bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prothrombotic Genetic Risk Factors in Stroke
Authors: Djordjevic Valentina , Stankovic Marija , Brankovic-Sreckovic Vesna , Rakicevic Ljiljana , Damnjanovic Tatjana , Antonijevic Nebojsa , Radojkovic Dragica
Published: January 2012

The role of thrombophilia in the pathogenesis of stroke is still controversial, especially in the pediatric stroke. In order to examine the role of common thrombophilic mutations in children and adults with stroke, a case–control study was carried out in a group of 80 children and 73 younger adult patients. The control groups encompassed 100 healthy children and 120 healthy blood donors. Our results showed no significant differences in the frequency of factor V (FV) Leiden, FII G20210A, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) C677T variants between patient groups and corresponding controls. According to our results, carriers of 677CT genotype have 3.62 higher risks to develop stroke in children than in adults ( P < .001). The obtained data indicate that heterozygosity for MTHFR C677T variant represents a possible important risk factor for pediatric stroke and suggest a different role of this gene variant in etiology of stroke in pediatric and adult patients.
Adult Primary and Secondary Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Ayesh Mahmoud H. , Alawneh Khaldoon , Khassawneh Basheer , Khader Yousef , Kasasbeh Abdullah
Published: January 2012

This study was conducted to compare the platelet count and the presence of bleeding manifestations at initial diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) between patients with primary and secondary ITP. Medical records for 67 consecutive adult patients with ITP were reviewed retrospectively and the relevant data were abstracted. Thirty-eight (56.7%) patients were diagnosed as having primary ITP and 29 (43.3%) were considered to have secondary ITP. At the time of diagnosis, the median initial platelet count (median: 60 × 109/L) for patients with secondary ITP was significantly ( P < .005) higher than that for patients with primary ITP (median: 3.5 × 109/L). Ecchymosis and/or purpura was observed in 4 (13.8%) patients with secondary ITP and in 33 (86.6%) patients with primary ITP ( P value <.005). In conclusion, patients with secondary ITP had higher platelet count at diagnosis and were less likely to present with bleeding manifestations than those with primary ITP.
On the spatial and material motion problems in nonlinear electro-elastostatics with consideration of free space
Authors: Vu DK , Steinmann P
Published: January 2012

In this work the formulation of spatial and material motion problems in nonlinear electro-elastostatics is considered using an energy approach, which takes into account the contribution of the free space surrounding a nonlinearly polarized body undergoing large deformation. The free space can have a huge impact on the electric field and on the deformation field inside a body made of materials with low electric permittivity such as the so-called electronic electroactive polymers (EEAPs). The contribution of the free space can be taken into account by using the electric flux and the Maxwell's traction acting on the boundary of the body. These two quantities can be expressed in terms of a stored energy density function. By using a stored energy density function for both the material body and the (finite or infinite) free space, the governing equations of both spatial and material motion problems are derived by considering the change of energy with respect to a change in the spatial or material configuration. In the spatial motion problem, well-known definitions for electric and mechanical quantities are derived. In the material motion problem, in addition to the derivation of configurational forces, this approach reveals the formulas for the part of energy that is released from the system material body, applied forces in response to a change in the material configuration, which are particularly useful in the study of defects such as crack propagation. The same approach can be used in the case of nonlinear electro-thermo-mechanical coupling and constitutes the direction for future works.
Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Twite Mark D. , Ing Richard J.
Published: January 2012

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a common congenital heart defect in children. Perioperative considerations include preoperative preparation for surgery, intraoperative anesthetic management, and common postoperative issues in the intensive care unit. Surgical debates have shifted away from 2-stage versus single-stage repairs to debates of how surgery to limit pulmonary insufficiency (PI) may have significant long-term impact as the child grows. There are many adult survivors of TOF repair in infancy who now present with a unique set of problems related to PI and right ventricular dysfunction. These adults provide new insights into congenital heart disease (CHD) and how management strategies early in life may have significant implications much later in life. Patients with complex CHD should have lifelong follow-up, so our knowledge will continue to improve, and the best possible care can be provided for these patients.
Management of the Patient for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in the Perioperative Period
Authors: Huffmyer Julie , Tashjian Jessica , Raphael Jacob , Jaeger J. Michael
Published: January 2012

Aortic stenosis is a prevalent valvular disease among aging patients, and surgical correction is the most definitive treatment. Yet many elderly patients are deemed to be “inoperable” or at excessive risk to undergo open surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), either through a transfemoral or transapical approach, has become a potential option for these high-risk patients. Although TAVI technology will continue to be developed and perfected, most studies at this time reveal that symptoms are improved and that 1-year morbidity and mortality are similar to those for open surgical AVR. Anesthetic management for patients undergoing TAVI involves maintaining hemodynamic stability during periods of rapidly changing conditions and providing echocardiographic guidance and assessment. Postoperative care includes a variety of challenges such as managing pain control, monitoring for potential complications, and providing hemodynamic management.
‘I Always Wanted to Go Abroad. And I Like Children’
Authors: Geserick Christine
Published: January 2012

