bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genital infections by Chlamydia trachomatis-An overview
Authors: Hoque Syada Monira , Hossain Md Akram , Paul Shyamal Kumar , Mahmud Chand , Haque Nazia , Sakib Md Annaz Mus
Published: May 2013

Genital infections by Chlamydia trachomatis are now recognized as highly prevalent sexually transmissible disease. In frequency, they surpass the classic sexually transmissible diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea and thus constitute a serious public health problem. Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular gram negative bacterium which have a unique growth cycle and are placed in their own family (Chlamydiae).Chlamydia trachomatis is now one of the most Prevalent bacteria found in classic sexually transmissible disease and as such constitutes a serious Public heath problem. World Heath Organization (WHO) estimated that 92 million new chlamydial infections occur worldwide annually affecting more women (50 Million) then men (42million). And highest chlamydial infected population were in south and South-east Asia (43million) then sub- Saharan Africa (16million)(WHO 2001).This review article is a discussion on history,epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and modern trend of treatment, prevention of Chlamydial infections in age group. Effective delivery of prevention messages requires clientcentered counseling and education regarding specific actions that can reduce the risk for chlamydia transmission e.g., abstinence, condom use, limiting the number of sex partners,modifying sexual behaviors and vaccination.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/kyamcj.v3i1.13660 KYAMC Journal Vol. 3, No.-1, June 2012 pp.244-249
Update on Pharmacotherapy for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ahmed Sheikh Salahuddin , Ali Md Zulfikar , Laila Tarafdar Runa , Begum Hosne Ara , Ali Tarafdar Md Mujtaba
Published: May 2013

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are usually treated with pharmacologic agents in combination with lifestyle modification. Recently new antidiabetic drugs have been introduced to  supplement the older therapies, such as insulin, sulfonylureas, and metformin, thereby increasing the number of treatment options by the practitioners and patients which has heightened uncertainty regarding the most appropriate means of treating this widespread disease. The development of antidiabetic agents in this millennium, like insulin analogs, incretin-based therapies {Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors & Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1)  analogs}, colesevelam, bromocriptine and pramlintide has also led to treatment strategies that enable many patients with T2DM to achieve target HbA1c levels (<7.0%). Pharmacologic treatment of patients with T2DM is limited not only by the effectiveness or adverse effects of the agent but also by the cost, patient's preferences, needs, and values. This review article discusses  the current pharmacological agents, their latest successes, demerits and limitations in the treatment of patients with T2DM. This article also reviews the different updated guidelines, treatment algorithms, and recommendations provided for the management of T2DM by expert committees of different associations and federations. In June 2012, American Diabetes Association (ADA) & European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) has described patient centered  approach in the management of T2DM and stressed importance to individualize treatment targets. More stringent HbA1c targets (e.g., 6.0-6.5%) might be considered in selected patients.  Conversely, less stringent HbA1c goals-e.g., 7.5-8.0% or even slightly higher-are appropriate for  some other patients. International Diabetes Federation (IDF) document in 2011, however, concentrates on the role of postprandial hyperglycemia and calls also for HbA1c target value of  7.0%. It is generally agreed that metformin, if not contraindicated and if tolerated, is the preferred  and most cost-effective first line agent for the treatment of T2DM. Metformin is cheaper than most  other pharmacologic agents, has better effectiveness, and is associated with fewer adverse effects; of note, it does not result in weight gain.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/kyamcj.v3i1.13661 KYAMC Journal Vol. 3, No.-1, June 2012 pp.250-261
Tetanus Following Root Canal Surgery
Authors: Ahmed Hafizuddin
Published: May 2013

2400 years ago Hippocrates recognised Tetanus as a dreadful disease.It is caused by a straight  slender gram positive anaerobic rod-Clostridium Tetani, the toxin of which interferes with acetylecholine/cholinesterase balance at peripheral motor end plate of central nervous system  causing sustained tonic spasm. Children are routinely immunized these days everywhere against  Diptheria,Pertisis,Tetanus,Poliomyelitis etc.But this does not apply with aged people who were not routinely immunized during their infancy making them vulnerable to these diseases including Tetanus. Majority of Tetanus cases follow wounds(war,accidents,post-operative) contaminated with soil,manure or other external sources.Following is a rare case where tetanus occured without so called wound i.e.Clostrdium Tetani infected pulp space in the root of the tooth following root canal surgery.As the pulp space becomes a closed chamber after filling it with inert material in R.C.T. so anaerobic infection can occur here as it occured in this case of 42 year old female school teacher.All wounds however trival from whatever cause should be considered tetanus prone.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/kyamcj.v3i1.13663  KYAMC Journal Vol. 3, No.-1, June 2012 pp.265-268
Acknowledgement
Authors: Andersson Lars
Published: May 2013

Not Available.
Osteopontin and MMP9: Associations with VEGF Expression/Secretion and Angiogenesis in PC3 Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Gupta Aditi , Zhou Cindy , Chellaiah Meenakshi
Published: May 2013

