bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crohn's disease and polymorphism of heat shock protein gene HSP70‐2 in the Chinese population
Authors: Chen Jun , Ren Jianan , Gu Guosheng , Wang Gefei , Wu Xiuwen , Yan Dongsheng , Liu Song , Li Jieshou
Published: February 2013

Background and Aims

Crohn's disease (CD) is a multifactorial disorder with a pivotal role of the genetic component. A single nucleotide polymorphism in heat shock protein 70‐2 (HSP70‐2) has been shown to be associated with a severe clinical course in CD. The purpose of this study was to identify associations between the HSP70‐2 polymorphism and the clinical courses of CD in the Chinese population.

Methods

One hundred patients with CD and 190 healthy individuals were genotyped for the HSP70‐2 PstI polymorphism by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results

The genotype frequency of the PstI polymorphism did not differ between patients and controls. The A allele was higher in CD patients than in controls (61% vs 52%, P = 0.047, odds ratio [OR] = 1.423, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.004–2.015). Furthermore, this polymorphism was higher in the penetrating or fistula surgery of CD patients than in controls (63% vs 52%, P = 0.049, OR = 1.530, 95% CI: 1.001–2.337; Table ). But there was no significant difference between the penetrating or fistula surgery patients and no surgery patients (P = 0.673, OR = 0.883, 95% CI: 0.495–1.574). We used multivariate analysis to determine the effects of genotypes on sex, disease behavior, disease location, and so on. No significant difference was observed between these parameters and genotype.

Conclusion

This study reported that the allele A of PstI polymorphism was the association between CD and HSP70‐2 gene in the Chinese population. It was also association between penetrating or fistula surgery of CD and HSP70‐2 gene in the Chinese population.
When Institutional Work Backfires: Organizational Control of Professional Work in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Singh Jagdip , Jayanti Rama K.
Published: February 2013

Integrating institutional and role theories, this paper develops a Logics–Roles–Action (LRA) framework for understanding how for‐profit organizations structure institutional work to managerially control the work of professionals they employ. Structurally, this institutional work involves three elements: (1) internalizing pluralistic logics (logics); (2) institutionalizing distinct roles embedded in these logics (roles); and (3) scripting goal‐oriented role enactment plans (action). An empirical examination of the LRA framework in the pharmaceutical industry evidences four distinct organizational strategies that script role enactments of sales professionals in their interactions with physicians. Each strategy is intended to reaffirm prevailing institutional logics, but eventually backfires by disrupting the very institutional structures that it seeks to maintain and replicate. We show that this disruptive effect is mediated by changes in the social knowledge of institutional work. We close with theoretical and managerial implications for organizational structuring of institutional work and dynamics of institutional change.
Perspectives on Healthy Eating Among Appalachian Residents
Authors: Schoenberg Nancy E. , Howell Britteny M. , Swanson Mark , Grosh Christopher , Bardach Shoshana
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Extensive attention has been focused on improving the dietary intake of Americans. Such focus is warranted due to increasing rates of overweight, obesity, and other dietary‐related disease. To address suboptimal dietary intake requires an improved, contextualized understanding of the multiple and intersecting influences on healthy eating, particularly among those populations at greatest risk of and from poor diet, including rural residents.

Methods

During 8 focus groups (N = 99) and 6 group key informant interviews (N = 20), diverse Appalachian rural residents were queried about their perceptions of healthy eating, determinants of healthy food intake, and recommendations for improving the dietary intake of people in their communities. Participants included church members and other laypeople, public health officials, social service providers, health care professionals, and others.

Findings

Participants offered insights on healthy eating consistent with the categories of individual, interpersonal, community, physical, environmental, and society‐level influences described in the socioecological model. Although many participants identified gaps in dietary knowledge as a persistent problem, informants also identified extraindividual factors, including the influence of family, fellow church members, and schools, policy, advertising and media, and general societal trends, as challenges to healthy dietary intake. We highlight Appalachian residents' recommendations for promoting healthier diets, including support groups, educational workshops, cooking classes, and community gardening.

Conclusions

We discuss the implications of these findings for programmatic development in the Appalachian context.
The Molecular Background of the Differential UV Absorbance of the Human Lens in the 240–400 nm Range
Authors: Pajer Viktor , Tiboldi Ákos , Bae Narkhyun , Li Kongzhao , Kang Sung Ung , Hopp Béla , Kolozsvári Lajos , Lubec Gert , Nógrádi Antal
Published: February 2013

The ultraviolet (UV) absorption of various sections of the human lens was studied and compared with protein expression paralleling differential UV absorbance in anterior and posterior lenticular tissue. The UV absorbance of serial lens cryostat sections (60 μm) and that of lens capsules was determined using a Shimadzu scanning spectrophotometer, and the absorption coefficients were calculated. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis was performed using two pooled lenticular protein extracts (anterior and posterior sections). Protein spots were quantified and significantly different spots were identified by mass spectrometry following in‐gel digestion with trypsin and chymotrypsin. The UV‐C and UV‐B absorption of the human lens increased toward the posterior parts of the lens. The anterior and posterior lens capsules also effectively absorbed UV radiation. Levels of molecular chaperone proteins Beta‐crystallin B2 (UniProtKB ID:P43320), A3 (UniProtKB ID:P05813) and of glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (UniProtKB ID:P04406) were significantly higher in the anterior part of the lens, whereas lens proteins Beta‐crystallin B1 (UniProtKB ID:P53674) and Alpha‐crystallin A chain (UniProtKB ID:P02489) were higher in the posterior sections. These results provide evidence that differential UV absorption in the anterior and posterior lens is accompanied by differential protein expression.
School Vouchers and Student Attainment: Evidence from a State‐Mandated Study of Milwaukee's Parental Choice Program
Authors: Cowen Joshua M. , Fleming David J. , Witte John F. , Wolf Patrick J. , Kisida Brian
Published: February 2013

