bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal characteristics of nitric oxide-, prostaglandin-, and EDHF-mediated components of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the kidney
Authors: Dautzenberg Marcel , Just Armin
Published: August 2013

Endothelium-dependent vasodilation is mediated by nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PG), and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). We studied the contributions and temporal characteristics of these components in the renal vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and bradykinin (BK) and in the buffering of vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine (NE) and angiotensin II (ANG II). Renal blood flow (RBF) and vascular conductance (RVC) were studied in anesthetized rats in response to renal arterial bolus injections before and after inhibition of NO-synthase ( NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, l-NAME), cyclooxygenase (indomethacin, INDO), or both. ACh increased RVC peaking at maximal time ( tmax) = 29 s. l-NAME ( n = 8) diminished the integrated response and made it substantially faster ( tmax = 18 s). The point-by-point difference caused by l-NAME (= NO component) integrated to 74% of control and was much slower ( tmax = 38 s). INDO ( n = 9) reduced the response without affecting tmax (36 vs. 30 s). The difference (= PG) reached 21% of the control with tmax = 25 s. l-NAME+INDO ( n = 17) reduced the response to 18% and markedly accelerated tmax to 16s (= EDHF). Results were similar for BK with slightly more PG and less NO contribution than for ACh. Constrictor responses to NE and ANG II were augmented and decelerated by l-NAME and l-NAME+INDO. The calculated difference (= buffering by NO or NO+PG) was slower than the constriction. It is concluded that NO, PG, and EDHF contribute >50%, 20–40%, and <20% to the renal vasodilator effect of ACh and BK, respectively. EDHF acts substantially faster and less sustained ( tmax = 16 s) than NO and PG ( tmax = 30 s). Constrictor buffering by NO and PG is not constant over time, but renders the constriction less sustained.
Amino acid mutations in the caldesmon COOH-terminal functional domain increase force generation in bladder smooth muscle
Authors: Deng Maoxian , Boopathi Ettickan , Hypolite Joseph A. , Raabe Tobias , Chang Shaohua , Zderic Stephen , Wein Alan J. , Chacko Samuel
Published: August 2013

Caldesmon (CaD), a component of smooth muscle thin filaments, binds actin, tropomyosin, calmodulin, and myosin and inhibits actin-activated ATP hydrolysis by smooth muscle myosin. Internal deletions of the chicken CaD functional domain that spans from amino acids (aa) 718 to 731, which corresponds to aa 512–530 including the adjacent aa sequence in mouse CaD, lead to diminished CaD-induced inhibition of actin-activated ATP hydrolysis by myosin. Transgenic mice with mutations of five aa residues (Lys523to Gln, Val524to Leu, Ser526to Thr, Pro527to Cys, and Lys529to Ser), which encompass the ATPase inhibitory determinants located in exon 12, were generated by homologous recombination. Homozygous (−/−) animals did not develop, but heterozygous (+/−) mice carrying the expected mutations in the CaD ATPase inhibitory domain (CaD mutant) matured and reproduced normally. The peak force produced in response to KCl and electrical field stimulation by the detrusor smooth muscle from the CaD mutant was high compared with that of the wild type. CaD mutant mice revealed nonvoiding contractions during bladder filling on awake cystometry, suggesting that the CaD ATPase inhibitory domain suppresses force generation during the filling phase and this suppression is partially released by mutations in 50% of CaD in heterozygous. Our data show for the first time a functional phenotype, at the intact smooth muscle tissue and in vivo organ levels, following mutation of a functional domain at the COOH-terminal region of CaD.
Excretion of urinary exosomal AQP2 in rats is regulated by vasopressin and urinary pH
Authors: Higashijima Yoshiki , Sonoda Hiroko , Takahashi Saki , Kondo Hiroaki , Shigemura Kanako , Ikeda Masahiro
Published: August 2013

Urinary exosomes are small vesicles secreted into urine from all renal epithelial cell types and known to contain proteins that are involved in renal secretion and reabsorption. Among these proteins, urinary exosomal aquaporin-2 (AQP2) has been suggested to be useful for diagnosis of renal disease. However, the mechanisms underlying the excretion of urinary exosomal AQP2 are largely unknown. In this study, we examined the mechanisms of urinary exosomal AQP2 excretion in vivo, using diuretics including furosemide (FS), an inhibitor of the sodium-potassium-chloride symporter; acetazolamide (ACTZ), an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase; OPC-31260 (OPC), a vasopressin type 2 receptor antagonist; and NaHCO3, a urinary alkalizing agent. Samples of urine from rats were collected for 2 h just after treatment with each diuretic, and urinary exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation. Urinary exosomal AQP2 excretion was dramatically increased by treatment with FS accompanied by urine acidification or with ACTZ accompanied by urine alkalization. Immunohistochemistry showed that apical localization of AQP2 was clearly evident and the plasma vasopressin level was increased after each treatment. Although treatment with OPC alone had no significant effect, coadministration of OPC completely inhibited the FS-induced and partially reduced the ACTZ-induced responses, respectively. Treatment with NaHCO3increased the excretion of urinary exosomal AQP2 accompanied by urine alkalization. This increased response was partially inhibited by coadministration of OPC. These data suggest that an increased plasma level of vasopressin promoted the excretion of urinary exosomal AQP2 and that urine alkalinization also increased it independently of vasopressin.
Hydration status affects sodium, potassium, and chloride transport across rat urothelia
Authors: Spector David A. , Deng Jie , Stewart Kerry J.
Published: August 2013

