bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PhoY2 of Mycobacteria Is Required for Metabolic Homeostasis and Stress Response
Authors: Wang Chuan , Mao Yi , Yu Jia , Zhu Lin , Li Ming , Wang Decheng , Dong Dandan , Liu Jun , Gao Qian
Published: November 2012

The ability of pathogenic mycobacteria to adapt to diverse environments is essential for their success as pathogens. Here we describe a transposon-inactivated
phoY2
mutant of
Mycobacterium marinum
. PhoY2 of mycobacteria is a functional homologue of PhoU in
Escherichia coli
and an important component of the Pho regulon. We found that PhoY2 is required for maintaining intracellular inorganic phosphate (P
i
) homeostasis and balanced energy and redox states. Disruption of
phoY2
resulted in elevated levels of intracellular poly-P
i
and ATP and an elevated NAD
+
/NADH ratio, and the mutant strain exhibited increased sensitivity to environmental stress conditions, including nutrient deprivation as well as SDS and antibiotic treatments. Taken together, our results suggest that PhoY2 is required for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and adaptation to stress conditions, which may provide an explanation for the suggested role of PhoY2 in drug tolerance.
The tRNA
arg
Gene and
engA
Are Essential Genes on the 1.7-Mb pSymB Megaplasmid of Sinorhizobium meliloti and Were Translocated Together from the Chromosome in an Ancestral Strain
Authors: diCenzo George , Milunovic Branislava , Cheng Jiujun , Finan Turlough M.
Published: November 2012

Bacterial genomes with two (or more) chromosome-like replicons are known, and these appear to be particularly frequent in alphaproteobacteria. The genome of the N
2
-fixing alfalfa symbiont
Sinorhizobium meliloti
1021 contains a 3.7-Mb chromosome and 1.4-Mb (pSymA) and 1.7-Mb (pSymB) megaplasmids. In this study, the tRNA
arg
and
engA
genes, located on the pSymB megaplasmid, are shown to be essential for growth. These genes could be deleted from pSymB when copies were previously integrated into the chromosome. However, in the closely related strain
Sinorhizobium fredii
NGR234, the tRNA
arg
and
engA
genes are located on the chromosome, in a 69-kb region designated the
engA-
tRNA
arg
-rmlC
region. This region includes
bacA
, a gene that is important for intracellular survival during host-bacterium interactions for
S. meliloti
and the related alphaproteobacterium
Brucella abortus
. The
engA-
tRNA
arg
-rmlC
region lies between the
kdgK
and
dppF2
(NGR_c24410) genes on the
S. fredii
chromosome. Synteny analysis showed that
kdgK
and
dppF2
orthologues are adjacent to each other on the chromosomes of 15 sequenced strains of
S. meliloti
and
Sinorhizobium medicae
, whereas the 69-kb
engA-
tRNA
arg
-rmlC
region is present on the pSymB-equivalent megaplasmids. This and other evidence strongly suggests that the
engA-
tRNA
arg
-rmlC
region translocated from the chromosome to the progenitor of pSymB in an ancestor common to
S. meliloti
and
S. medicae
. To our knowledge, this work represents one of the first experimental demonstrations that essential genes are present on a megaplasmid.
Gliding Motility and Por Secretion System Genes Are Widespread among Members of the Phylum Bacteroidetes
Authors: McBride Mark J. , Zhu Yongtao
Published: November 2012

The phylum
Bacteroidetes
is large and diverse, with rapid gliding motility and the ability to digest macromolecules associated with many genera and species. Recently, a novel protein secretion system, the Por secretion system (PorSS), was identified in two members of the phylum, the gliding bacterium
Flavobacterium johnsoniae
and the nonmotile oral pathogen
Porphyromonas gingivalis
. The components of the PorSS are not similar in sequence to those of other well-studied bacterial secretion systems. The
F. johnsoniae
PorSS genes are a subset of the gliding motility genes, suggesting a role for the secretion system in motility. The
F. johnsoniae
PorSS is needed for assembly of the gliding motility apparatus and for secretion of a chitinase, and the
P. gingivalis
PorSS is involved in secretion of gingipain protease virulence factors. Comparative analysis of 37 genomes of members of the phylum
Bacteroidetes
revealed the widespread occurrence of gliding motility genes and PorSS genes. Genes associated with other bacterial protein secretion systems were less common. The results suggest that gliding motility is more common than previously reported. Microscopic observations confirmed that organisms previously described as nonmotile, including
Croceibacter atlanticus
, “
Gramella forsetii
,”
Paludibacter propionicigenes
,
Riemerella anatipestifer
, and
Robiginitalea biformata
, exhibit gliding motility. Three genes (
gldA
,
gldF
, and
gldG
) that encode an apparent ATP-binding cassette transporter required for
F. johnsoniae
gliding were absent from two related gliding bacteria, suggesting that the transporter may not be central to gliding motility.
Public attitudes to death and dying in the UK: a review of published literature
Authors: Cox Karen , Bird Lydia , Arthur Anthony , Kennedy Sheila , Pollock Kristian , Kumar Arun , Stanton Wendy , Seymour Jane
Published: November 2012

Background

Public attitudes are important in shaping public policy and the political will that determines future service provision. They also help to identify priorities for public education. This paper presents a review and synthesis of published literature on public attitudes to death and dying in the UK from 1990.

