bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRRC2A and BCL2L11 gene variants influence risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: results from the InterLymph consortium
Authors: Nieters Alexandra , Conde Lucia , Slager Susan L. , Brooks-Wilson Angela , Morton Lindsay , Skibola Danica R. , Novak Anne J. , Riby Jacques , Ansell Stephen M. , Halperin Eran , Shanafelt Tait D. , Agana Luz , Wang Alice H. , De Roos Anneclaire J. , Severson Richard K. , Cozen Wendy , Spinelli John , Butterbach Katja , Becker Nikolaus , de Sanjose Silvia , Benavente Yolanda , Cocco Pierluigi , Staines Anthony , Maynadié Marc , Foretova Lenka , Boffetta Paolo , Brennan Paul , Lan Qing , Zhang Yawei , Zheng Tongzhang , Purdue Mark , Armstrong Bruce , Kricker Anne , Vajdic Claire M. , Grulich Andrew , Smith Martyn T. , Bracci Paige M. , Chanock Stephen J. , Hartge Patricia , Cerhan James R. , Wang Sophia S. , Rothman Nathaniel , Skibola Christine F.
Published: October 2012

Many common genetic variants have been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), but individual study results are often conflicting. To confirm the role of putative risk alleles in B-cell NHL etiology, we performed a validation genotyping study of 67 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms within InterLymph, a large international consortium of NHL case-control studies. A meta-analysis was performed on data from 5633 B-cell NHL cases and 7034 controls from 8 InterLymph studies. rs3789068 in the proapoptotic BCL2L11 gene was associated with an increased risk for B-cell NHL (odds ratio = 1.21, P random = 2.21 × 10−11), with similar risk estimates for common B-cell subtypes. PRRC2A rs3132453 in the HLA complex class III region conferred a reduced risk of B-cell NHL (odds ratio = 0.68, P random = 1.07 × 10−9) and was likewise evident for common B-cell subtypes. These results are consistent with the known biology of NHL and provide insights into shared pathogenic components, including apoptosis and immune regulation, for the major B-cell lymphoma subtypes.
Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance: when MGUS is no longer undetermined or insignificant
Authors: Leung Nelson , Bridoux Frank , Hutchison Colin A. , Nasr Samih H. , Cockwell Paul , Fermand Jean-Paul , Dispenzieri Angela , Song Kevin W. , Kyle Robert A.
Published: October 2012

Multiple myeloma is the most frequent monoclonal gammopathy to involve the kidney; however, a growing number of kidney diseases associated with other monoclonal gammopathies are being recognized. Although many histopathologic patterns exist, they are all distinguished by the monoclonal immunoglobulin (or component) deposits. The hematologic disorder in these patients is more consistent with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) than with multiple myeloma. Unfortunately, due to the limitations of the current diagnostic schema, they are frequently diagnosed as MGUS. Because treatment is not recommended for MGUS, appropriate therapy is commonly withheld. In addition to end-stage renal disease, the persistence of the monoclonal gammopathy is associated with high rates of recurrence after kidney transplantation. Preservation and restoration of kidney function are possible with successful treatment targeting the responsible clone. Achievement of hematologic complete response has been shown to prevent recurrence after kidney transplantation. There is a need for a term that properly conveys the pathologic nature of these diseases. We think the term monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance is most helpful to indicate a causal relationship between the monoclonal gammopathy and the renal damage and because the significance of the monoclonal gammopathy is no longer undetermined.
Toward allotetraploid cotton genome assembly: integration of a high-density molecular genetic linkage map with DNA sequence information
Authors: Zhao Liang , Yuanda Lv , Caiping Cai , Xiangchao Tong , Xiangdong Chen , Wei Zhang , Hao Du , Xiuhua Guo , Wangzhen Guo
Published: October 2012

Background

Cotton is the world’s most important natural textile fiber and a significant oilseed crop. Decoding cotton genomes will provide the ultimate reference and resource for research and utilization of the species. Integration of high-density genetic maps with genomic sequence information will largely accelerate the process of whole-genome assembly in cotton.

Results

In this paper, we update a high-density interspecific genetic linkage map of allotetraploid cultivated cotton. An additional 1,167 marker loci have been added to our previously published map of 2,247 loci. Three new marker types, InDel (insertion-deletion) and SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) developed from gene information, and REMAP (retrotransposon-microsatellite amplified polymorphism), were used to increase map density. The updated map consists of 3,414 loci in 26 linkage groups covering 3,667.62 cM with an average inter-locus distance of 1.08 cM. Furthermore, genome-wide sequence analysis was finished using 3,324 informative sequence-based markers and publicly-available Gossypium DNA sequence information. A total of 413,113 EST and 195 BAC sequences were physically anchored and clustered by 3,324 sequence-based markers. Of these, 14,243 ESTs and 188 BACs from different species of Gossypium were clustered and specifically anchored to the high-density genetic map. A total of 2,748 candidate unigenes from 2,111 ESTs clusters and 63 BACs were mined for functional annotation and classification. The 337 ESTs/genes related to fiber quality traits were integrated with 132 previously reported cotton fiber quality quantitative trait loci, which demonstrated the important roles in fiber quality of these genes. Higher-level sequence conservation between different cotton species and between the A- and D-subgenomes in tetraploid cotton was found, indicating a common evolutionary origin for orthologous and paralogous loci in Gossypium.

