bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tyrosinase Inhibitory Effect and Antioxidative Activities of Fermented and Ethanol Extracts of Rhodiola rosea and Lonicera japonica
Authors: Chen Yuh-Shuen , Liou Hua-Chian , Chan Chin-Feng
Published: November 2013

This is the first study to investigate the biological activities of fermented extracts of Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) and Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Caprifoliaceae). Alcaligenes piechaudii CC‐ESB2 fermented and ethanol extracts of Rhodiola rosea and Lonicera japonica were prepared and the antioxidative activities of different concentrations of samples were evaluated using in vitro antioxidative assays. Tyrosinase inhibition was determined by using the dopachrome method with L‐DOPA as substrate. The results demonstrated that inhibitory effects (ED50 values) on mushroom tyrosinase of fermented Rhodiola rosea, fermented Lonicera japonica, ethanol extract of Lonicera japonica, and ethanol extract of Rhodiola rosea were 0.78, 4.07, 6.93, and >10 mg/ml, respectively. The DPPH scavenging effects of fermented Rhodiola rosea (ED50 = 0.073 mg/ml) and fermented Lonicera japonica (ED50 = 0.207 mg/ml) were stronger than effects of their respective ethanol extracts. Furthermore, the scavenging effect increases with the presence of high content of total phenol. However, the superoxide scavenging effects of fermented Rhodiola rosea was less than effects of fermented Lonicera japonica. The results indicated that fermentation of Rhodiola rosea and Lonicera japonica can be considered as an effective biochemical process for application in food, drug, and cosmetics.
Design and Parameter Study of a Self-Compensating Hydrostatic Rotary Bearing
Authors: Zuo Xiaobo , Li Shengyi , Yin Ziqiang , Wang Jianmin
Published: November 2013

The influence of design parameters on the static performance of a newly designed self-compensating hydrostatic rotary bearing was investigated. The bearing was designed by incorporating the main attributes of angled-surface self-compensating bearing and opposed-pad self-compensating bearing. A governing model based on flow conservation was built to theoretically study the static performance, and the methodology was validated by experiments. It is pointed out that the influence factors on the bearing static performance are the designed resistance ratio of the restricting land to the bearing land, the inner resistance ratio of the land between pockets to that between the pocket and the drain groove, the initial clearance ratio of the restricting gap to the bearing gap, and the semiconical angle. Their effects on the load carrying capacity and stiffness were investigated by simulation. Results show that the optimum designed resistance ratio is 1; the initial clearance ratio should be small, and the inner resistance ratio should be large.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity of Novel Schiff and Mannich Bases of 4‐Amino‐3‐(N‐phthalimidomethyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐thione
Authors: Yunus Uzma , Bhatti Moazzam H. , Rahman Naima , Mussarat Nosheen , Asghar Shazia , Masood Bilal
Published: November 2013

The present work describes the syntheses and antimicrobial activity studies of a series of novel Schiff bases (4a–4i) and their Mannich bases (5a–5h) starting from 4‐amino‐3‐(N‐phthalimido‐methyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐thione (3). All the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and MS. All the synthesized compounds were screened for four Gram‐negative strains, one Gram‐positive strain of bacteria, and one diploid fungal strain. In general the antimicrobial activity increased remarkably on the introduction of azomethine functionality in parent triazole (3). The antimicrobial activity further improved when morpholine group was added to them except for Enterobacter cloacae, where loss of activity was observed. The results are promising and show that the fine tuning of the structures (5a, 5b, 5e, 5f, and 5h) can lead to some new antimicrobial compounds.
Effects of Copper and/or Cholesterol Overload on Mitochondrial Function in a Rat Model of Incipient Neurodegeneration
Authors: Arnal Nathalie , Castillo Omar , de Alaniz María J. T. , Marra Carlos A.
Published: November 2013

Copper (Cu) and cholesterol (Cho) are both associated with neurodegenerative illnesses in humans and animals models. We studied the effect in Wistar rats of oral supplementation with trace amounts of Cu (3 ppm) and/or Cho (2%) in drinking water for 2 months. Increased amounts of nonceruloplasmin-bound Cu were observed in plasma and brain hippocampus together with a higher concentration of ceruloplasmin in plasma, cortex, and hippocampus. Cu, Cho, and the combined treatment Cu + Cho were able to induce a higher Cho/phospholipid ratio in mitochondrial membranes with a simultaneous decrease in glutathione content. The concentration of cardiolipin decreased and that of peroxidation products, conjugated dienes and lipoperoxides, increased. Treatments including Cho produced rigidization in both the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes with a simultaneous increase in permeability. No significant increase in Cyt C leakage to the cytosol was observed except in the case of cortex from rats treated with Cu and Cho nor were there any significant changes in caspase-3 activity and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. However, the Aβ(1–42)/(1–40) ratio was higher in cortex and hippocampus. These findings suggest an incipient neurodegenerative process induced by Cu or Cho that might be potentiated by the association of the two supplements.
Effect of Environmental Degradation on Mechanical Properties of Kenaf/Polyethylene Terephthalate Fiber Reinforced Polyoxymethylene Hybrid Composite
Authors: Zaki Abdullah Mohamad , Dan-mallam Yakubu , Megat Yusoff Puteri Sri Melor
Published: November 2013

