bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive Imaging of Ca2+ Dynamics in Pancreatic Acinar Cells of Yellow Cameleon-Nano Transgenic Mice
Authors: Oshima Yusuke , Imamura Takeshi , Shintani Atsuko , Kajiura-Kobayashi Hiroko , Hibi Terumasa , Nagai Takeharu , Nonaka Shigenori , Nemoto Tomomi
Published: November 2014

Yellow Cameleons are genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators in which cyan and yellow fluorescent proteins and calmodulin work together as a fluorescence (Förster) resonance energy transfer Ca2+-sensor probe. To achieve ultrasensitive Ca2+ imaging for low resting Ca2+ or small Ca2+ transients in various organs, we generated a transgenic mouse line expressing the highest-sensitive genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator (Yellow Cameleon-Nano 15) in the whole body. We then focused on the mechanism of exocytotic events mediated by intracellular Ca2+ signaling in acinar cells of the mice with an agonist and observed them by two-photon excitation microscopy. In the results, two-photon excitation imaging of Yellow Cameleon-Nano 15 successfully visualized intracellular Ca2+ concentration under stimulation with the agonist at nanomolar levels. This is the first demonstration for application of genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators to pancreatic acinar cells. We also simultaneously observed exocytotic events and an intracellular Ca2+ concentration under in vivo condition. Yellow Cameleon-Nano 15 mice are healthy and no significant deteriorative effect was observed on physiological response regarding the pancreatic acinar cells. The dynamic range of 165% was calculated from Rmax and Rmin values under in vivo condition. The mice will be useful for ultrasensitive Ca2+ imaging in vivo.
Water Repellence and Oxygen and Water Vapor Barrier of PVOH-Coated Substrates before and after Surface Esterification
Authors: Schmid Markus , Sängerlaub Sven , Miesbauer Oliver , Jost Verena , Werthan Johannes , Stinga Camelia , Samain Daniel , Stramm Cornelia , Noller Klaus , Müller Kajetan
Published: November 2014

This study investigates chemical grafting with fatty acid chlorides as a method for the surface modification of hydrophilic web materials. The resulting changes in the water repellence and barrier properties were studied. For this purpose, different grades of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) were coated on regenerated cellulose films (“cellophane”) and paper and then grafted with fatty acid chlorides. The PVOH grades varied in their degree of hydrolysis and average molecular weight. The surface was esterified with two fatty acid chlorides, palmitoyl (C16) and stearoyl chloride (C18), by chemical grafting. The chemical grafting resulted in water-repellent surfaces and reduced water vapor transmission rates by a factor of almost 19. The impact of the surface modification was greater for a higher degree of hydrolysis of the polyvinyl alcohol and for shorter fatty acid chains. Although the water vapor barrier for palmitoyl-grafted PVOH was higher than for stearoyl-grafted PVOH, the contact angle with water was lower. Additionally, it was shown that a higher degree of hydrolysis led to higher water vapor barrier improvement factors after grafting. Furthermore, the oxygen permeability decreased after grafting significantly, due to the fact that the grafting protects the PVOH against humidity when the humidity is applied on the grafted side. It can be concluded that the carbon chain length of the fatty acid chlorides is the limiting factor for water vapor adsorption, but the grafting density is the bottleneck for water diffusing in the polymer.
Morphological Control Agent in Ternary Blend Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Liao Hsueh-Chung , Chen Po-Hsuen , Chang Robert , Su Wei-Fang
Published: November 2014

Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic (OPV) promise low cost solar energy and have caused an explosive increase in investigations during the last decade. Control over the 3D morphology of BHJ blend films in various length scales is one of the pillars accounting for the significant advance of OPV performance recently. In this contribution, we focus on the strategy of incorporating an additive into BHJ blend films as a morphological control agent, i.e., ternary blend system. This strategy has shown to be effective in tailoring the morphology of BHJ through different inter- and intra-molecular interactions. We systematically review the morphological observations and associated mechanisms with respect to various kinds of additives, i.e., polymers, small molecules and inorganic nanoparticles. We organize the effects of morphological control (compatibilization, stabilization, etc.) and provide general guidelines for rational molecular design for additives toward high efficiency and high stability organic solar cells.
Using Airborne LiDAR and QuickBird Data for Modelling Urban Tree Carbon Storage and Its Distribution—A Case Study of Berlin
Authors: Schreyer Johannes , Tigges Jan , Lakes Tobia , Churkina Galina
Published: November 2014

