bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study between Plain Radiography and Ultrasound Abdomen in Non Traumatic Surgical Acute Abdominal Conditions
Authors: Sharma Prakash , Sidharth - , Singh BP , Singh D , Gupta A
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Acute abdomen might indicate a progressive intra-abdominal condition that is threatening to life or capable of causing severe morbidity. A good history, thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations and imaging studies is necessary in order to arrive at a correct diagnosis. The aim of our study was to compare the diagnostic yield of traditional three-view abdominal x-ray series (upright chest x-ray, supine and upright abdominal x-rays) with that of ultrasound in patients presenting with non traumatic acute abdominal surgical pain. Methods: This prospective study was conducted between February and July 2010 on 65 consecutive patients. Critically ill patients, pregnant ladies, patient with trauma abdomen, acute abdomen due to gynaecological pathologies were excluded from our study. Detail abdominal ultrasound was done. After ultrasound traditional three-views acute abdominal x-ray series (AAS) were taken. Final diagnosis was made on the basis of operative findings/therapeutic response/ histopathological/ laboratory findings. Finally, accuracy of clinical diagnosis, plain film and ultrasound in evaluation of acute abdomen was determined. Results: Ultrasound yielded an overall sensitivity and specificity of 78.7% and 84.6.6% respectively. The AAS interpretations yielded an overall sensitivity and specificity of 23.4% and 38.40% respectively. Conclusion: Plain x ray is less sensitive in the evaluation of nontraumatic acute abdomen so it should be used together with ultrasound abdomen in order to arrive at a correct diagnosis. Nepalese Journal of Radiology; Vol. 2; Issue 2; July-Dec. 2012; 20-27 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i2.7681
Captopril Renal Scintigraphy in Screening and Diagnosis of Renal Artery Stenosis - A Prospective Study
Authors: Rauniyar RK , Bal CS , Kumar R , Srivastava DN , Dash SC , Gupta A , Berry M
Published: March 2013

The present study was carried out to assess the role of Tc99m-DTPA captopril renal scintigraphy in screening and diagnosing of patients with renal artery stenosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 hypertensive patients with a clinical suspicion of RAS underwent baseline and captopril scintigraphy using 259-370 MBq (7-10mCi) of Tc99m-DTPA. The captopril scintigraphy was done after oral dose of 50mg of captopril with in three baseline study. DSA was done in all patients irrespective of scintigraphy results due to high clinical suspicion of RAS. Results: Of 26 patients, 18 had renal artery stenosis (10 unilateral, 8 bilateral), making a total of 26 involved RA on DSA. Of these 26 involved RA, 16 were stenosis> 60%, 2 were stenosed< 60% while 8 were completely occluded. Of the sixteen RA with stenosis > 60%, only 12 were detected by captopril scintigraphy (Sensitivity-75%). Eight kidneys with complete occlusion, 6 were non-functioning and 2 were poorly functioning (<20%) on scintigraphy. Among 27 normal RA, (25 normal and two <60% stenosis) only 19 were negative on scintigraphy (specificity-70%). Two kidneys with less than 60% stenosis were positive on scintigraphy. The overall accuracy of captopril DTPA scintiography was found to be 72.1% with PPV and NVP of 66.7% and 82.6% respectively. Two patients with accessory RA were not picked up on captopril scintigraphy. Conclusion: Tc99m-DTPA captopril scintigraphy has average sensitivity and specificity. The effectiveness of captopril scintigraphy in diagnosis of completely occuluded RA, accessory RAS and RAS in poorly functioning kidney is poor, therefore this test cannot be considered as screening test for RVH. Nepalese Journal of Radiology; Vol. 2; Issue 2; July-Dec. 2012; 28-35 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i2.7682
Evaluation of Painful Shoulder with High Frequency Sonography and their Comparison with the Clinical Diagnosis made by Physical Examination
Authors: Patidar Mukesh , Patil A , Verma V , Kaushal L
Published: March 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare clinical diagnosis made by physical examination with high frequency ultrasonographic findings and also to correlate ultrasonographic findings of painful shoulders of cases with asymptomatic shoulders of control subjects. The most common clinical diagnosis was supraspinatus lesion (38) followed by bicep tendon lesion (14) .Rotator cuff was the most common structure to show abnormality (critical zone of avascularity) with supraspinatus being the most commonly involved tendon in our study. Non-invasiveness, easy availability along with its cost effectiveness justify role of high frequency ultrasound in the assessment of painful shoulder. Nepalese Journal of Radiology; Vol. 2; Issue 2; July-Dec. 2012; 43-50 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i2.7684
Post Inflammatory Medial Canal Fibrosis: A Case Report
Authors: Kumar A , Santosh K
Published: March 2013

Medial canal fibrosis is an interesting type of acquired meatal atresia that is characterized by formation of a solid core of fibrous tissue in the medial part of the external auditory meatus abutting the tympanic membrane. A review of the literature showed that many different terms have been used interchangeably to report the same or similar condition. This is a case of medial canal fibrosis being reported to emphasize the importance in diagnosing this rare but easily treatable disease. A 16 yrs old female presented with bilateral conductive hearing loss & history of recurrent rhinitis & sinusitis. CT Temporal bone showed soft tissue density lesions in bilateral bony EAC (External auditory canal) with no bony erosion & normal middle ear. A diagnosis of Medial canal fibrosis was given. The patient was operated & biopsy of the specimen came out to be inflammatory granulation tissue. Nepalese Journal of Radiology; Vol. 2; Issue 2; July-Dec. 2012; 69-71 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i2.7689
The Role of Radiopathological Evaluation in Diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Authors: Gangadhar Kiran , Santhosh D , Maurya I
Published: March 2013

