bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of a Surface Response Methodology in the Solar/UV-Induced Degradation of Dairy Wastewater Using Immobilized ZnO as a Semiconductor
Authors: Lamas Samanamud Gisella R. , Izario Filho Helcio J. , Loures Carla C. A. , Oliveira Ivy S. , Souza Andre L. , de Freitas Ana Paula B. R. , Pei Ruoting
Published: September 2013

An Advanced Oxidation Process (AOPs) was carried out in this study with the use of immobilized ZnO and solar/UV as an energy source to degrade dairy wastewater. The semibatch reactor system consisted of metal plate of 800 × 250 mm and a glass tank. The reaction time was of 3 h for 3 L of dairy wastewater. Experiments were performed based on a surface response methodology in order to optimize the photocatalytic process. Degradation was measured in percentage terms by total organic carbon (TOC). The entry variables were ZnO coating thickness and pH, using three levels of each variable. The optimized results showed a TOC degradation of 31.7%. Optimal parameters were metal-plate coating of 100 μm of ZnO and pH of 8.0. Since solar/UV is a constant and free energy source in most tropical countries, this process tends to suggest an interesting contribution in dairy wastewater treatment, especially as a pretreatment and the optimal conditions to guarantee a better efficiency of the process.
How Sleep Activates Epileptic Networks?
Authors: Halász Peter
Published: September 2013

Background. The relationship between sleep and epilepsy has been long ago studied, and several excellent reviews are available. However, recent development in sleep research, the network concept in epilepsy, and the recognition of high frequency oscillations in epilepsy and more new results may put this matter in a new light. Aim. The review address the multifold interrelationships between sleep and epilepsy networks and with networks of cognitive functions. Material and Methods. The work is a conceptual update of the available clinical data and relevant studies. Results and Conclusions. Studies exploring dynamic microstructure of sleep have found important gating mechanisms for epileptic activation. As a general rule interictal epileptic manifestations seem to be linked to the slow oscillations of sleep and especially to the reactive delta bouts characterized by A1 subtype in the CAP system. Important link between epilepsy and sleep is the interference of epileptiform discharges with the plastic functions in NREM sleep. This is the main reason of cognitive impairment in different forms of early epileptic encephalopathies affecting the brain in a special developmental window. The impairment of cognitive functions via sleep is present especially in epileptic networks involving the thalamocortical system and the hippocampocortical memory encoding system.
Purification and Properties of Polygalacturonase Produced by Thermophilic Fungus Thermoascus aurantiacus CBMAI-756 on Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Martins Eduardo da Silva , Leite Rodrigo Simões Ribeiro , da Silva Roberto , Gomes Eleni
Published: September 2013

Polygalacturonases are enzymes involved in the degradation of pectic substances, being extensively used in food industries, textile processing, degumming of plant rough fibres, and treatment of pectic wastewaters. Polygalacturonase (PG) production by thermophilic fungus Thermoascus aurantiacus on solid-state fermentation was carried out in culture media containing sugar cane bagasse and orange bagasse in proportions of 30% and 70% (w/w) at 45°C for 4 days. PG obtained was purified by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. The highest activity was found between pH 4.5 and 5.5, and the enzyme preserved more than 80% of its activity at pH values between 5.0 and 6.5. At pH values between 3.0 and 4.5, PG retained about 73% of the original activity, whereas at pH 10.0 it remained around 44%. The optimum temperature was 60–65°C. The enzyme was completely stable when incubated for 1 hour at 50°C. At 55°C and 60°C, the activity decreased 55% and 90%, respectively. The apparent molecular weight was 29.3 kDa, Km of 1.58 mg/mL and Vmax of 1553.1 μmol/min/mg. The presence of Zn+2, Mn+2, and Hg+2 inhibited 59%, 77%, and 100% of enzyme activity, respectively. The hydrolysis product suggests that polygalacturonase was shown to be an endo/exoenzyme.
Tai Chi Chuan in Medicine and Health Promotion
Authors: Lan Ching , Chen Ssu-Yuan , Lai Jin-Shin , Wong Alice May-Kuen
Published: September 2013

Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi) is a Chinese traditional mind-body exercise and recently, it becomes popular worldwide. During the practice of Tai Chi, deep diaphragmatic breathing is integrated into body motions to achieve a harmonious balance between body and mind and to facilitate the flow of internal energy (Qi). Participants can choose to perform a complete set of Tai Chi or selected movements according to their needs. Previous research substantiates that Tai Chi has significant benefits to health promotion, and regularly practicing Tai Chi improves aerobic capacity, muscular strength, balance, health-related quality of life, and psychological well-being. Recent studies also prove that Tai Chi is safe and effective for patients with neurological diseases (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cognitive dysfunction), rheumatological disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and fibromyalgia), orthopedic diseases (e.g., osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, low-back pain, and musculoskeletal disorder), cardiovascular diseases (e.g., acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, and heart failure), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and breast cancers. Tai Chi is an aerobic exercise with mild-to-moderate intensity and is appropriate for implementation in the community. This paper reviews the existing literature on Tai Chi and introduces its health-promotion effect and the potential clinical applications.
Systemic Inflammatory Responses and Lung Injury following Hip Fracture Surgery Increases Susceptibility to Infection in Aged Rats
Authors: Zhang Hao , Sun Tiansheng , Liu Zhi , Zhang Jianzheng , Wang Xiaowei , Liu Jia
Published: September 2013

