bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Targeting of Treatment
Authors: Scott-Clayton Judith , Crosta Peter M. , Belfield Clive R.
Published: January 2014

Remediation is one of the largest single interventions intended to improve outcomes for underprepared college students, yet little is known about the remedial screening process. Using administrative data and a rich predictive model, we find that severe mis-assignments are common using current test-score-cutoff-based policies, with “underplacement” in remediation much more common than “overplacement” college courses. Incorporating high school transcripts into the process could significantly reduce placement errors, but adding test scores to already available high school data often provides little marginal benefit. Moreover, the choice of screening policy has significant implications for the racial and gender composition of college-level courses. Finally, the use of more accurate screening tools would enable institutions to remediate substantially fewer students without compromising college success.
Dizziness in the elderly
Authors: Bovo Roberto , Faccioli Chiara , Martini Alessandro
Published: January 2014

Dizziness is largely a problem in the elderly, being the most common reason patients over the age of 75 years seek medical attention. The term is used to describe many sensations, including vertigo, disequilibrium and light-headedness. There are different causes of dizziness in older people such as cardiovascular, neurological or locomotor disease, deterioration in sensory organs, vestibular dysfunction and adverse drug effects. Distinctions between the effects of aging and borderline pathology on instability and falls are not always clear-cut. The elderly's greater risk of balance disorders stems from a higher likelihood of impairments or diseases affecting the physiological subsystems underlying the complex skill of balancing. Diagnosing a specific cause of dizziness or vertigo in older people can be a challenge, since the symptom descriptions are often vague and examination findings overlap among potential causes. Once a differential diagnosis is formulated, it is not clear what tests – if any – will add clinical value. Intervention needs to be tailored to each patient to obtain the maximum effect, designing different exercises for individuals with different kinds of deficiency. Vestibular dysfunction in the elderly can be treated effectively with vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises both a ‘generic’ type and more specific protocols. Moreover, all the following interventions may have a role: exercises designed specifically to improve muscle function and to address sarcopenia, visual deficit treatment, pacemakers, vitamin D supplementation, gradual withdrawal of psychotropic medication, multifaceted podiatry and hip protectors, cognitive behavioural interventions, home safety assessment and modification interventions. In many cases, a multifactorial approach could be the best solution, as the elderly are frequently affected by multiple deficiencies. There is strong scientific evidence that rehabilitation has a significant role for multisensory dizziness, vestibular hypofunction and locomotor pathologies. More research is needed to evaluate the benefit of rehabilitation for neurological causes and benign positional paroxysmal vertigo.
Regeneration in the mammalian inner ear
Authors: Ciorba Andrea , Martini Alessandro
Published: January 2014

It is well known that the adult mammalian cochlea lacks regenerative capacity, and that the consequence of inner ear damage in humans is permanent sensorineural hearing loss. Since the discovery that hair cells can regenerate in birds, a broad range of studies and research projects has been designed in order to understand this process and to extend it to the mammalian inner ear. The aim of this review is to evaluate the possible future directions and targets of mammalian inner ear regeneration offering an analysis of possible future scenarios.
The psychological process from avoidance to acceptance in adults with acquired hearing impairment
Authors: Wänström Gunilla , Öberg Marie , Rydberg Emelie , Lunner Thomas , Laplante-Lévesque Ariane , Andersson Gerhard
Published: January 2014

Objective:

This study explored the psychological process from avoidance to acceptance in adults with acquired hearing impairment.

Study design:

A descriptive qualitative interview study was conducted in Sweden in 2010. Participants were 18 adults with an acquired sensorineural hearing impairment aged 50–70 years, who had recently obtained hearing aids at the Audiology Clinic of the Örebro University Hospital. The sample included both first-time hearing aid users (n = 10) and experienced hearing aid users (n = 8). Each participant took part in one semi-structured interview. Qualitative content analysis was performed on the manifest content of the interview transcripts.

Results:

Participants described the process from avoidance to acceptance as a slow and gradual process rooted in the awareness of the frequency and severity of hearing disability and of its psychological consequences. Facilitators included adaptive coping mechanisms, other people's comments and positive experiences, accessibility of help-seeking and routine health assessments. In contrast, barriers included maladaptive coping mechanisms and stigma.

Conclusions:

Participants described the process of acceptance as a personal process that involved, to some extent, their social network of family, friends and colleagues. It was also a trade-off between the consequences of untreated hearing impairment and the threat to normal identity that, through stigma, hearing impairment carries. Further studies are needed to fully investigate the role of access to information on hearing impairment acceptance. How professionals and society can facilitate the process of acceptance should also be a focus of future research efforts.
Cortical organization and variability in unilateral auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder
Authors: Nash-Kille Amy , Gilley Phillip , Sharma Anu
Published: January 2014

Objective:

We examined 1) auditory cortical organization and functioning, and 2) variability in cortical responses in a paediatric patient with unilateral auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD).

Study design:

Measures of high-density EEG (including cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs)), dipole and current-density analyses, independent component analyses-stacked trials (ICA), inter-trial coherence, and the patient's performance on measures of speech perception were compared for the ear with normal hearing (NH) and the ear with ANSD.

