bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pesticide residues in some selected pond water samples of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin M Amin , Auwal MA , Chowdhury MAZ , Rahman MA , Alam MK
Published: December 2012

No abstract available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsr.v25i1.13054 Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 25(1): 93-97, 2012
From Five Women to Leeds United!: Roy Battersby and the Politics of ‘Radical’ Television Drama
Authors: Hill John
Published: December 2012

Focusing on the work of the left-wing film and television director Roy Battersby, this article seeks to shed light on the issues at stake in the controversies surrounding the production and reception of ‘radical television drama’ during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Through an examination of a number of BBC productions that were either cut (Five Women), banned (Hit Suddenly Hit) or the subject of moral and political objections (The Operation and Leeds United!), the discussion indicates how arguments over ‘radical’ television drama involved a degree of shift away from concerns with the blurring of boundaries between ‘fact’ and ‘fiction’ towards a preoccupation with political ‘balance’ (that involved the application of criteria to drama that were originally reserved for documentaries). Although the period in question is often characterised as one in which the creators of television drama enjoyed substantial creative freedom to make work that challenged the status quo, this article also reveals how such work was far from the norm and often only got made, and shown, in the face of considerable opposition. The article therefore concludes with an assessment of some of the ideological and institutional constraints weighing upon ‘radical’ political expression in television drama at this time.
Color Parameters of the Chromascop Shade Guide
Authors: O'Brien William , Oh Won-Suk , Piché Peter
Published: December 2012

The purposes of this study are: (1) determine the color of the twenty shades in the Ivoclar’s Chromascop shade guide, (2) determine the color representation of the shade guide described as coverage error (CE), and (3) compare this shade guide with the Vita Classical and Bioform shade guides. The spectral data was collected using Beckman model DU reflectance spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere. Commission International de l’Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates were calculated using CIE illuminant C and 1931 observer data, then converted to CIE L*a*b* and Munsell notation. Each shade was spectrophotometrically compared to the published colors of 335 human teeth. The minimum CIE L*a*b* color difference was calculated for each tooth and the average of these color differences was defined as the CE. The measured colors of the Chromascop guide had a CIE L* range of 79.67 to 65.61, an a* range of -0.71 to 3.85, and a b* range of 14.58 to 27.69. The average CE of the Chromascop shade guide was 3.38. The Chromascop shade guide has similar colors and a CE compared with the Bioform and Vita Classical shade guides, but with some shades of higher red and yellow components.
Function Based Fault Detection for Uncertain Multivariate Nonlinear Non-Gaussian Stochastic Systems Using Entropy Optimization Principle
Authors: Yin Liping , Zhou Li
Published: December 2012

In this paper, the fault detection in uncertain multivariate nonlinear non-Gaussian stochastic systems is further investigated. Entropy is introduced to characterize the stochastic behavior of the detection errors, and the entropy optimization principle is established for the fault detection problem. The principle is to maximize the entropies of the stochastic detection errors in the presence of faults and to minimize the entropies of the detection errors in the presence of disturbances. In order to calculate the entropies, the formulations of the joint probability density functions (JPDFs) of the stochastic errors are presented in terms of the known JPDFs of both the disturbances and the faults. By using the novel performance indexes and the formulations for the entropies of the detection errors, new fault detection design methods are provided for the considered multivariate nonlinear non-Gaussian plants. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed fault detection algorithm.
Implantable Devices: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Bazaka Kateryna , Jacob Mohan
Published: December 2012

Ageing population and a multitude of neurological and cardiovascular illnesses that cannot be mitigated by medication alone have resulted in a significant growth in the number of patients that require implantable electronic devices. These range from sensors, gastric and cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, to deep brain, nerve, and bone stimulators. Long-term implants present specific engineering challenges, including low energy consumption and stable performance. Resorbable electronics may offer excellent short-term performance without the need for surgical removal. However, most electronic materials have poor bio- and cytocompatibility, resulting in immune reactions and infections. This paper reviews the current situation and highlights challenges for future advancements.
A Potential Daidzein Derivative Enhances Cytotoxicity of Epirubicin on Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Lo Yu-Li
Published: December 2012

In this study, we evaluated the effects of 8-hydroxydaidzein (8HD), an isoflavone isolated from fermented soy germ koji, and epirubicin (Epi), an antineoplastic agent, on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We subsequently correlated the ROS levels to the anticancer mechanisms of Epi and 8HD in human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells. 8HD enhanced cytotoxicity of Epi and generated a synergistic effect. Epi and/or 8HD treatments increased the hydrogen peroxide and superoxide levels. Combined treatment markedly decreased mRNA expression levels of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), MDR-associated protein (MRP) 1, and MRP2. 8HD significantly intensified Epi intracellular accumulation in Caco-2 cells. 8HD and/or Epi-induced apoptosis, as indicated by the reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and increased sub-G1 phase in cell cycle. Moreover, 8HD and Epi significantly enhanced the mRNA expressions of Bax, p53, caspases-3, -8, and -9. To our best knowledge, this study verifies for the first time that 8HD effectively circumvents MDR in Caco-2 cells through the ROS-dependent inhibition of efflux transporters and p53-mediated activation of both death receptor and mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis. Our findings of 8HD shed light on the future search for potential biotransformed isoflavones to intensify the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs through simultaneous reversal of pump and nonpump resistance.
Role of Carnitine Acetyl Transferase in Regulation of Nitric Oxide Signaling in Pulmonary Arterial Endothelial Cells
Authors: Sharma Shruti , Sun Xutong , Agarwal Saurabh , Rafikov Ruslan , Dasarathy Sridevi , Kumar Sanjiv , Black Stephen
Published: December 2012

