bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frozen shoulder: the effectiveness of conservative and surgical interventions—systematic review
Authors: Favejee M M , Huisstede B M A , Koes B W
Published: July 2010

Background

A variety of therapeutic interventions is available for restoring motion and diminishing pain in patients with frozen shoulder. An overview article concerning the evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions is lacking.

Objective

To provide an evidence-based overview regarding the effectiveness of conservative and surgical interventions to treat the frozen shoulder.

Methods

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Cinahl and Pedro were searched for relevant systematic reviews and randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Two reviewers independently selected relevant studies, assessed the methodological quality and extracted data. A best-evidence synthesis was used to summarise the results.

Results

Five Cochrane reviews and 18 RCTs were included studying the effectiveness of oral medication, injection therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, arthrographic distension and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB).

Conclusions

We found strong evidence for the effectiveness of steroid injections and laser therapy in short-term and moderate evidence for steroid injections in mid-term follow-up. Moderate evidence was found in favour of mobilisation techniques in the short and long term, for the effectiveness of arthrographic distension alone and as an addition to active physiotherapy in the short term, for the effectiveness of oral steroids compared with no treatment or placebo in the short term, and for the effectiveness of SSNB compared with acupuncture, placebo or steroid injections. For other commonly used interventions no or only limited evidence of effectiveness was found. Most of the included studies reported short-term results, whereas symptoms of frozen shoulder may last up to 4 years. High quality RCTs studying long-term results are clearly needed in this field.
Diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea challenges identify previously undiagnosed elite athletes with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: Dickinson John , McConnell Alison , Whyte Greg
Published: July 2010

Background

There is increasing evidence to suggest many elite athletes fail to recognise and report symptoms of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), supporting the contention that athletes should be screened routinely for EIB.

Purpose

To screen elite British athletes for EIB using eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH).

Methods

228 elite athletes provided written informed consent and completed an EVH challenge with maximal flow volume loops measured at baseline and 3, 5, 10 and 15 min following EVH. A fall of 10% in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) from baseline was deemed positive. Two-way analysis of variance was conducted to compare FEV1at baseline and maximal change following EVH between EVH-positive and EVH-negative athletes who did and did not report a previous diagnosis of EIB. Significance was assumed if p≤0.05.

Results

Following the EVH challenge 78 athletes (34%) demonstrated EVH positive. 57 out of the 78 (73%) athletes who demonstrated EVH positive did not have a previous diagnosis of EIB. 30 athletes reported a previous diagnosis of asthma, nine (30%) of whom demonstrated EVH negative. There was no significant difference between the magnitude of the fall in FEV1between athletes who reported a previous diagnosis of EIB and demonstrated EVH positive, and those with no previous diagnosis of EIB who demonstrated EVH positive (mean±SD; −21.6±16.1% vs −17.1±9.7%; p=0.07).

Conclusion

The high proportion of previously undiagnosed athletes who demonstrated EVH positive suggests that elite athletes should be screened routinely for EIB using a suitable bronchoprovocation challenge.
Are current back protectors suitable to prevent spinal injury in recreational snowboarders?
Authors: Schmitt Kai-Uwe , Liechti Bendicht , Michel Frank I , Stämpfli Rolf , Brühwiler Paul A
Published: July 2010

Objective

Back protectors for snowboarders were analysed with respect to their potential to prevent spinal injury.

Design

In 20 Swiss skiing resorts, athletes were interviewed on the slope. In addition, an online survey was conducted. The performance of 12 commercially available back protectors was investigated by means of mechanical testing. A currently used drop test according to standard EN1621 (motorcycle protectors), testing energy damping was supplemented by penetration tests according to standard EN1077, which reflects snowsport safety concerns.

Results

6 out of 12 back protectors fulfilled the higher safety level defined in EN1621. Protectors making use of energy-absorbing layers performed particularly well. In contrast, hard shell protectors exhibited a higher potential to withstand the penetration test. The surveys confirmed that approximately 40–50% of snowboarders use a back protector. A large majority of users expect protection from severe spinal injury such as vertebral fractures or spinal cord injury.

Conclusions

The currently used test standards are fulfilled by many back protectors. Users, however, expect protectors to be efficient in impact scenarios that result in spinal injury, which are more severe than impacts as addressed in the current standards. This study highlights that there is a mismatch between the capabilities of current back protectors to prevent spinal injury in snowboarding and the expectations users have of these protectors.
DNA barcoding reveals multiple overlooked Australian species of the red algal order Rhodymeniales (Florideophyceae), with resurrection of Halopeltis J. Agardh and description of Pseudohalopeltis gen. nov.
Authors: Saunders Gary W. , McDonald Brian
Published: July 2010

