bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver Kinase B1 Is Required for White Adipose Tissue Growth and Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Wencheng , Wang Qilong , Song Ping , Zou Ming-Hui
Published: February 2013

White adipose tissue (WAT) is not only a lipogenic and fat storage tissue but also an important endocrine organ that regulates energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism, appetite, fertility, and immune and stress responses. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1), a tumor suppressor, is a key regulator in energy metabolism. However, the role of LKB1 in adipogenesis is unknown. The current study aimed to determine the contributions of LKB1 to adipogenesis in vivo. Using the Fabp4-Cre/loxP system, we generated adipose tissue–specific LKB1 knockout (LKB1ad−/−) mice. LKB1ad−/− mice exhibited a reduced amount of WAT, postnatal growth retardation, and early death before weaning. Further, LKB1 deletion markedly reduced the levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Consistent with these results, overexpression of constitutively active AMPK partially ablated IRS1 degradation in LKB1-deficient cells. LKB1 deletion increased the levels of F-box/WD repeat-containing protein (Fbw) 8, the IRS1 ubiquitination E3 ligase. Silencing of Fbw8 increased IRS1 levels. Finally, promoter analysis and DNA chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis identified three sterol regulatory element (SRE) sites in the Fbw8 promoter, where SRE-binding protein 1c binds and induces the expression of Fbw8. Taken together, these data indicate that LKB1 controls IRS1-dependent adipogenesis via AMPK in WAT.
The Utility of Carotid Ultrasonography in Identifying Severe Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Type 2 Diabetic Patients Without History of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Irie Yoko , Katakami Naoto , Kaneto Hideaki , Nishio Mayu , Kasami Ryuichi , Sakamoto Ken’ya , Umayahara Yutaka , Sumitsuji Satoru , Ueda Yasunori , Kosugi Keisuke , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE

Although many studies have shown that carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), it remains inconclusive whether assessment of carotid IMT is useful as a screening test for asymptomatic but severe CAD in diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 333 asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients without history of CAD underwent exercise electrocardiogram or myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for detection of silent myocardial ischemia, and those whose test results were positive were subjected to coronary computed tomography angiography or coronary angiography. The ability of carotid IMT to identify severe CAD corresponding to treatment with revascularization was examined by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.

RESULTS

Among the 333 subjects, 17 were treated with revascularization. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that maximum IMT was an independent predictor of severe CAD even after adjustment for conventional risk factors. ROC curve analyses revealed that the addition of maximum IMT to conventional risk factors significantly improved the prediction ability for severe CAD (from area under the curve, 0.67 to 0.79; P = 0.039). The greatest sensitivity and specificity were obtained when the cut-off value of maximum IMT was set at 2.45 mm (pretest probability, 5%; posttest probability, 11%; sensitivity, 71%). When we applied age-specific cut-off values, the sensitivity of screening further increased in both the nonelderly (pretest probability, 6%; posttest probability, 10%; sensitivity, 100%) and the elderly subjects (pretest probability, 5%; posttest probability, 15%; sensitivity, 100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that carotid maximum IMT is useful for screening asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients with severe CAD equivalent to revascularization.
Chemometric analysis of antioxidant properties of herbal products containing Ginkgo biloba extract
Authors: Ronowicz Joanna , Kupcewicz Bogumiła , Budzisz Elżbieta
Published: February 2013

Ginkgo biloba extract is a popular ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations. The level of bioactive compounds determines final antioxidant activity of an extract and its therapeutic efficiency. The aim of the project was to assess phytopharmaceuticals containing Ginkgo extracts in terms of their chemical characteristic and antioxidant activity using selected chemometric methods. The aim of the study was also to investigate whether the antioxidant activity of phytopharmaceuticals can be successfully predicted based on their chromatograms. Total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of methanolic Ginkgo extracts were determined using a spectrophotometric technique. Comparative chemometric analysis of investigated pharmaceutical formulations was carried out using hierarchical and non-hierarchical segmentation algorithms. Samples of herbal drug products were clearly separated from samples of dietary supplements. A tree regression method was used to predict the antioxidant activity of pharmaceuticals based on the chromatographic description. The correlations between the predicted (by regression model) and experimental values of IC50 for training and testing subset were 0.960 and 0.949, respectively. The chemometric techniques, combined with instrumental analysis, could improve and simplify the quality control methods of herbal products. The antioxidant activity, predicted on the basis of chromatograms, may be one of measures of final product quality.
Thermostable mutant variants of Bacillus sp. 406 α-amylase generated by site-directed mutagenesis
Authors: Kachan Alexandr , Evtushenkov Anatoliy
Published: February 2013

