bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volumetric Analysis of Chronic Maxillary Atelectasis
Authors: Lin Giant C. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Bleier Benjamin S. , Holbrook Eric H. , Busaba Nicolas Y. , Yoon Michael K. , Gray Stacey T.
Published: May 2015

Background

The relationship between orbit and maxillary sinus volumes in patients with chronic maxillary atelectasis (CMA), commonly known as silent sinus syndrome if enophthalmos is present, is poorly understood.

Methods

A retrospective review of 22 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CMA from 2005 to 2013 was performed. Computed tomography (CT) images were analyzed using OsiriX 5.8.2 software for volumetric analysis of the orbit and maxillary sinus at presentation and after surgical treatment with ESS.

Results

Pretreatment mean orbit volumes on the diseased side (DS) and the contralateral side (CS) were 29.22 and 26.50 mL, respectively (p < 0.001); mean sinus volumes on the DS and CS were 8.51 and 17.20 mL, respectively (p < 0.001); and pretreatment mean midorbit heights (MOHs) on the DS and CS were 3.39 cm and 3.07 cm, respectively (p < 0.001). The percent decrease in sinus volume on the DS compared to that on the CS did not correlate significantly with the percent orbit-volume increase. Enophthalmos was present in nine (41%) patients, and diplopia was present in three (14%) patients. The measured degree of increased orbit volume and decreased sinus volume secondary to CMA did not significantly predict the presence of enophthalmos at presentation. Seven patients underwent sinus CT more than 6 months after ESS. In these patients, orbit volume on the DS decreased from 29.67 to 27.52 mL (p = 0.005), and sinus volume on the DS increased from 9.78 to 11.84 mL (p = 0.08).

Conclusions

Volumetric analysis is a powerful and novel method for objectively demonstrating the degree of orbit expansion and maxillary sinus contraction seen with CMA. Spontaneous maxillary sinus expansion and a decrease in orbit volume can occur after ESS, but post-ESS volumes do not return to the normal volume of the CS.
Managing Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea after Lateral Skull Base Surgery via Endoscopic Endonasal Eustachian Tube Closure
Authors: Lemonnier Lori A. , Tessema Belachew , Kuperan Arjuna B. , Jourdy Deya N. , Telischi Fred F. , Morcos Jacques J. , Casiano Roy R.
Published: May 2015

Background

A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, commonly presenting as rhinorrhea, is a well-recognized complication of lateral skull base surgery. Failure of conservative treatment measures in these cases necessitates surgical intervention.

Objective

Our aim is to demonstrate that endoscopic endonasal closure of the eustachian tube is a reasonable alternative to more traditional techniques for management of recalcitrant postoperative CSF rhinorrhea after removal of middle and posterior cranial fossa lesions.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who presented with CSF rhinorrhea after lateral skull base surgery at a tertiary medical center over a 17-year period, from 1997 to 2014. Nine patients managed with endoscopic endonasal closure of the eustachian tube were evaluated for preoperative hearing status, approach to lateral skull base surgery, pathology, size and location of the tumor, timing and presentation of CSF leak, methods of treatment, length of hospital stay, complications, and success of the procedure.

Results

Of the nine patients included in this review, seven were managed successfully with endoscopic endonasal eustachian tube closure. Of those seven, one required a revision procedure. Average length of postoperative stay was 5.8 days. There were no major complications. Follow up of greater than 100 months has been achieved since the first procedure.

Conclusion

Endoscopic endonasal eustachian tube closure is a safe, minimally invasive and effective method for obliteration of the eustachian tube orifice. The algorithm for management of recalcitrant postoperative CSF rhinorrhea after lateral skull base surgery should include endoscopic endonasal closure of the eustachian tube.
Higher Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (C-ANCA) Titers are Associated with Increased Overall Healthcare Use in Patients with Sinonasal Manifestations of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)
Authors: Janisiewicz Agnieszka M. , Klau Marc H. , Keschner David B. , Lehmer Randy R. , Venkat Kumar V. , Medhekar Swati S. , Chang Parke K. , Badran Karam , Leary Ryan , Garg Rohit , Nguyen Andrew A. , Lee Jivianne T.
Published: May 2015

Background

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous airway inflammation and vasculitis. Sinonasal involvement occurs in more than 80% cases, with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (C-ANCA) titers used as a marker of disease severity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether C-ANCA levels impact radiographic findings and healthcare use in patients with sinonasal GPA.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on GPA patients evaluated in a multidisciplinary rheumatologic/otolaryngologic clinic from 2008 to 2013. Data were collected with respect to age, gender, clinical presentation, C-ANCA titers, Lund-Mackay (LM) scores, surgical interventions, and healthcare use, the latter of which were determined by assessing the number of rheumatology/otolaryngology clinic visits, computed tomography (CT) scans, and email/telephone encounters.

