bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and adverse outcome in critically ill patients with ventilatory support
Authors: LINKO R. , PETTILÄ V. , KUITUNEN A. , KORHONEN A. ‐M. , NISULA S. , ALILA S. , KIVINIEMI O. , LARU‐SOMPA R. , VARPULA T. , KARLSSON S. ,   FINNALI Study Investigators
Published: April 2013

Objective

Plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (pNGAL) has been introduced as an early and sensitive biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI), with an increased risk for renal replacement therapy (RRT) and adverse outcome in selected critically ill patient groups. Acute respiratory failure is the most common organ dysfunction in critically ill patients with an increased risk for AKI. Accordingly, we hypothesized that pNGAL would independently predict adverse outcome in a heterogeneous group of critically ill adult patients with acute respiratory failure.

Design and Setting

Prospective, multi‐centre study in 25 Finnish intensive care units.

Patients and Methods

pNGAL was measured from critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure. We evaluated the predictive value of pNGAL for RRT, and hospital and 90‐day mortality first separately, second in addition to the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II), and third to RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End‐Stage Renal Disease) AKI classification. Additionally, we assessed the factors associated with pNGAL by linear regression analysis.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

We included 369 patients. Median (interquartile range) baseline pNGAL was 169 (92–370) ng/ml. The areas under receiver operating characteristic curves of baseline pNGAL were as follows: 0.733 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.656–0.810] for RRT, 0.627 (95% CI 0.561–0.693) for hospital, and 0.582 (95% CI 0.520–0.645) for 90‐day mortality. Present infection, baseline creatinine, operative status, and pancreatitis were independently associated with baseline pNGAL.

Conclusions

Baseline pNGAL gives no additional value into prediction of hospital and 90‐day mortality compared with RIFLE or SAPS II, and has only moderate predictive power regarding RRT in critically ill adult patients with acute respiratory failure.
Temporary Right Ventricular Mechanical Support in High‐Risk Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients Versus Permanent Biventricular or Total Artificial Heart Support
Authors: Loforte Antonio , Stepanenko Alexander , Potapov Evgenij V. , Musumeci Francesco , Dranishnikov Nikolay , Schweiger Martin , Montalto Andrea , Pasic Miralem , Weng Yuguo , Dandel Michael , Siniawski Henryk , Kukucka Marian , Krabatsch Thomas , Hetzer Roland
Published: April 2013

Early planned institution of temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support with the CentriMag (Levitronix LLC, Waltham, MA, USA) in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients was compared with permanent biventricular assist device (BVAD) or total artificial heart (TAH) support. Between 2007 and 2011, 77 patients (age range: 25–70 years) with preoperative evidence of biventricular dysfunction (University of Pennsylvania score >50; University of Michigan score >5) were included. Forty‐six patients (38 men; median age 54.5 years, range: 25–70 years) underwent LVAD placement combined with temporary RVAD support (group A); in 31 patients (25 men; median age 56.7 years, range: 28–68 years), a permanent BVAD or TAH implantation (group B) was performed. Within 30 days, 12 patients from group A (26.08%) and 14 patients from group B (45.1%) died on mechanical support (P = 0.02). Thirty patients (65.2%) in group A were weaned from temporary RVAD support and three (6.5%) underwent permanent RVAD (HeartWare, Inc., Framingham, MA, USA) placement. A total of 26 patients (56.5%) were discharged home in group A versus 17 (54.8%) in group B (P = 0.56). Three patients (8.5%) received heart transplantation in group A and six (19.3%) in group B (P = 0.04). In group A, 90‐day and 6‐month survival was 54.3% (n = 25) versus 51.6% (n = 16) in group B (P = 0.66). In group A, 1‐year survival was 45.6% (n = 21) versus 45.1% (n = 14) in group B (P = 0.81). The strategy of planned temporary RVAD support in LVAD recipients showed encouraging results if compared with those of a similar permanent BVAD/TAH population. Weaning from and removal of the temporary RVAD support may allow patients to be on LVAD support only despite preoperative biventricular dysfunction.
In situ dynamics of Japanese electronic subsidiaries in ASEAN countries: Reflections from a development perspective
Authors: Edgington David W. , Hayter Roger
Published: April 2013

This paper contributes to the theory of subsidiary evolution in multinational corporations through utilising a value chain approach. It assesses the changing activities of the branches of Japanese electronics firms located in Southeast Asia (the ASEAN region) since the 1997–1998 financial crisis. In the paper, we argue that a modest development of Japanese subsidiaries has occurred in this region during the past 10 years or so. We connect models of subsidiary development to Michael Porter's value chain in the results of a set of interviews with 37 managers in the factories, sales offices and regional headquarters of Japanese subsidiary companies located in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. We show that decentralisation of management functions from Japan occurred in both primary and support activities of the value chain. However, corporate long‐term research and development did not disperse to Southeast Asia and is unlikely to in the near future. The article interprets these results and highlights the need for further research relating to the evolving geography of Japanese electronics multinational corporations and their subsidiaries in Southeast Asia.
Regularization in Finite Mixture of Regression Models with Diverging Number of Parameters
Authors: Khalili Abbas , Lin Shili
Published: April 2013