Pulmonary infections frequently occur following hip fracture surgery in aged patients. However, the underlying reasons are not fully understood. The present study investigates the systemic inflammatory response and pulmonary conditions following hip fracture surgery as a means of identifying risk factors for lung infections using an aged rodent model. Aged, male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 animals per group) underwent a sham procedure or hip fracture plus femoral intramedullary pinning. Animals were sacrificed 1, 3, and 7 days after the injury. Markers of systemic inflammation and pulmonary injury were analyzed. Both sham-operated and injured/surgical group animals underwent intratracheal inoculation withPseudomonas aeruginosa1, 3, and 7 days after surgery.P. aeruginosacounts in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and survival rates were recorded. Serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 levels and markers of pulmonary injury were significantly increased at 1 and 3 days following hip fracture and surgery. Animals challenged withP. aeruginosaat 1 and 3 days after injury had a significantly decreased survival rate and moreP. aeruginosarecovered from blood and BAL fluid. This study shows that hip fracture and surgery in aged rats induced a systemic inflammatory response and lung injury associated with increased susceptibility to infection during the acute phase after injury and surgery.
Synergistic Effects of Nonthermal Plasma and Disinfecting Agents against Dental Biofilms In Vitro
Authors: Koban Ina , Geisel Marie Henrike , Holtfreter Birte , Jablonowski Lukasz , Hübner Nils-Olaf , Matthes Rutger , Masur Kai , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter , Kramer Axel , Kocher Thomas
Published: September 2013

Aim. Dental biofilms play a major role in the pathogenesis of many dental diseases. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic effect of atmospheric pressure plasma and different agents in dentistry on the reduction of biofilms. Methods and Results. We used monospecies (S. mutans) and multispecies dental biofilm models grown on titanium discs in vitro. After treatment with one of the agents, the biofilms were treated with plasma. Efficacy of treatment was determined by the number of colony forming units (CFU) and by live-dead staining. For S. mutans biofilms no colonies could be detected after treatment with NaOCl or H2O2. For multispecies biofilms the combination with plasma achieved a higher CFU reduction than each agent alone. We found an additive antimicrobial effect between argon plasma and agents irrespective of the treatment order with cultivation technique. For EDTA and octenidine, antimicrobial efficacy assessed by live-dead staining differed significantly between the two treatment orders (P<0.05). Conclusions. The effective treatment of dental biofilms on titanium discs with atmospheric pressure plasma could be increased by adding agents in vitro.
Human Sprouty1 Suppresses Urokinase Receptor-Stimulated Cell Migration and Invasion
Authors: Mekkawy Ahmed H. , Morris David L.
Published: September 2013

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) has been implicated in several processes in tumor progression including cell migration and invasion in addition to initiation of signal transduction. Since uPAR lacks a transmembrane domain, it uses the interaction with other proteins to modulate intracellular signal transduction. We have previously identified hSpry1 as a partner protein of uPAR, suggesting a physiological role for hSpry1 in the regulation of uPAR signal transduction. In this study, hSpry1 was found to colocalize with uPAR upon stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF), urokinase (uPA), or its amino terminal fragment (uPA-ATF), implicating a physiological role of hSpry1 in regulation of uPAR signalling pathway. Moreover, hSpry1 was able to inhibit uPAR-stimulated cell migration in HEK293/uPAR, breast carcinoma, and colorectal carcinoma cells. In addition, hSpry1 was found to inhibit uPAR-stimulated cell invasion in breast carcinoma and osteosarcoma cell lines. Increasing our understanding of how hSpry1 negatively regulates uPAR-stimulated cellular functions may determine a distinctive role for hSpry1 in tumour suppression.
Data Acquisition and Transmission System for Building Energy Consumption Monitoring
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhang Jili , Liang Ruobing
Published: September 2013

Building energy consumption monitoring and management system have been developed widely in China in order to gain the real-time data of energy consumption in buildings for analyzing it in the next state work. This paper describes a low-cost and small-sized collector based on the STM32 microcontroller, which can be placed in a building easily to implement the work of data acquisition, storage, and transmission. The collector gathers the electricity, water, heat, and energy consumption data through the RS485 field bus and stores the data into an SD card with mass storage, finally, using Internet to finish the communication and transmission to data server through TCP protocol. The collector has been used in application for two years, and the results show that the system is reliable and stable.
Phylogenetic Relationships among Populations of the Vineyard SnailCernuella virgata(Da Costa, 1778)
Authors: Puizina Jasna , Puljas Sanja , Fredotović Željana , Šamanić Ivica , Pleslić Grgur
Published: September 2013

