bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Intrarenal Neuroblastoma with Hypertension and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Shamsian Bibi Shahin , Kajizadi Mohammad , Rezaei Nima , Ghojehvand Nozar , Azma Roxana , Rouzrokh Mohsen , Kazemi Aghdam Maryam , Mesbah Seyed Malek , Ghazizadeh Farid , Arzanian Mohammad Taghi
Published: December 2013

The primary intrarenal neuroblastoma (IRNB) is a rare condition. Intrarenal neuroblastoma typically results from direct renal invasion from an adrenal neuroblastoma, but true intrarenal neuroblastoma originates either sequestered adrenal rests during the fetal life or intrarenal sympathetic ganglia. Clinical, radiological, and pathological correlation is very essential for diagnosis and appropriate management of this type of unusual cases. The distinction of this rare tumor from Wilms’ tumor is an important challenge since both tumors have major differences in prognostic and therapeutic response. We present a 3-year-old boy of primary intrarenal neuroblastoma with extensive abdominal and mediastinal mass, persistent hypertension, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Epigenetic Markers of Renal Function in African Americans
Authors: Bomotti Samantha M. , Smith Jennifer A. , Zagel Alicia L. , Taylor Jacquelyn Y. , Turner Stephen T. , Kardia Sharon L. R.
Published: December 2013

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing concern in the United States due to its rapidly rising prevalence, particularly among African Americans. Epigenetic DNA methylation markers are becoming important biomarkers of chronic diseases such as CKD. To better understand how these methylation markers play a role in kidney function, we measured 26,428 DNA methylation sites in 972 African Americans from the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) study. We then evaluated (1) whether epigenetic markers are associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), (2) whether the significantly associated markers are also associated with traditional risk factors and/or novel biomarkers for eGFR, and (3) how much additional variation in eGFR is explained by epigenetic markers beyond established risk factors and biomarkers. The majority of methylation markers most significantly associated with eGFR (24 out of the top 30) appeared to function, at least in part, through pathways related to aging, inflammation, or cholesterol. However, six epigenetic markers were still able to significantly predict eGFR after adjustment for other risk factors. This work shows that epigenetic markers may offer valuable new insight into the complex pathophysiology of CKD in African Americans.
A Pharmacist-Led Point-of-Care INR Clinic: Optimizing Care in a Family Health Team Setting
Authors: Rossiter Jennifer , Soor Gursharan , Telner Deanna , Aliarzadeh Babak , Lake Jennifer
Published: December 2013

Purpose. Monitoring patients’ international normalized ratio (INR) within a family medicine setting can be challenging. Novel methods of doing this effectively and in a timely manner are important for patient care. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led point-of-care (POC) INR clinic. Methods. At a community-based academic Family Health Team in Toronto, Canada, charts of patients with atrial fibrillation managed by a pharmacist with usual care (bloodtesting at lab and pharmacist follow up of INR by phone) from February 2008 to April 2008 were compared with charts of patients attending a weekly POC INR clinic from February 2010 to April 2010. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) was measured for both groups. Results. 119 patient charts were reviewed and 114 had TTR calculated. After excluding patients with planned inconsistent Coumadin use (20), such as initiating Coumadin treatment or stopping for a surgical procedure, the mean TTR increased from 64.41% to 77.09% with the implementation of the POC clinic. This was a statistically significant difference of 12.68% (CI: 1.18, 24.18; P=0.03). Conclusion. A pharmacist-led POC-INR clinic improves control of anticoagulation therapy in patients receiving warfarin and should be considered for implementation in other family medicine settings.
Hsa-miR-15a and Hsa-miR-16-1 Expression Is Not Related to Proliferation Centers Abundance and Other Prognostic Factors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Rossi Maura , Fuligni Fabio , Ciccone Maria , Agostinelli Claudio , Righi Simona , Luciani Marco , Laginestra Maria Antonella , Rigolin Gian Matteo , Sapienza Maria Rosaria , Gazzola Anna , Mannu Claudia , Cuneo Antonio , Pileri Stefano , Piccaluga Pier Paolo
Published: December 2013

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) is the commonest leukemia in adults. Here, we aimed to evaluate hsa-miR-15a/hsa-miR-16-1 expression in CLL tissues by qPCR and correlate it with the other clinicopathological features and clinical outcome. 40 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lymph node samples obtained from CLL/SLL patients were classified into two categories, “PCs rich” and “typical.” We found a significant common expression level of 4 miRNAs; however, we did not find any significant relationship between PCs presence and miRNAs expression. Moreover, neither the presence of 13q deletion nor the percentage of cells carrying the deletion strictly correlated with miRNAs expression levels, although a significant number of patients with 13q deletion presented hsa-miR-16-1-3p levels below the median value in normal samples (P<0.05). Finally, although no correlation was found between the expression of each miRNA and other clinicopathological features (Ki67, CD38, ZAP70, and IGVH@ hypermutations), the OS curves showed a positive trend in patients with miRNAs downregulation, though not statistically significant. In conclusion, we showed for the first time that all miRNAs can be successfully studied in FFPE CLL tissues and that del13q and PCs richness do not strictly correspond to miRNAs downregulation; therefore, a specific evaluation may be envisaged at least in patients enrolled in clinical trials.
Feature and Contrast Enhancement of Mammographic Image Based on Multiscale Analysis and Morphology
Authors: Wu Shibin , Yu Shaode , Yang Yuhan , Xie Yaoqin
Published: December 2013

