bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic analysis of torque teno virus genome from Pakistani isolate and incidence of co-infection among HBV/HCV infected patients
Authors: Hussain Tabinda , Manzoor Sobia , Waheed Yasir , Tariq Huma , Hanif Khushbakht
Published: December 2012

Background

Torque Teno Virus (TTV) was the first single stranded circular DNA virus to be discovered that infects humans. Although there have been numerous reports regarding the prevalence of TTV from other countries of South Asia, there is severe lack of information regarding its prevalence in Pakistan. Thus the present study compiles the first indigenous report to comprehensively illustrate the incidence of the virus in uninfected and hepatitis infected population from Pakistan. Another aim of the study was to present the sequence of full length TTV genome from a local isolate and compare it with the already reported genome sequences from other parts of the world.

Methods

TTV DNA was screened in the serum of 116, 100 and 40 HBV infected, HCV infected and uninfected individuals respectively. Nearly full length genome of TTV was cloned from a HBV patient. The genome sequence was subjected to in-silico analysis using CLC Workbench, ClustalW, ClustalX and TreeView. Statistical analysis was carried out in SPSS v17.0.

Results

Our results report that 89.7%, 90.0% and 92.5% of HBV, HCV patients and healthy control population were positive for TTV infection. TTV genome of 3603 bp was also cloned from a local isolate and given the identity of TPK01. The TTV genome sequence mentioned in this paper is submitted in the GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ under the accession number JN980171. Phylogenetic analysis of TPK01 revealed that the Pakistani isolate has sequence similarities with genotype 23 and 22 (Genogroup 2).

Conclusion

The results of the current study indicate that the high frequency of TTV viremia in Pakistan conforms to the reports from other areas of the world, wherever screening of TTV DNA was performed against 5′-UTR of the genome. The high sequence diversity among TTV genome sequences and the high frequency of prevalence makes it harder to study this virus in cellular systems.
Dietary patterns and odds of Type 2 diabetes in Beirut, Lebanon: a case–control study
Authors: Naja Farah , Hwalla Nahla , Itani Leila , Salem Maya , Azar Sami T , Zeidan Maya Nabhani , Nasreddine Lara
Published: December 2012

Background

In Lebanon, Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has a major public health impact through high disease prevalence, significant downstream pathophysiologic effects, and enormous financial liabilities. Diet is an important environmental factor in the development and prevention of T2D. Dietary patterns may exert greater effects on health than individual foods, nutrients, or food groups. The objective of this study is to examine the association between dietary patterns and the odds of T2D among Lebanese adults.

Methods

Fifty-eight recently diagnosed cases of T2D and 116 population-based age, sex, and place of residence matched control participants were interviewed. Data collection included a standard socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire. Dietary intake was evaluated by a semi-quantitative 97-item food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, waist circumference, and percent body fat were also obtained. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of extracted patterns with T2D. Pearson correlations between these patterns and obesity markers, energy, and nutrient intakes were also examined.

Results

Four dietary patterns were identified: Refined Grains & Desserts, Traditional Lebanese, Fast Food and Meat & Alcohol. While scores of the “Refined Grains & Desserts” had the highest correlations with energy (r = 0.74) and carbohydrates (r = 0.22), those of the “Fast Food” had the highest correlation with fat intake (r = 0.34). After adjustment for socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, scores of the Refined Grains & Desserts and Fast Food patterns were associated with higher odds of T2D (OR: 3.85, CI: 1.13-11.23 and OR: 2.80, CI: 1.14-5.59; respectively) and scores of the Traditional Lebanese pattern were inversely associated with the odds of T2D (OR: 0.46, CI: 0.22-0.97).

Conclusions

The findings of this study demonstrate direct associations of the Refined Grains & Desserts and Fast Food patterns with T2D and an inverse association between the Traditional Lebanese pattern and the disease among Lebanese adults. These results may guide the development of nutrition interventions for the prevention and management of T2D among Lebanese adults.
Jerusalem artichoke and chungkookjang additively improve insulin secretion and sensitivity in diabetic rats
Authors: Yang Hye Jeong , Kwon Dae Young , Kim Min Jung , Kang Suna , Kim Da Sol , Park Sunmin
Published: December 2012

