bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Bordetella hinzii Strains Isolated from Humans
Authors: Weigand Michael R. , Changayil Shankar , Kulasekarapandian Yasvanth , Tondella M. Lucia
Published: August 2015

Bordetella hinzii
is primarily recovered from poultry but can also colonize mammalian hosts and immunocompromised humans. Here, we report the first complete genome sequences of
B. hinzii
in two isolates recovered from humans. The availability of these sequences will hopefully aid in identifying host-specific determinants variably present within this species.
Genome Sequence of Aeribacillus pallidus Strain GS3372, an Endospore-Forming Bacterium Isolated in a Deep Geothermal Reservoir
Authors: Filippidou Sevasti , Jaussi Marion , Junier Thomas , Wunderlin Tina , Jeanneret Nicole , Regenspurg Simona , Li Po-E , Lo Chien-Chi , Johnson Shannon , McMurry Kim , Gleasner Cheryl D. , Vuyisich Momchilo , Chain Patrick S. , Junier Pilar
Published: August 2015

The genome of strain GS3372 is the first publicly available strain of
Aeribacillus pallidus
. This endospore-forming thermophilic strain was isolated from a deep geothermal reservoir. The availability of this genome can contribute to the clarification of the taxonomy of the closely related
Anoxybacillus
,
Geobacillus
, and
Aeribacillus
genera.
Silent sinus syndrome: an underdiagnosed entity
Authors: Magalhães Clara , Baptista Miguel , Lopes Gustavo , Duarte Delfim
Published: August 2015

We describe a case of a 33-year-old Caucasian woman with right facial asymmetry and no sinonasal symptoms. She was referred to the ophthalmology department as having right palpebral ptosis. On physical examination, she presented painless enophthalmos and hypoglobus of the right eye. The MRI of the brain only showed sinonasal inflammatory signs of the right maxillary sinus. The CT scan revealed opacification of the right maxillary sinus, with retraction of the sinus walls. We confirmed the diagnosis of silent sinus syndrome. The patient underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery. One year after surgery, despite clinical and aesthetic improvement, slight enophthalmos remained, but there were no other complications. In our case, the diagnosis of facial asymmetry as ptosis led to an initial imaging investigation to exclude neurological causes. Silent sinus syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of facial asymmetry. Despite the clinical suspicion, the diagnosis can only be confirmed by imaging studies.
Challenges faced by primary care physicians when prescribing for patients with chronic diseases in a teaching hospital in Malaysia: a qualitative study
Authors: Sellappans Renukha , Lai Pauline Siew Mei , Ng Chirk Jenn
Published: August 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by primary care physicians (PCPs) when prescribing medications for patients with chronic diseases in a teaching hospital in Malaysia.

Design/setting

3 focus group discussions were conducted between July and August 2012 in a teaching primary care clinic in Malaysia. A topic guide was used to facilitate the discussions which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.

Participants

PCPs affiliated to the primary care clinic were purposively sampled to include a range of clinical experience. Sample size was determined by thematic saturation of the data.

Results

14 family medicine trainees and 5 service medical officers participated in this study. PCPs faced difficulties in prescribing for patients with chronic diseases due to a lack of communication among different healthcare providers. Medication changes made by hospital specialists, for example, were often not communicated to the PCPs leading to drug duplications and interactions. The use of paper-based medical records and electronic prescribing created a dual record system for patients’ medications and became a problem when the 2 records did not tally. Patients sometimes visited different doctors and pharmacies for their medications and this resulted in the lack of continuity of care. PCPs also faced difficulties in addressing patients’ concerns, and dealing with patients’ medication requests and adherence issues. Some PCPs lacked time and knowledge to advise patients about their medications and faced difficulties in managing side effects caused by the patients’ complex medication regimen.

Conclusions

PCPs faced prescribing challenges related to patients, their own practice and the local health system when prescribing for patients with chronic diseases. These challenges must be addressed in order to improve chronic disease management in primary care and, more importantly, patient safety.
Improving phlebotomy handover of untaken blood tests to junior doctors
Authors: Brown Emily , Jarrett Helen , Churchhouse Gabrielle , Hartley Matthew , Cohen David , Kyprianou Katerina , Murphy Sarah , Walker Brindley , Hill Catherine
Published: August 2015

A lack of communication between junior doctors and phlebotomists means untaken blood tests are often not recognised until late in a junior doctor’s day, resulting in additional hours worked, delays in patient management, and potentially avoidable handover of additional work to on-call doctors.

We set out to improve communication, with an aim that ward doctors should be made aware of patients who have not been successfully bled by phlebotomists by 1:00pm. By introducing a formal handover clipboard in a designated ward space, we facilitated communication between phlebotomists and doctors, and minimised the potential for unrecognised "missed" blood tests.

