bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimutagenic Effects of Garlic and Turmeric Extracts on Chromosomal Aberrations in Allium Cepa Root Tip
Authors: Makwana Isha , Asodariya Rutisha , Pandya Kashish , Joshi Yatra , Saroj Dinesh Kumar
Published: July 2024

Garlic and Turmeric have been used in the preparation of food in India since the Vedic period. Apart from their known uses in food preparation, they are also used in Ayurvedic medicine and they show antimutagenic and antigenotoxic properties. In the present study, antimutagenic effects of garlic and turmeric extracts have been evaluated using chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa root meristem cells. The antimutagenic extracts of garlic and turmeric were used against mutagenic chemicals such as sodium azide, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, citric acid, potassium metabisulphite and urea. The root tip cells were treated with the above-mentioned chemicals for 24 hours and prior to this procedure, the root tips were pre-treated by garlic and turmeric extracts for 14 hours. These mutagens were found to induce chromosomal aberrations like chromosomal bridges, laggards, nuclear lesions, stickiness, and chromosomal fragments, also they were found to affect the mitotic index of the onion root tips. The total number of aberrations was significantly decreased in onion root tip cells when pre-treated with garlic and turmeric extract.
Success and Failures of Single Visit over Multiple Visit Nonsurgical Endodontic Treatment in Permanent Teeth: A Review
Authors: Bharathisuma R. , Bhargav Pujari , Shekar M. Chandra , Nallagatla Vamsee Krishna , Kumar C. Sunil , Kumar S. Sunil
Published: July 2024

Root canal treatment is a common procedure in endodontic dentistry treating the teeth with necrosis of the dental pulp caused by carious processes, coronal crack or fracture, or dental trauma. The success of root canal treatment depends on a number of variables related to the preoperative condition of the tooth, as well as the procedure options for endodontic treatment .A successful root canal treatment is defined by the absence of symptoms and observable clinical signs. Single visit root canal treatment used to give more success rate compared to multiple visit treatments. In this paper we aim to treatments based on time, restoration, esthetics, post operative pain, technique and fracture resistance of teeth.
In-Process Quality Checks and Post-Market Surveillance of Artemether-Lumefantrine Fixed-dose Combination Tablets and Suspensions: Current Procedures, Successes, Advances, and Challenges
Authors: Gyamfi Daniel , Mahama Julius Caesar , Fawzy Ahmed S.B.I , Gyimah Alfred , Abdul-Wadudu Faridu , Kipo Nobert Mantu , Arhin Bright , Addo Bless Hayford , Nyarko Simon , Aseyuure Comfort Wetani
Published: July 2024

In Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 35% of antimalarial drugs are of substandard quality. Counterfeit and substandard medications constitute 10% of the global pharmaceutical trade. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemether-lumefantrine (AL) as the first-line treatment for acute falciparum malaria in endemic regions. However, there is a lack of validated analytical methods to simultaneously determine the content of artemether and lumefantrine in these formulations, particularly in resource-limited settings. This paper focuses on quality concepts related to AL tablets and suspensions. It provides an overview of quality assessment techniques, including visual inspection, weight uniformity, content assay, and dissolution tests. Regulatory requirements and case studies are also discussed. By rigorously assessing AL quality, regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare professionals can ensure compliance with established standards and regulations.
Management of Pod Bugs in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Applying Eco-friendly Insecticides
Authors: Prasad C. Raghu , Rajesh A. , Rao S.R. Koteswara , Murthy B. Ramana
Published: July 2024

Field investigation on the management of pod bugs in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) using eco-friendly insecticides was carried out during the kharif season in 2018 at dry land farm, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati. The results revealed that neem seed kernel extract, NSKE @ 5 percent was found to be the most effective in reducing pod bugs population with highest mean percent reduction over the control (65.0%), lowest percent pod damage (39.57%), seed damage (27.33%), highest hundred-grain weight (12.0gm) and the highest grain yield (933 kgha-1) followed by spinosad @ 0.2 ml/l and neem oil @ 0.5 percent. Therefore, it might be suggested that NSKE @ 5 percent can be applied for the better management of pod bugs in cowpea.
Knowledge of Wheat Growers Regarding Improved Wheat Production Technology in Jamui District of Bihar, India
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Meena N. R. , Doharey R.K. , Bhusan Mani , Warshini Amrit , Verma Aman
Published: July 2024

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop that plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in India. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of wheat growers regarding improved wheat production technologies in Jamui district of Bihar. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 120 respondents from 12 villages across two blocks. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-structured interview schedule. The results revealed that 56.66% of the respondents possessed a medium level of knowledge, while 25% had low knowledge, and 18.34% had high knowledge. Farmers exhibited the highest knowledge regarding sowing time (90.56%), irrigation management (88%), and harvesting (75.34%). Practices like plant growth regulators (45.37%) and intercropping (56.76%) had relatively lower knowledge levels. Correlation analysis showed that variables like age, caste, education, risk orientation, scientific orientation, and extension contact had a significant positive correlation with knowledge level. Annual income, marital status, land holding, family type, and family size exhibited a positive but statistically insignificant correlation, while economic motivation showed a negative correlation with knowledge level. The study highlights the need for strengthening extension services, educational programs, and promoting scientific orientation and risk-taking ability among farmers to enhance their knowledge and facilitate the adoption of improved wheat production technologies, ultimately leading to increased productivity in the region.
Revamping Water Use in Agriculture: Techniques and Emerging Innovations
Authors: Naganjali K. , Charitha N. , Aslam Sk. , Saikishore A. , Sravanthi D. , Siddappa K. , Murthy K. Gopala Krishna , Kumar J. Hemantha , Neelima P. , Pavani T.
Published: July 2024

