bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decentering our analytical position: The dialogicity of things
Authors: Caronia Letizia , Cooren François
Published: October 2013

Analyses of embodied interaction still appear to explicitly or implicitly defend a human-centered approach to language and body in the material world. In this article, we propose to decenter our analytical position by acknowledging what artifacts, tools and architectural elements contribute to human activities and practices. Starting from a ‘ventriloqual’ perspective on communication, we demonstrate that the accountable character of people’s activities presupposes a form of material agency that tends to be neglected in our analyses. Far from neglecting human beings’ contributions to their own activities, we show that this approach allows us to acknowledge their capacity to skillfully react and respond to what things indicate, say, or tell them to do. It is, we contend, in this back-and-forth process of actions and reactions that a certain dialogicity of things can be recognized. Decentering the analytical position by focusing on how things traceably contribute to shaping human interactions has, we contend, dramatic theoretical and methodological consequences. In the discussion we argue that resistance in taking a ventriloqual perspective to analyze the social life of things partially depends on its impact on the sensitive notion of responsibility.
The Bully Pulpit and Media Coverage
Authors: Miles Matthew R.
Published: October 2013

Though modern presidents seem to be less persuasive in their public campaigns for policy, they are more likely to go public. In addition, they publicly campaign for policies that they could enact without the support of Congress or the public. The dominant view emphasizes the persuasive capacity of the president or his ability to set the agenda of various government institutions; however, this neglects one of the more powerful components of the bully pulpit. I demonstrate that presidents can use the bully pulpit to remove issues from the national news agenda with relative ease. By modeling the daily change in national media content, I show that presidents can divert the attention of the national media away from issues that are less desirable toward more favorable issues with a single televised address. This suggests that the bully pulpit is more powerful than the current literature expects.
Assessment of cellular viability on calcium sulphate/hydroxyapatite injectable scaffolds
Authors: Alfotawi Randa , Naudi Kurt , Dalby Matthew J , Tanner K Elizabeth , McMahon Jeremy D , Ayoub Ashraf
Published: October 2013

Cements for maxillofacial reconstruction of jaw defects through calcification of rotated muscle have been tested. The objective of this study was to investigate the visibility of loading of two types of commercially available cements, Cerament™ Spine Support and Cerament Bone Void Filler with mesenchymal cells and cytokines (bone morphogenetic protein) to act as a biomimetic scaffolding for future clinical application. Determination of basic biocompatibility (cell viability) using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and live/dead assay was carried out using MG-63 cells at various time points. Next, in order to inform potential subsequent in vivo experiments, a collagen tissue mimic was used for characterization of rabbit mesenchymal stromal cells using immunofluorescent cytoskeleton staining, and simultaneous and then sequential injection of Cerament Spine Support cement and cells into collagen gels. Results indicated that Cerament Spine Support was more biocompatible and that sequential injection of cement and then rabbit mesenchymal stromal cells into the tissue mimics is an optimal approach for clinical applications.
The Catholic Living will and Healthcare Surrogate: A Teaching Document for Evangelization, and a Means of Ensuring Spirituality Throughout Life
Authors: Morrow Peter
Published: October 2013

The living will is a document that allows a patient to give instructions about the medical care they desire to receive at a future time. If consistent with Catholic teaching, it becomes a very effective tool for evangelization. A truly Catholic living will addresses five key principles: (1) the desire for pain relief, (2) assessing treatments as either ordinary or extraordinary, (3) providing nutrition and hydration, (4) prohibiting euthanasia, and (5) providing for spiritual care. The Catholic living will is not only individualized and patient-centered, it also avoids the dangers of a secular living will which deny patients proper end-of-life care.
Tropomodulin3-null mice are embryonic lethal with anemia due to impaired erythroid terminal differentiation in the fetal liver
Authors: Sui Zhenhua , Nowak Roberta B. , Bacconi Andrea , Kim Nancy E. , Liu Hui , Li Jie , Wickrema Amittha , An Xiu-li , Fowler Velia M.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Tmod3 deletion leads to reduced erythroid progenitors and impaired erythroblast survival, cell-cycle exit, and enucleation. Erythroblast-macrophage islands are reduced in the absence of Tmod3, which is required in both cell types for island formation.
Longitudinal trajectory of sexual functioning after hematopoietic cell transplantation: impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease and total body irradiation
Authors: Wong F. Lennie , Francisco Liton , Togawa Kayo , Kim Heeyoung , Bosworth Alysia , Atencio Liezl , Hanby Cara , Grant Marcia , Kandeel Fouad , Forman Stephen J. , Bhatia Smita
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Before HCT 61% of men and 37% of women were sexually active; the 3-year prevalence declined to 54% for men but increased to 52% for women. Chronic GVHD in both sexes and TBI in men contribute to sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction over the 3 years following HCT.
Germline and somatic genetic variations of TNFAIP3 in lymphoma complicating primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Nocturne Gaetane , Boudaoud Saida , Miceli-Richard Corinne , Viengchareun Say , Lazure Thierry , Nititham Joanne , Taylor Kimberly E. , Ma Averil , Busato Florence , Melki Judith , Lessard Christopher J. , Sivils Kathy L. , Dubost Jean-Jacques , Hachulla Eric , Gottenberg Jacques Eric , Lombès Marc , Tost Jorg , Criswell Lindsey A. , Mariette Xavier
Published: October 2013

