bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicating uncertainty - how Australian television reported H1N1 risk in 2009: a content analysis
Authors: Fogarty Andrea S , Holland Kate , Imison Michelle , Blood R Warwick , Chapman Simon , Holding Simon
Published: April 2011

Background

Health officials face particular challenges in communicating with the public about emerging infectious diseases of unknown severity such as the 2009 H1N1(swine 'flu) pandemic (pH1N1). Statements intended to create awareness and convey the seriousness of infectious disease threats can draw accusations of scare-mongering, while officials can be accused of complacency if such statements are not made. In these communication contexts, news journalists, often reliant on official sources to understand issues are pivotal in selecting and emphasising aspects of official discourse deemed sufficiently newsworthy to present to the public. This paper presents a case-study of news communication regarding the emergence of pH1N1.

Methods

We conducted a content analysis of all television news items about pH1N1. We examined news and current affairs items broadcast on 5 free-to-air Sydney television channels between April 25 2009 (the first report) and October 9 (prior to the vaccine release) for statements about [1] the seriousness of the disease [2] how the public could minimise contagion [3] government responses to emerging information.

Results

pH1N1 was the leading health story for eight of 24 weeks and was in the top 5 for 20 weeks. 353 news items were identified, yielding 3086 statements for analysis, with 63.4% related to the seriousness of the situation, 12.9% providing advice for viewers and 23.6% involving assurances from government. Coverage focused on infection/mortality rates, the spread of the virus, the need for public calm, the vulnerability of particular groups, direct and indirect advice for viewers, and government reassurances about effective management.

Conclusions

Overall, the reporting of 2009 pH1N1 in Sydney, Australia was generally non-alarmist, while conveying that pH1N1 was potentially serious. Daily infection rate tallies and commentary on changes in the pandemic alert level were seldom contextualised to assist viewers in understanding personal relevance. Suggestions are made about how future reporting of emerging infectious diseases could be enhanced.
Study protocol of physical activity and sedentary behaviour measurement among schoolchildren by accelerometry - Cross-sectional survey as part of the ENERGY-project
Authors: Yıldırım Mine , Verloigne Maïté , de Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Androutsos Odysseas , Manios Yannis , Felső Regina , Kovács Éva , Doessegger Alain , Bringolf-Isler Bettina , te Velde Saskia J , Brug Johannes , Chinapaw Mai JM
Published: April 2011

Background

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour among children should be measured accurately in order to investigate their relationship with health. Accelerometry provides objective and accurate measurement of body movement, which can be converted to meaningful behavioural outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the best evidence for the decisions on data collection and data processing with accelerometers among children resulting in a standardized protocol for use in the participating countries.

Methods/Design

This cross-sectional accelerometer study was conducted as part of the European ENERGY-project that aimed to produce an obesity prevention intervention among schoolchildren. Five countries, namely Belgium, Greece, Hungary, Switzerland and the Netherlands participated in the accelerometer study. We used three different Actigraph models-Actitrainers (triaxial), GT3Xs and GT1Ms. Children wore the device for six consecutive days including two weekend days. We selected an epoch length of 15 seconds. Accelerometers were placed at children's waist at the right side of the body in an elastic belt.

In total, 1082 children participated in the study (mean age = 11.7 ± 0.75 y, 51% girls). Non-wearing time was calculated as periods of more than 20 minutes of consecutive zero counts. The minimum daily wearing time was set to 10 hours for weekdays and 8 hours for weekend days. The inclusion criterion for further analysis was having at least three valid weekdays and one valid weekend day. We selected a cut-point (count per minute (cpm)) of <100 cpm for sedentary behaviour, <3000 cpm for light, <5200 cpm for moderate, and >5200 cpm for vigorous physical activity. We also created time filters for school-time during data cleaning in order to explore school-time physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns in particular.

Discussion

This paper describes the decisions for data collection and processing. Use of standardized protocols would ease future use of accelerometry and the comparability of results between studies.
Defect symmetry influence on electronic transport of zigzag nanoribbons
Authors: Zeng Hui , Leburton Jean-Pierre , Xu Yang , Wei Jianwei
Published: April 2011

The electronic transport of zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR) with local Stone-Wales (SW) defects is systematically investigated by first principles calculations. While both symmetric and asymmetric SW defects give rise to complete electron backscattering region, the well-defined parity of the wave functions in symmetric SW defects configuration is preserved. Its signs are changed for the highest-occupied electronic states, leading to the absence of the first conducting plateau. The wave function of asymmetric SW configuration is very similar to that of the pristine GNR, except for the defective regions. Unexpectedly, calculations predict that the asymmetric SW defects are more favorable to electronic transport than the symmetric defects configuration. These distinct transport behaviors are caused by the different couplings between the conducting subbands influenced by wave function alterations around the charge neutrality point.
The full genome sequence of three strains of Jamestown Canyon virus and their pathogenesis in mice or monkeys
Authors: Bennett Richard S , Nelson Jacob T , Gresko Anthony K , Murphy Brian R , Whitehead Stephen S
Published: April 2011

Background

Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), family Bunyaviridae, is a mosquito-borne pathogen endemic in the United States and Canada that can cause encephalitis in humans and is considered an emerging threat to public health. The virus is genetically similar to Inkoo virus circulating in Europe, suggesting that much of the northern hemisphere contains JCV or similar variants.

