bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Patterns of Bird Communities of the Lower Dnieper Sands During the Breeding Season: Differentiation Factors
Authors: Moskalenko Yu. O
Published: January 2015

Using hierarchical cluster analysis there were distinguished six spatial patterns of bird communities during the breeding season in the Lower Dnieper Sands. The differentiation of these patterns is based on a spatial heterogeneity in the area ratio of different habitats. The sites with natural and sub-natural landscapes hold three types of bird communities. Another type of the bird community is relatively similar to the previous three, but characterized by a poor quantitative and qualitative bird composition; it is associated with open landscapes with destroyed natural vegetation. Bird communities of artificial pine plantations (the most transformed landscapes of the Lower Dnieper Sands) are very different from those in the natural and sub-natural landscapes. The spectra of ecological groups of different bird communities match the spectra of different habitat types obtained using a supervised classification of remote sensing data. It makes it possible to use a topological model of the habitat types (based on remote sensing data) as a predictor for GIS modelling of spatial distribution of different birds communities throughout the Lower Dnieper Sands.
Morphotypes in Naked Amoebas (Protista): Distribution in Water Bodies of Zhytomyr and Volyn Polissia (Ukraine) and Possible Ecological Significance
Authors: Patsyuk M. K.
Published: January 2015

The biotopic and seasonal distributions of the naked amoeba species related to the specific morphotypes were analyzed on the territory of Zhytomyr and Volyn Polissya. It was demonstrated that the polytactic and, to some extent, rugose and branched morphotypes of naked amoebas have the adaptive significance and could have emerged as a result of adaptation to characteristic conditions of oligotrophic lakes. In turn, the formation of lanceolate morphotype may be associated with the adaptation to low water temperatures, whereas the formation of flamellian morphotype may be an adaptation to high temperatures.
Egg Morphology of Some Nolidae and Erebidae (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea)
Authors: Dolinskaya I. V
Published: January 2015

The eggs of one species from family Nolidae (subfamily Chloephorinae) and seven species from family Erebidae (subfamilies Hermeniinae, Hypeninae, Phytometrinae and Catocalinae) occurring in Ukraine are examined, described, and illustrated with SEM. The diagnostic characters of examined species are proposed.
About Availability of the Names of Tiger Beetles (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae) Given by Heinrich Beuthin
Authors: Matalin A. V , Putchkov A. V
Published: January 2015

The availability of the names of Palaearctic tiger beetles, given by Heinrich Beuthin, is discussed. The unavailable names are listed, and the available names associated with the valid species or subspecies names are presented.
Factors Contributing to 50-ft Walking Speed and Observed Ethnic Differences in Older Community-Dwelling Mexican Americans and European Americans
Authors: Quiben Myla U. , Hazuda Helen P.
Published: January 2015

Background

Mexican Americans comprise the most rapidly growing segment of the older US population and are reported to have poorer functional health than European Americans, but few studies have examined factors contributing to ethnic differences in walking speed between Mexican Americans and European Americans.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that contribute to walking speed and observed ethnic differences in walking speed in older Mexican Americans and European Americans using the disablement process model (DPM) as a guide.

Design

This was an observational, cross-sectional study.

Methods

Participants were 703 Mexican American and European American older adults (aged 65 years and older) who completed the baseline examination of the San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging (SALSA). Hierarchical regression models were performed to identify the contribution of contextual, lifestyle/anthropometric, disease, and impairment variables to walking speed and to ethnic differences in walking speed.

Results

The ethic difference in unadjusted mean walking speed (Mexican Americans=1.17 m/s, European Americans=1.29 m/s) was fully explained by adjustment for contextual (ie, age, sex, education, income) and lifestyle/anthropometric (ie, body mass index, height, physical activity) variables; adjusted mean walking speed in both ethnic groups was 1.23 m/s. Contextual variables explained 20.3% of the variance in walking speed, and lifestyle/anthropometric variables explained an additional 8.4%. Diseases (ie, diabetes, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) explained an additional 1.9% of the variance in walking speed; impairments (ie, FEV1, upper leg pain, and lower extremity strength and range of motion) contributed an additional 5.5%. Thus, both nonmodifiable (ie, contextual, height) and modifiable (ie, impairments, body mass index, physical activity) factors contributed to walking speed in older Mexican Americans and European Americans.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a single geographic area and included only Mexican American Hispanic individuals.

Conclusions

Walking speed in older Mexican Americans and European Americans is influenced by modifiable and nonmodifiable factors, underscoring the importance of the DPM framework, which incorporates both factors into the physical therapist patient/client management process.
Cardiovascular Stress Induced by Whole-Body Vibration Exercise in Individuals With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Liao Lin-Rong , Ng Gabriel Y.F. , Jones Alice Y.M. , Pang Marco Y.C.
Published: January 2015

Background

Although whole-body vibration (WBV) has sparked tremendous research interest in neurorehabilitation, the cardiovascular responses to WBV in people with stroke remain unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of different WBV protocols on oxygen consumption (V̇o2), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), blood pressure (BP), and rate-pressure product (RPP) during the performance of 6 different exercises among people with chronic stroke (time since onset ≥6 months).

Design

A repeated-measures design was used.

