bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence of Porcine Coronavirus HKU15 Strain IN2847 from the United States
Authors: Wang Leyi , Zhang Yan , Byrum Beverly
Published: April 2014

Porcine coronavirus HKU15 (PorCoV HKU15) was first detected in pigs with clinical diseases in February 2014 in the United States. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Indiana strain IN2847, which might be useful for understanding the molecular profile of PorCoV HKU15.
Iteradensovirus from the Monarch Butterfly,
Danaus plexippus plexippus
Authors: Yu Qian , Tijssen Peter
Published: April 2014

The 5,006-nucleotide (nt)-long genome of a new virus from monarch butterfly pupae was cloned and sequenced. It was flanked by inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) of 239 nt with 163-nt hairpins. The monosense genome with three open reading frames is typical of the genus
Iteradensovirus
in the subfamily
Densovirinae
of the family
Parvoviridae
.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus pumilus MTCC B6033
Authors: Villanueva Jacylyn , Switala Jack , Ivancich Anabella , Loewen Peter C.
Published: April 2014

Bacillus pumilus
is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium isolated from the soil.
B. pumilus
strain B6033 was originally selected as a biocatalyst for the stereospecific oxidation of β-lactams. Here, we present a 3.8-Mb assembly of its genome, which is the second fully assembled genome of a
B. pumilus
strain.
Chronic kidney disease as a risk factor for acute community-acquired infections in high-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: McDonald Helen I , Thomas Sara L , Nitsch Dorothea
Published: April 2014

Objective

A systematic review of the association of predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) with the incidence of acute, community-acquired infections.

Design

We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases (inception to 16 January 2014) for studies analysing the association of predialysis kidney disease with the incidence of acute, community-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI), lower respiratory tract or central nervous system infections or sepsis. Studies were required to include at least 30 participants with and without kidney disease.

Setting and participants

Community-based populations of adults in high-income countries.

Outcome measures

Acute, community-acquired UTI, lower respiratory tract or central nervous system infections or sepsis.

Results

We identified 14 eligible studies. Estimates from two studies lacked 95% CIs and SEs. The remaining 12 studies yielded 17 independent effect estimates. Only three studies included infections managed in the community. Quality assessment revealed that probable misclassification of kidney disease status and poor adjustment for confounding were common. There was evidence from a few large high-quality studies of a graded association between predialysis CKD stage and hospitalisation for infection. One study found an interaction with age, with a declining effect of CKD on infection risk as age increased. There was evidence of between-studies heterogeneity (I2=96.5%, p<0.001) which persisted in subgroup analysis, and thus meta-analysis was not performed.

Conclusions

Predialysis kidney disease appears to be associated with increased risk of severe infection. Whether predialysis kidney disease increases the susceptibility to infections and whether age modifies this association remains unclear.
Youth tobacco access: trends and policy implications
Authors: Gendall Philip , Hoek Janet , Marsh Louise , Edwards Richard , Healey Benjamin
Published: April 2014

Objective

We examined whether the supply routes via which New Zealand adolescents aged 14–15 years accessed tobacco had changed during a period of dynamic policy activity.

Setting

We analysed data from seven consecutive years (2006–2012) of the New Zealand Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Year 10 survey, a nationwide cross-sectional annual survey.

Participants

All New Zealand schools teaching Year 10 students are invited to participate in the survey; school-level participation rates have ranged between 44% and 58% and more than 25 000 students have responded to the survey in each year. The results presented draw on the subsample who reported smoking when surveyed (N∼9200). The data were weighted by age, ethnicity and school socioeconomic status (SES) to remove effects of systematic over-response by New Zealand Europeans and under-response by those in lower SES groups from trend analyses.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The survey measured adolescents’ main reported tobacco supply source.

Results

Smoking prevalence declined significantly (8.1%) over the period examined (linear tend coefficient: −0.74; 95% CI −1.03 to −0.45, significant p<0.01). Friends showed a significant decline in relative importance as a supply source while caregivers and other sources showed a significant increase over the period examined.

Conclusions

The findings show that social supply, particularly via friends, caregivers and others, such as older siblings, is a key tobacco source for adolescents; commercial supply is much less important. The findings raise questions about the additional measures needed to reduce smoking among youth. Endgame policies that make tobacco more difficult to obtain and less appealing and convenient to gift merit further investigation.
Effect of green tea supplementation on blood pressure among overweight and obese adults: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Li Guowei , Zhang Yuan , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Holbrook Anne , Levine Mitchell A H , Thabane Lehana
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Emerging randomised controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the effect of green tea (GT) supplementation or GT extract (GTE) on blood pressure (BP) among overweight and obese adults yielded inconclusive results. We aim to conduct a systematic review to summarise the evidence of RCTs until now, to clarify the efficacy of GT supplementation or GTE in BP in overweight and obese populations.