The main objective of this research is to investigate the effect of environmental degradation on the mechanical properties of kenaf/PET fiber reinforced POM hybrid composite. Kenaf and PET fibers were selected as reinforcements because of their good mechanical properties and resistance to photodegradation. The test samples were produced by compression molding. The samples were exposed to moisture, water spray, and ultraviolet penetration in an accelerated weathering chamber for 672 hours. The tensile strength of the long fiber POM/kenaf (80/20) composite dropped by 50% from 127.8 to 64.8 MPa while that of the hybrid composite dropped by only 2% from 73.8 to 72.5 MPa. This suggests that the hybrid composite had higher resistance to tensile strength than the POM/kenaf composite. Similarly, the results of flexural and impact strengths also revealed that the hybrid composite showed less degradation compared to the kenaf fiber composite. The results of the investigation revealed that the hybrid composite had better retention of mechanical properties than that of the kenaf fiber composites and may be suitable for outdoor application in the automotive industry.
Elastoplastical Analysis of the Interface between Clay and Concrete Incorporating the Effect of the Normal Stress History
Authors: Cheng Zhao , Chunfeng Zhao , Hui Gong
Published: November 2013

The behaviour of the soil-structure interface is crucial to the design of a pile foundation. Radial unloading occurs during the process of hole boring and concrete curing, which will affect the load transfer rule of the pile-soil interface. Through large shear tests on the interface between clay and concrete, it can be concluded that the normal stress history significantly influences the shear behaviour of the interface. The numerical simulation of the bored shaft-soil interaction problem requires proper modelling of the interface. By taking the energy accumulated on the interface as a hardening parameter and viewing the shearing process of the interface as the process of the energy dissipated to do work, considering the influence of the normal stress history on the shearing rigidity, a mechanical model of the interface between clay and concrete is proposed. The methods to define the model parameters are also introduced. The model is based on a legible mathematical theory, and all its parameters have definite physical meaning. The model was validated using data from a direct shear test; the validation results indicated that the model can reproduce and predict the mechanical behaviour of the interface between clay and concrete under an arbitrary stress history.
A Novel Opportunity in Minimally Invasive Colorectal Cancer Therapy: Defining a Role for Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in the United States
Authors: Cohen Jonah
Published: November 2013

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among both men and women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an innovative advanced endoscopic therapy for superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms which is rapidly becoming standard of care particularly in Asia. ESD was first developed for the resection of early gastric cancers; yet ESD for colon tumors has gained increasing attention in recent years. The advantage of ESD over conventional endoscopic resection lies in its potential to achieve en bloc resection regardless of tumor size, leading to more precise histological evaluation and greater potential for cure. Selecting appropriate patients for this procedure involves identifying colorectal cancers with nul risk of lymph node spread. For colorectal ESD to engraft in the United States, the prevalence of such early stage lesions must be defined so that centers of excellence can be developed for high volume clinical practice to offer patients the safest and most efficacious outcomes. This review discusses the endoscopic staging of colorectal neoplasms, indications for colorectal ESD, and the epidemiology of early stage ESD-amenable colorectal cancer in America to better define an opportunity for this important minimally invasive therapy.
A Small Ku-Band Polarization Tracking Active Phased Array for Mobile Satellite Communications
Authors: Shi Wei , Qian Zuping , Zhou Jun , Qu Xinbo , Xiang Yang , Hong Liu
Published: November 2013

A compact polarization tracking active phased array for Ku-band mobile satellite signal reception is presented. In contrast with conventional mechanically tracking antennas, the approach presented here meets the requirements of beam tracking and polarization tracking simultaneously without any servo components. The two-layer stacked square patch fed by two probes is used as antenna element. The impedance bandwidth of 16% for the element covers the operating frequency range from 12.25 GHz to 12.75 GHz. In the presence of mutual coupling, the dimensional parameters for each element of the small 7 × 7 array are optimized during beam scanning and polarization tracking. The compact polarization tracking modules based on the low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) system-in-package (SiP) technology are proposed. A small active phased array prototype with the size of 120 mm (length) × 120 mm (width) × 55 mm (height) is developed. The measured polarization tracking patterns of the prototype are given. The polarization tracking beam can be steered in the elevation up to 50°. The gain of no less than 16.0 dBi and the aperture efficiency of more than 50% are obtained. The measured and simulated polarization tracking patterns agreed well.
Actinomycetes Diversity among rRNA Gene Clones and Cellular Isolates from Sambhar Salt Lake, India
Authors: Yadav A. K. , Vardhan S. , Kashyap S. , Yandigeri M. , Arora D. K.
Published: November 2013