Key Points

77% of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma have functional abnormalities of A20. A20 inactivation plays a key role in lymphomagenesis in the context of autoimmunity.
Reversible, interrelated mRNA and miRNA expression patterns in the transcriptome of Rasless fibroblasts: functional and mechanistic implications
Authors: Azrak Sami S , Ginel-Picardo Alicia , Drosten Matthias , Barbacid Mariano , Santos Eugenio
Published: October 2013

Background

4-Hydroxy-tamoxifen (4OHT) triggers Cre-mediated K-Ras removal in [H-Ras-/-;N-Ras-/-;K-Raslox/lox;RERTert/ert] fibroblasts, generating growth-arrested “Rasless” MEFs which are able to recover their proliferative ability after ectopic expression of Ras oncoproteins or constitutively active BRAF or MEK1.

Results

Comparison of the transcriptional profiles of Rasless fibroblasts with those of MEFs lacking only H-Ras and N-Ras identified a series of differentially expressed mRNAs and microRNAs specifically linked to the disappearance of K-Ras from these cells. The rescue of cell cycle progression in Rasless cells by activated BRAF or MEK1 resulted in the reversal of most such transcriptional mRNA and microRNA alterations.

Functional analysis of the differentially expressed mRNAs uncovered a significant enrichment in the components of pathways regulating cell division, DNA/RNA processing and response to DNA damage. Consistent with G1/S blockade, Rasless cells displayed repression of a series of cell cycle-related genes, including Cyclins, Cyclin-dependent kinases, Myc and E2F transcription targets, and upregulation of Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. The profile of differentially expressed microRNAs included a specific set of oncomiR families and clusters (repressed miR-17 ~ 92, miR-106a ~ 363, miR-106b ~ 25, miR-212 ~ 132, miR-183 ~ 182, and upregulated miR-335) known for their ability to target a specific set of cellular regulators and checkpoint sensors (including Rb, E2F and Cdkns) able to modulate the interplay between the pro- and anti-proliferative or stress-response pathways that are reversibly altered in Rasless cells.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the reversible proliferation phenotype of Rasless cells is the pleiotropic result of interplay among distinct pro- and anti-proliferative, and stress-response pathways modulated by a regulatory circuitry constituted by a specific set of differentially expressed mRNAs and microRNAs and preferentially targeting two cross-talking signalling axes: Myc-Rb-E2F-dependent and Cdkns-p53-dependent pathways.
Evaluation of a curcumin analog as an anti-cancer agent inducing ER stress-mediated apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Liu Zhiguo , Sun Yusheng , Ren Luqing , Huang Yi , Cai Yuepiao , Weng Qiaoyou , Shen Xueqian , Li Xiaokun , Liang Guang , Wang Yi
Published: October 2013

Background

Recent advances have highlighted the importance of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in cell death processes. Pharmacological interventions that effectively enhance tumor cell death through activating ER stress have attracted a great deal of attention for anti-cancer therapy.

Methods

A bio-evaluation on 113 curcumin analogs against four cancer cell lines was performed through MTT assay. Furthermore, real time cell assay and flow cytometer were used to evaluate the apoptotic induction of (1E,4E)-1,5-bis(5-bromo-2-ethoxyphenyl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one (B82). Western blot, RT-qPCR, and siRNA were then utilized to confirm whether B82-induced apoptosis is mediated through activating ER stress pathway. Finally, the in vivo anti-tumor effect of B82 was evaluated.

Results

B82 exhibited strong anti-tumor activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) H460 cells. Treatment with B82 significantly induced apoptosis in H460 cells in vitro and inhibited H460 tumor growth in vivo. Further studies demonstrated that the B82-induced apoptosis is mediated by activating ER stress both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

A new monocarbonyl analog of curcumin, B82, exhibited anti-tumor effects on H460 cells via an ER stress-mediated mechanism. B82 could be further explored as a potential anticancer agent for the treatment of NSCLC.
Identification of barriers to the prevention and treatment of heat-related illness in Latino farmworkers using activity-oriented, participatory rural appraisal focus group methods
Authors: Lam Michelle , Krenz Jennifer , Palmández Pablo , Negrete Maria , Perla Martha , Murphy-Robinson Helen , Spector June T
Published: October 2013

Background

Heat-related illness (HRI) is an important cause of non-fatal illness and death in farmworkers. We sought to identify potential barriers to HRI prevention and treatment in Latino farmworkers.

Methods

We conducted three semi-structured focus group discussions with 35 Latino farmworkers in the Central Washington, USA area using participatory rural appraisal techniques. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed in Spanish. Three researchers reviewed and coded transcripts and field notes, and investigator triangulation was used to identify relevant themes and quotes.