Several mutations are known to increase the thermostability of α-amylase of B. licheniformis and other α-amylases. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to introduce similar mutations into the sequence of the α-amylase gene from mesophilic Bacillus sp. 406. The influence of the mutations on thermostability of the enzyme was studied. It was shown that the Gly211Val and Asn192Phe substitutions increased the half-inactivation temperature (Tm) of the enzyme from 51.94±0.45 to 55.51±0.59 and 58.84±0.68°C respectively, in comparison to the wild-type enzyme. The deletion of Arg178-Gly179 (dRG) resulted in an increase of Tm of the α-amylase to 71.7±1.73°C. The stabilising effect of mutations was additive. When combined they increase the Tm of the wild-type amylase by more than 26°C. Thermostability rates of the triple mutant are close to the values which are typical for industrial heat-stable α-amylases, and its ability to degrade starch at 75°C was considerably increased. The present research confirmed that the Gly211Val, Asn192Phe and dRG mutations could play a significant role in thermostabilization of both mesophilic and thermophilic α-amylases.
BEM and FEM results of displacements in a poroelastic column
Authors: Albers Bettina , Savidis Stavros A. , Taşan H. Ercan , Estorff Otto von , Gehlken Malte
Published: February 2013

The dynamical investigation of two-component poroelastic media is important for practical applications. Analytic solution methods are often not available since they are too complicated for the complex governing sets of equations. For this reason, often some existing numerical methods are used. In this work results obtained with the finite element method are opposed to those obtained by Schanz using the boundary element method. Not only the influence of the number of elements and time steps on the simple example of a poroelastic column but also the impact of different values of the permeability coefficient is investigated.
A modified state variable diagram method for determination of positive realizations of linear continuous-time systems with delays
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: February 2013

A new modified state variable diagram method is proposed for determination of positive realizations of linear continuoustime systems with delays in state and input vectors. Using the method, it is possible to find a positive realization with reduced numbers of delays for a given transfer matrix. Sufficient conditions for the existence of positive realizations of given proper transfer matrices are established. The proposed method is demonstrated on numerical examples.
Observer-based controller design of time-delay systems with an interval time-varying delay
Authors: Thuan Mai Viet , Phat Vu Ngoc , Trinh Hieu
Published: February 2013

This paper considers the problem of designing an observer-based output feedback controller to exponentially stabilize a class of linear systems with an interval time-varying delay in the state vector. The delay is assumed to vary within an interval with known lower and upper bounds. The time-varying delay is not required to be differentiable, nor should its lower bound be zero. By constructing a set of Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals and utilizing the Newton-Leibniz formula, a delay-dependent stabilizability condition which is expressed in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs) is derived to ensure the closed-loop system is exponentially stable with a prescribed α-convergence rate. The design of an observerbased output feedback controller can be carried out in a systematic and computationally efficient manner via the use of an LMI-based algorithm. A numerical example is given to illustrate the design procedure.
Nash equilibrium design and price-based coordination in hierarchical systems
Authors: Karpowicz Michał P.
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with the problem of designing Nash equilibrium points in noncooperative games in which agents anticipate values of Lagrange multipliers coordinating their payoff functions. The addressed model of agents’ interactions, referred to as the price-anticipation game, is studied within the framework of coordination and mechanism design theory for hierarchical systems. Sufficient conditions are formulated for Nash implementation of a regular and isolated solution to a coordination problem. An equilibrium design procedure is proposed and applied as an analytic tool in a study of mechanism design games. In the setting considered the well-known fact is demonstrated that gains from reaching a desired solution to a coordination problem in a Nash equilibrium point need not balance the overall costs of its implementation. However, it is also demonstrated how these costs can be distributed among the agents and related to the particular organization of interactions in the system. Finally, application of the developed framework in the field of Internet traffic engineering is presented.
The influence of tactile feedback on hand movement accuracy
Authors: Polechoński Jacek , Olex-Zarychta Dorota
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This study aimed at measuring the reaction of the hand when tactile feedback was impaired in upper extremity motor performance in order to empirically evaluate how precision was affected during visually controlled hand and arm movement.

Methods

26 right-handed young male adults were tested with the use of a line tracking task by means of Schuhfried’s Vienna Test System. Tactile feedback during line tracking task was impaired by the use of different gloves: a chirurgical latex glove, a rubber glove and a thick work glove made of soft animal leather.

Results

The results found a strong relationship between hand movement accuracy and the degree of tactile impairment; no significant relationship was found between tactile impairment and movement speed. Limiting tactile feedback was found to influence motor task accuracy during local wrist movements (using only the carpal and palm joints), while tasks that allowed global movement (both wrist and forearm) were found to have accuracy influenced only when tactile feedback was highly impaired (line tracking with the thick leather glove).

Conclusions

The results have indicated that the role of tactile feedback on accuracy during visually-guided precision movement is far greater than previously reported.
Self-efficacy, self-esteem and body image as psychological determinants of 15-year-old adolescents’ physical activity levels
Authors: Kołoło Hanna , Guszkowska Monika , Mazur Joanna , Dzielska Anna
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of the study was to analyze which psychological factors can determine the physical activity levels of 15-year-old adolescents. The psychological factors examined were self-efficacy, physical self-esteem (body weight and body appearance) and body image. A multifactorial perspective based on a socioecological approach as well as Bandura’s social learning theory was used to clarify the relationships between the determinants and physical activity levels.