Conclusion

This study will serve as a valuable genomic resource for tetraploid cotton genome assembly, for cloning genes related to superior agronomic traits, and for further comparative genomic analyses in Gossypium.
Response of the goat mammary gland to infection with Staphylococcus aureus revealed by gene expression profiling in milk somatic and white blood cells
Authors: Cremonesi Paola , Capoferri Rossana , Pisoni Giuliano , Del Corvo Marcello , Strozzi Francesco , Rupp Rachel , Caillat Hugues , Modesto Paola , Moroni Paolo , Williams John L , Castiglioni Bianca , Stella Alessandra
Published: October 2012

Background

S. aureus is one of the main pathogens responsible for the intra-mammary infection in dairy ruminants. Although much work has been carried out to understand the complex physiological and cellular events that occur in the mammary gland in response to S. aureus, the protective mechanisms are still poorly understood. The objectives of the present study were to investigate gene expression during the early response of the goat mammary gland to an experimental challenge with S. aureus, in order to better understand the local and systemic response and to compare them in two divergent lines of goat selected for high and low milk somatic cell scores.

Results

No differences in gene expression were found between high and low SCS (Somatic Cells Score) selection lines. Analysing the two groups together, an expression of 300 genes were found to change from T0 before infection, and T4 at 24 hours and T5 at 30 hours following challenge. In blood derived white blood cells 8 genes showed increased expression between T0 and T5 and 1 gene has reduced expression. The genes showing the greatest increase in expression following challenge (5.65 to 3.16 fold change) play an important role in (i) immune and inflammatory response (NFKB1, TNFAIP6, BASP1, IRF1, PLEK, BATF3); (ii) the regulation of innate resistance to pathogens (PTX3); and (iii) the regulation of cell metabolism (CYTH4, SLC2A6, ARG2). The genes with reduced expression (−1.5 to −2.5 fold) included genes involved in (i) lipid metabolism (ABCG2, FASN), (ii) chemokine, cytokine and intracellular signalling (SPPI), and (iii) cell cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix (KRT19).

Conclusions

Analysis of genes with differential expression following infection showed an inverse relationship between immune response and lipid metabolism in the early response of the mammary gland to the S. aureus challenge. PTX3 showed a large change in expression in both milk and blood, and is therefore a candidate for further studies on immune response associated with mastitis.
Ubiquitous Gasp1 overexpression in mice leads mainly to a hypermuscular phenotype
Authors: Monestier Olivier , Brun Caroline , Heu Katy , Passet Bruno , Malhouroux Mélanie , Magnol Laetitia , Vilotte Jean-Luc , Blanquet Véronique
Published: October 2012

Background

Myostatin, a member of the TGFβ superfamily, is well known as a potent and specific negative regulator of muscle growth. Targeting the myostatin signalling pathway may offer promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of muscle-wasting disorders. In the last decade, various myostatin-binding proteins have been identified to be able to inhibit myostatin activity. One of these is GASP1 (Growth and Differentiation Factor-Associated Serum Protein-1), a protein containing a follistatin domain as well as multiple domains associated with protease inhibitors. Despite in vitro data, remarkably little is known about in vivo functions of Gasp1. To further address the role of GASP1 during mouse development and in adulthood, we generated a gain-of-function transgenic mouse model that overexpresses Gasp1 under transcriptional control of the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter/enhancer.

Results

Overexpression of Gasp1 led to an increase in muscle mass observed not before day 15 of postnatal life. The surGasp1 transgenic mice did not display any other gross abnormality. Histological and morphometric analysis of surGasp1 rectus femoris muscles revealed an increase in myofiber size without a corresponding increase in myofiber number. Fiber-type distribution was unaltered. Interestingly, we do not detect a change in total fat mass and lean mass. These results differ from those for myostatin knockout mice, transgenic mice overexpressing the myostatin propeptide or follistatin which exhibit both muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and show minimal fat deposition.

Conclusions

Altogether, our data give new insight into the in vivo functions of Gasp1. As an extracellular regulatory factor in the myostatin signalling pathway, additional studies on GASP1 and its homolog GASP2 are required to elucidate the crosstalk between the different intrinsic inhibitors of the myostatin.
Comparative genomics of the classical Bordetella subspecies: the evolution and exchange of virulence-associated diversity amongst closely related pathogens
Authors: Park Jihye , Zhang Ying , Buboltz Anne M , Zhang Xuqing , Schuster Stephan C , Ahuja Umesh , Liu Minghsun , Miller Jeff F , Sebaihia Mohammed , Bentley Stephen D , Parkhill Julian , Harvill Eric T
Published: October 2012

Background

The classical Bordetella subspecies are phylogenetically closely related, yet differ in some of the most interesting and important characteristics of pathogens, such as host range, virulence and persistence. The compelling picture from previous comparisons of the three sequenced genomes was of genome degradation, with substantial loss of genome content (up to 24%) associated with adaptation to humans.

