bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between polymorphisms of the renin–angiotensin system and coronary artery disease in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lei He-Ping , Chen Hong-Mei , Zhong Shi-Long , Yao Qing-Zhou , Tan Hong-Hong , Yang Min , Lin Qiu-Xiong , Shan Zhi-Xin , Zheng Zhi-Wei , Zhu Jie-Ning , Zhou Zhi-Ling , Lin Shu-Guang , Yu Xi-Yong
Published: February 2012

Background: The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is regarded as one of the most important regulatory systems for cardiovascular homeostasis. In this study, we investigated associations of the five genetic polymorphisms in the RAS and presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. We used the generalised multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) method to identify gene–gene interactions.

Results: The D allele in the ACE gene was significantly more frequent in type 2 diabetic patients with CAD ( p = 0.04). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the DD genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of CAD ( p = 0.044). 1675G/A variant in the AT2R gene was found to be associated with CAD in female subjects with type 2 diabetes ( p = 0.025). The three other polymorphisms of the RAS do not seem to influence the development of CAD in type 2 diabetes. No significant gene–gene interaction for any combinations of genotypes was found in the GMDR method.

Conclusion: The DD variant of the ACE gene polymorphism is associated with increased risk of developing CAD in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. A slight impact of AT2R 1675G/A polymorphism on CAD was found only in female diabetic patients.
Visual exploration of classification models for various data types in risk assessment
Authors: Migut Malgorzata , Worring Marcel
Published: February 2012

In risk assessment applications well-informed decisions need to be made based on large amounts of multi-dimensional data. In many domains, not only the risk of a wrong decision, but also of the trade-off between the costs of possible decisions are of utmost importance. In this paper we describe a framework to support the decision-making process, which tightly integrates interactive visual exploration with machine learning. The proposed approach uses a series of interactive 2D visualizations of numerical and ordinal data combined with visualization of classification models. These series of visual elements are linked to the classifier’s performance, which is visualized using an interactive performance curve. This interaction allows the decision-maker to steer the classification model and instantly identify the critical, cost-changing data elements in the various linked visualizations. The critical data elements are represented as images in order to trigger associations related to the knowledge of the expert. In this way the data visualization and classification results are not only linked together, but are also linked back to the classification model. Such a visual analytics framework allows the user to interactively explore the costs of his decisions for different settings of the model and, accordingly, use the most suitable classification model. More informed and reliable decisions result. A case study in the forensic psychiatry domain reveals the usefulness of the suggested approach.
Contraceptive Services in SBHCs
Authors: Daley Alison Moriarty
Published: February 2012

School Based Health Centers (SBHCs) are teen-friendly community resources currently underutilized in efforts to prevent teen pregnancy. Much of the decline in the teen birth rate has been attributed to increased access and use of contraception by adolescents. Yet 60% of SBHCs nationwide, which provide health care services to adolescents, are prohibited from prescribing and/or dispensing contraception. Pregnancy prevention efforts targeting increased contraceptive availability and accessibility are likely to be enhanced by changing existing policies that restrict contraceptive services to adolescents through SBHCs nationwide. This article describes a successful community-based effort to change school district policy to provide contraceptive access through the SBHCs. The Transtheoretical model (TM) is applied retrospectively to describe this change process and provides a useful framework for nurses to consider in guiding community health policy initiatives.
Tissue Loss Secondary to Extrinsic Compression of Common Iliac Artery From Uterine Leiomyoma
Authors: Reynolds Tyler S. , Luu Carrie , Chauvapun Joe
Published: February 2012

Background. Uterine leiomyomas are commonly reported to cause deep venous thrombosis and rarely arterial compression. Case. A 48-year-old woman was transferred to our institution with acute right lower limb ischemia and tissue loss. She underwent urgent iliac thrombectomy and was subsequently found to have right common iliac artery compression by a large uterine leiomyoma. She underwent successful resection of the tumor followed by endovascular iliac stent placement. Conclusion. This case emphasizes the importance of preoperative imaging when possible in the setting of acute arterial ischemia to evaluate for sources of extrinsic compression. Management requires correction of the etiology of extrinsic compression.
Long-Term Outcomes Following 282 Consecutive Cases of Infrapopliteal PTA and Association of Risk Factors With Primary Patency and Limb Salvage
Authors: Sigala Fragiska , Kontis Elissaios , Hepp Wolfang , Filis Konstantinos , Melissas John , Mirilas Petros
Published: February 2012

