bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender disparities in the association between epicardial adipose tissue volume and coronary atherosclerosis: A 3-dimensional cardiac computed tomography imaging study in Japanese subjects
Authors: Dagvasumberel Munkhbaatar , Shimabukuro Michio , Nishiuchi Takeshi , Ueno Junji , Takao Shoichiro , Fukuda Daiju , Hirata Yoichiro , Kurobe Hirotsugu , Soeki Takeshi , Iwase Takashi , Kusunose Kenya , Niki Toshiyuki , Yamaguchi Koji , Taketani Yoshio , Yagi Shusuke , Tomita Noriko , Yamada Hirotsugu , Wakatsuki Tetsuzo , Harada Masafumi , Kitagawa Tetsuya , Sata Masataka
Published: September 2012

Background

Growing evidence suggests that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) may contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we explored gender disparities in EAT volume (EATV) and its impact on coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods

The study population consisted of 90 consecutive subjects (age: 63 ± 12 years; men: 47, women: 43) who underwent 256-slice multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography. EATV was measured as the sum of cross-sectional epicardial fat area on CT images, from the lower surface of the left pulmonary artery origin to the apex. Subjects were segregated into the CAD group (coronary luminal narrowing > 50%) and non-CAD group.

Results

EATV/body surface area (BSA) was higher among men in the CAD group than in the non-CAD group (62 ± 13 vs. 33 ± 10 cm3/m2, p < 0.0001), but did not differ significantly among women in the 2 groups (49 ± 18 vs. 42 ± 9 cm3/m2, not significant). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that EATV/BSA was the single predictor for >50% coronary luminal narrowing in men (p < 0.0001). Predictors excluded were age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia.

Conclusions

Increased EATV is strongly associated with coronary atherosclerosis in men.
Effects of a 6-month multimodal training intervention on retention of functional fitness in older adults: A randomized-controlled cross-over design
Authors: Gudlaugsson Janus , Gudnason Vilmundur , Aspelund Thor , Siggeirsdottir Kristin , Olafsdottir Anna S , Jonsson Palmi V , Arngrimsson Sigurbjorn A , Harris Tamara B , Johannsson Erlingur
Published: September 2012

Background

Older adults have the highest rates of disability, functional dependence and use of healthcare resources. Training interventions for older individuals are of special interest where regular physical activity (PA) has many health benefits. The main purpose of this study was to assess the immediate and long-term effects of a 6-month multimodal training intervention (MTI) on functional fitness in old adults.

Methods

For this study, 117 participants, 71 to 90 years old, were randomized in immediate intervention group and a control group (delayed intervention group). The intervention consisted of daily endurance and twice-a-week strength training. The method was based on a randomized-controlled cross-over design. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 8 foot up-and-go test, strength performance, six min walking test (6 MW), physical activity, BMI and quality of life were obtained at baseline, after a 6-month intervention- and control phase, again after 6-month crossover- and delayed intervention phase, and after anadditional 6-month follow-up.

Results

After 6 months of MTI, the intervention group improved in physical performance compared with the control group via Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score (mean diff = 0.6, 95 % CI: 0.1, 1.0) and 8-foot up-and-go test (mean diff = −1.0 s, 95 % CI: -1.5, -0.6), and in endurance performance via 6-minute walking test (6 MW) (mean diff = 44.2 meters, 95 % CI: 17.1, 71.2). In strength performance via knee extension the intervention group improved while control group declined (mean diff = 55.0 Newton, 95 % CI: 28.4, 81.7), and also in PA (mean diff = 125.9 cpm, 95 % CI: 96.0, 155.8). Long-term effects of MTI on the particpants was assesed by estimating the mean difference in the variables measured between time-point 1 and 4: SPPB (1.1 points, 95 % CI: 0.8, 1.4); 8-foot up-and-go (−0.9 s, 95 % CI: -1.2, -0.6); 6 MW (18.7 m, 95 % CI: 6.5, 31.0); knee extension (4.2 Newton, 95 % CI: -10.0, 18.3); hand grip (6.7 Newton, 95 % CI: -4.4, 17.8); PA (−4.0 cpm, 95 % CI: -33.9, 26.0); BMI (−0.6 kg/m2, 95 % CI: -0.9, -0.3) and Icelandic quality of life (0.3 points, 95 % CI: -0.7, 1.4).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that regular MTI can improve and prevent decline in functional fitness in older individuals, influence their lifestyle and positively affect their ability to stay independent, thus reducing the need for institutional care.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the National Bioethics Committee in Iceland, VSNb20080300114/03-1
Telocytes in the urinary system
Authors: Zheng Yonghua , Zhu Tongyu , Lin Miao , Wu Duojiao , Wang Xiangdong
Published: September 2012

Background

Telocytes, a new type of interstitial cells, have been identified in many organs in mammals. The present studies aimed at investigating the ultrastructure, distribution and interactions of telocytes with surrounding cells in the urinary system of rats, to confirm the existence of telocytes in kidneys, ureter and urinary bladder.

Methods

Samples of kidney, ureter, or urinary bladder were harvested for the ultrastructure by the electron microscope. The primary culture of telocytes was performed to investigate the dynamic alterations.

