bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
l‐ornithine‐l‐aspartate for hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bai Ming , Yang Zhiping , Qi Xingshun , Fan Daiming , Han Guohong
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

Several randomized, controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of l‐ornithine‐l‐aspartate (LOLA) in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) have been published recently. The purpose of this study was to update the meta‐analysis to reevaluate the safety and efficacy of LOLA on HE in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

The following databases were searched from inception to June 2012: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 6). Differences between groups were assessed by the pooled risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD). Possible sources of heterogeneity were assessed by sensitivity analyses.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials with 646 patients were included. When comparing placebo/no‐intervention control, LOLA was significantly more effective in the improvement of HE in the total (RR: 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10 to 2.01), overt HE (RR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.69), and minimal HE patients (RR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.33 to 3.82). Furthermore, the reduction of fasting ammonia significantly favored LOLA (post‐treatment value, MD: −18.26, 95% CI: −26.96 to −9.56; change, MD: 8.59, 95% CI: 5.22 to 11.96). The tolerance ratio, incidence of adverse events, and mortality were not significantly different between LOLA and the placebo/no‐intervention control. LOLA and lactulose demonstrated similar effectiveness in the improvement of HE (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.35).

Conclusions

LOLA benefits both overt and minimal HE patients in the improvement of HE by reducing the serum ammonia concentration compared with the placebo/no‐intervention control. Further, evaluations between LOLA and other effective treatments are needed.
Value of hepatic subcapsular flow by color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of biliary atresia
Authors: El‐Guindi Mohamed Abdel‐Salam , Sira Mostafa Mohamed , Konsowa Hatem Abdel‐Sattar , El‐Abd Osama Lotfi , Salem Tahany Abdel‐Hameed
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

Diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA), particularly distinguishing it from other causes of neonatal cholestasis (NC), is challenging. Ultrasonography is a helpful investigation when evaluating NC. The aim was to determine the value of color Doppler ultrasound, particularly hepatic subcapsular flow, as a possible tool in early discrimination of BA from other causes of NC.

Methods

Ultrasonographic and color Doppler findings of 27 BA patients were compared with that in 27 non‐BA cholestasis patients and a control group of 22 non‐hepatic neonates.

Results

Hepatic artery diameter was significantly higher in BA (2.48 ± 0.55 mm) than that in non‐BA group (1.91 ± 0.63 mm) (P = 0.001) and the control group (1.6 ± 0.47 mm) (P < 0.0001), while there were no statistically significant difference between BA and non‐BA groups as regards portal vein diameter and flow, hepatic vein flow, and hepatic artery resistance index. The frequency of hepatic subcapsular flow was significantly higher in BA than that in non‐BA group (96.3% vs 3.7%; P < 0.0001), while it was not detected in any of the non‐hepatic control group. The presence of hepatic subcapsular flow had 96.3% sensitivity and specificity in predicting BA.

Conclusions

Color Doppler ultrasound findings could help significantly in discriminating BA from other causes of NC, among which hepatic subcapsular flow had the best performance. Considering the young age of BA patients (61.8 ± 15.1 days), hepatic subcapsular flow can help in early diagnosis of BA and prevent the delay in surgical correction.
Impact of molecular adsorbent recirculating system on renal recovery in type‐1 hepatorenal syndrome patients with chronic liver failure
Authors: Lavayssière Laurence , Kallab Siba , Cardeau‐Desangles Isabelle , Nogier Marie Béatrice , Cointault Olivier , Barange Karl , Muscari Fabrice , Rostaing Lionel , Kamar Nassim
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

Liver transplantation remains the best option for treating type‐1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS1). The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether the molecular adsorbent recirculation system (MARS) can improve renal function in HRS1 patients.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with chronic liver disease and HRS1 were treated by MARS sessions which were performed every other day. The endpoint was renal function improvement by 28 days after diagnosis of HRS1 that was defined as a serum‐creatinine level of < 133 μmol/L. Partial renal recovery was defined as a 10% decrease in baseline serum‐creatinine level.

Results

The mean number of MARS sessions required by each patient was 3.5 ± 1.5. The median time between admission and the start of MARS therapy was 3 (0–15) days. Of the total patients, 13 (40%) had improved renal function. Among these, nine (28%) had complete renal recovery. Among the patients that survived, only 40% (6/15) had improved renal function, and among the patients that died within the first month after the initiation of MARS, seven patients had a renal response. The 28‐day survival rate was 47%. Seven patients received a liver transplant after diagnosis of HRS. Of these, four had complete or partial recovery after transplantation (57%) versus 9 of the 25 patients who did not undergo liver transplantation (36%), P = not significant.