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus Linne, HTL) and chungkookjang (CKJ; fermented soybeans) both modulate energy and glucose metabolism. However, the mechanism and their additive effects are unknown. We investigated whether the consumption of HTL and CKJ altered insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion capacity and β-cell survival in type 2 diabetic animals. Rats were divided into partially pancreatectomized (Px) diabetic rats, and sham operated non-diabetic control rats and all fed high fat diets. Diabetic rats were sub-divided into an untreated diabetic control group and those fed 5% HTL, 5% CKJ or 5% HTL+5% CKJ for 8 weeks. HTL+CKJ treatment reduced visceral fat without modulating energy intake compared to the diabetic-control. Glucose tolerance was improved in an ascending order of diabetic-control, CKJ, HTL, HTL+CKJ, and normal-control, but by different mechanisms. CKJ and CKJ+HTL, but not HTL, increased first and second phase insulin secretion in comparison to the diabetic-control at hyperglycemic clamp. However, glucose infusion rates (mg/kg bw/min) were increased by and CKJ+HTL (13.5), but not HTL (9.4) or CKJ (9.5) alone, and HTL and CKJ+ HTL decreased hepatic glucose compared to diabetic-control during the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic study and were associated with decreased triglyceride accumulation and increased glycogen storage. The improved hepatic insulin sensitivity by HTL and CKJ+HTL was explained by potentiated insulin signaling (tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 2→phosphorylation of Akt) and phosphorylation of AMPK→phosphorykation of acetyl Co carboxlase in comparison to diabetic-control and decreased PEPCK expression. Absolute β-cell mass was increased by CKJ (23.4mg) and CKJ+HTL (26.3 mg) by increasing proliferation compared to the diabetic-control (21.26 mg). Although HTL lowered β-cell apoptosis, it did not increase β-cell mass (20.8 mg). In conclusions, HTL and CKJ enhanced glucose tolerance in different manners, and exhibited partially additive and complementary effects by reversing insulin resistance and enhancing β-cell function in diabetic rats.
Effects of different chlorhexidine pretreatments on adhesion of metal brackets in vitro
Authors: Frey Corinne , Yetkiner Enver , Stawarczyk Bogna , Attin Thomas , Attin Rengin
Published: December 2012

Objective

To investigate the effect of chlorhexidine applications in various forms and concentrations on adhesion and failure modes of metal brackets in vitro.

Material and methods

Ninety bovine enamel specimens were allocated to six groups (n=15). Metal brackets were bonded on all specimens after chlorhexidine pre-treatments forming the following groups: (1) untreated specimens (control); (2) 40% varnish (EC40, Biodent BV, Netherlands), remnants removed with brushing mimicking patient cleaning; (3) 40% varnish (EC40), remnants removed with brushing mimicking professional cleaning; (4) 1% varnish (Cervitec Plus, Ivoclar vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), remnants not removed; (5) brushed with% 1 gel (Corsodyl, GlaxoSmithKline, Münchenbuchsee, Germany), remnants not removed; (6) immersed in 0.07% mouthrinse (Corsodyl, GlaxoSmithKline, Münchenbuchsee, Germany), remnant not rinsed. Debonding of brackets was performed using a universal testing machine. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Scheffé test.

Results

Group 4 performed significantly inferior than all the other groups and the control. Group 4 presented the highest number of adhesive failures at the enamel-resin interface whereas in other groups no failures at adhesive-resin interface was observed.

Conclusion

Presence of chlorhexidine varnish prior to bracket bonding adversely affects adhesion. Concentration of chlorhexidine pre-treatment has no influence on shear bond strength.
Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a biomarker for acute canine kidney injury
Authors: Lee Ya-Jane , Hu Yu-Yen , Lin Yi-Shan , Chang Chun-Ting , Lin Fong-Yuan , Wong Min-Liang , Kuo-Hsuan Hsu , Hsu Wei-Li
Published: December 2012

Background

Biomarkers for the early prediction of canine acute kidney injury (AKI) are clinically important. Recently, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was found to be a sensitive biomarker for the prediction of human AKI at a very early stage and the development of AKI after surgery. However, NGAL has not yet been studied with respect to dog kidney diseases. The application of NGAL canine AKI was investigated in this study.

Results

The canine NGAL gene was successfully cloned and expressed. Polyclonal antibodies against canine NGAL were generated and used to develop an ELISA for measuring NGAL protein in serum and urine samples that were collected from 39 dogs at different time points after surgery.

AKI was defined by the standard method, namely a serum creatinine increase of greater than or equal to 26.5 μmol/L from baseline within 48 h. At 12 h after surgery, compared to the group without AKI (12 dogs), the NGAL level in the urine of seven dogs with AKI was significantly increased (median 178.4 pg/mL vs. 88.0 pg/mL), and this difference was sustained to 72 h.

Conclusion

As the increase in NGAL occurred much earlier than the increase in serum creatinine, urine NGAL seems to be able to serve as a sensitive and specific biomarker for the prediction of AKI in dogs.
Four new loci associations discovered by pathway-based and network analyses of the genome-wide variability profile of Hirschsprung’s disease
Authors: Fernández Raquel Ma , Bleda Marta , Núñez-Torres Rocío , Medina Ignacio , Luzón-Toro Berta , García-Alonso Luz , Torroglosa Ana , Marbà Martina , Enguix-Riego Ma Valle , Montaner David , Antiñolo Guillermo , Dopazo Joaquín , Borrego Salud
Published: December 2012

Finding gene associations in rare diseases is frequently hampered by the reduced numbers of patients accessible. Conventional gene-based association tests rely on the availability of large cohorts, which constitutes a serious limitation for its application in this scenario. To overcome this problem we have used here a combined strategy in which a pathway-based analysis (PBA) has been initially conducted to prioritize candidate genes in a Spanish cohort of 53 trios of short-segment Hirschsprung’s disease. Candidate genes have been further validated in an independent population of 106 trios. The study revealed a strong association of 11 gene ontology (GO) modules related to signal transduction and its regulation, enteric nervous system (ENS) formation and other HSCR-related processes. Among the preselected candidates, a total of 4 loci,RASGEF1A,IQGAP2,DLC1andCHRNA7, related to signal transduction and migration processes, were found to be significantly associated to HSCR. Network analysis also confirms their involvement in the network of already known disease genes. This approach, based on the study of functionally-related gene sets, requires of lower sample sizes and opens new opportunities for the study of rare diseases.
Microtubule asters as templates for nanomaterials assembly
Authors: Verma Vivek , Catchmark Jeffrey M , Brown Nicole R , Hancock William O
Published: December 2012

