bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenobarbital Induction and Chemical Synergism Demonstrate the Role of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases in Detoxification of Naphthalophos by Haemonchus contortus Larvae
Authors: Kotze Andrew C. , Ruffell Angela P. , Ingham Aaron B.
Published: October 2014

We used an enzyme induction approach to study the role of detoxification enzymes in the interaction of the anthelmintic compound naphthalophos with
Haemonchus contortus
larvae. Larvae were treated with the barbiturate phenobarbital, which is known to induce the activity of a number of detoxification enzymes in mammals and insects, including cytochromes P450 (CYPs), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UDPGTs), and glutathione (GSH)
S
-transferases (GSTs). Cotreatment of larvae with phenobarbital and naphthalophos resulted in a significant increase in the naphthalophos 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) compared to treatment of larvae with the anthelmintic alone (up to a 28-fold increase). The phenobarbital-induced drug tolerance was reversed by cotreatment with the UDPGT inhibitors 5-nitrouracil, 4,6-dihydroxy-5-nitropyrimidine, probenecid, and sulfinpyrazone. Isobologram analysis of the interaction of 5-nitrouracil with naphthalophos in phenobarbital-treated larvae clearly showed the presence of strong synergism. The UDPGT inhibitors 5-nitrouracil, 4,6-dihydroxy-5-nitropyrimidine, and probenecid also showed synergistic effects with non-phenobarbital-treated worms (synergism ratio up to 3.2-fold). This study indicates that
H. contortus
larvae possess one or more UDPGT enzymes able to detoxify naphthalophos. In highlighting the protective role of this enzyme group, this study reveals the potential for UDPGT enzymes to act as a resistance mechanism that may develop under drug selection pressure in field isolates of this species. In addition, the data indicate the potential for a chemotherapeutic approach utilizing inhibitors of UDPGT enzymes as synergists to increase the activity of naphthalophos against parasitic worms and to combat detoxification-mediated drug resistance if it arises in the field.
Comparative Evaluation of Lesion Development, Tissue Damage, and Cytokine Expression in Golden Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) Infected by Inocula with Different Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Concentrations
Authors: Ribeiro-Romão Raquel P. , Moreira Otacílio C. , Osorio Elvia Yaneth , Cysne-Finkelstein Lea , Gomes-Silva Adriano , Valverde Joanna G. , Pirmez Claude , Da-Cruz Alda Maria , Pinto Eduardo Fonseca
Published: October 2014

The golden hamster (
Mesocricetus auratus
) is a susceptible model to
Leishmania
(
Viannia
) spp.; however, available studies employ different infection protocols, which account for clinical and pathological presentation differences. Herein,
L
. (
V
.)
braziliensis
preparations were standardized to contain 10
4
, 10
5
, or 10
6
parasites to determine an optimal inoculum that ensured cutaneous lesions without causing a disseminated infection in hamsters. Lesion development was followed for 105 days by size measurements, and skin, draining lymph node, spleen, and sera were investigated to check parasite load, spleen visceralization, cytokine expression, histopathological changes, and anti-
Leishmania
IgG levels. The lesion emergence time was inversely proportional to the parasite concentration in the inocula. Animals infected by 10
4
parasites presented nodular lesions, while those infected with 10
6
parasites often exhibited ulcerated lesions. The differences in the final lesion sizes were observed between 10
4
and 10
5
inocula or 10
4
and 10
6
inocula. High
IFNG
expression, anti-
Leishmania
IgG levels, and parasite load occurred independently of the inoculum used. A mild inflammatory skin involvement was observed in animals infected with 10
4
parasites, while extensive tissue damage and parasite spleen visceralization occurred with 10
5
and 10
6
parasites. These results indicate that inocula with different concentrations of parasites generate differences in the time of lesion emergence, clinical presentation, and systemic commitment, despite high and similar
IFNG
expression and parasite load. This suggests that a modulation in the immune response to different parasite numbers occurs in an early phase of the infection, which could dictate the establishment and magnitude of the chronic phase of the disease.
Primary Cutaneous Mucormycosis Produced by the New Species Apophysomyces mexicanus
Authors: Bonifaz Alexandro , Stchigel Alberto M. , Guarro Josep , Guevara Esther , Pintos Liliana , Sanchis Marta , Cano-Lira José F.
Published: October 2014

A case of fungal necrotizing fasciitis that appeared in an immunocompetent Mexican woman after a car accident is described. The patient did not respond to antifungal treatment and died 4 days later. The fungus was molecularly identified as a new species of
Apophysomyces
, namely,
Apophysomyces mexicanus.
Acute pancreatitis: pancreas divisum with ventral duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Gurram Krishna C , Czapla Agata , Thakkar Shyam
Published: October 2014

Acute recurrent pancreatitis occurs rarely in individuals with pancreas divisum. A 39-year-old woman with no significant history presented with pancreatitis. CT scan and MRI suggested acute on chronic pancreatitis with calcifications and pancreatic divisum. An endoscopic ultrasound demonstrated complete pancreas divisum. A large calcification measuring 12 mm × 6 mm was seen in the head of the pancreas with associated dilation of the ventral pancreatic duct. Fine-needle aspiration of the dilated ventral pancreatic duct showed an amylase level of 36 923 U/L and a carcinoembryonic antigen of 194. A ventral duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm was suspected and a pancreaticoduodenectomy procedure was recommended. After the procedure, pathology demonstrated an intraductal papillary lesion in the main duct with moderate dysplasia. A pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, grade 2 was also present. Margins of resection were clear. This case represents the importance of assessing for secondary causes of pancreatitis in pancreas divisum.
TAPVR in a kindergartner presenting with fatigue
Authors: Samyn Margaret M , Plymale Jennifer M , Cousineau Anthony J , Tweddell James S
Published: October 2014

