Identification of transcription factors dictating blood cell development using a bidirectional transcription network-based computational framework.

Advanced computational methods exploit gene expression and epigenetic datasets to predict gene regulatory networks controlled by transcription factors (TFs). These methods have identified cell fate determining TFs but require large amounts of reference data and experimental expertise. Here, we present an easy to use network-based computational framework that exploits enhancers defined by bidirectional transcription, using as sole input CAGE sequencing data to correctly predict TFs key to various human cell types. Next, we applied this Analysis Algorithm for Networks Specified by Enhancers based on CAGE (ANANSE-CAGE) to predict TFs driving red and white blood cell development, and THP-1 leukemia cell immortalization. Further, we predicted TFs that are differentially important to either cell line- or primary- associated MLL-AF9-driven gene programs, and in primary MLL-AF9 acute leukemia. Our approach identified experimentally validated as well as thus far unexplored TFs in these processes. ANANSE-CAGE will be useful to identify transcription factors that are key to any cell fate change using only CAGE-seq data as input.

Association of dietary patterns with five-year degree and progression of coronary artery calcification in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: As a modifiable lifestyle factor, diet is hypothesized to play an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to explore associations of comprehensive dietary patterns derived by cluster analysis with degree and progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) over five years of follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study, 3718 participants (45-75 years; 47.6% men) without coronary heart disease completed a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Five distinct dietary patterns were identified using cluster analysis: "Health-conscious", "Traditional German/Less alcohol", "Mediterranean-like", "Western" and "Animal fat/Alcohol" (used as reference). CAC was measured using electron-beam computed tomography at baseline and five years later. CAC after five years was predicted based on sex- and age-specific baseline percentiles. After comparing observed and predicted CAC Scores, CAC progression was classified as slow, expected, or rapid. Compared to "Animal fat/Alcohol" diet, a "Mediterranean-like" diet was associated with a relative risk (RR) for a rapid CAC progression in both sexes (men: 0.61; 95%-confidence interval [95%-CI]: 0.41; 0.90; women: 0.59; 95%-CI: 0.45; 0.78). Furthermore, reduced RRs were observed in women with a "Health-conscious" and a "Traditional German/Less alcohol" diet (0.63; 95%-CI: 0.47; 0.84, respectively 0.69; 95%-CI: 0.52; 0.90). No association was observed for a "Western" diet for both sexes. Similar results were revealed for degree of CAC. CONCLUSION: The study results support the hypothesis that a "Mediterranean-like" diet is associated with a lower CAC-progression and lower degree of CAC in men and women.

Diffraction scattering computed tomography: a window into the structures of complex nanomaterials.

Modern functional nanomaterials and devices are increasingly composed of multiple phases arranged in three dimensions over several length scales. Therefore there is a pressing demand for improved methods for structural characterization of such complex materials. An excellent emerging technique that addresses this problem is diffraction/scattering computed tomography (DSCT). DSCT combines the merits of diffraction and/or small angle scattering with computed tomography to allow imaging the interior of materials based on the diffraction or small angle scattering signals. This allows, e.g., one to distinguish the distributions of polymorphs in complex mixtures. Here we review this technique and give examples of how it can shed light on modern nanoscale materials.

The functional and psychosocial status of patients with disseminated bladder cancer.

This study describes self-reported functional and psychological status of patients using The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and relates this to the prognosis. Patients with incurable locally advanced or metastatic transitional cell cancer of the urothelial tract were prospectively included in a study of self-reported functional and psychosocial status. The study included 25 patients; 19 patients completed one or more Quality of Life Questionnaires. The median survival was 5.2 months, and there was a significant relation between functional, emotional, and social status and survival. The self-assessment of functional status was a better prognostic factor for survival than performance status evaluated by the clinician. The value of the global quality of life scale did not relate to survival after recurrence. Functional, emotional, and quality of life scales declined during the progression of the disease. The study suggests that evaluation with self-reporting questionnaires may provide the physician with useful information, and it may aid in making treatment decisions in patients with metastatic bladder cancer.

[Factitious disorder--an iatrogenic disease?]. / Uaegte sygdom--en iatrogen lidelse?

The case of a woman aged 31 years with numerous contacts with the health care system is reported. The patient presented an extremely varied pattern of complaints with pain as one of the most frequently recurring reasons for admission. During the past 12 to 13 years, the patient was admitted to inpatient units on numerous occasions and was submitted to numerous examinations, most of which revealed normal findings. This article lists a number of possible background causes which might permit a career like this to develop. Measures for prevention of similar "case-stories" in future are discussed.

[Evaluation of efficiency of dental care for children--results of a cross-sectional study]. / Effektivitätsbewertung der kinderstomatologischen Betreuung im Ergebnis einer Querschnittstudie.

Using special parameters like the percentage of treated children, degree of treatment and the rate of secondary caries, a retrospective estimation of dental care for children in Rostock County was performed. After that the best results in dental care could be recorded in children of towns. The degree of treatment generally was worse in children of a rural population. On the one hand there is demanded an equalizing of the disproportions in the personal situation in dentistry for children, on the other side there is recommended a yearly analysis of the efficiency of treatment and based on this a territorial program for dental care in children.

Inverted variant of carcinoma cuniculatum of the toe.

An inverted variant of carcinoma cuniculatum of the great toe of a 55-year-old man is reported. Clinically the tumor presented as an inflammatory process of the toe with purulent drainage and bone destruction in the absence of cutaneous ulcer or exophytic growth. It was characterized histologically by endophytic sheets and cords of well-differentiated keratinizing squamous epithelium with minimal cellular atypia and numerous intraepithelial keratin cysts and microabscesses. The diagnostic challenge of the clinical presentation of this variant is emphasized.

Post-auricular open drainage to reduce postoperative bleeding in rhytidectomy.

In 200 patients undergoing rhytidectomy with and without additional procedures, 14 patients experienced postoperative hematoma, only 1 of which required corrective surgery under general anesthesia. Post-auricular open drainage was associated with a low rate of hematoma, i.e., 2.6% in 117 female patients in whom the drainage procedure was used. Factors affecting the probability of experiencing hematoma include male sex, elevated blood pressure, and the absence and type of drainage.