bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystalline and Lamellar Structure of Polypropylene Fibrillated Fibres
Authors: Bączek Marcin , Ślusarczyk Czesław , Broda Jan
Published: June 2013

The effects of processing conditions on the structure of polypropylene fibrillated fibres were studied using a combination of wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering methods. In particular the impact of selected stages of processing on the crystalline and lamellar structure of PP were analyzed. It was stated that crystalline phase is built from α crystals. The crystallinity index as well as the Herman orientation factor of the crystalline phase is found to have a correlation only with the draw ratio of the PP film. The lamellar structure also changes with the draw ratio.
The Analysis of the First Stage Tempering of the Medium Carbon Cr-Mn-Mo Alloy Steel
Authors: Dziurka Rafal , Pacyna Jerzy
Published: June 2013

The work includes the studies of the first stage tempering of the medium carbon Cr-Mn-Mo alloy steel, and occurredprecipitations of carbides. Dilatometric analysis allowed to trace precisely the changes that occur during the first stage of tempering and associate them with the various phase transformations. With the use of the high resolution scanning electron microscope it was able to photograph very small precipitation occurred in the investigated steel after low tempering. Analysis of these images allowed to determined the crystallographic plane in which the precipitation increases, and angles between these planes. With these obtained information it was able to identifiedthe precipitations, as a cementite carbides.
Structural Study of Magnesium Coatings on Copper Substrates by Pack Cementation
Authors: Stathokostopoulos Dimitrios , Chaliampalias Dimitrios , Pavlidou Eleni , Vourlias George , Stergioudis George
Published: June 2013

In this work the feasibility of depositing magnesium coatings, on copper substrates is investigated. The deposition was accomplished by pack cementation process and the experiments were undertaken at 500°C, 550°C and 600°C for different deposition times. The purpose of these experiments was also to investigate the effect of deposition temperature on the morphology and the structure of the as-formed coatings. The characterization was performed with a SEM microscopy and XRD analysis. It was revealed that the as formed coatings mainly contain two phases corresponding to CuMg2and MgCu2. Furthermore, the coating thickness and morphology was significantly affected by temperature and time.
Microstructural Evolution and Corrosion Behavior of Carburized α-Fe Plates by Glucose
Authors: Pechlivani Eleftheria Maria , Stergioudi Fani , Vogiatzis Christos , Skolianos Stefanos , Stróż Danuta
Published: June 2013

The aim of this paper is to obtain an experimental characterization of glucose-carburized substrates of α-Fe. The carburization process was achieved under vacuum condition using glucose as a carburizing medium. The process was carried out at several temperatures keeping the duration constant at 2h. The samples were treated at 400°C, 650°C and 900°C. The microstructure of the as produced coatings was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the formed phases were analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). To investigate the corrosion properties of the carburized iron specimens, electrochemical tests were conducted. The samples were exposed to a solution of 3.5% wt. NaCl electrolyte, under quiescent conditions at room temperature and open to the air. The corroded samples were observed with use of Optical Microscopy in order to evaluate the corrosion effect on their surfaces. Carburization of iron samples at temperatures up to 650°C resulted in a shift of the polarization curves to lower current densities. Smaller corrosion rates were measured indicating higher corrosion resistance for these specimens.
Oncocytic Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Associated Lymphocytic Thyroiditis: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Mishra Aradhana , Jayalakshmi V , Chaturvedi Uma Pankaj , Chikhale Nitin P , Patel Richa D , Cherian Susan
Published: June 2013

The oncocytic variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma represents an uncommon neoplasm whose clinicopathological features and biological behavior have not been adequately defined. We report a case of a 36-year-old female with oncocytic papillary thyroid carcinoma and associated lymphocytic thyroiditis. The cytological and histopathological features of this entity are being discussed along with the differential diagnosis and review of literature.

How to cite this article

Mishra A, Jayalakshmi V, Chaturvedi UP, Chikhale NP, Patel RD, Cherian S. Oncocytic Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Associated Lymphocytic Thyroiditis: A Case Report with Review of Literature. Int J Head Neck Surg 2013;4(2):89-91.
Radioresistant Solitary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of Larynx
Authors: Sharma Vijay K , Nilakantan Ajith , Vishak S
Published: June 2013

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytomas (SEP) of larynx are rare tumors and are radiosensitive. However, a case of radioresistant SEP of larynx was managed by endoscopic CO2excision.