Conclusion

MARS therapy improved renal function in only very few patients with HRS1. Further controlled studies including large number of patients are required.
Creating “Community”? Preparing for Bushfire in Rural Victoria
Authors: Fairbrother Peter , Tyler Meagan , Hart Alison , Mees Bernard , Phillips Richard , Stratford Julie , Toh Keith
Published: February 2013

The term “community” has a long and contested lineage in social analysis and debate. This lineage, however, is not generally recognized in policy and public debates on community and bushfire in Australia. “Community” is thought to be central to bushfire preparedness in Australia, especially in rural areas, but what “community” actually means in this context is vague at best. There is an ever‐present tension between the use of “community” as a reference to locality, a “sense of community” as experienced by residents, and the use of “community” as a rhetorical tool by governments and state agencies. We argue that a rigorous analysis of the concept of “community” is critical to an understanding of the processes involved in preparing for the challenges associated with disaster, in this case bushfires. These broader issues are supported by research (a series of surveys, interviews, and focus groups) carried out with residents living in (predominantly rural) bushfire‐prone areas in the state of Victoria, Australia. Ultimately, we assert that social participation and social networks are likely to be the crucial aspects of community that play a central role in effective bushfire preparedness.
Warning Issued for Looming Data Gap From Fleet of Weather Satellites
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: February 2013

U.S. policymakers are becoming alarmed about an expected gap in critical weather forecasting data, with no easy solutions in sight.
Formation of Covalently Modified Folding Intermediates of Simian Virus 40 Vp1 in Large T Antigen-Expressing Cells
Authors: Watanabe Marika , Phamduong Ellen , Huang Chu-Han , Itoh Noriko , Bernal Janie , Nakanishi Akira , Rundell Kathleen , Gjoerup Ole , Kasamatsu Harumi
Published: February 2013

The folding and pentamer assembly of the simian virus 40 (SV40) major capsid protein Vp1, which take place in the infected cytoplasm, have been shown to progress through disulfide-bonded Vp1 folding intermediates. In this report, we further demonstrate the existence of another category of Vp1 folding or assembly intermediates: the nonreducible, covalently modified mdVp1s. These species were present in COS-7 cells that expressed a recombinant SV40 Vp1, Vp1ΔC, through plasmid transfection. The mdVp1s persisted under cell and lysate treatment and SDS-PAGE conditions that are expected to have suppressed the formation of artifactual disulfide cross-links. As shown through a pulse-chase analysis, the mdVp1s were derived from the newly synthesized Vp1ΔC in the same time frame as Vp1's folding and oligomerization. The apparent covalent modifications occurred in the cytoplasm within the core region of Vp1 and depended on the coexpression of the SV40 large T antigen (LT) in the cells. Analogous covalently modified species were found with the expression of recombinant polyomavirus Vp1s and human papillomavirus L1s in COS-7 cells. Furthermore, the mdVp1s formed multiprotein complexes with LT, Hsp70, and Hsp40, and a fraction of the largest mdVp1, md4, was disulfide linked to the unmodified Vp1ΔC. Both mdVp1 formation and most of the multiprotein complex formation were blocked by a Vp1 folding mutation, C87A-C254A. Our observations are consistent with a role for LT in facilitating the folding process of SV40 Vp1 by stimulating certain covalent modifications of Vp1 or by recruiting certain cellular proteins.
Catastrophic failure of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty presenting as squeaking hip
Authors: Malem David , Nagy Mathias Thomas , Ghosh Sabyasachi , Shah Bhavik
Published: February 2013

A 68-year-old woman with osteoarthritis had a ceramic-on-ceramic left total hip arthroplasty, including ceramic femoral head and acetabular liner. At 5 years after surgery, the patient developed onset of a very loud squeaking noise, which could be heard 25 m from her, associated with limited hip movement. Findings at revision surgery included a broken ceramic femoral head component, complete wear of the ceramic acetabular component, and black wear debris. Squeaking hip after ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty may be associated with catastrophic failure of the arthroplasty components.
Large perineal and gluteal angiomyxoma: the role of diagnostic imaging and literature review
Authors: Idrus Alhabshi Sharifah Majedah , Abd Rashid M
Published: February 2013

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a benign soft tissue tumour usually affecting the pelvis and perineum predominantly in women. Because of its variable presentation, this tumour is often clinically misdiagnosed as liposarcoma. We describe a case of a 38-year-old woman who presented with a large perineal and gluteal mass which increased in size in one year. Ultrasound showed hypoechoic mixed solid and cystic mass. Contrasted CT and MRI examinations showed typical appearance of swirling and layering pattern. She had undergone TAHBSO as the mass was difficult to dissect intra-operatively. The post-operative specimen confirmed to be an aggressive angiomyxoma.
Radiation oncology outpatient perceptions of patient-centred care: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mackenzie Lisa J , Sanson-Fisher Rob W , Carey Mariko L , D'Este Catherine A
Published: February 2013

Objectives

We aimed to describe the proportion and characteristics of cancer patients who perceived that better care would have greatly improved their well-being in (1) specific and (2) multiple domains of patient-centred care.

Design

Cross-sectional touchscreen computer survey.

Setting

Four Australian radiation therapy departments located within major urban public hospitals.

Participants

Radiation therapy outpatients were invited to participate in a touchscreen computer survey. Eligible patients were at least 18 years old, diagnosed with cancer and had sufficient English to complete the survey.

Primary outcome measure

Participants were asked whether their well-being could have been greatly improved if better care had been provided across eight domains of patient-centred care. Characteristics of those respondents who identified (1) specific and (2) multiple domains where it was perceived that better care would have greatly improved their well-being were examined.

