bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convergence Analysis for the SMC‐MeMBer and SMC‐CBMeMBer Filters
Authors: Lian Feng , Li Chen , Han Chongzhao , Chen Hui
Published: August 2012

The convergence for the sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) implementations of the multitarget multi‐Bernoulli (MeMBer) filter and cardinality‐balanced MeMBer (CBMeMBer) filters is studied here. This paper proves that the SMC‐MeMBer and SMC‐CBMeMBer filters, respectively, converge to the true MeMBer and CBMeMBer filters in the mean‐square sense and the corresponding bounds for the mean‐square errors are given. The significance of this paper is in theory to present the convergence results of the SMC‐MeMBer and SMC‐CBMeMBer filters and the conditions under which the two filters satisfy mean‐square convergence.
A Measurable Stability Theorem for Holomorphic Foliations Transverse to Fibrations
Authors: Scardua Bruno
Published: August 2012

We prove that a transversely holomorphic foliation, which is transverse to the fibers of a fibration, is a Seifert fibration if the set of compact leaves is not a zero measure subset. Similarly, we prove that a finitely generated subgroup of holomorphic diffeomorphisms of a connected complex manifold is finite provided that the set of periodic orbits is not a zero measure subset.
On Mixed Flow Turbines for Automotive Turbocharger Applications
Authors: Lüddecke Bernhardt , Filsinger Dietmar , Ehrhard Jan
Published: August 2012

Due to increased demands for improved fuel economy of passenger cars, low-end and part-load performance is of key importance for the design of automotive turbocharger turbines. In an automotive drive cycle, a turbine which can extract more energy at high pressure ratios and lower rotational speeds is desirable. In the literature it is typically found that radial turbines provide peak efficiency at speed ratios of 0.7, but at high pressure ratios and low rotational speeds the blade speed ratio will be low and the rotor will experience high values of positive incidence at the inlet. Based on fundamental considerations, it is shown that mixed flow turbines offer substantial advantages for such applications. Moreover, to prove these considerations an experimental assessment of mixed flow turbine efficiency and optimal blade speed ratio is presented. This has been achieved using a new semi-unsteady measurement approach. Finally, evidence of the benefits of mixed flow turbine behaviour in engine operation is given. Regarding turbocharged engine simulation, the benefit of wide-ranging turbine map measurement data as well as the need for reasonable turbine map extrapolation is illustrated.
A Finite Element Study of Double Diffusive Mixed Convection in a Concentration Stratified Darcian Fluid Saturated Porous Enclosure under Injection/Suction Effect
Authors: Kumar B. V. Rathish , Krishna Murthy S. V. S. S. N. V. G.
Published: August 2012

Numerical investigation of mixed convection flow in a concentration‐stratified fluid‐saturated vertical square porous enclosure is investigated by Galerkin finite
element method. The forced flow conditions are imposed by providing an inlet at the bottom wall and an outlet with a suction on the top wall. The free convection is induced by
introducing a hot but isothermal temperature on the left vertical wall together with Boussinesq approximation on density. Numerical results are presented by tracing the cumulative
heat and mass fluxes, streamline and isotherms of the fluid for a wide range of governing parameters such as suction/injection velocity “a”, suction/injection width (D/H), mass
stratification parameters (SC), Rayleigh number “Ra”, buoyancy ratio “B”, and Lewis number “Le”.
PPARs and HCV-Related Hepatocarcinoma: A Mitochondrial Point of View
Authors: Agriesti Francesca , Tataranni Tiziana , Ruggieri Vitalba , Capitanio Nazzareno , Piccoli Claudia
Published: August 2012

Hepatitis-C-virus-related infective diseases are worldwide spread pathologies affecting primarily liver. The infection is often asymptomatic, but when chronically persisting can lead to liver scarring and ultimately to cirrhosis, which is generally apparent after decades. In some cases, cirrhosis will progress to develop liver failure, liver cancer, or life-threatening esophageal and gastric varices. HCV-infected cells undergo profound metabolic dysregulation whose mechanisms are yet not well understood. An emerging feature in the pathogenesis of the HCV-related disease is the setting of a pro-oxidative condition caused by dysfunctions of mitochondria which proved to be targets of viral proteins. This causes deregulation of mitochondria-dependent catabolic pathway including fatty acid oxidation. Nuclear receptors and their ligands are fundamental regulators of the liver metabolic homeostasis, which are disrupted following HCV infection. In this contest, specific attention has been focused on the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors given their role in controlling liver lipid metabolism and the availability of specific pharmacological drugs of potential therapeutic utilization. However, the reported role of PPARs in HCV infection provides conflicting results likely due to different species-specific contests. In this paper we summarize the current knowledge on this issue and offer a reconciling model based on mitochondria-related features.
Recent Developments in Computed Tomography for Urolithiasis: Diagnosis and Characterization
Authors: Mc Laughlin P. D. , Crush L. , Maher M. M. , O'Connor O. J.
Published: August 2012

