bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of midgut bacteria to blood digestion and egg production in Aedes aegypti (diptera: culicidae) (L.)
Authors: Gaio Analiz de O , Gusmão Desiely S , Santos Adão V , Berbert-Molina Marília A , Pimenta Paulo FP , Lemos Francisco JA
Published: June 2011

Background

The insect gut harbors a variety of microorganisms that probably exceed the number of cells in insects themselves. These microorganisms can live and multiply in the insect, contributing to digestion, nutrition, and development of their host.

Recent studies have shown that midgut bacteria appear to strengthen the mosquito's immune system and indirectly enhance protection from invading pathogens. Nevertheless, the physiological significance of these bacteria for mosquitoes has not been established to date. In this study, oral administration of antibiotics was employed in order to examine the contribution of gut bacteria to blood digestion and fecundity in Aedes aegypti.

Results

The antibiotics carbenicillin, tetracycline, spectinomycin, gentamycin and kanamycin, were individually offered to female mosquitoes. Treatment of female mosquitoes with antibiotics affected the lysis of red blood cells (RBCs), retarded the digestion of blood proteins and reduced egg production. In addition, antibiotics did not affect the survival of mosquitoes. Mosquito fertility was restored in the second gonotrophic cycle after suspension of the antibiotic treatment, showing that the negative effects of antibiotics in blood digestion and egg production in the first gonotrophic cycle were reversible.

Conclusions

The reduction of bacteria affected RBC lysis, subsequently retarded protein digestion, deprived mosquito from essential nutrients and, finally, oocyte maturation was affected, resulting in the production of fewer viable eggs. These results indicate that Ae. aegypti and its midgut bacteria work in synergism to digest a blood meal.

Our findings open new possibilities to investigate Ae. aegypti-associated bacteria as targets for mosquito control strategies.
The Regulatory Network of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Galán-Vásquez Edgardo , Luna Beatriz , Martínez-Antonio Agustino
Published: June 2011

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important bacterial model due to its metabolic and pathogenic abilities, which allow it to interact and colonize a wide range of hosts, including plants and animals. In this work we compile and analyze the structure and organization of an experimentally supported regulatory network in this bacterium.

Results

The regulatory network consists of 690 genes and 1020 regulatory interactions between their products (12% of total genes: 54% sigma and 16% of transcription factors). This complex interplay makes the third largest regulatory network of those reported in bacteria. The entire network is enriched for activating interactions and, peculiarly, self-activation seems to occur more prominent for transcription factors (TFs), which contrasts with other biological networks where self-repression is dominant. The network contains a giant component of 650 genes organized into 11 hierarchies, encompassing important biological processes, such as, biofilms formation, production of exopolysaccharide alginate and several virulence factors, and of the so-called quorum sensing regulons.

Conclusions

The study of gene regulation in P. aeruginosa is biased towards pathogenesis and virulence processes, all of which are interconnected. The network shows power-law distribution -input degree -, and we identified the top ten global regulators, six two-element cycles, the longest paths have ten steps, six biological modules and the main motifs containing three and four elements. We think this work can provide insights for the design of further studies to cover the many gaps in knowledge of this important bacterial model, and for the design of systems strategies to combat this bacterium.
Clinical significance of elevated B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with acute lung injury with or without right ventricular dilatation: an observational cohort study
Authors: Cepkova Magda , Kapur Vineet , Ren Xiushui , Quinn Thomas , Zhuo Hanjing , Foster Elyse , Matthay Michael A , Liu Kathleen D
Published: June 2011

Background

The primary objective of this study was to examine levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung injury and to test whether the level of BNP would be higher in patients with right ventricular dilatation and would predict mortality.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational cohort study of 42 patients conducted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care university hospital. BNP was measured and transthoracic echocardiography was performed within 48 hours of the onset of acute lung injury. The left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, right ventricular systolic function, and cardiac output were assessed. BNP was compared in patients with and without right ventricular dilatation, as well as in survivors versus nonsurvivors.

Results

BNP was elevated in mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung injury (median 420 pg/ml; 25-75% interquartile range 156-728 pg/ml). There was no difference between patients with and without right ventricular dilatation (420 pg/ml, 119-858 pg/ml vs. 387 pg/ml, 156-725 pg/ml; p = 0.96). There was no difference in BNP levels between the patients who died and those who survived at 30 days (420 pg/ml, 120-728 pg/ml vs. 385 pg/ml, 159-1070 pg/ml; p = 0.71).

Conclusions

In patients with acute lung injury the level of BNP is increased, but there is no difference in the BNP level between patients with and without right ventricular dilatation. Furthermore, BNP level is not predictive of mortality in this population.
Improvement in multiple dimensions of fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia treated with duloxetine: secondary analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Arnold Lesley M , Wang Fujun , Ahl Jonna , Gaynor Paula J , Wohlreich Madelaine M
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms associated with fibromyalgia that greatly impacts quality of life. Fatigue was assessed as a secondary objective in a 2-phase, 24-week study in outpatients with American College of Rheumatology-defined fibromyalgia.

