bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony in Acute ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Normal QRS duration
Authors: Alam Iftekhar , Haque Tuhin , Badiuzzaman Mohammad , Masud Abdullah Al , Kaiser Abrar , Moniruzzaman Md
Published: June 2016

Background: The aim of this study was to assess left ventricular dyssynchrony after acute ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients with normal QRS duration. Real time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE) with triplane tissue synchronization imaging (TSI) used to identify segmental left ventricular systolic velocity in ejection phase to evaluate LV dyssynchrony in patients with STEMI and the findings were compared with control.Materials and methods: RT3DE with triplane TSI was performed within 4 days of AMI after thrombolysis or primary PCI in 31 patients and compared with 31 agematched controls. Regional myocardial velocities were assessed in 12 segments in ejection phase, and the corresponding time to peak systolic velocity (Ts) was measured. To assess LV dyssynchrony Ts-4, Ts-6, Ts- SD-6, Ts-12 and Ts-SD-12 were computed by offline dedicated software semi-automatically.Results: The dyssynchrony parameters were significantly prolonged in patients with AMI. Among the dyssynchrony parameters TS-SD-12 was better indicator of LV dyssynchrony. The Ts-SD-12 was significantly prolonged in the STEMI group when compared with controls. In patients with acute STEMI mean Ts-SD-12 was 43.2±19.1 milliseconds whereas in control group it was 23.0 ±6.5 milliseconds (p<0.05). The Ts-SD-12 was prolonged in patients with Anterior than Inferior STEMI as follows respectively 45.9± 17.6 and 40.0± 21 milliseconds.Conclusions: Triplane TSI by RT3DE is useful in evaluating LV dyssynchrony in patients with acute STEMI and even in those with normal QRS duration there is significant left ventricular dyssynchrony early after STEMI.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2015; 30(1) : 13-21
Pulmonary Artery Pressure Profile in Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Patients
Authors: Haque Md Serajul , Khan HI Lutfur Rahman , Mahmud Razia Sultana , Faruq Md , Chowdury Abdul Wadud , Ali M Shomsher
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to see the incidence of pulmonary hypertension and its age distribution in atrial septal defect (ASD) patients in our population. A total of 58 ASD (secundum type) patients were included in the study. The diagnosis was done with echocardiography. Subsequently patients under went cardiac catheterization and their pulmonary artery (PA) mean pressure was measured. It was seen that pulmonary pressure increases with age. Severe PA hypertension (mean pressure > 40 mm Hg) was found in 14 patients (24.14%), age range was 10-55 years but most of them were more than 20 years old.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2015; 30(1) : 27-28
Relationship between Haemoglobin A1c and Short Term Outcome in Patients with ST-elevation Myocardial Infraction (STEMI)
Authors: Hasan SM Kamrul , Karim Md Rezaul , Khan Md Anisur Rahman , Chowdhury Tareq Ahmed , Asaduzzam Khondokar , Ulabbi Md Salahuddin , Kakoly Nadira Sultana
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Every year, 17.1 million lives are claimed by the global burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), 82% of which are in the developing world. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), even at levels considered in the normal range, emerged as an independently significant predictor of heart-disease events, stroke, and death over more than a decade.Methodology: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 113 patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction were enrolled in this study after taking informed written consent from the patient or attending guardian. Follow up was done during hospital stay for mortality, arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, congestive heart failure, mechanical complication (eg ventricular septum rupture, wall rupture), left ventricular systolic dysfunction, stroke etc.Result: The median age of patients was 53.4 years (range 22 to 85 years), patients with an HbA1c >6.5% were slightly older than those with HbA1c <6.5%(53.1 vs. 54.6),and 82% were male; and 43% had an HbA1c >6.5%. Patients with elevated HbA1c had more LVSD (54%) (p=0.022), heart failure (81%) (p= < .001). However, patients with HbA1c >6.5% were more likely to have cardiogenic shock as an outcome but it is not statistically significant (p= .528), whereas cardiac arrest, arrythmia and mechanical complication were more among HbA1c <6.5 group but it was not statistically significant. During hospital stay 16 (14%) patients died. Mortality was much higher among all STEMI patients, those with elevated hemoglobin A1c level as an outcome compared to patients with normal haemoglobin A1c level (26% vs. 5%) (p= .002).Conclusion : STEMI patients who has haemoglobin HbA1c level < 6.5 have better in hospital outcome compared to elevated (>6.5) haemoglobin A1c level.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2015; 30(1) : 29-32
Stage IV Sarcoidosis with Cor pulmonale: A Case Report
Authors: Haque Mostashirul , Khan Tunaggina Afrin , Amin Md Rasul , Rezwan Montasin , Hasan Md Rashidul , Haque KMHS Sirajul , Khan HI Lutfur Rahman
Published: June 2016

