bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of LpxC Protects Mice from Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii by Modulating Inflammation and Enhancing Phagocytosis
Authors: Lin Lin , Tan Brandon , Pantapalangkoor Paul , Ho Tiffany , Baquir Beverlie , Tomaras Andrew , Montgomery Justin I. , Reilly Usa , Barbacci Elsa G. , Hujer Kristine , Bonomo Robert A. , Fernandez Lucia , Hancock Robert E. W. , Adams Mark D. , French Samuel W. , Buslon Virgil S. , Spellberg Brad
Published: October 2012

New treatments are needed for extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), such asAcinetobacter baumannii. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was previously reported to enhance bacterial clearance of GNB, includingA. baumannii. However, here we have shown that 100% of wild-type mice versus 0% of TLR4-deficient mice died of septic shock due toA. baumanniiinfection, despite having similar tissue bacterial burdens. The strain lipopolysaccharide (LPS) content and TLR4 activation by extracted LPS did not correlate within vivovirulence, nor did colistin resistance due to LPS phosphoethanolamine modification. However, more-virulent strains shed more LPS during growth than less-virulent strains, resulting in enhanced TLR4 activation. Due to the role of LPS inA. baumanniivirulence, an LpxC inhibitor (which affects lipid A biosynthesis) antibiotic was tested. The LpxC inhibitor did not inhibit growth of the bacterium (MIC > 512 µg/ml) but suppressedA. baumanniiLPS-mediated activation of TLR4. Treatment of infected mice with the LpxC inhibitor enhanced clearance of the bacteria by enhancing opsonophagocytic killing, reduced serum LPS concentrations and inflammation, and completely protected the mice from lethal infection. These results identify a previously unappreciated potential for the new class of LpxC inhibitor antibiotics to treat XDRA. baumanniiinfections. Furthermore, they have far-reaching implications for pathogenesis and treatment of infections caused by GNB and for the discovery of novel antibiotics not detected by standardin vitroscreens.

IMPORTANCENovel treatments are needed for infections caused byAcinetobacter baumannii, a Gram-negative bacterium that is extremely antibiotic resistant. The current study was undertaken to understand the immunopathogenesis of these infections, as a basis for defining novel treatments. The primary strain characteristic that differentiated virulent from less-virulent strains was shedding of Gram-negative lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during growth. A novel class of antibiotics, called LpxC inhibitors, block LPS synthesis, but these drugs do not demonstrate the ability to killA. baumanniiin vitro. We found that an LpxC inhibitor blocked the ability of bacteria to activate the sepsis cascade, enhanced opsonophagocytic killing of the bacteria, and protected mice from lethal infection. Thus, an entire new class of antibiotics which is already in development has heretofore-unrecognized potential to treatA. baumanniiinfections. Furthermore, standard antibiotic screens based onin vitrokilling failed to detect this treatment potential of LpxC inhibitors forA. baumanniiinfections.
EspZ of Enteropathogenic and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Regulates Type III Secretion System Protein Translocation
Authors: Berger Cedric N. , Crepin Valerie F. , Baruch Kobi , Mousnier Aurelie , Rosenshine Ilan , Frankel Gad
Published: October 2012

Translocation of effector proteins via a type III secretion system (T3SS) is a widespread infection strategy among Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Each pathogen translocates a particular set of effectors that subvert cell signaling in a way that suits its particular infection cycle. However, as effector unbalance might lead to cytotoxicity, the pathogens must employ mechanisms that regulate the intracellular effector concentration. We present evidence that the effector EspZ controls T3SS effector translocation from enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC)
Escherichia coli
. Consistently, an EPEC
espZ
mutant is highly cytotoxic. Following ectopic expression, we found that EspZ inhibited the formation of actin pedestals as it blocked the translocation of Tir, as well as other effectors, including Map and EspF. Moreover, during infection EspZ inhibited effector translocation following superinfection. Importantly, while EspZ of EHEC O157:H7 had a universal “translocation stop” activity, EspZ of EPEC inhibited effector translocation from typical EPEC strains but not from EHEC O157:H7 or its progenitor, atypical EPEC O55:H7. We found that the N and C termini of EspZ, which contains two transmembrane domains, face the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane at the site of bacterial attachment, while the extracellular loop of EspZ is responsible for its strain-specific activity. These results show that EPEC and EHEC acquired a sophisticated mechanism to regulate the effector translocation.

IMPORTANCE
Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC) are important diarrheal pathogens responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries and the developed world, respectively. The virulence strategy of EPEC and EHEC revolves around a conserved type III secretion system (T3SS), which translocates bacterial proteins known as effectors directly into host cells. Previous studies have shown that when cells are infected in two waves with EPEC, the first wave inhibits effector translocation by the second wave in a T3SS-dependent manner, although the factor involved was not known. Importantly, we identified EspZ as the effector responsible for blocking protein translocation following a secondary EPEC infection. Interestingly, we found that while EspZ of EHEC can block protein translocation from both EPEC and EHEC strains, EPEC EspZ cannot block translocation from EHEC. These studies show that EPEC and EHEC employ a novel infection strategy to regulate T3SS translocation.
Kidney infarction in Friedreich's ataxia with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Evangelopoulos Dimitrios Stergios , Pirvu Tatiana Nataly , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Kohl Sandro
Published: October 2012