We present a case of late diagnosis of cyanotic heart disease in a kindergartner, as a contemporary reminder of the importance of the history and clinical examination in the assessment of paediatric patients. In addition, this case illustrates the complementary diagnostic value of various cardiac imaging modalities in understanding pulmonary venous drainage.
Management of mucosal fenestration with external root resorption by multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Bharti Ramesh , Chandra Anil , Tikku Aseem Prakash , Prasad Veerendra , Shakya Vijay Kumar , Singhal Rameshweri
Published: October 2014

Mucosal fenestration is a clinical condition in which the overlying gingiva is denuded and the root is exposed to the oral cavity. Invasive cervical resorption is an entirely uncommon entity and its aetiology is poorly understood. This case presents an invasive cervical resorption of maxillary right central incisor with fenestration at the cervical third of the tooth. The resorption area was chemomechanically debrided. It was then restored with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate over which pink glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji VII) was placed. Lateral pedicle flap was used to cover the fenestration. The resorptive defect was restored using tooth coloured restorative resin after removal of the pink glass ionomer cement. Orthodontic treatment was continued for correction of malocclusion.
Adolescents’ physical activity trends over the years: a three-cohort study based on the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Portuguese survey
Authors: Marques Adilson , Gaspar de Matos Margarida
Published: October 2014

Objective

Many young people do not practise enough physical activity (PA) to benefit their health. The three-cohort study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PA and understand the trends between 2002 and 2010, using a representative sample of Portuguese adolescents.

Design, setting and participants

The participants were 8483 adolescents (4067 boys, 4416 girls) who participated in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Portuguese survey in 2002, 2006 and 2010.

Design, setting and participants

A questionnaire was used to collect data of PA. Analyses were run separately for boys and girls.

Results

Boys aged 15–17 reported practising 3.5±1.9 times a week in 2002, 3.9±1.9 times a week in 2006 and 3.8±1.9 times a week in 2010, with a significant increase from 2002 to 2006/2010 (p<0.05). PA practice during the past 7 days decreased from 4.2±2.1 to 3.9+1.9 between 2002 and 2006 (p<0.001) and also decreased from 4.4±2.1 to 3.8±1.9 between 2006 and 2010 (p<0.001). Among girls, PA practices during the past 7 days declined significantly from 3.5±1.9 to 2.7±1.7 between 2002 and 2006 (p<0.001), and from 3.3±1.9 to 2.9±1.7 between 2006 and 2010 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The study points to age as a factor related to diminished PA participation. The study also revealed that the prevalence of PA has decreased over the years for the same age groups.
A comparison of the force applied on oral structures during intubation attempts between the Pentax-AWS airwayscope and the Macintosh laryngoscope: a high-fidelity simulator-based study
Authors: Goto Tadahiro , Koyama Yasuaki , Kondo Takashiro , Tsugawa Yusuke , Hasegawa Kohei
Published: October 2014

Objective

We sought to determine whether the use of Pentax-AWS Airwayscope (AWS) applied less force on oral structures during intubation attempts than a conventional direct laryngoscope (DL).

Design

Prospective cross-over study.

Participants

A total of 37 physicians (9 transitional-year residents, 20 emergency medicine residents and 8 emergency physicians) were enrolled.

Interventions

We used four simulation scenarios according to the difficulty of intubation and devices and used a high-fidelity simulator to quantify the forces applied on the oral structures.

Outcome measures

Primary outcomes were the maximum force applied on the maxillary incisors and tongue. Other outcomes of interest were time to intubation and glottic view during intubation attempts.

Results

The maximum force applied on the maxillary incisors in the normal airway scenario was higher with the use of AWS than that with DL (107 newton (N) vs 77 N, p=0.02). By contrast, the force in the difficult airway scenario was significantly lower with the use of AWS than that of the DL (89 N vs 183 N, p<0.01). Likewise, the force applied on the tongue was significantly lower with the use of AWS than the use of DL in both airway scenarios (11 N vs 27 N, p<0.001 in the normal airway scenario; 12 N vs 40 N, p<0.01 in the difficult airway scenario).

Conclusions

The use of AWS during intubation attempts was associated with decreased forces applied to oral structures in the simulated difficult airway scenario.
Peak flow rate and death due to coronary heart disease: 30-year results from the Northwick Park Heart cohort study
Authors: Clayton Tim C , Meade Tom W , Turner Elizabeth L , De Stavola Bianca L
Published: October 2014

Objective

Numerous studies have reported that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or impaired lung function are associated with later coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it is unclear if lung function is an independent risk factor, as many of these studies have included only limited measures of other factors associated with CHD.

Methods

In total 2167 men of all ages in the first Northwick Park Heart Study were followed for a median of 30 years. Cox regression models were used to assess the relationship between peak flow rate (PFR) and CHD mortality adjusted for potential confounders measured at baseline. Analyses allowed for missing data, and secondary analyses for repeat measures on some men and competing risks of CHD death.

