bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic amplification patterns of human telomerase RNA gene and C-MYC in liquid-based cytological specimens used for the detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Chen Shaomin , Yang Ziyan , Zhang Yun , Qiao Yunbo , Cui Baoxia , Zhang Youzhong , Kong Beihua
Published: April 2012

Background

The amplification of oncogenes initiated by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an early event in cervical carcinogenesis and can be used for cervical lesion diagnosis. We measured the genomic amplification rates and the patterns of human telomerase RNA gene (TERC) and C-MYC in the liquid-based cytological specimens to evaluate the diagnostic characteristics for the detection of high-grade cervical lesions.

Methods

Two hundred and forty-three residual cytological specimens were obtained from outpatients aged 25 to 64 years at Qilu Hospital, Shandong University. The specimens were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using chromosome probes to TERC (3q26) and C-MYC (8q24). All of the patients underwent colposcopic examination and histological evaluation. A Chi-square test was used for categorical data analysis.

Results

In the normal, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1), grade 2 (CIN2), grade 3 (CIN3) and squamous cervical cancer (SCC) cases, the TERC positive rates were 9.2%, 17.2%, 76.2%, 100.0% and 100.0%, respectively; the C-MYC positive rates were 20.7%, 31.0%, 71.4%, 81.8% and 100.0%, respectively. The TERC and C-MYC positive rates were higher in the CIN2+ (CIN2, CIN3 and SCC) cases than in the normal and CIN1 cases (p < 0.01). Compared with cytological analysis, the TERC test showed higher sensitivity (90.0% vs. 84.0%) and higher specificity (89.6% vs. 64.3%). The C-MYC test showed lower sensitivity (80.0% vs. 84.0%) and higher specificity (77.7% vs. 64.3%). Using a cut-off value of 5% or more aberrant cells, the TERC test showed the highest combination of sensitivity and specificity. The CIN2+ group showed more high-level TERC gene copy number (GCN) cells than did the normal/CIN1 group (p < 0.05). For C-MYC, no significant difference between the two histological categories was detected (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The TERC test is highly sensitive and is therefore suitable for cervical cancer screening. The C-MYC test is not suitable for cancer screening because of its lower sensitivity. The amplification patterns of TERC become more diverse and complex as the severity of cervical diseases increases, whereas for C-MYC, the amplification patterns are similar between the normal/CIN1 and CIN2+ groups.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1308004512669913.
Computing evolutionary distinctiveness indices in large scale analysis
Authors: Martyn Iain , Kuhn Tyler S , Mooers Arne O , Moulton Vincent , Spillner Andreas
Published: April 2012

We present optimal linear time algorithms for computing the Shapley values and 'heightened evolutionary distinctiveness' (HED) scores for the set of taxa in a phylogenetic tree. We demonstrate the efficiency of these new algorithms by applying them to a set of 10,000 reasonable 5139-species mammal trees. This is the first time these indices have been computed on such a large taxon and we contrast our finding with an ad-hoc index for mammals, fair proportion (FP), used by the Zoological Society of London's EDGE programme. Our empirical results follow expectations. In particular, the Shapley values are very strongly correlated with the FP scores, but provide a higher weight to the few monotremes that comprise the sister to all other mammals. We also find that the HED score, which measures a species' unique contribution to future subsets as function of the probability that close relatives will go extinct, is very sensitive to the estimated probabilities. When they are low, HED scores are less than FP scores, and approach the simple measure of a species' age. Deviations (like the Solendon genus of the West Indies) occur when sister species are both at high risk of extinction and their clade roots deep in the tree. Conversely, when endangered species have higher probabilities of being lost, HED scores can be greater than FP scores and species like the African elephant Loxondonta africana, the two solendons and the thumbless bat Furipterus horrens can move up the rankings. We suggest that conservation attention be applied to such species that carry genetic responsibility for imperiled close relatives. We also briefly discuss extensions of Shapley values and HED scores that are possible with the algorithms presented here.
Novel use of an exchange catheter to facilitate intubation with an Aintree catheter in a tall patient with a predicted difficult airway: a case report
Authors: Gruenbaum Shaun E , Gruenbaum Benjamin F , Tsaregorodtsev Sergey , Dubilet Michael , Melamed Israel , Zlotnik Alexander
Published: April 2012

Introduction

The Aintree intubating catheter (Cook® Medical Inc., Bloomington, IN, USA) has been shown to successfully facilitate difficult intubations when other methods have failed. The Aintree intubating catheter (Cook® Medical Inc., Bloomington, IN, USA) has a fixed length of 56 cm, and it has been suggested in the literature that it may be too short for safe use in patients who are tall.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 32-year-old, 180 cm tall Caucasian woman with a predicted difficult airway who presented to our facility for an emergency cesarean section. After several failed intubation attempts via direct laryngoscopy, an airway was established with a laryngeal mask airway. After delivery of a healthy baby, our patient's condition necessitated tracheal intubation. A fiber-optic bronchoscope loaded with an Aintree intubating catheter (Cook® Medical Inc., Bloomington, IN, USA) was passed through the laryngeal mask airway into the trachea until just above the carina, but was too short to safely allow for the passage of an endotracheal tube.