Method

The approach to the review was systematic and involved searching for published research in five databases combined with reviewing references proposed by experts in the field and following up relevant citations from identified sources. The selected sources were assessed by the review team and analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

The review identified 22 sources reporting 19 studies which met our criteria for inclusion in the descriptive analysis. Three descriptive themes were identified: preferences relating to death and dying, attitudes to euthanasia and attitudes to life-sustaining treatments and interventions.

Conclusion

The review outcomes challenge widespread assumptions about public attitudes to death and dying and identify the need for more rigorous work to better understand public views on dying and death. Such work is needed if public health services are to meet the expectations and reflect the wishes of individuals in this area in future.
The balancing point: understanding uptake of advance directive forms in a rural Australian community
Authors: Sinclair Craig , Auret Kirsten Anne , Burgess Ashlee
Published: November 2012

Objectives

The study was conducted in Western Australia, focusing on the attitudes of older, rural, non-hospitalised people towards newly legislated advance care planning (ACP) documents. This study explored baseline awareness and perception of advance directive (AD) forms and factors relevant to their utilisation, using the transtheoretical model as a theoretical framework.

Methods

Sixty-two adults were recruited from residential aged care facilities, community care organisations, general practice, an oncology service and a law firm. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken. These were transcribed and thematically analysed by the authors.

Results

Participants gave responses that were consistent with different stages of the transtheoretical model. Perceived susceptibility to the negative consequences of not engaging in AD form utilisation was a trigger for further contemplation. The presence of adequate personal empowerment was important for successful completion of AD forms. There was also qualitative evidence of a negative relationship between perceived susceptibility and empowerment regarding AD form utilisation.

Conclusions

Promoting balance between a person's perceived susceptibility and empowerment may be an effective method of increasing engagement with AD forms.
Airway obstruction due to aspiration of muddy water
Authors: Schober Patrick , Christiaans Herman M T , Loer Stephan A , Schwarte Lothar A
Published: November 2012

We report a case of complete airway obstruction due to aspiration of muddy water. An innovative approach to clear the airway is described, which may be a potentially life saving manoeuver in similar cases of suspected muddy water aspiration.
Out of programme experience: going away to bring something back: closing the loop
Authors: Valliani Talal
Published: November 2012

In the January 2011 edition of Frontline Gastroenterology, I was the lead author of an article: Out of programme experience and training: going away to bring something back. 1 Since then, I have taken time out of my speciality training programme—an out of programme experience. I thought it would be of interest to trainees to read about how I organised my out of programme experience and how this time away has helped me to develop my unique selling point.
Will PAXgene substitute formalin? A morphological and molecular comparative study using a new fixative system
Authors: Belloni Benedetta , Lambertini Chiara , Nuciforo Paolo , Phillips Jay , Bruening Eric , Wong Stephane , Dummer Reinhard
Published: November 2012

Formalin fixation and paraffin embedding present the standard procedures for conserving clinical tissues for histological analysis. However, molecular analysis is impaired by the cross linking properties of formalin. The PAXgene tissue system (PreAnalytix, Switzerland) is a new formalin-free tissue collection device.

Aims

In this study we aimed to evaluate this new tissue preservation technique in comparison with formalin fixation and fresh frozen tissue samples.

Methods

12 melanoma biopsy samples were divided and fixed simultaneously with formalin, PAXgene or fresh frozen in liquid nitrogen and analysed with regard to morphology, immunohistochemistry,  DNA and RNA content and quality. Markers of melanocytic differentiation and tumour cell proliferation were used.

Results

Morphology was well preserved in PAXPE samples. However, 5 out of 11 immunohistochemical markers showed significantly lower overall staining and staining intensity with PAXPE tissues in comparison with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE). Increasing membrane permeability through adding a detergent did proportionally increase staining intensity in PAXPE samples. Amplification of different mRNA amplicons showed a direct relationship with the size of the amplicon with greater template integrity observed in PAXPE samples. Sequencing and mutational analysis of DNA samples were comparable for all the different fixation methods, while the level of DNA fragmentation seemed to be lower in PAXPE compared with FFPE tissues.

Conclusions

The switch from formalin to PAXgene fixation would require a re-evaluation of immunohistochemical markers and staining procedures originally developed for FFPE tissues. Our data demonstrate that PAXPE fixation offers some advantages concerning molecular analysis. However, these advantages would not justify substituting formalin fixation in any routine pathology laboratory.
Ultrashort imaging to reperfusion time interval arrests core expansion in endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Almekhlafi Mohammed A , Eesa Muneer , Menon Bijoy K , Demchuk Andrew M , Goyal Mayank
Published: November 2012

Background and purpose

The shorter the time interval between the estimation of the ischemic core by imaging and reperfusion, the more likely that core expansion is minimized. We aimed to assess the feasibility of achieving an ultrashort imaging to reperfusion time in routine clinical practice.

Methods

The study subjects were a prospective cohort of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular therapy in a tertiary center in whom an imaging to reperfusion time of <60 min was achieved.

Results

Imaging to reperfusion time of <60 min was accomplished in 11 patients. The median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 11 and the median baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) was 8. The median time interval from imaging to endovascular reperfusion was 47 min. The median ASPECTS score on the 24 h CT scan was also 8 and the median 24 h NIHSS score was 1. Upon discharge, 82% of patients achieved a modified Rankin scale score of ≤1.

