bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative proteomic analysis of amniocytes reveals potentially dysregulated molecular networks in Down syndrome
Authors: Cho Chan-Kyung J , Drabovich Andrei P , Karagiannis George S , Martínez-Morillo Eduardo , Dason Shawn , Dimitromanolakis Apostolos , Diamandis Eleftherios P
Published: February 2013

Background

Down syndrome (DS), caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, affects 1 in 750 live births and is characterized by cognitive impairment and a constellation of congenital defects. Currently, little is known about the molecular pathogenesis and no direct genotype-phenotype relationship has yet been confirmed. Since DS amniocytes are expected to have a distinct biological behaviour compared to normal amniocytes, we hypothesize that relative quantification of proteins produced from trisomy and euploid (chromosomally normal) amniocytes will reveal dysregulated molecular pathways.

Results

Chromosomally normal- and Trisomy 21-amniocytes were quantitatively analyzed by using Stable Isotope Labeling of Amino acids in Cell culture and tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 4919 unique proteins were identified from the supernatant and cell lysate proteome. More specifically, 4548 unique proteins were identified from the lysate, and 91% of these proteins were quantified based on MS/MS spectra ratios of peptides containing isotope-labeled amino acids. A total of 904 proteins showed significant differential expression and were involved in 25 molecular pathways, each containing a minimum of 16 proteins. Sixty of these proteins consistently showed aberrant expression from trisomy 21 affected amniocytes, indicating their potential role in DS pathogenesis. Nine proteins were analyzed with a multiplex selected reaction monitoring assay in an independent set of Trisomy 21-amniocyte samples and two of them (SOD1 and NES) showed a consistent differential expression.

Conclusions

The most extensive proteome of amniocytes and amniotic fluid has been generated and differentially expressed proteins from amniocytes with Trisomy 21 revealed molecular pathways that seem to be most significantly affected by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Impact of partial relay selection on the capacity of communications systems with outdated CSI and adaptive transmission techniques
Authors: Zhong Bin , Zhang Zhongshan , Zhang Xu , Li Yan , Long Keping
Published: February 2013

The impact of outdated channel state information (CSI) on the capacity of amplify-and-forward (AF) partial relay selection systems is studied in this article. The closed-form expressions for the distribution of received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in a multi-relay cooperative communications system is first derived, with independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Rayleigh fading channels being assumed in each wireless link. After that, the theoretical closed-form expressions for both outage probability and channel capacity of partial relay selection are derived, with four classical adaptive transmission techniques, including the constant power with optimal rate adaption (ORA), the optimal power and rate adaption (OPRA), the channel inversion with fixed rate (CIFR) and truncated channel inversion with fixed rate (TIFR), being considered. Numerical analysis proves that the channel capacity of partial relay selection is impacted considerably by some critical parameters, including the number of relays, the channel correlation coefficient and the end-to-end SNR, etc. It’s also exhibited in the numerical results that among the four adaptive transmission techniques, the diversity order of OPRA is larger than that of TIFR, and the OPRA outperforms TIFR with about 0.15 bits/s/Hz in terms of average channel capacity.
A Wald test with enhanced selectivity properties in homogeneous environments
Authors: Liu Weijian , Xie Wenchong , Wang Yongliang
Published: February 2013

A Wald test with enhanced selectivity capabilities is proposed in homogeneous environments. At the design stage, we assume that the cell under test contains a noise-like interferer in addition to colored noise and possible signal of interest. We show that the Wald test is equivalent to a recently proposed Rao test. We also observe that this Rao/Wald test possesses constant false alarm rate property in homogeneous environments.
Prophylactic ceftizoxime for elective cesarean delivery at Soba Hospital, Sudan
Authors: Osman Bashier , Abbas Amna , Ahmed Mohamed A , Abubaker Magid S , Adam Ishag
Published: February 2013

Background

A prophylactic antibiotic is recommended to reduce infection-related complication following cesarean delivery. There is a current debate on the time of prophylactic antibiotic in cesarean delivery.

Methods

An opened randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted at Soba hospital, Sudan to investigate the timing (pre-incision or after clamping of the umbilical cord) of ceftizoxime for elective cesarean delivery. The outcome measures were; the incidence of post-cesarean febrile and infection-related morbidity and neonatal outcomes between the two groups.

Results

Hundred –eighty women (90 women in each arm of the study) received intravenous injection of 1 g of ceftizoxime as single dose either at pre-incision or after clamping of the umbilical cord. None of the women in either group had endometritis. One woman in the pre-incision group had chest infection. There was no significant difference in the incidence of wound infection between the two groups, 8 (6.7%) vs. 3 (3.3%);P = 0.2. Two babies in the pre-incision group (P = 0.497) had a low Apgar score (< 8) at 1 min. Similar number of neonate (15 in each arm) was admitted to nursery. There were no significant difference in the neonatal jaundice between the two groups, 5 (5.5%) vs. 4 (4.4%),P = 0.2. There was no perinatal death.

Conclusions

There was no difference in the two regimens (pre-incision or post-clamping of the umbilical cord) of ceftizoxime as prophylactic for elective cesarean delivery.

