bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knockout ofMkp-1exacerbates colitis inIl-10-deficient mice
Authors: Matta Ranyia , Barnard John A. , Wancket Lyn M. , Yan Jing , Xue Jianjing , Grieves Jessica , Frazier W. Joshua , Nelin Leif , Cato Andrew C. B. , Liu Yusen
Published: March 2012

Il-10-deficient mice develop colitis associated with exaggerated Th1/Th17 responses and are a valuable model of inflammatory bowel disease. Mkp-1 is a major negative regulator of MAPKs, and its expression is enhanced by IL-10. To understand the role of Mkp-1 in the regulation of intestinal mucosal immune responses, we studied the effect of Mkp-1 deletion on the pathogenesis of colitis in Il-10−/−mice. We found that knockout of Mkp-1 on an Il-10−/−background accelerated the development of colitis. Compared with Il-10−/−mice, colitis not only appeared earlier but also was more severe in Il-10−/−/ Mkp-1−/−mice. Il-10−/−mice exhibited a mild intestinal inflammation in the specific pathogen-free environment, and rectal prolapse rarely appeared before 6 mo of age. In contrast, the majority of Il-10−/−/ Mkp-1−/−mice developed severe colitis rapidly and presented with rectal prolapse after only 2–3 mo. The colon of Il-10−/−/ Mkp-1−/−mice showed diffuse transmural chronic inflammation and mucosal hyperplasia, with significantly more proliferating crypt epithelial cells than those of Il-10−/−mice. In addition to the severe colitis, Il-10−/−/ Mkp-1−/−mice also developed conjunctivitis and blepharitis. The colon of Il-10−/−/ Mkp-1−/−mice contained significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines and exhibited greater MAPK activities than did the colon of Il-10−/−mice. Splenocytes and lymphocytes from Il-10−/−/ Mkp-1−/−mice produced higher levels of Th1 cytokines ex vivo upon activation than did cells from Il-10−/−mice. Our studies support a pivotal role of Mkp-1 as a negative regulator of mucosal immune responses and highlight its protective function against inflammatory bowel disease.
About Usefulness of Kalemia Monitoring after Blunt Liver Trauma
Authors: Meriggi Francesco , Gramigna Paolo , Tramelli Paola
Published: March 2012

Background. The aim of this study is to investigate the evidence of hypokalemia as a suitable parameter for therapeutic decision making after severe blunt liver trauma. Methods. We reviewed the medical records of 11 patients (9 M, 2 F, mean age 32 years) admitted to San Matteo Hospital of Pavia between 2007–2009. All of them were victims of road accidents hospitalized for blunt liver injury and submitted to surgery. Results. Hypokalemia was observed in 7/11 (63.6%) patients during the preoperative period (mean value 2.91 mEq/L). Serum potassium concentration normalized in all patients at the 7th postoperative day only (). Conclusions. According to literature results, our study confirms that after blunt hepatic injury serum potassium levels may decrease significantly. Therefore, kalemia must be carefully monitored in order to establish appropriate treatment and avoid any complications.
The Role of Regulatory T Cells and TH17 Cells in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Braga Walter M. T. , Atanackovic Djordje , Colleoni Gisele W. B.
Published: March 2012

The development of multiple myeloma (MM) involves a series of genetic alterations and changes in the bone marrow microenvironment, favoring the growth of the tumor and failure of local immune control. Quantitative and functional alterations in CD4+and CD8+T cells have been described in MM. The balance between T regulatory cells (Treg) and T helper (Th) 17 cells represents one essential prerequisite for maintaining anti-tumor immunity in MM. Tregs play an important role in the preservation of self-tolerance and modulation of overall immune responses against infections and tumor cells. In MM patients, Tregs seem to contribute to myeloma-related immune dysfunction and targeting them could, therefore, help to restore and enhance vital immune responses. Th17 cells protect against fungal and parasitic infections and participate in inflammatory reactions and autoimmunity. The interplay of TGF-βand IL-6, expressed at high levels in the bone marrow of myeloma patients, may affect generation of Th17 cells both directly or via other pro-inflammatory cytokines and thereby modulate antitumor immune responses. A detailed analysis of the balance between Tregs and Th17 cells seems necessary in order to design more effective and less toxic modes of immunotherapy myeloma which still is an uncurable malignancy.
Minimal-Change Disease Secondary toBorrelia burgdorferiInfection
Authors: Kwiatkowska Ewa , Gołembiewska Edyta , Ciechanowski Kazimierz , Kędzierska Karolina
Published: March 2012

Lyme borreliosis is a chronic illness caused by tick-transmitted spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi. Borreliosis can be extremely threatening if it is not diagnosed and treated in early stages. Kidneys are not typically involved in the disease. However, in infected dogs, Lyme nephritis is present in 5–10% of cases. It is associated with rapidly progressing renal failure. Histopathological examination shows mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with diffuse tubular necrosis, (Dambach et al. (1997)). In available literature, there were reports of human's glomerulonephritis associated withBorrelia burgdorferiinfection. These cases refer to membranous and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (Kirmizis and Chatzidimitriou (2010), Zachäus (2008), and Kirmizis et al. (2004)). In this paper, we present the case of minimal-change disease (MCD) as a result ofBorrelia burgdorferiinfection.
The New Avalanche-Like Stochastic Model for Parameterization of Seismicity and Its Application to the South Sakhalin Island Seismicity
Authors: Rodkin M. V. , Tikhonov I. N.
Published: March 2012

