bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections from an islander
Authors: Larner Wendy
Published: July 2012

This commentary stretches Jamie Peck’s (2012) allegorical account of ‘island life’ by discussing the characteristics of ‘island scholarship’. It argues such scholarship involves an academic style based on bricolage and borrowing, inflected with homegrown innovation and ingenuity. It occupies awkward conceptual spaces that demand conversations across difference, ‘rubbing along together’ without fully understanding or accepting others’ world-views, and accepting that translations always change both the translator and what is being translated.
Racial and Ethnic Profiles of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Young Adults in the United States
Authors: Upchurch Dawn M. , Rainisch Bethany K. Wexler
Published: July 2012

This study describes complementary and alternative medicine use among a national sample of young adults, with an emphasis on characterizing racial and ethnic differences, highlighting variation across subgroups of Hispanics. The authors examined young adults ages 18 to 27 years (n = 14 128) from wave III (2001-2002) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Prevalence estimates and logistic regression results were weighted and adjusted for complex sample design. The study examined recent complementary and alternative medicine use in the past 12 months, recent use for each of 15 specific complementary and alternative medicine modalities, and the 5 most commonly used modalities (herbs, massage, chiropractic, relaxation, and vitamins). Results showed that 29% of young adults aged 18 to 27 years recently used complementary and alternative medicine. Prevalence was highest among Cuban Americans (42%) and lowest among blacks (22%). Young adults used a diversity of complementary and alternative medicine modalities and there were substantial differences in use across racial and ethnic groups.
Varieties of Capitalism in Crisis?
Authors: Bruff Ian , Horn Laura
Published: July 2012

In this introduction to the special issue, we provide a brief overview of the two distinct but connected meanings of the phrase ‘varieties of capitalism in crisis’: (1) the crisis of empirical political economies under conditions of capitalist diversity; and (2) the crisis of the institutionalist approaches dominant within the literatures on capitalist diversity, which have displayed a near-total lack of reflection on the implications of the post-2007 period for the frameworks being employed and the assumptions they are based upon. From this starting point, via a discussion of the papers in the special issue, we consider key aspects of what could constitute an alternative conceptual apparatus: uneven development, variegation, and labour. We conclude by calling for greater dialogue and reflexivity across all of the literatures which study capitalist diversity, for we still have much to learn from each other.
Integration in Crisis: A Regulationist Perspective on the Interaction of European Varieties of Capitalism
Authors: Becker Joachim , Jäger Johannes
Published: July 2012

The whole pattern of European integration is in crisis and important institutional transformations can be observed. It is argued that traditional comparative approaches, such as the Varieties of Capitalism literature, fall short in providing an adequate analytical framework to deal with the European crisis. We propose applying a theoretical framework which allows us to focus on the specific and asymmetric linkages between national economies in combination with a systematic analysis of institutions at different spatial levels. This is provided by a modified and expanded regulation approach. We provide an empirical overview of the different regimes of accumulation and their interaction, and our analysis of the asymmetric interaction helps us to explain the crisis and its dynamics. In addition, we analyse the reactions to the crisis and the consequences in terms of institutional transformations at different spatial levels. Finally, conclusions regarding the dynamics of future political-economic developments in Europe are drawn.
The Asymmetries of European Integration and the Crisis of Capitalism in Portugal
Authors: Rodrigues João , Reis José
Published: July 2012

This article analyses the crisis of Portuguese capitalism within the wider crisis of the Eurozone. Portugal's prolonged economic stagnation, associated with an increasingly dependent and fragile insertion in the Eurozone, can now be seen as an early manifestation of the asymmetries and fractures between the Eurozone's core and its periphery that are now wider and more visible. By focusing on the manifestations of ‘embedded neoliberalism’ in a country of the periphery, the article sheds light on how neoliberal restructuring has made the economic structure increasingly incompatible with the social developments that had previously helped to guarantee its legitimacy. The troika's structural adjustment reveals that this incompatibility is now fully assumed and that, in the absence of social resistance, the brunt of adjustment will be felt by the majority of workers.
Varieties of Capitalism or Dependency? A Critique of the VoC Approach for Latin America
Authors: Ebenau Matthias
Published: July 2012

This article critically discusses the recent enlargement of the ‘Varieties of Capitalism’ (VoC) approach to Latin America as an attempt to come to terms with the persistence of transnational socioeconomic inequalities. It finds that the VoC approach largely fails to deliver a convincing analysis and, by implication, to inform political strategies capable of overcoming them. Through an engagement with the VoC approach's foundational theoretical body and the new ‘hierarchical market economies’ ideal-type, three main analytical shortcomings are identified: (1) the approach's functionalist firm-centrism; (2) its methodological nationalism; and (3) its fundamental ahistoricism. By way of conclusion, the article proposes an alternative perspective on transnational inequalities which is centred on classical dependency approaches but also combined with insights from geographical political economy, among others.
Small Nordic Countries and Globalization: Analysing Norwegian Exceptionalism
Authors: Bieler Andreas
Published: July 2012

