bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The proteomic analysis of endogenous FAT10 substrates identifies p62/SQSTM1 as a substrate of FAT10ylation
Authors: Aichem Annette , Kalveram Birte , Spinnenhirn Valentina , Kluge Kathrin , Catone Nicola , Johansen Terje , Groettrup Marcus
Published: July 2012

FAT10 is a ubiquitin-like modifier proposed to function in apoptosis induction, cell cycle control, and NF-kB activation. Upon induction by pro-inflammatory cytokines, hundreds of endogenous substrates become covalently conjugated to FAT10 leading to their proteasomal degradation. Nevertheless, only three substrates have been identified so far to which FAT10 becomes covalently attached via a non-reducible isopeptide bond and these are the FAT10 conjugating enzyme USE1 which auto-FAT10ylates itself in cis, the tumor suppressor p53, and the ubiquitin activating enzyme UBE1 (UBA1). To identify additional FAT10 substrates and interaction partners, we used a new monoclonal FAT10-specific antibody to immunopurify endogenous FAT10 conjugates from interferon (IFN)γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α stimulated cells for identification by mass spectrometry. In addition to two already known FAT10-interacting proteins, histone deacetylase 6 and UBA6, we identified 569 novel FAT10 interacting proteins involved in different functional pathways such as autophagy, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and cancer. 31% of all identified proteins were categorized as putative covalently linked substrates. One of the identified proteins, the autophagosomal receptor p62/SQSTM1, was further investigated. p62 becomes covalently mono-FAT10ylated at several lysines, and FAT10 co-localizes with p62 in p62 bodies. Strikingly, FAT10ylation of p62 leads to its proteasomal degradation and prolonged induction of endogenous FAT10 expression by pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to a decrease of endogenous p62. The elucidation of the FAT10 degradome should enable a better understanding of why FAT10 has evolved as an additional transferable tag for proteasomal degradation.
Kinome profiling of non-canonical TRAIL signaling reveals RIP1-Src-STAT3 dependent invasion in resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Azijli Kaamar , Yuvaraj Saravanan , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Würdinger Thomas , Dekker Henk , Joore Jos , van Dijk Evert , Quax Wim J. , Peters Godefridus J. , de Jong Steven , Kruyt Frank A. E.
Published: July 2012

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) triggers apoptosis selectively in tumor cells through interaction with TRAIL-R1/DR4 or TRAIL-R2/DR5 and is considered a promising avenue in cancer treatment. TRAIL resistance, however, is frequently encountered and hampers anti-cancer activity. Here we show that whereas H460 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells display canonical TRAIL-dependent apoptosis, A549 and SW1573 NSCLC cells are TRAIL resistant and display pro-tumorigenic activity, in particular invasion, following TRAIL treatment. We exploit this situation to contrast TRAIL effects on the kinome of apoptosis-sensitive cells to that of NSCLC cells in which non-canonical effects predominate, employing peptide arrays displaying 1,024 different kinase pseudosubstrates more or less comprehensively covering the human kinome. We observed that failure of a therapeutic response to TRAIL coincides with the activation of a non-canonical TRAIL-induced signaling pathway constituting amongst others of the activation of Src, STAT3, FAK, ERK and Akt. The use of TRAIL-R1 or TRAIL-R2 selective TRAIL variants subsequently showed that this non-canonical migration and invasion is mediated via TRAIL-R2. Short-hairpin-mediated silencing of RIP1 kinase prevented TRAIL-induced Src and STAT3 phosphorylation and reduced TRAIL-induced migration and invasion of A549 cells. Inhibition of Src or STAT3 by shRNA or chemical inhibitors including dasatinib and 5,15-DPP blocked TRAIL-induced invasion. FAK, AKT and ERK were activated in a RIP1-independent way and inhibition of AKT sensitized A549 cells for TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We thus identified RIP1-dependent and –independent non-canonical TRAIL kinase cascades in which Src and AKT are instrumental and could be exploited as co-targets in TRAIL therapy for NSCLC.
Antegrade in situ fenestration of aortic stent graft: in-vivo experiments using a pig model
Authors: Saari Petri , Lähteenvuo Markku , Honkonen Krista , Manninen Hannu
Published: July 2012

Background

Short proximal neck of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is associated with risk of treatment failure during abdominal aortic repair. Important side branches, such as renal arteries, cannot be covered without serious consequences.

Purpose

To test the feasibility of preoperative fenestration of abdominal aortic stent grafts with a re-entry catheter and steerable sheath to preserve the patency of renal arteries in an animal model.

Material and Methods

Three domestic pigs were anesthetised and a stent graft placed in the abdominal aorta, covering the renal arteries. An attempt was made to fenestrate the renal arteries through the prosthesis using the Outback re-entry catheter supported by the Channel Steerable sheath. The hole that was created was dilated and stented. The specimens were visually analyzed after sacrifice.

Results

In one pig, the graft material was successfully traversed and a guide wire advanced in the renal arteries. Due to insufficient guide wire support and a poor balloon profile, dilatation of the fenestration failed. In another pig, the procedure was technically successful, but a long warm ischemia time for the left kidney caused infarction. In the third experiment, the procedure had to be discontinued due to a technical failure of the Outback device.