Recent data suggest possible net transport of urinary constituents across mammalian urinary tract epithelia (urothelia). To evaluate the effect of animal hydration status on such transport, we instilled urine collected during 2-day water deprivation, water loading, or ad libitum water intake into isolated in situ bladder(s) of groups of rats undergoing one of the same three hydration states. After 1-h bladder dwell, we retrieved the urine and measured differences in volume and solute concentrations between instilled and retrieved urine. We previously reported results regarding changes in urine volume and net urea and creatinine transport and herein report the results of net urinary sodium, potassium, and chloride transport in the same animals. During water-loading conditions, urinary concentrations of Na, K, and Cl rose 4.9 (30.7%), 2.6 (16.5%), and 6.0 meq/l (26.8%), respectively, indicating urothelial secretion into urine. During ad libitum water intake, urinary K and Cl concentrations fell 33.6 (14.8%) and 28.4 meq/l (12%), respectively (Na did not change), and during water deprivation urine Na, K, and Cl concentrations fell dramatically by 53.2 (18.6%), 159.4 (34.6%) and 133.7 meq/l (33.8%), respectively, reflecting urothelial reabsorption of each ion. For each ionic species, two factors independently influenced transport: instilled urinary ion concentration and animal hydration state. These results demonstrate significant regulated ion transport across mammalian urothelia, support the notion that lower urinary tract modifies final urine, and suggest that the lower urinary tract may play a role in local and whole animal solute homeostasis.
Quantitative assessment of muscle damage in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Yang Xiaojie , Chin Lixin , Klyen Blake R. , Shavlakadze Tea , McLaughlin Robert A. , Grounds Miranda D. , Sampson David D.
Published: August 2013

Minimally invasive, high-resolution imaging of muscle necrosis has the potential to aid in the assessment of diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Undamaged muscle tissue possesses high levels of optical birefringence due to its anisotropic ultrastructure, and this birefringence decreases when the tissue undergoes necrosis. In this study, we present a novel technique to image muscle necrosis using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). From PS-OCT scans, our technique is able to quantify the birefringence in muscle tissue, generating an image indicative of the tissue ultrastructure, with areas of abnormally low birefringence indicating necrosis. The technique is demonstrated on excised skeletal muscles from exercised dystrophic mdx mice and control C57BL/10ScSn mice with the resulting images validated against colocated histological sections. The technique additionally gives a measure of the proportion (volume fraction) of necrotic tissue within the three-dimensional imaging field of view. The percentage necrosis assessed by this technique is compared against the percentage necrosis obtained from manual assessment of histological sections, and the difference between the two methods is found to be comparable to the interobserver variability of the histological assessment. This is the first published demonstration of PS-OCT to provide automated assessment of muscle necrosis.
Neural network versus activity-specific prediction equations for energy expenditure estimation in children
Authors: Ruch Nicole , Joss Franziska , Jimmy Gerda , Melzer Katarina , Hänggi Johanna , Mäder Urs
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the energy expenditure (EE) estimations of activity-specific prediction equations (ASPE) and of an artificial neural network (ANNEE) based on accelerometry with measured EE. Forty-three children (age: 9.8 ± 2.4 yr) performed eight different activities. They were equipped with one tri-axial accelerometer that collected data in 1-s epochs and a portable gas analyzer. The ASPE and the ANNEE were trained to estimate the EE by including accelerometry, age, gender, and weight of the participants. To provide the activity-specific information, a decision tree was trained to recognize the type of activity through accelerometer data. The ASPE were applied to the activity-type-specific data recognized by the tree (Tree-ASPE). The Tree-ASPE precisely estimated the EE of all activities except cycling [bias: −1.13 ± 1.33 metabolic equivalent (MET)] and walking (bias: 0.29 ± 0.64 MET; P < 0.05). The ANNEE overestimated the EE of stationary activities (bias: 0.31 ± 0.47 MET) and walking (bias: 0.61 ± 0.72 MET) and underestimated the EE of cycling (bias: −0.90 ± 1.18 MET; P < 0.05). Biases of EE in stationary activities (ANNEE: 0.31 ± 0.47 MET, Tree-ASPE: 0.08 ± 0.21 MET) and walking (ANNEE 0.61 ± 0.72 MET, Tree-ASPE: 0.29 ± 0.64 MET) were significantly smaller in the Tree-ASPE than in the ANNEE ( P < 0.05). The Tree-ASPE was more precise in estimating the EE than the ANNEE. The use of activity-type-specific information for subsequent EE prediction equations might be a promising approach for future studies.
Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Using Vision and Mapless Strategies: A Survey
Authors: Güzel Mehmet Serdar
Published: August 2013