Congenital heart defects with increased pulmonary blood flow (PBF) result in pulmonary endothelial dysfunction that is dependent, at least in part, on decreases in nitric oxide (NO) signaling. Utilizing a lamb model with left-to-right shunting of blood and increased PBF that mimics the human disease, we have recently shown that a disruption in carnitine homeostasis, due to a decreased carnitine acetyl transferase (CrAT) activity, correlates with decreased bioavailable NO. Thus, we undertook this study to test the hypothesis that the CrAT enzyme plays a major role in regulating NO signaling through its effect on mitochondrial function. We utilized the siRNA gene knockdown approach to mimic the effect of decreased CrAT activity in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAEC). Our data indicate that silencing the CrAT gene disrupted cellular carnitine homeostasis, reduced the expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase-and resulted in an increase in oxidative stress within the mitochondrion. CrAT gene silencing also disrupted mitochondrial bioenergetics resulting in reduced ATP generation and decreased NO signaling secondary to a reduction in eNOS/Hsp90 interactions. Thus, this study links the disruption of carnitine homeostasis to the loss of NO signaling observed in children with CHD. Preserving carnitine homeostasis may have important clinical implications that warrant further investigation.
Antitumor Effects of Rapamycin in Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis and Autophagy
Authors: Dai Zhi-Jun , Gao Jie , Ma Xiao-Bin , Kang Hua-Feng , Wang Bao-Feng , Lu Wang-Feng , Lin Shuai , Wang Xi-Jing , Wu Wen-Ying
Published: December 2012

Rapamycin (Rapa), an inhibitor of mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR), is an immunosuppressive agent that has anti-proliferative effects on some tumors. This study aims to investigate the effects of Rapa suppressing proliferation of pancreatic carcinoma PC-2 cells in vitro and its molecular mechanism involved in antitumor activities. MTT assays showed that the inhibition of proliferation of PC-2 cells in vitro was in a time- and dose-dependent manner. By using transmission electron microscopy, apoptosis bodies and formation of abundant autophagic vacuoles were observed in PC-2 cells after Rapa treatment. Flow cytometry assays also showed Rapa had a positive effect on apoptosis. MDC staining showed that the fluorescent density was higher and the number of MDC-labeled particles in PC-2 cells was greater in the Rapa treatment group than in the control group. RT-PCR revealed that the expression levels of p53, Bax and Beclin 1 were up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that Beclin 1 was involved in Rapa induced autophagy and Rapa induced apoptosis as well as p53 up-regulation in PC-2 cells. The results demonstrated that Rapa could effectively inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis and autophagy in PC-2 cells.
Synthesis and Self-Organization of Fluorene-Conjugated Bisimidazolylporphyrin and Its Optical Properties
Authors: Ogawa Kazuya , Makiuchi Naoyuki , Kobuke Yoshiaki
Published: December 2012

A conjugated-bisimidazolylporphyrin bridged by bis(ethynylfluorene) was synthesized and organized into linear polymer through self-coordination having mean molecular weights, Mw and Mn, of ~2.1 × 105 Da and ~1.6 × 105 Da, respectively. A large two-photon absorption cross section value of 3.4 × 105 GM (per dimer unit) was observed. This value was comparable to that of the previously reported self-assembled linear polymer consisting of butadiyne-bridged imidazolylporphyrins. The two-photon absorption properties could be controlled by tuning the wavelength and absorption intensity of the one-photon absorption.
Diversity of Peptides Produced by Nodularia spumigena from Various Geographical Regions
Authors: Mazur-Marzec Hanna , Kaczkowska Monika , Blaszczyk Agata , Akcaalan Reyhan , Spoof Lisa , Meriluoto Jussi
Published: December 2012

Cyanobacteria produce a great variety of non-ribosomal peptides. Among these compounds, both acute toxins and potential drug candidates have been reported. The profile of the peptides, as a stable and specific feature of an individual strain, can be used to discriminate cyanobacteria at sub-population levels. In our work, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to elucidate the structures of non-ribosomal peptides produced by Nodularia spumigena from the Baltic Sea, the coastal waters of southern Australia and Lake Iznik in Turkey. In addition to known structures, 9 new congeners of spumigins, 4 aeruginosins and 12 anabaenopeptins (nodulapeptins) were identified. The production of aeruginosins by N. spumigena was revealed in this work for the first time. The isolates from the Baltic Sea appeared to be the richest source of the peptides; they also showed a higher diversity in peptide profiles. The Australian strains were characterized by similar peptide patterns, but distinct from those represented by the Baltic and Lake Iznik isolates. The results obtained with the application of the peptidomic approach were consistent with the published data on the genetic diversity of the Baltic and Australian populations.
Anti-inflammatory Lignans from the Fruits of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus
Authors: Lee Dae-Young , Seo Kyeong-Hwa , Jeong Rak-Hun , Lee Sang-Min , Kim Geum-Soog , Noh Hyung-Jun , Kim Seung-Yu , Kim Gye-Won , Kim Ji-Young , Baek Nam-In
Published: December 2012

