bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of tumor targeting N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer conjugates containing sulfamethazine groups
Authors: Yuan Jianchao , Li Jing , Jia Zong , Song Fengying , Guo Hongyun , Zeng Xianwu
Published: November 2012

Recent studies have identified that sulfadiazine derivatives can be concentrated in the hepatocellular carcinoma tissue. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of a novel sulfamethazine N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer conjugates for tumor targeting. N-(3-Aminopropyl)methacrylamide-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid monomer 1, methacryloyl-sulfamethazine monomer 2, poly( N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)-sulfamethazine-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid conjugate 4, and poly( N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)-sulfamethazine-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-99mTc were successfully synthesized and characterized. Poly( N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid conjugate 3, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-99mTc, and poly( N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-99mTc were also synthesized and characterized for comparison (99mTc: metastable technetium-99). A 24-h necropsy data in the hepatocellular carcinoma tumor model showed significantly higher ( p < 0.001) tumor localization for poly( N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)-sulfamethazine-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-99mTc (4.82%ID/g ± 0.46%ID/g (percentage injected dose per gram tissue)) compared with poly( N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-99mTc (2.69%ID/g ± 0.15%ID/g) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-99mTc (0.83%ID/g ± 0.03%ID/g). Moreover, higher tumor/organ ratios for poly( N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)-sulfamethazine-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-99mTc indicated reduced extravasation of the targeted polymeric conjugates in normal tissues. Thus, the poly( N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)-sulfamethazine-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid can potentially be used as a macromolecular targeting carrier for hepatocellular carcinoma in mice.
Situational Sexual Behaviors
Authors: Aguilar Jade
Published: November 2012

Drawing on interviews and participant observation, I analyze two communal living groups where members are encouraged to participate in the practice of polyamory. Through examining the ideological work these members perform as they transition from monogamous relationships to polyamorous practice, I reveal how circumstances shape sexual behavior. More specifically, I demonstrate how members practice and sometimes embrace a nonmonogamous relationship model because of links between structural and cultural factors in the communities and because of the ideological connection members draw between feminism and polyamory.
Reliability analysis of structural system with multiple failure modes and mixed uncertain input variables
Authors: Wei Pengfei , Lu Zhenzhou , Ren Bo
Published: November 2012

In the design of engineering structure, uncertainties can be modeled as randomness or fuzziness depending on the amount of information available. In this article, the estimation of failure probability of structural system with multiple failure modes and mixed (random and fuzzy) inputs is considered. We firstly review the addition law of failure probability and a linear programming based bound method, and then these two techniques are combined to deal with structural system with multiple failure modes and only random inputs. Eventually, this method is extended for estimating the membership function of the failure probability of structural system with both random and fuzzy inputs. This method is computationally cheap, especially for the structural system with a large number of failure modes. Several numerical examples are introduced for demonstrating the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Seven centuries of avalanche activity at Echalp (Queyras massif, southern French Alps) as inferred from tree rings
Authors: Corona Christophe , Saez Jérôme Lopez , Stoffel Markus , Rovéra Georges , Edouard Jean-Louis , Berger Frédéric
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to reconstruct spatiotemporal patterns of avalanche events in a forested avalanche path of the Queyras massif (Echalp avalanche path, southeast French Alps). Analysis of past events was based on tree-ring series from 163 heavily affected multicentennial larch trees ( Larix decidua Mill.) growing near or next to the avalanche path. A total of 514 growth disturbances, such as tangential rows of traumatic resin ducts, the onset of compression wood as well as abrupt growth suppression or release, were identified in the samples indicating 38 destructive snow avalanches between 1338 and 2010. The mean return period of snow avalanches was 22 years with a 4% probability that an avalanche occurs in a particular year. On a temporal plan, three maxima in snow avalanche frequency were reconstructed at the beginning of the 16th and 19th centuries and around 1850, correlating with below-average winter temperatures and glacier advances. Analysis of the spatial distribution of disturbed trees contributed to the determination of four preferential patterns of avalanche events. The comparison of dendrogeomorphic data with historical records demonstrate that at least 18 events – six of which were undocumented – reached the hamlet of Echalp during the last seven centuries, but no significant temporal trend was detected concerning the frequency of these extreme events.
Late-Holocene fluctuations of the Bear River Glacier, northern Coast Ranges of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Osborn G , Haspel R , Spooner I
Published: November 2012

