bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeat infection with gonorrhoea in Sheffield, UK: predictable and preventable?
Authors: Hughes Gwenda , Nichols Tom , Peters Lindsey , Bell Gill , Leong Geraldine , Kinghorn George
Published: June 2012

Background

Repeat infection with gonorrhoea may contribute significantly to infection persistence and health service workload. The authors investigated whether repeat infection is associated with particular subgroups who may benefit from tailored interventions.

Methods

Data on gonorrhoea diagnoses between 2004 and 2008 were obtained from Sheffield sexually transmitted infection clinic. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to estimate the percentage of patients with repeat diagnoses within a year, and a Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate associated risk factors.

Results

Of 1650 patients diagnosed with gonorrhoea, 7.7% (95% CI 6.5% to 9.1%) had a repeat diagnosis within 1 year. Men who have sex with men under 30, teenage heterosexuals, black Caribbeans, people living in deprived areas and those diagnosed in 2004 were most likely to re-present. Of those patients (53%) providing additional behavioural data, repeat diagnosis was more common in those reporting prior history of gonorrhoea, any previous sexually transmitted infection diagnoses, two or more partners in the past 3 months and a high-risk partner in the past year. In an adjusted analysis, repeat diagnosis was independently associated with being a young man who has sex with men, living in a deprived area, a history of gonorrhoea and being diagnosed in 2004 but was most strongly associated with non-completion of behavioural data forms.

Conclusions

Groups most at risk of repeat infection with gonorrhoea are highly predictable but are disinclined to provide detailed information on their sexual behaviour. Care pathways including targeted and intensive one-to-one risk reduction counselling, effective partner notification and offers of re-testing could deliver considerable public health benefit.
In situ measurements of cemented paste backfill at the Cayeli Mine
Authors: Thompson B.D. , Bawden W.F. , Grabinsky M.W.
Published: June 2012

Cemented paste backfill (CPB) is accepted as the optimal backfilling material for many underground mines. However, the lack of in-stope backfill pressure data poses fundamental problems from both operational and research standpoints. In response to the requirement for in situ data, a comprehensive field instrumentation project has been conducted. Results are presented here for two stopes at the Cayeli Mine, where geotechnical instruments were installed at the barricades and throughout the stopes. Measurements from a large (slow rise rate) stope with high binder content CPB demonstrated a rapid departure from hydrostatic loading, resulting in relatively low barricade pressures. Conversely, data from a smaller (fast rise rate) stope with lower binder content CPB demonstrated that when cement hydration is retarded, high barricade pressures occur. These examples illustrate the relationship between CPB rise rate and the moderating effect of cement hydration on in situ pressures, which ultimately control barricade pressures. Once CPB gains shear strength, arching of pressures occurs. In situ pressures were reduced with proximity to stope walls and further, under stope access brows, demonstrating that barricade location influences barricade loads. The application of real-time pressure monitoring of pastefill barricades has been demonstrated as an important tool in optimizing operational backfilling efficiency.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE ISGUR–WISE FUNCTION AND ITS DERIVATIVES WITHIN A HEAVY–LIGHT QCD QUARK MODEL
Authors: ROY SABYASACHI , CHOUDHURY D. K.
Published: June 2012

In determining the mesonic wave function from QCD inspired potential model, if the linear confinement term is taken as parent (with Coulombic term as perturbation), Airy's function appears in the resultant wave function — which is an infinite series. In the study of Isgur–Wise function (IWF) and its derivatives with such a wave function, the infinite upper limit of integration gives rise to divergence. In this paper, we have proposed some reasonable cutoff values for the upper limit of such integrations and studied the subsequent effect on the results. We have also studied the sensitivity of the order of polynomial approximation of the infinite Airy series in calculating the derivatives of IWF.
ON THE LARGE-t ELASTIC SCATTERING AT $\sqrt{s} = 7~{\rm TeV}$
Authors: TROSHIN S. M. , TYURIN N. E.
Published: June 2012

We discuss discrimination of the scattering mechanisms on the basis of functional dependencies of the large-t elastic scattering suggested by the recent data from the TOTEM experiment. It is shown that Orear exponent is in a better agreement with the data than the power-like dependence used by the TOTEM. This implies that the collective dynamics is dominating over the point-like mechanism related to the scattering of the proton constituents.

We also emphasize that vanishing of the helicity-flip amplitudes contributions at the LHC energies would result in appearance of the dip–bump structures at higher values of transferred momenta.
EXACT SOLUTIONS OF THE SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION WITH SPHERICALLY SYMMETRIC OCTIC POTENTIAL
Authors: AGBOOLA DAVIDS , ZHANG YAO-ZHONG
Published: June 2012

We present exact solutions of the Schrödinger equation with spherically symmetric octic potential. We give closed-form expressions for the energies and the wave functions as well as the allowed values of the potential parameters in terms of a set of algebraic equations.
THE EFFECTS OF THE SMALL-t PROPERTIES OF HADRONIC SCATTERING AMPLITUDE ON THE DETERMINATION OF ITS REAL PART
Authors: SELYUGIN O. V.
Published: June 2012