Conclusion

Fenestration of a stent graft with a re-entry device through a steerable sheath is technically feasible in vivo. However, without further refinement of the instrumentation, the technique cannot be recommended in elective cases of abdominal aortic repair, but if the renal arteries are covered accidentally during endovascular treatment, the technique may be a valuable salvage option if surgical revascularization is not considered as an option.
A strategy for developing a hammerhead ribozyme for selective RNA cleavage depending on substitutional RNA editing
Authors: Fukuda Masatora , Kurihara Kei , Tanaka Yasuyoshi , Deshimaru Masanobu
Published: July 2012

Substitutional RNA editing plays a crucial role in the regulation of biological processes. Cleavage of target RNA that depends on the specific site of substitutional RNA editing is a useful tool for analyzing and regulating intracellular processes related to RNA editing. Hammerhead ribozymes have been utilized as small catalytic RNAs for cleaving target RNA at a specific site and may be used for RNA-editing-specific RNA cleavage. Here we reveal a design strategy for a hammerhead ribozyme that specifically recognizes adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) and cytosine to uracil (C-to-U) substitutional RNA-editing sites and cleaves target RNA. Because the hammerhead ribozyme cleaves one base upstream of the target-editing site, the base that pairs with the target-editing site was utilized for recognition. RNA-editing-specific ribozymes were designed such that the recognition base paired only with the edited base. These ribozymes showed A-to-I and C-to-U editing-specific cleavage activity against synthetic serotonin receptor 2C and apolipoprotein B mRNA fragments in vitro, respectively. Additionally, the ribozyme designed for recognizing A-to-I RNA editing at the Q/R site on filamin A (FLNA) showed editing-specific cleavage activity against physiologically edited FLNA mRNA extracted from cells. We demonstrated that our strategy is effective for cleaving target RNA in an editing-dependent manner. The data in this study provided an experimental basis for the RNA-editing-dependent degradation of specific target RNA in vivo.
Accumulating a Portfolio of Experience: The Effect of Focal and Related Experience on Surgeon Performance
Authors: KC Diwas Singh , Staats Bradley R.
Published: July 2012

One key driver of improvement in surgical outcomes is a surgeon's prior experience. However, research notes that not all experience provides equal value for performance. How, then, should surgeons accumulate experience to improve quality outcomes? In this paper, we investigate the differential effects of focal and related (i.e., tasks similar to, but not identical to, the focal task) experience. We open up the black box of the volume-outcome relationship by going beyond just dividing experience into focal and related categories, but also considering how subtasks and context (i.e., the organization in which the work takes place) affect performance. To understand these issues, we assemble a novel data set on 71 cardiothoracic surgeons who performed more than 6,500 procedures during a period of 10 years after the introduction of a breakthrough surgical procedure. We find that, as compared to related experience, surgeon focal experience has a greater effect on surgeon performance. We also demonstrate that subtask experience has different, nonlinear performance relationships for focal and related experience. Finally, we find that focal experience is more firm specific than related experience and that nonfirm experience reduces the learning rate for both focal and related experience. We discuss implications of our findings for healthcare delivery and operations management.
Optimization of Prostate Biopsy Referral Decisions
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Denton Brian T. , Balasubramanian Hari , Shah Nilay D. , Inman Brant A.
Published: July 2012

Prostate cancer is the most common solid tumor in American men and is screened for using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. We report on a nonstationary partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) for prostate biopsy referral decisions. The core states are the patients' prostate cancer related health states, and PSA test results are the observations. Transition probabilities and rewards are inferred from the Mayo Clinic Radical Prostatectomy Registry and the medical literature. The objective of our model is to maximize expected quality-adjusted life years. We solve the POMDP model to obtain an age and belief (probability of having prostate cancer) dependent optimal biopsy referral policy. We also prove a number of structural properties including the existence of a control-limit type policy for the biopsy referral decision. Our empirical results demonstrate a nondecreasing belief threshold in age, and we provide sufficient conditions under which PSA screening should be discontinued for older patients. Finally, the benefits of screening under the optimal biopsy referral policy are estimated, and sensitivity analysis is used to prioritize the model parameters that would benefit from additional data collection.
Developing a Tobacco Survey for Deaf Youth
Authors: Berman Barbara A. , Eckhardt Elizabeth A. , Kleiger Heidi B. , Wong Glenn , Lipton Douglas S. , Bastani Roshan , Barkin Shari
Published: July 2012

Formidable barriers hinder use of standard data collection methods among deaf youth. Culturally and linguistically sensitive data collection strategies are needed to identify the unmet health and programming needs of this population. Unfortunately, researchers often fail to describe the issues involved in developing such targeted methods. The authors describe development of a culturally appropriate data collection instrument for a study of tobacco-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among deaf youth. The instrument uses interactive multimedia technology to administer a questionnaire translated into the primary languages used by the Deaf. The procedures taken to accommodate this technology to these languages and to Deaf culture are described. This process yielded useful insights with respect to data collection not only among the Deaf, but among other frequently overlooked and underserved populations as well.
Child Involvement and Stress in Greek Mothers of Deaf Children
Authors: Lampropoulou Venetta , Konstantareas M. Mary
Published: July 2012