A new algorithm for feature and contrast enhancement of mammographic images is proposed in this paper. The approach bases on multiscale transform and mathematical morphology. First of all, the Laplacian Gaussian pyramid operator is applied to transform the mammography into different scale subband images. In addition, the detail or high frequency subimages are equalized by contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) and low-pass subimages are processed by mathematical morphology. Finally, the enhanced image of feature and contrast is reconstructed from the Laplacian Gaussian pyramid coefficients modified at one or more levels by contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization and mathematical morphology, respectively. The enhanced image is processed by global nonlinear operator. The experimental results show that the presented algorithm is effective for feature and contrast enhancement of mammogram. The performance evaluation of the proposed algorithm is measured by contrast evaluation criterion for image, signal-noise-ratio (SNR), and contrast improvement index (CII).
Impact of Intravenous Drug Use on HIV/AIDS among Women Prisoners: A Mathematical Modelling Approach
Authors: Bhunu C. P. , Mushayabasa S.
Published: December 2013

Intravenous drug use and tattooing remain one of the major routes of HIV/AIDS transmission among
prisoners. We formulate and analyze a deterministic model for the role of intravenous drug use in
HIV/AIDS transmission among women prisoners. With the aid of the Centre Manifold theory, the
endemic equilibrium is shown to be locally asymptotically stable when the corresponding reproduction number is greater than unity. Analysis of the reproduction number and numerical simulations
suggest that an increase in intravenous drug use among women prisoners as they fail to cope with
prison settings fuels the HIV/AIDS epidemic in women prisoners. Failure to control HIV/AIDS among
female prisoners may be a time bomb to their communities upon their release. Thus, it may be best
to consider free needle/syringe exchange and drug substitution treatment programmes in women
prisons as well as considering open prison systems for less serious crimes.
One-Step Synthesis of TiO2/Perlite Composites by Flame Spray Pyrolysis and Their Photocatalytic Behavior
Authors: Giannouri M. , Kalampaliki Th. , Todorova N. , Giannakopoulou T. , Boukos N. , Petrakis D. , Vaimakis T. , Trapalis C.
Published: December 2013

TiO2/perlite composites were prepared via facile one-step flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) route. Titanium alkoxide (TIPO) and expanded perlite were used as Ti source and substrate, respectively. Precursor TIPO-ethanol solutions containing homogeneously dispersed perlite particles were processed through FSP setup at different experimental conditions regarding the gas flow and precursor supply rates. The structure, morphology, and the composition of the obtained powders were investigated. The porosity and the light absorbance of the TiO2/perlite composites were examined and their photocatalytic activity in NO oxidation was evaluated. Commercial titania powder P25 was also FSP processed and investigated for comparison. The XRD analysis revealed that biphased titania with different anatase-rutile ratio and particles size 20–40 nm was synthesized onto the perlite which according to microscopy results was covered by neck-connected TiO2nanoparticles. The anatase-rutile interplay was also demonstrated by the Raman spectra where presence of Si-O-Ti vibrational modes was observed for some samples. The UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra of the TiO2/perlite composites revealed up to 70% reflection that was connected to the presence of the gray perlite and superficial carbon. The best photocatalytic activity of the composites was connected to almost equal anatase-rutile ratio and possible synergetic effect of the two TiO2phases.
Impaired Growth during Childhood in Patients with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Svobodová Tamara , Djakow Jana , Zemková Daniela , Cipra Adam , Pohunek Petr , Lebl Jan
Published: December 2013

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) leads to recurrent/chronic respiratory infections, resulting in chronic inflammation and potentially in chronic pulmonary disease with bronchiectasis. We analyzed longitudinal data on body length/height and body mass index (BMI) for 29 children and young adults with PCD aging 1.5–24 years (median, 14.5) who had been diagnosed at the age of 0.5–17 years (median, 8). Of these, 10 carried pathogenic mutations in eitherDNAH5orDNAI1. In children with PCD, body length/height progressively decreased from+0.40±0.24SDS (the 1st birthday),+0.16±0.23SDS (3 years old), and-0.13±0.21SDS (5 years old) to-0.54±0.19SDS (7 years old;P=0.01versus0),-0.67±0.21SDS (9 years old;P=0.005versus0),-0.52±0.24SDS (11 years old;P=0.04versus0), and-0.53±0.23SDS (13 years old;P=0.03versus0). These results reflect low growth rates during the childhood growth period. Thereafter, heights stabilized up to the age of 17 years. The growth deterioration was not dependent on sex or disease severity but was more pronounced inDNAH5orDNAI1mutation carriers. BMI did not differ from population standards, which suggests that nutritional deficits are not the cause of growth delay. We conclude that PCD leads to chronic deprivation with significant growth deterioration during childhood.
Center Manifold Reduction and Perturbation Method in a Delayed Model with a Mound-Shaped Cobb-Douglas Production Function
Authors: Ferrara Massimiliano , Guerrini Luca , Bisci Giovanni Molica
Published: December 2013