Results

Of 508 eligible radiation therapy patients, 344 (68%) completed the survey. Patients most frequently perceived that better care in the following domains could have improved their well-being: information and communication about their cancer (22%; 95% CI 18% to 27%); emotional and spiritual support (22%; 95% CI 18% to 27%); management of physical symptoms (21%; 95% CI 17% to 26%) and involvement of friends and family (21%; 95% CI 17% to 26%). Just under one-third of respondents (31%; 95% CI 26% to 36%) indicated that their well-being could have been improved by better care across two or more domains of care. Patients in younger age groups and migrants to Australia had higher odds of endorsing multiple domains where better care would have improved their well-being.

Conclusions

Further investigation of patients’ perceptions of how their perceived quality of care might be improved is warranted, particularly among patients in younger age groups and migrants to Australia.
Involvement of TRPV2 and SOCE in calcium influx disorder in DMD primary human myotubes with a specific contribution of α1-syntrophin and PLC/PKC in SOCE regulation
Authors: Harisseh Rania , Chatelier Aurélien , Magaud Christophe , Déliot Nadine , Constantin Bruno
Published: February 2013

Calcium homeostasis is critical for several vital functions in excitable and nonexcitable cells and has been shown to be impaired in many pathologies including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Various studies using murine models showed the implication of calcium entry in the dystrophic phenotype. However, alteration of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2)-dependant cation entry has not been investigated yet in human skeletal muscle cells. We pharmacologically characterized basal and store-operated cation entries in primary cultures of myotubes prepared from muscle of normal and DMD patients and found, for the first time, an increased SOCE in DMD myotubes. Moreover, this increase cannot be explained by an over expression of the well-known SOCE actors: TRPC1/4, Orai1, and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) mRNA and proteins. Thus we investigated the modes of regulation of this cation entry. We firstly demonstrated the important role of the scaffolding protein α1-syntrophin, which regulates SOCE in primary human myotubes through its PDZ domain. We also studied the implication of phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC) in SOCE and showed that their inhibition restores normal levels of SOCE in DMD human myotubes. In addition, the involvement of TRPV2 in calcium deregulation in DMD human myotubes was explored. We showed an abnormal elevation of TRPV2-dependant cation entry in dystrophic primary human myotubes compared with normal ones. These findings show that calcium homeostasis mishandling in DMD myotubes depends on SOCE under the influence of Ca2+/PLC/PKC pathway and α1-syntrophin regulation as well as on TRPV2-dependant cation influx.
Dexamethasone induces caveolin-1 in vascular endothelial cells: implications for attenuated responses to VEGF
Authors: Igarashi Junsuke , Hashimoto Takeshi , Shoji Kazuyo , Yoneda Kozo , Tsukamoto Ikuko , Moriue Tetsuya , Kubota Yasuo , Kosaka Hiroaki
Published: February 2013

Steroids exert direct actions on cardiovascular cells, although underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We examined if steroids modulate abundance of caveolin-1, a regulatory protein of cell-surface receptor pathways that regulates the magnitudes of endothelial response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, induces caveolin-1 at both levels of protein and mRNA in a time- and dose-dependent manner in pharmacologically relevant concentrations in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid, but not the sex steroids 17β-estradiol, testosterone, or progesterone, elicits similar caveolin-1 induction. Caveolin-1 induction by dexamethasone and that by aldosterone were abrogated by RU-486, an inhibitor of glucocorticoid receptor, and by spironolactone, a mineralocorticoid receptor inhibitor, respectively. Dexamethasone attenuates VEGF-induced responses at the levels of protein kinases Akt and ERK1/2, small-G protein Rac1, nitric oxide production, and migration. When induction of caveolin-1 by dexamethasone is attenuated either by genetically by transient transfection with small interfering RNA or pharmacologically by RU-486, kinase responses to VEGF are rescued. Dexamethasone also increases expression of caveolin-1 protein in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, associated with attenuated tube formation responses of these cells when cocultured with normal fibroblasts. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone induces endothelial caveolin-1 protein in thoracic aorta and in lung artery in healthy male rats. Thus steroids functionally attenuate endothelial responses to VEGF via caveolin-1 induction at the levels of signal transduction, migration, and tube formation, identifying a novel point of cross talk between nuclear and cell-surface receptor signaling pathways.
Chronic regulation of the renal Na+/H+exchanger NHE3 by dopamine: translational and posttranslational mechanisms
Authors: Hu Ming Chang , Di Sole Francesca , Zhang Jianning , McLeroy Paul , Moe Orson W.
Published: February 2013

