bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment with Astragalus membranaceus Produces Antioxidative Effects and Attenuates Intestinal Mucosa Injury Induced by Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats
Authors: Chen Rongfa , Shao Hua , Lin Shiqing , Zhang Jin-Jun , Xu Kang-Qing
Published: September 2011

Astragalus membranaceus, also known as huang qi, a traditional Chinese medicine, is often used in formulas for deficiency of vital energy characterized by limb weakness, pale face, and dizziness. Previous studies have shown that Astragalus membranaceus could attenuate intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury induced by hemorrhagic shock in rats; however, the underlying mechanism still remains unclear. Using a hemorrhagic shock rat model to examine the effect of Astragalus membranaceus on intestinal mucosa injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion, we found that treatment (20 g crude drugs/kg, i.v.) produced antioxidative effects in the intestinal mucosa of rats after ischemia-reperfusion (p < 0.05). We also found that Astragalus membranaceus could partly attenuate intestinal mucosa ischemia-reperfusion injury (chiu's score, apoptosis index p < 0.05). These results suggest that Astragalus membranaceus reduces intestinal mucosa injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats, at least in part, through its anti-oxidative effects.
Oldenlandia diffusa Ameliorates Dextran Sulphate Sodium-Induced Colitis Through Inhibition of NF-κB Activation
Authors: Kim Su-Jin , Kim Yang-Gui , Kim Dae-Seung , Jeon Yong-Deok , Kim Min-Cheol , Kim Hye-Lin , Kim Seon-Young , Jang Hyeung-Jin , Lee Byung-Cheol , Hong Seung-Heon , Um Jae-Young
Published: September 2011

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease, which is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) has been used as a traditional oriental medicine for inflammation. However, the regulatory effect and molecular mechanism of OD in intestinal inflammation are not yet understood. This study investigated the protective effect of OD in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Mice treated with DSS showed remarkable clinical signs, including weight loss, and reduced colon length. Administration of OD attenuated these signs and significantly suppressed levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in DSS-treated colon tissues. OD also reduced the activation of transcription nuclear factor-κB p65 in DSS-treated colon tissues. Hentriacontane, a constituent of OD, attenuated weight loss, colon shortening, and levels of IL-6 caused by DSS. Taken together, the results provide experimental evidence that OD might be a useful therapeutic medicine for patients with UC.
Gingko bilobaExtract (EGb 761) Attenuates the Focal Cerebral Ischemic Injury-Induced Decrease in Astrocytic Phosphoprotein PEA-15 Levels
Authors: Koh Phil-Ok
Published: September 2011

EGb 761 is an extract of Gingko biloba that is neuroprotective against focal cerebral ischemic injury. PEA-15 (phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes 15) modulates cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, we investigated whether EGb 761 regulates the expression of PEA-15 and two phosphorylated forms of PEA-15 (Ser 104 and Ser 116) in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced injury. Adult male rats were treated with vehicle or EGb 761 (100 mg/kg) prior to MCAO and cerebral cortices were collected 24 h after MCAO. A reduction in expression of PEA-15 and its phosphorylated forms induced by MCAO injury was detected using a proteomic approach. EGb 761 pretreatment prevented the ischemic injury-induced decrease in PEA-15 expression. Western blot analysis demonstrated that EGb 761 attenuates the injury-induced reduction in PEA-15, phospho-PEA-15 (Ser 104), phospho-PEA-15 (Ser 116). Phosphorylation of PEA-15 influences its anti-apoptotic function; a decrease in PEA-15 phosphorylation induces apoptotic cell death. The maintenance of PEA-15 phosphorylation by EGb 761 pretreatment during cerebral ischemic injury indicates that EGb 761 is a neuroprotective against cerebral ischemic injury.
Evidence for Improved Neuropharmacological Efficacy and Decreased Neurotoxicity in Mice with Traditional Processing ofRhizoma Arisaematis
Authors: Huang Chun-Fa , Yang Rong-Sen , Liu Shing-Hwa , Hsieh Po-Chow , Lin-Shiau Shoei-Yn
Published: September 2011

Rhizoma Arisaematis (RA, the rhizome of Pinellia pedatisecta Schott) is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in the treatment of convulsions, inflammation, and cancer. Despite the fact that it has been used for more than 2000 years, the pharmacological and toxic effects of traditionally processed products of RA are still unclear. In this study, we attempted to investigate the effects exerted by untreated crude RA and different preparations of RA treated with alumen in combination with ginger juice (Zhinanxing) or bile juice (Dannanxing) in ICR mice. The results showed that both the Zhinanxing and Dannanxing water extracts exerted significantly increased sedative effects, as indicated by the inhibitory effects on ambulatory distances, jumps, vertical-plane entries, and prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. The extracts also exerted significantly increased analgesic effects (increase of tail flick latency in nociceptive testing) in mice than did the unprocessed crude RA after oral administration for one to three days, and effects persisted 18 days after the cessation of treatment. By contrast, the toxic effects, such as an increase in stereotype-1 episodes of locomotor activities and reduction of the retention time on a rotating rod (motor equilibrium dysfunction), were observed only in mice treated with the unprocessed crude RA for three consecutive days, and effects persisted for 18 days after the cessation of treatment. These neurotoxic effects were accompanied by an increase in plasma lipid peroxidation (LPO), decrease in whole blood nitric oxide (NOx) levels, and inhibition of Na+/ K+-ATPase activities in membrane fractions of erythrocytes and in the cerebral cortex. In conclusion, these findings provide scientific evidence that the processed RA indeed possesses not only enhanced neuropharmacological efficacy but also reduced neurotoxic effects as compared to the unprocessed crude RA. The signaling of NOx/oxidative stress/ Na+- K+- ATPase activities played a role, at least in part, in the underlying mechanisms of neurotoxic effects induced by the crude RA.
Effects of Panax Notoginseng Saponins on Proliferation and Differentiation of Rat Hippocampal Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Si Yin-Chu , Zhang Jian-Ping , Xie Chun-E , Zhang Li-Juan , Jiang Xiang-Ning
Published: September 2011

