bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allergic Broncho Pulmonary Aspergillosis Complicated by Nocardiosis
Authors: Sharma Brijesh , Ghosh Gopal , Kamble Ulka , Chaudhary Karan , Chauhan Ajay , Lamba B. M. S. , Chowdhary Anuradha , Gupta B. B.
Published: December 2012

We describe a 70-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and asthma who presented with increasing breathlessness for 5 months. He was diagnosed to have allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) by serological and radiographic criteria. He was treated with steroids and itraconazole. After initial improvement, he developed fever with cough and mucopurulent sputum. X-ray chest revealed multiple cavities with air fluid level. Patient was treated with antibiotics without any response. Sputum was negative for acid fast bacilli (AFB). Sputum culture for bacteria and fungus did not reveal any significant growth; however a delayed growth of Nocardia was noted on fungal plates. Modified Ziehl Nelsen stain was positive for AFB. Patient was treated with cotrimoxazole. We discuss the serological and radiological criteria of ABPA, presentation and treatment ofnocardiapulmonary infection and other possible causes of necrotizing pneumonia in immunocompromised settings.
Peristaltic Slip Flow of a Viscoelastic Fluid with Heat and Mass Transfer in a Tube
Authors: Sobh Ayman Mahmoud
Published: December 2012

The paper discusses the combined effect of slip velocity and heat and mass transfer on peristaltic flow of a viscoelastic fluid in a uniform tube. This study has numerous applications. It serves as a model for the chyme movement in the small intestine, by considering the chyme as a viscoelastic fluid. The problem is formulated and analysed using perturbation expansion in terms of the wave number as a parameter. Analytic solutions for the axial velocity component, pressure gradient, temperature distribution, and fluid concentration are derived. Also, the effects of the emerging parameters on pressure gradient, temperature distribution, concentration profiles, and trapping phenomenon are illustrated graphically and discussed in detail.
Inhibition of Activity of GABA Transporter GAT1 byδ-Opioid Receptor
Authors: Pu Lu , Xu Nanjie , Xia Peng , Gu Quanbao , Ren Shuanglai , Fucke Thomas , Pei Gang , Schwarz Wolfgang
Published: December 2012

Analgesia is a well-documented effect of acupuncture. A critical role in pain sensation plays the nervous system, including the GABAergic system and opioid receptor (OR) activation. Here we investigated regulation of GABA transporter GAT1 byδOR in rats and inXenopusoocytes. Synaptosomes of brain from rats chronically exposed to opiates exhibited reduced GABA uptake, indicating that GABA transport might be regulated by opioid receptors. For further investigation we have expressed GAT1 of mouse brain together with mouseδOR andμOR inXenopusoocytes. The function of GAT1 was analyzed in terms of Na+-dependent [3H]GABA uptake as well as GAT1-mediated currents. Coexpression ofδOR led to reduced number of fully functional GAT1 transporters, reduced substrate translocation, and GAT1-mediated current. Activation ofδOR further reduced the rate of GABA uptake as well as GAT1-mediated current. Coexpression ofμOR, as well asμOR activation, affected neither the number of transporters, nor rate of GABA uptake, nor GAT1-mediated current. Inhibition of GAT1-mediated current by activation ofδOR was confirmed in whole-cell patch-clamp experiments on rat brain slices of periaqueductal gray. We conclude that inhibition of GAT1 function will strengthen the inhibitory action of the GABAergic system and hence may contribute to acupuncture-induced analgesia.
Dietary Crocin Inhibits Colitis and Colitis-Associated Colorectal Carcinogenesis in Male ICR Mice
Authors: Kawabata Kunihiro , Tung Nguyen Huu , Shoyama Yukihiro , Sugie Shigeyuki , Mori Takayuki , Tanaka Takuji
Published: December 2012

A natural carotenoid crocin is contained in saffron and gardenia flowers (crocuses and gardenias) and is used as a food colorant. This study reports the potential inhibitory effects of crocin against inflammation-associated mouse colon carcinogenesis and chemically induced colitis in male ICR mice. In the first experiment, dietary crocin significantly inhibited the development of colonic adenocarcinomas induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in mice by week 18. Crocin feeding also suppressed the proliferation and immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor- (NF-)κB but increased the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression, in adenocarcinoma cells. In the second experiment, dietary feeding with crocin for 4 weeks was able to inhibit DSS-induced colitis and decrease the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factorα, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, interferonγ, NF-κB, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the colorectal mucosa and increased the Nrf2 mRNA expression. Our results suggest that dietary crocin suppresses chemically induced colitis and colitis-related colon carcinogenesis in mice, at least partly by inhibiting inflammation and the mRNA expression of certain proinflammatory cytokines and inducible inflammatory enzymes. Therefore, crocin is a candidate for the prevention of colitis and inflammation-associated colon carcinogenesis.
A Fuzzy Optimization Model for High‐Speed Railway Timetable Rescheduling
Authors: Wang Li , Qin Yong , Xu Jie , Jia Limin
Published: December 2012

A fuzzy optimization model based on improved symmetric tolerance approach is introduced, which allows for rescheduling high‐speed railway timetable under unexpected interferences. The model nests different parameters of the soft constraints with uncertainty margin to describe their importance to the optimization purpose and treats the objective in the same manner. Thus a new optimal instrument is expected to achieve a new timetable subject to little slack of constraints. The section between Nanjing and Shanghai, which is the busiest, of Beijing‐Shanghai high‐speed rail line in China is used as the simulated measurement. The fuzzy optimization model provides an accurate approximation on train running time and headway time, and hence the results suggest that the number of seriously impacted trains and total delay time can be reduced significantly subject to little cost and risk.
Measuring Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Wong Priscilla C. H. , Leung Ying-Ying , Li Edmund K. , Tam Lai-Shan
Published: December 2012