We aimed to determine the long-term results after infrapopliteal PTA (primary patency, limb salvage, survival) and examine for association with risk factors (e.g. diabetes, infection, etc). We studied 268 patients with 282 critically ischemic limbs treated with PTA of at least one crural artery during a six-year period. Data included TASC II morphological classification of lesions and risk factors. Technical success rate was 97.2%, and overall mortality 0.7%. Patients with milder TASC lesions preserved primary patency longer than patients with more severe lesions. Similar results were obtained for limb salvage and survival. Fontaine stage, TASC class and postoperative infection of operated limb increased the risk for loss of primary patency and major amputation. Concomitant carotid stenosis was associated with loss of primary patency. Diabetes mellitus, preoperative ulcer or gangrene were associated with need of major amputation. PTA was a safe and effective treatment for CLI due to lesions of infrapopliteal vessels.
Risk and Protective Factors for Trajectories of Violent Delinquency Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Early Adolescents
Authors: Reingle Jennifer M. , Jennings Wesley G. , Maldonado-Molina Mildred M.
Published: February 2012

To estimate trajectories of violence using a longitudinal sample of adolescents, considering the effects of multiple domains of influences as differentiators between profiles of violent behavior. A nationally representative sample of 9,421 adolescents ages 15–26. Trajectories were estimated, and multinomial regression procedures were used to evaluate factors predicting membership in high-violence trajectory groups. Mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate the mediated effect of distal influences on violence. Three groups of violence trajectories were identified: (a) nonviolent (73.1%); (b) escalators (14.6%); and (c) desistors (12.3%). Peer alcohol use predicted both escalation and desistance; however, these effects were mediated through individual-level variables. Aside from baseline violence, no other risk factor predicted membership in the “escalator” group. The lack of significance in predicting escalation highlights the need for further study on the etiology of late onset violence. Implications for violence prevention are discussed.
In Vivo Optical Tissue Differentiation by Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Stelzle Florian , Adler Werner , Zam Azhar , Tangermann-Gerk Katja , Knipfer Christian , Douplik Alexandre , Schmidt Michael , Nkenke Emeka
Published: February 2012

Objectives. Laser surgery requires feedback to avoid the accidental destruction of critically important tissues. It was the aim of the authors to identify different tissue types in vivo by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to set the basis for tissue-specific control of laser surgery. Methods. Tissue differentiation was performed on in vivo tissue of rats (skin, fat, muscle, and nerve) by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy between 350 and 650 nm. Data analysis was done using principal components analysis, followed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The differentiation performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results. ROC analysis showed a tissue differentiation of 100%, with a high sensitivity of more than 99%. Only the tissue pair skin/fat showed a reduced differentiation performance and specificity. Conclusion. The results show the general viability of in vivo optical tissue differentiation and create a basis for the further development of a control system for tissue-specific laser surgery.
Resveratrol inhibits LPS-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in mouse melanoma model
Authors: Chen Man-Chin , Chang Wen-Wei , Kuan Yu-Diao , Lin Song-Tao , Hsu Hui-Chun , Lee Che-Hsin
Published: February 2012

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been linked to metastasis. Resveratrol exhibits potential antitumor activities; however, the inhibitory effects of resveratrol on the EMT of melanoma have not been demonstrated. Here, a new role for LPS in promoting EMT is described. LPS-induced EMT was identified by examining the markers of EMT. To assess the activation of NF-κB signal transduction pathway, we performed a reporter assay by using tumor cells transfected with the luciferase gene under the control of NF-κB response elements. The antitumor effects of resveratrol were evaluated in an experimental mouse metastasis tumor model. LPS increased N-cadherin and Snail expression and decreased zonula occludens-1 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, LPS stimulated cell migration through activation of TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway. LPS-induced EMT is critical for inflammation-initiated metastasis. Nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of p65 NF-κB, an important inducer of EMT, were inhibited by resveratrol. Resveratrol inhibited LPS-induced tumor migration and markers of EMT, significantly prolonged animal survival and reduced the tumor size. Thus, resveratrol plays an important role in the inhibition of LPS-induced EMT in mouse melanoma through the down-regulation of NF-κB activity. The data provide an insight into the mechanisms on the function of resveratrol during the processes of EMT.
Ascertaining instances of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a secondary mental healthcare electronic medical records database: the SLAM BRC Case Register
Authors: Chang Chin-Kuo , Harrison Simon , Lee William , Taylor David , Stewart Robert
Published: February 2012

Objectives: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of antipsychotic treatment. However, there is no single diagnostic test and a variety of overlapping criteria exist. Using a large case register of secondary mental healthcare in Southeast London, we aimed to identify suspected cases and quantify the levels of agreement between six different diagnostic criteria previously published.

Methods: Taking advantage of a recently developed case register sourced from full but anonymized electronic medical records (the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust), we applied text string searching to identify suspected NMS cases for which action had been taken to investigate or treat. Three psychiatrists manually reviewed case records for clinical data to compare diagnostic criteria.

Results: Analysis of the case register revealed 183 suspected NMS cases, of which 43 fulfilled at least one set of the six diagnostic criteria. Agreement between criteria was poor (κ = 0.35 for all combined agreement; 95% confidence interval 0.31–0.39) and only one case fulfilled all six diagnostic criteria. However, among cases meeting any diagnostic criteria, pyrexia, extrapyramidal symptoms, altered consciousness, autonomic symptoms, and elevated CK concentrations were significantly more common than in cases not meeting diagnostic criteria ( p < 0.01). On further analyses, the presence of two or more of these features significantly distinguished cases meeting criteria from those that did not ( p < 0.01). Individual symptoms were also reported in suspected cases of NMS that did not fulfil any diagnostic criteria.