We aimed to investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal of rat hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro. Rat hippocampal NSCs were isolated from post-natal day 1 (P1) rats and cultured in a serum-free medium. The neurospheres were identified by the expressions of nestin, class III β-tublin (Tuj-1) and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP). The cells were given PNS and subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) as an in vitro model of brain ischemia reperfusion. The proliferation of NSCs was determined by MTT colorimetry, nestin/BrdU immunofluorescent double-labeling and RT-PCR. Differentiation of NSCs was assessed by immunofluorescent double-labeling of nestin/BrdU, nestin/vimentin, and nestin/Tuj-1. The primary cells and the first two passages of cells formed certain amount of neurospheres, the cells derived from a single cell clone also formed neurospheres. Nestin, BrdU, GFAP and Tuj-1-positive cells appeared in those neurospheres. Compared to the control group, PNS significantly promoted NSC proliferation and the expression of nestin/BrdU, and also enhanced Tuj-1, vimentin, and nestin mRNA expressions in hippocampal NSCs. PNS significantly increased area density, optical density and numbers of nestin/BrdU, nestin/vimentin, and nestin/Tuj-1 positive cells following OGD. These results indicate that PNS can promote proliferation and differentiation of hippocampus NCSs in vitro after OGD, suggesting its potential benefits on neurogenesis and neuroregeneration in brain ischemic injury.
SPHERICALLY SYMMETRIC GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE OF A DUST CLOUD IN THIRD-ORDER LOVELOCK GRAVITY
Authors: ZHOU KANG , YANG ZHAN-YING , ZOU DE-CHENG , YUE RUI-HONG
Published: September 2011

We investigate the spherically symmetric gravitational collapse of an incoherent dust cloud by considering a LTB-type spacetime in third-order Lovelock Gravity without cosmological constant, and give three families of LTB-like solutions which separately corresponding to hyperbolic, parabolic and elliptic. Notice that the contribution of high-order curvature corrections have a profound influence on the nature of the singularity, and the global structure of spacetime changes drastically from the analogous general relativistic case. Interestingly, the presence of high order Lovelock terms leads to the formation of massive, naked and timelike singularities in the 7D spacetime, which is disallowed in general relativity. Moveover, we point out that the naked singularities in the 7D case may be gravitational weak therefore may not be a serious threat to the cosmic censorship hypothesis, while the naked singularities in the D ≥ 8 inhomogeneous collapse violate the cosmic censorship hypothesis seriously.
COALESCENCE RATE OF SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE BINARIES DERIVED FROM COSMOLOGICAL SIMULATIONS: DETECTION RATES FOR LISA AND ET
Authors: FILLOUX CH. , DE FREITAS PACHECO J. A. , DURIER F. , DE ARAUJO J. C. N.
Published: September 2011

The coalescence history of massive black holes has been derived from cosmological simulations, in which the evolution of those objects and that of the host galaxies are followed in a consistent way. The present study indicates that supermassive black holes having masses greater than ~ 109 M⊙ underwent up to 500 merger events along their history. The derived coalescence rate per comoving volume and per mass interval permitted to obtain an estimate of the expected detection rate distribution of gravitational wave signals ("ring-down") along frequencies accessible by the planned interferometers either in space (LISA) or in the ground (Einstein). For LISA, in its original configuration, a total detection rate of about 15 yr-1 is predicted for events having a signal-to-noise ratio equal to 10, expected to occur mainly in the frequency range 4–9 mHz. For the Einstein gravitational wave telescope, one event each 14 months down to one event each four years is expected with a signal-to-noise ratio of 5, occurring mainly in the frequency interval 10–20 Hz. The detection of these gravitational signals and their distribution in frequency would be in the future an important tool able to discriminate among different scenarios explaining the origin of supermassive black holes.
BORN–INFELD BLACK HOLES COUPLED TO A MASSIVE SCALAR FIELD
Authors: GEORGIEVA DANIELA A. , STEFANOV IVAN ZH. , YAZADJIEV STOYTCHO S. , TODOROV MICHAIL D.
Published: September 2011

Born–Infeld black holes in the scalar–tensor theories of gravity with massless scalar field have been recently obtained [I. Stefanov, S. Yazadjiev and M. Todorov, Phys. Rev. D75 (2007) 084036; Mod. Phys. Lett. A.23(34) (2008) 2915; Class. Quantum Gravity26 (2009) 015006]. The aim of the current paper is to study the effect of the inclusion of a potential for the scalar field in the theory, through a combination of analytical techniques and numerical methods. The black holes coupled to a massive scalar field have richer causal structure in comparison to the massless scalar field case. In the former case, the black holes may have a second, inner horizon. The presence of potential for the scalar field allows the existence of extremal black holes for certain values of the mass of the scalar field and the magnetic (electric) charge of the black hole. The solutions are stable against spherically symmetric perturbations. Arguments in favor of the general stability of the solutions coming from the application of the "turning point" method are also presented.
ON STOCHASTICITY IN NEARLY-ELASTIC SYSTEMS
Authors: FREIDLIN MARK , HU WENQING
Published: September 2011

