bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lewy body extracts from Parkinson disease brains trigger α‐synuclein pathology and neurodegeneration in mice and monkeys
Authors: Recasens Ariadna , Dehay Benjamin , Bové Jordi , Carballo‐Carbajal Iria , Dovero Sandra , Pérez‐Villalba Ana , Fernagut Pierre‐Olivier , Blesa Javier , Parent Annabelle , Perier Celine , Fariñas Isabel , Obeso José A. , Bezard Erwan , Vila Miquel
Published: November 2013

Objective

Mounting evidence suggests that α‐synuclein, a major protein component of Lewy bodies (LB), may be responsible for initiating and spreading the pathological process in Parkinson disease (PD). Supporting this concept, intracerebral inoculation of synthetic recombinant α‐synuclein fibrils can trigger α‐synuclein pathology in mice. However, it remains uncertain whether the pathogenic effects of recombinant synthetic α‐synuclein may apply to PD‐linked pathological α‐synuclein and occur in species closer to humans.

Methods

Nigral LB‐enriched fractions containing pathological α‐synuclein were purified from postmortem PD brains by sucrose gradient fractionation and subsequently inoculated into the substantia nigra or striatum of wild‐type mice and macaque monkeys. Control animals received non‐LB fractions containing soluble α‐synuclein derived from the same nigral PD tissue.

Results

In both mice and monkeys, intranigral or intrastriatal inoculations of PD‐derived LB extracts resulted in progressive nigrostriatal neurodegeneration starting at striatal dopaminergic terminals. No neurodegeneration was observed in animals receiving non‐LB fractions from the same patients. In LB‐injected animals, exogenous human α‐synuclein was quickly internalized within host neurons and triggered the pathological conversion of endogenous α‐synuclein. At the onset of LB‐induced degeneration, host pathological α‐synuclein diffusely accumulated within nigral neurons and anatomically interconnected regions, both anterogradely and retrogradely. LB‐induced pathogenic effects required both human α‐synuclein present in LB extracts and host expression of α‐synuclein.

Interpretation

α‐Synuclein species contained in PD‐derived LB are pathogenic and have the capacity to initiate a PD‐like pathological process, including intracellular and presynaptic accumulations of pathological α‐synuclein in different brain areas and slowly progressive axon‐initiated dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. ANN NEUROL 2014;75:351–362
Mechanical and barrier properties of cardboard and 3D packaging coated with microfibrillated cellulose
Authors: Lavoine Nathalie , Bras Julien , Desloges Isabelle
Published: November 2013

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is increasingly used with cellulosic substrates and especially with paper materials. Its use with cardboard remains not reported and the study of mechanical and barrier properties of MFC‐coated cardboard has been investigated in this article. The influence of coating process as well as the effect of MFC have been highlighted by comparing different MFC‐coated cardboard samples with PE‐coated cardboard samples. MFC was coated using bar coating process. Their distribution and homogeneity onto cardboard was observed using techniques such as SEM and FE‐SEM. Tests such as oxygen and air permeability, bending stiffness, and compressive strength have been carried out. The coating process used impacts significantly cardboard properties by two opposite ways: on one hand it damages the structure cohesion of cardboard decreasing its compressive strength; on the other hand it increases its bending stiffness by increasing considerably the samples thickness. The addition of MFC counterbalances the negative effects of the coating process: bending stiffness and compressive strength are indeed improved by 30% in machine direction. On the contrary, MFC does not enhance much cardboard barrier properties, although it considerably increases their water absorption. Within a framework of packaging application, MFC will rather have consequent effects on cardboard's properties as blend or as part of the multilayer structure. Other applications have to be considered for its use as top layer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40106.
Regeneration effect of visible light‐curing furfuryl alginate compound by release of epidermal growth factor for wound healing application
Authors: Heo Yun , Lee Hyung‐Jae , Kim Eun‐Hye , Kim Mi‐Kyung , Ito Yoshihiro , Son Tae‐Il
Published: November 2013

A visible light‐curable polysaccharide conjugate was prepared and was included with epidermal growth factor (EGF) for wound healing application. Alginate was modified with furfurylamine, and the furfuryl alginate (F‐alginate) was mixed with Rose Bengal for visible light reactivity. The introduction of furfuryl group was confirmed by 1H‐NMR and UV/vis spectroscopy. Visible light‐induced crosslinking was evaluated by micropatterning and weight measurement. Swelling ratio was also determined. To verify its applicability in wound healing applications, EGF was included in the system of F‐alginate and Rose Bengal. After the confirmation of no cytotoxicity of F‐alginate and murine EGF release from the system, cell proliferation, antibacterial activity, and animal test were performed on the system. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the system was useful for wound healing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40113.
Synthesis and characterization of a carboxyl‐terminated waterborne hyperbranched polymer and its coordination behavior with chromium(III)
Authors: Li Chenying , Chen Hualin , Liu Bailing , Wang Bin , Luo Rong , Shan Ning
Published: November 2013

