bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous side effects of inhibitors of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signalling pathway and their management
Authors: Manousaridis I. , Mavridou S. , Goerdt S. , Leverkus M. , Utikal J.
Published: April 2012

Mutations in genes encoding for proteins along the RAS‐RAF‐MEK‐ERK pathway have been detected in a variety of tumor entities, including malignant melanoma, thyroid, colonic and ovarian carcinomas, and some sarcomas. Thus, a number of inhibitors of this pathway have been developed, whose antitumor potential is currently being assessed in different clinical trials. Up to now one drug of this category (vemurafenib) has been approved by the FDA and the European Commission for late‐stage melanoma. Although these new targeted anticancer therapies are generally considered to be safe and well tolerated, certain toxicities have been attributed to them, with cutaneous side effects being perhaps the most frequent amongst them. Based on results of clinical trials and on case series, a distinct profile of cutaneous toxicity has been observed, which is similar to that of EGFR and multikinase inhibitors. As exanthema, palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, hyperkeratosis, xerosis, pruritus, photosensitivity, and paronychia, can be controlled in most cases with common conservative modalities, special attention should be given to the early detection of epithelial skin tumors (mainly keratoakanthomas) that can be induced during therapy with these agents. This report reviews all current published data on cutaneous side effects of RAS‐RAF‐MEK‐ERK pathway inhibitors, and attempts to provide the clinician with clear hints for their management.
Venous malformations treated with dual wavelength 595 and 1064 nm laser system
Authors: Alcántara‐González J. , Boixeda P. , Pérez‐García B. , Truchuelo‐Díez M.T. , González‐Muñoz P. , Jaén‐Olasolo P.
Published: April 2012

Background & objective  Venous malformations (VM) represent a localized error in the embryological development of the venous branch of the circulation. The management of VM is complex and challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of combined sequential pulsed dye laser (PDL)‐Nd:YAG laser in patients with cutaneous or mucosal VM.

Methods  Thirty patients (age from 8 to 65 years) with cutaneous or mucosal VM treated with dual wavelength PDL‐Nd:YAG laser were retrospectively analyzed. Laser parameters were 10 mm spot size with 10 ms pulse and 8–10 J/cm2 of PDL, followed with a second delay by Nd:YAG with 15 or 20 ms at 35–70 J/cm2; or 7 mm spot size with 10 ms pulse and 5–10.5 J/cm2 of PDL, followed with a second delay by Nd:YAG with 15 or 20 ms at 50–100 J/cm2. Laser sessions were repeated approximately every 2–6 months. Air cooling was applied during treatment.

Three dermatologists evaluated treatment effectiveness by means of photographs of the patients before and after laser treatment (scale from 0 to 4). Differences in the degree of clinical improvement between patients with cutaneous or mucosal VM were also assessed. Adverse events were registered. Patient satisfaction was also assessed in 19 cases (scale from 0 to 10).

Results  Mean global improvement was rated as 3.37. Mean improvement in patients with cutaneous VM was 3.35 and 3.38 in patients with mucosal VM. No significant difference between both groups was observed (P = 0.53). Long‐lasting side effects included partial epilation of the eyelashes in one patient, ulceration in two patients and permanent scarring in three patients. Mean patient satisfaction was 8.55.

Conclusions  Our study concludes that dual wavelength PDL‐Nd:YAG laser was effective for treatment of the superficial component of cutaneous and mucosal VM.
Morphology of basal cell carcinoma in high definition optical coherence tomography: en‐face and slice imaging mode, and comparison with histology
Authors: Maier T. , Braun‐Falco M. , Hinz T. , Schmid‐Wendtner M.H. , Ruzicka T. , Berking C.
Published: April 2012

Background  Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows real‐time, in vivo examination of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A new high definition OCT with high lateral and axial resolution in a horizontal (en‐face) and vertical (slice) imaging mode offers additional information in the diagnosis of BCC and may potentially replace invasive diagnostic biopsies.

Objectives  To define the characteristic morphologic features of BCC by using high definition optical coherence tomography (HD‐OCT) compared to conventional histology.

Methods  A total of 22 BCCs were examined preoperatively by HD‐OCT in the en‐face and slice imaging mode and characteristic features were evaluated in comparison to the histopathological findings.

Results  The following features were found in the en‐face mode of HD‐OCT: lobulated nodules (20/22), peripheral rimming (17/22), epidermal disarray (21/22), dilated vessels (11/22) and variably refractile stroma (19/22). In the slice imaging mode the following characteristics were found: grey/dark oval structures (18/22), peripheral rimming (13/22), destruction of layering (22/22), dilated vessels (7/22) and peritumoural bright stroma (11/22). In the en‐face mode the lobulated structure of the BCC was more distinct than in the slice mode compared to histology.

Conclusion  HD‐OCT with a horizontal and vertical imaging mode offers additional information in the diagnosis of BCC compared to conventional OCT imaging and enhances the feasibility of non‐invasive diagnostics of BCC.
A multidisciplinary approach to solving computer related vision problems
Authors: Long Jennifer , Helland Magne
Published: April 2012

Citation information: Long J & Helland M. A multidisciplinary approach to solving computer related vision problems. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 429–435. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00911.x

Purpose:  This paper proposes a multidisciplinary approach to solving computer related vision issues by including optometry as a part of the problem‐solving team.