The vertical stratification of actinomycetes diversity in Sambhar salt lake (India’s largest salt lake) was investigated by using cultivable and uncultivable approaches. The isolates from cultured approaches were clustered on the basis of cultural, morphological, biochemical, and cell wall characteristics, and results were further strengthened by 16S rDNA‐RFLP into five major groups. 16S rDNA sequencing of the representative isolates from each clusters was identified as belonging to Streptomyces, Actinopolyspora, Microbispora, Saccharopolyspora, and Actinoplanes genera, while culture independent group was established as Streptomyces (130 clones, 20 OTUs), Micromonospora (96 clones, 7 OTUs), Streptosporangium (79 clones, 9 OTUs), Thermomonospora (46 clones, 8 OTUs), and Dactylosporangium (58 clones, 8 OTUs). The diversity assessment using Shannon and Wiener index was found to be 1.55, 1.52, 1.55, and 1.49 from surface lake water, at depth of 1.5 m, shallow layer of water with algal population, and finally at depth of 2.5 m, respectively. We observed diversity in terms of the species richness as Streptomyces is dominant genus in both culture dependent and culture independent techniques followed by Microbispora (culture dependent methods) and Micromonospora (culture independent method) genera, respectively.
Amplify‐and‐Forward Cooperative Diversity for Green UWB‐Based WBSNs
Authors: Shaban Heba , Abou El-Nasr Mohamad
Published: November 2013

This paper proposes a novel green cooperative diversity technique based on suboptimal template‐based ultra‐wideband (UWB) wireless body sensor networks (WBSNs) using amplify‐and‐forward (AF) relays. In addition, it analyzes the bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance of the proposed nodes. The analysis is based on the moment‐generating function (MGF) of the total signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at the destination. It also provides an approximate value for the total SNR. The analysis studies the performance of equally correlated binary pulse position modulation (EC‐BPPM) assuming the sinusoidal and square suboptimal template pulses. Numerical results are provided for the performance evaluation of optimal and suboptimal template‐based nodes with and without relay cooperation. Results show that one relay node provides ~23 dB performance enhancement at 1e − 3 BER, which mitigates the effect of the nondesirable non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) links in WBSNs.
Parameter Estimation for Traffic Noise Models Using a Harmony Search Algorithm
Authors: An Deok-Soon , Suh Young-Chan , Mun Sungho , Ohm Byung-Sik
Published: November 2013

A technique has been developed for predicting road traffic noise for environmental assessment, taking into account traffic volume as well as road surface conditions. The ASJ model (ASJ Prediction Model for Road Traffic Noise, 1999), which is based on the sound power level of the noise emitted by the interaction between the road surface and tires, employs regression models for two road surface types: dense-graded asphalt (DGA) and permeable asphalt (PA). However, these models are not applicable to other types of road surfaces. Accordingly, this paper introduces a parameter estimation procedure for ASJ-based noise prediction models, utilizing a harmony search (HS) algorithm. Traffic noise measurement data for four different vehicle types were used in the algorithm to determine the regression parameters for several road surface types. The parameters of the traffic noise prediction models were evaluated using another measurement set, and good agreement was observed between the predicted and measured sound power levels.
Photocatalytic Characterization of Fe‐ and Cu‐Doped ZnO Nanorods Synthesized by Cohydrolysis
Authors: Uhm Young Rang , Sun Han Byung , Rhee Chang Kyu , Choi Sun Ju
Published: November 2013

Fe‐ and Cu‐doped ZnO nanorods have been synthesized by a novel process employing a hydrolysis of metal powders. Zn, Fe, and Cu nanopowders were used as starting materials and incorporated into distilled water. The solution was refluxed at 60°C for 24 h to obtain the precipitates from the hydrolysis of Zn and dopants (Cu and Fe). The TEM results for ZnO with and without metal doping showed that the produced powders had a rod‐like shape. The rod shape was attributable to the zinc oxide from the hydrolysis of Zn. With an increasing doping content, the UV‐vis spectra were shifted to a long wavelength and this result indicates that the band gap was changed by the metal doping. The values of phenol degrading Fe‐ and Cu‐doped ZnO by a solar simulator were measured to be 60 and 75%, respectively.
Circulating Soluble Cytokine Receptors and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Ho Gloria Y.F. , Wang Tao , Zheng Siqun L. , Tinker Lesley , Xu Jianfeng , Rohan Thomas E. , Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , Xue Xiaonan , Augenlicht Leonard H. , Peters Ulrike , Phipps Amanda I. , Strickler Howard D. , Gunter Marc J. , Cushman Mary
Published: November 2013

Background: Soluble cytokine receptors and receptor antagonist of proinflammatory cytokines can modify cytokine signaling and may affect cancer risk.

Methods: In a case–cohort study nested within the Women's Health Initiative cohort of postmenopausal women, we assessed the associations of plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and the soluble receptors of IL-1 (sIL-1R2), IL-6 (sIL-6R and sgp130), and TNF (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) with risk of colorectal cancer in 433 cases and 821 subcohort subjects. Baseline levels of estradiol, insulin, leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α measured previously were also available for data analysis.

Results: After adjusting for significant covariates, including age, race, smoking, colonoscopy history, waist circumference, and levels of estrogen, insulin, and leptin, relatively high levels of sIL-6R and sIL-1R2 were associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk [HRs comparing extreme quartiles (HRQ4-Q1) for sIL-6R, 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38–0.83; HRQ4-Q1 for sIL-1R2, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.29–0.67]. The associations with IL-1Ra, sgp130, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were null. The inverse association of sIL-1R2 with colorectal cancer risk persisted in cases diagnosed ≤5 and >5 years from baseline blood draw; the association with sIL-6R, however, was not evident in the latter group, possibly indicating that relatively low levels of sIL-6R in cases might be due to undiagnosed cancer at the time of blood draw.

