bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Levels of IgA Antibodies to Tissue Transglutaminase and Gliadin-Related Nonapeptides in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Authors: Gornowicz-Porowska Justyna , Bowszyc-Dmochowska Monika , Seraszek-Jaros Agnieszka , Kaczmarek Elżbieta , Dmochowski Marian
Published: April 2012

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an autoimmunity-driven inflammatory blistering dermatosis associated with a gluten-dependent enteropathy. Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and nonapeptides of gliadin (npG) are considered in its pathomechanism/diagnostics. Here, the diagnostic accuracy of anti-tTG/anti-npG IgA ELISAs in Slavic DH patients with active skin rash was assessed through creating receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, determining cutoff values, and calculating correlations between levels of anti-tTG/anti-npG IgA in DH, IgA/neutrophil-mediated non-DH patients and healthy persons. Altogether, sera from 80 Slavic individuals were examined. There were negligible differences between cutoff points obtained by the ELISAs manufacturer and those in this study. There were statistically significant correlations between levels of anti-tTG/anti-npG IgA in both DH group and the group of IgA/neutrophil-mediated non-DH dermatoses. There was no such correlation in healthy controls. It seems that IgA autoantibodies to tTG and npG in the IgA/neutrophil-mediated DH are produced in the coordinated way implying their causal relationship.
Emotional Eating: A Virtually Untreated Risk Factor for Outcome Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Chesler Betty E.
Published: April 2012

Empirical investigations implicate emotional eating (EE) in dysfunctional eating behavior such as uncontrolled overeating and insufficient weight loss following bariatric surgery. They demonstrate that EE may be a conscious or reflexive behavior motivated by multiple negative emotions and/or feelings of distress about loss-of-control eating. EE, however, has not been targeted in pre- or postoperative interventions or examined as an explanatory construct for failed treatment of dysfunctional eating. Three cases suggest that cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) might alleviate EE. One describes treatment for distress provoked by loss-of-control eating. The first of two others, associated with negative emotions/life situations, link treatment of a super-super-preoperative obese individual’s reflexive EE with 52% excess BMI (body mass index) loss maintained for the past year, 64 months after surgery. The second relates treatment of conscious/reflexive EE with 84.52% excess BMI loss 53 months after surgery. Implications for research and treatment are discussed.
eVITAL: A Preliminary Taxonomy and Electronic Toolkit of Health-Related Habits and Lifestyle
Authors: Salvador-Carulla Luis , Olson Walsh Carolyn , Alonso Federico , Gómez Rafael , de Teresa Carlos , Cabo-Soler José Ricardo , Cano Antonio , Ruiz Mencía
Published: April 2012

Objectives. To create a preliminary taxonomy and related toolkit of health-related habits (HrH) following a person-centered approach with a focus on primary care.Methods. From 2003–2009, a working group (n=6physicians) defined the knowledge base, created a framing document, and selected evaluation tools using an iterative process. Multidisciplinary focus groups (n=29health professionals) revised the document and evaluation protocol and participated in a feasibility study and review of the model based on a demonstration study with 11 adult volunteers in Antequera, Spain.Results. The preliminary taxonomy contains 6 domains of HrH and 1 domain of additional health descriptors, 3 subdomains, 43 dimensions, and 141 subdimensions. The evaluation tool was completed by the 11 volunteers. The eVITAL toolkit contains history and examination items for 4 levels of engagement: self-assessment, basic primary care, extended primary care, and specialty care. There was positive feedback from the volunteers and experts, but concern about the length of the evaluation.Conclusions. We present the first taxonomy of HrH, which may aid the development of the new models of care such as the personal contextual factors of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) and the positive and negative components of the multilevel person-centered integrative diagnosis model.
The Role of Neurokinin-1 Receptor in the Microenvironment of Inflammation and Cancer
Authors: Rosso Marisa , Muñoz Miguel , Berger Michael
Published: April 2012

The recent years have witnessed an exponential increase in cancer research, leading to a considerable investment in the field. However, with few exceptions, this effort has not yet translated into a better overall prognosis for patients with cancer, and the search for new drug targets continues. After binding to the specific neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor, the peptide substance P (SP), which is widely distributed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, triggers a wide variety of functions. Antagonists against the NK-1 receptor are safe clinical drugs that are known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antiemetic effects. Recently, it has become apparent that SP can induce tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration via the NK-1 receptor, and that the SP/NK-1 receptor complex is an integral part of the microenvironment of inflammation and cancer. Therefore, the use of NK-1 receptor antagonists as a novel and promising approach for treating patients with cancer is currently under intense investigation. In this paper, we evaluate the recent scientific developments regarding this receptor system, its role in the microenvironment of inflammation and cancer, and its potentials and pitfalls for the usage as part of modern anticancer strategies.
Management of Symptomatic Venous Aneurysm
Authors: Gabrielli Roberto , Rosati Maria Sofia , Siani Andrea , Irace Luigi
Published: April 2012

