bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of HSD17B3 and HSD3B1 Polymorphisms with Acne Vulgaris in Southwestern Han Chinese
Authors: Yang Xiao-Yan , Wu Wen-Juan , Yang Cheng , Yang Ting , He Jun-Dong , Yang Zhi , He Li
Published: October 2013

Acne vulgaris is a very common skin disorder. Previous studies have indicated that genetic background factors play key roles in the onset of acne. Our previous investigation implicated several genes in the androgen metabolism pathway with acne vulgaris in the Han Chinese population. Thus, we further investigated genes and genetic variants that play important roles in this pathway for their relationship with the pathology of acne. In this study, a total of 610 subjects, including 403 acne patients and 207 healthy controls, were genotyped for 15 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in HSD3B1 and HSD17B3 genes. This study shows that rs6428829 in HSD3B1 was associated with acne vulgaris in Han patients from Southwest China, even after adjusting for age and sex. The GG genotype was associated with an increased risk of acne vulgaris (p < 0.05) and G allele carriers were associated with an increased risk of acne vulgaris (p < 0.05). In addition, the haplotype AAT in HSD3B1 significantly increased the risk of acne vulgaris in the case-control study (p < 0.05). Furthermore, for another gene in this pathway, HSD17B3, the haplotype H8 was significantly associated with an increased risk of acne vulgaris. Based on these analyses, our study indicates that the cutaneous androgen metabolism-regulated genes HSD3B1 and HSD17B3 increase the susceptibility to acne vulgaris in Han Chinese from Southwest China.
Reliability and Validity of Nasality Ratings between a Monolingual and Bilingual Listener for Speech Samples from English-Spanish-Speaking Children
Authors: Watterson Thomas , Lewis Kerry E. , Murdock Tanna , Cordero Kelly Nett
Published: October 2013

Objective: This study sought to determine if a monolingual English listener could rate nasality in English and in Spanish with the same proficiency as a bilingual English-Spanish listener, and to compare nasalance scores with nasality ratings. Patients and Methods: Speakers for this study were 26 bilingual English-Spanish-speaking children. Speech samples and nasalance scores were obtained simultaneously as each speaker recited one English sentence and one Spanish sentence. A monolingual listener and a bilingual listener rated nasality. Results: For the English sentences, the intrajudge correlation coefficient was r = 0.89 for the monolingual listener and r = 0.89 for the bilingual listener. For the Spanish sentences, the intrajudge correlation coefficient was r = 0.91 for the monolingual listener and r = 0.92 for the bilingual listener. Interjudge agreement was r = 0.86 for rating English sentences and r = 0.78 for rating Spanish sentences. All correlation coefficients were significant (p < 0.001). The correlation coefficients between nasality ratings and nasalance scores were essentially the same for both listeners and both languages. Conclusion: A monolingual and a bilingual judge had high agreement on ratings of nasality for English and Spanish speech. The relationship between nasalance and nasality was not different across languages.
Mycophenolate Mofetil and Valsartan Inhibit Podocyte Apoptosis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Lv Wei , Zhang Yan , Guan Guangju , Li Peng , Wang Jianping , Qi Dong
Published: October 2013

Aim: To investigate the effects of mycophenolate mofetil on apoptosis and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 of podocytes in rats with diabetic nephropathy. Methods: A total of 40 male rats were randomly divided into two groups: healthy control group (NC, n = 8) and diabetic nephropathy group (DN, n = 32). The diabetic rat models were induced by streptozotocin, which was injected intraperitoneally. After the DN model was established successfully, the DN group was subdivided into four groups: (1) group treated with the dissolvent (DN), (2) group treated with mycophenolate mofetil (DN + M), (3) group treated with valsartan (DN + V) and (4) group treated with mycophenolate mofetil and valsartan (DN + MV). After 16 weeks of treatment, kidney and body weight, urinary protein level and serum glucose were measured. Histomorphology of renal tissue was observed by an optical microscope. Apoptosis of podocytes was determined by transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) test. The expression of nephrin and Wilms' tumor suppressor gene (WT1) were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR, and the protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2 were examined by Western blot. Results: The mRNA and protein expression of nephrin and WT1 were both downregulated. The apoptosis rate, the expression of Bax, caspase-3 activity and cleavage increased, while the expression of Bcl-2 decreased in the DN group compared with the NC group. However, they were all improved in the groups treated with either mycophenolate mofetil or valsartan. Conclusion: Mycophenolate mofetil can protect renal function by increasing Bcl-2 expression and decreasing Bax expression and podocyte apoptosis rate, thereby reducing proteinuria.
Postpartum Four-Vessel Cervical Artery Dissection
Authors: Barroso Bruno , Demasles Stéphanie
Published: October 2013

A postpartum four-vessel cervical artery dissection with no stroke is reported. This transient vasculopathy took place in the autoimmune context of the HELLP syndrome combined with the reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome. Correlations between the clinical, radiological and biological entities are discussed.
Involvement of Protein Kinase A and C in Norepinephrine- and Angiotensin II-Induced Modulation of Cardiac IKs
Authors: Si Man , Xu Jiaxi , Zhang Fan , Wang Chuan , Du Xiaona , Zhang Hailin
Published: October 2013