While CO2 emissions of cities are widely discussed, carbon storage in urban vegetation has been rarely empirically analyzed. Remotely sensed data offer considerable benefits for addressing this lack of information. The aim of this paper is to develop and apply an approach that combines airborne LiDAR and QuickBird to assess the carbon stored in urban trees of Berlin, Germany, and to identify differences between urban structure types. For a transect in the city, dendrometric parameters were first derived to estimate individual tree stem diameter and carbon storage with allometric equations. Field survey data were used for validation. Then, the individual tree carbon storage was aggregated at the level of urban structure types and the distribution of carbon storage was analysed. Finally, the results were extrapolated to the entire urban area. High accuracies of the detected tree locations were reached with 65.30% for all trees and 80.1% for dominant trees. The total carbon storage of the study area was 20,964.40 t (σ = 15,550.11 t). Its carbon density equaled 13.70 t/ha. A general center-to-periphery increase in carbon storage was identified along the transect. Our approach methods can be used by scientists and decision-makers to gain an empirical basis for the comparison of carbon storage capacities between cities and their subunits to develop adaption and mitigation strategies against climate change.
A Novel Wireless and Temperature-Compensated SAW Vibration Sensor
Authors: Wang Wen , Xue Xufeng , Huang Yangqing , Liu Xinlu
Published: November 2014

A novel wireless and passive surface acoustic wave (SAW) based temperature-compensated vibration sensor utilizing a flexible Y-cut quartz cantilever beam with a relatively substantial proof mass and two one-port resonators is developed. One resonator acts as the sensing device adjacent to the clamped end for maximum strain sensitivity, and the other one is used as the reference located on clamped end for temperature compensation for vibration sensor through the differential approach. Vibration directed to the proof mass flex the cantilever, inducing relative changes in the acoustic propagation characteristics of the SAW travelling along the sensing device, and generated output signal varies in frequency as a function of vibration. A theoretical mode using the Rayleigh method was established to determine the optimal dimensions of the cantilever beam. Coupling of Modes (COM) model was used to extract the optimal design parameters of the SAW devices prior to fabrication. The performance of the developed SAW sensor attached to an antenna towards applied vibration was evaluated wirelessly by using the precise vibration table, programmable incubator chamber, and reader unit. High vibration sensitivity of ~10.4 kHz/g, good temperature stability, and excellent linearity were observed in the wireless measurements.
Assessment Framework and Decision—Support System for Consolidating Urban-Rural Construction Land in Coastal China
Authors: Cai Fangfang , Pu Lijie , Zhu Ming
Published: November 2014

Urbanization transforms urban-rural landscape and profoundly affects ecological processes. To maintain a sustainable urbanization, two important issues of land-use need to be quantified: the comprehensive variation of urban-rural construction land and the specific models for consolidating these lands. The purpose of this study is to develop a framework to assess the change of urban-rural construction land and build a decision-support system for consolidating these lands. Four sub-layers were first built in the assessment framework, including the characteristic layer, the coordination layer, the potential layer and the urgency layer. Each layer encompassed specific indices for evaluating the change of urban-rural construction land in different aspects. The entropy method was then applied to the data resources from Landsat TM (Thematic Mapper) images, statistical data and overall land-use and land consolidation planning of Nantong city in coastal China to allocate weightings to the indices in each sub-layer. Finally, the decision-support system was built based on the assessment results and the degree of importance for consolidating urban and rural construction land, respectively. The results of our study show an overall investigation and quantitative description of the change of urban-rural construction land and provide an effective framework for land consolidation and land use management.
Do Water Rights Affect Technical Efficiency and Social Disparities of Crop Production in the Mediterranean? The Spanish Ebro Basin Evidence
Authors: Quiroga Sonia , Fernández-Haddad Zaira , Suárez Cristina
Published: November 2014

The coming agenda for the European Common Agricultural Policy includes more incentives for the environmental compliance of farmer’s activities. This will be particularly important in the case of water risk management in Mediterranean countries. Among the new challenges is the need to evaluate some of the instruments necessary to comply with the Water Framework Directive requirements that emphasize the management of water demand to achieve the environmental targets. Here we analyze the implications of changing water rights as a policy response to these challenges. We analyze two important aspects of the decision: (i) the effects on the crop productivity and efficiency and (ii) the effects on the rural income distribution. We provide the empirical estimations for the marginal effects on the two considered aspects. First, we calculate a stochastic frontier production function for five representative crops using historical data to estimate technical efficiency. Second, we use a decomposition of the Gini coefficient to estimate the impact of irrigation rights changes on yield disparity. In our estimates, we consider both bio-physical and socio-economic aspects to conclude that there are long term implications on both efficiency and social disparities. We find disparities in the adaptation strategies depending on the crop and the region analyzed.
UceWeb: a Web-based Collaborative Tool for Collecting and Sharing Quality of Life Data
Authors: Sacchi L. , Rubrichi S. , Mazzanti A. , Quaglini S. , Parimbelli E.
Published: November 2014

Objectives: This work aims at building a platform where quality-of-life data, namely utility coefficients, can be elicited not only for immediate use, but also systematically stored together with patient profiles to build a public repository to be further exploited in studies on specific target populations (e.g. cost/utility analyses).

Methods: We capitalized on utility theory and previous experience to define a set of desirable features such a tool should show to facilitate sound elicitation of quality of life. A set of visualization tools and algorithms has been developed to this purpose. To make it easily accessible for potential users, the software has been designed as a web application. A pilot validation study has been performed on 20 atrial fibrillation patients.