Venous aneurysms (VAs) have been described in quite of all the major veins. They represent uncommon events but often life-threatening because of pulmonary or paradoxical embolism. We describe our twelve patients’ series with acute pulmonary emboli due to venous aneurysm thrombosis. Our experience underlines the importance of a multilevel case-by-case approach and the immediate venous lower limbs duplex scan evaluation in pulmonary embolism events. Our data confirm that anticoagulant alone is not effective in preventing pulmonary embolism. We believe that all the VAs of the deep venous system of the extremities should be treated with surgery as well as symptomatic superficial venous aneurysm. A simple excision can significantly improve symptoms and prevent pulmonary embolism.
Role of Laccase and Low Molecular Weight Metabolites fromTrametes versicolorin Dye Decolorization
Authors: Moldes Diego , Fernández-Fernández María , Sanromán M. Ángeles
Published: April 2012

The studies regarding decolorization of dyes by laccase may not only inform about the possible application of this enzyme for environmental purposes, but also may provide important information about its reaction mechanism and the influence of several factors that could be involved. In this paper, decolorization of crystal violet and phenol red was carried out with different fractions of extracellular liquids fromTrametes versicolorcultures, in order to describe the role of laccase in this reaction. Moreover, the possible role of the low molecular weight metabolites (LMWMs) also produced by the fungus was evaluated. The results confirm the existence of a nonenzymatic decolorization factor, since the nonprotein fraction of the extracellular liquids from cultures ofT. versicolorhas shown decolorization capability. Several experiments were performed in order to identify the main compounds related to this ability, which are probably low molecular weight peroxide compounds.
Diversity of Woodland Communities and Plant Species along an Altitudinal Gradient in the Guancen Mountains, China
Authors: Meng Dongping , Zhang Jin-Tun , Li Min
Published: April 2012

Study on plant diversity is the base of woodland conservation. The Guancen Mountains are the northern end of Luliang mountain range in North China. Fifty-three quadrats of10 m×20 mof woodland communities were randomly established along an altitudinal gradient. Data for species composition and environmental variables were measured and recorded in each quadrat. To investigate the variation of woodland communities, a Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) and a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were conducted, while species diversity indices were used to analyse the relationships between species diversity and environmental variables in this study. The results showed that there were eight communities of woodland vegetation; each of them had their own characteristics in composition, structure, and environment. The variation of woodland communities was significantly related to elevation and also related to slope, slope aspect, and litter thickness. The cumulative percentage variance of species-environment relation for the first three CCA axes was 93.5%. Elevation was revealed as the factor which most influenced community distribution and species diversity. Species diversity was negatively correlated with elevation, slope aspect, and litter thickness, but positively with slope. Species richness and heterogeneity increased first and then decreased but evenness decreased significantly with increasing elevation. Species diversity was correlated with slope, slope aspect, and litter thickness.
Pathogenesis and Tissue Distribution of Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus Isolate IRFIBV32 (793/B Serotype) in Experimentally Infected Broiler Chickens
Authors: Boroomand Zahra , Asasi Keramat , Mohammadi Ali
Published: April 2012

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is one of the most important viral diseases of poultry. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of avian infectious bronchitis virus isolate IRFIBV32 (793/B serotype) in experimentally infected chicken. Ninety-one-day-old commercial broilers were divided randomly into two groups (seventy in the experimental and twenty in the control group). Chicks in the experimental group were inoculated intranasally with 105ELD50/0.1 mL of the virus at three weeks of age. The samples from various tissues were collected at1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, and 20 days postinoculation. Chickens exhibited mild respiratory signs and depression. Viral RNA was detected in the kidney, lung and tracheas on days 1 to 13 PI, in the oviduct between, days 3 and 13, in testes between days 1 and 11 PI, and in the caecal tonsil consistently up to day 20 PI. The most remarkable clinical signs and virus detection appeared on day 1 PI. Data indicated that the number of infected chickens and viral RNA detection from tissues was reduced with increasing antibody titer on day 20 PI. The results demonstrated that the IRFIBV32 virus has wide tissue distribution for respiratory, urogenital, and digestive systems.
Stand-Alone Lateral Interbody Fusion for the Treatment of Low-Grade Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Marchi Luis , Abdala Nitamar , Oliveira Leonardo , Amaral Rodrigo , Coutinho Etevaldo , Pimenta Luiz
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the stand-alone lateral interbody fusion as a minimally invasive option for the treatment of low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis with a minimum 24-month followup. Prospective nonrandomized observational single-center study. 52 consecutive patients (67.6±10 y/o; 73.1% female;27.4±3.4 BMI) with single-level grade I/II single-level degenerative spondylolisthesis without significant spine instability were included. Fusion procedures were performed as retroperitoneal lateral transpsoas interbody fusions without screw supplementation. The procedures were performed in average 73.2 minutes and with less than 50cc blood loss. VAS and Oswestry scores showed lasting improvements in clinical outcomes (60% and 54.5% change, resp.). The vertebral slippage was reduced in 90.4% of cases from mean values of 15.1% preoperatively to 7.4% at 6-week followup (P<0.001) and was maintained through 24 months (7.1%,P<0.001). Segmental lordosis (P<0.001) and disc height (P<0.001) were improved in postop evaluations. Cage subsidence occurred in 9/52 cases (17%) and 7/52 cases (13%) spine levels needed revision surgery. At the 24-month evaluation, solid fusion was observed in 86.5% of the levels treated. The minimally invasive lateral approach has been shown to be a safe and reproducible technique to treat low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Prevalence of Noncardiac Findings in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: May Christopher W. , Mansfield William T. , Landes Andrew B. , Moran Adrian M.
Published: April 2012

