bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences between African-American and Caucasian students on enrollment influences and barriers in kinesiology-based allied health education programs
Authors: Barfield J. P. , Cobler D. C. , Lam Eddie T. C. , Zhang James , Chitiyo George
Published: June 2012

Kinesiology departments have recently started to offer allied health education programs to attract additional students to teacher education units ( 9 ). Although allied health professions offer increased work opportunities, insufficient enrollment and training of minority students in these academic fields contribute to underrepresentation in the workforce ( 3 ). To improve workforce diversity, kinesiology departments must understand how enrollment influences and barriers differ by race among prospective students. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify differences in allied health education enrollment influences and enrollment barriers between minority and Caucasian students. Participants ( n = 601) consisted of students enrolled in kinesiology-based allied health education programs. Multivariate ANOVA was used to compare group differences in enrollment decision making. “Personal influence,” “career opportunity,” and “physical self-efficacy” were all significantly stronger enrollment influences among African-American students than among Caucasian students, and “social influence,” “experiential opportunity,” “academic preparation,” and “physical self-efficacy” were all perceived as significantly greater barriers compared with Caucasian students. Findings support the need to recruit African-American students through sport and physical education settings and to market program-based experiential opportunities.
Pulmonary intravascular macrophages as proinflammatory cells in heaves, an asthma-like equine disease
Authors: Aharonson-Raz Karin , Lohmann Katharina L. , Townsend Hugh G. , Marques Fernando , Singh Baljit
Published: June 2012

Heaves, an obstructive neutrophilic airway inflammation of horses, is triggered by dust components such as endotoxin and has similarities to human asthma. Pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs) increase horses' sensitivity to endotoxin-induced lung inflammation; however, their role in an airborne pathology remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of PIMs in the development of heaves in horses. Clinical and inflammatory responses were evaluated following induction of heaves by moldy hay exposure and PIM depletion with gadolinium chloride (GC). Mares ( N = 9) were exposed to four treatments: alfalfa cubes (Cb), alfalfa cubes + GC (Cb-GC), moldy hay (MH), and moldy hay + GC (MH-GC). Clinical scores and neutrophil concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were higher when mares received MH compared with MH-GC. BAL cells from MH-GC-treated mares had significantly lower IL-8 and TLR4 mRNA expression compared with MH-treated mares. In vitro LPS challenge significantly increased IL-8 but not TLR4 mRNA expression in BAL cells recovered from horses fed with MH, but not from the MH-GC treatment. In summary, PIM depletion attenuated clinical scores, reduced the alveolar migration of neutrophils, and decreased the expression of proinflammatory molecules in BAL cells of heaves horses, suggesting a proinflammatory role of PIMs in the development of airborne pathology.
Pulmonary microRNA profiling in a mouse model of ventilator-induced lung injury
Authors: Vaporidi Katerina , Vergadi Eleni , Kaniaris Evangelos , Hatziapostolou Maria , Lagoudaki Eleni , Georgopoulos Dimitrios , Zapol Warren M. , Bloch Kenneth D. , Iliopoulos Dimitris
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes induced by high tidal volume ventilation (HVTV) in pulmonary expression of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and identify potential target genes and corresponding miRNA-gene networks. Using a real-time RT-PCR-based array in RNA samples from lungs of mice subjected to HVTV for 1 or 4 h and control mice, we identified 65 miRNAs whose expression changed more than twofold upon HVTV. An inflammatory and a TGF-β-signaling miRNA-gene network were identified by in silico pathway analysis being at highest statistical significance ( P = 10−43 and P = 10−28, respectively). In the inflammatory network, IL-6 and SOCS-1, regulated by miRNAs let-7 and miR-155, respectively, appeared as central nodes. In TGF-β-signaling network, SMAD-4, regulated by miR-146, appeared as a central node. The contribution of miRNAs to the development of lung injury was evaluated in mice subjected to HVTV treated with a precursor or antagonist of miR-21, a miRNA highly upregulated by HVTV. Lung compliance was preserved only in mice treated with anti-miR-21 but not in mice treated with pre-miR-21 or negative-control miRNA. Both alveolar-arterial oxygen difference and protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage were lower in mice treated with anti-miR-21 than in mice treated with pre-miR-21 or negative-control miRNA (DA-a: 66 ± 27 vs. 131 ± 22, 144 ± 10 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.001; protein concentration: 1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.3 ± 1, 2.1 ± 0.4 mg/ml, respectively, P < 0.01). Our results show that HVTV induces changes in miRNA expression in mouse lungs. Modulation of miRNA expression can affect the development of HVTV-induced lung injury.
The adenosine 2A receptor agonist GW328267C improves lung function after acute lung injury in rats
Authors: Folkesson Hans G. , Kuzenko Stephanie R. , Lipson David A. , Matthay Michael A. , Simmons Mark A.
Published: June 2012

