bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Localized Osteitis in Mandibular Third-Molar Sites Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin
Authors: Hoaglin Donald R. , Lines Gary K.
Published: April 2013

Purpose. To review our experience utilizing platelet rich fibrin (PRF), which is reported to aid in wound healing of extraction sites, for the prevention of localized osteitis following lower third-molar removal.Materials and Methods. PRF was placed in the mandibular third-molar extraction sites, 200 sites total, on 100 consecutive patients treated in our practice, by the authors. The patients were managed with standard surgical techniques, intraoperative IV antibiotic/steroid coverage, and routine postoperative narcotic analgesics/short-term steroid coverage. All patients were reevaluated for localized osteitis within 7–10 days of the surgery. A comparison group consisted of 100 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral removal of indicated mandibular wisdom teeth and did not receive PRF placement within the lower third molar surgical sites.Results. The incidence of localized osteitis (LO) following removal of 200 lower third molars with simultaneous PRF placement within the extraction site was 1% (2 sites out of 200). The group of patients whose mandibular 3rd molar sockets were not treated with PRF demonstrated a 9.5% (19 sites out of 200) incidence of localized osteitis. The latter group also required 6.5 hours of additional clinical time to manage LO than the study group who received PRF.Conclusions. This retrospective review demonstrated that preventative treatment of localized osteitis can be accomplished using a low cost, autogenous, soluble, biologic material, PRF, that PRF enhanced third-molar socket healing/clot retention and greatly decreased the clinical time required for postoperative management of LO.
Sesame Oil Attenuates Ovalbumin-Induced Pulmonary Edema and Bronchial Neutrophilic Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Hsu Dur-Zong , Liu Chuan-Teng , Chu Pei-Yi , Li Ya-Hui , Periasamy Srinivasan , Liu Ming-Yie
Published: April 2013

Background. Allergic asthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of airways. Severe asthma may lead to hospitalization and death. Sesame oil is a natural product with anti-inflammatory property. However, the effect of sesame oil on allergic asthma has never been studied.Objective. We investigate the effect of sesame oil on pulmonary inflammation in allergic asthma model.Methods. Allergic airway inflammation was induced by sensitizing with two doses of 10 mg ovalbumin (OVA) and then challenged with 1% OVA nebulizer exposure (1 h/day) for 3 days. Sesame oil (0.25, 0.5, or 1 mL/kg/day) was given orally 30 min before each challenge. Samples were collected 24 h after the last challenge.Results. Data showed that sesame oil inhibited pulmonary edema and decreased interleukin (IL)-1βand IL-6 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in OVA-treated mice. Sesame oil also decreased pulmonary nitrite level, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and neutrophil infiltration induced by OVA. Further, sesame oil decreased serum IgE level in OVA-treated mice.Conclusion. Sesame oil may attenuate pulmonary edema and bronchial neutrophilic inflammation by inhibiting systemic IgE level in allergic asthma.
Optimal Vibration Control for Half-Car Suspension on In-Vehicle Networks in Delta Domain
Authors: Lei Jing , Hu Shun-Fang , Jiang Zuo , Shi Guo-Xing
Published: April 2013

The paper explores the optimal vibration control design problem for a half-car suspension working on in-vehicle networks in delta domain. First, the original suspension system with ECU-actuator delay and sensor-ECU delay is modeled. By using delta operators, the original system is transformed into an associated sampled-data system with time delays in delta domain. After model transformation, the sampled-data system equation is reduced to one without actuator delays and convenient to calculate the states with nonintegral time delay. Therefore, the sampled-data optimal vibration control law can be easily obtained deriving from a Riccati equation and a Stein equation of delta domain. The feedforward control term and the control memory terms designed in the control law ensure the compensation for the effects produced by disturbance and actuator delay, respectively. Moreover, an observer is constructed to implement the physical realizability of the feedforward term and solve the immeasurability problem of some state variables. A half-car suspension model with delays is applied to simulate the responses through the designed controller. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller and the simplicity of the designing approach.
Stump Appendicitis: An Uncompleted Surgery, a Rare but Important Entity with Potential Problems
Authors: Awe J. A. A. , Soliman A. M. , Gourdie R. W.
Published: April 2013

Appendicectomy for appendicitis is one of the commonest surgical procedures performed worldwide. The residual appendiceal stump left after an initial appendectomy risks the development of stump appendicitis. Stump appendicitis is a real recognized entity but not often considered when evaluating patients with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, especially those with past history of appendectomy. It remains a clinical challenge with the result that its diagnosis and effective treatment are often delayed with possible attendant morbidity or mortality. Stump appendicitis results from obstruction of the lumen of the remaining appendix stump, usually by a faecolith. This increases intraluminal pressure, impairing venous drainage and allowing subsequent bacterial infection. We present the case of a twenty-five (25)-year-old female who underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy and presented four and half (4(1/2)) months later with fever, right lower quadrant abdominal pain, and tenderness associated with repeated vomiting. Exploratory laparotomy was carried out after clinical and imaging studies which revealed big inflammatory mass with abscess at the right iliac fossa and recurrent appendicitis of the appendiceal stump. Surgical treatment is easy but recognition of this important entity but potentially dangerous condition should always be borne in mind in order to avoid delay in its diagnosis and treatment.
Gastric Cancer Prevention by Demethylation
Authors: Schneider Barbara G. , Peek Richard M.
Published: April 2013

