bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Struggle for Recognition by People Living With HIV/AIDS in Sudan
Authors: DeJong Jocelyn , Mortagy Iman
Published: March 2013

In settings with high HIV/AIDS-related stigma and where HIV is at low prevalence, the political space is often not conducive to making the epidemic more visible to public debate. In the Middle East and North Africa people living with HIV are only beginning to be prominent players in the policy planning in response to the epidemic. We conducted a qualitative case study analyzing an emerging nongovernmental support group association of people living with HIV/AIDS in Sudan. The study consisted of 16 interviews, with 15 HIV-positive members and the president of the association. We also conducted eight interviews with leaders of HIV-related institutions in Khartoum and reviewed relevant published and unpublished literature. We document the challenges faced by the association’s members and illustrate the potential for community mobilization to counter HIV-related stigma. We also point out the need to create the political space for addressing the needs of people living with HIV.
Meanings of Fatigue for Women With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Olsson Malin , Stafström Lena , Söderberg Siv
Published: March 2013

The existing knowledge of women’s experiences of living with Parkinson’s disease and fatigue is limited. To gain first-hand knowledge, we interviewed 11 women using a phenomenological hermeneutic interpretation. The results indicate that the familiar daily routines of women with Parkinson’s disease had changed in the sense that their bodily attachment to the world had been altered. The body no longer provided smooth access to the surrounding world; rather, the body served as a barrier to daily living. In practice, understanding this barrier can be significant in recognizing how to create positive conditions that support the women’s experiences and how to formulate their care in congruence with their needs.
Using Study Skills to Become Independent Learners in Secondary Content Classes
Authors: Paulsen Kimberly , Sayeski Kristin L.
Published: March 2013

Adolescent students with learning disabilities (LD) often have a difficult time in secondary general education classes for a variety of reasons. One reason is the lack of study skills necessary to successfully navigate through content area courses. As secondary students with LD spend more time in the general education classroom, it is important for them to learn and apply these study skills that help them become independent learners. There are many skills that fall under the broad term of study skills; in this article, five strategies that fall under the umbrella term of study skills are discussed: guidelines for using the explicit instruction model for teaching study habits, time management, self-management, obtaining information from textbooks and lectures, and interpreting visual aids.
Cronkhite–Canada Syndrome Diagnosis in the Absence of Gastrointestinal Polyps
Authors: De Petris Giovanni , Chen Longwen , Pasha Shabana F. , Ruff Kevin C.
Published: March 2013

A 66-year-old male patient presented with nausea, abdominal pain, occasional rectal bleeding, progressive dysgeusia, onicodystrophy, and alopecia. Endoscopic exam and biopsies revealed severe atrophy and diffuse marked edema of mucosa of stomach and duodenum. No evidence of polyps was found in any portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The diagnosis of Cronkhite–Canada syndrome (CCS) was rendered. The patient symptoms resolved completely after initiation of steroid treatment. This additional case of CCS illustrates how the diagnosis of CCS does not require the presence of polyps but is defined by the appreciation of the diffuse marked edema and atrophy of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Unusual Morphologic Presentations of Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm
Authors: León-Martínez Grettel , Meillón-García Luis , Morales-Polanco Manuel , Soler-Montecinos Lorenzo , Ortiz-Hidalgo Carlos
Published: March 2013

We present 2 cases of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) showing unusual histological features. One patient, a 73-year-old male, presented with a nonpruritic macular erythema of the skin on the anterior and posterior chest wall, the biopsy of which was originally diagnosed as malignant melanoma. The neoplastic cells were negative for S100 and HMB45 and strongly positive for CD45, CD4, CD56, and CD123. The final diagnosis was a BPDCN associated with abundant melanin pigment and numerous melanophages. The second patient was a 73-year-old male with a 5-month history of small, slowly enlarging, bruise-like plaques on his limbs and chest. Histologic examination of the skin biopsy revealed an atypical cellular/myxoid infiltrate with numerous macrophages, which was originally diagnosed as consistent with lepromatous leprosy. The atypical cells were immersed in an alcian blue–positive myxoid matrix at pH 2.5. The Fite-Faraco stain was negative. Positive immunoreactivity was demonstrated for CD4, CD56, and CD123. Based on the histopathology and immunohistochemistry findings, a diagnosis of BPDCN with prominent myxoid matrix was rendered.
A Case of Concomitant Occurrence of Solitary Fibrous Tumor and Urothelial High-Grade Invasive Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Spairani Cinzia , Squillaci Salvatore , Pitino Antonio , Ferrari Mauro , Montefiore Franco , Rossi Cristina , Fusco Walter , Bigatti Gian Luigi
Published: March 2013

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm, most commonly arising from the pleura. It has also been recently described to occur in extrapleural sites. To our knowledge, only 16 cases of SFT have been reported in the urinary bladder to date. We report the clinicopathological features of a vesical SFT occurring in a 60-year-old man who presented a concomitant invasive high-grade urothelial cell carcinoma. No similar association has been found in the accessible literature. The morphologic and immunohistochemical clues leading to the correct diagnosis of SFT have been correlated with the data of the literature, and the differential diagnosis is briefly discussed.
Single-Incision Medial Approach for Double Arthrodesis of Hindfoot in Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction
Authors: Anand Prashanth , Nunley James A. , DeOrio James K.
Published: March 2013

Background:

Triple arthrodesis through a 2-incision approach has been the primary salvage procedure for rigid hindfoot malalignment resulting from posterior tibialis dysfunction. However, complications like calcaneocuboid joint nonunion, lateral wound dehiscence, and adjacent joint arthritis have been reported after triple arthrodesis. Hence we adopted single-incision medial approach arthrodesis of subtalar and talonavicular joints, sparing the uninvolved calcaneocuboid joint and lateral skin.