Conclusions

An imaging to endovascular reperfusion time of <60 min is feasible and resulted in minimal core expansion on follow-up imaging in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
DIRECTED RANDOM MARKETS: CONNECTIVITY DETERMINES MONEY
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-MARTÍNEZ ISMAEL , LÓPEZ-RUIZ RICARDO
Published: November 2012

Boltzmann–Gibbs (BG) distribution arises as the statistical equilibrium probability distribution of money among the agents of a closed economic system where random and undirected exchanges are allowed. When considering a model with uniform savings in the exchanges, the final distribution is close to the gamma family. In this paper, we implement these exchange rules on networks and we find that these stationary probability distributions are robust and they are not affected by the topology of the underlying network. We introduce a new family of interactions: random but directed ones. In this case, it is found the topology to be determinant and the mean money per economic agent is related to the degree of the node representing the agent in the network. The relation between the mean money per economic agent and its degree is shown to be linear.
MEASUREMENT AND INTERNALIZATION OF SYSTEMIC RISK IN A GLOBAL BANKING NETWORK
Authors: FENG XIAOBING , HU HAIBO
Published: November 2012

The negative externalities from an individual bank failure to the whole system can be huge. One of the key purposes of bank regulation is to internalize the social costs of potential bank failures via capital charges. This study proposes a method to evaluate and allocate the systemic risk to different countries/regions using a Susceptible-Infected-Removable (SIR) type of epidemic spreading model and the Shapley value (SV) in game theory. The paper also explores features of a constructed bank network using real globe-wide banking data.
HAMILTON OPERATORS, DISCRETE SYMMETRIES, BRUTE FORCE AND SYMBOLICC++
Authors: STEEB WILLI-HANS , HARDY YORICK
Published: November 2012

To find the discrete symmetries of a Hamilton operator Ĥ is of central importance in quantum theory. Here, we describe and implement a brute force method to determine the discrete symmetries given by permutation matrices for Hamilton operators acting in a finite-dimensional Hilbert space. Spin and Fermi systems are considered as examples. A computer algebra implementation in SymbolicC++ is provided.
A STRATEGY FOR IDENTIFYING FLUORESCENCE INTENSITY PROFILES OF SINGLE ROD-SHAPED CELLS
Authors: HERZOG ALEXANDRA , VOSS BJÖRN , KEILBERG DANIELA , HOT EDINA , SØGAARD-ANDERSEN LOTTE , GARBE CHRISTOPH , KOSTINA EKATERINA
Published: November 2012

The extraction of fluorescence intensity profiles of single cells from image data is a common challenge in cell biology. The manual segmentation of cells, the extraction of cell orientation and finally the extraction of intensity profiles are time-consuming tasks. This article proposes a routine for the segmentation of single rod-shaped cells (i.e. without neighboring cells in a distance of the cell length) from image data combined with an extraction of intensity distributions along the longitudinal cell axis under the aggravated conditions of (i) a low spatial resolution and (ii) lacking information on the imaging system i.e. the point spread function and signal-to-noise ratio. The algorithm named cipsa transfers a new approach from particle streak velocimetry to cell classification interpreting the rod-shaped as streak-like structures. An automatic reduction of systematic errors such as photobleaching and defocusing is included to guarantee robustness of the proposed approach under the described conditions and to the convenience of end-users unfamiliar with image processing. Performance of the algorithm has been tested on image sequences with high noise level produced by an overlay of different error sources. The developed algorithm provides a user-friendly, stand-alone procedure.
REPRESENTING A SET OF RECONCILIATIONS IN A COMPACT WAY
Authors: SCORNAVACCA CELINE , PAPROTNY WOJCIECH , BERRY VINCENT , RANWEZ VINCENT
Published: November 2012

Comparative genomic studies are often conducted by reconciliation analyses comparing gene and species trees. One of the issues with reconciliation approaches is that an exponential number of optimal scenarios is possible. The resulting complexity is masked by the fact that a majority of reconciliation software pick up a random optimal solution that is returned to the end-user. However, the alternative solutions should not be ignored since they tell different stories that parsimony considers as viable as the output solution. In this paper, we describe a polynomial space and time algorithm to build a minimum reconciliation graph — a graph that summarizes the set of all most parsimonious reconciliations. Amongst numerous applications, it is shown how this graph allows counting the number of non-equivalent most parsimonious reconciliations.
DISPERSION OF CARBON NANOFIBERS IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION
Authors: WANG BAO-MIN , ZHANG YUAN , GUO ZHI-QIANG , HAN YU , MA HAI-NAN
Published: November 2012

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were purified by the method of heat treating, and stable homogeneous suspensions of heat-treated CNFs were prepared by using methylcellulose (MC) as a surfactant. The heat-treated CNFs were characterized by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and the sonication-driven dispersion of CNFs in aqueous solution was investigated by measuring ultraviolet absorbency (UV absorbency), zeta potential, adsorption isotherm of MC on CNFs and surface tension of CNF suspensions. In these CNF suspensions, the zeta potentials of CNFs progressively increase with increasing MC concentration, and change from -15.4–0 mV. The surface tension of CNF suspensions decrease from 38.87 mN/m to 36.54 mN/m. The adsorption isotherm of MC on CNFs shows an adsorption platform (namely "L" style), and the adsorption isotherm reaches the saturation plateau at MC concentration of about 0.4 g/L. All results show that the optimum concentration ratio of MC to CNFs is 2:1 for dispersion.
Antisickling fetal hemoglobin reduces hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in normoxic sickle mice: microvascular implications
Authors: Kaul Dhananjay K. , Fabry Mary E. , Suzuka Sandra M. , Zhang Xiaoqin
Published: November 2012