Recent findings:  Computer workstation design is increasing in complexity. There are at least ten different professions who contribute to workstation design or who provide advice to improve worker comfort, safety and efficiency. Optometrists have a role identifying and solving computer‐related vision issues and in prescribing appropriate optical devices. However, it is possible that advice given by optometrists to improve visual comfort may conflict with other requirements and demands within the workplace. A multidisciplinary approach has been advocated for solving computer related vision issues. There are opportunities for optometrists to collaborate with ergonomists, who coordinate information from physical, cognitive and organisational disciplines to enact holistic solutions to problems. This paper proposes a model of collaboration and examples of successful partnerships at a number of professional levels including individual relationships between optometrists and ergonomists when they have mutual clients/patients, in undergraduate and postgraduate education and in research. There is also scope for dialogue between optometry and ergonomics professional associations.

Summary:  A multidisciplinary approach offers the opportunity to solve vision related computer issues in a cohesive, rather than fragmented way. Further exploration is required to understand the barriers to these professional relationships.
Distinct endothelial pathways underlie sexual dimorphism in vascular auto‐regulation
Authors: Chan Melissa V , Bubb Kristen J , Noyce Alastair , Villar Inmaculada C , Duchene Johan , Hobbs Adrian J , Scotland Ramona S , Ahluwalia Amrita
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pre‐menopausal females have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease compared with age‐matched males, implying differences in the mechanisms and pathways regulating vasoactivity. In small arteries, myogenic tone (constriction in response to raised intraluminal pressure) is a major determinant of vascular resistance. Endothelium‐derived dilators, particularly NO, tonically moderate myogenic tone and, because the endothelium is an important target for female sex hormones, we investigated whether NO‐mediated moderation of myogenic tone differed between the sexes.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Pressure–diameter or relaxation concentration–response curves to the NO donor spermine‐NO or soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation (BAY41‐2272) were constructed before and following drug intervention in murine mesenteric resistance arteries. Hypotensive responses to activators of the NO‐sGC pathway were determined. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used for expression analysis.

KEY RESULTS NO synthase inhibition enhanced myogenic tone of arteries of both sexes while block of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) enhanced responses in arteries of females only. Spermine‐NO concentration‐dependently relaxed mesenteric arteries isolated from either sex. However, while inhibition of sGC activity attenuated responses of arteries from male mice only, endothelial denudation attenuated responses of arteries from females only. BAY41‐2272 and spermine‐NO‐induced vasodilatation and hypotension were greater in males than in females.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NO moderated myogenic tone in arteries of male mice by a sGC‐dependent pathway while EDHF was the predominant endothelial regulator in arteries of females. This is a potentially important sexual dimorphism in NO‐mediated reactivity and further implicates EDHF as the predominant endothelial vasodilator in female resistance arteries.
Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in gynaecology: Feasibility and operative outcomes
Authors: Behnia‐Willison Fariba , Foroughinia Leila , Sina Maryam , McChesney Phil
Published: May 2012

Background

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) represents the latest advancement in minimally invasive surgery, combining the benefits of conventional laparoscopic surgery, such as less pain and faster recovery, with improved cosmesis. Although the successful use of this technique is well reported in general surgery and urology, there is a lack of studies on SILS in gynaecology.

Aims

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, cosmesis and outcome of SILS in gynaecology.

Methods

A prospective case series analysis of 105 women scheduled to undergo surgery by SILS from August 2010 to November 2011. Intra‐operative data such as operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, additional ports and hospital stay were collected. Post‐operative pain and cosmetic outcomes (scar size) were also recorded.

Results

Out of 105 women, SILS was performed for 84 (60 excisions of endometriosis, 13 divisions of adhesions, five hysterectomies, two mesh sacrohysteropexies and four ovarian cystectomies). SILS was not undertaken for 21 women because of a number of factors, including the lack of required equipment (eg bariatric scope, SILS port, roticulating instruments and diathermy leads). Four women required insertion of additional ports because of surgical difficulties. One intra‐operative (uterine perforation) and seven post‐operative complications (six wound infections and one vault haematoma) occurred. Mean operation times were as follows: mesh sacrohysteropexy – 60 min, excision of endometriosis – 55 min, hysterectomy – 150 min, laparoscopic division of adhesions – 62 min and ovarian cystectomy – 40 min.

Conclusions

Our experience shows that SILS is a feasible and safe technique for the surgical management of various gynaecological conditions. Satisfaction is high because of improved cosmesis and reduced analgesic requirements post‐operatively.
Dilator‐Assisted Banding for Managing Complications Associated with Excessive Hemodialysis Access Flow
Authors: Wang Shouwen , Almehmi Ammar , Packer Jeffrey
Published: May 2012