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS), an overgrowth syndrome is associated with early development of embryonal tumours usually in the first four years of life. Hepatoblastoma is observed in 1% to 3% of persons with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome or isolated hemihypertrophy(HH). We report a case of hepatoblastoma associated with both BWS and HH with raised serum alpha-feto protein levels and hypoglycaemia. Nepalese Journal of Radiology; Vol. 2; Issue 2; July-Dec. 2012; 86-91 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i2.7693
MR and CT Imaging Spectrum of Right-Sided Cardiac Masses: A Pictorial Essay
Authors: Murugan MK , Gulati GS
Published: March 2013

Nepalese Journal of Radiology; Vol. 2; Issue 2; July-Dec. 2012; 96-110 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i2.7695
A Kinetic Model of Proton Transport in a Multi-Redox Centre Protein: Cytochrome c Oxidase
Authors: Srajer Johannes , Schwaighofe Andreas , Hildenbrandt David M. , Kibrom Asmorom , Naumann Renate L.C.
Published: March 2013

We use chemical reaction kinetics to explore the stepwise electron and proton transfer reactions of cytochrome c oxidase (C cO) from R. sphaeroides. Proton transport coupled to electron transport (ET) is investigated in terms of a sequence of protonation-dependent second-order redox reactions. Thereby, we assume fixed rather than shifting dissociation constants of the redox sites. Proton transport can thus be simulated particularly when separate proton uptake and release sites are assumed rather than the same proton pump site for every ET step. In order to test these assumptions, we make use of a model system introduced earlier, which allows us to study direct ET of redox enzymes by electrochemistry. A four-electron transfer model of C cO had been developed before, according to which electrons are transferred from the electrode to CuA. Thereafter, electrons are transferred along the sequence heme a, heme a3 and CuB. In the present investigation, we consider protonation equilibria of the oxidised and reduced species for each of the four centres. Moreover, we add oxygen/H2O as the terminal (fifth) redox couple including protonation of reduced oxygen to water. Finally we arrive at a kinetic model comprising five protonation-dependent redox couples. The results from the simulations are compared with experimental data obtained in the absence and presence of oxygen. As a result, we can show that proton transport can be modelled in terms of protonation-dependent redox kinetics.
Kinetics and mechanism of mercury catalysed ligand exchange reaction between hexacyanoferrate(II) and phenanthroline in aqueous medium
Authors: Singh Amarika , Singh Anupma
Published: March 2013

Kinetic and mechanistic studies of Hg(II)-catalysed exchange of co-ordinated cyanide in hexacyanoferrate(II) by phenanthroline (Phen) were performed by following the appearance of the coloured complex [Fe(CN)4 Phen]3– at 528 nm, temperature = 25 ± 0.10 0C, pH = 3.0 ± 0.02. The effects of pH, [Fe(CN)6]4– and [Phen] concentrations on the reaction rate have been studied and explained. The rate shows variable order dependence on [Fe(CN)6]4–. The effects of dielectric constant, water content, temperature and ionic strength of the medium on the reaction rates have been used to visualise the formation of a polar activated complex and suggest an interchange dissociative mechanism for the catalysed reaction. The varying catalytic activity of Hg(II) as a function of concentration has also been studied and explained in detail. Activation parameters of both catalysed and uncatalysed reactions has were derived and supported the proposed mechanistic scheme.
A New Small Red Bean with Improved Resistance to Common Bacterial Blight: Registration of ‘Rio Rojo’
Authors: Osorno Juan M. , Grafton Kenneth F. , Vander Wal Albert J. , Gegner Sarah L.
Published: March 2013

‘Rio Rojo’ (Reg. No. CV‐304, PI 666041) is a new cultivar belonging to the small red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) market class, developed by the dry bean breeding program at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Rio Rojo is a medium‐early‐maturing, high‐yielding small red bean with commercially acceptable seed size, shape, and appearance. Rio Rojo is erect (Type IIb), has good lodging resistance, and exhibits good and synchronous plant drydown before harvest. Rio Rojo has shown an average seed yield increase of 257 kg ha−1 above that of ‘Merlot’, the small red cultivar most commonly grown in the United States. Rio Rojo had a higher seed yield than Merlot in 6 out of 17 environments when they were tested together. Rio Rojo has similar agronomic performance as Merlot for other traits, but Rio Rojo has a smaller seed size. In addition, a Red Variety Trial was grown in five environments in which Rio Rojo had the highest seed yield (2464 kg ha−1) across all environments. Besides the high seed yield, Rio Rojo has improved resistance to common bacterial blight (CBB). The intermediate levels of CBB resistance observed in field tests showed that Rio Rojo is better than any of the small red cultivars commonly grown in the United States and could therefore become one of the most important small red bean cultivars in the United States.
Registration of N614, A3N615, N616, and N617 Shattercane Genetic Stocks with Cytoplasmic or Nuclear Male Sterility and Juicy or Dry Midribs
Authors: Sattler Scott E. , Toy John J. , Okeno James Aketch , Funnell-Harris Deanna L. , Pedersen Jeffrey F.
Published: March 2013

