bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of the V1016G mutation in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) by allele-specific PCR assay, and its distribution and effect on deltamethrin resistance in Thailand
Authors: Stenhouse Steven A , Plernsub Suriya , Yanola Jintana , Lumjuan Nongkran , Dantrakool Anchalee , Choochote Wej , Somboon Pradya
Published: August 2013

Background

Resistance to pyrethroid insecticides is widespread among populations of Aedes aegypti, the main vector for the dengue virus. Several different point mutations within the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene contribute to such resistance. A mutation at position 1016 in domain II, segment 6 of the VGSC gene in Ae. aegypti leads to a valine to glycine substitution (V1016G) that confers resistance to deltamethrin.

Methods

This study developed and utilized an allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) assay that could be used to detect the V1016G mutation. The assay was validated against a number of sequenced DNA samples of known genotype and was determined to be in complete agreement. Larvae and pupae were collected from various localities throughout Thailand. Samples were reared to adulthood and their resistance status against deltamethrin was determined by standard WHO susceptibility bioassays. Deltamethrin-resistant and susceptible insects were then genotyped for the V1016G mutation. Additionally, some samples were genotyped for a second mutation at position 1534 in domain III (F1534C) which is also known to confer pyrethroid resistance.

Results

The bioassay results revealed an overall mortality of 77.6%. Homozygous 1016G individuals survived at higher rates than either heterozygous or wild-type (1016 V) mosquitoes. The 1016G mutation was significantly and positively associated with deltamethrin resistance and was widely distributed throughout Thailand. Interestingly, wild-type 1016 V mosquitoes tested were homozygous for the 1534C mutation, and all heterozygous mosquitoes were also heterozygous for 1534C. Mutant homozygous (G/G) mosquitoes expressed the wild-type (F/F) at position 1534. However, the presence of the 1534C mutation was not associated with deltamethrin resistance.

Conclusions

Our bioassay results indicate that all populations sampled display some degree of resistance to deltamethrin. Homozygous 1016G mosquitoes were far likelier to survive such exposure. However, resistance in some populations cannot be explained due to kdr mutations and indicates that other resistance mechanisms are operating. The presence of this mutation alone does not fully explain the resistance phenotype we see among Thai Ae. aegypti populations.
DNA barcode assessment of Gracilaria salicornia (Gracilariaceae, Rhodophyta) from Southeast Asia
Authors: Yang Mi Yeon , Geraldino Paul John L , Kim Myung Sook
Published: August 2013

Background

DNA barcoding is becoming a widely applied tool for the quick and accurate identification of species. The evolution of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is sufficiently rapid to allow discrimination between closely related species and biogeographic subgroups within species. Gracilaria salicornia was originally described as being from Manila, the Philippines, and is distributed throughout Asia and the Indian Ocean. To more accurately define this species and its genetic diversity owing to the confusion of identification historically, DNA barcoding using the 5’ end of the COI gene of the mitochondrial genome was applied to specimens collected from the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Japan, and they were compared to other gracilarian species.

Results

Within species, the COI marker yielded two clusters with nucleotide divergences of 0.0–1.3%. This divergence is slightly higher than the typical intraspecific variation for red algae. A total of eight COI haplotypes were found for G. salicornia, comprising the following groups: H1–H3 from the Philippines; H4 from Okinawa in Japan; H5–H7 from Malaysia, Thailand, and China; and H8 from Thailand.

Conclusion

Although this work concentrated on a limited geographical region of a widespread taxon, the data shows intraspecific molecular divergences in G. salicornia and provides further evidence that DNA barcodes are useful tools for identifying species boundaries and examining biogeographical haplotypes for the genus Gracilaria.
TLR2 & Co: a critical analysis of the complex interactions between TLR2 and coreceptors
Authors: van Bergenhenegouwen Jeroen , Plantinga Theo S , Joosten Leo A B , Netea Mihai G , Folkerts Gert , Kraneveld Aletta D , Garssen Johan , Vos Arjan P
Published: August 2013

TLRs play a major role in microbe-host interactions and innate immunity. Of the 10 functional TLRs described in humans, TLR2 is unique in its requirement to form heterodimers with TLR1 or TLR6 for the initiation of signaling and cellular activation. The ligand specificity of TLR2 heterodimers has been studied extensively, using specific bacterial and synthetic lipoproteins to gain insight into the structure-function relationship, the minimal active motifs, and the critical dependence on TLR1 or TLR6 for activation. Different from that for specific well-defined TLR2 agonists, recognition of more complex ligands like intact microbes or molecules from endogenous origin requires TLR2 to interact with additional coreceptors. A breadth of data has been published on ligand-induced interactions of TLR2 with additional pattern recognition receptors such as CD14, scavenger receptors, integrins, and a range of other receptors, all of them important factors in TLR2 function. This review summarizes the roles of TLR2 in vivo and in specific immune cell types and integrates this information with a detailed review of our current understanding of the roles of specific coreceptors and ligands in regulating TLR2 functions. Understanding how these processes affect intracellular signaling and drive functional immune responses will lead to a better understanding of host-microbe interactions and will aid in the design of new agents to target TLR2 function in health and disease.
Quantum Chemical Designing of Efficient TC4-Based Sensitizers by Modification of Auxiliary Donor and π-Spacer
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Imran , Janjua Muhammad Ramzan Saeed Ashraf , Nazar Muhammad Faizan , Mahmood Asif
Published: August 2013