Results

We have completed the sequence of three isolates of JCV collected in geographically diverse locations over a 57 year time span. The nucleotide identity for the three strains is 90, 83, and 85% for the S, M, and L segments respectively whereas the percent identify for the predicted amino acid sequences of the N, NSS, M poly, GN, NSM, GC, and L proteins was 97, 91, 94, 98, 91, 94, and 97%, respectively. In Swiss Webster mice, each JCV isolate exhibits low neuroinvasiveness but high infectivity. Two of the three JCV isolates were highly neurovirulent after IC inoculation whereas one isolate, JCV/03/CT, exhibited low neurovirulence. In rhesus monkeys, JCV infection is accompanied by a low-titered viremia, lack of clinical disease, but a robust neutralizing antibody response.

Conclusions

The first complete sequence of JCV is reported for three separate isolates, and a relatively high level of amino acid sequence conservation was observed even for viruses isolated 57 years apart indicating that the virus is in relative evolutionary stasis. JCV is highly infectious for mice and monkeys, and these animals, especially mice, represent useful experimental hosts for further study.
Mutation of putative N-Linked Glycosylation Sites in Japanese encephalitis Virus Premembrane and Envelope proteins enhances humoral immunity in BALB/C mice after DNA vaccination
Authors: Zhang Yu , Chen Puyan , Cao Ruibing , Gu Jinyan
Published: April 2011

Swine are an important host of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). The two membrane glycoproteins of JEV, prM and E, each contain a potential N-linked glycosylation site, at positions N15 and N154, respectively. We constructed plasmids that contain the genes encoding wild-type prME (contain the signal of the prM, the prM, and the E coding regions) and three mutant prME proteins, in which the putative N-linked glycosylation sites are mutated individually or in combination, by site-directed mutagenesis. The recombinant plasmids were used as DNA vaccines in mice. Our results indicate that immunizing mice with DNA vaccines that contain the N154A mutation results in elevated levels of interleukin-4 secretion, induces the IgG1 antibody isotype, generates greater titers of anti-JEV antibodies, and shows complete protection against JEV challenge. We conclude that mutation of the putative N-glycosylation site N154 in the E protein of JEV significantly enhances the induced humoral immune response and suggest that this mutant should be further investigated as a potential DNA vaccine against JEV.
Validation of the Arab Youth Mental Health scale as a screening tool for depression/anxiety in Lebanese children
Authors: Mahfoud Ziyad , Abdulrahim Sawsan , Taha Madeleine Badaro , Harpham Trudy , El Hajj Taghreed , Makhoul Jihad , Nakkash Rima , Kanj Mayada , Afifi Rema
Published: April 2011

Background

Early detection of common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, among children and adolescents requires the use of validated, culturally sensitive, and developmentally appropriate screening instruments. The Arab region has a high proportion of youth, yet Arabic-language screening instruments for mental disorders among this age group are virtually absent.

Methods

We carried out construct and clinical validation on the recently-developed Arab Youth Mental Health (AYMH) scale as a screening tool for depression/anxiety. The scale was administered with 10-14 year old children attending a social service center in Beirut, Lebanon (N = 153). The clinical assessment was conducted by a child and adolescent clinical psychiatrist employing the DSM IV criteria. We tested the scale's sensitivity, specificity, and internal consistency.

Results

Scale scores were generally significantly associated with how participants responded to standard questions on health, mental health, and happiness, indicating good construct validity. The results revealed that the scale exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86) and specificity (79%). However, it exhibited moderate sensitivity for girls (71%) and poor sensitivity for boys (50%).

Conclusions

The AYMH scale is useful as a screening tool for general mental health states and a valid screening instrument for common mental disorders among girls. It is not a valid instrument for detecting depression and anxiety among boys in an Arab culture.
2D-electrophoresis and multiplex immunoassay proteomic analysis of different body fluids and cellular components reveal known and novel markers for extended fasting
Authors: Bouwman Freek G , de Roos Baukje , Rubio-Aliaga Isabel , Crosley L Katie , Duthie Susan J , Mayer Claus , Horgan Graham , Polley Abigael C , Heim Carolin , Coort Susan LM , Evelo Chris T , Mulholland Francis , Johnson Ian T , Elliott Ruan M , Daniel Hannelore , Mariman Edwin CM
Published: April 2011

Background

Proteomic technologies applied for profiling human biofluids and blood cells are considered to reveal new biomarkers of exposure or provide insights into novel mechanisms of adaptation.

Methods

Both a non-targeted (classical 2D-electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry) as well as a targeted proteomic approach (multiplex immunoassay) were applied to investigate how fasting for 36 h, as compared to 12 h, affects the proteome of platelets, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), plasma, urine and saliva collected from ten healthy volunteers.

Results

Between-subject variability was highest in the plasma proteome and lowest in the PBMC proteome. Random Forests analysis performed on the entire dataset revealed that changes in the level of the RhoGDI2 protein in PBMC and plasma ApoA4 levels were the two most obvious biomarkers of an extended fasting. Random Forests (RF) analysis of the multiplex immunoassay data revealed leptin and MMP-3 as biomarkers for extended fasting. However, high between-subject variability may have masked the extended fasting effects in the proteome of the biofluids and blood cells.