Results

Telocytes mainly located in the sub-capsular space of kidney, or between smooth muscle bundles and in the lamina propria of ureter and urinary bladder. Telocytes established numerous contacts with macrophages in the sub-capsular space of kidney, or with smooth muscle cells, nerve endings as well as blood capillaries in the ureter and urinary bladder. The complete morphology of telocytes with telopodes was observed clearly through the primary cell culture from the kidney tissues of rats.

Conclusions

Our data evidenced the existence of telocytes in the urinary system, which may contribute to the tissue reparation and regeneration.
Early nocturnal meal skipping alters the peripheral clock and increases lipogenesis in mice
Authors: Yoshida Chika , Shikata Nahoko , Seki Shinobu , Koyama Naoto , Noguchi Yasushi
Published: September 2012

Background

In humans, skipping meals, especially breakfast, has been associated with obesity and other related syndromes. Recent studies in rodents suggest that fasting and feeding times are potential factors that affect the peripheral circadian clocks and metabolism. However, the link between fasting and obesity in rodents has yet to be fully demonstrated.

Method

We conducted early nocturnal fasting (ENF) from zeitgeber time (ZT) 12 to 18 for 4 consecutive days in C57B6 mice. The first set of experiments was performed under ad libitum conditions, where ENF and free-feeding (FF) control groups were compared. The second set was performed under isocaloric adjustment by restricting the diet to 90% of the basal intake of ENF mice. Calorie-restricted ENF (ENF-CR) mice were then compared with isocaloric controls (IC-control). Body weight, food intake, core body temperature, activity, adiposity, and clock-related gene expression levels in the liver and adipose tissues were investigated. A stable isotopic analysis was also conducted to estimate de novo lipogenesis fluxes.

Results

In the ad libitum condition, the ENF mice ate more during the day, increased their overall daily food intake and gained more weight than FF-control mice. The amplitude of the body core temperature rhythm in ENF mice was also lower than in the FF-controls. Under isocaloric conditions, ENF-CR attenuated the CR-induced body weight loss, compared with the IC-control. ENF-CR also altered the acrophase time of the expression of the clock genes, which is associated with time-shift of genes involved in lipid metabolism and increased lipogenesis, compared with the IC-control.

Conclusions

ENF in nocturnal mice disturbs the peripheral clock and increases de novo lipid synthesis and results in a predisposition to obesity.
Sickle Cell Mice Exhibit Mechanical Allodynia and Enhanced Responsiveness in Light Touch Cutaneous Mechanoreceptors
Authors: Garrison Sheldon R , Kramer Audra A , Gerges Nashaat Z , Hillery Cheryl A , Stucky Cheryl L
Published: September 2012

Background:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with both acute vaso-occlusive painful events as well as chronic pain syndromes, including heightened sensitivity to touch. We have previously shown that mice with severe SCD (HbSS mice; express 100% human sickle hemoglobin in red blood cells; RBCs) have sensitized nociceptors, which contribute to increased mechanical sensitivity. Yet, the hypersensitivity in these neural populations alone may not fully explain the mechanical allodynia phenotype in mouse and humans.

Findings:

Using the Light Touch Behavioral Assay, we found HbSS mice exhibited increased responses to repeated application of both innocuous punctate and dynamic force compared to control HbAA mice (100% normal human hemoglobin). HbSS mice exhibited a 2-fold increase in percent response to a 0.7mN von Frey monofilament when compared to control HbAA mice. Moreover, HbSS mice exhibited a 1.7-fold increase in percent response to the dynamic light touch “puffed” cotton swab stimulus. We further investigated the mechanisms that drive this behavioral phenotype by focusing on the cutaneous sensory neurons that primarily transduce innocuous, light touch. Low threshold cutaneous afferents from HbSS mice exhibited sensitization to mechanical stimuli that manifested as an increase in the number of evoked action potentials to suprathreshold force. Rapidly adapting (RA) Aβ and Aδ D-hair fibers showed the greatest sensitization, each with a 75% increase in suprathreshold firing compared to controls. Slowly adapting (SA) Aβ afferents had a 25% increase in suprathreshold firing compared to HbAA controls.

Conclusions:

These novel findings demonstrate mice with severe SCD exhibit mechanical allodynia to both punctate and dynamic light touch and suggest that this behavioral phenotype may be mediated in part by the sensitization of light touch cutaneous afferent fibers to suprathreshold force. These findings indicate that Aβ fibers can be sensitized to mechanical force and should potentially be examined for sensitization in other tissue injury and disease models.
Smoking among adolescents in Northern Greece: a large cross-sectional study about risk and preventive factors
Authors: Spyratos Dionisios G , Pelagidou Despoina T , Chloros Diamantis , Haidich Anna-Bettina , Karetsi Eleni , Koubaniou Christina , Konstantopoulos Stavros , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Sichletidis Lazaros T
Published: September 2012

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate epidemiological data about cigarette smoking in relation with risk and preventive factors among Greek adolescents.