How to cite this article

Vishak S, Sharma VK, Nilakantan A. Radioresistant Solitary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of Larynx. Int J Head Neck Surg 2013;4(2):102-104.
Predicting Obstetric Vasculopathies through Study of Diastolic Notch and other Indices of Resistance to Blood Flow in Uterine Artery
Authors: Desai Pankaj
Published: June 2013

Obstetric vasculopathies are a set of apparently heterogeneous and poorly understood conditions. Conditions like recurrent miscarriages due to fetal demise, pre-eclampsia, IUGR, recurrent still births and accidental hemorrhage all seem to have the same underlying etiopathology. They are grouped into one large set coined as ‘Obstetric Vasculopathies’. Resistance to blood flow in the uterine arteries can be important and effective method to predict obstetric vasculopathies (except recurrent miscarriages). Resistance to this blood flow can be measured by the presence (and subsequent disappearance) of diastolic notch as well as the standard color Doppler indices namely Pulsatility Index (PI), Resistance Index (RI) and Systolic: Diastolic (S: D) ratio. In normal pregnancy almost always at 12 to 14 weeks of duration, the uterine artery shows presence of a diastolic notch. In high-risk subjects, disappearance of diastolic notch at midtrimester in uterine artery Doppler waveform analysis if used alone may not be a good screening method for obstetric vasculopathies. However, the combination of a diastolic notch and an abnormal resistance index in both uterine arteries at 20 weeks gestation is more accurate indicator in predicting severe pregnancy complications. These subjects are almost eight times more likely to develop either: Clinically significant hypertension and/or deliver prior to 32 weeks and/or have a perinatal demise and/or have an Infant with a birth weight of less than 1500 gm. Bilateral or Unilateral: Studying bilateral uterine artery seems to be more accurate that unilateral artery for prediction of obstetric vasculopathies. Prediction in I-Trimester: Disappearance of uterine artery diastolic notch in combination with other parameters seems to be a good test for prediction of obstetric vasculopathies particularly PIH and IUGR in I-Trimester. The advantage of such an early allows an early instituting of preventive measures. Notch Depth Index (NDI): It is calculated as the depth of the diastolic notch divided by the maximal diastolic velocity. The NDI value in the second trimester is associated with the later onset of pre-eclampsia, and is clinically more useful in predicting pre-eclampsia than the two conventional indices. Abnormal maternal uterine artery Doppler in association with elevated maternal serum AFP, HCG, Inhibin A or decreased PAPP-A identifies a group of subjects at greater risk of IUGR and gestational hypertension with proteinuria. Lowdose aspirin administered as early as 14 to 16 weeks of gestation to pregnant subjects at high risk of pre-eclampsia with abnormal uterine Doppler findings may reduce or modify the course of severe pre-eclampsia and may help in prevention of IUGR.

How to cite this article

Desai P. Predicting Obstetric Vasculopathies through Study of Diastolic Notch and other Indices of Resistance to Blood Flow in Uterine Artery. Int J Infertility Fetal Med 2013;4(1):24-30.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation after Myomectomy: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Acharya Mousumi , Kamath Vandana , Aleyamma TK
Published: June 2013

Hematological complications can complicate the postoperative period following myomectomy. Clinicians should keep such rarer possibilities in mind which will help them identify the complications correctly and manage appropriately. We managed a case of disseminated intravascular coagulation following myomectomy which was promptly diagnosed and managed.

How to cite this article

Kamath MS, Acharya M, Kamath V, Aleyamma TK. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation after Myomectomy: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Int J Infertility Fetal Med 2013;4(1):31-33.
Assessment of Preferential Weld Corrosion of Carbon Steel Pipework in CO2-Saturated Flow-Induced Corrosion Environments
Authors: Barker Richard , Hu Xinming , Neville Anne , Cushnaghan Susan
Published: June 2013