There is a significant unmet need for treatments of patients with acute lung injury (ALI) and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The primary mechanism that leads to resolution of alveolar and pulmonary edema is active vectorial Na+and Cl−transport across the alveolar epithelium. Several studies have suggested a role for adenosine receptors in regulating this fluid transport in the lung. Furthermore, these studies point to the A2Asubtype of adenosine receptor (A2AR) as playing a role to enhance fluid transport, suggesting that activation of the A2AR may enhance alveolar fluid clearance (AFC). The current studies test the potential therapeutic value of the A2AR agonist GW328267C to accelerate resolution of alveolar edema and ALI/ARDS in rats. GW328267C, at concentrations of 10−5M to 10−3M, instilled into the airspaces, increased AFC in control animals. GW328267C did not increase AFC beyond that produced by maximal β-adrenergic stimulation. The effect of GW328267C was inhibited by amiloride but was not affected by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator inhibition. The drug was tested in three models of ALI, HCl instillation 1 h, LPS instillation 16 h, and live Escherichia coli instillation 2 h before GW328267C instillation. After either type of injury, GW328267C (10−4M) decreased pulmonary edema formation and restored AFC, measured 1 h after GW328267C instillation. These findings show that GW328267C has beneficial effects in experimental models of ALI and may be a useful agent for treating patients with ALI or prophylactically to prevent ALI.
State Estimators for Uncertain Linear Systems with Different Disturbance/Noise Using Quadratic Boundedness
Authors: Zhang Longge , Liu Xiangjie , Kong Xiaobing
Published: June 2012

This paper designs state estimators for uncertain linear systems with polytopic description, different state disturbance, and measurement noise. Necessary and sufficient stability conditions are derived followed with the upper bounding sequences on the estimation error. All the conditions can be expressed in the form of linear matrix inequalities. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases: Insights from the YeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pimentel Catarina , Batista-Nascimento Liliana , Rodrigues-Pousada Claudina , Menezes Regina A.
Published: June 2012

Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases are the two most common causes of dementia in aged population. Both are protein-misfolding diseases characterized by the presence of protein deposits in the brain. Despite growing evidence suggesting that oxidative stress is critical to neuronal death, its precise role in disease etiology and progression has not yet been fully understood. Budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeshares conserved biological processes with all eukaryotic cells, including neurons. This fact together with the possibility of simple and quick genetic manipulation highlights this organism as a valuable tool to unravel complex and fundamental mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. In this paper, we summarize the latest knowledge on the role of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders, with emphasis on AD and PD. Additionally, we provide an overview of the work undertaken to study AD and PD in yeast, focusing the use of this model to understand the effect of oxidative stress in both diseases.
Diagnosis of Fanconi Anemia: Mutation Analysis by Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Ameziane Najim , Sie Daoud , Dentro Stefan , Ariyurek Yavuz , Kerkhoven Lianne , Joenje Hans , Dorsman Josephine C. , Ylstra Bauke , Gille Johan J. P. , Sistermans Erik A. , de Winter Johan P.
Published: June 2012

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic instability syndrome characterized by developmental defects, bone marrow failure, and a high cancer risk. Fifteen genetic subtypes have been distinguished. The majority of patients (≈85%) belong to the subtypes A (≈60%), C (≈15%) or G (≈10%), while a minority (≈15%) is distributed over the remaining 12 subtypes. All subtypes seem to fit within the “classical” FA phenotype, except for D1 and N patients, who have more severe clinical symptoms. Since FA patients need special clinical management, the diagnosis should be firmly established, to exclude conditions with overlapping phenotypes. A valid FA diagnosis requires the detection of pathogenic mutations in a FA gene and/or a positive result from a chromosomal breakage test. Identification of the pathogenic mutations is also important for adequate genetic counselling and to facilitate prenatal or preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Here we describe and validate a comprehensive protocol for the molecular diagnosis of FA, based on massively parallel sequencing. We used this approach to identifyBRCA2,FANCD2,FANCIandFANCLmutations in novel unclassified FA patients.
Application of Multilabel Learning Using the Relevant Feature for Each Label in Chronic Gastritis Syndrome Diagnosis
Authors: Liu Guo-Ping , Yan Jian-Jun , Wang Yi-Qin , Fu Jing-Jing , Xu Zhao-Xia , Guo Rui , Qian Peng
Published: June 2012

Background. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), most of the algorithms are used to solve problems of syndrome diagnosis that only focus on one syndrome, that is, single label learning. However, in clinical practice, patients may simultaneously have more than one syndrome, which has its own symptoms (signs).Methods. We employed a multilabel learning using the relevant feature for each label (REAL) algorithm to construct a syndrome diagnostic model for chronic gastritis (CG) in TCM. REAL combines feature selection methods to select the significant symptoms (signs) of CG. The method was tested on 919 patients using the standard scale.Results. The highest prediction accuracy was achieved when 20 features were selected. The features selected with the information gain were more consistent with the TCM theory. The lowest average accuracy was 54% using multi-label neural networks (BP-MLL), whereas the highest was 82% using REAL for constructing the diagnostic model. For coverage, hamming loss, and ranking loss, the values obtained using the REAL algorithm were the lowest at 0.160, 0.142, and 0.177, respectively.Conclusion. REAL extracts the relevant symptoms (signs) for each syndrome and improves its recognition accuracy. Moreover, the studies will provide a reference for constructing syndrome diagnostic models and guide clinical practice.
In SilicoNanodosimetry: New Insights into Nontargeted Biological Responses to Radiation
Authors: Kuncic Zdenka , Byrne Hilary L. , McNamara Aimee L. , Guatelli Susanna , Domanova Westa , Incerti Sébastien
Published: June 2012

