bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved immobilization of laccase on a glassy carbon electrode by oriented covalent attachment
Authors: Liu Xin , Liu Kewu
Published: October 2014

A laccase from Thermus thermophilus HB27 was reported to be potentially
useful in the design of a temperature controlled biofuel cell. For enhancing
its application in different thermal conditions, we engineered a
laccase-oriented immobilized electrode. A site-directed mutant N323C of the
laccase was constructed. A photometric assay was employed in order to compare
the catalytic properties of wild-type laccase and mutant. The mutant was
attached to a glass carbon electrode by covalent cross-linking. The
electrochemical properties of the immobilized laccase were investigated by
cyclic voltammetry. This immobilization allowed the active electrode to
function at temperatures up to 95?C. The thermal and pH dependence profiles
were similar to those of the soluble enzyme investigated by
spectrophotometry.
Analysis of pathways and networks influencing the differential expression of genes in coronary artery disease
Authors: Li Hui , Zhong Xiaolan , Li Chaomin , Peng Lijing , Liu Wei , Ye Mingxia , Tuo Buxiong
Published: October 2014

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide.
Microarray analysis is a practical approach to study gene transcription
changes that may reflect signatures that underlie the pathogenesis of CAD.
Using gene expression profile data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database,
we identified differentially expressed genes that can contribute to the
pathology of CAD. Further pathway and network analyses were also implemented
to identify pathways and hub genes related to the disease. We observed 466
downregulated and 560 upregulated genes. The ribosome pathway was the most
significantly over-represented pathway with differentially expressed genes.
Over 35% of the genes in this pathway were downregulated. Hub genes in the
network, such as IL7R, FYN, CALM1 ESR1 and PLCG1, may play crucial roles in
the pathogenesis of CAD. Our results facilitate the identification of
molecular mechanisms that underlie CAD.
The chemical composition of the floral extract of Epipogium aphyllum sw. (Orchidaceae): A clue for their pollination biology
Authors: Jakubska-Busse Anna , Jasicka-Misiak Izabela , Poliwoda Anna , Święczkowska Emilia , Kafarski Paweł
Published: October 2014

Epipogium aphyllum is a rare European obligate mycoheterotrophic orchid
lacking chlorophyll. It has not been studied previously with respect to
pollination biology. We studied the association between the composition of
floral scent emission and its pollination systems. Field observation
indicates that the main pollinators of Epipogium aphyllum are representatives
of the genus Bombus (Hymenoptera), B. lucorum, B. hortorum, B. terrestris, B.
pascuorum and B. proteus, and the genus Apis (Hymenoptera) namely A.
mellifera. The main potential vector (observed to accidentally carry pollen),
is most likely Episyrphus balteatus (Diptera, Syrphidae). The chemical
composition of the floral extracts of 4 populations of Epipogium aphyllum Sw.
growing naturally in Poland and the Czech Republic was examined by gas
chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance
liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and electrospray
ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) techniques. According to GC-MS
analysis, 9-tricosene, nonadecane, 1-nonadecene and nonacosane predominated
in the floral extracts. The studied samples were also characterized by
relatively high amounts of benzenoids, e.g. methyl cinnamate, which is known
as an attractant to the males of various orchid bees. LC-ESI-MS revealed the
presence of flavor compounds such as vanillin
(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) and its derivative acetovanillone, together
with higher amounts of aliphatic and phenolic acids. Additionally, we
detected the presence of indole and morphine derivatives.
Formation of alumina-aluminide coatings on ferritic-martensitic T91 steel
Authors: Choudhary R.K. , Kain V. , Hubli R.C.
Published: October 2014

In this work, alumina-aluminide coatings were formed on ferritic-martensitic
T91 steel substrate. First, coatings of aluminum were deposited
electrochemically on T91 steel in a room temperature AlCl3-1-ethyl-3-methyl
imidazolium chloride ionic liquid, then the obtained coating was subjected to
a two stage heat treatment procedure consisting of prolonged heat treatment
of the sample in vacuum at 300 ?C followed by oxidative heat treatment in air
at 650 ?C for 16 hours. X-ray diffraction measurement of the oxidatively heat
treated samples indicated formation of Fe-Al and Cr-Al intermetallics and
presence of amorphous alumina. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
measurement confirmed 50 wt- % O in the oxidized coating. Microscratch
adhesion test conducted on alumina-aluminide coating formed on T91 steel
substrate showed no major adhesive detachment up to 20 N loads. However,
adhesive failure was observed at a few discrete points on the coating along
the scratch track.
Proposed transport beam line for DESIR
Authors: Toprek Dragan
Published: October 2014

In this paper the detailed structure of the transport beam line design is
proposed, quadrupoles and deflectors specifications in order to transport the
beam from the optic adaptation point in the SPIRAL2 production building up to
the adaptation point in the DESIR hall. All optical elements, in beam line,
are electrostatic and so, settings are independent of the ratio q/m of the
particle. The calculations are done by COSY INFINITY computer code in first
order of approximation and without fringe field effects. The beam emittances
at the starting point (adaptation point in the SPIRAL2 production building)
in horizontal and vertical planes are 80p mm mrad. The beam line is designed
in such a way that the beam sizes, in both planes, at the end (adaptation
point in the DESIR hall) are kept the same as they are at the starting point;
the horizontal and vertical displacements from the optic axis at starting and
ending points are the same, ?6 mm. In such case the efficiency of transport
of the beam is high.
Smart ionization chamber for gamma-ray monitoring
Authors: Drndarevic Vujo , Jevtic Nenad , Rajovic Vladimir , Stankovic Srboljub
Published: October 2014