During Holocene advances of the Bear River Glacier, in northwestern British Columbia, ice pushed against a bedrock slope on the north side of Bear River Pass as it was being diverted eastward and westward along the pass. The result is a series of till sheets plastered against the rock slope and separated by wood mats. This sequence of tills provides an unusually detailed record of early-Neoglacial history and shows that Neoglacial expansion in the northern Coast Mountains began earlier than previously known. Moraines show the extent of ‘Little Ice Age’ expansion, and documents related to the long mining history of the area provide records of post-LIA recession. The oldest deposits in the area are a small lateral moraine outside of a prominent LIA moraine, and a till in the pass older than c. 3500 14C yr BP. The small moraine is undated; it may be equivalent to the latest-Pleistocene Crowfoot Advance which produced similar moraines in the southern Coast Mountains and eastern Cordillera. Wood mats in the pass show that Neoglacial advances occurred at c. 3700, 3500, 3300, and 1000 14C yr BP; each advance was slightly more extensive than the previous one. Documentary evidence indicates that the pass was still filled with ice in 1913, and diverging both eastward and westward, but glacier retreat has been rapid since then. Retreat from the pass in the mid-20th century resulted in the creation of Strohn Lake, through which meltwater from the glacier passes; a complicated lake history includes switching of discharge from eastward to westward and a series of jokuhlaups that damaged highway infrastructure to the west. A comparison of the history recorded at Bear River Pass with that recorded at the Todd Icefield 15 km to the north shows that different components of glacial history are preserved in different places, and many sites need to be examined to obtain a relatively complete regional history.
Analysing cognitive test data: Distributions and non-parametric random effects
Authors: Muniz-Terrera Graciela , Hout Ardo van den , Rigby RA , Stasinopoulos DM
Published: November 2012

An important assumption in many linear mixed models is that the conditional distribution of the response variable is normal. This assumption is violated when the models are fitted to an outcome variable that counts the number of correctly answered questions in a questionnaire. Examples include investigations of cognitive decline where models are fitted to Mini Mental State Examination scores, the most widely used test to measure global cognition. Mini Mental State Examination scores take integer values in the 0–30 range, and its distribution has strong ceiling and floor effects. This article explores alternative distributions for the outcome variable in mixed models fitted to mini mental state examination scores from a longitudinal study of ageing. Model fit improved when a beta-binomial distribution was chosen as the distribution for the response variable.
Everyday crises
Authors: Lin Kuan-Hui , Chang Chang-Yi
Published: November 2012

This study discusses the relationship between poverty and vulnerability. It investigates how vulnerability can be integrated into the livelihood framework for poverty alleviation and vulnerability mitigation, as well as the development of adaptive livelihood mechanisms to combat increased risk from natural disasters. Vulnerability is conventionally viewed as risk factors threatening livelihoods; this study provides new insights into vulnerability by viewing vulnerability as endogenous to the development process and embedded in everyday lives and livelihood practices. Poverty and vulnerability reduction are holistically grounded in the coupling of human and environmental systems to facilitate a positive feedback loop between human economic activity and the environment. Social and cultural capitals are highlighted in this study for the significant role they play in inspiring positive change and empowering inner (grass roots) and outer (social welfare institutions) networks as well as social learning to help people to adapt during development.
‘Donor-driven’ neoliberal reform processes and urban environmental change in Kenya
Authors: Njeru Jeremia
Published: November 2012

In this article, I heed the call by some scholars to focus on ‘actually existing neoliberalism to better understand how neoliberal processes play out in particular places and times. Through the lenses of urban political ecology, I explore the environmental impacts in Kenya of what I term ‘donor-driven’ neoliberal reform processes using the 1990’s privatization of Karura Forest in Nairobi as an entry point. My findings suggest that the regime of former President Moi improperly privatized more than half of Karura Forest to raise funds to support his re-election in 1997. The regime creatively used neoliberal discourses of privatization and private property rights to mask an illegal transfer of a key urban public forest to private interests. I argue that this transfer suggests that, in a context where Western donors largely dictated neoliberal reform in Kenya, the donors’ failure to anticipate how local political dynamics might complicate reform implementation, combined with their contradictory neoliberal policy agendas for the country, played in the hands of a regime whose survival depended on its ability to maintain patronage networks.
Power, knowledge and politics: Exploring the contested terrain of girl-focused interventions at the national launch of the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative in The Gambia
Authors: Manion Caroline
Published: November 2012

Gender equality in education has become a highly embedded norm in global development policy, as well as within the poverty reduction and national development policies of aid recipient countries. Despite such progress, however, we know little about the significance of competing gender equality and education policy orientations (e.g., human capital, human rights, human capabilities), especially in relation to the power and political dynamics at work in the enactment of global gender equality in education policies in national policy spaces. This article addresses these gaps in the literature through a qualitative examination of girls’ education policy in The Gambia, a country widely hailed as a leader in the promotion of gender equality in education. I use an analysis of the produced knowledge of World Bank and government documents alongside the findings from an ethnographic account of the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) national launch workshop in The Gambia to illustrate my central claim that girls’ education policy, on the ground, is more complex and contested than is suggested in the produced knowledge of donor and government documents. Moreover, my account of the UNGEI launch workshop serves to highlight some of the challenges and tensions associated with the global–national interface of efforts to promote gender equality in education.
Using Web Panels to Understand Whether Online Ad Exposure Influences Information-Seeking Behavior
Authors: Kim Annice E. , Duke Jennifer C. , Hansen Heather , Porter Lauren
Published: November 2012