Methods

The study participants were 2277 15-year-old adolescents (1086 boys and 1191 girls). Selected questions and scales from HBS C’s international standard questionnaire were used, including the Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity index, the self perception of body weight and body appearance question, the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Body Image Subscale.

Results

It was found that over half of the Polish 15-year-old population featured an insufficient level of physical activity. Self-efficacy, body image and physical self-esteem of both body mass and body image were significant predictors of physical activity. The role of these predictors was found to be differentiated by gender.

Conclusions

The physical activity levels of 15-year-old adolescents can be predicted by use of psychological variables.
Personal development of participants in special olympics unified sports teams
Authors: Wilski Maciej , Nadolska Anna , Dowling Sandra , McConkey Roy , Hassan David
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This study aims to identify the impact of the Special Olympics’ Unified Sports program on the personal development of its participants.

Methods

A qualitative method was used, which included gathering data by interviewing individual athletes and unified teams, by collecting individual personal histories and by use of connection charts from five European countries that participate in the Unified Sports program. A total of 221 data samples were recorded.

Results

Athletes reported improvements in their abilities on the field as well as increased fitness and technical ability. They emphasized the importance of team-work and trust between athletes. Improvements in confidence, self-esteem and communication skills were also reported by athletes. Partners also reported a positive change in attitude towards people with intellectual disabilities. Friendships were a central and vital aspect of taking part in the teams. Friendships developed between athletes and partners. Athletes reported increased access to community “places” such as sports facilities and social venues.

Conclusions

Unified Sports is an exciting initiative that holds much promise in transforming the life experiences of young athletes with intellectual disabilities. The impact of the Unified Sports program on the personal development of participants applies to all areas of human functioning – physical, mental and social. Our evaluation suggests that its concepts and modes of operations transcend national boundaries and cultures at least within a European context.
Reworked nannofossils from the Lower Miocene deposits in the Magura Nappe (Outer Western Carpathians, Poland)
Authors: Oszczypko-Clowes Marta
Published: February 2013

Studies, based on calcareous nannofossils, proved that the level of reworked microfossils had so far been underestimated. More recently detailed quantitative studies of calcareous nannoplankton of the Magura, Malcov, Zawada and Kremna formations from the Magura Nappe in Poland documented a degree of nannofossil recycling among those formations. In the Late Eocene-Early Oligocene pelagic Leluchów Marl Member of the Malcov Formation the level of redeposition is very low (0-3.80 %), however, in the flysch deposits of the Malcov Formation reworking increased to 31.4 %. Late Oligocene through Early Miocene “molasse” type deposits of the Zawada and Kremna formations contain 43.7-69.0 % of reworked nannofossils. Quantitative analyses of the reworked assemblages confirmed the domination of Paleogene nannofossil species over Cretaceous ones. The most abundant, reworked assemblages belong to the Early- Middle Eocene age.
Chronological implications of the paleomagnetic record of the Late Cenozoic volcanic activity along the Moravia-Silesia border (NE Bohemian Massif)
Authors: Cajz Vladimír , Schnabl Petr , Pécskay Zoltan , Skácelová Zuzana , Venhodová Daniela , Šlechta Stanislav , Čížková Kristýna
Published: February 2013

This paper presents the results of a paleomagnetic study carried out on Plio-Pleistocene Cenozoic basalts from the NE part of the Bohemian Massif. Paleomagnetic data were supplemented by 27 newly obtained K/Ar age determinations. Lavas and volcaniclastics from 6 volcanoes were sampled. The declination and inclination values of paleomagnetic vectors vary in the ranges of 130 to 174 and -85 to -68° for reversed polarity (Pleistocene); or 345 to 350° and around 62° for normal polarity (Pliocene). Volcanological evaluation and compilation of older geophysical data from field survey served as the basis for the interpretation of these results. The Pleistocene volcanic stage consists of two volcanic phases, fairly closely spaced in time. Four volcanoes constitute the Bruntál Volcanic Field; two others are located 20 km to the E and 65 km to the NW, respectively. The volcanoes are defined as monogenetic ones, producing scoria cones and lavas. Exceptionally, the largest volcano shows a possibility of remobilization during the youngest volcanic phase, suggested by paleomagnetic properties. The oldest one (4.3-3.3 Ma), Břidličná Volcano, was simultaneously active with the Lutynia Volcano (Poland) which produced the Zálesí lava relic (normal polarity). Three other volcanoes of the volcanic field are younger and reversely polarized. The Velký Roudný Volcano was active during the Gelasian (2.6-2.1 Ma) and possibly could have been reactivated during the youngest (Calabrian, 1.8-1.1 Ma) phase which gave birth to the Venušina sopka and Uhlířský vrch volcanoes. The reliability of all available K-Ar data was evaluated using a multidisciplinary approach.
Tectonothermal history of the basement rocks within the NW Dinarides: new40 Ar/39 Ar ages and synthesis
Authors: Sibila Borojević Šoštarić , Franz Neubauer , Robert Handler , Ladislav A. Palinkaš
Published: February 2013