The long-held view that radiation-induced biological damage must be initiated in the cell nucleus, either on or near DNA itself, is being confronted by mounting evidence to suggest otherwise. While the efficacy of cell death may be determined by radiation damage to nuclear DNA, a plethora of less deterministic biological responses has been observed when DNA is not targeted. These so-called nontargeted responses cannot be understood in the framework of DNA-centric radiobiological models; what is needed are new physically motivated models that address the damage-sensing signalling pathways triggered by the production of reactive free radicals. To this end, we have conducted a series ofin silicoexperiments aimed at elucidating the underlying physical processes responsible for nontargeted biological responses to radiation. Our simulation studies implement new results on very low-energy electromagnetic interactions in liquid water (applicable down to nanoscales) and we also consider a realistic simulation of extranuclear microbeam irradiation of a cell. Our results support the idea that organelles with important functional roles, such as mitochondria and lysosomes, as well as membranes, are viable targets for ionizations and excitations, and their chemical composition and density are critical to determining the free radical yield and ensuing biological responses.
Hyperglycemia Increases Muscle Blood Flow and Alters Endothelial Function in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Dye Amanda S. , Huang Hong , Bauer John A. , Hoffman Robert P.
Published: June 2012

Alterations of blood flow and endothelial function precede development of complications in type 1 diabetes. The effects of hyperglycemia on vascular function in early type 1 diabetes are poorly understood. To investigate the effect of hyperglycemia on forearm vascular resistance (FVR) and endothelial function in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, FVR was measured before and after 5 minutes of upper arm arterial occlusion using venous occlusion plethysmography in (1) fasted state, (2) euglycemic state (~90 mg/dL; using 40 mU/m2/min insulin infusion), and (3) hyperglycemic state (~200 mg/dL) in 11 adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Endothelial function was assessed by the change in FVR following occlusion. Seven subjects returned for a repeat study with hyperglycemia replaced by euglycemia. Preocclusion FVR decreased from euglycemia to hyperglycemia (P=0.003). Postocclusion fall in FVR during hyperglycemia was less than during euglycemia (P=0.002). These findings were not reproduced when hyperglycemia was replaced with a second euglycemia. These results demonstrate that acute hyperglycemia causes vasodilation and alters endothelial function in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. In addition they have implications for future studies of endothelial function in type 1 diabetes and provide insight into the etiology of macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 1 diabetes.
Robust Distributed Kalman Filter for Wireless Sensor Networks with Uncertain Communication Channels
Authors: Kim Du Yong , Jeon Moongu
Published: June 2012

We address a state estimation problem over a large‐scale sensor network with uncertain communication channel. Consensus protocol is usually used to adapt a large‐scale sensor network. However, when certain parts of communication channels are broken down, the accuracy performance is seriously degraded. Specifically, outliers in the channel or temporal disconnection are avoided via proposed method for the practical implementation of the distributed estimation over large‐scale sensor networks. We handle this practical challenge by using adaptive channel status estimator and robust L1‐norm Kalman filter in design of the processor of the individual sensor node. Then, they are incorporated into the consensus algorithm in order to achieve the robust distributed state estimation. The robust property of the proposed algorithm enables the sensor network to selectively weight sensors of normal conditions so that the filter can be practically useful.
Transducer Field Imaging Using Acoustography
Authors: Sandhu Jaswinder S. , Schoonover Robert W. , Weber Joshua I. , Tawiah J. , Kunin Vitaliy , Anastasio Mark A.
Published: June 2012

A common current practice for transducer field mapping is to scan, point-by-point, a hydrophone element in a 2D raster at various distances from the transducer radiating surface. This approach is tedious, requiring hours of scanning time to generate full cross-sectional and/or axial field distributions. Moreover, the lateral resolution of the field distribution image is dependent on the indexing steps between data points. Acoustography is an imaging process in which an acousto-optical (AO) area sensor is employed to record the intensity of an ultrasound wavefield on a two-dimensional plane. This paper reports on the application of acoustography as a simple but practical method for assessing transducer field characteristics. A case study performed on a commercial transducer is reported, where the radiated fields are imaged using acoustography and compared to the corresponding quantities that are predicted numerically.
Thyroglobulin Gene Mutation with Cold Nodule on Thyroid Scintigraphy
Authors: Kahara Toshio , Igarashi Noboru , Hishinuma Akira , Nakanishi Yuko , Uchiyama Akio , Miwa Atsuo , Ishizawa Shin , Yamamoto Yutaka , Noto Hirofumi , Sumiya Hisashi , Ishikura Kazuhide , Usuda Rika , Iida Hiroyuki
Published: June 2012

Thyroglobulin gene mutation is a rare cause of congenital hypothyroidism, but thyroglobulin gene mutations are thought to be associated with thyroid cancer development. A 21-year-old Japanese man treated with levothyroxine for congenital hypothyroidism had an enlarged thyroid gland with undetectable serum thyroglobulin despite elevated serum TSH level. The patient was diagnosed with thyroglobulin gene mutation, with compound heterozygosity for Gly304Cys missense mutation and Arg432X nonsense mutation. Ultrasonography showed a hypovascular large tumor in the left lobe that appeared as a cold nodule on thyroid scintigraphy. He underwent total thyroidectomy, but pathological study did not reveal findings of thyroid carcinoma, but rather a hyperplastic nodule with hemorrhage. Strong cytoplasmic thyroglobulin immunostaining was observed, but sodium iodide symporter immunostaining was hardly detected in the hyperplastic nodule. The clinical characteristics of patients with thyroglobulin gene mutations are diverse, and some patients are diagnosed by chance on examination of goiter in adults. The presence of thyroid tumors that appear as cold nodules on thyroid scintigraphy should consider the potential for thyroid carcinoma, if the patient has relatively low serum thyroglobulin concentration in relation to the degree of TSH without thyroglobulin autoantibody.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines and Otitis Media: An Appraisal of the Clinical Trials
Authors: Fletcher Mark A. , Fritzell Bernard
Published: June 2012