Over the past decade, the assessment of the disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has rapidly evolved in view of the need for valid, feasible, and reliable outcome measures that can be ideally employed in longitudinal cohorts, clinical trials, and clinical practice as well as the growing paradigm of tight disease control and treating to target in the management of PsA. This paper reviews the currently available measures used in the assessment of the disease activity in PsA. The composite measures for PsA that are under development are also discussed.
Unilateral Molar Distalization: A Nonextraction Therapy
Authors: Prasad M. Bhanu , Sreevalli S.
Published: December 2012

In the recent years, nonextraction treatment approaches and noncompliance therapies have become more popular in the correction of space discrepancies. One of the conventional approaches for space gaining in the arches without patient compliance is done by using certain extra oral appliances or intraoral appliance. The greatest advantage of certain appliances like fixed functional and molar distalization appliances is that they minimize the dependence on patient cooperation. Molar distalization appliances like pendulum appliance which distalizes the molar rapidly without the need of head gear can be used in patients as a unilateral space gaining procedure due to buccal segment crowding.
Genetic Analysis of Avian Influenza Viruses: Cocirculation of Avian Influenza Viruses with Allele A and B Nonstructural Gene in Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) Ducks Wintering in Japan
Authors: Jahangir Alam , Ruenphet Sakchai , Sultana Nadia , Shoham Dany , Takehara Kazuaki
Published: December 2012

The pandemic influenza virus strains of 1918 (H1N1), 1957 (H2N2), 1968 (H3N2), and 2009 (H1N1) have genes related to avian influenza viruses (AIVs). The nonstructural (NS) gene of AIVs plays a significant role in host-viral interaction. However, little is known about the degree of diversity of this gene in Northern pintail (Anas acuta) ducks wintering in Japan. This study describes characteristics of pintail-originated H1N1, H1N2, H1N3, H5N2, H5N3, H5N9, and H7N7 viruses. Most of the viruses were revealed to be avian strains and not related to pandemic and seasonal flu strains. Nevertheless, the NP genes of 62.5% (5/8) viruses were found closely related to a A/swine/Korea/C12/08, indicating exchange of genetic material and ongoing mammalian-linked evolution of AIVs. Besides, all the viruses, except Aomori/422/07 H1N1, contain PSIQSR*GLF motif usually found in avian, porcine, and human H1 strains. The Aomori/422/07 H1N1 has a PSVQSR*GLF motif identical to a North American strain. This findings linked to an important intercontinental, Asian-American biogeographical interface. Phylogenetically all the viruses were clustered in Eurasian lineage. Cocirculation of allele A and B (NS gene) viruses was evident in the study implying the existence of a wide reservoir of influenza A viruses in pintail wintering in Japan.
Detection and Isolation of Simultaneous Additive and Parametric Faults in Nonlinear Stochastic Dynamical Systems
Authors: Cuervo Andrés , Zufiria Pedro J. , Castillo Ángela
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a new fault detection and isolation scheme for dealing with simultaneous additive and parametric faults. The new design integrates a system for additive fault detection based on (Castillo and Zufiria, (2009)) and a new parametric fault detection and isolation scheme inspired in (Münz and Zufiria, (2008)). It is shown that the so far existing schemes do not behave correctly when both additive and parametric faults occur simultaneously; to solve the problem a new integrated scheme is proposed. Computer simulation results are presented to confirm the theoretical studies.
Th17 Cell Enhances CD8 T-Cell Cytotoxicity via IL-21 Production in Emphysema Mice
Authors: Duan Min-Chao , Huang Ying , Zhong Xiao-Ning , Tang Hai-Juan
Published: December 2012

Emphysema is a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease caused predominantly by cigarette smoking. Th17 cells and related cytokines may contribute to this disorder. However, the possible implication of Th17 cells in regulating inflammatory response in emphysema remains to be elucidated. In the current study, we tested the protein levels of IL-17 and IL-21 in peripheral blood and lung tissues from cigarette-smoke- (CS-) exposed mice and air-exposed mice, analyzed the frequencies of CD4+IL-17+(Th17) cells, IL-21+Th17 cells, and CD8+IL-21R+T cells in peripheral blood and lung tissues of mice, and their relationship with emphysematous lesions, and explored the impact of IL-21 on cytotoxic CD8+T cells functionin vitro.It was found that the frequencies of Th17, IL-21+Th17, and CD8+IL-21R+T cells and the levels of IL-17 and IL-21 of CS-exposed mice were much higher than those of the air-exposed mice and correlated with emphysematous lesions. Additionally, the number of IL-21+Th17 cells positively correlated with the number of CD8+IL-21R+T cells. Thein vitroexperiments showed that IL-21 significantly augmented the secretion of perforin and granzyme B in CD8+T cells from CS-exposed mice. These data indirectly provide evidence that Th17 cells could be involved in the control of the local and system inflammatory response in emphysema by regulating CD8+cytotoxic T-cell function.
A Fault Prognosis Strategy Based on Time‐Delayed Digraph Model and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Lu Ningyun , Jiang Bin , Wang Lei , Lu Jianhua , Chen Xi
Published: December 2012

