bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungal biodegradation of pomegranate ellagitannins
Authors: Ascacio‐Valdés Juan A. , Buenrostro José J. , De la Cruz Reynaldo , Sepúlveda Leonardo , Aguilera Antonio F. , Prado Arely , Contreras Juan C. , Rodríguez Raúl , Aguilar Cristóbal N.
Published: April 2013

Ellagitannins (ETs) are phytochemicals derived from secondary metabolism associated to defense system, with complex chemical structures, which have high participation during all stages of protection against microbial infection. In this study, we report the fungal biodegradation of a bioactive ET, named punicaline which was recovered and purified from pomegranate peels and used as carbon source in solid‐state culture (SSC) using polyurethane as solid support. SSC was kinetically monitored during 36 h of incubation time. ETs and glycosides consumption were spectrophotometrically determined. Ellagic acid (EA) accumulation was analyzed by HPLC. Several enzymatic activities were assayed (cellulase, xylanase, β‐glucosydase, polyphenoloxidase, tannase, and ET hydrolyzing activities). The consumption levels of ETs and glycosides were 66 and 40%, while EA accumulation reached 42.02 mg g−1. A differential pattern of enzymatic activities was found; evidence from our studies suggests that the ET hydrolyzing activity is directly associated to EA accumulation, and production of this enzyme may represent the most critical step to successfully develop a bioprocess for production of an important bioactive compound, the EA.
Assessing the applicability of six precipitation probability distribution models on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Li Zhi , Brissette Francois , Chen Jie
Published: April 2013

Stochastic modelling of daily precipitation is useful for many hydrological and agricultural applications; however, the ability of the precipitation generator should be assessed to ensure accurate precipitation simulation. In particular, the appropriate choice of a precipitation probability distribution is of utmost importance. The Loess Plateau in China has a semi‐arid climate with strong monsoon influence and contains some of the most erodible soils in the world. The large annual variability in precipitation and the common occurrence of very large rainfall events makes this region very challenging for stochastic generation of precipitation. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to compare the performances of six precipitation probability distributions (exponential, gamma, Weibull, skewed normal, mixed exponential and hybrid exponential/generalized Pareto distributions) on the Loess Plateau of China based on daily precipitation data of 47 stations during 1961–2009. Results indicate that using increasingly more complex precipitation distributions contribute to more accurate precipitation simulation. However, none of the tested distributions is able to simulate all the observed statistical characteristics of precipitation. The three‐parameter models are superior to simulating the observed mean and variance. The hybrid exponential/generalized Pareto distribution is the best at simulating the frequency distributions and interannual variations of precipitation while the skewed normal distribution performs the best in reproducing extreme precipitation events. Overall, as erosion on the Loess Plateau is highly dependent on extreme precipitation, the skewed normal distribution may be the best candidate and therefore is recommended on the Loess Plateau.
Trends and variability of seasonal weather regimes
Authors: Vrac Mathieu , Vaittinada Ayar Pradeebane , Yiou Pascal
Published: April 2013

Seasons and seasonality are the main properties of extra‐tropical climate that affect ecosystems and society. For example, agriculture, tourism, energy consumption or ecosystem phenology are primarily dependent on seasonality and on the magnitude of the meteorological events associated within each season. Changes in the seasonality of variables like surface temperature during the last decades have been widely investigated but seasonal changes of the weather have received less quantification. This paper redefines the concept of seasonality based on the extra‐tropical atmospheric circulation, and on the notion that it can drive the evolution of temperature. We find that summer‐like atmospheric conditions have appeared earlier and ended later since 1948. Conversely, the period with winter patterns has reduced over that period. The temperatures associated with weather patterns allow to identify the sources of temperature trends.
Osteoporosis as a risk factor for the recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Yamanaka Toshiaki , Shirota Shiho , Sawai Yachiyo , Murai Takayuki , Fujita Nobuya , Hosoi Hiroshi
Published: April 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) frequently occurs in females over 50 years old, suggesting that a postmenopausal decrease in estrogen secretion might be involved in its onset. An estrogen deficiency is generally known to cause osteoporosis through a reduction in bone mass. This study was designed to investigate a clinical association between idiopathic BPPV and osteoporosis.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Methods

We measured the bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar vertebrae in 61 patients with idiopathic BPPV who were postmenopausal women over 50 years old using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. After being treated with the canalith repositioning maneuver, the patients were followed up for at least 1 year.

Results

Our results showed that the incidence of osteoporosis in patients with BPPV was 26.2%, which was similar to those observed in epidemiological surveys conducted in Japan. However, we found that in BPPV patients with osteoporosis, the incidence of recurrence was 56.3%, which was significantly higher than that observed in patients with normal bone mineral density (16.1%). Furthermore, the frequency of BPPV recurrence increased as BMD decreased.