Results

Although the majority of participants in our study reported never receiving formal HRI training, most participants were aware that extreme heat can cause illness and were able to accurately describe HRI symptoms, risk factors, and certain prevention strategies. Four main observations regarding farmworkers’ HRI-relevant beliefs and attitudes were identified: 1) farmworkers subscribe to varying degrees to the belief that cooling treatments should be avoided after heat exposure, with some believing that such treatments should be avoided after heat exposure, and others encouraging the use of such treatments; 2) the desire to lose weight may be reflected in behaviors that promote increased sweating; 3) highly caffeinated energy drinks are preferred to increase work efficiency and maintain alertness; and 4) the location of drinking water at work (e.g. next to restrooms) and whether water is clean, but not necessarily chemically-treated, are important considerations in deciding whether to drink the water provided at worksites.

Conclusions

We identified potential barriers to HRI prevention and treatment related to hydration, certain HRI treatments, clothing use, and the desire to lose weight among Latino farmworkers. Strategies to address potential barriers to HRI prevention and treatment in this population may include engineering, administrative, and health education and health promotion strategies at individual, workplace, community, and societal levels. Although farmworkers in our study were able to describe HRI risk factors, reported practices were not necessarily consistent with reported knowledge. Further study of potential knowledge-behavior gaps may uncover opportunities for additional HRI prevention strategies. Farmworkers and employers should be included in the development and evaluation of interventions to prevent HRI.
β-sitosterol induces G1 arrest and causes depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential in breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells
Authors: Vundru Shanthi Sri , Kale Raosaheb K , Singh Rana P
Published: October 2013

Backgrounds

It is suggested that dietary phytosterols, such as β-sitosterol (ST), have cancer chemopreventive effects; however, studies are limited to support such claims. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of ST on three different human cancer cell lines including skin epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells, lung epithelial carcinoma A549 cells and breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231.

Methods

Cell growth assay, cell cycle analysis, FACS, JC-1 staining, annexin V staining and immunoblotting were used to study the efficacy of ST on cancer cells.

Results

ST (30–90 μM) treatments for 48 h and 72 h did not show any significant effect on cell growth and death in A431 cells. Whereas similar ST treatments moderately inhibited the growth of A549 cells by up to 13% (p ≤ 0.05) in 48 h and 14% (p ≤ 0.05-0.0001) in 72 h. In MDA-MB-231 cells, ST caused a significant dose-dependent cell growth inhibition by 31- 63% (p ≤ 0.0001) in 48 h and 40-50% (p ≤ 0.0001) in 72 h. While exploring the molecular changes associated with strong ST efficacy in breast cancer cells, we observed that ST induced cell cycle arrest as well as cell death. ST caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest which was accompanied by a decrease in CDK4 and cyclin D1, and an increase in p21/Cip1and p27/Kip1 protein levels. Further, cell death effect of ST was associated with induction of apoptosis. ST also caused the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratio.

Conclusions

These results suggest prominent in vitro anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of ST in MDA-MB-231 cells. This study provides valuable insight into the chemopreventive efficacy and associated molecular alterations of ST in breast cancer cells whereas it had only moderate efficacy on lung cancer cells and did not show any considerable effect on skin cancer cells. These findings would form the basis for further studies to understand the mechanisms and assess the potential utility of ST as a cancer chemopreventive agent against breast cancer.
Comparison of metabolic ratios of urinary estrogens between benign and malignant thyroid tumors in postmenopausal women
Authors: Moon Ju-Yeon , Lee Eun Jig , Chung Woong Youn , Moon Myeong Hee , Chung Bong Chul , Choi Man Ho
Published: October 2013

Background

Estrogen metabolism may be associated with the pathophysiological development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

To evaluate the differential estrogen metabolism between benign and malignant PTCs, estrogen profiling by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was applied to urine samples from postmenopausal patients with 9 benign tumors and 18 malignant stage I and III/IV PTCs.

Results

The urinary concentration of 2-methoxyestradiol was significantly lower in the stage I malignant patients (3.5-fold; P < 0.025) than in the benign group. The metabolic ratios of 16α-OH-estrone/estrone and estriol/estradiol, which are responsible for 16α-hydroxylase activity, were increased more than 2.5-fold in the advanced-stage malignant PTC (P < 0.02 each). The more than 6.2-fold decrease in the urinary 2-/16α-hydroxylase ratio in stage III/IV malignant PTC was consistent with the ratio in postmenopausal patients with endocrine gland cancers. In addition, reductive 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD; estradiol/estrone or estriol/16α-OH-estrone) was present at significantly higher levels in subjects with stage III/IV malignant PTCs than in benign subjects (>3.5-fold difference; P < 0.002). In particular, the estriol/16α-OH-estrone ratio differentiated between the benign and early-stage malignant patients (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Increased 16α-hydroxylation and/or a decreased 2-/16α-ratio, as well increased reductive 17β-HSD, with regard to estrogen metabolism could provide potential biomarkers. The devised profiles could be useful for differentiating malignant thyroid carcinomas from benign adenomas in postmenopausal women.
Impact of APOE gene polymorphisms on the lipid profile in an Algerian population
Authors: Boulenouar Houssam , Mediene Benchekor Sounnia , Meroufel Djabaria Naïma , Lardjam Hetraf Sarah Aicha , Ouhaibi Djellouli Hadjira , Hermant Xavier , Grenier-Boley Benjamin , Hamani Medjaoui Imane , Saidi Mehtar Nadhira , Amouyel Philippe , Houti Leila , Meirhaeghe Aline , Goumidi Louisa
Published: October 2013

Background

The importance of apolipoprotein E (APOE) in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism is well established. However, the impact of APOE polymorphisms has never been investigated in an Algerian population. This study assessed, for the fist time, the relationships between three APOE polymorphisms (epsilon, rs439401, rs4420638) and plasma lipid concentrations in a general population sample from Algeria.