Conclusions: In a large sample of NMS cases recorded in medical records, relatively poor agreement was found among published diagnostic criteria for NMS. However, core features of NMS were observed significantly more often among cases meeting diagnostic criteria. Individual symptoms were also described in suspected cases that did not meet diagnostic criteria. These findings suggest a continued need for consensus on standard criteria for NMS.
Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST-36) Restores Impaired Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Regulates Stem Cell Factor Pathway in the Colon of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Xu Juanjuan , Chen Yan , Liu Shi , Hou Xiaohua
Published: February 2012

The present study determined the effects of electroacupuncture on interstitial cells of Cajal and investigated whether changes in the stem cell factor pathway were involved. Animals were assigned to normal, diabetic, diabetic plus sham stimulation, diabetic plus low-frequency stimulation, and diabetic plus high-frequency stimulation groups. Electroacupuncture was performed daily for 8 weeks. In vitro contractility of colonic muscle strips were studied. Expression of c-kit (the marker of interstitial cells of Cajal) and stem cell factor were measured. The results showed that (1) contraction of colonic muscle strips was significantly elevated in low- and high-frequency stimulation groups and (2) in contrast to the diabetic group, the expressions of c-kit and stem cell factor were markedly increased in the low- and high-frequency stimulation groups. These results indicate that both low- and high-frequency stimulation can promote the contractility of colonic muscle strips partially through increasing the number of interstitial cells of Cajal, and these effects could be mediated by an elevated endogenous stem cell factor.
Decisions Made in the Practice Room
Authors: Oare Steve
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study is to describe the decision-making processes of novice band students while engaged in individual practice. Five seventh- through ninth-grade students were videotaped while practicing and subsequently interviewed using retrospective verbal protocol. Students were asked to discuss the goals they had while practicing, their choice of practice strategies, their self-assessment process, and their feelings of efficacy. Analysis of data and prior literature resulted in the construction of a model for effective practice and suggested three implications for teachers. First, student choices about what and how to practice seem more focused when motivations are goal oriented instead of time oriented. Second, practice goals tend to be vague, which leads to difficulty in defining criteria for success and strategies for improvement. Finally, though students have knowledge of various practice strategies, their understanding of the appropriate use of the strategies is lacking.
Plasmodium vivax populations revisited: mitochondrial genomes of temperate strains in Asia suggest ancient population expansion
Authors: Miao Miao , Yang Zhaoqing , Patch Harland , Huang Yaming , Escalante Ananias A , Cui Liwang
Published: February 2012

Background

Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed human malaria parasite outside of Africa, and its range extends well into the temperate zones. Previous studies provided evidence for vivax population differentiation, but temperate vivax parasites were not well represented in these analyses. Here we address this deficit by using complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences to elucidate the broad genetic diversity and population structure of P. vivax from temperate regions in East and Southeast Asia.

Results

From the complete mtDNA sequences of 99 clinical samples collected in China, Myanmar and Korea, a total of 30 different haplotypes were identified from 26 polymorphic sites. Significant differentiation between different East and Southeast Asian parasite populations was observed except for the comparison between populations from Korea and southern China. Haplotype patterns and structure diversity analysis showed coexistence of two different groups in East Asia, which were genetically related to the Southeast Asian population and Myanmar population, respectively. The demographic history of P. vivax, examined using neutrality tests and mismatch distribution analyses, revealed population expansion events across the entire P. vivax range and the Myanmar population. Bayesian skyline analysis further supported the occurrence of ancient P. vivax population expansion.

Conclusions

This study provided further resolution of the population structure and evolution of P. vivax, especially in temperate/warm-temperate endemic areas of Asia. The results revealed divergence of the P. vivax populations in temperate regions of China and Korea from other populations. Multiple analyses confirmed ancient population expansion of this parasite. The extensive genetic diversity of the P. vivax populations is consistent with phenotypic plasticity of the parasites, which has implications for malaria control.
Whole-Genome sequencing and genetic variant analysis of a quarter Horse mare
Authors: Doan Ryan , Cohen Noah D , Sawyer Jason , Ghaffari Noushin , Johnson Charles D , Dindot Scott V
Published: February 2012

Background

The catalog of genetic variants in the horse genome originates from a few select animals, the majority originating from the Thoroughbred mare used for the equine genome sequencing project. The purpose of this study was to identify genetic variants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertion/deletion polymorphisms (INDELs), and copy number variants (CNVs) in the genome of an individual Quarter Horse mare sequenced by next-generation sequencing.

