bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Prediction of Deeply Infiltrating Endometriosis before Surgery: Is It Feasible? A Review of the Literature
Authors: Mendonça Carneiro Márcia , de Sousa Filogônio Ivone Dirk , Pyramo Costa Luciana Maria , de Ávila Ivete , França Ferreira Márcia Cristina
Published: September 2013

Background. Endometriosis is a chronic benign gynecologic disease that can cause pelvic pain and infertility affecting almost 10% of reproductive-age women. Deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is a specific entity responsible for painful symptoms which are related to the anatomic location of the lesions. Definitive diagnosis requires surgery, and histological confirmation is advisable. The aim of this paper is to review the current literature regarding the possibility of diagnosing DIE accurately before surgery. Despite its low sensitivity and specificity, vaginal examination and evaluation of specific symptoms should not be completely omitted as a basic diagnostic tool in detecting endometriosis and planning further therapeutic interventions. Recently, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) has been reported as an excellent tool to diagnose DIE lesions in different locations (rectovaginal septum, retrocervical and paracervical areas, rectum and sigmoid, and vesical wall) with good accuracy.Conclusion. There are neither sufficiently sensitive and specific signs and symptoms nor diagnostic tests for the clinical diagnosis of DIE, resulting in a great delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Digital examination, in addition to TVS, may help to gain better understanding of the anatomical extent and dimension of DIE which is of crucial importance in defining the best surgical approach.
Anti-Actin IgA Antibodies Identify Celiac Disease Patients with a Marsh 3 Intestinal Damage among Subjects with Moderate Anti-TG2 Levels
Authors: Schirru Enrico , Danjou Fabrice , Cicotto Lucia , Rossino Rossano , Macis Maria Doloretta , Lampis Rosanna , Jores Rita-Désirée , Congia Mauro
Published: September 2013

A new diagnostic tool (algorithm-1) for coeliac disease (CD) permitting the diagnosis without performing the duodenal biopsy has been recently proposed by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). It combines symptoms associated with CD, high anti-transglutaminase type 2 antibody (anti-TG2) levels, anti-endomysium-IgA antibodies (EMA), and at-risk HLA. Our aims were (i) to evaluate retrospectively in 227 individuals (149 CD patients and 78 controls) the algorithm-1, (ii) to reduce the number of duodenal biopsies among CD patients for whom algorithm-1 is not applicable through the addition of antiactin IgA antibodies (AAA-IgA), and (iii) to evaluate prospectively algorithm-1 and AAA-IgA in 50 patients with suspected CD. Algorithm-1 identified 70 out of 149 CD patients with Marsh 3 lesions. Adding AAA-IgA to the remaining patients with anti-TG2 levels comprised between 4 and 10 times upper limit of normal (ULN) allowed the detection of further 20 patients with a Marsh 3 damage. In our prospective study, algorithm-1 identified 23 out of 50 patients, whilst further 7 were recognized adding AAA-IgA. We confirm that algorithm-1 may avoid the duodenal biopsy in many CD patients and underscores the usefulness of AAA-IgA in reducing the number of duodenal biopsies in patients with moderate anti-TG2 levels.
Analytical Approach to Model and Diagnostic Distribution of Dopant in an Implanted-Heterojunction Rectifier Accounting for Mechanical Stress
Authors: Pankratov E. L. , Bulaeva E. A.
Published: September 2013

We calculate spatiotemporal distributions of dopant in an implanted-heterojunction rectifier. We analyzed the influence of inhomogeneity of heterostructure on dopant distribution. The influence of radiation processing of materials of the heterostructure, which has been done during ion implantation, on properties of the heterostructure has been also analyzed. It has been shown that radiation processing of materials of heterostructure leads to a decrease in mechanical stress in heterostructure. Our calculations have been done by using analytical approach, which gives us the possibility to obtain all results without joining solutions on all interfaces of heterostructure.
The Chamber for Studying Rice Response to Elevated Nighttime Temperature in Field
Authors: Chen Song , Zheng Xi , Wang Dangying , Xu Chunmei , Laza Ma. Rebecca C. , Zhang Xiufu
Published: September 2013

An in situ temperature‐controlled field chamber was developed for studying a large population of rice plant under different nighttime temperature treatments while maintaining conditions similar to those in the field during daytime. The system consists of a pipe hoop shed‐type chamber with manually removable covers manipulated to provide a natural environment at daytime and a relatively stable and accurate temperature at night. Average air temperatures of 22.4 ± 0.3°C at setting of 22°C, 27.6 ± 0.4°C at 27°C, and 23.8 ± 0.7°C ambient conditions were maintained with the system. No significant horizontal and vertical differences in temperature were found and only slight changes in water temperatures were observed between the chambers and ambient conditions at 36 days after transplanting. A slight variation in CO2 concentration was observed at the end of the treatment during the day, but the 10‐μmol CO2 mol−1 difference was too small to alter plant response. The present utilitarian system, which only utilizes an air conditioner/heater, is suitable for studying the effect of nighttime temperature on plant physiological responses with minimal perturbation of other environmental factors. At the same time, it will enable in situ screening of many rice genotypes.
Octagonal Defects at Carbon Nanotube Junctions
Authors: Jaskólski W. , Pelc M. , Chico Leonor , Ayuela A.
Published: September 2013