A new lignan, named acanthosessilin A (1), as well as eight known lignan and lignan glycosides 2-9 were isolated from an ethanolic extract of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus fruits. The chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including HR-EIMS, 1D NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT), 2D NMR (gCOSY, gHSQC, gHMBC, NOESY), and IR spectroscopy. All isolated compounds were tested for the ability to inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 macrophages.
Synthesis and Promising in Vitro Antiproliferative Activity of Sulfones of a 5-Nitrothiazole Series
Authors: Cohen Anita , Crozet Maxime , Rathelot Pascal , Azas Nadine , Vanelle Patrice
Published: December 2012

The synthesis in water of new sulfone derivatives under microwave irradiation is described. This eco-friendly process leads to the expected products in good yields by reaction of various substituted sulfinates (commercially available or obtained by reduction of the corresponding sulfonyl chlorides) with 4-chloromethyl-2-methyl-5-nitro-1,3-thiazole. In order to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of these compounds, several sulfone derivatives are also dichlorinated on the Cα next to the sulfonyl group. An evaluation on different cancer cell lines reveals promising selective in vitro antiproliferative activity toward HepG2 human cell lines by dihydrogenated sulfones, suggesting further research should be to explore their anticancer potential in the treatment of liver cancer.
Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Compoundsfrom the Stem Bark of Goniothalamus tapisoides Mat Salleh
Authors: Kim Rosalind , Bihud Vicky , Bin Mohamad Khalit , Leong Kok , Bin Mohamad Jamaludin , Bin Ahmad Fasihuddin , Hazni Hazrina , Kasim Noraini , Halim Siti , Awang Khalijah
Published: December 2012

Eleven compounds:goniomicin A (1), goniomicin B (2), goniomicin C (3), goniomicin D (4), tapisoidin (5), goniothalamin (6), 9-deoxygoniopypyrone (7), pterodondiol (8), liriodenine (9), benzamide (10) and cinnamic acid (11), were isolated from the stem bark of Goniothalamus tapisoides. All compounds were identified by spectroscopic analysis and, for known compounds, by comparison with published data. Goniothalamin (6) exhibited mild cytotoxic activity towards a colon cancer cell line (HT-29), with an IC50value of 64.17 ± 5.60 µM. Goniomicin B (2) give the highest antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay among all compounds tested, with an IC50 of 0.207 µM.
Timing of Peak Blood Glucose after Breakfast Meals of Different Glycemic Index in Women with Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Louie Jimmy , Markovic Tania , Ross Glynis , Foote Deborah , Brand-Miller Jennie
Published: December 2012

This study aims to determine the peak timing of postprandial blood glucose level (PBGL) of two breakfasts with different glycemic index (GI) in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Ten women with diet-controlled GDM who were between 30 and 32 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study. They consumed two carbohydrate controlled, macronutrient matched bread-based breakfasts with different GI (low vs. high) on two separate occasions in a random order after an overnight fast. PBGLs were assessed using a portable blood analyser. Subjects were asked to indicate their satiety rating at each blood sample collection. Overall the consumption of a high GI breakfast resulted in a greater rise in PBGL (mean ± SEM peak PBGL: low GI 6.7 ± 0.3 mmol/L vs. high GI 8.6 ± 0.3 mmol/L; p < 0.001) and an earlier peak PBGL time (16.9 ± 4.9 min earlier; p = 0.015), with high variability in PBGL time between subjects. There was no significant difference in subjective satiety throughout the test period. In conclusion, the low GI breakfast produced lower postprandial glycemia, and the peak PBGL occurred closer to the time recommended for PBGL monitoring (i.e., 1 h postprandial) in GDM than a macronutrient matched high GI breakfast.
When Institutions Collide: The Competing Forces of Hospitals Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Church
Authors: White Kenneth
Published: December 2012

For centuries, the Catholic Church has been a major social actor in the provision of health services, particularly health care delivered in hospitals. Through a confluence of powerful environmental forces at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the future of Catholic health care is threatened. Although United States Catholic hospitals are a separate case of private, nonprofit hospitals, they have experienced environmental pressures to compete with other hospital ownership types and, on some dimensions, Catholic hospitals are indistinguishable from other hospitals. This article conceptualizes United States Catholic hospitals as having competing institutional forces that are not always compatible. To keep pace with the changing demands of religion and the social role of the hospital, Catholic hospitals continue to redefine themselves. An adaptive framework is used to explain choices Catholic hospitals may need to make to justify their existence.
Resource Criticality and Commodity Production Projections
Authors: Giurco Damien , Mohr Steve , Mudd Gavin , Mason Leah , Prior Timothy
Published: December 2012

