bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cluster analysis for characterization of rainfalls and CSO behaviours in an urban drainage area of Tokyo
Authors: Yu Yang , Kojima Keisuke , An Kyoungjin , Furumai Hiroaki
Published: August 2013

Combined sewer overflow (CSO) from urban areas is recognized as a major pollutant source to the receiving waters during wet weather. This study attempts to categorize rainfall events and corresponding CSO behaviours to reveal the relationship between rainfall patterns and CSO behaviours in the Shingashi urban drainage areas of Tokyo, Japan where complete service by a combined sewer system (CSS) and CSO often takes place. In addition, outfalls based on their annual overflow behaviours were characterized for effective storm water management. All 117 rainfall events recorded in 2007 were simulated by a distributed model InfoWorks CS to obtain CSO behaviours. The rainfall events were classified based on two sets of parameters of rainfall pattern as well as CSO behaviours. Clustered rainfall and CSO groups were linked by similarity analysis. Results showed that both small and extreme rainfalls had strong correlations with the CSO behaviours, while moderate rainfall had a weak relationship. This indicates that important and negligible rainfalls from the viewpoint of CSO could be identified by rainfall patterns, while influences from the drainage area and network should be taken into account when estimating moderate rainfall-induced CSO. Additionally, outfalls were finally categorized into six groups indicating different levels of impact on the environment.
Uncertainty analysis of coupling multiple hydrologic models and multiple objective functions in Han River, China
Authors: Dong Leihua , Xiong Lihua , Zheng Yanfeng
Published: August 2013

Three different hydrological models are chosen to simulate rainfall-runoff relationships under each of three objective functions including mean squared errors of squared transformed flows, squared root transformed flows and logarithmic transformed flows; thus nine individual models are constructed. By weighted averaging over these nine models, the method of Bayesian model averaging (BMA) was used to provide both the mean value and the uncertainty intervals of flow prediction. Three kinds of uncertainty information can be generated: the uncertainty of individual member model's predictions; the total uncertainty of BMA mean prediction; the between-model and within-model uncertainties in the BMA scheme. Based on the estimated results in this study, the coupling of multiple models with multiple objective functions in general offers better results for both the mean prediction and the uncertainty intervals for the runoffs in a selected basin in Han River, China, than the individual models.
Control of odour nuisance in urban areas: the efficiency and social acceptance of the application of masking agents
Authors: Lazarova Valentina , Abed Brahim , Markovska Gabriela , Dezenclos Thierry , Amara Aït
Published: August 2013

This paper presents and discusses the results of the project named ‘Jasmin’ implemented in Algiers to control the strong odours of the river named Oued El Harrach, one of the largest rivers in the centre of the city. Pending the achievement of curative solutions, a temporary option for mitigation of nuisance odour by masking agents was implemented in the vicinity of the main bridges. The efficiency of this technology has been followed by means of an odour panel with the participation of representatives of all stakeholders. A sociological study by means of 1,000 questionnaires and face-to-face interviews of the local population demonstrated the benefits and the positive outcomes of the attenuation of odour nuisance: 70% of the surveyed population is satisfied or very satisfied with the application of masking agents and 96% of respondents support the continuation of the project. In terms of size and public access, the project Jasmin is a world-first demonstration of odour control in urban areas in developing countries.
Tertiary ozonation of industrial wastewater for the removal of estrogenic compounds (NP and BPA): a full-scale case study
Authors: Bertanza G. , Papa M. , Pedrazzani R. , Repice C. , Dal Grande M.
Published: August 2013

Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents are considered to be a major source for the release in the aquatic environment of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). Ozone has proved to be a suitable solution for polishing secondary domestic effluents. In this work, the performance of a full-scale ozonation plant was investigated in order to assess the removal efficiency of four target EDCs: nonylphenol, nonylphenol monoethoxylate, nonylphenol diethoxylate and bisphenol A. The studied system was the tertiary treatment stage of a municipal WWTP which receives an important industrial (textile) load. Chemical analyses showed that the considered substances occurred with a significant variability, typical of real wastewaters; based on this, ozonation performance was carefully evaluated and it appeared to be negatively affected by flow-rate increase (during rainy days, with consequent contact time reduction). Moreover, EDCs' measured removal efficiency was lower than what could be predicted based on literature data, because of the relatively high residual content of biorefractory compounds still present after biological treatment.
Survey on nitrogen removal and membrane filtration characteristics of Chlorella vulgaris Beij. on treating domestic type wastewaters
Authors: Wang Yu-Hsuan , Wu Chuen-Mei , Wu Wan-Lin , Chu Ching-Ping , Chung Yu-Jen , Liao Chien-Sen
Published: August 2013