Results:

Differences were observed between the NH ear and the ear with ANSD for all test measures.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that for some patients, 1) congenital ANSD may result in abnormal auditory cortical organization, and 2) neural dys-synchrony in the central auditory system, which characterizes ANSD, may result in a high degree of variability in cortical responses. In this study, cortical auditory activation in ANSD was examined using high-density EEG. Our study also demonstrates use of single-trial and time- frequency EEG analyses in evaluating the effect of neural dys-synchrony on cortical variability in patients with ANSD.
Personal Effectiveness Of Public Health Management Personnel In South East Asia Region: A Study
Authors: Jain Nutan Prabha , Shahnawaz Md , Gupta SD , Jha RK , Bhatta GK
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Personal Effectiveness is being the best to oneself by mobilizing motivation and galvanizing cognitive capability in order to address the demand of a given situation. The objectives of the study were: i) to calculate the personal effectiveness scores under the three categories: self-disclosure, openness to feedback, and perceptiveness, ii) to determine the type of personal effectiveness and which dimension of personal effectiveness is lacking among the health personnel mostly. ii) to develop personal effectiveness norms for public health management personnel in South East Asia region under the categories of self-disclosure, openness to feedback and perceptiveness. Methodology: Personal Effectiveness (PE) scale developed by Prof Udai Pareek was administered on 74 public health management personnel, who attended various leadership and management training programmes during 2009-2012, in South East Asia Region (SEAR). Using 10 as “cut-off” for high or low scores, combining the three dimensions of personal effectiveness the respondents were categorized in to eight categories, ranging from effective to ineffective. Results: More than three-fourths of the public health management personnel in SEAR were found to be ‘high’ on openness to receiving feedback followed by three-fifths who have ‘high’ perceptiveness. However, less than one-half have ‘high’ self-disclosure. The compositions of the three dimensions of personal effectiveness of all the respondents suggested that about one-fourth were ‘effective’. Nearly one-third of the respondents were found to be ‘secretive”. One out of every ten respondents was found to be “ineffective”. Conclusion: The public health management personnel need to work upon enhancing their personal effectiveness by sharing and becoming sensitive to others. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(2); 1-6 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i2.9706
Gender Based Barriers In Accessing Tuberculosis Treatment: A Qualitative Study From Eastern Nepal
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Jha N , Niraula SR , Yadav DK , Bhattarai S , Pokharel PK
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Previous studies have demonstrated longer length of delays in diagnosis and treatment among men and women, especially among women experiencing longer duration of delay in accessing tuberculosis treatment. So, the study was conducted to explore responsible factors among men and women affecting longer duration in accessing tuberculosis treatment. Methodology: Qualitative approach with FGD sessions among people from community, DOTS providers and pulmonary tuberculosis patients were conducted separately in between March 2012 to May 2012. Results: The perception of fear, hiding symptoms, social stigmas and traditional beliefs were common among women. The study revealed that social and cultural barrier, ignorance of symptoms, home remedies, fear of stigma, access to health centre from rural areas, poor knowledge of TB signs and symptoms, beliefs on traditional healers were the common reason for the longer delays in diagnosis. Conclusions: The fi ndings suggested that knowledge, information, perception regarding TB among men and women were lacking, especially among females. This warrants awareness for early diagnosis and control of disease. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(2); 15-20 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i2.9708
Spectrum Of Chest X-Ray Findings Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Individuals In A Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Akinola Rachael Adeyanju , Balogun TM , Adeniyi AA , Onakoya JAA , Fabeyibi IO
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Human immunodefi ciency virus infection damages the immune system making those affected more susceptible to opportunistic infections and malignancies which are common in the chest. This study sought to determine the pattern of chest X-ray lesions and the corresponding CD4 counts of HIV positive patients reporting in the antiretroviral clinic of this teaching hospital for the fi rst time. Methodology: Consecutive HIV positive patients that attended the antiretroviral clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH) from September 2009 to January 2011 were recruited. Their chest x-rays were assessed for the presence of pulmonary lesions and baseline CD 4 counts were done to assess their degree of immunosuppression. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 16.0. Results: There were 211 subjects, 151 females and 60 males with a M:F ratio of 1:2.5 The mean age of participants was 36.5±11.9. Mean baseline CD4 count for the subjects was 279±220.7 cells/mm3. Almost two thirds (64.9%) cases had normal chest x-rays with their mean CD4 count as 277.65±228.54 cells/mm3. The commonest lesions seen in the lungs include pulmonary infi ltrations, 55 (26.1%), cardiomegaly, 24 (11.4%), pulmonary consolidation, 21 (10%) and lymphadenopathy, 14 (6.6%). The commonest radiological diagnosis made were Atypical pneumonitis, 39 (18.5%), pulmonary TB, 13 (6.2%), pneumonia 13 (6.2%) and cardiomegaly13 (6.2%) respectively.Patients with chest findings had lower mean CD4 counts, 239 cells/mm3 when compared to those without, 244 cells/mm3. Conclusion: Pulmonary infiltration was the commonest lesion, while the commonest diagnosis was atypical pneumonitis. Patients with chest x-ray lesions were found to have lower CD4 counts with probable worse destruction of their immune system. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(2); 27-34 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i2.9710
Tuberculous Tenosynovitis Presenting As Ganglion Of Wrist
Authors: Chavan Shahaji , Sable SS , Tekade S , Punia P
Published: January 2014