Forty-two mothers of Greek deaf children reported their level of stress, availability of support, duration and frequency of involvement with their children, and affective tone of involvement, using an adaptation of Hill's ABCX model of stress and support (1949). Data on the interaction among six caregiving categories were collected over a 2-day period. Mothers of younger children and of boys, as well as mothers reporting greater stress, had longer and more frequent involvement. Mothers with greater stress were also more likely to rate the affective tone of their involvement as more neutral or as chorelike. Support availability was unrelated to involvement, with the exception of supporting neighbors. Compared to Canadian mothers of children both with and without disabilities, exposed to the same study protocol, the mothers in the present study were not more stressed. However, they were more likely to report a negative affective tone in their caregiving.
Suggestions for Preparing Itinerant Teachers: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Luckner John L. , Howell Jennifer
Published: July 2012

Increasing numbers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing receive educational services in general education classrooms. This placement shift has altered the way teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing work, causing an increase in the number of itinerant teachers. As placement trends for students who are deaf or hard of hearing and teachers' job responsibilities have changed, the field of deaf education has only slightly modified professional standards for licensed teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Most teacher preparation programs continue training preservice teachers to work in self-contained classrooms, leaving itinerant teachers feeling underprepared. Interviews were conducted with 25 experienced itinerant teachers to determine which content and experiences should be included in preparation programs for preservice teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing who plan to become itinerant teachers. Results indicate that changes in course work and practica are necessary to best prepare these teachers.
Teachers' Ratings of Functional Communication in Students with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Easterbrooks Susan R. , Mordica Joyce A.
Published: July 2012

The study examined factors associated with teachers' ratings of functional communication skills of students with cochlear implants. Deaf students living in and around a metropolitan area were surveyed to locate 51 with cochlear implants. Teachers rated each student's functional use of the implant, given three defined ratings. Additional information regarding sex, communication option, placement, home language, rural or nonrural address, etiology, and presence or absence of an additional disability was gathered. Chi-square analyses of the data were performed. The data indicated that students with a known etiology and a rural address, and who used sign language at home or school, were less likely than others to use the implant as a primary channel for receptive communication. The authors suggest that the teacher's role in implant use warrants more attention. Speech-language pathologists, otologists, audiologists, and parents of deaf children should consider all factors related to successful implant use before advocating or choosing this financially, emotionally, and therapeutically challenging option.
A Movement-Based Approach to Language Development in Children Who are Deaf-Blind
Authors: Wheeler Linda , Griffin Harold C.
Published: July 2012

A movement-based approach to the development of language in children with deaf-blindness includes utilization of the four coactive movement phases: resonance, coactive movement, nonrepresentation reference , and deferred imitation . Such an approach stresses the use of structure in the environment as well as the use of a hierarchy of media cues. These cues range from concrete to symbolic in their characteristics and assist children in learning more complex concepts. A movement-based approach uses the salient features of individuals or objects to develop an understanding of the person or object. Such features initially are used to stimulate use of language concerning objects or individuals in the immediate environment, and later to refer to persons or concepts in a more abstract fashion.
Parental Expectations As a Factor in Evaluating Children for the Multichannel Cochlear Implant
Authors: Kampfe Charlene M. , Harrison Melody , Oettinger Tambry , Ludington Jane , McDonald-Bell Connie , Pillsbury Harold C.
Published: July 2012

Recent developments in technology have resulted in a new assistive device for profoundly deaf children: the cochlear implant. However, many variables must be considered when evaluating children for the device, one of which is parental expectations. Because expectations are sometimes unreasonably high, cochlear implant teams need to be aware of the dynamics involved in expectations and of ways to help parents come to a realistic understanding of the benefits and limitations of implants.
Dramatic Interactions: Theater Work and the Formation of Learning Communities
Authors: Meath-Lang Bonnie
Published: July 2012

This article examines the relationship of theater and dramatic study to models of learning communities in promoting identity, diversity, and culture. Theater is an example of how learning community can be achieved and levels of theater use in education are presented as ways in which educators can create ensemble and foster community. Strategies for developing learning communities using the performing arts are provided.
Vasorelaxing effects of estetrol in rat arteries
Authors: Hilgers Rob H P , Oparil Suzanne , Wouters Wout , Coelingh Bennink Herjan J T
Published: July 2012