This survey addresses the existing state of knowledge related to vision-based mobile robots, especially including their background and history, current trends, and mapless navigation. This paper not only discusses studies relevant to vision-based mobile robot systems but also critically evaluates the methodologies which have been developed and that directly affect such systems.
Effect of Cyclic Precalcification of Nanotubular TiO2Layer on the Bioactivity of Titanium Implant
Authors: Park Il Song , Yang Eun Jin , Bae Tae Sung
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of cyclic precalcification treatment to impart bioactive properties for titanium implants. Before precalcification, the titanium implants were subjected to blasting using hydroxyapatite (HAp), a resorbable blasting medium (RBM treated), and anodized using an electrolyte containing glycerol, H2O, and NH4F. Precalcification treatment was performed by two different methods, namely, continuous immersion treatment (CIT) and alternate immersion treatment (AIT). In CIT, the RBM treated and anodized titanium implants were immersed in 0.05 M NaH2PO4solution at 80°C and saturated Ca(OH)2solution at 100°C for 20 min, whereas during AIT, they were immersed alternatively in both solutions for 1 min for 20 cycles. Anodizing of the titanium implants enables the formation of self-organized TiO2nanotubes. Cyclic precalcification treatment imparts a better bioactive property and enables an increase in activation level of the titanium implants. The removal torque values of the RBM treated, CIT treated, and AIT treated titanium implants are10.8±3.7 Ncm,17.5±3.5 Ncm, and28.1±2.4 Ncm, respectively. The findings of the study indicate the cyclic precalcification in an effective surface treatment method that would help accelerate osseointegration and impart bioactive property of titanium implants.
Preparation of Higher Molecular Weight Poly (L-lactic Acid) by Chain Extension
Authors: Liu Chenguang , Jia Yuliang , He Aihua
Published: August 2013

High molecular weight poly (lactic acid) (PLA) was obtained by chain extending with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). The influences of the amount of chain extender, reaction time, and molecular weight changes of prepolymers on the poly(lactic acid) were investigated. PLA prepolymer with a viscosity, average molecular weight (Mη) of 2 × 104 g/mol was synthesized froml-lactide using stannous octoate as the catalyst. After 20 min of chain extension at 175°C, the resulting polymer hadMwof 20.3 × 104 g/mol andMnof 10.5 × 104 g/mol. Both FT-IR and1H-NMR verified that the structure of PLA did not change either before chain extending or after. The optically active characterized that the chain extending-product was left handed. DSC and XRD results showed that both theTgand the crystallinity of PLA were lowered by chain-extension reaction. The crystalline transformation happened in PLA after chain extending, crystallineα′form toαform.
Performance Study of Chromium (VI) Removal in Presence of Phenol in a Continuous Packed Bed Reactor byEscherichia coliIsolated from East Calcutta Wetlands
Authors: Chakraborty Bhaswati , Indra Suvendu , Hazra Ditipriya , Betai Rupal , Ray Lalitagauri , Basu Srabanti
Published: August 2013

Organic pollutants, like phenol, along with heavy metals, like chromium, are present in various industrial effluents that pose serious health hazard to humans. The present study looked at removal of chromium (VI) in presence of phenol in a counter-current continuous packed bed reactor packed withE. colicells immobilized on clay chips. The cells removed 85% of 500 mg/L of chromium (VI) from MS media containing glucose. Glucose was then replaced by 500 mg/L phenol. Temperature and pH of the MS media prior to addition of phenol were 30°C and 7, respectively. Hydraulic retention times of phenol- and chromium (VI)-containing synthetic media and air flow rates were varied to study the removal efficiency of the reactor system. Then temperature conditions of the reactor system were varied from 10°C to 50°C, the optimum being 30°C. The pH of the media was varied from pH 1 to pH 12, and the optimum pH was found to be 7. The maximum removal efficiency of 77.7% was achieved for synthetic media containing phenol and chromium (VI) in the continuous reactor system at optimized conditions, namely, hydraulic retention time at 4.44 hr, air flow rate at 2.5 lpm, temperature at 30°C, and pH at 7.
Gangliocytic Paraganglioma of Duodenum
Authors: Narang Vikram , Behl Nitin , Sood Neena , Puri Harpreet
Published: August 2013

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare benign tumors which are usually encountered in the second portion of the duodenum. Histogenesis of these tumors is incompletely understood. Patients usually present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The endoscopic features of gangliocytic paraganglioma do not differ from those of other submucosal tumors. Therefore, they can be diagnosed histologically by the presence of epithelioid, spindle, and ganglion cells, which is similar to that observed for paraganglioma. We herein report a case of gangliocytic paraganglioma due to the rarity of the lesion and the characteristic histopathologic findings.
Comparative Plasma Exposure and Lung Distribution of Two Human Use Commercial Azithromycin Formulations Assessed in Murine Model: A Preclinical Study
Authors: Rivulgo Virginia , Sparo Mónica , Ceci Mónica , Fumuso Elida , Confalonieri Alejandra , Delpech Gastón , Sánchez Bruni Sergio F.
Published: August 2013