Sarcoidosis is a well known systemic disorder that invariably involves lungs. However, pulmonary hypertension and cor-pulmanle are not common due to pulmonary involvement of sarcoidosis. We report a case of pulmonary hypertension leading to corpulmonale due to sarcoidosis. An elderly female suffering from hypertension & sarcoidosis developed complications and arrived at the diagnosis by correlating various investigations. X-ray chest (P/A) showed cardiomegaly (right ventricular type), reticulo-nodular shadow involving both mid and lower zone; characteristic high resolution CT (HRCT) scan appearances include reticulonodular opacities; pulmonary function test showed restrictive type of defect; ECG showed right ventricular hypertrophy with strain pattern; in echocardiogram there were right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) with pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) of 63 mmHg indicating severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH); along with significantly elevated B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP) level.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2015; 30(1) : 37-42
Isolated Fixed Discrete Subaortic Membrane- A Case Report
Authors: Shamsuddin AK , Manzo MIS Al , Kabiruzzaman M
Published: June 2016

Discrete subaortic membrane, which is an obstructing lesion of the left ventricular outflow tract, remains a surgical challenge. A 7 year old boy came with a discrete fixed sub-aortic membrane (SAM) causing severe Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. The membrane was excised totally and the patient had a satisfactory recovery. Discharge echocardiogram found no residual SAM, no gradient across LVOT, mild aortic regurgitation(AR) which was present preoperatively.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2015; 30(1) : 43-45
Bryostatin I inhibits growth of breast cancer cells through the inhibition of synuclein-A expression
Authors: Sun Jun-Xia , Yan Yan , Xia Jian-Hong , Zhou Li-Qing
Published: June 2016

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of bryostatin I on the expression of synuclein-A in breast cancer cells. Western blot analysis showed a significant (p<0.005) reduction in the expression of synuclein-A from a concentration of 20 µM in H3922 cells. The inhibitory effect of bryostatin I on synuclein-A expression was further confirmed by the treatment of H3922 cells with known synuclein-A inhibitor, cytokine oncostatin M. Bryostatin I treatment of H3922 cells also significantly increased their sensitivity to the taxol. Incubation of the cells with 25 µM concentration of bryostatin I followed by treatment with 0.5 μM concentration of taxol induced apoptosis in 89% cells compared to 9% cells in the taxol alone treated cultures. Treatment of the H3922 cells with bryostatin I at 25 µM concentration led to a significant increase in the activation of histone H1 protein. The results from MTT assay showed a significant decrease in the cell viability from 10 µM concentration of bryostatin I. Thus, bryostatin I inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells through inhibition of synuclein-A expression and can be used for breast cancer treatment.

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Cell viability assay: 5 min 14 sec 
A Direct Search Algorithm for Global Optimization
Authors: Baeyens Enrique , Herreros Alberto , Perán José
Published: June 2016

A direct search algorithm is proposed for minimizing an arbitrary real valued function. The algorithm uses a new function transformation and three simplex-based operations. The function transformation provides global exploration features, while the simplex-based operations guarantees the termination of the algorithm and provides global convergence to a stationary point if the cost function is differentiable and its gradient is Lipschitz continuous. The algorithm’s performance has been extensively tested using benchmark functions and compared to some well-known global optimization algorithms. The results of the computational study show that the algorithm combines both simplicity and efficiency and is competitive with the heuristics-based strategies presently used for global optimization.
Effects of Tannic Acid on Lipid and Protein Oxidation, Color, and Volatiles of Raw and Cooked Chicken Breast Meat during Storage
Authors: Al-Hijazeen Marwan , Lee Eun , Mendonca Aubrey , Ahn Dong
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of tannic acid (TA) on the oxidative stability and the quality characteristics of ground chicken breast meat. Five treatments including (1) control (none added), (2) 2.5 ppm TA, (3) 5 ppm TA, (4) 10 ppm TA, and (5) 5 ppm butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) were added to boneless, skinless ground chicken breast meat, and used for both raw and cooked meat studies. For the raw meat study, the ground chicken breast meat was packaged in oxygen-permeable bags and stored at 4 °C for 7 days. For the cooked study, raw ground meat samples were vacuum-packaged in oxygen-impermeable vacuum bags, cooked in-bag to the internal temperature of 75 °C, re-packaged in oxygen-permeable bags, and then stored. Both raw and cooked meats were analyzed for lipid and protein oxidation, color, and volatiles (cooked meat only) at 0, 3, and 7 days of storage. Raw meats with 10 ppm of TA added had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower lipid and protein oxidation than other treatments during storage. In addition, TA at 10 ppm level maintained the highest color a*- and L*-values during storage. Cooked chicken breast meat with 5 and 10 ppm TA added produced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower amounts of off-odor volatiles than other treatments. Among the volatile compounds, the amount of hexanal increased rapidly during storage for cooked meat. However, meats with 5 and 10 ppm TA added showed the lowest amount of hexanal and other aldehydes related to lipid oxidation, indicating a strong antioxidant effect of TA in cooked chicken breast meat. Furthermore, the differences in aldehydes among the treatments were bigger in cooked than in raw meat, indicating that the antioxidant effect of TA in cooked meat was greater than that in raw meat. Therefore, TA at >5 ppm can be used as a good natural preservative in cooked chicken meat to maintain its quality during storage.
Validation of ERA-Interim Precipitation Estimates over the Baltic Sea
Authors: Bumke Karl
Published: June 2016