Objective.To critically evaluate the current literature in an effort to establish the current role of radiologic imaging, advances in computed tomography (CT) and standard film radiography in the diagnosis, and characterization of urinary tract calculi.Conclusion. CT has a valuable role when utilized prudently during surveillance of patients following endourological therapy. In this paper, we outline the basic principles relating to the effects of exposure to ionizing radiation as a result of CT scanning. We discuss the current developments in low-dose CT technology, which have resulted in significant reductions in CT radiation doses (to approximately one-third of what they were a decade ago) while preserving image quality. Finally, we will discuss an important recent development now commercially available on the latest generation of CT scanners, namely, dual energy imaging, which is showing promise in urinary tract imaging as a means of characterizing the composition of urinary tract calculi.
Solving Flexible Job‐Shop Scheduling Problem Using Gravitational Search Algorithm and Colored Petri Net
Authors: Barzegar Behnam , Motameni Homayun , Bozorgi Hossein
Published: August 2012

Scheduled production system leads to avoiding stock accumulations, losses reduction, decreasing or even eliminating idol machines, and effort to better benefitting from machines for on time responding customer orders and supplying requested materials in suitable time. In flexible job‐shop scheduling production systems, we could reduce time and costs by transferring and delivering operations on existing machines, that is, among NP‐hard problems. The scheduling objective minimizes the maximal completion time of all the operations, which is denoted by Makespan. Different methods and algorithms have been presented for solving this problem. Having a reasonable scheduled production system has significant influence on improving effectiveness and attaining to organization goals. In this paper, new algorithm were proposed for flexible job‐shop scheduling problem systems (FJSSP‐GSPN) that is based on gravitational search algorithm (GSA). In the proposed method, the flexible job‐shop scheduling problem systems was modeled by color Petri net and CPN tool and then a scheduled job was programmed by GSA algorithm. The experimental results showed that the proposed method has reasonable performance in comparison with other algorithms.
The Hypergroupoid Semigroups as Generalizations of the Groupoid Semigroups
Authors: Han Jeong Soon , Kim Hee Sik , Neggers J.
Published: August 2012

We introduce the notion of hypergroupoids (HBin(X), □), and show that (HBin(X), □) is a super‐semigroup of the semigroup (Bin(X), □) via the identification x↔{x}. We prove that (HBin*(X), ⊖, [∅]) is a BCK‐algebra, and obtain several properties of (HBin*(X), □).
Glucocorticoids and Preterm Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury: The Good and the Bad
Authors: Bennet Laura , Davidson Joanne O. , Koome Miriam , Gunn Alistair Jan
Published: August 2012

Fetuses at risk of premature delivery are now routinely exposed to maternal treatment with synthetic glucocorticoids. In randomized clinical trials, these substantially reduce acute neonatal systemic morbidity, and mortality, after premature birth and reduce intraventricular hemorrhage. However, the overall neurodevelopmental impact is surprisingly unclear; worryingly, postnatal glucocorticoids are consistently associated with impaired brain development. We review the clinical and experimental evidence on how glucocorticoids may affect the developing brain and highlight the need for systematic research.
An Optimization-Based Reconfigurable Design for a 6-Bit 11-MHz Parallel Pipeline ADC with Double-Sampling S&H
Authors: Carvajal Wilmar , Van Noije Wilhelmus
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a 6 bit, 11 MS/s time-interleaved pipeline A/D converter design. The specification process, from block level to elementary circuits, is gradually covered to draw a design methodology. Both power consumption and mismatch between the parallel chain elements are intended to be reduced by using some techniques such as double and bottom-plate sampling, fully differential circuits, RSD digital correction, and geometric programming (GP) optimization of the elementary analog circuits (OTAs and comparators) design. Prelayout simulations of the complete ADC are presented to characterize the designed converter, which consumes 12 mW while sampling a 500 kHz input signal. Moreover, the block inside the ADC with the most stringent requirements in power, speed, and precision was sent to fabrication in a CMOS 0.35 μm AMS technology, and some postlayout results are shown.
Fetal Programming of the Neuroendocrine-Immune System and Metabolic Disease
Authors: Fisher R. E. , Steele M. , Karrow N. A.
Published: August 2012

Adverse uterine environments experienced during fetal development can alter the projected growth pattern of various organs and systems of the body, leaving the offspring at an increased risk of metabolic disease. The thrifty phenotype hypothesis has been demonstrated as an alteration to the growth trajectory to improve the survival and reproductive fitness of the individual. However, when the intrauterine environment does not match the extrauterine environment problems can arise. With the increase in metabolic diseases in both Westernized and developing countries, it is becoming apparent that there is an environmental disconnect with the extrauterine environment. Therefore, the focus of this paper will be to explore the effects of maternal malnutrition on the offspring’s susceptibility to metabolic disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes with emphasis on programming of the neuroendocrine-immune system.
Roles for Endothelial Cells in Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Dalrymple Nadine A. , Mackow Erich R.
Published: August 2012