Four shattercane [Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet ex Davidse] genetic stocks—N614 (Reg. No. GS‐652, PI 665684), A3N615 (Reg. No. GS‐651, PI 665683), N616 (Reg. No. GS‐653, PI 665685), and N617 (Reg. No. GS‐654, PI 665686)—with A3 cytoplasmic male sterility or the nuclear male sterility gene ms3 containing either juicy (dd) or dry (DD) culms were developed jointly by the USDA‐ARS; the Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University; and the Agricultural Research Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska. The stocks were released in July 2011. The source material for these genetic stocks was isolated from an archetypical shattercane population found near Lincoln, NE. Release of these genetic stocks makes available shattercane lines with both A3 cytoplasmic male sterility, and ms3 genetic (nuclear) male sterility to facilitate crossing. These genetic stocks also contain juicy (dd) or dry (DD) culms, a visible genetic marker to facilitate screening progeny resulting from crosses. The genetic stocks have immediate application for basic research involving gene flow from cultivated sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] to shattercane and on the fitness of offspring resulting from such crosses.
Studies on Haemoglobin, Serum Calcium and Ascorbic Acid Level in Normal Pregnant, Pre-Eclamptic and Eclamptic Patients
Authors: Jahan Khursheed , Parvin Maksuda , Mafiz Abdullah Ibn
Published: March 2013

Background: Nutritional status in relation to selected biochemical parameters and also nutrient intakes in the pre-eclampsia and eclampsia was assessed in 52 patients and compared with that of 52 normal pregnant (NP) women. Serum calcium, ascorbic acid and blood Hb levels in the pre-eclamptic and eclamptic patients were significantly lower than the values of NP women. By unpaired t-test demonstrated in our study, the serum calcium, ascorbic acid and blood Haemoglobin (Hb) level were highly significantly different but not correlated with each other when compared among these groups. However, total statistical analysis revealed that among all the factors studied serum calcium level, ascorbic acid level and blood Hb level have effect on nutritional status of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14032 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.7-14
Nutritional status and dietary intake of the orphans: A case study in the ICH (Intervida Children Home) in Dhaka city in Bangladesh
Authors: Karim Kazi Muhammad Rezaul , Zahid Md Khurshidul
Published: March 2013

The study was conducted among Intervida beneficiaries (Students) on October 2010. Total number of students was 46. The purpose of the study was to assess the nutritional status and dietary intake of the orphan children. All of the children were abandoned and got admitted to the ICH within one year of age. Among them 89.1% were Muslim, 2.2% were Christian and 8.7% were Hindu. 8.70 % students got enrolled in special education as they were either physically or mentally disabled. The mean±Sd of age, height and weight were 104.65±16.51 months, 126.37±6.98cm and 26.87±6.98kg respectively. While BMI was considered, it was found that 60.87% (28) students were normal, 21.74% (10) student were overweight, 6.5% (3) students were and 10.87% (5) students were underweight. Considering HAZ (Height for age Z-score), 89.1% (41) were normal, 8.7% (4) Stunted and 2.2% (1) tall. While WAZ (Weight for age Z-score) was considered, 84.8% (39) were normal, 2.2% (1) was overweight and 13% (6) were underweight. On the other hand, when, WHZ(Weight for Height Z-score) was used, it was found that 83.8% (31) students were normal, 8.1% (3) student were overweight , 5.4% (2) students were obese and 2.7% (1) student was Wasted. The mean calorie, protein, carbohydrate and fat intake were 2270 kcal, 65 gram, 335 gram and 73 gram respectively. Carbohydrate, protein and fat provided 59%, 12% and 29% of total calorie respectively. Average intake of calcium, iron, vitamin A, carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin C and zinc intake was 826 mg, 31 mg, 6462 IU, 10508 ?g, 1.60 mg , 1.64 mg, 19 mg , 111 mg and 10.2 mg respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14034 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.23-30
Advertisements in Various Television Channels on Food items & Understandability of Telecasted Programs Influencing Nutritional Status of Urban Graduate Mothers
Authors: Begum Ayesha , Zebsyn Sonia , Bhuyan Md Aminul Haque
Published: March 2013

A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out amongst eighty graduate mothers having U-5 years children from different socio-economic groups of Mohammadpur area in Dhaka city. They were interviewed on nutrition related programs thorough television. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of advertisements and understandability of nutrition education programs through different TV channels among the respondents and also the impact of these programs on maternal and child nutrition (MCN). Results of the study showed that the programs of mass media like TV on nutritional aspects influence the nutritional awareness of the respondents. Most of the graduate mothers practiced extra diet as special food taken during pregnancy and lactation period of which television was the major source of knowledge compared to radio, newspaper, doctor and family members. Again 52.5% respondents were normal along with 33.8% respondents were overweight and rests of 13.7% mothers were obese. Furthermore, 82% U5Cs nutritional status were normal whereas only 3% were found in border line according to MUAC. Few U-5 children were found overweight by WAZ. So adult and child overweight are increasing day by day in urban areas which need great attention to prevent chronic diseases. From this study, it was revealed that no relationship exist between family income and nutritional status of the respondents and also between the educational level and nutritional status of them (P value > 0.05). It may be concluded from the study that the exposure to nutrition related programs through different television channels had a role to improve the nutritional status. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14037 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.65-76
Obesity and Overweight Problem in Children (7-12 years) Coming from Affluent Families in Dhaka city in Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Sanjoy , Zahid Md Khurshidul , Rasheed Sabrina
Published: March 2013