European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA-Interim reanalysis total precipitation estimates are validated against ten years of in situ precipitation measurements onboard of ships over the Baltic Sea. A statistical analysis for binary forecasts and mean rain rates derived from all data show a good agreement with observations. However, a closer look reveals an underestimation of ERA-Interim total precipitation in spring and an overestimation in autumn, obviously related to stability. Deriving stability and evaporation by a bulk flux scheme it could be shown, in fact, that ERA-Interim underestimates precipitation for conditions with low evaporation and strongly overestimates it for conditions with high evaporation. Since ERA-Interim surface fields become too dry with increasing evaporation compared to independent synoptic ship observations, uncertainties in the ECMWF convection scheme may possibly cause these biases in seasonal precipitation.
Calculation of Constant Power Lithium Battery Discharge Curves
Authors: Traub Lance
Published: June 2016

Standard battery testing procedure consists of discharging the battery at constant current. However, for battery powered aircraft application, consideration of the cruise portion of the flight envelope suggests that power should be kept constant, implying that battery characterization should occur over a constant power discharge. Consequently, to take advantage of existing battery discharge curves it would be useful to have a methodology that can extract a constant power discharge curve from a constant current discharge curve. The development of such a methodology for lithium batteries is described in this article.
Cryptic Genetic Variation in Evolutionary Developmental Genetics
Authors: Paaby Annalise , Gibson Greg
Published: June 2016

Evolutionary developmental genetics has traditionally been conducted by two groups: Molecular evolutionists who emphasize divergence between species or higher taxa, and quantitative geneticists who study variation within species. Neither approach really comes to grips with the complexities of evolutionary transitions, particularly in light of the realization from genome-wide association studies that most complex traits fit an infinitesimal architecture, being influenced by thousands of loci. This paper discusses robustness, plasticity and lability, phenomena that we argue potentiate major evolutionary changes and provide a bridge between the conceptual treatments of macro- and micro-evolution. We offer cryptic genetic variation and conditional neutrality as mechanisms by which standing genetic variation can lead to developmental system drift and, sheltered within canalized processes, may facilitate developmental transitions and the evolution of novelty. Synthesis of the two dominant perspectives will require recognition that adaptation, divergence, drift and stability all depend on similar underlying quantitative genetic processes—processes that cannot be fully observed in continuously varying visible traits.
Neuroimmunology of the Interleukins 13 and 4
Authors: Mori Simone , Maher Pamela , Conti Bruno
Published: June 2016

The cytokines interleukin 13 and 4 share a common heterodimeric receptor and are important modulators of peripheral allergic reactions. Produced primarily by T-helper type 2 lymphocytes, they are typically considered as anti-inflammatory cytokines because they can downregulate the synthesis of T-helper type 1 pro-inflammatory cytokines. Their presence and role in the brain is only beginning to be investigated and the data collected so far shows that these molecules can be produced by microglial cells and possibly by neurons. Attention has so far been given to the possible role of these molecules in neurodegeneration. Both neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects have been proposed based on evidence that interleukin 13 and 4 can reduce inflammation by promoting the M2 microglia phenotype and contributing to the death of microglia M1 phenotype, or by potentiating the effects of oxidative stress on neurons during neuro-inflammation. Remarkably, the heterodimeric subunit IL-13Rα1 of their common receptor was recently demonstrated in dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area and the substantia nigra pars compacta, suggesting the possibility that both cytokines may affect the activity of these neurons regulating reward, mood, and motor coordination. In mice and man, the gene encoding for IL-13Rα1 is expressed on the X chromosome within the PARK12 region of susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease (PD). This, together with finding that IL-13Rα1 contributes to loss of dopaminergic neurons during inflammation, indicates the possibility that these cytokines may contribute to the etiology or the progression of PD.
Can Rhesus Monkeys Learn Executive Attention?
Authors: Bramlett-Parker Jessica , Washburn David
Published: June 2016

A growing body of data indicates that, compared to humans, rhesus monkeys perform poorly on tasks that assess executive attention, or voluntary control over selection for processing, particularly under circumstances in which attention is attracted elsewhere by competing stimulus control. In the human-cognition literature, there are hotly active debates about whether various competencies such as executive attention, working memory capacity, and fluid intelligence can be improved through training. In the current study, rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) completed an attention-training intervention including several inhibitory-control tasks (a Simon task, numerical Stroop task, global/local interference task, and a continuous performance task) to determine whether generalized improvements would be observed on a version of the Attention Network Test (ANT) of controlled attention, which was administered before and after the training intervention. Although the animals demonstrated inhibition of prepotent responses and improved in executive attention with practice, this improvement did not generalize to the ANT at levels consistently better than were observed for control animals. Although these findings fail to encourage the possibility that species differences in cognitive competencies can be ameliorated through training, they do advance our understanding of the competition between stimulus-control and cognitive-control in performance by nonhuman and human primates.
Structural Mechanisms and Drug Discovery Prospects of Rho GTPases
Authors: Smithers Cameron , Overduin Michael
Published: June 2016