In the present study, ten metal-free dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been designed. These dyes have designed by structural modification of TC4. Density functional theory was used for structure optimization and determination of photophysical properties. These dyes contain triphenylamine as electron donor and cyanoacrylic acid as electron acceptor. Five π-spacers are used to connect the donor and acceptor. Two auxiliary donors are also used to assist the donor. Results of this study indicate that stronger electron-donating auxiliary groups and longer π-conjugation enhance, while electron-withdrawing fluorine at a π-spacer decreases the performance of dyes in DSSC. As compared to auxiliary electron donors, π-spacers have a strong impact on the performance of the dyes in the DSSCs. Major absorption peaks of all dyes were in the visible region. These absorption peaks are associated with the π–π* transitions of the entire molecule. From calculations it is clear that all dyes will be good photosensitizers in DSSC. The present calculations will provide new ways for experimentalists to synthesize high-performance dyes.
Technical Note—New Results Concerning Probability Distributions with Increasing Generalized Failure Rates
Authors: Banciu Mihai , Mirchandani Prakash
Published: August 2013

The generalized failure rate of a continuous random variable has demonstrable importance in operations management. If the valuation distribution of a product has an increasing generalized failure rate (that is, the distribution is IGFR), then the associated revenue function is unimodal, and when the generalized failure rate is strictly increasing, the global maximum is uniquely specified. The assumption that the distribution is IGFR is thus useful and frequently held in recent pricing, revenue, and supply chain management literature. This note contributes to the IGFR literature in several ways. First, it investigates the prevalence of the IGFR property for the left and right truncations of valuation distributions. Second, we extend the IGFR notion to discrete distributions and contrast it with the continuous distribution case. The note also addresses two errors in the previous IGFR literature. Finally, for future reference, we analyze all common (continuous and discrete) distributions for the prevalence of the IGFR property, and derive and tabulate their generalized failure rates.
Do bisphosphonates inhibit direct fracture healing?
Authors: Savaridas T. , Wallace R. J. , Salter D. M. , Simpson A. H. R. W.
Published: August 2013

Fracture repair occurs by two broad mechanisms: direct healing, and indirect healing with callus formation. The effects of bisphosphonates on fracture repair have been assessed only in models of indirect fracture healing.

A rodent model of rigid compression plate fixation of a standardised tibial osteotomy was used. Ten skeletally mature Sprague–Dawley rats received daily subcutaneous injections of 1 µg/kg ibandronate (IBAN) and ten control rats received saline (control). Three weeks later a tibial osteotomy was rigidly fixed with compression plating. Six weeks later the animals were killed. Fracture repair was assessed with mechanical testing, radiographs and histology.

The mean stress at failure in a four-point bending test was significantly lower in the IBAN group compared with controls (8.69 Nmm-2 (sd 7.63) vs 24.65 Nmm-2 (sd 6.15); p = 0.017). On contact radiographs of the extricated tibiae the mean bone density assessment at the osteotomy site was lower in the IBAN group than in controls (3.7 mmAl (sd 0.75) vs 4.6 mmAl (sd 0.57); p = 0.01). In addition, histological analysis revealed progression to fracture union in the controls but impaired fracture healing in the IBAN group, with predominantly cartilage-like and undifferentiated mesenchymal tissue (p = 0.007).

Bisphosphonate treatment in a therapeutic dose, as used for risk reduction in fragility fractures, had an inhibitory effect on direct fracture healing. We propose that bisphosphonate therapy not be commenced until after the fracture has united if the fracture has been rigidly fixed and is undergoing direct osteonal healing.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1263–8.
Surgeon level data
Authors: Perry D. C. , Parsons N. , Costa M. L.
Published: August 2013

The variation in surgical performance, both between centres and individual surgeons, has recently been of significant political, media and public interest. Within the United Kingdom, a government agenda to increase accountability amongst surgeons has led to the online publication of ‘surgeon-level’ data. Surgeons, journalists and the public need to understand these data if they are to be useful in driving up standards of surgical care. This Editorial describes the use of Funnel Plots, which are the common means by which such data are presented, and discusses how the plots are generated.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1156–7.
Exam Corner – September 2013
Authors: Khanduja V.
Published: August 2013

The FRCS (Tr & Orth) examination has three components: MCQs, Vivas and Clinical Examination. The Vivas are further divided into four sections comprising Basic Science, Adult Pathology, Hands and Children’s Orthopaedics and Trauma. The Clinical Examination section is divided into Upper and Lower limb cases. The aim of this section in the Journal is to focus specifically on the trainees preparing for the exam and to cater to all the sections of the exam. The vision is to complete the cycle of all relevant exam topics (as per the syllabus) in four years.
Towards a narrative concept of citizenship: Implications for citizenship education as children’s identity-making
Authors: Kim Byung-Geuk
Published: August 2013