Taking into account the different forms of the Coulomb-hadron interference phase and the possible spin-flip contribution the new analysis of the experimental data of the proton–antiproton elastic scattering at 3.8<pL<6.0 GeV/c and small momentum transfer is carried out. It is shown that the size of the spin-flip amplitude can be determined from the form of the differential cross-sections at small-t, and the deviation of ρ(s, t) obtained from the examined experimental data of the [Formula: see text] scattering from the analysis1, based on the dispersion relations, is conserved in all examined assumptions. The analysis of the proton–proton elastic scattering at 9<pL<70 GeV/c also shows the impact of the examined effects on the form of the differential cross-sections.
Matrix mediated fluorescence enhancement — why nanoparticles and PPIX make a friendly couple
Authors: Heuck Gesine , Lange Norbert
Published: June 2012

The hexyl ester of 5-aminolevulinic acid (HAL) is an efficient inducer of the endogenous photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in neoplastic tissue and approved for the fluorescence photodetection of bladder cancer. It is, however, limited to topical application due to unsuitable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties following systemic administration. In this study we sought to prepare HAL laden polymeric nanoparticles made from polylactic acid (PLA) as possible means to improve the systemic bioavailability of HAL. Nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation. Particle size and morphology of freshly prepared and dehydrated nanoparticles were assessed and the ability to generate PPIX fluorescence was tested on a T24 human bladder carcinoma cell line. Fluorescence intensities of cells incubated with nanoencapsulated HAL were significantly higher than in presence of free HAL. Interestingly, the effect was — at least partly — provoked by the direct interaction of exogenously induced PPIX with the nanoparticles.
Template-directed electrochemical synthesis of cobalt phthalocyanine nanowires
Authors: Oni Joshua , Sehlotho Nthapo
Published: June 2012

The development of novel nanomaterials has been in the fore front of research in recent years due to the unusually outstanding properties of such materials. Metallophthalocyanines are well known to be of very good use in a wide range of applications. Nanomaterials based on this class of compounds could potentially have better qualities than the "parent" molecules. The electrochemical synthesis of cobalt phthalocyanine nanowires and the characterization using scanning electron microscope are presented. This is the first step towards a move to harnessing the potential of this class of nanomaterials for a wide range of new possible applications.
Brain Plasticity Through the Life Span: Learning to Learn and Action Video Games
Authors: Bavelier Daphne , Green C. Shawn , Pouget Alexandre , Schrater Paul
Published: June 2012

The ability of the human brain to learn is exceptional. Yet, learning is typically quite specific to the exact task used during training, a limiting factor for practical applications such as rehabilitation, workforce training, or education. The possibility of identifying training regimens that have a broad enough impact to transfer to a variety of tasks is thus highly appealing. This work reviews how complex training environments such as action video game play may actually foster brain plasticity and learning. This enhanced learning capacity, termed learning to learn, is considered in light of its computational requirements and putative neural mechanisms.
The Complement System: An Unexpected Role in Synaptic Pruning During Development and Disease
Authors: Stephan Alexander H. , Barres Ben A. , Stevens Beth
Published: June 2012

An unexpected role for the classical complement cascade in the elimination of central nervous system (CNS) synapses has recently been discovered. Complement proteins are localized to developing CNS synapses during periods of active synapse elimination and are required for normal brain wiring. The function of complement proteins in the brain appears analogous to their function in the immune system: clearance of cellular material that has been tagged for elimination. Similarly, synapses tagged with complement proteins may be eliminated by microglial cells expressing complement receptors. In addition, developing astrocytes release signals that induce the expression of complement components in the CNS. In the mature brain, early synapse loss is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. Complement proteins are profoundly upregulated in many CNS diseases prior to signs of neuron loss, suggesting a reactivation of similar developmental mechanisms of complement-mediated synapse elimination potentially driving disease progression.
Evolution of Synapse Complexity and Diversity
Authors: Emes Richard D. , Grant Seth G.N.
Published: June 2012

Proteomic studies of the composition of mammalian synapses have revealed a high degree of complexity. The postsynaptic and presynaptic terminals are molecular systems with highly organized protein networks producing emergent physiological and behavioral properties. The major classes of synapse proteins and their respective functions in intercellular communication and adaptive responses evolved in prokaryotes and eukaryotes prior to the origins of neurons in metazoa. In eukaryotes, the organization of individual proteins into multiprotein complexes comprising scaffold proteins, receptors, and signaling enzymes formed the precursor to the core adaptive machinery of the metazoan postsynaptic terminal. Multiplicative increases in the complexity of this protosynapse machinery secondary to genome duplications drove synaptic, neuronal, and behavioral novelty in vertebrates. Natural selection has constrained diversification in mammalian postsynaptic mechanisms and the repertoire of adaptive and innate behaviors. The evolution and organization of synapse proteomes underlie the origins and complexity of nervous systems and behavior.
The Neural Basis of Empathy
Authors: Bernhardt Boris C. , Singer Tania
Published: June 2012

