bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the R162W Kir7.1 mutation associated with snowflake vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Xiaoming , Wang Hui , Sharma Anil K. , Edwards Albert O. , Hughes Bret A.
Published: December 2012

KCNJ13 encodes Kir7.1, an inwardly rectifying K+ channel that is expressed in multiple ion-transporting epithelia. A mutation in KCNJ13 resulting in an arginine-to-tryptophan change at residue 162 (R162W) of Kir7.1 was associated with snowflake vitreoretinal degeneration, an inherited autosomal-dominant disease characterized by vitreous degeneration and mild retinal degeneration. We used the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system to assess the functional properties of the R162W (mutant) Kir7.1 channel and determine how wild-type (WT) Kir7.1 is affected by the presence of the mutant subunit. Recordings obtained via the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique revealed that injection of oocytes with mutant Kir7.1 cRNA resulted in currents and cation selectivity that were indistinguishable from those in water-injected oocytes, suggesting that the mutant protein does not form functional channels in the plasma membrane. Coinjection of oocytes with equal amounts of mutant and WT Kir7.1 cRNAs resulted in inward K+ and Rb+ currents with amplitudes that were ∼17% of those in oocytes injected with WT Kir7.1 cRNA alone, demonstrating a dominant-negative effect of the mutant subunit. Similar to oocytes injected with WT Kir7.1 cRNA alone, coinjected oocytes exhibited inwardly rectifying Rb+ currents that were more than seven times larger than K+ currents, indicating that mutant subunits did not alter Kir7.1 channel selectivity. Immunostaining of Xenopus oocytes or Madin-Darby canine kidney cells expressing mutant or WT Kir7.1 demonstrated distribution of both proteins primarily in the plasma membrane. Our data suggest that the R162W mutation suppresses Kir7.1 channel activity, possibly by negatively impacting gating by membrane phosphadidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate.
Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels modulate action potential-induced Ca2+ transients in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Tonini Raffaella , Ferraro Teresa , Sampedro-Castañeda Marisol , Cavaccini Anna , Stocker Martin , Richards Christopher D. , Pedarzani Paola
Published: December 2012

In hippocampal pyramidal neurons, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open in response to action potentials. This results in elevations in the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ that are maximal in the proximal apical dendrites and decrease rapidly with distance from the soma. The control of these action potential-evoked Ca2+ elevations is critical for the regulation of hippocampal neuronal activity. As part of Ca2+ signaling microdomains, small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels have been shown to modulate the amplitude and duration of intracellular Ca2+ signals by feedback regulation of synaptically activated Ca2+ sources in small distal dendrites and dendritic spines, thus affecting synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. In this study, we investigated the effect of the activation of SK channels on Ca2+ transients specifically induced by action potentials in the proximal processes of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Our results, obtained by using selective SK channel blockers and enhancers, show that SK channels act in a feedback loop, in which their activation by Ca2+ entering mainly through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels leads to a reduction in the subsequent dendritic influx of Ca2+. This underscores a new role of SK channels in the proximal apical dendrite of hippocampal pyramidal neurons.
Reversed synaptic effects of hypocretin and NPY mediated by excitatory GABA-dependent synaptic activity in developing MCH neurons
Authors: Li Ying , Xu Youfen , van den Pol Anthony N.
Published: December 2012

In mature neurons, GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. In contrast, in developing neurons, GABA exerts excitatory actions, and in some neurons GABA-mediated excitatory synaptic activity is more prevalent than glutamate-mediated excitation. Hypothalamic neuropeptides that modulate cognitive arousal and energy homeostasis, hypocretin/orexin and neuropeptide Y (NPY), evoked reversed effects on synaptic actions that were dependent on presynaptic GABA release onto melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons. MCH neurons were identified by selective green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in transgenic mice. In adults, hypocretin increased GABA release leading to reduced excitation. In contrast, in the developing brain as studied here with analysis of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, paired-pulse ratios, and evoked potentials, hypocretin acted presynaptically to enhance the excitatory actions of GABA. The ability of hypocretin to enhance GABA release increases inhibition in adult neurons but paradoxically enhances excitation in developing MCH neurons. In contrast, NPY attenuation of GABA release reduced inhibition in mature neurons but enhanced inhibition during development by attenuating GABA excitation. Both hypocretin and NPY also evoked direct actions on developing MCH neurons. Hypocretin excited MCH cells by activating a sodium-calcium exchanger and by reducing potassium currents; NPY reduced activity by increasing an inwardly rectifying potassium current. These data for the first time show that both hypocretin and NPY receptors are functional presynaptically during early postnatal hypothalamic development and that both neuropeptides modulate GABA actions during development with a valence of enhanced excitation or inhibition opposite to that of the adult state, potentially allowing neuropeptide modulation of use-dependent synapse stabilization.
A Compact Multiband Notch UWB Antenna
Authors: Kumar K. , Gunasekaran N.
Published: December 2012

