bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proresolving and Tissue-Protective Actions of Annexin A1–Based Cleavage-Resistant Peptides Are Mediated by Formyl Peptide Receptor 2/Lipoxin A4 Receptor
Authors: Dalli Jesmond , Consalvo Angelo P. , Ray Vicki , Di Filippo Clara , D’Amico Michele , Mehta Nozer , Perretti Mauro
Published: May 2013

Endogenous mechanisms regulating the host response during inflammation resolution are critical in ensuring disposal of noxious stimuli and return to homeostasis. In this article, we engineered novel Annexin A1 (AnxA1)–based peptides, AnxA12–50, that displayed specific binding to the AnxA1 receptor (formyl peptide receptor 2/Lipoxin A4 receptor [FPR2/ALX]; IC50 ∼4 nM). Intravenous administration of AnxA12–50 markedly reduced (>60%) leukocyte adhesion to postcapillary venules in wild type and Fpr1−/−, but not Fpr2/Alx−/−, mice. Generation of a metabolically stable form of this peptide (CR-AnxA12–50), engineered by substituting a cleavage site shared by human proteinase 3 and neutrophil elastase, yielded an agonist that was resistant to neutrophil-mediated cleavage and displayed enhanced proresolving actions: accelerated resolution of self-limited inflammation and enhanced macrophage efferocytosis after sterile injury, when compared with AnxA12–50. These actions were retained with human primary leukocytes where CR-AnxA12–50 decreased neutrophil–endothelial interactions (∼25–45%), and stimulated neutrophil apoptosis and macrophage efferocytosis (∼45%). In murine cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, CR-AnxA12–50 elicited tissue-protective actions reducing infarct size (∼60%) and incidence of 24-h death. These results identify AnxA12–50 and CR-AnxA12–50 as FPR2/ALX agonists that harness the proresolving actions of AnxA1, and thus may represent therapeutic tools for treatment of inflammatory conditions.
Profound Impairment of Adaptive Immune Responses by Alkylating Chemotherapy
Authors: Litterman Adam J. , Zellmer David M. , Grinnen Karen L. , Hunt Matthew A. , Dudek Arkadiusz Z. , Salazar Andres M. , Ohlfest John R.
Published: May 2013

Overall, cancer vaccines have had a record of failure as an adjuvant therapy for malignancies that are treated with alkylating chemotherapy, and the contribution of standard treatment to that failure remains unclear. Vaccines aim to harness the proliferative potential of the immune system by expanding a small number of tumor-specific lymphocytes into a large number of antitumor effectors. Clinical trials are often conducted after treatment with alkylating chemotherapy, given either as standard therapy or for immunomodulatory effect. There is mounting evidence for synergy between chemotherapy and adoptive immunotherapy or vaccination against self-Ags; however, the impact of chemotherapy on lymphocytes primed against tumor neoantigens remains poorly defined. We report that clinically relevant dosages of standard alkylating chemotherapies, such as temozolomide and cyclophosphamide, significantly inhibit the proliferative abilities of lymphocytes in mice. This proliferative impairment was long-lasting and led to quantitative and qualitative defects in B and T cell responses to neoantigen vaccines. High-affinity responder lymphocytes receiving the strongest proliferative signals from vaccines experienced the greatest DNA damage responses, skewing the response toward lower-affinity responders with inferior functional characteristics. Together, these defects lead to inferior efficacy and overall survival in murine tumor models treated by neoantigen vaccines. These results suggest that clinical protocols for cancer vaccines should be designed to avoid exposing responder lymphocytes to alkylating chemotherapy.
MicroRNA-155 Confers Encephalogenic Potential to Th17 Cells by Promoting Effector Gene Expression
Authors: Hu Ruozhen , Huffaker Thomas B. , Kagele Dominique A. , Runtsch Marah C. , Bake Erin , Chaudhuri Aadel A. , Round June L. , O’Connell Ryan M.
Published: May 2013

Th17 cells are central to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease, and recently specific noncoding microRNAs have been shown to regulate their development. However, it remains unclear whether microRNAs are also involved in modulating Th17 cell effector functions. Consequently, we examined the role of miR-155 in differentiated Th17 cells during their induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Using adoptive transfer experiments, we found that highly purified, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein Ag-specific Th17 cells lacking miR-155 were defective in their capacity to cause experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Gene expression profiling of purified miR-155−/−IL-17F+ Th17 cells identified a subset of effector genes that are dependent on miR-155 for their proper expression through a mechanism involving repression of the transcription factor Ets1. Among the genes reduced in the absence of miR-155 was IL-23R, resulting in miR-155−/− Th17 cells being hyporesponsive to IL-23. Taken together, our study demonstrates a critical role for miR-155 in Th17 cells as they unleash autoimmune inflammation and finds that this occurs through a signaling network involving miR-155, Ets1, and the clinically relevant IL-23–IL-23R pathway.
Protective Role of the Inflammatory CCR2/CCL2 Chemokine Pathway through Recruitment of Type 1 Cytotoxic γδ T Lymphocytes to Tumor Beds
Authors: Lança Telma , Costa Maria Fernanda , Gonçalves-Sousa Natacha , Rei Margarida , Grosso Ana Rita , Penido Carmen , Silva-Santos Bruno
Published: May 2013