Trial registration

NCT01347593
Development of breeding lines with three pyramided resistance genes that confer broad-spectrum bacterial blight resistance and their molecular analysis in rice
Authors: Suh Jung-Pil , Jeung Ji-Ung , Noh Tae-Hwan , Cho Young-Chan , Park So-Hyun , Park Hyun-Su , Shin Mun-Sik , Kim Chung-Kon , Jena Kshirod K
Published: February 2013

Background

The development of resistant cultivars has been the most effective and economical strategy to control bacterial leaf blight (BB) disease of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Molecular markers have made it possible to identify and pyramid valuable genes of agronomic importance in resistance rice breeding. In this study, three resistance genes (Xa4 + xa5 + Xa21) were transferred from an indica donor (IRBB57), using a marker-assisted backcrossing (MAB) breeding strategy, into a BB-susceptible elite japonica rice cultivar, Mangeumbyeo, which is high yielding with good grain quality.

Results

Our analysis led to the development of three elite advanced backcross breeding lines (ABL) with three resistance genes by foreground and phenotypic selection in a japonica genetic background without linkage drag. The background genome recovery of the ABL expressed more than 92.1% using genome-wide SSR marker analysis. The pathogenicity assays of three resistance-gene-derived ABL were conducted under glasshouse conditions with the 18 isolates of Xoo prevalent in Korea. The ABL exhibited very small lesion lengths, indicating a hypersensitive reaction to all 18 isolates of Xoo, with agronomic and grain quality traits similar to those of the recurrent parent. Pyramiding the resistance genes Xa4, xa5 and Xa21 provided a higher resistance to Xoo than the introduction of the individual resistance genes. Additionally, the combination of two dominant and one recessive BB resistance gene did not express any negative effect on agronomic traits in the ABL.

Conclusions

The strategy of simultaneous foreground and phenotypic selection to introduce multiple R genes is very useful to reduce the cost and the time required for the isolation of desirable recombinants with target resistance genes in rice. The resistance-gene-derived ABL have practical breeding value without a yield penalty by providing broad-spectrum resistance against most of the existing isolates of BB in South Korea and will have a high impact on the yield stability and sustainability of rice productivity.
Novel insights regarding the sigmoidal pattern of resistance to neomycin conferred by the aphII gene, in Streptomyces lividans
Authors: Seghezzi Nicolas , Virolle Marie-Joelle , Amar Patrick
Published: February 2013

A library of synthetic promoters of various strengths, specifically constructed for Streptomyces species, was cloned in the promoter-probe plasmid pIJ487, upstream of the promoter-less aphII gene that confers resistance to neomycin. The survival rates conferred by promoters were assessed in the presence of 100 μg.ml−1 neomycin. The correlation between the transcriptional activity of the aphII gene (estimated by RT-PCR) and the resistance to neomycin (expressed as survival rate) indicated a sigmoid rather than a linear correlation. In this issue, we propose a tentative explanation for this sigmoidal pattern of resistance in relation with the level of aph II gene expression. Beyond this specific example, our model might constitute a sound explanation for the generally observed but never explained sigmoidal shape of classical inhibition curves obtained in the presence of linearly increasing antibiotic concentrations.
Metabolic syndrome and its correlated factors in an urban population in South West of Iran
Authors: Shahbazian Hajieh , Latifi Seyed Mahmoud , Jalali Mohammad Taha , Shahbazian Heshmatollah , Amani Reza , Nikhoo Abdolrasool , Aleali Armaghan Moravej
Published: February 2013

Background

This study was designed to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its correlated factors in an urban population in Ahvaz.

Methods

This descriptive analytical study performed with random cluster sampling method in 6 health centers in Ahvaz. In each selected center, 55 households were randomly selected. A questionnaire included: age, sex, marital status, ethnicity, education level, family history of diabetes (DM), Hypertension (HTN) and obesity, smoking and parity and previous history of gestational diabetes Mellitus in women were filled for each person.

Blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), abdominal and waist circumference were measured in each participant. Fasting blood glucose (FBS), serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein (HDL) level were measured in fasting blood sample.

Results

The mean age of all participants was 42.27 ± 14 years (44.2 ± 14.26 years in men and 40.5 ± 13.5 in women). From total 912 participant, 434(47.2%) were men and 478(52.8%) women. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome based on ATPIII criteria (update2005) was 22.8% (15.9% in men and 29.1% in women) that showed significant difference (P = 0.0001). Prevalence of each component of MS in studied population was: 29.4% for abdominal obesity, 40.7% for high TG level, 40.2% for low HDL, 15.4% for hypertension and 37.8% for abnormal FBS. Among these factor, age of patients, BMI, sex had significant differences between persons with or without Ms (P = 0.0001). Ethnicity (Arab or Persian), cigarette smoking and family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity, marital statues, education level, parity and previous history of GDM in women showed no significant differences between persons with MS and without MS.