Water conservation in agriculture is critical for ensuring the sustainability of food production systems, particularly in the face of increasing water scarcity and climate change. Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater resources globally, accounting for approximately 70% of total freshwater withdrawals. As the global population continues to grow, so does the demand for food, fiber, and biofuels, further straining water resources. Concurrently, the effects of climate change, such as altered precipitation patterns, increased frequency of droughts, and higher temperatures, exacerbate water scarcity issues, making efficient water management in agriculture more crucial than ever, include irrigation management, soil moisture conservation, crop selection and breeding, and technological advancements. Precision agriculture, for example, utilizes GPS technology, remote sensing, and data analytics to optimize irrigation practices and reduce water waste. Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff, while soil moisture sensors provide real time data to inform irrigation scheduling. The application of biochar, a form of charcoal derived from organic matter, has shown promise in enhancing soil water retention and nutrient availability. Furthermore, the development of drought resistant crop varieties through traditional breeding methods and genetic engineering offers potential solutions for maintaining crop productivity under water limited conditions.
British Forest Laws in India: Disruption of Ecological Balance, Livelihoods, Traditions and Customs
Authors: Bhumika Ms , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: July 2024

The aim of the article is to analyze the British Forest Policy in Colonial India and its impacts comprehensively. Indian States' minimal intrusion into Forests and its inhabitants was breached by the British to the utmost exploitation of Forest Resources as well as its people. The time period of the study includes 19th and 20th century colonial India with special focus on Central India. The Study Design and Methodology used includes reading and analyzing various Primary and Secondary Sources including books, research papers, seminars, National Archives Reports, GIS mapping etc. By all the analysis, one can formulate the Results as such that the British because of their own considerations like Timber procurement and increasing land revenue, started controlling forest resources by prohibiting or banning traditional forest practices by the local people like hunting, shifting cultivation or grazing of cattle by bringing out legislations like The Indian Forest Acts. All these changes led to tempering with Forests like growing Sal, Teak and Deodar instead of local trees, clearing forests for cultivation or developing hunting as a Sport added to the Environmental, Economic and Social woes for Indians although they reaped humongous benefits for the British. The locals tried to protest in various ways but they were either crushed or placated with minimal reforms and if still not succumbed then were branded as Criminal Tribes under draconian Act of Criminal Tribes Act. Thus the colonial State tried to maintain its hegemony by using all means.
A Hierarchical Evaluation of Regional Climate Simulations
Authors: Leung L. Ruby , Ringler Todd , Collins William D. , Taylor Mark , Ashfaq Moetasim
Published: August 2013

Global climate models (GCMs) are the primary tools for predicting the evolution of the climate system. Through decades of development, GCMs have demonstrated useful skill in simulating climate at continental to global scales. However, large uncertainties remain in projecting climate change at regional scales, which limits the ability of scientists to help decision makers in cities and communities strategize how best to adapt to and mitigate climate change.
Landslides Cause Tsunami Waves: Insights From Aysén Fjord, Chile
Authors: Lastras Galderic , Amblas David , Calafat Antoni M. , Canals Miquel , Frigola Jaime , Hermanns Reginald L. , Lafuerza Sara , Longva Oddvar , Micallef Aaron , Sepúlveda Sergio A. , Vargas Gabriel , Batist Marc De , Daele Maarten Van , Azpiroz María , Bascuñán Ignacio , Duhart Paul , Iglesias Olaia , Kempf Philipp , Rayo Xavier
Published: August 2013

On 21 April 2007, an Mw 6.2 earthquake produced an unforeseen chain of events in the Aysén fjord (Chilean Patagonia, 45.5°S). The earthquake triggered hundreds of subaerial landslides along the fjord flanks. Some of the landslides eventually involved a subaqueous component that, in turn, generated a series of displacement waves—tsunami‐like waves produced by the fast entry of a subaerial landmass into a water body—within the fjord [Naranjo et al., 2009; Sepúlveda and Serey, 2009; Hermanns et al., 2013]. These waves, with run‐ups several meters high along the shoreline, caused 10 fatalities. In addition, they severely damaged salmon farms, which constitute the main economic activity in the region, setting free millions of cultivated salmon with still unknown ecological consequences.
Climate Change Position Statement, Dissenting View
Authors: Pielke R. A.
Published: August 2013

I served on the AGU panel to draft the updated position statement on climate change. We were charged by AGU to provide “an up‐to‐date statement [that] will assure that AGU members, the public, and policy makers have a more current point of reference for discussion of climate change science that is intrinsically relevant to national and international policy.”
Leloir Glycosyltransferases and Natural Product Glycosylation: Biocatalytic Synthesis of the C‐Glucoside Nothofagin, a Major Antioxidant of Redbush Herbal Tea
Authors: Bungaruang Linda , Gutmann Alexander , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: August 2013