Methods

We randomly selected 10% of the whole number of schools in Northern Greece (133 schools, 18,904 participants were included). Two anonymous questionnaires (smoker's and non-smoker's) were both distributed to all students so they selected and filled in only one. A parental signed informed consent was obtained using an informative leaflet about adolescent smoking.

Results

The main findings of the study were: a) 14.2% of the adolescents (mean age+/−SD: 15.3+/−1.7 years) reported regular smoking (24.1% in the age group 16–18 years), b) 84.2% of the current smokers reported daily use, c) students who live in urban and semirural areas smoke more frequently than those in rural areas, d) students in technically oriented schools smoke twice as frequent compared to those in general education, e) risk factors for smoking: male gender, low educational level of parents, friends who smoke (OR: 10.01, 95%CI: 8.53-11.74, p<0.001), frequent visits to internet cafes (OR:1.53, 95%CI: 1.35-1.74, p<0.001), parents, siblings (OR:2.24, 95%CI: 1.99-2.51, p<0.001) and favorite artist (OR:1.18, 95%CI: 1.04-1.33, p=0.009) who smoke, f) protective factors against smoking: participation in sports (OR:0.59, 95%CI: 0.53-0.67, p<0.001), watching television (OR:0.74, 95%CI 0.66-0.84, p<0.001) and influence by health warning messages on cigarette packets (OR:0.42, 95%CI: 0.37, 0.48, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Even though prevalence of cigarette smoking is not too high among Greek adolescents, frequency of everyday cigarette use is alarming. We identified many social and lifestyle risk and preventive factors that should be incorporated in a national smoking prevention program among Greek adolescents.
Treatment for sulfur mustard lung injuries; new therapeutic approaches from acute to chronic phase
Authors: Poursaleh Zohreh , Harandi Ali Amini , Vahedi Ensieh , Ghanei Mostafa
Published: September 2012

Objective

Sulfur mustard (SM) is one of the major potent chemical warfare and attractive weapons for terrorists. It has caused deaths to hundreds of thousands of victims in World War I and more recently during the Iran-Iraq war (1980–1988). It has ability to develop severe acute and chronic damage to the respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Understanding the acute and chronic biologic consequences of SM exposure may be quite essential for developing efficient prophylactic/therapeutic measures. One of the systems majorly affected by SM is the respiratory tract that numerous clinical studies have detailed processes of injury, diagnosis and treatments of lung. The low mortality rate has been contributed to high prevalence of victims and high lifetime morbidity burden. However, there are no curative modalities available in such patients. In this review, we collected and discussed the related articles on the preventive and therapeutic approaches to SM-induced respiratory injury and summarized what is currently known about the management and therapeutic strategies of acute and long-term consequences of SM lung injuries.

Method

This review was done by reviewing all papers found by searching following key words sulfur mustard; lung; chronic; acute; COPD; treatment.

Results

Mustard lung has an ongoing pathological process and is active disorder even years after exposure to SM. Different drug classes have been studied, nevertheless there are no curative modalities for mustard lung.

Conclusion

Complementary studies on one hand regarding pharmacokinetic of drugs and molecular investigations are mandatory to obtain more effective treatments.
Antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria isolated from cheeses and yogurts
Authors: Yang En , Fan Lihua , Jiang Yueming , Doucette Craig , Fillmore Sherry
Published: September 2012

The biopreservation of foods using bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated directly from foods is an innovative approach. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify bacteriocinogenic LAB from various cheeses and yogurts and evaluate their antimicrobial effects on selected spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in vitro as well as on a food commodity.

LAB were isolated using MRS and M17 media. The agar diffusion bioassay was used to screen for bacteriocin or bacteriocin-like substances (BLS) producing LAB using Lactobacillus sakei and Listeria innocua as indicator organisms. Out of 138 LAB isolates, 28 were found to inhibit these bacteria and were identified as strains of Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus thermophilu s, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus sakei subsp. sakei using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Eight isolates were tested for antimicrobial activity at 5°C and 20°C against L. innocua, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Erwinia carotovora, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides using the agar diffusion bioassay, and also against Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea and Monilinia frucitcola using the microdilution plate method. The effect of selected LAB strains on L. innocua inoculated onto fresh-cut onions was also investigated.

Twenty percent of our isolates produced BLS inhibiting the growth of L. innocua and/or Lact. sakei. Organic acids and/or H2O2 produced by LAB and not the BLS had strong antimicrobial effects on all microorganisms tested with the exception of E. coli. Ent. faecium, Strep. thermophilus and Lact. casei effectively inhibited the growth of natural microflora and L. innocua inoculated onto fresh-cut onions. Bacteriocinogenic LAB present in cheeses and yogurts may have potential to be used as biopreservatives in foods.
Calculation and uses of the lithographic aerial image
Authors: Flagello Donis G. , Smith Daniel G.
Published: September 2012