Matsumoto and Szidarovszky (2011) examined a delayed continuous-time growth model with a special mound-shaped production function and showed a Hopf bifurcation that occurs when time delay passes through a critical value. In this paper, by applying the center manifold theorem and the normal form theory, we obtain formulas for determining the direction of the Hopf bifurcation and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions. Moreover, Lindstedt’s perturbation method is used to calculate the bifurcated periodic solution, the direction of the bifurcation, and the stability of the periodic motion resulting from the bifurcation.
The Mediterranean Oscillation Teleconnection Index: Station-Based versus Principal Component Paradigms
Authors: Criado-Aldeanueva Francisco , Soto-Navarro F. Javier
Published: December 2013

Two different paradigms of the Mediterranean Oscillation (MO) teleconnection index have been compared in this work: station-based definitions obtained by the difference of some climate variable between two selected points in the eastern and western basins (i.e., Algiers and Cairo, Gibraltar and Israel, Marseille and Jerusalem, or south France and Levantine basin) and the principal component (PC) approach in which the index is obtained as the time series of the first mode of normalised sea level pressure anomalies across the extended Mediterranean region. Interannual to interdecadal precipitation (P), evaporation (E),E-P, and net heat flux have been correlated with the different MO indices to compare their relative importance in the long-term variability of heat and freshwater budgets over the Mediterranean Sea. On an annual basis, the PC paradigm is the most effective tool to assess the effect of the large-scale atmospheric forcing in the Mediterranean Sea because the station-based indices exhibit a very poor correlation with all climatic variables and only influence a reduced fraction of the basin. In winter, the station-based indices highly improve their ability to represent the atmospheric forcing and results are fairly independent of the paradigm used.
Fabrication of Antimicrobial Perspiration Pads and Cotton Cloth Using Amaranthus dubius Mediated Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Firdhouse M. Jannathul , Lalitha P.
Published: December 2013

Silver nanoparticles prepared through a simplistic method using the aqueous extract of Amaranthus dubius were fabricated on perspiration pads and cotton cloth samples to obtain antibacterial textile materials by two different fabrication methods. The antibacterial activity was investigated against the bacteria Corynebacterium which is commonly present in sweat. Silver nanoparticles that serve as antibacterial agents, against pathogenic bacteria, have gained increased applications in medical devices, textile fabrics, and food industry and hence the result of this study would be a welcomed option.
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis Causing Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Case Report
Authors: Mimura Tomohiro , Kawasaki Taku , Yagi Keitaro , Mori Kanji , Imai Shinji , Matsusue Yoshitaka
Published: December 2013

We report a case of a 27-year-old man with pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hip joint with coincident osteonecrosis of the femoral head. According to our review of the English-language literature, no detailed report of osteonecrosis of the femoral head complicated with pigmented villonodular synovitis has been published. Preoperative X-ray images showed joint narrowing and severe multiple bone erosions at the acetabulum and femoral neck. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a low-intensity band attributable to osteonecrosis of the femoral head and massive diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis lesions. Comparison of a three-dimensional computed tomographic image of this patient with an angiographic image of a normal individual demonstrated proximity of the pigmented villonodular synovitis-induced bone erosions to the medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries and retinacular arteries, suggesting likely the compromise of the latter by the former. We propose that the massive pigmented villonodular synovitis may have contributed to the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in this patient. We performed open synovectomy and total hip arthroplasty. No operative complications occurred, and no recurrence of the pigmented villonodular synovitis was detected for 3 years after the operation.
Accumulation of Scandium in Plasma in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Sánchez-González Cristina , López-Chaves Carlos , Rivas-García Lorenzo , Galindo Pilar , Gómez-Aracena Jorge , Aranda Pilar , Llopis Juan
Published: December 2013

Scandium (Sc) is an element with many industrial applications, but relatively little is known about its physiological and/or toxicological effects, and very little data are available concerning the role of Sc in chronic renal failure (CRF). This paper examines the changes in plasma levels of Sc in predialysis patients with CRF and the relationship with blood parameters. The participants in this trial were 48 patients with CRF in predialysis and 53 healthy controls. Erythrocyte, haemoglobin, and haematocrit counts in blood were determined, and levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, albumin, total protein and Sc were measured in plasma. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Cockcroft‐Gault index. The CRF patients were found to have higher plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, albumin, total protein, and Sc and a lower GFR than that the controls. Scandium in plasma was positively correlated with creatinine and plasma urea and negatively correlated with GFR, haemoglobin, and haematocrit and was associated with the risk of lower levels of erythrocytes, haemoglobin, and haematocrit. CRF was associated with increases in the circulating levels of scandium.
Isolated Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis after Thoracic Radiation Therapy: To Operate or Not to Operate
Authors: Alsara Osama , Alsarah Ahmad , Kalavakunta Jagadeesh K. , Laird-Fick Heather , Abela George S.
Published: December 2013