Conclusions

These results suggest that osteoporosis is a risk factor for BPPV recurrence. The prognosis of BPPV might be clinically predicted by BMD reduction.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 123:2813–2816, 2013
Preparation and Properties of Hybrid Materials Originating from Polybenzoxazines and Silsesquioxanes
Authors: Fu Zien , Xu Kai , Liu Xin , Wu Jianchen , Tan Chanjuan , Chen Mingcai
Published: April 2013

A benzoxazine‐bridged bis(triethoxysilane) (BFS) compound is synthesized by a condensation reaction and characterized. Different ratios of BFS are integrated into 6,6‐(1‐methylethyliden)‐bis‐(3,4‐dihydro‐3‐phenyl‐2H‐1,3‐benzoxaizne) (Ba) through solution mixing; thermally hybrid‐cured polymers are obtained. The neat, cured polymers (PBFS100) based on BFS display low water absorption, low dielectric constant, and a glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of 169 °C. The thermal properties, water absorption, and dielectric properties of the hybrid polymers are markedly improved due to the incorporation of BFS. Electron microscopy observation reveals that the polymer hybrid features a self‐assembled lamellar structure responsible for the enhanced properties of polybenzoxazine/silsesquioxane composites.

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Memory for Sponsorship Relationships: A Critical Juncture in Thinking
Authors: Cornwell T. Bettina , Humphreys Michael S.
Published: April 2013

Marketing communications that utilize partnerships between a brand or corporation and a sport, art, or community activity are thoroughly integrated into our understanding of business behavior. Despite the ubiquity of sponsorship relationships as the bases of communication platforms, we still do not understand fully how they work when successful, and how they do not work when they fail. Memory is important to the communication function of all sponsorships and a strategic objective of many. Thus, we explore memory for sponsorship relationships. The aim is to codify our progress to date in measuring memory‐related sponsorship outcomes, to identify where shortcomings in our understanding remain and to move toward more complete and explanatory models of sponsorship effects. Topics discussed include: memory as a measure of sponsorship success, strong and weak memory objectives, implicit and explicit memory, interference from competitors, strategic encoding processes, cueing memory retrieval, redefining memories, and enhancing memory for sponsorship relationships.
Assessing the Financial Impact of Sponsorship Investment
Authors: Kourovskaia Anastasia A. , Meenaghan Tony
Published: April 2013

This paper outlines an effective approach to the problem of assessing the financial impact of sponsorship investment, which has a track record of successful implementation in the sponsorship industry. Based on a number of interrelated proprietary models the approach provides the tools to measure the brand financial uplift created by a sponsorship programme and the shareholder value thus created. The core thrust of the paper is around the use of the MBO model, i.e., the Millward Brown Optimor model, which has proved successful in capturing the effectiveness of sponsorships and in forecasting financial performance of the brand and thus allowing for the quantification of the value created for the brand by the sponsorship investment. The implementation of the MBO approach is outlined as a five‐step process involving comprehensive segmentation, benchmarking to derive a brand discount rate, modeling of financial performance, determining the role of the brand in ultimately driving usage choice, and ultimately providing the techniques to calculate Brand Contribution in financial terms. The paper concludes that the complex tasks involved in assessing the financial impact of sponsorship investment and the impact on shareholder value can be rigorously addressed through the application of these tools and sponsorship managers can thereby make improved decisions which are underpinned by market and financial analysis.
Modeling trajectories of regional volume loss in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Josephs Keith A. , Xia Rong , Mandrekar Jay , Gunter Jeffrey L. , Senjem Matthew L. , Jack Clifford R. , Whitwell Jennifer L.
Published: April 2013

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a neurodegenerative disease with progressive brain atrophy over time. It is unknown which specific brain regions decline over time, whether regional volume loss occurs in a linear fashion, and whether regional atrophy correlates with clinical decline over time in progressive supranuclear palsy. Twenty‐eight subjects meeting probable progressive supranuclear palsy criteria were prospectively recruited and completed 96 MRI scans over 2 years. Mixed‐effect models were utilized to determine which regions had significant atrophy over time and whether decline was linear or nonlinear. We assessed 13 regions across the brain, as well as whole‐brain and ventricular volume. Regional trajectories were also correlated with change in clinical measures of executive function and gait and ocular motor impairment. A linear decline was observed in all frontal and temporal regions, the superior parietal lobe, the thalamus, the caudate nuclei, and the midbrain, as well as in the whole brain. Ventricular expansion was also linear. Nonlinear decline was observed for the caudal middle frontal lobe and globus pallidus. Rates of change in the superior frontal lobe, thalamus, and midbrain were beyond those expected in normal aging. Decline in frontal lobe volume and the midbrain area correlated best to decline in clinical measures. In progressive supranuclear palsy, atrophy is occurring in multiple brain regions, particularly in those that have previously been implicated in the disease. Decline is mainly linear but can be nonlinear for some regions. The frontal lobe and midbrain seem to be playing the most significant roles in the progressive worsening of clinical signs in progressive supranuclear palsy. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Familial psychogenic movement disorders
Authors: Stamelou Maria , Cossu Giovanni , Edwards Mark J. , Murgia Daniela , Pareés Isabel , Melis Maurizio , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: April 2013

Background

Psychogenic (or functional) movement disorders (PMDs) are considered sporadic. Despite the growing literature describing the clinical features and the natural history of sporadic cases with PMDs, their occurrence in familial clusters is not reported.