Conclusions: High circulating levels of sIL-1R2 may be protective against colorectal carcinogenesis and/or be a marker of reduced risk for the disease.

Impact: sIL-1R2 has potential to be a chemopreventive and/or immunotherapeutic agent in inflammation-related diseases. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 179–88. ©2013 AACR.
Phosphoproteomic Profiling Identifies Focal Adhesion Kinase as a Mediator of Docetaxel Resistance in Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lee Brian Y. , Hochgräfe Falko , Lin Hui-Ming , Castillo Lesley , Wu Jianmin , Raftery Mark J. , Martin Shreeve S. , Horvath Lisa G. , Daly Roger J.
Published: November 2013

Docetaxel remains the standard-of-care for men diagnosed with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, only approximately 50% of patients benefit from treatment and all develop docetaxel-resistant disease. Here, we characterize global perturbations in tyrosine kinase signaling associated with docetaxel resistance and thereby develop a potential therapeutic strategy to reverse this phenotype. Using quantitative mass spectrometry–based phosphoproteomics, we identified that metastatic docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cell lines (DU145-Rx and PC3-Rx) exhibit increased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) on Y397 and Y576, in comparison with parental controls (DU145 and PC3, respectively). Bioinformatic analyses identified perturbations in pathways regulating focal adhesions and the actin cytoskeleton and in protein–protein interaction networks related to these pathways in docetaxel-resistant cells. Treatment with the FAK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) PF-00562271 reduced FAK phosphorylation in the resistant cells, but did not affect cell viability or Akt phosphorylation. Docetaxel administration reduced FAK and Akt phosphorylation, whereas cotreatment with PF-00562271 and docetaxel resulted in an additive attenuation of FAK and Akt phosphorylation and overcame the chemoresistant phenotype. The enhanced efficacy of cotreatment was due to increased autophagic cell death, rather than apoptosis. These data strongly support that enhanced FAK activation mediates chemoresistance in CRPC, and identify a potential clinical niche for FAK TKIs, where coadministration with docetaxel may be used in patients with CRPC to overcome chemoresistance. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(1); 190–201. ©2013 AACR.
Role of Crosslinking for Agonistic CD40 Monoclonal Antibodies as Immune Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Richman Lee P. , Vonderheide Robert H.
Published: November 2013

Agonists of the TNF superfamily of receptors hold promise as novel therapy for cancer. Recent data on agonistic antimurine TNF receptors (TNFR) such as CD40 suggest that the specific engagement of Fc receptor (FcR) is required for optimal antitumor effects, prompting calls to engineer antihuman CD40 and other TNFR monoclonal antibodies (mAb) accordingly. CP-870,893 is a fully human anti-CD40 mAb, selected in part because it is an immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2), which is presumed to have poor reactivity with FcR; however, CP-870,893 has been evaluated in multiple clinical trials with beneficial activity in patients with melanoma, pancreatic, and other cancers. Here, we confirmed that the activity of antimurine CD40 mAb was dependent on FcγRIIB engagement, was decreased significantly in FcγRIIB−/− mice, and upon Fc-crosslinking antimouse CD40 mAb enhanced the activation of antigen-presenting cells. In contrast, the CP-870,893-mediated activation of human B cells was not enhanced with anti-IgG crosslinking nor abrogated when used as an F(ab)′2 reagent. Crosslinking of CP-870,893 using the CD32-expressing K562 cells yielded an Fc-dependent modest increase in the expression of some activation markers relative to that of the soluble CP-870,893 mAb. Classic Fc-dependent functions such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) were minimal for CP-870,893 as compared with the IgG1 anti-CD20 mAb rituximab, which mediated both ADCC and CMC in parallel assays. Antimouse CD40 mAb competed for the CD40 ligand binding site, but CP-870,893 did not. Thus, Fc crosslinking is not an essential requirement for agonistic antihuman CD40 mAbs, in which potency is more dependent on the CD40 epitope recognized and the strength of the signal achieved. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(1); 19–26. ©2013 AACR.
Statistical Power of Multilevel Modelling in Dental Caries Clinical Trials: A Simulation Study
Authors: Burnside G. , Pine C.M. , Williamson P.R.
Published: November 2013

Outcome data from dental caries clinical trials have a naturally hierarchical structure, with surfaces clustered within teeth, clustered within individuals. Data are often aggregated into the DMF index for each individual, losing tooth- and surface-specific information. If these data are to be analysed by tooth or surface, allowing exploration of effects of interventions on different teeth and surfaces, appropriate methods must be used to adjust for the clustered nature of the data. Multilevel modelling allows analysis of clustered data using individual observations without aggregating data, and has been little used in the field of dental caries. A simulation study was conducted to investigate the performance of multilevel modelling methods and standard caries increment analysis. Data sets were simulated from a three-level binomial distribution based on analysis of a caries clinical trial in Scottish adolescents, with varying sample sizes, treatment effects and random tooth level effects based on trials reported in Cochrane reviews of topical fluoride, and analysed to compare the power of multilevel models and traditional analysis. 40,500 data sets were simulated. Analysis showed that estimated power for the traditional caries increment method was similar to that for multilevel modelling, with more variation in smaller data sets. Multilevel modelling may not allow significant reductions in the number of participants required in a caries clinical trial, compared to the use of traditional analyses, but investigators interested in exploring the effect of their intervention in more detail may wish to consider the application of multilevel modelling to their clinical trial data.
Comparison of the Possible Protective Effect of the Salivary Pellicle of Individuals with and without Erosion
Authors: Moazzez R.V. , Austin R.S. , Rojas-Serrano M. , Carpenter G. , Cotroneo E. , Proctor G. , Zaidel L. , Bartlett D.W.
Published: November 2013