Results

For a more comprehensive picture of lineage evolution, we employed comparative genomic and phylogenomic analyses using seven additional diverse, newly sequenced Bordetella isolates. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis supports a reevaluation of the phylogenetic relationships between the classical Bordetella subspecies, and suggests a closer link between ovine and human B. parapertussis lineages than has been previously proposed. Comparative analyses of genome content revealed that only 50% of the pan-genome is conserved in all strains, reflecting substantial diversity of genome content in these closely related pathogens that may relate to their different host ranges, virulence and persistence characteristics. Strikingly, these analyses suggest possible horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events in multiple loci encoding virulence factors, including O-antigen and pertussis toxin (Ptx). Segments of the pertussis toxin locus (ptx) and its secretion system locus (ptl) appear to have been acquired by the classical Bordetella subspecies and are divergent in different lineages, suggesting functional divergence in the classical Bordetellae.

Conclusions

Together, these observations, especially in key virulence factors, reveal that multiple mechanisms, such as point mutations, gain or loss of genes, as well as HGTs, contribute to the substantial phenotypic diversity of these versatile subspecies in various hosts.
Rapid identification of Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomalleiby intact cell Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation mass spectrometric typing
Authors: Karger Axel , Stock Rüdiger , Ziller Mario , Elschner Mandy C , Bettin Barbara , Melzer Falk , Maier Thomas , Kostrzewa Markus , Scholz Holger C , Neubauer Heinrich , Tomaso Herbert
Published: October 2012

Background

Burkholderia (B.) pseudomallei and B. mallei are genetically closely related species. B. pseudomallei causes melioidosis in humans and animals, whereas B. mallei is the causative agent of glanders in equines and rarely also in humans. Both agents have been classified by the CDC as priority category B biological agents. Rapid identification is crucial, because both agents are intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has the potential of rapid and reliable identification of pathogens, but is limited by the availability of a database containing validated reference spectra. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the rapid and reliable identification and differentiation of B. pseudomallei and B. mallei and to build up a reliable reference database for both organisms.

Results

A collection of ten B. pseudomallei and seventeen B. mallei strains was used to generate a library of reference spectra. Samples of both species could be identified by MALDI-TOF MS, if a dedicated subset of the reference spectra library was used. In comparison with samples representing B. mallei, higher genetic diversity among B. pseudomallei was reflected in the higher average Eucledian distances between the mass spectra and a broader range of identification score values obtained with commercial software for the identification of microorganisms. The type strain of B. pseudomallei (ATCC 23343) was isolated decades ago and is outstanding in the spectrum-based dendrograms probably due to massive methylations as indicated by two intensive series of mass increments of 14 Da specifically and reproducibly found in the spectra of this strain.

Conclusions

Handling of pathogens under BSL 3 conditions is dangerous and cumbersome but can be minimized by inactivation of bacteria with ethanol, subsequent protein extraction under BSL 1 conditions and MALDI-TOF MS analysis being faster than nucleic amplification methods. Our spectra demonstrated a higher homogeneity in B. mallei than in B. pseudomallei isolates. As expected for closely related species, the identification process with MALDI Biotyper software (Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Bremen, Germany) requires the careful selection of spectra from reference strains. When a dedicated reference set is used and spectra of high quality are acquired, it is possible to distinguish both species unambiguously. The need for a careful curation of reference spectra databases is stressed.
Patient understanding of the revised USPSTF screening mammogram guidelines: need for development of patient decision aids
Authors: Allen Summer V , Solberg Nes Lise , Marnach Mary L , Polga Kristen , Jenkins Sarah M , Files Julia A , Croghan Ivana T , Ghosh Karthik , Pruthi Sandhya
Published: October 2012

Background

The purpose of the study was to examine patients’ understanding of the revised screening mammogram guidelines released by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in 2009 addressing age at initiation and frequency of screening mammography.

Methods

Patients from the Departments of Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology (n = 150) at a tertiary care medical center in the United States completed a survey regarding their understanding of the revised USPSTF guidelines following their release, within four to six months of their scheduled mammogram (March 2010 to May 2010).

Results

Of the patients surveyed, 97/147 (67%) indicated increased confusion regarding the age and frequency of screening mammography, 61/148 (41%) reported increased anxiety about mammograms, and 58/146 (40%) reported anxiety about their own health status following the release of the revised screening guidelines. Most of the patients surveyed, 111/148 (75%), did not expect to change their timing or frequency of screening mammograms in the future.

Conclusion

Results from this survey suggested increased confusion and possibly an increase in patients’ anxiety related to screening mammography and their own health status following the release of the revised USPSTF screening mammogram guidelines to the public and subsequent media portrayal of the revised guidelines. Although the study did not specifically address causality for these findings, the results highlight the need for improvements in the communication of guidelines to patients and the public. Development of shared decision-making tools and outcomes should be considered to address the communication challenge.
Survey of physician experiences and perceptions about the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia
Authors: Perrot Serge , Choy Ernest , Petersel Danielle , Ginovker Anna , Kramer Erich
Published: October 2012

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition characterized by widespread pain and is estimated to affect 0.5-5% of the general population. Historically, it has been classified as a rheumatologic disorder, but patients consult physicians from a variety of specialties in seeking diagnosis and ultimately treatment. Patients report considerable delay in receiving a diagnosis after initial presentation, suggesting diagnosis and management of FM might be a challenge to physicians.

