bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
McCleery Syndrome
Authors: Likes Kendall , Rochlin Danielle H. , Call Diana , Freischlag Julie A.
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

Patients presenting with swelling of the upper extremity without thrombosis have McCleery syndrome or intermittent compression of the subclavian vein. The purpose of this study was to determine outcomes in these patients who underwent first rib resection and scalenectomy (FRRS).

Methods:

Using a prospectively maintained database from 2003 to 2011, patients were retrospectively reviewed for presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes.

Results:

Of the patients presenting with venous thoracic outlet syndrome, 19 (11%; 13 F/6 M; mean age 26 [10-44]) presented with intermittent arm swelling, of which 3 were identified as having chronic thrombus. A total of 20 FRRS operations were performed.

Conclusions:

First rib resection and scalenectomy is effective in relieving symptoms in patients with McCleery syndrome. These patients do not generally need a postoperative venogram unless they experience continuing symptoms. In patients with chronic thrombus, routine postoperative venography at 2 weeks is indicated. Patients can present with intermittent compression if an acute episode of deep vein thrombosis is not aggressively treated.
Malignant focal liver lesions at contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and magnetic resonance with hepatospecific contrast agent
Authors: D’Onofrio M , Crosara S , De Robertis R , Canestrini S , Cantisani V , Morana G , Mucelli R Pozzi
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the late phase of CEUS and the hepatobiliary phase of CE-MR with Gd-BOPTA in the characterization of focal liver lesions in terms of benignity and malignancy. A total of 147 solid focal liver lesions (38 focal nodular hyperplasias, 1 area of focal steatosis, 3 regenerative nodules, 8 adenomas, 11 cholangiocarcinomas, 36 hepatocellular carcinomas and 49 metastases) were retrospectively evaluated in a multicentre study, both with CEUS, using sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles (SonoVue, Bracco, Milan, Italy) and CE-MR, performed with Gd-BOPTA (Multihance, Bracco, Milan, Italy). All lesions thought to be malignant were cytohistologically proven, while all lesions thought to be benign were followed up. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values and accuracy were calculated for the late phase of CEUS and the hepatobiliary phase of CE-MRI, respectively, and in combination. Analysis of data revealed 42 benign and 105 malignant focal liver lesions. We postulated that all hypoechoic/hypointense lesions on the two phases were malignant. The diagnostic errors were 13/147 (8.8%) by CEUS and 12/147 (8.2%) by CE-MR. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of the late phase of CEUS were 90%, 93%, 97%, 80% and 91%, 93%, 97%, 81% and 92% for the hepatobiliary phase of CE-MRI, respectively. If we considered both techniques, the misdiagnosis diminished to 3/147 (2%) and sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were 98%, 98%, 99%, 95% and 98%. The combination of the late phase of CEUS and the hepatobiliary phase of CE-MR in the characterization of solid focal liver lesions in terms of benignity and malignancy is more accurate than the two techniques used separately.
Reliability of aortic aneurysm screening measurements
Authors: Smith Rachel Weston , Evans Tony , Wolstenhulme Stephen
Published: December 2013

The aim of this feasibility study was to assess the impact that image processing of abdominal aortic ultrasound (US) images had on the intra-observer reliability of the diameter measurement. The study compared variability between inner-to-inner (ITI), outer-to-outer (OTO) and outer-to-inner (OTI) wall diameter measurements and their resilience to image processing. Three US images of transverse abdominal aortas were manipulated in 13 different ways using functions from Image J software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). Blinded measurements were performed of the aortic diameters from each image; this was repeated for ITI, OTO and OTI. Profiles of each image were produced and sets of rules developed to provide detailed instructions as to where, on the profile, the callipers should be placed to correspond with the actual image. The reliability of the diameter measurements compared to the original diameter measurement was least affected by adjusting the brightness and contrast of the US images (better than ± 1.5 mm). Using the functions ‘Sharpen’ and ‘Find Edges’ created the largest difference (up to −5 mm). The ITI measurements had the widest spread of variability, whereas the OTI measurements proved to be the most repeatable and resilient to image processing. This study suggests the precision of the measurements can be kept within satisfactory levels even after image manipulation. It also showed the most reliable measuring guideline was OTI, in contrast to the guideline currently used by the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme. Further research is needed to transfer the findings into the clinical setting of the National Screening Programme to increase its reliability.
Accountability, Risk, and the ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) limit of benefit
Authors: Lind Niels
Published: December 2013

Professionals who assess public life and health risks are obliged to give reasoned account of the regulations they propose. Professional management of risk requires not just probabilistic analysis but also a rational defensible choice of the acceptable risk. The justification should be objective and quantified. The economics of human welfare, expressed through the Life Quality Index, defines net benefit to society of regulations to mitigate such risks. Together with the marginal life-saving cost principle, the Life Quality Index provides a clear limit of benefit to risk reduction. The underlying principles and the Life Quality Index are explained. Some issues of practical application are illustrated by an example of temporary facilities for storage of toxic waste. Effective communications about risk, to authorities in the form of regulatory scorecards and to the public, are stressed as integral components of the risk management process.
The discursive reproduction of technoscience and Japanese national identity in The Daily Yomiuri coverage of the Fukushima nuclear disaster
Authors: Tollefson James W
Published: December 2013

