bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total Glucosides of Paeony Regulates JAK2/STAT3 Activation and Macrophage Proliferation in Diabetic Rat Kidneys
Authors: Wang Kun , Wu Yong-Gui , Su Jing , Zhang Jing-Jing , Zhang Pei , Qi Xiang-Ming
Published: May 2012

Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) is the major active constituent of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., which has shown renoprotection in experimental diabetic nephropathy. Activation of Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) is an important mechanism by which hyperglycemia contributes to renal damage. Macrophages also play an essential role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Herein, we investigated the ability of TGP to modulate JAK2/STAT3 activation and macrophage proliferation in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. TGP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was administered orally once a day for eight weeks. Levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 were determined by Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry and double immunohistochemistry were used to identify p-STAT3, ED-1, PCNA/ED-1, and p-STAT3/ED-1-positive (+) cells. The elevated 24-h urinary albumin excretion rate was markedly attenuated by treatment with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg TGP. Western blot analysis showed that the significantly increased levels of p-JAK2, p-STAT3 proteins in the kidneys of diabetic rats were significantly inhibited by 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg TGP treatment. The marked accumulation and proliferation of macrophages in diabetic kidneys were significantly inhibited by TGP treatment. ED-1+/p-STAT3+ cells were significantly increased in the kidneys from the model group but were significantly inhibited by TGP treatment. These results show that TGP significantly inhibited diabetic nephropathy progression and suggest that these protective effects are associated with the ability of TGP to inhibit the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and macrophage proliferation and action.
Protective Effect of Schisandrin B Against Cyclosporine A-Induced NephrotoxicityIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Zhu Shaohua , Wang Yan , Chen Meiwan , Jin Jing , Qiu Yuwen , Huang Min , Huang Zhiying
Published: May 2012

Schisandrin B (Sch B) is an active ingredient of the fruit of Schisandra chinensis. It has many therapeutic effects arising from its tonic, sedative, antitussive and antiaging activities and is also used in the treatment of viral and chemical hepatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Sch B on cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity in mice and HK-2 cells (a human proximal tubular epithelial cell line). After gavage with Sch B (20 mg/kg) or olive oil (vehicle), mice received CsA (30 mg/kg) by subcutaneous injection once daily for four weeks. Renal function, histopathology, and tissue glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated after the last treatment. The effects of Sch B on CsA–induced oxidative damage in HK-2 cells were investigated by measuring cell viability, the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the cellular GSH and ATP concentrations. Cellular apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Treatment with Sch B in CsA-treated mice significantly suppressed the elevation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels and attenuated the histopathological changes. Additionally, Sch B also decreased renal MDA levels and increased GSH levels in CsA-treated mice. Using an in vitro model, Sch B (2.5, 5 and 10 μM) significantly increased the cell viability and reduced LDH release and apoptosis induced by CsA (10 μM) in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, Sch B increased the intracellular GSH and ATP levels and attenuated CsA-induced ROS generation. In conclusion, Sch B appears to protect against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity by decreasing oxidative stress and cell death.
A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PATH INTEGRAL QUANTUM MECHANICS IN CURVED SPACETIME
Authors: SINGH DINESH , MOBED NADER
Published: May 2012

A fundamentally different approach to path integral quantum mechanics in curved spacetime is presented for scalar particle propagation on a locally curved background, as described by Fermi or Riemann normal coordinates. While using a strictly non-unitary form of local time translation involving Lie transport, the formalism nevertheless correctly recovers the free-particle Lagrangian in curved spacetime, plus new contributions. All the probability violating terms due to curvature contribute to a quantum violation of the weak equivalence principle at the particle's Compton wavelength scale and the propagator yields a gauge-invariant phase factor interpreted as the gravitational Aharonov–Bohm effect and Berry's phase.
ON THE WAY TOWARDS INCREASING THE PREDICTIVE POWER OF THE NUCLEAR MEAN FIELD THEORIES: EVALUATION OF TWO-BODY MATRIX ELEMENTS
Authors: MOLIQUE HERVÉ , DUDEK JERZY
Published: May 2012

In this paper we collect a number of technical issues that arise when constructing the matrix representation of the most general nuclear mean field Hamiltonian within which "all terms allowed by general symmetries are considered not only in principle but also in practice". Such a general posing of the problem is necessary when investigating the predictive power of the mean field theories by means of the well-posed inverse problem. [J. Dudek et al., Int. J. Mod. Phys. E21 (2012) 1250053]. To our knowledge quite often ill-posed mean field inverse problems arise in practical realizations what makes reliable extrapolations into the unknown areas of nuclei impossible. The conceptual and technical issues related to the inverse problem have been discussed in the above-mentioned topic whereas here we focus on "how to calculate the matrix elements, fast and with high numerical precision when solving the inverse problem" [For space-limitation reasons we illustrate the principal techniques on the example of the central interactions].
CURRENT–VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS WITHIN THE NEGATIVE DIFFERENTIAL RESISTANCE REGION OF AlGaAs/AlGaAs TUNNEL JUNCTIONS FOR HIGH CONCENTRATION PHOTOVOLTAICS
Authors: KOLHATKAR GITANJALI , WHEELDON JEFFREY F. , VALDIVIA CHRISTOPHER E. , WALKER ALEXANDRE W. , FAFARD SIMON , TURALA ARTUR , JAOUAD ABDELATIF , ARÈS RICHARD , AIMEZ VINCENT , HINZER KARIN
Published: May 2012