Purpose. We sought to determine the prevalence of clinically significant non-cardiac abnormalities found in pediatric and adult patients undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), and understand the impact of age on it’s occurrence.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing CMRI between May 2004 and July 2007. Findings were considered significant if they required radiographic or clinical follow-up.Results. A total of 408 patients underwent CMRI during the study period. Twenty two (16%) pediatric patients (age < 19 years,n=135) were found to have a total of 22 non- cardiac abnormalities, 3 of which were clinically significant. Sixty four (23%) adult patients (age > 19 years,n=273) were found to have a total of 77 non-cardiac abnormalities, 33 of which were clinically significant. The prevalence of clinically significant non-cardiac abnormalities was 2% in the pediatric cohort and 11% in the adult cohort (P=0.05). Within the adult population, the prevalence of significant non-cardiac abnormalities increased with advancing age (P=0.05).Conclusions. In a population of unselected patients undergoing CMRI, unanticipated noncardiac abnormalities were frequently seen. A small number of these were significant, with the prevalence increasing with age.
Effect of Isosporiasis Prevention with Toltrazuril on Long-Term Pig Performance
Authors: Rypula K. , Porowski M. , Kaba J. , Gorczykowski M. , Deniz A.
Published: April 2012

The efficacy of toltrazuril treatment was assessed in two experiments in Polish swine herds. Experiment 1 included a toltrazuril treatment group, Group A (n=410), and untreated control, Group B (n=386). Time to sale in Group A was 108 days versus 120 days for Group B, with average body weights at sale of 114.2 kg and 108.8 kg, respectively (P<0.05). In experiment 2, the health status and body weight gain of 238 piglets treated with toltrazuril (Group D) were compared to 235 untreated piglets (Group K). A similar difference was observed in average body weights of slaughtered animals, being on average 104 kg in Group D and 101 kg in Group K (P<0.01). Animals from Group D were slaughtered 5 days earlier than animals from Group K (day 166 versus day 171). Data from clinical trials suggest treatment of coccidiosis with toltrazuril offering potential for improved animal welfare and yields, however this has remained unproven in field conditions in large swine production facilities. The present study confirms the efficacy of toltrazuril treatment when used in the field and the subsequent positive impact on time to weaning, time to market, and on weight gain at all time points.
Subjective Outcome Evaluation and Factors Related to Perceived Effectiveness of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Yu Lu , Ho Vicky Y. T.
Published: April 2012

Based on a sample of 24,457 participated students, the present study investigated participants' subjective evaluation of the Tier 2 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in the 2009/2010 academic year. Participants generally held positive views toward the Tier 2 Program and program instructor and perceived the program to be beneficial to their development. Programs involving adolescents alone were evaluated more positively than programs involving parents and/or teachers. Students' grade and program type did not show significant impact on participants' subjective evaluation of the project. Consistent with previous reports, perceived effectiveness of the program was significantly predicted by students' perceptions about the program and program instructor. These findings provide further support that the Tier 2 Program is effective in promoting positive development among adolescents with greater psychosocial needs.
Technologies for Beneficial Microorganisms Inocula Used as Biofertilizers
Authors: Malusá E. , Sas-Paszt L. , Ciesielska J.
Published: April 2012

The increasing need for environmentaly friendly agricultural practices is driving the use of fertilizers based on beneficial microorganisms. The latter belong to a wide array of genera, classes, and phyla, ranging from bacteria to yeasts and fungi, which can support plant nutrition with different mechanisms. Moreover, studies on the interactions between plant, soil, and the different microorganisms are shedding light on their interrelationships thus providing new possible ways to exploit them for agricultural purposes. However, even though the inoculation of plants with these microorganisms is a well-known practice, the formulation of inocula with a reliable and consistent effect under field conditions is still a bottleneck for their wider use. The choice of the technology for inocula production and of the carrier for the formulation is key to their successful application. This paper focuses on how inoculation issues can be approached to improve the performance of beneficial microorganisms used as a tool for enhancing plant growth and yield.
Cell Cycle Inhibition without Disruption of Neurogenesis Is a Strategy for Treatment of Aberrant Cell Cycle Diseases: An Update
Authors: Liu Da-Zhi , Ander Bradley P.
Published: April 2012

