bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal endpoints in renal and cardiovascular randomized clinical trials: time for a consensus?
Authors: Halimi Jean‐Michel , Sautenet Bénédicte , Gatault Philippe , Roland Mélanie , Giraudeau Bruno
Published: August 2011

Several recent major randomized clinical trials (RCTs) using renal outcomes resulted in conflicting results. We searched MEDLINE via PubMed with the search request ‘(dialysis OR end‐stage renal disease) and creatinine’ in six major general journals and two leading journals of nephrology; 123 articles were found; 17/123 were relevant RCTs. Some disagreement among surrogate endpoints in 11/15 articles (missing data in two RCTs) and between surrogate and hard renal endpoints in 10/13; the intervention effects were in the opposite direction in 4/15, mostly in patients with cardiovascular disease, but discrepancies and conflicting results were also found among renal trials. Among our selected RCTs, 14/17 used composite endpoints: vital and renal endpoints were mixed in 11/14 trials, the components of the composite endpoints were of similar importance in 0/14 trials and of similar frequency in 1/11 trials, the intervention was likely to have a similar effect on the components in 4/14 trials, and the relative risk reduction was similar for the different components in 2/10 trials. None of the trials fulfiled all conditions of validation. Based on this analysis, we believe that the current use of renal endpoints in RCTs must be reviewed and their conditions of validation defined.
The importance of social information in breeding site selection increases with population size in the Eurasian Griffon VultureGyps fulvus
Authors: MATEO‐TOMÁS PATRICIA , OLEA PEDRO P.
Published: August 2011

Animals can select breeding sites using non‐social information (habitat characteristics) and social information (conspecific presence or abundance). The availability of both types of information is expected to vary over time during the colonization of a new area, conditioning their use by colonizers. However, if and how both types of information are exploited during the colonization process remains unclear. We hypothesized that non‐social information should be predominant at the beginning of a colonization episode (when conspecific presence is low) and that social information should gain in importance as the colonization progresses. We tested this hypothesis by studying habitat selection by the Griffon VultureGyps fulvus, a long‐lived colonial raptor, during a natural colonization process spanning 40 years. In NW Spain, the population showed a sharp increase from 15 breeding pairs in three colonies in the 1970s to 586 breeding pairs in 120 colonies in 2008, expanding its range from 90 km2in the 1970s to 6403 km2in 2008, with directions of expansion following areas rich in nesting cliffs. The main determinants of habitat selection varied over time. Livestock density and the characteristics of nesting cliffs were the main predictors of settlement at the onset of colonization. Breeding density of conspecifics increased its importance over time, having the greatest relative weight in habitat selection later in the colonization process. Our results indicated a prevalent use of non‐social information during the early stages of the colonization and an increasing role of social information as the expansion progressed.
Seasonal differences in energy requirements of Garden Warblers Sylvia borin migrating across the Sahara desert
Authors: BARBOUTIS CHRISTOS , HENSHAW IAN , MYLONAS MOISIS , FRANSSON THORD
Published: August 2011

The Sahara desert acts as an ecological barrier for billions of passerine birds on their way to and from their African wintering areas. The Garden Warbler Sylvia borin is one of the most common migrants involved. We used body mass of this species from Greece in autumn and spring to simulate the desert crossing and to assess how body mass relates to fuel requirement. The flight range estimates were adjusted to the seasonal extent of the desert, 2200 km in autumn and about 2800 km in spring. In autumn, with an average fuel load of about 100% of body mass without fuel, birds were not able to cross the desert in still air, but northerly winds prevail during September and with the average wind assistance only one in 14 was predicted to fail to make the crossing. Body mass data from spring, after the desert crossing, was used to estimate departure body mass from south of the desert. The average wind assistance in spring is close to zero and departure body mass of the average bird arriving at Antikythira, a small Greek island, under such conditions was estimated to be 34.6 g, which corresponded to a fuel load of 116%. Calculations based on 1% body mass loss per hour of flight showed slightly larger body mass loss than that calculated from flight range estimates. The results suggest that passerine birds about to cross the eastern part of the Sahara desert need to attain a larger fuel load in spring than in autumn.
Oncostatin M decreases interleukin‐1 β secretion by human synovial fibroblasts and attenuates an acute inflammatory reaction in vivo
Authors: Dumas Aline , Lagarde Stéphanie , Laflamme Cynthia , Pouliot Marc
Published: August 2011

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine of the IL‐6 family and displays both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory activities. We studied the impact of OSM on the gene activation profile of human synovial cells, which play a central role in the progression of inflammatory responses in joints. In synovial cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and recombinant human granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, recombinant human OSM and native OSM secreted by human granulocytes both reduced the gene expression and secretion of IL‐1β and CXCL8, but increased that of IL‐6 and CCL2. This impact on synovial cell activation was not obtained using IL‐6 or leukaemia inhibitory factor. Signal transducer and activator of transcription‐1 appeared to mediate the effects of OSM on stimulated human synovial fibroblasts. In the murine dorsal air pouch model of inflammation, OSM reduced the expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and TNF‐α in lining tissues, and their presence in the cavity. These results as a whole suggest an anti‐inflammatory role for OSM, guiding inflammatory processes towards resolution.
Cyclic AMP increases COX‐2 expression via mitogen‐activated kinase in human myometrial cells
Authors: Chen Li , Sooranna Suren R. , Lei Kaiyu , Kandola Mandeep , Bennett Phillip R. , Liang Zhiqing , Grammatopoulos Dimitri , Johnson Mark R.
Published: August 2011

