bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-fat diet induces site-specific unresponsiveness to LPS-stimulated STAT3 activation in the hypothalamus
Authors: de Carvalho Borges Beatriz , Rorato Rodrigo , Uchoa Ernane Torres , Marangon Paula , da Silva Glauber S. F. , de Paula Francisco José , Branco Luiz G. S. , Antunes-Rodrigues José , Elias Lucila Leico Kagohara
Published: November 2013

Hypophagia induced by inflammation is associated with Janus kinase (JAK)-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 signaling pathway, and leptin-mediated hypophagia is also mediated by JAK2-STAT3 pathway. We have previously reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) did not reduce food intake in leptin-resistant high-fat diet (HFD) rats but maintained body weight loss. We investigated whether changes in p-STAT3 expression in the hypothalamus and brain stem could account for the desensitization of hypophagia in HFD animals after a low LPS dose (100 μg/kg). Wistar rats fed standard diet (3.95 kcal/g) or HFD (6.3 kcal/g) for 8 wk were assigned into control diet-saline, control diet-LPS, HFD-saline, and HFD-LPS groups. LPS reduced feeding in the control diet but not HFD. This group showed no p-STAT3 expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), but sustained, though lower than control, p-STAT3 in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and raphe pallidus (RPa). LPS decreased body weight in HFD rats and increased Fos expression in the NTS. LPS increased body temperature, oxygen consumption, and energy expenditure in both control diet and HFD rats, and this response was more pronounced in HFD-LPS group. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and increased energy expenditure seem to contribute to body weight loss in HFD-LPS. This response might be related with increased brain stem activation. In conclusion, LPS activates STAT3-mediated pathway in the hypothalamus and brain stem, leading to hypophagia, however, LPS effects on food intake, but not body weight loss, are abolished by leptin resistance induced by HFD. The preserved STAT3 phosphorylation in the brain stem suggests that unresponsiveness to LPS on STAT3 activation under HFD might be selective to the hypothalamus.
Urinary oxygen tension: a clinical window on the health of the renal medulla?
Authors: Evans Roger G. , Smith Julian A. , Wright Christopher , Gardiner Bruce S. , Smith David W. , Cochrane Andrew D.
Published: November 2013

We describe the determinants of urinary oxygen tension (Po2) and the potential for use of urinary Po2as a “physiological biomarker” of the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospital settings. We also identify knowledge gaps required for clinical translation of bedside monitoring of urinary Po2. Hypoxia in the renal medulla is a hallmark of AKI of diverse etiology. Urine in the collecting ducts would be expected to equilibrate with the tissue Po2of the inner medulla. Accordingly, the Po2of urine in the renal pelvis changes in response to stimuli that would be expected to alter oxygenation of the renal medulla. Oxygen exchange across the walls of the ureter and bladder will confound measurement of the Po2of bladder urine. Nevertheless, the Po2of bladder urine also changes in response to stimuli that would be expected to alter renal medullary oxygenation. If confounding influences can be understood, urinary bladder Po2may provide prognostically useful information, including for prediction of AKI after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. To translate bedside monitoring of urinary Po2into the clinical setting, we require 1) a more detailed knowledge of the relationship between renal medullary oxygenation and the Po2of pelvic urine under physiological and pathophysiological conditions; 2) a quantitative understanding of the impact of oxygen transport across the ureteric epithelium on urinary Po2measured from the bladder; and 3) a simple, robust medical device that can be introduced into the bladder via a standard catheter to provide reliable and continuous measurement of urinary Po2.
Biomechanical regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 in the renal collecting duct
Authors: Liu Yu , Flores Daniel , Carrisoza-Gaytán Rolando , Rohatgi Rajeev
Published: November 2013

High-dietary sodium (Na), a feature of the Western diet, requires the kidney to excrete ample Na to maintain homeostasis and prevent hypertension. High urinary flow rate, presumably, leads to an increase in fluid shear stress (FSS) and FSS-mediated release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by the cortical collecting duct (CCD) that enhances renal Na excretion. The pathways by which tubular flow biomechanically regulates PGE2 release and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression are limited. We hypothesized that FSS, through stimulation of neutral-sphingomyelinase (N-SM) activity, enhances COX-2 expression to boost Na excretion. To test this, inner medullary CD3 cells were exposed to FSS in vitro and mice were injected with isotonic saline in vivo to induce high tubular flow. In vitro, FSS induced N-SM activity and COX-2 protein expression in cells while inhibition of N-SM activity repressed FSS-induced COX-2 protein abundance. Moreover, the murine CCD expresses N-SM protein and, when mice are injected with isotonic saline to induce high tubular flow, renal immunodetectable COX-2 is induced. Urinary PGE2 (445 ± 91 vs. 205 ± 14 pg/ml; P < 0.05) and microdissected CCDs (135.8 ± 21.7 vs. 65.8 ± 11.0 pg·ml−1·mm−1 CCD; P < 0.05) from saline-injected mice generate more PGE2 than sham-injected controls, respectively. Incubation of CCDs with arachidonic acid and subsequent measurement of secreted PGE2 are a reflection of the PGE2 generating potential of the epithelia. CCDs isolated from polyuric mice doubled their PGE2 generating potential and this was due to induction of COX-2 activity/protein. Thus, high tubular flow and FSS induce COX-2 protein/activity to enhance PGE2 release and, presumably, effectuate Na excretion.
ROS dependence of cyclooxygenase-2 induction in rats subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Østergaard Martin , Christensen Michael , Nilsson Line , Carlsen Inge , Frøkiær Jørgen , Nørregaard Rikke
Published: November 2013