For adolescents, to become au pairs in the United States is a popular, yet unique form of cultural exchange: For a limited time, young women and men aged 18–26 live with a host family while providing child-care. What are their motivations behind doing so? Using data from semi-structured interviews with 24 future au pairs from Germany and Austria, this article presents three categories of motivation: (a) the appeal of a foreign culture (pull factors), (b) the wish to leave home (push factors), and (c) the decision to do so as au pair. It shows that pull and push factors are dominant, while the au pair setting itself is of weaker attraction. Rather, it may serve as a ‘vehicle’ to fulfill other wishes.
HIV/AIDS and securitization theory
Authors: McInnes Colin , Rushton Simon
Published: January 2012

This article uses an analysis of the securitization of HIV/AIDS as a basis for proposing three contributions to securitization theory. Beginning with an examination of some of the key debates which have taken place between the Copenhagen School and its critics, the article goes on to argue that the process of securitizing HIV/AIDS was in fact significantly more complex than has been generally recognized and, crucially, that a more nuanced reading of this case highlights a number of issues that are not well captured by the existing securitization theory literature. The first is that securitization can be a multi-level process, with distinct securitizing actors and audiences at each level. The second is that securitization can best be understood as a continuum rather than a binary condition, and that different members of an audience may place an issue at varying points along this spectrum. The third contribution we seek to make is an intervention in the debate over the role of empirical evidence in securitization, suggesting that claims about ‘empirical reality’ form a crucial part of securitizing speech acts, but that where doubts subsequently arise over the evidence for this ‘reality’, securitization can be undermined, a dynamic that we show in practice in the HIV/AIDS case.
‘What bubbles up’: the experience of nature-based art
Authors: Wolfe Dylan , Novak David R.
Published: January 2012

This study combines participant observation and photovoice documentation to examine the experience of site-specific, nature-based art. Twenty-four participants generated 70 pages of written narrative and 139 photographs during 72 collective hours at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. The sculpture program’s stated goal of producing unique, extra-ordinary experiences for garden visitors is evaluated through analyses of the participants’ observations and photographs. The authors argue that participants’ initial reactions are marked by tensions created when the site-specific, nature-based characteristics of the artwork fail to live up to expectations of orderly arrangement and comprehensible utility. However, the tension generated through the apparent failure to generate immediate comprehension and appreciation is found to be ultimately resolved through contemplative engagement. The unexpected encounter with an unmarked formation, deliberate yet naturalized, offers the viewer an experience beyond the order and utility that generally define our world.
Hydrodynamic behaviours of elastic net sheets in waves
Authors: Ito Shaw , Kinoshita Takeshi , Bao Weiguang
Published: January 2012

From previous experimental investigations on a heaving sea cage, it has been observed that the hydrodynamic forces and motions of the sea cage are strongly affected by the deformation of the cage net. As a fundamental study, the hydrodynamic behaviours of elastic net sheets with a circular or a square shape are studied in the present work. The net sheet is regarded as a piece of elastic porous membrane. The deformation of the net sheet is expanded into a series of natural modes deduced from the free vibration of the membrane (dry mode). The boundary value problem of fluid motion is formulated on the basis of the linear wave theory. A Darcy-type law is applied to the porous boundary. The problem is solved either by the eigenfunction expansion (for the circular shape only) or by the hybrid method with the Rankine source as the Green’s function. To validate the theoretical work and the numerical calculation, experiments are carried out in a wave basin. The models used in the tests are square shaped with a metal frame. The net part of the models is made of elastic cords with pre-tension. Both diffraction tests and forced heaving tests are performed. In addition to the vertical force, the deformation of the net surface is recorded by video cameras and analysed with a video image analysis system.
Domesticating Sweet Sadness
Authors: Tzanelli Rodanthi
Published: January 2012

The article examines Anatolítika glykà (Asia Minor sweets) and the craft of zacharoplastikí (sweet making) in Thessaloniki, Greece’s main northern city. The continuum between sweet makers and product explicates the development of zacharoplastikí—originally a colonial occupation, later a feminine craft of the domestic hearth—to a modern profession. Thessalonikiote sweet making and glykà develop as a travel narrative by obscuring their Eastern associations. Zacharoplastikí’s professionalization was assisted by the employment of spectacular representational techniques. This is today communicated on the websites of its five biggest zacharoplasteío (patisserie) chains through a covert alignment of professional self-presentation with those Greek traditions that have acquired a public face and are (potentially) globally mobile. The author, a native Thessalonikiote, fuses digital hermeneutics with phaneroscopy to explore this phenomenon from within.
A model for the design and implementation of a participant recruitment registry for clinical studies of older adults
Authors: Dowling N Maritza , Olson Nevin , Mish Thomas , Kaprakattu Preethy , Gleason Carey
Published: January 2012

Background The identification and enlistment of suitable participants into clinical studies is often challenging, requiring a large commitment of time and staff resources. The recruitment and retention of populations typically underrepresented in research present additional challenges to enrollment of sufficient numbers of participants in clinical studies. Inadequate participation may undermine the pace and direction of new treatment discoveries.