Excessive hemodialysis access flow can be associated with serious complications, such as ischemic steal syndrome and heart failure. Among the therapeutic approaches, endoluminal balloon‐guided banding has the advantage of being minimally invasive. However, it requires fluoroscopic guidance. We here report a simpler approach, Dilator‐assisted Banding (DAB), in which over‐the‐wire vascular dilators of known diameters are used as endoluminal‐guides to achieve precision banding with or without fluoroscopic guidance. The dilators used are 10, 12, and 14 French, corresponding to 3.3, 4.0, and 4.7 mm in diameter, respectively. Of the seven treated patients with ischemic steal syndrome, three were males, mean age was 67.7 ± 16.3 years, five were diabetics, all were hypertensive, five had fistulas, and two had grafts. Mean age of hemodialysis accesses was 17.2 ± 18.4 months. Three patients had banding without fluoroscopic guidance, including two performed during fistula vein superficialization and basilic vein transposition. With follow‐up of 2–12 months, all hemodialysis accesses remained functional. Six patients had complete resolution and one reported marked improvement of ischemic symptoms. In summary, DAB is a simple, effective, and economical flow‐reduction alternative for managing ischemic steal syndrome and potentially other complications associated with excessive access flows. In addition, it can be safely performed without fluoroscopic guidance.
Cost and environmental efficiency of rice farms in South Korea
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Trung , Hoang Viet‐Ngu , Seo Bumsuk
Published: April 2012

We examine cost and nutrient use efficiency of farms and determine the cost to move farms to nutrient‐efficient operation using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with a dataset of 96 rice farms in Gangwon province of South Korea from 2003 to 2007. Our findings show that improvements in technical efficiency would result in both lower production costs and better environmental performance. It is, however, not costless for farms to move from their current operation to the environmentally efficient operation. On average, this movement would increase production costs by 119% but benefit the water system through an approximately 69% reduction in eutrofying power (EP). The average estimated cost of each EP kg of aggregate nutrient reduction is approximately one thousand two hundred won. For technically efficient farms, there is a trade‐off between cost and environmental efficiency. We also find that the environmental performance of farms varies across farms and regions. We suggest that agri‐environmental policies should be (re)designed to improve both cost and environmental performance of rice farms.
Maternal effects reduce oxidative stress in female nestlings under high parasite load
Authors: De Coster Greet , De Neve Liesbeth , Verhulst Simon , Lens Luc
Published: May 2012

Mothers can adjust the phenotype of their offspring to the local environment through a modification of their egg investment and/or nestling provisioning. However, offspring health may be severely impaired if the conditions experienced by nestlings do not match with those anticipated by the mother. If maternal effects differentially affect the sexes or if one sex is more strongly affected by an environmental stressor, fitness benefits may also differ between male and female offspring. Here, we study maternal effects in male and female great tit Parus major nestlings by means of an ectoparasite treatment before egg‐laying combined with a partial cross‐foster experiment between broods of infested and uninfested nests. Nestlings that were raised in their own nest experienced the same conditions before and after cross‐fostering (either in parasite infested or uninfested nests), while cross‐fostered ones experienced different conditions (either changing from infested to uninfested or the other way around). We measured effects on nestling plasma levels of oxidative stress [reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) and total antioxidant capacity (OXY)], body condition (body size and mass) and post‐fledging survival. Daughters, but not sons, from matching conditions showed the lowest ROM and high OXY levels when exposed to parasites, while there was no effect of parasite exposure in any of both sexes in case of a mismatch. In contrast, body condition and post‐fledging survival were not (or only slightly) affected by any of the experimental treatments. Results of this study show that maternal effects can affect oxidative stress levels of nestlings in a sex‐specific way and that the outcome depends on the exposure to environmental stressors, such as parasites.
Nest visit synchrony is high and correlates with reproductive success in the wild Zebra finchTaeniopygia guttata
Authors: Mariette Mylene M. , Griffith Simon C.
Published: May 2012

Nest visit synchrony, whereby adults coordinate their visits to the nest, has been documented in several species of cooperative breeders. Visit synchrony may reduce nest predation rate or sibling competition, or instead follow from synchronisation of other behaviours, such as foraging. However, nest visit synchrony has rarely been considered in species with bi‐parental care, even though it could conceivably bring similar fitness benefits to that seen in cooperative breeders. In addition, in species with bi‐parental care, we might expect nest visit synchrony to reflect the quality of the pair or the overall coordination of breeding activity between partners. Here, we tested whether nest visit synchrony occurs in a classic avian model for the study of bi‐parental care, the zebra finchTaeniopygia guttata.We found that in the wild, both zebra finch parents visited the nest very infrequently during nestling provisioning, with only one visit per hour, and that nest visits were highly synchronised with parents visiting the nest together on 78% of the visits. In addition, we found that nest visit synchrony was correlated with hatching rate, brood size at hatching and the number of offspring in the nest a few days prior to fledging. Our results suggest that, while more work is required to understand the benefits of nest visit synchrony in this species, considering behavioural synchrony and cooperation between mated partners may offer new insight into the study of parental investment, including in species with bi‐parental care.
Female‐biased offspring sex ratios in birds at a mercury‐contaminated river
Authors: Bouland Andrew J. , White Ariel E. , Lonabaugh Kevin P. , Varian‐Ramos Claire W. , Cristol Daniel A.
Published: May 2012

Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that can negatively impact physiology and behavior of vertebrates, causing sub‐lethal changes in condition and reducing fitness. Here we examine its effect on offspring sex ratio. Previous studies demonstrate the ability of environmental contaminants to skew sex ratios in wild populations toward the production of females, and research in humans has demonstrated a decrease in male births following mercury exposure. We therefore hypothesized that female birds inhabiting the floodplain of a mercury‐contaminated river would produce broods more biased towards the production of females relative to birds from uncontaminated areas. We examined complete broods of three species: the aquatic‐feeding belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon, the terrestrial‐feeding eastern bluebird Sialia sialis, and the tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor, which feeds from both aquatic and terrestrial sources. Nestling sex ratios were shifted toward the production of females in all three species on mercury‐contaminated sites when compared to uncontaminated reference sites. These results may be explained by endocrine disruption or the Trivers–Willard theory of sex allocation. Our study is the first to examine the impact of mercury on offspring sex ratios in birds, and therefore contributes to our understanding of the potential for this persistent biomagnifying contaminant to alter fitness and effective population size in wildlife.
Effects of antibiotics on hydrogen production and gut symbionts in the Formosan subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Cao Yueqing , Sun Jian‐Zhong , Rodriguez Jose M.
Published: April 2012

Abstract  Symbiotic microorganisms that inhabit the gut of Coptotermes formosanus enable this termite to degrade lignocelluloses and further produce hydrogen as an important intermediate to be recycled in its hindgut or as a byproduct to be emitted to the atmosphere. Both symbiotic protists and prokaryotes in the guts of termites demonstrated some different roles with respect to hydrogen production. In this study, the effects of two antibiotics, ampicillin and tetracycline, on hydrogen emission and the gut symbionts of C. formosanus were investigated. Hydrogen emission from termite guts was significantly enhanced when termites fed on wood diets treated with either ampicillin or tetracycline. The greatest H2 emission rates, 2 519 ± 74 and 2 080 ± 377 nmol/h/g body weight, were recorded with the treatments of ampicillin and tetracycline, respectively, which showed 6–7 times more H2 production than that of controls. Antibiotic‐treated diets negatively affected the prokaryotic communities and reduced their abundances, particularly on those ectosymbionts inhabiting the gut walls or in the gut fluid of C. formosanus, such as spirochetes. However, no significant reductions in the counts of gut cellulolytic protists, Pseudotrichonympha grassii and Holomastigotoids hartmanni, were recorded; and with a further observation by confocal laser scanning microscopy, the endosymbionts inhabiting P. grassii generally survived the antibiotic treatments. These results suggest that some prokaryotes may serve as the main hydrogen consumers, while P. grassii, together with its endosymbionts, may function as the main contributors for hydrogen production in the hindgut of C. formosanus.
Anticonvulsant Activity of Novel 1‐(Substituted Benzylidene)‐4‐(1‐(Morpholino/Piperidino Methyl)‐2,3‐Dioxoindolin‐5‐yl) Semicarbazide Derivatives in Mice and Rats Acute Seizure Models
Authors: Prakash Chinnasamy Rajaram , Raja Sundararajan , Saravanan Govindaraj
Published: April 2012

A series of novel 1‐(substituted benzylidene)‐4‐(1‐(morpholino/piperidino methyl)‐2,3‐dioxoindolin‐5‐yl) semicarbazides 6a–6t was designed and synthesized on the basis of semicarbazide‐based pharmacophoric model to meet the structural requirements necessary for anticonvulsant activity. The compounds were subjected to in vivo antiepileptic evaluation using maximal electroshock test and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole seizure test methods. The neurotoxicity was determined by rotorod test. In the preliminary screening, compounds 6c, 6d, 6g, 6h, and 6m were found active in maximal electroshock test model, while 6g, 6i, 6m, and 6o showed significant antiepileptic activity in subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole seizure test model. Further, the compounds 6c, 6d, 6g, 6h, 6i, and 6m were administered orally to rats, of which 6c and 6g showed better activity than phenytoin. Among the synthesized compounds, 6g revealed excellent protection in both models with lower neurotoxicity.
Validation of the Glasgow Facial Palsy Scale for the assessment of smile reanimation surgery in facial paralysis
Authors: Romeo M. , O’Reilly B. , Robertson B.F. , Morley S.
Published: April 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 181–187

Objectives:  To evaluate the Glasgow Facial Palsy Scale as a tool to assess facial reanimation surgery in facial palsy. Software analysis of digital video data is used to measure facial movements, comparing the affected to the normal side. We present the first use of the Glasgow Facial Palsy Scale following facial re‐animation surgery.

Design:  A comparison of the Glasgow Facial Palsy Scale against the Nottingham scoring system. Subjects undergoing unilateral surgical smile reanimation procedures were selected. Comparison was made with the Nottingham facial palsy scale and the House‐Brackmann Scale pre‐ and postoperatively.

Setting:  Patients were recruited in the facial palsy clinic of Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit, Glasgow.

Participants:  Seven consecutive patients were selected who were due to undergo unilateral facial reanimation.

Main outcome measures:  The difference in pre‐ and post‐surgical facial movement as measured using the Glasgow Facial Palsy Scale with this value being compared to that obtained using the Nottingham scoring system. Note was also taken of the correlation with House‐Brackmann system and clinical correlation.

Results and Conclusions: Statistical analysis indicated a linear relationship between the Glasgow Facial Palsy Scale and the Nottingham System. The Pearson correlation test was used to confirm the relationship between the two methods giving a result of −0.587, which indicates significant correlation between the two methods. We conclude that the Glasgow Facial Palsy Scale is a standardised objective method of assessing the change in facial movement following smile reanimation surgery. We commend it as a useful tool to objectively assess surgical results in this challenging field.
Does nutritional education improve the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes? A randomized controlled trial based on an educational model (营养教育能够改善老年2型糖尿病患者心血管疾病的危险因素吗？一项基于教育模型的随机对照试验)*
Authors: Sharifirad Gholamreza , Najimi Arash , Hassanzadeh Akbar , Azadbakht Leila
Published: April 2012

Background:  To evaluate the effects of a nutritional education program on cardiovascular risk among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods:  Ninety‐seven elderly patients with T2D were enrolled in the present randomized controlled educational trial study. Patients were divided into intervention and control groups. The Belief, Attitude, Subjective Norm, Enabling Factors (BASNEF) educational model was used to design the educational intervention. Patients in the control group received their usual care during the study. Anthropometric data, lipid profiles and blood pressure measurements were collected at baseline and Week 12 in each group.