Methods

The association analysis was performed in the ISOR study, a representative sample of the population living in Oran (787 subjects aged between 30 and 64). Polymorphisms were considered both individually and as haplotypes.

Results

In the ISOR sample, APOE ϵ4 allele carriers had higher plasma triglyceride (p=0.0002), total cholesterol (p=0.009) and LDL-cholesterol (p=0.003) levels than ϵ3 allele carriers. No significant associations were detected for the rs4420638 and rs439401 SNPs. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analyses confirmed the respectively deleterious and protective impacts of the ϵ4 and ϵ2 alleles on LDL-cholesterol levels and showed that the G allele of the rs4420638 polymorphism may exert a protective effect on LDL-cholesterol levels in subjects bearing the APOE epsilon 4 allele.

Conclusion

Our results showed that (i) the APOE epsilon polymorphism has the expected impact on the plasma lipid profile and (ii) the rs4420638 G allele may counterbalance the deleterious effect of the ϵ4 allele on LDL-cholesterol levels in an Algerian population.
Neglected synovial osteochondromatosis of the elbow: a rare case
Authors: Giannetti Silvio , Santucci Attilio , Patricola Alessandro , Stancati Andrea , Di Sanzo Vincenzo
Published: October 2013

Background

Synovial osteochondromatosis is a benign metaplastic proliferative disorder of the synovium characterised by the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules in the synovium, many of which detach and become loose bodies. The disease is characteristically monoarticular, most commonly involving the knee. A site in the elbow was first reported in 1918 by Henderson, but any joint may be involved. Very few cases of synovial osteochondromatosis of the elbow have been reported in the literature. The presenting symptoms are usually diffuse discomfort in the affected joint and decreased range of motion with an accompanying gritty or locking sensation. The treatment of choice is excision of the synovium and removal of the loose bodies.

Case presentation

We report a rare neglected case covering a 32-year period of a locally aggressive synovial osteochondromatosis of the elbow in a 47-year-old man. Clinical examination revealed a significant increase in size of the left elbow compared to the contralateral one. The simple radiographs and the computed tomography showed multiple rounded, calcified bodies widespread throughout the elbow joint. At surgery we removed and counted a total of 312 loose bodies, varying in size from a few millimeters to 3 cm. The evaluation at 6 months postoperatively showed marked reduction in the volume of the elbow, improvement of extension and flexion and an increase of the Mayo elbow performance score from 50 points before surgery to 80 points at 6 months postoperative.

Conclusion

Synovial osteochondromatosis is an uncommon condition characterized by the formation of multiple nodules of hyaline cartilage within the sub-synovial connective tissue. The differential diagnosis includes chronic articular infection, osteoarthritis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, mono-articular inflammatory arthritis and periarticular neoplasms like synovial sarcoma. The treatment of choice is excision of the synovium and removal of the loose bodies. The prognosis is good, but recurrences may occur if the removal is incomplete.
IGF-I increases markers of osteoblastic activity and reduces bone resorption via osteoprotegerin and RANK-ligand
Authors: Guerra-Menéndez Lucia , Sádaba Maria C , Puche Juan E , Lavandera Jose L , de Castro Luis F , de Gortázar Arancha R , Castilla-Cortázar Inma
Published: October 2013

Background

Bone is one of the major target tissues for Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I). Low doses of IGF-I were able to improve liver-associated osteopenia. In the present work, a model of partial IGF-I deficiency was used in order to provide insight into the mechanisms of the beneficial actions of IGF-I replacement therapy in bone.

Methods

Several proteins involved in osteoblastic/osteocyte and osteoclastic differentiation and activity were studied in the three experimental groups: control (CO) group (wild type mice,Igf+/+, n = 10), heterozygousIgf+/-group with partial IGF-I deficiency (Hz, n = 10), and heterozygousIgf+/-mice treated with IGF-I for 10 days (Hz + IGF-I, n = 10).

Results

Data in this paper confirm that the simple partial IGF-I deficiency is responsible for osteopenia, determined by densitometry and histopathology. These findings are associated with a reduced gene expression of osteoprotegerin, sclerostin, calcitonin receptor (CTR), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 and RUNX2. IGF-I replacement therapy normalized CTR gene expression and reduced markers of osteoclastic activity.