Preferential weld corrosion (PWC) has posed a problem to the oil and gas industry for a number of years. The general consensus from authors is that environmental effects take precedence over the weld chemical composition and microstructure. Therefore, the primary approach is to ensure the correct corrosion inhibitor selection and application to prevent PWC. Although there has been considerable focus directed toward the effect of flow rate on PWC in inhibited carbon dioxide (CO2)-saturated environments, the consideration of a higher, localized turbulence over the weld material and the implications this has on PWC appears minimal. This paper considers this effect by reviewing the performance of a commercially available, film-forming oilfield corrosion inhibitor using a submerged impinging jet (SIJ). The dual nozzle arrangement of the SIJ allowed a carbon steel parent metal and a 1% Ni, 0.25% Mo weld material to be subjected to the same brine chemistry, but different flow conditions. The velocity over the parent metal was kept constant at 7 m/s while the weld material was subjected to velocities of 7, 8.8, and 11.4 m/s to simulate different severities of turbulence. Galvanic current and linear polarization resistance (LPR) measurements were used to assess the weld resistance to PWC. Although the weld was shown to be cathodic to the parent metal, increasing velocity and turbulence at the weld relative to the parent metal was found to reduce the galvanic current, suggesting increased susceptibility of the weld to corrosion. The addition of inhibitor at 100 ppm accentuated this effect and led to a reversal of the galvanic current when the relative velocities were 7 m/s and 11.4 m/s for the parent metal and weld, respectively. The paper discusses the power of this galvanic technique for prediction of the conditions conducive to accentuating PWC.
Review and uncertainty assessment of size-resolved scavenging coefficient formulations for snow scavenging of atmospheric aerosols
Authors: Zhang L. , Wang X. , Moran M. D. , Feng J.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Theoretical parameterizations for the size-resolved scavenging coefficient for atmospheric aerosol particles scavenged by snow (Λsnow) need assumptions regarding (i) snow particle–aerosol particle collection efficiency E, (ii) snow particle size distribution N(Dp), (iii) snow particle terminal velocity VD, and (iv) snow particle cross-sectional area A. Existing formulas for these parameters are reviewed in the present study and uncertainties in Λsnow caused by various combinations of these parameters are assessed. Different formulations of E can cause uncertainties in Λsnow of more than one order of magnitude for all aerosol sizes for typical snowfall intensities. E is the largest source of uncertainty among all the input parameters, similar to rain scavenging of atmospheric aerosols (Λrain) as was found in a previous study by Wang et al. (2010). However, other parameters can also cause significant uncertainties in Λsnow, and the uncertainties from these parameters are much larger than for Λrain. Specifically, different N(Dp) formulations can cause one-order-of-magnitude uncertainties in Λsnow for all aerosol sizes, as is also the case for a combination of uncertainties from both VD and A. In comparison, uncertainties in Λrain from N(Dp) are smaller than a factor of 5 and those from VD are smaller than a factor of 2. Λsnow estimated from one empirical formula generated from field measurements falls in the upper range of, or is slightly higher than, theoretically estimated values. The predicted aerosol concentrations obtained using different Λsnow formulas can differ by a factor of two for just a one-centimeter snowfall (liquid water equivalent of approximately 1 mm). It is likely that, for typical rain and snow event the removal of atmospheric aerosol particles by snow is more effective than removal by rain for equivalent precipitation amounts, although a firm conclusion requires much more evidence.
The ocean response to volcanic iron fertilisation after the eruption of Kasatochi volcano: a regional-scale biogeochemical ocean model study
Authors: Lindenthal A. , Langmann B. , Pätsch J. , Lorkowski I. , Hort M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. In high-nutrient–low-chlorophyll regions, phytoplankton growth is limited by the availability of water-soluble iron. The eruption of Kasatochi volcano in August 2008 led to ash deposition into the iron-limited NE Pacific Ocean. Volcanic ash released iron upon contact with seawater and generated a massive phytoplankton bloom. Here we investigate this event with a one-dimensional ocean biogeochemical column model to illuminate the ocean response to iron fertilisation by volcanic ash. The results indicate that the added iron triggered a phytoplankton bloom in the summer of 2008. Associated with this bloom, macronutrient concentrations such as nitrate and silicate decline and zooplankton biomass is enhanced in the ocean mixed layer. The simulated development of the drawdown of carbon dioxide and increase of pH in surface seawater is in good agreement with available observations. Sensitivity studies with different supply dates of iron to the ocean emphasise the favourable oceanic conditions in the NE Pacific to generate massive phytoplankton blooms in particular during July and August in comparison to other months. By varying the amount of volcanic ash and associated bio-available iron supplied to the ocean, model results demonstrate that the NE Pacific Ocean has higher, but limited capabilities to consume CO2 after iron fertilisation than those observed after the volcanic eruption of Kasatochi.
A flood episode in northern Italy: multi-model and single-model mesoscale meteorological ensembles for hydrological predictions
Authors: Davolio S. , Miglietta M. M. , Diomede T. , Marsigli C. , Montani A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Numerical weather prediction models can be coupled with hydrological models to generate streamflow forecasts. Several ensemble approaches have been recently developed in order to take into account the different sources of errors and provide probabilistic forecasts feeding a flood forecasting system. Within this framework, the present study aims at comparing two high-resolution limited-area meteorological ensembles, covering short and medium range, obtained via different methodologies, but implemented with similar number of members, horizontal resolution (about 7 km), and driving global ensemble prediction system. The former is a multi-model ensemble, based on three mesoscale models (BOLAM, COSMO, and WRF), while the latter, following a single-model approach, is the operational ensemble forecasting system developed within the COSMO consortium, COSMO-LEPS (limited-area ensemble prediction system). The meteorological models are coupled with a distributed rainfall-runoff model (TOPKAPI) to simulate the discharge of the Reno River (northern Italy), for a recent severe weather episode affecting northern Apennines. The evaluation of the ensemble systems is