Cernuella virgata(Da Costa, 1778) (Mollusca: Hygromiidae), commonly known as the “vineyard snail,” is endemic species in Mediterranean and Western Europe including the British Isles, but in the Eastern USA and Australia it represents an introduced invasive species. The present work examines the genetic variability and phylogenetic relationships among the four populations of this land snail sampled along the east Adriatic region of Croatia using mitochondrial markers (partial 16S rDNA and COI gene) in addition to traditional methods of shell’s shape analysis. All the three molecular-phylogenetic approaches (median joining haplotype network analysis and Bayesian analysis, as well as maximum likelihood analysis) revealed two-three major subnetworks for both 16S rDNA and COI, with a clear distinction between south Adriatic haplotypes (Pisak) and north Adriatic haplotypes (Krk and Cres). The population from Karlobag was comprised of both north and south haplotypes, thus representing a putative contact zone between these two groups. The morphometric analysis showed that individuals from Cres island population were statistically significantly wider and higher than individuals from Pisak population. Analysis of the SW/SH ratio and the relationship between shell width and shell height showed no differences in shell growth between the two examined populations, indicating equal shell growth and shape, which gives the possibility that differences in size of individuals between those two populations could be influenced by biotic (physiological) or abiotic (environmental) factors. This study represents the first analysis of genetic variability and relatedness among native populations ofC. virgata.
Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Studies of Chitosan as a Potential Carrier for Dicer‐Substrate siRNA
Authors: Abdul Ghafoor Raja Maria , Katas Haliza , Abd Hamid Zariyantey , Razali Nur Atiqah
Published: September 2013

Recently, Dicer‐substrate small interfering RNA (DsiRNA) has gained attention owing to its greater potency over small interfering RNA (siRNA). However, the use of DsiRNA is restricted by its rapid degradation in vitro. To address this issue, chitosan nanoparticulate deliver yplatform for the Dicer‐substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) was developed and characterized. Nanoparticles were prepared by simple complexation and ionic gelation methods. The mean particle size of DsiRNA‐adsorbed chitosan nanospheres (DsiRNA‐CS NPs) prepared by the ionic gelation method ranged from 225 to 335 nm, while simple complexation yielded DsiRNA‐chitosan complexes (DsiRNA‐CS complexes) ranging from 270 to 730 nm. The zeta potential of both types of nanoparticles ranged from +40 to +65 mV. TEM and AFM micrographs revealed spherical and irregular morphology of DsiRNA‐CS NPs and DsiRNA‐CS complexes. ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of DsiRNA in the CS NPs/complexes. Both types of nanoparticles exhibited sustained release and high binding and encapsulation (100%) efficiency of DsiRNA. DsiRNA‐CS NPs/complexes showed low, concentration‐dependent cytotoxicity in vitro. DsiRNA‐CS NPs showed better stability than the complexes when stored at 4 and 25°C. Thus, it is anticipated that CS NPs are promising vectors for DsiRNA delivery due to their stability, safety, and cost‐effectiveness.
Productivity Improvement of a Special Purpose Machine Using DMAIC Principles: A Case Study
Authors: Dambhare Sunil , Aphale Siddhant , Kakade Kiran , Thote Tejas , Borade Atul
Published: September 2013

Six Sigma is one of the popular methodologies used by the companies to improve the quality and productivity. It uses a detailed analysis of the process to determine the causes of the problem and proposes a successful improvement. Various approaches are adopted while following Six Sigma methodologies and one of them is DMAIC. The successful implementation of DMAIC and FTA is discussed in this paper. In this study, the major problem was of continuous rework up to 16%, which was leading to wastage of man hours and labor cost. Initially, fault tree analysis (FTA) was used to detect the key process input variables (KPIVs) affecting the output. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to know the possible relationship between the KPIVs and the output. The DMAIC methodology was successfully implemented to reduce the rework from 16% bores per month to 2.20% bores per month. The other problem of nonuniform step bores was also reduced significantly.
Dependence of Microcrack Behavior in Wood on Moisture Content during Drying
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Sakagami Hiroki , Kijidani Yoshio , Matsumura Junji
Published: September 2013

A modified confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) system was developed not only to observe the microcracks on the surface ofCryptomeria japonicaD. Donin situat the cellular level but also to obtain information about the moisture content (MC) of the wood surface by measuring the change in its electrical resistivity. The sequential images and changes in the electrical resistivity of the wood surface indicated that microcracks formed between the tracheid and ray parenchyma in the latewood region at >1.0E+ 07 Ω/sq (square). Microcracks formed when the MC of the wood surface was below the fiber saturation point determined through regression analysis of the surface electrical resistivity and MC. Most of the microcracks develop when the surface electrical resistivity ranged from 3.95E+ 10 to 3.60E+ 12 Ω/sq. When the surface MC was~2.5%, microcracks closed and the surface electrical resistivity was either~1.00E+ 15 Ω/sq or outside the measurement range. The modified CLSM and the method to measure the MC of the wood surface can be used to acquire information about the surface MC in specific areas shown in CLSM images. The findings indicated that the MC of the surface of the wood plays an important role in suppressing the emergence of microcracks in drying wood. The modified CLSM system and the method of measuring the MC of the surface of wood can be used to efficiently evaluate methods of drying wood and the quality of dried wood.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia Leading to Transient Ischemic Attacks due to Intraluminal Carotid Artery Thrombus
Authors: Batur Caglayan H. Z. , Nazliel B. , Irkec C. , Dumlu A. , Filiz A. , Panpalli Ates M.
Published: September 2013