Results: A collaborative platform, UceWeb, has been developed and tested. It implements the standard gamble, time trade-off and rating-scale utility elicitation methods. It allows doctors and patients to choose the mode of interaction to maximize patients’ comfort in answering difficult questions. Every utility elicitation may contribute to the growth of the repository.

Conclusion: UceWeb can become a unique source of data allowing researchers both to perform more reliable comparisons among healthcare interventions and build statistical models to gain deeper insight into quality of life data.
Human Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Cells as New Human Feeder Layer System for Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Santos Danúbia Silva Dos , De Oliveira Vanessa Carvalho Coelho , Asensi Karina Dutra , Vairo Leandro , Carvalho Adriana Bastos , De Carvalho Antonio Carlos Campos , Goldenberg Regina Coeli Dos Santos
Published: November 2014

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in general require coculture with feeder layers in order to remain undifferentiated. However, the use of animal-derived feeder layers is incompatible with the clinical setting. The objective of this work was to investigate whether human menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal cells (MBMCs) can substitute mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) as a feeder layer for H9-hESCs. Both feeder cell types were isolated and cultured in DMEM F-12 and high glucose DMEM, respectively. After three passages, they were inactivated with mitomycin C. To test MBMC feeder layer capacity, hESCs were grown over MBMCs and MEFs under standard conditions. hESC growth, proliferation, survival, and maintenance of the undifferentiated state were evaluated. hESCs grown over MBMCs preserved their undifferentiated state presenting standard morphology, expressing alkaline phosphatase, transcription factors OCT3/4, SOX2, and NANOG by RT-PCR and SSEA-4 and OCT3/4 by immunofluorescence assays. It is noteworthy that none of the feeder cells expressed these proteins. The average colony size of the hESCs on MBMCs was higher when compared to MEFs ( p < 0.05; mean ± SD, n = 3). Growth factor analysis revealed amplification of the transcripts for FGF-2, BMP4, TGF-β, VEGF, and PEDF by RT-PCR in MBMCs and MEFs before and after inactivation. Furthermore, similar embryoid body formation, size, and morphology were observed in both feeder layers. In addition, EBs expressed marker genes for the three germ layers cultured on both feeder cells. In conclusion, MBMCs are able to maintain hESCs in an undifferentiated state with comparable efficiency to MEFs. Therefore, MBMCs are a suitable alternative to animal-derived feeder layers for growing hESCs.
A Proposed Pragmatic Software Development Process Model
Authors: Misra Sanjay , Omorodion M. , Mishra Amit , Fernandez Luis
Published: November 2014

The rapid growth in technology and the dynamism in our society today poses a lot of problems for Software Engineering practitioners. The result is a series of software development process methods that can be used to combat or meet up with the problems. What we can do is evolve, grow, and adapt to the changes that come along with development. This is the dynamism inherent in man—to adapt to change and improve ourselves and our existing systems—since the world is a far cry from what it was a few decades ago. On this basis lay the need to develop the model proposed in this chapter to meet the variations that exist as a result of technological development.
Application Security for Mobile Devices
Authors: Costa Gabriele , Lazouski Aliaksandr , Martinelli Fabio , Mori Paolo
Published: November 2014

In these last years, mobile devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, have become very popular. Moreover, mobile devices have become very powerful and commonly run fairly complex applications such as 3D games, Internet browsers, e-mail clients, social network clients, and many others. Hence, an adequate security support is required on these devices to avoid malicious application damage or unauthorized accesses to personal data (such as personal contacts or business email). This chapter describes the security support of the current commercial mobile devices along with a set of approaches that have been proposed in the scientific literature to enhance the security of mobile applications.
Creating an Early Model of Teaching at The New School
Authors: Kennedy Carol Kahan , Yagjian Tina
Published: November 2014

In 1998, the AT&T Foundation awarded a grant to the Teacher Education Graduate Program at The New School, a university in New York City, to implement an Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) in Teaching and Learning with Technology (TELT). The grant was given to train public secondary classroom teachers in urban schools how to integrate technology into their classes. Using a cognitive science and constructivist-based theoretical framework, a twelve-credit four-course curriculum to earn the APC was developed. The intention was to offer it in a blended format in Fall 2000 through DIAL (Distance Instruction for Adult Learners), the New School's innovative online learning program. Because this was occurring during the early days of computer use in the classroom, many faculty and students had no prior experience in teaching and learning with technology, much less with teaching and learning over the internet. Web-based learning was in its infancy. DIAL was one of the first online learning programs in the United States to offer degrees, certificates and courses in the liberal arts through a computer-mediated environment. The Advanced Placement Certificate in Teaching and Learning with Technology was the first of its kind to offer a theoretically-based course curriculum in a blended learning format to urban educators. The historically significant outcomes were as follows: creating a method for teaching instructors how to teach technology online, learning how to integrate technology in the classroom, learning how to teach as well as participate in an online environment, using the DIAL interface which was an early platform built, in part, on a customized Linux platform. The pilot TELT program used both formative and summative assessments for learning outcomes and efficacy. The results were positive and a model for teacher education with technology was created. Nothing of this kind existed previously. The model was for continuing the New School graduate certificate program in the next stage.
The Development, Design, and Pedagogical Implications of Blackboard
Authors: Chambers Mary-Lynn
Published: November 2014