Since publishing our earlier report describing a strategy for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases by inhibiting the cell cycle and without disrupting neurogenesis (Liu et al. 2010), we now update and extend this strategy to applications in the treatment of cancers as well. Here, we put forth the concept of “aberrant cell cycle diseases” to include both cancer and CNS diseases, the two unrelated disease types on the surface, by focusing on a common mechanism in each aberrant cell cycle reentry. In this paper, we also summarize the pharmacological approaches that interfere with classical cell cycle molecules and mitogenic pathways to block the cell cycle of tumor cells (in treatment of cancer) as well as to block the cell cycle of neurons (in treatment of CNS diseases). Since cell cycle inhibition can also block proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and thus impair brain neurogenesis leading to cognitive deficits, we propose that future strategies aimed at cell cycle inhibition in treatment of aberrant cell cycle diseases (i.e., cancers or CNS diseases) should be designed with consideration of the important side effects on normal neurogenesis and cognition.
Natural Killer Cells and Their Role in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Shegarfi Hamid , Naddafi Fatemeh , Mirshafiey Abbas
Published: April 2012

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Natural killer (NK) cells are an important part of the innate immune system and are responsible for the first line of defense against pathogens during the initial immune challenge before the adaptive immune system eventually eliminates the infectious burden. NK cells have the capacity to damage normal cells or through interaction with other cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and T cells cause autoimmune diseases, such as RA. NK cells isolated from the joints of patients with RA suggest that they may play a role in this disease. However, the involvement of NK cells in RA pathology is not fully elucidated. Both protective and detrimental roles of NK cells in RA have recently been reported. A better understanding of NK cells' role in RA might help to develop new therapeutic strategies for treatment of the RA or other autoimmune diseases. We have decided in this paper to focus on the NK cell biology, and attempt to bring the interested readership of this Journal up to date on the NK cell, specifically its possible relation to RA.
Auditing Clinical Outcomes after Introducing Off-Licence Prescribing of Atypical Antipsychotic Melperone for Patients with Treatment Refractory Schizophrenia
Authors: Röhricht Frank , Gadhia Seema , Alam Rinku , Willis Melissa
Published: April 2012

Aims and Method. To evaluate the practical utility of off-licence prescribing and clinical outcomes of treatment with atypical antipsychotic Melperone.Method: Prospective data collection on patient’s clinical characteristics and outcomes.Results. 17 patients with a diagnosis of refractory schizophrenia were identified as suitable for off-license prescribing of Melperone and commenced treatment (13 were previously treated with Clozapine). Seven of those currently remain on Melperone (41%), and for six patents, the BPRS symptom scores reduced significantly over time (24–61%) additionally patients displayed improvements of their quality of life. Six patients were discontinued due to noncompliance and/or side effects. Melperone was ineffective in the other four patients.Clinical Implications. The example of a small group of patients responding well to a comparably safe and inexpensive atypical antipsychotic with favourable side effect profile should encourage clinicians to use this tool as third-line treatment and to conduct more systematic clinical research.
Microstructure and Properties of Polyhydroxybutyrate-Chitosan-Nanohydroxyapatite Composite Scaffolds
Authors: Medvecky L.
Published: April 2012

Polyhydroxybutyrate-chitosan-hydroxyapatite (PHB-CHT-HAP) composite scaffolds were prepared by the precipitation of biopolymer-nanohydroxyapatite suspensions and following lyophilisation. The propylene carbonate and acetic acid were used as the polyhydroxybutyrate and chitosan solvents, respectively. The high porous microstructure was observed in composites and the macroporosity of scaffolds (pore sizes up to 100 μm) rose with the chitosan content. It was found the reduction in both the PHB melting (70°C) and thermal degradation temperatures of polyhydroxybutyrate and chitosan biopolymers in composites, which confirms the mutual ineraction between polymers and the decrease of PHB lamellar thickness. No preferential preconcentration of individual biopolymers was verified in composites, and the compressive strengths of macroporous PHB-CHT-HAP scaffolds were approximately 2.5 MPa. The high toxic fluorinated cosolvents were avoided from the preparation process.
Induction of MAP Kinase Homologues during Growth and Morphogenetic Development of Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica) under the Influence of Host Factor(s) from Wheat Spikes
Authors: Gupta Atul K. , Seneviratne J. M. , Joshi G. K. , Kumar Anil
Published: April 2012