Niwa and colleagues report in this issue that treatment with the DNA demethylation agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine decreases the incidence of gastric cancers in an animal model of Helicobacter pylori–promoted gastric cancer. This provocative study underscores the importance of changes in DNA methylation that contribute to the origin of inflammation-related cancers. The findings also raise the exciting possibility of cancer prevention by altering DNA methylation events early during tumorigenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 6(4); 253–6. ©2013 AACR.
Temporal Trend in the Frequency of Ectopic Pregnancies in Lombardy, Italy
Authors: Parazzini Fabio , Ricci Elena , Cipriani Sonia , Chiaffarino Francesca , Chiantera Vito , Bulfoni Giuseppe
Published: April 2013

Background: In recent years, epidemiological data showed that the incidence of ectopic pregnancies (EP) is decreasing, but few data are available on the time trend in Southern European populations. Methods: Using data from the Lombardy Region Database, we calculated and standardized the EP rates/10,000 resident women and the ratios/1,000 pregnancies. Results: Data regarding 1,777,011 pregnancies and 17,028 cases of EP were recorded among women resident in Lombardy between 1996 and 2010, aged 15-50 years old. The age-adjusted EP rates increased from 4.4 in 1996 to 5.8 in 2010. The age-adjusted EP ratio was 9.4/1,000 pregnancies in 1996 and 9.8 in 2010. Medical treatment increased over the period; the proportion of laparoscopic treatment increased from 25.9% in 1996 to 36.3% in 2010. Conclusion: The age-adjusted EP rate and ratio increased between 1996 and 2010, suggesting that the significance of EP as a public health problem has increased in the last years.
Temporal Expression of Cytokines and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Factor 3 Activation after Neonatal Hypoxia/Ischemia in Mice
Authors: Shrivastava K. , Llovera G. , Recasens M. , Chertoff M. , Giménez-Llort L. , Gonzalez B. , Acarin L.
Published: April 2013

Hypoxia/ischemia (HI) is a prevalent reason for neonatal brain injury with inflammation being an inevitable phenomenon following such injury; but there is a scarcity of data regarding the signaling pathway involved and the effector molecules. The signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) is known to modulate injury following imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral and central nervous system injury making it a potential molecule for study. The current study investigates the temporal expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1ra, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) after carotid occlusion and hypoxia (8% O2, 55 min) in postnatal day 7 C57BL/6 mice from 3 h to 21 days after hypoxia. Protein array illustrated notable changes in cytokines expressed in both hemispheres in a time-dependent manner. The major pro-inflammatory cytokines showing immediate changes between ipsi- and contralateral hemispheres were IL-6 and IL-1β. The anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 demonstrated a delayed augmentation with no prominent differences between hemispheres, while IL-1ra showed two distinct peaks of expression spread over time. We also illustrate for the first time the spatiotemporal activation of pSTAT3 (Y705 phosphorylation) after a neonatal HI in mice brain. The main regions expressing pSTAT3 were the hippocampus and the corpus callosum. pSTAT3+ cells were mostly a subpopulation of activated astrocytes (GFAP+) and microglia/macrophages (F4/80+) seen only in the ipsilateral hemisphere at most time points studied (till 7 days after hypoxia). The highest expression of pSTAT3+ cells was observed to be around 24-48 h, where the presence of pSTAT3+ astrocytes and pSTAT3+ microglia/macrophages was seen by confocal micrographs. In conclusion, our study highlights a synchronized expression of some pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, especially in the long term not previously defined. It also points towards a significant role of STAT3 signaling following micro- and astrogliosis in the pathophysiology of neonatal HI-related brain injury. In the study, a shift from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokine profile was also noted as the injury progressed. We suggest that while designing efficient neuroprotective therapies using inflammatory molecules, the time of intervention and balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines must be considered.
Increased Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Levels in Children and Adolescents with Thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Nielsen Jon , Jensen Rikke Beck , Juul Anders
Published: April 2013

Background: Thyrotoxicosis is a rare condition in pediatric patients, and optimal treatment can be difficult to achieve in some children. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels in hyperthyroid children and adolescents in relation to age- and gender-related normative data. Methods: SHBG serum levels were determined before and after 4 months of antithyroid therapy (ATT) in 10 children and adolescents with Graves' disease. A total of 903 healthy children and adolescents served as controls. Results: Serum SHBG levels were elevated (>2 SD) at diagnosis in all hyperthyroid children but normalized rapidly following ATT. At diagnosis, median SHBG was +2.51 SD (interquartile range 2.20-3.27) compared to healthy children without thyroid illness, and it declined significantly during ATT (-0.16 SD, -0.66 to 1.64; p < 0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate that serum SHBG levels are markedly increased in children with Graves' disease, and we suggest that SHBG may be an additional marker of thyroid hormone action in children, as has been shown in adults.
Towards Identification of Individual Etiologies by Resolving Genomic and Biological Conundrums in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Poot M.
Published: April 2013