Beginning with the seminal Dill papers of 1975, the aerial image has been essential for understanding the process of microlithography. From the aerial image, we can predict the performance of a given lithographic process in terms of depth of focus, exposure latitude, etc. As lithographic technologies improved, reaching smaller and smaller printed features, the sophistication of aerial image calculations has had to increase from simple incoherent imaging theory, to partial coherence, polarization effects, thin film effects at the resist, thick mask effects, and so on. This tutorial provides an overview and semihistorical development of the aerial image calculation and then provides a review of some of the various ways in which the aerial image is typically used to estimate the performance of the lithographic process.
Aerial imaging technology for photomask qualification: from a microscope to a metrology tool
Authors: Garetto Anthony , Scherübl Thomas , Peters Jan Hendrik
Published: September 2012

Photomasks carry the structured information of the chip designs printed with lithography scanners onto wafers. These structures, for the most modern technologies, are enlarged by a factor of 4 with respect to the final circuit design, and 20–60 of these photomasks are needed for the production of a single completed chip used, for example, in computers or cell phones. Lately, designs have been reported to be on the drawing board with close to 100 of these layers. Each of these photomasks will be reproduced onto the wafer several hundred times and typically 5000–50 000 wafers will be produced with each of them. Hence, the photomasks need to be absolutely defect-free to avoid any fatal electrical shortcut in the design or drastic performance degradation. One well-known method in the semiconductor industry is to analyze the aerial image of the photomask in a dedicated tool referred to as Aerial Imaging Measurement System, which emulates the behavior of the respective lithography scanner used for the imaging of the mask. High-end lithography scanners use light with a wavelength of 193 nm and high numerical apertures (NAs) of 1.35 utilizing a water film between the last lens and the resist to be illuminated (immersion scanners). Complex illumination shapes enable the imaging of structures well below the wavelength used. Future lithography scanners will work at a wavelength of 13.5 nm [extreme ultraviolet (EUV)] and require the optical system to work with mirrors in vacuum instead of the classical lenses used in current systems. The exact behavior of these systems is emulated by the Aerial Image Measurement System (AIMS™; a Trademark of Carl Zeiss). With these systems, any position of the photomask can be imaged under the same illumination condition used by the scanners, and hence, a prediction of the printing behavior of any structure can be derived. This system is used by mask manufacturers in their process flow to review critical defects or verify defect repair success. In this paper, we give a short introduction into the lithography roadmap driving the development cycles of the AIMS systems focusing primarily on the complexity of the structures to be reviewed. Second, we describe the basic principle of the AIMS technology and how it is used. The last section is dedicated to the development of the latest generation of the AIMS for EUV, which is cofinanced by several semiconductor companies in order to close a major gap in the mask manufacturing infrastructure and the challenges to be met.
Computational metrology and inspection (CMI) in mask inspection, metrology, review, and repair
Authors: Pang Linyong , Peng Danping , Hu Peter , Chen Dongxue , He Lin , Li Ying , Satake Masaki , Tolani Vikram
Published: September 2012

Mask manufacturers will be impacted by two significant technology requirements at 22 nm and below: the first is the more extensive use of resolution enhancement technologies (RET), such as aggressive optical proximity correction (OPC), inverse lithography technology (ILT), and source mask optimization (SMO); the second is the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology. Both will create difficulties for mask inspection, defect disposition, metrology, review, and repair. For example, the use of ILT and SMO significantly increases mask complexity, making mask defect disposition more challenging than ever. The EUV actinic inspection and AIMS™ will not be available for at least a few years, which make the EUV defect inspection and disposition more difficult, particularly regarding multilayer defects. Computational metrology and inspection (CMI), which has broad applications in mask inspection, metrology, review, and repair, has become essential to fill this technology gap. In this paper, several such CMI applications are presented and discussed.
Mismatch repair in recombination of bacteriophage T4
Authors: Shcherbakov Victor P.
Published: September 2012

The review focuses on the mechanism of mismatch repair in bacteriophage T4. It was first observed in T4 as an extra recombination mechanism, which contributed to the general recombination only when particular rII mutations were used as genetic markers (high-recombination markers), whereas it was inactive toward other rII mutations (low-recombination markers). This marker-dependent recombination pathway was identified as a repair of mismatches in recombinational heteroduplexes. Comparison of the structure of markers enabled us to make several specific conclusions on the nature of the marker discrimination by the mismatch repair system operating during T4 crosses. First, heteroduplexes with one mismatched base pair (either of transition or of transversion type) as well as single-nucleotide mismatches of indel type are not efficiently repaired. Second, among the repairable mismatches, those with two or more contiguous mismatched nucleotides are the most effectively repaired, whereas insertion of one correct pair between two mismatched ones reduces the repairability. Third, heteroduplexes containing insertion mutations are repaired asymmetrically, the longer strand being preferentially removed. Fourth, the sequence environment is an important factor. Inspection of the sequences flanking mismatches shows that runs of A:T pairs directly neighboring the mismatches greatly promote repair. The mismatch is recognized by T4 endonuclease VII and nicked on the 3′ side. The nonpaired 3′ terminus is attacked by the proofreading 3′→5′ exonuclease of T4 DNA polymerase that removes the mismatched nucleotides along with several (~25) complementary nucleotides (the repair tract) and then switches to polymerization. The residual nick is ligated by DNA ligase (gp30). Most probably, the T4 system repairs replication and other mismatches as well; however, it might not discriminate old and new DNA strands and so does not seem to be aimed at repair of replication errors, in contrast to the most commonly studied examples of mismatch repair.
Phytoplankton assemblage patterns in the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight
Authors: Makinen Carla P. , Moisan Tiffany A.H.
Published: September 2012

