bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular analysis of patients with polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia receiving pegylated interferon α-2a
Authors: Quintás-Cardama Alfonso , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Manshouri Taghi , Kilpivaara Outi , Cortes Jorge , Roupie Anne-Laure , Zhang Su-Jiang , Harris David , Estrov Zeev , Kantarjian Hagop , Levine Ross L. , Verstovsek Srdan
Published: June 2013

Key Points

Treatment with PEG-IFN-α-2a in PV and ET results in a high rate of complete hematologic and molecular responses. Patients failing to achieve complete molecular remission tended to have higher frequencies of mutations in genes other than JAK2.
Animal models of diabetic retinopathy: doors to investigate pathogenesis and potential therapeutics
Authors: Jo Dong Hyun , Cho Chang Sik , Kim Jin Hyoung , Jun Hyoung Oh , Kim Jeong Hun
Published: June 2013

Effective and validated animal models are valuable to investigate the pathogenesis and potential therapeutics for human diseases. There is much concern for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in that it affects substantial number of working population all around the world, resulting in visual deterioration and social deprivation. In this review, we discuss animal models of DR based on different species of animals from zebrafish to monkeys and prerequisites for animal models. Despite criticisms on imprudent use of laboratory animals, we hope that animal models of DR will be appropriately utilized to deepen our understanding on the pathogenesis of DR and to support our struggle to find novel therapeutics against catastrophic visual loss from DR.
Laparotomy and laparoscopy diversely affect macrophage-associated antimicrobial activity in a murine model
Authors: Huang Shun Gen , Li Yi Ping , Zhang Qi , Redmond H Paul , Wang Jiang Huai , Wang Jian
Published: June 2013

Background

Surgical intervention-related trauma contributes largely to the development of postoperative immunosuppression, with reduced resistance to secondary bacterial infection. This study compared the impact of laparotomy versus laparoscopy on macrophage-associated bactericidal ability and examined whether laparotomy renders the host more susceptible to microbial infection.

Results

BALB/c mice were randomized into control, laparotomy, and laparoscopy groups. Laparotomy, but not laparoscopy, significantly downregulated CR3 expression on macrophages, diminished macrophage-induced uptake and phagocytosis of E. coli and S. aureus, and impaired macrophage-mediated intracellular bacterial killing. Consistent with this, mice that underwent laparotomy displayed substantially higher bacterial counts in the blood and visceral organs as well as a significantly enhanced mortality rate following bacterial infection, whereas mice subjected to laparoscopy did not show any defects in their bacterial clearance.

Conclusion

Laparotomy has an adverse effect on host innate immunity against microbial infection by impairing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and killing of the invaded bacteria. By contrast, laparoscopy appears to preserve macrophage-associated bactericidal ability, thus alleviating the development of postoperative immunosuppression.
Extraordinary terahertz absorption bands observed in micro/nanostructured Au/polystyrene sphere arrays
Authors: Duan Guotao , Su Fuhai , Xu Wen , Zhang Cunlin , Cai Weiping
Published: June 2013

Terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy is carried out for micro/nanostructured periodic Au/dielectric sphere arrays on Si substrate. We find that the metal-insulator transition can be achieved in THz bandwidth via varying sample parameters such as the thickness of the Au shell and the diameter of the Au/dielectric sphere. The Au/polystyrene sphere arrays do not show metallic THz response when the Au shell thickness is larger than 10 nm and the sphere diameter is smaller than 500 nm. This effect is in sharp contrast to the observations in flat Au films on Si substrate. Interestingly, the Au/polystyrene sphere arrays with a 5-nm-thick Au shell show extraordinary THz absorption bands or metallic optical conductance when the diameter of the sphere is larger than 200 nm. This effect is related to the quantum confinement effect in which the electrons in the structure are trapped in the sphere potential well of the gold shell.
Effectiveness of the Mindfulness in Schools Programme: non-randomised controlled feasibility study
Authors: Kuyken Willem , Weare Katherine , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Vicary Rachael , Motton Nicola , Burnett Richard , Cullen Chris , Hennelly Sarah , Huppert Felicia
Published: June 2013

Background

Mindfulness-based approaches for adults are effective at enhancing mental health, but few controlled trials have evaluated their effectiveness among young people.

Aims

To assess the acceptability and efficacy of a schools-based universal mindfulness intervention to enhance mental health and well-being.

Method

A total of 522 young people aged 12–16 in 12 secondary schools either participated in the Mindfulness in Schools Programme (intervention) or took part in the usual school curriculum (control).

