bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting actions of diesel exhaust particles on the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and the effects of thymoquinone
Authors: Nemmar Abderrahim , Al‐Salam Suhail , Zia Shaheen , Marzouqi Fatima , Al‐Dhaheri Amna , Subramaniyan Deepa , Dhanasekaran Subramanian , Yasin Javed , Ali Badreldin H , Kazzam Elsadig E
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute exposure to particulate air pollution has been linked to acute cardiopulmonary events, but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We investigated the acute (at 4 and 18 h) effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on cardiopulmonary parameters in mice and the protective effect of thymoquinone, a constituent of Nigella sativa. Mice were given, intratracheally, either saline (control) or DEP (30 µg·per mouse).

KEY RESULTS At 18 h (but not 4 h) after giving DEP, there was lung inflammation and loss of lung function. At both 4 and 18 h, DEP caused systemic inflammation characterized by leucocytosis, increased IL‐6 concentrations and reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was decreased only at 18 h. DEP reduced platelet numbers and aggravated in vivo thrombosis in pial arterioles. In vitro, addition of DEP (0.1–1 µg·mL−1) to untreated blood‐induced platelet aggregation. Pretreatment of mice with thymoquinone prevented DEP‐induced decrease of SBP and leucocytosis, increased IL‐6 concentration and decreased plasma SOD activity. Thymoquinone also prevented the decrease in platelet numbers and the prothrombotic events but not platelet aggregation in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS At 4 h after DEP exposure, the cardiovascular changes did not appear to result from pulmonary inflammation but possibly from the entry of DEP and/or their associated components into blood. However, at 18 h, DEP induced significant changes in pulmonary and cardiovascular functions along with lung inflammation. Pretreatment with thymoquinone prevented DEP‐induced cardiovascular changes.
Inherently Distorted Heme as a Novel Tool for Myoglobin‐Based Oxygen Carrier
Authors: Neya Saburo , Kawaguchi Akira T.
Published: April 2011

The two types of artificial myoglobins (Mbs) containing inherently distorted α‐ethyl‐2,4‐dimethyldeuteroheme and undistorted 2,4‐dimethyldeuteroheme were prepared to examine the influence of nonplanar heme deformation on the reactivity of Mb. In ferrous deoxy proteins, the paramagnetic proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showed that the deformed heme caused a 3.2‐ppm lower‐field shift of the proximal histidine signal, indicating a larger iron displacement from the heme plane upon the nonplanar deformation. The Mb with the nonplanar heme exhibited a markedly lower oxygen affinity as compared with the Mb containing the planar heme. The result suggests the utility of heme distortion to design the Mb‐based oxygen carrier.
Electrovectorcardiographic Diagnosis of Left Septal Fascicular Block: Anatomic and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Pérez Riera Andrés Ricardo , Ferreira Celso , Ferreira Filho Celso , Meneghini Adriano , Uchida Augusto Hiroshi , Moffa Paulo Jorge , Schapachnik Edgardo , Dubner Sergio , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: April 2011

Several publications considering anatomical, histological, pathological, electrocardiographic, vectorcardiographic, and electrophysiologic studies have shown that the left bundle branch splits into three fascicles or in a “fan‐like interconnected network” in the vast majority of human hearts. The left His system is trifascicular with a left anterior, a left posterior, and a left septal fascicle (LSF). Consequently, the classic term “hemiblock,” to describe the block of one of the fascicles, established several decades ago by the Rosembaum's school, should be updated.

Electrovectorcardiographic changes resulting from conduction abnormalities of the left anterior and left posterior fascicles are commonly diagnosed, mainly by their changes in the frontal plane. However, the existence of conduction defects of the LSF remains controversial. The ECG/VCG hallmark of LSF block is prominent anterior QRS forces (PAF) on the horizontal plane. This ECG/VCG phenomena should be distinguished from other conditions that also produce anterior QRS shift in the HP as: normal variants, right ventricular enlargement, misplaced precordial leads, lateral myocardial infarction, right bundle branch block, Wolff‐Parkinson‐White, obstructive and nonobstructive forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopahty, diastolic left ventricular enlargement, endomiocardial fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and dextroposition.

The two highly frequent etiologies of LSFB are ischemia (coronary artery disease (CAD) with critical proximal obstruction of the left anterior descending coronary artery) and, in Latin America, Chagas’ cardiomyopathy.

The aims of this review are to revise the evidence of the existence of a trifascicular left Hissian system and to help in the ECG/VCG recognition of the LSFB.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):196–207
Effect of Corticosteroid Therapy on Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: Yodogawa Kenji , Seino Yoshihiko , Ohara Toshihiko , Takayama Hideo , Katoh Takao , Mizuno Kyoichi
Published: April 2011

Background: Ventricular arrhythmias are one of the main causes of sudden death in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Little is known about the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy for ventricular arrhythmias in CS.

Methods: Thirty‐one CS patients presenting premature ventricular contractions (PVCs, ≥300/day) were investigated. Fourteen patients had nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). All of patients were treated with corticosteroid, and the initial dosage is 30 mg/day of prednisone, which was tapered over a period of 6 months to a maintenance dosage of 10 mg/day. Twenty‐four hour Holter monitoring, signal averaged electrocardiography (SAECG), echocardiography, gallium‐67 scintigraphy, serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations were assessed before and after corticosteroid therapy.