The current–voltage characteristics of AlGaAs/AlGaAs tunnel junctions for use in multi-junction solar cells are studied experimentally, where tunneling current peaks of 1100 A/cm2 and specific contact resistivities of 0.3 × 10-4Ω⋅cm2 at 7 A/cm2 (typical concentrated photovoltaic operating current) are measured. This represents an ideal tunnel junction design, with a very low resistance and one of the highest tunneling peak currents reported for solar cells. Normally, solar cell current–voltage characteristics are measured using time-averaged methods, which, in this study, reveal a tunneling peak current density of ~950 A/cm2. Due to nonlinear oscillations within the measurement circuit, the precise locations and magnitudes of the tunneling peak and valley current densities are obscured when using time-average measurement methods. Here we present an alternative method to determine the tunneling peak current density, in which the nonlinear oscillations in the current and voltage are recorded over time and a current density–voltage curve is reconstructed. This time-dependent method results in a measured tunneling peak current density of ~ 1100 A/cm2. The nonlinear oscillations of the experimental circuit are reproduced by modeling an equivalent circuit, resulting in qualitative agreement with the observed oscillations. This model predicts the capacitance and inductance of the equivalent circuit to be approximately 3 nF and 3.5 μH, respectively. This numerical model can be used to determine the inductance and the capacitance of any circuit having a negative differential resistance region.
A CONSTRUCTION FOR SEMI-COMPACTIFICATIONS
Authors: Ramkumar S. , Moorthy C. Ganesa
Published: May 2012

Some new concepts of semi-compact spaces and semi-compactifications are introduced. An axiomatic construction for all Hausdorff compactifications is extended to construct semi-compactifications.
C-DENSE INJECTIVITY IN Act-S
Authors: Shahbaz Leila
Published: May 2012

To study mathematical notions, such as injectivity with respect to the class [Formula: see text] of (mono)morphisms in a category [Formula: see text], one needs to have some categorical and algebraic information about the pair ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). In this paper, we take [Formula: see text] to be the category Act-S of acts over a semigroup S, C to be an arbitrary closure operator in the category Act-S, and [Formula: see text] to be the class of C-dense monomorphisms resulting from a closure operator C and first study some categorical properties of the pair (Act-S, [Formula: see text]). Then injectivity with respect to the class of C-dense monomorphisms is studied. The class of sequentially dense monomorphisms resulting from a special closure operator (sequential closure operator) and injectivity with respect to this class of monomorphisms have been studied by Giuli, Ebrahimi, Mahmoudi and the author. Some of these results generalize some of the results about the class of sequentially dense monomorphisms.
PERTURBATION OF FRAMES IN BANACH SPACES
Authors: Stoeva Diana T.
Published: May 2012

In this paper we consider perturbation of several frame-concepts in separable Banach spaces. We determine stability conditions with sharp bounds and discuss the necessity of some of them. Further, we investigate equivalence between several perturbation conditions. In particular, a result for tight frames for Hilbert spaces is obtained.
GENERALIZED HYERS–ULAM STABILITIES OF AN EULER–LAGRANGE–RASSIAS QUADRATIC FUNCTIONAL EQUATION
Authors: Zivari-Kazempour A. , Gordji M. Eshaghi
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we give the general solution of the Euler–Lagrange–Rassias-type quadratic functional equation [Formula: see text] and investigate its generalized Hyers–Ulam stability.
GOLD NANOPARTICLES-BASED BIOSENSORS FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATION
Authors: ZHAO JING , BO BING , YIN YONG-MEI , LI GEN-XI
Published: May 2012

Gold nanoparticles are the most extensively studied nanomaterials for biomedical application due to their unique properties, such as rapid and simple synthesis, large surface area, strong adsorption ability and facile conjugation to various biomolecules. The remarkable photophysical properties of gold nanoparticles have provided plenty of opportunities for the preparation of gold nanoparticles-based optical biosensors, while the excellent biocompatibility, conductivity, catalytic properties and large surface-to-volume ratio have facilitated the application of gold nanoparticles in the construction of electrochemical biosensors. In this review, we mainly detail the gold nanoparticles-based optical and electrochemical biosensors for biomedical application in the recent two years, which have exhibited greatly enhanced analytical performances in the detection of DNA, proteins and some important small molecules.
Effect of Low‐Frequency Alternative‐Current Magnetic Susceptibility in Ni80Fe20 Thin Films
Authors: Chen Yuan-Tsung , Lin S. H. , Lin Y. C.
Published: May 2012