The DNA barcode (COI-5P) was used to investigate cryptic diversity among Rhodymenia spp. in southern Australia. Whereas eight species are currently recognized, we uncovered ca. 20 genetic species groups, phylogenetically assigned to four genera in two families. Procumbent specimens with molecular and anatomical signatures of the Fryeellaceae are assigned to Pseudohalopeltis tasmanensis gen. et sp. nov. Collections from Lord Howe Island recorded in the field as Rhodymenia / Fauchea sp. are assigned to the poorly known genus Microphyllum as Microphyllum robustum sp. nov. A cluster of species with distinct molecular and anatomical attributes is included in a resurrected Halopeltis J.G. Agardh, including Halopeltis australis (J. Agardh) comb. nov. (type species); Halopeltis austrina (Womersley) comb. nov.; Halopeltis cuneata (Harvey) comb. nov. [including Rhodymenia halymenioides (J. Agardh) Womersley]; Halopeltis gracilis sp. nov.; Halopeltis prostrata sp. nov.; and Halopeltis verrucosa (Womersley) comb. nov. Four additional species of Halopeltis from Lord Howe Island (LH1, LH2), Tasmania (TAS), and Western Australia are not characterized further. For Rhodymenia sensu stricto, similar levels of cryptic diversity were noted. Samples tentatively field-identified as “ Rhodymenia sonderi ,” but having affiliations to Rhodymenia rather than Halopeltis, are referred to Rhodymenia novahollandica sp. nov. Collections field-identified as R. obtusa are genetically distinct from that species and are assigned to Rhodymenia wilsonis (Sonder) comb. nov. Two highly divergent species currently identified as Rhodymenia leptophylla (LH from Lord Howe Island; TAS from Tasmania), as well as two additional cryptic previously unnamed taxa from South Australia (SA) and Victoria (VIC), are not characterized further.
Non-host resistance responses of Arabidopsis thaliana to the coffee leaf rust fungus (Hemileia vastatrix)
Authors: Gil Azinheira Helena , do Céu Silva Maria , Talhinhas Pedro , Medeira Clara , Maia Isabel , Petitot Anne-Sophie , Fernandez Diana
Published: July 2010

Leaf rust, caused by Hemileia vastatrix Berk & Broome, is the most destructive fungal disease of coffee. In the absence of a suitable gene validation system in coffee, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. may be used as a heterologous system for the molecular dissection of coffee responses to leaf rust. Histological examination of A. thaliana (Col-0) leaves inoculated with H. vastatrix (race II) showed that by 24 h after inoculation (hai), H. vastatrix uredospores differentiated appressoria and penetrated the stomata, but failed to form haustoria. Arabidopsis thaliana cellular resistance responses included hypersensitive-like response (HR) of stomata guard cells together with accumulation of phenolic compounds and callose deposition in walls of epidermal and mesophyll cells. Results indicate that H. vastatrix infection triggered the induction of a set of defence-related genes peaking at 18 and 42 hai. The non-host HR triggered by H. vastatrix in the model plant A. thaliana makes it usable to infer the function of coffee genes involved in pre-haustorial rust resistance.
Spaceflight-induced genetic and epigenetic changes in the rice (Oryza sativa L.) genome are independent of each other
Authors: Ou Xiufang , Long Likun , Wu Ying , Yu Yingjie , Lin Xiuyun , Qi Xin , Liu Bao
Published: July 2010

An array of studies have reported that the spaceflight environment is mutagenic and may induce phenotypic and genetic changes in diverse organisms. We reported recently that in at least some plant species (e.g., rice) the spaceflight environment can be particularly potent in generating heritable epigenetic changes in the form of altered cytosine methylation patterns and activation of transposable elements. To further study the issue of spaceflight-induced genomic instability, and in particular to test whether the incurred genetic and epigenetic changes are connected or independent of each other, we performed the present study. We subjected seeds of the standard laboratory rice ( Oryza sativa L.) cultivar Nipponbare to a spaceflight in the spaceship Long March 2 for 18 days. We then investigated the genetic and DNA methylation stabilities of 11 randomly selected plants germinated from the spaceflown seeds by using two kinds of DNA markers, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and methylation sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP). For AFLP, by using 15 primer combinations, we assessed 460 genomic loci and found that the frequencies of genetic changes across the 11 plants ranged from 0.7% to 6.7% with an average frequency of 3.5%. For MSAP, by using 14 primer combinations, we assessed 467 loci and detected the occurrence of four major types of cytosine methylation alterations at the CCGG sites, namely CG or CNG hypomethylation and CG or CNG hypermethylation. Collectively, the frequencies of the two kinds of hypermethylation, CG (1.95%) and CNG (1.44%), are about two times higher than those of the two kinds of hypomethylation, CG (0.76%) and CNG (0.80%), though different plants showed variable frequencies for each type of alteration. Further analysis suggested that both the genetic and cytosine methylation changes manifested apparent mutational bias towards specific genomic regions, but the two kinds of instabilities are independent of each other based on correlation analysis.
Design load of rigid footings on sand
Authors: Diaz Edgar G. , Rodríguez-Roa Fernando
Published: July 2010

Experimental evidence has shown that most current methods are not able to predict design loads of footings on cohesionless soil with an acceptable degree of accuracy. In the present study, a simple and realistic settlement-based method is proposed to estimate the design load of rigid footings on sand subjected to static vertical loading. The design criterion based on restricting the end-of-construction settlement to 16 mm because of the inherent variability of the real soil deposits is herein adopted. A series of finite-element analyses based on an advanced constitutive model were carried out to study the load–settlement response of footings supported on 14 sandy soils. Routine design charts were developed to predict the net allowable soil pressure of footings on normally consolidated and overconsolidated sands. These charts consider footing shape, embedment depth, grain diameters D10and D60, particle shape, unit weight (or submerged unit weight for saturated sands), and indirect measurements of the shear strength derived from in situ tests, such as relative density, standard penetration test (SPT) or cone penetration test (CPT). As shown, the proposed charts match well with available experimental data.
Mature fine tailings from oil sands processing harbour diverse methanogenic communities
Authors: Penner Tara J. , Foght Julia M.
Published: July 2010

