bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics Multivariate Analysis Determined a Set of Phase-Specific Biomarker Candidates in a Novel Mouse Model for Viral Myocarditis
Authors: Omura Seiichi , Kawai Eiichiro , Sato Fumitaka , Martinez Nicholas E. , Chaitanya Ganta V. , Rollyson Phoebe A. , Cvek Urska , Trutschl Marjan , Alexander J. Steven , Tsunoda Ikuo
Published: July 2014

Background—

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the cardiac muscle and is mainly caused by viral infections. Viral myocarditis has been proposed to be divided into 3 phases: the acute viral phase, the subacute immune phase, and the chronic cardiac remodeling phase. Although individualized therapy should be applied depending on the phase, no clinical or experimental studies have found biomarkers that distinguish between the 3 phases. Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus belongs to the genus
Cardiovirus
and can cause myocarditis in susceptible mouse strains.

Methods and Results—

Using this novel model for viral myocarditis induced with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus, we conducted multivariate analysis including echocardiography, serum troponin and viral RNA titration, and microarray to identify the biomarker candidates that can discriminate the 3 phases. Using C3H mice infected with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus on 4, 7, and 60 days post infection, we conducted bioinformatics analyses, including principal component analysis and
k
-means clustering of microarray data, because our traditional cardiac and serum assays, including 2-way comparison of microarray data, did not lead to the identification of a single biomarker. Principal component analysis separated heart samples clearly between the groups of 4, 7, and 60 days post infection. Representative genes contributing to the separation were as follows: 4 and 7 days post infection, innate immunity–related genes, such as
Irf7
and
Cxcl9
; 7 and 60 days post infection, acquired immunity–related genes, such as
Cd3g
and
H2-Aa
; and cardiac remodeling–related genes, such as
Mmp12
and
Gpnmb
.

Conclusions—

Sets of molecules, not single molecules, identified by unsupervised principal component analysis, were found to be useful as phase-specific biomarkers.
DNA barcode and phylogeography of six new high altitude wingless Niphadomimus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae) from Southwest China
Authors: GREBENNIKOV VASILY V.
Published: July 2014

The genus Niphadomimus Zherikhin, 1987 is taxonomically revised herein. In addition to the two recorded Nepalese species, N. nigriventris Zherikhin and N. niger Zherikhin, known only from the holotypes, two additional specimens of N. nigriventris are reported and six new species from China represented by 96 specimens are described and illustrated. These are: N. alcyone sp. n. (Sichuan), N. celaeno sp. n. (Yunnan), N. electra sp. n. (Yunnan), N. maia sp. n. (Yunnan), N. merope sp. n. (Shaanxi) and N. sterope sp. n. (Sichuan). All known Niphadomimus species are apterous inhabitants of the leaf litter in the upper Rhododendron-dominated forest zone between 2000 and 4114 m. Phylogenetic analyses using DNA barcodes of six new species and representatives of 13 other Molytinae genera with available DNA data (A.) corroborates Niphadomimus monophyly; (B.) strongly argues for the sister-group relationship between N. merope sp. n. from the Qinling Mt. Range and the rest of the species distributed in the Hengduan mountains; (C.) in two among four analyses weakly relates the genus with the East Palaearctic Leiosoma. The tribe Typoderini could not be shown as monophyletic, which may be due to insufficient signal content of the cox1 marker at the tribal level. The detected phylogeographic pattern of Niphadomimus is compared with that of similarly distributed or closely related clades. Temporal DNA analysis estimates the N. merope sp. n. split at 6–11 MY, while the diversification of the Hengduan clade dates between 5.5 MY and 3.6 MY, i.e. well before the onset of the Quaternary climate fluctuations.
Taxonomy of the Oriental leafhopper genus Fistulatus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae), with description of a new species from China
Authors: LU LIN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: July 2014

A new species, Fistulatus quadrispinosus sp. nov. is described from the Qingliangfeng Mountains in Zhejiang Province in China. A key and checklist to species (males) of Fistulatus are also provided.
A new species of Phrynopus (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the central Peruvian Andes
Authors: MAMANI LUIS , MALQUI SERGIO
Published: July 2014

We describe a new species of Phrynopus from the humid grassland of Distrito de Comas, Provincia Concepcion, Department of Junin. The new species is diagnosed by the lack of dentigerous processes of vomers, tympanic annulus and membrane imperceptible through the skin, males with nuptial pads and vocal slits, warty dorsal skin, and aerolate throat, belly and ventral surfaces of thighs, by possessing pronounced subconical tubercles in the post-tympanic area, by having rounded finger and toe tips with no disc structure, and by its overall dark brown to black coloration with few white and yellow spots in the dorsum and a dark-brown belly with white to gray blotches. Specimens were found under stones at a single area of the central Peruvian Andes at elevations between 4205–4490 m.a.s.l. The eggs had an average diameter of 4.3 mm. With the description and naming of the new species, the genus Phrynopus now contains 26 species, all of them endemic to Peru, and five of which are restricted to Departamento Junin.
Characterization of the genus Hernandarioides F.O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1905 (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae, Ampycinae)
Authors: KURY ADRIANO B. , QUINTERO DIOMEDES A.
Published: July 2014

