bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solute Diffusion of Platinum in Rutile Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Sheppard Leigh R. , Lamo Marta Bello , Holik John , Mayfield Kirsty J. , Nelson David R.
Published: December 2012

195Pt solute diffusion coefficients in undoped single‐crystal rutile TiO2 have been determined parallel to the c‐axis over the temperature range of 1073–1523 K and oxygen partial pressure of 101 kPa. This has yielded the following temperature dependence: urn:x-wiley:00027820:media:jace12130:jace12130-math-0001On the basis of this result, it has been concluded that 195Pt diffuses via an interstitial mechanism involving rapid transport parallel to the c‐axis through open interstitial diffusion channels. While other divalent cations have also displayed diffusion via the same mechanism, and report diffusion rates that greatly exceed that for cation self‐diffusion, the overall rate of 195Pt diffusion is slow. This has been attributed to the size of Pt2+ (0.80 Å) which is comparative to the dimension of interstitial channels (0.77 Å) through which transport is believed to be taking place.
Effect of FeO Concentration on the Crystallization of High‐Temperature CaO–Al2O3–MgO–FeO Melts
Authors: Jung Sung Suk , Sohn Il
Published: December 2012

Continuous cooling transformation (CCT) and time–temperature transformation (TTT) diagrams were plotted for CaO–Al2O3–MgO–FeO melts, and the morphology of the primary crystals formed was determined with a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). When the CaO/Al2O3 ratio is 1.0, the crystallization temperature and incubation time increase with increasing MgO content. The TTT curve at 7.5 mass% MgO has a “C” shape, which facilitates the formation of amorphous phases. However, increasing the FeO content accelerated the crystallization time and lowered the crystallization temperature. The solidified melt with an FeO content of less than 10 mass% was a combination of the C3MA2 and C5A3 phases; higher FeO content led to the formation of a secondary phase of Ca2FeAlO5 and CA following the precipitation of the C3MA2 primary phase. In addition, kinetic evaluation of the crystal growth with confocal micrographs indicated that the calculated crystal volume agreed well with the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami sigmoidal curve fit.
Hydronium Ions in Soda‐lime Silicate Glass Surfaces
Authors: Bradley Laura C. , Dilworth Zachary R. , Barnette Anna L. , Hsiao Erik , Barthel Anthony J. , Pantano Carlo G. , Kim Seong H.
Published: December 2012

The presence of leachable alkali ions, or their hydrated sites in the glass, is believed to be a determining factor for the interfacial water structure at the glass surface, influencing the surface properties of glass. The interfacial water structure on soda‐lime silicate glass in humid ambience at room temperature was analyzed with sum‐frequency‐generation (SFG) vibration spectroscopy, which can probe the interfacial water layer without spectral interferences from the gas phase water. The soda‐lime glass surface exposed to water vapor shows three sharp SFG peaks at 3200, 3430, and 3670 cm−1 in SFG, which is drastically different from the SFG spectra of the water layers on the fused quartz glass surface and the liquid water/air interface. The sharp peak at 3200 cm−1 is believed to be associated with the hydronium ions in the Na+‐leached silicate glass surface. The 3200 cm−1 peak intensity varies with the relative humidity, indicating its equilibrium with the gas phase water. It is proposed that the hydronium ions in the Na+‐leached sites produce compressive stress in the silicate glass surface; thus the growth of hydronium ions with increasing humidity might be responsible for the increased wear resistance of soda‐lime glass surfaces in near‐saturation humidity conditions.
No‐touch intermittent catheterization: caregiver point of view on sterility errors, duration, comfort and costs
Authors: Goessaert An‐Sofie , Antoons Stephanie , Van Den Driessche Melissa , Tourchi Ali , Pieters Ronny , Everaert Karel
Published: December 2012

Aims

To determine which method of intermittent urinary catheterization, sterile with a catheterization‐set or the no‐touch method, offers the most advantages for caregivers in a hospital setting

Background

The no‐touch catheter is assumed to decrease the risk for infection and increase the comfort for caregivers due to its construction, however, evidence is lacking

Design

A cross‐over experimental study was carried out from October until December 2009, 100 nurses and 71 nursing students participated.

Method

Every participant had to catheterize as well according to the no‐touch method as to the standard intermittent catheterization method. A randomization programme determined whether the subjects had to catheterize a male or female simulation model.

Findings

Multiple regression analysis shows that nurses and nursing students appear to make on average two more errors with the sterile intermittent catheterization method with set than with the no‐touch method. The duration of the no‐touch method is 92 seconds less than the classical catheterization method. On a scale with 10 points for comfort, the classical sterile method with set scored on average two points lower than the no‐touch method, as well for the nurses as for the students.

Conclusions

Compared with the classical method, both students and nurses spend less time on performing the no‐touch method, less sterility errors are made and a higher score is assigned to the no‐touch method. Also classical catheterization of men implies higher costs compared with the no‐touch method. No‐touch intermittent catheterization is thus expected to be preferred above the gold standard catheterization method.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Arrhythmias After Cardiac Transplantation: Findings at EP Study Utility of 3‐D Mapping and Outcomes
Authors: NOF EYAL , STEVENSON WILLIAM G. , EPSTEIN LAURENCE M. , TEDROW USHA B. , KOPLAN BRUCE A.
Published: December 2012

Catheter Ablation of Atrial Arrhythmias

Background

Management of atrial arrhythmias (AA) in orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) patients is challenging.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to define the mechanisms of these arrhythmias and to evaluate the role of ablation.

