bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of plant nutrition on aphid size, prey consumption, and life history characteristics of green lacewing
Authors: Aqueel Muhammad A. , Collins Catherine M. , Raza Abu‐bakar M. , Ahmad Shahbaz , Tariq Muhammad , Leather Simon R.
Published: February 2013

Plant quality can directly and indirectly affect the third trophic level. The predation by all the instars of green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (S.) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on the cereal aphids, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), and Sitobion avenae (F.) at varying nitrogen fertilizer levels was calculated under laboratory conditions. Wheat plants were grown on four nitrogen fertilizer levels and aphids were fed on these plants and subsequently offered as food to the C. carnea. Aphid densities of 10, 30, and 90 were offered to first, second, and third instar larvae of green lacewing. Increased nitrogen application improved nitrogen contents of the plants and also the body weight of cereal aphids feeding on them. Aphid consumption by green lacewings was reduced with the increase in nitrogen content in the host plants of aphids. Predation of both aphid species by first, second, and third instars larvae of C. carnea was highest on aphids reared on plants with the lowest rate of fertilization, suggesting a compensatory consumption to overcome reduced biomass (lower aphid size). Total biomass devoured by C. carnea on all nitrogen fertilizer treatments was not statistically different. Additionally, the heavier host prey influenced by the plant nutrition had an effect on the life history characteristics of green lacewings. The larval duration, pupal weight, pupal duration, fecundity, and male and female longevity were significantly affected by the level of nitrogen fertilization to the aphid's host plants, except for pupal duration when fed on S. avenae. This study showed that quantity of prey supplied to the larvae affects the prey consumption and thereafter the life history characteristics of green lacewings.
Potential of Telemedicine to Provide Acute Medical Care for Adults in Senior Living Communities
Authors: Shah Manish N. , McDermott Ryan , Gillespie Suzanne M. , Philbrick Erin B. , Nelson Dallas
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Older adults dwelling in senior living communities (SLCs) often experience barriers to medical care when they experience acute illness. The potential of telemedicine as a substitute for standard routes of evaluating and caring for individuals with acute illness (e.g., in‐person or telephone‐based interactions with primary care providers and emergency department [ED] visits) was explored in this study.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional, observational study, the authors conducted a 6‐month retrospective review of the medical records of adults enrolled in a university‐affiliated geriatrics practice that offers on‐site primary medical care in SLCs. For each episode of acute care, patient demographics, medical history, and chief complaint were collected and presented to an expert panel of physicians, who determined whether telemedicine could have been used to provide acute evaluation and care. The care actually provided, including outcomes, was also noted. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the population and potential for telemedicine care.

Results

The medical records of 646 patients were reviewed, accounting for 1,535 unique episodes of acute care. The expert panel identified 576 visits (38%) as potentially appropriate for telemedicine‐based acute care, with 38, 47, and 27% of phone, in‐home, and ED visits being eligible, respectively. Chief complaints most likely to be deemed potentially appropriate were falls and dermatologic, respiratory, and gastrointestinal illnesses, representing 58% of visits identified for telemedicine‐based acute care.

Conclusions

Telemedicine has a potentially significant role in the provision of acute care for older adults residing in SLCs. Studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and efficiency of acute care telemedicine for this population.
Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and an Alternative Primary Diagnosis in the Emergency Department: A Description of their Characteristics and Outcomes
Authors: Atzema Clare L. , Lam Kevin , Young Christine , Kester‐Greene Nicole
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Atrial fibrillation is common in the emergency department (ED). Mortality rates at 30, 90, and 365 days for ED patients with a main diagnosis of atrial fibrillation are 4, 6, and 11%, respectively; there are no data on the characteristics and outcomes of ED patients with atrial fibrillation who have alternative primary ED diagnoses.

Methods

In this single‐site, retrospective cohort study, all electrocardiograms (ECGs) with confirmed atrial fibrillation performed in the ED from April 2007 to March 2008 were identified. Repeat ED visits were excluded. ECGs associated with a primary ED diagnosis of atrial fibrillation were excluded, and from the remaining ECGs of patients with a different primary ED diagnosis, half were randomly selected for abstraction. The main outcome measure was all‐cause mortality at 30, 90, and 365 days post‐ED visit, derived from linkage to a provincewide mortality database. As a secondary analysis, logistic regression was used to compare 90‐day mortality of these patients to those with primary ED diagnoses of atrial fibrillation seen during the same time period.

Results

Of 768 qualifying index ED visits, 416 charts were abstracted. Mean (±standard deviation [SD]) age was 80.3 (±11.8) years, and 50.7% were female. Two‐thirds had a previous history of atrial fibrillation/flutter, 300 (72.1%) had a CHADS2 score ≥ 2, one died in the ED, and 275 (66.1%) were admitted. The most common primary ED diagnoses were congestive heart failure (12%), pneumonia (6%), and chest pain not yet diagnosed (6%), while most common in‐hospital diagnoses were congestive heart failure (15%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation (6%), atrial fibrillation (5%), and pneumonia (5%). Mortalities at 30, 90, and 365 days were 10.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.8% to 14.0%), 17.4% (95% CI = 13.9% to 21.5%), and 34.2% (95% CI = 29.6% to 39.0%), respectively. In the adjusted analysis, an alternative primary ED diagnosis was associated with an increased risk of death (odds ratio [OR] = 2.75; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Patients seen in the ED with atrial fibrillation and different primary ED diagnoses are older and have high short‐ and long‐term mortality rates: mortality was three times higher than in patients with primary ED diagnoses of atrial fibrillation. Future studies of atrial fibrillation in the ED should distinguish between these two populations and the potential contribution of atrial fibrillation to mortality in the setting of other primary ED diagnoses.
Efficacy of transconjunctival excision of orbital fat prolapse: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Siban Michael , Weijtens Olga , van den Bosch Willem , Paridaens Dion
Published: February 2013

