bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Nanostructured AA3103 by Equal Channel Angular Pressing and Thermal Treatments
Authors: Luis C. J. , Luri R. , León J. , Puertas I. , Salcedo D. , Pérez I.
Published: April 2014

This work presents a study related to the achievement of a nanometric structure in AA3103, employing severe plastic deformation processes (SPD), in this case equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The changes in the mechanical properties and in the microstructure of AA3103 were studied after being processed by ECAP. Subsequently, scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the evolution of the microstructure after different thermal treatments on the material processed by this severe plastic deformation process. Furthermore, a more profound knowledge of the changes in the mechanical properties of this aluminium alloy was obtained. It was demonstrated that with different appropriate combinations of thermal treatments and ECAP processing, it is possible to significantly improve the mechanical properties through obtaining submicrometric grain size structures.
The Mre11 Cellular Protein Is Modified by Conjugation of Both SUMO-1 and SUMO-2/3 during Adenovirus Infection
Authors: Castillo-Villanueva Elizabeth , Ballesteros Grisel , Schmid Melanie , Hidalgo Paloma , Schreiner Sabrina , Dobner Thomas , Gonzalez Ramon A.
Published: April 2014

The adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) E1B 55 kDa and E4 Orf6 proteins assemble a Cullin 5-E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase that targets, among other cellular proteins, p53 and the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex for degradation. The latter is also inhibited by the E4 Orf3 protein, which promotes the recruitment of Mre11 into specific nuclear sites to promote viral DNA replication. The activities associated with the E1B 55 kDa and E4 Orf6 viral proteins depend mostly on the assembly of this E3-Ub ligase. However, E1B 55 kDa can also function as an E3-SUMO ligase, suggesting not only that regulation of cellular proteins by these viral early proteins may depend on polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation but also that SUMOylation of target proteins may play a key role in their activities. Since Mre11 is a target of both the E1B/E4 Orf6 complex and E4 Orf3, we decided to determine whether Mre11 displayed similar properties to those of other cellular targets, in Ad5-infected cells. We have found that during Ad5-infection, Mre11 is modified by SUMO-1 and SUMO-2/3 conjugation. Unexpectedly, SUMOylation of Mre11 is not exclusively dependent on E1B 55 kDa, E4 Orf6, or E4 Orf3, rather it seems to be influenced by a molecular interplay that involves each of these viral early proteins.
Are There Gender-Specific Aspects in Obesity and Metabolic Surgery? Data Analysis from the German Bariatric Surgery Registry
Authors: Stroh Christine , Weiner Rudolf , Wolff Stefanie , Knoll Christian , Manger Thomas ,   for the Obesity Surgery Working Group and Competence Network Obesity
Published: April 2014

Background: Since January 2005, the status of bariatric surgery in Germany has been examined in conjunction with a quality assurance study of the German Bariatric Surgery Registry (GBSR). All data are registered prospectively in cooperation with the Institute for Quality Assurance in Surgical Medicine at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany. Methods: Data are registered in an online database. Data collection on obesity and metabolic surgery is voluntary, and was started in 2005. In addition, follow-up data are collected once a year. Results: Since 2005, 8,293 sleeve gastrectomies, 10,330 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures, and 3,741 gastric banding procedures have been performed in Germany, according to the data of the GBSR. Mean age and mean body mass index of female patients with gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were significantly lower than those of male patients. The incidence of relevant comorbidities was significantly higher in male than in female patients. Conclusion: Metabolic and obesity surgery is becoming more and more popular in Germany. Data from the GBSR study show significant differences in preoperative comorbidities and postoperative complication and mortality rates between male and female patients. There is a need for further evaluation of gender-specific aspects to optimize patient selection and reduce specific postoperative complications.
Gender-Specific Effects on Immune Response and Cardiac Function after Trauma Hemorrhage and Sepsis
Authors: Albertsmeier Markus , Pratschke Sebastian , Chaudry Irshad , Angele Martin K.
Published: April 2014

Background: Studies in human as well as animal models indicate a gender-specific responsiveness of the immune and organ systems with regard to shock, trauma, and sepsis. Methods: A literature review was performed. Results: Cell-mediated immune responses and cardiovascular functions are suppressed in males following trauma hemorrhage, whereas they are maintained or even enhanced in females in the proestrus state of the estrus cycle. Experimental studies have demonstrated that divergent immune responses in males and females following adverse circulatory conditions are mediated by the gender-specific hormones testosterone and estrogen. Several clinical trials, however, failed to demonstrate a significant association of gender and inflammatory response. This may be explained by the heterogeneity of the population in terms of their hormonal status at the time of injury. Conclusions: With regard to the underlying mechanisms, receptors for sex hormones have been identified on various immune cells, suggesting direct effects of these hormones on immune function. Alternatively, indirect effects of sex steroids such as changes in cardiovascular responses or androgen- and estrogen-synthesizing enzymes might contribute to gender-specific immune responses. Clinical studies suggest that sex hormones, such as dehydroepiandrosterone, modulate the function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells also following abdominal surgery. Thus, sex hormones, receptor antagonists, and sex steroid-synthesizing enzymes might be useful in the future for modulating the complex immune responses after trauma hemorrhage and sepsis.
Applying the Gender Lens to Risk Factors and Outcome after Adult Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Eifert Sandra , Guethoff Sonja , Kaczmarek Ingo , Beiras-Fernandez Andres , Seeland Ute , Gulbins Helmut , Seeburger Jörg , Deutsch Oliver , Jungwirth Bettina , Katsari Elpiniki , Dohmen Pascal , Pfannmueller Bettina , Hultgren Rebecka , Schade Ina , Kublickiene Karolina , Mohr Friedrich W. , Gansera Brigitte
Published: April 2014