Osteopontin and MMP9 are implicated in angiogenesis and cancer progression. The objective of this study is to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying angiogenesis, and to elucidate the role of osteopontin in this process. We report here that osteopontin/αvβ3 signaling pathway which involves ERK1/2 phosphorylation regulates the expression of VEGF. An inhibitor to MEK or curcumin significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and expression of VEGF. MMP9 knockdown reduces the secretion but not the expression of VEGF. Moreover, MMP9 knockdown increases the release of angiostatin, a key protein that suppresses angiogenesis. Conditioned media from PC3 cells treated with curcumin or MEK inhibitor inhibited tube formation in vitro in human microvascular endothelial cells. Similar inhibitory effect on tube formation was found with conditioned media collected from PC3 cells expressing mutant-osteopontin at integrin-binding site and knockdown of osteopontin or MMP9. We conclude that MMP9 activation is associated with angiogenesis via regulation of secretion of VEGF and angiostatin in PC3 cells. Curcumin is thus a potential drug for cancer treatment because it demonstrated anti-angiogenic and anti-invasive properties.
A New Integrated Lab-on-a-Chip System for Fast Dynamic Study of Mammalian Cells under Physiological Conditions in Bioreactor
Authors: Bahnemann Janina , Rajabi Negar , Fuge Grischa , Barradas Oscar , Müller Jörg , Pörtner Ralf , Zeng An-Ping
Published: May 2013

For the quantitative analysis of cellular metabolism and its dynamics it is essential to achieve rapid sampling, fast quenching of metabolism and the removal of extracellular metabolites. Common manual sample preparation methods and protocols for cells are time-consuming and often lead to the loss of physiological conditions. In this work, we present a microchip-bioreactor setup which provides an integrated and rapid sample preparation of mammalian cells. The lab-on-a-chip system consists of five connected units that allow sample treatment, mixing and incubation of the cells, followed by cell separation and simultaneous exchange of media within seconds. This microsystem is directly integrated into a bioreactor for mammalian cell cultivation. By applying overpressure (2 bar) onto the bioreactor, this setup allows pulsation free, defined, fast, and continuous sampling. Experiments evince that Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CHO-K1) can be separated from the culture broth and transferred into a new medium efficiently. Furthermore, this setup permits the treatment of cells for a defined time (9 s or 18 s) which can be utilized for pulse experiments, quenching of cell metabolism, and/or another defined chemical treatment. Proof of concept experiments were performed using glutamine containing medium for pulse experiments. Continuous sampling of cells showed a high reproducibility over a period of 18 h.
Generalized Spatial Two Stage Least Squares Estimation of Spatial Autoregressive Models with Autoregressive Disturbances in the Presence of Endogenous Regressors and Many Instruments
Authors: Jin Fei , Lee Lung-fei
Published: May 2013

This paper studies the generalized spatial two stage least squares (GS2SLS) estimation of spatial autoregressive models with autoregressive disturbances when there are endogenous regressors with many valid instruments. Using many instruments may improve the efficiency of estimators asymptotically, but the bias might be large in finite samples, making the inference inaccurate. We consider the case that the number of instruments K increases with, but at a rate slower than, the sample size, and derive the approximate mean square errors (MSE) that account for the trade-offs between the bias and variance, for both the GS2SLS estimator and a bias-corrected GS2SLS estimator. A criterion function for the optimal K selection can be based on the approximate MSEs. Monte Carlo experiments are provided to show the performance of our procedure of choosing K.
Galaxies: An International Multidisciplinary Open Access Journal
Authors: Elizalde Emilio
Published: May 2013

The knowledge of the universe as a whole, its origin, size and shape, its evolution and future, has always intrigued the human mind. Galileo wrote: “Nature’s great book is written in mathematical language.” This new journal will be devoted to both aspects of knowledge: the direct investigation of our universe and its deeper understanding, from fundamental laws of nature which are translated into mathematical equations, as Galileo and Newton—to name just two representatives of a plethora of past and present researchers—already showed us how to do. Those physical laws, when brought to their most extreme consequences—to their limits in their respective domains of applicability—are even able to give us a plausible idea of how the origin of our universe came about and also of how we can expect its future to evolve and, eventually, how its end will take place. These laws also condense the important interplay between mathematics and physics as just one first example of the interdisciplinarity that will be promoted in the Galaxies Journal.
A Study of the Perception of Health Risks among College Students in China
Authors: Zhang Chenggang , Fan Jingbo
Published: May 2013

The present survey was designed to investigate the perception of health risks among college students in China. The data are the responses of a sample of 3,069 college students at one university to surveys that include measures of several dimensions of public judgments about fifteen specific hazards. Chinese college students conveyed their concerns as falling into three broad categories: Environmental (e.g., global warming, natural catastrophes, the ozone hole, air pollution, chemical pollution, pesticides in food), Technological (e.g., nuclear power stations, thermal power, genetically modified food, medical X-rays), and Social (cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol, overtime study or work, mental stress, motor vehicle accidents). The data were collected with a self-report questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to illustrate the levels of perceived risk according to the percent of “high risk” responses as well as the mean response values. Generally, the hazards that were perceived as posing the greatest health risk were those belonging to the social health risks; items related to technology risks received the lowest percentage of “high health risk” rankings. Traditional environmental risks such as natural catastrophes, pollution issues (chemical pollution, air pollution), and pesticides in food were ranked as being relatively high risks. The respondents were less concerned about new emerging issues and long-term environmental risks (global warming). In this survey, motor vehicle accidents were considered to be a “high health risk” by the greatest percentage of respondents. Generally speaking, the female respondents’ degree of recognition of health risks is higher than that of male respondents. Only for the item of smoking was the male respondents’ degree higher than that of females. There is also a geographic imbalance in the health risk perceptions. The degree of recognition of health risks from respondents in municipalities is generally lower than that of respondents from other areas except for items such as natural disasters, smoking, medical X-rays, and mental stress, which are exceptions.
A Spatially Intelligent Public Participation System for the Environmental Impact Assessment Process
Authors: Lei Lei , Hilton Brian
Published: May 2013