Conclusions

We present a novel technique in which the Aintree intubating catheter (Cook® Medical Inc., Bloomington, IN, USA) was replaced with a longer (100 cm) exchange catheter, over which an endotracheal tube was passed successfully into the trachea.
Identification of basepairs within Tn5 termini that are critical sfor H-NS binding to the transpososome and regulation of Tn5 transposition
Authors: Whitfield Crystal R , Shilton Brian H , Haniford David B
Published: April 2012

Background

The H-NS protein is a global regulator of gene expression in bacteria and can also bind transposition complexes (transpososomes). In Tn5 transposition H-NS promotes transpososome assembly in vitro and disruption of the hns gene causes a modest decrease in Tn5 transposition (three- to five-fold). This is consistent with H-NS acting as a positive regulator of Tn5 transposition. Molecular determinants for H-NS binding to the Tn5 transpososome have not been determined, nor has the strength of the interaction been established. There is also uncertainty as to whether H-NS regulates Tn5 transposition in vivo through an interaction with the transposition machinery as disruption of the hns gene has pleiotropic effects on Escherichia coli, the organism used in this study.

Results

In the current work we have further examined determinants for H-NS binding to the Tn5 transpososome through both mutational studies on Tn5 termini (or 'transposon ends') and protein-protein cross-linking analysis. We identify mutations in two different segments of the transposon ends that abrogate H-NS binding and characterize the affinity of H-NS for wild type transposon ends in the context of the transpososome. We also show that H-NS forms cross-links with the Tn5 transposase protein specifically in the transpososome, an observation consistent with the two proteins occupying overlapping binding sites in the transposon ends. Finally, we make use of the end mutations to test the idea that H-NS exerts its impact on Tn5 transposition in vivo by binding directly to the transpososome. Consistent with this possibility, we show that two different end mutations reduce the sensitivity of the Tn5 system to H-NS regulation.

Conclusions

H-NS typically regulates cellular functions through its potent transcriptional repressor function. Work presented here provides support for an alternative mechanism of H-NS-based regulation, and adds to our understanding of how bacterial transposition can be regulated.
Allergen‐specific immunotherapy provides immediate, long‐term and preventive clinical effects in children and adults: the effects of immunotherapy can be categorised by level of benefit ‐the centenary of allergen specific subcutaneous immunotherapy
Authors: Jacobsen Lars , Wahn Ulrich , Bilo M Beatrice
Published: April 2012

Allergen Specific Immunotherapy (SIT) for respiratory allergic diseases is able to significantly improve symptoms as well as reduce the need for symptomatic medication, but SIT also has the capacity for long‐term clinical effects and plays a protective role against the development of further allergies and symptoms. The treatment acts on basic immunological mechanisms, and has the potential to change the pathological allergic immune response. In this paper we discuss some of the most important achievements in the documentation of the benefits of immunotherapy, over the last 2 decades, which have marked a period of extensive research on the clinical effects and immunological background of the mechanisms involved. The outcome of immunotherapy is described as different levels of benefit from early reduction in symptoms over progressive clinical effects during treatment to long‐term effects after discontinuation of the treatment and prevention of asthma. The efficacy of SIT increases the longer it is continued and immunological changes lead to potential long‐term benefits. SIT alone and not the symptomatic treatment nor other avoidance measures has so far been documented as the therapy with long‐term or preventive potential. The allergic condition is driven by a subset of T‐helper lymphocytes (Th2), which are characterised by the production of cytokines like IL‐4, and IL‐5. Immunological changes following SIT lead to potential curative effects. One mechanism whereby immunotherapy suppresses the allergic response is through increased production of IgG4 antibodies. Induction of specific IgG4 is able to influence the allergic response in different ways and is related to immunological effector mechanisms, also responsible for the reduced late phase hyperreactivity and ongoing allergic inflammation. SIT is the only treatment which interferes with the basic pathophysiological mechanisms of the allergic disease, thereby creating the potential for changes in the long‐term prognosis of respiratory allergy. SIT should not only be recognised as first‐line therapeutic treatment for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis but also as secondary preventive treatment for respiratory allergic diseases.
Decimation test on an ocean-bottom node survey: Feasibility to acquire sparse but full-azimuth data
Authors: Olofsson Björn , Mitchell Peter , Doychev Rosen
Published: April 2012