This article analyses the reasons for the continuation of the Norwegian consensual model of capitalism with its strong focus on collective bargaining and a universal public sector. Two main causes are identified. First, capital in Norway is characterized by the predominance of small and medium-sized companies and, as a result, is comparatively weak. Second, the agency of labour has been decisive and trade unions are still able to balance the structural power of Norwegian employers. Prior to the 2005 elections, trade unions adopted a more independent position from the Labour Party, and the Campaign for the Welfare State broadened the social basis for the maintenance of the public sector by bringing together trade unions and social movements. As a result, the Labour Party moved towards the left and continued to support traditional social democratic achievements such as the universal public sector and a strong role for trade unions in economic and social policy making.
The Restructuring of the Nordic Labour Process and the Variegated Status of Workers in the Labour Market
Authors: Sippola Markku
Published: July 2012

New dynamics of the division of work and employment relations are emerging in the Nordic labour market. The use of flexi-time and agency and posted workers, typically of foreign origin, is becoming more widespread. Simultaneously, certain parts of manufacturing and construction processes are being standardized and relocated abroad. The present analysis reveals that there is a new regime emerging, intertwined with the international disintegration of production, which relies upon the inequality of different parts of the labour process and ‘spaces of exception’ and is rendered possible by European Union provisions of free movement of services. Hence, the Finnish — and the Nordic — consensual labour market model is under attack. Although it is too early to draw conclusions as to whether Finland has turned into a more ‘free-market’ model, the crucial question is the extent to which negotiations on labour relations remain in the grasp of labour unions in the coming years.
The Euro: Crisis and Collapse?
Authors: Meadway James
Published: July 2012

By the end of the last decade, the European project appeared secure. Monetary union had been successfully negotiated and Eurozone members who had previously lagged, like Greece and Ireland, had sustained high rates of growth since their entry to the single currency in 1999. It did not seem ridiculous for a former foreign policy advisor to Tony Blair, Mark Leonard, to tell us in breathless style Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century (2005) . Citing Europe's new synthesis of social democracy's concern for welfare with the liberalism's support for freedom, Leonard happily forecast the spread of the European model to the rest of the world. That vision, needless to say, now lies in ruins. Europe, both as a constellation of supranational institutions making up the European Union, and as a collection of different nation states, is in a deep, and deepening, crisis. For the last eighteen months, its political leaders have met with increasing frequency to offer a succession of failed solutions, with the gap between the summit's final statement of intent and its collapse seemingly shrinking on every occasion. The malaise looks incurable.
The Economic Geography of Financing Clean Energy Technologies
Authors: Knight Eric
Published: July 2012

This article seeks to describe the geography of clean tech investment which has emerged in recent years in the USA and the UK. An empirical approach was used, relying on close-dialogue interviews with senior investment managers in both markets. The article draws three conclusions. First, clean tech investment is often strongly influenced by physical geography, particularly in the area of renewable energy technologies. Second, regulatory settings play a strong role in the flow of investment. Third, capital flows unevenly between the different stages of technological maturity in clean energy products — a phenomenon which has been described as the ‘valley of death’ financing gap.
Determine optimal annealing temperature of Fe based nanocrystalline alloys from their melting point
Authors: Yang W M , Liu H S , Dun C C , Zhao Y C , Dou L M
Published: July 2012

The dependence of permeability and grain size on annealing temperature was investigated, and a corresponding model was proposed. A surprising phenomenon wherein the grain size first decreases and then increases with increasing annealing temperature was analysed and explained by using this model. Moreover, it was also found that excellent soft magnetic properties were obtained when annealed at temperature near 0·6 times that of the melting point. Theoretical analysis results are in excellent agreement with experiments.
Experimental and simulation approach to plasma spray deposition of yttrium oxide
Authors: Thiyagarajan T K , Ananthapadmanabhan P V , Sreekumar K P , Chakravarthy Y , Das A K , Gantayet L M , Selvan B , Ramachandran K
Published: July 2012

Plasma sprayed coatings of yttrium oxide, exhibiting good adhesion and thermal shock resistance, were developed on various substrates using thermal spray grade yttrium oxide powder developed in our laboratory. Numerical simulation of particle behaviour in the thermal plasma jet was combined with experimental method to develop the coatings. Phase structure and microstructural characterisation of the deposits were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Deposition efficiencies and adhesion strength of the coatings deposited at different power levels could be well explained with the predictions provided by the model. The process was optimised using deposition efficiency as the response parameter.
Influence of scratch damage to S phase coated and uncoated orthopaedic grade stainless steel on wear of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Figueiredo-Pina C G , Dearnley P A
Published: July 2012