Conclusions

Identification of significantly changed proteins in biofluids and blood cells using a non-targeted approach, together with the outcome of targeted analysis revealed both known and novel markers for a 36 h fasting period, including the cellular proteins RhoGDI2 and CLIC1, and plasma proteins ApoA4, leptin and MMP-3. The PBMC proteome exhibited the lowest between-subject variability and therefore these cells appear to represent the best biosamples for biomarker discovery in human nutrigenomics.
Systematic analysis of secreted proteins reveals synergism between IL6 and other proteins in soft agar growth of MCF10A cells
Authors: Van Huffel Sofie C , Tham Jill M , Zhang XiaoQian , Lim KohPang , Yang ChunXuan , Tan YikLoo , Ong Felicia , Lee Ian , Hong WanJin
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Breast cancer, the most common malignancy in women, still holds many secrets. The causes for non-hereditary breast cancer are still unknown. To elucidate any role for circulating naturally secreted proteins, a screen of secreted proteins' influence of MCF10A cell anchorage independent growth was set up.

Methods

To systematically screen secreted proteins for their capacity to transform mammalian breast epithelial cells, a soft agar screen of MCF10A cells was performed using a library of ~ 470 secreted proteins. A high concentration of infecting viral particles was used to obtain multiple infections in individual cells to specifically study the combined effect of multiple secreted proteins.

Results

Several known breast cancer factors, such as Wnt, FGF and IL were retained, as well as factors that were previously unknown to have a role in breast cancer, such as paraoxonase 1 and fibroblast growth factor binding protein 2. Additionally, a combinatory role of Interleukin 6 with other factors in MCF10A anchorage-independent growth is demonstrated.

Conclusion

The transforming effect of combinations of IL6 with other secreted proteins allows studying the transformation of mammary epithelial cells in vitro, and may also have implications in in vivo studies where secreted proteins are upregulated or overexpressed.
Arterial hyperoxia and in-hospital mortality after resuscitation from cardiac arrest
Authors: Bellomo Rinaldo , Bailey Michael , Eastwood Glenn M , Nichol Alistair , Pilcher David , Hart Graeme K , Reade Michael C , Egi Moritoki , Cooper James D ,   the Study of Oxygen in Critical Care (SOCC) Group
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Hyperoxia has recently been reported as an independent risk factor for mortality in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest. We examined the independent relationship between hyperoxia and outcomes in such patients.

Methods

We divided patients resuscitated from nontraumatic cardiac arrest from 125 intensive care units (ICUs) into three groups according to worst PaO2 level or alveolar-arterial O2 gradient in the first 24 hours after admission. We defined 'hyperoxia' as PaO2 of 300 mmHg or greater, 'hypoxia/poor O2 transfer' as either PaO2 < 60 mmHg or ratio of PaO2 to fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2 ) < 300, 'normoxia' as any value between hypoxia and hyperoxia and 'isolated hypoxemia' as PaO2 < 60 mmHg regardless of FiO2. Mortality at hospital discharge was the main outcome measure.

Results

Of 12,108 total patients, 1,285 (10.6%) had hyperoxia, 8,904 (73.5%) had hypoxia/poor O2 transfer, 1,919 (15.9%) had normoxia and 1,168 (9.7%) had isolated hypoxemia (PaO2 < 60 mmHg). The hyperoxia group had higher mortality (754 (59%) of 1,285 patients; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 56% to 61%) than the normoxia group (911 (47%) of 1,919 patients; 95% CI, 45% to 50%) with a proportional difference of 11% (95% CI, 8% to 15%), but not higher than the hypoxia group (5,303 (60%) of 8,904 patients; 95% CI, 59% to 61%). In a multivariable model controlling for some potential confounders, including illness severity, hyperoxia had an odds ratio for hospital death of 1.2 (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6). However, once we applied Cox proportional hazards modelling of survival, sensitivity analyses using deciles of hypoxemia, time period matching and hyperoxia defined as PaO2 > 400 mmHg, hyperoxia had no independent association with mortality. Importantly, after adjustment for FiO2 and the relevant covariates, PaO2 was no longer predictive of hospital mortality (P = 0.21).

Conclusions

Among patients admitted to the ICU after cardiac arrest, hyperoxia did not have a robust or consistently reproducible association with mortality. We urge caution in implementing policies of deliberate decreases in FiO2 in these patients.
Paradoxical role of CD16+CCR2+CCR5+ monocytes in tuberculosis: efficient APC in pleural effusion but also mark disease severity in blood
Authors: Balboa Luciana , Romero María M , Basile Juan I , Sabio y García Carmen A , Schierloh Pablo , Yokobori Noemí , Geffner Laura , Musella Rosa M , Castagnino Jorge , Abbate Eduardo , de la Barrera Silvia , Sasiain María C , Alemán Mercedes
Published: April 2011