Using critical discourse analysis, this article analyzes the discursive representation of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in The Daily Yomiuri, part of the largest and most influential media conglomerate in Japan. A critical discourse analysis of The Daily Yomiuri reveals that Japanese national identity and the ideology of technoscience are reproduced through two discursive constructions: a diminished ‘risk’ from Fukushima radiation and citizens’ national duty in the nuclear crisis. Within these two constructions, 11 major techniques are identified by which The Yomiuri discursively mitigates the risks from Fukushima and calls Japanese national identity into the service of the nuclear industry. The article concludes with implications for understanding the impact of political discourse in mass media on other policy debates in Japan and elsewhere.
An Opportunity to Increase Early Childhood Nutrition Training Among Providers
Authors: Deavenport Alexis , Kreutzer Cary B. , Rao Sheela
Published: December 2013

About one-fourth of all toddlers and preschool children in the United States are overweight or at risk of being overweight. Child care providers have the opportunity to influence children’s nutrition early in their development, given the amount of time providers spend with them, particularly during meals. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Academy of Pediatrics have addressed the importance of increasing nutrition education. Implementing policy change to promote training among child care providers is one method to address childhood obesity. AB 290, a bill on child care licensing, was signed into law. This will require incoming child care providers to take 1 hour of early childhood nutrition, as part of the licensing process. The bill will require nutrition training to include information on age-appropriate meal patterns and on participation in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program. The passage of AB 290 will help to increase nutrition training among providers, as nutrition education is currently not required. Other states should consider amending child care licensing laws related to nutrition training. Effective childhood obesity prevention legislation addressing the importance of nutrition is one small step that can be taken to combat the obesity epidemic.
“May No Act of Ours Bring Shame”
Authors: Brown Natalie A. , Brown Kenon A. , Billings Andrew C.
Published: December 2013

This study examined the Penn State sex abuse scandal by applying traditional crisis communication strategies, usually invoked by an organization, to the online communication of the university’s active stakeholders, sports fans. Previous findings suggest sports fans will act on behalf of an organization during a crisis. Yet, the tweets of Penn State fans showed that they turned on the university and placed their loyalty with Coach Joe Paterno. Furthermore, this study discovered that fans engaged in the ingratiation, reminder, and scapegoat strategies most befitting the typology offered by Coombs, empowering the active stakeholders in the process. Results of this case provide a warning for organizations that online fan-based crisis response may not always be enacted in their best interests.
Potent antimyeloma activity of the novel bromodomain inhibitors I-BET151 and I-BET762
Authors: Chaidos Aristeidis , Caputo Valentina , Gouvedenou Katerina , Liu Binbin , Marigo Ilaria , Chaudhry Mohammed Suhail , Rotolo Antonia , Tough David F. , Smithers Nicholas N. , Bassil Anna K. , Chapman Trevor D. , Harker Nicola R. , Barbash Olena , Tummino Peter , Al-Mahdi Niam , Haynes Andrea C. , Cutler Leanne , Le BaoChau , Rahemtulla Amin , Roberts Irene , Kleijnen Maurits , Witherington Jason J. , Parr Nigel J. , Prinjha Rab K. , Karadimitris Anastasios
Published: December 2013

Key Points

I-BET151 and I-BET-762 induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in myeloma cells associated with MYC downregulation and HEXIM1 upregulation. Preclinical functional and pharmacologic profiling of I-BET762 supports its use in phase 1 clinical studies.
Synchronized integrin engagement and chemokine activation is crucial in neutrophil extracellular trap–mediated sterile inflammation
Authors: Rossaint Jan , Herter Jan M. , Van Aken Hugo , Napirei Markus , Döring Yvonne , Weber Christian , Soehnlein Oliver , Zarbock Alexander
Published: December 2013

Key Points

NET formation is required for neutrophil recruitment during sterile inflammation. Platelet-induced NET formation requires stimulation of neutrophils by platelet chemokines and outside-in signaling via the integrin Mac-1.
High-level transgene expression in induced pluripotent stem cell–derived megakaryocytes: correction of Glanzmann thrombasthenia
Authors: Sullivan Spencer K. , Mills Jason A. , Koukouritaki Sevasti B. , Vo Karen K. , Lyde Randolph B. , Paluru Prasuna , Zhao Guoha , Zhai Li , Sullivan Lisa M. , Wang Yuhuan , Kishore Siddharth , Gharaibeh Eyad Z. , Lambert Michele P. , Wilcox David A. , French Deborah L. , Poncz Mortimer , Gadue Paul
Published: December 2013

Key Points

When targeted to a single allele of the AAVS1 locus, the Gp1ba promoter drives a high level of expression specifically to megakaryocytes. Transgene rescue in iPSCs provides a model for the return of surface αIIbβ3 expression to near-normal levels in patients with type I GT.
Detoxification and stress response genes expressed in a western North American bumble bee, Bombus huntii(Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Xu Junhuan , Strange James P , Welker Dennis L , James Rosalind R
Published: December 2013

Background

The Hunt bumble bee (Bombus huntii Greene, Hymenoptera: Apidae) is a holometabolous, social insect important as a pollinator in natural and agricultural ecosystems in western North America. Bumble bees spend a significant amount of time foraging on a wide variety of flowering plants, and this activity exposes them to both plant toxins and pesticides, posing a threat to individual and colony survival. Little is known about what detoxification pathways are active in bumble bees, how the expression of detoxification genes changes across life stages, or how the number of detoxification genes expressed in B. huntii compares to other insects.

