bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR‐106a is frequently upregulated in gastric cancer and inhibits the extrinsic apoptotic pathway by targeting FAS
Authors: Wang Zaozao , Liu Mei , Zhu Hongxia , Zhang Wei , He Shun , Hu Chenfei , Quan Lanping , Bai Jinfeng , Xu Ningzhi
Published: March 2012

Emerging evidence has shown the association of aberrantly expressed miR‐106a with cancer development, however, little is known about its potential role in gastric carcinogenesis. In our present study, obviously overexpressed miR‐106a was found in gastric cancer tissues compared with their nontumor counterparts. Suppression of miR‐106a significantly inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and triggered apoptosis. Bioinformatic analysis combining with validation experiments identified FAS as a direct target of miR‐106a. Rescue experiments and examination of caspase‐8, PARP and caspase‐3 further approved that miR‐106a could inhibit gastric cancer cell apoptosis through interfering with FAS‐mediated apoptotic pathway. Moreover, a significant inverse correlation was found between miR‐106a and FAS expression not only in gastric cancer cell lines but also in gastric cancer specimens. Taken together, these findings suggest that ectopicly overexpressed miR‐106a may play an oncogenic role in gastric carcinogenesis and impair extrinsic apoptotic pathway through targeting FAS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imiquimod attenuates the growth of UVB‐Induced SCC in mice through Th1/Th17 cells
Authors: Yokogawa Maki , Takaishi Mikiro , Nakajima Kimiko , Kamijima Reiko , DiGiovanni John , Sano Shigetoshi
Published: March 2012

Imiquimod (IMQ), a Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonist, has been used to treat various skin neoplasms, including genital warts, actinic keratoses, and superficial basal cell carcinomas. Although IMQ has been recognized to activate both innate and adaptive immunity, the underlying mechanism(s) by which IMQ exerts its anti‐tumor activity in vivo remains largely unknown. In this study, we took advantage of skin cancer‐prone mice to characterize the effects of IMQ on ultraviolet irradiation (UV)‐induced de novo carcinogenesis. Transgenic mice with keratinocytes expressing constitutively activated Stat3 (K5.Stat3C mice) developed squamous cell carcinomas (SCC in situ) as early as after 14 wk of UVB irradiation, while wild‐type mice required much higher doses of UVB with more than 25 wk of UVB irradiation to produce SCC. Topical treatment of K5.Stat3C mice with IMQ attenuated UVB‐induced epidermal dysplasia (SCC in situ). In addition, SCC growth due to increased total irradiation doses was significantly attenuated by IMQ treatment. Topical IMQ treatment induced T cell and plasmacytoid dendritic cell infiltrates at the tumor sites, where levels of IL‐12/23p40, IL‐12p35, IL‐23p19, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ mRNAs were up‐regulated. Immunohistochemistry revealed T cell infiltrates consisting of T1, Th17, and CD8+ T cells. We speculate that topical IMQ treatment attenuates the de novo growth of UVB‐induced SCC through activation of Th17/Th1 cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulation of a baroclinic wave with the WRF regional model: sensitivity to the initial conditions in an ideal and a real experiment
Authors: Blázquez Josefina , Pessacg Natalia L. , Gonzalez Paula L. M.
Published: March 2012

A sensitivity study to perturbations in the initial conditions in a simulated evolution of a baroclinic wave using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional model is discussed in this paper. With the goal of analysing the impacts of these perturbations in the context of weather forecast and also with the aim of exploring the presence of preferred directions of growth in the errors, two cases were analysed: an ideal experiment using a case study available from the WRF set‐up and a simulation of a real evolution of a mid‐latitude cyclone over Southeastern South America (SESA) and the Atlantic Ocean. In the ideal experiment two spatial structures were considered for the perturbations, random and sinusoidal noise, while for the real experiment only sinusoidal structures were considered. These perturbations were then applied to the initial conditions of temperature and zonal wind. Additionally, simulations with an increment in atmospheric moisture were performed for the real experiment. It was found in both real and ideal cases that the temperature errors tend to organize in a preferable direction of growth, although this direction changes depending on the case considered. Results also show that perturbations in temperature field lead to larger error than perturbing the zonal wind. Finally, the increment of moisture did not produce significant changes in the distribution or intensity of the errors in the real case.
Vascular pressure monitorization for necessity of vascular augmentation in a rat extended abdominal perforator flap model
Authors: Gümüş Nazim , Erkan Muhammet , Erçöçen Ali̇ Riza
Published: March 2012