Feature (variable) selection has become a fundamentally important problem in recent statistical literature. Sometimes, in applications, many variables are introduced to reduce possible modeling biases, but the number of variables a model can accommodate is often limited by the amount of data available. In other words, the number of variables considered depends on the sample size, which reflects the estimability of the parametric model. In this article, we consider the problem of feature selection in finite mixture of regression models when the number of parameters in the model can increase with the sample size. We propose a penalized likelihood approach for feature selection in these models. Under certain regularity conditions, our approach leads to consistent variable selection. We carry out extensive simulation studies to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach under controlled settings. We also applied the proposed method to two real data. The first is on telemonitoring of Parkinson's disease (PD), where the problem concerns whether dysphonic features extracted from the patients’ speech signals recorded at home can be used as surrogates to study PD severity and progression. The second is on breast cancer prognosis, in which one is interested in assessing whether cell nuclear features may offer prognostic values on long‐term survival of breast cancer patients. Our analysis in each of the application revealed a mixture structure in the study population and uncovered a unique relationship between the features and the response variable in each of the mixture component.
Clinical significance of CD163+ tumor‐associated macrophages in patients with adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Komohara Yoshihiro , Niino Daisuke , Saito Yoichi , Ohnishi Koji , Horlad Hasita , Ohshima Koichi , Takeya Motohiro
Published: April 2013

In several malignant tumors including lymphoma, macrophages that infiltrate tumor tissues are called tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). We discovered that TAMs, especially the CD163+ alternatively activated phenotype (M2), were closely involved with progression of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). We used CD68 (a pan‐macrophage marker) and CD163 (an M2 marker) to immunostain 58 ATLL samples. Statistical analyses showed that a high number of CD68+ TAMs and an increased percentage of CD163+ cells among the TAMs were associated with a worse clinical prognosis; multivariate analysis indicated that the percentage of CD163+ cells was an independent prognostic factor. We also carried out in vitro coculture experiments with ATLL cell lines (ATN‐1 and TL‐Mor) and monocyte‐derived macrophages and found that direct coculture with M2 macrophages significantly increased BrdU incorporation into ATLL cell lines. A cytokine array analysis showed that macrophage‐derived soluble factors including C5a, tumor necrosis factor‐α, growth‐related oncogene‐α, CCL1/I‐309, and interleukin‐6 stimulated ATLL cell lines. CD163 expression in macrophages was strongly induced by direct contact with ATN‐1 cells, and downregulation of CD163 in macrophages significantly suppressed growth of cocultured ATN‐1 cells. These results suggest that interaction between M2 macrophages and lymphoma cells may be an appropriate target in treatment of patients with ATLL.
Bone loss in the oestrogen‐depleted rat is not exacerbated by sitagliptin, either alone or in combination with a thiazolidinedione
Authors: Cusick T. , Mu J. , Pennypacker B. L. , Li Z. , Scott K. R. , Shen X. , Fisher J. E. , Langdon R. B. , Kimmel D. B. , Zhang B. B. , Glantschnig H.
Published: April 2013

Antihyperglycaemic therapy on bone was evaluated in the ovariectomized (OVX), non‐diabetic adult rat. Animals were treated daily for 12 weeks with various doses of sitagliptin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, combinations of sitagliptin with pioglitazone or vehicle alone. Sitagliptin target engagement was confirmed by assessing inhibition of plasma dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) and oral glucose tolerance. Parameters related to bone health were evaluated in femur and vertebrae by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and histomorphometry. Bone mineral density (BMD) generally did not differ significantly between OVX‐sitagliptin‐treated animals and OVX‐vehicle controls. In lumbar vertebrae, however, there was significantly less BMD loss with increasing sitagliptin dose. Thiazolidinedione (TZD) treatment generally resulted in lower BMD; OVX‐TZD‐treated (but not OVX‐sitagliptin‐treated) animals also had lessened cortical thickness in central femur and profoundly greater bone marrow adiposity in lumbar vertebrae. These findings support prior findings with TZDs and suggest a neutral or beneficial impact of DPP‐4 inhibition on bone health.
Trace element accumulation in anadromous sea lamprey spawners
Authors: Pedro Sílvia , Caçador Isabel , Quintella Bernardo R. , Lança Maria J. , Almeida Pedro R.
Published: April 2013

The sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, is an anadromous cyclostome that occurs in the main Western Europe river basins draining to the Atlantic Ocean and considered a gastronomic delicacy in Portugal, Spain and France. The contamination profile of this species is fairly unknown as far as trace metals are concerned, with only a few studies dedicated to the subject. Trace elements concentration was analysed in muscle and liver samples of adult specimens from eight Portuguese river basins. This study aimed: (i) to assess the profile of essential and nonessential elements accumulation in the muscle and liver of sea lamprey spawners; (ii) to investigate possible differences in the trace element accumulation in adult sea lampreys entering Portuguese river basins; and (iii) to determine the safety of sea lamprey for human consumption regarding elements content. Females accumulated higher levels of elements than males, but only differences in the liver were significant. In a general overview, the accumulation of most elements analysed was low, except for Hg in the muscle, which exceeded the statutory limits for fish concentration. The muscle accumulation profile based on nonessential elements (As, Cd and Hg) evidenced a segregation of the samples into two groups, mostly based on Hg concentration. Distinct trophic levels and contamination of preys and differential duration of the parasitic period may be in the origin of this separation.
If It's Good for the Firm, It's Good for Me: Insider Trading and Repurchases Motivated by Undervaluation
Authors: Jategaonkar Shrikant P.
Published: April 2013