Very low-grade and low-grade metamorphosed basement rocks from distinct inliers of the Africa-derived northwestern Dinarides (Medvednica Mts and Paleozoic Sana-Una Unit, respectively) have been studied with the multigrain step-heating 40Ar/39Ar technique in order to compare and reveal their tectonothermal history. 40Ar/39Ar ages from detrital white mica of the very low-grade basement rocks of the Paleozoic Sana-Una Unit gave a Variscan age of ~335 Ma. The new age is in agreement with 40Ar/39Ar ages from the very low-grade basement exposed at Petrova and Trgovska Gora of the NW Dinarides. Within low-grade metamorphic basement rocks from the Medvednica Mts, we found no Variscan ages. White mica from phyllitic basement rocks of the Medvednica Mts gives predominantly early Alpine ages ranging between 135 and 122 Ma and younger Alpine ages of ~80 Ma. The early Alpine ages of 135 and 122 Ma are interpreted as the date to the onset of ductile nappe stacking predating the formation of Gosau-type collapse basins. The late early Alpine event of ~80 Ma can be traced in the entire Cretaceous-aged orogen of the Circum- Pannonian Region and is synchronous with subsidence of the Gosau-type basins and opening and closure of the neighbouring Sava-Vardar Zone.
Selective mineral composition, functional test morphology and paleoecology of the agglutinated foraminiferal genus Colominella Popescu, 1998 in the Mediterranean Pliocene (Liguria, Italy)
Authors: Nicoletta Mancin , Elena Basso , Camilla Pirini , MICHAEL A. Kaminski
Published: February 2013

Specimens ofColominella(agglutinated Foraminifera) from a Pliocene Mediterranean succession were analysed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) to document their test microstructure.Colominelladevelops a complex large test with a mostly biserial chamber arrangement, but with the internal chamber lumens partitioned by vertical and horizontal plates that form a labyrinthine structure of alcoves. This internal partition occurs from the first chambers but is completely masked from the outside by the thick wall. The test-wall microstructure is characterized by canaliculi (parapores) that are externally covered by a pavement of agglutinated grains. The mineralogical characterization of the agglutinated grains and the secreted cement shows that the grains are strongly selected as regards to size, arrangement and composition, with the coarse grains placed close to the outer wall. Moreover, these coarse grains, forming a pavement, are made of monocrystalline quartz, whereas the inner part of the skeleton is mostly composed of dolomite. The carbonate cement is less abundant and appears as cloudy light grey areas among the detrital grains. These shell features can be interpreted as functional adaptations to perform kleptoplastidy and/or to house functional photosymbionts, probably induced by stable environmental conditions as in warm shallow waters characterized by low nutrient flux.
Decreased activity and accelerated apoptosis of neutrophils in the presence of natural polyphenols
Authors: Jančinová Viera , Perečko Tomáš , Harmatha Juraj , Nosáľ Radomír , Drábiková Katarína
Published: February 2013

Prolonged or excessive formation and liberation of cytotoxic substances from neutrophils intensifies inflammation and the risk of tissue damage. From this perspective, administration of substances which are able to reduce activity of neutrophils and to enhance apoptosis of these cells may improve the therapy of pathological states connected with persistent inflammation. In this short review, neutrophil oxidative burst and apoptosis are presented as potential targets for pharmacological intervention. Effects of natural polyphenols (resveratrol, pterostilbene, pinosylvin, piceatannol, curcumin, N-feruloylserotonin) are summarised, considering the ability of these compounds to affect inflammation and particularly neutrophil activity. The intended neutrophil inhibition is introduced as a part of a new strategy for pharmacological modulation of chronic inflammatory processes, focused on supporting innate antiinflammatory mechanisms and enhancing resolution of inflammation.
Tax Competition as a Challenge to the Governance of Global Economy
Authors: Penttilä Seppo , Kultalahti Jukka
Published: February 2013

The paper analyses the role of tax competition in global economy. How can tax systems respond to the challenge – by international cooperation or by national rules, by tax harmonisation or by tax competition? In this paper we approach the question as a matter of global governance. Tax competition is seen both as a means and as an object of global governance. Our conclusion is that there is no universal answer to the question: competition or harmonisation? Attempts to govern the processes of global economy on a national level may easily lead to tax competition. On the other hand, at least at the supranational level, i.e. at regional or global level, the goals and mechanisms of governance seem to emphasise harmonisation. Nowadays especially the OECD has become an important actor or forum for cooperation in taxation. It has succeeded in many ways in preventing and reducing harmful tax competition. The soft law mechanisms developed by the OECD have often been converted into the hard law mechanisms on national level. The governance activities have been based on both soft law and hard law mechanisms.
Urban Regeneration in a ‘City of Culture’ the Case of Pécs, Hungary
Authors: Faragó Laszló
Published: February 2013