Methods

Each of the 48 participants experienced all 3 WBV protocols in separate sessions: (1) no WBV, (2) low-intensity WBV (peak acceleration=0.96 unit of gravity of Earth [g]), and (3) high-intensity WBV (1.61g). The order in which they encountered the WBV protocols was randomized, as was the order of exercises performed during each session. Oxygen consumption, HR, and RPE were measured throughout the study. Blood pressure and RPP were measured before and after each session.

Results

Low-intensity and high-intensity WBV induced significantly higher V̇o2 by an average of 0.69 and 0.79 mL/kg/min, respectively, compared with the control condition. These protocols also increased HR by an average of 4 bpm. The 2 WBV protocols induced higher RPE than the control condition during static standing exercise only. Although the diastolic and systolic BP and RPP were increased at the end of each exercise session, the addition of WBV had no significant effect on these variables.

Limitations

The results are generalizable only to ambulatory and community-dwelling people with chronic stroke.

Conclusions

Addition of high- and low-intensity WBV significantly increased the V̇o2 and HR, but the increase was modest. Thus, WBV should not pose any substantial cardiovascular hazard in people with chronic stroke.
The human area postrema: clear-cut silhouette and variations shown in vivo
Authors: Longatti Pierluigi , Porzionato Andrea , Basaldella Luca , Fiorindi Alessandro , De Caro Pietro , Feletti Alberto
Published: January 2015

OBJECT

The human area postrema (AP) is a circumventricular organ that has only been described in cadaveric specimens and animals. Because of its position in the calamus scriptorius and the absence of surface markers on the floor of the fourth ventricle, the AP cannot be clearly localized during surgical procedures.

METHODS

The authors intravenously administered 500 mg fluorescein sodium to 25 patients during neuroendoscopic procedures; in 12 of these patients they explored the fourth ventricle. A flexible endoscope equipped with dual observation modes for both white light and fluorescence was used. The intraoperative fluorescent images were reviewed and compared with anatomical specimens and 3D reconstructions.

RESULTS

Because the blood-brain barrier does not cover the AP, it was visualized in all cases after fluorescein sodium injection. The AP is seen as 2 coupled leaves on the floor of the fourth ventricle, diverging from the canalis centralis medullaris upward. Although the leaves normally appear short and thick, there can be different morphological patterns. Exploration using the endoscope's fluorescent mode allowed precise localization of the AP in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluorescence-enhanced inspection of the fourth ventricle accurately identifies the position of the AP, which is an important landmark during surgical procedures on the brainstem. A better understanding of the AP can also be valuable for neurologists, considering its functional role in the regulation of homeostasis, emesis, and cardiovascular and electrolyte balance. Despite the limited number of cases in this report, evidence indicates that the normal anatomical appearance of the AP is that of 2 short and thick leaves that are joined at the midline. However, there can be great variability in terms of the structure's shape and size.
Thermal electric ice-core drills: history and new design options for intermediate-depth drilling
Authors: Zagorodnov V. , Thompson L.G.
Published: January 2015

Ice coring of temperate and polythermal glaciers demonstrates some limitations of most electromechanical (EM) and thermal electric (TE) drills. Most TE drills are heavy, require a heavy power system, work slowly and cannot operate in boreholes going through the cold–temperate ice transition. Antifreeze thermal electric drills (ATED) are capable of operating in polar ice caps, polythermal and temperate glaciers, in boreholes filled with water and/or hydrophilic fluids. Performance of the ATED drill can be improved by using an open-top core barrel and low-power and narrow-kerf coring head. ATED-type drills can be modified for an open-top core barrel equipped with low-power coring head and include a new scheme for drilling-fluid circulation using two pumps. A small metering pump releases pure ethanol above the top of the drill, and a second pump enables circulation of the borehole fluid, an ethanol–water solution (EWS), above the kerf. Use of a narrow-kerf coring head reduces power requirements and makes it possible to design a lightweight drilling system that includes the EM and TE drills for shallow and intermediate-depth drilling.
Ice platelets below Weddell Sea landfast sea ice
Authors: Hoppmann Mario , Nicolaus Marcel , Paul Stephan , Hunkeler Priska A. , Heinemann Günther , Willmes Sascha , Timmermann Ralph , Boebel Olaf , Schmidt Thomas , Kühnel Meike , König-Langlo Gert , Gerdes Rüdiger
Published: January 2015

Basal melt of ice shelves may lead to an accumulation of disc-shaped ice platelets underneath nearby sea ice, to form a sub-ice platelet layer. Here we present the seasonal cycle of sea ice attached to the Ekström Ice Shelf, Antarctica, and the underlying platelet layer in 2012. Ice platelets emerged from the cavity and interacted with the fast-ice cover of Atka Bay as early as June. Episodic accumulations throughout winter and spring led to an average platelet-layer thickness of 4 m by December 2012, with local maxima of up to 10 m. The additional buoyancy partly prevented surface flooding and snow-ice formation, despite a thick snow cover. Subsequent thinning of the platelet layer from December onwards was associated with an inflow of warm surface water. The combination of model studies with observed fast-ice thickness revealed an average ice-volume fraction in the platelet layer of 0.25 ± 0.1. We found that nearly half of the combined solid sea-ice and ice-platelet volume in this area is generated by heat transfer to the ocean rather than to the atmosphere. The total ice-platelet volume underlying Atka Bay fast ice was equivalent to more than one-fifth of the annual basal melt volume under the Ekström Ice Shelf.
On the Fecundity and Sex-ratio of Labeo bata (Hamilton) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)
Authors: Joadder MAR
Published: January 2015