Oxidative stress resulting from unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) may be aggravated by increased production of ROS. Previous studies have demonstrated increased cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in renal medullary interstitial cells (RMICs) in response to UUO. We investigated, both in vivo and in vitro, the role of ROS in the induction of COX-2 in rats subjected to UUO and in RMICs exposed to oxidative and mechanical stress. Rats subjected to 3-day UUO were treated with two mechanistically distinct antioxidants, the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and the complex I inhibitor rotenone (ROT), to interfere with ROS production. We found that UUO-mediated induction of COX-2 in the inner medulla was attenuated by both antioxidants. In addition, DPI and ROT reduced tubular damage and oxidative stress after UUO. Moreover, mechanical stretch induced COX-2 and oxidative stress in RMICs. Likewise, RMICs exposed to H2O2 as an inducer of oxidative stress showed increased COX-2 expression and activity, both of which were reduced by DPI and ROT. Similarly, ROS production, which was increased after exposure of RMICs to H2O2, was also reduced by DPI and ROT. Furthermore, oxidative stress-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 was blocked by both antioxidants, and inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38 attenuated the induction of COX-2 in RMICs. Notably, COX-2 inhibitors further exacerbated the oxidative stress level in H2O2-exposed RMICs. We conclude that oxidative stress as a consequence of UUO stimulates COX-2 expression through the activation of multiple MAPKs and that the induction of COX-2 may exert a cytoprotective function in RMICs.
Kindlin-2 regulates renal tubular cell plasticity by activation of Ras and its downstream signaling
Authors: Wei Xiaofan , Wang Xiang , Xia Yang , Tang Yan , Li Feng , Fang Weigang , Zhang Hongquan
Published: November 2013

Kindlin-2 is an adaptor protein that contributes to renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF). Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tubular epithelial cells was regarded as one of the key events in TIF. To determine whether kindlin-2 is involved in the EMT process, we investigated its regulation of EMT in human kidney tubular epithelial cells (TECs) and explored the underlying mechanism. In this study, we found that overexpression of kindlin-2 suppressed epithelial marker E-cadherin and increased the expression of fibronectin and the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). Kindlin-2 significantly activated ERK1/2 and Akt, and inhibition of ERK1/2 or Akt reversed kindlin-2-induced EMT in human kidney TECs. Mechanistically, kindlin-2 interacted with Ras and son of sevenless (Sos)-1. Furthermore, overexpression of kindlin-2 increased Ras activation through recruiting Sos-1. Treatment with a Ras inhibitor markedly repressed kindlin-2-induced ERK1/2 and Akt activation, leading to restraint of EMT. We further demonstrated that knockdown of kindlin-2 inhibited EGF-induced Ras-Sos-1 interaction, resulting in reduction of Ras activation and suppression of EMT stimulated by EGF. Importantly, we found that depletion of kindlin-2 significantly inhibited activation of ERK1/2 and Akt signaling in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. We conclude that kindlin-2, through activating Ras and the downstream ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways, plays an important role in regulating renal tubular EMT and could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of fibrotic kidney diseases.
Increase in SGLT1-mediated transport explains renal glucose reabsorption during genetic and pharmacological SGLT2 inhibition in euglycemia
Authors: Rieg Timo , Masuda Takahiro , Gerasimova Maria , Mayoux Eric , Platt Kenneth , Powell David R. , Thomson Scott C. , Koepsell Hermann , Vallon Volker
Published: November 2013

In the kidney, the sodium-glucose cotransporters SGLT2 and SGLT1 are thought to account for >90 and ∼3% of fractional glucose reabsorption (FGR), respectively. However, euglycemic humans treated with an SGLT2 inhibitor maintain an FGR of 40–50%, mimicking values in Sglt2 knockout mice. Here, we show that oral gavage with a selective SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2-I) dose dependently increased urinary glucose excretion (UGE) in wild-type (WT) mice. The dose-response curve was shifted leftward and the maximum response doubled in Sglt1 knockout (Sglt1−/−) mice. Treatment in diet with the SGLT2-I for 3 wk maintained 1.5- to 2-fold higher urine glucose/creatinine ratios in Sglt1−/− vs. WT mice, associated with a temporarily greater reduction in blood glucose in Sglt1−/− vs. WT after 24 h (−33 vs. −11%). Subsequent inulin clearance studies under anesthesia revealed free plasma concentrations of the SGLT2-I (corresponding to early proximal concentration) close to the reported IC50 for SGLT2 in mice, which were associated with FGR of 64 ± 2% in WT and 17 ± 2% in Sglt1−/−. Additional intraperitoneal application of the SGLT2-I (maximum effective dose in metabolic cages) increased free plasma concentrations ∼10-fold and reduced FGR to 44 ± 3% in WT and to −1 ± 3% in Sglt1−/−. The absence of renal glucose reabsorption was confirmed in male and female Sglt1/Sglt2 double knockout mice. In conclusion, SGLT2 and SGLT1 account for renal glucose reabsorption in euglycemia, with 97 and 3% being reabsorbed by SGLT2 and SGLT1, respectively. When SGLT2 is fully inhibited by SGLT2-I, the increase in SGLT1-mediated glucose reabsorption explains why only 50–60% of filtered glucose is excreted.
Tuberous sclerosis complex, mTOR, and the kidney: report of an NIDDK-sponsored workshop
Authors: Henske Elizabeth P. , Rasooly Rebekah , Siroky Brian , Bissler John
Published: November 2013