The aim of the present paper was to quantify the significance of uncoated and S phase coated medical grade stainless steel (MGSS) surfaces with simulated scratch dimensions, akin to those generated in vivo, on the overall ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear factor, i.e. to establish whether or not scratch lips generated under physiologically relevant loading conditions serve to augment the overall wear factor produced by the mean plate asperity heights of the polished metallic counter surfaces. A 29% increase in UHMWPE wear factor was produced when sliding against non-scratched N19 S phase coated MGSS compared to those obtained when apposing uncoated MGSS. This was attributed to the tested coated surfaces having ∼1·7 times more microasperities per 50 μm test length in the direction of sliding contact compared to the uncoated surfaces. A validated experimental procedure for creating scratched metallic surfaces with dimensions (lip heights and groove depths) towards the upper bound of those observed on MGSS explants was used to show that a critical minimum threshold scratch lip height must be reached before it influences the UHMWPE wear factor beyond that due to the interaction with the microasperities alone. The N19 S phase coating effectively reduced the potential detrimental effect of prior scratching by suppressing the height of attainable scratch lip heights, i.e. a mean lip height of 0·23±0·09 μm produced on the N19 S phase coated MGSS was insufficient to alter the mean UHMWPE wear rate, whereas the larger mean scratch lip height of 1·28±0·29 μm produced on the uncoated MGSS caused an increase in the mean UHMWPE wear factor by ∼34%. In addition, two types of UHMWPE wear morphology were identified. Type A comprised wave-like or rippled areas, while type B zones had a less regular roughness. Both zones contained plate-like features (flakes), which are one possible origin of UHMWPE debris. The extent of type A formation was qualitatively observed to increase with increasing UHMWPE wear factor.
Electrodeposition of CdZn coatings based on deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Gao Y S , Hu W C , Gao X Q , Duan B X
Published: July 2012

Cadmium–zinc alloy coatings were successfully electrodeposited on copper electrodes from a choline chloride–ethylene glycol deep eutectic solvent containing CdCl2 and ZnCl2. The electrochemical behaviour of the electrolyte system was investigated via linear sweep voltammetry, and the result revealed that the CdZn alloy was codeposited when the deposition potential was prolonged to the potential range, leading to the insufficient zinc deposition on the copper electrode. The scanning electron microscopy results demonstrated that the morphologies of codeposits were cauliflower-like. The codeposition mechanism was also investigated, and the dependencies of the Cd content in the CdZn codeposit on the deposition potential, Cd(II) molar ratio and temperature were discussed.
Corrosion resistance and electrocatalytic properties of Co–W alloy coatings
Authors: Bodaghi A , Hosseini J
Published: July 2012

Corrosion behaviour of Co–W coatings deposited on copper substrates was studied in 3·5 wt-% NaCl aqueous solution using polarisation technique. The physicochemical characterisation of the alloy coatings was studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis techniques. The study revealed the extent of shift in corrosion potential towards the noble direction and the decrease in corrosion current density for Co–W coatings. Among the various Co–W coatings studied here, the Co78·5W21·5 coating presented the best corrosion behaviour and superior corrosion potential compared to pure cobalt coating. In addition, their catalytic activity towards methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium was assessed by cyclic voltammetry technique. In cyclic voltammetry studies, Co–21·5 wt-%W electrode shows a significantly higher response for methanol oxidation than pure cobalt electrode.
Fabrication of TiC reinforced Ni based coating by laser cladding
Authors: Liu Y H , Li J , Xuan F Z
Published: July 2012

TiC reinforced Ni based coating on Ti–6Al–4V was produced by laser cladding using colloidal graphite powder and pure nickel powder. The microstructure was characterised by SEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Microhardness and dry sliding wear properties were investigated, and the results showed that diffusion of the substrate atoms had caused significant in situ growth of TiC and solid solution strengthening in the coating. TiC was polyhedron and petaline shaped. After laser cladding, the microhardness profile presented novel changes with depth in the coating. The TiC reinforced Ni based coating had good wear resistance on ball on disc dry sliding wear testing. Abrasive wear was the main mechanism.
Chronic estradiol treatment reduces platelet responses and protects mice from thromboembolism through the hematopoietic estrogen receptor α
Authors: Valéra Marie-Cécile , Gratacap Marie-Pierre , Gourdy Pierre , Lenfant Françoise , Cabou Cendrine , Toutain Celine E. , Marcellin Marlene , Saint Laurent Nathalie , Sié Pierre , Sixou Michel , Arnal Jean-François , Payrastre Bernard
Published: July 2012

Although estrogens are known to have a deleterious effect on the venous thrombosis risk and a preventive action on the development of arterial atheroma, their effect on platelet function in vivo remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that a chronic high physiologic level of estradiol (E2) in mice leads to a marked decrease in platelet responsiveness ex vivo and in vivo compared with ovariectomized controls. E2 treatment led to increased bleeding time and a resistance to thromboembolism. Hematopoietic chimera mice harboring a selective deletion of estrogen receptors (ERs) α or β were used to demonstrate that the effects of E2 were exclusively because of hematopoietic ERα. Within ERα the activation function-1 domain was not required for resistance to thromboembolism, as was previously shown for atheroprotection. This domain is mandatory for E2-mediated reproductive function and suggests that this role is controlled independently. Differential proteomics indicated that E2 treatment modulated the expression of platelet proteins including β1 tubulin and a few other proteins that may impact platelet production and activation. Overall, these data demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for E2 in regulating the platelet proteome and platelet function, and point to new potential antithrombotic and vasculoprotective therapeutic strategies.
Deletion of cognate CD8 T cells by immature dendritic cells: a novel role for perforin, granzyme A, TREM-1, and TLR7
Authors: Zangi Lior , Zlotnikov Klionsky Yael , Yarimi Liran , Bachar-Lustig Esther , Eidelstein Yaki , Shezen Elias , Hagin David , Ito Yumi , Takai Toshiyuki , Reich-Zeliger Shlomit , Lask Assaf , Milstein Oren , Jung Steffen , Shinder Vera , Reisner Yair
Published: July 2012

