bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasedα-Fetoprotein Predicts Steatosis among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 4
Authors: Mousa Nasser , Gad Yahia , Abdel-Aziz Azza , Abd-Elaal Ibrahem
Published: May 2012

Background. The prognostic importance of α-fetoprotein (AFP) level elevation in patients with chronic hepatitis C and its clinical significance in steatosis associated with HCV infection remain to be determined. The present paper assessed clinical significance of elevated AFP in patients with CHC with and without steatosis.Methods. One hundred patients with CHC were divided into 50 patients with CHC and steatosis and 50 patients with CHC and no steatosis based on liver biopsy.Results. AFP was significantly increased in CHC with steatosis than patients without steatosis (P<0.001). Highly significant positive correlation was found between serum AFP and necroinflammation as well as the severity of fibrosis/cirrhosis and negative significant correlation with albumin level in chronic HCV with steatosis (P<0.001) but negative nonsignificant correlation with ALT and AST level (P≤0.778and0.398), respectively. Highly significant increase was found in chronic hepatitis patients with steatosis than CHC without steatosis regarding necroinflammation as well as the severity of fibrosis/cirrhosis and AFP (P<0.001).Conclusion. Patients with chronic HCV and steatosis have a higher AFP levels than those without steatosis. In chronic HCV with steatosis, elevated AFP levels correlated positively with HAI and negative significant correlation with albumin level.
Analysis of IVPs and BVPs on Semi‐Infinite Domains via Collocation Methods
Authors: Maleki Mohammad , Hashim Ishak , Abbasbandy Saeid
Published: May 2012

We study the numerical solutions to semi‐infinite‐domain two‐point boundary value problems and initial value problems. A smooth, strictly monotonic transformation
is used to map the semi‐infinite domain x ∈ [0, ∞) onto a half‐open interval t ∈ [−1, 1). The resulting finite‐domain two‐point boundary value problem is transcribed to a system of algebraic equations using Chebyshev‐Gauss (CG) collocation, while the resulting initial
value problem over a finite domain is transcribed to a system of algebraic equations using Chebyshev‐Gauss‐Radau (CGR) collocation. In numerical experiments, the tuning of the map ϕ : [−1, +1)→[0, +∞) and its effects on the quality of the discrete approximation are analyzed.
Interpretation of Hormone Levels in Older Patients: Points for Consideration
Authors: Sztefko Krystyna , Szybowska Patrycja
Published: May 2012

Blood hormone and tumor marker concentrations are usually determined by immunochemical methods which are based on an unique reaction between antigen and assay capture antibody. Despite the speed and simplicity of assays performance on automatic immunochemistry platforms, the interpretation of final results requires a deep knowledge of method fallibility. General lack of immunoassays standardization, presence of cross-reacting substances in patient’s sample, limitation of free hormones measurement due to abnormal analyte binding protein concentrations, assay interferences due to patient’s autoantibodies, and heterophilic antibodies, as well as proper interpretation of very low- and very high-sample analyte levels, are the main points discussed in respect to hormones and tumor markers measurement in geriatric population.
Fiber Generators in Needleless Electrospinning
Authors: Niu Haitao , Lin Tong
Published: May 2012

The conventional electrospinning often uses a needle‐like nozzle to produce nanofibers with a very low production rate. Despite the enormous application potential, needle electrospun nanofibers meet difficulties in broad applications in practice, due to the lack of an economic and efficient way to scale up the electrospinning process. Recently, needleless electrospinning has emerged as a new electrospinning mode and shown ability to produce nanofibers on large‐scales. It has been established that the fiber generator, also referred to as “spinneret” in this paper, in needleless electrospinning plays a key role in scaling up the nanofiber production. This paper summarizes the recent advances in the development of needleless spinnerets and their influences on electrospinning process, nanofiber quality, and productivity.
Forest Cover Change within the Russian European North after the Breakdown of Soviet Union (1990–2005)
Authors: Potapov Peter , Turubanova Svetlana , Zhuravleva Ilona , Hansen Matthew , Yaroshenko Alexey , Manisha Alexander
Published: May 2012

Forest cover dynamics (defined as tree canopy cover change without regard to forest land use) within the Russian European North have been analyzed from 1990 to 2005 using a combination of results from two Landsat-based forest cover monitoring projects: 1990–2000 and 2000–2005. Results of the forest cover dynamics analysis highlighted several trends in forest cover change since the breakdown of the Soviet planned economy. While total logging area decreased from the 1990–2000 to the 2000–2005 interval, logging and other forms of anthropogenically-induced clearing increased within the Central and Western parts of the region. The most populated regions of European Russia featured the highest rates of net forest cover loss. Our results also revealed intensive gross forest cover loss due to forest felling close to the Russian-Finland border. The annual burned forest area almost doubled between the two time intervals. The 2000–2005 gross forest cover gain results suggest that tree encroachment on abandoned agriculture land is a wide-spread process over the region. The analysis demonstrates the value of regional-scale Landsat-based forest cover and change quantification. Our results supplemented official data by providing independently derived spatial information that could be used for assessing on-going trends and serve as a baseline for future forest cover monitoring.
Low‐Complexity Hierarchical Mode Decision Algorithms Targeting VLSI Architecture Design for the H.264/AVC Video Encoder
Authors: Corrêa Guilherme , Palomino Daniel , Diniz Cláudio , Bampi Sergio , Agostini Luciano
Published: May 2012