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the nitrogen assimilation and filtration characteristics of Chlorella vulgaris Beij. when treating domestic wastewaters. Chlorella could assimilate organic nitrogen, ammonia and nitrate in wastewater, and the mean cell residence time (MCRT) to achieve the maximum biomass content in a bioreactor was different for each individual nitrogen source used. The experimental results showed that using nitrate as the only nitrogen source was the most favorable for biomass growth. With ammonia and nitrate coexisting in the aquatic phase, Chlorella possibly utilized ammonia first, and this was unfavorable to subsequent biomass growth. Nitrifying bacteria in wastewaters significantly affected Chlorella growth as they possibly competed with Chlorella in assimilating ammonia and nitrate in domestic wastewater. In a submerged ultrafiltration (UF) membrane module, with an initial concentration of 850 mg/L of Chlorella, the optimized flux was 0.02 m3/(m2·h), and the filtration cycle was 30 min. A ‘dual membrane bioreactor (MBR)’ configuration using UF membranes for Chlorella incubation was proposed. MBR1 provides an environment with long MCRT for efficient nitrification. The converted nitrate is assimilated by Chlorella in MBR2 to sustain its growth. UF permeate from MBR1 is bacteria-free and does not affect the growth of Chlorella in MBR2. MCRT of Chlorella growth is controlled by the UF membrane of MBR2, providing the flexibility to adjust variations of nitrogen composition in the wastewater.
From a market economy to a government monopoly precious metals of Serbia and Bosnia between Venice and the Ottoman empire (15th-16th century)
Authors: Bojovic Bosko
Published: August 2013

The production of precious metals in the Balkans reached its climax in the
15th century. It was exported mostly by Ragusa, basically for the Venice
Mint. According to the available documents it can be estimated that the
traffic of such metals carried out via Ragusa was between 11060 kg in 1425,
and an optimum estimation of 25 tons annually for the first half of the
century. The Ottoman occupation of Serbia and Bosnia in the middle of the
century marks the end of the exportation of raw materials indispensable to
the European monetary economy, which lacked precious metals for mints. The
production as well as the coining of the Balkan precious metals took place
within the closed circuit of the Ottoman economic autarchy. Notwithstanding
all the efforts of the central administration, including a highly developed
legislation, and in spite of the development of a big mining centre of
Siderokapsia (Eastern Macedonia), the production of precious metals continued
to decline in the 15th century. This economic phenomenon led to the financial
crash that marked the beginning of the recurring financial and economic
crises in the Ottoman Empire at the end of the 16th century. The contribution
of the precious metals from the Balkans to the European monetary economy at
the end of the Middle Ages has not been sufficiently studied by the
specialists in economic history, and it has not been taken into account
regarding the spectacular decline of the Ottoman economy and power.
Development of pedagogical culture of parents
Authors: Babic-Kekez Snezana
Published: August 2013

The issue of pedagogical culture of parents from the aspect of the history of
pedagogy is being discussed in this paper. Systematic development of
pedagogical culture of parents occurred at the end of the 19th century as a
consequence of the economic development in certain countries. Considering the
fact that this activity is socially determined as well as any other
educational activity, we can say that the need for education of parents and,
generally, the development of pedagogical culture of parents used in family
upbringing have been parallel with the development of the family as a social
group. In Serbian pedagogical literature, previously acquired scientific
knowledge about the development of pedagogical culture of parents has not
been systematically presented until now. This paper contributes to
systematization aiming at further improvement and development of pedagogical
culture of parents.
Rural tourism as a part of integral and sustainable development of villages in Vojvodina
Authors: Muhi Bela
Published: August 2013

Vojvodina is a rural region, one of the most agricultural regions in Europe.
Rural development, as an issue of regional policy, is a key instrument for
restructuring the agricultural sector and making use of the villages
potentially attractive to tourists. In times of increased urbanization and
globalization, specific and authentic villages that truly reflect the spirit
and tradition of the past are increasingly getting cultural, economic and
touristic importance and attractiveness. Vojvodina has very good conditions
for rural tourism development, mainly for its geographical location, diverse
landscape (suitable for various forms of recreation), gastronomy, folklore
and rich cultural heritage. Rural tourism in Vojvodina should contribute to
the preservation of rural environment and cultural heritage, and also
economically motivate local people to stay in the countryside. This type of
tourism could significantly contribute to the protection of nature and
provide resources for the existence and development of villages.
Event tourism in south west Serbia
Authors: Ivanovic Miroslav , Besermenji Snezana
Published: August 2013

Tourism events in South West Serbia are numerous and diverse regarding their
origin, structure, genesis and other characteristics. This paper examines
basic determinants of tourism events in South West Serbia, which is in
compliance with the tendencies that tourism events should be qualitatively
transformed and made highly adaptable and competitive as a part of tourism
industry. The events in South West Serbia contribute to the creation of
versatile tourist attractions and provide tourists with the opportunity to
become more familiar with local community. It is often the case that an
event, primarily designed for local population, eventually becomes very
attractive for tourists.
Increasing investments in agro-industrial complex through international integration of educational and production processes
Authors: Volkov Igor
Published: August 2013

The article considers the influence of the integration of educational and
production institutions and organizations on the activation of investment
processes in an agro-industrial complex. The following activities are
highlighted: additional language classes in higher education institutions for
the purpose of students? further training and production practice abroad;
enhanced participation of the producers in the educational process;
development of academic exchange and student mobility.
Mandibular symphysis morphology and dimensions in different anteroposterior jaw relationships
Authors: Al-Khateeb Susan N. , Al Maaitah Emad F. , Abu Alhaija Elham S. , Badran Serene A.
Published: August 2013

Objective:

To assess the morphology and dimensions of mandibular symphysis (MS) in different anteroposterior jaw relationships and to investigate whether craniofacial parameters have any correlation with its shape and/or dimensions.