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a decision-making process that evaluates the possible significant effects that a proposed project may exert on the environment. The EIA scoping and reviewing stages often involve public participation. Although its importance has long been recognized, public participation in the EIA process is often regarded as ineffective, due to time, budget, resource, technical and procedural constraints, as well as the complexity of environmental information. Geographic Information System (GIS) and Volunteer Geographic Information (VGI) have the potential to contribute to data collection, sharing and presentation, utilize local user-generated content to benefit decision-making and increase public outreach. This research integrated GIS, VGI, social media tools, data mining and mobile technology to design a spatially intelligent framework that presented and shared EIA information effectively to the public. A spatially intelligent public participative system (SIPPS) was also developed as a proof-of-concept of the framework. The research selected the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) as the pilot study area. Survey questionnaires were designed to collect feedback and conduct evaluation. Results show that SIPPS was able to improve the effectiveness of public participation, promote environmental awareness and achieve good system usability.
Short-Term Chromium-Stress-Induced Alterations in the Maize Leaf Proteome
Authors: Wang Rong , Gao Fei , Guo Bing-Qian , Huang Ji-Chang , Wang Lei , Zhou Yi-Jun
Published: May 2013

Soil contamination by chromium (Cr) has become an increasing problem worldwide as a result of extensive industrial activities. Chromium, especially hexavalent Cr, impairs the growth and productivity of plants. Although it has been proposed that plants could modify their metabolism to adapt to Cr stress by reprogramming the expression of genes, especially those related to the antioxidant system, damage response, and electron transport chain, evidence at the protein expression level is lacking. To better understand the precise mechanisms underlying Cr phytoxicity and the plant response to Cr exposure, the time-course of changes in the protein expression profile induced by short-term hexavalent Cr exposure (1, 6 and 24 h) were analyzed in maize leaves. Among the over 1200 protein spots detected reproducibly by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), 60 were found to be differentially accumulated during Cr stress treatment. Of the Cr-regulated proteins, 58 were identified using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The Cr-regulated proteins identified were mainly involved in ROS detoxification and defense responses (26%), photosynthesis and chloroplast organization (22%), post-transcriptional processing of mRNA and rRNA (12%), protein synthesis and folding (10%), the DNA damage response (5%), and the cytoskeleton (3%). The possible involvement of these Cr stress-responsive proteins in Cr phytoxicity and the plant response to Cr exposure in maize is discussed, taking into consideration the information available from other plant models. Our results provide preliminary evidence that will facilitate understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Cr toxicity in maize.
Isolation and Enhancement of a Homogenous in Vitro Human Hertwig’s Epithelial Root Sheath Cell Population
Authors: Farea Manal , Halim Ahmad , Abdullah Nurul , Lim Chin , Mokhtar Khairani , Berahim Zurairah , Mokhtar Kasmawati , Rani Abdul , Husein Adam
Published: May 2013

Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath (HERS) cells play a pivotal role during root formation of the tooth and are able to form cementum-like tissue. The aim of the present study was to establish a HERS cell line for molecular and biochemical studies using a selective digestion method. Selective digestion was performed by the application of trypsin-EDTA for 2 min, which led to the detachment of fibroblast-like-cells, with the rounded cells attached to the culture plate. The HERS cells displayed a typical cuboidal/squamous-shaped appearance. Characterization of the HERS cells using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis showed that these cells expressed pan-cytokeratin, E-cadherin, and p63 as epithelial markers. Moreover, RT-PCR confirmed that these cells expressed epithelial-related genes, such as cytokeratin 14, E-cadherin, and ΔNp63. Additionally, HERS cells showed low expression of CD44 and CD105 with absence of CD34 and amelogenin expressions. In conclusion, HERS cells have been successfully isolated using a selective digestion method, thus enabling future studies on the roles of these cells in the formation of cementum-like tissue in vitro.
Fluctuation of Global Gene Expression by Endogenous miRNA Response to the Introduction of an Exogenous miRNA
Authors: Nagata Yoshiro , Shimizu Eigo , Hibio Naoki , Ui-Tei Kumiko
Published: May 2013