Chronic inflammation is a salient feature of sickle cell disease (SCD) and transgenic-knockout sickle (BERK) mice. Inflammation is implicated in the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) under normoxic conditions. We hypothesize that, in SCD, inflammation coupled with nitric oxide (NO) depletion will induce expression of HIF-1α, a transcription factor with wide-ranging effects including activation of genes for vasoactive molecules. To this end, we have examined the expression of HIF-1α in normoxic BERK mice expressing exclusively human α- and βS- globins, and evaluated the effect of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in BERK mice (i.e., <1.0%, 20%, and 40% HbF). HbF exerts antisickling and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we show that HIF-1α is expressed in BERK mice under normoxic conditions, accompanied by increased expression of its vasoactive biomarkers such as VEGF, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and serum ET-1 levels. In BERK mice expressing HbF, HIF-1α expression decreases concomitantly with increasing HbF, commensurately with increased NO bioavailability, and shows a strong inverse correlation with plasma NO metabolites (NOx) levels. Reduced HIF-1α expression is associated with decreased HO-1, VEGF, and ET-1. Notably, arteriolar dilation, enhanced volumetric blood flow, and low blood pressure in normoxic BERK mice all show a trend toward normalization with the introduction of HbF. Also, arginine treatment reduced HIF-1α, as well as VEGF expression in normoxic BERK mice, supporting a role of NO bioavailability in HIF-1α activation. Thus HIF-1α expression in normoxic sickle mice is likely a consequence of chronic inflammation, and HbF exerts an ameliorating effect by decreasing sickling, increasing NO bioavailability, and reducing inflammation.
A novel hemoglobin-binding peptide reduces cell-free hemoglobin in murine hemolytic anemia
Authors: Hanson Madelyn S. , Xu Hao , Flewelen Timothy C. , Holzhauer Sandra L. , Retherford Dawn , Jones Deron W. , Frei Anne C. , Pritchard Kirkwood A. , Hillery Cheryl A. , Hogg Neil , Wandersee Nancy J.
Published: November 2012

Hemolysis can saturate the hemoglobin (Hb)/heme scavenging system, resulting in increased circulating cell-free Hb (CF-Hb) in hereditary and acquired hemolytic disease. While recent studies have suggested a central role for intravascular hemolysis and CF-Hb in the development of vascular dysfunction, this concept has stimulated considerable debate. This highlights the importance of determining the contribution of CF-Hb to vascular complications associated with hemolysis. Therefore, a novel Hb-binding peptide was synthesized and linked to a small fragment of apolipoprotein E (amino acids 141–150) to facilitate endocytic clearance. Plasma clearance of hE-Hb-b10 displayed a rapid phase t1/2of 16 min and slow phase t1/2of 10 h, trafficking primarily through the liver. Peptide hE-Hb-B10 decreased CF-Hb in mice treated with phenylhydrazine, a model of acute hemolysis. Administration of hE-Hb-B10 also attenuated CF-Hb in two models of chronic hemolysis: Berkeley sickle cell disease (SS) mice and mice with severe hereditary spherocytosis (HS). The hemolytic rate was unaltered in either chronic hemolysis model, supporting the conclusion that hE-Hb-B10 promotes CF-Hb clearance without affecting erythrocyte lysis. Interestingly, hE-Hb-B10 also decreased plasma ALT activity in SS and HS mice. Although acetylcholine-mediated facialis artery vasodilation was not improved by hE-Hb-B10 treatment, the peptide shifted vascular response in favor of NO-dependent vasodilation in SS mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate that hE-Hb-B10 decreases CF-Hb with a concomitant reduction in liver injury and changes in vascular response. Therefore, hE-Hb-B10 can be used to investigate the different roles of CF-Hb in hemolytic pathology and may have therapeutic benefit in the treatment of CF-Hb-mediated tissue damage.
An angiogenesis model for investigating multicellular interactions across intact microvascular networks
Authors: Stapor Peter C. , Azimi Mohammad S. , Ahsan Tabassum , Murfee Walter L.
Published: November 2012

