bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressed Levels of Prostaglandin F2α in Mice Lacking Akr1b7 Increase Basal Adiposity and Predispose to Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Volat Fanny E. , Pointud Jean-Christophe , Pastel Emilie , Morio Béatrice , Sion Benoit , Hamard Ghislaine , Guichardant Michel , Colas Romain , Lefrançois-Martinez Anne-Marie , Martinez Antoine
Published: July 2012

Negative regulators of white adipose tissue (WAT) expansion are poorly documented in vivo. Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is a potent antiadipogenic factor in cultured preadipocytes, but evidence for its involvement in physiological context is lacking. We previously reported that Akr1b7, an aldo-keto reductase enriched in adipose stromal vascular fraction but absent from mature adipocytes, has antiadipogenic properties possibly supported by PGF2α synthase activity. To test whether lack of Akr1b7 could influence WAT homeostasis in vivo, we generated Akr1b7−/− mice in 129/Sv background. Akr1b7−/− mice displayed excessive basal adiposity resulting from adipocyte hyperplasia/hypertrophy and exhibited greater sensitivity to diet-induced obesity. Following adipose enlargement and irrespective of the diet, they developed liver steatosis and progressive insulin resistance. Akr1b7 loss was associated with decreased PGF2α WAT contents. Cloprostenol (PGF2α agonist) administration to Akr1b7−/− mice normalized WAT expansion by affecting both de novo adipocyte differentiation and size. Treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and Akr1b7−/− mice with cloprostenol suggested that decreased adipocyte size resulted from inhibition of lipogenic gene expression. Hence, Akr1b7 is a major regulator of WAT development through at least two PGF2α-dependent mechanisms: inhibition of adipogenesis and lipogenesis. These findings provide molecular rationale to explore the status of aldo-keto reductases in dysregulations of adipose tissue homeostasis.
Short-Term Caloric Restriction Normalizes Hypothalamic Neuronal Responsiveness to Glucose Ingestion in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Teeuwisse Wouter M. , Widya Ralph L. , Paulides Marit , Lamb Hildo J. , Smit Johannes W.A. , de Roos Albert , van Buchem Mark A. , Pijl Hanno , van der Grond Jeroen
Published: July 2012

The hypothalamus is critically involved in the regulation of feeding. Previous studies have shown that glucose ingestion inhibits hypothalamic neuronal activity. However, this was not observed in patients with type 2 diabetes. Restoring energy balance by reducing caloric intake and losing weight are important therapeutic strategies in patients with type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that caloric restriction would have beneficial effects on the hypothalamic neuronal response to glucose ingestion. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 10 male type 2 diabetic patients before and after a 4-day very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) at a 3.0 Tesla scanner using a blood oxygen level–dependent technique for measuring neuronal activity in the hypothalamus in response to an oral glucose load. Hypothalamic signals were normalized to baseline value, and differences between the pre- and postdiet condition were tested using paired t tests. Pre-VLCD scans showed no response of the hypothalamus to glucose intake (i.e., no signal decrease after glucose intake was observed). Post-VLCD scans showed a prolonged signal decrease after glucose ingestion. The results of the current study demonstrate that short-term caloric restriction readily normalizes hypothalamic responsiveness to glucose ingestion in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Pharmacokinetics after oral and intravenous administration of a single dose of tramadol hydrochloride to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis)
Authors: Souza Marcy J. , Sanchez-Migallon Guzman David , Paul-Murphy Joanne R. , Cox Sherry K.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To determine pharmacokinetics after IV and oral administration of a single dose of tramadol hydrochloride to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

Animals—9 healthy adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (3 males, 5 females, and 1 of unknown sex).

Procedures—Tramadol (5 mg/kg, IV) was administered to the parrots. Blood samples were collected from −5 to 720 minutes after administration. After a 3-week washout period, tramadol (10 and 30 mg/kg) was orally administered to parrots. Blood samples were collected from −5 to 1,440 minutes after administration. Three formulations of oral suspension (crushed tablets in a commercially available suspension agent, crushed tablets in sterile water, and chemical-grade powder in sterile water) were evaluated. Plasma concentrations of tramadol and its major metabolites were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results—Mean plasma tramadol concentrations were > 100 ng/mL for approximately 2 to 4 hours after IV administration of tramadol. Plasma concentrations after oral administration of tramadol at a dose of 10 mg/kg were < 40 ng/mL for the entire time period, but oral administration at a dose of 30 mg/kg resulted in mean plasma concentrations > 100 ng/mL for approximately 6 hours after administration. Oral administration of the suspension consisting of the chemical-grade powder resulted in higher plasma tramadol concentrations than concentrations obtained after oral administration of the other 2 formulations; however, concentrations differed significantly only at 120 and 240 minutes after administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Oral administration of tramadol at a dose of 30 mg/kg resulted in plasma concentrations (> 100 ng/mL) that have been associated with analgesia in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots.
Gene expression in intestinal mucosal biopsy specimens obtained from dogs with chronic enteropathy
Authors: Wilke Vicki L. , Nettleton Dan , Wymore Meghan J. , Gallup Jack M. , Demirkale Cumhur Yusuf , Ackermann Mark R. , Tuggle Chris K. , Ramer-Tait Amanda E. , Wannemuehler Michael J. , Jergens Albert E.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To characterize mucosal gene expression in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE).