Results

A total of 44 patients were identified, 11 male and 33 female. Sinonasal manifestations were evident in 70.4%, with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (41.9%), septal perforation (38.7%), and crusting (32.2%) the most common findings. No significant differences in number of CT scans (p = 0.10) or mean LM scores (p = 0.47) were found between patients with more than or equal to 1:80 and less than 1:80 C-ANCA titers, respectively. However, overall healthcare use was increased in the more than or equal to 1:80 C-ANCA group (n = 28) compared with less than 1:80 (n = 16), with a significantly greater number of rheumatologic/otolaryngologic encounters (mean 121 versus 69.2, p = 0.03) noted. When otolaryngologic healthcare use was specifically examined, the average number of encounters was also higher in more than or equal to 1:80 C-ANCA patients (31.9 versus 22.9), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.16).

Conclusion

Sinonasal GPA patients with presenting C-ANCA titers more than or equal to 1:80 demonstrated significantly greater overall healthcare use than their lower C-ANCA level counterparts (less than 1:80). However, no significant differences in otolaryngology resource use or LM scores were evident between the two titer groups.
HLA-DRB and HLA-DQ Genetic Variability in Patients with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Hossein , Nabavi Mohammad , Amirzargar Ali Akbar , Aryan Zahra , Arshi Saba , Bemanian Mohammad Hassan , Fallahpour Morteza , Mortazavi Negar , Rezaei Nima
Published: May 2015

Background

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II is involved in T-cell activation, cytokine secretion, and induction of immune responses. Cytokines, staphylococcus super antigens, and eosinophil activation are proposed to play important roles in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

Objectives

This study is aimed at investigating the association of HLA-DRB and DQ genetic variabilities in patients with AERD.

Methods

A genetic association analysis in three different groups, including 33 patients with AERD, 17 patients with aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA), and 100 healthy controls was performed. Oral aspirin challenge (OAC) test was performed to identify aspirin hypersensitivity. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed for all patients. Eosinophil percentage in nasal smear and peripheral blood and serum immunoglobin (Ig)E were investigated. HLA-DRB, HLA-DQA1, and HLA-DQB1 were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction.

Results

HLA-DQB1*0302 (OR, 5.49, 95% confidence interval [CI],(2.40-12.59)), HLA-DQA1*0301 (OR, 2.90, 95%CI,(1.49-5.67)), HLA-DRB4 (OR, 2.94, 95%CI,(1.61-5.36)), and HLA-DRB1*04 (OR, 3.19, 95%CI,(1.57-6.47)) were higher in patients with AERD compared with controls. In patients with AERD, HLA-DQB1*0301 (OR,0.22, 95%CI,(0.09-0.54)), HLA-DQA1*0501 (OR, 0.42, 95%CI, (0.21-0.81)), HLA-DRB1*11 (OR, 0.30, 95%CI,(0.12-0.73)), and HLA-DRB3 (OR, 0.38, 95%CI,(0.21-0.70)) were significantly lower compared with healthy controls. Patients with AERD had lower frequencies of HLA-DQB1*0301 (OR, 0.27, 95%CI,(0.08-0.86)), and HLA-DRB1*011 (OR, 0.27, 95%CI,(0.08-0.86)) compared with ATA. Haplotypes of HLA-DRB1*04/DQA1*0301/DQB1*0302 (OR, 4.25, 95%CI,(1.94-9.29)) and HLA-DRB1*07 /DQA1*0201/ DQB1*0201 (OR, 3.52, 95%CI,(1.54-8.06)) were higher in patients with AERD compared with controls (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that HLA-DQB1*0302 and HLA-DRB1*04 and their related haplotypes are genes involved in predisposing patients to AERD, whereas HLA-DQB1*0301 and HLA-DRB1*011 have negative association with AERD.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Lesions: “How I do it”
Authors: Rotenberg Brian , Noyek Samantha , Chin Christopher J.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) can cause significant epistaxis for those that suffer from it. Traditaional surgical treatments are ablative and can cause thermal damage. Radiofrequency (RF) energy can potentially be used to ablate HHT plaques at a lower temperature. In this article we describe our use of RF energy to treat HHT.

Methods

A Coblation Evac70 wand was used with patients under general anesthetic to ablate visible lesions. The surgical technique is described in detail.

Results

Thirty-seven patients have been treated over a 3-year time span showing significant improvement in epistaxis severity as measured by the Epistaxis Severity Score. There were three septal perforations that developed, but these were all in patients who had undergone several prior septal cauteries.

Conclusion

RF energy via Coblation is an effective and safe means of surgically treating HHT lesions, with good epistaxis severity improvement and minimal patient morbidity.
Endoscopic Binostril versus Transnasal Transseptal Microscopic Pituitary Surgery: Sinonasal Quality of Life and Olfactory Function
Authors: Hong Sang Duk , Nam Do-Hyun , Seol Ho Jun , Choi Na Yeon , Kim Hyo Yeol , Chung Seung-Kyu , Dhong Hun-Jong
Published: May 2015

Background

There have been few comparative studies on olfactory function and sinonasal-specific quality of life (QOL) after endoscopic or microscopic surgery using a transsphenoidal approach (TSA).

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed. Thirty-five patients who underwent a transnasal endoscopic approach and 20 patients who underwent a transnasal transseptal microscopic approach for treatment of pituitary adenoma were evaluated. An anterior skull base (ASK) nasal inventory and a subjective visual analog scale (VAS) (0-100) for olfaction were evaluated before and at one and three months after surgery. A cross-cultural smell identification test (CC-SIT) and a butanol threshold test (BTT) were also measured before and three months after surgery.