In this article we examine educational attainment levels for students in Milwaukee's citywide voucher program and a comparable group of public school students. Using unique data collected as part of a state‐mandated evaluation of the program, we consider high school graduation and enrollment in postsecondary institutions for students initially exposed to voucher schools and those in public schools at the same time. We show that exposure to voucher schools was related to graduation and, in particular, to enrollment and persistence in a 4‐year college. These differences are apparent despite controls for student neighborhoods, demographics, early‐career test scores and—for a subsample of survey respondents—controls for parental education, income, religious behavior, and marital status. We conclude by stressing the implications for future scholarship and policy, including the importance of attainment outcomes in educational research.
Silencing of Mammalian Sar1 Isoforms Reveals COPII‐Independent Protein Sorting and Transport
Authors: Cutrona Meritxell B. , Beznoussenko Galina V. , Fusella Aurora , Martella Oliviano , Moral Pedro , Mironov Alexander A.
Published: February 2013

The Sar1 GTPase coordinates the assembly of coat protein complex‐II (COPII) at specific sites of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). COPII is required for ER‐to‐Golgi transport, as it provides a structural and functional framework to ship out protein cargoes produced in the ER. To investigate the requirement of COPII‐mediated transport in mammalian cells, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated depletion of Sar1A and Sar1B. We report that depletion of these two mammalian forms of Sar1 disrupts COPII assembly and the cells fail to organize transitional elements that coordinate classical ER‐to‐Golgi protein transfer. Under these conditions, minimal Golgi stacks are seen in proximity to juxtanuclear ER membranes that contain elements of the intermediate compartment, and from which these stacks coordinate biosynthetic transport of protein cargo, such as the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein and albumin. Here, transport of procollagen‐I is inhibited. These data provide proof‐of‐principle for the contribution of alternative mechanisms that support biosynthetic trafficking in mammalian cells, providing evidence of a functional boundary associated with a bypass of COPII.
The effectiveness of five natural products against three species of harmful algae
Authors: Li Yun‐Hui , Wu Ting , Yang Wei‐Dong , Li Hong‐Ye , Liu Jie‐Sheng
Published: February 2013

The effects of five natural products on the growth of three harmful algae species including Chattonella marina Hara et Chihara, Alexandrium tamarense Balech and Karenia mikimotoi (Miyake & Kominami ex Oda) G. Hansen & Ø. Moestrup were observed. Four products including ε‐polylysine, betaine, stachydrine and berberine exhibited selectively inhibitory effects against the three algae. However, the other product chitosan had no obvious inhibition against the above algae. Berberine and ε‐polylysine exhibited relatively higher inhibitory capability against C. marina, and betaine had the highest inhibitory effect against A. tamarense. While only berberine could effectively inhibit the growth of K. mikimotoi with LC50, 120 at 3.1 mg/L. The fast inhibitory effect against K. mikimotoi and environmental safety of berberine suggested that it might be a potential algaecide against K. mikimotoi.
Precise Maps of RNA Polymerase Reveal How Promoters Direct Initiation and Pausing
Authors: Kwak Hojoong , Fuda Nicholas J. , Core Leighton J. , Lis John T.
Published: February 2013

Pressing Pause

The pausing of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) near promoters is an important and distinct regulatory step in the process of transcribing DNA into RNA. Although protein factors and DNA elements involved in pausing have been identified, the post-initiation events that lead to pausing are poorly understood.

Kwak
et al.

(p.
950
) present an approach, termed PRO-seq, for monitoring the position of actively transcribing RNA polymerase with single-nucleotide precision. The approach was used to explore the mechanism of promoter proximal pausing and showed that precise positioning between core promoter elements and the pause site is critical. The findings show how the promoter dictates transcriptional pausing and detects the preferential localization of active transcription complexes within the genome.
Inactivation of Retinoblastoma Protein Does Not Overcome the Requirement for Human Cytomegalovirus UL97 in Lamina Disruption and Nuclear Egress
Authors: Reim Natalia I. , Kamil Jeremy P. , Wang Depeng , Lin Alison , Sharma Mayuri , Ericsson Maria , Pesola Jean M. , Golan David E. , Coen Donald M.
Published: February 2013