Conclusion

Metabolic syndrome has high prevalence in our population and its prevalence increases with increasing age and BMI. Women are at higher risk for metabolic syndrome than men.
Behavioural activation v. antidepressant medication for treating depression in Iran: randomised trial
Authors: Moradveisi Latif , Huibers Marcus J. H. , Renner Fritz , Arasteh Modabber , Arntz Arnoud
Published: February 2013

Background

Behavioural activation might be a viable alternative to antidepressant medication for major depressive disorder.

Aims

To compare the effectiveness of behavioural activation and treatment as usual (TAU, antidepressant medication) for major depressive disorder in routine clinical practice in Iran.

Method

Patients with major depressive disorder (n = 100) were randomised to 16 sessions of behavioural activation (n = 50) or antidepressant medication (n = 50) (IRCT138807192573N1). The main outcome was depression, measured with the Beck Depression inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), assessed at 0, 4, 13 and 49 weeks.

Results

Symptom reduction was greater in the behavioural activation group than in the TAU group on both the BDI and the HRSD at 13 and 49 weeks in multilevel analysis. Baseline depression severity was a moderator, with relatively better effects for behavioural activation in individuals who were more severely depressed. Also, there was better retention in the behavioural activation than in the TAU group.

Conclusions

Behavioural activation is a viable and effective treatment for people with major depressive disorder, especially for those who are more severely depressed, and it can successfully be disseminated into routine practice settings in a non-Western country such as Iran.
Neither male gonadal androgens nor female reproductive costs drive development of sexual size dimorphism in lizards
Authors: Starostová Zuzana , Kubička Lukáš , Golinski Alison , Kratochvil Lukáš
Published: February 2013

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is an extensively studied phenomenon in animals, including reptiles, but the proximate mechanism of its development is poorly understood. The most pervasive candidates are (1) androgen-mediated control of growth, i.e. positive effect of gonadal androgens (testosterone) on male growth in male-larger species, while negative in female-larger species; and (2) sex-specific differences in energy allocation to growth, e.g. sex with larger reproductive costs should reach smaller body size. We tested these hypotheses in adults of the male-larger lizard Paroedura picta by conducting castrations with and without testosterone implants in males and manipulating reproductive status in females. Castration or testosterone replacement had no significant effect on final body length in males. High investment to reproduction had no significant effect on final body length in intact females. Interestingly, ovariectomized females and females with testosterone implants grew to larger body size than intact females. We found support for neither of the above hypotheses and suggest that previously reported effects of gonadal androgens on growth in male lizards could be a consequence of altered behaviour or social status in manipulated individuals. Exogenous testosterone in females led to decreased size of ovaries, its effect on body size may be caused by interference with normal ovarian function. We suggest that ovarian factors, perhaps estrogens, not reproductive costs, can modify growth in female lizards and may thus contribute to the development of SSD. This hypothesis is largely supported by published results on effect of testosterone treatment or ovariectomy on body size in female squamates.
High complexity of aquatic irradiance may have driven the evolution of four-dimensional colour vision in shallow-water fish
Authors: Sabbah Shai , Troje Nikolaus F. , Gray Suzanne M. , Hawryshyn Craig W.
Published: February 2013

Humans use three cone photoreceptor classes for colour vision, yet many birds, reptiles and shallow-water fish are tetrachromatic and use four cone classes. Screening pigments, that narrow the spectrum of photoreceptors in birds and diurnal reptiles, render visual systems with four cone classes more efficient. To date, however, the question of tetrachromacy in shallow-water fish, that, like humans, lack screening pigments, is still unsolved. We raise the possibility that tetrachromacy in fish has evolved in response to higher spectral complexity of underwater light. We compared the dimensionality of colour vision in humans and fish by examining the spectral complexity of the colour-signal reflected from objects into their eyes. Here we show that fish require four to six cone classes to reconstruct the colour-signal of aquatic objects at the accuracy level achieved by humans viewing terrestrial objects. This is because environmental light, which alters the colour-signals, is more complex and contains more spectral fluctuations underwater than on land. We further show that fish cones are better suited than human cones to detect these spectral fluctuations, suggesting that the capability of fish cones to detect high-frequency fluctuations in the colour-signal confers an advantage. Taken together, we propose that tetrachromacy in fish has evolved to enhance the reconstruction of complex colour-signals in shallow aquatic environments. Of course, shallow-water fish might possess less than four cone classes; however, this would come with the inevitable loss in accuracy of signal reconstruction.
Control of motor activity, via motoneuron excitability and sensory-motor integration, by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone in crayfish
Authors: Bacqué-Cazenave Julien , Bouvet Flora , Fossat Pascal , Cattaert Daniel , Delbecque Jean-Paul
Published: February 2013