Our intervention was met with approval; 88% of junior doctors surveyed stated they found the clipboards useful, and 74% have noticed an improvement in communication, working efficiency and better patient safety. Post-intervention, junior doctors knew about 70% of booked blood tests that had not been taken by 1:00pm, compared to 26% pre-intervention. By allowing the recognition of missed blood tests to be noted early enough in the day for repeat samples to be taken, and the results to be acted upon, we feel our intervention has been a success. As a group of new foundation doctors we have felt empowered that as a result of recognising a problem, implementing simple changes, and monitoring results we have made a genuine improvement to multi-disciplinary team working, workload of junior doctors, and patient safety.
Characteristics associated with sexual assaults at mass gatherings
Authors: Sampsel Kari , Godbout Justin , Leach Tara , Taljaard Monica , Calder Lisa
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Sexual assault is disturbingly common, yet little is known about those occurring at mass gatherings, defined as a group of people congregated for a common purpose. Our objectives were to examine patterns of variation in sexual assault associated with mass gatherings and to determine factors associated with assaults occurring at mass gatherings.

Methods

We performed a case series analysis from January to December, 2013. We included all patients >16 years presenting within 30 days of their sexual assault to the Ottawa Hospital Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program (SAPACP). Cases were stratified by whether or not they occurred at mass gatherings. We abstracted from the SAPACP records: patient and sexual assault characteristics, alcohol or drug consumption and medical and forensic care accepted. We performed descriptive analyses and multiple logistical regression to identify factors associated with mass gathering assaults.

Results

We found 204 cases of sexual assault, of which 53 (26%) occurred at mass gatherings. Relative frequencies of mass gathering sexual assaults peaked during New Year's Eve, Canada Day, university frosh week and Halloween. We found the following factors were statistically significantly associated with sexual assault at mass gatherings: younger age (OR=0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.99); voluntary consumption of drugs and alcohol (3.88, 95% CI 1.34 to 11.23); assault occurring on a holiday (2.37, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.64) and the assailant unknown to the victim (2.43, 95% CI 1.15 to 5).

Interpretation

This study is the first to describe patterns of variation in sexual assault incidents associated with occurrence of mass gatherings as well as factors associated with such assaults. We will disseminate these results to key stakeholders in order to develop prevention-minded policies for future mass gatherings.
Contribution of microRNA analysis to characterisation of pancreatic lesions: a review
Authors: Visani Michela , Acquaviva Giorgia , Fiorino Sirio , Bacchi Reggiani Maria Letizia , Masetti Michele , Franceschi Enrico , Fornelli Adele , Jovine Elio , Fabbri Carlo , Brandes Alba A , Tallini Giovanni , Pession Annalisa , de Biase Dario
Published: August 2015

Pancreatic tumours are usually very aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. A limitation of pancreatic imaging techniques is that lesions are often of ambiguous relevance. The inability to achieve a definitive diagnosis based on cytological evaluation of specimens, due to sampling error, paucicellular samples or coexisting inflammation, might lead to delay in clinical management. Given the morbidity associated with pancreatectomy, a proper selection of patients for surgery is fundamental. Many studies have been conducted in order to identify specific markers that could support the early diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, but, to date, none of them allow to diagnose pancreatic cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs (19–25 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression interacting with mRNA targets. It is now established that each tissue shows a characteristic miRNA expression pattern that could be modified in association with a number of different diseases including neoplasia. Due to their key role in the regulation of gene expression, in the last years several studies have investigated miRNA tissue-specific expression, quantification and functional analysis to understand their peculiar involvement in cellular processes. The aim of this review is to focus on miRNA expression in pancreatic cancer and their putative role in early characterisation of pancreatic lesions.
Accounting for multiple pathways in the connections among climate variability, ocean processes, and coho salmon recruitment in the Northern California Current
Authors: Malick Michael J. , Cox Sean P. , Peterman Randall M. , Wainwright Thomas C. , Peterson William T.
Published: August 2015

Pathways linking climate to population dynamics of higher-trophic-level fish species such as Pacific salmon often involve a hierarchy in which regional-scale physical and biological processes mediate the effects of large-scale climate variability. We used probabilistic networks to investigate 17 potential ecological pathways linking climate to Oregon coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) recruitment. We found that pathways originating with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation were the most influential on recruitment, with the net effect being two to four times greater than for pathways originating with the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation or the Oceanic Niño Index. Among all environmental variables, sea surface temperature and an index of juvenile salmon prey biomass had the greatest effects on recruitment, with a 76% chance of recruitment being equal to or below average given that ocean temperatures were above average and a 34% chance of recruitment being below average given that prey biomass was above average. Our results provide evidence that shifts in climate patterns could strongly influence recruitment simultaneously through multiple ecological pathways and highlight the importance of quantifying cumulative effects of these pathways on higher-trophic-level species.
Do biomass removal and structure-enhancing treatments influence deadwood characteristics following commercial thinning in spruce plantations in New Brunswick, Canada?
Authors: Omari Kwadwo , MacLean David A.
Published: August 2015