This article offers a narrative concept of citizenship in order to suggest a model of citizenship education as opposed to the factual, values-oriented model currently emphasized in Korea. Korea’s current approach to citizenship education is shaped by a mandated moral education curriculum meant to instil selected national values and moral virtues in children through a top-down method of teaching and learning citizenship. The article develops a different concept of citizenship in order to inspire the practice of citizenship education as children’s identity-making. The new concept, which employs a narrative inquiry methodology for the autobiographical inquiry, is found to be in fundamental conflict with Korea’s current practice of citizenship education: the narrative concept of citizenship attends to children’s lived experiences as a starting point for citizenship education that educates children about who they are and how they live as citizens. In contrast, the predetermined values-/virtues-oriented view of citizenship underpinning the established teaching practices in Korea educates children to be knowledgeable about citizenship values or virtues without establishing the relevance of this knowledge in their lives. This study suggests that, given the goals and standards of citizenship education, the narrative concept of citizenship would be far more effective in that it allows children to see themselves in multiple dimensions of good citizenship.
Switching sides: The struggle between national identity and globalized pedagogy in the development of an early literacy programme in Cambodia
Authors: Courtney Jane , Gravelle Maggie
Published: August 2013

In 2006 a bi-lateral donor working with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) in Cambodia identified the need for improving the quality of literacy. The bilateral donor outsourced the contract to a team of British consultants to design and lead an early literacy project working alongside Khmer national consultants. This article begins by discussing and analysing how globalized perceptions of teaching, learning and national identity were enshrined in the development of training and classroom materials for both teacher and pupils. It uses the example of the place of phonics in the teaching of reading to explore the contradictions in practice between donor and low income countries. By examining the perceptions and assumptions made by all parties and analysing the discourse that took place in the development process it is possible to identify how national education and perceptions of identity and citizenship come into conflict with what was identified as a ‘global pedagogy’. As more agencies become involved and agendas change, the conflict between issues of national identity, citizenship and global pedagogy become increasingly blurred leaving the authors the task of unpacking the relative importance of these concepts on the impact of the project. We conclude that in educational project design there is a need to strike a balance between the influences exerted through international practice and priorities against the effects of local conditions, culture and context.
Book Review
Authors: Labouba Manouchka Kelly
Published: August 2013

African Film: New Forms of Aesthetics and Politics, Manthia Diawara (2010) Munich and New York: Prestel, 319 pp., ISBN: 978-3-7913-4342-6. $26.61 USD Paperback.
Revisiting the notion of political black cinema: A comparative analysis of Melvin Van Peebles and Ousmane Sembene
Authors: Ryan Connor
Published: August 2013

This article revisits Ousmane Sembene’s La Noire de ... (1966) and Melvin Van Peebles’s Sweet Sweetback’s Baaadasssss Song (1971) to put pressure on Sembene’s legacy as an advocate of African women’s rights and Van Peeble’s reputation as a provocative voice in the American Black Arts Movement. Focusing on each films’ defiant yet silent protagonists, this article questions feminism’s concern for women to speak out against patriarchy that would silence them. It asks whose liberation the films provide for, and interrogates cinema that speaks for the voiceless. This article posits that artistic voice, even when mobilized for political resistance, always presents a risk and threat of displacing violence. Speaking out against oppression, whether white supremacist, neo-imperialist or patriarchal oppression, requires the speaker to wield a certain authority that invests in other means of oppression. This article addresses the politically committed artist’s responsibility to navigate the tenuous relationship between politics and art.
Sexual behavior of in-school adolescents in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria: a comparative study
Authors: Sabageh Adedayo O. , Fatusi Adesegun O. , Sabageh Donatus , Aluko Joel A.
Published: August 2013

Objectives: The sexual and reproductive health of adolescents is of utmost importance in many nations (especially in developing countries). Sexual behavior varies from location to location and the outcome (when negative) creates great concerns mainly due to the consequential impact on health and development. This study aimed at comparing sexual behavior of in-school adolescents in rural and urban areas of Osun state.

Methods: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted. A total of 760 in-school adolescents were recruited using multistage sampling technique. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered after ethical considerations. Data were analysed and p-value was placed at 0.05.

Results: A total of 380 rural and 380 urban adolescents participated in this study with a mean age of 14.90±2.44 and 14.34±2.31 years, respectively. About one-fifth (20.1%) had experienced their first sex (66% of rural and 34% of urban). The mean age at first sex was 14.05 years±2.3 years (13.89±2.3 years for rural and 14.37±2.3 years for urban). Only 76 (49.7%) sexually experienced respondents had used condom in the past (45.5% of rural, 57.7% of urban). Half of the urban respondents used condom during their first sex while only a quarter of their rural counterparts had done so (p=0.003).

Conclusion: Sexual behavior was commoner among the rural respondents than their urban counterpart. There is an urgent need for sexuality education especially among rural adolescents in the study area.
A rare case of hypopituitarism with psychosis
Authors: Nwokolo M , Fletcher J
Published: August 2013

A 46-year-old woman presented multiple times in a 4-month period with hypotension, sepsis, hypoglycaemia and psychosis. A low random cortisol in combination with her presenting complaint made adrenal insufficiency the likely diagnosis. Fluid resuscitation and i.v. steroid therapy led to clinical improvement; however, a short synacthen test (SST) demonstrated an apparently satisfactory cortisol response. The test was repeated on a later admission and revealed a peak cortisol level of 25 nmol/l (>550 nmol/l). Concurrent treatment with i.v. hydrocortisone had led to a false-negative SST. ACTH was <5 ng/l (>10 ng/l), indicating secondary adrenal failure. We discuss the challenges surrounding the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and hypopituitarism, the rare complication of psychosis and a presumptive diagnosis of autoimmune lymphocytic hypophysitis (ALH).