Results: As a whole, there were no significant differences in the number of PVCs and in the prevalence of NSVT before and after steroid therapy. However, the less advanced LV dysfunction patients (EF ≥ 35%, n = 17) showed significant reduction in the number of PVCs (from 1820 ± 2969 to 742 ± 1425, P = 0.048) and in the prevalence of NSVT (from 41 to 6%, p = 0.039). Late potentials on SAECG were abolished in 3 patients. The less advanced LV dysfunction group showed a significantly higher prevalence of gallium‐67 uptake compared with the advanced LV dysfunction group (EF < 35 %, n = 14). In the advanced LV dysfunction patients, there were no significant differences in these parameters.

Conclusions: Corticosteroid therapy may be effective for ventricular arrhythmias in the early stage, but less effective in the late stage.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):140–147
Slow QT Interval Adaptation to Heart Rate Changes in Normal Ambulatory Subjects
Authors: Razak Eathar , Buncová Marie , Shusterman Vladimir , Winter Bruce , Shen Win‐Kuang , Ackerman Michael J. , Donovan Theresa , Lampert Rachel , Němec Jan
Published: April 2011

Background: Clinical formulas for QT correction utilize instantaneous HR. We showed previously that longer‐term HR affects QT duration. We extend these findings, identifying more accurate models of QT behavior.

Method: Multiple models of QT dependence on HR were tested in 2 independent populations. Holter recordings were analyzed in population A (healthy volunteers, n = 14, 6 males, age 26.9 ± 12.3 yr). The hypotheses generated in population A were tested in an independent group population B, healthy volunteers, n = 15, 9 males, age 52.9 ± 15.6 yr). Linear models of QT interval dependence on a weighted average of RR intervals in the preceding 3 minutes were compared to models based on the immediately preceding RR interval (instantaneous HR).

Results: In population A, linear models based on RR intervals over the preceding minute performed better than the best nonlinear model based on the single RR interval immediately preceding the QT interval. Linear models including HR values preceding the QT interval by more than 60 s further improved model fit. This model hierarchy was confirmed in population B. Linear formula for QT correction based on exponential decay of HR effect with 60 s time constant outperformed Bazett and Fridericia formulas in both populations.

Conclusions: QT duration in normal ambulatory subjects is affected by noninstantaneous HR, including HR history dating back more than 60 s. Exponential decay of this “memory effect” with time constant of 1 minute provides an accurate description of QT adaptation. This may be of clinical importance when HR is not steady.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):148–155
What Goes Around . . . : Some Shtick from “Tricky Dick” and the Circulation of U.S. Presidential Image
Authors: Silverstein Michael
Published: April 2011

Modern U.S. presidential persona is based on “message,” that is, on creating and sustaining a publicly imaginable “character” with biography and moral profile built around and projectable in relation to issues under current debate. Controlling “message” depends on the success of directed circulation of verbal and pictorial signs, among them narrative reports and images of presidential doings that join electoral politics and government uneasily and warily—or, in some eras and circumstances, comfortably and reliably—to the media institutions of news reportage and opinion‐shaping on the functioning of which the political order in democratic polities depends. Through the analysis of a news article reporting one remarkable—and seemingly revealing—incident during the presidency of Richard M. Nixon, and its circulatory fate, we can gain insight into the vicissitudes of “message”—as of any entextualized semiotic form—as it traverses the socio‐spatiotemporal realm in which it is shaped. [circulation, semiotics, presidential image, entextualization]
The Historical Certainty of the Interpretively Uncertain: Non‐Referentiality and Georgian Modernity
Authors: Ninoshvili Lauren
Published: April 2011

Throughout the last century, Georgian artists and intellectuals have appropriated the form of archaic, primitive, and otherwise referentially ambiguous words as material sound or shape, and/or as signifiers of a new symbolic order. Intellectual searches for meaning in the semantically ambiguous have emerged concomitantly with narratives of cultural loss, and found their largest audiences at moments of radical social, political, and economic transformation. This article posits language of this sort as a lens for inquiry into unintelligibility as a salient aesthetic and political trope in the turmoil and ideological anomie of Georgian modernity. It explores variable and shifting tropes of interpretive ambiguity as produced and performed by artists, intellectuals, poets, and politicians, and as articulating points of intersection between frequently nostalgic, exclusivist forms of nationalism and avant‐garde, future‐oriented, cosmopolitan expressive aesthetics. [Republic of Georgia, ambiguity, modernism, linguistic nationalism, music]
Retracted: Histomorphometric and mineral degradation study of Ossceram®: a novel biphasic B‐tricalcium phosphate, in critical size defects in rabbits
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado J. L. , Delgado‐Ruíz R. A. , Ramírez‐Fernández M. P. , Maté‐Sánchez J. E. , Ortiz‐Ruiz A. , Marcus Abboud
Published: April 2011

Objective: To carry out a histomorphometric analysis of a new highly porous (95%) biphasic calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite 60%/B‐tricalcium phosphate 40%), used to fill critical size defects in rabbit tibiae, supplementing histomorphometric findings with radiographic thermal imaging, EDX analysis and Ca/P ratio mapping at different time stages.

Materials and methods: Two critical size defects of 6 mm diameter were created in both tibiae of 21 New Zealand rabbits, test group (Ossceram®) and control group. Histomorphometric, radiographic thermal imaging, EDX and element mapping analysis were performed at 15, 30 and 60 days after graft insertion.