Materials and Methods:

Lateral cephalograms of subjects with Class I, Class II, and Class III skeletal relationships were traced. Several craniofacial and MS parameters were measured. MS parameters were compared between the three groups using analysis of variance and were correlated with the craniofacial parameters using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results:

Larger angle of concavity of the chin, more inclination of the alveolar bone toward the mandibular plane, and larger MS dimensions and area (P < .001) were found with a Class III skeletal relationship compared to Class I and Class II relationships. The Pearson correlation coefficient between Id-Me and AFH was r  =  0.83 and between Id-Me and LAFH it was r  =  0.81.

Conclusions:

The dimensions and configuration of MS in the Class III relationship were different than those in Class I and Class II relationships; the alveolar part of MS compensated for the skeletal relationship in the Class III pattern. MS dimensions were strongly correlated to anterior facial dimensions.
Diazolium Salts with Dihydroxyacetophenone Skeleton with Anticipated Anticancer and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Mantu Dorina , Ene Eliza , Antocia Vasilichia , Zbanciocb Ana Maria
Published: August 2013

We report herein a feasible study concerning design, syntheses and structure of some new diazolium salts with dihydroxyacetophenone skeleton of anticipated anticancer and antimicrobial activity. The syntheses of the desired imidazolium dihydroxyacetophenone salts occur smoothly, via an N-alkylation reaction, with good to excellent yields. The structure of the newly compounds were assigned without doubts by elemental and spectral analysis: IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 2D-COSY, 2D-HETCOR (HMQC), long range 2D-HETCOR (HMBC).
Ninhydrin-based spectrophotometric assays of trace cyanide
Authors: Surleva Andriana , Zaharia Marius , Ion Laura , Gradinaru Robert Vasile , Drochioiu Gabi , Mangalagiu Ionel
Published: August 2013

The extreme toxicity of cyanide, its wide industrial application as well as its continued illegal use generate research interest in different fields of science, imposing multidisciplinary approach to study cyanide poisoning. We show here that the reaction between cyanide and ninhydrin can be performed at ambient conditions; however, the ninhydrin reagent has to be freshly prepared in oxygen free solvent. Besides, we show that the reading of the absorbance at 485 nm might be more suitable and reliable than that at 590 nm, where the pH-dependent blue colored cyanide-ninhydrin adduct is less stable. Ninhydrin-based color reagent can be used to quantify the cyanide released from plant seeds. In sodium carbonate medium, the proposed assay is fast, cheap and environmentally friendly
Changes in microbiota of rainbow trout caused by sediments contamination
Authors: Šyvokienė Janina
Published: August 2013

The abundance, composition and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, as possible biomarkers of contamination with oil hydrocarbons, of autochthonous and alochtonous microbiota of the digestive tract of rainbow trout have been estimated. The samples of the bottom sediments for microbiological tests have been collected and a response of natural bacterial communities in the digestive tract of rainbow trout and nutritional changes has been investigated. Experimental fish have been fed with a mixture of three substances with the aim to assess the influence of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria contained in the sediments on the microbiota of rainbow trout’s digestive tracts. The abundance values of rainbow trout intestinal heterotrophic bacteria were found to change depending on alochtonous microbiota of different bottom sediments given to the experimental fish with food in vitro. According to the results of our research, it is likely that the changes in the abundance values of the microbiota of the digestive tract of fish and in the proportions of functional groups of the bacteria allow us to determine changes in the functional activity of bacteria depending on food composition. Any relative increase or decrease of abundance or activity of alochtonous microbiota allows the prediction of toxic effects of the contaminants on animals and the environment.
Biochemical characterization of aspartate aminotransferase allozymes from common wheat
Authors: Maciąga Marcin , Szkop Michał , Paszkowski Andrzej
Published: August 2013