Dengue viruses cause two severe diseases that alter vascular fluid barrier functions, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). The endothelium is the primary fluid barrier of the vasculature and ultimately the effects of dengue virus infection that cause capillary leakage impact endothelial cell (EC) barrier functions. The ability of dengue virus to infect the endothelium provides a direct means for dengue to alter capillary permeability, permit virus replication, and induce responses that recruit immune cells to the endothelium. Recent studies focused on dengue virus infection of primary ECs have demonstrated that ECs are efficiently infected, rapidly produce viral progeny, and elicit immune enhancing cytokine responses that may contribute to pathogenesis. Furthermore, infected ECs have also been implicated in enhancing viremia and immunopathogenesis within murine dengue disease models. Thus dengue-infected ECs have the potential to directly contribute to immune enhancement, capillary permeability, viremia, and immune targeting of the endothelium. These effects implicate responses of the infected endothelium in dengue pathogenesis and rationalize therapeutic targeting of the endothelium and EC responses as a means of reducing the severity of dengue virus disease.
Structural, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of PVA‐Sodium Salicylate Solid Composite Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Ahad Noorhanim , Saion Elias , Gharibshahi Elham
Published: August 2012

Structural, thermal, and electrical properties of solid composite polymer electrolytes based on poly (vinyl alcohol) complexed with sodium salicylate were studied. The polymer electrolytes at different weight percent ratios were prepared by solution casting technique. The changes in the structures of the electrolytes were characterized by XRD, which revealed the amorphous domains of the polymer which increased with increase of sodium salicylate concentration. The complexion of the polymer electrolytes were confirmed by FTIR studies. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the thermal stability of the polymer below 523 K. The decomposition decreases with increasing sodium salicylate concentration. The conductivity and dielectric properties were measured using an impedance analyzer in frequency range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz and narrow temperature range of 303 to 343 K. The conductivity increased with increase of sodium salicylate concentration and temperature. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss increased with the increase in temperature and decreased with the increase in sodium salicylate concentration.
Association of Aldosterone and Cortisol with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Prehypertension Stage
Authors: Syed Sadiqa Badar , Qureshi Masood Anwar
Published: August 2012

Background. The Pakistani population has higher incidence of cardiovascular (CV) diseases at younger ages, due to undiagnosed, uncontrolled hypertension (HTN). A variety of associated HTN stressors is also reported. The study plans to understand the variables associated with initiation of HTN in this population.Objective. To find plasma aldosterone and cortisol relationship with some CV risk factors (obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, sodium and potassium) in different stages of HTN particularly prehypertension.Subjects and Methods. The study conducted on 276 subjects (25–60 years), classified into prehypertensive (n=55), HTN stage-1 (n=70) and II (n=76) according to 7th JNC report and compared with normotensive controls (n=75). The anthropometric profiles (height, weight, waist circumference, Body Mass index) and BP recorded. Serum cortisol, aldosterone, total cholesterol, Low density lipoproteins, blood glucose,Na+andK+, using standard laboratory techniques, were determined in fasting blood samples.Results. Subjects were mostly overweight and obese (80%, 90%, and 76% in pre-HTN, stage-I and II versus 69% in controls). The aldosterone level (ng/dl) was in higher normal range (9.17–12.41) and significantly correlated to BMI (0.587) in controls, and to TC (0.726) and LDL (0.620) in pre-HTN stage-I. The cortisol level was positively correlated (P<0.01) to BMI (0.538),Na+(0.690) andK+(0.578) in control, and to BMI (0.628) and WC (0.679) in pre-HTN group, showing its association withBMI>25.Conclusion. Pre-HTN stage among Pakistani population with successive increase in various risk factors of HTN in relation to aldosterone and cortisol has been identified. Interaction of the risk factors with endogenous levels of these hormones may initiate stages of HTN.
Optimal Routing Control in Disconnected Machine-to-Machine Networks
Authors: Wu Yahui , Deng Su , Huang Hongbin
Published: August 2012

Machine-to-machine (M2M) networks could be connected by a wide range of wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID). Due to some factors (e.g., mobility of machines, limited communication range), it is hard to maintain the connectivity of the network, that is, the network is disconnected and it is a specific application of delay tolerant networks (DTN). Communication in such network often needs nodes working in a cooperative way. However, due to selfishness, nodes have no incentive to help others. Therefore, if the source requests help from other nodes, it needs to pay certain fees to them. The main goal of this paper is to explore efficient ways for the source to maximize the average delivery ratio when the total fees are limited. First, we mathematically characterize the average delivery ratio under different policies. Then we get the optimal policy through Pontryagin's maximum principle, and prove that the optimal policy conforms to the threshold form when the fees that other nodes require satisfy certain conditions. Simulations based on both synthetic and real motion traces show the accuracy of our model. Through extensive numerical results, we demonstrate that the optimal policy obtained by our model is the best.
Silver Nanoparticles in Alveolar Bone Surgery Devices
Authors: Sivolella Stefano , Stellini Edoardo , Brunello Giulia , Gardin Chiara , Ferroni Letizia , Bressan Eriberto , Zavan Barbara
Published: August 2012