Nothofagin is a major antioxidant of redbush herbal tea and represents a class of bioactive flavonoid‐like C‐glycosidic natural products. We developed an efficient enzymatic synthesis of nothofagin based on a one‐pot coupled glycosyltransferase‐catalyzed transformation that involves perfectly selective 3′‐C‐β‐D‐glucosylation of naturally abundant phloretin and applies sucrose as expedient glucosyl donor. C‐Glucosyltransferase from Oryza sativa (rice) was used for phloretin C‐glucosylation from uridine 5′‐diphosphate (UDP)‐glucose, which was supplied continuously in situ through conversion of sucrose and UDP catalyzed by sucrose synthase from Glycine max (soybean). In an evaluation of thermodynamic, kinetic, and stability parameters of the coupled enzymatic reactions, poor water solubility of the phloretin acceptor substrate was revealed as a major bottleneck of conversion efficiency. Using periodic feed of phloretin controlled by reaction progress, nothofagin concentrations (45 mM; 20 g L−1) were obtained that vastly exceed the phloretin solubility limit (5–10 mM). The intermediate UDP‐glucose was produced from catalytic amounts of UDP (1.0 mM) and was thus recycled 45 times in the process. Benchmarked against comparable glycosyltransferase‐catalyzed transformations (e.g., on quercetin), the synthesis of nothofagin has achieved intensification in glycosidic product formation by up to three orders of magnitude (μM→mM range). It thus makes a strong case for the application of Leloir glycosyltransferases in biocatalytic syntheses of glycosylated natural products as fine chemicals.

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Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: 2013 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management
Authors: Parikh Sameer A. , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: August 2013

Disease overview

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder that is classified as a myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm by the 2008 World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic tumors. It is characterized by absolute monocytosis (>1 × 109/L) in the peripheral blood that persists for at least 3 months.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of CMML rests on a combination of morphologic, histopathologic and chromosomal abnormalities in the bone marrow. It is important to exclude other myeloproliferative neoplasms and infectious/autoimmune conditions that can cause monocytosis.

Risk stratification

Several CMML‐specific prognostic models incorporating novel mutations have been recently reported. The Mayo prognostic model classified CMML patients into three risk groups based on: increased absolute monocyte count, presence of circulating blasts, hemoglobin <10 gm/dL and platelets <100 × 109/L. The median survival was 32 months, 18.5 months and 10 months in the low, intermediate, and high‐risk groups, respectively. The Groupe Francophone des (GFM) score segregated CMML patients into three risk groups based on: age >65 years, WBC >15 × 109/L, anemia, platelets <100 × 109/L, and ASXL1 mutation status. After a median follow‐up of 2.5 years, survival ranged from not reached in the low‐risk group to 14.4 months in the high‐risk group.

Risk‐adapted therapy

The Food and Drug Administration has approved azacitidine and decitabine for the treatment of patients with CMML. An allogeneic stem cell transplant can potentially offer a curative option to a subset of CMML patients. It is hoped that with the discovery of several novel mutations, targeted therapies will become available in the near future. Am. J. Heamtol. 88:968–974, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Über die Kontrolle von Photonen im Kasten und die Erforschung des Übergangs von der Quanten‐ zur klassischen Welt (Nobel‐Aufsatz)
Authors: Haroche Serge
Published: August 2013

In einem supraleitenden Resonator gefangene Mikrowellen‐Photonen stellen ein ideales System dar, um die Gedankenexperimente der Gründerväter der Quantenmechanik zu verwirklichen. Die Wechselwirkung dieser gefangenen Photonen mit Rydberg‐Atomen, die den Resonator passieren, veranschaulicht fundamentale Aspekte der Messtheorie. Die Experimente, die mit diesem “Photonenkasten” an der Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) durchgeführt werden, gehören dem als “Resonator‐Quantenelektrodynamik” (“Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics”) bezeichneten Gebiet der Quantenoptik an. Uns gelang die zerstörungsfreie Zählung von Photonen, die Erfassung von einzelnen Quantensprüngen des Feldes, die Präparation und Rekonstruktion von “Schrödingerkatzen‐Zuständen” von Photonen sowie die Untersuchung ihrer Dekohärenz, was eine bemerkenswerte Veranschaulichung des Übergangs von der Quanten‐ zur klassischen Welt bietet. Die Experimente haben ebenfalls zur Demonstration grundlegender Schritte der Quanteninformationsverarbeitung geführt, darunter die deterministische Verschränkung von Atomen und die Verwirklichung von Quanten‐Gattern unter Verwendung von Atomen und Photonen als Quanten‐Bits. Dieser Vortrag beginnt mit einer Einführung, die die Verbindung zwischen dem Photonenkasten an der ENS und den Experimenten mit Ionenfallen von David Wineland hervorhebt, dessen begleitender Vortrag einen Überblick über seinen eigenen Beitrag auf dem Gebiet der Kontrolle einzelner Teilchen bietet. Ich werde anschließend einen persönlichen Einblick in die Frühzeit des Gebiets der Resonator‐Quantenelektrodynamik geben, bevor ich die wichtigsten Experimente beschreibe, die in den letzten zwanzig Jahren an der ENS durchgeführt wurden. Der Vortrag endet mit einer Diskussion, die unsere Arbeit mit jener anderer Wissenschaftler vergleicht, die sich mit der Kontrolle einzelner Quantenteilchen beschäftigen.
The Chemistry and Biology of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulators and Activators
Authors: Follmann Markus , Griebenow Nils , Hahn Michael G. , Hartung Ingo , Mais Franz‐Josef , Mittendorf Joachim , Schäfer Martina , Schirok Hartmut , Stasch Johannes‐Peter , Stoll Friederike , Straub Alexander
Published: August 2013