This study comparedex vivorelaxing responses to the naturally occurring human hormone estetrol (E4) vs 17β-estradiol (E2) in eight different vascular beds. Arteries were mounted in a myograph, contracted with either phenylephrine or serotonin, and cumulative concentration-response curves (CRCs) to E4and E2(0.1–100 μmol/l) were constructed. In all arteries tested, E4had lower potency than E2, although the differential effect was less in larger than smaller arteries. In uterine arteries, the nonselective estrogen receptor (ER) blocker ICI 182 780 (1 μmol/l) caused a significant rightward shift in the CRC to both E4and E2, indicating that the relaxation responses were ER dependent. Pharmacological blockade of nitric oxide (NO) synthases byNω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) blunted E2-mediated but not E4-mediated relaxing responses, while inhibition of prostaglandins and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization did not alter relaxation to either E4or E2in uterine arteries. Combined blockade of NO release and action withl-NAME and the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor ODQ resulted in greater inhibition of the relaxation response to E4compared with E2in uterine arteries. Endothelium denudation inhibited responses to both E4and E2, while E4and E2concentration-dependently blocked smooth muscle cell Ca2+entry in K+-depolarized and Ca2+-depleted uterine arteries. In conclusion, E4relaxes precontracted rat arteries in an artery-specific fashion. In uterine arteries, E4-induced relaxations are partially mediated via an endothelium-dependent mechanism involving ERs, sGC, and inhibition of smooth muscle cell Ca2+entry, but not NO synthases or endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization.
Microwave synthesis of ZrO2 and Yttria stabilized ZrO2 particles from aqueous precursor solutions
Authors: Vernieuwe Kenny , Lommens Petra , Van den Broeck Freya , Martins José C. , Van Driessche Isabel , De Buysser Klaartje
Published: July 2012

Zirconia and Yttrium stabilized zirconia are well-known ceramic materials. Scaling down the dimension of these ceramics can result in a faster sintering process at lower temperatures. Microwave synthesis of nano-structured particles is a very attractive synthesis route because of the short synthesis time and low reaction temperature. This allows a fast screening of the influence of different parameters such as time, temperature and pressure on the final size and crystal phase of the particles. In this study Zr and Zr/Y aqueous precursors are mixed with a variety of complexing agents or surfactants in different ratios. The reason is twofold: (1) we aim for a stable precursor solution which is established by lowering the free ion concentration and (2) we want to see the influence of the complexing agents on the growth of the particles and the formation of crystalline phases. Particle sizes of these particle vary from 40 -200 nm. The crystallinity is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The stabilization of these particles and possible exchange of the ligands is examined with NMR measurements (1D - proton combined with 2D NOESY) and is compared with TGA-DTA analysis of the isolated particles.
Possibilidades do WHOQOL-bref para a promoção da saúde na estratégia saúde da família
Authors: Chiesa Anna Maria , Fracolli Lislaine Aparecida , Zoboli Elma Lourdes Pavone Campos , Maeda Sayuri Tanaka , Castro Danielle Freitas Alvim de , Barros Débora Gomes , Ermel Regina Célia , Chang Katherine
Published: July 2012

A ampliação das ações de promoção da saúde na Estratégia Saúde da Família pode contribuir para a construção da integralidade, mas, ainda persistem lacunas de tecnologias para instrumentalizar os profissionais a analisarem os potenciais de saúde da população. O objetivo deste estudo é sintetizar as contribuições do WHOQOL-bref para instrumentalizar ações de promoção da saúde na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Foi realizada uma metassíntese qualitativa a partir de pesquisas realizadas pelo grupo Modelos tecnoassistenciais e a promoção da saúde com o uso do WHOQOL-bref e sua interface com a promoção da saúde. As sínteses das cinco pesquisas mostraram que existem relações conceituais entre os domínios do WHOQOL-bref e a promoção da saúde, legitimando este como um instrumento para a promoção da saúde. A utilização do WHOQOL-bref pode facilitar o vinculo e o cuidado longitudinal na Estratégia Saúde da Família.
Revisão: alimentos frescos minimamente processados embalados em atmosfera modificada
Authors: Santos Joana Silva , Oliveira Maria Beatriz Prior Pinto
Published: July 2012

Os alimentos frescos, minimamente processados e embalados sob atmosfera modificada atraem os consumidores que procuram produtos frescos e saudáveis, e que, ao mesmo tempo, são fáceis de transportar e preparar. A atmosfera no interior das embalagens consiste numa mistura de gases que está otimizada para cada alimento, de modo a preservar as suas qualidades durante mais tempo. A manutenção da temperatura de refrigeração durante o processamento, o armazenamento, a distribuição e a comercialização é essencial, por causa da natureza perecível dos produtos frescos minimamente processados. Este trabalho discute o estado de arte dos alimentos frescos minimamente processados (frutas, vegetais, carnes e pescados) embalados em atmosfera modificada, com uma descrição pormenorizada dos últimos desenvolvimentos nesse campo.
Avaliação da qualidade tecnológica de snacks obtidos por extrusão de grão integral de amaranto ou de farinha de amaranto desengordurada e suas misturas com fubá de milho
Authors: Capriles Vanessa Dias , Arêas José Alfredo Gomes
Published: July 2012