Frederick Octavius Pickard-Cambridge (1905) described the monotypic genus Hernandarioides based on the species Hernandarioides plana F.O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1905, from Bugaba, Panama. The etymology of the generic name was inspired by the pre-existing Hernandaria Sørensen, 1884, because of the obliteration of the scutal grooves (which in this case is a convergence between the two unrelated groups Ampycinae and Hernandariinae). The species description was based only on the female holotype. Modern taxonomic descriptions of laniatorean harvestmen are most commonly based upon male holotypes because females lack many diagnostic characters. The holotype, deposited in the Natural History Museum, London, is brittle and does not bring much meaningful information about the species. Hernandarioides was not originally included in any subfamily of Gonyleptidae, and was included by Roewer (1913: 464) in the Hernandariinae. Goodnight & Goodnight (1942: 18) described in Prostygninae the monotypic genus Kaluga along with the species Kaluga elongata Goodnight & Goodnight, 1942, from Casita Alta, a locality very close to Bugaba, providing uninformative illustrative material. A little later, Goodnight & Goodnight (1947: 15) synonymized Kaluga with Hernandarioides and Kaluga elongata with Hernandarioides plana. Kury (2003: 105) proposed the unjustified emendation Hernandarioides planus. Finally Kury & Alonso-Zarazaga (2011: 53) transferred the genus to the Ampycinae and explained that the grammatical gender of Hernandarioides is feminine, reestablishing the original inflection Hernandarioides plana.
The importance of quality transition processes for students with disabilities across settings: Learning from the current situation in New South Wales
Authors: Strnadová Iva , Cumming Therese M
Published: July 2014

This article examines the current state of the transition process for students with developmental disabilities in New South Wales, Australia. Teachers from 75 schools were surveyed about current practices for students with developmental disabilities transitioning from primary to secondary school and from secondary school to post-school life. Teachers' responses to the open-ended survey questions were analysed using inductive content analysis. The results of the analysis revealed that although many schools had transition processes in place, such as school visits and orientation programs, many key evidence-based practices were missing. Key themes that emerged included school-specific transition practices at each level and the importance of home–school collaboration. Overall results indicated a need for a mandated, student-centred planning and support process, guided by evidence-based practice.
Autism in the Emergency Department
Authors: Cohen-Silver Justine Heather , Muskat Barbara , Ratnapalan Savithiri
Published: July 2014

Background. This is a retrospective chart review of autistic patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) in a tertiary care pediatric center during the year 2011. Results. There were 160 ED visits by 130 patients, 25% of visits were repeated, and 20% were admitted to the hospital. There were 126 (79%) male and 34 (21%) female patients mean age of 12 years, 79% had comorbid health conditions. Forty percent were CTAS 2 (Canadian Triage Acuity Score) acuity, 42% of visits were CTAS 3 acuity, and 7% rated their pain as “severe.” Visits were for behavior (10%), neurological concern (13%), 3% dental related, and the remainder were for gastrointestinal infections and other complaints. Average length of stay was 6 hours 21 minutes, with 2-hour wait to start assessment with physician. Conclusions. Autism is a prevalent diagnosis and patients with autism are accessing the ED. We hope to use these demographic findings to better serve these patients and their families.
Routine Cell Phone Activity and Exposure to Sext Messages
Authors: Wolfe Scott E. , Marcum Catherine D. , Higgins George E. , Ricketts Melissa L.
Published: July 2014

Increased cell phone use among adolescents has created new opportunities for deviance and victimization in recent years. One teenage cell phone−based behavior that has received increased attention from a variety of sources including public health researchers, parents, and law enforcement is “sexting” (i.e., a minor receiving sexually explicit photos or videos of another adolescent or adult via cell phone or sending such material to another teenager). Research has revealed that sexting is a risky form of adolescent deviance that is linked with a host of potential negative health consequences (e.g., risky sexual behavior and drug use) and legal ramifications. Despite the importance of the issue, research exploring the risk factors associated with exposure to sexts is virtually nonexistent. Using telephone interview data from a representative sample of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, the present study applies routine activity theory to explain the receiving of sexts. The results confirm expectations that both exposure-based (e.g., use of a cell phone during school hours) and supervision-based (i.e., school cell phone rules and family cell phone plan) routine cell phone activities are associated with receiving sexts. Overall, the study extends the generality of routine activity theory to teenage sexting, highlights the utility of examining domain-specific routine activity indicators, and offers one of the first theoretically informed analyses concerning the factors associated with adolescent sexting.
No pay, no peace: political settlement and post-amnesty violence in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Eke Surulola James
Published: July 2014