The fecundity and sex- ratio of 2200 Labeo bata (Hamilton) specimens were studied. The fecundity of 234 gravid females varied from 51,354( for a fish with total length of 127.3 mm and total body weight of 20.0 g) to 91,568( for a fish with total length of 256.6 mm and total body weight of 156.70g).The mean fecundity was recorded as 67,617.50±13,510.15 for the average length and weight of 192.98±41.06 mm and 87.79±49.07 g, respectively .The mean total length and weight of gonad was 67.62± 24.01 mm and 20.35±13.50 g, respectively .The relationship between fecundity ( F.) and other parameters such as total length ( TL ), Standard length ( SL),  total weight( TW),  gonadal length (GL),  gonadal weight (GW) and gonadal depth (GD) were studied. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v11i2.21595 Journal of Science Foundation, 2013;11(2):43-48
Updated Management of Osteoarthritis: A Review
Authors: Islam Md. Jahidul , Yusuf Md Abdullah , Hossain Md Shahadat , Ahmed Monzur
Published: January 2015

The goals of the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) are to alleviate pain and minimize loss of physical function. To the extent that pain and loss of function are consequences of inflammation, of weakness across the joint, and of laxity and instability, the treatment of OA involves addressing each of these impairments. Comprehensive therapy consists of a multimodality approach including non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic elements. Patients with mild and intermittent symptoms may need only reassurance or non-pharmacologic treatments. Patients with ongoing, disabling pain are likely to need both non-pharmaco- and pharmacotherapy. Treatments for knee OA have been more completely evaluated than those for hip and hand OA or for disease in other joints. Thus, while the principles of treatment are identical for OA in all joints, we shall focus below on the treatment of knee OA, noting specific recommendations for disease in other joints, especially when they differ from those for disease in the knee. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v11i2.21597 Journal of Science Foundation, 2013;11(2):49-55
AIDS awareness and associated factors among men in Bangladesh: evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2007
Authors: Laskar Md Shawkatuzzaman , Gazi Easin Ali , Basu Banga Kamal , Farhana Amin , Shakil Md
Published: January 2015

Awareness is the key to prevention of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is important to identify associated factors and the aim of the present paper was to explore AIDS awareness among the country representative male population in Bangladesh along with identifying the associated factors. To assess the AIDS awareness among ever-married men in Bangladesh, this study used data extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2007. Of the 3771 ever-married men included in the study, most were Muslims (89.8%) and from rural areas (61.7%). Of the respondents, 85.9% had ever heard of AIDS. More than 70% of the respondents reported that a healthy looking person can have HIV, a person can get AIDS by using unsterilized needle or syringe and a person can get AIDS through unsafe blood transfusions, but always using condoms during sex and having single sex partner who has no other partner might reduce chances of getting AIDS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that AIDS awareness was strongly and positively associated with education of the respondents, varied significantly across different parts of the country. AIDS awareness was higher among urban residents than rural, and among them who had access to newspaper or magazine, television and radio than those who had not. AIDS awareness may be further increased providing easy access to education, mass-media, and promotion of condom use for prevention of AIDS in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mediscope.v1i1.21630 Mediscope Vol. 1, No. 1: 2014, Pages 1-13
Awareness on nutrition among the pregnant women at a female hospital in Jessore, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Moshiur
Published: January 2015

The study assessed the awareness on nutrition among the pregnant women at Female Ad-din Hospital in Jessore, Bangladesh from December 2011 to March 2012. One hundred seventy seven newly delivered mothers were randomly selected for interview on nutrition during pregnancy. Detailed history on food intake by the mothers during pregnancy period were recorded and analyzed. Many of the respondents did not take adequate amount of rice, vegetables, pulses, protein, vitamins, iron or minerals during pregnancy. This was due to that many of the pregnant mothers were not aware about increased food intake need during pregnancy period. Considering insufficient awareness in respect to nutritional behaviors among females of reproductive age, pregnant women and those who plan for pregnancy should be educated about adequate diet. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mediscope.v1i1.21631 Mediscope Vol. 1, No. 1: 2014, Pages 14-18
Antepartum and intrapartum cardiotocography and fetal outcome in high-risk pregnancy
Authors: Bina Ismatara , Parveen Tabassum , Khanom Afroza , Akhter Ms Dalia
Published: January 2015

The objective of the study was to find out the incidence of abnormal cardiotocography (CTG) findings in pregnancies at risk, to find out the suitable time of delivery of the fetus at risk and to find out the fetal outcome in abnormal antepartum CTG findings. It is a prospective study where 450 highrisk pregnancy cases of different gestational age, ranging from 32-42 weeks were selected from BSMMU, Dhaka and Khalishpur Clinic, Khulna from 2003 to 2013. CTG was done on admission and the subjects were followed-up till delivery. The data obtained from the present study were compiled and appropriate statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS. Out of the cases, normal CTG was found in 357 cases and abnormal CTG was found in 93 cases. Among these 93 cases, normal outcome was found in 87 cases (93.1%) and abnormal outcome in 6 cases (6.9%). The specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value for antepartum CTG was 92.5%, 20.5%, 81.9% and 49.3%, respectively. This study revealed that CTG shows more accuracy in case of healthy fetus that a normal CTG almost always gave a normal fetal outcome. But if CTG showed abnormality, the fetal outcome may be normal. So a more accurate correlation with other biophysical and biochemical parameters of fetus is to be done for further evaluation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mediscope.v1i1.21632 Mediscope Vol. 1, No. 1: 2014, Pages 19-22
Patient satisfaction with community clinic care: facility and household based survey in a sub-district in Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdousi Mst Jannatul
Published: January 2015