The vasodilatory properties of nitric oxide (NO) have been utilized in pharmacotherapy for more than 130 years. Still today, NO‐donor drugs are important in the management of cardiovascular diseases. However, inhaled NO or drugs releasing NO and organic nitrates are associated with noteworthy therapeutic shortcomings, including resistance to NO in some disease states, the development of tolerance during long‐term treatment, and nonspecific effects, such as post‐translational modification of proteins. The beneficial actions of NO are mediated by stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), a heme‐containing enzyme which produces the intracellular signaling molecule cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Recently, two classes of compounds have been discovered that amplify the function of sGC in a NO‐independent manner, the so‐called sGC stimulators and sGC activators. The most advanced drug, the sGC stimulator riociguat, has successfully undergone Phase III clinical trials for different forms of pulmonary hypertension.
Double‐hydrophilic polyether antiscalant used as a crystal growth modifier of calcium scales in cooling‐water systems
Authors: Liu Yahui , Zhou Yuming , Yao Qingzhao , Huang Jingyi , Liu Guangqing , Wang Huchuan , Cao Ke , Chen Yiyi , Bu Yunyun , Wu Wendao , Sun Wei
Published: August 2013

In this study, we synthesized a novel double‐hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based crystal growth modifier polyethylene glycol double‐ester of maleic anhydride/ acrylic acid named PEGDMA/AA, whose structure was still linear but also had some differences from a traditional chelating linear polymer, in which the PEG segment was incorporated. The scale inhibition behavior of PEGDMA/AA was evaluated by means of a static scale inhibition method. As the polymerization degree of PEGnDMA was 8 (n = 8), the maximum inhibitory toward calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and calcium sulfate (CaSO4) were 89.0 and 98.8% at dosage levels of 12 and 3 mg/L, respectively. Comparisons with other inhibitors were also carried out. Characterization of the CaCO3 and CaSO4 scales with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy proved that great changes in the size and morphology of the calcium scales took place under the influence of PEG8DMA/AA. X‐ray diffraction and diffraction patterns further confirmed the impact of PEG8DMA/AA as a crystal growth modifier. The three supposed mechanisms, (1) chelating solubilization, (2) multilayer type of adsorption, and (3) electrostatic repulsion function, are also described in detail. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39792.
A novel biomaterial: bacterial cellulose and its new era applications
Authors: Mohite Bhavna V. , Patil Satish V.
Published: August 2013

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a promising natural polymer that is produced by bacteria and that has unique and desirable structural, physical, and chemical properties. From the time when the remarkable properties of BC were found 15 years ago compared with plant cellulose, interest has grown in BC and it has become an article of trade in diverse applications. Following this trend, this paper reviews the progress of relevant studies, including general information about cellulose, production by microorganisms as well as BC cultivation, and its properties. The applications reviewed in the present article comprise biological and nonbiological fields. The latest use of BC in the biomedical, environmental, agricultural, electronic, food, and industrial fields is discussed with its applications in composite form. The present article attempts to amass the assorted uses of BC under one umbrella. Thus, recent advances in BC applications in different fields are thoroughly reviewed. This article concludes with the need for future research of BC to make it commercialized as vital biomaterial.
Anatomy and biomechanics of gluteus maximus and the thoracolumbar fascia at the sacroiliac joint
Authors: Barker P.J. , Hapuarachchi K.S. , Ross J.A. , Sambaiew E. , Ranger T.A. , Briggs C.A.
Published: August 2013

Biomechanical models predict that recruitment of gluteus maximus (GMax) will exert a compressive force across the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), yet this muscle requires morphologic assessment. The aims of this study were to document GMax's proximal attachments and assess their capacity to generate forces including compressive force at the SIJ. In 11 embalmed cadaver limbs, attachments of GMax crossing the SIJ were dissected and their fascicle orientation, length and attachment volume documented. The physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) of each attachment was calculated along with its estimated maximum force at the SIJ and lumbar spine. GMax fascicles originated from the gluteus medius fascia, ilium, thoracolumbar fascia, erector spinae aponeurosis, sacrum, coccyx, dorsal sacroiliac and sacrotuberous ligaments in all specimens. Their mean fascicle orientation ranged from 32 to 45° below horizontal and mean length from 11 to 18 cm. The mean total PCSA of GMax was 26 cm2 (range 16–36), of which 70% crossed the SIJ. The average maximum force predicted to be generated by GMax's total attachments crossing each SIJ was 891 N (range 572–1,215), of which 70% (702 N: range 450–1,009) could act perpendicular to the plane of the SIJ. The capacity of GMax to generate an extensor moment at lower lumbar segments was estimated at 4 Nm (range 2–9.5). GMax may generate compressive forces at the SIJ through its bony and fibrous attachments. These may assist effective load transfer between lower limbs and trunk. Clin. Anat. 27:234–240, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brachial plexus anesthesia: A review of the relevant anatomy, complications, and anatomical variations
Authors: Mian Asma , Chaudhry Irfan , Huang Richard , Rizk Elias , Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios
Published: August 2013