Background: Applying the gender lens to risk factors and outcome after adult cardiac surgery is of major clinical interest, as the inclusion of sex and gender in research design and analysis may guarantee more comprehensive cardiovascular science and may consecutively result in a more effective surgical treatment as well as cost savings in cardiac surgery. Methods: We have reviewed classical cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking) according to a gender-based approach. Furthermore, we have examined comorbidities such as depression, renal insufficiency, and hormonal influences in regard to gender. Gender-sensitive economic aspects have been evaluated, surgical outcome has been analyzed, and cardiovascular research has been considered from a gender perspective. Results: The influence of typical risk factors and outcome after cardiac surgery has been evaluated from a gender perspective, and the gender-specific distribution of these risk factors is reported on. The named comorbidities are listed. Economic aspects demonstrated a gender gap. Outcome after coronary and valvular surgeries as well as after heart transplantation are displayed in this regard. Results after postoperative use of intra-aortic balloon pump are shown. Gender-related aspects of clinical and biomedical cardiosurgical research are reported. Conclusions: Female gender has become an independent risk factor of survival after the majority of cardiosurgical procedures. Severely impaired left ventricular ejection fraction independently predicts survival in men, whereas age does in females.
HLA-G in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Karagöz Bülent , Haholu Abdullah , Özgün Alpaslan , Bilgi Oğuz , Tunçel Tolga , Emirzeoğlu Levent , Çelik Serkan , Demirel Dilaver
Published: April 2014

Background: HLA-G is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I molecule. HLA-G expression has been found in various types of solid and hematological malignancies. It is also expressed in normal testicular and epididymal tissue. However, expression of HLA-G in testicular germ cell tumors has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to investigate whether HLA-G protein is present in different components of testicular germ cell tumors. Patients and Methods: 34 testicular cancer patients, for whom tumor tissue was available, were included in the study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on tissue sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples. Results: 7 (20.6%) patients had positive HLA-G staining in at least 1 component of the tumor sample. In 3 of 7 patients with intratubular germ cell neoplasia, staining with HLA-G was seen in this component. All of the choriocarcinoma components were strongly positive, and about 40% of teratoma components had immunopositivity. The components of seminoma and embryonal carcinoma, and most yolk sac tumors were negative. HLA-G immuno-positivity was not associated with tumor size, retroperitoneal lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, or relapse/refractory status. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that testicular choriocarcinoma and some teratomas express HLA-G, but not seminoma, embryonal carcinoma, and yolk sac tumors.
Functional Aerophagia in Children: A Frequent, Atypical Disorder
Authors: Morabito Giuliana , Romeo Claudia , Romano Claudio
Published: April 2014

Aerophagia is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by repetitive air swallowing, abdominal distension, belching and flatulence. Pathologic aerophagia is a condition caused by the swallowing of excessive volumes of air with associated various gastrointestinal symptoms, such as burping, abdominal cramps, flatulence and a reduced appetite. It is a clinical entity that can simulate pediatric gastrointestinal motility disorders, such as gastroparesis, megacolon and intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and presents more frequently in children with mental retardation. Early recognition and diagnosis of functional aerophagia or pathologic aerophagia is required to avoid unnecessary, expensive diagnostic investigations or serious clinical complications. Functional aerophagia is frequent in the adult population, but rarely discussed in the pediatric literature. We present two pediatric clinical cases with a history of functional constipation in whom gaseous abdominal distension was the most important symptom. Mechanical intestinal obstruction, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, malabsorption and congenital aganglionic megacolon were ruled out. Extensive gaseous abdominal distension was due to aerophagia, and treatment consisted of parents' reassurance and psychological counseling.
Metaxonchium persicum sp. n. from Iran (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Belondiridae), with an updated taxonomy of the genus
Authors: PEÑA-SANTIAGO R. , NIKNAM G. , ÁLVAREZ-ORTEGA S. , JABBARI H.
Published: April 2014