Purpose Registries of potential research participants are powerful tools to support research by providing a framework to streamline screening and recruitment and to maintain a communication history with potential research participants. The authors present a model for the development and implementation of a web-based database system to support recruitment, enrollment, and retention of potential study participants in close alignment with the goals of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC).

Methods The required data elements and major information domains for the registry were identified using a structured problem-solving and system design approach and the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of stakeholders. The system performance, utility, and usability were assessed through multiple iterations with the users.

Results The process-oriented approach culminated in a multifaceted tool that combined contact management and potential research participant registration to assist with the challenges of recruitment and retention in clinical research. A unique feature of the registry design model was its contact management capabilities for efficient tracking of all contacts with registrants.

Limitations We have focused on the development and implementation of a system for the recruitment of older adults with specific cognitive and medical characteristics. However, our procedures for identifying data needs and database system utility and functionality can be transferred easily to other populations and settings. As with any multipurpose registry database system, careful management and training are essential to optimize efficiency.

Conclusion Adding a contact management element to the registry design significantly improved the efficiency of communication between clinical study coordinators and potential research participants, as well as the communication among coordinators.
Organizational and Environmental Correlates to Preventive Quality of Care in US Rural Health Clinics
Authors: Agiro Abiy , Wan Thomas T. H. , Ortiz Judith
Published: January 2012

Purpose: To identify organizational and environmental correlates to rural health clinics’ preventive quality of care in the United States. Design: A retrospective observational cohort study design was applied under Donabedian’s Structure-Process-Outcome framework. Three structure measures of care (proportion of nonphysicians, absence of physicians, and provider affiliation) and three measures of process (total clinical visits, prevention use for congestive heart failure and diabetes) were used as explanatory variables. Five environmental correlates were included. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services National Medicare Chronic Care Condition Data Warehouse for 2007 was used to obtain clinical data. Preventive quality of care outcomes were measured through Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality prevention quality indicators. The indicators were risk adjusted for age, sex, race, severity, and comorbidity of patients. Methods: Structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation was used. Findings: Provider affiliation ( P = .03), absence of physicians ( P = .007), and higher proportion of nonphysicians ( P = .007) were negatively related to preventive quality of care. Lower cause-specific mortality rate at the county level as compared to the United States average ( P = .05) and rural location ( P = .001) were positively related to quality of care. Implications: The results of the study showed the need to attract and retain physicians in rural health clinics. The positive relationship between rural location and quality of care reflects more on the limited access to hospitals in remote areas.
A Novel Study Using Accelerated Mass Spectrometry to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetics of Total 14C AL‐8309 (Tandospirone) Following Topical Ocular Administration in Healthy Male Subjects
Authors: Iyer Ganesh R. , Patel Yamini , Teuscher Nathan S.
Published: January 2012

The primary objective of this study is to characterize the pharmacokinetics of total 14C concentrations following bilateral, topical ocular drops of 14C‐AL‐8309B labeled either at the pyrimidyl ring (cohort A) position or at the imido‐carbonyl ring (cohort B) position twice daily from day 1 through day 6 and once in the morning of day 7 in 16 healthy male subjects (8 per cohort). Each drop (approximately 24 μL) of 14C‐AL‐8309B 1.75% ophthalmic solution (equivalent to 420 μg‐equiv AL‐8309) contained approximately 500 nCi of 14C‐AL‐8309. AL‐8309 systemic absorption was relatively slow; the time of maximum observed plasma concentrations ranged from 0.25 to 3 hours. Moderate accumulation (1.48‐ to 1.86‐fold) was observed in the mean systemic total 14C plasma concentrations at steady state (day 7) compared with single dose (day 1). The mean total 14C eliminated was 3.5‐fold and 3.7‐fold greater in the urine than the feces for cohort A and cohort B, indicating that 14C‐AL‐8309 is primarily excreted through renal elimination. Single and multiple topical doses of AL‐8309B were found to be safe and well‐tolerated in healthy subjects. This is the first reported use of accelerator mass spectrometry technology with a topically applied ophthalmic product.
Relative Bioavailability of an Emulsion Formulation for Omega‐3‐Acid Ethyl Esters Compared to the Commercially Available Formulation: A Randomized, Parallel‐Group, Single‐Dose Study Followed by Repeat Dosing in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Hussey Elizabeth K. , Portelli Samm , Fossler Michael J. , Gao Feng , Harris William S. , Blum Robert A. , Lates Christian D. , Gould Elizabeth , Abu‐Baker Omar , Johnson Susan , Reddy Karunakar K.
Published: January 2012