Remarkable basic and translational advances have elucidated the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling network in the pathogenesis of renal disease. Many of these advances originated from studies of the genetic disease tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), leading to one of the clearest therapeutic opportunities to target mTOR with rapamycin and its analogs (“rapalogs”), which effectively inhibit mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) by an allosteric mechanism. Clinical trials based on these discoveries have provided strongly positive therapeutic results in TSC (Bissler JJ, McCormack FX, Young LR, Elwing JM, Chuck G, Leonard JM, Schmithorst VJ, Laor T, Brody AS, Bean J, Salisbury S, Franz DN. N Engl J Med 358: 140–151, 2008; Krueger DA, Care MM, Holland K, Agricola K, Tudor C, Mangeshkar P, Wilson KA, Byars A, Sahmoud T, Franz DN. N Engl J Med 363: 1801–1811, 2010; McCormack FX, Inoue Y, Moss J, Singer LG, Strange C, Nakata K, Barker AF, Chapman JT, Brantly ML, Stocks JM, Brown KK, Lynch JP 3rd, Goldberg HJ, Young LR, Kinder BW, Downey GP, Sullivan EJ, Colby TV, McKay RT, Cohen MM, Korbee L, Taveira-DaSilva AM, Lee HS, Krischer JP, Trapnell BC. N Engl J Med 364: 1595–1606, 2011). In June 2013, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases convened a small panel of physicians and scientists working in the field to identify key unknowns and define possible “next steps” in advancing understanding of TSC- and mTOR-dependent renal phenotypes. TSC-associated renal disease, which affects >85% of TSC patients, and was a major topic of discussion, focused on angiomyolipomas and epithelial cysts. The third major topic was the role of mTOR and mTOR inhibition in the pathogenesis and therapy of chronic renal disease. Renal cell carcinoma, while recognized as a manifestation of TSC that occurs in a small fraction of patients, was not the primary focus of this workshop and thus was omitted from panel discussions and from this report.
Human stretch reflex pathways reexamined
Authors: Yavuz Ş. Utku , Mrachacz-Kersting Natalie , Sebik Oğuz , Berna Ünver M. , Farina Dario , Türker Kemal S.
Published: November 2013

Reflex responses of tibialis anterior motor units to stretch stimuli were investigated in human subjects. Three types of stretch stimuli were applied (tap-like, ramp-and-hold, and half-sine stretch). Stimulus-induced responses in single motor units were analyzed using the classical technique, which involved building average surface electromyogram (SEMG) and peristimulus time histograms (PSTH) from the discharge times of motor units and peristimulus frequencygrams (PSF) from the instantaneous discharge rates of single motor units. With the use of SEMG and PSTH, the tap-like stretch stimulus induced five separate reflex responses, on average. With the same single motor unit data, the PSF technique indicated that the tap stimulus induced only three reflex responses. Similar to the finding using the tap-like stretch stimuli, ramp-and-hold stimuli induced several peaks and troughs in the SEMG and PSTH. The PSF analyses displayed genuine increases in discharge rates underlying the peaks but not underlying the troughs. Half-sine stretch stimuli induced a long-lasting excitation followed by a long-lasting silent period in SEMG and PSTH. The increase in the discharge rate, however, lasted for the entire duration of the stimulus and continued during the silent period. The results are discussed in the light of the fact that the discharge rate of a motoneuron has a strong positive linear association with the effective synaptic current it receives and hence represents changes in the membrane potential more directly and accurately than the other indirect measures. This study suggests that the neuronal pathway of the human stretch reflex does not include inhibitory pathways.
Sensory feedback to ankle plantar flexors is not exaggerated during gait in spastic hemiplegic children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Willerslev-Olsen Maria , Andersen Jacob Buus , Sinkjaer Thomas , Nielsen Jens Bo
Published: November 2013

It is still widely believed that exaggerated stretch reflexes and increased muscle tone in ankle plantar flexors contribute to reduced ankle joint movement during gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, no study has directly measured stretch reflex activity during gait in these children. We investigated sensory feedback mechanisms during walking in 20 CP children and 41 control children. Stretch responses in plantar flexor muscles evoked in stance showed an age-related decline in control but not CP children. In swing the responses were abolished in control children, but significant responses were observed in 14 CP children. This was related to reduced activation of dorsiflexors in swing. Removal of sensory feedback in stance produced a drop in soleus activity of a similar size in control and CP children. Soleus activity was observed in swing to the same extent in control and CP children. Removal of sensory feedback in swing caused a larger drop in soleus activity in control children than in CP children. The lack of age-related decline in stretch reflexes and the inability to suppress reflexes in swing is likely related to lack of maturation of corticospinal control in CP children. Since soleus activity was not seen more frequently than in control children in swing and since sensory feedback did not contribute more to their soleus activity, spasticity is unlikely to contribute to foot drop and toe walking. We propose that altered central drive to the ankle muscles and increased passive muscle stiffness are the main causes of foot drop and toe walking.
Shape selectivity and remapping in dorsal stream visual area LIP
Authors: Subramanian Janani , Colby Carol L.
Published: November 2013