We studied the effects of molting hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), on leg sensory-motor networks of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The hormone was injected in isolated crayfishes and network activity was analyzed three days after 20E injection, using electrophysiology on an in vitro preparation of the leg locomotor network. We observed that this 20E treatment deeply reduced motor activity, by affecting both motoneuron (MN) intrinsic properties and sensory-motor integration. Indeed, we noticed a general decrease in motor nerve tonic activities, principally in depressor and promotor nerves. Moreover, intracellular recordings of depressor motoneurons confirmed a decrease of motoneuron excitability due to a drop in input resistance. In parallel, sensory inputs originating from a proprioceptor, which codes joint movements controlled by these motoneurons, were also reduced. The shape of excitatory post-synaptic potentials (PSPs) triggered in motoneurons by sensory activity of this proprioceptor showed a reduction of polysynaptic components, whereas inhibitory PSPs were suppressed, demonstrating that 20E acted also on interneurons relaying sensory to motor inputs. Consequently, 20E injection modified the whole sensory-motor loop, as demonstrated by the alteration of the resistance reflex amplitude. These locomotor network changes induced by 20E were consistent with the decrease of locomotion observed in a behavioral test. In summary, 20E controls locomotion during crayfish premolt by acting both on MN excitability and sensory-motor integration. Among these cooperative effects, the drop of input resistance of motoneurons seems to be mostly responsible for the reduction of motor activity.
Hemocyanin with phenoloxidase activity in the chitin matrix of the crayfish gastrolith
Authors: Glazer Lilah , Tom Moshe , Weil Simy , Roth Ziv , Khalaila Isam , Mittelman Binyamin , Sagi Amir
Published: February 2013

Gastroliths are transient extracellular calcium deposits formed by the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus von Martens on both sides of the stomach wall during pre-molt. Gastroliths are made of a rigid chitinous organic matrix, constructed as sclerotized chitin-protein microfibrils within which calcium carbonate is deposited. Although gastroliths share many characteristics with the exoskeleton, they are simpler in structure and relatively homogenous in composition, making them an excellent cuticle-like model for the study of cuticular proteins. In searching for molt-related proteins involved in gastrolith formation, two integrated approaches were employed, namely the isolation and mass spectrometric analysis of proteins from the gastrolith matrix, and 454-sequencing of mRNAs from both the gastrolith-forming and sub-cuticular epithelia. SDS-PAGE separation of gastrolith proteins revealed a set of bands at apparent molecular weights of 75-85 kDa, of which peptide sequencing following mass spectrometry matched the deduced amino acid sequences of seven hemocyanin transcripts. This assignment was then examined by immunoblot analysis using anti-hemocyanin antibodies, also used to determine the spatial distribution of the proteins in situ. Apart from contributing to oxygen transport, crustacean hemocyanins were previously suggested as being involved in several aspects of the molt cycle, including hardening of the new post-molt exoskeleton via phenoloxidation. The phenoloxidase activity of gastrolith hemocyanins was demonstrated. It was also noted that hemocyanin transcript expression during pre-molt was specific to the hepatopancreas. Our results thus reflect a set of functionally versatile proteins, expressed in a remote metabolic tissue and dispersed via the hemolymph to perform different roles in various organs and structures.
Multiple ferritins are vital to successful blood feeding and reproduction of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis
Authors: Galay Remil L. , Aung Kyaw M. , Umemiya-Shirafuji Rika , Maeda Hiroki , Matsuo Tomohide , Kawaguchi Hiroaki , Miyoshi Noriaki , Suzuki Hiroshi , Xuan Xuenan , Mochizuki Masami , Fujisaki Kozo , Tanaka Tetsuya
Published: February 2013

Ticks are obligate hematophagous parasites and important vectors of diseases. The large amount of blood they consume contains great quantities of iron, an essential but also toxic element. The function of ferritin, an iron storage protein, and iron metabolism in ticks need to be further elucidated. Here, we investigated the function a newly identified secreted ferritin from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlFER2), together with the previously identified intracellular ferritin (HlFER1). Recombinant ferritins, expressed in Escherichia coli, were used for anti-serum preparation and also assayed for iron-binding activity. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses of different organs and developmental stages of the tick during blood feeding were performed. The localization of ferritins in different organs was demonstrated through an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to evaluate the importance of ferritin on blood feeding and reproduction of ticks. The midgut was also examined after RNAi using light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RT-PCR showed differences in gene expression in some organs and developmental stages. Interestingly, only HlFER2 was detected in the ovary during oviposition and in egg despite the low mRNA transcript. RNAi induced reduced post-blood meal body weight, high mortality, and decreased fecundity. The expression of vitellogenin genes were affected by silencing of ferritin. Abnormalities in digestive cells, including disrupted microvilli, and alteration of digestive activity were also observed. Taken altogether, our results showed that the iron storage and protective functions of ferritin are critical to successful blood feeding and reproduction of H. longicornis.
Coordination of distinct but interacting rhythmic motor programs by a modulatory projection neuron using different co-transmitters in different ganglia
Authors: Kwiatkowski Molly A. , Gabranski Emily R. , Huber Kristen E. , Chapline M. Christine , Christie Andrew E. , Dickinson Patsy S.
Published: February 2013