Processing oil sands to extract bitumen produces large volumes of a tailings slurry comprising water, silt, clays, unrecovered bitumen, and residual solvent used in the extraction process. Tailings are deposited into large settling basins, where the solids settle by gravity to become denser mature fine tailings (MFT). A substantial flux of methane, currently estimated at ~40 million L/day, is being emitted from the Mildred Lake Settling Basin. To better understand the biogenesis of this greenhouse gas, the methanogenic consortia in MFT samples from depth profiles in 2 tailings deposits (Mildred Lake Settling Basin and West In-Pit) were analyzed by constructing clone libraries of amplified archaeal and bacterial 16S rRNA genes. The archaeal sequences, whose closest matches were almost exclusively cultivated methanogens, were comparable within and between basins and were predominantly (87% of clones) affiliated with acetoclastic Methanosaeta spp. In contrast, bacterial clone libraries were unexpectedly diverse, with the majority (~55%) of sequences related to Proteobacteria, including some presumptive nitrate-, iron-, or sulfate-reducing, hydrocarbon-degrading genera (e.g., Thauera, Rhodoferax, and Desulfatibacillum). Thus, MFT harbour a diverse community of prokaryotes presumptively responsible for producing methane from substrates indigenous to the MFT. These findings contribute to our understanding of biogenic methane production and densification of MFT in oil sands tailings deposits.
Molecular methods for the diagnosis and characterization ofCryptococcus: a review
Authors: Sidrim José Júlio Costa , Costa Ana Karoline Freire , Cordeiro Rossana Aguiar , Brilhante Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira , Moura Fernanda Edna Araújo , Castelo-Branco Débora Souza Collares Maia , Neto Manoel Paiva de Araújo , Rocha Marcos Fábio Gadelha
Published: July 2010

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus , with Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii as the primary pathogenic species. This disease is a threat to immunocompromised patients, especially those who have AIDS. However, the disease has also been described in healthy individuals. The tests used to identify these microorganisms have limitations that make final diagnosis difficult. However, currently there are specific gene sequences that can be used to detect C. neoformans and C. gattii from clinical specimens and cultures. These sequences can be used for identification, typing, and the study of population genetics. Among the main identification techniques are hybridization, which was the pioneer in molecular identification and development of specific probes for pathogen detection; PCR and other PCR-based methods, particularly nested PCR and multiplex PCR; and sequencing of specific genomic regions that are amplified through PCR, which is especially useful for diagnosis of cryptococcosis caused by unconventional Cryptococcus sp. Concerning microorganism typing, the following techniques have shown the best ability to differentiate between fungal serotypes and molecular types: PCR fingerprinting, PCR–RFLP, AFLP, and MLST. Thus, the accumulation of data generated by molecular methods can have a positive impact on monitoring resistant strains and treating diseases.
Culturable bacterial microflora associated with nectarine fruit and their potential for control of brown rot
Authors: Janisiewicz Wojciech J. , Buyer Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2010

Microflora of fruit surfaces have been the best source of antagonists against fungi causing postharvest decay of fruit. However, there is little information on microflora colonizing surfaces of fruits other than grape, apple, and citrus. We characterized bacterial microflora on nectarine fruit surfaces from the early stage of development until harvest. Identification of bacterial strains was made using MIDI (fatty acid methyl ester analysis) and Biolog systems. Biolog identified 35% and MIDI 53% of the strains. Thus results from MIDI were used to determine the frequency of occurrence of genera and species. The most frequently occurring genera were Curtobacterium (21.31%), followed by Pseudomonas (19.99%), Microbacterium (13.57%), Clavibacter (9.69%), Pantoea (6.59%), and Enterobacter (4.26%). The frequency of isolations of some bacteria — for example, the major pseudomonads (Pseudomonas syringae, Pseudomonas putida, and Pseudomonas savastanoi) or Pantoea agglomerans — tended to decline as fruit developed. As Pseudomonas declined, Curtobacterium became more dominant. Time of isolation was a significant factor in the frequency of occurrence of different bacteria, indicating succession of the genera. Throughput screening of the bacterial strains against Monilinia fructicola on nectarine fruit resulted in the detection of strains able to control brown rot. The 10 best-performing antagonistic strains were subjected to secondary screening. Four strains reduced decay severity by more than 50% (51.7%–91.4% reduction) at the high pathogen inoculum concentration of 105conidia/mL.
Analysis of high-level S-layer protein secretion inCaulobacter crescentus
Authors: Lau Janny Ho Yu , Nomellini John F. , Smit John
Published: July 2010

