bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Temperature Deposition of High Performance Lead Strontium Titanate Thin Films by in situ RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Kui , Dong Xianlin , Rémiens Denis , Lei Xiuyun , Li Tao , Du Gang , Wang Genshui
Published: April 2013

Highly (100) oriented lead strontium titanate (Pb0.4Sr0.6TiO3) thin films were deposited on LaNiO3 ‐coated Si substrate via radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering method with substrate temperature ranging from 300 to 500°C. The PST thin films were crystallized at a temperature as low as 300°C, which may result from the well‐controlled stoichiometry and the in situ crystallization on seed layer. At an electric field of 400 kV/cm, high tunability of 43% and 57% can be achieved for PST films deposited at 300°C and 500°C, respectively. Moreover, the dielectric response shows weak frequency dependence and the loss factor stays relatively low. The results suggest that such films should be promising candidate for the microwave tunable devices compatible with the current Si technology.
Fast Response NO2 Gas Sensor Based on In2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Sowti khiabani Parisa , Marzbanrad Ehsan , Hassani Hamid , Raissi Babak
Published: April 2013

In this research, hydrothermal‐calcination route was applied to synthesize In2O3 nanoparticles for gas sensor application. Hydrothermal synthesis with duration of 5 h at 180°C resulted in In(OH)3 nanorods. Then, in the calcination step, considering controlled rate of heating and temperature, In2O3 nanoparticles with rough surfaces were obtained. In the next step, these nanoparticles were deposited by low frequency AC electrophoretic deposition between the interdigitated electrodes to fabricate gas sensor. Deposition in the frequency of 10 kHz resulted in the chained nanoparticles in the interelectrode space. At the end, gas sensitivity measurements were conducted at 150°C–300°C and revealed that fabricated sensor had fast response and recovery times to NO2 gas.
Body size evolution of palaeo‐insular mammals: temporal variations and interspecific interactions
Authors: van der Geer Alexandra A. , Lyras Georgios A. , Lomolino Mark V. , Palombo Maria Rita , Sax Dov F.
Published: April 2013

Aim

We investigated the hypothesis that body size evolution of mammals is strongly influenced by ecological interactions, resulting in evolutionary divergence in body size in species‐rich (e.g. mainland) biotas, and convergence on the size of intermediate but absent species in species‐poor (e.g. insular) biotas.

Location

Mediterranean palaeo‐islands.

Methods

We assembled data on temporal variation in body size of palaeo‐insular mammals and associated variation in ecological characteristics (colonization or extirpation of mammalian competitors and predators) for 19 species of fossil, non‐volant mammals across four large (> 3640 km2) islands ranging between the late Miocene and Holocene. These are the only fossil species for which fine‐detailed time series are available at present.

Results

Our results are consistent with predictions based on an ecological interactions hypothesis of body size evolution. Following colonization (or first appearance in the insular fossil record) small mammals (such as mice, shrews and pikas) tended to increase in body size. These trends, however, ceased or were reversed following colonization of the focal islands by mammalian predators or competitors.

Main conclusions

While body size evolution is likely to be influenced by a variety of characteristics of the focal islands (e.g. climate, area, isolation and habitat diversity) and species (e.g. diet, resource requirements and dispersal abilities), temporal trends for palaeo‐insular mammals indicated that the observed trends for any particular species, island and climatic regime may be strongly influenced by interactions among species. Ultimately, invasion of a competitor often leads to the extinction of the native, insular species.
Characterization of Enterocccus faecalis Isolates from the Pork Meat Production Chain and Comparison with Human Clinical Isolates
Authors: Kwon Ka Hee , Hwang Sun Young , Kim So Hyun , Moon Bo Youn , Park Bong Kyun , Yoon Jang Won , Park Yong Ho
Published: April 2013

A total of 339 Enterococcus faecalis strains were isolated from pork production chain, slaughterhouses, processing plants and retails, and were compared with human infection strains for investigating the transmission from animal to human via food production chain. From slaughterhouses to retails, most of antimicrobial resistances and multidrug resistance rates decreased or were not changed significantly. Meanwhile, the prevalence rate of strong or moderate biofilm‐forming isolates was highest at retails. In the result of random amplified polymorphic DNA‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, there was no strain persisting along the pork production chain or being similar to human strains. Consequently, it is suggested that E. faecalis strains from pork meat would not be delivered to humans by consumption of pork.

Practical Applications

Through investigation of antimicrobial resistant bacteria of the pork production chain of Korea, more information and relief would be provided to consumers and its results could help policy making in public health and food safety.
Determination of Antibacterial Mode of Action of Allium sativum Essential Oil against Foodborne Pathogens Using Membrane Permeability and Surface Characteristic Parameters
Authors: Sharma Ajay , Bajpai Vivek K. , Baek Kwang‐Hyun
Published: April 2013

This study investigates the antibacterial mechanism of action of Allium sativum rhizome essential oil (ASEO) against foodborne pathogens. The ASEO was obtained by hydrodistillation of A. sativum rhizome using a microwave‐assisted extraction technique. The ASEO (1,000 μg/disk) showed potential antibacterial effect as diameters of inhibition zones against the tested foodborne pathogens including American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains Bacillus cereus ATCC 13061, Escherichia coli ATCC 43889, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 43174 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600, which were found in the range of 11.0 ± 0.1–24.0 ± 0.1 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of ASEO against the tested bacteria were found in the range of 62.5–500 μg/mL. At the MIC concentration, ASEO had potential inhibitory effect on the cell viability of the tested bacteria. In addition, the scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the inhibitory effect of ASEO as confirmed by the considerable morphological alterations on the cell walls of B. cereus ATCC 13061 and E. coli ATCC 43889. Moreover, the ASEO revealed its mode of action on membrane integrity as confirmed by the release of extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate, 260‐nm absorbing materials and potassium ions efflux against tested pathogens. These findings suggest that ASEO showed its effect on membrane permeability and surface characteristics.