Seismic process is usually considered as an example of occurrence of the regime of self-organizing criticality (SOC). A model of seismic regime as an assemblage of randomly developing episodes of avalanche-like relaxation, occurring at a set of metastable subsystems, can be the alternative of such consideration. The model is defined by two parameters characterizing the scaling hierarchical structure of the geophysical medium and the degree of metastability of subsystems of this medium. In the assemblage, these two parameters define a modelb-value. An advantage of such approach consists in a clear physical sense of parameters of the model. The application of the model for parameterization of the seismic regime of the south part of Sakhalin Island is considered. The models of space changeability of the scaling parameter and of temporal changeability of the parameter of metastability are constructed. The anomalous increase of the parameter of metastability was found in connection with the Gornozavodsk and Nevelsk earthquakes. At the present time, high values of this parameter occur in the area of the Poyasok Isthmus. This finding is examined in comparison with other indications of an increase in probability of occurrence of a strong earthquake in the South Sakhalin region.
The Role of Partial Nephrectomy without Arterial Embolization in Giant Renal Angiomyolipoma
Authors: Coskuner Enis Rauf , Ozkan Burak , Yalcin Veli
Published: March 2012

Angiomyolipoma is a benign neoplasm composed of varying admixtures of blood vessels, smooth muscle cells, and adipose tissue. Because of an increased risk of spontaneous haemorrhage, surgical approach is needed greater than 4–8 cm size. We here report our partial nephrectomy experience in the 24 cm size giant angiomyolipoma. 26-year-old woman referred to our clinic with a 24 cm size angiomyolipoma in her lower pole of right kidney. The inferior vena cava was deviated to the left by the mass. All the blood tests were normal and we offered her the choices of partial nephrectomy or nephrectomy. Right subcostal approach was used. The patient underwent resection of the mass with a safety region of 1 cm. Frozen section evaluation was consistent with angiomyolipoma and free for surgical margin. Warm ischemia time was 35 min. and intraoperative bleeding volume was 200 cc. Postoperative 2nd day the drain was taken and hospital stay was 4 days. In literature we observed very rare angiomyolipoma cases with such a large dimension treated by partial nephrectomy without arterial embolization. If technically suitable partial nephrectomy is the main chioce in this kind of benign lesions in young patients.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Lessons Learned from Clinical, Sports, and Combat Concussions
Authors: Kelly Judy C. , Amerson Efland H. , Barth Jeffrey T.
Published: March 2012

Over the past forty years, a tremendous amount of information has been gained on the mechanisms and consequences of mild traumatic brain injuries. Using sports as a laboratory to study this phenomenon, a natural recovery curve emerged, along with standards for managing concussions and returning athletes back to play. Although advances have been made in this area, investigation into recovery and return to play continues. With the increase in combat-related traumatic brain injuries in the military setting, lessons learned from sports concussion research are being applied by the Department of Defense to the assessment of blast concussions and return to duty decision making. Concussion management and treatment for military personnel can be complicated by additional combat related stressors not present in the civilian environment. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the interventions that has been successful in treating symptoms of postconcussion syndrome. While we are beginning to have an understanding of the impact of multiple concussions and subconcussive blows in the sports world, much is still unknown about the impact of multiple blast injuries.
Micellar Liquid Chromatography Determination of Spermine in Fish Sauce after Derivatization with 3,5-Dinitrobenzoyl Chloride
Authors: Chin-Chen Mei-Liang , Rambla-Alegre Maria , Carda-Broch Samuel , Esteve-Romero Josep , Peris-Vicente Juan
Published: March 2012

A practical liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the selective determination of the levels of spermine in anchovy sauce after derivatization with 3,5 dinitrobenzoyl chloride. The micellar liquid chromatographic separation proposed here uses a C18 column (125×4.6 mm), followed by detection of spermine derivative at 260 nm. Elution of the analyte was performed using a mobile phase of 0.15 M SDS-4% (v/v) 1-pentanol-pH 7 running under isocratic mode at 25°C. Validation parameters were linearity (2–100 μg/mL, R2>0.999), detection and quantification limits (0.4 and 1.2 μg/mL, resp.), precision (less than 3.6%), accuracy (93.3–101.1%), and robustness (less than 4.8%). These results are in agreement with the requirements of the FDA guidelines. The proposed method was successfully applied to the monitorization of spermine formation in unsalted and salted fish sauce samples. The suggested methodology was found useful in routine analysis of spermine in fish sauce samples.
Concentration Kinetics of Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 after Blunt Multiple Injuries in the Early Posttraumatic Period
Authors: Brumann M. , Kusmenkov T. , Ney L. , Kanz K.-G. , Leidel B. A. , Biberthaler P. , Mutschler W. , Bogner V.
Published: March 2012