Tuberculosis (TB) is still endemic in many developed countries. Involvement of the hand and wrist at presentation is extremely rare, and the diagnosis is often missed. 57 years old male presented with swelling over the left wrist since 3 years. Three swellings over dorsal aspect of the left wrist, soft in consistency, non tender, non compressible mobile at right angles to the plane of the wrist joint. ESR: 45 mm in 1 hr and rest blood investigation were normal. Ultrasonography showed Giant-cell tumor of Extensor Digitorum sheath. Xray: soft tissue swelling MRI suggestive of Extensor Tendon sheath Extraskeletal Synovial Koch’s or Giant cell tumor of tendon sheath. Then planed for excision of swelling and intra-operative fi nding were rice bodies. Histopathological examination showed caseous necrosis with granuloma formation. Patient put on DOT1 therapy. Tuberculous tenosynovitis was first described by Acrel in 1777. Rice bodies occurring in joints affected by tuberculosis were first described in 1895 by Reise Rice bodies will be diagnosed on plain radiographs when mineralization occurs. More than 50% of cases recur within 1 year of treatment. The currently recommended 6-month course is often adequate with Extensive curettage, lavage and synovectomy should be performed. Surgery is essential, but the extent of surgical debridement is still debatable. The surgeon has to be aware of the significance of loose bodies when performing routine excision of innocuous looking wrist ganglia. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(2); 45-47 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i2.9713
Association Of Food And Drug Allergy With Antituberculosis Drug Related Hepatitis Or Skin Reactions: A Case Control Study
Authors: Dassanayake Dinesh LB , Asanga Upul BKM , Wickramasekara K , Ileperuma SK , Siribaddana A , Wijewardena KA
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Anti-tuberculosis drugs can cause adverse reactions including hepatitis and skin reactions. This case control study was aimed at fi nding out whether allergy to drug or food acts as a risk factor for the development of anti-tuberculosis drug induced hepatitis or skin reactions. Patients with tuberculosis on category 1 regimen, who presented to the Teaching Hospital Kandy Sri Lanka, due to anti-tuberculosis drug induced hepatitis or skin reactions from 1st July 2010 to 30th June 2011 were recruited. Methodology: Patients with drug induced hepatitis or skin reactions were grouped as cases and patients who didn’t develop hepatitis or skin reactions during the treatment period were selected as controls. Controls were matched for age, gender, weight, and consumption of alcohol. Cases and controls were inquired for the presence of allergy to drugs or food. Two groups were compared using odds ratio. Results: There were 61 cases [33 (54.1%) males, 28 (45.9%) females] and 61 controls .Ten patients (16.39%) among the cases had allergy to food or drugs while in control group only 2 (03.2%) had allergy. Odds ratio for the development of drug reactions in patients with a history of allergy was 5.8 (confi dence interval 1.2 to 27.6). Conclusion: Patients with allergy to drugs or foods have 5.8 times risk of developing anti-tuberculosis drug induced hepatitis or skin reaction. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2013; X(2); 48-53 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v10i2.9714
The undergraduate field-research experience in Global Health: Study abroad, service learning, professional training or 'none of the above'?
Authors: Stewart Kearsley A.
Published: January 2014

Interest in short-term international placements in global health training for U.S.-based medical students is growing; the trend is mirrored for global health undergraduate students. Best practices in field-based global health training can increase success for medical students, but we lack a critical framework for the undergraduate global health field experience. In what ways does an undergraduate field experience in global health resemble a medical student's first international health elective? Is it more similar to a study-abroad programme or a service-learning experience with a focus on personal development, civic responsibility and community engagement? This article suggests that an undergraduate global health field experience contains features of both the international medical elective and a traditional service-learning programme. I analyse a case study of a short-term U.S.-based undergraduate global health project and explore the intersections of research, professional training and service learning.
Ice thickness over the southern limit of the Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica, and reassessment of the mass balance of the central portion of the Lambert Glacier-Amery Ice Shelf system
Authors: Wen Jiahong , Huang Long , Wang Weili , Jacka T.H. , Damm V. , Liu Yan
Published: January 2014