Immature dendritic cells (imDCs) can have a tolerizing effect under normal conditions or after transplantation. However, because of the significant heterogeneity of this cell population, it is extremely difficult to study the mechanisms that mediate the tolerance induced or to harness the application of imDCs for clinical use. In the present study, we describe the generation of a highly defined population of imDCs from hematopoietic progenitors and the direct visualization of the fate of TCR-transgenic alloreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after encountering cognate or noncognate imDCs. Whereas CD4+ T cells were deleted via an MHC-independent mechanism through the NO system, CD8+ T-cell deletion was found to occur through a unique MHC-dependent, perforin-based killing mechanism involving activation of TLR7 and signaling through Triggering Receptor-1 Expressed on Myeloid cells (TREM-1). This novel subpopulation of perforin-expressing imDCs was also detected in various lymphoid tissues in normal animals and its frequency was markedly enhanced after GM-CSF administration.
Clinical characteristics and outcome of refractory/relapsed myeloid leukemia in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Taga Takashi , Saito Akiko Moriya , Kudo Kazuko , Tomizawa Daisuke , Terui Kiminori , Moritake Hiroshi , Kinoshita Akitoshi , Iwamoto Shotaro , Nakayama Hideki , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Tawa Akio , Shimada Akira , Taki Tomohiko , Kigasawa Hisato , Koh Katsuyoshi , Adachi Souichi
Published: July 2012

Myeloid leukemia in Down syndrome (ML-DS) is associated with good response to chemotherapy and favorable prognosis. Because little research has been focused on refractory/relapsed (R/R) cases, we conducted a retrospective analysis for R/R ML-DS. Among ML-DS patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 in Japan, 26 relapsed (25 in the BM and 1 in the skin), and 3 refractory patients were enrolled. The male/female ratio was 18/11. The median age at initial diagnosis of ML-DS was 2 years, and the median time to relapse was 8.6 months. Each patient initially had been treated with ML-DS–specific protocols. Thirteen of the 26 patients achieved complete remission with various kinds of reinduction chemotherapies; 2 of 8 survived without further recurrence after receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and 4 of 5 maintained complete remissions with chemotherapy alone. Treatment failures mostly were associated with disease progression rather than treatment-related toxicities. The 3-year OS rate was 25.9% ± 8.5%. A longer duration from initial diagnosis to relapse was a significant favorable prognostic factor (P < .0001). We conclude that clinical outcome for patients with R/R ML-DS generally are unfavorable, even in those receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Novel methods to identify poor prognostic factors for ML-DS are necessary.
Complete genome sequence of Enterococcus faecium strain TX16 and comparative genomic analysis of Enterococcus faecium genomes
Authors: Qin Xiang , Galloway-Peña Jessica R , Sillanpaa Jouko , Roh Jung Hyeob , Nallapareddy Sreedhar R , Chowdhury Shahreen , Bourgogne Agathe , Choudhury Tina , Muzny Donna M , Buhay Christian J , Ding Yan , Dugan-Rocha Shannon , Liu Wen , Kovar Christie , Sodergren Erica , Highlander Sarah , Petrosino Joseph F , Worley Kim C , Gibbs Richard A , Weinstock George M , Murray Barbara E
Published: July 2012

Background

Enterococci are among the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections in the United States and Europe, with Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium being the two most common species isolated from enterococcal infections. In the last decade, the proportion of enterococcal infections caused by E. faecium has steadily increased compared to other Enterococcus species. Although the underlying mechanism for the gradual replacement of E. faecalis by E. faecium in the hospital environment is not yet understood, many studies using genotyping and phylogenetic analysis have shown the emergence of a globally dispersed polyclonal subcluster of E. faecium strains in clinical environments. Systematic study of the molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of E. faecium has been hindered by the lack of closed, complete E. faecium genomes that can be used as references.

