bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hesitation Blues
Authors: Huge Michael E. , Glynn Carroll J.
Published: January 2012

Research in public opinion and political communication indicates that those who hold viewpoints that are in the minority may be more hesitant to express their opinion when compared to those in the majority. Gauging hesitation through response latencies has been put forth as a measure of the internalization of majority pressure. In a laboratory setting, participants are asked to offer simple judgments (e.g., “like” or “dislike”) for various digitized images of both political and nonpolitical persons, things, and ideas. Responses are recorded and categorized according to majority or minority status and then analyzed at both the subject and the object level in an attempt to better understand the link between the climate of opinion and response hesitancy. Overall, those in the minority take longer to offer “like” or “dislike” responses when compared to those in the majority. This relationship is positively correlated with the size of the majority. Furthermore, individual differences are found to moderate the minority slowness effect (MSE). The effect is also found to be stronger for political objects when compared to nonpolitical objects.
The Making of Chile: With Poems and Guns
Authors: Bray Marjorie Woodford
Published: January 2012

After the overthrow of Chilean President Salvador Allende in 1973, several professors, graduate students, and filmmakers, with help from the Los Angeles Group for Latin American Solidarity, joined to create a film “pamphlet” documenting the social and cultural accomplishments of Allende’s Unidad Popular administration and exposing the machinations of the U.S. government and the Chilean upper class that provoked the coup. Using footage generously lent by the producer that been made in Chile for another film, as well as Chilean archival footage and segments produced locally, Chile: With Poems and Guns, first shown in January 1974 in Los Angeles, became widely distributed nationally and internationally. Some of the participants in making the film remained together to continue making films as a collective known as Lucha.

Después del golpe de estado en contra del presidente chileno Salvador Allende en 1973, varios profesores, estudiantes de posgrado y cineastas se unieron con el Los Angeles Group for Latin American Solidarity para crear un “panfleto” cinematográfico que documentase los logros del gobierno de Unidad Popular de Allende y las maquinaciones del gobierno estadounidense y la clase alta chilena para provocar el golpe. Haciendo uso de material de archivos chilenos, segmentos producidos localmente y película rodada en Chile para otro filme y generosamente suministrada por el productor, Chile: With Poems and Guns (“Chile: con poemas y armas”) se estrenó en enero de 1974 en Los Angeles y se distribuyó ampliamente a nivel nacional e internacional. Algunos de los participantes en el rodaje se mantuvieron juntos y continuaron produciendo películas bajo el nombre de Lucha.
The Narrative of João Garcia
Authors: Pereira Ana Luísa , Liston Katie
Published: January 2012

On the basis of narrative structure, this exploratory work aims to distinguish the lived experience of a Portuguese sports hero and noted mountain climber, João Garcia. Using phenomenological analyses of biographical interviews lasting over 15 hr in total, the narrative of João Garcia, the Portuguese alpinist who summitted the world’s 14 mountains above 8,000 m, is constructed. The analysis also includes the books written by Garcia himself in which he presents his “public” or “hero” self. This article focuses on João Garcia’s narrative of his life with an emphasis on his body–self experiences and his personal progression as a climber. Through the use of metaphors, the themes of the “one man show,” the transition to an alpine leader or captain and the body–self relationship are explored here, with a particular focus on Garcia’s desire to maximize his psychological and physical capacities in extreme and life-threatening conditions. The article concludes with some preliminary comments on the use of the narrative structure as a methodological tool.
A Unique Case of Intraventricular Hemorrhage Associated With Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in an Adolescent
Authors: Nasseri Farbod , Hunter Jill V. , Elenberg Ewa , Muscal Eyal
Published: January 2012

Intraventricular hemorrhage is a rare finding in patients with the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and generally carries a poor prognosis. We report a unique case of an 18-year-old girl with glomerulonephritis who developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome without hypertension but with a primary intraventricular hemorrhage and subarachnoid blood without demonstrable parenchymal blood. The normotensive presentation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and intraventricular hemorrhage in association with systemic vasculitis is rare. Our patient had a good initial outcome and was discharged with resolution of her symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure.
Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders
Authors: Lynn Steven Jay , Lilienfeld Scott O. , Merckelbach Harald , Giesbrecht Timo , van der Kloet Dalena
Published: January 2012

Conventional wisdom holds that dissociation is a coping mechanism triggered by exposure to intense stressors. Drawing on recent research from multiple laboratories, we challenge this prevailing posttraumatic model of dissociation and dissociative disorders. Proponents of this model hold that dissociation and dissociative disorders are associated with (a) intense objective stressors (e.g., childhood trauma), (b) serious cognitive deficits that impede processing of emotionally laden information, and (c) an avoidant information-processing style characterized by a tendency to forget painful memories. We review findings that contradict these widely accepted assumptions and argue that a sociocognitive model better accounts for the extant data. We further propose a perspective on dissociation based on a recently established link between a labile sleep–wake cycle and memory errors, cognitive failures, problems in attentional control, and difficulties in distinguishing fantasy from reality. We conclude that this perspective may help to reconcile the posttraumatic and sociocognitive models of dissociation and dissociative disorders.
The Nature and Organization of Individual Differences in Executive Functions
Authors: Miyake Akira , Friedman Naomi P.
Published: January 2012