The trend towards regional anesthesia began in the late 1800s when William Halsted and Richard Hall experimented with cocaine as a local anesthetic for upper and lower limb procedures. Regional anesthesia of the upper limb can be achieved by blocking the brachial plexus at varying stages along the course of the trunks, divisions, cords and terminal branches. The four most common techniques used in the clinical setting are the interscalene block, the supraclavicular block, the infraclavicular block, and the axillary block. Each approach has its own unique set of advantages and indications for use. The supraclavicular block is most effective for anesthesia of the mid‐humerus and below. Infraclavicular blocks are useful for procedures requiring continuous anesthesia. Axillary blocks provide effective anesthesia distal to the elbow, and interscalene blocks are best suited for the shoulder and proximal upper limb. The two most common methods for localizing the appropriate nerves for brachial plexus blocks are nerve stimulation and ultrasound guidance. Recent literature on brachial plexus blocks has largely focused on these two techniques to determine which method has greater efficacy. Ultrasound guidance has allowed the operator to visualize the needle position within the musculature and has proven especially useful in patients with anatomical variations. The aim of this study is to provide a review of the literature on the different approaches to brachial plexus blocks, including the indications, techniques, and relevant anatomical variations associated with the nerves involved. Clin. Anat. 27:210–221, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Giulio cesare casseri (c. 1552–1616): The servant who became an anatomist
Authors: Housman Brian , Bellary Sharath , Hansra Simrat , Mortazavi Martin , Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios
Published: August 2013

Julius Casserius was born in a poor family in Piacenza in 1552. As a young man, he moved to Padua and soon after, he became a servant to Fabricius, a noted anatomist and professor at the Universitá Artista, who quickly became his mentor. Casserius eventually attended the University of Padua and received a degree in medicine and philosophy. In the following years, a rivalry ensued between Casserius and his former mentor as they competed for teaching privileges, conflicted on dissection philosophies, and disregarded each other's contributions in publications. Tragically, the conflict between these two influential anatomists may have overshadowed their contributions to the study of anatomy. Casserius was one of the first physicians to develop a comprehensive treatise on anatomy. Unfortunately, while Casserius prepared several tracts identifying novel structures, he did not live to see his master collection published as he died suddenly at the peak of his career in 1616. Interestingly, the English anatomist and surgeon John Browne used copies of Casserius' work for his own anatomy text and was labeled a plagiarist. It is the contributions from such pioneers as Casserius on which we base our current understanding of human anatomy. Clin. Anat. 27:675–680, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How filopodia pull: What we know about the mechanics and dynamics of filopodia
Authors: Bornschlögl Thomas
Published: August 2013

In recent years, the dynamic, hair‐like cell protrusions called filopodia have attracted considerable attention. They have been found in a multitude of different cell types and are often called “sensory organelles,” since they seem to sense the mechanical and chemical environment of a cell. Once formed, filopodia can exhibit complex behavior, they can grow and retract, push or pull, and transform into distinct structures. They are often found to make first adhesive contact with the extracellular matrix, pathogens or with adjacent cells, and to subsequently exert pulling forces. Much is known about the cytoskeletal players involved in filopodia formation, but only recently have we started to explore the mechanics of filopodia together with the related cytoskeletal dynamics. This review summarizes current advancements in our understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of filopodia, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms behind filopodial force exertion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stability of kinetochore‐microtubule attachment and the role of different KMN network components in Drosophila
Authors: Feijão Tália , Afonso Olga , Maia André F. , Sunkel Claudio E.
Published: August 2013

Kinetochores bind spindle microtubules and also act as signaling centers that monitor this interaction. Defects in kinetochore assembly lead to chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy. The interaction between microtubules and chromosomes involves a conserved super‐complex of proteins, known as the KNL1Mis12Ndc80 (KMN) network, composed by the KNL1 (Spc105), Mis12, and Ndc80 complexes. Previous studies indicate that all components of the network are required for kinetochore‐microtubule attachment and all play relevant functions in chromosome congression, biorientation, and segregation. Here, we report a comparative study addressing the role of the different KMN components using dsRNA and in vivo fluorescence microscopy in Drosophila S2 cells allowing us to suggest that different KMN network components might perform different roles in chromosome segregation and the mitotic checkpoint signaling. Depletion of different components results in mostly lateral kinetochore‐microtubule attachments that are relatively stable on depletion of Mis12 or Ndc80 but very unstable after Spc105 depletion. In vivo analysis on depletion of Mis12, Ndc80, and to some extent Spc105, shows that lateral kinetochore‐microtubule interactions are still functional allowing poleward kinetochore movement. We also find that different KMN network components affect differently the localization of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins at kinetochores. Depletion of Ndc80 and Spc105 abolishes the mitotic checkpoint, whereas depletion of Mis12 causes a delay in mitotic progression. Taken together, our results suggest that Mis12 and Ndc80 complexes help to properly orient microtubule attachment, whereas Spc105 plays a predominant role in the kinetochore‐microtubule attachment as well as in the poleward movement of chromosomes, SAC response, and cell viability. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developmental changes in ciliary motility on choroid plexus epithelial cells during the perinatal period
Authors: Nonami Yuta , Narita Keishi , Nakamura Hideki , Inoue Takafumi , Takeda Sen
Published: August 2013