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes one conventional protein kinase, UL97. During infection, UL97 phosphorylates the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRb) on sites ordinarily phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), inactivating the ability of pRb to repress host genes required for cell cycle progression to S phase. UL97 is important for viral DNA synthesis in quiescent cells, but this function can be replaced by human papillomavirus type 16 E7, which targets pRb for degradation. However, viruses in which E7 replaces UL97 are still defective for virus production. UL97 is also required for efficient nuclear egress of viral nucleocapsids, which is associated with disruption of the nuclear lamina during infection, and phosphorylation of lamin A/C on serine 22, which antagonizes lamin polymerization. We investigated whether inactivation of pRb might overcome the requirement of UL97 for these roles, as pRb inactivation induces CDK1, and CDK1 phosphorylates lamin A/C on serine 22. We found that lamin A/C serine 22 phosphorylation during HCMV infection correlated with expression of UL97 and was considerably delayed in
UL97
-null mutants, even when E7 was expressed. E7 failed to restore gaps in the nuclear lamina seen in wild-type but not
UL97
-null virus infections. In electron microscopy analyses, a
UL97
-null virus expressing E7 was as impaired as a
UL97
-null mutant in cytoplasmic accumulation of viral nucleocapsids. Our results demonstrate that pRb inactivation is insufficient to restore efficient viral nuclear egress of HCMV in the absence of UL97 and instead argue further for a direct role of UL97 in this stage of the infectious cycle.
Juvenile female with chest wall fibromatosis located posteriorly to the right breast: radiation therapy or wait and watch?
Authors: Akhavan Ali , Binesh Fariba , Kargar Kargar , Navabii Hossein
Published: February 2013

Fibromatosis is a slow-growing monoclonal proliferation of fibroblasts. Although histologically benign it is locally invasive and can recur, however, without metastatic potential. Extra-abdominal fibromatosis is not common. Surgical resection is the cornerstone of treatment and radiation therapy is used in incomplete resection, however, its role is not proved through prospective randomised trials. This article presents a 17-year-old Iranian girl with chest wall fibromatosis located just behind the right breast. The patient was operated with positive margin, however, we decided to postpone radiation therapy because of potential risks.
Mediastinal leiomyosarcoma concurrent with intra-aortic thrombosis
Authors: Yoshida Masayoshi , Ando Shin-ichi , Naito Yoshiki , Yano Hirohisa
Published: February 2013

We report a case of a large intra-aortic thrombosis in an 83-year-old woman concurrent with metastatic mediastinal leiomyosarcoma. Imaging studies incidentally detected a mediastinal malignant tumour metastasising to bilateral adrenals and an extensive intra-aortic mass that was suspected to be intra-aortic thrombosis. One month later massive embolism developed in the lower limb and her condition deteriorated rapidly resulting in death. Autopsy revealed diffused proliferation of highly pleomorphic atypical cells accompanied by necrosis in the mediastinum tumours and bilateral adrenal glands. Leiomyosarcoma metastasising to bilateral adrenals was confirmed by the results of immunostaining. The intra-aortic mass suggested that the fragmented thrombus might be the cause of a sudden lower-limb embolism. Microscopic examination showed that the mass lesion in the aortic arch was composed of a blood clot containing neutrophils. We report this case because leiomyosarcoma arising from the mediastinum and, especially, associated with an extraordinarily large intra-aortic thrombosis is very rare.
Keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) misdiagnosed as a dentigerous cyst
Authors: Chaudhary Seema , Sinha Ashish , Barua Pranamee , Mallikarjuna Rachappa
Published: February 2013

Keratocystic odontogenic tumours are known for their peculiar behaviour, varied origin, debated development, unique tendency to recur and disputed treatment modalities. Thus, it has been the subject of much research over the last 40 years. It was formerly known as odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). OKC received its new title as keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) by the WHO (2005) in order to suggest its aggressive and recurrent nature. KCOT is a benign intraosseous neoplasm of the jaw. Involvement of the maxillary sinus is an unusual presentation. We present the case of an 11-year-old child with extensive KCOT and an impacted canine in the right maxillary sinus. The cyst was initially misdiagnosed to be a dentigerous cyst based on the clinical and radiographic features though a differential diagnosis of KCOT and adenomatoid odontogenic tumour was made. The histological examination of the specimen finally confirmed it to be a KCOT. The clinical, radiological and histological features of this tumour along with its surgical management have been discussed.
Staff perceptions of quality of care: an observational study of the NHS Staff Survey in hospitals in England
Authors: Pinder Richard J , Greaves Felix E , Aylin Paul P , Jarman Brian , Bottle Alex
Published: February 2013

Background

There is some evidence to suggest that higher job satisfaction among healthcare staff in specific settings may be linked to improved patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the potential of staff satisfaction to be used as an indicator of institutional performance across all acute National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England.

Methods

Using staff responses from the NHS Staff Survey 2009, and correlating these with hospital standardised mortality ratios (HSMR), correlation analyses were conducted at institutional level with further analyses of staff subgroups.

Results

Over 60 000 respondents from 147 NHS trusts were included in the analysis. There was a weak negative correlation with HSMR where staff agreed that patient care was their trust's top priority (Kendall τ = −0.22, p<0.001), and where they would be happy with the care for a friend or relative (Kendall τ = −0.30, p<0.001). These correlations were identified across clinical and non-clinical groups, with nursing staff demonstrating the most robust correlation. There was no correlation between satisfaction with the quality of care delivered by oneself and institutional HSMR.