performed both from a meteorological perspective over northern Italy and in terms of discharge prediction over the Reno River basin during two periods of heavy precipitation between 29 November and 2 December 2008. For each period, ensemble performance has been compared at two different forecast ranges. It is found that, for the intercomparison undertaken in this specific study, both mesoscale model ensembles outperform the global ensemble for application at basin scale. Horizontal resolution is found to play a relevant role in modulating the precipitation distribution. Moreover, the multi-model ensemble provides a better indication concerning the occurrence, intensity and timing of the two observed discharge peaks, with respect to COSMO-LEPS. This seems to be ascribable to the different behaviour of the involved meteorological models. Finally, a different behaviour comes out at different forecast ranges. For short ranges, the impact of boundary conditions is weaker and the spread can be mainly attributed to the different characteristics of the models. At longer forecast ranges, the similar behaviour of the multi-model members forced by the same large-scale conditions indicates that the systems are governed mainly by the boundary conditions, although the different limited area models' characteristics may still have a non-negligible impact.
Early warning of snow-caused disasters in pastoral areas on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang W. , Liang T. , Huang X. , Feng Q. , Xie H. , Liu X. , Chen M. , Wang X.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. This study develops a model for early warning of snow-caused livestock disasters on a county basis and proposes a method of qualitative risk assessment of snow disasters at 500 m resolution for pastoral areas on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Data used for the model development include remote sensing data, statistical data of weather, livestock, and social economy, and 45 typical snow disaster cases from 2000 to 2010. The principal component analysis (PCA) approach is used to choose 7 crucial factors that contribute over 85% of information for early warning snow disasters on the TP. They are mean annual probability of snow disaster, number of snow-covered days, livestock stocking rate, continual days of mean daily temperature below −10 °C, grassland burial index, rate of snow-covered grassland, and per livestock gross domestic product. The chosen 411 cases from 2008 to 2010 are used to validate the prediction results from the developed early warning model, with an overall accuracy of 85.64% in predicting snow disasters and no disasters. This suggests that the early warning approach developed in the study has operational potential for predicting snow disasters on the TP.
Recent changes in spring snowmelt timing in the Yukon River basin detected by passive microwave satellite data
Authors: Semmens K. A. , Ramage J. M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Spring melt is a significant feature of high latitude snowmelt dominated drainage basins influencing hydrological and ecological processes such as snowmelt runoff and green-up. Melt duration, defined as the transition period from snowmelt onset until the end of the melt refreeze, is characterized by high diurnal amplitude variations (DAV) where the snowpack is melting during the day and refreezing at night, after which the snowpack melts constantly until depletion. Determining trends for this critical period is necessary for understanding how the Arctic is changing with rising temperatures and provides a baseline from which to assess future change. To study this dynamic period, brightness temperature (Tb) data from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) 37 V-GHz frequency from 1988 to 2010 were used to assess snowmelt timing trends for the Yukon River basin, Alaska/Canada. Annual Tb and DAV for 1434 Equal-Area Scalable Earth (EASE)-Grid pixels (25 km resolution) were processed to determine melt onset and melt refreeze dates from Tb and DAV thresholds previously established in the region. Temporal and spatial trends in the timing of melt onset and melt refreeze, and the duration of melt were analyzed for the 13 sub-basins of the Yukon River basin with three different time interval approaches. Results show a lengthening of the melt period for the majority of the sub-basins with a significant trend toward later end of melt refreeze after which the snowpack melts day and night leading to snow clearance, peak discharge, and green-up. Earlier melt onset trends were also found in the higher elevations and northernmost sub-basins (Porcupine, Chandalar, and Koyukuk rivers). Latitude and elevation displayed the dominant controls on melt timing variability and spring solar flux was highly correlated with melt timing in middle (∼600–1600 m) elevations.
Evaluation of the snow regime in dynamic vegetation land surface models using field measurements
Authors: Kantzas E. , Lomas M. , Quegan S. , Zakharova E.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the significant climatic and ecological changes occurring in the northern latitudes over the past decades. As coupled, earth-system models attempt to describe and simulate the dynamics and complex feedbacks of the Arctic environment, it is important to reduce their uncertainties in short-term predictions by improving the description of both the systems processes and its initial state. This study focuses on snow-related variables and extensively utilizes a historical data set (1966–1996) of field snow measurements acquired across the extend of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) to evaluate a range of simulated snow metrics produced by a variety of land surface models, most of them embedded in IPCC-standard climate models. We reveal model-specific issues in simulating snow dynamics such as magnitude and timings of SWE as well as evolution of snow density. We further employ the field snow measurements alongside novel and model-independent methodologies to extract for the first time (i) a fresh snow density value (57–117 kg m–3) for the region and (ii) mean monthly snowpack sublimation estimates across a grassland-dominated western (November–February) [9.2, 6.1, 9.15, 15.25] mm and forested eastern sub-sector (November–March) [1.53, 1.52, 3.05, 3.80, 12.20] mm; we subsequently use the retrieved values to assess relevant model outputs. The discussion session consists of two parts. The first describes a sensitivity study where field data of snow depth and snow density are forced directly into the surface heat exchange formulation of a land surface model to evaluate how inaccuracies in simulating snow metrics affect important modeled variables and carbon fluxes such as soil temperature, thaw depth and soil carbon decomposition. The second part showcases how the field data can be assimilated with ready-available optimization techniques to pinpoint model issues and improve their performance.
Exilic Becomings: Post-Genocide Armenian Music in Lebanon
Authors: Alajaji Sylvia A.
Published: June 2013