Azithromycin (AZM) therapeutic failure and relapses of patients treated with generic formulations have been observed in clinical practice. The main goal of this research was to compare in a preclinical study the serum exposure and lung tissue concentration of two commercial formulations AZM-based in murine model. The current study involved 264 healthy Balb-C. Mice were divided into two groups (n=44): animals of Group A (reference formulation -R-) were orally treated with AZM suspension at 10 mg/kg of b.w. Experimental animals of Group B (generic formulation -G-) received identical treatment than Group A with a generic formulation AZM-based. The study was repeated twice as Phase II and III. Serum and lung tissue samples were taken 24 h post treatment. Validated microbiological assay was used to determine the serum pharmacokinetic and lung distribution of AZM. After the pharmacokinetic analysis was observed, a similar serum exposure for both formulations of AZM assayed. In contrast, statistical differences (P<0.001) were obtained after comparing the concentrations of both formulations in lung tissue, being the values obtained for AUC and Cmax (AZM-R-) +1586 and 122%, respectively, than those obtained for AZM-G- in lung. These differences may indicate large differences on the distribution process of both formulations, which may explain the lack of efficacy/therapeutic failure observed on clinical practice.
Prokaryotic Phylogenies Inferred from Whole-Genome Sequence and Annotation Data
Authors: Du Wei , Cao Zhongbo , Wang Yan , Sun Ying , Blanzieri Enrico , Liang Yanchun
Published: August 2013

Phylogenetic trees are used to represent the evolutionary relationship among various groups of species. In this paper, a novel method for inferring prokaryotic phylogenies using multiple genomic information is proposed. The method is called CGCPhy and based on the distance matrix of orthologous gene clusters between whole-genome pairs. CGCPhy comprises four main steps. First, orthologous genes are determined by sequence similarity, genomic function, and genomic structure information. Second, genes involving potential HGT events are eliminated, since such genes are considered to be the highly conserved genes across different species and the genes located on fragments with abnormal genome barcode. Third, we calculate the distance of the orthologous gene clusters between each genome pair in terms of the number of orthologous genes in conserved clusters. Finally, the neighbor-joining method is employed to construct phylogenetic trees across different species. CGCPhy has been examined on different datasets from 617 complete single-chromosome prokaryotic genomes and achieved applicative accuracies on different species sets in agreement with Bergey's taxonomy in quartet topologies. Simulation results show that CGCPhy achieves high average accuracy and has a low standard deviation on different datasets, so it has an applicative potential for phylogenetic analysis.
Effects of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery on Auditory Function: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Munjal Sanjay Kumar , Malik Parul , Sharma Anuradha , Panda Naresh Kumar , Thingnum Shyam K. Singh
Published: August 2013

Hearing loss has been reported as a complication following cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. Preoperative hearing testing is not commonly done in these procedures, so preoperative and postoperative hearing loss, if any, may occur unnoticed. 30 subjects in the age range of 50–70 with a mean age of 60.16 years with myocardial infarction and scheduled to undergo cardiopulmonary bypass surgery underwent detailed audiological assessment comprising of pure tone audiometry with extended high frequency audiometry, speech audiometry and otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing. The audiological testing was done preoperatively and at 2 weeks after the surgery. On pure tone audiometry, the difference between pre- and postsurgery mean values for both ears at 10, 12, and 16 KHz showed highly significant differences (P<0.0001). On OAE testing, a significant difference (P<0.05) between pre- and postvalues of signal to noise ratio (SNR) was found. It is hypothesised that CPB surgery makes blood redistribution to other organs easy, deviating from internal ear, which is highly susceptible as it lacks collateral circulation and its cells have high energy metabolism. Epithelial damage on internal ear microcirculation causes reduction of the cochlear potentials and hence hearing loss.
Cholesterol and Copper Affect Learning and Memory in the Rabbit
Authors: Schreurs Bernard G.
Published: August 2013

A rabbit model of Alzheimer’s disease based on feeding a cholesterol diet for eight weeks shows sixteen hallmarks of the disease including beta amyloid accumulation and learning and memory changes. Although we have shown that feeding 2% cholesterol and adding copper to the drinking water can retard learning, other studies have shown that feeding dietary cholesterol before learning can improve acquisition and feeding cholesterol after learning can degrade long-term memory. We explore the development of this model, the issues surrounding the role of copper, and the particular contributions of the late D. Larry Sparks.
Esophagus Segmentation from 3D CT Data Using Skeleton Prior-Based Graph Cut
Authors: Grosgeorge Damien , Petitjean Caroline , Dubray Bernard , Ruan Su
Published: August 2013

The segmentation of organs at risk in CT volumes is a prerequisite for radiotherapy treatment planning. In this paper, we focus on esophagus segmentation, a challenging application since the wall of the esophagus, made of muscle tissue, has very low contrast in CT images. We propose in this paper an original method to segment in thoracic CT scans the 3D esophagus using a skeleton-shape model to guide the segmentation. Our method is composed of two steps: a 3D segmentation by graph cut with skeleton prior, followed by a 2D propagation. Our method yields encouraging results over 6 patients.
Intracellular Secretory Leukoprotease Inhibitor Modulates Inositol 1,4,5-Triphosphate Generation and Exerts an Anti-Inflammatory Effect on Neutrophils of Individuals with Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Reeves Emer P. , Banville Nessa , Ryan Dorothy M. , O’Reilly Niamh , Bergin David A. , Pohl Kerstin , Molloy Kevin , McElvaney Oliver J. , Alsaleh Khalifah , Aljorfi Ahmed , Kandalaft Osama , O'Flynn Eimear , Geraghty Patrick , O’Neill Shane J. , McElvaney Noel G.
Published: August 2013