We combine radio-echo sounding ice thickness data from the BEDMAP Project database and the PCMEGA (Prince Charles Mountains Expedition of Germany and Australia) dataset to generate a new ice thickness grid for the southern limit region of the Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica. We then reassess the mass balance of the central portion of the Lambert-Amery system, incorporating flow information derived from synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) and a modeled surface mass-balance dataset based on regional atmospheric modeling. Our analysis reveals that Mellor and Fisher Glaciers are approximately in balance to the level of our measurement uncertainty, while Lambert Glacier has a positive imbalance of 4.2 ±2.3 Gta1. The mass budget for the whole Lambert Glacier basin is approximately in balance, and the average basal melt rate in the downstream section of the ice shelf is 5.1 ± 3.0 m a-1. Our results differ substantially from other recent estimates using hydrostatically derived ice thickness data.
The evolution of Fedchenko glacier in the Pamir, Tajikistan, during the past eight decades
Authors: Lambrecht Astrid , Mayer Christoph , Aizen Vladimir , Floricioiu Dana , Surazakov Arzhan
Published: January 2014

Fedchenko glacier is by far the largest glacier in the Pamir, Tajikistan. Owing to early accurate mapping of the glacier it is possible to evaluate glacier changes over eight decades, which is an exceptionally long time period for this remote mountain region. During this time a total volume loss of 5 km3 was observed on the main trunk of the glacier, while the total area changed by only 1.4%. It is observed that the volume loss migrates from the lower parts of the glacier towards the upper ablation zone. The comparatively small change in area is a result of the supraglacial debris cover on the glacier tongue, which decouples the area loss from the volume loss to a considerable degree. The observed velocities of the glacier do not reflect the volume changes up to now because the interannual variability is larger than possible long-term changes so far. The intra-annual velocity distribution in the central ablation zone probably reflects the evolution of the basal drainage system. Based on ice thickness measurements and simple ice-dynamic assumptions, the total volume of Fedchenko glacier is 123.4 ± 8 km3.
Firn air depletion as a precursor of Antarctic ice-shelf collapse
Authors: Kuipers Munneke Peter , Ligtenberg Stefan R.M. , Van Den Broeke Michiel R. , Vaughan David G.
Published: January 2014

Since the 1970s, the sudden, rapid collapse of 20% of ice shelves on the Antarctic Peninsula has led to large-scale thinning and acceleration of its tributary glaciers. The leading hypothesis for the collapse of most of these ice shelves is the process of hydrofracturing, whereby a water-filled crevasse is opened by the hydrostatic pressure acting at the crevasse tip. This process has been linked to observed atmospheric warming through the increased supply of meltwater. Importantly, the low-density firn layer near the ice-shelf surface, providing a porous medium in which meltwater can percolate and refreeze, has to be filled in with refrozen meltwater first, before hydrofracturing can occur at all. Here we build upon this notion of firn air depletion as a precursor of ice-shelf collapse, by using a firn model to show that pore space was depleted in the firn layer on former ice shelves, which enabled their collapse due to hydrofracturing. Two climate scenario runs with the same model indicate that during the 21st century most Antarctic Peninsula ice shelves, and some minor ice shelves elsewhere, are more likely to become susceptible to collapse following firn air depletion. If warming continues into the 22nd century, similar depletion will become widespread on ice shelves around East Antarctica. Our model further suggests that a projected increase in snowfall will protect the Ross and Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelves from hydrofracturing in the coming two centuries.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Radiology in the Diagnosis of Giant Cell Tumour of Bone
Authors: Akhter Afia , Saleheen Mohammad Serajus , Majid Nadira , Salahuddin Syed , Afroz Kwazi Dil , Rahman Md Rezwanur , Ali Syed Makarram
Published: January 2014

Background: Giant cell tumour (GCT) is an aggressive and potentially malignant lesion. Microscopic feature reveals osteoclast like giant cells in a mononuclear stromal cells background. The mononuclear stromal cell is interpreted as neoplastic. Objective: As radiological diagnosis is non invasive and cost effective in comparison to histopathological diagnosis, considering the patients compliance, the aim of the study was to observe the diagnostic efficacy of radiology in diagnosis of GCT. Materials and method: This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Pathology, Delta Hopital Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2011 to December 2012. A total of 30 study subjects were enrolled in the study irrespective of age and sex. Biopsy material and relevant data of clinically suspected cases of GCT along with radiology report were sent from National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Histopathological diagnosis was made by expert pathologists. Results: Mean (±SD) age of the study subjects was 29.20 (±7.34) years with highest number of patients were observed in 3rd decade and female was predominant (60%) with a male female ratio of 1:1.5. Common site of GCT was around knee (50%). Among 30 clinically diagnosed GCT, 25 (83.3%) cases were radiologically diagnosed as GCT, 2 (6.7%) diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia, 1 (3.3%) as chondroblastoma, 1 (3.3%) as simple bone cyst and 1 (3.3%) as aneurysmal bone cyst. However among 30 clinically diagnosed GCT, 28 (93.3%) patients were histopathologically diagnosed as Giant cell lesion and rest 2 (6.7%) patients diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of radiological diagnosis of GCT were found to be 92.6%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 40.0% and 90.0%, respectively. Conclusion: Radiology can be effectively used as a screening tool in diagnosing GCT. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v2i1.17791 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2014; 2(1): 13-16
Apoptosis Signal Regulating Kinase 1 (ASK1): Potential as a Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Song Juhyun , Park Kyung , Lee Won , Lee Jong
Published: January 2014