A fundamental challenge for exploration is pushing seismic imaging to open new frontiers. Typical of these frontiers is complex overburden with varying lithologies and structure that give rise to strong lateral changes in velocity and anisotropy. Two examples are subsalt and subvolcanic imaging. It is widely recognized that rich- or full-azimuth data can provide superior imaging results in such complex areas, besides providing other additional information (e.g., through fracture characterization). Typical ocean-bottom node (OBN) seismic surveys are acquired with a regular grid of sparse node and dense shots, providing full-azimuth/offset data with uniform sampling in the azimuth/offset domain. Figure 1 illustrates this point, showing the trace distribution for one CMP bin for the OBN survey used in this test; it features uniformly spaced nodes and a dense shot carpet. Every CMP bin in the survey receives contributions of exactly one trace in each azimuth /offset sub-bin (grid cells drawn in Figure 1). This means that (a) there is no redundant fold, and (b) the full-azimuth/offset space is uniformly sampled, points previously discussed by Vermeer (e.g., 1994, 2010, and other publications). We note that the theoretical CMP (= surface) illumination does not necessarily translate into the same subsurface illumination depending on the complexity of the overburden geology and the asymmetric source-receiver depth.
Imaging shallow gas drilling hazards under three Forties oil field platforms using ocean-bottom nodes
Authors: Ronen Shuki , Rokkan Arne , Bouraly Rafael , Valsvik Geir , Larson Leif , Ostensvig Erik , Paillet Jimmy , Dynia Anna , Matlosz Agata , Brown Simon , Drummie Simon , Holden Julian , Koster Klaas , Monk David , Swanson Mike
Published: April 2012

Reliable seismic images of gas accumulations in the shallow subsurface beneath production platforms are mitigating drilling risks in the Forties oil field. Ocean-bottom nodes (OBN) were selected to record the seismic data due to their ability to operate safely and efficiently in busy and obstructed oil fields. The resulting seismic images allow extra care to be taken during drilling where gas is likely to be encountered. The resulting operations can therefore be optimized in terms of both safety and costs.
OTC. 12 offers full program of offshore technology
Authors: Knobloch Charles
Published: April 2012

From 30 April–May 2012, SEG will again cosponsor the Off-shore Technology Conference, also known as OTC.12—the world's foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection. OTC, founded in 1969, is now held annually at Reliant Center in Houston. OTC is sponsored by 11 industry organizations and societies, in addition to SEG, who work cooperatively to develop each year's technical program. OTC also has two endorsing organizations, and ten supporting organizations. The European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) is the 2012 Invited Organization. OTC ranks among the 200 largest trade shows held annually in the United States and is among the 10 largest meetings in terms of attendance. Attendance at the 2011 OTC reached a 29-year high of 78,645, up 9% from 2010. The sold-out exhibition was the largest since 1982 at 603,000 square feet, up from 568,000 square feet in 2010. New last year was the OTC Parkway, spanning from Reliant Center to Reliant Arena, which increased the outdoor exhibition space. OTC.11 attracted 2520 companies, including 306 new exhibitors, from 41 countries (including new exhibitors from Egypt, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the Philippines).
The extreme male brain revisited: gender coherence in adults
with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bejerot Susanne , Eriksson Jonna M. , Bonde Sabina , Carlström Kjell , Humble Mats B. , Eriksson Elias
Published: April 2012

Background

The ‘extreme male brain’ theory suggests that autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) is an extreme variant of male intelligence. However, somewhat
paradoxically, many individuals with ASD display androgynous physical
features regardless of gender.

Aims

To assess physical measures, supposedly related to androgen influence, in
adults with and without ASD.

Method

Serum hormone levels, anthropometry, the ratio of 2nd to 4th digit length
(2D:4D) and psychiatric symptomatology were measured in 50 adults with
high-functioning ASD and age- and gender-matched neurotypical controls.
Photographs of face and body, as well as voice recordings, were obtained
and assessed with respect to gender coherence, blindly and independently,
by eight assessors.

Results

Women with ASD had higher total and bioactive testosterone levels, less
feminine facial features and a larger head circumference than female
controls. Men in the ASD group were assessed as having less masculine
body characteristics and voice quality, and displayed higher (i.e. less
masculine) 2D:4D ratios, but similar testosterone levels to controls.
Androgynous facial features correlated strongly and positively with
autistic traits measured with the Autism-Spectrum Quotient in the total
sample. In males and females with ASD dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate did
not decrease with age, in contrast to the control group.

Conclusions

Women with ASD had elevated testosterone levels and several masculinised
characteristics compared with controls, whereas men with ASD displayed
several feminised characteristics. Our findings suggest that ASD, rather
than being characterised by masculinisation in both genders, may
constitute a gender defiant disorder.
Health anxiety in Australia: prevalence, comorbidity, disability and service use
Authors: Sunderland Matthew , Newby Jill M. , Andrews Gavin
Published: April 2012

Background

Health anxiety is associated with high distress, disability and increased health service utilisation. However, there are relatively few epidemiological studies examining the extent of health anxiety or the associated sociodemographic and health risk factors in the general population.

Aims

To provide epidemiological data on health anxiety in the Australian population.

Method

Lifetime and current prevalence estimates, associations between comorbid disorders, psychological distress, impairment, disability and mental health service utilisation were generated using the Australian 2007 National Survey of Mental Hearth and Wellbeing.

Results

Health anxiety affects approximately 5.7% of the Australian population across the lifespan and 3.4% met criteria for health anxiety at the time of the interview. Age, employment status, smoking status and comorbid physical conditions were significantly related to health anxiety symptoms. Health anxiety was associated with significantly more distress, impairment, disability and health service utilisation than that found in respondents without health anxiety.