Results

There was no significant difference in subjective olfaction or CC-SIT or BTT score between the endoscopic and microscopic groups. The microscopic group (11.35 ± 3.67 and 9.72 ± 2.54, respectively) showed better ASK nasal inventory outcomes at one and three months after surgery compared with the endoscopic group (14.00 ± 4.85 and 11.70 ± 3.28, respectively; p = 0.029 and 0.036, respectively) especially in the subdomains of “nasal crusting” and “urge to blow nose.”

Conclusion

Transnasal transseptal microscopic pituitary surgery confers a better early postoperative sinonasal QOL with a comparable olfactory outcome compared with the endoscopic approach. Although many believe that an endoscopic approach is less invasive, preservation of the sinonasal mucosa proves to be more important in terms of sinonasal QOL than use of an endoscope or microscope.
Prevalence of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in a Population of Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Bohnhorst Idar , Jawad Samir , Lange Bibi , Kjeldsen Jens , Hansen Jane M. , Kjeldsen Anette D.
Published: May 2015

Background

An increased coexistence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been reported in epidemiologic and register studies, and reflux has been shown more frequently in patients with CRS in studies using esophagus pH manometry compared to participants without CRS. A discussion is ongoing about whether there might be an association between these two diseases and, if so, whether the association is causal.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to clinically investigate the prevalence and symptom severity scores of CRS among patients with GERD. The results were compared with those of a randomly assigned control group from the general Danish population.

Method

In this case–control study, 82 patients with GERD were examined for CRS using the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps criteria, which combine patient history and anterior/posterior rhinoscopy results. Sinonasal-related quality of life was assessed by using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22). These results were compared with those of a population-based control group examined for CRS in the same way.

Results

The prevalence of CRS among patients with GERD was 20.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.0%-29.5%), significantly higher than the CRS prevalence of 8.5% (95% CI, 6.8%-10.2%) in the background population. Patients with GERD and CRS had an average SNOT-22 score of 43.8, whereas patients with CRS from the background population scored, on average, 28.1. Having GERD increased the mean SNOT-22 score in patients with CRS by 15.7 (95% CI, 6.5-24.9).

Conclusion

The results of this study provide additional evidence of an association between GERD and CRS and indicate that GERD may play a role in the development of CRS. The results also show that sinonasal-related quality of life is decreased in patients with CRS who also suffer from GERD.
Protective Effects of Rutin through Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Kim Hee-Yun , Nam Sun-Young , Hong Sung-Wei , Kim Myong-Jo , Jeong Hyun-Ja , Kim Hyung-Min
Published: May 2015

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic inflammatory disease induced by various mediators released by infiltrating inflammatory cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases the airway inflammatory response by promoting vascular permeability. Furthermore, it is known that Allium hookeri and one of its constituent compounds, rutin (RU), have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet effects.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the regulation of AR by RU and A. hookeri.

Methods

We assessed the therapeutic effects and the regulatory mechanisms of A. hookeri and RU on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus A23187 (PMACI) stimulated human mast cell line (HMC) 1 cells, and ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized mouse model of AR.

Results

A. hookeri and RU significantly inhibited the production and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of VEGF in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1 cells and significantly decreased VEGF levels in our murine AR model. The increased rubs scores and immunoglobulin E and interleukin (IL) 4 levels in OVA-sensitized mice were significantly reduced by the administration of A. hookeri, and RU significantly inhibited the production and mRNA expression and RU. Also, A. hookeri and RU significantly reduced IL-4 and IL-5 production in OVA-stimulated splenocytes. Furthermore, A. hookeri and RU significantly decreased chemokine levels (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-2) in nasal mucosa tissues. In the mouse AR model, A. hookeri and RU significantly prevented eosinophil and mast cell infiltration and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels induced by OVA sensitization. In addition, A. hookeri and RU significantly reduced mast cell-derived caspase-1 activity in OVA-sensitized mice.

Conclusion

The present study showed that A. hookeri or RU had an anti-allergic inflammatory effects. Analysis of these results indicated that A. hookeri and RU might protect against AR.
Effect of freezing period on the microbial and nutrient quality of pool barb, Puntius sophore from Dhaka city retail market, Bangladesh
Authors: Mustafa Md Ghulam , Yasmin Tamanna , Nilla Saima Sharif , Khan Md Mahmudur Rahman , Khan Md Anisur Rahman
Published: May 2015

The microbiological and nutrient quality of pool barb (Jatpunti), Puntius sophore collected from three local markets - Ananda bazaar, New Market and Polashi bazaar of Dhaka, Bangladesh were assessed. The investigation confirmed more or less higher microbial load in Ananda bazaar samples than the others. The microbial quality varied with market sources as total bacterial counts (TBC), total coliform counts (TCC) and faecal coliform counts (FCC) occurred in all storage period and that crossed the acceptable limit. All studied parameters except E. coli were significantly different at 7 days and 30 days of storage period and a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in case of E. coli for all storage period where every 30 days storage showed one log reduction of bacterial count from every initial stage. The Salmonella shigella (SS) and Vibrio spp. were identified in all samples of studied local markets. An inverse relation was found between moisture and protein, moisture and fat, whereas the moisture content was increased after 30 days of freezing storage. This study concludes that the quality of P. sophore (Jatpunti) available in the studied three local markets of Dhaka city were neither satisfactory level nor to the standard for normal consumption.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(1): 1-11, 2013
Limnology of Merbok estuary, Kedah, Malaysia
Authors: Fatema Kaniz , Omar Wan Maznah Wan , Isa Mansor Mat
Published: May 2015