Results

Using massively parallel paired-end sequencing, we generated 59.6 Gb of DNA sequence from a Quarter Horse mare resulting in an average of 24.7X sequence coverage. Reads were mapped to approximately 97% of the reference Thoroughbred genome. Unmapped reads werede novoassembled resulting in 19.1 Mb of new genomic sequence in the horse. Using a stringent filtering method, we identified 3.1 million SNPs, 193 thousand INDELs, and 282 CNVs. Genetic variants were annotated to determine their impact on gene structure and function. Additionally, we genotyped this Quarter Horse for mutations of known diseases and for variants associated with particular traits. Functional clustering analysis of genetic variants revealed that most of the genetic variation in the horse's genome was enriched in sensory perception, signal transduction, and immunity and defense pathways.

Conclusions

This is the first sequencing of a horse genome by next-generation sequencing and the first genomic sequence of an individual Quarter Horse mare. We have increased the catalog of genetic variants for use in equine genomics by the addition of novel SNPs, INDELs, and CNVs. The genetic variants described here will be a useful resource for future studies of genetic variation regulating performance traits and diseases in equids.
Characterization of a thermostable β-glucosidase from Aspergillus fumigatus Z5, and its functional expression in Pichia pastoris X33
Authors: Liu Dongyang , Zhang Ruifu , Yang Xingming , Zhang Zhenhua , Song Song , Miao Youzhi , Shen Qirong
Published: February 2012

Background

Recently, the increased demand of energy has strongly stimulated the research on the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into reducing sugars for the subsequent production, and β-glucosidases have been the focus because of their important roles in a variety fundamental biological processes and the synthesis of useful β-glucosides. Although the β-glucosidases of different sources have been investigated, the amount of β-glucosidases are insufficient for effective conversion of cellulose. The goal of this work was to search for new resources of β-glucosidases, which was thermostable and with high catalytic efficiency.

Results

In this study, a thermostable native β-glucosidase (nBgl3), which is secreted by the lignocellulose-decomposing fungusAspergillus fumigatusZ5, was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity. Internal sequences of nBgl3 were obtained by LC-MS/MS, and its encoding gene,bgl3, was cloned based on the peptide sequences obtained from the LC-MS/MS results.bgl3 contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 2622 bp and encodes a protein with a predicted molecular weight of 91.47 kDa; amino acid sequence analysis of the deduced protein indicated that nBgl3 is a member of the glycoside hydrolase family 3. A recombinant β-glucosidase (rBgl3) was obtained by the functional expression ofbgl3 inPichia pastorisX33. Several biochemical properties of purified nBgl3 and rBgl3 were determined - both enzymes showed optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 60°C, and they were stable for a pH range of 4-7 and a temperature range of 50 to 70°C. Of the substrates tested, nBgl3 and rBgl3 displayed the highest activity toward 4-Nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG), with specific activities of 103.5 ± 7.1 and 101.7 ± 5.2 U mg-1, respectively. However, these enzymes were inactive toward carboxymethyl cellulose, lactose and xylan.

Conclusions

An native β-glucosidase nBgl3 was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the crude extract ofA. fumigatusZ5. The genebgl3 was cloned based on the internal sequences of nBgl3 obtained from the LC-MS/MS results, and the genebgl3was expressed inPichia pastorisX33. The results of various biochemical properties of two enzymes including specific activity, pH stability, thermostability, and kinetic properties (Km and Vmax) indicated that they had no significant differences.
Modeled nitrate levels in well water supplies and prevalence of abnormal thyroid conditions among the Old Order Amish in Pennsylvania
Authors: Aschebrook-Kilfoy Briseis , Heltshe Sonya L , Nuckols John R , Sabra Mona M , Shuldiner Alan R , Mitchell Braxton D , Airola Matt , Holford Theodore R , Zhang Yawei , Ward Mary H
Published: February 2012

Background

Nitrate is a widespread contaminant of drinking water supplies, especially in agricultural areas. Nitrate intake from drinking water and dietary sources can interfere with the uptake of iodide by the thyroid, thus potentially impacting thyroid function.

Methods

We assessed the relation of estimated nitrate levels in well water supplies with thyroid health in a cohort of 2,543 Old Order Amish residing in Lancaster, Chester, and Lebanon counties in Pennsylvania for whom thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured during 1995-2008. Nitrate measurement data (1976-2006) for 3,613 wells in the study area were obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey and we used these data to estimate concentrations at study participants' residences using a standard linear mixed effects model that included hydrogeological covariates and kriging of the wells' residuals. Nitrate levels estimated by the model ranged from 0.35 mg/L to 16.4 mg/L N-NO3
-, with a median value of 6.5 mg/L, which was used as the cutpoint to define high and low nitrate exposure. In a validation analysis of the model, we calculated that the sensitivity of the model was 67% and the specificity was 93%. TSH levels were used to define the following outcomes: clinical hyperthyroidism (n = 10), clinical hypothyroidism (n = 56), subclinical hyperthyroidism (n = 25), and subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 228).

Results

In women, high nitrate exposure was significantly associated with subclinical hypothyroidism (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.11-2.32). Nitrate was not associated with subclinical thyroid disease in men or with clinical thyroid disease in men or women.