Silver (Ag) ions have well‐known antimicrobial properties and have been applied as nanostrategies in many medical and surgical fields, including dentistry. The use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) may be an option for reducing bacterial adhesion to dental implant surfaces and preventing biofilm formation, containing the risk of peri‐implant infections. Modifying the structure or surface of bone grafts and membranes with Ag NPs may also prevent the risk of contamination and infection that are common when alveolar bone augmentation techniques are used. On the other hand, Ag NPs have revealed some toxic effects on cells in vitro and in vivo in animal studies. In this setting, the aim of the present paper is to summarize the principle behind Ag NP‐based devices and their clinical applications in alveolar bone and dental implant surgery.
Rutin, a Flavonoid That Is a Main Component ofSaussurea involucrata, Attenuates the Senescence Effect in D-Galactose Aging Mouse Model
Authors: Yang Ying-Chen , Lin Hsueh-Yi , Su Kang-Yi , Chen Chien-Hsu , Yu Yung-Lung , Lin Chai-Ching , Yu Sung-Liang , Yan Hong-Young , Su Kuo-Jung , Chen Yi-Lin Sophia
Published: August 2012

Saussurea involucrata(Kar. et Kir.), known as the snow lotus, grows in the Tian Shan and A’er Tai areas of China. It has recently been reported that the ethyl acetate extract ofS. involucrata(SI-2) can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. This study investigated the protective effect of ethyl acetate extract ofS. involucrata(SI-2) or rutin, a flavonoid extracted from ethyl acetate extract ofS. involucrata(SI-2), on D-galactose- (D-gal-) induced brain injury in mice. Administering SI-2 or rutin (30 mg/kg/d and 30 mg/kg/d) for 6 weeks, concomitant with D-gal injection, significantly increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and decreased the MDA level in plasma. Furthermore, the result showed that the percentages of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP in the D-gal-treated mice were much higher than those in the control. Pretreatment using SI-2 or rutin decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 via downregulation of NF-kappaB, resulting in a decrease in lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, our results also showed that oral administration of rutin to these mice significantly improved behavioral performance in a step-through passive avoidance task and these results suggest that SI-2 or rutin exerts potent antiaging effects on D-gal in mice via antioxidative mechanisms.
Quantitative Estimation of Sorafenib Tosylate Its Pure Form and in Its Tablet Formulation by RP‐HPLC Method
Authors: Kalaichelvi R. , Jayachandran E.
Published: August 2012

A simple, accurate, specific reverse‐phase, high‐performance liquid chromatography method has been developed for the determination of sorafenib tosylate in its pure form and its tablets. In this method, sorafenib tosylate was eluted by isocratic mode using a Phenomenex Luna C18 column by a mobile phase composition of acetonitrile and water in the ratio of 82.5 : 17.5, v/v. The flow rate was 1.5 mL/min. The eluted drug was monitored at 265 nm and the method was found to be linear from 5 to 80 μg/mL. The method was validated by linearity, precision, accuracy, LOD, and LOQ. The accuracy report denotes that there is not any interference of additives used in the formulation.
Decolorisation of Reactive Red 120 Dye by Using Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Bazrafshan Edris , Mostafapour Ferdos Kord , Hosseini Ali Reza , Raksh Khorshid Ataolah , Mahvi Amir Hossein
Published: August 2012

Dyes are one of the most hazardous chemical compound classes found in industrial effluents and need to be treated since their presence in water bodies reduces light penetration, precluding the photosynthesis of aqueous flora. In the present study, single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was used as an adsorbent for the successful removal of Reactive Red 120 (RR‐120) textile dye from aqueous solutions. The effect of various operating parameters such as initial concentration of dye, contact time, adsorbent dosage and initial pH was investigated in order to find the optimum adsorption conditions. Equilibrium isotherms were used to identify the possible mechanism of the adsorption process. The optimum pH for removing of RR‐120 dye from aqueous solutions was found to be 5 and for this condition maximum predicted adsorption capacity for RR‐120 dye was obtained as 426.49 mg/g. Also, the equilibrium data were also fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich and BET equilibrium isotherm models. It was found that the data fitted to BET (R2 = 0.9897) better than Langmuir (R2 = 0.9190) and Freundlich (R2 = 0.8819) model. Finally it was concluded that the single‐walled carbon nanotubes can be used for dye removal from aqueous solutions.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonist Exendin-4 Leads to Reduction of Weight and Caloric Intake in a Rat Model of Hypothalamic Obesity
Authors: Elfers Clinton T. , Simmons Jill H. , Roth Christian L.
Published: August 2012