Animals—18 dogs with CE and 6 healthy control dogs.

Procedures—Small intestinal mucosal biopsy specimens were endoscopically obtained from dogs. Disease severity in dogs with CE was determined via inflammatory bowel index scores and histologic grading of biopsy specimens. Total RNA was extracted from biopsy specimens and microchip array analysis (approx 43,000 probe sets) and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assays were performed.

Results—1,875 genes were differentially expressed between dogs with CE and healthy control dogs; 1,582 (85%) genes were downregulated in dogs with CE, including neurotensin, fatty acid–binding protein 6, fatty acid synthase, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member B1, metallothionein, and claudin 8, whereas few genes were upregulated in dogs with CE, including genes encoding products involved in extracellular matrix degradation (matrix metallopeptidases 1, 3, and 13), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-8, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ, and S100 calcium-binding protein G), iron transport (solute carrier family 40 member 1), and immunity (CD96 and carcinoembryonic antigen–related cell adhesion molecule [CEACAM] 18). Dogs with CE and protein-losing enteropathy had the greatest number of differentially expressed genes. Results of quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay for select genes were similar to those for microchip array analysis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Expression of genes encoding products regulating mucosal inflammation was altered in dogs with CE and varied with disease severity.

Impact for Human Medicine—Molecular pathogenesis of CE in dogs may be similar to that in humans with inflammatory bowel disease.
Developmental regulation of the activation of translation initiation factors of skeletal muscle in response to feeding in horses
Authors: Wagner Ashley L. , Urschel Kristine L.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To determine whether feeding-induced activation of translation initiation factors, specifically protein kinase B, ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1), ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1, in horses is affected by age.

Animals—6 yearlings, six 2-year-old horses, and 6 mature horses.

Procedures—After an 18-hour period of feed withholding, horses consumed a high-protein meal (2 g/kg) at time 0 and 30 minutes (postprandial state) or continued to have feed withheld (postabsorptive state). Blood samples were collected for the duration of the experimental procedures and used to determine plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and amino acids. At 90 minutes, biopsy specimens were collected from a gluteal muscle and used to measure phosphorylation of translation initiation factors.

Results—Plasma glucose, insulin, and amino acid concentrations were elevated for the postprandial state, compared with results for the postabsorptive state, regardless of age. Phosphorylation of protein kinase B, S6K1, rpS6, and eukaryotic initation factor 4E binding protein 1 was increased for the postprandial state. There was an effect of age with increased phosphorylation of S6K1 at Thr389 and rpS6 at Ser235/236 in the yearlings and mature horses, compared with results for the 2-year-old horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Food consumption resulted in an increase in the activation of translation initiation factors, with the highest degree of responsiveness in the yearlings. This indicated that increased muscle accretion seen during growth could be a result of increased rates of muscle protein synthesis in response to a meal stimulus.
Evaluation of anxiolytic effect of elaeocarpus ganitrus in mice
Authors: Rauniar G P , Sharma M
Published: July 2012

Background: Antianxiety drugs are prescribed frequently and associated with several limitations factors that led to interest in the alternative remedies. Herbal drugs are used in developing and developed countries but there is lack of scientific evidence. Ayurvedic physician were used Elaeocarpus ganitrus for the treatment of mental calmness.Objectives: Evaluate the anxiolytic effect of Elaeocarpus ganitrus in mice.Methods: The experimental study was conducted with the extract of Elaeocarpus ganitrus in comparison with Diazepam 1mg/kg in 60 mice using open field test and passive avoidance apparatus in six experimental groups. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney test and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: There was a significant increase in number of square crossed, time spent in central square and rearing behavior of animal. There was also decreased significantly time prolongation in Step down latency and increase of attempts in step down errors as well as time spent in the shock zone. Conclusion: Elaeocarpus ganitrus showed anxiolytic effect but there is need to find out safety, efficacy and the exact mechanism of action of this herbal remedies.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6575 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 108-112
Knowledge and practices regarding tuberculosis among people living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Yadav D K , Jhal N , Pokhara P K , Nagesh S , Yadav S , Niraula S R
Published: July 2012