A design and implementation of a smart ionization chamber suitable for
connection into gamma radiation monitoring networks is presented in this
paper. The smart ionization chamber consists of air-equivalent one liter
ionization chamber with associated electronics and a built-in memory for
storage of electronic data specifications. Generally, operating and
measurement characteristics of the used ionization chamber are written into
the memory chip attached to the chamber. A microcontroller-based data
acquisition system with a mixed-mode interface has been implemented for the
purpose of reading electronic data specifications from the memory chip, and
for configuration and interfacing of the ionization chamber to the monitoring
network using plug-and-play concept. The details of smart ionization chamber
implementation and test results are included in the paper.
Patient dose measurement and dose reduction in chest radiography
Authors: Milatovic Aleksandra , Spasic-Jokic Vesna , Jovanovic Slobodan
Published: October 2014

Investigations presented in this paper represent the first estimation of
patient doses in chest radiography in Montenegro. In the initial stage of our
study, we measured the entrance surface air kerma and kerma area product for
chest radiography in five major health institutions in the country. A total
of 214 patients were observed. We reported the mean value, minimum and third
quartile values, as well as maximum values of surface air kerma and kerma
area product of patient doses. In the second stage, the possibilities for
dose reduction were investigated. Mean kerma area product values were 0.8 ?
0.5 Gycm2 for the posterior-anterior projection and 1.6 ? 0.9 Gycm2 for the
lateral projection. The max/min ratio for the entrance surface air kerma was
found to be 53 for the posterior-anterior projection and 88 for the lateral
projection. Comparing the results obtained in Montenegro with results from
other countries, we concluded that patient doses in our medical centres are
significantly higher. Changes in exposure parameters and increased filtration
contributed to a dose reduction of up to 36% for posterior-anterior chest
examinations. The variability of the estimated dose values points to a
significant space for dose reduction throughout the process of radiological
practice optimisation.
Public Issues in Orthodontics
Authors: Mishra Praveen
Published: October 2014

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11303 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 5
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Patients towards Orthodontic Treatment: A Multi-centric Study
Authors: Shrestha Rabindra Man , Bhattarai Prakash , Dhakal Jyoti , Shrestha Sujita
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Patient’s perspective and cooperation on treatment procedure and service is very important to evaluate the management system and success of the orthodontic treatment. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of Nepalese patients towards orthodontic treatment and to find the difference of perception between female and male patients. Materials & Method: A structured questionnaire comprising of fifteen questions in three sections was used among 536 orthodontic patients at eight orthodontic treatment centers. The knowledge, attitude and practice were assessed on Likert scale. The data were rescored based on positive, neutral or negative perceptions and depicted for a level. The difference in perception between female and male patients was tested using Mann-Whitney U test. Result: 85% of orthodontic patients possess good knowledge about ongoing orthodontic treatment; however about half of the patients are unaware about retainers. About 35% patients think that people wearing braces do not look good, 59% experience long waiting time, 25% feel time spent for procedure is inadequate and 68% believe orthodontic treatment is expensive; still 82% are happy about treatment outcome. Most of the patients brush and rinse more carefully, however 28.9% patients are careless about braces and 12.7% forget appointment dates. Conclusion: Nepalese orthodontic patients possess good knowledge about orthodontic treatment, however lack adequate attitude and practice towards the treatment. The practitioners should inform patients about retainers and be concerned about waiting time, procedure duration and cost of the treatment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11304 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 6-11
Assessment of Validity of Pont’s Index and Establishment of Regression Equation to Predict Arch Width in Nepalese Sample
Authors: Dhakal Jyoti , Shrestha Rabindra Man , Pyakurel Ujjwal
Published: October 2014

Objective: To evaluate the validity of Pont’s index in Nepalese population and establish the regression equation to predictprobable arch width from sum of the maxillary incisors.Materials & Method: The sample comprised of 50 female and 50 male subjects of the age ranging 17-24 years. Sum of themesio-distal widths of the maxillary incisors were measured. Descriptive statistics, Coefficient of regression, and regressionequation were calculated to predict the arch width in premolar and molar regions. Independent t-test was performed to findthe difference between mean values of male and female subjects. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0.Result: Mean value of Pont’s index ratio was 0.80 and 0.63 for premolar and molar respectively for Nepalese sample. Statisticalanalysis showed no significant difference between male and female in Pont’s premolar and molar index. The correlation ofcoefficient for Sum of Incisors/Premolar width and Sum of Incisors/Molar width were 0.39 and 0.46 respectively.Conclusion: Pont’s analysis can be applied in Nepalese samples. There is no significant difference in values between male andfemale samples.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11305 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 12-16
Comparative Cephalometric Analysis of Angle Class II Division 1 Malocclusion Between Nepalese and Chinese Subjects
Authors: Sharma Bishnu Prasad , Xin Chang
Published: October 2014