Recent genomic research into autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has revealed a remarkably complex genetic architecture. Large numbers of common variants, copy number variations and single nucleotide variants have been identified, yet each of them individually afforded only a small phenotypic impact. A polygenic model in which multiple genes interact either in an additive or a synergistic way appears the most plausible for the majority of ASD patients. Based on recently identified ASD candidate genes, transgenic mouse models for neuroligins/neurorexins and genes such as Cntnap2,Cntn5, Tsc1, Tsc2, Akt3, Cyfip1, Scn1a, En2, Slc6a4, and Bckdk have been generated and studied with respect to behavioral and neuroanatomical phenotypes and sensitivity to drug treatments. From these models, a few clues for potential pharmacologic intervention emerged. The Fmr1,Shank2 and Cntn5 knockout mice exhibited alterations of glutamate receptors, which may become a target for pharmacologic modulation. Some of the phenotypes of Mecp2 knockout mice can be ameliorated by administering IGF1. In the near future, comprehensive genotyping of individual patients and siblings combined with the novel insights generated from the transgenic animal studies may provide us with personalized treatment options. Eventually, autism may indeed turn out to be a phenotypically heterogeneous group of disorders (‘autisms') caused by combinations of changes in multiple possible candidate genes, being different in each patient and requiring for each combination of mutations a distinct, individually tailored treatment.
Endothelial cell phagocytosis of senescent neutrophils decreases procoagulant activity
Authors: Liu Shuchuan , Cao Fenglin , Liu Yue , Ma Ruishuang , Si Yu , Liu Yan , Bi Yayan , Gilbert Gary E. , Gao Chunyan , Xie Rui , Li Wen , Zhou Jin , Shi Jialan
Published: April 2013

Abundant senescent neutrophils traverse the vascular compartment and may contribute to pathologic conditions. For example, they become procoagulant when undergoing apoptosis and may contribute to thrombosis or inflammation. Our previous studies demonstrated a dominant clearance pathway in which the neutrophils can be phagocytosed by liver macrophages. The aim of this study was to explore an alternate pathway of neutrophil clearance by endothelial cells. Phagocytosis of the neutrophils by endothelial cells was performed using various experimental approaches including flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and electron microscopy assays in vitro and in vivo. Procoagulant activity of cultured neutrophils was evaluated by coagulation time, factor Xase and prothrombinase assays. Lactadherin functioned as a novel probe for the detection of phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells, an opsonin (bridge) between apoptotic cell and phagocyte for promoting phagocytosis, and an efficient anticoagulant for inhibition of factor Xase and thrombin formation. When cultured, purified human neutrophils spontaneously entered apoptosis and developed procoagulant activity that was directly related to the degree of phosphatidylserine exposure. Co-culture of aged neutrophils and endothelial cells resulted in phagocytosis of the neutrophils and prolonged coagulation time. Lactadherin diminished the procoagulant activity and increased the rate of neutrophil clearance. In vivo, neutrophils were sequestered by endothelial cells after blockade of Kupffer cells, a process that was dependent upon both phosphatidylserine exposure and P-selectin expression. Thus, the ability of endothelial cells to clear senescent neutrophils may limit the procoagulant and/or inflammatory impact of these cells.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐16 and Activity Impairment Assessment in Acute Bacterial Sinusitis
Authors: Quadri Nuz , Lloyd Andrew , Keating Karen N. , Nafees Beenish , Piccirillo Jay , Wild Diane
Published: April 2013

Objective

To validate the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐16 and Activity Impairment Assessment in patients with acute bacterial sinusitis.

Study Design

Data were used from a phase III clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily for 5 consecutive days in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis. The psychometric properties and factor structure of the 2 measures were assessed.

Setting

Participants were given the measures to self‐complete using either a telephone voice response system or a paper‐and‐pencil format.

Subjects and Methods

Three hundred seventy‐four patients with acute bacterial sinusitis were used in the analysis. Patients received either a placebo or 400 mg moxifloxacin once daily. Patients were then reviewed at test of cure and follow‐up. All analyses were conducted on a combined sample of placebo and active treatment patients.

Results

The Sinonasal Outcome Test‐16 was associated with minimal missing data at baseline but a higher proportion by test of cure. There was no evidence of floor or ceiling effects and no significant skew. The Activity Impairment Assessment also had low missing data at baseline and no obvious floor or ceiling effects, but the data were not normally distributed. Both measures had good internal consistency. Convergent and divergent validity as well as sensitivity and the minimally important difference are also reported.