A new species of the genus Metaxonchium is described from natural habitats in Iran. The new species is characterized by having body length of 2.46–3.12 mm, lip region offset by constriction and 8–11 µm wide, odontostyle fusiform and 10–12 µm long, neck 773–1150 µm long, anterior portion of pharynx bearing a spindle-shaped thickening with valve-like structures inside, both parts of the pharynx separated by a short isthmus-like narrowing, pharyngeal expansion 531–825 µm long and occupying up to three-fourths of total neck length, female genital system monodelphic-opisthodelphic, anterior genital branch reduced to a large uterine sac and a small terminal mass, posterior uterus long and tripartite with an intermediate region bearing apophyses, V = 53–57, caudal region conoid with broadly rounded terminus (24–35 µm, c = 79–105, c’ = 0.6–0.9), spicules 92–103 µm long and 7–10 spaced ventromedian supplements, at least two of them within the range of spicules. The taxonomy of the genus Metaxonchium is updated, including a list of its species, a key to their identification and a compendium of their morphometrics. Four species are transferred from Axonchium to Metaxonchium: M. coxi, M. japonicum, M. mizukuboi and M. zealandicum.
The Role of Criticality on the Horizontal and Vertical Scales of Extratropical Eddies in a Dry GCM
Authors: Chai Junyi , Vallis Geoffrey K.
Published: April 2014

This paper discusses the sensitivity of the horizontal and vertical scales of extratropical eddies when criticality is varied in a dry, primitive-equation, general circulation model. Criticality is a measure of extratropical isentropic slope and when defined appropriately its value is often close to 1 for Earth’s climate. The model is forced by a Newtonian relaxation of temperature to a prescribed temperature profile, and criticality is increased by increasing the thermal relaxation rate on the mean flow. When criticality varies near 1, it is shown that there exists a weakly nonlinear regime in which the eddy scale increases with criticality without involving an inverse cascade, while at the same time the Rossby radius may in fact decrease. The quasigeostrophic instability of the Charney problem is revisited. It is demonstrated that both the horizontal and vertical scales of the most unstable wave depend on criticality, and simple estimates for the two scales are obtained. The authors reconcile the opposite trends of the eddy scale and Rossby radius and obtain an estimate for the eddy scale in terms of the Rossby radius and criticality that is broadly consistent with simulations.
Long-Term Changes of Lake Level and Water Budget in the Nam Co Lake Basin, Central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wu Yanhong , Zheng Hongxing , Zhang Bing , Chen Dongmei , Lei Liping
Published: April 2014

Long-term changes in the water budget of lakes in the Tibetan Plateau due to climate change are of great interest not only for the importance of water management, but also for the critical challenge due to the lack of observations. In this paper, the water budget of Nam Co Lake during 1980–2010 is simulated using a dynamical monthly water balance model. The simulated lake level is in good agreement with field investigations and the remotely sensed lake level. The long-term hydrological simulation shows that from 1980 to 2010, lake level rose from 4718.34 to 4724.93 m, accompanied by an increase of lake water storage volume from 77.33 × 109 to 83.66 × 109 m3. For the net lake level rise (5.93 m) during the period 1980–2010, the proportional contributions of rainfall–runoff, glacier melt, precipitation on the lake, lake percolation, and evaporation are 104.7%, 56.6%, 41.7%, −22.2%, and −80.9%, respectively. A positive but diminishing annual water surplus is found in Nam Co Lake, implying a continuous but slowing rise in lake level as a hydrological consequence of climate change.
A Frequency-Dependent Description of Propagating Sea Level Signals in the Kuroshio Extension Region
Authors: Lin Hongyang , Thompson Keith R. , Hu Jianyu
Published: April 2014

Hilbert empirical orthogonal function analysis is used to provide a frequency-dependent description of observed sea level variability in the Kuroshio Extension region, 1993–2012 inclusive. The dominant high-frequency mode (periods between 140 and 350 days) describes signals that propagate westward with the largest amplitudes in the vicinity of the Shatsky Rise and Emperor Seamounts. Based on the close correspondence between the variance of the high-frequency variability and the underlying bathymetry, it is speculated that this mode is driven by jet–bathymetry interactions. The dominant low-frequency mode (periods longer than 350 days) is explained in terms of wind-forced, jet-trapped Rossby waves that propagate along the mean Kuroshio Extension jet. One of the most surprising findings of this study is that sea level changes north of the jet in the meander region anticipate changes south of the jet by about 3 yr. Based on correlations of observed sea level with the Pacific decadal oscillation, and western boundary transport variability estimated from the Global Ocean Reanalysis and Simulations (GLORYS), it is speculated that this anticipation is due to the differences in time taken for (i) Rossby waves to travel from the eastern North Pacific to the meander region and (ii) the much faster barotropic response of western boundary transport, and sea level north of the jet, to large-scale forcing by the wind stress curl.
Arab Students in Weimar Germany – Politics and Thought Beyond Borders
Authors: Nordbruch Goetz
Published: April 2014