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is the archetypal smooth muscle relaxant, mediating the effects of many hormones and drugs. However, recently PGI2, acting via cAMP/PKA, was found to increase contraction‐associated protein expression in myometrial cells and to promote oxytocin‐driven myometrial contractility. Cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is the rate‐limiting enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis, which is critical to the onset and progression of human labour. We have investigated the impact of cAMP on myometrial COX‐2 expression, synthesis and activity. Three cAMP agonists (8‐bromo‐cAMP, forskolin and rolipram) increased COX‐2 mRNA expression and further studies confirmed that this was associated with COX‐2 protein synthesis and activity (increased PGE2 and PGI2 in culture supernatant) in primary cultures of human myometrial cells. These effects were neither reproduced by specific agonists nor inhibited by specific inhibitors of known cAMP‐effectors (PKA, EPAC and AMPK). We then used shRNA to knockdown the same effectors and another recently described cAMP‐effector PDZ‐GEF1‐2, without changing the response to cAMP. We found that MAPK activation mediated the cAMP effects on COX‐2 expression and that PGE2 acts through EP‐2 to activate MAPK and increase COX‐2. These data provide further evidence in support of a dual role for cAMP in the regulation of myometrial function.
Tyrosine kinase gene fusions in cancer: translating mechanisms into targeted therapies
Authors: Medves Sandrine , Demoulin Jean‐Baptiste
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Fusion gene structure and expression

Loss of wild‐type alleles

Oligomerization triggers TK activation

Inhibitory domain deletion

Signalling pathways

Recruitment of additional molecules by the fusion partner

Stabilization and degradation

Conclusion

Tyrosine kinase fusion genes represent an important class of oncogenes associated with leukaemia and solid tumours. They are produced by translocations and other chromosomal rearrangements of a subset of tyrosine kinase genes, including ABL, PDGFRA, PDGFRB, FGFR1, SYK, RET, JAK2 and ALK. Based on recent findings, this review discusses the common mechanisms of activation of these fusion genes. Enforced oligomerization and inactivation of inhibitory domains are the two key processes that switch on the kinase domain. Activated tyrosine kinase fusions then signal via an array of transduction cascades, which are largely shared. In addition, the fusion partner provides a scaffold for the recruitment of proteins that contribute to signalling, protein stability, cellular localization and oligomerization. The expression level of the fusion protein is another critical parameter. Its transcription is controlled by the partner gene promoter, while translation may be regulated by miRNA. Several mechanisms also prevent the degradation of the oncoprotein by proteasomes and lysosomes, leading to its accumulation in cells. The selective inhibition of the tyrosine kinase activity by adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate competitors, such as imatinib, is a major therapeutic success. Imatinib induces remission in leukaemia patients that are positive for BCR‐ABL or PDGFR fusions. Recently, crizotinib produced promising results in a subtype of lung cancers with ALK fusion. However, resistance was reported in both cases, partially due to mutations. To tackle this problem, additional levels of therapeutic interventions are suggested by the complex mechanisms of fusion tyrosine kinase activation. New approaches include allosteric inhibition and interfering with oligomerization or chaperones.
Predicting the impact on workload with the application of inpatient clinical review criteria into a paediatric emergency department
Authors: O'Leary Fenton M , Chayen Gilad M
Published: August 2011

Objective: Inpatient paediatric clinical observation charts that have predefined physiological criteria, which when reached might generate a mandatory medial review, are to be introduced into EDs in New South Wales. The present study estimated the increased workload of introducing these charts.

Methods: The present study was carried out in the ED of The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia. All patients admitted directly to the inpatient wards or to the Emergency Medical Unit for a 2 week period in April 2010 were included. The last set of clinical observations prior to the child being transferred out of the ED were recorded. These data were compared to the review criteria defined by the observation charts. The primary outcome was a possible activation of a review. Secondary outcomes were an attempt to quantify the extra time in the ED required before the review would be completed and the patient would be ready for transfer.

Results: There were 1822 presentations. Two hundred and fifty‐three were admitted to the wards and 109 to the Emergency Medical Unit. There were 126 possible activations. Fifty‐seven (52%) of Emergency Medical Unit patients and 69 (28%) of ward patients met review criteria at the time of transfer. The review activations might have generated an extra 7060 min of additional workload.

Conclusions: Individual units must decide where in the patient journey to introduce the charts for acute paediatric admissions based on the number of acute paediatric admissions and their severity as well as the availability and ability of staff to respond to calls.
Voluntary resistance wheel exercise during post‐natal growth in rats enhances skeletal muscle satellite cell and myonuclear content at adulthood
Authors: Smith H. K. , Merry T. L.
Published: August 2011

Aim:  To determine whether voluntary free wheel (FW) or resistance wheel (RW) exercise or reduced muscle activity would influence maturational increases in muscle mass and the number of satellite cells (SCs) and myonuclei (MN) accrued by adulthood.

