bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein in patients with acute and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Sörensen-Zender Inga , Beneke Jan , Schmidt Bernhard MW , Menne Jan , Haller Hermann , Schmitt Roland
Published: July 2013

Background

Zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein (AZGP1) is a secreted protein which is synthesized in a variety of cell types. AZGP1 has functionally been implicated in lipid metabolism, the regulation of cell cycling and cancer progression. Previous studies have shown increased circulating AZGP1 levels in patients with chronic kidney disease but AZGP1 has not been investigated in acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, serum AZGP1 levels were measured in acute and chronic kidney disease to test for a correlation to renal function and other clinical parameters.

Methods

We performed ELISA based measurements of AZGP1 serum levels in 21 patients suffering from grade 3 AKI and in 20 chronic hemodialysis patients. In AKI patients, AZGP1 was first measured before initiation of acute renal replacement therapy and a second measurement was done during renal functional recovery. Sera of healthy blood donors served as controls. The association of AZGP1 with acute and chronic renal dysfunction was analysed, as well as the correlation with clinical parameters, body composition and biochemical variables.

Results

Levels of circulating AZGP1 were significantly elevated in AKI patients. High initial levels of AZGP1 correlated with extra-renal complications but not with parameters of renal function. At follow-up, AZGP1 levels were still increased but now correlated significantly with creatinine, eGFR and urea. Circulating AZGP1 in chronic hemodialysis patients was higher than in AKI patients. An association to parameters of lipid metabolism was not found.

Conclusions

This study illustrates that circulating AZGP1 is not only elevated in chronic hemodialysis patients but also sharply increases during the early phase of AKI. The unexpected association with extra-renal complications during AKI needs further exploration as it might point to unknown biological effects of AZGP1.
Variant extragradient-type method for monotone variational inequalities
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Postolache Mihai , Liou Yeong-Cheng
Published: July 2013

Korpelevich’s extragradient method has been studied and extended extensively due to its applicability to the whole class of monotone variational inequalities. In the present paper, we propose a variant extragradient-type method for solving monotone variational inequalities. Convergence analysis of the method is presented under reasonable assumptions on the problem data.

MSC:47H05, 47J05, 47J25.
Fixed points and approximately heptic mappings in non-Archimedean normed spaces
Authors: Park Choonkil , Ghaemi Mohammad Bagher , Majani Hamid , Eshaghi Gordji Madjid , Najati Abbas
Published: July 2013

Using the fixed point method, we investigate the stability of the system of additive, quadratic and quartic functional equations with constant coefficients in non-Archimedean normed spaces. Also, we give an example to show that some results in the stability of functional equations in (Archimedean) normed spaces are not valid in non-Archimedean normed spaces.

MSC:39B82, 46S10, 47H10.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T-cell responses to recombinant HBV core protein in patients with normal liver function and co-infected with chronic HBV and human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1)
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xing Hanqian , Feng Xia , Zhang Haiping , Wang Yi , Yan Huiping
Published: July 2013

Background

Little is known about HBV-specific T-cell responses in chronic Hepatitis B patients (HBV) that are co-infected with Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), especially those with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.

Methods

Twenty-five patients with chronic HBV (11 hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]-positive, 14 HBeAg-negative) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. A longitudinal study as also conducted in which follow-up was done at 3, 12, and 24 months, after acute HIV-1 infection, in 11 individuals who also had chronic HBV. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with recombinant HBV surface protein (S protein), core protein (C protein) or gag peptide. IFN-γ-secreting T cells were identified by ELISPOT assay.

Results

In the cross-sectional study, co-infected chronic HBV patients had lower C protein-specific T-cell responses compared with mono-infected individuals, though the difference was not significant. In co-infected, chronic HBV patients, the magnitude of C protein-specific T-cell responses was significantly greater in HBeAg-positive subjects compared to HBeAg-negative subjects (p = 0.011). C protein-specific T-cell responses were positively correlated with HBV viral load (rs= 0.40, p = 0.046). However, gag-specific T-cell responses were negatively correlated with HIV viral load (rs = −0.44, p = 0.026) and positively correlated with CD4+count (rs= 0.46, p = 0.021). The results were different in mono-infected individuals. PBMCs from co-infected HBeAg-positive patients secreted more specific-IFN-γ in cultured supernatants compared with PBMCs from co-infected HBeAg-negative patients (p = 0.019). In the longitudinal study, S protein- and C protein-specific T-cell responses were decreased as the length of follow-up increased (p = 0.034, for S protein; p = 0.105, for C protein). Additionally, the S protein- and C protein-specific T-cell responses were significantly higher in HBeAg-positive patients than in HBeAg-negative patients at 3 and 12 months after HIV-1 infection (all p < 0.05), but not at 24 months. A positive correlation (trend) was found between C protein-specific T-cell responses and HBV viral load at 3 and 12 months after HIV-1 infection.