Conclusion

The measures both have good psychometric properties and are suitable for use with patients with acute bacterial sinusitis. Both instruments are sensitive. The minimal important difference estimates for the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐16 are quite high but are similar to estimates reported previously.
Intensity of factor VIII treatment and inhibitor development in children with severe hemophilia A: the RODIN study
Authors: Gouw Samantha C. , van den Berg H. Marijke , Fischer Kathelijn , Auerswald Günter , Carcao Manuel , Chalmers Elizabeth , Chambost Hervé , Kurnik Karin , Liesner Ri , Petrini Pia , Platokouki Helen , Altisent Carmen , Oldenburg Johannes , Nolan Beatrice , Garrido Rosario Pérez , Mancuso M. Elisa , Rafowicz Anne , Williams Mike , Clausen Niels , Middelburg Rutger A. , Ljung Rolf , van der Bom Johanna G.
Published: April 2013

Key Points

High-dose intensive factor VIII treatment increases the risk for inhibitor development in patients with severe hemophilia A. In patients with severe hemophilia A, factor VIII prophylaxis decreases inhibitor risk, especially in patients with low-risk F8 mutations.
Impact of GC content on gene expression pattern in chicken
Authors: Rao You Sheng , Chai Xue Wen , Wang Zhang Feng , Nie Qing Hua , Zhang Xi Quan
Published: April 2013

Background

GC content varies greatly between different genomic regions in many eukaryotes. In order to determine whether this organization named isochore organization influences gene expression patterns, the relationship between GC content and gene expression has been investigated in man and mouse. However, to date, this question is still a matter for debate. Among the avian species, chicken (Gallus gallus) is the best studied representative with a complete genome sequence. The distinctive features and organization of its sequence make it a good model to explore important issues in genome structure and evolution.

Methods

Only nuclear genes with complete information on protein-coding sequence with no evidence of multiple-splicing forms were included in this study. Chicken protein coding sequences, complete mRNA sequences (or full length cDNA sequences), and 5′ untranslated region sequences (5′ UTR) were downloaded from Ensembl and chicken expression data originated from a previous work. Three indices i.e. expression level, expression breadth and maximum expression level were used to measure the expression pattern of a given gene. CpG islands were identified using hgTables of the UCSC Genome Browser. Correlation analysis between variables was performed by SAS Proprietary Software Release 8.1.

Results

In chicken, the GC content of 5′ UTR is significantly and positively correlated with expression level, expression breadth, and maximum expression level, whereas that of coding sequences and introns and at the third coding position are negatively correlated with expression level and expression breadth, and not correlated with maximum expression level. These significant trends are independent of recombination rate, chromosome size and gene density. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that GC content in genes could explain approximately 10% of the variation in gene expression.

Conclusions

GC content is significantly associated with gene expression pattern and could be one of the important regulation factors in the chicken genome.
Prevalence and correlates of depression among chronic kidney disease patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Hsin-Hung , Livneh Hanoch , Yen Mei-Ling , Li Tsai-Chung , Tsai Tzung-Yi
Published: April 2013

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease that causes a permanent impairment of renal function and premature mortality. The associated prognosis may result in serious psychological distress to the affected individual. However, there are limited data on the psychological correlates, and in particular depression, in Chinese CKD patients. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression, as well as the influence of other psychosocial factors on depression, among Taiwanese CKD patients.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional research design to recruit 270 CKD patients who were not undergoing dialysis treatment at a hospital in southern Taiwan during 2011. The structured questionnaire used in this study gathered information on respondent demographic and disease characteristics, and information obtained from the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire. Factors associated with depression were examined by a multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

The crude and age-standardized prevalence of depression were 22.6% and 20.6%, respectively. Those who had sleep disturbances, reported having no religious beliefs, followed no regular exercise regimen, and were diagnosed with stage III or above CKD demonstrated a significantly higher risk of depression.

Conclusion

Our findings are beneficial to healthcare providers, as they identify both the prevalence of depression and several of its correlates. By identifying CKD patients with a higher risk of depression, healthcare providers may be better able to ensure the provision of appropriate rehabilitation to this population.
Type of arteriovenous vascular access and association with patency and mortality
Authors: Ocak Gürbey , Rotmans Joris I , Vossen Carla Y , Rosendaal Frits R , Krediet Raymond T , Boeschoten Elisabeth W , Dekker Friedo W , Verduijn Marion
Published: April 2013

Background

There are only a few risk factors known for primary patency loss in patients with an arteriovenous graft or fistula. Furthermore, a limited number of studies have investigated the association between arteriovenous access modality and primary patency loss and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for patency loss and to investigate the association between graft versus fistula use and outcomes (patency loss and mortality).

Methods

We prospectively followed 919 incident hemodialysis patients and calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for putative risk factors of primary patency loss using Cox regression. Furthermore, HRs were calculated to study the association between graft versus fistula use and two-year primary patency loss and two-year mortality.

Results

Cardiovascular disease, prior catheter use, lowest tertile of albumin, highest tertile of hsCRP, and lowest tertile of fetuin-A were associated with primary patency loss in both patients with grafts and fistulas. Increased age, female sex, and diabetes mellitus were only associated with primary patency loss in patients with a fistula. We did not observe an association between primary patency loss and BMI, residual GFR, levels of calcium, phosphorus, and total cholesterol. Furthermore, graft use as compared with fistula use was associated with an 1.4-fold (95% CI 1.0-1.9) increased risk of primary patency loss and with an 1.5-fold(95% CI 1.0-2.2) increased mortality risk.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular disease, prior catheter use, albumin, hsCRP, and fetuin-A are risk factors for patency loss. Graft use as compared with fistula use was associated with an increased risk of patency loss and mortality.
Radiation mitigating properties of the lignan component in flaxseed
Authors: Pietrofesa Ralph , Turowski Jason , Tyagi Sonia , Dukes Floyd , Arguiri Evguenia , Busch Theresa M , Gallagher-Colombo Shannon M , Solomides Charalambos C , Cengel Keith A , Christofidou-Solomidou Melpo
Published: April 2013