Six allozymes of aspartate aminotransferase (AAT, EC 2.6.1.1): three plastidial (AAT-2 zone) and three cytosolic (AAT-3 zone) were isolated from common wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings and highly purified by a five-step purification procedure. The identity of the studied proteins was confirmed by mass spectrometry. The molecular weight of AAT allozymes determined by gel filtration was 72.4±3.6 kDa. The molecular weights of plastidial and cytosolic allozymes estimated by SDS-PAGE were 45.3 and 43.7 kDa, respectively. The apparent Michaelis constant (K
m) values determined for four substrates appeared to be very similar for each allozyme. The values of the turnover number (k
cat) and the k
cat/K
m ratio calculated for allozymes with L-aspartate as a leading substrate were in the range of 88.5–103.8 s−1/10,412–10,795 s−1 M−1 for AAT-2 zone and 4.6–7.0 s−1/527–700 s−1 M−1 for AAT-3 zone. These results clearly demonstrated much higher catalytic efficiency of AAT-2 allozymes. Therefore, partial sequences of cDNA encoding AATs from different zones were obtained using the RT-PCR technique. Comparison of the AAT-2 and AAT-3 amino acid sequences from active site regions revealed five non-conservative substitutions, which impact on the observed differences in the isozymes catalytic efficiency is discussed.
Application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in severe ARDS secondary to pneumonia: a case report
Authors: Zhang Xi-Hong , Xiu Rui-Xia , Wu Tie-Jun , Zou Xiu-Li , Ma Long-Le , Wang Le-Xin
Published: August 2013

This report describes a 24-year-old patient with marked and continuous hypoxemia resulting from severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to pneumonia, which in turn was refractory to mechanical ventilation and other conventional adjunctive therapies. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was applied for 14 days and resulted in significant improvement in the hypoxemia. We conclude that ECMO presents a therapeutic option for ARDS patients who fail to respond to conventional mechanical ventilation.
Indoor Fungal Concentration in the Homes of Allergic/Asthmatic Children in Delhi, India
Authors: Sharma Rashmi , Deval Ravi , Priyadarshi Vikash , Gaur Shailendra N. , Singh Ved P. , Singh Anand B.
Published: August 2013

Allergy to fungi has been linked to a wide range of illnesses, including rhinitis and asthma. Therefore, exposure to fungi in home environment is an important factor for fungal allergy. The present study was aimed to investigate types of airborne fungi inside and outside the homes of asthmatic children and control subjects (nonasthmatic children). The dominant fungi were evaluated for their quantitative distribution and seasonal variation. The air samples were collected from indoors and immediate outdoors of 77 selected homes of children suffering from bronchial asthma/allergic rhinitis using Andersen volumetric air sampler. The isolated fungal genera/species were identified using reference literature, and statistical analysis of the dominant fungi was performed to study the difference in fungal concentration between indoor and immediate outdoor sites as well as in between different seasons. A total of 4423 air samples were collected from two indoor and immediate outdoor sites in a 1-year survey of 77 homes. This resulted in the isolation of an average of 110,091 and 107,070 fungal colonies per metric cube of air from indoor and outdoor sites, respectively. A total of 68 different molds were identified. Different species of Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Penicillium were found to be the most prevalent fungi in Delhi homes, which constituted 88.6% of the total colonies indoors. Highest concentration was registered in autumn and winter months. Total as well as dominant fungi displayed statistically significant differences among the four seasons (p < 0.001). The largest number of isolations were the species of Aspergillus ( >40% to total colony-forming units in indoors as well as outdoors) followed by Cladosporium spp. Annual concentration of Aspergillus spp. was significantly higher (p < 0.05) inside the homes when compared with outdoors. Most of the fungi also occurred at a significantly higher (p < 0.001) rate inside the homes when compared with immediate outdoors. Asthmatic children in Delhi are exposed to a substantial concentration of mold inside their homes as well as immediate outdoor air. The considerable seasonal distributions of fungi provide valuable data for investigation of the role of fungal exposure as a risk for respiratory disorders among patients suffering from allergy or asthma in Delhi.
Quality of Life Comparison in Common Rhinologic Surgeries
Authors: Naraghi Mohsen , Amirzargar Behrooz , Meysamie Alipasha
Published: August 2013

Various questionnaires are used in patients who undergo rhinologic surgeries but a unique comprehensive questionnaire is needed to evaluate quality of life (QOL) in rhinologic surgeries. The purpose of this study was to prepare a comprehensive questionnaire and compare QOL among four common rhinologic surgeries including functional endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty, septorhinoplasty, and septoplasty with turbinoplasty preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. This was a prospective interventional before-and-after study. Preoperative and 6 months postoperative evaluations were performed with a Modified Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) questionnaire designed to cover all needed QOL aspects and the 22-item Sino-nasal Outcome Test questionnaire to cover all needed QOL aspects. The Modified HRQL included 33 items in six subgroups (nasal symptoms, sleep problems, headache, nonnasal symptoms, and practical and emotional problems) and general feeling. From 202 patients who completed the questionnaire before the procedures, 146 (72% of all patients) who were interviewed 6 months postoperatively were included in this study. Comparing preoperative data between followed up patients and missed patients showed no statistical difference among surgeries (p = 0.90). Comparison of patient's pre- and postoperative QOL showed a significant improvement in global QOL and in all questionnaire items (p < 0.0001 in all comparisons). Comparison of QOL changes before and after surgery among different surgeries revealed no statistical difference (p = 0.282). Our data showed a significant improvement in each surgery but the amount of improvement in different surgeries was almost constant.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Mutation with Invasive Eosinophilic Disease
Authors: Crosby Kara , Swender David , Chernin Leah , Hafez-Khayyata Said , Ochs Hans , Tcheurekdjian Haig , Hostoffer Robert
Published: August 2013

Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES), or Jobs disease, is a rare immunologic disorder characterized by the triad of staphylococcal abscesses, pneumonia with pneumatocele formation, and elevated IgE. It has been shown to have multiple modes of inheritance, autosomal dominant being more common than autosomal recessive, with sporadic cases as well. A mutation in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gene has been linked to the development of the sporadic and dominant forms of HIES. Peripheral eosinophilia, typically greater than two standard deviations from the normal population, is often seen in association with HIES. Despite these elevated levels of blood eosinophils, there have been no reported cases of invasive eosinophilic disease, such as eosonophilic esophagitic. Here we report the first description, to our knowledge, of a patient with HIES with a STAT3 mutation involving exon 12, Thr389Ile, and invasive eosinophilic disease of the esophagus. STAT3 modulates the expression of several genes that control central cell processes such as growth and death in response to external soluble stimuli. A mutation in the STAT3 molecule may affect the eosinophil's response to IL-5 and thus reduce the chemotaxic ability of those cells to migrate into tissues. This may then explain the paucity of eosinophilic infiltrative disease in patients with STAT3 mutations. The level of eosinophilic involvement may be related to the site or type of mutation within the STAT3 molecule. As more data are collected, we may be able to assess whether certain mutations dictate different clinical outcomes, which could prove helpful in directing therapy.
Retained Drug-eluting Stents and Recalcitrant Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Case Report
Authors: Sjogren Phayvanh P. , Parker Noah P. , Boyer Holly C.
Published: August 2013

Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis. The off-label use of steroid-eluting stents has increasingly gained popularity in functional endoscopic sinus surgery for decreasing postoperative inflammation and synechiae formation. However, there is a paucity of data outlining the safety profile of this device despite its widespread use. This study was designed to report a newly described complication of retained drug-eluting stents from endoscopic sinus surgery for refractory rhinosinusitis. This report highlights a potential risk of the drug-eluting stent in the treatment of recalcitrant rhinosinusitis and the need for further clinical investigations whenever a novel medical device becomes available on the market.
Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak after Septoplasty: A Potential Complication of Occult Anterior Skull Base Encephalocele
Authors: Soni Resha S. , Choudhry Osamah J. , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: August 2013

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea after septoplasty is a known entity resulting from errors in surgical technique and improper handling of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone. When these occur, urgent management is necessary to prevent deleterious sequelae such as meningitis, intracranial abscess, and pneumocephalus. Encephaloceles are rare occurrences characterized by herniation of intracranial contents through a skull base defect that can predispose patients to CSF rhinorrhea. In this report, we present a case of CSF rhinorrhea occurring 2 weeks after septoplasty likely from manipulation of an occult anterior skull base encephalocele. To our knowledge, no previous similar case has been reported in the literature. Otolaryngologists should be aware of the possibility of occult encephaloceles while performing septoplasties because minimal manipulation of these entities may potentially result in postoperative CSF leakage.
The central Onodi Cell: A Previously Unreported Anatomic Variation
Authors: Cherla Deepa V. , Tomovic Senja , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: August 2013

Preoperative recognition of the Onodi cell is necessary to avoid injury to closely associated structures, including the internal carotid artery and the optic nerve. This article describes the central Onodi cell, a variation in which a posterior ethmoid cell lies superior to the sphenoid sinus in a midline position with at least one optic canal bulge. To our knowledge, this anatomic variation has not been previously reported in the literature. Radiographic and endoscopic imaging of this unique variation is provided.
Geometric Alopecia after Preoperative Angioembolization of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
Authors: Vazquez Alejandro , Shukla Pratik A. , Choudhry Osamah J. , Gandhi Chirag D. , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: August 2013

Resection of a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is challenging because of high intraoperative blood loss secondary to the tumor's well-developed vascularity. Endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeons commonly collaborate with neurointerventionalists to embolize these tumors before resection in an attempt to reduce the vascular supply and intraoperative bleeding. However, angioembolization can be associated with significant complications. Geometric alopecia from angioembolization of JNA has not been previously reported in the otolaryngologic literature. In this study, we discuss geometric alopecia from radiation exposure during preoperative angioembolization of a JNA.
Identification of Pannexins in Rat Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Ohbuchi Toyoaki , Hohchi Nobusuke , Ohkubo Jun-ichi , Hashida Koichi , Koizumi Hiroki , Wakasugi Tetsuro , Takenaga Fumiko , Suzuki Hideaki
Published: August 2013