Developing therapies aimed at manipulating microvascular remodeling requires a better understanding of angiogenesis and how angiogenesis relates to other network remodeling processes, such as lymphangiogenesis and neurogenesis. The objective of this study was to develop an angiogenesis model that enables probing of multicellular and multisystem interactions at the molecular level across an intact adult microvascular network. Adult male Wistar rat mesenteric windows were aseptically harvested and cultured in serum-free minimum essential media. Viability/cytotoxicity analysis revealed that cells remain alive for at least 7 days. Immunohistochemical labeling at 3 days for platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM), neuron-glial antigen 2 (NG2), lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1), and class III β-tubulin identified endothelial cells, pericytes, lymphatics, and nerves, respectively. Media supplemented with bFGF or VEGF induced an increase in endothelial cell sprouting off existing vessels. Endothelial cell sprouting in both growth factor groups was inhibited by targeting pericytes with NG2 functional blocking antibody. VEGF caused an increase in the number of lymphatic/blood endothelial cell connections compared with media alone or bFGF groups. Finally, the comparison of the same network before and after angiogenesis stimulated by the supplement of media with 20% serum identified the ability of disconnected endothelial segments to reconnect to nearby vessels. The results establish a novel in situ angiogenesis model for investigating the location of capillary sprouting within an intact network, the role of pericytes, lymphatic/blood endothelial cell interactions, and the fate of specific endothelial cell segments. The rat mesentery culture system offers a unique tool for understanding the complex dynamics associated with angiogenesis in an intact adult tissue.
Artery wall layer dimensions during normal pregnancy: a longitudinal study using noninvasive high-frequency ultrasound
Authors: Akhter Tansim , Larsson Anders , Larsson Marita , Wikström Anna-Karin , Naessen Tord
Published: November 2012

The vascular effects of normal pregnancy were investigated by estimating the intima and media thicknesses of the common carotid artery separately using 22-MHz ultrasound (Collagenoson, Meudt, Germany) in 57 healthy women with normal pregnancies and pregnancy outcomes, in all three trimesters and at 1 yr postpartum. A thick intima, thin media, and high intima-to-media (I/M) ratio are signs of a less healthy artery wall. Mean artery wall layer dimensions remained fairly constant during pregnancy, but the intima thickness and I/M thickness ratio appeared to improve (decrease) postpartum ( P < 0.001 for both). The cardiovascular risk parameters of age, body mass index, and blood pressure in the first trimester were associated with higher I/M ratios, especially in the second trimester, whereas higher serum estradiol levels were significantly associated with a lower I/M ratio. Changes from the first to second trimesters in I/M ratio, taking into account differential changes in intima and media thickness, were significantly ( P < 0.05–0.001) associated with all risk parameters tested except age, which was associated with increased intima thickness ( P = 0.02). Associations with third trimester values and changes from first to third trimesters were similar but less apparent. Thus, fairly constant mean artery wall layer dimensions during pregnancy appeared to improve postpartum. However, higher age, body mass index, or blood pressure and lower serum estradiol levels in the first trimester appeared to negatively affect the artery wall, strongly suggesting that pregnancy has negative vascular effects in some women. A less likely explanation involves possible adaptation to physiological changes during and after pregnancy.
Hibernating myocardium results in partial sympathetic denervation and nerve sprouting
Authors: Fernandez Stanley F. , Ovchinnikov Vladislav , Canty John M. , Fallavollita James A.
Published: November 2012

Hibernating myocardium due to chronic repetitive ischemia is associated with regional sympathetic nerve dysfunction and spontaneous arrhythmic death in the absence of infarction. Although inhomogeneity in regional sympathetic innervation is an acknowledged substrate for sudden death, the mechanism(s) responsible for these abnormalities in viable, dysfunctional myocardium (i.e., neural stunning vs. sympathetic denervation) and their association with nerve sprouting are unknown. Accordingly, markers of sympathetic nerve function and nerve sprouting were assessed in subendocardial tissue collected from chronically instrumented pigs with hibernating myocardium ( n = 18) as well as sham-instrumented controls ( n = 7). Hibernating myocardium exhibited evidence of partial sympathetic denervation compared with the normally perfused region and sham controls, with corresponding regional reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase protein (−32%, P < 0.001), norepinephrine uptake transport protein (−25%, P = 0.01), and tissue norepinephrine content (−45%, P < 0.001). Partial denervation induced nerve sprouting with regional increases in nerve growth factor precursor protein (31%, P = 0.01) and growth associated protein-43 (38%, P < 0.05). All of the changes in sympathetic nerve markers were similar in animals that developed sudden death ( n = 9) compared with electively terminated pigs with hibernating myocardium ( n = 9). In conclusion, sympathetic nerve dysfunction in hibernating myocardium is most consistent with partial sympathetic denervation and is associated with regional nerve sprouting. The extent of sympathetic remodeling is similar in animals that develop sudden death compared with survivors; this suggests that sympathetic remodeling in hibernating myocardium is not an independent trigger for sudden death. Nevertheless, sympathetic remodeling likely contributes to electrical instability in combination with other factors.
Resolution of Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes after Laparoscopic Truncal Vagotomy, Subtotal Gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y Gastrojejunostomy for a Patient with Intractable Gastric Ulcers
Authors: Tait Laura F. , Ortega Gezzer , Tran Daniel D. , Fullum Terrence M.
Published: November 2012

Background. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been shown to be an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with morbid obesity. However, it is unclear just how effective the LRYGB procedure is on T2DM for patients with BMI less than 35 kg/m2. We report one obese patient with T2DM who did not meet the current NIH criteria for morbid obesity surgery. This patient underwent a laparoscopic truncal vagotomy, subtotal gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy for intractable gastric ulcers and subsequently had full resolution of her T2DM.Methods. A 48-year-old patient with a BMI of 34.6 kg/m2underwent a laparoscopic truncal vagotomy, subtotal gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy for intractable gastric ulcers. The patient was seen 3 months preoperatively, followed for 24 months postoperatively, and evaluated for postoperative complications, weight loss, and improvement in comorbidities.Results. The patient had no postoperative surgical complications. Her BMI decreased from 34.6 kg/m2to 22.3 kg/m2by 24 months postoperatively. Significant improvements in her fasting blood glucose levels were seen 10 days postoperatively from a preoperative level of 147 mg/dl to 97 mg/dl.Conclusion. Patients with a BMI less than 35 kg/m2and uncontrolled T2DM may benefit from a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Energy Characterization and Gasification of Biomass Derived by Hazelnut Cultivation: Analysis of Produced Syngas by Gas Chromatography
Authors: Monarca D. , Colantoni A. , Cecchini M. , Longo L. , Vecchione L. , Carlini M. , Manzo A.
Published: November 2012