Results

We found B. huntii expressed at least 584 genes associated with detoxification and stress responses. The expression levels of some of these genes, such as those encoding the cytochrome P450s, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and glycosidases, vary among different life stages to a greater extent than do other genes. We also found that the number of P450s, GSTs and esterase genes expressed by B. huntii is similar to the number of these genes found in the genomes of other bees, namely Bombus terrestris, Bombus impatiens, Apis mellifera and Megachile rotundata, but many fewer than are found in the fly Drosophila melanogaster.

Conclusions

Bombus huntii has transcripts for a large number of detoxification and stress related proteins, including oxidation and reduction enzymes, conjugation enzymes, hydrolytic enzymes, ABC transporters, cadherins, and heat shock proteins. The diversity of genes expressed within some detoxification pathways varies among the life stages and castes, and we typically identified more genes in the adult females than in larvae, pupae, or adult males, for most pathways. Meanwhile, we found the numbers of detoxification and stress genes expressed by B. huntii to be more similar to other bees than to the fruit fly. The low number of detoxification genes, first noted in the honey bee, appears to be a common phenomenon among bees, and perhaps results from their symbiotic relationship with plants. Many flowering plants benefit from pollinators, and thus offer these insects rewards (such as nectar) rather than defensive plant toxins.
A novel dominant glossy mutation causes suppression of wax biosynthesis pathway and deficiency of cuticular wax in Brassica napus
Authors: Pu Yuanyuan , Gao Jie , Guo Yanli , Liu Tingting , Zhu Lixia , Xu Ping , Yi Bin , Wen Jing , Tu Jinxing , Ma Chaozhi , Fu Tingdong , Zou Jitao , Shen Jinxiong
Published: December 2013

Background

The aerial parts of land plants are covered with cuticular waxes that limit non-stomatal water loss and gaseous exchange, and protect plants from ultraviolet radiation and pathogen attack. This is the first report on the characterization and genetic mapping of a novel dominant glossy mutant (BnaA.GL) in Brassica napus.

Results

Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the cuticle ultrastructure of GL mutant leaf and stem were altered dramatically compared with that of wide type (WT). Scanning electron microscopy corroborated the reduction of wax on the leaf and stem surface. A cuticular wax analysis of the GL mutant leaves further confirmed the drastic decrease in the total wax content, and a wax compositional analysis revealed an increase in aldehydes but a severe decrease in alkanes, ketones and secondary alcohols. These results suggested a likely blockage of the decarbonylation step in the wax biosynthesis pathway. Genetic mapping narrowed the location of the BnaA.GL gene to the end of A9 chromosome. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip assay in combination with bulk segregant analysis (BSA) also located SNPs in the same region. Two SNPs, two single sequence repeat (SSR) markers and one IP marker were located on the flanking region of the BnaA.GL gene at a distance of 0.6 cM. A gene homologous to ECERIFERUM1 (CER1) was located in the mapped region. A cDNA microarray chip assay revealed coordinated down regulation of genes encoding enzymes of the cuticular wax biosynthetic pathway in the glossy mutant, with BnCER1 being one of the most severely suppressed genes.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that surface wax biosynthesis is broadly affected in the glossy mutant due to the suppression of the BnCER1 and other wax-related genes. These findings offer novel clues for elucidating the molecular basis of the glossy phenotype.
Acute coronary syndrome in young Sub-Saharan Africans: A prospective study of 21 cases
Authors: Sarr Moustapha , Ba Djibril Mari , Ndiaye Mouhamadou Bamba , Bodian Malick , Jobe Modou , Kane Adama , Diao Maboury , Mbaye Alassane , Dia Mouhamadoul Mounir , Pessinaba Soulemane , Kane Abdoul , Ba Serigne Abdou
Published: December 2013

Background

Coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death in developed countries. In Africa, the disease continues to rise with varying rates of progression in different countries. At present, there is little available work on its juvenile forms. The objective of this work was to study the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary aspects of acute coronary syndrome in young Sub-Saharan Africans.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter study done at the different departments of cardiology in Dakar. We included all patients of age 40 years and below, and who were admitted for acute coronary syndrome between January 1st, 2005 and July 31st, 2007. We collected and analyzed the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and evolutionary data of the patients.