Radiation therapy of neoplasms involving the chest or mediastinum results in a wide spectrum of cardiac complications including coronary artery disease, which can present in patients with few or no traditional cardiac risk factors. We report a case of radiation induced coronary artery disease in a 60-year-old female with a history of stage IIIA nonsmall cell lung carcinoma which was diagnosed eight years earlier and treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She presented to the hospital with atypical chest pain that had occurred intermittently over the preceding week. Her initial electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes were within normal limits. However, following an indeterminate exercise nuclear stress test, she developed chest pain and elevated cardiac enzymes. Coronary angiography demonstrated 90% stenosis of the left main coronary artery ostium, without any evidence of atherosclerotic disease or stenosis in other coronary arteries. She underwent surgical revascularization, which revealed dense adhesions surrounding the heart. During surgery, she developed severe bleeding and died. Coronary artery disease can present within years of radiation exposure, and ostial lesions are typical. Treatment is often challenging because of the effects of radiation on other tissues and the risks of revascularization procedures. Therefore, a multidisciplinary team approach should be considered.
Load Induced Error Identification and Camber Curve Design of a Large-Span Crossbeam
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Luo Rui , Gu Peihua , Wang Zhiliang , Guo Hongsheng
Published: December 2013

Load induced errors aroused by internal masses of machine tool components and external cutting forces are a main contributor that influences machining accuracy. A mathematical model for load induced errors identification of large-span crossbeam in heavy-duty machine tool was proposed. According to the identified load induced errors, a method for optimisation of the guideway camber curve on crossbeam by particle swarm optimisation was proposed. Geometric errors of y-axis along cambered crossbeam and noncambered crossbeam were calibrated, and multibody system theory was also introduced to predict theoretically the machining accuracy of machine tool with two kinds of crossbeam. The comparisons between two kinds of crossbeam show that after cambering, the geometric errors are decreased and can meet the requirements of ISO standard, and the machining accuracy is enhanced remarkably too. In addition, the indirect dynamic straightness error of z-direction along cambered crossbeam was measured by displacement sensors, and the response results show that even though at the start-stop moment, the straightness error is also within the reasonable range of ISO standard.
Numerical Investigation on Zonal Disintegration Mechanism around Deep Underground Openings
Authors: Zuo Yu-Jun , Jia Peng , Zhu Wan-Cheng , Xu Tao
Published: December 2013

Three-dimensional numerical tests have been conducted to investigate the failure process of surrounding rock mass around circular and U-shaped tunnel at depth. Different failure modes of deep underground openings have been reproduced. The influence of different shapes and sizes of tunnel section, as well as the direction of the maximum principal stress, on zonal disintegration was analyzed. Numerical simulations show that failure modes and load-bearing capacity of tunnel depend on the direction of the maximum principal stress. The zonal disintegration around deep underground openings is a phenomenon that only occurs under some special conditions. Firstly, there must be a higher horizontal tectonic stress along the axial direction of tunnel; secondly, the radius of curvature of tunnel should be large enough to induce the tensile stress higher than tensile strength of rock mass. Therefore, the direction of tunnel axis as well as the direction and the size of tectonic stress should be carefully considered during tunnel design.
The Beta-Amyloid Protein of Alzheimer’s Disease: Communication Breakdown by Modifying the Neuronal Cytoskeleton
Authors: Mokhtar Sara H. , Bakhuraysah Maha M. , Cram David S. , Petratos Steven
Published: December 2013

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent severe neurological disorders afflicting our aged population. Cognitive decline, a major symptom exhibited by AD patients, is associated with neuritic dystrophy, a degenerative growth state of neurites. The molecular mechanisms governing neuritic dystrophy remain unclear. Mounting evidence indicates that the AD-causative agent,β-amyloid protein (Aβ), induces neuritic dystrophy. Indeed, neuritic dystrophy is commonly found decorating Aβ-rich amyloid plaques (APs) in the AD brain. Furthermore, disruption and degeneration of the neuronal microtubule system in neurons forming dystrophic neurites may occur as a consequence of Aβ-mediated downstream signaling. This review defines potential molecular pathways, which may be modulated subsequent to Aβ-dependent interactions with the neuronal membrane as a consequence of increasing amyloid burden in the brain.
Analytical Performance Evaluation of Different Switch Solutions
Authors: Sans Francisco , Gamess Eric
Published: December 2013

The virtualization of the network access layer has opened new doors in how we perceive networks. With this virtualization of the network, it is possible to transform a regular PC with several network interface cards into a switch. PC-based switches are becoming an alternative to off-the-shelf switches, since they are cheaper. For this reason, it is important to evaluate the performance of PC-based switches. In this paper, we present a performance evaluation of two PC-based switches, using Open vSwitch and LiSA, and compare their performance with an off-the-shelf Cisco switch. The RTT, throughput, and fairness for UDP are measured for both Ethernet and Fast Ethernet technologies. From this research, we can conclude that the Cisco switch presents the best performance, and both PC-based switches have similar performance. Between Open vSwitch and LiSA, Open vSwitch represents a better choice since it has more features and is currently actively developed.
Three-Dimensional Biorthogonal Divergence-Free and Curl-Free Wavelets with Free-Slip Boundary
Authors: Jiang Yingchun , Sun Qingqing
Published: December 2013