Executive functions (EFs)—a set of general-purpose control processes that regulate one’s thoughts and behaviors—have become a popular research topic lately and have been studied in many subdisciplines of psychological science. This article summarizes the EF research that our group has conducted to understand the nature of individual differences in EFs and their cognitive and biological underpinnings. In the context of a new theoretical framework that we have been developing (the unity/diversity framework), we describe four general conclusions that have emerged. Specifically, we argue that individual differences in EFs, as measured with simple laboratory tasks, (a) show both unity and diversity (different EFs are correlated yet separable), (b) reflect substantial genetic contributions, (c) are related to various clinically and societally important phenomena, and (d) show some developmental stability.
I Rebel—Therefore We Exist
Authors: Lindebaum Dirk
Published: January 2012

In this analysis, I associate the commodification of emotions at work with an increasingly imposed standardization as far as emotional displays are concerned. I refer to this process as a form of emotional convergence operating within organizations. I contrast this tendency with another buoyant construct in organizational behavior and psychology studies: Emotional Intelligence (EI). Individual emotional and intellectual evolution lies at the heart of the ability EI model, which I interpret as a form of emotional divergence that individuals harness in managing their daily lives. Hitherto, scholars have largely ignored the potential conflict between both research strands, especially the possibility of high EI individuals as non-conforming actors in the organizational arena. The latter leads me to propose an interaction model between individual behavior and organizational norms. Implications for theory and suggestions for future research are detailed.
Distinct ADHD Symptom Clusters Differentially Associated With Personality Traits
Authors: McKinney Ashley A. , Canu Will H. , Schneider H. G.
Published: January 2012

Objective: ADHD has been linked to various constructs, yet there is a lack of focus on how its symptom clusters differentially associate with personality, which this study addresses. Method: The current study examines the relationship between impulsive and inattentive ADHD traits and personality, indexed by the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-III), in a sample of undergraduates. Results: Impulsivity was associated with NEO-PI-R and MCMI-III traits characterized by emotional distress, interpersonal problems, and disruptive behavior, whereas inattention was associated only with focus-oriented constructs. Conclusion: ADHD-related inattention is a relatively modest predictor of personality traits, as compared with hyperactivity-impulsivity. These findings have implications regarding the distinctiveness and etiology of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) ADHD types.
Comparison of clinical, immunological and neuroimaging features between anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive and antibody-negative Sjögren’s syndrome patients with central nervous system manifestations
Authors: Estiasari Riwanti , Matsushita Takuya , Masaki Katsuhisa , Akiyama Takuya , Yonekawa Tomomi , Isobe Noriko , Kira Jun-ichi
Published: January 2012

Background and objective: The objective of this study is to clarify clinical, immunological, and neuroimaging features in anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive and antibody-negative Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement.

Methods: Medical records and MRI scans were retrospectively analyzed in 22 consecutive SS patients with CNS manifestations.

Results: Seven (31.8%) patients were positive for anti-AQP4 antibodies. The frequency of visual impairment was higher in anti-AQP4 antibody-positive patients than in antibody-negative patients (71.4% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.0008). Brain MRI showed that discrete lesions were more commonly found in the cerebrum, brainstem, and optic nerve in anti-AQP4 antibody-positive patients than in antibody-negative patients ( p = 0.002, p = 0.006, and p = 0.004, respectively), while spinal cord MRI showed that posterior column lesions in the cervical spinal cord were more frequent in anti-AQP4 antibody-positive patients than in antibody-negative patients (71.4% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.01). SS-A antibody titers were higher in anti-AQP4 antibody-positive patients than in antibody-negative patients ( p = 0.012) and were also higher in patients with longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions (LESCLs) than in those without LESCLs ( p = 0.019).

Conclusions: In SS, the presence of anti-AQP4 antibodies is associated with involvement of the optic nerve, cerebrum and brainstem, and with cervical posterior column lesions in the spinal cord.
Epstein–Barr virus neutralizing antibody levels and risk of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Simon Kelly Claire , O’Reilly Eilis J , Munger Kassandra L , Finerty Susan , Morgan Andrew J , Ascherio Alberto
Published: January 2012

Previous infection with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and infectious mononucleosis are established multiple sclerosis (MS) risk factors, and elevated serum titers of anti-EBV nuclear antigen (anti-EBNA) antibodies in healthy adults are strongly correlated with future MS risk. In this prospective study, we investigated the association between EBV neutralizing antibodies and MS risk. MS risk tended to be higher in individuals with high titers of neutralizing antibodies compared to those with low titers (relative risk [RR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–5.1). This association was attenuated after adjustment for anti-EBNA1 IgG Ab titers (RR = 1.4, 95% CI 0.5–3.5). This preliminary finding warrants further study in a larger population.
Comparison of Visual Field Training for Hemianopia With Active Versus Sham Transcranial Direct Cortical Stimulation
Authors: Plow Ela B. , Obretenova Souzana N. , Fregni Felipe , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Merabet Lotfi B.
Published: January 2012