Methods and analysis

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched to retrieve potential RCTs. Unpublished studies will be identified by searching the abstract books or websites of the three major conference proceedings: the International Society of Hypertension, the Nutrition & Health Conference and the World Congress of Nutrition and Health. A random-effects meta-analysis will be performed to pool the mean difference for the change in BP from baseline (ie, postintervention BP minus baseline BP) between intervention groups and placebo groups of the included studies, presenting the pooled results with 95% CIs. Subgroups analyses will be conducted according to different doses of GT or GTE, trial duration, geographic regions, overweight versus obese participants, and participants with versus without change in body weight after intervention. Sensitivity analysis will be performed by excluding studies classified as having a high risk of bias, applying a fixed-effects model, using the postintervention BP for analyses and excluding trials with non-study cointerventions.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. It will be disseminated electronically and in print. Summarising the RCT evidence to clarify the efficacy in BP among overweight and obese adults will aid in making the dietary recommendation of GT and improving the clinical management of hypertension.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42014007273.
The frequency of diagnostic errors in outpatient care: estimations from three large observational studies involving US adult populations
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Meyer Ashley N D , Thomas Eric J
Published: April 2014

Background

The frequency of outpatient diagnostic errors is challenging to determine due to varying error definitions and the need to review data across multiple providers and care settings over time. We estimated the frequency of diagnostic errors in the US adult population by synthesising data from three previous studies of clinic-based populations that used conceptually similar definitions of diagnostic error.

Methods

Data sources included two previous studies that used electronic triggers, or algorithms, to detect unusual patterns of return visits after an initial primary care visit or lack of follow-up of abnormal clinical findings related to colorectal cancer, both suggestive of diagnostic errors. A third study examined consecutive cases of lung cancer. In all three studies, diagnostic errors were confirmed through chart review and defined as missed opportunities to make a timely or correct diagnosis based on available evidence. We extrapolated the frequency of diagnostic error obtained from our studies to the US adult population, using the primary care study to estimate rates of diagnostic error for acute conditions (and exacerbations of existing conditions) and the two cancer studies to conservatively estimate rates of missed diagnosis of colorectal and lung cancer (as proxies for other serious chronic conditions).

Results

Combining estimates from the three studies yielded a rate of outpatient diagnostic errors of 5.08%, or approximately 12 million US adults every year. Based upon previous work, we estimate that about half of these errors could potentially be harmful.

Conclusions

Our population-based estimate suggests that diagnostic errors affect at least 1 in 20 US adults. This foundational evidence should encourage policymakers, healthcare organisations and researchers to start measuring and reducing diagnostic errors.
Adverse drug events and medication errors in Japanese paediatric inpatients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sakuma Mio , Ida Hiroyuki , Nakamura Tsukasa , Ohta Yoshinori , Yamamoto Kaori , Seki Susumu , Hiroi Kayoko , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Nakayama Kengo , Bates David W , Morimoto Takeshi
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Knowledge about the epidemiology of adverse drug events (ADEs) and medication errors in paediatric inpatients is limited outside Western countries. To improve paediatric patient safety worldwide, assessing local epidemiology is essential.

Design

The Japan Adverse Drug Events (JADE) Study was a cohort study.

Setting

Paediatric inpatients at two tertiary care teaching hospitals in Japan.

Main outcome measures

ADEs and medication errors identified by onsite review of all medical charts, incident reports and prescription queries by pharmacists. Two independent physicians reviewed all incidents and classified ADEs and medication errors, as well as their severity and preventability.

Results

We enrolled 1189 admissions which included 12 691 patient-days during the study period, and identified 480 ADEs and 826 medication errors. The incidence of ADEs was 37.8 (95% CI 34.4 to 41.2) per 1000 patient-days and that of medication errors was 65.1 (95% CI 60.6 to 69.5) per 1000 patient-days. Among ADEs, 4%, 23% and 73% were fatal or life-threatening, serious and significant, respectively. Among the 480 ADEs, 36 (8%) were considered to be preventable which accounted for 4% of all medication errors, while 668 (81%) of all medication errors were judged to have the potential to cause harm to patients. The most common error stage for preventable ADEs was monitoring (78%) whereas 95% of potential ADEs occurred at the ordering stage.

Conclusions

ADEs and medication errors were common in paediatric inpatients in Japan, though the proportion of ADEs that were preventable was low. The ordering and monitoring stages appeared most important for improving safety.
Association of paternal IQ in early adulthood with offspring mortality and hospital admissions for injuries: a cohort study of 503 492 Swedish children
Authors: Jelenkovic Aline , Silventoinen Karri , Tynelius Per , Rasmussen Finn
Published: April 2014

Background

Higher intelligence (IQ) has been related to a lower risk of mortality and hospital admissions for injuries, but little is known about the effect of parental IQ on offspring outcomes. We explored associations of paternal IQ with mortality and hospitalisations for injuries from all external causes in offspring.

Methods

A cohort of 503 492 Swedish children under 5 years of age with information on paternal IQ was obtained by record linkage of national registers. HR with 95% CIs were estimated using Cox regression.