Conclusions

In the context of the continued debate about the relationship of HSMR to hospital performance, these findings of a weak correlation between staff satisfaction and HSMR are intriguing and warrant further investigation. Such measures in the future have the advantage of being intuitive for lay and specialist audiences alike, and may be useful in facilitating patient choice. Whether higher staff satisfaction drives quality or merely reflects it remains unclear.
Hydrocarbon fluid inclusions in the Argo salt, offshore Canadian Atlantic margin
Authors: Kettanah Yawooz A.
Published: February 2013

Fluid inclusions hosted in rock salt from the Triassic Argo Formation in the Canadian Atlantic continental margin were studied to investigate the nature and origin of petroleum fluids in them. Inclusions were studied in two wells: Glooscap-C63 and Weymouth-A45. The pillow-shaped salt body intersected by the Glooscap-C63 well is autochthonous, and the salt is transparent and colorless compared with that in the allochthonous, canopy–diaper-shaped body cut by the Weymouth-A45 well which is translucent and buff-colored. Aqueous (AFI), petroleum (PFI), and heterogeneously trapped, mixed petroleum – aqueous (MFI) fluid inclusions were identified using transmitted and fluorescent microscopy, and representative samples were analyzed microthermometrically. Petroleum-bearing fluid inclusions (PFI and MFI) are more common and contain more concentrated petroleum phases in the allochthonous salts of Weymouth-A45 well. Based on microthermometric studies, the AFI and MFI in Glooscap-C63 salt mostly belong to NaCl–H2O and NaCl–H2O–petroleum systems, respectively; in contrast, those of Weymouth-A45 belong to NaCl–MgCl2–H2O and (or) NaCl–CaCl2–H2O and NaCl–MgCl2–H2O–petroleum and (or) NaCl–CaCl2–H2O–petroleum systems, respectively. Each of the AFI, PFI, and MFI types consists of different phases. The medians of Tf (freezing temperature), Tim (initial melting temperature), Te (Eutectic temperature), Tm (final melting (peritectic) temperature), and Th (homogenization temperature) in the AFI and MFI in the salts of Glooscap-C63 well are (−82, −75 °C), (−39, −38 °C), (−25, −24 °C), (−1.8, −3 °C), and (291, 287 °C), respectively. The corresponding medians for the Weymouth-A45 well are (−71, −78 °C), (−52, −52 °C), (−37, −38 °C), (−2.7, −3 °C), and (122, 20 °C), respectively. The median Th of PFI in Glooscap-C63 and Weymouth-A45 salts are 79 and 23 °C, respectively. The most probable source rocks for the petroleum are the shales of the Late Triassic – Early Jurassic Eurydice Formation which is widely distributed at depth underlying the Argo salt.
Functional characterization of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in mouse pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells: divergent effect of ROS
Authors: Ko Eun A. , Wan Jun , Yamamura Aya , Zimnicka Adriana M. , Yamamura Hisao , Yoo Hae Young , Tang Haiyang , Smith Kimberly A. , Sundivakkam Premanand C. , Zeifman Amy , Ayon Ramon J. , Makino Ayako , Yuan Jason X.-J.
Published: February 2013

Electromechanical coupling via membrane depolarization-mediated activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC) is an important mechanism in regulating pulmonary vascular tone, while mouse is an animal model often used to study pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary vascular disease. The function of VDCC in mouse pulmonary artery (PA) smooth muscle cells (PASMC), however, has not been characterized, and their functional role in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated regulation of vascular function remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of VDCC in PASMC and the divergent effects of ROS produced by xanthine oxidase (XO) and hypoxanthine (HX) on VDCC in PA and mesenteric artery (MA). Our data show that removal of extracellular Ca2+ or application of nifedipine, a dihydropyridine VDCC blocker, both significantly inhibited 80 mM K+-mediated PA contraction. In freshly dissociated PASMC, the maximum inward Ca2+ currents were −2.6 ± 0.2 pA/pF at +10 mV (with a holding potential of −70 mV). Window currents were between −40 and +10 mV with a peak at −15.4 mV. Nifedipine inhibited currents with an IC50 of 0.023 μM, and 1 μM Bay K8644, a dihydropyridine VDCC agonist, increased the inward currents by 61%. XO/HX attenuated 60 mM K+-mediated increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) due to Ca2+ influx through VDCC in PASMC. Exposure to XO/HX caused relaxation in PA preconstricted by 80 mM K+ but not in aorta and MA. In contrast, H2O2 inhibited high K+-mediated increase in [Ca2+]cyt and caused relaxation in both PA and MA. Indeed, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed significantly lower expression of CaV1.3 in MA compared with PA. Thus our study characterized the properties of VDCC and demonstrates that ROS differentially regulate vascular contraction by regulating VDCC in PA and systemic arteries.
Meprin A metalloproteinase and its role in acute kidney injury
Authors: Kaushal Gur P. , Haun Randy S. , Herzog Christian , Shah Sudhir V.
Published: February 2013