Methods

Patients with OHT referred for ablation of AA from 1999 to 2011 were included (n = 15). Entrainment and anatomic 3‐D mapping were utilized to identify AA mechanism and guide ablation.

Results

The median time from OHT to ablation was 8 years (range: 1 month–16 years). AA types included 1 (7%) AVNRT, 5 (33%) cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent donor atrial flutter (AFl), 3 (20%) non‐CTI‐dependent donor AFL (n = 3), focal atrial tachycardia (AT) (n = 2) and in 4 (27%) recipient to donor atria conduction (RDC) that involved the right atrial anastomosis in 3 and left atrial anastamosis in 1 patient. In RDC tachycardia, ablation was performed at the site of earliest donor atrial activation on the suture line. AA in the recipient atria were not targeted. This resulted in acute success in all cases. In most patients 12/15 (80%) only right atrial ablation was necessary. Regardless of surgical technique (bicaval vs biatrial) right‐sided AA was most common. Acute success occurred in 14/15 (93%) patients and 3/15 (20%) required repeat Abl for recurrence. There were no major complications.

Conclusion

AA after OHT are most commonly due to atrial macroreentry, but focal arrhythmias and RDC atrial conduction also occur. Ablation of organized AA is usually successful with low risk, warranting early consideration in preference to medical treatment.
Contact Force Monitoring for Cardiac Mapping in Patients with Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: MIZUNO HIROYA , VERGARA PASQUALE , MACCABELLI GIUSEPPE , TREVISI NICOLA , ENG SEBASTIANO COLOMBO , BROMBIN CHIARA , MAZZONE PATRIZIO , DELLA BELLA PAOLO
Published: December 2012

Contact Force for Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

Background

Although the importance of contact force monitoring during mapping and ablation procedures is widely recognized, only indirect measurements have been validated.

Methods

Real‐time force values were measured using the force‐sensing catheter and electroanatomical mapping system from 27 chambers (13 LVs, 6 RVs, and 8 epicardial space) in 17 patients affected by ventricular tachycardia. Left ventricular mapping was performed by the transaortic approach in all patients and in 5 patients also by a transseptal approach with the aid of a deflectable sheath. All points were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of positive contact force during diastole: good and poor contact. The frequency of good contact and its impact on electrophysiological parameters such as signal amplitude, local impedance, and frequency of late potentials was evaluated. The best cut‐off value to discriminate the 2 groups was calculated by a generalized linear mixed‐effects model.

Results

Among all 5,926 points, 1,566 (26%) points were taken with poor contact. In healthy tissue, categorical increase of contact force caused the increase of unipolar and bipolar signal potential amplitude followed by plateau. The frequency of late potentials in the poor contact group was significantly lower when compared to the good contact group (11.9 vs 23.2%; P < 0.0001). The best cut‐off force value to predict good contact during left ventricular endocardial and epicardial mappings was 9 g.

Conclusions

A combined transaortic and transseptal approach allows better endocardial contact during left ventricular mapping. Ventricular mapping with sufficient contact force produces better substrate characterization within pathological areas.
Potential New Indication for Ivabradine: Treatment of a Patient with Congenital Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia
Authors: AL‐GHAMDI SALEH , AL‐FAYYADH MAJID I. , HAMILTON ROBERT M.
Published: December 2012

Potential New Indication for Ivabradine

Ivabradine is a new antiarrhythmic agent with direct inhibition of the pacemaker (If) current. It has been used extensively to decrease sinus rate in the treatment of cardiac failure, and also in a single case of atrial ectopic tachycardia in a child. Here we report the case of a 3‐year‐old girl with congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET), resistant to conventional antiarrhythmic medications, who was successfully treated with ivabradine. We suggest that ivabradine can be an effective treatment for junctional automatic tachycardias and can be considered as a new line of therapy for this incessant form of tachycardia.
Improved Procedural Efficacy of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using the Novel Second‐Generation Cryoballoon
Authors: FÜRNKRANZ ALEXANDER , BORDIGNON STEFANO , SCHMIDT BORIS , GUNAWARDENE MELANIE , SCHULTE‐HAHN BRITTA , URBAN VERENA , BODE FRANK , NOWAK BERND , R. CHUN JULIAN K.
Published: December 2012

Efficacy of the Novel Cryoballoon

Introduction

The cryoballoon technology has the potential to isolate a pulmonary vein (PV) with a single energy application. However, using the first‐generation cryoballoon (CB‐1G) repeated freezing or additional focal ablation is often necessary. The novel second‐generation cryoballoon (CB‐2G) features a widened zone of optimal cooling comprising the whole frontal hemisphere. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the novel design on procedural efficacy of cryoballoon PV isolation (CB‐PVI).

Methods and Results

Single transseptal CB‐PVI using an endoluminal spiral mapping catheter was performed in 60 consecutive patients (CB‐1G, 28 mm, 300 seconds application time: 30 patients; CB‐2G, 28 mm, 240 seconds application time: 30 patients). When compared to the CB‐1G, using the CB‐2G increased single‐shot PVI rate from 51% to 84% (P < 0.001) and decreased procedure duration (128 ± 27 vs 98 ± 30 minutes; P < 0.001), and fluoroscopy exposure time (19.5 ± 7.4 vs 13.4 ± 5.3 min; P = 0.001). Effective CB‐2G PVI could be performed with increased real‐time PVI visualization rate (49% vs 76%; P < 0.001). Time to PVI (TPVI) was shorter in the CB‐2G group (79 ± 60 vs. 52 ± 36 seconds; P = 0.049). Procedure‐related complications occurred in 2 patients in the CB‐1G group and 1 patient in the CB‐2G group.