Despite its irreplaceable position in the leather industry, chrome tanning has been listed in the procession of limitation. The serious environmental pollution caused by chrome tanning through the residual chrome it leaves in wastewater has attracted great attention. To improve the absorption of chrome and reduce chromium emission, a novel hyperbranched ligand was synthesized and characterized. The impact elements of the coordination process between the hyperbranched oligomer and Cr(III) was investigated, and the characteristics of the complex are also discussed. This hyperbranched oligomer had a low molecular weight (weight‐average molecular weight = 2125) and narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI = 1.21). The time required for the coordination process between the hyperbranched oligomer and Cr(III) was around 6 h, and the optimum pH was 4.0. Moreover, the complex exhibited alkali resistance and fair resistance to oxidation; this suggested that this developed hyperbranched ligand is a potential masking agent or tanning auxiliary for chrome tanning and will enable improvements in chromium absorption. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40117.
Graft polycondensation of microfibrillated jute cellulose with oligo(L‐lactic acid) and its properties
Authors: Khan G. M. Arifuzzaman , Haque M. Ahsanul , Terano Minoru , Alam Md. Shamsul
Published: November 2013

In order to improve the compatibility with different polymer matrices, microfibrillated jute cellulose (MFJC) was surface grafted by oligo(l‐lactic acid) (OLA) via graft polycondensation reaction catalyzed by Sn(Oct)2 in toluene medium. The effects of the OLA concentration, Sn(Oct)2 concentration, reaction time, temperature, and pressure on the progress of the graft polycondensation were investigated. Maximum grafting was found 44% at optimum reaction condition. The observation was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 13C‐NMR spectrometry, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology and crystalline structure of the graft copolymer (MFJC‐g‐OLA) were examined by scanning electron microscopy and wide angle X‐ray diffraction, respectively. Measurements showed that initial morphological integrity of MFJC changed due to incorporation of amorphous OLA onto MFJC surface, as a result decreases crystallinity. Extracted MFJC‐g‐OLA was also characterized by thermo‐gravimetric analysis. Results reflect the enhanced hydrophobicity and thermal stability of the MFJC as a consequence of this modification. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40139.
Morphology, mechanical, and rheological properties of poly(lactic acid)/ethylene acrylic acid copolymer blends processing via vane extruder
Authors: Zhao Yong‐Qing , Chen Fu‐Quan , Wu Zheng‐Huan , Feng Yan‐Hong , Qu Jin‐Ping
Published: November 2013

This work aimed to study, for the first time, the melt blending of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer by a novel vane extruder to toughen PLA. The phase morphologies, mechanical, and rheological properties of the PLA/EAA blends of three weight ratios (90/10, 80/20, and 70/30) were investigated. The results showed that the addition of EAA improves the toughness of PLA at the expense of the tensile strength to a certain degree and leads the transition from brittle fracture of PLA into ductile fracture. The 80/20 (w/w) PLA/EAA blend presents the maximum elongation at break (13.93%) and impact strength (3.18 kJ/m2), which is 2.2 and 1.2 times as large as those of PLA, respectively. The 90/10 and 80/20 PLA/EAA blends exhibit droplet‐matrix morphologies with number average radii of 0.30–0.73 μm, whereas the 70/30 PLA/EAA blend presents an elongated co‐continuous structure with large radius (2.61 μm) of EAA phase and there exists PLA droplets in EAA phase. These three blends with different phase morphologies display different characteristic linear viscoelastic properties in the low frequency region, which were investigated in terms of their complex viscosity, storage modulus, loss tangent, and Cole‐Cole plots. Specially, the 80/20 PLA/EAA blend presents two circular arcs on its Cole‐Cole plot. So, the longest relaxation time of the 80/20 blend was obtained from its complex viscosity imaginary part plot, and the interfacial tension between PLA and EAA, which is 4.4 mN/m, was calculated using the Palierne model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40146.
An approximate expectation maximisation algorithm for estimating parameters in nonlinear dynamic models with process disturbances
Authors: Karimi Hadiseh , McAuley Kimberley B.
Published: November 2013

Stochastic terms are included in fundamental dynamic models of chemical processes to account for disturbances, input uncertainties and model mismatch. The resulting equations are called stochastic differential equations (SDEs). An approximate expectation maximisation (AEM) algorithm using B‐splines is developed for estimating parameters in SDE models when the magnitude of the disturbances and model mismatch is unknown. The AEM method is evaluated using a two‐state nonlinear continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) model. The proposed algorithm is compared with two other maximum‐likelihood‐based methods (continuous time stochastic modelling (CTSM) [Kristensen and Madsen, Continuous Time Stochastic Modelling: CTSM 2.3 User's Guide, 2003; Kristensen et al.,Automatica2004; 40: 225] and extended approximate maximum likelihood estimation (AMLE) [Varziri et al.,Can. J. Chem. Eng. 2008; 86: 828]). For the CSTR examples studied, the AEM algorithm provides more accurate estimates of model parameters, unknown initial conditions and disturbance intensities. SDE models and associated parameter estimates obtained using AEM will be helpful to engineers who subsequently implement on‐line state estimation and process monitoring schemes because the two types of uncertainties that are considered (i.e. measurement noise and stochastic process disturbances) are consistent with the error structure used in extended Kalman filters.
Phenol adsorption by modified clay from Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Cavalcanti Jorge V. F. L. , Abreu César A. M. , Baraúna Osmar S. , da Motta Maurício
Published: November 2013