Rho GTPases regulate cellular morphology and dynamics, and some are key drivers of cancer progression. This superfamily offers attractive potential targets for therapeutic intervention, with RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 being prime examples. The challenges in developing agents that act on these signaling enzymes include the lack of obvious druggable pockets and their membrane-bound activities. However, progress in targeting the similar Ras protein is illuminating new strategies for specifically inhibiting oncogenic GTPases. The structures of multiple signaling and regulatory states of Rho proteins have been determined, and the post-translational modifications including acylation and phosphorylation points have been mapped and their functional effects examined. The development of inhibitors to probe the significance of overexpression and mutational hyperactivation of these GTPases underscores their importance in cancer progression. The ability to integrate in silico, in vitro, and in vivo investigations of drug-like molecules indicates the growing tractability of GTPase systems for lead optimization. Although no Rho-targeted drug molecules have yet been clinically approved, this family is clearly showing increasing promise for the development of precision medicine and combination cancer therapies.
Evolution of the Automotive Body Coating Process—A Review
Authors: Akafuah Nelson , Poozesh Sadegh , Salaimeh Ahmad , Patrick Gabriela , Lawler Kevin , Saito Kozo
Published: June 2016

Automotive coatings and the processes used to coat automobile surfaces exemplify the avant-garde of technologies that are capable of producing durable surfaces, exceeding customers’ expectations of appearance, maximizing efficiency, and meeting environmental regulations. These accomplishments are rooted in 100 years of experience, trial-and-error approaches, technique and technology advancements, and theoretical assessments. Because of advancements directed at understanding the how, why, when, and where of automobile coatings, the progress in controlling droplets and their deposition attributes, and the development of new technologies and paint chemistries, a comprehensive and up-to-date review of automobile coatings and coating technologies was considered to be of value to industrial practitioners and researchers. Overall, the critical performance factors driving the development and use of advanced automotive coatings and coating technologies are (a) aesthetic characteristics; (b) corrosion protection; (c) mass production; (d) cost and environmental requirements; and (e) appearance and durability. Although the relative importance of each of these factors is debatable, the perfection of any one at the expense of another would be unacceptable. Hence, new developments in automotive coatings are described and discussed in the following review, and then related to improvements in production technologies and paints. Modern automotive coating procedures are also discussed in detail. Finally, an extrapolation into the future of automotive coating is offered with a view of the developments and technologies needed for an increasingly efficient and more sustainable coatings industry.
Rendering the Navier–Stokes Equations for a Compressible Fluid into the Schrödinger Equation for Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Vadasz Peter
Published: June 2016

The mass and momentum transfer phenomena in a compressible fluid represented by the Navier–Stokes equations are shown to convert into the Schrödinger equation for quantum mechanics. The complete Navier–Stokes equations render into an extended generalized version of Schrödinger equation. These results complement the Madelung’s (Zeitschrift für Physik 40 (3–4), pp. 322–326, 1926–1927) derivations that show how Schrödinger’s equation in quantum mechanics can be converted into the Euler equations for irrotational compressible flow. The theoretical results presented here join the classical Madelung paper to suggest the possibility that quantum effects at sub-atomic levels deal with a compressible fluid susceptible to wave propagation, rather than a particle. The link between such a fluid and the “quantum particle” is under current investigation.
Evaluation of Electrolytically-Generated Hypochlorous Acid (‘Electrolyzed Water’) for Sanitation of Meat and Meat-Contact Surfaces
Authors: Veasey Shawnna , Muriana Peter
Published: June 2016

‘Electrolyzed water’ generators are readily available in the food industry as a renewable source of hypochlorous acid that eliminates the need for workers to handle hazardous hypochlorite concentrates. We applied electrolyzed water (EW) directly to multi-strain cocktails of Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella sp. at 250 ppm free available chlorine (FAC) and achieved greater than 6-log reductions in 2 min. Lower EW values were examined as antimicrobial interventions for fresh meat (beef carcasses), processed meats (frankfurters), and food contact surfaces (slicing blades). Little or no reduction relative to controls was observed when generic E. coli-inoculated beef carcasses or L. monocytogenes-inoculated frankfurters were showered with EW. Spray application of EW (25 and 250-ppm FAC) onto L. monocytogenes-inoculated slicing blades showed that greater reductions were obtained with ‘clean’ (3.6 and 5.7-log reduction) vs. ‘dirty’ (0.6 and 3.3-log reduction) slicing blades, respectively. Trials with L. monocytogenes-inoculated protein-EW solutions demonstrated that protein content as low as 0.1% is capable of eliminating FAC, reducing antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes. EW appears better positioned as a surface sanitizer with minimal organic material that can otherwise act as an effective reducing agent to the oxidizing solution rendering it ineffective.
Groundwater Exploration for Rural Water Supply in an Arid Region of Southern Argentina
Authors: Gallardo Adrian
Published: June 2016

