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Reference broth microdilution protocols for the antifungal susceptibility testing (AST) of yeasts are available, but routine AST relies more on simpler alternatives. In this work, the Etest and a novel flow cytometry (FC) method were compared to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) protocol M27-A3. Caspofungin and anidulafungin were tested against 60 clinical isolates of Candida glabrata, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis. There were two intermediate susceptibility results and 19 out of 20 tested C. krusei strains were categorized as resistant to caspofungin (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of 1.0 mg/L). There was a generally excellent essential agreement with the reference method, only interrupted by Etest results for the anidulafungin susceptibility of C. glabrata (80%) and the FC method's results for caspofungin with C. krusei (40%). Categorical agreements were excellent, with the notable exception of the caspofungin-resistant C. krusei, with 19 very major errors for the FC method and 19 minor errors plus one very major error for the Etest (5% and 0% categorical agreements, respectively). Two additional minor errors were registered for the FC method when testing C. parapsilosis with anidulafungin and caspofungin. Overall, these data come to question the suitability of recently approved clinical breakpoints in the case of C. krusei. Further studies including fks mutants are now required.

Prior studies have identified recurrent oncogenic mutations in colorectal adenocarcinoma1 and have surveyed exons of protein-coding genes for mutations in 11 affected individuals2,3. Here we report whole-genome sequencing from nine individuals with colorectal cancer, including primary colorectal tumors and matched adjacent non-tumor tissues, at an average of 30.7× and 31.9× coverage, respectively. We identify an average of 75 somatic rearrangements per tumor, including complex networks of translocations between pairs of chromosomes. Eleven rearrangements encode predicted in-frame fusion proteins, including a fusion of VTI1A and TCF7L2 found in 3 out of 97 colorectal cancers. Although TCF7L2 encodes TCF4, which cooperates with β-catenin4 in colorectal carcinogenesis5,6, the fusion lacks the TCF4 β-catenin–binding domain. We found a colorectal carcinoma cell line harboring the fusion gene to be dependent on VTI1A-TCF7L2 for anchorage-independent growth using RNA interference-mediated knockdown. This study shows previously unidentified levels of genomic rearrangements in colorectal carcinoma that can lead to essential gene fusions and other oncogenic events.

Although genomically targeted therapies have improved outcomes for patients with lung adenocarcinoma, little is known about the genomic alterations that drive squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the lung. Sanger sequencing of the tyrosine kinome identified mutations in the DDR2 kinase gene in 3.8% of lung SCCs and cell lines. Lung SCC cell lines harboring DDR2 mutations were selectively killed by knockdown of DDR2 by RNA interference or by treatment with the multitargeted kinase inhibitor dasatinib. Tumors established from a DDR2 mutant cell line were sensitive to dasatinib in xenograft models. Expression of mutated DDR2 led to cellular transformation that was blocked by dasatinib. A patient with lung SCC that responded to dasatinib and erlotinib treatment harbored a DDR2 kinase domain mutation. These data suggest that gain-of-function mutations in DDR2 are important oncogenic events and are amenable to therapy with dasatinib. Because dasatinib is already approved for use, these findings could be used to rapidly generate clinical trials. Significance: DDR2 mutations are present in 4% of lung SCCs, and DDR2 mutations are associated with sensitivity to dasatinib. These findings provide a rationale for designing clinical trials with the FDA-approved drug dasatinib in patients with lung SCCs. Cancer Discovery; 1(1); 78–89. ©2011 AACR. Read the Commentary on this article by Ohashi and Pao, p. 23 This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 4

Esenbeckia dorantesii, a new species in the genus Esenbeckia Kunth (Rutaceae) is described. This species from the coastal zone of the state Veracruz, Mexico, is similar to E. macrantha Rose from the state of Oaxaca.

The species present in the condensed phase of the HI x , hydrogen producing, feed in the water-splitting, sulfur―iodine thermochemical cycle have been investigated using spontaneous Raman scattering. Measurements of I 2 -containing species in the low Raman-shift region from 50 to 400 cm ―1 in samples of the two aqueous binary systems, I 2 /H 2 O and HI/H 2 O, and the ternary system HI/I 2 /H 2 O with and without the addition of H 2 SO 4 have provided a consistent picture of the aqueous iodine and polyiodide chemistry. Samples were contained in sealed silica ampoules and were heated to temperatures in the range 20―300°C. The results, which cover a wide range of I 2 and HI mole fractions, and x I2 /x HI mole ratios, in the HI/I 2 /H 2 O system, reveal the co-occurrence of H + I ― 3 , H + ―I ― (I 2 ), and H + ―I ― (I 2 ) 2 solvated species in the condensed phase of HI x . Thus, while the first is mostly evident by its strong fundamental band with Raman shift in the range from 110 to 115 cm ―1 , the other two species appear convoluted in a broad prominent band whose Raman shift ranges between 153 and 172 cm ―1 depending on the x I2 /x HI mole ratio. These well characterized Raman features are proposed as an in situ diagnostic for process control of the cycle.