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Arab students showed an increasing interest in studying abroad. Such interest in extended travels to Europe was not self-evident. The longing for an authentic national culture was central to the rising Arab nationalist currents of the 1920s and 1930s. Foreign education, from this perspective, appeared as ‘the stumbling stone of the nation’, as one contemporary Syrian educator put it. The experience of Arab students in interwar Europe, and in Germany in particular, was different; pursuing studies at German universities in law, medicine, literature or history, these students were placed in a peculiar position. Focusing on the writings of Egyptian and Syrian students in Germany, this chapter reconstructs their experiences as going beyond established notions of encounter and exchange. Given the various political and intellectual activities in which these students were engaged, their accounts provide an insight into concepts of culture and national identity that aimed at balancing potentially contradictory claims.
Inside a Chinese Communist Municipal Newspaper: Purges at the Beijing Daily
Authors: Hung Chang-tai
Published: April 2014

The Beijing Daily, the flagship media outlet of the Beijing Municipal Party, was one of the most influential newspapers established in the early years of the People’s Republic of China. The newspaper’s principal purpose was to propagate the remarkable achievements of the Chinese Communist Party and to demonstrate the superiority of the Chinese socialist system over the capitalist one. Newly available archival sources reveal a depressing and disturbing story behind the façade of authoritative reporting: an interlocking system of control of editorial management, stringent censorship, skillful manipulation of news, and carefully selected readers’ letters in praise of the Communist regime. In the early 1960s, in contrast to the harmonious picture of Chinese society depicted by the newspaper, senior editorial staff were caught in the middle of life-and-death ideological infighting between the radical Maoists and the pragmatists in the central Party leadership. The staff used a variety of techniques – double talk, fence-sitting, paying lip service to the official lines and conducting self-criticism – to navigate through the perilous political shoals. But they were eventually purged by the Maoists during the Cultural Revolution for siding with the pragmatists. Chinese journalists, including the Beijing Daily staff who worked in the system, lived a precarious life in the authoritarian environment.
History in Flux: Indira Gandhi and the ‘Great All-Party Campaign’ for the Protection of the Cow, 1966–8
Authors: Copland Ian
Published: April 2014

This article contends that the late 1960s, a period rife with crises in Indian political and economic affairs, merits close attention from historians wanting to construct narratives of the country's post-Independence experience. More particularly it demonstrates how the challenge posed to the Congress-led Government of India by one of these crises – an agitation for central cow-protection legislation, which arrived at a crucial moment in Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's first term – proved, against the odds, to be the making of her as a politician and a national leader. At two levels, then, this is an article about ‘turning points' and their application to the writing of contemporary Indian history: for if the late 1960s marked a turning point in the larger Indian story, so, too, they marked a decisive break in the biography of Mrs Indira Gandhi.
Lies of Our Fathers: Memory and Politics in the Basque Country Under the Franco Dictatorship, 1936–68
Authors: Molina Fernando
Published: April 2014

This article offers a historical review of the Franco dictatorship in the Basque Country and analyses the reverberation of old myths in contemporary essays on Basque history and identity. The article explores recent historiographical developments to challenge the understanding of Basque history in ‘primordial’ and mythical terms and upholds an interpretation of the Basque past within current Spanish scholarly debates. A new historical assessment of the Civil War in the Basque territories questions both the firmly-rooted thesis of the ‘Basque (Catholic) oasis’ inside the ‘(anti-clerical) Republican terror’ of 1936 and the traditional explanation of the lower levels of Francoist violence, funded in this alleged ‘oasis’. New interpretations also question the role of Basque nationalists under the Franco regime and contest the myth of the ‘Basque genocide’. Lastly, the article uses collective remembrance to explain why a ‘memory of revenge’ emerged through the 1950s and 1960s, despite the fact Basque nationalists suffered relatively low levels of repression. This memory of revenge would eventually play a key role in the emergence of ethno-nationalist terrorism and the deficient democratization of Basque society during the Spanish transition to democracy.
Gene expression profile analysis of Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) hemocytes after a Vibrio alginolyticus challenge using an immune-enriched oligo-microarray
Authors: Moreira Rebeca , Milan Massimo , Balseiro Pablo , Romero Alejandro , Babbucci Massimiliano , Figueras Antonio , Bargelloni Luca , Novoa Beatriz
Published: April 2014

Background

The Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) is a cultured bivalve with worldwide commercial importance, and diseases cause high economic losses. For this reason, interest in the immune genes in this species has recently increased. The present work describes the construction of the first R. philippinarum microarray containing immune-related hemocyte sequences and its application to study the gene transcription profiles of hemocytes from clams infected with V. alginolyticus through a time course.