Conclusions

Although these data do not provide strong support for an association between nitrate in drinking water and thyroid health, our results do suggest that further exploration of this hypothesis is warranted using studies that incorporate individual measures of both dietary and drinking water nitrate intake.
Sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma patients beyond Milan criteria after orthotopic liver transplantation: a case control study
Authors: Teng Chieh-Lin , Hwang Wen-Li , Chen Yi-Ju , Chang Kuang-Hsi , Cheng Shao-Bin
Published: February 2012

Background

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is one of the most effective treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria. However, for patients beyond these criteria, the recurrence rate is higher and the prognosis is worse. Sorafenib is the only drug showing survival benefits in advanced HCC patients; however, its role in patients beyond the Milan criteria after OLT remains unclear and requires further investigation.

Methods

As a case-control study, we retrospectively analyzed 17 Chinese patients beyond Milan criteria undergoing OLT for HCC. These patients were stratified into adjuvant (n = 5), palliative (n = 6), and control groups (n = 6).

Results

Nine of 11 patients who received sorafenib after OLT needed dose reduction due to more than grade 2 side effects. The disease-free survival rates for patients with or without adjuvant sorafenib were 100% versus 37.5% (p = 0.034) at 6 months, 66.7% versus 9.4% (p = 0.026) at 12 months, and 66.7% versus 0.0% (p = 0.011) at 18 months, respectively. The overall survival rates for patients in palliative and control groups were 66.7% versus 40.0% (p = 0.248) at 6 months, 66.7% versus 40.0% (p = 0.248) at 12 months, and 50.0% versus 20.0% (p = 0.17) at 18 months, respectively. Patients in the adjuvant group had better overall survival rates than those in the palliative and control groups (p = 0.031) at 24-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Adjuvant sorafenib could possibly extend both disease-free and overall survival for HCC patients beyond Milan criteria after OLT.
Rapid detection of sacbrood virus (SBV) by one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Jin-Long Yang , Rui Yang , Ke-Fei Shen , Xiang-Wei Peng , Tao Xiong , Zuo-Hua Liu
Published: February 2012

Background

Sacbrood virus (SBV) primarily infects honeybee broods, and in order to deal with the problem cost effective detection methods are required.

Findings

A one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay was developed for the rapid identification of SBV. The data demonstrated that, in a simple water bath, SBV RNA could be detected as early as 20 min at 65°C, and a positive amplification reaction was visible to the naked eye due to a color change brought on by the addition of nucleic acid stain SYBR Green.

Conclusions

The current study presents a method for the rapid and simple detection of SBV by RT-LAMP with high sensitivity and analytic specificity.
A finite element multifrontal method for 3D CSEM modeling in the frequency domain
Authors: da Silva Nuno Vieira , Morgan Joanna V. , MacGregor Lucy , Warner Mike
Published: February 2012

There has been a recent increase in the use of controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) surveys in the exploration for oil and gas. We developed a modeling scheme for 3D CSEM modeling in the frequency domain. The electric field was decomposed in primary and secondary components to eliminate the singularity originated by the source term. The primary field was calculated using a closed form solution, and the secondary field was computed discretizing a second-order partial differential equation for the electric field with the edge finite element. The solution to the linear system of equations was obtained using a massive parallel multifrontal solver, because such solvers are robust for indefinite and ill-conditioned linear systems. Recent trends in parallel computing were investigated for their use in mitigating the computational overburden associated with the use of a direct solver, and of its feasibility for 3D CSEM forward modeling with the edge finite element. The computation of the primary field was parallelized, over the computational domain and the number of sources, using a hybrid model of parallelism. When using a direct solver, the attainment of multisource solutions was only competitive if the same factors are used to achieve a solution for multi right-hand sides. This aspect was also investigated using the presented methodology. We tested our proposed approach using 1D and 3D synthetic models, and they demonstrated that it is robust and suitable for 3D CSEM modeling using a distributed memory system. The codes could thus be used to help design new surveys, as well to estimate subsurface conductivities through the implementation of an appropriate inversion scheme.
A translation inhibitor identified in a Drosophila screen enhances the effect of ionizing radiation and taxol in mammalian models of cancer
Authors: Gladstone Mara , Frederick Barbara , Zheng Di , Edwards Anthony , Yoon Petros , Stickel Stefanie , DeLaney Tessie , Chan Daniel C. , Raben David , Su Tin Tin
Published: February 2012

