bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selected cytokines and glycodelin A levels in serum and peritoneal fluid in girls with endometriosis
Authors: Drosdzol‐Cop Agnieszka , Skrzypulec‐Plinta Violetta
Published: May 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine the role of serum and peritoneal interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and glycodelin A levels as diagnostic markers of endometriosis in adolescent girls.

Material and Methods:  The study encompassed 50 adolescent girls, aged 13–19 years, after menarche and with chronic pelvic pain who qualified for diagnostic laparoscopy. The patients were allocated into two groups: group I (endometriosis group) consisted of subjects with diagnosed endometriosis (n = 33, 66%) and group II (control group) included those whose laparoscopic examinations revealed no evidence of endometriosis (n = 17, 34%). IL‐6, TNF‐α and glycodelin A concentrations in serum and peritoneal samples were assessed using commercially available human enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. The value of P < 0.05 was adopted as the level of statistical significance.

Results:  Compared with the control group, adolescent girls with endometriosis had significantly higher peritoneal fluid levels of: IL‐6 (525.10 ± 1168.53 pg/mL vs 62.96 ± 82.35 pg/mL), TNF‐α (5.79 ± 5.60 pg/mL vs 1.68 ± 1.24 pg/mL) and glycodelin A (94.24 ± 60.97 ng/mL vs 53.52 ± 41.43 ng/mL). Peritoneal IL‐6, TNF‐α and glycodelin A provided a good method of discrimination between subjects with endometriosis and controls. Using cut‐off points for peritoneal fluid IL‐6 (90.00 pg/mL), TNF‐α (3.00 pg/mL) and glycodelin A (60.0 ng/mL), exceptionally high odds ratios (10.2; 14.6; 2.2) were obtained in the prediction of endometriosis in adolescents.

Conclusions:  At the cut‐off value of 3.00 pg/mL, peritoneal TNF‐α can be a reliable screening marker for the prediction of endometriosis in adolescents, giving a 14.6‐fold higher probability of endometriosis detection in girls with chronic pelvic pain.
Early prenatal detection of a fast‐growing fetal epignathus
Authors: Nagy Gyula R. , Neducsin Bence P. , Lázár Levente , Stenczer Balázs , Csapó Zsolt , Rigó Jr János
Published: May 2012

Epignathus is a rare congenital orofacial teratoma. We present a case of a fast‐growing tumor, where early prenatal diagnosis was made and where fetopathological examination revealed the reason of the remarkable ultrasonographic signs and underlined the expected poor prognosis. Ultrasonographic examination at 18 weeks' gestation showed that there was a growing tumor protruding from the fetus's mouth. The fetal stomach could not be seen and extreme polyhydramnios was also detected. After counseling, the couple opted for a termination of pregnancy. Fetopathological examination showed that the tumorosus mass was not only protruding from the mouth, but also inexplicably grew downwards, was connected to the hard palate and the periosteum of the vertebral corpus, making an airway and esophageal obstruction, causing the ultrasonographic findings. Postnatal treatment and surgical removal of this tumor seemed to be impossible. In case of an early detection of a fast‐growing fetal epignathus, pregnancy termination should be considered.
Jurisdiction and Scale: Rent Arrears, Social Housing, and Human Rights
Authors: Cowan Dave , Hunter Caroline , Pawson Hal
Published: May 2012

This article draws on the recent work of Mariana Valverde on jurisdiction and scale to frame a study of the interaction between mandatory possession proceedings brought by one particular type of social housing provider – housing associations – and national as well as human rights law. It was the explicit political choice to focus social housing provision on housing associations, as opposed to local authorities, which opened up the mandatory possession jurisdiction. The essence of the argument is that, despite the apparent incommensurability of these different scales and jurisdictions, they are able to accommodate each other quite happily. Two sets of texts are used to develop this argument. First, consideration is given to the legal technicality through which mandatory possession proceedings might be challenged. Second, we draw on data from a study of housing associations practices and policies on the use of one particular mandatory ground of possession for rent arrears, demonstrating the way in which scale and jurisdiction, political rationality and technologies intertwine.
On the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation on the Half Line with Homogeneous Robin Boundary Conditions
Authors: Biondini G. , Bui A.
Published: May 2012

Boundary value problems for the nonlinear Schrödinger equations on the half line with homogeneous Robin boundary conditions are revisited using Bäcklund transformations. In particular: relations are obtained among the norming constants associated with symmetric eigenvalues; a linearizing transformation is derived for the Bäcklund transformation; the reflection‐induced soliton position shift is evaluated and the solution behavior is discussed. The results are illustrated by discussing several exact soliton solutions, which describe the soliton reflection at the boundary with or without the presence of self‐symmetric eigenvalues.
The Epistemological Bases of the Slow Switching Argument
Authors: Morvarid Mahmoud
Published: May 2012

One of the main arguments intended to show that content externalism undermines the privileged access thesis is the ‘slow switching argument’, originally proposed by Boghossian (1989). In this argument, it is supposed that a subject is unknowingly switched back and forth between Earth and Twin Earth: then it is claimed that, given externalism, when the subject is on Earth thinking that water is wet, he cannot know the content of his thought a priori, for he cannot, by mere reflection, rule out the relevant alternative hypothesis that he is on Twin Earth thinking that twater is wet. One of the controversies surrounding this argument stems from the fact that it is not clear which epistemological principle underlies it. Here, I examine two suggestions made in the literature as to what that underlying principle might be. I argue that neither of these suggested principles is plausible, and thus that the slow switching argument never gets off the ground.
Estrogen in ischaemic stroke: the debate continues
Authors: Manwani B. , McCullough L. D.
Published: May 2012

