bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic hyperemia requires ATP-sensitive K+ channels and H2O2 but not adenosine in isolated mouse hearts
Authors: Zhou Xueping , Teng Bunyen , Tilley Stephen , Ledent Catherine , Mustafa S. Jamal
Published: August 2014

We have previously demonstrated that adenosine-mediated H2O2 production and opening of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels contributes to coronary reactive hyperemia. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of adenosine, H2O2, and KATP channels in coronary metabolic hyperemia (MH). Experiments were conducted on isolated Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts using combined pharmacological approaches with adenosine receptor (AR) knockout mice. MH was induced by electrical pacing at graded frequencies. Coronary flow increased linearly from 14.4 ± 1.2 to 20.6 ± 1.2 ml·min−1·g−1 with an increase in heart rate from 400 to 650 beats/min in wild-type mice. Neither non-selective blockade of ARs by 8-( p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (8-SPT; 50 μM) nor selective A2AAR blockade by SCH-58261 (1 μM) or deletion affected MH, although resting flow and left ventricular developed pressure were reduced. Combined A2AAR and A2BAR blockade or deletion showed similar effects as 8-SPT. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (100 μM) or combined 8-SPT administration failed to reduce MH, although resting flows were reduced (by ∼20%). However, glibenclamide (KATP channel blocker, 5 μM) decreased not only resting flow (by ∼45%) and left ventricular developed pressure (by ∼36%) but also markedly reduced MH by ∼94%, resulting in cardiac contractile dysfunction. Scavenging of H2O2 by catalase (2,500 U/min) also decreased resting flow (by ∼16%) and MH (by ∼24%) but to a lesser extent than glibenclamide. Our results suggest that while adenosine modulates coronary flow under both resting and ischemic conditions, it is not required for MH. However, H2O2 and KATP channels are important local control mechanisms responsible for both coronary ischemic and metabolic vasodilation.
A novel knot method for individually measurable aortic constriction in rats
Authors: Liu Jiaming , Han Pengfei , Xiao Ying , Liu Jiani , Kang Y. James
Published: August 2014

A novel knot method in rats is reported that addresses several drawbacks in the current model of aortic constriction-induced heart hypertrophy. Using a rat model, we developed a two-step procedure that includes 1) measurement of individual aorta circumference using a surgical thread; and 2) constriction of the aorta using a thread with the desired length predefined by a knot at each end for a measurable reduction of the aortic circumference as referenced to the measurement in step 1. This knot approach produces a manageable gradient of aortic constriction in each rat, reaching a consistency among experimental animals that cannot be achieved by the traditional needle method. Notably, the animal model produced by our knot method showed cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction with the severity proportional to the percentage reduction of the aorta circumference (50% vs. 60%). Additionally, our new procedure produced a lower mortality rate compared with the traditional needle method. Therefore, we recommend this knot method as an alternative procedure for aortic constriction with desired gradient in rats and larger-animal models.
Claudin 4 knockout mice: normal physiological phenotype with increased susceptibility to lung injury
Authors: Kage Hidenori , Flodby Per , Gao Danping , Kim Yong Ho , Marconett Crystal N. , DeMaio Lucas , Kim Kwang-Jin , Crandall Edward D. , Borok Zea
Published: August 2014

Claudins are tight junction proteins that regulate paracellular ion permeability of epithelium and endothelium. Claudin 4 has been reported to function as a paracellular sodium barrier and is one of three major claudins expressed in lung alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). To directly assess the role of claudin 4 in regulation of alveolar epithelial barrier function and fluid homeostasis in vivo, we generated claudin 4 knockout (Cldn4 KO) mice. Unexpectedly, Cldn4 KO mice exhibited normal physiological phenotype although increased permeability to 5-carboxyfluorescein and decreased alveolar fluid clearance were noted. Cldn4 KO AEC monolayers exhibited unchanged ion permeability, higher solute permeability, and lower short-circuit current compared with monolayers from wild-type mice. Claudin 3 and 18 expression was similar between wild-type and Cldn4 KO alveolar epithelial type II cells. In response to either ventilator-induced lung injury or hyperoxia, claudin 4 expression was markedly upregulated in wild-type mice, whereas Cldn4 KO mice showed greater degrees of lung injury. RNA sequencing, in conjunction with differential expression and upstream analysis after ventilator-induced lung injury, suggested Egr1, Tnf, and Il1b as potential mediators of increased lung injury in Cldn4 KO mice. These results demonstrate that claudin 4 has little effect on normal lung physiology but may function to protect against acute lung injury.
TRIM72 is required for effective repair of alveolar epithelial cell wounding
Authors: Kim Seong Chul , Kellett Thomas , Wang Shaohua , Nishi Miyuki , Nagre Nagaraja , Zhou Beiyun , Flodby Per , Shilo Konstantin , Ghadiali Samir N. , Takeshima Hiroshi , Hubmayr Rolf D. , Zhao Xiaoli
Published: August 2014