Conclusions

The CB‐2G significantly improved procedural efficacy compared to the CB‐1G and provided reliable TPVI measurement. TPVI may be used to adjust application time and number individually in future studies. Final conclusions regarding the safety profile of the CB‐2G requires additional research.
Multiplex PCR (mPCR) for the Detection of Salmonella spp. and the Differentiation of the Typhimurium and Enteritidis Serovars in Chicken Meat
Authors: Saeki Erika Kushikawa , Alves Juliane , Bonfante Raissa Curti , Hirooka Elisa Yoko , de Oliveira Tereza Cristina Rocha Moreira
Published: December 2012

Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium are important causes of foodborne illness. Methods for simultaneous detection of these serovars may contribute for the adoption of measures to prevent these diseases. The polymerase chain reaction to detect individually or simultaneously the serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium in foods have been standardized; however, the majority of assays employ the fliC gene as a target for detection of serovar Typhimurium. The detection of these sorovars in a few hours allows the food supply chain to take appropriate measures to prevent the distribution of contaminated food. The aim of this study was to develop a new multiplex PCR (mPCR) for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Salmonella spp., S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium in chicken meat. The mPCR assays showed high specificity and differentiated S. Typhimurium from 22 Salmonella serovars tested, including S. Kentucky, showing that it's an alternative to reduce the time required to obtain presumptive positive results.

Practical Applications

The fliC gene used as target for the detection of serovar Typhimurium is questionable as it has also been described for S. Kentucky. The amplification of STM4492 gene in this study, instead of fliC gene, exhibited high specificity to detect S. Typhimurium. The developed mPCR is an efficient means for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Salmonella spp., S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium in chicken meat after 24 h of enrichment. The mPCR has the potential to be used in routine diagnostic laboratories to obtain presumptive positive results and for identification of Enteritidis and Typhimurium strains isolated by the conventional method.
Is narrow band imaging superior to high‐definition white light endoscopy in the assessment of diminutive colorectal polyps?
Authors: Singh Rajvinder , Bhat Yasser Maqbool , Thurairajah Prem Harichander , Shetti Mohit Pramod , Jayanna Mahesh , Nind Garry , Tam William , Walmsey Russell , Bourke Micheal , Moss Alan , Chen Robert , Bampton Peter , Roberts‐Thomson Ian , Schoeman Mark , Tucker Graeme
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim

Diminutive polyps measuring ≤ 5 mm in size constitute 80% of polyps in the colon. We prospectively assessed the performance of high‐definition white light endoscopy (hWLE) and narrow band imaging (NBI) in differentiating diminutive colorectal polyps.

Methods

In this prospective, multicenter study, videos of 50 diminutive polyps (31 hyperplastic, 19 adenomatous) in hWLE followed by NBI (total 100 videos) were initially obtained and placed in random order into five separate folders (each folder 20 videos). Eight endoscopists were then invited to predict the histology (each endoscopist 100 videos, 800 video assessments in all). Polyps were classified into types 1–3 (hyperplastic) and type 4 (adenoma). Feedback on individual performance was given after each folder (20 videos) was assessed.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy in differentiating hyperplastic from adenomatous polyps by hWLE (400 videos) and NBI (400 videos) were 67.8%, 90.7%, 81.7%, 82.1%, and 82.0%; and 82.2%, 81.5%, 73.1%, 88.2%, and 81.8%, respectively. In the pretest and post‐test analysis, the accuracy with NBI improved markedly from 68.8% to 91.3% (P = 0.001) compared with hWLE, 76.3–78.8% (P = 0.850). Overall, the interobserver agreement was 0.46 for hWLE (moderate) and 0.64 for NBI (good).

Conclusions

NBI was as accurate as hWLE in differentiating diminutive colorectal polyps. Once a learning curve was reached, NBI achieved significantly higher accuracies with good interobserver agreement. Using a simplified classification, a didactic learning session and feedback on performance, diminutive colorectal polyps could be predicted with high accuracies with NBI.
Distinct quasispecies characteristics and positive selection within precore/core gene in hepatitis B virus HBV associated acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Chen Li , Zheng Cai‐Xia , Lin Ming‐hua , Huang Zu‐Xiong , Chen Rong‐hua , Li Qin‐guang , Li Qing , Chen Pan
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim

The cause of hepatitis B virus associated acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) remains unclear. Quasispecies can contribute to virus persistence and pathogenesis. We used a bioinformatics‐based molecular evolution approach to compare quasispecies characteristics and positive selection sites within HBV precore/core gene between ACLF and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Methods

HBV precore/core gene were amplified from 11 ACLF and 10 CHB patients harboring HBV genotype B; following DNA cloning and sequencing quasispecies complexity, diversity, and positive selection sites within the precore/core gene were determined by bioinformatics analysis, and compared between the patient groups.

Results

Both quasispecies complexity (P = 0.022 at nucleotide level and 0.008 at amino acid level) and diversity (P < 0.05) were found to be significantly greater in ACLF than in CHB. The frequency of G1896/A mutation in ACLF (175/298 clones, 58.7%) was also significantly higher than in CHB (100/230 clones, 43.5%) (P = 0.0005). Moreover, analysis of positive selection revealed that significantly more patients with such sites were present in ACLF than in CHB (8/11 VS 2/10, P = 0.03); the majority of these positive selection sites lay within HLA‐restricted epitopes.