X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the NiFe thin films had a face‐centered cubic (FCC) structure. Post‐annealing treatment increased the crystallinity of NiFe films over those at room temperature (RT), suggesting that NiFe crystallization yields FCC (111) texturing. Post‐annealing treatments increase crystallinity over that obtained at RT. This paper focuses on the maximum alternative‐current magnetic susceptibility (χac) value of NiFe thin films with resonance frequency (fres) at low frequencies from 10 Hz to 25000 Hz. These results demonstrate that the χac
of NiFe thin films increased with post‐annealing treatment and increasing thickness. The NiFe (111) texture suggests that the relationship between magneto‐crystalline anisotropy and the maximum χac value with optimal resonance frequency (fres) increased spin sensitivity at optimal fres. The results obtained under the three conditions revealed that the maximum χac value and optimal fres of a 1000 Å‐thick NiFe thin film are 3.45 Hz and 500 Hz, respectively, following postannealing at TA = 250°C for 1 h. This suggests that a 1000 Å NiFe thin film post‐annealed at TA = 250°C is suitable for gauge sensor and transformer applications at low frequencies.
Autophagy: More Than a Nonselective Pathway
Authors: Reggiori Fulvio , Komatsu Masaaki , Finley Kim , Simonsen Anne
Published: May 2012

Autophagy is a catabolic pathway conserved among eukaryotes that allows cells to rapidly eliminate large unwanted structures such as aberrant protein aggregates, superfluous or damaged organelles, and invading pathogens. The hallmark of this transport pathway is the sequestration of the cargoes that have to be degraded in the lysosomes by double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes. The key actors mediating the biogenesis of these carriers are the autophagy-related genes (ATGs). For a long time, it was assumed that autophagy is a bulk process. Recent studies, however, have highlighted the capacity of this pathway to exclusively eliminate specific structures and thus better fulfil the catabolic necessities of the cell. We are just starting to unveil the regulation and mechanism of these selective types of autophagy, but what it is already clearly emerging is that structures targeted to destruction are accurately enwrapped by autophagosomes through the action of specific receptors and adaptors. In this paper, we will briefly discuss the impact that the selective types of autophagy have had on our understanding of autophagy.
Human Mature Adipocytes Express Albumin and This Expression Is Not Regulated by Inflammation
Authors: Sirico Maria Luisa , Guida Bruna , Procino Alfredo , Pota Andrea , Sodo Maurizio , Grandaliano Giuseppe , Simone Simona , Pertosa Giovanni , Riccio Eleonora , Memoli Bruno
Published: May 2012

Aims. Our group investigated albumin gene expression in human adipocytes, its regulation by inflammation and the possible contribution of adipose tissue to albumin circulating levels.Methods. Both inflamed and healthy subjects provided adipose tissue samples. RT-PCR, Real-Time PCR, and Western Blot analysis on homogenates of adipocytes and pre-adipocytes were performed. In sixty-three healthy subjects and fifty-four micro-inflamed end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients circulating levels of albumin were measured by nephelometry; all subjects were also evaluated for body composition, calculated from bioelectrical measurements and an thropometric data.Results. A clear gene expression of albumin was showed in pre-adipocytes and, for the first time, in mature adipocytes. Albumin gene expression resulted significantly higher in pre-adipocytes than in adipocytes. No significant difference in albumin gene expression was showed between healthy controls and inflamed patients. A significant negative correlation was observed between albumin levels and fat mass in both healthy subjects and inflamed ESRD patients.Conclusions. In the present study we found first time evidence that human adipocytes express albumin. Our results also showed that systemic inflammation does not modulate albumin gene expression. The negative correlation between albumin and fat mass seems to exclude a significant contributing role of adipocyte in plasma albumin.
Dispensabilities of Carbonic Anhydrase in Proteobacteria
Authors: Ueda Kenji , Nishida Hiromi , Beppu Teruhiko
Published: May 2012

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) (E.C. 4.2.1.1) is a ubiquitous enzyme catalysing interconversion between CO2 and bicarbonate. The irregular distribution of the phylogenetically distinct classes of CA in procaryotic genome suggests its complex evolutionary history in procaryotes. Genetic evidence regarding the dispensability of CA under high-CO2 air in some model organisms indicates that CA-deficient microorganisms can persist in the natural environment by choosing high-CO2 niches. In this study, we studied the distribution of CA in the genome of Proteobacteria. While a large majority of the genome-sequenced Proteobacteria retained a CA gene(s), intracellular bacterial genera such as Buchnera and Rickettsia contained CA-defective strains. Comparison between CA-retaining and CA- deficient genomes showed the absence of whole coding sequence in some strains and the presence of frameshifted coding sequence in other strains. The evidence suggests that CA is inactivated and lost in some proteobacteria during the course of evolution based on its dispensability.
Power Harvesting Capabilities of SHM Ultrasonic Sensors
Authors: Delebarre Christophe , Sainthuile Thomas , Grondel Sébastien , Paget Christophe
Published: May 2012

The aim of this work is to show that classical Structural Health Monitoring ultrasonic sensors may provide some power harvesting capabilities from a wide variety of vibration sources. In other words, the authors developed an integrated piezoelectric energy harvesting sensor capable of operating a dual mode, that is, carrying out vibration power harvesting and Structural Health Monitoring. First, vibrations signals of an A380 aircraft recorded during different phases of flight are presented to show the need of a wideband piezoelectric energy harvester. Then, the voltage response of a piezoelectric power harvester bonded onto an aluminium cantilever plate and excited by an electromechanical shaker is measured. A finite element model of the energy harvester system is also presented. This model provides the voltage response of the harvester due to a mechanical excitation of the host structure and allows a better understanding of the energy harvesting process. In many cases, a good agreement with the experimental results is obtained. A power measurement also showed the ability of piezoelectric SHM sensors to harvest power over an extended frequency range present in spectra collected in aircrafts. This result could lead to numerous applications even though this kind of power harvester sensor has been initially designed to operate onboard aircrafts.
Some Oscillation Results of Higher‐Order Linear Differential Equations with Meromorphic Coefficients
Authors: Huang Zhigang
Published: May 2012