Metalloproteinases are secreted in response to a variety of inflammatory mediators and inhibited by tissue inhibitors of matrixmetalloproteinases (TIMPs). Two members of these families, MMP-9 and TIMP-1, were differentially expressed depending on clinical parameters in a previous genomewide mRNA analysis. The aim of this paper was now to evaluate the posttraumatic serum levels and the time course of both proteins depending on distinct clinical parameters. 60 multiple traumatized patients (ISS > 16) were included. Blood samples were drawn on admission and 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after trauma. Serum levels were quantified by ELISA. MMP-9 levels significantly decreased in the early posttraumatic period (P<0.05) whereas TIMP-1 levels significantly increased in all patients (P<0.05). MMP-9 and TIMP-1 serum concentration kinetics became manifest in an inversely proportional balance. Furthermore, MMP-9 presented a stronger decrease in patients with severe trauma and non-survivors in contrast to minor traumatized patients (ISS ≤ 33) and survivors, initially after trauma.
Preparation of Antibacterial Color-Coated Steel Sheets
Authors: Li Guoliang , Peng Bing , Chai Liyuan , Wan Si , Jiang Lei
Published: March 2012

A simple method to fabricate antibacterial color-coated steel sheet was presented. The Ag-loaded TiO2was well dispersed in steel coil coating coupled with some special additives, such as plasticizer, wetting dispersant, and flow agent, and finally became the part of coil coating without any negative influence on the properties of final products. The best process parameters were obtained by substantive trial experiments. Ag-loaded TiO2with the addition of 2% (w/w) in steel coil coating not only improved antibacterial efficiency of the antibacterial color-coated sheet by reaching 99.99%, but also greatly increased the degradation percentage of methyl orange to 88% without decreasing physical properties. The antibacterial color-coated sheets are expected to be used as antimicrobial products in the construction industry considering its low cost and high effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Presumed Sturge Weber Syndrome in a Haitian Boy: A Case of Delayed Diagnosis
Authors: Giuliari Gian Paolo , Sadaka Ama , Cortez Maria Angelica , Corona Adalgisa
Published: March 2012

Purpose. To report an untypical presentation of a presumed Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS), and to highlight the indispensable value of thorough clinical examination as primary means for proper diagnosis and management.Methods. Chart review.Results. A 7 year-old boy, with a long history of ocular symptoms and an unspecified ocular surgery, presents with a painful blind left eye. Based on clinical examination, the suspicion of SWS was raised. The presentation was not typical in the sense that no evident port-wine stain was observed on the face. However, facial asymmetry and gum discoloration were guiding clinical clues to pursue further investigations. Unfortunately, due to poor treatment response, the patient underwent enucleation. Tissue pathology revealed diffuse choroidal hemangiomas, consistent with the diagnosis of SWS.Conclusion. SWS presents with hamartomatous malformations and venous dilation affecting the skin, central nervous system and eye. The ocular involvement may vary, with the most common complications being glaucoma, buphthalmos and diffuse choroidal hemangiomas. This case report helps remind physicians of the importance of a thorough clinical examination, and highlights the ophthalmologists’ responsibility of examining beyond the eye.
Divergent Roles ofp75NTRand Trk Receptors in BDNF's Effects on Dendritic Spine Density and Morphology
Authors: Chapleau Christopher A. , Pozzo-Miller Lucas
Published: March 2012

Activation of TrkB receptors by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) followed by MAPK/ERK signaling increases dendritic spine density and the proportion of mature spines in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Considering the opposing actions ofp75NTRand Trk receptors in several BDNF actions on CNS neurons, we tested whether these receptors also have divergent actions on dendritic spine density and morphology. A function-blocking anti-p75NTRantibody (REX) did not affect spine density by itself but it prevented BDNF’s effect on spine density. Intriguingly, REX by itself increased the proportion of immature spines and prevented BDNF's effect on spine morphology. In contrast, the Trk receptor inhibitor k-252a increased spine density by itself, and prevented BDNF from further increasing spine density. However, most of the spines in k-252a-treated slices were of the immature type. These effects of k-252a on spine density and morphology required neuronal activity because they were prevented by TTX. These divergent BDNF actions on spine density and morphology are reminiscent of opposing functional signaling byp75NTRand Trk receptors and reveal an unexpected level of complexity in the consequences of BDNF signaling on dendritic morphology.
Evaluation of Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes ExposedIn Vitroto Neonicotinoid Insecticides News
Authors: Calderón-Segura María Elena , Gómez-Arroyo Sandra , Villalobos-Pietrini Rafael , Martínez-Valenzuela Carmen , Carbajal-López Yolanda , Calderón-Ezquerro María del Carmen , Cortés-Eslava Josefina , García-Martínez Rocío , Flores-Ramírez Diana , Rodríguez-Romero María Isabel , Méndez-Pérez Patricia , Bañuelos-Ruíz Enrique
Published: March 2012