Background

Wholegrain flaxseed (FS), and its lignan component (FLC) consisting mainly of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), have potent lung radioprotective properties while not abrogating the efficacy of radiotherapy. However, while the whole grain was recently shown to also have potent mitigating properties in a thoracic radiation pneumonopathy model, the bioactive component in the grain responsible for the mitigation of lung damage was never identified. Lungs may be exposed to radiation therapeutically for thoracic malignancies or incidentally following detonation of a radiological dispersion device. This could potentially lead to pulmonary inflammation, oxidative tissue injury, and fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the radiation mitigating effects of FLC in a mouse model of radiation pneumonopathy.

Methods

We evaluated FLC-supplemented diets containing SDG lignan levels comparable to those in 10% and 20% whole grain diets. 10% or 20% FLC diets as compared to an isocaloric control diet (0% FLC) were given to mice (C57/BL6) (n=15-30 mice/group) at 24, 48, or 72-hours after single-dose (13.5 Gy) thoracic x-ray treatment (XRT). Mice were evaluated 4 months post-XRT for blood oxygenation, lung inflammation, fibrosis, cytokine and oxidative damage levels, and survival.

Results

FLC significantly mitigated radiation-related animal death. Specifically, mice fed 0% FLC demonstrated 36.7% survival 4 months post-XRT compared to 60–73.3% survival in mice fed 10%-20% FLC initiated 24–72 hours post-XRT. FLC also mitigated radiation-induced lung fibrosis whereby 10% FLC initiated 24-hours post-XRT significantly decreased fibrosis as compared to mice fed control diet while the corresponding TGF-beta1 levels detected immunohistochemically were also decreased. Additionally, 10-20% FLC initiated at any time point post radiation exposure, mitigated radiation-induced lung injury evidenced by decreased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) protein and inflammatory cytokine/chemokine release at 16 weeks post-XRT. Importantly, neutrophilic and overall inflammatory cell infiltrate in airways and levels of nitrotyrosine and malondialdehyde (protein and lipid oxidation, respectively) were also mitigated by the lignan diet.

Conclusions

Dietary FLC given early post-XRT mitigated radiation effects by decreasing inflammation, lung injury and eventual fibrosis while improving survival. FLC may be a useful agent, mitigating adverse effects of radiation in individuals exposed to incidental radiation, inhaled radioisotopes or even after the initiation of radiation therapy to treat malignancy.
Lithography-free fabrication of silicon nanowire and nanohole arrays by metal-assisted chemical etching
Authors: Liu Ruiyuan , Zhang Fute , Con Celal , Cui Bo , Sun Baoquan
Published: April 2013

We demonstrated a novel, simple, and low-cost method to fabricate silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays and silicon nanohole (SiNH) arrays based on thin silver (Ag) film dewetting process combined with metal-assisted chemical etching. Ag mesh with holes and semispherical Ag nanoparticles can be prepared by simple thermal annealing of Ag thin film on a silicon substrate. Both the diameter and the distribution of mesh holes as well as the nanoparticles can be manipulated by the film thickness and the annealing temperature. The silicon underneath Ag coverage was etched off with the catalysis of metal in an aqueous solution containing HF and an oxidant, which form silicon nanostructures (either SiNW or SiNH arrays). The morphologies of the corresponding etched SiNW and SiNH arrays matched well with that of Ag holes and nanoparticles. This novel method allows lithography-free fabrication of the SiNW and SiNH arrays with control of the size and distribution.
Biologic therapy for autoimmune diseases: an update
Authors: Rosman Ziv , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Zandman-Goddard Gisele
Published: April 2013

Biologic therapies for rheumatologic diseases, which are targeted at molecules involved in the mechanisms of the immune system, provide an alternative to the existing treatment methods of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and other immunosuppressive medications. However, the current drawbacks of biologic therapies, including the inconvenience of intravenous administration, the high costs of these drugs, and the adverse events associated with them, prevent their wide use as first-line medications. This review provides an update of the recent literature on the new biologic therapies available. The review concentrates on nine drugs: tocilizumab, rituximab, ofatumumab, belimumab, epratuzumab, abatacept, golimumab, certolizumab, and sifalimumab, which are used as therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, or vasculitis.
Detailed analysis of metagenome datasets obtained from biogas-producing microbial communities residing in biogas reactors does not indicate the presence of putative pathogenic microorganisms
Authors: Eikmeyer Felix G , Rademacher Antje , Hanreich Angelika , Hennig Magdalena , Jaenicke Sebastian , Maus Irena , Wibberg Daniel , Zakrzewski Martha , Pühler Alfred , Klocke Michael , Schlüter Andreas
Published: April 2013

Background

In recent years biogas plants in Germany have been supposed to be involved in amplification and dissemination of pathogenic bacteria causing severe infections in humans and animals. In particular, biogas plants are discussed to contribute to the spreading of Escherichia coli infections in humans or chronic botulism in cattle caused by Clostridium botulinum. Metagenome datasets of microbial communities from an agricultural biogas plant as well as from anaerobic lab-scale digesters operating at different temperatures and conditions were analyzed for the presence of putative pathogenic bacteria and virulence determinants by various bioinformatic approaches.