Methods

We identified 10 patients from 5 families affected by PMDs. In this report, we describe the clinical characteristics along with videos and long‐term follow‐up of these patients.

Results

Clinical clues from the history and signs suggesting a functional origin of the symptoms in these patients with familial PMD were similar to those identified in sporadic cases. The phenomenology of the PMD was similar in the affected members of the same family.

Conclusions

We wish to highlight that a positive family history does not necessarily imply an organic disorder. When a positive family history for a condition is reported by a patient with PMD, examination of these further affected members may be needed and may identify further family members suffering from PMDs. A positive family history of PMDs may be an additional risk factor for developing PMDs. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
The Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonates (ANPs): Antonín Holý's Legacy
Authors: De Clercq Erik
Published: April 2013

The name of Antonín Holý has become synonymous for the era of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs), which started with (S)‐HPMPA as the prototype and (S)‐HPMPC (cidofovir) as the first marketed compound. It has now evolved to a number of compounds clinically used in the treatment of HIV and hepatitis B virus infections, either as such [tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, Viread®)] or in combination [Truvada®, Atripla®, Complera®, Stribild®]. Truvada has also been approved for the prevention of HIV infections. Forthcoming is a new formulation of tenofovir (TAF: tenofovir alafenamide). Also forthcoming are several “quad” drug combinations containing either TDF or TAF. Other ANPs, based on either an alkoxy side chain or 5‐azacytosine heterocycle seem highly promising and worth further pursuing.
Comparative Analysis of Cluster Validity Indices in Identifying Some Possible Genes Mediating Certain Cancers
Authors: Ghosh Anupam , Dhara Bibhas Chandra , De Rajat K.
Published: April 2013

In this article, we compare the performance of 19 cluster validity indices, in identifying some possible genes mediating certain cancers, based on gene expression data. For the purpose of this comparison, we have developed a method. The proposed method involves cluster generation, selection of the best k‐value or c‐values, cluster identification, identifying the altered gene cluster, scoring an altered gene cluster and determining the best k‐value or c‐value exploring through biological repositories. The effectiveness of the method has been demonstrated on three gene expression data sets dealing with human lung cancer, colon cancer, and leukemia. Here, we have used three clustering algorithms, i.e., k‐means, PAM and fuzzy c‐means. We have used biochemical pathways related to these cancers and p‐value statistics for validating the study.
Clinically viable magnetic poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) particles for MRI‐based cell tracking
Authors: Granot Dorit , Nkansah Michael K. , Bennewitz Margaret F. , Tang Kevin S. , Markakis Eleni A. , Shapiro Erik M.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To design, fabricate, characterize, and in vivo assay clinically viable magnetic particles for MRI‐based cell tracking.

Methods

Poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) encapsulated magnetic nano and microparticles were fabricated. Multiple biologically relevant experiments were performed to assess cell viability, cellular performance, and stem cell differentiation. In vivo MRI experiments were performed to separately test cell transplantation and cell migration paradigms, as well as in vivo biodegradation.

Results

Highly magnetic nano (∼100 nm) and microparticles (∼1–2 µm) were fabricated. Magnetic cell labeling in culture occurred rapidly achieving 3–50 pg Fe/cell at 3 h for different particles types, and >100 pg Fe/cell after 10 h, without the requirement of a transfection agent, and with no effect on cell viability. The capability of magnetically labeled mesenchymal or neural stem cells to differentiate down multiple lineages, or for magnetically labeled immune cells to release cytokines following stimulation, was uncompromised. An in vivo biodegradation study revealed that NPs degraded ∼80% over the course of 12 weeks. MRI detected as few as 10 magnetically labeled cells, transplanted into the brains of rats. Also, these particles enabled the in vivo monitoring of endogenous neural progenitor cell migration in rat brains over 2 weeks.

Conclusion

The robust MRI properties and benign safety profile of these particles make them promising candidates for clinical translation for MRI‐based cell tracking. Magn Reson Med 71:1238–1250, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analytical solution for 1D consolidation under haversine cyclic loading
Authors: Razouki Sabah S. , Bonnier Paul , Datcheva Maria , Schanz Tom
Published: April 2013

