bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of ZnO Nanostructures by Microwave Irradiation Using Albumen as a Template
Authors: Prakash T. , Jayaprakash R. , Neri G. , Kumar Sanjay
Published: March 2013

ZnO nanostructures have been successfully prepared by a microwave irradiation method. The role of albumen as a template in addressing the size and morphology of ZnO has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. A heterogeneous mixture of Zn(OH)2 and ZnO was obtained in absence of albumen. Pure ZnO nanostructures, consisting of rod- and whisker-like nanoparticles embedded in a sheet matrix, were obtained in the presence of albumen. Optical and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the synthesized samples were also compared. Results obtained indicate that the microwave-assisted method is a promising low temperature, cheap, and fast method for the production of ZnO nanostructures.
Validation of New Allele-Specific Real-Time PCR System for Thiopurine Methyltransferase Genotyping in Korean Population
Authors: Kim Sollip , Lee Hye Won , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Min Won-Ki
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Thiopurine drugs are metabolized via S-methylation and catalyzed by thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT). Patients with very low TPMT activity are at high risk of fatal bone marrow toxicity when standard doses of thiopurine drugs are administered.TPMTgenotyping can predict TPMT activity and is not affected by transfusion or red blood cell defects. Here, we report a new allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system for thiopurine methyltransferase genotyping that is validated in Korean population.Materials and Methods. Three majorTPMTsingle-nucleotide polymorphisms (TPMT*2, *3B, and *3C) were genotyped using real-time PCR with the allele-specific primers and probes. Internal positive controls were included in each well, and an automatic interpretative algorithm was applied. This system was validated using 244 clinical samples and 2 commercial DNA samples that had been previously genotyped using PCR-direct sequencing.Results. All of the obtained results are concordant with those of the reference method. All of the internal positive control reactions were successful. The allele frequency ofTPMT*3Cwas 2.05% (10 of 488 alleles). All of the patients with variant alleles were heterozygotes, and no homozygotes were detected. NoTPMT*2, *3A, or *3Balleles were observed in this Korean population.Conclusion. This rapid, accurate, and user-friendly genotyping system can be readily used to improve the efficacy and safety of thiopurine treatments in clinical practice.
Analysis of a Dengue Disease Model with Nonlinear Incidence
Authors: Guo Shu-Min , Li Xue-Zhi , Ghosh Mini
Published: March 2013

A dengue disease epidemic model with nonlinear incidence is formulated and analyzed. The equilibria and threshold of the model are found. The stability of the system is analyzed through a geometric approach to stability. The proposed model also exhibits backward bifurcation under suitable conditions on parameters. Our results imply that a nonlinear incidence produces rich dynamics and they should be studied carefully in order to analyze the spread of disease more accurately. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the analytical findings.
Disseminated Aspergillosis due toAspergillus nigerin Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Ergene Ulku , Akcali Zeynep , Ozbalci Demircan , Nese Nalan , Senol Sebnem
Published: March 2013

Invasive aspergillosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Many cases of pulmonary, cutaneous, cerebral, and paranasal sinus aspergillosis in immunocompetent patient were defined in literature but disseminated aspergillosis is very rare. Here we present an immunocompetent case with extrapulmonary disseminated aspergillosis due toAspergillus niger, totally recovered after effective antifungal treatment with voriconazole.
Buckysomes: New Nanocarriers for Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Danila Delia , Golunski Eva , Partha Ranga , McManus Madonna , Little Tina , Conyers Jodie
Published: March 2013

Buckysomes, liposome-like vesicles comprised of dendritic C60 subunits that self-assemble into unilamellar vesicles, are unique nanovectors that have utility in drug delivery. We have prepared paclitaxel-embedded buckysomes (PEBs) and examined biodistriubition profiles with commercially available formulations of the drug. As compared to Abraxane, an albumin-bound formulation of paclitaxel, PEBs showed higher tissue accumulation in the liver and the kidney at 45 and 60 minutes and in the lungs at 30 minutes, making them suitable drug-delivery carriers for short-term therapy to the mentioned organs. These buckysomes can be further functionalized to specifically deliver paclitaxel to the tumor site.
Early Brain Injury: A Common Mechanism in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Global Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Sabri Mohammed , Lass Elliot , Macdonald R. Loch
Published: March 2013

Early brain injury (EBI) has become an area of extreme interest in the recent years and seems to be a common denominator in the pathophysiology of global transient ischemia and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In this paper, we highlight the importance of cerebral hypoperfusion and other mechanisms that occur in tandem in both pathologies and underline their possible roles in triggering brain injury after hemorrhagic or ischemic strokes.
High-Fat Fish Oil Diet Prevents Hypothalamic Inflammatory Profile in Rats
Authors: Pimentel Gustavo Duarte , Lira Fábio Santos , Rosa José César , Oller do Nascimento Cláudia Maria , Oyama Lila Missae , Harumi Watanabe Regina Lúcia , Ribeiro Eliane Beraldi
Published: March 2013