Caulobacter crescentus exhibits a hexagonally arranged protein layer on its outermost surface. RsaA, the sole protein of this “S-layer”, is secreted by a type I (ABC) transporter. Few type I transporters show high-level secretion, and few bacterial S-layers have been carefully examined for the amount of protein synthesis capacity needed to maintain cell coverage. Here we determined RsaA levels by quantitative immunoblotting methods, learned that very stable mRNA is a key factor in high-level secretion, and found that the transporter was capable of still higher secretion. A propensity for RsaA to aggregate was a barrier to quantitation, but with the use of S-layer shedding mutants and methods to keep RsaA soluble, we learned that ~31% of cell protein is RsaA. When multiple copies of rsaA were introduced, the level increased to ~51% of cell protein, a higher level than we are aware of for any protein in any bacterium. Unexpectedly, in comparing normal and S-layer shedding strains, an assembled S-layer was not a significant barrier to elevated secretion. The rsaA mRNA half-life was determined by real-time PCR to be 36 min, ranking with the most stable known in bacteria. A modification of the 5′ region resulted in a shorter half-life and a reduction in maximum protein synthesis levels. If secretion was prevented by knockout of type I transporter genes, RsaA levels dropped to 10% or less of normal, but with no significant reduction in rsaA mRNA. Overall, normal levels of RsaA were unexpectedly high, and still higher levels were not limited by transporter capability, the presence of an assembled S-layer, or the capacity of the cell’s physiology to produce large amounts of one protein. The normal upper limit of RsaA production appears to be controlled only by the level of an unusually stable message. Significant down-regulation is possible and is accomplished posttranscriptionally.
Implications of faecal indicator bacteria for the microbiological assessment of roof-harvested rainwater quality in southeast Queensland, Australia
Authors: Ahmed W. , Goonetilleke A. , Gardner T.
Published: July 2010

The study aimed to evaluate the suitability of Escherichia coli , enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens for assessing the microbiological quality of roof-harvested rainwater and assessing whether the concentrations of these faecal indicators can be used to predict the presence or absence of specific zoonotic bacterial or protozoan pathogens. From a total of 100 samples tested, 58%, 83%, and 46% of samples were found to be positive for, respectively, E. coli, enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens spores, as determined by traditional culture-based methods. Additionally, in the samples tested, 7%, 19%, 1%, 8%, 17%, and 15% were PCR positive for Aeromonas hydrophila lip, Campylobacter coli ceuE, Campylobacter jejuni mapA, Legionella pneumophila mip, Salmonella invA, and Giardia lamblia β-giardin genes, respectively. However, none of the samples was positive for E. coli O157 lipopolysaccharide, verocytotoxin 1, and verocytotoxin 2 and Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst wall protein genes. The presence or absence of these potential pathogens did not correlate with any of the faecal indicator bacterial concentrations as determined by a binary logistic regression model. The roof-harvested rainwater samples tested in this study appeared to be of poor microbiological quality, and no significant correlation was found between the concentration of faecal indicators and pathogenic microorganisms. The use of faecal indicator bacteria raises questions regarding their reliability in assessing the microbiological quality of water and particularly their poor correlation with pathogenic microorganisms. The presence of one or more zoonotic pathogens suggests that the microbiological analysis of water should be performed and that appropriate treatment measures should be undertaken, especially in tanks where the water is used for drinking.
Glucose-induced endothelin-1 expression is regulated by ERK5 in the endothelial cells and retina of diabetic ratsThis article is one of a selection of papers published in the two-part special issue entitled 20 Years of Endothelin Research.
Authors: Wu Yuexiu , Feng Biao , Chen Shali , Zuo Yufeng , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: July 2010

Upregulation of endothelin 1 (ET-1) causing blood flow alteration and increased extracellular matrix production are characteristic features of diabetic angiopathy. Several glucose-induced signaling mechanisms cause ET-1 upregulation in diabetic angiopathy. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is a member of the MAPK family, which plays a key role in cardiovascular development. ERK kinase (MEK) 5 is the specific MEK for ERK5 activation. In this study we examined the role of glucose-induced ERK5 signaling in mediating ET-1 expression in diabetic angiopathy. We investigated retinas from 1-month STZ-induced diabetic rats and human macro- and microvascular endothelial cells to study ERK5-dependent ET-1 alterations. Glucose (25 mmol/L) caused significant upregulation of ET-1 mRNA and downregulation of ERK5 and Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) after 24 h treatment in the endothelial cells. Simultaneously, phospho-ERK5 proteins were reduced. Activation of ERK5 by constitutively active MEK5 (caMEK5) upregulated KLF2 and suppressed ET-1 expression in both cell lines, whereas ERK5 siRNA transfection resulted in decreased ERK5 and KLF2 and increased ET-1 mRNA expression. In addition, caMEK5 prevented glucose-induced upregulation of ET-1. Furthermore, 1 month of diabetes caused a significant increase in retinal ET-1 mRNA and decrease in ERK5 mRNA expression. These data indicate that ERK5 signaling regulates glucose-induced ET-1 expression in diabetes. The ERK5/ET-1 pathway may provide a potential novel target for the treatment of diabetic angiopathy.
Dual endothelin receptor antagonism prevents remodeling of resistance arteries in diabetesThis article is one of a selection of papers published in the two-part special issue entitled 20 Years of Endothelin Research.
Authors: Sachidanandam Kamakshi , Portik-Dobos Vera , Kelly-Cobbs Aisha I. , Ergul Adviye
Published: July 2010