Reactive thrombocytosis secondary to iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is a rare but recognized cause of stroke. We report the case of a patient with iron-deficiency anemia presenting with multiple transient ischemic attacks (TIA) due to intraluminal thrombus of an internal carotid artery. The putative mechanisms underlying anemia and stroke syndromes are not completely understood, and it is believed that iron deficiency may cause ischemic stroke by several potential mechanisms. Thrombocytosis is often associated with iron deficiency, and microcytosis produces a reduction in the red cell deformability and could produce a hypercoagulable state. The platelet count and function observed in iron-deficiency anemia could act synergistically to promote thrombus formation, especially in the setting of an underlying atherosclerotic disease. The presence of floating thrombus in a patient with clinical and MRI evidence of stroke represents a significant therapeutic dilemma and requires immediate decision about treatment.
Prospective Trial of a Novel Nomogram to Achieve Updated Vancomycin Trough Concentrations
Authors: Wesner Amber R. , Brackbill Marcia L. , Coyle Larissa L. , Kidd Robert S.
Published: September 2013

Purpose. To determine if the use of a novel vancomycin nomogram predicts dosing regimens that achieve target trough concentrations equal to or more accurate than dosing regimens calculated using traditional pharmacokinetic calculations, evaluate the incidence of subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic troughs, and assess pharmacist's impressions of the nomogram.Methods. Prospective, open-label study in 473 patients who had a new order for vancomycin and were >18 years of age and ≤120 kg. Patients were randomized to the active group, dosed using the nomogram, or to the control group, dosed using traditional pharmacokinetic calculations already in place at our institution.Results. Patients dosed via nomogram were within the appropriate trough range in 44% of cases compared to 33% in the control group (P=0.014). Vancomycin troughs less than 10 mcg/mL were significantly decreased with the use of nomogram (P=0.032). Incidence of supratherapeutic troughs, greater than 20 mcg/mL, was not significantly different between groups (P=0.706), and pharmacists agreed that the nomogram was easy to use and saved their time.Conclusions. A novel vancomycin nomogram was prospectively validated and found to be more effective than traditional pharmacokinetic dosing. The nomogram is being implemented as the standard dosing protocol at our institution.
Beyond the Limits of Oxygen: Effects of Hypoxia in a Hormone-Independent Prostate Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Mamede A. C. , Abrantes A. M. , Pedrosa L. , Casalta-Lopes J. E. , Pires A. S. , Teixo R. J. , Gonçalves A. C. , Sarmento-Ribeiro A. B. , Maia C. J. , Botelho M. F.
Published: September 2013

Prostate cancer (PCa) has a high incidence worldwide. One of the major causes of PCa resistance is intratumoral hypoxia. In solid tumors, hypoxia is strongly associated with malignant progression and resistance to therapy, which is an indicator of poor prognosis. The antiproliferative effect and induced death caused by doxorubicin, epirubicin, cisplatin, and flutamide in a hormone-independent PCa cell line will be evaluated. The hypoxia effect on drug resistance to these drugs, as well as cell proliferation and migration, will be also analyzed. All drugs induced an antiproliferative effect and also cell death in the cell line under study. Hypoxia made the cells more resistant to all drugs. Moreover, our results reveal that long time cell exposure to hypoxia decreases cellular proliferation and migration. Hypoxia can influence cellular resistance, proliferation, and migration. This study shows that hypoxia may be a key factor in the regulation of PCa.
Frequency-Adjustable Small Zeroth-Order Resonant Antenna with Capacitor-Loaded Rectangular Slot on Ground Plane
Authors: Jang Youngsoo , Lim Sungjoon
Published: September 2013

A capacitor-loaded electrical small zeroth-order resonant (ZOR) antenna is proposed. The proposed antenna is designed on the basis of a mushroom structure for zeroth-order resonance. To obtain a compact size, the proposed antenna has a rectangular slot on the ground plane, and the chip capacitor is mounted on the slot. The resonant frequency is easily controlled from 2.82 GHz to 2.29 GHz by changing the capacitance from 1 pF to 7 pF, respectively. Therefore, the proposed antenna has the advantages of a small antenna size as well as easy frequency adjustment.
Detecting Substance Abuse in the Emergency Department: A 10-Year Comparative Study
Authors: Espi Martinez Fernando , Nieto Munuera Joaquin , Noguera Velasco Jose Antonio , Espi Forcen Fernando
Published: September 2013

Aims. We have retrospectively analyzed the variations in the clinical profile of patients with a positive consumption of alcohol and/or drugs of abuse that have been confirmed and treated in the Emergency Department of a Virgen de La Arrixaca University Hospital in Murcia (Spain) after a period of 10 years. Secondly, we have assessed if the use of urine toxicology screen tests had any influence on the improvement of the management and/or referral of these patients to specialized services from the Emergency Department or at the time of discharge from hospital, regardless of the specialist or service where they had been treated.Method. 415 patients were selected in the year 2000 and 452 in the year 2010 who had tested positive for alcohol and drugs, assessing the reason for consultation, specific symptoms, drug used, record, diagnosis, and patient management.Results. The most frequent reasons for going to the Emergency Department was common illness, mainly psychiatric disorders, and the type of drug taken, alcohol. There were no significant differences between both groups, but approximately 50% of the patients were not referred for treatment of the abuse or dependency.Conclusions. The clinical profession should consider measures to improve detection and referral of patients with substance abuse disorders.
Effects of high-amount–high-intensity exercise on in vivo platelet activation: Modulation by lipid peroxidation and AGE/RAGE axis
Authors: Santilli Francesca , Vazzana Natale , Iodice Pierpaolo , Lattanzio Stefano , Liani Rossella , Bellomo Rosa Grazia , Lessiani Gianfranco , Perego Francesca , Saggini Raoul , Davì Giovanni
Published: September 2013