Empathy—the ability to share the feelings of others—is fundamental to our emotional and social lives. Previous human imaging studies focusing on empathy for others' pain have consistently shown activations in regions also involved in the direct pain experience, particularly anterior insula and anterior and midcingulate cortex. These findings suggest that empathy is, in part, based on shared representations for firsthand and vicarious experiences of affective states. Empathic responses are not static but can be modulated by person characteristics, such as degree of alexithymia. It has also been shown that contextual appraisal, including perceived fairness or group membership of others, may modulate empathic neuronal activations. Empathy often involves coactivations in further networks associated with social cognition, depending on the specific situation and information available in the environment. Empathy-related insular and cingulate activity may reflect domain-general computations representing and predicting feeling states in self and others, likely guiding adaptive homeostatic responses and goal-directed behavior in dynamic social contexts.
Exercise training normalizes enhanced sympathetic activation from the paraventricular nucleus in chronic heart failure: role of angiotensin II
Authors: Zheng Hong , Sharma Neeru M. , Liu Xuefei , Patel Kaushik P.
Published: June 2012

Exercise training (ExT) normalizes the increased sympathetic outflow in heart failure (HF), but the underlying mechanisms are not known. We hypothesized ExT would normalize the augmented activation of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) via an angiotensinergic mechanism during HF. Four groups of rats used were the following: 1) sham-sedentary (Sed); 2) sham-ExT; 3) HF-Sed, and 4) HF-ExT. HF was induced by left coronary artery ligation. Four weeks after surgery, 3 wk of treadmill running was performed in ExT groups. The number of FosB-positive cells in the PVN was significantly increased in HF-Sed group compared with the sham-Sed group. ExT normalized (negated) this increase in the rats with HF. In anesthetized condition, the increases in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) in response to microinjection of angiotensin (ANG) II (50∼200 pmol) in the PVN of HF-Sed group were significantly greater than of the sham-Sed group. In the HF-ExT group the responses to microinjection of ANG II were not different from sham-Sed or sham-ExT groups. Blockade of ANG II type 1 (AT1) receptors with losartan in the PVN produced a significantly greater decrease in RSNA, MAP, and HR in HF-Sed group compared with sham-Sed group. ExT prevented the difference between HF and sham groups. AT1 receptor protein expression was increased 50% in HF-Sed group compared with sham-Sed group. In the HF-ExT group, AT1 receptor protein expression was not significantly different from sham-Sed or sham-ExT groups. In conclusion, one mechanism by which ExT alleviates elevated sympathetic outflow in HF may be through normalization of angiotensinergic mechanisms within the PVN.
IL-17-mediated oxidative stress is an important stimulator of AT1-AA and hypertension during pregnancy
Authors: Dhillion Pushpinder , Wallace Kedra , Herse Florian , Scott Jeremy , Wallukat Gerd , Heath Judith , Mosely Janae , Martin James N. , Dechend Ralf , LaMarca Babbette
Published: June 2012

Preeclampsia is associated with autoimmune cells TH17, secreting interleukin-17, autoantibodies activating the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1-AA), and placental oxidative stress (ROS). The objective of our study was to determine whether chronic IL-17 increases blood pressure by stimulating ROS and AT1-AAs during pregnancy. To answer this question four groups of rats were examined: normal pregnant (NP, n = 20), NP+IL-17 ( n = 12), NP+tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine- N-oxyl) ( n = 7) (a superoxide dismutase mimetic that scavenges ROS), and NP+IL-17+tempol ( n = 11). IL-17 (150 pg/day) was infused into NP rats while tempol was administered via the drinking water ad libitum. On day 19 blood pressure (MAP) was recorded, and plasma, urine, and tissue were collected for isolation of ROS detected by chemilluminescent technique. Urinary isoprostane was measured by ELISA. AT1-AAs were determined via cardiomyocyte assay and expressed as beats per minute. MAP increased from 98 ± 3 mmHg in NP to 123 ± 3 mmHg in IL-17-infused NP rats. Urinary isoprostane increased from 1,029 ± 1 in NP to 3,526 ± 2 pg·mg−1·day−1 in IL-17-infused rats ( P < 0.05). Placental ROS was 436 ± 4 RLU·ml−1·min−1 ( n = 4) in NP and 702 ± 5 ( n = 5) RLU·ml−1·min−1 in IL-17-treated rats. Importantly, AT1-AA increased from 0.41 ± 0.05 beats/min in NP rats ( n = 8) to 18.4 ± 1 beats/min in IL-17 rats ( n = 12). Administration of tempol attenuated the hypertension (101 ± 3 mmHg) ROS (459 ± 5 RLU·ml−1·min−1) and blunted AT1-AAs (7.3 ± 0.6 beats/min) in NP+IL-17+tempol-treated rats. Additionally, AT1 receptor blockade inhibited IL-17-induced hypertension and placental oxidative stress. MAP was 105 ± 5 mmHg and ROS was 418 ± 5 RLU·ml−1·min−1 in NP+IL 17-treated with losartan. These data indicate that IL-17 causes placental oxidative stress, which serves as stimulus modulating AT1-AAs that may play an important role in mediating IL-17-induced hypertension during pregnancy.
Indirect calorimetry in laboratory mice and rats: principles, practical considerations, interpretation and perspectives
Authors: Even Patrick C. , Nadkarni Nachiket A.
Published: June 2012