Apesar dos benefícios nutricionais e de seu potencial como alimento funcional, o amaranto ainda é um alimento pouco difundido no Brasil. Para o aumento do consumo desta matéria-prima, preconiza-se a sua incorporação na formulação de produtos convencionais, como os snacks extrudados que vêm sendo elaborados com a farinha de amaranto desengordurada. Pouco tem sido pesquisado sobre a extrusão direta do grão integral de amaranto, o que permitiria eliminar as etapas de moagem e de desengorduramento. Assim, a pesquisa avaliou e comparou a qualidade tecnológica de snacks obtidos por extrusão de grão integral de amaranto e de farinha de amaranto desengordurada, e suas misturas com 25 e 50% de fubá de milho. Verificou-se que o teor de lipídeos presentes no grão de amaranto (8%) prejudicou a expansão e a textura dos extrudados. Mesmo com a adição de fubá de milho, os snacks extrudados à base de grão integral de amaranto foram rejeitados sensorialmente (aceitação global entre 3 e 4, numa escala hedônica estruturada de nove pontos), pois apresentaram baixa expansão, textura dura, cor escura e forte sabor residual. Já os snacks extrudados obtidos com farinha de amaranto desengordurada isoladamente e em combinação com fubá de milho apresentaram maior expansão, textura crocante e cor mais clara, e, por isso, maior aceitabilidade (aceitação global > 5). Conclui-se, nas condições do experimento, que não foi possível obter snacks extrudados à base de grãos de amaranto de boa aceitação e que a produção de snacks extrudados à base de farinha de amaranto desengordurada proporciona produtos com melhor aceitação por parte do consumidor.
Síntese de galacto-oligossacarídeos a partir de lactose usando β-galactosidase comercial de Kluyveromyces lactis
Authors: Lisboa Cristiane Reinaldo , Costa Fátima Aparecida de Almeida , Burkert Janaína Fernandes de Medeiros , Burkert Carlos André Veiga
Published: July 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a influência de parâmetros reacionais na obtenção via enzimática de galacto-oligossacarídeos (GOS), utilizando-se a enzima comercial β-galactosidase de Kluyveromyces lactis (Lactozym® 3000 L), tendo como substrato a lactose. Foi proposto um planejamento experimental 2³, verificando a influência da temperatura (30 a 40 °C), da concentração de lactose (200 a 400 mg.mL-1) e da concentração de enzima (5 a 10 U.mL-1) no desempenho da reação enzimática. Os ensaios foram conduzidos a 180 rpm e pH 7,0 (tampão fosfato de sódio 0,1 M). A enzima Lactozym® 3000 L apresentou atividade de transgalactosilação, tendo sido atingido rendimento do processo igual a 41,9% e concentração de GOS de 167,5 mg.mL-1 no sistema reacional composto por 400 mg.mL-1 de lactose e 5 U.mL-1 de enzima a 30 °C em 14 h de reação. Nessa condição, a conversão de lactose foi de 65,0%. Maior concentração de lactose foi favorável ao mecanismo de transgalactosilação, enquanto que, em menores concentrações, o mecanismo hidrolítico predominou.
Tracking large‐scale latitudinal patterns of δ13C and δ15N along the E Pacific using epi‐mesopelagic squid as indicators
Authors: Ruiz-Cooley R. I. , Gerrodette T
Published: July 2012

Because consumers integrate components of their habitat through diet over time and space, stable isotope ratios from animal tissues can track spatial variation in baseline values across marine systems. To understand large‐scale geographic patterns in the eastern Pacific ocean, muscle δ13C and δ15N from epi‐mesopelagic squid (n = 404) were collected from 39° S to 53° N and analyzed in relation to hemisphere, latitude, geographic area and current systems. Geographic patterns were controlled for effects of secondary factors such as squid size, species (Dosidicus gigas and Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis), tissue and year of collection. Joint latitudinal variation of δ13C and δ15N was also described for the first time. Both δ13C and δ15N, as well as the standardized difference between them, had distinct patterns by latitude. δ13C was the highest at 22°S and decreased north and south of that latitude, with lower values at mid‐northern latitudes than near the equator. δ15N had the lowest values near the equator and gradually increased towards mid‐latitudes. The standardized difference between δ13C and δ15N was highest (C was higher relative to N) near the equator and declined to mid‐latitudes. Overall, the δ13C and δ15N geographic patterns agreed with previous studies for δ15N from surface NO3−, but not for δ13C in plankton, POM and squid. We suggest that the biochemical processes for carbon and nitrogen are spatially more variable than what has previously been reported because squid isotope ratios varied also among current systems and geographic areas. These geographic patterns in δ13C and δ15N, indicated by consumers such as cephalopods, could improve our understanding about the interaction between the carbon and nitrogen cycle and the heterogeneity in biochemical cycling processes in marine systems.
A Position Paper on Standardizing the Nonneoplastic Kidney Biopsy Report
Authors: Chang Anthony , Gibson Ian W. , Cohen Arthur H. , Weening Jan J. , Jennette J. Charles , Fogo Agnes B.
Published: July 2012

The biopsy report for nonneoplastic kidney diseases represents a complex integration of clinical data with light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopic findings. Practice guidelines for the handling and processing of the renal biopsy have previously been created. However, specific guidelines for essential pathologic parameters that should be included in these pathology reports do not exist. The Renal Pathology Society has coordinated an effort through the formation of an ad hoc committee to enumerate the essential elements and pathologic parameters that should be reported for every biopsy specimen. This endeavor aims to establish a minimum reporting standard and to improve communication between pathologists and other physicians. This document represents the collective effort and consensus opinions of this ad hoc committee of the Renal Pathology Society.
Usability of a CKD Educational Website Targeted to Patients and Their Family Members
Authors: Diamantidis Clarissa J. , Zuckerman Marni , Fink Wanda , Hu Peter , Yang Shiming , Fink Jeffrey C.
Published: July 2012

Background and objectives

Web-based technology is critical to the future of healthcare. As part of the Safe Kidney Care cohort study evaluating patient safety in CKD, this study determined how effectively a representative sample of patients with CKD or family members could interpret and use the Safe Kidney Care website (www.safekidneycare.org), an informational website on safety in CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Between November of 2011 and January of 2012, persons with CKD or their family members underwent formal usability testing administered by a single interviewer with a second recording observer. Each participant was independently provided a list of 21 tasks to complete, with each task rated as either easily completed/noncritical error or critical error (user cannot complete the task without significant interviewer intervention).