Physical activity is associated with cardiovascular risk reduction, but the effects of exercise on platelet activation remain controversial. We investigated the effects of regular high-amount, high intensity aerobic exercise on in vivo thromboxane (TX)-dependent platelet activation and plasma levels of platelet-derived proteins, CD40L and P-selectin, and whether platelet variables changes may be related to changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and in the extent of oxidative stress and oxidative stress-related inflammation, as reflected by urinary isoprostane excretion and endogenous soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (esRAGE), respectively. Urinary excretion of 11-dehydro-TXB2 and 8-iso-prostaglandin (PG)F2α and plasma levels of P-selectin, CD40L and esRAGE were measured before and after a eight-week standardised aerobic high-amount–high-intensity training program in 22 sedentary subjects with low-to-intermediate risk. Exercise training had a clear beneficial effect on HDL cholesterol (+10%, p=0.027) and triglyceride (-27%, p=0.008) concentration. In addition, a significant (p<0.0001) decrease in urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2 (26%), 8-iso-PGF2α (21 %), plasma P-selectin (27%), CD40L (35%) and a 61% increase in esRAGE were observed. Multiple regression analysis revealed that urinary 8-iso-PGF2α [beta=0.33, SEM=0.116, p=0.027] and esRAGE (beta=-0.30, SEM=31.3, p=0.046) were the only significant predictors of urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2 excretion rate over the training period. In conclusion, regular high-amount–high-intensity exercise training has broad beneficial effects on platelet activation markers, paralleled and possibly associated with changes in the lipoprotein profile and in markers of lipid peroxidation and AGE/RAGE axis. Our findings may help explaining why a similar amount of exercise exerts significant benefits in preventing cardiovascular events.
Patching the Heart
Authors: Ye Lei , Zimmermann Wolfram-Hubertus , Garry Daniel J , Zhang Jianyi
Published: September 2013

Transplantation of engineered tissue patches containing either progenitor cells or cardiomyocytes for cardiac repair is emerging as an exciting treatment option for patients with postinfarction left ventricular remodeling. The beneficial effects may evolve directly from remuscularization or indirectly through paracrine mechanisms that mobilize and activate endogenous progenitor cells to promote neovascularization and remuscularization, inhibit apoptosis, and attenuate left ventricular dilatation and disease progression. Despite encouraging results, further improvements are necessary to enhance current tissue engineering concepts and techniques and to achieve clinical impact. Herein, we review several strategies for cardiac remuscularization and paracrine support that can induce cardiac repair and attenuate left ventricular dysfunction from both within and outside the myocardium.
Sevoflurane Preconditioning Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Caveolin-3–Dependent Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition
Authors: Zhao Jianli , Wang Feng , Zhang Yanqing , Jiao Liyuan , Lau Wayne Bond , Wang Lili , Liu Baojiang , Gao Erhe , Koch Walter J. , Ma Xin-Liang , Wang Yajing
Published: September 2013

Background—

The inhaled anesthetic sevoflurane has been demonstrated to protect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury via mechanisms involving AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and caveolin-3 (Cav-3). However, the relative contributions of AMPK and Cav-3 to sevoflurane preconditioning (SF-PreCon)–mediated cardioprotection and their precise underlying mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood.

Methods and Results—

SF-PreCon (consisting of 3 cycles of 15-minute exposure to 2% sevoflurane before 30 minutes of MI) decreased MI/R injury in wild-type mice (caspase-3 activity, −29.1%; infarct size, −20.2%; and left ventricular end diastolic pressure, −33.8%). In cardiac-specific AMPKα2 dominant-negative overexpressing mice, the cardioprotective effect of SF-PreCon was largely retained (caspase-3 activity, −26.7%; infarct size, −16.7%; and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, −25.9%;
P
<0.01). In contrast, SF-PreCon failed to significantly protect Cav-3 knockout mice against MI/R injury (
P
>0.05). SF-PreCon significantly decreased MI/R-induced superoxide generation in wild-type (−43.6%) and AMPK dominant-negative overexpressing mice (−35.5%;
P
<0.01) but not in Cav-3 knockout mice. SF-PreCon did not affect nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase expression but significantly inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 expression in wild-type (−38.7%) and AMPK dominant-negative overexpressing mice (−35.8%) but not in Cav-3 knockout mice.

Conclusions—

We demonstrate for the first time SF-PreCon mediates cardioprotection against MI/R injury via caveolin-3–dependent cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and antioxidative effects.
Late Repair of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Does Not Prevent Left Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Beaudoin Jonathan , Levine Robert A. , Guerrero J. Luis , Yosefy Chaim , Sullivan Suzanne , Abedat Susan , Handschumacher Mark D. , Szymanski Catherine , Gilon Dan , Palmeri Nicholas O. , Vlahakes Gus J. , Hajjar Roger J. , Beeri Ronen
Published: September 2013

Background—

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is a frequent complication of myocardial infarction associated with left ventricular (LV) dilatation and dysfunction, which doubles mortality. At the molecular level, moderate ischemic MR is characterized by a biphasic response, with initial compensatory rise in prohypertrophic and antiapoptotic signals, followed by their exhaustion. We have shown that early MR repair 30 days after myocardial infarction is associated with LV reverse remodeling. It is not known whether MR repair performed after the exhaustion of compensatory mechanisms is also beneficial. We hypothesized that late repair will not result in LV reverse remodeling.