The molecular mechanisms for lung cell repair are largely unknown. Previous studies identified tripartite motif protein 72 (TRIM72) from striated muscle and linked its function to tissue repair. In this study, we characterized TRIM72 expression in lung tissues and investigated the role of TRIM72 in repair of alveolar epithelial cells. In vivo injury of lung cells was introduced by high tidal volume ventilation, and repair-defective cells were labeled with postinjury administration of propidium iodide. Primary alveolar epithelial cells were isolated and membrane wounding and repair were labeled separately. Our results show that absence of TRIM72 increases susceptibility to deformation-induced lung injury whereas TRIM72 overexpression is protective. In vitro cell wounding assay revealed that TRIM72 protects alveolar epithelial cells through promoting repair rather than increasing resistance to injury. The repair function of TRIM72 in lung cells is further linked to caveolin 1. These data suggest an essential role for TRIM72 in repair of alveolar epithelial cells under plasma membrane stress failure.
Formation and Identification of Unresolved Complex Mixtures in Lacustrine Biodegraded Oil from Nanxiang Basin, China
Authors: Guo Pengfei , He Sheng , Zhu Shukui , Chai Derong , Yin Shiyan , Dai Wei , Zhang Wanfeng
Published: August 2014

A comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC/TOFMS) method has been developed for the formation and identification of unresolved complex mixtures (UCMs) in lacustrine biodegraded oils that with the same source rock, similar maturity, and increasing degradation rank from Nanxiang Basin, China. Normal alkanes, light hydrocarbons, isoprenoids, steranes, and terpanes are degraded gradually from oil B330 to oil G574. The compounds in biodegraded oil (oil G574) have fewer types, the polarity difference of compounds in different types is minor, and the relative content of individual compounds is similar. All the features make the compounds in biodegraded oil coelute in GC analysis and form the raised “baseline hump” named UCMs. By injecting standard materials and analyzing mass spectrums of target compounds, it is shown that cyclic alkanes with one to five rings are the major components of UCMs. Furthermore, UCMs were divided into six classes. Classes I and II, composed of alkyl-cyclohexanes, alkyl-naphthanes, and their isomers, are originated from the enrichment of hydrocarbons resistant to degradation in normal oils. Classes III ~ VI, composed of sesquiterpenoids, tricyclic terpanes, low molecular steranes, diasteranes, norhopanes, and their isomers, are probably from some newly formed compounds during the microbial transformation of oil.
The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Kidneys in a Rat Model
Authors: Berkovitch Matitiahu , Tsadik Roni , Kozer Eran , Abu-Kishk Ibrahim
Published: August 2014

Background. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is used for treating various medical conditions. As far as known yet, HBOT is safe with few major side effects that are easy to avoid using a proper protocol. Renal tubular damage was observed in rats exposed to HBOT in a preliminary study conducted in our institution.Aim. We aim to assess whether HBOT causes renal damage and, if so, whether this is dose dependent.Methods. Thirty-one rats were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group received 10-days HBOT, 100% oxygen at a pressure of 2 atmospheres absolute (2 ATA) for 60 minutes/day, the second received the same treatment for 5 days and the third served as the control. Rat weight, survival, renal function tests, and renal histopathology were analyzed.Results. There were no significant changes in renal function tests in the plasma (cystatin C, urea, creatinine, and electrolytes) between the groups. No significant differences were observed in weight gain or renal histopathological evaluation between all groups.Conclusion. HBOT in this protocol does not cause renal impairment in a rat model, which reinforces the assumption that HBOT is safe in healthy rats, regarding renal function. Further research should be focused on the effect/safety of HBOT on nonhealthy kidneys.
A DAQ-Device-Based Continuous Wave Near-Infrared Spectroscopy System for Measuring Human Functional Brain Activity
Authors: Xu Gang , Li Xiaoli , Li Duan , Liu Xiaomin
Published: August 2014

In the last two decades, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is getting more and more popular as a neuroimaging technique. The fNIRS instrument can be used to measure local hemodynamic response, which indirectly reflects the functional neural activities in human brain. In this study, an easily implemented way to establish DAQ-device-based fNIRS system was proposed. Basic instrumentation components (light sources driving, signal conditioning, sensors, and optical fiber) of the fNIRS system were described. The digital in-phase and quadrature demodulation method was applied in LabVIEW software to distinguish light sources from different emitters. The effectiveness of the custom-made system was verified by simultaneous measurement with a commercial instrument ETG-4000 during Valsalva maneuver experiment. The light intensity data acquired from two systems were highly correlated for lower wavelength (Pearson’s correlation coefficientr= 0.92,P< 0.01) and higher wavelength (r= 0.84,P< 0.01). Further, another mental arithmetic experiment was implemented to detect neural activation in the prefrontal cortex. For 9 participants, significant cerebral activation was detected in 6 subjects (P< 0.05) for oxyhemoglobin and in 8 subjects (P< 0.01) for deoxyhemoglobin.
A PCA and ELM Based Adaptive Method for Channel Equalization in MFL Inspection
Authors: Wu Zhenning , Zhang Huaguang , Liu Jinhai , Qiu Zongjie , Zhao Mo
Published: August 2014

Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) as an efficient method for pipeline flaw detection plays important role in pipeline safety. This nondestructive test technique assesses the health of the buried pipeline. The signal is gathered by an array of hall‐effect sensors disposed at the magnetic neutral plane of a pair of permanent magnet in the pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) clinging to the inner surface of the pipe wall. The magnetic flux measured by the sensors reflects the health condition of the pipe. The signal is influenced by not only the condition of the pipe, but also by the lift‐off value of the sensors and various properties of electronic component. The consistency of the position of the sensors is almost never satisfied and each sensor measures differently. In this paper, a new scheme of channel equalization is proposed for MFL signal in order to correct sensor misalignments, which eventually improves accuracy of defect characterization. The algorithm proposed in this paper is adaptive to the effects of error on the disposition of the sensor due to manufacturing imperfections and movements of the sensors. The algorithm is tested by data acquired from an experimental pipeline. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Biodegradation Ability and Catabolic Genes of Petroleum-DegradingSphingomonas koreensisStrain ASU-06 Isolated from Egyptian Oily Soil
Authors: Hesham Abd El-Latif , Mawad Asmaa M. M. , Mostafa Yasser M. , Shoreit Ahmed
Published: August 2014

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are serious pollutants and health hazards. In this study, 15 PAHs-degrading bacteria were isolated from Egyptian oily soil. Among them, one Gram-negative strain (ASU-06) was selected and biodegradation ability and initial catabolic genes of petroleum compounds were investigated. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain ASU-06 to published sequences in GenBank database as well as phylogenetic analysis identified ASU-06 asSphingomonas koreensis. Strain ASU-06 degraded 100, 99, 98, and 92.7% of 100 mg/L naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, and pyrene within 15 days, respectively. When these PAHs present in a mixed form, the enhancement phenomenon appeared, particularly in the degradation of pyrene, whereas the degradation rate was 98.6% within the period. This is the first report showing the degradation of different PAHs by this species. PCR experiments with specific primers for catabolic genesalkB, alkB1, nahAc, C12O, andC23Osuggested that ASU-06 might possess genes for aliphatic and PAHs degradation, whilePAH-RHDαGPgene was not detected. Production of biosurfactants and increasing cell-surface hydrophobicity were investigated. GC/MS analysis of intermediate metabolites of studied PAHs concluded that this strain utilized these compounds via two main pathways, and phthalate was the major constant product that appeared in each day of the degradation period.
Bernstein Collocation Method for Solving Nonlinear Fredholm-Volterra Integrodifferential Equations in the Most General Form
Authors: Akyüz-Daşcıoğlu Ayşegül , İşler Acar Neşe , Güler Coşkun
Published: August 2014

A collocation method based on the Bernstein polynomials defined on the interval[a,b]is developed for approximate solutions of the Fredholm-Volterra integrodifferential equation (FVIDE) in the most general form. This method is reduced to linear FVIDE via the collocation points and quasilinearization technique. Some numerical examples are also given to demonstrate the applicability, accuracy, and efficiency of the proposed method.
Near-Field to Far-Field Transformation Techniques with Spiral Scannings: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Cicchetti Renato , D’Agostino Francesco , Ferrara Flaminio , Gennarelli Claudio , Guerriero Rocco , Migliozzi Massimo
Published: August 2014

An overview of the near-field-far-field (NF-FF) transformation techniques with innovative spiral scannings, useful to derive the radiation patterns of the antennas commonly employed in the modern wireless communication systems, is provided in this paper. The theoretical background and the development of a unified theory of the spiral scannings for quasi-spherical and nonspherical antennas are described, and an optimal sampling interpolation expansion to evaluate the probe response on a quite arbitrary rotational surface from a nonredundant number of its samples, collected along a proper spiral wrapping it, is presented. This unified theory can be applied to spirals wrapping the conventional scanning surfaces and makes it possible to accurately reconstruct the NF data required by the NF-FF transformation employing the corresponding classical scanning. A remarkable reduction of the measurement time is so achieved, due to the use of continuous and synchronized movements of the positioning systems and to the reduced number of needed NF measurements. Some numerical and experimental results relevant to the spherical spiral scanning case when dealing with quasi-planar and electrically long antennas are shown.
Response Surface Modelling of Electrosprayed Polyacrylonitrile Nanoparticle Size
Authors: Khademolqorani Sanaz , Zeinal Hamadani Ali , Tavanai Hossein
Published: August 2014

Electrospraying (electrohydrodynamic spraying) is a method of liquid atomization by electrical forces. Spraying solutions or suspensions allow production of fine particles, down to nanometer size. These particles are interesting for a wide variety of applications, thanks to their unprecedented chemical and physical behaviour in comparison to their bulk form. Knowledge of the particle size in powders is important in many studies employing nanoparticles. In this paper, the effect of some process parameters on the size of electrosprayed polyacrylonitrile particles is presented in the form of response surface model. The model is achieved by employing a factorial design to evaluate the influence of parameters on the polyacrylonitrile nanoparticle size and response surface methodology. Four electrospraying parameters, namely, applied voltage, electrospraying solution concentration, flow rate, and syringe needle diameter were considered.
Surgery Management of Rare Hypertrophic Frenum in an Infant
Authors: Stroppa Sheila de Carvalho , Silva Juliana Yassue Barbosa da , Tavares Maria Cristina Reis , Duda João Gilberto , Losso Estela Maris
Published: August 2014

