bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Síntesis de CeO2: propiedades del sol-gel y caracterización de las nanopartículas obtenidas
Authors: Vega-Garita Victor , Matamoros-Quesada Josué , Vega-Baudrit José
Published: November 2015

En este estudio se propone un método sol-gel eficiente para la síntesis de óxido de cerio (IV) nanoparticulado y se comprueba con imágenes AFM. La disolución no presenta impurezas, según revelan los análisis por TGA, FT-IR y XRD. Aplicando la ley de Scherrer, el tamaño promedio del cristalito corresponde a 11 nm, mientras que por DLS muestra un diámetro promedio de 9,55 nm. La viscosidad y concentración de las nanopartículas son directamente proporcionales. Significativamente, resulta más fácil recubrir un sustrato de silicio (110) que uno de aluminio puro, según mediciones de ángulo de contacto. A concentraciones de nanopartículas superiores a 13,74 mg/cm3 la disolución filtra completamente las radiaciones ultravioleta. 
Experiencias en la aplicación operativa de un método multivariado de imputación de datos meteorológicos
Authors: Araya-López José Luis
Published: November 2015

Se han propuesto diferentes métodos y técnicas estadísticas para poder lidiar con el problema de los datos ausentes. En este estudio se analiza la aplicación de un método de imputación de datos usando componentes principales. El fin de este trabajo es discutir las posibilidades de este método para poder completar datos en resolución horaria generados por la red de estaciones del Instituto Meteorológico Nacional. Para lograr este fin se realizaron algunos experimentos con datos de prueba, a los que aleatoriamente se les eliminaron datos para su posterior estimación. Los resultados muestran que este método podría predecir la información que falta con un error absoluto medio de alrededor de 1 ºC en la mayoría de los casos. 
Estudio de cuatro plantas con uso medicinal tradicional cultivadas en las regiones Huetar Norte y Atlántica de Costa Rica
Authors: Moreira-González Ileana , Arnáez-Serrano Elizabeth , Murillo-Masís Renato , Quesada-Mora Silvia , Castro-Araya Víctor , Zamora-Ramírez William , Cordero-Hernández Meliza , Loaiza-Cárdenas Jorge , Navarro-Hoyos Mirtha
Published: November 2015

Esta investigación buscó avanzar en el proceso de domesticación de Phyllantus niruri (chanca piedra), Senna reticulata (saragundí), Pettiveria alliaceae (ajillo) y Phyllantus acuminatus (chilillo), así como en el estudio fitoquímico vinculado a su actividad biológica potencial mediante técnicas que permiten avanzar en el establecimiento de protocolos que aseguren su buen uso. Al mismo tiempo, de forma sistematizada, se introdujeron buenas prácticas de cultivo específicas para las cuatro especies en grupos de comunidades de las regiones Huetar Norte y Huetar Atlántica, con el fin de que puedan hacer un uso sostenible de estas plantas. 

La transferencia de los resultados en buenas prácticas y del conocimiento sobre el contenido polifenólico y el potencial bioactivo de estas especies tuvo el objetivo de apoyar a los grupos meta, mediante la creación de capacidad para lograr un mejor posicionamiento en los encadenamientos productivos en las comunidades, como una alternativa de subsistencia, propiciando, además del desarrollo científico académico a través de los resultados de investigación básica, el desarrollo socioeconómico y ambientalmente sostenible. 
Hábitos de consumo de embutidos en el cantón de San Carlos y el área metropolitana de Costa Rica
Authors: Araya-Quesada Yorleny , Jiménez-Robles Andrea , Ivankovich-Guillén Carmen , García-Barquero Manuel
Published: November 2015

Se realizó un estudio de mercado en dos áreas geográficas de Costa Rica: San Carlos y la Gran Área Metropolitana, con el fin de comparar los hábitos de consumo de embutidos. En San Carlos se hizo un minigrupo con cinco participantes y un grupo focal con nueve. En el Área Metropolitana se hicieron dos grupos focales con seis personas. Los resultados de las sesiones se analizaron por análisis temático. Se diseñó un cuestionario basado en la investigación cualitativa que se aplicó por teléfono y en el que participaron 193 personas. Los datos se analizaron utilizando estadística descriptiva. Se determinaron las relaciones utilizando una prueba chi-cuadrado (X2), con significancia del 5%. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los hábitos entre los consumidores, excepto para el embutido de preferencia, pues en el Área Metropolitana es el jamón, mientras que en San Carlos es el salchichón. Los embutidos se consumen por su buen sabor y por ser convenientes; se suelen acompañar con diversos alimentos. 
Objective C: Análisis de los métodos de comunicación de eventos entre objetos
Authors: Víquez-Acuña Óscar , Vega-Brenes Luis Alonso
Published: November 2015

Este artículo muestra una serie de patrones de programación utilizados para la comunicación de eventos en el lenguaje Objective C. Cada uno de estos patrones es explicado según su funcionalidad, se da un ejemplo conciso de su uso en el desarrollo de software cotidiano y se presenta un listado de ventajas y desventajas con respecto a las características propias del lenguaje. 

