bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GmPHD5 acts as an important regulator for crosstalk between histone H3K4 di-methylation and H3K14 acetylation in response to salinity stress in soybean
Authors: Wu Tao , Pi Er-Xu , Tsai Sau-Na , Lam Hon-Ming , Sun Sai-Ming , Kwan Yiu Wa , Ngai Sai-Ming
Published: December 2011

Background

Accumulated evidence suggest that specific patterns of histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and their crosstalks may determine transcriptional outcomes. However, the regulatory mechanisms of these "histone codes" in plants remain largely unknown.

Results

In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that a salinity stress inducible PHD (plant homeodomain) finger domain containing protein GmPHD5 can read the "histone code" underlying the methylated H3K4. GmPHD5 interacts with other DNA binding proteins, including GmGNAT1 (an acetyl transferase), GmElongin A (a transcription elongation factor) and GmISWI (a chromatin remodeling protein). Our results suggest that GmPHD5 can recognize specific histone methylated H3K4, with preference to di-methylated H3K4. Here, we illustrate that the interaction between GmPHD5 and GmGNAT1 is regulated by the self-acetylation of GmGNAT1, which can also acetylate histone H3. GmGNAT1 exhibits a preference toward acetylated histone H3K14. These results suggest a histone crosstalk between methylated H3K4 and acetylated H3K14. Consistent to its putative roles in gene regulation under salinity stress, we showed that GmPHD5 can bind to the promoters of some confirmed salinity inducible genes in soybean.

Conclusion

Here, we propose a model suggesting that the nuclear protein GmPHD5 is capable of regulating the crosstalk between histone methylation and histone acetylation of different lysine residues. Nevertheless, GmPHD5 could also recruit chromatin remodeling factors and transcription factors of salt stress inducible genes to regulate their expression in response to salinity stress.
Population versus hospital controls for case-control studies on cancers in Chinese hospitals
Authors: Li Lin , Zhang Min , Holman D'Arcy
Published: December 2011

Background

Correct control selection is crucial to the internal validity of case-control studies. Little information exists on differences between population and hospital controls in case-control studies on cancers in Chinese hospital setting.

Methods

We conducted three parallel case-control studies on leukemia, breast and colorectal cancers in China between 2009 and 2010, using population and hospital controls to separately match 540 incident cases by age, gender and residency at a 1:1 ratio. Demographic and lifestyle factors were measured using a validated questionnaire in face-to-face interview. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using conditional logistic regression analyses.

Results

The two control groups had closely similar exposure distributions of 15 out of 16 factors, with the only exception being that hospital controls were less likely to have a BMI ≥ 25 (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.93). For exposure of green tea drinking, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) comparing green tealeaves intake ≥ 1000 grams annually with non-drinkers were 0.51 (0.31, 0.83) and 0.21 (0.27, 0.74) for three cancers combined, 0.06 (0.01, 0.61) and 0.07 (0.01, 0.47) for breast cancer, 0.52 (0.29, 0.94) and 0.45 (0.25, 0.82) for colorectal cancer, 0.65 (0.08, 5.63) and 0.57 (0.07, 4.79) for leukemia using hospital and population controls respectively.

Conclusions

The study found that hospital controls were comparable with population controls for most demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors measured, but there was a slight difference between the two control groups. Hospital outpatients provide a satisfactory control group in hospital-based case-control study in the Chinese hospital setting.
Disease management for co-morbid depression and anxiety in diabetes mellitus: design of a randomised controlled trial in primary care
Authors: Stoop Corinne H , Spek Viola RM , Pop Victor JM , Pouwer François
Published: December 2011

Background

Depression and anxiety are common co-morbid health problems in patients with type 2 diabetes. Both depression and anxiety are associated with poor glycaemic control and increased risk of poor vascular outcomes and higher mortality rates. Results of previous studies have shown that in clinical practice, treatment of depression and anxiety is far from optimal as these symptoms are frequently overlooked and undertreated.

Methods/Design

This randomised controlled trial will examine the effectiveness of a disease management programme treating symptoms of depression and anxiety in primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes. Patients will be randomized on patient level in 1:1 ratio. Random block sizes of 2 and 4 are used. The disease management programme consists of screening, stepped treatment and monitoring of symptoms (n = 80). This will be compared to care as usual (n = 80).

Discussion

The disease management model for co-morbid depression and anxiety in primary care patients with diabetes is expected to result in reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, improved quality of life, reduced diabetes specific distress and improved glyceamic control, compared to care as usual.

Trial Registration

Dutch Trial Register NTR2626
mtDNA haplogroup J Modulates telomere length and Nitric Oxide production
Authors: Fernández-Moreno Mercedes , Tamayo María , Soto-Hermida Angel , Mosquera Alejandro , Oreiro Natividad , Fernández-López Carlos , Fernández José Luis , Rego-Pérez Ignacio , Blanco Francisco J
Published: December 2011

Background

Oxidative stress due to the overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and other oxygen reactive species (ROS), play a main role in the initiation and progression of the OA disease and leads to the degeneration of mitochondria. Therefore, the goal of this work is to describe the difference in telomere length of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and Nitric Oxide (NO) production between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup J and non-J carriers, as indirect approaches of oxidative stress.