The study find-out the obesity and overweight problems in children (7-12 yrs) coming from affluent families in Dhaka city in Bangladesh. Mean height and weight were 142.61±10.43cm and 40.50±11.95kg respectively. One fourth (25%) of the students were found to be obese and 21.88% were overweight according to their BMI percentile. Among boys 31.43% were obese and for the girls it was 7.69%. Among boys 18.57% are overweight and for the girls it was 30.76%. Male students were both obese and overweight than the female. Most (63.64%) of the male obese students were in the age group of 7.92-9.17 yrs and 10.5-11.67 yrs whereas most (62.5%), n=5 0f 8) of the female obese students were in the age group of 7.92-10.42yrs. Based on WAZ, 12.5% of the students were found to be obese and 10.41% were overweight. Among boys 28.34% are obese and for the girls it was 6.82%. Among boys 25.71% are overweight and for the girls it was 35.23%. Male students are more obese than the female. Based on HAZ One sixth (5.20%) of the students were found to be obese and 17.70% were overweight. Among boys 28.34% are obese and for the girls it was 6.82%. Among boys 25.71% are overweight and for the girls it was 35.23%. Based on WHZ one sixth (4.23%) of the students were found to be obese and 8.51% were overweight. Among boys 28.34% are obese and for the girls it was 6.82%. Among boys 25.71% are overweight and for the girls it was 35.23%. Male students are more obese than the female. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14038 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.77-82
Effectiveness of ABCN Interventions on Reducing Under Two Child Malnutrition in a Selected NNP Area
Authors: Hossain MA , Naimunnahar Dr , Bhuyan MAH
Published: March 2013

This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Muradnagar Upazila, Comilla district to see the effectiveness of NNP-ABCN (Area Based Community Nutrition) interventions on reducing under-two child malnutrition (0-23 months) and establish whether there is any significant difference from the non-operational area. A total of 240 households, of which 120 were from the NNP project area with children aged between 0-23 months were randomly selected. In households with more than one child at this age category, the last child was selected. Indices of nutritional status that is weight-for-age, length-for-age and weight-for-length were computed for the measurement of nutritional status. Analysis of nutritional status data show that the prevalence of underweight (<-2SD) in the project area (35.8%) was slightly lower than the non-project area (39.2%) with severe underweight being 5.0% vs. 7.5% respectively. Within the project sample, 32.5% children were stunted (<-2SD) with 11.7% being severely stunted while in non-project area these figures were 33.3% and 7.5% respectively. On the other hand, 17.5% children were wasted (<-2SD) with 2.5% being severely wasted in project area while in non-project area these figures were 19.2% & 1.7% respectively. No significant differences in the prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight (<-2SD) between the project area and non-project area (WAZ, p=0.078; LAZ, p=0.214 & WLZ, p=0.421) were found. The study area and sample size arent large enough to draw any conclusion still this is an indication that NNP-ABCN interventions may not be effective in reducing under two child malnutrition in study area. Even though NNP has been involved in providing ABCN interventions in the project area, there is still need for more targeted and income oriented nutrition interventions in the project area. Large scale operational research is thus suggested to adopt those findings for the whole NNP areas. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14040 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.93-106
Ethnopharmacological Survey of Plants Used in the Traditional Treatment of Gastrointestinal Pain, Inflammation and Diarrhea in Africa: Future Perspectives for Integration into Modern Medicine
Authors: Stark Timo , Mtui Dorah , Balemba Onesmo
Published: March 2013

There is a growing need to find the most appropriate and effective treatment options for a variety of painful syndromes, including conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, for treating both veterinary and human patients. The most successful regimen may come through integrated therapies including combining current and novel western drugs with acupuncture and botanical therapies or their derivatives. There is an extensive history and use of plants in African traditional medicine. In this review, we have highlighted botanical remedies used for treatment of pain, diarrheas and inflammation in traditional veterinary and human health care in Africa. These preparations are promising sources of new compounds comprised of flavonoids, bioflavanones, xanthones, terpenoids, sterols and glycosides as well as compound formulas and supplements for future use in multimodal treatment approaches to chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders and inflammation. The advancement of plant therapies and their derivative compounds will require the identification and validation of compounds having specific anti-nociceptive neuromodulatory and/or anti-inflammatory effects. In particular, there is need for the identification of the presence of compounds that affect purinergic, GABA, glutamate, TRP, opioid and cannabinoid receptors, serotonergic and chloride channel systems through bioactivity-guided, high-throughput screening and biotesting. This will create new frontiers for obtaining novel compounds and herbal supplements to relieve pain and gastrointestinal disorders, and suppress inflammation.
Energy and Environmental Performance of Multi-Story Apartment Buildings Built in Timber Construction Using Passive House Principles
Authors: Kildsgaard Ivana , Jarnehammar Anna , Widheden Anna , Wall Maria
Published: March 2013