Methods

A questionnaire survey of 1622 physicians in six European countries, Mexico and South Korea was conducted. Specialties surveyed included primary care physicians (PCPs; n=809) and equal numbers of rheumatologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and pain specialists.

Results

The sample included experienced doctors, with an expected clinical caseload for their specialty. Most (>80%) had seen a patient with FM in the last 2 years. Overall, 53% of physicians reported difficulty with diagnosing FM, 54% reported their training in FM was inadequate, and 32% considered themselves not knowledgeable about FM. Awareness of American College of Rheumatology classification criteria ranged from 32% for psychiatrists to 83% for rheumatologists. Sixty-four percent agreed patients found it difficult to communicate FM symptoms, and 79% said they needed to spend more time to identify FM. Thirty-eight percent were not confident in recognizing the symptoms of FM, and 48% were not confident in differentiating FM from conditions with similar symptoms. Thirty-seven percent were not confident developing an FM treatment plan, and 37% were not confident managing FM patients long-term. In general, rheumatologists reported least difficulties/greatest confidence, and PCPs and psychiatrists reported greatest difficulties/least confidence.

Conclusions

Diagnosis and managing FM is challenging for physicians, especially PCPs and psychiatrists, but other specialties, including rheumatologists, also express difficulties. Improved training in FM and initiatives to improve patient-doctor communication are needed and may help the management of this condition.
Exercise training performed simultaneously to a high-fat diet reduces the degree of insulin resistance and improves adipoR1-2/APPL1 protein levels in mice
Authors: Farias JM , Maggi RM , Tromm CB , Silva LA , Luciano TF , Marques SO , Lira FS , de Souza CT , Pinho RA
Published: October 2012

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of concurrent exercise in the degree of the insulin resistance in mice fed with a high-fat diet, and assess adiponectin receptors (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) and endosomal adaptor protein APPL1 in different tissues.

Methods

Twenty-four mice were randomized into four groups (n = 6): chow standard diet and sedentary (C); chow standard diet and simultaneous exercise training (C-T); fed on a high-fat diet and sedentary (DIO); and fed on a high-fat diet and simultaneous exercise training (DIO-T). Simultaneously to starting high-fat diet feeding, the mice were submitted to a swimming exercise training protocol (2 x 30 minutes, with 5 minutes of interval/day), five days per week, for twelve weeks (90 days). Animals were then euthanized 48 hours after the last exercise training session, and adipose, liver, and skeletal muscle tissue were extracted for an immunoblotting analysis.

Results

IR, IRs, and Akt phosphorylation decreased in the DIO group in the three analyzed tissues. In addition, the DIO group exhibited ADIPOR1 (skeletal muscle and adipose tissue), ADIPOR2 (liver), and APPL1 reduced when compared with the C group. However, it was reverted when exercise training was simultaneously performed. In parallel, ADIPOR1 and 2 and APPL1 protein levels significantly increase in exercised mice.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that exercise training performed concomitantly to a high-fat diet reduces the degree of insulin resistance and improves adipoR1-2/APPL1 protein levels in the hepatic, adipose, and skeletal muscle tissue.
DNA vaccination for prostate cancer, from preclinical to clinical trials - where we stand?
Authors: Ahmad Sarfraz , Sweeney Paul , Sullivan Gerald C , Tangney Mark
Published: October 2012

Development of various vaccines for prostate cancer (PCa) is becoming an active research area. PCa vaccines are perceived to have less toxicity compared with the available cytotoxic agents. While various immune-based strategies can elicit anti-tumour responses, DNA vaccines present increased efficacy, inducing both humoural and cellular immunity. This immune activation has been proven effective in animal models and initial clinical trials are encouraging. However, to validate the role of DNA vaccination in currently available PCa management paradigms, strong clinical evidence is still lacking. This article provides an overview of the basic principles of DNA vaccines and aims to provide a summary of preclinical and clinical trials outlining the benefits of this immunotherapy in the management of PCa.
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome, a systemic disorder with ocular manifestations
Authors: Elhawy Eman , Kamthan Gautam , Dong Cecilia Q , Danias John
Published: October 2012

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) is a systemic condition with eye manifestations. In the eye, pseudoexfoliation material deposits on various structures of the anterior segment. The nature of this material is mostly fibrillar with fibers made up of microfibrils and coated with amorphous material. The composition of these fibrils is diverse and includes basement membrane components as well as enzymes involved in extracellular matrix maintenance. Pseudoexfoliation is the most common cause of secondary open-angle glaucoma (pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, PXG) worldwide. The goal of this review is to summarize our knowledge on the genetics of this systemic disorder and its resultant ocular manifestations. PXS familial aggregation suggests genetic inheritance. PXS has been strongly associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) gene on chromosome 15q24.1. Two of these SNPs confer a higher than 99% population attributable risk for PXS and PXG in the Nordic population; however, they carry different risks in different populations. The high risk haplotypes also vary among different populations. LOXL1 is one of group of the enzymes involved in the cross-linking of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix. Its function in connective tissue maintenance has been confirmed in mice; however, its actual role in PXS remains unclear. Contactin-associated protein-like 2 also has a strong genetic association with PXS in a German cohort and is an attractive candidate molecule. It encodes for a protein involved in potassium channel trafficking. Other candidate genes linked to PXS include lysosomal trafficking regulator, clusterin, adenosine receptors, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), and glutathione transferase. These genes may be modifying genes for development of PXS and PXG.
Direct formation of gold nanoparticles on substrates using a novel ZnO sacrificial templated-growth hydrothermal approach and their properties in organic memory device
Authors: Goh Lean Poh , Razak Khairunisak Abdul , Ridhuan Nur Syafinaz , Cheong Kuan Yew , Ooi Poh Choon , Aw Kean Chin
Published: October 2012