Secretory leukoprotease inhibitor (SLPI) is an anti-inflammatory protein present in respiratory secretions. Whilst epithelial cell SLPI is extensively studied, neutrophil associated SLPI is poorly characterised. Neutrophil function including chemotaxis and degranulation of proteolytic enzymes involves changes in cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) levels which is mediated by production of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) in response to G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate the intracellular function of SLPI and the mechanism-based modulation of neutrophil function by this antiprotease. Neutrophils were isolated from healthy controls (n=10), individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) (n=5) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n=5). Recombinant human SLPI significantly inhibited fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLP) and interleukin(IL)-8 induced neutrophil chemotaxis (P<0.05) and decreased degranulation of matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9), hCAP-18, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) (P<0.05). The mechanism of inhibition involved modulation of cytosolic IP3production and downstream Ca2+flux. The described attenuation of Ca2+flux was overcome by inclusion of exogenous IP3in electropermeabilized cells. Inhibition of IP3generation and Ca2+flux by SLPI may represent a novel anti-inflammatory mechanism, thus strengthening the attractiveness of SLPI as a potential therapeutic molecule in inflammatory airway disease associated with excessive neutrophil influx including CF, non-CF bronchiectasis, and COPD.
Modeling and Analysis of Epidemic Diffusion with Population Migration
Authors: Liu Ming , Xiao Yihong
Published: August 2013

An improved Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible (SIS) epidemic diffusion model with population migration between two cities is modeled. Global stability conditions for both the disease-free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium are analyzed and proved. The main contribution of this paper is reflected in epidemic modeling and analysis which considers unequal migration rates, and only susceptible individuals can migrate between the two cities. Numerical simulation shows when the epidemic diffusion system is stable, number of infected individuals in one city can reach zero, while the number of infected individuals in the other city is still positive. On the other hand, decreasing population migration in only one city seems not as effective as improving the recovery rate for controlling the epidemic diffusion.
The Measurement of Maximal (Anaerobic) Power Output on a Cycle Ergometer: A Critical Review
Authors: Driss Tarak , Vandewalle Henry
Published: August 2013

The interests and limits of the different methods and protocols of maximal (anaerobic) power () assessment are reviewed: single all-out testsversusforce-velocity tests, isokinetic ergometersversusfriction-loaded ergometers, measure of during the acceleration phase or at peak velocity. The effects of training, athletic practice, diet and pharmacological substances upon the production of maximal mechanical power are not discussed in this review mainly focused on the technical (ergometer, crank length, toe clips), methodological (protocols) and biological factors (muscle volume, muscle fiber type, age, gender, growth, temperature, chronobiology and fatigue) limiting in cycling. Although the validity of the Wingate test is questionable, a large part of the review is dedicated to this test which is currently the all-out cycling test the most often used. The biomechanical characteristics specific of maximal and high speed cycling, the bioenergetics of the all-out cycling exercises and the influence of biochemical factors (acidosis and alkalosis, phosphate ions…) are recalled at the beginning of the paper. The basic knowledge concerning the consequences of the force-velocity relationship upon power output, the biomechanics of sub-maximal cycling exercises and the study on the force-velocity relationship in cycling by Dickinson in 1928 are presented in Appendices.
Effects of Cortisol Administered through Slow-Release Implants on Innate Immune Responses in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Cortés R. , Teles M. , Trídico R. , Acerete L. , Tort L.
Published: August 2013

Cortisol is a key hormone in the fish stress response with a well-known ability to regulate several physiological functions, including energy metabolism and the immune system. However, data concerning cortisol effects on fish innate immune system using a more controlled increase in cortisol levels isolated from any other stress related signaling is scarce. The present study describes the effect of doses of cortisol corresponding to acute and chronic levels on the complement and lysozyme activity in plasma of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We also evaluated the effects of these cortisol levels (from intraperitoneally implanted hydrocortisone) on the mRNA levels quantified by RT-qPCR of selected key immune-related genes in the liver, head kidney, and spleen. For that purpose, 60 specimens of rainbow trout were divided in to two groups: a control group injected with a coconut oil implant and another group injected with the same implant and cortisol (50 μg cortisol/g body weight). Our results demonstrate the role of cortisol as a modulator of the innate immune response without the direct contribution of other stress axes. Our results also show a relationship between the complement and lysozyme activity in plasma and mRNA levels in liver, supporting the important role of this organ in producing these immune system proteins after a rise of cortisol in the fish plasma.
The Ehrlich Tumor Induces Pain-Like Behavior in Mice: A Novel Model of Cancer Pain for Pathophysiological Studies and Pharmacological Screening
Authors: Calixto-Campos Cassia , Zarpelon Ana C. , Corrêa Mab , Cardoso Renato D. R. , Pinho-Ribeiro Felipe A. , Cecchini Rubens , Moreira Estefania G. , Crespigio Jefferson , Bernardy Catia C. F. , Casagrande Rubia , Verri Waldiceu A.
Published: August 2013