In this article, we review some fundamentals of indirect calorimetry in mice and rats, and open the discussion on several debated aspects of the configuration and tuning of indirect calorimeters. On the particularly contested issue of adjustment of energy expenditure values for body size and body composition, we discuss several of the most used methods and their results when tested on a previously published set of data. We conclude that neither body weight (BW), exponents of BW, nor lean body mass (LBM) are sufficient. The best method involves fitting both LBM and fat mass (FM) as independent variables; for low sample sizes, the model LBM + 0.2 FM can be very effective. We also question the common calorimetry design that consists of measuring respiratory exchanges under free-feeding conditions in several cages simultaneously. This imposes large intervals between measures, and generally limits data analysis to mean 24 h or day-night values of energy expenditure. These are then generally compared with energy intake. However, we consider that, among other limitations, the measurements of V̇o2, V̇co2, and food intake are not precise enough to allow calculation of energy balance in the small 2–5% range that can induce significant long-term alterations of energy balance. In contrast, we suggest that it is necessary to work under conditions in which temperature is set at thermoneutrality, food intake totally controlled, activity precisely measured, and data acquisition performed at very high frequency to give access to the part of the respiratory exchanges that are due to activity. In these conditions, it is possible to quantify basal energy expenditure, energy expenditure associated with muscular work, and response to feeding or to any other metabolic challenge. This reveals defects in the control of energy metabolism that cannot be observed from measurements of total energy expenditure in free feeding individuals.
Multivariate modeling of cognitive-motor stimulation on neurovascular coupling: transcranial Doppler used to characterize myogenic and metabolic influences
Authors: Panerai Ronney B. , Eyre Michelle , Potter John F.
Published: June 2012

Neural activation induces changes in cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) with separate contributions from resistance-area product (VRAP) and critical closing pressure (VCrCP). We modeled the dependence of VRAP and VCrCP on arterial blood pressure (ABP), end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), and cognitive stimulation to test the hypothesis that VRAP reflects myogenic activity while VCrCP reflects metabolic pathways. In 14 healthy subjects, CBFV was measured with transcranial Doppler ultrasound, ABP with the Finapres device and EtCO2 with infrared capnography. Two different paradigms (word or puzzle) were repeated 10 times (30 s on-off), and the corresponding square-wave signal was used, together with ABP and EtCO2, as inputs to autoregressive-moving average (ARMA) models, which allowed identification of the separate contributions of the three inputs to either VRAP or VCrCP. For both paradigms, the contribution of ABP was mainly manifested through VRAP ( P < 0.005 for word; P < 0.004 for puzzle), while stimulation mainly contributed to VCrCP ( P < 0.002 for word; P < 0.033, for puzzle). The contribution of EtCO2 was relatively small (<10%) with greater contribution to VCrCP ( P < 0.01 for puzzle; not significant for word). Separate step responses were also obtained for each of the three inputs. ARMA modeling of VRAP and VCrCP allows the separation of the effects of cerebral autoregulation and CO2 reactivity from the main effects of cognitive-motor stimulation and have the potential to improve the diagnostic value of neurovascular coupling testing in physiological and clinical studies.
Water restriction increases renal inner medullary manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD)
Authors: Zhou Xiaoming , Burg Maurice B. , Ferraris Joan D.
Published: June 2012

Oxidative stress damages cells. NaCl and urea are high in renal medullary interstitial fluid, which is necessary to concentrate urine, but which causes oxidative stress by elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we measured the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutases (SODs, MnSOD, and Cu/ZnSOD) and catalase in mouse kidney that might mitigate the oxidative stress. MnSOD protein increases progressively from the cortex to the inner medulla, following the gradient of increasing NaCl and urea. MnSOD activity increases proportionately, but MnSOD mRNA does not. Water restriction, which elevates renal medullary NaCl and urea, increases MnSOD protein, accompanied by a proportionate increase in MnSOD enzymatic activity in the inner medulla, but not in the cortex or the outer medulla. In contrast, Cu/ZnSOD and TNF-α (an important regulator of MnSOD) do not vary between the regions of the kidney, and expression of catalase protein actually decreases from the cortex to the inner medulla. Water restriction increases activity of mitochondrial enzymes that catalyze production of ROS in the inner medulla, but reduces NADPH oxidase activity there. We also examined the effect of high NaCl and urea on MnSOD in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. High NaCl and high urea both increase MnSOD in MDCK cells. This increase in MnSOD protein apparently depends on the elevation of ROS since it is eliminated by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, and it occurs without raising osmolality when ROS are elevated by antimycin A or xanthine oxidase plus xanthine. We conclude that ROS, induced by high NaCl and urea, increase MnSOD activity in the renal inner medulla, which moderates oxidative stress.
Inhibition of renin activity slows down the progression of HIV-associated nephropathy
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Plagov Andrei , Yadav Iti , Torri Deepti D. , Sayeneni Swapna , Sagar Ankita , Rai Partab , Adabala Madhuri , Lederman Rivka , Chandel Nirupama , Ding Guohua , Malhotra Ashwani , Singhal Pravin C.
Published: June 2012

