bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Path Leading to Differentiation
Authors: Wu Echo H.
Published: April 2013

The author interviewed Dr. Carol Tomlinson, who is a well-known academic scholar in gifted education. The interview focused on Dr. Tomlinson’s work on differentiation, how she started, and what her suggestions for teachers are to differentiate instructions for gifted students in general education classrooms.
Changing perspectives on 1054
Authors: Ryder J. R.
Published: April 2013

In 2005, Tia Kolbaba published an article in Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies entitled ‘On the closing of the churches and the rebaptism of Latins: Greek perfidy or Latin slander?’ In it she argued that reports of Greek closure of Latin churches and rebaptism of Latins in the early 1050s were fabricated. This is in line with a strand of scholarship which plays down the provocative aspects of Greek activity in precipitating the crisis of 1054. This paper argues against that strand of scholarship, insisting instead that the sources contain sufficient evidence to indicate that Greek behaviour can indeed be interpreted as provocative.
Improving mammalian genome scaffolding using large insert mate-pair next-generation sequencing
Authors: van Heesch Sebastiaan , Kloosterman Wigard P , Lansu Nico , Ruzius Frans-Paul , Levandowsky Elizabeth , Lee Clarence C , Zhou Shiguo , Goldstein Steve , Schwartz David C , Harkins Timothy T , Guryev Victor , Cuppen Edwin
Published: April 2013

Background

Paired-tag sequencing approaches are commonly used for the analysis of genome structure. However, mammalian genomes have a complex organization with a variety of repetitive elements that complicate comprehensive genome-wide analyses.

Results

Here, we systematically assessed the utility of paired-end and mate-pair (MP) next-generation sequencing libraries with insert sizes ranging from 170 bp to 25 kb, for genome coverage and for improving scaffolding of a mammalian genome (Rattus norvegicus). Despite a lower library complexity, large insert MP libraries (20 or 25 kb) provided very high physical genome coverage and were found to efficiently span repeat elements in the genome. Medium-sized (5, 8 or 15 kb) MP libraries were much more efficient for genome structure analysis than the more commonly used shorter insert paired-end and 3 kb MP libraries. Furthermore, the combination of medium- and large insert libraries resulted in a 3-fold increase in N50 in scaffolding processes. Finally, we show that our data can be used to evaluate and improve contig order and orientation in the current rat reference genome assembly.

Conclusions

We conclude that applying combinations of mate-pair libraries with insert sizes that match the distributions of repetitive elements improves contig scaffolding and can contribute to the finishing of draft genomes.
Suppression of plant defense responses by extracellular metabolites from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Lee Seonghee , Yang Dong Sik , Uppalapati Srinivasa Rao , Sumner Lloyd W , Mysore Kirankumar S
Published: April 2013

Background

Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci (Pstab) is the causal agent of wildfire disease in tobacco plants. Several pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae produce a phytotoxic extracellular metabolite called coronatine (COR). COR has been shown to suppress plant defense responses. Interestingly, Pstab does not produce COR but still actively suppresses early plant defense responses. It is not clear if Pstab produces any extracellular metabolites that actively suppress early defense during bacterial pathogenesis.

Results

We found that the Pstab extracellular metabolite extracts (Pstab extracts) remarkably suppressed stomatal closure and nonhost hypersensitive response (HR) cell death induced by a nonhost pathogen, P. syringae pv. tomato T1 (Pst T1), in Nicotiana benthamiana. We also found that the accumulation of nonhost pathogens, Pst T1 and P. syringae pv. glycinea (Psgly), was increased in N. benthamiana plants upon treatment with Pstab extracts . The HR cell death induced by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern (INF1), gene-for-gene interaction (Pto/AvrPto and Cf-9/AvrCf-9) and ethanol was not delayed or suppressed by Pstab extracts. We performed metabolite profiling to investigate the extracellular metabolites from Pstab using UPLC-qTOF-MS and identified 49 extracellular metabolites from the Pstab supernatant culture. The results from gene expression profiling of PR-1, PR-2, PR-5, PDF1.2, ABA1, COI1, and HSR203J suggest that Pstab extracellular metabolites may interfere with SA-mediated defense pathways.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that Pstab extracts suppress plant defense responses such as stomatal closure and nonhost HR cell death induced by the nonhost bacterial pathogen Pst T1 in N. benthamiana.
Comparative analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniaetransmission in Portuguese and Finnish day-care centres
Authors: Pessoa Delphine , Hoti Fabian , Syrjänen Ritva , Sá-Leão Raquel , Kaijalainen Tarja , Gomes M Gabriela M , Auranen Kari
Published: April 2013

Background

Day-care centre (DCC) attendees play a central role in maintaining the circulation of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) in the population. The prevalence of pneumococcal carriage is highest in DCC attendees but varies across countries and is found to be consistently lower in Finland than in Portugal. We compared key parameters underlying pneumococcal transmission in DCCs to understand which of these contributed to the observed differences in carriage prevalence.