Whether PUFA diets affect inflammatory mediators in central and peripheral sites is not clear. We investigated the effect of high-fat PUFA diets on the expression of proteins involved in inflammatory pathways in hypothalamus, muscle, and liver. Male rats were fed for 2 months with either chow or high-fat diets enriched with either soy (n-6 PUFAs) or fish oil (n-3 PUFAs). The fish group had normal body weight, low serum NEFA, reduced hypothalamic levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and TRAF6, and increased levels of IL-10 receptor. In contrast, the soy group had increased body weight and hypothalamic levels of TRAF6 and NFκBp65. In muscle, the fish diet reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Both PUFA diets increased muscle IL-10 levels and reduced liver TNF-α and IL-6 levels. The data showed that the high-fat soy diet induced activation of the hypothalamic NFκB inflammatory pathway, a feature predisposing to feeding and energy expenditure disturbances associated with the development of obesity. On the other hand, the high-fat fish diet improved the central and the peripheral inflammatory profile via reduction of intracellular inflammatory mediators, suggesting a protection against obesity.
Synchronous BALT Lymphoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung: Coincidence or Linkage?
Authors: Oikonomou Anastasia , Astrinakis Emanuelle , Kotsianidis Ioannis , Kaloutsi Vassiliki , Didilis Vassileios , Tsatalas Konstantinos , Prassopoulos Panos
Published: March 2013

A 72-year-old man presented with weight loss, fever, and malaise. Chest radiograph and CT revealed two large ill-defined masses in middle and left lower lobes. CT-guided biopsy of left lower lobe mass disclosed bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma. Middle lobe mass was considered second deposit in contralateral lung. The patient received chemotherapy for BALT. Followup CT disclosed regression of left lower lobe mass and stability of middle-lobe mass and of right paratracheal lymph nodes. CT-guided biopsy of middle-lobe mass revealed squamous cell lung carcinoma. Surgical biopsy of right paratracheal lymph nodes revealed malignancy. Disease was staged T3, N2, and M0. Combined chemotherapy for lung cancer and BALT lymphoma was initiated.
ENETS TNM Staging Predicts Prognosis in Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumours
Authors: Srirajaskanthan Rajaventhan , Ahmed A. , Prachialias A. , Srinivasan P. , Heaton N. , Jervis N. , Quaglia A. , Vivian G. , Ramage J. K.
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Small bowel neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are the most common type of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours. The incidence and prevalence of these tumours are on the rise. The aims of this study were to determine prognostic clinicopathological features and whether the ENETS TNM staging system predicts prognosis and also. Method. Clinical data was collected retrospectively from 138 patients with histologically proven small bowel NETs managed at King’s College Hospital. Histology was reviewed and small bowels tumours, were staged according to the ENETS TNM staging system. Results. Median age was 65 years (range 29–87). The 5-year survival was 79.5% and the 10-year survival was 48.5%. Resection of the primary tumour was associated with improved survival (120 versus 56 months, P<0.05). On multivariate analysis prognostic factors were primary tumour resection and not having a carcinoid heart disease. TNM staging significantly separated survival of stage 2 and stage 3 from stage 4 NETs. Conclusion. Small bowel primary tumour resection and not having carcinoid heart disease are prognostic factors. The ENETS TNM staging and grading system appears to be of prognostic relevance to small bowel NETs.
Ethyl Pyruvate Prevents Methyglyoxal-Induced Retinal Vascular Injury in Rats
Authors: Kim Junghyun , Lee Yun Mi , Kim Chan-Sik , Sohn Eunjin , Jo Kyuhyung , Shin So Dam , Kim Jin Sook
Published: March 2013

Pyruvate is an endogenous antioxidant substance. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on retinal vascular injury in diabetic retinopathy. To investigate the protective effect of EP on vascular cell apoptosis and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakage, we have used intravitreally methylglyoxal-(MGO-) injected rat eyes. Apoptosis of the retinal vascular cell that was stimulated by the intravitreal injection of MGO was evidently attenuated by the EP treatment. EP exerts inhibitory effect on MGO-induced vascular cell apoptosis by blocking oxidative injury. In addition, EP treatment prevented MGO-induced BRB breakage and the degradation of occludin, an important tight junction protein. These observations suggest that EP acts through an antioxidant mechanism to protect against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in retinal vessels.
The Massive Bleeding after the Operation of Hip Joint Surgery with the Acquired Haemorrhagic Coagulation Factor XIII(13) Deficiency: Two Case Reports
Authors: Kanda Akio , Kaneko Kazuo , Obayashi Osamu , Mogami Atsuhiko
Published: March 2013

Two women, aged 81 and 61, became haemorrhagic after surgery. Their previous surgeries were uneventful with no unexpected bleeding observed. Blood tests prior to the current surgeries indicated normal values including those related to coagulation. There were no problems with the current surgeries prior to leaving the operating room. At 3 hours after the surgery, the 81-year-old patient had an outflow of the drain at 1290 grams and her blood pressure decreased. She had disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The 61-year-old woman had repeated haemorrhages after her current surgery for a long time. Their abnormal haemorrhages were caused by a deficiency of coagulation factor XIII(13). The mechanism of haemorrhagic coagulation factor XIII(13) deficiency is not understood, and it is a rare disorder. The only diagnostic method to detect this disorder is to measure factor XIII(13) activity in the blood. In this paper, we used Arabic and Roman numerals at the same time to avoid confusion of coagulation factor XIII(13) with coagulation factor VIII(8) that causes hemophilia A.
Acupuncture or Acupressure at the Sanyinjiao (SP6) Acupoint for the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Ma-Na , Chien Li-Wei , Liu Chi-Feng
Published: March 2013