Method:

We report the results of a series of 18 feet with posterior tibialis dysfunction that had correction of malalignment by this approach. Mean age at surgery was 65 years. The mean follow-up was 24 months.

Results:

There was statistically significant improvement in all the radiological parameters measured. There were no wound-related complications. The union rate was 89%. There were 2 malunions, and 2 feet developed valgus ankle deformity. The overall satisfaction rate among patients was 78%.

Conclusion:

We present a case series of treatment of posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction by arthrodesis of the subtalar and talonavicular joints through an isolated medial approach. The results were not encouraging enough to recommend adopting this approach as an alternative to triple arthrodesis.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
MRI Evaluation of the MTP Plantar Plates Compared With Arthroscopic Findings
Authors: Nery Caio , Coughlin Michael J. , Baumfeld Daniel , Mann Tania Szejnfeld , Yamada André Fukunishi , Fernandes Eloy Avila
Published: March 2013

Background:

Instability of the lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints has been widely reported and plantar plate insufficiency is a key part of this pathologic process. The diagnosis is made clinically but can be aided by imaging studies, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, the sensitivity and accuracy of this method compared to direct visualization of these lesions has not yet been established, nor has interobserver accuracy of MRI been assessed for evaluation of plantar plate pathology. In this study, our goals were to identify the accuracy of the MRI in describing plantar plate tears when compared to direct arthroscopic visualization using an anatomic grading system and to test the influence of an anatomic grading system in the accuracy of the MRI readings.

Methods:

We evaluated the clinical exam, MRI scans, and arthroscopic findings of 35 patients with lesser MTP instability.

Results:

Using an anatomic grading system, a distinct improvement in the radiological evaluation and interpretation occurred. Knowledge of the pattern of plantar plate tears by a radiologist enabled them to locate and describe the type of tears of the plantar plate on the MRI. The amount of training and the experience of the radiologist were also important factors in our study. The senior radiologists had much better levels of accuracy (Group A, 77.0%; Group B, 88.5%) than less experienced radiologists.

Conclusion:

Prior knowledge of the pathophysiology and morphological types of lesions of the plantar plates was helpful for accurate identification and description of the tears by the radiologist.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
Physico-chemical and functional properties of spray-dried sourdough in breadmaking
Authors: Tafti Abolfazl Golshan , Peighambardoust Seyed Hadi , Hesari Javad , Bahrami Akbar , Bonab Elnaz Shakuoie
Published: March 2013

In present study, spray-dried sourdough was produced using a pilot scale spray dryer and the physico-chemical and microbial characteristics of the obtained sourdough powder were investigated. The application of the spray-dried sourdough at different levels (3%, 6%, 9% and 15%) in breadmaking was also evaluated. Bulk density, wettability and suspensibility of the sourdough powder were 0.6 g/cm3, 98 s and 29%, respectively. The most of the powder particles were in a range of 106–250 µm. The spray-dried sourdough had a moisture content and ash content of 3.72% and 1.9% (db), respectively. The pH and total titratable acidity of the sourdough powder were 3.26 and 59 (mL of 0.1 N NaOH/10 g powder), respectively. Spray drying reduced lactic acid bacteria population of the sourdough to 2 × 105 CFU/g compared to the initial value of 109 CFU/g. Iranian traditional flat bread (Sangak) made with different levels of the sourdough powder had significantly ( p < 0.05) lower pH and higher total titratable acidity compared to those of the control. The results of sensory evaluation showed that Sangak breads containing 15% sourdough powder were slightly darker and sourer than the other breads. Incorporation of spray-dried sourdough delayed bread staling, as judged by sensory panel. The results suggest that spray-dried sourdough at the level of 9% can be successfully used for Sangak breadmaking, leading to bread with an improved flavor and delayed staling.
Optimization of oil extraction from olive pomace using response surface methodology
Authors: Meziane S
Published: March 2013

A statistical methodology, combining Plackett–Burman design with Box–Behnken design, was applied to optimize the oil extraction process from olive pomace using hexane as solvent. Plackett–Burman design was used in the first step to evaluate the effects of five independent variables on the oil extraction yield. Temperature of extraction, time of contact, solvent-to-solids ratio and moisture content of the olive pomace were identified as significant independent variables and were further optimized by using response surface methodology based on Box–Behnken design. The optimized conditions to maximize the yield were as follows: extraction temperature at 33 ℃, contact time at 10 min, solvent-to-solids ratio at 3.5 mL/g and moisture content at 13%. The experimental value of the yield (5.98%) at these optimum conditions was found in perfect agreement with the value predicted by model (5.80%).
Quality of Life in Adults Aged 50+ With ADHD
Authors: Lensing Michael B. , Zeiner Pål , Sandvik Leiv , Opjordsmoen Stein
Published: March 2013