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are important prognostic factors in cancer progression and key players in cancer immunotherapy. Although γδ T lymphocytes can target a diversity of tumor cell types, their clinical manipulation is hampered by our limited knowledge of the molecular cues that determine γδ T cell migration toward tumors in vivo. In this study we set out to identify the chemotactic signals that orchestrate tumor infiltration by γδ T cells. We have used the preclinical transplantable B16 melanoma model to profile chemokines in tumor lesions and assess their impact on γδ TIL recruitment in vivo. We show that the inflammatory chemokine CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 are necessary for the accumulation of γδ TILs in B16 lesions, where they produce IFN-γ and display potent cytotoxic functions. Moreover, CCL2 directed γδ T cell migration in vitro toward tumor extracts, which was abrogated by anti-CCL2 neutralizing Abs. Strikingly, the lack of γδ TILs in TCRδ-deficient but also in CCR2-deficient mice enhanced tumor growth in vivo, thus revealing an unanticipated protective role for CCR2/CCL2 through the recruitment of γδ T cells. Importantly, we demonstrate that human Vδ1 T cells, but not their Vδ2 counterparts, express CCR2 and migrate to CCL2, whose expression is strongly deregulated in multiple human tumors of diverse origin, such as lung, prostate, liver, or breast cancer. This work identifies a novel protective role for CCL2/CCR2 in the tumor microenvironment, while opening new perspectives for modulation of human Vδ1 T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
Allelic Variation in KIR2DL3 Generates a KIR2DL2-like Receptor with Increased Binding to its HLA-C Ligand
Authors: Frazier William R. , Steiner Noriko , Hou Lihua , Dakshanamurthy Sivanesan , Hurley Carolyn Katovich
Published: May 2013

Although extensive homology exists between their extracellular domains, NK cell inhibitory receptors killer Ig-like receptor (KIR) 2DL2*001 and KIR2DL3*001 have previously been shown to differ substantially in their HLA-C binding avidity. To explore the largely uncharacterized impact of allelic diversity, the most common KIR2DL2/3 allelic products in European American and African American populations were evaluated for surface expression and binding affinity to their HLA-C group 1 and 2 ligands. Although no significant differences in the degree of cell membrane localization were detected in a transfected human NKL cell line by flow cytometry, surface plasmon resonance and KIR binding to a panel of HLA allotypes demonstrated that KIR2DL3*005 differed significantly from other KIR2DL3 allelic products in its ability to bind HLA-C. The increased affinity and avidity of KIR2DL3*005 for its ligand was also demonstrated to have a larger impact on the inhibition of IFN-γ production by the human KHYG-1 NK cell line compared with KIR2DL3*001, a low-affinity allelic product. Site-directed mutagenesis established that the combination of arginine at residue 11 and glutamic acid at residue 35 in KIR2DL3*005 were critical to the observed phenotype. Although these residues are distal to the KIR/HLA-C interface, molecular modeling suggests that alteration in the interdomain hinge angle of KIR2DL3*005 toward that found in KIR2DL2*001, another strong receptor of the KIR2DL2/3 family, may be the cause of this increased affinity. The regain of inhibitory capacity by KIR2DL3*005 suggests that the rapidly evolving KIR locus may be responding to relatively recent selective pressures placed upon certain human populations.
Acute Traumatic Tear of Iatissimus Dorsi Muscle in an Elite Track Athlete
Authors: Çelebi Mehmet Mesut , Ergen Emin , Üstüner Evren
Published: May 2013

Soft tissue injuries constitute 30-50% of all sports related injuries; however, injury to the latissimus dorsi muscle is quite rare with only a few cases reported in the literature. Herein, we describe an acute traumatic tear of the latissimus dorsi muscle in an elite track athlete, which has not been reported in the track and field sports before. The injury was caused by forceful resisted arm adduction that took place at hurdling and starting from the block. A pseudotumor appearance in the axillary region was misdiagnosed as a mass. The diagnosis was made by ultrasound alone and the patient was managed conservatively.
Acinar cell carcinoma: a rare pancreatic malignancy
Authors: Chaudhary Poras , Ranjan Gyan , Chaudhary Anil , Tiwari Alok Kumar , Arora Mohinder P.
Published: May 2013

Acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas is a rare pancreatic malignancy, constituting only 1-2% of all the pancreatic tumors. A young adult male presented with chronic diarrhea and upper abdominal pain, on investigations was found to have a large pancreatic tumor of size 12×7.5 cm involving the body of the pancreas. Pancreatic body and tail resection with splenectomy was done and final histopathological examination showed acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas. Prognosis of acinar cell carcinoma is better than adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
Bilateral Tarsal Coalition in a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Basketball Player: A Case Report
Authors: Suits Julie M. , Oliver Gretchen D.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To present a case of bilateral subtalar joint coalition in a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball player and the treatment plan that was used to manage the coalition from the beginning of conference play through the postseason.