Methods:  Hind limb muscles of male rats housed with, or without, FWs from 4 to 5, 7 or 10 weeks of age, and rats housed with RWs from 4 to 10 week of age, were evaluated. To assess the effect of reduced muscle activity, gastrocnemius muscles of 4‐week‐old rats were injected with botulinum toxin (Btx) and collected at 7 weeks of age. Muscle fibre size and the frequency of Pax7‐positive SCs and MN were determined in 7‐ and 10‐week‐old muscles via immunohistochemical methods.

Results:  Free wheel exercise enhanced muscle growth and the frequency of SCs in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) (threefold) and vastus lateralis (VL) (twofold) of rats at 10 week of age. Resistance wheel exercise increased the number of SCs and MN (22–30%), with more muscle fibre nuclei being associated with larger fibre size, in the soleus, MG and VL muscles. Btx impaired the normal increases in muscle fibre size and the accrual of MN but not SCs.

Conclusion:  A greater volume of exercise during maturational growth was important for enhancing SC numbers, whereas their conversion to MN required higher‐intensity exercise. The enhanced muscle fibre nuclear populations may influence the capacity of the muscle to adapt to exercise, injury or disuse in later adulthood.
Effects of renal denervation on the NKCC2 cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in rats with congestive heart failure
Authors: Torp M. , Brønd L. , Nielsen J. B. , Nielsen S. , Christensen S. , Jonassen T. E. N.
Published: August 2011

Aim:  Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with increased renal sympathetic nerve activity and renal sodium retention. Rats with CHF display increased expression of the Na–K–2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) in the renal medullary thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (mTAL), and arginine vasopressin (AVP)‐stimulated cAMP formation in mTAL segments is increased in rats with CHF. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of RSNA on cAMP formation and NKCC2 expression in mTAL in rats with CHF.

Methods:  Congestive heart failure was induced in male Wistar rats by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Bilateral surgical renal denervation (DNX) was performed 3 weeks later. Two weeks after DNX, mTAL segments were isolated and stimulated with AVP.

Results:  Congestive heart failure rats displayed increased mTAL NKCC2 expression (2.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1 ± 0.2 in Sham rats), which was abolished by DNX. Bilateral denervation decreased basal cAMP levels in unstimulated tubules from CHF rats (CHF: 12.56 ± 7.73 fmol μg−1 protein vs. DNX‐CHF: 7.94 ± 4.33; P < 0.05), as well as from Sham rats (SHAM: 4.70 ± 1.38 vs. DNX‐SHAM: 2.36 ± 1.52; P < 0.05). mTAL segments from DNX‐CHF and DNX‐Sham rats showed decreased AVP (10−6 m)‐stimulated cAMP formation, compared with CHF (CHF: 11.92 ± 4.89 fmol μg−1 protein vs. DNX‐CHF: 4.68 ± 2.47; P < 0.05) and Sham (SHAM: 10.78 ± 5.59 vs. DNX‐SHAM: 4.89 ± 2.62; P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  These results indicate that the renal sympathetic nerves have an effect on NKCC2 expression in the mTAL and might have an effect on cAMP formation in the TAL in CHF.
Nanoparticles for transcutaneous vaccination
Authors: Hansen Steffi , Lehr Claus‐Michael
Published: August 2011

The living epidermis and dermis are rich in antigen presenting cells (APCs). Their activation can elicit a strong humoral and cellular immune response as well as mucosal immunity. Therefore, the skin is a very attractive site for vaccination, and an intradermal application of antigen may be much more effective than a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. However, the stratum corneum (SC) is a most effective barrier against the invasion of topically applied vaccines. Products which have reached the stage of clinical testing, avoid this problem by injecting the nano‐vaccine intradermally or by employing a barrier disrupting method and applying the vaccine to a relatively large skin area. Needle‐free vaccination is desirable from a number of aspects: ease of application, improved patient acceptance and less risk of infection among them. Nanocarriers can be designed in a way that they can overcome the SC. Also incorporation into nanocarriers protects instable antigen from degradation, improves uptake and processing by APCs, and facilitates endosomal escape and nuclear delivery of DNA vaccines. In addition, sustained release systems may build a depot in the tissue gradually releasing antigen which may avoid booster doses. Therefore, nanoformulations of vaccines for transcutaneous immunization are currently a very dynamic field of research. Among the huge variety of nanocarrier systems that are investigated hopes lie on ultra‐flexible liposomes, superfine rigid nanoparticles and nanocarriers, which are taken up by hair follicles. The potential and pitfalls associated with these three classes of carriers will be discussed.
Access to oral health services for urban low‐income Latino children: social ecological influences
Authors: Telleen Sharon , Rhee Kim Young O. , Chavez Noel , Barrett Richard E. , Hall William , Gajendra Sangeeta
Published: August 2011

Objectives:Using an ecological conceptual model, this study examined the social context, structural, and behavioral factors within an immigrant community that contribute to increased access and use of oral health services by Latino children. The predictors of health service use at the level of the individual, the family, the provider, and the health service system were studied for their effects on the initiation of care, continuity of care, and frequency of planned visits.

Methods:In‐depth face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 320 Latino mothers regarding their use of oral health services for 4‐8‐year‐old children [Mexican (n = 221), Puerto Rican (n = 69), and Central and South American (n = 30)]. Outcome measures of dental care utilization were early age at initiation of care, continuity of care, and frequency of planned dental visits.