In case blood perfusion compromises, vascular enhancement with arterial supercharge or venous superdrainage can increase viability of the flap. In this study, vascular pressure monitorization was used in a rat extended abdominal perforator flap model to reveal intraoperative vascular compromise and the need for vascular augmentation. A rat abdominal perforator flap was designed, which was based on the right second cranial perforator of epigastric artery. Vascular pressures of the flap were monitored continuously for 60 min, by catheters placed in the right superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein. Forty rats were divided into four experimental groups, as follows: group 1 (n = 10, no vascular augmentation), group II (n = 10, arterial supercharge), group III (n = 10, venous superdrainage), and group IV (n = 10, arterial and venous augmentation). Arterial supercharge and/or venous superdrainage were performed by using the left superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein. After the rats were sacrificed on the 7th day, total flap area and necrotic regions were evaluated. Mean arterial blood pressure was found significantly lower (P < 0.05) and mean venous blood pressure was measured significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group I than the groups II, III, and IV. Flap survival area was also larger in the groups II, III, and IV than the group I (P < 0.05). The results of this experimental study demonstrate that arterial insufficiency and venous congestion are almost always present in the rat extended abdominal perforator flap model, similar to deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. When such an extended perforator flap is used, arterial and venous pressure monitorization may be considered as a tool to support intraoperative clinical findings to reveal the need of vascular augmentation and ascertain flap viability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Bilateral simultaneous breast reconstruction with SGAP flaps
Authors: Flores Jaime I. , Magarakis Michael , Venkat Raghunandan , Shridharani Sachin M. , Rosson Gedge D.
Published: March 2012

Background:

Two work‐horse approaches to postmastectomy breast reconstruction are the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap and the superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap [and its variation, the lateral septocutaneous superior gluteal artery perforator flap]. Our purpose was fourfold: 1) to analyze our experience with the SGAP flaps for simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction; 2) to analyze our experience with lateral septocutaneous superior gluteal artery perforator flaps for that procedure; 3) to compare our results with those in the literature; and 4) to highlight the importance of preoperative three‐dimensional computed tomographic angiography.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was completed for 23 patients who underwent breast reconstruction between December 2005 and January 2010 via an SGAP flap (46 flaps). We reviewed flap weight, ischemia time, length of stay, overall flap survival, fat necrosis development, and emergency re‐exploration.

Results:

Mean weights were 571.2 ± 222.0 g (range 186–1,117 g) and 568.0 ± 237.5 g (range 209–1,115 g) for the left and right buttock flap, respectively. Mean ischemia time was 129.1 ± 15.7 and 177.7 ± 24.7 minutes for the first and second flap, respectively. Mean hospital stay was 5.3 ± 2.5 days. All flaps survived. Fat necrosis developed in five flaps (10.8%), and emergency re‐exploration was required in three patients (three flaps).

Conclusions:

When harvesting abdominal tissue is a poor option, the SGAP flap is an efficacious procedure for patients desiring autologous breast reconstruction, and bilateral procedures can be performed simultaneously. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Primary repair of crush nerve injuries by means of biological tubulization with muscle‐vein‐combined grafts
Authors: Tos Pierluigi , Battiston Bruno , Ciclamini Davide , Geuna Stefano , Artiaco Stefano
Published: March 2012

Despite extensive research and surgical innovation, the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries remains a complex issue, particularly in nonsharp lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcome in a group of 16 patients who underwent, in emergency, a primary repair for crush injury of sensory and mixed nerves of the upper limb with biological tubulization, namely, the muscle‐vein‐combined graft. The segments involved were sensory digital nerves in eight cases and mixed nerves in another eight cases (four median nerves and four ulnar nerves). The length of nerve defect ranged from 0.5 to 4 cm (mean 1.9 cm). Fifteen of 16 patients showed some degree of functional recovery. Six patients showed diminished light touch (3.61), six had protective sensation (4.31), and three showed loss of protective sensation (4.56) using Semmes‐Weinstein monofilament test. All the patients who underwent digital nerve repair had favorable results graded as S4 in one case, S3+ in six cases, and S3 in one case. With respect to mixed nerve repair, we observed two S4, two S3+, two S3, one S2, and one S0 sensory recovery. Less favorable results were observed for motor function with three M4, one M3, two M2, and two M0 recoveries. Altogether, the results of this retrospective study demonstrates that tubulization nerve repair in emergency, in case of short nerve gaps, may restore the continuity of the nerve avoiding secondary nerve grafting. This technique preserves donor nerve and, in case of failure, does not preclude a delayed repair with a nerve graft. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
In vivo imaging of vessel diameter, size, and density: A comparative study between MRI and histology
Authors: Lemasson Benjamin , Valable Samuel , Farion Régine , Krainik Alexandre , Rémy Chantal , Barbier Emmanuel L.
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological estimates of the mean vessel diameter (mVD), the vessel density (Density), and the vessel size index (VSI) obtained in the same tumor‐bearing animals. Twenty‐seven rats bearing intracranial glioma (C6 or RG2) were imaged by MRI. Changes in transverse relaxations (ΔR and R2) were induced by the injection of an iron‐based contrast agent and were mapped using a multi gradient‐echo spin‐echo sequence. Then, brain vascular network was studied ex vivo by histology. Three regions of interest were drawn in apparently normal tissue (neocortex and striatum) and in the tumor. In vivo mVDMRI, DensityMRI, and VSIMRI were measured; ex vivo, mVDhisto, Densityhisto, and VSIhisto were quantified on the same animals. MRI and histology measurements differed by −15 to 26%. A positive correlation was found between MRI and histology for mVD, Density, and VSI counterparts (R2 = 0.62, 0.50, 0.73, respectively; P < 0.001 in all cases). This study indicates that MRI and histology yields well correlated the estimates of mVD, Density, and VSI. VSI is the closest MRI estimate to histology. As Density and mVD or VSI provide complementary information, it is worth computing them to characterize angiogenesis beyond blood volume fraction. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolated necrotizing myopathy associated with ANTI‐PL12 antibody
Authors: Mehndiratta Prachi , Mehta Sonal , Manjila Sunil V. , Kammer Gary M. , Cohen Mark L. , Preston David C.
Published: March 2012