Modern agriculture is an extremely energy intensive process. However, high agricultural productivities and the growth of green revolution has been possible only by large amount of energy inputs, especially those coming from fossil fuels. These energy resources have not been able to provide an economically viable solution for agricultural applications. Biomass energy‐based systems had been extensively used for transportation and on farm systems during World War II: the most common and reliable solution was wood or biomass gasification. The latter means incomplete combustion of biomass resulting in production of combustible gases which mostly consist of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2) and traces of methane (CH4). This mixture is called syngas, which can be successfully used to run internal combustion engines (both compression and spark ignition) or as substitute for furnace oil in direct heat applications. The aim of the present paper is to help the experimentation of innovative plants for electric power production using agro‐forest biomass derived by hazelnut cultivations. An additional purpose is to point out a connection among the chemical and physical properties of the outgoing syngas by biomass characterization and gas‐chromatography analysis.
Cytotoxicity, Antiproliferative Effects, and Apoptosis Induction of Methanolic Extract ofCynometra caulifloraLinn. Whole Fruit on Human Promyelocytic Leukemia HL-60 Cells
Authors: Tajudin T-Johari S. A. , Mat Nashriyah , Siti-Aishah Abu Bakar , Yusran A. Aziz M. , Alwi Afnani , Ali Abdul Manaf
Published: November 2012

Methanolic extract ofCynometra cauliflorawhole fruit was assayed for cytotoxicity against the human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 and the normal mouse fibroblast NIH/3T3 cell lines by using the MTT assay. The CD50of the extract for 72 hours was 0.9 μg/mL whereas the value for the cytotoxic drug vincristine was 0.2 μg/mL. The viability of the NIH/3T3 cells was at 80.0% when treated at 15.0 μg/mL. The extract inhibited HL-60 cell proliferation with dose dependence. AO/PI staining of HL-60 cells treated with the extract revealed that majority of cells were in the apoptotic cell death mode. Flow cytometry analysis of HL-60 cells treated at CD50of the extract showed that the early apoptotic cells were 31.0, 26.3 and 19.9% at 24, 48, and 72 hours treatment, respectively. The percentage of late apoptotic cells was increased from 62.0 at 24 hours to 64.1 and 70.2 at 48 and 72 hours, respectively. Meanwhile, percent of necrotic cells were 4.9, 6.6, and 8.5 at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. This study has shown that the methanolic extract ofC. cauliflorawhole fruit was cytotoxic towards HL-60 cells and induced the cells into apoptotic cell death mode, but less cytotoxic towards NIH/3T3 cells.
Contemporary Strategies in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Khorsandi Shirin Elizabeth , Heaton Nigel
Published: November 2012

Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on a background of chronic liver disease. Liver resection or locoregional ablative therapies may be indicated for patients with preserved synthetic function without significant portal hypertension. Milan criteria were introduced to select suitable patients for liver transplant with low risk of tumor recurrence and 5-year survival in excess of 70%. Currently the incidence of HCC is climbing rapidly and in a current climate of organ shortage has led to the re-evaluation of locoregional therapies and resectional surgery to manage the case load. The introduction of biological therapies has had a new dimension to care, adding to the complexities of multidisciplinary team working in the management of HCC. The aim of this paper is to give a brief overview of present day management strategies and decision making.
Immunopathogenic and Neurological Mechanisms of Canine Distemper Virus
Authors: Carvalho Otávio Valério , Botelho Clarisse Vieira , Ferreira Caroline Gracielle Torres , Scherer Paulo Oldemar , Soares-Martins Jamária Adriana Pinheiro , Almeida Márcia Rogéria , Silva Júnior Abelardo
Published: November 2012

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which is a member of theMorbillivirusgenus, Paramyxoviridae family. Animals that most commonly suffer from this disease belong to the Canidae family; however, the spectrum of natural hosts for CDV also includes several other families of the order Carnivora. The infectious disease presents worldwide distribution and maintains a high incidence and high levels of lethality, despite the availability of effective vaccines, and no specific treatment. CDV infection in dogs is characterized by the presentation of systemic and/or neurological courses, and viral persistence in some organs, including the central nervous system (CNS) and lymphoid tissues. An elucidation of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in canine distemper disease will lead to a better understanding of the injuries and clinical manifestations caused by CDV. Ultimately, further insight about this disease will enable the improvement of diagnostic methods as well as therapeutic studies.
Severe Hypoglycemia Accompanied with Thyroid Crisis
Authors: Nakatani Yuki , Monden Tsuyoshi , Sato Minoru , Domeki Nozomi , Matsumura Mihoko , Banba Nobuyuki , Nakamoto Takaaki
Published: November 2012