Results:  Significant declines were observed in the intervention compared with control group in terms of body weight (−1.3 ± 1.1 vs 0.11 ± 0.58 kg, respectively), body mass index (−0.48 ± 0.37 vs 0.05 ±  0.22 kg/m2, respectively), serum triglyceride levels (−18.25 ± 32.15 vs −3.67 ± 22.61 mg/dL, respectively; P < 0.05 for all), and the waist‐to‐hip ratio (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (−1.02 ± 4.35 vs −1.10 ± 6.93 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.9) or low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (−4.04 ± 11.64 vs −1.08 ± 4.35 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.2).

Conclusions:  Short‐term nutritional education based on the BASNEF educational model improves serum triglyceride levels and anthropometric indices in elderly patients with T2D.
New gene‐derived simple sequence repeat markers for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: BLAIR MATTHEW W. , HURTADO NATALIA , SHARMA PREM
Published: April 2012

Common bean is an important and diverse crop legume with several wild relatives that are all part of the Phaseoleae tribe of tropical crop legumes. Sequence databases have been a good source of sequences to mine for simple sequence repeats (SSRs). The objective of this research was to evaluate 14 sequence collections from common bean for SSRs and to evaluate the diversity of the polymorphic microsatellites derived from these collections. SSRs were found in 10 of the GenBank sequence collections with an average of 11.3% of sequences containing microsatellite motifs. The most common motifs were based on tri‐ and dinucleotides. In a marker development programme, primers were designed for 125 microsatellites which were tested on a panel of 18 common bean genotypes. The markers were named as part of the bean microsatellite‐database (BMd) series, and the average polymorphism information content was 0.404 for polymorphic markers and predicted well the genepool structure of common beans and the status of the wild and cultivated accessions that were included in the study. Therefore, the BMd series of microsatellites is useful for multiple studies of genetic relatedness and as anchor markers in future mapping of wide crosses in the species.
ON THE MAXIMUM VALUE OF THE MASS OF GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A STAR
Authors: Sharma J. P.
Published: May 2012

Abstract

The present communication is concerned with reviewing Anderson's expressions for an upper limit of the mass of gravitational potential energy of a polytropic gaseous star by taking into consideration the change of mass of material during condensation. It has been found that the maximum value of the final mass of the gaseous star is 1.314 times of that of Anderson's liquid star. Values of (Mr)max for the known white dwarf stars Sirius B, O2 Eridani B, and Van Maanen's star are given in tables 5 and 6 for both nonelectrostatic and electrostatic cases. Table 2 gives (Mr)max for the mentioned stars in both nonrelativistic and relativistic cases. The percentage decrease in (Mr)max due to electrostatic potential energy correction is shown in table 7.
IMPLICATIONS OF AN ALTERNATIVE WORLD EXCHANGE SYSTEM*
Authors: Shaw Arthur , Sposato Donald
Published: May 2012

Abstract

This study attempts to achieve a functional algorithm or autonomic “rule” for equitable world distribution. Where present system design fails to satisfy human need, the “decision” is made to correct faulty judgment by intuitive design; to replace current system, zero‐sum gaming practice with an accepted value system. Rather than relying on market constraints currently fixed by arbitrary exchange, it is sought to determine whether or not world trade is assimilable in free flow, to autonomic exchange as in the circulatory system or molecular interchange. From the results it appears that a set of order can match our present set of disorders. If the value system universally declared by the United Nations, national constitutions, and the Old and New Testament establishes life support capabilities of our planetary system, the simulation encourages the ultimate determination: whether or not man is destined on earth to enjoy abundant life.
THEORY OF CARCINOGENIC ACTIVITY OF AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS*
Authors: Herndon William C.
Published: May 2012

Abstract

The carcinogenic activities of aromatic hydrocarbons correlate with electronic parameters of K and L regions calculated by graph‐theoretical techniques based upon the simplest variation of valence‐bond theory (resonance theory limited to Kekule structures). The correlation coefficient between calculated and experimental carcinogenicity (Iball index) for ten well‐studied compounds is 0.94. Iball index values for 42 other compounds are calculated with results in satisfactory agreement with experiment. The K, L‐region hypothesis is supported by the described results.
RELATIONS ON SPACES WITH PRIMITIVE DISPERSION SETS
Authors: Coppin C. A.
Published: May 2012