While many neurons are known to contain multiple neurotransmitters, the specific roles played by each co-transmitter within a neuron are often poorly understood. Here, we investigated the roles of the co-transmitters of the pyloric suppressor (PS) neurons, which are located in the stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) of the lobster, Homarus americanus. The PS neurons are known to contain histamine; using RT-PCR, we identified a second co-transmitter as the FMRFamide-like peptide crustacean myosuppressin (Crust-MS). The modulatory effects of Crust-MS application on the gastric mill and pyloric patterns, generated in the stomatogastric ganglion (STG), closely resembled those recorded following extracellular PS neuron stimulation. To determine whether histamine plays a role in mediating the effects of the PS neurons in the STG, we bath-applied histamine receptor antagonists to the ganglion. In the presence of the antagonists, the histamine response was blocked, but Crust-MS application and PS stimulation continued to modulate the gastric and pyloric patterns, suggesting that PS effects in the STG are mediated largely by Crust-MS. PS neuron stimulation also excited the oesophageal rhythm, produced in the commissural ganglia (CoGs) of the STNS. Application of histamine, but not Crust-MS, to the CoGs mimicked this effect. Histamine receptor antagonists blocked the ability of both histamine and PS stimulation to excite the oesophageal rhythm, providing strong evidence that the PS neurons use histamine in the CoGs to exert their effects. Overall, our data suggest that the PS neurons differentially utilize their co-transmitters in spatially distinct locations to coordinate the activity of three independent networks.
The metabolic cost of communicative sound production in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Noren Dawn P. , Holt Marla M. , Dunkin Robin C. , Williams Terrie M.
Published: February 2013

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) produce various communicative sounds that are important for social behavior, maintaining group cohesion, and coordinating foraging. For example, whistle production increases during disturbances, such as separations of mother/calf pairs and vessel approaches. It is clear that acoustic communication is important to the survival of these marine mammals, yet the metabolic cost of producing whistles and other socials sounds and the energetic consequences of modifying these sounds in response to both natural and anthropogenic disturbance are unknown. We used flow-through respirometry to determine if the metabolic cost of sound production could be quantified in two captive dolphins producing social sounds (whistles and squawks). On average, we found that metabolic rates measured during two-min periods of sound production were 1.2 times resting values. Up to 7 min were required for metabolism to return to resting values following vocal periods. The total metabolic cost (over resting values) of the two-min vocal period plus required recovery period (163.3 to 2995.9 ml O2 or 3,279.6 to 60,166.7 J) varied by individual as well as by mean duration of sounds produced within the vocal period. Observed variation in received cumulative sound energy levels of vocalizations was not related to total metabolic costs. Furthermore, our empirical findings did not agree with previous theoretical estimates of the metabolic cost of whistles. This study provides the first empirical data on the metabolic cost of sound production in dolphins which can be used to estimate metabolic costs of vocal responses to environmental perturbations in wild dolphins.
DFT Study of the Proton Transfer in the Urethane Formation between 2,4-Diisocyanatotoluene and Methanol
Authors: Wang Xiaoxuan , Hu Wei , Gui Dayong , Chi Xuhui , Wang Mingliang , Tian Deyu , Liu Jianhong , Ma Xingang , Pang Aimin
Published: February 2013

The proton transfer effects on the urethane formation between 2,4-diisocyanatotoluene (2,4-TDI) and methanol was investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. The calculations show that the direct addition of methanol to 2,4-TDI follows a concerted path with an energy barrier of 31.71 kcal mol−1 and an activation free energy of 39.32 kcal mol−1. With the methanol, diphenylamine, and methyl N-methylcarbamate molecule serving as a proton transporter or a reactive catalyst, the energy barriers were significantly reduced to 12.28, 17.93, and 20.13 kcal mol−1 respectively, and the free energies of activation were lowered to 25.22, 32.54, and 36.86 kcal mol−1 correspondingly. The results indicate that the labile hydrogen-containing compounds play a key role in accelerating the reaction rate and the proton transfer. In the case of one extra methanol molecule serving as a proton transporter, the energy barrier was estimated to be 12.28 kcal mol−1, which is in good agreement with the experimental activation energy between 8.6 and 12.0 kcal mol−1. The urethane formation between 2,4-TDI and methanol is more likely a third-order reaction with respect to the initial reactants.
Effect of Initial Substrate Concentrations and Temperature on the Oscillatory Behavior of Phloroglucinol-Based Belousov–Zhabotinsky Reaction
Authors: Gull Usma , Peerzada Ghulam Mustafa , Ganaie Nadeem Bashir , Dar Nisar Ahmad
Published: February 2013

The present study introduces the use of phloroglucinol (1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene) as organic substrate in BZ reaction for the first time. This work has been carried out to assess the influence of initial reagent concentrations on the behavior of phloroglucinol–bromate–ferroin-based BZ reaction in a stirred batch reactor. The oscillations are followed by observing the change in redox potential. Different oscillatory parameters like induction time (tin), time period (tp), amplitude (A), frequency (v), and number of oscillations (N) show different changes with respect to changes in the initial concentrations of organic substrate, bromate and sulfuric acid, and these observations have been explained on the basis of FKN mechanism. The behavior of the aforesaid system in different aqueous acid media has been reported and it is found that sulfuric acid is the best medium for studying the system as it shows a wide oscillatory window compared to that of nitric acid. In phosphoric and perchloric acids the system does not show any oscillatory behavior. Activation parameters of the reaction have been derived by studying the reaction over a temperature range of 15 to 40 ± 0.1 °C. The effect of different catalysts on the oscillatory behavior has been studied and it is found that the system gives good oscillatory behavior with ferroin and Ce(III) whereas a poor response is seen when Mn(II) and Ce(IV) are used as catalysts.
The Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis Involves Bone, Cartilage and Synovial Inflammation: May Estrogen Be a Magic Bullet?
Authors: Karsdal M A , Bay-Jensen A C , Henriksen K , Christiansen C
Published: February 2013