Signaling pathways that activate different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in response to certain environmental conditions, play important role in mating type switching (Fus3) and pathogenicity (Pmk1) in many fungi. In order to determine the roles of such regulatory genes inTilletia indica, the causal pathogen of Karnal bunt (KB) of wheat, semi-quantitative and quantitative RT-PCR was carried out to isolate and determine the expression of MAP kinase homologues during fungal growth and development underin vitroculture. Maximum expression of TiFus3 and TiPmk1 genes were observed at 14th and 21st days of culture and decreased thereafter. To investigate whether the fungus alters the expression levels of same kinases upon interaction with plants, cultures were treated with 1% of host factors (extracted from S-2 stage of wheat spikes). Such treatment induced the expression of MAPks in time dependent manner compared to the absence of host factors. These results suggest that host factor(s) provide certain signal(s) which activate TiFus3 and TiPmk1 during morphogenetic development ofT. indica. The results also provides a clue about the role of host factors in enhancing the disease potential due to induction of MAP kinases involved in fungal development and pathogenecity.
Combining Ability Analysis in Complete Diallel Cross of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai)
Authors: Bahari M. , Rafii M. Y. , Saleh G. B. , Latif M. A.
Published: April 2012

The experiments were carried out in two research stations (MARDI Bukit Tangga, Kedah, and MARDI Seberang Perai, Penang) in Malaysia. The crossings were performed using the four inbred lines in complete diallel cross including selfs and reciprocals. We evaluated the yield components and fruit characters such as fruit yield per plant, vine length, days to fruit maturity, fruit weight, total soluble solid content, and rind thickness over a period of two planting seasons. General combining ability and its interaction with locations were statistically significant for all characteristics except number of fruits per plant across the environments. Results indicated that the additive genetic effects were important to the inheritance of these traits and the expression of additive genes was influenced greatly by environments. In addition, specific combining ability effect was statistically evident for fruit yield per plant, vine length, days to first female flower, and fruit weight. Most of the characters are simultaneously controlled by additive and nonadditive gene effects. This study demonstrated that the highest potential and promising among the crosses was cross P2 (BL-14) × P3 (6372-4), which possessed prolific plants, with early maturity, medium fruit weight and high soluble solid contents. Therefore this hybrid might be utilized for developing high yielding watermelon cultivars and may be recommended for commercial cultivation.
The Effects of Environment and Physiological Cyclicity on the Immune System ofViperinae
Authors: Kobolkuti Lorand , Cadar Daniel , Czirjak Gabor , Niculae Mihaela , Kiss Timea , Sandru Carmen , Spinu Marina
Published: April 2012

One of the important aspects of species’ survival is connected with global climate changes, which also conditions the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Poikilotherms are exposed, as other species, to climatic influence, especially due to their physiological peculiarities such as important stages of their life cycle: hibernation, shedding, and active phase. The immune system serves as an accurate indicator of the health status and stress levels in these species. This study aimed to monitor the changes of innate (leukocyte subpopulations and total immune globulins) and adaptive immunity (in vitroleukocyte blast transformation) of two viper species,V. berus berusandV. ammodytes ammodytes, endemic in Europe and spread in different regions of Romania during their three major life cycles, hibernation, shedding, and active phase. The results indicated that seasonal variance and cycle rather than species and regional distribution influence the functionality of the immune system.
Genetic Characterization ofStreptococcus iniaein Diseased Farmed Rainbow Trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) in Iran
Authors: Erfanmanesh A. , Soltani M. , Pirali E. , Mohammadian S. , Taherimirghaed A.
Published: April 2012

Genetic characterization of strains ofStreptococcus iniaerecovered from morbidity and mortality of farmed rainbow trout in different provinces of Iran were studied. The Gram-positive cocci isolates were obtained from the kidney tissues of diseased rainbow trout on blood agar at25°Cfor 72 h. The grown bacteria were then characterized using biochemical and molecular works. The identified 26 isolates ofS. iniaeproducing a 513 bp in PCR procedure were then compared using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis using 9 random primers. The phylogenetic tree of the RAPD product using UPMGA software included these strains in one genetic group but into two clusters. The results of this study show thatS. iniaestrains from the diseased rainbow trout in the north part of Iran are genetically similar to those strains in the south and west parts of the country.
Physiologically Based Structure of Mean Residence Time
Authors: Ďurišová Mária
Published: April 2012

A mean residence time (MRT) is an important pharmacokinetic parameter. To the author's knowledge, however, a physiologically based structure of MRT (thereafter MRT structure) has not been published so far. Primarily this is because MRT structures cannot be identified by traditional pharmacokinetic methods used for the determination of MRT. Therefore, tools from the theory of linear dynamic systems were used for the structural identification of MRT in this study. The MRT structure identified is physiologically meaningful. Accordingly, it seems that the MRT structure identified may contribute to already established knowledge about MRT.
An Optical Overview of Poly[-L-alanine--nitrato-sodium(I)] Crystals
Authors: Gallegos-Loya E. , Orrantia-Borunda E. , Duarte-Moller A.
Published: April 2012