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by a decline in memory and cognitive function. Clinical manifestations of AD are closely associated with the formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal loss and cognitive decline. Apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is a mediator of the MAPK pathway, which regulates various cellular responses such as apoptosis, cell survival, and differentiation. Accumulating evidence indicates that ASK1 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease and AD. Of particular interest, ASK1 is associated with many signaling pathways, which include endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis, Aβ-induced neurotoxicity, tau protein phosphorylation, and insulin signal transduction. Here, we review experimental evidence that links ASK1 signaling and AD pathogenesis and propose that ASK1 might be a new point of therapeutic intervention to prevent or treat AD.
Risk-Association of Five SNPs in TOX3/LOC643714 with Breast Cancer in Southern China
Authors: He Xuanqiu , Yao Guangyu , Li Fenxia , Li Ming , Yang Xuexi
Published: January 2014

The specific mechanism by which low-risk genetic variants confer breast cancer risk is currently unclear, with contradictory evidence on the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TOX3/LOC643714 as a breast cancer susceptibility locus. Investigations of this locus using a Chinese population may indicate whether the findings initially identified in a European population are generalizable to other populations, and may provide new insight into the role of genetic variants in the etiology of breast cancer. In this case-control study, 623 Chinese female breast cancer patients and 620 cancer-free controls were recruited to investigate the role of five SNPs in TOX3/LOC643714 (rs8051542, rs12443621, rs3803662, rs4784227, and rs3112612); Linkage disequilibrium (LD) pattern analysis was performed. Additionally, we evaluated how these common SNPs influence the risk of specific types of breast cancer, as defined by estrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor (PR) status and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. Significant associations with breast cancer risk were observed for rs4784227 and rs8051542 with odds ratios (OR) of 1.31 ((95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.10–1.57)) and 1.26 (95% CI, 1.02–1.56), respectively, per T allele. The T-rs8051542 allele was significantly associated with ER-positive and HER2-negative carriers. No significant association existed between rs12443621, rs3803662, and rs3112612 polymorphisms and risk of breast cancer. Our results support the hypothesis that the applicability of a common susceptibility locus must be confirmed among genetically different populations, which may together explain an appreciable fraction of the genetic etiology of breast cancer.
Penostatin Derivatives, a Novel Kind of Protein Phosphatase 1B Inhibitors Isolated from Solid Cultures of the Entomogenous Fungus Isaria tenuipes
Authors: Chen Yu-Peng , Yang Chun-Gui , Wei Pei-Yao , Li Lin , Luo Du-Qiang , Zheng Zhi-Hui , Lu Xin-Hua
Published: January 2014

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is implicated as a negative regulator of insulin receptor (IR) signaling and a potential drug target for the treatment of type II diabetes and other associated metabolic syndromes. Therefore, small molecular inhibitors of PTP1B can be considered as an attractive approach for the design of new therapeutic agents of type II diabetes diseases. In a continuing search for new protein phosphatase inhibitors from fungi, we have isolated a new compound, named penostatin J (1), together with three known ones, penostatin C (2), penostatin A (3), and penostatin B (4), from cultures of the entomogenous fungus Isaria tenuipes. The structure of penostatin J (1) was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. We also demonstrate for the first time that penostatin derivatives exhibit the best PTP1B inhibitory action. These findings suggest that penostatin derivatives are a potential novel kind of PTP1B inhibitors.
Docking Studies in Target Proteins Involved in Antibacterial Action Mechanisms: Extending the Knowledge on Standard Antibiotics to Antimicrobial Mushroom Compounds
Authors: Alves Maria , Froufe Hugo , Costa Ana , Santos Anabela , Oliveira Liliana , Osório Sara , Abreu Rui , Pintado Manuela , Ferreira Isabel
Published: January 2014

In the present work, the knowledge on target proteins of standard antibiotics was extended to antimicrobial mushroom compounds. Docking studies were performed for 34 compounds in order to evaluate their affinity to bacterial proteins that are known targets for some antibiotics with different mechanism of action: inhibitors of cell wall synthesis, inhibitors of protein synthesis, inhibitors of nucleic acids synthesis and antimetabolites. After validation of the molecular docking approach, virtual screening of all the compounds was performed against penicillin binding protein 1a (PBP1a), alanine racemase (Alr), d-alanyl-d-alanine synthetase (Ddl), isoleucyl-tRNA sinthetase (IARS), DNA gyrase subunit B, topoisomerase IV (TopoIV), dihydropteroate synthetase (DHPS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) using AutoDock4. Overall, it seems that for the selected mushroom compounds (namely, enokipodins, ganomycins and austrocortiluteins) the main mechanism of the action is the inhibition of cell wall synthesis, being Alr and Ddl probable protein targets.
Protective Effect of Wheat Peptides against Indomethacin-Induced Oxidative Stress in IEC-6 Cells
Authors: Yin Hong , Pan Xingchang , Song Zhixiu , Wang Shaokang , Yang Ligang , Sun Guiju
Published: January 2014