A simple and a compact coplanar waveguide (CPW) ultrawide band (UWB) antenna is presented. Multiband stop function is achieved by two different types of band stop resonators. One is a tilted square spiral slot resonator of different size and length etched on the patch and the other is a coupled resonator etched on the ground plane. These resonators provide considerable increase in notch bandwidth at the stop bands. The proposed antenna has a total size of18×20.3 mm2. The designed antenna achieves pass band performance at 1.8–2.1 GHz (15.38%), 3.0–3.2 GHz (6.45%), 4.4–4.7 GHz (6.59%), 6.3-6.4 GHz (1.57%), and 8–11.2 GHz (33.33%) where VSWR <2 and four stop bands at 2.4–2.8 GHz (15.38%), 3.2–3.7 GHz (14.49%), 5.5–6 GHz (8.69%), and 6.5–7 GHz (7.40%) where VSWR is equal to 10. The antenna has a peak gain of 3.8 dBi. The measured results show that the antenna achieves good impedance matching and consistent radiation patterns over an operating bandwidth.
Lip Height Improvement during the First Year of Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip Repair Using Cutting Extended Mohler Technique
Authors: Raposo-Amaral Cassio Eduardo , Giancolli André Pecci , Denadai Rafael , Marques Frederico Figueiredo , Somensi Renato Salazar , Raposo-Amaral Cesar Augusto , Alonso Nivaldo
Published: December 2012

Objective. To compare the cutaneous lip height at early and late postoperative periods and to objectively determine the average amount of lip height improvement during the first year of unilateral complete cleft lip repair using Cutting extended Mohler technique. Methods. In this prospective cohort study, 26 unilateral complete cleft patients and 50 noncleft subjects were included. Photographs were taken between 12 and 16 weeks (T1) and also taken between 12 and 13 months after surgery (T2). The cutaneous lip height distance (photogrammetric lip analysis) obtained in these two periods of time were measured and statistically analyzed. Results. The average lip heights were in T1 and in T2 (). The average lip height asymmetry in the noncleft individuals was . Conclusion. Since all principles to obtain a symmetrical Cupid’s bow were performed, the postoperative pull-up of Cupid’s bow is probably owed to the scar contracture, which improves by 2 times during the first year after surgery.
Boundary Layer Equations and Lie Group Analysis of a Sisko Fluid
Authors: Sarı Gözde , Pakdemirli Mehmet , Hayat Tasawar , Aksoy Yiğit
Published: December 2012

Boundary layer equations are derived for the Sisko fluid. Using Lie group theory, a symmetry analysis of the equations is performed. A partial differential system is transferred to an ordinary differential system via symmetries. Resulting equations are numerically solved. Effects of non‐Newtonian parameters on the solutions are discussed.
Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction for Essential Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xiong Xingjiang , Yang Xiaochen , Liu Wei , Feng Bo , Ma Jizheng , Du Xinliang , Wang Pengqian , Chu Fuyong , Li Jun , Wang Jie
Published: December 2012

Objectives. To assess the current clinical evidence of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction (BBTD) for essential hypertension (EH).Search Strategy. Electronic databases were searched until July 2012.Inclusion Criteria. We included randomized clinical trials testing BBTD against placebo, antihypertensive drugs, or combined with antihypertensive drugs against antihypertensive drugs.Data Extraction and Analyses. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were conducted according to Cochrane standards.Results. 16 randomized trials were included. Methodological quality of the included trials was evaluated as generally low. 2 trials compared prescriptions based on BBTD using alone with antihypertensive drugs. Meta-analysis showed no significant effect of modified BBTD compared with captopril in systolic blood pressure (MD: −0.75 (−5.77, 4.27);P=0.77) and diastolic blood pressure (MD: −0.75 (−2.89, 1.39);P=0.49). 14 trials compared the combination of BBTD or modified BBTD plus antihypertensive drugs with antihypertensive drugs. Meta-analysis showed there are significant beneficial effect on systolic blood pressure in the combination group compare to the antihypertensive drugs (MD: −4.33 (−8.44, −0.22);P=0.04). The safety of BBTD is uncertain.Conclusions. There is encouraging evidence of BBTD for lowering SBP, but evidence remains weak. Rigorously designed trials are warranted to confirm these results.
Chemotherapy and Dietary Phytochemical Agents
Authors: Sak Katrin
Published: December 2012

Chemotherapy has been used for cancer treatment already for almost 70 years by targeting the proliferation potential and metastasising ability of tumour cells. Despite the progress made in the development of potent chemotherapy drugs, their toxicity to normal tissues and adverse side effects in multiple organ systems as well as drug resistance have remained the major obstacles for the successful clinical use. Cytotoxic agents decrease considerably the quality of life of cancer patients manifesting as acute complaints and impacting the life of survivors also for years after the treatment. Toxicity often limits the usefulness of anticancer agents being also the reason why many patients discontinue the treatment. The nutritional approach may be the means of helping to raise cancer therapy to a new level of success as supplementing or supporting the body with natural phytochemicals cannot only reduce adverse side effects but improve also the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics. Various plant-derived compounds improve the efficiency of cytotoxic agents, decrease their resistance, lower and alleviate toxic side effects, reduce the risk of tumour lysis syndrome, and detoxify the body of chemotherapeutics. The personalised approach using various phytochemicals provides thus a new dimension to the standard cancer therapy for improving its outcome in a complex and complementary way.
Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptorγby Rosiglitazone Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Release of High Mobility Group Box 1
Authors: Hwang Jung Seok , Kang Eun Sil , Ham Sun Ah , Yoo Taesik , Lee Hanna , Paek Kyung Shin , Park Chankyu , Kim Jin-Hoi , Lim Dae-Seog , Seo Han Geuk
Published: December 2012