Bangladesh government has initiated a project with the title of "Revitalization of Community Health Care Initiatives in Bangladesh (RCHCIB)" to further develop the Community Clinics (CCs) and strengthen their operations in delivering primary health care. Measuring patient satisfaction with CC service users can play an important role in developing quality care. The objectives of this study were to measure patient satisfaction with CC through facility (CC) based survey and to measure overall patient satisfaction with CC through household based survey. The overall mean patient satisfaction score was 3.7 ± 1.0 and 2.4 ± 1.1 for facility based survey and household based survey, respectively. Policy and strategy should be done to increase quality of care resulting high level of patient satisfaction to service provided at CCs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mediscope.v1i1.21633 Mediscope Vol. 1, No. 1: 2014, Pages 23-28
Impact of Momordica charantia (karela) on serum alanine aminotransferase level in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Authors: Mohal S , Mondal DK , Chowdhury PK , Biswas H , Khanom A , Shamim KM
Published: January 2015

The present experimental study was conducted at Department of Anatomy in BSMMU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) & BIRDEM (Bangladesh Institute of Research & rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine & metabolic Disorders) to investigate whether Momordica charantia (karela) has got any impact on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Sixty healthy young Long Evans rats of male sex weighing 150 to 280 gm aged between 10 to 12 weeks were used in this study. The rats were divided into 4 equal groups depending on their different sorts of dietary feedings and drug treatment. The final ALT level (on 51st day) ranged from 23 to 34 u/L (mean 30.10 u/L) in healthy rats, 56 to 80 u/L (mean 68.50 u/L) in the untreated diabetic rats, 36 o 37 u/L (mean 31.50 u/L) in the insulin-treated diabetic rats and 61 to 96 u/L (mean 81.10 u/L) in the karela-treated diabetic rats. The ALT percentage change value of diabetic rats on 51st day corresponding to the initial on 7th day was significantly higher than that healthy rats (p<0.001). The value in the insulin-treated diabetic rats was significantly lower than that of the untreated diabetic rats (p<0.001) & the karela-treated diabetic rats (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the values of the untreated diabetic rats & the karela-treated diabetic rats (p>0.05). The present study did not show that karela has any significant impact of acting against higher serum ALT level in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Further investigation is recommended for establishing karela as an agent against higher serum ALT level in diabetes mellitus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mediscope.v1i1.21634 Mediscope Vol. 1, No. 1: 2014, Pages 29-32
Pelvic congestion syndrome
Authors: Sultana Razia , Begum Rowshan Ara , Begum Ferdousi
Published: January 2015

Chronic pelvic pain is a common gynecological problem with many causes and may account for approximately 10% outpatient gynecological visit. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is defined as a condition characterized by congestion of the pelvic veins visible on selective ovarian venography in multiparous premenopausal women with a history of chronic pelvic pain for more than six months. We report a case of PCS in 35 years old multiparous lady complaining of chronic pelvic pain for one year. The pain was worsened by sitting and standing position. Other general symptoms were present such as dysmenorrhea, rectal discomfort and urinary frequency. On examination patient was depressed, there was abdominal and pelvic tenderness. Pelvic ultrasound and Doppler examination showed dilated and tortuous ovarian veins and dilated tortuous arcuate veins in the myometrium. An ovarian cyst was present and uterus was enlarged. In this case total abdominal hysterectomy was done although ideal treatment for PCS is ovarian vein embolisation by interventional radiology which is not available in our country. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mediscope.v1i1.21635 Mediscope Vol. 1, No. 1: 2014, Pages 33-35
Juvenile granulosa cell ovarian tumor- a rare presentation
Authors: Saha Eti , Biswas Sunil Kumar , Saha Dipanwita
Published: January 2015

Juvenile granulosa cell tumor is a rare gynecologic malignancy. A fourteen year old girl was brought to the emergency with acute abdominal pain with distension of abdomen and admitted in surgical unit, clinically suspected perforation of gut. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed a right adenexal irregular mass with a moderate amount of ascitic fluid. On laparotomy, it was suspected malignant ovarian tumor stage Ic, and then ipsilateral salphingoophorectomy was done considering the age of the patient. It was juvenile Granulosa cell tumor which confirmed by histo-pathologically. The epidemiology, natural history, presentation, histological and imaging appearances, prognosis and treatment of this malignancy were reviewed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mediscope.v1i1.21636 Mediscope Vol. 1, No. 1: 2014, Pages 36-39
From the Desk of Editor-in-Chief Vol.1(1)
Authors: Biswas Gobinda Chandra
Published: January 2015

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mediscope.v1i1.21637 Mediscope Vol. 1, No. 1: 2014, Pages iii
Dispersability of Carbon Nanotubes in Biopolymer-Based Fluids
Authors: Tardani Franco , Mesa Camillo
Published: January 2015