Results: Histomorphometric analysis at 30 days showed more new bone formation in defects filled with Ossceram® 4.41 ± 0.23 mm than the test group 1.94 ± 0. 28 mm (P<0.05). Element analysis revealed higher percentages of Ca (42.33 ± 2.8%) and P (1.3 ± 0.8%) in the test group than in the control group (P<0.05). Element mapping showed that Ca and P were concentrated in medullar and cortical zones in the test group but were concentrated only in cortical zones in the control group. Test group histomorphometry at 60 days showed complete closure of the cortical defect 5.37 ± 0.32 mm more than the control group 2.3 ± 0.54 mm. There was no cortical defect closure or medullar bone formation in the control group (P<0.05). Element analysis revealed higher percentages of Ca (32.26 ± 21.7%) and P (1.5 ± 0.3%) in the test group than in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Defects of a critical size in a rabbit tibia model can be sealed using a highly porous biphasic calcium phosphate; this supports new bone formation, creates a bridge between borders and facilitates bone ingrowth. Furthermore, this study observed partial dissolution of the mineral phase of the graft material and its incorporation into the surrounding bone. Radiographic thermal imaging may be used to supplement histological and chemical analyses.
Cross‐education of muscle strength: cross‐training effects are not confined to untrained contralateral homologous muscle
Authors: Sariyildiz M. , Karacan I. , Rezvani A. , Ergin O. , Cidem M.
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on dominant wrist flexors causes an increase in the muscle strength of the contralateral wrist extensors. Twenty‐three healthy, young, adult men were included in this prospective, double‐blind, controlled study. Participants were randomly allocated to the EMS group or Control group. Electrodes were placed over the flexor aspect of the right forearm in both groups. In the EMS group, passive wrist extension and (EMS) that caused powerful muscle contraction were simultaneously applied. In the Control group, a conventional mode of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was applied without causing any contraction. A group effect (P=0.0001) and group‐by‐time interaction were found (P=0.0001) for both the wrist flexor and extensor muscles, but not group‐by‐time‐by‐arm interactions. This implies that the effect of the interventions was similar in both arms, but that the response was significantly larger in the EMS than in the Control group. The results of the current study suggest that cross‐education is not confined to the untrained contralateral wrist flexors and that the strength increase may also be observed in the contralateral wrist extensors.
Rumen microbial response in production of CLA and methane to safflower oil in association with fish oil or/and fumarate
Authors: LI Xiang Z. , LONG Rui J. , YAN Chang G. , LEE Hong G. , KIM Young J. , SONG Man K.
Published: April 2011

Supplementation effect of fish oil and/or fumarate on production of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and methane by rumen microbes was examined when incubated with safflower oil. One hundred and twenty milligrams of safflower oil (SO), safflower oil with 24 mg fish oil (SOFO), safflower oil with 24 mmol/L fumarate (SOFA), or safflower oil with 24 mg fish oil and 24 mmol/L fumarate (SOFOFA) were added to the 90 mL culture solution. The culture solution was also made without any supplements (control). The SOFA and SOFOFA increased pH and propionate (C3) compared to other treatments from 3 h incubation time. An accumulated amount of total methane (CH4) for 12 h incubation was decreased by all the supplements compared to control. The concentrations of c9,t11CLA for all the incubation times were increased in the treatments of SOFO, SOFA and SOFOFA compared to SO. The highest concentration of c9,t11CLA was observed from SOFOFA among all the treatments at all incubation times. Overall data indicate that supplementation of combined fumarate and/or fish oil when incubated with safflower oil could depress CH4 generation and increase production of C3 and CLA under the condition of current in vitro study.
Effect of supplementation of soy sauce oil and Ca salts of fatty acids on rumen fermentation, milk production and conjugated linoleic acid in milk of dairy cows
Authors: SHIBATA Hiroko , HASHIZUME Natsuko , GAZI Masudur R. , SERA Kenji , KATO Eisei , OHMORI Toshihiro , KANBE Michio , OBARA Yoshiaki , KANDA Shuhei , KUROKAWA Yuzo , ITABASHI Hisao
Published: April 2011

Eight cows were used to evaluate the effects of supplementation of soy sauce oil (SO) or Ca salts of fatty acids (FA) on rumen fermentation and milk production. The control diet (CO) consisted mainly of hay, corn silage and a concentrate. In the experimental diets, 400 g/day per cow of SO or FA (soybean oil and rapeseed oil) was supplemented to the CO diet. Experimental period for the three treatments was 14 days, and milk samples were taken during the last 2 days and rumen sample was taken on the last day. Dry matter intake was not affected by the treatments. The number of rumen protozoa at 0 h increased by SO and FA diets. Total volatile fatty acids at 2 h after feeding of SO diet was decreased compared to CO. The milk composition yield did not differ among treatments, although the percentages of fat and protein were decreased by SO and FA diets. The proportions of C8–C16 fatty acids in milk fat decreased, and those of C18 increased by SO and FA diets. The proportion of cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid in milk fat by SO and FA diets increased by 120% and 135%, respectively. In spite of the slight suppression of rumen fermentation by SO diet, negative effects on feed intake and milk production were not detected.
Entropic Fragment‐Based Approach to Aptamer Design
Authors: Tseng Chih‐Yuan , Ashrafuzzaman Md , Mane Jonathan Y. , Kapty Janice , Mercer John R. , Tuszynski Jack A.
Published: April 2011