We investigate the growth of solutions of higher‐order nonhomogeneous linear differential equations with meromorphic coefficients. We also discuss the relationship between small functions and solutions of such equations.
Neuroprotective Activity ofSibjeondaebo-tangon AβPeptide-Induced Damages
Authors: Yim Hyeon Ju , Lim Jung Hwa , Kim Min Hee , Namgung Uk , Lee Sang Ryong , Jung In Chul
Published: May 2012

Background.Sibjeondaebo-tang(SJDBT) has been used to treat diverse disorders including neuropsychiatric disabilities in traditional Korean medicine.Objective. The present study aims to investigate the potential effects of SJDBT on neuroprotection against Aβ peptide-induced damage usingin vitroculture andin vivorat brain systems.Materials and Methods. PC12 cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay, and neurite arborizations and caspase 3 protein signals in cultured PC12 cells andin vivocortical neurons were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Phospho-Erk1/2 protein was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis.Results. In PC12 cells, atrophied cell body and reduced neurite extension by Aβtreatment were recovered by SJDBT treatment. Caspase 3 protein signals were increased in Aβ-treated PC12 cells, but SJDBT treatment decreased apoptotic cell death. Caspase 3 activation in cortical neurons, which was induced similarly by Aβtreatment, was reduced by SJDBT treatment. Furthermore, phospho-Erk1/2 protein levels, which had been decreased by Aβtreatment, were elevated in the cortical neurons by SJDBT treatment.Conclusion. These data show that SJDBT may play a role in protecting from damages induced by Aβin neuronal tissue and further suggest that SJDBT can be explored as the potential therapeutic target for AD treatments in human.
Antiviral Ability ofKalanchoe gracilisLeaf Extract against Enterovirus 71 and Coxsackievirus A16
Authors: Wang Ching-Ying , Huang Shun-Chueh , Zhang Yongjun , Lai Zhen-Rung , Kung Szu-Hao , Chang Yuan-Shiun , Lin Cheng-Wen
Published: May 2012

Pandemic infection or reemergence of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) occurs in tropical and subtropical regions, being associated with hand-foot-and-mouth disease, herpangina, aseptic meningitis, brain stem encephalitis, pulmonary edema, and paralysis. However, effective therapeutic drugs against EV71 and CVA16 are rare.Kalanchoe gracilis(L.) DC is used for the treatment of injuries, pain, and inflammation. This study investigated antiviral effects ofK. gracilisleaf extract on EV71 and CVA16 replications. HPLC analysis with a C-18 reverse phase column showed fingerprint profiles ofK. gracilisleaf extract had 15 chromatographic peaks. UV/vis absorption spectra revealed peaks 5, 12, and 15 as ferulic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol, respectively.K. gracilisleaf extract showed little cytotoxicity, but exhibited concentration-dependent antiviral activities including cytopathic effect, plaque, and virus yield reductions.K. gracilisleaf extract was shown to be more potent in antiviral activity than ferulic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol, significantly inhibitingin vitroreplication of EV71 (IC50=35.88 μg/mL) and CVA16 (IC50=42.91 μg/mL). Moreover,K. gracilisleaf extract is a safe antienteroviral agent with the inactivation of viral 2A protease and reduction of IL-6 and RANTES expressions.
Surgical Results of Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery Using a New Technique Named Aqua Dissection
Authors: Yonemura Y. , Elnemr A. , Endou Y. , Ishibashi H. , Mizumoto A. , Miura M. , Li Yan
Published: May 2012

During 2004 to 2011, 81, 420, and 166 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), epithelial appendiceal neoplasm (APN), and gastric cancer (GC) with PC were treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus perioperative chemotherapy. CRS was performed by peritonectomy techniques using an aqua dissection.Results. Complete cytoreduction was done in 62/81 (76.5%), 228/420 (54.3%), and 101/166 (60.8%) of patients with CRC, APN, and GC. The main reasons of incomplete resections were involvement of all peritoneal regions and diffuse involvement of small bowel. The incidence (64%, 302/470) of CC-0 resection after introduction of an aqua dissection was significantly higher than before (42%, 82/197). A total of 41 (6.1%) patients died postoperatively. Major complication (grade 3-4 complications) occurred in 126 patients (18.9%). A reoperation was necessary in 36 patients (5.4%). By the multivariate analysis, PCI scores capable of serving as thresholds for favorable versus poor prognosis in each group and CC scores demonstrated as the independent prognostic factors.Conclusions. Peritonectomy using an aqua dissection improves the incidence of complete cytoreduction, and improves the survival of patients with PC. Patients with PCI larger than the threshold values should be treated with chemotherapy to improve the incidences of complete cytoreduction.
More than Meets the Eye: Functionally Salient Changes in Internal Bone Architecture Accompany Divergence in Cichlid Feeding Mode
Authors: Albertson R. Craig , Cooper W. James , Mann Kenneth A.
Published: May 2012