Meprin A, composed of α- and β-subunits, is a membrane-associated neutral metalloendoprotease that belongs to the astacin family of zinc endopeptidases. It was first discovered as an azocasein and benzoyl-l-tyrosyl- p-aminobenzoic acid hydrolase in the brush-border membranes of proximal tubules and intestines. Meprin isoforms are now found to be widely distributed in various organs (kidney, intestines, leukocytes, skin, bladder, and a variety of cancer cells) and are capable of hydrolyzing and processing a large number of substrates, including extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, adherens junction proteins, hormones, bioactive peptides, and cell surface proteins. The ability of meprin A to cleave various substrates sheds new light on the functional properties of this enzyme, including matrix remodeling, inflammation, and cell-cell and cell-matrix processes. Following ischemia-reperfusion (IR)- and cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), meprin A is redistributed toward the basolateral plasma membrane, and the cleaved form of meprin A is excreted in the urine. These studies suggest that altered localization and shedding of meprin A in places other than the apical membranes may be deleterious in vivo in acute tubular injury. These studies also provide new insight into the importance of a sheddase involved in the release of membrane-associated meprin A under pathological conditions. Meprin A is injurious to the kidney during AKI, as meprin A-knockout mice and meprin inhibition provide protective roles and improve renal function. Meprin A, therefore, plays an important role in AKI and potentially is a unique target for therapeutic intervention during AKI.
Diode-Laser Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy of an Optically Thick Plasma in Combination with Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Nomura S. , Kaneko T. , Ito G. , Komurasaki K. , Arakawa Y.
Published: February 2013

Distortion of laser-induced fluorescence profiles attributable to optical absorption and saturation broadening was corrected in combination with laser absorption spectroscopy in argon plasma flow. At high probe-laser intensity, saturated absorption profiles were measured to correct probe-laser absorption. At low laser intensity, nonsaturated absorption profiles were measured to correct fluorescence reabsorption. Saturation broadening at the measurement point was corrected using a ratio of saturated to non-saturated broadening. Observed LIF broadening and corresponding translational temperature without correction were, respectively,2.20±0.05 GHz and2510±100 K and corrected broadening and temperature were, respectively,1.96±0.07 GHz and1990±150 K. Although this correction is applicable only at the center of symmetry, the deduced temperature agreed well with that obtained by LAS with Abel inversion.
The Serum IL-6 Profile and Treg/Th17 Peripheral Cell Populations in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ryba-Stanisławowska Monika , Skrzypkowska Maria , Myśliwska Jolanta , Myśliwiec Małgorzata
Published: February 2013

IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in the regulation of the immune response, inflammation, and hematopoeisis. Its elevated levels are found in a range of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. IL-6 is also involved in regulation of the balance between two T cell subsets: Tregs and Th17, which have contradictory functions in the control of inflammation. The present study provides a quantitative analysis regarding the Th17/Treg cell balance in peripheral blood of children with type 1 diabetes and its association with serum IL-6 level.
Qat Chewing as an Independent Risk Factor for Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Sharabi Ali Kaid , Shuga-Aldin Hussien , Ghandour Ibrahim , Al-Hebshi Nezar Noor
Published: February 2013

This study assessed the effect of qat chewing on periodontal health, independent of other risk factors. Four hundred qat chewers and 100 nonchewers (20–50 years) were included. Demographic data and detailed information about chewing and smoking were obtained. Periodontal status was assessed using Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). The qat chewers were older, included more males and smokers, and had worse oral hygiene but higher education levels; the majority were heavy chewers (mean duration of 14.45 years and frequency of 6.10 days/week). Regression analysis identified age, oral hygiene, education level, and cigarette smoking as independent predictors of periodontal destruction. Adjusted for these, qat chewing showed marginally significant association only with CAL (OR = 4.7;P=0.049). The chewing sides showed significantly higher scores than the nonchewing sides; however, equal scores on both sides or lower scores on the chewing sides (possibly no or beneficial effect) were still observed in 50% of the chewers. Heavy qat chewing is shown here as an independent risk factor for attachment loss. However, the possibility that the habit may have beneficial effects in a subset of the chewers cannot be excluded. A holistic model that resolves the existing contradiction is presented.
General-Appell Polynomials within the Context of Monomiality Principle
Authors: Khan Subuhi , Raza Nusrat
Published: February 2013

A general class of the 2-variable polynomials is considered, and its properties are derived. Further, these polynomials are used to introduce the 2-variable general-Appell polynomials (2VgAP). The generating function for the 2VgAP is derived, and a correspondence between these polynomials and the Appell polynomials is established. The differential equation, recurrence relations, and other properties for the 2VgAP are obtained within the context of the monomiality principle. This paper is the first attempt in the direction of introducing a new family of special polynomials, which includes many other new special polynomial families as its particular cases.
Nonlinear Survival Regression Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Biglarian Akbar , Bakhshi Enayatollah , Baghestani Ahmad Reza , Gohari Mahmood Reza , Rahgozar Mehdi , Karimloo Masoud
Published: February 2013

Survival analysis methods deal with a type of data, which is waiting time till occurrence of an event. One common method to analyze this sort of data is Cox regression. Sometimes, the underlying assumptions of the model are not true, such as nonproportionality for the Cox model. In model building, choosing an appropriate model depends on complexity and the characteristics of the data that effect the appropriateness of the model. One strategy, which is used nowadays frequently, is artificial neural network (ANN) model which needs a minimal assumption. This study aimed to compare predictions of the ANN and Cox models by simulated data sets, which the average censoring rate were considered 20% to 80% in both simple and complex model. All simulations and comparisons were performed by R 2.14.1.
Intra-Arterial Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Abou-Chebl Alex
Published: February 2013

Intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for acute ischemic stroke treatment is evolving. Whereas the efficacy of recanalization with traditional intra-arterial fibrinolysis is relatively poor, mechanically based recanalization with multimodal approaches, stenting and mechanical embolectomy is more effective. Until recently, this has not resulted in overwhelming clinical benefit and has not always equated with reperfusion. The reasons for this are not clearly known but may include inadequate patient selection, poor technique, low operator experience, direct injury from thrombolytics or devices, microvascular occlusions, complications of general anesthesia, or some other unknown factors. Intracerebral hemorrhage still complicates 2-11% of procedures. Large prospective and randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of IAT be it pharmacological therapy, embolectomy, stenting, or multimodal therapy. Comparative studies between the newer stent retriever devices and intravenous tissue plasminogen activators may also be needed especially for the 3- to 4.5-hour window.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Rumination, Distraction, and Depressed Mood in Adolescence
Authors: Moore Mollie N. , Salk Rachel H. , Van Hulle Carol A. , Abramson Lyn Y. , Hyde Janet S. , Lemery-Chalfant Kathryn , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: February 2013

Rumination is an established cognitive vulnerability for depression. Despite substantial work on the environmental origins of rumination, the heritability of rumination has not been examined, and it is not known whether rumination accounts for some of the genetic vulnerability associated with depression. A total of 756 adolescent twins aged 12 to 14 years completed the Response Styles Questionnaire and multiple measures of depressive symptoms. Brooding correlated positively, and distraction negatively, with concurrent depressive symptoms. Estimated heritabilities were 54% for depression, 21% for brooding, 37% for reflection, and 30% for distraction. Bivariate genetic analyses suggested that (a) individual differences in distraction share both genetic and environmental sources of variation with depression and (b) although the heritable influences on brooding are small, they account for the majority of the relationship between brooding and depression ( h2 = .62).
Phase 2 clinical trial of rapamycin-resistant donor CD4+ Th2/Th1 (T-Rapa) cells after low-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Fowler Daniel H. , Mossoba Miriam E. , Steinberg Seth M. , Halverson David C. , Stroncek David , Khuu Hahn M. , Hakim Frances T. , Castiello Luciano , Sabatino Marianna , Leitman Susan F. , Mariotti Jacopo , Gea-Banacloche Juan C. , Sportes Claude , Hardy Nancy M. , Hickstein Dennis D. , Pavletic Steven Z. , Rowley Scott , Goy Andre , Donato Michele , Korngold Robert , Pecora Andrew , Levine Bruce L. , June Carl H. , Gress Ronald E. , Bishop Michael R.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Donor T-Rapa cells were composed of Th1 and Th2 effectors with a reproducible gene expression profile. Preemptive T-Rapa donor lymphocyte infusion was safe and associated with donor engraftment without excessive GVHD.
Therapeutic levels of FVIII following a single peripheral vein administration of rAAV vector encoding a novel human factor VIII variant
Authors: McIntosh Jenny , Lenting Peter J. , Rosales Cecilia , Lee Doyoung , Rabbanian Samira , Raj Deepak , Patel Nishil , Tuddenham Edward G. D. , Christophe Olivier D. , McVey John H. , Waddington Simon , Nienhuis Arthur W. , Gray John T. , Fagone Paolo , Mingozzi Federico , Zhou Shang-Zhen , High Katherine A. , Cancio Maria , Ng Catherine Y. C. , Zhou Junfang , Morton Christopher L. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Nathwani Amit C.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Novel, more potent codon-optimized human FVIII variant (codop-hFVIII-V3). Codop-hFVIII-V3 is safe and efficacious in mice and nonhuman primates, thus improving the prospects of gene therapy for hemophilia A.
Evaluation of vegetable and fish oils diets for the amelioration of diabetes side effects
Authors: Al-Amoudi Nadia Saleh , Abu Araki Huda A
Published: February 2013

Background

In the existing literature, the evidence regarding the effects of certain oils on the amelioration of hyperglycemia contains ambiguities and contradictions; and with regard to other oils, the quantity of existing studies is scant.

Objective

To assess the influence of sesame, garden rocket, organic olive, thyme, fenugreek, hazelnut, and cod liver oil on serum glucose, liver function, and kidney functions.

Methods

Male albino rats were injected with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg BW). The duration of the experiment was 28 days. Maximum recovery of occurred wasting attributable to diabetes was found in the sesame and cod liver groups.

Results

With respect to ameliorating and/or preventing the side effects of diabetes on liver function, this experiment showed that thyme, organic olive, cod liver, and fenugreek oils were efficacious. Turning to serum lipid profile, organic olive oil not only ameliorated but also prevented the changes of TC, HDL, LDL, and AI. Vegetable and cod liver oil diets resulted in a marked amelioration of renal dysfunction, but they were unable to prevent this side effect. Similar, oil diets were unable to mask the increase in serum glucose due to diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

On the basis of these findings, it could be recommended that when attempting oil diet treatment for the side effects of diabetes, a blend of the various specific treatments which showed best results should be employed in order to achieve improvement with respect to all parameters; and in part, this is because a synergism between the various treatments can be expected.
Maternal depression, antidepressant use in pregnancy and Apgar
scores in infants
Authors: Jensen Hans M⊘rch , Gr⊘n Randi , Lidegaard Øjvind , Pedersen Lars Henning , Andersen Per Kragh , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: February 2013

Background

Use of antidepressants during pregnancy has been associated with a low
Apgar score in infants but a contribution from the underlying depressive
disorder might influence this association.

