bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate post-craniotomy headache
Authors: de Oliveira Ribeiro Maria do Carmo , Pereira Carlos U , Sallum Ana MC , Martins-Filho Paulo Ricardo S , DeSantana Josimari M , da Silva Nunes Mariangela , Hora Edilene C
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Headache is the most common adverse event immediately following craniotomy and is due to the surgical procedure and meningeal irritation.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of headache during the first week after a craniotomy, as well as headache intensity, whether pain was registered in the patient's medical records, the use of analgesics and predictors of headache.

Methods

Ninety-one patients who underwent craniotomy were evaluated from the first to the seventh post-operative day. The variables analysed were gender, age, medical history, indication for craniotomy, surgery, occurrence of headache, pain registration in the medical records, length of hospital stay and analgesics consumption.

Results

On the second post-operative day, 29.2% of patients had a headache and there was under-reporting of this pain in the patients’ records. The analgesics used were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory in 75% of cases. An age of <45 years (odds ratio = 3.0, p = 0.041) and surgery duration lasting >4 hours (odds ratio = 3.7, p = 0.019) were associated with the occurrence of immediate post-craniotomy headache.

Conclusion

Further training should be provided to professionals caring for patients undergoing craniotomy to better manage post-operative headache.
Convective heat transfer coefficient in compartment fires
Authors: Veloo Peter S , Quintiere James G
Published: March 2013

Heat transfer to compartment surfaces was measured in fully developed fire experiments. The experiments involved scaled compartments ranging from 1/8th to 3/8th with full-scale height of 2.54 m. Gas temperatures reached 1000°C, and total surface heat flux could reach 200 kW/m2, with convection accounting for 25% of the total. A combination of thermopile heat flux gage, metal plate sensor, and gas and wall thermocouples was used to separate the convective and radiative components. The convective heat transfer coefficients were resolved experimentally. Convective heat transfer coefficient was correlated against temperature rise within the compartment for both flaming and after extinction phases.
Diverse Seizure Presentation of Acute Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Encephalitis Resolving With Immunotherapy
Authors: Arkilo Dimitrios , Pierce Beth , Ritter Frank , Doescher Jason S. , Frost Michael
Published: March 2013

We report 3 previously normal children that presented for evaluation of new onset seizures. Case 1, a 7-year-old female, presented with refractory left frontal lobe seizures associated with right arm simple motor seizures refractory to 6 antiepileptic medications at sufficient doses and levels. Case 2, a 15-year-old female, presented with left frontotemporal lobe seizures and nonconvulsive seizures, associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms refractory to 5 antiepileptic medications. Both patients received intravenous steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. Case 3, an 11-year-old male, presented with a generalized tonic clonic seizure and worsening hallucinations responding to intravenous corticosteroids and 1 antiepileptic medication. All 3 patients had extensive infectious and metabolic evaluation and were found to be serum immunoglobulin M positive for mycoplasma pneumoniae. Despite their prolonged severe symptoms, all patients had virtually complete recovery with excellent seizure control after aggressive seizure management with immunotherapy and antiepileptic medication.
Modelling the running states of high-speed trains using triangular fuzzy number workflow nets
Authors: Wen Chao , Peng Qiyuan , Chen Yuhong , Ren Juanjuan
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we propose the use of workflow nets to study the issues associated with deriving the running states of trains. Triangular fuzzy numbers are introduced to express the train’s activity times and to aid in the modelling using workflow nets of the running processes of high-speed trains. A workflow net links all the activities of a train’s running processes into a sequence called a train running workflow net for high-speed trains. The main job of a triangular fuzzy number workflow net is triangular fuzzy number operation. The principles of this operation are discussed in this paper. The connotations of the two modes of operation of train running workflow nets—sequential mode and alternative mode—are also analysed. In addition, methods for calculating the time duration during which a triangular fuzzy number workflow net operates, both in sequential mode and alternative mode, for high-speed trains are proposed and proved. Train activity times and running status can be forecast by executing the proposed triangular fuzzy number workflow nets.
Construction and analysis of causally dynamic hybrid bond graphs
Authors: Margetts Rebecca , Ngwompo Roger F , Fortes da Cruz Marcelin
Published: March 2013

Engineering systems are frequently abstracted to models with discontinuous behaviour (such as a switch or contact), and a hybrid model is one which contains continuous and discontinuous behaviours. Bond graphs are an established physical modelling method, but there are several methods for constructing switched or ‘hybrid’ bond graphs, developed for either qualitative ‘structural’ analysis or efficient numerical simulation of engineering systems. This article proposes a general hybrid bond graph suitable for both. The controlled junction is adopted as an intuitive way of modelling a discontinuity in the model structure. This element gives rise to ‘dynamic causality’ that is facilitated by a new bond graph notation. From this model, the junction structure and state equations are derived and compared to those obtained by existing methods. The proposed model includes all possible modes of operation and can be represented by a single set of equations. The controlled junctions manifest as Boolean variables in the matrices of coefficients. The method is more compact and intuitive than existing methods and dispenses with the need to derive various modes of operation from a given reference representation. Hence, a method has been developed, which can reach common usage and form a platform for further study.
A robust control method of a hybrid vibration absorber for vibration suppression in a wide frequency band considering large structural parameter variations
Authors: Yang Kai , Cui Long , Huang Hai
Published: March 2013

