bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Reduction of Nitrogen Oxides by Nitrate Accumulation on Titanium Dioxide Photocatalytic Concrete Pavement
Authors: Osborn David , Hassan Marwa M. , Dylla Heather
Published: December 2012

Field trials of photocatalytic pavements were recently initiated and are being considered by many states (e.g., Virginia, Texas, New York, and Missouri). Results from this study are from the country's first air-purifying asphalt and concrete photocatalytic pavements on December 20, 2010. The test area was a pavement site located on the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge. The objective of this study was validation of photocatalytic degradation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) at the test site by measuring nitrate salts (NO3) deposited on the pavement surface. With quantification of the nitrate levels produced in the field attributable to photocatalytic activity, measurements were correlated to laboratory test results of NOx reduction efficiency. A field sampling procedure of NO3 deposited on the pavement surface is presented. On the basis of the results of the experimental program, the proposed method to quantify photocatalytic efficiency through nitrate measurements was successful. There was definite evidence that photocatalytic degradation of NOx was taking place in the treated section. In addition, the photocatalytic process was active during the first 4 days followed by a slight decrease in degradation of NOx. Full regeneration of photo catalytic activity took place through a self-cleaning process during a rain event. Six months of traffic and in-service operating conditions had negligible effects on the efficiency of the photocatalytic coating. In addition, there was good agreement between nitric oxide removal efficiency measured in the field after one day of nitrate accumulation and in the laboratory at the same relative humidity.
Field Evaluation of Ability of Photocatalytic Concrete Pavements to Remove Nitrogen Oxides
Authors: Dylla Heather , Hassan Marwa M. , Osborn David
Published: December 2012

Numerous laboratory studies have demonstrated the ability of nano and ultrafine titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalytic pavements to trap and degrade nitrogen oxides in the air when irradiated with ultraviolet light. However, to understand better how photocatalytic pavements will perform under real-world conditions, field studies are necessary. Quantification of the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in field studies is difficult and challenging because of the many environmental and operating variables. The objective of this paper is to identify evidence of photocatalytic NOx reduction and to determine the environmental and operating factors that affect efficiencies under real-world conditions. A quarter-mile concrete roadway was sprayed with a photocatalytic coating in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This section was the first field installation of TiO2 photocatalytic pavement in the United States. NOx concentrations were monitored for both the coated and uncoated sections simultaneously for 3 weeks during the spring season to measure photocatalytic degradation directly. Further, nitrates were collected from the coated and uncoated areas for evidence of photocatalytic NOx reduction. Results from both approaches show evidence of photocatalytic NOx reduction. Environmental factors with significant impact on photocatalytic efficiency include relative humidity, solar intensity, and wind speed and direction.
Development of Emulsion Residue Testing Framework for Improved Chip Seal Performance
Authors: Hanz Andrew J. , Johannes Petrina , Bahia Hussain U.
Published: December 2012

To promote sustainability and optimize funding, state highway agencies are integrating pavement preservation strategies into the management of their roadway networks. Chip seals, a prominent pavement preservation alternative, are traditionally being used on low-volume roads with success in many states. However, as advancements in emulsion formulations continue and the use of chip seals on medium- and high-traffic facilities becomes more prevalent, there is a need to improve the methods to select and specify chip seal emulsions. The objective of this study was to develop an emulsion testing framework that captured properties related to critical distresses observed for in-service chip seals and considered the effects of traffic, environment, and aging. The proposed testing framework recommended the use of the dynamic shear rheometer and bitumen bond strength test to evaluate high-, intermediate-, and low-temperature performance. The testing protocols were applied to recovered and pressure aging vessel–aged emulsion residues from six emulsions widely used in Wisconsin, which included two emulsifier chemistries and two types of modification. The base binders before emulsification were also tested to assess the effects of the emulsification process. Results indicated that the proposed test methods could characterize material performance and differentiate between emulsion types and types of modification; however, additional research is needed to establish the relationship between laboratory-measured residue properties and performance of the full chip seal.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection in Men with Genital Ulcer Disease (GUD) - as Observed in Dhaka Medical College Hospital
Authors: Mamun Shameem Al , Chowdhury M Abu Hena , Khan Rashed Mohammad , Sikder Md. Akram Ullah , Hoque M Mujibul
Published: December 2012