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are shown to modulate the pathological status of sepsis by regulating the release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a well-known late proinflammatory mediator of sepsis. Ligand-activated PPARs markedly inhibited lipopolysaccharide- (LPS) induced release of HMGB1 in RAW 264.7 cells. Among the ligands of PPAR, the effect of rosiglitazone, a specific ligand for PPARγ, was superior in the inhibition of HMGB1 release induced by LPS. This effect was observed in cells that received rosiglitazone before LPS or after LPS treatment, indicating that rosiglitazone is effective in both treatment and prevention. Ablation of PPARγwith small interfering RNA or GW9662-mediated inhibition of PPARγabolished the effect of rosiglitazone on HMGB1 release. Furthermore, the overexpression of PPARγmarkedly potentiated the inhibitory effect of rosiglitazone on HMGB1 release. In addition, rosiglitazone inhibited LPS-induced expression of Toll-like receptor 4 signal molecules, suggesting a possible mechanism by which rosiglitazone modulates HMGB1 release. Notably, the administration of rosiglitazone to mice improved survival rates in an LPS-induced animal model of endotoxemia, where reduced levels of circulating HMGB1 were demonstrated. Taken together, these results suggest that PPARs play an important role in the cellular response to inflammation by inhibiting HMGB1 release.
GISAXS/GIXRD View of ZnO Films with Hierarchical Structural Elements
Authors: Lučić Lavčević M. , Bernstorff S. , Dubček P. , Jozić D. , Jerković I. , Marijanović Z.
Published: December 2012

ZnO films constituted of porous sheet-like structures, formed by calcination of precursor, were examined using scanning electron microscopy and simultaneous small-angle scattering and diffraction of the synchrotron-sourced X-rays, under the grazing-incidence conditions. The presented analysis enabled insight into the complexity of the film morphology, which revealed substrate sensitivity on the microscopic and nanoscopic length scales. The average size and spatial arrangement of nanoparticles, single-crystal domains, and the average size and features of nanopores in sheet-like structures were determined for films deposited on glass, polycrystalline ZnO layer, and silicon.
Basic Characteristics of IEC Flickermeter Processing
Authors: Majchrzak Jarosław , Wiczyński Grzegorz
Published: December 2012

Flickermeter is a common name for a system that measures the obnoxiousness of flicker caused by voltage fluctuations. The output of flickermeter is a value of short-term flicker severity indicator, . This paper presents the results of the numerical simulations that reconstruct the processing of flickermeter in frequency domain. With the use of standard test signals, the characteristics of flickermeter were determined for the case of amplitude modulation of input signal, frequency modulation of input signal, and for input signal with interharmonic component. For the needs of simulative research, elements of standard IEC flickermeter signal chain as well as test signal source and tools for acquisition, archiving, and presentation of the obtained results were modeled. The results were presented with a set of charts, and the specific fragments of the charts were pointed out and commented on. Some examples of the influence of input signal’s bandwidth limitation on the flickermeter measurement result were presented for the case of AM and FM modulation. In addition, the diagrams that enable the evaluation of flickermeter’s linearity were also presented.
A Case Report of Spindle Cell (Sarcomatoid) Carcinoma of the Larynx
Authors: Boamah Harry , Ballard Billy
Published: December 2012

Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) or sarcomatoid carcinoma is a highly malignant variant of squamous cell carcinoma which comprises 2% to 3% of all laryngeal cancers. It is considered to be a biphasic tumor that is composed of a squamous cell carcinoma (in situ or invasive) and spindle cell carcinoma with sarcomatous appearance. Most spindle cell tumors are polypoid and pedunculated; they are often detected at an early stage, removed by polypectomy during diagnosis, and tend to have a very good prognosis. We present a case of spindle cell carcinoma in a 67-year-old Caucasian male who presented with progressive hoarseness of his voice, dysphagia, odynophagia and a 20-pound weight loss. The patient underwent direct laryngoscopy with excision of the malignant mass and received radiation therapy. His symptoms gradually improved, and he regained good control of his voice.
Endogenous Proliferation after Spinal Cord Injury in Animal Models
Authors: McDonough Ashley , Martínez-Cerdeño Verónica
Published: December 2012

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in motor and sensory deficits, the severity of which depends on the level and extent of the injury. Animal models for SCI research include transection, contusion, and compression mouse models. In this paper we will discuss the endogenous stem cell response to SCI in animal models. All SCI animal models experience a similar peak of cell proliferation three days after injury; however, each specific type of injury promotes a specific and distinct stem cell response. For example, the transection model results in a strong and localized initial increase of proliferation, while in contusion and compression models, the initial level of proliferation is lower but encompasses the entire rostrocaudal extent of the spinal cord. All injury types result in an increased ependymal proliferation, but only in contusion and compression models is there a significant level of proliferation in the lateral regions of the spinal cord. Finally, the fate of newly generated cells varies from a mainly oligodendrocyte fate in contusion and compression to a mostly astrocyte fate in the transection model. Here we will discuss the potential of endogenous stem/progenitor cell manipulation as a therapeutic tool to treat SCI.
Exact Null Controllability of KdV‐Burgers Equation with Memory Effect Systems
Authors: Ravi Kumar Rajagounder , Chong Kil To , Park Jong Ho
Published: December 2012