Single crystals of the semiorganic materials, L-alanine sodium nitrate (LASN) and D-alanine sodium nitrate (DASN), were grown from an aqueous solution by slow-evaporation technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were carried for the doped grown crystals. The absorption of these grown crystals was analyzed using UV-Vis-NIR studies, and it was found that these crystals possess minimum absorption from 200 to 1100 nm. An infrared (FTIR) spectrum of single crystal has been measured in the 4000–400 cm-1range. The assignment of the observed vibrational modes to corresponding symmetry type has been performed. A thermogravimetric study was carried out to determine the thermal properties of the grown crystal. The efficiency of second harmonic generation was obtained by a variant of the Kurtz-Perry method.
TNF-αPromotes IFN-γ-Induced CD40 Expression and Antigen Process in Myb-Transformed Hematological Cells
Authors: Gu Wenyi , Chen Jiezhong , Yang Lei , Zhao Kong-Nan
Published: April 2012

Tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon-γand interleukin-4 are critical cytokines in regulating the immune responses against infections and tumours. In this study, we investigated the effects of three cytokines on CD40 expression in Myb-transformed hematological cells and their regulatory roles in promoting these cells into dendritic cells. We observed that both interleukin-4 and interferon-γincreased CD40 expression in these hematological cells in a dose-dependent manner, although the concentration required for interleukin-4 was significantly higher than that for interferon-γ. We found that tumour necrosis factor-αpromoted CD40 expression induced by interferon-γ, but not by interleukin-4. Our data showed that tumour necrosis factor-αplus interferon-γ-treated Myb-transformed hematological cells had the greatest ability to take up and process the model antigen DQ-Ovalbumin. Tumour necrosis factor-αalso increased the ability of interferon-γto produce the mixed lymphocyte reaction to allogenic T cells. Furthermore, only cotreatment with tumour necrosis factor-αand interferon-γinduced Myb-transformed hematological cells to express interleukin-6. These results suggest that tumour necrosis factor-αplays a key regulatory role in the development of dendritic cells from hematological progenitor cells induced by interferon-γ.
Evaluation of Clinical and Immunopathological Features of Different Infective Doses ofTrypanosoma cruziin Dogs during the Acute Phase
Authors: Quijano-Hernández Israel A. , Castro-Barcena Alejandro , Aparicio-Burgos Esteban , Barbosa-Mireles Marco A. , Cruz-Chan Julio V. , Vázquez-Chagoyán Juan C. , Bolio-González Manuel E. , Dumonteil Eric
Published: April 2012

Infection withTrypanosoma cruziis a major risk in Latin America, and dogs are believed to be good models for evaluating Chagas disease. Here, we evaluated the clinical and immunopathological alterations developed by mongrel dogs experimentally infected with different infective doses (2,000, 20,000, and 200,000 metacyclic trypomastigotes of Sylvio X10/4 strain kg−1via intraperitoneal). Clinical and electrocardiographic parameters, as well as antibody production and pathologic lesions were evaluated. All three doses of this strain ofT. cruziinduced a similar pattern of infection characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and severe and diffuse myocarditis. Specific anti-T. cruziIgG indicated seroconversion by day 14 after infection, and IgG levels increased during the period of evaluation. Mortality was observed only in dogs infected with the medium or high parasite doses, but not in the group infected with a low dose of 2,000 parasites kg-1. Infection with a low dose of parasites provides an excellent nonlethal model to evaluate the immunopathology of the acute disease in dogs infected with the Sylvio X10/4 strain ofT. cruzi.
Low-Dose Fluvastatin Prevents the Functional Alterations of Endothelium Induced by Short-Term Cholesterol Feeding in Rabbit Carotid Artery
Authors: Sevin Gulnur , Akcay Yasemin Delen , Ozsarlak-Sozer Gonen , Yasa Mukadder
Published: April 2012

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins, are the medical treatment of choice for hypercholesterolemia. In addition to lowering serum-cholesterol levels, statins appear to promote pleiotropic effects that are independent of changes in serum cholesterol. In this study, we investigated the effects of low-dose fluvastatin on antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase), total nitrite/nitrate levels, and vascular reactivity in 2% cholesterol-fed rabbits. This diet did not generate any fatty streak lesions on carotid artery wall. However, SOD activity significantly increased with cholesterol feeding whereas the catalase activities decreased. The levels of nitrite/nitrate, stable products of NO degradation, diminished. Moreover, dietary cholesterol reduced vascular responses to acetylcholine, but contractions to serotonin were augmented. Fluvastatin treatment abrogated the cholesterol-induced increase in SOD, increased the levels of nitric oxide metabolites in tissue, and restored both the impaired vascular responses to acetylcholine and the augmented contractile responses to serotonin without affecting plasma-cholesterol levels. Phenylephrine contractions and nitroglycerine vasodilatations did not change in all groups. This study indicated that fluvastatin treatment performed early enough to improve impaired vascular responses may delay cardiovascular complications associated with several cardiovascular diseases.
Improvement of the Bioavailability and Glycaemic Metabolism of Cinnamon Oil in Rats by Liquid Loadable Tablets
Authors: Han Chunchao , Cui Bo
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study is to investigate the bioavailability and glycaemic metabolism of cinnamon oil (CIO) carried by liquid-loadable tablets (CIO-LLTs), the carrier of a CIO self-emulsifying formulation (CIO-LS). The results of tests performed to evaluate the physical properties of the CIO-LLT complied with Chinese Pharmacopeia (2010). The release profile suggested that the CIO-LLT preserved the enhancement of in vitro dissolution of cio. After orally administration, the plasma concentration-time profile and pharmacokinetic parameters suggested that a significant increase (P<0.0001) in theCmax, AUC andFwere observed in the CIO-LLT. The blood glucose and the HbA1c were significantly decreased in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats (P<0.05,P<0.01, resp.), while the level of insulin secretion was markedly elevated in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats (P<0.05). The alloxan-damaged pancreaticβ-cells of the rats were partly recovered gradually after the rats were administered with CIO-LLT 45 days later. CIO-LLT could improve the bioavailability and glycaemic metabolism of CIO.
The Evaluation of Diagnostic Role of Cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) in Newborns with Heart Defects
Authors: Tarkowska Agata , Furmaga-Jabłońska Wanda
Published: April 2012