Conclusions

Hearth anxiety is non-trivial; it affects a significant proportion of the population and further research and clinical investigation of health anxiety is required.
Clinical Implication of Highly Sensitive Detection of the BRAF V600E Mutation in Fine-Needle Aspirations of Thyroid Nodules: A Comparative Analysis of Three Molecular Assays in 4585 Consecutive Cases in a BRAF V600E Mutation-Prevalent Area
Authors: Lee Seung-Tae , Kim Sun Wook , Ki Chang-Seok , Jang Ja-Hyun , Shin Jung Hee , Oh Young Lyun , Kim Jong-Won , Chung Jae Hoon
Published: April 2012

Context:

Detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) specimens may increase the value of FNAC.

Objective:

The objectives of the study was to compare the diagnostic performance of BRAF assays that differ in sensitivity and to examine the associations between the BRAF V600E mutation status and the clinicopathological features in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Design and Setting:

Three molecular assays were performed in all subjects and compared with regard to FNAC and histology results.

Participants:

We evaluated 4585 consecutive patients who were found to have malignant or indeterminate thyroid nodules by ultrasonography.

Outcome Measures:

All FNAC samples were tested for the BRAF V600E mutation using conventional Sanger sequencing, dual-priming oligonucleotide-PCR, and mutant enrichment with 3′-modified oligonucleotide (MEMO) sequencing.

Results:

The detection sensitivities of the three molecular assays for the BRAF V600E mutation were 20, 2, and 0.1%, respectively. Compared with conventional Sanger sequencing (n = 673), dual-priming oligonucleotide-PCR and MEMO sequencing detected more tumors with the BRAF V600E mutation (n = 919 and n = 1044, respectively), especially tumors with a benign, indeterminate, or nondiagnostic cytology. All BRAF-positive tumors that were histologically examined were shown to be PTC, regardless of cytology results. The clinical sensitivities of the three assays for detecting PTC were 54.8, 74.4, and 79.7%, respectively. BRAF V600E mutations in microcarcinomas (≤10 mm) were detected more efficiently as the detection sensitivity of the assay increased (P < 0.001). Tumor size correlated significantly with multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), but the BRAF V600E mutation status was not associated with any of those features.

Conclusion:

Highly sensitive and specific molecular assays such as MEMO sequencing are optimal for detecting the BRAF mutations in thyroid FNAC because these techniques can detect PTC that might be missed by cytology or less sensitive molecular assays.
Use of telehealth for patients referred to a retrieval service: timing, destination, mode of transport, escort level and patient care
Authors: Kyle Elizabeth , Aitken Peter , Elcock Mark , Barneveld Matthew
Published: April 2012

We examined the utility of telehealth in assisting the decision-making processes of aeromedical coordinators, with particular focus on the timing, destination, mode of transport and escort level. Medical coordinators from the Northern Operations site of the Queensland emergency retrieval service were asked to complete a survey form about the changes that telehealth made to their retrieval decision-making process. Information was collected in six areas: diagnosis, severity, priority, crew, mode of transport and destination. During a 12-month period, there were 403 emergency referrals from the five participating sites. There were 136 eligible patient referrals for analysis, of which 90 did not have teleconsultations performed; the most common reasons were that the medical coordinator was too busy with other work or the new procedure was forgotten ( n = 39, 43%). The remaining 46 patients had a teleconsultation during the trial and 44 data sheets were available for analysis. In 21 cases some component of the decision-making process was altered by the use of telehealth, with decisions being significantly altered in nine cases. Most alterations were for severity of patient condition, then diagnosis and priority of transfer. The use of telehealth was thought to be beneficial in confirming the original decision in 30 cases. Telehealth was not of assistance in seven cases. Telehealth appears to assist in accurate decision-making during the medical coordination of aeromedical retrievals.
Results of a telehealth-enabled chronic care management service to support people with long-term conditions at home
Authors: Venter Anton , Burns Rosemary , Hefford Martin , Ehrenberg Nieves
Published: April 2012

Both congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are more common among Māori than non-Māori people, and the cultural acceptability of home-based remote monitoring technology has not been tested. We conducted a 12-month pilot trial of home telemonitoring. Patients were randomly assigned to the control and intervention groups. Patients in the control group showed no clear differences in quality of life at the end of the trial. The telehealth group showed a consistent trend towards improved quality of life on several instruments, including the SF-36, the St George Respiratory Questionnaire and the K10 questionnaire; the improvement in the latter was significant. Hospitalizations were reduced in both the control (−19%) and telehealth group (−25%). Patient interviews indicated that the technology was acceptable to most patients and their families, including the Māori. The results from the pilot trial suggest that wider implementation with a cost benefit evaluation could be worthwhile.
Umbanda and Africa
Authors: Engler Steven
Published: April 2012