Measuring the impact of online health campaigns is challenging. Traditionally, advertisement click-through rates (CTRs) have been used to measure message reach, but CTRs are low with most clicks coming from a small fraction of users. However, low CTRs do not necessarily indicate that an ad was not effective. There may be latency effects whereby people do not click on ads at time of exposure but visit the promoted website or conduct searches later. Online panels that unobtrusively collect panelists’ web behavior may provide a more reliable data source for measuring online campaign effects. We used web behavior data from a proprietary online panel to identify panelists who were either exposed or unexposed to the Tobacco Free Florida Cessation Internet ad campaign. We assessed whether ad exposure influenced website visits and searches on campaign-related topics up to 4 weeks after initial exposure. Those who were exposed to the campaign were significantly more likely than those who were not exposed to have visited the campaign website (0.65% vs. 0.13%, respectively, p < .001), but ad exposure did not influence searches on campaign-related topics. These results suggest that panel web behavior data may be useful for understanding behavioral response to and latency effects of online campaigns.
Comparing Two Direct Mail Strategies to Sell Native Plants in a Campaign to Promote Natural Lake Shorelines
Authors: Shaw Bret Randall , Radler Barry , Haack John
Published: November 2012

Increased residential development around lakeshores is associated with reduced wildlife habitat, lower biodiversity, and degraded water quality. One way to improve degraded lakeshores is riparian buffers. To accomplish this goal, one approach used by stakeholder groups focused on protecting lakes is to subsidize the costs of restoring native plants that lakeshore property owners can reestablish in more highly developed areas of their lakeshore property. Little research has explored how to increase participation in these programs. Two different coupons were mailed out randomly to subscribers of a county lakes and rivers association located in northwest Wisconsin. The message strategy tested builds on the “zero-price effect,” which posits that when faced with a choice between two product options, one of which is free, people respond more readily to the free offer as if the zero price not only implies a low cost of buying a product but also increases its perceived valuation simply in its being characterized as free. Households received a coupon that read “Free pack or $5 off” with the “free pack” as the visually dominant element or a coupon that read “$5 off or free pack” with the “$5 off” designed as the visually dominant element. Otherwise, the coupons were identical. Half of the households randomly received the first coupon and the other half received the second. Coupons could be redeemed at one of five participating nurseries. As hypothesized, results indicated the “free pack” coupon offer was more attractive to recipients with almost twice as many redemptions.
Medical Education in the United States
Authors: Gimbel Ronald W. , Ledford Christy J. W. , Stephens Mark B.
Published: November 2012

Social marketing has a long and robust history in health education and public health. Social marketing strategies are designed to promote desired behaviors in high-priority health-related areas. Most prior initiatives have utilized an “orientation to consumer needs” in program design and delivery. Traditional social marketing campaigns have targeted patients or specific segments of the public, rather than physicians and other healthcare providers, to deliver health-related messages. This commentary explores an emerging opportunity for the social marketing and medical education communities to collaborate and influence social change of medical students, interns, and residents – an “undiscovered” but influential consumer market. The authors offer a primer on the medical education environment as it relates to social marketing strategies for healthcare providers. Key themes and emerging needs in medical education are outlined. In particular, four major areas for collaboration with the social marketing community are highlighted. These include: emphasis on social accountability, use of technology in education and medical practice, alignment with changes in health care delivery, and future directions in the health care workforce. In addition, four practical strategies for meaningful collaborations between medical education and social marketing leadership are presented. The medical education environment is an ideal platform for social marketing techniques to influence the behavior of developing physicians.
Response to Intervention for English Learners
Authors: Richards-Tutor Catherine , Solari Emily J. , Leafstedt Jill M. , Gerber Michael M. , Filippini Alexis , Aceves Terese C.
Published: November 2012

Using extant data, the purpose of this study is to examine methods for determining response to intervention (RTI) in a sample of kindergarten English Learners (ELs). Three commonly used methods for determining RTI—(a) benchmark criteria, (b) slope discrepancy, and (c) dual discrepancy—are investigated. Participants included 117 ELs. Students were administered pretests and then provided intervention in phonological awareness and phonics in small groups. Progress was monitored weekly on two Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills measures, Phoneme Segmentation Fluency and Nonsense Word Fluency. Results indicate that there is very little overlap across the three methods and across the two measures in determining response and nonresponse for kindergarten ELs. The results of the study have implications for continued research regarding response of ELs as well as practical implications regarding which methods and measures should be used to determine response.
A three-dimensional analysis of osteoarthritic changes in the thumb carpometacarpal joint
Authors: de Raedt S. , Stilling M. , van de Giessen M. , Streekstra G. J. , Vos F. M. , Hansen T. B.
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the changes due to osteoarthritis (OA) occurring in the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint by comparing quantitative geometrical measurements in computed tomography scans of healthy and pathological joints in various stages of OA. The measurements were (1) the subluxation of the metacarpal on the trapezium, (2) distance from the scaphoid centre to the metacarpal base, and (3) distance from the metacarpal base to the articulating surface of the trapezium. The three-dimensional position of three characteristic points on the metacarpal, trapezium, and scaphoid were detected in each of the 90 wrists we scanned. The distances between the points were compared by statistical analysis. With high accuracy, we have been able to confirm and quantify that subluxation occurs in the dorso-radial direction. A significant difference in trapezium height and joint space width was found between the OA and control groups. The results indicate how to restore the centre of rotation in surgical treatment of OA with total joint arthroplasty, but the clinical relevance of these findings has to be tested in further clinical studies.
Patterns of Complementary Therapy Use for Symptom Management for Older Rural Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Bell Ronny A. , Quandt Sara A. , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Neiberg Rebecca , Altizer Kathryn P. , Lang Wei , Arcury Thomas A.
Published: November 2012