Conclusions

The ACLF patients showed distinct quasispecies characteristics with higher complexity and diversity within the HBV precore/core gene. The increased HBV quasispecies complexity and diversity, together with a distinct set of positive selection sites, is likely associated with the development of ACLF.
Reproducibility of measurements of mid‐upper arm circumference in older persons
Authors: Wijnhoven H. A. H. , de Boer M. R. , van Maanen M. J. , van Dongen D. M. , Kraaij S. F. , Smit T. , Visser M.
Published: December 2012

Background

Mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) is used as an alternative measure for body mass index to determine thinness in older persons. However, there are limited data on the reproducibility of this measurement in an older population. The present study examined the reproducibility of MUAC measurements in older persons, as well as the influence of different body positions and clothing.

Methods

A cross‐sectional reproducibility study was performed in a nursing home (n = 43; age 65–96 years) and swimming pool facilities (n = 107; age 65–88 years). A different pair of observers independently measured the MUAC of each participant in the upright position on two occasions within 1 week. In the nursing home, measurements were also performed for each participant in the laying position and with clothes covering the upper arm.

Results

Mean differences and the 95% limit of agreement for inter‐observer reproducibility of MUAC were 0.0 cm (−2.6 to 2.5 cm) for the swimming pool facilities and 0.3 cm (−0.6 to 1.3 cm) for the nursing home. Intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were 0.89 and 0.92, respectively. Mean differences between laying and upright positions were 0.1 cm (−2.0 to 2.2 cm) and 0.0 cm (−1.9 to 2.0 cm) for each observer, respectively (ICC 0.96–0.97). Mean differences between clothes versus bare upper arm were −2.7 cm (−6.2 to 0.7) and −2.4 (−5.6 to 0.9 cm) (ICC 0.75 and 0.78).

Conclusions

The reproducibility of the MUAC measurement in older persons is acceptable for group comparisons and, although borderline for the swimming pool facilities, remains acceptable for clinical purposes. The measurement can also be performed in the laying position but not with clothes covering the upper arm.
Commodifying the Commodifiers: The Impact of Procurement on Management Knowledge
Authors: O'Mahoney Joe , Heusinkveld Stefan , Wright Christopher
Published: December 2012

Current conceptualizations of the commodification of management knowledge prioritize the agency of knowledge producers, such as consultancies, but downplay the role of other actors such as intermediaries. Using a qualitative multi‐method study of the role of procurement in sourcing consultancy knowledge, we demonstrate how intermediaries also commodify management knowledge, thereby limiting the exchange value of that knowledge. Through our analysis we develop a more sophisticated model of the processes and consequences of knowledge commodification. This model clarifies and extends prior research by highlighting the role of commensuration, comparison and valuation, as well as the related tactics that consultants and client managers use to resist procurement's attempts to commodify management knowledge.
Detection and Identification of Aster Yellows Group Phytoplasma (16SrI‐C) Associated with Peach Red Leaf Disease
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Zheng‐Nan , Zhang Hua‐Wei , Tao Ye , Wu Yun‐Feng
Published: December 2012

In 2011, typical symptoms suggestive of phytoplasma infection such as reddening of leaves were observed in peach trees in Fuping, Shaanxi Province, China. Phytoplasma‐like bodies were observed by transmission electron microscope in the petiole tissues of symptomatic peach trees. Products of c. 1.2 kb were generated from all symptomatic peach leaf samples by a nested polymerase chain reaction using phytoplasma universal primer pairs P1⁄P7 and R16F2n⁄R16R2, whereas no such amplicon was obtained from healthy samples. Results of phylogenetic analysis and restriction fragment length polymorphism suggested that the phytoplasma associated with such peach red leaf disease was a member of subgroup 16SrI‐C. To our knowledge, this is the first record of 16SrI‐C subgroup phytoplasma occurred in peach tree in China.
Glucuronidation of the broad-spectrum antiviral drug arbidol by UGT isoforms
Authors: Song Jin-Hui , Fang Zhong-Ze , Zhu Liang-Liang , Cao Yun-Feng , Hu Cui-Min , Ge Guang-Bo , Zhao De-Wei
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The aim of this work was to identify the uridine glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms involved in the metabolism of the broad-spectrum antiviral drug arbidol.

Methods

A human liver microsome (HLM) incubation system was employed to catalyse the formation of arbidol glucuronide. The glucuronidation activity of commercially recombinant UGT isoforms towards arbidol was screened. A combination of kinetic analysis and chemical inhibition study was used to determine the UGT isoforms involved in arbidol's glucuronidation.

Key findings

The arbidol glucuronide was detected when arbidol was incubated with HLMs in the presence of UDP-glucuronic acid. The Eadie–Hofstee plot showed that glucuronidation of arbidol was best fit to the Michaelis–Menten kinetic model, and Km and apparent Vmax were calculated to be 8.0 ± 0.7 μm and 2.03 ± 0.05 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Assessment of a panel of recombinant UGT isoforms revealed that UGT1A1, UGT1A3 and UGT1A9 could catalyse the glucuronidation of arbidol. Kinetic analysis and chemical inhibition study demonstrated that UGT1A9 was the predominant UGT isoform involved in arbidol glucuronidation in HLMs.