The intrarenal autocrine/paracrine dopamine (DA) system contributes to natriuresis in response to both acute and chronic Na+loads. While the acute DA effect is well described, how DA induces natriuresis chronically is not known. We used an animal and a cell culture model to study the chronic effect of DA on a principal renal Na+transporter, Na+/H+exchanger-3 (NHE3). Intraperitoneal injection of Gludopa in rats for 2 days elevated DA excretion and decreased total renal cortical and apical brush-border NHE3 antigen. Chronic treatment of an opossum renal proximal cell line with DA decreased NHE3 activity, cell surface and total cellular NHE3 antigen, but not NHE3 transcript. The decrease in NHE3 antigen was dose and time dependent with maximal inhibition at 16–24 h and half maximal effect at 3 × 10−7M. This is in contradistinction to the acute effect of DA on NHE3 (half maximal at 2 × 10−6M), which was not associated with changes in total cellular NHE3 protein. The DA-induced decrease in total NHE3 protein was associated with decrease in NHE3 translation and mediated by cis-sequences in the NHE3 5′-untranslated region. DA also decreased cell surface and total cellular NHE3 protein half-life. The DA-induced decrease in total cellular NHE3 was partially blocked by proteasome inhibition but not by lysosome inhibition, and DA increased ubiquitylation of total and surface NHE3. In summary, chronic DA inhibits NHE3 with mechanisms distinct from its acute action and involves decreased NHE3 translation and increased NHE3 degradation, which are novel mechanisms for NHE3 regulation.
Calcium-based dendritic excitability and its regulation in the deep cerebellar nuclei
Authors: Schneider Eve R. , Civillico Eugene F. , Wang Samuel S.-H.
Published: February 2013

The deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) convey the final output of the cerebellum and are a major site of activity-dependent plasticity. Here, using patch-clamp recording and two-photon calcium imaging in rat brain slices, we demonstrate that DCN dendrites exhibit three hallmarks of active amplification of electrical signals. First, they produce calcium transients with rise times of tens of milliseconds, comparable in amplitude and duration to calcium spikes in other neurons. Second, calcium signal amplitudes are undiminished along the length of dendrites to the farthest distances from the soma. Third, they can generate calcium signals even in the presence of tetrodotoxin, a sodium channel blocker that abolishes somatic action potential initiation. DCN calcium transients do require the action of T-type calcium channels, a common voltage-gated conductance in excitable dendrites. Dendritic calcium influx was evoked by release from hyperpolarization, peaked within tens of milliseconds, and was observed in both transient- and weak-rebound-firing neurons. In a survey across the DCN, transient-burst rebound firing, which was accompanied by the most rapid calcium flux, was more common in lateral nucleus than in interpositus nucleus and was not seen in medial nucleus. Rebound firing and calcium transients were not present in animals shipped 1–3 days before recording, a condition associated with elevated maternal and pup corticosterone and reduced pup body weight. Rebounds could be restored by the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate. Thus local calcium-based dendritic excitability supports a stage of presomatic amplification that is under regulation by stress and neuromodulatory influence.
Cortical activity evoked by an acute painful tissue-damaging stimulus in healthy adult volunteers
Authors: Fabrizi Lorenzo , Williams Gemma , Lee Amy , Meek Judith , Slater Rebeccah , Olhede Sofia , Fitzgerald Maria
Published: February 2013

Everyday painful experiences are usually single events accompanied by tissue damage, and yet most experimental studies of cutaneous nociceptive processing in the brain use repeated laser, thermal, or electrical stimulations that do not damage the skin. In this study the nociceptive activity in the brain evoked by tissue-damaging skin lance was analyzed with electroencephalography (EEG) in 20 healthy adult volunteers (13 men and 7 women) aged 21–40 yr. Time-frequency analysis of the evoked activity revealed a distinct late event-related vertex potential (lance event-related potential, LERP) at 100–300 ms consisting of a phase-locked energy increase between 1 and 20 Hz (delta-beta bands). A pairwise comparison between lance and sham control stimulation also revealed a period of ultralate stronger desynchronization after lance in the delta band (1–5 Hz). Skin application of mustard oil before lancing, which sensitizes a subpopulation of nociceptors expressing the cation channel TRPA1, did not affect the ultralate desynchronization but reduced the phase-locked energy increase in delta and beta bands, suggesting a central interaction between different modalities of nociceptive inputs. Verbal descriptor screening of individual pain experience revealed that lance pain is predominantly due to Aδ fiber activation, but when individuals describe lances as C fiber mediated, an ultralate delta band event-related desynchronization occurs in the brain-evoked activity. We conclude that pain evoked by acute tissue damage is associated with distinct Aδ and C fiber-mediated patterns of synchronization and desynchronization of EEG oscillations in the brain.
Novel Antiplatelet Agent Use for Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Emergency Department: A Review
Authors: Curial M. , Nath E. , Lang E.
Published: February 2013

Background. Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a clinical condition encompassing ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI), and Unstable Angina (UA) and is characterized by ruptured coronary plaque, ischemic stress, and/or myocardial injury. Emergency department (ED) physicians are on the front lines of ACS management. The role of new antiplatelet agents ticagrelor and prasugrel in acute ED management of ACS has not yet been defined.Objective. To critically review clinical trials using ticagrelor and prasugrel in the treatment of ACS and inform practitioners of their potential utility in treating ACS in the ED.Results. Trials on the efficacy of ticagrelor and prasugrel achieve statistical significance in decreasing composite endpoints in select patient populations.Conclusion. The use of ticagrelor and prasugrel as first line ED treatment of ACS is not well established. Current evidence supports the use of several agents with the final decision based on treatment protocols conjointly developed between cardiology and emergency medicine (EM). Further clinical trials involving head-to-head trials or comparisons of drug-based strategies are required to show superiority in reducing cardiac endpoints with regard to ED initiation of treatment.
Visual Performance in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Undergoing Treatment with Intravitreal Ranibizumab
Authors: Sabour-Pickett Sarah , Loughman James , Nolan John M. , Stack Jim , Pesudovs Konrad , Meagher Katherine A. , Beatty Stephen
Published: February 2013