This paper deals with the construction of divergence-free and curl-free wavelets on the unit cube, which satisfies the free-slip boundary conditions. First, interval wavelets adapted to our construction are introduced. Then, we provide the biorthogonal divergence-free and curl-free wavelets with free-slip boundary and simple structure, based on the characterization of corresponding spaces. Moreover, the bases are also stable.
A Combined Numerical and Experimental Analysis on Erythrocyte Damage Mechanism in Microscale Flow
Authors: Zhang Di , Zheng Lu , Li Ping , Xie Gongnan , Xie Yonghui
Published: December 2013

An experimental system was designed and completed to realize the visualization of erythrocyte suspension microscale flow in microchannel and obtain the geometric parameters. The numerical simulation of the flow in the microchannel was accomplished to obtain the distribution of the physical parameters. Combined with the experimental data, the fitted curves of the physical parameters and geometric parameters on the axis were achieved. By analyzing the energy balance of the erythrocyte, the curve of the elasticity modulus of the erythrocyte membrane was obtained. The mechanism of the hemolysis caused by collision was expounded. Besides, the comparison among different cases was completed, illustrating the influence of the flow rate on hemolysis. The result shows that the predominant force of longitudinal compression is the pressure difference per erythrocyte. The curve of the elasticity modulus indicates that the membrane elasticity rapidly decreases as the erythrocyte approaches to the wall. The erythrocyte membrane loses elasticity, indicating that the contractile protein is fragile to the compressive loading, which increases significantly with a higher flow rate, making the erythrocyte membrane more likely to fracture.
Ten-Year Trend of the Cumulative Helicobacter pylori Eradication Rate for the ‘Japanese Eradication Strategy'
Authors: Sasaki Hitoshi , Nagahara Akihito , Hojo Mariko , Asaoka Daisuke , Matsumoto Kenshi , Osada Taro , Watanabe Sumio
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: In Japan, a systematic eradication strategy for Helicobacter pylori has been constructed, and consists of a proton pump inhibitor/amoxicillin and clarithromycin (PPI/AC) therapy as the first-line regimen and proton pump inhibitor/amoxicillin and metronidazole (PPI/AM) therapy as the second-line regimen. The cumulative rate of H. pylori eradication has not been reported. Therefore, we investigated the annual and cumulative eradication rate to verify the efficacy of the ‘Japanese eradication strategy'. Methods: Patients who received first-line PPI/AC therapy and, if necessary, second-line PPI/AM therapy between 2000 and 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. The annual cumulative eradication rate was calculated. Data were subjected to intention-to-treat analysis. Results: PPI/AC was administered to 1973 patients (male n = 1,162, female n = 811; mean age: 55.8 years, range: 15-87), and 250 patients received PPI/AM. The eradication rate for the PPI/AC regimen was 65.3%, and it gradually but significantly decreased over 10 years (p < 0.05). For the PPI/AM regimen, the eradication rate was 84.0%, with no change in the annual eradication rate. The cumulative eradication rates were 76.0% in intention-to-treat analysis and 98.4% in per-protocol analysis, respectively, which provided a consistent annual eradication rate without decreases in effectiveness. Conclusion: Although the eradication rate for the first-line PPI/AC regimen decreased over time, the ‘Japanese eradication strategy' provided a sufficient eradication rate.
Heterozygous IGFALS Gene Variants in Idiopathic Short Stature and Normal Children: Impact on Height and the IGF System
Authors: Domené Horacio M. , Scaglia Paula A. , Martínez Alicia S. , Keselman Ana C. , Karabatas Liliana M. , Pipman Viviana R. , Bengolea Sonia V. , Guida María C. , Ropelato María G. , Ballerini María G. , Lescano Eva M. , Blanco Miguel A. , Heinrich Juan J. , Rey Rodolfo A. , Jasper Héctor G.
Published: December 2013

Background: In acid-labile subunit (ALS)-deficient families, heterozygous carriers of IGFALS gene mutations are frequently shorter than their wild-type relatives, suggesting that IGFALS haploinsufficiency could result in short stature. We have characterized IGFALS gene variants in idiopathic short stature (ISS) and in normal children, determining their impact on height and the IGF system. Patients and Methods: In 188 normal and 79 ISS children levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, ALS, ternary complex formation (TCF) and IGFALS gene sequence were determined. Results: In sum, 9 nonsynonymous or frameshift IGFALS variants (E35Gfs*17, G83S, L97F, R277H, P287L, A330D, R493H, A546V and R548W) were found in 10 ISS children and 6 variants (G170S, V239M, N276S, R277H, G506R and R548W) were found in 7 normal children. If ISS children were classified according to the ability for TCF enhanced by the addition of rhIGFBP-3 (TCF+), carriers of pathogenic IGFALS gene variants were shorter and presented lower levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and ALS in comparison to carriers of benign variants. In ISS families, subjects carrying pathogenic variants were shorter and presented lower IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and ALS levels than noncarriers. Conclusions: These findings suggest that heterozygous IGFALS gene variants could be responsible for short stature in a subset of ISS children with diminished levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and ALS.
Biogenic Amines and Collective Organization in a Superorganism: Neuromodulation of Social Behavior in Ants
Authors: Kamhi J. Frances , Traniello James F.A.
Published: December 2013