Conclusions

The major contribution of UGT1A9 towards arbidol glucuronidation was demonstrated in this study.
Hypericum silenoides Juss. and Hypericum philonotis Cham. & Schlecht. extracts: in-vivo hypolipidaemic and weight-reducing effects in obese rats
Authors: García-de la Cruz Leticia , Galvan-Goiz Yareth , Caballero-Caballero Sergio , Zamudio Sergio , Alfaro Alejandro , Navarrete Andrés
Published: December 2012

Objectives

This study was carried out to assess the anti-obesity effect of Hypericum silenoides Juss. and Hypericum philonotis Cham. & Schlecht. in male Wistar rats fed with a cafeteria diet.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats with an initial body weight of 290–320 g were used in this trial. The rats were fed with a cafeteria diet for 77 days. Hypericum species were administered orally at a dose of 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg of body weight daily for 35 days. Body weight, food intake, anorexic effect and various biochemical parameters, such as serum glucose, lipid profile, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and atherogenic index (AI), were assessed. Additionally, inhibitory lipase activity assay and forced swimming test were also carried out.

Key findings

Oral administration of H. silenoides and H. philonotis extracts resulted in a significant decrease in body weight and serum glucose levels in obese male Wistar rats. Treatment with aqueous extract of H. silenoides showed anorexic and antidepressant effects and also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, AI, AST and ALT were not changed. The dichloromethane extract of H. silenoides (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 262.79 ± 0.09 μg/ml) and hexane extract of H. philonotis (IC50 = 162.60 ± 0.02 μg/ml) showed the most potent lipase inhibitory activity.

Conclusion

Some H. silenoides and H. philonotis extracts showed a significant anti-obesity activity in cafeteria-diet-fed rats. This research provides the first scientific support for the use of the Hypericum genus for weight reduction in Mexican folk medicine.
Nanometric gold in cancer nanotechnology: current status and future prospect
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad Zaki , Akhter Sohail , Rahman Ziyaur , Akhter Shabib , Anwar Mohammed , Mallik Neha , Ahmad Farhan Jalees
Published: December 2012

Objectives

This review elaborate on modified gold nanoparticulate concept in oncology, provides an overview of the use of gold nanoparticles in cancer treatment and discusses their potential applications and clinical benefits.

Key findings

Modified gold nanoparticles (e.g. rod, multipod and star or a hollow structure such as shell, box and cage) have promising applications in the fields of drug delivery and photothermal therapy in oncology due to their unique optical and photothermal properties and their ability to modify the surface and conjugate drugs/molecules with gold nanomaterial. Modified gold nanoparticles exhibit strong light absorption in the near-infrared region in which light can penetrate deeply into soft tissue. Moreover, recent advances have opened the way to site-specific delivery by gold nanoparticle.

Recent research and development in cancer-targeted gold nanovectors shows promise for maximizing the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs while decreasing their harmful systemic effects in chemotherapy. Moreover, gold nanoparticles can also serve as cancer therapeutic.
Abnormal regional homogeneity of resting‐state brain activity in patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis without overt hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Lv Xiao‐Fei , Qiu Ying‐Wei , Tian Jun‐Zhang , Xie Chuan‐Miao , Han Lu‐Jun , Su Huan‐Huan , Liu Zhen‐Yin , Peng Jun‐Ping , Lin Chu‐Lan , Wu Mao‐Sheng , Jiang Gui‐Hua , Zhang Xue‐Lin
Published: December 2012

Background

Many studies have reported that cognitive deficits exist in cirrhotic patients without overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these deficits are still not fully understood.

Aim

To investigate regional activity abnormalities in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related cirrhosis (HBV‐RC) without OHE using resting‐state functional MRI (Rs‐fMRI), and to examine the relationship between regional activity abnormalities and impaired cognition.

Methods

A newly reported regional homogeneity (ReHo) approach was used to compare the local synchronization of Rs‐fMRI signals in 32 patients with HBV‐RC without OHE and 32 well‐matched healthy controls. Cognition was measured in all patients using psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) tests, and the relationship between ReHo variation and PHES was analysed.

Results

Relative to healthy controls, the cirrhosis group showed high ReHo in the prefrontal cortex, and widespread low ReHo in visual association areas (left lingual gyrus, middle temporal gyrus and right middle occipital gyrus), motor association areas (bilateral precentral gyrus and paracentral lobule) and the bilateral precuneus. Correlation analysis of the mean ReHo values in different brain areas and PHES in cirrhotic patients revealed a significantly positive correlation in the left lingual gyrus (r = 0.352; P = 0.048), right middle occipital gyrus (r = 0.453; P = 0.009) and bilateral precentral gyrus (left: r = 0.436, P = 0.013; right: r = 0.582, P < 0.001), paracentral lobule (r = 0.485; P = 0.005) and precuneus (r = 0.468; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Our results provide information on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive alterations in cirrhotic patients and demonstrate the feasibility of using Rs‐fMRI with ReHo analysis as a noninvasive modality with which to detect the progression of cognitive changes in cirrhotic patients.
Methylation‐mediated repression of microRNA 129‐2 enhances oncogenic SOX4 expression in HCC
Authors: Chen Xiangmei , Zhang Ling , Zhang Ting , Hao Meili , Zhang Xiaolei , Zhang Jiangbo , Xie Qing , Wang Yongfeng , Guo Mingzhou , Zhuang Hui , Lu Fengmin
Published: December 2012

Background & Aims

Aberration of miR‐129‐2 has been linked to a variety of human tumours. However, whether miR‐129‐2 is involved in hepatocarcinogenesis remains unknown. Here, we investigate the involvement of miR‐129‐2 in HBV infection‐related HCC.