Resource criticality arising from peak production of primary ores is explored in this paper. We combine the Geologic Resource Supply-Demand Model of Mohr [1] to project future resource production for selected commodities in Australia, namely iron and coal which together represent around 50% of the value of total Australian exports as well as copper, gold and lithium. The projections (based on current estimates of ultimately recoverable reserves) indicate that peak production in Australia would occur for lithium in 2015; for gold in 2021; for copper in 2024; for iron in 2039 and for coal in 2060. The quantitative analysis is coupled with the criticality framework for peak minerals of Mason et al. [2] comprising (i) resource availability, (ii) societal resource addiction to commodity use, and (iii) alternatives such as dematerialization or substitution to assess the broader dimension s of peak minerals production for Australia.
Probabilistic Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Reconstructions from X-Ray Images Spanning a Limited Angle
Authors: Frost Anja , Renners Eike , Hötter Michael , Ostermann Jörn
Published: December 2012

An important part of computed tomography is the calculation of a three-dimensional reconstruction of an object from series of X-ray images. Unfortunately, some applications do not provide sufficient X-ray images. Then, the reconstructed objects no longer truly represent the original. Inside of the volumes, the accuracy seems to vary unpredictably. In this paper, we introduce a novel method to evaluate any reconstruction, voxel by voxel. The evaluation is based on a sophisticated probabilistic handling of the measured X-rays, as well as the inclusion of a priori knowledge about the materials that the object receiving the X-ray examination consists of. For each voxel, the proposed method outputs a numerical value that represents the probability of existence of a predefined material at the position of the voxel while doing X-ray. Such a probabilistic quality measure was lacking so far. In our experiment, false reconstructed areas get detected by their low probability. In exact reconstructed areas, a high probability predominates. Receiver Operating Characteristics not only confirm the reliability of our quality measure but also demonstrate that existing methods are less suitable for evaluating a reconstruction.
A MULTI-CRITERIA EVALUATION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL TECHNOLOGIES APPLYING THE COPRAS-G METHOD
Authors: Barysienė Jurgita
Published: December 2012

Over the recent years, the usage of containers has dramatically increased; subsequently, port container terminals annually serve more and more intensive flows, which leads to the necessity to find the ways of increasing terminal performance in order to achieve that a growing number of containers would be expeditiously served. The minimization of container handling duration in a terminal would reduce the total transportation time and create preconditions for an increase in the efficiency of the transport chain. The article deals with the above introduced problem on the basis of research on container handling operations applying different technologies when the objective function is the optimization of the container handling cycle that includes assessing the parameters of terminal technical systems and determining the most rational container handling technology. For this purpose, the system of the factors directly influencing the container handling cycle and expert assessment estimating the weight of each factor of the overall handling duration have been determined. With reference to the obtained results and adapted multi-attribute assessment method COPRAS-G, the evaluation of traditional terminal technologies was performed thus determining the most efficient technology under supposed conditions.
ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS FROM THE ROAD TRANSPORT IN SPAIN: A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH
Authors: Pérez-Martínez Pedro José
Published: December 2012

The interurban road transport is one of the largest sources of emissions within all the economical sectors of Spain and accounts for 30% of the total energy consumption and subsequent CO2emissions. Fuel consumption, mostly gasoline and diesel, has decreased by −0.7% between 2004 and 2009 despite the increase of vehicle fleet (14.7%) and related travelled performances (3.1%). The paper estimates the energy consumption and subsequent emissions of CO2 and pollutants, CO, NOx, PM and NMVOC, of the interurban road transport in Spain for the period 2004–2009 by the use of a conceptual procedure. This procedure makes an effort to allocate the fuel sales, liters of diesel and gasoline, across different categories of vehicles (ages and technologies) operating on the interurban Spanish roads. In order to elaborate the inventory of energy consumption and emissions, the procedure uses the emission factors from the Copert process-based model, optimized for the Spanish interurban driving conditions. According to the inventory, total CO2 emissions have decreased from 68.0 Mt of CO2in 2004 to 66.9 Mt (−1.6%). This trend is due to diesel road vehicles. The CO2 emissions of gasoline vehicles and the total emission of related pollutants followed a downward trend due to technological improvements of vehicles and decrease of gasoline consumption. The CO2 emissions of diesel vehicles and the total emission of related pollutants followed an upward trend due to the increase of diesel consumption despite technological improvements of vehicles. Better estimates of energy consumption and emissions are possible in the future by using specific emission factors for different vehicle categories based on telemetric systems.
POLICY INSTRUMENTS FOR MANAGING ROAD SAFETY ON EU-ROADS
Authors: Laurinavičius Alfredas , Juknevičiūtė-Žilinskienė Lina , Ratkevičiūtė Kornelija , Lingytė Ineta , Čygaitė Laura , Grigonis Vytautas , Ušpalytė-Vitkūnienė Rasa , Antov Dago , Metsvahi Tiit , Toth-Szabo Zsuzsanna , Várhelyi András
Published: December 2012