In H.264/AVC, the encoding process can occur according to one of the 13 intraframe coding modes or according to one of the 8 available interframes block sizes, besides the SKIP mode. In the Joint Model reference software, the choice of the best mode is performed through exhaustive executions of the entire encoding process, which significantly increases the encoder′s computational complexity and sometimes even forbids its use in real‐time applications. Considering this context, this work proposes a set of heuristic algorithms targeting hardware architectures that lead to earlier selection of one encoding mode. The amount of repetitions of the encoding process is reduced by 47 times, at the cost of a relatively small cost in compression performance. When compared to other works, the fast hierarchical mode decision results are expressively more satisfactory in terms of computational complexity reduction, quality, and bit rate. The low‐complexity mode decision architecture proposed is thus a very good option for real‐time coding of high‐resolution videos. The solution is especially interesting for embedded and mobile applications with support to multimedia systems, since it yields good compression rates and image quality with a very high reduction in the encoder complexity.
Algebraic Integers as Chromatic and Domination Roots
Authors: Alikhani Saeid , Hasni Roslan
Published: May 2012

Let G be a simple graph of order n and λ∈ℕ. A mapping f:V(G)→{1,2,…,λ} is called a λ-colouring of G if f(u)≠f(v) whenever the vertices u and v are adjacent in G. The number of distinct λ-colourings of G, denoted by P(G,λ), is called the chromatic polynomial of G. The domination polynomial of G is the polynomial D(G,λ)=∑i=1nd(G,i)λi, where d(G,i) is the number of dominating sets of G of size i. Every root of P(G,λ) and D(G,λ) is called the chromatic root and the domination root of G, respectively. Since chromatic polynomial and domination polynomial are monic polynomial with integer coefficients, its zeros are algebraic integers. This naturally raises the question: which algebraic integers can occur as zeros of chromatic and domination polynomials? In this paper, we state some properties of this kind of algebraic integers.
Existence and Global Exponential Stability of Periodic Solution to Cohen‐Grossberg BAM Neural Networks with Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Liu Kaiyu , Zhang Zhengqiu , Wang Liping
Published: May 2012

We investigate first the existence of periodic solution in general Cohen‐Grossberg BAM neural networks with multiple time‐varying delays by means of using degree theory. Then using the existence result of periodic solution and constructing a Lyapunov functional, we discuss global exponential stability of periodic solution for the above neural networks. Our result on global exponential stability of periodic solution is different from the existing results. In our result, the hypothesis for monotonicity ineqiality conditions in the works of Xia (2010) Chen and Cao (2007) on the behaved functions is removed and the assumption for boundedness in the works of Zhang et al. (2011) and Li et al. (2009) is also removed. We just require that the behaved functions satisfy sign conditions and activation functions are globally Lipschitz continuous.
Some Improvements in a Gas Turbine Stator-Rotor Systems Core-Swirl Ratio Correlation
Authors: Da Soghe R. , Facchini B. , Innocenti L. , Micio M.
Published: May 2012

The present work concerns the turbulent flow inside a rotor-stator cavity with superimposed throughflow. The authors focused their analysis on a simple two-faced disk cavity, without shrouds, with interdisk-spacing sufficiently large so that the boundary layers developed on each disk are separated and the flow is turbulent. In such a system, the solid body rotation of the core predicted by Batchelor can develop. The evolution of the core-swirl ratio of the rotating fluid with an outward throughflow is studied by applying a classical experimental correlation, inserted in a one-dimensional (1D) in-house developed code. Results are compared to those predicted by CFD computations. Due to the discrepancies revealed, the authors provided a correction of the experimental correlation, based on CFD computation. Results thus obtained are finally in good agreement with CFD predictions.
A Simple Magnetostatic Sensing Method for Assessing the Local Hysteresis Properties in Ferromagnetic Sheet Materials
Authors: Garshelis Ivan J. , Crevecoeur Guillaume
Published: May 2012

Global hysteretic properties of electrical steels can be measured using ring or strip samples, while the assessment of the local hysteretic properties is a much more difficult task since the measurement method needs to be very sensitive. This paper presents a new method wherein the intensity and spatial distribution of the magnetic field, arising from large gradients in the local magnetization, are measured. These large gradients are induced by the passage of a test sample through the steep gradient field of a small, proximate permanent magnet. Magnetic field measurements during both directions of motion provide information indicative of the hysteresis properties. We theoretically analyze these measurements and show experimentally that the measurements correlate well with all the significant aspects of conventional hysteresis loops. The results given in this paper are qualitative, and the method is both by its simplicity and its sensitivity to important hysteresis features a powerful means of magnetic nondestructive evaluation.
Biochemical and Molecular Analysis of Some Commercial Samples of Chilli Peppers from Mexico
Authors: Troconis-Torres Ivonne Guadalupe , Rojas-López Marlon , Hernández-Rodríguez César , Villa-Tanaca Lourdes , Maldonado-Mendoza Ignacio Eduardo , Dorantes-Álvarez Lidia , Tellez-Medina Darío , Jaramillo-Flores María Eugenia
Published: May 2012