Through a comparison with the musical trends in the decades before and after its rise, this paper examines the estradayin movement in Lebanon--a pop music genre that arose in the Armenian exilic community in Beirut--as one whose spatial and temporal hybridities facilitated a transformative moment in the discourse of Armenian identity. However, with the start of Lebanon’s civil war and the re-diasporization of the Lebanese-Armenian community to California, this genre becomes the locus of a highly militant discourse of identity that subverts the inclusivity of the hybridity embodied within the estradayin songs into something exclusive, creating boundaries out of that which had once defied them.
The use of dexmedetomidine in intensive care sedation
Authors: Antonelli Massimo , Conti Giorgio , Belisari Andrea , D'Angiolella Lucia S. , Mantovani Lorenzo , Montella Sabato , Piacentini Patrizio , Ranieri Marco
Published: June 2013

The goals and recommendations for ICU (Intensive Care Unit) patients’ sedation and analgesia should be to have adequately sedated patients who are calm and arousal, so that they can guarantee a proper evaluation and an adequate control of pain. This way, it is also possible to perform their neurological evaluation, preserving intellectual faculties and helping them in actively participating to their care. Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 receptor agonist, member of theraputical cathegory: “other hypnotics and sedatives” (ATC: N05CM18). Dexmedetomidine is recommended for the sedation of adult ICU patients who need a sedation level not deeper than arousal in response to verbal stimulation (corresponding to Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale 0 to -3). After the EMA approval, some European government authorities have elaborated HTA on dexmedetomidine, based on clinical evidence derived from Prodex and Midex trials. Dexmedetomidine resulted to be as effective as propofol and midazolam in maintaining the target depth of sedation in ICU patients. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation with dexmedetomidine was numerically shorter than with propofol and significantly shorter than with midazolam. The resulting favourable economic profile of dexmedetomidine supported the clinical use in ICU. Dexmedetomidine seems to provide clinical benefits due to the reduction of mechanical ventilation and ventilator weaning duration. Within the present review, an economic analysis of costs associated to the use of dexmedetomidine was therefore performed also in the Italian care setting. Thus, four different analyses were carried out based on the quantification of the total number of days in ICU, the time spent on mechanical ventilation, the weighted average number of days with mechanical ventilation or not and TISS points (Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System). Despite the incremental cost for drug therapy associated with dexmedetomidine, a reduction of the management costs for ICU has been estimated, with savings ranging between € 800 and € 1,400 per patient.
Costs of treatment of haemophilia A in Italy: comparison of the use of plasma-derived and recombinant FVIII using a discrete event simulation (DES) model
Authors: Eandi Mario , Pradelli Lorenzo , Povero Massimiliano
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: To simulate haemophilia A (HA) real-life management and compare the cost of different treatment strategies, both with plasma-derived and recombinant factor VIII (pdFVIII and rFVIII, respectively), from the perspective of the Italian NHS.METHODS: A discrete event (micro-)simulation (DES) model was developed to reproduce every possible HA patient clinical pathway: on-demand (OD) treatment of bleeding, continuous or discontinuous prophylaxis (PRO) with FVIII, inhibitors-tolerance-induction treatment (ITI), surgery in case of severe disability. Patient characteristics, treatment indications and disease evolution were modeled basing on data available in clinical literature in order to represent the actual state of art of HA management. In addition to the baseline scenario, reproducing current HA management, alternative strategies were simulated to explore the impact on the cost borne by the Italian NHS for these patients. Only differential direct sanitary costs were considered in the simulation, with a 3.5% discount rate.RESULTS: Baseline scenario results show difference between patients treated with pdFVIII and those treated with rFVIII: mean lifetime HA patient management cost was estimated at € 1,332,373 with pdFVIII treatment, compared with € 2,013,222 for rFVIII. The saving is due mainly to the lower acquisition cost of pdFVIII. Total medical costs are strongly and positively correlated with HA severity: cost per patient increases from € 86,269 (mild HA) to € 1,509,231 (severe HA) for patients treated with pdFVIII and from € 147,900 to € 2,621,540 in patients treated with rFVIII. All analyses conducted in the study lead to the conclusion that the use of pdFVIII is much less expensive than rFVIII, but therapeutically equivalent.CONCLUSION: Management of HA patients is complex and difficult to optimize; although involving a limited number of patients, lifetime management costs for the Italian NHS are extremely high. The main advantage of this model lies in the capability of estimating the economic impact of different strategic choices and economic/regulatory constraints.
Literacy and UNESCO: Conceptual and Historical Perspectives
Authors: Wagner Daniel
Published: June 2013

This chapter addresses Themes 2 & 3 of the Hamburg Declaration: Improving the conditions and quality of adult learning and Ensuring the universal right to literacy and basic education.
Associations of Foot Posture and Function to Lower Extremity Pain: Results From a Population‐Based Foot Study
Authors: Riskowski Jody L. , Dufour Alyssa B. , Hagedorn Thomas J. , Hillstrom Howard J. , Casey Virginia A. , Hannan Marian T.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Studies have implicated foot posture and foot function as risk factors for lower extremity pain. Empirical population‐based evidence for this assertion is lacking; therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate cross‐sectional associations of foot posture and foot function to lower extremity joint pain in a population‐based study of adults.