As part of the Wallops Coastal Oceans Observing Laboratory (Wa-COOL) Project, we sampled a time-series transect in the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) biweekly. Our 2-year time-series data included physical parameters, nutrient concentrations, and chlorophyll a concentrations. A detailed phytoplankton assemblage structure was examined in the second year. During the 2-year study, chlorophyll a concentration (and ocean color satellite imagery) indicated that phytoplankton blooms occurred in January/February during mixing conditions and in early autumn under stratified conditions. The chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 0.25 μg l-1 to 15.49 μg l-1 during the 2-year period. We were able to discriminate approximately 116 different species under phase contrast microscopy. Dominant phytoplankton included Skeletonema costatum, Rhizosolenia spp., and Pseudo-nitzschia pungens. In an attempt to determine phytoplankton species competition/succession within the assemblage, we calculated a Shannon Weaver diversity index for our diatom microscopy data. Diatom diversity was greatest during the winter and minimal during the spring. Diatom diversity was also greater at nearshore stations than at offshore stations. Individual genera appeared patchy, with surface and subsurface patches appearing abruptly and persisting for only 1–2 months at a time. The distribution of individual species differed significantly from bulk variables of the assemblage (chlorophyll a) and total phytoplankton assemblage (cells), which indicates that phytoplankton species may be limited in growth in ways that differ from those of the total assemblage. Our study demonstrated a highly diverse phytoplankton assemblage throughout the year, with opportunistic species dominating during spring and fall in response to seasonal changes in temperature and nutrients in the southern MAB.
Nutraceutical properties of the marine macroalga Gayralia oxysperma
Authors: Pise Navnath M. , Verlecar Xivanand N. , Gaikwad Dattatray K. , Jagtap Tanaji G.
Published: September 2012

We analyzed Gayralia oxysperma (Monostromataceae, Ulvales) from coastal waters in India for nutrients and biochemicals including nutritionally important fatty acids and active radical scavenging properties. This seaweed had moderately high lipid and other biochemical components, which were comparable to levels in other nutritionally rich seaweeds. The species is an important source of Ca (2.74 mg g-1) and other essential elements with sufficiently low (below permissible limits) contaminant trace metals. There were four major fatty acids: palmitic acid (PA, C16; 34.6%), linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n-6; 15.8%), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, C18:3n-6; 15%) and stearic acid (SA, C18; 9.6%). Totally saturated fatty acids predominated (TSFA, 57%), followed by polyunsaturated acids (PUFA, 39%); the monounsaturated fraction (MUFA) was smallest (3.8%). Antioxidant potential assessed through phenolic content, di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophen­yl) iminoazanium (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), reducing potential and metal chelating ability indicated a dose-dependent relationship of increasing activity with increased concentration. Thus, G. oxysperma has essential properties of nutritional, antioxidant and medicinal value for its use in dietary and pharmaceutical applications.
BCR-ABL fusion protein detection in peripheral blood and bone marrow samples of adult precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients using the flow cytometric immunobead assay
Authors: Grigoriou Eirini E. , Psarra Katerina K. , Garofalaki Maria K. , Tziotziou Eirini C. , Papasteriades Chryssa A.
Published: September 2012

The ability to detect the

We used a new flow cytometric immunobead assay for BCR-ABL fusion protein detection in peripheral blood and/or bone marrow samples from 38 adult pB-ALL patients and the results were compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of BCR-ABL transcript.

The fusion protein was detected in peripheral blood and bone marrow samples from seven of the 38 (18%) patients, and results for both the p190 and p210 were confirmed by PCR. One case, which was positive by cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), was negative by PCR but positive by flow cytometry. Another case, which was positive by PCR and negative by flow cytometry, was from a patient on steroid treatment.

The cytometric immunobead assay for BCR-ABL fusion protein detection was found to be suitable for the investigation of pB-ALL patients. This assay is reliable, rapid and simple to use for peripheral blood and bone marrow samples.
Application of a modified precipitation method for the measurement of small dense LDL-cholesterol (sd-LDL-C) in a population in southern Brazil
Authors: Cavalcante Luciana da S. , da Silva Edson L.
Published: September 2012

In the study reported herein, we used the precipitation method employing heparin-Mg

Lipemic samples were diluted with various solvents prior to precipitation with heparin-Mg

Lipemic serum diluted with 100 mmol/L phosphate buffer pH 8.5 was effective for the quantification of sd-LDL-C, which was correlated with non-diluted serum (

In this paper we described a simple and inexpensive approach to improving the measurement of sd-LDL-C in high-triglycerides serum. Furthermore, we showed that southern Brazil dyslipidemic and T2DM individuals have increased sd-LDL-C concentrations.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as biomarker of acute kidney injury: a review of the laboratory characteristics and clinical evidences
Authors: Clerico Aldo , Galli Claudio , Fortunato Antonio , Ronco Claudio
Published: September 2012