The Au(I)–Au(I) closed-shell or aurophilic attraction has been the subject of interest in the experimental and theoretical chemistry fields, due to the intriguing properties associated to it. The presence of phosphorescence in “aurophilic” compounds has been addressed to a wide range of applications, but it has not yet been fully understood. A theoretical study on the electronic and phosphorescent properties of the following series of dinuclear gold complexes has been performed: [Au2(dmpm) (i-mnt)] (1), [Au2(μ-Me-TU) (μ-dppm)] (2), and [Au2(μ-G)(μ-dmpe)] (3). Full geometry optimizations at the second-order Moller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) were carried out for each of the species. These calculations made evident that, at the ground-state geometry, the Au(I) cations allocated at the center of the ring show a short Au–Au distance below the sum of the van der Waals radii, at the range of the aurophilic attraction. An intermolecular Au(I)–Au(I) closed-shell attraction for a pair of the systems under study is found. This attraction is comparable to that of the hydrogen bonds. The phosphorescent properties experimentally observed for this series were also characterized through ab initio techniques. The obtained results allow to fit reasonably the excitation energies with the experimental data and to identify a correlation between the strength of the Au(I)–Au(I) interaction and the phosphorescent behavior. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011

Background & Aim. Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in Western countries. Population studies have demonstrated that men and posmenopausal women have higher prevalence of NAFLD. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD in premenopausal, posmenopausal and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women.Methods. A cross sectional study carried out at University Hospital in Mexico City from January 2009 to November 2009. One hundred ninety seven women who agreed to participate were divided into groups, comprising 93 with NAFLD and without NAFLD. Anthropometric, metabolic and biochemical variables were measured. Serum estradiol and cortisol concentrations were determined and compared between the groups.Results. Of the 197 patients, 93(47.2%) had NAFLD and 104 (52.8%) did not have NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD in premenopausal, postmenopausal and PCOS patients was 32.2, 57.9, and 62%, respectively. Age, BMI, hip to waist ratio, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, and insulin were significantly higher in NAFLD patients. Women without NAFLD had significantly higher levels of serum estradiol (100 ± 95.4) compared with NAFLD patients (55.5 ± 66.6) p = 0.001. By group with and without NAFLD: premenopausal (55.44±93.3 vs. 128.56 ± 109.22), posmenopausal (44.98 ± 51.41 vs. 42.72 ± 51.48) and PCOS women (64.9 ± 53.3 vs. 101.36 ± 80.89) had significantly different hormone profile.Conclusion. These results suggest that NAFLD is more prevalent in postmenopausal and women with PCOS than those preme-nopausal ones. The estrogens may have a protective effect of against NAFLD in women.

e12589Background: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an autosomal dominant disease related to an increased risk of various types of cancer, including radio-induced neoplasms, due to the TP53 gene mutati...

Aim. Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It was recently reported that the ratio between levels of ghrelin and obestatin is also associated with obesity and insulin resistance. We investigated the association between the ghrelin/obestatin ratio and NAFLD. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 98 subjects (51 NAFLD patients and 47 controls). Anthropometric, metabolic and biochemical variables were measured and serum concentrations of ghrelin and obestatin were determined. Logistic regression analyses (univariate and multivariate) were conducted to determine whether NAFLD was associated with ghrelin and obestatin levels and the ghrelin/obestatin ratio. Results. We studied 51 NAFLD cases and 47 controls. Men comprised 82% of cases and 61% of controls. The mean ages of the groups differed significantly. Body mass index (P < 0.001), waist circumference (P < 0.001) and WHR (P < 0.001) were significantly greater in the NAFLD group than in the control group. The NAFLD group had higher mean fasting glucose level (P = 0.001), HOMA-IR index (P < 0.001) and triglyceride level (P < 0.001) than the controls. Ghrelin and obestatin concentrations were classed according to tertiles. Multivariate analysis revealed a negative correlation between ghrelin and obestatin levels and an overweight status, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Ghrelin and obestatin were evaluated in multivariate logistic regression analysis, they had a protective effect against hepatic steatosis after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion. Serum ghrelin and obestatin concentrations are correlated with a low risk of developing NAFLD. However, ghrelin/obestatin ratio was not correlated with NAFLD.

In cancer, proto-oncogenes are often altered by genomic amplification. Here we report recurrent focal amplifications of chromosomal segment 4q12 overlapping the proto-oncogenes PDGFRA and KIT in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis indicate that 4q12 is amplified in 3-7% of lung adenocarcinomas and 8-10% of lung squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, we demonstrate that the NSCLC cell line NCI-H1703 exhibits focal amplification of PDGFRA and is dependent on PDGFRalpha activity for cell growth. Treatment of NCI-H1703 cells with PDGFRA-specific shRNAs or with the PDGFRalpha/KIT small molecule inhibitors imatinib or sunitinib leads to cell growth inhibition. However, these observations do not extend to NSCLC cell lines with lower-amplitude and broader gains of chromosome 4q. Together these observations implicate PDGFRA and KIT as potential oncogenes in NSCLC, but further study is needed to define the specific characteristics of those tumors that could respond to PDGFRalpha/KIT inhibitors.