Methods

Patients were randomized to duloxetine 60-120 mg/d (N = 263) or placebo (N = 267) for the 12-week acute phase. At Week 12, all placebo-treated patients were switched to double-blind treatment with duloxetine for the extension phase. Fatigue was assessed at baseline and every 4 weeks with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) scales: General Fatigue, Physical Fatigue, Mental Fatigue, Reduced Activity, and Reduced Motivation. Other assessments that may be associated with fatigue included Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) average pain, numerical scales to rate anxiety, depressed mood, bothered by sleep difficulties, and musculoskeletal stiffness. Treatment-emergent fatigue-related events were also assessed. Changes from baseline to Week 12, and from Week 12 to Week 24, were analyzed by mixed-effects model repeated measures analysis.

Results

At Week 12, duloxetine versus placebo significantly (all p < .05) reduced ratings on each MFI scale, BPI pain, anxiety, depressed mood, and stiffness. Improvement in ratings of being bothered by sleep difficulties was significant only at Weeks 4 and 8. At Week 24, mean changes in all measures indicated improvement was maintained for patients who received duloxetine for all 24 weeks (n = 176). Placebo-treated patients switched to duloxetine (n = 187) had significant within-group improvement in Physical Fatigue (Weeks 16, 20, and 24); General Fatigue (Weeks 20 and 24); Mental Fatigue (Week 20); and Reduced Activity (Weeks 20 and 24). These patients also experienced significant within-group improvement in BPI pain, anxiety, depressed mood, bothered by sleep difficulties, and stiffness. Overall, the most common (> 5% incidence) fatigue-related treatment-emergent adverse events were fatigue, somnolence, and insomnia.

Conclusions

Treatment with duloxetine significantly improved multiple dimensions of fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia, and improvement was maintained for up to 24 weeks.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov registry NCT00673452.
Exploration geophysics of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa
Authors: Campbell Geoff
Published: June 2011

The Bushveld Complex consists of three roughly coeval components, namely the Lebowa Granite Suite, the Rashoop Granophyre, and the Rustenburrg Layered Suite (RLS), the latter being the only economically important unit. The RLS underlies an area of ∼65,000 [Formula: see text] in the northeast sector of South Africa, and is the oldest and largest mafic-layered complex in the world (Figure 1 ). It is also the largest repository of magmatic ore deposits and hosts, inter alia, 80% of the world's platinum-group-metal (PGM) resources and most of the chromitite resources. Over an east-west distance of roughly 350 km, the RLS outcrops as three apparently discrete, crescent-shaped lobes (the Western, Eastern and Northern limbs) and lies below cover rocks along the southeastern limb. The far Western Limb is currently not of economic significance. Lithologies range across mafic and ultramafic cumulates plus anorthosites. Pseudo-stratigraphic layering exhibits dips of 8–20° toward the center of the complex. The UG2 and Merensky “reefs” constitute the major PGM-bearing horizons of mining interest and fall close to the top of the 1500-m thick Critical Zone, an assemblage of alternating leuconorite, anorthosite, and pyroxene rocks outcropping midway through the RLS succession.
Seismic interpretation, structural analysis, and fractal study of the Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Amogu D. K. , Filbrandt J. , Ladipo K. O. , Anowai C. , Onuoha K.
Published: June 2011

A major feature of the habitat of petroleum in the Niger Delta Basin is the association of petroleum traps with growth faults. Because of the significant role of these faults in hydrocarbon accumulation and redistribution in the basin, a good understanding of the timing of fault motion has now been shown to be vital for successful exploration of fault-bounded prospects. In most petroleum habitats, structural elements such as fault patterns, their kinematics, geometry, timing, and size of the structures control the distribution of hydrocarbons in adjacent fault blocks. The success or otherwise of an exploration well in such areas depends on the location of such a well relative to the structural closure interpreted from the seismic data. Experience has shown that detailed structural analysis of prospective fields can provide a reliable kinematic and growth history upon which risks associated with fault movement, trap integrity and structure, geometry/size modification can be evaluated before deciding on the drilling location.
Reservoir characterization and paleo-stratigraphic imaging over Okari Field, Niger Delta, using neural networks
Authors: Aminu Muslim B. , Olorunniwo Moses A.
Published: June 2011

Reservoir geometry and internal architecture in the Niger Delta can vary over short distances with rapid lateral and vertical changes in lithology and porosity. Understanding such variations is critical to designing an optimum development strategy for prospects in this basin. It was in order to fully understand the variations in reservoir facies and internal architecture over Okari oil field in the Niger Delta that this study was undertaken. Conventional seismic interpretation, attribute analyses, and subsequent drilling had located a stack of reservoirs in a rollover anticline. To unravel the paleo-stratigraphy of the field and fully populate the field with log properties, we used a multilayered feed-forward neural network (MLFN) to predict shale volume and porosity from seismic and well-log data sets. Earlier, rock physics analyses had been undertaken to understand litho-fluid facies associations in the field and assist in further quantitative interpretation and calibration of neural-network predictions of res-ervoir property distribution.
Business impact of time-lapse data in deepwater Niger Delta
Authors: Fehintola T. O. , Olatunbosun G.
Published: June 2011