We investigate knee‐shaped junctions of semiconductor zigzag carbon nanotubes. Two dissimilar octagons appear at such junctions; one of them can reconstruct into a pair of pentagons. The junction with two octagons presents two degenerate localized states at Fermi energy (EF). The reconstructed junction has only one state near EF, indicating that these localized states are related to the octagonal defects. The inclusion of Coulomb interaction splits the localized states in the junction with two octagons, yielding an antiferromagnetic system.
Loss of Villin Immunoexpression in Colorectal Carcinoma Is Associated with Poor Differentiation and Survival
Authors: Al-Maghrabi Jaudah , Gomaa Wafaey , Buhmeida Abdelbaset , Al-Qahtani Mohmmad , Al-Ahwal Mahmoud
Published: September 2013

Background and Aims. Villin is a highly specialised protein and is expressed in intestinal and renal proximal tubular epithelium. It was detected in colorectal carcinomas (CRC) and other nongastrointestinal tumours. The aim of the current study is to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of villin in a subset of primary CRC and determine its relation to tumour differentiation, invasion, nodal metastasis, recurrence, and disease-free survival.Patients and Methods. Paraffin blocks of 93 cases of CRC were retrieved constituting 93 primary CRC and 58 adjacent normal mucosa. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antivillin antibody. The extent (%) of villin immunoexpression was categorised for statistical analysis. Statistical tests were used to determine the association of villin with clinicopathological characteristics: age, sex, tumour location, tumour size, depth of invasion, tumour grade, nodal metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, margin status, recurrence, and survival.Results. Villin immunostaining results showed that villin is downregulated in CRC. Villin has no association with age, sex, tumour location, depth of invasion, nodal metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, margin status, and recurrence. However, villin is expressed in higher rate in CRC less than 5 cm, well- and moderately differentiated CRC. Poor survival was associated with tumour with low villin immunoexpression.Conclusion. Villin was downregulated in CRC. Villin immunoexpression in CRC is associated with better survival, well-differentiated tumours, and small-sized tumours. Villin has no significant association with disease recurrence or nodal metastasis. Morein vivoandin vitrostudies are required for further elucidation of how villin may be involved in CRC.
Facile Hydrothermal Approach to ZnO Nanorods at Mild Temperature
Authors: Jiao Yang , Liu Yang , Yin Bosi , Zhang Siwen , Qu Fengyu , Wu Xiaodan , Wu Xiang
Published: September 2013

In this work, ZnO nanorods are obtained through a facile hydrothermal route. The structure and morphology of the resultant products are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental results indicated that the as‐synthesized ZnO nanorods have an average diameter of approximate 100 nm. A possible growth mechanism for ZnO nanorods was proposed based on the experimental results and found that Zn powder plays a critical role for the morphology of the products. Room temperature photoluminescence property of ZnO nanorods shows an ultraviolet emission peak at 390 nm.
Upgrading of Resolution Elastic Neutron Scattering (RENS)
Authors: Magazù S. , Migliardo F. , Caccamo M. T.
Published: September 2013

An update of the Resolution Elastic Neutron Scattering (RENS) approach consisting in measuring the elastically scattered neutron intensity versus the instrumental energy resolution is presented. In particular it is shown that the measured elastic scattering law as a function of the logarithm of the instrumental energy of resolution gives rise to an increasing sigmoid trend whose inflection point can be connected with the system relaxation time. The validity of the RENS approach is supported by a numerical simulation, taking into account a Gaussian resolution function and a Lorentzian scattering law, and experimentally by integrated EINS and QENS measurements performed as a function of temperature on three homologous disaccharide/water mixtures showing different relaxation times. Furthermore, the most important advantages of the RENS approach are discussed; in particular, in comparison with QENS, the RENS approach requires a smaller amount of sample, which is an important point in dealing with biological and exotic systems, is not affected by the use of model functions for fitting spectra, and furnishes a direct access to the system relaxation time.
Fundamental-Solution-Based Hybrid Element Model for Nonlinear Heat Conduction Problems with Temperature-Dependent Material Properties
Authors: Wang Hui , Han Ming-Yue , Yuan Fang , Xiao Zhao-Ran
Published: September 2013

The boundary-type hybrid finite element formulation coupling the Kirchhoff transformation is proposed for the two-dimensional nonlinear heat conduction problems in solids with or without circular holes, and the thermal conductivity of material is assumed to be in terms of temperature change. The Kirchhoff transformation is firstly used to convert the nonlinear partial differential governing equation into a linear one by introducing the Kirchhoff variable, and then the new linear system is solved by the present hybrid finite element model, in which the proper fundamental solutions associated with some field points are used to approximate the element interior fields and the conventional shape functions are employed to approximate the element frame fields. The weak integral functional is developed to link these two fields and establish the stiffness equation with sparse and symmetric coefficient matrix. Finally, the algorithm is verified on several examples involving various expressions of thermal conductivity and existence of circular hole, and numerical results show good accuracy and stability.
Genome Instability at Common Fragile Sites: Searching for the Cause of Their Instability
Authors: Franchitto Annapaola
Published: September 2013