Studies on complementary therapy use among adults with diabetes mellitus are limited by crude use measures and lack of specificity of use for treating diabetes. Data are from a study including baseline and repeated 3-day assessments of complementary therapy use among rural African American and White older (age ≥ 64 years) adults (n = 71). Most commonly used complementary therapies for diabetes at baseline included prayer (88.7%), food/beverages (50.7%), herbs (11.3%), and home remedies (9.9%). In repeated measures (1131 interviews), prayer was used on 57.2% of days, followed by food/beverages (12.7%), herbs (3.4%), and home remedies (2.7%). In all, 56.3% who reported praying did so on ≥5 reporting periods; other complementary therapy use was sporadic. These data show, with the exception of prayer and food/beverages, limited complementary therapy use for diabetes treatment among rural older adults and less inconsistent use patterns of most complementary therapies. Further research is needed to understand the motivations and patterns of complementary therapy use for patients with diabetes.
Tai Chi as an Alternative or Complementary Therapy for Patients With Depression
Authors: Sharma Manoj , Haider Taj
Published: November 2012

Considering depression ranks high among the contributors to worldwide disease burden and conventional treatments have severe limitations, Tai Chi, due to its holistic approach, is being explored as an alternative therapy. A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy of Tai Chi as a treatment option for depression. Inclusion criteria included the following: ( a) studies published in the English language, ( b) studies published between January 2007 and July 2012, ( c) studies that included Tai Chi as a therapy in an intervention, ( d) studies that used any quantitative study design, and ( e) studies that measured depression as an outcome. A total of 11 studies met these criteria. The efficacy of Tai Chi as an alternative and complementary treatment for depression is mixed. Limitations of the reviewed interventions included a mixed usage of instruments, high dropout rates, low sample sizes, and a lack of quality assessment tools for Tai Chi.
LRF-mediated Dll4 repression in erythroblasts is necessary for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance
Authors: Lee Sung-Uk , Maeda Manami , Ishikawa Yuichi , Li Sierra Min , Wilson Anne , Jubb Adrian M. , Sakurai Nagisa , Weng Lihong , Fiorini Emma , Radtke Freddy , Yan Minhong , MacDonald H. Robson , Chen Ching-Cheng , Maeda Takahiro
Published: November 2012

Key Points

Notch1/DII4-mediated signals are normally suppressed by LRF, preventing HSCs from premature T-cell differentiation in the bone marrow. Erythroblastic islands may have the capacity to regulate the fate and function of HSCs.
Adaptive evolution of the chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase gene involved in irregular monoterpene metabolism
Authors: Liu Ping-Li , Wan Jun-Nan , Guo Yan-Ping , Ge Song , Rao Guang-Yuan
Published: November 2012

Background

Chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase (CDS) is a key enzyme in biosynthetic pathways producing pyrethrins and irregular monoterpenes. These compounds are confined to plants of the tribe Anthemideae of the Asteraceae, and play an important role in defending the plants against herbivorous insects. It has been proposed that the CDS genes arose from duplication of the farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDS) gene and have different function from FDSs. However, the duplication time toward the origin of CDS and the evolutionary force behind the functional divergence of the CDS gene are still unknown.

Results

Two duplication events were detected in the evolutionary history of the FDS gene family in the Asteraceae, and the second duplication led to the origin of CDS. CDS occurred after the divergence of the tribe Mutisieae from other tribes of Asteraceae but before the birth of the Anthemideae tribe. After its origin, CDS accumulated four mutations in sites homologous to the substrate-binding and catalysis sites of FDS. Of these, two sites were involved in the binding of the nucleophilic substrate isopentenyl diphosphate in FDS. Maximum likelihood analyses showed that some sites in CDS were under positive selection and were scattered throughout primary sequences, whereas in the three-dimensional structure model they clustered in the large central cavity.