Water quality in three different stations of Merbok estuary was investigated limnologically from October, 2010 to September, 2011. Water temperature, transparency and total suspended solids (TSS) varied from 27.45 - 30.450C, 7.5 - 120 cm and 10 -140 mg/l, respectively. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentration ranged from 1.22-10.8 mg/l, while salinity ranged from 3.5-35.00 ppt. pH and conductivity ranged from 6.35 - 8.25 and 40 - 380 ?S/cm, respectively. Kruskal Wallis H test shows that water quality parameters were significantly different among the sampling months and stations (p<0.05). This study revealed that DO, salinity, conductivity and transparency were higher in wet season and TSS was higher in dry season. On the other hand, temperature and pH did not follow any seasonal trends.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(1): 13-19, 2013
Sharks and rays fisheries of the Bay of Bengal at the landing centers of Chittagong and Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Bikram Jit , Ali SM Hasan , Singha Nripendra Kumar , Rahman Md Gaziur
Published: May 2015

The study was conducted on the species composition and percentage contribution of sharks and rays from two landing centers (Fishery ghat, Chittagong and BFDC fish harbour, Coxs Bazar) during 2011-2012 fiscal year. A total 10 species of sharks belonging to 3 families and 14 species of rays belonging to 8 families were recorded. Total landings of sharks and rays by weight were 382.67 MT of which 136.45 MT was sharks and 246.22 MT was rays. A total 479661 numbers of sharks and rays were landed of which 449133 were sharks and 30528 were rays but contribution of sharks and rays were 35.66% and 64.34%, respectively by weight. The highest landing was 70.94 MT in the month of October, 2011 and lowest landing was 6.05 MT in the month of January, 2012. The highest landing of shark species was Scoliodon laticaudus (84.52 MT) (22.09%) and lowest was Carcharhinus sorrah (0.01MT) and the maximum and minimum landing of rays species were Himantura uarnak (164.42MT) (42.97%) and Aetobatus narinari (0.03% MT), respectively.Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(1): 49-60, 2013
FTIR spectroscopy for estimation of efavirenz in raw material and tablet dosage form
Authors: Reddy Nareddy Preethi , Padmavathi Yenumula , Mounika Perika , Anjali Akari
Published: May 2015

A Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometric method was developed for rapid and direct measurement of efavirenz in pharmaceutical formulations. The method involves extraction of efavirenz from tablets with chloroform by sonication and the direct measurement of the absorbance in liquid phase using a reduced path length cell. In general, the spectrum was measured in transmission mode. The equipment was configured to collect a spectrum at 8 cm-1 resolution and 45 scans per sec .The spectra were collected between 4000 cm-1 and 450cm-1, the band obtained at 1750cm-1 (carbonyl group) showed intense, clear peak in the liquid phase for quantitation. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines. The method fulfilled most validation requirements in the linearity range 200-1000µg/mL. The coefficient of determination, limit of detection and quantification was found to be 0.993, 49.12?g/mL and 148.84?g/mL respectively. Results of developed FTIR method were compared with the results obtained with the existing UV method statistically by using t-test, which indicated that there is no significant difference between the methods at P=0.05. The proposed FTIR method reduces the solvent consumption and also eliminates the use of reagents. Thus the developed method offers a good alternative for the quantitative estimation of efavirenz in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms and also to quantify efavirenz when combined with other API in the same dosage form.International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, May 2015, 4(6): 390-395
Deposition of High Conductivity Low Silver Content Materials by Screen Printing
Authors: Jewell Eifion , Hamblyn Simon , Claypole Tim , Gethin David
Published: May 2015

A comprehensive experimental investigation has been carried out into the role of film thickness variation and silver material formulation on printing capability in the screen printing process. A full factorial experiment was carried out where two formulations of silver materials were printed through a range of screens to a polyester substrate under a set of standard conditions. The materials represented a novel low silver content (45%–49%) polymer material and traditional high silver content (65%–69%) paste. The resultant prints were characterised topologically and electrically. The study shows that more cost effective use of the silver in the ink was obtained with the low silver polymer materials, but that the electrical performance was more strongly affected by the mesh being used (and hence film thickness). Thus, while optimum silver use could be obtained using materials with a lower silver content, this came with the consequence of reduced process robustness.
2D Temperature Analysis of Energy and Exergy Characteristics of Laminar Steady Flow across a Square Cylinder under Strong Blockage
Authors: Korukcu M.
Published: May 2015