We report a 32-year-old Japanese women with severe hypoglycemia accompanied with thyroid crisis. She complained of dyspnea, general fatigue, and leg edema. She was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism with congestive heart failure and liver dysfunction. Soon after admission, sudden cardiopulmonary arrest occurred. She was then transferred to the intensive care unit. Her serum glucose level was 7 mg/dl. Intravenous glucose, hydrocortisone, diuretics, and continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) saved her. We considered that hypoglycemia occurred due to heart failure and liver dysfunction due to thyroid crisis.
What Risk Assessments of Genetically Modified Organisms Can Learn from Institutional Analyses of Public Health Risks
Authors: Rajan S. Ravi , Letourneau Deborah K.
Published: November 2012

The risks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are evaluated traditionally by combining hazard identification and exposure estimates to provide decision support for regulatory agencies. We question the utility of the classical risk paradigm and discuss its evolution in GMO risk assessment. First, we consider the problem of uncertainty, by comparing risk assessment for environmental toxins in the public health domain with genetically modified organisms in the environment; we use the specific comparison of an insecticide to a transgenic, insecticidal food crop. Next, we examine normal accident theory (NAT) as a heuristic to consider runaway effects of GMOs, such as negative community level consequences of gene flow from transgenic, insecticidal crops. These examples illustrate how risk assessments are made more complex and contentious by both their inherent uncertainty and the inevitability of failure beyond expectation in complex systems. We emphasize the value of conducting decision-support research, embracing uncertainty, increasing transparency, and building interdisciplinary institutions that can address the complex interactions between ecosystems and society. In particular, we argue against black boxing risk analysis, and for a program to educate policy makers about uncertainty and complexity, so that eventually, decision making is not the burden that falls upon scientists but is assumed by the public at large.
Imaging the Morrow A Sandstone Using Shear Wave VSP Data, Postle Field, Oklahoma
Authors: Tamimi Naser , Davis Thomas L.
Published: November 2012

Morrow sandstones constitute important oil-producing reservoirs in the Anadarko Basin in the Mid-Continent Region of the USA. Characterization of the Morrow A sandstone reservoir in Postle Field, Texas County, Oklahoma, is challenging due to its small thickness, low acoustic impedance contrast with the surrounding Morrow shale, and lithological heterogeneity. Shear wave data have been documented as a promising solution for imaging the Morrow A sandstone. Vertical seismic profiling (VSP) offers the potential to enhance shear wave imaging of the thin heterogeneous Morrow A sandstone at Postle Field. The zero-offset VSP results confirm the advantages of shear wave over compressional wave in imaging the Morrow A sandstone. Also, the final shear wave VSP image shows that, applying the proposed processing flow, we are able to image the Morrow A sandstone where the thickness is as thin as 8.5 m.
Linkage of Multiple Sclerosis and Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Population-Based Survey in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Etemadifar Masoud , Roomizadeh Peyman , Abtahi Seyed-Hossein , Sajjadi Sepideh , Abedini Amin , Golabbakhsh Aryan , Fereidan-Esfahani Mahboobeh , Akbari Mojtaba
Published: November 2012

Background. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) are autoimmune demyelinating disorders of Central and Peripheral Nervous system, respectively. The coexistence of these two syndromes in an individual's life span is rare.Objectives. To inspect throughout Isfahan MS society (IMSS) records for MS cases who had history of documented GBS whether before the onset of MS or after it.Methods. This retrospective survey was carried out by analyzing the clinical records of 3,522 MS patients who were registered with IMSS, from April 2003 to July 2010. Eligible cases were requested to attend to IMSS for final clinical/paraclinical examinations.Results. Among 3,522 (2,716 women and 806 men) MS subjects, we could identify seven patients (six females and one male) with documented diagnosis of GBS. Six patients (five women and one man) had developed MS within6.5±7.0(range: 1–16) years after being diagnosed with GBS and one (a woman) had developed GBS three years after the diagnosis of MS.Conclusion. It seems that the development of MS in individuals with history of GBS is more than a simple incidental event.
Necrotizing Fasciitis: Diagnostic Challenges in a Mute Bedridden Patient with Atypical Laboratory Parameters
Authors: Lohiya Ghan-Shyam , Tan-Figueroa Lilia , Krishna Vijay , Lohiya Sunita
Published: November 2012

A 27-year-old mute bedridden patient required parenteral corticosteroids and antibiotics, and hospitalization for an acute respiratory illness. After 2 days, staff noted a ~0.3 cm blister on the patient’s right heel. Within 19 hours, blistering increased and the foot became partly gangrenous. The patient developed high fever (40.3°C), and leukocytosis (count:13×109/L; was6.5×109/Lten days earlier). Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) was diagnosed and treated with emergency leg amputation. Histopathology revealed necrosis of fascia, muscle, subcutaneous tissue, and skin. In bedridden patients, corticosteroids may particularly facilitate serious infections, and initial NF blistering may be mistaken for pressure ulcers. Vigilant and frequent whole body monitoring is necessary for all patients incapable of verbalizing their symptoms.
Anchoretic Infection
Authors: Gokkulakrishnan S. , Sharma Ashish , Kumaran Satish , Vasundhar P. L.
Published: November 2012