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Usefulness of rectal biopsy for the diagnosis of Kufs disease: a controlled study and review of the literature
Authors: Ferlazzo E. , Gasparini S. , Pasquinelli G. , Labate A. , Gambardella A. , Sofia V. , Cianci V. , Branca D. , Quattrone A. , Aguglia U.
Published: May 2012

Background and purpose

Rectal biopsy is usually performed for in vivo diagnosis of Kufs disease (KD). We evaluated the usefulness of rectal biopsy in the diagnosis of such condition by comparing ultrastructural data of patients with suspicion of KD with those of control subjects. Furthermore, we reviewed literature data concerning the value of such a diagnostic procedure in the diagnosis of KD.

Methods

Sixty‐five subjects were enrolled and underwent rectal biopsy. Of these, 13 had a clinical picture in keeping with KD, whereas 52, affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constituted the control group.

Results

Ultrastructural analysis evidenced fingerprint (FP) inclusions in 12 subjects, 4/13 with suspicion of KD and 8/52 controls. In patients, FPs were mainly located in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) while in controls they were mostly found in pericytes and VSMC. No FPs were found in one patient with genetically confirmed KD. In literature, we identified 14 KD patients who underwent rectal biopsy. In most reports, ultrastructural features were not systematically analyzed or described.

Conclusions

Fingerprints are the most common ultrastructural finding in rectal biopsy in patients with suspicion of KD. However, their presence in pericytes and VSMC is not specific for KD because they may be found in controls subjects. Our literature review revealed that data on the value of rectal biopsy in the diagnosis of KD are scarce. In light of these findings, the relevance of rectal biopsy in such condition should be re‐evaluated.
The dermatology view of hereditary angio‐oedema: practical diagnostic and management considerations
Authors: Maurer M. , Parish L.C.
Published: May 2012

Hereditary angio‐oedema (HAE) is characterized by recurrent, localized, non‐pitting, non‐pruritic, non‐urticarial oedema. Nearly all patients experience skin swelling as a feature of HAE. There may be painful abdominal attacks, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The disease is life‐threatening should laryngeal oedema occur. HAE results from a deficiency or dysfunction of C1 inhibitor, a plasma protein with an important role in regulating the contact, complement and fibrinolytic systems. Effective management of HAE should include a plan for treatment of attacks, as well as routine and preprocedure prevention. Acute and prophylactic therapy with C1 inhibitor therapy for correcting the underlying deficiency in HAE is a valuable option.
Spermidine‐induced improvement of memory involves a cross‐talk between protein kinases C and A
Authors: Guerra Gustavo P. , Mello Carlos F. , Bochi Guilherme V. , Pazini Andréia M. , Rosa Michelle M. , Ferreira Juliano , Rubin Maribel A.
Published: May 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 363–373.

Spermidine (SPD) is an endogenous aliphatic amine with polycationic structure that modulates NMDA receptor activity and improves memory. Recent evidence suggests that cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) and cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) play a role in SPD‐induced improvement of memory. In the current study, we determined whether the calcium‐dependent protein kinase (PKC) signaling pathway is involved in SPD‐induced facilitation of memory of inhibitory avoidance task in adult rats. The post‐training administration of the PKC inhibitor, 3‐[1‐(dimethylaminopropyl)indol‐3‐yl]‐4‐(indol‐3‐yl)maleimide hydrochloride [GF 109203X, 2.5 ρmol, intrahippocampal (ih)] with SPD (0.2 nmol, ih) prevented memory improvement induced by SPD. Intrahippocampal administration of SPD (0.2 nmol) facilitated PKC phosphorylation in the hippocampus, 30 min after administration. GF 109203X prevented not only the stimulatory effect of SPD on PKC but also PKA and CREB phosphorylation. These results suggest that memory enhancement induced by the ih administration of SPD involves the cross‐talk between PKC and PKA/CREB, with sequential activation of PKC and PKA/CREB pathways, in rats.
Stability, Responsiveness, and Reproducibility of a Visual Analog Scale for Treatment Satisfaction in Migraine
Authors: Lucas Christian , Romatet Sophie , Mekiès Claude , Allaf Bashar , Lantéri‐Minet Michel
Published: May 2012

Objectives.— To evaluate the stability, responsiveness, and reproducibility of a simple visual analog scale (VAS).

Background.— In order to help physicians in the management of migraine in everyday general practice and assess whether the treatments that they are currently prescribing are actually effective, a VAS of treatment satisfaction with acute migraine treatments has been developed.

Methods.— The study used an open‐label, multicenter, prospective design. Adult patients fulfilling diagnostic criteria for migraine and who consulted a participating hospital or community neurology clinic were eligible. At inclusion, patients rated their satisfaction with their current treatment on the VAS. Those scoring 7‐10 (satisfied) on the VAS were allocated to the VASCO cohort, and those scoring 0‐4 (dissatisfied) were switched to almotriptan and allocated to the ALMO cohort. Patients scoring between 4 and 7 were assigned to 1 or other cohort at the physician's discretion. The VAS was re‐administered at home the next day and also after the treatment of 3 further headaches, both at home and at a follow‐up visit.