My findings suggest that information inherent in insider trading can be used to identify undervalued repurchasing firms. I examine the relation between insider trading and the performance of open market repurchase (OMR) firms. I show that firms with high net insider buying prior to OMR announcements not only earn abnormal stock returns in both the short‐ and long‐run, but also exhibit better operating performance. Overall, the evidence is consistent with insiders timing their trades prior to OMR announcements.
Earnings Management and Annual General Meetings: The Role of Managerial Entrenchment
Authors: Banko John , Frye Melissa B. , Wang Weishen , Whyte Ann Marie
Published: April 2013

We examine earnings management around the annual general meeting (AGM) and assess the influence of managerial entrenchment. Consistent with prior research, we show positive and statistically significant abnormal returns surrounding AGMs regardless of the level of managerial entrenchment. We find evidence of significant earnings manipulation primarily among entrenched managers. Specifically, they manage abnormal accruals downward two quarters prior to the AGM and significantly increase abnormal accruals in the quarter immediately before the AGM. Our evidence is consistent with AGMs triggering managers to disseminate information in a manner that shapes the market's perception of the firm.
Effect of grazing severity on perennial ryegrass herbage production and sward structural characteristics throughout an entire grazing season
Authors: Tuñon G. , Kennedy E. , Horan B. , Hennessy D. , Lopez‐Villalobos N. , Kemp P. , Brennan A. , O'Donovan M.
Published: April 2013

The objective of this study, which was part of a larger grazing‐systems experiment, was to investigate the cumulative impact of three levels of grazing intensity on sward production, utilization and structural characteristics. Pastures were grazed by rotational stocking withHolstein–Friesian dairy cows from 10February to 18November 2009. Target post‐grazing heights were 4·5 to 5 cm (high; H), 4 to 4·5 cm (intermediate; I) and 3·5 to 4 cm (low; L). Detailed sward measurement were undertaken on 0·08 of each farmlet area. There were no significant treatment differences in herbage accumulated or in herbage harvested [mean 11·3 and 11·2 t dry matter (DM) ha−1respectively]. Above the 3·5 cm horizon, H, I and L swards had 0·56, 0·62 and 0·67 ofDMas leaf and 0·30, 0·23 and 0·21 ofDMas stem respectively. As grazing severity increased, tiller density of grass species other than perennial ryegrass (PRG) decreased (from 3,350 to 2,780 and to 1771 tillers m−2for H, I and L paddocks respectively) and the rejected area decreased (from 0·27 to 0·20 and to 0·10 for H, I and L paddocks respectively). These results indicate the importance of grazing management practice on sward structure and quality and endorse the concept of increased grazing severity as a strategy to maintain high‐quality grass throughout the grazing season. The findings are presented in the context of the need for intensive dairy production systems to provide greater quantities of high‐quality pasture over an extended grazing season, in response to policy changes with the abolition ofEUmilk quotas.
Pre to post‐dialysis plasma sodium change better predicts clinical outcomes than dialysate to plasma sodium gradient in quotidian hemodialysis
Authors: Thomson Benjamin K.A. , Huang Shih‐Han S. , Leitch Rosemary E. , Dixon Stephanie , Heidenheim Paul , Suri Rita S. , Chan Christopher T. , Lindsay Robert M.
Published: April 2013

Sodium balance across a hemodialysis treatment influences interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), pre‐dialysis blood pressure, and the occurrence of intradialytic hypotension, which associate with patient morbidity and mortality. In thrice weekly conventional hemodialysis patients, the dialysate sodium minus pre‐dialysis plasma sodium concentration (δDPNa+) and the post‐dialysis minus pre‐dialysis plasma sodium (δPNa+) are surrogates of sodium balance, and are associated with both cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality. However, whether δDPNa+ or δPNa+ better predicts clinical outcomes in quotidian dialysis is unknown. We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and demographic data from the Southwestern Ontario Regional Home Hemodialysis program, of all patients since 1985. In frequent nocturnal hemodialysis, δPNa+ was superior to δDPNa+ in predicting IDWG (R2 = 0.223 vs. 0.020, P = 0.002 vs. 0.76), intradialytic change in systolic (R2 = 0.100 vs. 0.002, P = 0.02 vs. 0.16) and diastolic (R2 = 0.066 vs. 0.019, P = 0.02 vs. 0.06) blood pressure, and ultrafiltration rate (R2 = 0.296 vs. 0.036, P = 0.001 vs. 0.52). In short hours daily hemodialysis, δDPNa+ was better than δPNa+ in predicting intradialytic change in diastolic blood pressure (R2 = 0.101 vs. 0.003, P = 0.02 vs. 0.13). However, δPNa+ was better than δDPNa+ in predicting IDWG (R2 = 0.105 vs. 0.019, P = 0.04 vs. 0.68) and pre‐dialysis systolic blood pressure (R2 = 0.103 vs. 0.007, P = 0.02 vs. 0.82). We also found that the intradialytic blood pressure fall was greater in frequent nocturnal hemodialysis patients than in short hours daily patients, when exposed to a dialysate to plasma sodium gradient. These results provide a basis for design of prospective trials in quotidian dialysis modalities, to determine the effect of sodium balance on cardiovascular outcome.
Community‐based treatment for opioid dependent offenders: A pilot study
Authors: Brown Randy , Gassman Michele , Hetzel Scott , Berger Lisa
Published: April 2013

Background

Primary care opioid substitution treatment (OST) has not been compared to program‐based OST for community‐supervised offenders.