Al iniciar se retoman algunos conceptos de la programación orientada a objetos, para no perder de vista el tema con el que se está lidiando. Iniciando por algunos de los pilares de la orientación a objetos, se recuerda que se busca tener en mayor o menor medida en el software para que este sea considerado de calidad. Luego se analiza el patrón de modelo vista controlador, muy popular en los últimos años y el cual permite aplicar, como se verá después, los otros patrones de comunicación de eventos. 

Los patrones tratados son: delegados, notificaciones, observación y bloques de finalización, por lo que a lo largo de este artículo se discutirá parte de sus usos cotidianos así como sus puntos a favor y contras. El objetivo de este análisis es brindar a cualquier desarrollador un punto de discusión al seleccionar alguno de estos métodos para el desarrollo de una tarea específica. 
Desarrollo de una metodología de optimización y fijación de precios de exportación de Madera Dura de Estados Unidos a Europa y Asia
Authors: Brenes-Ramírez Diana
Published: November 2015

Este trabajo consiste en el desarrollo de una metodología de optimización y fijación de precios de exportación de Madera Dura de Estados Unidos a Europa y Asia. El enfoque recalca en generar una metodología que le permita a las empresas establecer los precios de sus productos a partir de bases concretas donde se hayan considerado factores internos y externos, además de cumplir con las expectativas del cliente. La oportunidad de mejora nace después de la crisis del mercado inmobiliario de Europa y Asia del año 2009, específicamente para el año 2013 las exportaciones de madera dura aumentan considerablemente y se considera que es el momento clave para que las empresas aprovechen esta oportunidad y mejoren su rendimiento en exportaciones. 

La metodología desarrollada se basa en los principios de “Revenue Management” el cual es una teoría que predice comportamiento del consumidor y busca la optimización de los precios para maximizar los ingresos de la empresa. 

El objetivo de maximizar el margen de contribución total de la empresa se logra mediante la aplicación de la teoría PRO (Pricing and Revenue Optimization) la cual proporciona un enfoque coherente y concreto de las decisiones de fijación de precios en toda la organización, además se busca representar el precio como un proceso merecedor de ser mejorado continuamente. Mediante la asociación negativa entre demanda y precio se establece la ecuación que describe esta relación y posteriormente se introduce en la ecuación del margen de contribución total la cual es maximizada para obtener el precio óptimo. 
Near‐Infrared Calibration of Soluble Stem Carbohydrates for Predicting Drought Tolerance in Spring Wheat
Authors: Piaskowski Julia L. , Brown David , Campbell Kimberly Garland
Published: November 2015

Soluble stem carbohydrates are a component of drought response in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) and other grasses. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIR) can rapidly assay for soluble carbohydrates indirectly, but this requires a statistical model for calibration. The objectives of this study were: (i) to build a robust calibration between the NIR spectra and soluble carbohydrate concentration of ground wheat stems; and (ii) to determine whether soluble stem carbohydrates are correlated with yield rankings of drought‐stricken wheat grown in the northwestern United States. Five spring wheat cultivars were grown in field trials conducted at six environments in the state of Washington varying in annual precipitation from 212 to 474 mm. Wheat stems were harvested from all plots at the onset of grain fill and assayed for NIR reflectance. Soluble stem carbohydrates were determined on a subset of the samples. The NIR data were calibrated to soluble stem carbohydrates using multiple linear regression, partial least squares regression, ridge regression with best linear unbiased prediction, random forest, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso), elastic net, and Bayesian lasso regression. Partial least squares regression provided the most accurate and reliable predictions for soluble carbohydrates. Correlations between soluble stem carbohydrates and grain yield were consistent across environments (r= 0.904 and ρ = 0.80). The effect of environment on the variation in response variables was lower for soluble carbohydrates than yield (5.93 and 71.7%, respectively) across environments. These data provide evidence that stem carbohydrates can aid in selecting cultivars with enhanced drought resilience.
Evaluation of Grain Yield and Quality Traits of Bread Wheat Genotypes Cultivated in Northwest Turkey
Authors: Bilgin Oğuz , Guzmán Carlos , Başer İsmet , Crossa José , Korkut Kayıhan Zahit
Published: November 2015