The role of CD16– and CD16+ Mo subsets in human TB remains unknown. Our aim was to characterize Mo subsets from TB patients and to assess whether the inflammatory milieu from TB pleurisy modulate their phenotype and recruitment. We found an expansion of peripheral CD16+ Mo that correlated with disease severity and with TNF-α plasma levels. Circulating Mo from TB patients are activated, showing a higher CD14, CD16, and CD11b expression and Mtb binding than HS. Both subsets coexpressed CCR2/CCR5, showing a potential ability to migrate to the inflammatory site. In tuberculous PF, the CD16+ subset was the main Mo/MΦ population, accumulation that can be favored by the induction of CD16 expression in CD16– Mo triggered by soluble factors found in this inflammatory milieu. CD16+ Mo in PF were characterized by a high density of receptors for Mtb recognition (DC-SIGN, MR, CD11b) and for lipid-antigens presentation (CD1b), allowing them to induce a successful, specific T cell proliferation response. Hence, in tuberculous PF, CD16+ Mo constitute the main APC population; whereas in PB, their predominance is associated with the severity of pulmonary TB, suggesting a paradoxical role of the CD16+ Mo subset that depends on the cellular localization.
Prepubertal Glucocorticoid Status and Pubertal Timing
Authors: Shi Lijie , Wudy Stefan A. , Buyken Anette E. , Maser-Gluth Christiane , Hartmann Michaela F. , Remer Thomas
Published: March 2011

Context:

Whether prepubertal glucocorticoid status impacts on the timing of puberty is not clear.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between prepubertal glucocorticoid status and early or late pubertal markers, independent of adrenarchal and nutritional status.

Design and Participants:

Prospective cohort study of healthy Caucasian children (n = 111, 56 boys) who provided both 24-h urine samples and weighed dietary records 1 and 2 yr before the start of pubertal growth spurt [age at take-off (ATO)].

Measurements:

Major urinary glucocorticoid and androgen metabolites determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis were summed to assess daily overall cortisol (ΣC21) and adrenal androgen secretion; urinary free cortisol and cortisone measured by RIA were summed (UFF+UFE) as an indicator of potentially bioactive free glucocorticoids.

Main Outcomes:

The main outcomes included ATO, age at peak height velocity, age at menarche/voice break, ages at Tanner stage 2 for breast (girls) and genital (boys) development, and pubic hair.

Results:

In girls ΣC21, but not UFF+UFE, was associated with pubertal markers after adjusting for overall adrenal androgen, urinary nitrogen, and body fat. Girls with higher ΣC21 (fourth quartile) reached ATO 0.7 yr (P = 0.01) and menarche 0.9 yr later (P = 0.006) than girls with lower ΣC21 (first quartile). The ΣC21 tended to be also positively associated with age at Tanner stage 2 for breast (P = 0.1), Tanner stage 2 for pubic hair (P = 0.1), and age at peak height velocity (P = 0.06). In boys, neither the ΣC21 nor UFF+UFE was related to pubertal timing.

Conclusion:

An individually higher prepubertal glucocorticoid secretion level, even in physiological range, appears to delay early and late pubertal timing of healthy girls, particularly their onset of pubertal growth spurt and menarche.
What Is a Just Society? Native American Philosophies and the Limits of Capitalism's Imagination: A Brief Manifesto
Authors: Cheyfitz Eric
Published: April 2011

This essay asks a question: what can't capitalism imagine in confronting the major social problem, poverty, facing the world today? The answer to that question is: the communal. To define the limits of capitalism's imagination, this essay begins by analyzing U.S. constitutional theory as represented in Federalist 10, where “the first object of government” is stated to be the “the protection of different and unequal faculties of acquiring property” (my emphasis). Thus, economic democracy, which, this essay asserts, is the only answer to the question of poverty, is beyond the limits of capitalism's imagination. The essay then turns to Indigenous philosophies and practices of the communal to propose an answer to the question of poverty. Examples of the former are found in such thinkers as Taiaiake Alfred (Mohawk) and Leslie Marmon Silko (Laguna). Examples of the latter are found in the ongoing revolutions in Bolivia and Chiapas. The essay is grounded in the observation of Frantz Fanon that “what matters today, the issue which blocks the horizon, is the necessity for a redistribution of wealth. Humanity must respond to this question, or be shaken to pieces by it.”
Indigeneity, Sovereignty, and the Law: Challenging the Processes of Criminalization
Authors: Cunneen Chris
Published: April 2011

The processes of criminalization lay the foundation for creating significant disadvantage among Indigenous people across the former settler societies of Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Yet the massive incarceration of Indigenous people has not resulted in ensuring the safety of individuals within Indigenous communities. Imposed criminal justice systems have not ensured the maintenance of social order in Indigenous communities. This essay explores the relationship between Indigenous sovereignty and Indigenous overrepresentation in the criminal justice system.

Throughout Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Indigenous communities continue to exercise authority or have at least attempted to develop localized methods of dealing with problems of social disorder. Indigenous practice has provided us with the opportunity and the necessity to rethink the possibilities of a postcolonial relationship between criminal justice institutions and Indigenous communities. The essay argues that the recognition of Indigenous claims to governance offer the possibility of new ways of thinking about criminal justice responses to entrenched social problems like crime.
Maturing Australia through Australian Aboriginal Narrative Law
Authors: Black Christine
Published: April 2011

This essay is a nonlinear narrative that attempts to “unthink” the ways in which Australian Indigenous peoples' identity, sovereignty, and law are discussed. An Australian Aboriginal law narrative and poetry are part of the unthinking language used to discuss these definitions. The essay challenges some of the Australian definitions of Indigenous identity, sovereignty, and law, which come out of a Western epistemology and value system. This challenge includes the role of the United Nations' special rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous peoples and its lack of female representation. The essay goes on to critique Australia's lack of maturity in accepting its geographical location in the Southern Hemisphere. The overall critique, however, is balanced with a suggested alternative governance system based on the classic thinking of Australian Aboriginal senior law persons.
Colonization and Resistance: Oil, War, and the Ongoing Attempt to Destroy the Kofan People of Colombia
Authors: Salinas Carlos
Published: April 2011