Practical Applications

Foodborne pathogens are the leading causes of illness in the developed countries. These pathogens are responsible for millions of cases of infectious diseases each year, costing billions of dollars in medical care. New foodborne pathogens and foodborne diseases are likely to emerge driven by factors such as pathogen evolution, changes in food manufacturing practices, and changes to the human host status. Fuelled by these concerns, research on biologically active natural compounds to control the foodborne pathogens has escalated to unprecedented levels in recent years. Plant‐based antimicrobials such as essential oils have been found to suppress the growth of foodborne pathogens in various in vitro and in vivo models. These findings clearly indicate that essential oil derived from the rhizome of A. sativum confers its mode of action on membrane integrity, hence, could be used as an affective candidate to control the growth of certain important foodborne pathogens in practical applications.
Two‐Dimensional Pulsed Field Minigel Electrophoresis with High Throughput Sample Format
Authors: León Karen , Riverón Ana María , Arencibia Oscar , Santamaría Yenis , López‐Cánovas Lilia
Published: April 2013

A rapid procedure for two‐dimensional pulsed field minigel electrophoresis (2D‐mini‐PFGE) with high throughput sample format was standardized to separate chromosomal DNA molecules of yeast. Molecules separation in the first dimension (1D) was done in 4.5 h using the contour‐clamped homogeneous electric field minichamber. 1D‐minigel was negatively stained with zinc‐imidazole and the lanes containing the chromosomal bands were excised from the 1D‐minigel. The strips were loaded into the second dimension (2D) minigel(s). 2D runs were performed in the single or multiple minigels of the transversal alternating field electrophoresis (TAFE) or multi‐TAFE minichamber, respectively, for 7 h. Total running time (1D + 2D) was 11.5 h. The 2D‐mini‐PFGE resolved co‐migrating molecules in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1D‐electrophoretic karyotypes and detected chromosome length polymorphisms in three distinct strains. Also, the multi‐TAFE minichamber allowed obtaining up to 12 2D‐DNA patterns simultaneously. This procedure could be suitable for monitoring of industrial yeast strains by molecular methods.

Practical Applications

This work reports the standardization of a rapid and economic two‐dimensional pulsed field minigel electrophoresis procedure with high throughput sample format to separate DNA molecules with chromosomal sizes. This procedure enhances the resolution of chromosomal DNA molecules in the 1D‐electrophoretic karyotypes from microorganisms and reveals chromosome length polymorphisms of different yeast strains without using restriction enzymes. The procedure also includes the staining of the 1D‐minigels with zinc‐imidazole. It avoids the environmental pollution caused by the ethidium bromide when the 1D‐DNA molecules are visualized and prevents DNA damages due to UV‐irradiation. The procedure permits to analyze from 1 to 12 DNA samples by 2D‐PFGE simultaneously. It could be suitable for maintenance, monitoring and control of industrial yeast strains by molecular methods.
Long‐lasting neurotoxic effects of exposure to methylmercury during development
Authors: Ceccatelli S. , Bose R. , Edoff K. , Onishchenko N. , Spulber S.
Published: April 2013

Amongst environmental chemical contaminants, methylmercury (MeHg) remains a major concern because of its detrimental effects on developing organisms, which appear to be particularly susceptible to its toxicity. Here, we investigated the effects of low MeHg levels on the development of the nervous system using both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. In neural stem cells (NSCs), MeHg decreased proliferation and neuronal differentiation and induced cellular senescence associated with impairment in mitochondrial function and a concomitant decrease in global DNA methylation. Interestingly, the effects were heritable and could be observed in daughter NSCs never directly exposed to MeHg. By chronically exposing pregnant/lactating mice to MeHg, we found persistent behavioural changes in the male offspring, which exhibited depression‐like behaviour that could be reversed by chronic treatment with the antidepressant fluoxetine. The behavioural alterations were associated with a decreased number of proliferating cells and lower expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNA in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. MeHg exposure also induced long‐lasting DNA hypermethylation, increased histone H3‐K27 tri‐methylation and decreased H3 acetylation at the Bdnf promoter IV, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms play a critical role in mediating the long‐lasting effects of perinatal exposure to MeHg. Fluoxetine treatment restored the Bdnf mRNA expression levels, as well as the number of proliferating cells in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, which further supports the hypothesis that links depression to impaired neurogenesis. Altogether, our findings have shown that low concentrations of MeHg induce long‐lasting effects in NSCs that can potentially predispose individuals to depression, which we have reported earlier to occur in experimental animals exposed to MeHg during prenatal and early postnatal development.
Detectability of Neural Tracts and Nuclei in the Brainstem Utilizing 3DAC‐PROPELLER
Authors: Nishikawa Taro , Okamoto Kouichirou , Matsuzawa Hitoshi , Terumitsu Makoto , Nakada Tsutomu , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: April 2013