Calypso (thiacloprid), Poncho (clothianidin), Gaucho (imidacloprid), and Jade (imidacloprid) are commercial neonicotinoid insecticides, a new class of agrochemicals in México. However, genotoxic and cytotoxic studies have not been performed. In the present study, human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were exposedin vitroto different concentrations of the four insecticides. The genotoxic and cytotoxic effects were evaluated using the alkaline comet and trypan blue dye exclusion assays. DNA damage was evaluated using two genotoxicity parameters: tail length and comet frequency. Exposure to9.5×10-6to5.7×10-5 M Jade;2.8×10-4to1.7×10-3 M Gaucho;0.6×10-1to1.4×10-1 M Calypso;1.2×10-1to9.5×10-1 M Poncho for 2 h induced a significant increase DNA damage with a concentration-dependent relationship. Jade was the most genotoxic of the four insecticides studied. Cytotoxicity was observed in cells exposed to18×10-3 M Jade,2.0×10-3 M Gaucho,2.0×10-1 M Calypso, 1.07 M Poncho, and cell death occurred at30×10-3 M Jade,3.3×10-3 M Gaucho,2.8×10-1 M Calypso, and 1.42 M Poncho. This study provides the first report of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in PBL followingin vitroexposure to commercial neonicotinoid insecticides.
Transgenic Epigenetics: Using Transgenic Organisms to Examine Epigenetic Phenomena
Authors: McEachern Lori A.
Published: March 2012

Non-model organisms are generally more difficult and/or time consuming to work with than model organisms. In addition, epigenetic analysis of model organisms is facilitated by well-established protocols, and commercially-available reagents and kits that may not be available for, or previously tested on, non-model organisms. Given the evolutionary conservation and widespread nature of many epigenetic mechanisms, a powerful method to analyze epigenetic phenomena from non-model organisms would be to use transgenic model organisms containing an epigenetic region of interest from the non-model. Interestingly, while transgenicDrosophilaand mice have provided significant insight into the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary conservation of the epigenetic processes that target epigenetic control regions in other model organisms, this method has so far been under-exploited for non-model organism epigenetic analysis. This paper details several experiments that have examined the epigenetic processes of genomic imprinting and paramutation, by transferring an epigenetic control region from one model organism to another. These cross-species experiments demonstrate that valuable insight into both the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary conservation of epigenetic processes may be obtained via transgenic experiments, which can then be used to guide further investigations and experiments in the species of interest.
Testing the Role of Habitat Isolation among Ecologically Divergent Gall Wasp Populations
Authors: Egan Scott P. , Hood Glen R. , Ott James R.
Published: March 2012

Habitat isolation occurs when habitat preferences lower the probability of mating between individuals associated with differing habitats. While a potential barrier to gene flow during ecological speciation, the effect of habitat isolation on reproductive isolation has rarely been directly tested. Herein, we first estimated habitat preference for each of six populations of the gall waspBelonocnema treataeinhabiting eitherQuercus virginianaorQ. geminata. We then estimated the importance of habitat isolation in generating reproductive isolation betweenB. treataepopulations that were host specific to eitherQ. virginianaorQ. geminataby measuring mate preference in the presence and absence of the respective host plants. All populations exhibited host preference for their native plant, and assortative mating increased significantly in the presence of the respective host plants. This host-plant-mediated assortative mating demonstrates that habitat isolation likely plays an important role in promoting reproductive isolation among populations of this host-specific gall former.
Omental Herniation: A Rare Complication of Vacuum-Assisted Closure of Infected Sternotomy Wound
Authors: Gukop Philemon , Kuppuswamy Madhan Kumar , Kourliouros Antonios , Chandrasekaran Venkatachalam
Published: March 2012

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) has recently been adopted as an acceptable modality for management of sternotomy wound infections. Although generally efficacious, the use of negative pressure devices has been associated with complications such as bleeding, retention of sponge, and empyema. We report the first case of greater omental hernia as a rare complication of vacuum-assisted closure of sternal wound infection following coronary artery bypass grafting.
Epidemiological Profile of Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma in a Region of Southern Brazil
Authors: Moreno Marcelo , Schmitt Ricardo Ludwig , Lang Maria Gabriela , Gheno Vanessa
Published: March 2012

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is responsible for 75% of deaths from malignant skin cancer. The incidence of CM in the southern region of Brazil, particularly in the western region of Santa Catarina, is possibly higher than estimated. In this study, the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with CM treated in the western region of Santa Catarina was examined. A cross-sectional study was performed with patients diagnosed with CM from January 2002 to December 2009, from 78 counties of the western region of the state of Santa Catarina. Data were collected using a protocol adapted from the Brazilian Melanoma Group and 503 patients were evaluated. The incidence and prevalence of CM found in this region are much higher than those found elsewhere in the country. This fact is most likely due to the phenotypic characteristics of the population and the high incidence of UV radiation in this region due to its location in southern Brazil, as is the case in the countries of Oceania.
Update on a Pharmacokinetic-Centric Alternative Tier II Program for MMT—Part I: Program Implementation and Lessons Learned
Authors: Dorman David C. , Andersen Melvin E. , Roper Jerry M. , Taylor Michael D.
Published: March 2012