This article presents a robust control method of an active–passive hybrid vibration absorber for vibration suppression in a wide frequency band based on skyhook damping strategy. The technology of linear extended state observer is applied to automatically change pole locations of the system for stabilising the skyhook damping control, so that a high control gain can be used for effective control performance. Simulations on the vibration control of a single-degree-of-freedom primary structure via a hybrid vibration absorber are conducted to analyse the stability and performance of the present method. The results reveal that the present method is effective for vibration suppression and robust against marked parameter variations in both the primary structure and the absorber, when the controller is stabilised. Finally, this article demonstrates the effectiveness of the present approach for active control of multiple hybrid vibration absorbers to suppress multimode vibration. Simulation results show that the robustness against structural parameter variations is significantly improved compared to the previous approach, and all the vibration modes of the primary structure are suppressed effectively. In addition, by means of commercial dynamics software, simulations on vibration control of a cantilever panel via two hybrid absorbers are performed to further demonstrate the control effectiveness for a complex structure, where an analytical model is not available. Results indicate that the present method is effective and stable despite the large changes of the parameters.
Tracking differentiator-based dynamic surface control for the power control of the wind generation system in the wind farm
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Xu Hongbing , Zou Jianxiao , Zheng Gang
Published: March 2013

In this article, tracking differentiator-based nonlinear control method is proposed for wind generation system to follow the power regulation request from the centralized wind farm controller. To avoid the jump of the power set point for wind generation system specified by the centralized wind farm controller, the transient profile is generated through the tracking differentiator. Then, an optimal control method is proposed to regulate the output power of wind generation system. Particularly, the stable nonlinear controller based on dynamic surface control is designed for the rotational speed regulation. Simulation cases are studied to demonstrate the performance of the proposed control method and the efficiency of the tracking differentiator for power control of the wind generation system in the wind farm.
Influence of the Kuroshio Current intrusion on Holocene environmental transformation in the South China Sea
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Li Tiegang , Xiang Rong , Chen Muhong , Yan Wen , Chen Zhong , Liu Fang
Published: March 2013

Numerous studies have been conducted on the evolutionary history of the Kuroshio Current (KC) and other extensions. However, the history of the KC intrusion into the South China Sea (SCS) through the Luzon Strait has been little studied. Here we trace the Holocene developmental history of the KC intrusion and its impact on environmental transformation in the northern SCS. This study involved a comprehensive analysis of planktonic foraminifera, clay minerals and geochemical elements of core 05E306 sediments from the northeastern SCS. AMS 14C dates indicated that the sedimentation rate at the core site was most rapid (>1000 cm/ka) before ~6.0 ka, relatively rapid (~65 cm/ka) between 6.0 and 4.6 ka and slow (~24 cm/ka) since 4.6 ka. The Pulleniatina minimum event (PME) occurred between 4.6 and 2.7 ka, together with high percentages of Neogloboquadrina dutertrei and Globorotalia menardii. Planktonic foraminifera indicated that the KC intrusion experienced three significant changes at 6.0, 4.6 and 2.7 ka in turn. Depositional environments, including input of terrigenous materials and development of biogenic materials, similarly underwent three important transformations at 6.0, 4.1 and 3.0 ka, respectively. Abrupt changes in sedimentary records at the study core are contemporary with records from the tropical Pacific during the Holocene. This indicates that development of the KC intrusion and its impact on depositional environments in the SCS can be correlated with tropical factors from the low-latitude oceans.
Hybridity in Herodotus
Authors: McWilliams Susan
Published: March 2013

Scholarly interest in hybridity has focused largely on the present and recent past. Yet, one of the great theorists of hybridity is an ancient one: Herodotus. By describing a globe in motion—the motion of people across borders and through time—Herodotus draws a picture of a world that brings the hybrid to the fore. He thinks seriously about how we should regard diversity in light of global hybridity. Reading Herodotus as a theorist of the hybrid not only adds an interesting perspective to contemporary conversations but also reminds us of hybridity’s enduring importance as a subject of political inquiry.
Addisonian crisis and severe acidosis in a cat: a case of feline hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Sicken Julia , Neiger Reto
Published: March 2013

A 4-year-old female neutered British Shorthair cat was presented as an emergency owing to progressive apathy, anorexia, adipsia, weight loss and weakness. Clinical findings showed severe weakness, collapse, weak pulse, bradycardia, hypovolaemia and hypothermia. Blood examinations revealed marked metabolic acidosis, hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hypercalcaemia, hypochloraemia and azotaemia. The diagnosis of feline hypoadrenocorticism was based on low cortisol and aldosterone plasma levels before and after synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone administration. Initial treatment consisted of intravenous fluid therapy. After stabilisation a combination of fludrocortisone and prednisolone was given orally. One year after diagnosis the cat is free of clinical signs and in good condition.
Preliminary Evidence of an Association Between an Interleukin 6 Promoter Polymorphism and Self-Reported Attentional Function in Oncology Patients and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Merriman John D. , Aouizerat Bradley E. , Langford Dale J. , Cooper Bruce A. , Baggott Christina R. , Cataldo Janine K. , Dhruva Anand , Dunn Laura , West Claudia , Paul Steven M. , Ritchie Christine S. , Swift Patrick S. , Miaskowski Christine
Published: March 2013