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious condition, currently diagnosed by functional biomarkers, such as serum creatinine measurements. Unfortunately, creatinine increase is a delayed and unreliable indicator of AKI. The lack of early biomarkers of structural kidney injury has hampered our ability to translate promising experimental therapies to human AKI. The recent discovery, translation and validation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), possibly the most promising novel AKI biomarker, is reviewed here. NGAL may be measured by several methods both in plasma and urine for the early diagnosis of AKI and for the prediction of clinical outcomes, such as dialysis requirement and mortality, in several common clinical scenarios, including in the intensive care unit, cardiac surgery and renal damage due the exposition to toxic agent and drugs, and renal transplantation. Furthermore, the predictive properties of NGAL, may play a critical role in expediting the drug development process. A systematic review of literature data indicates that further studies are necessary to establish accurate reference population values according to age, gender and ethnicity, as well as reliable and specific decisional values concerning the more common clinical settings related to AKI. Furthermore, proper randomized clinical trials on renal and systemic outcomes comparing the use of NGAL vs. standard clinical practice are still lacking and accurate cost-benefit and/or cost-utility analyses for NGAL as biomarker of AKI are also needed. However, it is important to note that NGAL, in the absence of diagnostic increases in serum creatinine, is able to detect some patients affected by subclinical AKI who have an increased risk of adverse outcomes. These results also suggest that the concept and definition of AKI might need to be reassessed.
Comparison of capillary electrophoregram among heterozygous Hb Hope, Hb Hope/α-thalassemia-1 SEA type deletion and Hb Hope/β0-thalassemia
Authors: Pornprasert Sakorn , Panyasai Sitthichai , Kongthai Kanyakan
Published: September 2012

Hemoglobin (Hb) A

Levels of HbA

Artifactually elevated HbA

The elevation of HbA
Compensating for the influence of total serum protein in the Schwartz formula
Authors: Speeckaert Marijn M. , Wuyts Birgitte , Stove Veronique , Walle Johan Vande , Delanghe Joris R.
Published: September 2012

The Schwartz 2009 creatinine-based revised formula is the only pediatric GFR estimating formula, which is compatible with the recent global creatinine standardization. This formula is only applicable if enzymatic creatinine methods are used. We propose an equation, taking into account the relative bias caused by serum proteins to use Jaffe based creatinine data for GFR estimation.

In a cohort study of 100 pediatric patients, serum creatinine was measured using a kinetic rate-blanked Jaffe assay (modified kinetic alkaline picrate method), a kinetic rate-blanked Jaffe compensated assay for reactive proteins and an enzymatic assay (creatinine plus method). Serum total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid and total bilirubin were measured with the use of commercial agents.

The difference in serum creatinine between the enzymatic method and the compensated Jaffe method was mainly dependent on the total protein concentration in serum (r

In this study, we demonstrated the usability of the alkaline picrate method in the Schwartz formula, taking into account the relative bias caused by serum proteins.
High US Health-Care Spending and the Importance of Provider Payment Rates
Authors: Anderson Gerard , Chalkidou Kalipso , Herring Bradley
Published: September 2012

We compare health care spending in the USA to other industrialized countries and find that payment rates for hospitals, physicians, and drugs are generally much higher in the USA than they are in other industrialized countries while the quantity of services – as measured by the number of physician visits, hospital days and prescriptions filled per capita – is relatively similar across countries. We then explore policy initiatives designed to control payment rates and volume of services and review the success and failures of these initiatives. Within the USA, the private sector pays significantly higher rates for hospital and physician services and drugs than the public sector. Thus, if the USA is going to reduce health care spending, it may be necessary to begin by reducing payment rates in the private sector. Options to achieve this goal are presented.
Can Consumers Control Health-Care Costs?
Authors: Hall Mark A. , Schneider Carl E.
Published: September 2012

The ultimate aim of health care policy is good care at good prices. Managed care failed to achieve this goal through influencing providers, so health policy has turned to the only market-based option left: treating patients like consumers. Health insurance and tax policy now pressure patients to spend their own money when they select health plans, providers, and treatments. Expecting patients to choose what they need at the price they want, consumerists believe that market competition will constrain costs while optimizing quality. This classic form of consumerism is today’s health policy watchword. This article evaluates consumerism and the regulatory mechanism of which it is essentially an example – legally mandated disclosure of information. We do so by assessing the crucial assumptions about human nature on which consumerism and mandated disclosure depend. Consumerism operates in a variety of contexts in a variety of ways with a variety of aims. To assess so protean a thing, we ask what a patient’s life would really be like in a consumerist world. The literature abounds in theories about how medical consumers should behave. We look for empirical evidence about how real people actually buy health plans, choose providers, and select treatments. We conclude that consumerism is unlikely to accomplish its goals. Consumerism’s prerequisites are too many and too demanding. First, consumers must have choices that include the coverage, care-takers, and care they want. Second, reliable information about those choices must be available. Third, information must be put before consumers in helpful ways, especially by doctors. Fourth, the information must be complete and comprehensible enough for consumers to use it. Fifth, consumers must understand what they are told. Sixth, consumers must actually analyze the information and do so well enough to make good choices. Our review of the empirical evidence concludes that these pre­requisites cannot be met reliably most of the time. At every stage people encounter daunting hurdles. Like so many other dreams of controlling costs and giving patients control, consumerism is doomed to disappoint. This does not mean that consumerist tools should never be used. If all that consumerism accomplished is to raise general cost-consciousness among patients, still, it could make a substantial contribution to the larger cost-control efforts by insurers and the government. Once patients bear responsibility for much day-to-day spending on their health needs, they should be increasingly sensitized to the difficult trade-offs that abound in medical care and might even begin to understand that public and private health insurers have a legitimate interest in controlling medical spending.
Faithful representations of infinite-dimensional nilpotent Lie algebras
Authors: Beltiţă Ingrid , Beltiţă Daniel
Published: September 2012