Learning points

Adrenocortical insufficiency must be considered in the shocked, hypovolaemic and hypoglycaemic patient with electrolyte imbalance. Rapid treatment with fluid resuscitation and i.v. corticosteroids is vital.

Polymorphic presentations to multiple specialities are common. Generalised myalgia, abdominal pain and delirium are well recognised, psychosis is rare.

A random cortisol can be taken with baseline bloods. Once the patient is stable, meticulous dynamic testing must follow to confirm the clinical diagnosis.

The chronic disease progression of ALH is hypothesised to be expansion then atrophy of the pituitary gland resulting in empty sella turcica and hypopituitarism.

If hypopituitarism is suspected, an ACTH deficiency should be treated prior to commencing thyroxine (T4) therapy as unopposed T4may worsen features of cortisol deficiency.
Pituitary metastases from papillary carcinoma of thyroid: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chikani Viral , Lambie Duncan , Russell Anthony
Published: August 2013

Metastases to the pituitary gland are an uncommon complication of thyroid cancer. They resemble pituitary neoplasms posing a diagnostic challenge. We present a case of an aggressive non-radioiodine avid papillary thyroid cancer with recurrent pituitary metastases and a review of the literature. A 70-year-old woman with a history of papillary thyroid cancer and bony metastases presented with symptoms of hypoadrenalism and peripheral vision loss. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large pituitary mass impinging on the optic chiasm. She underwent transsphenoidal resection followed by131I ablation. Post-therapy scintigraphy showed no iodine uptake in the sellar region or bony metastases. Histology of the pituitary mass confirmed metastatic papillary thyroid cancer. Fifteen months later, she had a recurrence of pituitary metastases affecting her vision. This was resected and followed with external beam radiotherapy. Over 2 years, the pituitary metastases increased in size and required two further operations. Radioactive iodine was not considered due to poor response in the past. Progressively, she developed a left-sided III and IV cranial nerve palsy and permanent bitemporal hemianopia. There was a rapid decline in the patient's health with further imaging revealing new lung and bony metastases, and she eventually died 8 months later. To our knowledge, this is the first case of pituitary metastases from a radioiodine-resistant papillary thyroid cancer. Radioiodine-resistant metastatic thyroid cancer may exhibit rapid aggressive growth and remain poorly responsive to the currently available treatment.

Learning points

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has an excellent prognosis with <5% of the cases presenting with distant metastases, usually to lung and bone.

Metastasis to the pituitary is a rare complication of DTC.

The diagnosis of pituitary insufficiency secondary to pituitary metastases from DTC may be delayed due to the non-specific systemic symptoms of underlying malignancy and TSH suppression therapy for thyroid cancer.

The imaging characteristics of metastases to the pituitary may be similar to non-functioning pituitary adenoma.

Radioiodine refractory metastatic thyroid cancer has significantly lower survival rates compared with radioactive iodine-avid metastases due to limited therapeutic options.
Determination of Fracture Conductivity in Tight Formations With Non-Darcy Flow Behavior
Authors: Zhang Feng , Yang Daoyong
Published: August 2013

In this paper, a mathematical model has been developed and successfully applied to accurately determine the fracture conductivity in tight formations with non-Darcy flow behavior. A new non-Darcy flow number is first defined to account for the effect of characteristic length in a hydraulic fracture. A semianalytical method is then applied to solve the newly formulated mathematical model by discretizing the fracture into small segments, assuming that there exists unsteady flow between the adjacent segments. The newly developed model has been validated by simplifying it to the traditional Forchheimer (i.e., non-Darcy) model and by performing numerical simulation with a reservoir simulator as well. The pressure response and its corresponding derivative type curves have been reproduced to examine non-Darcy flow behavior under different fracture conductivities. Both relative minimum permeability and characteristic length are found to impose a negative effect on the fracture conductivity. Compared with relative minimum permeability, characteristic length is a strong function dominating the non-Darcy flow behavior in the fractures. It is obvious that the fracture conductivity can be accurately determined when non-Darcy flow behavior in the fracture network is taken into account.
Constraints on Simultaneous Growth of Hydraulic Fractures From Multiple Perforation Clusters in Horizontal Wells
Authors: Bunger A.P.. P. , Jeffrey R.G.. G. , Zhang X..
Published: August 2013