Results

There were 254 CHD deaths with some evidence of an association between PFR and CHD mortality. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) from the lowest to the highest of four PFR quartiles were 1.53 (1.04 to 2.25), <430 L/min; 1.43 (0.99 to 2.08), 430 – <490 L/min; and 1.31 (0.93 to 1.86), 490 – <550 L/min; compared with the reference group of ≥550 L/min (trend test p=0.025). Other associations with CHD mortality were observed for systolic blood pressure (p<0.0001), body mass index (p=0.0002), smoking status (p=0.015), blood cholesterol (p=0.005), plasma fibrinogen (p=0.001) and high-risk ECG (p=0.021). There were no strong associations for factors V and VIII or platelet count.

Conclusions

After allowing for a range of other risk factors associated with CHD, there was only limited evidence of a relation between PFR and CHD mortality.
Graphene nanosheets as a sensing platform for amplified electrochemical measurement of quercetin and uric acid in biological fluids
Authors: Arvand Majid , Anvari Mohsen
Published: October 2014

A simple and selective electrochemical method was investigated for the simultaneous determination of quercetin (Qu) and uric acid (UA) in aqueous media (citrate buffer solution, pH 4.0) on a glassy carbon electrode modified with graphene nanosheets as a sensing platform (GNSs/GCE). Cyclic voltammetry, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to characterize the nanostructure of the sensor. Separation of the oxidation peak potentials for Qu and UA was about 160 mV, and the anodic currents for the oxidation of both Qu and UA are greatly increased at GNSs/GCE, which makes it suitable for simultaneous determination of these compounds. The detection limits were 0.0011 and 0.0137 μmol/L for Qu and UA, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of Qu and UA in human blood serum and urine samples.
Catch-and-release of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua): post-release behaviour of acoustically pretagged fish in a natural marine environment
Authors: Ferter Keno , Hartmann Klaas , Kleiven Alf Ring , Moland Even , Olsen Esben Moland
Published: October 2014

Studying the sublethal effects of catch-and-release (C&R) is challenging, as there are several potential sources of bias. For example, if behavioural alterations immediately after the release event are to be studied, separation of tagging effects from actual C&R effects is required, which is a challenge in the wild, particularly in marine environments. To investigate the effects of C&R on Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in their natural environment, 80 cod were caught in fyke nets, fitted with acoustic transmitters, and released. After recovery from tagging and handling for at least 14 days, nine individuals were recaptured and released at least once during experimental angling, following best release practice. All cod survived the C&R event and did not show any large-scale behavioural changes (i.e., changes in diel vertical migrations). However, analysis of small-scale vertical movements showed that three individuals underwent short-term alterations (e.g., reduced or increased swimming activity). This study showed that pretagging fish with acoustic transmitters before experimental angling is an option when investigating fish behaviour immediately after the release event in marine environments. Moreover, release guidelines for cod should be developed, as cod can recover quickly if caught in shallow waters (<20 m) and properly handled and released.
Diboson production in proton–proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 7~{\rm TeV}$
Authors: Schott Matthias , Zhu Junjie
Published: October 2014

This review summarizes results on the production cross-section measurements of electroweak boson pairs (WW, WZ, ZZ, Wγ and Zγ) at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of [Formula: see text]. The two general-purpose detectors at the LHC, ATLAS and CMS recorded an integrated luminosity of ≈5 fb -1 in 2011, which offered the possibility to study the properties of diboson production to high precision. These measurements test predictions of the Standard Model (SM) in a new energy regime and are crucial for the understanding and the measurement of the SM Higgs boson and other new particles. In this review, special emphasis is drawn on the combination of results from both experiments and a common interpretation with respect to state-of-the-art SM predictions.
A complete lattice technicolor model
Authors: Catterall Simon , Veernala Aarti
Published: October 2014

We construct a lattice gauge theory using reduced staggered fermions and gauge fields which provides a nonperturbative realization of a complete technicolor model; one which treats both strong and weakly coupled gauge sectors on an equal footing. We show that the model is capable of developing a Higgs phase at nonzero lattice spacing via the formation of fermion condensates. We show further that while the broken symmetry associated with this phase has a vector character in the lattice theory it is realized as an axial symmetry in the continuum limit in agreement with the Vafa–Witten theorem. We discuss our result in the context of universality.
A band-pass plasmonic filter with dual-square ring resonator
Authors: Duan Gaoyan , Lang Peilin , Wang Lulu , Yu Li , Xiao Jinghua
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we show the simulation of a plasmonic band-pass filter which consists of two surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) waveguides and a resonator in metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structure. The resonator is formed by two square rings and a patch between them. The patch is a tiny rectangle cavity in order to transfer the SPPs from one ring to the other. The finite element method (FEM) method is employed in simulation. The results show that the dual-ring resonator performs better than a single ring does. The 3 dB bandwidth near the peak wavelength λ = 1054 nm is merely 31.7 nm. The resonant wavelength can be shifted by changing the side length of the square ring. This narrow band-pass filter is easy to fabricate and has potential applications in future integrated optical circuits.
TARDY POSTERIOR INTEROSSEOUS NERVE PALSY FOLLOWING TOTAL ELBOW ARTHROPLASTY: REPORT OF A CASE, LITERATURE REVIEW AND A CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Authors: Sabir Numaera , Zaman Mahvash , Kwaees Tariq A. , Charalambous Charalambos P.
Published: October 2014