Purpose:  To describe the long‐term efficacy of transconjunctival excision of subconjunctival orbital fat prolapse.

Methods:  Retrospective study of consecutive cases of orbital fat prolapse treated with transconjunctival resection between December 2002 and December 2011.

Results:  Thirty‐two eyes of 23 patients (19 males and four females) were included. The lesion was unilateral in 14 and bilateral in nine cases. It was located superotemporally in a majority of cases. Excision was performed by opening the conjunctiva and excising the prolapsing orbital fat. The conjunctival wound was closed with 1–2 interrupted sutures. With an average follow‐up of 29 months (range 4–108), a recurrence was seen in three cases. The average time to recurrence was 46 months (range 40–52 months).

Conclusion:  Transconjunctival excision is a simple, safe and effective primary surgical procedure to treat subconjunctival fat prolapse. In our series, the recurrence rate was 9%, but no additional surgery was required. As the average time to recurrence was longer than our average follow‐up, more patients may develop a recurrence in future.
The incretin effect in Korean subjects with normal glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes
Authors: Oh Tae Jung , Kim Min Young , Shin Ji Yon , Lee Jung Chan , Kim Sungwan , Park Kyong Soo , Cho Young Min
Published: February 2013

Background

The incretin effect is known to be decreased in type 2 diabetes. However, there are limited data on the incretin effect in non‐Caucasian subjects. Because Asian patients with type 2 diabetes are characterized by decreased insulin secretion, this study set out to examine the incretin effect in Korean subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We performed 75‐g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) and corresponding isoglycaemic intravenous glucose infusion (IIGI) studies in Korean subjects with NGT (n = 14) or type 2 diabetes (n = 16). The incretin effect was calculated based on the incremental area under the curves (iAUCs) of the plasma levels of insulin, C‐peptide or insulin secretion rate (ISR). The plasma levels of total glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) were measured by ELISA.

Results

The incretin effect was not different between the subjects with NGT and type 2 diabetes (43 ± 6% vs 47 ± 4%, P = 0·575 by insulin; 29 ± 7% vs 38 ± 4%, P = 0·253 by C‐peptide; 28 ± 7% vs 35 ± 5%, P = 0·372 by ISR, respectively). However, the gastrointestinally mediated glucose disposal (GIGD) was markedly decreased in type 2 diabetes (28·5 ± 4·2% vs 59·0 ± 4·3%, P < 0·001). The plasma levels of the total GLP‐1 and GIP during the OGTTs were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

In Koreans, the secretion of GLP‐1 or GIP during OGTTs and the incretin effect were comparable between subjects with NGT and type 2 diabetes, whereas the GIGD was significantly decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Nutritional indicators and their uses in ecology
Authors: Wagner Nicole D. , Hillebrand Helmut , Wacker Alexander , Frost Paul C.
Published: February 2013

The nutrition of animal consumers is an important regulator of ecological processes due to its effects on their physiology, life‐history and behaviour. Understanding the ecological effects of poor nutrition depends on correctly diagnosing the nature and strength of nutritional limitation. Despite the need to assess nutritional limitation, current approaches to delineating nutritional constraints can be non‐specific and imprecise. Here, we consider the need and potential to develop new complementary approaches to the study of nutritional constraints on animal consumers by studying and using a suite of established and emerging biochemical and molecular responses. These nutritional indicators include gene expression, transcript regulators, protein profiling and activity, and gross biochemical and elemental composition. The potential applications of nutritional indicators to ecological studies are highlighted to demonstrate the value that this approach would have to future studies in community and ecosystem ecology.
Prion Protein Gene M129V Polymorphism and Variability in Age at Migraine Onset
Authors: Palmirotta Raffaele , Ludovici Giorgia , Egeo Gabriella , Ialongo Cristiano , Aurilia Cinzia , Fofi Luisa , De Marchis Maria Laura , Della‐Morte David , Barbanti Piero , Guadagni Fiorella
Published: February 2013

Prion protein, a sialoglycoprotein with neuroprotective properties on oxidative stress damage, has been related with the mechanisms leading to migraine. In the present case‐control study, we investigated the correlation between the common methionine/valine polymorphism at codon 129 within the prion protein gene (PRNP) and migraine. Genotyping of PRNP V129M variant was performed in 384 migraine patients and 185 age‐, sex‐, and race‐ethnicity‐matched healthy controls. The frequencies of the PRNP V129M genotype did not differ significantly between migraineurs and controls. The frequencies of 129VV genotype were significantly higher in patients with earlier age at migraine onset. No correlation was found between PRNP 129 genotype and demographics, and other clinical migraine features. Our data suggest that the PRNP 129VV polymorphism is not a direct migraine risk factor but is significantly associated with an earlier onset of the disease.
Polymorphism of erythrocyte malic enzyme in the goat
Authors: Di Stasio L , Rasero R , Fiandra P , Giaccone P
Published: February 2013