Vascular remodeling, characterized by extracellular matrix deposition and increased media-to-lumen (M/L) ratio, contributes to the development of microvascular complications in diabetes. We have previously shown in type 2 diabetic Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats that selective ETAreceptor blockade prevents medial thickening of mesenteric arteries via regulation of matrix metalloproteases (MMP), whereas selective ETBreceptor blockade augments this thickening. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of combined ETAand ETBreceptor blockade on resistance vessel remodeling. Vessel structure, MMP activity, and extracellular matrix proteins were assessed in control Wistar and diabetic GK rats treated with vehicle or bosentan (100 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks (n = 7–9 per group). Bosentan completely prevented the increase in M/L ratio and MMP-2 activity in diabetes but paradoxically increased M/L ratio and MMP activation in control animals. Collagenase (MMP-13) activity and protein levels were significantly decreased in diabetes. Accordingly, collagen deposition was augmented in GK rats. Dual ET receptor antagonism improved enzyme activity and normalized MMP-13 levels in diabetic animals but blunted MMP-13 activity in control animals. In summary, current findings suggest that diabetes-mediated remodeling of resistance arteries is prevented by dual blockade of ETAand ETBreceptors and that the relative role of ET receptors in the regulation of vascular structure differs in the control and disease states.
Activation of endothelin A receptors contributes to impaired responsiveness of renal mechanosensory nerves in congestive heart failureThis article is one of a selection of papers published in the two-part special issue entitled 20 Years of Endothelin Research.
Authors: Kopp Ulla C. , Cicha Michael Z. , Jones Susan Y.
Published: July 2010

Increasing renal pelvic pressure results in PGE2-mediated release of substance P, leading to increases in afferent renal nerve activity (ARNA) and natriuresis, that is, a renorenal reflex response. The renorenal reflexes are impaired in congestive heart failure (CHF). Impairment of the renorenal reflexes may contribute to the increased renal sympathetic nerve activity and sodium retention in CHF. Endothelin (ET)-1 contributes to the pathological changes in cardiac and renal function in CHF. Therefore, we examined whether the ETA receptor antagonist BQ123 altered the responsiveness of renal mechanosensory nerves in CHF. The ARNA responses to increasing renal pelvic pressure were suppressed in CHF but not in sham-CHF rats. In CHF, increasing renal pelvic pressure by 7.5 mm Hg before and during renal pelvic perfusion with BQ123 increased ARNA 12% ± 3% and 21% ± 3% (p < 0.05 vs. vehicle). In isolated renal pelvises from CHF rats, PGE2 increased substance P release from 5 ± 0 to 7 ± 1 pg/min without BQ123 and from 4 ± 1 to 9 ± 1 pg/min with BQ123 in the bath (p < 0.01 vs. vehicle). BQ123 had no effect on the ARNA responses or substance P release in sham-CHF. In conclusion, activation of ETA receptors contributes to the impaired responsiveness of renal mechanosensory nerves in CHF rats by a mechanism(s) at the renal sensory nerve endings.
Endothelial cell-specific ETB receptor knockout: autoradiographic and histological characterisation and crucial role in the clearance of endothelin-1This article is one of a selection of papers published in the two-part special issue entitled 20 Years of Endothelin Research.
Authors: Kelland N.F. , Kuc R.E. , McLean D.L. , Azfer A. , Bagnall A.J. , Gray G.A. , Gulliver-Sloan F.H. , Maguire J.J. , Davenport A.P. , Kotelevtsev Y.V. , Webb D.J.
Published: July 2010

Inactivation of endothelin B receptors (ETB), either through selective pharmacological antagonism or genetic mutation, increases the circulating concentration of endothelin-1 (ET-1), suggesting ETB plays an important role in clearance of this peptide. However, the cellular site of ETB-mediated clearance has not yet been determined. We have used a novel mouse model of endothelial cell-specific knockout (KO) of ETB (EC ETB–/–) to evaluate the relative contribution of EC-ETB to the clearance of ET-1. Phenotypic evidence of EC-specific ETB KO was confirmed by immunocytochemistry and autoradiography. Binding of the radiolabelled selective ETB ligand BQ3020 was significantly and selectively decreased in EC-rich tissues of EC ETB–/– mice, including the lung, liver, and kidney. By contrast, ETA binding was unaltered. RT-PCR confirmed equal expression of ET-1 in tissue from EC ETB–/– mice and controls, despite increased concentration of plasma ET-1 in EC ETB–/–. Clearance of an intravenous bolus of [125I]ET-1 was impaired in EC ETB–/– mice. Pretreatment with the selective ETB antagonist A192621 impaired [125I]ET-1 clearance in control animals to a similar extent, but did not further impair clearance in EC ETB–/– mice. These studies suggest that EC-ETB are largely responsible for the clearance of ET-1 from the circulation.
Endothelins implicated in referred mechanical hyperalgesia associated with colitis induced by TNBS in miceThis article is one of a selection of papers published in the two-part special issue entitled 20 Years of Endothelin Research.
Authors: Claudino Rafaela Franco , Marcon Rodrigo , Bento Allisson Freire , Chichorro Juliana Geremias , Rae Giles Alexander
Published: July 2010