Despite clinical importance of identifying exact anatomical location of neural tracts and nuclei in the brainstem, no neuroimaging studies have validated the detectability of these structures. The aim of this study was to assess the detectability of the structures using three‐dimensional anisotropy contrast‐periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (3DAC‐PROPELLER) imaging. Forty healthy volunteers (21 males, 19 females; 19‐53 years, average 23.4 years) participated in this study. 3DAC‐PROPELLER axial images were obtained with a 3T‐MR system at four levels of the brainstem: the lower midbrain, upper and lower pons, and medulla oblongata. Three experts independently judged whether five tracts (corticospinal tract, medial lemniscus, medial longitudinal fasciculus, central tegmental and spinothalamic tracts) and 10 nuclei (oculomotor and trochlear nuclei, spinal trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibular, hypoglossal, prepositus, and solitary nuclei, locus ceruleus, superior and inferior olives) on each side could be identified. In total, 240 assessments were made. The five tracts and eight nuclei were identified in all the corresponding assessments, whereas the locus ceruleus and superior olive could not be identified in 3 (1.3%) and 16 (6.7%) assessments, respectively. 3DAC‐PROPELLER seems extremely valuable imaging method for mapping out surgical strategies for brainstem lesions.
Activation of renal haeme oxygenase-1 alleviates gentamicin-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Taye Ashraf , Ibrahim Badr Mostafa
Published: April 2013

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate whether activation of haeme oxygenase (HO)-1 enzyme by haemin would have beneficial effects on the functional and histological outcome against gentamicin-induced renal damage in rats and sought to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic action.

Methods

Nephrotoxicity was induced by injection of gentamicin (80 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily for seven days. Haemin (50 μmol/kg, i.p.) was given to the control and gentamicin-treated rats in the presence or absence of a HO-1 inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP, 50 μmol/kg per day, i.p.).

Key findings

Haemin treatment prevented gentamicin-induced elevated serum creatinine, urinary protein levels and ameliorated the impaired creatinine clearance. Haemin compensated the deficits in antioxidant enzyme activity and attenuated lipid peroxidation along with decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in renal tissues due to gentamicin. Moreover, haemin pre-administration evoked increased renal HO-1 activity. Additionally, haemin significantly attenuated elevated renal tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) levels and caspase-3 activity alongside ameliorating glomerular pathology. These therapeutic effects were abolished by ZnPP pretreatment.

Conclusions

Here is the first evidence demonstrating the protective effect of HO-1 against gentamicin-associated nephrotoxicity. Suppression of oxidative/inflammatory insults alongside the corresponding decline of apoptosis were presumably responsible for this renoprotection.
Transgenic expression of human neutrophil peptide‐1 enhances hepatic fibrosis in mice fed a choline‐deficient, L‐amino acid–defined diet
Authors: Ibusuki Rie , Uto Hirofumi , Arima Shiho , Mawatari Seiichi , Setoguchi Yoshiko , Iwashita Yuji , Hashimoto Shinichi , Maeda Takuro , Tanoue Shiro , Kanmura Shuji , Oketani Makoto , Ido Akio , Tsubouchi Hirohito
Published: April 2013

Background

Neutrophils infiltrate the livers of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) induce cytokine and chemokine production under inflammatory conditions, which may contribute to the progression of NASH. In this study, we focused on the effects of HNP‐1 on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a mouse model of NASH induced by a choline‐deficient, L‐amino acid–defined (CDAA) diet.

Materials & Methods

We generated transgenic mice expressing HNP‐1 under the control of a β‐actin–based promoter. HNP‐1 transgenic and wild‐type C57BL/6N mice were fed a CDAA diet for 16 weeks to induce hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Serological and histological features were examined, and the effects of HNP‐1 on hepatic stellate cell lines were assessed.

Results

HNP‐1 transgenic and wild‐type mice fed the CDAA diet showed no significant differences in serum alanine aminotransferase levels or the degree of hepatic steatosis based on Oil red O staining and hepatic triglyceride content. In contrast, Sirius Red and Azan staining showed significantly more severe hepatic fibrosis in HNP‐1 transgenic mice compared with wild‐type mice. In addition, significantly more α‐smooth muscle actin–positive hepatic stellate cells were observed in the transgenic mice than in the wild‐type mice. Finally, the proliferation of the LI90 hepatic stellate cell line increased in response to HNP‐1.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that HNP‐1 enhances hepatic fibrosis in fatty liver by inducing hepatic stellate cell proliferation. Thus, neutrophil‐derived HNP‐1 may contribute to the progression of NASH.
Understanding the genetic basis of invasiveness
Authors: Prentis Peter J , Pavasovic Ana
Published: April 2013