Objective: To study the quality of life in adults aged 50+ with ADHD. Method: An anonymous questionnaire survey was performed on 148 adults aged 50+ with ADHD. Quality of life was assessed with EuroQol and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Age-matched Norwegian and Danish population samples served as reference groups. Results: Mean age of participants was 55.7 years, and mean age when diagnosed with ADHD was 50.2 years, while mean Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener score was 15.2. Adults with ADHD reported significantly reduced health-related quality of life and reduced satisfaction with life compared with population norms. Nonemployment and severe ADHD were associated with poor quality of life. Conclusion: Adults aged 50+ with ADHD diagnosed in late adulthood reported significantly reduced quality of life when compared with population norms. The negative impact of ADHD persists into late adulthood.
On the usability of three-dimensional display in parallel coordinates: Evaluating the efficiency of identifying two-dimensional relationships
Authors: Johansson Jimmy , Forsell Camilla , Cooper Matthew
Published: March 2013

In recent years, several different attempts have been made to extend the well-known technique of parallel coordinates using a three-dimensional display. This article presents an evaluation that investigates the performance of the three-dimensional parallel coordinates technique and compares it with standard, two-dimensional parallel coordinates for analysis of two-dimensional relationships. Three-dimensional parallel coordinates, based on parallel planes instead of parallel axes, have been used for many years within the information visualization community for a variety of applications. Despite its quite common use, no formal evaluation detailing its usefulness for different tasks has been conducted. The evaluation presented in this article is the first step towards determining the usefulness of this type of three-dimensional parallel coordinates. The study compared three-dimensional parallel coordinates, using two different axis configurations commonly seen in the literature, with standard two-dimensional parallel coordinates for identification of two-dimensional relationships between variables in multivariate data. This type of task and the relationships to be judged are known to be well supported by two-dimensional parallel coordinates and multi-relational three-dimensional parallel coordinates. The results show that for identification of two-dimensional relationships, two-dimensional parallel coordinates are superior to the three-dimensional extensions, in terms of both response time and accuracy. Subjective opinions were also in favour of two-dimensional parallel coordinates. This study adds to the much-needed body of work examining the usability of three-dimensional representations in information visualization and for what tasks and data a proposed method is or is not appropriate.
The betrayal of research confidentiality in British sociology
Authors: Lowman John , Palys Ted
Published: March 2013

Research confidentiality in Britain is under attack. Indeed, in some quarters the ‘Law of the Land’ doctrine that absolutely subjugates research ethics to law is already a fait accompli. To illustrate the academic freedom issues at stake, the article discusses: (i) the Cambridge Psychology Research Ethics Committee’s ban of interview questions about a research participant’s involvement in criminal acts; (ii) the awarding of damages against Exeter University when it reneged on its agreement to uphold a doctoral student’s guarantee of ‘absolute confidentiality’ in his research on assisted suicide; and (iii) the controversy around the UK government’s attempt to obtain confidential records from the Belfast Project − an oral history of paramilitaries involved in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The article urges British researchers to practice – or, at least, defend the academic freedom of their colleagues to practice – the ‘ethics-first’ doctrine of strict confidentiality that several North American disciplinary associations encourage.
Exceptions to blanket anonymity for the publication of interviews with refugees: African refugees in Israel as a case study
Authors: Gerver Mollie
Published: March 2013

Literature on the ethics of researching refugees, both as participants and partners, presents strong arguments for why anonymity is the safer option in the event of questionable consent. However, blanket anonymity, without asking refugee interviewees if they wish to be anonymous, may cause more harm than good in certain contexts. One such context which this article will explore is the context of Israel, where a working Refugee Status Determination (RSD) system has yet to be established. This case study highlights that, even in extreme circumstances where identity exposure can create risks, there may be a case for allowing identity exposure and perhaps an obligation on the part of the researcher to publish a name if this is the strong wish of the interviewee. This article builds on literature addressing confidentiality of identities (Duvell et al., 2010; Giordano et al., 2007; Kelly, 2009; Lahman et al., 2011; Lee, 1993; Mackenzie et al., 2007; Pittaway et al., 2010) and literature addressing informed consent (Hugman et al., 2011; Mackenzie et al., 2007; Pittaway et al., 2010; Zion et al., 2010). Primary sources demonstrating the use of waiving anonymity were collected between 2007 and 2012. Data were collected from refugee and activist civil society publications, television and newspaper media reports, participatory observation in the Israeli Knesset, and in-depth interviews with refugees and asylum seekers from South Sudan, Sudan, DR Congo, Liberia and Eritrea living in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Eilat.
Investigating Work–Family Balance, Job Anxiety, and Turnover Intentions As Predictors of Health Care and Senior Services Customer-Contact Employee Voluntary Turnover
Authors: Vanderpool Chelsea , Way Sean A.
Published: March 2013