Background

A 20-year-old male basketball athlete (height = 182.8 cm, mass = 83.4 kg) presented with bilateral subtalar joint tarsal coalition that became symptomatic in 2006 and resulted in constant pain with any form of activity.

Differential Diagnosis

Traumatic injury of the talocalcaneal joint.

Treatment

Nonsurgical intervention of conservative therapy was elected.

Uniqueness

Less than 13% of the overall population is affected with tarsal coalition, so it is safe to assume that very few athletes competing at the collegiate or elite level suffer from this condition. This is the first report in the literature to document conservative manual therapies used to manage the symptoms of subtalar joint tarsal coalition in a Division I basketball player.

Conclusions

After the intensive treatment program for tarsal coalition was implemented, the patient experienced pain relief and was able to continue to compete at a competitive level. This case represents the need to further explore and document a conservative treatment protocol for tarsal coalition.
Red Light and the Sleep Quality and Endurance Performance of Chinese Female Basketball Players
Authors: Zhao Jiexiu , Tian Ye , Nie Jinlei , Xu Jincheng , Liu Dongsen
Published: May 2013

Context

Good sleep is an important recovery method for prevention and treatment of overtraining in sport practice. Whether sleep is regulated by melatonin after red-light irradiation in athletes is unknown.

Objective

To determine the effect of red light on sleep quality and endurance performance of Chinese female basketball players.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Athletic training facility of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and research laboratory of the China Institute of Sport Science.

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty athletes of the Chinese People's Liberation Army team (age = 18.60 ± 3.60 years) took part in the study. Participants were divided into red-light treatment (n = 10) and placebo (n = 10) groups.

Intervention(s)

The red-light treatment participants received 30 minutes of irradiation from a red-light therapy instrument every night for 14 days. The placebo group did not receive light illumination.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was completed, serum melatonin was assessed, and 12-minute run was performed at preintervention (baseline) and postintervention (14 days).

Results

The 14-day whole-body irradiation with red-light treatment improved the sleep, serum melatonin level, and endurance performance of the elite female basketball players (P < .05). We found a correlation between changes in global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and serum melatonin levels (r = −0.695, P = .006).

Conclusions

Our study confirmed the effectiveness of body irradiation with red light in improving the quality of sleep of elite female basketball players and offered a nonpharmacologic and noninvasive therapy to prevent sleep disorders after training.
Compliance With Neuromuscular Training and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Reduction in Female Athletes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sugimoto Dai , Myer Gregory D. , Bush Heather M. , Klugman Maddie F. , McKeon Jennifer M. Medina , Hewett Timothy E.
Published: May 2013

Context

No consensus exists about the influence of compliance with neuromuscular training programs on reduction of the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Objective

To systematically review and synthesize the published literature to determine if compliance with neuromuscular training is associated with reduced incidence of ACL injury in young female athletes.

Data Sources

We searched PubMed, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and MEDLINE for articles published from 1995 to 2010 using the key words anterior cruciate ligament prevention, ACL prevention, knee prevention, prospective knee prevention, neuromuscular training, and neuromuscular intervention.

Study Selection

Criteria for inclusion required that (1) the number of ACL injuries was reported, (2) a neuromuscular training program was used, (3) females were included as participants, (4) the study design was prospective and controlled, and (5) compliance data for the neuromuscular training program were provided.

Data Extraction

Extracted data included the number of ACL injuries, total number of participants per group, observation time period, number of participants who completed each session, number of sessions completed by an entire team, and number of total sessions. Attendance was calculated as the number of participants who completed each session converted into a percentage of the total number of participants. Intervention completion was calculated as the number of sessions completed by an entire team converted into a percentage of the total number of training sessions. These data were used to calculate an overall rate of compliance.

Data Synthesis

Six of 205 identified studies were included. Incidence rates of ACL injury were lower in studies with high rates of compliance with neuromuscular training than in studies with low compliance rates (incidence rate ratio = 0.27 [95% confidence interval = 0.07, 0.80]). Tertile analysis indicated rates of ACL injury incidence were lower in studies with high compliance rates than in studies with moderate and low compliance rates (incidence rate ratio = 0.18 [95% confidence interval = 0.02, 0.77]).

Conclusions

A potential inverse dose-response relationship exists between compliance with neuromuscular training and incidence of ACL injury. Attending and completing recommended neuromuscular sessions appears to be an important factor for preventing ACL injuries.
Walking wisely: Sapiential influence in Psalm 26
Authors: Potgieter Annette
Published: May 2013

Psalm 26 is interpreted by the majority of scholars as a cultic psalm. This has limited research on Psalm 26. There are clear traces of sapiential influence in Psalm 26 concerning its intricately well-thought concentric structure as well as various wisdom connections. This study will however focus on the structure as well as on the core wisdom theme of walking the way of Yahweh. This opens up interpretation possibilities for Psalm 26 and it also indicates that Psalm 26 is a literary creation belonging to the Persian Period.
A cytological analysis of the oral mucosa adjacent to orthodontic devices
Authors: Sampaio Mei Raul Magnoler , Soares de Lima Antônio Adilson , Filho Jorge César Borges Leão , Tanaka Orlando Motohiro , Filho Odilon Guariza , Camargo Elisa Souza
Published: May 2013