Self organization of the kinesin-microtubule system was implemented as a novel template to create percolated nanofiber networks. Asters of microtubule seeds were immobilized on glass surfaces and their growth was recorded over time. The individual aster islands became interconnected as microtubules grew and overlapped, resulting in a highly percolated network. Cellulose nanowhiskers were used to demonstrate the application of this system to nanomaterials organization. The size distribution of the cellulose nanowhiskers was comparable to that of microtubules. To link cellulose nanowhiskers to microtubules, the nanowhiskers were functionalized by biotin using cellulose binding domains. Fluorescence studies confirmed biotinylation of cellulose nanowhiskers and binding of cellulose nanowhiskers to biotinylated microtubules.
Diabetic muscle infarction in a 57 year old male: a case report
Authors: Litvinov Ivan V , Radu Arnold , Garfield Natasha
Published: December 2012

Background

Diabetic muscle infarction is a rare complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is often misdiagnosed as cellulitis. This complication is usually associated with poor disease prognosis and high mortality with previous studies reporting a risk of 50% recurrence or another macrovascular complication occurring within one year. Thus, there needs to be greater awareness of this complication of diabetes.

Case presentation

In the current work, we present a case report and literature review of DMI occurring in a calf of a 57 year old male. However, unlike the suspected trend, our patient has performed well after this incident and has not sustained another macrovascular event now > 15 month since his original diabetic muscle infarction.

Conclusion

Even though diabetic muscle infarction is an uncommon condition, it is important to consider this diagnosis in a diabetic patient. We hope that our findings and literature review will aid clinicians to better diagnose and manage this condition.
Zoonotic pathogens associated with Hyalomma aegyptium in endangered tortoises: evidence for host-switching behaviour in ticks?
Authors: Paștiu Anamaria I , Matei Ioana A , Mihalca Andrei D , D’Amico Gianluca , Dumitrache Mirabela O , Kalmár Zsuzsa , Sándor Attila D , Lefkaditis Menelaos , Gherman Călin M , Cozma Vasile
Published: December 2012

Background

Hyalomma aegyptium is a hard-tick with a typical three-host life cycle. The main hosts are Palearctic tortoises of genus Testudo. However, other hosts can be used by immature ticks for feeding in natural conditions. Given this complex ecology and multiple host use, the circulation of pathogens by H. aegyptium between various hosts can be important from epidemiological point of view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of H. aegyptium as natural carrier of four important zoonotic pathogens.

Methods

From 2008 to 2011, 448 H. aegyptium ticks were collected from 45 Spur-thighed tortoises, Testudo graeca in Romania. DNA was extracted individually from each tick using a commercial kit. DNA was examined for the presence of specific sequences of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis and Coxiella burnetii by PCR, according to previously described protocols.

Results

PCR analysis of H. aegyptium revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum (18.8%), E. canis (14.1%) and C. burnetii (10%). 32.4% of the ticks were infected with at least one pathogen and 9.8% had co-infections. The stages most frequently infected were nymphs (50%) followed by males (33.9%) and females (27%). The number of tortoises which harboured infected ticks was 27/45 examined (60%). From all tested T. graeca, 40% harboured ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum, 46.7% had ticks infected with E. canis and 33.3% had ticks with C. burnetii. This study reports for the first time the presence of A. phagocytophilum and E. canis in H. aegyptium.

Conclusions

The presence and relatively high prevalence of three important zoonotic pathogens in H. aegyptium raises the question of their epidemiologic importance in disease ecology. As tortoises are unlikely to be reservoir hosts for A. phagocytophilum and E. canis and both these pathogens are common in H. aegyptium, this is an important indication for (1) a possible increased host-switching behaviour of these ticks to competent reservoir hosts (i.e. hedgehogs) and (2) transstadial transmission. Furthermore, if we consider also the presence of C. burnetii, we conclude that T. graeca and its ticks should be evaluated more seriously when assessing the eco-epidemiology of zoonotic diseases.
Oxidative damage to macromolecules in the thyroid - experimental evidence
Authors: Karbownik-Lewińska Małgorzata , Kokoszko-Bilska Agnieszka
Published: December 2012

Whereas oxidative reactions occur in all tissues and organs, the thyroid gland constitutes such an organ, in which oxidative processes are indispensable for thyroid hormone synthesis. It is estimated that huge amount of reactive oxygen species, especially of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are produced in the thyroid under physiological conditions, justifying the statement that the thyroid gland is an organ of “oxidative nature”. Apart from H2O2, also other free radicals or reactive species, formed from iodine or tyrosine residues, participate in thyroid hormone synthesis. Under physiological conditions, there is a balance between generation and detoxification of free radicals. Effective protective mechanisms, comprising antioxidative molecules and the process of compartmentalization of potentially toxic molecules, must have been developed in the thyroid to maintain this balance. However, with additional oxidative abuse caused by exogenous or endogenous prooxidants (ionizing radiation being the most spectacular), increased damage to macromolecules occurs, potentially leading to different thyroid diseases, cancer included.
Role of metallothioneins in benign and malignant thyroid lesions
Authors: Pula Bartosz , Domoslawski Pawel , Podhorska-Okolow Marzena , Dziegiel Piotr
Published: December 2012