In the 1980s, during the emergence of the online software called Blackboard, the academic target audience was filled with field independent learners. With the growing success of Blackboard, the availability of the new software broadened and eventually claimed the status as the number one choice of software for online education. With the acceptance of online education as an effective tool for learning, the online classroom demographics began to shift with a growing representation of field-dependent minority students. This shift in demographics also meant a shift in learning styles. This chapter highlights elements regarding the development of Blackboard and the design shift within Blackboard. It also provides practical suggestions that can be incorporated into an online instructor's pedagogy so that the 21st century online class will be more attentive to the needs of the minority, field-dependent students.
Genre-Based Approach to Assessing Information and Knowledge Security Risks
Authors: Padyab Ali Mohammad , Päivärinta Tero , Harnesk Dan
Published: November 2014

Contemporary methods for assessing information security risks have adopted mainly technical views on information and technology assets. Organizational dynamics of information management and knowledge sharing have gained less attention. This article outlines a new, genre-based, approach to information security risk assessment in order to orientate toward organization- and knowledge-centric identification and analysis of security risks. In order to operationalize the genre-based approach, we suggest the use of a genre-based analytical method for identifying organizational communication patterns through which organizational knowledge is shared. The genre-based method is then complemented with tasks and techniques from a textbook risk assessment method (OCTAVE Allegro). We discuss the initial experiences of three experienced information security professionals who tested the method. The article concludes with implications of the genre-based approach to analyzing information and knowledge security risks for future research and practice.
Knowledge Management in Support of Enterprise Risk Management
Authors: Rodriguez Eduardo , Edwards John S.
Published: November 2014

Risk management and knowledge management have so far been studied almost independently. The evolution of risk management to the holistic view of Enterprise Risk Management requires the destruction of barriers between organizational silos and the exchange and application of knowledge from different risk management areas. However, knowledge management has received little or no attention in risk management. This paper examines possible relationships between knowledge management constructs related to knowledge sharing, and two risk management concepts: perceived quality of risk control and perceived value of enterprise risk management. From a literature review, relationships with eight knowledge management variables covering people, process and technology aspects were hypothesised. A survey was administered to risk management employees in financial institutions. The results showed that the perceived quality of risk control is significantly associated with four knowledge management variables: perceived quality of risk knowledge sharing, perceived quality of communication among people, web channel functionality, and risk management information system functionality. However, the relationships of the knowledge management variables to the perceived value of enterprise risk management are not significant. We conclude that better knowledge management is associated with better risk control, but that more effort needs to be made to break down organizational silos in order to support true Enterprise Risk Management.
Innovative strategies for a successful SLMTA country programme: The Rwanda story
Authors: Nzabahimana Innocent , Sebasirimu Sabin , Gatabazi John B. , Ruzindana Emmanuel , Kayobotsi Claver , Linde Mary K. , Mazarati Jean B. , Ntagwabira Edouard , Serumondo Janvier , Dahourou Georges A. , Gatei Wangeci , Muvunyi Claude M.
Published: November 2014

Background: In 2009, to improve the performance of laboratories and strengthen healthcare systems, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) and partners launched two initiatives: a laboratory quality improvement programme called Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA), and what is now called the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA).Objectives: This study describes the achievements of Rwandan laboratories four years after the introduction of SLMTA in the country, using the SLIPTA scoring system to measure laboratory progress.Methods: Three cohorts of five laboratories each were enrolled in the SLMTA programme in 2010, 2011 and 2013. The cohorts used SLMTA workshops, improvement projects, mentorship and quarterly performance-based financing incentives to accelerate laboratory quality improvement. Baseline, exit and follow-up audits were conducted over a two-year period from the time of enrolment. Audit scores were used to categorise laboratory quality on a scale of zero (< 55%) to five (95% – 100%) stars.Results: At baseline, 14 of the 15 laboratories received zero stars with the remaining laboratory receiving a two-star rating. At exit, five laboratories received one star, six received two stars and four received three stars. At the follow-up audit conducted in the first two cohorts approximately one year after exit, one laboratory scored two stars, five laboratories earned three stars and four laboratories, including the National Reference Laboratory, achieved four stars.Conclusion: Rwandan laboratories enrolled in SLMTA showed improvement in quality management systems. Sustaining the gains and further expansion of the SLMTA programme to meet country targets will require continued programme strengthening.
Preoperative CT evaluation of potential donors in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Vohra Sandeep , Goyal Neerav , Gupta Subash
Published: November 2014