This paper presents energy and environmental performance analyses, a study of summer indoor temperatures and occupant behavior for an eight story apartment building, with the goal to combine high energy efficiency with low environmental impact, at a reasonable cost. Southern Portvakten building is built with prefabricated timber elements using passive house principles in the North European climate. Energy performance was analyzed through parametric studies, as well as monitored energy data, and complemented with analysis of occupant behavior during one year. Results show that airtight, low-energy apartment buildings can be successfully built with prefabricated timber elements in a cold climate. The monitored total energy use was 47.6 kWh/m2, excluding household electricity (revised to a normal year), which is considerably lower than of a standard building built today in Sweden—90 kWh/m2. However, the occupancy level was low during the analyzed year, which affects the energy use compared to if the building had been fully occupied. Environmental analysis shows that the future challenges lie in lowering the household and common electricity use, as well as in improving the choices of materials. More focus should also lie on improving occupant behavior and finding smart solar shading solutions for apartment buildings.
Photocatalytic Oxidation Processes for Toluene Oxidation over TiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Einaga Hisahiro , Mochiduki Keisuke , Teraoka Yasutake
Published: March 2013

Gas-solid heterogeneous photooxidation of toluene over TiO2 catalyst was studied to investigate the factors controlling the catalytic activities. The toluene photooxidation behavior on TiO2 was strongly affected by the formation and oxidation behavior of intermediate compounds on TiO2, and their accumulation decreased the reaction rate for toluene photooxidation. The formation and oxidation behavior of the byproduct compounds depended on the initial concentration of toluene and water vapor. In situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies revealed that water vapor promoted the cleavage of the aromatic ring and facilitated CO2 formation. At the reaction temperature of 300 K, the deposition of Pt on TiO2 suppressed CO formation, whereas catalytic activity was decreased due to the increase in the amount of intermediate compounds. On the other hand, Pt/TiO2 showed higher activity than TiO2 at 353 K, in spite of the increase of the intermediate compounds.
The Anti-Apoptotic Role of Neurotensin
Authors: Devader Christelle , Béraud-Dufour Sophie , Coppola Thierry , Mazella Jean
Published: March 2013

The neuropeptide, neurotensin, exerts numerous biological functions, including an efficient anti-apoptotic role, both in the central nervous system and in the periphery. This review summarizes studies that clearly evidenced the protective effect of neurotensin through its three known receptors. The pivotal involvement of the neurotensin receptor-3, also called sortilin, in the molecular mechanisms of the anti-apoptotic action of neurotensin has been analyzed in neuronal cell death, in cancer cell growth and in pancreatic beta cell protection. The relationships between the anti-apoptotic role of neurotensin and important physiological and pathological contexts are discussed in this review.
Development of Specific Rules for the Application of Life Cycle Assessment to Carbon Capture and Storage
Authors: Strazza Carlo , Del Borghi Adriana , Gallo Michela
Published: March 2013

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a very innovative and promising solution for greenhouse gases (GHG) reduction, i.e., capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) at its source and storing it indefinitely to avoid its release to the atmosphere. This paper investigates a set of key issues in the development of specific rules for the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to CCS. The following LCA-based information are addressed in this work: definition of service type, definition of functional unit, definition of system boundaries, choice of allocation rules, choice of selected Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) results or other selected parameters for description of environmental performance. From a communication perspective, the specific rules defined in this study have been developed coherently with the requirements of a type III environment label scheme, the International EPD® System, according to the ISO 14025 standard.
Comparative Analysis of the Symbiotic Efficiency of Medicago truncatula and Medicago sativa under Phosphorus Deficiency
Authors: Sulieman Saad , Schulze Joachim , Tran Lam-Son
Published: March 2013

Phosphorus (P)-deficiency is a major abiotic stress that limits legume growth in many types of soils. The relationship between Medicago and Sinorhizobium, is known to be affected by different environmental conditions. Recent reports have shown that, in combination with S. meliloti 2011, Medicago truncatula had a lower symbiotic efficiency than Medicago sativa. However, little is known about how Medicago–Sinorhizobium is affected by P-deficiency at the whole-plant level. The objective of the present study was to compare and characterize the symbiotic efficiency of N2 fixation of M. truncatula and M. sativa grown in sand under P-limitation. Under this condition, M. truncatula exhibited a significantly higher rate of N2 fixation. The specific activity of the nodules was much higher in M. truncatula in comparison to M. sativa, partially as a result of an increase in electron allocation to N2 versus H+. Although the main organic acid, succinate, exhibited a strong tendency to decrease under P-deficiency, the more efficient symbiotic ability observed in M. truncatula coincided with an apparent increase in the content of malate in its nodules. Our results indicate that the higher efficiency of the M. truncatula symbiotic system is related to the ability to increase malate content under limited P-conditions.
Insight into Differential Responses of Upland and Paddy Rice to Drought Stress by Comparative Expression Profiling Analysis
Authors: Ding Xipeng , Li Xiaokai , Xiong Lizhong
Published: March 2013