Introduction:

Immune‐mediated myopathies are a heterogeneous group of chronic autoimmune disorders. Autoantibodies associated with this disease complex are classified into myositis‐associated and myositis‐specific. Anti‐tRNA synthetase antibodies are the most well known of the myositis‐specific antibodies. Previous reports have revealed an association of tRNA synthetase autoantibodies with systemic connective tissue disorders.

Methods:

Our case report involved a 49‐year‐old man who developed difficulty walking and climbing stairs 5 months prior to his initial visit. No rash or skin changes were observed.

Results:

Laboratory testing was positive for anti‐PL12 autoantibody with a negative evaluation for connective tissue disorder (CTD). The patient was found to have necrotizing myopathy associated with anti‐PL12 antibodies in the absence of inflammatory changes on biopsy, significant derangement of muscle enzymes, or findings characteristic of a typical CTD.

Conclusion:

A high index of suspicion must be maintained for immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy despite the absence of an identifiable CTD and milder symptoms. Muscle Nerve 46: 282–286, 2012
New loop diuretic prescriptions may be an acute risk factor for falls in the nursing home
Authors: Berry Sarah D. , Mittleman Murray A. , Zhang Yuqing , Solomon Daniel H. , Lipsitz Lewis A. , Mostofsky Elizabeth , Goldense Dana , Kiel Douglas P.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Although chronic use of diuretics has been implicated as a risk factor for falls, it is unknown whether changes in diuretic drugs are associated with an acutely elevated risk of falls. We evaluated the relationship between change in a diuretic prescription (new prescription or increased dose) and the occurrence of documented falls among nursing home residents.

Methods

Participants of the cohort were 1785 long‐term care residents of two large nursing homes (2005–2010; Boston, MA). A self‐matched, case‐crossover analysis was used to examine whether there is an acutely increased risk of falling in the day following a diuretic drug change compared with days without a diuretic drug change. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using conditional logistic regression models.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 8.4 months, 1181 participants experienced an incident fall. Nine participants experienced a diuretic change on the day before the fall. The odds of falling one day following a change in a diuretic was elevated (OR = 2.08; 95%CI = 0.89, 4.86). The association was stronger and reached nominal statistical significance when loop diuretics were examined separately (OR = 2.46; 95%CI = 1.02, 5.92). We estimated that, for every 271 loop diuretic drug changes, one excess fall occurred.

Conclusions

Nursing home residents are at an increased risk of falls in the day following a new prescription or increased dose of a loop diuretic drug. Extra precautions should be taken immediately following a loop diuretic drug change in an effort to prevent falls. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The incredible years teacher classroom management program: Using coaching to support generalization to real‐world classroom settings
Authors: Reinke Wendy M. , Stormont Melissa , Webster‐Stratton Carolyn , Newcomer Lori L. , Herman Keith C.
Published: March 2012

This article focuses on the Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management Training (IY TCM) intervention as an example of an evidence‐based program that embeds coaching within its design. First, the core features of the IY TCM program are described. Second, the IY TCM coaching model and processes utilized to facilitate high fidelity of implementation of IY TCM by classroom teachers are highlighted. The goal is to demonstrate the use of coaching as a support system toward effective generalization of the IY TCM strategies among teachers with diverse backgrounds and skills who work with students with varying developmental, academic, and social–emotional needs. Implications for school psychologists, researchers, and implementation science are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wrapping mimicking in drug‐like small molecules disruptive of protein–protein interfaces
Authors: Accordino Sebastián R. , Morini Marcela A. , Sierra María Belén , Fris J. Ariel Rodríguez , Appignanesi Gustavo A. , Fernández Ariel
Published: March 2012