Three new species in the genus Esenbeckia Kunth ( E. bicolor, E. stephani, E. velutina ) are described, E. ovata is reconsidered and E. collina subsp. conspecta is elevated to species rank based on a new concept evolved by the author, different from that of Kaastra (1977, 1982).

Se evaluó la diversidad de plantas vasculares presentes en el Monumento Natural Yaxchilán, un área natural protegida del estado de Chiapas, sur de México. La lista florística, que incluye 547 especies (337 géneros y 102 familias) de plantas vasculares, fue elaborada a partir de la compilación de información derivada de tres fuentes: (l) una lista parcial obtenida a partir de un estudio ecológico de la estructura del bosque en una parcela de 1 ha en esta localidad; (2) una exploración sistemática realizada en siete viajes al sitio en un periodo de 18 meses; y (3) una visita extra al sitio como parte de una investigación más ambiciosa que abarca toda la Selva Lacandona. Los mayores números de ejemplares fértiles por visita fueron recolectados en el mes de febrero de dos años consecutivos. Las familias con mayor riqueza de especies fueron Fabaceae (47 especies), Orchidaceae (34), Rubiaceae (23), y Asteraceae (22). Los géneros más ricos en especies fueron Piper (13 especies), Psychotria (9), Adiantum y Peperomia (8). La categoría de forma de crecimiento más grande fue la de los árboles (203 especies), seguido por el de las hierbas terrestres (129). La mayoría de las especies (459) fueron halladas en la vegetación de selva primaria, aunque la vegetación secundaria también tuvo una contribución sustancial (125 especies). Se estimó que el tamaño de la flora total en Yaxchilán puede ser de alrededor de 850 especies de plantas, según el procedimiento de Chao 2. A pesar de su tamaño relativamente pequeño, el Monumento Natural Yaxchilán alberga una biodiversidad vegetal considerable, cuyo número representa 16.2% de Ja flora en toda la Selva Lacandona y alrededor de 7.2% de la flora conocida para el estado.

Background/Aims: Gallstone disease (GD) and cardiovascular disease (CD) are common diseases worldwide with considerable economical impact and they are strongly associated. Carotid atherosclerosis is an excellent marker of risk for CD like stroke and myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to assess the association between gallstones and carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. We evaluated subjects with ultrasonographical evidence of GD and asymptomatic subjects without such evidence. Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical variables were collected. The Metabolic syndrome was evaluated using adult treatment panel III criteria. Carotid artery intima–media thickness (CIMT) was determined by a standard ultrasound protocol. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) serum levels were measured in all subjects. Results: We studied 191 subjects: 62 subjects with GD (53.2% males) and 129 asymptomatic subjects without GD (65.9% males). Subjects with GD exhibited a higher body mass index, body fat percent, insulin serum levels and CIMT (P 0.75 independently of other factors [odds ratio (OR) 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–4.34; P=0.039], and for every 0.1 mm increase in CIMT the independent probability to be a case of GD increased by a factor of 1.25 (95% CI 1.02–1.53; P=0.027). IGF-1 levels did not differ among groups. Conclusions: Subjects with GD exhibit greater carotid atherosclerosis, and therefore have a higher risk for stroke and myocardial infarction.

Attilaea abalak is described. This species belongs to the new Attilaea genus in the Anacardiaceae family. Its principal characters are the scandent habit and the bicarpelar gynoecium. Actually is only known from collections in limestone soils.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with several metabolic disturbances involving inflammation. Ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (uCRP), a marker of coronary heart disease and other chronic diseases, has not been investigated in NAFLD. We tested the relationship between uCRP and NAFLD in middle-aged asymptomatic subjects, independently of other metabolic disturbances associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk. We compared 310 subjects with steatosis visible on ultrasound (cases) with 630 and without (controls). Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and serum levels of uCRP, glucose, lipids, and lipoproteins were measured in all subjects. Differences between groups and the impact of serum uCRP levels were tested by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Cases were statistically different from controls in the frequency of metabolic syndrome (66.4% vs. 26.7%; P < 0.001). Cases were significantly older (P < 0.001), and had significantly higher values for BMI, glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides (P < 0.001), and mean uCRP concentrations (4.5 vs. 2.79 mg/L; P < 0.001). By univariate analysis, variables significantly associated with cases were glucose (OR, 4.09; 95% CI, 2.98-5.61), BMI (OR 5.54; 95% CI, 4.09-7.49), and uCRP (OR 7.06; 95% CI, 4.51-11.02). By multivariate analysis, uCRP levels were associated with hepatic steatosis (OR 5.83; 95% CI, 3.07-11.06). Cardiovascular risk was also higher in subjects with NAFLD (4.7 vs. 2.8). Subjects with hepatic steatosis showed an increased concentration of uCRP independently of other metabolic disturbances; this suggests an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and could be used as a marker of chronic inflammation.