This research had as objective the use of an adsorbent organoclay to remove the phenol compound, found on a large scale in aqueous effluents of petrochemical industries. The particular clay studied, called ‘Chocolate,’ originated in the Northeast Region of Brazil, from Campina Grande, Paraíba. Initially the clay sample was treated with sodium carbonate in an aqueous suspension, according to an experimental design (with the variables, sodium concentration, contact time and system temperature). The sodium‐containing clay was then treated with a quaternary ammonium salt solution. The adsorption capacity of phenol in this organoclay was estimated using the Langmuir–Freundlich Equation. The adsorptive efficiency, for the best conditions, was approximately 80% of phenol removed from the aqueous phase. The experimental data was fitted to a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. X‐ray diffraction results showed that the basal spacing of natural Chocolate clay and organophilic Chocolate clay were 1.549 and 2.092 nm, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity, with experiments at pH 8.3, at room temperature (27°C), was equal to 12.287 mg g−1.
Induction and suppression of Dichomitus squalens and Ceriporiopsis subvermispora peroxidase activity by manganese sulphate in response to carbon and nitrogen sources
Authors: Kannaiyan Ranjani , Mahinpey Nader , Martinuzzi Robert J. , Kostenko Victoria
Published: November 2013

Delignification is critical in the production of biofuel from a potentially abundant renewable resource, lignocellulosic waste. One of the classes of lignolytic enzymes are peroxidases. Manganese sulphate (Mn2+) has a significant impact on the peroxidase activity of lignolytic fungi. Along with induction, the suppression of peroxidase activity by Mn2+ has been observed. Peroxidase regulation is governed by three critical Mn2+ concentrations: the minimum inductive concentration (MIC), the peak concentration (PC) and the minimum suppressive concentration (MSC). The induction and suppression of enzyme activity were not associated with fungal growth capacity, but with a specific enzyme response to the nutritional conditions. Manipulation of the carbon and nitrogen sources shifted the peroxidase suppression by Mn2+ to high concentrations and, hence, increased the peroxidase tolerance to Mn2+ and, consequently, peak peroxidase activities. The manipulation of carbon and nitrogen sources allowed increasing the peak concentrations of Mn2+ and corresponding peroxidase activity up to 0.5 mg/mL and 180.70 AU (173% increase compared to standard) in C. subvermispora, and up to 0.05 mg/mL and 151.23 AU in D. squalens (91% increase compared to standard). Thus, manipulation of carbon and nitrogen sources is a useful tool in enhancing fungi peroxidase tolerance to Mn2+ and improving the delignification of lignocellulosic biomass by fungi to prepare an easily consumable substrate for economically viable biofuel production.
Assessment of Ground Water Quality with Respect to Bacteriological Contamination in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
Authors: Patel Mittal , Baxi Krushnakant , Dayma Paras , Upadhyay Devang , Parmar Navalsang , Kundu Saurav , Haldar Soumya , Mody Kalpana H. , Jha Bhavanath
Published: November 2013

The present work aimed to make an assessment of physicochemical parameters and bacteriological contamination associated with 24 ground water resources used by more than 5% of total population, classified under four characteristic locations of Bhavnagar, a growing city of Gujarat. Ground water quality was evaluated with respect to most probable number of Escherichia coli, and presence of heterotrophic bacteria including some pathogens. Based on morphological differences and sites, 27 isolates were randomly selected and identified accurately. Scanning electron microscopy was also performed for each representative genus to understand morphology. Resources from thickly crowded areas were dominated by Aeromonas and Acinetobacter, residential area by Citrobacter and Serratia and sites adjacent to drainage canals by Pseudomonas spp. Further, bacterial community structure of 24 different resources was determined by Biolog EcoPlates™ and species richness and diversity were evaluated. Antibiotic resistance pattern revealed emergence of multidrug resistance among some of the identified strains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on detailed bacteriological analysis of ground water resources of Bhavnagar city including bacterial identification using polyphasic approach, community study, antibiotics resistance profiling, and interpretation of data using suitable statistical tools. Furthermore, this study can be considered as a model for understanding ground water quality of other cities also.
Heavy Metal Removal by Electrocoagulation Integrated Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Vijayakumar Vinduja , Keerthi  , Balasubramanian Natesan
Published: November 2013

This study investigates the performance of electrocoagulation integrated membrane bioreactor (EMBR) in treating synthetic wastewater enriched with heavy metals (Cu, Cr, and Zn). This hybrid system was compared with a conventional membrane bioreactor (MBR). The results suggest that it is superior to conventional MBR in terms to chemical oxygen demand removal, flux improvement, fouling reduction, and metal removal. The metal removal efficiencies in both MBR and EMBR followed the sequence Cr > Cu > Zn. The average removal efficiencies in MBR were 60.90, 53.24, and 48.22% for Cr, Cu, and Zn, respectively, while for the EMBR 98.60, 97.53, and 93.52% could be achieved, respectively. The mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration was also found to affect the metal removal potential of the MBR. In MBR, metal removal and MLSS concentration showed significant relationship, while in EMBR, this correlation was found to be less. The specific energy consumption for removing each metal by EMBR was calculated and found to be 6.62, 6.94, and 6.69 kWh/kg removed for Cr, Zn, and Cu, respectively.
Diester monomers from methyl oleate and proline via tandem hydroaminomethylation‐esterification sequence with homogeneous catalyst recycling using TMS‐technique
Authors: Behr Arno , Seidensticker Thomas , Vorholt Andreas J.
Published: November 2013