Directive 2008/96/EC on road infrastructure safety management requires the establishment and implementation of procedures relating to road safety impact assessments (RSIA), road safety audits (RSA), ranking of high accident concentration sections and network safety ranking (NSR) and road safety inspections (RSI). The aim of this article is to present the outputs of BALTRIS project. The goal of the international project BALTRIS is to elaborate the road and street infrastructure safety management procedures and teaching material consistently explaining the above mentioned infrastructure management procedures. Four Baltic Sea region countries (Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), represented by universities and national road administrations participate in the elaboration of these procedures and teaching material. This article describes the scope of NSR, RSA and RSI procedures prepared in the frame of BALTRIS project, also article provides detailed implementation and execution of procedures for the EU Member States. NSR means a method for identifying, analysing and classifying parts of the existing road network according to their potential for safety development and accident cost savings. Ranking of high accident concentration sectionsmeans a method to identify, analyse and rank sections of the road network which have been in operation for 3÷5 years and upon which a large number of fatal/injury accidents in proportion to the traffic flow or compared to respective conditions have occurred. RSI is a strategic comparative analysis of the impact of the new road or a substantial modification to the existing network on the safety performance of the road network. RSA is a formal safety performance examination of the existing or future road or intersection by an independent audit team.
EVALUATING THE ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL IMPACT ON NATIONAL TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE POLICIES WITH ACCESSIBILITY VARIABLES
Authors: Álvarez-Herranz Agustín , Martínez-Ruiz María Pilar
Published: December 2012

This research aims to gauge the economic impact of the measures set out in the Strategic Infrastructure and Transport Plan, 2005–2020, as implemented by the Spanish government, on regional development. Contributing to regional development, this plan extends high capacity road networks and high performance rail networks in Spain between 2005 and 2020. To evaluate the plan, this research relies on an innovative technique based on panel data and accessibility indicators, which can quantify the plan's economic impact on regional development. Findings from the study provide a valuable tool for economic, geographic, and territorial assessments of policies implemented in the field of transport and infrastructure, whilst also pointing to guidelines for the design and development of further proposals and actions.
RESEARCH JOURNAL TRANSPORT: REVIEWING PROCESS IN 2012
Authors: Prentkovskis Olegas
Published: December 2012

„Research journal TRANSPORT: reviewing process in 2012" Transport, 27(4), p. 434-438
GENERATING THE OPEN SPACE 3D MODEL BASED ON LIDAR DATA
Authors: Kalantaitė Aušra , Paršeliūnas Eimuntas Kazimieras , Romanovas Denis , Šlikas Dominykas
Published: December 2012

An open space could be defined as a space, which is restricted by a surface, that is generated over the physical Earth‘s surface, natural and artificial objects, and in which the distances between its objects are less than given critical tolerance. In other words, we have in mind the moving objects of certain dimensions, which could freely move in such an open space. The technological peculiarities of an open space 3D model generation are analysed. In general, the two sources of data were suggested to apply: the raw LiDAR data and the orthophotomaps. The method for generating an open space surface is presented too. An open space 3D model of the experimental territory was generated. The data of single orthophotomap on a scale of 1:10000 was applied. LiDAR and orthophotomap data is for the year 2009.
Gate-keeper function of the intestinal epithelium
Authors: Brandtzaeg P.
Published: December 2012

There is currently a major focus on the role of the gut barrier function in balancing mucosal immune responses. Increased epithelial permeability for exogenous antigens is a crucial primary or secondary event in the pathogenesis of several disorders affecting body surfaces and beyond. The epithelial gate-keeper function is determined by the individual's age (e.g. preterm vs. term infant), diet, genetics, mucus composition, interactions between mast cells, nerves and neuropeptides, concurrent infection, the commensal microbiota and the epithelium-shielding effect of secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies provided by breast milk or produced in the individual's gut. The integrity of the epithelial barrier furthermore depends on homeostatic regulatory mechanisms, including mucosal induction of regulatory T cells, where commensal microbiota-host interactions apparently play decisive roles. Thus, both extrinsic and intrinsic factors have been identified that may have an impact on the dynamics of the epithelial cell-cell junctions in the gut and thereby increase or reduce paracellular permeability. Experiments have shown that SIgA normally cooperates with innate defence factors to protect the epithelium and reinforce its barrier function. In the absence of SIgA commensal gut bacteria overstimulate innate epithelial immunity at the expense of expression of genes that regulate fat and carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in an epithelial gene signature that correlates with the development of lipid malabsorption. This shows that the intestinal epithelial barrier is a cross-road between defence and nutrition, and that SIgA is essential to keep the balance between these two functions.
The absorption of natural vitamin C in horses and anti-oxidative capacity: a randomised, controlled study on trotters during a three-month intervention period
Authors: Winther K. , Kharazmi A. , Hansen A.S.V. , Falk-Rønne J.
Published: December 2012