Oral complications are a common side effect of cancer chemotherapy, as antineoplastic agents affect both the immune system and the oral mucosa. This study demonstrates preventive and therapeutic effects of dental treatment and regular use of Weleda Ratanhia-Mundwasser®(herbal mouthwash) and Weleda Pflanzen-Zahngel®(herbal toothgel) on oral mucositis during chemotherapy. Thirty-two female patients with breast cancer starting on chemotherapy were evaluated in this study. Plaque index, gingival index, degree of mucositis and 10 single symptoms were monitored once weekly for four consecutive weeks. After four weeks, plaque and gingival indexes were slightly decreased compared to baseline values. The degree of mucositis was increased by one grade in 15.6 % of the patients and over 70 % remained without symptoms. On the whole, single symptoms decreased from day 7 since beginning of chemotherapy to day 28. Mucositis symptoms were moderate in severity, and the results indicate a positive influence of usingWeleda Ratanhia-MundwasserandWeleda Pflanzen-Zahngel. Further studies might be promising.

Purpose The objective of this randomised phase II study was to evaluate the impact in terms of response and toxicities of induction or consolidation chemotherapy respectively before or after concurrent chemoradiotherapy in unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer. Patients and methods In the induction arm, patients received induction chemotherapy with cisplatin (80 mg/m 2 ) and paclitaxel (200 mg/m 2 ) on days 1 and 29 followed by a concurrent chemoradiotherapy (66 Gy in 33 fractions, cisplatin 80 mg/m 2 days 1, 29 and 57, vinorelbine 15 mg/m 2 days 1, 8, 29, 36, 57 and 64). In consolidation arm, the same concurrent chemoradiotherapy began on day 1 followed by two cycles of cisplatin and paclitaxel. Results One hundred twenty seven patients were randomised. The intent to treat response rates in induction and consolidation arms were 58% and 56% respectively. Median survival was 19.6 months in induction arm and 16.3 months in consolidation arm and 4-year survival rates were 21% and 30% respectively. Haematologic and non-haematologic toxicities were similar in both arms, except grade 3/4 oesophagitis, more frequent in consolidation arm than in induction arm (17% versus 10%). Conclusion Cisplatin-based chemotherapy as induction or consolidation with concurrent chemoradiotherapy can be administrated safely. Response rates were similar in both arms with a trend in favour for consolidation arm for long-term survival.

RESUMO – O presente trabalho tem como objetivo produzir um biocatalisador a partir de celulas integras do fungo filamentoso P. citrinum com elevada atividade lipolitica, para ser aplicado em reacoes de modificacao de oleos e gorduras. As celulas integras foram cultivadas por meio de fermentacao submersa a 30°C por um periodo maximo de 120h. Apos a separacao do meio de cultivo, as celulas contendo lipase intracelular foram caracterizadas quanto as suas propriedades bioquimicas e cineticas. As faixas de pH e temperatura otimas obtidas foram de 7,5 – 8,0 e 37 – 45°C. O tempo de meia vida das celulas foram de 2,1 horas e a maxima velocidade de reacao foi de 158,73 U/g. A partir dos resultados obtidos, verificou-se a potencialidade das celulas integras de P. citrinum como biocatalisador de reacoes de transformacao de oleos e gorduras.

A palladium mediated synthesis of a common synthon for the syntheses of antioxidant analogues of naturally occurring salvianolic acids is presented. The synthetic route may be used to obtain analogues with a balanced lipophilicity/hydrophilicity which may result in potentially interesting LDL antioxidants for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Background: To evaluate the local control of brain metastases (BM) in patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), correlate the outcome with treatment parameters and lesion characteristics, and define its implications for clinical decisions. Methods: Between 2007 and 2012, 305 BM in 141 consecutive patients were treated with SRS. After exclusions, 216 BM in 100 patients were analyzed. Doses were grouped as follows: ≤15 Gy, 16–20 Gy, and ≥21 Gy. Sizes were classified as ≤10 mm and >10 mm. Local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank statistics were used to identify the prognostic factors affecting LC and OS. For multivariate analyses, a Cox proportional model was applied including all potentially significant variables reached on univariate analyses. Results: Median age was 54 years (18–80). Median radiological follow-up of the lesions was 7 months (1–66). Median LC and the LC at 1 year were 22.3 months and 69.7%, respectively. On univariate analysis, tumor size, SRS dose, and previous whole brain irradiation (WBRT) were significant factors for LC. Patients with lesions >10 and ≤10 mm had an LC at 1 year of 58.6% and 79.1%, respectively (p = 0.008). In lesions receiving ≤15 Gy, 16–20 Gy, and ≥21 Gy, the 1-year LC rates were 39.6%, 71.7%, and 92.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). When WBRT was done previously, LC at 1 year was 57.9% compared with 78.4% for those who did not undergo WBRT (p = 0.004). On multivariate analysis, dose remained the single most powerful prognostic factor for LC. Median OS for all patients was 17 months, with no difference among the groups. Conclusions: Dose is the most important predictive factor for LC of BM. Doses below 16 Gy correlated with poor LC. The SRS dose as salvage treatment after previous WBRT should not be reduced unless there is a pressing reason to do so.