Streptococcus pneumoniaeis the predominant otitis media pathogen and its prevention through effective vaccination could diminish childhood illness and antibiotic use. This paper reviews 5 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) trials that used otitis media as an endpoint: Northern California Kaiser Permanente (NCKP; vaccine, 7-valent PCV [PCV7]-CRM); Finnish Otitis Media (FinOM; vaccines, PCV7-CRM or PCV7-OMPC); Native American Trial (vaccine, PCV7-CRM); Pneumococcal Otitis Efficacy Trial (POET; vaccine, 11-valent PCV [PCV11]-PD). For the microbiological endpoint, vaccine efficacy against vaccine-serotype pneumococcal otitis media was about 60% across trials. Against the clinical endpoint of all episodes, vaccine efficacy was 7% (PCV7-CRM/NCKP), 6% (PCV7-CRM/FinOM), −1% (PCV7-OMPC/FinOM), and −0.4% (PCV7-CRM/Native American Trial); 34% against first episodes of ear, nose, and throat specialist-referral cases (PCV11-PD/POET). Both follow-up through 2 years of age, for the 5 trials, and long-term follow-up, for PCV7-CRM/NCKP and PCV7-CRM/FinOM, demonstrated greater vaccine efficacy against recurrent AOM and tympanostomy-tube placement, suggesting that vaccination against early episodes of AOM may prevent subsequent episodes of complicated otitis media. Although study designs varied by primary endpoint measured, age at follow-up, source of middle-ear fluid for culture, case ascertainment, and type of randomization, each clinical trial demonstrated vaccine efficacy against microbiological and/or clinical otitis media.
Socio-Economic-Political-Cultural Aspects in Malaria Control Programme Implementation in Southern India
Authors: Ghosh S. K. , Patil Rajan R. , Tiwari S. N.
Published: June 2012

Objective. A Socio-economic-political-cultural (SEPC) study was undertaken under the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) initiative to understand the process of programme implementation and how far in the changing malaria context, the broader environment has been understood and programme components have undergone changes.Material and Methods. Two studies were carried out; first in four villages under the primary health unit (PHU) Banavaralu in Tiptur Taluka in September 2002 and the second one in April 2003 in four villages in Chitradurga district, namely, Kappagere, Kellodu in Hosadurga Taluka, and Vani Vilas Puram and Kathrikenhally in Hiriyur Taluka. Focus group discussion and key interviews were adopted to collect the qualitative data.Results. Gender discrimination and lack of empowerment of women came out strongly in social analysis. In the rural elected bodies calledPanchayats, the concept of health committees was not known. Health committees as one of the important statutory committees under everyPanchayatwere nonexistent in reality in these villages. Financial difficulties atGrama Panchayatlevel and also meager budget allocation for health have led to indifferent attitude ofPanchayatmembers towards health. It was observed that there were generally no specific cultural practices in relation to malaria cure. Cultural and traditional practices in malaria-related issues were not predominant in the community except for some sporadic instances.Conclusion and Recommendation. SEPC study is an important indicator in malaria control programme. It is ultimately the community that takes the major decision directly or indirectly and the health authority must guide them in right direction.
A Novel Quasi-Open Loop Architecture for GNSS Carrier Recovery Systems
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Presti Letizia Lo , Fantino Maurizio
Published: June 2012

The problem of designing robust systems to track global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals in harsh environments has gained high attention. The classical closed loop architectures, such as phase locked loops, have been used for many years for tracking, but in challenging applications their design procedure
becomes intricate. This paper proposes and demonstrates the use of a quasi-open loop architecture to estimate the time varying carrier frequency of GNSS signals. Simulation results show that this scheme provides an additional degree of freedom to the design of the whole architecture. In particular, this
additional degree of freedom eases the design of the loop filter in harsh environments.
Comparison of Human-Like H1 (-Cluster) Influenza A Viruses in the Swine Host
Authors: Ciacci Zanella Janice R. , Vincent Amy L. , Zanella Eraldo L. , Lorusso Alessio , Loving Crystal L. , Brockmeier Susan L. , Gauger Phillip C. , Janke Bruce H. , Gramer Marie R.
Published: June 2012