Methods

Longitudinal data about serotype-specific carriage in DCC attendees in Portugal (47 children in three rooms; mean age 2 years; range 1–3 years) and Finland (91 children in seven rooms; mean age 4 years; range 1–7 years) were analysed with a continuous-time event history model in a Bayesian framework. The monthly rates of within-room transmission, community acquisition and clearing carriage were estimated.

Results

The posterior mean of within-room transmission rate was 1.05 per month (Portugal) vs. 0.63 per month (Finland). The smaller rate of clearance in Portugal (0.57 vs. 0.73 per month) is in accordance with the children being younger. The overall community rate of acquisition was larger in the Portuguese setting (0.25 vs. 0.11 per month), in agreement with that the groups belonged to a larger DCC. The model adequately predicted the observed levels of carriage prevalence and longitudinal patterns in carriage acquisition and clearance.

Conclusions

The difference in prevalence of carriage (61% in Portuguese vs. 26% among Finnish DCC attendees) was assigned to the longer duration of carriage in younger attendees and a significantly higher rate of within-room transmission and community acquisition in the Portuguese setting.
Validation of a Spanish version of the psychological inflexibility in pain scale (PIPS) and an evaluation of its relation with acceptance of pain and mindfulness in sample of persons with fibromyalgia
Authors: Rodero Baltasar , Pereira Joao Paulo , Pérez-Yus Maria Cruz , Casanueva Benigno , Serrano-Blanco Antonio , Rodrigues da Cunha Ribeiro Maria J , Luciano Juan V , Garcia-Campayo Javier
Published: April 2013

Background

Psychological flexibility has been suggested as a fundamental process in health. The Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS) is one of the scales employed for assessing psychological inflexibility in pain patients. The aim of this study was to validate the Spanish version of the PIPS and secondly, to compare it to two other psychological constructs, the acceptance of pain and mindfulness scales.

Methods

The PIPS was translated into Spanish by two bilingual linguistic experts, and then, back-translated into English to assess for equivalence. The final Spanish version was administered along with the Pain Visual Analogue Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, to 250 Spanish patients with fibromyalgia. Face validity, construct validity, reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and convergent validity were tested. Also a multiple regression analysis was carried out.The usual guidelines have been followed for cross-cultural adaptations.

Results

Data were very similar to the ones obtained in the original PIPS version. The construct validity confirmed the original two-components solution which explained 61.6% of the variance. The Spanish PIPS had good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.97) and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.90). The Spanish PIPS’ score correlated significantly with worse global functioning (r= 0.55), anxiety (r= 0.54), depression (r= 0.66), pain catastrophizing (r= 0.62), pain acceptance (r= −0.72) and mindfulness (r= −0.47), as well as correlating modestly with pain intensity (r= 0.12). The multiple regression analyses showed that psychological inflexibility, acceptance and mindfulness are not overlapped.

Conclusions

The Spanish PIPS scale appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for the evaluation of psychological inflexibility among a sample of fibromyalgia patients. These results ensure the use of this scale in research as well as in clinical practice. Psychological inflexibility measures processes different from other related components such as acceptance and mindfulness.
Organic acids for control of Salmonellain different feed materials
Authors: Koyuncu Sevinc , Andersson Mats Gunnar , Löfström Charlotta , Skandamis Panagiotis N , Gounadaki Antonia , Zentek Jürgen , Häggblom Per
Published: April 2013

Background

Salmonella control in animal feed is important in order to protect animal and public health. Organic acids is one of the control measures used for treatment of Salmonella contaminated feed or feed ingredients. In the present study, the efficacy of formic acid (FA) and different blends of FA, propionic acid (PA) and sodium formate (SF) was investigated. Four Salmonella strains isolated from feed were assayed for their acid tolerance. Also, the effect of lower temperatures (5°C and 15°C) compared to room temperature was investigated in rape seed and soybean meal.

Results

The efficacy of acid treatments varied significantly between different feed materials. The strongest reduction was seen in pelleted and compound mash feed (2.5 log10 reduction) followed by rapeseed meal (1 log10 reduction) after 5 days exposure. However, in soybean meal the acid effects were limited (less than 0.5 log10 reduction) even after several weeks’ exposure. In all experiments the survival curves showed a concave shape, with a fast initial death phase followed by reduction at a slower rate during the remaining time of the experiment.

No difference in Salmonella reduction was observed between FA and a blend of FA and PA, whereas a commercial blend of FA and SF (Amasil) was slightly more efficacious (0.5-1 log10 reduction) than a blend of FA and PA (Luprocid) in compound mash feed. The Salmonella Infantis strain was found to be the most acid tolerant strain followed by, S. Putten, S. Senftenberg and S. Typhimurium. The tolerance of the S. Infantis strain compared with the S. Typhimurium strain was statistically significant (p<0.05). The lethal effect of FA on the S. Typhimurium strain and the S. Infantis strain was lower at 5°C and 15°C compared to room temperatures.