A recent vegetation study [Palacio-Prieto et al. (2000) Bol Inst Geogr UNAM 43:183–203] showed that Mexico’s forest area has declined to 33.3%, from originally 52.0% of the country’s land area. In order to assess strategies for tree diversity conservation, we compiled a list of 846 tree species native to Mexico, and determined for each the presence or absence in 234 geographical squares of 1° latitude by 1° longitude (approximately 106 × 106 km). On the average, any two squares shared only 6% of their species composition. Using a standard optimization method from engineering and economics [Dantzig (1963) Linear programming and extensions. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, USA, 625 p], we determined the minimally necessary land area in Mexico to conserve the 846 tree species, while securing that each species is found in an area of (approximately) 1,100 km2 of currently existing forest vegetation. Furthermore, we took into account 15 existing protected areas with a size of at least 1,100 km2 each. With these constraints, the total minimum area needed to conserve all 846 tree species is 45,136 km2 of currently existing forest vegetation, or 2.3% of Mexico’s surface. While this analysis can be refined with subsequent field work, the proposed reserve network indicates that efficient land use planning on a national scale may be able to conserve tree species diversity in a relatively small portion of Mexico, even after severe deforestation has taken place.

Callitrichid females are often described as energetically constrained. We examined the energy budgets of 10 female wild golden lion tamarins (GLTs, Leontopithecus rosalia) in an effort to understand how energy intake and expenditure might influence physical condition and therefore reproductive performance. We used focal animal sampling to record behavioral data and conducted energy analyses of foods consumed by GLTs to estimate intake and expenditure. We used two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to compare intake in the reproductive vs. nonreproductive period and expenditure in the reproductive vs. nonreproductive period. Energy intake decreased during the reproductive period compared to the nonreproductive period. While total expenditure did not vary significantly across the two periods, females spent more time and therefore expended significantly more energy engaged in energetically inexpensive behaviors (i.e., sleeping or being stationary) during the reproductive period compared to the nonreproductive period. We suggest that reproductive female GLTs may adopt a reproductive strategy that includes high intake prior to pregnancy and lactation, and energy conservation during pregnancy and lactation.

Cellular homeostasis and stress survival requires maintenance of the proteome and suppression of proteotoxicity. Molecular chaperones promote cell survival through repair of misfolded proteins and cooperation with protein degradation machines to discard terminally damaged proteins. Hsp70 family members play an essential role in cellular protein metabolism by binding and releasing nonnative proteins to facilitate protein folding, refolding and degradation. Hsp40 family members are Hsp70 co-chaperones that determine the fate of Hsp70 clients by facilitating protein folding, assembly, and degradation. Hsp40s select substrates for Hsp70 via use of an intrinsic chaperone activity to bind non-native regions of proteins. During delivery of bound cargo Hsp40s employ a conserved J-domain to stimulate Hsp70 ATPase activity and thereby stabilize complexes between Hsp70 and non-native proteins. Type I and Type II Hsp40s direct Hsp70 to preform multiple functions in protein homeostasis. This review describes the mechanisms by which Type I and Type II sub-types of Hsp40 bind and deliver substrates to Hsp70.

Oncotator is a tool for annotating genomic point mutations and short nucleotide insertions/deletions (indels) with variant- and gene-centric information relevant to cancer researchers. This information is drawn from 14 different publicly available resources that have been pooled and indexed, and we provide an extensible framework to add additional data sources. Annotations linked to variants range from basic information, such as gene names and functional classification (e.g. missense), to cancer-specific data from resources such as the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC), the Cancer Gene Census, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). For local use, Oncotator is freely available as a python module hosted on Github (https://github.com/broadinstitute/oncotator). Furthermore, Oncotator is also available as a web service and web application at http://www.broadinstitute.org/oncotator/.