Most of the intracellular endogenous microRNAs (endo-miRNAs) are considered to be saturated in Argonaute (Ago) proteins in the RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs). When exogenous miRNAs (exo-miRNAs) are introduced into cells, endo-miRNAs in the RISC may be replaced with exo-miRNAs or exo-miRNAs, and endo-miRNAs might also compete for the position in the newly synthesized RISC with each other. This would lead to the fluctuation of global gene expression not only by repression of exo-miRNA target gene expression, but also by the increase of the endo-miRNA target gene expression. In the present study, we quantified the changes in the expression levels of target genes of exo-miRNA and endo-miRNA in the cells transfected with fifteen different exo-miRNAs by microarray experiments. Different exo-miRNAs increased ratios of expression levels of target genes of a given endo-miRNA to different extents, suggesting that the replacement efficiencies might differ according to the exo-miRNA types. However, the increased ratios in the expression levels of each endo-miRNA target genes by the transfection of any particular exo-miRNA were mostly equivalent, suggesting that the endo-miRNAs present in the RISC might be replaced with excessive exo-miRNAs at similar levels, probably because they exist in single-stranded forms in the RISC.
Angiotensin II Regulates microRNA-132/-212 in Hypertensive Rats and Humans
Authors: Eskildsen Tilde , Jeppesen Pia , Schneider Mikael , Nossent Anne , Sandberg Maria , Hansen Pernille , Jensen Charlotte , Hansen Maria , Marcussen Niels , Rasmussen Lars , Bie Peter , Andersen Ditte , Sheikh Søren
Published: May 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a group of small non-coding RNAs that fine tune translation of multiple target mRNAs, are emerging as key regulators in cardiovascular development and disease. MiRNAs are involved in cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure and remodeling following cardiac infarction; however, miRNAs involved in hypertension have not been thoroughly investigated. We have recently reported that specific miRNAs play an integral role in Angiotensin II receptor (AT1R) signaling, especially after activation of the Gαq signaling pathway. Since AT1R blockers are widely used to treat hypertension, we undertook a detailed analysis of potential miRNAs involved in Angiotensin II (AngII) mediated hypertension in rats and hypertensive patients, using miRNA microarray and qPCR analysis. The miR-132 and miR-212 are highly increased in the heart, aortic wall and kidney of rats with hypertension (159 ± 12 mm Hg) and cardiac hypertrophy following chronic AngII infusion. In addition, activation of the endothelin receptor, another Gαq coupled receptor, also increased miR-132 and miR-212. We sought to extend these observations using human samples by reasoning that AT1R blockers may decrease miR-132 and miR-212. We analyzed tissue samples of mammary artery obtained from surplus arterial tissue after coronary bypass operations. Indeed, we found a decrease in expression levels of miR-132 and miR-212 in human arteries from bypass-operated patients treated with AT1R blockers, whereas treatment with β-blockers had no effect. Taken together, these data suggest that miR-132 and miR-212 are involved in AngII induced hypertension, providing a new perspective in hypertensive disease mechanisms.
Cisplatin Protects against Acute Liver Failure by Inhibiting Nuclear HMGB1 Release
Authors: Li Xun , Wang Li-Kun , Wang Lu-Wen , Han Xiao-Qun , Yang Fan , Gong Zuo-Jiong
Published: May 2013

Cisplatin is one of the most widely used chemical drugs for anticancer treatment. Recent studies have focused on the ability of cisplatin to retain the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein in cisplatin-DNA adducts, thereby preventing its release from the nucleus. Because HMGB1 is a powerful inflammatory mediator in many diseases, the aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of cisplatin acute liver failure. In this study, low-dose cisplatin was administered to treat PMA-induced macrophage-like cells induced by PMA and rats with acute liver failure. We found that cell viability and liver injury were greatly improved by cisplatin treatment. The extracellular levels of HMGB1, TNF-α and IFN-γ were also significantly decreased by the administration of cisplatin. During inflammation, nuclear HMGB1 translocates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The administration of cisplatin reduced the cytoplasmic levels of HMGB1 and increased nuclear HMGB1 levels in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, cisplatin can protect against acute liver failure by retaining HMGB1 in the nucleus and preventing its release into the extracellular milieu.
Astrocytic Vesicle Mobility in Health and Disease
Authors: Potokar Maja , Vardjan Nina , Stenovec Matjaž , Gabrijel Mateja , Trkov Saša , Jorgačevski Jernej , Kreft Marko , Zorec Robert
Published: May 2013

Astrocytes are no longer considered subservient to neurons, and are, instead, now understood to play an active role in brain signaling. The intercellular communication of astrocytes with neurons and other non-neuronal cells involves the exchange of molecules by exocytotic and endocytotic processes through the trafficking of intracellular vesicles. Recent studies of single vesicle mobility in astrocytes have prompted new views of how astrocytes contribute to information processing in nervous tissue. Here, we review the trafficking of several types of membrane-bound vesicles that are specifically involved in the processes of (i) intercellular communication by gliotransmitters (glutamate, adenosine 5'-triphosphate, atrial natriuretic peptide), (ii) plasma membrane exchange of transporters and receptors (EAAT2, MHC-II), and (iii) the involvement of vesicle mobility carrying aquaporins (AQP4) in water homeostasis. The properties of vesicle traffic in astrocytes are discussed in respect to networking with neighboring cells in physiologic and pathologic conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and states in which astrocytes contribute to neuroinflammatory conditions.
Self-Healing in Cementitious Materials—A Review
Authors: Van Tittelboom Kim , De Belie Nele
Published: May 2013