We explore the visual world by making rapid eye movements (saccades) to focus on objects and locations of interest. Despite abrupt retinal image shifts, we see the world as stable. Remapping contributes to visual stability by updating the internal image with every saccade. Neurons in macaque lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) and other brain areas update information about salient locations around the time of a saccade. The depth of information transfer remains to be thoroughly investigated. Area LIP, as part of the dorsal visual stream, is regarded as a spatially selective area, yet there is evidence that LIP neurons also encode object features. We sought to determine whether LIP remaps shape information. This knowledge is important for understanding what information is retained from each glance. We identified 82 remapping neurons. First, we presented shapes within the receptive field and tested for shape selectivity in a fixation task. Among the remapping neurons, 28 neurons (34%) were selective for shape. Second, we presented the same shapes in the future location of the receptive field around the time of the saccade and tested for shape selectivity during remapping. Thirty-one (38%) neurons were selective for shape. Of 11 neurons that were shape selective in both tasks, 5 showed significant correlation between shape selectivity in the two tasks. Across the population, there was a weak but significant correlation between responses to shape in the two tasks. Our results provide neurophysiological evidence that remapped responses in area LIP can encode shape information as well as spatial information.
Root Growth and Enzymes Related to the Lignification of Maize Seedlings Exposed to the Allelochemical L‐DOPA
Authors: Siqueira-Soares Rita de Cássia , Soares Anderson Ricardo , Parizotto Angela Valderrama , Ferrarese Maria de Lourdes Lucio , Ferrarese-Filho Osvaldo
Published: November 2013

L‐3,4‐Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA) is a known allelochemical exuded from the roots of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L. Fabaceae). In the current work, we analyzed the effects of L‐DOPA on the growth, the activities of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), tyrosine ammonia‐lyase (TAL), and peroxidase (POD), and the contents of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and lignin in maize (Zea mays) roots. Three‐day‐old seedlings were cultivated in nutrient solution with or without 0.1 to 2.0 mM L‐DOPA in a growth chamber (25°C, light/dark photoperiod of 12/12, and photon flux density of 280 μmol m−2 s−1) for 24 h. The results revealed that the growth (length and weight) of the roots, the PAL, TAL, and soluble and cell wall‐bound POD activities decreased, while phenylalanine, tyrosine, and lignin contents increased after L‐DOPA exposure. Together, these findings showed the susceptibility of maize to L‐DOPA. In brief, these results suggest that the inhibition of PAL and TAL can accumulate phenylalanine and tyrosine, which contribute to enhanced lignin deposition in the cell wall followed by a reduction of maize root growth.
Development of Lecithin Nanoemulsion Based Organogels for Permeation Enhancement of Metoprolol through Rat Skin
Authors: Varshosaz J. , Andalib S. , Tabbakhian M. , Ebrahimzadeh N.
Published: November 2013

Background. Drugs with low oral bioavailability due to the first pass metabolism are good candidates for transdermal delivery. Objectives. The aim of this work was preparation of transdermal nanoemulsion of metoprolol which has high first pass metabolism. Methods. Three commercially available types of lecithin (200, 100p, and 170), three short chain alcohol (n‐butanol, isopropyl alcohol, and n‐propanol), and isopropyl myristate (IPM) were used as surfactant, cosurfactant, and oil phase, respectively. The aqueous phase was composed of metoprolol tartrate. Nanoemulsions with different surfactant/cosurfactant weight ratio, various amounts of drug, and different types of alcohol were prepared, and their phase diagrams were studied. Drug release, permeability, and diffusion coefficient of the drug were studied using hairless rat skin. Results. A significant increase in drug solution rate was observed with increasing the metoprolol content in the nanoemulsions, while it decreased when lecithin concentration increased from 40% to 60%. Increasing the water content resulted in a significant increase in metoprolol release. N‐butanol enhanced the drug flux from nanoemulsions more than n‐propanol and isopropyl alcohol. The o/w nanoemulsions of metoprolol showed high flux and permeability through the skin. Conclusion. Both w/o and o/w nanoemulsions of metoprolol could enhance permeation and diffusion of metoprolol through rat skin.
Parenteral Nutrition-Induced Cholestasis in Neonates: Where Does the Problem Lie?
Authors: Jolin-Dahel Kheira , Ferretti Emanuela , Montiveros Carolina , Grenon Renee , Barrowman Nick , Jimenez-Rivera Carolina
Published: November 2013

Background. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an effective method of nourishing the neonate who is unable to receive full enteral feeds. Cholestasis can be a complication of PN and can lead to severe liver damage.Aim. We describe our patient population and determine risk factors for developing PN cholestasis.Methods. Retrospective chart review of newborns admitted from January 2006 to May 2011 to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at our institution and received PN >14 days. Cholestasis was defined as serum conjugated bilirubin >50 μmol/L.Results. Eighty-seven newborns were included; 18 (20.7%) developed PN cholestasis. The most frequent surgical condition for both groups was gastroschisis (8/87; 9.2%). No significant differences were found between the cholestasis and control groups for the following parameters: birth weight, gestational age, intrauterine growth restriction, Apgar scores, and day of life at initiation of enteral feeds. Duration of PN in days and dosage of carbohydrates in g/kg/day were significantly higher in the cholestasis group than the control group.Conclusion. PN-related cholestasis presented in one-fifth of neonates receiving PN for more than two weeks. Longer duration of PN and higher dosage of carbohydrates were independent risk factors for the development of PN cholestasis in this population.
The Association of Postcardiac Surgery Acute Kidney Injury with Intraoperative Systolic Blood Pressure Hypotension
Authors: Aronson Solomon , Phillips-Bute Barbara , Stafford-Smith Mark , Fontes Manuel , Gaca Jeffrey , Mathew Joseph P. , Newman Mark F.
Published: November 2013