Results

Hospital prevalence of acute coronary syndrome in young people was 0.45% (21/4627) which represented 6.8% of all cases of acute coronary syndrome admitted during the same period. There was a strong male predominance with a sex-ratio (M:F) of 6. The mean age of patients was 34 ± 1.9 years (range of 24 and 40 years). The main risk factor was smoking, found in 52.4% of cases and the most common presenting symptom was chest pain found in 95.2% of patients. The average time delay before medical care was 14.5 hours. Diagnosis of ST- elevation myocardial infarction in 85.7% of patients and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 14.3% was made by the combination electrocardiographic features and troponin assay. Echocardiography found a decreased left ventricular systolic function in 37.5% of the patients and intraventricular thrombus in 20% of them. Thrombolysis using streptokinase was done in 44.4% of the patients with ST- elevation myocardial infarction. Hospital mortality was 14.3%.

Conclusion

Acute coronary syndrome is present in young Sub-Saharan Africans. The main risk factor found was smoking.
Dyspepsia and gastric emptying in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Salles Junior Luiz Derwal , Santos Paulo Roberto , dos Santos Armênio Aguiar , de Souza Marcellus Henrique Loiola Ponte
Published: December 2013

Background

Dyspepsia is common among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and its association with delayed gastric emptying is not well established. We assessed the association of dyspepsia with gastric emptying time in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

Dyspepsia was assessed through the Porto Alegre Dyspeptic Symptoms Questionnaire (PADYQ). PADYQ’s scores ≥ 6 classified participants as dyspeptic. The octanoic acid breath test using 13carbon was employed to assess the gastric emptying time. Based on the test, time in minutes to metabolize the first half of the 13carbon in the test meal (t1/2) was calculated. Association of dyspepsia with gastric emptying time was tested by the correlation between PADYQ scores and t1/2, and also by comparing t1/2 between dyspeptics and non-dyspeptics.

Results

There were 34 (68.0%) dyspeptic patients. Dyspepsia score was positively correlated with t1/2 (r = 0.366; p = 0.009). Dyspeptics had longer t1/2 compared to non-dyspeptics, respectively, 238.0 ± 92.9 versus 185.5 ± 45.5 minutes (p = 0.042).

Conclusions

Delayed gastric emptying was associated with dyspepsia. Prokinetic medications could have a role in preventing or relieving dyspeptic symptoms among HD patients. Future research in larger samples is necessary to confirm this association.
Eugenol triggers apoptosis in breast cancer cells through E2F1/survivin down-regulation
Authors: Al-Sharif Ibtehaj , Remmal Adnane , Aboussekhra Abdelilah
Published: December 2013

Background

Breast cancer is a major health problem that threatens the lives of millions of women worldwide each year. Most of the chemotherapeutic agents that are currently used to treat this complex disease are highly toxic with long-term side effects. Therefore, novel generation of anti-cancer drugs with higher efficiency and specificity are urgently needed.

Methods

Breast cancer cell lines were treated with eugenol and cytotoxicity was measured using the WST-1 reagent, while propidium iodide/annexinV associated with flow cytometry was utilized in order to determine the induced cell death pathway. The effect of eugenol on apoptotic and pro-carcinogenic proteins, both in vitro and in tumor xenografts was assessed by immunoblotting. While RT-PCR was used to determine eugenol effect on the E2F1 and survivin mRNA levels. In addition, we tested the effect of eugenol on cell proliferation using the real-time cell electronic sensing system.

Results

Eugenol at low dose (2 μM) has specific toxicity against different breast cancer cells. This killing effect was mediated mainly through inducing the internal apoptotic pathway and strong down-regulation of E2F1 and its downstream antiapoptosis target survivin, independently of the status of p53 and ERα. Eugenol inhibited also several other breast cancer related oncogenes, such as NF-κB and cyclin D1. Moreover, eugenol up-regulated the versatile cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1 protein, and inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a p53-independent manner. Importantly, these anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects were also observed in vivo in xenografted human breast tumors.

Conclusion

Eugenol exhibits anti-breast cancer properties both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that it could be used to consolidate the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer through targeting the E2F1/survivin pathway, especially for the less responsive triple-negative subtype of the disease.
Epigenetic silencing of glutaminase 2 in human liver and colon cancers
Authors: Zhang Jianbin , Wang Cheng , Chen Mingquan , Cao Jianping , Zhong Ying , Chen Liting , Shen Han-Ming , Xia Dajing
Published: December 2013

Background

Glutaminase 2 (Gls2) is a p53 target gene and is known to play an important role in energy metabolism. Gls2 has been reported to be downregulated in human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism responsible for its downregulation is still unclear. Here, we investigated Gls2 expression and its promoter methylation status in human liver and colon cancers.

Methods

mRNA expression of Gls2 was determined in human liver and colon cancer cell lines and HCC tissues by real-time PCR and promoter methylation was analyzed by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and validated by bisulfite genome sequencing (BGS). Cell growth was determined by colony formation assay and MTS assay. Statistical analysis was performed by Wilcoxon matched-pairs test or non-parametric t test.