Background: Tuberculosis is a serious public health problem in many developing countries. More than 2 billion people are infected with TB bacilli and annually around 9 million become infected, 1.7 million die due to this disease. TB is the most common opportunistic infection, leading to the mortality of people living with HIV.Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices of tuberculosis among people living with HIV/AIDS.Method: This study was carried out in Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa district of Eastern Nepal. Face to face interview was performed using convenience sampling technique. Data was collected from people living with HIV/AIDS, related to information on socio-demographic profile, knowledge, practices and risk taking behavior with the help of pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The generated data were entered into Microsoft Excel and SPSS 15.0 and Chi-square was applied for test of significance.Results- The total of 242 subjects were enrolled in the study. Out of them, 75.2% were males and 24.8% females, the age of the respondents varied from 14-65 years. Among them 53.3% were Intra Venus drug users, followed by 17.4% clients of commercial sex workers and housewives (17.4%). Around half (48.8%) of the study population were in the 30-39 yrs age group. The knowledge of tuberculosis disease was satisfactory but in depth knowledge of symptoms was not adequate. Regarding symptoms of TB, it was found that 85% were aware that cough for more than 2 weeks was suggestive of TB, 54% knew of chest pain and 84% knew of haemoptysis. Over the years, perception about tuberculosis has changed, which was shown by our finding, 93% of the respondents knew that TB is curable and 75% knew that anti-tuberculosis drugs provided free of cost under directly observed treatment short course (DOTS). Regarding knowledge of consequences of incomplete treatment, it was found that 17% answered the disease may attack again, and very few (2%) knew that incomplete or discontinued treatment would develop Multi drug resistantance.Conclusion- Our study revealed that knowledge and practices of people living with HIV/AIDS is not adequate. Their knowledge regarding consequences of treatment, and multi drug resisistance was very poor. Thus there is a need for an awareness program regarding tuberculosis - its signs and symptoms, treatment regimen and drug compliance through advocacy, communication and social mobilization.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6578 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 118-125
Electronic health records and products recall management for patient safety in health care
Authors: Devkota B , Buerck J
Published: July 2012

Patient safety should be at the core of health care delivery. The main motto of the health care industry is to help the people in fighting illness using safe products. We have seen news headlines about recalls because of faulty products that result in harm to the user; these have occurred not only in the pharmaceutical industry but also in the device industry. Harm may be accrued from mislabeling, defective parts and/or defective ingredients. The question is how to remedy the situation once the product has been in wide circulation perhaps not just in one country but across the globe. Many times we have experienced hardships due to the recall of consumer goods such as cars, refrigerators, toys, etc. Recalls due to safety concerns should be implemented immediately, otherwise potential harm from product use will result in the injury or death of the users. Electronic health records (EHR) will help immediately track down the patients using defective products (in this case, medical devices or drugs). It will thus help save lives by early notification to the users of these potentially harmful products.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6581 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 132-133
Blood ordering and transfusion practice in routine operation theatres of BPKIHS: a pilot study
Authors: Chaudhary R K , Singh R K , Pokharel K , Bhattarai B
Published: July 2012

Background: The practice of blood ordering before surgery is usually excessive. Hazards of over ordering include burden to blood banking, outdating of blood, unnecessary wastage of hospital resources, mental and physical stress to patient party. A study on blood ordering practice provides important feedback for improvement of blood ordering service system and developing Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule (MSBOS). Objectives: To find out the ratio between cross-matched and transfused blood units (C:T ratio) in routine operation theatres (OT) of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) and the time lag between blood demand and arrival in the OTs. Methods: Data of 94 patients undergoing elective surgery with potential need for blood transfusion over the period of one month were collected and analyzed prospectively. The variables noted include age, gender, body weight, blood group, hemoglobin level, diagnosis, type of surgery, maximum allowable blood loss, actual blood loss; number of blood units cross-matched and actually transfused. Results: Altogether, 161 blood units were cross matched and only 24 of them were transfused making the C:T ratio of 6.7:1. Fourteen out of 24 units were transfused only in gynecological & obstetrical patients. The mean time interval between the demand and the arrival of blood units was 10 ± 7.6 minutes. Conclusion: The overall C:T ratio in the routine OT of BPKIHS is comparatively high. Further study with larger sample size is needed for recommending MSBOS.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6583 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 137-138
Actinomycosis of the ileocaecal junction
Authors: Agrawal R K , Kumar B , Agarwal M , Regmi R , Khania S , Adhikary S , Agrawal C S
Published: July 2012

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6590 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 157-159
A Study on the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among the Coalminers of Eastern Coalfields of India
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arunabha , Dev Samrat , Gangopadhyay Somnath
Published: July 2012

Background: Mining is an ancient occupation, long recognized as being arduous and liable to injury and disease. The lifecycle of mining consists of exploration, mine development, mine operation, decommissioning and land rehabilitation. Objective: To explore the prevalence characteristics and influence factors related to the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders of underground coalminers in Eastern Coalfield mines. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 55 coalminers from Saatgram Project, Raniganj, Eastern Coalfields, modified Nordic Questionnaire was performed to assess the musculoskeletal disorders. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the occupational factors and their work related musculoskeletal disorders. Results: In this study 36 out of 55 miners (65.45%) complained about the development of musculoskeletal disorders at different body parts. The maximum pain was identified at lower back. The presence of lower back pain was observed among 58.18% of miners. The prevalence of pain in different body sites of the miners increased significantly with their ages. According to the present study, the repetitive operations and awkward postures were the risk factors for the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders in neck, shoulder and upper limbs; moreover, the repetitive operation of moving heavy substances and stooping postures continuously were related significantly – with the development of lower back pain at lower limbs due to the long standing awkward posture. Conclusion: It may be concluded from the above study that Eastern Coalfield miners are suffering from work related musculoskeletal disorders. This condition may be rectified by changing working postures or by implementation of ergonomically designed tools and machineries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6596 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 34-37
A Subjective and Objective Analysis of Pain in Female Brick Kiln Workers of West Bengal, India
Authors: Ray Chaudhuri Subhanu Sekhar , Biswas Chaitalee , Roy Krishna
Published: July 2012