A study was performed to evaluate the effects of environment (E) and genotype (G) × E interactions (GGE) for quality traits and grain yield in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). ANOVA and GGE biplots were used to assess quality performance and stability in 36 genotypes of bread wheat through a three‐location trial over two cropping seasons in the Thrace Region of Turkey. The 36 wheat genotypes used were classified into eight different groups, including landraces, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and advanced lines. The data showed a wide range of variation for milling quality parameters with regard to gluten quantity and quality, as well as for grain yield. Genotypes, location, and year, in this order, contributed to this diversity. Remarkably, all the traits except grain protein content showed a larger genotype effect than location (L) effect; the interaction G × L was usually more important than the G × Y. Genotypic and location components markedly exceeded G × L and Y × L for all variables, with the exception of grain yield, in which the G × Y effect was greater than locations according to ANOVA analysis. Noticeable continuous progress (53%) was observed in genetic grain yield during the last 60 yr without limiting wheat quality. GGE biplot analysis found that, on average, the biplots accounted for 80 to 85% of G and G × E variation present. Krasunia and Sagittario were the best genotypes (best performance and higher stability) of the study based on the traits evaluated.
Pathophysiology, clinical manifestation and management of angioedema - our experience
Authors: Aleksic Aleksandra , Bogic Mirjana , Tomic-Spiric Vesna , Peric-Popadic Aleksandra , Vranjes Dalibor , Bosancic Borut
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Angioedema is characterized by subcutaneous and/or submucosal
swelling usually localized to the lips, eyelids, tongue, oral cavity, larynx
and pharynx. Various types of angioedema, caused by different
pathophysiologic mechanisms, can have the same or very similar clinical
picture and require different diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The
immediate threat to life as a result of rapidly developed edema of the
pharynx and larynx with airway obstruction requires endotracheal intubation
or emergency tracheotomy. Standard therapy, which includes epinephrine,
second-generation antihistamines and steroids, is not effective in the
treatment of all types of angioedema. Objective. On the basis of the clinical
presentation and course of angioedema, this retrospective study was aimed at
contributing to a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of the disease
and at helping determine the most effective available treatment modalities.
Methods. This retrospective study included patients treated under the
diagnosis of angioedema of the upper aerodigestive tract between 2000 and
2012 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Clinical Center of Banja Luka.
Results. A total of 76 subjects were included in the study. The average age
was 62.8 years. There were 40 (52.6%) male and 36 (47.4%) female patients.
The largest number of patients (44.7%) had type II angioedema. Almost half of
the patients or 36 patients (47.4%) were on treatment with an
angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi), but there was no statistically
significant difference under the total number of patients (p=0.678).
Conclusion. Better understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms and the
adoption of diagnostic protocols contributes to more effective treatment of
angioedema.
Terson’s syndrome: A report of two cases
Authors: Karadzic Jelena , Kovacevic Igor , Stefanovic Ivan , Risimic Dijana
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Vitreous or retinal hemorrhage occurring in association with
subarachnoid hemorrhage is known as Terson?s syndrome. In Terson?s syndrome,
intracranial hemorrhages are followed by intraocular hemorrhage, classically
in the subhyaloid space, but may also include subretinal, retinal,
preretinal, and vitreal collections. Vitreous hemorrhage recovery is usually
spontaneous in six to 12 months, otherwise vitrectomy is considered. Outline
of Cases. We report of two cases of Terson?s syndrome. The first was in a
hypertensive middleaged female, following anterior communicating artery
aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage, after postneurosurgical interventions.
The second case report was of a young male who suffered from the bilateral
vitreous hemorrhage after a severe traumatic brain injury. Conclusion.
Terson?s syndrome should be considered in patients who had previous cerebral
hemorrhage and are referred to eye specialist because of loss of vision.
However, this phenomenon has only rarely been described in association with
subdural and epidural hematomas or traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the small bowel mesentery: Report of a case
Authors: Maric Helena , Cvijanovic Radovan , Ivanov Igor , Gvozdenovic Ljiljana , Ivanov Dejan , Lalovic Nenad
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Primitive neuroectodermal tumor or Ewing?s sarcoma is a tumor
of undifferentiated small round cells that arise from the soft tissues, and
is believed to be of neural origin. It occurs most often in children,
followed by adolescents and young adults. Case Outline. A case of a
24-year-old patient with ulcerostenosans Ewing?s sarcoma of the initial part
of the small intestine is presented in our paper. Reviewing the literature
and using as an example the case of a female patient with signs of
sideropenic anemia caused by primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the small
intestine, an attempt was made to clarify the etiology, clinical
presentation, diagnosis and therapy with the aim of its rapid detection and
treatment. Conclusion. Mesenteric primitive neuroectodermal tumor is a rare
neoplasm in adults, while it usually occurs in children and young adults.
Surgical resection of the lesions with the application of chemotherapy is the
main form of treatment of patients suffering from this disease.
Leader-Member Exchange and Individual Performance. The Meta-analysis
Authors: Mazur Karolina
Published: November 2015

Leader-Member Exchange and Individual Performance. The Meta-analysis The paper contents the meta-analysis of 56 studies published in 47 scientific papers. The intercorrelations between Leader-Member Exchange and Individual Performance and Organizational Citizenship Behavior has been examined. The meta-analysis confirmed the correlation between those variables. The research revealed some new problems: that research tools used for LMX examination are not standardized, what can cause some differences in achieved results. Another problem that has been recognized was concerned with cause and effects relationship between LMX and individual performance. The identification of value exchanged in LMX has been recognized as further direction of the research.
Elements of Organizational Culture – theoretical and methodological problems
Authors: Sułkowski Łukasz
Published: November 2015

Elements of organizational culture - theoretical and methodological issues The purpose of this article is therefore the analysis of the various elements of organizational culture that are present in different concepts of culture. This is an important problem from the point of view of theory and practice of managing organizations because it is through research and development that culture can be managed, or at least influenced. The article analyzes different elements of organizational culture that can be identified in empirical research. 13 different types of cultural components were identified, ranging from values to organizational subcultures.
The interdependence of the regional environment state with the level of enterprise development
Authors: Malinowski Mariusz
Published: November 2015