This article argues that scholarship on Umbanda (a distinctively Brazilian hybrid of Candomblé, Kardecist Spiritism, and popular Catholicism, with romanticized indigenous elements) manifests certain limitations that lead to insufficient emphasis on the religious tradition's internal doctrinal, ritual, and organizational variation. It compares the complex and ambivalent place of African traditions in Umbanda and Candomblé, highlighting the extent to which Umbanda has been seen as derivative, more distant from Africa. The article also notes other distorting factors such as centros in the southeast of Brazil being considered normative, and scholars focusing inordinately on the question of the tradition's “birth.” The case of Umbanda underlines the Brazilian context of Afro-Brazilian traditions, in contrast to an emphasis on transnationalism.
New Religious Movements in Brazil
Authors: Selka Stephen
Published: April 2012

This article provides an overview of the Brazilian religious landscape and an introduction to this special issue on new religious movements in Brazil. I stress how the Brazilian religious landscape, although often imagined as a place of religious syncretism and cultural mixture, is crosscut by an array of boundaries, tensions and antagonisms, including ones grounded in race and class. The article outlines the major topics and problems taken up by the contributors to this issue, including appropriation across lines of race, ethnicity and class; the growing influence of evangelical Christianity in Latin America and beyond; esoteric religious practice in the late modern era; and questions of purity and authenticity, syncretism and anti-syncretism. Through their engagement with these themes, the articles in this issue contribute to a number of important discussions that relate not only to the study of religion in Brazil but to the study of new religious movements in general.
Spirit Possession in a New Religious Context
Authors: Dawson Andrew
Published: April 2012

With specific reference to the spread of non-traditional forms of spirit possession, this article explores the growing influence of the Afro-Brazilian religion of Umbanda upon the Brazilian new religion of Santo Daime. The following material opens by introducing Santo Daime and plotting the historical trajectory of spirit possession from the movement's beginnings in 1930s' Brazil, to its spread to various parts of the industrialized world. Subsequent to detailing the contemporary spirit possession repertoire of Santo Daime, the article offers a typology of the most prominent kinds of spirit possession practiced by Santo Daime. The article closes by relating the increasing popularity of Umbanda-inspired possession motifs to the growing influence of a white, urban-professional constituency imbued with typically late-modern concerns.
Essential Nutrients for Bone Health and a Review of their Availability in the Average North American Diet
Authors: Price Charles T , Langford Joshua R , Liporace Frank A
Published: April 2012

Osteoporosis and low bone mineral density affect millions of Americans. The majority of adults in North America have insufficient intake of vitamin D and calcium along with inadequate exercise. Physicians are aware that vitamin D, calcium and exercise are essential for maintenance of bone health. Physicians are less likely to be aware that dietary insufficiencies of magnesium, silicon, Vitamin K, and boron are also widely prevalent, and each of these essential nutrients is an important contributor to bone health. In addition, specific nutritional factors may improve calcium metabolism and bone formation. It is the authors’ opinion that nutritional supplements should attempt to provide ample, but not excessive, amounts of factors that are frequently insufficient in the typical American diet.

In contrast to dietary insufficiencies, several nutrients that support bone health are readily available in the average American diet. These include zinc, manganese, and copper which may have adverse effects at higher levels of intake. Some multivitamins and bone support products provide additional quantities of nutrients that may be unnecessary or potentially harmful.

The purpose of this paper is to identify specific nutritional components of bone health, the effects on bone, the level of availability in the average American diet, and the implications of supplementation for each nutritional component. A summary of recommended dietary supplementation is included.
Materiality Judgments and the Resolution of Detected Misstatements: The Role of Managers, Auditors, and Audit Committees
Authors: Keune Marsha B. , Johnstone Karla M.
Published: April 2012

This study investigates how manager and auditor incentives, along with audit committee characteristics, are associated with materiality judgments about detected misstatements. Using data on detected misstatements that occurred between 2003 and 2006, we find auditors' incentives to protect their reputations weaken the effect of managerial incentives associated with the pressure created by analyst following; auditors are less likely to allow managers to waive material misstatements as audit fees increase. Regarding audit committee characteristics, results reveal that audit committees with greater financial expertise are less likely to allow managers to waive material misstatements compared to audit committees with less expertise.

Data Availability: Data used in the study are available from public sources.
In Vivo Role of Focal Adhesion Kinase in Regulating Pancreatic β-Cell Mass and Function Through Insulin Signaling, Actin Dynamics, and Granule Trafficking
Authors: Cai Erica P. , Casimir Marina , Schroer Stephanie A. , Luk Cynthia T. , Shi Sally Yu , Choi Diana , Dai Xiao Qing , Hajmrle Catherine , Spigelman Aliya F. , Zhu Dan , Gaisano Herbert Y. , MacDonald Patrick E. , Woo Minna
Published: April 2012