The genusCapsicumprovides antioxidant compounds, such as phenolics and carotenoids, into the diet. In Mexico, there is a wide diversity of species and varieties of chilli peppers, a fruit which has local cultural and gastronomic importance. In the present study, the relationship of the carotenoid and phenolic profiles with the RAPD fingerprint of three different commercial cultivars of chilli peppers of seven regions of Mexico was investigated. Through RAPD, the species of chilli were differentiated by means of different primers (OPE-18, MFG-17, MFG-18, C51, and C52). The genetic distance found with OPE 18 was in the order of 2.6. The observed differences were maintained when the chromatographic profile of carotenoids, and the molecular markers were analyzed, which suggest a close relationship between carotenoids and the genetic profile. While the chromatographic profile of phenols and the molecular markers were unable to differentiate between genotypes of chilli peppers. In addition, by using infrared spectroscopy and statistical PCA, differences explained by geographic origin were found. Thus, this method could be an alternative for identification of chilli species with respect to their geographic origin.
Sweepers in the CNS: Microglial Migration and Phagocytosis in the Alzheimer Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Noda Mariko , Suzumura Akio
Published: May 2012

Microglia are multifunctional immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). In the neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), accumulation of glial cells, gliosis, occurs in the lesions. The role of accumulated microglia in the pathophysiology of AD is still controversial. When neuronal damage occurs, microglia exert diversified functions, including migration, phagocytosis, and production of various cytokines and chemokines. Among these, microglial phagocytosis of unwanted neuronal debris is critical to maintain the healthy neuronal networks. Microglia express many surface receptors implicated in phagocytosis. It has been suggested that the lack of microglial phagocytosis worsens pathology of AD and induces memory impairment. The present paper summarizes recent evidences on implication of microglial chemotaxis and phagocytosis in AD pathology and discusses the mechanisms related to chemotaxis toward injured neurons and phagocytosis of unnecessary debris.
Characteristics and Clinical Managements of Chronic Skin Ulcers Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Li Fu-Lun , Wang Yi-Fei , Li Xin , Li Feng , Xu Rong , Chen Jie , Geng Lin , Li Bin
Published: May 2012

Chronic skin ulcer (CSU), including diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, radiation ulcers, and pressure ulcers, remains a great challenge in the clinic. CSU seriously affects the quality of life of patients and requires long-term dedicated care, causing immense socioeconomic costs. CSU can cause the loss of the integrity of large portions of the skin, even leading to morbidity and mortality. Chinese doctors have used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of CSU for many years and have accumulated much experience in clinical practice by combining systemic regulation and tropical treatment of CSU. Here, we discuss the classification and pathogenic process of CSU and strategies of TCM for the intervention of CSU, according to the theories of TCM. Particularly, we describe the potential intervenient strategies of the “qing-hua-bu” protocol with dynamic and combinational TCM therapies for different syndromes of CSU.
Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in the Intensive Care Unit: Trends and Perspectives
Authors: Eisen Lewis Ari , Davlouros Pericles , Karakitsos Dimitrios
Published: May 2012

Heart failure with a normal or nearly normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (HFNEF) may represent more than 50% of heart failure cases. Although HFNEF is being increasingly recognized, there is a relative lack of information regarding its incidence and prognostic implications in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In the ICU, many factors related to patient’s history, or applied therapies, may induce or aggravate LV diastolic dysfunction. This may impact on patients’ morbidity and mortality. This paper discusses methods for assessing LV diastolic function and the feasibility of their implementation for diagnosing HFNEF in the ICU.
Combining ZHENG Theory and High-Throughput Expression Data to Predict New Effects of Chinese Herbal Formulae
Authors: Yu Shuhao , Guo Zhizhong , Guan Yan , Lu Yi-Yu , Hao Pei , Li Yixue , Su Shi-Bing
Published: May 2012