To report a rare case of a lateral frenum hypertrophy in an infant, this paper describes the case of a girl who came to a first dental appointment when she was 4 months old. A hypertrophic lateral frenum in the upper left canine region was detected. A great depression in the gingival rodet separated the anterior maxillary segment from the posterior one and also decreased the lip mobility in this region. A frenectomy was performed when the patient was 11 months old and the clinical follow-up was done up to the age of 30 months. There was normalization in the vestibular insertion of the lateral frenum, lip mobility, physiological development of the maxilla, and eruption of the upper incisors, canines, and first primary molars. Infants should go to a dental examination precociously in order to detect possible congenital and development alterations.
Loss of Central Inhibition: Implications for Behavioral Hypersensitivity after Contusive Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Berrocal Yerko A. , Almeida Vania W. , Puentes Rocio , Knott Eric P. , Hechtman Jaclyn F. , Garland Mary , Pearse Damien D.
Published: August 2014

Behavioral hypersensitivity is common following spinal cord injury (SCI), producing significant discomfort and often developing into chronic pain syndromes. While the mechanisms underlying the development of behavioral hypersensitivity after SCI are poorly understood, previous studies of SCI contusion have shown an increase in amino acids, namely, aspartate and glutamate, along with a decrease in GABA and glycine, particularly below the injury. The current study sought to identify alterations in key enzymes and receptors involved in mediating central inhibition via GABA and glycine after a clinically-relevant contusion SCI model. Following thoracic (T8) 25.0 mm NYU contusion SCI in rodents, significant and persistent behavioral hypersensitivity developed as evidenced by cutaneous allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Biochemical analyses confirmed upregulation of glutamate receptor GluR3 with downregulation of the GABA synthesizing enzyme (GAD65/67) and the glycine receptor α3 (GLRA3), notably below the injury. Combined, these changes result in the disinhibition of excitatory impulses and contribute to behavioral hyperexcitability. This study demonstrates a loss of central inhibition and the development of behavioral hypersensitivity in a contusive SCI paradigm. Future use of this model will permit the evaluation of different antinociceptive strategies and help in the elucidation of new targets for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
An Analysis of theMalasseziaSpecies Distribution in the Skin of Patients with Pityriasis Versicolor in Chengdu, China
Authors: Xie Zhen , Ran Yuping , Zhang Hao , Zhang Min , Wan Huiying , Li Conghui
Published: August 2014

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a common clinical problem associated withMalasseziaspecies (Malasseziaspp.). Controversies remain regarding the specific species involved in the development of PV. This study analyzed the difference inMalasseziaspp. distribution in lesional and nonlesional skin in Chinese PV patients. A paired design was applied. Lesional and nonlesional scales from 24 cases were collected; real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect 10 differentMalasseziaspp. In lesional skin, the highest detection rates were forM. globosa(95.8%),M. restricta(91.7%), andM. sympodialis(50.0%). In nonlesional skin, the highest detection rates were forM. globosa(87.5%),M. restricta(79.2%), andM. dermatis(33.3%). A significant difference in the detection rate was only found forM. sympodialis(50.8% versus 20.8%,P=0.04). Compared with nonlesional skin, the amount ofM. globosa,M. restricta, andM. sympodialisin lesional skin was significantly higher(3.8±1.3,   2.5±1.1, and3.2±1.6times higher, resp.). The results of this study do not indicate thatM. globosaandM. restrictaare directly correlated with PV development; however,M. sympodialisis more likely related to PV development in Chinese individuals.
Hepatic Subcapsular Biloma: A Rare Complication of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Stathopoulos Vassilios , Georganas Marios , Stratakis Konstantinos , Delaporta Eirini , Karallas Emmanouil , Koutsopoulos Konstantinos
Published: August 2014

The development of an intra-abdominal bile collection (biloma) is an infrequent complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). These bilomas develop in the subhepatic space most often secondary to iatrogenic injury of the extrahepatic ducts. We present a case of hepatic subcapsular biloma following LC and we discuss its etiology and management. Early diagnosis is crucial and percutaneous drainage under CT guidance should be employed to resolve this complication.
Progress in Application of CNTs in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Li , Yang Hui , Zhou Dongxiang , Zhou Yingyue
Published: August 2014

The lithium‐ion battery is widely used in the fields of portable devices and electric cars with its superior performance and promising energy storage applications. The unique one‐dimensional structure formed by the graphene layer makes carbon nanotubes possess excellent mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical properties and becomes a hot material in the research of lithium‐ion battery. In this paper, the applicable research progress of carbon nanotubes in lithium‐ion battery is described, and its future development is put forward from its two aspects of being not only the anodic conductive reinforcing material and the cathodic energy storage material but also the electrically conductive framework material.
Diagnostic Usefulness of Real-Time Elastography for Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Viral Hepatitis B and C
Authors: Kim Young Woon , Kwon Jung Hyun , Jang Jeong Won , Kim Min Ju , Oh Byong Sun , Chung Kyu Won , Park Eun Su , Nam Soon Woo
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic usefulness of real-time elastography (RTE) for liver fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC). Fifty-one and thirty-two of the patients were diagnosed with CHB and CHC, respectively. Enrolled patients underwent liver biopsy and RTE. The FIB-4 index and aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) were also measured. The liver fibrosis index (LFI) by RTE increased significantly with the Knodell fibrosis stage:3.14±0.62for F0,3.28 ± 0.42for F1,3.43 ± 0.53for F3, and4.09 ± 1.03for F4 (P=0.000). LFI as well as APRI, FIB-4, platelet, albumin, and prothrombin time showed the difference in patients with advanced fibrosis (≥F3) and those with mild fibrosis (≤F1). In addition, RTE had better discrimination power between≥F3 and F4 than between FIB-4 and APRI. In CHC patients, the area under receiver operating characteristic curves of RTE for advanced fibrosis was higher than that in CHB patients (0.795 versus 0.641). RTE is useful for the assessment of advanced fibrosis in patients with CHB and CHC and has better discrimination power than other serologic markers.
Hind Right Approach Pancreaticoduodenectomy: From Skill to Indications
Authors: Georgescu Stefan , Ursulescu Corina , Grigorean Valentin Titus , Lupascu Cristian
Published: August 2014