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture or acupressure at the Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoint in relieving pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea. We searched the scientific literature databases to identify randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. Three acupuncture and four acupressure trials were included in the meta-analyses. For the acupuncture analysis, there was no difference in the mean VAS score reduction between the SP6 acupoint and control (GB39 acupoint) groups (−4.935; lower limit = −15.757, upper limit = 5.887;P=0.371). For the acupressure analysis, there was a significant difference in the mean VAS score after intervention between the SP6 acupoint and control (rest/light touch at SP6/nonacupoint acupressure) groups, favoring the SP6 acupoint group (−1.011; lower limit = −1.622, upper limit = −0.400;P=0.001). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated good reliability of the meta-analyses findings. These findings suggest that acupuncture at SP6 is not more effective than acupuncture at an unrelated acupoint in the relief from primary dysmenorrhea. Acupressure at SP6 may be effective in the relief from primary dysmenorrhea. High-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
An In Vitro Comparative Study of the Adaptation and Sealing Ability of Two Carrier‐Based Root Canal Obturators
Authors: Alkahtani Ahmed , Al-Subait Sara , Anil Sukumaran
Published: March 2013

The study was done to assess the sealing ability and adaptation of RealSeal 1, and to compare it with Thermafil. 65 single‐rooted extracted teeth were selected and root canal treatment was performed. Root canals were obturated with RealSeal 1 or Thermafil. A double chamber bacterial leakage model using E. faecalis was developed to assess the sealing ability. Samples were monitored daily for 60 days. After the bacterial leakage test, samples were embedded in resin and sectioned horizontally at 2 and 4 mm from the apical foramen. Specimens were examined under scanning electron microscope and digitally photographed. AutoCAD software was used to measure the gap between the canal surface and obturation material. Results were statistically analyzed using nonparametric Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis for the bacterial leakage and t‐test to compare the means of gap in RealSeal 1 and Thermafil at 2 and 4 mm. There was no significant difference between the RealSeal 1 and Thermafil with respect to leakage over time. At 2 mm and 4 mm, RealSeal 1 had significantly more gaps than Thermafil. From the observations it can be concluded that RealSeal 1 and Thermafil have comparable performance in terms of adaptation and sealing ability.
Isolated Brainstem Involvement in a Patient with Hypertensive Encephalopathy
Authors: Osman Y. , Imam Y. Z. , Salem K. , Al-Hail H. , Uthman B. , Deleu D.
Published: March 2013

Hypertensive encephalopathy typically presents with headache, confusion, and bilateral parietooccipital vasogenic edema. Brainstem edema in hypertensive encephalopathy usually occurs in association with typical supratentorial parieto-occipital changes and is usually asymptomatic. We report here a patient with hypertensive encephalopathy, with isolated brain stem involvement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Rapid treatment of hypertension resulted in clinical and radiological improvement. Prompt recognition of the condition and aggressive treatment of hypertension in such patients is crucial to relieve edema and prevent life-threatening progression.
Novel Global Exponential Stability Criterion for Recurrent Neural Networks with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Luo Wenguang , Wang Xiuling , Liu Yonghua , Lan Hongli
Published: March 2013

The problem of global exponential stability for recurrent neural networks with time-varying delay is investigated. By dividing the time delay interval [0,τ(t)] intoK+1dynamical subintervals, a new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is introduced; then, a novel linear-matrix-inequality (LMI-) based delay-dependent exponential stability criterion is derived, which is less conservative than some previous literatures (Zhang et al., 2005; He et al., 2006; and Wu et al., 2008). An illustrate example is finally provided to show the effectiveness and the advantage of the proposed result.
A LabVIEW Platform for Preclinical Imaging Using Digital Subtraction Angiography and Micro-CT
Authors: Badea Cristian T. , Hedlund Laurence W. , Johnson G. Allan
Published: March 2013

CT and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are ubiquitous in the clinic. Their preclinical equivalents are valuable imaging methods for studying disease models and treatment. We have developed a dual source/detector X-ray imaging system that we have used for both micro-CT and DSA studies in rodents. The control of such a complex imaging system requires substantial software development for which we use the graphical language LabVIEW (National Instruments, Austin, TX, USA). This paper focuses on a LabVIEW platform that we have developed to enable anatomical and functional imaging with micro-CT and DSA. Our LabVIEW applications integrate and control all the elements of our system including a dual source/detector X-ray system, a mechanical ventilator, a physiological monitor, and a power microinjector for the vascular delivery of X-ray contrast agents. Various applications allow cardiac- and respiratory-gated acquisitions for both DSA and micro-CT studies. Our results illustrate the application of DSA for cardiopulmonary studies and vascular imaging of the liver and coronary arteries. We also show how DSA can be used for functional imaging of the kidney. Finally, the power of 4D micro-CT imaging using both prospective and retrospective gating is shown for cardiac imaging.
Mathematical Modeling and Fault Tolerance Control for a Three-Phase Soft-Switching Mode Rectifier
Authors: Chao Kuei-Hsiang , Hsieh Chin-Tsang
Published: March 2013