Common fragile sites (CFS) are heritable nonrandomly distributed loci on human chromosomes that exhibit an increased frequency of chromosomal breakage under conditions of replication stress. They are considered the preferential targets for high genomic instability from the earliest stages of human cancer development, and increased chromosome instability at these loci has been observed following replication stress in a subset of human genetic diseases. Despite their biological and medical relevance, the molecular basis of CFS fragility in vivo has not been fully elucidated. At present, different models have been proposed to explain how instability at CFS arises and multiple factors seem to contribute to their instability. However, all these models involve DNA replication and suggest that replication fork stalling along CFS during DNA synthesis is a very frequent event. Consistent with this, the maintenance of CFS stability relies on the ATR-dependent checkpoint, together with a number of proteins promoting the recovery of stalled replication forks. In this review, we discuss mainly the possible causes that threaten the integrity of CFS in the light of new findings, paying particular attention to the role of the S-phase checkpoint.
Aptamers: Novel Molecules as Diagnostic Markers in Bacterial and Viral Infections?
Authors: Zimbres Flávia M. , Tárnok Attila , Ulrich Henning , Wrenger Carsten
Published: September 2013

Worldwide the entire human population is at risk of infectious diseases of which a high degree is caused by pathogenic protozoans, worms, bacteria, and virus infections. Moreover the current medications against pathogenic agents are losing their efficacy due to increasing and even further spreading drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover novel diagnostic as well as therapeutic tools against infectious agents. In view of that, the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) represents a powerful technology to target selectively pathogenic factors as well as entire bacteria or viruses. SELEX uses a large combinatorial oligonucleic acid library (DNA or RNA) which is processed a by high-fluxin vitroscreen of iterative cycles. The selected ligands, termed aptamers, are characterized by high specificity and affinity to their target molecule, which are already exploited in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this minireview we will discuss the current status of the SELEX technique applied on bacterial and viral pathogens.
Quantification of Neocortical Slice Diffusion Characteristics Using Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Modelling
Authors: Voss Logan J. , van Kan Claudia , Sleigh James W.
Published: September 2013

Pharmacological brain slice experiments are complicated by the need to ensure adequate drug delivery deep into the healthy layers of the tissue. Because tissue slices have no blood supply, this is achieved solely by passive drug diffusion. The aim of this study was to determine whether pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modeling could be adapted to estimate drug diffusion times in neocortical brain slices. No-magnesium seizure-like event (SLE) activity was generated in 41 slices (400 μm). Two anesthetic agents, etomidate (24 μM, n=14) and thiopental (250 μM, n=14), and magnesium ions (n=13) were delivered to effect reversible reductions in SLE frequency. Concentration-effect hysteresis loops were collapsed using a first order rate constant model and equilibrium half-lives (t1/2Ke0) derived. The t1/2Ke0 values obtained were consistent with expectations. The median (range) t1/2Ke0 of 83.1 (19.4–330.1) min for etomidate is in keeping with its known slow diffusion into brain slice tissue. Values for etomidate and thiopental (111.8 (27.8–198.0) min) were similar, while magnesium had a significantly faster equilibration rate (t1/2Ke0 of 26.1 (8.6–77.0) min) compared to the anesthetics, as expected for a simple ion. In conclusion, PKPD modeling is a simple and practical method that can be applied to brain slice experiments for investigating drug diffusion characteristics.
Polydactyly 24 in a Female Neonate
Authors: Atanda Oluseyi O. A. , Owonikoko Kola M. , Adeyemi Adewale S. , Bajowa Olanrewaju
Published: September 2013

Polydactyly is perhaps one of the most common congenital hand and foot anomalies. Tetrapolydactyly (polydactyly 24) is a very rare form of hand and foot anomalies. Postaxial ray polydactyly usually occurs in male blacks without associated congenital abnormalities. We report a case of postaxial ray tetrapolydactyly in a female neonate which occurred sporadically and without associated congenital abnormalities.
Microwave-Assisted Derivatization of Bile Acids for Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Determination
Authors: Nunes de Paiva Maria José , Menezes Helvécio Costa , Cardeal Zenilda de Lourdes
Published: September 2013

Bile acids derived from cholesterol are produced in the liver, and their analysis is difficult due to their complex natures and their low concentrations in biological fluids. Mixtures of various derivatives, created via conventional heating, are used for such analyses. Microwave radiation is proposed to accelerate the derivatization process. This paper presents a mass fragmentation study and microwave-assisted derivatization (MAD) for the silylation of bile acids (cholic and ursodesoxycholic) prior to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis. The derivatization was performed using the two-step process of methoximation and silylation. The reaction time, power, and quantity of N,O-bis-(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) + 1% trimethylchlorosilane (TCMS) were optimized to improve the derivatization. The optimized derivatization conditions required 210 W for 3 min. The MAD method exhibited linearity with respect to cholic acid between 0.78 and 20.0 μg mL−1 with an LOQ of 0.23 μg mL−1 and a precision ranging from 1.08% to 9.32% CV. This optimized derivatization method is valid for the analysis of bile acids in different matrices.
Postnatal Depression Is a Public Health Nursing Issue: Perspectives from Norway and Ireland
Authors: Glavin Kari , Leahy-Warren Patricia
Published: September 2013