The ecological dominance of ants has to a great extent been achieved through their collective action and complex social organization. Ants provide diverse model systems to examine the neural underpinnings of individual behavior and group action that contribute to their evolutionary success. Core elements of ant colony structure such as reproductive and ergonomic division of labor, task specialization, and social integration are beginning to be understood in terms of cellular neuroanatomy and neurochemistry. In this review we discuss the neuroethology of colony organization by focusing on the role of biogenic amines in the control of social behavior in ants. We examine the role of neuromodulation in significant sociobiological characteristics of ants, including reproductive hierarchies, colony foundation, social food flow, nestmate recognition, territoriality, and size- and age-related sensory perception and task performance as well as the involvement of monoamines in collective intelligence, the ultimate key to the global dominance of these remarkable superorganisms. We conclude by suggesting future directions for the analysis of the aminergic regulation of behavior and social complexity in ants.
Proteomic Analysis of Human-Derived Cell Culture Supplements
Authors: Kemptner Jasmin , Witzeneder Karin , Hennerbichler Simone , Gabriel Christian
Published: December 2013

Objective: Development of cell therapy and advanced therapy medicinal products depends on in vitro expansion of human cells in fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented media. Human-derived supplements, such as human serum (huS) and human platelet lysate (hPL), represent suitable alternatives to FBS. Various studies demonstrated that the use of these human alternatives result in comparable or even improved proliferation and expansion ratios. Methods: Within this study three human supplement alternatives, huS, hPLP (plasma containing hPL) and hPLN (plasma replaced by saline), were compared by 2D gel electrophoresis, an important tool in proteomic analysis. 2D gel electrophoresis allows the determination of the protein number and the detection of protein changes (decreasing/increasing concentration). Results and Conclusion: The comparison of huS, hPLP, and hPLN gels resulted in clearly visible differences in protein pattern, protein number and concentration, particularly when comparing huS with hPL and hPLP with hPLN.
A Tortoiseshell Male Cat: Chromosome Analysis and Histologic Examination of the Testis
Authors: Pedersen A.S. , Berg L.C. , Almstrup K. , Thomsen P.D.
Published: December 2013

Tortoiseshell coat color is normally restricted to female cats due to X-linkage of the gene that encodes the orange coat color. Tortoiseshell male cats do, however, occur at a low frequency among tortoiseshell cats because of chromosome aberrations similar to the Klinefelter syndrome in man: the extra X chromosome of a 39,XXY karyotype introduces the possibility of an orange and a non-orange allele which produce the mixture of orange and non-orange coat spotting known as tortoiseshell. We analyzed the chromosome complement of a fibroblast culture and did histological examinations of testicular tissue from a tortoiseshell male cat referred to us. Chromosome analysis using RBA-banding consistently revealed a 39,XXY karyotype. Histological examinations of testis biopsies from this cat showed degeneration of the tubules, hyperplasia of the interstitial tissue, and complete loss of germ cells. Immunostaining using anti-vimentin and anti-VASA (DDX4) showed that only Sertoli cells and no germ cells were observed in the testicular tubules. As no sign of spermatogenesis was detected, we conclude that this is a classic case of a sterile, male tortoiseshell cat with a 39,XXY chromosome complement.
45,X/46,X,r(Y)/46,X,dic r(Y) Karyotype in an Azoospermic Male: A Case Report
Authors: Dong Y. , Yu X.W. , Wang R.X. , Li L.L. , Jiang Y.T. , Liu R.Z.
Published: December 2013

Y chromosome abnormalities are frequently associated with male infertility. Men with ring Y chromosomes can present with sexual infantilism, ambiguous genitalia, hypospadias, or azoospermia. AZF microdeletions can result in spermatogenic defects in such patients. Here, we report an unusual karyotype of 45,X/46,X,r(Y)/46,X,dic r(Y) in an azoospermic man. However, the reason for this patient's azoospermia is not an AZF microdeletion but might be the abnormal structure of the r(Y) chromosome, the 45,X cell line, mosaicism of the 3 cell lines, or another unknown cause. In such cases, if the couple wishes to reproduce, cytogenetic, molecular and fluorescent in situ hybridization evaluations should be performed, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis should be used together with assisted reproductive technology.
Secondary Complex Chromosome Rearrangement Identified by Chromosome Analysis and FISH Subsequent to Detection of an Unbalanced Derivative Chromosome 12 by SNP Array Analysis
Authors: Burnside R.D. , Spudich L. , Rush B. , Kubendran S. , Schaefer G.B.
Published: December 2013

Microarray analysis is used to detect small copy number changes (deletions and duplications) that may be associated with genetic syndromes and phenotypic abnormalities. However, there are limitations to what microarrays are able to detect. We present a patient referred for microarray in whom chromosome analysis identified a more complex structural rearrangement than was indicated by the microarray. Our studies included Affymetrix Cytoscan HD array, chromosome analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a subtelomere probe targeting chromosome 3. Array analysis revealed a 6.45-Mb terminal duplication of 3q28q29 and a 1.02-Mb terminal deletion of 12p13.33. This suggested an unbalanced translocation derivative. In order to investigate visibility of the rearrangement, chromosome analysis was performed, revealing an additional balanced complex chromosome rearrangement involving chromosomes 3 and 11, including a translocation with breakpoints at 3p13 and 11p11.2, as well as a paracentric inversion of segment 3p25p13 translocated onto chromosome 11. Subtelomere FISH confirmed that the duplicated chromosome 3q material observed in the array analysis was localized to distal 12p. This case clearly illustrates the combined utilization of classic cytogenetics, FISH and array technologies to better characterize chromosomal abnormalities.
Distribution of MLH1 Foci in Horse Male Synaptonemal Complex
Authors: Al-Jaru A. , Goodwin W. , Skidmore J. , Khazanehdari K.
Published: December 2013