Results

Rates of acceptability were high. Relative to the controls, and after adjusting for baseline imbalances, children who participated in the intervention reported fewer depressive symptoms post-treatment (P = 0.004) and at follow-up (P = 0.005) and lower stress (P = 0.05) and greater well-being (P = 0.05) at follow-up. The degree to which students in the intervention group practised the mindfulness skills was associated with better well-being (P<0.001) and less stress (P = 0.03) at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions

The findings provide promising evidence of the programme's acceptability and efficacy.
Cigarettes smoking and the risk of rehospitalization in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Karakuła Hanna , Pawełczak Paweł , Stecka Mariola
Published: June 2013

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disease which, in spite of adequate treatment, brings a high risk of relapse with frequent need for hospitalization. Among many factors affecting the frequency of hospitalization in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, smoking cigarettes is one of them. Numerous research confirmed higher percentage of smoking schizophrenic patients as compared to patients suffering from other mental illnesses or healthy population. The prevalence of nicotine dependence among schizophrenic patients is explained, inter alia, by relationship with disease symptoms and side effects of the treatment and related attempts of self-medication. Lower premorbid functioning, more acute disease process, higher risk of relapse and somatic disease, are observed in smoking patients group diagnosed with schizophrenia. The course of schizophrenic process could be modified by smoking, through 1) neurobiological changes, as increasing of dopamine activity, 2) enzyme induction responsible for the drug metabolism, and related to this process changes of plasma concentration of neuroleptics. Complexity of the relation between smoking, course of schizophrenic process and risk of rehospitalisation, cannot draw definite conclusions and should be inspiration for further research.
Jakob von Uexküll’s Umweltlehre between cinematography, perception and philosophy
Authors: Kynast Katja
Published: June 2013

The biologist and founder of Umwelt-Research Jakob von Uexküll used cinematographic techniques in many ways. This article explores three of these. First, Uexküll uses chronophotography to investigate the locomotion of marine organisms and insects, making multiple exposures on a single photographic surface to facilitate comparison between different phases of locomotion. Second, according to Uexküll, observing the motions of the living being in this way renders visible the ‘conformity with plan’ that is particular to each organism. The technique of cinematography is therefore original to his investigation of the plan-like character of organisms. Third, in his later works Foray into the World of Humans and Animals ([1934] 2010) and Theoretical Biology ([1920] 1926), Uexküll uses cinematography to demonstrate his theory that the life of every living being unfolds in its own perceptual world possessing of its own subjective time and spatiality. It is in this context that one has to understand the centrality of his references to ‘pre-cinematographic’ experiments on and theories of perception.
Induction of the DNA damage response by IAP inhibition triggers natural immunity via upregulation of NKG2D ligands in Hodgkin lymphoma in vitro
Authors: Sauer Maike , Reiners Katrin S. , Hansen Hinrich P. , Engert Andreas , Gasser Stephan , von Strandmann Elke Pogge
Published: June 2013

Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer cells. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) act as endogenous inhibitors of programmed cell death and are overexpressed in several tumors including Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Preclinical studies indicate antitumor activity of IAP antagonists and clinical studies in hematological malignancies are underway. Here, we investigate the impact of the small molecule IAP antagonist LCL161 on HL cell lines. Although the antagonist caused rapid degradation of cIAP1 leading to TNFα secretion, LCL161 did not promote apoptosis significantly. However, LCL161 induced expression of MICA and MICB, ligands for the activating immune receptor NKG2D, and enhanced the susceptibility of HL cells to NKG2D-dependent lysis by NK cells. MICA/B upregulation was dependent on activation of the DNA damage response upon LCL161 treatment. Taken together, we demonstrate a novel link between IAP inhibition, DNA damage and immune recognition.
Influence of Physical and Optical Parameters on 2,4-Dichlorophenol Degradation
Authors: Bayarri Bernard , Gimenez Jaime , Esplugas Santiago
Published: June 2013

The influence of sonicating a TiO2 suspension was studied and, in addition, the effect of the TiO2 aggregate size. 2,4-Dichlorophenol (DCP) was degraded by photocatalysis with TiO2. In a first experimental series, the suspension was prepared just stirring the photocatalyst. Then, the experimental runs were repeated but stirring and sonicating the TiO2. The sonicated suspension showed to be much more effective than the non-sonicated, and the kinetic constants were around 70% higher for DCP removal and 40% higher for total organic carbon (TOC) mineralization. The absorption and scattering coefficients and the diffuse reflectance were also determined and presented for both types of suspensions. The values were calculated by transmittance measurements for different amounts of TiO2. The values obtained were fitted to the radiative transfer equation using the Schuster–Schwarzschild approximation. In agreement with the results of the degradation experiments, it was found that the absorption coefficient was higher for the sonicated suspension.
Mikromagnetische und photothermische Charakterisierung thermo-mechanischer Schädigungen
Authors: Thiemann Philipp , Ströbel Gerald
Published: June 2013

Thermo-mechanische Schädigungen, sogenannter Schleifbrand, können zu einer wesentlichen Verschlechterung des Funktionsverhaltens geschliffener Bauteile führen. Der Nachweis dieser Schädigungen erfolgt bislang mit zerstörenden Verfahren, wie der Metallografie, der Röntgenografie oder dem Nitalätzen. Im Folgenden werden Ergebnisse von Arbeiten vorgestellt, in denen der qualitative und quantitative Nachweis von Schleifbrand mit zerstörungsfreien Verfahren untersucht wird.
Modelling study on environmental indicators in an estuary
Authors: Sun Jian , Lin Binliang , Jiang Guoqiang , Li Kaiming , Tao Jianhua
Published: June 2013