Climate change has led to an increase in extreme weather events and desertification of vast areas of southern Argentina. Water shortages are a major concern, and this problem is expected to be exacerbated in the future. An exploration program was undertaken to investigate the groundwater occurrence in areas of the Chubut River basin in order to provide new supply options for pastoral farming. The investigation involved the drilling of exploration holes and construction of bores for long-term monitoring. Water quality and hydraulic test data were also collected. Findings from the study indicate that alluvial sediments extend to a maximum of 45 m below the surface, and are underlain by a sequence of clays and subordinated sands that exceed 100 m in thickness. The bulk of groundwater lies within the shallow sediments, which act as an unconfined aquifer. Hydraulic conductivities up to 10 m/day were estimated from pumping tests, although granulometric analyses indicate that higher values may occur. Chemical characterization indicates that waters are typically fresh, low in sodium, and largely suitable for stock-grazing or horticulture. Anomalous salinities at one of the sites are likely due to the effects of a nearby waste dump. Even though further work is required, the study contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics of the hydrogeological system in the basin under a warming climate, and provides useful information for the expansion of economic activities in remote communities of Argentina.
Persistence of HCV in Acutely-Infected Patients Depletes C24-Ceramide and Upregulates Sphingosine and Sphinganine Serum Levels
Authors: Grammatikos Georgios , Dietz Julia , Ferreiros Nerea , Koch Alexander , Dultz Georg , Bon Dimitra , Karakasiliotis Ioannis , Lutz Thomas , Knecht Gaby , Gute Peter , Herrmann Eva , Zeuzem Stefan , Mavromara Penelope , Sarrazin Christoph , Pfeilschifter Josef
Published: June 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) substantially affects lipid metabolism, and remodeling of sphingolipids appears to be essential for HCV persistence in vitro. The aim of the current study is the evaluation of serum sphingolipid variations during acute HCV infection. We enrolled prospectively 60 consecutive patients with acute HCV infection, most of them already infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and serum was collected at the time of diagnosis and longitudinally over a six-month period until initiation of antiviral therapy or confirmed spontaneous clearance. Quantification of serum sphingolipids was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Spontaneous clearance was observed in 11 out of 60 patients (18.3%), a sustained viral response (SVR) in 43 out of 45 patients (95.5%) receiving an antiviral treatment after follow-up, whereas persistence of HCV occurred in six out of 60 patients (10%). C24-ceramide (C24-Cer)-levels increased at follow-up in patients with spontaneous HCV eradication (p < 0.01), as compared to baseline. Sphingosine and sphinganine values were significantly upregulated in patients unable to clear HCV over time compared to patients with spontaneous clearance of HCV infection on follow-up (p = 0.013 and 0.006, respectively). In summary, the persistence of HCV after acute infection induces a downregulation of C24Cer and a simultaneous elevation of serum sphingosine and sphinganine concentrations.
Tele-Operated Echography and Remote Guidance for Performing Tele-Echography on Geographically Isolated Patients
Authors: Arbeille Philippe , Zuj Kathryn , Saccomandi Arnaud , Andre Elise , De La Porte Cedric , Georgescu Monica
Published: June 2016

Objective: To evaluate the performance of three tele-echography systems for routine use in isolated medical centers. Methods: Three systems were used for deep (abdomen, pelvis, fetal) and superficial (muscle, thyroid, carotid artery) examinations: (a) a robotic arm (RA) holding an echographic probe; (b) an echograph with a motorized probe (MP); and (c) remote guidance (RG) where the patient site operator performed the examination assisted by an expert via videoconference. All systems were tested in the same medical center located 60 km away from the university hospital. Results: A total of 340 remote echography examinations were performed (41% RA and MP, 59% RG). MP and RA allowed full control of the probe orientation by the expert, and provided diagnoses in 97% of cases. The use of RG was sufficient for superficial vessel examinations and provided diagnoses in 98% of cases but was not suited for deep or superficial organs. Assessment of superficial organs was best accomplished using the MP. Discussion: Both teleoperated systems provided control of the probe orientation by the expert necessary for obtaining appropriate views of deep organs but the MP was much more ergonomic and easier to use than the RA. RG was appropriate for superficial vessels while the MP was better for superficial volumic organs.
Detection by Infrared Thermography of the Effect of Local Cryotherapy Exposure on Thermal Spreadin Skin
Authors: Vellard Matthieu , Arfaoui Ahlem
Published: June 2016

The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of the exposure duration of local cryotherapy on the skin temperature of the thigh and of the knee. Ten subjects performed a low-intensity exercise, rested for 20 min without ice, and then rested for 5 min and 10 min with ice under the right knee. The skin temperatures were measured by infrared thermography to assess the thermal spread. The results of the statistical analysis reveal an increase of skin temperature of the knee after an exposure of 5 min to the cryotherapy (p < 0.05). There are also differences inthermal regulation between the 10-min exposure and the absence of ice pack. The exposure time variation of local cryotherapy gives different physiological responses which vary in intensity and in location.
Pediatric Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Wattier Rachel , Ramirez-Avila Lynn
Published: June 2016

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a disease of increasing importance in pediatrics due to growth of the immunocompromised populations at risk and improvements in long-term survival for many of these groups. While general principles of diagnosis and therapy apply similarly across the age spectrum, there are unique considerations for clinicians who care for children and adolescents with IA. This review will highlight important differences in the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and therapy of pediatric IA.
Fluid Waters and Rigid Livelihoods in the Okavango Delta of Botswana
Authors: King Brian , Shinn Jamie , Crews Kelley , Young Kenneth
Published: June 2016