Methods and Results—

Twelve sheep underwent distal left anterior descending coronary artery ligation to create apical myocardial infarction and implantation of an LV-to-left atrium shunt to create standardized moderate volume overload. At 90 days, animals were randomized to shunt closure (late repair) versus sham (no repair). LV remodeling was assessed by 3-dimensional echocardiography, d
P
/d
t
, preload-recruitable stroke work, and myocardial biopsies. At 90 days, animals had moderate volume overload, LV dilatation, and reduced ejection fraction (all
P
<0.01 versus baseline,
P
=NS between groups). Shunt closure at 90 days corrected the volume overload (regurgitant fraction 6±5% versus 27±16% for late repair versus sham,
P
<0.01) but was not associated with changes in LV volumes (end-diastolic volume 106±15 versus 110±22 mL; end-systolic volume 35±6 versus 36±6 mL) or increases in preload-recruitable stroke work (41±7 versus 39±13 mL mm Hg) or d
P
/d
t
(803±210 versus 732±194 mm Hg/s) at 135 days (all
P
=NS). Activated Akt, central in the hypertrophic process, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a critical node in the hypertrophic stimulus by cytokines, were equally depressed in both groups.

Conclusions—

Late correction of moderate volume overload after myocardial infarction did not improve LV volume or contractility. Upregulation of prohypertrophic intracellular pathways was not observed. This contrasts with previously reported study in which early repair (30 days) reversed LV remodeling. This suggests a window of opportunity to repair ischemic MR after which no beneficial effect on LV is observed, despite successful repair.
Ethanol Promotes Arteriogenesis and Restores Perfusion to Chronically Ischemic Myocardium
Authors: Lassaletta Antonio D. , Elmadhun Nassrene Y. , Liu Yuhong , Feng Jun , Burgess Thomas A. , Karlson Nicholas W. , Laham Roger J. , Sellke Frank W.
Published: September 2013

Background—

Moderate alcohol consumption is known to be cardioprotective compared with either heavy drinking or complete abstinence. We assessed the hypothesis that ethanol supplementation would improve myocardial function in the setting of chronic ischemia.

Methods and Results—

Sixteen male Yorkshire swine underwent placement of an ameroid constrictor into the left circumflex artery to induce chronic myocardial ischemia. Postoperatively, animals were supplemented with either 90 mL of ethanol (EtOH) daily (50%/V, EtOH) or 80 g of sucrose of equal caloric value (SUC), serving as controls. Seven weeks after ameroid placement, arteriolar density (1.74±0.210% versus 3.11±0.368% area of arterioles per low-powered field in sucrose (SUC) versus EtOH;
P
=0.004), myocardial perfusion (ratio of blood flow to the at-risk myocardium compared with the normal ventricle during demand pacing was 0.585±0.107 versus 1.08±0.138 for SUC versus EtOH;
P
=0.014), and microvascular reactivity were significantly increased in ethanol-treated animals compared with controls in the at-risk myocardium. Analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor and NOTCH pathway signaling suggested proneovascular and proliferative activity in the ischemic area. The average peak blood alcohol level in the treatment group was 40±4 mg/dL, consistent with levels of moderate drinking in humans.

Conclusions—

Ethanol supplementation increased arteriolar density and significantly improved myocardial perfusion and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in chronically ischemic myocardium. These findings suggest that, at moderate doses, ethanol directly promotes vasculogenesis and improves microvascular function, resulting in significant improvements in myocardial perfusion in the setting of chronic ischemia.
Spatially Oriented, Temporally Sequential Smooth Muscle Cell-Endothelial Progenitor Cell Bi-Level Cell Sheet Neovascularizes Ischemic Myocardium
Authors: Shudo Yasuhiro , Cohen Jeffrey E. , MacArthur John W. , Atluri Pavan , Hsiao Philip F. , Yang Elaine C. , Fairman Alexander S. , Trubelja Alen , Patel Jay , Miyagawa Shigeru , Sawa Yoshiki , Woo Y. Joseph
Published: September 2013

Background—

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) possess robust therapeutic angiogenic potential, yet may be limited in the capacity to develop into fully mature vasculature. This problem might be exacerbated by the absence of a neovascular foundation, namely pericytes, with simple EPC injection. We hypothesized that coculturing EPCs with smooth muscle cells (SMCs), components of the surrounding vascular wall, in a cell sheet will mimic the native spatial orientation and interaction between EPCs and SMCs to create a supratherapeutic angiogenic construct in a model of ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

Primary EPCs and SMCs were isolated from Wistar rats. Confluent SMCs topped with confluent EPCs were spontaneously detached from the Upcell dish to create an SMC-EPC bi-level cell sheet. A rodent ischemic cardiomyopathy model was created by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rats were then immediately divided into 3 groups: cell-sheet transplantation (n=14), cell injection (n=12), and no treatment (n=13). Cocultured EPCs and SMCs stimulated an abundant release of multiple cytokines in vitro. Increased capillary density and improved blood perfusion in the borderzone elucidated the significant in vivo angiogenic potential of this technology. Most interestingly, however, cell fate–tracking experiments demonstrated that the cell-sheet EPCs and SMCs directly migrated into the myocardium and differentiated into elements of newly formed functional vasculature. The robust angiogenic effect of this cell sheet translated to enhanced ventricular function as demonstrated by echocardiography.