Results.— Ninety‐eight patients in the VASCO cohort and 102 in the ALMO cohort were analyzed. Stability was evaluated in the VASCO cohort: 55/98 patients initially satisfied with treatment remained so at study end, whereas 7/98 became dissatisfied. Responsiveness of the VAS to a change in treatment was evaluated in the ALMO cohort: 64/102 patients moved to a higher treatment satisfaction category, whereas 6/102 moved to a lower one. Reproducibility of the VAS was determined in 4 settings (both at the inclusion visit and at study closure in both cohorts). In each setting, VAS scores were compared between consultation and at‐home ratings. In 3 of the 4 settings (both measures in the ALMO cohort and at study closure in the VASCO cohort), good agreement was observed between the 2 ratings (κ = 0.62‐0.69). At inclusion in the VASCO cohort, agreement was only fair (κ = 0.33).

Conclusions.— The VAS scale described here is a responsive and easy‐to‐use tool for evaluating treatment satisfaction and for monitoring changes to treatment if these are required.
SAME BUT DIFFERENT: TWO NOVEL BICARINATE SPECIES OF EXTANT CALCAREOUS DINOPHYTES (THORACOSPHAERACEAE, PERIDINIALES) FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA1
Authors: Zinssmeister Carmen , Soehner Sylvia , Kirsch Monika , Facher Eva , Sebastian Meier K. J. , Keupp Helmut , Gottschling and Marc
Published: May 2012

The diversity of extant calcareous dinophytes (Thoracosphaeraceae, Dinophyceae) is currently not sufficiently recorded. The majority of their coccoid stages are cryptotabulate or entirely atabulate, whereas relatively few forms exhibit at least some degree of tabulation more than the archeopyle. A survey of coastal surface sediment samples from the Mediterranean Sea resulted in the isolation and cultivation of several strains of calcareous dinophytes showing a prominent tabulation. We investigated the morphologies of the thecate and the coccoid cells and conducted phylogenetic analyses using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian approaches. The coccoid cells showed a distinct reflection of the cingulum (and were thus cingulotabulate), whereas thecal morphology corresponded to the widely distributed and species‐rich Scrippsiella. As inferred from molecular sequence data (including 81 new GenBank entries), the strains belonged to the Scrippsiella sensu lato clade of the Thoracosphaeraceae and represented two distinct species. Morphological details likewise indicated two distinct species with previously unknown coccoid cells that we describe here as new, namely S. bicarinata spec. nov. and S. kirschiae spec. nov. Cingulotabulation results from the fusion of processes representing the pre‐ and postcingular plate series in S. bicarinata, whereas the ridges represent sutures between the cingulum and the pre‐ and postcingular series in S. kirschiae, respectively. Bicarinate cingulotabulation appears homoplasious among calcareous dinophytes, which is further supported by a comparison to similar, but only distantly related fossil forms.
Fast Carbon Footprinting for Large Product Portfolios
Authors: Meinrenken Christoph J. , Kaufman Scott M. , Ramesh Siddharth , Lackner Klaus S.
Published: May 2012

Publicly Available Specification 2050‐2011 (PAS 2050), the Green House Gas Product Protocol (GHGPP) standard and forthcoming guideline 14067 from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have helped to propel carbon footprinting from a subdiscipline of life cycle assessment (LCA) to the mainstream. However, application of carbon footprinting to large portfolios of many distinct products and services is immensely resource intensive. Even if achieved, it often fails to inform company‐wide carbon reduction strategies because footprint data are disjointed or don't cover the whole portfolio. We introduce a novel approach to generate standard‐compliant product carbon footprints (CFs) for companies with large portfolios at a fraction of previously required time and expertise. The approach was developed and validated on an LCA dataset covering 1,137 individual products from a global packaged consumer goods company. Three novel techniques work in concert in a single approach that enables practitioners to calculate thousands of footprints virtually simultaneously: (i) a uniform data structure enables footprinting all products and services by looping the same algorithm; (ii) concurrent uncertainty analysis guides practitioners to gradually improve the accuracy of only those data that materially impact the results; and (iii) a predictive model generates estimated emission factors (EFs) for materials, thereby eliminating the manual mapping of a product or service's inventory to EF databases. These autogenerated EFs enable non‐LCA experts to calculate approximate CFs and alleviate resource constraints for companies embarking on large‐scale product carbon footprinting. We discuss implementation roadmaps for companies, including further road‐testing required to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach for other product portfolios, limitations, and future improvements of the fast footprinting methodology.
Biological response modifiers in photochemically pathogen‐reduced versus untreated apheresis platelet concentrates
Authors: Vetlesen Annette , Mirlashari Mohammad Reza , Akkök Çiğdem Akalın , Kelher Marguerite R. , Khan Samina Y. , Silliman Christopher C. , Kjeldsen‐Kragh Jens
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Lipids and other biologically active substances accumulate in platelet concentrates (PCs) during storage. Some of these substances have been suggested to modulate immune responses and to play a pathogenic role in the development of transfusion‐related acute lung injury. This study compared the content and impact of some biological response modifiers in PCs treated with pathogen reduction (PR) technology and nontreated PCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis PCs (n = 12) were split in two: one split was subjected to PR treatment (INTERCEPT, Cerus Corp.) and the other split was left untreated. Basic characterization and content of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and sCD154 were measured. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced secretion of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was measured after incubation of heparinized whole blood with platelet (PLT) supernatants. The supernatants' neutrophil (PMN)‐priming capacity, and thereby activation of the NADPH oxidase, was measured as the rate of superoxide anion production after formyl‐Met‐Leu‐Phe activation. Lipids were extracted from the supernatants on Day 6 and tested for PMN‐priming activity.