Results

There was some evidence that paternal IQ was inversely associated with total and external-cause mortality in offspring, although the effects were modest and disappeared when controlling for parents’ socioeconomic position (SEP). The only robust gradient was found between paternal IQ and hospital admissions for injuries (HRper 1-SD increase in IQ0.93, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.94; p<0.001), which was slightly attenuated but retained statistical significance after adjustment for SEP (0.95, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.97; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Children to fathers with lower IQ may have an increased risk of injury by external causes. Messages on family safety and injury prevention might be tailored according to parental cognitive abilities.
Sex-related differences in local and whole-body heat loss responses: Physical or physiological?
Authors: Gagnon Daniel
Published: April 2014

The current thesis examined whether sex differences in local and whole-body heat loss are evident after accounting for confounding differences in physical characteristics and rate of metabolic heat production. Three experimental studies were performed: the first examined whole-body heat loss in males and females matched for body mass and surface area during exercise at a fixed rate of metabolic heat production; the second examined local and whole-body heat loss responses between sexes during exercise at increasing requirements for heat loss; the third examined sex-differences in local sweating and cutaneous vasodilation to given doses of pharmacological agonists, as well as during passive heating. The first study demonstrated that females exhibit a lower whole-body sudomotor thermosensitivity (553 ± 77 vs. 795 ± 85 W·°C−1, p = 0.05) during exercise performed at a fixed rate of metabolic heat production. The second study showed that whole-body sudomotor thermosensitivity is similar between sexes at a requirement for heat loss of 250 W·m−2 (496 ± 139 vs. 483 ± 185 W·m−2·°C−1, p = 0.91) and 300 W·m−2 (283 ± 70 vs. 211 ± 66 W·m−2·°C−1, p = 0.17), only becoming greater in males at a requirement for heat loss of 350 W·m−2 (197 ± 61 vs. 82 ± 27 W·m−2·°C−1, p = 0.007). In the third study, a lower sweat rate to the highest concentration of acetylcholine (0.27 ± 0.08 vs. 0.48 ± 0.13 mg·min−1·cm−2, p = 0.02) and methacholine (0.41 ± 0.09 vs. 0.57 ± 0.11 mg·min−1·cm−2, p = 0.04) employed was evidenced in females, with no differences in cholinergic sensitivity. Taken together, the results of the current thesis show that sex itself can modulate sudomotor activity, specifically the thermosensitivity of the response, during both exercise and passive heat stress. Furthermore, the results of the third study point towards a peripheral modulation of the sweat gland as a mechanism responsible for the lower sudomotor thermosensitivity in females.
Simultaneous gas and water flow in a damage-susceptible bedded argillaceous rock
Authors: Nguyen T.S. , Le A.D.
Published: April 2014

A mathematical model that couples the governing and constitutive equations of two-phase flow and mechanical equilibrium has been developed to simulate gas injection tests for both laboratory- and field-scale experiments. The model takes into consideration the inherent anisotropy of sedimentary rocks due to bedding by including an anisotropic elastoplastic model for the mechanical process and using an anisotropic permeability tensor for the flow processes for both water and gas. The gas and water flow rates are assumed to follow Darcy’s law. The relative permeability of each phase and their respective degrees of saturation are represented by the Van Genuchten’s functions. We simulated laboratory and field gas injection experiments in Opalinus clay, a candidate geological formation for the geological disposal of radioactive wastes. The numerical results show good agreement with the experimental data measured in these tests in terms of two-phase flow regimes and hydromechanical response at various monitoring locations. Damage zones, either pre-existing due to excavation or induced by high gas injection pressure, are shown to clearly influence the gas flow rates and directions and would need special consideration in the design and safety assessment of the repository system.
Quorum-sensing gene luxS regulates flagella expression and Shiga-like toxin production in F18ab Escherichia coli
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhou Mingxu , Hou Huayan , Zhu Jun , Yao Fenghua , Zhang Xinjun , Zhu Xiaofang , Hardwidge Philip R. , Zhu Guoqiang
Published: April 2014

To investigate the effect of the luxS gene on the expression of virulence factors in Shiga-like toxin producing and verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli, the luxS gene from E. coli 107/86 (wild type, O139:H1:F18ab, Stx2e) was deleted. The successful deletion of luxS was confirmed by bioluminescence assays. The luxS deletion mutant exhibited changed flagella-related phenotypes, like impaired expression of flagella, decreased flagella motility, reduced biofilm formation, and reduced ability to induce pro-immunity response in host cells, which were restored after complementation with the intact luxS gene. The mutant strain also displayed attenuated production of Stx2e. This study provides new information to the crucial function of luxS in regulating Shiga-like toxin producing E. coli virulence.
Crystallized silicon nanostructures — experimental characterization and atomistic simulations
Authors: Agbo Solomon , Sutta Pavol , Calta Pavel , Biswas Rana , Pan Bicai
Published: April 2014