Conclusions

Low doses of IGF-I constituted a real replacement therapy that normalized IGF-I serum levels improving the expression of most of these proteins closely involved in bone-forming, and reducing bone resorption by mechanisms related to osteoprotegerin, RANKL and PTH receptor.
Compressibility of porous TiO2 nanoparticle coating on paperboard
Authors: Stepien Milena , Saarinen Jarkko J , Teisala Hannu , Tuominen Mikko , Haapanen Janne , Mäkelä Jyrki M , Kuusipalo Jurkka , Toivakka Martti
Published: October 2013

Compressibility of liquid flame spray-deposited porous TiO2 nanoparticle coating was studied on paperboard samples using a traditional calendering technique in which the paperboard is compressed between a metal and polymer roll. Surface superhydrophobicity is lost due to a smoothening effect when the number of successive calendering cycles is increased. Field emission scanning electron microscope surface and cross‒sectional images support the atomic force microscope roughness analysis that shows a significant compressibility of the deposited TiO2 nanoparticle coating with decrease in the surface roughness and nanoscale porosity under external pressure.

PACS

61.46.-w; 68.08.Bc; 81.07.-b
Gq Rather than G11 Preferentially Mediates Nociceptor Sensitization
Authors: Wirotanseng Laura Nikita , Kuner Rohini , Tappe-Theodor Anke
Published: October 2013

Background

The Gq/11-protein signaling mechanism is essential throughout the nervous system, but little is known about the contribution of the individual G-protein GPCR signaling branches towards nociceptor activation and their specific role on nociceptor sensitization. We aimed to unravel the contribution of the Gq/11-signaling pathway towards nociceptor activation via a variety of classical inflammatory mediators signalling via different G-protein GPCRs and investigated the specific contribution of the individual Gq and G11, G-Proteins in nociceptors.

Findings

Using different transgenic mouse lines, lacking Gαq, Gα11, or both α-subunit of the G-proteins in primary nociceptive neurons, we analyzed the mechanical- and heat-sensitivity upon application of different GPCR-agonists that are known to play an important role under inflammatory conditions (e.g. ATP, Glutamate, Serotonin etc.). We found that the Gq/11-GPCR signaling branch constitutes a primary role in the manifestation of mechanical allodynia and a minor role in the development of thermal hyperalgesia. Moreover, with respect to the mediators used here, the Gq-protein is the principle G-protein among the Gq/11-protein family in nociceptive neurons leading to nociceptor sensitization.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the Gq/11 signaling branch plays a primary role in nociceptor sensitization upon stimulation with classical GPCR ligands, contributing primarily towards the development of mechanically allodynia. Moreover, the deletion of the individual G-proteins led to the finding that the Gq-protein dominates the signalling machinery of the Gq/11 family of G-proteins in nociceptive neurons.
A comparative study on the traditional Indian Shodhana and Chinese processing methods for aconite roots by characterization and determination of the major components
Authors: Jaiswal Yogini , Liang Zhitao , Yong Peng , Chen Hubiao , Zhao Zhongzhen
Published: October 2013

Background

Aconitum is an indispensable entity of the traditional medicine therapy in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in spite of its known fatal toxicity characteristics. The prolonged use of this drug, irrespective of its known lethal effects, is governed by the practice of effective detoxification processes that have been used for decades. However, the processing methods of Ayurveda and TCM are different, and no comparative study has been carried out to evaluate their differences.

The objective of the present study was to carry out comparative chemical profiling of the roots of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall, A. carmichaelii Debx., and A. kusnezoffii Reichb. after application of two detoxification methods used in Ayurveda and one method used in TCM .

Results

Analysis of the processed samples was carried out by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS). The results obtained in the study demonstrate that all three processing methods used in Ayurveda and TCM effectively extract the diester diterpenoid alkaloids and led to their conversion into monoester diterpenoid alkaloids. The efficiency of the processes in reduction of toxic alkaloid contents can be stated as: Processing with water > Shodhana with cow milk > Shodhana with cow urine. The analysis method was validated as per ICH-Q2R1 guidelines and all the parameters were found to comply with the recommendations stated in the guidelines.

Conclusions

There have been no reports till date, to compare the processing methods used in Ayurveda with the methods used in TCM for detoxification of aconite roots. Our study demonstrates that, these methods used in both the traditional systems of medicine, efficiently detoxify the aconite roots. Amongst the three selected procedures, the TCM method of decoction with water is the most efficient. Through experimental evidences, we prove the conversion of toxic diester diterpenoid alkaloids to relatively safer monoester diterpenoid alkaloids. Thus, this study demonstrates that comparative study on the traditional experiences accumulated in different medical systems is useful for expanding their respective applications.
Immunopurification of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) proteins
Authors: Elliott Kerryn L , Catimel Bruno , Church Nicole L , Coates Janine L , Burgess Antony W , Layton Meredith J , Faux Maree C
Published: October 2013

Background

Theadenomatous polyposis coli(APC) tumour suppressor gene encodes a 2843 residue (310 kDa) protein. APC is a multifunctional protein involved in the regulation of β-catenin/Wnt signalling, cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion.APCmutations occur in most colorectal cancers and typically result in truncation of the C-terminal half of the protein.

Results

In order to investigate the biophysical properties of APC, we have generated a set of monoclonal antibodies which enable purification of recombinant forms of APC. Here we describe the characterisation of these anti-APC monoclonal antibodies (APC-NT) that specifically recognise endogenous APC both in solution and in fixed cells. Full-length APC(1–2843) and cancer-associated, truncated APC proteins, APC(1–1638) and APC(1–1311) were produced in Sf9 insect cells.