This study evaluated the contribution of endothelins to changes in sensitivity to mechanical stimulation of the lower abdomen and hind paw associated with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. The frequency of withdrawal responses to 10 consecutive applications of von Frey probes to the lower abdomen (0.07 g) or hind paw (0.4 g) was assessed in male BALB/c mice before and after intracolonic TNBS injection (0.5 mg in 100 µL of 35% ethanol). TNBS (0.5 mg) induced referred mechanical hyperalgesia in the abdomen (response frequencies at 24 h: saline 11.0% ± 3.1%, TNBS 48.0% ± 6.9%) and hind paw (frequencies at 24 h: saline 12.5% ± 4.7%, TNBS 47.1% ± 7.1%) lasting up to 72 and 48 h, respectively. Mice receiving 1.0 or 1.5 mg TNBS assumed hunch-backed postures and became immobile during abdominal mechanical stimulation, suggestive of excessive ongoing pain. Atrasentan (ETA receptor antagonist; 10 and 30 mg/kg, i.v.) given 24 h after TNBS abolished hind paw and abdominal mechanical hyperalgesia for 2–3 h. A-192621 (ETB receptor antagonist; 20 mg/kg, i.v.) attenuated abdominal mechanical hyperalgesia at the 3 h time point only. Thus, endothelins contribute importantly to abdominal and hind paw referred mechanical hyperalgesia during TNBS-induced colitis mainly through ETA receptor-signaled mechanisms.
TRANSFORMATION OF SOUND AND ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES IN NON-STATIONARY MEDIA
Authors: MKRTCHYAN A. R. , HAYRAPETYAN A. G. , KHACHATRYAN B. V. , PETROSYAN R. G.
Published: July 2010

Transformation (reflection and transmission) of sound and electromagnetic waves are considered in non-stationary media, properties of which abruptly change in time. Reflection and transmission coefficients for both amplitudes and intensities of sound and electromagnetic waves are obtained. Quantitative relations between the reflection and transmission coefficients for both sound and electromagnetic waves are given. The sum of the energy flux reflection and transmission coefficients for both types of waves is not equal to one (for sound waves it is greater than one). The energy of both waves is not conserved, that is, exchange of the energy occurs between the corresponding waves and medium. As a result, the sound wave obtains a notable property: the transmitting wave carries energy equal to the sum of the energies of the incident and reflected waves. A possibility of the amplification of sound waves and transformation of their frequencies is illustrated.
Differential effects of hypothalamic long-chain fatty acid infusions on suppression of hepatic glucose production
Authors: Ross R. A. , Rossetti L. , Lam T. K. T. , Schwartz G. J.
Published: July 2010

Our objective was to investigate whether the direct bilateral infusion of the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) oleic acid (OA) within the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) is sufficient to reproduce the effect of administration of OA (30 nmol) in the third cerebral ventricle, which inhibits glucose production (GP) in rats. We used the pancreatic basal insulin clamp technique (plasma insulin ∼20 mU/ml) in combination with tracer dilution methodology to compare the effect of MBH OA on GP to that of a saturated fatty acid (SFA), palmitic acid (PA), and a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), linoleic acid (LA). The MBH infusion of 200 but not 40 pmol of OA was sufficient to markedly inhibit GP (by 61% from 12.6 ± 0.6 to 5.1 ± 1.6 mg·kg−1·min−1) such that exogenous glucose had to be infused at the rate of 6.0 ± 1.2 mg·kg−1·min−1to prevent hypoglycemia. MBH infusion of PA also caused a significant decrease in GP, but only at a total dose of 4 nmol (GP 5.8 ± 1.6 mg·kg−1·min−1). Finally, MBH LA at a total dose of 0.2 and 4 nmol failed to modify GP compared with rats receiving MBH vehicle. Increased availability of OA within the MBH is sufficient to markedly inhibit GP. LA does not share the effect of OA, whereas PA can reproduce the potent effect of OA on GP, but only at a higher dose. It remains to be determined whether SFAs need to be converted to MUFAs to exert this effect or whether they activate a separate signaling pathway to inhibit GP.
Hyperglycemia and advanced glycosylation end products suppress adipocyte apoE expression: implications for adipocyte triglyceride metabolism
Authors: Espiritu Doris Joy , Huang Zhi Hua , Zhao Yong , Mazzone Theodore
Published: July 2010

Endogenous adipocyte apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays an important role in adipocyte lipoprotein metabolism and lipid flux. A potential role for hyperglycemia in regulating adipocyte apoE expression and triglyceride metabolism was examined. Exposure of adipocytes to high glucose or advanced glycosylation end product-BSA significantly suppressed apoE mRNA and protein levels. This suppression was significantly attenuated by antioxidants or inhibitors of the NF-κB transcription pathway. Hyperglycemia in vivo led to adipose tissue oxidant stress and significant reduction in adipose tissue and adipocyte apoE mRNA level. Incubation with antioxidant in organ culture completely reversed this suppression. Hyperglycemia also reduced adipocyte triglyceride synthesis, and this could be completely reversed by adenoviral-mediated increases in apoE. To more specifically evaluate an in vivo role for adipocyte apoE expression on organismal triglyceride distribution in vivo, WT or apoE knockout (EKO) adipose tissue was transplanted in EKO recipient mice. After 12 wk, WT adipocytes transplanted in EKO mice accumulated more triglyceride compared with transplanted EKO adipocytes. In addition, EKO recipients of WT adipose tissue had reduced hepatic triglyceride content compared with EKO recipients transplanted with EKO adipose tissue. Our results demonstrate that hyperglycemia and advanced glycosylation end products suppress the expression of adipocyte apoE in vitro and in vivo and thereby reduce adipocyte triglyceride synthesis. In vivo results using adipose tissue transplantation suggest that reduction of adipocyte apoE, and subsequent reduction of adipocyte triglyceride accumulation, could influence lipid accumulation in nonadipose tissue.
Postmovement Changes in the Frequency and Amplitude of Physiological Tremor Despite Unchanged Neural Output
Authors: Reynolds Raymond , Lakie Martin
Published: July 2010