Background. Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT) aims to improve visual field function by systematically training regions of residual vision associated with the activity of suboptimal firing neurons within the occipital cortex. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to modulate cortical excitability. Objective. Assess the possible efficacy of tDCS combined with VRT. Methods. The authors conducted a randomized, double-blind, demonstration-of-concept pilot study where participants were assigned to either VRT and tDCS or VRT and sham. The anode was placed over the occipital pole to target both affected and unaffected lobes. One hour training sessions were carried out 3 times per week for 3 months in a laboratory. Outcome measures included objective and subjective changes in visual field, recording of visual fixation performance, and vision-related activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life (QOL). Results. Although 12 participants were enrolled, only 8 could be analyzed. The VRT and tDCS group demonstrated significantly greater expansion in visual field and improvement on ADLs compared with the VRT and sham group. Contrary to expectations, subjective perception of visual field change was greater in the VRT and sham group. QOL did not change for either group. The observed changes in visual field were unrelated to compensatory eye movements, as shown with fixation monitoring. Conclusions. The combination of occipital cortical tDCS with visual field rehabilitation appears to enhance visual functional outcomes compared with visual rehabilitation alone. TDCS may enhance inherent mechanisms of plasticity associated with training.
Efficacy of Short-Term FK506 Administration on Accelerating Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Yan Ying , Sun Hank H. , Hunter Daniel A. , Mackinnon Susan E. , Johnson Philip J.
Published: January 2012

Background. The slow rate of nerve regeneration following injury can cause extended muscle denervation, leading to irreversible muscle atrophy, fibrosis, and destruction of motor endplates. The immunosuppressant FK506 (tacrolimus) has been shown to accelerate the rate of nerve regeneration and functional recovery. However, the toxic and immunosuppressive properties of FK506 make it undesirable for long-term use. Objective. To take advantage of the regeneration-enhancing effects of FK506 but avoid the potential adverse effects of long-term administration, the current study evaluates and quantifies the efficacy of short-term FK506 treatment in rat models. Methods. Clinically relevant transection and graft models were evaluated, and walking track analysis (WTA) was used to evaluate functional recovery. FK506 was administered for 5 and 10 days post transection injury and 10 and 20 days post graft injury. Both groups involving a short course were compared with the continuous administration group. Results. In the transection model, FK506 was administered for 5 and 10 days postoperatively. WTA demonstrated that 10 days of FK506 administration was sufficient to reduce functional recovery time by 29% compared with negative controls. In the graft model, FK506 was administered for 10 and 20 days postoperatively. Short treatment courses of 10 and 20 days reduced recovery time by 15% and 21%, respectively, compared with negative controls. Analysis of blood–nerve barrier (BNB) integrity demonstrated that FK506 facilitated early reconstitution of the BNB. Conclusions. The results of this study indicate that short-term FK506 delivery following nerve injury imparts a significant therapeutic effect.
The macrophage mannose receptor promotes uptake of ADAMTS13 by dendritic cells
Authors: Sorvillo Nicoletta , Pos Wouter , van den Berg Linda M. , Fijnheer Rob , Martinez-Pomares Luisa , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. , Herczenik Eszter , Voorberg Jan
Published: January 2012

ADAMTS13 is a plasma metalloproteinase that regulates platelet adhesion and aggregation by cleaving ultra-large VWF multimers on the surfaces of endothelial cells. Autoantibodies directed against ADAMTS13 prohibit the processing of VWF multimers, initiating a rare and life-threatening disorder called acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The formation of autoantibodies depends on the activation of CD4+ T cells. This process requires immune recognition, endocytosis, and subsequent processing of ADAMTS13 into peptides that are presented on MHC class II molecules to CD4+ T cells by dendritic cells (DCs). In the present study, we investigated endocytosis of recombinant ADAMTS13 by immature monocyte-derived DCs using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. After incubation of fluorescently labeled ADAMTS13 with DCs, significant uptake of ADAMTS13 was observed. Endocytosis of ADAMTS13 was completely blocked by the addition of EGTA and mannan. ADAMTS13 endocytosis was decreased in the presence of a blocking mAb directed toward the macrophage mannose receptor (MR). Furthermore, siRNA silencing of MR reduced the uptake of ADAMTS13 by DCs. In addition, in vitro binding studies confirmed the interaction of ADAMTS13 with the carbohydrate recognition domains of MR. The results of the present study indicate that sugar moieties on ADAMTS13 interact with MR, thereby promoting its endocytosis by APCs.
Costimulated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are a feasible and safe alternative donor cell therapy for relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hardy Nancy M. , Fellowes Vicki , Rose Jeremy J. , Odom Jeanne , Pittaluga Stefania , Steinberg Seth M. , Blacklock-Schuver Bazetta , Avila Daniele N. , Memon Sarfraz , Kurlander Roger J. , Khuu Hahn M. , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Mena Esther , Dwyer Andrew J. , Levine Bruce L. , June Carl H. , Reshef Ran , Vonderheide Robert H. , Gress Ronald E. , Fowler Daniel H. , Hakim Frances T. , Bishop Michael R.
Published: January 2012

Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), a standard relapse treatment after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (AlloSCT), has limited efficacy and often triggers GVHD. We hypothesized that after AlloSCT tumor-infiltrating donor lymphocytes could be costimulated ex vivo to preferentially activate/expand antitumor effectors. We tested the feasibility and safety of costimulated, tumor-derived donor lymphocyte (TDL) infusion in a phase 1 trial. Tumor was resected from 8 patients with B-cell malignancy progression post-AlloSCT; tumor cell suspensions were costimulated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 Ab-coated magnetic beads and cultured to generate TDL products for each patient. Costimulation yielded increased proportions of T-bet+FoxP3− type 1 effector donor T cells. A median of 2.04 × 107 TDL/kg was infused; TDLs were well tolerated, notably without GVHD. Two transient positron emission tomography (PET) responses and 2 mixed responses were observed in these refractory tumors. TDL are a feasible, tolerable, and novel donor cell therapy alternative for relapse after AlloSCT. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as no. NCT00445666.
Effects of hypercapnia and NO synthase inhibition in sustained hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction
Authors: Ketabchi Farzaneh , Ghofrani Hossein A , Schermuly Ralph T , Seeger Werner , Grimminger Friedrich , Egemnazarov Bakytbek , Shid-Moosavi S Mostafa , Dehghani Gholam A , Weissmann Norbert , Sommer Natascha
Published: January 2012

Background

Acute respiratory disorders may lead to sustained alveolar hypoxia with hypercapnia resulting in impaired pulmonary gas exchange. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) optimizes gas exchange during local acute (0-30 min), as well as sustained (> 30 min) hypoxia by matching blood perfusion to alveolar ventilation. Hypercapnia with acidosis improves pulmonary gas exchange in repetitive conditions of acute hypoxia by potentiating HPV and preventing pulmonary endothelial dysfunction. This study investigated, if the beneficial effects of hypercapnia with acidosis are preserved during sustained hypoxia as it occurs, e.g in permissive hypercapnic ventilation in intensive care units. Furthermore, the effects of NO synthase inhibitors under such conditions were examined.

Method

We employed isolated perfused and ventilated rabbit lungs to determine the influence of hypercapnia with or without acidosis (pH corrected with sodium bicarbonate), and inhibitors of endothelial as well as inducible NO synthase on acute or sustained HPV (180 min) and endothelial permeability.

Results

In hypercapnic acidosis, HPV was intensified in sustained hypoxia, in contrast to hypercapnia without acidosis when HPV was amplified during both phases. L-NG-Nitroarginine (L-NNA), a non-selective NO synthase inhibitor, enhanced acute as well as sustained HPV under all conditions, however, the amplification of sustained HPV induced by hypercapnia with or without acidosis compared to normocapnia disappeared. In contrast 1400 W, a selective inhibitor of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), decreased HPV in normocapnia and hypercapnia without acidosis at late time points of sustained HPV and selectively reversed the amplification of sustained HPV during hypercapnia without acidosis. Hypoxic hypercapnia without acidosis increased capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc). This increase disappeared after administration of 1400 W.

Conclusion

Hypercapnia with and without acidosis increased HPV during conditions of sustained hypoxia. The increase of sustained HPV and endothelial permeability in hypoxic hypercapnia without acidosis was iNOS dependent.
Sequencing genes in silico using single nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: Zhang Xinyi Cindy , Zhang Bo , Li Shuying Sue , Huang Xin , Hansen John A , Zhao Lue Ping
Published: January 2012

Background

The advent of high throughput sequencing technology has enabled the 1000 Genomes Project Pilot 3 to generate complete sequence data for more than 906 genes and 8,140 exons representing 697 subjects. The 1000 Genomes database provides a critical opportunity for further interpreting disease associations with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) discovered from genetic association studies. Currently, direct sequencing of candidate genes or regions on a large number of subjects remains both cost- and time-prohibitive.

Results

To accelerate the translation from discovery to functional studies, we propose an in silico gene sequencing method (ISS), which predicts phased sequences of intragenic regions, using SNPs. The key underlying idea of our method is to infer diploid sequences (a pair of phased sequences/alleles) at every functional locus utilizing the deep sequencing data from the 1000 Genomes Project and SNP data from the HapMap Project, and to build prediction models using flanking SNPs. Using this method, we have developed a database of prediction models for 611 known genes. Sequence prediction accuracy for these genes is 96.26% on average (ranges 79%-100%). This database of prediction models can be enhanced and scaled up to include new genes as the 1000 Genomes Project sequences additional genes on additional individuals. Applying our predictive model for the KCNJ11 gene to the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) Type 2 diabetes cohort, we demonstrate how the prediction of phased sequences inferred from GWAS SNP genotype data can be used to facilitate interpretation and identify a probable functional mechanism such as protein changes.