A 37-year-old man with advanced Friedreich's ataxia was referred to our emergency department with acute exacerbated abdominal pain of unclear aetiology. Laboratory tests showed slightly increased inflammatory parameters, elevated troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide, as well as minimal proteinuria. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a pre-existing dilated cardiomyopathy. Abdominal sonography showed no pathological alterations. Owing to persistent pain under analgesia, a contrast-enhanced CT-abdomen was performed, which revealed a non-homogeneous perfusion deficit of the right kidney, although neither abdominal vascular alteration, cardiac thrombus, deep vein thrombosis nor a patent foramen ovale could be detected. Taking all clinical and radiological results into consideration, the current incident was diagnosed as a thromboembolic kidney infarction. As a consequence, lifelong oral anticoagulation was initiated.
Clues to diagnosing culture negativeListeriarhombencephalitis
Authors: O'Callaghan Marguerite , Mok TzeHow , Lefter Stela , Harrington Hugh
Published: October 2012

A previously healthy 35-year-old Caucasian woman developed left body (including facial) hemianaesthesia, asymmetrical lower cranial nerve palsies and cerebellar signs after a 4-day history of headache, nausea and vomiting. Serial blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures returned negative for a culprit organism. CSF examination revealed a lymphocytic pleocytosis and an elevated protein count. CSF cytological examination identified plasma cells. MRI of brain showed multiple ring-enhancing ‘abscess-like’ lesions in the brainstem and upper cervical cord together with abnormal meningeal enhancement. A decision was made to treat her empirically forListeriarhombencephalitis to which she responded completely. CSF PCR eventually returned positive forListeria monocytogenes. This case illustrates the utility of clinical features, MRI, CSF cytology and PCR in diagnosis and treatment of culture negativeL monocytogenesrhombencephalitis in an immunocompetent individual.
Reactive amyloidosis complicated by end-stage renal disease 28 years after liquid silicone injection in the buttocks
Authors: d'Ythurbide Geraldine , Kerrou Khaldoun , Brocheriou Isabelle , Hertig Alexandre
Published: October 2012

Silicone ganulomas usually arise from the rupture of silicone implants. Until the 1980s, however, underground care providers used to inject liquid and unapproved silicone directly into human tissues, in the absence of a containing capsule. We report here the case of a man who ultimately developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) because of a chronic glomerulosclerosis that was attributed to a glomerular AA amyloidosis diagnosed 28 years after a buttock injection of liquid silicone. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a silicone-induced AA amyloidosis irreversibly affecting the kidneys, and leading to ESRD. An interleukin 1 receptor antagonist was started to prevent the extension of amyloidosis, but to no avail as far as the kidneys are concerned. We want to draw the attention of health professionals about the risk of developing AA amyloidosis secondary to a long-lasting inflammation induced by silicone leakage, after a long latency period.
Bulbous urethral stricture: a rare and grave complication of suprapubic catheterisation: Figure 1
Authors: Kathpalia Rohit , Goel Apul , Mandal Swarnendu , Sankhwar Satyanarayan
Published: October 2012

We report a very rare complication of bulbous urethral stricture following suprapubic catheterisation (SPC). A 67-year-old paraplegic man underwent SPC for urethral trauma. During SPC, the catheter slipped across the bladder neck into the bulbous urethra where the balloon was inflated. Follow-up retrograde urethrograms showed the gradual evolution of stricture at the same site. This report highlights yet another pitfall of the SPC procedure. We also describe the ways to avoid this complication.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a cause for rare but fatal outcome in tuberculosis
Authors: Aggarwal Puneet , Kumar Gunjan , Dev Nishanth , Kumari Pushpa
Published: October 2012

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), also called haemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is characterised by a dysregulated activation and proliferation of macrophages, leading to uncontrolled phagocytosis of platelets, erythrocytes, lymphocytes and their haematopoietic precursors throughout the reticuloendothelial system.Mycobacterium tuberculosis-associated HPS is a rare and underdiagnosed association. We report a 34-year-old male patient diagnosed with tubercular pleural effusion responding poorly to antitubercular treatment. Patient later developed generalised lymphadenopathy, pancytopaenia and liver dysfunction and was eventually diagnosed as HLH. Despite being treated as per HLH protocol 2004 he could not be saved.
Managing gastrointestinal symptoms after cancer treatment: a practical approach for gastroenterologists
Authors: Muls Ann C , Watson Lorraine , Shaw Clare , Andreyev H Jervoise N
Published: October 2012