Conclusions

HBV-specific T-cell responses to recombinant HBV core protein were reduced in chronic HBV patients co-infected with HIV-1. The reduced C protein-specific T cell responses were positively correlated with HBV viral load in co-infected, chronic HBV patients.
An unusual case of a mature teratoma on the left perineal region of a young cat: surgical treatment and pathological description
Authors: Ober Ciprian Andrei , Taulescu Marian , Oana Liviu , Bel Lucia , Cătoi Cornel , Fărcas Laura , Pestean Cosmin
Published: July 2013

A 10-month-old intact male cat with a clinical history of a large mass in the left perineal region was submitted to the surgery department. The mass had reportedly been present as a small swelling after birth. Cytological evaluation using a fine-needle aspirate showed eosinophilic keratinaceous debris, and was not convincing for the definitive diagnosis. Complete surgical excision was performed. Postoperative function and aesthetics were excellent. Based on gross and histological features the definitive diagnosis of the tumor was mature teratoma with ectodermal and endodermal components. After a follow-up period of 4 months, no signs of recurrence were evident. Surgical excision of the teratoma in our case was considered curative. A perineal location has not been previously reported in the cat and should be considered a rare condition in this species.
The chemotaxonomic classification of Rhodiola plants and its correlation with morphological characteristics and genetic taxonomy
Authors: Liu Zhenli , Liu Yuanyan , Liu Chunsheng , Song Zhiqian , Li Qing , Zha Qinglin , Lu Cheng , Wang Chun , Ning Zhangchi , Zhang Yuxin , Tian Cheng , Lu Aiping
Published: July 2013

Background

Rhodiola plants are used as a natural remedy in the western world and as a traditional herbal medicine in China, and are valued for their ability to enhance human resistance to stress or fatigue and to promote longevity. Due to the morphological similarities among different species, the identification of the genus remains somewhat controversial, which may affect their safety and effectiveness in clinical use.

Results

In this paper, 47 Rhodiola samples of seven species were collected from thirteen local provinces of China. They were identified by their morphological characteristics and genetic and phytochemical taxonomies. Eight bioactive chemotaxonomic markers from four chemical classes (phenylpropanoids, phenylethanol derivatives, flavonoids and phenolic acids) were determined to evaluate and distinguish the chemotaxonomy of Rhodiola samples using an HPLC-DAD/UV method. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to compare the two classification methods between genetic and phytochemical taxonomy.

Conclusions

The established chemotaxonomic classification could be effectively used for Rhodiola species identification.
Possible influence of mammographic density on local and locoregional recurrence of breast cancer
Authors: Eriksson Louise , Czene Kamila , Rosenberg Lena , Humphreys Keith , Hall Per
Published: July 2013

Introduction

It is debated whether mammographic density gives rise to more aggressive cancers. We therefore aimed to study the influence of mammographic density on prognosis.

Methods

This is a case-only study within a population-based case-control study. Cases were all postmenopausal women in Sweden with incident breast cancer, diagnosed 1993-1995, and aged 50-74 years. Women with pre-diagnostic/diagnostic mammograms were included (n = 1774). Mammographic density of the unaffected breast was assessed using a computer-assisted thresholding technique. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to study recurrence and survival with and without stratification on surgical procedure (breast-conserving surgery vs. mastectomy).

Results

Percentage density (PD) was associated with both local and locoregional recurrence even after adjustment for established prognosticators; hazards ratio (HR) 1.92, p = 0.039, for local recurrence and HR 1.67, p = 0.033, for locoregional recurrence for women with PD≥25% compared to PD<25%. Stratification on surgical procedure showed that the associations were also present in mastectomized women. PD was neither associated with distant recurrence nor survival.

Conclusions

High mammographic density is an independent risk factor of local and locoregional recurrence but is neither associated with distant metastasis nor survival. The relationships with local and locoregional recurrences were also present in women treated with mastectomy, indicating that they are not merely explained by density masking residual disease in women treated with breast-conserving surgery. Rather there appears to be a true association. Thus, mammographic density should possibly influence adjuvant therapy decisions in the future.
The angiotensin II AT1 receptor-associated protein Arap1 is involved in sepsis-induced hypotension
Authors: Mederle Katharina , Schweda Frank , Kattler Veronika , Doblinger Elisabeth , Miyata Keishi , Höcherl Klaus , Oike Yuichi , Castrop Hayo
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Hypotension in septic patients results from hypovolemia, vasodilatation and hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictors, such as angiotensin II. The AT1 receptor-associated protein 1 (Arap1) is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells and increases the surface expression of the AT1-receptor in vitro. We hypothesized that dysregulation of Arap1 may contribute to vascular hyporeactivity to angiotensin II during endotoxemia.

Methods

Arap1-deficient mice were used to assess the role of Arap1 in sepsis-induced hypotension. The isolated perfused kidney was used as an in vitro model to determine the relevance of Arap1 for vascular resistance and sensitivity to angiotensin II.