Methods

The telomere length of PBL was analyzed in DNA samples from 166 healthy controls (114 J and 52 non-J) and 79 OA patients (41 J and 38 non-J) by means of a validated qPCR method. The NO production was assessed in 7 carriers of the haplogroup J and 27 non-J carriers, by means of the colorimetric reaction of the Griess reagent in supernatants of cultured chondrocytes. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA from these samples was analyzed by qPCR. Appropiated statistical analyses were performed

Results

Carriers of the haplogroup J showed a significantly longer telomere length of PBLs than non-J carriers, regardless of age, gender and diagnosis (p = 0.025). Cultured chondrocytes carrying the mtDNA haplogroup J also showed a lower NO production than non-J carriers (p = 0.043). No significant correlations between age and telomore length of PBLs were detected neither for carriers of the haplogroup J nor for non-J carriers. A strong positive correlation between NO production and iNOS expression was also observed (correlation coefficient = 0.791, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The protective effect of the mtDNA haplogroup J in the OA disease arise from a lower oxidative stress in carriers of this haplogroup, since this haplogroup is related to lower NO production and hence longer telomere length of PBLs too.
Prevalence and distribution of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) variants in Thai and Burmese populations in malaria endemic areas of Thailand
Authors: Phompradit Papichaya , Kuesap Jiraporn , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Rueangweerayut Ronnatrai , Hongkaew Yaowaluck , Yamnuan Rujira , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: December 2011

Background

G6PD deficiency is common in malaria endemic regions and is estimated to affect more than 400 million people worldwide. Treatment of malaria patients with the anti-malarial drug primaquine or other 8-aminoquinolines may be associated with potential haemolytic anaemia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of G6PD variants in Thai population who resided in malaria endemic areas (western, northern, north-eastern, southern, eastern and central regions) of Thailand, as well as the Burmese population who resided in areas along the Thai-Myanmar border.

Methods

The ten common G6PD variants were investigated in dried blood spot samples collected from 317 Thai (84 males, 233 females) and 183 Burmese (11 males, 172 females) populations residing in malaria endemic areas of Thailand using PCR-RFLP method.

Results

Four and seven G6PD variants were observed in samples collected from Burmese and Thai population, with prevalence of 6.6% (21/317) and 14.2% (26/183), respectively. Almost all (96.2%) of G6PD mutation samples collected from Burmese population carried G6PD Mahidol variant; only one sample (3.8%) carried G6PD Kaiping variant. For the Thai population, G6PD Mahidol (8/21: 38.1%) was the most common variant detected, followed by G6PD Viangchan (4/21: 19.0%), G6PD Chinese 4 (3/21: 14.3%), G6PD Canton (2/21: 9.5%), G6PD Union (2/21: 9.5%), G6PD Kaiping (1/21: 4.8%), and G6PD Gaohe (1/21: 4.8%). No G6PD Chinese 3, Chinese 5 and Coimbra variants were found. With this limited sample size, there appeared to be variation in G6PD mutation variants in samples obtained from Thai population in different regions particularly in the western region.

Conclusions

Results indicate difference in the prevalence and distribution of G6PD gene variants among the Thai and Burmese populations in different malaria endemic areas. Dosage regimen of primaquine for treatment of bothPlasmodium falciparumandPlasmodium vivaxmalaria may need to be optimized, based on endemic areas with supporting data on G6PD variants. Larger sample size from different malaria endemic is required to obtain accurate genetic mapping of G6PD variants in Burmese and Thai population residing in malaria endemic areas of Thailand.
IL-17 induces AKT-dependent IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 activation and tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gu Fang-Ming , Li Quan-Lin , Gao Qiang , Jiang Jia-Hao , Zhu Kai , Huang Xiao-Yong , Pan Jin-Feng , Yan Jun , Hu Jin-Hui , Wang Zheng , Dai Zhi , Fan Jia , Zhou Jian
Published: December 2011

Background

The Th17 subset and IL-17 have been found in increased frequencies within certain tumors. However, their relevance in cancer biology remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the biological action of IL-17 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of IL-17 on human HCC were explored in vitro using exogenous IL-17 stimulation and in nude mice by implanting IL-17 overexpressed HCC cells. The clinical significance of IL-17 was investigated in tissue microarrays containing HCC tissues from 323 patients following hepatectomy using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Although exogenous IL-17 showed no direct effect on the growth rate of HCC cells in vitro, PCR and ELISA showed that IL-17 selectively augmented the secretion of diverse proinvasive factors and transwell showed a direct promotion of invasion of HCC cells by IL-17. Furthermore, transfection of IL-17 into HCC cells significantly promoted neoangiogenesis, neutrophil recruitment and tumor growth in vivo. Using siRNA mediated knockdown of AKT and STAT3, we suggested that the effects of IL-17 were operated through activation of the AKT signaling in HCC, which resulted in IL-6 production. Then, IL-6 in turn activated JAK2/STAT3 signaling and subsequently up-regulated its downstream targets IL-8, MMP2, and VEGF. Supporting these findings, in human HCC tissues, immunostaining indicated that IL-17 expression was significantly and positively associated with STAT3 phosphorylation, neutrophil infiltration and increased tumor vascularity. The clinical significance of IL-17 was authenticated by revealing that the combination of intratumoral IL-17+ cells and phospho-STAT3 served as a better prognosticator for postoperative tumor recurrence than either marker alone.