Background: Work related musculoskeletal disorders are a common cause of pain in female workers in brick manufacturing industries involved in sorting and stacking process. Objective: This  study aims to categorize the component of neuropathic and/or nociceptive pain with reference to chronic low back pain, its probable causes and its impact on functional variables like hand grip strength, number of man days lost etc. Methods: Female subjects [n=220] in the age range of 28-45 years from different brick fields of Hooghly and Birbhum district of West Bengal ,India with a work experience of more than 10 years participated in this study. Pain categorization was done by PAIN DETECT TOOL .Hand Grip dynamometry done to evaluate grip strength. NIOSH equation was used to standardize RWL. Results: It showed that pain/discomfort was mainly at the low back(90%),neck(72%) and wrist(62%).72% of workers had a pain of >20 in the pain scale of the pain detect tool & 80% of workers were not satisfied with treatments with analgesics/antipyretics which indicate the involvement of neuropathic component of pain in them. The impact of pain was revealed on functional and productivity endpoints like reduced grip strength which also lead to absenteeism, loss of average man days[4.5/month] , injuries[in 33% of workers] and monotony[85% workers] Conclusion: The probable cause of the chronic low back pain may be due to radiculopathy from repetitive lifting of bricks over and above the Recommended Weight Limit [Lifting Index 1.8].DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6597 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 38-43
Reporter Gene Expression Patterns Regulated by an Ara h 2 Promoter Differ in Homologous Versus Heterologous Systems1
Authors: Bhattacharya A , Ramos M. L. , Faustinelli P. , Ozias-Akins P.
Published: July 2012

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally important crop whose seeds are widely used in food products. Peanut seeds contain proteins that serve a nutrient reservoir function and that also are major allergens. As part of an investigation to determine the effect of reducing/eliminating the peanut allergen Ara h 2 from seeds, gene sequence including upstream regulatory regions was characterized. The ability of regions upstream of the translation initiation site to regulate seed-specific expression of reporter genes was tested in peanut and Arabidopsis. Two independent transgenic peanut lines biolistically transformed with 1kb of DNA upstream of the Ara h 2.02 (B-genome) coding sequence controlling a Green Fluorescent Protein – β-glucuronidase (Gfp-Gus) fusion were obtained. All T1, T2 and T3 generations of transgenic plants showed the expression of GFP and GUS restricted to seeds and near background levels in vegetative tissues. However, constitutive GUS expression was observed in Arabidopsis transgenic lines, a heterologous system. It is possible that trans-acting factors regulating seed specificity in peanut are too divergent in Arabidopsis to enable the seed specific response. Thus, the promoter described in this paper may have potential use for expression of transgenes in peanut where seed-specificity is desired, but expression patterns should be tested in heterologous systems prior to off-the-shelf adoption.
Comparing the USDA/AMS Subsampling Mill to a Vertical Cutter Mixer Type Mill Used to Comminute Shelled Peanut Samples for Aflatoxin Analysis1
Authors: Whitaker Thomas B. , Slate Andrew B.
Published: July 2012

The US peanut industry can use up to three 21.8 kg samples per lot to determine if shelled peanut lots are acceptable or unacceptable due to aflatoxin content. If a lot is accepted by the first 21.8 kg sample (1AB≤8 ng/g) prepared with the USDA/AMS Subsampling mill (DM), then some peanut buyers request that the sheller prepare the second sample (2AB) and in some cases the 3AB sample (called special samples in the trade) with a vertical cutter mixer (VCM) type mill. These requests to specifically use the VCM instead of the DM to prepare official (1AB) and special (2AB or 3AB) samples is based in part on a perception that analytical results associated with a test portion taken from the 21.8 kg sample comminuted with a DM does not detect the full magnitude of aflatoxin in the 21.8 kg sample and that negative aflatoxin certificates (lot acceptance) are more likely to occur when samples are prepared with a DM than a VCM. Analysis of aflatoxin test results from two shellers along with Monte Carlo simulation indicate that differences between the 1AB and special sample test results are due to the use of a cut-off limit (≤ 8 ng/g associated with the 1AB) requested by the buyer as part of the acceptance criteria and not due to any bias associated with the DM. Operating characteristic curves were used to demonstrate that the performance of the USDA/AMS aflatoxin sampling plan is about the same regardless of the use of a DM or a VCM for sample preparation. The performances are similar because the DM, with an 1100 g test portion, account for only 8% of the total variability of the aflatoxin test procedure (sampling and analysis account for about 92%). A sampling plan that requires two 21.8 kg samples to test less than a limit, regardless of mill used to prepare the two samples, has a very low risk of accepting bad lots above the FDA limit of 20 ng/g, but has a very high risk of rejecting good lots, which makes for an extremely high economic burden on the sheller.
Peanut Cultivar Response to S-metolachlor and Paraquat Alone and in Combination
Authors: Grichar W. James , Dotray Peter A.
Published: July 2012