Conclusions

Recombinant APC proteins were purified using a two-step affinity approach using our APC-NT antibodies. The purification of APC proteins provides the basis for detailed structure/function analyses of full-length, cancer-truncated and endogenous forms of the protein.
Comparative proteomic analysis reveals mechanistic insights into Pseudomonas putida F1 growth on benzoate and citrate
Authors: Mandalakis Manolis , Panikov Nicolai , Dai Shujia , Ray Somak , Karger Barry L
Published: October 2013

Pseudomonas species are capable to proliferate under diverse environmental conditions and thus have a significant bioremediation potential. To enhance our understanding of their metabolic versatility, this study explores the changes in the proteome and physiology of Pseudomonas putida F1 resulting from its growth on benzoate, a moderate toxic compound that can be catabolized, and citrate, a carbon source that is assimilated through central metabolic pathways. A series of repetitive batch cultivations were performed to ensure a complete adaptation of the bacteria to each of these contrasting carbon sources. After several growth cycles, cell growth stabilized at the maximum level and exhibited a reproducible growth profile. The specific growth rates measured for benzoate (1.01 ± 0.11 h-1) and citrate (1.11 ± 0.12 h-1) were similar, while a higher yield was observed for benzoate (0.6 and 0.3 g cell mass per g of benzoate and citrate, respectively), reflecting the different degrees of carbon reduction in the two substrates. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed an enrichment of several oxygenases/dehydrogenases in benzoate-grown cells, indicative of the higher carbon reduction of benzoate. Moreover, the upregulation of all 14 proteins implicated in benzoate degradation via the catechol ortho-cleavage pathway was observed, while several stress-response proteins were increased to aid cells to cope with benzoate toxicity. Unexpectedly, citrate posed more challenges than benzoate in the maintenance of pH homeostasis, as indicated by the enhancement of the Na+/H+ antiporter and carbonic anhydrase. The study provides important mechanistic insights into Pseudomonas adaptation to varying carbon sources that are of great relevance to bioremediation efforts.
Wavefield simulation and analysis with the finite-element method for acoustic logging while drilling in horizontal and deviated wells
Authors: Wang Hua , Tao Guo , Zhang Kuo
Published: October 2013

We developed a frequency-domain finite-element method (FFEM) in conjunction with a complex-frequency-shifted perfectly matched layer (CFS-PML) boundary to effectively study the wavefield generated by acoustic multipole logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools in horizontal and highly deviated wells. With such an FFEM, the sources and receivers can be easily set symmetrically in the simulation to model the real tools exactly, while this is very difficult to deal with in the finite-difference method. In addition, the CFS-PML boundaries can be implemented more efficiently in this algorithm. We applied this method to study the effects of tool eccentricity on the measurements in slow formations that most likely need 3D solutions for LWD in horizontal and highly deviated wells. We found that because the tool cannot be centralized in these wells, some nonmonopole modes could appear in monopole measurements and the Stoneley mode could appear in dipole measurements; the flexural collar wave could become increasingly strong with an increase of tool eccentricity, and the Stoneley mode may be the later arriving event, especially in the case of a severely eccentric quadrupole tool. Based on these studies, we introduced a method to quantify the extent and the angle of the tool eccentricity with the phase difference in eccentric dipole measurements. These parameters are very useful for the analysis of the bottom-hole assembly performance in geosteering.
On seismic deghosting by spatial deconvolution
Authors: Amundsen Lasse , Zhou Hongbo , Reitan Arne , Weglein Arthur B.
Published: October 2013

Receiver-side deghosting can be derived and implemented in the frequency domain as spatial deterministic deconvolution of marine pressure recordings. The deghosting/deconvolution operator is found analytically as the inverse Fourier transform of the wavenumber-domain wave equation deghosting function. For a sea surface reflection coefficient of [Formula: see text], the wavenumber-domain deghosting function has well-known poles at fundamental frequencies equal to an integer multiple of a function of the receiver depth and the plane-wave dip angle relative to the depth axis. The first singularity is always at 0 Hz. The spatial deghosting operator has singularities at fundamental frequencies equal to an integer multiple of a function of the receiver depth, independent of its lateral coordinates. The first singularity is again at 0 Hz. In addition, the deghosting operator that is applied to 3D data has singularity when its lateral coordinate is zero. A simple numerical example demonstrates the method.
Valuing seismic at the drilling program level for sweet spot identification in unconventional resource plays — A tutorial via a representative example
Authors: Coopersmith Ellen , Burkholder Kent , Schulze Jan
Published: October 2013

Unconventional teams often struggle when asked to make the business case for shooting seismic in their resource plays. Understanding the uplift seismic may provide for sweet spot identification, but it is not conventional and requires a unique approach. The key lies in the combination of sound understanding of the play, seismic technologies likely to provide some level of accuracy to interpret true reservoir quality attributes, and the ability to apply a structured thinking process and basic Bayesian theory to develop the business case comparison of seismic alternatives at a drilling program level. Once seismic options are well-defined, the value comparison involves helping teams forecast the uncertainty reduction potential of different seismic technologies through reliability of interpretation assessment interviews, and reviewing the results of those interviews in high-level decision trees to value each seismic option at a development program level. If there is value in acquiring seismic in a given play, it lies in the ability to identify poor areas of reservoir attributes and steer clear of those in the development program. This often leads to drilling fewer locations on the acreage, while realizing higher value from the locations that are drilled as a result of a lower likelihood of poor performing wells.
Addressee’s Pursuasive Tactics in PR-Texts
Authors: Троицкая  , Troitskaya Tatyana
Published: October 2013