Conclusions

Acid treatment of Salmonella in feed is a matter of reducing the number of viable bacterial cells rather than eliminating the organism. Recommendations on the use of acids for controlling Salmonella in feed should take into account the relative efficacy of acid treatment in different feed materials, the variation in acid tolerance between different Salmonella strains, and the treatment temperature.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for recurrent pneumothorax in pulmonary lymphangioleimyomatosis with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Tsai Chia-Fen , Hsiao Chen-Hao , Lee Jang-Ming , Chen Ke-Cheng , Shieh Ming-Jium , Lai Hong-Shiee , Chen Jin-Shing
Published: April 2013

Pneumothorax in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a difficult condition to manage. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) may play a role in diagnosis and treatment of this situation. We present a case of right recurrent pneumothorax due to LAM with TSC in whom VATS was performed for pathological diagnosis and mechanical pleurodesis. The unique presentation of LAM in TSC was also discussed.
Prevalence of clinical findings at examinations of young Swedish warmblood ridinghorses
Authors: Jönsson Lina , Roepstorff Lars , Egenvall Agneta , Näsholm Anna , Dalin Göran , Philipsson Jan
Published: April 2013

Background

Soundness of an individual horse is important for animal welfare and ownereconomy. However, knowledge of health status in normal horse populations islimited due to lack of systematic health recordings. The aim of theinvestigation was to study the prevalence of veterinary clinical findings in4-5-year-old Swedish warmblood riding horses, and their influence on overallhealth scores, where associations to future longevity has beenindicated.

Results

The prevalence of clinical findings in 8,281 horses examined during1983–2005 was studied according to a standardised protocol and relatedto overall health scores in linear statistical models. Effects of sex, age,examination event and changes over time were included. In total, 49% of thehorses had clinical findings of medical health (MED), 42% in hooves (HOOF)and 74% of palpatory orthopaedic health (PALP). However, only 6%, 3% and 24%had moderate or severe findings, of MED, HOOF and PALP, respectively.Flexion test reactions were reported in 21% of the horses (5%moderate/severe), heavily influencing the overall score (H2). One fifth ofthese horses also had findings of unprovoked lameness while 83% had PALPfindings (44% with moderate/severe findings). Acute clinical signs, i.e.heat or soreness, had a large influence on the H2 score but were rare,whereas more common clinical findings had smaller effects on overall health.Large variations in recorded health results were observed among events. Adecrease in findings has occurred since 1983, in particular for PALPfindings.

Conclusions

Results of occurrence and relevance of evaluated clinical findings could beused for advice on preventive actions to keep horses sound, and possibly forbenchmarking, and genetic evaluation of health traits. The distinct effectof event on recorded clinical findings emphasises that further harmonisationof veterinary examinations are desirable.
Locally advanced paraganglioma of the urinary bladder: a case report
Authors: Beilan Jonathan , Lawton Adrienne , Hajdenberg Julio , Rosser Charles J
Published: April 2013

Background

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare tumor. Herein we sought to describe a case of locally advanced paraganglioma of the urinary bladder managed by partial cystectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection.

Case presentation

The case of a 43-year old Haitian male with locally advanced paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is presented in detail. Through surgical extirpation, our patient was rendered disease-free. Eighteen months later the patient is doing well without symptoms but is noted to have subcentimeter bilateral pulmonary nodules and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. No further therapy has been initiated at this time.

Conclusions

Patients with localized tumors have an extremely favorable prognosis and may be managed by less aggressive modalities, whereas patients with metastatic disease have a significant reduced survival rate despite aggressive treatment.
Thrombelastography (TEG®): practical considerations on its clinical use in trauma resuscitation
Authors: da Luz Luis Teodoro , Nascimento Bartolomeu , Rizoli Sandro
Published: April 2013

Background

Thrombelastography is a laboratorial test that measures viscoelastic changes of the entire clotting process. There is growing interest in its clinical use in trauma resuscitation, particularly for managing acute coagulopathy of trauma and assisting decision making concerning transfusion. This review focuses on the clinical use of thrombelastography in trauma, with practical points to consider on its use in civilian and military settings.

Methods

A search in the literature using the terms “thrombelastography AND trauma” was performed in PUBMED database. We focused the review on the main clinical aspects of this viscoelastic method in diagnosing and treating patients with acute coagulopathy of trauma during initial resuscitation.

Results

Thrombelastography is not a substitute for conventional laboratorial tests such as INR and aPTT but offers additional information and may guide blood transfusion. Thrombelastography can be used as a point of care test but requires multiple daily calibrations, should be performed by trained personnel and its technique requires standardization. While useful partial results may be available in minutes, the whole test may take as long as other conventional tests. The most important data provided by thrombelastography are clot strength and fibrinolysis. Clot strength measure can establish whether the bleeding is due to coagulopathy or not, and is the key information in thrombelastography-based transfusion algorithms. Thrombelastography is among the few tests that diagnose and quantify fibrinolysis and thus guide the use of anti-fibrinolytic drugs and blood products such as cryoprecipitate and fibrinogen concentrate. It may also diagnose platelet dysfunction and hypercoagulability and potentially prevent inappropriate transfusions of hemostatic blood products to non-coagulopathic patients.