Objective: To identify the craniofacial features of Nepalese and Chinese subjects with Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion; andto compare between Nepalese and Chinese samples and Nepalese gender groups.Materials & Method: The cephalometric radiographs were obtained from 96 Nepalese (mean ages16.34 ± 5.4 years) and 39Chinese (mean age 17.18 ± 7.1 years) subjects with Angle Cass II division 1 malocclusion. Ten skeletal, nine dental and three softtissue variables were investigated.Result: The craniofacial features between Nepalese and Chinese samples showed significant differences among fifteen of thetwenty-two variables studied; whereas in comparison between gender groups, six parameters were significantly different.Conclusion: Both samples showed well positioned maxilla, retrusive mandible and Class II skeletal tendency. In comparison,maxilla was more protrusive, mandible was more retrusive and overjet was more increased in Chinese. The Nepalese showedmore prominent nose and chin.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11306 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 17-
Malocclusion Traits of Yemeni Female School Children
Authors: Al-Zubair Nabil Muhsen , Almulla Aussama
Published: October 2014

Objective: To provide detailed information concerning clinically relevant occlusal traits and prevalence of occlusal anomaliesin orthodontically relevant period of dental development.Materials & Method: 1501 Yemeni female school children aged 12 years were clinically examined. Overjet was measured to thenearest of 0.5 mm, and sagittal molar relationship were measured. In addition, missing permanent teeth, crowding, spacing,anterior maxillary and mandibular irregularities and anterior open bite were evaluated. Descriptive analysis was carried out toassess the frequency.Result: 9.1% female presented with at least one missing permanent tooth. The mean overjet was 2.8 mm, an increased overjetgreater than 6 mm was affecting around 4 per cent of the children. Similarly, spacing and crowding were present in 25.8% and30.4% respectively. Anterior open bite was affected in every tenth child. Molar relations other than Class I were reported in 29.5%of the sample.Conclusion: Wide range of orthodontically relevant occlusal traits found in the present study underlines the need for orthodonticscreening of children at the age of 12 years or earlier.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11310 Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 41-44
Correction of Crowding using Conservative Treatment Approach
Authors: Shah Tapan , Shyagali Tarulatha , Trivedi Kalyani
Published: October 2014

Crowding being the most common chief complaint of the patients seeking orthodontic treatment has multiple treatmentoptions. Thus the orthodontist has to choose wisely amongst the options according to the individual patient need. The presentcase report is about the correction of crowding using the combination of extraction and non-extraction modality. The upperarch was treated by expansion and the lower arch was treated using extraction of a single incisor.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ojn.v4i1.11314     Orthodontic Journal of Nepal Vol.4(1) 2014; 57-62
Effects of Transport at Weaning on the Behavior, Physiology and Performance of Pigs
Authors: Sutherland Mhairi , Backus Brittany , McGlone John
Published: October 2014

Transport of pigs to separate production facilities at the time of weaning is a common practice, primarily performed to reduce vertical transfer of disease and enhance production and overall farm efficiency. During transport, pigs are exposed to numerous stressors in conjunction with the stress experienced as a result of weaning. In this review, the behavioral and physiological response of pigs experiencing weaning and transport simultaneously will be described, including the effects of space allowance, season and transport duration. Based on the scientific literature, the gaps in the knowledge regarding potential welfare issues are discussed. Changes in behavior and physiology suggest that weaned pigs may experience stress due to transport. Space allowance, season and duration are aspects of transport that can have a marked impact on these responses. To date, the literature regarding the effects of transport on weaned pigs has primarily focused on the short term stress response and little is known about the effects of concurrent weaning and transport on other aspects of pig welfare including morbidity and mortality rates. Greater understanding of the short and long term consequences of transport on weaned pig welfare particularly in relation to factors such as trip duration, provision of feed and water, and best handling practices would benefit the swine industry. Furthermore, the development of guidelines and recommendations to enhance the short and long term welfare of weaned pigs in relation to transport are needed.
Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides in Vibrios
Authors: Destoumieux-Garzón Delphine , Duperthuy Marylise , Vanhove Audrey , Schmitt Paulina , Wai Sun
Published: October 2014

Vibrios are associated with a broad diversity of hosts that produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as part of their defense against microbial infections. In particular, vibrios colonize epithelia, which function as protective barriers and express AMPs as a first line of chemical defense against pathogens. Recent studies have shown they can also colonize phagocytes, key components of the animal immune system. Phagocytes infiltrate infected tissues and use AMPs to kill the phagocytosed microorganisms intracellularly, or deliver their antimicrobial content extracellularly to circumvent tissue infection. We review here the mechanisms by which vibrios have evolved the capacity to evade or resist the potent antimicrobial defenses of the immune cells or tissues they colonize. Among their strategies to resist killing by AMPs, primarily vibrios use membrane remodeling mechanisms. In particular, some highly resistant strains substitute hexaacylated Lipid A with a diglycine residue to reduce their negative surface charge, thereby lowering their electrostatic interactions with cationic AMPs. As a response to envelope stress, which can be induced by membrane-active agents including AMPs, vibrios also release outer membrane vesicles to create a protective membranous shield that traps extracellular AMPs and prevents interaction of the peptides with their own membranes. Finally, once AMPs have breached the bacterial membrane barriers, vibrios use RND efflux pumps, similar to those of other species, to transport AMPs out of their cytoplasmic space.
Correction: Sadofsky, L.R., et al. Unique Responses are Observed in Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 and Vanilloid 1 (TRPA1 and TRPV1) Co-Expressing Cells. Cells 2014, 3, 616-626
Authors: Sadofsky Laura , Sreekrishna Koti , Lin Yakang , Schinaman Renee , Gorka Kate , Mantri Yogita , Haught John , Huggins Thomas , Isfort Robert , Bascom Charles , Morice Alyn
Published: October 2014