Conclusions—

Spatially arranged EPC-SMC bi-level cell-sheet technology facilitated the natural interaction between EPCs and SMCs, thereby creating structurally mature, functional microvasculature in a rodent ischemic cardiomyopathy model, leading to improved myocardial function.
Outcomes of Patients Presenting With Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in the Setting of Prior Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Teman Nicholas R. , Peterson Mark D. , Russo Mark J. , Ehrlich Marek P. , Myrmel Truls , Upchurch Gilbert R. , Greason Kevin , Fillinger Mark , Forteza Alberto , Deeb George Michael , Montgomery Daniel G. , Eagle Kim A. , Isselbacher Eric M. , Nienaber Christoph A. , Patel Himanshu J.
Published: September 2013

Background—

Prior cardiac surgery (PCS) can complicate the presentation and management of patients with type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD). This report from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection examines this hypothesis.

Methods and Results—

A total of 352 of 2196 patients with TAAAD (16%) enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection had cardiac surgery before dissection, including coronary artery bypass grafting (34%), aortic or mitral valve surgery (36%), aortic surgery (42%), and other cardiac surgery (16%). Those with PCS were older, had a higher frequency of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, and presented later from symptom onset to hospital presentation and diagnosis (all
P
<0.05). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher for PCS patients (34% versus 23%;
P
<0.001). Five-year mortality was independently predicted by PCS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–3.95), age >70 years (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.40–5.05), medical management (HR, 5.10; 95% CI, 2.43–10.71), distal communication (HR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.35–5.14), and coma (HR, 9.50; 95% CI, 2.05–44.05). Among patients with PCS, in-hospital (43% medical versus 30% surgical;
P
=0.033) and intermediate-term mortality was higher in patients with medical versus surgical management. Propensity-matched analysis revealed significant increase in mortality with medical management, but not with PCS.

Conclusions—

PCS delays presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of TAAAD and is an important adverse risk factor for early and intermediate-term mortality. This effect may be because of increased medical management in this patient population.
Surgical Palliation Strategy Does Not Affect Interstage Ventricular Dysfunction or Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation in Children With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Variants
Authors: Chetan Devin , Kotani Yasuhiro , Jacques Frederic , Poynter Jeffrey A. , Benson Lee N. , Lee Kyong-Jin , Chaturvedi Rajiv R. , Friedberg Mark K. , Van Arsdell Glen S. , Caldarone Christopher A. , Honjo Osami
Published: September 2013

Background—

All 3 palliation strategies, Norwood, Sano, and Hybrid, currently used for hypoplastic left heart syndrome pose a risk of myocardial injury at different times and through different mechanisms. We sought to compare these strategies to understand longitudinal differences in interstage ventricular dysfunction and their subsequent impact on transplant-free survival and atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) as well as the relationship between adverse events and ventricular function.

Methods and Results—

Serial echocardiographic reports and clinical data were reviewed for 138 children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who underwent stage I surgical palliation (Sano: 11; Norwood: 73; Hybrid: 54) between 2004 and 2011. Stage II palliation was achieved in 92 (67%) patients (Sano: 7; Norwood: 51; Hybrid: 34). Interstage transplant-free survival, ventricular dysfunction, and AVVR were equivalent among palliation strategies. Patients with preserved ventricular function had a higher rate of transplant-free survival and freedom from AVVR, regardless of palliation strategy. Patients who had cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (adverse events) experienced more transient and persistent ventricular dysfunction compared to those without adverse events. Surgical palliation strategies were not identified as risk factors for ventricular dysfunction or AVVR.

Conclusions—

Surgical palliation strategy does not affect mortality, interstage ventricular function, or interstage AVVR in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Therefore, the different timing and mechanisms of myocardial injury among palliation strategies do not affect outcomes. Ventricular dysfunction adversely affects transplant-free survival and atrioventricular valve function. Adverse events are associated with the development of ventricular dysfunction. To improve outcomes, interstage treatment should focus on the preservation of ventricular function.
Creation of Nonischemic Functional Mitral Regurgitation by Annular Dilatation and Nonplanar Modification in a Chronic In Vivo Swine Model
Authors: Yamauchi Haruo , Feins Eric N. , Vasilyev Nikolay V. , Shimada Shogo , Zurakowski David , del Nido Pedro J.
Published: September 2013

Background—

Mechanisms and treatments of nonischemic functional mitral regurgitation (NIMR) are not fully established, in part, because of a lack of proper large animal models. We developed a novel technique of NIMR creation in a swine model by making multiple small incisions in the mitral annulus.

Methods and Results—

Ex vivo experiments using isolated swine hearts (n=10) showed a 15% increase in annular area (6.8–7.8 cm
2
) after 16 incisions were made along the posterior mitral annulus of a pressurized left ventricle. In an in vivo swine model (n=7; 46.4±2.2 kg), NIMR was created by making fourteen to twenty-six 2-mm incisions in the atrial aspect of the mitral annulus using a cardioport video-assisted imaging system in the beating heart. Animals were euthanized at 4 weeks (n=4) and 6 weeks (n=3). Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography was obtained before and immediately after NIMR creation and at euthanasia; vena contracta area, mitral annular dimension, left ventricular volume, and inter-papillary muscle distance were measured. The mitral annular incisions resulted in mild to moderate mitral regurgitation and an increased vena contracta area. NIMR creation altered mitral valve geometry by decreasing mitral annular nonplanarity and increasing annular area, primarily in the anteroposterior dimension. NIMR creation did not significantly change left ventricular volume or inter-papillary muscle distance. Longer follow-up period did not significantly affect these outcomes.