Conclusion

Positive selection associated with gene duplication played a major role in the evolution of CDS.
High-throughput novel microsatellite marker of faba bean via next generation sequencing
Authors: Yang Tao , Bao Shi-ying , Ford Rebecca , Jia Teng-jiao , Guan Jian-ping , He Yu-hua , Sun Xue-lian , Jiang Jun-ye , Hao Jun-jie , Zhang Xiao-yan , Zong Xu-xiao
Published: November 2012

Background

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important food legume crop, grown for human consumption globally including in China, Turkey, Egypt and Ethiopia. Although genetic gain has been made through conventional selection and breeding efforts, this could be substantially improved through the application of molecular methods. For this, a set of reliable molecular markers representative of the entire genome is required.

Results

A library with 125,559 putative SSR sequences was constructed and characterized for repeat type and length from a mixed genome of 247 spring and winter sown faba bean genotypes using 454 sequencing. A suit of 28,503 primer pair sequences were designed and 150 were randomly selected for validation. Of these, 94 produced reproducible amplicons that were polymorphic among 32 faba bean genotypes selected from diverse geographical locations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8, the expected heterozygocities ranged from 0.0000 to 1.0000, and the observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.0908 to 0.8410. The validation by UPGMA cluster analysis of 32 genotypes based on Nei's genetic distance, showed high quality and effectiveness of those novel SSR markers developed via next generation sequencing technology.

Conclusions

Large scale SSR marker development was successfully achieved using next generation sequencing of the V. faba genome. These novel markers are valuable for constructing genetic linkage maps, future QTL mapping, and marker-assisted trait selection in faba bean breeding efforts.
Identification and profiling of miRNAs during herbivory reveals jasmonate-dependent and -independent patterns of accumulation in Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Bozorov Tohir A , Baldwin Ian T , Kim Sang-Gyu
Published: November 2012

Background

Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in the transcriptional responses to environmental stresses. However, the role of miRNAs in responses to insect herbivory has not been thoroughly explored. To identify herbivory-responsive miRNAs, we identified conserved miRNAs in the ecological model plant Nicotiana attenuata whose interactions with herbivores have been well-characterized in both laboratory and field studies.

Results

We identified 59 miRNAs from 36 families, and two endogenous trans-acting small interfering RNAs (tasiRNA) targeted by miRNAs. We characterized the response of the precursor and mature miRNAs to simulated attack from the specialist herbivore Manduca sexta by quantitative PCR analysis and used ir-aoc RNAi transformants, deficient in jasmonate biosynthesis, to identify jasmonate-dependent and -independent miRNA regulation. Expression analysis revealed that groups of miRNAs and tasiRNAs were specifically regulated by either mechanical wounding or wounding plus oral secretions from M. sexta larvae, and these small RNAs were accumulated in jasmonate-dependent or -independent manners. Moreover, cDNA microarray analysis indicated that the expression patterns of the corresponding target genes were correlated with the accumulation of miRNAs and tasiRNAs.

Conclusions

We show that a group of miRNAs and tasiRNAs orchestrates the expression of target genes involved in N. attenuata’s responses to herbivore attack.
Troop education and avian influenza surveillance in military barracks in Ghana, 2011
Authors: Odoom John Kofi , Bel-Nono Samuel , Rodgers David , Agbenohevi Prince G , Dafeamekpor Courage K , Sowa Roland M L , Danso Fenteng , Tettey Reuben , Suu-Ire Richard , Bonney Joseph H K , Asante Ivy A , Aboagye James , Abana Christopher Zaab-Yen , Frimpong Joseph Asamoah , Kronmann Karl C , Oyofo Buhari A , Ampofo William K
Published: November 2012

Background

Influenza A viruses that cause highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) also infect humans. In many developing countries such as Ghana, poultry and humans live in close proximity in both the general and military populations, increasing risk for the spread of HPAI from birds to humans. Respiratory infections such as influenza are especially prone to rapid spread among military populations living in close quarters such as barracks making this a key population for targeted avian influenza surveillance and public health education.

Method

Twelve military barracks situated in the coastal, tropical rain forest and northern savannah belts of the country were visited and the troops and their families educated on pandemic avian influenza. Attendants at each site was obtained from the attendance sheet provided for registration. The seminars focused on zoonotic diseases, influenza surveillance, pathogenesis of avian influenza, prevention of emerging infections and biosecurity. To help direct public health policies, a questionnaire was used to collect information on animal populations and handling practices from 102 households in the military barracks. Cloacal and tracheal samples were taken from 680 domestic and domesticated wild birds and analysed for influenza A using molecular methods for virus detection.

Results

Of the 1028 participants that took part in the seminars, 668 (65%) showed good knowledge of pandemic avian influenza and the risks associated with its infection. Even though no evidence of the presence of avian influenza (AI) infection was found in the 680 domestic and wild birds sampled, biosecurity in the households surveyed was very poor.