Concrete is very sensitive to crack formation. As wide cracks endanger the durability, repair may be required. However, these repair works raise the life-cycle cost of concrete as they are labor intensive and because the structure becomes in disuse during repair. In 1994, C. Dry was the first who proposed the intentional introduction of self-healing properties in concrete. In the following years, several researchers started to investigate this topic. The goal of this review is to provide an in-depth comparison of the different self-healing approaches which are available today. Among these approaches, some are aimed at improving the natural mechanism of autogenous crack healing, while others are aimed at modifying concrete by embedding capsules with suitable healing agents so that cracks heal in a completely autonomous way after they appear. In this review, special attention is paid to the types of healing agents and capsules used. In addition, the various methodologies have been evaluated based on the trigger mechanism used and attention has been paid to the properties regained due to self-healing.
Virtual Lead Identification of Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors Based on Ligand and Structure-Based Pharmacophore Techniques
Authors: Al-Balas Qosay , Amawi Haneen , Hassan Mohammad , Qandil Amjad , Almaaytah Ammar , Mhaidat Nizar
Published: May 2013

Farnesyltransferase enzyme (FTase) is considered an essential enzyme in the Ras signaling pathway associated with cancer. Thus, designing inhibitors for this enzyme might lead to the discovery of compounds with effective anticancer activity. In an attempt to obtain effective FTase inhibitors, pharmacophore hypotheses were generated using structure-based and ligand-based approaches built in Discovery Studio v3.1. Knowing the presence of the zinc feature is essential for inhibitor’s binding to the active site of FTase enzyme; further customization was applied to include this feature in the generated pharmacophore hypotheses. These pharmacophore hypotheses were thoroughly validated using various procedures such as ROC analysis and ligand pharmacophore mapping. The validated pharmacophore hypotheses were used to screen 3D databases to identify possible hits. Those which were both high ranked and showed sufficient ability to bind the zinc feature in active site, were further refined by applying drug-like criteria such as Lipiniski’s “rule of five” and ADMET filters. Finally, the two candidate compounds (ZINC39323901 and ZINC01034774) were allowed to dock using CDOCKER and GOLD in the active site of FTase enzyme to optimize hit selection.
Database-Guided Discovery of Potent Peptides to Combat HIV-1 or Superbugs
Authors: Wang Guangshun
Published: May 2013

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), small host defense proteins, are indispensable for the protection of multicellular organisms such as plants and animals from infection. The number of AMPs discovered per year increased steadily since the 1980s. Over 2,000 natural AMPs from bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals have been registered into the antimicrobial peptide database (APD). The majority of these AMPs (>86%) possess 11–50 amino acids with a net charge from 0 to +7 and hydrophobic percentages between 31–70%. This article summarizes peptide discovery on the basis of the APD. The major methods are the linguistic model, database screening, de novo design, and template-based design. Using these methods, we identified various potent peptides against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). While the stepwise designed anti-HIV peptide is disulfide-linked and rich in arginines, the ab initio designed anti-MRSA peptide is linear and rich in leucines. Thus, there are different requirements for antiviral and antibacterial peptides, which could kill pathogens via different molecular targets. The biased amino acid composition in the database-designed peptides, or natural peptides such as θ-defensins, requires the use of the improved two-dimensional NMR method for structural determination to avoid the publication of misleading structure and dynamics. In the case of human cathelicidin LL-37, structural determination requires 3D NMR techniques. The high-quality structure of LL-37 provides a solid basis for understanding its interactions with membranes of bacteria and other pathogens. In conclusion, the APD database is a comprehensive platform for storing, classifying, searching, predicting, and designing potent peptides against pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and cancer cells.
Polysaccharide-Based Micelles for Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhang Nan , Wardwell Patricia , Bader Rebecca
Published: May 2013

Delivery of hydrophobic molecules and proteins has been an issue due to poor bioavailability following administration. Thus, micelle carrier systems are being investigated to improve drug solubility and stability. Due to problems with toxicity and immunogenicity, natural polysaccharides are being explored as substitutes for synthetic polymers in the development of new micelle systems. By grafting hydrophobic moieties to the polysaccharide backbone, self-assembled micelles can be readily formed in aqueous solution. Many polysaccharides also possess inherent bioactivity that can facilitate mucoadhesion, enhanced targeting of specific tissues, and a reduction in the inflammatory response. Furthermore, the hydrophilic nature of some polysaccharides can be exploited to enhance circulatory stability. This review will highlight the advantages of polysaccharide use in the development of drug delivery systems and will provide an overview of the polysaccharide-based micelles that have been developed to date.
Mineral Mapping Using Simulated Worldview-3 Short-Wave-Infrared Imagery
Authors: Kruse Fred , Perry Sandra
Published: May 2013