Aptamers are short RNA/DNA sequences that are identified through the process of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment and that bind to diverse biomolecular targets. Aptamers have strong and specific binding through molecular recognition and are promising tools in studying molecular biology. They are recognized as having potential therapeutic and diagnostic clinical applications. The success of the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment process requires that the RNA/DNA pools used in the process have a sufficient level of sequence diversity and structural complexity. While the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment technology is well developed, it remains a challenge in the efficient identification of correct aptamers. In this article, we propose a novel information‐driven approach to a theoretical design of aptamer templates based solely on the knowledge regarding the biomolecular target structures. We have investigated both theoretically and experimentally the applicability of the proposed approach by considering two specific targets: the serum protein thrombin and the cell membrane phospholipid phosphatidylserine. Both of these case studies support our method and indicate a promising advancement in theoretical aptamer design. In unfavorable cases where the designed sequences show weak binding affinity, these template sequences can be still modified to enhance their affinities without going through the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment process.
Recent Age-and Gender-Specific Trends in Mortality during Stroke Hospitalization in the United States
Authors: Ovbiagele Bruce , Markovic Daniela , Towfighi Amytis
Published: April 2011

Background

Advancements in diagnosis and treatment have resulted in better clinical outcomes after stroke; however, the influence of age and gender on recent trends in death during stroke hospitalization has not been specifically investigated. We assessed the impact of age and gender on nationwide patterns of in-hospital mortality after stroke.

Methods

Data were obtained from all US states that contributed to the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. All patients admitted to hospitals between 1997 and 1998 ( n = 1 351 293) and 2005 and 2006 ( n = 1 202 449), with a discharge diagnosis of stroke (identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes), were included. Time trends for in-hospital mortality after stroke were evaluated by gender and age group based on 10-year age increments (<55, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84, >84) using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Between 1997 and 2006, in-hospital mortality rates decreased across time in all sub-groups (all P < 0·01), except in men > 84 years. In unadjusted analysis, men aged > 84 years in 1997–1998 had poorer mortality outcomes than similarly aged women (odds ratio 0·93, 95% confidence interval = 0·88–0·98). This disparity worsened by 2005–2006 (odds ratio 0·88, 95% confidence interval = 0·84–0·93). After adjusting for confounders, compared with similarly aged women, the mortality outcomes among men aged >84 years were poorer in 1997–1998 (odds ratio 0·97, 95% confidence interval = 0·92–1·02) and were poorer in 2005–2006 (odds ratio 0·92, 95% confidence interval = 0·87–0·96), P = 0·04, for gender × time trend.

Conclusions

Over the last decade, in-hospital mortality rates after stroke in the United States have declined for every age/gender group, except men aged > 84 years. Given the rapidly ageing US population, avenues for boosting in-hospital survival among very elderly men with stroke need to be explored.
Actimeter-Derived Sleep and Wake Data and Nocturnal Ambulatory Blood Pressure Estimation in Subjects with Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack
Authors: Bhuachalla Blaithin Ni , Walsh Suzanne , Harbison Joseph
Published: April 2011

Background/Aims

Abnormalities in nocturnal blood pressure control identified using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Sleep and wake episodes during such studies are usually identified by means of sleep diaries but these may be inaccurate in stroke patients. We performed a study to determine whether sleep–wake data obtained using wrist-mounted actimeters would significantly influence the results of routinely performed nocturnal ambulatory blood pressure monitoring when compared with diary-based sleep–wake recording and fixed time-period data.

Methods

Actimetry was performed using a wrist-mounted device during routine ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in subjects who had suffered a transient ischaemic attack or stroke. The mean nocturnal blood pressure readings were calculated using sleep data derived from actimetry and diaries and compared for a fixed time period from 11:00 pm to 8:00 am.

Results

Twenty subjects (mean age 68 years, and 13 female) were studied. Patients were found to have slept for a median of six-hours (one- to eight-hours) by diary and five-hours (zero- to eight-hours) by actimeter data. Diary and actimeter data agreed in 69% of recordings. The mean sleeping systolic blood pressure was lower when calculated by actimeter data than by diary data (119·6 mmHg vs. 123·2 mmHg, P = 0·049, paired t-test) but there was no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure. The mean nocturnal blood pressure calculated from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am was higher than sleeping blood pressure calculated from diary data, (mean systolic blood pressure: 127·6 mmHg vs. 123·6 mmHg, P = 0·065; mean diastolic blood pressure 69·0 vs. 64·0, P = 0·028).

Conclusion

Calculation of nocturnal and sleeping blood pressure is lower in subjects with stroke and transient ischaemic attack when objective actimeter-derived sleep/wake data are used.
The Practical Management of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Associated with Oral Anticoagulant Therapy
Authors: Masotti Luca , Di Napoli Mario , Godoy Daniel A. , Rafanelli Daniela , Liumbruno Giancarlo , Koumpouros Nicholas , Landini Giancarlo , Pampana Alessandro , Cappelli Roberto , Poli Daniela , Prisco Domenico
Published: April 2011