Subgroups of individuals may be at greater risk of cytokine-induced changes in attentional function. The purposes of this study were to identify subgroups of individuals with distinct trajectories of attentional function and evaluate for phenotypic and genotypic (i.e., cytokine gene polymorphisms) differences among these subgroups. Self-reported attentional function was evaluated in 252 participants (167 oncology patients and 85 family caregivers) using the Attentional Function Index before radiation therapy and at six additional assessments over 6 months. Three latent classes of attentional function were identified using growth mixture modeling: moderate (36.5%), moderate-to-high (48.0%), and high (15.5%) attentional function. Participants in the moderate class were significantly younger, with more comorbidities and lower functional status, than those in the other two classes. However, only functional status remained significant in multivariable models. Included in the genetic association analyses were 92 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 15 candidate genes. Additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models were assessed for each SNP. Controlling for functional status, only Interleukin 6 (IL6) rs1800795 remained a significant genotypic predictor of class membership in multivariable models. Each additional copy of the rare “G” allele was associated with a 4-fold increase in the odds of belonging to the lower attentional function class (95% confidence interval: [1.78, 8.92]; p = .001). Findings provide preliminary evidence of subgroups of individuals with distinct trajectories of attentional function and of a genetic association with an IL6 promoter polymorphism.
Religious parties
Authors: Brocker Manfred , Künkler Mirjam
Published: March 2013

The saliency of religious parties in recent democratic consolidation processes forces the discipline to reconsider key questions on party change: Under what conditions do (radical) religious parties moderate? Is their mere inclusion in the democratic process enough to result in their moderation? If so, exactly what mechanisms are at work here? What roles are played by intervening variables such as coalition politics and electoral systems? And if this is not the case, what other variables may explain the movements of religious parties along the axis between moderation and radicalization? Does religion itself play a role? In the endeavor to answer these and related questions, this introduction to the Special Issue on Religious Parties initially provides some conceptual clarifications and offers an overview of the relevant literature. It is followed by a list of conditions under which the development and shift of religious parties towards ideological and behavioral moderation may be expected. The argument posits that the democratization of the political system and inclusion in electoral competition are not the sole determining factors. Inclusion, indeed, seems to be neither a necessary nor sufficient condition. The four case studies presented after the introduction (by Carolyn Warner, Michael Buehler, Steven T. Wuhs, and Sarah Wilson Sokhey/Kadir Yildirim) analyze this in more depth by working diachronically and across parties of different religions. The first article revisits the development of Catholic parties in Italy, while the following set examines religious parties in the third- and fourth-wave democracies of Mexico, Turkey and Indonesia, and in Egypt, which has still not reached the status of a constitutional democracy.
On optimal settings of classification tree ensembles for medical decision support
Authors: Budnik Mateusz , Krawczyk Bartosz
Published: March 2013

Pattern recognition and machine learning methods provide an attractive approach for building decision support systems. Classification trees are frequently used algorithms for such tasks owing to their intuitive structure and effectiveness. It has been shown that for complex medical data, combining a number of base classifiers improves their overall accuracy. Classification tree ensembles have a certain number of free parameters to set, which can significantly affect their performance. In recent years such ensembles were often used by practitioners without a mathematical background (e.g. physicians), who may be unaware of how to obtain the optimal settings. Therefore, it is difficult for them to choose the satisfactory properties, while in most of the cases the default parameters proposed for them are not necessarily the most efficient. The aim of this article is to ascertain which types of combined tree classifiers give the best performance for medical decision support and which parameters should be chosen for them. A set of rules for end-users on how to tune their ensembles is proposed.
Stigma
Authors: Andrews Kelly L. , Jones Sandra C. , Mullan Judy
Published: March 2013

Psychosocial issues are recognized as important in the management and care of people with chronic illness, including asthma. There is limited research specifically examining the impact of stigma on people living with asthma, but the few studies that do exist have found that stigma is associated with higher morbidity. Our hypothesis is that the stigma felt by people with asthma creates a barrier to effective self-management practices (which work toward improving asthma control). A cycle of interrelated psychological and physical health factors may emerge, making asthma self-management harder to address. The objective of this study was to determine whether adults with asthma experience feelings of stigma due to their condition and, if so, how this effects their asthma self-management. A Web-based survey using accepted measures of asthma control and stigma was designed and implemented. A total sample of 72 participants was obtained using a snowball recruitment technique. Results demonstrated a positive and significant relationship between asthma control and feelings of stigma, suggesting that people with higher asthma morbidity feel higher levels of stigma. Further research into the impact of stigma on asthma patients is required to further enhance our understanding of patients’ self-management practices and to inform future strategies.
Does Providing Care for Uninsured Patients Decrease Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations?
Authors: MacKinney Ted , Visotcky Alexis M. , Tarima Sergey , Whittle Jeff
Published: March 2013