ZHENG is the key theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and it is very important to find the molecular pharmacology of traditional Chinese herbal formulae. One ZHENG is related to many diseases and the herbal formulae are aiming to ZHENG. Therefore, many herbal formulae whose effects on a certain disease have been confirmed might also treat other diseases with the same ZHENG. In this study, the microarrays collected from patients with QiXuXueYu ZHENG (Qi-deficiency and Blood-stasis syndrome) before treatment and after being treated with Fuzheng Huayu Capsule were analyzed by a high-throughput gene microarrays-based drug similarity comparison method, which could find the small molecules which had similar effects with Fuzheng Huayu Capsule. Besides getting the results of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis drugs which embody the known effect of Fuzheng Huayu Capsule, many other small molecules were screened out and could reflect other types of effects of this formula in treating QiXuXueYu ZHENG, including anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, hyposenstive effect. Then we integrated this information to display the effect of Fuzheng Huayu Capsule and its potential multiple-target molecular pharmacology. Moreover, through using clinical blood-tested data to verify our prediction, Fuzheng Huayu Capsule was proved to have effects on diabetes and dyslipidemia.
The Osteogenic Response of Undifferentiated Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells under Mechanical Stimulation
Authors: Du Hong-ming , Zheng Xiao-hui , Wang Li-ya , Tang Wei , Liu Lei , Jing Wei , Lin Yun-feng , Tian Wei-dong , Long Jie
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the osteogenic response of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) under mechanical and/or chemical stimulation. hASCs were divided into three groups. In group A, the cells were cultured without any stimulation, in group B, the cells were induced with chemical stimulation, and in group C, the cells were induced with a combination of chemical stimulation and stretch loading. Stretch loading and chemical stimulation were applied using a four-point bending apparatus (0.5 Hz, 2,000 µε, 2 h/day) and osteogenic differentiation medium, respectively. At the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 7th day following initiation of stretch loading, we detected alkaline phosphatase activity, mRNA expression (RUNX2, ALPL, osteonectin, osteopontin and type I collagen) and protein expression (RUNX2 and osteopontin) by colorimetric assay, real-time PCR and Western blot methods, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase activity, mRNA expression and protein expression all increased in groups B and C along with the culture time, but were observed to be downregulated by the 7th day in group C (p < 0.05). Compared to group A, most of the above markers were significantly higher in groups B and C (p < 0.05). All of the above markers in group C were higher than those in group B before the 5th day (p < 0.05), except at the 1st day. These results indicated that stretch loading promoted osteogenic differentiation of hASCs and that the combination of mechanical and chemical stimulation could enhance the osteogenic capability up to the 5th day relative to chemical stimulation alone.
Clinical Features and Management of Parastomal Pyoderma Gangrenosum in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Uchino Motoi , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Matsuoka Hiroki , Bando Toshihiro , Takahashi Yoshiko , Takesue Yoshio , Matsumoto Takayuki , Tomita Naohiro
Published: May 2012

Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease even after bowel surgery, but it remains an extremely rare pathology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features and treatment of PG and to consider proper management for peristomal PG. Methods: Demographic data for patients who underwent colorectal surgery with ostomy creation at Hyogo College of Medicine between July 2007 and July 2011 were prospectively collected. The main outcome measures were postoperative occurrence of peristomal PG by type: explosive and rapidly spreading type (type R) and indolent and gradually spreading type (type G). Results: Overall prevalence was 11/738 (1.5%), with type R in 5 patients and type G in 6. Type R and type G were significantly more common in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (p = 0.01). Type R developed within 6 days after surgery. Type G developed a mean of 52 days after surgery. Complete healing required a long time in both types, with means of 69 days for type R and 48 days for type G. Conclusion: Although peristomal PG was a rare complication after surgery, differences in the development of PG were observed between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Careful observation and knowledge of PG are needed.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Alter the Human Mesothelial Pleural Permeability via Ion Cellular Transportation by Inhibiting Prostaglandin Synthesis
Authors: Kouritas Vasileios K. , Zisis Charalambos , Bellenis Ion , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Molyvdas Paschalis A. , Hatzoglou Chrisi
Published: May 2012

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in clinical practice as analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs. Studies have implicated them in participating in permeability throughout various tissues such as the kidneys and lungs. Objective: The effect of NSAIDs on the pleural permeability and the underlying mechanisms whereby this effect is mediated were investigated. Methods: Parietal pleural specimens were obtained from patients subjected to thoracic surgery and were mounted in Ussing chambers. Solutions containing paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, lornoxicam, parecoxib and ibuprofen were added in the chambers facing the pleural and the outer-pleural surface. Prostaglandin E2 was similarly used to investigate prostaglandin synthesis involvement at low and high doses. Amiloride- and ouabain-pretreated specimens were used in order to investigate ion transportation involvement. Transmesothelial resistance (RTM) was determined as a permeability indicator. Results: Paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, lornoxicam and ibuprofen increased RTM on the pleural and outer-pleural surface, inhibited by amiloride and ouabain. Parecoxib had no effect on the RTM. Prostaglandin decreased RTM on the pleural and outer-pleural surface inhibited by amiloride, ouabain and ibuprofen. Conclusion: NSAIDs, except parecoxib, induce a rapid decrease of the pleural permeability by inhibiting cellular transportation, an effect that is mediated by prostaglandin synthesis inhibition.
Visualization of Sex-Dimorphic Changes in the Intestinal Transcriptome of Fabp2 Gene-Ablated Mice
Authors: Sugiyama Michael G. , Hobson Luc , Agellon Al B. , Agellon Luis B.
Published: May 2012