Diesters from renewables are attractive precursors in various polymer applications. In this regard, unsaturated fatty compounds such as methyl oleate are interesting starting materials as it is possible to introduce different functional groups by modifying the double bonds and due to the existing carboxylic moiety. Another interesting class of renewables are amino acids, such as L‐proline, which provide naturally occurring amino and carboxylic moieties. Combining these two renewables in one reaction sequence consisting of hydroformylation, condensation, hydrogenation (i.e., hydroaminomethylation; HAM) and esterification results in interesting biopolymer‐precursors. In this paper, we present a combination of these four reactions used to functionalize methyl oleate to produce diesters in one pot. These diesters were successfully separated from the catalyst using thermomorphic solvent systems (TMS)‐technique, resulting in minimal leaching of the precious metal rhodium into the product phase. Catalyst recycling was shown for three recycling runs in which the catalyst activity was maintained.
Noninvasive in vivo magnetic resonance measures of glutathione synthesis in human and rat liver as an oxidative stress biomarker
Authors: Skamarauskas John T. , Oakley Fiona , Smith Fiona E. , Bawn Carlo , Dunn Michael , Vidler Daniel S. , Clemence Matthew , Blain Peter G. , Taylor Roy , Gamcsik Michael P. , Thelwall Peter E.
Published: November 2013

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a central role in the progression of liver disease and in damage to liver by toxic xenobiotics. We have developed methods for noninvasive assessment of hepatic OS defenses by measuring flux through the glutathione (GSH) synthesis pathway. 13C-labeled GSH is endogenously produced and detected by in vivo magnetic resonance after administration of [2-13C]-glycine. We report on a successful first-ever human demonstration of this approach as well as preclinical studies demonstrating perturbed GSH metabolism in models of acute and chronic OS. Human studies employed oral administration of [2-13C]-glycine and 13C spectroscopy on a 3T clinical magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scanner and demonstrated detection and quantification of endogenously produced 13C-GSH after labeled glycine ingestion. Plasma analysis demonstrated that glycine 13C fractional enrichment achieved steady state during the 6-hour ingestion period. Mean rate of synthesis of hepatic 13C-labeled GSH was 0.32 ± 0.18 mmole/kg/hour. Preclinical models of acute OS and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprised CCl4-treated and high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet-fed Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively, using intravenous administration of [2-13C]-glycine and observation of 13C-label metabolism on a 7T preclinical MR system. Preclinical studies demonstrated a 54% elevation of GSH content and a 31% increase in flux through the GSH synthesis pathway at 12 hours after acute insult caused by CCl4 administration, as well as a 23% decrease in GSH content and evidence of early steatohepatitis in the model of NASH. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate in vivo
13C-labeling and detection of GSH as a biomarker of tissue OS defenses, detecting chronic and acute OS insults. The methods are applicable to clinical research studies of hepatic OS in disease states over time as well as monitoring effects of therapeutic interventions. (Hepatology 2014;59:2321–2330)
Protumorigenic effects of Snail‐expression fibroblasts on colon cancer cells
Authors: Herrera Alberto , Herrera Mercedes , Alba‐Castellón Lorena , Silva Javier , García Vanesa , Loubat‐Casanovas Jordina , Álvarez‐Cienfuegos Ana , Miguel García José , Rodriguez Rufo , Gil Beatriz , M Jesús Citores  , M Jesús Larriba  , Ignacio Casal J. , de Herreros Antonio García , Bonilla Félix , Peña Cristina
Published: November 2013

Snail1 is a transcriptional factor that plays an important role in epithelial–mesenchymal transition and in the acquisition of invasive properties by epithelial cells. In colon tumors, Snail1 expression in the stroma correlates with lower specific survival of cancer patients. However, the role(s) of Snail1 expression in stroma and its association with patients' survival have not been determined. We used human primary carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) or normal fibroblasts (NFs) and fibroblast cell lines to analyze the effects of Snail1 expression on the protumorigenic capabilities in colon cancer cells. Snail1 expression was higher in CAFs than in NFs and, as well as α‐SMA, a classic marker of activated CAFs. Moreover, in tumor samples from 50 colon cancer patients, SNAI1 expression was associated with expression of other CAF markers, such as α‐SMA and fibroblast activation protein. Interestingly, coculture of CAFs with colon cells induced a significant increase in epithelial cell migration and proliferation, which was associated with endogenous SNAI1 expression levels. Ectopic manipulation of Snail1 in fibroblasts demonstrated that Snail1 expression controlled migration as well as proliferation of cocultured colon cancer cells in a paracrine manner. Furthermore, expression of Snail1 in fibroblasts was required for the coadjuvant effect of these cells on colon cancer cell growth and invasion when coxenografted in nude mice. Finally, cytokine profile changes, particularly MCP‐3 expression, in fibroblasts are put forward as mediators of Snail1‐derived effects on colon tumor cell migration. In summary, these studies demonstrate that Snail1 is necessary for the protumorigenic effects of fibroblasts on colon cancer cells.
Indirubin-3′-Oxime Reverses Bone Loss in Ovariectomized and Hindlimb-Unloaded Mice Via Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Zahoor Muhammad , Cha Pu-Hyeon , Min Do Sik , Choi Kang-Yell
Published: November 2013