We described previously a screening protocol in Drosophila melanogaster that allows us to identify small molecules that increase the killing effect of ionizing radiation in vivo in a multicellular context. The ability of this screen to identify agents that enhance the effect of radiation in human cancer models has been validated in published proof-of-concept studies. Here we describe an agent, identified by screening through two National Cancer Institute (NCI) small molecule libraries in Drosophila, that increases the effect of radiation. This agent, Bouvardin (NSC 259968), inhibits the elongation step of protein synthesis. We find that Bouvardin enhances the killing effect of X-rays in both Drosophila larvae and in human cancer cells. More detailed analysis showed that Bouvardin also increases the effect of radiation in clonogenic assays and in human cancer xenografts in mice. Finally, we present data that Bouvardin can also increase the efficacy of taxol. Regulation of translation is important to cancer biology. Current therapies target every aspect of cancer cell proliferation from growth factor signaling to cell division, with the exception of translation elongation. Our identification of Bouvardin as an enhancer of radio- and chemo-therapeutic agents suggests that targeting this niche has the potential to improve existing cancer therapies.
Effect of distinct sources of Ca2+ on cardiac hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhang Yali , Sun Junqing , Wei Jinhong , Sun Lijun , Zhang Jianbao
Published: February 2012

It is believed that intracellular calcium (Ca2+) overload can cause the cardiac hypertrophy, but it is possible that the Ca2+ entering the cytoplasm through distinct pathways will induce various effects on cardiomyocytes. The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of different sources of Ca2+ on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with three agents (ionomycin, caffeine and angiotensin II [Ang II]) that increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration via different pathways. Treatments with ionomycin, caffeine and Ang II for 24 h caused a significant increase in resting [Ca2+]i by 108.0 ± 7.8%, 102.0 ± 6.9% and 59.8 ± 3.3%, respectively. Caffeine and Ang II increased the cell surface area of cardiomyocytes and the mRNA level of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain, but ionomycin did not. Moreover, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) activity and the amplitudes of the twitch [Ca2+]i transients were reduced in the caffeine-treated group and Ang II-treated group. Furthermore, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by caffeine was inhibited by cyclosporin A (CsA) and KN93, whereas cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by Ang II was inhibited by KN93, but not CsA. Our results show that cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is associated with SERCA2a activity, contractile performance and signaling pathways of CaMKII and/or calcineurin, whereas the Ca2+ overload is not sufficient to cause the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Risk factors for chronic venous disease
Authors: Vlajinac H D , Radak Ð J , Marinković J M , Maksimović M Ž
Published: February 2012

Objective

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common problem in developing and developed countries.

Methods

A cross-sectional study, conducted in two major towns in Serbia, comprised 3225 subjects over 18 years old, enrolled in the survey consecutively by general practitioners (GPs) within their normal framework. Diagnosis of CVD was made by GPs on the basis of symptoms and visual examination. Data on potential risk factors were collected by the use of a questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of CVD was significantly higher in women (73.7%) than in men (70.1%), although severe forms of CVD were significantly more frequent in men. Risk factors for CVD were age, body mass index ≥25.00 kg/m2, family history of CVD, history of blood clots in veins and ever-smoking in both sexes, and menopause, increased number of child births and physical inactivity in women.

Conclusion

The results obtained suggest the possibility of CVD prevention by modification of some behavioural risk factors.
A differential sequencing-based analysis of the C. elegans noncoding transcriptome
Authors: Xiao Tengfei , Wang Yunfei , Luo Huaxia , Liu Lihui , Wei Guifeng , Chen Xiaowei , Sun Yu , Chen Xiaomin , Skogerbø Geir , Chen Runsheng
Published: February 2012

Noncoding RNAs are increasingly being recognized as important players in eukaryote biology. However, despite major efforts in mapping the Caenorhabditis elegans transcriptome over the last couple of years, nonpolyadenylated and intermediate-size noncoding RNAs (is-ncRNAs) are still incompletely explored. We have combined an enzymatic approach with full-length RNA-Seq of is-ncRNAs in C. elegans. A total of 473 novel is-ncRNAs has been identified, of which a substantial fraction was associated with transcription factor binding sites and developmentally regulated expression patterns. Analysis of sequence and secondary structure permitted classification of more than 200 is-ncRNAs into several known RNA classes, while another 33 is-ncRNAs were identified as belonging to two previously uncharacterized groups of is-ncRNAs. Three of the unclassified is-ncRNAs contain the 5′ Alu domain common to SRP RNAs and specifically bound with the SRP9/14 heterodimer in vitro. One of these (inc394) showed 65% sequence identity with the human, neuron-specific BC200 RNA. Structure-based clustering analysis and in vitro binding experiments supported the notion that the nematode stem-bulge RNAs (sbRNAs) are homologs (or functional analogs) of the Y RNAs. Moreover, analysis of the differential libraries showed that some mature snoRNAs undergo secondary 5′ cap modification after processing of the primary transcript, thus suggesting the existence of a wider range of functional RNAs arising from processed and modified fragments of primary transcripts.
User-Generated Open Source Products: Founder's Social Capital and Time to Product Release
Authors: Mallapragada Girish , Grewal Rajdeep , Lilien Gary
Published: February 2012