This paper reports on an investigation of the spatial and temporal variation of main environmental indicators in the Pearl River estuary using a numerical water quality model. An integrated field survey was undertaken in 2006 and 2007, and the data obtained were used to set up and verify the model. The water quality model was driven by a hydrodynamic model in which the monthly average freshwater discharges from eight major entrances were taken into account and the seaward boundary elevations were specified based on eight major tidal constituents. Two environmental indicators – dissolved inorganic nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand – were chosen as nutrient and pollution indicators, respectively, according to the actual pollution conditions. Both land-based sources (carried by the discharges) and air-based sources (wet and dry atmospheric depositions) were included in the water quality model and the processes of advection, diffusion and degradation were also modelled. The model predictions generally agreed well with the sampling data, and existing field and model results. The present contributions of the main sources were investigated and prospective scenarios of pollution reductions were predicted.
Production of biodiesel from microalgae
Authors: Danilovic Bojana , Avramovic Jelena , Ciric Jovan , Savic Dragisa , Veljkovic Vlada
Published: June 2013

In recent years, more attention has been paid to the use of third generation
feedstocs for the production of biodiesel. One of the most promising sources
of oil for biodiesel production are microalgae. They are unicellular or
colonial photosynthetic organisms, with permanently increasing industrial
application in the production of not only chemicals and nutritional
supplements but also biodiesel. Biodiesel productivity per hectare of
cultivation area can be up to 100 times higher for microalgae than for oil
crops. Also, microalgae can grow in a variety of environments that are often
unsuitable for agricultural purposes. Microalgae oil content varies in
different species and can reach up to 77% of dry biomass, while the oil
productivity by the phototrophic cultivation of microalgae is up to 122
mg/l/d. Variations of the growth conditions and the implementation of the
genetic engineering can induce the changes in the composition and
productivity of microalgal oil. Biodiesel from microalgae can be produced in
two ways: by transesterification of oil extracted from biomass or by direct
transesterification of algal biomass (so called in situ transesterification).
This paper reviews the curent status of microalgae used for the production of
biodiesel including their isolation, cultivation, harvesting and conversion
to biodiesel. Because of high oil productivity, microalgae will play a
significant role in future biodiesel production. The advantages of using
microalgae as a source for biofuel production are increased efficiency and
reduced cost of production. Also, microalgae do not require a lot of space
for growing and do not have a negative impact on the global food and water
supplies. Disadvantages of using microalgae are more difficult separation of
biomass and the need for further research to develop standardized methods for
microalgae cultivation and biodiesel production. Currently, microalgae are
not yet sustainable option for the commercial production of biodiesel. First
of all, the price of biodiesel from microalgae is still higher than the price
of diesel due to high production costs.
Proximal Box Elevation With Resin Composite and the Dogma of Biological Width: Clinical R2-Technique and Critical Review
Authors: Frese C , Wolff D , Staehle HJ
Published: June 2013

Provided that moisture control is possible, today's resin composite materials can be applied successfully in the restorative treatment of extensively decayed teeth. This suggests that restorative margins will be increasingly located below the cementoenamel junction, probably invading biological width. The recently introduced technique of proximal box elevation (PBE) offers the possibility of performing a stepwise elevation of deep proximal cavities to create more favorable preparation margins for direct or indirect restorations. Clinical instructions for the restoration of extensively damaged teeth are given through this presentation. A two-step R2-technique will be shown, and a critical review of the dogma of biological width will be presented.
Prevalence and antibiogram of multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus among pregnant women attending ante-natal clinics in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Akelere John O , Anyadoh-Nwadike Sylvia O , Nwadike Peter O
Published: June 2013

Background: Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus Aureus (SA) is on the rise. The prevalence and antibiogram of MDR Staphylococcus Aureus among pregnant women attending Ante-Natal Clinics in Owerri, Imo State is being studied. Aim and Objective: The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) among pregnant women was studied using urine and High Vaginal Swab(HVS) from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. Materials and Methods: The pregnant women attending at three hospitals; Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu and General Hospital Okigwe. A total of 1, 197 (619 Urine and 578 HVS) samples were used. Samples were analysed in the Microbiology Laboratories of the different hospitals, within thirty minutes of collection. Results: The results revealed that 121 (19.5%) of the Urine samples haboured S.aureus while 87 (15.1%) of the HVS were positive (mean: 17.4%). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that 126 ( 60.5%) of the S.aureus isolated from both the Urine and HVS samples across the state were multidrug resistant . The predominant MAR index was 0.27 as 33.2% of isolates were resistant to 3 / 11 of antibiotics tested while the least 0.64 (7/11) was shown by 0.01% of the isolates. Generally, the highest resistance was to Ceftriazone (63.8%), followed by Gentamicin (63.0%), while Ciprofloxacin gave the highest susceptibility (95.2% ) followed by Ofloxacin (92.3%). Questionnaires revealed that 75.7% (87), 72.9%(43) and 76.5% (26) (mean: 75%) that tested positive for the organism at FMC Owerri, IMSUTH Orlu and General Hospital Okigwe respectively were asymptomatic. Result analysis revealed a significant prevalence of resistant S.aureus among these outpatients who were mostly asymptomatic and unsuspecting carriers. Conclusion: The need for routine surveillance of pregnant women for S.aureus to reduce maternal and child morbidity caused by the organism has therefore been revealed by this study. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.6221 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 8-14
Profile of Congenital Limb Anomalies in Calabar
Authors: Ngim Ngim E , Ikpeme Ikpeme A , Udosen Anthony M , Okokon Enembe , Iya Joy
Published: June 2013