Objective

The purpose of this project was to compare primary care to specialist supervised OST for opioid dependent offenders in terms of substance use and HIV risk outcomes.

Methods

This project randomly assigned 15 jail diversion participants to either: (i) primary care buprenorphine OST, (ii) specialist facility buprenorphine OST, or (iii) specialist facility methadone OST. Participation lasted 13.5 months (12‐month active treatment plus a post‐participation visit).

Results

All subjects endorsed 0 days of opioid use in the previous 14 at follow‐up. Specialty care reduced HIV risk (Risk Assessment Battery composite score) over 6 months (−.24 ± .17) compared to primary care (.02 ± .14; p = .032).

Conclusion

Findings support primary care OST feasibility for a community‐supervised offender sample. Specialist care may facilitate improvements in secondary outcomes, such as HIV risk behaviors.

Scientific Significance

Further research is needed to clarify (i) the role of primary care in addicted offender management, and (ii) the matching of offenders, based upon history and co‐morbidity, to care coordination conditions. (Am J Addict 2013;22:500–502)
Effects of Particle Size on Soft Lithography Process, the Green and Sintered Micro Alumina Parts
Authors: Hassanin Hany , Jiang Kyle
Published: April 2013

Alumina micro parts were fabricated using powders in particle sizes of 1 μm, 2.0 μm, and 12.0 μm. The effects of particle size on soft lithography process, green bodies, and sintered characteristics were investigated, including process parameters affecting homogeneous and smooth surface. The effects of particle size were analyzed through suspensions, green, and sintered properties. It was found that the stability of suspensions, sintered density, Vickers micro hardness, surface roughness and edges resolution are significantly improved with the decrease in particle size. On the other hand, suspension viscosity, green density and shrinkage are degraded with the use of finer particles.
How Do Investors Interpret Announcements of Earnings Delays?
Authors: Duarte‐Silva Tiago , Fu Huijing , Noe Christopher F. , Ramesh K.
Published: April 2013

Unlike in the case of delays of 10‐K or 10‐Q filings, the SEC does not require managers to disclose delays of earnings announcements to the public. Thus, for companies that are unable to report earnings by their expected date, managers face a decision: remain silent or announce the delay. Prior research has investigated all earnings delays, whether or not they are accompanied by announcements of the delay announcement, and found that the market reaction is slightly negative, on average, for companies that allow their expected earnings dates to pass without disclosing results. It's not clear, however, whether this negative reaction was due to the absence of news or to the information contained in the announcements of the earnings delays.

The authors' recent study documents that earnings delay announcements are associated with an average one‐day abnormal stock return of a negative 6%. This statistically as well as economically significant reduction in value is consistent with anecdotal evidence in the popular business press as well as predictions of disclosure theories, in particular the explanation that concerns about legal liability and managerial reputation motivate managers to disclose bad news. The study also shows that almost all managers who announce earnings delays attempt to influence the market reaction by disclosing the underlying cause. Finally, the study shows that the market reaction to earnings delay announcements is positively related to future earnings changes, consistent with the role of these disclosures in providing a signal of deteriorating financial performance.
Mechanical regulation of epigenetics in vascular biology and pathobiology
Authors: Chen Li‐Jing , Wei Shu‐Yi , Chiu Jeng‐Jiann
Published: April 2013

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are constantly exposed to haemodynamic forces, including blood flow‐induced fluid shear stress and cyclic stretch from blood pressure. These forces modulate vascular cell gene expression and function and, therefore, influence vascular physiology and pathophysiology in health and disease. Epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modification/chromatin remodelling and RNA‐based machinery, refers to the study of heritable changes in gene expression that occur without changes in the DNA sequence. The role of haemodynamic force‐induced epigenetic modifications in the regulation of vascular gene expression and function has recently been elucidated. This review provides an introduction to the epigenetic concepts that relate to vascular physiology and pathophysiology. Through the studies of gene expression, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, migration and pathophysiological states, we present a conceptual framework for understanding how mechanical force‐induced epigenetic modifications work to control vascular gene expression and function and, hence, the development of vascular disorders. This research contributes to our knowledge of how the mechanical environment impacts the chromatin state of ECs and VSMCs and the consequent cellular behaviours.
Luteolin suppresses UVB‐induced photoageing by targeting JNK1 and p90RSK2
Authors: Lim Sung H. , Jung Sung K. , Byun Sanguine , Lee Eun J. , Hwang Jung A. , Seo Sang G. , Kim Yeong A. , Yu Jae G. , Lee Ki W. , Lee Hyong J.
Published: April 2013