Abstract

For T2 spaces, it is shown that any left monotone partial order on a connected space with a finite primitive dispersion set has a minimal element. Also, any non‐void closed left monotone transitive relation on a connected space with compact primitive dispersion set has a minimal element.
Heterogeneity of endothelial cell phenotype within and amongst conduit vessels of the swine vasculature
Authors: Simmons Grant H. , Padilla Jaume , Laughlin M. Harold
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent of endothelial cell phenotypic heterogeneity throughout the swine vasculature, with a focus on the conduit vessels of the arterial and venous circulations. We tested the hypothesis that atheroprone arteries exhibit higher expression of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress than do veins and atheroresistant arteries. The study sample included tissues from 79 castrated, male swine. Immediately after the animals were killed, endothelial cells were mechanically scraped from isolated segments of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, carotid, brachial, femoral and renal arteries, and the vein regionally associated with each of these vessels, as well as the internal mammary and right coronary arteries. Cells were also taken from two regions of the aortic arch contrasted by atheroprone versus atherosusceptible haemodynamics. Endothelial cell phenotype was assessed by either immunoblotting or quantitative real‐time PCR for a host of both pro‐ and anti‐atherogenic markers (e.g. endothelial nitric oxide synthase, p67phox, cyclo‐oxygenase‐1 and superoxide dismutase 1). Marked heterogeneity across the vasculature was observed in the expression of both pro‐ and anti‐atherogenic markers, at both the protein and transcriptional levels. In particular, the coronary vascular endothelium expressed higher levels of the oxidative stress marker p67phox (P < 0.05 versus other arteries). In addition, differential expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and KLF4 was evident between atheroprone and atherosusceptible regions of the aorta, while expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, KLF2, KLF4 and cyclo‐oxygenase‐1 was lower in both areas of the aortic arch compared with the internal mammary artery. Conduit arteries typically expressed higher levels of both pro‐ and anti‐atherogenic markers relative to their associated veins. We show, for the first time, that endothelial cell phenotype is variable within vessels, across six major vascular territories, and between the arterial and venous circulations. Importantly, even straight vessel segments from systemic conduit arteries (e.g. brachial and carotid arteries) exhibited regional phenotypic heterogeneity; a finding not expected on the basis of local haemodynamic forces alone.
Decreased β‐cell insulin secretory function in aged rats due to impaired Ca2+ handling
Authors: Ribeiro Rosane Aparecida , Batista Thiago Martins , Coelho Fernanda Monteiro , Boschero Antonio Carlos , Lopes Guiomar Silva , Carneiro Everardo Magalhães
Published: April 2012

Ageing is associated with an increased impairment in glucose homeostasis and an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we evaluated β‐cell function and its implications for glucose homeostasis in 24‐month‐old female Wistar rats. Aged rats showed lower plasma glucose levels in the fed and fasting states compared with control rats. In addition, insulinaemia in the fed state was reduced in the older rats. Insulin receptor β (IRβ) expression was lower in the livers of the aged animals, whereas IRβ and Akt1/2/3 protein expressions were higher in the muscles. These effects may contribute to the normal glucose tolerance observed in older rodents. Isolated islets from aged rats secreted less insulin in response to 8.3 and 16.7 mm glucose. Accordingly, this group presented a lower [Ca2+]i in the presence of glucose and a depolarizing stimulus (30 mm K+). In addition, islets from aged rats showed reduced insulin secretion in response to 100 μm carbachol (CCh), 10 nm phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate and 10 μm forskolin. The expressions of protein kinase C, protein kinase A and exocytotic proteins, such as syntaxin 1 and synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 kDa (SNAP‐25), were similar in islets from aged and control rats. In conclusion, our evidence suggests that the increased incidence of type 2 diabetes with age may be due to a progressive decline in β‐cell secretory capacity due to disruption of Ca2+ handling. Furthermore, the expression of proteins of the insulin transduction cascade showed an adaptive profile, with a compensatory increase in IRβ and Akt1/2/3 in gastrocnemius muscles, which may maintain normal glucose homeostasis in 24‐month‐old rats.
Tomotherapy dose distribution verification using MAGIC‐f polymer gel dosimetry
Authors: Pavoni J. F. , Pike T. L. , Snow J. , DeWerd L. , Baffa O.
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

This paper presents the application of MAGIC‐f gel in a three‐dimensional dose distribution measurement and its ability to accurately measure the dose distribution from a tomotherapy unit.

Methods:

A prostate intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) irradiation was simulated in the gel phantom and the treatment was delivered by a TomoTherapy equipment. Dose distribution was evaluated by the R2 distribution measured in magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

A high similarity was found by overlapping of isodoses of the dose distribution measured with the gel and expected by the treatment planning system (TPS). Another analysis was done by comparing the relative absorbed dose profiles in the measured and in the expected dose distributions extracted along indicated lines of the volume and the results were also in agreement. The gamma index analysis was also applied to the data and a high pass rate was achieved (88.4% for analysis using 3%/3 mm and of 96.5% using 4%/4 mm). The real three‐dimensional analysis compared the dose‐volume histograms measured for the planning volumes and expected by the treatment planning, being the results also in good agreement by the overlapping of the curves.