Ammonium hexachloroplatinate (AHCP, (NH4)2PtCl6) is used for the synthesis of Pt/C, which can be used as catalyst in the production of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC's). AHCP is used because of its low temperature of decomposition and its high aqueous solubility at room temperature. In this work, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to characterize the size and distribution of the Pt particles, obtained from AHCP on a carbon support by a new preparation method. HRTEM showed an excellent dispersion of Pt particles between 2 and 4 nm. The electrochemical properties of the Pt/C catalyst were determined by means of ex situ cyclic voltammetry, which showed an electrochemically active area high enough for fuel cell electrodes. Comparison of the active area calculated from HRTEM and cyclic voltammetry showed little differences resulting in particle sizes of similar magnitude between the two techniques.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has an estimated prevalence of 3% around the world. Unfortunately, many persons with HCV infection are asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C Virus infection in asymptomatic persons. This study was carried out in a population-based cross-sectional study in the Checkup Unit of University Hospital in Mexico City. Patients with two or more HCV risk factors were studied. Serum specimens from all patients were screened for HCV RNA by qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HCV RNA-positive serum was also screened by quantitative PCR and for HCV genotype. Three hundred asymptomatic people were included, 194 men and 106 women, with a mean age of 46.8+/-11.9. Six (2%) of the 300 people were positive and viremic. The most common risk factors in positive patients were manicures or pedicures with a nonpersonal instrument and more than three sexual partners. We concluded that hepatitis C is frequent in asymptomatic people, and those people are often viremic. In addition, this study suggests that the spectrum of liver disease in asymptomatic and newly diagnosed HCV-positive persons is broad.

Obesity is closely associated with the increased morbidity and mortality of many common diseases in the Western world, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and gallstone diseases (GD). We have investigated the association between GD and CHD in a cross-sectional study.Subjects who had gallstones visible by ultrasound were considered as cases and subjects negative for gallstones were classified as controls. Positive CHD was defined when the stress test was positive. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, serum lipid concentrations, and insulin resistance were measured. The association was estimated by odds ratios using logistic regression models adjusted for confounders. Four hundred and seventy-three subjects (292 males and 181 females) were included, comprising 354 controls and 119 cases. Subjects with GD had higher prevalence of CHD (15.96%) than controls (4.52%) (p0.0001). In univariate unconditional logistic regression analysis CHD, BMI/= 30 kg/m(2), waist circumference, high blood pressure, and HOMA-IR2.5 were the most important risk factors for GD. In multivariate analysis (adjusted for age and gender, and BMI) the risk for GD in subjects with CHD was higher (OR 2.84, 95% CI: 1.33-6.07, p0.007).Subjects with CHD have an increased risk to have GD, both diseases are strongly associated and the main characteristics of these subjects are those frequently involved as part of the metabolic syndrome.

Abnormal levels of L-carnitine are known to be the cause of several diseases. Considering that theyeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae presents the enzymes and systems required by this compound, we decided touse this microorganism as a model system to study iron growth inhibition in media with L-carnitine. Also, theL-carnitine effect on mitochondria metabolism was evaluated through the fluorescence signal of the lipophiliccation rhodamine 123. For this purpose, cells were grown in a synthetic medium with glycerol as carbon source,supplemented with either 3.0 mM or 6.0 mM L-carnitine. Results obtained showed a decrease in the extent ofiron inhibition by L-carnitine addition. In diseases where iron accumulation alters mitochondrial function , atreatment based on the exogenous supply of L-carnitine may be considered. Keywords: S.cerevisiae, L-carnitine, iron growth inhibition, rhodamine 123. INTRODUCTION estimate the electrical component of the mitochondrialmembrane potential.In higher eucariotyc cells

Hintergrund: Mistelextrakte (Viscum album L.) werden in der anthroposophischen Medizin begleitend zu einer konventionellen Tumortherapie eingesetzt mit dem Ziel, unerwUnschte Wirkungen der Chemotherapie zu verringern und damit die LebensqualitAt der Patienten zu verbessern. Studienziel: Dokumentation der Wirksamkeit und VertrAglichkeit des begleitend zur Chemotherapie verabreichten anthroposophischen MistelprAparats Iscador® M insbesondere im Hinblick auf die VerAnderung der LebensqualitAt bei Patientinnen mit unterschiedlichen gynAkologischen Tumoren. Design: Prospektive, kontrollierte Anwendungsbeobachtung. Methoden: 36 Patientinnen erhielten zusAtzlich zur chemotherapeutischen Behandlung eine Iscador®-Therapie, die 37 Patientinnen der Kontrollgruppe erhielten ausschliesslich eine konventionelle Therapie. Der Beobachtungszeitraum betrug 6 Monate. Ergebnisse: Die Iscador®-Patientinnen zeigten im Vergleich zu den Kontrollpatientinnen bessere Blutwerte und hatten deutlich weniger stark ausgeprAgte physische und psychische BeeintrAchtigungen, wie sie Ublicherweise im Zusammenhang mit einer Chemotherapie auftreten. Schlussfolgerung: Insgesamt hat bei erheblich mehr Patientinnen der Iscador®-Gruppe eine Verbesserung oder Stabilisierung ihres Allgemeinbefindens bei guter VertrAglichkeit des MistelprAparats stattgefunden.