The framework provided by the Millennium Development Goals includes maternal health as an area of priority. Postnatal depression (PND) is a serious public health issue because it occurs at a crucial time in a mothers’ life, can persist for long periods, and can have adverse effects on partners and the emotional, behavioural, and cognitive development of infants and children. Internationally, public health nurses (PHNs) are key professionals in the delivery of health care to mothers in the postpartum period, and international research collaborations are encouraged. Two researchers from the European Academy of Nursing Science (EANS) identified a need to collaborate and strengthen research capacity and discussion on postnatal depression, a public health nursing issue in both countries. Within the context of public health and public health nursing in Ireland and Norway, the aim of this paper is to present a discussion on the concept of PND, prevalence, and outcomes; screening issues for PHNs; and the research evidence of the benefits of social support in facilitating recovery for new mothers.
Neurocognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia and during the Early Phases of Psychosis: Targeting Cognitive Remediation Interventions
Authors: Zaytseva Yulia , Korsakova Natalya , Agius Mark , Gurovich Isaac
Published: September 2013

Recent interest in the early course of schizophrenia accentuated altered cognition prior to the onset. Ultrahigh risk (UHR) individuals with attenuated positive symptoms and transient psychotic episodes demonstrate neurocognitive deficits across multiple domains such as memory, executive functioning, and processing speed which are consistent with similar disturbances identified in patients with a first episode of schizophrenia. Cognitive remediation (CR) approaches representing a broad set of activities are aimed to restore or improve cognitive functioning. CR proved to be effective in modulating the cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia but is rarely used in ultrahigh risk individuals. From the clinical prospective, a better understanding of cognitive functioning in at-risk states is essential for the development of optimal early intervention models. In the review, we highlight the intervention targets, notably the specific cognitive deficits in at risk individuals which preceed the transition to psychosis and emphasize the need of the additional studies using CR approaches in UHR group aiming to enhance cognition and therefore mediate functional improvement.
Effects of Vitamin E on Bone Biomechanical and Histomorphometric Parameters in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Feresin Rafaela G. , Johnson Sarah A. , Elam Marcus L. , Kim Jeong-Su , Khalil Dania A. , Lucas Edralin A. , Smith Brenda J. , Payton Mark E. , Akhter Mohammed P. , Arjmandi Bahram H.
Published: September 2013

The present study examined the dose-dependent effect of vitamin E in reversing bone loss in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were either Sham-operated (Sham) or Ovx and fed control diet for 120 days to lose bone. Subsequently, rats were divided into 5 groups (n=12/group): Sham, Ovx-control, low dose (Ovx + 300 mg/kg diet; LD), medium dose (Ovx + 525 mg/kg diet; MD), and high dose (Ovx + 750 mg/kg diet; HD) of vitamin E and sacrificed after 100 days. Animals receiving MD and HD of vitamin E had increased serum alkaline phosphatase compared to the Ovx-control group. Bone histomorphometry analysis indicated a decrease in bone resorption as well as increased bone formation and mineralization in the Ovx groups supplemented with MD and HD of vitamin E. Microcomputed tomography findings indicated no effects of vitamin E on trabecular bone of fifth lumbar vertebrae. Animals receiving HD of vitamin E had enhanced fourth lumbar vertebra quality as evidenced by improved ultimate and yield load and stress when compared to Ovx-control group. These findings demonstrate that vitamin E improves bone quality, attenuates bone resorption, and enhances the rate of bone formation while being unable to restore bone density and trabecular bone structure.
Modified Hybrid Steepest-Descent Methods for General Systems of Variational Inequalities with Solutions to Zeros ofm-Accretive Operators in Banach Spaces
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze modified hybrid steepest-descent methods for a general system of variational inequalities (GSVI), with solutions being also zeros of anm-accretive operatorAin the setting of real uniformly convex and 2-uniformly smooth Banach spaceX. Here the modified hybrid steepest-descent methods are based on Korpelevich's extragradient method, hybrid steepest-descent method, and viscosity approximation method. We propose and consider modified implicit and explicit hybrid steepest-descent algorithms for finding a common element of the solution set of the GSVI and the setA-1(0)of zeros ofAinX. Under suitable assumptions, we derive some strong convergence theorems. The results presented in this paper improve, extend, supplement, and develop the corresponding results announced in the earlier and very recent literature.
Distribution of Picric Acid into Various Diluents
Authors: Kudo Yoshihiro , Takahashi Yuu , Katsuta Shoichi
Published: September 2013

Extraction constants, defined as Kex = [HPic]o/[H+][Pic−], for picric acid (HPic) into ten diluents were spectrophotometrically determined at 298 K, where the subscript “o” refers to an organic (o) phase which is composed of the diluent. Their values for the HPic extraction into benzene and chloroform were fairly consistent with those reported before. From the Kex values, distribution constants (KD,HPic) of HPic into the o phases were estimated using the thermodynamic relation Kex = KD,HPicKHPic, where KHPic corresponds to a protonation constant of Pic− in water. Thereby, contributions of functional groups, such as –Cl and –CH3, involved in the diluents molecules to KD,HPic were discussed. The same discussion was also applied for the distribution of the ion pair, composed of CdPic2 and 18‐crown‐6 ether, into the diluents.
Thermal Study of Anhydrides Cured Tetrafunctional Cardo Epoxy Resin
Authors: Patel Jignesh P. , Parsania Parsotam H.
Published: September 2013