In the present study, we evaluated the effect of inhibition of renin activity (aliskiren) on the progression of renal lesions in two different mouse models (Vpr and Tg26) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). In protocol A, Vpr mice were fed either water (C-VprA) or doxycycline [Doxy (D-VprA)] in their drinking water for 6 wk. In protocols B and C, Vpr mice received either normal saline (C-VprB/C), Doxy + normal saline (D-VprB/C), or Doxy + aliskiren (AD-VprB/C) for 6 wk ( protocol B) or 12 wk ( protocol C). In protocols D and E, Vpr mice were fed Doxy for 6 wk followed by kidney biopsy. Subsequently, half of the mice were administered either normal saline (D-VprD/E) or aliskiren (AD-VprD/E) for 4 wk ( protocol D) or 8 ( protocol E) wk. All D-VprA mice showed renal lesions in the form of focal segmental glomerular sclerosis and dilatation of tubules. In protocols B and C, aliskiren diminished both progression of renal lesions and proteinuria. In protocol C, aliskiren also diminished ( P < 0.01) the rise in blood urea. In all groups, Doxy-treated mice displayed increased serum ANG I levels (the product of plasma renin activity); on the other hand, all aliskiren-treated mice displayed diminished serum ANG I levels. Renal tissues of D-VprC displayed increased ANG II content; however, aliskiren attenuated renal tissue ANG II production in AD-VprC. In protocol D, AD-VprD showed a 24.2% increase in the number of sclerosed glomeruli compared with 139.2% increase in sclerosed glomeruli in D-VprD ( P < 0.01) from their baseline. The attenuating effect of aliskiren on the progression of renal lesions continued in AD-VprE. Aliskiren also diminished blood pressure, proteinuria, and progression of renal lesions in Tg26 mice. These findings indicate that inhibition of renin activity has a potential to slow down the progression of HIVAN.
Mechanism of Repeat-Associated MicroRNAs in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Kelley Karen , Chang Shin-Ju E. , Lin Shi-Lung
Published: June 2012

The majority of the human genome is comprised of non-coding DNA, which frequently contains redundant microsatellite-like trinucleotide repeats. Many of these trinucleotide repeats are involved in triplet repeat expansion diseases (TREDs) such as fragile X syndrome (FXS). After transcription, the trinucleotide repeats can fold into RNA hairpins and are further processed byDicerendoribonuclases to form microRNA (miRNA)-like molecules that are capable of triggering targeted gene-silencing effects in the TREDs. However, the function of these repeat-associated miRNAs (ramRNAs) is unclear. To solve this question, we identified the first native ramRNA in FXS and successfully developed a transgenic zebrafish model for studying its function. Our studies showed that ramRNA-induced DNA methylation of theFMR15′-UTR CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion is responsible for both pathological and neurocognitive characteristics linked to the transcriptionalFMR1gene inactivation and the deficiency of its protein product FMRP. FMRP deficiency often causes synapse deformity in the neurons essential for cognition and memory activities, whileFMR1inactivation augments metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-activated long-term depression (LTD), leading to abnormal neuronal responses in FXS. Using this novel animal model, we may further dissect the etiological mechanisms of TREDs, with the hope of providing insights into new means for therapeutic intervention.
Neonatally Induced Mild Diabetes in Rats and Its Effect on Maternal, Placental, and Fetal Parameters
Authors: Sinzato Yuri Karen , Volpato Gustavo Tadeu , Iessi Isabela Lovizutto , Bueno Aline , Calderon Iracema de Mattos Paranhos , Rudge Marilza Vieira Cunha , Damasceno Débora Cristina
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to assess placental changes and reproductive outcomes in neonatally induced mild diabetic dams and fetal development in their offspring. At birth, female rats were assigned either to control or diabetic group (100 mg of streptozotocin/Kg, subcutaneously). At adulthood, the female rats were mated. During pregnancy, the blood glucose levels and glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. At term, maternal reproductive outcomes, fetal and placental weight, and placental morphology were analyzed. Diabetic rats had smaller number of living fetuses, implantations and corpora lutea, and increased rate of embryonic loss. Placenta showed morphometric alterations in decidua area. Our results showed that mild diabetes was sufficient to trigger alterations in maternal organism leading to impaired decidua development contributing to failure in embryonic implantation and early embryonic losses. Regardless placental decidua alteration, the labyrinth, which is responsible for the maternal-fetal exchanges, showed no morphometric changes contributing to an appropriate fetal development, which was able to maintain normal fetal weight at term in mild diabetic rats. Thus, this experimental model of diabetes induction at the day of birth was more effective to reproduce the reproductive alterations of diabetic women.
Electronic Structure of BiFe1−xMnxO3 Thin Films Investigated by X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Ablat Abduleziz , Muhemmed Emin , Si Cheng , Wang Jiaou , Qian Haijie , Wu Rui , Zhang Nian , Wu Rong , Ibrahim Kurash
Published: June 2012

Multiferroic polycrystalline BiFe1-xMnxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) thin films have been prepared on the Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition method. The influence of Mn substitution on the electronic structure and magnetic properties has been studied. X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy shows that Mn substitution slightly modulates crystal structure of the BiFe1-xMnxO3 system within the same structural phase. According to Fe L edge X ray absorption spectroscopy, Fe ions are found to be formally trivalent for doping amount x in BiFe1-xMnxO3. The enhanced magnetization by increasing Mn content is attributed to an alternation degree of hybridization between Fe 3d‐O 2p and Mn 3d‐O 2p orbitals, basing on the carefully examined Fe L and O K edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The crystal structural and the electronic structural results show a causal relation between them by demonstrating intrinsic mutual dependence between respective variations.
Small-for-Gestational-Age Births in Pregnant Women with HIV, due to Severity of HIV Disease, Not Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Aaron Erika , Bonacquisti Alexa , Mathew Leny , Alleyne Gregg , Bamford Laura P. , Culhane Jennifer F.
Published: June 2012