The percentage of the population living with a diagnosis of cancer is rising. By 2030, there will be 4 million cancer survivors in the UK. One quarter of cancer survivors are left with physical symptoms, which affect their quality of life. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are the most common of all chronic physical side-effects of cancer treatment and have the greatest impact on daily activity. Cancer therapies induce long-term changes in bowel function due to alterations to specific GI physiological functions. In addition, the psychological effect of a cancer diagnosis, new GI disease or pre-existing underlying conditions, may also contribute to new symptoms. Twenty-three upper GI symptoms have been identified as occurring after pelvic radiotherapy. After upper GI cancer treatment, the most troublesome symptoms include reflux, abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhoea and fatigue. Often, several symptoms are present simultaneously and women experience more symptoms than men. The symptoms which patients rate as most difficult are urgency, wind, diarrhoea, incontinence, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Recent UK Guidance on managing GI symptoms suggests that these symptoms can be treated especially if gastroenterological advice is combined with dietetic and nursing input to optimise investigations and management. However, as different pathological processes can result in identical symptoms; a systematic, ‘algorithmic’ approach to assess and treat these symptoms is required. This paper aims to illustrate the value of such an approach to investigate and treat the most common GI symptoms that trouble patients. The algorithm allows clinicians to institute a comprehensive medical management plan.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AIR PARTICULATE RESEARCH CAPABILITY AT THE NEW ZEALAND ION BEAM ANALYSIS FACILITY
Authors: BARRY B. , TROMPETTER W. J. , DAVY P. K. , MARKWITZ A.
Published: October 2012

The New Zealand capability in Ion Beam Analysis of air particulate samples has been upgraded in recent years. The main equipment change has been the introduction of the ability to analyse samples taken using the Streaker (PIXE International Corporation) sampling system. This is an automated sampler which allows for great flexibility in monitoring programmes by collecting particulates for up to about 70 sampling periods which can range in collection times from seconds to many hours. The IBA analysis for hydrogen on standard filters and for PIXE multi-elemental analysis of the Streaker filters has also been studied with a view to optimising analytical methods.
PROBABILISTIC QUERYING OVER UNCERTAIN DATA STREAMS
Authors: DEZFULI MOHAMMAD G. , HAGHJOO MOSTAFA S.
Published: October 2012

Inherent imprecision of data in many applications motivates us to support uncertainty as a first-class concept. Data stream and probabilistic data have been recently considered noticeably in isolation. However, there are many applications including sensor data management systems and object monitoring systems which need both issues in tandem. Our main contribution is designing a probabilistic data stream management system, called Sarcheshmeh, for continuous querying over probabilistic data streams. Sarcheshmeh supports uncertainty from input data to final query results. In this paper, after reviewing requirements and applications of probabilistic data streams, we present our new data model for probabilistic data streams and define our main logical operators formally. Then, we present query language and physical operators. In addition, we introduce the architecture of Sarcheshmeh and also describe some major challenges like memory management and our floating precision mechanism toward designing a more robust system. Finally, we report evaluation of our system and the effect of floating precision on the tradeoff between accuracy and efficiency.
STOCHASTIC BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS OF AN INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS USING PSOBLT TECHNIQUE
Authors: GARG HARISH , SHARMA S. P. , RANI MONICA
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this paper is to present a hybridized technique for analyzing the behavior of an industrial system stochastically by utilizing vague, imprecise, and uncertain data. If the collected data are used as such in the analysis, then they high range of uncertainties occurred in the analysis and hence performance of the system cannot be done up to desired levels. For this, two important tools namely Lambda-Tau methodology and particle swarm optimization are used to formulate the hybridized technique PSOBLT (Particle swarm optimization based Lambda-Tau) to analyze the behavior of the complex industrial systems stochastically up to a desired degree of accuracy using available information. Six reliability indices namely failure rate, repair time, mean time between failures(MTBF), expected number of failures (ENOF), availability and reliability of the system are used for the analysis of system's behavior. Expressions of these reliability indices are obtained using Lambda-Tau methodology and particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to construct their membership function utilizing the quantified information of the system in the form of triangular fuzzy number. The washing unit of a medium size paper plant situated in the northern part of India has been considered to demonstrate the approach. The behavior analysis results computed by PSOBLT technique have a reduced region of prediction in comparison of existing technique region, i.e. uncertainties involved in the analysis are reduced. Thus, it may be a more useful analysis tool to assess the current system conditions and involved uncertainties.
FOUNDATION OF THE FRACTIONAL CALCULUS IN GENERALIZED FUNCTION ALGEBRAS
Authors: STOJANOVIĆ MIRJANA
Published: October 2012

We introduce an approach to fractional derivatives involving singularities based on the theory of algebras of generalized functions in the sense of Colombeau. We are interested in solving fractional nonlinear ODEs and PDEs with singularities with a lack of solutions in the space of classical functions or distributions. For these purposes, we embed different forms of fractional derivatives into space of Colombeau special algebra of generalized functions using appropriate techniques such as the regularization with delta sequences and multiplication with different cut-off functions. Finally, we present an example for application of the ideas presented in paper to confirm the reason of introducing fractional derivatives into Colombeau algebra of generalized functions.
AN INVESTIGATION OF IRREGULAR CRACK PATH EFFECTS ON FRACTURE MECHANICS PARAMETERS USING A GRAIN MICROSTRUCTURE MESHING TECHNIQUE
Authors: MEHMANPARAST A. , BIGLARI F. , DAVIES C. M. , NIKBIN K. M.
Published: October 2012