LOVAZA (omega‐3‐acid ethyl esters; eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]/docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]), with diet, lowers very high triglycerides (≥500 mg/dL) in adults. This study evaluated whether an emulsion formulation (LEM) increases the bioavailability of EPA/DHA compared to the reference formulation (RF) in healthy volunteers. Following relative bioavailability assessment, LEM, RF, and placebo were dosed for 2 weeks. Exposure measurements included plasma‐free and total fatty acid (EPA/DHA) concentrations and phospholipid and red blood cell (RBC) incorporation. Following single doses, the dose‐normalized EPA plasma‐corrected AUCs were 14‐fold (total) and 12‐fold (free) higher and DHA plasma‐corrected AUCs were 10‐fold (total) and 13‐fold (free) higher for LEM compared to RF. EPA and DHA incorporation into phospholipids increased for all active treatments; the increase was dose dependent for EPA. An 8‐fold increase over baseline was observed in EPA incorporation for LEM (4‐capsule dose) compared to a 4‐fold increase for RF 4 g. DHA incorporation increased to a lesser degree, and RBC incorporation also increased. Pharmacodynamic evaluations revealed slight decreases (−8% to −25%) in the mean fasting triglyceride concentrations in all groups, including placebo, compared to baseline. Following a high‐fat meal, no consistent treatment‐related effect on the triglyceride profiles was observed. Study treatments were safe and tolerated. In conclusion, LEM improves the oral bioavailability of EPA and DHA.
Relative Bioavailability of Liquid and Tablet Formulations of the Antiparasitic Moxidectin
Authors: Korth‐Bradley Joan M. , Parks Virginia , Patat Alain , Matschke Kyle , Mayer Philip , Fleckenstein Lawrence
Published: January 2012

The antiparasitic agent moxidectin is under development for the treatment of onchocerciasis. As the first‐in‐human study of moxidectin used a liquid formulation but other trials used tablets, a study was performed to determine the relative bioavailability of the 2 formulations and to gain more information about the pharmacokinetics of moxidectin. Fifty‐eight healthy male participants were randomized to receive open‐label moxidectin (10 mg) as a tablet (n = 29) or liquid (n = 29) formulation. The mean ± SD pharmacokinetic parameters observed following administration of the tablet were peak concentration (Cmax) 67.1 ± 27.4 ng/mL, time to peak concentration (tmax) 3.2 ± 1.4 hours, area under the concentration time curve (AUC) 4403 ± 2360 ng·h/mL, apparent volume of distribution 3635 ± 1720 L, oral clearance 2.83 ± 1.25 L/h, and elimination half‐life 1032 ± 502 hours. The Cmax and AUC observed following administration of the liquid formulation were 28.6% and 28.8% higher, respectively, and tmax 0.9 hours shorter compared with tablets. No serious adverse events (AEs) were observed. The most commonly reported AEs were headache, infection, diarrhea, asthenia, myalgia, and dizziness during the inpatient phase and flu syndrome, headache, and infection during the 6‐month outpatient phase. There was no difference in reporting of these AEs between formulations.
Goat uterine epithelial cells are susceptible to infection with Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) in vivo
Authors: Ali Al Ahmad Mohamad Z , Dubreil Laurence , Chatagnon Gérard , Khayli Zakaria , Theret Marine , Martignat Lionel , Chebloune Yahia , Fieni Francis
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to determine, using immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization, whether CAEV is capable of infecting goat uterine epithelial cells in vivo. Five CAEV seropositive goats confirmed as infected using double nested polymerase chain reaction (dnPCR) on leucocytes and on vaginal secretions were used as CAEV positive goats. Five CAEV-free goats were used as controls. Samples from the uterine horn were prepared for dnPCR, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence. The results from dnPCR confirmed the presence of CAEV proviral DNA in the uterine horn samples of infected goats whereas no CAEV proviral DNA was detected in samples taken from the uninfected control goats. The in situ hybridization probe was complementary to part of the CAEVgaggene and confirmed the presence of CAEV nucleic acids in uterine samples. The positively staining cells were seen concentrated in the mucosa of the lamina propria of uterine sections. Finally, laser confocal analysis of double p28/cytokeratin immunolabelled transverse sections of CAEV infected goat uterus, demonstrated that the virus was localized in glandular and epithelial cells. This study clearly demonstrates that goat uterine epithelial cells are susceptible to CAEV infection in vivo. This finding could help to further our understanding of the epidemiology of CAEV, and in particular the possibility of vertical transmission.
Transparent mediation-based access to multiple yeast data sources using an ontology driven interface
Authors: Briache Abdelaali , Marrakchi Kamar , Kerzazi Amine , Navas-Delgado Ismael , Rossi Hassani Badr D , Lairini Khalid , Aldana-Montes José F
Published: January 2012

Background

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is recognized as a model system representing a simple eukaryote whose genome can be easily manipulated. Information solicited by scientists on its biological entities (Proteins, Genes, RNAs...) is scattered within several data sources like SGD, Yeastract, CYGD-MIPS, BioGrid, PhosphoGrid, etc. Because of the heterogeneity of these sources, querying them separately and then manually combining the returned results is a complex and time-consuming task for biologists most of whom are not bioinformatics expert. It also reduces and limits the use that can be made on the available data.