Tetrafunctional cardo epoxy resin (EBCF) was cured by using 10 wt% maleic anhydride (MA), pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), phthalic anhydride (PA), tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (THPA), tetrabromophthalic anhydride (TBPA), and tetrachlorophthalic anhydride (TCPA) as hardeners at 120°C for 40–105 min (gel time) and then postcured 1 h at 130°C. Gel time is found to depend on the structure of the anhydrides used. Cured samples were found insoluble in common solvents. Cured and uncured EBCF were characterized by FTIR, DSC, and TGA techniques. Cured and uncured resins followed multistep degradation reactions. Kinetic parameters, namely, order of degradation, energy of activation, frequency factor, and entropy change, were determined according to the Anderson-Freeman method and interpreted in light of the nature of hardeners used for curing purpose. The resins followed integral or fractional order degradation kinetics. Complex degradation reactions are due to different types of linkages in cured resins. Both nature and structure of resin and hardeners affected the curing behavior and the resultant thermal properties of the cured resins.
Optimization and Thermoeconomics Research of a Large Reclaimed Water Source Heat Pump System
Authors: Zhang Zi-ping , Du Fang-hui
Published: September 2013

This work describes a large reclaimed water source heat pump system (RWSHPS) and elaborates on the composition of the system and its design principles. According to the characteristics of the reclaimed water and taking into account the initial investment, the project is divided into two stages: the first stage adopts distributed heat pump heating system and the second adopts the combination of centralized and decentralized systems. We analyze the heating capacity of the RWSHPS, when the phase II project is completed, the system can provide hydronic heating water with the supply and return water temperature of 55°C/15°C and meet the hydronic heating demand of 8 million square meters of residential buildings. We make a thermal economics analysis by using Thermal Economics theory on RWSHPS and gas boiler system, it is known that the RWSHPS has more advantages, compared with the gas boiler heating system; both its thermal efficiency and economic efficiency are relatively high. It provides a reference for future applications of the RWSHPS.
Metabolism, Physiological Role, and Clinical Implications of Sphingolipids in Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Kurek Krzysztof , Łukaszuk Bartłomiej , Piotrowska Dominika M. , Wiesiołek Patrycja , Chabowska Anna Małgorzata , Żendzian-Piotrowska Małgorzata
Published: September 2013

Sphingolipids in digestive system are responsible for numerous important physiological and pathological processes. In the membrane of gut epithelial cells, sphingolipids provide structural integrity, regulate absorption of some nutrients, and act as receptors for many microbial antigens and their toxins. Moreover, bioactive sphingolipids such as ceramide or sphingosine-1-phosphate regulate cellular growth, differentiation, and programmed cell death—apoptosis. Although it is well established that sphingolipids have clinical implications in gastrointestinal tumorigenesis or inflammation, further studies are needed to fully explore the role of sphingolipids in neoplastic and inflammatory diseases in gastrointestinal tract. Pharmacological agents which regulate metabolism of sphingolipids can be potentially used in the management of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of this work is to critically the review physiological and pathological roles of sphingolipids in the gastrointestinal tract.
A New Method of Area under the Absorbance-Wavelength Curve for Rats Total Metabolomic Pharmacokinetics from Yangxue Injection with Multicomponents
Authors: Zhang Lihong , Xiao Xiaojin , Yang Zhenzhen , Jiang Mengli , Li Xiaodong
Published: September 2013

To bridge the convergence between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and modern medicine originated from the West, a new method of area under the absorbance-wavelength curve (AUAWC) by spectrophotometer scanning was investigated and compared with HPLC method to explore metabolomic pharmacokinetics in rats. AUAWC and drug total concentration were obtained after Yangxue was injected to rats. Meanwhile, individual concentrations of sodium ferulate, tetramethylpyrazine hydrochloride, tanshinol sodium, and sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate in plasma were determined by HPLC. Metabolomic profile of multicomponents plasma concentration time from AUAWC and that of individual components from HPLC were compared. The data from AUAWC had one-compartment model with mean area under concentration versus time (AUC) of 9370.58 min·μg/mL and mean elimination half-life (t1/2) of 12.92 min. The results by HPLC demonstrated that sodium ferulate and tetramethylpyrazine hydrochloride had one-compartment model with AUC of 6075.50 and 876.94 min·μg/mL,t1/2of 10.85 and 20.57 min, respectively. Tanshinol sodium and sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate showed two-compartment model, and AUC was 29.58 and 201.46 witht1/2βof 1.76 and 16.90, respectively. The profiles indicated that method of AUAWC can be used to study pharmacokinetics of TCM with multicomponents and to improve its development of active theory and application in clinic combined with in vivo metabolomic profile of HPLC.
The Effect of Very High versus Very Low Sustained Loading on the Lower Back and Knees in Middle Life
Authors: Milgrom Yael , Milgrom Charles , Constantini Naama , Applbaum Yaakov , Radeva-Petrova Denitsa , Finestone Aharon S.
Published: September 2013