Current and future impacts of climate change include increasing variability in a number of biophysical processes, such as temperature, precipitation, and flooding. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has suggested that Southern Africa is particularly vulnerable to the anticipated impacts from global climate change and that social and ecological systems in the region will be disrupted and likely transformed in future decades. This article engages with current research within geography and cognate disciplines on the possibilities for responsive livelihoods within socio-ecological systems experiencing biophysical change. The paper draws from an ongoing research project that is evaluating perceptions of environmental change, specifically of precipitation and flooding dynamics, in order to understand social responses. We report on the findings from qualitative interviewing conducted in 2010 and 2011 in the communities of Etsha 1, Etsha 6, and Etsha 13 within the Okavango Delta of Botswana. While flooding and precipitation patterns have been dynamic and spatially differentiated, some livelihood systems have proven rigid in their capacity to enable adaptive responses. We assert this demonstrates the need for detailed research on livelihood dynamics to support adjustments to biophysical variability within socio-ecological systems experiencing change.
Polystyrene-Poly(methyl methacrylate) Silver Nanocomposites: Significant Modification of the Thermal and Electrical Properties by Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Alsharaeh Edreese
Published: June 2016

This work compares the preparation of nanocomposites of polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and PSMMA co-polymer containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using in situ bulk polymerization with and without microwave irradiation (MWI). The AgNPs prepared were embedded within the polymer matrix. A modification in the thermal stability of the PS/Ag, PMMA/Ag, and PSMMA/Ag nanocomposites using MWI and in situ was observed compared with that of neat PSMMA, PS, and PMMA. In particular, PS/Ag, and PSMMA/Ag nanocomposites used in situ showed better thermal stability than MWI, while PMMA/Ag nanocomposites showed improved thermal stability. The electrical conductivity of the PS/Ag, PMMA/Ag, and PSMMA/Ag composites prepared by MWI revealed a percolation behavior when 20% AgNPs were used as a filler, and the conductivity of the nanocomposites increased to 103 S/cm, 33 S/cm, and 40 mS/cm, respectively. This enhancement might be due to the good dispersion of the AgNPs within the polymer matrix, which increased the interfacial interaction between the polymer and AgNPs. The polymer/Ag nanocomposites developed with tunable thermal and electrical properties could be used as conductive materials for electronic device applications.
Erratum: Stefanescu, E.A.; Daranga, C.; Stefanescu, C. Insight into the Broad Field of Polymer Nanocomposites: From Carbon Nanotubes to Clay Nanoplatelets, via Metal Nanoparticles. Materials 2009, 2, 2095–2153
Authors:   Materials Editorial Office
Published: June 2016

It has been brought to our attention that Laponite® is a trademark of BYK Additives, however the trademark symbol is missing in [1].[...]
Erratum: Nicotera, I.; Angjeli, K.; Coppola, L.; Aricò, A.S.; Baglio, V. NMR and Electrochemical Investigation of the Transport Properties of Methanol and Water in Nafion and Clay-Nanocomposites Membranes for DMFCs. Membranes 2012, 2, 325–345
Authors:   Membranes Editorial Office
Published: June 2016

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Novel Biotechnological Approaches for the Recovery of Metals from Primary and Secondary Resources
Authors: Pollmann Katrin , Kutschke Sabine , Matys Sabine , Kostudis Sophias , Hopfe Stefanie , Raff Johannes
Published: June 2016

Microorganisms have developed various mechanisms to deal with metals, thus providing numerous tools that can be used in biohydrometallurgical processes. “Biomining” processes—including bioleaching and biooxidation processes—facilitate the degradation of minerals, accompanied by a release of metals. These processes are especially attractive for low-grade ores and are used on an industrial scale mainly for sulfidic ores. In biosorption processes, biomass or certain biomolecules are used to bind and concentrate selected ions or other molecules from aqueous solutions. Biosorptive materials can be an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to conventional materials, such as ion exchange resins. Other interesting mechanisms are bioaccumulation, bioflotation, bioprecipitation, and biomineralisation. Although these processes are well-known and have been studied in detail during the last decades, the recent strong progress of biotechnologies (e.g., genetic engineering and molecule design), as well as their combination with novel developments in material sciences (e.g., nanotechnologies) facilitate new strategies for the application of biotechnologies in mineral processing. The article gives a summary of current activities in this field that are being performed in our group.
Chemical Incorporation of Chain-Terminating Nucleoside Analogs as 3′-Blocking DNA Damage and Their Removal by Human ERCC1-XPF Endonuclease
Authors: Yamamoto Junpei , Takahata Chiaki , Kuraoka Isao , Hirota Kouji , Iwai Shigenori
Published: June 2016