Osteoporosis is a major global health issue in elderly people. Because Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in bone homeostasis, we screened activators of this pathway through cell-based screening, and investigated indirubin-3′-oxime (I3O), one of the positive compounds known to inhibit GSK3β, as a potential anti-osteoporotic agent. Here, we show that I3O activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling via inhibition of the interaction of GSK3β with β-catenin, and induced osteoblast differentiation in vitro and increased calvarial bone thickness ex vivo. Intraperitoneal injection of I3O increased bone mass and improved microarchitecture in normal mice and reversed bone loss in an ovariectomized mouse model of age-related osteoporosis. I3O also increased thickness and area of cortical bone, indicating improved bone strength. Enhanced bone mass and strength correlated with activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, as shown by histological analyses of both trabecular and cortical bones. I3O also restored mass and density of bone in hindlimb-unloaded mice compared with control, suspended mice, demonstrating bone-restoration effects of I3O in non-aged–related osteoporosis as well. Overall, I3O, a pharmacologically active small molecule, could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Hospitalists' ability to use hand‐carried ultrasound for central venous pressure estimation after a brief training intervention: A pilot study
Authors: David Martin L. , Ziegelstein Roy C. , Howell Eric E. , Martire Carol , Hellmann David B. , Hirsch Glenn A.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Access to hand‐carried ultrasound technology for noncardiologists has increased significantly, yet development and evaluation of training programs are limited.

OBJECTIVE

We studied a focused program to teach hospitalists image acquisition of inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and IVC collapsibility index with interpretation of estimated central venous pressure (CVP).

METHODS

Ten hospitalists completed an online educational module prior to attending a 1‐day in‐person training session that included directly supervised IVC imaging on volunteer subjects. In addition to making quantitative assessments, hospitalists were also asked to visually assess whether the IVC collapsed more than 50% during rapid inspiration or a sniff maneuver. Skills in image acquisition and interpretation were assessed immediately after training on volunteer patients and prerecorded images, and again on volunteer patients at least 6 weeks later.

RESULTS

Eight of 10 hospitalists acquired adequate IVC images and interpreted them correctly on 5 of the 5 volunteer subjects and interpreted all 10 prerecorded images correctly at the end of the 1‐day training session. At 7.4 ± 0.7 weeks (range, 6.9–8.6 weeks) follow‐up, 9 of 10 hospitalists accurately acquired and interpreted all IVC images in 5 of 5 volunteers. Hospitalists were also able to accurately determine whether the IVC collapsibility index was more than 50% by visual assessment in 180 of 198 attempts (91% of the time).

CONCLUSIONS

After a brief training program, hospitalists acquired adequate skills to perform and interpret hand‐carried ultrasound IVC images and retained these skills in the near term. Though calculation of the IVC collapsibility index is more accurate, coupling a qualitative assessment with the IVC maximum diameter measurement may be acceptable in aiding bedside estimation of CVP. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:711–714. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Quantitative analysis of hydrogen in amorphous silicon using Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Volodin V. A. , Koshelev D. I.
Published: November 2013

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) films were studied using infrared and Raman spectroscopy. We have experimentally found that ratios of Raman scattering cross‐sections for Si–H to Si–Si bonds and for Si–H2 to Si–Si bonds are equal to 0.65 ± 0.07 and 0.25 ± 0.03, respectively. It allows to measure the concentration of hydrogen in a‐Si:H films. The developed approach can be applied for in situ control of hydrogen in a‐Si:H films and also suitable for thin a‐Si:H films on substrates that are opaque in infrared spectral region. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PAIRpred: Partner‐specific prediction of interacting residues from sequence and structure
Authors: Afsar Minhas Fayyaz ul Amir , Geiss Brian J. , Ben‐Hur Asa
Published: November 2013

We present a novel partner‐specific protein–protein interaction site prediction method called PAIRpred. Unlike most existing machine learning binding site prediction methods, PAIRpred uses information from both proteins in a protein complex to predict pairs of interacting residues from the two proteins. PAIRpred captures sequence and structure information about residue pairs through pairwise kernels that are used for training a support vector machine classifier. As a result, PAIRpred presents a more detailed model of protein binding, and offers state of the art accuracy in predicting binding sites at the protein level as well as inter‐protein residue contacts at the complex level. We demonstrate PAIRpred's performance on Docking Benchmark 4.0 and recent CAPRI targets. We present a detailed performance analysis outlining the contribution of different sequence and structure features, together with a comparison to a variety of existing interface prediction techniques. We have also studied the impact of binding‐associated conformational change on prediction accuracy and found PAIRpred to be more robust to such structural changes than existing schemes. As an illustration of the potential applications of PAIRpred, we provide a case study in which PAIRpred is used to analyze the nature and specificity of the interface in the interaction of human ISG15 protein with NS1 protein from influenza A virus. Python code for PAIRpred is available at http://combi.cs.colostate.edu/supplements/pairpred/. Proteins 2014; 82:1142–1155. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The minimal α‐crystallin domain of Mj Hsp16.5 is functional at non‐heat‐shock conditions
Authors: Xi Dong , Wei Ping , Zhang Changsheng , Lai Luhua
Published: November 2013