Three electrophoretic variants of erythrocyte malic enzyme (ME) in goats were reported. Inheritance data indicate that they are controlled by codominant alleles. The allele frequencies in four Mediterranean populations are given.
SLA for the 21st Century: Disciplinary Progress, Transdisciplinary Relevance, and the Bi/multilingual Turn
Authors: Ortega Lourdes
Published: February 2013

The goals of this article are to appraise second language acquisition's (SLA) disciplinary progress over the last 15 years and to reflect on transdisciplinary relevance as the field has completed 40 years of existence and moves forward into the 21st century. I first identify four trends that demonstrate vibrant disciplinary progress in SLA. I then turn to the notion of transdisciplinarity, or the proclivity to pursue and generate SLA knowledge that can be of use outside the confines of the field and contribute to overall knowledge about the human capacity for language. I propose an understanding of transdisciplinary relevance for SLA that results from the ability: (a) to place one's field in a wider landscape of disciplines that share an overarching common goal and (b) to develop critical awareness of one's disciplinary framings of object of inquiry and goals and others’ likely reception of them. Finally, I argue that it is by reframing SLA as the study of late bi/multilingualism that the remarkable progress witnessed in the last 15 years will help the field reach new levels of transdisciplinary relevance as a contributor to the study of the ontogeny of human language and a source of knowledge in support of language education in the 21st century.
Subgingival Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans associates with the risk of coronary artery disease
Authors: Mäntylä Päivi , Buhlin Kåre , Paju Susanna , Persson G. Rutger , Nieminen Markku S. , Sinisalo Juha , Pussinen Pirkko J.
Published: February 2013

Aim

We investigated the association between angiographically verified coronary artery disease (CAD) and subgingival Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola.

Materials and Methods

The cross‐sectional study population (n = 445) comprised 171 (38.4%) patients with Stable CAD, 158 (35.5%) with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 116 (26.1%) with no significant CAD (No CAD). All patients participated in clinical and radiological oral health examinations. Pooled subgingival bacterial samples were analysed by checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization assays.

Results

In all study groups, the presence of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and T. denticola indicated a significant (p ≤ 0.001) linear association with the extent of alveolar bone loss (ABL), but A. actinomycetemcomitans did not (p = 0.074). With a threshold level of bacterial cells 1 × 105 A. actinomycetemcomitans was significantly more prevalent in the Stable CAD group (42.1%) compared to the No CAD group (30.2%) (p = 0.040). In a multi‐adjusted logistic regression analysis using this threshold, A. actinomycetemcomitans positivity associated with Stable CAD (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.00–3.35, p = 0.049), but its level or levels of other bacteria did not.

Conclusions

The presence of subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans associates with an almost twofold risk of Stable CAD independently of alveolar bone loss.
Visualization of evidence‐based medicine domain knowledge: production and citation of cochrane systematic reviews
Authors: Shen Jiantong , Li Youping , Clarke Mike , Du Liang , Wang Li , Zhong Dake
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the production and utilization of Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs) and to analyze its influential factors, so as to improve the capacity of translating CSRs into practice.

Methods

All CSRs and protocols were retrieved from the Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2011) and citation data were retrieved from SCI database. Citation analysis was used to analyze the situation of CSRs production and utilization.

Results

CSR publication had grown from an annual average of 32 to 718 documents. Only one developing country was among the ten countries with the largest amount of publications. High‐income countries accounted for 83% of CSR publications and 90.8% of cited counts. A total 34.7% of CSRs had a cited count of 0, whereas only 0.9% had been cited more than 50 times. Highly cited CSRs were published in England, Australia, Canada, USA and other high‐income countries. The countries with a Cochrane center or a Cochrane methodology group had a greater capability of CSRs production and citing than others. The CSRs addressing the topics of diseases were more than those targeted at public health issues. There was a big gap in citations of different interventions even on the same topic.

Conclusions

The capability of CSR production and utilization grew rapidly, but varied among countries and institutions, which was affected by several factors such as the capability of research, resources and the applicability of evidence. It is important to improve evidence translation through educating, training and prioritizing the problems based on real demands of end users.
Symbiotic fungi alter plant chemistry that discourages leaf‐cutting ants
Authors: Estrada Catalina , Wcislo William T. , Van Bael Sunshine A.
Published: February 2013

Fungal symbionts that live asymptomatically inside plant tissues (endophytes) can influence plant–insect interactions. Recent work has shown that damage by leaf‐cutting ants, a major Neotropical defoliator, is reduced to almost half in plants with high densities of endophytes. We investigated changes in the phenotype of leaves that could influence ants' behavior to result in the reduction of foliar damage.

We produced cucumber seedlings with high and low densities of one common endophyte species, Colletotrichum tropicale. We used the leaves in bioassays and to compare chemical and physical leaf characteristics important for ants' food selection.