Presented and discussed in this paper is an exact analytical solution of the nonhomogeneous partial differential equation governing the conventional one‐dimensional consolidation under haversine repeated loading. The derived analytical solution to the 1D consolidation equation is compared with the numerical solution of the same consolidation problem via FEM. The series solution takes into account the frequency of repeated loading through a dimensionless time factor T0. The paper reveals that an increase in the frequency of imposed repeated haversine loading (a decrease in period of repeated loading) causes an increase in the number of cycles required to achieve the steady state, whereas the effect of frequency on the maximum excess pore water pressure at the bottom of a clay layer with permeable top and impermeable bottom for the range of frequencies studied is generally insignificant. The effective stress at the bottom of the clay deposit with permeable top and impermeable bottom increases with time but with some fluctuations without changing the sign. These fluctuations become more pronounced for increasing values of T0. An increase in T0 also causes an increase in maximum effective stress. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid multi‐echo measurement of brain metabolite T2 values at 7 T using a single‐shot spectroscopic Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill sequence and prior information
Authors: Ronen Itamar , Ercan Ece , Webb Andrew
Published: April 2013

We present a method for the robust and accurate estimation of brain metabolite transverse relaxation times (T2) from multiple spin‐echo data acquired with a single‐shot Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) spectroscopic sequence. Each acquired echo consists of a small number of complex time‐domain data points. The amplitudes of the spectral components in each echo are calculated by solving a set of linear equations in which previously estimated frequencies and linewidths serve as prior information. These priors are obtained from a short MRS experiment in which a large number of time‐domain data points are acquired, and are subsequently estimated using linear prediction with singular value decomposition (LPSVD) processing. We show that this process can be used to accurately and rapidly measure the T2 values for the main singlet resonances in single‐volume MRS measurements in the brain. The proposed method can be generalized to any set of MRS experiments comprising repeated measurements of amplitude changes, e.g. as a function of an experimental parameter, such as TE, inversion time or diffusion weighting. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local Fourier analysis of the complex shifted Laplacian preconditioner for Helmholtz problems
Authors: Cools Siegfried , Vanroose Wim
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we solve the Helmholtz equation with multigrid preconditioned Krylov subspace methods. The class of shifted Laplacian preconditioners is known to significantly speed up Krylov convergence. However, these preconditioners have a parameter , a measure of the complex shift. Because of contradictory requirements for the multigrid and Krylov convergence, the choice of this shift parameter can be a bottleneck in applying the method. In this paper, we propose a wavenumber‐dependent minimal complex shift parameter, which is predicted by a rigorous k‐grid local Fourier analysis (LFA) of the multigrid scheme. We claim that, given any (regionally constant) wavenumber, this minimal complex shift parameter provides the reader with a parameter choice that leads to efficient Krylov convergence. Numerical experiments in one and two spatial dimensions validate the theoretical results. It appears that the proposed complex shift is both the minimal requirement for a multigrid V‐cycle to converge and being near optimal in terms of Krylov iteration count. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Polymerization of Aqueous Solutions of NIPAAm Initiated by Atmospheric Plasma Treatment
Authors: Molina Ricardo , Ligero Cristina , Jovančić Petar , Bertran Enric
Published: April 2013

In situ polymerization of aqueous solution of NIPAAm initiated by atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment as an innovative approach to synthesis of thin polymeric films and hydrogels is introduced in this work. The characterization of the active species present in the polymerization plasma system by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and UV irradiation as well as the chemical characterization of the plasma polymerized NIPAAm (PNIPAAm) films by FTIR, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis give evidences that the monomer chemical composition is highly retained during the in situ polymerization.

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Superhydrophobic Transparent Surface of Nanostructured Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Enhanced by a Hydrolysis Reaction
Authors: Her E. K. , Ko T.‐J. , Shin B. , Roh H. , Dai W. , Seong W. K. , Kim H.‐Y. , Lee K.‐R. , Oh K. H. , Moon M.‐W.
Published: April 2013

We report a method to create a self‐cleaning, transparent surface on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using a dry etching with CF4 plasma and a subsequent hydrolysis process with water immersion. During the CF4 plasma treatment, nanoscale pillar structures were formed and its aspect ratio tended to increase. However, the transparency was reduced due to the deposition and the accumulation of undesired capping layers, which cover the structures. The hydrolysis was used to remove the capping layers of metal fluoride. As a result, the surface improves their clarity based on the transmittance up to 95%, because the reflectivity was reduced. With a subsequent hydrophobic coating, a superhydrophobic surface was achieved showing robust anti‐wetting and anti‐dewing effects.

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Two‐photon absorption induced anti‐Stokes emission in single InGaN/GAN quantum‐dot‐like objects
Authors: Bardoux R. , Funato M. , Kaneta A. , Kawakami Y. , Kikuchi A. , Kishino K.
Published: April 2013

We observed crossed transitions and anti‐Stokes emissions in single quantum‐dot‐like objects embedded in the active layer of InGaN/GaN quantum disks by two‐photon absorption techniques. We proposed a phenomenological model based on the interplay between Auger effect and crossed transitions to explain the origin of anti‐Stokes emissions and the preferential excitation of 0D objects at the expense of their surroundings. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Assessing nanoparticle risk poses prodigious challenges
Authors: MacPhail Robert C. , Grulke Eric A. , Yokel Robert A.
Published: April 2013