Conclusions—

NIMR can successfully be created in a beating heart swine model and results in dilatation and 3D changes in mitral annular geometry. This model can enhance the experimental validation of new valve repair devices and techniques.
“Playing the Football of Love on the Field of the Body”: The Contemporary Repertoire of Baul Songs
Authors: Lorea Carola Erika
Published: September 2013

Abstract

This article analyzes the contemporary repertoire of a very popular genre of Bengali folk songs, performed by itinerant singers and practitioners of an esoteric cult known as Bauls. Considering the recent popularization and commercialization of Baul songs and their interference with the urban milieu, the discourse on the authenticity of Baul songs is explored from an inter-disciplinary perspective that embraces orality-literacy studies as well as social studies on cultural tourism, underlining the limits of previous academic works on the subject. This article offers, as an original contribution, the first results of ongoing fieldwork among the disciples of a śākta saint and composer of Baul songs known as Bhaba Pagla. Through discussion of the lyrics of songs performed in contemporary Baul festivals, this article argues that the contamination of Baul songs by urban élites and middle-class audiences, far from deteriorating the oral tradition, may enrich the vocabulary of the compositions and reinforce the underlying belief system. Contrarily to the popular and academic view of today’s Bauls, that labels the entertaining performer as a corrupted ally of show business, the priority of gānsādhanā (singing as a practice for self-realization) may be interpreted as an efficient way to conceal heterodox esoteric rituals vis-à-vis the increasing interest of cultural tourists in Baul culture and performances, protecting the secrecy of the tradition through an innovative and negotiated version of sandhyā-bhāṣā (twilight-language), the literary device that has accompanied Bengali esoteric songs since their origins.
Vivipary in Hedychium elatum (Zingiberaceae)
Authors: BHADRA SREETAMA , GHOSH MANOSIJ , MUKHERJEE ANITA , BANDYOPADHYAY MAUMITA
Published: September 2013

Vivipary is a rare phenomenon in Zingiberaceae. In this article we report vivipary in the genus Hedychium for the first time.
A new endemic species of Manihot (Euphorbiaceae s. str.) from the Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil
Authors: DA SILVA MARCOS JOSÉ , SODRÉ RODOLFO CARNEIRO , ALMEIDA LAURA CRISTINA DA SILVA
Published: September 2013

A new species from the grasslands of the Chapada dos Veadeiros, Manihot kalungae, is described and illustrated herein. Based on morphological traits, the narrowly endemic species is proposed to belong to Manihot sect. Peltatae, a remarkable group of the genus due to the peculiar morphology of the leaves. A key to the species of Manihot sect. Peltatae is provided.
Revision of Neotropical aphrophorine spittlebugs, part 2: tribe Orthoraphini (Hemiptera, Cercopoidea)
Authors: HAMILTON K. G. ANDREW
Published: September 2013

The tribe Orthoraphini is validated by diagnosis to include the new-world fauna of Orthorapha Westwood with 21 species from Brazil and 2 newly recorded from Bolivia, including 9 new species: boliviana from an unknown locality in Bolivia and decorata, inscripta, inflata, invidia, irregularis, oculata, sagittata and sphaerata from Brazil. There are also 10 new combinations from Lepyronia Amyot & Serville: bufo Walker, concinna Stål, frontalis Stål, fusconotata Stål, geminata Jacobi, obscurata Amyot & Serville, obliqua Jacobi, quadrimaculata Lallemand, rana Walker and subfasciata Amyot & Serville. Keys are presented to the new-world species and 3 subgenera, including Lepyronoxia Melichar, stat.nov. (= Balsana Metcalf, syn.nov.) and Balsania subg.nov. In addition, the tribe contains 15 genera of old-world Aphrophorinae with an estimated 290 species from Pacific islands; of these, the previously undescribed male genitalia from 25 species in 8 genera are illustrated and antennal characters for Orthorapha and 14 Pacific island genera of Orthoraphini are compared to those of Cloviini, Philaenini and Aphrophorini. This is the first tribe of Cercopoidea to be described as limited to the Southern Hemisphere.
Four new African turriform gastropods (Mollusca: Conoidea)
Authors: MORASSI MAURO , BONFITTO ANTONIO
Published: September 2013

Four new species, belonging to four distinct conoidean families, are described from east Africa and Mozambique Channel. Iredalea adenensis sp. nov. (Drilliidae Olsson, 1964), from Gulf of Aden, and Buchema shearmani sp. nov. (Horaiclavidae Bouchet et al., 2011), from off Mogadishu (Somalia), both trawled by local fishermen, represent the first record of their respective genera in eastern Africa. Crassispira somalica sp. nov. (Pseudomelatomidae Morrison, 1965), also collected offshore from Modagishu (Somalia), represents the first eastern Africa species bearing “typical” Crassispira features. Tropidoturris vizcondei sp. nov. (Borsoniidae Bellardi, 1875), from the Mozambique Channel, increases the knowledge of a genus considered endemic to southeastern Africa.