RESULTS: Supernatants from PR‐treated PCs demonstrated significantly higher mean PLT volume (MPV) and O2, lower pH, CO2, and HCO3−, and significantly less LPS‐induced TNF‐α secretion compared to untreated PCs. No differences in swirling, PLT count, potassium levels, glucose consumption, lactate production, IL‐10, VEGF, sCD154, or PMN‐priming activity were found between the groups over time.

CONCLUSION: INTERCEPT PR treatment caused no substantial differences in PCs, except for minor changes in MPV and metabolic variables. Further studies are needed to explain the differences in the LPS‐induced TNF‐α secretion.
Impact of rituximab on stem cell mobilization following ACVBP regimen in poor‐risk patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: results from a large cohort of patients
Authors: Lefrère François , Bastit‐Barrau Dominique , Hequet Olivier , Bourin Philippe , Mathieu‐Nafissi Suzanne , Bohbot Alain , Tilly Hervé , Salles Gilles , Fermé Christophe , Lapierre Valérie , Fornecker Luc , Micléa Jean‐Michel , Isebaert Loic , Bologna Serge , Fitoussi Olivier , Mounier Nicolas , Haioun Corinne
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: The ACVBP regimen is an efficient induction regimen for poor‐risk patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) before consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation. Adjunction of the monoclonal anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab (R‐ACVBP) was recently found to be superior to ACVBP alone. This study assessed the impact of rituximab on stem cell mobilization in two similar consecutive groups of patients treated with ACVBP in two prospective, controlled trials.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The first trial (LNH‐98B‐3) involved 137 patients treated with ACVBP alone. In the second trial (LNH‐03‐3B), 91 patients received an R‐ACVBP regimen. Stem cell mobilization was performed after a course of (R)‐ACVBP.

RESULTS: The median peak numbers of blood CD34+ cell counts recorded before the first apheresis procedure in the ACVBP and R‐ACVBP groups were 69 × 106 and 63 × 106/L, respectively (p = 0.55). The median numbers of CD34+ cells collected were 7.1 × 106 and 6.0 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg for the ACVBP and R‐ACVBP groups, respectively (p = 0.13). The median number of apheresis procedures required for gathering the minimum amount of CD34+ cells (2 × 106/kg) was the same in the two groups.

CONCLUSION: When compared with ACVBP alone, adjunction of rituximab does not impair stem cell mobilization.
Evaluation of Myocardial Deformation in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Ahmad Homaa , Gayat Etienne , Yodwut Chattanong , Abduch M. Cristina , Patel Amit R. , Weinert Lynn , Desai Ankit , Tsang Wendy , Garcia Joe G. N. , Lang Roberto M. , Mor‐Avi Victor
Published: May 2012

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hemoglobinopathy that affects one in 500 African Americans. Although it is well established that patients with SCD have left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, it is not clear whether they have subtle LV systolic dysfunction despite preserved ejection fraction (EF). We used three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) to assess changes in both systolic and diastolic LV function in SCD. Methods: Transthoracic real time 3D images were obtained (Philips iE33) in 56 subjects, including 28 stable outpatients with SCD (age 33 ± 7 years) and 28 normal controls (age 35 ± 9 years). 3DSTE was performed using prototype software (4DLV Analysis, TomTec) to obtain LV volume and deformation time curves, from which indices of systolic and diastolic LV function were calculated. Results: In SCD patients, 3DSTE‐derived LV filling parameters were significantly different from normal controls, reflecting an increase in both rapid and atrial filling volumes and prolonged active relaxation, depicted by a decrease in filling volume fractions at fixed times and an increase in rapid filling duration. Global LV systolic function was not only preserved but increased compared to controls, as reflected by significantly increased global longitudinal strain. Importantly, twist angle and torsion as well as radial and circumferential components of 3D strain were similar in both groups. Conclusions: 3DSTE was able to confirm diastolic dysfunction, as expected in some patients with SCD. However, 3DSTE strain analysis did not reveal any changes in LV systolic function. These findings provide novel insight into the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular complications of SCD.
Citric Acid‐Assisted Combustion‐Carbothermal Synthesis of Well‐Distributed Highly Sinterable AlN Nanopowders
Authors: Chu Aimin , Qin Mingli , Rafi‐ud‐din   , Jia Baorui , Lu Huifeng , Qu Xuanhui
Published: May 2012