Nearly-elastic model systems with one or two degrees of freedom are considered: the system is undergoing a small loss of energy in each collision with the "wall". We show that instabilities in this purely deterministic system lead to stochasticity of its long-time behavior. Various ways to give a rigorous meaning to the last statement are considered. All of them, if applicable, lead to the same stochasticity which is described explicitly. So that the stochasticity of the long-time behavior is an intrinsic property of the deterministic systems.
A NONCONVENTIONAL STRONG LAW OF LARGE NUMBERS AND FRACTAL DIMENSIONS OF SOME MULTIPLE RECURRENCE SETS
Authors: KIFER YURI
Published: September 2011

We provide conditions which yield a strong law of large numbers for expressions of the form [Formula: see text] where X(n), n ≥ 0's is a sufficiently fast mixing vector process with some moment conditions and stationarity properties, F is a continuous function with polinomial growth and certain regularity properties and qi, i > m are positive functions taking on integer values on integers with some growth conditions. Applying these results we study certain multifractal formalism type questions concerning Hausdorff dimensions of some sets of numbers with prescribed asymptotic frequencies of combinations of digits at places q1(n), …, qℓ(n).
Lp-SOLUTIONS OF BACKWARD DOUBLY STOCHASTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: AMAN AUGUSTE
Published: September 2011

The goal of this paper is to solve backward doubly stochastic differential equations (BDSDEs, in short) under weak assumptions on the data. The first part is devoted to the development of some new technical aspects of stochastic calculus related to this BDSDEs. Then we derive a priori estimates and prove the existence and uniqueness of solution in Lp, p ∈ (1, 2), extending the work of Pardoux and Peng (see [12]).
ALMOST SURE CENTRAL LIMIT THEOREMS OF THE PARTIAL SUMS AND MAXIMA FROM COMPLETE AND INCOMPLETE SAMPLES OF STATIONARY SEQUENCES
Authors: PENG ZUOXIANG , TONG BIN , NADARAJAH SARALEES
Published: September 2011

Let (Xn) denote an independent and identically distributed random sequence. Let [Formula: see text] and Mn = max {X1, …, Xn} be its partial sum and maximum. Suppose that some of the random variables of X1, X2,… can be observed and denote by [Formula: see text] the maximum of observed random variables from the set {X1, …, Xn}. In this paper, we consider the joint limiting distribution of [Formula: see text] and the almost sure central limit theorems related to the random vector [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we extend related results to weakly dependent stationary Gaussian sequences.
MULTIFRACTAL q RÉNYI DIMENSIONS OF POLISH SPACES FOR q < 1
Authors: DAI M. , OLSEN L. , SHI Y.
Published: September 2011

In earlier work the second author investigated the multifractal q Rényi dimensions of Polish spaces for q ≥ 1. In this paper we complement those results by investigating the multifractal q Rényi dimensions of Polish spaces for q < 1.
AN INTELLIGENT DECISION SUPPORT BASED ON A SUBTRACTIVE CLUSTERING AND FUZZY INFERENCE SYSTEM FOR MULTIOBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION PROBLEM IN SERIOUS GAME
Authors: BUDITJAHJANTO I. G. P. ASTO , MIYAUCHI HAJIME
Published: September 2011

Learning decision making through playing a game is an interesting activity for the decision maker or player. In this paper, a multiobjective optimization problem for economic and emission dispatch in which the player can learn about the tradeoff between fuel cost (economic) and emission problems to achieve optimal decisions is considered. A nonplayer character (NPC) is an entity that is built to provide intelligent decision support for the player. The proposed approach is carried out in two stages for the NPC module: the first stage uses the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II method to solve the multiobjective optimization problem; this stage produces some optimal solutions. The next stage uses subtractive clustering to cluster optimal solutions; furthermore, these clusters are used to build a fuzzy inference system based on the Mamdani type. In this stage, players can select the best decision offered by the NPC.
AN OPTIMIZATION MODEL FOR REUSE SCENARIO SELECTION CONSIDERING RELIABILITY AND COST IN SOFTWARE PRODUCT LINE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: WU ZHIQIAO , TANG JIAFU , KWONG C. K. , CHAN C. Y.
Published: September 2011

In this paper, a model that assists developers to evaluate and compare alternative reuse scenarios in software product line (SPL) development systematically in proposed. The model can identify basic activities (abstracted as operations) and precisely relate cost and reliability with each basic operation. A typical reuse mode is described from the perspectives of application and domain engineering. According to this scheme, six reuse modes are identified, and alternative industry reuse scenarios can be derived from these modes. A bi-objective 0-1 integer programming model is developed to help decision makers select reuse scenarios when they develop a SPL to minimize cost and maximize reliability while satisfying system requirements to a certain degree. This model is called the cost and reliability optimization under constraint satisfaction (CROS). To design the model efficiently, a three-phase algorithm for finding all efficient solutions is developed, where the first two phases can obtain an efficient solution, and the last phase can generate a nonsupported efficient solution. Two practical methods are presented to facilitate decision making on selecting from the entire range of efficient solutions in light of the decision-maker's preference for man–computer interaction. An application of the CROS model in a mail server system development is presented as a case study.
THE FUZZY EVALUATION OF THE ICT PROJECTS IN STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT (CASE STUDY: IRAN TELECOMMUNICATION RESEARCH CENTER)
Authors: FASANGHARI MEHDI , AMALNICK MOHSEN SADEGH , CHAHARSOOGHI S. KAMAL , KO FRANZ I. S.
Published: September 2011