We have synthesized silicon nanocrystalline structures from thermal annealing of thin film amorphous silicon-based multilayers. The annealing procedure that was carried out in vacuum at temperatures up to 1100 °C is integrated in a X-ray diffraction (XRD) setup for real-time monitoring of the formation phases of the nanostructures. The microstructure of the crystallized films is investigated through experimental measurements combined with atomistic simulations of realistic nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si) models. The multilayers consisting of uniformly alternating thicknesses of hydrogenated amorphous silicon and silicon oxide (SiO2) were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition on crystalline silicon and Corning glass substrates. The crystallized structure consisting of nc-Si structures embedded in an amorphous matrix were further characterized through XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared measurements. We are able to show the different stages of nanostructure formation and how the sizes and the crystallized mass fraction can be controlled in our experimental synthesis. The crystallized silicon structures with large crystalline filling fractions exceeding 50% have been simulated with a robust classical molecular dynamics technique. The crystalline filling fractions and structural order of nc-Si obtained from this simulation are compared with our Raman and XRD measurements.
Lattice dynamics, thermodynamics, and elastic properties of Na2Se under pressure investigated by first principles method
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Shi Haifeng
Published: April 2014

First-principles calculations have been performed to investigate the structural stability, elastic, lattice dynamic, and thermodynamic properties of Na2Se under high pressure. Our results demonstrate that Na2Se in the antifluorite structure phase keeps dynamically stable until 30 GPa. The elastic constants and thermodynamic quantities under high pressure are also calculated and discussed.
Sediment provenance studies in hydrocarbon exploration and production: an introduction
Authors: Smyth Helen R. , Morton Andrew , Richardson Nicholas , Scott Robert A.
Published: April 2014

Sediment provenance studies concern the origin, composition, transportation and deposition of detritus, and are therefore an important part of understanding the links between basinal sedimentation, and hinterland tectonics and unroofing. Such studies can add value at many stages of hydrocarbon exploitation, from identifying regional-scale crustal affinities and sediment-dispersal patterns during the earliest stages of exploration to detailed correlation in producing reservoirs and understanding the impact of mineralogy on reservoir diagenesis.

This Special Publication records 20 of the papers given at the conference titled ‘Sediment Provenance Studies in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production’ organized by the Petroleum Group of the Geological Society of London, and held in London from 5 to 7 December 2011. The observations drawn in this introductory section reflect the volume editors’ experience, presentations at the conference and papers within this volume.
Decentralization in Developing Economies
Authors: Gadenne Lucie , Singhal Monica
Published: April 2014

Standard models of fiscal federalism suggest many benefits of decentralization in developing economies, and there has been a recent push toward decentralization around the world. However, developing countries presently still have less decentralization, particularly on the revenue side, than both developed countries today and the United States and Europe historically. We consider how the trade-offs associated with fiscal federalism apply in developing countries and discuss reasons for their relatively low levels of decentralization. We also consider additional features relevant to federalism in developing economies, such as the prevalence of nongovernmental organizations and the role of social incentives in policy design.
Applying Insights from Behavioral Economics to Policy Design
Authors: Madrian Brigitte C.
Published: April 2014

The premise of this article is that an understanding of psychology and other social science disciplines can inform the effectiveness of the economic tools traditionally deployed in carrying out the functions of government, which include remedying market failures, redistributing income, and collecting tax revenue. An understanding of psychology can also lead to the development of different policy tools that better motivate desired behavior change or that are more cost-effective than traditional policy tools. The article outlines a framework for thinking about the psychology of behavior change in the context of market failures. It then describes the research on the effects of a variety of interventions rooted in an understanding of psychology that have policy-relevant applications. The article concludes by discussing how an understanding of psychology can also inform the use and design of traditional policy tools for behavior change, such as financial incentives.
Viral Miniproteins
Authors: DiMaio Daniel
Published: April 2014

Many viruses encode short transmembrane proteins that play vital roles in virus replication or virulence. Because many of these proteins are less than 50 amino acids long and not homologous to cellular proteins, their open reading frames were often overlooked during the initial annotation of viral genomes. Some of these proteins oligomerize in membranes and form ion channels. Other miniproteins bind to cellular transmembrane proteins and modulate their activity, whereas still others have an unknown mechanism of action. Based on the underlying principles of transmembrane miniprotein structure, it is possible to build artificial small transmembrane proteins that modulate a variety of biological processes. These findings suggest that short transmembrane proteins provide a versatile mechanism to regulate a wide range of cellular activities, and we speculate that cells also express many similar proteins that have not yet been discovered.
6S RNA, a Global Regulator of Transcription in Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Beyond
Authors: Cavanagh Amy T. , Wassarman Karen M.
Published: April 2014

6S RNA is a small, noncoding RNA that interacts with the primary holoenzyme form of RNA polymerase. Escherichia coli 6S RNA is a global regulator that downregulates transcription and is important for modulating stress and optimizing survival during nutrient limitation. Studies in diverse organisms suggest a higher complexity in function than previously appreciated. Some bacteria have multiple 6S RNAs that appear to have independent functions. 6S RNA accumulation profiles also are quite divergent and suggest they integrate into cellular networks in a species-specific manner. Nevertheless, in all tested systems the common theme is a role for 6S RNA in survival. Finally, there has been much excitement about the ability of 6S RNA to be used as a template to synthesize product RNAs (pRNAs). This review highlights the details of 6S RNA in E. coli and compares and contrasts 6S RNAs in multiple species.
Acyl-CoA Metabolism and Partitioning
Authors: Grevengoed Trisha J. , Klett Eric L. , Coleman Rosalind A.
Published: April 2014