Objectives: The objective of this study, was to evaluate the cytometry and cytomorphology of oral mucosa epithelial cells adjacent to orthodontic accessories using liquid-based exfoliative cytology. Materials and Methods: We placed metallic brackets on the upper pre-molars with stainless steel wires and metal or elastic ties on 20 people of both sexes, with an average age of 22.7 years. We evaluated nucleus area (NA), cytoplasm area (CA), and NA/CA ratio before installation (T0, baseline), 30 days after installation (T1), and 30 days after the accessories were removed (T2). Results: We verified a reduction in NA and an increase in CA with both types of ties at T1 (P<0.05 vs. T0), with a tendency to return to baseline values at T2 (P<0.05 vs. T0). At T1 and T2 we observed a predominance of surface cells over subsurface cells. Conclusions: The orthodontic appliance causes adaptive cell changes characterized by an increased level of keratinization of the oral mucosa, with a tendency to return to the normal state after removal of the mechanical stimulus of the orthodontic devices.
Comparative analysis of adhesive failure of orthodontic resins: An in vitro mechanical test with the finite element method
Authors: Avila Ana Leticia Rocha , Hecke Mildred Ballin , de Oliveira Franco Ana Paula Gebert , Vasco Marco Antonio Amorin , Oliveira Dauro Douglas , Tanaka Orlando Motohiro
Published: May 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to validate finite element (FE) method as a reliable adhesive shear strength test method by investigating and comparing the results from in vitro mechanical tests and 3-D FE simulations. Materials and Methods: Four groups of teeth (n=15) using Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA) and Enlight Ormco (Glendora, CA) with metallic and ceramic brackets (Twin-Edge and InVu, TP Orthodontics, Inc., La Porte, IN) were obtained and submitted to shear bond strength tests. Subsequently, an equivalent geometric model was subjected to FE modeling analysis. ANOVA tests indicated a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between the shear bond strength of the two bracket types regardless of the resin, and there was no interaction between the resin and bracket type. Results: FE analysis showed the stress distribution in the adhesive layer and revealed an increased stress distribution in the ceramic brackets. These results were consistent with in vitro detachment experiments. Conclusions: This study establishes that FE sub-modeling can be used to simulate adhesive resistance.
Comparison of two different restoration materials and two different implant designs of implant-supported fixed cantilevered prostheses: A 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Culhaoglu Ahmet Kursad , Ozkir Serhat Emre , Celik Gozde , Terzioglu Hakan
Published: May 2013

Purpose: A key factor for the success or failure of a dental implant is the manner of stresses transferred to the surrounding bone. Parallel to this situation, cantilever extensions where it is not possible to place another implant, would cause greater stress and it should be avoided if possible. Manufacturers and clinicians try to develop new implant designs and superstructure materials to reduce the stresses around the implant and supporting bone tissue. This study analyzed the influence of superstructure materials and implant designs on stress distribution around dental implants supporting cantilever restoration under loading conditions. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional finite element models of a 3-unit cantilever bridge were subjected to 150 N occlusal load to evaluate two different superstructure materials (conventional metal ceramic, fiber reinforced composite) and two different implant designs, cylinder type (Institut Straumann AG, Waldenburg, Switzerland) and cylinder type with micro threads around implant neck (Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden). To evaluate the distribution of stresses within the bone surrounding the implants, 3-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted using four mathematical models of unilateral 3-unit cantilever fixed partial dentures supported by two implants. Results: The stress distribution patterns and stress values were similar and stress concentrations were similar in both restoration materials. The highest stress concentrations were around the adjacent ITI implant, which supports the conventional metal porcelain restoration. Conclusions: Although, there was no significant difference in stress distribution between fiber reinforced composite (FRC) and conventional metal porcelain, stress values were lower in FRC restorations. The Astra-Tech micro-thread design reduced the stress that was distributed throughout the implant body, but it should be noted that the peak stress was still present on the implant neck.
Interdisciplinary approach to treating a patient with amelogenesis imperfecta: A clinical report
Authors: Sari Mustafa Erhan , Arici Nursel , Ozmen Bilal
Published: May 2013

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a rare hereditary condition in which enamel structure without evidence of systemic disorders. Amelogenesis imperfecta is a disorder, requiring treatment due to esthetic, functional and related psychosocial problems. This article represents, a patient that referred to our clinic suffering from amelogenesis imperfect who successfully overcame the esthetic, functional and psychosocial problems by receiving multidisciplinary team rehabilitation.
Maxillary ameloblastoma extending into the maxillary sinus
Authors: Dwivedi Nidhi , Raj Vineet , Chandra Shaleen , Agarwal Akhil
Published: May 2013

Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumor. Worldwide, maxillary ameloblastoma is rare, but its late detection renders adequate treatment difficult. Majority occur in the mandible with about 5-20% occurring in the maxillary bone. Here we report a case of plexiform ameloblastoma of the left maxilla in a 30-year-old male. The tumor was presented as a radiographically solid mass filling the left maxillary sinus and clinically as a maxillary swelling. The radio-pathological features of this tumor and the possibility of its sinonasal epithelium origin are discussed.
Determination of the Antiretroviral Drug Acyclovir in Diluted Alkaline Electrolyte by Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry at the Mercury Film Electrode
Authors: Castro Arnaldo Aguiar , Cordoves Ana Isa Perez , Farias Percio Augusto Mardini
Published: May 2013

This paper describes a stripping method for the determination of acyclovir at the submicromolar concentration level. This method is based on controlled adsorptive accumulation of acyclovir at thin-film mercury electrode, followed by a linear cyclic scan voltammetry measurement of the surface species. Optimal experimental conditions include a NaOH solution of 2.0 × 10−3mol L−1(supporting electrolyte), an accumulation potential of −0.40 V, and a scan rate of 100 mV s−1. The response of acyclovir is linear over the concentration range 0.02 to 0.12 ppm. For an accumulation time of 4 minutes, the detection limit was found to be 0.42 ppb (1.0 × 10−9mol L−1). More convenient methods to measure the acyclovir in presence of the didanosine, efavirenz, nevirapine, nelfinavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine were also investigated. The utility of this method is demonstrated by the presence of acyclovir together with Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or DNA.
Celiac disease and gluten-free diet
Authors: Hybenová Eva , Štofirová Julia , Mikulajová Anna
Published: May 2013

Celiac disease is an autoimmunity inflammatory disorder of the small intestine caused by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The prevalence of the disorder is around 1 % of the Western population and is still increasing. The symptoms of celiac disease include chronic abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and growth retardation in children, and chronic fatigue and headache, bowel complaints, reduced fertility, dermatitis herpetiformis, osteoporosis, nerve and brain disorders, increasing risk of intestinal cancer. The clinical diagnosis of the disease is based on the serological tests and bowel biopsy. The treatment is a long-life gluten-free diet. It is necessary exclude from the diet wheat, rye, barley and probably oats and buckwheat and their products. The novel approaches for celiac disease are focused on the genetic manipulation of nontoxic gluten proteins, enzyme therapy, immune modulation, and induction of oral tolerance to gluten.
Insulin Independence after Islet Transplantation through an Indwelling Catheter in the Right Gastric Vein
Authors: Wu Zhixian , Luo Fang , Guo Junqi , Cai Jinquan , Yang Shunliang , Wu Weizhen , Jiang Yanyan , Liao Lianming , Wu Zhifen , Tan Jianming
Published: May 2013

Background

Current islet transplantation approaches have various defects. This study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of an indwelling catheter in the right gastric vein for intra-hepatic islet transplantation.

Methods

Twenty patients had islet transplants through the indwelling catheter in the right gastric vein. The catheters were placed into the portal vein trunk using open surgery. While monitored with Doppler ultrasound, the islet suspensions were infused after the catheter location was confirmed in the trunk of the portal vein. The catheter was kept indwelling and secured to the skin for optional subsequent infusions and flushed with heparinized saline once per day to avoid peri-catheter thrombosis. After one month, the catheter was removed. Adverse effects and transplant efficacy parameters were observed.

Results

Insulin independence was finally achieved in 17 patients; 11 patients received a second infusion. The mean surgical duration was 55 ∓ 7 minutes and the hemorrhage volume was approximately 40 ∓ 11 mL. No significant change in portal pressure was observed (before infusion 2.9 ∓ 1.5 cm H2O, after infusion 2.6 ∓ 1.7 cm H2O, p>0.05). However, peak systolic velocity (PRV) of the hepatic artery after infusion was markedly higher than that before infusion (35.1 ∓ 10.7 cm/s vs. 68.5 ∓ 46.2 cm/s, p<0.01). Neither infection nor severe hemorrhage was found after surgery.

Conclusions

It is feasible, convenient, and safe to use an indwelling catheter in the right gastric vein for islet transplantation.
Low Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Chronic Kidney Failure following Liver Transplant: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Narciso Roberto C. , Ferraz Leonardo R. , Rodrigues Cassio J. O. , Monte Júlio C. M. , Mies Sérgio , dos Santos Oscar F. P. , Paes Ângela T. , Cendoroglo Miguel , Jaber Bertrand L. , Durão Marcelino S. , Batista Marcelo C.
Published: May 2013

Background

Patients undergoing orthotropic liver transplant (LTx) often present with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Identification of patients who will progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) might allow not only the implementation of kidney protective measures but also simultaneous kidney transplant.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study in adults who underwent LTx at a single center. ESRD, death, and composite of ESRD or death were studied outcomes.