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that natural compounds can prevent skin ageing induced by ultraviolet light. Luteolin, a bioactive compound found in chilli, onion, broccoli, celery and carrot, has been reported to exhibit anti‐photoageing effects in vitro. However, the molecular targets and mechanisms of luteolin are still poorly understood. In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of luteolin on UVB‐induced photoageing and the molecular mechanisms involved, using HaCaT human keratinocytes and SKH‐1 hairless mice. Luteolin was found to inhibit UVB‐induced MMP‐1 expression in HaCaT cells, as well as UVB‐induced activation of AP‐1, a well‐known transcription factor targeting the MMP‐1 promoter region, as well as c‐Fos and c‐Jun, which comprise the AP‐1 complex. In contrast, Western blot data showed that UVB‐induced phosphorylation of JNK, ERK and p90RSK was not inhibited by luteolin. In vitro kinase assay data revealed that luteolin significantly suppressed JNK1 and p90RSK activity, but not that of JNK2 and ERK2. Pull‐down assays showed that luteolin binds JNK1 in an ATP‐competitive manner and p90RSK2 in an ATP‐independent manner. Luteolin also inhibited UVB‐induced wrinkle formation and MMP‐13 expression, a rodent interstitial collagenase in mouse skin, in vivo. Taken together, our observations suggest that luteolin exhibits anti‐photoageing effects in vitro and in vivo and may have potential as a treatment for the prevention of skin ageing.
Pro‐angiogenic potential of human chorion‐derived stem cells: in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Fariha Mohd‐Manzor N. , Chua Kien‐Hui , Tan Geok‐Chin , Lim Yun‐Hsuen , Hayati Abdul‐Rahman
Published: April 2013

Human chorion‐derived stem cells (hCDSC) were previously shown to demonstrate multipotent properties with promising angiogenic characteristics in monolayer‐cell culture system. In our study, we investigated the angiogenic capability of hCDSC in 3‐dimensional (3D) in vitro and in vivo angiogenic models for the purpose of future application in the treatment of ischaemic diseases. Human CDSC were evaluated for angiogenic and endogenic genes expressions by quantitative PCR. Growth factors secretions were quantified using ELISA. In vitro and in vivo vascular formations were evaluated by histological analysis and confocal microscopic imaging. PECAM‐1+ and vWF+ vascular‐like structures were observed in both in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis models. High secretions of VEGF and bFGF by hCDSC with increased expressions of angiogenic and endogenic genes suggested the possible angiogenic promoting mechanisms by hCDSC. The cooperation of hCDSC with HUVECS to generate vessel‐like structures in our systems is an indication that there will be positive interactions of hCDSC with existing endothelial cells when injected into ischaemic tissues. Hence, hCDSC is suggested as the novel approach in the future treatment of ischaemic diseases.
Telocytes: new insight into the pathogenesis of gallstone disease
Authors: Matyja Andrzej , Gil Krzysztof , Pasternak Artur , Sztefko Krystyna , Gajda Mariusz , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A. , Matyja Maciej , Walocha Jerzy A. , Kulig Jan , Thor Piotr
Published: April 2013

The major mechanisms of gallstone formation include biliary cholesterol hypersecretion, supersaturation and crystallization, mucus hypersecretion, gel formation and bile stasis. Gallbladder hypomotility seems to be a key event that triggers the precipitation of cholesterol microcrystals from supersaturated lithogenic bile. Telocytes, a new type of interstitial cells, have been recently identified in many organs, including gallbladder. Considering telocyte functions, it is presumed that these cells might be involved in the signalling processes. The purpose of this study was to correlate the quantity of telocytes in the gallbladder with the lithogenicity of bile. Gallbladder specimens were collected from 24 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease. The control group consisted of 25 consecutive patients who received elective treatment for pancreatic head tumours. Telocytes were visualized in paraffin sections of gallbladders with double immunofluorescence using primary antibodies against c‐Kit (anti‐CD117) and anti‐mast cell tryptase. Cholesterol, phospholipid and bile acid levels were measured in gallbladder bile. The number of telocytes in the gallbladder wall was significantly lower in the study group than that in the control group (3.03 ± 1.43 versus 6.34 ± 1.66 cell/field of view in the muscularis propria, P < 0.001) and correlated with a significant increase in the cholesterol saturation index. The glycocholic and taurocholic acid levels were significantly elevated in the control subjects compared with the study group. The results suggest that bile composition may play an important role in the reduction in telocytes density in the gallbladder.
Factors affecting the efficacy of a vinegar trap for Drosophila suzikii (Diptera; Drosophilidae)
Authors: Basoalto E. , Hilton R. , Knight A.
Published: April 2013

Drosophila suzukii, Matsumura, is a relatively new pest in the United States attacking a variety of fruit crops. Studies were conducted to develop a standardized, economical trap for monitoring. Laboratory bioassays found that flies were attracted to dark colours ranging from red to black. Similarly, fly catches in 237‐ml plastic ‘spice’ jars with ten 0.48‐cm holes and baited with apple cider vinegar were significantly higher in jars with red or black than white caps. The use of an alternating set of three, horizontal red, black and red bands (‘Zorro’ trap) significantly increased fly catches compared with the use of all‐red or all‐black strips. This increase was associated with a significantly higher proportion of flies first landing on the side near the openings of the trap instead of on the cap with the ‘Zorro’ trap compared with the other traps. Laboratory data were used to develop a predictive model to define total fly capture as a function of trap colour/colour pattern, cumulative area of entry holes and the length of the trapping portion of the trap. Total fly catches by the ‘Zorro’ trap were compared with other red and clear plastic traps in five field trials conducted in several cultivated and uncultivated sites. Comparisons included a commercial red‐capped 200‐ml trap with two 0.63‐cm holes, an all‐red spice jar with ten 0.48‐cm holes and clear and red 473‐ml and clear 946‐ml plastic cups with six or ten 0.48‐ or 0.63‐cm holes. The model was successfully validated, suggesting that performance of cup traps can be predicted based on a few characteristics. The current ‘Zorro’ trap did not catch most of the flies among trap designs, but showed some advantages, including the durability and potential to recycle the plastic, small size, commercial availability and its greater selectivity for D. suzukii than the other traps tested.
Depressive mood and frontal alpha asymmetry during the luteal phase in premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Authors: Lin I‐Mei , Tsai Yu‐Che , Peper Erik , Yen Cheng‐Fang
Published: April 2013