Results:Regular planned dental visits were significantly related to the structural variables of household income and provider availability. The initiation of dental care was related to the mother's beliefs about the value of early preventive dental care. Mothers were more likely to continue care if they believed that the purpose was to keep the child's teeth healthy and had satisfactory communication with the dentist.

Conclusions:Identifying the structural and behavioral factors that increase the likelihood of the use of oral health services can provide the basis for developing effective interventions specific to Latino children at the neighborhood level. The study findings can be also used for designing culturally appropriate oral health promotion programs and provider coordination of care.
Winter to spring changes in the slush bacterial community composition of a high‐mountain lake (Lake Redon, Pyrenees)
Authors: Llorens‐Marès Tomàs , Auguet Jean‐Christophe , Casamayor Emilio O.
Published: August 2011

Bacterial community composition was analysed in the slush layers of snow‐covered Lake Redon (2240 m altitude, Limnological Observatory of the Pyrenees, LOOP, NE Spain) in winter and spring and compared with bacteria from the lake water column, using 16S rRNA gene clone libraries and CARD‐FISH counts. The set of biological data was related to changes in bacterial production and to other relevant environmental variables measured in situ. In winter, up to 70% of the 16S rRNA sequences found in the slush were closely related to planktonic bacteria from the water column beneath the ice. Conversely, during spring ablation, 50% of the sequences had > 97% identity with bacteria from the cryosphere (i.e. globally distributed glaciers, snow and ice) and may have originated from remote aerosol deposition. The transition winter to spring was characterized by consistent community changes switching from assemblages dominated by Betaproteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroidetes during snowpack growth to communities essentially dominated by the Bacteroidetes of classes Cytophagia and Sphingobacteria. This strong bacterial composition switch was associated with consistent increases in bacterial abundance and production, and decreasing bacterial diversity.
Obesity may attenuate the HbA1c‐lowering effect of sitagliptin in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Bando Yukihiro , Kanehara Hideo , Aoki Keiko , Hisada Azusa , Toya Daisyu , Tanaka Nobuyoshi
Published: August 2011

Aims/Introduction:  The aim of the present study was to assess the independent predictors of the HbA1c‐lowering effect of sitagliptin in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods:  Data were retrieved from the medical records of 151 type 2 diabetic patients who had been taking sitagliptin 25 or 50 mg once daily for inadequate glycemic control for at least 12 weeks, with or without other oral hypoglycemic agents. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated to investigate correlations between two independent continuous variables. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of reductions in HbA1c levels after 12 weeks of sitagliptin treatment (ΔHbA1c).

Results:  In all patients combined, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients showed that ΔHbA1c was significantly correlated with baseline HbA1c alone (r = 0.371, P < 0.0001). However, multiple linear regression analysis among all patients using baseline variables revealed that the independent factors contributing to ΔHbA1c, in order of importance, were method of prescribing (P < 0.0001), baseline HbA1c (P < 0.0001), body mass index (BMI; P = 0.004), and duration of diabetes (P = 0.024).

Conclusions:  Our analysis may provide novel evidence that increased BMI contributes, in part, to attenuation of the HbA1c‐lowering effect of sitagliptin in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. Analysis of a larger population over a longer period of time is warranted to confirm these findings. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00156.x, 2011)
Acteoside inhibits melanogenesis in B16F10 cells through ERK activation and tyrosinase down-regulation
Authors: Son Young-Ok , Lee Seung-Ah , Kim So-Soon , Jang Yong-Suk , Chun Jae-Chul , Lee Jeong-Chae
Published: August 2011

Objectives

Acteoside is a phenylpropanoid glycoside extracted from the leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa that displays various biological activities. In this study, we tested the effects of acteoside on tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. We also explored molecular mechanisms for the inhibition of melanogenesis observed, focusing on the signalling pathway of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK).

Methods

The effects of acteoside were determined using several cell-free assay systems and B16F10 melanoma cells for melanin content and tyrosinase activity. To investigate effects on melanogenic regulatory factors we performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, cAMP assay and Western blot analyses.

Key findings

Acteoside showed an inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis in both cell-free assay systems and cultured B16F10 melanoma cells. Acteoside decreased levels of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) proteins, whereas it increased ERK phosphorylation. A specific ERK inhibitor, PD98059, abolished the acteoside-induced down-regulation of MITF, tyrosinase and TRP-1 proteins. The ERK inhibitor increased tyrosinase activity and melanin production and reversed the acteoside-induced decrease in tyrosinase activity and melanin content. In addition, acteoside suppressed melanogenesis induced by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and showed UV-absorbing effects.

Conclusions

Acteoside decreased tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis in B16F10 cells by activating ERK signalling, which down-regulated MITF, tyrosinase and TRP-1 production.
Flavonoids in Scutellaria immaculata and S. ramosissima (Lamiaceae) and their biological activity
Authors: Mamadalieva Nilufar Z , Herrmann Florian , El-Readi Mahmoud Z , Tahrani Ahmad , Hamoud Razan , Egamberdieva Dilfuza R , Azimova Shahnoz S , Wink Michael
Published: August 2011

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the flavonoid composition of Scutellaria immaculata and S. ramosissima (Lamiaceae) and the in-vitro biological activity of their extracts and flavonoids.