This paper is concerned with exact null controllability analysis of nonlinear KdV‐Burgers equation with memory. The proposed approach relies upon regression tool to prove controllability property of linearized KdV‐Burgers equation via Carleman
estimates. The control is distributed along with subdomain ω ⊂ Ω and the external
control acts on the key role of observability inequality with memory. This description
finally showed the exact null controllability guaranteeing the stability.
Contextual Hierarchical Part‐Driven Conditional Random Field Model for Object Category Detection
Authors: Wu Lizhen , Niu Yifeng , Shen Lincheng
Published: December 2012

Even though several promising approaches have been proposed in the literature, generic category‐level object detection is still challenging due to high intraclass variability and ambiguity in the appearance among different object instances. From the view of constructing object models, the balance between flexibility and discrimination must be taken into consideration. Motivated by these demands, we propose a novel contextual hierarchical part‐driven conditional random field (CRF) model, which is based on not only individual object part appearance but also model contextual interactions of the parts simultaneously. By using a latent two‐layer hierarchical formulation of labels and a weighted neighborhood structure, the model can effectively encode the dependencies among object parts. Meanwhile, beta‐stable local features are introduced as observed data to ensure the discriminative and robustness of part description. The object category detection problem can be solved in a probabilistic framework using a supervised learning method based on maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation. The benefits of the proposed model are demonstrated on the standard dataset and satellite images.
Existence of Traveling Fronts in a Food‐Limited Population Model with Spatiotemporal Delay
Authors: Zhao Hai-Qin , Liu San-Yang
Published: December 2012

This paper is concerned with the traveling fronts of a diffusive food‐limited population model with spatiotemporal delay. Sufficient conditions are established for the existence of traveling wave fronts by choosing different kinds of delay kernels. The approach used here is the upper‐lower solution method and monotone iteration technique. Our work extends and/or covers some previous results.
Skin Reactions and Quality of Life after X-Ray Therapy of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Skiveren Jette , Mikkelsen Maria Rudkjaer , Daugbjerg Helle , Wulf Hans Christian
Published: December 2012

Background. Advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is often treated by surgery or X-ray therapy. The consequences of X-ray therapy on the patients’ health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) have so far not been described.Objectives. To quantify quality of life in BCC patients before and after X-ray therapy compared with matched healthy controls.Materials. Twenty-five patients (mean age 69) with BCC completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) before and two weeks and three months after X-ray therapy and their results were compared with the DLQI scores for 25 matched controls.Results. Compared to the healthy controls the patients' DLQI score was significantly higher before and 2 weeks after X-ray therapy (P=0.005;P=0.000). The patients' DLQI score decreased significantly from baseline to three months after X-ray therapy (P=0.024), when it became similar to that of the healthy controls (P=0.819). Three months after X-ray therapy eight patients had no skin reactions, 11 had slight atrophy, pigmentation change, and/or some hair loss, four had patch atrophy, moderate telangiectasia, and/or total hair loss.Conclusions. BCC has a negative effect on patients' quality of life. The study shows that HRQOL normalises shortly after X-ray therapy, despite minor skin manifestations.
Combination of Interacting Multiple Models with the Particle Filter for Three‐Dimensional Target Tracking in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Xin , Xu Mengxi , Wang Huibin , Wu Yan , Shi Haiyan
Published: December 2012

Tracking underwater targets is a focused application area in modern underwater defence systems. Using traditional techniques based on imaging or sensor arrays may be difficult and impractical in some mission‐critical systems. Alternatively, the underwater wireless sensor network (UWSN) is able to offer a promising solution. This paper tackles the problem of accurately tracking underwater targets moving through the UWSN environment. This problem is considered nonlinear and non‐Gaussian where the present solution methods based on the particle filter technique are powerful and simple to implement. For three‐dimensional underwater maneuvering target tracking, the traditional particle filter tracking algorithm may fail to track the targets robustly and accurately. Thus, the interacting multiple model method is combined with the particle filter to cope with uncertainties in target maneuvers. Simulation results show that the proposed method is a promising substitute for the traditional imaging‐based or sensor‐based approaches.
Late Diagnosis of Silent Thoracic Aortic Rupture Presented as a Right Pleural Effusion
Authors: Kanakis Meletios A. , Papavassiliou Vassilios G. , Drosos Polivios , Kaperonis Elias A. , Benakis George , Lioulias Achilleas G.
Published: December 2012

Patients with ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm rarely present in a stable clinical condition. A man was referred to our hospital with the diagnosis of ruptured saccular aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta. He successfully underwent both endovascular graft repair and open thoracotomy.
g‐Bases in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Guo Xunxiang
Published: December 2012

The concept of g‐basis in Hilbert spaces is introduced, which generalizes Schauder basis in Hilbert spaces. Some results about g‐bases are proved. In particular, we characterize the g‐bases and g‐orthonormal bases. And the dual g‐bases are also discussed. We also consider the equivalent relations of g‐bases and g‐orthonormal bases. And the property of g‐minimal of g‐bases is studied as well. Our results show that, in some cases, g‐bases share many useful properties of Schauder bases in Hilbert spaces.
Isolation of Pancreatic Progenitor Cells with the Surface Marker of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Ma Fengxia , Chen Fang , Chi Ying , Yang Shaoguang , Lu Shihong , Han Zhongchao
Published: December 2012