Methods

Participants were members of the Framingham Foot Study. Lower extremity joint pain was determined by the response to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey–type question, “On most days do you have pain, aching or stiffness in your (hips, knees, ankles, or feet)?” The Modified Arch Index classified participants as having planus, rectus (referent), or cavus foot posture. The Center of Pressure Excursion Index classified participants as having overpronated, normal (referent), or oversupinated foot function. Crude and adjusted (age, sex, and body mass index) logistic regression determined associations of foot posture and function to lower extremity pain.

Results

Participants with planus structure had higher odds of knee (odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.24–1.99) or ankle (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05–2.06) pain, whereas those with a cavus foot structure had increased odds of ankle pain only (OR 7.56, 95% CI 1.99–28.8) and pain at 1 lower extremity site (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.04–1.80). Associations between foot function and lower extremity joint pain were not statistically significant except for a reduced risk of hip pain in those with an oversupinated foot function (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.93).

Conclusion

These findings offer a link between foot posture and lower extremity pain, highlighting the need for longitudinal or intervention studies.
A Desymmetrization Approach to the Enantiopure syn/anti‐1,5‐Diols via Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution (HKR) of Functionalized meso‐Bis‐Epoxides: Further Elaboration to syn/syn‐1,3,5‐Triols and Application to the Formal Synthesis of Cryptocarya Diacetate
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Chowdhury Partha Sarathi , Pandey Menaka
Published: June 2013

A new approach has been developed for the synthesis of enantiopure syn/anti‐1,5‐diols by desymmetrization of functionalized meso‐bis‐epoxides using hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR). The usage of this protocol was demonstrated by converting syn‐1,5‐diols into syn/syn‐1,3,5‐triols and its subseqent application to the formal synthesis of cryptocarya diacetate.
CC Hydrolases for Biocatalysis
Authors: Siirola Elina , Frank Annika , Grogan Gideon , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: June 2013

Although CC bond hydrolases are distributed widely in Nature, they has as yet have received only limited attention in the area of biocatalysis compared to their counterpart the C‐heteroatom hydrolases, such as lipases and proteases. However, the substrate range of CC hydrolases, and their non‐dependence on cofactors, suggest that these enzymes may have considerable potential for applications in synthesis. In addition, hydrolases such as the β‐diketone hydrolase from Rhodococcus (OCH) are known, that catalyse the formation of interesting chiral intermediates. Further enzymes, such as kynureninase and a meta‐cleavage product hydrolase (MhpC), are able to catalyse carbon‐carbon bond formation, suggesting wider applications in biocatalysis than previously envisaged. In this review, the distribution, catalytic characteristics and applications of CC hydrolases are described, with a view to assessing their potentialfor use in biocatalytic processes in the future.
A methodology to study chemotaxis in 3‐D collagen gels
Authors: Caserta Sergio , Campello Silvia , Tomaiuolo Giovanna , Sabetta Luigi , Guido Stefano
Published: June 2013

We present here an innovative experimental methodology for the quantitative investigation of chemotaxis in vitro by live imaging of cell movement in a reconstituted three‐dimensional collagen gel. A well‐defined chemoattractant gradient is generated by means of a novel direct viewing chamber having two compartments (separated by a membrane), one containing the chemoattractant solution, the other the cell‐seeded collagen gel matrix. Cell migration is observed by means of a time‐lapse motorized video‐microscopy workstation equipped with an incubating system and quantified by image analysis techniques. Experimental results on three different cell lines (Jurkat, fibroblasts, and lymphocytes) are presented for the isotropic control case (no chemoattractant) and in presence of a concentration gradient. Cell motility data are in line with the concentration profile, both theoretically calculated from Fick's law and experimentally measured by epifluorescence microscopy. In particular, a transient peak in cell response was found, possibly due to cell membrane receptor saturation. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4025–4035, 2013
SNCA rs356219 variant increases risk of sporadic Parkinson's disease in ethnic Chinese
Authors: Li Nan‐Nan , Mao Xue‐Ye , Chang Xue‐Li , Zhao Dong‐Mei , Zhang Jin‐Hong , Liao Qiao , Yu Wen‐Juan , Tan Eng‐King , Peng Rong
Published: June 2013

Alpha‐synuclein gene (SNCA) polymorphisms have been associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). A recently published genome‐wide association study (GWAS) meta‐analysis from the USA and Europe found a strong association between SNCA rs356219 and PD. Considering the population‐specific heterogeneity, we investigated the role of SNCA rs356219 as PD susceptibility in a large Han Chinese population of 685 patients and 569 controls. The SNCA rs356219‐G allele was found to increase the risk to develop PD (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.54–2.13, P = 5.71E−13). The meta‐analysis revealed that the frequency of AG + GG genotypes higher in PD than in control subjects (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.56–2.19, P = 0.00001) in the Asian population. PD patients with AG + GG genotypes were associated with earlier age at onset compared with those with AA genotype. No such significant association was observed in the clinical presentation for gender, age at onset, and onset symptoms. Our study provides strong support for the susceptibility role of SNCA rs356219 in sporadic PD in a Han Chinese population from mainland China and the meta‐analysis also revealed a similar finding in the Asian population. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
FMR1 CGG expansions: Prevalence and sex ratios
Authors: Maenner Matthew J. , Baker Mei W. , Broman Karl W. , Tian Jianan , Barnes Janel K. , Atkins Anne , McPherson Elizabeth , Hong Jinkuk , Brilliant Murray H. , Mailick Marsha R.
Published: June 2013