Background: Access to primary care could reduce use of more costly health care by uninsured individuals through prevention and early treatment. We analyzed data from a program providing free primary care to test this hypothesis. Methods: We compared emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations among uninsured, low-income adults who received immediate versus delayed access to a program providing free primary care, including labs, X-rays, and specialty consultation. We used surveys to identify ER visits and hospitalizations during the 12 months preceding and following program enrollment or wait list entry. Results: Hospitalizations decreased from the year before entry to the year following entry in participants with immediate and delayed (6.0% vs 8.8% decrease) access. ER use also decreased in both groups (11.2% vs 15.4%). Conclusions: Free primary care services and specialty consultation did not reduce use of more costly health care services during its first year. More prolonged availability of primary care might have greater impact.
CD141+ dendritic cells produce prominent amounts of IFN-α after dsRNA recognition and can be targeted via DEC-205 in humanized mice
Authors: Meixlsperger Sonja , Leung Carol S. , Rämer Patrick C. , Pack Maggi , Vanoaica Liliana D. , Breton Gaëlle , Pascolo Steve , Salazar Andres M. , Dzionek Andrzej , Schmitz Jürgen , Steinman Ralph M. , Münz Christian
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Human CD141+ cDCs not only produce IL-12 but also yield large amounts of IFN-α after TLR3 stimulation with synthetic dsRNA. Targeting of antigen to DEC-205 and synthetic dsRNA as adjuvant for CD141+ cDCs maturation induces CD4+ T cell responses in humanized mice.
Th17 cytokines induce pro-fibrotic cytokines release from human eosinophils
Authors: Al-Muhsen Saleh , Letuve Severine , Vazquez-Tello Alejandro , Pureza Mary Angeline , Al-Jahdali Hamdan , Bahammam Ahmed S , Hamid Qutayba , Halwani Rabih
Published: March 2013

Background

Subepithelial fibrosis is one of the most critical structural changes affecting bronchial airway function during asthma. Eosinophils have been shown to contribute to the production of pro-fibrotic cytokines, TGF-β and IL-11, however, the mechanism regulating this process is not fully understood.

Objective

In this report, we investigated whether cytokines associated with inflammation during asthma may induce eosinophils to produce pro-fibrotic cytokines.

Methods

Eosinophils were isolated from peripheral blood of 10 asthmatics and 10 normal control subjects. Eosinophils were stimulated with Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines and the production of TGF-β and IL-11 was determined using real time PCR and ELISA assays.

Results

The basal expression levels of eosinophil derived TGF-β and IL-11 cytokines were comparable between asthmatic and healthy individuals. Stimulating eosinophils with Th1 and Th2 cytokines did not induce expression of pro-fibrotic cytokines. However, stimulating eosinophils with Th17 cytokines resulted in the enhancement of TGF-β and IL-11 expression in asthmatic but not healthy individuals. This effect of IL-17 on eosinophils was dependent on p38 MAPK activation as inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, but not other kinases, inhibited IL-17 induced pro-fibrotic cytokine release.

Conclusions

Th17 cytokines might contribute to airway fibrosis during asthma by enhancing production of eosinophil derived pro-fibrotic cytokines. Preventing the release of pro-fibrotic cytokines by blocking the effect of Th17 cytokines on eosinophils may prove to be beneficial in controlling fibrosis for disorders with IL-17 driven inflammation such as allergic and autoimmune diseases.
Early evaluation predicts pain relief of irradiated bone metastases: a single-center prospective study
Authors: Truntzer Pierre , Atlani David , Pop Marius , Clavier Jean-Baptiste , Guihard Sébastien , Schumacher Catherine , Noel Georges
Published: March 2013

Background

Radiation therapy is a well-recognized, effective modality used for palliative care. Most studies completed to date have endpoints of one month or greater after treatment completion. This study analyzed the response rates at different time points during the first month after treatment.

Methods

From May 2010 to November 2011, 61 patients treated for 74 metastases were included in the study. The end points were defined as the completion of treatment (CT) and d8, d15 and d30 after the completion of treatment. The response rate was measured by the worst pain in the last 24 hours and the administered opioid dose. Patient assessment was performed during consultations and phone appointments.

Results

The overall response rate significantly improved from the CT (38%) to d8 (53.8%), d15 (53.8%) and d30 (57.1%) (respectively p < 0.001; p < 0.001 and p = 0.001). The improvement peaked at d8. Patients responding to the treatment at d8 had a significative longer pain relapse free survival (PRFS) compared to patients not responding (3.38 weeks vs 0.3 weeks; p < 0.001). From the beginning of treatment to the CT and at d8 , d15 and d30, oral morphine equivalent dose (OMED) did not significantly differ. However, the pain decrease did not result in a performance status improvement, which declined over time (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Radiation therapy is an efficient treatment method for providing pain relief. This relief peaked at d8 after treatment, and the response at d8 is predictive of the response at 4 weeks. Pain management alone is not enough to improve performance status; further studies are needed to evaluate a more global supportive care approach.
Moxibustion for treating knee osteoarthritis: study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , Kim Kun Hyung , Kim Tae-Hun , Kim Jung-Eun , Kim Joo-Hee , Kang Jung Won , Kang Kyung-Won , Jung So-Young , Kim Ae-Ran , Park Hyo-Ju , Shin Mi-Suk , Hong Kwon-Eui , Song Ho-Sueb , Choi Jin-Bong , Kim Hyung-Jun , Choi Sun-Mi
Published: March 2013