In this review the dispersability of carbon nanotubes in aqueous solutions containing proteins, or nucleic acids, is discussed. Data reported previously are complemented by unpublished ones. In the mentioned nanotube-based systems several different phases are observed, depending on the type and concentration of biopolymer, as well as the amount of dispersed nanotubes. The phase behavior depends on how much biopolymers are adsorbing, and, naturally, on the molecular details of the adsorbents. Proper modulation of nanotube/biopolymer interactions helps switching between repulsive and attractive regimes. Dispersion or phase separation take place, respectively, and the formation of liquid crystalline phases or gels may prevail with respect to dispersions. We report on systems containing ss-DNA- and lysozyme-stabilized nanotubes, representative of different organization modes. In the former case, ss-DNA rolls around CNTs and ensures complete coverage. Conversely, proteins randomly and non-cooperatively adsorb onto nanotubes. The two functionalization mechanisms are significantly different. A fine-tuning of temperature, added polymer, pH, and/or ionic strength conditions induces the formation of a given supra-molecular organization mode. The biopolymer physico-chemical properties are relevant to induce the formation of different phases made of carbon nanotubes.
Exploring HIV Prevention Strategies among Street-Based Female Sex Workers in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zeng Huan , Zhao Yong , Meng Siying , Tang Xiaojun , Guo Hang , Wang Yang , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2015

Background: Commercial sex plays an increasingly important role in China’s growing HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemics. In China, street-based sex workers (SSWs) are a subgroup of female sex workers with a particularly high risk of HIV/STI infections but are neglected in responses to HIV. This study assesses changes in HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) utilization and high-risk sexual behaviors following a three-month HIV preventive intervention among SSWs in Chongqing, China. Methods: A three-month intervention was conducted by a team of peer educators, outreach workers from community-based organizations and health professionals. It mainly included distribution of free pamphlets and condoms and delivery of onsite and clinic-based VCT. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted prior to (n = 100) and immediately following (n = 112) the intervention to assess its impact. In-depth interviews were conducted among 12 SSWs after the intervention to further explore potential barriers to HIV prevention. Results: The intervention significantly increased SSWs’ participation in VCT (from 2.0%–15.2%, P < 0.001). Despite participants’ improved HIV-related knowledge level (from 24.0%–73.2%, P < 0.001), there were minimal changes in the levels of condom use with clients. Qualitative research revealed that fear of police arrest and stigma were the main barriers to VCT utilization. Low condom use was associated with family financial constraints, inadequate power in condom negotiation, low awareness and misconceptions of HIV infection risks. Conclusion: HIV intervention improved VCT utilization and knowledge but we did not observe an increase in condom use after this short intervention. SSWs faced substantial economic, social and environmental barriers to VCT utilization and condom use.
Determination of Total Tritium in Urine from Residents Living in the Vicinity of Nuclear Power Plants in Qinshan, China
Authors: Shen Bao-Ming , Ji Yan-Qin , Tian Qing , Shao Xiang-Zhang , Yin Liang-Liang , Su Xu
Published: January 2015

To estimate the tritium doses of the residents living in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant, urine samples of 34 adults were collected from residents living near the Qinshan nuclear power plant. The tritium-in-urine (HTO plus OBT) was measured by liquid scintillation counting. The doses of tritium-in-urine from participants living at 2, 10 and 22 km were in a range of 1.26–6.73 Bq/L, 1.31–3.09 Bq/L and 2.21–3.81 Bq/L, respectively, while the average activity concentrations of participants from the three groups were 3.53 ± 1.62, 2.09 ± 0.62 and 2.97 ± 0.78 Bq/L, respectively. The personal committed effective doses for males were 2.5 ± 1.7 nSv and for females they were 2.9 ± 1.3 nSv. These results indicate that tritium concentrations in urine samples from residents living at 2 km from a nuclear power plant are significantly higher than those at 10 km. It may be the downwind direction that caused a higher dose in participants living at 22 km. All the measured doses of tritium-in-urine are in a background level range.
Melatonin Stimulates Dendrite Formation and Complexity in the Hilar Zone of the Rat Hippocampus: Participation of the Ca++/Calmodulin Complex
Authors: Domínguez-Alonso Aline , Valdés-Tovar Marcela , Solís-Chagoyán Héctor , Benítez-King Gloria
Published: January 2015

Melatonin (MEL), the main product synthesized by the pineal gland, stimulates early and late stages of neurodevelopment in the adult brain. MEL increases dendrite length, thickness and complexity in the hilar and mossy neurons of hippocampus. Dendrite formation involves activation of Ca2+/Calmodulin (CaM)-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) by CaM. Previous work showed that MEL increased the synthesis and translocation of CaM, suggesting that MEL activates CaM-dependent enzymes by this pathway. In this work we investigated whether MEL stimulates dendrite formation by CaMKII activation in organotypic cultures from adult rat hippocampus. We found that the CaMKII inhibitor, KN-62, abolished the MEL stimulatory effects on dendritogenesis and that MEL increased the relative amount of CaM in the soluble fraction of hippocampal slices. Also, PKC inhibition abolished dendritogenesis, while luzindole, an antagonist of MEL receptors (MT1/2), partially blocked the effects of MEL. Moreover, autophosphorylation of CaMKII and PKC was increased in presence of MEL, as well as phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Our results indicate that MEL stimulates dendrite formation through CaMKII and the translocation of CaM to the soluble fraction. Dendritogenesis elicited by MEL also required PKC activation, and signaling through MT1/2 receptors was partially involved. Data strongly suggest that MEL could repair the loss of hippocampal dendrites that occur in neuropsychiatric disorders by increasing CaM levels and activation of CaMKII.
Ligand-Induced Dynamics of Neurotrophin Receptors Investigated by Single-Molecule Imaging Approaches
Authors: Marchetti Laura , Luin Stefano , Bonsignore Fulvio , De Nadai Teresa , Beltram Fabio , Cattaneo Antonino
Published: January 2015