Data acquisition projects that cost significant sums of money should always be justified based on derived benefits. Time-lapse seismic data requirements need to be driven by the impact of the new data upon the field devel-opment plan (FDP) and integrated reservoir management. This article discusses the business impact of time-lapse seismic data using both a lookahead and a lookback value of information (VOI) analysis in an offshore oil field in Nigeria.
GyroLAG—fluxgate magnetic total field, vectors, and tensors mapping
Authors: Ameglio L. , Jacobs G. , von Ludwig J. , Munschy M.
Published: June 2011

Over the past 25 years, airborne geophysics has become an effective technology for mapping various natural resources targets and signatures on the Earth's surface and subsurface.
Occurrence and prediction of high-pressure sediment along the West African margin
Authors: Swarbrick Richard , O'Connor Stephen , Lahann Richard
Published: June 2011

High-pressure sediments in which oil and gas are generated and accumulate in traps are proven in many operating areas along the entire West African margin. Although classic areas for high pressure are found in Tertiary deltas, such as the Niger Delta, other types of basins in which young clastic sediments have accumulated also create the environment for high pressure and drilling challenges. The BP Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has highlighted the technical challenge of drilling for oil in deep water, and the high pressures there added complexity to the control incident and the high volumes of fluids which blew out to the seabed.
Palifermin Reduces Severe Mucositis in Definitive Chemoradiotherapy of Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Le Quynh-Thu , Kim Harold E. , Schneider Charles J. , Muraközy Györgyi , Skladowski Krzysztof , Reinisch Sabine , Chen Yuhchyau , Hickey Michael , Mo May , Chen Mon-Gy , Berger Dietmar , Lizambri Richard , Henke Michael
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Oral mucositis (OM) is a debilitating toxicity of chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study evaluated the efficacy and safety of palifermin to reduce OM associated with definitive chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced HNC.

Patients and Methods

Patients receiving conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (2.0 Gy/d, 5 days/wk to 70 Gy) with cisplatin (100 mg/m2 on days 1, 22, and 43) received palifermin (180 μg/kg) or placebo before starting chemoradiotherapy and then once weekly for 7 weeks. The primary end point was the incidence of severe, observable, and functional OM (WHO grade 3 to 4).

Results

The palifermin (n = 94) and placebo (n = 94) arms were well balanced. The incidence of severe OM was significantly lower for palifermin than for placebo (54% v 69%; P = .041). In the palifermin arm, median time to severe OM was delayed (47 v 35 days), median duration of severe OM was shortened (5 v 26 days), and the incidence of xerostomia grade ≥ 2 was lower (67% v 80%), favoring palifermin; however, the differences were not significant after multiplicity adjustment. Opioid analgesic use, average mouth and throat soreness scores, and chemoradiotherapy compliance were not significantly different between treatment arms. Adverse events were similar between arms (98%, palifermin; 93%, placebo). The most common study drug–related adverse events were rash, flushing, and dysgeusia. After median follow-up of 25.8 months, overall survival and progression-free survival were similar between treatment arms.

Conclusion

Although palifermin reduced severe functional OM, its role in the management of locally advanced HNC during chemoradiotherapy remains to be elucidated.
Palifermin Decreases Severe Oral Mucositis of Patients Undergoing Postoperative Radiochemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Henke Michael , Alfonsi Marc , Foa Paolo , Giralt Jordi , Bardet Etienne , Cerezo Laura , Salzwimmer Michaela , Lizambri Richard , Emmerson Lara , Chen Mon-Gy , Berger Dietmar
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Radiochemotherapy of head and neck cancer causes severe mucositis in most patients. We investigated whether palifermin reduces this debilitating sequela.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 186 patients with stages II to IVB carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx. Patients received 60 or 66 Gy after complete (R0) or incomplete resection (R1), respectively, at 2 Gy/fraction and five fractions per week. Cisplatin 100 mg/m2 was administered on days 1 and 22 (and on day 43 with R1). Patients were randomly assigned to receive weekly palifermin 120 μg/kg or placebo from 3 days before and continuing throughout radiochemotherapy. Trained evaluators performed oral assessments twice weekly. The primary end point was the incidence of severe oral mucositis (WHO grades 3 to 4). Overall survival and time to locoregional progression were also assessed. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results