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) acts as an adaptor at the focal contacts serving as a junction between the extracellular matrix and actin cytoskeleton. Actin dynamics is known as a determinant step in insulin secretion. Additionally, FAK has been shown to regulate insulin signaling. To investigate the essential physiological role of FAK in pancreatic β-cells in vivo, we generated a transgenic mouse model using rat insulin promoter (RIP)–driven Cre-loxP recombination system to specifically delete FAK in pancreatic β-cells. These RIPcre+fakfl/fl mice exhibited glucose intolerance without changes in insulin sensitivity. Reduced β-cell viability and proliferation resulting in decreased β-cell mass was observed in these mice, which was associated with attenuated insulin/Akt (also known as protein kinase B) and extracellular signal–related kinase 1/2 signaling and increased caspase 3 activation. FAK-deficient β-cells exhibited impaired insulin secretion with normal glucose sensing and preserved Ca2+ influx in response to glucose, but a reduced number of docked insulin granules and insulin exocytosis were found, which was associated with a decrease in focal proteins, paxillin and talin, and an impairment in actin depolymerization. This study is the first to show in vivo that FAK is critical for pancreatic β-cell viability and function through regulation in insulin signaling, actin dynamics, and granule trafficking.
Diabetes Knowledge and Its Relationship With Achieving Treatment Recommendations in a National Sample of People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Stark Casagrande Sarah , Ríos Burrows Nilka , Geiss Linda S. , Bainbridge Kathleen E. , Fradkin Judith E. , Cowie Catherine C.
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE

We examined the prevalence of knowledge of A1C, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol (ABC) levels and goals among people with diabetes, its variation by patient characteristics, and whether knowledge was associated with achieving levels of ABC control recommended for the general diabetic population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data came from 1,233 adults who self-reported diabetes in the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants reported their last ABC level and goals specified by their physician (not validated by medical record data). Analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among participants tested in the past year, 48% stated their last A1C level. Overall, 63% stated their last blood pressure level and 22% stated their last LDL cholesterol level. Knowledge of ABC levels was greatest in non-Hispanic whites, lowest in Mexican Americans, and higher with more education and income (all P ≤ 0.02). Demographic associations were similar for those reporting physician-specified ABC goals at the American Diabetes Association–recommended levels (A1C <7%, blood pressure <130/80 mmHg, and LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dL). Nineteen percent of participants stated that their provider did not specify an A1C goal compared with 47% and 41% for blood pressure and LDL cholesterol goals, respectively. For people who self-reported A1C <7.0%, 83% had an actual A1C <7.0%. Otherwise, participant knowledge was not significantly associated with risk factor control, except for in those who knew their last LDL cholesterol level (P = 0.046 for A1C <7.0%). Results from logistic regression corroborated these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Ample opportunity exists to improve ABC knowledge. Diabetes education should include behavior change components in addition to information on ABC clinical measures.
State Differences in the Reporting of Diabetes-Related Incorrect Cause-of-Death Causal Sequences on Death Certificates
Authors: Cheng Tain-Junn , Lu Tsung-Hsueh , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine state differences in the reporting of diabetes-related incorrect cause-of-death (COD) causal sequences on death certificates in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to determine the prevalence of two types of incorrect COD causal sequences with data from the Multiple Cause Mortality File of the year 2004.

RESULTS

Among deaths in which diabetes was reported as the first diagnosis on line a, b, c, or d in Part I of the death certificate in the U.S., 21% had below diabetes placement error (ranged from 30% in Maryland to 7% in Hawaii) and 11% had above diabetes placement error (ranged from 18% in Kentucky to 5% in California). The net effects of the two types of error ranged from −0.7% in Nevada to 19.6% in the District of Columbia.

CONCLUSIONS

Because the rates of incorrect reporting of diabetes-related COD causal sequence varied across states, the comparability of the diabetes death rate between states may have been compromised.
Circulating Levels of Phthalate Metabolites Are Associated With Prevalent Diabetes in the Elderly
Authors: Lind P. Monica , Zethelius Björn , Lind Lars
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE

Phthalates are ubiquitous industrial high-volume chemicals known as ligands to peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors (PPARs). Because PPAR-γ agonists modulate insulin sensitivity and are used to treat type 2 diabetes, we investigated whether circulating levels of phthalate metabolites are related to prevalent type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 1,016 subjects, aged 70 years, were investigated in the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors Study. Four phthalate metabolites were detected in almost all participant sera by an API 4000 liquid chromatograph/tandem mass spectrometer. Type 2 diabetes was defined as the use of pharmacological hypoglycemic agents or a fasting plasma glucose >7.0 mmol/L.