Background/Aims: The slow component of the delayed rectifier K+ current (IKs) is one of the major repolarizing currents in the heart. Yet, the signaling mechanisms for norepinephrine- and angiotensin II-induced modulation of IKs in cardiac myocytes are far from being well understood. Methods: The whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to study the effects of norepinephrine and angiotensin II on IKs in guinea pig cardiac myocytes. Results: Both the α1- and β-adrenoceptor inhibitors attenuated norepinephrine-induced enhancement of IKs, which was also significantly depressed by inhibitors of protein kinase A and C. Angiotensin II-induced inhibition of the IKs was inhibited by angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker losartan and protein kinase C inhibitor. Conclusions: Norepinephrine and angiotensin II modulated IKs with opposite effects and distinct mechanisms. The activation of protein kinase A was the major component of the norepinephrine-induced activation of IKs while the activation of protein kinase C was responsible for the angiotensin II-induced inhibition of IKs. There was crosstalk between the α1- and β-adrenoceptor that also contributed to the norepinephrine-induced enhancement of IKs. This current study provides new insight into the cellular signaling mechanisms of norepinephrine and angiotensin II, the two important modulators of cardiovascular function.
Association of Anthropometric Measures with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Metabolic Syndrome in Normal-Weight Children and Adolescents: The CASPIAN III Study
Authors: Qorbani Mostafa , Kelishadi Roya , Farrokhi-Khajeh-Pasha Yasin , Motlagh Mohammad , Aminaee Tahere , Ardalan Gelayol , Asayesh Hamid , Shafiee Gita , Taslimi Mahnaz , Poursafa Parinaz , Heshmat Ramin , Larijani Bagher
Published: October 2013

Objective: This nationwide study was conducted to determine the association of anthropometric measures with cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Iranian normal-weight children and adolescents. Methods: We analyzed the data of 3,565 children and adolescents (50.3% boys), aged 10-18 years, with a normal BMI (5th-84th percentile) obtained from the third survey of ‘Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and Prevention of Adult Non-communicable Disease' (CASPIAN III) study. The diagnostic criteria for MetS were defined by the International Diabetes Federation consensus. Results: The prevalence of MetS for 10- to 13.9-year-old boys, 14- to 18-year-old boys, 10- to 13.9-year-old girls, and 14- to 18-year-old girls were 1.4, 2.8, 2.3, and 3.3%, respectively. After adjustment for age and sex, each unit increase in BMI (within normal range) and waist circumference increased the odds of MetS from 6 to 72% and from 1 to 20%, respectively. The dominant pattern of dyslipidemia among the participants was high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusion: This study complements recent research about the high frequency of metabolic risk factors among normal-weight individuals in the pediatric age group.
Uncertainty Estimates of the EOF-Derived North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Wang Yi-Hui , Magnusdottir Gudrun , Stern Hal , Tian Xu , Yu Yaming
Published: October 2013

Different approaches to obtaining uncertainty estimates of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) are explored. The resulting estimates are used to enhance the understanding of spatial variability of the NAO over different time periods. Among the parametric and nonparametric approaches investigated in this study, the bootstrap is nonparametric and not confined to the assumption of normally distributed data. It gives physically plausible uncertainty estimates. The NAO uncertainty estimates depend on sample sizes with greater sampling variability as sample size is smaller. The NAO uncertainty varies with time but common features include that the most uncertain values are centered between the centers of action of the NAO and are asymmetric in the zonal direction (more uncertainty in the eastward direction or downstream). The bootstrap can also be used to provide direct measures of uncertainty regarding the location of the NAO action centers. The uncertainty of the location of the NAO action centers not only helps assess the shift in the NAO but also provides evidence of more than two action centers. The methods reported on here could in principle be applied to any EOF-derived climate pattern.
Semidiurnal Tides on the Laptev Sea Shelf with Implications for Shear and Vertical Mixing
Authors: Janout Markus A. , Lenn Yueng-Djern
Published: October 2013

The Arctic continental shelf seas hold a globally significant source of freshwater that impacts Arctic Ocean stratification, circulation, and climate. This freshwater can be injected below the surface mixed layer by intense turbulent kinetic energy dissipation events, as resolved by Laptev Sea microstructure observations. The tides provide a major source of energy that can be dissipated and hence drive diapycnal mixing in the Laptev Sea. Multiyear ADCP mooring records from locations across the shelf reveal that semidiurnal tides are dominated by the M2 and S2 constituents, with the largest amplitudes on the outer shelf. Throughout most of the shelf, tides are clockwise polarized and sheared by stratification, as characteristic near the M2 critical latitude. Interannual variations of the tidal and shear structures on the inner shelf are mainly determined by the stratification-setting Lena River freshwater plume. In all locations, M2 tides are enhanced under sea ice, and therefore changes in the seasonal ice cover may lead to changes in tides and water column structure. The main conclusions of this study are that (i) tides play a comparatively greater role year-round on the outer shelf relative to the inner shelf; (ii) a sea ice reduction will overall decrease the predictability of the currents, especially on the inner shelf; and (iii) the freshwater distribution directly impacts diapycnal mixing by setting the vertical tidal structure. These combined effects imply that future sea ice loss will increase the variability and vertical mixing of freshwater, particularly on the inner shelf, where the Lena River first enters the Laptev Sea.
Airway hyperresponsiveness is associated with airway remodeling but not inflammation in aging Cav1
-/-
mice
Authors: Gabehart Kelsa E , Royce Simon G , Maselli Diego J , Miyasato Shelley K , Davis Elaine C , Tang Mimi LK , Jourdan Le Saux Claude
Published: October 2013