WorldView commercial imaging satellites comprise a constellation developed by DigitalGlobe Inc. (Longmont, CO, USA). Worldview-3 (WV-3), currently planned for launch in 2014, will have 8 spectral bands in the Visible and Near-Infrared (VNIR), and an additional 8 bands in the Short-Wave-Infrared (SWIR); the approximately 1.0–2.5 μm spectral range. WV-3 will be the first commercial system with both high spatial resolution and multispectral SWIR capability. Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data collected at 3 m spatial resolution with 86 SWIR bands having 10 nm spectral resolution were used to simulate the new WV-3 SWIR data. AVIRIS data were converted to reflectance, geographically registered, and resized to the proposed 3.7 and 7.5 m spatial resolutions. WV-3 SWIR band pass functions were used to spectrally resample the data to the proposed 8 SWIR bands. Characteristic reflectance signatures extracted from the data for known mineral locations (endmembers) were used to map spatial locations of specific minerals. The WV-3 results, when compared to spectral mapping using the full AVIRIS SWIR dataset, illustrate that the WV-3 spectral bands should permit identification and mapping of some key minerals, however, minerals with similar spectral features may be confused and will not be mapped with the same detail as using hyperspectral systems. The high spatial resolution should provide detailed mapping of complex alteration mineral patterns not achievable by current multispectral systems. The WV-3 simulation results are promising and indicate that this sensor will be a significant tool for geologic remote sensing.
In vivo X-Ray Computed Tomographic Imaging of Soft Tissue with Native, Intravenous, or Oral Contrast
Authors: Wathen Connor , Foje Nathan , Avermaete Tony , Miramontes Bernadette , Chapaman Sarah , Sasser Todd , Kannan Raghuraman , Gerstler Steven , Leevy W.
Published: May 2013

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is one of the most commonly utilized anatomical imaging modalities for both research and clinical purposes. CT combines high-resolution, three-dimensional data with relatively fast acquisition to provide a solid platform for non-invasive human or specimen imaging. The primary limitation of CT is its inability to distinguish many soft tissues based on native contrast. While bone has high contrast within a CT image due to its material density from calcium phosphate, soft tissue is less dense and many are homogenous in density. This presents a challenge in distinguishing one type of soft tissue from another. A couple exceptions include the lungs as well as fat, both of which have unique densities owing to the presence of air or bulk hydrocarbons, respectively. In order to facilitate X-ray CT imaging of other structures, a range of contrast agents have been developed to selectively identify and visualize the anatomical properties of individual tissues. Most agents incorporate atoms like iodine, gold, or barium because of their ability to absorb X-rays, and thus impart contrast to a given organ system. Here we review the strategies available to visualize lung, fat, brain, kidney, liver, spleen, vasculature, gastrointestinal tract, and liver tissues of living mice using either innate contrast, or commercial injectable or ingestible agents with selective perfusion. Further, we demonstrate how each of these approaches will facilitate the non-invasive, longitudinal, in vivo imaging of pre-clinical disease models at each anatomical site.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Ischemia Viability Thresholds and the Neurovascular Unit
Authors: Barber Philip
Published: May 2013

Neuroimaging has improved our understanding of the evolution of stroke at discreet time points helping to identify irreversibly damaged and potentially reversible ischemic brain. Neuroimaging has also contributed considerably to the basic premise of acute stroke therapy which is to salvage some portion of the ischemic region from evolving into infarction, and by doing so, maintaining brain function and improving outcome. The term neurovascular unit (NVU) broadens the concept of the ischemic penumbra by linking the microcirculation with neuronal-glial interactions during ischemia reperfusion. Strategies that attempt to preserve the individual components (endothelium, glia and neurons) of the NVU are unlikely to be helpful if blood flow is not fully restored to the microcirculation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the foremost imaging technology able to bridge both basic science and the clinic via non-invasive real time high-resolution anatomical delineation of disease manifestations at the molecular and ionic level. Current MRI based technologies have focused on the mismatch between perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) signals to estimate the tissue that could be saved if reperfusion was achieved. Future directions of MRI may focus on the discordance of recanalization and reperfusion, providing complimentary pathophysiological information to current compartmental paradigms of infarct core (DWI) and penumbra (PWI) with imaging information related to cerebral blood flow, BBB permeability, inflammation, and oedema formation in the early acute phase. In this review we outline advances in our understanding of stroke pathophysiology with imaging, transcending animal stroke models to human stroke, and describing the potential translation of MRI to image important interactions relevant to acute stroke at the interface of the neurovascular unit.
Standardization of sample collection, isolation and analysis methods in extracellular vesicle research
Authors: Witwer Kenneth W. , Buzás Edit I. , Bemis Lynne T. , Bora Adriana , Lässer Cecilia , Lötvall Jan , Nolte‐‘t Hoen Esther N. , Piper Melissa G. , Sivaraman Sarada , Skog Johan , Théry Clotilde , Wauben Marca H. , Hochberg Fred
Published: May 2013

The emergence of publications on extracellular RNA (exRNA) and extracellular vesicles (EV) has highlighted the potential of these molecules and vehicles as biomarkers of disease and therapeutic targets. These findings have created a paradigm shift, most prominently in the field of oncology, prompting expanded interest in the field and dedication of funds for EV research. At the same time, understanding of EV subtypes, biogenesis, cargo and mechanisms of shuttling remains incomplete. The techniques that can be harnessed to address the many gaps in our current knowledge were the subject of a special workshop of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) in New York City in October 2012. As part of the “ISEV Research Seminar: Analysis and Function of RNA in Extracellular Vesicles (evRNA)”, 6 round‐table discussions were held to provide an evidence‐based framework for isolation and analysis of EV, purification and analysis of associated RNA molecules, and molecular engineering of EV for therapeutic intervention. This article arises from the discussion of EV isolation and analysis at that meeting. The conclusions of the round table are supplemented with a review of published materials and our experience. Controversies and outstanding questions are identified that may inform future research and funding priorities. While we emphasize the need for standardization of specimen handling, appropriate normative controls, and isolation and analysis techniques to facilitate comparison of results, we also recognize that continual development and evaluation of techniques will be necessary as new knowledge is amassed. On many points, consensus has not yet been achieved and must be built through the reporting of well‐controlled experiments.
Trois exemples d'habitat aristocratiques en Touraine (XIIe-XIVe siècles)
Authors: Carré Gaël
Published: May 2013