Objective: To describe the profile of congenital limb abnormalities in Calabar. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study of all patients presenting to the orthopaedic department of our hospital over a three year period. Patient information was retrieved from case notes and theatre records. Information obtained included the patients’ socio-demographics, type of limb anomaly, limb affected, associated non-musculoskeletal congenital anomalies, type and duration of treatment given and follow up. Data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 and results were presented as frequency tables and means. Results: Seventy two patients presented in our unit with congenital limb anomalies over the study period, age ranged from 1 day to 21 years (mean age 15 months). There were 43 males and 29 females, with male to female ratio of 1.48:1. Most of the anomalies (95.83%) affected the lower limbs, with the bilateral lesions occurring in 45.83% of patients. Two patients had multiple limb anomalies affecting upper and lower limbs. The most common limb anomaly was clubfoot constituting 65.28% while congenital genu recurvatum, polydactyly and syndactyly each constituted 6.94% of the cases. Three patients (4.17%) had associated non-musculoskeletal congenital anomalies – ventricular septal defect, myelomeningocele and congenital inguinal hernia constituting one each. Most of the patients (75.41%) were treated non-operatively. Majority of the patients (52.78%) defaulted at various stages of treatment. Conclusion: Congenital clubfoot is the commonest congenital limb anomaly in our centre. Associated non-musculoskeletal anomalies are uncommon. Patient default at various stages of treatment is a major issue. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.7638   Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 58-61
Diet preference with regional variation of body mass index and hand grip strength of Indian females
Authors: Varte Lalhmunlien Robert , Rawat Shweta , Singh Inderjeet , Pal Madhu Sudan , Majumdar Dhurjati
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Nutritional content of diet of vegetarian and non-vegetarian differs in terms of food composition and vegetarian diets are often low in protein, probably causing a difference in body composition, structure and strength characteristics. Purpose of study: To study anthropometric, body composition and hand strength differences among 641 vegetarian and 424 non-vegetarian Indian women, aged 20–60 yrs. Methods: ANOVA, t-test, multivariable stepwise regression and logistic regressions were performed to analyse association between BMI, hand grip strength and potential confounders using SPSS Version 17 for Windows. p < 0.05 referred to as statistically significant. Results: Vegetarians had less body fat than non-vegetarians. Statistically significant difference was found in their grip strength (GS) (t = 2.459, p < 0.05) and BMI (t = 2.188, p < 0.05). Height and weight were positively associated with grip strength in the vegetarian group while height and fat free mass were seen to be positively associated with grip strength in the non-vegetarian group. Grip strength was greater in non-vegetarian group and the vegetarians had lower BMI (25.33 kg/mt2 ± 4.56) than nonvegetarians (25.95 kg/mt2 ± 4.45, t-test = 2.188, p<0.05). Conclusion: Those with greater grip strength (non-vegetarian group) had greater chance of being obese than those with lower grip strength (vegetarian group). (OR = 2.609, 95% CI 1.487 - 4.577). However, lower levels of body mass indices of the vegetarian women suggest that they are healthier than non-vegetarians in terms of BMI.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.8096   Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 43-51
Susceptibility of knee osteoarthritis patients to develop cardiovascular disease - a clinical study
Authors: Sexana Rahul , Bhattacharya Ijen , Sexana Raj
Published: June 2013

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a process of progressive destruction of articular cartilage which makes the OA patients physically inactive and increases the probability to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aim: The objectives of present study were to estimate atherogenic index, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in knee OA patients of different Kellegren- Lawrence (KL) grade and clarify the probability of knee OA patients to develop future CVD risk with disease severity. Methodology: Atherogenic index, plasma paraoxonase, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated by using standard methods in 55 - 70 years aged 76 knee OA patients categorized into three groups (on the basis of KL grading scale) and 24 healthy subjects (control group). The obtained values were compared statistically by using student’s t-test. Result: A significant reduction in the plasma paraoxonase and serum HDL cholesterol levels were observed in (p<0.05) Group II & III knee OA patients. Similarly, erythrocyte MDA, Total cholesterol/HDL ratio and plasma CRP levels were increased significantly in (p<0.05) Group II and III knee OA patients. However, these levels were found to be altered insignificantly (p<0.01) in Group I knee OA subjects as compared to controls.  Conclusion: Thus, the probability of KL grade III and IV knee OA patients to develop future risk of CVD are more as characterized by elevated antherogenic index, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress and reflect the need of antioxodants supplementation along with drug of choice to reduce CVD risk in knee OA patients.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.8169   Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 62-68
Academic authorship: who, why and in what order?
Authors: Hundley V , Teijlingen Evan , Simkhada P
Published: June 2013

Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 99-101 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i2.8214
A correlative study on cytopathological and histopathological findings in male genital tract lesions
Authors: Paudyal Punam , Sinha AK , Karak AK , Kumar B , Agrawal CS
Published: June 2013

Background: The incidence of male genital lesions has continuously increased during the last decades, especially in the developed countries. FNAC serves as an important tool to screen and diagnose all palpable lesions of the genital tract and provides sufficient information for the initiation of treatment without need for an open biopsy. This study compares the diagnostic outcome between FNAC and surgical biopsies in male genital tract lesions. Objectives To find out the correlative attributes of cytological findings with the histologic diagnosis in male genital tract lesions. Methods: This is a hospital based retrospective and prospective study spanning over a period of six years. A total of thirty seven male patients with genital tract lesions were subjected to both FNAC and biopsy. The age, site, duration of illness, onset of illness, history of pain, relevant past medical history, cytological and histological findings were recorded. Diagnostic contribution of FNAC was evaluated taking histologic diagnosis as gold standard. Results: The age range was 2-80 years. Mean age was 39.37 year. Commonest site involved was right testis (27.0%) followed by left epididymis (21.7%). Predominant lesion was benign which constituted 59.4%. Malignancies formed 18.9% of all cases. Conclusion: FNAC was observed to be capable of providing correct diagnosis in 78.4%. Taking histologic diagnosis as gold standard, FNAC was found to have a sensitivity of 81.48% and specificity of 42.85 %. Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 138-144 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i2.8221
Apoptotic Cell Death in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Nakagawara Akira
Published: June 2013

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common malignant solid tumors in childhood, which derives from the sympathoadrenal lineage of the neural crest and exhibits extremely heterogeneous biological and clinical behaviors. The infant patients frequently undergo spontaneous regression even with metastatic disease, whereas the patients of more than one year of age who suffer from disseminated disease have a poor outcome despite intensive multimodal treatment. Spontaneous regression in favorable NBs has been proposed to be triggered by nerve growth factor (NGF) deficiency in the tumor with NGF dependency for survival, while aggressive NBs have defective apoptotic machinery which enables the tumor cells to evade apoptosis and confers the resistance to treatment. This paper reviews the molecules and pathways that have been recently identified to be involved in apoptotic cell death in NB and discusses their potential prospects for developing more effective therapeutic strategies against aggressive NB.
Updating Nutritional Data and Evaluation of Technological Parameters of Italian Milk
Authors: Manzi Pamela , Di Costanzo Maria , Mattera Maria
Published: June 2013

Different technologically treated Italian milks (whole and semi-skimmed ultra-high temperature (UHT), pasteurized and microfiltered milk), collected from 2009 to 2012, were evaluated for nutritional and technological properties. No significant differences in calcium and sodium were detected (p > 0.05), while significant differences were observed concerning phosphorus content, between whole and semi-skimmed milk, and lactose content, between pasteurized and UHT milk (p < 0.05). In UHT milk, lactose isomerization occurred, and lactulose (from 8.6 to 104.0 mg/100 g) was detected. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected for choline, a functional molecule, between whole (11.3–14.6 mg/100 g) and semi-skimmed milk (11.1–14.7 mg/100 g), but there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in processing milk (UHT vs. pasteurized milk and UHT vs. microfiltered milk). Among the unsaponifiable compounds, only 13 cis retinol and trans retinol showed differences in technologically treated milk (pasteurized vs. UHT milk and microfiltered vs. UHT milk; p < 0.05). In this research, the greater was the “severity” of milk treatment, the higher was the percent ratio 13 cis/trans retinol (DRI, degree of retinol isomerization). The degree of antioxidant protection parameter (DAP), useful to estimate the potential oxidative stability of fat in foods, was significantly different between whole and semi-skimmed milk (p < 0.05). Finally, the evaluation of color measurement of whole milk showed a good correlation between beta carotene and b* (r = 0.854) and between lactulose and a* (r = 0.862).
Structural Polymer-Based Carbon Nanotube Composite Fibers: Understanding the Processing–Structure–Performance Relationship
Authors: Song Kenan , Zhang Yiying , Meng Jiangsha , Green Emily , Tajaddod Navid , Li Heng , Minus Marilyn
Published: June 2013

Among the many potential applications of carbon nanotubes (CNT), its usage to strengthen polymers has been paid considerable attention due to the exceptional stiffness, excellent strength, and the low density of CNT. This has provided numerous opportunities for the invention of new material systems for applications requiring high strength and high modulus. Precise control over processing factors, including preserving intact CNT structure, uniform dispersion of CNT within the polymer matrix, effective filler–matrix interfacial interactions, and alignment/orientation of polymer chains/CNT, contribute to the composite fibers’ superior properties. For this reason, fabrication methods play an important role in determining the composite fibers’ microstructure and ultimate mechanical behavior. The current state-of-the-art polymer/CNT high-performance composite fibers, especially in regards to processing–structure–performance, are reviewed in this contribution. Future needs for material by design approaches for processing these nano-composite systems are also discussed.
Dendritic Cells in Human Pneumovirus and Metapneumovirus Infections
Authors: Guerrero-Plata Antonieta
Published: June 2013