The female predominance of polyarticular osteoarthritis (OA), and in particular the marked increase of OA in women after the menopause points to a likely involvement of female sex hormones in the maintenance of cartilage homeostasis. This perception has inspired many research groups to investigate the role of estrogens in the modulation of cartilage homeostasis with the ultimate aim to clarify whether estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) could provide benefits in preventing the rapid rise in the prevalence of OA in postmenopausal women. The effects of ERT and selective estrogen-receptor modulators on the joint in various experimental models have been investigated. Clinically, the effects of estrogens have been evaluated by post hoc analysis in clinical trials using biochemical markers of cartilage and bone degradation. Lastly, the Women's Health Initiative trial (WHI) investigated the effects of estrogens on the joint and joint replacements.

Even though the exact mode of action still needs to be elucidated, the effect involves both direct and indirect mechanisms on the whole joint pathophysiology. Several animal models have demonstrated structural benefits of estrogens, as well as significant effects on joint inflammation. This is in complete alignment with clinical data using biochemical markers of joint degradation which demonstrated approximately 50% inhibition of cartilage destruction. These finding were recently validated in WHI, where women taking estrogens had significantly less joint replacement. In conclusion, the pleiotropic effect of estrogens on several different tissues may match the complicated aetiology of OA in some important aspects.
Breast Cancer Patient Stories Project
Authors: Tanna Nuttan , Buijs Helene , Pitkin Joan , Reichert Robert
Published: February 2013

Objective.

It is estimated that there are almost half a million women living with or beyond a breast cancer diagnosis in the UK, often referred to as the breast cancer survivor population. We report on the setting up of a dedicated breast cancer and menopause symptoms service (BCMS), and present results from research undertaken with breast cancer survivors with the aim of obtaining their perspectives on the BCMS service.

Method.

An action-oriented approach incorporating improvement science methodology has been used to help develop and drive changes to support a high standard of NHS patient care delivery for women with breast cancer within the BCMS setting. Evaluation was undertaken of this innovative service using qualitative methodology, and included discussion within a focus group setting, patient consent to record discussion, followed by thematic analysis of transcription.

Results

Women who have survived breast cancer identified a need for specialist support to help improve their quality of life, which is also affected by menopause type symptomology. This support can be provided within the BCMS service setting. Our recommendations are that the BCMS service model is incorporated into any regional or national breast cancer patient pathway and service redesign work in place.

Conclusions

Breast cancer survivors would support the setting up of a BCMS service, and would actively help raise awareness and market this service.
Advanced Nursing Practice in Menopause Nursing
Authors: Holloway Debby
Published: February 2013

Advanced nursing practice is a complex term that has been explored over the last 10 years within nursing as nurses have changed the boundaries of their clinical care to try and meet the needs of their patients in a rapidly changing healthcare setting. These roles are attractive to nurses as they can remain primarily clinically based as they progress within their careers. However there is currently no standardization in relation to job titles, educational provisions or regulations. The Department of Health issued guidance in 2010, but there is nothing mandatory to date. This short article will look at the issues involved in advanced practice in menopause nursing.
Quantitative analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: differentiating focal nodular hyperplasia from hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Pei X-Q , Liu L-Z , Xiong Y-H , Zou R-H , Chen M-S , Li A-H , Cai M-Y
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To explore the potential of quantitative analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in differentiating focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:

34 cases of FNH and 66 cases of HCC (all lesions <5 cm) were studied using CEUS to evaluate enhancement patterns and using analytic software Sonoliver® (Image-Arena™ v.4.0, TomTec Imaging Systems, Munich, Germany) to obtain quantitative features of CEUS in the region of interest. The quantitative features of maximum of intensity (IMAX), rise slope (RS), rise time (RT) and time to peak (TTP) were compared between the two groups and applied to further characterise both FNH and HCC with hypoenhancing patterns in the late phase on CEUS.

Results:

The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for diagnosis of FNH were 67.6% and 93.9%, respectively. For quantitative analysis, IMAX and RS in FNHs were significantly higher than those in HCCs (p<0.05), while RT and TTP in FNHs were significantly shorter (p<0.05). Both the 11 FNHs and 62 HCCs with hypo-enhancing patterns in the late phase were further characterised with their quantitative features, and the sensitivity and specificity of IMAX for diagnosis of FNH were 90.9% and 43.5%, RS 81.8% and 80.6%, RT 90.9% and 71.0%, and TTP 90.9% and 71.0%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The quantitative features of CEUS in FNH and HCC were significantly different, and they could further differentiate FNH from HCC following conventional CEUS.