Methods

The flavonoid composition of S. immaculata (Si) and S. ramosissima (Sr) were analysed using LC-MS. Antimicrobial activity was studied in vitro against a range of bacteria and fungi using diffusion and microdilution methods. Anti-trypanosomal and cell proliferation inhibitory activity of the extracts and flavonoids was assessed using MTT. The antioxidant activity of the flavonoids and extracts were evaluated using DPPH* test.

Key findings

LC-MS investigation of Si and Sr plants allowed the identification, for the first time, of an additional 9 and 16 flavonoids, respectively. The methanol, chloroform and water extracts from these plants and six flavonoids (scutellarin, chrysin, apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, cynaroside and pinocembrine) exhibited significant inhibition of cell growth against HeLa, HepG-2 and MCF-7 cells. The chloroform extract of Sr showed potent cytotoxic effects with IC50 (drug concentration which resulted in a 50% reduction in cell viability) values of 9.25 ± 1.07 µg/ml, 12.83 ± 1.49 µg/ml and 17.29 ± 1.27 µg/ml, respectively. The highest anti-trypanosomal effect against T. b. brucei was shown by the chloroform extract of Sr with an IC50 (drug concentration which resulted in a 50% inhibition of the biological activity) of 61 µg/ml. The pure flavonoids showed an IC50 range between 3 and 29 µm, with cynaroside as the most active compound with an IC50 value of 3.961 ± 0.133 µm. The chloroform extract of Sr has potent antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC = 0.03 mg/ml). Pinocembrine exhibited a strong activity against the all bacteria except Escherichia coli and yeasts. Water extracts of Sr and Si exhibited potent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 5.62 ± 0.51 µg/ml and 3.48 ± 0.02 µg/ml, respectively. Scutellarin exerted stronger antioxidant activity than other flavonoids.

Conclusions

This is the first study reporting an in-vitro biological investigation for Si and Sr. Especially the chloroform extract of Sr showed potent anticancer and antimicrobial activity. Cynaroside had a highly selective and strong cytotoxicity against T. b. brucei while showing only mild effects against cancer cells.
Robust Thermal Performance of a Flat-Plate Oscillating Heat Pipe During High-Gravity Loading
Authors: Thompson S. M. , Hathaway A. A. , Smoot C. D. , Wilson C. A. , Ma H. B. , Young R. M. , Greenberg L. , Osick B. R. , Campen S. Van , Morgan B. C. , Sharar D. , Jankowski N.
Published: August 2011

The thermal performance of a miniature, three-dimensional flat-plate oscillating heat pipe (3D FP-OHP) was experimentally investigated during high-gravity loading with nonfavorable evaporator positioning. The heat pipe had dimensions of 3.0 × 3.0 × 0.254 cm3 and utilized a novel design concept incorporating a two-layer channel arrangement. The device was charged with acetone and tested at a heat input of 95 W within a spin-table centrifuge. It was found that the heat pipe operated and performed near-independent of the investigated hypergravity loading up to 10 g. Results show that at ten times the acceleration due to gravity (10 g), the effective thermal conductivity was almost constant and even slightly increased which is very different from a conventional heat pipe. The gravity-independent heat transfer performance provides a unique feature of OHPs.
A Study on the Importance of Natural Convection During Solidification in Rectangular Geometry
Authors: Akif Ezan Mehmet , Erek Aytunc , Dincer Ibrahim
Published: August 2011

In this study, solidification process inside a water filled rectangular cavity is numerically investigated. The mathematical model is validated by comparing the current numerical predictions with the available analytical, numerical, and experimental results for three different test cases: one-dimensional conduction dominated solidification, natural convection in rectangular cavity, and natural convection dominated solidification in rectangular cavity. For all three cases, some good agreements are achieved in terms of isotherms, interface positions, and streamlines. After validation, time-wise ice formations are represented, and comparisons are made between bare and finned wall cases. In addition to these, further analyses are carried out by neglecting the buoyancy forces to introduce the differences between natural convection dominated and conduction dominated models. The results emphasize that natural convection has a critical effect in actual phase change processes.
Flow Past Two Freely Rotatable Triangular Cylinders in Tandem Arrangement
Authors: Wang Shizhao , Zhu Luoding , Zhang Xing , He Guowei
Published: August 2011

In this paper we investigate the interaction of two freely rotatable triangular cylinders that are placed in tandem in a laminar flow. To study how the spacing between the two cylinders may influence the dynamic behavior of the cylinders and vortical structure of the flow, we have performed a series of numerical simulations of the two-cylinder-flow system. In all the simulations, the dimensionless moment of inertia and Reynolds number are fixed to 1.0 and 200, respectively. Four cases with the spacing ratio (L/D) of 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 are studied. With the increase of spacing, three different states of motion of the system are found. At L/D = 2.0, oscillatory rotation (swinging in both directions) is observed. At L/D = 3.0 both cylinders exhibit quasi-periodic autorotations. At L/D = 4.0 and 5.0, a more complicated pattern (irregular autorotation) is observed. For each case, the time history of angular velocity, the phase portrait (angular acceleration versus angular velocity,) and the spectra of the moments of forces on both cylinders are plotted and analyzed. The vortical structures in the near and far wake are visualized. Physical interpretations for various phenomenon observed are presented whenever possible.
Human Sperm Binding Is Mediated by the Sialyl-Lewis
x
Oligosaccharide on the Zona Pellucida
Authors: Pang Poh-Choo , Chiu Philip C. N. , Lee Cheuk-Lun , Chang Lan-Yi , Panico Maria , Morris Howard R. , Haslam Stuart M. , Khoo Kay-Hooi , Clark Gary F. , Yeung William S. B. , Dell Anne
Published: August 2011