The A'i or Kofan people of Colombia face seemingly intractable challenges due to the extraction of oil from their lands, the ongoing conflict in Colombia, the infrastructural imperatives of globalization, and the continuing hunger for illicit drugs in cosmopolitan centers. Underlying these outside demands on the Kofan and their devastating effects is a profound contempt for the rule of law by those around the Kofan and an utter lack of respect. Despite this, the Kofan know exactly who they are and the justice of their claims, and they continue to struggle against all odds.
Alaska Native Politics since the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
Authors: Huhndorf Roy M. , Huhndorf Shari M.
Published: April 2011

In 1971, Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), the largest indigenous land claims settlement in U.S history. Intended to resolve disputes over land and to spur economic development, ANCSA remained silent on issues of indigenous governance, or tribal sovereignty, as well as on subsistence rights, a particularly urgent issue because many Alaska Natives remain dependent on subsistence practices for survival. Consequently, Alaska Native politics since ANCSA has centered on campaigns for sovereignty and subsistence rights. Despite these shortcomings, ANCSA accorded Alaska Natives unprecedented possibilities for economic development that enable other forms of community self-determination. This essay explores the limits and possibilities of ANCSA by examining the ways it has transformed Alaska Native communities and politics. It also traces the legal conflicts that have ensued from the settlement, including those culminating in the landmark Venetie (1998) and Katie John (2001) decisions on sovereignty and subsistence that pit Alaska Natives against state and federal authorities.
Sovereignty, Indigeneity, Territory: Zapatista Autonomy and the New Practices of Decolonization
Authors: Reyes Alvaro , Kaufman Mara
Published: April 2011

This essay examines the relationship between “autonomy” as practiced by the indigenous Zapatista communities of Chiapas, Mexico, and the Western juridical concept of sovereignty. By delineating the historical trajectory of the concept of sovereignty and its colonial origins, we attempt to highlight, in contrast, the radicality and innovation of the Zapatista concept of autonomy. Through an investigation of Zapatista political and territorial practices, we examine their efforts toward inverting the sovereign imperative—the relation of command obedience between sovereign and subject—as the basis of a new push toward decolonization and the construction of a different practice of power in which government commands by obeying.
Coming Due: Accounting for Debt, Counting on Crisis
Authors: McClanahan Annie
Published: April 2011

This essay examines the relationship between skyrocketing levels of student debt and the student movement against university tuition increases. In particular, it argues that the tactics and discourse of the student-worker movement that mobilized in fall 2009 at the University of California presented a radical challenge not only to the UC administration's rhetoric of sacrifice and shared pain, but also to debt's logic of deferred inevitability. It closes by suggesting new forms that organizing might take at the UC and nationally, if we are to confront the crisis of rising student debt.
The New Diversity: A Year of Crisis at UC Riverside
Authors: Ziadie Bryan
Published: April 2011

Consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the most diverse national universities today, the University of California, Riverside is being adversely affected by what UCR professor Mike Davis has called a “scheme for gentrifying” the campus. This article discusses the stakes of such policy changes, both for the campus itself and for the surrounding community, while also selectively chronicling student protests that arose in response to these changes.
Value of T2-weighted MR imaging in differentiating low-fat renal angiomyolipomas from other renal tumors
Authors: Choi Hyuck Jae , Kim Jeong Kon , Ahn Hanjong , Kim Choung-Soo , Kim Mi-Hyun , Cho Kyoung-Sik
Published: March 2011

Backgound

Accurate preoperative diagnosis of fat scanty angiomyolipomas is an important clinical issue. By evaluating the low signal intensity of angiomyolipomas in MR T2-weighted images the diagnostic accuracy can be elevated.

Purpose

To retrospectively assess the usefulness of T2-weighted MR imaging for differentiating low-fat angiomyolipomas (AMLs) from other renal tumors.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 71 patients with surgically proven renal masses (10 AMLs, 57 renal cell carcinomas [RCCs], and four oncocytomas), all of which showed no visible fat as well as gradual enhancement patterns on contrast-enhanced CT. Signal intensity was measured in each renal mass and in the spleen on T2-weighted images, and each signal intensity ratio (SIR) was calculated; SIR values were then compared in the AML and non-AML groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the two parameters for differentiating the two groups.

Results

The SIR values (77 ± 24% vs. 162 ± 79%, p = 0.002) were significantly lower in the AML than in the non-AML group. The area under the ROC curve was 0.926 for SIR. The sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of AMLs were 90% and 90.2%, using SIR cut-off of 92.5%.

Conclusion

Signal intensity measurements on T2-weighted MR images can differentiate AML from non-AML in the kidney.
Ultrasonographic findings of medullary thyroid cancer: differences according to tumor size and correlation with fine needle aspiration results
Authors: Choi Nami , Moon Won-Jin , Lee Jeong Hyun , Baek Jung Hwan , Kim Dong Wook , Park Sun-Won
Published: March 2011

Background

Complete initial tumor resection is a key prognostic factor in patients with medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs), hence precise preoperative diagnosis is very important. Thyroid ultrasonography (US) is a first-line modality and can lead to the appropriate next diagnostic procedure.