Using data collected from 620 health care and senior services customer-contact employees and their employer, we investigated the chain of relationships between work–family balance, job anxiety, turnover intentions, and voluntary turnover. Results showed that work–family balance was related to job anxiety, turnover intentions, and actual, subsequent voluntary turnover. The relationship between work–family balance and turnover intentions was fully mediated by job anxiety. The findings indicate that work–family balance affects organizationally relevant employee psychological outcomes (i.e., job anxiety and turnover intentions) and is a predictor of voluntary turnover. The study further highlights three stages at which hospitality and health care managers and supervisors may intervene to reduce the likelihood of voluntary turnover, namely, to help employees maintain their work and family balance, to correct imbalances, and to restructure or otherwise change work duties if an employee intends to leave.
Nonoperative Treatment in Lumbar Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Garet Matthew , Reiman Michael P. , Mathers Jessie , Sylvain Jonathan
Published: March 2013

Context:

Both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis can be diagnosed across the life span of sports-participating individuals. Determining which treatments are effective for these conditions is imperative to the rehabilitation professional.

Data Sources:

A computer-assisted literature search was completed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases (1966-April 2012) utilizing keywords related to nonoperative treatment of spondylolysis and/or spondylolisthesis. Reference lists were also searched to find all relevant articles that fit our inclusion criteria: English language, human, lumbar pain with diagnosed spondylolysis and/or spondylolisthesis, inclusion of at least 1 nonoperative treatment method, and use of a comparative study design.

Data Extraction:

Data were independently extracted from the selected studies by 2 authors and cross-referenced. Any disagreement on relevant data was discussed and resolved by a third author.

Results:

Ten studies meeting the criteria were rated for quality using the GRADE scale. Four studies found surgical intervention more successful than nonoperative treatment for treating pain and functional limitation. One study found no difference between surgery and nonoperative treatment with regard to future low back pain. Improvement was found in bracing, bracing and exercises emphasizing lumbar extension, range of motion and strengthening exercises focusing on lumbar flexion, and strengthening specific abdominal and lumbar muscles.

Conclusion:

No consensus can be reached on the role of nonoperative versus surgical care because of limited investigation and heterogeneity of studies reported. Studies of nonoperative care options suffered from lack of blinding assessors and control groups and decreased patient compliance with exercise programs.
Fulminant Demyelinating Diseases
Authors: Rahmlow Megan R. , Kantarci Orhun
Published: March 2013

Fulminant demyelinating disease is a heading that covers acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and its variant acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (Hurst disease), severe relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS), variants of MS (tumefactive MS, Marburg variant, Balo concentric sclerosis, myelinoclastic diffuse sclerosis), and neuromyelitis optica-spectrum disorders associated with aquaporin autoimmunity. These categories of inflammatory demyelinating disease often prompt hospital admission and many necessitate intensive care monitoring due to the aggressive nature of the illness and associated neurologic morbidity. In this review, we highlight the discriminating clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of these disorders. Acute management is often accomplished with use of high-dose intravenous steroids and plasma exchange. Aggressive disease may respond to immunosuppression. Prognosis for recovery varies among the disorders but most patients improve. Factors influencing outcome are also discussed.
Myocardial ischaemia and cardiac pain – a mysterious relationship
Authors: Leach Austin , Fisher Mike
Published: March 2013

Pain related to cardiac disease has been recognised for centuries. However, the precise mechanisms of angina pectoris remain bafflingly obscure. Conventional cardiological angina management concentrates on methods to improve oxygen delivery to cardiac myocytes as our understanding of cardiac muscle cells’ response to hypoxia increases. In common with other chronic visceral pain syndromes, little is understood about how pain signals are generated and propagated by visceral nerves. Improved imaging and other physiological assessments have demonstrated important central nervous system (CNS) responses to myocardial ischaemia, including activation of CNS areas known to be ‘key players’ in chronic pain syndromes. Patients with stable angina usually have an excellent prognosis, especially if left ventricular function is preserved. Educating patients about their condition, teaching simple techniques known to help chronic pain patients and introducing targeted pain treatments specific to angina can be extremely helpful adjuncts to conventional cardiological treatments and will often bring about significant improvements in quality of life.
Clinical profile of cluster headaches in China – a clinic-based study
Authors: Dong Zhao , Di Hai , Dai Wei , Pan Meiyan , Li Zheng , Liang Jingyao , Zhang Mingjie , Zhou Zhibin , Liu Ruozhuo , Yu Shengyuan
Published: March 2013

Background

The clinical profile of cluster headache in Chinese patients have not been fully studied.

Methods

The classification and clinical features of 120 consecutive patients with cluster headache (105 males, 15 females; mean age, 34.9 ± 10.5 years) visiting at International Headache Center from May 2010 to August 2012 were analyzed.