This study describes a novel fabrication technique to grow gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) directly on seeded ZnO sacrificial template/polymethylsilsesquioxanes (PMSSQ)/Si using low-temperature hydrothermal reaction at 80°C for 4 h. The effect of non-annealing and various annealing temperatures, 200°C, 300°C, and 400°C, of the ZnO-seeded template on AuNP size and distribution was systematically studied. Another PMMSQ layer was spin-coated on AuNPs to study the memory properties of organic insulator-embedded AuNPs. Well-distributed and controllable AuNP sizes were successfully grown directly on the substrate, as observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope followed by an elemental analysis study. A phase analysis study confirmed that the ZnO sacrificial template was eliminated during the hydrothermal reaction. The AuNP formation mechanism using this hydrothermal reaction approach was proposed. In this study, the AuNPs were charge-trapped sites and showed excellent memory effects when embedded in PMSSQ. Optimum memory properties of PMMSQ-embedded AuNPs were obtained for AuNPs synthesized on a seeded ZnO template annealed at 300°C, with 54 electrons trapped per AuNP and excellent current–voltage response between an erased and programmed device.
A facile method for the detection of DNA by using gold nanoparticle probes coupled with dynamic light scattering
Authors: Zhang Yang , Fei Wei-Wei , Jia Neng-Qin
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we present a simple and rapid method for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection using gold nanoparticle probes coupled with dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The redox agent 1,4-dithio-dl-threitol cross-links the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to form clusters, while the monothiol DNA could terminate the formation and stabilize the assembled clusters by their negatively charge-based repulsions. By varying the concentration of DNA, the different sizes of DNA-AuNP clusters can be obtained. The sizes of the DNA-AuNP clusters were determined by DLS. A linear correlation was obtained between the sizes and the logarithm of DNA concentration from 2 nM to 5 μM with a detection limit of 1 nM (S/N = 3).
Polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) gene promoter, circulating TNF-alpha level, and cardiovascular risk factor for ischemic stroke
Authors: Cui Guanglin , Wang Haoran , Li Rui , Zhang Lina , Li Zongzhe , Wang Yan , Hui Rutai , Ding Hu , Wen Wang Dao
Published: October 2012

Background

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is one of the most typical pro-inflammatory cytokines with both beneficial and destructive properties for the central nervous system. Increasing evidences have demonstrated the important role of TNF-α in the development of ischemic stroke, but studies examining the possible association with stroke or direct functional effects of polymorphisms in TNF-α have been contradictory.

Findings

In this study, a 2-kb length of the proximal promoter of the TNF-α was screened and four polymorphisms were investigated in the case–control study. Our data confirmed the association between -308G/A variant with stroke in 1,388 stroke patients and 1,027 controls and replicated in an independent population of 961 stroke patients and 821 controls (odds ratio (OR) = 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.02 to 1.77 and OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.09 to 2.23, respectively). To reconcile the association between polymorphisms and stroke and to give a comprehensive picture of the genetic architecture of this important gene, we performed a meta-analysis of 15 published studies in an Asian population. Our results demonstrated an association between rs1800629 and ischemic stroke (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.21 to 1.69). Another meta-analysis results of 14 studies demonstrated that ischemic stroke patients have higher serum TNF-α level than the control subjects (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.85 to 2.81). In vitro evaluation of potential interaction between variants of the TNF-α gene (−308G/A, -857C/T, and -1031T/C) demonstrated that these three polymorphisms could interact together to determine the overall activity of the TNF-α gene.

Conclusions

These findings strongly implicate the involvement of TNF-α in the pathogenesis of stroke.
Traditional uses of medicinal animals in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega , Neta Rita Oliveira de Sousa , Trovão Dilma Maria de Brito , Barbosa Jose Etham de Lucena , Barros Adrianne Teixeira , Dias Thelma Lucia Pereira
Published: October 2012