Oral anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage is increasing in incidence and is the most feared complication of therapy with vitamin K1 antagonists. Anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage has a high risk of ongoing bleeding, death, or disability. The most important aspect of clinical management of anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage is represented by urgent reversal of coagulopathy, decreasing as quickly as possible the international normalized ratio to values ≤1·4, preferably ≤1·2, together with life support and surgical therapy, when indicated. Protocols for anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage emphasize the immediate discontinuation of anticoagulant medication and the immediate intravenous administration of vitamin K1 (mean dose: 10–20 mg), and the use of prothrombin complex concentrates (variable doses calculated estimate circulating functional prothrombin complex) or fresh-frozen plasma (15–30 ml/kg) or recombinant activated factor VII (15–120 μg/kg). Because of cost and availability, there is limited randomized evidence comparing different reversal strategies that support a specific treatment regimen. In this paper, we emphasize the growing importance of anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage and describe options for acute coagulopathy reversal in this setting. Additionally, emphasis is placed on understanding current consensus-based guidelines for coagulopathy reversal and the challenges of determining best evidence for these treatments. On the basis of the available knowledge, inappropriate adherence to current consensus-based guidelines for coagulopathy reversal may expose the physician to medico-legal implications.
Occupational Exposures to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation of Vineyard Workers in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Siani Anna Maria , Casale Giuseppe R. , Sisto Renata , Colosimo Alfredo , Lang Carolyn A. , Kimlin Michael G.
Published: April 2011

A study to quantify the UV exposure of vineyard workers was carried out using polysulphone dosimetry. The study took place in Tuscany (Italy) involving 32 vineyard workers, covering three different stages of the vine’s growth. The level of personal exposure expressed as a function on the available ambient UV radiation was determined. We also assessed skin reflectance parameters, pre and post exposure. It was found that during spring backs received between 53% and 87% of ambient exposure and arms between 30% and 60%. During summer, the workers received on the back between 36% and 77% of ambient exposure and between 19% and 43% of ambient exposure on the arm. The comparison with the occupational UV exposure limit showed that all subjects received UV exposures in excess of the limit. The exposure of back of neck exceeded 10 SED (assumed as a threshold level of sun‐adapted skin for Mediterranean subjects) in spring, which means that in the case of non sun‐adapted skin and without sun protection, erythema can be induced in this targeted population. The cumulative exposure was also estimated under specific assumptions of UV exposure giving values in some cases higher than previous studies.
Effects of Metal and the Phytyl Chain on Chlorophyll Derivatives: Physicochemical Evaluation for Photodynamic Inactivation of Microorganisms
Authors: Gerola Adriana P. , Santana Amanda , França Polyana B. , Tsubone Tayana M. , de Oliveira Hueder P. M. , Caetano Wilker , Kimura Elza , Hioka Noboru
Published: April 2011

Chlorophyll compounds and their derivatives containing metal or phytyl chain can be used as photosensitizer in photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms (PDI). So, the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial effect of chlorophyll derivatives were investigated: Mg‐chlorophyll (Mg‐Chl), Zn‐chlorophyll (Zn‐Chl), Zn‐chlorophyllide (Zn‐Chlde), Cu‐chlorophyll (Cu‐Chl), pheophytin (Pheo) and pheophorbide (Pheid). The photobleaching experiments showed photostability according to Cu‐Chl > Pheo ∼ Pheid ≫ Zn‐Chl ∼ Zn‐Chlde > Mg‐Chl. This order was discussed in terms of metal and the phytyl chain presences. Pheid and Zn‐Chl in aqueous Tween 80 solution exhibited highest singlet oxygen yield compared with the other derivatives. Chlorophyll derivatives (CD) with phytyl chain was limited by the self‐aggregation phenomenon at high concentrations, even in micellar systems (Tween 80 and P‐123). The antimicrobial effect of CD derivatives was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Artemia salina. Pheid showed the best results against all organisms tested, Zn‐Chlde was an excellent bactericide in the dark and Cu‐Chl had no PDI effect. No correlation with CD uptake by microorganisms and darkness cytotoxicity was found. The physicochemical properties allied to bioassays results indicate that Mg‐Chl, Pheo, Zn‐Chl and Pheid are good candidates for PDI.
Long‐Run Performance of Chinese Initial Public Offerings: Further Evidence*
Authors: Su Chen , Bangassa Kenbata , Brookfield David
Published: April 2011

This study examines the long‐run performance of 936 Chinese initial public offerings (IPOs) over the period 1996 to 2005 (the post‐issue return evidence ends in June 2008). Using a number of empirical methods, including event‐time and calendar‐time approaches based on a size and industry matching firm benchmark, we find a significant long‐run overperformance using the equal‐weighted buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns, although not for the value‐weighted returns, suggesting that the performance of small‐size IPO firms is superior to that of large‐size IPO firms. The significant overperformance disappears, however, when using cumulative or calendar‐time abnormal returns. The preset study provides out‐of‐sample evidence in an emerging market context in support of Fama's (1998) argument that reported long‐run performance is sensitive to the method of analysis. Finally, based on a rich set of explanatory factors as proxies for both signaling and ex‐ante uncertainty characteristics, our results are supportive of the signaling hypothesis, but inconsistent with the divergence of opinion hypothesis.
The expanding public health threat of obesity and overweight
Authors: Fincham Jack E
Published: April 2011

Obesity and overweight is a continuing public health crisis. This health threat respects no boundaries or economic strata, and is a pervasive universal threat with short- and long-term negative sequelae associated. Pharmacists and other health professionals need to structure interventions from individual patient and population-based standpoints. Documentation of effects of programmes needs to be disseminated and incorporated into educational, research and practice-based efforts.
Unintentional injury deaths among children younger than 5 years of age in India: a nationally representative study
Authors: Jagnoor Jagnoor , Bassani Diego G , Keay Lisa , Ivers Rebecca Q , Thakur J S , Gururaj G , Jha Prabhat ,   for the Million Death Study Collaborators
Published: April 2011

Objective

To determine the mortality burden associated with unintentional injuries among children younger than 5 years of age in India.