Results

Twelve participants completed formal usability testing. Median completion time for all tasks was 17.5 minutes (range=10–44 minutes). In total, 10 participants had greater than or equal to one critical error. There were 55 critical errors in 252 tasks (22%), with the highest proportion of critical errors occurring when participants were asked to find information on treatments that may damage kidneys, find the website on the internet, increase font size, and scroll to the bottom of the webpage. Participants were generally satisfied with the content and usability of the website.

Conclusions

Web-based educational materials for patients with CKD should target a wide range of computer literacy levels and anticipate variability in competency in use of the computer and internet.
Impact of Navigators on Completion of Steps in the Kidney Transplant Process
Authors: Sullivan Catherine , Leon, Janeen B. , Sayre, Srilekha S. , Marbury, Marquisha , Ivers, Michael , Pencak, Julie A. , Bodziak, Kenneth A. , Hricik Donald E. , Morrison E. Janie , Albert Jeffrey M. , Navaneethan Sankar D. , Reyes Christina M.Delos , Sehgal Ashwini R.
Published: July 2012

Background and objectives

Many patients with ESRD, particularly minorities and women, face barriers in completing the steps required to obtain a transplant. These eight sequential steps are as follows: medical suitability, interest in transplant, referral to a transplant center, first visit to center, transplant workup, successful candidate, waiting list or identify living donor, and receive transplant. This study sought to determine the effect of navigators on completion of steps.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Cluster randomized, controlled trial at 23 Ohio hemodialysis facilities. One hundred sixty-seven patients were recruited between January 2009 and August 2009 and were followed for up to 24 months or until study end in February 2011. Trained kidney transplant recipients met monthly with intervention participants (n=92), determined their step in the transplant process, and provided tailored information and assistance in completing the step. Control participants (n=75) continued to receive usual care. The primary outcome was the number of transplant process steps completed.

Results

Starting step did not significantly differ between the two groups. By the end of the trial, intervention participants completed more than twice as many steps as control participants (3.5 versus 1.6 steps; difference, 1.9 steps; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.5 steps). The effect of the intervention on step completion was similar across race and sex subgroups.

Conclusions

Use of trained transplant recipients as navigators resulted in increased completion of transplant process steps.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D Response to Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Hemodialysis
Authors: Armas Laura A.G. , Andukuri Radha , Barger-Lux Janet , Heaney Robert P. , Lund Richard
Published: July 2012

Background and objectives

Recent understanding of extrarenal production of calcitriol has led to the exploration of native vitamin D treatment in dialysis patients. This paper reports the pharmacokinetics of 25-hydroxyvitamin D response to 10,333 IU cholecalciferol given weekly in subjects on chronic dialysis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 15 weeks of oral cholecalciferol in subjects with stage 5 CKD requiring maintenance hemodialysis was conducted from November of 2007 to March of 2010. The time course of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured over the course of treatment. Additionally, blood was drawn at baseline and last visit for calcium, phosphorus, calcitriol, and parathyroid hormone levels.

Results

The median (interquartile range) baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 13.3 (11.1–16.2) ng/ml for the treatment group and 15.2 (10.7–19.9) ng/ml for the placebo group. 25-hydroxyvitamin D steady state levels rose by 23.6 (19.2–29.9) ng/ml in the treatment group, and there was no change in the placebo group. Calcitriol levels also increased significantly in the treatment group. There were no significant changes in levels of calcium, albumin, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone in either group.

Conclusions

Cholecalciferol (10,333 IU) given weekly in patients on chronic hemodialysis produces a steady state in 25-hydroxyvitamin D of approximately 24 ng/ml.
Isolated pontine tuberculoma presenting as “fou rire prodromique”
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammed Azfar , Rizvi Syed Amjad Ali , Ahmad Ibne , Ahmad Kaleem , Ullah Ekram , Akhtar Jamal
Published: July 2012

The authors present the case of a young child with “fou rire prodromique” as an initial manifestation of pontine tuberculoma. This report is the first description of fou rire prodromique as the presenting sign of CNS tuberculosis. The combination of clinical information and CT findings allowed for precise localization of the lesion and suggested tuberculoma as the possible etiology.
Decompressive craniectomy: a meta-analysis of influences on intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure in the treatment of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Bor-Seng-Shu Edson , Figueiredo Eberval G. , Amorim Robson L. O. , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Valbuza Juliana Spelta , de Oliveira Marcio Moyses , Panerai Ronney B.
Published: July 2012

Object

In recent years, the role of decompressive craniectomy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in patients with refractory intracranial hypertension has been the subject of several studies. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the contribution of decompressive craniectomy in reducing intracranial pressure (ICP) and increasing cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) in these patients.