Influenza A viruses cause acute respiratory disease in swine. Viruses with H1 hemagglutinin genes from the human seasonal lineage (-cluster) have been isolated from North American swine since 2003. The objective of this work was to study the pathogenesis and transmission of -cluster H1 influenza viruses in swine, comparing three isolates from different phylogenetic subclusters, geographic locations, and years of isolation. Two isolates from the 2 subcluster, A/sw/MN/07002083/07 H1N1 (MN07) and A/sw/IL/00685/05 H1N1 (IL05), and A/sw/TX/01976/08 H1N2 (TX08) from the 1 sub-cluster were evaluated. All isolates caused disease and were transmitted to contact pigs. Respiratory disease was apparent in pigs infected with MN07 and IL05 viruses; however, clinical signs and lung lesions were reduced in severity as compared to TX08. On day 5 following infection MN07-infected pigs had lower virus titers than the TX08 pigs, suggesting that although this H1N1 was successfully transmitted, it may not replicate as efficiently in the upper or lower respiratory tract. MN07 and IL05 H1N1 induced higher serum antibody titers than TX08. Greater serological cross-reactivity was observed for viruses from the same HA phylogenetic sub-cluster; however, antigenic differences between the sub-clusters may have implications for disease control strategies for pigs.
The Additive Effects of Type-2 Diabetes on Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Heart Failure
Authors: Alosco Michael L. , Spitznagel Mary Beth , van Dulmen Manfred , Raz Naftali , Cohen Ronald , Sweet Lawrence H. , Colbert Lisa H. , Josephson Richard , Hughes Joel , Rosneck Jim , Gunstad John
Published: June 2012

Background. Medical comorbidity has been theorized to contribute to cognitive impairment in heart failure (HF) patients. Specifically, type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a common coexisting condition among HF patients, may be an independent predictor of cognitive impairment. Nonetheless, the relationships between T2DM and other risk factors for cognitive impairment among persons with HF are unclear.Methods. Persons with HF (N=169, 34.3% women, age68.57±10.28years) completed neuropsychological testing within a framework of an ongoing study. History of T2DM, along with other medical characteristics, was ascertained through a review of participants’ medical charts and self-report.Results. Many participants (34.9%) had a comorbid T2DM diagnosis. After adjustment for demographic and medical characteristics, HF patients with T2DM evidenced significantly greater impairments across multiple cognitive domains than HF patients without T2DM:λ=.92,F(5,156)=2.82,P=.018. Post hoc tests revealed significant associations between T2DM and attention (P=.003), executive function (P=.032), and motor functioning (P=.008).Conclusion. The findings suggest additive contributions of T2DM and HF to impairments in attention, executive function, and motor function. Future work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which T2DM exacerbates cognitive impairment in HF.
Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Effect and Possible Mechanism of Action of 3,4-O-Dicaffeoylquinic AcidIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Wu Yi-Hang , Hao Bing-Jie , Cao Hong-Cui , Xu Wei , Li Yong-Jun , Li Lan-Juan
Published: June 2012

The anti-hepatitis B activity of 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid isolated fromLaggera alatawas studied using theD-galactosamine- (D-GalN-) induced hepatocyte damage model, HepG2.2.15 cells, and with HBV transgenic mice.In vitroresults showed that 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid improved HL-7702 hepatocyte viability and markedly inhibited the production of HBsAg and HBeAg. At a concentration of 100 μg/mL, its inhibitory rates on the expression levels of HBsAg and HBeAg were 89.96% and 81.01%, respectively. The content of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA (HBV cccDNA) in HepG2.2.15 cells was significantly decreased after the cells were treated with the test compound. In addition, 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid significantly increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in HepG2.2.15 cells.In vivoresults indicated that the test compound at concentrations of 100 μg/mL significantly inhibited HBsAg production and increased HO-1 expression in HBV transgenic mice. In conclusion, this study verifies the anti-hepatitis B activity of 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The upregulation of HO-1 may contribute to the anti-HBV effect of this compound by reducing the stability of the HBV core protein, which blocks the refill of nuclear HBV cccDNA. Furthermore, the hepatoprotective effect of this compound may be mediated through its antioxidative/anti-inflammatory properties and by the induction of HO-1 expression.
Glove Port Technique for Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery
Authors: Alessandro Carrara , Daniela Mangiola , Michele Motter , Andrea Tirone , Gianmarco Ghezzi , Massimo Silvestri , Orazio Zappalà , Fabio Gasperetti , Giuseppe Tirone
Published: June 2012

Introduction. Despite initial enthusiasm, the use of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is still quite limited at present because of the expense of highly specialized equipment and the complexity of the learning curve. Furthermore, some authors report a relevant, although temporary, effect on anorectal function because of the considerable anal dilatation which can even produce a rupture of the internal anal sphincter. The “glove TEM” proposes itself as an alternative to traditional TEM that could settle these problems.Materials and Methods. The technique is accurately described together with the necessary equipment to perform it. Between 2011 and 2012, we operated eight patients with this technique for rectal adenomas or early carcinomas achieving R0 resection in all cases and reporting no early or late complications during the first five months of followup.Discussion. This technique offers multiple advantages compared to the original TEM. (i) It allows the use of all available laparoscopic instruments. (ii) It gives a great manoeuvrability of the instruments in contrast to rigid rectoscope systems. (iii) Given the limited length of the device, it permits to operate on tumors closer to the dentate line. (iv) It is less traumatic to the anal sphincter. It is definitively much cheaper.Conclusions. We believe that this new technique is easy to perform, cost-effective, and less traumatic to the anal sphincter compared to traditional TEM.
On a Differential Equation Involving Hilfer‐Hadamard Fractional Derivative
Authors: Qassim M. D. , Furati K. M. , Tatar N.-E.
Published: June 2012