Long-chain fatty acyl-coenzyme As (CoAs) are critical regulatory molecules and metabolic intermediates. The initial step in their synthesis is the activation of fatty acids by one of 13 long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase isoforms. These isoforms are regulated independently and have different tissue expression patterns and subcellular locations. Their acyl-CoA products regulate metabolic enzymes and signaling pathways, become oxidized to provide cellular energy, and are incorporated into acylated proteins and complex lipids such as triacylglycerol, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters. Their differing metabolic fates are determined by a network of proteins that channel the acyl-CoAs toward or away from specific metabolic pathways and serve as the basis for partitioning. This review evaluates the evidence for acyl-CoA partitioning by reviewing experimental data on proteins that are believed to contribute to acyl-CoA channeling, the metabolic consequences of loss of these proteins, and the potential role of maladaptive acyl-CoA partitioning in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease and carcinogenesis.
Differential eosinophil and mast cell regulation: Mast cell viability and accumulation in inflammatory tissue are independent of proton-sensing receptor GPR65
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Mose Eucabeth , Hogan Simon P. , Zimmermann Nives
Published: April 2014

Extracellular acidification has been observed in allergic inflammatory diseases. Recently, we demonstrated that the proton-sensing receptor G protein-coupled receptor 65 (GPR65) regulates eosinophil survival in an acidic environment in vitro and eosinophil accumulation in an allergic lung inflammation model. For mast cells, another inflammatory cell type critical for allergic responses, it remains unknown whether GPR65 is expressed and/or regulates mast cell viability. Thus, in the present study, we employed in vitro experiments and an intestinal anaphylaxis model in which both mastocytosis and eosinophilia can be observed, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, to enable us to directly compare the effect of GPR65 expression on these two cell types. We identified GPR65 expression on mast cells; however, unlike eosinophil viability, mast cell viability in vitro is not affected by acidification or GPR65 expression. Mechanistically, we determined that mast cells do not respond to extracellular acidification with increased cAMP levels. Furthermore, in the intestinal anaphylaxis model, we observed a significant reduction of eosinophils (59.1 ± 9.2% decrease) in the jejunum of allergen-challenged GPR65-deficient mice compared with allergen-challenged wild-type mice, despite the degree of antigen sensitization and the expression levels of Th2cytokines ( Il4, Il13) and eosinophil chemokines ( Ccl11, Ccl24) in the jejunum being comparable. In contrast, the accumulation of mast cells in allergen-challenged mice was not affected by GPR65 deficiency. In conclusion, our study demonstrates differential regulation of eosinophils and mast cells in inflammatory tissue, with mast cell viability and accumulation being independent of GPR65.
Acute murine colitis reduces colonic 5-aminosalicylic acid metabolism by regulation of N-acetyltransferase-2
Authors: Ramírez-Alcántara Verónica , Montrose Marshall H.
Published: April 2014

Pharmacotherapy based on 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is a preferred treatment for ulcerative colitis, but variable patient response to this therapy is observed. Inflammation can affect therapeutic outcomes by regulating the expression and activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes; its effect on 5-ASA metabolism by the colonic arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) enzyme isoforms is not firmly established. We examined if inflammation affects the capacity for colonic 5-ASA metabolism and NAT enzyme expression. 5-ASA metabolism by colonic mucosal homogenates was directly measured with a novel fluorimetric rate assay. 5-ASA metabolism reported by the assay was dependent on Ac-CoA, inhibited by alternative NAT substrates (isoniazid, p-aminobenzoylglutamate), and saturable with Km (5-ASA) = 5.8 μM. A mouse model of acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis caused pronounced inflammation in central and distal colon, and modest inflammation of proximal colon, defined by myeloperoxidase activity and histology. DSS colitis reduced capacity for 5-ASA metabolism in central and distal colon segments by 52 and 51%, respectively. Use of selective substrates of NAT isoforms to inhibit 5-ASA metabolism suggested that mNAT2 mediated 5-ASA metabolism in normal and colitis conditions. Western blot and real-time RT-PCR identified that proximal and distal mucosa had a decreased mNAT2 protein-to-mRNA ratio after DSS. In conclusion, an acute colonic inflammation impairs the expression and function of mNAT2 enzyme, thereby diminishing the capacity for 5-ASA metabolism by colonic mucosa.
SIRT3 deficiency exacerbates ischemia-reperfusion injury: implication for aged hearts
Authors: Porter George A. , Urciuoli William R. , Brookes Paul S. , Nadtochiy Sergiy M.
Published: April 2014