Invasive species provide excellent study systems to evaluate the ecological and evolutionary processes that contribute to the colonization of novel environments. While the ecological processes that contribute to the successful establishment of invasive plants have been studied in detail, investigation of the evolutionary processes involved in successful invasions has only recently received attention. In particular, studies investigating the genomic and gene expression differences between native and introduced populations of invasive species are just beginning and are required if we are to understand how plants become invasive. In the current issue of Molecular Ecology, Hodgins et al. () tackle this unresolved question, by examining gene expression differences between native and introduced populations of annual ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia. The study identifies a number of potential candidate genes based on gene expression differences that may be responsible for the success of annual ragweed in its introduced range. Furthermore, genes involved in stress response are over‐represented in the differentially expressed gene set. Future experiments could use functional studies to test whether changes in gene expression at these candidate genes do in fact underlie changes in growth characteristics and reproductive output observed in this and other invasive species.
A new approach to quantify the adaptive potential of gene expression variation in gymnosperms
Authors: Renaut Sébastien
Published: April 2013

Variation in patterns of gene expression contributes to phenotypic diversity and can ultimately predict adaptive responses. However, in many cases, the consequences of regulatory mutations on patterns of gene expression and ultimately phenotypic differences remain elusive. A standard way to study the genetic architecture of expression variation in model systems has been to map gene expression variation to genetic loci (Fig. 1a). At the same time, in many nonmodel species, especially for long‐lived organisms, controlled crosses are not feasible. If we are to expand our understanding of the role of regulatory mutations on phenotypes, we need to develop new methodologies to study species under ecologically relevant conditions. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Verta et al. () present a new approach to analyse gene expression variation and regulatory networks in gymnosperms (Fig. 1b). They capitalized on the fact that gymnosperm seeds contain an energy storage tissue (the megagametophyte) that is directly derived from a single haploid cell (the megaspore). The authors identified over 800 genes for which expression segregated in this maternally inherited haploid tissue. Based on the observed segregation patterns, these genes (Mendelian Expression Traits) are most probably controlled by biallelic variants at a single locus. Most of these genes also belonged to different regulatory networks, except for one large group of 180 genes under the control of a putative trans‐acting factor. In addition, the approach developed here may also help to uncover the effect of rare recessive mutations, which usually remain hidden in a heterozygous state in diploid individuals. The appeal of the work by Verta et al. () to study gene expression variation is in its simplicity, which circumvents several of the hurdles behind traditional expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies, and could potentially be applied to a large number of species.
Spatial and numerical regulation of flagellar biosynthesis in polarly flagellated bacteria
Authors: Kazmierczak Barbara I. , Hendrixson David R.
Published: April 2013

Control of surface organelle number and placement is a crucial aspect of the cell biology of many Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, yet mechanistic insights into how bacteria spatially and numerically organize organelles are lacking. Many surface structures and internal complexes are spatially restricted in the bacterial cell (e.g. type IV pili, holdfasts, chemoreceptors), but perhaps none show so many distinct patterns in terms of number and localization as the flagellum. In this review, we discuss two proteins, FlhF and FlhG (also annotated FleN/YlxH), which control aspects of flagellar assembly, placement and number in polar flagellates, and may influence flagellation in some bacteria that produce peritrichous flagella. Experimental data obtained in a number of bacterial species suggest that these proteins may have acquired distinct attributes influencing flagellar assembly that reflect the diversity of flagellation patterns seen in different polar flagellates. Recent findings also suggest FlhF and FlhG are involved in other processes, such as influencing the rotation of flagella and proper cell division. Continued examination of these proteins in polar flagellates is expected to reveal how different bacteria have adapted FlhF or FlhG with specific activities to tailor flagellar biosynthesis and motility to fit the needs of each species.
Attenuation of Clostridium difficile toxin‐induced damage to epithelial barrier by ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase (CD73) and adenosine receptor signaling
Authors: Patrick Schenck L. , Hirota S. A. , Hirota C. L. , Boasquevisque P. , Tulk S. E. , Li Y. , Wadhwani A. , Doktorchik C. T. A. , MacNaughton W. K. , Beck P. L. , MacDonald J. A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Clostridium difficile (Cdf) releases toxins (TcdA and TcdB) that damage the intestinal epithelial barrier. Ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase (CD73) is expressed on intestinal epithelial cells, and it is hypothesized to protect against toxin‐induced epithelial damage through the cleavage of 5′‐AMP to adenosine (Ado) and subsequent activation of adenosine receptors (AdoRs). Herein, we sought to assess the potential protective effects of CD73 and AdoR signaling on the injurious effects of Cdf toxins.

Methods

Barrier function was assessed with T84 colonocytes. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐dextran flux, and tight junction protein (ZO‐1) integrity were monitored. Intrarectal installation of Cdf toxin was used to assess epithelial damage in vivo.

Key Results

TcdA/B caused reduced TEER and increased paracellular flux in vitro. Concurrent treatment with 5′‐AMP attenuated these responses to Cdf toxin; an effect that was blocked with ZM241385 (AdoRA2 antagonist). APCP, a CD73 inhibitor, also suppressed the protective effects of 5′‐AMP on paracellular flux. 5′‐AMP reduced toxin‐induced disruption of ZO‐1, an effect that was abolished by APCP and ZM241385. Inhibition of CD73 with APCP during Cdf toxin exposure led to increased intestinal barrier permeability and epithelial damage in vivo. Intrarectal instillation of 5′‐AMP had no effect on toxin‐induced intestinal injury.