The peace accord between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Niger Delta (ND) militants, within the framework of the 2009 amnesty programme, immediately yielded positive results. Daily oil production, which had drastically declined to an all time low of 1.4 million barrels, soon shot up to 2.2 million barrels as the deal restored relative calm in the region. In recent times, however, the seeming peace in the region has disappeared, to the consternation of those who had touted a DDR approach to the conflict in Nigeria’s oil ‘republic’. Kidnapping, for ransom in the region, shifted from high profile abduction to anyone in society that can offer a price. More than any other explanation, this article locates the resurgence of violence in the region in the fault lines of the DDR programme implemented in 2009. The author contends that the deal was a ‘cash for peace’ programme cloaked in ‘amnesty’; which has inadvertently created a violence appeal for those who seek a slice of the so-called ‘national cake’.
Goodbye Mayberry
Authors: Brunet James R.
Published: July 2014

For some time, police departments have been disappearing from rural communities in North Carolina. This article seeks to locate the factors facilitating the disbandment of small police departments and speculate on the implications for public safety in small jurisdictions. Using structured interviews with key informants in 19 North Carolina municipalities, the final stages or “turning points” of organizational life are chronicled and analyzed. Certain events and conditions contribute significantly to the decline and death of police agencies, including political turbulence, organizational atrophy, and environmental atrophy. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are also examined.
Looking at the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes, Cambodia, on Flickr and YouTube
Authors: Benzaquen Stephanie
Published: July 2014

‘Delve into the dark side of Cambodian history with a visit to Tuol Sleng Museum, essential to understanding the pain of the past’, Lonely Planet Cambodia claims. During the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–9) the Tuol Svay Prey high school in Phnom Penh was used under the codename S21 as a torture-and-execution centre. In 1979, the government of the newly established People’s Republic of Kampuchea had it refurbished as memorial. Today, people from all over the world visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and shoot videos and photos they later on post on blogs, Facebook pages and other social media. This article explores how social networks affect the production, distribution, and consumption of Tuol Sleng as site of memory. It focuses on two digital platforms: Flickr and YouTube. The article is divided into three parts. First it examines how Flickr and YouTube can be used as inadvertent archives providing material for a visual history of Tuol Sleng. Second, it analyses the processes of remediation people resort to for communicating and sharing their experience in the museum. Finally, it explores the mechanisms of community building, and their limited effects, as users watch and comment on these accounts of Tuol Sleng.
Web technologies in practice: the integration of web technologies by environmental organizations
Authors: Eimhjellen Ivar Sognnæs
Published: July 2014

This article uses a structuration model to explore the interaction between technology and organizations. Based on a case study of three environmental organizations in Norway and opposing visions of a single predetermined effect of web technology, it argues that the implications of web technologies within organizations are diverse and can strengthen existing organizational characteristics. With diverging organizational structures, norms and culture, different interpretations, meanings and practices tied to the same technologies develop. Technology is situated and used in concrete social contexts, being shaped by and in turn shaping social and organizational structures. In established and institutionalized organizations new communication technology can reinforce existing ways of conduct, while in less institutionalized groups, features of new web technology may have greater implications for the further development and shaping of these groups. Although this study is context- and time-specific, the observed patterns of web technology usage, their meanings and implications might also point to functions of web technologies in other comparable contexts.
“Rimi Bowl” and the Quest for Authenticity
Authors: Hognestad Hans Kristian
Published: July 2014

Football in Norway is facing similar challenges as other European leagues regarding dwindling crowds and financial instability, in the wake of the neoliberal boom from the 1990s and well into the new millennium. The years between 1990 and 2008 saw a doubling of average crowds for top-level games. Yet since 2008, there has been a steady decline, even for the biggest clubs. Clubs and the Norwegian Football Association (FA). respond differently to these trends, and a variety of initiatives have increased the level of oppositional activism among groups of dedicated fans. A fresh example of this was when the biggest club in Oslo, Vålerenga, decided to let their main sponsor, the supermarket chain Rimi, use a game to celebrate the opening of their 300th shop. With clear references to the razzamatazz of the Super Bowl, the sponsor named the event “Rimi Bowl” and, in an attempt to attract new spectators, sold tickets in their shops for just NOK50 (£5). However, with bands and various artists performing before the game and during the interval, a lot of fans felt the “event” was advertised more as a hyper commercial show than a football game. A storm of protests was aired in newspapers and in Internet forums among fans of Vålerenga—followed by individuals and groups who supported the initiative and made counter protests. This article will provide a discussion of how commercialization is contested among different fan groups in Norway.
Suicide as a Counter-Narrative in Wayanad, Southern India
Authors: Badami Sumant
Published: July 2014

This article demonstrates how highly-politicised assessments of agrarian distress have affected professional and public perceptions of the causes of suicide, specifically in the region of Wayanad, north-eastern Kerala. Because of a bifurcation between purely sociological and purely psychological analyses of suicide, current mental health policy downplays socio-economic factors and actively promotes specifically psychiatric analyses of victims and their families. Yet, for the sake of political representation in the public sphere, sociological analyses facilitate the construction of discursive categories relating to farmer distress.