Background

Airway inflammation and airway remodeling are the key contributors to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a characteristic feature of asthma. Both processes are regulated by Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β. Caveolin 1 (Cav1) is a membrane bound protein that binds to a variety of receptor and signaling proteins, including the TGF-β receptors. We hypothesized that caveolin-1 deficiency promotes structural alterations of the airways that develop with age will predispose to an increased response to allergen challenge.

Methods

AHR was measured in Cav1-deficient and wild-type (WT) mice 1 to 12 months of age to examine the role of Cav1 in AHR and the relative contribution of inflammation and airway remodeling. AHR was then measured in Cav1

-/-
and WT mice after an ovalbumin-allergen challenge performed at either 2 months of age, when remodeling in Cav1

-/-
and WT mice was equivalent, and at 6 months of age, when the Cav1

-/-
mice had established airway remodeling.

Results

Cav1

-/-
mice developed increased thickness of the subepithelial layer and a correspondingly increased AHR as they aged. In addition, allergen-challenged Cav1

-/-
mice had an increase in AHR greater than WT mice that was largely independent of inflammation. Cav1

-/-
mice challenged at 6 months of age have decreased AHR compared to those challenged at 2 months with correspondingly decreased BAL IL-4 and IL-5 levels, inflammatory cell counts and percentage of eosinophils. In addition, in response to OVA challenge, the number of goblet cells and α-SMA positive cells in the airways were reduced with age in response to OVA challenge in contrast to an increased collagen deposition further enhanced in absence of Cav1.

Conclusion

A lack of Cav1 contributed to the thickness of the subepithelial layer in mice as they aged resulting in an increase in AHR independent of inflammation, demonstrating the important contribution of airway structural changes to AHR. In addition, age in the Cav1

-/-
mice is a contributing factor to airway remodeling in the response to allergen challenge.
Improvement of care for the physical health of patients with severe mental illness: a qualitative study assessing the view of patients and families
Authors: van Hasselt Fenneke M , Oud Marian JT , Loonen Anton JM
Published: October 2013

Background

Patients with severe mental illness (SMI) experience more physical comorbidity than the general population. Multiple factors, including inadequate seeking of healthcare and health care related factors such as lack of collaboration, underlie this undesirable situation. To improve this situation, the logistics of physical health care for patients with SMI need to be changed. We asked both patients and their families about their views on the current organization of care, and how this care could be improved.

Methods

Group and individual interviews were conducted with patients and family of patients to explore their needs and preferences concerning the care for the physical health of patients with SMI, and to explore the shortcomings they had experienced. Using thematic analysis, responses were firstly divided into common topics, after which these topics were grouped into themes.

Results

Three major themes for the improvement of the physical care of patients with SMI were found. Firstly, the reduced ability of patients with SMI to survey their own physical health interests requires health care that is tailored to these needs. Secondly, the lack of collaboration amongst mental health care professionals and general practitioners (GPs) hinders optimal care. Thirdly, concerns were expressed regarding the implementation of monitoring and supporting a healthy lifestyle. Patients with SMI welcome this implementation, but the logistics of providing this care can be improved.

Conclusions

An optimal approach for caring for the physical health of patients with SMI requires a professional approach, which is different to the routine care provided to the general public. This approach can and should be accomplished within the usual organizational structure. However, this requires tailoring of the health care to the needs of patients with SMI, as well as structural collaboration between mental health care professionals and GPs.
Experimental research on intraocular aqueous flow by PIV method
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Song Hongfang , Mei Xi , Li Lin , Fu Xineng , Zhang Mindi , Liu Zhicheng
Published: October 2013

Background

Aqueous humor flows regularly from posterior chamber to anterior chamber, and this flow much involves intraocular pressure, the eye tissue nutrition and metabolism.

Purpose

To visualize and measure the intraocular flow regular pattern of aqueous humor.

Method

Intraocular flow in the vitro eyeball is driven to simulate the physiological aqueous humor flow, and the flow field is measured by Particle Image Velocimetry(PIV). Fluorescent particle solution of a certain concentration was infused into the root of Posterior Chamber(PC) of vitro rabbit eye to simulate the generation of aqueous and was drained out at a certain hydrostatic pressure from the angle of Anterior Chamber(AC) to represent the drainage of aqueous. PIV method was used to record and calculate the flow on the midsagittal plane of the eyeball.

Results

Velocity vector distribution in AC has been obtained, and the distribution shows symmetry feature to some extent. Fluorescent particle solution first fills the PC as it is continuously infused, then surges into AC through the pupil, flows upwards toward the central cornea, reflecting and scattering, and eventually converges along the inner cornea surface towards the outflow points at the periphery of the eyeball. Velocity values around the pupillary margin are within the range of 0.008-0.012 m/s, which are close to theoretical values of 0.0133 m/s, under the driving rate of 100 μl/min.