Ants cut about one‐third more area of cucumber leaves with lower densities of endophytes and removed c. 20% more paper disks impregnated with the extracts of those leaves compared with leaves and disks from plants hosting the fungus. Colletotrichum tropicale colonization did not cause detectable changes in the composition of volatile compounds, cuticular waxes, nutrients or leaf toughness.

Our study shows that endophytes changed leaf chemistry and suggests that compounds with relative low volatility released after leaf wounding are a major factor influencing foraging decisions by ants when choosing between plants with low or high endophyte loads.
Focal dermal hypoplasia: updates
Authors: Wang L , Jin X , Zhao X , Liu D , Hu T , Li W , Jiang L , Dan H , Zeng X , Chen Q
Published: February 2013

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), or Goltz–Gorlin syndrome, is a rare syndrome and may result in multisystem disorders. Several reviews of FDH have been published. However, the last comprehensive review of this disorder appeared more than 20 years ago. To date, a number of new clinical manifestations have been reported and considerable knowledge has accumulated regarding etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to gather these more recent data and to provide organized and reliable information. So we reviewed 159 cases of FDH that had been reported from 1990 to 2012, summarized the new discoveries, and suggested a potential standard for the diagnosis of FDH. We also reported on a Chinese girl with FDH, who was clinically and histologically in accord with FDH, as an example.
New highlights about the enigmatic marine snake Palaeophis maghrebianus (Palaeophiidae; Palaeophiinae) from the Ypresian (Lower Eocene) phosphates of Morocco
Authors: HOUSSAYE ALEXANDRA , RAGE JEAN‐CLAUDE , BARDET NATHALIE , VINCENT PEGGY , AMAGHZAZ MBAREK , MESLOUH SAID
Published: February 2013

Abstract:  Palaeophis maghrebianus belongs to the Palaeophiinae (Palaeophiidae). This snake subfamily is relatively poorly known, and it is mainly represented by disarticulated vertebrae and ribs and by a few vertebral segments. Its intracolumnar variability remains also poorly understood. The discovery of new isolated vertebrae and vertebral segments of Palaeophis maghrebianus in the Ypresian (Lower Eocene) Phosphates of Morocco enables us to provide a more detailed diagnosis of this species and to describe its intracolumnar variability. Moreover, the new material reveals that this species could reach gigantic size being, with Palaeophis colossaeus, one of the two longer palaeophiids. The microanatomical and histological analysis of some vertebrae illustrating diverse positions along the vertebral column reveals the presence of osteosclerosis, especially in the anterior and mid‐precloacal regions. The occurrence of this osseous specialization implies a role in buoyancy and body trim control in this taxon, which is considered a shallow marine dweller based on its anatomical features and geological data. Palaeophis maghrebianus also displays a dense vascular network suggesting a growth speed, and thus a metabolic rate, much higher than in the biggest extant snakes.
Impairment of BRCA1-Related DNA Double-Strand Break Repair Leads to Ovarian Aging in Mice and Humans
Authors: Titus Shiny , Li Fang , Stobezki Robert , Akula Komala , Unsal Evrim , Jeong Kyungah , Dickler Maura , Robson Mark , Moy Fred , Goswami Sumanta , Oktay Kutluk
Published: February 2013

DNA double-strand break repair has a central role in oocyte aging.
A Reprofiled Drug, Auranofin, Is Effective against Metronidazole-Resistant Giardia lamblia
Authors: Tejman-Yarden Noa , Miyamoto Yukiko , Leitsch David , Santini Jennifer , Debnath Anjan , Gut Jiri , McKerrow James H. , Reed Sharon L. , Eckmann Lars
Published: February 2013

Giardiasis is one of the most common causes of diarrheal disease worldwide. Treatment is primarily with 5-nitro antimicrobials, particularly metronidazole. Resistance to metronidazole has been described, and treatment failures can occur in up to 20% of cases, making development of alternative antigiardials an important goal. To this end, we have screened a chemical library of 746 approved human drugs and 164 additional bioactive compounds for activity against
Giardia lamblia
. We identified 56 compounds that caused significant inhibition of
G. lamblia
growth and attachment. Of these, 15 were previously reported to have antigiardial activity, 20 were bioactive but not approved for human use, and 21 were drugs approved for human use for other indications. One notable compound of the last group was the antirheumatic drug auranofin. Further testing revealed that auranofin was active in the low (4 to 6)-micromolar range against a range of divergent
G. lamblia
isolates representing both human-pathogenic assemblages A and B. Most importantly, auranofin was active against multiple metronidazole-resistant strains. Mechanistically, auranofin blocked the activity of giardial thioredoxin oxidoreductase, a critical enzyme involved in maintaining normal protein function and combating oxidative damage, suggesting that this inhibition contributes to the antigiardial activity. Furthermore, auranofin was efficacious
in vivo
, as it eradicated infection with different
G. lamblia
isolates in different rodent models. These results indicate that the approved human drug auranofin could be developed as a novel agent in the armamentarium of antigiardial drugs, particularly against metronidazole-resistant strains.
Increased Peritoneal Dialysis Exit Site Infections Using Topical Antiseptic Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Compared to Mupirocin: Results of a Safety Interim Analysis of an Open-Label Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Findlay Andrew , Serrano Charelle , Punzalan Sally , Fan Stanley L.
Published: February 2013