Severe oral mucositis was seen in 47 (51%) of 92 patients administered palifermin and 63 (67%) of 94 administered placebo (P = .027). Palifermin decreased the duration (median, 4.5 v 22.0 days) and prolonged the time to develop (median, 45 v 32 days) severe mucositis. Neither patient-reported mouth and throat soreness scores nor treatment breaks differed between treatment arms. After median follow-up of 32.8 months, 23 deaths (25%) had occurred in both treatment arms, and disease had recurred in 25 (27%) and 22 (24%) of palifermin- and placebo-treated patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Palifermin reduced the occurrence of severe oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing postoperative radiochemotherapy. Additional clinical exploration of palifermin with postoperative radiochemotherapy would be useful.
Imatinib Is Effective in Children With Previously Untreated Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Early Chronic Phase: Results of the French National Phase IV Trial
Authors: Millot Frédéric , Baruchel André , Guilhot Joelle , Petit Arnaud , Leblanc Thierry , Bertrand Yves , Mazingue Françoise , Lutz Patrick , Vérité Cécile , Berthou Christian , Galambrun Claire , Bernard Frédéric , Yacouben Karima , Bordigoni Pierre , Edan Christine , Reguerre Yves , Couillault Gérard , Méchinaud Françoise , Cayuela Jean-Michel , Guilhot François
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Imatinib is the standard of care in adults with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP). Only a few studies to assess efficacy in children have been performed. We report on the results of the French prospective trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00845221) conducted in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed CML in CP.

Patients and Methods

A total of 44 patients from age 10 months to 17 years with newly diagnosed CML in CP received daily imatinib 260 mg/m2. Progression-free survival, responses, and tolerance were evaluated.

Results

With a median follow-up times of 31 months (range, 11 to 64 months), the estimated progression-free survival rate at 36 months was 98% (95% CI, 85% to 100%). A complete hematologic response was achieved in 98% of the patients. The rates of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) and major molecular response (MMR) were 61% and 31% at 12 months, respectively. During follow-up, CCyR and MMR were achieved in 36 children (77%) and 25 children (57%), respectively. Overall, 30% of the patients discontinued imatinib, mainly because of unsatisfactory response. The most common adverse events were neutropenia and musculoskeletal events.

Conclusion

Imatinib is effective in children with CML in CP with response rates similar to rates reported in adults. The adverse effects are acceptable, but longer follow-up studies are required to fully assess the long-term impact.
Single-Injection Depot Progesterone Before Surgery and Survival in Women With Operable Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Badwe Rajendra , Hawaldar Rohini , Parmar Vani , Nadkarni Mandar , Shet Tanuja , Desai Sangeeta , Gupta Sudeep , Jalali Rakesh , Vanmali Vaibhav , Dikshit Rajesh , Mittra Indraneel
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Many nonrandomized studies have suggested better outcome for patients with breast cancer who undergo surgery during the luteal (progestogenic) phase of their menstrual cycle, but this is controversial. We investigated the effect of a single preoperative injection of hydroxyprogesterone in women with operable breast cancer (OBC) in a randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT00123669).

Patients and Methods

One thousand patients with OBC were randomly assigned to receive surgery or an intramuscular injection of depot hydroxyprogesterone 500 mg 5 to 14 days before surgery. Primary and secondary end points were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), respectively. An analysis by axillary lymph node status was preplanned.

Results

At a median follow-up of 65 months among 976 eligible patients, 273 recurrences and 202 deaths were recorded. In the progesterone group versus control group, 5-year DFS and OS rates were 73.9% v 70.2% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.09; P = .23) and 80.2% v 78.4% (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.21; P = .53), respectively. In 471 node-positive patients, the 5-year DFS and OS rates in the progesterone group versus control group were 65.3% v 54.7% (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.97; P = .02) and 75.7% v 66.8% (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.99; P = .04), respectively. In multivariate analysis, DFS was significantly improved with progesterone in node-positive patients (adjusted HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.95; P = .02), whereas there was no significant effect in node-negative patients (P for interaction = .04).

Conclusion

A single injection of hydroxyprogesterone before surgery did not improve outcomes in all women with OBC. This intervention showed significant improvement in node-positive women that may be considered hypothesis generating. If replicated in other studies, this could be a simple and inexpensive intervention, especially in developing countries where the incidence of lymph node metastasis is high.
Increased Risk of Locoregional Recurrence for Women With T1-2N0 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treated With Modified Radical Mastectomy Without Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Compared With Breast-Conserving Therapy
Authors: Abdulkarim Bassam S. , Cuartero Julie , Hanson John , Deschênes Jean , Lesniak David , Sabri Siham
Published: June 2011

Purpose

To evaluate the risk of locoregional recurrence (LRR) associated with locoregional treatment of women with primary breast cancer tumors negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (triple-negative breast cancer [TNBC]).

Patients and Methods

Patients diagnosed with TNBC were identified from a cancer registry in a single institution (n=768). LRR-free survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine risk of LRR on the basis of locoregional management: breast-conserving therapy (BCT; ie, lumpectomy and adjuvant radiation therapy [RT]) and modified radical mastectomy (MRM) in the TNBC population and T1-2N0 subgroup.

Results

At a median follow-up of 7.2 years, 77 patients (10%) with TNBC developed LRR. Five-year LRR-free survival was 94%, 85%, and 87% in the BCT, MRM, and MRM + RT groups, respectively (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, MRM (compared with BCT), lymphovascular invasion and lymph node positivity were associated with increased LRR. Conversely, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with decreased risk of LRR. For patients with T1-2N0 tumors, 5-year LRR-free survival was 96% and 90% in the BCT and MRM groups, respectively (P =.027), and MRM was the only independent prognostic factor associated with increased LRR compared with BCT (hazard ratio, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.12 to 5.75; P= .0264).