Background: Hypothalamic obesity caused by damage of medial hypothalamic nuclei presents a therapeutic challenge. Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist exenatide (synthetic version of exendin-4 (Ex4)), used for treatment of diabetes, causes weight loss via hindbrain signaling. Methods: We tested Ex4 in an established rat model of medial hypothalamic lesions. Lesion and control animals were administered either daily intraperitoneal injections of 1 µg·kg–1 Ex4 or saline for 9 days. Results: In our rat model, a significant difference in percent baseline food intake (lesion –20.8%, control –13.6%; p < 0.001) and percent change in body weight (lesion –4.9%/9 days, control –3.2%/9 days; p < 0.05) was observed during Ex4 treatment compared with saline. Conclusion: Ex4 resulted in reduction of food intake and body weight. Follow-up studies are required to further elucidate its effects on energy homeostasis and to establish Ex4 as a potential drug for treatment of hypothalamic obesity.
Accurate Long-Term Prediction of Height during the First Four Years of Growth Hormone Treatment in Prepubertal Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency or Turner Syndrome
Authors: Ranke Michael B. , Lindberg Anders , Brosz Mathias , Kaspers Stefan , Loftus Jane , Wollmann Hartmut , Kołtowska-Haggstrom Maria , Roelants Mathieu
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: The study aim was to develop and validate models for long-term prediction of growth in prepubertal children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or Turner syndrome (TS) for optimal, cost-effective growth hormone (GH) therapy. Methods: Height was predicted by sequential application of annual prediction algorithms for height velocity in cohorts of GHD (n = 664) and TS (n = 607) as documented within KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Database). As height prediction models also require an estimate of weight, new algorithms for weight increase during the first to fourth prepubertal years on GH were developed. Results: When height was predicted from the start of GH treatment, the predicted and observed mean (SD) gain over 4 years was 30.4 (3.4) cm and 30.1 (4.9) cm, respectively, in GHD patients, and 27.2 (2.2) cm and 26.6 (3.5) cm, respectively, in TS patients. For all 4 years, gains of weight SD scores (SDS) were accurately described as a function of weight SDS and observed gain in height SDS (R2 > 0.89). Conclusion: In GHD and TS patients treated with GH, an accurate prepubertal long-term prediction of height development in groups is possible. Based on this, an optimal individual height outcome could be simulated.
Association of Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein with Expression of IL-6 and Resistance to Treatment in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ohgiya Daisuke , Matsushita Hiromichi , Onizuka Makoto , Nakamura Naoya , Amaki Jun , Aoyama Yasuyuki , Kawai Hidetsugu , Ogawa Yoshiaki , Kawada Hiroshi , Ando Kiyoshi
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) was originally identified as a tumor suppressor but has been recently shown to have the ability to control stem cell function in multiple tissues including malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the biological and clinical significance of PML in multiple myeloma (MM). Methods: We knocked down PML in myeloma cells with a lentiviral vector expressing microRNA to target PML, which were used for in vitro analyses. We also evaluated the association between PML expression in the bone marrow and patients’ clinical parameters. Results: The expression of IL-6 was decreased in myeloma cells with knocked-down PML expression. Immunohistochemical study showed that the PML expression level varied widely in the bone marrow of 48 MM patients, and that IL-6 expression correlated with PML expression in these patients. In addition, MM with high PML expression at diagnosis showed a poor prognosis regarding the 2-year survival, and PML and IL-6 positivity increased with the progression of disease in 13 sequentially analyzed cases. Conclusions: These results suggest that PML expression was positively associated with IL-6 expression in patients and was also related to tumor development and resistance to treatment in MM.
The Association of Histological Chorioamnionitis and Antenatal Steroids on Neonatal Outcome in Preterm Infants Born at Less than Thirty-Four Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Ahn Hye Mi , Park Eun Ae , Cho Su Jin , Kim Young-Ju , Park Hye-Sook
Published: August 2012

Background: Despite continuous research on the prevention of preterm labor, preterm delivery still occurs often. Different neonatal outcomes in association with chorioamnionitis might occur with the introduction of antenatal steroids. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of chorioamnionitis on the outcome of preterm infants and the association of antenatal steroids in the presence of histological chorioamnionitis (HC). Methods: Two hundred and fifty-seven infants born at <34 weeks and admitted to Ewha Womans University Hospital from 2005 to 2010 were enrolled. They were divided into 2 groups, one with HC (n = 89) and the other without HC (n = 168). The clinical characteristics and outcomes of the preterm infants including sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were analyzed. Results: HC was associated with IVH (p = 0.019) and early-onset sepsis (p = 0.038). In the HC group, the infants exposed to antenatal steroids developed BPD less than those without steroid exposure. The duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly decreased in the group with antenatal steroids. Conclusion: HC increased the incidence of early-onset sepsis and IVH in preterm infants of less than 34 weeks’ gestation with a high odds ratio of 9.54. In the presence of HC, antenatal steroids significantly decreased the incidence of BPD.
Evaluation of Individual Risk in Nonvariceal Gastrointestinal Bleeding Patients with NSAID Administration: A Multicenter Study in Japan
Authors: Okanobu Hideharu , Ito Masanori , Tanaka Shinji , Onogawa Seiji , Akagi Morihisa , Oh-e Hirotoki , Nagata Shinji , Okamoto Shiro , Kuwai Toshio , Cho Songde , Matsumoto Yoshiaki , Kitamura Shosuke , Hidaka Toru , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: August 2012