Prophylactic mupirocin for peritoneal catheter exit sites reduces exit site infection (ESI) risk but engenders antibiotic resistance. We present early interim safety analysis of an open-label randomized study comparing polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and mupirocin. A total of 106 patients randomized to 53 in each group were followed up for a mean of 12.68 months per patient. On safety analysis, the PHMB group had a significantly greater ESI rate than the mupirocin group (odds ratio [OR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09 to 0.80), leading to discontinuation of the trial.
GRL-0519, a Novel Oxatricyclic Ligand-Containing Nonpeptidic HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor (PI), Potently Suppresses Replication of a Wide Spectrum of Multi-PI-Resistant HIV-1 Variants
In Vitro
Authors: Amano Masayuki , Tojo Yasushi , Salcedo-Gómez Pedro Miguel , Campbell Joseph Richard , Das Debananda , Aoki Manabu , Xu Chun-Xiao , Rao Kalapala Venkateswara , Ghosh Arun K. , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: February 2013

We report that GRL-0519, a novel nonpeptidic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease inhibitor (PI) containing
tris
-tetrahydrofuranylurethane (
tris
-THF) and a sulfonamide isostere, is highly potent against laboratory HIV-1 strains and primary clinical isolates (50% effective concentration [EC
50
], 0.0005 to 0.0007 μM) with minimal cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration [CC
50
], 44.6 μM). GRL-0519 blocked the infectivity and replication of HIV-1
NL4-3
variants selected by up to a 5 μM concentration of ritonavir, lopinavir, or atazanavir (EC
50
, 0.0028 to 0.0033 μM). GRL-0519 was also potent against multi-PI-resistant clinical HIV-1 variants isolated from patients who no longer responded to existing antiviral regimens after long-term antiretroviral therapy, highly darunavir (DRV)-resistant variants, and HIV-2
ROD
. The development of resistance against GRL-0519 was substantially delayed compared to other PIs, including amprenavir (APV) and DRV. The effects of nonspecific binding of human serum proteins on GRL-0519's antiviral activity were insignificant. Our analysis of the crystal structures of GRL-0519 (3OK9) and DRV (2IEN) with protease suggested that the
tris
-THF moiety, compared to the
bis
-THF moiety present in DRV, has greater water-mediated polar interactions with key active-site residues of protease and that the
tris
-THF moiety and paramethoxy group effectively fill the S2 and S2′ binding pockets, respectively, of the protease. The present data demonstrate that GRL-0519 has highly favorable features as a potential therapeutic agent for treating patients infected with wild-type and/or multi-PI-resistant variants and that the
tris
-THF moiety is critical for strong binding of GRL-0519 to the HIV protease substrate binding site and appears to be responsible for its favorable antiretroviral characteristics.
Efficient Single Tobamoviral Vector-Based Bioproduction of Broadly Neutralizing Anti-HIV-1 Monoclonal Antibody VRC01 in Nicotiana benthamiana Plants and Utility of VRC01 in Combination Microbicides
Authors: Hamorsky Krystal Teasley , Grooms-Williams Tiffany W. , Husk Adam S. , Bennett Lauren J. , Palmer Kenneth E. , Matoba Nobuyuki
Published: February 2013

Broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bnMAbs) may offer powerful tools for HIV-1 preexposure prophylaxis, such as topical microbicides. However, this option is hampered due to expensive MAb biomanufacturing based on mammalian cell culture. To address this issue, we developed a new production system for bnMAb VRC01 inNicotiana benthamianaplants using a tobamovirus replicon vector. Unlike conventional two-vector-based expression, this system was designed to overexpress full-length IgG1 from a single polypeptide by means of kex2p-like enzyme recognition sites introduced between the heavy and light chains. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed that gp120-binding VRC01 IgG1 was maximally accumulated on 5 to 7 days following vector inoculation, yielding ∼150 mg of the bnMAb per kg of fresh leaf material. The plant-made VRC01 (VRC01p) was efficiently purified by protein A affinity followed by hydrophobic-interaction chromatography. ELISA, surface plasmon resonance, and an HIV-1 neutralization assay demonstrated that VRC01p has gp120-binding affinity and HIV-1-neutralization capacity virtually identical to the human-cell-produced counterpart. To advance VRC01p's use in topical microbicides, we analyzed combinations of the bnMAb with other microbicide candidates holding distinct antiviral mechanisms in an HIV-1 neutralization assay. VRC01p exhibited clear synergy with the antiviral lectin griffithsin, the CCR5 antagonist maraviroc, and the reverse transcriptase inhibitor tenofovir in multiple CCR5-tropic HIV-1 strains from clades A, B, and C. In summary, VRC01p is amenable to robust, rapid, and large-scale production and may be developed as an active component in combination microbicides with other anti-HIV agents such as antiviral lectins, CCR5 antagonists, and reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Prolonged NF-κB Activation by a Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine 1-Linked Signal in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli-Infected Epithelial Cells
Authors: Choi Hye Jin , Kim Juil , Do Kee Hun , Park Seong-Hwan , Moon Yuseok
Published: February 2013