Conclusion

Women with T1-2N0 TNBC treated with MRM without RT have a significant increased risk of LRR compared with those treated with BCT. Prospective studies are warranted to investigate the benefit of adjuvant RT after MRM in TNBC.
Incidence and Prognostic Influence of DNMT3A Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Thol Felicitas , Damm Frederik , Lüdeking Andrea , Winschel Claudia , Wagner Katharina , Morgan Michael , Yun Haiyang , Göhring Gudrun , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Hoelzer Dieter , Lübbert Michael , Kanz Lothar , Fiedler Walter , Kirchner Hartmut , Heil Gerhard , Krauter Jürgen , Ganser Arnold , Heuser Michael
Published: June 2011

Purpose

To study the incidence and prognostic impact of mutations in DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

Patients and Methods

A total of 489 patients with AML were examined for mutations in DNMT3A by direct sequencing. The prognostic impact of DNMT3A mutations was evaluated in the context of other clinical prognostic markers and genetic risk factors (cytogenetic risk group; mutations in NPM1, FLT3, CEBPA, IDH1, IDH2, MLL1, NRAS, WT1, and WT1 SNPrs16754; expression levels of BAALC, ERG, EVI1, MLL5, MN1, and WT1).

Results

DNMT3A mutations were found in 87 (17.8%) of 489 patients with AML who were younger than 60 years of age. Patients with DNMT3A mutations were older, had higher WBC and platelet counts, more often had a normal karyotype and mutations in NPM1, FLT3, and IDH1 genes, and had higher MLL5 expression levels as compared with patients with wild-type DNMT3A. Mutations in DNMT3A independently predicted a shorter overall survival (OS; hazard ratio [HR], 1.59; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.21; P = .005) by multivariate analysis, but were not associated with relapse-free survival (RFS) or complete remission (CR) rate when the entire patient cohort was considered. In cytogenetically normal (CN) AML, 27.2% harbored DNMT3A mutations that independently predicted shorter OS (HR = 2.46; 95% CI, 1.58 to 3.83; P < .001) and lower CR rate (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.84; P = .015), but not RFS (P = .32). Within patients with CN-AML, DNMT3A mutations had an unfavorable effect on OS, RFS, and CR rate in NPM1/FLT3-ITD high-risk but not in low-risk patients.

Conclusion

DNMT3A mutations are frequent in younger patients with AML and are associated with an unfavorable prognosis.
Worms, flies and four-legged friends: the applicability of biological models to the understanding of intestinal inflammatory diseases
Authors: Lin Joyce , Hackam David J.
Published: June 2011

Diseases of intestinal inflammation, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and necrotizing enterocolitis, cause substantial acute and chronic disability in a large proportion of the population. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lead to recurrent episodes of intestinal dysfunction and systemic illness, whereas necrotizing enterocolitis is characterized by the development of dramatic and all too often fatal intestinal necrosis in infants. To determine the molecular underpinnings of these disorders, investigators have explored a variety of animal models that vary widely in their complexity. These experimental systems include the invertebrate nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the more complex invertebrate Drosophila melanogaster, and vertebrate systems including mice, rats and other mammals. This review explores the experimental models that are used to mimic and evaluate the pathogenic mechanisms leading to these diseases of intestinal inflammation. We then highlight, as an example, how the use of different experimental models that focus on the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in the gut has revealed important distinctions between the pathogenesis of IBD and necrotizing enterocolitis. Specifically, TLR4-mediated signaling plays a protective role in the development of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, whereas this signaling pathway plays a causative role in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn small intestine by adversely affecting intestinal injury and repair mechanisms.
Drosophila: a model for studying genetic and molecular aspects of haematopoiesis and associated leukaemias
Authors: Crozatier Michèle , Vincent Alain
Published: June 2011

Vertebrate haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) give rise to a hierarchically organised set of progenitors for erythroid, myeloid, lymphoid and megakaryocyte lineages, and are responsible for lifelong maintenance of the blood system. Dysregulation of the haematopoietic differentiation programme is at the origin of numerous pathologies, including leukaemias. With the discoveries that many transcriptional regulators and signalling pathways controlling blood cell development are conserved between humans and Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly has become a good model for investigating the mechanisms underlying the generation of blood cell lineages and blood cell homeostasis. In this review article, we discuss how genetic and molecular studies of Drosophila haematopoiesis can contribute to our understanding of the haematopoietic niche, as well as of the origin and/or progression of haematopoietic malignancies in humans.
Age-related medical decision limits for urinary free (unconjugated) metadrenalines, catecholamines and metabolites in random urine specimens from children
Authors: Davidson D Fraser , Hammond Philip J , Murphy Dermot , Carachi Robert
Published: June 2011

Background

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumour in childhood (8% of all childhood cancers), the most frequently diagnosed in infancy, and has one of the highest death rates, while chromaffin tumours rarely present in childhood. Both tumour types produce catecholamines and their metabolites. It is difficult to produce reference ranges for tests in children, and currently, no age-related medical decision limits for free metadrenalines (free metanephrines) in random urine specimens exist in the paediatric literature.