Volunteer users employ collaborative Internet technologies to develop open source products, a form of user-generated content, where time to product release is a crucial measure of project success. The open source community features two separate but related subcommunities: developer users who contribute time and effort to develop products and end users who act as collaborative testers and provide feedback. We develop hypotheses concerning how the location of the project's founders in the social network of developer users, the interplay of developer users and end users, and project and product characteristics affect time to product release. We use data on 817 development projects from SourceForge, a large open source community forum, to calibrate a split hazard model to test the hypotheses. That model supports the two-community conceptualization and most of the related hypotheses. The results have theoretical and managerial implications; for example, a pivotal position of founders in the developer user community can reduce time to product release by up to 31 and projects in which users are more engaged can experience an 11 time to product release compared with those projects in which they are not.
The Odontological Collection: recent progress
Authors: Farrell Milly , Alberti Sam
Published: February 2012

For the last three years the Faculty of Dental Surgery has supported the cataloguing and re-storage of the Odontological Collection by the Museums and Archives Department. The collection dates back to 1859, when the Odontological Society of Great Britain announced the need for a dental collection to encourage further research in the field. Owing to the recent work in both cataloguing and promoting the collection, this original purpose has been re-established and the collection is once again the focus of several research projects.
Abdominalis compartment-syndroma súlyos acut pancreatitisben – irodalmi áttekintés
Authors: Szentkereszty Zsolt , Csiszkó Adrienn
Published: February 2012

Absztrakt

A súlyos acut pancreatitist gyakran kíséri hasűri nyomásfokozódás és annak súlyos formája, az abdominalis compartment-syndroma, ezért a betegség kezelésekor gondolni kell a kialakulására. Mivel a betegség korai stádiumában végzett műtétek morbiditása és mortalitása magas, csak a konzervatív kezelés eredménytelensége esetén, de mielőbb el kell végezni a dekompressziós műtétet. A műtéti dekompresszióra általában median laparotomiát alkalmaznak, de a haránt laparotomia is hasonlóan eredményes. A subcutan linea alba vagy a kétoldali anterior rectus fasciotomia is jó eredménynyel végezhető, azonban ennek eredménytelensége esetén dekompressziós laparotomia javasolt. A nyitotthas-kezelés a gyakori szövődmények miatt nem ajánlott. Törekedni kell a hasfal mielőbbi végleges zárására.
Quality of essential drugs in tropical countries: evaluation of antimalarial drugs in the Brazilian Health System
Authors: Nogueira Fernando Henrique Andrade , Moreira-Campos Lígia Maria , Santos Roseli La Corte dos , Pianetti Gerson Antônio
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of drug resistance is one of the main problems concerning malaria treatment. The use of counterfeit and/or substandard antimalarial drugs can contribute to the development of parasite resistance. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of antimalarial drugs distributed in Brazil. METHODS: Samples containing chloroquine phosphate, mefloquine hydrochloride, primaquine phosphate, and quinine sulfate tablets were delivered to the Rio de Janeiro central storeroom (CENADI), state storerooms (SS), and Basic Health Units (BHUs) in the north region of Brazil - a total of 10 sample sets. After 5 months of storage, the samples were collected, and in vitro quality control analyses according to official and published methods were performed. RESULTS: Inadequate drug storage conditions were found in two SS and in all BHUs evaluated. There were no quality deviations found in the chloroquine samples. The quinine samples exhibited weight variation above the allowed limits. The primaquine samples were found to have packaging deficiency. The release of mefloquine in samples from some regions showed a statistically significant difference when compared with the CENADI samples. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to periodically evaluate the quality and storage conditions of essential drugs. The quality deviations found with the primaquine and quinine samples are not related to storage conditions and must be addressed urgently. The decreased mefloquine release from tablets is related to formulation problems or influenced by inadequate storage conditions, prompting further investigation. Even with the mentioned problems, the samples would probably not contribute to resistant parasite selection.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of episodes of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by SPM-1-producing and non-producing imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Furtado Guilherme Henrique Campos , Gales Ana Cristina , Perdiz Luciana Baria , Santos Anderson Fernandes , Medeiros Eduardo Alexandrino Servolo de
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and exhibits high rates of resistance to several antimicrobial drugs. The carbapenens are usually the drugs of choice against this microorganism. However, the carbapenem resistance has increased among these strains worldwide. The presence of metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) has been pointed out as a major mechanism of resistance among these strains. No previous study addressed outcomes of respiratory infections caused by these strains. METHODS: Our group sought to analyze the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of patients with VAP caused by imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa. A total of 29 clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa were screened for metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) genes. RESULTS: Demographic and clinical variables were similar between the SPM-1-producing and non-SPM-1-producing group. Five (17.2%) isolates were positive for blaSPM-1. No other MBL gene was found. All patients were treated with polymyxin B. The infection-related mortality was 40% and 54.2% for SPM-1-producing and -non-producing isolates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in epidemiological and clinical outcomes between the two groups.
Class-I human leukocyte alleles in leprosy patients from Southern Brazil
Authors: Franceschi Danilo Santana Alessio , Tsuneto Luiza Tamie , Mazini Priscila Saamara , Sacramento William Sergio do , Reis Pâmela Guimarães , Rudnick Cristiane Conceição Chagas , Clementino Samaia Laface , Sell Ana Maria , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: The present study was designed to investigate a possible role of HLA (histocompatibility leucocyte antigen) class-I alleles (HLA-A, -B, and -C) in leprosy patients from Southern Brazil. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-five patients with leprosy and 450 individuals for the control group were involved in this research. HLA genotyping was performed through PCR-SSO protocols (One Lambda, USA); the frequency of these alleles was calculated in each group by direct counting, and the frequencies were then compared. RESULTS: There was an association between HLA-A*11 (6.9% vs 4.1%, p=0.0345, OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.05-2.81), HLA-B*38 (2.7% vs. 1.1%, p=0.0402, OR=2.44, 95% CI=1.05-5.69), HLA-C*12 (9.4% vs. 5.4%, p=0.01, OR=1.82, 95% CI=1.17-2.82), and HLA-C*16 (3.1% vs. 6.5%, p=0.0124, OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.26-0.85) and leprosy per se. In addition, HLA-B*35, HLA-C*04, and HLA-C*07 frequencies were different between lepromatous (LL) and tuberculoid (TT) patients. However, after adjusting for the number of alleles compared, Pc values became nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Although our results do not support the previous findings that HLA class-I alleles play a role in leprosy pathogenesis, we suggest new studies because of the importance of the association between the HLA and KIR in the innate immune response to leprosy.
Could leprosy reaction episodes be exacerbated by oral infections?
Authors: Motta Ana Carolina Fragoso , Furini Renata Bazan , Simão João Carlos Lopes , Vieira Mariana Bellini , Ferreira Maria Aparecida Nunes , Komesu Marilena Chinali , Foss Norma Tiraboschi
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated whether leprosy reactions could be associated with oral infection. METHODS: Leprosy patients (n = 38) with (Group I) and without (Group II) oral infections were selected. Reactions were identified from the clinical and histopathological features associated with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and10kDa interferon-gamma-induced protein (IP-10) levels, determined before and after elimination of the foci of infection. RESULTS: Group I presented more reactions than group II did, and improvement of the reactions after dental treatment. Serum CRP and IP-10 did not differ before and after the dental treatment, but differed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oral infection could be an exacerbating factor in leprosy reactions.
Occurrence of 102 cases of paracoccidioidomycosis in 18 months in the Itaipu Lake region, Western Paraná
Authors: Loth Eduardo Alexandre , Castro Solange Venturini de , Silva Joseane Rodrigues da , Gandra Rinaldo Ferreira
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: The study investigated the incidence of disease and death events among patients with paracoccidioidomycosis who were residents in the Itaipu Lake region from 2008 to 2009. METHODS: A review of patient records was conducted at the Department of Tuberculosis of the Epidemiology Center of the City of Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná. RESULTS: The results identified 102 new cases of paracoccidioidomycosis in the period described, 72 men and 30 women, and 15 deaths were recorded during the study. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the Itaipu Lake region is an endemic region.
Aprendizagem do naufrágio: Moby Dick, Ahab, um leitor e o muro
Authors: Martins Ronie Von , Farina Cynthia
Published: February 2012