Active or passive movement causes a temporary reduction in muscle stiffness that gradually returns to baseline levels when the muscle remains still. This effect, termed muscle thixotropy, alters the mechanical properties of the joint around which the muscle acts, reducing its resonant frequency. Because physiological tremor is affected by joint mechanics, this suggests that prior movement may alter tremor independently of neural output. To address this possibility, vertical acceleration of the outstretched prone hand was recorded in eight healthy subjects, along with EMG activity of the extensor digitorum communis muscle. A series of voluntary wrist flexion/extension movements was performed every 20 s, interspersed by periods during which hand position was maintained. Time-dependent changes in the amplitude and frequency of acceleration and EMG were analyzed using a continuous wavelet transform. Immediately following movement, acceleration displayed a significant increase in wavelet power accompanied by a reduction in peak frequency. During the postmovement period, power declined by 63%, and frequency increased from 7.2 to 8.0 Hz. These changes occurred with an exponential time constant of 2–4 s, consistent with a thixotropic mechanism. In contrast to acceleration, EMG activity showed no significant changes despite being strongly related to acceleration during the movement itself. These results show that prior movement transiently increases the amplitude and reduces the frequency of physiological tremor, despite unchanging neural output. This effect is best explained by a reduction in joint stiffness caused by muscle thixotropy, highlighting the importance of mechanical factors in the genesis of physiological tremor.
Metabolomic profiles indicate distinct physiological pathways affected by two loci with major divergent effect on Bos taurus growth and lipid deposition
Authors: Weikard Rosemarie , Altmaier Elisabeth , Suhre Karsten , Weinberger Klaus M. , Hammon Harald M. , Albrecht Elke , Setoguchi Kouji , Takasuga Akiko , Kühn Christa
Published: July 2010

Identifying trait-associated genetic variation offers new prospects to reveal novel physiological pathways modulating complex traits. Taking advantage of a unique animal model, we identified the I442M mutation in the non-SMC condensin I complex, subunit G ( NCAPG) gene and the Q204X mutation in the growth differentiation factor 8 ( GDF8) gene as substantial modulators of pre- and/or postnatal growth in cattle. In a combined metabolomic and genotype association approach, which is the first respective study in livestock, we surveyed the specific physiological background of the effects of both loci on body-mass gain and lipid deposition. Our data provided confirming evidence from two historically and geographically distant cattle populations that the onset of puberty is the key interval of divergent growth. The locus-specific metabolic patterns obtained from monitoring 201 plasma metabolites at puberty mirror the particular NCAPG I442M and GDF8 Q204X effects and represent biosignatures of divergent physiological pathways potentially modulating effects on proportional and disproportional growth, respectively. While the NCAPG I442M mutation affected the arginine metabolism, the 204X allele in the GDF8 gene predominantly raised the carnitine level and had concordant effects on glycerophosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins. Our study provides a conclusive link between the well-described growth-regulating functions of arginine metabolism and the previously unknown specific physiological role of the NCAPG protein in mammalian metabolism. Owing to the confirmed effect of the NCAPG/LCORL locus on human height in genome-wide association studies, the results obtained for bovine NCAPG might add valuable, comparative information on the physiological background of genetically determined divergent mammalian growth.
Zinc(II) and Nickel(II) Benzoate Complexes from the Use of 1‐methyl‐4,5‐diphenylimidazole
Authors: Kounavi Konstantina A. , Manos Manolis J. , Tasiopoulos Anastasios J. , Perlepes Spyros P. , Nastopoulos Vassilios
Published: July 2010

Two new complexes,   (1·2MeOH) and   (2·2MeCN), have been synthesized and characterized by X‐ray analysis in the course of an ongoing investigation of the MII/X−/L  [MII = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; ; L = 1‐methyl‐4,5‐diphenylimidazole] reaction system, aiming at understanding and assessing the relative strength and the way in which the intermolecular interactions control the supramolecular organization of these compounds. In the mononuclear complex 1·2MeOH, the benzoate ion acts as a monodentate ligand resulting in a distorted tetrahedral N2O2 coordination environment. Complex 2·2MeCN exhibits a dinuclear paddle‐wheel structure; each NiII has a square pyramidal NiNO4 chromophore with four benzoate oxygens in the basal plane and the pyridine‐type nitrogen atom of one ligand L at the apex. The structure of 1·2MeOH is stabilized by intramolecular π‐π interactions between aromatic rings of adjacent 4,5‐diphenylimidazole moieties; it is a feature also evidenced in similar compounds of the type [MX2L2].
The Cyclical Behaviour of Real Wages: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Tawadros George B.
Published: July 2010