Intestinal epithelial activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) exerts both detrimental and beneficial functions in response to various luminal insults, including ones associated with mucosa-associated pathogens. Gastrointestinal infection with enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) causes severe injuries in epithelial integrity and leads to watery diarrhea. The present study was conducted to investigate the prolonged epithelial responses to persistent EPEC infection via NF-κB activation. EPEC infection led to sustained activation of NF-κB signal in mouse intestinal epithelial cells
in vivo
and
in vitro
, which was positively associated with a type III secretion system, whereas early NF-κB is regulated. Moreover, prolonged NF-κB activation was found to be a part of macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1)-mediated signaling activation, a novel link between NF-κB signaling and infection-associated epithelial stress. EPEC infection induced gene expression of MIC-1, a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, which then activated TGF-β-activated kinase 1 and consequently led to NF-κB activation. Functionally, both EPEC-induced MIC-1 and NF-κB signaling mediated epithelial survival by enhancing the expression of cyclin D1, a target of NF-κB. In summary, the results of the present study suggest that MIC-1 serves as a mediator of prolonged NF-κB activation, which is critical in maintaining gut epithelial integrity in response to infection-induced injuries.
Radiological findings in symphyseal and adductor-related groin pain in athletes: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Branci Sonia , Thorborg Kristian , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Hölmich Per
Published: February 2013

Long-standing symphyseal and adductor-related groin pain is a common problem for many athletes, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Radiological evaluation of symptomatic individuals is a cornerstone in the diagnostic workup, and should be based on precise and reliable diagnostic terms and imaging techniques. The authors performed a review of the existing original evidence-based radiological literature involving radiography, ultrasonography and MRI in athletes with long-standing symphyseal and adductor-related groin pain. Our search yielded 17 original articles, of which 12 were dedicated to MRI, four to radiography and one to ultrasonography. Four main radiological findings seem to consistently appear: degenerative changes at the pubic symphyseal joint, pathology at the adductor muscle insertions, pubic bone marrow oedema and the secondary cleft sign. However, the existing diagnostic terminology is confusing, and the interpretation of radiological findings would benefit from imaging studies using a more systematic approach.
Recent insights into the molecular pathogenesis of mammary phyllodes tumours
Authors: Karim Rooshdiya Z , O'Toole Sandra A , Scolyer Richard A , Cooper Caroline Louise , Chan Belinda , Selinger Christina , Yu Bing , Carmalt Hugh , Mak Cindy , Tse Gary M , Tan Puay Hoon , Putti Thomas C , Lee Cheok Soon
Published: February 2013

Phyllodes tumours (PTs) of the breast are true biphasic neoplasms within which interactions between the epithelium and stroma are critical for tumour development and progression. Despite numerous studies reporting the results of ancillary marker investigations in PTs, the current histological grading systems remain unreliable at predicting clinical outcome even when supplemented by these markers. As a consequence, there has been much interest in the prospect of using molecular/genetic techniques to develop a more robust “grading” system. This review focuses on recent cytogenetic and molecular studies investigating the pathogenesis of PTs and those correlating molecular findings with clinicopathological features of the tumours. Recent data highlight that intratumoural genetic heterogeneity is common in PTs and may account for the reported lack of correlation between histological grading and clinical behaviour. The entire spectrum of molecular aberrations in PTs are yet to be fully defined, however recent array-based studies using comparative genomic hybridisation have reported that copy number changes increase with the progression from benign PT to malignancy. Tumour recurrence and progression is likely to reflect the presence of under-recognised subclones. p16INK4a(CDKN2A)inactivation also appears to be important in PT pathogenesis. Further additional studies will be required to identify and validate new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in order to improve the diagnosis, classification, prediction of outcome and management of patients with this rare neoplasm. Data generated from modern sequencing technologies are likely to provide new insights into the disease and assist in this endeavour.
Phenotypic plasticity in mating-system traits in the annual Collinsia verna
Authors: Spigler Rachel B. , Kalisz Susan
Published: February 2013

Variation in abiotic factors can influence the selective advantage of selfing and expression of the mating system if mating-system modifier traits are phenotypically plastic. However, relative to biotic factors, the role of abiotic conditions in driving variation in and evolution of plant mating systems is rarely addressed. We use an experimental approach to evaluate the extent to which genetic and environmental variation influence the expression of mating-system traits in the annual Collinsia verna. We subjected families to two environmental treatments in the greenhouse that varied in light and water availability, simulating natural and short flowering-season conditions, and examined the following: autonomous fruit set, flower number, flower size, rate of anther dehiscence, floral longevity, and timing of selfing. Our results demonstrate plasticity in nearly all traits examined. Compared with natural-season conditions, plants under short-season conditions produced fewer, smaller flowers and selfed approximately one day later due to slower anther dehiscence rates. Autonomous fruit set was similar across treatments, but there was genetic variation for plasticity in this important trait. Further, we show genetic variation in autonomous fruit set, timing of selfing, and flower number and size. Given the effects of global climate change on the duration of growing season, our results suggest that plasticity in mating-system traits will affect mating-system variation and, thus, opportunities for selection.
A nationwide web-based freight data collection
Authors: Samimi Amir , Mohammadian Abolfazl , Kawamura Kazuya
Published: February 2013