We present an unusual case of tardy posterior interosseous nerve palsy in a female patient following total elbow arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis. The patient was neurologically intact immediately following surgery but developed loss of active finger and thumb extension within 12 hours following surgery. Expectant management was adapted. The palsy recovered fully without the need of surgical intervention. A literature review is presented and a classification system proposed.
The irreversible quantum
Authors: Fernández de Córdoba P. , Isidro J. M. , Perea Milton H. , Vazquez Molina J.
Published: October 2014

We elaborate on the existing notion that quantum mechanics is an emergent phenomenon, by presenting a thermodynamical theory that is dual to quantum mechanics. This dual theory is that of classical irreversible thermodynamics. The linear regime of irreversibility considered here corresponds to the semiclassical approximation in quantum mechanics. An important issue we address is how the irreversibility of time evolution in thermodynamics is mapped onto the quantum-mechanical side of the correspondence.
Gröbner-Shirshov Bases for Plactic Algebras
Authors: Kubat Łukasz , Okniński Jan
Published: October 2014

A finite Gröbner-Shirshov basis is constructed for the plactic algebra of rank 3 over a field K. It is also shown that plactic algebras of rank exceeding 3 do not have finite Gröbner-Shirshov bases associated to the natural degree-lexicographic ordering on the corresponding free algebra. The latter is in contrast with the case of a strongly related class of algebras, called Chinese algebras.
The Centralizer of an I-Matrix in M2(R/I), R a UFD
Authors: Marais Magdaleen S.
Published: October 2014

The concept of an I-matrix in the full 2 × 2 matrix ring M2(R/I), where R is an arbitrary UFD and I is a nonzero ideal in R, is introduced. We obtain a concrete description of the centralizer of an I-matrix [Formula: see text] in M2(R/I) as the sum of two subrings 𝒮1 and 𝒮2 of M2(R/I), where 𝒮1 is the image (under the natural epimorphism from M2(R) to M2(R/I)) of the centralizer in M2(R) of a pre-image of [Formula: see text], and the entries in 𝒮2 are intersections of certain annihilators of elements arising from the entries of [Formula: see text]. It turns out that if R is a PID, then every matrix in M2(R/I) is an I-matrix. However, this is not the case if R is a UFD in general. Moreover, for every factor ring R/I with zero divisors and every n ≥ 3, there is a matrix for which the mentioned concrete description is not valid.
The Weakly Potency of Certain HNN Extensions of Nilpotent Groups
Authors: Wong K. B. , Wong P. C.
Published: October 2014

In this paper we give a characterization for certain HNN extensions of subgroup separable groups with normal associated subgroups to be weakly potent. We then apply our result to show that certain HNN extensions of finitely generated nilpotent groups with central associated subgroups are weakly potent.
Stemming resource-poor Indian languages
Authors: Saharia Navanath , Sharma Utpal , Kalita Jugal
Published: October 2014

Stemming is a basic method for morphological normalization of natural language texts. In this study, we focus on the problem of stemming several resource-poor languages from Eastern India, viz., Assamese, Bengali, Bishnupriya Manipuri and Bodo. While Assamese, Bengali and Bishnupriya Manipuri are Indo-Aryan, Bodo is a Tibeto-Burman language. We design a rule-based approach to remove suffixes from words. To reduce over-stemming and under-stemming errors, we introduce a dictionary of frequent words. We observe that, for these languages a dominant amount of suffixes are single letters creating problems during suffix stripping. As a result, we introduce an HMM-based hybrid approach to classify the mis-matched last character. For each word, the stem is extracted by calculating the most probable path in four HMM states. At each step we measure the stemming accuracy for each language. We obtain 94% accuracy for Assamese and Bengali and 87%, and 82% for Bishnupriya Manipuri and Bodo, respectively, using the hybrid approach. We compare our work with Morfessor [Creutz and Lagus 2005]. As of now, there is no reported work on stemming for Bishnupriya Manipuri and Bodo. Our results on Assamese and Bengali show significant improvement over prior published work [Sarkar and Bandyopadhyay 2008; Sharma et al. 2002, 2003].
Task Assignment Algorithms for Heterogeneous Multiprocessors
Authors: Raravi Gurulingesh , Nélis Vincent
Published: October 2014

Consider the problem of assigning implicit-deadline sporadic tasks on a heterogeneous multiprocessor platform comprising a constant number (denoted by
t
) of distinct types of processors—such a platform is referred to as a
t-type platform
. We present two algorithms, LPG
IM
and LPG
NM
, each providing the following guarantee. For a given t-type platform and a task set,
if
there exists a task assignment such that tasks can be scheduled to meet their deadlines by allowing them to migrate only between processors of the same type (intra-migrative),
then
: (i) LPG
IM
succeeds in finding such an assignment where the same restriction on task migration applies (intra-migrative) but given a platform in which
only one processor of each type
is 1 + α ×
t
-1/
t
times faster and (ii) LPG
NM
succeeds in finding a task assignment where tasks are not allowed to migrate between processors (non-migrative) but given a platform in which
every processor
is 1 + α times faster. The parameter α is a property of the task set; it is the maximum of all the task utilizations that are no greater than one. To the best of our knowledge, for t-type heterogeneous multiprocessors: (i) for the problem of intra-migrative task assignment, no previous algorithm exists with a proven bound and hence our algorithm, LPG
IM
, is the first of its kind and (ii) for the problem of non-migrative task assignment, our algorithm, LPG
NM
, has superior performance compared to state-of-the-art.
Anoctamin-1/TMEM16A is the major apical iodide channel of the thyrocyte
Authors: Twyffels L. , Strickaert A. , Virreira M. , Massart C. , Van Sande J. , Wauquier C. , Beauwens R. , Dumont J. E. , Galietta L. J. , Boom A. , Kruys V.
Published: October 2014