Recent findings in the past two decades have brought many insights into the biology of thyroid benign and malignant lesions, in particular the papillary and follicular thyroid cancers. Although, much progress have been made, thyroid cancers still pose diagnostic problems regarding differentiation of follicular lesions in relation to their aggressiveness and the treatment of advanced and undifferentiated thyroid cancers. Metallothioneins (MTs) were shown to induce cancer cells proliferation, mediate resistance to apoptosis, certain chemotherapeutics and radiotherapy. Therefore, MTs may be of utility in diagnosis and management of patients with benign and malignant lesions of the thyroid.
KCNA5 gene is not confirmed as a systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension genetic susceptibility factor
Authors: Bossini-Castillo Lara , Simeon Carmen P , Beretta Lorenzo , Broen Jasper , Vonk Madelon C , Callejas José Luis , Carreira Patricia , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Luis , García-Portales Rosa , González-Gay Miguel A , Castellví Ivan , Camps María Teresa , Tolosa Carlos , Vicente-Rabaneda Esther , Egurbide María Victoria ,   the Spanish Scleroderma Group, Schuerwegh Annemie J , Hesselstrand Roger , Lunardi Claudio , van Laar Jacob M , Shiels Paul , Herrick Ariane , Worthington Jane , Denton Christopher , Radstake Timothy RDJ , Fonseca Carmen , Martin Javier
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Potassium voltage-gated channel shaker-related subfamily member 5 (KCNA5) is implicated in vascular tone regulation, and its inhibition during hypoxia produces pulmonary vasoconstriction. Recently, a protective association of the KCNA5 locus with systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was reported. Hence, the aim of this study was to replicate these findings in an independent multicenter Caucasian SSc cohort.

Methods

The 2,343 SSc cases (179 PAH positive, confirmed by right-heart catheterization) and 2,690 matched healthy controls from five European countries were included in this study. Rs10744676 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was genotyped by using a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay.

Results

Individual population analyses of the selected KCNA5 genetic variant did not show significant association with SSc or any of the defined subsets (for example, limited cutaneous SSc, diffuse cutaneous SSc, anti-centromere autoantibody positive and anti-topoisomerase autoantibody positive). Furthermore, pooled analyses revealed no significant evidence of association with the disease or any of the subsets, not even the PAH-positive group. The comparison of PAH-positive patients with PAH-negative patients showed no significant differences among patients.

Conclusions

Our data do not support an important role of KCNA5 as an SSc-susceptibility factor or as a PAH-development genetic marker for SSc patients.
Phylogeographic variation in recombination rates within a global clone of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Castillo-Ramírez Santiago , Corander Jukka , Marttinen Pekka , Aldeljawi Mona , Hanage William P , Westh Henrik , Boye Kit , Gulay Zeynep , Bentley Stephen D , Parkhill Julian , Holden Matthew T , Feil Edward J
Published: December 2012

Background

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful tool for understanding both patterns of descent over time and space (phylogeography) and the molecular processes underpinning genome divergence in pathogenic bacteria. Here, we describe a synthesis between these perspectives by employing a recently developed Bayesian approach, BRATNextGen, for detecting recombination on an expanded NGS dataset of the globally disseminated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clone ST239.

Results

The data confirm strong geographical clustering at continental, national and city scales and demonstrate that the rate of recombination varies significantly between phylogeographic sub-groups representing independent introductions from Europe. These differences are most striking when mobile non-core genes are included, but remain apparent even when only considering the stable core genome. The monophyletic ST239 sub-group corresponding to isolates from South America shows heightened recombination, the sub-group predominantly from Asia shows an intermediate level, and a very low level of recombination is noted in a third sub-group representing a large collection from Turkey.

Conclusions

We show that the rapid global dissemination of a single pathogenic bacterial clone results in local variation in measured recombination rates. Possible explanatory variables include the size and time since emergence of each defined sub-population (as determined by the sampling frame), variation in transmission dynamics due to host movement, and changes in the bacterial genome affecting the propensity for recombination.
The role of inflammasome-derived IL-1 in driving IL-17 responses
Authors: Mills Kingston H G , Dungan Lara S , Jones Sarah A , Harris James
Published: December 2012

Review of the activation of inflammasome processes IL-1β and IL-18, which synergize with IL-23 to promote IL-17 production, by IL-17-secreting γδ T and Th17 cells.