Background

The treatment of knee osteoarthritis, which is a major cause of disability among the elderly, is typically selected from multidisciplinary options, including complementary and alternative medicine. Moxibustion has been used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in Korea to reduce pain and improve physical activity. However, there is no sufficient evidence of its effectiveness, and it cannot therefore be widely recommended for treating knee osteoarthritis. We designed a randomised controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, and qualitative characteristics of moxibustion treatment of knee osteoarthritis compared to usual care.

Methods/designs

This is a protocol for a multicentre, pragmatic, randomised, assessor-blinded, controlled, parallel-group study. A total of 212 participants will be assigned to the moxibustion group (n = 106) and the usual care group (n = 106) at 4 clinical research centres. The participants assigned to the moxibustion group will receive moxibustion treatment of the affected knee(s) at 6 standard acupuncture points (ST36, ST35, ST34, SP9, Ex-LE04, and SP10) 3 times per week for 4 weeks (a total of 12 sessions). Participants in the usual care group will not receive moxibustion treatment during the study period. Follow-up will be performed on the 5th and 13th weeks after random allocation. Both groups will be allowed to use any type of treatment, including surgery, conventional medication, physical treatment, acupuncture, herbal medicine, over-the-counter drugs, and other active treatments. Educational material that explains knee osteoarthritis, the current management options, and self-exercise will be provided to each group. The global scale of the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (K-WOMAC) will be the primary outcome measurement used in this study. Other subscales (pain, stiffness, and function) of the K-WOMAC, the Short-Form 36v2 Health Survey, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Physical Function test, Patient Global Assessment, and the Pain Numerical Rating Scale will be used as outcome variables to evaluate the effectiveness of moxibustion. Safety will be assessed at every visit. In addition, an economic evaluation and a qualitative study will be conducted as a mixed-methods approach.

Discussion

This trial may contribute to developing evidence for the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for treating knee osteoarthritis.

Trial registration

Trial registration number:KCT0000130
Betaine supplement alleviates hepatic triglyceride accumulation of apolipoprotein E deficient mice via reducing methylation of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor alpha promoter
Authors: Wang Lijun , Chen Li , Tan Yaozong , Wei Jun , Chang Ying , Jin Tianru , Zhu Huilian
Published: March 2013

Background

Betaine is a methyl donor and has been considered as a lipotropic effect substance. But its mechanism remains unclear. Hepatic steatosis is associated with abnormal expression of genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism. DNA methylation contributes to the disregulation of gene expression. Here we hypothesized that betaine supplement and subsequent DNA methylation modifications alter the expression of genes that are involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and hence alleviate hepatic triglyceride accumulation.

Methods

Male wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice (n = 6) were fed with the AIN-93 G diet. ApoE

−/−
mice (n = 12), weight-matched with the WT mice, were divided into two groups (n = 6 per group), and fed with the AIN-93 G diet and AIN-93 G supplemented with 2% betaine/100 g diet. Seven weeks after the intervention, mice were sacrificed. Liver betaine, choline, homocysteine concentration were measured by HPLC. Liver oxidants activity and triglyceride level were assessed by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Finally, hepatic PPAR alpha gene and its target genes expression levels and the methylation status of the PPAR alpha gene were determined.

Results

ApoE

−/−
mice had higher hepatic triglyceride and lower GSH-Px activity when compared with the WT mice. Betaine intervention reversed triglyceride deposit, enhanced SOD and GSH-Px activity in the liver. Interestingly, mice fed on betaine-supplemented diet showed a dramatic increase of hepatic choline concentration and a decrease of betaine and homocysteine concentration relative to the WT mice and the ApoE

−/−
mice absent with betaine intervention. Expression of PPAR alpha and CPT1 were decreased and expression of FAS was markedly increased in ApoE

−/−
mice. In parallel, PPAR alpha promoter methylation level were slightly increased in ApoE

−/−
mice though without significance. Betaine supplement upregulated expression of PPAR alpha and its target genes (CPT1, CYP2E1) and reversed hypermethylation of PPAR alpha promoter of ApoE

−/−
mice. Furthermore, PPAR alpha methylation was positively correlated with hepatic betaine concentration.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that betaine supplement could alleviate hepatic triglyceride accumulation and improve antioxidant capacity by decreasing PPAR alpha promoter methylation and upregulating PPAR alpha and its target genes mRNA expression.
Effect of preoperative chemotherapy on postoperative liver regeneration following hepatic resection as estimated by liver volume
Authors: Takeda Daiki , Nitta Hiroyuki , Takahara Takeshi , Hasegawa Yasushi , Itou Naoko , Wakabayashi Go
Published: March 2013

Background

In order to analyze postoperative liver regeneration following hepatic resection after chemotherapy, we retrospectively investigated the differences in liver regeneration by comparing changes of residual liver volume in three groups: a living liver donor group and two groups of patients with colorectal liver metastases who did and did not undergo preoperative chemotherapy.