Fertilization in humans is initiated by binding of spermatozoa to a selectin ligand on the egg’s extracellular matrix.
Soil Nitrite as a Source of Atmospheric HONO and OH Radicals
Authors: Su Hang , Cheng Yafang , Oswald Robert , Behrendt Thomas , Trebs Ivonne , Meixner Franz X. , Andreae Meinrat O. , Cheng Peng , Zhang Yuanhang , Pöschl Ulrich
Published: August 2011

Biogenic nitrite in soils is an important source of atmospheric HONO and OH.
Vaccination of Dams Increases Antibody Titer and Improves Growth Parameters in Finisher Pigs Subclinically Infected with Porcine Circovirus Type 2
Authors: Kurmann J. , Sydler T. , Brugnera E. , Buergi E. , Haessig M. , Suter M. , Sidler X.
Published: August 2011

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the obligate infectious agent in postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) of pigs. To control PMWS, we vaccinated dams at 4 and 2 weeks before pregnancy and again in the 12th week of gestation with an inactivated PCV2 vaccine (Circovac). Two producer farms run under the control of Swiss Swine Health Organization were selected for the experiment. Previously, in one farm PMWS was diagnosed on pigs after weaning, whereas in the other farm, pigs wasted during the fattening period. For the experiments 113 dams were randomly vaccinated, and 111 dams were sham injected. Vaccination increased serum antibodies in dams 3- to 9-fold, accompanied by serum antibody titer increases in their offspring. In the sixth week of life, progeny from vaccinated dams had about the same IgG antibody titers as progeny of unvaccinated dams at the third day of life. In sera of vaccinated dams only low concentrations of PCV2 DNA were detected, and no progeny developed PMWS. Interestingly, at day 56 four progeny of unvaccinated dams tested positive for anti-PCV2 IgM antibodies, indicating a primary infection with PCV2. Of economic importance is the observation that progeny of vaccinated dams had a significantly higher daily weight gain in the fattening period (farm X, +51 g/day; farm Y, +30 g/day) and thus a shortened fattening period of about 6 days compared to progeny of controls. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of subclinical circovirus infection and its effects on growth performance of fattening pigs by vaccination of dams.
Establishment of a New Human Pneumococcal Standard Reference Serum, 007sp
Authors: Goldblatt D. , Plikaytis B. D. , Akkoyunlu M. , Antonello J. , Ashton L. , Blake M. , Burton R. , Care R. , Durant N. , Feavers I. , Fernsten P. , Fievet F. , Giardina P. , Jansen K. , Katz L. , Kierstead L. , Lee L. , Lin J. , Maisonneuve J. , Nahm M. H. , Raab J. , Romero-Steiner S. , Rose C. , Schmidt D. , Stapleton J. , Carlone G. M.
Published: August 2011

Lot 89SF has been the reference standard serum pool used in pneumococcal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) since 1990. In 2005, it was estimated that there remained between 2 and 5 years' supply of lot 89SF. Since lot 89SF was the reference standard used in the evaluation of the seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Prevnar (PCV7), the link to clinical efficacy would be severed if stocks became completely depleted. Furthermore, demonstration of immune responses comparable to those elicited by PCV7 is a licensure approach used for new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, so a replacement reference standard was required. A total of 278 volunteers were immunized with the 23-valent unconjugated polysaccharide vaccine Pneumovax II, and a unit of blood was obtained twice within 120 days following immunization. Plasma was prepared, pooled, and confirmed to be free from hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV. The pooled serum was poured at 6 ml per vial into 15,333 vials and lyophilized. Immunological bridging of 007sp to 89SF was used to establish equivalent reference values for 13 pneumococcal capsular serotypes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F) by five independent laboratories. Antibody concentrations in 007sp were established relative to the lot 89SF reference preparation using the WHO reference ELISA. Subsequently, 12 existing WHO calibration sera had concentrations reassigned for 13 pneumococcal serotypes using new serum 007sp as the reference, and these were compared to concentrations relative to the original reference serum. Agreement was excellent for the 12 WHO calibration sera. The 007sp preparation has replaced 89SF as the pneumococcal reference standard. Sufficient quantity of this new preparation is available such that, with judicious use, it should be available for at least 25 years.
Comparative Evaluation of MPT83 (Rv2873) for T Helper-1 Cell Reactivity and Identification of HLA-Promiscuous Peptides in Mycobacterium bovis BCG-Vaccinated Healthy Subjects
Authors: Mustafa Abu S.
Published: August 2011