Results

331 patients, who underwent LTx, were followed up for 2.6 ± 1.4 years; 31 (10%) developed ESRD, 6 (2%) underwent kidney transplant after LTx and 25 (8%) remained on chronic hemodialysis. Patients with pre-operative eGFR lesser than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 had a 4-fold increased risk of developing ESRD after adjustment for sex, diabetes mellitus, APACHE II score, use of nephrotoxic drugs, and severe liver graft failure (HR = 3.95, 95% CI 1.73, 9.01; p = 0.001). Other independent risk factors for ESRD were pre-operative diabetes mellitus and post-operative severe liver graft dysfunction.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize low eGFR prior to LTx as a predictor for ESRD or death. The consideration for kidney after liver transplant as a treatment modality should be taken into account for those who develop chronic kidney failure after LTx.
Conservation of the Nuclear Receptor Response Element in HIV-1 LTRs: A Possible PPAR Response Element?
Authors: Hurst Tara
Published: May 2013

Infection with HIV-1 continues to be a threat to public health. Successful antiretroviral therapy has reduced the risk of developing AIDS but cannot fully eradicate the virus due to latent proviral sequences remaining in infected cells. The 5′-long terminal repeat (LTR) of HIV-1 is critical for the regulation of transcription of the viral RNA and subsequent production of new viral particles. Indeed, the regulation of transcription relies upon the binding of host cell transcription factors and associated regulatory proteins to the LTR. Recently, it has been found that the treatment of cells with ligands of a number of nuclear receptors (NRs) resulted in inhibition of HIV-1 replication. This inhibition likely occurs via effects on other proteins that bind to the 5′-LTR, notably NF-κB. Here, the possible binding site of one NR, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), in the HIV-1 5′-LTR is analysed within isolates of the virus. Given the high mutation rate of HIV-1, it is striking that this region remains conserved in more recent isolates from geographically distinct regions. This work provides a rationale for further study of the binding site recognised by PPAR in the HIV-1 5′-LTR.
“Rebound” Effects from Increased Energy Efficiency: A Time to Pause and Reflect
Authors: Turner Karen
Published: May 2013

The phenomenon of rebound effects has sparked considerable academic, policy and press debate in recent years over the effectiveness of energy efficiency policy. There has been a huge surge in empirical studies claiming rebound effects of hugely varying magnitudes. The contention of this paper is that the lack of consensus in the literature is grounded in a rush to empirical estimation in the absence of solid analytical foundations. Focus on measuring a single “rebound” measure has led to a neglect of detail on precisely what type of change in energy use is considered in any one study and on the range of mechanisms governing the economy-wide response. This paper attempts to bring a reflective pause to the development of the rebound literature, with a view to identifying the key issues that policymakers need to understand and analysts need to focus their attention on.
Improving Congestion Management: How to Facilitate the Integration of Renewable Generation in Germany
Authors: Kunz Friedrich
Published: May 2013

In this paper the German congestion management regime is analyzed and future congestion management costs are assessed given a higher share of intermittent renewable generation. In this context, cost-based re-dispatching of power plants and technical flexibility through topology optimization are considered as market-based and technical congestion management methods. To replicate the current market regime in Germany a two-step procedure is chosen consisting of a transactional spot market model and a congestion management model. This uniform pricing model is compared to a nodal pricing regime. The results show that currently congestion can mainly be managed by re-dispatching power plants and optimizing the network topology. However, congestion management costs tend to increase significantly in future years if the developments of transmission as well as generation infrastructure diverge. It is concluded that there is a need for improving the current congestion management regime to achieve an efficient longterm development of the German electricity system.
The Costs of Electricity Systems with a High Share of Fluctuating Renewables: A Stochastic Investment and Dispatch Optimization Model for Europe
Authors: Nagl Stephan , Fürsch Michaela , Lindenberger Dietmar
Published: May 2013

Renewable energies are meant to cover a large share of the future electricity demand. However, the availability of wind and solar power depends on local weather conditions. In this article, we analyze the impact of the stochastic availability of wind and solar energy on the cost-minimal power plant mix and the related total system costs. To determine optimal conventional, renewable and storage capacities for different shares of renewables, we apply a stochastic investment and dispatch optimization model to the European electricity market. The model considers stochastic feed-in structures and full load hours of wind and solar technologies and different correlations between regions and technologies. Key findings include a lower value of fluctuating renewables and higher system costs compared to deterministic investment and dispatch models. Furthermore, the value of solar technologies is—relative to wind turbines—underestimated when neglecting negative correlations between wind speeds and solar radiation. Keywords: Stochastic programming, Electricity, Renewable energy
Necrotizing Enterocolitis: An Update on the Benefits of Breast Milk
Authors: Khader Adam , Gallagher Julie , Woods Megan , Yang Weng-Lang , Wang Ping , Stylianos Steven , Prince Jose M.
Published: May 2013

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of death for preterm infants resulting from gastrointestinal disease. This review will focus on several components of human breast milk that may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of NEC. The severe pathological features of NEC include inflammation, mucosal ulceration and disruption of the intestinal barrier. Despite maximal neonatal intensive care, the incidence and mortality rate of the disease remains high. Administration of breast milk, as well as donor breast milk, to preterm infants has been shown to reduce the incidence of NEC. Beyond this, there is no disease specific treatment for NEC. The immunomodulatory and protective properties of human breast milk have been evaluated in search of key components that may be utilized for the effective prevention and treatment of NEC.
Mode of Feeding in Infancy and its Related Parameters
Authors: Bano Rafia
Published: May 2013