A limited number of studies have tried to apply behavioral models to freight policy analysis, but due to the lack of data, most have not produced satisfactory results. Many decision-makers are unwilling to participate in surveys that inquire about their shipping decisions, since such information is an important part of their business strategies, and understandably, they fear jeopardizing their competitive edge by participating. This results in generally poor participation rates for freight surveys and makes them very expensive in many cases. However, recent empirical findings suggest that the linkage between non-response rates and non-response biases is often nonexistent. This paper examines a non-response bias analysis in an online establishment survey that was conducted to obtain data for the on-going development of behavioral microsimulation freight model. The survey method, design, and challenges in obtaining the shipping information from the companies are also discussed in this study.
From Chile to Nevada to the Athabasca basin: earthquake-induced geochemical anomalies from near-field to far-field
Authors: Cameron Eion M.
Published: February 2013

In northern Chile, geochemical anomalies are present above porphyry copper deposits buried beneath thick piedmont gravels. Reactivation of basement faults that originally focussed deposits created fracture zones in the indurated gravels, providing a channel along which earthquakes forced groundwater to the surface. The composition of the groundwater had been modified by interaction with the deposits, generating anomalies. Northern Chile lies directly above a subduction zone, can similar anomalies be formed in regions of lesser seismicity? Seismologists have described the phenomenon of “triggered earthquakes”, where passage of dynamic surface waves from major earthquakes can cause other earthquakes hundreds or thousands of kilometres distant. These waves remove blockages along faults, releasing high pressure water to rise and replace lower pressure water. The resulting increase in pore pressure lowers the effective normal stress, allowing the fault to slip: upsurge of water and fault reactivation are linked. In Nevada, part of the Great Basin, there is inherent seismicity from crustal extension and triggered earthquakes from major earthquakes as far distant as Alaska. Case studies show distinct geochemical anomalies above deeply buried deposits, attributed to groundwater with elements derived from the deposits reaching the surface. The Proterozoic Athabasca Basin contains the largest concentration of high grade uranium deposits in the world; it is within a cratonic setting. Deposits lie near the unconformity between Athabasca sandstones and a metamorphic basement along faults that were repeatedly reactivated by remote earthquakes. Reactivation of faults, coupled with fluid movement, continued long after the formation of the deposits. This allowed the upward movement of material from the deposits during the Proterozoic, including radiogenic lead, which had accumulated in the uranium ore. In places, this material reached several hundred metres to the upper levels of the sandstones, from which elements were transferred to tills, soils and vegetation during Quaternary time.
Expression Profiling of Proliferation and Apoptotic Markers along the Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Patients
Authors: Wang Jayson , El-Masry Nabil , Talbot Ian , Tomlinson Ian , Alison Malcolm R. , El-Bahrawy Mona
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients have a germline mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. The APC protein interacts with beta-catenin, resulting in the activation of the Wnt signalling pathway. This results in alterations in cell proliferation and apoptosis. We investigated the expression of beta-catenin and related proliferation and apoptotic factors in FAP patients, exploring the expression along the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.Methods. The expression of beta-catenin, p53, bcl-2, cyclin-D1, caspase-3, CD10, and Ki-67 proteins was studied by immunohistochemistry in samples of colonic nonneoplastic mucosa (n=71), adenomas (n=152), and adenocarcinomas (n=19) from each of the16 FAP patients.Results. The expression of beta-catenin, caspase-3, cyclin-D1, and Ki-67 was increased in both adenomas and carcinomas in FAP patients, compared with normal mucosa. p53 and CD10 expression was only slightly increased in adenomas, but more frequently expressed in carcinomas. Bcl-2 expression was increased in adenomas, but decreased in carcinomas.Conclusion. This is the first study investigating collectively the expression of these molecules together in nonneoplastic mucosa, adenomas, and carcinomas from FAP patients. We find that beta-catenin and related proliferative and apoptotic factors (cyclin-D1, bcl-2, caspase-3, and Ki-67) are expressed early in the sequence, in adenomas. However, p53 and CD10 are often expressed later in the sequence, in carcinomas.
Research on Dynamic Models and Performances of Shield Tunnel Boring Machine Cutterhead Driving System
Authors: Li Xianhong , Yu Haibin , Yuan Mingzhe , Zhao Yu
Published: February 2013

A general nonlinear time-varying (NLTV) dynamic model and linear time-varying (LTV) dynamic model are presented for shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) cutterhead driving system, respectively. Different gear backlashes and mesh damped and transmission errors are considered in the NLTV dynamic model. The corresponding multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) state space models are also presented. Through analyzing the linear dynamic model, the optimal reducer ratio (ORR) and optimal transmission ratio (OTR) are obtained for the shield TBM cutterhead driving system, respectively. The NLTV and LTV dynamic models are numerically simulated, and the effects of physical parameters under various conditions of NLTV dynamic model are analyzed. Physical parameters such as the load torque, gear backlash and transmission error, gear mesh stiffness and damped, pinions inertia and damped, large gear inertia and damped, and motor rotor inertia and damped are investigated in detail to analyze their effects on dynamic response and performances of the shield TBM cutterhead driving system. Some preliminary approaches are proposed to improve dynamic performances of the cutterhead driving system, and dynamic models will provide a foundation for shield TBM cutterhead driving system's cutterhead fault diagnosis, motion control, and torque synchronous control.
White Blood Cell Segmentation by Circle Detection Using Electromagnetism-Like Optimization
Authors: Cuevas Erik , Oliva Diego , Díaz Margarita , Zaldivar Daniel , Pérez-Cisneros Marco , Pajares Gonzalo
Published: February 2013