Because of the interlinking of process equipments in process industry, event information may propagate through the plant and affect a lot of downstream process variables. Specifying the causality and estimating the time delays among process variables are critically important for data‐driven fault prognosis. They are not only helpful to find the root cause when a plant‐wide disturbance occurs, but to reveal the evolution of an abnormal event propagating through the plant. This paper concerns with the information flow directionality and time‐delay estimation problems in process industry and presents an information synchronization technique to assist fault prognosis. Time‐delayed mutual information (TDMI) is used for both causality analysis and time‐delay estimation. To represent causality structure of high‐dimensional process variables, a time‐delayed signed digraph (TD‐SDG) model is developed. Then, a general fault prognosis strategy is developed based on the TD‐SDG model and principle component analysis (PCA). The proposed method is applied to an air separation unit and has achieved satisfying results in predicting the frequently occurred “nitrogen‐block” fault.
MET/HGF Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Carcinoma: Clinical Implications and Future Direction
Authors: Mhawech-Fauceglia Paulette , Afkhami Michelle , Pejovic Tanja
Published: December 2012

The HGF/MET signaling pathway is abnormal in numerous cancers including ovarian cancer. MET is expressed in 70% of human cancer and it is overexpressed in 30% of ovarian cases and cancer cell lines. The HGF/MET pathway plays a role in the initiation and progression of ovarian cancer through the most distinctive biologic program known as “invasive growth” which is accomplished through a coordinated activation of cell motility, invasiveness, degradation of extracellular matrix, survival, and proliferation. Because of its ubiquitous role in cancer, the MET axis seems to be an attractive target for cancer therapy. Numerous HGF/MET pathway inhibitor compounds are already in use in clinical trials in various solid tumors. In this paper, we will discuss the HGF/MET pathway in ovarian cancer, its clinical significance, and its potential use as a target therapy in the future.
High Performance PEM Fuel Cell with Low Platinum Loading at the Cathode Using Magnetron Sputter Deposition
Authors: Fofana Daouda , Natarajan Sadesh Kumar , Bénard Pierre , Hamelin Jean
Published: December 2012

Platinum cluster formations have been investigated as a way to reduce the amount of Pt at the cathode of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. One, two, and three layers of Pt (0.05 mg/cm2) sputtered directly on microporous layers of gas diffusion layers with and without interfacial carbon-Nafion layers and carbon-polytetrafluoroethylene (CPTFE) layers have been used as a cathode. Comparison with experimental results had showed that the best performance was obtained with three layers of Pt sputtered on carbon-Nafion containing 34.8 wt.% of Nafion and sputtered carbon-polytetrafluoroethylene containing 16.9 wt.% of polytetrafluoroethylene. High limiting current densities (>1.1 A/cm2) have been reached with cathode Pt loading as low as 0.05 mg/cm2. SEM imagery and cyclic voltammetry characterization have been performed to consolidate this study. High Pt utilization can be showed by this method. The factor influencing Pt utilisation in the oxygen reduction reaction is intrinsically related to Pt clusters formation and helps in enhancing the PEMFC performance with low Pt loading.
Development of a Masticatory Indicator Using a Checklist of Chewable Food Items for the Community-Dwelling Elderly
Authors: Miura Hiroko , Sato Kayoko , Hara Shuichi , Yamasaki Kiyoko , Morisaki Naoko
Published: December 2012

The purpose of the present study was to develop a new assessment scale to evaluate masticatory ability among community-dwelling elderly individuals. The study comprised 761 independent elderly subjects residing in the community. We pooled 25 food items with various textures. Based upon the pass rate and nonresponse rate, we extracted 9 food items to be included in the masticatory ability assessment for the community-dwelling elderly (MACE). The reliability of this assessment was determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. We then examined the concurrent validity of the MACE by comparing it with an existing method termed “mastication score.” Additionally, the convergent validity was examined by comparing the correlation coefficients of MACE, general oral health assessment index (GOHAI), and the number of teeth. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of MACE was 0.89 (), indicating satisfactory reliability. MACE was significantly correlated with the mastication score (), GOHAI (), and the number of teeth (). These results suggest that MACE is a useful tool with sufficient reliability and validity to identify declines in masticatory ability among community-dwelling elderly individuals.
An Extension of a Congruence by Tauraso
Authors: Meštrović Romeo
Published: December 2012

For a positive integer let be the th harmonic number. In this paper we prove that, for any prime ,  . Notice that the first part of this congruence is proposed in 2008 by Tauraso. In our elementary proof of the second part of the above congruence we use certain classical congruences modulo a prime and the square of a prime, some congruences involving harmonic numbers, and a combinatorial identity due to Hernández. Our auxiliary results contain many interesting combinatorial congruences involving harmonic numbers.
Reliability Measures of Second-Order Semi-Markov Chain Applied to Wind Energy Production
Authors: D'Amico Guglielmo , Petroni Filippo , Prattico Flavio
Published: December 2012