Field experiments were conducted at Yoakum in south Texas and at Lamesa in the Texas High Plains area in 2007 and 2008 to evaluate peanut variety tolerance to S-metolachlor or paraquat alone or in combination applied postemergence 7 to 28 d after peanut emergence. Runner market-type peanut were evaluated at Yoakum (Tamrun OL02, York, and Florida 07) while runner (Flavorrunner 458) and Virginia market-types (NC-7 and Gregory) were evaluated at Lamesa. Peanut stunting with paraquat alone or S-metolachlor + pararquat combinations varied from 0 to 15% and increased as application timing was delayed. Runner market type yields were variable while Virginia market type yields were not affected by paraquat or any combinations. Peanut grade (% SMK + SS) of runner or Virgina market types were not affected by paraquat applications.
Association of dietary fiber with high sensitivity C-reactive proteinin type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Begum Ismat Ara , Sen Moushuni , Afrin Syeda Fahmida , Moutoshi Shafia Sharmin , Islam Md Ashraful , Rahman Md Hasanur
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Hs-CRP is a nonspecific marker of the inflammatory response has been associated with development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cardiovascular disease is a major consequence of diabetes. DM confers a 2-4 fold rise in cardiovascular risk compared with general population. One of the many modifiable risk factors for both cardiovascular disease and diabetes is diet. Fiber is an important dietary factor that may modify the risk of both diseases. Material & methods: The current study is an attempt to explore the association of dietary fiber on inflammatory marker, hs-CRP in type2 diabetic subjects. Total 80 diabetic subjects were included in this study of which 40 were taking more dietary fiber and 40 were taking relatively low dietary fiber. Serum hs-CRP was measured by chemiluminescent immunometric assay (DPC Biermann Gmbh., Germany). Nutrient information was calculated using a pretested food recall questionnaire prepared by nutritionists for usual Bangladeshi food articles. Results: Hs-CRP was significantly higher in subjects taking low dietary fiber. There was significant negative correlation between CRP of subjects taking high and low intake of dietary fiber. Conclusion: So, low dietary fiber consumption maybe a possible causal factor of raised CRP. Type 2 diabetic patients who took less dietary fiber in their diets had elevated blood CRP levels. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i2.11434 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 02 April 2012: 117-120
Serum Lipid Profile status of Type 2 Diabetic Patients in the cross section population in Dhaka City of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarkar Bidan Chandra , Saha Hasi Rani , Azad AK , Sana Niranjan Kumar , Choudhury Subhagata
Published: July 2012

Objectives: Serum lipid profile viz the level of total cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol of type2 diabetic patients have been studied and compares them with levels of control subjects. Results: The mean value of the TG level for male diabetics was higher than that for the female diabetics and the mean values of TC, HDL-C and LDL-C were not found significantly different between male and female diabetics. Hyperlipidemia has a documented causative relation with CAD, but the major risk associated with diabetes may be due to the associated hyperlipidemia. The study revealed that dyslipidemia is very common in type2 diabetics and the most common abnormality observed was increased serum triglyceride levels (58%). The next common abnormality was decreased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and increased serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. A high total serum cholesterol levels was found in 41% patients. 39% of the patients examined were overweight, and 7% were overtly obese. Conclusion: Thus, the study clearly shows the relationship between type2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia, which may influence the mechanism by which type2 diabetes is associated with increased CAD risk. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i2.11479 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 02 April 2012: 121-125
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Palmitate Ester Self-Assembly with Diclofenac
Authors: Abedi Karjiban Roghayeh , Basri Mahiran , Abdul Rahman Mohd Basyaruddin , Salleh Abu Bakar
Published: July 2012

Palm oil-based esters (POEs) are unsaturated and non-ionic esters with a great potential to act as chemical penetration enhancers and drug carriers for transdermal drug nano-delivery. A ratio of palmitate ester and nonionic Tween80 with and without diclofenac acid was chosen from an experimentally determined phase diagram. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed for selected compositions over a period of 15 ns. Both micelles showed a prolate-like shape, while adding the drug produced a more compact micellar structure. Our results proposed that the drug could behave as a co-surfactant in our simulated model.
A Synchronous Multi-Body Sensor Platform in a Wireless Body Sensor Network: Design and Implementation
Authors: Gil Yeongjoon , Wu Wanqing , Lee Jungtae
Published: July 2012