Pannexins are a second family of gap-junction proteins in vertebrates, classified as pannexin-1, pannexin-2, and pannexin-3. Pannexin-1 is one of the candidates for channel-mediated ATP release into the extracellular space. In airway epithelia, ATP signaling modulates multiple cellular functions such as mucus/ion secretion and mucociliary clearance systems. However, the expression of pannexins in the upper airway has not been investigated. Nasal septal mucosae were collected from adult male Wistar rats aged 20–24 weeks. The expression of pannexin-1, pannexin-2, and pannexin-3 was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by whole-mount fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Transcripts for pannexin-1, pannexin-2, and pannexin-3 were detected in nasal septal mucosae of adult rats by RT-PCR. Distinct immunohistochemical fluorescence for pannexin-1 was observed in the epithelial layer, whereas there was no immunoreactivity for pannexin-2 or pannexin-3. This is the first article establishing the existence of pannexins (predominantly pannexin-1) in the upper airway, suggesting their possible participation in the physiological functions of ATP release and signaling in this tissue.
First report of IMI-1-producing colistin-resistant Enterobacter clinical isolate in Ireland, March 2013
Authors: Boo T W , O’Connell N , Power L , O’Connor M , King J , McGrath E , Hill R , Hopkins K L , Woodford N
Published: August 2013

We report the first case in Ireland of an IMI-1 carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter asburiae, which was resistant to both colistin and fosfomycin. The circumstances under which this isolate was acquired were unclear. Several reports of IMI-producing Enterobacter spp. have emerged in recent years, and colistin resistance in Enterobacteriaceae is also increasingly reported. Laboratories should be aware of the unusual antibiograms of IMI-producing isolates.
Parameter sensitivity of a distributed enhanced temperature-index melt model
Authors: Heynen Martin , Pellicciotti Francesca , Carenzo Marco
Published: August 2013

We investigate the sensitivity of a distributed enhanced temperature-index (ETI) melt model, in order to understand which parameters have the largest influence on model outputs and thus need to be accurately known. We use melt and meteorological data from two Alpine glaciers and one glacier in the Andes of Chile. Sensitivity analysis is conducted in a systematic way in terms of parameters and the different conditions (day, night, clear-sky, overcast), melt seasons and glaciers examined. The sensitivity of total melt to changes in individual parameters is calculated using a local method around the optimal value of the parameters. We verify that the parameters are optimal at the distributed scale and assess the model uncertainty induced by uncertainty in the parameters using a Monte Carlo technique. Model sensitivity to parameters is consistent across melt seasons, glaciers, different conditions and the daily statistics examined. The parameters to which the model is most sensitive are the shortwave-radiation factor, the temperature lapse rate for extrapolation of air temperature, the albedo parameters, the temperature threshold and the cloud transmittance factor parameters. A parameter uncertainty of 5% results in a model uncertainty of 5.6% of mean melt on Haut Glacier d’Arolla, Switzerland.
Impact of Blood Glucose Levels on Contrast Induced Nephropathy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients not known to be Diabetic with Acute Coronary Syndrome.
Authors: Islam Nighat , Majumder AAS , Khalequzzaman M , Akhtaruzzaman M , Choudhury AK , Ali MS , Shikder MR , Hasem S , Nobi ABMN , Kabir MS
Published: August 2013

Background: Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) is an iatrogenic disorder, resulting from exposure to contrast media. The association between pre-procedural blood glucose levels and CI-AKI risk (regardless of pre-existing diabetes) is unknown. The present study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of CI-AKI in patients with admission hyperglycemia in non-diabetic ACS patients. Methods: This is Prospective, observational study done in the department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka. Considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 patients were non diabetic with ACS with normal blood glucose (d7.8 mmol/l or d140 mg/dl) in (Group I) and 50 patients were non diabetic with ACS with high blood glucose (>7.8 mmol/l or >140 mg/dl) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in (Group II). On admission random blood glucose was measured. Non- ionic low osmolar contrast agents (lopamidol) was used in all patients. Serum creatinine, serum electrolytes was measured and creatinine clearance rate was determined within 24 hours before PCI and day 1 and 2 after PCI. Results: The incidence of CIN was 24% in high blood glucose group and 4% in normal blood glucose group (p=0.004). It was also observed that gradual incremental increase in risk of CIN associated with higher admission blood glucose level. There was positive correlation between s. creatinine and admission blood glucose but it showed negative correlation between CCr and admission blood glucose after PCI in ACS patients not known to be diabetic. Conclusion: The present study reveals that index admission high blood glucose in acute coronary syndrome patients not known to be diabetic is associated with increased incidence of contrast induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention. Cardiovascular Journal Volume 6, No. 1, 2013, Page 23-30 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i1.16111
Evaluation of Pulmonary Function after Off- Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery with Thoracic Epidural Analgesia.
Authors: Mandal Naresh Chandra , Sabur SAMA , Ahsan NAK , Karmakar KK
Published: August 2013