Results

During endotoxemia, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) decreased in both genotypes, with the time course of sepsis-induced hypotension being markedly accelerated in Arap1-/- compared to +/+ mice. However, baseline MAP was similar in Arap1-/- and wildtype mice (102 ± 2 vs.103 ± 2 mmHg; telemetry measurements; n = 10; P = 0.66). Following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections (3 mg/kg), Arap1 expression was successively down-regulated in the wildtype mice, reaching levels below 10% of baseline expression. The endotoxemia-related decline in Arap1 expression could be recapitulated in cultured mesangial cells by incubation with pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α and interferon γ. Plasma renin concentration was increased in Arap1-/- mice compared to wildtype mice (66 ± 6 vs. 41 ± 4 ng AngI/ml/h; n = 23; P = 0.001), presumably contributing to preserved MAP under baseline conditions. The sensitivity of the vasculature to angiotensin II was reduced in Arap1-/- compared to +/+ mice, as determined in the isolated perfused kidney.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that down-regulation of Arap1 expression during sepsis contributes to the development of hypotension by causing reduced vascular sensitivity to angiotensin II.
Decision-tree model for predicting outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the emergency department
Authors: Goto Yoshikazu , Maeda Tetsuo , Goto Yumiko
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Estimation of outcomes in patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) soon after arrival at the hospital may help clinicians guide in-hospital strategies, particularly in the emergency department. This study aimed to develop a simple and generally applicable bedside model for predicting outcomes after cardiac arrest.

Methods

We analyzed data for 390,226 adult patients who had undergone OHCA, from a prospectively recorded nationwide Utstein-style Japanese database for 2005 through 2009. The primary end point was survival with favorable neurologic outcome (cerebral performance category (CPC) scale, categories 1 to 2 [CPC 1 to 2]) at 1 month. The secondary end point was survival at 1 month. We developed a decision-tree prediction model by using data from a 4-year period (2005 through 2008, n = 307,896), with validation by using external data from 2009 (n = 82,330).

Results

Recursive partitioning analysis of the development cohort for 10 predictors indicated that the best single predictor for survival and CPC 1 to 2 was shockable initial rhythm. The next predictors for patients with shockable initial rhythm were age (<70 years) followed by witnessed arrest and age (>70 years) followed by arrest witnessed by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. For patients with unshockable initial rhythm, the next best predictor was witnessed arrest. A simple decision-tree prediction mode permitted stratification into four prediction groups: good, moderately good, poor, and absolutely poor. This model identified patient groups with a range from 1.2% to 30.2% for survival and from 0.3% to 23.2% for CPC 1 to 2 probabilities. Similar results were observed when this model was applied to the validation cohort.

Conclusions

On the basis of a decision-tree prediction model using four prehospital variables (shockable initial rhythm, age, witnessed arrest, and witnessed by EMS personnel), OHCA patients can be readily stratified into the four groups (good, moderately good, poor, and absolutely poor) that help predict both survival at 1 month and survival with favorable neurologic outcome at 1 month. This simple prediction model may provide clinicians with a practical bedside tool for the OHCA patient's stratification in the emergency department.
On charge accumulation in heterogeneous porous rocks under the influence of an external electric field
Authors: Revil A.
Published: July 2013

Electric polarization is described as the sum of charge accumulations (free charge density) and orientation of polar molecules such as those of bound and free water molecules (bound charge polarization). Charge accumulation in porous materials cannot be described with Ohm’s law alone. Nonequilibrium thermodynamics or the upscaling of the local Nernst-Planck equation imply that the drift of ions in porous media is controlled by the gradient of their electrochemical potentials and not solely by the electric field. In porous media, electrochemical capacitance is at least six to eight orders of magnitude larger than electrostatic capacitance associated with bound charge polarization. In other words, the low-frequency ([Formula: see text]) effective permittivity entering Ampère’s law is six to eight orders of magnitude larger than high-frequency dielectric permittivity (measured for instance at 1 GHz). Low-frequency polarization of porous media, with no metallic particles (no electronic conductors and semiconductors) is controlled by polarization of the inner component of the electrical double layer coating the grains. This layer, called the “Stern layer,” plays a strong role in defining the cation exchange capacity of a material. A polarization model based on the polarization of the Stern layer explains a large number of experimental observations and could be used in the interpretation of hydro- and petroleum geophysical measurements.
How to Write with Four Hands
Authors: Hardt Michael
Published: July 2013

Michael Hardt narrates his first meetings with Antonio Negri and describes the development of their collaboration and their compositional methods in relation to their respective backgrounds and critical aims. Their collaboration began when Negri invited Hardt to join the editorial board of the journal Futur Antérieur. The methods of collective writing that they continue to use have their basis in the “assignment” model of composition that is common among groups that publish journals of political intervention. Collaboration of this sort is a deindividualizing process that results in a writing of the common.
The antagonistic modulation of Arp2/3 activity by N-WASP/WAVE2 and PICK1 defines dynamic changes in astrocyte morphology
Authors: Murk Kai , Blanco Suarez Elena M. , Cockbill Louisa M. R. , Banks Paul , Hanley Jonathan G.
Published: July 2013

Astrocytes exhibit a complex, branched morphology, allowing them to functionally interact with numerous blood vessels, neighboring glial processes and neuronal elements, including synapses. They also respond to CNS injury by a process known as astrogliosis, which involves morphological changes including cell body hypertrophy and thickening of major processes. Following severe injury, astrocytes exhibit drastically reduced morphological complexity, and collectively form a glial scar. The mechanistic details behind these morphological changes are unknown.