Results

First, we observed reduced Gls2 mRNA level in a selected group of liver and colon cancer cell lines and in the cancerous tissues from 20 HCC and 5 human colon cancer patients in comparison to their non-cancerous counter parts. Importantly, the lower level of Gls2 in cancer cells was closely correlated to its promoter hypermethylation; and chemical demethylation treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (Aza) increased Gls2 mRNA level in both liver and colon cancer cells, indicating that direct epigenetic silencing suppressed Gls2 expression by methylation. Next, we further examined this correlation in human HCC tissues, and 60% of primary liver tumor tissues had higher DNA methylation levels when compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues. Detailed methylation analysis of 23 CpG sites at a 300-bp promoter region by bisulfite genomic sequencing confirmed its methylation. Finally, we examined the biological function of Gls2 and found that restoring Gls2 expression in cancer cells significantly inhibited cancer cell growth and colony formation ability through induction of cell cycle arrest.

Conclusions

We provide evidence showing that epigenetic silencing of Gls2 via promoter hypermethylation is common in human liver and colon cancers and Gls2 appears to be a functional tumor suppressor involved in the liver and colon tumorigenesis.
Rates and risk factors for drug resistance tuberculosis in Northeastern China
Authors: Liu Qiao , Zhu Limei , Shao Yan , Song Honghuan , Li Guoli , Zhou Yang , Shi Jinyan , Zhong Chongqiao , Chen Cheng , Lu Wei
Published: December 2013

Background

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) has emerged as a major challenge toward TB control and prevention. In Lianyungang city, the extent and trend of drug resistant TB is not well known. The objective of the survey was to assess drug resistance pattern of MTB and risk factors for drug resistant TB, including multidrug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in this area.

Methods

We performed drug susceptibility testing on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates with first- and second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs of 1012 culture positive TB cases by using the proportion method, who were consecutively enrolled from January 2011 to December 2012 in Lianyungang city, China. The patterns of drug resistance in MTB were investigated and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for drug resistant TB.

Results

Among the 1012 strains tested, 308 (30.4%) strains were resistant to at least one first-line drug; the prevalence of MDR-TB was 88 (8.7%), 5 (0.5%) strains were found to be extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). Female gender was a risk factor for MDR-TB (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.763, 95% CI (1.060-2.934). The aged 28–54 years was significantly associated with the risk of MDR-TB with an aOR: 2.224, 95% CI (1.158-4.273) when compared with those 65 years or older. Patients with previous treatment history had a more than 7-fold increased risk of MDR-TB, compared with those never previously treated.

Conclusions

The burden of drug resistant TB cases is sizeable, which highlights an urgent need to reinforce control, detection and treatment strategies for drug resistant TB.
Factors associated with HIV infection among children born to mothers on the prevention of mother to child transmission programme at Chitungwiza Hospital, Zimbabwe, 2008
Authors: Ngwende Stella , Gombe Notion T , Midzi Stanley , Tshimanga Mufuta , Shambira Gerald , Chadambuka Addmore
Published: December 2013

Background

Zimbabwe is one of the five countries worst affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic with HIV infection contributing increasingly to childhood morbidity and mortality. Among the children born to HIV positive mothers participating in the PMTCT programme, 25% tested positive to HIV. We investigated factors associated with HIV infection among children born to mothers on the PMTCT programme.

Methods

A 1:1 unmatched case–control study was conducted at Chitungwiza Hospital, Zimbabwe, 2008. A case was defined as a child who tested HIV positive, born to a mother who had been on PMTCT programme. A control was a HIV negative child born to a mother who had been on PMTCT programme. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, risk factors associated with HIV infection and immunization status.

Results

A total of 120 mothers were interviewed. Independent risk factors associated with HIV infection among children included maternal CD4 count of less than 200 during pregnancy [aOR = 7.1, 95% CI (2.6-17)], mixed feeding [aOR = 29, 95% CI (4.2-208)], being hospitalized since birth [aOR = 2.9, 95% CI (1.2-4.8)] whilst being exclusively breast fed for less than 6 months [aOR = 0.1 (95% CI 0.03-0.4)] was protective.

Conclusions

HIV infection among children increased if the mother’s CD4 count was ≤200 cells/μL and if the child was exposed to mixed feeding. Breastfeeding exclusively for less than six months was protective. We recommended exclusive breast feeding period for the first six months and stop breast feeding after 6 months if affordable, sustainable and safe.
Matrix forming characteristics of inner and outer human meniscus cells on 3D collagen scaffolds under normal and low oxygen tensions
Authors: Croutze Roger , Jomha Nadr , Uludag Hasan , Adesida Adetola
Published: December 2013

Background

Limited intrinsic healing potential of the meniscus and a strong correlation between meniscal injury and osteoarthritis have prompted investigation of surgical repair options, including the implantation of functional bioengineered constructs. Cell-based constructs appear promising, however the generation of meniscal constructs is complicated by the presence of diverse cell populations within this heterogeneous tissue and gaps in the information concerning their response to manipulation of oxygen tension during cell culture.