Results

The complete set of sequences from R. philippinarum available in the public databases and the hemocyte sequences enriched in immune transcripts were assembled successfully. A total of 12,156 annotated sequences were used to construct the 8 ×15 k oligo-microarray. The microarray experiments yielded a total of 579 differentially expressed transcripts. Using the gene expression results, the associated Gene Ontology terms and the enrichment analysis, we found different response mechanisms throughout the experiment. Genes related to signaling, transcription and apoptosis, such as IL-17D, NF-κB or calmodulin, were typically expressed as early as 3 hours post-challenge (hpc), while characteristic immune genes, such as PGRPs, FREPs and defense proteins appeared later at 8 hpc. This immune-triggering response could have affected a high number of processes that seemed to be activated 24 hpc to overcome the Vibrio challenge, including the expression of many cytoskeleton molecules, which is indicative of the active movement of hemocytes. In fact functional studies showed an increment in apoptosis, necrosis or cell migration after the infection. Finally, 72 hpc, activity returned to normal levels, and more than 50% of the genes were downregulated in a negative feedback of all of the previously active processes.

Conclusions

Using a new version of the R. philippinarum oligo-microarray, a putative timing for the response against a Vibrio infection was established. The key point to overcome the challenge seemed to be 8 hours after the challenge, when we detected immune functions that could lead to the destruction of the pathogen and the activation of a wide variety of processes related to homeostasis and defense. These results highlight the importance of a fast response in bivalves and the effectiveness of their innate immune system.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Production of recombinant Entamoeba histolyticapyruvate phosphate dikinase and its application in a lateral flow dipstick test for amoebic liver abscess
Authors: Saidin Syazwan , Yunus Muhammad Hafiznur , Zakaria Nor Dyana , Razak Khairunisak Abdul , Huat Lim Boon , Othman Nurulhasanah , Noordin Rahmah
Published: April 2014

Background

Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common clinical manifestation of extraintestinal amoebiasis especially in developing countries, causing up to 100 000 fatal cases annually. Accurate and early diagnosis is important to prevent the disease complications, however its diagnosis still poses many challenges due to the limitations of the available detection tools. Pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK), an excretory-secretory protein of E. histolytica, has been reported as a potential diagnostic marker for ALA, hence it may be exploited in the development of a new test for ALA.

Methods

Recombinant PPDK (rPPDK) was expressed, purified and evaluated by Western blot. In parallel, recombinant galactose-and-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine inhibitable lectin (Gal/GalNAc lectin) was produced and tested similarly. The protein identity was confirmed by analysis using MALDI-TOF/TOF. A lateral flow dipstick (LFD) test using rPPDK was subsequently developed (rPPDK-LFD) and evaluated for serodiagnosis of ALA.

Results

rPPDK was expressed as soluble protein after 4 hours of induction with 1 mM isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) at 30°C. Purification using nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) resin yielded 1.5 mg of rPPDK from 1 L of culture with estimated molecular mass of 98 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Western blots using sera from patients with ALA, healthy individuals and other diseases probed with anti-human IgG4-HRP showed the highest sensitivity (93.3%) and specificity (100%); as compared to blots using IgG and IgG1 as secondary antibodies. Moreover, rPPDK showed better specificity when compared to rGal/GalNAc lectin. In the development of the LFD test, the optimum amount of rPPDK was 0.625 μg per dipstick and the optimum working concentration of colloidal gold conjugated anti-human IgG4 was optical density (OD) 5 (1.7 μg of anti-human IgG4). Evaluation of rPPDK-LFD using ALA patients and controls serum samples showed 87% diagnostic sensitivity and 100% specificity.

Conclusion

The developed rPPDK-LFD showed good potential for rapid diagnosis of ALA, and merit further multicentre validation using larger number of serum samples.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Identification of novel signaling components in N,N’-Dinitrosopiperazine-mediated metastasis of nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by quantitative phosphoproteomics
Authors: Huang Damao , Li Yuejin , Liu Na , Zhang Zhenlin , Peng Zhengke , Duan Chaojun , Tang Xiaowei , Tan Gongjun , Yan Guangrong , Tang Faqing
Published: April 2014

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly invasive and metastatic cancer. N,N’-dinitrosopiperazine (DNP), a carcinogen with specificity for nasopharyngeal epithelium, facilitates NPC metastasis. However, the underlying mechanism is not known.

Methods

Quantitative phosphoproteomics, using stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell cultures, was employed to identify phosphoproteins associated with NPC metastasis mediated by DNP. NPC cell line 6-10B, which is relatively less metastatic, was used to investigate DNP-mediated metastasis. Boyden chamber invasion assay was used to measure DNP-induced motility and invasion, and nude mice were used to verify DNP-mediated metastasis in vivo. Several different phosphoproteins detected by proteomics analysis were verified by immunoblotting. DNP-mediated metastasis facilitated by lysine-rich CEACAM1 co-isolated protein (LYRIC) phosphorylation at serine 568 was confirmed using mutations targeting the phosphorylation site of LYRIC. DNP-mediated metastasis through LYRIC phosphorylation was confirmed in the NPC cell line CNE1. DNP-mediated LYRIC phosphorylation at serine 568 was also verified in metastatic tumors of BABL/c nude mice.