We consider the problem of wind energy production by using a second-order semi-Markov chain in state and duration as a model of wind speed. The model used in this paper is based on our previous work where we have shown the ability of second-order semi-Markov process in reproducing statistical features of wind speed. Here we briefly present the mathematical model and describe the data and technical characteristics of a commercial wind turbine (Aircon HAWT-10 kW). We show how, by using our model, it is possible to compute some of the main dependability measures such as reliability, availability, and maintainability functions. We compare, by means of Monte Carlo simulations, the results of the model with real energy production obtained from data available in the Lastem station (Italy) and sampled every 10 minutes. The computation of the dependability measures is a crucial point in the planning and development of a wind farm. Through our model, we show how the values of this quantity can be obtained both analytically and computationally.
The Prospect of Solar Energy in the Development of Power Stations in the State of Kuwait
Authors: Ramadhan Mohammad , Hussain Abdulhameed , Behbehani Dina
Published: December 2012

Over the years, the production capacity for power generation has not been able to keep pace with the surge in electricity demand in the oil-rich State of Kuwait. To expand its power generation capacity, Kuwait's strategic energy plans focus on constructing gas turbine and fuel oil stations. This paper aimed to evaluate the prospect of photovoltaic solar energy (PV) in generating electricity as an alternative to decrease dependency on combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power stations. It applies the LCOE framework to evaluate the economic feasibility of installing a 100 MW PV and CCGT power stations in Kuwait. The results indicate that under the assumption of 5% interest rate, the estimated LCOE of PV station ($0.19/kWh) is unfeasible in comparison to the generation cost of gas turbine station ($0.11/kWh). However, the analysis has emphasized that evaluation of future electricity generation plans must not be limited to the LCOE criteria and should incorporate the following factors: the effect of natural gas supply constraints on the production of gas turbine plants, the environmental concerns of CO2emissions, the peak load demand, and the domestic energy balance mix. The paper concludes that once these factors are addressed properly, the prospect of PV power stations becomes relatively feasible.
The Spectrophotometric Multicomponent Analysis of a Ternary Mixture of Paracetamol, Aspirin, and Caffeine by the Double Divisor-Ratio Spectra Derivative Method
Authors: Hajian Reza , Soltaninezhad Ahmad
Published: December 2012

Double divisor-ratio spectra derivative method based on the spectrophotometric data was developed for the simultaneous analysis of a ternary mixture containing paracetamol, aspirin, and caffeine, without prior separation. This method is based on the use of the derivative of the ratio spectrum obtained by dividing the absorption spectrum of the ternary mixture by a standard spectrum of a mixture of two of the three compounds in the title mixture. The concentrations of three compounds in their mixture are determined by using their respective calibration graphs which are obtained by measuring the amplitude at either the maximum or minimum wavelengths selected. The selected wavelengths for determination of aspirin, caffeine, and paracetamol are 241.5, 256, and 258.5 nm, respectively. All of the solutions adjusted to pH 11 before recording the spectra in the range of 220 to 320 nm. Also, the mathematical explanation of the procedure is illustrated. The method was applied for the assay of Excedrin containing paracetamol, aspirin, and caffeine.
Treg Cells Induced by rSSP4 Derived fromT. cruziAmastigotes Increase Parasitemia in an Experimental Chagas Disease Model
Authors: Flores-García Y. , Rosales-Encina J. L. , Rosales-García V. H. , Satoskar A. R. , Talamás-Rohana P.
Published: December 2012

Currently, there is a considerable controversy over the participation of Treg cells duringTrypanosoma cruziinfection, the main point being whether these cells play a negative or a positive role. In this work, we found that the adoptive transfer of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+T cells from rSSP4- (a recombinantTrypanosoma cruziamastigote derived protein, previously shown to have immunomodulatory properties on macrophages) immunized BALB/c donors into syngenic recipients simultaneously withT. cruzichallenge reduces cardiac inflammation and prolongs hosts’ survival but increases blood parasitemia and parasite loads in the heart. These CD4+CD25+FOXP3+Treg cells from immunized mice have a relatively TGF-β-dependent suppressive activity on CD4+T cells. Therefore, regulatory CD4+CD25+T cells play a positive role in the development of acuteT. cruziinfection by inducing immunosuppressive activity that controls early cardiac inflammation during acute Chagas disease, prolonging survival, but at the same time promoting parasite growth.
Characterization of the Visceral Antinociceptive Effect of Glial Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 Upregulation by Ceftriaxone
Authors: Roman K. , Yang M. , Stephens Robert L.
Published: December 2012

Recent studies demonstrate that glial glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) upregulation attenuates visceral nociception. The present work further characterized the effect of ceftriaxone- (CTX-) mediated GLT-1 upregulation on visceral hyperalgesia. Intrathecal pretreatment with dihydrokainate, a selective GLT-1 antagonist, produced a reversal of the antinociceptive response to bladder distension produced by CTX. The hyperalgesic response to urinary bladder distension caused by intravesicular acrolein was also attenuated by CTX treatment as was the enhanced time spent licking of abdominal area due to intravesicular acrolein. Bladder inflammation via cyclophosphamide injections enhanced the nociceptive to bladder distension; cohorts administered CTX and concomitant cyclophosphamide showed reduced hyperalgesic response. Cyclophosphamide-induced bladder hyperalgesia correlated with a significant 22% increase in GluR1 AMPA receptor subunit expression in the membrane fraction of the lumbosacral spinal cord, which was attenuated by CTX coadministration. Finally, neonatal colon insult-induced hyperalgesia caused by intracolonic mustard oil (2%) administration at P9 and P11 was attenuated by CTX. These studies suggest that GLT-1 upregulation (1) attenuates the hyperalgesia caused by bladder irritation/inflammation or by neonatal colonic insult, (2) acts at a spinal site, and (3) may produce antinociceptive effects by attenuating GluR1 membrane trafficking. These findings support further consideration of this FDA-approved drug to treat chronic pelvic pain syndromes.
Development and Validation of RP‐HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Aspirin and Esomeprazole Magnesium in Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Patel Dipali , Patel Nishitkumar , Vaishy Reeta , Patel Viral , Solanki Chiragsinh , Patel Mitul
Published: December 2012