Many criteria should be considered for project selection in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors; while, the resources are limited. Besides, the uncertainty of the selection and evaluation process increases the difficulty of ICT project selection. Therefore, a fuzzy system in combination with fuzzy integer linear programming, fuzzy entropy, and fuzzy numbers have been developed; it smoothes the process of ICT project selection. This fuzzy system is flexible in the project selection for Iran ICT sectors, especially in (Research and Development) R&D sectors. It enhances the accuracy of the evaluation process as it resolves the uncertainty of ICT project selection.
OPTIMAL MULTI-ATTRIBUTE AUCTIONS FOR DIVISIBLE GOODS
Authors: RAO CONGJUN , ZHAO YONG , CHEN YANG
Published: September 2011

In this paper, the problem of multi-attribute procurement auction of divisible goods is investigated, and an optimal mechanism of multi-attribute auction, which enables negotiation on several attributes in addition to the price of a divisible good, is designed. First, several important assumptions of multi-attribute procurement auctions of divisible goods are given, and the buyer's utility function and the supplier's utility function are defined. Then, a set of sufficient conditions for feasible multi-attribute auction mechanism are given. Based on these conditions, an optimal model of multi-attribute procurement auction whose goal is to maximize the buyer's expected utility, is established. By solving this model, the optimal allocation strategies are obtained. Third, the properties of the optimal multi-attribute auction are discussed. Finally, a multi-attribute auction example about the steam coal procurement is given to show how to implement the optimal multi-attribute auction mechanism.
A FEATURE RELEVANCE ESTIMATION METHOD FOR CONTENT-BASED IMAGE RETRIEVAL
Authors: AJORLOO HOSSEIN , LAKDASHTI ABOLFAZL
Published: September 2011

Feature relevance estimation is one of the most successful techniques used for improving the retrieval results of a content-based image retrieval (CBIR) system based on users' feedbacks. In this class of approaches, the weights of the feature elements (FEs) are adjusted based on the relevance feedbacks (RFs) given by the users to reduce the so-called semantic gap in the underlying CBIR system. An analytical approach is proposed in this paper to convert the users' feedbacks to the appropriate FE weights by solving a constrained optimization problem. Experiments on a set of 11,000 images from the Corel database show that the proposed approach outperforms other existing short-term RF approaches reported in the literature. The proposed approach is also incorporated in two long-term RF methods and enhanced their performance.
Oscillations in joint synchrony of reproductive hormones in healthy men
Authors: Wang Xin , Keenan Daniel M. , Pincus Steven M. , Liu Peter Y. , Veldhuis Johannes D.
Published: September 2011

Negative-feedback (inhibitory) and positive-feedforward (stimulatory) processes regulate physiological systems. Whether such processes are themselves rhythmic is not known. Here, we apply cross-approximate entropy (cross-ApEn), a noninvasive measurement of joint (pairwise) signal synchrony, to inferentially assess hypothesized circadian and ultradian variations in feedback coupling. The data comprised simultaneous measurements of three pituitary and one peripheral hormone (LH, FSH, prolactin, and testosterone) in 12 healthy men each sampled every 10 min for 4 days (5,760 min). Ergodicity, due to the time series stationarity of the measurements over the 4 days, allows for effective estimation of parameters based upon the 12 subjects. Cross-ApEn changes were quantified via moving-window estimates applied to 4-day time series pairs. The resultant ordered windowed cross-ApEn series (in time) were subjected to power spectrum analysis. Rhythmicity was assessed against the null hypothesis of randomness using 1,000 simulated periodograms derived by shuffling the interpulse-interval hormone-concentration segments and redoing cross-ApEn windows and spectral analysis. By forward cross-ApEn analysis, paired LH-testosterone, LH-prolactin, and LH-FSH synchrony maintained dominant rhythms with periodicities of 18–22.5, 18, and 22.5 h, respectively (each P < 0.001). By reverse (feedback) cross-ApEn analysis, testosterone-LH, testosterone-prolactin, and testosterone-FSH synchrony cycles were 30, 18, and 30–45 h, respectively (each P ≤ 0.001). Significant 8- or 24-h rhythms were also detected in most linkages, and maximal bihormonal synchrony occurred consistently at ∼0400–0500. Collectively, these analyses demonstrate significant ultradian (<24 h), circadian (∼24 h), and infradian (>24 h) oscillations in pituitary-testis synchrony, wherein maximal biglandular coordination is strongly constrained to the early morning hours.
Plasma PTX3 protein levels inversely correlate with insulin secretion and obesity, whereas visceral adipose tissue PTX3 gene expression is increased in obesity
Authors: Osorio-Conles O. , Guitart M. , Chacón M. R. , Maymo-Masip E. , Moreno-Navarrete J. M. , Montori-Grau M. , Näf S. , Fernandez-Real J. M. , Vendrell J. , Gómez-Foix A. M.
Published: September 2011