The discovery of small‐molecule drugs aimed at disrupting protein–protein associations is expected to lead to promising therapeutic strategies. The small molecule binds to the target protein thus replacing its natural protein partner. Noteworthy, structural analysis of complexes between successful disruptive small molecules and their target proteins has suggested the possibility that such ligands might somehow mimic the binding behavior of the protein they replace. In these cases, the molecules show a spatial and “chemical” (i.e., hydrophobicity) similarity with the residues of the partner protein involved in the protein–protein complex interface. However, other disruptive small molecules do not seem to show such spatial and chemical correspondence with the replaced protein. In turn, recent progress in the understanding of protein–protein interactions and binding hot spots has revealed the main role of intermolecular wrapping interactions: three‐body cooperative correlations in which nonpolar groups in the partner protein promote dehydration of a two‐body electrostatic interaction of the other protein. Hence, in the present work, we study some successful complexes between already discovered small disruptive drug‐like molecules and their target proteins already reported in the literature and we compare them with the complexes between such proteins and their natural protein partners. Our results show that the small molecules do in fact mimic to a great extent the wrapping behavior of the protein they replace. Thus, by revealing the replacement the small molecule performs of relevant wrapping interactions, we convey precise physical meaning to the mimicking concept, a knowledge that might be exploited in future drug‐design endeavors. Proteins 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nongenital warts: recommended management in general practice
Authors: Hussain Fawad , Ormerod Anthony
Published: March 2012

Nongenital warts are benign skin lesions caused by HPV infection and can be easily treated in primary care. Our Drug review presents the different clinical types and discusses the properties and efficacy of the available treatment options, followed by sources of further information. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Stability criteria for the outcomes of statistical tests to assess drug effectiveness with a single study
Authors: Martini Daniele De
Published: March 2012

At least two adequate and well‐controlled clinical studies are usually required to support effectiveness of a certain treatment. In some circumstances, however, a single study providing strong results may be sufficient. Some statistical stability criteria for assessing whether a single study provides very persuasive results are known. A new criterion is introduced, and it is based on the conservative estimation of the reproducibility probability in addition to the possibility of performing statistical tests by referring directly to the reproducibility probability estimate. These stability criteria are compared numerically and conceptually. This work aims to help both regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies to decide if the results of a single study may be sufficient to establish effectiveness. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroprotective Effect of Vitamin E Isoforms Against Chronic Alcohol‐induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity: Possible Involvement of Oxidative‐Nitrodative Stress
Authors: Tiwari Vinod , Kuhad Anurag , Chopra Kanwaljit
Published: March 2012

Small‐fiber painful peripheral neuropathy is one of the long‐term complications of alcohol for which there is no reliable successful therapy available. The precise mechanisms by which chronic alcohol consumption produces peripheral nerve fiber damage and loss remain unclear. Emerging data from clinical and preclinical studies suggest that increased oxidative‐nitrodative stress mediated release of proinflammatory cytokines from damaged neural tissues may play a central role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic neuropathy. The present study investigated the effect of both the isoforms of vitamin E (α‐tocopherol and tocotrienol) against chronic alcohol‐induced peripheral neuropathy in rats. Ethanol treated rats showed a significant decrease in paw‐withdrawal threshold in both Randall‐Selitto and von‐Frey hair tests along with a significant reduction in tail flick latency in the tail‐immersion test. A decreased pain threshold was associated with significant alterations in oxidative‐nitrodative stress markers and an increase in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐1β). The 4‐week treatment with tocotrienol significantly ameliorated behavioral, biochemical and molecular alterations in alcohol treated rats. However, α‐tocopherol failed to produce any protective effect. The results of the present study suggest that oxidative‐nitrodative stress mediated cytokine signaling may be responsible for alcohol‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity and tocotrienol treatment might be beneficial in chronic alcoholics exhibiting neuropathy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Berberine Inhibits Myofibroblast Differentiation in Nasal Polyp‐Derived Fibroblasts via the p38 Pathway
Authors: Moon You‐Mi , Park Il‐Ho , Cho Jung‐Sun , Um Ji‐Young , Kim Tae Hoon , Lee Heung‐Man
Published: March 2012

The purposes of this study were to determine whether berberine has any effect on phenotype changes and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in nasal polyp‐derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. NPDFs were pre‐treated with berberine prior to induction by transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1. The expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) and collagen type I mRNA was determined by a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of α‐SMA protein and collagen type I was determined by western blotting and/or immunofluorescent staining. The total soluble collagen production was analysed by the SirCol collagen assay. The expression of several signaling molecules of the TGF‐β1 pathway was evaluated by western blot analysis. In TGF‐β1‐induced NPDFs, berberine significantly inhibited the expression of α‐SMA and collagen type I mRNA and reduced α‐SMA and collagen protein levels. Berberine only suppressed the expression of pp38 among the evaluated signaling molecules. SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38 kinase) markedly suppressed the increased expression of collagen type I and α‐SMA in TGF‐β1‐induced NPDFs. Berberine exerts suppressive effects on phenotype changes and ECM production in NPDFs via p38 signaling pathway interference. The findings provide new therapeutic options for ECM production in nasal polyps. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Extension of the Product Acceptance Determination for One‐Sided Process with Multiple Characteristics
Authors: Pearn W. L. , Wu C. H. , Hung H. N. , Kao C. M.
Published: March 2012