In spite of the fact that multistage hydraulic fracturing from horizontal wells is the fastest growing and arguably the most economically important application for well stimulation, numerous fundamental questions remain that are relevant to determining how long to make each isolated interval and how many perforation clusters to place within each interval. This paper provides new insights into this problem by predicting how many hydraulic fractures can be expected to grow simultaneously from multiple perforation clusters pressurized by a single injection stage. These predictions are obtained from a coupled mathematical model that includes the contributions of fluid flow, rock breakage, and pressure loss through the perforations to the total power requirements for the growth of arrays of multiple hydraulic fractures. For typical shale-gas stimulations, radial hydraulic fractures are predicted to grow from all perforation clusters, with progressive reduction in the number of hydraulic fractures, thereby maintaining a ratio of the radius to the spacing that is a small amount less than unity. If the hydraulic fractures are contained to a height H, then multiple Perkins-Kern-Nordgren (PKN) -like hydraulic fractures are predicted to continue growing, with the length of each hydraulic fracture increasing throughout the injection and with a spacing that is approximately 1.5 H when perforation losses are strong and approximately 2.5 H when perforation losses are negligible. These geometric predictions are consistent with previously published observations based on microseismicity associated with stimulations in the Barnett shale.
Steers Grazing a Rye Cover Crop Influence Growth of Rye and No‐Till Cotton
Authors: Li Yue , Allen V. G. , Hou F. , Chen J. , Brown C. P.
Published: August 2013

Small grain cover crops offer grazing opportunities but effects on following row crops are not well understood. From 1999 through 2008, stocker steers (Bos taurus) grazed small grains in a two‐paddock crop rotation of rye (Secale cereale L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), fallow, and rye. Treatments in 2005, 2007, and 2008 included (i) zero‐grazed rye from 1999; (ii) ungrazed rye in the current year only; (iii) always grazed rye; and (iv) in 2007 and 2008, monoculture cotton (since 1999) with no cover crop. The experiment, on a Pullman clay loam (fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Torrertic Paleustolls), was a randomized complete block design with three blocks. Ungrazed rye was mechanically harvested before planting cotton. Rye excluded from grazing in 1 yr only (Treatment 2) was taller (P < 0.05) and produced more forage mass than zero‐grazed rye (Treatment 1), likely due to higher rye tiller numbers, weight, and basal cover. Cotton planted into grazed rye had more plants m–1 row and was taller until July (P < 0.05), and in 2005 had greater (P < 0.05) lint and seed yield than where grazing was excluded. Continuous cotton with no cover crop (Treatment 4) was shorter (P < 0.01) than cotton grown with a cover crop regardless of grazing. Known allelopathic chemicals were detected in rye and soil where rye grew and appeared to be influenced by grazing. Increased growth and productivity of rye and cotton where grazing occurred may be related to suppressive effects of grazing on allelopathy.
Medication Reconciliation and Therapy Management in Dialysis-Dependent Patients
Authors: Pai Amy Barton , Cardone Katie E. , Manley Harold J. , St. Peter Wendy L. , Shaffer Rachel , Somers Michael , Mehrotra Rajnish
Published: August 2013

Patients with ESRD undergoing dialysis have highly complex medication regimens and disproportionately higher total cost of care compared with the general Medicare population. As shown by several studies, dialysis-dependent patients are at especially high risk for medication-related problems. Providing medication reconciliation and therapy management services is critically important to avoid costs associated with medication-related problems, such as adverse drug events and hospitalizations in the ESRD population. The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 included an unfunded mandate stipulating that medication therapy management be offered to high-risk patients enrolled in Medicare Part D. Medication management services are distinct from the dispensing of medications and involve a complete medication review for all disease states. The dialysis facility is a logical coordination center for medication management services, like medication therapy management, and it is likely the first health care facility that a patient will present to after a care transition. A dedicated and adequately trained clinician, such as a pharmacist, is needed to provide consistent, high-quality medication management services. Medication reconciliation and medication management services that could consistently and systematically identify and resolve medication-related problems would be likely to improve ESRD patient outcomes and reduce total cost of care. Herein, this work provides a review of available evidence and recommendations for optimal delivery of medication management services to ESRD patients in a dialysis facility-centered model.
Assessment of contamination and origin of metals in mining affected river sediments: A case study of the Aries catchment, Romania
Authors: Levei Erika , Ponta Michaela , Senila Marin , Miclean Mirela , Frentiu Tiberiu
Published: August 2013

The study presents the current status of contamination with metals (Cu, Cr,
Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, As) and their anthropogenic or natural origin in the
sediments of the Aries river basin, Romania, affected by mining activities.
The results indicated an enrichment of metals in sediments. Different
contamination levels were identified on the Aries river and its tributaries.
According to sediment quality guidelines and contamination indices,
sediments from the Aries river were found to be highly contaminated with Cd,
Cu, As, considerably with Zn and moderately with Pb and Ni. The right-bank
tributaries were found to be more contaminated than the left-bank affluents,
where only a contamination with As of geogenic origin was identified. The
Principal Component Analysis allowed to identify five latent factors (86 %
total variability) reflecting the anthropogenic and natural origins of
metals. Arsenic, Cd and partially Pb were found to have a common
anthropogenic origin, different from that of Cu. The statistical approach
indicated also the geogenic origin of Pb due to its association with Ca, K,
Na, Sr. Chromium and Ni were attributed to natural source following their
association with Mn, Fe, Al and Mg, respectively.
Programmed Cell Death-4 Deficiency Prevents Diet-Induced Obesity, Adipose Tissue Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Wang Qun , Dong Zhaojing , Liu Xianglan , Song Xingguo , Song Qiang , Shang Qianwen , Jiang Yang , Guo Chun , Zhang Lining
Published: August 2013