The Ehrlich tumor is a mammary adenocarcinoma of mice that can be developed in solid and ascitic forms depending on its administration in tissues or cavities, respectively. The present study investigates whether the subcutaneous plantar administration of the Ehrlich tumor cells induces pain-like behavior and initial pharmacological susceptibility characteristics. The Ehrlich tumor cells (1 × 104–107cells) induced dose-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia (electronic version of the von Frey filaments), paw edema/tumor growth (caliper), and flinches compared with the saline group between days 2 and 12. There was no difference between doses of cells regarding thermal hyperalgesia in the hot-plate test. Indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and amitriptyline hydrochloride (a tricyclic antidepressant) treatments did not affect flinches or thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. On the other hand, morphine (an opioid) inhibited the flinch behavior and the thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. These effects of morphine on pain-like behavior were prevented by naloxone (an opioid receptor antagonist) treatment. None of the treatments affected paw edema/tumor growth. The results showed that, in addition to tumor growth, administration of the Ehrlich tumor cells may represent a novel model for the study of cancer pain, specially the pain that is susceptible to treatment with opioids, but not to cyclooxygenase inhibitor or to tricyclic antidepressant.
Effect of Varying Illumination and Temperature on Steady-State and Dynamic Parameters of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using AC Impedance Modeling
Authors: Tripathi Brijesh , Yadav Pankaj , Kumar Manoj
Published: August 2013

The steady-state current-voltage curve and dynamic response of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is mathematically modeled based on electrical equivalent circuit. The effect of temperature and illumination on the steady-state and dynamic parameters of dye-sensitized solar cells is studied. It is found that the dynamic resistance of DSSC decreases from 619.21 Ωto 90.34 Ωwith the increase in illumination level from 200 W/m2to 800 W/m2. A positive temperature coefficient of dynamic resistance is observed. The interfacial charge transfer and recombination losses at the oxide/dye/electrolyte interface are found to be the most influential factor on the overall conversion efficiency and included in the mathematical model. The saturation current of rectifying diode and saturation current of recombination diode are responsible for the transfer recombination losses and have major influence on the overall conversion efficiency.
Protective Role ofPsoralea corylifoliaL. Seed Extract against Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by Oxidative Stress or Aging
Authors: Seo Eunhui , Oh Yoon Sin , Kim Donghee , Lee Mi-Young , Chae Sungwook , Jun Hee-Sook
Published: August 2013

The accumulation of oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction is an important factor that contributes to aging. ThePsoralea corylifoliaseeds (PCS), commonly known as “Boh-Gol-Zhee” in Korea, have been used traditionally as a medicinal remedy. We investigated whether an extract of PCS has protective effects on oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in hepatocytes. The PCS extract showed an antisenescence effect on human diploid fibroblasts as evidenced by a decreased expression ofp16INK4amRNA and senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase staining. PCS extract treatment reduced H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HepG2 cells, inhibited ROS production in hepatocytes of aged mice, and increased superoxide dismutase activity. In H2O2-treated HepG2 cells, PCS extract treatment recovered ATP production. PCS extract treatment recovered the oxygen consumption rate and inhibited reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by oxidative stress, suggesting improvement of mitochondrial function. In addition, PCS extract treatment recovered peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator 1αand carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 mRNA and protein expression, and inhibited mitochondrial genome damage. Treatment with the major component of PCS extract, bakuchiol, also recovered mitochondrial dysfunction. On the basis of these results, we conclude that PCS extract inhibits ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in hepatocytes.
Hive Relocation Does Not Adversely Affect Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Foraging
Authors: Riddell Pearce Fiona C. , Couvillon Margaret J. , Ratnieks Francis L. W.
Published: August 2013

Honey bees,Apis mellifera, face major challenges including diseases and reduced food availability due to agricultural intensification. Additionally, migratory beekeeping may subject colonies to a moving stress, both during the move itself and after the move, from the bees having to forage in a novel environment where they have no knowledge of flower locations. This study investigated the latter. We moved three colonies housed in observation hives onto the campus from a site 26 km away and compared their foraging performance to three similarly sized colonies at the same location that had not been moved. We obtained data on (1) foraging performance by calculating distance by decoding waggle dances, (2) hive foraging rate by counting forager departure rate, (3) forage quality by assessing sugar content of nectar from returning foragers, and (4) forager success by calculating the proportion of bees returning to the nest entrance with nectar in their crop. We repeated this 3 times (August 2010, October 2010, and June 2011) to encompass any seasonal effects. The data show no consistent difference in foraging performance of moved versus resident hives. Overall the results suggest that moving to a new location does not adversely affect the foraging success of honey bees.
What Are the Barriers Which Discourage 15-16 Year-Old Girls from Participating in Team Sports and How Can We Overcome Them?
Authors: Wetton Abigail R. , Radley Rebecca , Jones Angela R. , Pearce Mark S.
Published: August 2013

Given the clear benefits of regular physical activity (such as reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and obesity, as well as other benefits including those related to mental health), exploration of the reasons that adolescent girls give for not taking part in team sports may be particularly valuable for enhancing later rates of participation. We combined questionnaires () and semistructured interviews () to assess the barriers that prevent 15-16-year-old girls from participating in extracurricular team games and what can be done to overcome these barriers and improve physical activity levels. Four barriers became prominent as to why girls in this sample do not participate: Internal Factors, Existing Stereotypes, Other Hobbies and Teachers. Methods to overcome these barriers were identified; changing teachers’ attitudes and shifting the media’s focus away from male sport. Following the successful summer Olympics and Paralympics in the UK, and the resulting positive focus on some of the nation’s female athletes, a shift in focus may be possible. However, this needs to be maintained to allow girls more opportunities, role models and motivation to participate in sport.
Demethoxycurcumin-Metal Complexes: Fragmentation and Comparison with Curcumin-Metal Complexes, as Studied by ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Ostrowski Wojciech , Śniecikowska Lidia , Hoffmann Marcin , Frański Rafał
Published: August 2013