To evaluate the effect of the extremes of long term high and low physical activities on musculoskeletal heath in middle age, a historical cohort study was performed. The MRI knee and back findings of 25 randomly selected subjects who were inducted into the armed forces in 1983 and served at least 3 years as elite infantry soldiers were compared 25 years later, with 20 randomly selected subjects who were deferred from army service for full time religious studies at the same time. Both cohorts were from the same common genome. The two primary outcome measures were degenerative lumbar disc disease evaluated by the Pfirrmann score and degenerative knee changes evaluated by the WORMS score. At the 25-year follow up, the mean Pfirrmann score (8.6) for the L1 to S1 level of the elite infantry group was significantly higher than that of the sedentary group (6.7), (P=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between the WORMS knee scores between the two cohorts (P=0.7). In spite of the much greater musculoskeletal loading history of the elite infantry cohort, only their lumbar spines but not their knees showed increased degenerative changes at middle age by MRI criteria.
The Roles of Hyaluronan/RHAMM/CD44 and Their Respective Interactions along the Insidious Pathways of Fibrosarcoma Progression
Authors: Nikitovic Dragana , Kouvidi Katerina , Karamanos Nikos K. , Tzanakakis George N.
Published: September 2013

Fibrosarcomas are rare malignant mesenchymal tumors originating from fibroblasts. Importantly, fibrosarcoma cells were shown to have a high content and turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) components including hyaluronan (HA), proteoglycans, collagens, fibronectin, and laminin. ECMs are complicated structures that surround and support cells within tissues. During cancer progression, significant changes can be observed in the structural and mechanical properties of the ECM components. Importantly, hyaluronan deposition is usually higher in malignant tumors as compared to benign tissues, predicting tumor progression in some tumor types. Furthermore, activated stromal cells are able to produce tissue structure rich in hyaluronan in order to promote tumor growth. Key biological roles of HA result from its interactions with its specific CD44 and RHAMM (receptor for HA-mediated motility) cell-surface receptors. HA-receptor downstream signaling pathways regulate in turn cellular processes implicated in tumorigenesis. Growth factors, including PDGF-BB, TGFβ2, and FGF-2, enhanced hyaluronan deposition to ECM and modulated HA-receptor expression in fibrosarcoma cells. Indeed, FGF-2 through upregulation of specific HAS isoforms and hyaluronan synthesis regulated secretion and net hyaluronan deposition to the fibrosarcoma pericellular matrix modulating these cells’ migration capability. In this paper we discuss the involvement of hyaluronan/RHAMM/CD44 mediated signaling in the insidious pathways of fibrosarcoma progression.
Stability in a Simple Food Chain System with Michaelis-Menten Functional Response and Nonlocal Delays
Authors: Gan Wenzhen , Tian Canrong , Zhang Qunying , Lin Zhigui
Published: September 2013

This paper is concerned with the asymptotical behavior of solutions to the reaction-diffusion system under homogeneous Neumann boundary condition. By taking food ingestion and species' moving into account, the model is further coupled with Michaelis-Menten type functional response and nonlocal delay. Sufficient conditions are derived for the global stability of the positive steady state and the semitrivial steady state of the proposed problem by using the Lyapunov functional. Our results show that intraspecific competition benefits the coexistence of prey and predator. Furthermore, the introduction of Michaelis-Menten type functional response positively affects the coexistence of prey and predator, and the nonlocal delay is harmless for stabilities of all nonnegative steady states of the system. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the main results.
Analyses on the Changes of Grazing Capacity in the Three-River Headwaters Region of China under Various Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Zhang Rongrong , Li Zhaohua , Yuan Yongwei , Li Zhihui , Yin Fang
Published: September 2013

On the livestock production in the Three-River Headwaters region (TRHR) in the macrocontext of climatic change, this study analyzed the possible changing trends of the net primary productivity (NPP) of local grasslands under four RCPs scenarios (i.e., RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5) during 2010–2030 with the model estimation, and the grass yield and theoretical grazing capacity under each scenario were further qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The results indicate that the grassland productivity in the TRHR will be unstable under all the four scenarios. The grassland productivity will be greatly influenced by the fluctuations of precipitation and the temperature fluctuations will also play an important role during some periods. The local grassland productivity will decrease to some degree during 2010–2020 and then will fluctuate and increase slowly during 2020–2030.The theoretical grazing capacity was analyzed in this study and calculated on the basis of the grass yield. The result indicates that the theoretical grazing capacity ranges from 4 million sheep to 5 million sheep under the four scenarios and it can provide quantitative information reference for decision making on how to determine the reasonable grazing capacity, promote the sustainable development of grasslands, and so forth.
Oncogenic Herpesvirus HHV-8 Promotes Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Growth
Authors: Mygatt Justin G. , Singhal Adit , Sukumar Gauthaman , Dalgard Clifton L. , Kaleeba Johnan A.R.
Published: September 2013