Living donor liver transplantation is an effective, life sustaining surgical treatment in patients with end-stage liver disease and a successful liver transplant requires a close working relationship between the radiologist and the transplant surgeon. There is extreme variability in hepatic vascular anatomy; therefore, preoperative imaging of potential liver donors is crucial not only in donor selection but also helps the surgeons in planning their surgical approach. In this article, we elaborate important aspects in evaluation of potential liver donors on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and the utility of MDCT in presurgical assessment of the hepatic parenchyma, relevant hepatic vascular anatomy and segmental liver volumes.
Safety and Tolerance Evaluation of Milk Fat Globule Membrane-Enriched Infant Formulas: A Randomized Controlled Multicenter Non-Inferiority Trial in Healthy Term Infants
Authors: Billeaud Claude , Puccio Giuseppe , Saliba Elie , Guillois Bernard , Vaysse Carole , Pecquet Sophie , Steenhout Philippe
Published: November 2014

Objective

This multicenter non-inferiority study evaluated the safety of infant formulas enriched with bovine milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) fractions.

Methods

Healthy, full-term infants ( n = 119) age ≤14 days were randomized to standard infant formula (control), standard formula enriched with a lipid-rich MFGM fraction (MFGM-L), or standard formula enriched with a protein-rich MFGM fraction (MFGM-P). Primary outcome was mean weight gain per day from enrollment to age 4 months (non-inferiority margin: –3.0 g/day). Secondary (length, head circumference, tolerability, morbidity, adverse events) and exploratory (phospholipids, metabolic markers, immune markers) outcomes were also evaluated.

Results

Weight gain was non-inferior in the MFGM-L and MFGM-P groups compared with the control group. Among secondary and exploratory outcomes, few between-group differences were observed. Formula tolerance rates were high (>94%) in all groups. Adverse event and morbidity rates were similar across groups except for a higher rate of eczema in the MFGM-P group (13.9% vs control [3.5%], MFGM-L [1.4%]).

Conclusion

Both MFGM-enriched formulas met the primary safety endpoint of non-inferiority in weight gain and were generally well tolerated, although a higher rate of eczema was observed in the MFGM-P group.
La plasticité neuro-gliale des réseaux neuroendocrines
Authors: Duittoz Anne , Franceschini-Laurent Isabelle , Tillet Yves , Charvet Caroline , Vaudin Pascal
Published: November 2014

We discuss here the secular early onset of puberty in children, the central mechanisms of puberty as well as the clinical aspects of central precocious puberty in children. How to suspect it, how to explore it and how to treat it are the main topics of this article.
Protection animale : nouvelle gouvernance et perspectives européennes
Authors: Languille Jérôme , Fabre Agnès
Published: November 2014

Depuis les États généraux du sanitaire de 2010, destinés à réformer la gouvernance sanitaire en France et en particulier à mieux redéfinir les missions du vétérinaire sanitaire (habilité ou mandaté), une nouvelle organisation s’est mise en place concernant notamment la construction et la consultation de comités dédiés à la protection animale au niveau national et régional. Cette nouvelle organisation est explicitée dans cet article. Par ailleurs, dans le contexte général de la mise en place de «Paquets cadres» par l’Union Européenne comme le Paquet Hygiène ou le Paquet Santé «Health Law» , est prévue, pour faire suite au Plan d’action 2012-2015 de la Commission européenne, une «Welfare Law» . Le but de ce projet, affiché par les instances communautaires, est de moderniser et simplifier les textes communautaires actuels concernant la protection des animaux. Pour ce faire, la Commission se base, comme dans les autres «Law» d’une obligation de résultats primant sur l’obligation et le contrôle des moyens, système inspiré des pratiques «HACCP» . Ce système octroie plus de responsabilités aux opérateurs ou professionnels. Il prévoit, entre autres, des autocontrôles dont les résultats seront à postériori contrôlés par les vétérinaires officiels (en France : inspecteurs de santé publique vétérinaires).
Prescrire un antibiotique : du dogme à la réalité
Authors: Bastien Jacqueline
Published: November 2014

La décision de traiter avec un antibiotique et le choix du traitement antibiotique devrait reposer sur l’identification de l’agent pathogène responsable. Ceci suppose l’excellence et la pertinence du prélèvement ainsi que le respect des délais de transport au laboratoire. Dans les faits ces conditions ne sont pas toujours réunies. Le diagnostic étiologique étant établi, le vétérinaire praticien pourra choisir parmi les molécules réputées efficaces sur l’espèce bactérienne isolée ou en fonction du résultat d’un antibiogramme. Dans l’attente des résultats des examens de laboratoire il devra traiter sur la base d’un diagnostic probabiliste. Le schéma posologique retenu devrait être optimal pour assurer la guérison tout en limitant la sélection des mutants et en limitant l’exposition des germes commensaux. Plus largement le traitement choisi devra prendre en compte la dynamique de l’infection et la facilité d’observance. Le cheminement théorique qui conduit le vétérinaire prescripteur au choix d’un traitement antibiotique se heurte à nombreuses contraintes pratiques. Le cas des maladies respiratoires des bovins en fournissent une excellente illustration.
Analyse comparée des mélanomes chez le chien et l’homme
Authors: Cadieu Édouard , Brito Clotilde de , Gillard Marc , Abadie Jérôme , Vergier Béatrice , Guillory Anne-Sophie , Devauchelle Patrick , Degorce Frédérique , Lagoutte Laëtitia , Hédan Benoît , Galibert Marie-Dominique , Galibert Francis , André Catherine
Published: November 2014