The paper dwells upon the pragmatics of the political PR-text in the

communicative environment of the Internet, the main advantages of which

are multimedia and hypertextuality. Skillful constructing of the social reality

in PR-discourse directs addressee’s perception in the proper way. The

author analyses discursive strategies of presentation and politicians’ selfpresentation,

his opponents’ discredit on the basis of German pre-elective

PR-texts; singles out and describes addressee’s persuasive tactics and

their linguistic realization.
Product-Generation Transition Decision Making for Bayer's Hemophilia Drugs: Global Capacity Expansion Under Uncertainty with Supply-Demand Imbalances
Authors: Stonebraker Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2013

We present an application of decision analysis to global production capacity expansion under uncertainty for Bayer Group's proposed new biotechnology drug to treat hemophilia A. This decision analysis developed an improved approach to Bayer's decision for product-generation transition and global production capacity expansion that more realistically addresses potential regional supply shortages and overages due to demand and supply uncertainties that can result in supply-demand imbalances. With the added confidence provided by this more realistic approach, Bayer's executive leadership team acted on the recommendation from the decision analysis in contrast to an earlier analysis that had not resulted in management action. The paper makes two major contributions: First, it describes the details of what is involved in conducting applied decision analysis in a real-world setting in more detail than what is typically in textbooks on decision analysis. Second, the paper illustrates the important role of economic modeling in a large-scale applied decision analysis. The approach is applicable to other product-generation transition decision making for expanding global production capacity under uncertainty in a supply-constrained environment, especially for new product introductions and new product development decisions when supply is limited.
Sequential Bayes-Optimal Policies for Multiple Comparisons with a Known Standard
Authors: Xie Jing , Frazier Peter I.
Published: October 2013

We consider the problem of efficiently allocating simulation effort to determine which of several simulated systems have mean performance exceeding a threshold of known value. Within a Bayesian formulation of this problem, the optimal fully sequential policy for allocating simulation effort is the solution to a dynamic program. When sampling is limited by probabilistic termination or sampling costs, we show that this dynamic program can be solved efficiently, providing a tractable way to compute the Bayes-optimal policy. The solution uses techniques from optimal stopping and multiarmed bandits. We then present further theoretical results characterizing this Bayes-optimal policy, compare it numerically to several approximate policies, and apply it to applications in emergency services and manufacturing.
Analysis of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with fracture of the proximal end of the femur
Authors: Madej-Czerwonka Barbara , Piasecka-Twaróg Małgorzata , Mandziuk Sławomir , Monika Cendrowska-Pinkosz
Published: October 2013

Fracture of the proximal end of the femur is one of the most common fractures in elderly patients. Worldwide, this type of fracture occurs in 2.5 m of people annually including approximately 30, 000 Poles. It usually occurs as a complication of osteoporosis. In the bones, changes in the level of cytokines following osteoporosis are observed. These changes refer mainly to pro-inflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1 (IL-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The aim of this preliminary study was to assess if there are any changes in the blood level of these cytokines in ostmenopausal patients with low-energy fracture of the proximal end of the femur. Additionally, the changes in cytokines concentration were also analyzed in conjunction with the body mass index, sex hormones (FSH and estradiol) as well as parameters connected with bone turnover (calcium, phosphorus). The study showed a significantly higher concentration of interleukin 1, interleukin 6 and TNF-α in patients with a low-energy fracture of the proximal end of the femur and confirmed the relationship between blood estradiol level and body mass index versus the tested fracture.
Effect of supernatants from Lactobacillus acidophilus culture on ATP levels in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Szkaradkiewicz Anna K , Stopa Janina
Published: October 2013

Bacteria of Lactobacillus genus comprise around 1% of physiological flora in oral cavity. Despite numerous studies on Lactobacillus bacteria, their interaction with cells of host’s oral cavity has not been fully recognized.
Studies were performed on effects of super natants obtained from bacterial cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus strains on ATP levels in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) and on their viability. ATP levels were evaluated using luminescence test and cell viability was estimated using a fluorescence test.
Mean levels of ATP in cultures of control fibroblasts, HGF-1, supplemented with 10% PBS amounted to 4.90 ± 0.32 mln of RLU (rela tive light units). In turn, mean level of ATP in cul tures of HGF-1 fibroblasts supplemented with supernatants of H2O2-producing L. acidophilus cultures amounted to 5.94 ± 0.31 mln of RLU, and in the cul tures sup ple mented with su per natants of L. acidophilus producing no H2O2 it amounted to 5.88 ± 0.28 mln of RLU. The lev els of ATP ob tained in HGF-1 cultures with supernatants of L. acidophilus were significantly higher than those in control cultures. On the other hand, ATP levels in HGF-1 cultures with supernatants of H2O2-producing L. acidophilus cultures and with supernatants of H2O2-not producing L. acidophilus cultures showed no significant differences.
The presented for the first time in this study increase in ATP synthesis in gingival fibroblasts under effect of extracellular products of L. acidophilus cultures may represent an important protective mechanism in which oral lactobacilli influence human gingival fibroblasts.
Antidepressant drugs and cardio-vascular system
Authors: Opielak Grzegorz , Madej-Czerwonka Barbara , Piotrkowicz Jakub , Szeszko Łukasz , Dworzański Wojciech , Kowalski Cezary , Opielak Sylwia , Szymański Mateusz , Cendrowska-Pinkosz Monika
Published: October 2013