Cilia have crucial roles in various developmental and physiological events. Previously, we reported that choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPECs) have multiple, nonmotile 9+0 cilia, but the cilia exhibit transient motility with variable axonemal arrangements in the neonatal period. These features make these cilia unique, as they do not fit in to the traditional categories of primary or motile cilia, and their physiological roles remain elusive. To address this issue, we studied ciliary motility on CPECs through development, with particular interest in the embryonic period. In the fetal choroid plexus of the lateral ventricles, the proportion of cells with motile cilia and their beat frequency increased over time. The ciliary motility profiles peaked near the day of birth, and gradually declined in the two weeks thereafter. The dynamic changes in ciliary motility correlated with changes in Dnahc11 expression. We demonstrated previously that the ciliary motility at P2 was insufficient to produce detectable fluid flow; thus it appears that CPEC cilia do not produce fluid flow at any point during development. Together, our results suggest that a temporally regulated, unique function of CPEC cilia may exist during the perinatal period. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving colon cancer screening in community clinics
Authors: Davis Terry , Arnold Connie , Rademaker Alfred , Bennett Charles , Bailey Stacy , Platt Daci , Reynolds Cristalyn , Liu Dachao , Carias Edson , Bass Pat , Wolf Michael
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

The authors evaluated the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of 2 interventions designed to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in safety‐net settings.

METHODS

A 3‐arm, quasi‐experimental evaluation was conducted among 8 clinics in Louisiana. Screening efforts included: 1) enhanced usual care, 2) literacy‐informed education of patients, and 3) education plus nurse support. Overall, 961 average‐risk patients ages 50 to 85 years were eligible for routine CRC screening and were recruited. Outcomes included CRC screening completion and incremental cost effectiveness using literacy‐informed education of patients and education plus nurse support versus enhanced usual care.

RESULTS

The baseline screening rate was <3%. After the interventions, the screening rate was 38.6% with enhanced usual care, 57.1% with education, and 60.6% with education that included additional nurse support. After adjusting for age, race, sex, and literacy, patients who received education alone were not more likely to complete screening than those who received enhanced usual care; and those who received additional nurse support were 1.60‐fold more likely to complete screening than those who received enhanced usual care (95% confidence interval, 1.06‐2.42; P = .024). The incremental cost per additional individual screened was $1337 for education plus nurse support over enhanced usual care.

CONCLUSIONS

Fecal occult blood test rates were increased beyond enhanced usual care by providing brief education and nurse support but not by providing education alone. More cost‐effective alternatives to nurse support need to be investigated. Cancer 2013;119:3879–3886. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Overexpression of caldesmon is associated with lymph node metastasis and poorer prognosis in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chang Kai‐Ping , Wang Chih‐Lueh Albert , Kao Huang‐Kai , Liang Ying , Liu Shiau‐Chin , Huang Ling‐Ling , Hseuh Chuen , Hsieh Ya‐Ju , Chien Kun‐Yi , Chang Yu‐Sun , Yu Jau‐Song , Chi Lang‐Ming
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

A previous comparative tissue proteomics study by the authors of the current study led to the identification of caldesmon (CaD) as one of the proteins associated with cervical metastasis of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the current investigation, the authors focused on the potential functions of CaD in patients with OSCC.

METHODS

CaD expression was examined in tissue samples from 155 patients using immunohistochemical analysis. The expression of CaD variants was determined by Western blot analysis and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the specific effects of CaD gene overexpression and silence were determined in OSCC cell lines.

RESULTS

CaD expression was found to be significantly higher in tumor cells from metastatic lymph nodes compared with primary tumor cells, and was nearly absent in normal oral epithelia. Higher CaD expression was found to be correlated with positive N classification, poor differentiation, perineural invasion, and tumor depth (P = .001, P = .029, P = .001, and P = .031, respectively). In survival analyses, OSCC patients with higher CaD expression were found to have poorer prognosis with regard to disease‐specific survival and disease‐free survival (P = .003 and P = .014, respectively). Multivariate analyses further indicated that higher CaD expression was an independent predictor of disease‐specific survival (P = .043). Serum CaD levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with OSCC, but this finding was not associated with clinicopathological manifestations. Data obtained from in vitro suppression, rescue, and overexpression of CaD in OEC‐M1 cells indicated that CaD promotes migration and invasive processes in OSCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the current study collectively suggest that the low‐molecular‐weight CaD expression in OSCC tumors is associated with tumor metastasis and patient survival. Cancer 2013;119:4003–4011. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Multidisciplinary approaches to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Maithel Shishir K. , Gamblin T. Clark , Kamel Ihab , Corona‐Villalobos Celia Pamela , Thomas Melanie , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: August 2013

After hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy. The etiology of ICC in most patients is not known, but its incidence is on the rise worldwide. There are 3 morphologic subtypes of ICC that can be characterized on cross‐sectional imaging, mass forming, periductal infiltrating, and intraductal growth; and the radiographic characteristics of ICC may vary based on the subtype. Complete surgical resection remains the only potentially curative option for patients with ICC. Routine lymphadenectomy at the time of surgical resection should be strongly considered, because lymph node status provides important prognostic information. After surgery, the 5‐year survival rate for ICC remains poor at only 25% to 35% in most series. Although numerous clinical trials have been conducted using a variety of chemotherapy regimens to treat ICC, systemic options for ICC remain limited. Doublet gemcitabine and cisplatin therapy is currently considered the standard‐of‐care first‐line therapy for patients with advanced disease. Because ICC is typically confined to the liver and systemic chemotherapy traditionally has had only limited efficacy, there has been increasing interest in locoregional therapy. Although locoregional therapy may include intra‐arterial therapies, stereotactic radiotherapy, hepatic artery pump therapy, or ablation, most data are limited. The purpose of this article was to provide a multidisciplinary appraisal of the current therapeutic approaches to ICC. Cancer 2013;119:3929–3942. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Standard color liquid crystal displays by a dimming technology
Authors: Kim Minkoo , Kim Jong‐Man , Lee Seung‐Woo
Published: August 2013

Dimming technologies have been used in liquid crystal display (LCD) products, especially for mobile applications, to reduce power consumption. It is widely known that dimming technologies tend to degrade the color accuracy. This article, however, presents that color performance of a dimmed LCD is better than a conventional one. We show a max method, one of dimming methods, converting an input digital data into higher values that have less color shift phenomenon. We propose how to compare the color performance of original and dimmed colors based on a modified standard. The average value of measured Δu′v′ of 25 dimmed colors was 0.0040, whereas that of the original colors was 0.0190. In addition, the average value of measured Δ
of 25 dimmed colors was 2.40, whereas that of the original colors was 9.24. The measured results prove that the dimming technology can make LCD better in not only power consumption but also color performance. This article is the world's first report that breaks the usual stereotype on dimming technologies. This work proposes a dimmed LCD as a standard color display. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 480–485, 2014
Analgesic and decongestant efficacy of the combination of aspirin with pseudoephedrine in patients with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection
Authors: Eccles Ronald , Voelker Michael
Published: August 2013

The study investigated the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy of 1,000 mg aspirin (ASA) and 60 mg pseudoephedrine (PSE) on the symptoms of pain (combined score for headache and sore throat) and nasal congestion in 833 patients with acute upper respiratory tract viral infection (URTI), over 4 hours after a single dose in the clinic and over 3 days with multiple doses at home. The study demonstrated that over 4 hours in the clinic the combination ASA plus PSE was superior to PSE or placebo for relief of pain symptoms measured subjectively with pain scores, and was superior to ASA or placebo for relief of nasal congestion as measured objectively with rhinomanometry and subjectively with congestion scores. After 3 days of treatment, ASA plus PSE was superior to PSE but not to placebo or ASA for global pain assessments, and ASA plus PSE was superior to ASA and placebo but not to PSE for congestion assessments. No unexpected adverse events occurred and no serious adverse events were attributed to study medicines. This study demonstrates that a combination therapy of ASA plus PSE provides safe and effective relief of both common cold pain related symptoms and nasal congestion.
Use of high‐normal levels of haemoglobin A1C and fasting plasma glucose for diabetes screening and for prediction: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kodama Satoru , Horikawa Chika , Fujihara Kazuya , Hirasawa Reiko , Yachi Yoko , Yoshizawa Sakiko , Tanaka Shiro , Sone Yasuko , Shimano Hitoshi , Iida Kaoruko Tada , Saito Kazumi , Sone Hirohito
Published: August 2013

Background

Using high‐normal levels of haemoglobin A1C (Abnormal‐A1C) or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (Abnormal‐FPG) for diabetes screening are expected to improve the ability to detect persons with or at high risk of diabetes. We assessed the diagnostic and predictive capacity for diabetes of Abnormal‐A1C and Abnormal‐FPG. We compared these to the combined use of the two measures to the single use of either measurement.

Methods

We analysed 31 eligible cross‐sectional or cohort studies that assessed diagnostic or predictive ability, respectively, by using lower A1C and FPG cutoff values than recommended by current diabetes criteria. Positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−) were calculated to assess the ability to confirm or exclude diabetes, respectively, on the basis of a bivariate random‐effects model.