Conclusions

Prior to the general availability of routine sequencing of all subjects, the ISS method proposed here provides a time- and cost-effective approach to broadening the characterization of disease associated SNPs and regions, and facilitating the prioritization of candidate genes for more detailed functional and mechanistic studies.
Combining evidence of selection with association analysis increases power to detect regions influencing complex traits in dairy cattle
Authors: Schwarzenbacher Hermann , Dolezal Marlies , Flisikowski Krzysztof , Seefried Franz , Wurmser Christine , Schlötterer Christian , Fries Ruedi
Published: January 2012

Background

Hitchhiking mapping and association studies are two popular approaches to map genotypes to phenotypes. In this study we combine both approaches to complement their specific strengths and weaknesses, resulting in a method with higher statistical power and fewer false positive signals. We applied our approach to dairy cattle as they underwent extremely successful selection for milk production traits and since an excellent phenotypic record is available. We performed whole genome association tests with a new mixed model approach to account for stratification, which we validated via Monte Carlo simulations. Selection signatures were inferred with the integrated haplotype score and a locus specific permutation based integrated haplotype score that works with a folded frequency spectrum and provides a formal test of signifance to identify selection signatures.

Results

About 1,600 out of 34,851 SNPs showed signatures of selection and the locus specific permutation based integrated haplotype score showed overall good accordance with the whole genome association study. Each approach provides distinct information about the genomic regions that influence complex traits. Combining whole genome association with hitchhiking mapping yielded two significant loci for the trait protein yield. These regions agree well with previous results from other selection signature scans and whole genome association studies in cattle.

Conclusion

We show that the combination of whole genome association and selection signature mapping based on the same SNPs increases the power to detect loci influencing complex traits. The locus specific permutation based integrated haplotype score provides a formal test of significance in selection signature mapping. Importantly it does not rely on knowledge of ancestral and derived allele states.
Serological assessment of gastric mucosal atrophy in gastric cancer
Authors: Bornschein Jan , Selgrad Michael , Wex Thomas , Kuester Doerthe , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: January 2012

Background

Non-invasive tools for gastric cancer screening and diagnosis are lacking. Serological testing with the detection of pepsinogen 1 (PG1), pepsinogen 2 (PG2) and gastrin 17 (G17) offers the possibility to detect preneoplastic gastric mucosal conditions. Aim of this study was to assess the performance of these serological tests in the presence of gastric neoplasia.

Methods

Histological and serological samples of 118 patients with gastric cancer have been assessed for tumor specific characteristics (Laurén type, localisation), degree of mucosal abnormalities (intestinal metaplasia, atrophy) and serological parameters (PG1, PG2, PG1/2-ratio, G17, H. pylori IgG, CagA status). Association of the general factors to the different serological values have been statistically analyzed.

Results

Patients with intestinal type gastric cancer had lower PG1 levels and a lower PG1/2-ratio compared to those with diffuse type cancer (p = 0.003). The serum levels of PG2 itself and G17 were not significantly altered. H. pylori infection in general had no influence on the levels of PG1, PG2 and G17 in the serum of gastric cancer patients. There was a trend towards lower PG1 levels in case of positive CagA-status (p = 0.058). The degree of both intestinal metaplasia and atrophy correlated inversely with serum levels for PG1 and the PG1/2-ratio (p < 0.01). Laurén-specific analysis revealed that this is only true for intestinal type tumors. Univariate ANOVA revealed atrophy and CagA-status as the only independent factors for low PG1 and a low PG1/2-ratio.

Conclusions

Glandular atrophy and a positive CagA status are determinant factors for decreased pepsinogen 1 levels in the serum of patients with gastric cancer. The serological assessment of gastric atrophy by analysis of serum pepsinogen is only adequate for patients with intestinal type cancer.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome from Penicillium marneffei in an HIV-infected child: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Sudjaritruk Tavitiya , Sirisanthana Thira , Sirisanthana Virat
Published: January 2012

Backgrounds

Disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection is one of the most common HIV-related opportunistic infections in Southeast Asia. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a complication related to antiretroviral therapy (ART)-induced immune restoration. The aim of this report is to present a case of HIV-infected child who developed an unmasking type of IRIS caused by disseminated P. marneffei infection after ART initiation.

Case presentation

A 14-year-old Thai HIV-infected girl presented with high-grade fever, multiple painful ulcerated oral lesions, generalized non-pruritic erythrematous skin papules and nodules with central umbilication, and multiple swollen, warm, and tender joints 8 weeks after ART initiation. At that time, her CD4+ cell count was 7.2% or 39 cells/mm3. On admission, her repeated CD4+ cell count was 11% or 51 cells/mm3 and her plasma HIV-RNA level was < 50 copies/mL. Her skin biopsy showed necrotizing histiocytic granuloma formation with neutrophilic infiltration in the upper and reticular dermis. Tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Grocott methenamine silver (GMS) stain revealed numerous intracellular and extracellular, round to oval, elongated, thin-walled yeast cells with central septation. The hemoculture, bone marrow culture, and skin culture revealed no growth of fungus or bacteria. Our patient responded well to intravenous amphotericin B followed by oral itraconazole. She fully recovered after 4-month antifungal treatment without evidence of recurrence of disease.