Energy and exergy characteristics of a square cylinder (SC) in confined flow are investigated computationally by numerically handling the steady-state continuity, Navier-Stokes and energy equations in the Reynolds number range of Re = 10–50, where the blockage ratio (β = B/H) is kept constant at the high level of β = 0.8. Computations indicated for the upstream region that, the mean non-dimensional streamwise (u/Uo) and spanwise (v/Uo) velocities attain the values of u/Uo = 0.840®0.879 and v/Uo = 0.236®0.386 (Re = 10®50) on the front-surface of the SC, implying that Reynolds number and blockage have stronger impact on the spanwise momentum activity. It is determined that flows with high Reynolds number interact with the front-surface of the SC developing thinner thermal boundary layers and greater temperature gradients, which promotes the thermal entropy generation values as well. The strict guidance of the throat, not only resulted in the fully developed flow character, but also imposed additional cooling; such that the analysis pointed out the drop of duct wall (y = 0.025 m) non-dimensional temperature values (ζ) from ζ = 0.387®0.926 (Re = 10®50) at xth = 0 mm to ζ = 0.002®0.266 at xth = 40 mm. In the downstream region, spanwise thermal disturbances are evaluated to be most inspectable in the vortex driven region, where the temperature values show decrease trends in the spanwise direction. In the corresponding domain, exergy destruction is determined to grow with Reynolds number and decrease in the streamwise direction (xds = 0®10 mm). Besides, asymmetric entropy distributions as well were recorded due to the comprehensive mixing caused by the vortex system.
Calculation of Efficiencies of a Ship Power Plant Operating with Waste Heat Recovery through Combined Heat and Power Production
Authors: Grljušić Mirko , Medica Vladimir , Radica Gojmir
Published: May 2015

The aim of this research was to investigate the possibility of a combined heat & power (CHP) plant, using the waste heat from a Suezmax-size oil tanker’s main engine, to meet all heating and electricity requirements during navigation. After considering various configurations, a standard propulsion engine operating at maximum efficiency, combined with a supercritical Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system, was selected to supply the auxiliary power, using R245fa or R123 as the working fluid. The system analysis showed that such a plant can meet all heat and electrical power requirements at full load, with the need to burn only a small amount of supplementary fuel in a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) when the main engine operates at part load. Therefore, it is possible to increase the overall thermal efficiency of the ship’s power plant by more than 5% when the main engine operates at 65% or more of its specified maximum continuous rating (SMCR).
Variation in Trembling Aspen and White Spruce Wood Quality Grown in Mixed and Single Species Stands in the Boreal Mixedwood Forest
Authors: De Araujo Francis , Hart James , Mansfield Shawn
Published: May 2015

The Canadian boreal forest is largely represented by mixed wood forests of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx). In this study, a total of 300 trees originating from three sites composed of trembling aspen and white spruce with varying compositions were investigated for wood quality traits: one site was composed mainly of aspen, one mainly of spruce and a third was a mixed site. Four wood quality traits were examined: wood density, microfibril angle (MFA), fibre characteristics, and cell wall chemistry. Social classes were also determined for each site in an attempt to provide a more in-depth comparison. Wood density showed little variation among sites for both species, with only significant differences occurring between social classes. The aspen site showed statistically lower MFAs than the aspen from the mixed site, however, no differences were observed when comparing spruce. Fibre characteristics were higher in the pure species sites for both species. There were no differences in carbohydrate contents across sites, while lignin content varied. Overall, the use of social classes did not refine the characterization of sites.
Dynamis: Effective Context-Aware Web Service Selection Using Dynamic Attributes
Authors: Pahlevan Atousa , Duprat Jean-Luc , Thomo Alex , Müller Hausi
Published: May 2015

Quality web service discovery requires narrowing the search space from an overwhelming set of services down to the most relevant ones, while matching the consumer’s request. Today, the ranking of services only considers static attributes or snapshots of current attribute values, resulting in low-quality search results. To satisfy the user’s need for timely, well-chosen web services, we ought to consider quality of service attributes. The problem is that dynamic attributes can be difficult to measure, frequently fluctuate, are context-sensitive and depend on environmental factors, such as network availability at query time. In this paper, we propose the Dynamis algorithm to address these challenges effectively. Dynamis is based on well-established database techniques, such as skyline and aggregation. We illustrate our approach using observatory telescope web services and experimentally evaluate it using stock market data. In our evaluation, we show significant improvement in service selection over existing techniques.
Oxalate Content of the Herb Good-King-Henry, Blitum Bonus-Henricus
Authors: Li Wanying , Savage Geoffrey
Published: May 2015

The total, soluble and insoluble oxalate contents of the leaves, stems and buds of Good-King-Henry (Blitum Bonus-Henricus) were extracted and measured using HPLC chromatography. The large, mature leaves contained 42% more total oxalate than in the small leaves and the soluble oxalate content of the large leaves was 33% higher than the smaller leaves. Cooking the mixed leaves, stems and buds in boiling water for two minutes significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total oxalate when compared to the raw plant parts. Pesto sauce made from mixed leaves contained 257 mg total oxalate/100 g fresh weight; this was largely made up of insoluble oxalates (85% of the total oxalate content). Soup made from mixed leaves contained lower levels of total oxalates (44.26 ± 0.49 mg total oxalate/100 g fresh weight) and insoluble oxalate made up 49% of the oxalate contents. The levels of oxalates in the Good-King-Henry leaves were high, suggesting that the leaves should be consumed occasionally as a delicacy because of their unique taste rather than as a significant part of the diet. However, the products made from Good-King-Henry leaves indicated that larger amounts could be consumed as the oxalate levels were reduced by dilution and processing.
Characterization and Cytotoxicity of PM<0.2, PM0.2–2.5 and PM2.5–10 around MSWI in Shanghai, China
Authors: Cao Lingling , Zeng Jianrong , Liu Ke , Bao Liangman , Li Yan
Published: May 2015