Conclusions

Flow field of aqueous humor can be measured by PIV method, which makes it possible to study the aqueous humor dynamics by experimental method. Our study provides a basis for experimental research on aqueous humor flow; further, it possibly helps to diagnose and treat eye diseases as shear force damage of ocular tissues and destructions on corneal endothelial cells from the point of intraocular flow field.
Ovarian HMW adiponectin is associated with folliculogenesis in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Tao Tao , Xu Bing , Liu Wei
Published: October 2013

Background

Adiponectin may regulate ovarian steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis and ovulation. The alterations in the distribution of adiponectin multimers in follicular fluid (FF) and the relationship between adiponectin multimers and folliculogenesis in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between the levels of total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin in serum and FF and folliculogenesis in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Methods

This prospective study included ten Chinese women with PCOS and ten controls undergoing IVF. The levels of the total and HMW adiponectin in serum and FF were determined by ELISA. Insulin resistance (IR) was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR).

Results

After controlling for the body mass index (BMI), the levels of the total, and the HMW adiponectin in the serum and FF were significantly lower in the women with PCOS compared with the normovulatory women undergoing IVF (P < 0.05). The levels of the HMW adiponectin were significantly lower in the FF than in the serum (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found in the total adiponectin levels in the serum and in the FF (P > 0.05). Decreased HMW adiponectin in the FF was associated with an increased number of follicles and decreased follicular diameters in the normovulatory and PCOS women, and this association was independent of the overall adiposity. A strong positive linear correlation was observed between the number of the follicles and the IR estimated by HOMA-IR (r = 0.784, P < 0.0001). We found that the larger follicular diameters had a negative relationship with the IR estimated by HOMA-IR (r = −0.445, P < 0.05). A strong negative linear correlation was observed between HOMA-IR and the HMW adiponectin levels (r = −0.726, P < 0.001) and the total adiponectin levels (r = −0.759, P < 0.001) in the FF.

Conclusions

The levels of the total adiponectin and the HMW adiponectin in the FF and serum were decreased in the Chinese women with PCOS compared with the normovulatory women undergoing IVF, and the differences persisted after controlling for the BMI. Ovarian HMW adiponectin is negatively correlated to folliculogenesis.
HIF-1α activation results in actin cytoskeleton reorganization and modulation of Rac-1 signaling in endothelial cells
Authors: Weidemann Alexander , Breyer Johannes , Rehm Margot , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Daniel Christoph , Cicha Iwona , Giehl Klaudia , Goppelt-Struebe Margarete
Published: October 2013

Background

Hypoxia is a major driving force in vascularization and vascular remodeling. Pharmacological inhibition of prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) leads to an oxygen-independent and long-lasting activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Whereas effects of HIF-stabilization on transcriptional responses have been thoroughly investigated in endothelial cells, the molecular details of cytoskeletal changes elicited by PHD-inhibition remain largely unknown. To investigate this important aspect of PHD-inhibition, we used a spheroid-on-matrix cell culture model.

Results

Microvascular endothelial cells (glEND.2) were organized into spheroids. Migration of cells from the spheroids was quantified and analyzed by immunocytochemistry. The PHD inhibitor dimethyloxalyl glycine (DMOG) induced F-actin stress fiber formation in migrating cells, but only weakly affected microvascular endothelial cells firmly attached in a monolayer. Compared to control spheroids, the residual spheroids were larger upon PHD inhibition and contained more cells with tight VE-cadherin positive cell-cell contacts. Morphological alterations were dependent on stabilization of HIF-1α and not HIF-2α as shown in cells with stable knockdown of HIF-α isoforms. DMOG-treated endothelial cells exhibited a reduction of immunoreactive Rac-1 at the migrating front, concomitant with a diminished Rac-1 activity, whereas total Rac-1 protein remained unchanged. Two chemically distinct Rac-1 inhibitors mimicked the effects of DMOG in terms of F-actin fiber formation and orientation, as well as stabilization of residual spheroids. Furthermore, phosphorylation of p21-activated kinase PAK downstream of Rac-1 was reduced by DMOG in a HIF-1α-dependent manner. Stabilization of cell-cell contacts associated with decreased Rac-1 activity was also confirmed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrates that PHD inhibition induces HIF-1α-dependent cytoskeletal remodeling in endothelial cells, which is mediated essentially by a reduction in Rac-1 signaling.
Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland: a morphological and immunohistochemical comparison with basal cell adenoma with and without capsular invasion
Authors: Jung Min Jung , Roh Jong-Lyel , Choi Seung-Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon , Lee Sang-wook , Cho Kyung-Ja
Published: October 2013

Background

It is often difficult to diagnose salivary gland tumors that exhibit basaloid features differentially. The aim of this study was to identify additional morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics that can aid the diagnosis of basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAC) of the salivary gland.