Concerns have been raised regarding environmental manganese exposure since high exposures have been associated with neurological disorders. The USA Environmental Protection Agency most recent human health risk assessment of inhaled manganese conducted in 1993 identified specific areas of uncertainty regarding manganese pharmacokinetics. This led to the development of a test rule under the USA Clean Air Act that required the generation of pharmacokinetic information on the inorganic manganese combustion products of the organometallic fuel additive methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). The Alternative Tier 2 testing program for MMT, described in this paper, has yielded substantial pharmacokinetic data and has enabled the generation of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for manganese. These models are capable of predicting tissue manganese concentrations across a variety of dose routes, levels, and durations while accounting for factors such as age, gender, and reproductive status, enabling the consideration of tissue dosimetry in future risk assessments.
The Effects of the Global Financial Crisis on China's Financial Market and Macroeconomy
Authors: Li Linyue , Willett Thomas D. , Zhang Nan
Published: March 2012

This paper provides a brief review of the increasing importance of China in the world economy and discusses the spillover effects of the global financial crisis on China's financial markets and macroeconomy. It presents and critiques alternative ways of estimating these effects. Contrary to much popular discussion, China was hit fairly hard by the global recession generated by the financial crisis. It suffered a huge drop in exports, and these effects on the economy were only partially offset by China's huge stimulus program. While growth remained well above international averages, its drop was of the same order of magnitude as for the United States. The paper closes with a brief discussion of some of the major challenges facing China to rebalance its economy in order to sustain high growth.
Abiraterone in Prostate Cancer: A New Angle to an Old Problem
Authors: Stein Mark N. , Goodin Susan , DiPaola Robert S.
Published: March 2012

Abiraterone acetate is an orally administered potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450, family 17, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP17), which is essential for synthesis of testosterone from cholesterol. Although decreasing serum testosterone through inhibition of testicular function is the first line of treatment for men with metastatic prostate cancer, residual androgens may still be detected in patients treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists or antagonists. Treatment with abiraterone results in rapid, and complete, inhibition of androgen synthesis in the adrenal glands and potentially within the tumor itself. An overall survival benefit of maximal androgen suppression was recently shown in a randomized placebo-controlled phase III clinical trial of abiraterone with prednisone versus prednisone in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer previously treated with docetaxel chemotherapy. Abiraterone's efficacy shows the importance of androgen signaling in patients with castrate-resistant metastatic disease, with additional confirmation from recent studies of other novel agents such as MDV3100, an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor. These promising results now pose a new angle to an old problem about hormonal therapy and raise new questions about how resistance develops, how to best sequence therapy, and how to optimize combinations with other emerging novel agents. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 1848–54. ©2012 AACR.
In Search of a Real “Targeted” Therapy for Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Brose Marcia S.
Published: March 2012

Over the past 5 years, patients with progressive radioactive iodine–refractory thyroid cancer have responded to “targeted” multikinase inhibitors, which inhibit angiogenesis and not the tumor cell. Here, selumetinib targets the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in papillary thyroid carcinoma and shows limited single-agent activity in the patients with tumors that harbor the V600EBRAF mutation. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 1827–9. ©2012 AACR.
Differential Impact of REM Sleep Deprivation on Cytoskeletal Proteins of Brain Regions Involved in Sleep Regulation
Authors: Rodríguez-Vázquez Jennifer , Camacho-Arroyo Ignacio , Velázquez-Moctezuma Javier
Published: March 2012

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is involved in memory consolidation, which implies synaptic plasticity. This process requires protein synthesis and the reorganization of the neural cytoskeleton. REM sleep deprivation (REMSD) has an impact on some neuronal proteins involved in synaptic plasticity, such as glutamate receptors and postsynaptic density protein 95, but its effects on cytoskeletal proteins is unknown. In this study, the effects of REMSD on the content of the cytoskeletal proteins MAP2 and TAU were analyzed. Adult female rats were submitted to selective REMSD by using the multiple platform technique. After 24, 48 or 72 h of REMSD, rats were decapitated and the following brain areas were dissected: pons, preoptic area, hippocampus and frontal cortex. Protein extraction and Western blot were performed. Results showed an increase in TAU content in the pons, preoptic area and hippocampus after 24 h of REMSD, while in the frontal cortex a significant increase in TAU content was observed after 72 h of REMSD. A TAU content decrease was observed in the hippocampus after 48 h of REMSD. Interestingly, a marked increase in TAU content was observed after 72 h of REMSD. MAP2 content only increased in the preoptic area at 24 h, and in the frontal cortex after 24 and 72 h of REMSD, without significant changes in the pons and hippocampus. These results support the idea that REM sleep plays an important role in the organization of neural cytoskeleton, and that this effect is tissue-specific.
Expression of Lysozymes from Erwinia amylovora Phages and Erwinia Genomes and Inhibition by a Bacterial Protein
Authors: Müller Ina , Gernold Marina , Schneider Bernd , Geider Klaus
Published: March 2012