Background: The potential impact of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI), which is an anthropogenic source of aerosol emissions, is of great public health concern. This study investigated the characterization and cytotoxic effects of ambient ultrafine particles (PM<0.2), fine particles (PM0.2–2.5) and coarse particles (PM2.5–10) collected around a municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plant in the Pudong district of Shanghai. Methods: Mass concentrations of trace elements in particulate matter (PM) samples were determined using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). The cytotoxicity of sampled atmospheric PM was evaluated by cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in A549 cells. Result: The mass percentage of PM0.2–2.5 accounted for 72.91% of the total mass of PM. Crustal metals (Mg, Al, and Ti) were abundant in the coarse particles, while the anthropogenic elements (V, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) were dominant in the fine particles. The enrichment factors of Zn, Cd and Pb in the fine and ultrafine particles were extremely high (>100). The cytotoxicity of the size-resolved particles was in the order of coarse particles < fine particles < ultrafine particles. Conclusions: Fine particles dominated the MSWI ambient particles. Emissions from the MSWI could bring contamination of anthropogenic elements (Zn, Cd and Pb) into ambient environment. The PM around the MSWI plant displayed an additive toxic effect, and the ultrafine and fine particles possessed higher biological toxicity than the coarse particles.
Microwave-Assisted Routes for the Synthesis of Complex Functional Oxides
Authors: Prado-Gonjal Jesús , Schmidt Rainer , Morán Emilio
Published: May 2015

The synthesis of complex functional inorganic materials, such as oxides, can be successfully performed by using microwave irradiation as the source of heat. To achieve this, different routes and set-ups can be used: microwave-assisted synthesis may proceed in the solid state or in solution, aqueous or not, and the set ups may be as simple and accessible as domestic oven or quite sophisticated laboratory equipment. An obvious advantage of this innovative methodology is the considerable reduction in time—minutes rather than hours or days—and, as a consequence, energy saving. No less important is the fact that the particle growth is inhibited and the broad variety of different microwave or microwave-assisted synthesis techniques opens up opportunities for the preparation of inorganic nanoparticles and nanostructures. In this work, various microwave synthesis techniques have been employed: solid-state microwaves, single-mode microwaves using a TE10p cavity and microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. Relevant examples are presented and discussed.
The Influence of Roughness and Pyrethroid Formulations on Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius L.) Resting Preferences
Authors: Hottel Benjamin , Pereira Roberto , Koehler Philip
Published: May 2015

Two-choice tests were conducted to examine the effect of surface roughness on the resting preference of bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L., on copper, basswood, and acrylic materials. The influence of pyrethroid formulation applications on resting preferences was also evaluated. Bed bugs were given the choice of resting between two sanded halves of each material tested. One half was sanded with a P60 grit sandpaper and the other with a less rough P600 grit sandpaper. A significantly higher proportion of bed bugs chose to rest on the rougher P60 grit sanded half of all materials tested. Pyrethroid applications were made to either the P60 grit half or both halves of acrylic arenas and resting preferences were again assessed. Behavioral responses of bed bugs to pyrethroid formulation applications varied depending on the bed bug strain used and the formulation applied. Bed bugs would still rest on the P60 grit half when Suspend SC formulation (0.06% deltamethrin) was applied; however, an avoidance response was observed from a bed bug strain susceptible to D-Force aerosol formulations (0.06% deltamethrin). The avoidance behavior is likely attributed to one, more than one, or even an interaction of multiple spray constituents and not the active ingredient.
Regeneration of the Epiphysis Including the Articular Cartilage in the Injured Knees of the Lizard Podarcis muralis
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: May 2015

Cartilage regeneration is massive during tail regeneration in lizards but little is known about cartilage regeneration in other body regions of the skeleton. The recovery capability of injured epiphyses of femur and tibia of lizard knees has been studied by histology and 5BrdU immunohistochemistry in lizards kept at high environmental temperatures. Lizard epiphyses contain a secondary ossified center of variable extension surrounded peripherally by an articular cartilage and basally by columns of chondrocytes that form the mataphyseal or growth plate. After injury of the knee epiphyses, a broad degeneration of the articular cartilage during the first days post-injury is present. However a rapid regeneration of cartilaginous tissue is observed from 7 to 14 days post-injury and by 21 days post-lesions, a large part of the epiphyses are reformed by new cartilage. Labeling with 5BrdU indicates that the proliferating cells are derived from both the surface of the articular cartilage and from the metaphyseal plate, two chondrogenic regions that appear proliferating also in normal, uninjured knees. Chondroblasts proliferate by interstitial multiplication forming isogenous groups with only a scant extracellular matrix that later increases. The high regenerative power of lizard articular cartilage appears related to the permanence of growing cartilaginous centers in the epiphyses of long bones such as those of the knee during adulthood. It is likely that these regions contain resident stem cells that give rise to new chondroblasts of the articular and metaphyseal cartilage during most of the lizard’s lifetime, but can produce an excess of cartilaginous tissues when stimulated by the lesion.
Toxic Cyanobacterial Bloom Triggers in Missisquoi Bay, Lake Champlain, as Determined by Next-Generation Sequencing and Quantitative PCR
Authors: Fortin Nathalie , Munoz-Ramos Valentina , Bird David , Lévesque Benoît , Whyte Lyle , Greer Charles
Published: May 2015