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1]: In Table 2 on page 623, the Quercinitol activation value for TRPA1V1 should be 2.3 instead of 57.6. Quercinitol does not activate TRPA1V1. We thank Michael J.M. Fisher (University of Erlangen, Germany) for his feedback which helped us to review our result. The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused to the readers by these changes.
Characterization of Developing Cotton Fibers by Confocal Raman Microscopy
Authors: Cabrales Luis , Abidi Noureddine , Manciu Felicia
Published: October 2014

Cellulose deposition in developing cotton fibers has been studied previously with analytical techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Recent technological developments in instrumentation have made Raman microscopy emerge as an extraordinary analytical tool in biological and plant research. The advantage of using confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) resides in the lateral spatial resolution and in the fact that Raman spectroscopy provides not only chemical composition information, but also structural information. Cross-sections of cotton fibers harvested at different developmental stages were studied with CRM. The Raman bands assigned to cellulose were analyzed. The results of this study indicate that CRM can be used as a tool to study cellulose deposition in cotton fibers and could provide useful information on cellulose deposition during cotton fiber development.
Electrical Stimulation and Cutaneous Wound Healing: A Review of Clinical Evidence
Authors: Ud-Din Sara , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: October 2014

Electrical stimulation (ES) has been shown to have beneficial effects in wound healing. It is important to assess the effects of ES on cutaneous wound healing in order to ensure optimization for clinical practice. Several different applications as well as modalities of ES have been described, including direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), high-voltage pulsed current (HVPC), low-intensity direct current (LIDC) and electrobiofeedback ES. However, no one method has been advocated as the most optimal for the treatment of cutaneous wound healing. Therefore, this review aims to examine the level of evidence (LOE) for the application of different types of ES to enhance cutaneous wound healing in the skin. An extensive search was conducted to identify relevant clinical studies utilising ES for cutaneous wound healing since 1980 using PubMed, Medline and EMBASE. A total of 48 studies were evaluated and assigned LOE. All types of ES demonstrated positive effects on cutaneous wound healing in the majority of studies. However, the reported studies demonstrate contrasting differences in the parameters and types of ES application, leading to an inability to generate sufficient evidence to support any one standard therapeutic approach. Despite variations in the type of current, duration, and dosing of ES, the majority of studies showed a significant improvement in wound area reduction or accelerated wound healing compared to the standard of care or sham therapy as well as improved local perfusion. The limited number of LOE-1 trials for investigating the effects of ES in wound healing make critical evaluation and assessment somewhat difficult. Further, better-designed clinical trials are needed to improve our understanding of the optimal dosing, timing and type of ES to be used.
Setting the One Health Agenda and the Human–Companion Animal Bond
Authors: Takashima Gregg , Day Michael
Published: October 2014

“One Health”, also called “One Medicine”, began as an initiative advocating greater integration of human and animal medicine, in the 1800s. This concept has recently come to prominence, driven by the recognition that 75% of the newly emerging infectious diseases will arise from animal reservoirs, and that successful control and prevention will require a coordinated human medical and veterinary approach. Consequently, many One Health discussions have centered on the surveillance of animals in order to anticipate the potential emergence of new zoonotic diseases. An area that has been given only cursory mention, are the many ways that small companion animals benefit individual, community and possibly world health. The goal of this paper is to briefly review some of the evidenced-based data concerning the benefits of having companion animals in our lives, focusing on four major areas; cancer, heart disease, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the potential positive economic effects of the human-companion animal bond on One Health. Heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, while ASD is a growing concern, not only for its individual effects, but also for its effect on family units, educational institutions, and its social implications for the community. In addition, these diseases can greatly affect the national and global cost of healthcare, as well as the economic output of a nation. It is therefore important to include and build on the concept of the Human-Animal Bond (HAB) as it relates to healthcare in these areas.
Spatial and Temporal Variations of Satellite-Derived Multi-Year Particulate Data of Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Aina Yusuf , Van der Merwe Johannes , Alshuwaikhat Habib
Published: October 2014