African cichlids have undergone extensive and repeated adaptive radiations in foraging habitat. While theexternalmorphology of the cichlid craniofacial skeleton has been studied extensively, biomechanically relevant changes tointernalbone architecture have been largely overlooked. Here we explore two fundamental questions: (1) Do changes in the internal architecture of bone accompany shifts in foraging mode? (2) What is the genetic basis for this trait? We focus on the maxilla, which is an integral part of the feeding apparatus and an element that should be subjected to significant bending forces during biting. Analyses ofμCT scans revealed clear differences between the maxilla of two species that employ alternative foraging strategies (i.e., biting versus suction feeding). Hybrids between the two species exhibit maxillary geometries that closely resemble those of the suction feeding species, consistent with a dominant mode of inheritance. This was supported by the results of a genetic mapping experiment, where suction feeding alleles were dominant to biting alleles at two loci that affect bone architecture. Overall, these data suggest that the internal structure of the cichlid maxilla has a tractable genetic basis and that discrete shifts in this trait have accompanied the evolution of alternate feeding modes.
Asymmetrical Gating with Application on Maneuvering Target Tracking
Authors: Hashemzadeh Farzad
Published: May 2012

A new asymmetrical gate with application in target tracking is proposed. Proposed gate has asymmetric shape that has large probability of target detection in the gate and has more advantages compared with elliptical gate. The gate is defined as the region in which the tracked target is expected to exist and just observation vectors in the gate are used as target detection. An analytical method to compute optimal size of gate is proposed and recursive estimation of asymmetric parameters of gate are studied. Comparison between proposed gate and conventional elliptical gate showed the efficiency of the proposed method in maneuvering target tracking applications and simulation results showed the proficiency of the proposed method.
Nanocomposites Based on Technical Polymers and Sterically Functionalized Soft Magnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Processing, and Characterization
Authors: Kirchberg S. , Rudolph M. , Ziegmann G. , Peuker U. A.
Published: May 2012

This experimental study deals with the synthesis, processing, and characterization of highly filled nanocomposites based on polyvinyl butyral/magnetite (PVB/Fe3O4) and polymethylmethacrylate/magnetite (PMMA/Fe3O4). The nanoparticles are synthesized in an aqueous coprecipitation reaction and show a single particle diameter of approximately 15 nm. The particles are sterically functionalized and covered by PVB and PMMA in a spray drying process. The synthesized compound particles are further processed by injection molding to test specimens with filler contents up to 14.5 vol.‐%. PVB and PMMA specimen are processed as a reference as well.
The distribution of the nanoparticles is characterized by microscopy. Besides a minor number of agglomerates and aggregates the nanoparticles are distributed homogeneously in the PVB composites. Furthermore, the injection molded specimens are characterized with regard to their thermal degradation, polymer structure, and their mechanical and magnetic properties. The presence of nanoparticles capped with ricinoleic acid shows significant decrease in degradation temperature and in glass transition temperature of PVB. The degradation temperature of PMMA is increased by adding nanoparticles capped with oleic acid. Dynamic‐mechanical properties as well as the magnetic permeability of PVB and PMMA are improved significantly by adding nanoparticles.
The Utilization of the iOS Platform to Create LearnENT: An Interactive Educational App in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Kohlert S. , Scherer N. , Kherani S. , McLean L.
Published: May 2012

LearnENT, an educational app for iOS, was developed to promote a standardized experience otolaryngology in head and neck surgery (OTOHNS) for University of Ottawa medical students. Its development was grounded in pedagogical theory including Laurillard’s design process, Honey and Mumford’s learning styles, and Nielsen’s theory of usability. This paper examines LearnENT's design and development processes as well as the role of mobile apps in medical education. Features of the LearnENT app as they apply to Constructivist learning are also highlighted.
Animal Models of Glaucoma
Authors: A. Bouhenni Rachida , Dunmire Jeffrey , Sewell Abby , Edward Deepak P.
Published: May 2012

Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of disorders that progressively lead to blindness due to loss of retinal ganglion cells and damage to the optic nerve. It is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. Although research in the field of glaucoma is substantial, the pathophysiologic mechanisms causing the disease are not completely understood. A wide variety of animal models have been used to study glaucoma. These include monkeys, dogs, cats, rodents, and several other species. Although these models have provided valuable information about the disease, there is still no ideal model for studying glaucoma due to its complexity. In this paper we present a summary of most of the animal models that have been developed and used for the study of the different types of glaucoma, the strengths and limitations associated with each species use, and some potential criteria to develop a suitable model.
Endoscopic Evaluation of Symptomatic Patients following Bariatric Surgery: A Literature Review
Authors: Subhani Miral , Rizvon Kaleem , Mustacchia Paul
Published: May 2012

Obesity is an epidemic in our society, and rates continue to rise, along with comorbid conditions associated with obesity. Unfortunately, obesity remains refractory to behavioral and drug therapy but has shown response to bariatric surgery. Not only can long-term weight loss be achieved, but a majority of patients have also shown improvement of the comorbid conditions associated with obesity. A rise in the use of surgical therapy for management of obesity presents a challenge with an increased number of patients with problems after bariatric surgery. It is important to be familiar with symptoms following bariatric surgery, such as nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, dysphagia, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding and to utilize appropriate available tests for upper gastrointestinal tract pathology in the postoperative period.
The Neuroinflammatory Response in ALS: The Roles of Microglia and T Cells
Authors: Lewis Coral-Ann , Manning John , Rossi Fabio , Krieger Charles
Published: May 2012