Methods

Results of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, homovanillic acid (HVA), noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline, dopamine (DA), free normetadrenaline (fNMA), free metadrenaline and free 3-methoxytyramine (f3MT) in 1658 random urines obtained from infants, children and young adults were measured by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Specimens were excluded from consideration if obtained from the following categories, i.e. (a) harbouring neuroblastic, chromaffin, carcinoid or other tumours or malignancies; (b) medical conditions having known association with excess catecholamine excretion; (c) patients administered catecholamine or paracetamol; (d) overly dilute urine; and (e) manifesting outlying values following visual inspection.

Results

There remained 872 specimens that were grouped into seven age ranges (<1; 1 or 2; 3 or 4; 5–7; 8–10; 11–13; 14–19 y) for which medical decision limits were determined for each analyte. There was no significant difference between the results for boys or girls. In 55 patients harbouring neuroblastic tumours, HVA (54/55), f3MT (14/16), VMA (45/53) and DA (43/53) were the most frequently elevated analytes at time of diagnosis. In 11 patients presenting in childhood with chromaffin tumours, fNMA (11/11) followed by NA (10/11) were the most frequently elevated.

Discussion

The likely reasons for outlying or missing values, together with the reasons for variation in the distinctive biochemical patterns of analytes exhibited in individuals harbouring either neuroblastic or chromaffin tumours are discussed.
A national survey of interpretative reporting in the UK
Authors: Kilpatrick Eric S , Freedman Danielle B
Published: June 2011

Aims

There is still debate as to whether the addition of interpretative comments to laboratory reports can influence the management of patients. Little is known about the extent of this activity in individual laboratories throughout the UK and so this national survey aimed to establish the prevalence.

Methods

An electronic questionnaire was sent to 196 NHS laboratories in the UK asking whether 17 commonly requested groups of tests were reported with interpretative comments and, if so, how laboratory computers and/or humans were involved in the process. Enquiries were also made of the grades of staff performing the process and of any ‘vignette’ examples where interpretative reporting had improved the clinical outcome for the patient.

Results

A total of 138 of the 196 laboratories (70%) responded. Only two laboratories did not have staff adding interpretative comments to any of the 17 tests. Consultant laboratory staff reporting predominated in all tests with a significant minority also being added by biomedical scientists. High-volume requests usually had staff adding comments to results selected by computer rules whereas more of the specialist endocrine tests tended to be considered for comment. Only six of 71 vignettes referred specifically to ‘routine’ biochemistry.

Conclusions

The addition of interpretative comments onto clinical biochemistry reports is widespread throughout the UK. This service is largely consultant led. There is anecdotal evidence that the process can influence the clinical management of patients.
Thyroid status of female rhesus monkeys and preliminary information on impact of perchlorate administration
Authors: Ozpinar Aysel , Golub Mari S , Poppenga Robert H , Blount Benjamin C , Gillespie Jerry R
Published: June 2011

Thyroid status was assessed in adult female rhesus monkey breeders at the California National Primate Research Center at the beginning of the breeding season. The 95% confidence intervals for thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) ( n = 66–80) were similar to those previously reported in smaller samples of macaque monkeys. Based on human criteria, 10 of 80 monkeys (12%) were hypothyroid (TSH > 2.0 µIU/mL). Because hypothyroxinaemia can be a risk factor in pregnancy, T4 status was compared with past breeding history, breeding outcome for that season and general health records in a subset of 42 breeders. Age, weight and parity did not differ between monkeys in the lowest T4 quartile as compared with those in the upper three quartiles. However, T4 concentrations were significantly associated with the number of missed menstrual cycles during the previous breeding season. In additional work, three healthy lactating rhesus monkeys were given three different doses of environmental contaminant and thyroid iodine uptake inhibitor, ammonium perchlorate (0.006, 0.34, 12.8 mg/kg/day, respectively) in food for two weeks. Thyroid status variables (TSH, T4, T3, thyroid radioactive iodine uptake) were then measured. In the monkey receiving the highest perchlorate dose, iodine uptake was suppressed relative to baseline. The study shows the availability of tools to study thyroid status in rhesus monkeys, the variability of thyroid status in the breeder colony and the potential ability of environmental factors to influence thyroid status.
The morphology and haemodynamics of the rabbit renal artery: evaluation by conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Chu Yinzhu , Liu Haixia , Xing Ping , Lou Ge , Wu Changjun
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was to test the morphology and haemodynamics of the renal artery in the rabbit as evaluated by conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). The morphology and haemodynamics of the rabbit renal artery, including the diameter, which were measured using B-mode ultrasonography (US), colour Doppler US and CEUS, and systolic velocity, diastolic velocity and resistive index (RI) were measured using pulsed wave Doppler US. CEUS was used to measure the renal artery diameter: 0.21 ± 0.04 cm (right) and 0.21 ± 0.03 cm (left). Values of the main renal artery diameter obtained from CEUS significantly correlated with those of digital subtraction angiography. The blood flow velocity of the right main renal artery was 44.20 ± 8.71/18.92 ± 6.26 cm/s (systolic/diastolic) and 36.30 ± 6.89/17.64 ± 5.58 cm/s (systolic/diastolic), at its origin from the aorta and at the renal hilus, respectively. The blood flow velocity of the left main renal artery was 45.10 ± 8.49/19.00 ± 6.80 cm/s (systolic/diastolic) and 41.70 ± 10.25/19.55 ± 7.90 cm/s (systolic/diastolic), at its origin from the aorta and at the renal hilus, respectively. Conventional US provides a more feasible modality for measuring the morphology and haemodynamics of the rabbit renal artery. CEUS is a more accurate method for measuring diameter. This information on the morphology and haemodynamics of the rabbit renal artery might be helpful for researchers.
The Decision to Use Zirconium in Nuclear Reactors
Authors: Rickover Admiral H. G.
Published: June 2011