Methods

A total of 75 paired tumour and their corresponding non‐tumour liver tissues from HCC patients with serum HBsAg positive were collected. The methylation of miR‐129‐2 gene was quantitatively analysed by a DNA methylation‐sensitive endonuclease digestion followed by quantitative PCR. The expression of mature miR‐129‐2 (miR‐129‐3p) was detected by Taqman RT‐PCR. SOX4 expression was detected using quantitative realtime RT‐PCR, western blot and immunohistochemical staining. The function of miR‐129‐2 was investigated using cell proliferation and clonogenicity assays in vitro.

Results

Compared with the adjacent non‐tumour tissues, tumour tissues exhibited significantly increased miR‐129‐2 hypermethylation both in frequency (37.33% vs. 8%, P < 0.0001) and in intensity (14.77% vs. 3.08%, P = 0.002). Accordantly, miR‐129‐3p expression in HCC tissues was significantly lower than that in non‐tumour tissues (P = 0.0461), in a manner reversely correlated with the level of miR‐129‐2 hypermethylation. Notably, SOX4 level in the HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in non‐tumour tissues (P = 0.0174) and normal liver tissues (P = 0.0077), correlated reversely with miR‐129‐3p level (P = 0.0105). Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐129‐2 in HepG2 reduced cell proliferation and clonogenicity, while co‐expression with SOX4 could partially reverse its antitumor effects. In addition, SOX4 in HepG2 cell can enhance β‐catenin/TCF activity by increasing β‐catenin level.

Conclusion

The current data indicated that methylation‐mediated repression of miR‐129‐2 may enhance oncogenic SOX4 expression and involve in HCC tumorigenesis.
Risk Factors for De Novo Mixed Urinary Incontinence and Stress Urinary Incontinence Following Surgical Removal of a Urethral Diverticulum
Authors: KIM Jae Heon , LEE Kwang Woo , KIM Jun Mo , KIM Min Eui , KIM Young Ho
Published: December 2012

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the risk factors for the development of de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) after surgical removal of a urethral diverticulum (UD).

Methods: We identified 35 consecutive women that underwent surgical removal of a UD between November 2002 and December 2009, and we retrospectively reviewed their medical records, including patient demographics, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), presenting symptoms related to voiding, and outcomes.

Results: Among the 35 patients we identified, 28 were included in the study. After UD removal, five of the 28 patients (17.8%) developed de novo MUI, and four of the 28 patients (14.2%) developed de novo SUI. The incidences of SUI and MUI were significantly higher in patients who had a UD that measured over 3 cm in diameter and in patients in whom the UD was located in the proximal urethra. Of the seven patients with a diverticulum over 3 cm, SUI occurred in three (42.8%) (P = 0.038) and MUI occurred in five (45.4%) (P < 0.001). Of the 11 patients with a diverticulum located in the proximal urethra, SUI occurred in five (45.4%) (P = 0.011) and MUI occurred in four (36.4%) (P = 0.011).

Conclusion: Significant risk factors for the development of SUI and MUI after transvaginal simple diverticulectomy include a UD measuring over 3 cm and a UD located in the proximal urethra.
Relative accuracy of three common methods of parentage analysis in natural populations
Authors: Harrison Hugo B. , Saenz‐Agudelo Pablo , Planes Serge , Jones Geoffrey P. , Berumen Michael L.
Published: December 2012

Parentage studies and family reconstructions have become increasingly popular for investigating a range of evolutionary, ecological and behavioural processes in natural populations. However, a number of different assignment methods have emerged in common use and the accuracy of each may differ in relation to the number of loci examined, allelic diversity, incomplete sampling of all candidate parents and the presence of genotyping errors. Here, we examine how these factors affect the accuracy of three popular parentage inference methods (colony, famoz and an exclusion‐Bayes’ theorem approach by Christie (Molecular Ecology Resources, 2010a, 10, 115) to resolve true parent–offspring pairs using simulated data. Our findings demonstrate that accuracy increases with the number and diversity of loci. These were clearly the most important factors in obtaining accurate assignments explaining 75–90% of variance in overall accuracy across 60 simulated scenarios. Furthermore, the proportion of candidate parents sampled had a small but significant impact on the susceptibility of each method to either false‐positive or false‐negative assignments. Within the range of values simulated, colony outperformed FaMoz, which outperformed the exclusion‐Bayes’ theorem method. However, with 20 or more highly polymorphic loci, all methods could be applied with confidence. Our results show that for parentage inference in natural populations, careful consideration of the number and quality of markers will increase the accuracy of assignments and mitigate the effects of incomplete sampling of parental populations.
Cytonuclear discordance among Southeast Asian black rats (Rattus rattus complex)
Authors: Pagès Marie , Bazin Eric , Galan Maxime , Chaval Yannick , Claude Julien , herbreteau Vincent , Michaux Johan , Piry Sylvain , Morand Serge , Cosson Jean‐François
Published: December 2012