Purpose

To evaluate the US characteristics of MTCs, to evaluate whether or not there is a difference in US findings according to tumor size, and to correlate the US findings with fine needle aspiration (FNA) results.

Material and Methods

Thirty patients with 36 MTCs who had a preoperative US and a MTC diagnosis based on surgery were included. The US findings of each nodule were retrospectively analyzed in terms of size, internal content, shape, margin, echogenicity of solid portions, the presence of calcifications, the type of calcifications, and the presence of a halo by two radiologists. Each lesion was classified as suspiciously malignant, indeterminate, or probably benign according to known US criteria. The FNA results for the 28 MTCs were reviewed from the cytology reports.

Results

The lesion size varied from 5.7–90.0 mm (mean 22.4 ± 14.4 mm). The predominate US findings included solid internal content (91.7%), round-to-oval shape (63.9%), smooth margins (52.8%), hypoechogenicity (72.2%), and micro- or macro-calcifications (61.1%). Twenty-six nodules (72.2%) were classified as suspiciously malignant, and 10 nodules (27.8%) were classified as indeterminate. Of the 27 MTCs classified as suspiciously malignant, 21 MTCs (77.8%) had micro- or macro-calcifications, which was the most common malignant feature. MicroMTCs (≤1 cm) had spiculated margins more frequently than macroMTCs (66.7% vs. 13.3%; P = 0.014) and macroMTCs (>1 cm) had smooth margins more frequently than microMTCs (63.4% vs. 0%; P = 0.006). Twenty-one MTCs with positive FNA results showed smooth margins and a larger size more frequently than seven MTCs with negative FNA results (66.7% vs. 14.3%; P = 0.029; mean diameter, 24.28 ± 13.45 mm vs. 11.74 ± 4.73 mm, P = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusion

Based on US, the majority of MTCs can be classified as suspiciously malignant due to the presence of micro- or macro-calcifications. Small MTC size (≤ 10 mm) and a smooth margin may be factors predicting false-negative FNA results.
MRB3010 is a core component of the MRB1 complex that facilitates an early step of the kinetoplastid RNA editing process
Authors: Ammerman Michelle L. , Hashimi Hassan , Novotná Lucie , Čičová Zdeňka , McEvoy Sarah M. , Lukeš Julius , Read Laurie K.
Published: March 2011

Gene expression in the mitochondria of the kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma brucei is regulated primarily post-transcriptionally at the stages of RNA processing, editing, and turnover. The mitochondrial RNA-binding complex 1 (MRB1) is a recently identified multiprotein complex containing components with distinct functions during different aspects of RNA metabolism, such as guide RNA (gRNA) and mRNA turnover, precursor transcript processing, and RNA editing. In this study we examined the function of the MRB1 protein, Tb927.5.3010, which we term MRB3010. We show that MRB3010 is essential for growth of both procyclic form and bloodstream form life-cycle stages of T. brucei. Down-regulation of MRB3010 by RNAi leads to a dramatic inhibition of RNA editing, yet its depletion does not impact total gRNA levels. Rather, it appears to affect the editing process at an early stage, as indicated by the accumulation of pre-edited and small partially edited RNAs. MRB3010 is present in large (>20S) complexes and exhibits both RNA-dependent and RNA-independent interactions with other MRB1 complex proteins. Comparison of proteins isolated with MRB3010 tagged at its endogenous locus to those reported from other MRB1 complex purifications strongly suggests the presence of an MRB1 “core” complex containing five to six proteins, including MRB3010. Together, these data further our understanding of the function and composition of the imprecisely defined MRB1 complex.
AIP and its interacting partners
Authors: Trivellin Giampaolo , Korbonits Márta
Published: April 2011

Germline mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein gene (AIP) predispose to young-onset pituitary tumours, most often to GH- or prolactin-secreting adenomas, and most of these patients belong to familial isolated pituitary adenoma families. The molecular pathway initiated by the loss-of-functionAIPmutations leading to pituitary tumour formation is unknown. AIP, a co-chaperone of heat-shock protein 90 and various nuclear receptors, belongs to the family of tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)-containing proteins. It has three antiparallel α-helix motifs (TPR domains) that mediate the interaction of AIP with most of its partners. In this review, we summarise the known interactions of AIP described so far. The identification of AIP partners and the understanding of how AIP interacts with these proteins might help to explain the specific phenotype of the families with heterozygous AIP mutations, to gain deeper insight into the pathological process of pituitary tumour formation and to identify novel drug targets.
Preeclampsia: Effect on the Fetus and Newborn
Authors: de Souza Rugolo Ligia Maria Suppo , Bentlin Maria Regina , Trindade Cleide Enoir Petean
Published: April 2011