Background. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the potentially curative treatment for malignant and several benign conditions of the pancreatic head and periampullary region. While performing pancreaticoduodenectomy, early neck division may be impossible or inadequate in case of hepatic artery anatomic variants, suspected involvement of the superior mesenteric vessels, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, and pancreatic head bleeding pseudoaneurysm. Our work aims to highlight a particular hind right approach pancreaticoduodenectomy in selected indications and assess the preliminary results.Methods. We describe our early hind right approach to the retropancreatic vasculature during pancreaticoduodenectomy by mesopancreas dissection before any pancreatic or digestive transection.Results. We used this approach in 52 patients. Thirty-two had hepatic artery anatomic variant and 2 had bleeding pancreatic head pseudoaneurysm. The hepatic artery variant was preserved in all cases out of 2 in which arterial reconstruction was performed. In nine patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms the pancreaticoduodenectomy was extended to the body in 6 and totalized in 3 patients. Seven patients with adenocarcinoma involving the portomesenteric axis required venous resection and reconstruction.Conclusions. Early hind right approach is advocated in selected cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy to improve locoregional vascular control and determine, safely and early, whether there is mesopancreas involvement.
Intraoperative Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer: The Lasting Effects of a Fleeting Treatment
Authors: Eldredge-Hindy Harriet B. , Rosenberg Anne L. , Simone Nicole L.
Published: August 2014

In well-selected patients who choose to pursue breast conservation therapy (BCT) for early-stage breast cancer, partial breast irradiation (PBI) delivered externally or intraoperatively, may be a viable alternative to conventional whole breast irradiation. Two large, contemporary randomized trials have demonstrated breast intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) to be noninferior to whole breast external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) when assessing for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence in select patients. Additionally, IORT and other PBI techniques are likely to be more widely adopted in the future because they improve patient convenience by offering an accelerated course of treatment. Coupled with these novel techniques for breast radiotherapy (RT) are distinct toxicity profiles and unique cosmetic alterations that differ from conventional breast EBRT and have the potential to impact disease surveillance and patient satisfaction. This paper will review the level-one evidence for treatment efficacy as well as important secondary endpoints like RT toxicity, breast cosmesis, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and surveillance mammography following BCT with IORT.
Soil-Borne Microbial Functional Structure across Different Land Uses
Authors: Kuramae Eiko E. , Zhou Jizhong Z. , Kowalchuk George A. , van Veen Johannes A.
Published: August 2014

Land use change alters the structure and composition of microbial communities. However, the links between environmental factors and microbial functions are not well understood. Here we interrogated the functional structure of soil microbial communities across different land uses. In a multivariate regression tree analysis of soil physicochemical properties and genes detected by functional microarrays, the main factor that explained the different microbial community functional structures was C : N ratio. C : N ratio showed a significant positive correlation with clay and soil pH. Fields with low C : N ratio had an overrepresentation of genes for carbon degradation, carbon fixation, metal reductase, and organic remediation categories, while fields with high C : N ratio had an overrepresentation of genes encoding dissimilatory sulfate reductase, methane oxidation, nitrification, and nitrogen fixation. The most abundant genes related to carbon degradation comprised bacterial and fungal cellulases; bacterial and fungal chitinases; fungal laccases; and bacterial, fungal, and oomycete polygalacturonases. The high number of genes related to organic remediation was probably driven by high phosphate content, while the high number of genes for nitrification was probably explained by high total nitrogen content. The functional gene diversity found in different soils did not group the sites accordingly to land management. Rather, the soil factors, C : N ratio, phosphate, and total N, were the main factors driving the differences in functional genes across the fields examined.
Bcl-2 Family Proteins Are Involved in the Signal Crosstalk between Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Tumor Chemotherapy Resistance
Authors: Su Jing , Zhou Lei , Xia Mei-hui , Xu Ye , Xiang Xi-yan , Sun Lian-kun
Published: August 2014

Tumor cells overexpress antiapoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 (B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2) family, which can lead to both escape from cell death and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Recent studies suggest that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) can produce proapoptotic signals, amplifying the apoptotic signaling cascade. The crosstalk between mitochondria and ER plays a decisive role in many cellular events but especially in cell death. Bcl-2 family proteins located in the ER and mitochondria can influence not only the function of the two organelles but also the interaction between them. Therefore, the Bcl-2 family of proteins may also be involved in the mechanism of tumor chemotherapy resistance by influencing crosstalk between the ER and mitochondria. In this review we will briefly discuss evidence to support this concept.
Insights into the Synergistic Effect of Fungi and Bacteria for Reactive Red Decolorization
Authors: Zhou Dandan , Zhang Xueying , Du Yilin , Dong Shuangshi , Xu Zhengxue , Yan Lei
Published: August 2014