Background: Human life can be further improved if diseases and disorders can be predicted before they become dangerous, by correctly recognizing signals from the human body, so in order to make disease detection more precise, various body-signals need to be measured simultaneously in a synchronized manner. Object: This research aims at developing an integrated system for measuring four signals (EEG, ECG, respiration, and PPG) and simultaneously producing synchronous signals on a Wireless Body Sensor Network. Design: We designed and implemented a platform for multiple bio-signals using Bluetooth communication. Results: First, we developed a prototype board and verified the signals from the sensor platform using frequency responses and quantities. Next, we designed and implemented a lightweight, ultra-compact, low cost, low power-consumption Printed Circuit Board. Conclusion: A synchronous multi-body sensor platform is expected to be very useful in telemedicine and emergency rescue scenarios. Furthermore, this system is expected to be able to analyze the mutual effects among body signals.
Leaf size in three generations of a dioecious tropical tree, Ocotea tenera (Lauraceae): Sexual dimorphism and changes with age
Authors: Wheelwright Nathaniel T. , Sinclair Jordan P. , Hochwender Cris , Janzen Fredric J.
Published: July 2012

• Premise of the study: In dioecious species, selection should favor different leaf sizes in males and females whenever the sexes experience distinct environments or constraints such as different costs of reproduction. We took advantage of a long‐term experimental study of Ocotea tenera (Lauraceae), a dioecious understory tree in Monteverde, Costa Rica, to explore leaf size differences between genders and age classes across generations.

• Methods: We measured leaf size in adult trees in a natural population, in their adult F1 offspring in two experimental populations, and in their F2 offspring at the seedling stage. Individual trees were measured at various times over 20 yr.

• Results: Leaves of female trees averaged 8% longer and 12% greater in area than those of males. Leaves were sexually dimorphic at reproductive maturity. Leaf size declined during the lifetime of most trees. Heritability estimates for leaf length were positive although not statistically significant (h2 = 0.63, SE = 0.48, P = 0.095).

• Conclusions: We ruled out the ecological causation hypothesis for sexual dimorphism in leaf size because male and female trees co‐occurred in the same habitats. Sexual dimorphism appeared not to result from genetic or phenotypic correlations with other traits such as height or flower size. Rather, females appear to compensate for higher costs of reproduction and diminished photosynthetic capacity by producing larger leaves. Additive genetic variance in leaf size, a prerequisite for an evolutionary response to selection for sexual dimorphism, was suggested by positive (although only marginally significant) heritability estimates.
The effects of prolonged endurance exercise on the neurological system in horses
Authors: Foreman J.H.
Published: July 2012

Horses compete routinely in endurance-type activities. Many of the various pathophysiological mechanisms which arise during endurance exercise have implications for the health and function of the neurological system. The development of centrally-mediated fatigue is a normal homeostatic physiological event with several possible mechanisms. Development of pathophysiological phenomena such as cerebral oedema may be near-terminal events during or after endurance exhaustion. Cellular damage resulting in cytotoxic cerebral oedema may result from decreases in circulating blood volume (dehydration), blood pressure, oxygen, and glucose, or increases in brain temperature. Vasogenic cerebral oedema arises from changes in cerebral vascular perfusion, tone, and permeability. Increased vascular permeability results from increased brain temperature, poor vascular integrity due to severe dehydration, disseminated intravascular coagulation due to hemoconcentration or endotoxemia, and iatrogenic overhydration during therapy. Clinical signs of intracranial disease after endurance exercise include staggering, shaking, ataxia, paresis, poor tongue tone, facial twitching, collapse, recumbency, seizures, and death. Treatment should include active and aggressive cooling, intravenous polyionic fluids, acid-base imbalance correction, intravenous glucose and calcium supplementation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents once the patient is better hydrated, intra-nasal oxygen therapy if practicable, and achievement of a non-dependent head posture to prevent jugular venous hypertension and further increases in intracranial pressure. The prognosis for central fatigue is good with appropriate supportive care, but the prognosis for successful treatment of cerebral oedema must be considered guarded at best. Prevention is critical and must be through incorporation of mandatory rest stops with sufficient length and veterinary monitoring to allow prevention and detection of exhaustion, excessive dehydration, and neurological signs. Management flexibility in shortening or postponing rides in hot and humid conditions, mandated use of aggressive cooling techniques, and more restrictive entry criteria for upper level Fédération Equestre Internationale races should all be considered as viable options for optimising the safety of endurance horses.
Judaísmo e identidad cristiana en el corpus de Cromacio de Aquileya
Authors: Noce Esteban
Published: July 2012