Preeclampsia (PE) is the most common medical complication in pregnancy and a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This disease is a great challenge for obstetricians because there are no effective interventions to treat or prevent it, and antenatal care involves a difficult balance between the risks for women to continue pregnancy and the risks for the baby’s early birth. Fetal complications in PE are directly related to gestational age and the severity of maternal disease and include increased rates of preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption, and perinatal death. The major complications for the newborn are related to prematurity, although the data on the morbidity and outcome for preterm infants of women who have PE are conflicting, and few studies address this issue. The pathogenesis of PE involves abnormal placentation associated with immune and vascular events that result in endothelial dysfunction and clinical manifestations of PE. This disease has been associated with imbalance in angiogenic factors and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, only a limited number of studies have been carried out on fetuses and newborns that suggest that infants born from women who have PE are exposed to increased oxidative stress. Because oxidative stress and free radicals may play roles in several neonatal diseases, a direct effect of maternal disease on neonatal outcome is expected, and further research on such neonates, in the short- and long-term, is urgently needed.
Neonatal Eye Disorders Requiring Ophthalmology Consultation
Authors: Ramasubramanian Aparna , Johnston Suzanne
Published: April 2011

Multiple ophthalmic disorders can present in neonates. Such disorders can be isolated or be associated with other systemic anomalies. Timely referral, diagnosis, and management are critical to allow optimal visual development. The critical period of visual development is in the first 6 months after birth. Infants who meet screening criteria for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) should be screened to help prevent serious visual sequelae, including blindness. Pediatricians and neonatologists should identify ocular abnormalities and refer patients for detailed ophthalmic evaluation when deemed necessary.
Detection of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in healthy young adults from a Hungarian University
Authors: Laub Krisztina , Kardos Szilvia , Nagy K. , Dobay Orsolya
Published: March 2011

Asymptomatic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in healthy individuals has a high prevalence, especially in children and young adults. Nasal colonisation is a well-known risk factor for subsequent severe infection, or can be the source of transmission of this bacterium to other susceptible persons. In this study, we have surveyed the nasal carriage rate of students of the Semmelweis University, by screening 300 volunteers. We have determined the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates by Etest, and their genetic relatedness by pulsed-fieled gel electrophoresis. The nasal carriage rate of S. aureus was found to be 29.3%, and that of MRSA only 0.67% (2/300). The isolates were generally sensitive to antibiotics, except for macrolides. We could observe a noticeably great genetic diversity, even among strains deriving from students of the same university group.
A new dinosaur (Theropoda, Spinosauridae) from the Cretaceous (Cenomanian) Alcântara Formation, Cajual Island, Brazil
Authors: Kellner Alexander WA. , Azevedo Sergio A.K. , Machado Elaine B. , Carvalho Luciana B. de , Henriques Deise D.R.
Published: April 2011

A new spinosaurid taxon, Oxalaia quilombensis gen. et sp. nov., is described based on the anterior part of a snout and a fragment of a maxilla. These specimens were collected at the Laje do Coringa site, Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) of the São Luis Basin. Unlike Cristatusaurus and Suchomimus, Oxalaia quilombensis lacks serrations on the teeth. The new species differs from Angaturama limai by having the anterior part of the premaxillae more expanded and by lacking a sagittal premaxillary crest. It further differs from Spinosaurus cf. S. aegyptiacus and the Algerian spinosaurid by the rounder shape of the terminal expansion. Furthermore, xalaia quilobensis has one functional tooth followed by two replacement teeth, a feature not previously observed in theropods. Oxalaia quilombensis appears to be more closely related to the spinosaurids found in North Africa than to the Brazilian members of this clade and thus further increases the diversity of these enigmatic predatory dinosaurs in this country.
A new small deinonychosaur (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Late Cretaceous of Patagônia, Argentina
Authors: Porfiri Juan D. , Calvo Jorge O. , Santos Domenica dos
Published: April 2011

Here we report on a new small deinonychosaurian theropod, Pamparaptor micros gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Cretaceous of Patagônia, Argentina. Pamparaptor micros exhibits a pedal structure previously unknown among South Américan deinonychosaurians. The new material provides new evidence about the morphology and taxonomic diversity of Patagônian deinonychosaurs. Pamparaptor is the smaller non-avialae Patagônian deinonychosaur, probably with about 0.50-0.70 meters, long. The pedal construction resembles, that of Troodontid or basal Dromaeosaurids. Nevertheless, up to now, we considered Pamparaptor a peculiar Patagônian Dromaeosaurid with troodontid-like pes.
Unenlagiinae revisited: dromaeosaurid theropods from South América
Authors: Gianechini Federico A. , Apesteguia Sebastian
Published: April 2011

Over the past two decades, the record of South American unenlagiine dromaeosaurids was substantially increased both in quantity as well as in quality of specimens. Here is presented a summary review of the South American record for these theropods.Unenlagia comahuensis, Unenlagia paynemili, and Neuquenraptor argentinus come from the Portezuelo Formation, the former genus being the most complete and with putative avian features. Neuquenraptor is more incomplete and exhibits pedal features resembling those of Unenlagia. The earliest and most complete South American dromaeosaurid is Buitreraptor gonzalezoru, whose preserved cranial remains, provides important data in the characterization of unenlagiines. The most recently described,Austroraptor cabazai also with cranial remains, allows further comparisons with Laurasian lineages and a better characterization of unenlagiines. The possible synonymy between nenlagia and Neuquenraptor is discussed. Additional evidences from Brazil and Colombia show that dinosaurs with similar dentition to that of unenlagiines were present in the whole South America. However, it is not possible to discart that these remains may belong to other unknown maniraptoran lineages, considering the increasing number of taxa of this group found in South America.
New evidence of feathers in the Crato Formation supporting a reappraisal on the presence of Aves
Authors: Sayão Juliana M. , Saraiva Antonio A.F. , Uejima Angelica M.K.
Published: April 2011