Two questions are asked: the first is if the lack/presence of methoxyl moiety at aromatic ring essentially affects the stability of curcuminoid-metal complexes, and the second is if it is possible that in the metal complexes one of the possible demethoxycurcumin structures predominates. To answer the first question, the ESI-MS/MS spectra were taken of ions containing demethoxycurcumin, curcumin, and metal cation (e.g., ion [dCurc + Curc-H + Pb]+), and in order to answer the second question the ESI-MS/MS spectra were recorded of ions containing demethoxycurcumin and metal cation (e.g., ion [dCurc-H + Zn]+). An interpretation of the mass spectra has indicated that (i) for some metals, curcumin-metal complexes are more stable than demethoxycurcumin-metal complexes and for some metals vice versa, and (ii) in demethoxycurcumin-metal complexes structure B1 [(1E,4Z,6E)-5-hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)hepta-1,4,6-trien-3-one] is more stable than structure B2 [(1E,4Z,6E)-5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxyphenyl)hepta-1,4,6-trien-3-one].
Shannon's Random-Cipher Result and the GeneralizedR-Norm Entropy of Typeβ
Authors: Kumar Satish , Choudhary Arun
Published: August 2013

Using the Fano inequality for the generalizedR-norm entropy and Bayess probability of error, a generalized random-cipher result is proved by taking into account the generalizedR-norm entropy of typeβ.
Does Rebound Tonometry Probe Misalignment Modify Intraocular Pressure Measurements in Human Eyes?
Authors: Beasley Ian G. , Laughton Deborah S. , Coldrick Benjamin J. , Drew Thomas E. , Sallah Marium , Davies Leon N.
Published: August 2013

Purpose. To examine the influence of positional misalignments on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement with a rebound tonometer.Methods. Using the iCare rebound tonometer, IOP readings were taken from the right eye of 36 healthy subjects at the central corneal apex (CC) and compared to IOP measures using the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). Using a bespoke rig, iCare IOP readings were also taken 2 mm laterally from CC, both nasally and temporally, along with angular deviations of 5 and 10 degrees, both nasally and temporally to the visual axis.Results. Mean IOP ± SD, as measured by GAT, was14.7±2.5 mmHgversusiCare tonometer readings of17.4±3.6 mmHg at CC, representing an iCare IOP overestimation of2.7±2.8 mmHg (P<0.001), which increased at higher average IOPs. IOP at CC using the iCare tonometer was not significantly different to values at lateral displacements. IOP was marginally underestimated with angular deviation of the probe but only reaching significance at 10 degrees nasally.Conclusions. As shown previously, the iCare tonometer overestimates IOP compared to GAT. However, IOP measurement in normal, healthy subjects using the iCare rebound tonometer appears insensitive to misalignments. An IOP underestimation of <1 mmHg with the probe deviated 10 degrees nasally reached statistical but not clinical significance levels.
Emptying of Intracellular Calcium Pool and Oxidative Stress Imbalance Are Associated with the Glyphosate-Induced Proliferation in Human Skin Keratinocytes HaCaT Cells
Authors: George Jasmine , Shukla Yogeshwer
Published: August 2013

We demonstrated that glyphosate possesses tumor promoting potential in mouse skin carcinogenesis and SOD 1, calcyclin (S100A6), and calgranulin B (S100A9) have been associated with this potential, although the mechanism is unclear. We aimed to clarify whether imbalance in between levels and oxidative stress is associated with glyphosate-induced proliferation in human keratinocytes HaCaT cells. The levels, ROS generation, and expressions of G1/S cyclins, IP3R1, S100A6, S100A9, and SOD 1, and apoptosis-related proteins were investigated upon glyphosate exposure in HaCaT cells. Glyphosate (0.1 mM) significantly induced proliferation, decreases , and increases ROS generation in HaCaT cells, whereas antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) pretreatment reverts these effects which directly indicated that glyphosate induced cell proliferation by lowering levels via ROS generation. Glyphosate also enhanced the expression of G1/S cyclins associated with a sharp decrease in G0/G1 and a corresponding increase in S-phases. Additionally, glyphosate also triggers S100A6/S100A9 expression and decreases IP3R1 and SOD 1 expressions in HaCaT cells. Notably, Ca2+suppression also prevented apoptotic related events including Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspases activation. This study highlights that glyphosate promotes proliferation in HaCaT cells probably by disrupting the balance in between levels and oxidative stress which in turn facilitated the downregulation of mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathways.
A Computationally Efficient and Adaptive Approach for Online Embedded Machinery Diagnosis in Harsh Environments
Authors: Jiang Chuan , Huang Samuel H.
Published: August 2013