Conclusions

IL-17 mediated tumor-promoting role involves a direct effect on HCC cells through IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 induction by activating the AKT pathway.
Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infections in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhu Yumin , Si Fusheng , Cao Dianjun , Yu Xiaoming , Yu Ruisong , Dong Shijuan , Huang Fenfen , Zhang Yuanshu , Li Zhen
Published: December 2011

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute or fulminant hepatitis in humans and is an important public health concern in many developing countries. China has a high incidence of HEV epidemics, with at least three genotypes (1, 3 and 4) and nine subtypes (1b, 1c, 3b, 4a, 4b, 4d, 4g, 4h and 4i) so far identified. Since genotype 3 and the newly identified subtype 4i have been exclusively limited geographically to Shanghai and its neighboring provinces, the epidemiology of HEV infections within the municipality, a major industrial and commercial center, deserves closer attention.

Findings

A total of 65 sequences, 60 located within the HEV SH-SW-zs1 genome [GenBank:EF570133], together with five full-length swine and human HEV genomic sequences, all emanating from Shanghai, were retrieved from GenBank. Consistent with the primary role of genotype 4 in China overall, analysis of the sequences revealed this to have been the dominant genotype (58/65) in Shanghai. Six HEV subtypes (3b, 4a, 4b, 4d, 4h and 4i) were also represented. However, although subtype 4a is the dominant subtype throughout China, subtype 4i (29/65) was the most prevalent subtype among the Shanghai sequences, followed by subtypes 4d (10/65) and 4h (9/65). Subtypes 4h, 4i and 4d were found in both swine and humans, whereas 4b was found only in swine and subtype 4a only in humans.

Conclusions

Six different swine and human HEV subtypes have so far been documented in Shanghai. More molecular epidemiological investigations of HEV in swine, and particularly among the human population, should be undertaken.
Mutations in genes encoding complement inhibitors CD46 and CFHaffect the age at nephritis onset in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jönsen Andreas , Nilsson Sara C , Ahlqvist Emma , Svenungsson Elisabet , Gunnarsson Iva , Eriksson Karin G , Bengtsson Anders , Zickert Agneta , Eloranta Maija-Leena , Truedsson Lennart , Rönnblom Lars , Nordmark Gunnel , Sturfelt Gunnar , Blom Anna M
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Inherited deficiencies of several complement components strongly predispose to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) while deficiencies of complement inhibitors are found in kidney diseases such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).

Methods

The exons of complement inhibitor genes CD46 and CFH (factor H) were fully sequenced using the Sanger method in SLE patients with nephritis originating from two cohorts from southern and mid Sweden (n = 196). All identified mutations and polymorphisms were then analyzed in SLE patients without nephritis (n = 326) and in healthy controls (n = 523).

Results

We found nonsynonymous, heterozygous mutations in CFH in 6.1% patients with nephritis, in comparison with 4.0% and 5.4% in patients without nephritis and controls, respectively. No associations of SLE or nephritis with common variants in CFH (V62I/Y402H/E936D) were found. Furthermore, we found two nonsynonymous heterozygous mutations in CD46 in SLE patients but not in controls. The A353V polymorphism, known to affect function of CD46, was found in 6.6% of nephritis patients versus 4.9% and 6.1% of the non-nephritis SLE patients and controls. The presence of mutations in CD46 and CFH did not predispose to SLE or nephritis but was associated with earlier onset of nephritis. Furthermore, we found weak indications that there is one protective and one risk haplotype predisposing to nephritis composed of several polymorphisms in noncoding regions of CD46, which were previously implicated in aHUS.

Conclusions

SLE nephritis is not associated with frequent mutations in CFH and CD46 as found in aHUS but these may be modifying factors causing earlier onset of nephritis.
Integrating diverse genomic data using gene sets
Authors: Tyekucheva Svitlana , Marchionni Luigi , Karchin Rachel , Parmigiani Giovanni
Published: December 2011

We introduce and evaluate data analysis methods to interpret simultaneous measurement of multiple genomic features made on the same biological samples. Our tools use gene sets to provide an interpretable common scale for diverse genomic information. We show we can detect genetic effects, although they may act through different mechanisms in different samples, and show we can discover and validate important disease-related gene sets that would not be discovered by analyzing each data type individually.
Cyclization Reaction of Diarylethene through the Triplet Excited State
Authors: Murata Ryutaro , Yago Tomoaki , Wakasa Masanobu
Published: December 2011

Photocyclization reaction of 1,2-bis(2-methyl-3-benzothienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (BT) in methanol was studied by using nanosecond laser flash photolysis at 296 K. When xanthone was used as a triplet sensitizer, the triplet energy transfer occurred efficiently and the closed-ring product of BT was observed.
Systematic Studies on TiO2-Based Phosphopeptide Enrichment Procedures upon in-Solution and in-Gel Digestions of Proteins. Are There Readily Applicable Protocols Suitable for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry-Based Phosphopeptide Stability Estimations?
Authors: Eickner Thomas , Mikkat Stefan , Lorenz Peter , Sklorz Martin , Zimmermann Ralf , Thiesen Hans-Jürgen , Glocker Michael O.
Published: December 2011