Results

Patients came from 16 different regions of China. Mean age at onset of cluster headache was 26.7 ± 10.9 years. Only 13 patients (10.8%) had previously been diagnosed with cluster headache. Mean time to diagnosis from first symptoms was 8.2 ± 7.1 years (range, 0–35 years). Chronic cluster headache was observed in only 9 patients (7.5%). The most commonly reported location of cluster headache was temporal region (75.0%), followed by retro-orbital region (68.3%), forehead (32.5%), vertex (32.5%) and occipital (22.5%). Lacrimation was the most consistently reported autonomic feature (72.5%). During acute attacks, 60.0% of patients experienced nausea, and 41.7% experienced photophobia and 40.8% experienced phonophobia. In addition, 38.3% reported restless behavior and 45.8% reported that physical activity exacerbated the pain. None of patients experienced visual or other kinds of aura symptoms before cluster attacks. We found that 38.3% of patients had <1 cluster period and 35.8% for 1–2 cluster periods per year with these periods occurring less frequently during the summer than during other seasons. Cluster duration was 1–2 months in 32.5% of patients. During cluster periods, 73.3% of patients had 1–2 attacks per day, and 39.2% experienced cluster attacks ranging in duration from 1 h to less than 2 h. The duration of attacks were 1.5 (1–2.25) hours for males and 1.5 (1-3) for females respectively. The World Health Organization quality of life-8 questionnaire showed that cluster headache reduced life quality.

Conclusions

Compared to Western patients, Chinese patients showed a relatively low prevalence of chronic cluster headaches, pain sites mainly focused on areas distributed by the first division of the trigeminal nerve, a low frequency of restlessness and absent aura. These clinical features may be more common in Eastern populations, including mainland Chinese, Japanese and Taiwanese patients, than in Western patients.
German Francisella tularensis isolates from European brown hares (Lepus europaeus)reveal genetic and phenotypic diversity
Authors: Müller Wolfgang , Hotzel Helmut , Otto Peter , Karger Axel , Bettin Barbara , Bocklisch Herbert , Braune Silke , Eskens Ulrich , Hörmansdorfer Stefan , Konrad Regina , Nesseler Anne , Peters Martin , Runge Martin , Schmoock Gernot , Schwarz Bernd-Andreas , Sting Reinhard , Myrtennäs Kerstin , Karlsson Edvin , Forsman Mats , Tomaso Herbert
Published: March 2013

Background

Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis that has been found in many different vertebrates. In Germany most human infections are caused by contact with infected European brown hares (Lepus europaeus). The aim of this study was to elucidate the epidemiology of tularemia in hares using phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of F. tularensis.

Results

Cultivation of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica bacteria from organ material was successful in 31 of 52 hares that had a positive PCR result targeting the Ft-M19 locus. 17 isolates were sensitive to erythromycin and 14 were resistant. Analysis of VNTR loci (Ft-M3, Ft-M6 and Ft-M24), INDELs (Ftind33, Ftind38, Ftind49, RD23) and SNPs (B.17, B.18, B.19, and B.20) was shown to be useful to investigate the genetic relatedness of Francisella strains in this set of strains. The 14 erythromycin resistant isolates were assigned to clade B.I, and 16 erythromycin sensitive isolates to clade B.IV and one isolate was found to belong to clade B.II. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) was useful to discriminate strains to the subspecies level.

Conclusions

F. tularensis seems to be a re-emerging pathogen in Germany. The pathogen can easily be identified using PCR assays. Isolates can also be identified within one hour using MALDI-TOF MS in laboratories where specific PCR assays are not established. Further analysis of strains requires genotyping tools. The results from this study indicate a geographical segregation of the phylogenetic clade B.I and B.IV, where B.I strains localize primarily within eastern Germany and B.IV strains within western Germany. This phylogeographical pattern coincides with the distribution of biovar I (erythromycin sensitive) and biovar II (erythromycin resistance) strains. When time and costs are limiting parameters small numbers of isolates can be analysed using PCR assays combined with DNA sequencing with a focus on genetic loci that are most likely discriminatory among strains found in a specific area. In perspective, whole genome data will have to be investigated especially when terrorist attack strains need to be tracked to their genetic and geographical sources.
Evaluation of Entamoeba histolytica recombinant phosphoglucomutase protein for serodiagnosis of amoebic liver abscess
Authors: Ning Tan Zi , Kin Wong Weng , Noordin Rahmah , Cun See Too Wei , Chong Foo Phiaw , Mohamed Zeehaida , Olivos-Garcia Alfonso , Huat Lim Boon
Published: March 2013

Background

Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most frequent clinical presentation of extra-intestinal amoebiasis. The diagnosis of ALA is typically based on the developing clinical symptoms, characteristic changes on radiological imaging and serology. Numerous serological tests have been introduced for the diagnosis of ALA, either detecting circulating amoebic antigens or antibodies. However those tests show some pitfalls in their efficacy and/or the preparation of the tests are costly and tedious. The commercial IHA kit that used crude antigen was reported to be useful in diagnosis of ALA, however high antibody background in endemic areas may cause problems in its interpretation. Thus, discovery of well-defined antigen(s) is urgently needed to improve the weaknesses of current serodiagnostic tests.