We have estimated the prevalence of FMR1 premutation and gray zone CGG repeat expansions in a population‐based sample of 19,996 male and female adults in Wisconsin and compared the observed sex ratios of the prevalence of FMR1 CGG premutation and gray zone expansions to theoretical sex ratios. The female premutation prevalence was 1 in 148 and comparable to past research, but the male premutation prevalence of 1 in 290 is somewhat higher than most previous estimates. The female:male premutation prevalence ratio is in line with the theoretically predicted sex ratio. The prevalence of CGG repeats in the gray zone (45–54 repeats) was 1 in 33 females and 1 in 62 males. The prevalence of the “expanded” gray zone (defined here as 41–54 CGG repeats) was 1 in 14 females and 1 in 22 males, leading to a female:male ratio of 1.62 (95% confidence interval 1.39–1.90). This female:male ratio was significantly lower than the expected ratio of 2.0. We examined results from three previously published FMR1 prevalence studies and found similar female:male ratios for CGG repeats in this “expanded” gray zone range (pooled female:male ratio across all four studies 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.51–1.82). Further research is needed to understand the apparent excess prevalence of males with CGG repeats in this range. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Histopathologic parameters in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: impact on quality of life outcomes
Authors: Soy Fatih Kemal , Pinar Ercan , Imre Abdulkadir , Calli Caglar , Calli Aylin , Oncel Semih
Published: June 2013

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease with a significant impact on health‐related quality of life (QOL) of the patient. Histologic inflammatory markers in CRS are an important marker in determining the severity of the disease. In this study, we evaluated the association of histopathologic parameters with QOL questionnaires in patients with CRS with nasal polyposis after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods

A total of 57 patients were included in this study. Preoperative patient characteristics, clinical findings, and computed tomography scores were recorded. Two QOL measures, the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and Short Form‐36 General Health Survey (SF‐36) were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. Sinus mucosal specimens were collected at the time of surgery. Presence of the inflammation was evaluated with cellular (eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, mast cells, macrophages), epithelial (basement membrane thickness [BMT], goblet cell) and stromal markers (subepithelial edema). The histopathological findings were compared statistically with the QOL measures.

Results

In comparison of the absolute change of the RSDI and SF‐36 scores with mucosal eosinophilia, patients with eosinophilia showed significantly less improvement only in the SF‐36 physical functioning subscale (p = 0.004). There was a statistically significant relationship between BMT and RSDI total (p = 0.042), emotional scores (p = 0.003), SF‐36 general health (p = 0.032), SF‐36 physical function (p = 0.007), SF‐36 bodily pain (p = 0.044), and SF‐36 mental health (p = 0.022).

Conclusion

For most patients QOL significantly improved after surgery. Mucosal eosinophilia did not correlate with the absolute change of the RSDI. However, thickening of basal membrane adversely affects symptoms of the patients and correlates with the disease severity.
NEUROTOXICOLOGY OF bis(n)‐TACRINES ON Blattella germanica AND Drosophila melanogaster ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE
Authors: Mutunga James M. , Boina Dhana Raj , Anderson Troy D. , Bloomquist Jeffrey R. , Carlier Paul R. , Wong Dawn M. , Lam Polo C.‐H. , Totrov Maxim. M.
Published: June 2013

A series of bis(n)‐tacrines were used as pharmacological probes of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalytic and peripheral sites of Blattella germanica and Drosophila melanogaster, which express AChE‐1 and AChE‐2 isoforms, respectively. In general, the potency of bis(n)‐tacrines was greater in D. melanogaster AChE (DmAChE) than in B. germanica AChE (BgAChE). The change in potency with tether length was high in DmAChE and low in BgAChE, associated with 90‐fold and 5.2‐fold maximal potency gain, respectively, compared to the tacrine monomer. The optimal tether length for Blattella was 8 carbons and for Drosophila was 10 carbons. The two species differed by only about twofold in their sensitivity to tacrine monomer, indicating that differential potency occurred among dimeric bis(n)‐tacrines due to structural differences in the peripheral site. Multiple sequence alignment and in silico homology modeling suggest that aromatic residues of DmAChE confer higher affinity binding, and the lack of same at the BgAChE peripheral site may account, at least in part, to the greater overall sensitivity of DmAChE to bis(n)‐tacrines, as reflected by in vitro assay data. Topical and injection assays in cockroaches found minimal toxicity of bis(n)‐tacrines. Electrophysiological studies on D. melanogaster central nervous system showed that dimeric tacrines do not readily cross the blood brain barrier, explaining the observed nonlethality to insects. Although the bis(n)‐tacrines were not good insecticide candidates, the information obtained in this study should aid in the design of selective bivalent ligands targeting insect, pests, and disease vectors.
Synthesis, Anti‐Breast Cancer Activity, and Molecular Modeling of Some Benzothiazole and Benzoxazole Derivatives
Authors: Abdelgawad Mohamed A. , Belal Amany , Omar Hany A. , Hegazy Lamees , Rateb Mostafa E.
Published: June 2013