Methods

This study included 32 patients who had at least segmental anatomical hepatic resection. Residual liver volume, early postoperative liver volume, and late postoperative liver volume were calculated to study the changes over time. From the histopathological analysis of chemotherapy-induced liver disorders, the effect on liver regeneration according to the histopathology of noncancerous liver tissue was also compared between the two colorectal cancer groups using Kleiner’s score for steatohepatitis grading {Hepatology, 41(6):1313–1321, 2005} and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) grading for sinusoidal obstructions {Ann Oncol, 15(3):460–466, 2004}.

Results

Assuming a preoperative liver volume of 100%, mean late postoperative liver volumes in the three groups (the living liver donor group and the colorectal cancer groups with or without chemotherapy) were 91.1%, 80.8%, and 81.3%, respectively, with about the same rate of liver regeneration among the three groups. Histopathological analysis revealed no correlation between either the Kleiner’s scores or the SOS grading and liver regeneration.

Conclusions

As estimated by liver volume, the level of liver regeneration was the same in normal livers, tumor-bearing livers, and post-chemotherapy tumor-bearing livers. Liver regeneration was not adversely affected by the extent to which steatosis or sinusoidal dilatation was induced in noncancerous tissue by chemotherapy in patients scheduled for surgery.
Relationships between fixed points and eigenvectors in the group "Equation missing"
Authors: Demir Bilal , Yılmaz Özgür Nihal , Koruoğlu Özden
Published: March 2013

P
S
L
(
2
,
R
)

is the most frequently studied subgroup of the Möbius transformations. By adding anti-automorphisms

G
′

=

{

a
′

z
+

b
′

c
′

z
+

d
′

:

a
′

,

b
′

,

c
′

,

d
′

∈
R
,

a
′

d
′

−

b
′

c
′

=
−
1
}

to the group

P
S
L
(
2
,
R
)

, the group

G
=
P
S
L
(
2
,
R
)
∪

G
′

is obtained. The elements of this group correspond to matrices of

G
L
(
2
,
R
)

. In this study, we consider the relationships between fixed points of the elements of the group G and eigenvectors of matrices corresponding to the elements of this group.

MSC:20H10, 15A18.
Frequent detection of Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA in sera of HIV-1-positive patients
Authors: Fukumoto Hitomi , Sato Yuko , Hasegawa Hideki , Katano Harutaka
Published: March 2013

Background

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), human polyomavirus-6 (HPyV6), and human polyomavirus-7 (HPyV7) were identified as viruses shed from the skin. Serological analysis revealed that these viruses are common among the general population. However, there is little information about the presence of MCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7 in the sera and tissues of immunocompromised individuals. The aims of this study are to know if immune status affects the presence of MCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7 in the serum, and to reveal the presence of these viruses in diseased tissues of unknown etiology.

Methods

Sera from HIV-1-positive and -negative patients were examined by real-time PCR and nested PCR detecting MCPyV, HPyV6 and HPyV7. In addition, diseased tissue samples of unknown etiology were examined.

Results

Nine out of 23 serum samples (39.1%) from HIV-1-positive patients who had not received anti-retroviral therapy were positive for MCPyV, which is significantly higher than HIV-1-negative patients (6/110, 5.5%, P < 0.01, Chi-square test). MCPyV DNA was detected in tissue samples of Merkel cell carcinoma (22/30 [73%]), encephalitis (4/19 [21%]), pneumonia (3/17 [18%]), and myocarditis (8/14 [57%]). With the exception of Merkel cell carcinoma samples, MCPyV-positive tissues showed low copy numbers of MCPyV DNA by real-time PCR and no expression of the MCPyV large T antigen by immunohistochemistry. HPyV6 and HPyV7 were rarely detected in serum and tissue samples.

Conclusions

These results suggest that MCPyV viremia is associated with host immunity, and that circulation of HPyV6 and HPyV7 in the serum is rare.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis caused by contralateral sphenoid sinusitis: a case report
Authors: Komatsu Hiroaki , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Kasai Misato , Kurano Kaori , Sasaki Daisuke , Ikeda Katsuhisa
Published: March 2013

Objective

To report a rare case of unilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis caused by contralateral sphenoid sinusitis.

Case report

A 33-year-old female visited our hospital for severe, right-sided, temporal headache, chemosis, periorbital edema, and proptosis. These signs were associated with congested erythematous nasal mucosa with purulent discharge from the right superior nasal meatus. Contrast enhanced CT showed dilated left superior ophthalmic vein, suggestive of thrombosis, contrast enhancement of the left cavernous sinuses, and dilation of cavernous sinus, indicating cavernous sinus inflammation. The right maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses showed mucosal thickening and retention of purulent material. She was diagnosed with cavernous sinus thrombosis caused by contralateral sphenoid sinusitis. All clinical symptoms and signs improved after endoscopic sphenoidotomy and appropriate medical treatment.