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is significantly worse in aged hearts, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Age-related damage to mitochondria may be a critical feature, which manifests in an exacerbation of IR injury. Silent information regulator of transcription 3 (SIRT3), the major mitochondrial NAD+-dependent lysine deacetylase, regulates a variety of functions, and its inhibition may disrupt mitochondrial function to impact recovery from IR injury. In this study, the role of SIRT3 in mediating the response to cardiac IR injury was examined using an in vitro model of SIRT3 knockdown (SIRT3kd) in H9c2 cardiac-derived cells and in Langendorff preparations from adult (7 mo old) wild-type (WT) and SIRT3+/− hearts and aged (18 mo old) WT hearts. SIRT3kd cells were more vulnerable to simulated IR injury and exhibited a 46% decrease in mitochondrial complex I (Cx I) activity with low O2 consumption rates compared with controls. In the Langendorff model, SIRT3+/− adult hearts showed less functional recovery and greater infarct vs. WT, which recapitulates the in vitro results. In WT aged hearts, recovery from IR injury was similar to SIRT3+/− adult hearts. Mitochondrial protein acetylation was increased in both SIRT3+/− adult and WT aged hearts (relative to WT adult), suggesting similar activities of SIRT3. Also, enzymatic activities of two SIRT3 targets, Cx I and MnSOD, were similarly and significantly inhibited in SIRT3+/− adult and WT aged cardiac mitochondria. In conclusion, decreased SIRT3 may increase the susceptibility of cardiac-derived cells and adult hearts to IR injury and may contribute to a greater level of IR injury in the aged heart.
Mitochondria in lung biology and pathology: more than just a powerhouse
Authors: Schumacker Paul T. , Gillespie Mark N. , Nakahira Kiichi , Choi Augustine M. K. , Crouser Elliott D. , Piantadosi Claude A. , Bhattacharya Jahar
Published: April 2014

An explosion of new information about mitochondria reveals that their importance extends well beyond their time-honored function as the “powerhouse of the cell.” In this Perspectives article, we summarize new evidence showing that mitochondria are at the center of a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent pathway governing the response to hypoxia and to mitochondrial quality control. The potential role of the mitochondrial genome as a sentinel molecule governing cytotoxic responses of lung cells to ROS stress also is highlighted. Additional attention is devoted to the fate of damaged mitochondrial DNA relative to its involvement as a damage-associated molecular pattern driving adverse lung and systemic cell responses in severe illness or trauma. Finally, emerging strategies for replenishing normal populations of mitochondria after damage, either through promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis or via mitochondrial transfer, are discussed.
Aerobic exercise training reduces arterial stiffness in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Donley David A. , Fournier Sara B. , Reger Brian L. , DeVallance Evan , Bonner Daniel E. , Olfert I. Mark , Frisbee Jefferson C. , Chantler Paul D.
Published: April 2014

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a threefold increase risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality partly due to increased arterial stiffening. We compared the effects of aerobic exercise training on arterial stiffening/mechanics in MetS subjects without overt CVD or type 2 diabetes. MetS and healthy control (Con) subjects underwent 8 wk of exercise training (ExT; 11 MetS and 11 Con) or remained inactive (11 MetS and 10 Con). The following measures were performed pre- and postintervention: radial pulse wave analysis (applanation tonometry) was used to measure augmentation pressure and index, central pressures, and an estimate of myocardial efficiency; arterial stiffness was assessed from carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (cfPWV, applanation tonometry); carotid thickness was assessed from B-mode ultrasound; and peak aerobic capacity (gas exchange) was performed in the seated position. Plasma matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and CVD risk (Framingham risk score) were also assessed. cfPWV was reduced ( P < 0.05) in MetS-ExT subjects (7.9 ± 0.6 to 7.2 ± 0.4 m/s) and Con-ExT (6.6 ± 1.8 to 5.6 ± 1.6 m/s). Exercise training reduced ( P < 0.05) central systolic pressure (116 ± 5 to 110 ± 4 mmHg), augmentation pressure (9 ± 1 to 7 ± 1 mmHg), augmentation index (19 ± 3 to 15 ± 4%), and improved myocardial efficiency (155 ± 8 to 168 ± 9), but only in the MetS group. Aerobic capacity increased ( P < 0.05) in MetS-ExT (16.6 ± 1.0 to 19.9 ± 1.0) and Con-ExT subjects (23.8 ± 1.6 to 26.3 ± 1.6). MMP-1 and -7 were correlated with cfPWV, and both MMP-1 and -7 were reduced post-ExT in MetS subjects. These findings suggest that some of the pathophysiological changes associated with MetS can be improved after aerobic exercise training, thereby lowering their cardiovascular risk.
The effect of spaceflight on mouse olfactory bulb volume, neurogenesis, and cell death indicates the protective effect of novel environment
Authors: Latchney Sarah E. , Rivera Phillip D. , Mao Xiao W. , Ferguson Virginia L. , Bateman Ted A. , Stodieck Louis S. , Nelson Gregory A. , Eisch Amelia J.
Published: April 2014