A sub-grain size finite element modelling approach is presented in this paper to investigate variations in fracture mechanics parameters for irregular crack paths. The results can be used when modelling intergranular and transgranular crack growth where creep and fatigue are the dominant failure mechanisms and their crack paths are irregular. A novel method for sub-grain scale finite element mesh consisting of multiple elements encased in ~50–150 μm-sized grains has been developed and implemented in a compact tension, C(T), mesh structure. The replicated shapes and dimensions were derived from an isotropic metallic grain structure using representative random sized grain shapes repeated in sequence ahead of the crack tip. In this way the effects of crack tip angle ahead of the main crack path can be considered in a more realistic manner. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis has been performed for elastic and elastic-plastic materials using ABAQUS and the stress distributions, the stress intensity factor and the J-integral have been evaluated for irregular crack paths and compared to those of obtained from analytical solutions. To examine the local and macroscopic graph path effects on fracture mechanics parameters, a few extreme cases with various crack-tip angles have been modelled by keeping the macroscopic crack path parallel to the axis of symmetry. The numerical solutions from these granular mesh structures have been found in relatively good agreement with analytical solutions.
In vivo imaging of lipid storage and regression in diet-induced obesity during nutrition manipulation
Authors: Bidar Abdel Wahad , Ploj Karolina , Lelliott Christopher , Nelander Karin , Winzell Maria Sörhede , Böttcher Gerhard , Oscarsson Jan , Storlien Leonard , Hockings Paul D.
Published: October 2012

Changes in adipose tissue distribution and ectopic fat storage in, liver and skeletal muscle tissue impact whole body insulin sensitivity in both humans and experimental animals. Numerous mouse models of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes exist; however, current methods to assess mouse phenotypes commonly involve direct harvesting of the tissues of interest, precluding the possibility of repeated measurements in the same animal. In this study, we demonstrate that whole body 3-D imaging of body fat composition can be used to analyze distribution as well as redistribution of fat after intervention by repeated assessment of intrahepatocellular lipids (IHCL), intra-abdominal, subcutaneous, and total adipose tissue (IAT, SAT, and TAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). C57BL/6J mice fed a cafeteria diet for 16 wk were compared with mice fed standard chow for 16 wk and mice switched from café diet to standard chow after 12 wk. MRI determinations were made at 9 and 15 wk, and autopsy was performed at 16 wk. There was a strong correlation between MRI-calculated weights in vivo at 15 wk and measured weights at 16 wk ex vivo for IAT ( r = 0.99), BAT ( r = 0.93), and IHCL ( r = 0.97). IHCL and plasma insulin increased steeply relative to body weight at body weights above 45 g. This study demonstrates that the use of 3-D imaging to assess body fat composition may allow substantial reductions in animal usage. The dietary interventions indicated that a marked metabolic deterioration occurred when the mice had gained a certain fat mass.
Use of2H2O for estimating rates of gluconeogenesis: determination and correction of error due to transaldolase exchange
Authors: Browning Jeffrey D. , Burgess Shawn C.
Published: October 2012

The use of deuterated water as a method to measure gluconeogenesis has previously been well validated and is reflective of normal human physiology. However, there has been concern since the method was first introduced that transaldolase exchange may lead to the overestimation of gluconeogenesis. We examined the impact of transaldolase exchange on the estimation of gluconenogenesis using the deuterated water method under a variety of physiological conditions in humans by using the gluconeogenic tracer [U-13C]propionate,2H2O, and2H/13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. When [U-13C]propionate was used,13C labeling inequality occurred between the top and bottom halves of glucose in individuals fasted for 12–24 h who were weight stable ( n = 18) or had lost weight via calorie restriction ( n = 7), consistent with transaldolase exchange. Similar analysis of glucose standards revealed no significant difference in the total13C enrichment between the top and bottom halves of glucose, indicating that the differences detected were biological, not analytical, in origin. This labeling inequality was attenuated by extending the fasting period to 48 h ( n = 12) as well as by dietary carbohydrate restriction ( n = 7), both conditions associated with decreased glycogenolysis. These findings were consistent with a transaldolase effect; however, the resultant overestimation of gluconeogenesis in the overnight-fasted state was modest (7–12%), leading to an error of 14–24% that was easily correctable by using either a simultaneous13C gluconeogenic tracer or a correction nomogram generated from data in the present study.
Antilithiasic and Hypolipidaemic Effects ofRaphanus sativusL.var. nigeron Mice Fed with a Lithogenic Diet
Authors: Castro-Torres Ibrahim Guillermo , Naranjo-Rodríguez Elia Brosla , Domínguez-Ortíz Miguel Ángel , Gallegos-Estudillo Janeth , Saavedra-Vélez Margarita Virginia
Published: October 2012

In Mexico,Raphanus sativusL.var. niger(black radish) has uses for the treatment of gallstones and for decreasing lipids serum levels. We evaluate the effect of juice squeezed from black radish root in cholesterol gallstones and serum lipids of mice. The toxicity of juice was analyzed according to the OECD guidelines. We used female C57BL/6 mice fed with a lithogenic diet. We performed histopathological studies of gallbladder and liver, and measured concentrations of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The juice can be considered bioactive and non-toxic; the lithogenic diet significantly induced cholesterol gallstones; increased cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and decreased HDL levels; gallbladder wall thickness increased markedly, showing epithelial hyperplasia and increased liver weight. After treatment with juice for 6 days, cholesterol gallstones were eradicated significantly in the gallbladder of mice; cholesterol and triglycerides levels decreased too, and there was also an increase in levels of HDL (P<0.05). Gallbladder tissue continued to show epithelial hyperplasia and granulocyte infiltration; liver tissue showed vacuolar degeneration. The juice of black radish root has properties for treatment of cholesterol gallstones and for decreasing serum lipids levels; therefore, we confirm in a preclinical study the utility that people give it in traditional medicine.
Cyclic Contractions on G‐Metric Spaces
Authors: Karapınar E. , Yıldız-Ulus A. , Erhan İ. M.
Published: October 2012