In statistical quality control, product acceptance determination is an important problem for producer and consumer. In practical, particularly more than one quality characteristic must be simultaneously considered to improve the product quality because of the product design. In this article, we investigate the lot sentencing problem for normally distributed process with one‐sided specification and multiple characteristics. We not only provide a simple procedure to help practitioners make reliable decision easily but also tabulate the required sample size and the corresponding critical acceptance value for various producer's and consumer's risks with the capability requirements AQL (acceptable quality level) and LTPD (lot tolerance percent defective). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some difficulties in considering rotation motion within the Born–Oppenheimer approximation for polyatomic molecules
Authors: Sutcliffe Brian
Published: March 2012

The original account of the Born–Oppenheimer approximation is not mathematically secure because it is not legitimate to use perturbation theory in its development. It is necessary to use an asymptotic expansion based upon an electronic Hamiltonian defined in terms of a fiber bundle. Although with this approach it has been possible account for the traditional results for a diatomic molecule, rotational motion in the polyatomic case has not so far been accounted for. It is argued here that it is not generally possible to provide a mathematically secure account of the Born–Oppenheimer approximation for polyatomic molecules, in which rotation can be considered as a separable motion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative study of diradical characters and third‐order nonlinear optical properties of linear/cyclic acenes versus phenylenes
Authors: Muhammad Shabbir , Minami Takuya , Fukui Hitoshi , Yoneda Kyohei , Minamide Shu , Kishi Ryohei , Shigeta Yasuteru , Nakano Masayoshi
Published: March 2012

A long‐range corrected spin‐unrestricted density functional theory (LC‐UDFT) approach has been used to investigate the diradical character (yi) and third‐order nonlinear optical properties of linear/cyclic [N]acenes and [N]phenylenes in their ground states, where N is the number of benzene rings in each linear and cyclic configuration. It has been found that linear and cyclic acenes with N = 5–10 show singlet diradical characters, while linear and cyclic phenylenes with equivalent number of benzene rings have closed‐shell configurations. The amplitudes of third‐order nonlinear optical polarizability (γzzzz) for open‐shell linear/cyclic acenes are larger especially in intermediate range of diradical character than those of closed‐shell phenylene counterparts. For example, the γzzzz values of [5]cyclic acene (y0 = y1 = 0.320) is 4.89 × 103 a.u. which is about 6 times larger than those of 0.80 × 103 a.u. for closed‐shell [5]cyclophenylene. Similarly, γzzzz value of [5]linear acene is also about 9 times larger than its closed‐shell [5]linear phenylene counterpart. Our results show interesting insights into the relationship among the architectures, diradical characters and γzzzz values of different acenes and phenylenes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sequential design of phase II–III cancer trials
Authors: Lai Tze Leung , Lavori Philip W. , Shih Mei‐Chiung
Published: March 2012

Although traditional phase II cancer trials are usually single arm, with tumor response as endpoint, and phase III trials are randomized and incorporate interim analyses with progression‐free survival or other failure time as endpoint, this paper proposes a new approach that seamlessly expands a randomized phase II study of response rate into a randomized phase III study of time to failure. This approach is based on advances in group sequential designs and joint modeling of the response rate and time to event. The joint modeling is reflected in the primary and secondary objectives of the trial, and the sequential design allows the trial to adapt to increase in information on response and survival patterns during the course of the trial and to stop early either for conclusive evidence on efficacy of the experimental treatment or for the futility in continuing the trial to demonstrate it, on the basis of the data collected so far. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitochondria‐Targeting Photoacoustic Therapy Using Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhou Feifan , Wu Shengnan , Yuan Yi , Chen Wei R. , Xing Da
Published: March 2012

In vitro photoacoustic therapy using modified single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as “bomb” agents is a newly reported approach for cancer. Herein, a mitochondria‐targeting photoacoustic modality using unmodified SWNTs and its in vitro and in vivo antitumor effect are reported. Unmodified SWNTs can be taken up into cancer cells due to a higher mitochondrial transmembrane potential in cancerous cells than normal cells. Under the irradiation of a 1064 nm pulse laser, 79.4% of cancer cells with intracellular SWNTs die within 20 s, while 82.3% of normal cells without SWNTs remain alive. This modality kills cancer cells mainly by triggering cell apoptosis that initiates from mitochondrial damage, through the depolarization of mitochondria and the subsequent release of cytochrome c after photoacoustic therapy. It is very effective in suppressing tumor growth by selectively destroying tumor tissue without causing epidermis injury. Taken together, these discoveries provide a new method using mitochondria‐localized SWNTs as photoacoustic transducers for cancer treatment.
Effect of resistant starch (RS3) addition on rheological properties of wheat flour
Authors: Hong Se‐Ra , Yoo Byoungseung
Published: March 2012