Effects of commercial thinning on downed coarse woody debris (CWD) and standing dead trees (snags) were examined in six intensively managed 22- to 30-year-old white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) plantations in northern New Brunswick, Canada. Four alternative treatments were applied: (i) an unthinned control and three commercial thinning 40% basal area removals, with (ii) slash and tops remaining on the site (status quo), (iii) most of the branches and tops extracted from the site (biomass removal), and (iv) clumps of unthinned trees left, with one-half of the trees in each clump girdled to create snags (enhanced structure). Three years after thinning, CWD volume increased by 14%–27% in the status quo and enhanced structure treatments, by 6% in the biomass removal treatment, and by 0.1% in the unthinned treatment. Mean snag volume changed little, i.e., less than 1 m3·ha−1 among treatments, and stumps of thinned trees were 4.6–4.9 m3·ha−1. The girdled trees added 0.7 m3·ha−1 of snags, and 1.3 m3·ha−1 is expected to be added from girdling the remaining live trees in the unthinned clumps in 2016. The girdled trees and future to-be-girdled trees added up to 50% of the new deadwood in the enhanced structure treatments, but thinning treatments did not significantly affect total deadwood. The results indicate that commercial thinning produced fine debris but had little effect on overall deadwood amount. Girdling trees during commercial thinning, at the intensity used in this study, is unlikely to produce sufficient snags. Leaving islands and clumps during harvest before plantation establishment would be a more effective way of adding structure.
Zero field splitting parameters of Cr3+ doped potassium sodium dl-tartrate tetrahydrate
Authors: Kripal Ram , Yadav Awadhesh Kumar
Published: August 2015

The zero field splitting parameters (ZFSPs) D and E of Cr3+ ion doped potassium sodium dl-tartrate tetrahydrate (PSTT), KNaC4H4O6·4H2O are calculated using the superposition model. The theoretically calculated ZFSPs for Cr3+ in PSTT crystal are compared with the experimental values obtained by electron paramagnetic resonance. Theoretical ZFSPs are in good agreement with the experimental values. The energy band positions of optical absorption spectra of Cr3+ in PSTT single crystal calculated with the CFA package agree well with experimental values.
Breeding timing and nest predation rate of sympatric scops owls with different dietary niche breadth
Authors: Toyama M. , Kotaka N. , Koizumi I.
Published: August 2015

Breeding timing is one of the key life-history traits considered to be under strong stabilizing selection, such that offspring should be born when food resources are most abundant. Predation, however, may also affect the breeding timing because nest predation is a leading mortality for many species, although this possibility has been less considered. Here, we examined the possible effects of nest predation on breeding timing by comparing sympatric scops owls in a subtropical forest where only reptilian predators are present. The Japanese Scops Owl (Otus semitorques Temminck and Schlegel, 1844), a dietary generalist, bred one month earlier than the specialist Ryukyu Scops Owl (Otus elegans (Cassin, 1852)). The breeding timing of the Ryukyu Scops Owl matched with the emergence of their main prey species, but also matched with predator activity. Accordingly, the predation rate on eggs or nestlings was 7.5 times higher in the Ryukyu Scops Owl (13.9%; 21 out of 150 nests) than in the Japanese Scops Owl (1.9%; 1 out of 52 nests). Clutch size, on the other hand, was significantly larger in the Ryukyu Scops Owl than in the Japanese Scops Owl, possibly compensating loss from predation. Although alternative explanations still remain, our results suggest that the food generalist might have adjusted its breeding timing to avoid nest predation, whereas the breeding timing of the specialist might have been constrained by the availability of its main prey items.
Numerical simulation of metallic nanostructures interacting with electromagnetic fields using the Lorentz–Drude model and FDTD method
Authors: Benavides-Cruz M. , Calderón-Ramón C. , Gomez-Aguilar J. F. , Rodríguez-Achach M. , Cruz-Orduña I. , Laguna-Camacho J. R. , Morales-Mendoza L. J. , Enciso-Aguilar M. , Pérez-Meana H. , Escalante-Martínez J. E. , López-Calderón J. E. , Juárez-Morales G.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we present an analysis and modeling of the interaction of electromagnetic fields with metallic nanostructures using computational tools that allow us to study the phenomena that are produced as an electromagnetic field interacts with the nanostructure. The analysis of dielectric systems including metals can be very complicated because of the metal parameters. For this reason, we propose to integrate the dielectric function of the Lorentz-Drude model with the finite difference time-domain (FDTD) method, which will permit to study the surface and internal effects within the metal nanostructure system added to the dielectric system, and the interaction of electromagnetic fields with atoms, ions or molecules excited up to their resonant frequency, which causes transitions among atomic energy levels. We solved the system and showed the results of the simulation for the following case studies, silver nanosphere of 100[Formula: see text]nm in diameter, gold nanorod of 12[Formula: see text]nm in thickness and 30[Formula: see text]nm in length and gold nanogroove of 70[Formula: see text]nm.
Thermodynamic analysis of universes with the initial and final de Sitter eras
Authors: Moradpour H. , Sabet M. T. Mohammadi , Ghasemi A.
Published: August 2015