Aims

Patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) experience moderate to severe physical and mood symptoms during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. The purposes of this study were to examine whether there were significant differences in frontal alpha asymmetry between PMDD and non‐PMDD women during a depressive induction condition during the luteal and follicular phases and to examine the relations between premenstrual distress and depressive symptoms, and frontal alpha asymmetry.

Material and Methods

The participants included 12 college women with PMDD and 12 without PMDD as controls. Frontal electroencephalograms (F3/F4) were measured during the luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle in the following sequence: resting baseline, depressive induction, depressive recall, recovery, and relaxation. Premenstrual distress questionnaires and the Beck Depression Inventory II were administered.

Results

The participants with PMDD had higher frontal alpha asymmetry than those without PMDD during the depressive induction and relaxation conditions only during the luteal phase. For PMDD and non‐PMDD during the luteal phase, a positive correlation was observed between negative affect (measured by premenstrual distress questionnaires) and frontal alpha asymmetry under the depressive induction stage. In addition, higher Beck Depression Inventory II somatic depression was positively correlated with frontal alpha asymmetry under the depressive induction stage.

Conclusions

This study supports the significant difference between PMDD and non‐PMDD on frontal alpha asymmetry, and frontal alpha asymmetry was related to negative affect and somatic depression, while participants with PMDD were in the depressive mood during the luteal phase.
Bioinformatics analysis reveals potential candidate drugs for cervical cancer
Authors: Ai Zhihong , Wang Juan , Xu Yanli , Teng Yincheng
Published: April 2013

Aim

We sought to explore the mechanisms of cervical carcinoma response to epidermal growth factor (EGF), and then identify biologically active small molecules capable of targeting the sub‐pathways that were dysregulated in cervical cancer cells in the response to EGF.

Material and Methods

Differentially expressed genes and pathways were analyzed based on the transcription profile of GSE6783, and then the differentially expressed molecules were further analyzed by several bioinformatics methods.

Results

Our results suggested that EGF could promote cervical cancer cell proliferation through triggering the dysregulation of certain sub‐pathways in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway and pathways in cancer. Furthermore, our bioinformatics analysis revealed a total of 49 small molecules which may play a role in perturbing the response to EGF of cervical cancer cells.

Conclusions

Candidate drugs identified by our approach may provide the groundwork for a combination therapy approach for cervical cancer; however, further studies are still needed to make sure that the use of parthenolide or other anti‐cancer agents is effective without inhibiting important host defense mechanisms in cervical cancer.
Total oxidant, antioxidant, and paraoxonase levels in babies born to pre‐eclamptic mothers
Authors: Altunhan Hüseyin , Annagür Ali , Kurban Sevil , Ertuğrul Sabahattin , Konak Murat , Örs Rahmi
Published: April 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidant‐antioxidant status in babies born to pre‐eclamptic mothers (BBPM).

Material and Methods

The paraoxonase (PON)‐1, total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were measured in the cord blood and venous blood (7th day) of BBPM (n = 31) and babies born to normotensive mothers (n = 25).

Results

The PON‐1 and TOS levels in the cord blood and venous blood on the 7th day were not significantly different between the two groups; however, the cord blood TAS levels were higher in BBPM (P = 0.001), and the TAS levels in the venous blood were higher in the control group (P = 0.021). Furthermore, the cord blood PON‐1 levels of babies born to severely pre‐eclamptic mothers (n = 18) were higher than those of babies born to moderately pre‐eclamptic mothers (n = 13) (P = 0.042). There were no differences in the cord blood TAS and TOS levels and venous blood PON‐1, TAS, and TOS levels between babies born to severely and moderately pre‐eclamptic mothers.

Conclusion

The increased TAS levels found in the cord blood of BBPM indicate that the fetus is protected against oxidative damage caused by increased oxidative stress in the mother. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the published work investigating PON‐1 levels in BBPM.
p.His165Pro: A novel SOX9 missense mutation of campomelic dysplasia
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Ventura Alessandro , Pattacini Pierpaolo , Bonasoni Maria Paola , Baffico Ave Maria
Published: April 2013

Campomelic dysplasia (CD) is a rare skeletal dysplasia caused by mutation in the SOX9 gene located on chromosome 17q24.3‐q25.1, which regulates testis and chondrocyte development. Severe bowing of the long bones was seen at second‐trimester scan. DNA analysis demonstrated a previously unreported de novo missense mutation in p.His165Pro. Ultrasound‐based, molecular biology diagnosis led to early therapeutic termination of pregnancy. Histologic examination of the femoral epyphyseal growth plate confirmed scanty proliferation zone and maturation zone with degenerated chondrocytes.
Comparison of amino acid metabolism in frozen‐thawed and fresh early‐stage human embryos
Authors: Fang Cong , Tang Jie , Huang Rui , Li Li‐lin , Zhang Min‐fang , Liang Xiao‐yang
Published: April 2013

Aims

To compare the amino acid differences of changes of frozen‐thawed early‐stage human embryos and fresh cultured early‐stage human embryos.