Bacterial contamination is a prevalent problem in fungal dye wastewater decolorization that prevents the development of this technology in practical engineering. New insight into the relationship between fungi and bacteria is given in terms of settleability, bioadsorption, and biodegradation, which all confirm their synergistic effect. Sterilization is implied to be not the only mechanism for fungi decolorization. When the fungi and bacteria isolated from the activated sludge were cocultured, fungi removed more than 70% of the reactive red through sole bioadsorption in 5 min and enhanced the settleability of the bacteria group from 7.7 to 18.4 in the aggregation index. Subsequently, the bacteria played a more significant role in dye biodegradation according to the ultraviolet-visible spectrum analysis. They further enhanced the decolorization efficiency to over 80% when cocultured with fungi. Therefore, the advanced bioadsorption and settleability of fungi, combined with the good dye biodegradation ability of bacteria, results in the synergistic effect of the coculture microorganisms.
Comparison of Different Final Impression Techniques for Management of Resorbed Mandibular Ridge: A Case Report
Authors: Yadav Bhupender , Jayna Manisha , Yadav Harish , Suri Shrey , Phogat Shefali , Madan Reshu
Published: August 2014

The history of complete denture impression procedures has been influenced largely by the development of impression materials from which new techniques and ideas arose. The purpose of this study was to compare the retention of complete dentures made by using different impression techniques like conventional, admixed, all green, and functional techniques. The results showed that there was significant difference in retention between the six techniques where functional technique showed the highest mean value of retention followed by elastomeric, all green, and admixed, while cocktail and green stick compound showed the lowest mean value. However, on clinical examination, the retention produced by the six techniques was satisfactory.
Many‐Objective Optimization Using Adaptive Differential Evolution with a New Ranking Method
Authors: He Xiaoguang , Dai Cai , Chen Zehua
Published: August 2014

Pareto dominance is an important concept and is usually used in multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) to determine the nondominated solutions. However, for many‐objective problems, using Pareto dominance to rank the solutions even in the early generation, most obtained solutions are often the nondominated solutions, which results in a little selection pressure of MOEAs toward the optimal solutions. In this paper, a new ranking method is proposed for many‐objective optimization problems to verify a relatively smaller number of representative nondominated solutions with a uniform and wide distribution and improve the selection pressure of MOEAs. After that, a many‐objective differential evolution with the new ranking method (MODER) for handling many‐objective optimization problems is designed. At last, the experiments are conducted and the proposed algorithm is compared with several well‐known algorithms. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can guide the search to converge to the true PF and maintain the diversity of solutions for many‐objective problems.
Green Tea Potentially Ameliorates Bisphenol A-Induced Oxidative Stress: AnIn VitroandIn SilicoStudy
Authors: Suthar Hiral , Verma R. J. , Patel Saumya , Jasrai Y. T.
Published: August 2014

The present investigation was an attempt to elucidate oxidative stress induced by bisphenol A on erythrocytes and its amelioration by green tea extract. For this, venous blood samples from healthy human adults were collected in EDTA vials and used for preparation of erythrocytes suspension. When erythrocyte suspensions were treated with different concentrations of BPA/H2O2, a dose-dependent increase in hemolysis occurred. Similarly, when erythrocytes suspensions were treated with either different concentrations ofH2O2(0.05–0.25 mM) along with BPA (50 μg/mL) or 0.05 mMH2O2along with different concentrations of BPA (50–250 μg/mL), dose-dependent significant increase in hemolysis occurred. The effect of BPA andH2O2was found to be additive. For the confirmation, binding capacity of bisphenol A with erythrocyte proteins (hemoglobin, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) was inspected using molecular docking tool, which showed presence of various hydrogen bonds of BPA with the proteins. The present data clearly indicates that BPA causes oxidative stress in a similar way asH2O2. Concurrent addition of different concentrations (10–50 μg/mL) of green tea extract to reaction mixture containing high dose of bisphenol A (250 μg/mL) caused concentration-dependent amelioration in bisphenol A-induced hemolysis. The effect was significant (P<0.05). It is concluded that BPA-induced oxidative stress could be significantly mitigated by green tea extract.
A Further Study of Almost Periodic Time Scales with Some Notes and Applications
Authors: Wang Chao , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: August 2014