This paper analyses the behaviour of real wages over the business cycle for Australia, using quarterly observations for the period 1984  :  1–2008  :  2. The unobserved cyclical components of prices, real wages, and three other cyclical variables are extracted from the observed time series using Harvey′s (1985, 1989) structural time series model. A model relating these components is estimated, producing results which show that both prices and real wages are procyclical.
A Viscosity Hybrid Steepest Descent Method for Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems and Variational Inequalities for Relaxed Cocoercive Mapping in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Chantarangsi Wanpen , Jaiboon Chaichana , Kumam Poom
Published: July 2010

We present an iterative method for fixed point problems, generalized mixed equilibrium problems,
and variational inequality problems. Our method is based on the so‐called viscosity hybrid steepest descent
method. Using this method, we can find the common element of the set of fixed points of a nonexpansive mapping, the
set of solutions of generalized mixed equilibrium problems, and the set of solutions of variational inequality problems for
a relaxed cocoercive mapping in a real Hilbert space. Then, we prove the strong convergence of the proposed iterative
scheme to the unique solution of variational inequality. The results presented in this paper generalize and extend some
well‐known strong convergence theorems in the literature.
Does Type of Tumor Histology Impact Survival among Patients with Stage IIIB/IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with First-Line Doublet Chemotherapy?
Authors: Clements Karen M. , Peltz Gerson , Faries Douglas E. , Lang Kathleen , Nyambose Joshua , Earle Craig C. , Sugarman Katherine P. , Taylor Douglas C. A. , Thompson David , Marciniak Martin D.
Published: July 2010

Chemotherapy regimens may have differential efficacy by histology in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We examined the impact of histology on survival of patients (N=2,644) with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC who received first-line cisplatin/carboplatin plus gemcitabine (C/C+G) and cisplatin/carboplatin plus a taxane (C/C+T) identified retrospectively in the SEER cancer registry (1997–2002). Patients with squamous and nonsquamous cell carcinoma survived 8.5 months and 8.1 months, respectively (P=.018). No statistically significant difference was observed in survival between C/C+G and C/C+T in both histologies. Adjusting for clinical and demographic characteristics, the effect of treatment regimen on survival did not differ by histology (P for interaction =.257). There was no statistically significant difference in hazard of death by histology in both groups. These results contrast the predictive role of histology and improved survival outcomes observed for cisplatin-pemetrexed regimens in advanced nonsquamous NSCLC.
Lipid Disturbances in Psoriasis: An Update
Authors: Pietrzak Aldona , Michalak-Stoma Anna , Chodorowska Grażyna , Szepietowski Jacek C.
Published: July 2010

Psoriasis is a common disease with the population prevalence ranging from 2% to 3%. Its prevalence in the population is affected by genetic, environmental, viral, infectious, immunological, biochemical, endocrinological, and psychological factors, as well as alcohol and drug abuse. In the recent years, psoriasis has been recognised as a systemic disease associated with numerous multiorgan abnormalities and complications. Dyslipidemia is one of comorbidities in psoriatic patients. Lipid metabolism studies in psoriasis have been started at the beginning of the 20th century and are concentrated on skin surface lipids, stratum corneum lipids and epidermal phospholipids, serum lipids, dermal low-density lipoproteins in the psoriatic skin, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and correlations between inflammatory parameters, lipid parameters and clinical symptoms of the disease. On the basis of the literature data, psoriasis can be described as an immunometabolic disease.
Robust Model Predictive Control Schemes for Tracking Setpoints
Authors: Minh Vu Trieu , Bin Mohd Hashim Fakhruldin
Published: July 2010

This paper briefly reviews the development of nontracking robust model predictive control (RMPC) schemes for uncertain systems using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) subject to input saturated and softened state constraints. Then we develop two new tracking setpoint RMPC schemes with common Lyapunov function and with zero terminal equality subject to input saturated and softened state constraints. The novel tracking setpoint RMPC schemes are able to stabilize uncertain systems once the output setpoints lead to the violation of the state constraints. The state violation can be regulated by changing the value of the weighting factor. A brief comparative simulation study of the two tracking setpoint RMPC schemes is done via simple examples to demonstrate the ability of the softened state constraint schemes. Finally, some features of future research from this study are discussed.
Bevacizumab Demonstrates Prolonged Disease Stabilization in Patients with Heavily Pretreated Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Agostino Nicole M. , Gingrich Rebecca , Drabick Joseph J.
Published: July 2010

There are now a variety of therapies approved for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). These include the immunotherapeutics, alfa-interferon, and interleukin-2, and agents that target the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) via its tyrosine kinase, such as sorafenib, sunitinib, and pazopanib, or the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), such as temsirolimus and everolimus. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the ligand, VEGF, has shown activity against RCC as a single agent in patients who had failed prior cytokine therapy and as first line therapy in combination with interferon. The activity of bevacizumab in patients who had received and failed prior therapy has not been described. We report our experience in 4 patients with metastatic RCC who had failed prior cytokine, TKI, and mTOR inhibitors who were treated with bevacizumab as single agent therapy. These heavily pretreated patients sustained very prolonged periods of stable disease (median of 12 months) with very little toxicity and excellent quality of life. The activity of this agent in patients who had failed prior therapies directed against the VEGFR and mTOR suggests that therapy targeting the ligand, VEGF, is still a viable approach in these patients and deserves further study.