A simple, specific, precise, and accurate reversed‐phase HPLC method was developed and validated for simultaneous estimation of aspirin and esomeprazole magnesium in tablet dosage forms. The separation was achieved by HyperChrom ODS‐BP C18 column (200 mm × 4.6 mm; 5.0 μm) using acetonitrile: methanol: 0.05 M phosphate buffer at pH 3 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid (25 : 25 : 50, v/v) as eluent, at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Detection was carried out at wavelength 230 nm. The retention times of aspirin and esomeprazole magnesium were 4.29 min and 6.09 min, respectively. The linearity was established over the concentration ranges of 10–70 μg/mL and 10–30 μg/mL with correlation coefficients (r2) 0.9986 and 0.9973 for aspirin and esomeprazole magnesium, respectively. The mean recoveries were found to be in the ranges of 99.80–100.57% and 99.70–100.83% for aspirin and esomeprazole magnesium, respectively. The proposed method has been validated as per ICH guidelines and successfully applied to the estimation of aspirin and esomeprazole magnesium in their combined tablet dosage form.
Fruit-Enhanced Resistance to Microbial Infection Induced by Selective Laser Excitation
Authors: Gonzálvez Alicia G. , Jiménez Jorge B. , González Ureña Ángel
Published: December 2012

Table grapes were irradiated with laser pulses at two different wavelengths: one selected at 302.1 nm, that is, resonant with the transresveratrol biphoton absorption band, and another selected at 300 nm, that is a nonresonant wavelength where trans-resveratrol two-photon absorption is negligible. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic analyses of the irradiated grapes' skin showed an enhancement of polyphenols' content when the resonant wavelength was employed. Furthermore, microbiological analysis performed with nontreated (control), nonresonant, and resonantly irradiated grapes demonstrated how the last samples developed a significantly lower number of colony forming units. Since the only difference between the two (resonant and nonresonant) irradiation conditions was just a couple of nanometres in the employed UV-B laser wavelengths, the germicidal effect should be considered very similar. As a result, the observed difference in the table grape resistance to microbial infection was attributed to a wavelength-dependent-induced photochemistry. Finally, the potentiality of this method to enhance the postharvest health status of table grapes is remarked.
MUC1-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes in Cancer Therapy: Induction and Challenge
Authors: Roulois David , Grégoire Marc , Fonteneau Jean-François
Published: December 2012

MUC1 glycoprotein is often found overexpressed and hypoglycosylated in tumor cells from numerous cancer types. Since its discovery MUC1 has been an attractive target for antitumor immunotherapy. Indeed,in vitroandin vivoexperiments have shown T-cell-specific responses against MUC1 in an HLA-restricted and HLA-unrestricted manner, although some animal models have highlighted the possible development of tolerogenic responses against this antigen. These observations permit the development of new T-cell vaccine strategies capable of inducing an MUC1-specific cytotoxic T cell response in cancer patients. Some of these strategies are now being tested in clinical trials against different types of cancer. To date, encouraging clinical responses have been observed with some MUC1 vaccines in phase II/III clinical trials. This paper compiles knowledge regarding MUC1 as a promising tumor antigen for antitumor therapeutic vaccines applicable to numerous cancers. We also summarize the results of MUC1-vaccine-based clinical trials.
Formation and Resuscitation of Viable but NonculturableSalmonella typhi
Authors: Zeng Bin , Zhao Guozhong , Cao Xiaohong , Yang Zhen , Wang Chunling , Hou Lihua
Published: December 2012

Salmonella typhiis a pathogen that causes the human disease of typhoid fever. The aim of this study was to investigate the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state ofS. typhi. Some samples were stimulated at 4°C or −20°C, while others were induced by different concentrations of CuSO4. Total cell counts remained constant throughout several days by acridine orange direct counting; however, plate counts declined to undetectable levels within 48 hours by plate counting at −20°C. The direct viable counts remained fairly constant at this level by direct viable counting. Carbon and nitrogen materials slowly decreased which indicated that a large population of cells existed in the VBNC state and entered the VBNC state in response to exposure to 0.01 or 0.015 mmol/L CuSO4for more than 14 or 12 days, respectively. Adding 3% Tween 20 or 1% catalase enabled cells to become culturable again, with resuscitation times of 48 h and 24 h, respectively. The atomic force microscope results showed that cells gradually changed in shape from short rods to coccoids, and decreased in size when they entered the VBNC state. Further animal experiments suggested that resuscitated cells might regain pathogenicity.
Application of a Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete Jacket in Damaged Reinforced Concrete Beams under Monotonic and Repeated Loading
Authors: Chalioris Constantin E. , Papadopoulos Constantin P. , Pourzitidis Constantin N. , Fotis Dimitrios , Sideris Kosmas K.
Published: December 2012