Recent studies have demonstrated that wheat peptides protected rats against non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced small intestinal epithelial cells damage, but the mechanism of action is unclear. In the present study, an indomethacin-induced oxidative stress model was used to investigate the effect of wheat peptides on the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-inducible nitric oxide synthase-nitric oxide signal pathway in intestinal epithelial cells-6 cells. IEC-6 cells were treated with wheat peptides (0, 125, 500 and 2000 mg/L) for 24 h, followed by 90 mg/L indomethacin for 12 h. Wheat peptides significantly attenuated the indomethacin-induced decrease in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. Wheat peptides at 2000 mg/L markedly decreased the expression of the NF-κB in response to indomethacin-induced oxidative stress. This study demonstrated that the addition of wheat peptides to a culture medium significantly inhibited the indomethacin-induced release of malondialdehyde and nitrogen monoxide, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity in IEC-6 cells, thereby providing a possible explanation for the protective effect proposed for wheat peptides in the prevention of indomethacin-induced oxidative stress in small intestinal epithelial cells.
Effect of Fructooligosaccharides Fraction from Psacalium decompositum on Inflammation and Dyslipidemia in Rats with Fructose-Induced Obesity
Authors: Merino-Aguilar Héctor , Arrieta-Baez Daniel , Jiménez-Estrada Manuel , Magos-Guerrero Gil , Hernández-Bautista René , Susunaga-Notario Ana , Almanza-Pérez Julio , Blancas-Flores Gerardo , Román-Ramos Rubén , Alarcón-Aguilar Francisco
Published: January 2014

Psacalium decompositum, commonly known as “Matarique,” is a medicinal plant used in Mexico for diabetes mellitus empirical therapy. Previous studies have shown that the fructooligosaccharides (FOS) present in the roots of this plant exhibit a notable hypoglycemic effect in animal models; this effect might be associated with the attenuation of the inflammatory process and other metabolic disorders. In this study, we examined the effects of FOS fraction administration in a fructose-fed rat model for obesity. Phytochemical chromatographic studies (high performance thin layer chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance) were performed to verify isolation of FOS. 24 male Wistar rats were maintained for 12 weeks on a diet of 20% HFCS in drinking water and chow. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and liver transaminases levels were measured monthly, after administering FOS fraction intragastrically (150 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks), while the levels of inflammatory cytokines were only quantified at the end of the treatments. Rats treated with FOS fraction decreased body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, and significantly reduced IL-6, IFN-γ, MCP-1, IL-1β and VEGF levels (p < 0.05). These results suggest that P. decompositum has anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties that might be used as an alternative treatment for the control of obesity.
Electrostatic Charge Effects on Pharmaceutical Aerosol Deposition in Human Nasal–Laryngeal Airways
Authors: Xi Jinxiang , Si Xiuhua , Longest Worth
Published: January 2014

Electrostatic charging occurs in most aerosol generation processes and can significantly influence subsequent particle deposition rates and patterns in the respiratory tract through the image and space forces. The behavior of inhaled aerosols with charge is expected to be most affected in the upper airways, where particles come in close proximity to the narrow turbinate surface, and before charge dissipation occurs as a result of high humidity. The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the deposition of charged aerosols in an MRI-based nasal–laryngeal airway model. Particle sizes of 5 nm–30 µm and charge levels ranging from neutralized to ten times the saturation limit were considered. A well-validated low Reynolds number (LRN) k–ω turbulence model and a discrete Lagrangian tracking approach that accounted for electrostatic image force were employed to simulate the nasal airflow and aerosol dynamics. For ultrafine aerosols, electrostatic charge was observed to exert a discernible but insignificant effect. In contrast, remarkably enhanced depositions were observed for micrometer particles with charge, which could be one order of magnitude larger than no-charge depositions. The deposition hot spots shifted towards the anterior part of the upper airway as the charge level increased. Results of this study have important implications for evaluating nasal drug delivery devices and for assessing doses received from pollutants, which often carry a certain level of electric charges.
Enhanced Performance of Oxidation of Rosalva (9-decen-1-ol) to Costenal (9-decenal) on Porous Silicon-Supported Silver Catalyst in a Microstructured Reactor
Authors: Cao Enhong , Zuburtikudis Ioannis , Al-Rifai Noor , Roydhouse Mark , Gavriilidis Asterios
Published: January 2014