El presente trabajo procura determinar la motivación subyacente al discurso marcadamente antijudaico de Cromacio de Aquileya. Tras analizar las interpretaciones existentes sobre el fenómeno y reconsiderar críticamente los testimonios en que se han basado, se sugiere que –con independencia de cuál fuese la situación de la minoría judía en la propia Aquileya, circunstancia que ignoramos– la invectiva del obispo contra los Iudaei tuvo por intención proveer a los propios miembros de la comunidad cristiana de un contramodelo concreto en el que el individuo, acaso ignorante de las implicaciones de su elección, pudiese encontrar un buen ejemplo de lo que no era tolerado por la comunidad de la que formaba parte y de las consecuencias que aguardaban a quien no ciñese a ello sus conductas y creencias.
«Documentos en transición»: La legalización ante notario de documentos judíos utilizados por conversos en el pleito por la herencia de Beatriz de Arqueñigo
Authors: Virto Ibáñez Juan Jesús
Published: July 2012

Beatriz de Arqueñigo, conocida como Mazaltó hasta la conversión en 1498 de los judíos del reino de Navarra, sostiene en 1535 un pleito por los bienes de la herencia de su padre con los herederos de su madrastra María Díez ante los tribunales reales en Pamplona. Cuando era judía, María se llamaba Astruga Matarón y había casado en 1479 con Jacó Farax, luego Miguel de Arqueñigo, padre de Beatriz, que había sido fruto de un primer matrimonio con Aljohar. Al proceso se presentan algunos documentos, que son transcripción o traducción de otros originalmente redactados en letras hebreas o en hebreo y que habían sido transcritos y legalizados en 1509 y en 1525 por un notario de Tudela, Pedro de Agramont. Con anterioridad a 1498, éste había sido escribano de la aljama de judíos con el nombre de Jacó de la Rabiça. Estos documentos ofrecen una imagen inusual de los judíos de Navarra, antes y después de la expulsión o conversión de 1498, así como de la transición de judío a cristiano de los participantes individuales en el proceso. El autor abre un debate acerca de la eliminación de determinadas referencias judías de los documentos anteriores a 1498.
Estado de la investigación y bibliografía anotada de la obra literaria de Laura Papo «Bohoreta»
Authors: Papo Eliezer
Published: July 2012

El articulo trata de realizar una catalogación de la obra literaria de Laura Papo «Bohoreta », la primera dramaturga femenina de la literatura sefardí. Se ofrece aquí, por primera vez, una lista de todos sus escritos originales (piezas dramáticas, poemas, cuentos breves, novelas y ensayos) conocidos y preservados (en gran parte, inéditos aún). A ello se añade un estado de la cuestión de las traducciones literarias, así como de las recopilaciones de folclore sefardí que ella realizó.
Una breve comedia sefardí: Las semanas de Pésaḥ
Authors: Romero Elena
Published: July 2012

En el presente artículo se edita una obrita de teatro en judeoespañol aljamiado, escrita por Aharón de Yosef Ḥaźán, que fue representada en Esmirna ca. 1883 y publicada en Jerusalén en 1894. Se ocupa de los azacanados trabajos de limpieza de la casa que las mujeres sefardíes emprenden nada más acabar la fiesta de Purim para dejar la casa en las condiciones de kašerut que la ley judía prescribe para la fiesta de Pésaḥ. Frente a ello se aducen las quejas de los sufridos maridos que durante un mes ven alterada su vida y trastocados sus más elementales hábitos.
The Role of Properdin in Zymosan- andEscherichia coli-Induced Complement Activation
Authors: Harboe Morten , Garred Peter , Lindstad Julie K. , Pharo Anne , Müller Fredrik , Stahl Gregory L. , Lambris John D. , Mollnes Tom E.
Published: July 2012

Properdin is well known as an enhancer of the alternative complement amplification loop when C3 is activated, whereas its role as a recognition molecule of exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns and initiator of complement activation is less understood. We therefore studied the role of properdin in activation of complement in normal human serum by zymosan and various Escherichia coli strains. In ELISA, microtiter plates coated with zymosan induced efficient complement activation with deposition of C4b and terminal complement complex on the solid phase. Virtually no deposition of C4b or terminal complement complex was observed with mannose-binding lectin (MBL)-deficient serum. Reconstitution with purified MBL showed distinct activation in both readouts. In ELISA, normal human serum-induced deposition of properdin by zymosan was abolished by the C3-inhibiting peptide compstatin. Flow cytometry was used to further explore whether properdin acts as an initial recognition molecule reacting directly with zymosan and three E. coli strains. Experiments reported by other authors were made with EGTA Mg2+ buffer, permitting autoactivation of C3. We found inhibition by compstatin on these substrates, indicating that properdin deposition depended on initial C3b deposition followed by properdin in a second step. Properdin released from human polymorphonuclear cells stimulated with PMA did not bind to zymosan or E. coli, but when incubated in properdin-depleted serum this form of properdin bound efficiently to both substrates in a strictly C3-dependent manner, as the binding was abolished by compstatin. Collectively, these data indicate that properdin in serum as well as polymorphonuclear-released properdin is unable to bind and initiate direct alternative pathway activation on these substrates.
Sialoadhesin Promotes Rapid Proinflammatory and Type I IFN Responses to a Sialylated Pathogen, Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Klaas Mariliis , Oetke Cornelia , Lewis Leanne E. , Erwig Lars P. , Heikema Astrid P. , Easton Alistair , Willison Hugh J. , Crocker Paul R.
Published: July 2012