Mechanisms underlying progression to androgen-independent prostate cancer following radical ablation therapy remain poorly defined. Although intraprostatic infections have been highlighted as potential cofactors, pathogen influences on pathways that support tumor regrowth are not known. To explore this provocative concept, we derived androgen-sensitive and -insensitive prostate epithelial cells persistently infected with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), an oncogenic herpesvirus that has been detected in normal prostate epithelium, prostate adenocarcinoma, and biologic fluids of patients with prostate cancer, to explore its effects on transition to hormone-refractory disease. Strikingly, we found that HHV-8 infection of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells conferred the capacity for androgen-independent growth. This effect was associated with altered expression and transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor (AR). However, HHV-8 infection bypassed AR signaling by promoting enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)–mediated epigenetic silencing of tumor-suppressor genes, including MSMB and DAB2IP that are often inactivated in advanced disease. Furthermore, we found that HHV-8 triggered epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Although HHV-8 has not been linked etiologically to prostate cancer, virologic outcomes revealed by our study provide mechanistic insight into how intraprostatic infections could constitute risk for progression to androgen-independent metastatic disease where EZH2 has been implicated. Taken together, our findings prompt further evaluations of the relationship between HHV-8 infections and risk of advanced prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 73(18); 5695–708. ©2013 AACR.
Gramicidin A Induces Metabolic Dysfunction and Energy Depletion Leading to Cell Death in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: David Justin M. , Owens Tori A. , Barwe Sonali P. , Rajasekaran Ayyappan K.
Published: September 2013

Ionophores are lipid-soluble organic molecules that disrupt cellular transmembrane potential by rendering biologic membranes permeable to specific ions. They include mobile-carriers that complex with metal cations and channel-formers that insert into the membrane to form hydrophilic pores. Although mobile-carriers possess anticancer properties, investigations on channel-formers are limited. Here, we used the channel-forming ionophore gramicidin A to study its effects on the growth and survival of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. RCC is a histologically heterogeneous malignancy that is highly resistant to conventional treatments. We found that gramicidin A reduced the in vitro viability of several RCC cell lines at submicromolar concentrations (all IC50 < 1.0 μmol/L). Gramicidin A exhibited similar toxicity in RCC cells regardless of histologic subtype or the expression of either the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene or its downstream target, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. Gramicidin A decreased cell viability equal to or greater than the mobile-carrier monensin depending on the cell line. Mechanistic examination revealed that gramicidin A blocks ATP generation by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, leading to cellular energy depletion and nonapoptotic cell death. Finally, gramicidin A effectively reduced the growth of RCC tumor xenografts in vivo. These results show a novel application of gramicidin A as a potential therapeutic agent for RCC therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(11); 2296–307. ©2013 AACR.
Do Psychosis Patients with Poor Insight Show Implicit Awareness on the Emotional Stroop Task?
Authors: Wiffen Benjamin D.R. , O'Connor Jennifer A. , Russo Manuela , Falcone M. Aurora , Joseph Candice , Kolliakou Anna , Di Forti Marta , Murray Robin M. , David Anthony S.
Published: September 2013

Background: The insight into psychosis can be assessed reliably by clinicians from interviews with patients. However, patients may retain implicit awareness of illness while lacking explicit awareness. Sampling and Methods: In a sample of first-episode psychosis patients, we used a test of processing of mental illness-related and other negative words as a measure of implicit awareness to see how this varied in relation to insight. An emotional-counting Stroop task tested reaction times to words of three types: psychosis-related (e.g. ‘crazy'), general negative (e.g. ‘cancer') and neutral (e.g. ‘oyster'). Data were available from 43 patients and 23 healthy controls. Patients' insight was assessed using the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight (SAI-E). Results: Patients reacted slower than controls to words across all conditions, and both patients and controls reacted slower to salient and negative words than neutral words. There was a near significant interaction between word type and group (Wilks' lambda = 0.53, p = 0.055); patients experienced greater interference from negative rather than psychosis-related words (p = 0.003), and controls experienced greater interference from salient rather than negative words (p = 0.01). Within the patient group, there was a correlation between insight and interference on salient words (r = 0.33, p = 0.05), such that those with less insight experienced less interference on psychosis-related words. Conclusions: Psychosis-related words were less threatening and less self-relevant to psychosis patients with less insight. This suggests that the lack of awareness such patients have of their illness is genuine and more likely to be mediated by lower-level information processing mechanisms than strategies such as conscious, motivated denial.
MK886 Reduces Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Severity in TgCRND8 Mice
Authors: Hawkes Cheryl A. , Shaw James E. , Brown Mary , Sampson Anthony P. , McLaurin JoAnne , Carare Roxana O.
Published: September 2013

Background: Deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) in blood vessel walls as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is observed in the majority of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Inhibition of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) pathway has recently been suggested to play a role in reducing parenchymal Aβ deposition. However, products of the 5-LOX pathway also activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family, which promotes clearance of Aβ from the brain. Methods: In the present study, we investigated the effect of MK886, a 5-LOX-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor and PPARα antagonist, on CAA severity in TgCRND8 mice overexpressing the human Swedish and Indiana amyloid precursor protein mutations. Results: We found that MK886 significantly reduced brain levels of nicastrin and PPARα, but did not affect levels of β-secretase, apolipoprotein E or low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1. CAA severity and parenchymal plaque load was significantly decreased in both the cortex and hippocampus of mice treated with MK886 compared to control mice. Conclusion: These data suggest that 5-LOX and FLAP inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of CAA and AD.
Influence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in COMT, MAO-A and BDNF Genes on Dyskinesias and Levodopa Use in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Cheshire Perdita , Bertram Kelly , Ling Helen , O'Sullivan Sean S. , Halliday Glenda , McLean Catriona , Bras Jose , Foltynie Tom , Storey Elsdon , Williams David R.
Published: September 2013