Genes coding for lysozyme-inhibiting proteins (Ivy) were cloned from the chromosomes of the plant pathogens Erwinia amylovora and Erwinia pyrifoliae. The product interfered not only with activity of hen egg white lysozyme, but also with an enzyme from E. amylovora phage ΦEa1h. We have expressed lysozyme genes from the genomes of three Erwinia species in Escherichia coli. The lysozymes expressed from genes of the E. amylovora phages ΦEa104 and ΦEa116, Erwinia chromosomes and Arabidopsis thaliana were not affected by Ivy. The enzyme from bacteriophage ΦEa1h was fused at the N- or C-terminus to other peptides. Compared to the intact lysozyme, a His-tag reduced its lytic activity about 10-fold and larger fusion proteins abolished activity completely. Specific protease cleavage restored lysozyme activity of a GST-fusion. The bacteriophage-encoded lysozymes were more active than the enzymes from bacterial chromosomes. Viral lyz genes were inserted into a broad-host range vector, and transfer to E. amylovora inhibited cell growth. Inserted in the yeast Pichia pastoris, the ΦEa1h-lysozyme was secreted and also inhibited by Ivy. Here we describe expression of unrelated cloned ‘silent’ lyz genes from Erwinia chromosomes and a novel interference of bacterial Ivy proteins with a viral lysozyme.
The Additional Value of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis-Derived Muscle Mass as a Screening Tool in Geriatric Assessment for Fall Prevention
Authors: Van Puyenbroeck Karolien , Roelandts Lieven , Van Deun Thomas , Van Royen Paul , Verhoeven Veronique
Published: March 2012

Background: The decline in skeletal muscle in old age is a factor in the development of functional limitations. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess if there is a correlation between muscle mass based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) detection and the fall incidence in nursing home residents and to examine the risk factors for falling in nursing home residents. Methods: This prospective cohort study was part of a longitudinal study on nutritional issues in 52 nursing homes in Antwerp (Belgium) from October 2007 to April 2008. Two hundred and seventy-six people aged 65 years and older were included. Each subject was assessed with BIA, the timed get-up-and-go test, the Katz score, the Mini Nutritional Assessment – Short Form and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. The primary outcome parameter was fall incidence during the study. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia varied from 24.3 to 81.5% depending on which definition was used. No association was found between BIA-derived muscle mass and fall incidence. Logistic regression analysis showed that gait speed (odds ratio 1.029; p = 0.003) and mental health (odds ratio 0.981; p = 0.015) are significantly associated with fall incidence in nursing homes. A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that none of the BIA-derived muscle parameters are good predictors of the risk of falling. Conclusions: This study shows that there is no association between sarcopenia based on BIA and fall incidence and that BIA-derived muscle mass has no additional value in predicting fall incidents compared to the timed get-up-and-go test.
Segmental Acne versus Mosaic Conditions with Acne Lesions
Authors: Torchia Daniele , Schachner Lawrence A. , Izakovic Jan
Published: March 2012

Acne rarely presents in segmental patterns, which are encountered only in cutaneous mosaicism. We report herein two cases of segmentally arranged acne and systematically review the literature on the topic. Beside already known mosaic conditions which may show primary lesions typical of acne, i.e. nevus comedonicus, Happle-Tinschert syndrome, acne superimposed on epidermal nevi and mosaic Apert syndrome, we introduce the possibility that acne itself may present in a mosaic form. As from the extremely small casuistics retrieved, segmental acne is not present at birth, follows Blaschko lines, is polymorphous in nature and occurs on locations typical of common acne.
Endothelial Caveolar Hub Regulation of Adenosine Triphosphate–Induced Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Subcellular Partitioning and Domain-Specific Phosphorylation
Authors: Ramadoss Jayanth , Liao Wu-xiang , Morschauser Timothy J. , Lopez Gladys E. , Patankar Manish S. , Chen Dong-bao , Magness Ronald R.
Published: March 2012

ATP leads to endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)/NO-mediated vasodilation, a process hypothesized to depend on the endothelial caveolar eNOS partitioning and subcellular domain-specific multisite phosphorylation state. We demonstrate herein that, in both the absence and presence of ATP, the uterine artery endothelial caveolae contain specific protein machinery related to subcellular partitioning and act as specific focal “hubs” for NO- and ATP-related proteins. ATP-induced eNOS regulation showed a complex set of multisite posttranslational phosphorylation events that were closely associated with the enzyme's partitioning between caveolar and noncaveolar endothelial subcellular domains. The comprehensive model that we present demonstrates that ATP repartitioned eNOS between the caveolar and noncaveolar subcellular domains; specifically, the stimulatory
PSer635
eNOS was substantially higher in the caveolar pool with subcellular domain-independent increased levels on ATP treatment. The stimulatory
PSer1179
eNOS was not altered by ATP treatment. However, the inhibitory
PThr495
eNOS was regulated predominantly in the caveolar domain with decreased levels on ATP action. In contrast, the agonist-specific
PSer114
eNOS was localized in the noncaveolar pool with increased levels on ATP stimulation. Thus, the endothelial caveolar membrane system plays a pivotal role(s) in ATP-associated subcellular partitioning and possesses the relevant protein machinery for ATP-induced NO regulation. Furthermore, these subcellular domain-specific phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events provide evidence relating to eNOS spatio-temporal dynamics.
Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 Inhibition Improves Coronary Arteriole Function in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Choi Soo-Kyoung , Galán Maria , Kassan Modar , Partyka Megan , Trebak Mohamed , Matrougui Khalid
Published: March 2012