Plasma acutephase protein pentraxin 3 (PTX3) concentration is dysregulated in human obesity and metabolic syndrome. Here, we explore its relationship with insulin secretion and sensitivity, obesity markers, and adipose tissue PTX3 gene expression. Plasma PTX3 protein levels were analyzed in a cohort composed of 27 lean [body mass index (BMI) ≤25 kg/m2] and 48 overweight (BMI 25–30 kg/m2) men ( cohort 1). In this cohort, plasma PTX3 was negatively correlated with fasting triglyceride levels and insulin secretion after intravenous and oral glucose administration. Plasma PTX3 protein and PTX3 gene expression in visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) whole adipose tissue and adipocyte and stromovascular fractions were analyzed in cohort 2, which was composed of 19 lean, 28 overweight, and 15 obese subjects (BMI >30 kg/m2). An inverse association with body weight and waist/hip ratio was observed in cohort 2. In VAT depots, PTX3 mRNA levels were higher in subjects with BMI >25 kg/m2than in lean subjects, positively correlated with IL-1β mRNA levels, and higher in the adipocyte than stromovascular fraction. Human preadipocyte SGBS cell line was used to study PTX3 production in response to factors that obesity entails. In SGBS adipocytes, PTX3 gene expression was enhanced by IL-1β and TNFα but not IL-6 or insulin. In conclusion, the negative correlation between PTX3 and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion suggests a role for PTX3 in metabolic control. PTX3 gene expression is upregulated in VAT depots in obesity, despite lower plasma PTX3 protein, and by some proinflammatory cytokines in cultured adipocytes.
Delayed bone regeneration and low bone mass in a rat model of insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes mellitus is due to impaired osteoblast function
Authors: Hamann Christine , Goettsch Claudia , Mettelsiefen Jan , Henkenjohann Veit , Rauner Martina , Hempel Ute , Bernhardt Ricardo , Fratzl-Zelman Nadja , Roschger Paul , Rammelt Stefan , Günther Klaus-Peter , Hofbauer Lorenz C.
Published: September 2011

Patients with diabetes mellitus have an impaired bone metabolism; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on bone physiology and regeneration using Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, an established rat model of insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes mellitus. ZDF rats develop diabetes with vascular complications when fed a Western diet. In 21-wk-old diabetic rats, bone mineral density (BMD) was 22.5% (total) and 54.6% (trabecular) lower at the distal femur and 17.2% (total) and 20.4% (trabecular) lower at the lumbar spine, respectively, compared with nondiabetic animals. BMD distribution measured by backscattered electron imaging postmortem was not different between diabetic and nondiabetic rats, but evaluation of histomorphometric indexes revealed lower mineralized bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number. Osteoblast differentiation of diabetic rats was impaired based on lower alkaline phosphatase activity (−20%) and mineralized matrix formation (−55%). In addition, the expression of the osteoblast-specific genes bone morphogenetic protein-2, RUNX2, osteocalcin, and osteopontin was reduced by 40–80%. Osteoclast biology was not affected based on tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase staining, pit formation assay, and gene profiling. To validate the implications of these molecular and cellular findings in a clinically relevant model, a subcritical bone defect of 3 mm was created at the left femur after stabilization with a four-hole plate, and bone regeneration was monitored by X-ray and microcomputed tomography analyses over 12 wk. While nondiabetic rats filled the defects by 57%, diabetic rats showed delayed bone regeneration with only 21% defect filling. In conclusion, we identified suppressed osteoblastogenesis as a cause and mechanism for low bone mass and impaired bone regeneration in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Defective nitric oxide production impairs angiotensin II-induced Na-K-ATPase regulation in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Javkhedkar Apurva A. , Lokhandwala Mustafa F. , Banday Anees Ahmed
Published: September 2011

Angiotensin (ANG) II via ANG II type 1 receptors (AT1R) activates renal sodium transporters including Na-K-ATPase and regulates sodium homeostasis and blood pressure. It is reported that at a high concentration, ANG II either inhibits or fails to stimulate Na-K-ATPase. However, the mechanisms for these phenomena are not clear. Here, we identified the signaling molecules involved in regulation of renal proximal tubular Na-K-ATPase at high ANG II concentrations. Proximal tubules from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were incubated with low concentrations of ANG II (pM), which activated Na-K-ATPase in both the groups; however, the stimulation was more robust in SHR. A high concentration of ANG II (μM) failed to stimulate Na-K-ATPase in WKY rats. However, in SHR ANG II (μM) continued to stimulate Na-K-ATPase, which was sensitive to the AT1R antagonist candesartan. In the presence of NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibitor, ANG II (μM) caused stimulation of Na-K-ATPase in proximal tubules of WKY rats while having no further stimulatory effect in SHR. ANG II (μM), via AT1R, increased proximal tubular NO levels in WKY rats but not in SHR. In SHR, NOS was uncoupled as incubation of proximal tubules with ANG II and l-arginine, a NOS substrate, caused superoxide generation only in SHR and not in WKY rats. The superoxide production in SHR was sensitive to l-NAME. There was exaggerated proximal tubular AT1R-G protein coupling and NAD(P)H oxidase activation in response to ANG II (μM) in proximal tubules of SHR compared with WKY rats. In SHR, inhibition of NADPH oxidase restored NOS coupling and ANG II-induced NO accumulation. In conclusion, at a high concentration ANG II (μM) activates renal NO signaling, which prevents stimulation of Na-K-ATPase in WKY rats. However, in SHR ANG II (μM) overstimulates NADPH oxidase, which impairs the NO system and leads to continued Na-K-ATPase activation.
Granulocytic Sarcoma Presenting as Atypical Mastoiditis with Facial Paralysis: Description of a Case
Authors: Crovetto M. , Márquez J. A. , Ereño C. , Elexpuru J. , Crovetto R. , Martinez A.
Published: September 2011