Risk assessment is used both formally and informally to estimate the likelihood of an adverse event occurring, for example, as a consequence of exposure to a hazardous chemical, drug, or other agent. Formal risk assessments in government regulatory agencies have a long history of practice. The precision with which risk can be estimated is inevitably constrained, however, by uncertainties arising from the lack of pertinent data. Developing accurate risk assessments for nanoparticles and nanoparticle‐containing products may present further challenges because of the unique properties of the particles, uncertainties about their composition and the populations exposed to them, and how these may change throughout the particle's life cycle. This review introduces the evolving practice of risk assessment followed by some of the uncertainties that need to be addressed to improve our understanding of nanoparticle risks. Given the clarion call for life‐cycle assessments of nanoparticles, an unprecedented degree of national and international coordination between scientific organizations, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders will be required to achieve this goal. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2013, 5:374–387. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1216

This article is a U.S. Government work, and as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

Disclaimer: This manuscript has been reviewed by the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory and approved for publication. The approval does not signify that the contents reflect the views of the agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Suicidal ideation and reported suicide attempts in Greece during the economic crisis
Authors: Economou Marina , Madianos Michael , Peppou Lily Evangelia , Theleritis Christos , Patelakis Athanasios , Stefanis Costas
Published: April 2013

The financial crisis in Greece is largely impinging on the health and mental health of the population, raising concerns about a potential rise in suicide rates. The aim of this study was to explore changes in suicidal ideation and reported suicide attempts between 2009 and 2011 in a representative sample of the population and in several population subgroups. The socio‐economic predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in 2011 were also investigated. Two nationwide cross‐sectional telephone surveys were conducted in 2009 and 2011 using the same methodology. A random and representative sample of 2192 and 2256 people, respectively, took part in the surveys. Between 2009 and 2011, there was a substantial increase in the prevalence of suicidal ideation and reported suicide attempts. People suffering from depression, men, married individuals, people experiencing financial strain, people with low interpersonal trust, and individuals with a history of suicide attempts were particularly vulnerable.
Notch1 Contributes to Chemoresistance to Gemcitabine and Serves as an Unfavorable Prognostic Indicator in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Du Xiao , Zhao Yu‐Pei , Zhang Tai‐Ping , Zhou Li , Chen Ge , Cui Quan‐Cai , Shi Jie , Wang Tian‐Xiao , You Lei , Shu Hong
Published: April 2013

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) carries frequent chemoresistance and extremely dismal prognosis. The underlying mechanisms remain to be further elucidated. We here report the role of Notch1 in gemcitabine resistance and its prognostic significance in PC.

Methods

A small interfering RNA (siRNA) specifically targeting Notch1 was transiently transfected into three PC cell lines (AsPC‐1, BxPC‐3, and MIA PaCa‐2), followed by examination of chemosensitivity to gemcitabine. On the other hand, Notch1 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically and correlated with clinicopathological and prognostic variables.

Results

Successful knockdown of Notch1 by specific siRNA induced increased chemosensitivity to gemcitabine in all three cell lines. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that Notch1 was highly expressed in PC tissues (54.8 %), in contrast to that in para‐tumor tissues (16.4 %). In addition, Notch1 positivity was significantly correlated with early‐term metastasis and shortened overall survival. Multivariate Cox regression identified Notch1 as an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusions

Notch1 contributes to chemoresistance to gemcitabine, and serves as a significant indicator of unfavorable prognosis in PC.
SPan‐1 Is a Useful Prognostic Marker for Patients with Stage IV Gastric Cancer Who Underwent Palliative Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Multivariate Study
Authors: Kubo Naoshi , Ohira Masaichi , Sakurai Katsunobu , Toyokawa Takahiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Muguruma Kazuya , Nagahara Hisashi , Kimura Kenjiro , Noda Eiji , Amano Ryosuke , Yamada Nobuya , Yashiro Masakazu , Maeda Kiyoshi , Sawada Tetsuji , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: April 2013

Background

We retrospectively investigated prognostic factors to be used in selecting the patients with stage IV gastric cancer (GC) who have an unfavorable prognosis after palliative gastrectomy.

Methods

A total of 146 GC patients at stage IV who had undergone palliative gastrectomy were enrolled. Various clinicopathological parameters were evaluated for prognosis.

Results

Surgical morbidity and hospital mortality occurred in 35 (23.9 %) and 4 (2.7 %) patients, respectively. The overall 5‐year survival rate and the median survival time were 11.2 % and 13.2 months, respectively. Of the 146 patients, 64 had uncomfortable symptoms associated with GC and 76 had no such symptoms. Of the 64 patients with uncomfortable symptoms, 60 (93.7 %) experienced relief of these symptoms after palliative surgery. Multivariate analysis for patients without uncomfortable symptoms associated with GC revealed that the number of incurable factors and serum SPan‐1 level were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Patients with stage IV GC who had multiple incurable factors and a high level of serum SPan‐1 might not be candidates for palliative gastrectomy for the purpose of prognostic benefit.
Implantation of Prophylactic Nonabsorbable Intraperitoneal Mesh in Patients With Peritonitis Is Safe and Feasible
Authors: Kurmann Anita , Barnetta Corina , Candinas Daniel , Beldi Guido
Published: April 2013

Background

Patients with peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy are at increased risk for postoperative open abdomen and incisional hernia. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh implantation compared with conventional abdominal wall closure in patients with peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy.