Results

To provide transparent and simultaneous access to yeast sources, we have developed YeastMed: an XML and mediator-based system. In this paper, we present our approach in developing this system which takes advantage of SB-KOM to perform the query transformation needed and a set of Data Services to reach the integrated data sources. The system is composed of a set of modules that depend heavily on XML and Semantic Web technologies. User queries are expressed in terms of a domain ontology through a simple form-based web interface.

Conclusions

YeastMed is the first mediation-based system specific for integrating yeast data sources. It was conceived mainly to help biologists to find simultaneously relevant data from multiple data sources. It has a biologist-friendly interface easy to use. The system is available at http://www.khaos.uma.es/yeastmed/.
Pair-barcode high-throughput sequencing for large-scale multiplexed sample analysis
Authors: Tu Jing , Ge Qinyu , Wang Shengqin , Wang Lei , Sun Beili , Yang Qi , Bai Yunfei , Lu Zuhong
Published: January 2012

Background

The multiplexing becomes the major limitation of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) in application to low complexity samples. Physical space segregation allows limited multiplexing, while the existing barcode approach only permits simultaneously analysis of up to several dozen samples.

Results

Here we introduce pair-barcode sequencing (PBS), an economic and flexible barcoding technique that permits parallel analysis of large-scale multiplexed samples. In two pilot runs using SOLiD sequencer (Applied Biosystems Inc.), 32 independent pair-barcoded miRNA libraries were simultaneously discovered by the combination of 4 unique forward barcodes and 8 unique reverse barcodes. Over 174,000,000 reads were generated and about 64% of them are assigned to both of the barcodes. After mapping all reads to pre-miRNAs in miRBase, different miRNA expression patterns are captured from the two clinical groups. The strong correlation using different barcode pairs and the high consistency of miRNA expression in two independent runs demonstrates that PBS approach is valid.

Conclusions

By employing PBS approach in NGS, large-scale multiplexed pooled samples could be practically analyzed in parallel so that high-throughput sequencing economically meets the requirements of samples which are low sequencing throughput demand.
Triggers for an episode of sudden onset low back pain: study protocol
Authors: Steffens Daniel , Ferreira Manuela L , Maher Christopher G , Latimer Jane , Koes Bart W , Blyth Fiona M , Ferreira Paulo H
Published: January 2012

Background

Most research on risk factors for low back pain has focused on long term exposures rather than factors immediately preceding the onset of low back pain. The aim of this study is to quantify the transient increase in risk of a sudden episode of low back pain associated with acute exposure to a range of common physical and psychological factors.

Methods/design

This study uses a case-crossover design. One thousand adults with a sudden onset of low back pain presenting to primary care clinicians will be recruited. Basic demographic and clinical information including exposure to putative triggers will be collected using a questionnaire. These triggers include exposure to hazardous manual tasks, physical activity, a slip/trip or fall, consumption of alcohol, sexual activity, being distracted, and being fatigued or tired. Exposures in the case window (0-2 hours from the time when participants first notice their back pain) will be compared to exposures in two control time-windows (one 24-26 hours and another 48-50 hours before the case window).

Discussion

The completion of this study will provide the first-research based estimates of the increase in risk of a sudden episode of acute low back pain associated with transient exposure to a range of common factors thought to trigger low back pain.
Exploiting the Campylobacter jejuni protein glycosylation system for glycoengineering vaccines and diagnostic tools directed against brucellosis
Authors: Iwashkiw Jeremy A , Fentabil Messele A , Faridmoayer Amirreza , Mills Dominic C , Peppler Mark , Czibener Cecilia , Ciocchini Andres E , Comerci Diego J , Ugalde Juan E , Feldman Mario F
Published: January 2012

Background

Immune responses directed towards surface polysaccharides conjugated to proteins are effective in preventing colonization and infection of bacterial pathogens. Presently, the production of these conjugate vaccines requires intricate synthetic chemistry for obtaining, activating, and attaching the polysaccharides to protein carriers. Glycoproteins generated by engineering bacterial glycosylation machineries have been proposed to be a viable alternative to traditional conjugation methods.

Results

In this work we expressed the C. jejuni oligosaccharyltansferase (OTase) PglB, responsible for N-linked protein glycosylation together with a suitable acceptor protein (AcrA) in Yersinia enterocolitica O9 cells. MS analysis of the acceptor protein demonstrated the transfer of a polymer of N-formylperosamine to AcrA in vivo. Because Y. enterocolitica O9 and Brucella abortus share an identical O polysaccharide structure, we explored the application of the resulting glycoprotein in vaccinology and diagnostics of brucellosis, one of the most common zoonotic diseases with over half a million new cases annually. Injection of the glycoprotein into mice generated an IgG response that recognized the O antigen of Brucella, although this response was not protective against a challenge with a virulent B. abortus strain. The recombinant glycoprotein coated onto magnetic beads was efficient in differentiating between naïve and infected bovine sera.