The development of Pécs is essentially due to its historically central location and to the fact that the regional institutions and the revenues generated by them have enriched the city. This functional wealth elevated the city to a position above the surrounding settlements. In its development, culture has always played a significant role. From the second half of the 19th century, it was industrial development which contributed most to its growth, a trend which was reversed at the end of the 20th century. The crisis arrived with the transition in the 1980s and has so far not been resolved. The city once more based its growth concept on human capital and on the cultural tradition when formulating new development strategy, and, as a result, it won the title of European Capital of Culture 2010. However, market processes and EU development funds necessarily generate trends which are rather more global, and in the post-socialist cities there are insufficient funds for endogenous development based on local factors to be realised.
Commonly used earthquake source models
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Liu Yucheng
Published: February 2013

Several important earthquake source models that have been extensively used in seismological research and earthquake prediction are presented and discussed. A new fault source model is used to explain the earthquake focal mechanism solution and tectonic stress field, which play a crucial role in earthquake initiation and preparation. The elastodynamic-dislocation theory is demonstrated which provides the theoretical background of most earthquake source models. Important earthquake source models reviewed here include the double-force-couple point-source model, the circular-shear dislocation model, the finite moving-source model, the Brune model, and the spherical explosive source model.
Macular Edema in Uveitis
Authors: Mitkova-Hristova Vesela T. , Konareva-Kostianeva Marieta Iv.
Published: February 2013

In the present study we have made a review of the relevant literature on pathogenesis and
modern diagnostic methods for macular edema (ME) in uveitis.

Macular edema is a typical non-specific complication of uveitis, one of the common causes
of visual impairment. ME can be found in all types of uveitis. In 85% of cases of intermediate
uveitis, the visual impairment is due to the development of cystoid macular edema.
The macula is more rarely affected in panuveitis (35%), anterior (20-26%) and posterior
(20%) uveitis. The etiological agent is of great importance for the course and treatment of
inflammatory diseases.

Among the imaging diagnostic methods that are capable of detecting macular edema with
fluid accumulation in the retina (either diffuse or distributed in cysts) are the fl uorescein
angiography (FA) and the optical coherence tomography (ОСТ). OCT allows a quantitative
assessment of retinal thickening and how it changes throughout therapy. FA can be
used to determine very precisely the site of a vascular leakage and assess how badly the
vascular wall has been affected by the inflammatory process.

CONCLUSION: Macular edema occurring during an inflammatory process is one of the causes
for visual acuity loss in uveitis. OCT and FA are useful complementary imaging methods
for investigation of structural changes in retinal architecture in uveitis patients.
Plexiform (Multinodular) Schwannoma of Soft Palate. Report of a Case
Authors: Kapetanakis Stylianos , Vasileiadis Ioannis , Petousis Aristotelis , Fiska Aliki
Published: February 2013

РЕЗЮМЕ

Плексиформенная шваннома представляет собой
доброкачественное образование нервной оболочки,
характеризующееся мультинодулярной плексифор-
менной моделью роста. Всего 5% шванном имеют
плексиформенную или мультинодулярную модели
роста. 25% экстракраниальных шванном локали-
зуются в области головы и шеи, а только 1%
имеют интраоральное происхождение. Интра-
оральные шванномы поражают чаще всего язык,
небо, слизистую оболочку рта, губы и десны.

Для подтверждения диагноза делается микро-
скопическое исследование. Характерные гистоло-
гические признаки расположены палисадно, а верете-
новидные шванновые клетки - вокруг центральной
ацеллюлярной зоны, т.н. тела Verocay.

Авторы описывают случай 21-летней женщины
с гладким постоянно нарастающим образованием
на мягком небе. Проведено хирургическое удаление
образования, как и гистологическое и иммуногис-
тологическое исследования поражения, подтвер-
ждающие мультинодулярную шванному мягкого не-
ба. За пациенткой проводится общее клиническое
наблюдение в течение 17 мес.; признаки рецидива
отсутствуют.