There have been many successful efforts to enrich phosphopeptides in complex protein mixtures by the use of immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) and/or metal oxide affinity chromatography (MOAC) with which mass spectrometric analysis of phosphopeptides has become state of the art in specialized laboratories, mostly applying nanoLC electrospray ionization mass spectrometry-based investigations. However, widespread use of these powerful techniques is still not achieved. In this study, we present a ready-to-use phosphopeptide enrichment procedure using commercially available TiO2-loaded pipette tips in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) analyses. Using β-casein as a model protein and citric acid as additive during sample loading, a similar enrichment success can be achieved as compared to applying 2,5-dihydroxy benzoic acid (DHB) for this task. But the DHB-inherited drawbacks are eliminated. In addition, we show that combining DHB and 2,4,6-trihydroxy acetophenone (THAP) as matrix for MALDI-MS measurements retains the sensitivity of DHB for phosphopeptide analysis but adds the homogenous crystallization properties of THAP, enabling preparation of evenly distributed matrix surfaces on MALDI-MS anchor targets, a prerequisite for automated MALDI-MS analyses. Tripartite motif-containing protein 28 and stathmin are two examples for which successful phosphopeptide enrichment of either sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or two-dimensional gel electrophoresis-separated proteins is shown. Finally, high resolution MALDI Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry after phosphopeptide enrichment suggests that chemical dephosphorylation may occur as a side reaction during basic elution of phosphopeptides bound to MOAC surfaces, suggesting that proteome-wide phosphopeptide analyses ought to be interpreted with caution. In contrast, in-depth analysis of phosphopeptide/non-phosphorylated peptide siblings may be used to estimate stability differences of phosphorylation sites in individual proteins, possibly adding valuable information on biological regulation processes.
Characterization of γ-Carboxylated Tryptic Peptides by Collision-Induced Dissociation and Electron Transfer Dissociation Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ramström Margareta , Sandberg Helena
Published: December 2011

Vitamin K-dependent carboxylation of glutamic acid (Glu) residues into-γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) is a post-translational modification essential for normal protein activity of, for example, proteins involved in the blood coagulation system. These proteins may contain as many as 12 sites for-γ-carboxylation within a protein sequence of 45 amino acid residues. In the biopharmaceutical industry, powerful analytical techniques are required for identification and localization of modified sites. We present comparatively easy and rapid methods for studies of Gla-containing proteins using recent technology. The performances of two mass spectrometric fragmentation techniques, collision-induced dissociation (CID) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD), were evaluated with respect to γ-carboxylated peptides, applying on-line liquid chromatography–ion trap MS. ETD-MS has so far not been reported for Gla-containing peptides and the applicability of CID for heavily γ-carboxylated proteins has not been evaluated. The anticoagulant protein, protein C, containing nine Gla-sites, was chosen as a model protein. After tryptic digestion, three peptides containing Gla residues were detected by MS: a 1.2 kDa fragment containing two Gla residues, a 4.5 kDa peptide containing seven residues and also the 5.6 kDa tryptic peptide containing all nine Gla residues. Regarding the shortest peptide, both CID and ETD provided extensive peptide sequencing. For the larger peptides, fragmentation by CID resulted in loss of the 44 Da CO2 group, while little additional fragmentation of the peptide chain was observed. In contrast, ETD resulted in comprehensive fragmentation of the peptide backbone. The study demonstrates that the combination of both techniques would be beneficial and complementary for investigation of γ-carboxylated proteins and peptides.
Photodissociation Mass Spectra and Mass-Selected Resonant (1+1)-Photodissociation Spectroscopy of Some Alkyl Iodide Radical Cations
Authors: Schüttig Hannes , Grotemeyer Jürgen
Published: December 2011

Photodissociation mass spectra and mass selected (1+1)-photodissociation spectra of C2H5I+*, C2D5I+*, 1-C3H7I+*, 2-C3H7I+*, 1-C4H9I+* and 2-C4H9I+* radical cations were studied within the Ã ← X˜ absorption band. The photodissociation mass spectra within the range 13,600–15,900 cm−1 (1.68–1.97 eV) display only a simple cleavage of the C–I bond and formation of the corresponding alkyl ions. The resonant (1+1)-photodissociation spectra of C2H5I+* and C2D5I+* show intense vibrational structure in the excited Ã state. The thresholds for formation of the Ã states of C2H5I+ and C2D5I+ were estimated to be (13,278 ± 12) cm−1 (1.6462 ± 0.0014 eV) and (13,363 ± 12) cm−1 (1.6586 ± 0.0014 eV), respectively. Whereas a few resonant vibrational excitations could be identified with 1-C3H7I+* and 1-C4H7I+, no vibrational features were observable with 2-C3H7I+* and 2-C4H9I+*. It is concluded that 1- and 2-iodoalkane radical cations do not rearrange, even under the conditions of electron ionisation used to generate the molecular ions.
Distinguishing by Principal Component Analysis o-Xylene, m-Xylene, p-Xylene and Ethylbenzene Using Electron Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Samokhin Andrey , Revelsky Igor
Published: December 2011

The possibility of distinguishing between o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene and ethylbenzene on the basis of only their 70 eV electron ionization (EI) mass spectra has been investigated. These four isomers were distinguished by principal component analysis of respective EI mass spectra (recorded under identical conditions). The mass spectra considered contained either eleven or five m/z values, which had intensities greater than 5% or 10% of base peak, respectively.
Short-term interventions on wards fail to reduce preanalytical errors: results of two prospective controlled trials
Authors: Kemp Georgina M , Bird Clare E , Barth Julian H
Published: December 2011

Background

Preventing laboratory errors promotes patient safety and reduces the cost of unnecessary processing. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of two short-term interventions at reducing errors in the preanalytical stage of laboratory testing.