The effects of concentrations of fine particulate matter on urban populations have been gaining attention because fine particulate matter exposes the urban populace to health risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Satellite-derived data, using aerosol optical depth (AOD), have been adopted to improve the monitoring of fine particulate matter. One of such data sources is the global multi-year PM2.5 data (2001–2010) released by the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN). This paper explores the satellite-derived PM2.5 data of Saudi Arabia to highlight the trend of PM2.5 concentrations. It also examines the changes in PM2.5 concentrations in some urbanized areas of Saudi Arabia. Concentrations in major cities like Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and the industrial cities of Yanbu and Jubail are analyzed using cluster analysis. The health risks due to exposure of the populace are highlighted by using the World Health Organization (WHO) standard and targets. The results show a trend of increasing concentrations of PM2.5 in urban areas. Significant clusters of high values are found in the eastern and south-western part of the country. There is a need to explore this topic using images with higher spatial resolution and validate the data with ground observations to improve the analysis.
Comparison of Select Analytes in Exhaled Aerosol from E-Cigarettes with Exhaled Smoke from a Conventional Cigarette and Exhaled Breaths
Authors: Long Gerald
Published: October 2014

Exhaled aerosols were collected following the use of two leading U.S. commercial electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and a conventional cigarette by human subjects and analyzed for phenolics, carbonyls, water, glycerin and nicotine using a vacuum-assisted filter pad capture system. Exhaled breath blanks were determined for each subject prior to each product use and aerosol collection session. Distribution and mass balance of exhaled e-cigarette aerosol composition was greater than 99.9% water and glycerin, and a small amount (<0.06%) of nicotine. Total phenolic content in exhaled e-cigarette aerosol was not distinguishable from exhaled breath blanks, while total phenolics in exhaled cigarette smoke were significantly greater than in exhaled e-cigarette aerosol and exhaled breaths, averaging 66 µg/session (range 36 to 117 µg/session). The total carbonyls in exhaled e-cigarette aerosols were also not distinguishable from exhaled breaths or room air blanks. Total carbonyls in exhaled cigarette smoke was significantly greater than in exhaled e-cigarette aerosols, exhaled breath and room air blanks, averaging 242 µg/session (range 136 to 352 µg/session). These results indicate that exhaled e-cigarette aerosol does not increase bystander exposure for phenolics and carbonyls above the levels observed in exhaled breaths of air.
Mixed Pro- and Anti-Oxidative Effects of Pomegranate Polyphenols in Cultured Cells
Authors: Danesi Francesca , Kroon Paul , Saha Shikha , De Biase Dario , D'Antuono Luigi , Bordoni Alessandra
Published: October 2014

In recent years, the number of scientific papers concerning pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and its health properties has increased greatly, and there is great potential for the use of bioactive-rich pomegranate extracts as ingredients in functional foods and nutraceuticals. To translate this potential into effective strategies it is essential to further elucidate the mechanisms of the reported bioactivity. In this study HepG2 cells were supplemented with a pomegranate fruit extract or with the corresponding amount of pure punicalagin, and then subjected to an exogenous oxidative stress. Overall, upon the oxidative stress the gene expression and activity of the main antioxidant enzymes appeared reduced in supplemented cells, which were more prone to the detrimental effects than unsupplemented ones. No differences were detected between cells supplemented with the pomegranate juice or the pure punicalagin. Although further studies are needed due to the gaps existing between in vitro and in vivo studies, our results suggest caution in the administration of high concentrations of nutraceutical molecules, particularly when they are administered in concentrated form.
Over-Expression of SlSHN1 Gene Improves Drought Tolerance by Increasing Cuticular Wax Accumulation in Tomato
Authors: Al-Abdallat Ayed , Al-Debei Hmoud , Ayad Jamal , Hasan Shireen
Published: October 2014

Increasing cuticular wax accumulation in plants has been associated with improving drought tolerance in plants. In this study, a cDNA clone encoding the SlSHN1 transcription factor, the closest ortholog to WIN/SHN1 gene in Arabidopsis, was isolated from tomato plant. Expression analysis of SlSHN1 indicated that it is induced in response to drought conditions. The over-expression of SlSHN1 in tomato under the control of the constitutive CaMV 35S promoter produced plants that showed mild growth retardation phenotype with shiny and dark green leaves. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the over-expression of SlSHN1 in tomato resulted in higher cuticular wax deposition on leaf epidermial tissue when compared to non-transformed plants. Expression analysis in transgenic lines over-expressing SlSHN1 indicated that several wax-related synthesis genes were induced. Transgenic tomato plants over-expressing SlSHN1 showed higher drought tolerance when compared with wild type plants; this was reflected in delayed wilting of transgenic lines, improved water status and reduced water loss rate when compared with wild type plants. In conclusion, the SlSHN1 gene can modulate wax accumulation and could be utilized to enhance drought tolerance in tomato plant.
Replacing the Transfusion of 1–2 Units of Blood with Plasma Expanders that Increase Oxygen Delivery Capacity: Evidence from Experimental Studies
Authors: Tsai Amy , Salazar Vázquez Beatriz , Cabrales Pedro , Kistler Erik , Tartakovsky Daniel , Subramaniam Shankar , Acharya Seetharama , Intaglietta Marcos
Published: October 2014