Conclusions & Inferences

Our data suggest that CD73 has a protective role against TcdA/B‐induced damage. 5′‐AMP treatment attenuated the damaging effects of Cdf toxin in vitro, and inhibitors of CD73 (APCP) and AdoRs (ZM241385) revealed that the cleavage of 5′‐AMP to Ado was necessary for the protective effects. Inhibition of CD73 in vivo increases colonic tissue damage and epithelial permeability during Cdf toxin exposure.
Factors associated with development of excessive fatness in children and adolescents: a review of prospective studies
Authors: Pate R. R. , O'Neill J. R. , Liese A. D. , Janz K. F. , Granberg E. M. , Colabianchi N. , Harsha D. W. , Condrasky M. M. , O'Neil P. M. , Lau E. Y. , Taverno Ross S. E.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this review was to examine the factors that predict the development of excessive fatness in children and adolescents.Medline,Web of Science and PubMed were searched to identify prospective cohort studies that evaluated the association between several variables (e.g. physical activity, sedentary behaviour, dietary intake and genetic, physiological, social cognitive, family and peer, school and community factors) and the development of excessive fatness in children and adolescents (5–18 years). Sixty‐one studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. There is evidence to support the association between genetic factors and low physical activity with excessive fatness in children and adolescents. Current studies yielded mixed evidence for the contribution of sedentary behaviour, dietary intake, physiological biomarkers, family factors and the community physical activity environment. No conclusions could be drawn about social cognitive factors, peer factors, school nutrition and physical activity environments, and the community nutrition environment. There is a dearth of longitudinal evidence that examines specific factors contributing to the development of excessive fatness in childhood and adolescence. Given that childhood obesity is a worldwide public health concern, the field can benefit from large‐scale, long‐term prospective studies that use state‐of‐the‐art measures in a diverse sample of children and adolescents.
Electrophysiologic Mechanism of Typical Atrial Flutter Termination by Nifekalant: Effect of a Pure IKr‐Selective Blocking Agent
Authors: YAMABE HIROSHIGE , TANAKA YASUAKI , MORIHISA KENJI , UEMURA TAKASHI , KOYAMA JUNJIROH , KANAZAWA HISANORI , HOSHIYAMA TADASHI , OGAWA HISAO
Published: April 2013

Background

Little is known about the effect of nifekalant, a pure IKr‐selective blocker, on typical atrial flutter (AFL) and its termination mechanism.

Methods

The effects of nifekalant on AFL were elucidated in 17 patients. During AFL, the conduction time from the lateral to septal cavotricuspid isthmus (IS) and that through the reminder of the right atrium (nIS); AFL‐cycle length (CL) variability, which was quantified by the standard deviation; and the maximum difference in AFL‐CL were measured before and after administration of nifekalant (0.2–0.3 mg/kg). A single extrastimulus was delivered from the lateral cavotricuspid isthmus to elucidate the resetting response curves and atrial effective refractory period (AERP) before and after administration of nifekalant.

Results

There was no significant difference in AFL‐CL, IS, and nIS before and after nifekalant; however, AERP was increased after nifekalant (155 ± 22 ms vs 184 ± 32 ms, P < 0.001). The standard deviation and the maximum difference in AFL‐CL were both increased after nifekalant (1.7 ± 0.7 ms vs 3.6 ± 2.3 ms, P < 0.001 and 4.1 ± 1.9 ms vs 8.5 ± 5.2 ms, P < 0.001). The total excitable gap decreased (94 ± 17 ms vs 66 ± 21 ms, P < 0.001) with rightward shift of the resetting response curves and loss of full excitability after nifekalant. In 11 patients (65%), AFL was terminated spontaneously (n = 7) or by a single extrastimulus (n = 4), which was not observed before nifekalant. Termination was associated with orthodromic block in the cavotricuspid isthmus in all patients.

Conclusions

Nifekalant increases AERP and AFL‐CL variability by abolishing a fully excitable gap, without prolongation of AFL‐CL. These unique effects facilitate the termination of AFL.
Is Shale Gas Drilling an Energy Solution or Public Health Crisis?
Authors: Rafferty Margaret A. , Limonik Elena
Published: April 2013

High‐volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing, a controversial new mining technique used to drill for shale gas, is being implemented worldwide. Chemicals used in the process are known neurotoxins, carcinogens, and endocrine disruptors. People who live near shale gas drilling sites report symptoms that they attribute to contaminated air and water. When they seek help from clinicians, a diagnosis is often elusive because the chemicals to which the patients have been exposed are a closely guarded trade secret. Many nurses have voiced grave concern about shale gas drilling safety. Full disclosure of the chemicals used in the process is necessary in order for nurses and other health professionals to effectively care for patients. The economic exuberance surrounding natural gas has resulted in insufficient scrutiny into the health implications. Nursing research aimed at determining what effect unconventional drilling has on human health could help fill that gap. Public health nurses using the precautionary principle should advocate for a more concerted transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. Any initiation or further expansion of unconventional gas drilling must be preceded by a comprehensive Health Impact Assessment (HIA).
Identification of phenotypic markers of B cells from patients with Chagas disease
Authors: Fares R. C. G. , Correa‐Oliveira R. , de Araújo F. F. , Keesen T. S. L. , Chaves A. T. , Fiuza J. A. , Ferreira K. S. , Rocha M. O. C. , Gomes J. A. S.
Published: April 2013