Results

In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of the E. faecium strain TX16, also known as DO, which belongs to multilocus sequence type (ST) 18, and was the first E. faecium strain ever sequenced. Whole genome comparison of the TX16 genome with 21 E. faecium draft genomes confirmed that most clinical, outbreak, and hospital-associated (HA) strains (including STs 16, 17, 18, and 78), in addition to strains of non-hospital origin, group in the same clade (referred to as the HA clade) and are evolutionally considerably more closely related to each other by phylogenetic and gene content similarity analyses than to isolates in the community-associated (CA) clade with approximately a 3–4% average nucleotide sequence difference between the two clades at the core genome level. Our study also revealed that many genomic loci in the TX16 genome are unique to the HA clade. 380 ORFs in TX16 are HA-clade specific and antibiotic resistance genes are enriched in HA-clade strains. Mobile elements such as IS16 and transposons were also found almost exclusively in HA strains, as previously reported.

Conclusions

Our findings along with other studies show that HA clonal lineages harbor specific genetic elements as well as sequence differences in the core genome which may confer selection advantages over the more heterogeneous CA E. faecium isolates. Which of these differences are important for the success of specific E. faecium lineages in the hospital environment remain(s) to be determined.
Combined rpo B duplex PCR and hsp65 PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism with capillary electrophoresis as an effective algorithm for identification of Mycobacterial species from clinical isolates
Authors: Huang Chen-Cheng , Chen Jiann-Hwa , Hu Shiau-Ting , Chiou Chien-Shun , Huang Wei-Chang , Hsu Jeng-Yuan , Lu Jang-Jih , Shen Gwan-Han
Published: July 2012

Background

Mycobacteria can be quickly and simply identified by PCR restriction-enzyme analysis (PRA), but misidentification can occur because of similarities in band sizes that are critical for discriminating among species. Capillary electrophoresis can provide computer-aided band discrimination. The aim of this research was to develop an algorithm for identifying mycobacteria by combined rpo B duplex PRA (DPRA) and hsp65 PRA with capillary electrophoresis.

Results

Three hundred and seventy-six acid-fast bacillus smear-positive BACTEC cultures, including 200 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complexes (MTC) and 176 non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) were analyzed. With combined hsp65 and rpo B DPRA, the accuracy rate was 100% (200 isolates) for the MTC and 91.4% (161 isolates) for the NTM. Among the discordant results (8.6%) for the NTM, one isolate of Mycobacterial species and an isolate of M. flavescens were found as new sub-types in hsp65 PRA.

Conclusions

This effective and novel identification algorithm using combined rpo B DPRA and hsp65 PRA with capillary electrophoresis can rapidly identify mycobacteria and find new sub-types in hsp65 PRA. In addition, it is complementary to 16 S rDNA sequencing.
Identification of three MAPKKKs forming a linear signaling pathway leading to programmed cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Hashimoto Masayoshi , Komatsu Ken , Maejima Kensaku , Okano Yukari , Shiraishi Takuya , Ishikawa Kazuya , Takinami Yusuke , Yamaji Yasuyuki , Namba Shigetou
Published: July 2012

Background

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is an evolutionarily ancient mechanism of signal transduction found in eukaryotic cells. In plants, MAPK cascades are associated with responses to various abiotic and biotic stresses such as plant pathogens. MAPK cascades function through sequential phosphorylation: MAPK kinase kinases (MAPKKKs) phosphorylate MAPK kinases (MAPKKs), and phosphorylated MAPKKs phosphorylate MAPKs. Of these three types of kinase, the MAPKKKs exhibit the most divergence in the plant genome. Their great diversity is assumed to allow MAPKKKs to regulate many specific signaling pathways in plants despite the relatively limited number of MAPKKs and MAPKs. Although some plant MAPKKKs, including the MAPKKKα of Nicotiana benthamiana (NbMAPKKKα), are known to play crucial roles in plant defense responses, the functional relationship among MAPKKK genes is poorly understood. Here, we performed a comparative functional analysis of MAPKKKs to investigate the signaling pathway leading to the defense response.

Results

We cloned three novel MAPKKK genes from N. benthamiana: NbMAPKKKβ, NbMAPKKKγ, and NbMAPKKKε2. Transient overexpression of full-length NbMAPKKKβ or NbMAPKKKγ or their kinase domains in N. benthamiana leaves induced hypersensitive response (HR)-like cell death associated with hydrogen peroxide production. This activity was dependent on the kinase activity of the overexpressed MAPKKK. In addition, virus-induced silencing of NbMAPKKKβ or NbMAPKKKγ expression significantly suppressed the induction of programmed cell death (PCD) by viral infection. Furthermore, in epistasis analysis of the functional relationships among NbMAPKKKβ, NbMAPKKKγ, and NbMAPKKKα (previously shown to be involved in plant defense responses) conducted by combining transient overexpression analysis and virus-induced gene silencing, silencing of NbMAPKKKα suppressed cell death induced by the overexpression of the NbMAPKKKβ kinase domain or of NbMAPKKKγ, but silencing of NbMAPKKKβ failed to suppress cell death induced by the overexpression of NbMAPKKKα or NbMAPKKKγ. Silencing of NbMAPKKKγ suppressed cell death induced by the NbMAPKKKβ kinase domain but not that induced by NbMAPKKKα.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that in addition to NbMAPKKKα, NbMAPKKKβ and NbMAPKKKγ also function as positive regulators of PCD. Furthermore, these three MAPKKKs form a linear signaling pathway leading to PCD; this pathway proceeds from NbMAPKKKβ to NbMAPKKKγ to NbMAPKKKα.
A novel multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for profile analyses of gene expression in peripheral blood
Authors: Jia Xingwang , Ju Haiyue , Yang Li , Tian Yaping
Published: July 2012

Background

Studies have demonstrated that inflammation has a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis due to the abnormal gene expressions of multiple cytokines. We established an accurate and precise method to observe gene expression in whole blood that might provide specific diagnostic information for coronary artery disease (CAD) and other related diseases.