Space missions necessitate physiological and psychological adaptations to environmental factors not present on Earth, some of which present significant risks for the central nervous system (CNS) of crewmembers. One CNS region of interest is the adult olfactory bulb (OB), as OB structure and function are sensitive to environmental- and experience-induced regulation. It is currently unknown how the OB is altered by spaceflight. In this study, we evaluated OB volume and neurogenesis in mice shortly after a 13-day flight on Space Shuttle Atlantis [Space Transport System (STS)-135] relative to two groups of control mice maintained on Earth. Mice housed on Earth in animal enclosure modules that mimicked the conditions onboard STS-135 (AEM-Ground mice) had greater OB volume relative to mice maintained in standard housing on Earth (Vivarium mice), particularly in the granule (GCL) and glomerular (GL) cell layers. AEM-Ground mice also had more OB neuroblasts and fewer apoptotic cells relative to Vivarium mice. However, the AEM-induced increase in OB volume and neurogenesis was not seen in STS-135 mice (AEM-Flight mice), suggesting that spaceflight may have negated the positive effects of the AEM. In fact, when OB volume of AEM-Flight mice was considered, there was a greater density of apoptotic cells relative to AEM-Ground mice. Our findings suggest that factors present during spaceflight have opposing effects on OB size and neurogenesis, and provide insight into potential strategies to preserve OB structure and function during future space missions.
Changes in respiratory activity induced by mastication during oral breathing in humans
Authors: Daimon Shigeru , Yamaguchi Kazunori
Published: April 2014

We examined the effect of oral breathing on respiratory movements, including the number of respirations and the movement of the thoracic wall at rest and while chewing gum. Forty normal nose breathers were selected by detecting expiratory airflow from the mouth using a CO2 sensor. Chest measurements were recorded using a Piezo respiratory belt transducer, and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter and trapezius muscles were recorded at rest and while chewing gum during nasal or oral breathing. Oral breathing was introduced by completely occluding the nostrils with a nose clip. During oral breathing, the respiration rate was significantly lower while chewing gum than while at rest ( P < 0.05). While chewing gum, the respiration rate was significantly lower during oral breathing than during nasal breathing ( P < 0.05). During oral breathing, thoracic movement was significantly higher while chewing gum than while at rest ( P < 0.05). Thoracic movement was significantly greater during oral breathing than during nasal breathing ( P < 0.05). The trapezius muscle exhibited significant EMG activity when chewing gum during oral breathing. The activity of the trapezius muscle coincided with increased movement of the thoracic wall. Chewing food while breathing through the mouth interferes with and decreases the respiratory cycle and promotes unusual respiratory movement of the thoracic wall, which is directed by the activity of accessory muscles of respiration.
Influence of cerebrovascular resistance on the dynamic relationship between blood pressure and cerebral blood flow in humans
Authors: Smirl J. D. , Tzeng Y. C. , Monteleone B. J. , Ainslie P. N.
Published: April 2014

We examined the hypothesis that changes in the cerebrovascular resistance index (CVRi), independent of blood pressure (BP), will influence the dynamic relationship between BP and cerebral blood flow in humans. We altered CVRi with (via controlled hyperventilation) and without [via indomethacin (INDO, 1.2 mg/kg)] changes in PaCO2. Sixteen subjects (12 men, 27 ± 7 yr) were tested on two occasions (INDO and hypocapnia) separated by >48 h. Each test incorporated seated rest (5 min), followed by squat-stand maneuvers to increase BP variability and improve assessment of the pressure-flow dynamics using linear transfer function analysis (TFA). Beat-to-beat BP, middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv), posterior cerebral artery velocity (PCAv), and end-tidal Pco2 were monitored. Dynamic pressure-flow relations were quantified using TFA between BP and MCAv/PCAv in the very low and low frequencies through the driven squat-stand maneuvers at 0.05 and 0.10 Hz. MCAv and PCAv reductions by INDO and hypocapnia were well matched, and CVRi was comparably elevated ( P < 0.001). During the squat-stand maneuvers (0.05 and 0.10 Hz), the point estimates of absolute gain were universally reduced, and phase was increased under both conditions. In addition to an absence of regional differences, our findings indicate that alterations in CVRi independent of PaCO2 can alter cerebral pressure-flow dynamics. These findings are consistent with the concept of CVRi being a key factor that should be considered in the correct interpretation of cerebral pressure-flow dynamics as indexed using TFA metrics.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Wikipedia: Opportunities for Improvement
Authors: Koo Malcolm
Published: April 2014

Wikipedia, a free and collaborative Internet encyclopedia, has become one of the most popular sources of free information on the Internet. However, there have been concerns over the quality of online health information, particularly that on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This exploratory study aimed to evaluate several page attributes of articles on CAM in the English Wikipedia. A total of 97 articles were analyzed and compared with eight articles of broad categories of therapies in conventional medicine using the Mann‐Whitney U test. Based on the Wikipedia editorial assessment grading, 4% of the articles attained “good article” status, 34% required considerable editing, and 56% needed substantial improvements in their content. The median daily access of the articles over the previous 90 days was 372 (range: 7–4,214). The median word count was 1840 with a readability of grade 12.7 (range: 9.4–17.7). Medians of word count and citation density of the CAM articles were significantly lower than those in the articles of conventional medicine therapies. In conclusion, despite its limitations, the general public will continue to access health information on Wikipedia. There are opportunities for health professionals to contribute their knowledge and to improve the accuracy and completeness of the CAM articles on Wikipedia.
Miniaturized High-Isolation Dual-Frequency Orthogonally Polarized Patch Antenna Using Compact Electromagnetic Bandgap Filters
Authors: Cheng Chunxia , Zhang Fushun , Wan Yangtao , Zhang Fan
Published: April 2014