Chagas disease was discovered more than a hundred years ago, but its pathogenesis is still not completely understood. Autoimmunity is one of the mechanisms shown to contribute to its pathogenesis, which may indicate an important participation of B lymphocytes. Patients with Chagas disease have shown increased percentage of B cells producing IL‐10. However, there are no reports of the phenotypic markers of B cells producing IL‐10 in patients with Chagas disease. For the first time in the literature, we evaluated the phenotypic profile of distinct markers of B cells from peripheral blood of noninfected individuals and patients with Chagas disease. Our results showed that patients with Chagas disease had a higher expression of CD21 and CD24 on the surface of CD19+ B cells, while CD43 and CD23 were expressed equally in all groups. Moreover, the expression of MHC‐II (HLA‐DR), CD80, CD86, caspase‐3, granzyme B and intracellular IL‐10 and TGF‐β by CD19+ B cells was higher in patients with Chagas disease. The results of IL‐10 production within CD19+CD5+CD1d+ B cells showed a higher percentage of this cytokine in patients with Chagas disease. Thus, our data bring a new knowledge about distinct markers of B cells in immune responses of Chagas disease.
Sales Forecasting with Financial Indicators and Experts' Input
Authors: Osadchiy Nikolay , Gaur Vishal , Seshadri Sridhar
Published: April 2013

We present a method for forecasting sales using financial market information and test this method on annual data for US public retailers. Our method is motivated by the permanent income hypothesis in economics, which states that the amount of consumer spending and the mix of spending between discretionary and necessity items depend on the returns achieved on equity portfolios held by consumers. Taking as input forecasts from other sources, such as equity analysts or time‐series models, we construct a market‐based forecast by augmenting the input forecast with one additional variable, lagged return on an aggregate financial market index. For this, we develop and estimate a martingale model of joint evolution of sales forecasts and the market index. We show that the market‐based forecast achieves an average 15% reduction in mean absolute percentage error compared with forecasts given by equity analysts at the same time instant on out‐of‐sample data. We extensively analyze the performance improvement using alternative model specifications and statistics. We also show that equity analysts do not incorporate lagged financial market returns in their forecasts. Our model yields correlation coefficients between retail sales and market returns for all firms in the data set. Besides forecasting, these results can be applied in risk management and hedging.
Respiratory muscle training extends exercise tolerance without concomitant change to peak oxygen uptake: Physiological, performance and perceptual responses derived from the same incremental exercise test
Authors: Edwards A. M.
Published: April 2013

Background and objective

There is conjecture over the efficacy of respiratory muscle training (RMT). The aim of this study was to establish whether or not exercise tolerance, physical performance and effort perceptions are influenced by RMT.

Methods

Thirty‐six healthy males (age 24 ± 4) agreed to participate (experimental group (EXP) n = 18, control (CON) n = 18). RMT was performed using an inspiratory pressure‐threshold training device at either 55% (EXP) or 10% (CON) of maximal inspiratory effort. Measurements of spirometry and maximal static inspiratory mouth pressure were taken before and after 4 weeks of RMT in addition to an incremental test to volitional exhaustion for the determination of: (i) ; (ii) maximal velocity at volitional exhaustion ()); (iii) time to volitional exhaustion; and (iv) effort perceptions.

Results

There were no differences in spirometry, but mean maximal static inspiratory mouth pressure increased significantly in EXP (P < 0.01). was unchanged following the 4‐week intervention for both EXP and CON, although the proportion of EXP attaining the criteria for a plateau significantly increased (P < 0.05). Both time to volitional exhaustion (P < 0.05) and were significantly improved for EXP (P < 0.05), while effort perceptions were reduced (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

EXP tolerated higher running velocities during incremental exercise and demonstrated a significant flattening (plateau) of after training. This suggests that RMT may promote an improved performance outcome probably as a result of blunted afferent sensations reducing the perceived discomfort of exercise at high ventilatory loads.
The effects of physical activity and exercise on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in healthy humans: A review
Authors: Huang T. , Larsen K. T. , Ried‐Larsen M. , Møller N. C. , Andersen L.B.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to summarize the effects of physical activity and exercise on peripheral brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in healthy humans. Experimental and observational studies were identified from PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and SPORT Discus. A total of 32 articles met the inclusion criteria. Evidence from experimental studies suggested that peripheral BDNF concentrations were elevated by acute and chronic aerobic exercise. The majority of the studies suggested that strength training had no influence on peripheral BDNF. The results from most observational studies suggested an inverse relationship between the peripheral BDNF level and habitual physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness. More research is needed to confirm the findings from the observational studies.
Disseminated Ochroconis gallopava infection in a heart transplant patient
Authors: Cardeau‐Desangles I. , Fabre A. , Cointault O. , Guitard J. , Esposito L. , Iriart X. , Berry A. , Valentin A. , Cassaing S. , Kamar N.
Published: April 2013