Methods

The fifteen selected CAD-related genes (IL1B, IL6, IL8, IFNG, MCP-1, VWF, MTHFR, SELL, TNFalpha, ubiquitin, MCSF, ICAM1, ID2, HMOX1 and LDLR) and two housekeeping genes (ACTB and GK) as internal references have been measured simultaneously with a newly developed multiplex polymerase chain reaction (multi-PCR) method. Moreover, the precision was evaluated, and a procedure for distinguishing patients from the normal population has been developed based upon analyses of peripheral blood. A total of 148 subjects were divided into group A (control group without plaques), group B (calcified plaques) and group C (non-calcified plaques, and combination group) according dual-source CT criteria. Gene expression in blood was analyzed by multi-PCR, and levels of glucose and lipids measured in 50 subjects to explore the relationship among them.

Results

The precision results of the multi-PCR system revealed within-run and between-run CV values of 3.695–12.537% and 4.405–13.405%, respectively. The profiles of cytokine gene expression in peripheral blood were set: a positive correlation between glucose and MCSF, HMOX1 or TNFalpha were found. We also found that triglyceride levels were negatively correlated with SELL gene expression in 50 subjects. Compared with controls, gene expression levels of IL1B, IL6, IL8 and MCP-1 increased significantly in group C.

Conclusions

A new multiple gene expression analysis system has been developed. The primary data suggested that gene expression was related to CAD. This system might be used for risk assessment of CVDs and other related diseases.
Lower serum prohepcidin levels associated with lower iron and erythropoietin requirements in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Caliskan Yasar , Yelken Berna , Ozkok Abdullah , Gorgulu Numan , Yazici Halil , Telci Aysegul , Yildiz Alaattin
Published: July 2012

Background

Patients with chronic HCV infection have increased liver iron. Recently identified protein hepcidin synthesized in the liver, is thought to be a key regulator for iron homeostasis and is induced by infection and inflammation. Lower erythropoietin and iron supplementation requirements were previously reported in HD patients with HCV infection. We investigated the association of prohepcidin with inflammation and iron parameters in HD patients with and without chronic HCV infection.

Methods

Sixty patients (27 male, 33 female, mean age 50 ±15 years) on chronic HD were included. Parameters related to iron metabolism (ferritin, serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC)), inflammation (hs-CRP, TNF-α and IL-6) and prohepcidin levels were measured. The response to treatment (erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) resistance index) was assessed from the ratio of the weekly erythropoietin (rhuEPO) dose to hemoglobin (Hb) per unit weight.

Results

Serum prohepcidin levels of HCV positive patients (135 ± 25 ng/mL) were significantly lower than HCV negative patients [148 ± 18 ng/mL, (p = 0.025)]. Serum IL-6 levels of HCV positive patients were also significantly lower than HCV negative patients (p = 0.016). Serum prohepcidin levels were positively correlated with ferritin (r = 0.405, p = 0.001) and IL-6 (r = 0.271, p = 0.050) levels in HD patients. In the HCV positive group, serum prohepcidin levels significantly correlated with ferritin levels (r = 0.514 p = 0.004). In the HCV negative group, serum prohepcidin levels significantly correlated with serum IL-6 levels (r = 0.418, p = 0.027). In multiple regression analysis performed to predict prohepcidin in HCV positive patients, serum ferritin was found to be an independent variable (r = 0.28, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

HCV positive HD patients have low levels of serum prohepcidin and IL-6 which might account for iron accumulation together with lower iron and rhuEPO requirements in these patients.
In vitro Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Activity of Root Extract/Fractions of Eurycoma longifolia Jack
Authors: Kavitha Nowroji , Noordin Rahmah , Chan Kit-Lam , Sasidharan Sreenivasan
Published: July 2012

Background

Toxoplasma gondii infection causes toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease with worldwide prevalence. The limited efficiency of drugs against this infection, their side effects and the potential appearance of resistant strains make the search of novel drugs an essential need. We examined Eurycoma longifolia root extract and fractions as potential sources of new compounds with high activity and low toxicity. The main goal of this study was to investigate the anti-T. gondii activity of crude extract (TACME) and four fractions (TAF 273, TAF 355, TAF 191 and TAF 401) from E. longifolia, with clindamycin as the positive control.

Methods

In vitro toxoplasmacidal evaluation was performed using Vero cells as host for T. gondii. Light microscopy technique was used to study in situ antiparasitic activity.