Methods

Four human lateral menisci were harvested from patients undergoing total knee replacement. Inner and outer meniscal fibrochondrocytes (MFCs) were expanded to passage 3 in growth medium supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), then embedded in porous collagen type I scaffolds and chondrogenically stimulated with transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3) under 21% (normal or normoxic) or 3% (hypoxic) oxygen tension for 21 days. Following scaffold culture, constructs were analyzed biochemically for glycosaminoglycan production, histologically for deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as at the molecular level for expression of characteristic mRNA transcripts.

Results

Constructs cultured under normal oxygen tension expressed higher levels of collagen type II (p = 0.05), aggrecan (p < 0.05) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, (COMP) (p < 0.05) compared to hypoxic expanded and cultured constructs. Accumulation of ECM rich in collagen type II and sulfated proteoglycan was evident in normoxic cultured scaffolds compared to those under low oxygen tension. There was no significant difference in expression of these genes between scaffolds seeded with MFCs isolated from inner or outer regions of the tissue following 21 days chondrogenic stimulation (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Cells isolated from inner and outer regions of the human meniscus demonstrated equivalent differentiation potential toward chondrogenic phenotype and ECM production. Oxygen tension played a key role in modulating the redifferentiation of meniscal fibrochondrocytes on a 3D collagen scaffold in vitro.
BioSuper: A web tool for the superimposition of biomolecules and assemblies with rotational symmetry
Authors: Rueda Manuel , Orozco Modesto , Totrov Maxim , Abagyan Ruben
Published: December 2013

Background

Most of the proteins in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) are oligomeric complexes consisting of two or more subunits that associate by rotational or helical symmetries. Despite the myriad of superimposition tools in the literature, we could not find any able to account for rotational symmetry and display the graphical results in the web browser.

Results

BioSuper is a free web server that superimposes and calculates the root mean square deviation (RMSD) of protein complexes displaying rotational symmetry. To the best of our knowledge, BioSuper is the first tool of its kind that provides immediate interactive visualization of the graphical results in the browser, biomolecule generator capabilities, different levels of atom selection, sequence-dependent and structure-based superimposition types, and is the only web tool that takes into account the equivalence of atoms in side chains displaying symmetry ambiguity. BioSuper uses ICM program functionality as a core for the superimpositions and displays the results as text, HTML tables and 3D interactive molecular objects that can be visualized in the browser or in Android and iOS platforms with a free plugin.

Conclusions

BioSuper is a fast and functional tool that allows for pairwise superimposition of proteins and assemblies displaying rotational symmetry. The web server was created after our own frustration when attempting to superimpose flexible oligomers. We strongly believe that its user-friendly and functional design will be of great interest for structural and computational biologists who need to superimpose oligomeric proteins (or any protein). BioSuper web server is freely available to all users at http://ablab.ucsd.edu/BioSuper.
Effects of miR-193a and sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Salvi Alessandro , Conde Isabel , Abeni Edoardo , Arici Bruna , Grossi Ilaria , Specchia Claudia , Portolani Nazario , Barlati Sergio , De Petro Giuseppina
Published: December 2013

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging malignancy of global importance, it is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In the last years the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib has been used for advanced HCC, but some patients do not benefit from this therapy; thus, novel therapeutic options based on molecular approaches are urgently needed. microRNAs are short non coding RNAs involved in several physiological and pathological conditions including HCC and increasing evidence describes miRs as good tools for the molecular targeted therapies in HCC. The purpose of this study was to identify novel approaches to sensitize the HCC cells to sorafenib by microRNAs targeting urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA).

Methods

The miR-193a was validated as negative regulator of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in 2 HCC undifferentiated cell lines by transient transfection of miR and anti-miR molecules. The molecular interaction between miR-193a and uPA mRNA target was verified by luciferase reporter assay. The miR-193a expression level was evaluated by stem-loop real time PCR in tumoral tissues from 39 HCC patients. The HCC cells were co-treated with sorafenib and miR-193a and the effects on cellular proliferation, apoptosis were tested. The effect of sorafenib on c-met expression levels was assessed by western blotting.

Results

The miR-193a has resulted a negative regulator of uPA in both the HCC cell lines tested. The miR-193a expression has resulted dysregulated in tumoral tissues from 39 HCC patients. We found miR-193a down-regulation in HCC respect to peritumoral (PT) tissues and more in the cirrhotic HCCs than in non-cirrhotic ones. Transfection of HA22T/VGH HCC cells with miR-193a decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis, and combined treatment with miR-193a and sorafenib led to further proliferation inhibition.