Active and passive mouth opening exercises are a very common practice in oral and maxillofacial surgery especially for various conditions causing limited mouth opening like space infections, trauma, and ankylosis. But most of the practitioners do not follow basic principles while advocating these active mouth opening exercises and also take it for granted that it would benefit the patient in the long run. Because of this, the mouth opening physiotherapy by itself can at times lead to unwanted complications. We report a case wherein due to active physiotherapy, the patient had complications leading to persistent temporal space infection which required surgical intervention and hospitalization. This could have been because of hematoma formation during physiotherapy which got infected due to anchoretic infection of unknown etiology and resulted in temporal space infection. Hence, our conclusion is that whenever mouth opening exercises are initiated, it should be done gradually under good antibiotic coverage to avoid any untoward complications and for optimum results. According to the current English literature, such a complication has not been documented before.
Preparation and Structure of Novel Chiral 4,6-Disubstituted Tetrahydropyrimidinones
Authors: Frain David , Kirby Fiona , McArdle Patrick , O'Leary Patrick
Published: November 2012

The synthesis of a number of novel 4,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyrimidinones is described. The synthetic route described is applied to the synthesis of two stereoisomers. The structure of one tetrahydropyrimidinone was determined by XRD and showed an interesting hydrogen-bonded ribbon in the direction of crystal growth. These pyrimidinones are members of a class of compounds with diverse bioactivity. An initial study of their activity versus HIV protease is included.
Repeated CMV Infection in a Heart Transplantation Patient
Authors: Melero-Ferrer Josep , Sanchez-Lazaro Ignacio J. , Navea-Tejerina Amparo , Almenar-Bonet Luis , Blanes-Julia Marino , Martinez-Dolz Luis , Salvador-Sanz Antonio
Published: November 2012

Infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in heart transplantation (HTx). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection during the first year after HTx, but it is more unusual after this time. We present the case of a patient who underwent an HTx due to a severe ischemic heart disease. Although the patient did not have a high risk for CMV, infection, he suffered a reactivation during the first year and then up to six more episodes, especially in his eyes. The patient received different treatments against CMV and the immunosuppression was changed several times. Finally, everolimus was introduced instead of cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil was withdrawn. The presented case provides an example of how the immunosupresion plays a key role in some infections in spite of being a suitable antiviral treatment.
Barium Dichloride as a Powerful and Inexpensive Catalyst for the Pechmann Condensation without Using Solvent
Authors: Khodabakhshi Saeed
Published: November 2012

Various coumarin derivatives have been efficiently synthesized via barium dichloride-catalyzed Pechmann condensation reaction of various phenols and β-keto esters under solvent-free conditions. This novel and inexpensive method has advantages such as short reaction times, excellent product yields, and avoidance of organic solvents in agreement with green chemistry principles.
A Workflow for Patient-Individualized Virtual Angiogram Generation Based on CFD Simulation
Authors: Endres Jürgen , Kowarschik Markus , Redel Thomas , Sharma Puneet , Mihalef Viorel , Hornegger Joachim , Dörfler Arnd
Published: November 2012

Increasing interest is drawn on hemodynamic parameters for classifying the risk of rupture as well as treatment planning of cerebral aneurysms. A proposed method to obtain quantities such as wall shear stress, pressure, and blood flow velocity is to numerically simulate the blood flow using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. For the validation of those calculated quantities, virtually generated angiograms, based on the CFD results, are increasingly used for a subsequent comparison with real, acquired angiograms. For the generation of virtual angiograms, several patient-specific parameters have to be incorporated to obtain virtual angiograms which match the acquired angiograms as best as possible. For this purpose, a workflow is presented and demonstrated involving multiple phantom and patient cases.
Solitary Giant Intramuscular Myxoid Neurofibroma Resulting in an above Elbow Amputation
Authors: Chennakeshaviah Gururajaparasad , Ravishankar Sunila , Maggad Rangaswamy , Manjunath G. V.
Published: November 2012

Neurofibromas are uncommon benign tumours and are still rarer in intramuscular locations. They are not detected until they cause a significant damage to the neighbouring tissues. We present a case of a giant intramuscular myxoid neurofibroma of the left forearm which eroded the radius and ulna, restricting the movements at the elbow and wrist joints and causing wrist drop resulting in an above elbow amputation. It was diagnosed by histopathology and was later confirmed by immunohistochemistry.
Permanence and Almost Periodic Solutions of a Discrete Ratio‐Dependent Leslie System with Time Delays and Feedback Controls
Authors: Yu Gang , Lu Hongying
Published: November 2012

We consider a discrete almost periodic ratio‐dependent Leslie
system with time delays and feedback controls. Sufficient conditions are obtained
for the permanence and global attractivity of the system. Furthermore, by using an
almost periodic functional Hull theory, we show that the almost periodic system
has a unique globally attractive positive almost periodic solution.
Detection of Ammonia in Liquids Using Millimeter Wave Spectroscopy
Authors: Ozturk Hilmi , Nazli Hakki , Yegin Korkut , Sezgin Mehmet
Published: November 2012

Detection of ammonia plays a vital role for counter-bioterrorism applications. Using millimeter wave absorption measurements, ammonia dissolved in water solution is analyzed and compared to water-only solution. The inversion of ammonia molecule results in split rotational spectral lines and transitions of these lines can be detected. Two-port measurements were carried out with vector network analyzer and measurements revealed that ammonia presence can be identified, especially between 30–35 GHz.