Results

Significant anti-T. gondii activity was observed with clindamycin (EC50 = 0.016 μg/ml), follow by TAF 355 (EC50 = 0.369 μg/ml) and TAF 401 (EC50 = 0.882 μg/ml). Light microscopy revealed that most Vero cells were infected after 3 h of exposure to T. gondii. After 36 h of exposure to the E. longifolia fraction, the host Vero cells showed no visible intracellular parasite and no remarkable morphological changes.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that TAF 355 and TAF401 fractions may be the sources of new anti-T. gondii compounds.
Quantification of the internalization patterns of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with opposite charge
Authors: Schweiger Christoph , Hartmann Raimo , Zhang Feng , Parak Wolfgang J , Kissel Thomas H , Rivera_Gil Pilar
Published: July 2012

Time-resolved quantitative colocalization analysis is a method based on confocal fluorescence microscopy allowing for a sophisticated characterization of nanomaterials with respect to their intracellular trafficking. This technique was applied to relate the internalization patterns of nanoparticles i.e. superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with distinct physicochemical characteristics with their uptake mechanism, rate and intracellular fate.

The physicochemical characterization of the nanoparticles showed particles of approximately the same size and shape as well as similar magnetic properties, only differing in charge due to different surface coatings. Incubation of the cells with both nanoparticles resulted in strong differences in the internalization rate and in the intracellular localization depending on the charge. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of nanoparticles-organelle colocalization experiments revealed that positively charged particles were found to enter the cells faster using different endocytotic pathways than their negative counterparts. Nevertheless, both nanoparticles species were finally enriched inside lysosomal structures and their efficiency in agarose phantom relaxometry experiments was very similar.

This quantitative analysis demonstrates that charge is a key factor influencing the nanoparticle-cell interactions, specially their intracellular accumulation. Despite differences in their physicochemical properties and intracellular distribution, the efficiencies of both nanoparticles as MRI agents were not significantly different.
Neonatal diabetes mellitus and congenital diaphragmatic hernia: coincidence or concurrent etiology?
Authors: Topiol Emmanuelle S , Minarich Laurie A , Williams Charles A , Zori Roberto T , Kays David W , Haller Michael J
Published: July 2012

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare metabolic disorder, affecting approximately 1 in 500,000 live births. The management of NDM is challenging, as the benefits of controlling hyperglycemia must be balanced with the risks of iatrogenic hypoglycemia. NDM occurs in both permanent and transient forms, which have been genetically and phenotypically well characterized. Herein, we present the previously unreported combination of transient NDM (TNDM) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). In addition to reviewing the management and genetics of NDM we discuss the potential for overlapping genetic or embryologic abnormalities to explain the concurrence of CDH and NDM.
Pre-infection physical exercise decreases mortality and stimulates neurogenesis in bacterial meningitis
Authors: Liebetanz David , Gerber Joachim , Schiffner Christina , Schütze Sandra , Klinker Florian , Jarry Hubertus , Nau Roland , Tauber Simone C
Published: July 2012

Physical exercise has been shown to increase neurogenesis, to decrease neuronal injury and to improve memory in animal models of stroke and head trauma. Therefore, we investigated the effect of voluntary wheel running on survival, neuronal damage and cell proliferation in a mouse model of pneumococcal meningitis. Mice were housed in cages equipped with voluntary running wheels or in standard cages before induction of bacterial meningitis by a subarachnoid injection of a Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3 strain. 24 hours later antibiotic treatment was initiated with ceftriaxone (100 mg/kg twice daily). Experiments were terminated either 30 hours or 4 days (short-term) or 7 weeks (long-term) after infection, and the survival time, inflammatory cytokines and corticosterone levels, neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation and the cognitive function were evaluated in surviving mice. Survival time was significantly increased in running mice compared to control animals (p = 0.0087 in short-term and p = 0.016 in long-term experiments, log-rank test). At the end of the long-term experiment, mortality was lower in trained than in sedentary animals (p = 0.031, Fisher’s Exact test). Hippocampal neurogenesis – assessed by the density of doublecortin-, TUC-4- and BrdU + NeuN-colabeled cells - was significantly increased in running mice in comparison to the sedentary group after meningitis. However, Morris water maze performance of both groups 6 weeks after bacterial meningitis did not reveal differences in learning ability. In conclusion, physical exercise prior to infection increased survival in a mouse model of bacterial meningitis and stimulated neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation.
Nutritional regulation of genome-wide association obesity genes in a tissue-dependent manner
Authors: Yoganathan Piriya , Karunakaran Subashini , Ho Maggie M , Clee Susanne M
Published: July 2012

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have recently identified several new genetic variants associated with obesity. The majority of the variants are within introns or between genes, suggesting they affect gene expression, although it is not clear which of the nearby genes they affect. Understanding the regulation of these genes will be key to determining the role of these variants in the development of obesity and will provide support for a role of these genes in the development of obesity.