Objectives. To determine rate and factors associated with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births to women with HIV.Methods. Prospective data were collected from 183 pregnant women with HIV in an urban HIV prenatal clinic, 2000–2011. An SGA birth was defined as less than the 10th or 3rd percentile of birth weight distribution based upon cut points developed using national vital record data. Bivariate analysis utilized chi-squared andt-tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used.Results. The prevalence of SGA was 31.2% at the 10th and 12.6% at the 3rd percentile. SGA at the 10th (OR 2.77; 95% CI, 1.28–5.97) and 3rd (OR 3.64; 95% CI, 1.12–11.76) percentiles was associated with cigarette smoking. Women with CD4 count >200 cells/mm3at the first prenatal visit were less likely to have an SGA birth at the 3rd percentile (OR 0.29; 95% CI, 0.10–0.86). Women taking NNRTI were less likely to have an SGA infant at the 10th (OR 0.28; 95% CI, 0.10–0.75) and 3rd (OR 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03–0.91) percentiles compared to those women on PIs.Conclusions. In this cohort with high rates of SGA, severity of HIV disease, not ART, was associated with SGA births after adjusting for sociodemographic, medication, and disease severity.
Fenofibrate Inhibited the Differentiation of T Helper 17 CellsIn Vitro
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Sun Weiliang , Liang Ying , Gao Yanxiang , Kong Wei , Guan Youfei , Feng Juan , Wang Xian
Published: June 2012

Uncontrolled activity of T cells mediates autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Recent findings suggest that enhanced activity of interleukin-17 (IL-17) producing T helper 17 cells (Th17 cells) plays an important role in autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases. Previous papers have revealed that a lipid-lowering synthetic ligand of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα(PPARα), fenofibrate, alleviates both atherosclerosis and a few nonlipid-associated autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune colitis and multiple sclerosis. However, the link between fenofibrate and Th17 cells is lacking. In the present study, we hypothesized that fenofibrate inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells. Our results showed that fenofibrate inhibited transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) and IL-6-induced differentiation of Th17 cellsin vitro. However, other PPARαligands such as WY14643, GW7647 and bezafibrate did not show any effect on Th17 differentiation, indicating that this effect of fenofibrate might be PPARαindependent. Furthermore, our data showed that fenofibrate reduced IL-21 production and STAT3 activation, a critical signal in the Th17 differentiation. Thus, by ameliorating the differentiation of Th17 cells, fenofibrate might be beneficial for autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases.
Resting and Dynamic Electrocardiography in Dogs with Experimental Chagas Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Oliveira Alves R. , Camacho A. A. , Junior D. P.
Published: June 2012

In the present protocol, adult dogs were infected withTrypanosoma cruzi, Bolivian strain, in order to show electrocardiographic changes by means of resting and dynamic (Holter) methods during acute and chronic phases of Chagas disease. In the acute phase there were sinus tachycardia, atrial and left ventricular overload, millivoltage suppression, electric alternance, and episodes of sinus arrest. At the parasitemia peak, atrium-ventricular block, junctional escape complexes, and atrium-ventricular dissociation were observed. Dogs that presented the most serious arrhythmias died suddenly. The increase in supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmic events, concentrated in the 4th postinoculation week, was visible at electrocardiographic monitoring. In the chronic phase, the events were restricted to first-degree atrium-ventricular blocks, premature ventricular complexes, ventricular bigeminy, and electrical alternation. It was concluded that the computerized and dynamic electrocardiography allowed to diagnose transient arrhythmia and to observe that the main tachyarrhythmic changes are concentrated at the acute phase concomitantly to the parasitemia peak.
The Expression of Selected Proapoptotic Molecules in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Authors: Agnieszka Zebrowska , Anna Erkiert-Polguj , Malgorzata Wagrowska-Danilewicz , Marian Danilewicz , Anna Sysa-Jedrzejowska , Cynkier Anna , Elzbieta Waszczykowska
Published: June 2012

The role of the process of apoptosis is investigated in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases; however at present, there is not much information about its role in dermatitis herpetiformis. Skin biopsies were taken from 18 DH patients and from 10 healthy subjects. The localization and expression of Bax, Fas, FasL, TRAIL, TRAIL-R in skin lesions, and perilesional skin were studied by immunohistochemistry. Expression of Bax, Fas, and Fas ligand was detected in the keratinocytes in skin biopsies from DH patients. Expression of TRAIL and TRAIL receptor was confirmed in epidermis, infiltration cells, and some fibroblasts. The expression of examined molecules in biopsies from healthy people was observed only in single cells. There were statistically significant differences between lesional, perilesional, and healthy skin of control group in Bax expression analysis and between lesional skin and control group in Fas, FasL, and TRAIL expression. There were statistically significant differences between control group and perilesional skin in Bax and FasL expression. Our results show that selected proapoptotic molecules may take part in pathogenesis of dermatitis herpetiformis, but the role of apoptosis in this process is not clear.
Management of Rectal Cancer and Liver Metastatic Disease: Which Comes First?
Authors: Tsoulfas Georgios , Pramateftakis Manousos-Georgios
Published: June 2012