Methods and results

In total, 29 basal cell neoplasms [eight BCACs, 11 basal cell adenomas (BCAs) with capsular invasion, and 10 BCAs without capsular invasion] and 10 cases of adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) were subjected to histopathology and immunohistochemical analyses for CK7, CK5/6, SMA, p63, calponin, p53, c-erbB2, CD117, β-catenin, EGFR, VEGF, Ki-67, and S100P protein expression. Compared to BCA without capsular invasion, the BCACs and BCAs with capsular invasion were more likely to be larger and have solid or cribriform patterns. Most BCACs and BCAs exhibited nuclear β-catenin expression. In all basal cell neoplasm cases, the clinical course after surgery with or without radiotherapy was indolent. β-catenin, CK5/6, CD117, and S100P protein were helpful for differentiating basal cell neoplasms from ACC.

Conclusions

BCAs with capsular invasion shared several pathological features with BCACs, including a large size and frequent cribriform patterns but the malignant potential of these tumors seems highly limited and should be reexamined. β-catenin immunostaining may aid the differential diagnosis between basal cell neoplasms and ACCs.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/9637819101988153
Methodological comparisons for antimicrobial resistance surveillance in feedlot cattle
Authors: Benedict Katharine M , Gow Sheryl P , Checkley Sylvia , Booker Calvin W , McAllister Tim A , Morley Paul S
Published: October 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to objectively compare methodological approaches that might be utilized in designing an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance program in beef feedlot cattle. Specifically, four separate comparisons were made to investigate their potential impact on estimates for prevalence of AMR. These included investigating potential differences between 2 different susceptibility testing methods (broth microdilution and disc diffusion), between 2 different target bacteria (non-type-specificE.coli[NTSEC] andMannheimia haemolytica), between 2 strategies for sampling feces (individual samples collected per rectum and pooled samples collected from the pen floor), and between 2 strategies for determining which cattle to sample (cattle that were culture-positive forMannheimia haemolyticaand those that were culture-negative).

Results

Comparing two susceptibility testing methods demonstrated differences in the likelihood of detecting resistance between automated disk diffusion (BioMIC®) and broth microdilution (Sensititre®) for bothE.coliandM. haemolytica. Differences were also detected when comparing resistance between two bacterial organisms within the same cattle; there was a higher likelihood of detecting resistance inE.colithan inM. haemolytica. Differences in resistance prevalence were not detected when using individual animal or composite pen sampling strategies. No differences in resistance prevalences were detected inE.colirecovered from cattle that were culture-positive forM. haemolyticacompared to those that were culture-negative, suggesting that sampling strategies which targeted recovery ofE.colifromM. haemolytica-positive cattle would not provide biased results.

Conclusions

We found that for general purposes, the susceptibility test selected for AMR surveillance must be carefully chosen considering the purpose of the surveillance since the ability to detect resistance appears to vary between these tests depending upon the population where they are applied. Continued surveillance of AMR inM. haemolyticarecovered by nasopharyngeal swab is recommended if monitoring an animal health pathogen is an objective of the surveillance program as results of surveillance using fecalE.colicannot be extrapolated to this important respiratory pathogen. If surveillance ofE.coliwas pursued in the same population, study populations could target animals that were culture-positive forM. haemolyticawithout biasing estimates for AMR inE.coli. Composite pen-floor sampling or sampling of individuals per-rectum could possibly be used interchangeably for monitoring resistance inE.coli.
Cytochrome P450 genetic polymorphisms of Mexican indigenous populations
Authors: Sosa-Macías Martha , LLerena Adrián
Published: October 2013

This review focuses on the genetic polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes in Mexican indigenous populations, who are a part of the wide ethnic diversity of this country. These native groups have a particular historical trajectory that is different from the Mexican Mestizos. This variability may be reflected in the frequency distribution of polymorphisms in the CYP genes that encode enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs and other xenobiotics. Therefore, these polymorphisms may affect drug efficacy and safety in indigenous populations in Mexico. The present study aimed to analyze the prevalence of CYP polymorphisms in indigenous Mexicans and to compare the results with studies in Mexican Mestizos. Because the extrapolation of pharmacogenetic data from Mestizos is not applicable to the majority of indigenous groups, pharmacogenetic studies directed at indigenous populations need to be developed. The Amerindians analyzed in this study showed a low phenotypic (CYP2D6) and genotypic (CYP2D6, CYP2C9) diversity, unlike Mexican Mestizos. The frequency of polymorphisms in the CYP1A1, CYP2C19, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 genes was more similar among the Amerindians and Mexican Mestizos, with the exception of the CYP1A2 gene, whose *1F variant frequency in Mexican Amerindians was the highest described to date.
Estimating the Wishart Affine Stochastic Correlation Model using the empirical characteristic function
Authors: Da Fonseca José , Grasselli Martino , Ielpo Florian
Published: October 2013

This paper provides the first estimation strategy for the Wishart Affine Stochastic Correlation (WASC) model. We provide elements showing that the use of empirical characteristic function-based estimates is advisable as this function is exponential affine in the WASC case. We use a GMM estimation strategy with a continuum of moment conditions based on the characteristic function. We present the estimation results obtained using a dataset of equity indexes. The WASC model captures most of the known stylized facts associated with financial markets, including leverage and asymmetric correlation effects.
STAT3 Targets Suggest Mechanisms of Aggressive Tumorigenesis in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Hardee Jennifer , Ouyang Zhengqing , Zhang Yuping , Kundaje Anshul , Lacroute Philippe , Snyder Michael
Published: October 2013