The acquired pellicle adheres to tooth surfaces and has been suggested to provide differing degrees of protection against acidic erosion. This study investigated whether pellicle formed on enamel blocks in patients suffering dietary dental erosion modified the effect of an in vitro simulated dietary challenge, in comparison with pellicle formed on enamel blocks in healthy subjects and to no-pellicle enamel samples. Sixty subjects recruited from dental erosion clinics were compared to healthy age-matched controls. Subjects wore a custom-made maxillary splint holding human enamel blocks for 1 h during which the acquired enamel pellicle was formed. Enamel blocks were removed from the splints and a simulated dietary erosive challenge of 10 min was performed. In addition the challenge was performed on 30 enamel samples without pellicle. Profilometry showed no statistical difference between samples from the erosion subjects with a mean step height of 1.74 µm (SD 0.88) and median roughness (Sa) of 0.39 µm (interquartile range, IQR 0.3-0.56) and the controls with 1.34 µm (SD 0.66) and 0.33 µm (IQR 0.27-0.38), respectively. The control samples without pellicle had Sa of 0.44 µm (IQR 0.36-0.69) and these differences were statistically significant compared to those from the healthy subjects (p = 0.002). Mean (SD) microhardness reduction with a 100-gram load for the erosion group was 113.5 (10) KHN, for healthy subjects was 93 (15.4) KHN and for the enamel samples without pellicle 139.6 (21.8) KHN and all groups were statistically different. The microhardness and roughness data suggested the pellicle influenced erosion under these study conditions.
Psychometric Properties of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test in Hungarian Samples of Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Gyepesi Áron , Urbán Róbert , Farkas Judit , Kraus Ludwig , Piontek Daniela , Paksi Borbála , Horváth Gergely , Magi Anna , Eisinger Andrea , Pilling János , Kökönyei Gyöngyi , Kun Bernadette , Demetrovics Zsolt
Published: November 2013

Aim: The aim of our study was to analyze psychometric properties of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST). Methods: Our sample comprised Hungarian high school (n = 476; male 56.3%; mean age 19.0 years, SD = 0.65 years) and college students (n = 439; male 65.1%; mean age 23.9 years, SD = 1.56 years) who reported cannabis use in the past year. The sample covered the five biggest universities of Hungary. Besides the CAST, participants responded to the Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Factor structure was analyzed by a confirmatory factor analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was made to assess cut-off scores. Data collection took place in 2010. Results: CAST proved to be a reliable (Cronbach's α 0.71 and 0.76) one-dimensional measure. Regarding both cannabis dependence and cannabis use disorders, a cut-off of 2 points proved to be ideal in both samples, resulting in optimal specificity, negative predictive values and accuracy, but less than optimal positive predictive values (dependence) and low sensitivity (cannabis use disorder). Discussion and Conclusions: In line with former results, the CAST proved to be an adequate measure for the screening of cannabis-related problems among adolescents and young adults in an Eastern European country where this scale has not been studied before.
A Novel Method to Quantify Dentine Tubule Occlusion Applied to in situ Model Samples
Authors: Olley R.C. , Parkinson C.R. , Wilson R. , Moazzez R. , Bartlett D.
Published: November 2013

Objectives: To develop an innovative computerised routine, in conjunction with a minimally destructive imaging technique, to quantify dentine tubule occlusion. Methods: Polished human dentine samples (n = 480) were brushed during a 4-day in situ study with two occlusion-based dentifrices, a sodium fluoride control dentifrice (1,450 ppm) or water. Samples were imaged with tandem scanning microscopy (TSM) and conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The level of dentine patency was then assessed using a visual ordinal scale (‘standard') or quantitatively using a specially designed computational routine. Results: The occlusion-based dentifrice resulted in significantly less patent dentine than controls for the ‘standard' (p = 0.01) assessment, but not for computer analyses (p = 0.10). The correlation of the number of individual patent tubules counted visually and by the computational routine in calibrations and in the in situ study was ≥0.8. Conclusions: This study identified a new computer-based routine, capable of objectively quantifying the patency of dentine imaged by SEM and TSM.
A Target-Oriented Algorithm for Citrate-Calcium Anticoagulation in Clinical Practice
Authors: Strobl Karin , Hartmann Jens , Wallner Manfred , Brandl Martin , Falkenhagen Dieter
Published: November 2013