This paper presents the findings of an experimental study on the application of a reinforced self-compacting concrete jacketing technique in damaged reinforced concrete beams. Test results of 12 specimens subjected to monotonic loading up to failure or under repeated loading steps prior to total failure are included. First, 6 beams were designed to be shear dominated, constructed by commonly used concrete, were initially tested, damaged, and failed in a brittle manner. Afterwards, the shear-damaged beams were retrofitted using a self-compacting concrete U-formed jacket that consisted of small diameter steel bars and U-formed stirrups in order to increase their shear resistance and potentially to alter their initially observed shear response to a more ductile one. The jacketed beams were retested under the same loading. Test results indicated that the application of reinforced self-compacting concrete jacketing in damaged reinforced concrete beams is a promising rehabilitation technique. All the jacketed beams showed enhanced overall structural response and 35% to 50% increased load bearing capacities. The ultimate shear load of the jacketed beams varied from 39.7 to 42.0 kN, whereas the capacity of the original beams was approximately 30% lower. Further, all the retrofitted specimens exhibited typical flexural response with high values of deflection ductility.
MnSOD Promotes Tumor Invasion via Upregulation of FoxM1–MMP2 Axis and Related with Poor Survival and Relapse in Lung Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Chen Po-Ming , Wu Tzu-Chin , Shieh Shwn-Huey , Wu Yi-Hui , Li Min-Chin , Sheu Gwo-Tarng , Cheng Ya-Wen , Chen Chih-Yi , Lee Huei
Published: December 2012

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is an antioxidant enzyme responsible for the elimination of superoxide radical. The role of MnSOD in tumor progression in different human cancers is still controversial. In the present study, MnSOD expression in lung cancer cells was explored by knockdown or overexpression using transfection of a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or an expression vector, respectively, to determine whether MnSOD expression mediates lung cancer cell migration, invasion, and oncogenic potential by increasing FoxM1 and MMP2 expression. Western blotting showed that FoxM1 and MMP2 expression was dependent on MnSOD expression, suggesting that FoxM1 could be upregulated by MnSOD. Three FoxM1 promoters were constructed to verify this activation of FoxM1 by MnSOD and to determine the transcription factors responsible. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that MnSOD overexpression in lung cancer cells promoted binding of E2F1 and Sp1 to their putative FoxM1 promoter-binding sites and activated FoxM1 reporter activity. MnSOD also enhanced the potential for cell migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent colony growth on soft-agar plates, again via upregulation of FoxM1 and MMP2 expression. In patients with lung cancer, evaluation of MnSOD expression in lung tumors by immunohistochemistry indicated a positive correlation between FoxM1 and MMP2 mRNA expressions. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis revealed a poorer overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in patients with MnSOD-positive tumors than with MnSOD-negative tumors. We conclude that MnSOD may promote tumor aggressiveness via upregulation of the FoxM1–MMP2 axis, and that MnSOD expression can independently predict survival and relapse in patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Res; 11(3); 261–71. ©2012 AACR.
Improved Survival Trends in Platinum-Resistant Patients with Advanced Ovarian, Fallopian or Peritoneal Cancer Treated with First-Line Paclitaxel/Platinum Chemotherapy: The Impact of Novel Agents
Authors: Bamias Aristotle , Bamia Christine , Zagouri Flora , Kostouros Efthimios , Kakoyianni Konstantina , Rodolakis Alexandros , Vlahos George , Haidopoulos Dimitrios , Thomakos Nikolaos , Antsaklis Aris , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios
Published: December 2012

Objective: The prognosis for patients with platinum-resistant advanced ovarian cancer remains poor. The impact of approved agents on survival has not been clarified during the last decade. We studied survival trends during the last 15 years in platinum-resistant patients treated with cytoreductive surgery followed by paclitaxel/platinum chemotherapy. Methods: Patients with epithelial ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal cancer, stages III/IV and platinum-resistant disease after first-line chemotherapy with paclitaxel/platinum were included. They were grouped according to the period of chemotherapy: group A 31/3/1995–31/12/2001 (n = 56) and Group B 1/1/2002–24/12/2008 (n = 57). In order to compensate for the difference in follow-up between the 2 groups, we performed minimum follow-up (MFU) analyses by considering as cases only women who had an event within 3 years of follow-up. Patients with no events for up to 3 years were censored at that time. Results: MFU analyses showed that median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in group B: 12.3 vs. 17.5 months (p = 0.012). This was due to a doubling of the median OS after relapse: 5.7 vs. 10.9 months (p = 0.0180). Multivariate Cox regression indicated group and histology as factors statistically significantly associated with OS. Following relapse, patients in group B were predominantly treated with liposomal doxorubicin and gemcitabine, and patients in group A were treated with platinum compounds, docetaxel and oral etoposide (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The introduction of novel agents without cross-resistance to platinum or taxanes has improved the prognosis of platinum-resistant patients.
Alexithymia and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Dizziness
Authors: von Rimscha Sonja , Moergeli Hanspeter , Weidt Steffi , Straumann Dominik , Hegemann Stefan , Rufer Michael
Published: December 2012

Background: Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by deficits in regulating, experiencing and verbalizing emotions and has been assumed to be associated with a tendency to express emotional arousal through somatization. Although such a tendency is often observed in patients with dizziness, the exact relationship of alexithymia to dizziness is not yet known. The aim of this study was to examine alexithymic characteristics in patients with dizziness and its relation to health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Sampling and Methods: We assessed 208 patients from an interdisciplinary center for vertigo and balance disorders for characteristics of alexithymia (20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale), HRQoL (Short-Form 12 Health Survey, SF-12), dizziness (Dizziness Handicap Inventory), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between alexithymia, dizziness and HRQoL. Results: We found that difficulties in identifying and describing feelings, two important factors of alexithymia, were significantly related to more severe symptoms of dizziness. More pronounced alexithymic characteristics were associated with lower HRQoL, especially in the mental dimension of the SF-12. The results remained significant after controlling for possibly confounding variables such as socioeconomic status and depression. Conclusions: These findings contribute to a better understanding of affect regulation in patients with dizziness, which is important for the development of psychotherapeutic interventions suitable for alexithymic patients with dizziness.
A New Non-Degenerate Primer Pair for the Specific Detection of the Nitrite Reductase Gene nrfA in the Genus Desulfovibrio
Authors: Giacomucci L. , Purdy K.J. , Zanardini E. , Polo A. , Cappitelli F.
Published: December 2012

Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA) is the process in which nitrate is reduced, via nitrite, to ammonia. Bacteria known to carry out DNRA mainly originate from wastewater treatment plants, where DNRA is a relevant process. The ability to carry out DNRA is phylogenetically widespread, and the gene nrfA, encoding for the key enzyme of the second step of the pathway, could be used as a marker for this process. In this study we developed a new primer pair specific for nrfA in the genus Desulfovibrio. The specificity of the primer pair was tested on DNA from thirteen species of Desulfovibrio and DNA from two wastewater samples. PCR amplifications yielded products of the expected size (850 bp), and sequences obtained from Desulfovibrio strains and environmental sample clone libraries matched the Desulfovibrio nrfA gene. Nevertheless, we found nrfA gene sequences in the environmental samples that are not present in the databases. The new primer set can be used to obtain more sequences of the nrfA gene and improve our knowledge of the DNRA pathway in this genus, e.g. with the aim to improve the wastewater treatment process.
Infarct Size Determines Myocardial Uptake of CD34
+
Cells in the Peri-Infarct Zone
Authors: Musialek Piotr , Tekieli Lukasz , Kostkiewicz Magdalena , Miszalski-Jamka Tomasz , Klimeczek Piotr , Mazur Wojciech , Szot Wojciech , Majka Marcin , Banys R. Pawel , Jarocha Danuta , Walter Zbigniew , Krupinski Maciej , Pieniazek Piotr , Olszowska Maria , Zmudka Krzysztof , Pasowicz Mieczyslaw , Kereiakes Dean J. , Tracz Wieslawa , Podolec Piotr , Wojakowski Wojciech
Published: December 2012

Background—

Effective progenitor cell recruitment to the ischemic injury zone is a prerequisite for any potential therapeutic effect. Cell uptake determinants in humans with recent myocardial infarction are not defined. We tested the hypothesis that myocardial uptake of autologous CD34
+
cells delivered via an intracoronary route after recent myocardial infarction is related to left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) and infarct size.

Methods and Results—

Thirty-one subjects (age, 36–69 years; 28 men) with primary percutaneous coronary intervention–treated anterior ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and significant myocardial injury (median peak troponin I, 138 ng/dL [limits, 58–356 ng/dL]) and sustained LVEF depression at ≤45% were recruited. On day 10 (days 7–12), 4.3×10
6
(0.7–9.9×10
6
)
99m
Tc-extametazime–labeled autologous bone marrow CD34
+
cells (activity, 77 MBq [45.9–86.7 MBq]) were administered transcoronarily (left anterior descending coronary artery).
99m
Tc-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (99
m
Tc-MIBI) single-photon emission computed tomography before cell delivery showed 7 (2–11) (of 17) segments with definitely abnormal/absent perfusion. Late gadolinium-enhanced infarct core mass was 21.7 g (4.4–45.9 g), and infarct border zone mass was 29.8 g (3.9–60.2 g) (full-width at half-maximum, signal intensity thresholding algorithm). One hour after administration, 5.2% (1.7%–9.9%) of labeled cell activity localized in the myocardium (whole-body planar γ scan). Image fusion of labeled cell single-photon emission computed tomography with LV perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography or with cardiac magnetic resonance infarct imaging indicated cell uptake in the peri-infarct zone. Myocardial uptake of labeled cells activity correlated in particular with late gadolinium-enhanced infarct border zone mass (
r
=0.84,
P
<0.0001) and with peak troponin I (
r
=0.76,
P
<0.001); it also correlated with severely abnormal/absent perfusion segment number (
r
=0.45,
P
=0.008) and late gadolinium-enhanced infarct core (
r
=0.58 and
r
=0.84,
P
<0.0001) but not with echocardiography LVEF (
r
=−0.07,
P
=0.68) or gated single-photon emission computed tomography LVEF (
r
=−0.28,
P
=0.16). The correlation with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-LVEF was weak (
r
=−0.38;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

This largest human study with labeled bone marrow CD34
+
cell transcoronary transplantation after recent ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction found that myocardial cell uptake is determined by infarct size rather than LVEF and occurs preferentially in the peri-infarct zone.
Quantitative Analysis of Mitral Valve Morphology in Mitral Valve Prolapse With Real-Time 3-Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Lee Alex Pui-Wai , Hsiung Ming C. , Salgo Ivan S. , Fang Fang , Xie Jun-Min , Zhang Yan-Chao , Lin Qing-Shan , Looi Jen-Li , Wan Song , Wong Randolph H.L. , Underwood Malcolm J. , Sun Jing-Ping , Yin Wei-Hsian , Wei Jeng , Tsai Shen-Kou , Yu Cheuk-Man
Published: December 2012

Background—

Few data exist on the relation of the 3-dimensional morphology of mitral valve and degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) in mitral valve prolapse.