This study primarily focuses on the design of an intelligent three-phase soft-switching mode rectifier (SSMR). Firstly, the small-signal dynamic model of a single-phase SSMR is derived together with the design of its controller. Then, the developed single-phase SSMR is connected to form an intelligent three-phase SSMR. When any of the phase modules in the proposed intelligent three-phase SSMR experiences a fault, it can continue to supply power automatically under reduced load capacity while still maintaining good power quality characteristics. Finally, some simulation results were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed intelligent three-phase SSMR design.
Massage Therapy for Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kong Ling Jun , Zhan Hong Sheng , Cheng Ying Wu , Yuan Wei An , Chen Bo , Fang Min
Published: March 2013

Objective.To evaluate the effectiveness of massage therapy (MT) for neck and shoulder pain.Methods.Seven English and Chinese databases were searched until December 2011 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of MT for neck and shoulder pain. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed based on PEDro scale. The meta-analyses of MT for neck and shoulder pain were performed.Results.Twelve high-quality studies were included. In immediate effects, the meta-analyses showed significant effects of MT for neck pain (standardised mean difference, SMD, 1.79; 95% confidence intervals, CI, 1.01 to 2.57;P<0.00001) and shoulder pain (SMD, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.55 to 2.45;P=0.002) versus inactive therapies. And MT showed short-term effects for shoulder pain (SMD, 1.51; 95% CI, 0.53 to 2.49;P=0.003). But MT did not show better effects for neck pain (SMD, 0.13; 95% CI, −0.38 to 0.63;P=0.63) or shoulder pain (SMD, 0.88; 95% CI, −0.74 to 2.51;P=0.29) than active therapies. In addition, functional status of the shoulder was not significantly affected by MT.Conclusion.MT may provide immediate effects for neck and shoulder pain. However, MT does not show better effects on pain than other active therapies. No evidence suggests that MT is effective in functional status.
3D Imaging of Dead Sea Area Using Weighted Multipath Summation: A Case Study
Authors: Keydar Shemer , Medvedev Benjamin , Al-Zoubi Abdallah , Ezersky Michael , Akkawi Emad
Published: March 2013

The formation of sinkholes along the Dead Sea is caused by the rapid decline of the Dead Sea level, as a possible result of human extensive activity. According to one of the geological models, the sinkholes in several sites are clustered along a narrow coastal strip developing along lineaments representing faults in NNW direction. In order to understand the relationship between a developing sinkhole and its tectonic environment, a high-resolution (HR) three-dimensional (3D) seismic reflection survey was carried out at the western shoreline of the Dead Sea. A recently developed 3D imaging approach was applied to this 3D dataset. Imaging of subsurface is performed by a spatial summation of seismic waves along time surfaces using recently proposed multipath summation with proper weights. The multipath summation is performed by stacking the target waves along all possible time surfaces having a common apex at the given point. This approach does not require any explicit information on parameters since the involved multipath summation is performed for all possible parameters values within a wide specified range. The results from processed 3D time volume show subhorizontal coherent reflectors at approximate depth of 50–80 m which incline on closer location to the exposed sinkhole and suggest a possible linkage between revealed fault and the sinkholes.
Unilateral Giant Varicocele Mimicking Inguinal Hernia Resulting from Portosystemic Shunt without Evidence of Portal Hypertension: An Unusual Case Report
Authors: Zahir Muhammed , Al Muttairi Hassan R. , Upadhyay Surjya Prasad , Mallick Piyush N.
Published: March 2013

Isolated giant varicocele has been reported with portal hypertension that results in abnormal communication between portal venous system and testicular vein venous system resulting in retrograde backflow of blood into the testicular venous system which leads to varicosity of the pampiniform plexuses. 65-year-old male with no past medical or surgical history presented to us with soft inguinoscrotal swelling that disappears on lying down mimicking inguinal hernia. Clinical examination revealed soft inguionoscrotal swelling that disappears on pressure. Ultrasonography revealed varicosity of pampiniform plexus, and CT angiography to trace the extent of the varicosity revealed abnormal communication of right testicular vein with superior mesenteric vein. There was no evidence of any portal hypertension; the cause of the portosystemic shunt remains obscure, and it might be a salvage pathway for increasing portal pressure. The case is noteworthy for its rare presentation and abnormal communication with portal venous system in the absence of evidence of portal hypertension.
Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of β‐Carboline and Quinoline Alkaloids Derivatives from the Plants of Genus Peganum
Authors: Zhao Ting , Ding Ke-min , Zhang Lei , Cheng Xue-mei , Wang Chang-hong , Wang Zheng-tao
Published: March 2013