Our aim is studying the thermodynamics of cosmological models including initial and final de Sitter eras. For this propose, bearing Cai–Kim temperature in mind, we investigate the thermodynamic properties of a dark energy (DE) candidate with variable energy density, and show that the state parameter of this dark energy candidate [Formula: see text] should obey the [Formula: see text] constraint, whiles there is no interaction between the fluids filled the universe, and the universe is not in the de Sitter eras. Additionally, based on the thermal fluctuation theory, we study the possibility of inducing fluctuations to the entropy of the DE candidate due to a mutual interaction between the cosmos sectors. Therefore, we find a relation between the thermal fluctuations and the mutual interaction between the cosmos sectors, whiles the DE candidate has a varying energy density. Finally, bearing the coincidence problem in mind, we derive a constraint on the vacuum energy, and investigate its relation with the entropy evolution of the DE candidate. We also point to a model with initial and final de Sitter eras in which a gravitationally induced particle production process leads to change the expansion eras, whiles the corresponding pressure is considered as the cause of current accelerated phase. We study its thermodynamics, and show that such processes may also leave thermal fluctuations into the system. We also find an expression between the thermal fluctuations and the particle production rate. Finally, we use Hayward–Kodama temperature to get a relation for the horizon entropy in models including the gravitationally induced particle production process. Our study shows that the first law of thermodynamics is available on the apparent horizon whiles, the gravitationally induced particle production process, as the DE candidate, may add an additional term to the Bekenstein limit of the horizon. The relation between the validity of the second law of thermodynamics and the gravitationally particle production process is also studied.
Investigations on the spin Hamiltonian parameters of Cu(2) site in (Tl0.5Pb0.5)Sr2CaCu2O7 superconductors
Authors: Hu Xian-Fen , Wu Shao-Yi , Zhang Zhi-Hong , Kuang Min-Quan
Published: August 2015

The spin Hamiltonian parameters ([Formula: see text] factors and hyperfine structure constants) of the five-fold coordinated Cu(2) site in [Formula: see text] superconductors are investigated from the high order perturbation formulas of these parameters for a [Formula: see text] ion in tetragonally elongated octahedron. The observed anisotropies [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are ascribed to the [Formula: see text] ground state for [Formula: see text] under octahedral tetragonal elongation distortion. The comparable magnitudes of the parallel and perpendicular hyperfine structure constants may be illustrated by the small core polarization constant and the reduction factor [Formula: see text]. The ligand orbital and spin–orbit coupling contributions are found to be important due to significant covalency and should be considered in the calculations.
Degree of chemical nonequilibrium in central Au–Au collisions at RHIC energies
Authors: Tawfik Abdel Nasser , El-Bakry M. Y. , Habashy D. M. , Mohamed M. T. , Abbas Ehab
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we investigate the difference between hadron resonance gas (HRG) calculations for chemical freeze-out parameters at fully and partly chemical equilibria. To this end, the results are compared with the particle ratios measured in central Au – Au collisions at a wide range of nucleon–nucleon center-of-mass energies, [Formula: see text] as offered by the STAR experiment. We restrict the discussion to STAR, because of large statistics and overall homogeneity of STAR measurements (one detector) against previous experiments. We find that the matter produced at these energies is likely in fully chemical equilibria, which is consistent with recent lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) results. The possible improvements by partial chemical equilibria (γS ≠ 1) are very limited. We also discuss these results with the ones deduced from ϕ/π- and Ω-/π- ratios. These hadron ratios are sensitive to the degree of chemical equilibrium. Accordingly, the conclusion that the matter produced reaches fully chemical equilibria in central Au – Au at relativistic heavy-ion collider (RHIC) energies is confirmed.
Geodesics on path spaces and double category
Authors: Chatterjee Saikat
Published: August 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a Riemannian manifold and [Formula: see text] be the space of all smooth paths on [Formula: see text]. We describe geodesics on path space [Formula: see text]. Normal neighborhoods on [Formula: see text] have been discussed. We identify paths on [Formula: see text] under “back-track” equivalence. Under this identification, we show that if [Formula: see text] is complete, then geodesics on the path space yield a double category. This double category has a natural interpretation in terms of the worldsheets generated by freely moving (without any external force) strings.
Subsidence history and basin-fill evolution in the South Caspian Basin from geophysical mapping, flexural backstripping, forward lithospheric modelling and gravity modelling
Authors: Abdullayev N. A. , Kadirov F. , Guliyev I. S.
Published: August 2015

This study summarizes the subsidence history and aspects of the geodynamic evolution of the South Caspian Basin based on the integration of geophysical observations, and subsidence and gravity modelling on selected two-dimensional (2D) profiles. This analysis implies the presence of an attenuated ‘oceanic-type’ crust in the northern portion of the South Caspian Basin, demonstrates characteristics of basin subsidence on variable crustal types and describes sediment-fill evolution in several different parts of the basin. Modelling conducted in this study shows that the observed pattern of subsidence and sedimentation in the South Caspian Basin can be explained by a process of thermal subsidence following Jurassic rifting and further enhanced subsidence that resulted from sediment-induced loading in the Late Tertiary, especially after a large-scale base-level fall after 6 Ma.

Variation in crustal type is reflected in differences observed in the degree of subsidence and sediment fill in the overlying stratigraphy. The western part of the South Caspian Basin has subsided differently to the eastern part because of this difference in crustal type. This is also confirmed by gravity modelling, which shows that the South Caspian Basin crustal density is compatible with an oceanic composition in the western part of the South Caspian Basin: the crust in the eastern part of the basin, however, is thicker.
Effect of dietary fructose on portal and systemic serum fructose levels in rats and in KHK−/−and GLUT5−/−mice
Authors: Patel Chirag , Sugimoto Keiichiro , Douard Veronique , Shah Ami , Inui Hiroshi , Yamanouchi Toshikazu , Ferraris Ronaldo P.
Published: August 2015