Neurotrophins are secreted proteins that regulate neuronal development and survival, as well as maintenance and plasticity of the adult nervous system. The biological activity of neurotrophins stems from their binding to two membrane receptor types, the tropomyosin receptor kinase and the p75 neurotrophin receptors (NRs). The intracellular signalling cascades thereby activated have been extensively investigated. Nevertheless, a comprehensive description of the ligand-induced nanoscale details of NRs dynamics and interactions spanning from the initial lateral movements triggered at the plasma membrane to the internalization and transport processes is still missing. Recent advances in high spatio-temporal resolution imaging techniques have yielded new insight on the dynamics of NRs upon ligand binding. Here we discuss requirements, potential and practical implementation of these novel approaches for the study of neurotrophin trafficking and signalling, in the framework of current knowledge available also for other ligand-receptor systems. We shall especially highlight the correlation between the receptor dynamics activated by different neurotrophins and the respective signalling outcome, as recently revealed by single-molecule tracking of NRs in living neuronal cells.
Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells and Central Tolerance in Autoimmune Hepatitis Development: Novel Perspective from a New Mouse Model
Authors: Alexandropoulos Konstantina , Bonito Anthony , Weinstein Erica , Herbin Olivier
Published: January 2015

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated disorder that affects the liver parenchyma. Diagnosis usually occurs at the later stages of the disease, complicating efforts towards understanding the causes of disease development. While animal models are useful for studying the etiology of autoimmune disorders, most of the existing animal models of AIH do not recapitulate the chronic course of the human condition. In addition, approaches to mimic AIH-associated liver inflammation have instead led to liver tolerance, consistent with the high tolerogenic capacity of the liver. Recently, we described a new mouse model that exhibited spontaneous and chronic liver inflammation that recapitulated the known histopathological and immunological parameters of AIH. The approach involved liver-extrinsic genetic engineering that interfered with the induction of T-cell tolerance in the thymus, the very process thought to inhibit AIH induction by liver-specific expression of exogenous antigens. The mutation led to depletion of specialized thymic epithelial cells that present self-antigens and eliminate autoreactive T-cells before they exit the thymus. Based on our findings, which are summarized below, we believe that this mouse model represents a relevant experimental tool towards elucidating the cellular and molecular aspects of AIH development and developing novel therapeutic strategies for treating this disease.
Efficient Synthesis of a Maghemite/Gold Hybrid Nanoparticle System as a Magnetic Carrier for the Transport of Platinum-Based Metallotherapeutics
Authors: Štarha Pavel , Smola David , Tuček Jiří , Trávníček Zdeněk
Published: January 2015

The preparation and thorough characterization of a hybrid magnetic carrier system for the possible transport of activated platinum-based anticancer drugs, as demonstrated for cisplatin (cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2], CDDP), are described. The final functionalized mag/Au–LA–CDDP* system consists of maghemite/gold nanoparticles (mag/Au) coated by lipoic acid (HLA; LA stands for deprotonated form of lipoic acid) and functionalized by activated cisplatin in the form of cis-[Pt(NH3)2(H2O)2]2+ (CDDP*). The relevant techniques (XPS, EDS, ICP-MS) proved the incorporation of the platinum-containing species on the surface of the studied hybrid system. HRTEM, TEM and SEM images showed the nanoparticles as spherical with an average size of 12 nm, while their superparamagnetic feature was proven by 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. In the case of mag/Au, mag/Au–HLA and mag/Au–LA–CDDP*, weaker magnetic interactions among the Fe3+ centers of maghemite, as compared to maghemite nanoparticles (mag), were detected, which can be associated with the non-covalent coating of the maghemite surface by gold. The pH and time-dependent stability of the mag/Au–LA–CDDP* system in different media, represented by acetate (pH 5.0), phosphate (pH 7.0) and carbonate (pH 9.0) buffers and connected with the release of the platinum-containing species, showed the ability of CDDP* to be released from the functionalized nanosystem.
Magnetotactic Bacteria as Potential Sources of Bioproducts
Authors: Araujo Ana , Abreu Fernanda , Silva Karen , Bazylinski Dennis , Lins Ulysses
Published: January 2015