Heart diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Diagnostic methods are often not sufficient or, in many cases, cannot be used. There is a great advance in medical knowledge concerning biomarkers in the diagnosis of circulatory system in adult patients. Among them, cardiac troponins play the main role. In current literature, there is not enough data concerning the possibility of using them in neonatal cardiac diagnostics.Aim of the Study. To evaluate diagnostic usefulness of cTnT in correlation with other markers of circulatory failure and myocardial damage in newborns with heart defects.Patients and Methods. The study involved 83 newborns up to 46 weeks of postmenstrual age. The exclusion criteria were severe perinatal asphyxia and presence of severe noncardiac diseases. Patients were divided into 2 main groups: group I—54 patients with congenital heart defects (CHDs), and group II (control)—29 healthy neonates. All patients underwent detailed examination of circulatory system. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) concentrations were evaluated by Roche CARDIAC T Quantitive test.Results. Performed studies revealed that cTnT levels in newborns with heart pathology were significantly higher than in healthy ones. However, cTnT concentrations in patients with CHD did not correlate with clinical symptoms of heart failure, nor with echocardiographic markers of LV function. Type of heart defect did not influence cTnT levels as well. Only hemodynamic significance evaluated by echocardiography influenced the cTnT levels with statistical significance.Conclusions. (1) Statistically significant differences in cTnT levels between newborns with heart defects and healthy subjects were shown. (2) CTnT levels in newborns with heart defects refer only to hemodynamic significance of the defect.
Evaluation of the Training Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S.: Findings Based on the Perspective of the Participants from Different Cohorts
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Chak Yammy L. Y.
Published: April 2012

Subjective outcome evaluation findings based on the perspective of the participants participating in a 3-day training program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. are reported in this paper. The findings were based on the data collected from the training workshops conducted between 2005 and 2009(N=4.167). Results showed that the respondents had good and positive perceptions of the training program and found it very valuable, particularly with respect to training instructors and familiarization with the project. Besides, the training participants were able to acquire attitude, knowledge and skills that are conducive to the successful implementation of the program. Based on the subjective outcome evaluation findings, it is concluded that the training program was effective in helping the participants to acquire the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills in implementing the program.
The Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong—Lessons Learned and Implications for Positive Youth Development Programs
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Sun Rachel C. F.
Published: April 2012

The Project P.A.T.H.S. is a positive youth development program which attempts to promote holistic development of junior secondary schools in Hong Kong. It is ground breaking in terms of the number of schools participating in the project and financial resources injected into the project. Based on the experiences gained from the implementation of the project and evaluation data collected from 2005 to 2011, several issues pertinent to the development of positive youth development programs in the Chinese culture are discussed. These issues include complexity of program development, importance of training, identification of factors governing program implementation, need for evaluation, and promotion of sustainability of the program in the long run.
Helping Adolescents with Greater Psychosocial Needs: Subjective Outcome Evaluation Based on Different Cohorts
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Lee Tak Yan
Published: April 2012

The Tier 2 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) is designed to help students with greater psychosocial needs. This paper examines nine sets of subjective outcome evaluation data collected from 2005 to 2009 (n=60,241participants). Based on the consolidated data with schools as units, results showed that participants generally had positive perceptions of the program, implementers, and benefits of the program. The subjective outcome evaluation instrument was found to be internally consistent. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived qualities of the program and the program implementers predicted perceived effectiveness of the program. The present study provides support for the effectiveness of the Tier 2 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong.
A Novel Partial Sequence Alignment Tool for Finding Large Deletions
Authors: Aruk Taner , Ustek Duran , Kursun Olcay
Published: April 2012