MPT83 (Rv2873), a surface lipoprotein excreted in the culture of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, is immunoreactive in antibody assays in humans and animals and provides protection as a combined DNA vaccine in mice and cattle. This study was undertaken to determine the reactivity of MPT83 in T helper 1 (Th1)-cell assays, i.e., antigen-induced proliferation and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from
Mycobacterium bovis
bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated and/or
M. tuberculosis
-infected healthy subjects. PBMCs were tested with complex mycobacterial antigens and pools of synthetic peptides corresponding to MPT63, MPT83, MPB70, LppX, PPE68, CFP10, and ESAT-6. The results showed that MPT83 is among the strongest Th1 cell antigens of
M. tuberculosis
, and it was recognized equally strongly by BCG-vaccinated and by BCG-vaccinated and
M. tuberculosis
-infected healthy subjects. Furthermore, HLA heterogeneity of the responding donors suggested that MPT83 was presented to Th1 cells by several HLA-DR molecules. The analysis of the mature MPT83 sequence (amino acids [aa] 1 to 220) and its 14 overlapping synthetic peptides for binding prediction to HLA class II molecules and actual recognition of the peptides by PBMCs from HLA-DR-typed subjects in antigen-induced proliferation and IFN-γ assays suggested that Th1 cell epitopes were scattered throughout the sequence of MPT83. In addition, the HLA-promiscuous nature of at least three peptides, i.e., P11 (aa 151 to 175), P12 (aa 166 to 190), and P14 (aa 196 to 220), was suggested by HLA-DR binding predictions and recognition by HLA-DR heterogeneous donors in Th1 cell assays. These results support the inclusion of MPT83 in an antigen cocktail to develop a new antituberculosis vaccine.
Safety by design: effects of operating room floor marking on the position of surgical devices to promote clean air flow compliance and minimise infection risks
Authors: de Korne Dirk F , van Wijngaarden Jeroen D H , van Rooij Jeroen , Wauben Linda S G L , Hiddema U Frans , Klazinga Niek S
Published: August 2011

Objective

To evaluate the use of floor marking on the positioning of surgical devices within the clean air flow in an operating room (OR) to minimise infection risk. Laminar flow clean air systems are important in preventing infection in ORs but, for optimal results, surgical devices must be correctly positioned.

Methods

The authors evaluated floor marking in four ORs at an eye hospital using time series analysis. Through observations during 829 surgeries over a 20-month period, the positions of surgical devices were determined. Eight semistructured interviews with surgical staff were conducted to assess user experiences and team dynamics.

Results

Before marking, the instrument table was positioned completely within the laminar flow in only 6.1% of the cases. This increased to 36.1% and finally 53.8%. Mayo stands were increasingly positioned within the laminar flow: from 74.2% to 84.7%. The surgical lamp decreasingly obstructed flow: from 41.8% to 28.7%. At T3 (20 months), however, in 48.6% of the applicable cases the lamp was positioned in the flow again. Discussions and site visits between airside operators and surgical staff resulted in increasing awareness of specific risk areas in the OR.

Conclusions

OR floor markings facilitated and stimulated safety awareness and resulted in significantly increased compliance with the positioning of surgical devices in the clean air flow. Safety and quality approaches in hospital care, therefore, should include a human factors approach that focuses on system design in addition to teaching clinical and non-technical skills.
Roadmap to a tobacco epidemic: transnational tobacco companies invade Indonesia
Authors: Hurt Richard D , Ebbert Jon O , Achadi Anhari , Croghan Ivana T
Published: August 2011

Background

Indonesia is the world's fifth largest cigarette market in the world but for decades, transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) have had limited success infiltrating this market, due to their inability to compete in the kretek market. Kreteks are clove/tobacco cigarettes that most Indonesians smoke.

Objective

To determine how Phillip Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco (BAT) have now successfully achieved a substantial market presence in Indonesia.

Methods

We analyzed previously secret, tobacco industry documents, corporate reports on Indonesia operations, the Tobacco Trade press, Indonesia media, and “TheRoadmap.”

Results

Internal, corporate documents from BAT and PMI demonstrate that they had known for decades that kreteks are highly carcinogenic. Despite that knowledge, BAT and PMI now own and heavily market these products, as well as new more westernised versions of kreteks. BAT and PMI used their successful basic strategy of keeping cigarettes affordable by maintaining the social responsibility of smoking and opposing smoke-free workplace laws but in the 21st century, they added the acquisition of and westernisation of domestic kretek manufacturers as an additional strategy. These acquisitions allowed them to assert influences on health policy in Indonesia and to grow their business under current government policy embodied in the 2007-2020Roadmapof Tobacco Products Industry and Excise Policy which calls for increased cigarette production by 12% over the next 15 years.