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by upper and lower motoneuron death. Mutations in the gene for superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause a familial form of ALS and have been used to develop transgenic mice which overexpress human mutant SOD1 (mSOD) and these mice exhibit a motoneuron disease which is pathologically and phenotypically similar to ALS. Neuroinflammation is a pathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases including ALS and is typified by the activation and proliferation of microglia and the infiltration of T cells into the brain and spinal cord. Although the neuroinflammatory response has been considered a consequence of neuronal dysfunction and death, evidence indicates that manipulation of this response can alter disease progression. Previously viewed as deleterious to neuronal survival, recent reports suggest a trophic role for activated microglia in the mSOD mouse during the early stages of disease that is dependent on instructive signals from infiltrating T cells. However, at advanced stages of disease, activated microglia acquire increased neurotoxic potential, warranting further investigation into factors capable of skewing microglial activation towards a neurotrophic phenotype as a means of therapeutic intervention in ALS.
Physical Activity Is Associated with Weight Loss and Increased Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Severely Obese Men and Women Undergoing Lifestyle Treatment
Authors: Aadland Eivind , Robertson Lesley
Published: May 2012

We aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity (PA) and change in body weight and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in severely obese men and women. Thirty-five subjects (10 men, body mass index43.2±5.1 kg/m2) who participated in a 10-month lifestyle treatment programme were included. The PA duration correlated only with weight change for men (r=-0.69,P=.027versusr=-0.19,P=.372for women). Conversely, the PA intensity correlated only with CRF for women (r=0.61,P=.003versusr=0.39,P=.340for men). PA explained 55.8 and 5.6% of weight change for men and women, respectively, whereas the corresponding explained variances for CRF were 15.6 and 36.7%. We conclude that PA was associated with change in body weight and CRF; however, there was a trend towards a gender specific effect between severely obese men and women.
Tirapazamine-Doxorubicin Interaction Referring to Heart Oxidative Stress and Ca2+Balance Protein Levels
Authors: Sliwinska Justyna , Dudka Jaroslaw , Korga Agnieszka , Burdan Franciszek , Matysiak Wlodzimierz , Jodlowska-Jedrych Barbara , Mandziuk Slawomir , Dawidek-Pietryka Katarzyna
Published: May 2012

Doxorubicin (DOX) causes long-term cardiomyopathy that is dependent on oxidative stress and contractility disorders. Tirapazamine (TP), an experimental adjuvant drug, passes the same red-ox transformation as DOX. The aim of the study was to evaluate an effect of tirapazamine on oxidative stress, contractile protein level, and cardiomyocyte necrosis in rats administered doxorubicin. Rats were intraperitoneally injected six times once a week with tirapazamine in two doses, 5 (5TP) and 10 mg/kg (10TP), while doxorubicin was administered in dose 1.8 mg/kg (DOX). Subsequent two groups received both drugs simultaneously (5TP+DOX and 10TP+DOX). Tirapazamine reduced heart lipid peroxidation and normalised RyR2 protein level altered by doxorubicin. There were no significant changes in GSH/GSSG ratio, total glutathione, cTnI, AST, and SERCA2 level between DOX and TP+DOX groups. Cardiomyocyte necrosis was observed in groups 10TP and 10TP+DOX.
Nonhomogeneous Nonlinear Dirichlet Problems with a p‐Superlinear Reaction
Authors: Gasiński Leszek , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: May 2012

We consider a nonlinear Dirichlet elliptic equation driven by a nonhomogeneous differential operator and with a Carathéodory reaction f(z, ζ), whose primitive f(z, ζ) is p‐superlinear near ±∞, but need not satisfy the usual in such cases, the Ambrosetti‐Rabinowitz condition. Using a combination of variational methods with the Morse theory (critical groups), we show that the problem has at least three nontrivial smooth solutions. Our result unifies the study of “superlinear” equations monitored by some differential operators of interest like the p‐Laplacian, the (p, q)‐Laplacian, and the p‐generalized mean curvature operator.
Chk2 Phosphorylation of Survivin-ΔEx3 Contributes to a DNA Damage–Sensing Checkpoint in Cancer
Authors: Lopergolo Alessia , Tavecchio Michele , Lisanti Sofia , Ghosh Jagadish C. , Dohi Takehiko , Faversani Alice , Vaira Valentina , Bosari Silvano , Tanigawa Nobuhiko , Delia Domenico , Kossenkov Andrew V. , Showe Louise C. , Altieri Dario C.
Published: May 2012