Conditions for existence and uniqueness of fixed points of two types of cyclic contractions defined on G‐metric spaces are established and some illustrative examples are given. In addition, cyclic maps satisfying integral type contractive conditions are presented as applications.
Multiplicity of Solutions for Perturbed Nonhomogeneous Neumann Problem through Orlicz‐Sobolev Spaces
Authors: Yang Liu
Published: October 2012

We investigate the existence of multiple solutions for a class of nonhomogeneous Neumann problem with a perturbed term. By using variational methods and three critical point theorems of B. Ricceri, we establish some new sufficient conditions under which such a problem possesses three solutions in an appropriate Orlicz‐Sobolev space.
Effect of Earth Ground and Environment on Body-Centric Communications in the MHz Band
Authors: Fujii Katsuyuki , Okumura Yasuyuki
Published: October 2012

Body area network (BAN) research, which uses the human body as a transmission channel, has recently attracted considerable attention globally. Zimmerman first advocated the idea in 1995. Illustrations of the electric field streamlines around the human body and wearable devices with electrodes were drawn. In the pictures, the electrodes of the wearable devices constitute a closed circuit with the human body and the earth ground. However, analysis of the circuit has not been conducted. In this study, we model the human body shunted to earth ground in a radio anechoic chamber to analyze the electric field strength around it and clarify the effect of earth ground during BAN run time. The results suggest that earth ground has little influence on the human body and wearable devices. Only when the human body is directly grounded, the electric field near the feet area will decrease. The input impedance of the transmitter is approximately the same, and the received open-circuit voltage and current of the receiver are also the same. In addition, we elucidate that stable communications can be established by developing a closed circuit using earth ground as return path. When the external electronic devices and human body are shunted to earth ground, the received open-circuit voltage and current increase.
Digital Chromoendoscopy for Diagnosis of Diminutive Colorectal Lesions
Authors: dos Santos Carlos Eduardo Oliveira , Malaman Daniele , Lopes César Vivian , Pereira-Lima Júlio Carlos , Parada Artur Adolfo
Published: October 2012

Introduction. To compare the accuracy of digital and real-time chromoendoscopy for the differential diagnosis of diminutive (<5 mm) neoplastic and nonneoplastic colorectal lesions. Materials and Methods. This is a prospective randomized study comparing the Fujinon intelligent color enhancement (FICE) system (65 patients/95 lesions) and indigo carmine (69 patients/120 lesions) in the analysis of capillary meshwork and pit pattern, respectively. All lesions were less than 5 mm in diameter, and magnification was used in both groups. Histopathology was the gold standard examination. Results. Of 215 colorectal lesions, 153 (71.2%) were adenomas, and 62 were hyperplastic polyps (28.8%). Morphological analysis revealed 132 (61.4%) superficial lesions, with 7 (3.3%) depressed lesions, and 83 (38.6%) protruding lesions. Vascular meshwork analysis using FICE and magnification resulted in 91.7% sensitivity, 95.7% specificity, and 92.6% accuracy in differentiating neoplastic from nonneoplastic lesions. Pit pattern analysis with indigo carmine and magnification showed 96.5% sensitivity, 88.2% specificity, and 94.2% accuracy for the same purpose. Conclusion. Both magnifying virtual chromoendoscopy and indigo carmine chromoendoscopy showed high accuracy in the histopathological diagnosis of colorectal lesions less than 5 mm in diameter.
Induction of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Colorectal Carcinoma by Litchi Seed Extract
Authors: Hsu Chih-Ping , Lin Chih-Cheng , Huang Chiu-Chen , Lin Yi-Hsien , Chou Jyh-Ching , Tsia Yu-Ting , Su Jhih-Rou , Chung Yuan-Chiang
Published: October 2012

The Litchi (Litchi chinensis) fruit products possess rich amounts of flavanoids and proanthocyanidins. Its pericarp has been shown to inhibit breast and liver cancer cell growth. However, the anticolorectal cancer effect of Litchi seed extract has not yet been reported. In this study, the effects of polyphenol-rich Litchi seed ethanol extract (LCSP) on the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of two colorectal cancer cell lines Colo320DM and SW480 were examined. The results demonstrated that LCSP significantly induced apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner and arrested cell cycle in G2/M in colorectal carcinoma cells. LCSP also suppressed cyclins and elevated the Bax : Bcl-2 ratio and caspase 3 activity. This study providesin vitroevidence that LCSP serves as a potential chemopreventive agent for colorectal cancer.
Comparison of Acute Recoil between Bioabsorbable Poly-L-lactic Acid XINSORB Stent and Metallic Stent in Porcine Model
Authors: Wu Yizhe , Shen Li , Wang Qibing , Ge Lei , Xie Jian , Hu Xi , Sun Aijun , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo
Published: October 2012