Nucleoside/nucleotide analogs that lack the 3′-hydroxy group are widely utilized for HIV therapy. These chain-terminating nucleoside analogs (CTNAs) block DNA synthesis after their incorporation into growing DNA, leading to the antiviral effects. However, they are also considered to be DNA damaging agents, and tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1, a DNA repair enzyme, is reportedly able to remove such CTNA-modifications of DNA. Here, we have synthesized phosphoramidite building blocks of representative CTNAs, such as acyclovir, abacavir, carbovir, and lamivudine, and oligonucleotides with the 3′-CTNAs were successfully synthesized on solid supports. Using the chemically synthesized oligonucleotides, we investigated the excision of the 3′-CTNAs in DNA by the human excision repair cross complementing protein 1-xeroderma pigmentosum group F (ERCC1-XPF) endonuclease, which is one of the main components of the nucleotide excision repair pathway. A biochemical analysis demonstrated that the ERCC1-XPF endonuclease cleaved 2–7 nt upstream from the 3′-blocking CTNAs, and that DNA synthesis by the Klenow fragment was resumed after the removal of the CTNAs, suggesting that ERCC1-XPF participates in the repair of the CTNA-induced DNA damage.
Tailoring the Spacer Arm for Covalent Immobilization of Candida antarctica Lipase B—Thermal Stabilization by Bisepoxide-Activated Aminoalkyl Resins in Continuous-Flow Reactors
Authors: Abaházi Emese , Lestál Dávid , Boros Zoltán , Poppe László
Published: June 2016

An efficient and easy-to-perform method was developed for immobilization of CaLB on mesoporous aminoalkyl polymer supports by bisepoxide activation. Polyacrylate resins (100–300 µm; ~50 nm pores) with different aminoalkyl functional groups (ethylamine: EA and hexylamine: HA) were modified with bisepoxides differing in the length, rigidity and hydrophobicity of the units linking the two epoxy functions. After immobilization, the different CaLB preparations were evaluated using the lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution (KR) of racemic 1-phenylethanol (rac-1) in batch mode and in a continuous-flow reactor as well. Catalytic activity, enantiomer selectivity, recyclability, and the mechanical and long-term stability of CaLB immobilized on the various supports were tested. The most active CaLB preparation (on HA-resin activated with 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether—HDGE) retained 90% of its initial activity after 13 consecutive reaction cycles or after 12 month of storage at 4 °C. The specific rate (rflow), enantiomer selectivity (E) and enantiomeric excess (ee) achievable with the best immobilized CaLB preparations were studied as a function of temperature in kinetic resolution of rac-1 performed in continuous-flow packed-bed bioreactors. The optimum temperature of the most active HA-HDGE CaLB in continuous-flow mode was 60 °C. Although CaLB immobilized on the glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDGE)-activated EA-resin was less active and less selective, a much higher optimum temperature (80 °C) was observed with this form in continuous-flow mode KR of rac-1.
Preparative Separation and Purification of the Total Flavonoids in Scorzonera austriaca with Macroporous Resins
Authors: Xie Yang , Guo Qiu-Shi , Wang Guang-Shu
Published: June 2016

The use of macroporous resins for the separation and purification of total flavonoids to obtain high-purity total flavonoids from Scorzonera austriaca was studied. The optimal conditions for separation and purification of total flavonoids in S. austriaca with macroporous resins were as follows: D4020 resin columns were loaded with crude flavonoid extract solution, and after reaching adsorptive saturation, the columns were eluted successively with 5 bed volumes (BV) of water, 5 BV of 5% (v/v) aqueous ethanol and 5 BV of 30% (v/v) aqueous ethanol at an elute flow rate of 2 BV·h−1. Total flavonoids were obtained from the 30% aqueous ethanol eluate by vacuum distillation recovery. The content of flavonoid compounds in the total flavonoids was 93.5%, which represents an improvement by about 150%. In addition, five flavonoid compounds in the product were identified as 2″-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl isoorientin, 6-C-α-l-arabipyranosyl orientin, orientin, isoorientin and vitexin by LC-ESI-MS analysis and internal standard methods. The results in this study could represent a method for the large-scale production of total flavonoids from S. austriaca.
Rosmarinic Acid Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Hyperresponsiveness in a Murine Model of Asthma
Authors: Liang Zhengmin , Xu Yangfeng , Wen Xuemei , Nie Haiying , Hu Tingjun , Yang Xiaofeng , Chu Xiao , Yang Jian , Deng Xuming , He Jiakang
Published: June 2016

Rosmarinic acid (RA) has numerous pharmacologic effects, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive activity of RA in a murine model of asthma and to investigate its possible molecular mechanisms. Female BALB/c mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (Ova) were pretreated with RA (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) at 1 h before Ova challenge. The results demonstrated that RA markedly inhibited increases in inflammatory cells and Th2 cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), significantly reduced the total IgE and Ova-specific IgE concentrations, and greatly ameliorated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) compared with the control Ova-induced mice. Histological analyses showed that RA substantially decreased the number of inflammatory cells and mucus hypersecretion in the airway. In addition, our results suggested that the protective effects of RA might be mediated by the suppression of ERK, JNK and p38 phosphorylation and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Furthermore, RA pretreatment resulted in a noticeable reduction in AMCase, CCL11, CCR3, Ym2 and E-selectin mRNA expression in lung tissues. These findings suggest that RA may effectively delay the progression of airway inflammation.
RETRACTED: Antiproliferative Activity of Triterpene Glycoside Nutrient from Monk Fruit in Colorectal Cancer and Throat Cancer
Authors: Liu Can , Dai Longhai , Liu Yueping , Rong Long , Dou Dequan , Sun Yuanxia , Ma Lanqing
Published: June 2016