Iodide is captured by thyrocytes through the Na+/I− symporter (NIS) before being released into the follicular lumen, where it is oxidized and incorporated into thyroglobulin for the production of thyroid hormones. Several reports point to pendrin as a candidate protein for iodide export from thyroid cells into the follicular lumen. Here, we show that a recently discovered Ca2+-activated anion channel, TMEM16A or anoctamin-1 (ANO1), also exports iodide from rat thyroid cell lines and from HEK 293T cells expressing human NIS and ANO1. The Ano1 mRNA is expressed in PCCl3 and FRTL-5 rat thyroid cell lines, and this expression is stimulated by thyrotropin (TSH) in rat in vivo, leading to the accumulation of the ANO1 protein at the apical membrane of thyroid follicles. Moreover, ANO1 properties, i.e., activation by intracellular calcium (i.e., by ionomycin or by ATP), low but positive affinity for pertechnetate, and nonrequirement for chloride, better fit with the iodide release characteristics of PCCl3 and FRTL-5 rat thyroid cell lines than the dissimilar properties of pendrin. Most importantly, iodide release by PCCl3 and FRTL-5 cells is efficiently blocked by T16Ainh-A01, an ANO1-specific inhibitor, and upon ANO1 knockdown by RNA interference. Finally, we show that the T16Ainh-A01 inhibitor efficiently blocks ATP-induced iodide efflux from in vitro-cultured human thyrocytes. In conclusion, our data strongly suggest that ANO1 is responsible for most of the iodide efflux across the apical membrane of thyroid cells.
ASK1/p38 signaling in renal tubular epithelial cells promotes renal fibrosis in the mouse obstructed kidney
Authors: Ma Frank Y. , Tesch Greg H. , Nikolic-Paterson David J.
Published: October 2014

Stress-activated kinases p38 MAPK and JNK promote renal fibrosis; however, how the pathways by which these kinases are activated in kidney disease remain poorly defined. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1/MAPKKK5) is a member of the MAPKKK family that can induce activation of p38 and JNK. The present study examined whether ASK1 induces p38/JNK activation and renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) using wild-type (WT) and Ask1-deficient ( Ask1−/−) mice. Basal p38 and JNK activation in WT kidneys was increased three- to fivefold in day 7 UUO mice in association with renal fibrosis. In contrast, there was no increase in p38 activation in Ask1−/− UUO mice, whereas JNK activation was only partially increased. The progressive increase in kidney collagen (hydroxyproline) content seen on days 7 and 12 of UUO in WT mice was significantly reduced in Ask1−/− UUO mice in association with reduced α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblast accumulation. However, cultured WT and Ask1−/− renal fibroblasts showed equivalent proliferation and matrix production, indicating that ASK1 acts indirectly on fibroblasts. Tubular epithelial cells are the main site of p38 activation in the obstructed kidney. Angiotensin II and H2O2, but not IL-1 or lipopolysaccharide, induced p38 activation and upregulation of transforming growth factor-β1, platelet-derived growth factor-B, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production was suppressed in Ask1−/− tubular epithelial cells. In addition, macrophage accumulation was significantly inhibited in Ask1−/− UUO mice. In conclusion, ASK1 is an important upstream activator of p38 and JNK signaling in the obstructed kidney, and ASK1 is a potential therapeutic target in renal fibrosis.
Thienoquinolins exert diuresis by strongly inhibiting UT-A urea transporters
Authors: Ren Huiwen , Wang Yanhua , Xing Yongning , Ran Jianhua , Liu Ming , Lei Tianluo , Zhou Hong , Li Runtao , Sands Jeff M. , Yang Baoxue
Published: October 2014

Urea transporters (UT) play an important role in the urine concentration mechanism by mediating intrarenal urea recycling, suggesting that UT inhibitors could have therapeutic use as a novel class of diuretic. Recently, we found a thienoquinolin UT inhibitor, PU-14, that exhibited diuretic activity. The purpose of this study was to identify more potent UT inhibitors that strongly inhibit UT-A isoforms in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Efficient thienoquinolin UT inhibitors were identified by structure-activity relationship analysis. Urea transport inhibition activity was assayed in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. Diuretic activity of the compound was determined in rats and mice using metabolic cages. The results show that the compound PU-48 exhibited potent UT-A inhibition activity. The inhibition was 69.5% with an IC50of 0.32 μM. PU-48 significantly inhibited urea transport in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. PU-48 caused significant diuresis in UT-B null mice, which indicates that UT-A is the target of PU-48. The diuresis caused by PU-48 did not change blood Na+, K+, or Cl−levels or nonurea solute excretion in rats and mice. No toxicity was detected in cells or animals treated with PU-48. The results indicate that thienoquinolin UT inhibitors induce a diuresis by inhibiting UT-A in the IMCD. This suggests that they may have the potential to be developed as a novel class of diuretics with fewer side effects than classical diuretics.
Effect of Molecular Rotational Degrees of Freedom on Mechanical and Thermodynamic Properties of Solid Methane at Temperatures above 50 K
Authors: Leont’eva Antonina V. , Prokhorov Andrew Yu. , Zakharov Anatoly Yu. , Erenburg Alexander I.
Published: October 2014