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) produce intracellular organelles called magnetosomes which are magnetic nanoparticles composed of magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4) enveloped by a lipid bilayer. The synthesis of a magnetosome is through a genetically controlled process in which the bacterium has control over the composition, direction of crystal growth, and the size and shape of the mineral crystal. As a result of this control, magnetosomes have narrow and uniform size ranges, relatively specific magnetic and crystalline properties, and an enveloping biological membrane. These features are not observed in magnetic particles produced abiotically and thus magnetosomes are of great interest in biotechnology. Most currently described MTB have been isolated from saline or brackish environments and the availability of their genomes has contributed to a better understanding and culturing of these fastidious microorganisms. Moreover, genome sequences have allowed researchers to study genes related to magnetosome production for the synthesis of magnetic particles for use in future commercial and medical applications. Here, we review the current information on the biology of MTB and apply, for the first time, a genome mining strategy on these microorganisms to search for secondary metabolite synthesis genes. More specifically, we discovered that the genome of the cultured MTB Magnetovibrio blakemorei, among other MTB, contains several metabolic pathways for the synthesis of secondary metabolites and other compounds, thereby raising the possibility of the co-production of new bioactive molecules along with magnetosomes by this species.
Ophiobolin O Isolated from Aspergillus ustus Induces G1 Arrest of MCF-7 Cells through Interaction with AKT/GSK3β/Cyclin D1 Signaling
Authors: Lv Cuiting , Qin Wenxing , Zhu Tonghan , Wei Shanjian , Hong Kui , Zhu Weiming , Chen Ruohua , Huang Caiguo
Published: January 2015

Ophiobolin O is a member of ophiobolin family, which has been proved to be a potent anti-tumor drug candidate for human breast cancer. However, the anti-tumor effect and the mechanism of ophiobolin O remain unclear. In this study, we further verified ophiobolin O-induced G1 phase arrest in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, and found that ophiobolin O reduced the phosphorylation level of AKT and GSK3β, and induced down-regulation of cyclin D1. The inverse docking (INVDOCK) analysis indicated that ophiobolin O could bind to GSK3β, and GSK3β knockdown abolished cyclin D1 degradation and G1 phase arrest. Pre-treatment with phosphatase inhibitor sodium or thovanadate halted dephosphorylation of AKT and GSK3β, and blocked ophiobolin O-induced G1 phase arrest. These data suggest that ophiobolin O may induce G1 arrest in MCF-7 cells through interaction with AKT/GSK3β/cyclin D1 signaling. In vivo, ophiobolin O suppressed tumor growth and showed little toxicity in mouse xenograft models. Overall, these findings provide theoretical basis for the therapeutic use of ophiobolin O.
Isolation and Assessment of the in Vitro Anti-Tumor Activity of Smenothiazole A and B, Chlorinated Thiazole-Containing Peptide/Polyketides from the Caribbean Sponge, Smenospongia aurea
Authors: Esposito Germana , Teta Roberta , Miceli Roberta , Ceccarelli Luca , Della Sala Gerardo , Camerlingo Rosa , Irollo Elena , Mangoni Alfonso , Pirozzi Giuseppe , Costantino Valeria
Published: January 2015

The study of the secondary metabolites contained in the organic extract of Caribbean sponge Smenospongia aurea led to the isolation of smenothiazole A (3) and B (4), hybrid peptide/polyketide compounds. Assays performed using four solid tumor cell lines showed that smenothiazoles exert a potent cytotoxic activity at nanomolar levels, with selectivity over ovarian cancer cells and a pro-apoptotic mechanism.
Development of Highly Selective Kv1.3-Blocking Peptides Based on the Sea Anemone Peptide ShK
Authors: Pennington Michael , Chang Shih , Chauhan Satendra , Huq Redwan , Tajhya Rajeev , Chhabra Sandeep , Norton Raymond , Beeton Christine
Published: January 2015

ShK, from the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus, is a 35-residue disulfide-rich peptide that blocks the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 at ca. 10 pM and the related channel Kv1.1 at ca. 16 pM. We developed an analog of this peptide, ShK-186, which is currently in Phase 1b-2a clinical trials for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. While ShK-186 displays a >100-fold improvement in selectivity for Kv1.3 over Kv1.1 compared with ShK, there is considerable interest in developing peptides with an even greater selectivity ratio. In this report, we describe several variants of ShK that incorporate p-phophono-phenylalanine at the N-terminus coupled with internal substitutions at Gln16 and Met21. In addition, we also explored the combinatorial effects of these internal substitutions with an alanine extension at the C-terminus. Their selectivity was determined by patch-clamp electrophysiology on Kv1.3 and Kv1.1 channels stably expressed in mouse fibroblasts. The peptides with an alanine extension blocked Kv1.3 at low pM concentrations and exhibited up to 2250-fold selectivity for Kv1.3 over Kv1.1. Analogs that incorporates p-phosphono-phenylalanine at the N-terminus blocked Kv1.3 with IC50s in the low pM range and did not affect Kv1.1 at concentrations up to 100 nM, displaying a selectivity enhancement of >10,000-fold for Kv1.3 over Kv1.1. Other potentially important Kv channels such as Kv1.4 and Kv1.6 were only partially blocked at 100 nM concentrations of each of the ShK analogs.
Structure Elucidation of New Acetylated Saponins, Lessoniosides A, B, C, D, and E, and Non-Acetylated Saponins, Lessoniosides F and G, from the Viscera of the Sea Cucumber Holothuria lessoni
Authors: Bahrami Yadollah , Franco Christopher
Published: January 2015