Colorectal cancer and throat cancer are the world’s most prevalent neoplastic diseases, and a serious threat to human health. Plant triterpene glycosides have demonstrated antitumor activity. In this study, we investigated potential anticancer effects of mogroside IVe, a triterpenoid glycoside from monk fruit, using in vitro and in vivo models of colorectal and laryngeal cancer. The effects of mogroside IVe on the proliferation of colorectal cancer HT29 cells and throat cancer Hep-2 cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the expression levels of p53, phosphorylated ERK1/2, and MMP-9 were analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The results indicated that mogroside IVe inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the proliferation of HT29 and Hep-2 cells in culture and in xenografted mice, which was accompanied by the upregulation of tumor suppressor p53, and downregulation of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2. This study revealed the suppressive activity of mogroside IVe towards colorectal and throat cancers and identified the underlying mechanisms, suggesting that mogroside IVe may be potentially used as a biologically-active phytochemical supplement for treating colorectal and throat cancers.
Astrocytes Enhance Streptococcus suis-Glial Cell Interaction in Primary Astrocyte-Microglial Cell Co-Cultures
Authors: Seele Jana , Nau Roland , Prajeeth Chittappen , Stangel Martin , Valentin-Weigand Peter , Seitz Maren
Published: June 2016

Streptococcus (S.) suis infections are the most common cause of meningitis in pigs. Moreover, S. suis is a zoonotic pathogen, which can lead to meningitis in humans, mainly in adults. We assume that glial cells may play a crucial role in host-pathogen interactions during S. suis infection of the central nervous system. Glial cells are considered to possess important functions during inflammation and injury of the brain in bacterial meningitis. In the present study, we established primary astrocyte-microglial cell co-cultures to investigate interactions of S. suis with glial cells. For this purpose, microglial cells and astrocytes were isolated from new-born mouse brains and characterized by flow cytometry, followed by the establishment of astrocyte and microglial cell mono-cultures as well as astrocyte-microglial cell co-cultures. In addition, we prepared microglial cell mono-cultures co-incubated with uninfected astrocyte mono-culture supernatants and astrocyte mono-cultures co-incubated with uninfected microglial cell mono-culture supernatants. After infection of the different cell cultures with S. suis, bacteria-cell association was mainly observed with microglial cells and most prominently with a non-encapsulated mutant of S. suis. A time-dependent induction of NO release was found only in the co-cultures and after co-incubation of microglial cells with uninfected supernatants of astrocyte mono-cultures mainly after infection with the capsular mutant. Only moderate cytotoxic effects were found in co-cultured glial cells after infection with S. suis. Taken together, astrocytes and astrocyte supernatants increased interaction of microglial cells with S. suis. Astrocyte-microglial cell co-cultures are suitable to study S. suis infections and bacteria-cell association as well as NO release by microglial cells was enhanced in the presence of astrocytes.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Properties of Novel Esters Based on Monocyclic Terpenes and GABA
Authors: Nesterkina Mariia , Kravchenko Iryna
Published: June 2016

Novel esters of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with monocyclic terpenes were synthesized via Steglich esterification and characterized by 1H-NMR, IR and mass spectral studies. Their anticonvulsant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by a PTZ-induced convulsion model, AITC-induced hyperalgesia and AITC-induced paw edema, respectively. All studied esters, as well as their parent terpenes, were found to produce antinociceptive effects in the AITC-induced model and attenuate acute pain more than the reference drug benzocaine after their topical application. GABA esters of l-menthol and thymol were also shown to exceed the reference drug ibuprofen in their ability to decrease the inflammatory state induced by intraplantar injection of the TRPA1 activator AITC. The present findings indicate that GABA esters of carvacrol and guaiacol are not a classical prodrug and possess their own pharmacological activity. Prolonged antiseizure action of the ester based on the amino acid and guaiacol (200 mg/kg) was revealed at 24 h after oral administration. Furthermore, orally co-administered gidazepam (1 mg/kg) and GABA esters of l-menthol, thymol and carvacrol produce synergistic seizure prevention effects.
Faith Unchanged: Spirituality, But Not Christian Beliefs and Attitudes, Is Altered in Newly Diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kéri Szabolcs , Kelemen Oguz
Published: June 2016

In this study, we aimed at investigating the validity and characteristics of the concept of hyporeligiosity in Parkinson’s disease. Twenty-eight newly diagnosed, never-medicated patients with Parkinson’s disease and 30 matched healthy control individuals received the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS), the Stolz’s index of Christian religiosity, and the Francis Scale of Attitude to Christianity (FSAC). All participants identified themselves as Roman Catholic or Protestant. Parkinson’s patients displayed decreased positive and negative spirituality on the BMMRS, whereas beliefs and attitudes related to their Christian religion were unchanged. The severity of the disease was associated with reduced spirituality, but not with Christian faith. These results suggest a dissociation between general spirituality and traditional religious faith in Parkinson’s disease, which is consistent with the findings from patients with schizophrenia.