Methods

Error data were reviewed from inpatient wards at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) and St James’ University Hospital (SJUH) for 22 weeks. Two separate interventions lasted for two weeks. The outcome measures were inadequate tube and form labelling, incorrect tube selection and insufficient sample volume. Posters targeting these errors were created and displayed on inpatient wards in SJUH ( n = 48). BRI and LGI were control hospitals. Qualitative interviews were held with clinical staff to raise awareness of common errors, give advice and discuss error reduction ( n = 37). Ten weeks later, screensavers warning against labelling errors were displayed (LGI and SJUH). Quantitative error data, routinely collected by the laboratory, were used for analysis.

Results

There was no change in error rate or type at the intervention site(s) compared with the control(s). There were 7058 reported errors across three sites, of which 6623 were errors targeted by the interventions. The overall error rate remained stable on all three sites (analysis of variance, P = 1.0). When interviewing clinical staff, 29% thought that equipment was the main contributing factor to errors while 23% struggled with tube selection.

Conclusions

Despite enthusiasm on the part of the ward-based staff, both short-term interventions had no significant impact on preanalytical error rates. Most errors are due to human factors. These may be reduced with the introduction of an electronic ordering system.
Impact of rapid HIV testing on the return rate for routine test results in sexually transmitted infection testing centres
Authors: Cabié A , Bissuel F , Huc P , Paturel L , Abel S
Published: December 2011

To strengthen HIV screening in the French West Indies (FWI), we evaluated the feasibility of rapid tests in sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing centres. Rapid testing was offered to each user ahead of the standard screening tests. Between October 2007 and December 2008, 847 users had HIV rapid testing, and 1724 users did not have rapid testing. The results of rapid testing were returned to 99.1% of testers. However, clients who underwent rapid testing were significantly more likely than others to have not returned to get the results of their standard screening tests (for HIV and other STIs): 27.4% versus 14.0% with a relative risk of 1.96 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67–2.30, P < 0.0001). Rapid HIV testing has the capacity to reduce the return rates for confirmatory results of HIV testing and other STIs.
p24 antigen detection on dried blood spots is a feasible and reliable test for infant HIV infection in rural Tanzania
Authors: Kivuyo S L , Johannessen A , Trøseid M , Kasubi M J , Gundersen S G , Naman E , Mushi D , Ngowi B J , Mfinanga G S , Bruun J N
Published: December 2011

The difficulty of diagnosing HIV in infants is a major obstacle to early antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. As serological tests are unreliable during the first 18 months of life, and the cost and complexity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays limit their access in resource-limited settings, p24 antigen detection has emerged as an alternative diagnostic tool. In this study, the performance of an ultrasensitive p24 antigen assay on dried blood spots was evaluated under field conditions in rural Tanzania. Specimens were stored and shipped at tropical room temperature, and analysed within six weeks. In total, 27 consecutive children aged <18 months and exposed to vertical HIV transmission were enrolled. Overall sensitivity and specificity was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.8–100) and 95.5% (95% CI, 77.2–99.9), respectively. Our findings suggest that detection of p24 antigen on dried blood spots can be a reliable and feasible diagnostic tool for infant HIV infection in rural resource-limited settings.
Social vulnerability and HIV testing among South African men who have sex with men
Authors: Knox J , Sandfort T , Yi H , Reddy V , Maimane S
Published: December 2011

This study examined whether social vulnerability is associated with HIV testing among South African men who have sex with men (MSM). A community-based survey was conducted with 300 MSM in Pretoria in 2008. The sample was stratified by age, race and residential status. Social vulnerability was assessed using measures of demographic characteristics, psychosocial determinants and indicators of sexual minority stress. Being black, living in a township and lacking HIV knowledge reduced MSM's likelihood of ever having tested for HIV. Among those who had tested, lower income and not self-identifying as gay reduced men's likelihood of having tested more than once. Lower income and internalized homophobia reduced men's likelihood of having tested recently. Overall, MSM in socially vulnerable positions were less likely to get tested for HIV. Efforts to mitigate the effects of social vulnerability on HIV testing practices are needed in order to encourage regular HIV testing among South African MSM.
HIV post-exposure prophylaxis programmes in the developed and developing world: can we learn from each other?
Authors: van der Maaten G C , Davies J , Nyirenda M , Chitani A , Allain T J , Beeching N J , Beadsworth M B J , van Oosterhout J J
Published: December 2011

In an audit of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) programmes in Blantyre, Malawi, and Liverpool, UK, a striking common deficiency was poor attendance of follow-up visits and of HIV testing to determine efficacy of PEP. Causes of poor follow-up after PEP need to be explored in both settings.
Prevalence and correlates of HIV testing among Caribbean youth
Authors: Andrews B E
Published: December 2011

Little is known about the HIV testing behaviours among Caribbean youth. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and the factors associated with HIV testing in Caribbean youth. Data were used from population-based surveys in three Caribbean countries: Guyana, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression models were fitted to examine the associations between independent correlates and ever being tested of HIV. The proportion of youth reporting HIV testing ranged from 17% in Haiti to 48% in the Dominican Republic. Across all countries increased odds of ever being tested for HIV was associated with ever being married, having five or more lifetime partners, and knowing someone who was living with or had died from HIV. Male gender and rural residence were correlated with decreased odds of HIV testing. Low levels of HIV testing were observed among sexually experienced youth in three Caribbean countries. Men, younger and never married youth were less likely to be have been tested for HIV. Outreach and public health messages targeting these youth should be implemented. Programmes that assist youth in accurately assessing their risk behaviours are also required to improve HIV testing.
HIV point-of-care testing pitfalls
Authors: Chan S Y , Wyld C , Rice P , Lau R
Published: December 2011