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that, when dysregulated, becomes a powerful oncogene found in many human cancers, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and has two major subtypes: germinal center B-cell−like and activated B–cell—like. Compared with the germinal center B-cell−like form, activated B-cell−like lymphomas respond much more poorly to current therapies and often exhibit overexpression or overactivation of STAT3. To investigate how STAT3 might contribute to this aggressive phenotype, we have integrated genome-wide studies of STAT3 DNA binding using chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing with whole-transcriptome profiling using RNA-sequencing. STAT3 binding sites are present near almost a third of all genes that differ in expression between the two subtypes, and examination of the affected genes identified previously undetected and clinically significant pathways downstream of STAT3 that drive oncogenesis. Novel treatments aimed at these pathways may increase the survivability of activated B-cell−like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Genes Involved in Survival of Heat Shock
Authors: Jarolim Stefanie , Ayer Anita , Pillay Bethany , Gee Allison C , Phrakaysone Alex , Perrone Gabriel G , Breitenbach Michael , Dawes Ian W
Published: October 2013

The heat-shock response in cells, involving increased transcription of a specific set of genes in response to a sudden increase in temperature, is a highly conserved biological response occurring in all organisms. Despite considerable attention to the processes activated during heat shock, less is known about the role of genes in survival of a sudden temperature increase. Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes involved in the maintenance of heat-shock resistance in exponential and stationary phase were identified by screening the homozygous diploid deletants in nonessential genes and the heterozygous diploid mutants in essential genes for survival after a sudden shift in temperature from 30 to 50°. More than a thousand genes were identified that led to altered sensitivity to heat shock, with little overlap between them and those previously identified to affect thermotolerance. There was also little overlap with genes that are activated or repressed during heat-shock, with only 5% of them regulated by the heat-shock transcription factor. The target of rapamycin and protein kinase A pathways, lipid metabolism, vacuolar H+-ATPase, vacuolar protein sorting, and mitochondrial genome maintenance/translation were critical to maintenance of resistance. Mutants affected in l-tryptophan metabolism were heat-shock resistant in both growth phases; those affected in cytoplasmic ribosome biogenesis and DNA double-strand break repair were resistant in stationary phase, and in mRNA catabolic processes in exponential phase. Mutations affecting mitochondrial genome maintenance were highly represented in sensitive mutants. The cell division transcription factor Swi6p and Hac1p involved in the unfolded protein response also play roles in maintenance of heat-shock resistance.
Vertical Maxillary Growth after Two Different Surgical Protocols in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
Authors: Bakri Sherif , Rizell Sara , Lilja Jan , Mark Hans
Published: October 2013

Objective

The aim of the present study was to compare vertical maxillofacial growth in patients born with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) who were treated using two different surgical protocols.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Subjects

We studied 92 patients with complete UCLP (61 male and 31 female) treated at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden: 46 consecutive patients born between 1965 and 1974 who underwent surgical treatment according to the Wardill-Kilner (W-K) protocol and 46 consecutive patients born between 1982 and 1989 who underwent surgical treatment according to the Gothenburg delayed hard palate closure (DHPC) protocol.

Methods

We analyzed lateral cephalograms obtained at 10 years of age.

Results

Patients treated according to the Gothenburg DHPC protocol had significantly greater anterior upper facial height, anterior maxillary height, overbite, and inclination of the maxilla than those treated with the W-K protocol. Both techniques led to similar posterior upper facial height.

Conclusion

The Gothenburg DHPC protocol in patients with complete UCLP results in more normal anterior maxillary vertical growth and overbite and therefore increased maxillary inclination at 10 years of age.
Synthesized heterogeneous Fenton-like goethite (FeOOH) catalyst for degradation of p-chloronitrobenzene
Authors: Shen Jimin , Zhu Jiayi , Kong Yanli , Li Tianwen , Chen Zhonglin
Published: October 2013

The removal of p-chloronitrobenzene (pCNB) was investigated by a heterogeneous Fenton-like system using a laboratory synthesized goethite (FeOOH) as catalyst. The influencing factors and the degradation pathway of pCNB were also evaluated. With a stronger catalytic activity than Fe2+ catalyst, the synthesized FeOOH catalyst can significantly promote the decomposition of H2O2, and the decomposition product hydroxyl radicals (·OH) can oxidize pCNB in the water effectively. The FeOOH catalyst can also adsorb a certain amount of pCNB, and the adsorption effect is related to the amount of FeOOH and the initial pH value of solution. The results of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed that the main intermediate products were phenolic compounds and carbonyl compounds. About 60% of pCNB was mineralized during the catalytic oxidation, and chlorine and nitro groups on benzene ring were converted into Cl− and NO3− after being attacked.
Role of primary sedimentation on plant-wide energy recovery and carbon footprint
Authors: Gori Riccardo , Giaccherini Francesca , Jiang Lu-Man , Sobhani Reza , Rosso Diego
Published: October 2013