The interdependence of the regional environment state with the level of enterprise development The purpose of this article is to determine to what extent the state of the regional environment, influences the development of companies located in different regions. In the first part, the paper characterizes the regional environment and presents it as a factor in the development of enterprises. In the second part, based on statistical data, the relationship between the development of regional environment and the enterprise development in individual voivodeships in 2006-2010 was examined.
Application of cost accounting systems in an enterprise
Authors: Kużdowicz Paweł , Kużdowicz Dorota
Published: November 2015

Application of cost accounting systems in an enterprise The Article discusses the issue of allocation of costs in the normal and actual cost accounting systems. A procedure of dump (conversion) of the normal into actual costs using data flows has been presented. The Article presents an example of applying the designed procedure illustrating the links between cost centre, cost objects and income objects accounting.
Intraarterial administration of norcantharidin attenuates ischemic stroke damage in rodents when given at the time of reperfusion: novel uses of endovascular capabilities
Authors: Khan Imad S. , Odom Mitchell , Ehtesham Moneeb , Colvin Daniel , Quarles C. Chad , McLaughlin BethAnn , Singer Robert J.
Published: November 2015

OBJECT

Matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) plays a critical role in infarct progression, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and vasogenic edema. While systemic administration of MMP-9 inhibitors has shown neuroprotective promise in ischemic stroke, there has been little effort to incorporate these drugs into endovascular modalities. By modifying the rodent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to allow local intraarterial delivery of drugs, one has the ability to mimic endovascular delivery of therapeutics. Using this model, the authors sought to maximize the protective potential of MMP-9 inhibition by intraarterial administration of an MMP-9 inhibitor, norcantharidin (NCTD).

METHODS

Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to 90-minute MCAO followed immediately by local intraarterial administration of NCTD. The rats’ neurobehavioral performances were scored according to the ladder rung walking test results and the Garcia neurological test for as long as 7 days after stroke. MRI was also conducted 24 hours after the stroke to assess infarct volume and BBB disruption. At the end of the experimental protocol, rat brains were used for active MMP-9 immunohistochemical analysis to assess the degree of MMP-9 inhibition.

RESULTS

NCTD-treated rats showed significantly better neurobehavioral scores for all days tested. MR images also depicted significantly decreased infarct volumes and BBB disruption 24 hours after stroke. Inhibition of MMP-9 expression in the ischemic region was depicted on immunohistochemical analysis, wherein treated rats showed decreased active MMP-9 staining compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraarterial NCTD significantly improved outcome when administered at the time of reperfusion in a spontaneously hypertensive rat stroke model. This study suggests that supplementing endovascular revascularization with local neuroprotective drug therapy may be a viable therapeutic strategy.
The effect of endothelialization on the epidermal differentiation in human three-dimensional skin constructs – A morphological study
Authors: Khiao In M. , Wallmeyer L. , Hedtrich S. , Richardson K.C. , Plendl J. , Kaessmeyer S.
Published: November 2015

INTRODUCTION:

Inducing vascularization in three-dimensional skin constructs continues to be difficult. In this study, two variations of human full-thickness skin constructs were examined. Type KCFB consists of keratinocytes (epidermal equivalent) and fibroblasts that were embedded in a collagen matrix (dermal equivalent). Type KCFB-EC consists of keratinocytes as well as fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells. The epidermal equivalent of KCFB-EC constructs underwent cellular alterations in their differentiation possibly induced by the presence of endothelial cells. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of endothelial cells, i.e., endothelialization of the dermal equivalent on the differentiation of keratinocytes by comparing the morphology and ultrastructure of the two types of skin constructs, as well as to excised normal human skin. Hypothesis: The differentiation of keratinocytes is influenced by the presence of endothelial cells.

METHODS, PATIENTS, MATERIAL:

KCFB constructs (keratinocytes, fibroblasts) and KCFB-EC skin constructs(kera-tinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells) were prepared according to Küchler et al. [25]. After two weeks, the skin constructs were processed for analysis by light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (TEM), followed by quantitative, semi-quantitative as well as qualitative assessment. For comparison, analysis by LM and TEM of excised normal human skin was also performed.

RESULTS:

Both KCFB and KCFB-EC skin constructs and the human skin had all strata of stratified soft-cornified epidermis present. The comparison of the respective layers of the skin constructs brought the following characteristics to light: The KCFB-EC constructs had significantly more mitotic cells in the stratum spinosum, more cell layers in the stratum granulosum and more keratohyalin granules compared to KCFB skin constructs. Additionally, the epidermal architecture was unorganized in the endothelialized constructs and features of excessive epidermal differentiation appeared in KCFB-EC skin constructs.