Conclusion

PMI and Bat have successfully entered and are expanding their share in the Indonesia cigarette market. Despite the obvious and pervasive influence of the tobacco industry on policy decisions, the Indonesian government should ratify the FCTC and implement effective legislation to reduce tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke and revise theRoadmapto protect future generations of Indonesians.
Effect of prolonged status epilepticus as a result of intoxication on epileptogenesis in a UK canine population
Authors: Jull P. , Risio L. D. , Horton C. , Volk H. A.
Published: August 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate if prolonged status epilepticus (SE), secondary to a chemoconvulsant, can induce spontaneous recurrent seizures in dogs. Clinical records at two UK referral hospitals were searched for dogs that presented in SE secondary to intoxication. Dogs were only included in the study if there was clear historical evidence of intoxication and a prolonged SE. Clinical and follow‐up information was retrieved and verified by using a combination of clinical records from the two hospitals and the referring veterinarian and by contacting the owners using a telephone questionnaire. Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria: 17 presented for metaldehyde toxicity, one for moxidectin toxicity, one for theobromine toxicity and one for mycotoxin toxicity. Of these 20 dogs, three dogs had an SE duration between 0.5 and one hour, four dogs between one and 12 hours, 10 dogs between 12 and 24 hours and three dogs greater then 24 hours. Median follow‐up time for the 20 dogs was 757 days (range 66 to 1663 days). No dog had any further seizures after its SE. The present study supports the view that dogs with a prolonged SE following intoxication with the aforementioned toxins might not need long‐term treatment with antiepileptic drugs after the SE has been controlled.
Genetic dissection of the resistance toRice stripe viruspresent in theindicarice cultivar ‘IR24’
Authors: Wang Baoxiang , Jiang Ling , Zhang Yingxin , Zhang Wenwei , Wang Qi , Liu Shijia , Liu Yuqiang , Cheng Xianian , Zhai Huqu , Wan Jianmin
Published: August 2011

Rice stripe disease, caused by Rice stripe virus (RSV) and transmitted by the small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus Fallen), is one of the most serious viral diseases of rice in temperate East Asian production regions. Prior quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping has established that Oryza sativa L. subsp. indica ‘IR24’ carries positive alleles at the three loci qSTV3, qSTV7, and qSTV11-i. Here, we report an advanced backcross analysis based on three selected chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs), each predicted to carry one of these three QTL. Three sets of BC4F2:3populations were bred from a cross between the critical CSSL and its recurrent parent Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica ‘Asominori’. Both qSTV3 and qSTV11-i were detected in their respective population, but qSTV7 was not. An allelic analysis based on a known carrier of the major RSV resistance gene Stvb-i, which is located on chromosome 11, showed that qSTV11-i was not allelic with Stvb-i. A large mapping population was used to delimit the location of qSTV11-i to a 73.6-kb region. The de novo markers developed for this purpose will be useful as marker-assisted selection tools in efforts to introduce qSTV11-i into breeding programmes aiming to improve the level of RSV resistance.
Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Magnolia kwangsiensis (Magnoliaceae): implication for DNA barcoding and population genetics
Authors: Kuang Dai-Yong , Wu Hong , Wang Ya-Ling , Gao Lian-Ming , Zhang Shou-Zhou , Lu Lu
Published: August 2011

Here, we report a completely sequenced plastome using Illumina/Solexa sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) technology. The plastome of Magnolia kwangsiensis Figlar & Noot. is 159 667 bp in length with a typical quadripartite structure: 88 030 bp large single-copy (LSC) and 18 669 bp small single-copy (SSC) regions, separated by two 26 484 bp inverted repeat (IR) regions. The overall predicted gene number is 129, among which 17 genes are duplicated in IR regions. The plastome of M. kwangsiensis is identical in its gene order to previously published plastomes of magnoliids. Furthermore, the C-to-U type RNA editing frequency of 114 seed plants is positively correlated with plastome GC content and plastome length, whereas plastome length is not correlated with GC content. A total of 16 potential putative barcoding or low taxonomic level phylogenetic study markers in Magnoliaceae were detected by comparing the coding and noncoding regions of the plastome of M. kwangsiensis with that of Liriodendron tulipifera L. At least eight markers might be applied not only to Magnoliaceae but also to other taxa. The 86 mononucleotide cpSSRs that distributed in single-copy noncoding regions are highly valuable to study population genetics and conservation genetics of this endangered rare species.
Chromosomal and genome-wide molecular changes associated with initial stages of allohexaploidization in wheat can be transit and incidental
Authors: Zhao Na , Xu Liying , Zhu Bo , Li Mingjiu , Zhang Huakun , Qi Bao , Xu Chunming , Han Fangpu , Liu Bao
Published: August 2011

Genomic instability can be induced by nascent allopolyploidization in plants. However, most previous studies have not defined to what extent the allopolyploidy-induced rapid genomic instability represents a general response, and hence important to evolution, or merely incidental events occurring stochastically in a limited number of individuals. We report here that in a newly formed allohexaploid wheat line between tetraploid wheat Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (genome BBAA) and Aegilops tauschii (genome DD) a great majority of individual plants showed chromosomal stability and exhibited a genomic constitution similar to that of the present-day Triticum aestivum (genome BBAADD). In contrast, a single individual plant was identified at S2, which exhibited chromosomal instability in both number and structure based on multicolor genomic in situ hybridization (mc-GISH) analysis. Accordingly, this plant also manifested extensive changes at the molecular level including loss and gain of DNA segments and DNA methylation repatterning. Remarkably, the chromosomal and molecular instabilities that presumably occurred at S0to S1and (or) in the F1hybrid were rapidly quenched by S2and followed by stable transgenerational inheritance. Our results suggest that these stochastic and individual-specific rapid genomic changes, albeit interesting, probably have not played a major role in the speciation and evolution of common wheat, T. aestivum.