Sialoadhesin (Sn) is a macrophage (Mϕ)-restricted receptor that recognizes sialylated ligands on host cells and pathogens. Although Sn is thought to be important in cellular interactions of Mϕs with cells of the immune system, the functional consequences of pathogen engagement by Sn are unclear. As a model system, we have investigated the role of Sn in Mϕ interactions with heat-killed Campylobacter jejuni expressing a GD1a-like, sialylated glycan. Compared to Sn-expressing bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) from wild-type mice, BMDM from mice either deficient in Sn or expressing a non-glycan–binding form of Sn showed greatly reduced phagocytosis of sialylated C. jejuni. This was accompanied by a strong reduction in MyD88-dependent secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-10. In vivo studies demonstrated that functional Sn was required for rapid TNF-α and IFN-β responses to i.v.-injected sialylated C. jejuni. Bacteria were captured within minutes after i.v. injection and were associated with Mϕs in both liver and spleen. In the spleen, IFN-β–reactive cells were localized to Sn+ Mϕs and other cells in the red pulp and marginal zone. Together, these studies demonstrate that Sn plays a key role in capturing sialylated pathogens and promoting rapid proinflammatory cytokine and type I IFN responses.
Clashes and Compromises: Investment Policies in Tourism Destinations
Authors: Candela Guido , Castellani Massimiliano , Mussoni Maurizio
Published: July 2012

The authors solve a linear problem where a potential conflict between two agents (Destination manager and Firm) arises in a tourism destination. The Destination manager has to choose how to allocate limited resources (capital and land) between either second homes or hotels. This conflict stems from the assumption of agents who have different linear preferences with respect to the allocation of limited resources. As a solution to this policy problem the authors consider three different policies: no intervention (laissez faire), taxation and temporary de-taxation policy. Comparing these different policies, they show that a compromise solution (internal solution), which results from the de-taxation policy, may be preferred by both agents over the clash of interests outcomes (corner solutions). Thus, the authors show that in a framework of “conflict” between agents a compromise solution may be preferable to both the absence of public intervention and the imposition of a tax by a public policy maker who has the discretionary “power to regulate” conflicts.
Cost effective determination of vehicle emission factors using on-road measurements
Authors: Hudda N. , Fruin S. , Delfino R. J. , Sioutas C.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. To evaluate the success of vehicle emissions regulations, trends in both fleet-wide average emissions as well as high-emitter emissions are needed, but it is challenging to capture the full spread of vehicle emission factors (EFs) with chassis dynamometer, tunnel or remote sensing studies. We developed an efficient and cost-effective method using real-time on-road pollutant measurements from a mobile platform, which when linked with real-time traffic data, allows calculating both the average and spread of EFs for light-duty gasoline-powered vehicles (LDV) and heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles (HDV). This is the first study in California to report EFs under a wide range of real-driving conditions on multiple freeways and it captured much or most of the variability in EFs due to inter-vehicle differences. Fleet average LDV EFs were generally in agreement with most recent studies and an order of magnitude lower than HDV EFs, but over an order of magnitude or more spread was observed for both LDV and HDV EFs. HDV EFs reflected relatively rapid decreases occurring in diesel emissions in Los Angeles/California, and HDV EFs on I-710, a primary route used for goods movement and a focus of additional truck fleet turnover incentives, were lower than on other freeways. When freeway emission rates (ER) were quantified as the product of EF and vehicle activity rates per mile of freeway, ERs were found to be generally similar in magnitude. Despite a two- to three-fold difference in HDV fractions between freeways, higher LDV volumes largely offset this difference.
Variability in upwelling across the tropical tropopause and correlations with tracers in the lower stratosphere
Authors: Abalos M. , Randel W. J. , Serrano E.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Temporal variability of the upwelling near the tropical tropopause on daily to annual timescales is investigated using three different estimates computed from the ERA-Interim reanalysis. These include upwelling archived by the reanalysis, plus estimates derived from thermodynamic and momentum balance calculations. Substantial variability in upwelling is observed on both seasonal and sub-seasonal time scales, and the three estimates show reasonably good agreement. Tropical upwelling should exert strong influence on temperatures and on tracers with large vertical gradients in the lower stratosphere. We test this behavior by comparing the calculated upwelling estimates with observed temperatures in the tropical lower stratosphere, and with measurements of ozone and carbon monoxide (CO) from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) satellite instrument. Time series of temperature, ozone and CO are well correlated in the tropical lower stratosphere, and we quantify the influence of tropical upwelling on this joint variability. Strong coherent annual cycles observed in each quantity are found to reflect the seasonal cycle in upwelling. Statistically significant correlations between upwelling, temperatures and tracers are also found for sub-seasonal timescales, demonstrating the importance of upwelling in forcing transient variability in the lower tropical stratosphere.