Background: Clinical heterogeneity in the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID) suggests endogenous factors play a significant role in determining their overall prevalence. Objective: We hypothesised that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in specific genes may result in a clinical phenotype conducive to an increased risk of LID. Methods: We examined the influence of SNPs in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes on LID in a cohort of 285 pathologically confirmed Parkinson's disease patients, using data from their complete disease course. Results: Dyskinetic patients demonstrated younger age at disease onset (60.3 vs. 66.4 years, p < 0.0001), a longer disease duration (17.0 vs. 12.0 years, p < 0.0001) and a higher maximum daily levodopa equivalent dose (LED; 926.7 vs. 617.1 mg/day, p < 0.0001) than patients without dyskinesias. No individual SNP was found to influence prevalence or time to onset of dyskinesias, including after adjustment for known risk factors. We observed that patients carrying alleles conferring both high COMT activity and increased MAO-A mRNA expression received significantly higher maximum and mean daily LEDs than those with low enzyme activity/mRNA expression (max LED: 835 ± 445 vs. 508 ± 316 mg; p = 0.0056, mean LED: 601 ± 335 vs. 398 ± 260 mg; p = 0.025). Conclusions: Individual SNPs in BDNF, COMT and MAO-A genes did not influence prevalence or time to onset of dyskinesias in this cohort. The possibility that combined COMT and MAO-A genotype is a significant factor in determining an individual's lifetime levodopa exposure warrants further investigation.
Pentacyclic Triterpenes from Terminalia arjuna Show Multiple Benefits on Aged and Dry Skin
Authors: Farwick M. , Köhler T. , Schild J. , Mentel M. , Maczkiewitz U. , Pagani V. , Bonfigli A. , Rigano L. , Bureik D. , Gauglitz G.G.
Published: September 2013

Background: Pentacyclic triterpenoids improve epidermal barrier function and induce collagen production. Here, their effects on cutaneous aging by means of objective instrumental measurements were elucidated. Methods: Reconstituted human epidermis, cultivated keratinocytes and fibroblasts were incubated with Terminalia arjuna triterpenes (T. arjuna bark extract), and mRNA and protein expression of various genes was determined using microarray analysis, qRT-PCR and ELISA techniques. Clinical efficacy of T. arjuna bark extract versus vehicle control cream was elucidated in 30 patients and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and elasticity were measured. Another 30 female patients in their postmenopausal phase were treated with a similar regime, and skin sebum content, cutaneous blood microcirculation and skin density/echogenicity were assessed. Results: Incubation with T. arjuna triterpenes increased FGF-2, TSP-1, TGF-β and CTGF expression, and VEGF secretion in vitro. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase release upon sodium dodecyl sulphate challenge was reversed by the application of T. arjuna bark extract. T. arjuna bark extract decreased TEWL, improved skin moisturization, reduced scaliness and led to significantly improved skin elasticity. Also, increases in blood microflow and skin sebum content as well as improved skin thickness/echogenicity were noted on postmenopausal skin, resulting in visible reduction of sagging skin on the jowls as demonstrated by digital photography. Conclusion:T. arjuna bark extract appears as an innovative active ingredient that exerts versatile antiaging properties in vitro and in vivo.
Progranulin Peripheral Levels as a Screening Tool for the Identification of Subjects with Progranulin Mutations in a Portuguese Cohort
Authors: Almeida Maria Rosário , Baldeiras Inês , Ribeiro Maria Helena , Santiago Beatriz , Machado Cristina , Massano João , Guimarães Joana , Resende Oliveira Catarina , Santana Isabel
Published: September 2013

Background: Progranulin (PGRN) mutations are associated with different clinical phenotypes, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), corticobasal syndrome (CBS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). As all pathogenic PGRN mutations identified so far cause disease through haploinsufficiency, determination of PGRN levels has been proposed as a reliable method to identify mutation carriers. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of peripheral PGRN levels in the identification of the PGRN mutation carriers detected thus far in our Portuguese cohort. Methods: Serum PGRN levels were measured in 244 subjects (124 patients in the spectrum of FTLD, 2 asymptomatic descendants of a FTLD patient, 56 AD patients and 64 controls) by a novel commercial ELISA kit. Results: Low PGRN levels were detected in 7 individuals (5 behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, 1 CBS, and 1 still clinically unaffected) that constituted the group of the null PGRN mutation carriers previously identified in our molecular diagnostic laboratory. The pathogenic mutations found consisted of 4 insertion-deletions, causing frameshifts resulting in premature stop codons, 3 of which were novel. In addition, a normal PGRN level was found in a patient harboring a novel missense variant. For this novel ELISA kit, we established a PGRN cut-off level that identified with 100% accuracy the pathogenic mutation carriers. Conclusion: This study supports the use of a novel assay for the determination of PGRN levels as a screening procedure to identify patients harboring null PGRN mutations. This approach would significantly decrease the required PGRN mutation analysis workload and should be extended to other clinical phenotypes than behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and to apparently sporadic cases.