This paper studies a fractional differential inequality involving a new fractional derivative (Hilfer‐Hadamard type) with a polynomial source term. We obtain an exponent for which there does not exist any global solution for the problem. We also provide an example to show the existence of solutions in a wider space for some exponents.
Estimation of Fuzzy Measures Using Covariance Matrices in Gaussian Mixtures
Authors: Verma Nishchal K.
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a novel computational approach for estimating fuzzy measures directly from Gaussian mixtures model (GMM). The mixture components of GMM provide the membership functions for the input-output fuzzy sets. By treating consequent part as a function of fuzzy measures, we derived its coefficients from the covariance matrices found directly from GMM and the defuzzified output constructed from both the premise and consequent parts of the nonadditive fuzzy rules that takes the form of Choquet integral. The computational burden involved with the solution ofλ-measure is minimized usingQ-measure. The fuzzy model whose fuzzy measures were computed using covariance matrices found in GMM has been successfully applied on two benchmark problems and one real-time electric load data of Indian utility. The performance of the resulting model for many experimental studies including the above-mentioned application is found to be better and comparable to recent available fuzzy models. The main contribution of this paper is the estimation of fuzzy measures efficiently and directly from covariance matrices found in GMM, avoiding the computational burden greatly while learning them iteratively and solving polynomial equations of order of the number of input-output variables.
Size and Shape Dependence on Melting Temperature of Gallium Nitride Nanoparticles
Authors: Antoniammal Paneerselvam , Arivuoli Dakshanamoorthy
Published: June 2012

The study of variation of the size and shape effect on the melting property of gallium nitride nanoparticles with their spherical and cylindrical geometrical feature is theoretically explored. A numerical thermodynamical model has been devoted for the study. A comparative investigation is made between the two shapes, at the range of ~3 nm dia. The cylindrical GaN nanoparticles, whose melting point has been reported to decrease with decreasing particle radius, become larger than spherical‐shaped nanoparticles. The melting temperature obtained in the present study is in line with the function of radius of curvature.
Cytogenetics Findings in a Histiocytic Sarcoma Case
Authors: Alonso-Dominguez J. M. , Calbacho M. , Talavera M. , Villalon C. , Abalo L. , Garcia-Gutierrez J. V. , Lozano S. , Tenorio M. , Villarrubia J. , Lopez-Jimenez J. , Ferro M. T.
Published: June 2012

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a neoplasm derived from histiocytes. Its diagnosis was not clear until its immunohistochemistry profile was correctly established. Not much is known about its genetic properties. We report a case of a 48-year-old male patient whose bone marrow was almost completely occupied by monomorphic medium size neoplastic cellularity. Its immunohistochemical profile was CD68+, CD4+, CD45+with negativity of other dendritic cells, and other lineage markers. Cytogenetic study showed 4 related clones: one with trisomy 8 and extra material on the short arms of chromosome 4; a second line with tetrasomy of chromosome 8, add(4)(p16); the third clone had the same alterations as the previous and deletion of chromosome 3 at q11; the fourth line had tetrasomy 8 and translocation t(3;5)(q25;q35). To our knowledge this is the first HS case showing chromosome 8 trisomy and tetrasomy and the other described alterations.
An Evaluation of Ad Hoc Presence-Only Data in Explaining Patterns of Distribution: Cetacean Sightings from Whale-Watching Vessels
Authors: Higby Louisa K. , Stafford Richard , Bertulli Chiara G.
Published: June 2012

The analysis of presence-only data is a problem in determining species distributions and accurately determining population sizes. The collection of such data is common from unequal or nonrandomised effort surveys, such as those surveys conducted by citizen scientists. However, causative regression-based methods have been less well examined using presence-only data. In this study, we examine a range of predictive factors which might influence Cetacean sightings (specifically minke whale sightings) from whale-watching vessels in Faxaflói Bay in Iceland. In this case, environmental variables were collected regularly regardless of whether sightings were recorded. Including absences as well as presence in the analysis resulted in a multiple-generalised linear regression model with significantly more explanatory power than when data were presence only. However, by including extra information on the sightings of the whales, in this case, their observed behaviour when the sighting occurred resulted in a significantly improved model over the presence-only data model. While there are limitations of conducting nonrandomised surveys for the use of predictive models such as regression, presence-only data should not be considered as worthless, and the scope of collection of these data by citizen scientists using modern technology should not be underestimated.
Surgical Management of Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer
Authors: Hogan Niamh M. , Joyce Myles R.
Published: June 2012

Developments in chemotherapeutic strategies and surgical technique have led to improved loco regional control of rectal cancer and a decrease in recurrence rates over time. However, locally recurrent rectal cancer continues to present considerable technical challenges and results in significant morbidity and mortality. Surgery remains the only therapy with curative potential. Despite a hostile intra-operative environment, with meticulous pre-operative planning and judicious patient selection, safe surgery is feasible. The potential benefit of new techniques such as intra-operative radiotherapy and high intensity focussed ultrasonography has yet to be thoroughly investigated. The future lies in identification of predictors of recurrence, development of schematic clinical algorithms to allow standardised surgical technique and further research into genotyping platforms to allow individualisation of therapy. This review highlights important aspects of pre-operative planning, intra-operative tips and future strategies, focussing on a multimodal multidisciplinary approach.
Effect of Orally Administered Glutathione‐Montmorillonite Hybrid Systems on Tissue Distribution
Authors: Baek Miri , Choi Soo-Jin
Published: June 2012