In the last few decades there have been significant changes in the approach to rectal cancer management. A multimodality approach and advanced surgical techniques have led to an expansion of the treatment of metastatic disease, with improved survival. Hepatic metastases are present at one point or another in about 50% of patients with colorectal cancer, with surgical resection being the only chance for cure. As the use of multimodality treatment has allowed the tackling of more complicated cases, one of the main questions that remain unanswered is the management of patients with synchronous rectal cancer and hepatic metastatic lesions. The question is one of priority, with all possible options being explored. Specifically, these include the simultaneous rectal cancer and hepatic metastases resection, the rectal cancer followed by chemotherapy and then by the liver resection, and finally the “liver-first” option. This paper will review the three treatment options and attempt to dissect the indications for each. In addition, the role of laparoscopy in the synchronous resection of rectal cancer and hepatic metastases will be reviewed in order to identify future trends.
Plasticizers May Activate Human Hepatic Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated ReceptorαLess Than That of a Mouse but May Activate Constitutive Androstane Receptor in Liver
Authors: Ito Yuki , Nakamura Toshiki , Yanagiba Yukie , Ramdhan Doni Hikmat , Yamagishi Nozomi , Naito Hisao , Kamijima Michihiro , Gonzalez Frank J. , Nakajima Tamie
Published: June 2012

Dibutylphthalate (DBP), di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), and di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) are used as plasticizers. Their metabolites activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α, which may be related to their toxicities. However, species differences in the receptor functions between rodents and human make it difficult to precisely extrapolate their toxicity from animal studies to human. In this paper, we compared the species differences in the activation of mouse and human hepatic PPARα by these plasticizers using wild-type (mPPARα) and humanizedPPARα (hPPARα) mice. At 12 weeks old, each genotyped male mouse was classified into three groups, and fed daily for 2 weeks per os with corn oil (vehicle control), 2.5 or 5.0 mmol/kg DBP (696, 1392 mg/kg), DEHP (977, 1953 mg/kg), and DEHA (926, 1853 mg/kg), respectively. Generally, hepatic PPARα ofmPPARα mice was more strongly activated than that ofhPPARα mice when several target genes involving β-oxidation of fatty acids were evaluated. Interestingly, all plasticizers also activated hepatic constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) more inhPPARα mice than inmPPARα mice. Taken together, these plasticizers activated mouse and human hepatic PPARα as well as CAR. The activation of PPARα was stronger inmPPARα mice than inhPPARα mice, while the opposite was true of CAR.
Influence ofVerticillium dahliaeInfested Peanut Residue on Wilt Development in Subsequent Cotton
Authors: Chawla Shilpi , Woodward Jason E. , Wheeler Terry A.
Published: June 2012

Texas ranks first in cotton production in the United States and accounts for approximately 40% of the total production. Most of the cotton production is concentrated in the Texas High Plains where cotton and peanut are commonly grown in rotation. With peanut being a legume crop, farmers routinely leave residue on the soil surface to improve soil fertility; however,V. dahliaecan survive in the crop residue contributing inoculum to the soil. A microplot study was conducted to investigate the impact of peanut residue infested withV. dahliaeon subsequent microsclerotia density in soil and Verticillium wilt development in cotton. The effects of infested peanut residue rate on percent germination of cotton seeds and on wilt incidence were monitored in 2008 and 2009. In both years microplots were planted with a susceptible cotton cultivar, Stoneville (ST) 4554B2RF. Increasing infested peanut residue rate was positively correlated with wilt incidence in cotton and negatively correlated with germination of cotton seeds. Density of microsclerotia in the soil increased significantly with increasing rates of infested peanut residue over time. Results indicate infested peanut residue serve as a source ofV. dahliaeinoculum, and removing infested residue can reduce disease development in subsequent cotton crops.
Shine on: Review of Laser- and Light-Based Therapies for the Treatment of Burn Scars
Authors: Hultman C. Scott , Edkins Renee E. , Lee Clara N. , Calvert Catherine T. , Cairns Bruce A.
Published: June 2012

Restoration of form and function after burn injury remains challenging, but emerging laser and pulsed light technologies now offer hope for patients with hypertrophic scars, which may be associated with persistent hyperemia, chronic folliculitis, intense pruritis, and neuropathic pain. In addition to impairing body image, these scars may limit functional recovery, compromise activities of daily living, and prevent return to work. Three different platforms are now poised to alter our reconstructive algorithm: (1) vascular-specific pulsed dye laser (PDL) to reduce hyperemia, (2) ablative fractional CO2laser to improve texture and pliability of the burn scar, and (3) intense pulsed light (IPL) to correct burn scar dyschromia and alleviate chronic folliculitis. In this paper, we will provide an overview of our work in this area, which includes a systematic review, a retrospective analysis of our preliminary experience, and interim data from our on-going, prospective, before-after cohort trial. We will demonstrate that laser- and light-based therapies can be combined with each other safely to yield superior results, often at lower cost, by reducing the need for reconstructive surgery. Modulating the burn scar, through minimally invasive modalities, may replace conventional methods of burn scar excision and yield outcomes not previously possible or conceivable.
Mucormycosis of Mandible with Unfavorable Outcome
Authors: Oswal Nitin Prakash , Gadre Pushkar Kiran , Sathe Prachee , Gadre Kiran Shrikrishna
Published: June 2012