Comparative analysis of canine and human melanomas

This paper presents epidemiological and clinical data from 2350 cases of melanocytic tumours from dogs sampled in France. In addition, we present the histological and genetic characterization of subsets of melanoma cases (n=153 and n=100, respectively), with a comparative aspect to human melanomas. Dog melanomas occur at the same anatomical sites than human melanomas, but with different frequency and severity. We demonstrate that the specificities of dog melanomas make them good models to understand the non-UV pathways of human melanomas. Interestingly, somatic mutations in oral canine melanomas were detected in the NRAS and PTEN genes, precisely at the same hotspots as human mutations. In contrast, mutations in the BRAF gene were not detected. This paper highlights the similarities and differences of dog and human melanoma types and the strong potential of dog melanomas to decipher the non-UV light pathways in different melanoma types, especially mucosal and acral types.
La surveillance sanitaire officielle des coquillages en France
Authors: Grastilleur Charlotte
Published: November 2014

La présente communication expose l’organisation du classement officiel des zones de production de coquillages et de leur surveillance en France. Ce classement des zones, préalable à la production, comprend 3 grades de qualité (A, B ou C). Il détermine le devenir possible des aliments selon les dénombrements en E. coli, critère de classement, marqueur de contamination fécale. Une fois le classement prononcé, la surveillance officielle des zones est obligatoire et repose sur des prélèvements réguliers avec un maillage serré du territoire, notamment pour le risque majeur que constituent les phycotoxines. Les alertes sont relativement rares, de même que les maladies imputables à l’ingestion de coquillages.

L’intégration à l’avenir d’autres dangers est une question-clef, de même que celle de la surveillance des émergences dans un contexte de changement climatique et de transfert à distance des algues, notamment via les ballasts.
En Face Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Detecting Thinning of Inner Retinal Layers as an Indicator of Capillary Nonperfusion
Authors: Imai Akira , Toriyama Yuichi , Iesato Yasuhiro , Hirano Takao , Murata Toshinori
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To report en face swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) as a noninvasive detection modality for regions of retinal layer thinning that are potential indicators of retinal nonperfusion areas (NPAs) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods

Thirty-one eyes of 46 patients with BRVO showing a definite retinal NPA larger than 1 disc in diameter within the vascular arcades were included in this study. We calculated the overlapping correspondence ratio between presumed NPA, which appeared as a dark area in en face SS-OCT, and definite NPA in corresponding fluorescein angiography (FA) images. The correlation between brightness in en face SS-OCT images and corresponding ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness determined by SD-OCT GCC maps was evaluated as well.

Results

Measured NPA size in FA and presumed NPA size in en face SS-OCT showed strong correlation (r = 0.746, p<0.001) and colocalization. Reliable agreement between the 2 methods was confirmed by size comparisons (p = 0.11), with an overlapping correspondence ratio of 0.73.

Conclusions

The results suggest that en face SS-OCT is a noninvasive and relatively reliable method for delineating retinal thinning as an indicator of NPAs in eyes with BRVO. Because SS-OCT can be performed without mydriasis, this procedure may be an option for evaluating NPAs on a screening basis and during follow-up to reduce the number of FA examinations that carry very rare, but potentially fatal, allergic side effects.
Gender Differences in Refractive Prediction in Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
Authors: Lundqvist Oskar , Westin Oscar , Koskela Timo , Behndig Anders
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To compare the refractive outcomes after refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery with regards to gender and intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formula.

Methods

A cohort of consecutive patients operated with bilateral same-day RLE surgery at a private eye clinic (n = 512) was studied. Target refraction was emmetropia in all cases and Haigis formula was used for all IOL power calculations. One month after surgery, subjective refraction was assessed and the absolute refractive prediction error (RPEAbs), as well as the refractive prediction error with correct signs (RPESign), was calculated, as were the refractive outcomes with the SRK/T formula.

Results

For the whole cohort, the Haigis formula rendered a significantly smaller RPEAbs than the SRK/T formula (0.16 ± 0.26 D vs 0.32 ± 0.30 D; p<0.001). No gender difference in RPEAbs was seen. A slight myopic error was seen with the SRK/T formula in women, and a slight hyperopic error in men (-0.06 ± 0.47 D vs + 0.16 ± 0.39 D; p<0.001). No similar gender difference was seen with the Haigis formula (+0.05 ± 0.29 D vs +0.05 ± 0.31 D; p = NS). Axial length, anterior chamber depth, and corneal steepness differed significantly between the sexes.