Here, we investigate the regulation of the actin-nucleating Arp2/3 complex in controlling dynamic changes in astrocyte morphology. In contrast to other cell types, Arp2/3 inhibition drives the rapid expansion of astrocyte cell bodies and major processes. This intervention results in reduced morphological complexity of astrocytes in both dissociated culture and in brain slices. We show that this expansion requires functional myosin II downstream of ROCK/RhoA. Knockdown of the Arp2/3 subunit Arp3 or the Arp2/3 activator N-WASP by siRNA also results in cell body expansion and reduced morphological complexity, whereas depleting WAVE2 specifically reduces the branching complexity of astrocyte processes. On the other hand, knockdown of the Arp2/3 inhibitor PICK1 increases astrocyte branching complexity. Furthermore, astrocyte expansion induced by ischemic conditions is delayed by PICK1 knockdown or N-WASP overexpression.

Our findings identify a novel morphological outcome for Arp2/3 activation in restricting rather than promoting outward movement of the plasma membrane in astrocytes. Arp2/3 regulators PICK1 and N-WASP/WAVE2 function antagonistically to control the complexity of astrocyte branched morphology, and this mechanism underlies the morphological changes seen in astrocytes during their response to pathological insult.
Palmitoylation is the Switch that Assigns Calnexin to Quality Control or ER Calcium Signaling
Authors: Lynes Emily M. , Raturi Arun , Shenkman Marina , Ortiz Sandoval Carolina , Yap Megan C. , Wu Jiahui , Janowicz Aleksandra , Myhill Nathan , Benson Matthew D. , Campbell Robert E. , Berthiaume Luc G. , Lederkremer Gerardo Z. , Simmen Thomas
Published: July 2013

The palmitoylation of calnexin serves to enrich calnexin on the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM). Given a lack of information on the significance of this finding, we have investigated how this endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-internal sorting signal affects the functions of calnexin. Our results demonstrate that palmitoylated calnexin interacts with sarcoendoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium transport ATPase (SERCA) 2b and that this interaction determines ER calcium content and the regulation of ER-mitochondria calcium crosstalk. In contrast, non-palmitoylated calnexin interacts with the oxidoreductase ERp57 and performs its well-known function in quality control. Interestingly, our results also show that calnexin palmitoylation is an ER stress-dependent mechanism. Following a short term ER stress, calnexin quickly becomes less palmitoylated, which shifts its function from the regulation of calcium signaling towards chaperoning and quality control of known substrates. These changes also correlate with a preferential distribution of calnexin to the MAM under resting conditions or the rough ER and ER quality control compartment (ERQC) following ER stress. Our results have therefore identified the switch that assigns calnexin either to calcium signaling or to protein chaperoning.
The Ccr4-Not deadenylase complex constitutes the major poly(A) removal activity inC. elegans
Authors: Nousch Marco , Techritz Nora , Hampel Daniel , Millonigg Sophia , Eckmann Christian R.
Published: July 2013

Post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms are widely used to control gene expression programs of tissue development and physiology. Controlled 3′ poly(A) tail length changes of mRNAs provide a mechanistic basis of such regulation, affecting mRNA stability and translational competence. Deadenylases are a conserved class of enzymes that facilitates poly(A) tail removal and their biochemical activities have been mainly studied in the context of single cell systems. Little is known about the different deadenylases and their biological role in multi-cellular organisms. With this study, we identify and characterize all known deadenylases of Caenorhabditis elegans and identify the germ line as a tissue that depends strongly on deadenylase activity. Most deadenylases are required for hermaphrodite fertility, albeit to different degrees. Whereas ccr-4 and ccf-1 deadenylases promote germline function under physiological conditions, panl-2 and parn-1 deadenylases are only required under heat stress conditions. We also show that the Ccr4-Not core complex in nematodes is composed of the two catalytic subunits CCR-4 and CCF-1 and the structural subunit NTL-1, which we find to regulate the stability of CCF-1. Using bulk poly(A) tail measurements with nucleotide resolution, we detect strong deadenylation defects of mRNAs at the global level only in the absence of ccr-4, ccf-1 and ntl-1, but not of panl-2, parn-1 and parn-2. Taken together, this study suggests that the Ccr4-Not complex is the main deadenylase complex in C. elegans germ cells. Based on this and evidence in flies, we propose that the conserved Ccr4-Not complex is an essential component in post-transcriptional regulatory networks promoting animal reproduction.
Low-temperature Fabrication of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells on Plastic Films by Hot-pressing Method
Authors: Ezaka Kosuke , Yamamura Tomoyuki , Yasufuku Takuma , Kishi Naoki , Soga Tetsuo
Published: July 2013