Aims

To estimate the effects of maternal depression and use of antidepressants
during pregnancy on low Apgar scores (<7) 5min after birth.

Method

Register study on all pregnant women in Denmark from 1996 to 2006 linking
nationwide individualised data from the Medical Birth Register, the
Psychiatric Central Register and the National Prescription database.

Results

Infants exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy had an increased rate
of a low Apgar score (odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% CI 1.34-2.20). The
increased rate was only found among infants exposed to selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS) (OR =1.96, 95% CI 1.52-2.54), not
among those exposed to newer (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.40-1.74) or older
antidepressants (OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.19-1.45). Maternal depression before
or during pregnancy, without prescription of antidepressants, was not
associated with a low Apgar score (OR=0.44, 95% CI 0.11-1.74). Women who
had only used antidepressants prior to pregnancy had no increased rate of
a low Apgar score in their subsequent pregnancy, regardless of depression
status.

Conclusions

Use of SSRls during pregnancy increases the risk of a low Apgar score
independently of maternal depression.
A multi-scale study of the effect of zinc and lead on the hydromechanical behaviour and fabric of a montmorillonite
Authors: SOULI H. , FLEUREAU J.-M. , TRABELSI-AYADI M. , TAIBI S.
Published: February 2013

The paper presents a study of some macroscopic properties of a plastic clay saturated with water and lead or zinc solutions at 1M concentration, in relation to its fabric. The study shows that the zinc- and lead-saturated samples present lower liquid limit, lower free swelling strain and swelling pressure, and higher permeability. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the presence of lead results in an increase in the anisotropy of the sample. With zinc, the fabric isotropy increases, which can be attributed to higher clay–metal interactions. Mercury intrusion porosimetry shows that the saturation of the sample with lead and zinc reduces the inter-aggregate pore volume.
Time‐lagged variation in pond density and primary productivity affects duck nest survival in the Prairie Pothole Region
Authors: Walker Johann , Rotella Jay J. , Stephens Scott E. , Lindberg Mark S. , Ringelman James K. , Hunter Christine , Smith Aaron J.
Published: February 2013

The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) is the primary breeding region for most species of North American dabbling ducks (Anas spp.). Conservation of these species is guided in part by knowledge of relationships between nest survival probability and habitat features. Positive relationships between duck nest survival and amount and configuration of herbaceous perennial vegetation have been observed in previous studies, but these 2‐ to 4‐year studies might not have adequately characterized the temporal effect of wet–dry episodes on nest survival. Over an eight‐year period, we studied nest survival of five species of ducks in the PPR relative to spatial and temporal variation in pond density, primary productivity, and hydrologic status of wetlands, soil, and vegetation on 52 study sites selected to span a gradient of spatial variation in proportion of herbaceous perennial vegetation and in number of wetland basins. We observed the fate of 12 754 nests. Consistent with past studies, 90% of nests that failed to hatch were destroyed by predators. Nest survival probability was positively related to current‐year pond density and primary productivity, negatively related to pond density and primary productivity during the previous two years, and positively related to the number of wetland basins on the study site. Predicted relationships between nest survival and proportion or configuration of herbaceous perennial vegetation in the surrounding landscape were not supported. For mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), median estimated nest survival probability ranged from 0.02 (SE = 0.01) to 0.22 (SE = 0.02). Estimated nest survival was greatest on sites with numerous wetland basins that had transitioned from dry, unproductive conditions to wet, productive conditions in the previous 1–2 years. Our results were consistent with time‐lagged responses of food webs to resource pulses in a broad array of ecosystems. Our study highlighted the importance of wetland basins and wet–dry episodes to duck nest survival in the PPR. Current habitat conservation efforts focus on landscapes with numerous wetland basins and a high proportion of herbaceous perennial vegetation. Our results suggest that future conservation efforts should focus on preserving high‐density wetland complexes across as large a geographic extent as possible even in cropland‐dominated landscapes.
Two-photon double ionization of helium: investigating the importance of correlation in the final state
Authors: Simonsen Aleksander , Askeland Sigurd , Førre Morten
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we present theoretical results for the process of non-sequential two-photon double ionization of helium at the photon energy 42 eV. Our approach is based on solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation in a B-spline based numerical framework. Information about the process is obtained by extracting the double-ionized component by means of uncorrelated final states. The total (generalized) cross section for the process is extracted, as well as differential cross sections resolved in electron energies and ejection angles. We focus on the impact the final-state correlation has on the accuracy of the cross sections.
On spectral relaxation method approach for steady von Kármán flow of a Reiner-Rivlin fluid with Joule heating, viscous dissipation and suction/injection
Authors: Motsa Sandile , Makukula Zodwa
Published: February 2013

In this study we use the spectral relaxation method (SRM) for the solution of the steady von Kármán flow of a Reiner-Rivlin fluid with Joule heating and viscous dissipation. The spectral relaxation method is a new Chebyshev spectral collocation based iteration method that is developed from the Gauss-Seidel idea of decoupling systems of equations. In this work, we investigate the applicability of the method in solving strongly nonlinear boundary value problems of von Kármán flow type. The SRM results are validated against previous results present in the literature and with those obtained using the bvp4c, a MATLAB inbuilt routine for solving boundary value problems. The study highlights the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed SRM method in solving highly nonlinear boundary layer type equations.
A Lennard-Jones-like perspective on first order transitions in biological helices
Authors: Oskolkov Nikolay , Bohr Jakob
Published: February 2013