NLRs are members of the PRR family that sense microbial pathogens and mediate host innate immune responses to infection. Certain NLRs can assemble into a multiprotein complex called the inflammasome, which activates casapse-1 required for the cleavage of immature forms of IL-1β and IL-18 into active, mature cytokines. The inflammasome is activated by conserved, exogenous molecules from microbes and nonmicrobial molecules, such as asbestos, alum, or silica, as well as by endogenous danger signals, such as ATP, amyloid-β, and sodium urate crystals. Activation of the inflammasome is a critical event triggering IL-1-driven inflammation and is central to the pathology of autoinflammatory diseases, such as gout and MWS. Recent studies have also shown IL-1 or IL-18, in synergy with IL-23, can promote IL-17-prduction from Th17 cells and γδ T cells, and this process can be regulated by autophagy. IL-1-driven IL-17 production plays a critical role in host protective immunity to infection with fungi, bacteria, and certain viruses. However, Th17 cells and IL-17-seceting γδ T cells, activated by inflammasome-derived IL-1 or IL-18, have major pathogenic roles in many autoimmune diseases. Consequently, inflammasomes are now major drug targets for many autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as autoinflammatory diseases.
Neutrophil apoptosis is associated with loss of signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) from the cell surface
Authors: Stenberg Åsa , Sehlin Janove , Oldenborg Per-Arne
Published: December 2012

SIRPα expression is downregulated on the cell surface of apoptotic neutrophils due to proteolytic shedding and membrane loss.

Cells of the innate immune system, including monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils, play a major role in the development of inflammatory diseases. During inflammation, large numbers of neutrophils are recruited from the blood and subsequently undergo apoptosis, which involves changes in the cell surface expression of a number of receptors. Neutrophils express the Ig superfamily member, SIRPα, which is a receptor involved in regulating cell adhesion and migration. As apoptotic neutrophils down-regulate their capacity for adhesion and migration, we here investigated whether neutrophil expression of SIRPα was affected during apoptosis. We found that apoptotic neutrophils lost SIRPα from their cell surface with kinetics similar to the loss of CD16. The majority of neutrophils with reduced SIRPα also expressed PS on their surface, and the loss of the receptor was reduced proportional to the reduction of apoptosis by caspase inhibitors during Fas-induced apoptosis but less so during spontaneous apoptosis. Neutrophil loss of SIRPα or CD16 was inhibited by the protease inhibitor TAPI-2, as well as specific inhibitors of MMP3 or -8, suggesting that proteolytic mechanisms were involved. Finally, SIRPα was also found on smaller membrane vesicles released from the cells during apoptosis. Our data suggest that neutrophils reduce their SIRPα expression during apoptosis, which may be part of the functional down-regulation seen in apoptotic neutrophils.
Influence of Comorbidity on Racial Differences in Receipt of Surgery Among US Veterans With Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Williams Christina D. , Stechuchak Karen M. , Zullig Leah L. , Provenzale Dawn , Kelley Michael J.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

It is unclear why racial differences exist in the frequency of surgery for lung cancer treatment. Comorbidity is an important consideration in selection of patients for lung cancer treatment, including surgery. To assess whether comorbidity contributes to the observed racial differences, we evaluated racial differences in the prevalence of comorbidity and their impact on receipt of surgery.

Patients and Methods

A total of 1,314 patients (1,135 white, 179 black) in the Veterans Health Administration diagnosed with early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer in 2007 were included. The effect of comorbidity on surgery was determined by using generalized linear models with a logit link accounting for patient clustering within Veterans Administration Medical Centers.

Results

Compared with whites, blacks had greater prevalence of hypertension, liver disease, renal disease, illicit drug abuse, and poor performance status, but lower prevalence of respiratory disease. The impact of most individual comorbidities on receipt of surgery was similar between blacks and whites, and comorbidity did not influence the race-surgery association in a multivariable analysis. The proportion of blacks not receiving surgery as well as refusing surgery was greater than that among whites.

Conclusion

Blacks had a greater prevalence of several comorbid conditions and poor performance status; however, the overall comorbidity score did not differ by race. In general, the effect of comorbidity on receipt of surgery was similar in blacks and whites. Racial differences in comorbidity do not fully explain why blacks undergo lung cancer surgery less often than whites.
SUMO-1 Regulates Body Weight and Adipogenesis via PPARγ in Male and Female Mice
Authors: Mikkonen Laura , Hirvonen Johanna , Jänne Olli A.
Published: December 2012

Properly functioning adipose tissue is essential for normal insulin sensitivity of the body. When mice are kept on high-fat diet (HFD), adipose tissue expands, adipocytes increase in size and number, and the mice become obese. Many of these changes are mediated by the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), the activity of which is regulated by multiple posttranslational modifications, including SUMOylation. To address the role of small ubiquitin-like modifier-1 (SUMO-1) in PPARγ function in vivo, particularly in fat cell biology, we subjected Sumo1-knockout mice to HFD. Sumo1-null mice gained less weight and had smaller and fewer adipocytes in their gonadal fat tissue on HFD, but their glucose tolerance was similar to that of wild-type littermates. Adipogenesis was impaired in Sumo1-null cells, and expression of PPARγ target genes was attenuated. In addition, both Sumo1-null cells and Sumo1-null mice responded less efficiently to rosiglitazone, a PPARγ agonist. These findings indicate that SUMO-1 is important also for transcriptional activation by the PPARγ signaling pathway and not only for trans-repressive functions of PPARγ as previously reported.
Dynamic solute release from marine aggregates
Authors: Liu Bo , Kindler Kolja , Khalili Arzhang
Published: December 2012