We describe a case of temporal granulocytic sarcoma in a 26-year-old patient after apparent molecular remission of an acute myeloid leukaemia. He complained of otodynia with hearing loss and facial paralysis on the right side. He was treated with chemotherapy and self-transplant haematopoietic stem cells. He was cured clinically, molecular remission of the haematological processes was achieved, and he remained asymptomatic for three years. Facial paralysis and hearing loss associated with temporal GS should be treated with chemotherapy. Aggressive surgery may complicate the clinical course of the disease and it should be avoided.
Working towards Usable Forms on the World Wide Web: Optimizing Date Entry Input Fields
Authors: Bargas-Avila Javier A. , Brenzikofer Olivia , Tuch Alexandre N. , Roth Sandra P. , Opwis Klaus
Published: September 2011

When an interactive form in the world wide web requires users to fill in exact dates, this can be implemented in several ways. This paper discusses an empirical online study withn= 172 participants which compared six different versions to design input fields for date entries. The results revealed that using a drop-down menu is best when format errors must be avoided, whereas using only one input field and placing the format requirements left or inside the text box led to faster completion time and higher user satisfaction.
Synthesis and Photochromism of Quinolines and Benzo[h]quinolines of 1,3-Diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-ene
Authors: Mahmoodi Nosrat O. , Asadollahi Elham , Kiyani Hamzeh , Naseri Nahid
Published: September 2011

1,3-Diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-ene systems represent a very interesting class of organic materials, possessing unique photochromic properties in the solid state. It has been demonstrated that these compounds form deeply colored, fairly stable materials under UV radiation. Here, for the first time we report synthesis of several 1,3-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-enes with premade substituted quinoline and benzo[h]quinoline rings.
Challenges in Management of Primary Hypoparathyroidism Associated with Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1
Authors: Wallace I. R. , McConnell V. , Bell P. M. , Lindsay J. R.
Published: September 2011

We report a case of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS1) complicated by severe vascular insufficiency due to diffuse vascular calcification. APS1 is characterised clinically by multiple autoimmune conditions and development of at least two components of the triad of mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and autoimmune adrenal insufficiency. We highlight the problems in current serum calcium monitoring methods and suggest that fluctuations in serum calcium concentrations due to difficulties treating hypoparathyroidism may have contributed to the vascular calcification seen in this case.
Cricoarytenoiditis as an Initial Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Hougardy Jean-Michel , Roper Nicolas , Michils Alain , Soyfoo Muhammad S.
Published: September 2011

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease encompassing a broadened spectrum of clinical manifestations. Vocal cords involvement in SLE is not a frequent entity but can be life threatening if not treated. We hereby report the case of a patient presenting with cricoarytenoiditis and vocal cord dysfunction revealing SLE.
Heterotopic Ossification in the Middle Finger: A Case Report
Authors: Barlaan Philip Ian G. , Ip Wing-Yuk
Published: September 2011

A case of heterotopic ossification developed after traumatic laceration of the middle finger. It is extremely rare for heterotopic ossification to locate in the finger. The diagnosis was accomplished with plain radiographs as well as with MRI and confirmatory study with histopathological microscopic examination which demonstrated nubbin of bone surrounded by fibrovascular connective tissue, and the marrow was predominantly fatty with prominent ectatic vessels and patchy mild lymphocytic infiltrate and gross appearance of partly calcified bony tissue.
Sirtuins: Molecular Traffic Lights in the Crossroad of Oxidative Stress, Chromatin Remodeling, and Transcription
Authors: Rajendran Ramkumar , Garva Richa , Krstic-Demonacos Marija , Demonacos Constantinos
Published: September 2011

Transcription is regulated by acetylation/deacetylation reactions of histone and nonhistone proteins mediated by enzymes called KATs and HDACs, respectively. As a major mechanism of transcriptional regulation, protein acetylation is a key controller of physiological processes such as cell cycle, DNA damage response, metabolism, apoptosis, and autophagy. The deacetylase activity of class III histone deacetylases or sirtuins depends on the presence of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and therefore, their function is closely linked to cellular energy consumption. This activity of sirtuins connects the modulation of chromatin dynamics and transcriptional regulation under oxidative stress to cellular lifespan, glucose homeostasis, inflammation, and multiple aging‐related diseases including cancer. Here we provide an overview of the recent developments in relation to the diverse biological activities associated with sirtuin enzymes and stress responsive transcription factors, DNA damage, and oxidative stress and relate the involvement of sirtuins in the regulation of these processes to oncogenesis. Since the majority of the molecular mechanisms implicated in these pathways have been described for Sirt1, this sirtuin family member is more extensively presented in this paper.
Giant Appendiceal Leiomyosarcoma: A Rare and Unusual Tumour
Authors: Natalia Christine , Koh Cherry E. , Lee Peter J.
Published: September 2011