The present work presents an inventory of the traditional medicinal uses of animals in the municipality of Bom Sucesso in Paraíba State (PB) in the semiarid northeastern region of Brazil. Information was obtained through the use of semi-structured interviews with 50 people who use zootherapeutic products. A total of 25 animal species used for medicinal purposes were identified (18 vertebrates and seven invertebrates) distributed among five taxonomic categories; the groups with the largest numbers of citations were: mammals (8 citations), insects (7), and reptiles (5). The most cited animal species were: Tubinambis merianae “teju” lizards (44 citations); Apis mellifera Italian honeybees (318 citations); Gallus gallus chickens (31 citations); Ovis aries sheep (31 citations); Crotalus durissus rattlesnakes (14 citations); Boa constrictor (12 citations); and Bos taurus cattle (12 citations). A significant number of illnesses and conditions treated with animal-based medicines were cited, and the category with the greatest number of citations was “problems affecting the respiratory system”. Our results suggest that the use of zootherapeutics in the region is persistent, and that knowledge about these curative practices is an integral part of the regional culture. As such, studies concerning the uses of zootherapeutics are important windows to understanding human/environmental/cultural interactions and a pathway to conciliating regional cultures with efforts to conserve the native fauna.
Bovine leukemia virus p24 antibodies reflect blood proviral load
Authors: Gutiérrez Gerónimo , Carignano Hugo , Alvarez Irene , Martínez Cecilia , Porta Natalia , Politzki Romina , Gammella Mariela , Lomonaco Marina , Fondevila Norberto , Poli Mario , Trono Karina
Published: October 2012

Background

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is worldwide distributed and highly endemic in Argentina. Among the strategies to prevent BLV dissemination, a control plan based on the selective segregation of animals according to their proviral load (PVL) is promising for our dairy productive system. The objective of this work was to study the relationship between the blood PVL and the antibody level, in order to identify whether the individual humoral response, i.e. the anti-p24 or anti-whole-BLV particle, could be used as a marker of the blood level of infection and thus help to recruit animals that may pose a lower risk of dissemination under natural conditions.

Results

The prevalence of p24 antibodies on the 15 farms studied was over 66%. The prevalence of p24 and whole-BLV antibodies and PVL quantification were analyzed in all the samples (n = 196) taken from herds T1 and 51. ROC analysis showed a higher AUC for p24 antibodies than whole-BLV antibodies (Zreactivity: 3.55, P < 0.001; Ztiter: 2.88, P < 0.01), and as consequence a better performance to predict the proviral load status in herd 51. No significant differences were found between the performance of p24 and whole-BLV antibodies in herd T1. A significant positive correlation was observed between PVL values and p24 antibody reactivity in both farms (r T1 = 0.7, P < 0.001, r 51 = 0.71, P < 0.0001). The analysis was extended to the whole number of weak p24 antibody reactors (n = 311) of the other 13 farms. The mean of high PVL reactors within weak p24 reactors was 17.38% (SD = 8.92). In 5/15 farms, the number of weak p24 reactors with high PVL was lower than 10%.

Conclusions

We found that the humoral response reflected the level of in vivo infection, and may therefore have useful epidemiological applications. Whereas the quantitative evaluation of blood proviral load using real-time PCR is expensive and technically demanding, the measurement of antibodies in blood by ELISA is relatively straightforward and could therefore constitute a cost-effective tool in a BLV control intervention strategy, especially in highly infected herds such as Argentinean dairy ones.
Postoperative abdominal complications after cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Dong Guohua , Liu Canhui , Xu Biao , Jing Hua , Li Demin , Wu Haiwei
Published: October 2012

Background

To summarize the diagnostic and therapeutic experiences on the patients who suffered abdominal complications after cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB).

Methods

A total of 2349 consecutive patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery with CPB in our hospital from Jan 2004 to Dec 2010 were involved. The clinical data of any abdominal complication, including its incidence, characters, relative risks, diagnostic measures, medical or surgical management and mortality, was retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Of all the patients, 33(1.4%) developed abdominal complications postoperatively, including 11(33.3%) cases of paralytic ileus, 9(27.3%) of gastrointestinal haemorrhage, 2(6.1%) of gastroduodenal ulcer perforation, 2(6.1%) of acute calculus cholecystitis, 3(9.1%) of acute acalculus cholecystitis, 4(12.1%) of hepatic dysfunction and 2(6.1%) of ischemia bowel diseases. Of the 33 patients, 26 (78.8%) accepted medical treatment and 7 (21.2%) underwent subsequent surgical intervention. There were 5(15.2%) deaths in this series, which was significantly higher than the overall mortality (2.7%). Positive history of peptic ulcer, advanced ages, bad heart function, preoperative IABP support, prolonged CPB time, low cardiac output and prolonged mechanical ventilation are the risk factors of abdominal complications.

Conclusions

Abdominal complications after cardiovascular surgery with CPB have a low incidence but a higher mortality. Early detection and prompt appropriate intervention are essential for the outcome of the patients.
North American import? Charting the origins of an enigmatic Trypanosoma cruzi domestic genotype
Authors: Zumaya-Estrada Federico A , Messenger Louisa A , Lopez-Ordonez Teresa , Lewis Michael D , Flores-Lopez Carlos A , Martínez-Ibarra Alejandro J , Pennington Pamela M , Cordon-Rosales Celia , Carrasco Hernan V , Segovia Maikel , Miles Michael A , Llewellyn Martin S
Published: October 2012

Background

Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, is currently recognized as a complex of six lineages or Discrete Typing Units (DTU): TcI-TcVI. Recent studies have identified a divergent group within TcI - TcIDOM. TcIDOM. is associated with a significant proportion of human TcI infections in South America, largely absent from local wild mammals and vectors, yet closely related to sylvatic strains in North/Central America. Our aim was to examine hypotheses describing the origin of the TcIDOM genotype. We propose two possible scenarios: an emergence of TcIDOM in northern South America as a sister group of North American strain progenitors and dispersal among domestic transmission cycles, or an origin in North America, prior to dispersal back into South American domestic cycles. To provide further insight we undertook high resolution nuclear and mitochondrial genotyping of multiple Central American strains (from areas of México and Guatemala) and included them in an analysis with other published data.