The primary aim of the present study was to assess whether low dose vitamin C supplemented in its natural form, as a dried powder from selected subspecies of rosehip (Rosa canina), would result in a detectable increase in the concentration of blood vitamin C in horses supplemented daily for three months. In a secondary part of the study, the anti-oxidant capacity of the present treatment was also tested. Sixteen horses were randomly allocated to two groups and supplemented with either 25 g rosehip powder daily (equal to 125 mg natural vitamin C), or with 50 gram rosehip powder daily (equal to 250 mg vitamin C). Serum vitamin C was analysed both prior to supplementation and then again 14, 28 and 84 days following supplementation. Anti-oxidative capacity was assessed as the release of oxidative anions from polymorph-nucleated leucocytes prior to supplementation and after 14 and 84 days, respectively. Whilst there was a trend towards an increase in serum vitamin C concentration following 84 days of supplementation with 125 mg of natural vitamin C, this was not statistically significant. However, a significant increase in serum vitamin C concentration was observed following 14 days of supplementation with 250 mg vitamin C (P<0.02). The magnitude of this increase was greater following 28 and 84 days of supplementation (P<0.02 and P<0.02), respectively. Additionally, serum vitamin C concentration was significantly higher following supplementation with 250 versus 125 mg of vitamin C daily (P<0.03). The higher dose of natural vitamin C also resulted in a significant reduction in the release of oxidative anions (P<0.001). These results suggest that natural vitamin C from rosehip is absorbed sufficiently to raise serum vitamin C concentration and to reduce the liberation of oxidative anions in horses supplemented with less than 500 mg daily.
The effect of age and exercise training on insulin sensitivity, fat and muscle tissue cytokine profiles and body composition of old and young Standardbred mares
Authors: Liburt N.R. , Fugaro M.N. , Malinowski K. , Wunderlich E.K. , Zambito J.L. , Horohov D.W. , Betancourt A. , Boston R.C. , Geor R.J. , Onishi J. , McKeever K.H.
Published: December 2012

This study tested the hypothesis that old and young mares exhibit different endocrine responses to a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) and different cytokine profiles in blood, adipose and muscle tissues. It was also hypothesised that exercise training alters endocrine and tissue cytokine profiles. Pilot data from 15 mixed background horses indicated tissue differences in cytokine profiles. For the main study, six old (22.0±0.7 years) and six young (7.3±0.6 years; mean±SE) unfit Standardbred mares were tested pre- and post-training. Exercise training occurred three days/week for 15 weeks at ~60% maximum heart rate. Plasma insulin and glucose concentrations were measured via radioimmunoassay and enzyme-electrode interface, respectively. Samples of blood, middle gluteal muscle (RM), and subcutaneous adipose tissue from the neck (NF) were collected pre- and post-training for mRNA quantification. Minimal model analysis of FSIGT, repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson Product Moment were used to analyse data. The null hypothesis was rejected whenP≤l0.10. Post-training, old and young mares improved insulin sensitivity (SI) (P=0.08,P=0.01, respectively) and disposition index (P=0.04,P<0.001, respectively), but acute insulin response to glucose increased in young mares only (P=0.02). Old mares exhibited lower (P=0.06) average relative quantity (RQ) of tumour necrosis factor-alpha in NF compared to RM. Old mares showed greater RQ of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in NF compared to young (P=0.08). A negative correlation was observed between SI and IL-6 in NF post-training (P=0.07, R=-0.54), and a positive correlation occurred between SI and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in NF post-training (P=0.08, R=0.53). Exercise training improved pancreatic beta cell function and insulin sensitivity in old and young horses. Cytokines associated with glucose metabolism may have varied roles in different tissues.
Effect of selenium status on the response of unfit horses to exercise
Authors: Brummer M. , Hayes S. , Harlow B.E. , Strasinger L.A. , Dawson K.A. , Horohov D.W. , Lawrence L.M.
Published: December 2012

Exercise is known to increase reactive oxygen species and alter glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), a selenoenzyme responsible for neutralising hydrogen peroxide. This study evaluated the effect of selenium (Se) status on the response of unfit horses to mild exercise. 25 mature horses received one of four dietary treatments for 29 weeks: low Se (LS, n=6), adequate Se (AS, sodium selenite, n=6), high organic Se (SP; Sel-Plex®, n=7) or high inorganic Se (SS, sodium selenite, n=6). Total dietary Se concentration for LS, AS, SP and SS was 0.06, 0.12, 0.3 and 0.3 mg/kg respectively. Blood samples were collected before and at 0, 4 and 24 h after a 36 min exercise test covering 4.41 km. Blood samples were evaluated for blood GPx, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and blood pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Data were analysed as ANOVA with repeated measures. Prior to the exercise test blood Se was higher (P<0.01) for SP and SS than AS and LS. An effect of treatment and treatment×time (P<0.05) existed for GPx. Post-exercise GPx decreased in LS and did not recover by 24 h while remaining unchanged in AS. GPx increased in SP and decreased in SS post-exercise, but both returned to pre-values at 24 h. Serum MDA was elevated at 24 h (P<0.05), but unaffected by treatment. Serum CK and AST were unaffected by Se status (P≯0.05). Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was unaffected by Se status, although tumour necrosis factor alpha decreased immediately after exercise followed by an increase post-exercise while granzyme B was elevated immediately post-exercise (time, P<0.05). Overall Se status had minimal effects on exercise response in unfit horses. The differences in post-exercise GPx response may warrant further investigation.
La obra lexicográfica de Manuel Hurtado de Mendoza: sus diccionarios enciclopédicos de medicina
Authors: Gutiérrez Rodilla Bertha M.
Published: December 2012