Lung dendritic cells (DC) play a fundamental role in sensing invading pathogens, as well as in the control of tolerogenic responses in the respiratory tract. Their strategic localization at the site of pathogen entry makes them particularly susceptible to initial viral invasion. Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) belong to the Paramyxoviridae family, within the Pneumovirus and Metapneumovirus genera, respectively. hRSV and hMPV are significant human respiratory pathogens that cause similar clinical manifestations and affect many of the same subpopulations. However, they differentially activate the host immune response, including DC, which represents a fundamental link between the innate and adaptive immune response. In this review, the role of DC in the immune response against hRSV and hMPV infections, as well as the inhibitory effects of these paramyxoviruses on the DC immunity will be discussed.
Salpingectomy to Prevent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Narod S.A.
Published: June 2013

When Pamela Fayerman received a grant of $20,000 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in 2012 to pursue health journalism research, she was able to travel throughout Canada to interview experts about a possible new way to prevent ovarian cancer.[...]
Use of a Safe Kit to Decrease Self-Injury Among Adolescent Inpatients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Loveridge Stephanie Michelle
Published: June 2013

A quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted via a convenience sample of 39 adolescents with a recent history of self-injury who were admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. It was postulated that the use of a safe kit would decrease the urge to self-injure during the participant’s hospital stay. Participants were screened using the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory 9 and enrolled in the study after informed consent was received. Patients designed a safe kit, filling it with items that may help them refrain from self-injury when the urge was high. At the end of the hospital stay, participants completed a questionnaire evaluating the use of the safe kit in the context of other coping skills used during their admission. Sixty-two percent (
n
= 23) of participants used the kit as a means of coping with urges to self-injure. Sixty-one percent of those who used the kit strongly agreed that the safe kit reduced the urge to self-injure. Further research is needed with a larger sample to explore the effectiveness of a safe kit in maintaining safety on an adolescent unit. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 51
(9), 32–36.]
Integrating DSLs into a Software Engineering Process
Authors: Chiprianov Vanea , Kermarrec Yvon , Rouvrais Siegfried
Published: June 2013

The development of large and complex systems involves many people, stakeholders. Engineeringly speaking, one way to control this complexity is by designing and analyzing the system from different perspectives. For each perspective, stakeholders benefit from means, tools, languages, specific to their activity domain. A Domain Specific Language (DSL) per perspective is such a dedicated means. While DSLs are used for modeling, other means, tools, and languages are needed for other connected activities, like testing or collaborating. However, using such different types of tools together, integrating DSLs into stakeholders’ software process is not straightforward. In this chapter, the authors advance an integration process of DSLs with other tools. The chapter proposes each stakeholder have their own DSL with associated graphical editor, operational semantics, and generation of scripts for off the shelf simulators, e.g., testing. Additionally to the integrated stakeholders’ software process, the authors introduce a model driven process dedicated to the tool vendor which creates the DSLs and its associated tools. Due to the integration of DSLs into this process, they contend that stakeholders will significantly reduce system construction time. The chapter illustrates the two processes on Telecommunications service construction.
Reengineering Structured Legacy System Documentation to UML Object-Oriented Artifacts
Authors: Fries Terrence P.
Published: June 2013

The need for reengineering of software systems has dramatically increased as legacy systems are migrated to new platforms and rewritten in modern object-oriented languages. Although the de facto standard for describing object-oriented systems is the Unified Modeling Language (UML), many legacy systems have been documented using non-object-oriented structured analysis and design methods. Problems arise in the migration because non-object-oriented documentation is inherently not conducive to the development of object-oriented systems. This chapter presents a set of rules to automate the conversion of systems which were originally modeled using structured techniques to UML. The newly created UML documentation can then be used in developing an object-oriented equivalent system. The UML model may also be used by computer aided software engineering tools to implement a new system. The reengineering rules are tested on an example structured system to demonstrate their viability.
Modular Game Engine Design
Authors: Boudreaux Aaron , Primeaux Brandon
Published: June 2013

The usage of software engineering principles in designing a game engine is discussed in this chapter using a simple tower defense game implemented using C# and the XNA Framework to illustrate usage of the engine. Essential functions, such as collision detection, input/output, graphics, object management, state management, and sound, will be implemented as independent units called managers. Because each manager is independent from the rest, essential development tasks such as implementing each manager and isolating bugs are much simpler.
Increased Saturated Fatty Acids in Obesity Alter Resolution of Inflammation in Part by Stimulating Prostaglandin Production
Authors: Hellmann Jason , Zhang Michael J. , Tang Yunan , Rane Madhavi , Bhatnagar Aruni , Spite Matthew
Published: June 2013