Conclusions

IRIS from P. marneffei in HIV-infected people is rare. Appropriate recognition and properly treatment is important for a good prognosis.
Validation of the Chinese version of the "Mood Disorder Questionnaire" for screening bipolar disorder among patients with a current depressive episode
Authors: Gan Zhaoyu , Han Zili , Li Kanglai , Diao Feici , Wu Xiaoli , Guan Nianhong , Zhang Jinbei
Published: January 2012

Background

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a well-recognized screening tool for bipolar disorder, but its Chinese version needs further validation. This study aims to measure the accuracy of the Chinese version of the MDQ as a screening instrument for bipolar disorder (BPD) in a group of patients with a current major depressive episode.

Methods

142 consecutive patients with an initial DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of a major depressive episode were screened for BPD using the Chinese translation of the MDQ and followed up for one year. The final diagnosis, determined by a special committee consisting of three trained senior psychiatrists, was used as a 'gold standard' and ROC was plotted to evaluate the performance of the MDQ. The optimal cut-off was chosen by maximizing the Younden's index.

Results

Of the 142 patients, 122 (85.9%) finished the one year follow-up. On the basis of a semi-structured clinical interview 48.4% (59/122) received a diagnosis of unipolar depression (UPD), 36.9% (45/122) BPDII and 14.8% (18/122) BPDI. At the end of the one year follow-up,9 moved from UPD to BPD, 2 from BPDII to UPD, 1 from BPDII to BPDI, the overall rate of initial misdiagnosis was 16.4%. MDQ showed a good accuracy for BPD: the optimal cut-off was 4, with a sensitivity of 0.72 and a specificity of 0.73. When BPDII and BPDI were calculated independently, the optimal cut-off for BPDII was 4, with a sensitivity of 0.70 and a specificity of 0.73; while the optimal cut-off for BPDI was 5, with a sensitivity of 0.67 and a specificity of 0.86.

Conclusions

Our results show that the Chinese version of MDQ is a valid tool for screening BPD in a group of patients with current depressive episode on the Chinese mainland.
miR-31 and its host gene lncRNA LOC554202 are regulated by promoter hypermethylation in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Augoff Katarzyna , McCue Brian , Plow Edward F , Sossey-Alaoui Khalid
Published: January 2012

Background

microRNAs have been established as powerful regulators of gene expression in normal physiological as well as in pathological conditions, including cancer progression and metastasis. Recent studies have demonstrated a key role of miR-31 in the progression and metastasis of breast cancer. Downregulation of miR-31 enhances several steps of the invasion-metastasis cascade in breast cancer, i.e., local invasion, extravasation and survival in the circulation system, and metastatic colonization of distant sites. miR-31 exerts its metastasis-suppressor activity by targeting a cohort of pro-metastatic genes, including RhoA and WAVE3. The molecular mechanisms that lead to the loss of miR-31 and the activation of its pro-metastatic target genes during these specific steps of the invasion-metastasis cascade are however unknown.

Results

In the present report, we identify promoter hypermethylation as one of the major mechanisms for silencing miR-31 in breast cancer, and in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines of basal subtype, in particular. miR-31 maps to the intronic sequence of a novel long non-coding (lnc)RNA, LOC554202 and the regulation of its transcriptional activity is under control of LOC554202. Both miR-31 and the host gene LOC554202 are down-regulated in the TNBC cell lines of basal subtype and over-expressed in the luminal counterparts. Treatment of the TNBC cell lines with either a de-methylating agent alone or in combination with a de-acetylating agent resulted in a significant increase of both miR-31 and its host gene, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism for the silencing of these two genes by promoter hypermethylation. Finally, both methylation-specific PCR and sequencing of bisulfite-converted DNA demonstrated that the LOC554202 promoter-associated CpG island is heavily methylated in the TNBC cell lines and hypomethylated in the luminal subtypes.

Conclusion

Loss of miR-31 expression in TNBC cell lines is attributed to hypermethylation of its promoter-associated CpG island. Together, our results provide the initial evidence for a mechanism by which miR-31, an important determinant of the invasion metastasis cascade, is regulated in breast cancer.
Acute small bowel obstruction: a rare initial presentation for the metastasis of the large-cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Song Yongmao , Li Modan , Shan Jianzhen , Ye Xiaoxian , Tang Shangyi , Fang Xuefeng , Ding Kefeng , Yuan Ying
Published: January 2012