Appendiceal tumours are uncommon but may be present in 0.9–1.4% of all appendicectomy specimens. While carcinoid tumours and adenocarcinomas comprise the majority of appendiceal tumours, rarely, lymphomas or sarcomas may also present in the appendix. Appendiceal leiomyosarcomas are rare, and to date, only a handful of cases have been reported. The current paper presents a case of giant appendiceal leiomyosarcoma followed by a review of the literature.
Duodenal Perforation with an Unusual Presentation: A Case Report
Authors: Sarmast Arif Hussain , Parray Fazl Q. , Showkat Hakim Irfan , Lone Yasir A. , Bhat Naseer A.
Published: September 2011

A young female presented with classical complaints suggestive of peptic ulcer disease leading to signs of peritonitis. The said patient after being subjected to baseline workup was subjected to laparotomy which proved to be a surgical surprise. A live ascaris lumbricoides worm was seen pouting out of a duodenal perforation.
CNS Intravascular Lymphoma: A Case Report
Authors: Awad Amer , Estephan Bachir , Stüve Olaf
Published: September 2011

Intravascular lymphoma is a rare but well-described entity. The clinical manifestations are heterogeneous. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman who presented initially with syncope followed by subacute cognitive decline that progressed to minimally conscious state. Shortly after the transfer to our tertiary center the patient died. Brain autopsy disclosed the diagnosis of B-cell intravascular lymphoma. We speculate that syncope could be the first manifestation of central nervous system intravascular lymphoma and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained syncope. In addition, we stress the importance of early brain biopsy in unexplained white matter disease.
Long Memory Process in Asset Returns with Multivariate GARCH Innovations
Authors: Mootamri Imène
Published: September 2011

The main purpose of this paper is to consider the multivariate GARCH (MGARCH) framework to model the volatility of a multivariate process exhibiting long‐term dependence in stock returns. More precisely, the long‐term dependence is examined in the first conditional moment of US stock returns through multivariate ARFIMA process, and the time‐varying feature of volatility is explained by MGARCH models. An empirical application to the returns series is carried out to illustrate the usefulness of our approach. The main results confirm
the presence of long memory property in the conditional mean of all stock returns.
In VitroEvaluation of a Biomedical-Grade Bilayer Chitosan Porous Skin Regenerating Template as a Potential Dermal Scaffold in Skin Tissue Engineering
Authors: Lim Chin Keong , Halim Ahmad Sukari , Zainol Ismail , Noorsal Kartini
Published: September 2011

Chitosan is a copolymer ofN-acetylglucosamine and glucosamine. A bilayer chitosan porous skin regenerating template (CPSRT) has been developed for skin tissue engineering. The pore size of the CPSRT was assessed using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thein vitrocytocompatibility of the CPSRT was tested on primary human epidermal keratinocyte (pHEK) cultures by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and skin irritation by western blot analysis of the interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretions. The ability of the CPSRT to support cell ingrowth was evaluated by seeding primary human dermal fibroblasts (pHDFs) on the scaffold, staining the cells with live/dead stain, and imaging the construct by confocal microscopy (CLSM). The CPSRT with pore sizes ranging from 50 to 150 μm was cytocompatible because it did not provoke the additional production of IL-8 and TNF-α by pHEK cultures. Cultured pHDFs were able to penetrate the CPSRT and had increased in number on day 14. In conclusion, the CPSRT serves as an ideal template for skin tissue engineering.
Unusual Presentation of Papillary Microcarcinoma of Thyroid as Thigh Mass
Authors: Tagore Koyye Ravindranath , Ramineni Asok Kumar S.
Published: September 2011

An elderly otherwise healthy male presented with a mass in thigh. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) revealed features of papillary carcinoma of thyroid, suggesting secondary deposits. Later the patient was clinically evaluated. There was no obvious thyromegaly both clinically and sonologically. The patient was followed up. One month after initial presentation, he came with an enlarged cervical lymph node and a tiny nodule in thyroid. FNAC from both the thyroid and cervical lymph node showed identical features of papillary carcinoma.
Computed Tomography Angiography Successfully Used to Diagnose Postoperative Systemic-Pulmonary Artery Shunt Narrowing
Authors: Piggott Kurt D. , Nykanen David G. , Smith Susan
Published: September 2011

In recent years, there has been a marked reduction in surgical mortality for many complex forms of congenital heart disease. Treatment or palliative strategies vary but may include systemic-pulmonary central or Blalock-Taussig shunt. These shunts can be complicated by overcirculation, infection, thrombosis, and thromboembolism. Many diagnostic modalities are available to aide in diagnosis of postoperative shunt complications including echocardiography and cardiac catheterization but these may be invasive, inconclusive, or difficult to obtain adequate images. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has many attributes that make it potentially useful in the evaluation of congenital heart disease and postoperative shunt complications. We report one patient where CTA guided the post-operative algorithm and appropriately identified a shunt narrowing despite repeated echocardiograms showing a patent shunt. These findings along with clinical suspicion appropriately guided us toward cardiac catheterization. To our knowledge, this is the first paper where CTA appropriately suspected a shunt narrowing in the absence of echocardiographic confirmation.
Interplay of Amygdala and Cingulate Plasticity in Emotional Fear
Authors: Toyoda Hiroki , Li Xiang-Yao , Wu Long-Jun , Zhao Ming-Gao , Descalzi Giannina , Chen Tao , Koga Kohei , Zhuo Min
Published: September 2011