CONCLUSION:

The endothelialization of the dermal equivalent caused changes in the differentiation of the epidermis of KCFB-EC skin constructs that may be interpreted as an unbalanced, i.e., uncontrolled or enhanced maturation process.
Chronic liver disease: Correlation of CEUS-based microperfusion and indocyanine green clearance
Authors: Haimerl M. , Jung E.-M. , Beyer L.P. , Pregler B. , Dollinger M. , Sieroń D. , Niessen C. , Stroszczynski C. , Wiggermann P.
Published: November 2015

PURPOSE:

To evaluate whether changes of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)-based liver microcirculation during chronic liver disease are correlated with the extent of impaired liver function, expressed by the indocyanine green (ICG) clearance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

19 patients underwent CEUS examinations with previous or consecutive ICG clearance test. The ICG plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) was determined using the noninvasive pulse-densitometric LiMON system. Quantification of peak enhancement (PE), rise time (RT) and the wash-in rate (WiR) was performed in the liver parenchyma (ROIliver) as well as in the portal vein (ROIportal vein) using a novel quantification software (VueBoxTM). To compare quantification parameters, patients were classified in patients representing a healthy population (ICG-PDR >16, n = 8) and those representing patients with liver disease (ICG-PDR ≤16, n = 11).

RESULTS:

ROIportal vein showed significant differences comparing healthy patients and patients with liver disease for all perfusion parameters: PE and WiR were significantly higher in patients without liver disease ( p = 0.048; p = 0.039). RT was significantly lower in healthy population ( p = 0.039). Comparing perfusion parameters for ROIliver, PE was significantly higher in patients without liver disease ( p = 0.039). There was no significant difference for RT ( p = 0.804) and WiR ( p = 0.058), respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Within the framework of this study CEUS derived estimation of microcirculation did not prove to be a reliable estimator of liver function. RT, PE and WiR measured in the portal vein were significant perfusion factors in predicting liver function.
Morphology of primary human venous endothelial cell cultures before and after culture medium exchange
Authors: Krüger-Genge A. , Fuhrmann R. , Jung F. , Franke R.P.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

The evaluation of the interaction of human, venous endothelial cells (HUVEC) with body foreign materials on the cellular level cannot be performed in vivo, but is investigated in vitro under standard culture conditions. To maintain the vitality, proliferation and morphology of HUVEC seeded on body foreign substrates over days, the cell culture medium is usually exchanged every second day. It is well known, that alterations in the microenvironment of cells bear the risk of influencing cell morphology and function. In the current study the influence of cell culture medium exchange on HUVEC cytoskeletal microfilament structure and function was investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

HUVEC in the third passage were seeded on extracellular matrix (ECM) - which was secreted from bovine corneal endothelial cells on glass- until functional confluence was reached. The experiment started 11 days after HUVEC seeding with an exchange of the cell culture medium followed by a staining of the actin microfilaments with phalloidin-rhodamin 1.5 and 5 minutes after medium exchange. The microfilaments were documented by use of an Olympus microscope (IMT-2) equipped with a UV lamp and online connected to a TV chain (Sony XC 50 ST/monochrome) implying an OPTIMAS – Image analysis system. Prostacyclin was analysed in the cell culture supernatant.

RESULTS:

1.5 min after culture medium exchange in the functionally confluent cultures a slight disturbance of the actin microfilament structure with a broadening of the marginal filament band, a partial disconnection of cell-cell contacts and the appearance of intercellular fenestrations were observed. 5 minutes after medium exchange a redevelopment of the slightly disturbed microfilament structure with a condensation and narrowing of the marginal filament band was seen. 12 h later a further consolidation of the microfilament structure occurred. In addition, a perturbation of the cultured HUVEC occurred after cell culture medium exchange. The prostacyclin concentration in the supernatant increased significantly after 1.5 min to 466 ± 543 pg·mL–1 ( p <  0.001) and after 5 min to 408 ± 458 pg·mL–1 ( p <  0.001), while in control cells the prostacyclin concentration did not change remaining in the range of 50 ± 48.9 pg·mL–1.

CONCLUSION:

This study revealed that the exchange of the cell culture medium led to a rapid disturbance of the HUVEC with stress fiber formation, disconnection of cell-cell contacts and an altered prostacyclin secretion, which had regressed nearly completely after 12 hours. Therefore, the evaluation of HUVEC on body foreign materials should be performed not earlier than 12 hours after cell culture medium exchange to avoid a misinterpretation of the endothelial cell morphological state. This procedure minimizes the risk of a misinterpretation of the endothelial cell morphology – caused by the culture medium exchange and not by the interaction between biomaterials and HUVEC.
Cannabinoid 2 receptor activation reduces leukocyte adhesion and improves capillary perfusion in the iridial microvasculature during systemic inflammation
Authors: Toguri J.T. , Moxsom R. , Szczesniak A.M. , Zhou J. , Kelly M.E.M. , Lehmann C.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

Leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and decreased microvascular blood flow causing microcirculatory dysfunction are hallmarks of systemic inflammation. We studied the impact of cannabinoid receptor activation on the iridial microcirculation, which is accessible non-invasively in vivo, in systemic inflammation induced by endotoxin challenge.