Elevated blood fructose concentrations constitute the basis for organ dysfunction in fructose-induced metabolic syndrome. We hypothesized that diet-induced changes in blood fructose concentrations are regulated by ketohexokinase (KHK) and the fructose transporter GLUT5. Portal and systemic fructose concentrations determined by HPLC in wild-type mice fed for 7 days 0% free fructose were <0.07 mM, were independent of time after feeding, were similar to those of GLUT5−/−, and did not lead to hyperglycemia. Postprandial fructose levels, however, increased markedly in those fed isocaloric 20% fructose, causing significant hyperglycemia. Deletion of KHK prevented fructose-induced hyperglycemia, but caused dramatic hyperfructosemia (>1 mM) with reversed portal to systemic gradients. Systemic fructose in wild-type and KHK−/−mice changed by 0.34 and 1.8 mM, respectively, for every millimolar increase in portal fructose concentration. Systemic glucose varied strongly with systemic, but not portal, fructose levels in wild-type, and was independent of systemic and portal fructose in KHK−/−, mice. With ad libitum feeding for 12 wk, fructose-induced hyperglycemia in wild-type, but not hyperfructosemia in KHK−/−mice, increased HbA1cconcentrations. Increasing dietary fructose to 40% intensified the hyperfructosemia of KHK−/−and the fructose-induced hyperglycemia of wild-type mice. Fructose perfusion or feeding in rats also caused duration- and dose-dependent hyperfructosemia and hyperglycemia. Significant levels of blood fructose are maintained independent of dietary fructose, KHK, and GLUT5, probably by endogenous synthesis of fructose. KHK prevents hyperfructosemia and fructose-induced hyperglycemia that would markedly increase HbA1clevels. These findings explain the hyperfructosemia of human hereditary fructosuria as well as the hyperglycemia of fructose-induced metabolic syndrome.
The role of inducible nitric oxide synthase for interstitial remodeling of alveolar septa in surfactant protein D-deficient mice
Authors: Knudsen Lars , Atochina-Vasserman Elena N. , Massa Christopher B. , Birkelbach Bastian , Guo Chang-Jiang , Scott Pamela , Haenni Beat , Beers Michael F. , Ochs Matthias , Gow Andrew J.
Published: August 2015

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) modulates the lung's immune system. Its absence leads to NOS2-independent alveolar lipoproteinosis and NOS2-dependent chronic inflammation, which is critical for early emphysematous remodeling. With aging, SP-D knockout mice develop an additional interstitial fibrotic component. We hypothesize that this age-related interstitial septal wall remodeling is mediated by NOS2. Using invasive pulmonary function testing such as the forced oscillation technique and quasistatic pressure-volume perturbation and design-based stereology, we compared 29-wk-old SP-D knockout (Sftpd−/−) mice, SP-D/NOS2 double-knockout (DiNOS) mice, and wild-type mice (WT). Structural changes, including alveolar epithelial surface area, distribution of septal wall thickness, and volumes of septal wall components (alveolar epithelium, interstitial tissue, and endothelium) were quantified. Twenty-nine-week-old Sftpd−/− mice had preserved lung mechanics at the organ level, whereas elastance was increased in DiNOS. Airspace enlargement and loss of surface area of alveolar epithelium coexist with increased septal wall thickness in Sftpd−/− mice. These changes were reduced in DiNOS, and compared with Sftpd−/− mice a decrease in volumes of interstitial tissue and alveolar epithelium was found. To understand the effects of lung pathology on measured lung mechanics, structural data were used to inform a computational model, simulating lung mechanics as a function of airspace derecruitment, septal wall destruction (loss of surface area), and septal wall thickening. In conclusion, NOS2 mediates remodeling of septal walls, resulting in deposition of interstitial tissue in Sftpd−/−. Forward modeling linking structure and lung mechanics describes the complex mechanical properties by parenchymatous destruction (emphysema), interstitial remodeling (septal wall thickening), and altered recruitability of acinar airspaces.
Clofazimine Induced Suicidal Death of Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Officioso Arbace , Alzoubi Kousi , Manna Caterina , Lang Florian
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: The antimycobacterial riminophenazine clofazimine has previously been shown to up-regulate cellular phospholipase A2 and to induce apoptosis. In erythrocytes phospholipase A2 stimulates eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Phospholipase A2 is in part effective by fostering formation of prostaglandin E2, which triggers Ca2+ entry. Stimulators of Ca2+ entry and eryptosis further include oxidative stress and energy depletion. The present study tested, whether and how clofazimine induces eryptosis. Methods: Phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface was estimated from annexin V binding, cell volume from forward scatter, hemolysis from hemoglobin release, cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) from Fluo3-fluorescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) from 2′, 7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescence, and cytosolic ATP level utilizing a luciferin-luciferase assay kit. Results: A 24-48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to clofazimine (≥1.5 µg/ml) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells without appreciably modifying forward scatter. Clofazimine significantly increased [Ca2+]i, significantly decreased cytosolic ATP, but did not significantly modify ROS. The effect of clofazimine on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted, but not fully abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+, and by phospholipase A2 inhibitor quinacrine (25 µM). Clofazimine further augmented the effect of Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (0.1 µM) on eryptosis. The clofazimine induced annexin-V-binding was, however, completely abrogated by combined Ca2+ removal and addition of quinacrine. Conclusion: Clofazimine stimulates phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect in part dependent on entry of extracellular Ca2+, paralleled by cellular energy depletion and sensitive to phospholipase A2 inhibitor quinacrine.
Qiliqiangxin Protects Against Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Activation of the mTOR Pathway
Authors: Zhou Yonglan , Fang Hongyi , Lin Shenghui , Shen Shutong , Tao Lichan , Xiao Junjie , Li Xinli
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Qiliqiangxin (QL) has been used for the treatment of chronic heart failure in China. Accumulating evidence suggests QL's cardio-protective effects on continuous myocardial ischemia. However, it is unclear whether QL has beneficial effects on cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods: A mouse model of cardiac I/R was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 45 minutes followed by reperfusion. The mice were treated with QL for three days before surgery and continually after I/R. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, echocardiography and Masson's trichrome staining were used to determine infarct size, cardiac function, and fibrosis, respectively. Expression levels of phospho-mTOR (Ser2448), mTOR, phospho-4EBP (Ser65), 4EBP, phospho-Akt (Ser473) and Akt were detected by Western blotting. Results: At 1 day after I/R, QL treatment significantly reduced the infarct size of mice exposed to I/R. At 7 days after I/R, mortality was reduced in QL treated animals in comparison with the control group. In addition, QL treated mice showed increased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) at 1 and 7 days after I/R. In agreement, Masson's trichrome staining demonstrated that interstitial fibrosis was less pronounced in QL treated mice compared with controls, suggesting that adverse left ventricular remodeling is attenuated in QL treated mice. Moreover, western blotting analysis demonstrated that QL activated the mTOR pathway, while mTOR inhibition via Rapamycin abolished the protective effects of QL against I/R injury. Conclusion: This study suggests that QL attenuates the progression of cardiac remodeling after I/R likely via mTOR activation. This represents a new application for QL in the prevention of I/R injury.
The Appearance of a Leptin Effect on Glucose Absorption in Caco2 Cells Depends on Their Differentiation Level
Authors: El-Zein Ola , Usta Julnar , Kreydiyyeh Sawsan Ibrahim
Published: August 2015