La figura de Manuel Hurtado de Mendoza ya se ha analizado suficientemente en relación con sus aportaciones a la anatomía española de la primera mitad del siglo XIX o a la introducción en España de algunas novedades europeas. Sin embargo, todavía queda por estudiar buena parte de su obra, como ocurre con los diccionarios de medicina que compuso, dos enciclopédicos y uno terminológico. De los dos primeros nos ocupamos en este trabajo, en el que ponderaremos su importancia en un siglo en que la lexicografía especializada despegó en Europa, mientras que en España no alcanzó más que un tímido desarrollo.
Contribution to the knowledge of the Lepidoptera Fauna of the lower Sangro valley in the Abruzzo region of Central Italy
Authors: Zahm Norbert
Published: December 2012

We report the results of recording Lepidoptera in the lower Sangro valley during a period of 22 years. The investigations were devoted to Macroheterocera and were carried out in the two regional nature reserves Oasi di Serranella and Lecceta di Torino di Sangro. The listing also includes some Microlepidoptera as non-target species, as well as occasionally observed butterflies. The 401 recorded species are presented in a table indicating both the locality of the records and the observed flight times and periods of activity. Fifteen species are published for the Abruzzo region for the first time; 2 species are new for the Italian peninsula.
Larvicidal potentiality, longevity and fecundity inhibitory activities of Bacillus sphaericus (Bs G3-IV) on vector mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Nareshkumar Arjunan , Murugan Kadarkarai , Baruah Indra , Madhiyazhagan Pari , Nataraj Thiyagarajan
Published: December 2012

Intervention measures to control the transmission of vector-borne diseases include control of the vector population. In mosquito control, synthetic insecticides used against both the larvae (larvicides) and adults (adulticides) create numerous problems, such as environmental pollution, insecticide resistance and toxic hazards to humans. In the present study, a bacterial pesticide, Bacillus sphaericus (Bs G3-IV), was used to control the dengue and filarial vectors, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Bacillus sphaericus (Bs G3-IV) was very effective against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, showing significant larval mortality. Evaluated lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were age-dependent, with early instars requiring a lower concentration compared with later stages of mosquitoes. Culex quinquefasciatus was more susceptible to Bacillus sphaericus (Bs G3-IV) than was Aedes aegypti. Fecundity rate was highly reduced after treatment with different concentrations of Bacillus sphaericus (Bs G3-IV). Larval and pupal longevity both decreased after treatment with Bacillus sphaericus (Bs G3-IV), total number of days was lower in the B. sphaericus treatments compared with the control. Our results show the bacterial pesticide Bacillus sphaericus (Bs G3-IV) to be an effective mosquito control agent that can be used for more integrated pest management programs.
Insecticide susceptibility tests conducted in Kamhororo, Masakadza and Chilonga villages in Zimbabwe during the 2011 malaria period
Authors: Lukwa N. , Sande S. , Munosiyei P. , Zimba M.
Published: December 2012

Insecticide susceptibility tests using World Health Organization papers treated with 4% dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane (DDT), 0.05% deltamethrin, 0.05% lambda-cyhalothrin, 0.5% etofenprox, 0.15% cyfluthrin and 0.75% permethrin were conducted in Kamhororo, Masakadza and Chilonga villages, Zimbabwe. Three to 5-day old female Anopheles gambiae sensu lato adult mosquitoes were used. Deltamethrin knocked down 100% of the mosquitoes from Kamhororo, Masakadza and Chilonga at 35 min exposure. DDT did not knock down 100% of the mosquitoes from Kamhororo and Masakadza but did so in Chilonga. One hundred percent knockdown was achieved for cyfluthrin when exposed to mosquitoes from Kamhororo (60 min), Masakadza (25 min) and Chilonga (25 min). Etofenprox knocked down 100% of the mosquitoes collected from Kamhororo (30 min), Masakadza (30 min) and Chilonga (55 min). Knockdown of mosquitoes due to deltamethrin, DDT, cyfluthrin, permethrin; lambda-cyhalothrin and etofenprox were different at different observation times. One hundred percent mortality due to deltamethrin, DDT, etofenprox, lambdacyhalothrin and cyfluthrin was recorded for mosquitoes collected from all the 3 sites. One hundred percent mortality due to pemethrin was recorded for mosquitoes collected from Kamhororo and Chilonga but mortality was 98.5% for those collected from Masakadza. No knockdown or mortality occurred in the controls from each locality. The kd50 (knockdown of 50% of the mosquitoes) values were 24.4-73.7 min (DDT), 8-13 min (pemethrin), 9.4-16.3 min (cyfluthrin), 9.4-14.4 min (etofenprox), 8.7-13 min (lambda-cyhalothrin) and 12.1-15.9 min (deltamethrin). The kd90 (knockdown of 90% of the mosquitoes) values were 45.6-199.5 min (DDT), 14.7-26.5 min (pemethrin), 16.5-34.9 min (cyfluthrin), 21.8-24.4 min (etofenprox), 16.3-31.6 min (lambdacyhalothrin) and 21-25.3 min (deltamethrin). No insecticide resistance was recorded from the 3 sites.
A technique to dissect the alimentary canal of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei ), with isolation of internal microorganisms
Authors: Ceja-Navarro Javier A. , Brodie Eoin L. , Vega Fernando E.
Published: December 2012

A technique for dissecting the alimentary canal of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, is presented. The technique was developed to isolate and identify alimentary canal-associated microorganisms that might be involved in caffeine detoxification.
Cross Talk between Autophagy and Apoptosis in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Jin Yang , Choi Augustine M. K.
Published: December 2012

Endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis and apoptosis resistant proliferation have been proposed to play crucial roles in the development of featured plexiform lesions in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Subsequently, EC injury associated smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation facilitates vascular remodeling and eventually leads to narrowed vascular lumen, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, increased pulmonary arterial pressure, and right heart failure. The imbalance between cell death and proliferation occurs in every stage of pulmonary vascular remodeling and pathogenesis of PH, and involves every cell type in the vasculature including, but not limited to ECs, SMCs, and fibroblasts. Despite extensive studies, the detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms on how the transition from initial apoptosis of ECs to apoptosis resistant proliferation on ECs and SMCs remains unclear. Recent knowledge on autophagy, a conservative and powerful regulatory machinery existing in almost all mammalian cells, has shed light on the complex and delicate control on cell fate in the development of vascular remodeling in PH. In this review, we will discuss the recent understandings on how the cross‐talk between apoptosis and autophagy regulates cell death or proliferation in PH pathogenesis, particularly in pulmonary vascular remodeling involving ECs and SMCs.
New Models of Pulmonary Hypertension Based on VEGF Receptor Blockade‐Induced Endothelial Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Nicolls Mark R. , Mizuno Shiro , Taraseviciene‐Stewart Laima , Farkas Laszlo , Drake Jennnifer I. , Husseini Aysar Al , Gomez‐Arroyo Jose G. , Voelkel Norbert F. , Bogaard Herman J.
Published: December 2012

In spite of treatment, severe angioproliferative pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a disease characterized by great morbidity and shortened survival. New treatment strategies for patients with PAH are needed, and after drug development, preclinical studies are best conducted in animal models which present with pulmonary angio‐obliterative disease and right heart failure. A rat model of severe pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure, described a decade ago, continues to be investigated and provide insight into the nature of the lung vascular lesions and mechanisms of cardiac adaptation to an altered lung circulation. This rat model is based on the combination of VEGF receptor blockade with Su5416 and chronic hypoxia; use of this pulmonary hypertension induction strategy led to developing the concept of apoptosis‐dependent compensatory vascular cell growth. Although, often employed in experimental designs, chronic hypoxia is not necessary for the development of angio‐obliterative pulmonary hypertension. Left pneumonectomy combined with Su5416 also results in severe pulmonary hypertension in normoxic conditions. Similarly, the immune insufficiency component of severe PAH can be modeled in athymic rats (lacking T‐lymphocytes). In these rats housed under normoxic conditions, treatment with the VEGFR receptor blocker results in angioproliferative pulmonary hypertension; cardiopulmonary disease in these animals can be prevented by immune reconstitution of regulatory T‐cells (Tregs). Finally, chronic hypoxia can be replaced with another stimulator of HIF‐1α: Ovalbumin (Ova). Immunization of rats with Ova increases lung tissue HIF‐1α protein expression, and in Su5416‐treated rats causes lethal pulmonary hypertension. Finally, we postulate that these models may also be useful for “reverse translation”; that is, the mechanisms of lung vascular cell death and growth and the modifying influences of immune and bone marrow cells that have been identified in the Su5416 VEGFR inhibitor models can be informative about heretofore undescribed processes in human PAH.
Wall Shear Stress is Decreased in the Pulmonary Arteries of Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: An Image‐Based, Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Authors: Tang Beverly T. , Pickard Sarah S. , Chan Frandics P. , Tsao Philip S. , Taylor Charles A. , Feinstein Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2012

Previous clinical studies in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have concentrated predominantly on distal pulmonary vascular resistance, its contribution to the disease process, and response to therapy. However, it is well known that biomechanical factors such as shear stress have an impact on endothelial health and dysfunction in other parts of the vasculature. This study tested the hypothesis that wall shear stress is reduced in the proximal pulmonary arteries of PAH patients with the belief that reduced shear stress may contribute to pulmonary endothelial cell dysfunction and as a result, PAH progression. A combined MRI and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was used to construct subject‐specific pulmonary artery models and quantify flow features and wall shear stress (WSS) in five PAH patients with moderate‐to‐severe disease and five age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Three‐dimensional model reconstruction showed PAH patients have significantly larger main, right, and left pulmonary artery diameters (3.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 ± 0.1 cm, P = 0.01; 2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.9 ± 0.2 cm, P = 0.04; and 2.6 ± 0.4 vs. 2.0 ± 0.2 cm, P = 0.01, respectively), and lower cardiac output (3.7 ± 1.2 vs. 5.8 ± 0.6 L/min, P = 0.02.). CFD showed significantly lower time‐averaged central pulmonary artery WSS in PAH patients compared to controls (4.3 ± 2.8 vs. 20.5 ± 4.0 dynes/cm2, P = 0.0004). Distal WSS was not significantly different. A novel method of measuring WSS was utilized to demonstrate for the first time that WSS is altered in some patients with PAH. Using computational modeling in patient‐specific models, WSS was found to be significantly lower in the proximal pulmonary arteries of PAH patients compared to controls. Reduced WSS in proximal pulmonary arteries may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of PAH. This data may serve as a basis for future in vitro studies of, for example, effects of WSS on gene expression.