Methods and Results—

Real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography of the mitral valve was acquired in 112 subjects, including 36 patients with mitral valve prolapse and significant MR (≥3+; MR+ group), 32 patients with mitral valve prolapse but no or mild MR (≤2+; MR− group), 12 patients with significant MR resulting from nonprolapse pathologies (nonprolapse group), and 32 control subjects. The 3-dimensional geometry of mitral valve apparatus was measured with dedicated quantification software. Compared with the normal and MR− groups, the MR+ group had more dilated mitral annulus (
P
<0.0001), a reduced annular height to commissural width ratio (AHCWR) (
P
<0.0001) indicating flattening of annular saddle shape, redundant leaflet surfaces (
P
<0.0001), greater leaflet billow volume (
P
<0.0001) and billow height (
P
<0.0001), longer lengths from papillary muscles to coaptation (
P
<0.0001), and more frequent chordal rupture (
P
<0.0001). Prevalence of chordal rupture increased progressively with annulus flattening (7% versus 24% versus 42% for AHCWR >20%, 15%–20%, and <15%, respectively;
P
=0.004). Leaflet billow volume increased exponentially with decreasing AHCWR in patients without chordal rupture (
r
2
=0.66,
P
<0.0001). MR severity correlated strongly with leaflet billow volume (
r
2
=0.74,
P
<0.0001) and inversely with AHCWR (
r
2
=0.44,
P
<0.0001). In contrast, annulus dilatation but not flattening occurred in nonprolapse MR patients. An AHCWR <15% (odds ratio=7.1;
P
=0.0004) was strongly associated with significant MR in mitral valve prolapse.

Conclusion—

Flattening of the annular saddle shape is associated with progressive leaflet billowing and increased frequencies of chordal rupture and may be important in the pathogenesis of MR in mitral valve prolapse.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Regulates Collagen-Induced Platelet Aggregation Independently of Its Transcription Factor Activity
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Gushiken Francisca C. , Bolgiano Doug , Salsbery Breia J. , Aghakasiri Niloufar , Jing Naijie , Wu Xiaoping , Vijayan K. Vinod , Rumbaut Rolando E. , Adachi Roberto , Lopez Jose A. , Dong Jing-fei
Published: December 2012

Background—

Platelet hyperactivity induced by inflammation is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis and thrombosis, but its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Methods and Results—

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was activated in collagen-stimulated platelets. Activated STAT3 served as a protein scaffold to facilitate the catalytic interaction between the kinase Syk (spleen tyrosine kinase) and the substrate PLCγ2 to enhance collagen-induced calcium mobilization and platelet activation. The same interaction of STAT3 with Syk and PLCγ2 was detected in HEK293 cells transfected with cDNAs for Syk and PLCγ2 and stimulated with interleukin-6. Pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 blocked ≈50% of collagen- and a collagen-related peptide–induced but not thrombin receptor–activating peptide– or ADP-induced aggregation and ≈80% of thrombus formation of human platelets on a collagen matrix. This in vitro phenotype was reproduced in mice infused with STAT3 inhibitors and mice with platelet-specific STAT3 deficiency. By forming a complex with its soluble receptor, the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 enhanced the collagen-induced STAT3 activation in human platelets.

Conclusions—

These data demonstrate a nontranscriptional activity of STAT3 that facilitates a crosstalk between proinflammatory cytokine and hemostasis/thrombosis signals in platelets. This crosstalk may be responsible for the platelet hyperactivity found in conditions of inflammation.
Altered Genes Profile of Renin–Angiotensin System, Immune System, and Adipokines Receptors in Leukocytes of Children With Primary Hypertension
Authors: Litwin Mieczysław , Michałkiewicz Jacek , Trojanek Joanna , Niemirska Anna , Wierzbicka Aldona , Szalecki Mieczysław
Published: December 2012

Renin–angiotensin system, metabolic abnormalities, and immune activity have a role in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension. We assessed the leukocyte mRNA expression of angiotensinogen, angiotensin converting enzyme, renin, angiotensin 2 type 1 receptor, CD14 molecule, adiponectin type 1 receptor, and leptin receptor in hypertensive children before and after nonpharmacological treatment. Leukocyte mRNA expression was measured by means of quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in 23 hypertensive children before and after 6 months of nonpharmacological treatment based on dietary advice and physical activities. Twenty-three normotensive children matched for age, sex, and body mass index served as a control group. Before treatment patients had elevated expression of angiotensin converting enzyme and CD14 mRNA, decreased expression of angiotensinogen and angiotensin type 1 receptor mRNA, and unchanged expression of renin, adiponectin, and leptin receptors mRNA as compared with controls. Renin mRNA negatively correlated with 24-hour mean arterial pressure and carotid intima-media thickness. Six months of nonpharmacological treatment caused decrease of blood pressure and normalization of metabolic abnormalities. Renin, adiponectin, and leptin receptors mRNA expression decreased and were lower than in control group. Changes in blood pressure, left ventricular mass, carotid intima-media thickness, body mass index, and waist circumference did not correlate with changes in the expression of renin–angiotensin system genes, CD14, leptin, and adiponectin receptors mRNA. We conclude that leukocytes of hypertensive children displayed alterations in the expression of renin–angiotensin system genes as well as those of CD14. Nonpharmacological treatment resulted in downregulation of genes involved in renin–angiotensin activation and those engaged in leukocyte responses to adipokines.