Backdround/Aims: The aim of this work was to study the effect and mechanism of action of leptin added apically, on glucose absorption, using Caco-2 cells as a model. Methods: Cells were grown on inserts and treated with leptin, at different time points after confluence. Radiolabelled glucose was added to the upper chamber and samples from the lower chamber were collected and assayed for radioactivity. Results: Glucose absorption increased with an increase in the level of differentiation and was associated with an increase in the protein expression level of glucose transporters. Leptin reduced glucose absorption only by day 16 after confluence, the time at which apical leptin receptors started appearing. This inhibitory effect became higher the longer the post confluence period, and was prominent on day 23. The hormone effect was found to be mediated via a decrease in the number of glucose transporters (SGLT1 and GLUT2) and a decrease in the activity of the Na+/K+ ATPase which was assayed by measuring the amount of inorganic phosphate liberated in presence and absence of enzyme activators. Conclusion: It was concluded that by day 23 post confluence, Caco-2 cells are differentiated and are appropriate to use as a model for intestinal transport studies.
Total Closure of Enlarged Tracheoesophageal Puncture with Septal Button: Long-Term Results
Authors: Unsal Ozlem , Akpinar Meltem , Turk Bilge , Rifki Didem , Uslu Coskun Berna
Published: August 2015

Tracheoesophageal puncture enlargement in laryngectomized patients is a significant problem due to complications such as aspiration pneumonia. There are several management methods including conservative and nonconservative techniques. A total closure of the enlarged tracheoesophageal puncture is needed in some cases when conservative approaches have failed. At this point, the insertion of a silicone septal button in the puncture site is a useful, inexpensive, and simple technique. The follow-up of 4 patients managed with this technique revealed satisfactory long-term results.
Opioid Maintenance Treatment - A Call for a Joint European Quality Care Approach
Authors: Brandt Laura , Unger Annemarie , Moser Laura , Fischer Gabriele , Jagsch Reinhold
Published: August 2015

Aims: The aim of this exploratory analysis of European Quality Audit of Opioid Treatment data was to identify areas of improvement for current opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) approaches. Methods: Factors facilitating treatment entry, retention and refusal were compared between 8 European countries and between OMT patient (OMT-P) and active opioid user (AOU) sample groups. Both groups were divided into those who had never had OMT before (un-experienced OMT-P (n = 573) and AOU (n = 360)) and those who had been maintained at least once prior to this investigation (experienced OMT-P (n = 746) and AOU (n = 377)). Results: The European comparison showed that motives for starting OMT vary distinctly between countries (p ≤ 0.001). Transnationally, experienced AOU reported concerns about their ability to follow treatment rules and negative treatment experiences as decisive reasons for staying out of OMT. Greater flexibility, less pressure to reduce their treatment dose and greater treatment structure were ranked significantly higher by experienced compared to un-experienced OMT-P as factors that might facilitate treatment retention (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Increasing awareness of potential shortcomings of OMT delivery systems is crucial to optimally match treatment approaches to patient needs and also to reduce the considerable economic burden of addiction to society.
A Key Role of Autophagy in Osteoblast Differentiation on Titanium-Based Dental Implants
Authors: Kaluđerović Milena R. , Mojić Marija , Schreckenbach Joachim P. , Maksimović-Ivanić Danijela , Graf Hans-Ludwig , Mijatović Sanja
Published: August 2015