Purpose. To assess visual function and its response to serial intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nv-AMD).Methods. Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients with nv-AMD, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) logMAR 0.7 or better, undergoing intravitreal injections of ranibizumab, were enrolled into this prospective study. Visual function was assessed using a range of psychophysical tests, while mean foveal thickness (MFT) was determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT).Results. Group mean (±sd) MFT reduced significantly from baseline (233 (±59)) to exit (205 (±40)) (P=0.001). CDVA exhibited no change between baseline and exit visits (P=0.48andP=0.31, resp.). Measures of visual function that did exhibit statistically significant improvements (P<0.05for all) included reading acuity, reading speed, mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivity (CS), mesopic and photopic glare disability (GD), and retinotopic ocular sensitivity (ROS) at all eccentricities.Conclusion. Eyes with nv-AMD undergoing intravitreal ranibizumab injections exhibit improvements in many parameters of visual function. Outcome measures other than CDVA, such as CS, GD, and ROS, should not only be considered in the design of studies investigating nv-AMD, but also in treatment and retreatment strategies for patients with the condition.
A NovelDe Novo EFNB1Gene Mutation in a Mexican Patient with Craniofrontonasal Syndrome
Authors: Ramirez-Garcia M. A. , Chacon-Camacho O. F. , Leyva-Hernandez C. , Cardenas-Conejo A. , Zenteno J. C.
Published: February 2013

Craniofrontonasal syndrome (CNFS) is an X-linked disorder caused by mutations in theEFNB1gene in which, paradoxically, heterozygous females are more severely affected than hemizygous males. In this paper, the clinical and molecular studies of a female subject with CFNS are described. A novelde novoc.473T>C (p.M158T) mutation in exon 3 ofEFNB1was demonstrated in this patient. The M158 residue of the Ephrin-B1 protein is highly conserved between species. Our results expand the mutational spectrum exposed by CNFS.
Family-Specific Degenerate Primer Design: A Tool to Design Consensus Degenerated Oligonucleotides
Authors: Iserte Javier Alonso , Stephan Betina Ines , Goñi Sandra Elizabeth , Borio Cristina Silvia , Ghiringhelli Pablo Daniel , Lozano Mario Enrique
Published: February 2013

Designing degenerate PCR primers for templates of unknown nucleotide sequence may be a very difficult task. In this paper, we present a new method to design degenerate primers, implemented in family-specific degenerate primer design (FAS-DPD) computer software, for which the starting point is a multiple alignment of related amino acids or nucleotide sequences. To assess their efficiency, four different genome collections were used, covering a wide range of genomic lengths: Arenavirus (
nucleotides), Baculovirus (
to  bp), Lactobacillus sp. (
to  bp), and Pseudomonas sp. (
to  bp). In each case, FAS-DPD designed primers were tested computationally to measure specificity. Designed primers for Arenavirus and Baculovirus were tested experimentally. The method presented here is useful for designing degenerate primers on collections of related protein sequences, allowing detection of new family members.
The Preventive Effect of Biochanin A on Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rats: Involvement in Regulation of Growth and Activity of Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts
Authors: Su Shu-Jem , Yeh Yao-Tsung , Shyu Huey-Wen
Published: February 2013

Biochanin A (BCA) is a major isoflavone abundant in red clover (Trifolium pretense). The protective effect of BCA on bone loss in an ovariectomized (OVX) animal model has never been clarified. The objective of this study was to investigate the biological effects of BCA on bone loss in OVX ratsin vivoand on the development of osteoblasts and osteoclastsin vitro. Ovariectomy resulted in a marked increase in body weight and a decrease in femoral bone mineral density and trabecular bone volume that was prevented by BCA or 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment. However, an increase in uterine weight was observed in E2-treated OVX rats, but not in response to BCA treatment. Treatment with BCA increased the mRNA expression of osterix, collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin and decreased the mRNA expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio in the femur of OVX rats. Treatment with BCA or E2 prevented the OVX-induced increase in urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and serum tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).In vitro, BCA induced preosteoblasts to differentiate into osteoblasts and increased osteoblast mineralization. BCA inhibited preosteoclasts and osteoclast proliferation and decreased osteoclast bone resorption. These findings suggest that BCA treatment can effectively prevent the OVX-induced increase in bone loss and bone turnover possibly by increasing osteoblastic activities and decreasing osteoclastic activities.
Modeling of Electronic Transport through Metal/Polymer Interfaces in Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Alborghetti S. , Stamenov P.
Published: February 2013