Sea cucumbers produce numerous compounds with a wide range of chemical structural diversity. Among these, saponins are the most diverse and include sulfated, non-sulfated, acetylated and methylated congeners with different aglycone and sugar moieties. In this study, MALDI and ESI tandem mass spectrometry, in the positive ion mode, were used to elucidate the structure of new saponins extracted from the viscera of H. lessoni. Fragmentation of the aglycone provided structural information on the presence of the acetyl group. The presence of the O-acetyl group was confirmed by observing the mass transition of 60 u corresponding to the loss of a molecule of acetic acid. Ion fingerprints from the glycosidic cleavage provided information on the mass of the aglycone (core), and the sequence and type of monosaccharides that constitute the sugar moiety. The tandem mass spectra of the saponin precursor ions [M + Na]+ provided a wealth of detailed structural information on the glycosidic bond cleavages. As a result, and in conjunction with existing literature, we characterized the structure of five new acetylated saponins, Lessoniosides A–E, along with two non-acetylated saponins Lessoniosides F and G at m/z 1477.7, which are promising candidates for future drug development. The presented strategy allows a rapid, reliable and complete analysis of native saponins.
Marine Peptides and Their Anti-Infective Activities
Authors: Kang Hee , Seo Chang , Park Yoonkyung
Published: January 2015

Marine bioresources are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with industrial and nutraceutical potential. Numerous clinical trials evaluating novel chemotherapeutic agents derived from marine sources have revealed novel mechanisms of action. Recently, marine-derived bioactive peptides have attracted attention owing to their numerous beneficial effects. Moreover, several studies have reported that marine peptides exhibit various anti-infective activities, such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, anti-tuberculosis, and antiviral activities. In the last several decades, studies of marine plants, animals, and microbes have revealed tremendous number of structurally diverse and bioactive secondary metabolites. However, the treatments available for many infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses are limited. Thus, the identification of novel antimicrobial peptides should be continued, and all possible strategies should be explored. In this review, we will present the structures and anti-infective activity of peptides isolated from marine sources (sponges, algae, bacteria, fungi and fish) from 2006 to the present.
Synthesis of Novel bis-1,5-Disubstituted-1H-Tetrazoles by an Efficient Catalyst-Free Ugi-Azide Repetitive Process
Authors: Cárdenas-Galindo Luís , Islas-Jácome Alejandro , Colmenero-Martínez Karla , Martínez-Richa Antonio , Gámez-Montaño Rocío
Published: January 2015

A series of five novel bis-1,5-disubstituted-1H-tetrazoles (bis-1,5-DS-1H-T) were quickly prepared by a catalyst-free Ugi-azide repetitive process from easily accessible starting materials in excellent yields, either at room temperature (88%–95%) or using mild MW-heating conditions (80%–91%). These molecules may have a wide range of applications, such as chelating agents, organocatalysts and luminescent materials, and mainly as bioactive compounds.
Cross-Amplification of Vicia sativa subsp. sativa Microsatellites across 22 Other Vicia Species
Authors: Raveendar Sebastin , Lee Gi-An , Jeon Young-Ah , Lee Yun , Lee Jung-Ro , Cho Gyu-Taek , Cho Joon-Hyeong , Park Jong-Hyun , Ma Kyung-Ho , Chung Jong-Wook
Published: January 2015

The temperate and herbaceous genus Vicia L. is a member of the legume tribe Fabeae of the subfamily Papilionoideae. The genus Vicia comprises 166 annual or perennial species distributed mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America, but also extending to the temperate regions of South America and tropical Africa. The use of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for Vicia species has not been investigated as extensively as for other crop species. In this study, we assessed the potential for cross-species amplification of cDNA microsatellite markers developed from common vetch (Vicia sativa subsp. sativa). For cross-species amplification of the SSRs, amplification was carried out with genomic DNA isolated from two to eight accessions of 22 different Vicia species. For individual species or subspecies, the transferability rates ranged from 33% for V. ervilia to 82% for V. sativa subsp. nigra with an average rate of 52.0%. Because the rate of successful SSR marker amplification generally correlates with genetic distance, these SSR markers are potentially useful for analyzing genetic relationships between or within Vicia species.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Hypaconitine after Oral Administration of Pure Hypaconitine, Aconitum carmichaelii Extract and Sini Decoction to Rats
Authors: Zhang Wen , Zhang Hai , Sun Sen , Sun Feng-Feng , Chen Jun , Zhao Liang , Zhang Guo-Qing
Published: January 2015

Hypaconitine (HC) is one of the main aconitum alkaloids in Aconitum carmichaelii (AC), which is considered to be effective on cardiovascular disease, although it also has high toxicity. Sini Decoction (SND), composed of Aconitum carmichaelii, Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Zingiber officinale, is a traditional Chinese multi-herbal formula for recuperating the depleted yang. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of HC in rat plasma after oral administration of HC, AC extract and SND, and investigate the effect of other two herbal ingredients on absorption, metabolism and elimination of HC. A sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS method was developed to determine HC in rat plasma. Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: HC, AC and SND group. Plasma concentrations of HC were determined at designated points after oral administration, and main pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. It was found that there was obvious difference (p < 0.05) on the pharmacokinetic parameters among three groups. Compared with AC group, Tmax, Cmax, k, AUC(0-24) and AUC(0-∞) decreased in SND group, while t1/2 and MRT had been lengthened, which indicated that the ingredients in other two herbs could influence the pharmacokinetic behavior of HC.