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with microvascular dysfunction. We hypothesized that increased poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) activity contributes to microvascular dysfunction in T2DM. T2DM (db
−
/db
−
) and nondiabetic control (db
−
/db
+
) mice were treated with 2 different PARP-1 inhibitors (INO-1001, 5 mg/kg per day and ABT-888, 15 mg/kg per day) for 2 weeks. Isolated coronary arterioles were mounted in an arteriograph. Pressure-induced myogenic tone was significantly potentiated, whereas endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly attenuated in diabetic mice compared with control mice. These results were associated with decreased endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation and cGMP level and increased PARP-1 activity in coronary arterioles from diabetic mice compared with control mice. Interestingly, PARP-1 inhibitors significantly reduced the potentiation of myogenic tone, improved endothelium-dependent relaxation, restored endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation and cGMP, and attenuated cleaved PARP-1. These results were supported by in vitro studies indicating that downregulation of PARP-1 in mesenteric resistance arteries using PARP-1 short hairpin RNA lentiviral particles significantly improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in mesenteric resistance arteries from diabetic mice compared with control mice. The inhibition of NO synthesis by
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester (
l
-NAME) significantly reduced the endothelium-dependent relaxation in coronary arterioles and mesenteric resistance arteries from control and diabetic mice treated with PARP-1 inhibitors and PARP-1 short hairpin RNA lentiviral particles. In addition, we demonstrated that enhanced cleaved PARP-1, its binding to DNA, and DNA damage were reduced after PARP-1 inhibition in cultured endothelial cells stimulated with high glucose. We provide evidence that T2DM impairs microvascular function by an enhanced PARP-1 activity-dependent mechanism. Therefore, PARP-1 could be a potential target for overcoming diabetic microvascular complications.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Activation With Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockade Is Pivotal for the Prevention of Blood-Brain Barrier Impairment and Cognitive Decline in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Min Li-Juan , Mogi Masaki , Shudou Masachika , Jing Fei , Tsukuda Kana , Ohshima Kousei , Iwanami Jun , Horiuchi Masatsugu
Published: March 2012

We reported previously that an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, telmisartan, improved cognitive decline with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ activation; however, the detailed mechanisms are unclear. Enhanced blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability with alteration of tight junctions is suggested to be related to diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we examined the possibility that telmisartan could attenuate BBB impairment with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ activation to improve diabetes mellitus–induced cognitive decline. Type 2 diabetic mice KKA
y
exhibited impairment of cognitive function, and telmisartan treatment attenuated this. Cotreatment with GW9662, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ antagonist, interfered with these protective effects of telmisartan against cognitive function. BBB permeability was increased in both the cortex and hippocampus in KKA
y
mice. Administration of telmisartan attenuated this increased BBB permeability. Coadministration of GW9662 reduced this effect of telmisartan. Significant decreases in expression of tight junction proteins and increases in matrix metalloproteinase expression, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokine production were observed in the brain, and treatment with telmisartan restored these changes. Swollen astroglial end-feet in BBB were observed in KKA
y
mice, and this change in BBB ultrastructure was decreased in telmisartan. These effects of telmisartan were weakened by cotreatment with GW9662. In contrast, administration of another angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, losartan, was less effective compared with telmisartan in terms of preventing BBB permeability and astroglial end-foot swelling, and coadministration of GW9662 did not affect the effects of losartan. These findings are consistent with the possibility that, in type 2 diabetic mice, angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ activation by telmisartan may help with protection against cognitive decline by preserving the integrity of the BBB.
Asynchronous Master-Slave Parallelization of Differential Evolution for Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Depolli Matjaž , Trobec Roman , Filipič Bogdan
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we present AMS-DEMO, an asynchronous master-slave implementation of DEMO, an evolutionary algorithm for multi-objective optimization. AMS-DEMO was designed for solving time-intensive problems efficiently on both homogeneous and heterogeneous parallel computer architectures. The algorithm is used as a test case for the asynchronous master-slave parallelization of multi-objective optimization that has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Selection lag is identified as the key property of the parallelization method, which explains how its behavior depends on the type of computer architecture and the number of processors. It is arrived at analytically and from the empirical results. AMS-DEMO is tested on a benchmark problem and a time-intensive industrial optimization problem, on homogeneous and heterogeneous parallel setups, providing performance results for the algorithm and an insight into the parallelization method. A comparison is also performed between AMS-DEMO and generational master-slave DEMO to demonstrate how the asynchronous parallelization method enhances the algorithm and what benefits it brings compared to the synchronous method.
Nonspatial Cueing of Tactile STM Causes Shift of Spatial Attention
Authors: Katus Tobias , Andersen Søren K. , Müller Matthias M.
Published: March 2012

The focus of attention can be flexibly altered in mnemonic representations of past sensory events. We investigated the neural mechanisms of selection in tactile STM by applying vibrotactile sample stimuli of different intensities to both hands, followed by a symmetrically shaped visual retro-cue. The retro-cue indicated whether the weak or strong sample was relevant for subsequent comparison with a single tactile test stimulus. Locations of tactile stimuli were randomized, and the required response did not depend upon the spatial relation between cued sample and test stimulus. Selection between spatially segregated items in tactile STM was mirrored in lateralized activity following visual retro-cues (N2pc) and influenced encoding of task-irrelevant tactile probe stimuli (N140). Our findings support four major conclusions. First, retrospective selection results in transient shifts of spatial attention. Second, retrospective selection is functionally dissociable from attention-based rehearsal of locations. Third, selection mechanisms are linked across processing stages, as attention shifts in STM influence encoding of sensory signals. Fourth, selection in tactile STM recruits attentional control mechanisms that are, at least partially, supramodal.
Observational and Synoptic Analyses of the Winter Precipitation Regime Change over Utah
Authors: Gillies Robert R. , Wang Shih-Yu , Booth Marty R.
Published: March 2012