Backgrounds: Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is an undesirable effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We conducted a multicenter study in Japan to clarify the GI risk grade in patients with NSAID-induced GI bleeding. Methods: Patients with emergent endoscopic hemostasis by nonvariceal bleeding were registered from 36 hospitals in Hiroshima. In cases with NSAID use, the GI risk grade (low, moderate, or high) was evaluated, and concomitant drugs were investigated. We asked 79 gastroenterologists and 234 orthopedists what concomitant drugs they would prescribe to 3 simulated patients. Results: A total of 1,350 patients were registered. NSAIDs were used in 278 cases (21%). Concerning the risk grade in each patient, the largest group was the moderate-risk group (203 patients; 73%), while the high-risk group comprised 10% of all NSAID users with bleeding. A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or misoprostol was administrated to only 20 patients (7%). A small number of the gastroenterologists and orthopedists who responded to the questionnaire would prescribe PPI or misoprostol to simulated patients with short-term loxoprofen use. Conclusions: In NSAID users with GI bleeding, the moderate-risk group was the largest group for GI toxicity in Japan. In these cases, PPI or misoprostol was not commonly medicated in clinical practice.
Endothelin-1 in the Human Myocardium and Circulating Plasma: Evaluation before, during and after Correction of Aortic Stenosis with Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Majak Peter , Bjørnstad Johannes L. , Braathen Bjørn , Lunde Ida G. , Husebye Trygve , Christensen Geir , Tønnessen Theis
Published: August 2012

Objectives: Due to the pathological effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on cardiomyocytes and the extracellular matrix, ET-1 levels may impact on the prognosis of aortic stenosis (AS) patients operated with aortic valve replacement (AVR). We examined ET-1 levels in AS patients throughout the whole AVR process, thus exposing potential therapeutic windows of opportunity. Methods: Plasma ET-1 levels were measured before and 2 days, 6 and 12 months after AVR in 22 patients with AS. Myocardial ET-1 was measured in biopsies from 7 patients undergoing AVR. Peroperatively, plasma ET-1 was analyzed in the coronary sinus and radial artery before aortic cross-clamp and at 5 and 20 min of reperfusion, in a second group of 30 patients. Results: Circulating ET-1 levels were transiently increased 2.6-fold 2 days following AVR. Myocardial ET-1 protein was 2.1-fold higher in patients with AS compared to controls. Plasma levels of ET-1 correlated to echocardiographic markers of diastolic dysfunction postoperatively. There was no increase in plasma ET-1 during early reperfusion, but veno-arterial differences indicated potential cardiac ET-1 extraction. Conclusions: Plasma ET-1 increases 2 days following AVR and myocardial ET-1 protein levels are increased in patients with AS before AVR. Peroperatively, no plasma ET-1 augmentation or release from the heart was observed in AS patients.
Elevated Serum IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, CRP, and IFN-γ Levels in 10- to 11-Year-Old Boys with Increased BMI
Authors: Utsal L. , Tillmann V. , Zilmer M. , Mäestu J. , Purge P. , Jürimäe J. , Saar M. , Lätt E. , Maasalu K. , Jürimäe T.
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: Many inflammation parameters are associated with obesity, but few comparable data are found in youth. This study aims to characterize the differences in serum levels of 13 biochemical inflammatory markers between boys with increased BMI and boys with normal BMI, and examine the relationships between inflammation markers, skinfold thicknesses, and body composition. Participants/Methods: The participants were 38 boys (BMI above 85th percentile) and 38 boys (normal BMI) at the age of 10–11 years. Measurements included BMI, 9 skinfold thicknesses, waist and hip circumferences, and total body and trunk fat mass and percentage as indices of obesity, fasting insulin, glucose, and serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, VEGF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), epidermal growth factor, and CRP. Results: Overweight boys (OWB) were taller and more frequently in puberty than normal-weight boys (NWB). Skinfold thicknesses and body composition parameters were higher in OWB. They had significantly higher serum IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, MCP-1, and CRP values compared to NWB. Conclusions: Six of 13 measured biochemical markers were significantly increased in OWB, indicating that many low-grade inflammatory processes are already involved in the development of obesity in childhood.
Breast Cancer Treatment and Adverse Cardiac Events: What Are the Molecular Mechanisms?
Authors: Roca-Alonso Laura , Pellegrino Loredana , Castellano Leandro , Stebbing Justin
Published: August 2012