Background/Aims: Because of a high monitoring demand and an ensuing need for automation of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA), a new semi-automated target-oriented algorithm was developed. The aim of this study was the evaluation of its functionality and safety. Methods: Fourteen haemodialysis patients were treated 5 times consecutively with RCA. Samples were drawn pre- and post-infusion once per hour. Electrolytes, blood cell counts, acid-base and coagulation parameters were analyzed. Results: Mean ionized calcium (Ca2+) values pre-filter were 0.23 and 0.33 mmol/l in the 0.2 and 0.3 mmol/l target groups, respectively. Extraction ratios for citrate and total calcium through the dialysis filter were constant during the entire treatment (83 and 68%, respectively). Citrate accumulation was avoided. Conclusion: The new algorithm enables safe and accurate RCA. By regulating Ca2+ pre-filter using the target-oriented algorithm, the degree of anticoagulation may be easily controlled.
Acute Skin Graft-versus-Host Disease with Molecular Features Mimicking Herpes Simplex Virus-Associated Erythema Multiforme: Report of Three Cases
Authors: Joseph Ranjit , Shvartsbeyn Marianna , Günay Canan , Akpek Görgün , Aurelian Laure
Published: November 2013

Background: Acute skin erythematous lesions that follow allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and are histologically diagnosed as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are often associated with reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus (HSV). Objective: To further examine the relationship between reactivated HSV and GVHD development. Methods: We present 3 patients with acute skin GVHD after allogeneic HSCT who were studied prospectively for expression of the HSV antigen Pol, which is involved in HSV-associated erythema multiforme. Results: Pol was expressed in the GVHD lesions but not the pre-HSCT normal skin or peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Lesion severity correlated with the Pol levels but not the histopathologically defined GVHD grade. Lesion development was accompanied by increased numbers of Pol+ circulating/skin-infiltrating CD34+ stem cells and CD1a+ and other dermal dendritic cells. Conclusions: Subclinical HSV infection of circulating CD34+ cells can contribute to some post-HSCT skin lesions histologically diagnosed as GVHD, with potential preventive and therapeutic implications.
Clinical Analysis of Five Methods Used to Treat Condylomata Acuminata
Authors: Shi Huijuan , Zhang Xiaoming , Ma Chunmei , Yu Nan , Wang Jingxia , Xia Li , Ge Xinhong , Liu Min , Duan Aixia
Published: November 2013

Objective: Treatments for condylomata acuminata (CA) include pharmacotherapy and surgical therapies, but each treatment has its limitations. The aim of this study was to investigate the virus clearance rate, wart cure rate and safety of 5 methods on CA. Methods: 361 patients diagnosed with CA were divided into groups A (<0.5 cm), B (0.5-2.0 cm) and C (>2.0-4.0 cm) according to the maximum diameter of their lesion. Five treatments were compared in each group, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated during follow-ups. Results: A 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is preferred if the maximum lesion diameter is <0.5 cm and an ALA-PDT plus cryotherapy treatment is preferred for lesions 0.5-2.0 cm. For lesions >2.0- 4.0 cm, an ALA-PDT retreatment (after cryotherapy or CO2 laser treatment) should be the first choice. Conclusions: The treatments for CA should be chosen according to the maximum diameter of each patient's lesion.
Is Symptom-Oriented Follow-Up Still Up to Date?
Authors: Mundhenke Fehler! Es wurde kein Textmarkenname vergeben.Christoph , Moebus Volker
Published: November 2013

The main objective of following patients after the primary treatment of breast cancer is the detection of potentially curable events, particularly the detection of local recurrences and contralateral breast cancer. Additionally, medical counseling on therapies, psychosocial aspects, side effects of therapies, and lifestyle interventions is important to improve the quality of life. There is an ongoing discussion about whether early detection of asymptomatic metastasis could improve the course of disease. Today, the follow-up is still symptom-orientated. Intensified imaging and laboratory check-ups have not been beneficial for the patients' survival. A follow-up in the first 2-3 years is recommended every 3 months. Because of the decreasing incidence of recurrence from year 4, 6-monthly screening intervals are recommended. The screening should include a history, physical examination, and a consultation. Routine diagnostic imaging - except for mammography/ultrasound - is not indicated in asymptomatic patients. Innovative therapies for patients with metastatic breast cancer have been introduced. Therefore, measures of an intensified follow-up could change in the future as novel endocrine combination or targeted therapies in molecular subtypes could significantly improve the survival in early detected metastasis. In the future, more individualized follow-up programs are conceivable. However, this idea is so far not supported by the available data.
B1 Was the Ancestor B Chromosome Variant in the Western Mediterranean Area in the Grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans
Authors: Cabrero J. , López-León M.D. , Ruíz-Estévez M. , Gómez R. , Petitpierre E. , Rufas J.S. , Massa B. , Kamel Ben Halima M. , Camacho J.P.M.
Published: November 2013