A new series of benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles was synthesized using 4‐benzothiazol‐2‐yl‐phenylamine and 4‐benzoxazol‐2‐yl‐phenylamine as starting materials. All the prepared compounds were evaluated for their antitumor activities against human breast cancer cell lines, MCF‐7 and MDA‐231, using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability analysis. Almost all the tested compounds revealed potent antitumor activity, especially the N‐methyl piperazinyl substituted derivatives 6f and 6c, which displayed the most potent inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 8 to 17 nM. Docking the synthesized compounds into the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is highly expressed in breast cancer, was employed to explore the possible interactions of these compounds with the EGFR. The activity of the reported compounds supports its clinical promise as a component of therapeutic strategies for cancer, for which high concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents are always a major limitation.
High‐Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Ankle Joints in Murine Arthritis Discriminates Inflammation and Bone Destruction in a Quantifiable Manner
Authors: Rose Shawn , Waters Emily A. , Haney Chad R. , Meade C. Thomas J. , Perlman Harris
Published: June 2013

Objective

The ability to noninvasively monitor the development of inflammatory arthritis longitudinally has become increasingly important in experimental rheumatology. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for detailed examination of anatomic structures, as well as the assessment of joint and soft tissue inflammation. The aim of this study was to extend the use of MRI to include quantitative measurements of bone destruction in murine ankle joints.

Methods

Joint disease was measured serially using clinical, histologic, in vivo imaging system (IVIS), micro–computed tomography (micro‐CT), and MRI techniques in mouse ankle joints, using the K/BxN serum transfer–induced acute arthritis and K/BxAg7 chronic arthritis models. Ankle joint MRI was performed using a gradient‐echo pulse sequence to evaluate bone destruction and a spin‐echo sequence to evaluate inflammation (long T2 signal).

Results

Arthritic mice, as compared to control mice, demonstrated increased disease severity according to clinical, histologic, IVIS, and MRI measures. Following induction of arthritis, the majority of volume expansion of the long T2 signal occurred in a juxtaarticular, rather than intrarticular, manner within the ankle joints. Bone destruction in K/BxAg7 mouse ankle joints was readily detectible by MRI. Linear regression analyses demonstrated significant correlations between the clinical score and joint radiance intensity assessed by IVIS, between the ankle joint width and increased long T2 signal on MRI, and between the bone volume obtained by micro‐CT and bone volume obtained by MRI.

Conclusion

MRI is an optimal technology for anatomic localization of articular and soft tissue changes during the development and progression of inflammatory arthritis. Future studies may combine MRI with in vivo labeling agents to investigate joint disease in a cell type–specific manner.
Brief Report: Interleukin‐6 as an Inflammatory Mediator and Target of Therapy in Chronic Periaortitis
Authors: Vaglio Augusto , Catanoso Maria G. , Spaggiari Lucia , Magnani Luca , Pipitone Nicolò , Macchioni Pierluigi , Pulsatelli Lia , Nicastro Maria , Becchi Gabriella , Corradi Domenico , Versari Annibale , Boiardi Luigi , Salvarani Carlo
Published: June 2013

Objective

Chronic periaortitis (CP) usually responds to glucocorticoids, but some patients have glucocorticoid‐refractory disease or contraindications to glucocorticoid therapy. This study was undertaken to evaluate treatment with the anti–interleukin‐6 receptor (anti–IL‐6R) antibody tocilizumab in 2 patients with CP, one with refractory disease and the other with contraindications to glucocorticoids, and to assess IL‐6 levels in an additional cohort of patients with CP.

Methods

Both patients were given intravenous tocilizumab (8 mg/kg) once every 4 weeks for 6 months. Serum IL‐6 was measured in 22 patients with active CP and 16 healthy controls. Tissue IL‐6 expression was assessed by confocal microscopy in biopsy specimens obtained from 6 patients with CP.

Results

In the first patient, whose disease was refractory to various immunosuppressive treatments, tocilizumab added to ongoing therapy with prednisone and methotrexate allowed prednisone withdrawal and induced resolution of symptoms, acute‐phase reactant normalization, and reduction in 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography. The patient experienced a relapse 7 months later and was successfully retreated with tocilizumab. In the second patient, who was unable to tolerate glucocorticoids because of psychiatric side effects, tocilizumab monotherapy induced sustained clinical and laboratory remission, 18F‐FDG uptake disappearance, and CP shrinkage. Serum IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in patients with active CP than in controls (P < 0.0001), and IL‐6 was abundantly expressed in biopsy specimens from CP patients, particularly by T cells, B cells, histiocytes, fibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusion

Tocilizumab may be a therapeutic option for CP. The systemic and tissue up‐regulation of IL‐6 in CP, together with the clinical benefit of IL‐6R blockade observed in our 2 patients, suggest that IL‐6 may contribute to CP pathogenesis.