Methods

The Registrar General of India conducted verbal autopsy for all deaths occurring in 2001–2003 in a nationally representative sample of over 1.1 million homes. These verbal autopsy reports were coded by two of 130 trained physicians, who independently assigned an ICD-10 code to each death. Discrepancies were resolved through reconciliation and, if necessary, adjudication. The probability of death during the first 5 years of life (per 100 000 live births) was estimated from the 2005 United Nations' population and death estimates for India, to which the proportions of deaths from the mortality study were applied.

Results

Unintentional injuries were the sixth leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age. In 2005, unintentional injuries led to 82 000 deaths (99% CI 71 000 to 88 000) among children under 5 years of age, a mortality rate per 100 000 live births (MR) of 302 (99% CI 262 to 323). Mortality was higher in rural areas (MR=339, 99% CI 282 to 351), mostly due to more drowning deaths, than in urban areas (MR=173, 99% CI 120 to 237), where falls were the leading cause of child injury mortality.

Conclusion

Unintentional injuries, specifically drowning and falls, lead to substantial mortality in children younger than 5 years of age in India. There is a need for continued monitoring of the injury burden and investigation of risk factors for evidence-based effective injury prevention programmes.
Glypican-3 is expressed in rhabdomyosarcomas but not adult spindle cell and pleomorphic sarcomas
Authors: Thway Khin , Selfe Joanna , Missiaglia Edoardo , Fisher Cyril , Shipley Janet
Published: April 2011

Aims

Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a membrane-bound heparan sulphate proteoglycan. Glypicans are predominantly expressed during development in cell- and tissue-specific manners and act as co-receptors for many heparin-binding growth factors, playing important roles in cell growth and differentiation. GPC3 expression has been linked to several visceral malignancies, but its role in sarcomas is unexplored. Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS), the most common paediatric soft tissue sarcomas (STS), are aggressive tumours that frequently show histological overlap with other STS. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue microarrays to study GPC3 expression in paediatric RMS and a variety of the more common spindle cell and pleomorphic adult sarcomas.

Methods

642 tumour samples encompassing alveolar and embryonal RMS and adult STS (fibrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma) were stained with anti- GPC3, and percentage expression in tumour cells was scored on a scale of 0 to +3.

Results

GPC3 immunostaining was positive (+1 to +3 expression) in 34.7% (74/213) of RMS samples (15/60 alveolar, 54/143 embryonal, 5 RMS not otherwise specified), but negative or negligible in all other sarcoma samples.

Conclusions

This is the first study of GPC3 in a large series of sarcomas, and highlights expression of GPC3 in RMS but not other STS. As glypicans are rarely expressed in mature tissue, GPC3 may be a therapeutic target in RMS, and as the protein can be shed from the cell surface, it may have future application as a biomarker for this disease.
The safety and efficacy of coiling multiple aneurysms in the same session
Authors: Xavier Andrew R , Rayes Mahmoud , Pandey Paritosh , Tiwari Ambooj , Kansara Amit , Guthikonda Murali
Published: April 2011

Objective

Multiple intracranial aneurysms are common. While sequential clipping of multiple aneurysms during a single open surgical procedure has been reported, the same is not true for endovascular coiling. We present our experience describing the safe coiling of multiple aneurysms in the same setting.

Methods

Retrospective review of our coiling log between 2006 and 2009 showed six cases in which multiple aneurysms were coiled in the same session.

Results

All patients were coiled using the same microcatheter. Distal aneurysms were coiled first. Good occlusion rates were achieved in all cases. There were no thromboembolic events or procedure-related rupture or mortality.

Conclusion

In addition to safety and efficacy, cost savings are expected when coiling multiple aneurysms in the same procedure.
Trigeminal neuralgia: the diagnosis and management of this excruciating and poorly understood facial pain
Authors: Zakrzewska Joanna M , McMillan Roddy
Published: April 2011

Trigeminal neuralgia is defined as sudden, usually unilateral, severe, brief, stabbing recurrent episodes of pain within the distribution of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve, which has a profound effect on quality of life. The diagnosis is made on history alone, and time needs to be taken to elicit the key features and differentiate from toothache or one of the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Most trigeminal neuralgia is idiopathic, but a small percentage is due to secondary causes—for example, tumours or multiple sclerosis—which can be picked up on CT or MRI. Recently published international guidelines suggest that carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are the first-line drugs. There is limited evidence for the use of lamotrigine and baclofen. If there is a decrease in efficacy or tolerability of medication, surgery needs to be considered. A neurosurgical opinion should be sought early. There are several ablative, destructive procedures that can be carried out either at the level of the Gasserian ganglion or in the posterior fossa. The only non-destructive procedure is microvascular decompression (MVD). The ablative procedures give a 50% chance of patients being pain free for 4 years, compared with 70% of patients at 10 years after MVD. Ablative procedures result in sensory loss, and MVD carries a 0.2–0.4% risk of mortality with a 2–4% chance of ipsilateral hearing loss. Surgical procedures result in markedly improved quality of life. Patient support groups provide information and support to those in pain and play a crucial role.
Effects of fentanyl on isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration and cardiovascular function in mechanically ventilated goats
Authors: Dzikiti T. B. , Stegmann G. F. , Dzikiti L. N. , Hellebrekers L. J.
Published: April 2011