The paper presents an analysis of extensive data set of mechanical, structural, thermophysical, and spectral properties of solid methane in the temperature interval 0.5 · Ttr–Ttr (Ttr is the triple point temperature) under equilibrium vapor pressure. It is shown that the anomalies of the studied properties (or lack of reliable data) at temperatures 60–70 K have been observed in the body of the reviewed papers. We proposed that the observed anomalies are due to a transition between classical and quantum regimes of collective rotational degrees of freedom of methane molecules in this temperature interval.
Disseminated Cancer in Pregnancy: Krukenberg Tumour
Authors: Kim Sung-Hee , Abd Halim Siti Rahimah , Siddiqui Naila , Park Won-Ho Edward
Published: October 2014

Disseminated cancer presenting in pregnancy is extremely rare and its presentation can easily be obscured by pregnancy and physiological changes that occur with it. This case describes a patient who was diagnosed incidentally following investigations for preeclampsia. Despite initially being thought to be of low risk, the final diagnosis was that of metastasis from a primary cancer of an unknown origin, most likely a gastric adenocarcinoma. Although patients are under thorough observation throughout their pregnancy, this case highlights the potential need for additional investigations or adjustment of current practices. It also draws attention to the lack of sufficient reporting of cancer in pregnancy, which, considering its rarity, greatly influences how patients are managed.
Serological Findings in a Child with Paroxysmal Cold Haemoglobinuria
Authors: Salido Eduardo J. , Cabañas Valentín , Berenguer Mercedes , Macizo María I. , García-Candel Faustino , Pérez-López Raúl , Moraleda Jose M.
Published: October 2014

PCH is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) but is one of the most common causes of AIAH in children. For the diagnosis, it is important to perform the appropriate methods of serological investigation and show the typical biphasic reaction. This is a case report of a child who presented with features of haemolysis and was diagnosed with PCH of this way.
A Fatal Case of Primary Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Intrahepatic Bile Ducts
Authors: Kirkegaard Johan , Grunnet Mie , Hasselby Jane Preuss
Published: October 2014

Primary squamous cholangiocellular carcinomas are very rare. We describe a case of a 67-year-old man, who underwent chemotherapy and surgery for a right-sided liver tumor with an unusual presentation of metastasis to a lymph node in the left armpit. The patient was asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis but expired 20 months after surgery with epidural, lung, and spine metastasis. In addition to the unusual clinical presentation, the diagnosis of the liver tumor was that of a primary basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the intrahepatic bile ducts, an entity with only one previous report in the literature.
Application of the Fuel-Optimal Energy Management in Design Study of a Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Pedram Pourhashemi Afshin , Ansarey Movahed S. M. Mehdi , Shariat Panahi Masoud
Published: October 2014

In spite of occasional criticism they have attracted, hybrid vehicles (HVs) have been warmly welcomed by industry and academia alike. The key advantages of an HV, including fuel economy and environment friendliness, however, depend greatly on its energy management strategy and the way its design parameters are “tuned.” The optimal design and sizing of the HV remain a challenge for the engineering community, due to the variety of criteria and especially dynamic measures related to nature of its working conditions. This paper proposes an optimal design scheme that begins with presenting an energy management strategy based on minimum fuel consumption in finite driving cycle horizon. The strategy utilizes a dynamic programming approach and is consistent with charge sustenance. The sensitivity of the vehicle’s performance metrics to multiple design parameters is then studied using a design of experiments (DOE) methodology. The proposed scheme provides the designer with a reliable tool for investigating various design scenarios and achieving the optimal one.
In Vitro Antimycobacterial Activity of Pakistani Beri Honey Using BACTEC MGIT 960
Authors: Hannan Abdul , Munir Saira , Arshad Muhammad Usman , Bashir Nabila
Published: October 2014

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial disease. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, being the leading member of the MTB complex, is the main cause of tuberculosis worldwide. Tuberculosis is managed with combination of drugs: streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Over the recent past years resistance against first line antituberculous drugs has emerged rapidly throughout the world resulting in MDR strains. The new threat in the management of MDR-TB is the development of resistance against second line drugs: aminoglycosides, polypeptides, fluoroquinolones, and thioamides. Multidrug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant TB (XDR) strains have become a major concern to control TB particularly in the developing countries. The need of the hour is to look for new modalities having antimycobacterial activity. Honey has been well known for its antibacterial activity. We intended to explore its antimycobacterial activity against MDR-TB. Objective. The objective of this study was to determine whether Pakistani Beri honey has any antimycobacterial activity. Method. The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore. Clinical isolates (n=21) of MDR-MTB were evaluated for their susceptibility to Beri honey. The isolates were provided, courtesy of Pakistan Medical Research Council. These isolates were identified by MTBc ID test (Becton & Dickinson) and further tested for their antimycobacterial activity using Beri honey. The honey was tested at the following concentrations (v/v): 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% in MGIT 960. Growth controls were also inoculated with each isolate (growth control has no concentration of honey, only containing growth of isolate). Results. MDR-TB isolates (n=21) were tested; 3 (14%) isolates were susceptible at 1% v/v honey, while at 2% v/v of honey 18 (86%) isolates were found to be susceptible. All the 21 isolates (n=21) were susceptible at 3% v/v of honey. Conclusion. The present study clearly demonstrates that Pakistani Beri honey possesses significant antimycobacterial activity in vitro. The antimycobacterial activity of Pakistani Beri honey may, therefore, be exploited in an appropriate mouse model.
An Investigation of Biodiesel Production from Wastes of Seafood Restaurants
Authors: El-Gendy Nour Sh. , Hamdy A. , Abu Amr Salem S.
Published: October 2014