The small heat shock protein (sHSP) from Methanococcus jannaschii (Mj Hsp16.5) forms a monodisperse 24mer and each of its monomer contains two flexible N‐ and C‐terminals and a rigid α‐crystallin domain with an extruding β‐strand exchange loop. The minimal α‐crystallin domain with a β‐sandwich fold is conserved in sHSP family, while the presence of the β‐strand exchange loop is divergent. The function of the β‐strand exchange loop and the minimal α‐crystallin domain of Mj Hsp16.5 need further study. In the present study, we constructed two fragment‐deletion mutants of Mj Hsp16.5, one with both the N‐ and C‐terminals deleted (ΔNΔC) and the other with a further deletion of the β‐strand exchange loop (ΔNΔLΔC). ΔNΔC existed as a dimer in solution. In contrast, the minimal α‐crystallin domain ΔNΔLΔC became polydisperse in solution and exhibited more efficient chaperone‐like activities to prevent amorphous aggregation of insulin B chain and fibril formation of the amyloidogenic peptide dansyl‐SSTSAA‐W than the mutant ΔNΔC and the wild type did. The hydrophobic probe binding experiments indicated that ΔNΔLΔC exposed much more hydrophobic surface than ΔNΔC. Our study also demonstrated that Mj Hsp16.5 used different mechanisms for protecting different substrates. Though Mj Hsp16.5 formed stable complexes with substrates when preventing thermal aggregation, no complexes were detected when preventing aggregation under non‐heat‐shock conditions. Proteins 2014; 82:1156–1167. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new method for large time behavior of degenerate viscous Hamilton–Jacobi equations with convex Hamiltonians
Authors: Cagnetti Filippo , Gomes Diogo , Mitake Hiroyoshi , Tran Hung V.
Published: November 2013

We investigate large-time asymptotics for viscous Hamilton–Jacobi equations with possibly degenerate diffusion terms. We establish new results on the convergence, which are the first general ones concerning equations which are neither uniformly parabolic nor first order. Our method is based on the nonlinear adjoint method and the derivation of new estimates on long time averaging effects. It also extends to the case of weakly coupled systems.
Antibiotics present and future
Authors: Altman S.
Published: November 2013

Here we make a brief survey of the present state of antibiotic research and use. We also describe a novel antibiotic that contains a basic peptide covalently bound to a morpholino oligonucleotide.
Relationship between cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters and heart failure risk (H2ARDD score) in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Suzuki Shinya , Koike Akira , Sagara Koichi , Otsuka Takayuki , Kano Hiroto , Matsuno Shunsuke , Takai Hideaki , Uejima Tokuhisa , Oikawa Yuji , Nagashima Kazuyuki , Kirigaya Hajime , Yajima Junji , Tanabe Hiroaki , Sawada Hitoshi , Aizawa Tadanori , Yamashita Takeshi
Published: November 2013

Background

A novel risk scoring system (H2ARDD) for estimating the incidence of heart failure (HF) events in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been developed, which represents points assigned for organic heart disease (2 points), anemia (1 point), renal dysfunction (1 point), diabetes (1 point), and diuretic use (1 point). We aimed to clarify whether H2ARDD score is related to cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) parameters in patients with AF.

Methods

The study population included 344 consecutive patients with AF who underwent CPX as initial screening between June 2004 and March 2012. The association between 4 CPX parameters and the incidence of HF events was analyzed by using multiple linear regression models.

Results

The peak O2 uptake (peak O2), anaerobic (gas exchange) threshold (AT), and ratio of the increase in O2 to the increase in work rate (ΔO2/ΔWR) were lower and the slope of the increase in ventilation to the increase in CO2 output (E–CO2 slope) was higher in patients with than in those without each H2ARDD score component. Accordingly, the parameters significantly increased or decreased according to H2ARDD score. With the multiple linear regression models, H2ARDD score was independently associated with each CPX parameter even after adjustment for various cofactors.

Conclusions

H2ARDD score was independently associated with the well‐established CPX parameters in patients with AF, suggesting a potential pathophysiological basis for a risk stratification system for predicting HF events in patients with AF.
Adenosine‐sensitive atrial tachycardia originating from the mitral annulus–aorta junction
Authors: Kino Naoto , Kurotobi Toshiya , Tonomura Daisuke , Yano Kentaro , Furubayashi Keiichi , Tsuchida Takao , Shimada Yoshihisa , Fukumoto Hitoshi
Published: November 2013

Here we report a case of adenosine‐sensitive focal atrial tachycardia that was successfully ablated from the left atrium at a site located adjacent to the posterior site of the left coronary cusp in spite of failed ablations from the superior‐septal right atrium and non‐coronary aortic cusp. In the case of an unsuccessful ablation from the right superoseptum and non‐coronary aortic sinus, the left atrial septum represents a potential optional site for ablation.
Electroanatomical mapping of the atrialized right ventricle: Placement of a transvenous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator in a patient with Ebstein's anomaly
Authors: Wanezaki Masahiro , Arimoto Takanori , Takahashi Hiroki , Iwayama Tadateru , Ishigaki Daisuke , Kutsuzawa Daisuke , Watanabe Tetsu , Kubota Isao
Published: November 2013