We analyzed the distribution of 2 repetitive DNAs, i.e. ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and a satellite DNA (satDNA), on the B chromosomes found in 17 natural populations of the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis ploransplorans sampled around the western Mediterranean region, including the Iberian Peninsula, Balearic Islands, Sicily, and Tunisia. Based on the amount of these repetitive DNAs, 4 types of B variants were found: B1, showing an equal or higher amount of rDNA than satDNA, and 3 other variants, B2, B24 and B5, bearing a higher amount of satDNA than rDNA. The variants B1 and B2 varied in size among populations: B1 was about half the size of the X chromosome in Balearic Islands, but two-thirds of the X in Iberian populations at Alicante, Murcia and Albacete provinces. Likewise, B2 was about one-third the size of the X chromosome in populations from the Granada province but half the size of the X in the populations collected at Málaga province. The widespread geographical distribution of the B1 variant makes it the best candidate for being the ancestor B chromosome in the whole western Mediterranean region.
The Association between Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 and Vascular Calcification Is Mitigated by Inflammation Markers
Authors: NasrAllah Mohamed M. , El-Shehaby Amal R. , Osman Noha A. , Fayad Tarek , Nassef Amr , Salem Mona M. , Sharaf El Din Usama A.A.
Published: November 2013

Background: Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) has been linked to vascular calcification, ventricular hypertrophy and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD), although these links may not be direct and independent. Similar grave outcomes are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in CKD. Recently, accumulating evidence has linked components of phosphate homeostasis to inflammation and oxidative stress. The interaction between the triad of inflammation, FGF-23 and cardiovascular outcomes is underinvestigated. Methods: We studied 65 patients with stage 5 CKD on hemodialysis. Serum levels of FGF-23, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), endogenous soluble receptor of advanced glycation end products (esRAGE), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), parathormone, lipids, calcium and phosphorous were measured. The aortic calcification index (ACI) was determined using non-contrast CT scans of the abdominal aorta. Results: FGF-23 was elevated (mean: 4,681 pg/ml, SD: 3,906) and correlated with hsCRP, esRAGE, AOPP, dialysis vintage and phosphorus in univariate analysis. In multiple regression analysis, hsCRP, AOPP and phosphorus but not esRAGE were all significantly correlated to FGF-23 (R2 = 0.7, p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, ACI correlated with hsCRP, esRAGE, FGF-23, dialysis vintage, systolic blood pressure (BP) and serum cholesterol. In multiple regression analysis not including inflammation markers, ACI was associated with FGF-23. However, inclusion of inflammation markers in another multiple regression analyses showed that ACI correlated with hsCRP, BP, dialysis vintage and esRAGE but not with FGF-23 (R2 = 0.65, p < 0.001). Conclusion: FGF-23 is strongly correlated to various markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients. The association between FGF-23 and vascular calcification was mitigated when corrected for inflammation markers.
A Simple and Easy Method Using Rigid Endoscope to Detect Iridocorneal and Keratolenticular Adhesions in Peters' Anomaly
Authors: Hirata Akira , Mine Tadashi
Published: November 2013

Peters' anomaly is characterized by a central corneal opacity with corresponding defects in the posterior stroma, Descemet's membrane, and endothelium. We present 2 cases that showed corneal opacity when examined by topical endoscopic imaging (TEI). Case 1 was a 20-day-old neonatal female who had a central corneal opacity in the left eye. TEI showed that the iris stroma was adhered toward the back of the opacified cornea. Case 2 was a 4-month-old male who had a bilateral corneal opacity. TEI revealed that both a keratolenticular adhesion and a surrounding iridocorneal adhesion were observed behind the area of corneal opacity. The patient was diagnosed as having Peters' anomaly with persistent fetal vasculature. This study demonstrates that TEI is a novel method capable of looking into an eye from only a small area of the clear cornea.
Gastric and Endobronchial Metastases in a Case of Lobular Breast Cancer
Authors: Fernandes G.S. , Corrêa T.S. , Carvalho E.P.B. , Katz A. , Hoff P.M.
Published: November 2013

Background: Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common histological type of invasive breast carcinoma, preceded only by infiltrating ductal carcinoma, which has clinical, biological and molecular distinctions. These distinctions imply a different metastatic behavior between the histology of these 2 types of breast cancer. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 51-year-old woman with breast cancer with ILC histology, diagnosed at an early stage. In the course of her disease, recurrences in the gastric mucosa and endobronchial area occurred. The treatment she received is described herein. Conclusion: This is a case of ILC with unusual metastases. The absence of E-cadherin is related to the carcinogenesis of ILC and probably to these patterns of metastasis as well.
Macroaneurysm on the Optic Disc in a Patient with Aortic Dissection
Authors: Takeyama Masayuki , Iwaki Masayoshi , Zako Masahiro
Published: November 2013

Purpose: We report a case of macroaneurysm on the optic disc, a rare location, accompanied by vitreous hemorrhage in a patient with aortic dissection. Methods: A 60-year-old female with a history of aortic dissection at the age of 51 presented with visual disturbance owing to vitreous hemorrhage in her right eye. During vitrectomy, we found a large macroaneurysm on the optic disc that was beating and oozing blood. However, the macroaneurysm was not treated. Results: The macroaneurysm gradually shrunk, and the beating and oozing of blood disappeared accordingly. Conclusion: Up to now, there have been no reports of macroaneurysm on the optic disc in aortic dissection patients. The association between macroaneurysm on the optic disc and aortic dissection is unclear; therefore, additional case reports may be necessary. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first one reported in the literature.
Sample Size and Cost Analysis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Drug Trials Using Various Imaging Modalities to Assess Right Ventricular Size and Function End Points
Authors: Addetia Karima , Bhave Nicole M. , Tabit Corey E. , Gomberg-Maitland Mardi , Freed Benjamin H. , Dill Karin E. , Lang Roberto M. , Mor-Avi Victor , Patel Amit R.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Placebo-controlled trials for pulmonary arterial hypertension are no longer acceptable because new therapies must show clinically significant effects on top of standard treatment. The purpose of this study was to estimate sample sizes and imaging costs for the planning of a hypothetical pulmonary arterial hypertension drug trial using imaging to detect changes in right ventricular size and function in response to combined therapy.