Background. Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high mortality and substantial cost after aortocoronary bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We tested the hypothesis that intraoperative systolic blood pressure variation is associated with postoperative AKI.Methods. We gathered demographic, procedural, blood pressure, and renal outcome data for 7,247 CABG surgeries at a single institution between 1996 and 2005. A development/validation cohort methodology was randomly divided (66% and 33%, resp.). Peak postoperative serum creatinine rise relative to baseline (%ΔCr) was the primary AKI outcome variable. Markers reflective of intraoperative systolic blood pressure variation were derived for each patient including (1) peak and nadir values (absolute and relative to baseline) and (2) excursion episodes beyond selected thresholds (by duration, frequency, and duration × degree). Each marker of systolic blood pressure variation was then separately evaluated for association with AKI using linear regression models with adjustment for several known risk factors (age, aprotinin use, congestive heart failure, previous myocardial infarction, baseline creatinine, bypass time, diabetes, weight, concomitant valve surgery, gender, and preoperative pulse pressure).Results. An association was identified between systolic blood pressure relative to baseline and postoperative AKI (P<0.006).Conclusions. In CABG surgery patients, intraoperative systolic blood pressure decrease relative to baseline systolic blood pressure is independently associated with postoperative AKI.
Comparing Adult Males and Females in the United States to Examine the Association between Body Mass Index and Frequent Mental Distress: An Analysis of Data from BRFSS 2011
Authors: Mukherjee Soumyadeep
Published: November 2013

Background. There is conflicting evidence regarding the association of body mass index (BMI) with mental distress. Studies have focused on different dimensions of mental health and used different definitions and many of them have not controlled for confounding factors. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between frequent mental distress (FMD) and BMI among adults in the United States, with special emphasis on gender differences.Methods. Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for the year 2011 were used in logistic regression models to predict FMD, defined as having 14 or more days of poor mental health in the previous month. Sociodemographic factors, tobacco and alcohol use, diet and physical activity, and number of chronic diseases were controlled for.Results. 11.95% ( = 53,715) of the participants with valid responses ( = 496,702) had FMD. The adjusted ORs of having FMD among underweight, overweight, and obese females were 1.13 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.60), 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.19), and 1.21 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.31), respectively, but they were not statistically significant for males.Conclusions. These findings suggest a relationship between BMI and FMD, independent of other variables. It may be useful to explore longitudinal trend in this association.
Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating and Physical Activity among Adolescents in Seven Arab Countries: A Cross‐Cultural Study
Authors: Musaiger Abdulrahman O. , Al-Mannai Mariam , Tayyem Reema , Al-Lalla Osama , Ali Essa Y. A. , Kalam Faiza , Benhamed Mofida M. , Saghir Sabri , Halahleh Ismail , Djoudi Zahra , Chirane Manel
Published: November 2013

Objective. To highlight the perceived personal, social, and environmental barriers to healthy eating and physical activity among Arab adolescents. Method. A multistage stratified sampling method was used to select 4698 students aged 15–18 years (2240 males and 2458 females) from public schools. Seven Arab counties were included in the study, namely, Algeria, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. Self‐reported questionnaire was used to list the barriers to healthy eating and physical activity facing these adolescents. Results. It was found that lack of information on healthy eating, lack of motivation to eat a healthy diet, and not having time to prepare or eat healthy food were the main barriers to healthy eating among both genders. For physical activity, the main barriers selected were lack of motivation to do physical activity, less support from teachers, and lack of time to do physical activity. In general, females faced more barriers to physical activity than males in all countries included. There were significant differences between males and females within each country and among countries for most barriers. Conclusion. Intervention programmes to combat obesity and other chronic noncommunicable diseases in the Arab world should include solutions to overcome the barriers to weight maintenance, particularly the sociocultural barriers to practising physical activity.
Application of Global Optimization Methods for Feature Selection and Machine Learning
Authors: Wu Shaohua , Hu Yong , Wang Wei , Feng Xinyong , Shu Wanneng
Published: November 2013

The feature selection process constitutes a commonly encountered problem of global combinatorial optimization. The process reduces the number of features by removing irrelevant and redundant data. This paper proposed a novel immune clonal genetic algorithm based on immune clonal algorithm designed to solve the feature selection problem. The proposed algorithm has more exploration and exploitation abilities due to the clonal selection theory, and each antibody in the search space specifies a subset of the possible features. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm simplifies the feature selection process effectively and obtains higher classification accuracy than other feature selection algorithms.
Mathematical Modeling and Parameters Estimation of Car Crash Using Eigensystem Realization Algorithm and Curve-Fitting Approaches
Authors: Munyazikwiye Bernard B. , Karimi Hamid Reza , Robbersmyr Kjell Gunnar
Published: November 2013

An eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) approach for estimating the structural system matrices is proposed in this paper using the measurements of acceleration data available from the real crash test. A mathematical model that represents the real vehicle frontal crash scenario is presented. The model’s structure is a double-spring-mass-damper system, whereby the front mass represents the vehicle-chassis and the rear mass represents the passenger compartment. The physical parameters of the model are estimated using curve-fitting approach, and the estimated state system matrices are estimated by using the ERA approach. The model is validated by comparing the results from the model with those from the real crash test.
German Psychiatrists’ Observation and Interpretation of Religiosity/Spirituality
Authors: Lee Eunmi , Baumann Klaus
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study was to explore how contemporary German psychiatrists think about religiosity/spirituality (ReS) in regard to their therapies. We conducted an anonymous survey among the clinical staff of psychiatry and psychotherapy departments in German university hospitals and faith-based clinics in the same cities. Two main instruments were used, the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL) and the questionnaire from Curlin et al. “Religion and Spirituality in Medicine: Physicians’ Perspectives.” A total of 123 psychiatrists participated in this survey. However, due to incomplete responses, only 99 questionnaires from psychiatrists were analyzed. Results show that German psychiatrists positively experience the influence of ReS on patients’ mental health. Psychiatrists’ own ReS significantly influenced their interpretation of the effect of ReS on psychiatric patients as well as their attitude toward ReS in the clinical setting. The more religious psychiatrists are, the more they tend to observe a positive influence of ReS on mental health. In light of these results, psychiatrists should be aware of their own religious/spiritual characteristics and also reconsider their assumptions about professional neutrality and value openness. Furthermore, training programs on religious/spiritual issues and effective teamwork with chaplains are recommended.
Allergenic Characterization of New Mutant Forms of Pru p 3 as New Immunotherapy Vaccines
Authors: Gómez-Casado C. , Garrido-Arandia M. , Gamboa P. , Blanca-López N. , Canto G. , Varela J. , Cuesta-Herranz J. , Pacios L. F. , Díaz-Perales A. , Tordesillas L.
Published: November 2013

Nowadays, treatment of food allergy only considered the avoidance of the specific food. However, the possibility of cross-reactivity makes this practice not very effective. Immunotherapy may exhibit as a good alternative to food allergy treatment. The use of hypoallergenic molecules with reduced IgE binding capacity but with ability to stimulate the immune system is a promising tool which could be developed for immunotherapy. In this study, three mutants of Pru p 3, the principal allergen of peach, were produced based on the described mimotope and T cell epitopes, by changing the specific residues to alanine, named asPru p 3.01, Pru p 3.02, andPru p 3.03.Pru p 3.01showed very similar allergenic activity as the wild type byin vitroassays. However,Pru p 3.02andPru p 3.03presented reduced IgE binding with respect to the native form, byin vitro,ex vivo,and in vivo assays. In addition,Pru p 3.03had affected the IgG4 binding capacity and presented a random circular dichroism, which was reflected in the nonrecognition by specific antibodies anti-Pru p 3. Nevertheless, bothPru p 3.02andPru p 3.03maintained the binding to IgG1 and their ability to activate T lymphocytes. Thus,Pru p 3.02andPru p 3.03could be good candidates for potential immunotherapy in peach-allergic patients.
Diagnosing a Gastric Submucosal Tumor Using Jumbo Biopsy “Unroofing” Technique: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kapur Sakshi , Mahal Pradeep , Miles Levin , Hussain Adnan
Published: November 2013

We report a case of a 40-year-old female who presented with dyspeptic symptoms for six months. Upper GI endoscopy revealed a submucosal nodule in gastric antrum. Using “jumbo biopsy unroofing technique” we were able to get adequate tissue for analysis. Histopathology revealed a type III gastric carcinoid. Patient was treated with laparoscopic distal subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction and partial omentectomy. Although there was no evidence of metastasis on initial presentation, eighteen months later, patient was found to have multiple metastatic lesions in her liver. Patient’s lesions were treated withintra-arterial (hepatic artery) Yttrium-90.
Studying the Earth with Geoneutrinos
Authors: Ludhova L. , Zavatarelli S.
Published: November 2013

Geoneutrinos, electron antineutrinos from natural radioactive decays inside the Earth, bring to the surface unique information about our planet. The new techniques in neutrino detection opened a door into a completely new interdisciplinary field of neutrino geoscience. We give here a broad geological introduction highlighting the points where the geoneutrino measurements can give substantial new insights. The status-of-art of this field is overviewed, including a description of the latest experimental results from KamLAND and Borexino experiments and their first geological implications. We performed a new combined Borexino and KamLAND analysis in terms of the extraction of the mantle geo-neutrino signal and the limits on the Earth's radiogenic heat power. The perspectives and the future projects having geo-neutrinos among their scientific goals are also discussed.
Cooccurrence of Mycotoxins in Maize and Poultry Feeds from Brazil by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Souza Maria de Lourdes Mendes de , Sulyok Michael , Freitas-Silva Otniel , Costa Sônia Soares , Brabet Catherine , Machinski Junior Miguel , Sekiyama Beatriz Leiko , Vargas Eugenia Azevedo , Krska Rudolf , Schuhmacher Rainer
Published: November 2013