Method

A matched case‐control study was performed. To analyze a high‐risk population for incisional hernia formation, only patients with at least two of the following risk factors were included: male sex, body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, malignant tumor, or previous abdominal incision. In 63 patients with peritonitis, a prophylactic nonabsorbable mesh was implanted intraperitoneally between 2005 and 2010. These patients were compared with 70 patients with the same risk factors and peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy over a 1‐year period (2008) who underwent conventional abdominal closure without mesh implantation.

Results

Demographic parameters, including sex, age, BMI, grade of intraabdominal infection, and operating time were comparable in the two groups. Incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) was not different between groups (61.9 vs. 60.3 %; p = 0.603). Enterocutaneous fistula occurred in three patients in the mesh group (4.8 %) and in two patients in the control group (2.9 %; p = 0.667). The incidence of incisional hernia was significantly lower in the mesh group (2/63 patients) than in the control group (20/70 patients) (3.2 vs. 28.6 %; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh can be safely implanted in patients with peritonitis. It significantly reduces the incidence of incisional hernia. The incidences of SSI and enterocutaneous fistula formation were similar to those seen with conventional abdominal closure.
Extended Lymphadenectomy in Rectal Cancer Is Debatable
Authors: Allaix Marco E. , Fichera Alessandro
Published: April 2013

Because of the major improvements in local control and survival with neoadjuvant combined modality therapy and total mesorectal excision, extended lymph node dissection plays a very limited role in rectal cancer surgery.
Glutathione metabolism in cobalamin deficiency type C (cblC)
Authors: Pastore Anna , Martinelli Diego , Piemonte Fiorella , Tozzi Giulia , Boenzi Sara , Di Giovamberardino Gianna , Petrillo Sara , Bertini Enrico , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo
Published: April 2013

Background

Methylmalonic aciduria with homocystinuria, cblC defect, is the most frequent disorder of vitamin B12 metabolism. CblC patients are commonly treated with a multidrug therapy to reduce metabolite accumulation and to increase deficient substrates. However the long‐term outcome is often unsatisfactory especially in patients with early onset, with frequent progression of neurological and ocular impairment. Recent studies, have shown perturbation of cellular redox status in cblC. To evaluate the potential contribution of oxidative stress into the patophysiology of cblC defect, we have analyzed the in vivo glutathione metabolism in a large series of cblC deficient individuals.

Methods

Levels of different forms of glutathione were measured in lymphocytes obtained from 18 cblC patients and compared with age‐matched controls. Furthermore, we also analyzed plasma cysteine and total homocysteine.

Results

We found an imbalance of glutathione metabolism in cblC patients with a significant decrease of total and reduced glutathione, along with a significant increase of different oxidized glutathione forms.

Conclusions

These findings show a relevant in vivo disturbance of glutathione metabolism underlining the contribution of glutathione pool depletion to the redox imbalance in treated cblC patients. Our study may be helpful in addressing future research to better understanding the pathogenetic mechanism of the disease and in developing new therapeutic approaches, including the use of novel vitamin B12 derivatives.
The Richtmyer–Meshkov instability of a three-dimensional interface with a minimum-surface feature
Authors: Luo Xisheng , Wang Xiansheng , Si Ting
Published: April 2013

A novel method to create a discontinuous gaseous interface with a minimum-surface feature by the soap film technique is developed for three-dimensional (3D) Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) studies. The interface formed is free of supporting mesh and the initial condition can be well controlled. Five air/SF6 interfaces with different amplitude are realized in shock-tube experiments. Time-resolved schlieren and planar Mie-scattering photography are employed to capture the motion of the shocked interface. It is found that the instability at the linear stage in the symmetry plane grows much slower than the predictions of previous two-dimensional (2D) impulsive models, which is ascribed to the opposite principal curvatures of the minimum surface. The 2D impulsive model is extended to describe the general 3D RMI. A quantitative analysis reveals a good agreement between experiments and the extended linear model for all the configurations including both the 2D and 3D RMIs at their early stages. An empirical model that combines the early linear growth with the late-time nonlinear growth is also proposed for the whole evolution process of the present configuration.
THE STRONG DUAL OF MEASURE ALGEBRAS WITH CERTAIN LOCALLY CONVEX TOPOLOGIES
Authors: JAVANSHIRI HOSSEIN , NASR-ISFAHANI RASOUL
Published: April 2013