Methods

Crude antigen of E. histolytica was analysed by 2-DE and Western blot to identify a protein of diagnostic potential for ALA. The corresponding gene of the antigenic protein was then cloned, expressed and the purified recombinant protein was subsequently evaluated for serodiagnosis of ALA in an indirect ELISA format.

Results

Analysis of crude antigen showed that phosphoglucomutase (PGM) has the diagnostic potential. Recombinant PGM (rPGM) showed 79.17% (19/24) sensitivity and 86.67% (195/225) specificity in diagnosis of ALA based on the COV of mean +1SD. There was no significant difference between rPGM-ELISA and IHA diagnostic kit in the diagnosis of ALA in terms of sensitivity and specificity at p-value < 0.05.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rPGM-ELISA is found to be useful for serodiagnosis of ALA. Future studies will determine whether rPGM-ELISA also detects antibodies produced in amoebic dysentery and asymptomatic cases.
A screening tool to prioritize public health risk associated with accidental or deliberate release of chemicals into the atmosphere
Authors: Blakey David H , Lafontaine Marc , Lavigne Jocelyn , Sokolowski Danny , Philippe Jean-Marc , Sapori Jean-Marc , Biederbick Walter , Horre Regine , Marzi Willi B , Kondo Hisayoshi , Kuroki Yumiko , Namera Akira , Okumura Tetsu , Yamamoto Miyako , Yashiki Mikio , Blain Peter G , Russell David R , Cibulsky Susan M , Jett David A
Published: March 2013

The Chemical Events Working Group of the Global Health Security Initiative has developed a flexible screening tool for chemicals that present a risk when accidentally or deliberately released into the atmosphere. The tool is generic, semi-quantitative, independent of site, situation and scenario, encompasses all chemical hazards (toxicity, flammability and reactivity), and can be easily and quickly implemented by non-subject matter experts using freely available, authoritative information. Public health practitioners and planners can use the screening tool to assist them in directing their activities in each of the five stages of the disaster management cycle.
Serum prolactin concentrations as risk factor of metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Balbach Lisa , Wallaschofski Henri , Völzke Henry , Nauck Matthias , Dörr Marcus , Haring Robin
Published: March 2013

Background

To investigate potential associations of serum prolactin concentration (PRL) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), previously observed in small and selected study samples, in a large population-based cohort.

Methods

Data from 3,993 individuals (2,027 women) aged 20-79 years from the population-based Study of Health of Pomerania (SHIP) were used to analyse cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of PRL with MetS and T2DM risk in age- and multivariable-adjusted Poisson regression models. PRL were log-transformed and modelled as continuous (per standard deviation (SD) increase) and categorical predictor (sex-specific quartiles) variable, separately for men and woman.

Results

Cross-sectional analyses showed an inverse association between low PRL concentrations and prevalent T2DM risk in men and women after multivariable-adjustment (men: Q1 vs. Q4: relative risk (RR), 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13 – 2.14; women: Q1 vs. Q4: RR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.10 – 2.62). Likewise, higher PRL concentrations were associated with significantly lower T2DM risk (RR per SD increase in log-PRL: 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72 – 0.95 in men, and 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71 – 0.98 in women, respectively). An inverse association between PRL and MetS risk was not retained after multivariable adjustment. Longitudinal analyses yielded no association of PRL with incident MetS or T2DM.

Conclusion

The present study is the first large population-based study reporting a cross-sectional inverse association between PRL and prevalent T2DM in both genders. But the absent longitudinal associations do not support a causal role of PRL as a risk factor of incident MetS or T2DM.
e-Monitoring of Asthma Therapy to Improve Compliance in children using a real-time medication monitoring system (RTMM): the e-MATIC study protocol
Authors: Vasbinder Erwin C , Janssens Hettie M , Rutten-van Mölken Maureen P M H , van Dijk Liset , de Winter Brenda C M , de Groot Ruben C A , Vulto Arnold G , van den Bemt Patricia M L A ,   e-MATIC Study Group
Published: March 2013

Background

Many children with asthma do not have sufficient asthma control, which leads to increased healthcare costs and productivity loss of parents. One of the causative factors are adherence problems. Effective interventions improving medication adherence may therefore improve asthma control and reduce costs. A promising solution is sending real time text-messages via the mobile phone network, when a medicine is about to be forgotten. As the effect of real time text-messages in children with asthma is unknown, the primary aim of this study is to determine the effect of a Real Time Medication Monitoring system (RTMM) with text-messages on adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). The secondary objective is to study the effects of RTMM on asthma control, quality of life and cost-effectiveness of treatment.