When counselling patients for postexposure prophylaxis after sexual exposure, we may need to inform them that the efficacy may be low, especially if the patient also had risks prior to the 72 hours between exposure and treatment. The use of a point-of-care test, as well as fourth generation HIV tests and HIV RNA in combination, can still miss seroconversion in the ‘eclipse’ phase of the infection as these tests are not designed to detect the earliest phase of infection.
Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis in Victoria, Australia: responding to high rates of re-presentation and low rates of follow-up
Authors: Armishaw J , Hoy J F , Watson K M , Wright E J , Price B G , Pierce A B
Published: December 2011

In Australia, the non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis service in Victoria (VNPEPS) maintains a database of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (NPEP) use throughout the state. Through the database the service can monitor and respond to patterns of NPEP presentation, re-presentation and follow-up as well as those who test positive for HIV. We describe a cohort of NPEP individuals from the commencement of the service to 31 December 2009. During this time, 1864 individuals presented for NPEP on 2396 occasions. The majority (85%) were men who have sex with men (MSM) presenting after receptive anal intercourse (56.1%). Repeat NPEP presentations were high (17.5%) and follow-up testing at week 12 post-NPEP was low (34%). Twenty-two patients (1.2%) tested positive for HIV at baseline presentation and six patients seroconverted to HIV during follow-up. The VNPEPS has initiated strategies to encourage behaviour change for those who re-present for NPEP, and to improve rates of week 12 follow-up.
HIV-testing of men who have sex with men: variable testing rates among clinicians
Authors: Petlo T , Fairley C K , Whitton B , Coles K , Chen M Y
Published: December 2011

High HIV testing coverage of high-risk populations is required to reduce the number of HIV-infected individuals unaware of their status. The aim of this study was to determine HIV testing rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending a sexual health service, including the impact of the treating clinician on HIV testing rates. Factors associated with HIV testing of MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre for the first time between 2003 and 2009 were determined, including testing rates for individual treating clinicians. Overall, 78% of 4425 men were tested for HIV. Clinician HIV testing rates were higher among nurses (median 89%; range 77–95%) than doctors (median 73%; range 45–88%) with significant differences between individual physicians ( P < 0.001). Lower testing among doctors was independent of reported sexual risk and time since the last HIV test. Substantial differences in HIV testing rates between clinicians were evident with low testing by some. Increasing HIV testing rates among high-risk groups require engagement not only of individuals at risk but also awareness among health-care providers who perform HIV testing.
Point-of-care HIV testing at antenatal care and maternity sites: experience in Battambang Province, Cambodia
Authors: Heller T , Kunthea S , Bunthoeun E , Sok K , Seuth C , Killam W P , Sovanna T , Sathiarany V , Kanal K
Published: December 2011

Worldwide elimination of HIV transmission from mother-to-child is theoretically achievable. In Cambodia, antenatal care (ANC) prevalence has dropped from 1.6% (2003) to 0.71% (2009). However, success in minimizing vertical transmission has been limited by low testing uptake at ANC and delivery. We trained midwives in counselling and performance of an HIV rapid test, incorporated point-of-care testing into routine antenatal and maternity services and determined acceptability, feasibility, accuracy, cost and yield after one year. In all, 97.3% of ANC clients and 73.0% of maternity admissions had unknown HIV status. Testing was offered to 97.6% and 95.0% of untested ANC and maternity clients, respectively. Acceptance rates were 95.5% and 99.4%. Partner testing rate was 38.6%. HIV was diagnosed in 0.1% of ANC clients, 0.4% of partners and 0.9% of women at delivery. For an operational district with an average population of 158,000, point-of-care testing was estimated in one year to identify 19 HIV-infected pregnant women, nine men, 14 discordant couples and 16 exposed infants who otherwise would have not received prophylaxis. Cost was less than $3.75 per person tested. Point-of-care testing during ANC and at delivery is feasible, acceptable and contributes to reducing mother-to-child transmission.
On the Chemical Kinetics of Ethanol Oxidation: Shock Tube, Rapid Compression Machine and Detailed Modeling Study
Authors: Lee Changyoul , Vranckx Stijn , Heufer Karl A. , Khomik Sergey V. , Uygun Yasar , Olivier Herbert , Fernandez Ravi X.
Published: December 2011

Auto-ignition characteristics of ethanol were experimentally investigated using two Shock Tube (ST) facilities and a Rapid Compression Machine (RCM). Ignition delay times for stoichiometric ethanol-air mixtures were measured for temperatures between 775–1300 K in a High Pressure Shock Tube (HPST) at pressures close to 80 bar by probing pressure time histories and CH* emission. In some experiments the HPST was additionally employed for schlieren imaging to visualize ignition behavior by probing density gradients during ignition for ethanol-air mixtures. The ignition delay experiments in HPST were complemented by RCM measurements for extending the temperature regime to the Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) regime, down to 705 K, providing kinetic model validation data over a very wide temperature and pressure range. The current results also extend the earlier shock tube measurements performed in the same laboratory for pressures around 40 bar for temperatures down to 800 K [Heufer et al., Shock Waves 20 (2010) 307]. Furthermore, a Rectangular Shock Tube (RST) was solely used for additional schlieren imaging experiments to acquire information on ignition modes in stoichiometric ethanol-air mixtures around 10 bar. An improved chemical kinetic model was developed based on the Li et al. mechanism [Li et al., “Ethanol Model v1.0”, Princeton University, 2009] which was updated with evaluated rate parameters from the literature and validated through results obtained from the aforementioned facilities. The model predictions were compared to previously published low-pressure, premixed flat flame molecular beam mass spectrometry speciation data [Kasper et al., Combust. Flame 150 (2007) 220; Wang et al., J. Phys. Chem. A 112 (2008) 9255] where reasonable agreement is obtained considering the uncertainties in experiments and model. However, the model provides excellent agreement for the auto-ignition results obtained in the RCM and the high temperature shock induced ignition delays. Significant disparities with the model predictions are obtained for the shock tube results at temperatures below 1000 K as it transitions from the intermediate to the low temperature regime. The reasons for these deviations are assigned to strong fuel specific “pre-ignition” effects observed in ethanol auto-ignition, in contrast to other investigated fuels, which was satisfactorily explained through schlieren experimental results. To our knowledge this work is first of its kind that combines results from complementary experimental methods from three different facilities providing a holistic description on the auto-ignition behavior of ethanol. Furthermore, this paper reports ignition delay measurements for ethanol in air, at the highest pressures applicable to practical combustors.
The impact of medication on vitamin D status in older individuals
Authors: Sohl E , van Schoor N M , de Jongh R T , de Vries O J , Lips P
Published: December 2011