Objective. To investigate acute recoil of bioabsorbable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) stent.Background. As newly developed coronary stent, bioabsorbable PLLA stent still encountered concern of acute stent recoil.Methods. Sixteen minipigs were enrolled in our study. Eight PLLA XINSORB stents (Weite Biotechnology Co., Ltd., China) and eight metallic stents (EXCEL, Jiwei Co., Ltd. China) were implanted into coronary arteries. Upon quantitative coronary angiography analysis, acute absolute recoil was defined as the difference between mean diameter of inflated balloon (X) and mean lumen diameter of stent immediately after deployment (Y), while acute percent recoil was defined as (X−Y)/Xand expressed as a percentage. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was performed immediately after implantation and 24 hours later to compare cross-sectional area (CSA) between two groups and detect stent malapposition or collapse.Results. Acute absolute recoil in XINSORB and EXCEL was0.02±0.13 mm and −0.08±0.08 mm respectively (P=0.19). Acute percent recoil in XINSORB and EXCEL was0.66±4.32% and −1.40±3.83%, respectively (P=0.45). CSA of XINSORB was similar to that of EXCEL immediately after implantation, so was CSA of XINSORB at 24-hours followup. Within XINSORB group, no difference existed between CSA after implantation and CSA at 24-hours followup. No sign of acute stent malapposition was detected by IVUS.Conclusions. The acute stent recoil of XINSORB is similar to that of EXCEL. No acute stent malapposition or collapse appeared in both kinds of stent. This preclinical study was designed to provide preliminary data for future studies of long-term efficacy and safety of XINSORB stent.
Bowel Obstruction due to Migration of an Intragastric Balloon Necessitating Surgical Removal before Completion of the Recommended 6 Months
Authors: Mousavi Naeini Seyed Morteza , Sheikh Mahdi
Published: October 2012

We report a 25-year-old man with small bowel obstruction due to migration of a saline-filled intragastric balloon before the completion of the recommended 6 months of treatment who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain. The patient had received a gastric balloon insertion 5 months prior. Within 24 hours of the original procedure, he noticed urine staining. The results of an endoscopy conducted the next day were normal. After ruling out other possible complications using endoscopy and confirming the diagnosis by computed tomography (CT) scan and conservative treatment for 48 hours the patient underwent surgery and the balloon was extracted. Due to the growing prevalence of obesity and the modalities used for treating it, physicians should be familiar with the side effects of each option and their presenting symptoms as well as the differential diagnosis they should not miss. Physicians must also improve their knowledge of how to approach these patients to avoid life-threatening complications caused by these modalities.
Wild Bumblebee (Bombus) Diversity andNosema(Microsporidia: Nosematidae) Infection Levels Associated with Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) Production and Commercial Bumblebee Pollinators
Authors: Bushmann Sara L. , Drummond Francis A. , Beers Lee A. , Groden Eleanor
Published: October 2012

The primary objective was to determine if the prevalence ofNosema bombiinfection is higher for wild bumblebees (Bombusspp.) caught in lowbush blueberry growing areas with a history of commercial bumblebee use than for bumblebees caught in areas without a history of commercial bumblebee use. Additionally, we wished to determine relativeBombusspecies abundances and diversity in blueberry growing regions. Over two years we caught, identified to species, and dissected 767 bumblebees. Light microscopy revealed overall infection levels of 5.48%. The history of commercial bumblebee use had no relation to infection levels. Bumblebee species diversity and field location had significant relationships to infection (r2adjusted = 0.265; species diversityF(1,22)=6.848,P=0.016; field regionF(1,22)=5.245,P=0.032). The absence or presence of one species,Bombus terricola, appears to determine the relationship between species diversity and infection. The data showB. terricoladecline in sampled regions and almost half of the collectedB. terricolawere infected withNosema. The commercial species,B. impatiens, shows an increase in abundance, but with a 6.9% proportion infection. Molecular confirmation of the infecting species was ambiguous, suggesting a need for future clarification of the infecting species.
Photoacoustic Study of CdS QDs for Application in Quantum‐Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Abdallah S. , Al-Hosiny N. , Badawi Ali
Published: October 2012

The optical properties and photovoltaic characterization of CdS quantum dots sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) were studied. CdS QDs were prepared by the chemical solution deposition (CD) technique. Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PA) was employed to study the optical properties of the prepared samples. The sizes of the CdS QDs were estimated from transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs gives radii ranged from 1.57 to 1.92 nm. The current density‐voltage (J-V) characteristic curves of the assembled QDSSCs were measured. Fluorine doped Tin Oxide (FTO) substrates were coated with 20 nm‐diameter TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). Presynthesized colloidal CdS quantum dots of different particles size were deposited on the TiO2‐coated substrates using direct adsorption (DA) method. The FTO counter electrodes were coated with platinum, while the electroelectrolyte containing redox species was sandwiched between the two electrodes. The short current density (Jsc) and efficiency (η) increases as the particle size increases. The values of Jsc increases linearly with increasing the intensities of the sun light which indicates the greater sensitivity of the assembled cells.
Radiation Therapy for Locally Recurrent Breast Cancer
Authors: Siglin Joshua , Champ Colin E. , Vakhnenko Yelena , Anne Pramila R. , Simone Nicole L.
Published: October 2012