Conclusion

Active surveillance revealed that there was no AI circulation in the military barracks in April 2011. Though participants demonstrated good knowledge of pandemic avian influenza, biosecurity practices were minimal. Sustained educational programs are needed to further strengthen avian influenza surveillance and prevention in military barracks.
Enhanced recombinant protein production and differential expression of molecular chaperones in sf-caspase-1-repressed stable cells after baculovirus infection
Authors: Lai Yiu-Kay , Hsu John T-A , Chu Chih-Chieh , Chang Teng-Yuan , Pan Kao-Lu , Lin Chih-Chien
Published: November 2012

Background

There are few studies that have examined the potential of RNA inference (RNAi) to increase protein production in the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS). Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) (Sf)-caspase-1-repressed stable cells exhibit resistance to apoptosis and enhancement of recombinant protein production. However, the mechanism of recombinant protein augmentation in baculovirus-infected Caspase-repressed insect cells has not been elucidated.

Results

In the current study, we utilized RNAi-mediated Sf-caspase-1-repressed stable cells to clarify how the resistance to apoptosis can enhance both intracellular (firefly luciferase) and extracellular (secreted alkaline phosphatase [SEAP]) recombinant protein production in BEVS. Since the expression of molecular chaperones is strongly associated with the maximal production of exogenous proteins in BEVS, the differential expression of molecular chaperones in baculovirus-infected stable cells was also analyzed in this study.

Conclusion

The data indicated that the retention of expression of molecular chaperones in baculovirus-infected Sf-caspase-1-repressed stable cells give the higher recombinant protein accumulation.
Allergic rhinitis and its associated co-morbidities at Bugando Medical Centre in Northwestern Tanzania; A prospective review of 190 cases
Authors: Said Said A , Mchembe Mabula D , Chalya Phillipo L , Rambau Peter , Gilyoma Japhet M
Published: November 2012

Background

Allergic rhinitis is one of the commonest atopic diseases which contribute to significant morbidity world wide while its epidemiology in Tanzania remains sparse. There was paucity of information regarding allergic rhinitis in our setting; therefore it was important to conduct this study to describe our experience on allergic rhinitis, associated co-morbidities and treatment outcome in patients attending Bugando Medical Centre.

Methods

This was descriptive cross-sectional study involving all patients with a clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis at Bugando Medical Centre over a three-month period between June 2011 and August 2011. Data was collected using a pre-tested coded questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS statistical computer software version 17.0.

Results

A total of 190 patients were studied giving the prevalence of allergic rhinitis 14.7%. The median age of the patients was 8.5 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1. Adenoid hypertrophy, tonsillitis, hypertrophy of inferior turbinate, nasal polyps, otitis media and sinusitis were the most common co-morbidities affecting 92.6% of cases and were the major reason for attending hospital services. Sleep disturbance was common in children with adenoids hypertrophy (χ2 = 28.691, P = 0.000). Allergic conjunctivitis was found in 51.9%. The most common identified triggers were dust, strong perfume odors and cold weather (P < 0.05). Strong perfume odors affect female than males (χ2 = 4.583, P = 0.032). In this study family history of allergic rhinitis was not a significant risk factor (P =0.423). The majority of patients (68.8%) were treated surgically for allergic rhinitis co morbidities. Post operative complication and mortality rates were 2.9% and 1.6% respectively. The overall median duration of hospital stay of in-patients was 3 days (2 – 28 days). Most patients (98.4%) had satisfactory results at discharge.

Conclusion

The study shows that allergic rhinitis is common in our settings representing 14.7% of all otorhinolaryngology and commonly affecting children and adolescent. Sufferers seek medical services due to co-morbidities of which combination of surgical and medical treatment was needed. High index of suspicions in diagnosing allergic rhinitis and early treatment is recommended.
Telmisartan ameliorates insulin sensitivity by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway in skeletal muscle of obese db/db mice
Authors: Shiota Asuka , Shimabukuro Michio , Fukuda Daiju , Soeki Takeshi , Sato Hiromi , Uematsu Etsuko , Hirata Yoichiro , Kurobe Hirotsugu , Maeda Norikazu , Sakaue Hiroshi , Masuzaki Hiroaki , Shimomura Iichiro , Sata Masataka
Published: November 2012

Background

Telmisartan is a well-established angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker that improves insulin sensitivity in animal models of obesity and insulin resistance, as well as in humans. Telmisartan has been reported to function as a partial agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, which is also targeted by the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase (SIRT1). Here, we investigated the pathways through which telmisartan acts on skeletal muscle, in vitro as well as in vivo.

Methods

Nine-week-old male db/db mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet, with orally administrated either vehicle (carboxymethyl-cellulose, CMC), 5 mg/kg telmisartan, or 5 mg/kg telmisartan and 1 mg/kg GW9662, a selective irreversible antagonist of PPARγ, for 5 weeks. Effects of telmisartan on Sirt1 mRNA, AMPK phosphorylation, and NAD+/NADH ratio were determined in C2C12 cultured myocytes.