At least a third of the blood supply in the world is used to transfuse 1–2 units of packed red blood cells for each intervention and most clinical trials of blood substitutes have been carried out at this level of oxygen carrying capacity (OCC) restoration. However, the increase of oxygenation achieved is marginal or none at all for molecular hemoglobin (Hb) products, due to their lingering vasoactivity. This has provided the impetus for the development of “oxygen therapeutics” using Hb-based molecules that have high oxygen affinity and target delivery of oxygen to anoxic areas. However it is still unclear how these oxygen carriers counteract or mitigate the functional effects of anemia due to obstruction, vasoconstriction and under-perfusion. Indeed, they are administered as a low dosage/low volume therapeutic Hb (subsequently further diluted in the circulatory pool) and hence induce extremely small OCC changes. Hyperviscous plasma expanders provide an alternative to oxygen therapeutics by increasing the oxygen delivery capacity (ODC); in anemia they induce supra-perfusion and increase tissue perfusion (flow) by as much as 50%. Polyethylene glycol conjugate albumin (PEG-Alb) accomplishes this by enhancing the shear thinning behavior of diluted blood, which increases microvascular endothelial shear stress, causes vasodilation and lowering peripheral vascular resistance thus facilitating cardiac function. Induction of supra-perfusion takes advantage of the fact that ODC is the product of OCC and blood flow and hence can be maintained by increasing either or both. Animal studies suggest that this approach may save a considerable fraction of the blood supply. It has an additional benefit of enhancing tissue clearance of toxic metabolites.
ROS-Mediated Cytotoxic Effect of Copper(II) Hydrazone Complexes against Human Glioma Cells
Authors: Recio Despaigne Angel , Da Silva Jeferson , Da Costa Pryscila , Dos Santos Raquel , Beraldo Heloisa
Published: October 2014

2-Acetylpyridine acetylhydrazone (H2AcMe), 2-benzoylpyridine acetylhydrazone (H2BzMe) and complexes [Cu(H2AcMe)Cl2] (1) and [Cu(H2BzMe)Cl2] (2) were assayed for their cytotoxicity against wild type p53 U87 and mutant p53 T98 glioma cells, and against MRC-5 fibroblast cells. Compounds 1 and 2 proved to be more active than the corresponding hydrazones against U87, but not against T98 cells. Compound 1 induced higher levels of ROS than H2AcMe in both glioma cell lines. H2AcMe and 1 induced lower levels of ROS in MRC5 than in U87 cells. Compound 2 induced lower levels of ROS in MRC5 than in T98 cells. The cytotoxic effect of 1 in U87 cells could be related to its ability to provoke the release of ROS, suggesting that the cytotoxicity of 1 might be somehow p53 dependent.
Diversity-Oriented Synthetic Strategies Applied to Cancer Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery
Authors: Collins Ian , Jones Alan
Published: October 2014

How can diversity-oriented strategies for chemical synthesis provide chemical tools to help shape our understanding of complex cancer pathways and progress anti-cancer drug discovery efforts? This review (surveying the literature from 2003 to the present) considers the applications of diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS), biology-oriented synthesis (BIOS) and associated strategies to cancer biology and drug discovery, summarising the syntheses of novel and often highly complex scaffolds from pluripotent or synthetically versatile building blocks. We highlight the role of diversity-oriented synthetic strategies in producing new chemical tools to interrogate cancer biology pathways through the assembly of relevant libraries and their application to phenotypic and biochemical screens. The use of diversity-oriented strategies to explore structure-activity relationships in more advanced drug discovery projects is discussed. We show how considering appropriate and variable focus in library design has provided a spectrum of DOS approaches relevant at all stages in anti-cancer drug discovery.
A Rapid Discrimination of Authentic and Unauthentic Radix Angelicae Sinensis Growth Regions by Electronic Nose Coupled with Multivariate Statistical Analyses
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Weixin , Yang Yaojun , Yan Yuning , Wang Wenyi , Wu Haozhong , Ren Zihe
Published: October 2014

Radix Angelicae Sinensis, known as Danggui in China, is an effective and wide applied material in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and it is used in more than 80 composite formulae. Danggui from Minxian County, Gansu Province is the best in quality. To rapidly and nondestructively discriminate Danggui from the authentic region of origin from that from an unauthentic region, an electronic nose coupled with multivariate statistical analyses was developed. Two different feature extraction methods were used to ensure the authentic region and unauthentic region of Danggui origin could be discriminated. One feature extraction method is to capture the average value of the maximum response of the electronic nose sensors (feature extraction method 1). The other one is to combine the maximum response of the sensors with their inter-ratios (feature extraction method 2). Multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA), soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were employed. Nineteen samples were analyzed by PCA, SIMCA and HCA. Then the remaining samples (GZM1, SH) were projected onto the SIMCA model to validate the models. The results indicated that, in the use of feature extraction method 2, Danggui from Yunnan Province and Danggui from Gansu Province could be successfully discriminated using the electronic nose coupled with PCA, SIMCA and HCA, which suggested that the electronic-nose system could be used as a simple and rapid technique for the discrimination of Danggui between authentic and unauthentic region of origin.
Development of a Portable 3CCD Camera System for Multispectral Imaging of Biological Samples
Authors: Lee Hoyoung , Park Soo , Noh Sang , Lim Jongguk , Kim Moon
Published: October 2014