Cardiotoxicity associated with breast cancer treatment is an important concern in the oncology clinic. Different types of anti-cancer therapies have recorded high rates of cardiac dysfunction in treated patients. Cardiac dysfunction linked to anthracyclines – one of the most common conventional chemotherapies – has extensively been described and several mechanisms have been proposed, although their mode of action is not fully understood even in cancer cells. The mediation of cardiac damage by reactive oxygen species stress is a recent hypothesis that has attracted a lot of interest, since it might explain the tissue-specific toxic effects of anthracyclines in the heart. Regarding molecular targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors used in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2+ tumours (e.g., trastuzumab, lapatinib), it is the blockage of survival pathways required for a normal heart development and function that seems to lead to cardiac pathology. Both types of breast cancer treatment appear to trigger cardiotoxicity synergically, being patients under adjuvant therapy closely monitored. Given the complex nature of heart failure and of the pathways altered by anti-cancer drugs, global gene expression regulation is key in the heart disease process. MicroRNAs have been demonstrated to be small molecules with big roles as essential gene expression modulators. The great potential of microRNAs as biomarkers in the cardio-oncology field needs to be further explored before new microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools can be developed.
Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Development of Colonic Diverticulosis
Authors: Kopylov Uri , Ben-Horin Shomron , Lahat Adi , Segev Shlomo , Avidan Benjamin , Carter Dan
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Colonic diverticulosis is a common condition with obscure pathogenesis. Obesity, hyperlipidemia and hypertension have been demonstrated to increase the risk of complicated diverticular disease, but the impact of metabolic risk factors on the prevalence of uncomplicated diverticulosis has not been clearly determined. Aims: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of obesity and metabolic syndrome on the prevalence of colonic diverticulosis. Methods: This retrospective case-control study included patients aged 40–85 years who were followed up by the Institute of Medical Screening in Israel and underwent colonoscopy in 2006–2011 for indication of colorectal cancer screening. Patients with diverticulosis as detected by colonoscopy were compared to patients without diverticulosis. The comparison parameters included medical history, biometric parameters, biochemical and lipid profile. Results: The study included 3,175 patients. Diverticulosis was diagnosed in 17.4% of the cohort. On univariate analysis, age, male gender, BMI (continuous variable), obesity, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, history of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, hypothyroidism, and absence of diabetes mellitus were associated with an increased risk of colonic diverticulosis. On multivariate analysis, advanced age, male gender, obesity (BMI >30), history of hypothyroidism and absence of diabetes mellitus were associated with an increased risk of diverticulosis. Prevalence of colonic polyps was similar in patients with and without diverticulosis. Conclusion: Colonic diverticulosis was associated with age, male gender, obesity and hypothyroidism. Diabetes mellitus was associated with a decreased risk of colonic diverticulosis.
Long-Term Hearing Results and Otological Complications of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients: Comparison between Treatment with Conventional Two-Dimensional Radiotherapy and Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Tsang Raymond K. , Kwong Dora L. , Ho Ambrose C. , To Victor S. , Ho Wai-Kuen , Wei William I.
Published: August 2012

Objective: To assess the long-term audiological outcome and otological complications of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who have received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) versus conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy (2 DRT). Study Design: Prospective study on the audiological outcome and otological complications 5–9 years after radiotherapy. Methodology: Patients had pure-tone audiogram before radiotherapy and 5 years after radiotherapy. Otological examination was performed 5–9 years after radiotherapy by an otolaryngologist. Results: There is a significant deterioration of the hearing threshold 5 years after radiotherapy but there is no statistically significant difference in the deterioration of hearing between IMRT and 2 DRT. Six patients in the 2 DRT group and 1 patient in the IMRT group had osteoradionecrosis of the external auditory canal (p = 0.042). Conclusion: There are fewer incidences of osteoradionecrosis of the external auditory canal in patients treated with IMRT. There is no difference in bone conduction threshold in patients treated with IMRT or 2 DRT.
Brain Evolution across the Puerto Rican Anole Radiation
Authors: Powell Brian J. , Leal Manuel
Published: August 2012

Patterns of brain evolution have been widely studied across vertebrates, with the bulk of studies using mammals and/or birds as model systems. Within these groups, species occupying different habitats have been shown to have divergent neuroanatomy, particularly with regard to differences in the relative size of different brain structures, correlated with differences in habitat complexity. We examined the pattern of allometric scaling across the telencephalon, dorsal cortex, dorsomedial cortex, medial cortex, dorsal ventricular ridge, medulla and cerebellum in six species of Puerto Rican Anolis lizards, which are grouped in three distinct ecomorphs (i.e. ecological types) according to interspecific differences in preferred habitat type. The differences in habitat preferences are accompanied by morphological and behavioral adaptations for effective use of each habitat type. Our results challenge this trend and demonstrate a lack of convergence in the relative size of different brain structures between species belonging to the same ecomorph type. Overall brain volume explained between 92.5 and 99.8% of the variance in the volume of each of the brain regions measured and 93.8 and 98.5% of the variance in the volume of each component measured within the telencephalon. This pattern of brain allometry is consistent with concerted brain evolution. However, in the case of the cerebellum, interspecific differences in volume exhibit a trend in accordance with mosaic brain evolution. This suggests that both concerted and mosaic brain evolution have shaped the anole brain, with the former playing a dominant role. Concerted brain evolution is the primary mechanism shaping the brain in mammals and cartilaginous fishes, and its presence in Anolis lizards provides additional evidence supporting the hypothesis that concerted brain evolution might result from a conserved pattern of brain development common to all vertebrates. More generally, our findings highlight the necessity of further studies of brain evolution in reptiles as they can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying vertebrate brain evolution.
Phase-Contrast Microtomography with Synchrotron Radiation Technology: A New Noninvasive Technique to Analyze the Three-Dimensional Structure of Dermal Tissues
Authors: Jiang Yuzhi , Tong Yajun , Xiao Tiqiao , Lu Shuliang
Published: August 2012