Helical structures with Lennard-Jones self-interactions are studied for optimal conformations. For this purpose, their self-energy is analyzed for extrema with respect to the geometric parameters of the helices. It is found that Lennard-Jones helices exhibit a first order phase transition from a state with large curvature of the helical backbone to one with a small curvature. I.e. from a dense helix to an extended helix. A transition from one helical structure to another is a phenomenon known to take place in self-assembling helices formed in multicomponent solutions with cholesterol.
Diabetes-mediated changes in rat type i collagen and spermatogenesis indices
Authors: Bondarenko Larysa B. , Shayakhmetova Ganna M. , Matvienko Anatoliy V. , Kovalenko Valentina M.
Published: February 2013

Objectives: To investigate the effects of diabetes on the reproductive system andextracellular matrix proteins of diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Wistar albinomale rats, body weight (BW) 160-200 g, were divided into two groups: I -streptozoticin diabetes, II - normal non-diabetic animals. The content of amino acidsin rat type I collagen was determined using an amino acid analyzer. Morphologicalanalyses of gonadic structures were carried out by an optic microscope. Results: Thestudy of the effects of diabetes on type I collagen amino acid content, testis cellsmorphologic and morphometric parameters and spermatogenesis demonstrated thepresence of diabetes-mediated quantitative and qualitative changes in male ratreproductive organs, spermatogenetic epithelial cells and extracellular matrixproteins in comparison with normal. Conclusions: Observed collagen moleculeschanges could hence affect the properties and correct functioning of spermatogeneticepithelium and of other tissues of reproductive organs. They could be caused bydiabetes via deficiency of insulin which is involved in collagen synthesis regulationat different stages of this process, cytochrome P450-2E1 induction and reactiveoxygen species effects on protein biosynthesis processes.
Transversal analysis of junk food diet for a group of medical students and its association with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Niţescu Maria , Streinu-Cercel Adrian , Oţelea Marina , Furtunescu Florentina Ligia
Published: February 2013

Objective: to evaluate the nutritional behavior of medical students regarding junkfood intake in relation with the metabolic syndrome (MS). Material and Method:
Prevalence and Risk of Dupuytrèn Disease in Patients with Diabetes Versus Non-Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kovacs Denisa , Demian Luiza , Babeş Aurel
Published: February 2013

Objectives: The aim of the study was to calculate the prevalence rates and risk ofappearance of Dupuytrèn disease in diabetic patients with both type-1 (T1DM) andtype-2 diabetes (T2DM). Material and Method: 384 patients were analysed, ofwhich 47 had T1DM, 140 had T2DM and 197 were non-diabetic controls. Diabeticpatients were followed at the Clinical Center for Diabetes, Nutrition and MetabolicDisease of the Emergency Clinical County Hospital and Department of Dermatologyin Oradea, all of them having a diabetes duration of at least 5 years. Results and Conclusions: The risk of Dupuytrèn’s disease is over 4.5 times greater in patientswith type-2 diabetes. The risk of Dupuytrèn’s disease is 3-6 times greater in patientswith micro-vascular complications.
Cyclic Stretch Induces Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Soluble Guanylate Cyclase in Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Shah Monica , Wedgwood Stephen , Czech Lyubov , Kim Gina , Lakshminrusimha Satyan , Schumacker Paul , Steinhorn Robin , Farrow Kathryn
Published: February 2013

In the pulmonary vasculature, mechanical forces such as cyclic stretch induce changes in vascular signaling, tone and remodeling. Nitric oxide is a potent regulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), which drives cGMP production, causing vasorelaxation. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and while iNOS expression increases during late gestation, little is known about how cyclic stretch impacts this pathway. In this study, PASMC were subjected to cyclic stretch of 20% amplitude and frequency of 1 Hz for 24 h and compared to control cells maintained under static conditions. Cyclic stretch significantly increased cytosolic oxidative stress as compared to static cells (62.9 ± 5.9% vs. 33.3 ± 5.7% maximal oxidation), as measured by the intracellular redox sensor roGFP. Cyclic stretch also increased sGCβ protein expression (2.5 ± 0.9-fold), sGC activity (1.5 ± 0.2-fold) and cGMP levels (1.8 ± 0.2-fold), as well as iNOS mRNA and protein expression (3.0 ± 0.9 and 2.6 ± 0.7-fold, respectively) relative to control cells. An antioxidant, recombinant human superoxide dismutase (rhSOD), significantly decreased stretch-induced cytosolic oxidative stress, but did not block stretch-induced sGC activity. Inhibition of iNOS with 1400 W or an iNOS-specific siRNA inhibited stretch-induced sGC activity by 30% and 68% respectively vs. static controls. In conclusion, cyclic stretch increases sGC expression and activity in an iNOS-dependent manner in PASMC from fetal lambs. The mechanism that produces iNOS and sGC upregulation is not yet known, but we speculate these effects represent an early compensatory mechanism to counteract the effects of stretch-induced oxidative stress. A better understanding of the interplay between these two distinct pathways could provide key insights into future avenues to treat infants with pulmonary hypertension.