In this study, the drought responses of two genotypes, IRAT109 and Zhenshan 97 (ZS97), representing upland and paddy rice, respectively, were systematically compared at the morphological, physiological and transcriptional levels. IRAT109 has better performance in traits related to drought avoidance, such as leaf rolling, root volumes, the ratio of leaf water loss and relative conductivity. At the transcriptional level, more genes were induced by drought in IRAT109 at the early drought stage, but more genes had dynamic expression patterns in ZS97 at different drought degrees. Under drought conditions, more genes related to reproductive development and establishment of localization were repressed in IRAT109, but more genes involved in degradation of cellular components were induced in ZS97. By checking the expression patterns of 36 drought-responsive genes (located in 14 quantitative trail loci [QTL] intervals) in ZS97, IRAT109 and near isogenic lines (NILs) of the QTL intervals, we found that more than half of these genes had their expression patterns or expression levels changed in the NILs when compared to that in ZS97 or IRAT109. Our results may provide valuable information for dissecting the genetic bases of traits related to drought resistance, as well as for narrowing the candidate genes for the traits.
A Cancer-Indicative microRNA Pattern in Normal Prostate Tissue
Authors: Hellwinkel Olaf , Sellier Christina , Sylvester Yu-Mi , Brase Jan , Isbarn Hendrik , Erbersdobler Andreas , Steuber Thomas , Sültmann Holger , Schlomm Thorsten , Wagner Christina
Published: March 2013

We analyzed the levels of selected micro-RNAs in normal prostate tissue to assess their potential to indicate tumor foci elsewhere in the prostate. Histologically normal prostate tissue samples from 31 prostate cancer patients and two cancer negative control groups with either unsuspicious or elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels (14 and 17 individuals, respectively) were analyzed. Based on the expression analysis of 157 microRNAs in a pool of prostate tissue samples and information from data bases/literature, we selected eight microRNAs for quantification by real-time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCRs). Selected miRNAs were analyzed in histologically tumor-free biopsy samples from patients and healthy controls. We identified seven microRNAs (miR-124a, miR-146a & b, miR-185, miR-16 and let-7a & b), which displayed significant differential expression in normal prostate tissue from men with prostate cancer compared to both cancer negative control groups. Four microRNAs (miR-185, miR-16 and let-7a and let-7b) remained to significantly discriminate normal tissues from prostate cancer patients from those of the cancer negative control group with elevated PSA levels. The transcript levels of these microRNAs were highly indicative for the presence of cancer in the prostates, independently of the PSA level. Our results suggest a microRNA-pattern in histologically normal prostate tissue, indicating prostate cancer elsewhere in the organ.
Insights on the Formulation of Herbal Beverages with Medicinal Claims According with Their Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Barreira João , Morais Ana , Ferreira Isabel , Oliveira M.
Published: March 2013

Several herbal beverages claim medicinal benefits due to their antioxidant properties. However, operational factors such as the extracted herbal component, preparation method or concentration levels, might influence their biological activity. To assess this effect, the antioxidant activity of beverages prepared with Camellia sinensis, Aspalathus linearis or Cochlospermum angolensis, used solely or mixed with different fruit, plant or algae extracts, was studied using different formulations (bags, leaves, roots, granulates, powders, liquids) and different preparation methods (infusion, solubilisation or promptly used). The DF50 (dilution factor responsible for 50% of antioxidant activity) values were calculated to compare their antioxidant activity. A linear discriminant analysis was used to categorize the assayed samples according to their antioxidant activity and bioactive molecules profiles. The results indicated that antioxidant activity and antioxidant compounds are significantly affected by formulation and preparation method, but overall the labelled antioxidant benefits were validated. Green tea showed the highest activity, but with different behaviour within each used formulation. The high DF50 values calculated for some products might be used to adjust the dietary dose or formulation, preventing also putative pro-oxidant effects. Hence, the obtained results might be useful to define the formulation of these highly consumed herbal beverages, enhancing their health effects.
A New 5α,8α-Epidioxysterol from the Soft Coral Sinularia gaweli
Authors: Yen Wei-Hsuan , Chen Wu-Fu , Cheng Ching-Hsiao , Dai Chang-Feng , Lu Mei-Chin , Su Jui-Hsin , Su Yin-Di , Chen Yu-Hsin , Chang Yu-Chia , Chen Yung-Husan , Sheu Jyh-Horng , Lin Chan-Shing , Wen Zhi-Hong , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: March 2013

A new sterol, (22R,23R,24R)-5α,8α-epidioxy-22,23-methylene-24-methyl-cholest-6,9(11)-dien-3β-ol (1), and two known sterols, (22R,23R,24R)-5α,8α-epidioxy-22,23-methylene-24-methylcholest-6-en-3β-ol (2) and 24-methylenecholestane-1α,3β,5α, 6β,11α-pentol (3), were isolated from the soft coral Sinularia gaweli. The structure of sterol 1 was established by spectroscopic methods and by comparison of the spectral data with those of known analogues. The cytotoxicity of sterols 1–3 towards various tumor cells is reported.
Discovery of Hybrid Dual N-Acylhydrazone and Diaryl Urea Derivatives as Potent Antitumor Agents: Design, Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation
Authors: Zhai Xin , Huang Qiang , Jiang Nan , Wu Di , Zhou Hongyu , Gong Ping
Published: March 2013