Conclusions

The Haigis formula generally performed better in this RLE cohort. The SRK/T formula generates a small myopic error in women and a hyperopic error in men, associated with flatter corneas, longer axial lengths, and deeper anterior chambers in the latter.
Interchangeability between Pentacam and IOLMaster in Phakic Intraocular Lens Calculation
Authors: Sayed Khulood M. , Alsamman Alahmady H.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the agreement and interchangeability between IOLMaster and Pentacam in phakic intraocular lens (IOL) calculations.

Methods

This was a prospective study involving measurement of the anterior segment parameters anterior chamber depth (ACD), white to white (WTW) line, and average anterior corneal curvature (K-reading) on 108 healthy eyes of 56 consecutive patients. Interdevice agreement and interchangeability in phakic IOL calculations was evaluated.

Results

Pentacam measured significantly longer ACD measurements (3.54 ± 0.35 mm) than the IOLMaster (3.40 ± 0.37 mm) (p<0.0001); on the other hand, it measured significantly shorter WTW line measurements (11.61 ± 0.44 mm) than the IOLMaster (11.66 ± 0.42 mm) (p = 0.016). No difference was found regarding the average K-readings. For biometry and phakic IOL power calculation, there was no clinically significant difference between the devices, but for phakic IOL diameter calculation the difference was clinically significant.

Conclusions

There is a good agreement in ACD and K-readings between Pentacam and IOLMaster, making them interchangeable in biometry and phakic IOL power calculation, but they are not interchangeable regarding WTW line measurement; the difference will affect the phakic IOL diameter, which would affect lens safety.
Correlation of MCM2 Detection with Stage and Virology of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Amaro Filho Sérgio Menezes , Nuovo Gerard Jerry , Cunha Cynthia B , De Oliveira Ramos Pereira Luiza , Oliveira-Silva Michelle , Russomano Fábio , Pires Andrea , Nicol Alcina F
Published: November 2014

The highly conserved mini-chromosome maintenance proteins (MCM) are important in the initiation of DNA replication. Few studies have correlated MCM expression with the progression of cancer.

Objectives

(i) To analyze the expression of MCM2 in cervical cancer; (ii) to correlate MCM2 expression with the clinical tumor staging according to FIGO classification, and (iii) to relate HPV type to MCM2 expression.

Methods

Tissue micro-arrays (TMA) from patients with invasive cervical cancer and controls were analyzed. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA detection and HPV types were determined by in situ hybridization, PCR, and sequencing. MCM2 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The most prevalent HPV types found in invasive cancer were HPV 16 (66.6%), followed by HPV 33 (11.8%), and HPV 35 (3.6%). An increased (p<0.05) expression of MCM2 was found in invasive cervical cancers compared to controls. Moreover, a strong correlation was found between the MCM2-positive cells and the presence of HPV DNA detected by in situ hybridization. No statistically significant difference was observed between MCM2 expression and FIGO stage.

Conclusions

The present study shows that HPV-infected cells strongly express MCM2; nevertheless, our data suggests that MCM2 is not a good biomarker when comparing the different clinical stages of cervical cancer.
Genetic Instability in Peripheral Lymphocytes as Biological Marker for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients in the South Indian State of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Peddireddy Vidyullatha , Badabagni Siva Prasad , Gundimeda Sandhya Devi , Sultana Shehnaz , Kadali Kanakadurga , Gudala Suresh , Penagaluru Pardhanandana Reddy , Hema Prasad Mundluru
Published: November 2014

Objectives

This study aims, first, at evaluating the DNA and chromosomal damage in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients from the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, and then at correlating these results with possible confounding factors that might potentially play a role in causing genetic damage.

Methods

The study included 246 NSCLC patients (177 men and 69 women) and 250 healthy controls (180 men and 70 women) for the analysis of DNA and chromosomal damage using the comet assay and micronucleus test.

Results

Both DNA and chromosomal damage were found to be increased in NSCLC patients compared to healthy controls, and the extent of the damage was higher in males than female patients. The smoking status had a profound effect on the extent of DNA and chromosomal damage in NSCLC patients. The degree of genetic damage correlated with the stage of the disease. However, the histological status had no effect on the extent of DNA and chromosomal damage among NSCLC patients.

Conclusions

We here report, for the first time, that the NSCLC patients selected form the Andhra Pradesh population had increased DNA damage and higher mean micronucleus frequencies in peripheral lymphocytes, indicating a strong background level of genetic instability.
How to improve the performances of Fecal Immunological Tests (FIT): Need for standardization of the sampling and pre-analytical phases and revision of the procedures for comparison of methods
Authors: Rapi Stefano , Rubeca Tiziana , Fraser Callum G.
Published: November 2014