Missisquoi Bay (MB) is a temperate eutrophic freshwater lake that frequently experiences toxic Microcystis-dominated cyanobacterial blooms. Non-point sources are responsible for the high concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen in the bay. This study combined data from environmental parameters, E. coli counts, high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons, quantitative PCR (16S rRNA and mcyD genes) and toxin analyses to identify the main bloom-promoting factors. In 2009, nutrient concentrations correlated with E. coli counts, abundance of total cyanobacterial cells, Microcystis 16S rRNA and mcyD genes and intracellular microcystin. Total and dissolved phosphorus also correlated significantly with rainfall. The major cyanobacterial taxa were members of the orders Chroococcales and Nostocales. The genus Microcystis was the main mcyD-carrier and main microcystin producer. Our results suggested that increasing nutrient concentrations and total nitrogen:total phosphorus (TN:TP) ratios approaching 11:1, coupled with an increase in temperature, promoted Microcystis-dominated toxic blooms. Although the importance of nutrient ratios and absolute concentrations on cyanobacterial and Microcystis dynamics have been documented in other laboratories, an optimum TN:TP ratio for Microcystis dominance has not been previously observed in situ. This observation provides further support that nutrient ratios are an important determinant of species composition in natural phytoplankton assemblages.
“Altiarchaeales”: Uncultivated Archaea from the Subsurface
Authors: Probst Alexander , Moissl-Eichinger Christine
Published: May 2015

Due to the limited cultivability of the vast majority of microorganisms, researchers have applied environmental genomics and other state-of-the-art technologies to gain insights into the biology of uncultivated Archaea and bacteria in their natural biotope. In this review, we summarize the scientific findings on a recently proposed order-level lineage of uncultivated Archaea called Altiarchaeales, which includes “Candidatus Altiarchaeum hamiconexum” as the most well-described representative. Ca. A. hamiconexum possesses a complex biology: thriving strictly anaerobically, this microorganism is capable of forming highly-pure biofilms, connecting the cells by extraordinary cell surface appendages (the “hami”) and has other highly unusual traits, such as a double-membrane-based cell wall. Indicated by genomic information from different biotopes, the Altiarchaeales seem to proliferate in deep, anoxic groundwater of Earth’s crust bearing a potentially very important function: carbon fixation. Although their net carbon fixation rate has not yet been determined, they appear as highly abundant organisms in their biotopes and may thus represent an important primary producer in the subsurface. In sum, the research over more than a decade on Ca. A. hamiconexum has revealed many interesting features of its lifestyle, its genomic information, metabolism and ultrastructure, making this archaeon one of the best-studied uncultivated Archaea in the literature.
Sea Cucumbers Metabolites as Potent Anti-Cancer Agents
Authors: Janakiram Naveena , Mohammed Altaf , Rao Chinthalapally
Published: May 2015

Sea cucumbers and their extracts have gained immense popularity and interest among researchers and nutritionists due to their nutritive value, potential health benefits, and use in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Many areas of the world use sea cucumbers in traditional foods and folk medicine. Though the actual components and their specific functions still remain to be investigated, most sea cucumber extracts are being studied for their anti-inflammatory functions, immunostimulatory properties, and for cancer prevention and treatment. There is large scope for the discovery of additional bioactive, valuable compounds from this natural source. Sea cucumber extracts contain unique components, such as modified triterpene glycosides, sulfated polysaccharides, glycosphingolipids, and esterified phospholipids. Frondanol A5, an isopropyl alcohol/water extract of the enzymatically hydrolyzed epithelia of the edible North Atlantic sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa, contains monosulfated triterpenoid glycoside Frondoside A, the disulfated glycoside Frondoside B, the trisulfated glycoside Frondoside C, 12-methyltetradecanoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and fucosylated chondroitin sulfate. We have extensively studied the efficacy of this extract in preventing colon cancer in rodent models. In this review, we discuss the anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, and anti-tumor properties of sea cucumber extracts.
The Counterbalance of Skin Metabolism on Orbits and Diseases
Authors: Chuang Li-Fan , Hsu Chin-Kong , Chou Hong-Nong , Chou Hung-Shih , Sung Ping-Jyun , Chen Chia-Ching , Chen Fu-Gin
Published: May 2015