We report on the modeling of electrical characteristics and contact-related effects of organic thin film transistors. An equivalent circuit is employed to simulate the electrical behavior of the devices. We suggest that, at low temperature, tunneling is the dominant mechanism of charge carrier injection, originating the nonlinearities often observed in these devices. The temperature dependence of the output characteristics is due to the fraction of carriers that are injected, via the competing mechanism of thermal activation, above the interface energy barrier at metal/organic contacts. The model successfully reproduces the electrical characteristics of P3HT polymeric transistors and allows for the decoupling and the study of the temperature dependence of the charge conduction through the organic channel.
Acute Progression of Adult-Onset Atypical Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome due to CFH Mutation: A Case Report
Authors: Posnik Bartlomiej , Sikorska Dorota , Hoppe Krzysztof , Schwermer Krzysztof , Pawlaczyk Krzysztof , Oko Andrzej
Published: February 2013

Atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS), unlike typical HUS, is not due to bacteria but rather to an idiopathic or genetic cause that promotes dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. It leads to hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal impairment. Although aHUS secondary to a genetic mutation is relatively rare, when occurring due to a mutation in Factor H (CFH), it usually presents with younger onset and has a more severe course, which in the majority ends with end-stage renal failure. Paradoxically to most available data, our case features acute aHUS due to a CFH mutation with late onset (38-year-old) and rapid progression to end-stage renal disease. Due to current data indicating a high risk of graft failure in such patients, the diagnosis of aHUS secondary to a genetic cause has disqualified our patient from a living (family) donor renal transplantation and left her with no other option but to begin permanent renal replacement therapy.
Wireless Sensor Networks for Smart Grid Applications: A Case Study on Link Reliability and Node Lifetime Evaluations in Power Distribution Systems
Authors: Tuna Gurkan , Gungor V. Cagri , Gulez Kayhan
Published: February 2013

Recent advances in embedded systems and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) made it possible to realize low-cost monitoring and automation systems for smart grids. This paper presents opportunities and design challenges of WSNs for smart grid applications. WSN-based smart grid applications have been introduced, and some WSN standards and communication protocols have been discussed for smart grid applications. Importantly, node lifetime and link reliability in wireless sensor networking for smart grid applications have been evaluated through case studies based on field tests in electric power system environments.
The Relationship between Executive Function and Obesity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Reinert Kaela R. S. , Po'e Eli K. , Barkin Shari L.
Published: February 2013

The objective of this paper is to examine the relationship between the development of executive function (EF) and obesity in children and adolescents. We reviewed 1,065 unique abstracts: 31 from PubMed, 87 from Google Scholar, 16 from Science Direct, and 931 from PsycINFO. Of those abstracts, 28 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. From the articles reviewed, an additional 3 articles were added from article references (N=31). Twenty-three studies pertained to EF (2 also studied the prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices (OFCs); 6 also studied cognitive function), five studied the relationship between obesity and prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices, and three evaluated cognitive function and obesity. Inhibitory control was most often studied in both childhood (76.9%) and adolescent (72.7%) studies, and obese children performed significantly worse (P<0.05) than healthy weight controls on various tasks measuring this EF domain. Although 27.3% of adolescent studies measured mental flexibility, no childhood studies examined this EF domain. Adolescents with higher BMI had a strong association with neurostructural deficits evident in the OFC. Future research should be longitudinal and use a uniform method of EF measurement to better establish causality between EF and obesity and consequently direct future intervention strategies.
Driving Path Predication Based Routing Protocol in Vehicular Ad hoc Networks
Authors: Feng Yong , Wang Feng , Liao Jingjing , Qian Qian
Published: February 2013

The vehicular mobility is reflection and extension of the human social activity. Since human trajectories show a high degree of temporal and spatial regularity, thus vehicular driving paths are predictable to a large extent. In this paper, we firstly analyze the predictabilities of different types of vehicles and then propose a new driving path predication based routing protocol (DPPR). With hello messages to broadcast vehicles' driving path predication information to neighbor vehicles, DPPR can observably increase the successful ratio to find the proper next hop vehicles that move toward the optimal expected road in intersection areas. In roads with sparse vehicle density, DPPR utilizes vehicles to carry messages to roads with high vehicle density while the messages' forward paths partially coincide with the vehicles' driving paths. Moreover, as to messages that can tolerate long delay, they can be carried to destinations by vehicles whose driving paths will pass the messages' destination in order to optimize bandwidth utilization. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed DPPR protocol.
Motion Detection in Diffusion MRI via Online ODF Estimation
Authors: Caruyer Emmanuel , Aganj Iman , Lenglet Christophe , Sapiro Guillermo , Deriche Rachid
Published: February 2013

The acquisition of high angular resolution diffusion MRI is particularly long and subject motion can become an issue. The orientation distribution function (ODF) can be reconstructed online incrementally from diffusion-weighted MRI with a Kalman filtering framework. This online reconstruction provides real-time feedback throughout the acquisition process. In this article, the Kalman filter is first adapted to the reconstruction of the ODF in constant solid angle. Then, a method called STAR (STatistical Analysis of Residuals) is presented and applied to the online detection of motion in high angular resolution diffusion images. Compared to existing techniques, this method is image based and is built on top of a Kalman filter. Therefore, it introduces no additional scan time and does not require additional hardware. The performance of STAR is tested on simulated and real data and compared to the classical generalized likelihood ratio test. Successful detection of small motion is reported (rotation under 2°) with no delay and robustness to noise.
Improved Outcome of Severe Acute Pancreatitis in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Pavlidis Polychronis , Crichton Siobhan , Lemmich Smith Joanna , Morrison David , Atkinson Simon , Wyncoll Duncan , Ostermann Marlies
Published: February 2013