This article presents the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells on plastic films by hot-pressing method. It is shown that the conversion efficiency is improved with increasing temperature during the compression of TiO2 photoanode with maxima at 80 °C. The conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell by hot-pressing method is higher than that fabricated by compression at room temperature followed by sintering.
Sensitivity and Accuracy of Organic Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionisation Mass Spectrometry of FeCl3 is Higher Than in in Matrix-Free Approach
Authors: Radisavljević Maja , Kamčeva Tina , Vukićević Iva , Nišavić Marija , Milovanović Milan , Petković Marijana
Published: July 2013

We compare the quality and reliability of laser desorption and ionisation mass spectra of FeCl3 acquired without the assistance of the matrix with the spectra acquired with different organic matrix molecules. Generally, inorganic salts tend to form clusters upon laser irradiation, the signals of which can be easily distinguished from ions arising from the matrix. In the presence of a matrix, cluster ions are, however, mostly suppressed. We have compared the number of analyte signals, accuracy of determination of isotope composition of the analyte and the sensitivity of FeCl3 detection between different approaches. The results obtained imply that the sensitivity of mass spectrometric analysis of FeCl3 is somewhat higher when matrices are applied than in the matrix-free approach. Among all matrices tested in this work, F20TPP seems to be the most promising for further applications as a matrix for mass spectrometry of inorganic salts.
Human Blood Plasma Proteome Mapping for Search of Potential Markers of the Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shevchenko Valeriy E. , Kovalev Sergey V. , Arnotskaya Natalia E. , Zborovskaya Irina B. , Akhmedov Bakhrom B. , Polotskii Boris E. , Kostin Aleksey U. , Moukeria Anush F. , Zaridze David G. , Davidov Mikhail I.
Published: July 2013

Blood plasma proteomes obtained from 77 lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients (Stages I–III) and 67 healthy controls (all males) were analyzed by using the label-free liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the search of potential cancer biomarkers. All plasma samples were depleted of 14 highly-abundant plasma proteins by immune-affinity column chromatography before LC-MS/MS. We identified and quantified 809 differential proteins with molecular weights from 6.4 kDa to 3900 kDa using a label-free method. Three hundred and sixty four proteins were identified in all three groups. Changes in levels of an expression of blood plasma proteins associated with LSCC were discovered. Among them, 43 proteins were overexpressed and 39 proteins were down-regulated by more than two-fold between the plasmas of lung cancer patients and healthy men. We focused our attention on proteins whose expression levels increased from control to early stage and then to advanced stage tumor. Each of the 43 unique overexpressed proteins was classified according to its cellular localization, biological processes, molecular function and classes. Many of these proteins are involved in biological pathways pertinent to tumor progression and metastasis and some of these deregulated proteins may be useful clinical markers.
The 1993 Whitney Biennial: Artwork, Framework, Reception
Authors: Shaked Nizan
Published: July 2013

This article examines the 1993 Whitney Biennial, its focus on identity politics, and the exhibition’s position within the methodological debates between Art History and an interdisciplinary Cultural Studies. It identifies where and how the voice of the exhibition came to be defined and observes the relations between the institutional framework, the curatorial agenda, and what the art itself performed. With emphasis on the artworks of Andrea Fraser, Renée Green, and Daniel J. Martinez, I argue that contemporaneous critical reception missed the Biennial’s art historical contribution, which highlighted artists synthesizing historically incompatible modes of practice, and bringing identity politics to bear on institutional critique and conceptual art.
Self-similar solutions to the mean curvature flow in the Minkowski plane ℝ1,1
Authors: Halldorsson Hoeskuldur P.
Published: July 2013

We introduce the mean curvature flow of curves in the Minkowski plane ℝ1,1 and give a classification of all the self-similar solutions. In addition, we describe five other exact solutions to the flow.
An Investigation into the Physico-chemical Properties of Transformer Oil Blends with Antioxidants extracted from Turmeric Powder
Authors: Dukhi Veresha , Bissessur Ajay , Ngila Catherine Jane , Ijumba Nelson Mutatina
Published: July 2013

The blending of transformer oil (used mainly as an insulating oil) with appropriate synthetic antioxidants, such as BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) and DBP (2,6-di-tert-butylphenol) have been previously reported. This article is focused on the use of antioxidant extracts from turmeric (Curcuma longa), a natural source. Turmeric is well known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties owing to the active nature of its components. Extracts from powdered turmeric were subsequently blended into naphthenic-based uninhibited virgin transformer oil, hereinafter referred to as extract-oil blends (E-OB). Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of the oil blends revealed that five components extracted from turmeric powder were successfully blended into the oil. Subsequent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis confirmed the presence of the compounds: curcumene, sesquiphellandrene, ar-turmerone, turmerone and curlone. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the extract-oil blends, containing various levels of extracts, revealed an average temperature shift of ∼8.21°C in the initial onset of degradation in comparison to virgin non-blended oil. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that an increase in the mass aliquot of turmeric extracts in the transformer oil increased the free radical scavenging activity of the oil. Electrical properties of the oil investigated showed that the dissipation factor in the blended oil was found to be lower than that of virgin transformer oil. Evidently, a lower dissipation value renders the oil blend as a superior insulator over normal virgin non-blended oil. This investigation elucidated improved physico-chemical properties of transformer oil blended with turmeric antioxidant extracts.
Sr-Diffusion in Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ Layers for SOFC Application
Authors: Mandt Tabea , Korte Carsten , Breuer Uwe , Weber Alexander , Ziegner Mirko , Uhlenbruck Sven , Menzler Norbert , Stolten Detlef
Published: July 2013