RESULTS

A total of 114 subjects were shown to have diabetes. Following adjustment for sex, BMI, serum cholesterol and triglycerides, educational level, and smoking and exercise habits, high levels of the phthalate metabolites monomethyl phthalate (MMP) (P < 0.01), monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP) (P < 0.05), and monoethyl phthalate (MEP) (P < 0.05), but not mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, were associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes. Using the fasting proinsulin–to–insulin ratio as a marker of insulin secretion and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index as a marker of insulin resistance, MiBP was mainly related to poor insulin secretion, whereas MEP and MMP mainly were related to insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings in this cross-sectional study showed that several phthalate metabolites are related to diabetes prevalence, as well as to markers of insulin secretion and resistance. These findings support the view that these commonly used chemicals might influence major factors that are regulating glucose metabolism in humans at the level of exposure of phthalate metabolites seen in the general elderly population.
Hypomagnesemia in Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Sakaguchi Yusuke , Shoji Tatsuya , Hayashi Terumasa , Suzuki Akira , Shimizu Morihiro , Mitsumoto Kensuke , Kawabata Hiroaki , Niihata Kakuya , Okada Noriyuki , Isaka Yoshitaka , Rakugi Hiromi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE

There is now growing evidence that magnesium (Mg) deficiency is implicated in type 2 diabetes and its complications. However, it has not been fully elucidated whether hypomagnesemia is a predictor of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 455 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (144 with type 2 diabetic nephropathy and 311 with nondiabetic CKD) who were hospitalized at Osaka General Medical Center for a CKD educational program between April 2001 and December 2007. The primary outcome was progression to renal replacement therapy. Participants were categorized based on serum Mg level into Low-Mg (serum Mg level ≤1.8 mg/dL) and High-Mg (serum Mg level >1.8 mg/dL) groups with the previously published normal lower limit chosen as the cutoff point.

RESULTS

Of the subjects with type 2 diabetic nephropathy, 102 progressed to ESRD during follow-up (median, 23 months). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that after adjustment for various demographic factors and laboratory data, the Low-Mg group had a 2.12-fold higher risk of ESRD than the High-Mg group (95% CI 1.28–3.51; P = 0.004). In contrast, 135 of the nondiabetic CKD subjects progressed to ESRD during follow-up (median, 44 months). No significant difference in outcome was found between the Low- and High-Mg groups of this population (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI 0.70–1.90; P = 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypomagnesemia is a novel predictor of ESRD in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy.
Towards understanding of protein adsorption behavior on plasma polymerized pyrrole film
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Li Guijuan , Yan Fufeng , Zheng Xianjun , Li Xili
Published: April 2012

Plasma polymerized pyrrole-like (PPpy) films exhibit good environmental stability and offer high reactivity with biomolecules. The present paper follows on from previous work on PPpy films applied as DNA immobilization/hybridization and describes the adsorption kinetics of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on PPpy films. Atom force microscopy was used to detect the surface roughness of PPpy surfaces obtained at different input powers or for different polymerization time, including the surface roughness before and after BSA adsorption. The influence of experimental conditions (i.e., the plasma input power, the polymerization time, the concentration of BSA, and the pH values of buffer solutions) on protein adsorption was investigated in situ by Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR). SPR analysis confirmed the differently dynamic adsorption behavior of BSA on PPpy films under various experimental conditions. The adsorption constant, K a , was deduced from Langmuir isotherm equations, which were simulated using experimental data collected by SPR and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Analysis of the combination data of SPR and EIS indicates that PPpy films under various conditions show completely different adsorption behaviors and could be applied as biomaterials for electrochemical protein sensing or as protein-resistant.
Synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic and thermal investigations of neodymium(III) biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate framework
Authors: Łyszczek Renata , Mazur Liliana
Published: April 2012

The three-dimensional complex {[Nd(bpdc)1.5(DMF)]·1.4DMF}n (DMF=N,N′-dimethylformamide, bpdc=biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate) was synthesized using the solvothermal method. The crystal structure of the neodymium(III) complex has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method at 100(2) K. The polymeric structure consists of neodymium polyhedra bridged by bpdc ligands. Eight-coordinated Nd(III) atoms are surrounded by seven oxygen atoms from six bpdc moieties and one oxygen atom from the DMF molecule. The 3D structure of the complex contains two types of channels occupied by DMF molecules. Thermal analysis revealed that DMF molecules are lost in a stepwise manner. The infrared spectrum confirmed full deprotonation of acid and presence of DMF molecules in the structure.
Magnetic resonance imaging and aneurysm clips
Authors: McFadden Joseph T.
Published: April 2012

The problem of implanted metals causing tissue damage by movement in patients exposed to MRI fields has produced a confusing welter of erroneous, pseudoscientific publications about magnetics, metals, medical equipment, and tissue compatibility. Quite simply, among the devices made for implantation, only those fabricated of stainless steel have the ferromagnetic properties capable of causing such accidents. The author, who introduced the basic design of the modern aneurysm clip in the late 1960s and then a cobalt nickel alloy as an improvement over steel, while chairing the neurosurgical committee assigned to the task of establishing neurosurgical standards at American Society for Testing and Materials, exposes this flawed information and offers clear guidelines for avoiding trouble.
A Polynomial-Time Reduction from the 3SAT Problem to the Generalized String Puzzle Problem
Authors: Iwamoto Chuzo , Sasaki Kento , Morita Kenichi
Published: April 2012