Ochroconis gallopava is an emerging cause of mycosis in solid organ transplant recipients. Herein, we report a rare case of disseminated O. gallopava infection that involved lung, subcutaneous area, brain and peritoneum in a heart transplant recipient. Despite voriconazole therapy, the patient died 2 months after diagnosis.
Phloem long‐distance delivery of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) to the apex
Authors: Yoo Soo‐Cheul , Chen Cheng , Rojas Maria , Daimon Yasufumi , Ham Byung‐Kook , Araki Takashi , Lucas William J.
Published: April 2013

Cucurbita moschata FLOWERING LOCUS T‐LIKE 2 (hereafter FTL2) and Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), components of the plant florigenic signaling system, move long‐distance through the phloem from source leaves to the vegetative apex where they mediate floral induction. The mechanisms involved in long‐distance trafficking of FT/FTL2 remain to be elucidated. In this study, we identified the critical motifs on both FT and FTL2 required for cell‐to‐cell trafficking through mutant analyses using a zucchini yellow mosaic virus expression vector. Western blot analysis, performed on phloem sap collected from just beneath the vegetative apex of C. moschata plants, established that all mutant proteins tested retained the ability to enter the phloem translocation stream. However, immunolocalization studies revealed that a number of these FTL2/FT mutants were defective in the post‐phloem zone, suggesting that a regulation mechanism for FT trafficking exists in the post‐phloem unloading step. The selective movements of FT/FTL2 were further observed by microinjection and trichome rescue studies, which revealed that FT/FTL2 has the ability to dilate plasmodesmata microchannels during the process of cell‐to‐cell trafficking, and various mutants were compromised in their capacity to traffic through plasmodesmata. Based on these findings, a model is presented to account for the mechanism by which FT/FTL2 enters the phloem translocation stream and subsequently exits the phloem and enters the apical tissue, where it initiates the vegetative to floral transition.
Inferior vena cava thrombosis: a rare complication of fibrocalcific pancreatic diabetes
Authors: Mishra R , BE Yathish , D Himanshu , Usman K
Published: April 2013

A 42-year-old man presented with a history of recurrent loose motions for the previous 7 months. The patient also had a history of diabetes mellitus for the last 10 years and was uncontrolled on oral hypoglycaemic agents but responded to insulin. There was no history of any addiction. Examination and investigations showed the presence of malabsorption along with a calcified pancreas. The presence of a thrombus was also noted in the inferior vena cava. In the absence of alcohol intake, a diagnosis of fibrocalcific pancreatic diabetes was made and the patient was investigated for other hypercoagulable states but none was found. The patient was put on oral anticoagulants, insulin and pancreatic enzyme supplements, and currently, he is under regular follow-up for diabetes.
Intussusception secondary to a solitary peritoneal lung metastasis
Authors: Wou C , Sharp E , Johnson L
Published: April 2013

We report a 77-year-old woman, newly diagnosed with a malignant lung neoplasm of indeterminate nature who presented with profuse bilious vomiting without abdominal distension, pain or constipation. CT confirmed proximal small bowel obstruction. Laparotomy found a large area of intussusception from an intraluminal mass in the small bowel, which was resected and a primary anastomosis performed. Histology reported the mass as metastatic non-small-cell carcinoma and brought clarity to the primary tumour diagnosis. The patient made a good recovery from the operation, but unfortunately died a few months later from complications of her metastatic disease.
Primary T-cell lymphoma of liver
Authors: Mishra S , Shukla A , Tripathi AK , Kumar A
Published: April 2013

Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is rare and represents approximately 0.016% of all cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The majority of these are B-cell NHL of diffuse large B-cell type. Primary T-cell lymphoma constitutes approximately 5–10% of all PHLs arising in the liver, 90% being B-cell type. Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, γδ hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma and αβ hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma are the common T-cell lymphomas involving hepatic parenchyma. We encountered a case presenting with gross hepatomegaly extending beyond umbilicus, mild ascites, pedal oedema, icterus and dyspnoea. Haemogram showed moderate anaemia with counts. Bone marrow aspiration showed erythroid hyperplasia with dimorphic anaemia. There was no evidence of atypical lymphoid cells in peripheral blood of bone marrow. We present a rare case of primary T-cell lymphoma presenting as primary liver involvement without splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, bone marrow or peripheral blood involvement.
Acute pancreatitis owing to very high triglyceride levels treated with insulin and heparin infusion
Authors: Aryal Madan Raj , Mainali Naba Raj , Gupta Shobhit , Singla Manoj
Published: April 2013

Hypertriglyceridaemia is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis in the USA. The treatment approach for hypertriglyceridaemia to date has largely been conservative including weight loss, exercise and avoidance of medications that raise triglyceride levels. This approach, however, is not practical in cases of acute pancreatitis due to severely elevated triglycerides. A small number of case reports have been published supporting the treatment of acute pancreatitis due to severely elevated triglyceride levels with insulin and heparin. We report a case of acute pancreatitis in a young woman due to a triglyceride level of 15 215 mg/dl who was successfully treated with insulin and heparin.
Paediatric fracture dislocation of the forearm: an unusual presentation
Authors: Nandra Rajpal , Subbu Rajiv , Uppal Harpal , Sambatakakis Andreas
Published: April 2013