Nelle reti di distribuzione idrica si osserva una progressiva trasformazione dei criteri di gestione per la necessità di rispondere a pressanti vincoli di risparmio idrico. Una delle strategie per il contenimento delle perdite idriche è rappresentata dalla riduzione programmata delle pressioni. Nell’ambito di questa nuova strategia, il controllo della rete è sempre più diffuso sulla distribuzione periferica, individuando punti di regolazione prossimi all’utenza nei quali la pressione di esercizio viene ricondotta ai valori ottimali, tramite l’inserimento di valvole dissipatrici a comando manuale o automatico (PRV). Un’alternativa all’impiego delle valvole dissipatrici è rappresentato dalle PAT, pompe utilizzate come turbine, in grado, se correttamente inserite, si trasformare l’energia idraulica dissipata in energia elettrica, mantenendo inalterate le possibilità di regolazione della rete. Nella presente nota, tramite esperimenti numerici e di laboratorio, viene affrontato il problema della verifica in moto vario di un sistema di condotte in cui sia inserita una PAT.

Ammonium hexachloroplatinate (IV) ((NH 4 ) 2 PtCl 6 ) has been shown to be a good precursor to obtain metallic Pt by thermal decomposition, in addition to being a stable compound easily obtained from a variety of Pt recovery processes, such as fuel cell electrode recycling. Its low decomposition temperature and its relatively high water solubility make it a suitable choice to produce Pt on carbon for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, however, it has not been found reported as precursor in the preparation of Pt/C for PEMFC. This work presents the characterization of Pt/C catalysts prepared with a new method employing both commercial and synthesized (NH 4 ) 2 PtCl 6 as well as commercial Pt(NH 3 ) 4 Cl 2 for comparison. With this method, the production of Pt/C using Pt(NH 3 ) 4 Cl 2 yields lower loadings than with (NH 4 ) 2 PtCl 6 . It is proposed that supporting Pt/C using (NH 4 ) 2 PtCl 6 , takes place by adsorption on the carbon surface of the PtC l 6 2 − and the Pt ( II ) C l 3 − when it is reduced from Pt(IV). Not only were oxygen complexes at the carbon surface found to have an effect on Pt loading and on the Pt particle size distribution of the samples prepared but also on the in situ Pt reduction – carbon oxidation during the reaction.

Objetive: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an increasingly recognized condition that may progress to endstage liver disease. We investigated the effects of weight reduction and ursodeoxycholic acid administration in patients with this disease.Research methods and procedures: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Twenty-seven women with a body mass index of >30 kg/m2 and willing to participate in the diet plan for six weeks were studied were assigned to one of two treatment groups (ursodeoxycholic acid, n = 14: placebo n = 13). Both groups received a normal diet (1,200 kcal/d) plus 1200 mg/d of ursodeoxycholic acid or placebo. Hepatic steatosis, was assessed by abdominal ultrasound. Fasting glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and aminotransferases levels were determined before and after treatment.Results: Body mass index decreases significantly from 34.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2 and 33.3 ± 1.6 kg/m2 to 31.8 ± 4.5 kg/m2 and 30.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2 in the ursodeoxycholic acid and placebo groups, p < 0.001. The hepatic steatosis index decreased from 2.3 ± 0.7 to 1.0 ± 0.6 and 2.2 ± 0.7 to 1.1 ± 0.7 in the ursodeoxycholic acid and placebo groups, p

Background & Aims: An extrahepatic human neutrophil collagenase complementary DNA (matrix metalloprotease-8) cloned in an adenovirus vector was used as a therapeutic agent in cirrhosis. Methods: A high titer of clinical-grade AdMMP8 was obtained. Results: HeLa cells transduced with AdMMP8 expressed recombinant matrix metalloprotease-8 messenger RNA and matrix metalloprotease-8 protein. Matrix metalloprotease-8 in culture sups showed enzymatic activity against native collagen type I, which was inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 1,10-phenanthroline, and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1. In vivo transduction showed matrix metalloprotease-8 activity, and studies to establish the efficacy of this characterized vector were performed in CCl 4 and bile duct-ligated cirrhotic rats. Transduction with 3 × 10 11 viral particles per kilogram resulted in hepatic detection of both messenger RNA and protein matrix metalloprotease-8. A consistent response in fibrosis reversal was observed in CCl 4 rats. Liver fibrosis in bile duct-ligated cirrhotic animals was decreased in 45%, along with diminished hydroxyproline content, after AdMMP8 treatment. The expression of matrix metalloprotease-2 and matrix metalloprotease-3 was up-regulated in AdMMP8 rats. Free tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1, as an indirect measurement of active uncomplexed matrix metalloproteases, was also increased in the AdMMP8 groups. Transforming growth factor-β messenger RNA was diminished, and matrix metalloprotease-9 and hepatocyte growth factor increased. Treatment in both models correlated with improvements in ascites, functional hepatic tests, and gastric varices, indicating diminished intrahepatic blood pressure in animals injected with AdMMP8. Conclusions: Therefore, therapy with the matrix metalloprotease-8 gene is promising for use in a clinical setting.