Advances in knowledge:

Our findings suggest that quantitative analysis of CEUS can improve the accuracy of differentiating FNH from HCC.
Scapular free flap harvest site: recognising the spectrum of radiographic post-operative appearance
Authors: Powell D K , Nwoke F , Urken M L , Buchbinder D , Jacobson A S , Silberzweig J E , Khorsandi A S
Published: February 2013

Objective:

Scapular free flap harvesting for oral cavity cancer reconstruction is an increasingly used and versatile option. We aim to describe the appearance of the scapula harvest site on chest radiograph and CT.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed a surgical database of 82 patients who underwent scapular osteocutaneous flap harvesting for oral cavity cancer reconstruction and had imaging performed at our institution. We searched the picture archiving and communications system for all associated imaging.

Results:

Characteristic radiographic appearance in the immediate post-operative period as well as in the remote post-operative period is described, including an upside-down V-shaped paraglenoid notch, rectangular (or triangular) lateral border defects and a sharply pointed inferior scapular body. Additionally, common CT appearances are discussed, including an abrupt gleno-scapular interval, an absent axillary rim bulge and a Z-shaped scapula.

Conclusion:

The altered appearance of the scapular defect following surgical harvest is easily recognised. Although the description of this defect may not alter management and may reasonably be omitted, a radiologist’s comfort with these appearances may potentially enhance the understanding of patient management and recognition of superimposed complications, such as infection.

Advances in knowledge:

Scapular osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction is an increasingly used technique after oral cavity surgery.

Very few radiologists reported in our review the surgical scapular defects, and there is apparent ignorance of their appearance.

We described characteristic radiographic and CT signs of scapular free flap harvesting to increase radiologists’ familiarity with these defects, which may provide clinical information and possibly contribute to detection of complications.
Breast cancer subtypes: response to radiotherapy and potential radiosensitisation
Authors: Langlands F E , Horgan K , Dodwell D D , Smith L
Published: February 2013

Radiotherapy (RT) is of critical importance in the locoregional management of early breast cancer. Over 50% of patients receive RT at some time during the treatment of their disease, equating to over 500 000 patients worldwide receiving RT each year. Unfortunately, not all patients derive therapeutic benefit and some breast cancers are resistant to treatment, as evidenced by distant metastatic spread and local recurrence. Prediction of individual responses to RT may allow a stratified approach to this treatment permitting those patients with radioresistant tumours to receive higher doses of RT (total and/or tumour cavity boost doses) and/or radiosensitising agents to optimise treatment. Also, for those patients unlikely to respond at all, it would prevent harmful side effects occurring for no therapeutic gain. More selective targeting would better direct National Health Service resources, ease the burden on heavily used treatment RT machines and reduce the economic cost of cancer treatment. Unfortunately, there are no robust and validated biomarkers for predicting RT outcome. We review the available literature to determine whether classification of breast cancers according to their molecular profile may be used to predict successful response to, or increased morbidity from, RT. Class-specific biomarkers for targeting by radiosensitising agents are also discussed.
Security Issues of Multi-Core Architectures — The Automotive Case
Authors: Eckert Claudia , Kittel Thomas
Published: February 2013

The ever-increasing demands for computational power as well as cost reduction and energy efficiency can only be met by a move towards multi-core architectures. Such architectures offer great benefits, particularly within the automotive domain, because the more than 80 microcontrollers in a car can be merged into a few highly-integrated multi-core systems. This will save costs and power. Unfortunately, multi-core systems pose specific security problems. The article will discuss new and extended security risks that evolve from multi-core characteristics like parallelization and resource sharing. These risks aside, multi-core architectures also offer opportunities to improve overall system security. Future research is required to endow next generation multi-core architectures with appropriate security concepts, such as secure virtualization based on Hardware Security Modules, improved attack and misbehavior detection using tailored self-monitoring, and attack-tolerance techniques.
IT-Based Research Infrastructures for the Humanities and Social Sciences — Developments, Examples, Standards, and Technology
Authors: Boehlke Volker , Heyer Gerhard , Wittenburg Peter
Published: February 2013

The article outlines the importance of research infrastructure in science and explains why those infrastructures are not only important in the natural sciences, but are also crucial to the future of the humanities and social sciences. By reporting on the ESFRI initiative it is described how building up those kinds of infrastructures is currently being stimulated on a European level. In the last section the ESFRI project CLARIN and its German counterpart CLARIN-D are described. Some of the aspects like provision of metadata or safe citation that are important to this specific infrastructure are addressed by outlining their motivation and describing the standards and technical components used in order to provide appropriate solutions.
Crystal structure of dipicolinoylamide-bromido-platinum(II), PtBr(C12H8N3O2), C12H8BrN3O2Pt
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: February 2013

C12H8BrN3O2Pt, orthorhombic, Pbca (No. 61), a = 14.230(2) Å, b = 7.5163(8) Å, c = 22.832(3) Å, V = 2442.0 Å3, Z = 8, R(F) = 0.0301, wRref(F2) = 0.0830, T = 200 K.
GLP-1 analogues as a new treatment option for hypothalamic obesity in adults: report of nine cases
Authors: Zoicas Flavius , Droste Michael , Mayr Bernhard , Buchfelder Michael , Schöfl Christof
Published: February 2013

Background

Patients with hypothalamic pathology often develop morbid obesity, causing severe metabolic alterations resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients and cause weight loss in obese patients by yet unknown mechanisms. Here we tested whether GLP-1 analogues were also effective in the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic alterations in patients with hypothalamic disease.