Background. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is associated with serious morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to describe the case mix, management, and outcome of patients with SAP receiving modern critical care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).Methods. Retrospective analysis of patients with SAP admitted to the ICU in a single tertiary care centre in the UK between January 2005 and December 2010.Results. Fifty SAP patients were admitted to ICU (62% male, mean age 51.7 (SD 14.8)). The most common aetiologies were alcohol (40%) and gallstones (30%). On admission to ICU, the median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was 17, the pancreatitis outcome prediction score was 8, and the median Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI) was 4. Forty patients (80%) tolerated enteral nutrition, and 46% received antibiotics for non-SAP reasons. Acute kidney injury was significantly more common among hospital nonsurvivors compared to survivors (100% versus 42%, ). ICU mortality and hospital mortality were 16% and 20%, respectively, and median lengths of stay in ICU and hospital were 13.5 and 30 days, respectively. Among hospital survivors, 27.5% developed diabetes mellitus and 5% needed long-term renal replacement therapy.Conclusions. The outcome of patients with SAP in ICU was better than previously reported but associated with a resource demanding hospital stay and long-term morbidity.
Asymptotic and Dynamical Analyses of Heat Transfer through a Rectangular Longitudinal Fin
Authors: Harley C.
Published: February 2013

The steady heat transfer through a rectangular longitudinal fin is studied. The thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficient are assumed to be temperature dependent making the resulting ordinary differential equation (ODE) highly nonlinear. An asymptotic solution is used as a means of understanding the relationship between key parameters. A dynamical analysis is also employed for the same purpose.
Association of Interleukin-28B Genotype and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Hodo Yuji , Honda Masao , Tanaka Akihiro , Nomura Yoshimoto , Arai Kuniaki , Yamashita Taro , Sakai Yoshio , Yamashita Tatsuya , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Sakai Akito , Sasaki Motoko , Nakanuma Yasuni , Moriyama Mitsuhiko , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: February 2013

Purpose: Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the interleukin-28B (IL-28B) locus have recently been shown to be associated with antiviral treatment efficacy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC). However, such an association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unkno3 we investigated the association between the IL-28B genotype and the biology and clinical outcome of patients with HCC receiving curative treatment.

Experimental Design: Genotyping of 183 patients with HCC with CHC who were treated with hepatic resection or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was carried out, and the results were analyzed to determine the association between the IL-28B genotype (rs8099917) and clinical outcome. Gene expression profiles of 20 patients with HCC and another series of 91 patients with CHC were analyzed using microarray analysis and gene set enrichment analysis. Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses were also conducted.

Results: The TT, TG, and GG proportions of the rs8099917 genotype were 67.8% (124 of 183), 30.6% (56 of 183), and 1.6% (3 of 183), respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the IL-28B TT genotype was significantly associated with HCC recurrence (P = 0.007; HR, 2.674; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–2.63). Microarray analysis showed high expression levels of IFN-stimulated genes in background liver samples and immune-related genes in tumor tissues of the IL-28B TG/GG genotype. Histologic findings showed that more lymphocytes infiltrated into tumor tissues in the TG/GG genotype.

Conclusions: The IL-28B genotype is associated with HCC recurrence, gene expression, and histologic findings in patients with CHC. Clin Cancer Res; 19(7); 1827–37. ©2013 AACR.
Tandutinib Inhibits the Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Colon Cancer Growth
Authors: Ponnurangam Sivapriya , Standing David , Rangarajan Parthasarathy , Subramaniam Dharmalingam
Published: February 2013

The c-Kit receptor can activate distinct signaling pathways including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mTOR. Aberrant c-Kit activation protects cells from apoptosis and enhances invasion of colon carcinoma cells. Tandutinib is a novel quinazoline-based inhibitor of the type III receptor tyrosine kinases including c-Kit. We determined the effect of tandutinib on colon cancer growth and identified a mechanism of action. Tandutinib inhibited phosphorylation of c-Kit, Akt, mTOR, and p70S6 kinase. In addition, tandutinib significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation ability of colon cancer cell lines but did not affect normal colonic epithelial cells. There were increased levels of activated caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl2 ratio, coupled with a reduction in cyclin D1, suggesting apoptosis. There was also a downregulation of COX-2, VEGF, and interleukin-8 expression, suggesting effects on cancer-promoting genes. In addition, overexpressing constitutively active Akt partially suppressed tandutinib-mediated colon cancer cell growth. In vivo, intraperitoneal administration of tandutinib significantly suppressed growth of colon cancer tumor xenografts. There was a reduction in CD31-positive blood vessels, suggesting that there was an effect on angiogenesis. Tandutinib treatment also inhibited the expression of cancer-promoting genes COX-2 and VEGF and suppressed the activation of Akt/mTOR signaling proteins in the xenograft tissues. Together, these data suggest that tandutinib is a novel potent therapeutic agent that can target the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(5); 598–609. ©2013 AACR.
Breathing Pattern and Chest Wall Kinematics during Phonation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Authors: Binazzi B. , Lanini B. , Gigliotti F. , Scano G.
Published: February 2013