Conclusion

Bacterial engineered glycoproteins show promising applications for the development on an array of diagnostics and immunoprotective opportunities in the future.
Perioperative dynamic alterations in peripheral regulatory T and B cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Tianxiang , Song Dongli , Min Zhihui , Wang Xiangdong , Gu Yu , Wei Bajin , Yao Jia , Chen Kangjie , Jiang Zhijun , Xie Haiyang , Zhou Lin , Zheng Shusen
Published: January 2012

Background

Intratumoral and circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to be critical in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However there is limited knowledge on the alterations of regulatory B cells (Bregs). We here investigated perioperative dynamic alterations of peripheral circulating Tregs and Bregs in HCC patients to reveal the relationship between regulatory lymphocytes and its clinical implications.

Methods

36 patients with HCC, 6 with chronic hepatitis B infection and 10 healthy donors were enrolled for this study. Frequencies of peripheral Tregs and Bregs were measured by flow cytometry with antibodies against CD4, CD25, CD127, CD19 and IL-10 before, and after radical surgery. Then, clinical informatics of HCC patients was achieved through Digital Evaluation Score System (DESS) for the assessment of disease severity. Finally, we analysed correlations between digitalized clinical features and kinetics of circulating regulatory lymphocytes.

Results

Level of circulating CD4+CD25+CD127-Tregs in HCC patients was significantly lower than that in healthy donors and patients with chronic hepatitis B infection before surgery, but was increased after surgery. Preoperative level of CD19+IL-10+Bregs in HCC patients was also significantly lower than the other groups. However it dramatically was elevated right after surgery and remained elevated compared to controls (about 7 days after surgery,P= 0.04). Frequency of circulating Tregs was correlated with circulating leukocytes, ferritin, and clinical features suggesting tumor aggressiveness including portal vein thrombosis, hepatic vein involvement and advanced clinical stages. Frequency of circulating Bregs was associated with Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA copy number. In addition, DESS was significantly and positively correlated with other staging systems.

Conclusion

Frequencies of peripheral Tregs and Bregs in HCC patients increased after surgery. These results suggest that a postoperative combination of therapies against Tregs and Bregs may be beneficial for better outcome of HCC patients after resection.
Highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for Zn2+ derived from inorganic-organic hybrid magnetic core/shell Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yujiao , Peng Xiaohong , Shi Jinmin , Tang Xiaoliang , Jiang Jie , Liu Weisheng
Published: January 2012

Magnetic nanoparticles with attractive optical properties have been proposed for applications in such areas as separation and magnetic resonance imaging. In this paper, a simple and novel fluorescent sensor of Zn2+ was designed with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde [DTH] covalently grafted onto the surface of magnetic core/shell Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles [NPs] (DTH-Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs) using the silanol hydrolysis approach. The DTH-Fe3O4@SiO2 inorganic-organic hybrid material was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray power diffraction, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform, UV-visible absorption and emission spectrometry. The compound DTH exhibited fluorescence response towards Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions, but the DTH-Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs only effectively recognized Zn2+ ion by significant fluorescent enhancement in the presence of various ions, which is due to the restriction of the N-C rotation of DTH-Fe3O4@SiO2 NPs and the formation of the rigid plane with conjugation when the DTH-Fe3O4@SiO2 is coordinated with Zn2+. Moreover, this DTH-Fe3O4@SiO2 fluorescent chemosensor also displayed superparamagnetic properties, and thus, it can be recycled by magnetic attraction.
Coupled coincidence point theorems for contractions without commutative condition in intuitionistic fuzzy normed spaces
Authors: Sintunavarat Wutiphol , Cho Yeol Je , Kumam Poom
Published: January 2012

Recently, Gordji et al. [Math. Comput. Model. 54, 1897-1906 (2011)] prove the coupled coincidence point theorems for nonlinear contraction mappings satisfying commutative condition in intuitionistic fuzzy normed spaces. The aim of this article is to extend and improve some coupled coincidence point theorems of Gordji et al. Also, we give an example of a nonlinear contraction mapping which is not applied by the results of Gordji et al., but can be applied to our results.

2000 MSC: primary 47H10; secondary 54H25; 34B15.
Loss of Niemann Pick type C proteins 1 and 2 greatly enhances HIV infectivity and is associated with accumulation of HIV Gag and cholesterol in late endosomes/lysosomes
Authors: Coleman Ebony M , Walker Tiffany N , Hildreth James EK
Published: January 2012

Background

Cholesterol pathways play an important role at multiple stages during the HIV-1 infection cycle. Here, we investigated the role of cholesterol trafficking in HIV-1 replication utilizing Niemann-Pick Type C disease (NPCD) cells as a model system.