The preservation of delicate structures such as feathers is very rare in the paleontological record, due to the fragility of their components. Fossil feathers have been reported from approximately 50 deposits around the world, from the Late Jurassic to the Pleistocene. In Brazil initial findings consisted of a primary feather of a large bird found in the Tremembé Formation. Other occurrences are preserved in the Crato Formation, where several symmetrical and one single asymmetrical feather was found. Based on three new specimens and reassessing further feather occurrences we cannot confirm the presence of volant Aves in this deposit. The presence of an asymmetrical feather without barbules and hooks hints at the previous existence of a flightless animal within this deposit, possibly a flightlessness bird or a non-avian theropod. Conversely, the presence of a feather from morphotype II present in Tyrannosauroidea, Compsognathidae, Therizinosauroidea and Dromeosauridae, points to a non-theropod origin. Since there are no confirmed records of birds and other feathered archosaurs in the region to date, more evidence is required to identify the animal from which these structures originated.
A new titanosaur sauropod from the Atacama Desert, Chile
Authors: Kellner Alexander W.A. , Rubilar-Rogers David , Vargas Alexander , Suárez Mario
Published: April 2011

Partial remains of a titanosaur sauropod collected in the Tolar Formation (Upper Cretaceous) at the Atacama Desert (Antofagasta Region), northern Chile, is described, and a new species, Atacamatitan chilensis gen. et sp. nov., is erected. The material consists mainly of dorsal and caudal vertebrae, part of a humerus and a femur. The presence of a titanosaur confirms the Cretaceous age for the outcrops of red sandstone of the Tolar Formation whose age was previously uncertain, ranging from the Upper Cretaceous to the Paleocene. The new specimen represents the most complete dinosaur reported for this region and one of the most complete titanosaur known from Chile and the pacific margin of South America so far.
On a new peirosaurid crocodyliform from the Upper Cretaceous, Bauru Group, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Campos Diogenes A. , Oliveira Gustavo R. , Figueiredo Rodrigo G. , Riff Douglas , Azevedo Sergio A.K. , Carvalho Luciana B. , Kellner Alexander W.A.
Published: April 2011

A new crocodyliform from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian-Maastrichtian) Presidente Prudente Formation of the Bauru Group is described based on two almost complete skulls and mandibles. The material comes from the "Tartaruguito" site, situated at an old railroad between the cities of Pirapozinho and Presidente Prudente, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The new species, Pepesuchus deiseae gen. et sp. nov., is classified in the clade Peirosauridae on the basis of three synapomorphies: the presence of five premaxillary teeth, the anterior two premaxillary alveoli nearly confluent, and the oval cross-section of the jugal along the lower temporal bar. The new taxon increases the outstanding crocodyliform diversity of the Bauru Group, particularly of the Peirosauridae, which might turn out to be one of the most representative clades of gondwanan mesoeucrocodylians.
Recovering missing data: estimating position and size of caudal vertebrae in Staurikosaurus pricei Colbert, 1970
Authors: Grillo Orlando N. , Azevedo Sergio A.K.
Published: April 2011

Missing data is a common problem in paleontology. It makes it difficult to reconstruct extinct taxa accurately and restrains the inclusion of some taxa on comparative and biomechanical studies. Particularly, estimating the position of vertebrae on incomplete series is often non-empirical and does not allow precise estimation of missing parts. In this work we present a method for calculating the position of preserved middle sequences of caudal vertebrae in the saurischian dinosaur Staurikosaurus pricei, based on the length and height of preserved anterior and posterior caudal vertebral centra. Regression equations were used to estimate these dimensions for middle vertebrae and, consequently, to assess the position of the preserved middle sequences. It also allowed estimating these dimensions for non-preserved vertebrae. Results indicate that the preserved caudal vertebrae of Staurikosaurus may correspond to positions 1-3, 5, 7, 14-19/15-20, 24-25/25-26, and 29-47, and that at least 25 vertebrae had transverse processes. Total length of the tail was estimated in 134 cm and total body length was 220-225 cm.
Efeito da estreptozotocina sobre os perfis glicêmico e lipídico e o estresse oxidativo em hamsters
Authors: Silva Maísa , Lima Wanderson Geraldo de , Silva Marcelo Eustáquio , Pedrosa Maria Lucia
Published: April 2011

OBJETIVO: Este estudo avaliou os efeitos da estreptozotocina nos perfis glicêmico e lipídico e marcadores de estresse oxidativo em hamsteres. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Hamsteres machos Golden Syrian foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo diabético (D), que recebeu uma única injeção de estreptozotocina (STZ - 50 mg/kg), e grupo controle (C), que recebeu injeção de tampão citrato. Os animais foram eutanasiados após 10 dias de experimento e o sangue, o fígado e rins foram coletados. RESULTADOS: O grupo diabético apresentou níveis maiores de glicose, triacilgliceróis e colesterol séricos e maior concentração de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARs) no fígado e nos rins. Também apresentou significativo aumento da concentração de glutationa no fígado e menores atividades da paraoxonase e do superóxido dismutase. CONCLUSÃO: Hamsteres fornecem um bom modelo para o diabetes melito do tipo I e estresse oxidativo, similar ao da síndrome humana, e poderão ser adequados para a análise de compostos antidiabéticos.