The use of metal-assisted HF chemical etching as a convenient technique to produce a few microns thick porous layer in silicon microchannels was demonstrated. Gas phase selective oxidation of rosalva to its aldehyde (costenal) was performed in glass/silicon microstructured reactors at temperatures of 375–475 °C on silver catalyst which was deposited on both porous and flat silicon surface by sputter-coating. The effects of temperature (375–475 °C), rosalva concentration (1.17%–3.43%), O2 to rosalva ratio (0.5–20) and residence time on the reaction were investigated. The reactivity of rosalva on the porous silicon supported silver was 5.7–6.4 times higher than on the thin film silver catalyst at 450 °C. Furthermore, activation energy for the porous silicon supported silver was lower. Isothermal conditions in the microreactors allowed high conversion and selectivity to be achieved in a wide range of temperature and oxygen concentration. At typical reaction conditions (1.75% rosalva, O2/rosalva = 3, residence time 18 ms and 450 °C), conversion of 97% and selectivity of 95% to costenal was achieved, corresponding to a turnover frequency of 268 h−1.
An Extended Fourier Approach to Improve the Retrieved Leaf Area Index (LAI) in a Time Series from an Alpine Wetland
Authors: Quan Xingwen , He Binbin , Wang Yong , Tang Zhi , Li Xing
Published: January 2014

An extended Fourier approach was presented to improve the retrieved leaf area index (LAIr) of herbaceous vegetation in a time series from an alpine wetland. The retrieval was performed from the Aqua MODIS 8-day composite surface reflectance product (MYD09Q1) from day of year (DOY) 97 to 297 using a look-up table (LUT) based inversion of a two-layer canopy reflectance model (ACRM). To reduce the uncertainty (the ACRM inversion is ill-posed), we used NDVI and NIR images to reduce the influence of the soil background and the priori information to constrain the range of sensitive ACRM parameters determined using the Sobol’s method. Even so the uncertainty caused the LAIr versus time curve to oscillate. To further reduce the uncertainty, a Fourier model was fitted using the periodically LAIr results, obtaining LAIF. We note that the level of precision of the LAIF potentially may increase through removing singular points or decrease if the LAIr data were too noisy. To further improve the precision level of the LAIr, the Fourier model was extended by considering the LAIr uncertainty. The LAIr, the LAI simulated using the Fourier model, and the LAI simulated using the extended Fourier approach (LAIeF) were validated through comparisons with the field measured LAI. The R2 values were 0.68, 0.67 and 0.72, the residual sums of squares (RSS) were 3.47, 3.42 and 3.15, and the root-mean-square errors (RMSE) were 0.31, 0.30 and 0.29, respectively, on DOY 177 (early July 2011). In late August (DOY 233), the R2 values were 0.73, 0.77 and 0.79, the RSS values were 38.96, 29.25 and 27.48, and the RMSE values were 0.94, 0.81 and 0.78, respectively. The results demonstrate that the extended Fourier approach has the potential to increase the level of precision of estimates of the time varying LAI.
Remotely Sensed Monitoring of Small Reservoir Dynamics: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Eilander Dirk , Annor Frank , Iannini Lorenzo , Van de Giesen Nick
Published: January 2014

Multipurpose small reservoirs are important for livelihoods in rural semi-arid regions. To manage and plan these reservoirs and to assess their hydrological impact at a river basin scale, it is important to monitor their water storage dynamics. This paper introduces a Bayesian approach for monitoring small reservoirs with radar satellite images. The newly developed growing Bayesian classifier has a high degree of automation, can readily be extended with auxiliary information and reduces the confusion error to the land-water boundary pixels. A case study has been performed in the Upper East Region of Ghana, based on Radarsat-2 data from November 2012 until April 2013. Results show that the growing Bayesian classifier can deal with the spatial and temporal variability in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) backscatter intensities from small reservoirs. Due to its ability to incorporate auxiliary information, the algorithm is able to delineate open water from SAR imagery with a low land-water contrast in the case of wind-induced Bragg scattering or limited vegetation on the land surrounding a small reservoir.
The Generalized Difference Vegetation Index (GDVI) for Dryland Characterization
Authors: Wu Weicheng
Published: January 2014

A large number of vegetation indices have been developed and widely applied in terrestrial ecosystem research in the recent decades. However, a certain limitation was observed while applying these indices in research in dry areas due to their low sensitivity to low vegetation cover. In this context, the objectives of this study are to develop a new vegetation index, namely, the Generalized Difference Vegetation Index (GDVI), and to examine its applicability to the assessment of dryland environment. Based on the field investigation and crop Leaf Area Index (LAI) measurement, five spring and summer Landsat TM and ETM+ images in the frame with Path/Row number of 174/35, and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) LAI and vegetation indices (VIs) data (MOD15A2 and MOD13Q1), of the same acquisition dates as the Landsat images, were acquired and employed in this study. The results reveal that, despite the same level of correlation with the fractional vegetation cover (FVC) as other VIs, GDVI shows a better correlation with LAI and has higher sensitivity and dynamic range in the low vegetal land cover than other vegetation indices, e.g., the range of GDVI is higher than Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI),Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Wide Dynamic Range Vegetation Index (WDRVI), and Soil-Adjusted and Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index (SARVI), by 164%–326% in woodland, 185%–720% in olive plantation, and 190%–867% in rangeland. It is, hence, concluded that GDVI is relevant for, and has great potential in, land characterization, as well as land degradation/desertification assessment in dryland environment.
Detection of Coal Fire Dynamics and Propagation Direction from Multi-Temporal Nighttime Landsat SWIR and TIR Data: A Case Study on the Rujigou Coalfield, Northwest (NW) China
Authors: Huo Hongyuan , Jiang Xiaoguang , Song Xianfeng , Li Zhao-Liang , Ni Zhuoya , Gao Caixia
Published: January 2014