METHODS:

40 Lewis rats were used in the experiments. Endotoxemia was induced by 2 mg/kg i.v. lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) were stimulated by i.v. administration of WIN 55212-2 (WIN; 1 mg/kg). CB1R antagonist (AM281; 2.5 mg/kg i.v.) or CB2R antagonist (AM630; 2.5 mg/kg i.v.) treatment prior to WIN was applied to identify the anti-inflammatory effects underlying each CBR subtype. Leukocyte-endothelial interactions were examined in rat iridial microvas culature by intravital microscopy at baseline and 1 and 2 h post-LPS. Additionally, systemic (mean arterial pressure, heart rate) and local (laser Doppler flow) hemodynamic variables were measured prior to and during cannabinoid treatments.

RESULTS:

Endotoxemia resulted in severe inflammation as shown by significantly increased numbers of adherent leukocytes at 1 and 2 h observation time post-LPS challenge and decreased microcirculatory blood flow at 2 h within the iridial microcirculation. WIN treatment significantly reduced leukocyte adhesion in iridial microvessels with a diameter greater and less than 25 μm during endotoxemia ( p <  0.05). Pre-treatment of animals by CB1R antagonist, AM281, did not affect WIN effects on LPS-induced leukocyte adhesion. When pre-treated with the CB2R antagonist, AM630, a reversal of the WIN-induced reduction in leukocyte adhesion was noticed in vessels with a diameter of less than 25 μm ( p <  0.05). Cannabinoid treatment significantly increased the local iridial microcirculatory blood flow 2 hours after systemic LPS administration ( p <  0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Systemic administration of the CBR agonist, WIN, decreased leukocyte-adhesion and improved iridial microvascular blood flow. This effect is most likely mediated by CB2R activation. Our findings indicate that the iris microvasculature can serve as a model to study the microcirculation during systemic inflammation and help to identify potential therapies to treat microcirculatory dysfunction in diseases such as sepsis.
Value or waste: Perfusion imaging following radiofrequency ablation – early experience
Authors: Thieme Stefan F. , Vahldiek Janis L. , Tummler Katja , Poch Franz , Gemeinhardt Ole , Hiebl Bernhard , Lehmann Kai S. , Hamm B. , Niehues Stefan M.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an evolving technique in treatment of hepatic malignant tumors. By heating local tissue it leads to coagulative necrotic areas around the ablation probe. Temperature falls with increasing distance to the probe, risking incomplete necrosis at the margins of the RFA-induced lesion. Therefore, immediate non-invasive and precise detection of incomplete ablation is necessary for early enlargement of the ablation if needed.

OBJECTIVES:

This in vivo pig study compares early experiences of immediate post-interventional computed tomography (CT) perfusion volume analysis to macroscopic and CT image evaluation in healthy pig liver.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

RFA was performed in vivo in healthy pig livers. Different CT perfusion algorithms (Maximum slope analysis and Patlak plot) were used to quantify three different perfusion parameters. Data points were acquired from rectangular grids. These grids were semiautomatically overlayed to macroscopic images documented after liver explantation. Each data point was visually assigned to zones defined as “inner” and “outer necrotic zone”, “margin” or “vital tissue”.

RESULTS:

Significant differences between necrotic zones and vital tissue are shown for equivalent blood volume ( p <  0.0001), arterial flow ( p <  0.01) and flow extraction product ( p <  0.001). Looking at equivalent blood volume and flow extraction product, there were also significant differences (EquivBV: p <  0.0001, FE: p <  0.001) between margins, necrotic and vital areas.

CONCLUSIONS:

In a porcine model these early results could show that all of the used CT perfusion parameters allowed discrimination of necrosis from vital tissue after RFA at high levels of significance. In addition, the parameters EquivBV and FE that give an estimate of the tissue blood volume and the permeability, were able to precisely discern different zones also seen macroscopically. From this data CT perfusion analysis could be precise tool for measurement and visualization of ablated liver lesions and for immediate detection of incomplete ablation areas.
Human microvascular endothelial cells displaying reduced angiogenesis and increased uptake of lipids during in vitro culture
Authors: Sievers Henrieke , Hirschberg Ruth M. , Hiebl Bernhard , Hünigen Hana , Plendl Johanna
Published: November 2015

Human microvascular ECs from the neonatal foreskin of two donors purchased from one distributor were used in an angiogenesis assay under the same culture conditions. Different angiogenic potency was apparent in these two batches (EC ang and EC non-ang). During the cultivation period of three weeks, EC ang ran through all stages of angiogenesis starting from proliferation to migration up to the formation of three-dimensional capillary-like structures. Despite of expression of endothelial markers, EC non-ang showed excessive intracellular storage of lipids in form of multilamellar bodies and decreased angiogenic potency in contrast to its counterpart, EC ang. Results indicate that lipid metabolism differs in EC ang versus EC non-ang. This study points up that these differences are based on the different donors and presents a novel and valuable model for the study of mechanisms of atherosclerosis in endothelial cells in vitro.
Polymeric inserts differing in their chemical composition as substrates for dendritic cell cultivation
Authors: Roch Toralf , Kratz Karl , Ma Nan , Lendlein Andreas
Published: November 2015

Dendritic cells (DC) contribute to immunity by presenting antigens to T cells and shape the immune response by the secretion of cytokines. Due to their immune stimulatory potential DC-based therapies are promising approaches to overcome tolerance e.g. against tumors. In order to enforce the immunogenicity of DCs, they have to be matured and activated in vitro, which requires an appropriate cell culture substrate, supporting their survival expansion and activation.