The study aims to assess the relation between breastfeeding duration and age at menarche. Analysis was based on a cross sectional study on adolescent girls in the age group 10 – 15 years. The main outcome was self-reported age at menarche. Pearson’s correlation was used to investigate the relation between duration of exclusive and any breastfeeding with age at menarche with adjustment sequentially for specific sets of known socioeconomic, maternal, and genetic, confounders [1].
Menarche is a critical biomarker in the reproductive life of females [2]. It serves as an intermediate health outcome that affects women’s wellbeing at later stages of life [3]. There appears to be trend for decreasing age at menarche worldwide. There are contradictory reports of lowering age at menarche due to increasing BMI in the population [4]. The tempto, level of growth and maturation during adolescence may have important implication to future adult health. The purpose of the study was to examine mode of feeding in infancy and its effect on BMI and age at menarche [5].
700 girls, 10-15 years were selected by multistage random sampling procedure. Age of the girls, Socioeconomic Status, BMI, menstrual status and mode of feeding in infancy were identified by questionnaire. Quetelet Index (wt/h2) was used to identify the BMI. B. G. Prasad method of social classification was used to grade the Socio economic Status [6].
Mean age at menarche was found to be 12.36±1.15 years. It was observed that mode of feeding infancy was significantly correlated (P< 0.01) with the age at menarche, Socioeconomic Status and educational qualification of mothers. However, the study suggested that girls who were formula fed deposit more body fat and were overweight.
Anemia among Adolescent and Young Women in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Yasutake Suzumi , He Huan , Decker Michele R. , Sonenstein Freya L. , Astone Nan M.
Published: May 2013

Objective: Anemia is a global public health problem that affects maternal and infant mortality as well as human capital development. Yet there is not much research on anemia among young women in low-and-middle-income countries with nationally representative samples. The aim of the current research is to assess the extent of anemia in a critical age group: adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 24.
Methods: The data are from 34 Demographic and Health Surveys and are used to describe the prevalence of anemia among pregnant and non-pregnant women by age, rural/urban residence, and household wealth. Anemia was assessed using the HemoCue® blood hemoglobin testing system.
Findings: The prevalence of anemia among young women ranges from 15% to over 50%. This is substantially higher than 5%, which is the cutoff to identify a population where anemia is a public health problem. African countries show the highest prevalence of anemia; Benin, Ghana and Mali have over 60% anemia prevalence. Moreover, the prevalence of moderate to severe anemia is particularly high in African countries, over 20% in Ghana and Guinea. Our results show that anemia is a public health concern for adolescents and young adult females in all 34 countries we analyzed.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of anemia among youth is alarming. Considering the importance of the adolescent and young adult years, when human capital development is consolidated and family formation begins, these findings call for interventions to redress the problem of anemia.
Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Rural Bengalee Primary School Boys (6-9 Years) in Comparison to Indian Children
Authors: Dutta Subrata , Dhara Prakash Chandra
Published: May 2013

A cross sectional study was undertaken to determine nutritional status and growth pattern of 410 rural primary school boys (6-9 years of age) belong from lower socioeconomic status according Kuppuswamy's socioeconomic scale (2012) in West Midnapore District of West Bengal. The daily nutritional intake of the children was measured by weighing raw and cooked foods and also by 24 hrs recall method. The body mass indexes (BMI), body composition, protein/calory adequacy status, protein-energy ratio of the primary school boys were measured to assess the nutritional status. The food and nutrient intake of the subjects were compared with their respective Indian values (NNMB, 2002). The diet of rural school boys was found to be imbalanced with plenty intake of milk and lower in intake of cereals, pulses but higher in intake of vegetables than that of their Indian counterpart. It was observed that the diets are predominantly more deficient in calories than protein. Most of the boys had normal body weight and only a little number of boys was overweight or underweight and the protein energy ratio is lower than ICMR recommended value except the age group of 7 years and the maximum percentage (about 20%) of underweight boys is found in the age group of 9 years. It was further observed that there was a significant correlation between body composition and BMI (p<0.001).
Living Environs and Nutritional Status of Children from an Urban Indian Slum: An Analysis of Associative Factors
Authors: Kulsum Asma , Lakshmi A. Jyothi , Prakash Jamuna
Published: May 2013

Growing urbanization gives rise to slums, which are densely populated peri-urban areas housing underprivileged populations. The nutritional status of children in slum areas can be compromised due to poor living environs despite availability of many urban health care facilities. The present cross- sectional study was undertaken to determine the nutritional status of children residing in slum and analyze the various associative factors. The study area was Ghousianagar, a slum in city of Mysore from South India. A sample of 676 children (2-11 years of age, males, 310 and females, 366) from two schools was chosen for detailed anthropometry. Data were also collected on living conditions, economic and literacy levels of parents and nutritional status of mothers (n=200) through standard techniques. The results revealed that the living conditions of children were highly unhygienic. Only in 36% of families both parents were literate. Children from all age groups exhibited different degrees of malnutrition which worsened with increasing age. Only 8% of children were normal and the rest suffered with different degrees of undernutrition. Stunting and wasting were significantly influenced by age and gender of children. Under associative factors studied, weight for age of children was significantly associated with economic status of family and maternal BMI. Weight for height was associated with economic status, family size and maternal BMI. Height for age exhibited marginal association with family size. It can be said that adverse living environment and limited resources influenced the nutritional status of children adversely.
Automatic Versus Manual Solar Panel Cleaning for Remote Locations
Authors: Lamont Lisa Ann , Chaar Lana El
Published: May 2013