Methods and Results—

Same-day cardiovascular MR (CMR) and 2-dimensional (2D) and 3D transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE and 3DTTE) were performed in 22 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (54±13 years of age) twice, 6 months apart. Short-axis CMR cines and full-volume 3DTTE data sets of the right ventricle were used to measure end-diastolic volume and ejection fraction. Fractional area change was obtained from 2DTTE. Sample size calculations used a 2-sample
t
test model incorporating differences between baseline and 6-month measurements. Cost estimates were made using the Medicare fee schedule. No significant differences were noted between baseline and follow-up measurements. Large SDs reflected variable progression of disease in individual patients on standard therapy and measurement variability. These sources of variability resulted in intertechnique differences in sample sizes: to detect a change of 5% to 15% in 3DTTE-derived right ventricular ejection fraction and fractional area change or change of 15 to 30 mL in 3DTTE right ventricular end-diastolic volume; sample sizes were 2× to 2.5× those required by CMR. As a result, the total cost of a trial using complete TTE was greater than CMR, which was greater than limited TTE.

Conclusions—

Because of lower measurement variability, CMR is more cost saving in pulmonary arterial hypertension drug trials than echocardiography, unless limited TTE is used.
Variation in Use of Left Ventriculography in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System
Authors: Heidenreich Paul A. , Lin Shoutzu , Knowles Joshua W. , Perez Marco , Maddox Thomas M. , Ho Michael P. , Rumsfeld John S. , Sahay Anju , Massie Barry M. , Tsai Thomas T. , Witteles Ronald M.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Contrast left ventriculography is a method of measuring left ventricular function usually performed at the discretion of the invasive cardiologist during cardiac catheterization. We sought to determine variation in the use of left ventriculography in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System.

Methods and Results—

We identified adult patients who underwent cardiac catheterization including coronary angiography between 2000 and 2009 in the VA Health Care System. We determined patient and hospital predictors of the use of left ventriculography as well as the variation in use across VA facilities. Results were validated using data from the VA’s Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking (CART) program. Of 457 170 cardiac catheterization procedures among 336 853 patients, left ventriculography was performed on 263 695 (58%) patients. Use of left ventriculography decreased over time (64% in 2000 to 50% in 2009) and varied markedly across facilities (<1–>95% of cardiac catheterizations). Patient factors explained little of the large variation in use between facilities. When the cohort was restricted to those with an echocardiogram in the prior 30 days and no intervening event, left ventriculography was still performed in 50% of cases.

Conclusions—

There is large variation in the use of left ventriculography across VA facilities that is not explained by patient characteristics.
Mitochondrial Contagion Induced by Parkin Deficiency in
Drosophila
Hearts and Its Containment by Suppressing Mitofusin
Authors: Bhandari Poonam , Song Moshi , Chen Yun , Burelle Yan , Dorn Gerald W.
Published: November 2013

Rationale:

Dysfunctional Parkin-mediated mitophagic culling of senescent or damaged mitochondria is a major pathological process underlying Parkinson disease and a potential genetic mechanism of cardiomyopathy. Despite epidemiological associations between Parkinson disease and heart failure, the role of Parkin and mitophagic quality control in maintaining normal cardiac homeostasis is poorly understood.

Objective:

We used germline mutants and cardiac-specific RNA interference to interrogate Parkin regulation of cardiomyocyte mitochondria and examine functional crosstalk between mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics in
Drosophila
heart tubes.

Methods and Results:

Transcriptional profiling of Parkin knockout mouse hearts revealed compensatory upregulation of multiple related E3 ubiquitin ligases. Because
Drosophila
lack most of these redundant genes, we examined heart tubes of
parkin
knockout flies and observed accumulation of enlarged hollow donut mitochondria with dilated cardiomyopathy, which could be rescued by cardiomyocyte-specific Parkin expression. Identical abnormalities were induced by cardiomyocyte-specific Parkin suppression using 2 different inhibitory RNAs. Parkin-deficient cardiomyocyte mitochondria exhibited dysmorphology, depolarization, and reactive oxygen species generation without calcium cycling abnormalities, pointing to a primary mitochondrial defect. Suppressing cardiomyocyte mitochondrial fusion in Parkin-deficient fly heart tubes completely prevented the cardiomyopathy and corrected mitochondrial dysfunction without normalizing mitochondrial dysmorphology, demonstrating a central role for mitochondrial fusion in the cardiomyopathy provoked by impaired mitophagy.

Conclusions:

Parkin deficiency and resulting mitophagic disruption produces cardiomyopathy in part by contamination of the cardiomyocyte mitochondrial pool through fusion between improperly retained dysfunctional/senescent and normal mitochondria. Limiting mitochondrial contagion by inhibiting organelle fusion shows promise for minimizing organ dysfunction produced by defective mitophagic signaling.