A 47‐year‐old woman with Ebstein's anomaly suffered from an out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation. Electroanatomical activation mapping showed an atrialized right ventricle. Atrial electrocardiogram, normal atrioventricular node conduction delay, and ventricular electrocardiogram were confirmed in the right atrium. Relatively preserved ventricular amplitude was found in the septal wall. Based on these findings, a transvenous dual‐chamber implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator was implanted for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. The patient has fared well, without any lead malfunctions, lead dislodgement, or inappropriate shocks. Sufficiently high atrial and ventricular amplitudes were confirmed during 18 months of follow‐up.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Authors: Allam Anand M. , Schwabe Aloysia L.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this focused review is to provide an overview of neuromuscular scoliosis from the perspective of the rehabilitation physician. Scoliosis is a common consequence of neuromuscular diseases, including central nervous system disorders such as cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury; motor neuron disorders, for example, spinal muscular atrophy; muscle fiber disorders, for example, Duchenne muscular dystrophy; multifactorial disorders, for example, spina bifida; and many other neuropathic and myopathic conditions. Unlike adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which is the most common form of spinal deformity, neuromuscular scoliosis is more severe and more progressive, and is associated with more morbidity. Factors that contribute to this spinal deformity include asymmetric paraplegia, imbalance of mechanical forces, intraspinal and congenital anomalies of the spine, altered sensory feedback, and abnormal posture via central pathways. Spinal deformity combined with limitations due to an underlying neuromuscular condition lead to significant physiologic impairments that affect limb movement, cardiopulmonary function, gait, standing, sitting, balance, trunk stability, bimanual activities, activities of daily living, and pain, as well as concerns with self‐image and social interactions. Evaluation and management of this population requires understanding of disease progression, pulmonary status, functional limitations, indications for conservative and surgical interventions, and social considerations.
Fever After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Case of Brucella Sepsis
Authors: McCormick Zack , Lynch Meaghan , Chen David
Published: November 2013

Fever during acute rehabilitation in patients with a spinal cord injury is a common problem. Infection, typically of the urinary or respiratory tract, is the most frequent cause of fever in these circumstances. We report a case of Brucella sepsis as a cause of fever in a patient with a spinal cord injury who was undergoing acute rehabilitation. We discuss the epidemiology, differential diagnosis, and evaluation of fever in persons with Brucella infection, as well as fever in patients with a spinal cord injury in the acute rehabilitation setting.
Clinical Profile of Fallers with Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Tsur Atzmon , Eluz Dana , Itah Dorit , Segal Zvi , Shakeer Nael , Galin Arkady
Published: November 2013

Objective

To describe the most common characteristics of elderly people who fell and fractured their femoral neck and who were admitted to our rehabilitation setting after surgery by an orthopedic surgeon.

Setting

A rehabilitation department in a general regional hospital.

Participants

A cohort of 100 patients, 37 men and 63 women, hospitalized for rehabilitation after surgery for a fracture in the femoral neck.

Methods

All the patients were interviewed by a physician from the rehabilitation department about the circumstances of their fall injuries, examined by an ophthalmologist for ocular problems, and evaluated by an occupational therapist for cognitive function. Data about background diseases were retrieved from the patients' medical records.

Main Outcome Measurements

Age of the patients, place and time of the fall, the circumstances of the fall event, the footwear used at the time of the fall, ophthalmic problems, cognitive disorders, eyeglasses use, walking aids use, medication used that may affect the central nervous system, and the presence of diseases that may influence patients' equilibrium.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 78 years, with a mean weight of 69 kg. Seventy‐eight percent had 1‐5 diseases that could influence their balance during weight bearing; 67% had an ophthalmic disease. For 70% of the patients, the cause of the fall appeared to be intrinsic (personal). Seventy‐two percent wore socks or slippers, or were barefoot at the time of the fall. Sixty‐four percent of the patients who used a walking aid did not use it during the fall event. Seventy‐one percent of falls occurred indoors and 29% outdoors. Fifty‐five percent of the patients were with another person when they fell. Fifty‐one percent were taking tranquilizers or medications for sleep disorders. Sixty‐eight percent fell during the daylight hours, between 6 AM and 6 PM. Of the patients who wore eyeglasses, 77.6% were not wearing them when they fell. Seventy percent had a short‐term memory disorder, 57% had a concentration disorder, and 49% had an orientation disorder.

Conclusions

Characteristics common to patients who fell and fractured their femoral neck included age older than 78 years, cognitive impairment, nonuse of eyeglasses that were prescribed, and inappropriate footwear.
Eine internationale neuropsychologische Testbatterie für Kinder, Jugendliche und Erwachsene mit Anorexia nervosa – die deutsche Adaptation des Ravello Profils
Authors: van Noort Betteke Maria , Pfeiffer Ernst , Lehmkuhl Ulrike , Kappel Viola
Published: November 2013