Results

All datasets featured a low abundance of reads that were taxonomically assigned to the genus Escherichia or further selected genera comprising pathogenic species. Higher numbers of reads were taxonomically assigned to the genus Clostridium. However, only very few sequences were predicted to originate from pathogenic clostridial species. Moreover, mapping of metagenome reads to complete genome sequences of selected pathogenic bacteria revealed that not the pathogenic species itself, but only species that are more or less related to pathogenic ones are present in the fermentation samples analyzed. Likewise, known virulence determinants could hardly be detected. Only a marginal number of reads showed similarity to sequences described in the Microbial Virulence Database MvirDB such as those encoding protein toxins, virulence proteins or antibiotic resistance determinants.

Conclusions

Findings of this first study of metagenomic sequence reads of biogas producing microbial communities suggest that the risk of dissemination of pathogenic bacteria by application of digestates from biogas fermentations as fertilizers is low, because obtained results do not indicate the presence of putative pathogenic microorganisms in the samples analyzed.
Effect of triflumuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, on Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus under laboratory conditions
Authors: Belinato Thiago Affonso , Martins Ademir Jesus , Lima José Bento Pereira , Valle Denise
Published: April 2013

Background

Resistance to traditional insecticides represents a threat to the control of disease vectors. The insect growth regulators (IGR) are a potential alternative to control mosquitoes, including resistant populations. The chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSI) are IGRs, which interfere with the insect molting process and represent one major class of compounds against Aedes aegypti populations resistant to the larvicide organophosphate temephos. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the CSI triflumuron on Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes albopictus and against several Ae. aegypti field populations.

Methods

The efficacy of triflumuron, against Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. albopictus was evaluated with laboratory strains through dose–response assays. Additionaly, this CSI was tested against seven Ae. aegypti field populations exhibiting distinct resistance levels to both temephos and the pyrethroid deltamethrin. Aedes aegypti populations were exposed to both a dose that inhibits 99% of the adult emergence of mosquitoes from the susceptible reference strain, Rockefeller, (EI99 = 3.95 μg/L) and the diagnostic dose (DD), corresponding to twice the EI99.

Results

Our results indicate that triflumuron was effective in emergence inhibition (EI) of Cx. quinquefasciatus (EI50= 5.28 μg/L; EI90= 12.47 μg/L) and Ae. albopictus (EI50= 1.59 μg/L; EI90= 2.63 μg/L). Triflumuron was also effective against seven Ae. aegypti Brazilian populations resistant to both temephos and deltamethrin. Exposure of all the Ae. aegypti populations to the triflumuron EI99 of the susceptible reference strain, Rockefeller, resulted in complete inhibition of adult emergence, suggesting no cross-resistance among traditional insecticides and this CSI. However, a positive correlation between temephos resistance and tolerance to triflumuron was observed.

Conclusion

The results suggest that triflumuron represents a potential tool for the control of disease vectors in public health. Nevertheless, they point to the need of constant monitoring of the susceptibility status of vector populations to CSIs.
SOX7 is down-regulated in lung cancer
Authors: Hayano Takahide , Garg Manoj , Yin Dong , Sudo Makoto , Kawamata Norihiko , Shi Shuo , Chien Wenwen , Ding Ling-wen , Leong Geraldine , Mori Seiichi , Xie Dong , Tan Patrick , Koeffler H Phillip
Published: April 2013

Background

SOX7 is a transcription factor belonging to the SOX family. Its role in lung cancer is unknown.

Methods

In this study, whole genomic copy number analysis was performed on a series of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and samples from individuals with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations using a SNP-Chip platform. SOX7 was measured in NSCLC samples and cell lines, and forced expressed in one of these lines.

Results

A notable surprise was that the numerous copy number (CN) changes observed in samples of Asian, non-smoking EGFR mutant NSCLC were nearly the same as those CN alterations seen in a large collection of NSCLC from The Cancer Genome Atlas which is presumably composed of predominantly Caucasians who often smoked. However, four regions had CN changes fairly unique to the Asian EGFR mutant group. We also examined CN changes in NSCLC lines. The SOX7 gene was homozygously deleted in one (HCC2935) of 10 NSCLC cell lines and heterozygously deleted in two other NSCLC lines. Expression of SOX7 was significantly downregulated in NSCLC cell lines (8/10, 80%) and a large collection of NSCLC samples compared to matched normal lung (57/62, 92%, p= 0.0006). Forced-expression of SOX7 in NSCLC cell lines markedly reduced their cell growth and enhanced their apoptosis.