Survivin is an oncogene that functions in cancer cell cytoprotection and mitosis. Here we report that differential expression in cancer cells of a C-terminal splice variant of survivin, termed survivin-ΔEx3, is tightly associated with aggressive disease and markers of unfavorable prognosis. In contrast to other survivin variants, survivin-ΔEx3 localized exclusively to nuclei in tumor cells and was phosphorylated at multiple residues by the checkpoint kinase Chk2 during DNA damage. Mutagenesis of the Chk2 phosphorylation sites enhanced the stability of survivin-ΔEx3 in tumor cells, inhibited the expression of phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX) in response to double-strand DNA breaks, and impaired growth after DNA damage. DNA damage induced Chk2 phosphorylation, stabilization of p53, induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, and homologous recombination–induced repair were not affected. In vivo, active Chk2 was detected at the earliest stages of the colorectal adenoma-to-carcinoma transition, persisted in advanced tumors, and correlated with increased survivin expression. Together, our findings suggest that Chk2-mediated phosphorylation of survivin-ΔEx3 contributes to a DNA damage–sensing checkpoint that may affect cancer cell sensitivity to genotoxic therapies. Cancer Res; 72(13); 3251–9. ©2012 AACR.
Global Methylation Profiling for Risk Prediction of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mahapatra Saswati , Klee Eric W. , Young Charles Y.F. , Sun Zhifu , Jimenez Rafael E. , Klee George G. , Tindall Donald J. , Donkena Krishna Vanaja
Published: May 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the promoter hypermethylation as diagnostic markers to detect malignant prostate cells and as prognostic markers to predict the clinical recurrence of prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: DNA was isolated from prostate cancer and normal adjacent tissues. After bisulfite conversion, methylation of 14,495 genes was evaluated using the Methylation27 microarrays in 238 prostate tissues. We analyzed methylation profiles in four different groups: (i) tumor (n = 198) versus matched normal tissues (n = 40), (ii) recurrence (n = 123) versus nonrecurrence (n = 75), (iii) clinical recurrence (n = 80) versus biochemical recurrence (n = 43), and (iv) systemic recurrence (n = 36) versus local recurrence (n = 44). Group 1, 2, 3, and 4 genes signifying biomarkers for diagnosis, prediction of recurrence, clinical recurrence, and systemic progression were determined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to predict risk of recurrence. We validated the methylation of genes in 20 independent tissues representing each group by pyrosequencing.

Results: Microarray analysis revealed significant methylation of genes in four different groups of prostate cancer tissues. The sensitivity and specificity of methylation for 25 genes from 1, 2, and 4 groups and 7 from group 3 were shown. Validation of genes by pyrosequencing from group 1 (GSTP1, HIF3A, HAAO, and RARβ), group 2 (CRIP1, FLNC, RASGRF2, RUNX3, and HS3ST2), group 3 (PHLDA3, RASGRF2, and TNFRSF10D), and group 4 (BCL11B, POU3F3, and RASGRF2) confirmed the microarray results.

Conclusions: Our study provides a global assessment of DNA methylation in prostate cancer and identifies the significance of genes as diagnostic and progression biomarkers of prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 18(10); 2882–95. ©2012 AACR.
Speckle Tracking-Derived Myocardial Tissue Deformation Imaging in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Differences in Strain and Strain Rate between Donor and Recipient Twins
Authors: Rychik Jack , Zeng Shi , Bebbington Michael , Szwast Anita , Quartermain Michael , Natarajan Shobha , Johnson Mark , Tian Zhiyun
Published: May 2012

Objectives: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a complex disorder with altered cardiovascular loading conditions that affects both donors and recipients. Myocardial tissue deformation analysis using vector velocity imaging is an angle-independent, speckle-tracking technique which can assess myocardial mechanics and may provide insight into cardiac dysfunction in TTTS. Methods: Digital dynamic two-dimensional four-chamber views were interrogated offline. Images were acquired utilizing standard video frame rates (30 frames/s). The global longitudinal strain, systolic strain rate, and diastolic strain rate were measured in the left (LV) and right ventricles (RV) of 25 fetal pairs with TTTS and compared to 25 gestational age-matched normal controls. Pulsatility indices for the umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery were measured. Results: The gestational age at evaluation was 20.5 ± 1.3 weeks. The donor LV systolic strain rate was higher, while the donor RV diastolic strain rate was significantly lower, than control values. The recipient longitudinal strain, systolic strain rate, and diastolic strain rate were significantly lower for both LV and RV in comparison to controls. The donor umbilical artery pulsatility index was higher than control values (1.92 ± 0.45 vs. 1.41 ± 0.25, p < 0.001), while the donor middle cerebral artery pulsatility index was lower (1.46 ± 0.28 vs. 1.87 ± 0.21). Recipient umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery pulsatility indices were no different than control values. Conclusions: In TTTS, both the donor and the recipient exhibit abnormalities of myocardial tissue deformation with ventricle-specific changes evident based on loading conditions. Donor LV systolic function is hyperdynamic due to hypovolemia and selective ejection into a low-resistance cerebrovascular circuit while the donor RV selectively ejects into a high-resistance placental circuit. Recipient RV and LV are both globally depressed with systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Further prospective validation of our findings using high frame rate analysis is indicated.
Primary Extranodal Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of the Vagina: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Guastafierro Salvatore , Tedeschi Amando , Criscuolo Clelia , Celentano Maria , Cobellis Luigi , Rossiello Raffaele , Falcone Umberto
Published: May 2012