The goal of this paper is to show the effect of primary sedimentation on the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and solids fractionation and consequently on the carbonaceous and energy footprints of wastewater treatment processes. Using a simple rational procedure for COD and solids fraction quantification, we quantify the effects of varying fractions on CO2 and CO2-equivalent mass flows, process energy demand and energy recovery. Then we analysed two treatment plants with similar biological nutrient removal processes in two different climatic regions and quantified the net benefit of gravity separation before biological treatment. In the cases analysed, primary settling increases the solid fraction of COD that is processed in anaerobic digestion, with an associated increase in biogas production and energy recovery, and a reduction in overall emissions of CO2 and CO2-equivalent from power importation.
Comparing the effect of biosurfactant and chemical surfactant on bubble hydrodynamics in a flotation column
Authors: Wang Huanran , Yang Jingjing , Lei Shaomin , Wang Xinbing
Published: October 2013

Bubble hydrodynamics is fundamental to the performance of the flotation process widely used in the separation industry. To compare the effect of biosurfactants and chemical synthetic surfactants on bubble hydrodynamics in the flotation process, the motion of a single bubble and the size distribution of bubble swarms in various surfactants (rhamnolipid, tea saponin and Triton X-100) solutions were observed directly using a high-speed video camera in a laboratory scale flotation column. Bubble trajectory, dimensions, velocity and size distribution were then determined through image analysis. The results indicated that the addition of biosurfactants had the same significant effects on bubble motion and size distribution as chemosynthetic surfactants. The biosurfactant effect on bubble behavior was also found to depend on their type and concentration. In general, the effect of tea saponin was stronger than another biosurfactant (rhamnolipid) used in the present study. The present findings implied that some biosurfactants like tea saponin can replace chemosynthetic surfactants in controlling bubble behavior in flotation operation. This will contribute to promoting the use of green environmentally friendly flotation agents in the separation industry.
Intermittent operation of low pressure UF membranes for sewage reuse at household level
Authors: Diamantis Vasileios I. , Anagnostopoulos Konstantinos , Melidis Paraschos , Ntougias Spyridon , Aivasidis Alexander
Published: October 2013

A household-scale wastewater treatment system was operated with domestic sewage. The system could recover gardening/irrigation water from raw sewage or secondary effluent by low pressure ultrafiltration (UF). The UF membranes (surface area = 3.5 m2, pore size = 0.04 μm) were operated at constant transmembrane pressure (0.13 bar). The proposed technology was examined for approximately 2 months without membrane cleaning. Membrane operation was performed periodically (one or two times per week), simulating water usage for gardening irrigation. During raw sewage filtration (chemical oxygen demand (COD) total = 242 ± 71 mg L–1, COD soluble = 105 ± 51 mg L−1, suspended solids = 188 ± 58 mg L−1), low permeate COD was achieved (52 ± 25 mg L−1), whereas nitrogen and phosphorus were recovered in the permeate. The water recovered during 1 h of operation displayed a gradual decrease from 42 to 22 L m−2h−1 during the 50-d time period. For the secondary effluent filtration, the UF module achieved consistently a recovery rate of 39.6 ± 8.0 L m−2h−1, with an average permeate COD of 37 mg L−1. In this case, the fouling layer (cake layer) was completely reversible after the relaxation period, rendering the process suitable for unattended household applications.
Preparation of N-doped TiO2 by oxidizing TiN and its application on phenol degradation
Authors: Huang Ji-Guo , Zhao Xiao-Guang , Zheng Meng-Yang , Li Sen , Wang Yu , Liu Xing-Juan
Published: October 2013

Incomplete oxidation of titanium nitride (TiN) to prepare nitrogen-doped TiO2 was verified by calcining TiN at different temperatures in air for 30 min. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results confirmed that oxidizing TiN incompletely is an effective and simple method to prepare nitrogen-doped TiO2. Photocatalytic degradation of phenol was conducted to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of as-prepared samples. The results showed that phenol can be degraded efficiently by the as-prepared samples under visible light; low phenol concentration was conducive to degradation; the optimum calcination temperature and photocatalyst dosage are 650 °C and 0.5 g/L, respectively. The effects of different light sources on phenol degradation were compared. The reusability of nitrogen-doped TiO2 was tested and the results indicated a relatively good reusability under laboratory conditions.
Bentonite for ciprofloxacin removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Genç Nevim , Can Dogan Esra , Yurtsever Meral
Published: October 2013

Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP) is the second generation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics whose residues are found in wastewater and surface water. CIP has high aqueous solubility under different pH conditions and high stability in the soil system. In this study, bentonite was used as a potential sorbent for the removal of CIP from aqueous solutions using batch experiments. The effects of various parameters such as contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, agitation speed, ionic strength and initial concentration of CIP in aqueous solution on the adsorption capacity were investigated. The optimum contact time, pH, agitation speed and adsorbent dosage were found to be 30 min, 4.5 pH, 150 rpm and 2.5 g L−1, respectively. When the ionic strength was increased from 5 to 50 mM, the adsorption of CIP decreased from 97.8 to 93.4%. The isotherm adsorption data fitted well with the Langmuir model, Kl and qe were found to be 0.27 L mg−1 and 147.06 mg g−1, and the data fitted well with the pseudo-second order kinetics, whereby k was found to be 2.19 g mg−1 h−1.
Fecal coliform removal in a lightly loaded surface-flow constructed treatment wetland polishing agricultural runoff
Authors: Beutel Marc W. , Whritenour Victoria , Brouillard Elaine
Published: October 2013