Background/Aims: Sex differences in gene expression program have not been effectively explored at the transcriptome level. We aimed to develop a method for the analysis of transcriptome data to identify sex differences and sex-dimorphic responses to experimental conditions in mice. Methods: Profiling of the small intestine transcriptome of chow-fed C57BL/6J (wild-type, WT) and Fabp2–/– mice was carried out by microarray analysis. Sex-specific and androgynous effects of Fabp2 gene ablation were examined using FlexArray V1.6 by comparing WT to Fabp2–/– mice. The data generated were exported into a single spreadsheet, collated and transformed to identify the differentially expressed genes for pathway analysis. Results: The method revealed enrichment of 17 sex-dimorphic pathways in the small intestine of WT mice compared to only 4 in Fabp2–/– mice. Comparison of the effects of Fabp2 loss in individual sexes revealed a male-specific upregulation of 5 pathways involved in the production of unsaturated fatty acids, and a female-specific downregulation of pathways involved in xenobiotic metabolism. Conclusions: Our approach detected the common as well as sex-differential pathways that are modified due to the loss of Fabp2. These findings suggest that the pathways involved in nutrient and xenobiotic metabolism in the intestine are regulated by sex-specific mechanisms.
Nutrigenetics and Modulation of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Da Costa Laura A. , Badawi Alaa , El-Sohemy Ahmed
Published: May 2012

Oxidative stress develops as a result of an imbalance between the production and accumulation of reactive species and the body’s ability to manage them using exogenous and endogenous antioxidants. Exogenous antioxidants obtained from the diet, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids, have important roles in preventing and reducing oxidative stress. Individual genetic variation affecting proteins involved in the uptake, utilization and metabolism of these antioxidants may alter their serum levels, exposure to target cells and subsequent contribution to the extent of oxidative stress. Endogenous antioxidants include the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, paraoxanase, and glutathione S-transferase. These enzymes metabolize reactive species and their by-products, reducing oxidative stress. Variation in the genes coding these enzymes may impact their enzymatic antioxidant activity and, thus, the levels of reactive species, oxidative stress, and risk of disease development. Oxidative stress may contribute to the development of chronic disease, including osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Indeed, polymorphisms in most of the genes that code for antioxidant enzymes have been associated with several types of cancer, although inconsistent findings between studies have been reported. These inconsistencies may, in part, be explained by interactions with the environment, such as modification by diet. In this review, we highlight some of the recent studies in the field of nutrigenetics, which have examined interactions between diet, genetic variation in antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative stress.
Why Are Genetics Important for Nutrition? Lessons from Epigenetic Research
Authors: Ruemmele Frank M. , Garnier-Lengliné Hélène
Published: May 2012

Marked advances were made over the last decade in deciphering the molecular mechanisms on how external, nutritional factors can impact on the regulation of genes and ultimately their function without modification of the genetic code. This field of nutrigenomic research is literally exploding. With the understanding of epigenetic control mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, methylation or phosphorylation, as well as the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression via non-coding microRNA, many different experimental and analytic approaches were possible to elucidate how varying nutritional support might impact on specific functions, with short- and potently long-term effects. This review highlights the major principles of epigenetic control mechanisms and their link to particular nutritional influences. Epidemiological data, such as the Dutch famine studies, suggest that targeted nutritional intervention might be causative for long-term effects on health, such as the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome in this cohort. However, to date most of the knowledge comes from experimental and animal data, which cannot be easily transferred to human situations. It is anticipated that within the next few years, major advances will be made to translate this knowledge of nutritional intervention on gene regulation and expression into health preventive programs.
Mutation Analysis of NPHS1 in a Worldwide Cohort of Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome Patients
Authors: Ovunc Bugsu , Ashraf Shazia , Vega-Warner Virginia , Bockenhauer Detlef , Soliman Elshakhs Neveen A. , Joseph Mark , Hildebrandt Friedhelm ,   and Members of the Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Nephrologie (GPN) Study Group
Published: May 2012

Background: Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) is defined as nephrotic syndrome that manifests within the first 3 months of life. Mutations in the NPHS1 gene encoding nephrin, are a major cause for CNS. Currently, more than 173 different mutations of NPHS1 have been published as causing CNS, affecting most exons. Methods: We performed mutation analysis of NPHS1 in a worldwide cohort of 20 families (23 children) with CNS. All 29 exons of the NPHS1 gene were examined using direct sequencing. New mutations were confirmed by demonstrating their absence in 96 healthy control individuals. Results: We detected disease-causing mutations in 9 of 20 families (45%). Seven of the families showed a homozygous mutation, while two were compound heterozygous. In another 2 families, single heterozygous NPHS1 mutations were detected. Out of 10 different mutations discovered, 3 were novel, consisting of 1 splice site mutation and 2 missense mutations. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that the spectrum of NPHS1 mutations is still expanding, involving new exons, in patients from a diverse ethnic background.
Expression and Functional Coupling of Liver β2-Adrenoceptors in the Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kassahun Woubet T. , Guenl Bianca , Ungemach Fritz R. , Jonas Sven , Abraham Getu
Published: May 2012

Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and a leading cause of death worldwide. There are now multiple lines of evidence demonstrating that the β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) signaling plays an important role in the progression and metastasis of cancer and may become a novel target for cancer therapy. Little information exists regarding the status of β-ARs and their postreceptor intracellular signaling cascade in the development of human HCC. This study was conducted to detect the expression signal transduction of the β-ARs in liver membranes obtained from patients with HCC and elucidate their possible implication on HCC development. Methods: The β-AR density and subtype distribution were determined by receptor binding studies. Protein levels of the β2-AR and Gsα protein were determined by Western blot analysis. The receptor coupling efficiency and biochemical activities of the adenylate cyclase (AC) was also determined. Results: In HCC liver membranes, the β2-AR density was higher than the density in the nonadjacent nontumor liver membranes. The β2-AR protein expression was 1.5-fold increased as compared with nonmalignant controls, and positively correlated with the receptor density. The Gsα protein expression as well as the receptor, AC and G protein-stimulated activation of the cAMP formation was reduced in HCC. Conclusion: The β2-AR was upregulated in human HCC. Despite this upregulation of the receptor, there was an altered postreceptor signal transduction in HCC liver. The mechanisms responsible for this change in the growth of HCC and the nature of this alteration remain unclear.
Alternaria Fungus Induces the Production of GM-CSF, Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 and Calcium Signaling in Human Airway Epithelium through Protease-Activated Receptor 2
Authors: Matsuwaki Yoshinori , Wada Kota , White Thomas , Moriyama Hiroshi , Kita Hirohito
Published: May 2012

Rationale: Recent studies suggest that host immune responses to environmental fungi may play an important role in the development of allergic diseases, such as human asthma. Epithelium is considered an active participant in allergic inflammation. We previously reported that aspartate protease from Alternaria induces the activation and degranulation of human eosinophils that are mediated through protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2). However, our current knowledge on the innate immune responses of epithelium to environmental fungi is very limited. We investigated the responses of epithelium to fungi and the mechanisms of these responses. Methods: Human airway epithelial cell line BEAS-2B and Calu-3 (both from American Type Culture Collection) were incubated with PAR-2 peptides and extracts of various fungi. The cellular responses, including GM-CSF, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, eotaxin, eotaxin-2 and RANTES production as well as increases in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), were examined. To characterize the proteases involved in these responses, protease inhibitors such as pepstatin A and alkalo-thermophilic Bacillus inhibitor (ATBI), HIV protease inhibitors and 4-amidinophenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride were used. To investigate the role of PAR-2, PAR-2-agonistic and PAR-2-antagonistic peptides were used. Results: PAR-2-activating peptide, but not the control peptide, induced GM-CSF, IL-6 and IL-8 production; these cellular responses were accompanied by a quick and marked increase in [Ca2+]i. Among 7 common environmental fungi, only Alternaria induced GM-CSF, IL-6 and IL-8 production and increased [Ca2+]i response. Both cytokine production and increased [Ca2+]i were significantly inhibited by PAR-2 antagonist peptide and by aspartate protease inhibitors (pepstatin A, ritonavir, nelfinavir and ATBI), but not by the PAR-2 control peptide or by other protease inhibitors. Conclusions: Aspartate proteases from Alternaria induce cytokine production and calcium response in airway epithelium that is mediated through PAR-2. This protease-mediated activation of airway epithelium may be implicated in the development and exacerbation of airway allergic disease.
Inhibition of Allergen-Induced Airway Inflammation by Low-Dose Oral Immunotherapy with Transgenic Rice Seeds Independently of Immunoglobulin E Synthesis
Authors: Saeki Mayumi , Nishimura Tomoe , Kaminuma Osamu , Suzuki Kazuya , Takai Toshiro , Mori Akio , Takada Kazuko , Takaiwa Fumio , Hiroi Takachika
Published: May 2012

Background: Oral immunotherapy is potentially useful for the treatment of allergic diseases. We previously demonstrated that allergen-induced airway inflammation and immunoglobulin E (IgE) production in mice were suppressed by oral administration of high-dose transgenic (Tg) rice seeds (approximately 50 g/kg/day) expressing a T cell epitope of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 1 allergen (Der p 1). However, this amount of Tg rice seeds was not realistic in our daily life. In this study, allergen-induced airway inflammation and IgE production following oral immunotherapy with a realistic (lowest) dose of Tg rice seeds were investigated. Methods: Mice orally administered with Tg or non-Tg rice seeds at approximately 5 g/kg/day for 1 week were immunized with recombinant Der p 1, and then challenged with the corresponding allergen. The infiltration of inflammatory cells into the airways and the levels of allergen-specific serum IgE were examined. Results: Low-dose oral administration of Tg rice seeds significantly inhibited the allergen-induced infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes into the airways, but allergen-specific IgE synthesis was not changed. Conclusions: Low-dose oral immunotherapy with Tg rice seeds could suppress allergen-induced airway inflammation through mechanisms other than the downregulation of IgE synthesis.
Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder in an Infant with Feeding Dysfunction
Authors: Yamada Yoshiyuki , Kato Masahiko , Toki Fumiaki , Watanabe Mio , Nishi Akira , Matsushita Ikue , Hirato Junko , Hayashi Yasuhide
Published: May 2012