Reprinted with permission from the estate of Admiral H. G. Rickover
Towards an Understanding of Zirconium Alloy Corrosion
Authors: Cox B.
Published: June 2011

A brief historical summary is given of the development of a programme for understanding the corrosion mechanisms operating for zirconium alloys. A general summary is given of the progress made, so far, in carrying through this programme. Reprinted with permission from Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.
Extractive Metallurgy of Zirconium—1945 to the Present
Authors: Stephens William W.
Published: June 2011

Although the history of thr reduction of zirconium dates from 1824 and the first ductile zirconium metal was produced in the laboratory in 1914. modern reduction practice was pioneered by the U.S. Bureau of Mines starting in 1945.

This paper reviews the history of the extractive metallurgy of zirconium from the early work of W. J. Kroll and co-workers at the Bureau of Mines in Albany. Ore.. through the commercial development of the production of reactor-grade zirconiun metal which was spurred by the requirements of the Naval Reactor Program and the development of commercial nuclear power.

Technical subjects covered include processes for opening the ore. zirconium-hafnium Separation, chlorination of zirconium oxide, reduction processes, and electrowinning of zirconium metal. Proposed new processes and process modifications are reviewed. The original paper was published by ASTM International in STP 824, Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry: Sixth International Symposium, 1984, pp. 5–36.
The Origins of the Discovery of the New Cezus Process for Separating Zirconium and Hafnium by Extractive Distillation
Authors: Guerin Jean , Besson Paul , Brun Pierre
Published: June 2011

Presented at the Kroll Medal Award Ceremony in Kobe, Japan, November 1990 at the ASTM Ninth Symposium on Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry. Reprinted with permission from Pierre Brun.
Metal Science Aspects of Zirconium-Base Reactor Material Production in the Soviet Union
Authors: Nikulina Antonina V.
Published: June 2011

Reprinted with permission from the Bochvar Institute, VNIINM
Learning from History: A Case Study in Nuclear Fuel
Authors: Robertson J. A. L.
Published: June 2011

The award of the 1993 W. J. Kroll Zirconium Medal recognized the value of cooperative, multidisciplinary, applied research in tackling practical problems. This paper suggests that several other lessons relevant to the current debate on science-and-technology (S&T) policy can be drawn from our experience a quarter of a century ago. It outlines how close cooperation among those involved with the fuel for the Canadian CANDU heavy-water reactors identified a problem, then proceeded to solve it expeditiously. This capability for a rapid response to an unforeseen problem was no accident, but arose out of the conditions that existed at the Chalk River Laboratory of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and a deliberate policy to maintain this capability even when the utility's power reactors were demonstrating excellent performance. The original paper was published by ASTM International in STP 1295, Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry: Eleventh International Symposium, 1996, pp. 3–11.
Effects of Neutron Irradiation on Microstructure and Properties of Zircaloy
Authors: Adamson Ronald B.
Published: June 2011

An historical review is given on the effects of neutron irradiation on the microstructure and properties of Zircaloy. Topics included are basic neutron damage structure, precipitate instabilities, irradiation growth, deformation and mechanical properties, and corrosion. A personal perspective is given by the author, and an extensive list of references covers the area. The original paper was published by ASTM International in STP 1354, Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry: Twelfth International Symposium, 2000, pp. 15–31.
Physical Phenomena Concerning Corrosion under Irradiation of Zr Alloys
Authors: Lemaignan Clément
Published: June 2011

The phenomena involved in the corrosion enhancement of Zr alloys under irradiation are analyzed. Among the basic mechanisms concerned, some are related to changes in microstructure of the alloy due to irradiation (precipitate evolution under irradiation and amorphous transformation), others to the transformation of the oxide layer (ZrO2) induced by neutron damage (irradiation-induced phase transformation of the zirconia). The effect of water chemistry and of the ionizing γ photons on the insulating zirconia will also be discussed. The original paper was published by ASTM International in STP 1423, Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry: Thirteenth International Symposium, 2002, pp. 20–29.
ZIRLOT™—An Alloy Development Success
Authors: Sabol George P.
Published: June 2011