The article shows how this has meant that the struggles of certain underprivileged groups, specifically the indigenous Paniya community, are thereby rendered invisible. Moving beyond the existing dualistic approaches, field-based research findings also demonstrate the potential to see suicide as a form of communication that provides important counter-narratives to the dominant discourse about suicides in South Asia.
Building Responsible Social Protection in South Asia
Authors: Hossain Moazzem
Published: July 2014

Inspired by the global ambition to eradicate poverty through the Millennium Development Goals, to be achieved by 2015, this article finds that continuing population growth in South Asia will make such goals impossible to achieve. Rather than sinking into despair, however, the article first captures specifically the major demographic reasons behind the troubling bottlenecks of development in South Asia. Since tackling those demographic issues will not yield tangible results in the short run, the focus of analysis then switches to arguing that other creative development remedies are indeed feasible. Given that there is no scarcity of food in South Asia, but it simply does not reach those who need it most, the article demonstrates that India’s recent Food Security Act of 2013 may be a globally relevant model of concerted state action to tackle deep poverty and avoid mass starvation. This article breaks new ground in relation to implementing state-led social welfare measures, showing that earlier assessments about Asian development may have been too pessimistic.
The usefulness of a diagnostic method combining high-resolution CT findings and serum markers for cytomegalovirus pneumonia and pneumocystis pneumonia in non-AIDS patients
Authors: Kunihiro Yoshie , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Matsumoto Tsuneo , Yamamoto Norihide , Matsunaga Naofumi
Published: July 2014

Background

The combination of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings and serum markers would be of great value in diagnosing cytomegalovirus pneumonia (CMVP) and pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) considering low invasiveness.

Purpose

To compare the HRCT findings of CMVP and PCP and to evaluate the differences in HRCT findings between patients diagnosed based on pathologic evidence and serum markers.

Material and Methods

Two radiologists retrospectively evaluated the HRCT findings of 21 patients with CMVP and 70 patients with PCP. Eight patients with CMVP and 32 patients with PCP were diagnosed based on pathologic evidence (“Path” group), while 13 patients with CMVP and 38 patients with PCP were diagnosed based on serum markers (CMV antigenemia, β-D-glucan) (“Serum-Marker” group). A total of 19 CT morphological criteria were evaluated, and the significance of the differences between the two diseases and between the “Path” and “Serum-Marker” groups with respect to each disease was calculated.

Results

The presence of small nodules, the tree-in-bud pattern, and the halo sign was found more frequently in the CMVP group. Extensive ground-glass attenuation (GGA), a mosaic pattern, and a diffuse distribution were observed more frequently in the PCP group. There were significant differences between the “Path” and “Serum-Marker” groups in average extent of consolidation and distribution of consolidation in PCP, and the distribution of GGA in CMVP, respectively.

Conclusion

The combined use of HRCT findings and serum markers is useful for the diagnosis of CMVP and PCP in non-AIDS patients. The typical HRCT findings for the differential diagnosis included extensive GGA with mosaic pattern in PCP and nodules, nodules with or without the tree-in-bud pattern, and the halo sign in CMVP.
Studying of tool rotation speed on mechanical properties of copper–Al5083 butt joint welded by friction stir welding
Authors: Bisadi Hossein , Rasaee Sajad , Fotoohi Yassin
Published: July 2014

In this article, Al5083 and pure copper plates were connected by friction stir welding in butt position. The effects of tool rotation speed on mechanical properties and microstructure of the joint have been investigated experimentally. A joint that was formed at the rotation speed of 800 r/min and tool transverse speed of 40 mm/min had the highest tensile strength, about 96% of the weak base metal strength. Joint strength at high speeds was due to formation of intermetallic compounds, and it increased the probability of defect formation, and reduced and conversely increased the strength at low rotation speeds by increasing the material mixing and formation of metal matrix composite. Microstructural examination revealed that the intermetallic compounds formed during processing and Al4Cu9 and Al2Cu were detected by X-ray diffraction analysis in the stir zone as intermetallic compounds. Formation of intermetallic compounds increased with increase in the rotation speed. The fracture surface showed that the fracture starts from the interface and brittle failure occurs.
Residual stress and distortion modeling of electron beam direct manufacturing Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Denlinger Erik R , Heigel Jarred C , Michaleris Panagiotis
Published: July 2014

In this work, a finite element model is developed for predicting the thermo-mechanical response of Ti-6Al-4V during electron beam deposition. A three-dimensional thermo-elasto-plastic analysis is performed to model distortion and residual stress in the workpiece and experimental in situ temperature, and distortion measurements are performed during the deposition of a single-bead-wide, 16-layer-high wall built for model validation. Post-process blind hole–drilling residual stress measurements are also performed. Both the in situ distortion and post-process residual stress measurements suggest that stress relaxation occurs during the deposition of Ti-6Al-4V. A method of accounting for such stress relaxation in thermo-elasto-plastic simulations is proposed where both stress and plastic strain are reset to 0, when the temperature exceeds a prescribed stress relaxation temperature. Inverse simulation is used to determine the values of the absorption efficiency and the emissivity of electron beam–deposited, wire-fed Ti-6Al-4V, as well as the appropriate stress relaxation temperature.
Contesting the deviant other: Discursive strategies for the production of homeless subjectivities
Authors: Toft Amoshaun
Published: July 2014