Advances in molecular cytogenetics have provided the opportunity to study events during prophase I of meiosis. Immunofluorescent localization of different meiotic protein components were used to characterize the early stages of the first meiotic division in horse spermatocytes. The frequency and distribution of recombination events during prophase I were investigated using the mutL homolog 1 (MLH1) protein that is known to be associated with these events. The frequency and distribution of MLH1 foci were investigated in pachytene nuclei of 6 fertile stallions, and the average relative synaptonemal complex length was found to be highly correlated with the average number of MLH1 foci. The frequency and distribution of MLH1 foci were found to closely correspond to the frequency and distribution of chiasmata on metaphase I chromosomes, and genetic length, calculated from MLH1 foci data, for the whole genome was 2,505.5 cM.
Disposition of Erlotinib and Its Metabolite OSI420 in a Patient with High Bilirubin Levels
Authors: Czejka M. , Sahmanovic A. , Buchner P. , Steininger T. , Dittrich C.
Published: December 2013

Erlotinib is an oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and when combined with gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer. Dose reduction of erlotinib in patients with severe hepatic impairment has been established. We present the case of a male patient suffering from an adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with metastases in the liver and lung, whose disease progression led to highly elevated bilirubin levels of >14 mg/dl accompanied by icterus and pruritus. Despite the known contraindication, the patient agreed to be treated with 150 mg erlotinib p.o. per day. We performed therapeutic drug monitoring of erlotinib on day 1 after the first ingestion of erlotinib and then over a period of 19 days. One-compartment pharmacokinetics on day 1 were calculated, and, based on these data, a pharmacokinetic simulation for the following 19 days was run. On day 1 after the first erlotinib ingestion, plasma concentrations were identical to those described in the literature. On the following days, erlotinib plasma concentrations remained at a similar order of magnitude after daily ingestion. Compared with published data, OSI420 plasma concentrations were clearly higher from day 1 to 16. Due to disease progression, the last intake of erlotinib was on day 16, but plasma concentrations of the drug and metabolite increased excessively thereafter. The data give evidence that total bilirubin levels up to 14 mg/dl do not necessarily cause elevated plasma concentrations of erlotinib when given in doses of 150 mg per day.
Primary Systemic Amyloidosis with Extensive Gastrointestinal Involvement
Authors: Gaduputi Vinaya , Badipatla Kanthi , Patel Harish , Tariq Hassan , Ihimoyan Ariyo
Published: December 2013

We report this case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with a debilitating illness manifested by intractable nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and unchecked weight loss. The patient had multisystem involvement that presented as anemia, abnormal liver function tests and progressively deteriorating renal function necessitating dialysis. She was found to be profoundly hypoalbuminemic secondary to malabsorptive and protein-losing enteropathy in tandem with nephrotic range proteinuria. Intolerance to enteral feeding led the patient to be dependent on parenteral nutrition. Serum immunofixation revealed IgG lambda monoclonal protein. The patient underwent endoscopic evaluation with biopsies taken from the gastrointestinal tract that confirmed the diagnosis of primary systemic light-chain amyloidosis. A subsequent bone marrow biopsy revealed normocellular bone marrow with deposition of amyloid. The patient was not considered for autologous stem cell transplantation as the outcomes in patients with multisystem involvement are often poor, with a high mortality risk. Diffuse primary systemic light-chain amyloidosis involving the gastrointestinal tract is a rare entity and is to be considered among differentials in patients presenting with unexplained malabsorptive symptoms.
Reflexões sobre a Área de Filologia e Língua Portuguesa
Authors: Castilho Ataliba T. de
Published: December 2013

O trabalho apresenta um breve histórico da Área de Filologia e Língua Portuguesa do Departamento de Letras Clássicas e Vernáculas da Universidade de São Paulo. São enumeradas as atividades de graduação, pós-graduação e extensão relacionada à produção científica dos professores. Na conclusão, são oferecidas ao debate algumas indicações sobre os desdobramentos futuros da Área.
“Aquisse começa huu exeplo perque pode home entender alguas diferenças antre dous manuscritos que de consuu tratam da vida de tossis molher que foy muy pecador”
Authors: Machado Filho Américo Venâncio Lopes
Published: December 2013

Este artigo se concentra na comparação linguística entre dois manuscritos medievais portugueses, datáveis dos séculos XIV e XV, que relatam a vida de Tarsis (grande pecadora que posteriormente se converte aos dogmas cristãos), espectivamente editados por Machado Filho (2000) e Martins (1985) e sobre os quais se estabelecem, analiticamente, breves correlações e dessemelhanças, tanto em nível de conteúdo e grafia, quanto no tocante a aspectos de natureza morfossintática.
Adult Height and Prevalence of Coronary Artery Calcium
Authors: Miedema Michael D. , Petrone Andrew B. , Arnett Donna K. , Dodson John A. , Carr J. Jeffrey , Pankow James S. , Hunt Steven C. , Province Michael A. , Kraja Aldi , Gaziano J. Michael , Djousse Luc
Published: December 2013