For locally convex, nilpotent Lie algebras we construct
faithful representations by nilpotent operators on a suitable locally convex space.
In the special case of nilpotent Banach–Lie algebras we get norm continuous representations by bounded operators on Banach spaces.
Keto furanylidene building blocks from silyl ethers of monoalkynylated β-keto carbonyls with iron(III) chloride hexahydrate-iodine
Authors: Garner Brittany , Deveaux Kristina , Gessner Laura , Trossarello Julia , Dai Shuting , Morgan Whitney J. , Aiken Karelle S.
Published: September 2012

Keto furanylidene building blocks are synthesized from the unique silyl ethers of monoalkynylated β-keto carbonyls. The procedure consists of a desilylation, cyclization, and alkyne hydration facilitated by either a one-pot reaction with iron(III) chloride hexahydrate-iodine or a two-step procedure with tosylic acid and gold(I) chloride. Notably, the hydration of the terminal alkyne with iron(III) chloride hexahydrate-iodine reagent is a safer and new alternative to the use of mercury(II) salts.
Dual-specificity phosphatases are targets of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and candidate mediators of β-catenin/Ras signaling interactions
Authors: Zeller Eva , Mock Katharina , Horn Moritz , Colnot Sabine , Schwarz Michael , Braeuning Albert
Published: September 2012

The Wnt/β-catenin and the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways play important roles in cancer development. Both pathways have been studied discretely, but the mechanisms of possible crosstalk are still not fully understood. We have previously shown that β-catenin and MAPK signaling interfere with each other in murine liver in vivo and in vitro. Here, we show that dual specificity phosphatases (Dusps) 6 and 14, known to play an essential role in regulating MAPK pathway activity via feedback mechanisms, are up-regulated by activation of β-catenin in murine liver cells, whereas the epidermal growth factor receptor, an upstream effector in the Ras/MAPK cascade, is down-regulated by β-catenin. In addition, we identified a β-catenin-binding site within the Dusp6 promoter, which is responsible for the activation of the promoter by β-catenin signaling, and demonstrated reduced inducibility of MAPK signaling in cultured mouse hepatoma cells following β-catenin activation. Thus, β-catenin is able to inhibit activation of the Egfr/Ras/MAPK signaling cascade, both at the receptor level and by interfering with MAPK activity via Dusps.
Structural basis of the TAL effector–DNA interaction
Authors: Bochtler Matthias
Published: September 2012

Phytopathogen transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) bind DNA in a sequence specific manner in order to manipulate host transcription. TALE specificity correlates with repeat variable diresidues in otherwise highly stereotypical 34–35mer repeats. Recently, the crystal structures of two TALE DNA-binding domains have illustrated the molecular basis of the TALE cipher. The structures show that the TALE repeats form a right-handed superhelix that is wound around largely undistorted B-DNA to match its helical parameters. Surprisingly, repeat variable residue 1 is not in contact with the bases. Instead, it is involved in hydrogen bonding interactions that stabilize the overall structure of the protein. Repeat variable residue 2 contacts the top strand base and forms sequence-specific hydrogen bonds and/or van der Waals contacts. Very unexpectedly, bottom strand bases are exposed to solvent and do not make any direct contacts with the protein. This review contains a summary of TALE biology and applications and a detailed description of the recent breakthroughs that have provided insights into the molecular basis of the TALE code.
Nature’s way of handling a greenhouse gas: the copper-sulfur cluster of purple nitrous oxide reductase
Authors: Wüst Anja , Schneider Lisa , Pomowski Anja , Zumft Walter G. , Kroneck Peter M.H. , Einsle Oliver
Published: September 2012

The tetranuclear CuZ cluster is the unique active site of nitrous oxide reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of nitrous oxide to dinitrogen as the final reaction in bacterial denitrification. Three-dimensional structures of orthologs of the enzyme from a variety of different bacterial species were essential steps in the elucidation of the properties of this center. However, while structural data first revealed and later confirmed the presence of four copper ions in spectroscopically distinct forms of CuZ, the exact structure and stoichiometry of the cluster showed significant variations. A ligand bridging ions CuZ1 and CuZ2 was initially assigned as a water or hydroxo species in the structures from Pseudomonas nautica (now Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus) and Paracoccus denitrificans. This ligand was absent in a structure from ‘Achromobacter cycloclastes’, and could be reconstituted by iodide that acted as an inhibitor of catalysis. A recent structure of anoxically isolated nitrous oxide reductase from Pseudomonas stutzeri revealed the bridging ligand to be sulfide, S2-, and showed an unprecedented side-on mode of nitrous oxide binding to this form of CuZ.
Rustless translation
Authors: Hopfner Karl-Peter
Published: September 2012