Results

We used a unique NPC2-deficient cell line (NPCD55) that exhibited Gag accumulation as well as decreased NPC1 expression after HIV infection. Virus release efficiency from NPCD55 cells was similar to that from control cells. However, we observed a 3 to 4-fold enhancement in the infectivity of virus released from these cells. Fluorescence microscopy revealed accumulation and co-localization of Gag proteins with cholesterol in late endosomal/lysosomal (LE/L) compartments of these cells. Virion-associated cholesterol was 4-fold higher in virions produced in NPCD55 cells relative to virus produced in control cells. Treatment of infected NPCD55 cells with the cholesterol efflux-inducing drug TO-9013171 reduced virus infectivity to control levels.

Conclusions

These results suggest cholesterol trafficking and localization can profoundly affect HIV-1 infectivity by modulating the cholesterol content of the virions.
Gastric malignant schwannoma presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report
Authors: Takemura Masashi , Yoshida Kayo , Takii Mamiko , Sakurai Katsunobu , Kanazawa Akishige
Published: January 2012

Introduction

We report a case of gastric malignant schwannoma presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old Japanese man presented with gastrointestinal bleeding to our hospital. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a protruding lesion in the gastric body. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of biopsy specimens from this lesion revealed sheets of spindle cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that these cells were positive for S-100 protein and negative for c-Kit and smooth muscle actin. Because mitosis was diffusely visible, this tumor was diagnosed as a gastric malignant schwannoma. Distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection was performed and the patient's postoperative course was uneventful. However, five months after the surgery, he died from multiple liver metastases.

Conclusion

Cases of gastric malignant schwannoma have rarely been reported. The efficacy of surgical resection and postoperative prognosis continues to remain unclear and should be investigated further.
Paratesticular desmoplastic small round cell tumour: an unusual tumour with an unusual fusion; cytogenetic and molecular genetic analysis combining RT-PCR and COBRA-FISH
Authors: Cliteur Vincent PM , Szuhai Károly , Baelde Hans J , van Dam Jurriaan , Gelderblom Hans , Hogendoorn Pancras CW
Published: January 2012

Desmoplastic small round cell tumour is a rare malignant tumour with a male to female ratio of 4:1. It manifests mostly at serosal sites. Here we present a case of a 28-year-old male patient, who presented with a fast growing paratesticular mass. On biopsy nests and cords of small round cells, without a clear morphological lineage of differentiation were seen. Occasionally desmoplatic small round cell tumour shows different lines of differentiation. An unequivocal histological diagnosis might be difficult in such cases. Here we demonstrate by a combination of methods the characteristic immunohistochemical profile and - albeit unusual - molecular background and discuss the eventual link with Ewing sarcoma.

Immunohistochemical studies showed a membranous staining of Keratine AE1/3 and a dot-like staining of Desmine, confirming its diagnosis. Using COBRA-FISH following a metaphase approach we demonstrated a balanced translocation, t(11;22)(p13;q12) and in RT-PCR formation of the EWSR1-WT1 fusion product, a specific translocation of desmoplastic round cell tumour. The fusion involves exon 9 of EWSR1 to exon 8 of WT1, an unusual fusion product, though earlier described in a case of a desmoplastic small round cell tumour of the hand. The EWSR1-WT1 chimera seems to function as an oncogenic transcription factor. Here the zinc finger domain of the WT1 acts with affinity with certain promoter domains influencing the expression of various downstream proteins such as: PDGFA, PAX2, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, IL2 receptor beta, BAIAP3, MLF1, TALLA-1, LRRC15 and ENT. We discuss their potential oncogenic roles and potential therapeutic consequences.
Identification of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase genes from the white-rot fungus Phlebia brevispora
Authors: Nakamura Ryoich , Kondo Ryuichiro , Shen Ming-hao , Ochiai Hideharu , Hisamatsu Shin , Sonoki Shigenori
Published: January 2012

Three cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP) genes, designated pb-1, pb-2 and pb-3, were isolated from the white-rot fungus, Phlebia brevispora, using reverse transcription PCR with degenerate primers constructed based on the consensus amino acid sequence of eukaryotic CYPs in the O2-binding, meander and heme-binding regions. Individual full-length CYP cDNAs were cloned and sequenced, and the relative nucleotide sequence similarity of pb-1 (1788 bp), pb-2 (1881 bp) and pb-3 (1791 bp) was more than 58%. Alignment of the deduced amino acid (aa) sequences of pb-1-pb-3 showed that these three CYPs belong to the same family with > 40% aa sequence similarity, and pb-1 and pb-3 are in the same subfamily, with > 55% aa sequence similarity. Furthermore, pb-1-pb-3 appeared to be a subfamily of CYP63A (CYP63A1-CYP63A4), found in Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The phylogenetic tree constructed by 500 bootstrap replications using the neighbor-joining method showed that the evolutionary distance between pb-1 and pb-3 was shorter than that between pb-2 and pb-1 (or pb-3). Exon-intron analysis of pb-1 and pb-3 showed that both genes have nearly the same number, size and order of exons and the types of introns, also indicating both genes appear to be evolutionarily close. It is interesting that the transcription level of pb-3 was evidently increased above the pb-1 transcription level by exposure to 12 coplanar PCB congeners and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, though the two genes were evolutionarily close.
Restrictive pulmonary function is more prevalent in patients with ankylosing spondylitis than in matched population controls and is associated with impaired spinal mobility: a comparative study
Authors: Berdal Gunnhild , Halvorsen Silje , van der Heijde Désirée , Mowe Morten , Dagfinrud Hanne
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Pulmonary involvement is a known manifestation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, previous studies have been based on small samples and the reported prevalence and associations with typical clinical features vary. The purpose of this study was to compare pulmonary function (PF) in patients with AS and population controls, and to study associations between PF and disease related variables, cardio-respiratory fitness and demographic variables in patients with AS.