Depression is becoming a more and more frequent problem in highly – developed countries. There exist many factors predisposing to the occurrence of the disease. To most commonly mentioned, are organic CNS damage, genetic factors, disorders in neurotransmitters, and hormone dysfunctions. The disease disturbs the functioning of many organs and systems, causing the increase in the risk of the progression of the coronary disease and venous thrombotic- embolic illness. Antidepressants constitute the heterogenic group in terms of their chemical structure and mechanisms of action. Today it is known that applying them indeed increases the risk of the development of disadvantageous changes in the cardio-vascular system. In this study, an attempt of synthetic analysis of the influence of medicines applied in the treatment of depression on cardiovascular diseases was undertaken.
Acaricidal effect of some plants on Ixodes ricinus - a pilot study
Authors: Smolarz Helena Danuta , Jędruch Marcin , Rzymowska Jolanta , Bajorska Agnieszka
Published: October 2013

In the search for natural antiticktide substances, 23 raw materials belonging to 16 plant species were tested. In the study, the behavior of ticks after stimulation with chloroform and methanol plant extracts was observed. All the tested extracts have shown toxicity against Ixodes ricinus. The most toxic appeared to be methanol extracts from Helihrysum arenarium (L.) Moench., Centaurea cyjanus L., Taraxacum officinale Web., Tanacetum vulgare L., Chelidonium maius L. and Armoracia rusticana Gilib. which caused the death of ticks within 1 hour in the concentrations 0,6; 4,4; 6,1; 6,8; 7,2 and 7,6 mg/mL respectively.
The influence of coating on release of paracetamol from the multi-compartment systems
Authors: Stawarski Tomasz , Sieradzki Edmund , Baran Beata , Stawarska Agnieszka
Published: October 2013

A multi-compartment system enables modification of medicinal substance release. Nine series of multi-compartment systems were prepared, where each contained 5 minitablets. Application of different envelopes (OPADRY II WHITE and ACRYL EZE – PINK), coating the individual minitablets and complete multi-compartment systems, allowed for modeling medicinal substance release from the tested drug forms. Dissolution test of paracetamol was tested. The results were processed using the Statistica 9.0 (StatSoft, USA).
Effects of intermediate gold layer on bond strength of dental porcelain to titanium
Authors: Walczak Mariusz , Drozd Kazimierz
Published: October 2013

The demand for metal dental implants triggers search for innovative biomaterials, which are most importantly, characterised by good biotolerance, are corrosion resistant, possess high mechanical resistance and cosmetic durability. Up until today, it has been impossible to achieve a satisfactory level of high mechanical resistance of titanium prosthetic apparatus with permanent dental ceramic veneers and, for this reason, research in this respect still continues. The purpose of the research was to shape the surface layer of titanium biomaterials by creating a multilayer system comprising an inner gold layer and an outer dental porcelain layer so as to achieve a permanent bond of metal-ceramic. Commercially pure titanium samples (ASTM grade 2) subjected to conventional sandblasting (with 110 μm Al2O3 particles) uncoated and coated with gold, were examined. The metal–ceramic bond strength was investigated according to ISO 9693 standards using the three-point flexure bond test. An improvement in the adhesion of dental porcelain to titanium was obtained by coating the metal substrate with gold, which is of clinical importance.
Evaluation of the use of microcrystalline chitosan and collagen membranes as carriers for the platelet derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) in the presence of amoxicillin
Authors: Bodek Kazimiera H , Michalska Marta , Bodek Andrzej , Kozakiewicz Marcin
Published: October 2013

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) from homogeneous microcrystalline chitosan (MCCh), collagen (Coll) and composite microcrystalline chitosan - collagen (MCCh-Coll) membranes in the presence or absence of amoxicillin (Am) and to select the most useful membrane for its practical application. The films were characterized by means of FTIR spectroscopy, swelling studies and SEM images. The kinetics of PDGF-BB release was evaluated by means of the ELISA immunoassay test. Amoxicillin concentration was determined spectrophotometrically at 273 nm. The process of the PDGF-BB growth factor and amoxicillin release from studied membranes was of two-phase nature. The first phase (during the 8 h) was characterized by rapid release whereas in the second phase (up to 10 days) the release was much slower. MCCh-Coll (M4) composite membrane appeared to be the most useful membrane because of the fast release of PDGF-BB as a significant angiogenic growth factor for tissue regeneration and the slow as well as gradual release of the antibiotic (amoxicillin), which carries protective role during regeneration process.