Programmed cell death-4 (PDCD4), a selective protein translation inhibitor, has shown proinflammatory effect in some inflammatory diseases, but its roles in obesity remain unestablished. This study aims to investigate the effects of PDCD4 on obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Surprisingly, high-fat diet (HFD)-fed PDCD4-deficient (PDCD4−/−) mice exhibited an absolutely lean phenotype together with improved insulin sensitivity. Compared with wild-type obese mice, HFD-fed PDCD4−/− mice showed higher energy expenditure, lower epididymal fat weight, and reduced macrophage infiltration inflammatory cytokine secretion in white adipose tissue (WAT). Alleviated hepatic steatosis along with decreased plasma levels of triglyceride and cholesterol was also observed in these mice. Importantly, PDCD4 appeared to disturb lipid metabolism via inhibiting the expression of liver X receptor (LXR)-α, a master modulator of lipid homeostasis, which was elevated in HFD-fed PDCD4−/− mice accompanied by upregulation of its target genes and relieved endoplasmic reticulum stress in WAT. These data demonstrate that PDCD4 deficiency protects mice against diet-induced obesity, WAT inflammation, and insulin resistance through restoring the expression of LXR-α, thereby proposing PDCD4 as a potential target for treating obesity-associated diseases.
Hepatic Notch Signaling Correlates With Insulin Resistance and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Valenti Luca , Mendoza Rosa M. , Rametta Raffaela , Maggioni Marco , Kitajewski Chris , Shawber Carrie J. , Pajvani Utpal B.
Published: August 2013

Hepatic Notch signaling is inappropriately activated in obese/insulin-resistant mouse models. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of hepatic Notch signaling in obese mice simultaneously improves glucose tolerance and reduces hepatic triglyceride content. As such, we predicted that Notch signaling in human liver would be positively associated with insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Here, we systematically survey Notch signaling in liver biopsy specimens, and show active Notch signaling in lean and obese adults, with expression of multiple Notch receptors and ligands. In morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery, we show that Notch activation positively correlates with glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK1) expression, key regulators of hepatic glucose output. We used immunofluorescence to identify active Notch signaling in hepatocytes and show highest activity in hyperglycemia, which we confirmed is a direct effect of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. In a validation cohort of leaner individuals undergoing percutaneous liver biopsy for suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Notch activity showed independent positive association with insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Notably, Notch activity showed stronger correlation with the NAFLD activity score and alanine aminotransferase levels than with steatosis alone, suggesting that Notch activity is associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In summary, this study establishes that Notch signaling is activated in and may represent a therapeutic target for patients with obesity-related liver disease.
Prandial Hypertriglyceridemia in Metabolic Syndrome Is Due to an Overproduction of Both Chylomicron and VLDL Triacylglycerol
Authors: Shojaee-Moradie Fariba , Ma Yuying , Lou Shaoying , Hovorka Roman , Umpleby A. Margot
Published: August 2013

The aim was to determine whether fed VLDL and chylomicron (CM) triacylglycerol (TAG) production rates are elevated in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Eight men with MetS (BMI 29.7 ± 1.1) and eight lean age-matched healthy men (BMI 23.1 ± 0.4) were studied using a frequent feeding protocol. After 4 h of feeding, an intravenous bolus of 2H5-glycerol was administered to label VLDL1, VLDL2, and TAG. 13C-glycerol tripalmitin was administered orally as an independent measure of CM TAG metabolism. Hepatic and intestinal lipoproteins were separated by an immunoaffinity method. In MetS, fed TAG and the increment in TAG from fasting to feeding were higher (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively) than in lean men. Fed CM, VLDL1, and VLDL2 TAG pool sizes were higher (P = 0.006, P = 0.03, and P < 0.02, respectively), and CM, VLDL1, and VLDL2 TAG production rates were higher (P < 0.002, P < 0.05, and P = 0.06, respectively) than in lean men. VLDL1, VLDL2, and CM TAG clearance rates were not different between groups. In conclusion, prandial hypertriglyceridemia in men with MetS was due to an increased production rate of both VLDL and CM TAG. Since both groups received identical meals, this suggests that in MetS the intestine is synthesizing more TAG de novo for export in CMs.
Analysis of EEG via Multivariate Empirical Mode Decomposition for Depth of Anesthesia Based on Sample Entropy
Authors: Wei Qin , Liu Quan , Fan Shou-Zhen , Lu Cheng-Wei , Lin Tzu-Yu , Abbod Maysam , Shieh Jiann-Shing
Published: August 2013

In monitoring the depth of anesthesia (DOA), the electroencephalography (EEG) signals of patients have been utilized during surgeries to diagnose their level of consciousness. Different entropy methods were applied to analyze the EEG signal and measure its complexity, such as spectral entropy, approximate entropy (ApEn) and sample entropy (SampEn). However, as a weak physiological signal, EEG is easily subject to interference from external sources such as the electric power, electric knives and other electrophysiological signal sources, which lead to a reduction in the accuracy of DOA determination. In this study, we adopt the multivariate empirical mode decomposition (MEMD) to decompose and reconstruct the EEG recorded from clinical surgeries according to its best performance among the empirical mode decomposition (EMD), the ensemble EMD (EEMD), and the complementary EEMD (CEEMD) and the MEMD. Moreover, according to the comparison between SampEn and ApEn in measuring DOA, the SampEn is a practical and efficient method to monitor the DOA during surgeries at real time.
Icariin Protects Rat Cardiac H9c2 Cells from Apoptosis by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Zhang Qiufang , Li Hongliang , Wang Shanshan , Liu Ming , Feng Yibin , Wang Xuanbin
Published: August 2013