In this study Sr2+ diffusion along Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ (CGO) grain boundaries is investigated. Model samples with different grain boundary densities were prepared by different thin film tech-niques. Diffusion experiments were performed by annealing and subsequent ToF-SIMS analysis. The activation energy of grain boundary diffusion is determined as 492 kJ/mol, which is 2/3 of the bulk diffusion activation energy 739 kJ/mol, deduced from literature data [1-5].

The formation of an electrical blocking SrZrO3 layer due to grain boundary diffusion of Sr2+ through a CGO barrier layer may limit the long term stability of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells based on Zr0.85Y0.15O2-δ electrolytes and La0.58Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ cathodes. The grain boundary diffusivity and the CGO grain boundary density highly influence the kinetic of the SrZrO3 formation. Aim of this study is to gain data for a prediction of the maximum lifetime of a SOFC system, limited by the increasing cell resistivity due to SrZrO3 formation. Specifications for the CGO barrier layer preparation concerning grain boundary density are determined.
Evaluation of D-dimer serum levels among patients with chronic urticaria, psoriasis and urticarial vasculitis
Authors: Criado Paulo Ricardo , Antinori Lidi Che Leon , Maruta Celina Wakisaka , Reis Vitor Manoel Silva dos
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes, under appropriated stimulus, may express tissue factor and therefore, activate the extrinsic pathway of coagulation. We performed a transversal and case-control study of patients with chronic urticaria and patients with psoriasis, in our outpatient clinic to evaluate the production of D-dimer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate D-dimer serum levels in patients with chronic urticaria and its possible correlation with disease activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from October 2010 until March 2011. We selected 37 consecutive patients from our Allergy Unit and Psoriasis Unit, and divided them into three groups for statistical analysis: (i) 12 patients with active chronic urticaria (CU); (ii) 10 patients with chronic urticaria under remission and (iii) 15 patients with psoriasis (a disease with skin inflammatory infiltrate constituted by neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes). Another five patients with urticarial vasculitis were allocated in our study, but not included in statistical analysis. The serum levels of D-dimer were measured by Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA), and the result units were given in ng/ml FEU. RESULTS: Patients with active chronic urticaria had the highest serum levels of D-dimer (p<0.01), when compared to patients with CU under remission and the control group (patients with psoriasis). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with active chronic urticaria have higher serum levels of D-dimer, when compared to patients with chronic urticaria under remission and patients with psoriasis. We found elevated serum levels of D-dimer among patients with urticarial vasculitis.
Study on dermatoses and their prevalence in groups of confirmed alcoholic individuals in comparison to a non-alcoholic group of individuals
Authors: Bruno Maria Cecilia Teixeira de Carvalho , Vilela Maria Aparecida Constantino , Oliveira Carlos Alberto B. Mendes de
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND: The direct relationship between alcoholism and dermatoses has been evaluated in recent researches. However, there are few objective surveys that demonstrate and prove a direct relationship between alcohol and a specific dermatosis. OBJECTIVES: to verify the prevalence of dermatoses in alcoholics, analize the dermatological changes found in these patients and their evolution during alcoholic abstinence. Also, to compare the results obtained with a non-alcoholic control group and with the data found in medical literature. METHODS: the dermatologic conditions of 278 alcoholic patients (250 men, 28 women) were studied over a period of 4 years, and compared to those of a control group of 271 non-alcoholic individuals (249 men, 22 women), members of the Military Police Force. The individuals in both groups were between 20 and 60 years old. RESULTS: Pellagra, nummular eczema, purpura pigmentosa chronica (also known as pigmented purpuric dermatosis) and psoriasis were more frequent in the group of alcoholics and, apparently, occurred in parallel with alcoholism that seems to play a role in the evolution of these dermatoses. The dermatopathies were more frequent before the age of forty, regardless of factors such as profession, race or gender. CONCLUSION: the association of dermatoses and alcoholism was extremely significant according to the statistical data. Alcoholism can be considered a risk factor for pellagra, psoriasis, nummular eczema and purpura pigmentosa chronica dermatoses, which can, as well, be considered alcoholism indicators.
Prevalence study of dermatoses referred to the phototherapy unit at the Dermatology Service of the Clinics Hospital of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Authors: Casara Carolina , Eidt Leticia , Cunha Vivian
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND: Phototherapy consists of exposure to ultraviolet radiation for therapeutic reasons. Radiation is already used in dermatological practice, and many studies have already proved the beneficial effect of UV light treatment for chronic inflammatory or lymphoproliferative skin diseases. The Dermatology Service of the Clinics Hospital of Porto Alegre (Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre) has been using phototherapy for a long time, and no official data have been described so far. OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of dermatoses referred to the phototherapy unit at the Clinics Hospital of Porto Alegre and describe the total number of patients who have already been referred to this sector and their phototype. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected through a review of the phototherapy patients' records (secondary data), which are available on a database of the Dermatology Service of the Clinics Hospital of Porto Alegre, from August 1997 to July 2011. RESULTS: A total of 653 records were analyzed. Phototype 3 was the most prevalent (n=313). Distribution of the prevalence of dermatoses referred to the phototherapy unit was as follows: vitiligo (279), psoriasis (255), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma/mycosis fungoides (29), graftversus-host disease (15), scleroderma (11), atopic dermatitis (10), alopecia areata (6), parapsoriasis (5), eczema (4), granuloma annulare (4), and others (35). As vitiligo and psoriasis were the two most prevalent dermatoses, they were analyzed separately, with no statistical difference in prevalence between them (P=0,177). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are in accordance with the literature, showing that although phototherapy is still mostly indicated to treat psoriasis, it has been used to treat other dermatoses, since the results are promising.
Nail apparatus melanoma: a diagnostic opportunity
Authors: Carreño Ana Maria , Nakajima Sílvia Rocha , Pennini Silmara N. , Candido Junior Renato , Schettini Antonio Pedro Mendes
Published: July 2013