О плексиформенных шванномах мягкого неба очень
редко имеются данные в англоязычной литературе.
На этот редкий вид доброкачественной опухоли
следует обратить необходимое внимание и из-за
факта, что ошибочно можно поставить диагноз
„плексиформенная нейрофиброма”.
General evaluation framework for research, development
and innovation programmes and its possible utilization in the
Czech Republic
Authors: Čadil Vladislav
Published: February 2013

In the Czech Republic the low attention is paid on evaluation of public R&D&I expenditures effi ciency, as also revealed the International Audit of the R&D&I System. Therefore, the main article’s aim is, by comparing with foreign best practices and recommendation of the European Commission, to point the most signifi cant weaknesses out and to sketch a general framework for new R&D&I programmes evaluation. The article is structured into fi ve relatively independent parts. The fi rst one defi nes programme evaluation, the next one summarises foreign best practices, the third one gives a brief summary of main methods and approaches and last but not least the fi fth part suggests the new general framework for evaluation of Czech R&D&I programmes.
Evaluation of Czech SME participation in the FP7
in the period October 2007 – October 2011
Authors: Frank Daniel
Published: February 2013

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the CR have the opportunity to use grants of many national and European funds and programmes to support their research and other activities. One of the important resources for the implementation of SMEs research and development activities is FP7. The article based on statistical data of E-CORDA database (database of FP7 grants) for the period 2007 to 2011 briefl y summarizes the participation of Czech SMEs in the FP7, compares the SMEs participation share and SMEs received fi nancial support share in terms of regions of the CR and EU countries referring to participation and obtained fi nancial support of other FP7 participants. The contribution analyses Czech SMEs participation in FP7 thematic priorities, presents the regional scope of SMEs in FP7 in the CR and compares the participation and fi nancial success rate of SMEs from the CR with the success rate of SMEs from other EU countries. Essential attention is given to the use of specifi c tools for SMEs in “Research for the Benefi t of SMEs“ Priority in Capacities Specifi c Programme, further to the national project preparation support infrastructure and to the barriers of the Czech SMEs participation in FP7.
R&D collaboration of the EU countries with partners
beyond the EU group
Authors: Kučera Zdeněk , Vondrák Tomáš , Frank Daniel
Published: February 2013

International collaboration is an important factor stimulating the advancement of national research and development. In this paper we use bibliometric analysis for the evaluation of the extent and the intensity of collaboration of the EU countries with partners beyond the EU group. The main partner of EU is the USA whose authors participate on nearly one tenth of the European scientifi c publications. Within the 6th and 7th Framework Programme, measured by the number of R&D teams, Russia dominates. Former socialist countries exhibit a broader orientation towards Russia and other countries of the former USSR than the EU-15 countries. The number of American R&D teams involved in the collaboration with Czech subjects is about only one third of the Russian ones.
Study of individual plant responsiveness in anther cultures of selected pepper (Capsicum spp.) genotypes
Authors: Niklas-Nowak Aleksandra , Olszewska Dorota , Kisiała Anna , Nowaczyk Paweł
Published: February 2013

One of the key factors determining the effectiveness of pepper anther cultures is donor plant genotype. The stock material for androgenic embryos inductions is usually made up of hybrid forms, since the higher the degree of heterozygosity, the greater the chances of producing regenerates with unique genotypes. The aim of the presented research was to evaluate individual plant reaction in anther cultures for the C. annuum hybrid (‘ATZ1’ × ‘TG’)F2, interspecific hybrid (C. frutescens × C. chinense)F2 and androgenic DH line AT6. The effectiveness of androgenesis was determined individually for each plant as the percentage of the embryos produced compared to the total number of anthers cultured. In the hybrid (‘ATZ1’ × ‘TG’)F2, anthers of 19 out of 20 plants evaluated produced embryos at a rate of 0.5 to 16.5%. Anthers of the AT6 DH line formed embryos considerably less frequently. A positive reaction was recorded for 13 out of 20 plants and the effectiveness of androgenesis did not exceed 3% for this genotype. The lowest androgenic response was recorded for the hybrid (C. frutescens × C. chinense)F2, where embryo development was observed in only five out of 19 plants and the effectiveness of androgenesis did not exceed 2%. The ploidy level of the regenerates was defined cytometrically. The analysis revealed the presence of haploid and diploid plants among the regenerates of all the genotypes evaluated.
The effect of biodegradable nonwovens in butterhead lettuce cultivation for early harvest
Authors: Siwek Piotr , Libik Andrzej , Zawiska Izabela
Published: February 2013

Field experiments using ‘melt-blown’ biodegradable nonwovens were carried out on the ‘Melodion’ butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata L.) cultivar for early harvest. All biodegradable nonwovens were manufactured in the Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres and POLMATEX CENARO in Łódź, Poland. Lettuce seeds were sown into boxes in a greenhouse at the beginning of March, and transplants were planted into the field at the beginning of April. Biodegradable nonwovens - aromatic polyester IBWCH 75 g m-2, polybutylene succinate Bionolle 100 g m-2 and standard polypropylene PP Agro 20 g m-2 - were stretched over the lettuce in the field. The covers were kept on until 4-5 days before harvest. Plots without covers were defined as the control. Ascorbic acid, soluble sugar, dry matter, nitrates, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid contents were recorded in the leaves. All biodegradable nonwovens showed a positive effect on yielding in comparison to the control in 2009. In the second year of the experiment, there were no significant differences between covers with regard to the yield. Dry matter and soluble sugar content in both years of the experiment was diversified. Nonwovens used as covers in 2009 significantly increased the content of nitrates in comparison to the control. In the second year, the highest level of nitrates was demonstrated in the control object. It is worth underlining that the maximum allowed limit of nitrate content in lettuce (4000 mg kg f.w.) was not exceed. The kind of cover had no significant effect on the level of chlorophyll a in 2009 or chlorophyll b and carotenoids in 2009 and 2010 in the lettuce
Effects of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor on Extracellular Matrix Production in Human Nasal Polyp Organ Cultures
Authors: Cho Jung-Sun , Moon You-Mi , Park Il-Ho , Um Ji-Young , Kang Ju-Hyung , Kim Tae Hoon , Lee Sang Hag , Kang Hee Joon , Lee Heung-Man
Published: February 2013