Conclusions

Sphenoiditis can cause contralateral cavernous sinus thrombosis. Early surgical sphenoidotomy and aggressive medical treatment are the cornerstones of successful management of this life-threatening complication.
Meta-analysis of effect of vernakalant on conversion of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yan He , Aung Thi Thi , Guoqiang Zhong , Zhengnan Zhang , Lan Ji , Zhiyu Zeng
Published: March 2013

Background

In recent years, there has been a large amount of studies about the efficacy and safety of vernakalant or RSD1235, an antiarrhythmic agent, in treating the atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of vernakalant in the treatment of AF.

Results

A total of 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n= 1153) met our inclusion criteria. Vernakalant was superior in achieving sinus rhythm (SR) for AF comparing to placebo or alternative anti-arrhythmic agents (relative risk [RR] = 11.56, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 7.12 – 18.75). There was no heterogeneity among the trials (X2 =0.59, P = 0.96). In analysing the adverse effects of cardiac origin, there was no significant difference between the two groups (RR= 0.90, 95% CI = 0.52 – 1.57).

Methods

The Cochrane library, Pubmed NCBI, EMBASE and MEDLINE were systematically searched to identify all interventional trials of vernakalant with placebo or other antiarrhythmic drug in converting AF to SR. The primary outcome was rate of converting to SR, and the secondary outcome was the rate of adverse effects of cardiac origin due to vernakalant and the placebo or amiodarone. Meta-analyses were carried out using Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects or random-effects models and heterogeneity was by the X2 test.

Conclusion

In the conversion of AF to SR, vernakalant is highly effective without obviously raised side effects. Owing to only one study comparing vernakalant with amiodarone included in this study, the efficacy of vernakalant comparing to other antiarrhythmic agents needing more well-designed double-blinded RCTs to be confirmed.
DDIG-in: discriminating between disease-associated and neutral non-frameshifting micro-indels
Authors: Zhao Huiying , Yang Yuedong , Lin Hai , Zhang Xinjun , Mort Matthew , Cooper David N , Liu Yunlong , Zhou Yaoqi
Published: March 2013

Micro-indels (insertions or deletions shorter than 21 bps) constitute the second most frequent class of human gene mutation after single nucleotide variants. Despite the relative abundance of non-frameshifting indels, their damaging effect on protein structure and function has gone largely unstudied. We have developed a support vector machine-based method named DDIG-in (Detecting disease-causing genetic variations due to indels) to prioritize non-frameshifting indels by comparing disease-associated mutations with putatively neutral mutations from the 1,000 Genomes Project. The final model gives good discrimination for indels and is robust against annotation errors. A webserver implementing DDIG-in is available at http://sparks-lab.org/ddig.
Differential regulation of sodium–potassium pump isoforms during smolt development and seawater exposure of Atlantic salmon
Authors: McCormick Stephen D. , Regish Amy M. , Christensen Arne K. , Björnsson Björn Thrandur
Published: March 2013

Freshwater and seawater isoforms of the alpha subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) have previously been identified in gill ionocytes of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). In the present study we examine the abundance and cellular localization of these isoforms during the parr–smolt transformation, a developmental process that is preparatory for seawater entry. The abundance of NKAα1a was lower in smolts than in parr, remained relatively constant during spring and decreased in summer. NKAα1b increased tenfold in smolts during spring, peaking in late April, coincident with downstream migration and increased salinity tolerance. NKAα1b increased a further twofold after seawater exposure of smolts, whereas NKAα1a decreased by 98%. The abundance of NKAα1b-positive, and NKAα1b and NKAα1a co-labeled ionocytes increased during smolt development, whereas the number of NKAα1a cells decreased. After seawater exposure of smolts, NKAα1b-positive ionocytes increased, NKAα1a-positive cells decreased, and co-labeled cells disappeared. Plasma growth hormone and cortisol increased during spring in smolts, but not in parr, peaking just prior to the highest levels of NKAα1b. The results indicate that the increase in the abundance of NKAα1b during smolt development is directly linked to the increase in salinity tolerance that occurs at this stage, but that significant changes also occur after seawater exposure. Spring increases in circulating levels of growth hormone and cortisol indicate that these hormones may be instrumental in upregulating NKAα1b during smolt development.
Adaptive beam-width control of echolocation sounds by CF–FM bats,Rhinolophus ferrumequinum nippon, during prey-capture flight
Authors: Matsuta Naohiro , Hiryu Shizuko , Fujioka Emyo , Yamada Yasufumi , Riquimaroux Hiroshi , Watanabe Yoshiaki
Published: March 2013