To isolate pancreatic progenitor cells with the surface markers of hematopoietic stem cells, the expression of stem cell antigen (Sca-1) and c-Kit and the coexpression of them with pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1), neurogenin 3 (Ngn3), and insulin were examined in murine embryonic pancreas. Then different pancreatic cell subpopulations were isolated by magnet-activated cell sorting. Isolated cells were cultured overnight in hanging drops. When cells formed spheres, they were laid on floating filters at the air/medium interface. With this new culture system, pancreatic progenitor cells were induced to differentiate to endocrine and exocrine cells. It was shown that c-Kit and Sca-1 were expressed differently in embryonic pancreas at 12.5, 15.5, and 17.5 days of gestation. The expression of c-Kit and Sca-1 was the highest at 15.5 days of gestation. c-Kit rather than Sca-1 coexpressed with PDX-1, Ngn3, and insulin. Cells differentiated from c-Kit-positive cells contained more insulin-producing cells and secreted more insulin in response to glucose stimulation than that from c-Kit-negative cells. These results suggested that c-Kit could be used to isolate pancreatic progenitor cells and our new culture system permitted pancreatic progenitor cells to differentiate to mature endocrine cells.
Immune Responses Associated with Resistance to Haemonchosis in Sheep
Authors: Alba-Hurtado Fernando , Muñoz-Guzmán Marco Antonio
Published: December 2012

This paper examines the known immunological and genetic factors associated with sheep resistance to infection byHaemonchus contortus. Such resistance is an inheritable genetic trait (h2, 0.22–0.63) associated with certain sheep breeds. Resistant sheep do not completely reject the disease; they only harbor fewer parasites than susceptible sheep and therefore have a lower fecal egg count. Protective immune response to haemonchosis is an expression of genetic resistance. Genes associated with resistance and susceptibility are described. Genetically resistant sheep have nonspecific mechanisms that block the initial colonization byHaemonchus contortuslarvae. These sheep also have an efficacious Th2 type response (e.g., increases in blood and tissue eosinophils, specific IgE class antibodies, mast cells, IL-5, IL-13, and TNFα) that protects them against the infection; in contrast, susceptible sheep do not efficiently establish this type of immune response. Finally, the main reported antigens ofH. contortuswere reviewed.
Induction of Mast-Cell Accumulation by Promutoxin, an Arg-49 PhospholipaseA2
Authors: Wei Ji-Fu , Wei Xiao-Long , Mo Ya-Zhen , Yang Haiwei , He Shaoheng
Published: December 2012

Local inflammation is a prominent characteristic of snakebite wound, and snake-venom phospholipase A2s (PLA2s) are some of the main component that contribute to accumulation of inflammatory cells. However, the action of an R49 PLA2s, promutoxin fromProtobothrops mucrosquamatusvenom, on mast-cell accumulation has not been previously examined. Using a mouse peritoneal model, we found that promutoxin can induce approximately-6-fold increase in mast-cell accumulation, and the response lasts at least for 16 h. The promutoxin-induced mast cell accumulation was inhibited by cyproheptadine, terfenadine, and Ginkgolide B, indicating that histamine and platelet-activating factor (PAF) is likely to contribute to the mast-cells accumulation. Preinjection of antibodies against adhesion molecules ICAM-1, CD18, CD11a, and L-selectin showed that ICAM-1, and CD18, CD11a are key adhesion molecules of promutoxin-induced mast-cell accumulation. In conclusion, promutoxin can induce accumulation of mast cells, which may contribute to snake-venom wound.
Harmine and Harmaline Downregulate TCDD-Induced Cyp1a1 in the Livers and Lungs of C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: El Gendy Mohamed A. M. , El-Kadi Ayman O. S.
Published: December 2012

We previously demonstrated thatPeganum harmalaL. extract and its main active constituents, harmine and harmaline inhibit the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-mediated induction of the carcinogen-activating enzyme, Cyp1a1,in vitro. However, the effect of both alkaloids on Cyp1a1in vivohas not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effect of harmine and harmaline on TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 in mice livers and lungs. C57BL/6 male mice were distributed into four groups (n=6). First group received vehicle, while the second group received TCDD (i.p.). The third and fourth groups received either harmine or harmaline (i.p.) × 3 times along with TCDD one time with the mid dose of harmine and harmaline. All mice were sacrificed after 14 h from TCDD injection, and livers and lungs were isolated. The effect of harmine and harmaline on TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 mRNA, protein, and activity levels was determined using real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and 7-ethoxyresurofin as a substrate, respectively. Our results showed that harmine and harmaline significantly decreased the TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 in both the livers and lungs. We concluded that harmine and harmaline are promising candidate to inhibit TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 in mice hepatic and extrahepatic tissues.
Tamoxifen Treatment in Hamsters Induces Protection during Taeniosis byTaenia solium
Authors: Escobedo Galileo , Palacios-Arreola M. Isabel , Olivos Alfonso , López-Griego Lorena , Morales-Montor Jorge
Published: December 2012

