The goal is to identify the unknown system parameters and the unknown network structure. By designing an adaptive observer network and applying the strategy of pinning control, the uncertain parameters and structure of the initial network can be identified. A sufficient condition to guarantee the controllability of the adaptive pinning control is presented, which shows that the uncertain parameters and the unknown coupling structure of the driven network can be identified successfully under the designed controllers. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Facilitating Healthy Coping in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Thorpe Carolyn T. , Fahey Lauren E. , Johnson Heather , Deshpande Maithili , Thorpe Joshua M. , Fisher Edwin B.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to summarize recent literature on approaches to supporting healthy coping in diabetes in 2 specific areas: (1) the impact of different approaches to diabetes treatment on healthy coping and (2) the effectiveness of interventions specifically designed to support healthy coping.

Methods

A PubMed search identified 129 articles published August 1, 2006, to April 30, 2011, addressing diabetes in relation to emotion, quality of life, depression, adjustment, anxiety, coping, family therapy, behavior therapy, psychotherapy, problem solving, couples therapy, or marital therapy.

Results

Evidence suggests that treatment choice may significantly influence quality of life, with treatment intensification in response to poor metabolic control often improving quality of life. The recent literature provides support for a variety of healthy coping interventions in diverse populations, including diabetes self-management education, support groups, problem-solving approaches, and coping skills interventions for improving a range of outcomes; cognitive behavior therapy and collaborative care for treating depression; and family therapy for improving coping in youths.

Conclusions

Healthy coping in diabetes has received substantial attention in the past 5 years. A variety of approaches show positive results. Research is needed to compare the effectiveness of different approaches in different populations and determine how to overcome barriers to intervention dissemination and implementation.
A Meta‐analysis of Voice Outcome Comparing Calcium Hydroxylapatite Injection Laryngoplasty to Silicone Thyroplasty
Authors: Shen Tianjie , Damrose Edward J. , Morzaria Sanjay
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To compare the voice outcome of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) injection laryngoplasty (IL) vs silicone medialization thyroplasty (MT) in the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).

Data Sources

Systematic review of English literature from MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane library from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 2010.

Review Methods

Included studies reporting voice‐related quality of life (Voice Handicap Inventory [VHI]) following IL with CaHA or MT with silicone. The primary outcome measure was the improvement in VHI. The secondary outcome was improvement in maximum phonatory time (MPT).

Results

Of the 742 abstracts screened for relevancy, 24 studies qualified for analysis. The mean (SD) VHI scores were 72.22 (11.06) before MT and 34.02 (6.48) after MT. The mean (SD) VHI scores were 68.36 (6.88) before IL and 32.24 (7.33) after IL. The paired difference mean of VHI improvement was 38.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.05‐59.32; P =. 007) for MT and 36.11 (95% CI, 29.65‐42.57; P =. 001) for IL. The mean (SD) MPT scores were 7.40 (3.14) before IL and 13.00 (1.75) after IL. The mean (SD) MPT scores were 6.16 (1.90) before MT and 12.40 (2.72) after MT. The paired difference mean of MPT improvement was 6.23 (95% CI, 4.74‐7.73; P <. 001) for MT and 5.60 (95% CI, 2.95‐8.25; P =. 006) for IL.

Conclusion

Injection laryngoplasty with CaHA and MT with silicone appear to achieve comparable voice improvement within 1 year, but a definitive conclusion is limited by a lack of standardized outcome measures.
Efficacy of 3 Different Steroid Treatments for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Lim Hye Jin , Kim Yun Tae , Choi Seong Jun , Lee Jong Bin , Park Hun Yi , Park Keehyun , Choung Yun‐Hoon
Published: October 2012

Objectives

We treated patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) with several protocols on an outpatient department (OPD) basis. The study compared the efficacy of 3 different steroid treatments for ISSNHL.

Study Design

A prospective randomized controlled study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

A total of 60 patients diagnosed with ISSNHL were treated through OPD. They were randomly and equally divided into 3 groups based on therapy: oral steroid for 10 days (group I), intratympanic dexamethasone injection (ITDI) 4 times (group II), and both (group III). Pure‐tone average (PTA) was measured by taking 4 frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz). Hearing change was evaluated by comparing pre‐ and posttreatment PTAs. Recovery rate was assessed by American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Results

The hearing gain was 12.8 ± 15.4 decibels (dB) in group I, 12.1 ± 14.6 dB in group II, and 21.9 ± 26.2 dB in group III. The recovery rate was 60% in groups I and III and 55% in group II. The overall recovery rate was 58.3% (35 of 60 patients). There was no significant difference in hearing gain and recovery rates for the 3 groups. Frequency‐specific hearing gain also did not differ significantly among groups.

Conclusion

Three different treatment protocols (oral steroid, ITDI, or the combination) resulted in similar hearing recovery rates. Therefore, OPD‐based systemic and/or local steroid therapy can be recommended as an initial treatment in ISSNHL.
Evaluation of Over‐ and Underfeeding Following the Introduction of a Protocol for Weaning From Parenteral to Enteral Nutrition in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Dervan Nicola , Dowsett Julie , Gleeson Eimear , Carr Susan , Corish Clare
Published: October 2012

Background: Over‐ and underfeeding critically ill patients have significant clinical consequences. These patients are often given a combination of enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN), potentially increasing their risk of overfeeding. No published protocol describing the process for weaning from parenteral to enteral feeding and its effects on over‐ and underfeeding exists. This study aimed to evaluate the introduction of such a protocol. Materials and Methods: A prospective, 2‐phase observational study was performed in a 10‐bed medical/surgical intensive care unit on patients ventilated for >72 hours and receiving EN and/or PN. Data were collected 6 months before and 2 years after the implementation of a weaning protocol. Underfeeding was defined as energy intake <80% and overfeeding as >110% of estimated requirements. Results: Twenty‐two patients were fed for a total of 118 days in phase 1, and 29 patients were fed for a total of 272 days in phase 2. Overfeeding occurred more frequently than underfeeding prior to the introduction of the protocol (24.6% vs 19.5% of feeding days) and significantly more often on days when patients were fed by a combination of routes (P < .05). After implementing the protocol, the incidence of overfeeding reduced almost 3‐fold to 9.1% (P < .001), and feeding via a combination of routes was no longer a significant cause. Underfeeding did not change and patients being adequately fed increased from 56% to 71% (P < .001). Conclusion: A structured protocol for weaning patients from PN to EN can reduce overfeeding in critically ill patients given nutrition support via a combination of routes.