The amygdala is known to be a critical brain region for emotional fear. It is believed that synaptic plasticity within the amygdala is the cellular basis of fear memory. Recent studies demonstrate that cortical areas such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) may also contribute to the formation of fear memory, including trace fear memory and remote fear memory. At synaptic level, fear conditioning also triggers plastic changes within the cortical areas immediately after the condition. These results raise the possibility that certain forms of synaptic plasticity may occur within the cortex while synaptic potentiation takes place within synapses in the hippocampus and amygdala. This hypothesis is supported by electrophysiological evidence obtained from freely moving animals that neurons in the hippocampus/amygdala fire synchronous activities with cortical neurons during the learning. To study fear-related synaptic plasticity in the cortex and its functional connectivity with neurons in the amygdala and hippocampus will help us understand brain mechanisms of fear and improve clinical treatment of emotional disorders in patients.
Transabdominal Laparoscopic Repair of Amyand's Hernia: A Case Report
Authors: Elias Bachir , Chelala Elie , Allé Jean-Louis
Published: September 2011

The occurrence of appendicitis within an inguinal hernia, known as Amyand's hernia, is a rare condition. Laparoscopic approach to this type of hernia is not widely used, and there is little data comparing it to the open surgery approach. This article presents a case of Amyand's hernia treated successfully by laparoscopy via a transabdominal approach supported by a short review of literature on this rare condition.
Mathematical Model of the Effect of Interstitial Fluid Pressure on Angiogenic Behavior in Solid Tumors
Authors: Phipps Colin , Kohandel Mohammad
Published: September 2011

We present a mathematical model for the concentrations of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic growth factors, and their resulting balance/imbalance, in host and tumor tissue.
In addition to production, diffusion, and degradation of these angiogenic growth factors (AGFs), we include interstitial convection to study the locally destabilizing effects of interstitial fluid pressure (IFP)
on the activity of these factors. The molecular sizes of representative AGFs and the outward flow of interstitial fluid in tumors suggest that convection is a significant mode of transport for these molecules.
The results of our modeling approach suggest that changes in the physiological parameters that determine interstitial fluid pressure have as profound an impact on tumor angiogenesis as those parameters
controlling production, diffusion, and degradation of AGFs. This model has predictive potential for determining the angiogenic behavior of solid tumors and the effects of cytotoxic and antiangiogenic therapies
on tumor angiogenesis.
The Role of Thrombelastography in Multiple Trauma
Authors: Jeger Victor , Zimmermann Heinz , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K.
Published: September 2011

Hemorrhage and traumatic coagulopathyis are major causes of early death in multiply injured patients. Thrombelastography (TEG) seems to be a fast and accurate coagulation test in trauma care. We suggest that multiply injured trauma patients would benefit the most from an early assessment of coagulation by TEG, mainly RapidTEG, to detect an acute traumatic coagulopathy and especially primary fibrinolysis, which is related with high mortality. This review gives an overview on TEG and its clinical applications.
Serum Adiponectin, Resistin, and Circulating Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products in Colectomy Patients
Authors: Asgeirsson Theodor , Zhang Sen , Khoo Sok Kean , Resau James H. , Dujovny Nadav , Senagore Anthony J.
Published: September 2011

Aim. Surgical trauma and associated complications are frequently related to physiological stress during colectomy. This study evaluated the response of adiponectin, resistin, and circulating soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in colectomy patients with or without an enhanced recovery protocol.Method. Serum samples were collected from 44 colectomy patients at 3 timframes. The surgical procedures were laparoscopic (LAP), hand-assisted laparoscopic (HALS), or open colectomy (OPEN). Adiponectin, resistin, and sRAGE levels were determined by ELISA. Repeated measures ANOVA was applied andPvalues < 0.05 were considered significant.Results. A total of 132 (44 × 3) sera were used for analysis. Levels of adiponectin was significantly decreased between PREOP and POD3 (P<0.001). Conversely, concentrations of resistin significantly increased from PREOP to POD1 and returned to baseline value by POD3 (P<0.001). Serum sRAGE levels were significantly higher in LAP in comparison with HALS (P=0.004) and OPEN (P<0.001). sRAGE levels were significantly higher in sera of patients that underwent ERP (P<0.001).Conclusions. Serum adiponectin, resistin, and sRAGE have the potential to develop into a panel of stress markers. Higher sRAGE levels in sera of LAP and ERP patients may be indicative of a protective and syngeristic role for colectomy recovery.
Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: El Ammari Jalal Eddine , Ahallal Youness , El Fassi Mohammed Jamal , Farih Moulay Hassan
Published: September 2011

Introduction. Primary melanoma of the urinary bladder is very rare. As far as we know, 19 cases have been reported worldwide, usually as case reports.Case Presentation. We present a 71-year-old male patient presented with a 2-month history of hematuria. Ultrasonography revealed a 5-cm-size mass located in the bladder trigone. A transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) revealed a malignant melanoma. Evaluation for metastatic disease was negative. The patient deceased five months later before radical treatment could be performed.Conclusion. This is one more reported case of primary melanoma of the urinary bladder. The previously reported cases of bladder melanoma are reviewed. Therapy and prognosis are discussed.