Background: Breathing pattern description and chest wall kinematics during phonation have not been studied in male and female patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Objectives: We used optoelectronic plethysmography to provide a quantitative description of breathing pattern and chest wall kinematics. Methods: Volumes of chest wall compartments (rib cage and abdomen) were assessed in 15 patients while reading aloud (R), singing (SI) and during high-effort whispering (HW). Results: Relative to quiet breathing, tidal volume and expiratory time increased while inspiratory time decreased. The expiratory flow decreased during R and SI, but was unchanged during HW. In males, the end-expiratory volume decreased as a result of a decreased volume of rib cage during R, SI and HW and due to a decreased volume of abdomen during HW. In females, a decrease in end-expiratory volume was accomplished by a decrease in abdominal volume during R and HW. During R, the chest wall end-expiratory volume of the last expiration in females was to the left of the maximal expiratory flow volume curve (MEFV), with still substantial expiratory reserve volume available. In contrast, during SI and HW in females and during all types of phonation in males, chest wall end-expiratory volume of the last expiration was well to the right of the MEFV curve and associated with respiratory discomfort. Gender had a greater importance than physical characteristics in determining more costal breathing in females than in males under all conditions studied. Conclusions: Phonation imposes more abdominal breathing pattern changes in males and costal changes in females. Expiratory flow encroaches upon the MEFV curve with higher phonatory efforts and respiratory discomfort.
A Multimarker Study of Degenerative Aortic Valve Disease: Stenoinsufficiency Shows More Indices of Bad Prognosis
Authors: Vianello Annamaria , Perlini Stefano , Cappelli Stefania , Palladini Giuseppina , Epistolato Maria Carmela , della Latta Daniele , Cerillo Alfredo , Berti Sergio , Chiappino Dante , Tanganelli Piero , Glauber Mattia , Mazzone Annamaria
Published: February 2013

Objectives: It was the aim of this study to assess the pathophysiological, prognostic role of aortic regurgitation (AR) in the ‘mixed pictures' of degenerative aortic valve stenoinsufficiency (ASI) by a multimarker clinical approach. Methods: We enrolled 112 consecutive surgical patients: 19 with pure valve stenosis (PAS), 39 with mild regurgitation, 29 with severe regurgitation, and 25 controls with annulo-ectatic AR. All underwent complete echocardiography, carotid ultrasound and aortic/coronary multislice computed tomography calcium score evaluation. We determined tissue semiquantitative osteopontin, metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) and circulating brain natriuretic peptide. We evaluated major adverse cardiac events and cardiovascular early, long-term mortality after bioprosthetic valve implantation. Results: Tissue calcification, carotid and coronary atherosclerotic disease were prevalent in PAS versus ASI and AR patients. The multislice computed tomography calcium score (Agatston) was comparable between PAS and ASI (PAS 3,507.3 + 2,442.6; mild AR 4,270.7 + 2,213.5; severe AR 3,568.5 + 1,823.4), but much lower in AR (1,247.8 + 2,708.6). In ASI, a plasma/tissue ‘profibrotic' MMP/TIMP balance prevailed, with circulating and echocardiographic indices of myocardial dysfunction. Percentages of major adverse cardiac events and early, long-term mortality were higher in ASI. Conclusions: In ASI, different, still unknown, genetic and dysplastic factors could work synergically with cardiovascular risk factors, determining a much more adverse myocardial and valve remodeling, resulting in worse clinical outcome.
The Beneficial Impact of Fasudil and Sildenafil on Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats: A Hemodynamic and Biochemical Study
Authors: Jasińska-Stroschein Magdalena , Owczarek Jacek , Łucza Anna , Orszulak-Michalak Daria
Published: February 2013

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) still cannot be cured effectively, hence the search for novel treatments continues. The effects of sildenafil (25 mg/kg body weight) and fasudil (30 mg/kg body weight) given alone or in combination, on normalization of right ventricular pressure (RVP), right ventricle mass, as well as the levels of several biomarkers (HDL-C, BNP, VEGF-A), were assessed in a rat model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH. MCT (60 mg/kg body weight) induced clear PAH in male Wistar rats. After 21 days, a significant decrease in RVP accompanied by a reduction of right ventricular hypertrophy - a significant decrease in the right ventricle/left ventricle plus septum ratio - as a result of sildenafil or fasudil administration was assessed. The administration of fasudil and sildenafil alone or in combination caused a significant decrease in plasma BNP level as compared to MCT-treated rats. Fasudil alone or with sildenafil, but not sildenafil alone, significantly increased HDL-C level as compared to MCT-treated rats. Fasudil and sildenafil given alone or in combination caused a significant increase in plasma VEGF-A level as compared to rats exposed to MCT.