Based on the hybrid pharmacophore design concept, a novel series of dual diaryl urea and N-acylhydrazone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity by the standard MTT assay. The pharmacological results indicated that most compounds exhibited moderate to excellent activity. Moreover, compound 2g showed the most potent cytotoxicity against HL-60, A549 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, with IC50 values of 0.22, 0.34 and 0.41 μM, respectively, which was 3.8 to 22.5 times more active than the reference compounds sorafenib and PAC-1. The promising compound 2g thus emerges as a lead for further structural modifications.
Photo-Induced Cycloaddition Reactions of α-Diketones and Transformations of the Photocycloadducts
Authors: Huang Chengmei , Zheng Mengmeng , Xu Jianhua , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2013

Photocycloaddition, along with subsequent transformation of the photocycloadducts, provides expeditious ways to construct various structures. The photo-induced reactions of α-diketones have been reported to proceed via different reaction pathways with the involvement of one or two of the carbonyl groups. Photoinduced reactions of cyclic α-diketones including N-acetylisatin, phenanthrenequinone and isoquinolinetrione with different C=C containing compounds could take place via [2 + 2], [4 + 2] or [4 + 4] photocycloaddition pathways. We have investigated the photoreactions of these cyclic α-diketones with different types of alkenes and alkynes, with a focus on the unusual cascade reactions initiated by the photocycloaddition reactions of these cyclic α-diketones and the applications of these photocycloaddition reactions along with the transformation of the photocycloadducts. In this paper, we discuss the diverse photo-cycloaddition pathways found in the photocycloaddition of o-diones leading to various photocycloadducts and the potential applications of these reactions via further transformation reactions of the adducts.
The Identification and Characterization of Chitotriosidase Activity in Pancreatin from Porcine Pancreas
Authors: Shen Chia-Rui , Liu Chao-Lin , Lee Hsiao-Ping , Chen Jeen-Kuan
Published: March 2013

The versatile oligosaccharide biopolymers, chitin and chitosan, are typically produced using enzymatic processes. However, these processes are usually costly because chitinases and chitosanases are available in limited quantities. Fortunately, a number of commercial enzymes can hydrolyze chitin and chitosan to produce long chain chitin or chitosan oligosaccharides. Here, a platform to screen for enzymes with chitinase and chitosanase activities using a single gel with glycol chitin or glycol chitosan as a substrate was applied. SDS-resistant chitinase and chitosanase activities were observed for pancreatin. Its chitotriosidase had an optimal hydrolysis pH of 4 in the substrate specificity assay. This activity was thermally unstable, but independent of 2-mercaptoethanol. This is the first time a chitotriosidase has been identified in the hog. This finding suggests that oligochitosaccharides can be mass-produced inexpensively using pancreatin.
Mapping Land Subsidence Related to Underground Coal Fires in the Wuda Coalfield (Northern China) Using a Small Stack of ALOS PALSAR Differential Interferograms
Authors: Zhou Lifan , Zhang Dengrong , Wang Jie , Huang Zhaoquan , Pan Delu
Published: March 2013

Coal fires have been found to be a serious problem worldwide in coal mining reserves. Coal fires burn valuable coal reserves and lead to severe environmental degradation of the region. Moreover, coal fires can result in massive surface displacements due to the reduction in volume of the burning coal and can cause thermal effects in the adjacent rock mass particularly cracks and fissures. The Wuda coalfield in Northern China is known for being an exclusive storehouse of prime coking coal as well as for being the site of occurrence of the maximum number of known coal fires among all the coalfields in China and worldwide, and is chosen as our study area. In this study, we have investigated the capabilities and limitations of ALOS PALSAR data for monitoring the land subsidence that accompanies coal fires by means of satellite differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) observations. An approach to map the large and highly non-linear subsidence based on a small number of SAR images was applied to the Wuda coalfield to reveal the spatial and temporal signals of land subsidence in areas affected by coal fires. The DInSAR results agree well with coal fire data obtained from field investigations and thermal anomaly information, which demonstrates that the capability of ALOS PALSAR data and the proposed approach have remarkable potential to detect this land subsidence of interest. In addition, our results also provide a spatial extent and temporal evolution of the land subsidence behavior accompanying the coal fires, which indicated that several coal fire zones suffer accelerated ongoing land subsidence, whilst other coal fire zones are newly subsiding areas arising from coal fires in the period of development.
Mind Sized World Models
Authors: Bardi Ugo
Published: March 2013

One of the factors that led to the wide rejection of the 1972 “Limits to Growth” report was the inability for most people to understand the model used in the study. In the present paper, the author builds simple “mind sized” world models designed to convey to readers the main qualitative features of world modeling. These models turn out to provide results comparable to real-world historical cases and are similar to those generated by the more complex “World3” model used for the “Limits to Growth” study.
Safety and Efficacy of Autologous Cell Therapy in Critical Limb Ischemia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Benoit Eric , O'donnell Thomas F. , Patel Amit N.
Published: March 2013