Results

Boyden chamber invasion assay indicated that DNP mediated cell motility and invasion of NPC cell 6-10B in vitro, and experiments with nude mice indicated that DNP increased 6-10B metastasis in vivo. In the phosphoproteomics analysis, we detected 216 phosphorylation sites on 130 proteins; among these, 48 phosphorylation sites on 30 unique phosphopeptides were modulated by DNP by at least 1.5-fold. DNP mediated the expression of phosphorylated GTPase, ferritin, LYRIC, and RNA polymerase, and it decreased the expression of phosphorylated torsin-1A protein 1. Furthermore, DNP induced LYRIC phosphorylation at serine 568 to facilitate cell motility and invasion, whereas DNP-mediated motility and invasion was decreased when serine 568 in LYRIC was mutated. In another NPC cell line, CNE1, DNP also mediated cell motility and invasion followed by enhanced phosphorylation of LYRIC at serine 568. Finally, phosphorylated-LYRIC expression at serine 568 was significantly increased in metastatic tumors induced by DNP.

Conclusion

DNP regulates multiple signaling pathways through protein phosphorylation, including the phosphorylation of LYRIC at serine 568, and mediates NPC metastasis. These findings provide insights on the complexity and dynamics of DNP-facilitated metastasis, and may help to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms by clarifying NPC-induced metastasis.
Adaptive behavior in Chinese children with Williams syndrome
Authors: Ji Chai , Yao Dan , Chen Weijun , Li Mingyan , Zhao Zhengyan
Published: April 2014

Background

Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by compelling psychological phenotypes. The symptoms span multiple cognitive domains and include a distinctive pattern of social behavior. The goal of this study was to explore adaptive behavior in WS patients in China.

Methods

We conducted a structured interview including the Infants-Junior Middle School Students Social-life Abilities Scale in three participant groups: children with WS (n = 26), normally-developing children matched for mental age (MA, n = 30), and normally-developing children matched for chronological age (CA, n = 40). We compared the mean scores for each domain between the three groups.

Results

Children with WS had more siblings than children in the two control groups. The educational level of the caregivers of WS children was lower than that of the control children. We found no differences in locomotion, work skill, socialization, or self-management between the WS and MA groups. WS children obtained higher scores of self-dependence (df = 54, Z = −2.379, p = 0.017) and had better communication skills (df = 54, Z = −2.222, p = 0.026) compared with MA children. The CA children achieved higher scores than the WS children for all dimensions of adaptive behavior.

Conclusions

WS children have better adaptive behavior skills regarding communication and self-dependence than normal children matched for mental age. Targeted intervention techniques should be designed to promote social development in this population.
The economic burden of prematurity in Canada
Authors: Johnston Karissa M , Gooch Katherine , Korol Ellen , Vo Pamela , Eyawo Oghenowede , Bradt Pamela , Levy Adrian
Published: April 2014

Background

Preterm birth is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality among infants worldwide, and imposes considerable burden on health, education and social services, as well as on families and caregivers. Morbidity and mortality resulting from preterm birth is highest among early (< 28 weeks gestational age) and moderate (28–32 weeks) preterm infants, relative to late preterm infants (33–36 weeks). However, substantial societal burden is associated with late prematurity due to the larger number of late preterm infants relative to early and moderate preterm infants.

Methods

The aim in this study was to characterize the burden of premature birth in Canada for early, moderate, and late premature infants, including resource utilization, direct medical costs, parental out-of-pocket costs, education costs, and mortality, using a validated and published decision model from the UK, and adapting it to a Canadian setting based on analysis of administrative, population-based data from Québec.

Results

Two-year survival was estimated at 56.0% for early preterm infants, 92.8% for moderate preterm infants, and 98.4% for late preterm infants. Per infant resource utilization consistently decreased with age. For moderately preterm infants, hospital days ranged from 1.6 at age two to 0.09 at age ten. Cost per infant over the first ten years of life was estimated to be $67,467 for early preterm infants, $52,796 for moderate preterm infants, and $10,010 for late preterm infants. Based on population sizes this corresponds to total national costs of $123.3 million for early preterm infants, $255.6 million for moderate preterm infants, $208.2 million for late preterm infants, and $587.1 million for all infants.

Conclusion

Premature birth results in significant infant morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization and costs in Canada. A comprehensive decision-model based on analysis of a Canadian population-based administrative data source suggested that the greatest national-level burden is associated with moderate preterm infants due to both a large cost per infant and population size while the highest individual-level burden is in early preterm infants and the largest total population size is in late preterm infants. Although the highest medical costs are incurred during the neonatal period, greater resource utilization and costs extend into childhood.
Are psychosocial stressors associated with the relationship of alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality?
Authors: Ruf Esther , Baumert Jens , Meisinger Christa , Döring Angela , Ladwig Karl-Heinz ,   for the MONICA/KORA investigators
Published: April 2014

Background

Several studies have shown a protective association of moderate alcohol intake with mortality. However, it remains unclear whether this relationship could be due to misclassification confounding. As psychosocial stressors are among those factors that have not been sufficiently controlled for, we assessed whether they may confound the relationship between alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality.