It was reported that the main chemical constituents in plants of genus Peganum were a serial of β‐carboline and quinoline alkaloids. These alkaloids were quantitatively assessed for selective inhibitory activities on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) by in vitro Ellman method. The results indicated that harmane was the most potent selective AChE inhibitor with an IC50 of 7.11 ± 2.00 μM and AChE selectivity index (SI, IC50 of BChE/IC50 of AChE) of 10.82. Vasicine was the most potent BChE inhibitor with feature of dual AChE/BChE inhibitory activity, with an IC50 versus AChE/BChE of 13.68 ± 1.25/2.60 ± 1.47 μM and AChE SI of 0.19. By analyzing and comparing the IC50 and SI of those chemicals, it was indicated that the β‐carboline alkaloids displayed more potent AChE inhibition but less BChE inhibition than quinoline alkaloids. The substituent at the C7 position of the β‐carboline alkaloids and C3 and C9 positions of quinoline alkaloids played a critical role in AChE or BChE inhibition. The potent inhibition suggested that those alkaloids may be used as candidates for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The analysis of the quantitative structure‐activity relationship of those compounds investigated might provide guidance for the design and synthesis of AChE and BChE inhibitors.
Synthesis Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of N‐[(5′‐Substituted 2′‐phenyl‐1H‐indol‐3′‐yl)methylene]‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐amines
Authors: Saundane A. R. , Katkar Vijaykumar , Vaijinath A. Verma
Published: March 2013

The main aim of the present study was to develop antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. As a part of systematic investigation, several new compounds 3a–c, 4a–c, and 5a–f were synthesized and screened for their biological activities. Compound 5f showed good zone of inhibition versus E. coli, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae, whereas the compound 3a showed promising radical scavenging activity, ferric ions (Fe3+) reducing antioxidant power, and ferrous ions (Fe2+) metal chelating activity.
Environmental Lead Exposure Accelerates Progressive Diabetic Nephropathy in Type II Diabetic Patients
Authors: Huang Wen-Hung , Lin Ja-Liang , Lin-Tan Dan-Tzu , Hsu Ching-Wei , Chen Kuan-Hsing , Yen Tzung-Hai
Published: March 2013

Whether environmental lead exposure has a long-term effect on progressive diabetic nephropathy in type II diabetic patients remains unclear. A total of 107 type II diabetic patients with stage 3 diabetic nephropathy (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) range, 30–60 mL/min/1.73 m2) with normal body lead burden (BLB) (<600 μg/72 hr in EDTA mobilization tests) and no history of exposure to lead were prospectively followed for 2 years. Patients were divided into high-normal BLB (>80 μg) and low-normal BLB (<80 μg) groups. The primary outcome was a 2-fold increase in the initial creatinine levels, long-term dialysis, or death. The secondary outcome was a change in eGFR over time. Forty-five patients reached the primary outcome within 2 years. Although there were no differences in baseline data and renal function, progressive nephropathy was slower in the low-normal BLB group than that in the high-normal BLB group. During the study period, we demonstrated that each 100 μg increment in BLB and each 10 μg increment in blood lead levels could decrease GFR by 2.2 mL/min/1.72 m2and 3.0 mL/min/1.72 m2(P=0.005), respectively, as estimated by generalized equations. Moreover, BLB was associated with increased risk of achieving primary outcome. Environmental exposure to lead may have a long-term effect on progressive diabetic nephropathy in type II diabetic patients.
Superconvergence Analysis of a Multiscale Finite Element Method for Elliptic Problems with Rapidly Oscillating Coefficients
Authors: Guan Xiaofei , Wang Xiaoling , Wang Cheng , Liu Xian
Published: March 2013

A new multiscale finite element method is presented for solving the elliptic equations with rapidly oscillating coefficients. The proposed method is based on asymptotic analysis and careful numerical treatments for the boundary corrector terms by virtue of the recovery technique. Under the assumption that the oscillating coefficient is periodic, some superconvergence results are derived, which seem to be never discovered in the previous literature. Finally, some numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of this method, and it is seen that they agree very well with the analytical result.
Pulmonary Embolism after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Case Report
Authors: Yamamoto Tadashi , Tamai Kazuya , Akutsu Miwa , Tomizawa Kazuo , Sukegawa Takuya , Nohara Yutaka
Published: March 2013

Total hip/knee arthroplasty may cause venous thromboembolism (VTE) as a postoperative complication. However, there are few reports on VTE after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. We report a patient who developed pulmonary embolism (PE) 6 days after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair but recovered without sequelae. In this case, the possibility of DVT of the lower limbs was denied by contrast-enhanced CT. Most possibly, the source of PE was deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the upper limb under Desault fixation which showed arthroscopic surgery-related swelling postoperatively.
Metabolomic Strategy for Studying the Intervention and the Synergistic Effects of the Shexiang Baoxin Pill for Treating Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Xiang Li , Jiang Peng , Wang Shuping , Hu Yaohua , Liu Xiaojun , Yue Rongcai , Zhang Weidong , Liu Runhui
Published: March 2013