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is one of the mechanisms of apoptotic cell death. Inhibiting the apoptosis induced by ERS may be a novel therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases. Icariin, a flavonoid isolated from Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, has been demonstrated to have cardiovascular protective effects, but its effects on ERS are unknown. In the present study, we focused on icariin and investigated whether it might protect the cardiac cell from apoptosis via inhibition of ERS. In H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cells, pretreatment of icariin significantly inhibited cell apoptosis by tunicamycin, an ERS inducer. Icariin also decreased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspase-3. Moreover, icariin inhibited upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum markers, GRP78, GRP94 and CHOP, elicited by tunicamycin. These results indicated that icariin could protect H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells from ERS-mitochondrial apoptosis in vitro, the mechanisms may be associated with its inhibiting of GRP78, GRP94 and CHOP and decreasing ROS generation directly. It may be a potential agent for treating cardiovascular disease.
Synthesis and Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships of Side Chain-Modified Hyodeoxycholic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Sabbatini Paola , Filipponi Paolo , Sardella Roccaldo , Natalini Benedetto , Nuti Roberto , Macchiarulo Antonio , Pellicciari Roberto , Gioiello Antimo
Published: August 2013

Bile acids have emerged as versatile signalling compounds of a complex network of nuclear and membrane receptors regulating various endocrine and paracrine functions. The elucidation of the interconnection between the biological pathways under the bile acid control and manifestations of hepatic and metabolic diseases have extended the scope of this class of steroids for in vivo investigations. In this framework, the design and synthesis of novel biliary derivatives able to modulate a specific receptor requires a deep understanding of both structure-activity and structure-property relationships of bile acids. In this paper, we report the preparation and the critical micellization concentration evaluation of a series of hyodeoxycholic acid derivatives characterized by a diverse side chain length and by the presence of a methyl group at the alpha position with respect to the terminal carboxylic acid moiety. The data collected are instrumental to extend on a quantitative basis, the knowledge of the current structure-property relationships of bile acids and will be fruitful, in combination with models of receptor activity, to design and prioritize the synthesis of novel pharmacokinetically suitable ligands useful in the validation of bile acid-responsive receptors as therapeutic targets.
Témoins d'une verrerie du Haut-Moyen-Age à Maguelone (Hérault)
Authors: Foy Danièle , Vallauri Lucy
Published: August 2013

The glass and ceramics presented in this study corne from former digs carried out in the cloister of Maguelone cathedral. Although no glasswork ouen has been found, scraps of glass, fragments of vitrified crucibles and slag vouch for a small glasswork industry which can be dated Early Middle Age. The products (stemmed glasses) of this workshop and the ceramics (ordinary and fine) enable us to suggest the 6 th. century. Thus we find ourselves in the présence of one of the oldest glassworks in the French Midi.
A propos de Santa Maria de Besalù - tentative de restitution architectonique
Authors: Mazure Anne
Published: August 2013

This is a methodical and more profound study of ail the texts and archives, (unfortunately too rare), relating to Sainte Marie de Besalû. H makes a ualuable contribution to research on the past ofthis collegiate church, of wich only a part of the apse remains as witness to its former splendour. The writer also backs up her arguments by means of an enquiry carried out among elderly résidents of Besalû who had from their parents information or old photo- graphs. These allow her to appreciate the different stages of construction and then destruction of the church.

Different ground plans, photographs of 1916, old lithographs, enable us to follow the author as she deuelops her conclusions with the aid of a set of diagrams.

To conclude, this study : furnishes new documents, proposes an improved reading of texts and old photographs which had not been analysed with sufficient care.

It obliges a renewed study of the church on a fresh basis by showing that the nave pre-dates the apse. In particu- lar, it shows that digs are indispensable if the nave is to be located.
Découvertes de semences carbonisées dans trois gisements médiévaux du Toulousain
Authors: Ruas Marie-Pierre , Broecker Régine , Vaquer Jean
Published: August 2013

Trois lots de semences carbonisées ont été récupérés dans des sites médiévaux découverts fortuitement lors de leur destruction. Les "graines" carbonisées sont recueillies dans des fosses-dépotoirs livrent de précieuses indications sur les plantes cultivées dans le Toulousain au Moyen- Age. Les céréales comme l'escourgeon et le froment sont banales, la présence du millet et de l'amidonnier est plus singulière. Comme dans de nombreux gisements d'époque pré-industrielle, les légumineuses sont bien représentées et témoignent de leur rôle éminent tant sur le plan alimentaire qu'agricole pour la régénération du sol en nitrates.
Fragments de plafond peint du XIVe siècle au Puy (Haute-Loire)
Authors: Peyron Jacques , Robert Annick
Published: August 2013

Le musée Crozatier, au Puy-en-Velay, a acquis les vestiges du décor provenant d'un hôtel de la rue Cardinal de Po- lignac. Ces fragments sont le délaissé provenant de l'arrachement qui a précédé la vente de l'immeuble, du décor peint réalisé entre 1361 et 1382. La disposition rappelait sans doute celle visible dans le donjon du château de Poinsac, voisin du Puy.