Background

Nasal polyposis is associated with a chronic inflammatory condition of the sinonasal mucosa and involves myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Epigenetic modulation by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors including trichostatin A (TSA) has been reported to have inhibitory effects on myofibroblast differentiation in lung and renal fibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of TSA on myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production in nasal polyp organ cultures.

Methods

Nasal polyp tissues from 18 patients were acquired during endoscopic sinus surgery. After organ culture, nasal polyps were stimulated with TGF-beta1 and then treated with TSA. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and collagen type I expression levels were examined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescent staining. HDAC2, HDAC4, and acetylated H4 expression levels were assayed by Western blot. Cytotoxicity was analyzed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin–dUTP nick end labeling assay.

Results

The expression levels of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen type 1 were increased in nasal polyp after transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 treatment. TSA-inhibited TGF-beta1 induced these gene and protein expression levels. Furthermore, TSA suppressed protein expression levels of HDAC2 and HDAC4. However, TSA induced hyperacetylation of histones H4. Treatment with TGF-beta1 with or without TSA did not have cytotoxic effect.

Conclusion

These findings provide novel insights into the epigenetic regulation in myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production of nasal polyp. TSA could be a candidate of a therapeutic agent for reversing the TGF-beta1–induced ECM synthesis that leads to nasal polyp development.
The Clinical Outcomes of New Hyaluronan Nasal Dressing: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Shi Runjie , Zhou Jiaqing , Wang Bingshun , Wu Qingwei , Shen Yuling , Wang Peihua , Wang Jiadong , Wang Yunyun , Chen Ying , Shu Xiao Zheng
Published: February 2013

Background

Poor postoperative wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) remains a significant problem. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new absorbable hyaluronan hydrogel.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted. Fifty-five patients with bilateral ESS were recruited and randomized to receive absorbable hyaluronan hydrogel in one side as treated and the opposite side without absorbable hyaluronan hydrogel as control. Clinical outcome measures were assessed at postoperative 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

Results

Fifty-four patients completed the study. Overall, absorbable hyaluronan hydrogel significantly promotes the reepithelization process and reduces the presence of obstructing synechia, nonobstructing synechia, edema, crust, and mild mucopurulent drainage (all p ≤ 0.0002). At all postoperative follow-up visits, the promotion in reepithelization is statistically significant at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, and the reductions in the presence of nonobstructing synechia, edema, crust, and mild mucopurulent drainage are all statistically significant except for the presence of crust at 12 weeks and mild mucopurulent drainage at 1 and 12 weeks. Although the presence of obstructing synechia at each follow-up visit between groups does not reach statistical significance, the incidence ranges from 5.56 to 12.96% in the control group and from 0 to 3.70% in the treated group. No adverse event related to treatment was observed.

Conclusion

In this clinical study, data analyses suggest that this new absorbable hyaluronan hydrogel, as nasal dressing/packing after ESS is safe and promotes the postoperative reepithelization process and reduces the presence of synechia, edema, crust, and mild mucopurulent drainage.
Sinonasal Epithelial Cell Expression of Toll-Like Receptor 9 is Elevated in Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Melvin Thuy-Anh N. , Lane Andrew P. , Nguyen Mai-Tien , Lin Sandra Y.
Published: February 2013

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients frequently suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The extent to which alterations in sinonasal innate immunity contribute to this disease process is unknown. Activation of sinonasal epithelial cell (SNEC) Toll-like receptors (TLRs), an important component of the innate immune system, may be associated with the hyperinflammatory state observed in sinonasal mucosa of CF patients with CRS. This study compares expression of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), in SNRCs collected from CF subjects with CRS to that of normal control subjects.

Methods

This was a prospective study measuring TLR9 on SNECs collected via endoscopic-guided middle meatal brushings from 8 adult controls and 14 adult subjects with CF-associated CRS.