Methods

A multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving 220 children (4–11 years) using ICS for asthma. All children receive an RTMM-device for one year, which registers time and date of ICS doses. Children in the intervention group also receive tailored text-messages, sent only when a dose is at risk of omission. Primary outcome measure is the proportion of ICS dosages taken within the individually predefined time-interval. Secondary outcome measures include asthma control (monthly Asthma Control Tests), asthma exacerbations, healthcare use (collected from hospital records, patient reports and pharmacy record data), and disease-specific quality of life (PAQLQ questionnaire). Parental and children’s acceptance of RTMM is evaluated with online focus groups and patient questionnaires. An economic evaluation is performed adopting a societal perspective, including relevant healthcare costs and parental productivity loss. Furthermore, a decision-analytic model is developed in which different levels of adherence are associated with clinical and financial outcomes. Also, sensitivity analyses are carried out on different price levels for RTMM.

Discussion

If RTMM with tailored text-message reminders proves to be effective, this technique can be used in daily practice, which would support children with suboptimal adherence in their asthma (self)management and in achieving better asthma control and better quality of life.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial RegisterNTR2583.
Expression and functional studies of genes involved in transport and metabolism of glycerol in Pachysolen tannophilus
Authors: Liu Xiaoying , Mortensen Uffe Hasbro , Workman Mhairi
Published: March 2013

Background

Pachysolen tannophilus is a non-conventional yeast, which can metabolize many of the carbon sources found in low cost feedstocks including glycerol and xylose. The xylose utilisation pathways have been extensively studied in this organism. However, the mechanism behind glycerol metabolism is poorly understood. Using the recently published genome sequence of P. tannophilus CBS4044, we searched for genes with functions in glycerol transport and metabolism by performing a BLAST search using the sequences of the relevant genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae as queries.

Results

Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to unveil the expression patterns of these genes during growth of P. tannophilus on glycerol and glucose as sole carbon sources. The genes predicted to be involved in glycerol transport in P. tannophilus were expressed in S. cerevisiae to validate their function. The S. cerevisiae strains transformed with heterologous genes showed improved growth and glycerol consumption rates with glycerol as the sole carbon source.

Conclusions

P. tannophilus has characteristics relevant for a microbial cell factory to be applied in a biorefinery setting, i.e. its ability to utilise the carbon sources such as xylose and glycerol. However, the strain is not currently amenable to genetic modification and transformation. Heterologous expression of the glycerol transporters from P. tannophilus, which has a relatively high growth rate on glycerol, could be used as an approach for improving the efficiency of glycerol assimilation in other well characterized and applied cell factories such as S. cerevisiae.
Cortactin is a sensitive biomarker relative to the poor prognosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Gang , Huang Zi-ming , Kong Ya-Lin , Wen Dong-Qing , Li Yu , Ren Li , Zhang Hong-Yi
Published: March 2013

Background

Cortactin is an important regulator involved in invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to elucidate the forecasting role of cortactin in resectable HCCs.

Methods

We compared the invasiveness and motility among liver epithelial cell line and HCC cell lines by using Transwell assay and wound healing assay. We further investigated the CTTN mRNA expression by real-time PCR. Next, 91 HCC and 20 normal liver tissue samples were detected by IHC and real-time PCR. Finally, we analyzed the clinicopathologic features and survival time of the HCC cases.

Results

We identified that HepG2, LM3, and SK-Hep-1 had more invasiveness and motility (P <0.05). Compared with liver epithelial cell line, CTTN expression was higher in LM3, HepG2, and MHCC97-L (P <0.01) and lower in SK-Hep-1 (P <0.05). IHC examination showed cortactin expression was closely relative to TNM stage (AJCC/UICC), cancer embolus, and metastasis (P <0.01). Cortactin overexpression indicated a longer survival time of 52 ± 8.62 months and low expression of a shorter survival time of 20 ± 4.95 months (P <0.01). Cortactin examination has more predictive power in patients with Child-Pugh grade A and BCLC stage 0-B.

Conclusions

Overexpression of cortactin is closely associated with poor human HCCs prognosis that caused by cancer embolus and metastasis. Cortactin and CTTN should be used for differentiating varieties of survival for patients after HCC resection.
Luminescence-based in vivo monitoring of NF-κB activity through a gene delivery approach
Authors: Osorio Fernando G , de la Rosa Jorge , Freije José MP
Published: March 2013

Background

Monitoring activity of specific signaling pathways in vivo is challenging and requires highly sensitive methods to detect dynamic perturbations in whole organisms.

Results

In vivo gene delivery of a luciferase reporter followed by bioluminiscence imaging allows measuring NF-κB activity in mice liver and lungs.

Conclusions

This protocol allows a direct measure of NF-κB activity through quantification of bioluminescence signal, demonstrating its accuracy and sensitivity in different animal models and experimental conditions. Variants could be also applied for the analysis of NF-κB activity in different tissues or for studying other signaling pathways in vivo.
Dynamically expressed microRNA-15b modulates the activities of CD8+ T lymphocytes in mice with Lewis lung carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Guocheng , Cheng Xiaoming , Long Haixia , He Luhang , Qi Wei , Xiang Tong , Zhao Zhongquan , Zhu Bo
Published: March 2013

Background

CD8+ T cells are key members of adaptive immunity against tumorigenesis. As subset of CD8+ T cells, effector T cells (Te) and memory T cells (Tm) have different biological activities. The former can kill tumor cells but come into apoptosis in a certain period and the latter is static with the ability of self-renewal. Previous studies showed that microRNAs (miRNA) played critical roles in regulating adaptive immunity. This study aimed to identify the different expression of miRNAs between Te and Tm cells in tumor-bearing mice and to sort out the target miRNAs which can be regulated to improve anti-tumor activities of CD8+ T cells.