Methods

Three cross-sectional MONICA surveys (conducted 1984–1995) including 11,282 subjects aged 25–74 years were followed up within the framework of KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg), a population-based cohort, until 2002. The prevalences of diseases as well as of lifestyle, clinical and psychosocial variables were compared in different alcohol consumption categories. To assess all-cause mortality risks, hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards models which included lifestyle, clinical and psychosocial variables.

Results

Diseases were more prevalent among non-drinkers than among drinkers: Moreover, non-drinkers showed a higher percentage of an unfavourable lifestyle and were more affected with psychosocial stressors at baseline. Multivariable-adjusted HRs for moderate alcohol consumption versus no consumption were 0.74 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58-0.94) in men and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.66-1.16) in women. In men, moderate drinkers had a significantly lower all-cause mortality risk than non-drinkers or heavy drinkers (p = 0.002) even after multivariable adjustment. In women, moderate alcohol consumption was not associated with lowered risk of death from all causes.

Conclusions

The present study confirmed the impact of sick quitters on mortality risk, but failed to show that the association between alcohol consumption and mortality is confounded by psychosocial stressors.
The prevalence of eating behaviors among Canadian youth using cross-sectional school-based surveys
Authors: Lillico Heather G , Hammond David , Manske Steve , Murnaghan Donna
Published: April 2014

Background

Obesity is a growing public health concern in Canada. Excess weight is particularly a concern among youth given that obesity in youth predicts obesity in adulthood. Eating behaviors, both inside and outside the home have been associated with increased risk of obesity; however, there is little data among Canadian youth to monitor trends.

Methods

The School Health Action, Planning and Evaluation Surveys (SHAPES) were administered in schools. Our study examined 20, 923 students (grades 5-12) from four regions in Canada. The regions were Hamilton and Thunder Bay (both in Ontario), the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the Province of Quebec.

Results

Consuming breakfast daily was reported by 70% of grade 5-8 students, and 51% of grade 9-12’s. Among students in grade 9-12, 52% reported eating with family members daily, compared with 68% in grade 5-8. Just over half of students in grade 5-8, and 70% in grade 9-12 reported eating at a fast-food place once a week or more. Among grade 5-8 students 68% reported eating in front of the television at least once per week, compared to 76% in grade 9-12. Obese students were more likely to watch TV while eating, and less likely to eat with a family member and eat breakfast.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that only a modest proportion of youth report dietary patterns that have previously been associated with healthy eating and reduced risk of obesity. Later adolescence may be a critical time for intervention in health-related behaviors.
Ethical considerations of universal vaccination against human papilloma virus
Authors: Navarro-Illana Pedro , Aznar Justo , Díez-Domingo Javier
Published: April 2014

Background

From an epidemiological perspective, the practice of universal vaccination of girls and young women in order to prevent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and potential development of cervical cancer is widely accepted even though it may lead to the neglect of other preventive strategies against cervical cancer.

Discussion

It is argued that removing the deterrent effect – the fear of developing cancer – could encourage teenage sex. This paper reflects on the ethical legitimacy of the universal vaccination of girls and young women against HPV infection, especially regarding safety issues, the need to vaccinate people who have opted to abstain from sex, the presumption of early onset of sexual relations, the commercial interests of the companies that manufacture the vaccine, and the recommendation of universal vaccination in males.

Based on the aforementioned information, we believe that the universal vaccination against HPV in young women is acceptable from an ethical point of view, given the medical advantages it presents.
Gene silencing of heparanase results in suppression of invasion and migration of hepatoma cells
Authors: Dong Weiwei , Zhao Huixia , Zhang Caihong , Geng Paili , Sarengaowa  , Li Qiuwen , Zhu Jianhua , Li Guanghui , Zhang Shufang , Ye Ming , Xiao Wenhua
Published: April 2014

Background

This study investigated the effect of transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) of the heparanase gene on hepatoma SMCC-7721 cells.

Methods

SiRNAs targeting the promoter region and coding region of the heparanase gene were designed and synthesized. Then the siRNAs were transfected into hepatoma SMCC-7721 cells by nuclear transfection or cytoplasmic transfection. The expression of heparanase was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting 48 h, 72 h and 96 h post-transfection. In addition, wound healing and invasion assays were performed to estimate the effect of TGS of the heparanase gene on the migration and invasion of hepatoma SMCC-7721 cells.

Results

Protein and mRNA expression of the heparanase gene were interfered with by TGS or post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) 48 h after transfection. At 72 h post-transfection, the expression of the PTGS group of genes had recovered unlike the TGS group. At 96 h post-transfection, the expression of the heparanase gene had recovered in both the TGS group and PTGS group. Invasion and wound healing assays showed that both TGS and PTGS of the heparanase gene could inhibit invasion and migration of hepatoma SMCC-7721 cells, especially the TGS group.