Background: Since the three-dimensional (3-D) structure of dermal tissue has an important role in regulating cell behavior and directing the wound healing process, the characteristic of the 3-D structure of dermal tissue needs to be clarified. Objective: To explore the different 3-D structures between normal and scar dermal tissues. Material and Methods: Phase-contrast microtomography with synchrotron radiation technology was applied to detect the 3-D structure of dermal tissues. Results: The normal dermal tissue consists of elliptical structures formed by fiber bundles interwoven in a helical manner. A regular louver-like structure was observed on the fibers. In scar tissue, the fiber bundles were arrayed in parallel, the louver-like structures were disordered. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the mesoscopic difference between normal dermal tissue and scar tissue, suggests that the high level of interweaving capability of collagen is compromised/lost when dermal tissue is injured, and provides a basis for future studies.
Seasonal Maintenance of Influenza Vaccine-Induced Antibody Response in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Birdwell Kelly A. , Ikizler Mine R. , Wang Li , Byrne Daniel W. , Sannella Edith C. , Wright Peter F. , Ikizler T. Alp
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: Although annual influenza vaccination is recommended for kidney transplant recipients, efficacy as reflected by serum antibody titers has not been well studied beyond 1 month in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: We performed a single-center prospective cohort study of 51 kidney transplant recipients and 102 healthy controls receiving the 2006–2007 influenza vaccine. Anti-hemagglutinin antibody titers to A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B were measured before and 1 month after vaccination, and again at the end of influenza season. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants maintaining seroprotection (antibody titer ≥1:32) for the duration of the influenza season after influenza vaccination. Results: Median follow-up time was 175 and 155 days in the transplant and control groups, respectively. For types A/H1N1 and B, a similar high proportion of the transplant and control groups (88.5 and 81.6% vs. 83.7 and 74.2% for A/H1N1 and B, respectively) maintained seroprotection. For type A/H3N2, significantly less of the transplant group (66.7%) versus the control group (90%) maintained a protective influenza vaccine response (odds ratio 0.21, 95% confidence interval 0.07–0.64). This difference disappeared in adjusted analyses. Actual geometric mean titers decreased significantly within both groups (p < 0.001) but this did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Once they have developed protective vaccine-induced antibody responses to influenza vaccine, kidney transplant recipients are able to maintain adequate protective levels of antibody compared with healthy controls.
Dabigatran versus rivaroxaban for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation in Canada
Authors: Sharma Michael , Bradley-Kennedy Carole , Clemens Andreas , Monz Brigitta U. , Peng Siyang , Roskell Neil , Sorensen Sonja V. , Kansal Anuraag R.
Published: August 2012

Canadian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in whom anticoagulation is appropriate have two new choices for anticoagulation for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism – dabigatran etexilate (dabigatran) and rivaroxaban. Based on the RE-LY and ROCKET AF trial results, we investigated the cost-effectiveness of dabigatran (twice daily dosing of 150 mg or 110 mg based on patient age) versus rivaroxaban from a Canadian payer perspective. A formal indirect treatment comparison (ITC) of dabigatran versus rivaroxaban was performed, using dabigatran clinical event rates from RE-LY for the safety-on-treatment population, adjusted to the ROCKET AF population. A previously described Markov model was modified to simulate anticoagulation treatment using ITC results as inputs. Model outputs included total costs, event rates, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The ITC found when compared to rivaroxaban, dabigatran had a lower risk of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) (relative risk [RR] = 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21 –0.67) and stroke (RR = 0.62; 95%CI 0.45–0.87). Over a lifetime horizon, the model found dabigatran-treated patients experienced fewer ICHs (0.33 dabigatran vs. 0.71 rivaroxaban) and ischaemic strokes (3.40 vs. 3.96) per 100 patient-years, and accrued more QALYs (6.17 vs. 6.01). Dabigatran-treated patients had lower acute care and long-term follow-up costs per patient ($52,314 vs. $53,638) which more than offset differences in drug costs ($7,299 vs. $6,128). In probabilistic analysis, dabigatran had high probability of being the most cost-effective therapy at common thresholds of willingness-to-pay (93% at a $20,000/QALY threshold). This study found dabigatran is economically dominant versus rivaroxaban for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism among Canadian AF patients.
Endogenous Renovascular Hypertension Combined With Low Shear Stress Induces Plaque Rupture in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice
Authors: Jin Shu-xuan , Shen Ling-hong , Nie Peng , Yuan Wei , Hu Liu-hua , Li Dan-dan , Chen Xue-jin , Zhang Xiao-kun , He Ben
Published: August 2012

Objective—

The development of a murine model of spontaneous atherosclerotic plaque rupture with luminal thrombus.

Methods and Results—

Combined partial ligation of the left renal artery and left common carotid artery in 8-week-old apolipoprotein E–deficient mice induced endogenous renovascular hypertension and local low oscillatory shear stress in the left common carotid artery. After 8 weeks, a fresh left common carotid artery lumen thrombus associated with severe plaque burden was found in 50% (10/20) of the mice. Histological analyses indicated that all left common carotid artery lesions had vulnerable features, and 50% (5/10) of the mice showed plaque rupture with a lumen thrombus. Multiple layers with layering discontinuity and intraplaque hemorrhages were found in 80% (8/10) of the mice. Further experiments showed that both increased blood pressure, and angiotensin-II contributed to plaque progression and vulnerability. Decreased intimal collagen associated with increased collagenase activity and matrix metalloproteinase expression also resulted in plaque disruption.

Conclusion—

We demonstrate a murine model of spontaneous plaque rupture with a high incidence of luminal thrombus. The model not only nicely recapitulates the pathophysiological processes of human plaque rupture but it is also simple, fast, and highly efficient to generate.