Extensive evidence indicates that nutrient excess associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes activates innate immune responses that lead to chronic, sterile low-grade inflammation, and obese and diabetic humans also have deficits in wound healing and increased susceptibility to infections. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that sustain unresolved inflammation during obesity remain unclear. In this study, we report that saturated free fatty acids that are elevated in obesity alter resolution of acute sterile inflammation by promoting neutrophil survival and decreasing macrophage phagocytosis. Using a targeted mass spectrometry–based lipidomics approach, we found that in db/db mice, PGE2/D2 levels were elevated in inflammatory exudates during the development of acute peritonitis. Moreover, in isolated macrophages, palmitic acid stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 induction and prostanoid production. Defects in macrophage phagocytosis induced by palmitic acid were mimicked by PGE2 and PGD2 and were reversed by cyclooxygenase inhibition or prostanoid receptor antagonism. Macrophages isolated from obese-diabetic mice expressed prostanoid receptors, EP2 and DP1, and contained significantly higher levels of downstream effector, cAMP, compared with wild-type mice. Therapeutic administration of EP2/DP1 dual receptor antagonist, AH6809, decreased neutrophil accumulation in the peritoneum of db/db mice, as well as the accumulation of apoptotic cells in the thymus. Taken together, these studies provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying altered innate immune responses in obesity and suggest that targeting specific prostanoid receptors may represent a novel strategy for resolving inflammation and restoring phagocyte defects in obese and diabetic individuals.
Antiviral Vaccines License T Cell Responses by Suppressing Granzyme B Levels in Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Fabricius Dorit , Nußbaum Benedikt , Busch Daniel , Panitz Verena , Mandel Birgit , Vollmer Angelika , Westhoff Mike-Andrew , Kaltenmeier Christof , Lunov Oleg , Tron Kyrylo , Nienhaus G. Ulrich , Jahrsdörfer Bernd , Debatin Klaus-Michael
Published: June 2013

Human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are important modulators of adaptive T cell responses during viral infections. Recently, we found that human pDC produce the serine protease granzyme B (GrB), thereby regulating T cell proliferation in a GrB-dependent manner. In this study, we demonstrate that intrinsic GrB production by pDC is significantly inhibited in vitro and in vivo by clinically used vaccines against viral infections such as tick-borne encephalitis. We show that pDC GrB levels inversely correlate with the proliferative response of coincubated T cells and that GrB suppression by a specific Ab or a GrB substrate inhibitor results in enhanced T cell proliferation, suggesting a predominant role of GrB in pDC-dependent T cell licensing. Functionally, we demonstrate that GrBhigh but not GrBlow pDC transfer GrB to T cells and may degrade the ζ-chain of the TCR in a GrB-dependent fashion, thereby providing a possible explanation for the observed T cell suppression by GrB-expressing pDC. Modulation of pDC-derived GrB activity represents a previously unknown mechanism by which both antiviral and vaccine-induced T cell responses may be regulated in vivo. Our results provide novel insights into pDC biology during vaccinations and may contribute to an improvement of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.
Barley yellow dwarf disease as a target of breeding for resistance (short review)
Authors: Golnik Katarzyna
Published: June 2013

The aim of this work was to give a brief review of some points of wide knowledge of barley yellow dwarf (BYD) disease and its breeding for resistance program.Yd2 gene has been shortly characterised. Current situation in Poland has been underlined.
Occurrence of Stagonospora nodorum glume blotch of wheat in the region of middle - southern Poland
Authors: Głazek Mariola , Krzyzińska Barbara , Mączyńska Agnieszka
Published: June 2013

Long-term research work was performed in the years 1996-2002 on the occurrence and significance of winter wheat glume blotch (Stagonospora nodorum) in the region of middle-southern Poland. It was stated that the disease occurred every year at different intensity and this was dependent on the amount of rainfall during the vegetative period, especially in June. Winter wheat was strongly infected in the years 1999 and 2002 when rainfall in June was the highest. The lowest level of infection was recorded in the year 2000 characterized by the lowest rainfall in this month. Full chemical protection with broad spectrum fungicides performed once at GS 49-55 and always significantly increased grain yield, but the increase was the highest in the years of the highest ear infection by S. nodorum. It was concluded that in experimental period glume blotch of winter wheat could be considered as a disease of the greatest importance in the region of middle - Southern Poland, and thus creation a serious threat to winter wheat cultivated in this area.
Responce of leaves of three plant species to aluminium stress
Authors: Konarska Agata
Published: June 2013

Water culture experiments were undertaken for 14 days to examine the effect of increasing aluminum level (0, 10, 20 40 mg·dm-3 AlCl3·6 H2O) on growth of sunflower, red pepper and radish leaves. The early stage of Al toxicity was characterized by curling or rolling of young leaves, marginal and veinal chlorosis, dark green leaves as soon as purpling of margins and veins of leaves. Reduction of leaf size and increased stomata density were observed with increasing Al concentration. Additionally, length of stomata cells decreased after Al-treatment.
Identification of some Fusarium species from selected crop seeds using traditional method and BIO-PCR
Authors: Kulik Tomasz , Fordoński Gabriel , Pszczółkowska Agnieszka , Płodzień Krystyna , Olszewski Jacek
Published: June 2013