This article analyzes the discursive strategies deployed in the linguistic production of homelessness and homeless persons in the context of city-level policies on urban camping in a major urban center in the USA, and outlines the ways that homeless activists contested their use in the public sphere. Homelessness has historically been defined as a deviant form of behavior and the subjectivity of ‘homeless’ has functioned as a social stigma alongside other forms of deviance. I build on analysis of racism and anti-Semitism by examining three linguistic mechanisms deployed by speakers to produce and contest homelessness as a deviant subjectivity: the use of metonyms in processes of synechdochization, the use of metaphors in describing groups and actions, and how processes of lexicalization attach meaning to places and social categories across three categories of deviance prevalent in descriptions of homelessness and urban camping: dirtiness, drugs, and danger.
Addressing Bullying of Students with Autism
Authors: Hong Ee Rea , Neely Leslie , Lund Emily M.
Published: July 2014

Bullying or any aggressive behavior of a more powerful person or group toward a less powerful person is a widespread problem in the U.S. educational system. While bullying is a significant problem for all students, students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a particularly high incidence rate of becoming victims of bullying. The social and communication deficits characteristic of students with ASD provide significant challenges in teaching and preparing these students for bullying situations. Cooperative work between teachers and parents, analyzing an individual student’s needs, educating the student about bullying, teaching how to cope with and reporting it in both controlled settings and natural environments, and developing a monitoring system are key components of preventing the students with ASD from being bullied. An illustrative example and practical suggestions and approaches are provided.
A Safety Awareness Program for Women With Diverse Disabilities
Authors: Robinson-Whelen Susan , Hughes Rosemary B. , Gabrielli Joy , Lund Emily M. , Abramson Wendie , Swank Paul R.
Published: July 2014

Women with diverse disabilities ( N = 213), recruited through 10 centers for independent living (CILs), were randomly assigned to either a personal safety awareness program or usual care. The 8-week program, led by CIL staff, was designed to increase safety awareness, abuse and safety knowledge, safety skills, safety self-efficacy, social support, and safety promoting behaviors. All participants completed pre-, post-, and 6-month follow-up questionnaires. Results revealed that participation in a brief safety awareness program may improve safety protective factors among women with disabilities who vary widely in their experience with abuse. The program holds promise for enhancing safety among women with disabilities.
The value of losartan suppression test in the confirmatory diagnosis of primary aldosteronism in patients over 50 years old
Authors: Kuo Chin-Chi , Balakrishnan Poojitha , Hsein Yenh-Chen , Wu Vin-Cent , Chueh Shih-Chieh Jeff , Chen Yung-Ming , Wu Kwan-Dun , Wang Ming-Jiuh ,   TAIPAI group, Wu Vin-Cent , Lin Yen-Hung , Ho Yi-Luwn , Chang Hung-Wei , Lin Lian-Yu , Hu Fu-Chang , Liu Kao-Lang , Wang Shuo-Meng , Huang Kuo-How , Chen Yung-Ming , Kuo Chin-Chi , Chang Chin-Chen , Chueh Shih-Chieh , Lu Ching-Chu , Liao Shih-Cheng , Yen Ruoh-Fang , Lin Wei-Chou , Hsieh Bor-Sen , Wu Kwan-Dun
Published: July 2014

Objective:

The diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA) among the older-aged population has posed a crucial challenge. Among patients over 50 years old, this trial assessed comparability of the performance of two PA diagnostic tests: losartan and captopril suppression tests.

Methods:

A post-hoc subgroup analysis from a prospective cohort was conducted by the TAIPAI (Taiwan Primary Aldosteronism Investigation) group between July 2003 and July 2006. Of the 160 patients in the cohort, 60 patients over 50 years old received captopril and losartan tests to confirm PA.

Results:

Among the 60 patients over 50 years old, 31 patients had PA confirmed by standardized protocol. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve for post-captopril aldosterone was significantly less than that for post-losartan plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) (0.87 vs 0.94, p=0.02). Using the aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR)>35 with PAC>10 ng/dl, the specificity was 82.76% vs 93.1% and the sensitivity was 77.42% vs 87.10% for the captopril and losartan tests, respectively. The equivalence between the two tests were confirmed by the exact McNemar’s test ( p=1.0).