Approximately one-third of all breast cancer patients experience local recurrence of their tumor after initial treatment. As initial treatment often employs the use of radiation therapy (RT), the standard of care for local breast cancer recurrence after initial breast conserving therapy has traditionally been surgical intervention with mastectomy. However, recent attempts to preserve the intact breast after recurrence with local excision have revealed a potential need for RT in addition to repeat breast conserving surgery as rates of local failure with resection alone remain high. Additionally, local recurrence following initial mastectomy and chest wall RT can be treated with reirradiation to increase local control. Repeating RT, however, in a previously irradiated area, is a complex treatment strategy, as the clinician must carefully balance maximizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing treatment-related toxicity. As a result, physicians have been hesitant to treat recurrent disease with repeat RT with limited data. Results from the current literature are promising and current clinical trials are underway to explore reirradiation modalities which will provide additional information on treatment-related toxicity and outcomes. This paper will review the current literature on repeat radiation therapy for locally recurrent breast cancer.
Cognitive Adaptation Training Provided to Chronically Hospitalized Patients with Schizophrenia in The Netherlands: Two Case Reports
Authors: Quee Piotr J. , Schneider Harald , van Slogteren Saskia , Wiersma Durk , Bruggeman Richard , Velligan Dawn I.
Published: October 2012

Cognitive adaptation training (CAT) improves functional outcome in outpatients with schizophrenia living in the United States of America. The efficacy of CAT has never been demonstrated for patients living in a residential facility. We describe how CAT was delivered to two chronically hospitalized patients with schizophrenia living in The Netherlands. CAT was delivered for 8 months, and consisted of weekly home visits by a psychiatric nurse. Both patients improved on measures of functional outcome used in the US studies. These results indicate that CAT may improve outcomes, even in patients that have been hospitalized for several years.
Regulation of the G1/S Transition in Hepatocytes: Involvement of the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Cdk1 in the DNA Replication
Authors: Corlu Anne , Loyer Pascal
Published: October 2012

A singular feature of adult differentiated hepatocytes is their capacity to proliferate allowing liver regeneration. This review emphasizes the literature published over the last 20 years that established the most important pathways regulating the hepatocyte cell cycle. Our article also aimed at illustrating that many discoveries in this field benefited from the combined use ofin vivomodels of liver regeneration andin vitromodels of primary cultures of human and rodent hepatocytes. Using these models, our laboratory has contributed to decipher the different steps of the progression into the G1 phase and the commitment to S phase of proliferating hepatocytes. We identified the mitogen dependent restriction point located at the two-thirds of the G1 phase and the concomitant expression and activation of both Cdk1 and Cdk2 at the G1/S transition. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these two Cdks contribute to the DNA replication. Finally, we provided strong evidences that Cdk1 expression and activation is correlated to extracellular matrix degradation upon stimulation by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFαleading to the identification of a new signaling pathway regulating Cdk1 expression at the G1/S transition. It also further confirms the well-orchestrated regulation of liver regeneration via multiple extracellular signals and pathways.
Filter-Based Fading Channel Modeling
Authors: Alimohammad Amirhossein , Fard Saeed Fouladi , Cockburn Bruce F.
Published: October 2012

A channel simulator is an essential component in the development and accurate performance evaluation of wireless systems. A key technique for producing statistically accurate fading variates is to shape the flat spectrum of Gaussian variates using digital filters. This paper addresses various challenges when designing real and complex spectrum shaping filters with quantized coefficients for efficient realization of both isotropic and nonisotropic fading channels. An iterative algorithm for designing stable complex infinite impulse response (IIR) filters with fixed-point coefficients is presented. The performance of the proposed filter design algorithm is verified with 16-bit fixed-point simulations of two example fading filters.
Codon Preference Optimization Increases Prokaryotic Cystatin C Expression
Authors: Wang Qing , Mei Cui , Zhen Honghua , Zhu Jess
Published: October 2012

Gene expression is closely related to optimal vector-host system pairing in many prokaryotes. Redesign of the humancystatin C(cysC) gene using the preferred codons of the prokaryotic system may significantly increasecysCexpression inEscherichia coli(E. coli). Specifically,cysCexpression may be increased by removing unstable sequences and optimizing GC content. According toE. coliexpression system codon preferences, the gene sequence was optimized while the amino acid sequence was maintained. The codon-optimizedcysC(co-cysC) and wild-typecysC(wt-cysC) were expressed by cloning the genes into a pET-30a plasmid, thus transforming the recombinant plasmid intoE. coliBL21. Before and after the optimization process, the prokaryotic expression vector and host bacteria were examined for protein expression and biological activation of CysC. The recombinant proteins in the lysate of the transformed bacteria were purified using Ni2+-NTA resin. Recombinant protein expression increased from 10% to 46% based on total protein expression after codon optimization. Recombinant CysC purity was above 95%. The significant increase incysCexpression inE. coliexpression produced by codon optimization techniques may be applicable to commercial production systems.
Oxidation Degradation of Rhodamine B in Aqueous byUV/S2O8 2−Treatment System
Authors: Chen Xiaoyang , Xue Zhiyong , Yao Yanlai , Wang Weiping , Zhu Fengxiang , Hong Chunlai
Published: October 2012