Material and Methods

Discarded embryos and their in vitro culture medium of patients who underwent in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) at the Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, from September 2010 to April 2011 were collected. Amino acid levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The amino acid differences of changes in the culture medium of fresh embryos (661.50 μmol/L) were significantly higher than in the medium of post‐thawed embryos (232.00 μmol/L) at 0.5 h (P < 0.001). At 1 and 2 h, no significant difference of change was found in all amino acids. Differences in the concentration of amino acids between post‐thawed embryos and blank control medium were already present beginning at 1 h.

Conclusions

The level of amino acid metabolism of frozen‐thawed early‐stage human embryos has already recovered from the state of metabolic stagnation during cryopreservation at 1 h of incubation after thawing, and the amino acid metabolism level at that time approximates that in fresh embryos before freezing. This may be established as the optimal embryo transfer time in IVF‐ET.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Following a Scorpion Sting
Authors: Porcello Marrone Luiz Carlos , Marrone Bianca Fontana , Neto Felipe Kalil , Costa Francisco Cosme , Thomé Gustavo Gomes , Aramburu Martin Brandolt , Schilling Lucas Porcello , Pascoal Tharick Ali , Gadonski Giovani , Huf Marrone Antônio Carlos , da Costa Jaderson Costa
Published: April 2013

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiologic entity not yet understood, that is present with transient neurologic symptoms and particular radiological findings. The most common imaging pattern in PRES is the presence of edema in the white matter of the posterior portions of both cerebral hemispheres. The cause of PRES is unclear. We report a case of 13‐year‐old male who was stung by a scorpion and developed a severe headche, visual disturbance, and seizures and had the diagnosis of PRES with a good outcome. Numerous factors can trigger this syndrome, most commonly: acute elevation of blood pressure, abnormal renal function, and immunosuppressive therapy. There are many cases described showing the relationship between PRES and eclampsia, transplantation, neoplasia and chemotherapy treatment, systemic infections, renal disease acute, or chronic. However, this is the first case of PRES following a scorpion sting.
Validity and Reliability of a Smartphone Application for the Assessment of Penile Deformity in Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Hsi Ryan S. , Hotaling James M. , Hartzler Andrea L. , Holt Sarah K. , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Available methods to evaluate men with Peyronie's disease (PD) are limited by the inability to accurately and reproducibly measure penile deformity.

Aim

The study aims to evaluate the performance of a smartphone application for the measurement of penile curvature and narrowing.

Methods

A smartphone application, the University of Washington Peyronie's Examination Network (UWPEN), was developed for this purpose. To assess penile curvature, 15 single cylinders of malleable penile prostheses were molded to varying curvature angles. Three blinded observers nonsequentially measured the angle of curvature for each prosthetic cylinder using a protractor, goniometer, and UWPEN. To assess girth narrowing, six clay models of the penile shaft were constructed to represent conditions of normal, partial hourglass, circumferential hourglass, and pencil narrowing. Girth was measured using a ruler and UWPEN by the same blinded observers.

Main Outcome Measures

Statistical analyses compared intertest, interobserver, and intraobserver reliability using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). An ICC above 0.75 indicates excellent reproducibility among measurements.

Results

Intertest reliability for angle measurements yielded an ICC for the three methods of 1.000. Separately, the ICC for UWPEN vs. the goniometer and protractor was 0.999 and 0.999, respectively. The interobserver ICC for UWPEN, goniometer, and protractor was 0.998, 0.999, and 1.000, respectively. Intertest reliability for girth narrowing measurements yielded an ICC of 0.991. The interobserver ICC for girth narrowing for UWPEN and the ruler was 0.978 and 0.986, respectively. Intraobserver ICC for angle measurements and girth narrowing showed high reliability for all observers and methods.

Conclusions

The performance of UWPEN is comparable with and highly correlated with angle measurements obtained from the goniometer and protractor as well as with girth narrowing measurements obtained from a ruler. Measurements are reproducible among different observers. UWPEN may provide a noninvasive, accurate, reliable, and widely accessible method to characterize and track PD over time.
Nutrient Assimilation by First‐Feeding African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus, Assessed Using Stable Isotope Analysis
Authors: Enyidi Uchechukwu , Kiljunen Mikko , Jones Roger I. , Pirhonen Juhani , Vielma Jouni
Published: April 2013