Methods

Comprehensive literature searches were performed for articles related to the effects of decompressive craniectomy on ICP and CPP in patients with TBI. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) published manuscripts, 2) original articles of any study design except case reports, 3) patients with refractory elevated ICP due to traumatic brain swelling, 4) decompressive craniectomy as a type of intervention, and 5) availability of pre- and postoperative ICP and/or CPP data. Primary outcomes were ICP decrease and/or CPP increase for assessing the efficacy of decompressive craniectomy. The secondary outcome was the persistence of reduced ICP 24 and 48 hours after the operation.

Results

Postoperative ICP values were significantly lower than preoperative values immediately after decompressive craniectomy (weighted mean difference [WMD] −17.59 mm Hg, 95% CI −23.45 to −11.73, p < 0.00001), 24 hours after (WMD −14.27 mm Hg, 95% CI −24.13 to −4.41, p < 0.00001), and 48 hours after (WMD −12.69 mm Hg, 95% CI −22.99 to −2.39, p < 0.0001). Postoperative CPP was significantly higher than preoperative values (WMD 7.37 mm Hg, 95% CI 2.32 to 12.42, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Decompressive craniectomy can effectively decrease ICP and increase CPP in patients with TBI and refractory elevated ICP. Further studies are necessary to define the group of patients that can benefit most from this procedure.
Intraoperative subcortical electrical mapping of optic radiations in awake surgery for glioma involving visual pathways
Authors: Gras-Combe Guillaume , Moritz-Gasser Sylvie , Herbet Guillaume , Duffau Hugues
Published: July 2012

Object

Preservation of the visual field in glioma surgery, especially avoidance of hemianopia, is crucial for patients' quality of life, particularly for driving. Recent studies used tractography or cortical occipital stimulation to try to avoid visual deficit. However, optic radiations have not been directly mapped intraoperatively. The authors present, for the first time to their knowledge, a consecutive series of awake surgeries for cerebral glioma with intrasurgical identification and preservation of visual pathways using subcortical electrical mapping.

Methods

Fourteen patients underwent awake resection of a glioma (1 WHO Grade I, 11 WHO Grade II, 2 WHO Grade III) involving the optic radiations. The patients had no presurgical visual field deficit. Intraoperatively, a picture-naming task was used, with presentation of 2 objects situated diagonally on a screen divided into 4 quadrants. An image was presented in the quadrant to be saved and another image was presented in the opposite quadrant. Direct subcortical electrostimulation was repeatedly performed without the patient's knowledge, until optic radiations were identified (transient visual disturbances). All patients underwent an objective visual field assessment 3 months after surgery.

Results

All patients experienced visual symptoms during stimulation. These disturbances led the authors to stop the tumor resection at that level. Postoperatively, only 1 patient had a permanent hemianopia, despite an expected quadrantanopia in 12 cases. The mean extent of resection was 93.6% (range 85%–100%).

Conclusions

Online identification of optic radiations by direct subcortical electrostimulation is a reliable and effective method to avoid permanent hemianopia in surgery for gliomas involving visual pathways.
Decompressive craniectomy with massive intractable intraoperative cerebral edema: utilization of silicone sheet for temporary scalp closure
Authors: Ahmadian Amir , Baa j Ali A. , Garcia Michael , Carey Carolyn , Rodriguez Luis , Storrs Bruce , Tuite Gerald F.
Published: July 2012

The authors present a case of extreme brain herniation encountered during decompressive craniectomy in a 21-month-old boy who suffered a trauma event that necessitated temporary scalp closure in which a sterile silicone sheet was placed. Although the clinical situation is usually expected to lead to brain death or severe disability, the patient's 3-year follow-up examination revealed a highly functional child with a good quality of life. The authors discuss the feasibility and advantages of temporary scalp expansion as a treatment option when extreme brain herniation is encountered during craniotomy.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Contributes to the Mobilization of Bone Marrow Cells in the Injured Liver
Authors: Kawai Kengo , Xue Feng , Takahara Terumi , Kudo Hiroshi , Yata Yutaka , Zhang Wei , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: July 2012

Effective mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in injured organs has not been established. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is known to release HSCs from bone marrow (BM) into the peripheral blood, but its role in the recruitment of HSCs to injured organs is unclear. In this study we tried to clarify the role of the host MMP-9 in trafficking of HSCs toward the injured liver, especially the relation of MMP-9 with the chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)–chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) axis, and to examine whether MMP-9 deficiency affects BM cell trafficking to the injured liver in mice. In vitro, we investigated the effect of MMP-9 on migration activity and CXCR4 expression on lineage-negative (Lin-) BM cells. In vivo, we induced acute and chronic liver injury in MMP-9 knockout (KO) and control mice by inoculation of carbon tetrachloride, followed by transplantation of Lin-BM cells obtained from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-transgenic mice, and counted the BM cells mobilized in the injured liver. In a migration assay, active MMP-9, but not proMMP-9, increased the number of migrated Lin-BM cells, which was inhibited by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 or a MMP inhibitor. This chemoattractant function by MMP-9 was synergistic when cotreated with CXCL12. CXCR4 expression on Lin-BM cells was dose- and time-dependently increased by active MMP-9. At the same time, treatment with MMP-9 enhanced CXCL12 expression, and CXCL12 reciprocally increased MMP-9 expression in BM cells. In in vivo studies, many EGFP+cells were seen in control recipient mice. In contrast, few EGFP+cells were observed in MMP-9 KO mice. BM cells tended to differentiate into desmin+cells. In conclusion, MMP-9 contributes to the mobilization of BM cells in the injured liver by upregulating the expression of CXCR4 on Lin-BM cells and attracting BM cells along its gradient of CXCL12. Therefore, host MMP-9 plays an important role in BM cell migration in the injured liver.
NK and CD4+ T Cell Cooperative Immune Responses Correlate with Control of Disease in a Macaque Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Model
Authors: Vargas-Inchaustegui Diego A. , Xiao Peng , Tuero Iskra , Patterson L. Jean , Robert-Guroff Marjorie
Published: July 2012