Lack of reference materials and standard procedures, on faecal tests leads to major problems in harmonisation of methods and do not allow the comparison of outcome data. In particular the absence of standardisation of pre-analytical characteristic was noted for faecal test methods for haemoglobin since different manufacturers have developed different sampling procedures and report units. Moreover the physical characteristics of the faecal specimen and the designs of specimen collection devices do not allow analysis of samples on different systems in consequence, faecal tests cannot be compared using standard evaluation protocols. To improve the harmonization of results generated using different analytical systems and the overall performances of test on faecal materials we propose the introduction of standard procedures for sampling and pre-analytical phase and the adoption of specific procedures based on the use of artificial biological samples for comparison of methods. Harmonization of sampling devices with the use of a standard design for pickers and a standard ratio between analyte and buffer for different manufacturers represent a mandatory step in the roadmap for harmonization of clinical laboratory measurement on faecal materials and can allow a significant standardisation of results generated by different devices. The creation of specific protocols for the evaluation and comparison of analytical methods for analyse of faeces could lead to a significant improvement in the performance of methods and systems.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Dickkopf-1 Protein in Serum for Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhao Ying , Yang Qin
Published: November 2014

Objective

This meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of positive serum Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Material and methods

Articles listed on Embase, PubMed, Wanfang, Weipu Periodical Database or the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and published up to July 10, 2013, were searched in either English or Chinese. The pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve were calculated to summarize the overall test performance.

Results

Four articles (6 studies) provided DKK1 diagnostic data. The pooled SEN, SPE, PLR, NLR, DOR and area under the sROC curve of DKK1 for the diagnosis of HCC were 0.65 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.52-0.76), 0.94 (95% CI, 0.82-0.98), 10.1 (95% CI, 3.68-27.74), 0.38 (95% CI, 0.28-0.51), 26.90 (95% CI, 10.45-69.19) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.81-0.87), respectively. Three articles (5 studies) provided DKK1 and α-fetoprotein (AFP) combined test data. The pooled SEN, SPE, PLR, NLR, DOR and area under the sROC curve of combined detection for the diagnosis of HCC were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.76-0.85), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78-0.91), 5.52 (95% CI, 3.76-8.10), 0.22 (95% CI, 0.19-0.27), 24.60 (95% CI, 17.69-34.19) and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85-0.91), respectively.

Conclusion

Both DKK1 and DKK1 plus AFP had high diagnostic accuracy for diagnosis of HCC.
Suppression of C6 Gliomas via Application of Rat Hyperplasia Gene
Authors: Gao Peng , Wang Zhanwei , Zhang Bin , Zou Yourui , Guo Hui , Liu Haibo , Yang Qiang , Fang Zhihao , Jiang Shucai , Shen Bing , Chow Louis W.C. , Loo Wings Tjing-yung , Ng Elizabeth L.Y. , Tsang William W.N.
Published: November 2014

Background

Among all neurological tumors, tumor incidence of the neuroepithelial tissue is the highest, where 50% are gliomas. Treatment for gliomas has traditionally included surgery and adjuvant therapy. With advancements in medicine, gene therapy has entered the clinical setting, in which control of tumor growth, tumor volume and decrease of supply of blood to the tumor have been observed. Rat hyperplasia suppressor gene (rHSG) has been proven to inhibit the injury-mediated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Methods

A recombinant adenovirus, Adv-rHSG-GFP, was constructed and characterized by in vitro and in vivo studies. The function of rHSG on cell proliferation was determined in vitro by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) exclusion assay and plate clone formation, while a C6/Sprague Dawley rat glioma model was established to observe the effect of rHSG in vivo.

Results

Overexpression of rHSG displayed a strong effect on suppressing C6 cells proliferation in vitro and growth of glioma in vivo, which suggests the use of rHSG as a possible treatment strategy for glioma. p21Cip1, p27Kip1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were found to be involved in the tumor suppression mechanism of rHSG.

Conclusions

rHSG can markedly inhibit of the growth of rat glioma cells. The suppression mechanism of rHSG may be related to cell cycle regulation, which shows that rHSG is a potential therapeutic target of glioma tumor. This preclinical study supports a further in-depth study on the effect of rHSG on cell proliferation, migration and change in the extracellular matrix component of glioma cells.
Useful Equation for Proper Estimate of Left Side Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter Length in Relation to the Height
Authors: Jeon Eui-Yong , Koh Sung Hye , Lee In Jae , Ha Hong-il , Park Bum Jung
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Direct measurement of venous length is easy to cause contamination during bedside insertion of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC). It is necessary to provide an equation for proper estimate of catheter length in case of bedside insertion of PICC in relation to patient height.

Methods

For 165 PICC cases through left arm vein in 151 adult patients (male: female = 72:79), the cubital crease to carina length (CCL) was calculated as follows: CCL = (distance from cubital crease to puncture point) + (length of PICC inside body) – (distance from carina to catheter tip on post-procedural chest radiograph). We analyzed the relationship between CCL and height with regression analysis and suggest a new equation of CCL based on height.

Results

The mean CCL through the left arm vein was 47.1 ± 2.6 cm in male and 44.0 ± 2.9 cm in female. CCL was significantly correlated with patient height. Equation of CCL (cm) based on height was as follows: CCL = height* 0.19 + 14.

Conclusions

The equation of our study would provide a new equation for proper estimation of catheter length in case of bedside insertion of left arm PICC in relation to height and be helpful for optimal positioning of catheter tip of PICC.