Knowledge of ingredients assimilation and biomass contribution to recipient fish is important in feed formulation. The stable isotopes of 13C and 15N were used to investigate the assimilation and biomass contribution of bambaranut, Voandzeia subterranea, meal (BNM), corn, Zea mays, meal (CM) and fish meal (FM), in FM substituted diets of first feeding African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, during a 30‐d experiment. The catfish larvae were stocked at 40 fish/15 L three replicate glass aquaria. Larvae were fed with experimental diets varying FM, BNM, and CM. Proportions of FM : BNM : CM in the experimental diets were: feed 1 (F1) 60:20:20; feed 2 (F2) 40:40:20; feed 3 (F3) 20:60:20; and feed 4 (F4) 20:20:60. Feeds and larval stable isotopes of δ13C and δ15N were analyzed. Larval specific growth rates (SGRs) were high, enhancing incorporation of dietary δ13C and δ15N. The SGR was highest for catfish fed F1 and F2 but significantly lower for those on F3 and F4. Results of δ13C and δ15N analyses showed that the biomass contribution from FM was similar to BNM, which were better than CM at equal inclusion levels. The nitrogen contribution per ingredient to larval somatic crude protein was increasing with increases in ingredient inclusion and assimilation. Stable isotope analysis is useful for analyzing assimilation and utilization of nutrients.
Effects of Small Peptides on Nonspecific Immune Responses in Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Wang Shuxian , Ye Haibin , Li Tianbao , Yang Xiusheng , Fan Ying , Yu Xiaoqing , Wang Yongqiang
Published: April 2013

The potential immunostimulatory effects of small peptides on sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, were investigated in vivo and in vitro. Small peptides were injected into sea cucumbers and a control group was injected with equal volume of sterile filtered seawater. The nonspecific humoral and cellular responses were determined, respectively, and sea cucumbers were challenged by Vibrio splendidus. The results showed that test groups significantly enhanced most of the immune parameters tested (P < 0.05). Both phagocytic capacity and respiratory burst activity were up to maximum value on the fourth day and the values were 2.3 and 1.4 times as high as the control group, respectively. However, small peptides had no significant effect on total coelomocytes counts. Among the humoral responses, the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and superoxide dismutase were up to maximum value on the fourth, fourthth and seventh day, respectively. The values were 2.3, 2.2, and 2.0 times as high as the control group, respectively. At the end of the challenge, the cumulative mortality rate of sea cucumber injected with 0.5 mg small peptides (43.3%) was significantly lower than the control group (66.7%). In conclusion, small peptides as an additive could improve the nonspecific immunity level of Apostichopus japonicus.
Isolation and Characterization of Edwardsiella ictaluri from Southern Catfish, Silurus soldatovi meridionalis, (Chen) Cultured in China
Authors: Geng Y. , Wang K. Y. , Li C. W. , Ren S. Y. , Zhou Z. Y. , Liu X. X. , Liu X. F. , Lai W. M. , Huang X. L. , Chen D. F.
Published: April 2013

In April 2011, there was an outbreak of an infectious disease in southern catfish, Silurus soldatovi meridionalis, (Chen) (15–20 g) in Sichuan Province, China. Two isolates, LW101 and LW102, were isolated from kidney and liver of the sick fish on brain‐heart infusion (BHI) agar and were considered to be the cause of this disease based on experimental challenges. The morphological and physiological characteristics as well as the biochemical tests of the two isolates were the same and similar to Edwardsiella ictaluri. Furthermore, the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and the gryB gene revealed that the isolates were highly homogeneous with E. ictaluri. On the basis of the phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of these genes, both isolates were identified as E. ictaluri. Susceptibility of the isolates to 22 antibiotics was tested using the disc diffusion method. Both isolates showed a similar antibiotic susceptibility, which was characterized by resistance to acetylspiramycin, ampicillin, clarithromycin, penicillin, oxytetracycline, and sinomin (SMZ/TMP); the strains were susceptible to amikacin, chloramphenicol, florfenicol, roxithromycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, doxycycline, and tenemycin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. ictaluri infection in southern catfish.
Therapeutic potential of furin inhibitors for the chronic infection of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Pang Yan J. , Tan Xiao J. , Li Dong M. , Zheng Zi H. , Lei Rui X. , Peng Xiao M.
Published: April 2013

Background & Aims

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is essential for the development of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Furin, a proprotein convertase, plays a key role in processing of HBeAg precursor into maturated HBeAg. For these reasons, the therapeutic potential of furin inhibition for chronic HBV infection was studied.

Methods

The effects of furin inhibitor I (decanoyl‐RVKR‐chloromethylketone, CMK) and furin inhibitor II (hexa‐D‐arginine, D6R) on HBeAg secretion, the destination of unprocessed precursor and cellular secretory functions were comparatively investigated.

Results

CMK and D6R significantly decreased the supernatant level of HBeAg and increased the intracellular level of HBeAg precursor in HepG2.2.15 cells in vitro. The accumulated HBeAg precursor was not found to be retro‐transported into the cytosol to inhibit HBV replication as expected, but was found to be expressed on the cell surface, where it may be more convenient to mediate host immune responses. Furthermore, these inhibitors at effective concentrations were not found to interfere with the maturations of albumin and prothrombin. Compared with CMK, D6R was suboptimal in effectiveness; however, D6R neither enhanced HBV replication through the accumulation of cytosolic HBcAg nor did it cause severe cell damage in an elongated safety analyses.

Conclusion

Furin inhibitors CMK and D6R reduce HBeAg secretion and increase cell surface expression of the HBeAg precursor in HepG2.2.15 cells. Novel furin inhibitors or modified forms of D6R may promote the reduction of immune tolerance and the elimination of infected hepatocytes in patients with chronic HBV infection.