Lay Abstract

Marine aggregates reside from hours to days at pycnoclines, or density discontinuities, forming layers of dense aggregate populations. During their retention, aggregates have the opportunity to accumulate solute contents, such as dissolved organic carbon, nitrate, and ammonium. This excess solute will then be released after they leave the pycnoclines. The back‐migration of the solute into pycnoclines or its export to the deep ocean has a large impact on the ecology of the ocean. We investigated the time scale of dynamic solute leakage from marine aggregates and the maximum export depth. Numerical modeling revealed in a new relationship for the dynamic solute release as a function of aggregates' size and excess density. This may improve estimates of solute flux around pycnoclines from the distribution spectrum of aggregates' sizes and excess densities.
Tuning of the Dienophilic Reactivity of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine: A Comparison of DFT and Dispersion-Corrected DFT Calculations
Authors: Maheshwari Pooja , Gupta Raakhi , von Hopffgarten Moritz , Bansal Raj K
Published: December 2012

A comparative study of the DFT calculations with and without dispersion correction for the determination of the relative activation energy barriers and reaction energies of the normal electron demand Diels–Alder (NED DA) reactions of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and its derivatives with 1,3-butadiene at the B3LYP/6-31+G** level reveals that on inclusion of the dispersion correction, the relative activation energy barriers are lowered by ca. 10–13 kcal mol−1 whereas relative reaction energies are increased by ca. 9–13 kcal mol−1 as compared to the DFT calculations without dispersion correction. Similar results are obtained for the reverse electron demand (RED) DA reactions of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and its derivatives with tetrachloro-o-benzoquinone. The relative free energies of solvation of different species determined from SCRF calculations allow to detect solvent-induced geometry relaxation of the reactant molecules and the transition states which rationalises lowering of the relative activation energies in methylene chloride. The reactions are found to occur without the involvement of the reactants complexes.
High-Energy X-ray Diffraction Study on the Intramolecular Structure of 2-Aminoethanol in the Liquid State
Authors: Kameda Yasuo , Deguchi Hiroshi , Kubota Yoshiyuki , Furukawa Hirotoshi , Yagi Yasuyuki , Imai Yoshihiro , Tatsumi Masahiko , Yamazaki Noriko , Watari Noriko , Hirata Takuya , Matubayasi Nobuyuki
Published: December 2012

High-energy X-ray diffraction measurements were carried out for liquid 2-aminoethanol (NH2CH2CH2OH, MEA) in order to obtain direct information on the conformation of MEA in the liquid state, in which competition between intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds might occur. Least-squares fitting analysis was applied to the high-Q region of the observed total interference term with excellent statistical accuracies. Independent parameters, the C–C, C–O, and C–N interatomic distances, bond angles, ∠OCC and ∠CCN, and a dihedral angle ∠(NCC)–(CCO), were successfully obtained. It has been concluded that the MEA molecule takes the gauche conformation with the dihedral angle ∠(NCC)–(CCO) = 53(3)°, suggesting the formation of the intramolecular hydrogen bond is dominant in the liquid state.
Accurate and Fast Evaluation of Three-Center Nuclear Attraction Integrals of Coulomb–Yukawa Like Correlated Interaction Potentials and Slater Type Orbitals
Authors: Guseinov Israfil I , Görgün Nursen Seçkin
Published: December 2012

With the use of one-range addition theorems of Slater type orbitals (STOs) introduced by one of the authors, three-center nuclear attraction integrals containing Coulomb–Yukawa like correlated interaction potentials (C-CIPs and Y-CIPs) appearing in the Hartree–Fock–Roothaan (HFR) equations for molecules are evaluated. These integrals are expressed through the overlap integrals which depend on the frictional quantum number α, where −∞ < α ≤ 2. The convergence of the series is tested by calculating three-center nuclear attraction integrals of C-CIPs, Y-CIPs, and STOs for the arbitrary values of potential parameters and locations of orbitals. For rapid calculations of these integrals, we use the partial summations of some indices corresponding to progressively increasing upper limits appearing in the series expansion relations. Additionally, the binomial coefficients arising in the series are stored in the memory of the computer using their recurrence relation. The fast and accurate computation approach suggested in this work is demonstrated.
Chemiluminescence Quenching of Luminol-functionalized Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide through Noncovalent Interaction
Authors: Lee Mi Yeon , Kim So Yeon , Kim Hyun Gu , In Insik
Published: December 2012

Luminol-functionalized chemically reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was successfully formulated through simple noncovalent interation between luminol and RGO. Stability of RGO/luminol assembly and FT-IR study support that luminol molecules are strongly anchoring on RGO surface through π–π interaciton. Raman, AFM, and SEM studies confirm that the chemical reduction to RGO is successful and the exfoliation into individual RGO sheets is effective through this noncovalent approach using luminol. Interestingly, the chemiluminescence (CL) of luminol was completely quenched in RGO/luminol assembly, confirming that RGO platform is acceptable for not only fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) but also chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) in this study.
Magnetoelastic Behavior of Bimodal Magnetic Hydrogels Using Nonmagnetic Particles
Authors: Ohori Suguru , Fujisawa Kouko , Kawai Mika , Mitsumata Tetsu
Published: December 2012