Objective

Vitamin D deficiency and polypharmacy are common in the elderly. However, knowledge on the associations between the use of specific medicines and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is limited. The aim of this study was to (better) define the associations between the use of specific medicines and serum 25(OH)D.

Methods

Two different cohorts (1995/1996 and 2002/2003) from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were used for cross-sectional analyses. LASA is based on an age and sex-stratified random sample of the Dutch older population. Study participants were aged 65–88 years in the first cohort (n=1301) and 55–65 years in the second cohort (n=736). Serum 25(OH)D of users of several groups of medicines were compared with levels of non-users using multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Of all participants, 75.4% (first cohort) and 61.1% (second cohort) were using at least one medicine. In both cohorts, the number of medicines was associated with lower serum 25(OH)D. In the first cohort, after adjustment for confounding, users of any kind of medicine, loop diuretics and inhaled corticosteroids (only men) had respectively 4.4 nmol/l (P<0.01), 4.7 nmol/l (P=0.04) and 7.3 nmol/l (P=0.02) lower serum 25(OH)D than non-users. In the second cohort, the use of oral antidiabetics, calcium-channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors was associated with respectively 7.4 nmol/l (P=0.04), 7.7 nmol/l (P=0.01) and 7.6 nmol/l (P<0.01) lower serum 25(OH)D.

Conclusions

These data show that users of several medicines have lower serum 25(OH)D than non-users. Vitamin D supplementation may be considered in patients with chronic use of medicines.
Regulation of Cell Wall Biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: The Cell Wall Integrity Signaling Pathway
Authors: Levin David E
Published: December 2011

The yeast cell wall is a strong, but elastic, structure that is essential not only for the maintenance of cell shape and integrity, but also for progression through the cell cycle. During growth and morphogenesis, and in response to environmental challenges, the cell wall is remodeled in a highly regulated and polarized manner, a process that is principally under the control of the cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling pathway. This pathway transmits wall stress signals from the cell surface to the Rho1 GTPase, which mobilizes a physiologic response through a variety of effectors. Activation of CWI signaling regulates the production of various carbohydrate polymers of the cell wall, as well as their polarized delivery to the site of cell wall remodeling. This review article centers on CWI signaling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae through the cell cycle and in response to cell wall stress. The interface of this signaling pathway with other pathways that contribute to the maintenance of cell wall integrity is also discussed.
Asymptomatic free-floating thrombus of the internal carotid artery
Authors: Csobay-Novák Csaba , Járányi Zsuzsanna , Dósa Edit , Hüttl Kálmán
Published: December 2011

Free-floating thrombus (FFT) of the internal carotid artery, which is almost always symptomatic and is usually discovered by ultrasound or angiography performed after a transient cerebrovascular event, is a highly uncommon diagnosis. Here, we report a case of an asymptomatic freefloating internal carotid artery thrombus most probably caused by an atherosclerotic plaque rupture. It was detected by carotid ultrasound and was treated with eversion endarterectomy without any neurologic complications. Six weeks after surgery, the patient is doing well.
Extraperitoneal laparoscopic removal of magnetic foreign bodies from urinary bladder: An option for endoscopic retrieval failure
Authors: Gurpriya Kaur , Sarfraz Ahmad , Nabi Ghulam
Published: December 2011

A rare case of metallic magnetic foreign bodies (51 magnetic haematite gemstone roundel beads) in the urinary bladder removed using extraperitoneal endoscopic technique is presented. Whilst magnetic nature posed difficulties in endoscopic retrieval, an alternate successful technique of extraperitoneal endoscopic approach in an emergency setting was adopted instead with good outcomes.
Malignus eredetű nyelőcsőszűkületek palliatív kezelése endoprotézis beültetésével – 25 év tapasztalata
Authors: Balázs Ákos , Kokas Péter , Lukovich Péter , Kupcsulik Péter
Published: December 2011