Methods

miRNA expression profiling was performed on CD8+ Te and Tm cells from mice with Lewis lung carcinoma. Differentially expressed miRNA (miRNA-15b) was chosen and analyzed by qRT-PCR. Then, flow cytometry, ELISA, and CFSE kit were used to evaluate the biological effects of miRNA-15b on apoptosis, cytokine secretion, phenotype, and proliferation of CD8+ T cell. The possible downstream target genes of this miRNA were also analyzed.

Results

Analysis of miRNA microarray and qRT-PCR showed that the level of miRNA-15b was higher in CD8+ Tm cells than in Te cells. Higher expression of miRNA-15b was observed in CD8+ T cells from tumor-bearing mice than those from healthy ones. Transfection of CD8+ T cells with miRNA-15b mimics could prevent T cells from apoptosis by inhibiting the translation of DEDD (Death Effector Domain-containing DNA binding protein). Moreover, ectopic miRNA-15b could inhibit the activation of CD8+ T cells (via repressing the production of IL-2 and IFN-γ and expression of CD69) and promote expression of CD44 through unknown pathways.

Conclusion

Up-regulation of miRNA-15b in tumor environment might negatively regulate anti-tumor immunity through inhibiting function of CD8+ T cells. miRNA-15b might be a potential therapeutic target for immunotherapy.
Evaluation of the accuracy of Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT): Medical imaging technology in head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Logan Heather , Wolfaardt Johan , Boulanger Pierre , Hodgetts Bill , Seikaly Hadi
Published: March 2013

Background

With the introduction, development and commercialization of Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) technologies in the field of head and neck reconstruction, clinicians now have increased access to the technology. Given the growth of this new user group, there is an increasing concern regarding proper use, understanding, quality and patient safety.

Methods

The present study was carried out to evaluate data acquisition of CBCT medical imaging technology and the accuracy of the scanning at three different machine warming times. The study also compared the accuracy of CBCT at 0.2 mm slice thickness and Computerized Tomography (CT) at 1 mm slice thickness. A control model was CT scanned at five random intervals, at 1 mm slice thickness and CBCT scanned at specialized intervals, at 0.2 mm slice thickness. The data was then converted and imported into a software program where a digital registration procedure was used to compare the average deviations of the scanned models to the control.

Results

The study found that there was no statistically significant difference amongst the three CBCT machine warming times. There was a statistically significant difference between CT scanning with 1 mm slice thickness and CBCT scanning with 0.2 mm slice thickness.

Conclusions

The accuracy of the i-CAT CBCT scans used in the present study with a parameter at voxel size 0.2, will remain consistent and reliable at any warming stage. Also the difference between the CBCT i-CAT scans and the CT scans was not clinically significant based on suggested requirements of clinicians in head and neck reconstruction.
Placental contribution to the origins of sexual dimorphism in health and diseases: sex chromosomes and epigenetics
Authors: Gabory Anne , Roseboom Tessa J , Moore Tom , Moore Lorna G , Junien Claudine
Published: March 2013

Sex differences occur in most non-communicable diseases, including metabolic diseases, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric and neurological disorders and cancer. In many cases, the susceptibility to these diseases begins early in development. The observed differences between the sexes may result from genetic and hormonal differences and from differences in responses to and interactions with environmental factors, including infection, diet, drugs and stress. The placenta plays a key role in fetal growth and development and, as such, affects the fetal programming underlying subsequent adult health and accounts, in part for the developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD). There is accumulating evidence to demonstrate the sex-specific relationships between diverse environmental influences on placental functions and the risk of disease later in life. As one of the few tissues easily collectable in humans, this organ may therefore be seen as an ideal system for studying how male and female placenta sense nutritional and other stresses, such as endocrine disruptors. Sex-specific regulatory pathways controlling sexually dimorphic characteristics in the various organs and the consequences of lifelong differences in sex hormone expression largely account for such responses. However, sex-specific changes in epigenetic marks are generated early after fertilization, thus before adrenal and gonad differentiation in the absence of sex hormones and in response to environmental conditions. Given the abundance of X-linked genes involved in placentogenesis, and the early unequal gene expression by the sex chromosomes between males and females, the role of X- and Y-chromosome-linked genes, and especially those involved in the peculiar placenta-specific epigenetics processes, giving rise to the unusual placenta epigenetic landscapes deserve particular attention. However, even with recent developments in this field, we still know little about the mechanisms underlying the early sex-specific epigenetic marks resulting in sex-biased gene expression of pathways and networks. As a critical messenger between the maternal environment and the fetus, the placenta may play a key role not only in buffering environmental effects transmitted by the mother but also in expressing and modulating effects due to preconceptional exposure of both the mother and the father to stressful conditions.