Human neurocysticercosis byTaenia soliumis considered an emergent severe brain disorder in developing and developed countries. Discovery of new antiparasitic drugs has been recently aimed to restrain differentiation and establishment of theT. soliumadult tapeworm, for being considered a central node in the disease propagation to both pigs and humans. Tamoxifen is an antiestrogenic drug with cysticidal action onTaenia crassiceps, a close relative ofT. solium. Thus, we evaluated the effect of tamoxifen on thein vitroevagination and thein vivoestablishment ofT. solium.In vitro, tamoxifen inhibited evagination ofT. soliumcysticerci in a dose-time dependent manner.In vivo, administration of tamoxifen to hamsters decreased the intestinal establishment of the parasite by 70%, while recovered tapeworms showed an 80% reduction in length, appearing as scolices without strobilar development. Since tamoxifen did not show any significant effect on the proliferation of antigen-specific immune cells, intestinal inflammation, and expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in spleen and duodenum, this drug could exert its antiparasite actions by having direct detrimental effects upon the adult tapeworm. These results demonstrate that tamoxifen exhibits a strong cysticidal and antitaeniasic effect onT. soliumthat should be further explored in humans and livestock.
Evaluation of the Toxicity ofPradosia huberiExtract during the Preimplantation in Wistar Rats
Authors: Rocha Aldeíde de Oliveira Batista , Sousa Liliane de Queirós , Mota Clélia de Alencar Xavier , Santos Elane Cristina S. , Diniz Margareth de Fátima Formiga Melo , da Silva Marcelo Sobral , Pimenta Martina Bragante F. , da Silveira e Sá Rita de Cássia
Published: December 2012

The treatment during the embryonic preimplantation phase of Wistar rats with thePradosia huberiextract did not interfere with the water and feed consumption, as well as upon the body-weight gain. However, it has expressed a decrease of the uterine implant number, followed by the preimplantation losses at all applied doses (1.22, 6.1, and 30.5 mg/kg), and the number of embryonic resorptions in the two highest doses (6.1 and 30.5 mg/kg). After the organ weighing (hypophysis, ovaries, and uterus), only the relative weight of the hypophysis was raised at the different doses (1.22, 6.1, and 30.5 mg/kg). It was concluded that the hydroalcoholic extract ofPradosia hubericompromises the reproductive ability during the embryonic preimplantation phase, suggesting a possible toxic effect upon the reproductive system of Wistar rats.
A New Parasiticidal Compound inT. soliumCysticercosis
Authors: Hernández-Bello Romel , Escobedo Galileo , Carrero Julio Cesar , Cervantes-Rebolledo Claudia , Dowding Charles , Frincke James , Reading Chris , Morales-Montor Jorge
Published: December 2012

The effect of 16α-bromoepiandrosterone (EpiBr), a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) analogue, was tested on the cysticerci ofTaenia solium, bothin vitroandin vivo.In vitrotreatment ofT. soliumcultures with EpiBr reduced scolex evagination, growth, motility, and viability in dose- and time-dependent fashions. Administration of EpiBr prior to infection withT. soliumcysticerci in hamsters reduced the number and size of developed taenias in the intestine, compared with controls. These effects were associated to an increase in splenocyte proliferation in infected hamsters. These results leave open the possibility of assessing the potential of this hormonal analogue as a possible antiparasite drug, particularly in cysticercosis and taeniosis.
A Product of Theta-Functions Analogous to Ramanujan's Remarkable Product of Theta-Functions and Applications
Authors: Saikia Nipen
Published: December 2012

We define a productlk,nfor any positive real numberskandninvolving Ramanujan's theta-functionsϕ(q)andψ(q)which is analogous to Ramanujan's remarkable product of theta-functions recorded by Ramanujan (1957) and study its several properties. We prove general theorems for the explicit evaluations oflk,nand find some explicit values. As application of the productlk,n, we also offer explicit formulas for explicit values of Ramanujan's continued fractionV(q)in terms oflk,nand give examples.
Impact of Addiction Severity and Psychiatric Comorbidity on the Quality of Life of Alcohol-, Drug- and Dual-Dependent Persons in Residential Treatment
Authors: Colpaert Kathy , De Maeyer Jessica , Broekaert Eric , Vanderplasschen Wouter
Published: December 2012

Background: Substance users’ quality of life (QoL) is influenced by several variables, including psychiatric comorbidity and addiction severity. Thus far, the impact of the type of dependence (alcohol, drug or dual dependence) remains unclear. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to evaluate QoL in a clinical sample of alcohol-, drug- and dual-dependent patients and to assess the independent impact of psychiatric comorbidity, addiction severity and type of dependence on QoL. Methods: Face-to-face interviews with 274 patients admitted to residential substance abuse treatment were conducted using the European Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI), the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Assessment of Personality Disorders self-report questionnaire. Results: Multivariate analyses showed that anxiety, mood or personality disorder, employment status and the severity rating on the EuropASI domain alcohol use were associated with overall QoL. Gender, anxiety disorder and the severity ratings on the EuropASI domains alcohol use, drug use, physical health and emotional and psychological health were associated with overall perception of health. Conclusion: Addiction severity and psychiatric comorbidity explained the greatest amount of QoL variance, whereas the type of dependence did not play a central role.
‘Pignoris arrabonisve nomine’ in TPSulp. 51 (TPN 43) A case of diglossia?
Authors: Abatino Barbara
Published: December 2012