For a locally compact group$ \mathcal{G} $, we introduce and study a class of locally convex topologies$\tau $on the measure algebra$M( \mathcal{G} )$of$ \mathcal{G} $. In particular, we show that the strong dual of$(M( \mathcal{G} ), \tau )$can be identified with a closed subspace of the Banach space$M\mathop{( \mathcal{G} )}\nolimits ^{\ast } $; we also investigate some properties of the locally convex space$(M( \mathcal{G} ), \tau )$.
A maternal high-protein diet predisposes female offspring to increased fat mass in adulthood whereas a prebiotic fibre diet decreases fat mass in rats
Authors: Hallam Megan C. , Reimer Raylene A.
Published: April 2013

The negative effects of malnourishmentin uterohave been widely explored; the effects of increased maternal macronutrient intake are not known in relation to high fibre, and have been inconclusive with regard to high protein. In the present study, virgin Wistar dams were fed either a control (C), high-protein (40 %, w/w; HP) or high-prebiotic fibre (21·6 %, w/w; HF) diet throughout pregnancy and lactation. Pups consumed the C diet from 3 to 14·5 weeks of age, and then switched to a high-fat/sucrose diet for 8 weeks. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and an oral glucose tolerance test were performed and plasma satiety hormones measured. The final body weight and the percentage of body fat were significantly affected by the interaction between maternal diet and offspring sex: weight and fat mass were higher in the female offspring of the HPv. HF dams. No differences in body weight or fat mass were seen in the male offspring. There was a significant sex effect for fasting and total AUC for ghrelin and fasting GIP, with females having higher levels than males. Liver TAG content and plasma NEFA were lower in the offspring of high-prebiotic fibre dams (HF1) than in those of high-protein dams (HP1) and control dams (C1). Intestinal expression ofGLUT2was decreased in HF1 and HP1v. C1. The maternal HP and HF diets had lasting effects on body fat and hepatic TAG accumulation in the offspring, particularly in females. Whereas the HP diet predisposes to an obese phenotype, the maternal HF diet appears to reduce the susceptibility to obesity following a high-energy diet challenge in adulthood.
Novel amidines and analogues as promising agents against intracellular parasites: a systematic review
Authors: SOEIRO M. N. C. , WERBOVETZ K. , BOYKIN D. W. , WILSON W. D. , WANG M. Z. , HEMPHILL A.
Published: April 2013

Parasitic protozoa comprise diverse aetiological agents responsible for important diseases in humans and animals including sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, toxoplasmosis and others. They are major causes of mortality and morbidity in tropical and subtropical countries, and are also responsible for important economic losses. However, up to now, for most of these parasitic diseases, effective vaccines are lacking and the approved chemotherapeutic compounds present high toxicity, increasing resistance, limited efficacy and require long periods of treatment. Many of these parasitic illnesses predominantly affect low-income populations of developing countries for which new pharmaceutical alternatives are urgently needed. Thus, very low research funding is available. Amidine-containing compounds such as pentamidine are DNA minor groove binders with a broad spectrum of activities against human and veterinary pathogens. Due to their promising microbicidal activity but their rather poor bioavailability and high toxicity, many analogues and derivatives, including pro-drugs, have been synthesized and screened in vitro and in vivo in order to improve their selectivity and pharmacological properties. This review summarizes the knowledge on amidines and analogues with respect to their synthesis, pharmacological profile, mechanistic and biological effects upon a range of intracellular protozoan parasites. The bulk of these data may contribute to the future design and structure optimization of new aromatic dicationic compounds as novel antiparasitic drug candidates.
Rapid visual information processing as a cognitive endophenotype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Gau S. S.-F. , Huang W.-L.
Published: April 2013

Background

Deficits in sustained attention and reaction time are core features of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about attention performance in unaffected siblings. Hence, we examined sustained attention and reaction time in youths with ADHD, unaffected siblings and controls to test whether impaired performance in attention tasks can be a potential endophenotype of ADHD.

Method

We recruited 438 probands with clinical diagnosis of ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria, 180 unaffected siblings, and 173 healthy controls without lifetime ADHD. They were assessed using psychiatric interviews, Conners’ Continuous Performance Test, and the tasks involving attention performance of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB): Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP), Reaction Time (RTI) and Match to Sample Visual Search (MTS). Multi-level models were used for data analysis.

Results

Compared with the controls, probands with ADHD and unaffected siblings had significantly higher total misses, lower probability of hits in the RVP task and probands with ADHD performed worse in the RTI and MTS tasks after controlling for sex, age, co-morbidity, parental educational levels and IQ. The duration of methylphenidate use and IQ but not psychiatric co-morbidity or current use of methylphenidate were associated with deficits in sustained attention in probands with ADHD.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that attention performance assessed by the RVP task, but not the RTI or MTS tasks, of the CANTAB may be a useful cognitive endophenotype for ADHD genetic studies.
Prolegomena to any future non-doxastic religion
Authors: CHIGNELL ANDREW
Published: April 2013