Bimodal magnetic hydrogels consisting of magnetic and nonmagnetic particles were synthesized, and the magnetic response to the dynamic modulus of the gels was investigated. The change in the storage modulus for magnetic gels containing only magnetic particles exhibited 0.9 MPa by applying a magnetic field of 500 mT. The change in the storage modulus kept a high value although the magnetic particles were replaced with nonmagnetic particles by 34%. It can be considered that the magnetic interaction extends to the length of 4 to 6 microns via 2 or 3 nonmagnetic particles.
In Situ Morphology Observations of Electrodeposited Lithium in Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids by Optical Microscopy
Authors: Sano Hikaru , Sakaebe Hikari , Matsumoto Hajime
Published: December 2012

The morphology of electrodeposited lithium in room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) was observed by in situ optical microscopy. The dendrite suppression effect was partly confirmed for a PP13[FSA]-based electrolyte containing vinylene carbonate (VC). The factors for dendrite suppression are discussed; stability under cathodic conditions such as ELi/Li + and viscosity of the base electrolyte are considered to be the relevant factors.
Preparation and Characterization of Phosphorylated Collagen and Hydroxyapatite Composite as a Potential Bone Substitute
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Liu Qian , Zhao Zhihua , Wang Wanqiong , Zheng Lige , Li Zhongjun
Published: December 2012

On the basis of the hypothesis that phosphate groups introduced on collagen can induce the mineralization in natural hard tissue, first, type I collagen (extracted from bovine tendon) was phosphorylated with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The subsequent growth of hydroxyapatite (HAP) on the phosphorylated collagen nanofibers was achieved through a precipitation reaction. The FTIR results indicated that the phosphate groups were incorporated onto the collagen surface through treatment with STMP. During the mineralization process, the rod-like crystals converged into layers of a flaky structure formed on the surface of the phosphorylated collagen, while plate-like minerals were obtained on the pure collagen, as indicated by the SEM and XRD findings. The bending strength of composites isopressed at 180 MPa also displayed a significant increase. The test results demonstrated that phosphate groups had indeed been introduced into the collagen molecules and gave rise to the superior mechanical behavior of the composite materials.
Cleavage of Supercoiled Plasmid DNA by Phenanthroline–Polyamine Conjugates as a Metal-free Artificial Nuclease
Authors: Masuda Tomokazu , Sasagase Takeshi , Ozaki Akiko N , Kuwahara Masayasu , Ozaki Hiroaki , Sawai Hiroaki
Published: December 2012

In this study, phenanthroline–polyamine conjugates have been synthesized. The conjugates bind to DNA and hydrolyze it in the absence of any metal and reducing agent under physiological conditions.
Trends in consultant clinical activity and the effect of the 2003 contract change: retrospective analysis of secondary data
Authors: Bloor Karen , Freemantle Nick , Maynard Alan
Published: December 2012

Objectives

To explore trends in the clinical activity of hospital specialists in English National Health Service (NHS) hospitals, and test the effect of contract reform.

Design

Retrospective secondary analysis of hospital episode statistics, describing trends and testing for a contract effect using multilevel interrupted time series analysis.

Setting

Ten surgical and medical specialties in English NHS hospitals from 1999 to 2009.

Participants

Hospital consultants on full time or maximum part-time English NHS hospitals.

Intervention

A new contract offered to NHS consultants in October 2003, with higher pay alongside job planning and appraisal.

Main outcome measures

Inpatient finished consultant episodes (FCEs) per consultant per month, with and without accounting for case-mix differences.

Results

In most specialties there was a statistically significant downward trend in FCEs per consultant per month. On average in the surgical specialties, FCEs reduced by 0.14 per month (95% CI -0.16 to -0.11) and in medicine there was a smaller reduction of 0.08 FCEs per month (95% CI -0.1 to -0.06). NHS patients symptoms have increased in severity over time, and the downward trend is reduced after case-mix-adjustment, and reversed in general and geriatric medicine. The effect of the contract on clinical activity was minimal. In five specialties there was no statistically significant effect, but in five specialties there was a statistically significant negative effect.

Conclusions

Consultant clinical activity, as measured by FCEs per month, has shown a general downward trend from 1999 to 2009. The consultant contract was not associated with an increase in consultant clinical activity rates.
A pilot trial of a speech pathology telehealth service for head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Burns Clare L , Ward Elizabeth C , Hill Anne J , Malcolme Karen , Bassett Lynell , Kenny Lizbeth M , Greenup Phillip
Published: December 2012