We introduce three equivalent concepts of almost periodic time scales as a further study of the corresponding concept proposed in Li and Wang (2011) and several examples of almost periodic time scales which are not periodic are provided. Furthermore, the concepts of almost periodic functions are redefined under the sense of this new timescale concept. Finally, almost periodicity of Cauchy matrix for dynamic equations is proved under these new definitions. Based on these results, the existence of almost periodic solutions to a class of nonlinear dynamic equations is investigated by the almost periodicity of Cauchy matrix on almost periodic time scales. Besides, as an application, we apply our results to a class of high-order Hopfield neural networks.
Clinical Outcome and Wound Healing following Carpal Tunnel Decompression: A Comparison of Two Common Suture Materials
Authors: MacFarlane Robert J. , Donnelly Thomas D. , Khan Yousaf , Morapudi Syam , Waseem Mohammad , Fischer Jochen
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Debate exists amongst surgeons regarding the ideal suture material for skin closure in carpal tunnel decompression (CTD). This study compares wound related complications, patient satisfaction, and functional outcome following open carpal tunnel decompression in patients undergoing wound closure with either of two common absorbable and nonabsorbable suture types.Materials and Methods. 53 patients underwent CTD with either 4/0 polypropylene (ProleneTM,n= 28) or 4/0 polyglactin (Vicryl RapideTM,n= 25) for skin closure. QuickDASH, VAS satisfaction scores, and Southampton wound scores were assessed preoperatively and at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively.Results. At 6 weeks the mean QuickDASH scores postoperatively were 18.54 and 17.70 for absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures, respectively, (P= 0.86). The mean VAS scores were 0.61 and 0.42 (P= 0.91), respectively. All patients achieved a Southampton wound score of 0 by 6 weeks except one, who achieved 1C in the nonabsorbable group, equivalent to mild erythema. There were no complications in either group.Conclusion. Both suture types are safe and effective materials for CTD, and we recommend surgeons to choose according to personal preference, handling properties, and resources available for suture removal.
Mechanisms of Action of Indigenous Antidiabetic Plants from the Boreal Forest of Northeastern Canada
Authors: Eid Hoda M. , Haddad Pierre S.
Published: August 2014

Indigenous populations in Canada possess a wealth of native traditional knowledge. However, their rates of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a disease that was unheard of in their midst 50 years ago, are the highest in the country. In an effort to cut the impact of T2DM epidemic on Indigenous health, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded the “CIHR Team in Aboriginal Antidiabetic Medicines (CIHR-TAAM).” The goal was to explore Boreal forest medicinal plants stemming from Indigenous Traditional Medicine to be included in T2DM care. Six out of nine communities of the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (CEI) participated in ethnobotanical studies that resulted in the identification of 17 potential antidiabetic plant species. These species were screened for antidiabetic activities using a platform of in vitro bioassays and in vivo models of T2DM. This paper summarizes results on the 10 most promising plant species, their active constituents, and the mechanisms behind their antidiabetic activities. In addition, potential herb-drug interactions were examined at the level of drug-metabolizing enzymes, notably the cytochrome P450 family. This review serves as a canvas onto which is discussed the value of Indigenous medicinal plants, future avenues of research, and the ethical approach required in this field.
Biosynthesis of Xanthan Gum from Fermenting Shrimp Shell: Yield and Apparent Viscosity
Authors: de Sousa Costa Larissa Alves , Inomata Campos Márcio , Izabel Druzian Janice , de Oliveira Ana Maria , de Oliveira Junior Enio Nazaré
Published: August 2014

With the aim of producing xanthan gum, the effects of an aqueous shrimp shell extract (SSAE) as the source of carbon and nitrogen on the yield and apparent viscosity of the gums produced by fermentation using three native strains ofXanthomonas campestriswere studied. It was found that the SSAE contained 89.75% moisture, 0.054% ash, 8.069% protein, 0.787 lipids, and 1.337% carbohydrates. Media containing different concentrations of SSAE and supplemented with urea (0.01%) and phosphate (0.1%) were fermented in a shaker, and the results obtained were compared with those obtained from sucrose (control) with the same supplementation and fermentation conditions. Strain 1182 showed the highest yield (4.64 g·L−1) and viscosity (48.53 mPa·s), from the medium containing 10% (w/v) of SSAE. These values were higher than those obtained from the control medium containing sucrose. Shrimp shell is a low cost residue that can be bioconverted into products of high added value such as xanthan gum.
Mobility Matrix of a Thin Circular Plate Carrying Concentrated Masses Based on Transverse Vibration Solution
Authors: Li Desheng , Zhang Junhong
Published: August 2014

When calculating the vibration or sound power of a vibration source, it is necessary to know the point mobility of the supporting structure. A new method is presented for the calculation of point mobility matrix of a thin circular plate with concentrated masses in this paper. Transverse vibration mode functions are worked out by utilizing the structural circumferential periodicity of the inertia excitation produced by the concentrated masses. The numerical vibratory results, taking the clamped case as an instance, are compared to the published ones to validate the method for ensuring the correctness of mobility solution. Point mobility matrix, including the driving and transfer point mobility, of the titled structure is computed based on the transverse vibration solution. After that, effect of the concentrated masses on the mechanical point mobility characteristics is analyzed.
Detection and Characterization of Shiga Toxin ProducingEscherichia coli,Salmonellaspp., andYersiniaStrains from Human, Animal, and Food Samples in San Luis, Argentina
Authors: Favier Gabriela Isabel , Lucero Estrada Cecilia , Cortiñas Teresa Inés , Escudero María Esther
Published: August 2014