Black rats are major invasive vertebrate pests with severe ecological, economic and health impacts. Remarkably, their evolutionary history has received little attention, and there is no firm agreement on how many species should be recognized within the black rat complex. This species complex is native to India and Southeast Asia. According to current taxonomic classification, there are three taxa living in sympatry in several parts of Thailand, Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic, where this study was conducted: two accepted species (Rattus tanezumi, Rattus sakeratensis) and an additional mitochondrial lineage of unclear taxonomic status referred to here as ‘Rattus R3’. We used extensive sampling, morphological data and diverse genetic markers differing in rates of evolution and parental inheritance (two mitochondrial DNA genes, one nuclear gene and eight microsatellite loci) to assess the reproductive isolation of these three taxa. Two close Asian relatives, Rattus argentiventer and Rattus exulans, were also included in the genetic analyses. Genetic analyses revealed discordance between the mitochondrial and nuclear data. Mitochondrial phylogeny studies identified three reciprocally monophyletic clades in the black rat complex. However, studies of the phylogeny of the nuclear exon interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein gene and clustering and assignation analyses with eight microsatellites failed to separate R. tanezumi and R3. Morphometric analyses were consistent with nuclear data. The incongruence between mitochondrial and nuclear (and morphological) data rendered R. tanezumi/R3 paraphyletic for mitochondrial lineages with respect to R. sakeratensis. Various evolutionary processes, such as shared ancestral polymorphism and incomplete lineage sorting or hybridization with massive mitochondrial introgression between species, may account for this unusual genetic pattern in mammals.
Stream hierarchy defines riverscape genetics of a North American desert fish
Authors: Hopken Matthew W. , Douglas Marlis R. , Douglas Michael E.
Published: December 2012

Global climate change is apparent within the Arctic and the south‐western deserts of North America, with record drought in the latter reflected within 640 000 km2 of the Colorado River Basin. To discern the manner by which natural and anthropogenic drivers have compressed Basin‐wide fish biodiversity, and to establish a baseline for future climate effects, the Stream Hierarchy Model (SHM) was employed to juxtapose fluvial topography against molecular diversities of 1092 Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus). MtDNA revealed three geomorphically defined evolutionarily significant units (ESUs): Bonneville Basin, upper Little Colorado River and the remaining Colorado River Basin. Microsatellite analyses (16 loci) reinforced distinctiveness of the Bonneville Basin and upper Little Colorado River, but subdivided the Colorado River Basin into seven management units (MUs). One represents a cline of three admixed gene pools comprising the mainstem and its lower‐gradient tributaries. Six others are not only distinct genetically but also demographically (i.e. migrants/generation <9.7%). Two of these (i.e. Grand Canyon and Canyon de Chelly) are defined by geomorphology, two others (i.e. Fremont‐Muddy and San Raphael rivers) are isolated by sharp declivities as they drop precipitously from the west slope into the mainstem Colorado/Green rivers, another represents an isolated impoundment (i.e. Ringdahl Reservoir), while the last corresponds to a recognized subspecies (i.e. Zuni River, NM). Historical legacies of endemic fishes (ESUs) and their evolutionary potential (MUs) are clearly represented in our data, yet their arbiter will be the unrelenting natural and anthropogenic water depletions that will precipitate yet another conservation conflict within this unique but arid region.
The Staphylococcus aureusOpp1 ABC transporter imports nickel and cobalt in zinc‐depleted conditions and contributes to virulence
Authors: Remy Laetitia , Carrière Marie , Derré‐Bobillot Aurélie , Martini Cécilia , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Borezée‐Durant Elise
Published: December 2012

Metals are common enzymatic cofactors, and their acquisition must be assured under the various conditions encountered in the host. Although some strategies for acquisition of common metals such as iron and manganese have been elucidated, little is known about the conditions and mechanisms used to capture trace metals. Nickel is a transition metal required as a cofactor for several bacterial enzymes, including urease. Staphylococcus aureus does express a nickel ABC transporter, Nik, which functions in metal‐replete medium and is necessary for nickel urease activity and urinary tract colonization. In this work, we identified a novel cobalt and nickel transporter, which we named Cnt (previously annotated Opp1), in the major opportunistic pathogen S. aureus. Metal transport activity was revealed by growing cells in a chemically defined medium devoid of metals. Zinc specifically inhibits Cnt‐mediated nickel and cobalt uptake, on both functional and transcriptional levels. Mortality due to S. aureus cnt mutant in systemic infection and colonization of the bladder and kidneys in ascending urinary tract infection model were reduced compared to the parent strain. This study identifies a novel S. aureus trace metal transporter and its restricted conditions of activity, and establishes its role in infection.
ChineseGuanxi: An Integrative Review and New Directions for Future Research
Authors: Chen Chao C. , Chen Xiao-Ping , Huang Shengsheng
Published: December 2012

In this article we review research on Chineseguanxiand social networking in the past twenty years and identify the major perspectives, theories, and methodologies used inguanxiresearch at micro and macro levels. We summarize the main findings of over 200 journal articles onguanxiresearch in terms of its conceptual definitions and measurements, its antecedents and consequences, and its dynamics and processes. Furthermore, we identify the gaps between different levels ofguanxiresearch and discuss future directions to advance our understanding of the complex and intricateguanxiphenomenon.
Hexanoic acid is a resistance inducer that protects tomato plants against Pseudomonas syringae by priming the jasmonic acid and salicylic acid pathways
Authors: Scalschi Loredana , Vicedo Begonya , Camañes Gemma , Fernandez‐Crespo Emma , Lapeña Leonor , González‐Bosch Carmen , García‐Agustín Pilar
Published: December 2012

Hexanoic acid‐induced resistance (Hx‐IR) is effective against several pathogens in tomato plants. Our study of the mechanisms implicated in Hx‐IR against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 suggests that hexanoic acid (Hx) treatment counteracts the negative effect of coronatine (COR) and jasmonyl‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile) on the salicylic acid (SA) pathway. In Hx‐treated plants, an increase in the expression of jasmonic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (JMT) and the SA marker genes PR1 and PR5 indicates a boost in this signalling pathway at the expense of a decrease in JA‐Ile. Moreover, Hx treatment potentiates 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid accumulation, which suggests that this molecule might play a role per se in Hx‐IR. These results support a positive relationship between the SA and JA pathways in Hx‐primed plants. Furthermore, one of the mechanisms of virulence mediated by COR is stomatal re‐opening on infection with P. syringae. In this work, we observed that Hx seems to inhibit stomatal opening in planta in the presence of COR, which suggests that, on infection in tomato, this treatment suppresses effector action to prevent bacterial entry into the mesophyll.
Modification in swallowing and ventilation co‐ordination during hypercapnia, hypoxia, and tachypnea in unrestrained animals
Authors: Ghannouchi I. , Duclos C. , Marie J. P. , Verin E.
Published: December 2012