Recent studies have suggested the need for imaging devices capable of multispectral imaging beyond the visible region, to allow for quality and safety evaluations of agricultural commodities. Conventional multispectral imaging devices lack flexibility in spectral waveband selectivity for such applications. In this paper, a recently developed portable 3CCD camera with significant improvements over existing imaging devices is presented. A beam-splitter prism assembly for 3CCD was designed to accommodate three interference filters that can be easily changed for application-specific multispectral waveband selection in the 400 to 1000 nm region. We also designed and integrated electronic components on printed circuit boards with firmware programming, enabling parallel processing, synchronization, and independent control of the three CCD sensors, to ensure the transfer of data without significant delay or data loss due to buffering. The system can stream 30 frames (3-waveband images in each frame) per second. The potential utility of the 3CCD camera system was demonstrated in the laboratory for detecting defect spots on apples.
DNA Vaccines: Recent Developments and the Future
Authors: Wahren Britta , Liu Margaret
Published: October 2014

This special issue is focused on DNA vaccines, marking the two decades since the first demonstration of pre-clinical protection was published in Science (Ulmer et al.; Heterologous protection against influenza by injection of DNA encoding a viral protein. 1993). This introductory article provides an overview of the field and highlights the observations of the articles in this special issue while placing them in the context of other recent publications.
Reduction of bladder activity on FDG PET/CT scan in patients with urinary bladder carcinoma
Authors: Tsai S.-C. , Ou Y.-C. , Cheng C.-L. , Li J.-R. , Lin Y.-C. , Ho H.-C. , Chiu K.-Y. , Su C.-K. , Lin W.-Y.
Published: October 2014

Oral hydration with large volume of fluid, high dose of diuretics and maximum bladder distension are frequently required to achieve an adequate urinary FDG clearance in an FDG PET/CT protocol for bladder cancer or pelvic tumour evaluation. Although most patients tolerated these procedures for eliminating urinary FDG activity, these procedures may be still unpleasant. Aim: Is there a more patient-friendly protocol which is less burdensome and yet provides a satisfactory FDG clearance in urine? In this study, we established a patient-friendly FDG PET/CT protocol without compromising urinary FDG clearance. Patients, methods: 23 patients with biopsy-proven urinary bladder cancers were recruited to evaluate the effectiveness of this patient-friendly protocol on reducing urinary bladder FDG activity. The patient-friendly protocol includes encouraging patients to take a tolerable amount of fluid, delaying the administration of low dose diuretic, shortening the urine holding time and using delayed imaging. Results: All of the patients tolerated this patient-friendly procedure well. In addition, the patient-friendly protocol was effective in reducing FDG activity in the urine. One hundred percent of primary bladder cancer were visualized on the FDG PET/CT images using this patient-friendly protocol. Conclusions: This patient-friendly FDG PET/CT protocol is less intrusive yet effective in reducing urinary FDG activity.
Frequency Analysis of Medical Concepts in Clinical Trials and their Coverage in MeSH and SNOMED-CT
Authors: Dugas M. , Varghese J.
Published: October 2014

Background: Eligibility criteria (EC) of clinical trials play a key role in selecting appropriate study candidates and the validity of the outcome of a clinical trial. However, in most cases EC are provided in unstandardised ways such as free text, which raises significant challenges for machine-readability.

Objectives: To establish a list of most frequent medical concepts in clinical trials with semantic annotations. This concept list contributes to standardisation of EC and identifies relevant data items in electronic health records (EHRs) for clinical research. The coverage of the list in two major clinical vocabularies, MeSH and SNOMED-CT, will be assessed.

Methods: Four hundred and twenty-fivec linical trials conducted between 2000 and 2011 at a German university hospital were analysed. 6671 EC were manually annotated by a medical coder using Concept Unique Identifiers (CUIs) provided by the Unified Medical Language System. Two physicians performed a semi-automatic CUI code revision. Concept frequency was analysed and clusters of concepts were manually identified.A binomial significance test was applied to quantify coverage differences of the most frequent concepts in MeSH and SNOMED-CT.

Results: Based on manual medical coding of 425 clinical trials, 7588 concepts were identified, of which 5236 were distinct. A top 100 list containing 101 most frequent medical concepts was established. The concepts of this list cover 25 % of all concept occur-rences in all analysed clinical trials. This list reveals six missing entries in SNOMED-CT, 12 in MeSH. The median of EC frequency per trial has increased throughout the trial years (2000 –2005: 8 EC/trial, 2011: 14 EC/ trial).