We present one case with symptom of paroxysmal abdominal pain for over 20 days. Abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed intestinal obstruction and a mass of 6.0 cm × 6.0 cm in size located at the left adrenal. Chest CT scan showed a lobulated mass of 2.7 cm × 2.7 cm in size at the upper left lung. Core needle biopsy of the lung mass confirmed the diagnosis of large cell carcinoma. The patient underwent an emergency abdominal laparotomy and received a chemotherapy regimen that consisted of pemetrexed and cisplatin postoperatively. In addition, we made a review of the literature of the occurrence, diagnosis and outcome of this manifestation.
Histological features of the gastric mucosa in children with primary bile reflux gastritis
Authors: Zhang Yanyi , Yang Xi , Gu Weizhong , Shu Xiaoli , Zhang Ting , Jiang Mizu
Published: January 2012

Background

Bile reflux is one of the primary factors involved in the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal lesions in patients with chronic gastritis; however, little is known about the exact histological features of bile reflux and its contributions to gastric mucosal lesions in this disease, especially in children with primary bile reflux gastritis (BRG). The aim of this study was to investigate the classic histological changes of the gastric mucosa in children with primary BRG.

Methods

The Bilitec 2000 was used for 24 h monitoring of gastric bile in 59 children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. The histological characteristics of the gastric mucosa were examined and scored.

Results

Thirteen of the 59 patients had a helicobacter pylori infection and were excluded; therefore, 46 cases were included in this study. The positive rate of pathological duodenogastric reflux was significantly higher in patients with foveolar hyperplasia than those without foveolar hyperplasia; however, the rate was significantly lower in patients with vascular congestion than those without vascular congestion. The longest reflux time and the total percentage time of bile reflux were significantly lower in patients with vascular congestion than those without vascular congestion. A total of 9 types of histological changes were analyzed using a binary logistic regression. Foveolar hyperplasia and vascular congestion in the superficial layer became significant variables in the last step of the stepwise regression.

Conclusions

Foveolar hyperplasia was associated with the severity of bile reflux, suggesting that it is a histological feature of primary BRG in children, while vascular congestion may be a protective factor.
Building tobacco control research in Thailand: meeting the need for innovative change in Asia
Authors: Hamann Stephen L , Mock Jeremiah , Hense Sibasis , Charoenca Naowarut , Kungskulniti Nipapun
Published: January 2012

Introduction

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) over the past two decades locally relevant tobacco control research has been scant. Experience shows that tobacco control measures should be based on sound research findings to ensure that measures are appropriate for local conditions and that they are likely to have an impact. Research should also be integrated within tobacco control measures to ensure ongoing learning and the production of knowledge. Thailand, a middle-income country, has a public health community with a record of successful tobacco control and a longstanding commitment to research. Thailand's comprehensive approach includes taxation; bans on tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion; smoke-free areas; graphic cigarette pack warnings; social marketing campaigns; cessation counseling; and an established tobacco control research program. The purpose of this study was to document and analyze the development of tobacco control research capacity in Thailand and the impact of research on Thai tobacco control measures.

Method

We used mixed methods including review of historical documentation and policy reports, qualitative interviews with key members of Thailand's tobacco control community, and an analysis of research productivity.

Findings

In Thailand, tobacco control research has evolved through three phases: (1) discovery of the value of research in the policymaking arena, (2) development of a structure to support research capacity building through international collaborations supported by foreign funding agencies, and (3) delivery of locally relevant research made possible largely through substantial stable funding from a domestic health promotion foundation. Over two decades, Thai tobacco control advocates have constructed five steppingstones to success: (1) adapting foreign research to inform policymaking and lobbying for more support for domestic research; (2) attracting foreign funding agencies to support small-scale research and capacity building; (3) participating in multi-country research and capacity building programs; (4) using collaborative experiences to demonstrate the need for domestic support of locally relevant research; and (5) maintaining an unwavering commitment to research while being vigilant to ensure continued research support.

Conclusion

The evolution of tobacco control research in Thailand provides examples of steppingstones that LMICs may be able to use to construct their own tobacco control research pathways.
A novel patient-derived intra-femoral xenograft model of bone metastatic prostate cancer that recapitulates mixed osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions
Authors: Raheem Omer , Kulidjian Anna A , Wu Christina , Jeong Young B , Yamaguchi Tomonori , Smith Kristen M , Goff Daniel , Leu Heather , Morris Sheldon R , Cacalano Nicholas A , Masuda Koichi , Jamieson Catriona HM , Kane Christopher J , Jamieson Christina AM
Published: January 2012

Prostate cancer metastasizes to bone in the majority of patients with advanced disease leading to painfully debilitating fractures, spinal compression and rapid decline. In addition, prostate cancer bone metastases often become resistant to standard therapies including androgen deprivation, radiation and chemotherapy. There are currently few models to elucidate mechanisms of interaction between the bone microenvironment and prostate cancer. It is, thus, essential to develop new patient-derived, orthotopic models. Here we report the development and characterization of PCSD1 (Prostate Cancer San Diego 1), a novel patient-derived intra-femoral xenograft model of prostate bone metastatic cancer that recapitulates mixed osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions.

Methods

A femoral bone metastasis of prostate cancer was removed during hemiarthroplasty and transplanted intoRag2-/-;γc-/-mice either intra-femorally or sub-cutaneously. Xenograft tumors that developed were analyzed for prostate cancer biomarker expression using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Osteoblastic, osteolytic and mixed lesion formation was measured using micro-computed tomography (microCT).