Feeding dysfunction (FD) has recently been considered to comprise a prevalent set of symptoms in eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) in young children. We report the case of an 8-month-old girl with an EGID who visited our hospital due to vomiting, poor weight gain and feeding difficulties; her condition was discovered during the examination of the symptoms including FD. Tracheal aspiration and reduced esophageal clearance showed up in a barium swallow test and upper gastrointestinal contrast radiography, respectively. Delayed clearance from the stomach was also detected on gastrointestinal scintigraphy. Gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsies revealed esophagitis with some eosinophils and duodenitis with eosinophilic inflammation. She was not a likely candidate for eosinophilic esophagitis. On administration of an elemental diet, the patient gained weight. Esophageal and stomach clearance subsequently improved, although the vomiting and FD persisted to some extent. We conclude that it is important to consider other EGIDs as well as eosinophilic esophagitis in the differential diagnosis of FD.
Regional Variation in Recommended Treatments for Ischemic Stroke and TIA
Authors: Allen Norrina B. , Kaltenbach Lisa , Goldstein Larry B. , Olson DaiWai M. , Smith Eric E. , Peterson Eric D. , Schwamm Lee , Lichtman Judith H.
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

Secondary stroke prevention treatments vary in different regions of the US. We determined the degree to which guideline-recommended stroke treatments vary by region for patients treated at hospitals participating in a voluntary national quality improvement program, Get With The Guidelines-Stroke.

Methods—

Receipt of 8 guideline-recommended treatments (intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator, antihypertensives, antithrombotics, anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, lipid-lowering medications at discharge, smoking cessation counseling, weight loss education) and defect-free care were compared in 4 US regions among eligible patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack; there was adjustment for patient demographics, medical history, and hospital characteristics.

Results—

Among 991 995 admissions (South, 37%; Northeast, 27.6%; Midwest, 19.3%; West, 15.9%). Receipt varied regionally for tissue-type plasminogen activator (58.2%–67.8%), lipid-lowering medications (72.5%–75.7%), antihypertensives (80.1%–83.6%), antithrombotics (95.6%–96.8%), deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis (88.0%–91.4%), weight loss education (49.3%–54.7%), and defect-free care (72.1%–76.5%). In adjusted analyses, patients in the South had lower odds of use of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (OR [95% CI]; 0.82 [0.69–0.97]), antihypertensives (0.82 [0.67–0.99]), and defect-free care (0.83 [0.75–0.92]); but, they were more likely to receive lipid-lowering medications (1.28 [1.05–1.54]) compared with those in the Northeast. Patients in the Midwest had lower odds of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator administration (0.82 [0.68–0.99]) and defect-free care (0.81 [0.72–0.92]). Those in the West had lower odds of antihypertensives (0.81 [0.67–0.99]), but had greater odds of receiving lipid-lowering medications (1.26 [1.03–1.53]).

Conclusions—

Despite relatively high rates of adherence to stroke-related therapies in Get With The Guidelines-Stroke hospitals, regional variations exist, with over one quarter of patients receiving suboptimal care. Systematic improvements may lead to better patient outcomes.
An Interview with Annette Vande Gorne, Part 2
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

Annette Vande Gorne, renowned composer of electroacoustic music, discusses her multi-faceted career in a two-part interview. In this second part of the interview, Vande Gorne reveals her compositional strategy for her current project (her acousmatic opera Yawar Fiesta) as well as for other electroacoustic genres–notably, acousmatic works, mixed works, and sound installations. Vande Gorne also discusses the fundamental importance of the art of interpreting sound in space, and explains the instrument of interpretation (the acousmonium) and her use of it. Additionally, Vande Gorne reflects on her teaching, most recently at the Conservatoire Royal de Mons, Belgium, where she conceived a section of electroacoustic studies. During her tenure as professor of acousmatic composition, she has conveyed her personal artistic aesthetic alongside the French electroacoustic aesthetic to several generations of composers in Europe and beyond. Other topics in this part of the interview include Musiques & Recherches (Vande Gorne's center for electroacoustic music) and her well-known acousmatic festival L’Espace du Son.
An Offline, Automatic Mixing Method for Live Music, Incorporating Multiple Sources, Loudspeakers, and Room Effects
Authors: Terrell Michael , Sandler Mark
Published: May 2012

A model of live performance is presented that includes simplified acoustic-environmental system models and enables the coupling behavior between multiple sources and receivers to be predicted. The model allows the mix at each location within the performance space to be evaluated as a function of the acoustic signals generated by the instruments and of the control parameters on the mixing desk, through which the instrument signals are sent before being reinforced using loudspeakers. For a set of listener locations, which includes both performers and members of the audience, ideal mixes are defined, and an optimization algorithm is developed that sets the control parameters on the mixing desk automatically, to deliver approximations of these ideal mixes to all listener locations simultaneously. The control parameters are constrained during the optimization to prevent the onset of acoustic feedback. The algorithm is examined, and we show that a targeted approach, which first sets the control parameters relating the vocal level, gives a better solution in a shorter time when compared to a brute-force approach.
Regular Expressions as Violin Bowing Patterns
Authors: Hall Cordelia , O'Donnell John T.
Published: May 2012