Despite the fact that the term arrabo has not been attested by legal sources as nomen iuris or as a technical term, the syntagm ‘pignoris arrabonisve nomine’ occurs in a chirograph documented by TPSulp. 51, from the age of Tiberius. This article shows, first, that the loans model contract of the TPSulp. 51 contained the hendiadys ‘pignus arrabove’ to denote the pledge. Second, it concludes that the mention of arrabo is related to precautionary reasons and that it may be explained by the use of a colloquial term introduced in Latin language by way of Greek lexical borrowing. Finally, this implies some considerations on language contact, lexical interference and integration of loan-words in Latin.
Framing the feudal bond: a chapter in the history of the ius commune in Medieval Europe
Authors: Conte Emanuele
Published: December 2012

In this article I wish to show how history of legal doctrines can assist in a better understanding of the legal reasoning over a long historical period. First I will describe the nineteenth century discussion on the definition of law as a ‘science’, and some influences of the medieval idea of science on the modern definition. Then, I’ll try to delve deeper into a particular doctrinal problem of the Middle Ages: how to fit the feudal relationship between lord and vassal into the categories of Roman law. The scholastic interpretation of these categories is very original, to the point of framing a purely personal relationship among property rights. The effort made by medieval legal culture to frame the reality into the abstract concepts of law can be seen as the birth of legal dogmatics.
Re-production at Stake: Experiences of Family Planning and Fertility among Amdo Tibetan Women
Authors: Schrempf Mona
Published: December 2012

Biographical interviews with Tibetan women in rural Amdo (Qinghai Province,
China) indicate that many women above 40 years of age experienced family
planning as a threat to their reproductive health, social status and economic
production. Even though family planning, implemented since 1980, was experienced
differently among the targeted women, they nevertheless addressed the same
social pressure of having to reconcile normative birth control administered by
the Chinese state with Tibetan socio-cultural norms and values of fertility
focused upon preferences for sons. Renowned female Tibetan doctors in private
and public clinics and hospitals were Tibetan women’s preferred and
trusted addressees for voluntary birth control and reproductive health. I argue
therefore, that in order to understand the effects of family planning on
targeted Tibetan women, socio-cultural values of fertility need to be taken into
account as they are expressed in women’s narratives of their
bio-psycho-social, gendered and ethnic selves.
‘Female Nectar’: A Study of Hybridity and Gender in Contemporary Tibetan Medical Literature on Menstruation
Authors: Bright Jenny
Published: December 2012

This essay examines contemporary Tibetan medical literature that deals with
menstruation, focusing on the relations among medical, religious and cultural
perceptions of women and gender. Present-day medical writers present a hybrid
account of menstruation, incorporating key aspects of Tibetan medicine, such as
the refining processes of digestion and the red element, with biomedical
knowledge, notably the role of hormones. The integration of biomedical thought
by Tibetan writers works to substantiate and bolster the validity of Tibetan
medical claims, rather than discredit them. Consequently, contemporary writers
are able to articulate medical knowledge about women that is as much about
Tibetan religious and cultural perceptions of gender and sexed-bodies, as it is
‘scientific’.
Impact of oxygen concentration on growth of mesenchymal stromal cells from the marrow of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Fecteau Jessie-F. , Messmer Davorka , Zhang Suping , Cui Bing , Chen Liguang , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: December 2012

Key Points

Physiologic O2 levels in vitro enhance the propagation and function of mesenchymal stromal cells from chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.
Multiple secretoglobin 1A1 genes are differentially expressed in horses
Authors: Côté Olivier , Lillie Brandon N , Hayes Michael Anthony , Clark Mary Ellen , van den Bosch Laura , Katavolos Paula , Viel Laurent , Bienzle Dorothee
Published: December 2012

Background

Secretoglobin 1A1 (SCGB 1A1), also called Clara cell secretory protein, is the most abundantly secreted protein of the airway. The SCGB1A1 gene has been characterized in mammals as a single copy in the genome. However, analysis of the equine genome suggested that horses might have multiple SCGB1A1 gene copies. Non-ciliated lung epithelial cells produce SCGB 1A1 during inhalation of noxious substances to counter airway inflammation. Airway fluid and lung tissue of horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), a chronic inflammatory lung disease affecting mature horses similar to environmentally induced asthma of humans, have reduced total SCGB 1A1 concentration. Herein, we investigated whether horses have distinct expressed SCGB1A1 genes; whether the transcripts are differentially expressed in tissues and in inflammatory lung disease; and whether there is cell specific protein expression in tissues.

Results

We identified three SCGB1A1 gene copies on equine chromosome 12, contained within a 512-kilobase region. Bioinformatic analysis showed that SCGB1A1 genes differ from each other by 8 to 10 nucleotides, and that they code for different proteins. Transcripts were detected for SCGB1A1 and SCGB1A1A, but not for SCGB1A1P. The SCGB1A1P gene had most inter-individual variability and contained a non-sense mutation in many animals, suggesting that SCGB1A1P has evolved into a pseudogene. Analysis of SCGB1A1 and SCGB1A1A sequences by endpoint-limiting dilution PCR identified a consistent difference affecting 3 bp within exon 2, which served as a gene-specific “signature”. Assessment of gene- and organ-specific expression by semiquantitative RT-PCR of 33 tissues showed strong expression of SCGB1A1 and SCGB1A1A in lung, uterus, Fallopian tube and mammary gland, which correlated with detection of SCGB 1A1 protein by immunohistochemistry. Significantly altered expression of the ratio of SCGB1A1A to SCGB1A1 was detected in RAO-affected animals compared to controls, suggesting different roles for SCGB 1A1 and SCGB 1A1A in this inflammatory condition.