The effects of fentanyl on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane and cardiovascular function in mechanically ventilated goats were evaluated using six healthy goats (three does and three wethers). Following induction of general anaesthesia with isoflurane delivered via a mask, endotracheal intubation was performed and anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. The baseline MAC of isoflurane (that is, the lowest alveolar concentration required to prevent gross purposeful movement) in response to clamping a claw with a vulsellum forceps was determined. Immediately after baseline isoflurane MAC determination, the goats received, on separate occasions, one of three fentanyl treatments, administered intravenously: a bolus of 0.005 mg/kg followed by constant rate infusion (CRI) of 0.005 mg/kg/hour (treatment LFENT), a bolus of 0.015 mg/kg followed by CRI of 0.015 mg/kg/hour (treatment MFENT) or a bolus of 0.03 mg/kg followed by CRI of 0.03 mg/kg/hour (treatment HFENT). Isoflurane MAC was redetermined during the fentanyl CRI treatments. Cardiopulmonary parameters were monitored. A four‐week washout period was allowed between treatments. The observed baseline isoflurane MAC was 1.32 (1.29 to 1.36) per cent. Isoflurane MAC decreased to 0.98 (0.92 to 1.01) per cent, 0.75 (0.69 to 0.79) per cent and 0.58 (0.51 to 0.65) per cent following LFENT, MFENT and HFENT respectively. Cardiovascular function was not adversely affected. The quality of recovery from general anaesthesia was good, although exaggerated tail‐wagging was observed in some goats following MFENT and HFENT.
BOUNDS ON THE CONVERGENCE TIME OF DISTRIBUTED SELFISH BIN PACKING
Authors: MIYAZAWA FLÁVIO K. , VIGNATTI ANDRÉ L.
Published: April 2011

We consider a game-theoretic bin packing problem with identical items, and we study the convergence time to a Nash equilibrium. In the model proposed, users choose their strategy simultaneously. We deal with two bins and multiple bins cases. We consider the case when users know the load of all bins and cases with less information. We consider two approaches, depending if the system can undo movements that lead to infeasible states. Let n and m be, respectively, the number of items and bins. In the two bins case, we show an O( log log n) and an O(n) bounds when undo movements are allowed and when they are not allowed, resp. In multiple bins case, we show an O( log n) and an O(nm) bounds when undo movements are allowed and when they are not allowed, resp. In the case with less information, we show an O(m log n) and an O(n3m) bounds when undo movements are allowed and when they are not allowed, resp. Also, in the case with less information where the information about completely filled/empty bins is not available, we show an O(m2 log n) and an O(n3m3) bounds when undo movements are allowed and when they are not allowed, resp.
SELF-STABILIZING k-out-of-ℓ EXCLUSION IN TREE NETWORKS
Authors: DATTA AJOY K. , DEVISMES STÉPHANE , HORN FLORIAN , LARMORE LAWRENCE L.
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we address the problem of k -out-of-ℓ exclusion, a generalization of the mutual exclusion problem, in which there are ℓ units of a shared resource, and any process can request up to k units (1 ≤ k ≤ ℓ). A protocol is self-stabilizing if, starting from an arbitrary configuration, be it initial state or after a corrupted state, the protocol can start behaving normally within a finite time. We propose the first deterministic self-stabilizing distributed k -out-of-ℓ exclusion protocol in message-passing systems for asynchronous oriented tree networks which assumes bounded local memory for each process.
SUPERCAPACITOR BEHAVIOR OF SPRAY DEPOSITEDSnO2THIN FILMS
Authors: VIJAYAKUMAR S. , NAGAMUTHU S. , PURUSHOTHAMAN K. K. , DHANASHANKAR M. , MURALIDHARAN G.
Published: April 2011

Tin oxide thin films were prepared via spray pyrolysis method. The structural and morphological properties of SnO2thin films have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanned electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The XRD pattern confirms the tetragonal rutile structure of SnO2with preferential orientation along (200) plane. SEM image reveals the nanocrystalline nature of the SnO2films. SnO2thin films were subjected to electrochemical tests to study the supercapacitor behavior. Maximum specific capacitance of 168 F/g at a scan rate of 25 mV/s was obtained using 0.5 M KOH as the electrolyte. This is the highest value ever reported for spray deposited tin oxide thin films.
ELECTRICAL TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBE BUNDLES TREATED WITH BORIC ACID
Authors: HITCHCOCK DALE , YANG KEQIN , HE JIAN , RAO APPARAO M.
Published: April 2011

Electric-arc-synthesized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles were sonicated in boric acid, dried and sintered under vacuum at 1200°C using a spark plasma sintering process. The nominal boric acid concentrations were 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 12.5% and 15%. This resulted in a nonmonotonic variation of carrier concentration in the resulting samples. The 7.5% boric acid treated sample showed the least magnitude and weakest temperature-dependence for the thermopower with a distinct phonon-drag peak that was absent in the other samples. These results are discussed within the framework of the doping-induced shift of the Fermi level and changes in the electron–phonon coupling.
The TRPV4 channel is a novel regulator of intracellular Ca2+ in human esophageal epithelial cells
Authors: Ueda Takashi , Shikano Michiko , Kamiya Takeshi , Joh Takashi , Ugawa Shinya
Published: April 2011