Background  It has been demonstrated that aspirations could occur during respiratory failure, explained by a lack of co‐ordination between swallowing and ventilation. To test this hypothesis, we examined the co‐ordination of ventilation and swallowing in a completely unrestrained rat model during different level of hypercapnia, during hypoxia, and during tachypnea.

Methods  A total of 50 male Wistar rats (250–350 g) were studied in a barometric plethysmograph to analyze swallowing and ventilation during swallowing, at different gas concentration [room air (G1), 10% of O2 and 0% of CO2 (G2), 21% of O2 and 5% of CO2 (G3), 21% of O2 and 10% of CO2 (G4), tachypnea (G5)].

Key Results  During hypoxia, there was no difference between G2 and G1 regarding the swallowing parameters and ventilatory parameters. During hypercapnia, there was an increase in swallowing during inspiration in G4 (16 ± 20%P < 0.01) compared with G1. The analysis of ventilatory parameters during swallowing showed an increase in tidal volume (VT) and mean inspiratory time (VT/TI) (P < 0.001) with no change in respiratory cycle duration (TTOT), inspiratory time (TI), and expiratory time (TE) when compared with G1. During tachypnea (G5), the VT decreased (P < 0.05) without any change in VT/TI.

Conclusions & Inferences  Our results on animal demonstrated that hypercapnia increased swallowing during inspiration, which was not the case for tachypnea or hypoxia, and could explain some aspirations during respiratory failure.
γ‐aminobutyric acid‐mediated neurotransmission in cerebellar–hypothalamic circuit attenuates gastric mucosal injury induced by ischemia‐reperfusion
Authors: Du D. S. , Zhu T. , Ren S. T. , Xie G. L. , Li S. B. , Chu D. C. , Liu X. T. , Liu M. , Ma X. B. , Zhou M. H. , Zhu D. N. , Deng Z. X. , Wang J.
Published: December 2012

Background  Excessive greater splanchnic nerve (GSN) activation contributes to the progression of gastric ischemia‐reperfusion (GI‐R) injury. This study was designed to investigate the protective mechanism of cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN) stimulation against GI‐R injury.

Methods  The GI‐R injury model was induced in rats by clamping the celiac artery for 30 min, and then reperfusion for 30 min, 1, 3, 6, or 24 h, respectively.

Key Results  Microinjection of l‐Glu (3, 6, 12 μg) into the FN dose‐dependently attenuated GI‐R injury and GSN activity. In addition, there was an enhancement of gastric mucosal blood flow in GI‐R rats. Pretreatment with the glutamic acid decarboxylase antagonist into the FN, the GABAA receptor antagonist into the lateral hypothalamic area or lesion of superior cerebellar peduncle all reversed the protective effects of the FN stimulation. Furthermore, the FN stimulation reduced the TUNEL‐positive gastric mucosal cell and Bax‐positive gastric mucosal cell in GI‐R rats.

Conclusions & Inferences  These results indicate that the protective effects of the FN stimulation against GI‐R injury may be mediated by attenuation of the excessive GSN activation, gastric mucosal cell apoptosis, and Bax expression in GI‐R rats.
The effect of 5Hz high‐frequency rTMS over contralesional pharyngeal motor cortex in post‐stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Park J.‐W. , Oh J.‐C. , Lee J.‐W. , Yeo J.‐S. , Ryu K. H.
Published: December 2012

Background  We sought to find the therapeutic effect of 5Hz high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the unaffected pharyngeal motor cortex in post‐stroke dysphagic patients.

Methods  Eighteen patients with unilateral hemispheric stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia that lasted more than 1 month were randomly divided into two groups. They all performed videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) before rTMS intervention. The experimental group (EG) received 5Hz rTMS over contra‐lesional pharyngeal motor cortex for 10 min per day for 2 weeks. The control group (CG) received sham stimulation under the same condition. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study were performed again just after treatment cessation and 2 weeks afterward. The evaluation was performed using videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) and penetration‐aspiration scale (PAS).

Key Results  Mean baseline VDS and PAS of EG was 33.6 ± 12.1 and 3.41 ± 2.32 respectively and the scores were reduced to 25.3 ± 9.8 and 1.93 ± 1.52 just after 2 weeks intervention (P < 0.05). This effect lasted for up to 2 weeks after treatment. However, there was no change in the CG. Baseline prevalence of aspiration, pharyngeal residue, delayed triggering of pharyngeal swallowing and abnormal pharyngeal transit time (PTT) in EG was 66.7%, 66.7%, 33.3%, and 44.4%, respectively. After rTMS, the prevalence of aspiration and pharyngeal residue was reduced to 33.3% and 33.3%, respectively. However, the prevalence of delayed triggering and abnormal PTT was not changed.

Conclusions & Inferences  A 5Hz high‐frequency rTMS on contra‐lesional pharyngeal motor cortex might be beneficial for post‐stroke dysphagic patients. This intervention can be used as a new treatment method in post‐stroke patients with dysphagia.