The detailed study of three edifices in the southern Touraine points up a certain number of common architectural characteristics in résidences built by the lower and middle aristocracy or by patricians between the twelfth and the early fourteenth Century. Differences in the choice of disposition and the nature of the sites hâve also revealed, through the implementation of distinct residential programs, three types of dwelling : the urban résidence, the suburban residence and the rural résidence, which until now hâve been little studied, save for a few exceptions.
Essai sur la diffusion du château « philippien » dans les principautés lotharingiennes au XIIIe siècle
Authors: Bragard Philippe
Published: May 2013

L'émergence à la fin du XIIe siècle du château de plan géométrique flanqué de tours rondes, le « quadrilatère philippien » se fait en Ile de France. La diffusion de ce modèle hors du royaume capétien permettrait de mesurer l'influence grandissante des rois de France dans les terres voisines. L'étude d'une quarantaine de sites castraux situés dans les principautés lotharingiennes, essentiellement sur la base de données planimétriques, montre que l'imitation des modèles capétiens se fait dès le premier quart du XIIIe siècle, mais essentiellement à partir du règne de saint Louis. Peu d'entre eux intègrent une tour maîtresse circulaire à un angle ; beaucoup présentent un donjon quadrangulaire soit antérieur, soit contemporain, placé sur le front d'attaque ou surmontant l'entrée (tour-porche). Le plan carré ou rectangle, parfois irrégulier, prédomine, mais des schémas irréguliers sont de mise lorsqu'il s'agit de sites de hauteur.
L'hôtel de Vogüe
Authors: Gulczynski Henri-Stéphane
Published: May 2013

L'hôtel de Vogué est l'une des plus belles demeures de Dijon. Plusieurs actes notariés prouvent qu'il a été bâti de 1614 (date gravée sur la cheminée de la salle dite des gardes) à 1618. Son commanditaire, conseiller au Parlement de Bourgogne, imprégné de culture italienne, fut responsable des chantiers de construction de l'Hôpital général et des couvents des Visitandines et des Ursulines. Il a sans doute fixé le projet de son hôtel avec son ami Guillaume Tabourot, architecte local fort actif, qui connut Martellange et de Brosse. L'hôtel de Vogué mêle convenances françaises dans la répartition des volumes, traditions dijonnaises dans le décor sculpté et références italiennes dans les dispositions perspectives de la cour, partie la plus riche et la plus originale de l'édifice.
La tour d'Ostrevant à Bouchain, un donjon de type anglo-normand au comté de Hainaut
Authors: Corvisier Christian
Published: May 2013

Dans le bourg de Bouchain (Nord) l'appellation de « Tour d'Ostrevant » s'applique aujourd'hui à un massif bâtiment militaire de plan barlong, portant plate-forme d'artillerie et abritant deux étages voûté à l'épreuve. L'Ostrevant est le nom d'un comté carolingien dont Bouchain était le chef-lieu, et qui, au milieu du XIIe siècle, est réuni aux biens territoriaux du comte de Hainaut, Baudouin, nommé l'Édifieur par les sources médiévales. Sous la gangue des chemisages et réaménagements des XVIe et XVIIIe siècles, persiste l'essentiel de la tour maîtresse romane construite à Bouchain pour le comte de Hainaut. Les dispositions d'origine sont encore en partie lisible avec l'aide des relevés réalisés par génie militaire après le déblaiement des terres dont l'édifice avait été comblé sous Charles Quint, et avant les transformations du XVIIIe siècle. C'était une grosse tour barlongue cantonnée de tourelles-contreforts carrées, dont une abrite une grande vis à voûte rampante de facture romane. Exceptionnel dans ce secteur géographique, ce modèle de donjon offrait des analogies frappantes avec des réalisations anglo-normandes contemporaines. On note en particulier la porte, jadis à colonnettes et archivolte, rare concession au décor qu'on ne trouve guère que dans les donjons anglais.
La chapelle Saint-Aignan à Paris
Authors: Grant Lindy , Héber-Suffrin François , Valin-Johnson Danielle
Published: May 2013

La chapelle Saint-Aignan, achevée au plus tard en 1121, a été érigée en limite nord du quartier canonial de Notre- Dame de Paris, accolée au parement externe de l'enceinte antique. Elle appartenait à une petite collégiale fondée par Etienne de Garlande, chanoine de la cathédrale et chancelier de Louis VI. De dimensions réduites - environ 10 m x 6 m, hors-œuvre - elle présente toutefois une structure originale, avec ses deux travées barlongues voûtées d'arêtes et ses murs latéraux décorés d'arcades monumentales. Le chevet, reconstruit à la fin du Moyen Age, fut mutilé après la Révolution. Le décor sculpté appartient à deux courants stylistiques. Les grands chapiteaux semblent être l'œuvre d'un sculpteur bourguignon, sans doute clunisien, alors que les petits sont attribuables à un artiste local. Les médaillons floraux, sculptés sur les montants de la porte sud et ornés de figures de clercs, sont aussi d'exécution locale alors que la conception générale semble bourguignonne.
Les premiers travaux de Lassus et Viollet-le-Duc à Notre-Dame de Paris : la galerie des Rois et les niches des contreforts de la façade ouest, 1844-1846
Authors: Mayer Jannie
Published: May 2013