Conclusions

Thrombelastography has characteristics of an ideal coagulation test for use in early trauma resuscitation. It has limitations, but may prove useful as an additional test. Future studies should evaluate its potential to guide blood transfusion and the understanding of the mechanisms of trauma coagulopathy.
Roles of plant growth regulators on yield, grain qualities and antioxidant enzyme activities in super hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Pan Shenggang , Rasul Fahd , Li Wu , Tian Hua , Mo Zhaowen , Duan Meiyang , Tang Xiangru
Published: April 2013

Background

Plant growth regulators play important roles in plant growth and development, but little is known about roles of plant growth regulators in yield, grain qualities and antioxidant enzyme activities in super hybrid rice. In this study, gibberellic acid(GA3), paclobutrazol (PBZ), 6-Benzylaminopurine(6-BA) treatments and distilled water (control) were sprayed to two hybrid rice cultivars (Peizataifeng and Huayou 86) at the heading stage in the field experiments in both early and late season in 2007. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with four replications. Cultivars treatments with two newly developed super hybrid rice Peizataifeng and Huayou86 were the main plots and plant growth regulators treatments were the subplots. Subplot treatments included (1) plots sprayed with distilled water(CK), (2) plots sprayed with 20 mg L-1 GA3 prepared using 95% ethanol as surfactant(GA3), (3) plots sprayed with 50 mg L-1 PBZ(PBZ), (4) plots sprayed with 30 mg L-1 6-BA(6-BA).

Results

Spraying PBZ with 50 mg L-1 or 6-BA with 30 mg L-1 at the heading stage could increase the number of spikelets per panicle, seed setting rate and grain yields in Peizataifeng and Huayou86 in both seasons. PBZ treatment also significantly improved head rice rate and amylose content in Peizataifeng and Huayou86 in early season. Furthermore, it was observed that spraying PBZ or 6-BA could increase super oxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, decrease accumulation of malendialdehyde (MDA) in flag leaves at the late growth stage.

Conclusions

Application of PBZ or 6-BA partially alleviated the detrimental effects of rice senescence by modulating the activity of enzymatic antioxidants, and improving antioxidant system, which helped in sustaining plant growth. Therefore, spraying PBZ with 50 mg L-1 or 6-BA with 30 mg L-1 at the heading stage could increase grain yields and improve grain qualities in the two super hybrid rice.
Open label study of escalating doses of oral treprostinil diethanolamine in patients with systemic sclerosis and digital ischemia: pharmacokinetics and correlation with digital perfusion
Authors: Shah Ami A , Schiopu Elena , Hummers Laura K , Wade Michael , Phillips Kristine , Anderson Cynthia , Wise Robert , Boin Francesco , Seibold James R , Wigley Fredrick , Rollins Kristan D
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Treprostinil diethanolamine is an innovative salt form of the prostacyclin analogue, treprostinil sodium, developed as an oral sustained release (SR) osmotic tablet. The availability of a formulation permitting convenient systemic delivery might have applicability to scleroderma vascular complications. We evaluated pharmacokinetics and perfusion in scleroderma patients with digital ischemia following escalating twice-daily doses of treprostinil diethanolamine SR.

Methods

Scleroderma patients with digital ulcers were enrolled in this dual-center, open-label, phase I pharmacokinetic study. Drug concentrations and perfusion, quantified by laser Doppler imaging, were measured over 12 hours at the 2 mg and 4 mg (or maximally tolerated) doses. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from individual plasma concentration versus time profiles using non-compartmental analysis methods. Digital perfusion and skin temperature were modeled as a function of log-transformed drug concentration and other covariates by performing repeated measures analyses using random effects models.

Results

Nineteen scleroderma patients (84% female, 53% limited scleroderma) received treprostinil diethanolamine SR with dose titration up to 4 mg twice daily as tolerated. Peak concentrations (mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) = 1,176 and 2,107 pg/mL) occurred approximately 3.6 hours after dose administration, and overall exposure (under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to 12 hours post dose (AUC0-12) = 7,187 and 12,992 hr*pg/mL) was linear between the 2 mg and 4 mg doses. Perfusion and digital skin temperature were positively associated with log-transformed plasma concentration at the 4 mg dose (P = 0.015 and P = 0.013, respectively). The most frequent adverse events were similar to those seen with prostacyclin analogues.

Conclusions

Oral treprostinil diethanolamine was effectively absorbed in patients with scleroderma. Drug administration was temporally associated with improved cutaneous perfusion and temperature. Treprostinil diethanolamine may provide a new therapeutic option for Raynaud's phenomenon and the peripheral vascular disease of scleroderma.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00848939.
Reduced Neuroanatomic Volumes in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Zeller Bernward , Tamnes Christian K. , Kanellopoulos Adriani , Amlien Inge K. , Andersson Stein , Due-Tønnessen Paulina , Fjell Anders M. , Walhovd Kristine B. , Westlye Lars T. , Ruud Ellen
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To compare regional brain volumes in adult long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and healthy controls.