Conclusion:

The losartan test showed comparable accuracy to confirm PA. Verification of this “elderly-friendly” confirmatory test will be the first step to prepare a specific diagnostic model of PA for the older-aged population.
A polymorphism in AGT and AGTR1 gene is associated with lead-related high blood pressure
Authors: Kim Hyung-Ki , Lee Hwayoung , Kwon Jun-Tack , Kim Hak-Jae
Published: July 2014

We investigated the association of polymorphisms in two renin-angiotensin system-related genes, expressed as angiotensinogen (AGT) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1), with blood lead levels and lead-related blood pressure in lead-exposed male workers in Korea. A cross-sectional study involving 808 lead-exposed male workers in Korea was conducted using a restriction fragment length polymorphism-based strategy to differentiate the various genotypes of polymorphisms in the AGT and AGTR1 genes. The association of clinical characteristics with genotypes as modifiers was estimated after adjustment for age, smoking status, drinking status, body mass index and job duration of each subject. Genotype and allele frequencies of the M235T polymorphism in AGT were associated with lead-related high blood pressure status. Moreover, blood lead levels were associated with allele frequencies of the AGT M235T polymorphism. These results suggested that the M/M genotype and M allele of AGT are risk factors for lead-related high blood pressure.
Effect of all-trans retinoic acid treatment on prohibitin and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system expression in hypoxia-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury
Authors: Zhou Tian-Biao , Ou Chao , Rong Liang , Drummen Gregor PC
Published: July 2014

Background and objective:

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) exerts various effects on physiological processes such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and inflammation. Prohibitins (PHB), including prohibitin 1 (PHB1) and prohibitin 2 (PHB2), are evolutionary conserved and pleiotropic proteins implicated in various cellular functions, including proliferation, tumor suppression, apoptosis, transcription, and mitochondrial protein folding. The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system plays a pivotal role in the regulation of blood pressure and volume homeostasis. All these factors and systems have been implicated in renal interstitial fibrosis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ATRA treatment on the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and expression of prohibitins to further understand its role in the processes leading to renal interstitial fibrosis.

Methods:

The hypoxic and oxidative stress conditions in obstructive renal disease were simulated in a hypoxia/reoxygenation model with renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) as a model system. Subsequently, the effect of ATRA on mRNA and protein expression levels was determined and correlations were established between factors involved in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, the prohibitins, cellular redox status, renal interstitial fibrosis and ATRA treatment.

Results:

Correlation analysis showed that both PHB1 and PHB2 protein levels were negatively correlated with angiotensin I, ACE1, angiotensin II, TGF-β1, Col-IV, FN, ROS, and MDA (PHB1: r = −0.792, –0.834, –0.805, –0.795, –0.778, –0.798, –0.751, –0.682; PHB2: r = −0.872, –0.799, –0.838, –0.773, –0.769, –0.841, –0.794, –0.826; each p < 0.05), but positively correlated with ACE2, SOD, and GSH (PHB1: r = 0.796, 0.879, 0.824; PHB2: r = 0.785, 0.914, 0.849; each p < 0.05). ACE1 was positively correlated with angiotensin I, angiotensin II, TGF-β1, Col-IV, FN, ROS, and MDA, and negatively correlated with ACE2, SOD, and GSH (each p < 0.05). ACE2 was negatively correlated with ACE1, angiotensin I, angiotensin II, TGF-β1, Col-IV, FN, ROS, and MDA, and positively correlated with SOD and GSH (each p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The results suggest that ATRA acts as a positive regulator of PHB1, PHB2 and ACE2, and as a negative regulator of ACE1, angiotensin I, and angiotensin II in a RTEC model system under hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions.
Ozone therapy ameliorates paraquat-induced lung injury in rats
Authors: Kaldirim Umit , Uysal Bulent , Yuksel Ramazan , Macit Enis , Eyi Yusuf E , Toygar Mehmet , Tuncer Salim K , Ardic Sukru , Arziman Ibrahim , Aydin Ibrahim , Oztas Yesim , Karslioglu Yildirim , Topal Turgut
Published: July 2014

Paraquat (PQ) overdose can cause acute lung injury and death. Ozone therapy (OT) was previously demonstrated to alleviate inflammation and necrosis in various pathologies. We therefore hypothesized that OT has ameliorative and preventive effects on PQ-induced lung damage due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties. Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 24) were separated into three groups: sham, PQ, and PQ+OT groups. 15 mg/kg PQ was administered intraperitoneally in PQ and PQ+OT groups to induce experimental lung injury. One hour after PQ treatment, PQ+OT group was administered a single dose of ozone–oxygen mixture (1 mg/kg/day) by intraperitoneal route for four consecutive days. The animals were sacrificed on fifth day after PQ administration. Blood samples and lung tissues were collected to evaluate the inflammatory processes, antioxidant defense and pulmonary damage. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neopterin levels, tissue oxidative stress parameters, total TGF-β1 levels, and histological injury scores in PQ+OT group were significantly lower than PQ group ( P<0.05, PQ vs. PQ+OT). Total antioxidant capacity in PQ+OT group was significantly higher than PQ group ( P < 0.05, PQ+OT vs. PQ). These findings suggest that outcome in PQ-induced lung injury may be improved by using OT as an adjuvant therapy.
Correlations among ultrasonographic and microscopic characteristics of prepubescent ram lamb testes
Authors: Giffin Jennifer L , Bartlewski Pawel M , Hahnel Ann C
Published: July 2014