Conclusions

Our results present new advances in the post-transcriptional miR-mediated mechanisms of uPA and they suggest a new strategy to impair the aggressive behavior of HCC cells. Our findings could be helpful to explore novel approaches for multi-target and multi-agent therapies of the HCC.
Annealing temperature effect on self-assembled Au droplets on Si (111)
Authors: Sui Mao , Li Ming-Yu , Kim Eun-Soo , Lee Jihoon
Published: December 2013

We investigate the effect of annealing temperature on self-assembled Au droplets on Si (111). The annealing temperature is systematically varied while fixing other growth parameters such as deposition amount and annealing duration clearly to observe the annealing temperature effect. Self-assembled Au droplets are fabricated by annealing from 50°C to 850°C with 2-nm Au deposition for 30 s. With increased annealing temperatures, Au droplets show gradually increased height and diameter while the density of droplets progressively decreases. Self-assembled Au droplets with fine uniformity can be fabricated between 550°C and 800°C. While Au droplets become much larger with increased deposition amount, the extended annealing duration only mildly affects droplet size and density. The results are systematically analyzed with cross-sectional line profiles, Fourier filter transform power spectra, height histogram, surface area ratio, and size and density plots. This study can provide an aid point for the fabrication of nanowires on Si (111).
Involvement of interleukin-1β in the autophagic process of microglia: relevance to Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: François Arnaud , Terro Faraj , Janet Thierry , Bilan Agnès Rioux , Paccalin Marc , Page Guylène
Published: December 2013

Background

Autophagy is a major pathway of protein and organelle degradation in the lysosome. Autophagy exists at basal constitutive level and can be induced as a defense mechanism under stress conditions. Molecular relationships between autophagy and inflammation at the periphery were recently evidenced, highlighting a role of autophagy in the regulation of inflammation. Impairment of autophagy (with accumulation of autophagic vacuoles) and substantial inflammation are found in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, the links between autophagy and inflammation in AD remain to be determined.

Methods

Here, we examined the inflammatory reaction and autophagy in murine tri-cultures of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Tri-cultures were exposed to various inflammatory stresses (lipopolysaccharide (LPS), amyloid peptide (Aβ42) with or without cytokines) for 48 hours. Furthermore, the relationships between inflammation and autophagy were also analyzed in astrocyte- and microglia-enriched cultures. Data for multiple variable comparisons were analyzed by a one-way ANOVA followed by a Newman-keuls’ test.

Results

Aβ42 induced a low inflammation without accumulation of acidic vesicles contrary to moderate or severe inflammation induced by LPS or the cytokine cocktail (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) or IL-1β alone which led to co-localization of p62 and LC3, two markers of autophagy, with acidic vesicles stained with Lyso-ID Red dye. Moreover, the study reveals a major role of IL-1β in the induction of autophagy in tri-cultures in the presence or absence of Aβ42. However, the vulnerability of the autophagic process in purified microglia to IL-1β was prevented by Aβ42.

Conclusion

These findings show a close relationship between inflammation and autophagy, in particular a major role of IL-1β in the induction of the microglial autophagy which could be the case in AD. New therapeutic strategies could target inflammasome and autophagy in microglia to maintain its role in the amyloid immunosurveillance.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic dizziness: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xue Zhe , Liu Cun-Zhi , Shi Guang-Xia , Liu Yan , Li Zhao-Xin , Zhang Zhen-Hua , Wang Lin-Peng
Published: December 2013

Background

Dizziness is one of the most challenging symptoms in medicine. No medication for dizziness in current use has well-established curative or prophylactic value or is suitable for long-term palliative use. Unconventional remedies, such as acupuncture, should be considered and scientifically evaluated. However, there has been relatively little evidence in randomized controlled clinical trials on acupuncture to treat chronic dizziness. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in patients with dizziness.

Methods/Design

This trial is a randomized, single-blind, controlled study. A total of 80 participants will be randomly assigned to two treatment groups receiving acupuncture and sham acupuncture treatment, respectively, for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures are the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and the Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS). Treatment will be conducted over a period of 4 weeks, at a frequency of two sessions per week. The assessment is at baseline (before treatment initiation), 4 weeks after the first acupuncture session, and 8 weeks after the first acupuncture session.

Discussion

The results from this study will provide clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in patients with chronic dizziness.

Trial registration

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register: ISRCTN52695239
A complicated case of pachydermoperiostosis with spondyloarthritides: a case report
Authors: Zhang Qing , Shen Min , Yang Bo , Yu Keyi
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Pachydermoperiostosis is a rare, hereditary disease commonly presenting with digital clubbing, pachydermia and periosteal hypertrophy. Therapeutic options for pachydermoperiostosis are few because of the unknown pathogenesis. Here, we report the complicated case of a patient with pachydermoperiostosis combined with spondyloarthritides, who was refractory to steroids and tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists. We treated this patient with zoledronic acid and performed an arthroscopic synovectomy, with a satisfactory outcome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in English on the combination of zoledronic acid administration and synovectomy for the treatment of a patient with pachydermoperiostosis and spondyloarthritides.

Case presentation

An 18-year-old Han Chinese man was diagnosed with pachydermoperiostosis in the presence of digital clubbing, periostitis and swollen limbs. Combined spondyloarthritides was also considered based on his lower back pain, lower limbs synovitis, bilateral sacroiliac sclerosis and a positive test for human leukocyte antigen B27, as well as immunoglobulin A nephropathy. He was refractory to steroids and tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists, but treated with intravenous zoledronic acid and an arthroscopic synovectomy, with a satisfactory outcome.