Methods

Nine patients (eight with type 2 diabetes mellitus) with moderate to severe hypothalamic obesity were treated with GLP-1 analogues for up to 51 months. Body weight, homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1c and lipids were assessed.

Results

Eight patients experienced substantial weight loss (−13.1±5.1 kg (range −9 to −22)). Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR −3.2±3.5 (range −9.1 to 0.8)) and HbA1c values (−1.3±1.4% (range −4.5 to 0.0)) improved under treatment (24.3±18.9 months (range 6 to 51)). Five patients reported increased satiation in response to the treatment. Two of the eight patients complained about nausea and vomiting and one of them abandoned therapy because of sustained gastrointestinal discomfort after 6 months. One patient suffered from intolerable nausea and vomiting and discontinued treatment within 2 weeks.

Conclusion

GLP-1 analogues can cause substantial and sustained weight loss in obese patients with hypothalamic disease. This offers a new approach for medical treatment of moderate to severe hypothalamic obesity and associated metabolic alterations.
Efficacy of everolimus in patients with metastatic insulinoma and refractory hypoglycemia
Authors: Bernard Valérie , Lombard-Bohas Catherine , Taquet Marie-Caroline , Caroli-Bosc François-Xavier , Ruszniewski Philippe , Niccoli Patricia , Guimbaud Rosine , Chougnet Cécile N , Goichot Bernard , Rohmer Vincent , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Baudin Eric , _ _
Published: February 2013

Background

Refractory hypoglycemia in patients with metastatic insulinoma is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Everolimus could be a new therapeutic option.

Methods

Within the French Group, we conducted a retrospective, multicentric study of endocrine tumors to evaluate the time to the first recurrence of symptomatic hypoglycemia, after everolimus initiation, in patients with metastatic insulinoma and refractory hypoglycemia. Ongoing hyperglycemic medical options, tumor response, and safety information were recorded.

Results

Twelve patients with metastatic insulinoma and refractory hypoglycemia who were treated with everolimus between May 2007 and June 2011 were reviewed. Everolimus (starting dose, 10 mg/day, except in one patient, 5 mg/day) was given after a median of four previous therapeutic lines. Medication aimed at normalizing blood glucose levels in 11 patients. After a median duration of 6.5 months (range 1–35+ months), median time to the first recurrence of symptomatic hypoglycemia was 6.5 months (range 0 to 35+ months). Three patients discontinued everolimus because of cardiac and/or pulmonary adverse events at 1, 1.5, and 7 months after initiation, which led to two deaths. Three patients discontinued everolimus because of tumor progression at 2, 3, and 10 months after initiation, without recurrence of hypoglycemia.

Conclusion

Everolimus appears to be a new effective treatment for patients with metastatic insulinoma and refractory hypoglycemia. Tolerance should be carefully monitored.
Secretory Protein Biogenesis and Traffic in the Early Secretory Pathway
Authors: Barlowe Charles K , Miller Elizabeth A
Published: February 2013

The secretory pathway is responsible for the synthesis, folding, and delivery of a diverse array of cellular proteins. Secretory protein synthesis begins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which is charged with the tasks of correctly integrating nascent proteins and ensuring correct post-translational modification and folding. Once ready for forward traffic, proteins are captured into ER-derived transport vesicles that form through the action of the COPII coat. COPII-coated vesicles are delivered to the early Golgi via distinct tethering and fusion machineries. Escaped ER residents and other cycling transport machinery components are returned to the ER via COPI-coated vesicles, which undergo similar tethering and fusion reactions. Ultimately, organelle structure, function, and cell homeostasis are maintained by modulating protein and lipid flux through the early secretory pathway. In the last decade, structural and mechanistic studies have added greatly to the strong foundation of yeast genetics on which this field was built. Here we discuss the key players that mediate secretory protein biogenesis and trafficking, highlighting recent advances that have deepened our understanding of the complexity of this conserved and essential process.
The Genetics of Canine Skull Shape Variation
Authors: Schoenebeck Jeffrey J , Ostrander Elaine A
Published: February 2013

A dog’s craniofacial diversity is the result of continual human intervention in natural selection, a process that began tens of thousands of years ago. To date, we know little of the genetic underpinnings and developmental mechanisms that make dog skulls so morphologically plastic. In this Perspectives, we discuss the origins of dog skull shapes in terms of history and biology and highlight recent advances in understanding the genetics of canine skull shapes. Of particular interest are those molecular genetic changes that are associated with the development of distinct breeds.