Since most cell culture devices are not optimized for DC growth, it is hypothesized that polymers with certain physicochemical properties can positively influence the DC cultures. With the aim to evaluate the effects that polymers with different chemical compositions have on the survival, the activation status, and the cytokine/chemokine secretion profile of DC, their interaction with polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), poly(ether imide) (PEI), and poly(styrene- co-acrylonitrile) (PSAN)-based cell culture inserts was investigated. By using this insert system, which fits exactly into 24 well cell culture plates, effects induced from the culture dish material can be excluded. The viability of untreated DC after incubation with the different inserts was not influenced by the different inserts, whereas LPS-activated DC showed an increased survival after cultivation on PC, PS, and PSAN compared to tissue culture polystyrene (TCP). The activation status of DC estimated by the expression of CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR expression was not altered by the different inserts in untreated DC but slightly reduced when LPS-activated DC were cultivated on PC, PS, PSAN, and PEI compared to TCP. For each polymeric cell culture insert a distinct cytokine profile could be observed.

Since inserts with different chemical compositions of the inserts did not substantially alter the behavior of DC all insert systems could be considered as alternative substrate. The observed increased survival on some polymers, which showed in contrast to TCP a hydrophobic surface, could be beneficial for certain applications such as T cell expansion and activation.
Return to Learn: A review of cognitive rest versus rehabilitation after sports concussion
Authors: Eastman Amelia , Chang Douglas G.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

Cognitive rest is the recommendation for all patients with acute sports concussion.

OBJECTIVE/METHODS:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted for the research question “What is the optimal cognitive load for patients with a sports concussion?”

RESULTS:

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The optimal cognitive load for patients after sports concussion is yet to be determined.

CONCLUSIONS:

Additional controlled trials of cognitive rehabilitation are needed to establish best clinical practice. The authors suggest memory training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and environmental interventions as areas of future research for sports concussion injuries.
Is customized vestibular rehabilitation effective in patients with Parkinson’s?
Authors: Acarer Ahmet , Karapolat Hale , Celebisoy Nese , Ozgen Gulnur , Colakoglu Zafer
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

Patients with Parkinson’s disease complain about restrictions in their daily life activities and impairment in their mobility and balance.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of vestibular rehabilitation on functioning, quality of life, balance, and postural stability in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

METHODS:

The patients with Parkinson’s disease divided into a rehabilitation group (Group 1, n: 29) and a control group(Group 2, n: 11). All patients were evaluated before and after eight weeks of customized vestibular rehabilitation for motor score (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale); quality of life (Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39); balance (Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale [ABC], Timed Up and Go Test, Dynamic Gait Index [DGI], and Berg Balance Scale [BBS]); and postural stability (Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction on Balance [mCTSIB].

RESULTS:

There were significant differences in the pre- and post-exercise ABC, BBS, and DGI scores in Group 1 ( p <  0.05). A statistically significant impairment was observed in mCTSIB (firm and foam eyes closed [EC]) in the control group ( p <  0.05). There were no significant intergroup differences in any of the parameters evaluated ( p >  0.05).

CONCLUSION:

In this study, vestibular rehabilitation was found to be effective for improving balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methanol: Study of Synergistic Effect on Adsorption Properties of CO2 and H2 in CuO/ZnO/ZrO2 System
Authors: Huang Chunjie , Chen Shaoyun , Fei Xiaoyao , Liu Dai , Zhang Yongchun
Published: November 2015

A series of CuO/ZnO/ZrO2 (CZZ) catalysts with different CuO/ZnO weight ratios have been synthesized by citrate method and tested in the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. Experimental results showed that the catalyst with the lowest CuO/ZnO weight ratio of 2/7 exhibited the best catalytic performance with a CO2 conversion of 32.9%, 45.8% methanol selectivity, and a process delivery of 193.9 gMeOH·kgcat−1·h−1. A synergetic effect is found by systematic temperature-programmed-desorption (TPD) studies. Comparing with single and di-component systems, the interaction via different components in a CZZ system provides additional active sites to adsorb more H2 and CO2 in the low temperature range, resulting in higher weight time yield (WTY) of methanol.
An Integrated Outlook on the Metagenome and Metabolome of Intestinal Diseases
Authors: Aw Wanping , Fukuda Shinji
Published: November 2015