I discuss some trends in recent philosophy of religion, focusing on J. L. Schellenberg'sProlegomena to a Philosophy of Religion. I pay special attention to Schellenberg's dual emphases on ‘the Ultimate’ as metaphysical object of inquiry and various non-doxastic states (‘faith that’, ‘faith in’) as psychological objects of inquiry. This view is contrasted throughout to what might be called a ‘liturgical’ orientation in philosophy of religion.
The conceptual focus of ultimism: an object of religious concern for the nones and somes
Authors: DILLER JEANINE
Published: April 2013

In his recent trilogy, J. L. Schellenberg presents a new religious option: to have beliefless faith in a general object of religious concern that he thinks is referenced at the core of most sectarian religions – the axiological, soteriological, and metaphysical ultimate, which I call ‘UUU’. After explaining what UUU is more fully, I argue that the claim that UUU exists should not be, as Schellenberg says, the only focus for philosophy of religion. Still, I argue that such a claim is a good basis for a new form of religion, especially if it is modified in a couple of ways.
Capital and Opposition in Africa: Coalition Building in Multiethnic Societies
Authors: Arriola Leonardo R.
Published: April 2013

Under what conditions can opposition politicians with ethnic constituencies form electoral coalitions? In Africa's patronage-based political systems, incumbents form coalitions by using state resources to secure the endorsement of politicians from other ethnic groups. Opposition politicians, however, must rely on private resources to do the same. This article presents a political economy theory to explain how the relative autonomy of business from state-controlled capital influences the formation of multiethnic opposition coalitions. It shows that the opposition is unlikely to coalesce across ethnic cleavages where incumbents use their influence over banking and credit to command the political allegiance of business—the largest potential funder of opposition in poor countries. Liberalizing financial reforms, in freeing business to diversify political contributions without fear of reprisal, enable opposition politicians to access the resources needed to mimic the incumbent's pecuniary coalition-building strategy. A binomial logistic regression analysis of executive elections held across Africa between 1990 and 2005 corroborates the theoretical claim: greater financial autonomy for business—as proxied by the number of commercial banks and the provision of credit to the private sector—significantly increases the likelihood of multiethnic opposition coalitions being formed.
When the Claim Hits: Bilateral Investment Treaties and Bounded Rational Learning
Authors: Poulsen Lauge N. Skovgaard , Aisbett Emma
Published: April 2013

Using the international investment regime as its point of departure, the article applies notions of bounded rationality to the study of economic diplomacy. Through a multimethod approach, it shows that developing countries often ignored the risks of bilateral investment treaties (bits) until they themselves became subject to an investment treaty claim. Thus the behavior of developing country governments with regard to the international investment regime is consistent with that routinely observed for individuals in experiments and field studies: they tend to ignore high-impact, low-probability risks if they cannot bring specific “vivid” instances to mind.
Addressing the Social Determinants of Subjective Wellbeing: The Latest Challenge for Social Policy
Authors: DEEMING CHRISTOPHER
Published: April 2013

The idea that the happiness and wellbeing of individuals should shape government policy has been around since the enlightenment; today such thinking has growing practical policy relevance as governments around the world survey their populations in an effort to design social policies that promote wellbeing. In this article, we consider the social determinants of subjective wellbeing in the UK and draw lessons for social policy. Survey data are taken from the ‘Measuring National Wellbeing Programme’ launched by the UK's Office for National Statistics in 2010. For the empirical strategy, we develop bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models, as well as testing for interaction effects in the data. The findings show that wellbeing is not evenly distributed within the UK. Socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity, employment, household composition and tenure all matter, as does health status. Influencing population wellbeing is inherently complex, though, that said, there is a clear need to place greater emphasis on thesocial, given the direction of current policy.
Aetiology and clinical features of dysentery in children aged <5 years in rural Bangladesh
Authors: FERDOUS F. , AHMED S. , DAS S. K. , FARZANA F. D. , LATHAM J. R. , CHISTI M. J. , FARUQUE A. S. G.
Published: April 2013

The study identified the common aetiological agents and prominent clinical features of dysentery cases in children aged <5 years and compared this to non-dysentery diarrhoeal cases from the same population. From January 2010 to December 2011, 2324 children aged <5 years received treatment at Kumudini Hospital, of which 682 (29%) presented with dysentery. Of the dysenteric children, aetiology could not be determined for over half (61%). Shigella spp. accounted for 32% of dysentery cases. Significant associations were found between presence of blood in stool and: child age (24–59 months) [odds ratio (OR) 2·21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·49–3·27], no treatment of drinking water at home (OR 2·00, 95% CI 1·09–3·67), vomiting (OR 0·19, 95% CI 0·14–0·25), abdominal pain (OR 4·68, 95% CI 3·24–6·77), straining (OR 16·45, 95% CI 11·92–22·69), wasting (OR 1·66, 95% CI 1·15–2·41), and presence of Shigella in stool (OR 6·25, 95% CI 4·20–9·29) after controlling for confounders. This study makes it clear that appropriate public health strategies are needed to reduce the burden of dysentery in Bangladesh.