The UV photolysis of persulfate (S2O8 2−) is a novel advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs), which leads to the formation of strong oxidizing radicals, sulfate radicals (SO4 •−). The effect of oxidantS2O8 2−concentration, initial dye concentration, initial pH of solution, and various inorganic anions (Cl−,H2PO4 −, andHCO3 −) were investigated using Rhodamine B (RhB), a kind of xanthene dye, as a model pollutant. With the increase of oxidantS2O8 2−, moreSO4 •−produced to attack RhB molecules and result in the increase of RhB degradation. While the improvement was not sustained above a critical value, beyond which degradation rate does not increase. Initial pH of solution had great effect on the RhB degradation rate duringUV/S2O8 2−system.SO4 •−is rather stable in acidic solutions, while increasing system pH results in the transformation ofSO4 •−to•OH. The effects of three inorganic anions (Cl−,H2PO4 −, andHCO3 −) all had some negative effect on the degradation of RhB. Based on the RhB solution changes of the UV-vis absorption intensity during theUV/S2O8 2−treatment, decolorization of RhB accompanied the destruction of aromatic ring structures of RhB molecules.
Rapid Detection and Identification ofYersinia pestisfrom Food Using Immunomagnetic Separation and Pyrosequencing
Authors: Amoako Kingsley K. , Shields Michael J. , Goji Noriko , Paquet Chantal , Thomas Matthew C. , Janzen Timothy W. , Bin Kingombe Cesar I. , Kell Arnold J. , Hahn Kristen R.
Published: October 2012

Interest has recently been renewed in the possible use ofY. pestis, the causative agent of plague, as a biological weapon by terrorists. The vulnerability of food to intentional contamination coupled with reports of humans having acquired plague through eating infected animals that were not adequately cooked or handling of meat from infected animals makes the possible use ofY. pestisin a foodborne bioterrorism attack a reality. Rapid, efficient food sample preparation and detection systems that will help overcome the problem associated with the complexity of the different matrices and also remove any ambiguity in results will enable rapid informed decisions to be made regarding contamination of food with biothreat agents. We have developed a rapid detection assay that combines the use of immunomagnetic separation and pyrosequencing in generating results for the unambiguous identification ofY. pestisfrom milk (0.9 CFU/mL), bagged salad (1.6 CFU/g), and processed meat (10 CFU/g). The low detection limits demonstrated in this assay provide a novel tool for the rapid detection and confirmation ofY. pestisin food without the need for enrichment. The combined use of theiCropTheBug system and pyrosequencing for efficient capture and detection ofY. pestisis novel and has potential applications in food biodefence.
Identification of Physiologically Active Substances as Novel Ligands for MRGPRD
Authors: Uno Makiko , Nishimura Satoko , Fukuchi Keisuke , Kaneta Yasuyuki , Oda Yoko , Komori Hironobu , Takeda Shigeki , Haga Tatsuya , Agatsuma Toshinori , Nara Futoshi
Published: October 2012

Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member D (MRGPRD) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) which belongs to the Mas-related GPCRs expressed in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). In this study, we investigated two novel ligands in addition to beta-alanine: (1) beta-aminoisobutyric acid, a physiologically active substance, with which possible relation to tumors has been seen together with beta-alanine; (2) diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic estrogen hormone. In addition to the novel ligands, we found that transfection of MRGPRD leads fibroblast cells to form spheroids, which would be related to oncogenicity. To understand the MRGPRD novel character, oncogenicity, a large chemical library was screened in order to obtain MRGPRD antagonists to utilize in exploring the character. The antagonist in turn inhibited the spheroid proliferation that is dependent on MRGPRD signaling as well as MRGPRD signals activated by beta-alanine. The antagonist, a small-molecule compound we found in this study, is a potential anticancer agent.
Dentatin Induces Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells via Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Survivin Downregulation, Caspase-9, -3/7 Activation, and NF-κB Inhibition
Authors: Arbab Ismail Adam , Looi Chung Yeng , Abdul Ahmad Bustamam , Cheah Foo Kit , Wong Won Fen , Sukari Mohd Aspollah , Abdullah Rasedee , Mohan Syam , Syam Suvitha , Arya Aditya , Mohamed Elhassan Taha Manal , Muharram Bushra , Rais Mustafa Mohd , Ibrahim Abdelwahab Siddig
Published: October 2012

This study was set to investigate antiproliferative potential of dentatin (a natural coumarin isolated fromClausena excavataBurm. F) against prostate cancer and to delineate the underlying mechanism of action. Treatment with dentatin dose-dependently inhibited cell growth of PC-3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines, whereas it showed less cytotoxic effects on normal prostate epithelial cell line (RWPE-1). The inhibitory effect of dentatin on prostate cancer cell growth was due to induction of apoptosis as evidenced by Annexin V staining and cell shrinkage. We found that dentatin-mediated accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and downregulated expression levels of antiapoptotic molecules (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Survivin), leading to disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cell membrane permeability, and release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol. These effects were associated with induction of caspase-9, -3/7 activities, and subsequent DNA fragmentation. In addition, we found that dentatin inhibited TNF-α-induced nuclear translocation of p65, suggesting dentatin as a potential NF-κB inhibitor. Thus, we suggest that dentatin may have therapeutic value in prostate cancer treatment worthy of further development.