Conclusion

This is a rare, complicated case of pachydermoperiostosis with spondyloarthritides. Combination therapy of zoledronic acid administration with synovectomy is a novel, convenient and effective option for patients with pachydermoperiostosis with remarkable synovitis.
Hepatosplenic gamma delta T-cell lymphoma in a boy with visceral leishmaniasis: a case report
Authors: Mutreja Deepti , Kotru Mrinalini , Aggarwal Mukul , Tejwani Narender , Sharma Rahul Kumar , Pati Hara Prasad
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Hepatosplenic gamma delta T-cell lymphoma is a rare peripheral T-cell lymphoma of cytotoxic T-cell origin with an aggressive clinical course. Chronic immunosuppression has been proposed as a possible pathogenetic mechanism. No association of hepatosplenic gamma delta T-cell lymphoma with visceral leishmaniasis has been described in the past. We describe a case of an adolescent boy with hepatosplenic gamma delta T-cell lymphoma with leukemic presentation, who was diagnosed to have visceral leishmaniasis, 9 months prior to presentation at our center. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of hepatosplenic gamma delta T-cell lymphoma with a prior history of visceral leishmaniasis in the medical literature.

Case presentation

A 13-year-old Indian boy presented to the hematology out-patient department with a history of progressive abdominal distension of 9 months’ duration and low grade fever of 2 months’ duration. He was a known case of visceral leishmaniasis and was treated with some clinical improvement in the past. However, his symptoms recurred and he was diagnosed to have hepatosplenic gamma delta T-cell lymphoma at our center. Cytogenetic analysis showed characteristic karyotype of isochromosome 7.

Conclusions

Chronic antigen stimulation due to visceral leishmaniasis may have led to an expansion of gamma delta T cells in our patient, and immunophenotypic analysis of bone marrow aspirate and characteristic karyotype helped to achieve the diagnosis. The aim of this case report is to highlight the rare association of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma with visceral leishmaniasis.
Dynamics of Development and Uprisings in the Arab World
Authors: Sika Nadine Mourad
Published: December 2013

This essay examines the structural economic reform measures undertaken in the Arab world in the past two decades. Developmental projects in the region have attained growth in gross domestic product, higher levels of human capital, and stable governments. These, however, have been accompanied by corruption, structural economic problems, social exclusion, and negligence of good governance and the rule of law. This essay suggests that the juxtaposition of economic reform and liberalization with corruption, authoritarianism, and absence of good governance were a recipe for the social tumult that became the Arab Spring. Social unrest will remain the rule rather than the exception in the Arab region for the foreseeable future, especially in countries that have undergone regime change, such as Egypt and Tunisia, due to the lack of expected economic and political reforms.
Enhanced eIF1 binding to the 40S ribosome impedes conformational rearrangements of the preinitiation complex and elevates initiation accuracy
Authors: Martin-Marcos Pilar , Nanda Jagpreet S. , Luna Rafael E. , Zhang Fan , Saini Adesh K. , Cherkasova Vera A. , Wagner Gerhard , Lorsch Jon R. , Hinnebusch Alan G.
Published: December 2013

In the current model of translation initiation by the scanning mechanism, eIF1 promotes an open conformation of the 40S subunit competent for rapidly loading the eIF2·GTP·Met-tRNAi ternary complex (TC) in a metastable conformation (POUT) capable of sampling triplets entering the P site while blocking accommodation of Met-tRNAi in the PIN state and preventing completion of GTP hydrolysis (Pi release) by the TC. All of these functions should be reversed by eIF1 dissociation from the preinitiation complex (PIC) on AUG recognition. We tested this model by selecting eIF1 Ssu− mutations that suppress the elevated UUG initiation and reduced rate of TC loading in vivo conferred by an eIF1 (Sui−) substitution that eliminates a direct contact of eIF1 with the 40S subunit. Importantly, several Ssu− substitutions increase eIF1 affinity for 40S subunits in vitro, and the strongest-binding variant (D61G), predicted to eliminate ionic repulsion with 18S rRNA, both reduces the rate of eIF1 dissociation and destabilizes the PIN state of TC binding in reconstituted PICs harboring Sui− variants of eIF5 or eIF2. These findings establish that eIF1 dissociation from the 40S subunit is required for the PIN mode of TC binding and AUG recognition and that increasing eIF1 affinity for the 40S subunit increases initiation accuracy in vivo. Our results further demonstrate that the GTPase-activating protein eIF5 and β-subunit of eIF2 promote accuracy by controlling eIF1 dissociation and the stability of TC binding to the PIC, beyond their roles in regulating GTP hydrolysis by eIF2.
JUDICIAL POLICY OF THE TEMPORARY GOVERNMENT
Authors: Демичев Алексей , Demichev Alexey
Published: December 2013

The article analyzes the judicial policy of the Temporary Government. The author had concluded that from March to October 1917 was a period of crisis in the Russian legal system.
LAW AND VALUABLES
Authors: Корнев Виктор , Kornev Viktor
Published: December 2013

The paper analyzes the notion of the types of values and their connection with law.