Background: A substantial reduction of lung volumes and pulmonary function follows cardiac surgery. Pain may prevent effective breathing and coughing, as thoracic epidural analgesia may reduce post operative pain and improve early post operative pulmonary function. We tested the effect of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on pulmonary function after off- pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) graft surgery. Methods: 60 patients undergoing off- pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) graft surgery were nonrandomized in to two groups. Group-I (30 patients) receiving thoracic epidural analgesia along with general anaesthesia (G/A) but Group-II (30 patients) receiving general anaesthesia alone. Total ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, spirometric data, arterial blood gas (ABG) and X-ray chest (CXR) were recorded in postoperative follow-up period. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled in each group. The demographics of the groups were similar. Patients in the epidural group had significantly less pain on the operative day and for the next 2 days. Total ventilation time in hours in Group-I was 6.4±1.0 and in group-II was 10.1±1.8 hours respectively. FVC and FEV1 were significantly different in group-I than group-II. On the postoperative period, ABG was done pre and postoperative period in both groups of patients. Significant differences was found in pao2 and paco2, half an hour after extubation, 1st postoperative day, 2nd postoperative day (p<0.05). Postoperative CXR revealed significant pulmonary complication in group-II than group-I, higher in the epidural group on the first and second postoperative days. There were no complications related to epidural hematoma and no permanent neurologic squeal. Conclusion: Thoracic epidural analgesia yields a slight, but significant improvement in pulmonary function most likely due to a more profound postoperative analgesia. Cardiovascular Journal Volume 6, No. 1, 2013, Page 31-36 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i1.16112
A Case Report of Middle Aortic Syndrome: A Rare Vascular Disorder
Authors: Mandal Naresh Chandra , Hossain MF , Mamun AA , Dey NK , Sabah MN , Arif MA , Samad S , Rahman MR , Bashar AHM , Hossain GMM , Hakim E , Alam SAN , Hasan MK , Azad QA
Published: August 2013

The middle aortic syndrome (MAS) is rare (about 0.5-2% of all the cases of aortic coarctation) vascular disorder characterized by severe narrowing in the descending thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, or both. It can be congenital or acquired due to several conditions.MAS may present clinically as uncontrolled hypertension, abdominal angina or lower limb claudication. Surgical treatment is effective in controlling symptom and improves life expectancy. Cardiovascular Journal Volume 6, No. 1, 2013, Page 60-62 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i1.16117
Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy in 71 Years Old Woman with Mitral Stenosis- A Case Report
Authors: Majumder AAS , Hasnat Mohammad Abul , Islam AKMM , Ullah M , Rahman MZ , Zaman S , Rahman MM , Alamgir MH
Published: August 2013

Cardiovascular Journal Volume 6, No. 1, 2013, Page 68-70 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i1.16119
Postal Stamps & Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Hossain Nazmul
Published: August 2013

Cardiovascular Journal Volume 6, No. 1, 2013, Page 74-78 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i1.16121
A Case of Double RCA
Authors: Majumder AAS
Published: August 2013

Cardiovascular Journal Volume 6, No. 1, 2013, Page 79 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i1.16122
Representation of Linguistic Information Determines Its Susceptibility to Memory Interference
Authors: Fernandes Myra , Wammes Jeffrey , Hsiao Janet
Published: August 2013

We used the dual-task paradigm to infer how linguistic information is represented in the brain by indexing its susceptibility to retrieval interference. We measured recognition memory, in bilingual Chinese-English, and monolingual English speakers. Participants were visually presented with simplified Chinese characters under full attention, and later asked to recognize them while simultaneously engaging in distracting tasks that required either phonological or visuo-spatial processing of auditorily presented letters. Chinese speakers showed significantly greater memory interference from the visuo-spatial than phonological distracting task, a pattern that was not present in the English group. Such a pattern suggests that retrieval of simplified Chinese characters differentially requires visuo-spatial processing resources in Chinese speakers; these are compromised under dual-task conditions when such resources are otherwise engaged in a distracting task. In a secondary analysis, we showed the complementary pattern in a group of English speakers, whose memory for English words was disrupted to a greater degree from the phonological than visuo-spatial distracting task. Together, these results suggest the mode of representation of linguistic information can be indexed behaviorally by susceptibility to retrieval interference that occurs when representations overlap with resources required in a competing task.
The Flavin Reductase MsuE Is a Novel Nitroreductase that Can Efficiently Activate Two Promising Next-Generation Prodrugs for Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy
Authors: Green Laura , Storey Mathew , Williams Elsie , Patterson Adam , Smaill Jeff , Copp Janine , Ackerley David
Published: August 2013

Bacterial nitroreductase enzymes that can efficiently catalyse the oxygen-independent reduction of prodrugs originally developed to target tumour hypoxia offer great potential for expanding the therapeutic range of these molecules to aerobic tumour regions, via the emerging cancer strategy of gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT). Two promising hypoxia prodrugs for GDEPT are the dinitrobenzamide mustard PR-104A, and the nitrochloromethylbenzindoline prodrug nitro-CBI-DEI. We describe here use of a nitro-quenched fluorogenic probe to identify MsuE from Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a novel nitroreductase candidate for GDEPT. In SOS and bacteria-delivered enzyme prodrug cytotoxicity assays MsuE was less effective at activating CB1954 (a first-generation GDEPT prodrug) than the “gold standard” nitroreductases NfsA and NfsB from Escherichia coli. However, MsuE exhibited comparable levels of activity with PR-104A and nitro-CBI-DEI, and is the first nitroreductase outside of the NfsA and NfsB enzyme families to do so. These in vitro findings suggest that MsuE is worthy of further evaluation in in vivo models of GDEPT.
Liquid Crystal Phase Behaviour of Attractive Disc-Like Particles
Authors: Wu Liang , Jackson George , Müller Erich
Published: August 2013