Researchers have accumulated a decade of experience with autologous cell therapy in the treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI). We conducted a systematic review of clinical trials in the literature to determine the safety and efficacy of cell therapy in CLI. We searched the literature for clinical trials of autologous cell therapy in CLI, including observational series of five or more patients to accrue a large pool of patients for safety analysis. Safety analysis included evaluation of death, cancer, unregulated angiogenesis, and procedural adverse events such as bleeding. Efficacy analysis included the clinical endpoints amputation and death as well as functional and surrogate endpoints. We identified 45 clinical trials, including seven RCTs, and 1,272 patients who received cell therapy. The overall adverse event rate was low (4.2%). Cell therapy patients did not have a higher mortality rate than control patients and demonstrated no increase in cancer incidence when analyzed against population rates. With regard to efficacy, cell therapy patients had a significantly lower amputation rate than control patients (OR 0.36, p = 0.0004). Cell therapy also demonstrated efficacy in a variety of functional and surrogate outcomes. Clinical trials differed in the proportion of patients with risk factors for clinical outcomes, and these influenced rates of amputation and death. Cell therapy presents a favorable safety profile with a low adverse event rate and no increase in severe events such as mortality and cancer and treatment with cell therapy decreases the risk of amputation. Cell therapy has a positive benefit-to-risk ratio in CLI and may be a valuable treatment option, particularly for those challenging patients who cannot undergo arterial reconstruction.
Composite Brains: Toward a Systems Theory of Neural Reconstruction
Authors: Polgar Stephen
Published: March 2013

The results of uncontrolled, open-label clinical trials indicate that reconstructive cellular therapies have the capacity to produce meaningful functional improvements in patients with brain disorders. However, the transplantation of fetal cells has not progressed to viable best practice treatment for any brain disorder. A conceptual approach, referred to as the Repair Model, has served as a useful heuristic for initiating research in the field and guiding the development of new practices. Analysis of evidence for the treatment of Parkinson's disease indicates that recovery following neural grafting is a complex process influenced by factors beyond the replacement of neurons. An alternative approach, the Composite Brain Model, is outlined to address limitations of the Repair Model. A hierarchical, open-system model is proposed, which aims to track the interactions between the grafted cells, the host brain, and the environment. The Composite Brain Model emphasizes the importance of the interactions between the patient, their physical and social environment, and the provision of rehabilitation during recovery. It is proposed that the Composite Brain Model is useful in providing an alternative perspective for research, theory building, and practice.
Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Shoulder Rotator Cuff: A Potential Source for Muscle and Tendon Repair
Authors: Tsai Chih-Chien , Huang Tung-Fu , Ma Hsiao-Li , Chiang En-Rung , Hung Shih-Chieh
Published: March 2013

The self-healing potential of each tissue belongs to endogenous stem cells residing in the tissue; however, there are currently no reports mentioned for the isolation of human rotator cuff-derived mesenchymal stem cells (RC-MSCs) since. To isolate RC-MSCs, minced rotator cuff samples were first digested with enzymes and the single cell suspensions were seeded in plastic culture dishes. Twenty-four hours later, nonadherent cells were removed and the adherent cells were further cultured. The RC-MSCs had fibroblast-like morphology and were positive for the putative surface markers of MSCs, such as CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD166, and negative for the putative markers of hematopoietic cells, such as CD34, CD45, and CD133. Similar to BM-MSCs, RC-MSCs were demonstrated to have the potential to undergo osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. Upon induction in the defined media, RC-MSCs also expressed lineage-specific genes, such as Runx 2 and osteocalcin in osteogenic induction, PPAR-γ and LPL in adipogenic differentiation, and aggrecan and Col2a1 in chondrogenic differentiation. The multipotent feature of RC-MSCs in the myogenic injury model was further strengthened by the increase in myogenic potential both in vitro and in vivo when compared with BM-MSCs. These results demonstrate the successful isolation of MSCs from human rotator cuffs and encourage the application of RC-MSCs in myogenic regeneration.
ERRATUM ON THE ARTICLE ‘THE IMPACT OF THE FINANCIAL CRISIS ON INSIDER TRADING PROFITABILITY IN BELGIUM ’ (DOI: 10.3846/16111699.2011.652980)
Authors: Geyt Debby Van , Cauwenberge Philippe Van , Bauwhede Heidi Vander
Published: March 2013

"Erratum on the article ‘The impact of the financial crisis on insider trading profitability in Belgium’ (doi: 10.3846/16111699.2011.652980)." Journal of Business Econimics and Management, 14(2), p. 432
Ocean Climate: “Off the Shelf”
Authors: Cole Rick , Kinder Jeff , Yu Weidong
Published: March 2013

AbstractMeasuring ocean physics and atmospheric conditions at the sea-surface has been taking place for decades. The basic parameters measured remain with additional water column characteristics and meteorology added to data streams as technology advances within the community.
A transition of this technology to the private sector from government and academic research institutions has occurred with additional support from innovative individual and group efforts in the field of ocean instrumentation. Due to licensing agreements between institutions and corporations
along with entrepreneurial patents, scientists and engineers now have the resources available “off the shelf” (private sector purchase) to pursue and enhance the challenging task of measuring our offshore environment. As a result, long-term monitoring of ocean processes and changes
has become more accessible to the research community at large. This paper describes one such project where original equipment manufactured instrumentation was integrated together to mirror the data output from government-funded monitoring systems on multinational ocean climate programs. RDSEA
International, along with Down East Instrumentation, have developed a hybrid monitoring system using easily accessible off-the-shelf components.