Absztrakt

A szerzők 1984 és 2009 között 2952 malignus nyelőcsőszűkületet kezeltek. Célkitűzés: A tanulmány célja a nyelőcsőendoprotézis-beültetés módszerének vizsgálata a használhatóság szempontjából. Módszerek: A protézis beültetése 42 esetben műtéti úton, 1143 esetben endoscopos módszerrel történt. A protézisbeültetésre alkalmatlannak bizonyult betegeknél 125 esetben gastrostomia; 19 esetben percutan endoscopos gastrostomia; 9 esetben katéter-jejunostomia történt, míg 965 beteg csak supportiv kezelésben részesült. Eredmények: Az indikált esetek 61,2%-ában történt sikeres protézisbeültetés. A protézis a nyelési panaszt 6,2%-ban időlegesen, 93,5%-ban végérvényesen megoldotta. Szövődményeket 23,7%-ban észleltek, ezek migratio, perforatio, vérzés, légúti obstructio, korai váratlan halálozás, aspiráció, a protézis eldugulása, tumoros felülnövekedés, fistulaképződés, újdonképződés, reflux voltak. A szövődmények 69,2%-a endoscopos reintervencióval megoldható volt. 27 szövődmény (2,1%) volt letális kimenetelű. A műtéti úton protetizált betegek műtéttel kapcsolatos szövődményeinek aránya 21,9% volt. A protézissel kezelt betegek túlélése átlag 5,4 hónap, a gastrostomiával, percutan endoscopos gastrostomiával, jejunostomiával kezelt betegek túlélése átlag 3,6 hónap, a kizárólag supportiv kezelésben részesült betegek túlélése átlag 3,2 hónap volt. Következtetések: A malignus eredetű nyelőcsőszűkületek palliatív kezelésében az endoprotézis beültetése jól használható módszer, szignifikánsan javítja a betegek túlélési és életminőségi mutatóit. A supportiv táplálási lehetőségként alkalmazott módszerek a betegek szubjektív éhségérzetét csökkentik, de a túlélést nem befolyásolják.
Postgastrectomiás tünetek totális gastrectomia után a duodenalis passage-t megőrző és kizáró rekonstrukciók mellett
Authors: Szabó Melinda , Kalmár Katalin , Horváth Örs Péter
Published: December 2011

Absztrakt

Bevezetés: A teljes gyomoreltávolítás következményei a betegek életminőségének jelentős romlását eredményezik, mely postgastrectomiás syndroma néven foglalható össze. Jelen tanulmány célja a különféle táplálkozással kapcsolatos panaszok (étkezési szokások, nyelési panaszok, étvágy), valamint a dumping előfordulásának felmérése és a rekonstrukciótípussal való összefüggésének vizsgálata totális gastrectomián átesett betegeken. Beteganyag és módszerek: Klinikánkon 2005–2009 között 34 gyomorrák miatt totális gastrectomián átesett beteget vizsgáltunk általunk összeállított kérdőívek segítségével. Huszonkét beteg standard Roux-Y rekonstrukción esett át, 12 betegnél Longmire szerinti jejunum-interpozíció történt. A korai dumping-syndroma előfordulását a Sigstad-pontrendszer segítségével vizsgáltuk. Eredmények: A legtöbb vizsgált paraméter tekintetében nem volt különbség a Roux-Y és a jejunum-interpozíciós rekonstrukción átesett betegek között. A korai dumping-syndroma előfordulási gyakorisága azonban szignifikánsan csökkent duodenumbekötés esetén. Következtetés: A duodenalis passage megőrzése totális gastrectomia után mérsékli a korai dumping előfordulását.
Az ischaemiás posztkondicionálás hatása az oxidatív stresszre és a szöveti struktúrára vékonybél meleg ischaemiás és autotranszplantációs modellekben
Authors: Nedvig Klára , Völgyi Edina , Wéber György , Rőth Erzsébet , Ferencz Andrea
Published: December 2011

Absztrakt

Bevezetés/célkitűzés: Az ischaemiás posztkondicionálás (IPO) hatását kívántuk vizsgálni vékonybél meleg ischaemia/reperfusiós (I/R) és hideg konzerválást követő autotranszplantációs modellekben. Anyag és módszerek: Sertéseken (Σn = 32, n = 2/csoport) az arteria mesenterica superior leszorításával meleg ischaemiát hoztunk létre 1, 3 és 6 órán át. A 3 órás reperfusiót megelőzően 3 ciklusban IPO-t végeztünk ciklusonként 30 másodperc ischaemia és 30 másodperc reperfusio alkalmazásával. A hideg ischaemiás csoportokban a vékonybelet University of Wisconsin oldatban konzerváltuk 1, 3 és 6 órán keresztül. A 3 órás reperfusio előtt a fenti IPO protokollt alkalmaztuk. Bélmintákat vettünk a laparotomiát követően (kontroll) és a reperfusio végén. Az oxidatívstressz-markerek közül meghatároztuk a szöveti malondialdehid (MDA) és redukált glutation (GSH) koncentrációját, illetve a szuperoxid-dizmutáz (SOD) aktivitását. A szöveti károsodást Park-féle klasszifikáció és Scion Image Software kvantitatív kiértékeléssel határoztuk meg. Eredmények: Az oxidatívstressz-paraméterek közül az IPO szignifikánsan csökkentette a reperfusio végi lipidperoxidációt, és az endogén antioxidánsok (GSH, SOD) védő szerepe szignifikáns mértékben megőrződött. A szöveti károsodás a meleg ischaemia és a konzerválás idejének emelkedésével szignifikánsan nőtt. Az IPO minden csoportban szignifikánsan csökkentette a bélfal károsodását (p < 0,05). Következtetések: A meleg I/R és hideg konzerválást követő autotranszplantációs modellekben az IPO szignifikánsan csökkentette mind az oxidatív stressz, mind a szövetkárosodások mértékét.