Comme généralement à cette époque les thèmes regroupent des blasons, des animaux fantastiques et quelques personnages parmi lesquels on peut reconnaître un joueur de chalemie, un buveur et un acrobate. Bien qu'ils soient séparés de leur contexte, ces vestiges peuvent être rattachés à l'ensemble des peintures médiévales de plafonds peints languedociens.
La Vaunage du IIIe siècle au milieu du XIIe siècle. Habitat et occupation des sols
Authors: Parodi Anne , Raynaud Claude , Roger Jean-Marc
Published: August 2013

Intense archaeological activity - prospecting and excavations - has been carried oui in récent years near Nîmes, in the Vaunage subsidence basin. As abundant documentary evidence is also provided by the capitulary of the Nîmes cathedral chapter, comparison of the informations given by field archaeology and written sources, as well as by a morphological analysis of villages and microtoponymy, allows a precise description of the organization of this rural area.

In the course of the long period ofLate Antiquity and Early Middle Ages, a dynamic study of the population reveals the successive changes undergone by the Languedocian rural society while passing from the Gallo-Roman to the Medieval civilization. However important these changes may be, the investigation also emphasizes the importance of the legacy transmitted by Antiquity as far as land occupation and the perpetuation of the ancient grouped habitat are concerned.
Restitution de la demeure médiévale montpelliéraine
Authors: Sournia Bernard , Vayssettes J.-L.
Published: August 2013

Essai de restitution et de classification typologique de l'habitat urbain à Montpellier, des origines à la fin du Moyen Age. Les solutions en présence paraissent toutes dérivées des contraintes techniques liées à la rareté des bois de charpente, ceux-ci étant remplacés par des murs de refend tenant lieu de fermes et/ou de pannes faîtières.

L'analyse s'attarde sur l'étude des maisons de grand format et en reconstitue l'organisation générale à partir des rares vestiges archéologiques subsistants et d'informations fournies par des textes tardifs, notamment les expertises après- vente du 17e siècle, grâce auxquels se dégagent très nettement les éléments constitutifs de ces demeures : le « porche couvert », sorte de préau, prolongement à couvert de la cour ; l'escalier extérieur, à volées droites, la « salle », à laquelle il conduit, les coursières ou « courroirs » de distribution ; la tour, etc.. A la lumière de ces analyses est proposée une nouvelle interprétation du motif, très apprécié localement à l'époque moderne, de la cage d'escalier à claire-voie, survivance très probable du principe médiéval du « porche couvert ». Des essais de cartographie montrent comment les diverses variétés d'habitat se répartissent dans la ville médiévale par quartiers de faciès très contrasté.

La vulgarisation du principe de l'escalier en vis et le motif de la tourelle hors-œuvre qui le contient, introduisent au 1 5e s. un facteur révolutionnaire dans le système établi, en brisant l'interdépendance des niveaux jusque-là de règle.
Le castrum de Calberte : Etude du quartier nord-ouest (Saint-Germain-de-Calberte, Lozère)
Authors: Darnas Isabelle
Published: August 2013

Le castrum de Calberte, situé au cœur des Cévennes, a été le point central d'une étude monographique consacrée au terroir et à l'habitat de la paroisse médiévale de Saint-Germain-de-Calberte. Il est l'objet d'une fouille archéologique programmée depuis 1986 dont le travail a, jusqu'à ce jour, essentiellement porté sur le quartier nord-ouest de l'habitat. Quatre bâtiments, deux rues perpendiculaires et un espace ouvert, qualifié de « place publique », ont été fouillés. Au-delà de l'enquête archéologique, nous pouvons déjà constater que, dans cette région, l'habitat est resté dispersé et et les quelques tentatives de regroupement comme celui de Calberte ont avorté. Aussi, ce travail est-il le premier jalon d'une étude plus large, dans une aire géographique délaissée par les médiévistes.
Le château oublié de Roquemaure (Gard) - XIe-XIXe siècle
Authors: Maigret Chantal
Published: August 2013

On the Rhone, a rock that remained an islet until the 17th century, when it was connected to the shore. Its specific position made it a fruitful tollbooth site -in the hands of the Counts of Toulouse from the middle of the 11th century to 1209, then the Kings of France from 1229. The rock looms over the toll collectors’ houses and was crowned by an ostentatious building that was added to and re-worked up to the 15th century. A small Count’s castrum, with a square tower, and then a Royal fortress, ringed with round towers, the buildings of the castle took on the air of a palace at the end of the 14th century. Damaged in 1590, the fortress - abandoned then sold off as National Property - was completely demolished and the rock was used as a stone quarry from 1795 to 1850. A square tower maintained on the site and text and iconographic documents from various archives and collections made it possible to partially reconstitute this forgotten1 Royal castle.