A disentanglement puzzle consists of mechanically interlinked pieces, and the puzzle is solved by disentangling one piece from another set of pieces. A string puzzle consists of strings entangled with one or more wooden pieces. We consider the generalized string puzzle problem whose input is the layout of strings and a wooden board with holes embedded in the 3-dimensional Euclidean space. We present a polynomial-time transformation from an arbitrary instance ƒ of the 3SAT problem to a string puzzle s such that ƒ is satisfiable if and only if s is solvable. Therefore, the generalized string puzzle problem is NP-hard.
Frequent Gene Amplification Predicts Poor Prognosis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Shi Jing , Yao Demao , Liu Wei , Wang Na , Lv Hongjun , He Nongyue , Shi Bingyin , Hou Peng , Ji Meiju
Published: April 2012

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. However, genetic alterations leading to this disease are largely unknown. Gene amplification is one of the most frequent genetic alterations, which is believed to play a major role in the development and progression of gastric cancer. In the present study, we identified three frequently amplified genes from 30 candidate genes using real-time quantitative PCR method, including ERBB4, C-MET and CD44, and further explored their association with clinicopathological characteristics and poor survival in a cohort of gastric cancers. Our data showed amplification of these genes was significantly associated with certain clinicopathological characteristics, particularly tumor differentiation and cancer-related death. More importantly, amplification of these genes was significantly related to worse survival, suggesting that these amplified genes may be significant predictors of poor prognosis and potential therapeutic targets in gastric cancer. Targeting these genes may thus provide new possibilities in the treatment of gastric cancer.
Electrical Properties of Thin-Film Capacitors Fabricated Using High Temperature Sputtered Modified Barium Titanate
Authors: Reynolds Glyn J. , Kratzer Martin , Dubs Martin , Felzer Heinz , Mamazza Robert
Published: April 2012

Simple thin-film capacitor stacks were fabricated from sputter-deposited doped barium titanate dielectric films with sputtered Pt and/or Ni electrodes and characterized electrically. Here, we report small signal, low frequency capacitance and parallel resistance data measured as a function of applied DC bias, polarization versus applied electric field strength and DC load/unload experiments. These capacitors exhibited significant leakage (in the range 8–210 μA/cm2) and dielectric loss. Measured breakdown strength for the sputtered doped barium titanate films was in the range 200 kV/cm −2 MV/cm. For all devices tested, we observed clear evidence for dielectric saturation at applied electric field strengths above 100 kV/cm: saturated polarization was in the range 8–15 μC/cm2. When cycled under DC conditions, the maximum energy density measured for any of the capacitors tested here was ~4.7 × 10−2 W-h/liter based on the volume of the dielectric material only. This corresponds to a specific energy of ~8 × 10−3 W-h/kg, again calculated on a dielectric-only basis. These results are compared to those reported by other authors and a simple theoretical treatment provided that quantifies the maximum energy that can be stored in these and similar devices as a function of dielectric strength and saturation polarization. Finally, a predictive model is developed to provide guidance on how to tailor the relative permittivities of high-k dielectrics in order to optimize their energy storage capacities.
Selective Formation of Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer and Excimer Emissions on 2,7-bis(4-Diethylaminophenyl)-fluorenone by Choice of Solvent
Authors: Shigeta Masayuki , Morita Mifumi , Konishi Gen-ichi
Published: April 2012

We designed and synthesized a donor-acceptor-donor dye consisting of a 2,7-disubstituted fluorenone with diethylaminophenyl moieties present as strong electron donating groups. Switching between twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) emission and excimer emission was achieved, with no ground state changes, by simply changing the solvent used. In a nonpolar solvent, excimer emission was observed; with increasing polarity, the emission gradually disappeared, and the TICT emission appeared.
Synthesis of 2RS,4RS-1-[2-Phenyl-4-[2-(2-trifluromethoxy-phenoxy)-ethyl]-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl-methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of Brassinosteroid Biosynthesis
Authors: Yamada Kazuhiro , Yoshizawa Yuko , Oh Keimei
Published: April 2012

Brassinosteroids are important phytohormones that affect many aspects of plant growth and development. In order to manipulate brassinosteroid levels in plant tissues by using specific biosynthesis inhibitors, we have carried out a systemic search for specific inhibitors of brassinosteroid biosynthesis. Synthesis of triazole derivatives based on the ketoconazole scaffold revealed a series of novel brassinosteroid biosynthesis inhibitors (the YCZ series). To explore the structure-activity relationships of this synthetic series, we now report the synthesis of new triazole derivatives with different aromatic structures at position 2 of 1,3-dioxolane skeleton. We found that the variation of aromatic substituent significantly affect the inhibitory potency. Structure-activity relationships studies indicated that 4-chlorophenyl analogue is the most potent inhibitor of BR biosynthesis with an IC50 value approximately 0.12 ± 0.04 µM, while a bulky biphenyl group exhibited a great negative effect on promoting the inhibitory potency with an IC50 larger than 10 µM.
Sensors in Collaboration Increase Individual Potentialities
Authors: Pajares Gonzalo
Published: April 2012

Different applications require different sensor technologies and methods to achieve specific goals. Particular sensor designs are focused on solving problems. It is well-known that individual sensors can be limited when complex problems or applications are involved or the application requires sensing in different locations or even different geographical areas. [...]