The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate mycotoxins in samples of maize and poultry feed produced in Brazil. A multimycotoxin method based on HPLC‐MS/MS was applied to investigate the occurrence of toxical fungal metabolites in 119 samples collected from poultry feed factory integrated poultry farms: maize grain (74), poultry feed (36), and feed factory residue (9). Twenty of 101 fungal metabolites investigated were detected and quantified in the samples: aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, fumonisins B1, B2, and B3, hydrolyzed fumonisin B1, zearalenone, agroclavine, chanoclavine, deoxynivalenol, and nivalenol, and enniatin A, A1, B, B1, beauvericin, kojic acid, and moniliformin. Most samples were contaminated with more than one mycotoxin. All samples were contaminated with fumonisins, with medians values of 1,840 μg/kg, 239 μg/kg, and 23,676 μg/kg for maize, feed, and factory residue samples, respectively. Surprisingly, beauvericin was detected in more than 90% of samples. The median contaminations of aflatoxin and trichothecenes were low, near LOD values. The factory residue presented highest contamination levels for all mycotoxins. This is the first study dealing with agroclavine, chanoclavine, enniatin A, A1, B, B1, beauvericin, and kojic acid contamination of maize and poultry feeds from Brazil.
Estrogen Inhibits Colon Polyp Formation by Reducing Angiogenesis in a Carcinogen-Induced Rat Model
Authors: Yang Jia , Xiong Li-juan , Xu Fei , Zhao Xiang , Liu Bo , Cai Kai-Lin , Wang Guo-bin
Published: November 2013

Objective.To study the effects of estrogen on colon polyp formation, proliferation, and angiogenesis on a rat model of colon cancer induced by dimethylhydrazine (DMH).Methods.Thirty-six female ovariectomized (OVX) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: (I) control group (administrated with vehicles weekly), (II) DMH group (administrated with DMH weekly), and (III) DMH + E2group (administrated with DMH and 17β-estradiol weekly). The incidence, volumes, and multiplicity of colon polyps in each group were evaluated. The microvessel density (MVD), the expressions of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), and the expressions of HIF-1αand VEGF in polyps were detected in each group.Results.Estrogen reduced the multiplicity, volumes, and the PCNA expressions of DMH-induced colon polyps. The MVD in DMH + E2group was significantly lower than that in DMH group. Estrogen treatment decreased the HIF-1αand VEGF expressions at both mRNA and protein level.Conclusion.Estrogen replacement was protective for ovariectomized rats from DMH-induced carcinogenesis, and one of the mechanisms for this was due to estrogen’s inhibitive effects on blood vessel formation by downregulating VEGF and HIF-1αexpressions.
Rheumatoid Factor Positivity Is Associated with Increased Joint Destruction and Upregulation ofMatrix Metalloproteinase 9andCathepsin KGene Expression in the Peripheral Blood in Rheumatoid Arthritic Patients Treated with Methotrexate
Authors: Tchetina Elena V. , Demidova Natalia V. , Karateev Dmitry E. , Nasonov Eugeny L.
Published: November 2013

We evaluated changes in gene expression ofmTOR,p21,caspase-3,ULK1,TNFα, matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-9, andcathepsin Kin the whole blood of rheumatoid arthritic (RA) patients treated with methotrexate (MTX) in relation to their rheumatoid factor status, clinical, immunological, and radiological parameters, and therapeutic response after a 24-month follow-up. The study group consisted of 35 control subjects and 33 RA patients without previous history of MTX treatment. Gene expression was measured using real-time RT-PCR. Decreased disease activity in patients at the end of the study was associated with significant downregulation ofTNFαexpression. Downregulation ofmTORwas observed in seronegative patients, while no significant changes in the expression ofp21,ULK1, orcaspase-3were noted in any RA patients at the end of the study. The increase in erosion numbers observed in the seropositive patients at the end of the follow-up was accompanied by upregulation ofMMP-9andcathepsin K, while seronegative patients demonstrated an absence of significant changes inMMP-9andcathepsin Kexpression and no increase in the erosion score. Our results suggest that increased expression ofMMP-9andcathepsin Kgenes in the peripheral blood might indicate higher bone tissue destruction activity in RA patients treated with methotrexate. The clinical study registration number is 0120.0810610.
A Facile Synthesis of Pyrido[2′,3′:3,4]pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine and Pyrido[2′,3′:3,4]pyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazine Bearing a Thiophene Moiety
Authors: Elsaman Tilal , Fares Mohamed , Abdel-Aziz Hatem A. , Attia Mohamed I. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Dawood Kamal M.
Published: November 2013