A metabolomic approach has been developed for evaluating the therapeutic effects of the bioactive components and the synergistic efficacy of the Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP) on myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. The MI rats were administered the SBP, muscone, cinnamic acid, bufalin, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rb1, cholic acid, borneol, and a combined version of these bioactive components (SFSBP). Liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS) was used to obtain the mass data from the rats’ serum. The number of biomarkers that were reversed by SFSBP was greater than any of the monotherapy groups. The PLS-DA score plots demonstrated that the SFSBP group results were located closer to the sham group than any of the monotherapy groups and that the SBP group was located closer to the sham group than the SFSBP treatment group. The reversing results observed with SFSBP showed synergistic effects when compared with those of the individual bioactive components that were used as monotherapy. Meanwhile, the SBP displayed superior regulation efficacy to SFSBP in MI rats, indicating that there must be other active components in the SBP that were responsible for the treatment of MI that were not included in the SFSBP treatment.
Reactive Solute Diffusion in Boundary Layer Flow through a Porous Medium over a Permeable Flat Plate with Power-Law Variation in Surface Concentration
Authors: Bhattacharyya Krishnendu , Uddin Md. Sharif
Published: March 2013

The solute diffusion in boundary layer flow of an incompressible fluid through a porous medium over a porous flat plate with first-order chemical reaction and with variable surface concentration is studied. The reaction rate of the solute is also takenasvariable. The self-similar ordinary differential equations are obtained from the governing partial differential equations using similarity transformations, and then those self-similar equations are solved by shooting technique using forth-order Runge-Kutta method. The analysis shows that the velocity increases with the increase of permeability of the porous medium, whereas the concentration decreases. The thicknesses of momentum and solute boundary layers reduce for suction, and the effect of blowing is opposite. For the inverse variation of wall concentration along the surface, mass absorption at the surface is found in all cases, and in direct variation mass transfer is found. For increase of both the Schmidt number and the reaction rate parameter, the concentration as well as the solute boundary layer thickness decreases.
Evaluation of the Feasibility and Quantitative Accuracy of a Generalized Scatter 2D PET Reconstruction Method
Authors: Sun Hongyan , Pistorius Stephen
Published: March 2013

Scatter degrades the contrast and quantitative accuracy of positron emission tomography (PET) images, and most methods for estimating and correcting scattered coincidences in PET subtract scattered events from the measured data. Compton scattering kinematics can be used to map out the locus of possible scattering locations. These curved lines (2D) or surfaces (3D), which connect the coincidence detectors, encompass the surface (2D) or volume (3D) where the decay occurs. In the limiting case where the scattering angle approaches zero, the scattered coincidence approaches the true coincidence. Therefore, both true and scattered coincidences can be considered similarly in a generalized scatter maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization reconstruction algorithm. The proposed method was tested using list-mode data obtained from a GATE simulation of a Jaszczak-type phantom. For scatter fractions from 10% to 60%, this approach reduces noise and improves the contrast recovery coefficients by 0.5–3.0% compared with reconstructions using true coincidences and by 3.0–24.5% with conventional reconstruction methods. The results demonstrate that this algorithm is capable of producing images entirely from scattered photons, eliminates the need for scatter corrections, increases image contrast, and reduces noise. This could be used to improve diagnostic quality and/or to reduce patient dose and radiopharmaceutical cost.
The Role of Versican in Modulating Breast Cancer Cell Self-renewal
Authors: Du William Weidong , Fang Ling , Yang Xiangling , Sheng Wang , Yang Bing L. , Seth Arun , Zhang Yaou , Yang Burton B. , Yee Albert J.
Published: March 2013

Versican is highly expressed during the early stages of tissue development and its expression is elevated during wound repair and tumor growth. There is little literature on the potential role of breast cancer stem cells on the cellular–extracellular matrix interactions involving versican. An anti-versican short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to observe the effect of reduction of versican on breast cancer self-renewal. A versican G3 construct was exogenously expressed in breast cancer cell lines. Colony formation and mammosphere formation assays were conducted; flow cytometry was applied to analyze the prevalence of side population cells. The versican G3- and vector-transfected 66c14 cells were injected transdermally into BALB/c mice as a 10-fold dilution series from 1 × 105 to 1 × 102 cells per mouse. Versican G3 domain enhanced breast cancer self-renewal in both experimental in vitro and in vivo models. Versican G3–transfected cells contained high levels of side population cells, formed more mammospheres when cultured in the serum-free medium, and formed a greater number and larger colonies. Reduction of versican's functionality through anti-versican shRNA or knocking out the EGF-like motifs reduced the effect of versican on enhancing mammosphere and colony formation. Versican-enhanced self-renewal played a role in enhanced chemotherapeutic drug resistance, relating partly to the upregulated expression of EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling. Versican is highly expressed in breast cancer progenitor cells and was maintained at high levels before cell differentiation. Overexpression of versican enhanced breast cancer self-renewal through EGFR/AKT/GSK-3β (S9P) signaling and conferred resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs tested. Mol Cancer Res; 11(5); 443–55. ©2013 AACR.
Embryological-Origin–Dependent Differences in Homeobox Expression in Adult Aorta
Authors: Trigueros-Motos Laia , González-Granado José M. , Cheung Christine , Fernández Patricia , Sánchez-Cabo Fátima , Dopazo Ana , Sinha Sanjay , Andrés Vicente
Published: March 2013

Objective—

Different vascular beds show differing susceptibility to the development of atherosclerosis, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are incompletely understood. This study aims to identify factors that contribute to the phenotypic heterogeneity of distinct regions of the adult vasculature.