Conclusions:

These results show that MAGIC‐f gel is a promise for tridimensional dose distribution measurements.
Acetylation and Autophagy
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: May 2012

Protein acetylation promotes autophagy in mammalian and yeast cells.
Handling Nitrosative Stress
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: May 2012

Bacteria adapting to growth in the presence of nitrate activate a transcriptional regulator also involved in oxidative stress.
RelB’s Sensitivity to CO
2
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2012

High CO
2
induces cleavage and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor RelB.
Mouse Model for Efficacy Testing of Antituberculosis Agents via Intrapulmonary Delivery
Authors: Gonzalez-Juarrero Mercedes , Woolhiser Lisa K. , Brooks Elizabeth , DeGroote Mary Ann , Lenaerts Anne J.
Published: May 2012

Here we describe an experimental murine model that allows for aerosolized antituberculosis drug efficacy testing. Intrapulmonary aerosol delivery of isoniazid, capreomycin, and amikacin to mice with pulmonary infection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
demonstrated efficacy in reducing pulmonary bacterial loads similar to that seen by standard drug delivery methods, even when lower concentrations of drugs and fewer doses were used in the aerosolized drug regimens. Interestingly, intrapulmonary delivery of isoniazid also reduced the bacterial load in the spleen.
HIV-1 Tropism Evolution after Short-Term Maraviroc Monotherapy in HIV-1-Infected Patients
Authors: Gonzalez-Serna Alejandro , Romero-Sánchez María Concepción , Ferrando-Martinez Sara , Genebat Miguel , Vidal Francesc , Muñoz-Fernández Maria Ángeles , Abad María Antonia , Leal Manuel , Ruiz-Mateos Ezequiel
Published: May 2012

We analyzed the evolution of viral tropism after 8 days of maraviroc monotherapy, i.e., we used the maraviroc clinical test (MCT), in 21 patients with and 14 without virological response to the drug (MCT
+
and MCT
−
patients, respectively). No increases in CXCR4 inferred viral loads (X4IVLs) were observed in MCT
+
patients, while X4IVLs increased only in MCT
−
patients, with X4IVLs of >2 log
10
HIV RNA copies/ml. These results shed light on the evolution of viral tropism under a CCR5 antagonist
in vivo
.
Aspergillus niger DLFCC-90 Rhamnoside Hydrolase, a New Type of Flavonoid Glycoside Hydrolase
Authors: Liu Tingqiang , Yu Hongshan , Zhang Chunzhi , Lu Mingchun , Piao Yongzhe , Ohba Masashi , Tang Minqian , Yuan Xiaodong , Wei Shenghua , Wang Kan , Ma Anzhou , Feng Xue , Qin Siqing , Mukai Chisato , Tsuji Akira , Jin Fengxie
Published: April 2012

A novel rutin-α-
l
-rhamnosidase hydrolyzing α-
l
-rhamnoside of rutin, naringin, and hesperidin was purified and characterized from
Aspergillus niger
DLFCC-90, and the gene encoding this enzyme, which is highly homologous to the α-amylase gene, was cloned and expressed in
Pichia pastoris
GS115. The novel enzyme was classified in glycoside-hydrolase (GH) family 13.
Cloning of a Novel Arylamidase Gene from Paracoccus sp. Strain FLN-7 That Hydrolyzes Amide Pesticides
Authors: Zhang Jun , Yin Jin-Gang , Hang Bao-Jian , Cai Shu , He Jian , Zhou Shun-Gui , Li Shun-Peng
Published: April 2012

The bacterial isolate
Paracoccus
sp. strain FLN-7 hydrolyzes amide pesticides such as diflubenzuron, propanil, chlorpropham, and dimethoate through amide bond cleavage. A gene,
ampA
, encoding a novel arylamidase that catalyzes the amide bond cleavage in the amide pesticides was cloned from the strain.
ampA
contains a 1,395-bp open reading frame that encodes a 465-amino-acid protein. AmpA was expressed in
Escherichia coli
BL21 and homogenously purified using Ni-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography. AmpA is a homodimer with an isoelectric point of 5.4. AmpA displays maximum enzymatic activity at 40°C and a pH of between 7.5 and 8.0, and it is very stable at pHs ranging from 5.5 to 10.0 and at temperatures up to 50°C. AmpA efficiently hydrolyzes a variety of secondary amine compounds such as propanil, 4-acetaminophenol, propham, chlorpropham, dimethoate, and omethoate. The most suitable substrate is propanil, with

K
m

and
k
cat
values of 29.5 μM and 49.2 s
−1
, respectively. The benzoylurea insecticides (diflubenzuron and hexaflumuron) are also hydrolyzed but at low efficiencies. No cofactor is needed for the hydrolysis activity. AmpA shares low identities with reported arylamidases (less than 23%), forms a distinct lineage from closely related arylamidases in the phylogenetic tree, and has different biochemical characteristics and catalytic kinetics with related arylamidases. The results in the present study suggest that AmpA is a good candidate for the study of the mechanism for amide pesticide hydrolysis, genetic engineering of amide herbicide-resistant crops, and bioremediation of amide pesticide-contaminated environments.
Mining New Crystal Protein Genes from Bacillus thuringiensis on the Basis of Mixed Plasmid-Enriched Genome Sequencing and a Computational Pipeline
Authors: Ye Weixing , Zhu Lei , Liu Yingying , Crickmore Neil , Peng Donghai , Ruan Lifang , Sun Ming
Published: April 2012