Finding large deletions in genome sequences has become increasingly more useful in bioinformatics, such as in clinical research and diagnosis. Although there are a number of publically available next generation sequencing mapping and sequence alignment programs, these software packages do not correctly align fragments containing deletions larger than one kb. We present a fast alignment software package, BinaryPartialAlign, that can be used by wet lab scientists to find long structural variations in their experiments. For BinaryPartialAlign, we make use of the Smith-Waterman (SW) algorithm with a binary-search-based approach for alignment with large gaps that we called partial alignment. BinaryPartialAlign implementation is compared with other straight-forward applications of SW. Simulation results on mtDNA fragments demonstrate the effectiveness (runtime and accuracy) of the proposed method.
A Review: Inflammatory Process in Alzheimer's Disease, Role of Cytokines
Authors: Rubio-Perez Jose Miguel , Morillas-Ruiz Juana Maria
Published: April 2012

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder to date. Neuropathological hallmarks areβ-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, but the inflammatory process has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of AD. Inflammatory components related to AD neuroinflammation include brain cells such as microglia and astrocytes, the complement system, as well as cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines play a key role in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes in AD. An important factor in the onset of inflammatory process is the overexpression of interleukin (IL)-1, which produces many reactions in a vicious circle that cause dysfunction and neuronal death. Other important cytokines in neuroinflammation are IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. By contrast, other cytokines such as IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-βcan suppress both proinflammatory cytokine production and their action, subsequently protecting the brain. It has been observed in epidemiological studies that treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decreases the risk for developing AD. Unfortunately, clinical trials of NSAIDs in AD patients have not been very fruitful. Proinflammatory responses may be countered through polyphenols. Supplementation of these natural compounds may provide a new therapeutic line of approach to this brain disorder.
Morphohistology of the Digestive Tract of the Damsel FishStegastes fuscus(Osteichthyes: Pomacentridae)
Authors: Canan Bhaskara , Nascimento Wallace Silva do , Silva Naisandra Bezerra da , Chellappa Sathyabama
Published: April 2012

This study investigated the morphohistology of the digestive tract and the mean intestinal coefficient of the damsel fishStegastes fuscuscaptured from the tidal pools of Northeastern Brazil. The wall of the digestive tract ofS. fuscusis composed of the tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. The esophagus is short with sphincter and thick distensible wall with longitudinally folded mucosa. Mucous glands are predominant, and the muscular layer of the esophagus presented striated fibers all along its extension. The transition region close to the stomach shows plain and striated muscular fibers. Between the stomach and intestine, there are three pyloric caeca. The intestine is long and thin with four folds around the stomach. The anterior intestine presents folds similar to those of pyloric caeca. The estimated mean intestinal coefficient and characteristics of the digestive system ofS. fuscuspresent morphological adequacy for both herbivorous and omnivorous feeding habits.
The Rapid TEGα-Angle May Be a Sensitive Predictor of Transfusion in Moderately Injured Blunt Trauma Patients
Authors: Jeger Victor , Willi Sandra , Liu Tun , Yeh Daniel D. , De Moya Marc , Zimmermann Heinz , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K.
Published: April 2012

Background. To guide the administration of blood products, coagulation screening of trauma patients should be fast and accurate. The purpose of this study was to identify the correlation between CCT and TEG in trauma, to determine which CCT or TEG parameter is most sensitive in predicting transfusion in trauma, and to define TEG cut-off points for trauma care.Methods. A six-month, prospective observational study of 76 adult patients with suspected multiple injuries was conducted at a Level 1 trauma centre of a university hospital. Physicians blinded to TEG results made the decision to transfuse based on clinical evaluation.Results. The study results showed that conventional coagulation tests correlate moderately with Rapid TEG parameters (R: 0.44–0.61). Kaolin and Rapid TEG were more sensitive than CCTs, and the Rapid TEG α-Angle was identified as the single parameter with the greatest sensitivity (84%) and validity (77%) at a cut-off of 74.7 degrees. When the Rapid TEG α-Angle was combined with heart rate >75 bpm, or haematocrit < 41%, sensitivity (84%, 88%) and specificity (75%, 73%) were improved.Conclusion. Cutoff points for transfusion can be determined with the Rapid TEG α-Angle and can provide better sensitivity than CCTs, but a larger study population is needed to reproduce this finding.
Human Papillomavirus Is Associated with Breast Cancer in the North Part of Iran
Authors: Sigaroodi Afsaneh , Nadji Seyed Alireza , Naghshvar Farshad , Nategh Rakhshandeh , Emami Habib , Velayati Ali Akbar
Published: April 2012

We have analyzed the possible relevance of HPV infection for breast cancer risk among Iranian women from north part of Iran. Among women with breast cancer, 25.9% had positive test results for HPV DNA in breast tumor samples in contrast to 2.4% of women with noncancer status (P=0.002). The infection of HPV has increased the risk of breast cancer (OR 14.247; 95% CI 1.558–130.284,P=0.019). The high-risk HPV genotypes (types 16 and 18) in samples of breast cancer patients were the predominant types (53.34%). Other genotypes detected in breast cancer were HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-15, HPV-23, and HPV-124, and one isolate could not be genotyped compared to HPV reference sequences. While the sole detected HPV in control specimens was HPV-124. Our study reveals that HPV infection and age are the risk factors in breast cancer development in the north part of Iran.