Autophagy plays an important role in embryogenesis, for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and the elimination of damaged subcellular structures. Furthermore, autophagy could be a mode of physiological cell death and also be implicated in cell differentiation. Thus, we hypothesized that autophagy may have an impact on the differentiation of osteoblast cells influenced by various titanium-based surfaces. Interactions between smooth, commercially available pure titanium (Ti cp), rough Ticer, acid-etched Ti cp (SS) and M1-M3 (comprised of the monoclinic phase of sodium-titanium oxides and rutile; M2 contains amorphous calcium phosphates) and human osteoblast cells were investigated. Immunofluorescent staining was used for detecting autophagy, cell cluster formation and collagen type I (Col-1) expression. Flow cytometry was employed to identify autophagy, the production of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and the size and granularity of the cells. Rough surfaces caused osteoblast differentiation via the autophagic-dependent PI3/Akt signalling pathway. These surfaces induced the formation of discrete populations of large, granular cells, i.e. mature osteoblasts. In addition, M1-M3 provoked the development of a third population of small, granular cells, responsible for cell cluster formation, which are important for the formation of bone noduli and mineralisation. The same surfaces induced faster osteoblast maturation and enhanced NO production, a hallmark of the already mentioned processes. Neither the mature osteoblasts nor the small cells appeared after the inhibition of autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy also prevented cell cluster formation. We demonstrate that autophagy plays an essential role in the osteoblast differentiation on titanium-based surfaces with rough topography.
Biochemical and Pharmacokinetic Properties of PEGylated Cystathionine γ-Lyase from Aspergillus carneus KF723837
Authors: El-Sayed Ashraf S.A. , Yassin Marwa A. , Khalaf Salwa A. , El-Batrik Mohamed , Ali Gul Shad , Esener Sadik
Published: August 2015

Cystathionine γ-lyase (CGL) was purified to its electrophoretic homogeneity from Aspergillus carneus by various chromatographic approaches. The purified enzyme has four identical subunits of 52 kDa based on SDS and native PAGE analyses. To improve its structural stability, purified CGL was modified by covalent binding to polyethylene glycol moieties. The specific activity of free-CGL and PEG-CGL was 59.71 and 48.71 U/mg, respectively, with a PEGylation yield of 81.5 and 70.7% modification of surface ε-amino groups. Free- and modified CGL have the same pattern of pH stability (8.0-9.0). At 50°C, the thermal stability [half-life time (T1/2)] of PEG-CGL was increased by 40% in comparison to free-CGL. The activity of CGL was completely inhibited by hydroxylamine and Hg+2, with no effect by EDTA. Free-CGL (0.04 mM-1s-1) and PEG-CGL (0.03 mM-1s-1) have a similar catalytic efficiency to L-cystathionine as a substrate. The inhibition constant values of propargylglycine were 0.31 and 0.52 µM for the free- and PEG-CGL, respectively. By in vitro proteolysis, PEG-CGL retains >50% of its initial activity compared to <10% of the free-CGL for acid protease for 30 min. From in vivo pharmacokinetics in New Zealand white rabbits, the T1/2 was 19.1 and 28.9 h for the Holo free-CGL and PEG-CGL, respectively, ensuring the role of PEGylation on shielding the CGL surface from proteolytic attack, reducing its antigenicity, and stabilizing its internal Schiff base. By external infusion of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (10 µM), the T1/2 of free- and PEG-CGL was prolonged to 24 and 33 h, respectively, so dissociation of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate was one of the main causes of loss of enzyme activity. The biochemical and hematological responses of rabbits to free- and PEG-CGL were assessed, with relative similarity to the negative control, confirming the nil toxicity of enzymes. The titer of IgG was duplicated in response to free- versus PEG-CGL after 45 days. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerned with purification and PEGylation of CGL from fungi, with higher affinity for L-cystathionine. With further molecular studies, CGL will be a promising enzyme against various cardiovascular diseases and antioxidant deficiency, as well as for generation of a neurotransmitter (H2S).
Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus in the Major Portal Vein
Authors: Kojima Hidenobu , Hatano Etsuro , Taura Kojiro , Seo Satoru , Yasuchika Kentaro , Uemoto Shinji
Published: August 2015

Background: The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombus in the major portal vein has been extremely poor. We investigated the outcome of hepatic resection in HCC with major portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 52 consecutive patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC with tumor thrombi in the first branch or trunk of the portal vein. Factors related to disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results: The median DFS and OS times were 8.9 and 27.6 months for the whole cohort, respectively. Multiple tumors (hazard ratio 2.12; 95% CI 1.11-4.33; p = 0.023), positive surgical margins (hazard ratio 2.45; 95% CI 1.19-4.81; p = 0.016), and non-adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC; hazard ratio 2.07; 95% CI 1.11-3.90; p = 0.023) were independent risk factors for DFS. Non-adjuvant HAIC (hazard ratio 1.84; 95% CI 1.01-3.37; p = 0.047) was an independent risk factor for OS. Conclusions: Macroscopically curative resection seems to be of benefit to HCC patients with PVTT, even with tumor thrombi in the first branch or trunk of the portal vein. Adjuvant postoperative HAIC might improve DFS and OS in such patients.
Uveitis in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Recent Therapeutic Advances
Authors: Wells Jane M. , Smith Justine R.
Published: August 2015