Conclusion

These data suggest that SOX7 is a novel tumor suppressor gene silenced in the majority of NSCLC samples.
Implications in the difference of anti-Mi-2 and -p155/140 autoantibody prevalence in two dermatomyositis cohorts from Mexico City and Guadalajara
Authors: Petri Marcelo H , Satoh Minoru , Martin-Marquez Beatriz T , Vargas-Ramírez Raul , Jara Luis J , Saavedra Miguel A , Cruz-Gonzalez Claudia , Andrade-Ortega Lilia , Vera-Lastra Olga , Salazar-Páramo Mario , Prieto-Parra Rosa E , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura , Gamez-Nava Jorge I , Ramírez-Sánchez Hermes U , Chan Jason YF , Ross Steven J , Chan Edward KL , Vázquez-Del Mercado Mónica
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Autoantibodies and clinical manifestations in polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) are affected by both genetic and environmental factors. The high prevalence of DM and anti-Mi-2 in Central America is thought to be associated with the high UV index of the area. The prevalences of autoantibodies and the clinical manifestations of PM/DM were evaluated comparing two cohorts in Mexico.

Methods

Ninety-five Mexican patients with PM/DM (66 DM, 29 PM; 67 Mexico City, 28 Guadalajara) were studied. Autoantibodies were characterized by immunoprecipitation using 35S-methionine labeled K562 cell extract. Clinical information was obtained from medical records.

Results

DM represented 69% of PM/DM and anti-Mi-2 was the most common autoantibody (35%), followed by anti-p155/140 (11%); however, anti-Jo-1 was only 4%. The autoantibody profile in adult-onset DM in Mexico City versus Guadalajara showed striking differences: anti-Mi-2 was 59% versus 12% (P = 0.0012) whereas anti-p155/140 was 9% versus 35% (P = 0.02), respectively. A strong association of anti-Mi-2 with DM was confirmed and when clinical features of anti-Mi-2 (+) DM (n = 30) versus anti-Mi-2 (-) DM (n = 36) were compared, the shawl sign (86% versus 64%, P < 0.05) was more common in the anti-Mi-2 (+) group (P = 0.0001). Levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were higher in those who were anti-Mi-2 (+) but they responded well to therapy.

Conclusions

Anti-Mi-2 has a high prevalence in Mexican DM and is associated with the shawl sign and high CPK. The prevalence of anti-Mi-2 and anti-p155/140 was significantly different in Mexico City versus Guadalajara, which have a similar UV index. This suggests roles of factors other than UV in anti-Mi-2 antibody production.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulates the Biosynthesis of Pregnenolone Sulfate and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate in the Hypothalamus
Authors: Burel Delphine , Li Jian Hua , Do-Rego Jean-Luc , Wang Ai Fen , Luu-The Van , Pelletier Georges , Tillet Yves , Taragnat Catherine , Kwon Hyuk Bang , Seong Jae Young , Vaudry Hubert
Published: April 2013

The sulfated neurosteroids pregnenolone sulfate (Δ5PS) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) are known to play a role in the control of reproductive behavior. In the frog Pelophylax ridibundus, the enzyme hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (HST), responsible for the biosynthesis of Δ5PS and DHEAS, is expressed in the magnocellular nucleus and the anterior preoptic area, two hypothalamic regions that are richly innervated by GnRH1-containing fibers. This observation suggests that GnRH1 may regulate the formation of sulfated neurosteroids to control sexual activity. Double labeling of frog brain slices with HST and GnRH1 antibodies revealed that GnRH1-immunoreactive fibers are located in close vicinity of HST-positive neurons. The cDNAs encoding 3 GnRH receptors (designated riGnRHR-1, -2, and -3) were cloned from the frog brain. RT-PCR analyses revealed that riGnRHR-1 is strongly expressed in the hypothalamus and the pituitary whereas riGnRHR-2 and -3 are primarily expressed in the brain. In situ hybridization histochemistry indicated that GnRHR-1 and GnRHR-3 mRNAs are particularly abundant in preoptic area and magnocellular nucleus whereas the concentration of GnRHR-2 mRNA in these 2 nuclei is much lower. Pulse-chase experiments using tritiated Δ5P and DHEA as steroid precursors, and 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate as a sulfonate moiety donor, showed that GnRH1 stimulates, in a dose-dependent manner, the biosynthesis of Δ5PS and DHEAS in frog diencephalic explants. Because Δ5PS and DHEAS, like GnRH, stimulate sexual activity, our data strongly suggest that some of the behavioral effects of GnRH could be mediated via the modulation of sulfated neurosteroid production.
Hard-templating Synthesis of Mesoporous Pt-Based Alloy Particles with Low Ni and Co Contents
Authors: Karthika Prasannan , Ataee-Esfahani Hamed , Deng Yu-Heng , Wu Kevin C-W , Rajalakshmi Natarajan , Dhathathreyan Kaveripatnam S , Arivuoli Dakshinamoorthy , Ariga Katsuhiko , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: April 2013

Pt-Based mesoporous bimetallic alloy particles with low Co and Ni contents were synthesized successfully through a hard-templating method and show great potential as effective catalysts for methanol oxidation reactions.
Taxonomic research priorities for the conservation of the South African flora
Authors: Von Staden Lize , Raimondo Domitilla , Dayaram Anisha
Published: April 2013