ATP binding cassette proteins are a large and diverse family of molecular machines and include transmembrane transporter, chromosome maintenance and DNA repair proteins, and translation factors. However, the function of the ABCE1, the only member of subfamily E of ABC proteins, remained mysterious for over a decade, even though it is perhaps the most conserved ABC protein in eukaryotes and archaea. Recent results have now identified ABCE1 as the ribosome-recycling factor of eukaryotes and archaea. Thus, two iron-sulfur clusters – the hallmark feature of ABCE1 – help catalyze an integral step of the translational cycle at the core of the protein synthesis machinery.
Oligomerization of polytopic α-helical membrane proteins: causes and consequences
Authors: Cymer Florian , Schneider Dirk
Published: September 2012

Several polytopic α-helical membrane-integrated proteins appear to be organized in higher-ordered oligomeric complexes. While many aspects are still enigmatic, in recent years, the physiological impact of membrane protein oligomerization has been analyzed to some extent. In the present article, oligomerization of structurally well-defined membrane proteins is discussed. The available experimental information indicates the causes and physiological consequences of membrane protein oligomerization, including stabilization, cooperative functions, and control of specific activities. Based on the currently available observations, we aim to derive some general principles and discuss open questions.
Support for Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong: continuation of positive evaluation evidence
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Sun Rachel C.F. , Merrick Joav
Published: September 2012

No abstract available.
From experienced to novice: a reflective account on the changing role of front-line implementer to program trainer in Project P.A.T.H.S.
Authors: Wu Florence K.Y. , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: September 2012

Although training plays an important role in the successful implementation of positive youth development programs, research on training and trainers in this field is grossly neglected. In this paper, a trainer of a positive youth development program in Hong Kong (Project P.A.T.H.S.; Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) reflected about her transition from the role of a teacher (and program implementer) to the role of a trainer. Based on the reflection, the transformations involved, including self-perception, teaching role and teaching strategies, were highlighted. The issue of how previous experience influenced training in the context of positive youth development was also discussed. It is suggested that involvement of front-line practitioners in the training of positive youth development programs is workable, although systematic training for the novice trainers may be needed.
Quantitative evaluation of the revised training program Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Wu Florence K.Y.
Published: September 2012

In the extension phase of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in Hong Kong, potential implementers received 20 h of training (7 h of e-learning and 13 h of interactive training). Subjective outcome evaluation was conducted to evaluate the training workshops conducted in the first year of the extension phase based on the responses of 812 participants. The subjective outcome evaluation form was found to be internally consistent. Percentage findings showed that the respondents had favorable perceptions of the training program including its content, trainers, participants themselves and arrangements. The participants also felt that they had acquired knowledge, positive attitudes and skills related to the implementation of the program. The findings showed that the revised training program was effective in helping the participants to acquire the necessary knowledge, attitudes, and skills in the implementation of the program.
Implementation of a positive youth development program by class teachers in a Chinese context
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Lung Daniel W.M. , Chak Yammy L.Y.
Published: September 2012

This paper reports the findings of a case study in which a curriculum-based positive youth development program (Project P.A.T.H.S.) was implemented by the class teachers in a school. School-related factors which contributed to the success of program implementation were identified in the study. Results showed that factors facilitating the program implementation were closely related to the “5Ps” model (i.e., program, people, process, policy and place). While all the above factors contributed to the success of program implementation, the “people” factor was identified as the most crucial factor. Overall, both the students and program implementers perceived the program to be effective in promoting holistic development in the program participants.
Messung der QoS-Parameter für RTSP-Videostreaming über TCP
unter verschiedenen Hintergrundlasten
Authors: Kolesnikov Andrey , Gaffron Andreas , Heidtmann Klaus
Published: September 2012

Obwohl TCP bekanntlich nicht für die übertragung von Videoströmen
konzipiert wurde und somit diesbezüglich Schwächen besitzt, wird es
dennoch häufig zu diesem Zwecke benutzt, weil UDP-Pakete oft zwischen
verschiedenen Netzen eingesetzte Adressumsetzer (NAT) oder Firewalls nicht
passieren dürfen. Somit wird in dieser Arbeit die Dienstgüte der
TCP-übertragung eines Videostroms bei verschiedenen TCP-Hintergrundlasten
untersucht. Unter anderem wurde gemessen, wann es zu Fehlersituationen bei der
Videowiedergabe kommt, z.B. aufgrund von zu vielen parallelen
Streaming-Sitzungen von verschiedenen Benutzern im WLAN oder nicht ausreichend
dimensionierten Puffern im VoD-Client. Die Messumgebung entspricht einem
Szenario wie es heutzutage in kleineren Betrieben und vielen privaten Haushalten
typischerweise anzutreffen ist.