Findings

Mitochondrial sequence and nuclear microsatellite data revealed a cline in genetic diversity across isolates grouped into three populations: South America, North/Central America and TcIDOM. As such, greatest diversity was observed in South America (Ar = 4.851, π = 0.00712) and lowest in TcIDOM (Ar = 1.813, π = 0.00071). Nuclear genetic clustering (genetic distance based) analyses suggest that TcIDOM is nested within the North/Central American clade.

Conclusions

Declining genetic diversity across the populations, and corresponding hierarchical clustering suggest that emergence of this important human genotype most likely occurred in North/Central America before moving southwards. These data are consistent with early patterns of human dispersal into South America.
Ixodes scapularis saliva mitigates inflammatory cytokine secretion during Anaplasma phagocytophilum stimulation of immune cells
Authors: Chen Gang , Severo Maiara S , Sohail Mohammad , Sakhon Olivia S , Wikel Stephen K , Kotsyfakis Michail , Pedra Joao HF
Published: October 2012

Background

Ixodes scapularissaliva enables the transmission of infectious agents to the mammalian host due to its immunomodulatory, anesthetic and anti-coagulant properties. However, howI. scapularissaliva influences host cytokine secretion in the presence of the obligate intracellular rickettsial pathogenAnaplasma phagocytophilumremains elusive.

Methods

Bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) were stimulated with pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) andA. phagocytophilum.Cytokine secretion was measured in the presence and absence ofI. scapularissaliva. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also stimulated with Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α in the presence and absence ofI. scapularissaliva and interleukin (IL)-8 was measured.

Results

I. scapularissaliva inhibits inflammatory cytokine secretion by macrophages during stimulation of Toll-like (TLR) and Nod-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathways. The effect ofI. scapularissaliva on immune cells is not restricted to murine macrophages because decreasing levels of interleukin (IL)-8 were observed after TNF-α stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.I. scapularissaliva also mitigates pro-inflammatory cytokine response by murine macrophages during challenge withA. phagocytophilum.

Conclusions

These findings suggest thatI. scapularismay inhibit inflammatory cytokine secretion during rickettsial transmission at the vector-host interface.
Notes on behavioral economics and labor market policy
Authors: Babcock Linda , Congdon William J , Katz Lawrence F , Mullainathan Sendhil
Published: October 2012

Labor market policies succeed or fail at least in part depending on how well they reflect or account for behavioral responses. Insights from behavioral economics, which allow for realistic deviations from standard economic assumptions about behavior, have consequences for the design and functioning of labor market policies. We review key implications of behavioral economics related to procrastination, difficulties in dealing with complexity, and potentially biased labor market expectations for the design of selected labor market policies including unemployment compensation, employment services and job search assistance, and job training.
IRF3 contributes to sepsis pathogenesis in the mouse cecal ligation and puncture model
Authors: Walker Wendy E , Bozzi Aaron T , Goldstein Daniel R
Published: October 2012

IRF3 is identified as a key mediator of inflammatory markers, bacteremia, and disease pathogenesis, in the cecal ligation and puncture model of sepsis.

Much remains to be learned regarding which components of the innate immune response are protective versus detrimental during sepsis. Prior reports demonstrated that TLR9 and MyD88 play key roles in the CLP mouse model of sepsis; however, the role of additional PRRs and their signaling intermediates remains to be explored. In a prior report, we demonstrated that the signal adaptor IRF3 contributes to the systemic inflammatory response to liposome:DNA. We hypothesized that IRF3 might likewise promote sepsis in the CLP model. Here, we present results demonstrating that IRF3-KO mice have reduced disease score, mortality, hypothermia, and bacterial load following CLP versus WT counterparts. This is paired with reduced levels of systemic inflammatory mediators in IRF3-KO mice that undergo CLP. We demonstrate that peritoneal cells from WT CLP mice produce more cytokines than IRF3-KO counterparts on a per-cell basis; however, there are more cells in the peritoneum of IRF3-KO CLP mice. Finally, we show that IRF3 is activated in macrophages cultured with live or sonicated commensal bacteria. These results demonstrate that IRF3 plays a detrimental role in this mouse model of sepsis.
Fatal cardiac tamponade by Bodkin
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Kohli Anil , Verma S K
Published: October 2012