Shiga toxin producingEscherichia coli(STEC),Salmonellaspp., andYersiniaspecies was investigated in humans, animals, and foods in San Luis, Argentina. A total of 453 samples were analyzed by culture and PCR. The antimicrobial susceptibility of all the strains was studied, the genomic relationships among isolates of the same species were determined by PFGE, and the potencial virulence ofY. enterocoliticastrains was analyzed.Yersiniaspecies showed higher prevalence (9/453, 2.0%, 95% CI, 0.7–3.3%) than STEC (4/453, 0.9%, 95% CI, 0–1.8%) andSalmonellaspp. (3/453, 0.7%, 95% CI, 0–1.5%).Y. enterocoliticaandY. intermediawere isolated from chicken carcasses (6/80, 7.5%, 95% CI, 1.5–13.5%) and porcine skin and bones (3/10, 30%, 95% CI, 0–65%). One STEC strain was recovered from human feces (1/70, 1.4%, 95% CI, 0–4.2%) and STECstx1/stx2genes were detected in bovine stools (3/129, 2.3%, 95% CI, 0–5.0%).S. Typhimurium was isolated from human feces (1/70, 1.4%, 95% CI, 0–4.2%) while oneS. Newport and twoS. Gaminara strains were recovered from one wild boar (1/3, 33%, 95% CI, 0–99%). The knowledge of prevalence and characteristics of these enteropathogens in our region would allow public health services to take adequate preventive measures.
Global Asymptotic Stability of a Rational System
Authors: Hu Lin-Xia , Jia Xiu-Mei
Published: August 2014

The main goal of this paper is to investigate the global asymptotic behavior of the difference equationxn+1=β1xn/A1+yn,yn+1=β2xn+γ2yn/xn+yn,n=0,1,2,…withβ1,β2,γ2,A1∈(0,∞)and the initial value(x0,y0)∈[0,∞)×[0,∞)such thatx0+y0≠0. The major conclusion shows that, in the case whereγ2<β2, if the unique positive equilibrium(x-,y-)exists, then it is globally asymptotically stable.
Caspase Mediated Synergistic Effect ofBoswellia serrataExtract in Combination with Doxorubicin against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Khan Mohammad Ahmed , Singh Mhaveer , Khan Masood Shah , Najmi Abul Kalam , Ahmad Sayeed
Published: August 2014

The study investigated the growth-inhibiting and apoptosis mediating effects ofB. serrataextract as monotherapy and combination therapy with DOX against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Boswellic acid rich fraction ofB. serrataextract was prepared. MTT assay on HepG2 and Hep3B cells was carried out usingB. serrataalone and in combination with DOX. Further, caspase-3 activity, TNF-αlevel, and IL-6 level were estimated. Isobolographic analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of combination therapy. Additionally, protective effect ofB. serrataextract on DOX induced hepatic toxicity was also evaluated in Wistar rats.B. serrataextract inhibited growth of HepG2 (IC50 value of21.21±0.92 μg/mL) as well as HepG2 (IC50 value of18.65±0.71 μg/mL). DOX inhibited growth in HepG2 and Hep3B cells with an IC50 of1.06±0.04 μg/mL and1.92±0.09 μg/mL. Isobolographic analysis showed combination index (CI) of DOX andB. serrataextract of0.53±0.03to0.79±0.02suggesting synergistic behavior against the two cell lines.B. serrataextract also caused dose dependent increase in caspase-3 activity, TNF-αlevel, and IL-6 level which was higher (P<0.001) with DOX (1 μM) andB. serrataextract (20 μg/mL) combination.B. serrataextract also protected Wistar rats against DOX induced hepatic toxicity.
Significant Inhibition of Tumor Growth following Single Dose Nanoparticle-Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Cheng Shih-Hsun , Chu Chia-Hui , Chen Nai-Tzu , Souris Jeffrey S. , Chen Chin-Tu , Lo Leu-Wei
Published: August 2014

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment involves the pathology’s uptake of photosensitizers, which produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species by photoirradiation. The use of nanoparticles as carriers of photosensitizers is one promising approach to this endeavor, owing to their small size, unique physicochemical properties, and easy/diverse functionalization. In the current work, we report on thein vivoassessment of PDT efficacy of these nanoconstructs in a murine model of human breast cancer, following a single (one-shot) nanoparticle dose and photoirradiation. Palladium-porphyrin (PdTPP) was administered intratumorally via injection of aqueous suspensions of either free PdTPP or MSN-conjugated PdTPP (MSN-PdTPP) at a dose of 50 μg. Mice were then exposed to a single photoirradiation session with total energy of 80 J. One month after one-shot PDT treatment, significantly greater reductions in tumor growth were observed in MSN-Pd treated animals than in PdTPP cohorts. Electron microscopy of tumor specimens harvested at various timepoints revealed excellent MSN-PdTPP uptake by cancer cells while immunohistologic analysis demonstrated marked increases in apoptotic response of MSN-PdTPP treated animals relative to PdTPP controls. Taken together, these findings suggest that considerable improvements in PDT efficacy can readily be achieved via the use of nanoparticle-based photosensitizers.
Signalling Molecules in the Urothelium
Authors: Winder Michael , Tobin Gunnar , Zupančič Daša , Romih Rok
Published: August 2014

The urothelium was long considered to be a silent barrier protecting the body from the toxic effects of urine. However, today a number of dynamic abilities of the urothelium are well recognized, including its ability to act as a sensor of the intravesical environment. During recent years several pathways of these urothelial abilities have been proposed and a major part of these pathways includes release of signalling molecules. It is now evident that the urothelium represents only one part of the sensory web. Urinary bladder signalling is finely tuned machinery of signalling molecules, acting in autocrine and paracrine manner, and their receptors are specifically distributed among different types of cells in the urinary bladder. In the present review the current knowledge of the formation, release, and signalling effects of urothelial acetylcholine, ATP, adenosine, and nitric oxide in health and disease is discussed.