Coal fires are common and serious phenomena in most coal-producing countries in the world. Coal fires not only burn valuable non-renewable coal reserves but also severely affect the local and global environment. The Rujigou coalfield in Shizuishan City, Ningxia, NW China, is well known for being a storehouse of anthracite coal. This coalfield is also known for having more coal fires than most other coalfields in China. In this study, an attempt was made to study the dynamics of coal fires in the Rujigou coalfield, from 2001 to 2007, using multi-temporal nighttime Landsat data. The multi-temporal nighttime short wave infrared (SWIR) data sets based on a fixed thresholding technique were used to detect and monitor the surface coal fires and the nighttime enhanced thematic mapper (ETM+) thermal infrared (TIR) data sets, based on a dynamic thresholding technique, were used to identify the thermal anomalies related to subsurface coal fires. By validating the coal fires identified in the nighttime satellite data and the coal fires extracted from daytime satellite data with the coal fire map (CFM) manufactured by field survey, we found that the results from the daytime satellite data had higher omission and commission errors than the results from the nighttime satellite data. Then, two aspects of coal fire dynamics were analyzed: first, a quantitative analysis of the spatial changes in the extent of coal fires was conducted and the results showed that, from 2001 to 2007, the spatial extent of coal fires increased greatly to an annual average area of 0.167 km2; second, the spreading direction and propagation of coal fires was analyzed and predicted from 2001 to 2007, and these results showed that the coal fires generally spread towards the north or northeast, but also spread in some places toward the east.
Direct Detection of Protein Biomarkers in Human Fluids Using Site-Specific Antibody Immobilization Strategies
Authors: Soler Maria , Estevez M.-Carmen , Alvarez Mar , Otte Marinus , Sepulveda Borja , Lechuga Laura
Published: January 2014

Design of an optimal surface biofunctionalization still remains an important challenge for the application of biosensors in clinical practice and therapeutic follow-up. Optical biosensors offer real-time monitoring and highly sensitive label-free analysis, along with great potential to be transferred to portable devices. When applied in direct immunoassays, their analytical features depend strongly on the antibody immobilization strategy. A strategy for correct immobilization of antibodies based on the use of ProLinker™ has been evaluated and optimized in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, stability and reproducibility. Special effort has been focused on avoiding antibody manipulation, preventing nonspecific adsorption and obtaining a robust biosurface with regeneration capabilities. ProLinker™-based approach has demonstrated to fulfill those crucial requirements and, in combination with PEG-derivative compounds, has shown encouraging results for direct detection in biological fluids, such as pure urine or diluted serum. Furthermore, we have implemented the ProLinker™ strategy to a novel nanoplasmonic-based biosensor resulting in promising advantages for its application in clinical and biomedical diagnosis.
Monitoring of Freeze-Thaw Cycles in Concrete Using Embedded Sensors and Ultrasonic Imaging
Authors: Ranz Javier , Aparicio Sofía , Romero Héctor , Casati María , Molero Miguel , González Margarita
Published: January 2014

This paper deals with the study of damage produced during freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles using two non-destructive measurement approaches—the first approach devoted to continuous monitoring using embedded sensors during the cycles, and the second one, performing ultrasonic imaging before and after the cycles. Both methodologies have been tested in two different types of concrete specimens, with and without air-entraining agents. Using the first measurement approach, the size and distribution of pores were estimated using a thermoporometrical model and continuous measurements of temperature and ultrasonic velocity along cycles. These estimates have been compared with the results obtained using mercury porosimetry testing. In the second approach, the damage due to F-T cycles has been evaluated by automated ultrasonic transmission and pulse-echo inspections made before and after the cycles. With these inspections the variations in the dimensions, velocity and attenuation caused by the accelerated F-T cycles were determined.
Influence of Conductivity and Dielectric Constant of Water–Dioxane Mixtures on the Electrical Response of SiNW-Based FETs
Authors: Mescher Marleen , Brinkman Aldo , Bosma Duco , Klootwijk Johan , Sudhölter Ernst , De Smet Louis
Published: January 2014

In this study, we report on the electrical response of top-down, p-type silicon nanowire field-effect transistors exposed to water and mixtures of water and dioxane. First, the capacitive coupling of the back gate and the liquid gate via an Ag/AgCl electrode were compared in water. It was found that for liquid gating smaller potentials are needed to obtain similar responses of the nanowire compared to back gating. In the case of back gating, the applied potential couples through the buried oxide layer, indicating that the associated capacitance dominates all other capacitances involved during this mode of operation. Next, the devices were exposed to mixtures of water and dioxane to study the effect of these mixtures on the device characteristics, including the threshold voltage (VT). The VT dependency on the mixture composition was found to be related to the decreased dissociation of the surface silanol groups and the conductivity of the mixture used. This latter was confirmed by experiments with constant conductivity and varying water–dioxane mixtures.