We employ a generalized van der Waals-Onsager perturbation theory to construct a free energy functional capable of describing the thermodynamic properties and orientational order of the isotropic and nematic phases of attractive disc particles. The model mesogen is a hard (purely repulsive) cylindrical disc particle decorated with an anisotropic square-well attractive potential placed at the centre of mass. Even for isotropic attractive interactions, the resulting overall inter-particle potential is anisotropic, due to the orientation-dependent excluded volume of the underlying hard core. An algebraic equation of state for attractive disc particles is developed by adopting the Onsager trial function to characterize the orientational order in the nematic phase. The theory is then used to represent the fluid-phase behaviour (vapour-liquid, isotropic-nematic, and nematic-nematic) of the oblate attractive particles for varying values of the molecular aspect ratio and parameters of the attractive potential. When compared to the phase diagram of their athermal analogues, it is seen that the addition of an attractive interaction facilitates the formation of orientationally-ordered phases. Most interestingly, for certain aspect ratios, a coexistence between two anisotropic nematic phases is exhibited by the attractive disc-like fluids.
Exploring the Role of Genetic Variability and Lifestyle in Oxidative Stress Response for Healthy Aging and Longevity
Authors: Dato Serena , Crocco Paolina , D'Aquila Patrizia , De Rango Francesco , Bellizzi Dina , Rose Giuseppina , Passarino Giuseppe
Published: August 2013

Oxidative stress is both the cause and consequence of impaired functional homeostasis characterizing human aging. The worsening efficiency of stress response with age represents a health risk and leads to the onset and accrual of major age-related diseases. In contrast, centenarians seem to have evolved conservative stress response mechanisms, probably derived from a combination of a diet rich in natural antioxidants, an active lifestyle and a favorable genetic background, particularly rich in genetic variants able to counteract the stress overload at the level of both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. The integration of these factors could allow centenarians to maintain moderate levels of free radicals that exert beneficial signaling and modulator effects on cellular metabolism. Considering the hot debate on the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in promoting healthy aging, in this review we gathered the existing information regarding genetic variability and lifestyle factors which potentially modulate the stress response at old age. Evidence reported here suggests that the integration of lifestyle factors (moderate physical activity and healthy nutrition) and genetic background could shift the balance in favor of the antioxidant cellular machinery by activating appropriate defense mechanisms in response to exceeding external and internal stress levels, and thus possibly achieving the prospect of living a longer life.
Correlation of Dual Colour Single Particle Trajectories for Improved Detection and Analysis of Interactions in Living Cells
Authors: Deschout Hendrik , Martens Thomas , Vercauteren Dries , Remaut Katrien , Demeester Jo , De Smedt Stefaan , Neyts Kristiaan , Braeckmans Kevin
Published: August 2013

Interactions between objects inside living cells are often investigated by looking for colocalization between fluorescence microscopy images that are recorded in separate colours corresponding to the fluorescent label of each object. The fundamental limitation of this approach in the case of dynamic objects is that coincidental colocalization cannot be distinguished from true interaction. Instead, correlation between motion trajectories obtained by dual colour single particle tracking provides a much stronger indication of interaction. However, frequently occurring phenomena in living cells, such as immobile phases or transient interactions, can limit the correlation to small parts of the trajectories. The method presented here, developed for the detection of interaction, is based on the correlation inside a window that is scanned along the trajectories, covering different subsets of the positions. This scanning window method was validated by simulations and, as an experimental proof of concept, it was applied to the investigation of the intracellular trafficking of polymeric gene complexes by endosomes in living retinal pigment epithelium cells, which is of interest to ocular gene therapy.
Evolution and Distribution of Saxitoxin Biosynthesis in Dinoflagellates
Authors: Orr Russell , Stüken Anke , Murray Shauna , Jakobsen Kjetill
Published: August 2013

Numerous species of marine dinoflagellates synthesize the potent environmental neurotoxic alkaloid, saxitoxin, the agent of the human illness, paralytic shellfish poisoning. In addition, certain freshwater species of cyanobacteria also synthesize the same toxic compound, with the biosynthetic pathway and genes responsible being recently reported. Three theories have been postulated to explain the origin of saxitoxin in dinoflagellates: The production of saxitoxin by co-cultured bacteria rather than the dinoflagellates themselves, convergent evolution within both dinoflagellates and bacteria and horizontal gene transfer between dinoflagellates and bacteria. The discovery of cyanobacterial saxitoxin homologs in dinoflagellates has enabled us for the first time to evaluate these theories. Here, we review the distribution of saxitoxin within the dinoflagellates and our knowledge of its genetic basis to determine the likely evolutionary origins of this potent neurotoxin.