Results

TLR9 expression was significantly elevated in CF subjects at 91% ± 6% when compared with 76% ± 10% in normal controls (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The significantly greater expression of sinonasal epithelial TLR9 in CF likely reflects increased antimicrobial innate immune activity in chronically colonized and frequently infected CF individuals. However, this finding contrasts with previously reported decreased epithelial TLR9 expression in eosinophilic CRS with nasal polyposis and may indicate differential modulation of innate immunity in Th1-predominent F versus Th2-dominated CRS with nasal polyps, despite both being diseases of sinonasal mucosal inflammation.
Bacterial Pathogens in the Nasopharynx, Nasal Cavity, and Osteomeatal Complex during Wellness and Viral Infection
Authors: Rawlings Brad A. , Higgins Thomas S. , Han Joseph K.
Published: February 2013

Background

Viral sinusitis can precede acute bacterial sinusitis, but the influence of viral infection on bacterial colonization is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis in the osteomeatal complex (OMC), nasal cavity, and nasopharynx in adults during wellness and viral upper respiratory illness (URI).

Methods

Subjects were recruited for the study during wellness and at the time of acute viral rhinosinusitis. Swab cultures were obtained from the OMC, nasal cavity, and the nasopharynx. Swab eluates were inoculated on selective agars to detect S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis.

Results

The study included 237 subjects, 100 adults with URI and 137 well adults. Positive culture results were found for any site in 70% (n = 70) of ill subjects and 64% (n = 88) of well subjects (p = 0.393). Of the 91 OMC cultures, positive cultures were over five times more likely to be found in ill subjects than in well subjects (31% versus 8%; p = 0.010). The nasal cavity cultures were positively statistically significant more often in ill subjects versus well subjects (39% versus 25%; p = 0.022). The overall nasopharyngeal cultures did not show a statistically significant difference (65% versus 60%; odds ratio, 1.2; p = 0.461). S. pneumoniae was positively cultured in at least one site in 15% of ill subjects and 31% of well subjects (p = 0.006). H. influenzae was positively cultured in at least one site in 45% of ill subjects and 31% of well subjects (p = 0.027). M. catarrhalis was positively cultured in at least one site in 42% of ill subjects and 27% of well subjects (p = 0.018).

Conclusion

This study defines the carriage rates of the three most common bacterial pathogens for acute sinusitis in the nasopharynx, nasal cavity, and OMC during illness and in the healthy state.
Plasma Paraoxonase Activity and Oxidative Stress and Their Relationship to Disease Severity in Children with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Ozkaya Emin , Akduman Hasan , Erenberk Ufuk , Demir Aysegul , Dundaroz M. Rusen
Published: February 2013

Background

Oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of several diseases including allergic rhinitis (AR). In children with AR an antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase (PON1) has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma PON1 activity and plasma total oxidant status (TOS), which are in the form of plasma reactive oxidants, and their association with severity of disease in house-mite–sensitive children with AR.

Methods

This study included 66 children with persistent AR and 40 healthy controls aged between 7 and 12 years old. Plasma PON1, TOS, and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured. The nasal symptom scores and body mass index were evaluated at the time of blood collection.

Results

Mean serum PON1 levels were significantly lower and, TOS levels were higher in the patient group than in the control group (p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.002, respectively). A significant negative correlation was observed between serum levels of PON1 and nasal symptom scores. However, serum levels of TOS were correlated with nasal symptom scores positively. There were no correlations between levels of total IgE and levels of PON1 and TOS levels.

Conclusion

Plasma PON1 and TOS levels may serve as predictors of disease severity in children with AR and both of them appear to be attractive candidates for modulating inflammation in AR.
Morphological and Histological Changes of the Septal Cartilage after Unilateral versus Bilateral Mucoperichondrial Flap Elevation
Authors: Lee Doh Young , Kim Dae Woo , Mangoba Dennis Cristobal S. , Kim Dong-Young , Jin Hong Ryul
Published: February 2013

Background

Bilateral mucoperichondrial flap elevation is often needed to properly correct the septal deformity although it has been discouraged because of possible complications. This study investigated the effect of unilateral versus bilateral mucoperichondrial flap elevation on the morphological and histological changes of the septal cartilage in a rabbit model.

Methods

Eighteen mature New Zealand white rabbits were categorized into three groups (six animals for each) according to the procedures they received: unilateral mucoperichondrial flap elevation versus bilateral mucoperichondrial flap elevation versus no flap elevation. In each group, one-half of the animals were killed 3 months after the procedure and the other half were killed 6 months after the procedure. Thickness of cartilage was measured and histological changes of chondrocyte and extracellular matrix were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, Alcian blue, and Verhoeff's elastic stains.

Results

There was no difference in changes of thickness of the cartilage among the three groups. Histological examination revealed that the chondrocyte numbers and dystrophic features as well as the ratio of chondroblast were not different among three groups. Masson's trichrome stain in the bilateral group showed lesser dense collagen fibers than the other groups. Alcian blue stain for proteoglycan documented that the peripheral zone showed lower expression in the bilateral group than the other groups. However, Verhoeff's elastic stain did not differ among the three groups.

Conclusion

Bilateral mucoperichondrial flap elevation of a rabbit model decreased deposition of collagen fibers and proteoglycan while maintaining the similar chondrocyte cellularity compared with the other groups.