The esophageal epithelium has sensory properties that enable it to sustain normal barrier function. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca2+-permeable channel that is activated by extracellular hypotonicity, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phorbol esters, and elevated temperature. We found that TRPV4 is expressed in both human esophageal tissue and in HET-1A cells, a human esophageal epithelial cell line. Specific activation of TRPV4 by the phorbol ester 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD) increased intracellular Ca2+ in a subset of HET-1A cells. Elevated temperature strongly potentiated this effect at low concentrations of 4α-PDD, and all of the responses were inhibited by the TRPV antagonist ruthenium red. TRPV4 activation differentially affected cell proliferation and cell viability; HET-1A cell proliferation was increased by 1 μM 4α-PDD, whereas higher concentrations (10 μM and 30 μM) significantly decreased cell viability. Transient TRPV4 activation triggered ATP release in a concentration-dependent manner via gap-junction hemichannels, including pannexin 1 and connexin 43. Furthermore, TRPV4 activation for 24 h did not increase the production of interleukin 8 (IL-8) but reduced IL-1β-induced IL-8 production. Small-interference RNA targeted to TRPV4 significantly attenuated all of the 4α-PDD-induced responses in HET-1A cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that TRPV4 is a novel regulator of Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways linked to cell proliferation, cell survival, ATP release, and IL-8 production in human esophageal epithelial cells.
Effect of nifedipine on anorectal sensorimotor functions in health and fecal incontinence
Authors: Bharucha Adil E. , Edge Jessica , Zinsmeister Alan R.
Published: April 2011

The mechanisms of increased rectal stiffness in women with fecal incontinence (FI) and rectal urgency are not understood. Our hypothesis was that distention-induced activation of mechanosensitive L-type calcium channels in smooth muscle contributes to increased rectal stiffness in FI. Anal pressures, rectal distensibility (compliance, capacity, and contractile response to sinusoidal oscillation), and rectal sensation were assessed before and after oral nifedipine (30 + 10 mg) or placebo in 16 women with FI and 16 asymptomatic women. At baseline, FI patients had a lower anal pressure increment during squeeze (health, 66.9 ± 7.6: FI, 28.6 ± 5.9, mean ± SE, P ≤ 0.01), lower rectal capacity ( P = 0.052), and higher rectal pressures during sinusoidal oscillation (health, 13.7 ± 3.2: FI, 21.7 ± 1.4, mean ± SE, P = 0.02) than the healthy women, which suggests an exaggerated rectal contractile response to distention. Nifedipine decreased mean BP, increased heart rate ( P = 0.01 vs. placebo), and reduced anal resting pressure ( P ≤ 0.01) but did not significantly modify rectal distensibility in health or FI. Plasma nifedipine concentrations (health, 103 ± 21 ng/ml: FI, 162 ± 34 ng/ml) were correlated with increased rectal compliance ( r = 0.6, P = 0.02) in all study participants and, in healthy subjects, with decreased rectal pressures during sinusoidal oscillation ( r = 0.86, P = 0.01), indicative of reduced stiffness. No consistent effects on rectal perception were observed. These observations confirm that FI is associated with anal weakness and increased rectal stiffness. At therapeutic plasma concentrations, nifedipine reduced anal resting pressure but did not improve rectal distensibility in FI, outcomes that argue against a predominant contribution of myogenic L-type calcium channels to reduced rectal distensibility in FI.
Assessment of oxidative stress in lymphocytes with exercise
Authors: Turner James E. , Bosch Jos A. , Drayson Mark T. , Aldred Sarah
Published: April 2011

This study investigated whether changes in the cellular composition of blood during exercise could partly account for observations of exercise-induced changes in lymphocyte oxidative stress markers. Markers of oxidative stress were assessed before and after 60 min of intense treadmill running. Samples were collected from 16 men (means ± SD: age 33 ± 13 yr; body mass index 23.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2; maximal oxygen uptake 59.7 ± 5.2 ml·kg−1·min−1). Peripheral blood lymphocytes were assayed for protein carbonyl concentration, and plasma was assessed for lipid peroxides and antioxidant capacity. In a separate study, intracellular thiol concentration was determined in lymphocyte subsets from eight characteristically similar men by flow cytometry, of which T-cell memory populations were further identified on the basis of CD27, CD28, and CD45RA expression. Total lymphocyte protein carbonyls were transiently increased with exercise and returned to baseline within 15 min ( P < 0.001). This change was accompanied by an increase in plasma lipid peroxides ( P < 0.05) and total antioxidant capacity ( P < 0.001). Correlation analyses showed that lymphocyte protein carbonyl content was not related to changes in the cellular composition of peripheral blood during exercise. Natural killer cells (CD3−CD56+) and late-differentiated/effector memory cells (CD4+/CD8+CD27−CD28−/CD45RA+), which mobilized most with exercise, showed high intracellular thiol content ( P < 0.001). High thiol content suggests a lower oxidative load carried by these lymphocytes. Thus vigorous exercise resulted in a transient increase in lymphocyte oxidative stress. Results suggest this was unrelated to the alterations in the cellular composition of peripheral blood.