We explored the feasibility of providing access to specialist speech pathology services via telehealth for patients with head and neck cancer. A weekly telehealth clinic was conducted between the speech pathology departments of a tertiary hospital and a regional hospital in Queensland. Over a 5-month period, 50 telehealth sessions were conducted for 18 patients. There were 38 patient consultations, nine case discussions between clinicians and three clinical training sessions relating to the skills needed for specific client management (e.g. voice prosthesis selection). Eight sessions had multidisciplinary involvement. All cases were successfully managed via telehealth. All patients agreed that they were comfortable using telehealth and would be happy to use it again in future. Both clinicians agreed that they could competently assess patients using the telehealth system. There appeared to be financial benefits for the patient, because by receiving specialist intervention at a local facility their travel expenses were lower. There was also the opportunity for workforce training and development through online case discussion and clinical consultation.
A mobile telemedicine-enabled ear screening service for Indigenous children in Queensland: activity and outcomes in the first three years
Authors: Smith Anthony C , Armfield Nigel R , Wu Wei-I , Brown Cecil A , Perry Chris
Published: December 2012

A mobile ear-screening service was established in an Aboriginal community in central Queensland. Telemedicine allowed ear nose and throat (ENT) specialists at the tertiary children's hospital in Brisbane to assess children at a distance using pre-recorded information comprising video-otoscopic images and the results of tympanometry and audiometry. During the first three years, 1053 children were registered with the service. A total of 2111 screening assessments were carried out at 21 schools in the region. The average screening rate achieved in the community was 85%. More than half of all assessments resulted in a referral to the ENT specialist (for online assessment) or local doctor (for treatment). Twenty specialist ENT online clinics were conducted during which 415 patients were reviewed. Over half of all online review cases (55%) resulted in appointments at the next ENT outreach clinic for further review and/or surgery. The community-based screening service led by local Indigenous health workers, and linked to a tertiary children's hospital by telemedicine, was an effective method for routine screening of children at risk of hearing impairment.
The addition of the surgical robot to skin cancer management
Authors: MacKenzie Ross AD , Kumar P , Challacombe BJ , Dasgupta P , Geh JLC
Published: December 2012

We present the introduction of the surgical robot for pelvic lymphadenectomy for skin cancer through a cross-specialty collaboration. In this prospective series, we include the first report of cases undergoing robot-assisted pelvic lymph node dissection for Merkel cell carcinoma and melanoma in the recognised scientific literature.
Mycobacterium fortuitum skin infection as a complication of anabolic steroids: a rare case report
Authors: Pai R , Parampalli U , Hettiarachchi G , Ahmed I
Published: December 2012

Mycobacterium fortuitum is a rare cause of recurrent skin abscesses in an immunocompetent person. We report the case of a 37-year-old man presenting with multiple recurrent non-healing skin abscesses. Culture of the abscess wall yielded growth of M fortuitum. In our case, we highlight the association of anabolic steroids with non-tuberculous mycobacterial skin abscesses that fail to resolve despite repeated drainage.
Nucleotide metabolic mismatches in mammalian hearts: implications for transplantation
Authors: Khalpey Z , Yacoub MH , Smolenski RT
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Human donor organ shortages have led surgeons and scientists to explore the use of animals as alternative organ sources. Acute thrombovascular rejection (AVR) is the main hurdle in xenotransplantation. Disparities in nucleotide metabolism in the vessels of different species may contribute significantly to the microvascular component of AVR.

Methods

We evaluated the extent of nucleotide metabolism mismatch in selected organs and endothelial cells of different mammals with particular focus on the changes in activity of ecto-5’-nucleotidase (E5’N) elicited by exposure of porcine hearts or endothelial cells to human blood (ex vivo) or human plasma (in vitro).

Results

E5’N activity in the rat heart was significantly higher than in other species. We noted a significant difference (p<0.001) in E5’N activity between human and pig endothelial cell lines. Initial pig aortic endothelial E5’N activity decreased in vitro after a three-hour exposure to human and porcine plasma while remaining constant in controls. Ex vivo perfusion with fresh human blood for four hours resulted in a significant decrease of E5’N activity in both wild type and transgenic pig hearts overexpressing human decay accelerating factor (p<0.001).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that mismatches in basal mammalian metabolic pathways and humoral immunity interact in a xenogeneic environment. Understanding the role of nucleotide metabolism and signalling in xenotransplantation may identify new targets for genetic modifications and may lead to the development of new therapies extending graft survival.
Recurrent multifocal diabetic myonecrosis: a cause of severe extremity pain in a diabetic patient
Authors: Welck MJ , Vetpillai P , Balaji V , Jennings R , Goodier WD
Published: December 2012

We detail the unusual occurrence of successive episodes of diabetic myonecrosis in both lower and upper limbs in a young woman with diabetic end organ dysfunction. We highlight the importance of recognising this as a differential diagnosis for acute limb pain in diabetic patients and advocate conservative measures for successful treatment and return to function.
The Differential Diagnosis and Bone Marrow Evaluation of New-Onset Pancytopenia
Authors: Weinzierl Elizabeth P. , Arber Daniel A.
Published: December 2012

New-onset pancytopenia can be caused by a wide variety of etiologies, leading to a diagnostic dilemma. These etiologies range from congenital bone marrow failure to marrow space-occupying lesions, infection, and peripheral destruction, to name a few. Bone marrow examination, in addition to a detailed clinical history, is often required for an accurate diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of many of the causes of new-onset pancytopenia in adults and children, with emphasis on bone marrow findings and recommendations of additional testing and clinical evaluation when needed, with the overall aim of aiding the pathologist’s role as a consultant to the patient’s treating physician.