An ubiquitous tripeptide, glutathione (GSH), is assigned a role in detoxification, activation of immune system, intermediary metabolism, transport, and protection of cells against free radicals or reactive oxygen species. However, instability of orally administered GSH in gastrointestinal (GI) tract leads to low absorption and low bioavailability in tissues. In this study, we attempted to synthesize GSH‐montmorillonite (MMT) hybrid systems by intercalating GSH into the interlayers of a cationic clay delivery carrier, MMT, to improve GSH bioavailability at the systemic level. Polymer coating of the hybrid with polyvinylacetal diethylaminoacetate (AEA) was further performed to obtain better stability. Synthetic condition of both GSH‐MMT and AEA‐GSH‐MMT hybrids was optimized, and then GSH‐delivery efficiency was evaluated in various organs after oral administration in normal as well as GSH‐deficient mice. The present GSH‐MMT hybrids remarkably enhanced GSH concentration in the plasma, heart, kidney, and liver, especially when AEA‐GSH‐MMT hybrid was administered under GSH‐deficient condition. Moreover, both hybrids did not induce acute oral toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg, suggesting their great potential for pharmaceutical application.
Pigmented Tumour of the Eyelid with Unexpected Findings
Authors: Hunold Anne C. , Herwig Martina C. , Holz Frank G. , Fischer Hans-Peter , Loeffler Karin U.
Published: June 2012

A 63-year-old patient presented with a small painless nodular tumour of his left lower eyelid which had increased in size over the last few weeks. The tumour was excised by wedge resection and submitted for ophthalmopathologic examination. Histopathologic examination revealed a cystic lesion of apocrine origin with focal proliferations. The proliferative cells appeared pleomorphic and displayed marked atypia. Staining with Ki67 revealed a significant mitotic activity supporting the diagnosis of an apocrine adenocarcinoma of Moll. As the lesion displayed in most parts characteristics of a benign apocrine hidrocystoma, a thorough and critical histopathological examination is required in such cases to avoid missing an early malignant transformation.
A Crucial Role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling in the Wound Healing Response in Acute Liver Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride
Authors: Oumi Nao , Taniguchi Kumiko Amano , Kanai Ayumi Miyashita , Yasunaga Mayu , Nakanishi Tomoko , Sato Kenzo
Published: June 2012

Background.Acute liver injury induced by administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has used a model of wound repair in the rat liver. Previously, we reported transient expression of bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) 2 or Bmp4 at 6–24 h after CCl4treatment, suggesting a role of BMP signaling in the wound healing response in the injured liver. In the present study, we investigated the biological meaning of the transientBmpexpression in liver injury.Methods.Using conditional knockout mice carrying a floxed exon in the BMP receptor 1A gene, we determined the hepatic gene expressions and proliferative activity following CCl4-treated liver.Results.We observed retardation of the healing response in the knockout mice treated with CCl4, including aggravated histological feature and reduced expressions of thealbuminandTdo2genes, and a particular decrease in the proliferative activity shown by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry.Conclusion.Our findings suggest a crucial role of BMP signaling in the amelioration of acute liver injury.
Muscular Dystrophies at Different Ages: Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations
Authors: Cruz Guzmán Oriana del Rocío , Chávez García Ana Laura , Rodríguez-Cruz Maricela
Published: June 2012

Common metabolic and endocrine alterations exist across a wide range of muscular dystrophies. Skeletal muscle plays an important role in glucose metabolism and is a major participant in different signaling pathways. Therefore, its damage may lead to different metabolic disruptions. Two of the most important metabolic alterations in muscular dystrophies may be insulin resistance and obesity. However, only insulin resistance has been demonstrated in myotonic dystrophy. In addition, endocrine disturbances such as hypogonadism, low levels of testosterone, and growth hormone have been reported. This eventually will result in consequences such as growth failure and delayed puberty in the case of childhood dystrophies. Other consequences may be reduced male fertility, reduced spermatogenesis, and oligospermia, both in childhood as well as in adult muscular dystrophies. These facts all suggest that there is a need for better comprehension of metabolic and endocrine implications for muscular dystrophies with the purpose of developing improved clinical treatments and/or improvements in the quality of life of patients with dystrophy. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to describe the current knowledge about of metabolic and endocrine alterations in diverse types of dystrophinopathies, which will be divided into two groups: childhood and adult dystrophies which have different age of onset.
Dynamic Feedback Backstepping Control for a Class of MIMO Nonaffine Block Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Li Hai-Yan , Hu Yun-An , Ren Jian-Cun , Zhu Min
Published: June 2012

For a class of MIMO nonaffine block nonlinear systems, a neural network‐ (NN‐) based dynamic feedback backstepping control design method is proposed to solve the tracking problem. This problem is difficult to be dealt with in the control literature, mainly because the inverse controls of block nonaffine systems are not easy to resolve. To overcome this difficulty, dynamic feedback, backstepping design, sliding mode‐like technique, NN, and feedback linearization techniques are incorporated to deal with this problem, in which the NNs are used to approximate and adaptively cancel the uncertainties. It is proved that the whole closed‐loop system is stable in the sense of Lyapunov. Finally, simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Chinese Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Gao Ru , Gao Feng , Li Guang , Hao Jian Yu
Published: June 2012