Traumatic injuries of the elbow in children pose a diagnostic challenge. They demand precise knowledge of radiographic anatomy, growth characteristics of healthy and injured bones as well as specific fracture dynamics in this age group. Dislocation of the elbow is rare in children, accounting for 3–6% of all childhood elbow injuries. Fractures at the distal humerus and proximal forearm have been extensively discussed in the literature. We describe a unique case of a 4-year-old child presenting with a traumatic radial head fracture and ulnar dislocation not previously reported. Diagnosis and recognition of the injury pattern was fundamental in the successful management of this case. We recommend the use of CT with three-dimensional reconstructions, to fully understand the fracture pattern and dictate subsequent reduction manoeuvres during closed manipulation. Thus preventing open surgical techniques and their associated morbidities.
Extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid and rhabdoid differentiation
Authors: Esnakula Ashwini K , Naab Tammey J , Green William , Shokrani Babak
Published: April 2013

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common malignancy of kidney, originates from renal tubular epithelium. It is subclassified based on histological and molecular features. Rarely, RCC can show focal to extensive sarcomatoid or rhabdoid differentiation. RCC with extensive sarcomatoid differentiation and no identifiable epithelial component is designated as unclassified RCC with sarcomatoid differentiation. Presence of sarcomatoid or rhabdoid differentiation is associated with poor prognosis. We describe autopsy findings in a case of RCC with extensive sarcomatoid and focal rhabdoid differentiation presenting with malignant ascites secondary to peritoneal carcinomatosis and multiorgan metastasis.
Internal carotid artery stenosis presenting as ipsilateral posterior cerebral artery ischaemic stroke: a lesson to be learnt
Authors: Hunter Jonathan Michael , Tehrani Sanaz Kahlili , Wood Tanya , Geraghty Richard
Published: April 2013

A 71-year-old lady presented with a symptomatic left cerebral occipital lobe infarct. With a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation a cardioembolic source was initially postulated. Prior significant bleeding while anticoagulated precluded warfarin therapy. Further investigations revealed a critical left internal carotid stenosis with a persistent fetal origin of the left posterior cerebral artery. She was successfully treated surgically and suffered no further ischaemic events. Physicians encountering posterior circulation stroke should be aware of this potentially treatable important diagnosis.
A rare case of alcoholic pellagra encephalopathy with startle myoclonus and marked response to niacin therapy: time for a new dictum?
Authors: Sharma Bhawna , Sannegowda Raghavendra Bakki , Jain Rahul , Dubey Parul , Prakash Swayam
Published: April 2013

We report a case of 56-year-old man, chronic alcoholic, presented to us with progressive weakness in all the four limbs with stiffness and gait disturbance since 1-year associated with cognitive impairment. On examination he had mild confusion, spastic quadriparesis with brisk reflexes, extensor plantars and cerebellar features. During the hospital stay myoclonus was noticed in the patient, which was startle in nature. He did not have dermatitis, ascites or any stigmata of liver failure. MRI of brain revealed bilateral subdural effusion, left focal subarachnoid haemorrhage at perisylvian area and diffuse cortical atrophy. He was treated with supportive measures including thiamine with which his condition worsened. His serum niacin was low. With a possibility of alcoholic pellagra encephalopathy (APE) the patient was treated with niacin. His clinical condition improved drastically over next 1 week and startle myoclonus disappeared, favouring the diagnosis of APE though multiple confounding factors were present.
Squamous cell carcinoma of pancreas: an unusual site of relapse from early-stage lung cancer: 12-month postsurgery
Authors: Sharma Anand , Alfa-Wali Maryam , Rodriguez-Justo Manuel , Polychronis Andreas
Published: April 2013

A 57-year-old man presented with abdominal pain and backache, weight loss of 10 kg and irregular bowel movements. He was previously diagnosed with Stage IB squamous cell carcinoma of lung and had undergone lobectomy 12 months previously. Investigations including imaging revealed a cystic mass in the body and tail of the pancreas which was biopsied and it was confirmed to be a recurrence of the squamous lung cancer involving the pancreas. He was treated with systemic chemotherapy and has shown a partial response on repeat imaging. This case illustrates a rare and unusual site of relapse in lung cancer after adjuvant therapy and a key message for follow-up surveillance for these patients.
An unusual presentation of an infected vallecular cyst presenting as supraglottitis
Authors: Pattni Vijay , Porter Graham , Omakobia Eugene
Published: April 2013

A 50-year-old gentleman presented to the emergency department with a 24 h history of stridor, dysphonia, dysphagia and vomiting. On examination, the patient had fever and tachycardic. There was no palpable cervical lymphadenopathy. Flexible nasendoscopy and lateral neck x-ray revealed soft tissue swelling around the epiglottis. The swelling subsided with conservative management of intravenous antibiotics and steroids, only to later reveal a vallecular cyst, which was confirmed on microlaryngoscopy. The cyst was subsequently deroofed and sent for biopsy. Histological examination revealed an infected, benign vallecular cyst consisting of a squamous epithelium with underlying lymphoid tissue. In adults, vallecular cysts are usually asymptomatic, but can become infected and initiate acute supraglottitis, potentially leading to life-threatening airway obstruction. The case described here, although rare, highlights how early definitive diagnosis and management of vallecular cysts can lead to significantly improved patient outcomes.