Pyridinone derivative 8 was synthesized and transformed into the respective chloropyridine 9, which was allowed to react with hydrazine hydrate to afford pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridin‐3‐amine derivative 11. Compound 11 was used as a key intermediate for a facile synthesis of the title compounds 14, 15, 17, 21a,b, and 24a–c where the reaction of 11 with some 1,3‐dielecrophiles resulted in the formation of pyrido[2′,3′:3,4]pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines 14, 15, and 17, whereas diazotization of compound 11 gave the respective diazonium salt 18 which was coupled with some active methylene‐containing compounds to give the corresponding hydrazones 19a,b and 22a–c. Cyclization of the latter hydrazones yielded the pyrido[2′,3′:3,4]pyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazines 21a,b and 24a–c, respectively.
Experimental Testing of Nonredundant Near-Field to Far-Field Transformations with Spherical Scanning Using Flexible Modellings for Nonvolumetric Antennas
Authors: D'Agostino Francesco , Ferrara Flaminio , Gennarelli Claudio , Guerriero Rocco , Migliozzi Massimo
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with the experimental testing of effective probe compensated near-field-far-field (NF-FF) transformations with spherical scanning requiring a minimum number of NF data. They rely on nonredundant sampling representations of the voltage measured by the probe, based on very flexible source modellings suitable for nonvolumetric antennas characterized by two dimensions very different from the other one. In particular, a cylinder ended in two half-spheres is adopted for modelling long antennas, whereas the quasi-planar ones are considered as enclosed in a rotational surface formed by two circular “bowls” having the same aperture diameter, but eventually different bending radii. The NF data needed to perform the classical spherical NF-FF transformation are then accurately and efficiently retrieved from the acquired nonredundant ones via optimal sampling interpolation formulas. A remarkable reduction of the number of the required NF data and, as a consequence, a significant measurement time saving can be so obtained. The experimental tests have been carried out at Antenna Characterization Lab of the University of Salerno and both the NF and FF reconstructions are resulted to be very good, thus confirming the accuracy and reliability of these NF-FF transformations from the experimental viewpoint too.
What is New and Innovative in Emergency Neurosurgery? Emerging Diagnostic Technologies Provide Better Care and Influence Outcome: A Specialist Review
Authors: Zisakis Athanasios K. , Varsos Vassilios , Exadaktylos Aristomenis
Published: November 2013

The development of emergency medical services and especially neurosurgical emergencies during recent decades has necessitated the development of novel tools. Although the gadgets that the neurosurgeon uses today in emergencies give him important help in diagnosis and treatment, we still need new technology, which has rapidly developed. This review presents the latest diagnostic tools, which offer precious help in everyday emergency neurosurgery practice. New ultrasound devices make the diagnosis of haematomas easier. In stroke, the introduction of noninvasive new gadgets aims to provide better treatment to the patient. Finally, the entire development of computed tomography and progress in radiology have resulted in innovative CT scans and angiographic devices that advance the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of the patent. The pressure on physicians to be quick and effective and to avoid any misjudgement of the patient has been transferred to the technology, with the emphasis on developing new systems that will provide our patients with a better outcome and quality of life.
The Association between Dietary Intake of Folate and Physical Activity with Psychological Dimensions of Depressive Symptoms among Students from Iran
Authors: Yary Teymoor
Published: November 2013

Depression in students is a major public health problem. Although several risk factors associated with depression have been identified, the cause of depression is still not clear. Several studies have demonstrated that physical activity and nutrient intake, such as increased levels of B vitamins in serum, decrease symptoms of depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity and dietary intake of vitamins B6, B9, and B12and symptoms of depression among postgraduate students. The results of this study suggest that intake of vitamin B9may modulate the total score of Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and two subscales of the CES-D including depressive affect and interpersonal difficulties. This study also showed that moderate/high levels of physical activity were inversely and significantly associated with symptoms of depression (total scores) and three subscales of the CES-D including depressive affect, positive affect, and somatic complaints.
Determination of Coverage Interval of Antioxidant Vitamins (Vitamin C & Vitamin E) in Plasma and Serum of Bengali Population
Authors: Chakraborty Sanghamitra , Chakraborty Indranil
Published: November 2013

Reference interval of all haematological and biological analytes should be measured for every population because of the huge diversity in genetic make-up, dietary habits. The coverage interval of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin C andα-tocopherol) in the plasma and serum of reference Bengali population was determined and compared with the reference intervals of antioxidant vitamins in the established literature. Adult healthy volunteers from 18 to 68 years of age underwent extensive clinical and investigational procedure and were included in the study. Vitamin C andα-tocopherol were estimated using simple Spectrophotometric method. Of the 71 healthy Bengali volunteers participated, 31 were males and 40 were females. The mean concentration of plasma vitamin C was found to be 0.65 mg/dL. The meanα-tocopherol was found 6.35 mg/L (14.74 μmol/L) in the study population higher than the normal threshold value forα-tocopherol but lower than other populations. The study data enabled us to determine the gender nonspecific coverage interval of antioxidant vitamins, and the intervals were lower than the established reference interval in other populations.
Evaluation of In Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Methanol and Aqueous Extracts of Parkinsonia aculeata L. Leaves
Authors: Sharma Sonia , Vig Adarsh Pal
Published: November 2013

In the present study, methanol and aqueous extracts of Parkinsonia aculeata L. leaves were prepared and analyzed for phytochemical analysis and antioxidant potential in different in vitro assays. Antioxidant activity was studied using DPPH, CUPRAC, reducing power assay, deoxyribose degradation (site and nonsite specific), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), ferric thiocyanate (FTC), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and molybdate ion reduction, respectively. The total phenolic contents of the methanol and aqueous leaf extract were 39 mg GAE/g and 38 mg GAE/g, whereas flavonoid contents of these extracts were found to be 0.013 mg RE/g and 0.006 mg RE/g, respectively. From the two extracts, the methanol extract shows maximum inhibition (%) of 57.82%, 71.23%, 48.26%, 69.85%, and 52.78% in DPPH, nonsite‐ and site‐specific, FTC, and TBA assays and absorbance of 0.669 and 0.241 in reducing power and CUPRAC assays at the highest concentration tested. UPLC analysis was done to determine the presence of various types of polyphenols present in plant extracts.