Uveitis is a common association of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) that has previously been characterized by poor visual prognosis with limited options for effective treatment. Since corticosteroid treatment is not a preferred long-term option for most patients with this condition, systemic immunosuppressive therapy is frequently employed. The medical options for the treatment of JIA-associated uveitis have recently expanded beyond conventional immunosuppressive drugs to the biological agents. The biological drugs that are most commonly employed for JIA-associated uveitis are the tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors. Other biological agents that have been used to treat the disease include drugs that target cytokine receptors, lymphocyte antigens and lymphocyte co-stimulation signals. This Mini Review highlights recent developments in the medical treatment of JIA-associated uveitis.
The Diagnostic Value of Routine Papanicolaou Smears for Detecting Endometrial Cancers: An Update
Authors: Lai Chiung-Ru , Hsu Chih-Yi , Hang Jen-Fan , Li Anna Fen-Yau
Published: August 2015

Objective: The presence of degenerative endometrial debris and abnormal endometrial cells is considered to be the hint for endometrial pathology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Papanicolaou (Pap) smears in detecting endometrial cancers. Study Design: There were 146 cases of endometrial cancer diagnosed at our institute in 2000-2002 and 271 in 2010-2012. Among them, 57 and 95 relevant reports of Pap smears 6 months prior to the histology diagnosis were retrieved for this study, respectively. In the first time period, new criteria for detecting endometrial lesions had not yet been incorporated into routine screening. Results: Twenty cases (21%) of adenocarcinoma, 12 (13%) of atypical glandular cells, 4 (4%) of endometrial debris and 59 (62%) negative reports were found among the more recent 95 relevant Pap smears. The overall efficacy of the Pap smear for detecting endometrial malignancy was 38%, higher than 10 years previously (30%). Conclusion: Although the Pap smear was originally designed to screen cervical lesions, more effective detection of endometrial lesions could be achieved by adding new criteria to the routine screening.
Avaliação sazonal das águas do reservatório da usina hidrelétrica Caçu no município de Caçu, Goiás.
Authors: Rocha Isabel Rodrigues da , Cabral João Batista Pereira , Nogueira Pollyanna Faria , Barcelos Assunção Andrade de
Published: August 2015

O reservatório da Usina Hidrelétrica (UHE) de Caçu está localizado na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Claro, região Sudoeste do estado de Goiás. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade das águas do reservatório da UHE Caçu em períodos distintos do Cerrado brasileiro, e realizar o enquadramento do corpo d’água, de acordo com a Resolução CONAMA 357/05. Os parâmetros físicos e químicos avaliados foram condutividade elétrica, oxigênio dissolvido, pH (Potencial Hidrogeniônico), temperatura da água, total de sólidos dissolvidos e turbidez. As coletas de dados dos pontos amostrados foram realizadas nos dias 17/01/2012, 10/07/2012, 23/01/2013 e 30/07/2013. Os resultados obtidos foram discutidos e comparados com base nos limites estabelecidos pelo órgão ambiental CONAMA, na resolução Nº 357, de 17 de março de 2005. Os resultados foram avaliados quanto à conformidade, sendo verificados pontos que se enquadram nas Classes 1, 2 e 3; somente alguns pontos e algumas variáveis se enquadraram na classe 4. Em termos gerais, as condições atuais apresentam água de boa qualidade, para uso e dessedentação de animais, segundo os pontos amostrados e analisados. De acordo com os dados avaliados, as águas do reservatório da UHE Caçu podem ser classificados para turbidez como, nas classes 3 e 4 para o trecho rio, classe 2 para o trecho transição, e na classe 1 para o trecho lago, no período de janeiro de 2013. As demais variáveis, estabelecem limites individuais idênticos para todas as classes de águas doces.
Capital, crise e produção do espaço: As determinações críticas da construção habitacional em São Paulo.
Authors: Couto Luccas Ribeiro do
Published: August 2015

A diversidade de interpretações acerca da recente crise mundial capitalista obscureceu por muitas vezes o nexo entre crise, capital e produção social do espaço. Temos a intenção de recuperar tais conceitos em sua condição concreta indissociável, para tanto, propomos investigar as profundas transformações na produção propriamente dita da mercadoria habitação na cidade de São Paulo, no decorrer da década dos anos 2000 - período marcado pelo grande aporte de recursos ao setor -, em sua intrincada relação com as novas formas de capitalização, financiamento e crédito. Seria esta fração da produção social uma saída para o capital financeiro em busca de valorização, o que sanearia as crises? Concebe-se que a crise da reprodução do capital tem determinado estas novas configurações - da produção e do financiamento -, que atingem o plano da vida impondo renovadas formas de dominação e acirrando os fetiches. Pretendemos, com isso, desvelar o discurso de modernização na construção civil a ocultar novos e velhos métodos de exploração do trabalho, assim como as peias que agem no cotidiano de quem adquire "o sonho da casa própria".