The echolocation sounds of Japanese CF–FM bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum nippon) were measured while the bats pursued a moth (Goniocraspidum pryeri) in a flight chamber. Using a 31-channel microphone array system, we investigated how CF–FM bats adjust pulse direction and beam width according to prey position. During the search and approach phases, the horizontal and vertical beam widths were ±22±5 and ±13±5 deg, respectively. When bats entered the terminal phase approximately 1 m from a moth, distinctive evasive flight by G. pryeri was sometimes observed. Simultaneously, the bats broadened the beam widths of some emissions in both the horizontal (44% of emitted echolocation pulses) and vertical planes (71%). The expanded beam widths were ±36±7 deg (horizontal) and ±30±9 deg (vertical). When moths began evasive flight, the tracking accuracy decreased compared with that during the approach phase. However, in 97% of emissions during the terminal phase, the beam width was wider than the misalignment (the angular difference between the pulse and target directions). These findings indicate that bats actively adjust their beam width to retain the moving target within a spatial echolocation window during the final capture stages.
Identification of mRNAs bound and regulated by human LIN28 proteins and molecular requirements for RNA recognition
Authors: Hafner Markus , Max Klaas E.A. , Bandaru Pradeep , Morozov Pavel , Gerstberger Stefanie , Brown Miguel , Molina Henrik , Tuschl Thomas
Published: March 2013

Human LIN28A and LIN28B are RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) conserved in animals with important roles during development and stem cell reprogramming. We used Photoactivatable-Ribonucleoside-Enhanced Crosslinking and Immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP) in HEK293 cells and identified a largely overlapping set of ∼3000 mRNAs at ∼9500 sites located in the 3′ UTR and CDS. In vitro and in vivo, LIN28 preferentially bound single-stranded RNA containing a uridine-rich element and one or more flanking guanosines and appeared to be able to disrupt base-pairing to access these elements when embedded in predicted secondary structure. In HEK293 cells, LIN28 protein binding mildly stabilized target mRNAs and increased protein abundance. The top targets were its own mRNAs and those of other RBPs and cell cycle regulators. Alteration of LIN28 protein levels also negatively regulated the abundance of some but not all let-7 miRNA family members, indicating sequence-specific binding of let-7 precursors to LIN28 proteins and competition with cytoplasmic miRNA biogenesis factors.
Reactive oxygen production induced by near-infrared radiation in three strains of the Chl d-containing cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina
Authors: Behrendt Lars , Staal Marc , Cristescu Simona M , Harren Frans JM , Schliep Martin , Larkum Anthony WD , Kühl Michael
Published: March 2013

Cyanobacteria in the genus Acaryochloris have largely exchanged Chl a with Chl d, enabling them to harvest near-infrared-radiation (NIR) for oxygenic photosynthesis, a biochemical pathway prone to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, ROS production under different light conditions was quantified in three Acaryochloris strains (MBIC11017, HICR111A and the novel strain CRS) using a real-time ethylene detector in conjunction with addition of 2-keto-4-thiomethylbutyric acid, a substrate that is converted to ethylene when reacting with certain types of ROS. In all strains, NIR was found to generate less ROS than visible light (VIS). More ROS was generated if strains MBIC11017 and HICR111A were adapted to NIR and then exposed to VIS, while strain CRS demonstrated the opposite behavior. This is the very first study of ROS generation and suggests that Acaryochloris can avoid a considerable amount of light-induced stress by using NIR instead of VIS for its photosynthesis, adding further evolutionary arguments to their widespread appearance.
Phosphorus as a carbon copy and as a photocopy: New conjugated materials featuring multiply bonded phosphorus
Authors: Simpson M. Cather , Protasiewicz John D.
Published: March 2013

Phosphaalkenes (RP=CR2) and diphosphenes (RP=PR) are main group analogues of alkenes (R2C=CR2). Molecules featuring such multiply bonded phosphorus functionalities often display structural features and chemical reactivities that mimic their purely organic counterparts, lending credence to the claim that these compounds are “carbon copies”. We have been expanding this analogy to include oligomers and polymers with extended conjugation that directly involve P=C and P=P units. Many of these materials, however, display little or no photoluminescence (PL). This article summarizes our efforts to understand P=C and P=P photobehavior and to produce materials having significant PL that mimic or “photocopy” the PL properties of the phosphorus-free systems. Recent materials based on benzoxaphospholes (BOPs), benzobisoxaphospholes (BBOPs), and higher analogues having significant fluorescence quantum yields are covered.
Electrophilic activation of unsaturated systems: Applications to selective organic synthesis
Authors: Suárez-Pantiga Samuel , González José M.
Published: March 2013

Selected examples from previous work on iodonium-triggered approaches for the functionalization of unsaturated systems, which summarize innovative transformations, are presented. This section is mostly focused on C–C bond-forming processes from alkynes that are directly bonded to relevant heteroatoms, such as iodine, silicon, or sulfur. Besides, recent advances related to iodonium-promoted C–H functionalization reactions are briefly outlined. A second section shows representative examples of our current research activity on electrophilic reactions aimed at the activation of unsaturated systems, which now are built upon the potential offered by the so-called carbophilic catalysis. More specifically, a new catalytic cyclopentannulation sequence from N-tosylimines and propargyl tosylates and novel C–H functionalization processes from related tosylates are studied. Likewise, representative examples for the intermolecular Au(I)-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of sulfonylallenamides with activated alkenes are given, including the first enantioselective reaction of this type, which is also among the first examples of an intermolecular asymmetric gold-catalyzed reaction. The discussion of the reported iodonium and gold chemistry emphasizes a search for new intermolecular processes, although intramolecular reactions are also pursued and developed.