Cardiac tamponade is life-threatening, slow or rapid compression of the heart due to the pericardial accumulation of fluid, pus, blood, clots or gas, as a result of effusion, trauma or rupture of the heart. Penetrating injuries of the chest are most commonly the result of stab wounds and are often associated with a range of potentially life-threatening injuries. It must be treated by pericardial drainage as soon as possible. Sometimes the injury resulting in life-threatening conditions may be so small that it could be missed in the first instance. We present a case report in which the deceased was stabbed by Bodkin at road side. As the wound was so minute, it was not appreciated and time was lost in getting treatment, resulting in loss of a precious life.
A Single-Supplier, Multiple-Retailer Model with Single-Season, Multiple-Ordering Opportunities, and Fixed Ordering Cost
Authors: Jain Apurva , Moinzadeh Kamran , Zhou Yong-Pin
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we discuss the replenishment decision of seasonal products in a two-echelon distribution system consisting of a supplier and multiple retailers. Because of long manufacturing lead time, the supplier orders its entire stock for the season well in advance. The retailers, on the other hand, can replenish their inventory from the supplier throughout the season as demand realizes. Demand at each retailer follows a Poisson process. Each retailer order incurs a fixed cost, and the usual understocking and overstocking costs occur. When retailer lead time is negligible, we show that it is optimal for the retailer to follow a time-based, order-up-to policy and order only when inventory is depleted. We also characterize the structure of the optimal policy and propose a number of heuristics for easier computation. For the supplier, we express the distribution of total demand. This allows the supplier to solve a classic newsvendor problem to determine the total stock for the season. We find that the optimal retailer policy can sometimes cause large demand variation for the supplier, resulting in lower supplier profit. In centralized settings, this may even result in lower system profit than some naïve retailer heuristics, creating inefficiency in the supply chain. We offer insights on potential causes and managerial implications.
Is Tail-Optimal Scheduling Possible?
Authors: Wierman Adam , Zwart Bert
Published: October 2012

This paper focuses on the competitive analysis of scheduling disciplines in a large deviations setting. Although there are policies that are known to optimize the sojourn time tail under a large class of heavy-tailed job sizes (e.g., processor sharing and shortest remaining processing time) and there are policies known to optimize the sojourn time tail in the case of light-tailed job sizes (e.g., first come first served), no policies are known that can optimize the sojourn time tail across both light- and heavy-tailed job size distributions. We prove that no such work-conserving, nonanticipatory, nonlearning policy exists, and thus that a policy must learn (or know) the job size distribution in order to optimize the sojourn time tail.
A Simple Approximation Algorithm for Computing Arrow-Debreu Prices
Authors: Ghiyasvand Mehdi , Orlin James B.
Published: October 2012

We consider the Arrow-Debreu market with linear utilities in which there is a set G of divisible goods and a set B of buyers. Each buyer starts with an initial endowment of goods. The buyer's utility function is a linearly separable function of the goods that the buyer purchases. We develop a simple and efficient algorithm for determining an approximate market equilibrium. Our algorithm finds an ϵ-approximate solution in O(n/ϵ(|B||G|)) time, where n = |B| + |G|. The running time can be further improved to O(n/ϵ(m + |B|log|B|)) where m is the number of pairs (i, j) such that buyer i has some utility for purchasing good j.
On 2-Engel groups and Bruck loops
Authors: Smith Jonathan D. H.
Published: October 2012

A classical construction associates a Bruck loop with a Moufang or Bol loop on which the squaring map is a permutation. The idea of that construction is now extended to a
Direct structure analysis of advanced nanomaterials by high-resolution electron microscopy
Authors: Oku Takeo
Published: October 2012

High-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) analysis has contributed to the direct structure analysis of advanced nanostructured materials, of which the properties of these materials are strongly dependent on the atomic arrangements. In the present article, the direct structure analysis of nanostructured materials such as boride and oxide materials was described and the high-resolution imaging methods were applied to boron nitride nanomaterials such as nanotubes and nanoparticles. An aberration correction technique is also expected as an advanced nanostructure analysis with higher resolution. The HREM image of TlBa2Ca3Cu4O11 was taken with the incident beam parallel to the a axis together with a structure model after image processing.
Nanotechnology Reviews
Authors: Grossmann Alexander , Sora Karin
Published: October 2012

No abstract available.
Intra-Axonal Translation of RhoA Promotes Axon Growth Inhibition by CSPG
Authors: Walker Breset A. , Ji Sheng-Jian , Jaffrey Samie R.
Published: October 2012

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are a major component of the glial scar that contributes to the limited regeneration of the CNS after axonal injury. However, the intracellular mechanisms that mediate the effects of CSPGs are not fully understood. Here we show that axonal growth inhibition mediated by CSPGs requires intra-axonal protein synthesis. Application of CSPGs to postnatal rat dorsal root ganglia axons results in an increase in the axonal levels of phosphorylated 4E-BP1, a marker of increased protein translation. Axons grown in media containing CSPGs exhibit markedly reduced growth rates, which can be restored by the selective application of protein synthesis inhibitors to distal axons. We show that these axons contain transcripts encoding RhoA, a regulator of the cytoskeleton that is commonly used by the signaling pathways activated by many inhibitors of axon growth. We also show that selective application of CSPGs to axons results in increased intra-axonal synthesis of RhoA and that depletion ofRhoAtranscripts from axons results in enhanced growth of axons in the presence of CSPGs. These data identify local translation as an effector pathway of CSPGs and demonstrate that local translation of RhoA contributes to the axon growth inhibitory effect of CSPGs.