Significant data and milestones in the development of the ZIRLO alloy for PWR applications arc reviewed. From humble beginnings as an R&D program, an approach to improving the corrosion resistance of zirconium-based alloys was developed. The corrosion resistance of dilute alloys is controlled by the microstructure, and both solid solution and precipitate effects impact corrosion performance. Several transition metals are beneficial for corrosion at low concentrations, but the most favourable alloy system is zirconium-niobium, because it offers flexibility in processing options. Strength of the binary alloys can be improved by additions of tin, which, in combination with low levels of iron, provide corrosion resistance in lithium hydroxide solutions. Numerous experimental ingots, thermo-mechanical processing routes, corrosion tests, and materials characterizations were performed along the path to the final alloy composition. The resulting material, ZIRLO, has proven itself as a successful alloy for PWR fuel cladding and structural applications. The original paper was published by ASTM International in the Journal of ASTM International, February 2005.
Zirconium Production and Technology: The Kroll Medal Papers 1975–2010
Authors: Adamson Ronald B.
Published: June 2011

Description

This one-of-a-kind publication provides 30 peer-reviewed, award-winning papers from recipients of the William J. Kroll Zirconium Medal, named in honor of Dr. William J. Kroll, one of the foremost metallurgists of the 20th Century. The Kroll Medal was established to recognize outstanding achievement in the scientific, technological, or commercial aspects of zirconium production and utilization, and to encourage future efforts, studies, and research.

These peer-reviewed papers cover all aspects of zirconium technology, including history, ore refinement, production, fabrication, mechanical properties, and physical properties. Many of the early papers deal with state-of-the-art ore refinement and Zr production processes, and the later papers with highly sophisticated metallurgical and scientific technologies. Of the 33 medals awarded, 31 have been for work in the commercial nuclear power industry.

This retrospective covers work conducted in the United States, Canada, Japan, Russia, and Western Europe, including, France, Germany, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

The papers include a whole range of zirconium alloy technical topics, including:

Taken overall, the papers provide a comprehensive technical history of zirconium technology and will be of great interest to both young and experienced workers in the field.
Sunset with Chainsaw
Authors: Williams Evan Calder
Published: June 2011

Looking back at three films (The Night of the Hunter, House, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), this essay proposes a new way to read horror politically, moving away from allegories of “horrible content” in favor of an attention to the horrors of form and how “secondary” background details assert themselves.
Films of the Year, 2010
Authors: Naremore James
Published: June 2011

This article presents reviews of the author's selection of the best films released in the U.S. in 2010: Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives; Mysteries of Lisbon; Carlos; The Strange Case of Angelica; Everyone Else; Vincere; Winter's Bone; I Am Love; Sweetgrass; Inside Job.
Fatih Akin's Cinema of Intersections
Authors: Isenberg Noah
Published: June 2011

A career survey of the work of Turkish German director Fatih Akin, whose films (notably The Edge of Heaven and Soul Kitchen) combine comedy with darker notes, emphasizing the theme of dual identity and paying particular attention to the use of music.
Joy in the Act of Drawing: Maybeck's Palace of Fine Arts
Authors: Ortenberg Alexander
Published: June 2011

Joy in the Act of Drawing: Maybeck's Palace of Fine Arts focuses on Bernard Maybeck's working drawings for the surviving fragment of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Because it was originally designed as a temporary structure, it has been dismissed by some critics as the roughly detailed product of a speedy production process. However, Alexander Ortenberg shows that the working drawings were carefully produced in accordance with the professional standards of American Beaux-Arts architecture. What appear to be crude details were the product of thoughtful study, in which the charcoal of the earlier sketches was translated into the hard ink line of working drawings. Exploiting the liveliness of the drawing medium, Maybeck invented architectural details that preserved the freshness of his initial sketches and helped to define the theatrical character of the building.
Peripheral kisspeptin reverses short photoperiod-induced gonadal regression in Syrian hamsters by promoting GNRH release
Authors: Ansel L , Bentsen A H , Ancel C , Bolborea M , Klosen P , Mikkelsen J D , Simonneaux V
Published: June 2011

In seasonal breeders, reproduction is synchronised by day length via the pineal hormone melatonin. In short winter days (short day, SD), the Syrian hamster displays a complete gonadal atrophy together with a marked reduction in expression of kisspeptins (Kp), a family of potent hypothalamic stimulators of GNRH neurons. Both central and peripheral acute injections of Kp have been reported to activate the gonadotropic axis in mammals. The aim of this study was to determine if and how peripheral administration of Kp54 could restore gonadal function in photo-inhibited hamsters. Testicular activity of hamsters kept in SD was reactivated by two daily i.p. injections of Kp54 but not by chronic subcutaneous delivery of the same peptide via mini-pumps. Acute i.p. injection of Kp54-induced FOS (c-Fos) expression in a large number of GNRH neurons and pituitary gonadotrophs together with a strong increase in circulating testosterone. The activation of pituitary cells by Kp was inhibited by preadministration of the GNRH receptor antagonist acyline. Altogether, our results demonstrate that peripheral Kp54 activates the gonadotropic axis by stimulating GNRH release and indicate that an appropriate protocol of long-term systemic Kp administration can recrudesce a photo-inhibited reproductive axis.