Primary lymphoma of the female genital tract is very rare. We report the case of a 36-year-old woman who was referred to our hospital because of an indeterminate Pap smear test. The colposcopy showed a thickening of the posterior vaginal wall and various irregular ulcerated nodular lesions. Histological examination, immunohistochemistry and the staging procedures were conclusive of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the vagina, stage IEA. Complete remission was achieved after 6 cycles of immunopolychemotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone). No relapse has occurred during a follow-up of 71 months. Moreover, we reviewed the 62 previously reported cases of primary extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the vagina, focusing on clinicopathological and therapeutic aspects, to better characterize this unusual disease.
Culture-Proven Neonatal Sepsis in Japanese Neonatal Care Units in 2006–2008
Authors: Morioka Ichiro , Morikawa Satoru , Miwa Akihiro , Minami Hirotaka , Yoshii Katsuhiko , Kugo Masaaki , Kitsunezuka Yoshiki , Enomoto Miki , Jikimoto Takumi , Nakamura Masakuni , Yokoyama Naoki , Nishio Hisahide , Matsuo Masafumi , Yamada Hideto
Published: May 2012

Background: Recent Japanese epidemiology of neonatal sepsis and its predominant pathogens has not been reported. It is also unknown whether there are center differences in the incidence of neonatal sepsis, including early-onset sepsis (EOS) and late-onset sepsis (LOS) in Japan. Objectives: To investigate the morbidity and characteristics of neonatal sepsis in recent years and the differences in the incidence of sepsis among Japanese neonatal care units. Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of newborn infants with culture-proven sepsis that occurred in five Japanese centers of perinatal care from 2006 to 2008. The incidence of sepsis was calculated, including EOS and LOS, and compared among centers. Results: Morbidity from sepsis occurred in 51/6,894 (0.74%) infants. The incidence of EOS and LOS was 0.13 and 0.61%, respectively. The incidence of total sepsis and LOS in infants <1,000 g of birth weight was significantly higher than that in infants who weighed >1,000 g at birth, whereas there were no significant differences in the incidence of EOS between the different birth weights. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen involved in morbidity and mortality of neonatal sepsis. Significant center differences were observed in the incidence of LOS, but not EOS. Conclusions: The majority of culture-proven neonatal sepsis is LOS, which differs among centers, especially in infants who weigh <1,000 g at birth in Japan. We consider that it is important to control nosocomial infection in newborn care units to further reduce the morbidity of neonatal sepsis in Japan.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Patterns in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Samuels Joshua , Ng Derek , Flynn Joseph T. , Mitsnefes Mark , Poffenbarger Tim , Warady Bradley A. , Furth Susan
Published: May 2012

Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) is the best method of detecting abnormal BP in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), whose hypertension may be missed with casual BP measurements. We report ABPM findings in 332 children 1 year after entry in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children cohort study. All of the subjects underwent casual and ambulatory BP measurement. BP was categorized based on casual and ABPM results into normal (42%), white-coat (4%), masked (35%), and ambulatory (14%) hypertension. Only half of the subjects had a normal ABPM. BP load was elevated (>25%) in 52% (n=172), whereas mean BP was elevated in 32% (n=105). In multivariate analysis, those using an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor were 89% more likely to have a normal ABPM than those who did not report using an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (odds ratio, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.17–3.04]). For every 20% faster decline in annualized glomerular filtration rate change, the odds of an abnormal ABPM increased 26% (odds ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 0.97–1.64]). A 2.25-fold increase in urine protein:creatinine ratio annualized change was associated with a 39% higher odds of an abnormal ABPM (odds ratio, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.06–1.82]). Abnormalities on ABPM are common in children with chronic kidney disease and are strongly associated with known risk factors for end-stage renal disease. Individuals on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were less likely to have abnormal ABPM, suggesting a possible therapeutic intervention. ABPM should be used to monitor risk and guide therapy in children with chronic kidney disease.
Oxidative Stress Contributes to Sex Differences in Blood Pressure in Adult Growth-Restricted Offspring
Authors: Ojeda Norma B. , Hennington Bettye Sue , Williamson Danielle T. , Hill Melanie L. , Betson Nicole E.E. , Sartori-Valinotti Julio C. , Reckelhoff Jane F. , Royals Thomas P. , Alexander Barbara T.
Published: May 2012

Numerous experimental studies suggest that oxidative stress contributes to the pathophysiology of hypertension and, importantly, that oxidative stress plays a more definitive role in mediating hypertension in males than in females. Intrauterine growth restriction induced by reduced uterine perfusion initiated at day 14 of gestation in the rat programs hypertension in adult male growth-restricted offspring; yet, female growth-restricted offspring are normotensive. The mechanisms mediating sex differences in blood pressure in adult growth-restricted offspring are not clear. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that sex-specific differences in renal oxidative stress contribute to the regulation of blood pressure in adult growth-restricted offspring. A significant increase in blood pressure measured by telemetry in male growth-restricted offspring (
P
<0.05) was associated with a marked increase in renal markers of oxidative stress (
P
<0.05). Chronic treatment with the antioxidant Tempol had no effect on blood pressure in male control offspring, but it normalized blood pressure (
P
<0.05) and renal markers of oxidative stress (
P
<0.05) in male growth-restricted offspring relative to male control offspring. Renal markers of oxidative stress were not elevated in female growth-restricted offspring; however, renal activity of the antioxidant catalase was significantly elevated relative to female control offspring (
P
<0.05). Chronic treatment with Tempol did not significantly alter oxidative stress or blood pressure measured by telemetry in female offspring. Thus, these data suggest that sex differences in renal oxidative stress and antioxidant activity are present in adult growth-restricted offspring and that oxidative stress may play a more important role in modulating blood pressure in male but not female growth-restricted offspring.