Recently, metagenomics and metabolomics are the two most rapidly advancing “omics” technologies. Metagenomics seeks to characterize the composition of microbial communities, their operations, and their dynamically co-evolving relationships with the habitats they occupy, whereas metabolomics studies unique chemical endpoints (metabolites) that specific cellular processes leave behind. Remarkable progress in DNA sequencing and mass spectrometry technologies has enabled the comprehensive collection of information on the gut microbiome and its metabolome in order to assess the influence of the gut microbiota on host physiology on a whole-systems level. Our gut microbiota, which consists of prokaryotic cells together with its metabolites, creates a unique gut ecosystem together with the host eukaryotic cells. In this review, we will highlight the detailed relationships between gut microbiota and its metabolites on host health and the pathogenesis of various intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Therapeutic interventions such as probiotic and prebiotic administrations and fecal microbiota transplantations will also be discussed. We would like to promote this unique biology-wide approach of incorporating metagenome and metabolome information as we believe that this can help us understand the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and host metabolism to a greater extent. This novel integration of microbiome, metatranscriptome, and metabolome information will help us have an improved holistic understanding of the complex mammalian superorganism, thereby allowing us to gain new and unprecedented insights to providing exciting novel therapeutic approaches for optimal intestinal health.
Carbon and Energy Footprints of Prefabricated Industrial Buildings: A Systematic Life Cycle Assessment Analysis
Authors: Bonamente Emanuele , Cotana Franco
Published: November 2015

A systematic analysis of green-house gases emission (carbon footprint) and primary energy consumption (energy footprint) of prefabricated industrial buildings during their entire life cycle is presented. The life cycle assessment (LCA) study was performed in a cradle-to grave approach: site-specific data from an Italian company, directly involved in all the phases from raw material manufacturing to in-situ assembly, were used to analyze the impacts as a function of different design choices. Four buildings were analyzed and results were used to setup a parameterized model that was used to study the impacts of industrial prefabricated buildings over the input parameter space. The model vs. data agreement is within 4% for both carbon and energy footprint. The functional unit is 1 m3 of prefabricated building, considering a 50-year lifetime. The results of the four buildings decrease from 144.6 kgCO2eq/m3 and 649.5 kWh/m3 down to 123.5 kgCO2eq/m3 and 556.8 kWh/m3 as the building floor area increases from 1048 m2 to 21,910 m2. The use phase accounts for the major impact (approximate 76%). It is found that the carbon footprint is proportional to the energy footprint, the proportional factor being 0.222 kgCO2eq/kWh within 0.5% accuracy. Finally, a systematic study of the sensitivity of input parameters (insulation, lifetime, foundation type) is presented.
Understanding the Impact of Intensive Horticulture Land-Use Practices on Surface Water Quality in Central Kenya
Authors: Muriithi Faith , Yu Danlin
Published: November 2015

Rapid expansion of commercial horticulture production and related activities contribute to declining surface water quality. The study sought to understand the impacts on select rivers in Laikipia and Meru, production hotspots. The specific aims were (1) to identify prevailing surface water quality by examining variations of 14 physico-chemical parameters, and (2) to categorize measured surface water quality parameters into land use types highlighting potential pollutant source processes. Water samples were collected in July and August 2013 along 14 rivers in the study area. The data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA). Principal components (PCs) explained 70% of the observed total variability of water quality, indicating a prevalence of heavy metal traces (cadmium, phosphate, and zinc). These were linked to the rigorous use of phosphate fertilizers and copper-based agrochemicals in intensive farming. DA provided four significant (p < 0.05) discriminant functions, with 89.5% correct assignment enabling the association of land use with observed water quality. Concentrations of dissolved solids, electro-conductivity, and salinity spiked at locations with intensive small-scale and large-scale horticulture. Understanding the impacts of intensive commercial horticulture and land use practices on water quality is critical to formulating ecologically sound watershed management and pollution abatement plans.
Indoor Environmental Quality in Mechanically Ventilated, Energy-Efficient Buildings vs. Conventional Buildings
Authors: Wallner Peter , Munoz Ute , Tappler Peter , Wanka Anna , Kundi Michael , Shelton Janie , Hutter Hans-Peter
Published: November 2015

Energy-efficient buildings need mechanical ventilation. However, there are concerns that inadequate mechanical ventilation may lead to impaired indoor air quality. Using a semi-experimental field study, we investigated if exposure of occupants of two types of buildings (mechanical vs. natural ventilation) differs with regard to indoor air pollutants and climate factors. We investigated living and bedrooms in 123 buildings (62 highly energy-efficient and 61 conventional buildings) built in the years 2010 to 2012 in Austria (mainly Vienna and Lower Austria). Measurements of indoor parameters (climate, chemical pollutants and biological contaminants) were conducted twice. In total, more than 3000 measurements were performed. Almost all indoor air quality and room climate parameters showed significantly better results in mechanically ventilated homes compared to those relying on ventilation from open windows and/or doors. This study does not support the hypothesis that occupants in mechanically ventilated low energy houses are exposed to lower indoor air quality.
The Role of Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Yoo , Jang Byoung
Published: November 2015

Autophagy is a catabolic process involved in cellular homeostasis under basal and stressed conditions. Autophagy is crucial for normal liver physiology and the pathogenesis of liver diseases. During the last decade, the function of autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been evaluated extensively. Currently, autophagy is thought to play a dual role in HCC, i.e., autophagy is involved in tumorigenesis and tumor suppression. Recent investigations of autophagy have suggested that autophagy biomarkers can facilitate HCC prognosis and the establishment of therapeutic approaches. In this review, we briefly summarize the current understanding of autophagy and discuss recent evidence for its role in HCC.