Fragestellung: Erwachsene mit Anorexia nervosa (AN) zeigen vor und nach Gewichtsrehabilitation Beeinträchtigungen kognitiver Funktionen. Im Bereich der kindlichen und früh-adoleszenten AN besteht ein großer Bedarf an strukturierten Untersuchungen der kognitiven Funktionen. Bisherige Studien weisen methodische Inkonsistenzen bezüglich der Testauswahl und der Operationalisierung kognitiver Funktionen auf, die die Interpretierbarkeit und Vergleichbarkeit der Befunde deutlich einschränken. Um diese Inkonsistenzen zu verringern, wurde eine neuropsychologische Testbatterie, das sogenannte „Ravello Profil“ entwickelt, das bisher jedoch nicht für den deutschen Sprachraum zur Verfügung steht. Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt daher eine für den deutschen Sprachraum adaptierte Version des Ravello Profils vor und überprüft dessen Anwendbarkeit im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Methodik: Das Ravello Profil wurde für den deutschen Sprachraum adaptiert. Anhand von drei Fallbeispielen wurde die Durchführbarkeit des Ravello Profils bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit AN überprüft. Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerungen: Die Fallbeispiele verdeutlichen die Anwendbarkeit des adaptierten Ravello Profils bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit AN. Das Ravello Profil ermöglicht somit auch im deutschen Sprachraum methodisch konsistente Untersuchungen kognitiver Funktionen bei Kindern, Jugendlichen und Erwachsenen mit AN. Mithilfe des Ravello Profils kann die Rolle kognitiver Funktionen bei der Entstehung einer AN über eine umfassende Altersspanne systematisch untersucht werden.
Severe Affective and Behavioral Dysregulation in Youths Is Associated with a Proinflammatory State 1MH and LP contributed equally to the paper
Authors: Holtmann Martin , Poustka Luise , Zepf Florian D. , Banaschewski Tobias , Priller Josef , Bölte Sven , Legenbauer Tanja
Published: November 2013

Objective: A heritable behavioral phenotype, the so-called Dysregulation Profile (DP), characterized by extreme scores on the syndrome scales Anxious/Depressed (A/D), Attention Problems (AP), and Aggressive Behavior (AGG), has been identified on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). It characterizes children with severe affective and behavioral dysregulation. The present study examined possible alterations of the inflammatory system in CBCL-DP using a clinical sample of n = 133 children and adolescents. Method: Participants with the CBCL-DP scoring ≥ 2.5 SDs above average constituted the CBCL-DP subgroup (n = 51). Those with CBCL-DP scores of 1 SD or less above average were regarded as controls (n = 82). Groups were compared in terms of serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin. Results: Participants showing the CBCL-DP exhibited increased CRP and decreased albumin levels compared to controls. CRP was correlated with AGG, AP, and the CBCL-DP total score. A negative correlation was observed between albumin and AGG, AP, the CBCL-DP score, and A/D. These associations could not be attributed to differences in age, sex, weight, socioeconomic status, global functioning, or duration of illness. Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate associations between the CBCL-DP and a proinflammatory state. Limitations include the lack of a healthy control group, the use of a single measurement of inflammatory markers, and the lack of follow-up data. Future research should address whether inflammatory diathesis in these children confers increased susceptibility to later development of cardiovascular disease and other medical morbidities.
Adoleszente Mutterschaft
Authors: Dahmen Brigitte , Firk Christine , Konrad Kerstin , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate
Published: November 2013

Jugendliche Mütter und ihre Kinder sind multiplen psychosozialen Risikofaktoren ausgesetzt und stellen eine Hochrisikogruppe für ungünstige Entwicklungsverläufe dar. Psychosoziale Risiken wie Armut, Gewalterfahrungen, dysfunktionale familiäre Beziehungen oder eine psychiatrische Erkrankung, die die Entstehung einer Schwangerschaft im Teenageralter begünstigen, und die erheblichen Belastungen, die eine Elternschaft während der eigenen Entwicklungssituation in der Adoleszenz mit sich bringt, tragen eher zu den Entwicklungsrisiken der Kinder adoleszenter Mütter bei als das Alter der Mutter allein. Konsequenzen früher Mutterschaft können niedrigere Bildung und materielle Unsicherheit sein. Ebenso liegt ein erhöhtes Risiko für Psychopathologie sowohl bei den adoleszenten Müttern als auch bei den Kindern vor. Dieser Artikel soll einen Überblick über den aktuellen Forschungsstand geben. Es werden Risikofaktoren für frühe Mutterschaft erörtert und diese in Zusammenhang mit dem Erziehungsverhalten adoleszenter Mütter und den Entwicklungsverläufen ihrer Kinder gesetzt. Im Anschluss werden einige Interventionsprogramme für adoleszente Mütter und ihre Kinder vorgestellt. Weitere Forschung ist nötig, um altersangemessene Unterstützungsangebote für jugendliche Mütter und ihre Kinder zu entwickeln, die der Komplexität der Risiken gerecht werden und die Entwicklungsverläufe positiv beeinflussen.
Clinical Problems Encountered in the Treatment of Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa 1Both authors contributed equally.
Authors: Knoll Susanne , Föcker Manuel , Hebebrand Johannes
Published: November 2013

The conceptualization of anorexia nervosa (AN) depends on the diagnostic criteria. Most patients with teenage onset AN seem to remit within 3–10 years depending on the definitions of recovery. The mortality of adolescent onset anorexia nervosa (AN) has fortunately decreased over the last two decades. Based on randomized controlled trials, we review different treatments including individual and group psychotherapy, family therapy, psychopharmacology, and hormone therapy. Treatment settings vary over time for any individual patient. Despite high rates of inpatient treatment, the respective evidence for effectiveness is meager. In underage patients with severe AN clinical, ethical and legal aspects need to be dealt with systematically if intermittent compulsory treatment is deemed necessary. The prolonged and frequently chronic course of AN often entails therapeutic discontinuity; the transition into adulthood requires a graded therapeutic concept that considers the severity of the disorder, developmental and chronological age, and parental involvement. Finally, we consider future clinical and research options to improve treatment and outcome of this eating disorder.