The onset of spermatogenesis during prepubertal development is accompanied by dynamic changes in testicular microstructure. Computer-assisted analysis of scrotal ultrasonograms may allow us to track these changes in a noninvasive manner; however, the echotextural characteristics of different histomorphological variables remain unclear. Hence the objective of this study was to compare echotextural and microscopic attributes of the testis over the first wave of spermatogenesis in prepubescent ram lambs. Bi-weekly ultrasound examinations and weekly testicular biopsies were carried out in 22 ram lambs from 9.5–10 weeks of age or the attainment of 15 cm3 in testicular volume, respectively, to the first detection of elongated spermatids (ESt). Testicular echogenicity was highly variable with age; however, after the alignment of data to the first detection of ESt, there was an initial increase followed by a decline, corresponding to the mitotic and postmitotic phases of spermatogenesis in prepubescent ram lambs. Testicular echotextural attributes (mean numerical pixel values and pixel heterogeneity) correlated with seminiferous tubule (ST) diameter, the number of degenerating cells/ST cross-section (XS), and the number of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L-1 (a marker for prespermatogonia and undifferentiated spermatogonia) staining cells/ST XS during the mitotic and postmitotic phases. Additionally, in the postmitotic phase, significant correlations were recorded between the quantitative echotextural characteristics and ST cell density, nuclear:ST area and percentages of STs with different spermatogenic cells as the most mature germ cell type present. These results indicate that ram testes exhibit distinctive echotextural characteristics during the mitotic and postmitotic phases of germ cell differentiation. It is concluded that scrotal ultrasonography in conjunction with computerized image analysis holds potential as a noninvasive alternative to testicular biopsy in monitoring the reproductive status throughout different stages of testicular development.
Probability-based forecasting for U.S. generic drug sales
Authors: Clark Todd D
Published: July 2014

Most sales forecasts, including those in the generic drug industry, are based on an implicit assumption that the market can be represented as a continuous variable, an approach that works only when activity consists of many independent, incremental customer buying decisions, each of which is too small to substantially affect total sales. These conditions are generally true in branded pharmaceutical markets but they do not reflect the reality of the US generic drug industry where decisions regarding which company’s product is dispensed at the pharmacy are primarily a function of a limited number of binary (yes/no) decisions from drug wholesaling companies, the largest of which control access to one-fourth of the market or more. Unfortunately, binary situations are difficult to model in standard spreadsheet forecasts due to the extremely high number of permutations that are possible even with a small number of variables. In this paper, we explore the binary nature of the US multi-source industry from a single, hypothetical, generic company’s perspective and discuss a probability-based sales forecasting technique that offers a more accurate approach to modeling based on the number of wholesaler contracts available and the degree of generic competition present. The forecast is derived from actual wholesaler market share data and, based on extensive industry experience, the parameters used are believed to be reasonably representative of the US generic market, meaning that the results can be scaled to determine approximate probabilities of achieving certain revenue levels in real-world situations.
Structure evolution and mechanical properties of Ta–Nb–Ti–W–N multielement films
Authors: Feng X. G. , Ma X. X. , Tang G. Z. , Zhou H.
Published: July 2014

In this study, the multielement films (Ta50·5Nb16·7Ti8·8W24·0)N, (Ta25·4Nb13·4Ti20·9W40·3)N and (Ta9·3Nb4·7Ti22·6W63·4)N are prepared by combining magnetron sputtering deposition and nitrogen plasma based ion implantation (N-PBII). The composition, structure and mechanical properties of the films are investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns show that the alloy films Ta50·5Nb16·7Ti8·8W24·0, Ta25·4Nb13·4Ti20·9W40·3 and Ta9·3Nb4·7Ti22·6W63·4 are composed of hcp+bcc, two types of bcc and a single bcc solid solution respectively, whereas all the Ta–Nb–Ti–W films are composed of bcc and fcc structures after N-PBII treatment. The lattice constant increases for both the bcc and fcc phases, while it decreases for the Ta and Nb concentrations in the films. The hardness and modulus of the Ta–Nb–Ti–W–N films are improved with increasing nitrogen implantation dose. The wear rate of the Ta25·4Nb13·4Ti20·9W40·3 with nitrogen implantation for 1 h is decreased two times than the Ta25·4Nb13·4Ti20·9W40·3 alloy films.
COX-1–derived thromboxane A2 plays an essential role in early B-cell development via regulation of JAK/STAT5 signaling in mouse
Authors: Yang Qiong , Shi Maohua , Shen Yujun , Cao Yingjiao , Zuo Shengkai , Zuo Caojian , Zhang Hui , Gabrilovich Dmitry I. , Yu Ying , Zhou Jie
Published: July 2014

Key Points

This study demonstrated an essential role of COX-1 in early B-cell development. Low-dose aspirin may have a potential suppressive effect on B-cell development in humans.
Study protocol: a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial to s tu dy the effect of vitamin D supplemen tation on gly caemic control in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus SUNNY trial
Authors: Krul-Poel Yvonne HM , Wijland Hans van , Stam Frank , ten Boekel Edwin , Lips Paul , Simsek Suat
Published: July 2014

Background

Besides the classical role of vitamin D on calcium and bone homeostasis, vitamin D deficiency has recently been identified as a contributing factor in the onset of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it is uncertain whether vitamin D deficiency and poor glycaemic control are causally interrelated or that they constitute two independent features of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are limited clinical trials carried out which measured the effect of vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic control.