Results

With both Abnormal‐A1C and Abnormal‐FPG, the pooled LR+ was above 4 for diagnosing diabetes and above 3 for predicting diabetes. However, the pooled LR− for predicting diabetes was higher with Abnormal‐A1C (0.48) and Abnormal‐FPG (0.49) in comparison with that for diagnosing diabetes (0.27, Abnormal‐A1C; 0.28, Abnormal‐FPG). In eight studies that assessed the predictive ability of the combination of A1C and FPG, using either Abnormal‐A1C or Abnormal‐FPG could lower LR− to 0.17 from 0.43 for only Abnormal‐A1C and from 0.38 for only Abnormal‐FPG. Accordingly, LR+ was also lowered to 2.37 from 3.36 for only Abnormal‐A1C and from 3.84 for only‐Abnormal‐FPG.

Conclusion

The use of the two blood glucose tests had insufficient capacity to identify subjects at high risk for diabetes but had considerable capacity to identify undiagnosed diabetes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of Thermal Conductance of Peltier Device Using Heat Disturbance Observer
Authors: Morimitsu Hidetaka , Katsura Seiichiro
Published: August 2013

In industry, temperature control and heat flow control are now applied in many thermal devices, including Peltier devices, which facilitates heat transfer by the Peltier effect. Generally, temperature control compensates for heat flowing from the external environment, while heat actively flows into the system during heat flow control. Thus, temperature control and heat flow control differ from each other. However, there have been no detailed discussions of a thermal control process in which the thermal conductance control ranges between 0 and ∞. This paper focuses on thermal conductance control and the construction of a thermal conductance control system for a Peltier device using a heat disturbance observer. When using the thermal conductance controller, the thermal conductance control is altered and the system becomes thermally compliant with the external environment. This paper also presents experimental results that confirm the validity of the proposed control system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 185(4): 44–52, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22411
NKG2D regulates production of soluble TRAIL by ex vivo expanded human γδ T cells
Authors: Dokouhaki Pouneh , Schuh Nicholas W. , Joe Betty , Allen Christopher A. D. , Der Sandy D. , Tsao Ming‐Sound , Zhang Li
Published: August 2013

Soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL) can be produced by myeloid‐derived cells to kill cancer cells. Whether this mechanism is used by T cells, and if so, how sTRAIL production is regulated, remains unclear. Our previous studies showed that ex vivo expanded human γδ T cells express TRAIL and NK receptor group 2 (R2), member D (NKG2D), and possess potent anticancer activities both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we investigated in greater detail the mechanisms by which γδ T cells utilize TRAIL and NKG2D to kill lung cancer cells. We demonstrate that human lung cancer cells express TRAIL R2 and NKG2D ligands. Blocking TRAIL or NKG2D during γδ T‐cell‐lung cancer cell co‐cultures significantly reduced γδ T‐cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. Cross‐linking NKG2D with anti‐NKG2D antibody to mimic ligand binding promoted γδ T cells to produce sTRAIL, which induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells through TRAIL R2. Either neutralizing sTRAIL or blocking lung cancer cell TRAIL R2 significantly reduced γδ T‐cell‐mediated cytotoxicity to lung cancer cells. This study demonstrates that γδ T cells can mediate anticancer immunity via NKG2D‐regulated production of sTRAIL.
Histones trigger sterile inflammation by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Allam Ramanjaneyulu , Darisipudi Murthy Narayana , Tschopp Jurg , Anders Hans‐Joachim
Published: August 2013

Sterile cell death mediated inflammation is linked to several pathological disorders and involves danger recognition of intracellular molecules released by necrotic cells that activate different groups of innate pattern recognition receptors. Toll‐like receptors directly interact with their extrinsic or intrinsic agonists and induce multiple proinflammatory mediators. In contrast, the NLRP3 inflammasome is rather thought to represent a downstream element integrating various indirect stimuli into proteolytic cleavage of interleukin (IL)–1β and IL‐18. Here, we report that histones released from necrotic cells induce IL‐1β secretion in an NLRP3–ASC‐caspase‐1‐dependent manner. Genetic deletion of NLRP3 in mice significantly attenuated histone‐induced IL‐1β production and neutrophil recruitment. Furthermore, necrotic cells induced neutrophil recruitment, which was significantly reduced by histone‐neutralizing antibodies or depleting extracellular histones via enzymatic degradation. These results identify cytosolic uptake of necrotic cell‐derived histones as a triggering mechanism of sterile inflammation, which involves NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL‐1β secretion via oxidative stress.
Practical Synthesis of SimplePhos Ligands: Further Development of Alkyl‐Substituted Phosphanamines
Authors: Müller Daniel , Guénée Laure , Alexakis Alexandre
Published: August 2013

Herein we disclose a rapid and easy synthetic procedure to access aryl‐ and alkyl‐substituted phosphanamines (SimplePhos ligands). During the synthesis of a library of diverse aryl‐substituted phosphanamine ligands we also found that alkyl‐substituted phosphanamines can be synthesized and handled easily. This was unexpected as a previous report described them as highly air‐sensitive compounds. Subsequently, we created a library of alkyl‐substituted phosphanamines and found some to be highly efficient ligands in copper‐catalyzed reactions such as the Cu‐catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition and propargylic alkylation reactions. Moreover, our efforts towards the synthesis of SimplePhos ligands led to the development of an easy and practical synthesis of diaryl(chloro)phosphanes, which is also presented in this paper.