Background—

Adult height has been hypothesized to be inversely associated with coronary heart disease; however, studies have produced conflicting results. We sought to examine the relationship between adult height and the prevalence of coronary artery calcium (CAC), a direct measure of subclinical atherosclerosis and surrogate marker of coronary heart disease.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated the relationship between adult height and CAC in 2703 participants from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study who underwent cardiac computed tomography. We used generalized estimating equations to calculate the prevalence odds ratios for the presence of CAC (CAC>0) across sex-specific quartiles of height. The mean age of the sample was 54.8 years, and 60.2% of participants were female. There was an inverse association between adult height and CAC. After adjusting for age, race, field center, waist circumference, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive medications, diabetes mellitus, diabetic medications, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipid-lowering medications, and income, individuals in the tallest quartile had 30% lower odds of having prevalent CAC. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the presence of CAC across consecutive sex-specific quartiles of height were 1.0 (reference), 1.15 (0.86–1.53), 0.95 (0.73–1.22), and 0.70 (0.53–0.93), and
P
for trend <0.01. There was no evidence of effect modification for the relationship between adult height and CAC by age or socioeconomic status.

Conclusions—

The results of our study suggest an inverse, independent association between adult height and CAC.
When They Overstay Their Welcome: UN Peacekeepers in Africa
Authors: Tull Denis M.
Published: December 2013

United Nations (UN) peace operations are once again at a crossroads, partly due to overstretched capacities. In the meantime, there are indications that peacekeepers face a new and perhaps less expected challenge. Over the last few years, rulers in Burundi, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have pushed through the reduction of peacekeeping personnel or forced the wholesale withdrawal of peace operations – despite the concerns of the UN. This paper explores whether there is a new hostility to peacekeeping in Africa’s weak states. What should and can the UN do if the assistance they offer in support of peace consolidation is rejected by their putative national ‘partners’, especially when the countries in question continue to face serious post-conflict challenges? Using the cases of UN missions in the DRC and South Sudan, this article examines why the well-established principle of consent of host state governments cannot any longer be taken for granted by peacekeepers. It argues that the increasing hostility towards peace operations is a function of their becoming actors in the domestic power game, as a result of their ever longer and intrusive presence.
Fighting for Peace in Somalia: AMISOM’s Seven Strategic Challenges
Authors: Williams Paul D.
Published: December 2013

This article analyzes seven strategic challenges which faced the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) between March 2007, when it first deployed to Mogadishu, and August 2012, when Somalis selected a new Federal Government to replace the existing transitional institutions. The seven strategic challenges were the initial international political context in which the mission deployed; problems of internal coordination between the mission’s component parts; the lack of a reliable local partner with which to wage a counter-insurgency campaign; problems of strategic coordination among external partners; the nature of the enemy forces facing AMISOM, principally al-Shabaab; AMISOM’s lack of relevant capabilities and resources to perform its mandated tasks; and the challenges of facilitating legitimate and effective governance structures, especially as AMISOM began to deploy outside Mogadishu from late 2011.
Resurrection of Salvia species (Lamiaceae) recently synonymized in Flora Mesoamericana
Authors: González-Gallegos Jesús Guadalupe , GAMA-VILLANUEVA OLGA JAZMÍN
Published: December 2013

Some species of Salvia were regarded as conspecific with other species of the genus in Flora Mesoamericana. Several of these changes are not justified and could eventually create misconceptions and confusion regarding the identification and distribution of these species, as well as the diversity exhibited by the genus. Therefore, in order to avoid the negative consequences of this synonymizing, updated and improved descriptions, a discussion of the diagnostic features, distribution maps and photographs of the taxa involved are provided here.
New interpretation of the Ranunculus cornutus–R. marginatus complex (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: ZIFFER-BERGER JOTHAM , LESCHNER HAGAR V.
Published: December 2013

We re-evaluated the morphological variation in the Ranunculus cornutus–R. marginatus complex (Ranunculus sect. Echinella, Ranunculaceae), with a special focus on the Levant. The occurrence of R. marginatus in the Levant is questioned and R. scandicinus should be treated as a variety of R. cornutus. Type material is discussed and descriptions of species are provided.
Teucrium moleromesae (Lamiaceae): a new species of genus Teucrium sect. Montanum from the arid mountains of south-eastern Spain
Authors: Sánchez-Gómez Pedro , Navarro Teresa , Jiménez Juan F. , Vera Juan B. , Mota Juan F. , Del Río Jesus
Published: December 2013

Teucrium moleromesae, a new species belonging to the section Montanum, is described and illustrated. The new species is compared with two taxonomically related species, T. terciae and T. pumilum. T. moleromesae occurs in open arid mountain in the north of Almeria and Granada provinces (south-eastern Spain). In addition, a distribution map, iconography, and a description of the habitat and conservation status of the new species are presented.