Malignant Melanoma is a high mortality neoplasm. The involvement of the nail apparatus is rare, with only 2 out of 3 patients seeking medical attention as the result of recent nail melanocytic lesions. This results in late diagnosis and a prognosis worse than cutaneous melanoma. We report a female, presenting with ulcerative lesions with clinical and laboratory features compatible with leishmaniasis. On return after treatment initiation a longitudinal melanonychia was observed on her first right finger. Biopsy of the nail matrix was performed. Histopathology was compatible with melanoma in situ. Longitudinal melanonychia is not a specific sign for melanoma and it is important that the dermatologist should identify the suspect lesions correctly. The incidental diagnosis of nail melanoma in situ in our case significantly impacted the patient's survival.
Cutaneous blastomycosis: a clue to a systemic disease
Authors: Ortega-Loayza Alex G , Nguyen Tuyet
Published: July 2013

A 55-year-old male presented with back pain and slightly tender annular plaques with central ulceration on his face. A skin biopsy revealed scattered yeast with broad based buds. A CT scan of the abdomen revealed a pathologic T12 fracture. Tissue obtained from the spine confirmed budding yeasts. The patient was diagnosed with disseminated blastomycosis. The patient was treated with amphotericin and itraconazole and completely recovered.
Do you know this syndrome?
Authors: Gontijo Gabriela Maria Abreu
Published: July 2013

The Bourneville-Pringle syndrome is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder characterized by the development of multiple hamartomas in various systems, especially brain, skin, retina, kidney, heart and lung. The case of a patient with brownish plaques on the forehead and temporal region, pink malar and chin papules, and hypopigmented macules on the back and trunk is described. The diagnosis of the Bourneville-Pringle syndrome is based on clinical criteria. Presence of two major criteria, such as facial angiofibromas, forehead fibrous plaques, three or more hypomelanotic macules establish the definitive diagnosis. The diagnosis should be made as early as possible in order to assess and treat the associated complications.
Consensus on melanonychia nail plate dermoscopy
Authors: Chiacchio Nilton Di , Farias Débora Cadore de , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Hirata Sergio Henrique , Richert Bertrand , Zaiac Martin , Daniel Ralph , Fanti Pier Alessandro , Andre Josette , Ruben Beth S , Fleckman Philip , Rich Phoebe , Haneke Eckart , Chang Patricia , Cherit Judith Dominguez , Scher Richard , Tosti Antonella
Published: July 2013

This statement, focused on melanonychia and nail plate dermoscopy, is intended to guide medical professionals working with melanonychia and to assist choosing appropriate management for melanonychia patients. The International Study Group on Melanonychia was founded in 2007 and currently has 30 members, including nail experts and dermatopathologists with special expertise in nails. The need for common definitions of nail plate dermoscopy was addressed during the Second Meeting of this Group held in February 2008. Prior to this meeting and to date (2010) there have been no evidence-based guidelines on the use of dermoscopy in the management of nail pigmentation.
AZD1480: A Phase I Study of a Novel JAK2 Inhibitor in Solid Tumors
Authors: Plimack Elizabeth R. , LoRusso Patricia M. , McCoon Patricia , Tang Weifeng , Krebs Annetta D. , Curt Gregory , Eckhardt S. Gail
Published: July 2013

Background.

AZD1480 is a novel agent that inhibits Janus-associated kinases 1 and 2 (JAK1 and JAK2). The primary objective of this phase I study was to investigate the safety and tolerability of AZD1480 when administered as monotherapy to patients with solid tumors.

Methods.

Thirty-eight patients with advanced malignancies were treated at doses of 10–70 mg once daily (QD) and 20–45 mg b.i.d.

Results.

Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis revealed rapid absorption and elimination with minimal accumulation after repeated QD or b.i.d. dosing. Exposure increased in a dose-dependent manner from 10–50 mg. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was attained ∼1 hour after dose, and t1/2 was ∼5 hours. Pharmacodynamic analysis of circulating granulocytes demonstrated maximum phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) inhibition 1–2 hours after dose, coincident with Cmax, and greater pSTAT3 inhibition at higher doses. The average pSTAT3 inhibition in granulocytes at the highest dose tested, 70 mg QD, was 56% (standard deviation: ±21%) at steady-state drug levels. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) consisted of pleiotropic neurologic adverse events (AEs), including dizziness, anxiety, ataxia, memory loss, hallucinations, and behavior changes. These AEs were generally reversible with dose reduction or treatment cessation.

Conclusions.

Whether the DLTs were due to inhibition of JAK-1/2 or to off-target effects is unknown. The unusual DLTs and the lack of clinical activity led to discontinuation of development.
Effect of Talactoferrin Alfa on the Immune System in Adults With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Madan Ravi A. , Tsang Kwong-Yok , Bilusic Marijo , Vergati Matteo , Poole Diane J. , Jochems Caroline , Tucker Jo A. , Schlom Jeffrey , Giaccone Giuseppe , Gulley James L.
Published: July 2013

Background.

Talactoferrin alfa (talactoferrin), an agent with immune-stimulating properties, has demonstrated safety and preliminary efficacy in clinical trials.

Methods.

Ten patients (five males and five females) with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a single-arm pilot study received orally administered talactoferrin (1.5 g, b.i.d.) for up to 24 weeks. Radiographic and immunologic studies were performed at baseline and at weeks 6 and 12. Circulating immune cells (natural killer cells [NKCs], CD4+, CD8+, and regulatory T cells) and systemic cytokine levels were measured to assess immune response.

Results.

Patients enrolled in the study had received a median of four prior chemotherapy regimens, and all patients were symptomatic. Talactoferrin was well tolerated, with no grade 3 or 4 toxicities. Median time to progression (TTP) and overall survival were 6 weeks and 14.5 weeks, respectively. The four patients with ≥9 weeks TTP had evidence of immunologic activity (three with increased NKC activity).

Conclusions.

The median of four previous chemotherapy regimens, with elevated levels of interleukin (IL) 6 and tumor necrosis factor-alfa in most patients, suggests these patients were poor candidates for immunotherapy.
Seed arrival in tropical forest tree fall gaps
Authors: Puerta-Piñero Carolina , Muller-Landau Helene C. , Calderón Osvaldo , Wright S. Joseph
Published: July 2013

Tree deaths open gaps in closed‐canopy forests, which allow light to reach the forest floor and promote seed germination and seedling establishment. Gap dependence of regeneration is an important axis of life history variation among forest plant species, and many studies have evaluated how plant species differ in seedling and sapling performance in gaps. However, relatively little is known about how seed arrival in gaps compares with seed arrival in the understory, even though seed dispersal by wind and animals is expected to be altered in gaps. We documented seed arrival for the first seven years after gap formation in the moist tropical forests of Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, and evaluated how the amount and functional composition of arriving seeds compared with understory sites. On average, in the first three years after gap formation, 72% fewer seeds arrived in gaps than in the understory (207 vs. 740 seeds·m−2·yr−1). The reduction in number of arriving seeds fell disproportionately on animal‐dispersed species, which suffered an 86% reduction in total seed number, while wind‐dispersed species experienced only a 47% reduction, and explosively dispersed species showed increased seed numbers arriving. The increase in explosively dispersed seeds consisted entirely of the seeds of several shrub species, a result consistent with greater in situ seed production by explosively dispersed shrubs that survived gap formation or recruited immediately thereafter. Lianas did relatively better in seed arrival into gaps than did trees, suffering less of a reduction in seed arrival compared with understory sites. This result could in large part be explained by the greater predominance of wind dispersal among lianas: there were no significant differences between lianas and trees when controlling for dispersal syndromes. Our results show that seed arrival in gaps is very different from seed arrival in the understory in both total seeds arriving and functional composition. Differential seed arrival in gaps will help to maintain wind‐dispersed, explosively dispersed, and possibly other understory species in the community of plants that regenerate in gaps.
Marine microplankton diversity database
Authors: Sal Sofía , López-Urrutia Ángel , Irigoien Xabier , Harbour Derek S. , Harris Roger P.
Published: July 2013

Many macroecological theories have been developed to study the diversity on our planet. All these theories require the existence of consistent databases to test their predictions. In this work, we compiled a data set of marine microplankton species abundances at 788 stations with an extensive geographical coverage. Data were collected on different oceanographic cruises between 1992 and 2002. This database consists of abundances (cells/mL) for each species at each station and depth, together with estimates of the biomass and biovolume for each species. One of the key strengths in this database is that species identifications were made by the same taxonomist, which provides greater strength to the collection and ensures that estimates of species diversity are reliable. Environmental information has also been compiled at each station (chlorophyll, temperature, photosynthetically active radiation [PAR], nutrients) in order to have a characterization of the study area and to be used in studies on the environmental and biological controls of marine biodiversity.