A miniaturized dual-frequency dual-polarization microstrip patch antenna with high isolation between receiving and transmitting ports (operating at 2.1 GHz for receiving and at 2.5 GHz for transmitting) is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna consists of a modified rectangular radiating patch, two 50 Ω microstrip feed lines, and two EBG filters. Two coupling microstrip lines are employed to excite two orthogonal fundamental modes (TM10and TM01). The high isolation is achieved by embedding two novel EBG filters underneath two feed lines to reject the incoming signal from the opposite line. Multilayer configuration, miniaturized EBG filters, and modified rectangular radiation patch contribute to size reduction. The total size is 0.67λ × 0.67λ × 0.03λ , only quarter of the multilayer rectangular radiation patch antenna (1.33λ × 1.33λ × 0.03λ) using common EBG filters with the same performance. Measured results on the reflection coefficients, isolations, and gains for the two frequencies are provided, which agree well with the numerical simulations. Also, measured isolations and radiation patterns at both two resonant frequencies are compared with the antenna without filters. The results show that the proposed method improves isolation by more than 20 dB with little influence on the radiation patterns.
Evaluation of Reliability of Ultrasonographic Parameters in Differentiating Benign and Metastatic Cervical Group of Lymph Nodes
Authors: Raja Lakshmi Chintamaneni , Sudhakara Rao M. , Ravikiran A. , Sathish Sivan , Bhavana Sujana Mulk
Published: April 2014

The aim of the current study is to determine the efficacy of ultrasound in differentiating between benign and metastatic group of cervical lymph nodes. The study included forty-five subjects who were divided into three groups with 15 in each, by stratified random sampling method. Group 1 comprised fifteen patients without signs and symptoms of any infection and neoplasms in head and neck region (control group). Group 2 included fifteen patients with signs and symptoms of malignancy in head and neck region. Group 3 consisted of fifteen patients with signs and symptoms of odontogenic infections. “MY LAB-40” ultrasound machine with linear array transducer of 7.5 MHZ frequency was used for detecting cervical lymph nodes following Hajek’s classification. The patients further underwent ultrasound guided FNAC under standard aseptic protocol and samples were subjected to cytopathological evaluation. Chi square analysis and one way ANOVA test were applied to obtain the results. We concluded that ultrasound and USG FNAC can be used accurately to assess the status of lymph nodes. The ultrasonographic features of lymph nodes with round shape, absence of hilar echo, sharp nodal borders, hyperechoic internal echogenicity, and presence of intranodal necrosis were highly suggestive of metastatic cervical lymph nodes.
Austenite Grain Growth Kinetics in API X65 and X70 Line-Pipe Steels during Isothermal Heating
Authors: Hossain Seikh Asiful , Soliman Mahmoud S. , AlMajid Abdulhakim , Alhajeri Khaled , Alshalfan Waleed
Published: April 2014

The aim of the present work is to investigate the microstructural behavior of austenite grain size (AGS) during the reheating process of two different API steel grades (X65 and X70). The steel samples were austenitized at 1150°C, 1200°C, and 1250°C for various holding times from 10 to 60 minutes and quenched in ice water. The samples were then annealed at 500°C for 24 hours to reveal the prior AGS using optical microscopy. It was noticed that the AGS in X65 grade is coarser than that of X70 grade. Additionally, the grain size increases with increasing the reheating temperature and time for both steels. The kinetics of grain growth was studied using the equationdn-d0n=Atexp-Q/RT, wheredis the measured grain size,dois the initial grain size,nis the grain size exponent,tis the heating time,Tis the heating temperature,Qis the activation energy,Ris the gas constant, andAis a constant. To characterize the grain growth process the values ofn,Q, andAwere determined. Good agreement is obtained between the prediction of the model and the experimental grain size values.
Serum SALL4 Is a Novel Prognosis Biomarker with Tumor Recurrence and Poor Survival of Patients in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Han Su-xia , Wang Jun-lan , Guo Xi-jing , He Chen-chen , Ying Xia , Ma Jin-lu , Zhang Yuan-yuan , Zhao Qian , Zhu Qing
Published: April 2014

Aim. Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4), is reexpressed in tissues of a subgroup of HCC associated with poor prognosis. Reports of SALL4 serological levels linked to HCC patients are meager and unclear in the prognosis of this malignancy.Methods. Immunohistochemistry and optical microscopy protocols were used to examine the presence of SALL4 in liver tissues from the following patients: 38 HCC, 11 chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), 13 liver cirrhosis, and 12 healthy controls. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the SALL4 levels in serum samples isolated from patients as follows: 127 with HCC, 27 with HBV, 24 with liver cirrhosis, and 23 normal controls.Results. Analysis of liver tissues sections from HCC patients (18 out 38; 47.4%) showed positive staining for SALL4 and its expression did no correlate with any of the clinicopathologic characteristics. HCC patients displayed higher levels (50.4%) of SALL4 protein in serum, compared with the three control groups. Moreover, SALL4 concentration reached the maximum level after one week after treatment and dropped quickly after one month. These HCC patients showing high SALL4 serum levels had poor prognosis, evidenced by both tumor recurrence and overall survival rate.Conclusions. High SALL4 serum levels are a novel biomarker in the prognosis of HCC patients.