Patients and Methods

We investigated 130 survivors of childhood ALL diagnosed between 1970 and 2002 with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological testing at a median of 22.5 years after diagnosis. Morphometric analyses including whole-brain segmentation were performed using a validated automated procedure; 130 healthy adults served as controls.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, ALL survivors showed significantly smaller volumes of cortical gray matter, cerebral white matter, amygdala, caudate, hippocampus, thalamus, and estimated intracranial volume. Effect sizes ranged from small to medium. The strongest effect was found for the caudate, which on average was 5.2% smaller in ALL survivors. Caudate volumes were also smaller when controlling for intracranial volume, suggesting a specific effect. Neither age at diagnosis nor treatment variables such as radiation therapy or drug dose had a major impact on neuroanatomic volumes. Neuropsychological assessment revealed reduced processing speed, executive function, and verbal learning/memory in survivors compared with controls but no difference in estimated general intellectual ability. In ALL survivors, but not in controls, neuropsychological test results correlated with volumes of cortical gray matter, caudate, and thalamus as well as intracranial volume.

Conclusion

Structural MRI of long-term survivors of childhood ALL demonstrated smaller volumes of multiple brain structures compared with healthy controls. Because of possible selection biases, these results must be interpreted with caution. Future studies are required to clarify the significance of these findings and the neurobiologic mechanisms involved.
Assessment of Chemometric Methods for the Non-Invasive Monitoring of Solid Blending Processes Using Wireless near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Rosas Juan G. , Blanco Marcel , Santamaría Fernando , Alcalà Manel
Published: April 2013

The US Food and Drug Administration's process analytical technology (PAT) initiative has encouraged the pharmaceutical industry to strengthen research with a view to developing new analytical technologies for improving blending processes. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, which is sensitive to both physical and chemical attributes of substances, has proved a powerful non-invasive analytical technique for this purpose. In this paper, we propose a criterion to assess blending uniformity and accurately detect the end-point of a blending process. The criterion was established by using partial least squares (PLS) regression and calibration-free methods including moving block standard deviation of spectra, principal component scores distance analysis and the mixing index ( M). The mixing index was found to provide accurate, robust results with a view to assessing blending uniformity, as was PLS for detecting blending end-points. This novel criterion allowed us to assess the homogeneity of a mixture, without the need of a reference method, a golden batch or a calibration set. In fact, the M index was found to be an easy method and it is a highly suitable tool for PAT as it allows the accurate, precise real-time monitoring of blending processes with minimal intervention of the analyst.
Feasibility Study on the Evaluation of the Dry Rubber Content of Field and Concentrated Latex of Para Rubber by Diffuse Reflectance near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Sirisomboon Panmanas , Kaewkuptong Apidul , Williams Phil
Published: April 2013

The analysis of the dry rubber content (DRC) of Para rubber latex, including field latex and concentrated latex, using near infrared spectroscopy was conducted using a Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectrometer in diffuse reflection mode over the wavenumber range of 4000–10,000 cm−1. The proposed method is useful for industrial purposes. The best model was developed using the partial least square regression (PLSR) from the spectra, which were pretreated using the 2nd derivative method, where the correlation ( r2), standard error of prediction ( SEP) and bias were 0.997, 0.3398% and −0.0239%, respectively. The ratio of standard deviation ( SD) to SEP of the reference data in the prediction sample set ( RPD) was 18.18 and the ratio of the range to the SEP of the prediction set ( REP) was 74.4. The model was validated using a new batch of samples and the prediction performance was good with an r2 of 0.999, a SEP of 0.3898% and a bias of −0.0008%. Therefore, the NIR spectroscopy technique can be used as an accurate and rapid method for estimating the DRC of Para rubber latex for both field and concentrated latex.
Analysis of plasma 3-methoxytyramine, normetanephrine and metanephrine by ultraperformance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry: utility for diagnosis of dopamine-producing metastatic phaeochromocytoma
Authors: Peitzsch Mirko , Prejbisz Aleksander , Kroiß Matthias , Beuschlein Felix , Arlt Wiebke , Januszewicz Andrzej , Siegert Gabriele , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: April 2013

Background

Measurements of plasma normetanephrine (NMN) and metanephrine (MN) provide a sensitive test for diagnosis of phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), but do not allow detection of dopamine-producing tumours. Here we introduce a novel mass spectrometric based method coupled to ultraperformance liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS) for measuring NMN, MN and 3-methoxytyramine (MTY), the O-methylated metabolite of dopamine.