Conclusions: Relatively few concepts cover one quarter of concept occurrences that represent EC in recent studies. Therefore, these concepts can serve as candidate data elements for integration into EHRs to optimise patient recruitment in clinical research.
The Clinical Management of HCV in the HIV-Infected Patient
Authors: Norton Brianna , Naggie Susanna
Published: October 2014

Chronic hepatitis C affects an estimated 170 million persons worldwide and due to shared transmission routes many persons are coinfected with HIV. Since the advent of HAART, HIV patients have longer life expectancy and suffer fewer AIDS-related complications. The result has been an increase in morbidity and mortality from HIV-associated non-AIDS conditions, with high rates of liver-related deaths resulting from HCV in the coinfected population. Coinfection with HIV is an independent predictor of liver disease progression, and proper staging of fibrosis is of critical importance in the coinfected patient. In contrast to HIV, it is possible to eradicate HCV infection; and undetectable viral load 12 weeks after cessation of therapy, or sustained viral response (SVR), is considered a clinical cure. As achievement of SVR has been associated with significantly reduced mortality from liver disease and liver disease complications, it is imperative that patients coinfected with HIV–HCV receive therapy for their HCV infection. The length of therapy with previously available interferon-based regimens added a significant burden to HIV–HCV-coinfected patients. Newer, all-oral, interferon-free regimens promise to simplify treatment regimens, reduce side-effect profiles, and demonstrate reduced drug interactions with numerous HAART regimens.
La marche trépidante du groupe ERMO
Authors: Pichereau Jean-Yves
Published: October 2014

Jean-Yves Pichereau crée à vingt-six ans ERMO, un des premiers moulistes à sortir du mode artisanal pour industrialiser la production et apporter des services. L’entreprise connaît depuis croissance élevée et forte internationalisation.
Quand l'immobilier d'entreprise devient stratégique
Authors: Nappi-Choulet Ingrid , Cléret Christian
Published: October 2014

Après avoir externalisé la gestion de leur parc immobilier, de nombreuses entreprises ont renégocié leurs loyers en 2008, et se sont avisées qu’elles pouvaient reprendre en main leurs dépenses immobilières. Une révolution discrète est en marche.
Au-delà du talent...
Authors: Cammas Franck
Published: October 2014

Le talent ne suffit pas à expliquer les victoires de Franck Cammas dans toutes les grandes compétitions de voile. Il lui faut aussi des compétences managériales pointues : gestion de projet, recrutement, management de l’équipe pendant la course.
Les ressorts d'une renaissance industrielle en France
Authors: Duval Guillaume , Giraud Pierre-Noël , Puzo Joseph , Weil Thierry
Published: October 2014

Quatre orateurs d’horizons différents dessinent les contours des profondes mutations qui attendent la France et esquissent des pistes pour des solutions parfois surprenantes, voire iconoclastes.
La clairvoyance stratégique de Moret Industries
Authors: Duprez Jérôme
Published: October 2014

Dix fois plus petit que ses principaux concurrents, le groupe familial Moret a une position solide grâce à une stratégie de niche, où sa capacité d’innovation et sa qualité font merveille.
Tourisme le coûteux mépris français
Authors: Barnu Julien , Hamouche Amine , Balandraud Jean-Louis , Queige Laurent , Dupeyras Alain
Published: October 2014

Si Paris garde son attractivité, le tourisme français souffre d’un manque de stratégie, de la division des acteurs, d’infrastructures vieillissantes. Et surtout du désamour des Français, qui confondent qualité du service et servilité...
Peut-on créer un écosystème français du Big Data ?
Authors: Bourdoncle François
Published: October 2014

Les Big Data font irruption dans les activités les plus inattendues et les géants américains du secteur menacent de transformer en simples sous-traitants des entreprises qui s’enorgueillissaient de leurs succès techniques. Il est urgent de réagir.
Livelihoods, une solidarité originale entre entreprises et communautés démunies
Authors: Giraud Bernard
Published: October 2014

Le fonds Livelihoods aide des communautés rurales à réaliser des projets de restauration de leurs écosystèmes. Les entreprises investissant dans le fonds reçoivent des crédits carbone, une solidarité originale entre entreprises et communautés démunies.
Une histoire de la T2A
Authors: Moisdon Jean-Claude
Published: October 2014

Ce texte est la transcription d’une intervention de l’auteur lors de la journée d’études du JGEM du 1 er février 2013. Il décrit l’émergence et le développement du mode de financement que connaissent actuellement les établissements de santé français, sous le terme de T2A (Tarification à l’Activité). Il met l’accent sur les débats et hésitations qui ont présidé au projet et sur la complexification progressive du dispositif, rendant son évaluation difficile.
De l' Einfühlung à l'énaction métaphorisante, dans les consultations thérapeutiques de Serge Lebovici
Authors: Missonnier Sylvain
Published: October 2014

La consultation thérapeutique parents/bébé accorde une place essentielle à la scène intersubjective dont l’empathie est un médium matriciel. L’empathie du psychanalyste y relève le défi de s’ouvrir simultanément aux résonances croisées du transfert des adultes, du bébé et à son propre contre-transfert pour accéder à la malléabilité potentielle des relations complexes en présence. Ce cadre est propice à l’expression d’une empathie primaire chez le clinicien qui rend possible l’observation thérapeutique de ses avatars épigénétiques chez le bébé et leurs résonances générationnelles chez les parents. Dans ce contexte, les notions élaborées par Serge Lebovici « d’empathie métaphorisante » et « d’énaction » constituent un héritage précieux pour la psychanalyse de tous les âges de la vie. L’ouverture épistémologique qui a présidé à leur élaboration invite résolument à prêter une attention privilégiée aux fondations philosophiques de l’empathie et à ses prolongements dans les théories psychologiques, neurobiologiques et psychanalytiques de l’esprit au profit d’une inspiration clinique complémentariste à l’abri des impasses intégratives .