Photovoltaic solar technology is now being widely investigated for implementation in the UAE as a possible renewable energy source. Currently the main emphasis is on the accessible areas but remote locations are now being explored for the possibility of large scale deployment. However due to the environment and location certain measures such as regular cleaning must be considered to ensure the efficient operation of the PV panels. This paper investigates the cost of current developed cleaning technologies available in the Gulf region, highlights their advantages and disadvantages and the time needed to recoup initial investment.
Nanoporous Silicon-Based Direct Hydrochloric Acid Fuel Cells
Authors: Dzhafarov T.D. , AydinYuksel S.
Published: May 2013

Fabrication and characterization of Au/Porous silicon/Silicon (Au/PS/Si)-type direct hydrochloric acid fuel cells have been presented in this work. The Au/PS/Si cells were prepared by first creating the nanoporous silicon layer in single-crystalline Si using the anodic etching under illumination and deposition Au catalyst layer onto the porous silicon. The porous silicon filled with hydrochloric acid was developed as a proton conducting membrane. Using HCl:H2O (1.7 M) solution as fuel the open circuit voltage of 0.65 V was obtained and maximum power density of 3.5 mW/cm2 at room temperature was achieved. It is shown that the Au/PS/Si-type direct hydrochloric acid fuel cell with gold catalyst operating at room temperature can be considered as the most promising type of low cost fuel cell for small power-supply units.
Study of Biodiesel Production from Sunflower Oil Using Non Usual Basic Polymeric Resin as Catalyst
Authors: Da Silva Viviane Fernandes , Santa Maria Luiz Claudio de , Goncalves Lenise V.F. , Fonseca Mauricio G. , Batista Luciano N.
Published: May 2013

Biodiesel is defined as a long-chain mono alkyl (methyl, ethyl or propyl) ester of fatty acids obtained from renewable sources by transesterification reaction using an acid or base. In this work, a basic resin, Amberlyst A26, was used to produce methyl sunflower biodiesel. The iodine value, corrosion to copper, oxidative stability, specific mass, water content, acid value, cloud point and ester composition were evaluated. The heterogeneous catalyst was also characterized to verify its efficiency and its ability to be reused. We used the following analytical techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-rays fluorescence (XRF) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the characteristics of biodiesel made from sunflower oil using resin A26 as a catalyst are in accordance with Brazilian biodiesel regulations, except the oxidative stability. The techniques used to characterize the resin showed that it is possible to reuse the resin after regeneration.
Stability Analysis and Optimal State Feedback Control of Back-to-Back Converter
Authors: Hassanzadeh Fattah , Hajizadeh Amin , Abbasi Fazel
Published: May 2013

Developing of transmission systems and using of different energy sources to supply the demand of network power makes that the using of power electronic converters are increased. Among the power electronic converters, Back to Back (B2B) converters are operated in the power system today’s widely. These converters can be located in connection of distributed power generation systems to power network and in HVDC transmission systems.
In this paper stability analysis and controllability of B2B converters based on the average model in HVDC power transmission systems is studied. Also, optimal state feedback control under different conditions for B2B converter is proposed. Finally, simulation results are illustrated in order to verify the capability of proposed control strategy.
Non-invasive evaluation of electrical brain activity: effects of non-medicative treatment and subject’s state
Authors: Griškova-Bulanova Inga
Published: May 2013

Introduction. The electroencephalogram (EEG) and evoked potentials (EPs) are widely used in psychiatry. Thus, it is important to standardize recording conditions according to instructions, arousal and attention levels of the subject. Also, it is important to evaluate the effect of nonpharmacologic treatment (electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)) on EEG and EPs. In this paper, an overview of researches, conducted in the above mentioned directions in Lithuania, is given.
Materials and methods. EEG was recorded using standard protocols; P300, P50 and auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) were elicited. 44 schizophrenic patients, 25 depressive patients and 136 healthy subjects were investigated. Effects of ECT treatment, 10 Hz TMS procedure, and varying attention and arousal levels on EEG/EPs were investigated.
Results. ECT had no negative impact on P300; alongside with clinical response, normalization of P300 parameters occurred. It was related to subject’s age and autonomic nervous system response during the treatment. A single 10 Hz TMS procedure produced a profound increase in the delta power of background EEG. In lower arousal level conditions, higher and more precise P50 potential, ASSR and background alpha power were observed. During distraction task performance, reduced gamma band response and ASSR, and increased background gamma power were observed.
Conclusions. During the treatment course of ECT it is recommended to evaluate P300 potential changes and to monitor subject’s indices of the autonomic nervous system function, as these are related to clinical efficiency. Passively elicited auditory responses should be registered during low arousal unfocused attention conditions when the most precise responses of the highest amplitude are registered.