Conclusions

This is the first report of three SCGB1A1 genes in a mammal. The two expressed genes code for proteins predicted to differ in function. Alterations in the gene expression ratio in RAO suggest cell and tissue specific regulation and functions. These findings may be important for understanding of lung and reproductive conditions.
Differences in enhancer activity in mouse and zebrafish reporter assays are often associated with changes in gene expression
Authors: Ariza-Cosano Ana , Visel Axel , Pennacchio Len A , Fraser Hunter B , Gómez-Skarmeta José Luis , Irimia Manuel , Bessa José
Published: December 2012

Background

Phenotypic evolution in animals is thought to be driven in large part by differences in gene expression patterns, which can result from sequence changes in cis- regulatory elements (cis- changes) or from changes in the expression pattern or function of transcription factors (trans- changes). While isolated examples of trans- changes have been identified, the scale of their overall contribution to regulatory and phenotypic evolution remains unclear.

Results

Here, we attempt to examine the prevalence of trans- effects and their potential impact on gene expression patterns in vertebrate evolution by comparing the function of identical human tissue-specific enhancer sequences in two highly divergent vertebrate model systems, mouse and zebrafish. Among 47 human conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) tested in transgenic mouse embryos and in stable zebrafish lines, at least one species-specific expression domain was observed in the majority (83%) of cases, and 36% presented dramatically different expression patterns between the two species. Although some of these discrepancies may be due to the use of different transgenesis systems in mouse and zebrafish, in some instances we found an association between differences in enhancer activity and changes in the endogenous gene expression patterns between mouse and zebrafish, suggesting a potential role for trans- changes in the evolution of gene expression.

Conclusions

In total, our results: (i) serve as a cautionary tale for studies investigating the role of human enhancers in different model organisms, and (ii) suggest that changes in the trans environment may play a significant role in the evolution of gene expression in vertebrates.
Translation and adaptation of an international questionnaire to measure usage of complementary and alternative medicine (I-CAM-G)
Authors: Re Meike Lo , Schmidt Stefan , Güthlin Corina
Published: December 2012

Background

The growing body of data on prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage means there is a need to standardize measurement on an international level. An international team has published a questionnaire (I-CAM-Q), but no validation has yet been provided. The aim of the present study was to provide a German measurement instrument for CAM usage (I-CAM-G) which closely resembles the original English version, and to assess it’s performance in two potential samples for measuring CAM usage.

Methods

The English I-CAM-Q questionnaire was translated into German, and adapted slightly. The resulting I-CAM-G questionnaire was then pre-tested on 16 healthy volunteers, and 12 cognitive interviews were carried out. The questionnaire was employed in a sample of breast cancer patients (N = 92, paper and pencil), and a sample from the general population (N = 210, internet survey). Descriptive analyses of items and missing data, as well as results from the cognitive interviews, are presented in this paper.

Results

The translated questionnaire had to be adapted to be consistent with the German health care system. All items were comprehensible, whereby some items were unambiguous (e.g. CAM use yes/no, helpfulness), while others gave rise to ambiguous answers (e.g. reasons for CAM use), or high rates of missing data (e.g. number of times the CAM modality had been used during the last 3 months). 78% of the breast cancer patients and up to 85% of a sample of the general population had used some form of CAM.

Conclusions

Following methodologically sound and comprehensive translation, adaptation and assessment processes using recognized translation procedures, cognitive interviews, and studying the performance of the questionnaire in two samples, we arrived at a German questionnaire for measuring CAM use which is comparable with the international (English) version. The questionnaire appropriately measures CAM use, with some items being more appropriate than others. We recommend the development of a short version.
Mouse macrophage innate immune response to chikungunya virus infection
Authors: Kumar Shiril , Jaffar-Bandjee Marie-Christine , Giry Claude , Connen de Kerillis Léa , Merits Andres , Gasque Philippe , Hoarau Jean-Jacques
Published: December 2012

Background

Infection with Chikungunya alphavirus (CHIKV) can cause severe arthralgia and chronic arthritis in humans with persistence of the virus in perivascular macrophages of the synovial membrane by mechanisms largely ill-characterized.

Findings

We herein analysed the innate immune response (cytokine and programmed cell death) of RAW264.7 mouse macrophages following CHIKV infection. We found that the infection was restrained to a small percentage of cells and was not associated with a robust type I IFN innate immune response (IFN-α4 and ISG56). TNF-α, IL-6 and GM-CSF expression were upregulated while IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 or IL-17 expression could not be evidenced prior to and after CHIKV exposure. Although CHIKV is known to drive apoptosis in many cell types, we found no canonical signs of programmed cell death (cleaved caspase-3, -9) in infected RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusion

These data argue for the capacity of CHIKV to infect and drive a specific innate immune response in RAW264.7 macrophage cell which seems to be polarized to assist viral persistence through the control of apoptosis and IFN signalling.