Results and discussion

Telmisartan treatment improved insulin sensitivity in obese db/db mice fed a high-fat diet and led to reduction in the size of hypertrophic pancreatic islets in these mice. Moreover, in vitro treatment with telmisartan led to increased expression of Sirt1 mRNA in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells; the increase in Sirt1 mRNA in telmisartan-treated C2C12 myoblasts occurred concomitantly with an increase in AMPK phosphorylation, an increase in NAD+/NADH ratio, and increases in the mRNA levels of PGC1α, FATP1, ACO, and GLUT4.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that telmisartan acts through a PPARγ-independent pathway, but at least partially exerts its effects by acting directly on skeletal muscle AMPK/SIRT1 pathways.
Proteomics identifies differentially expressed proteins in neonatal murine thymus compared with adults
Authors: Cai Xinze , Huang Wenyue , Qiao Ying , Chen Yang , Du Shuyan , Chen Dong , Yu Shuang , Che Ruichao , Jiang Yi
Published: November 2012

Background

The thymus is an immune organ essential for life and plays a crucial role in the development of T cells. It undergoes a fetal to adult developmental maturation process occurring in mouse during the postnatal months. The molecular modifications underlying these ontogenic changes are essentially unknown. Here we used a differential proteomic-based technique (2D-Difference Gel Electrophoresis) coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry to search for key proteins in the postnatal development of the thymus. Eight different BALB/c mice were used in the study: four mice aged of 1 day (neonatal) and four mice aged of 60 days (adult). Protein samples derived from thymus were labeled and run in 2D-PAGE (Two-Dimensional Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis). One whole-thymus tissue from each mouse was run on gels and each gel containing a pooled sample of the eight mice was run in parallel. The pooled sample was set as the internal pool, containing equal amount of each protein extract used in the experiment. Gels were matched and compared with Difference In-gel Analysis software. Differential spots were picked, in-gel digested and peptide mass fingerprints were obtained.

Results

Among the differentially regulated proteins in neonatal thymus group, 111 proteins were identified by mass spectrometry, of which 95 proteins were up-regulated and 16 proteins were down-regulated. The identified proteins belong to several functional categories, including cell proliferation, cycle and apoptosis, transcription regulation, signal transduction, nucleotide processing, proteolysis and translation, protein folding, metabolism, oxidoreduction, cytoskeleton, immune response, and embryonic development. The major interaction networks comprised of cellular function and maintenance, cellular assembly and organization, and metabolism were also identified by STRING analysis.

Conclusions

The demonstrated molecular changes are relevant for understanding thymus development as well as neonatal immune function, and they provide the diagnostic disease markers. Further studies will be required to describe in detail the role of the identified proteins in thymus maturation and in the specific functions of neonatal thymus.
Tanshinone IIA inhibits metastasis after palliative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma and prolongs survival in part via vascular normalization
Authors: Wang Wen-Quan , Liu Liang , Sun Hui-Chuan , Fu Yan-Ling , Xu Hua-Xiang , Chai Zong-Tao , Zhang Qiang-Bo , Kong Ling-Qun , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Lu Lu , Ren Zheng-Gang , Tang Zhao-You
Published: November 2012

Background

Promotion of endothelial normalization restores tumor oxygenation and obstructs tumor cells invasion, intravasation, and metastasis. We therefore investigated whether a vasoactive drug, tanshinone IIA, could inhibit metastasis by inducing vascular normalization after palliative resection (PR) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A liver orthotopic double-tumor xenograft model in nude mouse was established by implantation of HCCLM3 (high metastatic potential) and HepG2 tumor cells. After removal of one tumor by PR, the effects of tanshinone IIA administration on metastasis, tumor vascularization, and survival were evaluated. Tube formation was examined in mouse tumor-derived endothelial cells (TECs) treated with tanshinone IIA.

Results

PR significantly accelerated residual hepatoma metastases. Tanshinone IIA did not inhibit growth of single-xenotransplanted tumors, but it did reduce the occurrence of metastases. Moreover, it inhibited PR-enhanced metastases and, more importantly, prolonged host survival. Tanshinone IIA alleviated residual tumor hypoxia and suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vivo; however, it did not downregulate hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) or reverse EMT of tumor cells under hypoxic conditions in vitro. Tanshinone IIA directly strengthened tube formation of TECs, associated with vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor 1/platelet derived growth factor receptor (VEGFR1/PDGFR) upregulation. Although the microvessel density (MVD) of residual tumor tissue increased after PR, the microvessel integrity (MVI) was still low. While tanshinone IIA did not inhibit MVD, it did dramatically increase MVI, leading to vascular normalization.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that tanshinone IIA can inhibit the enhanced HCC metastasis associated with PR. Inhibition results from promoting VEGFR1/PDGFR-related vascular normalization. This application demonstrates the potential clinical benefit of preventing postsurgical recurrence.
Evaluation of drug-induced tissue injury by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in silkworm hemolymph
Authors: Inagaki Yoshinori , Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Kataoka Keiko , Matsuhashi Naoya , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: November 2012

Background

Our previous studies suggest silkworms can be used as model animals instead of mammals in pharmacologic studies to develop novel therapeutic medicines. We examined the usefulness of the silkworm larvae Bombyx mori as an animal model for evaluating tissue injury induced by various cytotoxic drugs. Drugs that induce hepatotoxic effects in mammals were injected into the silkworm hemocoel, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was measured in the hemolymph 1 day later.