IN BRIEF: Although the exact cause of the female athlete triad (amenorrhea, disordered eating, and osteoporosis) is unknown, recent research implicates leptin, a hormone that is secreted by adipocytes. Leptin may be an important indicator of nutritional status and may also play a role in reproductive function. Physicians who develop a plan for early recognition and treatment of exercise-induced amenorrhea now may prevent the more serious consequences of osteopenia and osteoporosis later.

Com este trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a exposição do aplicador à calda de agrotóxico, durante pulverização na cultura da videira, com 4 diferentes pulverizadores. Os equipamentos avaliados foram um pulverizador semi-estacionário típico, um pulverizador de barras adaptado a uma barra semi-circular com os bicos voltados para cima, um turbopulverizador marca Hatsuta modelo café, com sistema de turbina adaptado para utilização na cultura da uva, e um turbo-pulverizador marca KO, modelo Jales, regulados pelos produtores. Para avaliação da exposição dérmica potencial (EDP) amostradores foram distribuídos sobre 22 partes do corpo do aplicador, que pulverizou uma calda contendo 3000 ppm do cátion Cu+2 durante 35 a 40 min. Em laboratório o Cu+2 foi recuperado e quantificado e a exposição calculada em função da concentração do cátion na calda. O pulverizador semi-estacionário proporcionou a maior EDP, seguido pela barra, turbo adaptado e pelo turbo original. A porcentagem do volume pulverizado que atinge o corpo do aplicador num mesmo período de tempo, foi mais que 89 vezes maior para o semi-estacionário, quando comparado ao turbo Jales e à barra adaptada, e 44 vezes maior quando comparado ao turbo adaptado. As áreas mais expostas do corpo foram mãos, cabeça e dorso para os tratorizados e a EDP foi alta em praticamente todas as regiões do corpo com o semi-estacionário. Aspectos da EDP em função do equipamento e da forma de utilização são discutidos.The aim of present study was to evaluate the dermal exposure of pesticide applicator, during spraying in grapes crop, with 4 different sprayers. The equipments utilized were a typical semi-stationery sprayer, a boom sprayer adapted with a semi-circulate boom with the nozzle returned upward, an airblast sprayer utilized in coffee crop with turbine system adapted for grapes and a original airblast sprayer for grapes (KO, model Jales), regulated by the workers. For assessment of potential dermal exposure (PDE) of spray man, 22 sampling pads were attached to body parts of spray man applying a solution containing 3000 ppm of Cu+2 during 35 to 40 min. Copper was extracted and quantified in laboratory and the exposure was calculated considering the original concentration of the spray solution. The semi-stationery sprayer provided largest PDE, followed by the adapted boom sprayer, adapted airblast and original airblast sprayer. The carrier percentage reaching the spray man body in the same period of time was more than 89 times higher for semi-stationery when compared with the original airblast and the adapted boom and 44 times higher compared to the adapted airblast sprayer. The most exposed areas of the spray man body were the hands, head and back for sprayers adapted to tractor, and PDE was high in practically all the areas of the body with the semi-stationery equipment. Aspects of PDE related to equipment and the form of their use are discussed.

Interpretive reading analyses the complete resistance profiles of bacteria to multiple antibiotics and infers the resistance mechanisms present; it aids therapeutic choice and enhances surveillance data. We evaluated the Advanced Expert System (AES), which interprets MICs generated by the VITEK 2. Ten European laboratories tested 42 reference strains and 76-106 of their own strains, representing important resistance genotypes. Interpretive reading by the VITEK 2 AES achieved full agreement with genotype data for 88-89% of strains, with the correct mechanism identified as one of two possibilities for a further 5-6%. Mechanisms inferred with 90% agreement with reference data included methicillin resistance in staphylococci, glycopeptide resistance in enterococci, quinolone resistance in staphylococci and Enterobacteriaceae, AAC(6')-APH(2")-mediated aminoglycoside resistance in Gram-positive cocci, erm-mediated macrolide resistance in pneumococci, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and acquired penicillinases in Enterobacteriaceae. VanA, VanB and VanC phenotypes of enterococci were distinguished reliably, and ESBL production was accurately inferred in AmpC-inducible species as well as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. Mechanisms identified, but only as possibilities among several, included IRT-type beta-lactamases and individual aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes in Enterobacteriaceae. Most disagreements with reference data concerned pneumococci found to have high-level penicillin resistance by the VITEK 2 AES but previously determined, phenotypically, to have intermediate resistance. When ESBL production was inferred in E. coli and klebsiellae, the VITEK 2 AES edited susceptible results for cephalosporins (except cefoxitin) to resistant; when an acquired penicillinase was inferred in Enterobacteriaceae, piperacillin results were edited to resistant; and when staphylococci were found methicillin resistant, resistance was reported for all beta-lactams. Further editing may be desirable (e.g. of cephalosporin results for salmonellas inferred to have ESBLs).