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods/design

In a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial conducted in five general practices in the Netherlands three hundred patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with lifestyle advises or metformin or sulphonylurea-derivatives are randomised to receive either placebo or 50,000 IU Vitamin D3at monthly intervals. The primary outcome measure is the change in glycated haemoglobin level between baseline and six months. Secondary outcome measures include blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, insulin resistance, quality of life, advanced glycation end products and safety profiles. Quality of life will be measured by The Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey questionnaire. Advanced glycation end products are measured by an AGE-reader.

Discussion

This trial will be the first study exploring the effect of vitamin D supplementation on both glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our findings will contribute to the knowledge of the relationship between vitamin D status and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Trial registration

The Netherlands trial register:NTR3154
Naproxen affects osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells via regulation of Indian hedgehog signaling molecules
Authors: Salem Omar , Wang Hong Tian , Alaseem Abdulrahman M , Ciobanu Ovidiu , Hadjab Insaf , Gawri Rahul , Antoniou John , Mwale Fackson
Published: July 2014

Introduction

We previously showed that type X collagen, a marker of late stage chondrocyte hypertrophy (associated with endochondral ossification), is constitutively expressed by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from osteoarthritis patients and this may be related to Naproxen (Npx), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for therapy. Hedgehog (HH) signaling plays an important role during the development of bone. We tested the hypothesis that Npx affected osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs through the expression of Indian hedgehog (IHH), Patched-1 (PTC1) and GLI family members GLI1, GLI2, GLI3 in vitro.

Methods

MSCs were cultured in osteogenic differentiation medium without (control) or with 0.5 μM Npx. The expression of collagen type X, alpha 1 (COL10A1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OC), collagen type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1) was analyzed with real-time reverse transcription (RT) PCR, and the ALP activity was measured. The osteogenesis of MSCs was monitored by mineral staining and quantification with alizarin red S. To examine whether Npx affects osteogenic differentiation through HH signaling, the effect of Npx on the expression of IHH, GLI1, GLI2, GLI3 and PTC1 was analyzed with real-time RT PCR. The effect of cyclopamine (Cpn), a HH signaling inhibitor, on the expression of COL10A1, ALP, OC and COL1A1 was also determined.

Results

When MSCs were cultured in osteogenic differentiation medium, Npx supplementation led to a significant decrease in ALP gene expression as well as its activity, and had a tendency to decrease mineral deposition. It also decreased the expression of COL1A1 significantly. In contrast, the gene expression of COL10A1 and OPN were upregulated significantly by Npx. No significant effect was found on OC expression. The expression of IHH, PTC1, GLI1, and GLI2 was increased by Npx, while no significant difference was observed on GLI3 expression. Cpn reversed the effect of Npx on the expression of COL10A1, ALP, OPN and COL1A1.

Conclusions

These results indicate that Npx can affect gene expression during osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, and downregulate mineral deposition in the extracellular matrix through IHH signaling. Therefore, Npx could affect MSC-mediated repair of subchondral bone in OA patients.
Designed Electrochemical and Wet-chemical Fabrication of Cu/Cu2O@TiO2 Hybrid Nanowire Arrays for Li-ion Microbattery
Authors: Wu Xiaomeng , Zhang Shichao , Fang Hua , Du Zhijia , Lin Ruoxu
Published: July 2014

Well-organized Cu/Cu2O@TiO2 hybrid nanowire arrays are fabricated by a facile strategy combining the template-directed deposition and in situ template-sacrificial reaction. With an ideal geometrical configuration, the prepared nanoelectrodes exhibit superior rate capability with enhanced areal capacity when used as anode materials for reversible Li+ storage.
Total Syntheses of (+)-Sesamin and (+)-Sesaminol
Authors: Ishikawa Ryo , Yoshida Naoto , Akao Yusuke , Kawabe Yusuke , Inai Makoto , Asakawa Tomohiro , Hamashima Yoshitaka , Kan Toshiyuki
Published: July 2014

Total syntheses of (+)-sesamin (1a) and (+)-sesaminol (1b), which are major components of sesame lignans derived from Sesamum indicum, were accomplished in a highly stereocontrolled manner. Key steps include an l-proline-catalyzed cross-aldol reaction, which was accelerated with the aid of bifunctional urea 7, and the construction of a furofuran lignan skeleton through a quinomethide intermediate.