Conclusions

TGS can effectively interfere with the heparanase gene to reduce the invasion and migration of hepatoma SMCC-7721 cells.
SAXS investigation of nanoporous structure of thermal-modified carbon materials
Authors: Ostafiychuk Bogdan K , Mandzyuk Volodymyr I , Kulyk Yuriy O , Nagirna Nadiia I
Published: April 2014

The article investigates the effect of thermal modification of porous carbon material (PCM), obtained from plant feedstock, on its morphology and fractal structure by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) method. The analysis of the scattering intensity curves serve the basis for calculating the parameters of the PCM porous structure: the Porod constant, the Porod invariant, average pore radius, specific surface area, and mass and surface fractal dimensions. It has been found out that the PCMs obtained have fractal structure, formed from mass and surface fractals, the sizes of which increase at the growth of temperature and modification time.

PACS

81.05.Uw; 61.05.cf; 82.47.Aa
Study on antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized by gamma irradiation method using different stabilizers
Authors: Van Phu Dang , Quoc Le Anh , Duy Nguyen Ngoc , Lan Nguyen Thi Kim , Du Bui Duy , Luan Le Quang , Hien Nguyen Quoc
Published: April 2014

Colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by gamma Co-60 irradiation using different stabilizers, namely polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), alginate, and sericin. The particle size measured from TEM images was 4.3, 6.1, 7.6, and 10.2 nm for AgNPs/PVP, AgNPs/PVA, AgNPs/alginate, and AgNPs/sericin, respectively. The influence of different stabilizers on the antibacterial activity of AgNPs was investigated. Results showed that AgNPs/alginate exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) among the as-synthesized AgNPs. Handwash solution has been prepared using Na lauryl sulfate as surfactant, hydroxyethyl cellulose as binder, and 15 mg/L of AgNPs/alginate as antimicrobial agent. The obtained results on the antibacterial test of handwash for the dilution to 3 mg AgNPs/L showed that the antibacterial efficiency against E. coli was of 74.6%, 89.8%, and 99.0% for the contacted time of 1, 3, and 5 min, respectively. Thus, due to the biocompatibility of alginate extracted from seaweed and highly antimicrobial activity of AgNPs synthesized by gamma Co-60 irradiation, AgNPs/alginate is promising to use as an antimicrobial agent in biomedicine, cosmetic, and in other fields.
In situ formation of silver nanoparticles in linear and branched polyelectrolyte matrices using various reducing agents
Authors: Chumachenko Vasyl , Kutsevol Nataliya , Rawiso Michel , Schmutz Marc , Blanck Christian
Published: April 2014

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized in linear and branched polyelectrolyte matrices using different reductants and distinct synthesis conditions. The effect of the host hydrolyzed linear polyacrylamide and star-like copolymers dextran-graft-polyacrylamide of various compactness, the nature of the reductant, and temperature were studied on in situ synthesis of silver sols. The related nanosystems were analyzed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry. It was established that the internal structure of the polymer matrix as well as the nature of the reductant determines the process of the silver nanoparticle formation. Specifically, the branched polymer matrices were much more efficient than the linear ones for stable nanosystem preparation.
Assisting drinking with an affordable BCI-controlled wearable robot and electrical stimulation: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Looned Ritik , Webb Jacob , Xiao Zheng Gang , Menon Carlo
Published: April 2014

Background

The aim of the present study is to demonstrate, through tests with healthy volunteers, the feasibility of potentially assisting individuals with neurological disorders via a portable assistive technology for the upper extremities (UE). For this purpose the task of independently drinking a glass of water was selected, as it is one of the most basic and vital activities of the daily living that is unfortunately not achievable by individuals severely affected by stroke.

Methods

To accomplish the aim of this study we introduce a wearable and portable system consisting of a novel lightweight Robotic Arm Orthosis (RAO), a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system, and a simple wireless Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). This system is able to process electroencephalographic (EEG) signals and translate them into motions of the impaired arm. Five healthy volunteers participated in this study and were asked to simulate stroke patient symptoms with no voluntary control of their hand and arm. The setup was designed such as the volitional movements of the healthy volunteers’ UE did not interfere with the evaluation of the proposed assistive system. The drinking task was split into eleven phases of which seven were executed by detecting EEG-based signals through the BCI. The user was asked to imagine UE motion related to the specific phase of the task to be assisted. Once detected by the BCI the phase was initiated. Each phase was then terminated when the BCI detected the volunteers clenching their teeth.

Results

The drinking task was completed by all five participants with an average time of 127 seconds with a standard deviation of 23 seconds. The incremental motions of elbow extension and elbow flexion were the primary limiting factors for completing this task faster. The BCI control along with the volitional motions also depended upon the users pace, hence the noticeable deviation from the average time.

Conclusion

Through tests conducted with healthy volunteers, this study showed that our proposed system has the potential for successfully assisting individuals with neurological disorders and hemiparetic stroke to independently drink from a glass.