Aluminum nitride (AlN) nanopowders were synthesized by carbothermal reduction of a citric acid‐assisted combustion synthesis precursor derived from aluminum nitrate, glucose, citric acid, and urea mixed solution. Effects of citric acid on the size and morphology of precursors as well as synthesized AlN powders were studied in detail. The results indicated that the precursor synthesized from citric acid (0.02 M), was comprised of paper‐thin flaky particles with high specific surface area (14.6 m2/g). Moreover, the precursor, synthesized from citric acid (0.02 M), had exhibited the completion of the nitridation at 1400°C for 2 h. On the contrary, the nitridation reactions for the precursors, synthesized from citric acid (0 and 0.04 M), were incomplete under the same conditions. The decarburized as well as nondecarburized AlN powders from citric acid (0.02 M), synthesized at 1400°C, maintained its appearance similar to that of the original precursor. In addition, the decarburized AlN powders were found to be free of any hard agglomeration, and exhibited the well distributed and high sinterability spherical particles of 60–100 nm. The relative density of the sintered AlN pellet, calcined at 1800°C for 2 h with pressureless and additive free sintering, was found to be 99.05% of its theoretical density.
Is child labour a substitute for adult labour? The relationship between child labour and adult illness in Nepal
Authors: Nepal Apsara , Nepal Mani
Published: May 2012

Using official household survey data, the authors test two axioms regarding child labour in Nepal. Both the “luxury” and the “substitution” axioms appear to hold in the case of Nepal's child labour: a household's higher per capita income reduces child work hours; and the absence from work of an adult household member owing to illness increases child work hours. Girls work more hours than boys. Other variables reducing child work hours are: scholarship provision, private schooling, the presence of siblings at home, and adults' years of schooling. However, higher consumption is not effective in reducing child work hours.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate induces mesothelioma cell death via H2O2−dependent T‐type Ca2+ channel opening
Authors: Ranzato Elia , Martinotti Simona , Magnelli Valeria , Murer Bruno , Biffo Stefano , Mutti Luciano , Burlando Bruno
Published: May 2012

Malignant mesothelioma (MMe) is a highly aggressive, lethal tumour requiring the development of more effective therapies. The green tea polyphenol epigallocathechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) inhibits the growth of many types of cancer cells. We found that EGCG is selectively cytotoxic to MMe cells with respect to normal mesothelial cells. MMe cell viability was inhibited by predominant induction of apoptosis at lower doses and necrosis at higher doses. EGCG elicited H2O2 release in cell cultures, and exogenous catalase (CAT) abrogated EGCG‐induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis and necrosis. Confocal imaging of fluo 3‐loaded, EGCG‐exposed MMe cells showed significant [Ca2+]i rise, prevented by CAT, dithiothreitol or the T‐type Ca2+ channel blockers mibefradil and NiCl2. Cell loading with dihydrorhodamine 123 revealed EGCG‐induced ROS production, prevented by CAT, mibefradil or the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA‐AM. Direct exposure of cells to H2O2 produced similar effects on Ca2+ and ROS, and these effects were prevented by the same inhibitors. Sensitivity of REN cells to EGCG was correlated with higher expression of Cav3.2 T‐type Ca2+ channels in these cells, compared to normal mesothelium. Also, Cav3.2 siRNA on MMe cells reduced in vitro EGCG cytotoxicity and abated apoptosis and necrosis. Intriguingly, Cav3.2 expression was observed in malignant pleural mesothelioma biopsies from patients, but not in normal pleura. In conclusion, data showed the expression of T‐type Ca2+ channels in MMe tissue and their role in EGCG selective cytotoxicity to MMe cells, suggesting the possible use of these channels as a novel MMe pharmacological target.
Hepatocyte transplantation in bile salt export pump‐deficient mice: selective growth advantage of donor hepatocytes under bile acid stress
Authors: Chen Huey‐Ling , Chen Hui‐Ling , Yuan Ray‐Hwang , Wu Shang‐Hsin , Chen Ya‐Hui , Chien Chin‐Sung , Chou Shi‐Ping , Wang Renxue , Ling Victor , Chang Mei‐Hwei
Published: May 2012

The bile salt export pump (Bsep) mediates the hepatic excretion of bile acids, and its deficiency causes progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. The current study aimed to induce bile acid stress in Bsep−/− mice and to test the efficacy of hepatocyte transplantation in this disease model. We fed Bsep−/− and wild‐type mice cholic acid (CA) or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Both CA and UDCA caused cholestasis and apoptosis in the Bsep−/− mouse liver. Wild‐type mice had minimal liver injury and apoptosis when fed CA or UDCA, yet had increased proliferative activity. On the basis of the differential cytotoxicity of bile acids on the livers of wild‐type and Bsep−/− mice, we transplanted wild‐type hepatocytes into the liver of Bsep−/− mice fed CA or CA + UDCA. After 1–6 weeks, the donor cell repopulation and canalicular Bsep distribution were documented. An improved repopulation efficiency in the CA + UDCA‐supplemented group was found at 2 weeks (4.76 ± 5.93% vs. 1.32 ± 1.48%, P = 0.0026) and at 4–6 weeks (12.09 ± 14.67% vs. 1.55 ± 1.28%, P < 0.001) compared with the CA‐supplemented group. Normal‐appearing hepatocytes with prominent nuclear staining for FXR were noted in the repopulated donor nodules. After hepatocyte transplantation, biliary total bile acids increased from 24% to 82% of the wild‐type levels, among which trihydroxylated bile acids increased from 41% to 79% in the Bsep−/− mice. We conclude that bile acid stress triggers differential injury responses in the Bsep−/− and wild‐type hepatocytes. This strategy changed the balance of the donor–recipient growth capacities and was critical for successful donor repopulation.
Anxiety, depression and impaired health‐related quality of life in patients with occupational hand eczema
Authors: Boehm Dana , Schmid‐Ott Gerhard , Finkeldey Florence , John Swen Malte , Dwinger Christine , Werfel Thomas , Diepgen Thomas L. , Breuer Kristine
Published: May 2012

Background. Occupational hand eczema is one of the most frequent occupational diseases. Few data about the prevalence of mental comorbidities are available.