Previous studies have indicated a widespread decline in snowpack over Utah accompanied by a decline in the snow–precipitation ratio while anecdotal evidence claims have been put forward that measured changes in Utah’s snowpack are spurious and do not reflect actual change. Using two distinct lines of investigation, this paper further analyzes the winter precipitation regime in the state of Utah. First, by means of observation-based, gridded daily temperature, precipitation, and remotely sensed data, as well as utilizing a climatological rain–snow threshold (RST) temperature method, the precipitation regime of Utah was scrutinized. Second, a comprehensive synoptic analysis was conducted as an alternate means that is independent from surface observations. It was found that the proportion of winter (January–March) precipitation falling as snow has decreased by 9% during the last half century, a combined result from a significant increase in rainfall and a minor decrease in snowfall. Meanwhile, observed snow depth across Utah has decreased and is accompanied by consistent decreases in snow cover and surface albedo. Weather systems with the potential to produce precipitation in Utah have decreased in number with those producing snowfall decreasing at a considerably greater rate. Further circulation analysis showed that an anomalous anticyclone has developed over western North America, which acts to reduce the frequency of cyclone waves impacting Utah. Combined with the increased precipitation, this feature suggests that the average precipitation per event has intensified with more of it falling as rain than as snow. Trends in the hydroclimate such as these have implications for present and future regional water policy in the state of Utah.
Is Pacific Storm-Track Activity Correlated with the Strength of Upstream Wave Seeding?
Authors: Chang Edmund K. M. , Guo Yanjuan
Published: March 2012

In this paper, the relationship between upstream seeding over north Asia and downstream storm-track activity over the North Pacific in midwinter and spring/fall has been analyzed using 45 years of variance and feature-tracking statistics. It is shown that for each season, interannual variations in upstream seeding and downstream storm-track activity are largely uncorrelated. Moreover, during midwinter months in which the upstream seeding from north Asia is about as strong as that during a typical spring/fall month, the downstream storm track in central Pacific is still significantly weaker during midwinter than that during spring/fall. In addition, during cool seasons in which the midwinter suppression is more pronounced in the upstream seeding region, the suppression is not significantly enhanced in the downstream Pacific storm track.

A recent study suggested that reduced upstream seeding from north Asia is the main “source” of the midwinter suppression of the Pacific storm track. Results presented in this study suggest that it is unlikely that the weakness in upstream seeding is the primary cause of the midwinter suppression.
India’s Emerging Retail Systems
Authors: Dholakia Nikhilesh , Dholakia Ruby Roy , Chattopadhyay Atish
Published: March 2012

India’s retailing sector is expected to remain in a transition spiral for the foreseeable future. Because of India’s unique context—in terms of history, regulation, institutions, demographics, geography, and traditions—available theories of retail evolution have limited applicability to the retail situation in India. Drawing from the literature, as well as from empirical research and practical experiences of over a decade, this article presents a conceptual frame for understanding the retail sector of India and the likely future trajectory of this sector.
Towards a reliable animal model of migraine
Authors: Olesen Jes , Jansen-Olesen Inger
Published: March 2012

The pharmaceutical industry shows a decreasing interest in the development of drugs for migraine. One of the reasons for this could be the lack of reliable animal models for studying the effect of acute and prophylactic migraine drugs.

The infusion of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is the best validated and most studied human migraine model. Several attempts have been made to transfer this model to animals. The different variants of this model are discussed as well as other recent models.
Macrocephaly-Capillary Malformation Syndrome in a Newborn With Tetralogy of Fallot and Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Ercan Tugba Erener , Oztunc Funda , Celkan Tiraje , Bor Meltem , Kizilkilic Osman , Vural Mehmet , Perk Yildiz , Islak Civan , Tuysuz Beyhan
Published: March 2012

Macrocephaly-capillary malformation syndrome is characterized by cutaneous vascular malformations with associated anomalies as macrocephaly, macrosomia, hemihypertrophy, hypotonia, developmental delay, lax joints, loose skin, polysyndactyly, and neuroimaging abnormalities. We present a newborn with a prenatal diagnosis of macrosomia and tetralogy of Fallot. He also had macrocephaly; a high forehead; capillary hemangioma on the forehead, upper lip, and philtrum; generalized loose skin; postaxial polydactyly of both hands and feet, with neuroimaging findings of polymicrogyria and thrombosis in sagittal sinus and sinus rectus. His condition was diagnosed as macrocephaly-capillary malformation syndrome in the neonatal period and he died suddenly during sleep at 6 months of age. The clinical course in this syndrome is not as benign as was previously thought. Careful follow-up of these patients with particular emphasis on neuroradiologic and cardiologic evaluation might help decrease the risk of sudden death and to improve long-term outcome.