String players spend a significant amount of practice time creating and learning bowings. These may be indicated in the music using up-bow and down-bow symbols, but those traditional notations do not capture the complex bowing patterns that are latent within the music. Regular expressions, a mathematical notation for a simple class of formal languages, can describe precisely the bowing patterns that commonly arise in string music. A software tool based on regular expressions enables performers to search for passages that can be handled with similar bowings, and to edit them consistently. A computer-based music editor incorporating bowing patterns has been implemented, using Lilypond to typeset the music. Our approach has been evaluated by using the editor to study ten movements from six violin sonatas by W. A. Mozart. Our experience shows that the editor is successful at finding passages and inserting bowings; that relatively complex patterns occur a number of times; and that the bowings can be inserted automatically and consistently.
Violence, Nonviolence and the Temple Incident in John 2:13-15
Authors: Alexis-Baker Andy
Published: May 2012

The temple incident has been a popular episode in Jesus' ministry from which Christians since Augustine have drawn to justify Christian violence ranging from punishing schismatics and heretics to justifying war and the death penalty. However, another tradition of reading this passage nonviolently began well before Augustine. Whether contextualizing the passage in a narrative reading so that it would have spiritual meaning or seeing the Greek grammar as disallowing that Jesus hit people with the whip, these nonviolent strategies effectively undercut any notion that Jesus' action could provide a model for Christian violence. A close reading of the Greek text, I believe, supports these nonviolent strategies for reading the text, which simply denies based on Greek grammar that Jesus used his whip on any person.
Biblical Responses: Past and Present Retellings of the Enigmatic Mrs. Job
Authors: Gravett Emily O.
Published: May 2012

Her namelessness, her uneventful fulfillment of maternal duties, her short and unclear speech, and her departure after the second chapter of the book of Job have piqued, rather than quelled, interpreters' interest in Job's wife throughout history. This article first describes what little we can glean about Mrs. Job from the 'original' Masoretic Text (MT) and then tracks Mrs. Job's appearance in two post-biblical retellings: the ancient Testament of Job and a contemporary short story, “Job's Jobs,” by Aimee Bender. These retellings seem to be, in their own ways, addressing three important questions: “what kind of relationship does she have with her husband Job?,” “what effects do Job's series of tests have on her life?,” and “why might Mrs. Job have said such surprising and seemingly terrible words to her husband amidst his suffering?” It is suggested that the retellings respond in consonant ways—particularly through their development of her relationship with Job, the suffering she experiences because of his tests, and her various speaking parts. Because the similarities are found in more than one retelling, the article argues that readers can rightfully return to the biblical source material, in order to query whether the Bible implied those questions in the first place and to use their interpretations to re-read the book of Job, proffering a rich, viable, and alternative literary interpretation for the character of Mrs. Job.
You Shall Not Boil a Kid in its Mother's Milk (Exod. 23:19b; Exod. 34:26b; Deut. 14:21b): A Figure of Speech?
Authors: Mealy J. Webb
Published: May 2012

This is a new proposal as to the meaning and genesis of that classically enigmatic text, “You shall not boil a kid in its mother's milk” (Exod. 23:19b; Exod. 34:26b Deut. 14:21b). The author, after surveying the many, disparate, and often ingenious suggestions that have been put forward over more than two millennia as to the meaning of the prohibition, turns to the context (in each case involving regulations about the bringing of firstfruits of the grain harvest) as the prime key to the interpretative puzzle. On this basis he hypothesizes that the expression “boil a kid in its mother's milk” was a figure of speech used by the Hebrews to refer to a common peasant farmer's tactic for resisting oppression: the practice of secretly making up a portion of the yearly rent obligation—when possible—with surplus grain from the previous year's harvest. Two ideas create the points of contact for the metaphor: (1) the idea of mixing of parent and child generations, and (2) the idea of going back to get a second contribution from the parent which has already paid its obligation by contributing its offspring. Exegetical and archaeological evidence is adduced in support of the proposal, together with evidence about the life cycle of metaphors in language and culture.
[Re]Naming Cozbi: In Memoriam, Cozbi, daughter of Zur
Authors: Rees Anthony
Published: May 2012

This paper re-reads the story of Cozbi, Zimri and Phinehas as told in Numbers 25. After establishing the significance of names as interpretive devices in Old Testament writings, the story is read as a way of examining the validity of Cozbi's name. What is found is that her name coerces us to understand the story in a particular fashion that paints her as an enemy and Phinehas as a hero, an outcome totally at odds with the text as it presents itself. Should Cozbi then be re-named? Would this redeem her from the text? Or perhaps could her name point us towards to some other way of understanding this text?