Constructed treatment wetlands can be an effective and sustainable method to remove pathogens that pose health risks from agricultural runoff. This study evaluated the removal of fecal coliform (FC) from agricultural runoff in a lightly loaded surface-flow treatment wetland prior to discharge to the Yakima River, Washington State, USA. The 1.6 ha system consisted of a sedimentation basin (1.4 d hydraulic retention time) followed by two wetlands (5–6 d hydraulic retention time). FC in inflow ranged from 100 to 1,000 cfu/100 mL. Mean annual FC log-removal in the sedimentation basin was 0.66 ± 0.17 (mean plus/minus standard deviation; n = 7). However, there was a comparable production of FC within the two wetlands where annual log-removal averaged −0.71 ± 0.39 in the north wetland and −0.57 ± 0.17 in the south wetland. FC removal in the sedimentation basin weakly correlated with turbidity removal (R2 = 0.13, p < 0.01, n = 61), suggesting that settling was an important FC loss mechanism. FC removal in the wetlands negatively correlated with temperature (R2 = 0.27–0.33, p < 0.01, n = 26) indicating that survival and/or reproduction was an important FC production mechanism. Muskrat colonization in the wetlands in 2007 and 2008 corresponded with a marked increase in FC in wetland outflow. Results suggest that, regardless of the presence of muskrats, sedimentation basins alone are more effective than a combined sedimentation basin–wetland system in removing FC from dilute agricultural runoff.
PVC-piping promotes growth of Ralstonia pickettii in dialysis water treatment facilities
Authors: Dombrowsky Matthias , Kirschner Alexander , Sommer Regina
Published: October 2013

Biofilms forming inside dialysis water treatment systems are one of the main sources of microbiological contamination. Among the bacteria found in biofilms, Ralstonia pickettii is frequently encountered in dialysis water treatment systems and has been shown to develop extreme oligotrophic talents. In Austria, R. pickettii was exclusively detected in high numbers in dialysis water treatment facilities equipped with chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (PVC-C) piping. In this laboratory study it was shown that PVC-C effectively promotes growth of R. pickettii biofilms, while residual organic carbon in purified dialysis water is sufficient for promoting substantial growth of planktic R. pickettii. This provides evidence that PVC-C is an unsuitable material for piping in dialysis water treatment systems.
Characterization: a necessary tool in sludge management
Authors: Spinosa L.
Published: October 2013

Sludge management is one of the critical issues facing modern society due to the fast increase in its production as a result of extended sewerage, new work installations and up-grading of existing facilities. In order to (i) properly perform the utilization and disposal operations, (ii) correctly fulfil the legal requirements and (iii) build stakeholder and public confidence, it will be necessary to establish defined outlet procedures/routes and guarantee a good sludge quality. Therefore, characterization to evaluate sludge chemical, biological and physical properties is a necessary tool in sludge management. However, characterization procedures often specify different methodologies, materials and accessories; so results obtained in different places may not be fully reliable. Also comparison of the results can be problematic because they have not been obtained under standardized conditions. Consequently, the development of standardized validated characterization methods and procedures becomes necessary too. Further, the development of standardized characterization methods and procedures should be supported by the preparation of ‘guidelines’ of good practice for the different options of sludge use and disposal in order to give guidance to producers/users on how to meet legislation requirements and perform sustainable operations. In this paper the main parameters for sludge characterization are discussed and developments in European standardization outlined.
Design and performance of hybrid constructed wetland systems for high-content wastewater treatment in the cold climate of Hokkaido, northern Japan
Authors: Kato K. , Inoue T. , Ietsugu H. , Sasaki H. , Harada J. , Kitagawa K. , Sharma P. K.
Published: October 2013

The performance of six multistage hybrid constructed wetland systems was evaluated. The systems were designed to treat four kinds of high-content wastewater: dairy wastewater (three systems, average inflow content 2,400–5,000 mg·COD l−1, 3–6 years of operation); pig farm wastewater, including liquid food washing wastewater (one system, 9,500 mg·COD l−1, 3 years); potato starch processing wastewater (one system, 20,000–60,000 mg·COD l−1, 3 years); and wastewater containing pig farm swine urine (one system, 6,600 mg·COD l−1, 2.8 years) (COD = chemical oxygen demand). The systems contained three or four vertical (V) flow beds with self-priming siphons and surface partitions and no or one horizontal (H) flow bed (three to five beds). In some V flow beds, treated effluents were recirculated (Vr) through the inlet to improve performance. Mean annual temperature was 5–8 °C at all locations. To overcome clogging due to the high load in a cold climate, we applied a safety bypass structure and floating cover material to the V flow beds. Calculated average oxygen transfer rates (OTRs) increased proportionally with the influent load, and the OTR value was Vr > V> H. The relations of load–OTR, COD–ammonium, and a Arrhenius temperature-dependent equation enable the basic design of a reed bed system.