This work illustrates a comparative study on the applicability of the basic heterogeneous calcium oxide catalyst prepared from waste mollusks and crabs shells (MS and CS, resp.) in the transesterification of waste cooking oil collected from seafood restaurants with methanol for production of biodiesel. Response surface methodology RSM based on D-optimal deign of experiments was employed to study the significance and interactive effect of methanol to oil M : O molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction time, and mixing rate on biodiesel yield. Second-order quadratic model equations were obtained describing the interrelationships between dependent and independent variables to maximize the response variable (biodiesel yield) and the validity of the predicted models were confirmed. The activity of the produced green catalysts was better than that of chemical CaO and immobilized enzyme Novozym 435. Fuel properties of the produced biodiesel were measured and compared with those of Egyptian petro-diesel and international biodiesel standards. The biodiesel produced using MS-CaO recorded higher quality than that produced using CS-CaO. The overall biodiesel characteristics were acceptable, encouraging application of CaO prepared from waste MS and CS for production of biodiesel as an efficient, environmentally friendly, sustainable, and low cost heterogeneous catalyst.
Six-Digit CPK and Mildly Affected Renal Function in McArdle Disease
Authors: Spyropoulos George , Kratimenos Panagiotis , Mcinnes Andrew D. , DeGroote Richard J. , Koutroulis Ioannis
Published: October 2014

A previously healthy, white 12-year-old girl presented with diffuse body aches and poor perfusion. She developed severe respiratory failure and marked rhabdomyolysis and was mechanically ventilated. Although her CPK peaked at 500,000 IU/L, her renal function was mildly affected and her creatinine did not exceed the 0.8 mg/dL. The rhabdomyolysis was gradually resolved following aggressive fluid hydration. The patient did not require dialysis and made a complete recovery. Genetic studies revealed the diagnosis of McArdle disease.
Catastrophe and Hysteresis by the Emerging of Soliton-Like Solutions in a Nerve Model
Authors: Larios Fernando Ongay , Tretyakov Nikolay P. , Agüero Maximo A.
Published: October 2014

The nonlinear problem of traveling nerve pulses showing the unexpected process of hysteresis and catastrophe is studied. The analysis was done for the case of one-dimensional nerve pulse propagation. Of particular interest is the distinctive tendency of the pulse nerve model to conserve its behavior in the absence of the stimulus that generated it. The hysteresis and catastrophe appear in certain parametric region determined by the evolution of bubble and pedestal like solitons. By
reformulating the governing equations with a standard boundary conditions method, we derive a system of nonlinear algebraic equations for critical points. Our approach provides opportunities to explore the nonlinear features of wave patterns with hysteresis.
Sense of Coherence and Personality Traits Related to Depressive State
Authors: Kikuchi Yoko , Nakaya Makoto , Ikeda Miki , Okuzumi Shoko , Takeda Mihoko , Nishi Miyoko
Published: October 2014

Aims. The current study aims to examine the influence of job stress, SOC, and personality traits on depressive state.Methods. A self-reported survey was conducted among 347 female nurses in a general hospital. Job stress was measured using the Japanese version of the Brief-Job Stress Questionnaire scale. Depressive state was assessed by the K6 scale. We used 13-item SOC scale. Personality traits were assessed by the Japanese version of Ten-Item Personality Inventory. Multiple liner regression analyses were conducted to examine predictors that significantly affect depressive state.Results. Job and life satisfaction and SOC negatively related to the depressive state (β=-0.76, P<0.01; β=-0.18, P<0.001, resp.) while neuroticism was positively correlated (β=0.49, P<0.001). Also, intrinsic rewards tended to negatively relate (β=-0.80, P<0.1).Conclusions. From a practical perspective, the possible influence of SOC and neurotic personality on depressive state should be considered for health care professionals.
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Presenting as an Acute Psychotic Episode in a Young Woman: An Underdiagnosed yet Treatable Disorder
Authors: Keller Shikma , Roitman Pablo , Ben-Hur Tamir , Bonne Omer , Lotan Amit
Published: October 2014

Anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a recently identified autoimmune disorder with prominent psychiatric symptoms. Patients usually present with acute behavioral change, psychosis, catatonic symptoms, memory deficits, seizures, dyskinesias, and autonomic instability. In female patients an ovarian teratoma is often identified. We describe a 32-year-old woman who presented with acute psychosis. Shortly after admission, she developed generalized seizures and deteriorated into a catatonic state. Although ancillary tests including MRI, electroencephalogram, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were unremarkable, the presentation of acute psychosis in combination with recurrent seizures and a relentless course suggested autoimmune encephalitis. The patient underwent pelvic ultrasound which disclosed a dermoid cyst and which led to an urgent cystectomy. Plasmapheresis was then initiated, yielding partial response over the next two weeks. Following the detection of high titers of anti-NMDAR antibodies in the CSF, the patient ultimately received second line immunosuppressive treatment with rituximab. Over several months of cognitive rehabilitation a profound improvement was eventually noted, although minor anterograde memory deficits remained. In this report we call for attention to the inclusion of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in the differential diagnosis of acute psychosis. Prompt diagnosis is critical as early immunotherapy and tumor removal could dramatically affect outcomes.
Improving Quality of Life in Nursing Homes: The Structured Resident Interview Approach
Authors: Degenholtz Howard B. , Resnick Abby L. , Bulger Natalie , Chia Lichun
Published: October 2014

The quality of life (QOL) of the approximately 1.5 million nursing facility (NF) residents in the US is undoubtedly lower than desired by residents, families, providers, and policy makers. Although there have been important advances in defining and measuring QOL for this population, there is a need for interventions that are tied to standardized measurement and quality improvement programs. This paper describes the development and testing of a structured, tailored assessment and care planning process for improving the QOL of nursing home residents. The Quality of Life Structured Resident Interview and Care Plan (QOL.SRI/CP) builds on a decade of research on measuring QOL and is designed to be easily implemented in any US nursing home. The approach was developed through extensive and iterative pilot testing and then tested in a randomized controlled trial in three nursing homes. Residents were randomly assigned to receive the assessment alone or both the assessment and an individualized QOL care plan task. The results show that residents assigned to the intervention group experienced improved QOL at 90- and 180-day follow-up, while QOL of residents in the control group was unchanged.
A New QoS Management Scheme for VoIP Application over Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: El brak Said , El brak Mohamed , Benhaddou Driss
Published: October 2014

Nowadays, mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) have to support new applications including VoIP (voice over IP) that impose stringent QoS (quality of service) constraints and requirements. However, VoIP applications make a very inefficient use of the MANET resources. Our work represents a first step toward improving aspects at the network layer by addressing issues from the standpoint of adaptation, claiming that effective adaptation of routing parameters can enhance VoIP quality. The most important contribution is the adaptive OLSR-VA algorithm which provides an integrated environment where VoIP activity is constantly detected and routing parameters are adapted in order to meet the application requirements. To investigate the performance advantage achieved by such algorithm, a number of realistic simulations (MANET scenarios) are performed under different conditions. The most important observation is that performance is satisfactory in terms of the perceived voice quality.
Hole Detection for Quantifying Connectivity in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey
Authors: Antil Pearl , Malik Amita
Published: October 2014

Owing to random deployment, environmental factors, dynamic topology, and external attacks, emergence of holes in wireless sensor networks is inescapable. Hole is an area in sensor network around which sensors cease to sense or communicate due to drainage of battery or any fault, either temporary or permanent. Holes impair sensing and communication functions of network; thus their identification is a major concern. This paper discusses different types of holes and significance of hole detection in wireless sensor networks. Coverage hole detection schemes have been classified into three categories based on the type of information used by algorithms, computation model, and network dynamics for better understanding. Then, relative strengths and shortcomings of some of the existing coverage hole detection algorithms are discussed. The paper is concluded by highlighting various future research directions.
The Landscape of Somatic Chromosomal Copy Number Aberrations in GEM Models of Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: Bianchi-Frias Daniella , Hernandez Susana A. , Coleman Roger , Wu Hong , Nelson Peter S.
Published: October 2014

Human prostate cancer is known to harbor recurrent genomic aberrations consisting of chromosomal losses, gains, rearrangements, and mutations that involve oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models have been constructed to assess the causal role of these putative oncogenic events and provide molecular insight into disease pathogenesis. While GEM models generally initiate neoplasia by manipulating a single gene, expression profiles of GEM tumors typically comprise hundreds of transcript alterations. It is unclear whether these transcriptional changes represent the pleiotropic effects of single oncogenes, and/or cooperating genomic or epigenomic events. Therefore, it was determined whether structural chromosomal alterations occur in GEM models of prostate cancer and whether the changes are concordant with human carcinomas. Whole genome array-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to identify somatic chromosomal copy number aberrations (SCNA) in the widely used TRAMP, Hi-Myc, Pten-null, and LADY GEM models. Interestingly, very few SCNAs were identified and the genomic architecture of Hi-Myc, Pten-null, and LADY tumors were essentially identical to the germline. TRAMP neuroendocrine carcinomas contained SCNAs, which comprised three recurrent aberrations including a single copy loss of chromosome 19 (encoding Pten). In contrast, cell lines derived from the TRAMP, Hi-Myc, and Pten-null tumors were notable for numerous SCNAs that included copy gains of chromosome 15 (encoding Myc) and losses of chromosome 11 (encoding p53).

Implications: Chromosomal alterations are not a prerequisite for tumor formation in GEM prostate cancer models and cooperating events do not naturally occur by mechanisms that recapitulate changes in genomic integrity as observed in human prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 13(2); 339–47. ©2014 AACR.