Results

Injection of CCl4 into the hemocoel led to an increase in ALT activity. The increase in ALT activity was attenuated by pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Injection of benzoic acid derivatives, ferric sulfate, sodium valproate, tetracycline, amiodarone hydrochloride, methyldopa, ketoconazole, pemoline (Betanamin), N-nitroso-fenfluramine, and D-galactosamine also increased ALT activity.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that silkworms are useful for evaluating the effects of chemicals that induce tissue injury in mammals.
Modulating proximal cell signaling by targeting Btk ameliorates humoral autoimmunity and end-organ disease in murine lupus
Authors: Hutcheson Jack , Vanarsa Kamala , Bashmakov Anna , Grewal Simer , Sajitharan Deena , Chang Betty Y , Buggy Joseph J , Zhou Xin J , Du Yong , Satterthwaite Anne B , Mohan Chandra
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by an abundance of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a proximal transducer of the BCR signal that allows for B-cell activation and differentiation. Recently, selective inhibition of Btk by PCI-32765 has shown promise in limiting activity of multiple cells types in various models of cancer and autoimmunity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Btk inhibition by PCI-32765 on the development of lupus in lupus-prone B6.Sle1 and B6.Sle1.Sle3 mice.

Methods

B6.Sle1 or B6.Sle1.Sle3 mice received drinking water containing either the Btk inhibitor PCI-32765 or vehicle for 56 days. Following treatment, mice were examined for clinical and pathological characteristics of lupus. The effect of PCI-32765 on specific cell types was also investigated.

Results

In this study, we report that Btk inhibition dampens humoral autoimmunity in B6.Sle1 monocongenic mice. Moreover, in B6.Sle1.Sle3 bicongenic mice that are prone to severe lupus, Btk inhibition also dampens humoral and cellular autoimmunity, as well as lupus nephritis.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that partial crippling of cell signaling in B cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs) may be a viable alternative to total depletion of these cells as a therapeutic modality for lupus.
Tumor microenvironment converts plasmacytoid dendritic cells into immunosuppressive/tolerogenic cells: insight into the molecular mechanisms
Authors: Demoulin Stéphanie , Herfs Michael , Delvenne Philippe , Hubert Pascale
Published: November 2012

Review of neoplastic lesions associated with infiltration of immunosuppressive pDC and the molecular pathways developed by tumors, to prevent antitumoral pDC responses.

Human pDCs represent a rare population of circulating cells characterized by a rapid and massive TLR-dependent secretion of type I IFN in response to pathogenic agents or danger signals. Through their capacity to bring together innate and adaptive immunity and to secrete soluble factors controlling cancer development, these cells could represent important actors in antitumor immunity. However, accumulating evidence suggests that pDCs recruited to the tumor microenvironment often display a nonactivated state and are associated with the development and maintenance of immunosuppression. Here, we present an overview of neoplastic lesions associated with an infiltration of immunosuppressive/tolerogenic pDC. Moreover, as the proper response of pDC against cancer depends on a critical balance between immune-activating and immune-suppressing mechanisms, we summarize current knowledge about the molecular pathways developed by tumors to prevent antitumoral pDC immune responses. A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating pDC function in tumors could aid in the development of new therapies. Indeed, effective cancer vaccines or therapies could combine immunoactivating strategies (i.e., TLR agonists) with elimination of immune-suppressing mechanisms, leading to pDC reprogramming and thus, allowing tumor rejection in a clinical setting.
Effective treatment of perinatal depression for women in debt and lacking financial empowerment in a low-income country
Authors: Rahman Atif , Sikander Siham , Malik Abid , Ahmed Ikhlaque , Tomenson Barbara , Creed Francis
Published: November 2012

Background

Poverty may moderate the effect of treatment of depression in low-income countries.

Aims

To assess poverty and lack of empowerment as moderators of a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)-based intervention for perinatal depression in rural Pakistan.

Method

Using secondary analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial (trial registration: ISRCTN65316374) we identified predictors of depression at 1-year follow-up and moderators of the intervention (n=791).

Results

Predictors of follow-up depression included household debt, the participant not being empowered to manage household finance and the interaction terms for these variables with the trial arm. Effect sizes for women with and without household debt were 0.80 and 0.55 respectively. The effect size for women in debt and not empowered financially was 0.94 compared with 0.50 for women with neither of these factors.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the importance of household debt and lack of financial empowerment of women as important maintaining factors of depression in low-income countries and our locally developed intervention tackled these problems successfully.