Results

PCSD1 cells isolated directly from the patient formed tumors in all mice that were transplanted intra-femorally or sub-cutaneously intoRag2-/-;γc-/-mice. Xenograft tumors expressed human prostate specific antigen (PSA) in RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses. PCSD1 tumors also expressed AR, NKX3.1, Keratins 8 and 18, and AMACR. Histologic and microCT analyses revealed that intra-femoral PCSD1 xenograft tumors formed mixed osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions. PCSD1 tumors have been serially passaged in mice as xenografts intra-femorally or sub-cutaneously as well as grown in culture.

Conclusions

PCSD1 xenografts tumors were characterized as advanced, luminal epithelial prostate cancer from a bone metastasis using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical biomarker analyses. PCSD1 intra-femoral xenografts formed mixed osteoblastic/osteolytic lesions that closely resembled the bone lesions in the patient. PCSD1 is a new primary prostate cancer bone metastasis-derived xenograft model to study metastatic disease in the bone and to develop novel therapies for inhibiting prostate cancer growth in the bone-niche.
A functional variant in promoter region of platelet-derived growth factor-D is probably associated with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Bai Yongyi , Chen Jingzhou , Sun Kai , Wang Yibo , Hui Rutai
Published: January 2012

Background

Platelet-derived growth factor D (PDGF-D) plays an important role in angiogenesis, vessel remodeling, inflammation and repair in response to injury. We hypothesized that genetic variation in PDGFD gene might alter the susceptibility to stroke.

Findings

We determined the genotypes of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (-858A/C, rs3809021) in 1484 patients with stroke (654 cerebral thrombosis, 419 lacunar infarction, 411 intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH]) and 1528 control subjects from an unrelated Chinese Han population and followed the stroke patients up for a median of 4.5 years.

The -858AA genotype showed significantly increased risk of ICH (dominant model: odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.68, P = 0.05; additive model: OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.52, P = 0.04) than wild-type genotype. Further analyses showed that -858AA genotype conferred about 2-fold increase in risk of non-hypertensive ICH (dominant model: OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.34-3.29, P = 0.001; additive model: OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.24-2.46, P = 0.001). After a median follow-up of 4.5 years, -858AA genotype was associated with a reduced risk of ICH recurrence (dominant model: adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.09, 95%CI 0.01-0.74, P = 0.025; additive model: HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.04-1.16, P = 0.073) in non-hypertensive patients.

Conclusions

The -858AA genotype is probably associated with risk for non-hypertensive ICH. Further studies should be conducted to reveal the role of PDGF-D at various stages of ICH development--beneficial, or deleterious.
Binding of more than one Tva800 molecule is required for ASLV-A entry
Authors: Gray Eleanor R , Illingworth Christopher JR , Coffin John M , Stoye Jonathan P
Published: January 2012

Background

Understanding the mechanism by which viruses enter their target cell is an essential part of understanding their infectious cycle. Previous studies have focussed on the multiplicity of viral envelope proteins that need to bind to their cognate receptor to initiate entry. Avian sarcoma and leukosis virus Envelope protein (ASLV Env) mediates entry via a receptor, Tva, which can be attached to the cell surface either by a phospholipid anchor (Tva800) or a transmembrane domain (Tva950). In these studies, we have now investigated the number of target receptors necessary for entry of ASLV Env-pseudotyped virions.

Results

Using titration and modelling experiments we provide evidence that binding of more than one receptor, probably two, is needed for entry of virions via Tva800. However, binding of just one Tva950 receptor is sufficient for successful entry.

Conclusions

The different modes of attachment of Tva800 and Tva950 to the cell membrane have important implications for the utilisation of these proteins as receptors for viral binding and/or uptake.
Changes of microRNAs-192, 196a and 203 correlate with Barrett's esophagus diagnosis and its progression compared to normal healthy individuals
Authors: Luzna Pavla , Gregar Jan , Uberall Ivo , Radova Lenka , Prochazka Vlastimil , Ehrmann Jiri
Published: January 2012

Background

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a disease with a rising prevalence in western countries probably due to the unhealthy lifestyle. In significant number of cases it develops to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Two decades ago, important gene regulators (microRNAs) were discovered and their attendance in the process of malignant transformation was demonstrated (e.g. miR-192, 196a, 203). Our aim was to select the patients with the increased risk of malignant transformation before the cancer develops.

Methods

71 patients with BE disease were selected, slides from FFPE blocks were prepared, the lesions were microdissected and a qPCR relative expression analysis for selected microRNAs (generally known to be connected with malignant transformation process) was carried out.

Results

We demonstrated unequivocal statistically significant upregulation of two microRNAs (miR-192, 196a) and downregulation of miR-203 and positive miR-196a correlation with progression from intestinal metaplasia to adenocarcinoma compared to normal individuals.

Conclusions

We hypothetize that there do exist changes of selected microRNAs which can undoubtedly distinguish the patients with BE from normal healthy individuals.