Approach and Results—

High-throughput mRNA profiling in adult mice reveals higher expression of the homeobox paralogous genes 6 to 10 (
Hox6-10
) in the athero-resistant thoracic aorta (TA) than in the athero-susceptible aortic arch (AA). Higher homeobox gene expression also occurs in rat and porcine TA, and is maintained in primary smooth muscle cells isolated from TA (TA–SMCs) compared with cells from AA (AA–SMCs). This region-specific homeobox gene expression pattern is also observed in human embryonic stem cells differentiated into neuroectoderm–SMCs and paraxial mesoderm–SMCs, which give rise to AA–SMCs and TA–SMCs, respectively. We also find that, compared with AA and AA–SMCs, TA and TA–SMCs have lower activity of the proinflammatory and proatherogenic nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and lower expression of NF-κB target genes, at least in part attributable to HOXA9-dependent inhibition. Conversely, NF-κB inhibits
HOXA9
promoter activity and mRNA expression in SMCs.

Conclusion—

Our findings support a model of Hox6-10–specified positional identity in the adult vasculature that is established by embryonic cues independently of environmental factors and is conserved in different mammalian species. Differential homeobox gene expression contributes to maintaining phenotypic differences between SMCs from athero-resistant and athero-susceptible regions, at least in part through feedback regulatory mechanisms involving inflammatory mediators, for example, reciprocal inhibition between
HOXA9
and NF-κB.
Combined In Vivo Depletion of Glycoprotein VI and C-Type Lectin-Like Receptor 2 Severely Compromises Hemostasis and Abrogates Arterial Thrombosis in Mice
Authors: Bender Markus , May Frauke , Lorenz Viola , Thielmann Ina , Hagedorn Ina , Finney Brenda A. , Vögtle Timo , Remer Katharina , Braun Attila , Bösl Michael , Watson Steve P. , Nieswandt Bernhard
Published: March 2013

Objective—

Platelet inhibition is a major strategy to prevent acute ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, which may, however, be associated with an increased bleeding risk. The (hem)immunoreceptor tyrosine activation motif–bearing platelet receptors, glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2), might be promising antithrombotic targets because they can be depleted from circulating platelets by antibody treatment, leading to sustained antithrombotic protection, but only moderately increased bleeding times in mice.

Approach and Results—

We investigated whether both (hem)immunoreceptor tyrosine activation motif–bearing receptors can be targeted simultaneously and what the in vivo consequences of such a combined therapeutic GPVI/CLEC-2 deficiency are. We demonstrate that isolated targeting of either GPVI or CLEC-2 in vivo does not affect expression or function of the respective other receptor. Moreover, simultaneous treatment with both antibodies resulted in the sustained loss of both GPVI and CLEC-2, while leaving other activation pathways intact. However, GPVI/CLEC-2–depleted mice displayed a dramatic hemostatic defect and profound impairment of arterial thrombus formation. Furthermore, a strongly diminished hemostatic response could also be reproduced in mice genetically lacking GPVI and CLEC-2.

Conclusions—

These results demonstrate that GPVI and CLEC-2 can be simultaneously downregulated in platelets in vivo and reveal an unexpected functional redundancy of the 2 receptors in hemostasis and thrombosis. These findings may have important implications of the potential use of anti-GPVI and anti–CLEC-2–based agents in the prevention of thrombotic diseases.
Total Adiponectin and Risk of Symptomatic Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease in Men
Authors: Joosten Michel M. , Joshipura Kaumudi J. , Pai Jennifer K. , Bertoia Monica L. , Rimm Eric B. , Mittleman Murray A. , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: March 2013

Objective—

Lower concentrations of adiponectin have been linked to subsequent risk of coronary heart disease in healthy individuals. Whether similar relationships exist for the development of systemic atherosclerosis, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), is uncertain. We investigated the association between total adiponectin and risk of lower extremity PAD.

Approach and Results—

We performed a prospective, nested case–control study among 18 225 male participants of the Health Professionals Follow-up Study who were free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease at the time of blood draw (1993–1995). During 14 years of follow-up, 143 men developed PAD. Using risk set sampling, controls were selected in a 3:1 ratio and matched on age, smoking status, fasting status, and date of blood draw (n=429). Median (interquartile range) adiponectin concentrations at baseline were lower among cases compared with controls (4.1 [3.2–5.5] versus 5.4 [3.8–7.5] µg/mL;
P
<0.001). A log-linear inverse association was evident over the full spectrum of adiponectin concentrations with PAD risk after controlling for baseline cardiovascular risk factors using restricted spline conditional logistic regression. Adiponectin was associated with a 42% lower risk of PAD per SD increase in natural log-transformed adiponectin (relative risk, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.45–0.74) after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. The relative risk was attenuated (relative risk, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.92) after further accounting for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and cystatin C. Additional adjustment for hemoglobin A
1c
, triglycerides, and γ-glutamyltransferase had little impact on this association (relative risk, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.92).