Condition-based monitoring (CBM) has advanced to the stage where industry is now demanding machinery that possesses self-diagnosis ability. This need has spurred the CBM research to be applicable in more expanded areas over the past decades. There are two critical issues in implementing CBM in harsh environments using embedded systems: computational efficiency and adaptability. In this paper, a computationally efficient and adaptive approach including simple principal component analysis (SPCA) for feature dimensionality reduction and K-means clustering for classification is proposed for online embedded machinery diagnosis. Compared with the standard principal component analysis (PCA) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), SPCA is adaptive in nature and has lower algorithm complexity when dealing with a large amount of data. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is firstly validated using a standard rolling element bearing test dataset on a personal computer. It is then deployed on an embedded real-time controller and used to monitor a rotating shaft. It was found that the proposed approach scaled well, whereas the standard PCA-based approach broke down when data quantity increased to a certain level. Furthermore, the proposed approach achieved 90% accuracy when diagnosing an induced fault compared to 59% accuracy obtained using the standard PCA-based approach.
Predictors of Attrition in Patients Ineligible for Antiretroviral Therapy after Being Diagnosed with HIV: Data from an HIV Cohort Study in India
Authors: Alvarez-Uria Gerardo , Midde Manoranjan , Pakam Raghavakalyan , Naik Praveen Kumar
Published: August 2013

In newly HIV-diagnosed patients, the CD4+ lymphocyte count is measured to determine the need for antiretroviral therapy (ART). Studies from Sub-Saharan Africa have shown that patients who are ART ineligible at the first assessment have poor retention in care, but data from other low- or middle-income countries are scarce. In this study we describe the retention in pre-ART care of 1696 patients who were ineligible for ART after being diagnosed with HIV in a cohort study in India. More than one-third of ART ineligible patients had poor retention in care, and the attrition was higher in those with longer follow-up periods. Of those patients with poor retention, only 10% came back to the clinics, and their CD4 cell counts were lower than the ones of patients retained in care. After 4.5 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of loss to follow-up was 50%. Factors associated with attrition were being homeless, being illiterate, belonging to a disadvantaged community, being symptomatic at the time of the HIV diagnosis, male gender, and not living near a town. Widows were given nutritional support and, therefore, had better retention in care. The results of this study highlight the need to improve the retention in care of ART ineligible patients in India.
Day-to-Day Variability of H and Z Components of the Geomagnetic Field at the African Longitudes
Authors: Obiekezie T. N. , Obiadazie S. C. , Agbo G. A.
Published: August 2013

The Day-to-day variability of the geomagnetic field elements at the African longitudes has been studied for the year 1987 using geomagnetic data obtained from four different African observatories. The analysis was carried out on solar quiet days using hourly values of the Horizontal, , and vertical, , geomagnetic field values. The results of this study confirm that Sq is a very changeable phenomenon, with a strong day-to-day variation. This day-to-day variation is seen to be superimposed on magnetic disturbances of a magnetospheric origin.
Utilization of CT Pulmonary Angiography in Suspected Pulmonary Embolism in a Major Urban Emergency Department
Authors: Shujaat Adil , Shapiro Janet M. , Eden Edward
Published: August 2013

Objectives. We conducted a study to answer 3 questions: (1) is CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) overutilized in suspected pulmonary embolism (PE)? (2) What alternative diagnoses are provided by CTPA? (3) Can CTPA be used to evaluate right ventricular dilatation (RVD)?Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical information of 231 consecutive emergency department patients who underwent CTPA for suspected PE over a one-year period.Results. The mean age of our patients was 53 years, and 58.4% were women. The prevalence of PE was 20.7%. Among the 136 patients with low clinical probability of PE, a d-dimer test was done in 54.4%, and it was normal in 24.3%; none of these patients had PE. The most common alternative findings on CTPA were emphysema (7.6%), pneumonia (7%), atelectasis (5.5%), bronchiectasis (3.8%), and congestive heart failure (3.3%). The sensitivity and negative predictive value of CTPA for (RVD) was 92% and 80%, respectively.Conclusions. PE could have been excluded without CTPA in ~1 out of 4 patients with low clinical probability of PE, if a formal assessment of probability and d-dimer test had been done. In patients without PE, CTPA did not provide an alternative diagnosis in 65%. In patients with PE, CTPA showed the potential to evaluate RVD.
On Bernstein-Type Theorems in Semi-Riemannian Warped Products
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Liu Ximin
Published: August 2013

Complete spacelike hypersurfaces immersed in semi-Riemannian warped products are investigated. By using a technique according to Yau (1976) and a reasonable restriction on the mean curvature of the hypersurfaces, we obtain some new Bernstein-type theorems which extend some known results proved by Camargo et al. (2011) and Colares and Lima (2012).
Factors Affecting Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment in Harari National Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Mitiku Habtamu , Abdosh Tekabe , Teklemariam Zelalem
Published: August 2013

Background. The efficacy of antiretroviral treatment (ART) depends on strict adherence to the regimen, but many factors have been identified for nonadherence. Method. To identify the factors for non-adherence to ART, a cross-sectional study was conducted on people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and attending the ART service at Hiwot Fana and Jugal hospitals; it was done from October to December, 2010. Adherence was defined as taking 95% of the prescribed doses in the week before the survey. Data were collected using a standard interview questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS Version 16.
Result. Among the 239 study participants, the magnitude of adherence to ART in the week before interview was 87%. The main reasons for nonadherence were forgetting (47.2%), traveling (18.9%), and being busy doing other things (15.1%). There was not any independent predicator identified for adherence to ART. Conclusion. Compared to other similar studies in Ethiopia, in this study a high adherence rate was found. Forgetfulness was the most common reason for the nonadherence. Therefore, the ART counseling needs to give emphasis to using memory aids. In addition, a further study on adherence rate and its determinants with multiple adherence measurements is recommended.