Human organ functions are regulated by the nervous system. When human cells receive a message, this message is transmitted to the nervous system through a series of signal transmission processes. Skin conditions that occur after applying skin cream are closely related to signal transmission and nervous regulation. We determined the connection between signal regulation and natural rhythmic operations. The diurnal variations resulting from the earth’s rotation and indicate the relative relationships between the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nerve system. A spectrum was developed to assess neural transmission conditions by using skin signals which from Fourier transformation of the waves and established the association between the spectrum and diseases. The results could explain the relationships between the neurological illnesses and established spectrum. The objective was to promote the use of this spectrum as a new tool for conducting the nervous system tests in the future.
Correlating Wine Quality Indicators to Chemical and Sensory Measurements
Authors: Hopfer Helene , Nelson Jenny , Ebeler Susan , Heymann Hildegarde
Published: May 2015

Twenty-seven commercial Californian Cabernet Sauvignon wines of different quality categories were analyzed with sensory and chemical methods. Correlations between five quality proxies—points awarded during a wine competition, wine expert scores, retail price, vintage, and wine region—were correlated to sensory attributes, volatile compounds, and elemental composition. Wine quality is a multi-faceted construct, incorporating many different layers. Depending on the quality proxy studied, significant correlations between quality and attributes, volatiles and elements were found, some of them previously reported in the literature.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Novel Pyrazolo[3,4-g][1,8]naphthyridin-5-amine with Potential Antifungal and Antitumor Activity
Authors: Acosta Paola , Butassi Estefanía , Insuasty Braulio , Ortiz Alejandro , Abonia Rodrigo , Zacchino Susana , Quiroga Jairo
Published: May 2015

The microwave assisted reaction between heterocyclic o-aminonitriles 1 and cyclic ketones 2 catalyzed by zinc chloride led to new series of pyrazolo[3,4-b] [1,8]naphthyridin-5-amines 3 in good yields. This procedure provides several advantages such as being environmentally friendly, high yields, simple work-up procedure, broad scope of applicability and the protocol provides an alternative for the synthesis of pyrazolonaphthyridines. The whole series showed antifungal activities against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans standardized strains, being compounds with a 4-p-tolyl substituent of the naphthyridin scheleton (3a, 3d and 3g), the most active ones mainly against C. albicans, which appear to be related to their comparative hydrophobicity. Among them, 3d, containing a cyclohexyl fused ring, showed the best activity. The anti-Candida activity was corroborated by testing the three most active compounds against clinical isolates of albicans and non-albicans Candida strains. These compounds were also screened by the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) for their ability to inhibit 60 different human tumor cell lines. Compounds 3a and 3e showed remarkable antitumor activity against cancer cell lines, with the most important GI50 values ranging from 0.62 to 2.18 μM
Biodiversity of Food Species of the Solanaceae Family: A Preliminary Taxonomic Inventory of Subfamily Solanoideae
Authors: Samuels John
Published: May 2015

Over the last fifty years there has been a continual reduction in horticultural and agricultural biodiversity of nutritionally important plants, including those of the Solanaceae family. To add to this, the broad range of traditional crops, previously grown on a sustainable scale in some parts of the world, has been replaced by a narrow range of major crops grown as large-scale monocultures. In order to counteract this trend, and to help maintain a broad wealth of genetic resources, conservation is essential. This, in turn, helps to safeguard food security. A taxonomic inventory, covering the diversity of species in a plant group, is an important first step in conservation. The Solanaceae is one of the major plant families providing food species. A survey of the biodiversity, ethnobotany and taxonomy of subfamily Solanoideae was undertaken and is presented here as an inventory of food species. Fifteen genera provide species that are utilised for food across the world. Of these, only four genera contain economically significant cultivated food cropspecies. The majority of these are in the genus Solanum, whilst Capsicum, Physalis and Lycium contribute the remainder of cultivated crop species. These genera and others also comprise species that are semi-cultivated, tolerated as useful weeds, or gathered from the wild.
MMP-2/9-Specific Activatable Lifetime Imaging Agent
Authors: Rood Marcus , Raspe Marcel , Hove Jan , Jalink Kees , Velders Aldrik , Van Leeuwen Fijs
Published: May 2015

Optical (molecular) imaging can benefit from a combination of the high signal-to-background ratio of activatable fluorescence imaging with the high specificity of luminescence lifetime imaging. To allow for this combination, both imaging techniques were integrated in a single imaging agent, a so-called activatable lifetime imaging agent. Important in the design of this imaging agent is the use of two luminophores that are tethered by a specific peptide with a hairpin-motive that ensured close proximity of the two while also having a specific amino acid sequence available for enzymatic cleavage by tumor-related MMP-2/9. Ir(ppy)3 and Cy5 were used because in close proximity the emission intensities of both luminophores were quenched and the influence of Cy5 shortens the Ir(ppy)3 luminescence lifetime from 98 ns to 30 ns. Upon cleavage in vitro, both effects are undone, yielding an increase in Ir(ppy)3 and Cy5 luminescence and a restoration of Ir(ppy)3 luminescence lifetime to 94 ns. As a reference for the luminescence activation, a similar imaging agent with the more common Cy3-Cy5 fluorophore pair was used. Our findings underline that the combination of enzymatic signal activation with lifetime imaging is possible and that it provides a promising method in the design of future disease specific imaging agents.