Objectives. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety, depression symptoms, the impairment of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and their correlates in patients with occupational hand eczema.

Patients and methods. A test battery consisting of the German versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) as a specific instrument and the Short Form Health Survey‐36 (SF‐36) as a generic instrument for HRQoL was applied in 122 patients. The severity of hand eczema was assessed with the Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI).

Results. Twenty per cent of patients had a positive anxiety score, and 14% had a positive depression score. Higher anxiety levels, a greater impairment in the SF‐36 mental component summary score and a higher DLQI category score for symptoms and feelings was detected in females than in males. The OHSI correlated with the impairment in HRQoL, and an association of severe hand eczema with symptoms of anxiety and depression was found in males.

Conclusions. We found a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in our study population of patients with occupational hand eczema. Preventive measures should consider the psychosocial implications of occupational hand eczema.
Native jewelweed, but not other native species, displays post‐invasion trait divergence
Authors: Dostál Petr , Weiser Martin , Koubek Tomáš
Published: May 2012

Invasive exotic plants reduce the diversity of native communities by displacing native species. According to the coexistence theory, native plants are able to coexist with invaders only when their fitness is not significantly smaller than that of the exotics or when they occupy a different niche. It has therefore been hypothesized that the survival of some native species at invaded sites is due to post‐invasion evolutionary changes in fitness and/or niche traits.

In common garden experiments, we tested whether plants from invaded sites of two native species, Impatiens noli‐tangere and Galeopsis speciosa, outperform conspecifics from non‐invaded sites when grown in competition with the invader (Impatiens parviflora). We further examined whether the expected superior performance of the plants from the invaded sites is due to changes in the plant size (fitness proxy) and/or changes in the germination phenology and phenotypic plasticity (niche proxies).

Invasion history did not influence the performance of any native species when grown with the exotic competitor. In I. noli‐tangere, however, we found significant trait divergence with regard to plant size, germination phenology and phenotypic plasticity. In the absence of a competitor, plants of I. noli‐tangere from invaded sites were larger than plants from non‐invaded sites. The former plants germinated earlier than inexperienced conspecifics or an exotic congener. Invasion experience was also associated with increased phenotypic plasticity and an improved shade‐avoidance syndrome. Although these changes indicate fitness and niche differentiation of I. noli‐tangere at invaded sites, future research should examine more closely the adaptive value of these changes and their genetic basis.
Pyostomatitis vegetans and its relation to inflammatory bowel disease, pyoderma gangrenosum, pyodermatitis vegetans, and pemphigus
Authors: Nico Marcello M. S. , Hussein Thais P. , Aoki Valeria , Lourenço Silvia V.
Published: May 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 584–588

Pyostomatitis vegetans (PSV) is an intraoral pustular eruption considered by most authors to represent the mucous analogous of cutaneous pyoderma gangrenosum and its vegetating presentations (pyodermatitis vegetans). A strong correlation of PSV with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is well documented. The histopathology of PSV lesions usually reveals acanthosis, and neutrophils and/or eosinophils infiltration with intraepithelial or subepithelial abscesses; acantholysis is present in some cases. We studied four patients with IBD that presented oral lesions suggestive of PSV. Two male and two female patients were included. The histopathology of oral lesions of two patients revealed findings typical for PSV. The other two patients showed findings typical for pemphigus vulgaris (PV), although the course of their symptoms paralleled that of the bowel disease. Our findings may suggest that pustular lesions in patients with IBD can be a presentation of both PSV and PV; adequate diagnosis is required because clinical presentation is very similar.
Down‐regulation of heat‐shock protein 27–induced resistance to photodynamic therapy in oral cancer cells
Authors: Kim Jisun , Jung Hyuncheol , Lim Wonbong , Kim Sangwoo , Ko Youngjong , Karna Sandeep , Kim Oksu , Choi Yooduk , Choi Hongran , Kim Okjoon
Published: May 2012

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cells is a new treatment modality involving selective delivery of a photosensitive dye into target cells, followed by visible light irradiation. PDT induces cell death by excessive ROS generation. The effects of multiple photosensitizers were owing to the difference in cell types involving sensitizer‐specific protein changes linked to resistance. HSP27 is regulated in response to stress and is associated with apoptotic process. The effects of HSP27 on PDT resistance are controversial and unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of HSP27 down‐regulation in the PDT‐induced cells and HSP27 regulation in the resistance to PDT. KB cells transfected with HSP27 siRNA were exposed to hematoporphyrin (HP) followed by irradiation at 635 nm at an energy density of 4.5 mW/cm2. After irradiation, the effects on HSP27 down‐regulation were assessed by MTT assay, flow cytometry, confocal analysis, Western blotting and caspase activity. The results of this study showed that down‐regulation of HSP27 restored cell survival in HP‐PDT‐induced apoptotic KB cells. HSP27 down‐regulation attenuated PDT‐induced apoptosis through caspase‐mediated pathway in KB cells. Also, HSP27 silencing regulated Bax, Bcl‐2, and PARP protein expression in PDT‐induced cells. Therefore, HSP27 down‐regulation confers resistance to PDT through interruption of apoptotic protein activity in PDT‐induced cell death. HSP27 might contribute to regulating PDT‐induced apoptosis in PDT‐resistant cells.
Australian triage tags: A prospective, randomised cross‐over trial and evaluation of user preference
Authors: Field Kate , Norton Ian
Published: May 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if any disaster triage tag is superior to others, based on objective parameters (time, accuracy) and subjective parameters (user preference). A secondary aim was to determine the average time to perform triage assessment using ‘sieve and sort’.