Methods

Specific collision-induced fragment ions assessed by multireaction monitoring transitions were used for identification, with quantification according to signal intensities of analytes relative to stable isotope labelled internal standards. Results for solid-phase extracted samples from 196 subjects analysed by LC-MS/MS were compared with those analysed by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LC-ECD). Concentration ranges in 125 volunteers were compared with those from 63 patients with PPGLs, including 14 with metastatic disease.

Results

The LC-MS/MS method showed linearity over four orders of magnitude with analytical sensitivity sufficient to measure to 0.02 nmol/L. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation ranged from 2.8% to 13.5%. NMN and MN were respectively measured 17% and 10% higher and MTY 26% lower by LC-MS/MS than by LC-ECD. Medians and ranges for 3-methoxytramine, NMN and MN were respectively 0.08 (0.03-0.13), 0.35 (0.13-0.95) and 0.15 (0.07-0.33) nmol/L in volunteers. Among patients with PPGLs, plasma methoxytyramine was six-fold higher in patients with than without metastastases (1.09 versus 0.19 nmol/L) and in three patients was the only metabolite increased.

Conclusions

The LC-MS/MS method enables accurate, selective and sensitive measurements of catecholamine O-methylated metabolites that should be particularly useful for screening and management of dopamine-producing metastatic PPGLs.
Demography and biochemistry of 2800 patients from a renal stones clinic
Authors: Walker Valerie , Stansbridge Elizabeth M , Griffin Damian G
Published: April 2013

Background

Because the causes of stones are uncertain, interventions to prevent recurrence have an insecure foundation. Progress depends on careful evaluation of stone formers.

Methods

A descriptive retrospective database study of 1983 men and 816 women from the Southampton stones clinic from 1990 to March 2007. Anonymized data from the first attendance were analysed using non-parametric statistical tests.

Results

Sex ratio (2.43:1), age (median 49 y, 2.5th-97.5th percentiles, 23-77 y men, 20-79 y women), recurrent stone formers (30%) and type of stone were similar to other centres. Women more often had a positive family history (24% versus 19% men), previous urinary infection (31% versus 5%) and structural urinary tract abnormality (14% versus 7%); more men had gout (5% versus 1%) and bladder outlet obstruction (3% versus <1%). Calcium, oxalate and uric acid excretion were increased in 43%, 17% and 22% respectively of men and 31%, 7% and 10% of women. Urinary calcium, oxalate and uric acid correlated significantly, r ranging from 0.149 to 0.311 for 24 h excretion and 0.510 to 0.695 for concentrations per litre. Twenty-two percent of men and 8% of women with normal parathyroid hormone had phosphaturia (excretion of phosphate corrected for glomerular filtration rate (TmPO4/GFR) < 0.70 mmol/L); 6% men and 1.6% women also had low plasma phosphate. Many variables correlated significantly but often weakly with age. Creatinine clearance, pH and (men) TmPO4/GFR decreased from 50 y, urine creatinine, calcium and citrate from 60 y.

Conclusions

Risk factors for stones differ between men and women, change with ageing and in some may have a genetic basis. The role of phosphaturia merits further exploration.
Lipoprotein X in a patient with cholestasis and hypertriglyceridaemia
Authors: Stepien Karolina M , Divyateja Hrushikesh , Ahmed Farhan , Prinsloo Peter , Gupta Pankaj
Published: April 2013

Hypertriglyceridaemia is an established cause of acute pancreatitis and responds to insulin therapy in addition to lipid lowering medication. We report a case of severe hypertriglycaeridemia of 149 mmol/L in a 36–year–old man with type 2 diabetes who presented to the surgical ward with abdominal pain due to pancreatitis and developed acute cholestasis, jaundice and eruptive xanthomata. His triglycerides improved to 3.8 mmol/L with sliding scale insulin within two weeks of in-hospital stay. However, his total cholesterol remained raised at 23.7 mmol/L. The lipoprotein electrophoresis confirmed the presence of lipoprotein X associated with bile obstruction, which contributed to an increase in total cholesterol. The total cholesterol normalized on improvement of his cholestasis.
Statins suppress glucose-induced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression by regulating RhoA and nuclear factor-kB activities in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Ni Xiao-Qing , Zhu Jian-Hua , Yao Ning-Hua , Qian Juan , Yang Xiang-Jun
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible proinflammatory signaling pathways involved in statin inhibition of glucose-induced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs). Primary rat CMECs were grown in the presence of 5.7 or 23 mmol/L glucose. PAI-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were measured by realtime polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. A pull-down assay was performed to determine RhoA activity. IkBa protein expression was measured by Western blotting, nuclear factor (NF)-kB activation was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and its transcription activity was determined by a dual luciferase reporter gene assay. PAI-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were both increased with high glucose concentrations, but they were significantly suppressed by simvastatin and atorvastatin treatment (P, 0.01) and the effects were reversed by mevalonate (100 mmol/L) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (10 μmol/L) but not farnesyl pyrophosphate (10 μmol/L). Such effects were similar to those of a RhoA inhibitor, C3 exoenzyme (5 μg/mL), inhibitors of RhoA kinase (ROCK), Y-27632 (10 μmol/L) and hydroxyfasudil (10 μmol/L) and an NF-kB inhibitor, BAY 11-7082 (5mmol/L). High glucose-induced RhoA and NF-kB activations in CMECs were both significantly inhibited by statins (P, 0.01). Simvastatin and atorvastatin equally suppress high glucose-induced PAI-1 expression. These effects of statins may occur partly by regulating the RhoA/ROCK-NF-kB pathway. The multifunctional roles of statins may be particularly beneficial for patients with metabolic syndrome.
XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism and bladder cancer risk: updated meta-analyses based on 5767 cases and 6919 controls
Authors: Zhuo Wenlei , Zhang Liang , Cai Lei , Zhu Bo , Chen Zhengtang
Published: April 2013