Methods

In a cross-sectional controlled study, 147 AS patients and 121 controls underwent examinations, including demographic variables, laboratory (C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and clinical measures (disease activity (AS disease activity score, ASDAS), physical function (Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index, BASFI), spinal mobility (Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index, BASMI), chest expansion, cardio-respiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak) and pulmonary function test (PFT) (spirometry)). Cumulative probability plots were used to visualize associations between the ASDAS and BASMI scores and the corresponding forced vital capacity (FVC%, percentage of predicted value controlled for the influence of confounding factors) score for each patient. Univariate ANCOVAs were performed to explore group differences in PF adjusting for relevant variables, and a multiple regression model was used to estimate the explanatory power of independent variables (demographic, disease related, VO2peak) on restrictive ventilatory impairment (FVC%).

Results

AS patients showed significantly lower PF values compared with controls, and significantly more patients were categorized with restrictive pattern (18% vs. 0%, P < 0.001). Cumulative probability plots showed significant associations between spinal mobility measures (BASMI) and FVC% for individual patients. BASMI, chest expansion and male gender contributed significantly and independently in a multiple regression model predicting the variation of FVC% in AS patients, whereas disease activity, physical function and VO2peak did not contribute significantly. The final model explained 45% of the variance in FVC% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study showed significantly impaired pulmonary function in the AS patients compared to controls and reference data, and demonstrated a clear relationship between reduced spinal mobility and restrictive PF in AS patients. The results support the assumption of an association between musculoskeletal limitations and restrictive respiratory impairment in AS, emphasizing the importance of maintaining spinal flexibility in the management of the disease. Further, patients with severely reduced spinal mobility should be referred for pulmonary function examination and relevant follow-up treatment.
Metastasis is an early event in mouse mammary carcinomas and is associated with cells bearing stem cell markers
Authors: Weng Desheng , Penzner Jeffrey H , Song Baizheng , Koido Shigeo , Calderwood Stuart K , Gong Jianlin
Published: January 2012

Introduction

It is still uncertain whether metastasis is predominantly an early or late event in tumor progression. The detection of early metastases and cells responsible for the dissemination may therefore have significant clinical implications.

Methods

Lung dissemination and/or metastasis were investigated in mice carrying the polyomavirus middle-T oncogene (PyMT) during different stages of mammary tumorigenesis using the colony forming assay. Immunocytochemical or immunohistochemical staining was used to identify subpopulations of cells responsible for lung dissemination and metastasis. Histological examination was used to show primary and metastatic tumors. The tumor-initiating and metastatic capacity of cells expressing stem cell markers was assessed in syngeneic wild-type (WT) mice whose mammary fat pads were injected with these cells.

Results

Metastatic mammary epithelial cells were detected in the lungs of mice carrying the PyMT oncogene (MMT mice). These cells were observed early in breast tumorigenesis when the mammary tree appeared by histological inspection to be normal (or at a premalignant stage), suggesting the possession of disseminating and metastatic capacity even before full malignant transformation. Some of the disseminated cells and lung metastases displayed surface stem cell markers. These findings suggest that stem cells from apparently precancerous primary lesions could be a source of metastasis. Indeed, injection of lung tissue cells from MMT mice into syngeneic WT mice resulted in the formation of mammary tumors. These tumors resembled their parent mammary tumors in the MMT donors as well as grafted tumors derived from mammary tumor cells. Furthermore, when we injected lung tissue cells from GFP MMT mice into the fat pads of recipient WT mice, disseminated or metastatic GFP-expressing cells were detected in the lungs, lymph nodes and blood of the recipient WT mice. We finally identified a subpopulation of mammary epithelial/tumor cells expressing CD44 and Sca1 that was largely responsible for dissemination and metastasis in MMT mice.

Conclusions

The tumorigenic and metastatic potential of a subpopulation of mammary epithelial/tumor cells in MMT mice is endowed relatively early in mammary neoplasms and suggests a potential role for cancer stem cell sub-populations in metastasis.