Este texto apresenta uma experiência de aprendizagem com uma obra literária e com ideias filosóficas. Ele é narrado por um Leitor, personagem fascinada pelo encontro com Moby Dick de Melville, que conta uma experiência de perda de sentido com o universo educativo, com o universo do ensinar e aprender. Para enfrentar tal experiência, ele busca aliar-se a alguns conceitos, especialmente, de Deleuze e Guattari. Entende, então, que o pensamento filosófico não dá apenas referências, mas o impulsiona também em direções não pensadas, não previstas por ele. Com personagens literários e filosóficos, ele vive e busca expressar uma experiência de aprendizagem: uma "aprendizagem do naufrágio". Entende que uma aprendizagem não se encerra na conquista de um saber, mas tem uma íntima relação com um desprender-se de si próprio.
Discursos que produzem sentidos sobre o ensino de ciências nos anos iniciais de escolaridade
Authors: Pereira Talita Vidal
Published: February 2012

Neste artigo, analiso o discurso hegemônico articulado pela comunidade disciplinar que pesquisa o ensino das ciências, com o objetivo de identificar que sentidos estão sendo produzidos sobre esse ensino nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental. Tomo como referência as produções dos dois primeiros e dos dois últimos Encontros Nacionais de Pesquisa em Educação em ciências (ENPEC), que apresentaram reflexões voltadas para esse nível de escolaridade, em um esforço para compreender o processo de constituição de um discurso que pretende hegemonicamente estabelecer o que é e o que deveria ser o ensino de ciências nos níveis elementares de escolaridade, e também estabelecer quais são as necessidades formativas para que a docência possa ser exercida nessa direção. Lanço mão da teoria do discurso de Laclau e Mouffe (2004), que me possibilita perceber esse discurso como um híbrido que circula nos diferentes contextos de produção curricular.