Previous reports implicate XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism as a possible risk factor for several cancers. Published meta-analyses have been conducted on the association of XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism with susceptibility to bladder cancer, and have generated conflicting results. The present study aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship. Updated meta-analyses assessing the association of XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism with bladder cancer were conducted and subgroup analyses on ethnicity, smoking status and source of controls were further performed. Eligible studies were identified for the period up to May 2012. A total of 19 case-control studies comprising 5767 cases and 6919 controls were lastly selected for analysis. The overall data failed to indicate significant associations between XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism and bladder cancer risk (Gln/Gln versus Arg/Arg: odds ratio (OR) = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.85-1.10; dominant model: OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.94-1.09; recessive model: OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.84-1.07). In subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, smoking status and source of controls, respectively, similar results were obtained. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism might not modify the susceptibility to bladder cancer. Further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.
Chemotherapy-induced mucositis: the role of the gastrointestinal microbiome and toll-like receptors
Authors: Thorpe Daniel W , Stringer Andrea M , Gibson Rachel J
Published: April 2013

Alimentary mucositis is a major clinical problem. Patients with mucositis are at significantly increased risk of infection and are often hospitalized for prolonged periods. More importantly, these patients often have to undergo reductions in their cytotoxic therapy, which may lead to reduced survival. Unfortunately, there are very limited therapeutic options for mucositis and no effective prevention. The human gut microbiome is receiving increased attention as a key player in the pathogenesis of alimentary mucositis with recent literature suggesting that changes in bacteria lead to mucositis. The bacteria which are found throughout the gut are tightly regulated by the toll-like receptor (TLR) family which currently has 13 known members. TLRs play a critical role in gut homeostasis and bacterial regulation. Furthermore, TLRs play a critical role in the regulation of nuclear factor kappa B, a key regulator of alimentary mucositis. However to date, no research has clearly identified a link between TLRs and alimentary mucositis. This critical literature review seeks to correct this.
MODERN VIEW ON CAREER: FROM EXPERIENCE OF CAREER COUNSELLING
Authors: Могилевкин  , Mogilevkin Evgeniy
Published: April 2013

Development of career views that occurred in the last decades is considered in this article. Modern career models, proceeding from subject and valuable approaches are described. The algorithm of career coach work is provided.
LABOUR AS A TIME CHALLENGE: THE Vth ANNIVERSARY SIBERIAN PERSONNEL FORUM
Authors: Сотникова  , Sotnikova Svetlana
Published: April 2013

Novosibirsk State University of Economy and Management (NGUEU) represented by the Chair of labour economy and personnel management held the Vth Anniversary Siberian Personnel Forum which has assembled together representatives of business structures, public authorities, academic science and higher education institutions, students and graduate students.
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CHAIR OF SURGUT STATE UNIVERSITY OF KHMAO — UGRA
Authors: Бакшеев  , Baksheev Sergey
Published: April 2013

History of creation and formation of, main areas of Chair’s activity, foreign contacts, participation of teachers in competitions, professional development and retraining of specialists of region’s organizations are considered in this article.
Enhancing Stochastic Kriging Metamodels with Gradient Estimators
Authors: Chen Xi , Ankenman Bruce E. , Nelson Barry L.
Published: April 2013

Stochastic kriging is a new metamodeling technique for effectively representing the mean response surface implied by a stochastic simulation; it takes into account both stochastic simulation noise and uncertainty about the underlying response surface of interest. We show theoretically, through some simplified models, that incorporating gradient estimators into stochastic kriging tends to significantly improve surface prediction. To address the issue of which type of gradient estimator to use, when there is a choice, we briefly review stochastic gradient estimation techniques; we then focus on the properties of infinitesimal perturbation analysis and likelihood ratio/score function gradient estimators and make recommendations. To conclude, we use simulation experiments with no simplifying assumptions to demonstrate that the use of stochastic kriging with gradient estimators provides more reliable prediction results than stochastic kriging alone.
Expert Elicitation of Adversary Preferences Using Ordinal Judgments
Authors: Wang Chen , Bier Vicki M.
Published: April 2013