We identified a species level of the fungal cultures isolated from selected crop seeds using traditional method and BIO-PCR. The use of BIO-PCR did not correspond completely to the morphological analyses. Both methods showed increased infection with F. poae in winter wheat seed sample originated from north Poland. Fungal culture No 40 (isolated from faba bean and identified with traditional method as mixed culture with F. culmorum and F. graminearum) did not produce expected product after PCR reaction with species specific primers OPT18F470, OPT18R470. However, the use of additional primers Fc01F, Fc01R allowed for reliable identification of F. culmorum in the culture.
Fungi isolated from Stewartia pseudocamellia Max. seeds and their pathogenesis
Authors: Kurzawińska Halina , Muras Piotr
Published: June 2013

The aim of studies was to determine typical composition of fungi occurring on seeds of Stewartia pseudocamellia.The studies conducted on 100 disinfected and 100 nondisinfected seeds of these plants.Isolates of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, Cylindrocarpon radicicola and Rhizoctonia solani were characterized by pathogenicity towards the investigated Stewartia pseudocamellia. In the laboratory experiment, 204 isolations of microorganisms were obtained that belonged to 20 species and form of fungi and bacteria. Among fungi there were both of parasite (Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia solani) and typical saprophytic (Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Epicoccum spp., Mucor spp.). The dominant fungus on seeds was Alternaria alternata. Among the investigated isolates only one isolate (R4) Rhizoctonia solani, was strongly pathogenic, isolates (A1) Alternaria alternata were weakly pathogenic to seedlings of Stewartia pseudocamellia.
Influence of fungicide protection on health status and yielding of winter wheat
Authors: Wyczling Dariusz , Pańka Dariusz , Lenc Leszek , Sadowski Czesław
Published: June 2013

The aim of the study was the effect of different chemical protection of winter wheat on occurrence of fungal diseases of stem base, leaves and yield as well. In 1999-2001 cultivars Roma and Kobra were tested in Lisewo and Wielgłowy in northern Poland. There was one fungicide treatment with kresoxim-methyl and epoxyconazole during phase 39-49 and two treatments, first with kresoxim-methyl + epoxyconazole in phase 32 and the second with tridemorf + epoxyconazole in phase 51-55. In 2002-2004 the experiment was continued in Wielgłowy on cultivar Kobra with protection combinations as follows: first treatment with kresoxim-methyl + epoxyconazole in phase 39-49, and the next ones with tridemorf + epoxyconazole or dimoksystrobine + epoxyconazole in phase 51-55. The highest infection was observed on cv. Kobra. Among pathogens isolated from infected stem bases, Fusarium spp. predominated, while Rhizoctonia spp. and Mollisia yallundae were less numerous. Powdery mildew was observed in relatively low or trace intensity, but complex of necrotic spots on leaves was noticed in high intensity. High occurrence of Mycosphaerella graminicola, Phaeosphaeoria nodorum and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis as well as Fusarium spp. was observed. Fungicide treatments were very effective in reducing occurrence of the investigated pathogens. The area of upper leaves without disease symptoms (GLA) was significantly higher in combinations with fungicides.
Sanitary state and yielding of spring barley as dependent on soil tillage method
Authors: Kurowski Tomasz P. , Marks Marek , Kurowska Agnieszka , Orzech Krzysztof
Published: June 2013

The effects of traditional tillage cultivation (control treatment), no tillage (instead of tillage the soil was loosened with scruff), and direct sowing (with a special drill into unploughed soil) on the health of spring barley cultivar. Klimek were compared in three-field crop rotation (field bean, winter wheat, spring barley) in an experiment performed in the years 1997-1999 on the soil of a good wheat complex. The results of phytopathological observations carried out over the vegetation season are presented in the form of an injury index. The following diseases were recorded on spring barley: net blotch (Drechslera teres) - net type and spot type, powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis), leaf blotch (Rhynchosporium secalis), eyespot (Tapesia yallundae) and foot rot (fungal complex). Tillage system had no a significant influence on the occurrence of both types of net blotch. The intensity of powdery mildew and leaf blotch was the highest in the case of traditional tillage cultivation, and the lowest - in that of no tillage. Direct sowing was conductive to the development of eyespot, and no tillage - to foot rot. Fungi of the genus Fusarium, mainly F. culmorum, and the species Bipolaris sorokiniana, were isolated most frequently from infested stem bases. The weather conditions differed during spring barley grown in the three years analyzed. Mean air temperature in 1997 and 1998 was similar to the many-year average for the city of Olsztyn and its surroundings (13.8°C). In the vegetation season 1999 mean air temperature reached 14.6°C, and was considerably higher than the many-year average. Taking into account total precipitation and distribution in the three-year experimental cycle, 1997 and 1998 can be considered average, and 1999 - wet.The weather conditions had a significant effect on the intensity of all diseases observed on spring barley. The highest yield grain was obtained in the case of traditional tillage cultivation (on average 3.06 t·ha-1 for the three years analyzed), and the lowest - in that of direct sowing (2.18 t·ha-1). No tillage occupied a middle position (2.55 t·ha-1).