We have designed a high-throughput system for the identification of novel crystal protein genes (
cry
) from
Bacillus thuringiensis
strains. The system was developed with two goals: (i) to acquire the mixed plasmid-enriched genomic sequence of
B. thuringiensis
using next-generation sequencing biotechnology, and (ii) to identify
cry
genes with a computational pipeline (using BtToxin_scanner). In our pipeline method, we employed three different kinds of well-developed prediction methods, BLAST, hidden Markov model (HMM), and support vector machine (SVM), to predict the presence of Cry toxin genes. The pipeline proved to be fast (average speed, 1.02 Mb/min for proteins and open reading frames [ORFs] and 1.80 Mb/min for nucleotide sequences), sensitive (it detected 40% more protein toxin genes than a keyword extraction method using genomic sequences downloaded from GenBank), and highly specific. Twenty-one strains from our laboratory's collection were selected based on their plasmid pattern and/or crystal morphology. The plasmid-enriched genomic DNA was extracted from these strains and mixed for Illumina sequencing. The sequencing data were
de novo
assembled, and a total of 113 candidate
cry
sequences were identified using the computational pipeline. Twenty-seven candidate sequences were selected on the basis of their low level of sequence identity to known
cry
genes, and eight full-length genes were obtained with PCR. Finally, three new
cry
-type genes (primary ranks) and five
cry
holotypes, which were designated
cry8Ac1
,
cry7Ha1
,
cry21Ca1
,
cry32Fa1
, and
cry21Da1
by the
B. thuringiensis
Toxin Nomenclature Committee, were identified. The system described here is both efficient and cost-effective and can greatly accelerate the discovery of novel
cry
genes.
Phylogenetically Related Argentinean and Australian Escherichia coli O157 Isolates Are Distinguished by Virulence Clades and Alternative Shiga Toxin 1 and 2 Prophages
Authors: Mellor Glen E. , Sim Eby M. , Barlow Robert S. , D'Astek Beatriz A. , Galli Lucia , Chinen Isabel , Rivas Marta , Gobius Kari S.
Published: April 2012

Shiga toxigenicEscherichia coliO157 is the leading cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) worldwide. The frequencies ofstxgenotypes and the incidences of O157-related illness and HUS vary significantly between Argentina and Australia. Locus-specific polymorphism analysis revealed that lineage I/II (LI/II)E. coliO157 isolates were most prevalent in Argentina (90%) and Australia (88%). Argentinean LI/II isolates were shown to belong to clades 4 (28%) and 8 (72%), while Australian LI/II isolates were identified as clades 6 (15%), 7 (83%), and 8 (2%). Clade 8 was significantly associated with Shiga toxin bacteriophage insertion (SBI) typestx2(locus of insertion,argW) in Argentinean isolates (P< 0.0001). In Argentinean LI/II strains,stx2is carried by a prophage inserted atargW, whereas in Australian LI/II strains theargWlocus is occupied by the novelstx1prophage. In both Argentinean and Australian LI/II strains,stx2cis almost exclusively carried by a prophage inserted atsbcB. However, alternativeq933- orq21-related alleles were identified in the Australianstx2cprophage. Argentinean LI/II isolates were also distinguished from Australian isolates by the presence of the putative virulence determinant ECSP_3286 and the predominance of motile O157:H7 strains. Characteristics common to both Argentinean and Australian LI/II O157 strains included the presence of putative virulence determinants (ECSP_3620, ECSP_0242, ECSP_2687, ECSP_2870, and ECSP_2872) and the predominance of thetir255T allele. These data support further understanding of O157 phylogeny and may foster greater insight into the differential virulence of O157 lineages.
Variable within- and between-Herd Diversity of CTX-M Cephalosporinase-Bearing Escherichia coli Isolates from Dairy Cattle
Authors: Mollenkopf Dixie F. , Weeman Matthew F. , Daniels Joshua B. , Abley Melanie J. , Mathews Jennifer L. , Gebreyes Wondwossen A. , Wittum Thomas E.
Published: April 2012

bla
CTX-M
beta-lactamases confer resistance to critically important cephalosporin drugs. Recovered from both hospital- and community-acquired infections,
bla
CTX-M
was first reported in U.S. livestock in 2010. It has been hypothesized that veterinary use of cephalosporins in livestock populations may lead to the dissemination of beta-lactamase-encoding genes. Therefore, our objectives were to estimate the frequency and distribution of coliform bacteria harboring
bla
CTX-M
in the fecal flora of Ohio dairy cattle populations. In addition, we characterized the CTX-M alleles carried by the isolates, their plasmidic contexts, and the genetic diversity of the bacterial isolates themselves. We also evaluated the association between ceftiofur use and the likelihood of recovering cephalosporinase-producing bacteria. Thirty fresh fecal samples and owner-reported ceftiofur use data were collected from each of 25 Ohio dairy farms. Fecal samples (
n
= 747) yielded 70
bla
CTX-M
-positive
Escherichia coli
isolates from 5/25 herds, 715
bla
CMY-2
E. coli
isolates from 25/25 herds, and 274
Salmonella
spp. from 20/25 herds. The within-herd prevalence among
bla
CTX-M
-positive herds ranged from 3.3 to 100% of samples. Multiple pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns, plasmid replicon types, and CTX-M genes were detected. Plasmids with CTX-M-1, -15, and -14 alleles were clonal by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) within herds, and specific plasmid incompatibility group markers were consistently associated with each
bla
CTX-M
allele. PFGE of total bacterial DNA showed similar within-herd clustering, with the exception of one herd, which revealed at least 6 different PFGE signatures. We were unable to detect an association between owner-reported ceftiofur use and the probability of recovering
E. coli
carrying
bla
CTX-M
or
bla
CMY-2
.