Methods

We examined the expression of 19 GWAS obesity genes in the brain and specifically the hypothalamus, adipose tissue and liver of mice by real-time quantitative PCR. To determine whether these genes are nutritionally regulated, as may be expected for genes affecting obesity, we compared tissues from fasting and non-fasting animals and tissues from mice consuming a high fat high sucrose diet in comparison to standard rodent chow.

Results

We found complex, tissue-dependent patterns of nutritional regulation of most of these genes. For example, Bat2 expression was increased ~10-fold in the brain of fed mice but was lower or unchanged in the hypothalamus and adipose tissue. Kctd15 expression was upregulated in the hypothalamus, brain and adipose tissue of fed mice and downregulated by high fat feeding in liver, adipose tissue and the hypothalamus but not the remainder of the brain. Sh2b1 expression in the brain and Faim2 expression in adipose tissue were specifically increased >20-fold in fed mice. Tmem18 expression in adipose tissue but not the brain was reduced 80% by high fat feeding. Few changes in the expression of these genes were observed in liver.

Conclusions

These data show nutritional regulation of nearly all these GWAS obesity genes, particularly in the brain and adipose tissue, and provide support for their role in the development of obesity. The complex patterns of nutritional and tissue-dependent regulation also highlight the difficulty that may be encountered in determining how the GWAS genetic variants affect gene expression and consequent obesity risk in humans where access to tissues is constrained.
Layer 6 cortical neurons require Reelin-Dab1 signaling for cellular orientation, Golgi deployment, and directed neurite growth into the marginal zone
Authors: O’Dell Ryan S , Ustine Candida J M , Cameron David A , Lawless Sean M , Williams Rebecca M , Zipfel Warren R , Olson Eric C
Published: July 2012

Background

The secreted ligand Reelin is believed to regulate the translocation of prospective layer 6 (L6) neocortical neurons into the preplate, a loose layer of pioneer neurons that overlies the ventricular zone. Recent studies have also suggested that Reelin controls neuronal orientation and polarized dendritic growth during this period of early cortical development. To explicitly characterize and quantify how Reelin controls this critical aspect of neurite initiation and growth we used a new ex utero explant model of early cortical development to selectively label a subset of L6 cortical neurons for complete 3-D reconstruction.

Results

The total neurite arbor sizes of neurons in Reelin-deficient (reeler mutant) and Dab1-deficient (Reelin-non-responsive scrambler mutant) cortices were quantified and unexpectedly were not different than control arbor lengths (p = 0.51). For each mutant, however, arbor organization was markedly different: mutant neurons manifested more primary processes (neurites emitted directly from the soma) than wild type, and these neurites were longer and displayed less branching. Reeler and scrambler mutant neurites extended tangentially rather than radially, and the Golgi apparatus that normally invests the apical neurite was compact in both reeler and scrambler mutants. Mutant cortices also exhibited a neurite “exclusion zone” which was relatively devoid of L6 neuron neurites and extended at least 15 μm beneath the pial surface, an area corresponding to the marginal zone (MZ) in the wild type explants. The presence of an exclusion zone was also indicated in the orientation of mutant primary neurite and neuronal somata, which failed to adopt angles within ~20˚ of the radial line to the pial surface. Injection of recombinant Reelin to reeler, but not scrambler, mutant cortices fully rescued soma orientation, Golgi organization, and dendritic projection defects within four hrs.

Conclusions

These findings indicate Reelin promotes directional dendritic growth into the MZ, an otherwise exclusionary zone for L6 neurites.
Ulnar nerve injury after a comminuted fracture of the humeral shaft from a high-velocity accident: a case report
Authors: Pathak Ritesh , Kalakoti Piyush , Prasad Duppala Venkateswara , Peeyuusha Duppala , Sharma Ragav
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Injury to the ulnar nerve following humerus shaft fracture is a very rare entity because the ulnar nerve is well protected from the bone by muscle and soft tissue, and thus remains unaffected in these fractures. We report what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of ulnar nerve injury due to a comminuted humeral shaft fracture. The injury manifested and was diagnosed the day after a high-velocity accident. The paucity of related literature and the necessity for early diagnosis and subsequent treatment of such injuries in high-velocity accidents urged us to document this case.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old Indian man presented to our Emergency Department after a road traffic accident. Our patient complained of right arm pain and the inability to move his extremity. The following morning he developed clawing. Nerve conduction studies on the peripheral nerves of his arm in addition to an X-ray confirmed the diagnosis of a possible injury to the ulnar nerve. Our patient was taken to our Operating Room for surgery, during which a fragment of bone was found abutting the ulnar nerve after penetrating his triceps. This fragment of bone was replaced and the fracture was reduced by open reduction and internal fixation using a dynamic compression plate and screws. Postoperatively, our patient received physical therapy and was discharged two weeks after surgery with no neurological deficit.

Conclusions

This case emphasizes the urgency and importance of careful neurological examination of all the peripheral nerves supplying the arm in patients with a fracture of the shaft of the humerus. In the setting of injury to the arm in high-velocity accidents, a differential diagnosis of ulnar nerve injury should always be considered.