L'état alarmant de la Galerie des Rois a motivé la première intervention de Viollet-le-Duc et Lassus sur la cathédrale, avant l'approbation du grand projet de restauration. L'abondance de la documentation conservée a permis de faire le point sur les travaux réalisés et de mettre en lumière l'organisation d'un chantier complexe mené avec beaucoup de rigueur et de précaution. Si les colonnes ont toutes été changées, leurs chapiteaux ont été conservés après ragréage, à l'exception de ceux des colonnes doubles et de celui d'une colonne simple. De même le décor d'architecture qui couronne la structure de la galerie n'a pas fait l'objet de restauration. La préservation des éléments sculptés et des estampages réalisés par le sculpteur Pyanet, en vue de leur utilisation sur le chantier futur, est une constante au cours de ces premiers travaux.
Les débuts du jaune d'argent dans l'art du vitrail ou le jaune d'argent à la manière d'Antoine de Pise
Authors: Lautier Claudine
Published: May 2013

Le jaune d'argent permet de teinter localement le verre sans coupes ni mise en plombs supplémentaires. L'apparition de cette technique, vers 1300, coïncide avec une profonde mutation stylistique dans l'art de la peinture sur verre. Après les travaux de Jean Lafond et de Meredith P. Lillich, il a été généralement admis que le jaune d'argent était fabriqué à l'aide de chlorure ou de sulfure d'argent et que sa recette serait arrivée en France grâce à un manuscrit ayant appartenu au roi de Castille Alphonse X le Sage. C'est ne pas tenir compte des traités les plus anciens comportant des recettes de jaune d'argent, en particulier celui d'Antoine de Pise, peintre verrier toscan de la fin du XIVe siècle, qui ne parlent que de la limaille d'argent broyée et utilisée avec une tempera. Pour vérifier la validité du procédé, nous avons expérimenté les procédés décrits par ce traité, à la manière de l'archéologie expérimentale, avec des résultats concluants. Les mêmes caractères techniques que ceux visibles sur les échantillons sont reconnaissables sur des vitraux de la première moitié du XIVe siècle, en particulier ceux de la chapelle de la Vierge de la cathédrale de Rouen que l'on peut dater des années 1310. Malgré la disparition des vitraux parisiens de la fin du XIIIe et du début du XIVe siècle, l'origine parisienne du procédé apparaît clairement et témoigne des contacts entre différents corps de métiers, verriers, orfèvres et peintres.
Arthroscopic features of primary and concomitant flexor enthesopathy in the canine elbow
Authors: Samoy Y. , Coppieters E. , Mosselmans L. , Van Ryssen B. , de Bakker E.
Published: May 2013

Objectives: To investigate the possibilities and limitations of arthroscopy to detect flexor enthesopathy in dogs and to distinguish the primary from the concomitant form.

Materials and methods: Fifty dogs (n = 94 elbow joints) were prospectively studied: dogs with primary flexor enthesopathy (n = 29), concomitant flexor enthesopathy (n = 36), elbow dysplasia (n = 18), and normal elbow joints (n = 11). All dogs underwent an arthroscopic examination of one or both elbow joints. Presence or absence of arthroscopic characteristics of flexor enthesopathy and of other elbow disorders were recorded.

Results: With arthroscopy, several pathological changes of the enthesis were observed in 100% of the joints of both flexor enthesopathy groups, but also in 72% of the joints with elbow dysplasia and 25% of the normal joints. No clear differences were seen between both flexor enthesopathy groups.

Clinical significance: Arthroscopy allows a sensitive detection of flexor enthesopathy characteristics, although it is not very specific as these characteristics may also be found in joints without flexor enthesopathy. The similar aspect of both forms of flexor enthesopathy and the presence of mild irregularities at the medial coronoid process in joints with primary flexor enthesopathy impedes the arthroscopic differentiation between primary and concomitant forms, requiring additional diagnostic techniques to ensure a correct diagnosis.
Minimally invasive plate osteosythesis of fractures of the radius and ulna in a primate
Authors: Tong K. , Guiot L. P.
Published: May 2013

A 25-year-old female mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx - a primate and part of the Old World monkey group) was presented with a mildly comminuted, diaphyseal, radial fracture associated with a transverse ulnar fracture. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis techniques were used to achieve fixation of both the radial and the ulnar fractures. First, closed fracture reduction was achieved with a distraction frame consisting of a motorized circular external skeletal fixator. Next, dual percutaneous radio-ulnar plating was performed using a 2.7 limited-contact dynamic compression plate on the cranial aspect of the radius and two stacked 2.0/2.7 veterinary cut-to-length plates on the lateral aspect of the ulna. Uncomplicated recovery was observed with a complete return to normal activity three months postoperatively. Fracture healing was documented at four weeks, clinical union at 14 weeks, and callus remodelling at 24 weeks postoperatively. This report demonstrates the feasibility of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in a primate and shows the adaptability of this technique across mammalian species.