The rheological properties of wheat flour (WF) mixed with RS type 3 at different concentrations of RS (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) were examined. Steady and dynamic shear rheological tests indicated that the magnitudes of consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (ηa,100), dynamic modulus (G′ and G″), and complex viscosity (η*) of the WF–RS mixtures decreased with an increase in the mixing concentration of RS. G′ values of WF–RS mixture samples except for 5% RS as a function of aging time (14 h) at 5°C increased rapidly at initial stage and then reached a plateau region at long aging times. Increasing the RS concentration resulted in the decrease in plateau values. In general, these results suggest that the presence of RS in WF modifies the rheological properties, and that these modifications are dependent on the concentration of RS. The most pronounced changes of viscoelastic properties were observed for WF mixed with 20% RS.
Effects of protein hydrolysis on pasting properties of wheat flour
Authors: Chen Jian‐sheng , Tian Ji‐chun , Zheng Fei‐fei , Li Xing‐cui , Zhao Yang , Gao Xiao‐bo , Zhang Xing‐long
Published: March 2012

Protein hydrolysis is used widely in the food industry for the purpose of improvement of food or industrial quality, and the processing exists concurrently or subsequently with starch pasting. The effects of protein hydrolysis using papain, pepsin, trypsin, and dithiothreitol (DTT) on flour pasting properties were here investigated at five set concentrations. There were notable decreases in the peak, the trough viscosity, and the integral area of the viscosity curve as the concentrations of papain, trypsin, and DTT increased. DDT and pepsin concentration did not have any effect on final viscosity. Both breakdown and setback showed significant downtrends as the concentration of papain increased but no change as DDT concentration varied. Low concentrations of papain and pepsin prolonged peak time slightly, but higher concentrations shortened it significantly. For trypsin and DTT, low concentrations increased peak time notably, but high concentrations decreased it significantly. Pasting time and temperature increased in the presence of papain, pepsin, and trypsin, more so at higher concentrations. These results supply a basis for the utilization of hydrolyzed protein in the food industry and for the further studies on the interactions between protein and starch during processing.
New insights into loss of swelling power and pasting profiles of acid hydrolyzed starch granules
Authors: Wang Shujun , Copeland Les
Published: March 2012

The effect of acid hydrolysis on the swelling power of pea starch granules was studied by field emission SEM (FE‐SEM). The swelling power of the native starch granules (g water absorbed/g dry starch) was 13, and this decreased to less than 2 after 1 day of acid hydrolysis. The proportion of the starch that was soluble in hot water increased from 15% for native starch to 75% after 1 day of hydrolysis. The swelling power of the starch decreased further, and solubility increased, with more extended hydrolysis. The decrease in swelling power and increase in solubility were attributed mainly to the disruption of side chains of amylopectin. Observations with FE‐SEM indicated that starch granules were still able to melt and coalesce after 1 day of acid hydrolysis, but after 2 days solubilization of starch chains occurred predominantly rather than swelling when the granules were heated in excess water. The intactness of amylopectin is proposed to play a crucial role in the swelling power of starch granules and in the structure of granule ghosts.
Comparison of starches separated from different Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. cultivars
Authors: Jiang Qianqian , Gao Wenyuan , Li Xia , Wang Haiyang , Xia Yuzhuo , Xiao Peigen
Published: March 2012

The physico‐chemical, morphological, thermal, and crystal properties of the starches separated from three different rhizomes of Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. (D.BLH, Hubei; D.BLG1, Guangxitianlin; D.BLG2, Guangxiyulin) were studied and compared. A light microscopic technique was applied in order to quantify the integrity and shape of the starch granules after isolation. Amylose contents of different cultivars were in the range of 12.18–14.34%. Moisture content, ash content, swelling power, solubility, water‐binding capacity, and protein content of starches also differed significantly. The three different D. bulbifera starches all showed a typical C‐type pattern with crystallinity 45.36, 27.10, and 53.04%, corresponding to D.BLH, D.BLG1, and D.BLG2, respectively. The starch separated from the three starches above showed gelatinization range of 10.09, 11.55, and 7.26°C, corresponding to D.BLH, D.BLG1, and D.BLG2. The enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) ranged from 1.28 to 3.11 J/g. Correlation analysis displayed that amylose content and relative crystallinity values were important in determining thermal starches.
Molecular analysis of the glutamate decarboxylase locus in Streptococcus thermophilus ST110
Authors: Somkuti G A , Renye J A , Steinberg D H
Published: March 2012