Conclusions—

Total adiponectin is inversely associated with risk of symptomatic lower extremity PAD in men.
Three-Dimensional Impulse Propagation in Myocardium
Authors: Smaill Bruce H. , Zhao Jichao , Trew Mark L.
Published: March 2013

Impulse propagation in the heart depends on the excitability of individual cardiomyocytes, impulse transmission between adjacent myocytes, and the 3-dimensional arrangement of those cells. Here, we review the role of each of these factors in normal and aberrant cardiac electric activation, with particular emphasis on the effects of 3-dimensional myocyte architecture at the tissue scale. The analysis draws on findings from in vivo and in vitro experiments, as well as biophysically based computer models that have been used to integrate and interpret these experimental data. It indicates that discontinuous arrangement of myocytes and extracellular connective tissue at the tissue scale can give rise to current source-to-sink mismatch, spatiotemporal distribution of refractoriness, and rate-sensitive electric instability, which contribute to the initiation and maintenance of reentrant cardiac arrhythmia. This exacerbates the risk of rhythm disturbance associated with heart disease. We conclude that structure-based, multiscale computer models that incorporate accurate information about local cellular electric activity provide a powerful platform for investigating the basis of reentrant cardiac arrhythmia. However, it is important that these models capture key features of structure and related electric function at the tissue scale.
Accuracy of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in the Diagnosis of Stroke in Patients With Suspected Cerebral Infarct
Authors: Brunser Alejandro M. , Hoppe Arnold , Illanes Sergio , Díaz Violeta , Muñoz Paula , Cárcamo Daniel , Olavarria Verónica , Valenzuela Marcela , Lavados Pablo
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

The accuracy of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for the diagnosis of acute cerebral ischemia among patients with suspected ischemic stroke arriving to an emergency room has not been studied in depth.

Methods—

DWI was performed in 712 patients with acute or subacute focal symptoms that suggested an acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 609 of them with AIS.

Results—

DWI demonstrated a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 97%, a positive likelihood ratio of 31 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.1 for detecting AIS. The overall accuracy was 95%. Of those patients who demonstrated abnormal DWI studies, 99.5% were AIS patients, and of those patients with normal DWI studies 63% were stroke mimics.

Conclusions—

DWI is accurate in detecting AIS in unselected patients with suspected AIS; a negative study should alert for nonischemic conditions.
Occult Atrial Fibrillation in Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Ritter Martin A. , Kochhäuser Simon , Duning Thomas , Reinke Florian , Pott Christian , Dechering Dirk G. , Eckardt Lars , Ringelstein E. Bernd
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

A significant number of patients with cryptogenic stroke suffer from intermittent atrial fibrillation (iAF) which was not detected during the standard diagnostic procedures. We investigated whether implantation of an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) is feasible in patients with cryptogenic stroke, and compared the iAF detection rate of the ICM with 7-day Holter monitoring.

Methods—

Sixty patients (median age 63; interquartile range, 48.5–72 years) with acute cryptogenic stroke were included. ICM was implanted 13 days (interquartile range; 10–65 days) after the qualifying event. Seven-day Holter was performed after the ICM was implanted.

Results—

The iAF was detected by the ICM in 10 patients (17%; 95% CI, 7% to 26%). Only 1 patient (1.7%; 95% CI, 0% to 5%) had iAF during 7-day Holter monitoring as well (
P
=0.0077). Episodes of iAF lasting 2 minutes or more were detected 64 (range, 1–556) days after implantation. There were no recurrent strokes during the observation period. The implantation procedure was well tolerated with no adverse events; the daily data transmission protocol was easy to handle by the patients.

Conclusions—

ICM implantation for the detection of iAF during outpatient follow-up is feasible in patients with cryptogenic stroke. ICMs offer a much higher diagnostic yield than 7-day Holter monitoring.
Higher Ambulatory Blood Pressure Relates to New Cerebral Microbleeds
Authors: Klarenbeek Pim , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Rouhl Rob P.W. , Knottnerus Iris L.H. , Staals Julie
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in cross-sectional studies. However, longitudinal studies did not show a convincing relationship. We aimed to determine the association between elevated BP levels and the occurrence of new CMBs after a 2-year follow-up in first-ever lacunar stroke patients using ambulatory BP monitoring.

Methods—

Ninety-six first-ever lacunar stroke patients underwent brain MRI and ambulatory BP monitoring at baseline and after 2-year follow-up. We used logistic regression analyses to assess the association of BP levels with new CMBs.

Results—

We found new CMBs in 17 patients (18%). Higher 24-hour, day and night systolic BP (odds ratio, 2.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.40–5.21 per SD increase for 24-hour BP) and diastolic BP (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–3.90 per SD increase for 24-hour BP) at baseline were associated with the development of new CMBs independent of age and sex. BP levels decreased during follow-up in both patients with and without new CMBs. Unlike BP levels at baseline, there was no difference in BP levels at follow-up between patients with and without new CMBs.

Conclusions—

Both higher systolic and diastolic BP levels were associated with the development of new CMBs in a population of lacunar stroke patients. Decrease of BP levels during follow-up did not halt progression of CMBs; however, it remains to be determined whether (early) intervention with antihypertensive drugs can slow down progression of CMBs.