Medical imaging is a relevant field of application of image processing algorithms. In particular, the analysis of white blood cell (WBC) images has engaged researchers from fields of medicine and computer vision alike. Since WBCs can be approximated by a quasicircular form, a circular detector algorithm may be successfully applied. This paper presents an algorithm for the automatic detection of white blood cells embedded into complicated and cluttered smear images that considers the complete process as a circle detection problem. The approach is based on a nature-inspired technique called the electromagnetism-like optimization (EMO) algorithm which is a heuristic method that follows electromagnetism principles for solving complex optimization problems. The proposed approach uses an objective function which measures the resemblance of a candidate circle to an actual WBC. Guided by the values of such objective function, the set of encoded candidate circles are evolved by using EMO, so that they can fit into the actual blood cells contained in the edge map of the image. Experimental results from blood cell images with a varying range of complexity are included to validate the efficiency of the proposed technique regarding detection, robustness, and stability.
A Pentaplex PCR Assay for the Detection and Differentiation ofShigellaSpecies
Authors: Ojha Suvash Chandra , Yean Yean Chan , Ismail Asma , Banga Singh Kirnpal-Kaur
Published: February 2013

The magnitude of shigellosis in developing countries is largely unknown because an affordable detection method is not available. Current laboratory diagnosis ofShigellaspp. is laborious and time consuming and has low sensitivity. Hence, in the present study, a molecular-based diagnostic assay which amplifies simultaneously four specific genes to identifyinvCforShigellagenus,rfcforS. flexneri,wbgZforS. sonnei, andrfpBforS. dysenteriae, as well as one internal control (ompA) gene, was developed in a single reaction to detect and differentiateShigellaspp. Validation with 120Shigellastrains and 37 non-Shigellastrains yielded 100% specificity. The sensitivity of the PCR was 100 pg of genomic DNA, 5.4 × 104 CFU/ml, or approximately 120 CFU per reaction mixture of bacteria. The sensitivity of the pentaplex PCR assay was further improved following preincubation of the stool samples in Gram-negative broth. A preliminary study with 30 diarrhoeal specimens resulted in no cross-reaction with other non-Shigellastrains tested. We conclude that the developed pentaplex PCR assay is robust and can provide information about the four target genes that are essential for the identification of theShigellagenus and the threeShigellaspecies responsible for the majority of shigellosis cases.
Hyponatremia Is a Specific Marker of Perforation in Sigmoid Diverticulitis or Appendicitis in Patients Older Than 50 Years
Authors: Käser S. A. , Furler R. , Evequoz D. C. , Maurer C. A.
Published: February 2013

Introduction. This study aimed to evaluate symptoms and signs, inflammation markers, electrolytes, and ECG signs of increased vagal tone as markers of colon perforation in sigmoid diverticulitis or appendicitis.Methods. The records of all patients older than fifty years (only these had routine ECG done) admitted to our emergency station between January 2008 and December 2010 with sigmoid diverticulitis (, diagnosed by computer tomography) or appendicitis (, diagnosed intraoperatively) were retrospectively evaluated. Pain score, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature were assessed at presentation. Before starting infusion therapy, blood was taken to do a blood count and to analyze CRP, the electrolytes, and creatinine levels. Then an ECG was done.Results. The perforation rate was 37% (). Body temperature, heart rate, sodium, CRP, and leukocytes correlated significantly with infectious colon perforation. However, only body temperature, CRP, and sodium correlated significantly with infectious colon perforation if compared by logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of hyponatremia (sodium level  mmol/L) was 29% in the group with infectious colon perforation and 16% in the group without ().Conclusion. Hyponatremia is a specific marker of infectious colon perforation in patients older than fifty years.
A Numerical Study on the Supersonic Steam Ejector Use in Steam Turbine System
Authors: Cai Lin , He Miao
Published: February 2013

Supersonic steam ejector is widely used in steam energy systems such as refrigeration, wood drying equipment, papermaking machine, and steam turbine. In this paper the Computational Fluids Dynamics (CFD) method was employed to simulate a supersonic steam ejector, SST k-w turbulence model was adopted, and both real gas model and ideal gas model for fluid property were considered and compared. The mixing chamber angle, throat length, and nozzle exit position (NXP) primary pressure and temperature effects on entrainment ratio were investigated. The results show that performance of the ejector is underestimated using ideal gas model, and the entrainment ratio is 20%–40% lower than that when using real gas model. There is an optimum mixing chamber angel and NXP makes the entrainment ratio achieve its maximum; as throat length is decreased within a range, the entrainment ratio remains unchanged. Primary fluid pressure has a critical value, and the entrainment ratio reaches its peak at working critical pressure; when working steam superheat degree increases, the entrainment ratio is increased.