Taxonomic revisions, monographs and floras are the most important, and often the only source of data for assessing the extinction risk of plants, with recent revisions contributing to more accurate assessments. The recently completed Red List of South African plants involved an overview of the taxonomic literature pertaining to the South African flora, providing an opportunity to identify critical gaps in taxonomic coverage. In this study we identified taxonomic research priorities for effective conservation of South African plants. Priorities were identified at genus level, according to time since last revision, level of endemism, collecting effort, proportion of taxa included in revisions, and specimen identification confidence. Although the results indicate that 62% of the flora has been recently revised, revisionary taxonomic output has declined drastically, particularly in the past 10 years. This decline is a result of a decrease in revisionary productivity per taxonomist and not a result of a decline in the number of working taxonomists. The family Aizoaceae is the top priority for taxonomic research with 55% of taxa in need of revision, followed by Hyacinthaceae with 34% of taxa not yet revised. Ericaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rutaceae, Malvaceae, Asteraceae and Acanthaceae are also priorities with over 30% of taxa last revised before 1970. We recommend the reinstatement of the Flora of Southern Africa project in an online format in order to centralise South Africa’s existing taxonomic information and reinvigorate revisionary taxonomic study. This project will allow South Africa to fulfil its commitments to the Convention on Biodiversity by achieving Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.
Effect of foundation flexibility on response of concrete frame structures under near-fault ground motions
Authors: Halabian Amir M. , Emami Ali R.
Published: April 2013

Currently, it is understood that seismic responses of building structures could be changed, owing to the foundation flexibility. The present study is limited to evaluate such phenomenon on non-linear responses of reinforced concrete structures, emphasising their ductility demand distributions. To accomplish this objective, a set of three dimensional reinforced concrete generic frames were modeled as an assemblage of beam/column elements. Utilising substructure method, a set of linearly elastic spring-dashpot model was used to characterise the supporting soil. To estimate ductility demands, non-linear time history analyses as well as pushover analyses were conducted. The foundation–structure system was subjected to an assemblage of ‘ordinary' and ‘near-fault' ground motions. The results indicated soil-structure interaction effects mostly increase ductility demands of the flexible base structures. Consequently, neglecting this phenomenon may lead to erroneous conclusions in the prediction of seismic performance of flexibly supported reinforced concrete frame structures, especially when subjected to near-fault ground motions.
Application of ultrasound and air stripping for the removal of aromatic hydrocarbons from spent sulfidic caustic for use in autotrophic denitrification as an electron donor
Authors: Lee Jae-Ho , Park Jeung-Jin , Choi Gi-Choong , Byun Im-Gyu , Park Tae-Joo , Lee Tae-Ho
Published: April 2013

Spent sulfidic caustic (SSC) produced from petroleum industry can be reused to denitrify nitrate-nitrogen via a biological nitrogen removal process as an electron donor for sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification, because it has a large amount of dissolved sulfur. However, SSC has to be refined because it also contains some aromatic hydrocarbons, typically benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX) and phenol that are recalcitrant organic compounds. In this study, laboratory-scale ultrasound irradiation and air stripping treatment were applied in order to remove these aromatic hydrocarbons. In the ultrasound system, both BTEX and phenol were exponentially removed by ultrasound irradiation during 60 min of reaction time to give the greatest removal efficiency of about 80%. Whereas, about 95% removal efficiency of BTEX was achieved, but not any significant phenol removal, within 30 min in the air stripping system, indicating that air stripping was a more efficient method than ultrasound irradiation. However, since air stripping did not remove any significant phenol, an additional process for degrading phenol was required. Accordingly, we applied a combined ultrasound and air stripping process. In these experiments, the removal efficiencies of BTEX and phenol were improved compared to the application of ultrasound and air stripping alone. Thus, the combined ultrasound and air stripping treatment is appropriate for refining SSC.
Pyrosequencing estimates of the diversity of antibiotic resistant bacteria in a wastewater system
Authors: Sigala Jesus , Unc Adrian
Published: April 2013

Standard protocols for monitoring wastewater treatment efficacy target Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms. This might not accurately describe risks associated with antibiotic resistance in the bacterial population of treated wastewaters. We modified a standard agar recovery method by amending it with various antibiotics. The resulting bacterial colonies were submitted to 454 pyrosequencing; thus we identified the diversity of culturable antibiotic resistant bacteria from treated and raw wastewaters. This approach produced 209,706 high quality reads of >300 bp. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within Proteobacteria dominated the system. The Shannon–Wiener H′ index showed bacterial populations recovered on ciprofloxacin amended agars to be the least diverse. Principal component analysis of OTU distribution at phylum level showed that Proteobacteria accounted for most of the variability. The same analysis revealed most of the samples to have similar diversities at phylum level being dominated by Proteobacteria, though a few samples, typically recovered from ciprofloxacin or doxycycline amended agars were often dissimilar. Arcobacter spp. or E. coli were dominant in the bacterial communities recovered on agars amended with ciprofloxacin or doxycycline, respectively. Genera containing putative pathogens were mostly representatives of Gamma and Epsilon proteobacteria. Bacterial populations containing multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) in the final treated effluent was a possibility.