Methods: This was a prospective, randomised cross‐over trial comparing triage cards currently used, or being implemented, across Australia. De‐identified patient information from a trauma database was used to create 125 cases. Volunteer participants were selected from Major Incident Medical Management and Support certified doctors, nurses, paramedics and defence medics and randomised into five groups. Participants completed timed ‘sieve and sort’ triage exercises on 25 different cases with each of the five triage tags and were then asked to rank the tags in order of preference. Participants also performed timed practical triage assessments (sieve and sort) on two healthy volunteers.

Results: Based on the objective measures we did not find that one card was superior to others; however, the Northern Territory card was significantly slower and less accurate (P < 0.001). Doctors were the fastest and most accurate ‘sorters’ (P < 0.001); however, inaccuracy was the same for all professional groups for the ‘sieve’. Participants preferred the SMART card to any other tag. Participants' time to carry out a sieve was approximately 30 s, and 60 s for a sort.

Conclusion: The SMART card was preferred by participants based on design issues, which supports its implementation. We suggest that doctors are best used in the casualty clearing post.
Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in a patient on treatment with temozolomide
Authors: OTTY Zulfiquer , SABESAN Sabe
Published: May 2012

A 68‐year‐old man was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme of the right basal ganglia in March 2010. He was treated with radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy with daily temozolomide for over 6 weeks. During the maintenance phase of treatment with temozolomide, he developed a swelling in the left cheek; a biopsy of which proved to be non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. The temozolomide was stopped and the lymphoma was successfully treated with chemotherapy.
Improving the treatment experience for patients with type 2 diabetes: Role of the nurse practitioner
Authors: Bartol Tom
Published: May 2012

Abstract  Purpose: To discuss the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in motivating and guiding patients with type 2 diabetes to self‐manage their disease, achieve their treatment goals, and have a more positive treatment experience.

Data sources: Personal experience; clinical studies.

Conclusions: NPs play a key role in educating patients and helping them understand the need for, and benefits of, improved diabetes control. Yet, achieving improved diabetes control goes far beyond sharing information. The NP can be pivotal in helping to motivate patients to be active players in their own diabetes management.

Implications for practice: NPs can improve the treatment experience of patients with diabetes by educating and motivating them to make beneficial lifestyle changes and commit to treatments tailored to their individual needs and expectations.
Room temperature DNA storage with slide‐mounted aphid specimens
Authors: MILLER GARY L. , CARMICHAEL ANDREW , FAVRET COLIN , SCHEFFER SONJA J.
Published: May 2012

Abstract.  1. cope slide‐mounted insect specimens present special problems for DNA extraction due to chemical clearing techniques and subsequent specimen preservation.

2. Filter paper is routinely used for DNA storage in other biological disciplines (e.g. medicine), but is not widely used in entomology.

3. A system for room temperature storage of DNA with microscope slide‐mounted voucher material uses filter paper in conjunction with the cleared voucher specimen.

4. The viability of filter paper for DNA storage is demonstrated through various time intervals. Either a solution of the cell lysis buffer or purified DNA can be stored on filter paper. Both COI and COII were sequenced from filter paper; EF‐1α was attempted, but results were partially successful.

5. The filter paper system allows for DNA storage directly with the curated specimen, thus facilitating its accessibility.

6. The storage of DNA on filter paper with specimens in museum collections could reduce the need or cost for cryopreservation equipment.

7. DNA on filter paper facilitates international and local transport of DNA research material for subsequent study.
Multiannual variations in phytoplankton populations: what distinguished the blooms of Aphanizomenon ovalisporum in Lake Kinneret in 2010 from 2009?
Authors: Bar‐Yosef Yehonathan , Murik Omer , Sukenik Assaf , Hadas Ora , Kaplan Aaron
Published: May 2012

The reasons for large multiannual fluctuations in phytoplankton biomass and composition in freshwater lakes are complex and involve many biotic and abiotic parameters. Here we studied the 2009 and 2010 summer–autumn blooms of the toxic, cylindrospermopsin producer, Aphanizomenon ovalisporum (hereafter Aphanizomenon) in Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), Israel. During the summer the total dissolved phosphate concentration in the lake is very low, close to the detection level, limiting the development of phytoplankton. Earlier we showed that Aphanizomenon blooms are associated with a large rise in alkaline phosphatase (Apase) activity in the water body and that cylindrospermopsin produced by Aphanizomenon induces the PHO regulon, including secretion of Apase, in other alga thereby improving its own phosphate supply. Aphanizomenon transcripts of PHO and AOA (involved in cylindrospermopsin biosynthesis) genes in Lake Kinneret appeared much earlier in 2010 than in 2009 suggesting that the phytoplankton became phosphate‐limited already at the beginning of its summer bloom in 2010 but much later in 2009. Water inflow and lake water temperatures were significantly higher in 2010 but the incoming nutrients were consumed by the much larger phytoplankton biomass early in 2010 before the beginning of the Aphanizomenon bloom. An analysis of abiotic and biological parameters provides an explanation for the very different development of Aphanizomenon populations during 2009 and 2010.
Mitochondrial energy metabolism plays a critical role in the cardioprotection afforded by intermittent hypobaric hypoxia
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Hua , Cai Xiao‐Long , Wu Lan , Yu Zhuo , Liu Jin‐Long , Zhou Zhao‐Nian , Liu Jiankang , Yang Huang‐Tian
Published: May 2012

Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) is an effective protective strategy against myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the precise mechanisms are far from clear. To understand the overall effects of IHH on the myocardial proteins during I/R, we analysed functional performance and the protein expression profile in isolated hearts from normoxic rats and from rats adapted to IHH (5000 m, 4 h day−1, 4 weeks) following I/R injury (30 min/45 min). Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia significantly improved the postischaemic recovery of left ventricular function compared with the recovery in time‐matched normoxic control hearts. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric analysis was then used to assess protein alterations in left ventricles from normoxic and IHH groups, with or without I/R. The expressions of 16 proteins changed by over fivefold; nine of these proteins are involved in energy metabolism. Immunoblot and real‐time PCR analysis confirmed the IHH‐increased expressions of the ATP synthase subunit β, mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase and heat shock protein 27 in left ventricles. Furthermore, IHH significantly attenuated the reduction of myocardial ATP content, mitochondrial ATP synthase activity, membrane potential and respiratory control ratios due to I/R. In addition, inhibition of mitochondrial ATP synthase by oligomycin (1 μmol l−1) abolished the IHH‐induced improvements in three parameters: postischaemic recovery of left ventricular function, mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory control ratios. These results suggest that an improvement in mitochondrial energy metabolism makes an important contribution to the cardioprotection afforded by IHH against postischaemic myocardial dysfunction.
Effects of sex and ovarian hormones on the initial renal sympathetic nerve activity response to myocardial infarction
Authors: Pinkham Maximilian I. , Guild Sarah‐Jane , Malpas Simon C. , Barrett Carolyn J.
Published: May 2012

The physiological mechanisms contributing to sex differences following myocardial infarction (MI) are poorly understood. Given the strong relationship between sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and outcome, we hypothesized there may be a sex difference in SNA responses to MI. In anaesthetized, open‐chest male, female and ovariectomized (OVX) female Wistar rats, mean arterial pressure, heart rate and renal SNA were recorded in response to ligation of the left coronary artery. In males, renal SNA increased by 30 ± 6% in the first minute of coronary occlusion (P < 0.05) and remained elevated at 18 ± 7% above baseline (P < 0.05) at 2 h following MI. In response to MI, ovary‐intact females displayed no change in renal SNA, whereas OVX females displayed a significant increase, similar to that seen in the males (increases of 43 ± 11% at 1 min and 21 ± 7% at 2 h post‐MI, P < 0.05 versus intact females). Arterial baroreflex control of renal SNA had a smaller range in females (ovary intact and OVX) than males; no changes in arterial baroreflex responses were observed 1 h post‐MI in males or females. Denervating the arterial baroreceptors abolished the renal SNA response to MI in the males, whereas in ovary‐intact females and OVX females the response was unaltered. These findings suggest that ovarian hormones are able to blunt the initial sympathetic activation post‐MI in females and that the importance of the arterial baroreflex in mediating initial sympathetic activation post‐MI is different between the sexes.
Effect of the Structural Coupling on the Flutter Onset of a Sector of Low-Pressure Turbine Vanes
Authors: Antona Ruben , Corral Roque , Gallardo Juan M.
Published: May 2012

The effect of the structural coupling in the aeroelastic stability of a packet of low-pressure turbine vanes is studied in detail. The dynamics of a 3D sector vane is reduced to that of a simplified mass-spring model to enhance the understanding of its dynamics and to perform sensitivity studies. It is concluded that the dynamics of the simplified model retains the basic features of the finite element three-dimensional model. A linear fully coupled analysis in the frequency domain of the 3D vane sector has been conducted. It is concluded that the small structural coupling provided by the casing and the inter-stage seal is essential to explain the experimental evidences. It is shown that the use of fully coupled aero/structural methods is necessary to retain the mode interaction that takes place in this type of configurations.
Distributed Supervisory Controller Design for Battery Swapping Modularity in Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Li Shifang , Kolmanovsky Ilya V. , Galip Ulsoy A.
Published: May 2012

A distributed supervisory controller is proposed to achieve battery component swapping modularity (CSM) for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The CSM permits the designer to distribute a part of the supervisory controller to the battery module such that the PHEV can use a range of batteries while providing corresponding optimal fuel economy. A novel feedback-based controller for the charge sustaining mode is proposed to facilitate distributed controller design for battery CSM. The method based on sensitivity analysis of the control signals with respect to the battery hardware parameter is introduced to define the controller distribution architecture. The distributed controller gains are obtained by solving a bilevel optimization problem using the collaborative optimization and the augmented Lagrangian decomposition methods. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed distributed controller can achieve battery CSM without compromising fuel economy compared to the centralized control case.