Control of infectious disease may be accomplished by successful vaccination or by complex immunologic and genetic factors favoring Ag-specific multicellular immune responses. Using a rhesus macaque model, we evaluated Ag-specific T cell-dependent NK cell immune responses in SIV-infected macaques, designated “controlling” or “noncontrolling” based on long-term chronic viremia levels, to determine whether NK cell effector functions contribute to control of SIV infection. We observed that Gag stimulation of macaque PBMCs induced subset-specific NK cell responses in SIV-controlling but not SIV-noncontrolling animals, as well as that circulatory NK cell responses were dependent on Ag-specific IL-2 production by CD4+ central memory T cells. NK cell activation was blocked by anti–IL-2–neutralizing Ab and by CD4+ T cell depletion, which abrogated the Gag-specific responses. Among tissue-resident cells, splenic and circulatory NK cells displayed similar activation profiles, whereas liver and mucosal NK cells displayed a decreased activation profile, similar in SIV-controlling and -noncontrolling macaques. Lack of T cell-dependent NK cell function was rescued in SIV-noncontrolling macaques through drug-mediated control of viremia. Our results indicate that control of disease progression in SIV-controlling macaques is associated with cooperation between Ag-specific CD4+ T cells and NK cell effector function, which highlight the importance of such cell-to-cell cooperativity in adaptive immunity and suggest that this interaction should be further investigated in HIV vaccine development and other prophylactic vaccine approaches.
Primary Hepatic Choriocarcinoma: A Rare Cause of Spontaneous Haemoperitoneum in an Adult
Authors: Bakhshi Girish D. , Borisa Ashok D. , Bhanadarwar Ajay H. , Tayade Mukund B. , Yadav Rajesh B. , Jadhav Yogesh R.
Published: July 2012

Choriocarcinoma is a beta human chorionic gonadotrophin secreting neoplasm pertinent to uterus and pregnancy mostly. It occurs primarily in gonads but rarely in extragonadal sites. Primary hepatic choriocarcinoma is an extremely rare tumor. Most of the reported cases are seen in infants representing metastasis from an occult placental choriocarcinoma. Till date, only 7 cases of primary hepatic choriocarcinoma in adults have been reported in literature. We present a case of a 40-yearold male presenting as haemoperitoneum due to ruptured hepatic tumor. He underwent emergency left lateral segmentectomy. He died on 10th postoperative day. The surgical specimen and autopsy findings confirmed it to be primary hepatic choriocarcinoma. This is the first case report from Indian Subcontinent. A brief case report and review of literature is presented.
Sampling for particulate trace element determination using water sampling bottles: methodology and comparison to in situ pumps
Authors: Planquette Hélène , Sherrell Robert M.
Published: July 2012

Procedures for routine collection and analysis of particulate trace elements from 5‐10 L samples filtered from rosette‐mounted GO‐FLO bottles were evaluated during the GEOTRACES intercalibration cruises of 2008–09. Issues important in obtaining reliable and consistent distributions of particulate trace elements were investigated: the effect of particle settling in sampling bottles; type, performance, and elemental blanks of filters; filter digestion procedures; and ICP‐MS analytical procedures. We determined that gentle mixing of sampling bottles just before filtration, and limiting filtration time to 1–2 h, minimizes settling artifacts. Among those tested, 0.45 µm polysulfone filters had the best particle loading characteristics, blanks, and physical attributes for routine use at sea. Maximum filter loading, requiring use of 25 mm filters at open ocean stations, was critical to achieve low blank corrections; most elements had < 10% correction for a process filter blank. Heated digestion in nitric and hydrofluoric acids was necessary to effect dissolution of all particulate elements. Reproducibility, evaluated through replicate sampling, is very good overall, and analytical reproducibility was < ±4%. Using the optimized methods, GO‐FLO—filtered particulate elemental profiles for Al, P, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Ba compared well to those collected by in situ pumping at the SAFe station (eastern N. Pacific) and at Santa Barbara Basin (coastal California, USA), with no systematic bias for either sampling system. The methodologies evaluated here demonstrate that low‐volume methods can be used to determine distributions of particulate trace elements on ocean basin‐scale hydrographic cruises, with efficiency, precision, and high spatial resolution.