We introduce a simple elicitation process where subject-matter experts provide only ordinal judgments of the attractiveness of potential targets, and the adversary utility of each target is assumed to involve multiple attributes. Probability distributions over the various attribute weights are then mathematically derived (using either probabilistic inversion or Bayesian density estimation). This elicitation process reduces the burden of time-consuming orientation and training in traditional methods of attribute weight elicitation, and explicitly captures the existing uncertainty and disagreement among experts, rather than attempts to achieve consensus by eliminating them. We identify the relationship between the two methods and conduct sensitivity analysis to elucidate how these methods handle expert consensus or disagreement. We also present a real-world application on elicitation of adversarial preferences over various attack scenarios to show the applicability of our proposed methods.
Effects of Formulated Glyphosate and Adjuvant Tank Mixes on Atomization from Aerial Application Flat Fan Nozzles
Authors: Fritz Bradley K. , Hoffmann W. Clint , Bagley W. E.
Published: April 2013

This study was designed to determine if the present USDA-ARS spray-nozzle models, which were based on spray solutions of water plus non-ionic surfactant, could be used to estimate spray droplet-size data for different spray formulations through use of experimentally determined correction factors. Twelve spray-solution treatments were evaluated, ten of which contained a formulated glyphosate product and nine of these contained an additional tank-mix adjuvant. Droplet-size testing was conducted across multiple operational points (nozzle-orifice size, nozzle orientation, spray pressure, and airspeed), in a high-speed wind tunnel, which corresponds to the response surface experimental model used to develop the present spray-nozzle models. The hypothesis that the different treatment solutions would respond linearly across a range of operational parameters and that a correction factor from relative to water plus non-ionic surfactant solution was proven false. When compared to water or the water plus non-ionic surfactant, the changes in atomization across the operation spectrum of the nozzle were not consistent and varied by formulation. Attempts to apply regression fits for a correction factor based on solution physical properties were not successful. With the formulated glyphosate tank mix used, none of the adjuvants tested, except the polymer, showed significant changes in droplet size under the high air shear regime. Whereas there is likely a need to develop formulated product-specific atomization models, the further addition of adjuvants do not significantly change the atomization characteristics, and, as such, should not require a unique spray-nozzle model.
A Fast Estimate for the Population Recombination Rate Based on Regression
Authors: Lin Kao , Futschik Andreas , Li Haipeng
Published: April 2013

Recombination is a fundamental evolutionary force. Therefore the population recombination rate ρ plays an important role in the analysis of population genetic data; however, it is notoriously difficult to estimate. This difficulty applies both to the accuracy of commonly used estimates and to the computational efforts required to obtain them. Some particularly popular methods are based on approximations to the likelihood. They require considerably less computational efforts than the full-likelihood method with not much less accuracy. Nevertheless, the computation of these approximate estimates can still be very time consuming, in particular when the sample size is large. Although auxiliary quantities for composite likelihood estimates can be computed in advance and stored in tables, these tables need to be recomputed if either the sample size or the mutation rate θ changes. Here we introduce a new method based on regression combined with boosting as a model selection technique. For large samples, it requires much less computational effort than other approximate methods, while providing similar levels of accuracy. Notably, for a sample of hundreds or thousands of individuals, the estimate of ρ using regression can be obtained on a single personal computer within a couple of minutes while other methods may need a couple of days or months (or even years). When the sample size is smaller (n ≤ 50), our new method remains computational efficient but produces biased estimates. We expect the new estimates to be helpful when analyzing large samples and/or many loci with possibly different mutation rates.
Haemophilus influenzae Type b in an Immunocompetent, Fully Vaccinated ALL Survivor
Authors: Nevin John , Kanter Washko Julie , Arnold John
Published: April 2013

A 7-year-old boy with a history of recurrent acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in remission, presented to primary care clinic after 2 days of progressive right hip pain with weight-bearing activities. He was otherwise asymptomatic at the time of presentation. Blood cultures revealed Gram-negative diplococci, which prompted an MRI that was significant for a hip joint effusion and femoral head bone marrow edema. The patient had no sick contacts and no significant past medical history other than ALL. The patient had been given all recommended childhood vaccinations. Arthrocentesis and needle biopsy of the femoral neck were not diagnostic for malignancy and revealed only mild hip joint inflammation, leading to a diagnosis of osteomyelitis. The organism in the original blood culture was identified as Haemophilus influenzae type b, β-lactamase negative. Review of the patient’s medical records showed a history of complete immunization to Haemophilus influenzae type b. An immunologic evaluation was made to determine if the patient retained immunity from his other vaccinations. Pathogen-specific antibody testing revealed detectable antibodies to polio but not measles, mumps, rubella, varicella-zoster virus, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, or hepatitis B. This loss of immunologic memory appears to be a rarely described side effect of ALL chemotherapy. There is currently no protocol to evaluate the immunologic memory of patients who underwent chemotherapy for ALL or to revaccinate them after their treatment. It is unclear whether the loss of immunologic memory is genuinely rare or is underdiagnosed because affected patients are protected by herd immunity.