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is generated from glutamate by the action of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and characterized by hypotensive, diuretic, and tranquilizing effects in humans and animals. The production of GABA by lactic acid starter bacteria would enhance the functionality of fermented dairy foods including cheeses and yogurt. The survey of 42 strains of the yogurt starter culture Streptococcus thermophilus by PCR techniques indicated the presence of a glutamate decarboxylase gene (gadB) in 16 strains. DNA sequencing data indicated that the GAD/GABA antiporter locus (gadB/gadC) in GAD+ S. thermophilus strains is flanked by transposase elements (5′ and 3′) and positioned between the luxS (5′) and the HD-superfamily hydrolase genes (3′). The PCR amplification product of a ca. 2-kb genomic fragment that included the gadB and its putative promoter region was inserted into a shuttle vector, which was used to transform Escherichia coli DH5α. Subsequently, the recombinant plasmid pMEU5a-1/gadB (7.24 kb) was electrotransformed into the GAD-negative strain S. thermophilus ST128. The ST128 transformants carrying the plasmid-encoded gadB produced functional GAD enzyme as evidenced by the conversion of glutamate to GABA at a rate similar to strains with the gadB/gadC operon located on the chromosome. The results demonstrated the potential to impart to non-GABA-producing strains of S. thermophilus and other lactic acid bacteria the GAD+ phenotype that improves their appeal in possible applications in the development of health-promoting functional foods.
Scarf osteotomy in the management of symptomatic adolescent hallux valgus
Authors: Farrar N. G. , Duncan N. , Ahmed N. , Rajan R. A.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This study was designed to assess the utility of the scarf osteotomy in the management of symptomatic adolescent hallux valgus.

Materials and methods

This is a case series of 29 patients (39 feet) with a mean follow up of 38.6 months (range 6–60 months). The mean age at the time of surgery was 14.1 years (range 10–17 years). American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were collected at final follow up, along with a rating of the overall satisfaction. Any complications were recorded. Pre- and post-surgical radiographic angles were measured and analysed using the Student's t-test. The angles measured were the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the inter-metatarsal angle (IMA) and the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). A second surgeon independently reviewed the angles in order to assess the inter-rater reliability using the Pearson product moment correlation.

Results

The mean AOFAS score at final follow up was 94.2 (range 54–100). Of all patients, 93 % were either satisfied or very satisfied with their final outcome. One patient has been listed for revision surgery after symptomatic recurrence at 3 years follow up. The pre-operative HVA, IMA and DMAA were 34.8°, 15.9° and 16.0°, respectively. The post-operative values were 16.3°, 8.8° and 9.2°, respectively ( p < 0.001 for each). Pearson's r coefficient values demonstrated good inter-rater reliability of measurement.

Conclusion

We have presented the results of the largest case series of scarf osteotomies for adolescent hallux valgus reported in the literature up to now, as far as we are aware. AOFAS scores at final follow up are comparable to the smaller studies previously reported and provide evidence that good outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction can be achieved. Early follow up demonstrates a low level of symptomatic recurrence, but longer term data are still required.
The Income and Health Effects of Tribal Casino Gaming on American Indians
Authors: Wolfe Barbara , Jakubowski Jessica , Haveman Robert , Courey Marissa
Published: March 2012

The legalization of American Indian casino gaming in the late 1980s allows examination of the relationship between income and health in a quasi-experimental way. Revenue from gaming accrues to individual tribes and has been used both to supplement tribe members’ income and to finance tribal infrastructure. We assembled annual data from 1988–2003 on tribal gaming, health care access (from the Area Resource File), and individual health and socioeconomic characteristics data (from the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System). We use this information within a structural, difference-in-differences framework to study the effect of casino gaming on tribal members’ income, health status, access to health care, and health-related behaviors. Our difference-in-differences framework relies on before-after comparisons among American Indians whose tribe has at some time operated a casino and with-without comparisons between American Indians whose tribe has and those whose tribe has not initiated gaming. Our results provide identified estimates of the positive effect of gaming on American Indian income and on several indicators of American Indian health, health-related behaviors, and access to health care.
Relationship between quality management practices and innovation
Authors: Kim Dong‐Young , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine the associations among different quality management (QM) practices and investigate which QM practices directly or indirectly relate to five types of innovation: radical product, radical process, incremental product, incremental process, and administrative innovation. We test the proposed framework and hypotheses using empirical data from ISO 9001 certified manufacturing and service firms. The results show that a set of QM practices through process management has a positive relationship with all of these five types of innovation. It was found that process management directly and positively relates to incremental, radical, and administrative innovation. Organizational capability to manage processes may play a vital role in identifying routines, establishing a learning base, and supporting innovative activities. The findings also reveal that the value of an individual QM practice is tied to other QM practices. Therefore, highlighting just one or a few QM practices or techniques may not result in creative problem solving and innovation.
Projective dynamics of homogeneous systems: local invariants, syzygies and the Global Residue Theorem
Authors: Balanov Z. , Kononovich A. , Krasnov Y.
Published: March 2012

We give an explicit formula for the projective dynamics of planar homogeneous polynomial differential systems in terms of natural local invariants and we establish explicit algebraic connections (syzygies) between these invariants (leading to restrictions on possible global dynamics). We discuss multidimensional generalizations together with applications to the existence of first integrals and bounded solutions.
Gröbner bases for quadratic algebras of skew type
Authors: Cedó Ferran , Okniński Jan
Published: March 2012