Aim. To investigate the factors contributing to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Chinese patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).Methods. HRQOL was measured with SF-36v2 Chinese version. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and patients with liver cirrhosis were divided into Child’s Class A, B, and C according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh scoring system.Results. A total of 392 Chinese patients with CLD and 91 healthy controls were enrolled. HRQOL in patients with CLD was lower than that in healthy controls. Score of PCS in healthy controls was54.6±5.5and in CLD was47.8±8.8(P=0.000). Score of MCS in healthy controls was56.4±8.1and in CLD was51.7±7.4(P=0.000). Increasing severity of CLD from no cirrhosis to advanced cirrhosis was associated with a decrease on all domains of the SF-36 (P<0.05). Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that severity of disease, age, present ascites, present varices, and prothrombin time had significant effect on physical health area. Severity of disease, female, present varices, total bilirubin, prothrombin time, and hemoglobin had significant effect on mental health area.Conclusions. Patients with CLD had impaired HRQOL. Increasing severity of CLD was associated with a decrease on HRQOL. Old age, female gender, advanced stage of CLD, present ascites, hyperbilirubinemia, and prolonging prothrombin time were important factors reducing HRQOL.
Optical Properties and Characterization of Prepared Sn-Doped PbSe Thin Film
Authors: Khanlary M. R. , Salavati E.
Published: June 2012

Physical vapor deposition of tin-doped lead selenide (Sn/PbSe) thin films on SiO2glass is described. Interaction of high-energy Ar+ions bombardment on the doped PbSe films is discussed by XRD analysis. The improvement of optical band gap of Sn/PbSe films irradiated by different doses of irradiation was studied using transmission spectroscopy.
Chemical Constituents and Combined Larvicidal Effects of Selected Essential Oils againstAnopheles cracens(Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Intirach Jitrawadee , Junkum Anuluck , Tuetun Benjawan , Choochote Wej , Chaithong Udom , Jitpakdi Atchariya , Riyong Doungrat , Champakaew Daruna , Pitasawat Benjawan
Published: June 2012

A preliminary study on larvicidal activity against laboratory-colonizedAnopheles cracensmosquitos revealed that five of ten plant oils at concentration of 100 ppm showed 95–100% larval mortality. The essential oils of five plants, includingPiper sarmentosum, Foeniculum vulgare, Curcuma longa, Myristica fragrans, andZanthoxylum piperitum,were then selected for chemical analysis, dose-response larvicidal experiments, and combination-based bioassays. Chemical compositions analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry demonstrated that the main component in the oil derived fromP. sarmentosum, F. vulgare, C. longa, M. fragrans, and Z. piperitumwas croweacin (71.01%), anethole (63.00%), ar-turmerone (30.19%), safrole (46.60%), and 1,8-cineole (21.27%), respectively. For larvicidal bioassay, all five essential oils exerted promising efficacy in a dose-dependent manner and different performances onA. cracensafter 24 hours of exposure. The strongest larvicidal potential was established fromP. sarmentosum, followed byF. vulgare, C. longa, M. fragrans, andZ. piperitum, with LC50values of 16.03, 32.77, 33.61, 40.00, and 63.17 ppm, respectively. Binary mixtures betweenP. sarmentosum, the most effective oil, and the others at the highest ratio were proved to be highly efficacious with a cotoxicity coefficient value greater than 100, indicating synergistic activity. Results of mixed formulations of different essential oils generating synergistic effects may prove helpful in developing effective, economical, and ecofriendly larvicides, as favorable alternatives for mosquito management.
Paraoxonase 1 Phenotype and Mass in South Asian versus Caucasian Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Connelly Philip W. , Maguire Graham F. , Nash Michelle M. , Rapi Lindita , Yan Andrew T. , Prasad G. V. Ramesh
Published: June 2012

South Asian renal transplant recipients have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease compared with Caucasian renal transplant recipients. We carried out a study to determine whether paraoxonase 1, a novel biomarker for cardiovascular risk, was decreased in South Asian compared with Caucasian renal transplant recipients. Subjects were matched two to one on the basis of age and sex for a total of 129 subjects. Paraoxonase 1 was measured by mass, arylesterase activity, and two-substrate phenotype assay. Comparisons were made by using a matched design. The frequency of PON1 QQ, QR and RR phenotype was 56%, 37%, and 7% for Caucasian subjects versus 35%, 44%, and 21% for South Asian subjects (χ2=7.72,P=0.02). PON1 mass and arylesterase activity were not significantly different between South Asian and Caucasian subjects. PON1 mass was significantly associated with PON1 phenotype (P=0.0001), HDL cholesterol (P=0.009), LDL cholesterol (P=0.02), and diabetes status (P<0.05). Arylesterase activity was only associated with HDL cholesterol (P=0.003). Thus the frequency of the PON1 RR phenotype was higher and that of the QQ phenotype was lower in South Asian versus Caucasian renal transplant recipients. However, ethnicity was not a significant factor as a determinant of PON1 mass or arylesterase activity, with or without analysis including PON1 phenotype. The two-substrate method for determining PON1 phenotype may be of value for future studies of cardiovascular complications in renal transplant recipients.