Mucormycosis is a fulminant fungal infection that occurs most often in diabetic and immunocompromised individuals. Our patient, with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and multiple systemic disorders, developed postextraction mucormycosis of mandible, an extremely rare complication. An initial clinical and radiographic diagnosis of mandibular osteomyelitis was made and the lesion was treated medically and surgically with curettage and saucerisation. The specimen was sent for histopathological evaluation, which showed necrotic area containing broad aseptate fungal hyphae with right angle branching consistent with mucormycosis. The patient succumbed to multipleorgan failure secondary to septicemia. The disease is usually fatal with a poor survival rate; there is still paucity of literature on the definitive management of this disease involving the mandible. This paper emphasizes the need for correction of underlying immunodeficiency and early diagnosis with aggressive multimodality treatment approach to offer the best chance of survival.
Characterization of Autoantibodies against the E1 Subunit of Branched-Chain 2-Oxoacid Dehydrogenase in Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Mori Tsutomu , Ohira Hiromasa , Kuroda Masahito , Kato Masaki , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Kochi Hideo
Published: June 2012

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is characterized by antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) that react with the lipoyl-containing E2 subunits of 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase complexes such as BCOADC and PDC. The lipoyl domains of E2 contain the major epitopes essential for immunopathology. However, the non-lipoyl-containing E1 subunits are also frequently targeted. Since anti-E1 antibodies always appear in combination with anti-E2 antibodies, the mechanisms underlying the autoimmunity against E1 may be linked to, but distinct from, those against E2. Here, we demonstrate that intermolecular and intramolecular determinant spreading underlies the autoimmunity against E1. We performed characterizations and epitope mapping for anti-BCOADC-E1 antibodies from both the intermolecular and intramolecular points of view. The antibody reactivities form a cluster against the BCOADC complex that is distinct from that against the PDC complex, and the anti-BCOADC-E1 antibodies arise as part of the cluster against the BCOADC complex. Multiple epitopes are present on the surface of the BCOADC-E1 molecule, and the major epitope overlaps with the active center. Sera with anti-BCOADC-E1 antibodies strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. These findings suggest that the E1 subunit as part of the native BCOADC complex is an immunogen, and that determinant spreading is involved in the pathogenesis of AMA production.
Coefficient Conditions for Harmonic Close‐to‐Convex Functions
Authors: Hayami Toshio
Published: June 2012

New sufficient conditions, concerned with the coefficients of harmonic functions in the open unit disk 𝕌 normalized by f(0) = h(0) = h′(0) − 1 = 0, for f(z) to be harmonic close‐to‐convex functions are discussed. Furthermore, several illustrative examples and the image domains of harmonic close‐to‐convex functions satisfying the obtained conditions are enumerated.
Protective Role of Malvidin-3-Glucoside on Peroxynitrite-Induced Damage in Endothelial Cells by Counteracting Reactive Species Formation and Apoptotic Mitochondrial Pathway
Authors: Paixão Joana , Dinis Teresa C. P. , Almeida Leonor M.
Published: June 2012

The health-promoted benefits of anthocyanins, including vascular protective effects and antiatherogenic properties, have now been recognized, but the involved molecular mechanisms have not been well elucidated. Following our previous work on cytoprotective mechanisms of some anthocyanins against apoptosis triggered by peroxynitrite in endothelial cells, here we investigated the protective role of malvidin-3-glucoside, a major dietary anthocyanin, on such deleterious process, by exploring the interference on cellular reactive species formation and on apoptotic mitochondrial pathway. Preincubation of cells with 25 μM malvidin-3-glucoside protected efficiently endothelial cells from peroxynitrite-promoted apoptotic death, an effect which may be partially mediated by its ability to decrease the formation of reactive species after cell aggression, as assessed by the dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay and by carbonyl groups formation. Moreover, malvidin-3-glucoside inhibited mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathways induced by peroxynitrite, by counteracting mitochondrial membrane depolarization, the activation of caspase-3 and -9, and the increase in the expression of the proapoptotic Bax protein. Altogether, our data expands our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the vascular protection afforded by malvidin-3-glucoside, and anthocyanins in general, in the context of prevention of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
Assessing Self-Regulation as a Cyclical, Context-Specific Phenomenon: Overview and Analysis of SRL Microanalytic Protocols
Authors: Cleary Timothy J. , Callan Gregory L. , Zimmerman Barry J.
Published: June 2012

The primary purpose of this paper is to review relevant research related to the use of an assessment technique, called Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) Microanalysis. This structured interview is grounded in social-cognitive theory and research and thus seeks to evaluate students' regulatory processes as they engage in well-defined academic or nonacademic tasks and activities. We illustrate the essential features of this contextualized assessment approach and detail a simple five-step process that researchers can use to apply this approach to their work. Example questions and administration procedures for five key self-regulation subprocesses (i.e., including goal-setting, strategic planning, monitoring, self-evaluation, and attributions) are highlighted, with particular emphasis placed on causal attributions. The psychometric properties of SRL microanalytic assessment protocols and potential areas of future research are presented.