Non-degenerate monoids of skew type are considered. This is a class of monoids S defined by n generators and $\binom{n}{2}$ quadratic relations of certain type, which includes the class of monoids yielding set-theoretic solutions of the quantum Yang–Baxter equation, also called binomial monoids (or monoids of I-type with square-free defining relations). It is shown that under any degree-lexicographic order on the associated free monoid FMn. of rank n the set of normal forms of elements of S is a regular language in FMn. As one of the key ingredients of the proof, it is shown that an identity of the form xN yN = yN xN holds in S. The latter is derived via an investigation of the structure of S viewed as a semigroup of matrices over a field. It also follows that the semigroup algebra K[S] is a finite module over a finitely generated commutative subalgebra of the form K[A] for a submonoid A of S.
Linking agriculture and health in low- and middle-income countries: an interdisciplinary research agenda
Authors: Dangour Alan D. , Green Rosemary , Häsler Barbara , Rushton Jonathan , Shankar Bhavani , Waage Jeff
Published: March 2012

Recent global fluctuations in food prices and continuing environmental degradation highlight the future challenge of feeding a growing world population. However, current dialogues rarely address the relationship between agricultural changes and health. This relationship is traditionally associated with the role of food in nutrition and with food safety, and while these are key interactions, we show in this paper that the relationship is far more complex and interesting. Besides the direct effects of agriculture on population nutrition, agriculture also influences health through its impact on household incomes, economies and the environment. These effects are felt particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where dramatic changes are affecting the agriculture–health relationship, in particular the growth of nutrition-related chronic disease and the associated double burden of under- and over-nutrition. Greater understanding of the negative effects of agriculture on health is also needed. While lengthening food value chains make the chain of influence between agricultural policy, food consumption, nutrition and health more complex, there remain opportunities to improve health by changing agricultural systems. The first challenge in doing this, we suggest, is to improve our capacity to measure the impact of agricultural interventions on health outcomes, and vice versa.
The role of the NTPDase enzyme family in parasites: what do we know, and where to from here?
Authors: SANSOM FIONA M.
Published: March 2012

Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases, GDA1_CD39 protein superfamily) play a diverse range of roles in a number of eukaryotic organisms. In humans NTPDases function in regulating the inflammatory and immune responses, control of vascular haemostasis and purine salvage. In yeast NTPDases are thought to function primarily in the Golgi, crucially involved in nucleotide sugar transport into the Golgi apparatus and subsequent protein glycosylation. Although rare in bacteria, inLegionella pneumophilasecreted NTPDases function as virulence factors. In the last 2 decades it has become clear that a large number of parasites encode putative NTPDases, and the functions of a number of these have been investigated. In this review, the available evidence for NTPDases in parasites and the role of these NTPDases is summarized and discussed. Furthermore, the processes by which NTPDases could function in pathogenesis, purine salvage, thromboregulation, inflammation and glycoconjugate formation are considered, and the data supporting such putative roles reviewed. Potential future research directions to further clarify the role and importance of NTPDases in parasites are proposed. An attempt is also made to clarify the nomenclature used in the parasite field for the GDA1_CD39 protein superfamily, and a uniform system suggested.
Space Crossing Numbers
Authors: BUKH BORIS , HUBARD ALFREDO
Published: March 2012

We define a variant of the crossing number for an embedding of a graphGinto ℝ3, and prove a lower bound on it which almost implies the classical crossing lemma. We also give sharp bounds on the rectilinear space crossing numbers of pseudo-random graphs.
The Ecumenical and Patriotic Activity of the Estonian Eparchy in the Context of Soviet Politics of Religion in 1954–1964
Authors: Sõtšov Andrei
Published: March 2012

The post-Stalinist decade resulted in a temporary liberalization in Soviet religious policy in 1956–1957, followed by an intensification of administrative suppression of religious life during the years 1958–1964. A close evaluation of archival sources reveals the quiet two-faced tendencies of Soviet religious policies vis-a-vis the Orthodox Church of occupied Estonia: on one hand, the dozens of orthodox congregations at the local level were forcibly liquidated and the number of clerics decreased rapidly; on the other hand, the patriotic and ecumenical activities of the administration of the Estonian Eparchy increased dramatically and achieved its “golden era” during the tenure of its new bishop of Tallinn, Aleksii Ridiger (the future patriarch Aleksii II of Moscow). This study describes in detail the gradual increase in the interference of Soviet propaganda with the ecumenical and patriotic activity of the Estonian Eparchy from 1959. In the course of subsequent restrictions and the persecution of religion under Khrushchev, the Estonian Diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate was integrated into the larger scheme of Soviet peace propaganda and ecumenical cooperation. This took the form mainly of the joint reception of foreign church delegations which coincided with the tenure of Bishop Aleksii, who played a big role in the Moscow hierarchy as well as in the external affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church. Visits of Church delegations in Tallinn and Kuremäe monastery became a kind of “show piece” of religious freedom and played their part in Soviet peace propaganda. In conclusion, the rise and ebb of the patriotic and ecumenical activity of the Orthodox diocese in occupied Estonia were influenced by the changes, which took place among the USSR's highest authorities in the religious policies level and by the transition from Stalinist totalitarian dictatorship toward Nikita Khrushchev's more oligarchical system.