Genital herpes clinically underestimated because symptoms or sign occur only in some infection detected serologically. Prevalence of HSV subtypes in microbial etiology of Genital Ulcer Disease (GUD) in men, their association with clinical sign, complex of GUD and high-risk behavior were assessed. One hundred men with first episodes of genital ulcers were prospectively studied for serological evidence of syphilis (RPR and TPHA; T.pallidum IgM and IgG antibodies) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) proven chancroid and herpes. Demographic and epidemiological data were obtained in a standard interview. Positive syphilis serology observed in 11 cases, H. ducreyi detected in 65 cases and Herpes Simplex Virus in 13 cases. Among the PCR proven infections HSV type-2 detected in 7 cases, HSV type-1 in 4 cases and both HSV type-1 & 2 in 2 cases. Most of the HSV infections (92.3%) found as mixed infection with H. ducreyi. There was one PCR detected genital herpes case that was clinically undetermined. Among the PCR proven HSV infections clinical sign complex of genital herpes observed in one case, which had mixed microbial etiology. HSV infection was more prevalent in married than unmarried men (25.0% vs. 8.3%; P<0.05) and associated with early age promiscuous activity, multiple sexual partner, and sex with commercial sex workers and past infection with STDs. Presence of underdiagnosed HSV infection in men with GUD stress on the need for clinical suspicion of multiple infections. Patient with GUD should be carefully evaluated for HSV infection. Medicine Today 2010 Volume 22 Number 02 Page 55-61 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v22i2.12430
Study on Morphological and Clinical Characteristics of Herpes Zoster In A Tertiary Medical College Hospital
Authors: Uddin Md. Rokon , Bhuyain Md. Motahar Hossain , Akhter Farzana
Published: December 2012

Herpes zoster is caused by reactivation of VZV (varicella zoster virus) following primary infection or vaccination. VZV remains latent in sensory dorsal root ganglion cells. The virus begins to replicate in some later time, traveling down the sensory nerve into the skin. Forty one cases (3 children and 38 adults) of Herpes Zoster were assessed over a period of three and half years. Structured questionnaire, check-list and face-to-face interview were used as tools of data collection. The prevalence of herpes zoster amongst Skin & Eye OPD cases were found 0.60 percent. Maximum cases (23; 63.41%) were above 45 years of age. The male female ratio was 1.4:1.0. By socioeconomic status maximum patient from middle class (13; 31.70%), followed by poor (12; 26.26%) and very poor (11; 26.82%). Prodromal syndrome in maximum cases was paresthesia (13; 31.70%) and pain (11; 26.82%). Cases were mostly presented with pain (35; 85.36%). Twenty-three cases had classic herpes zoster followed by necrotic or ulcerated herpes zoster (16 cases) and hemorrhagic herpes zoster (2 case). Trigeminal dermatome was the most common involvement in 18 cases (43.9%) followed by thoracic dermatome 16 cases (39.02%). Unidermatomal involvement was seen in 97.56% cases (40) followed by multidermatomal 1 case (2.43%). Nine cases were screened for HIV-1 by ELISA, but none was detected as seropositive. . The analysis and findings put this recommendation that large scale study needed to examine the correlation ship between VZV infection and socioeconomic status of patients. Medicine Today 2010 Volume 22 Number 02 Page 80-82 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v22i2.12439
Management of Emergency Services in Some Selected Upazila Health Complexes
Authors: Khan Mohammad Kamruzzaman , Rahman Zahidur , Kaiser Fazlur Rahim , Ferdous Jannatul
Published: December 2012

Medicine Today 2010 Volume 22 Number 02 Page 88-91 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v22i2.12441
Trial of Square and Round Edge Intraocular Lens on Preventing Posterior Capsule Opacification
Authors: Chowdhury Prakash Kumar
Published: December 2012

Medicine Today 2010 Volume 22 Number 02 Page 92-93 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v22i2.12442
Portal Vein Thrombosis in Polycythaemia Vera: A Case Report
Authors: Kabir Amin Lutful , Khatun Hazera , Rahman Farzana , Habib Ahsan , Rahman Hafizur , Ur Rahaman Mohammad Ferdous
Published: December 2012

Portal vein thrombosis, commonly associated with cirrhosis of liver and thrombophilia, is one of the rare causes of sudden severe abdominal pain. In the absence of noncirrhotic non-malignant extra hepatic portal vein thrombosis (EPVT), myeloproliferative disease (MPD) should always be considered. We describe a case of Polycythaemia Vera (PV) presenting with severe abdominal pain due to portal vein thrombosis. The patient was prescribed life-long warfarin, beta adrenergic blocker and aspirin. Due to uncontrolled platelet and white blood cell count he was later prescribed cytoreductive therapy. Medicine Today 2010 Volume 22 Number 02 Page 99-102 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v22i2.12444
The Cranks for 5-Core Partitions
Authors: Kolitsch Louis
Published: December 2012

It is well known that the number of 5-core partitions of 5kn + 5k − 1 is a multiple of 5k. In [1] a statistic called a crank was developed to sort the 5-core partitions of 5n + 4 and 25n + 24 into 5 and 25 classes of equal size, respectively. In this paper we will develop the cranks that can be used to sort the 5-core partitions of 5kn + 5k − 1 into 5k classes of equal size.
Nuclear DNA-Content in Mesenchymal Lesions in Dogs: Its Value as Marker of Malignancy and Extent of Genomic Instability
Authors: Boerkamp Kim , Rutteman Gerard , Kik Marja , Kirpensteijn Jolle , Schulze Christoph , Grinwis Guy
Published: December 2012

DNA-aneuploidy may reflect the malignant nature of mesenchymal proliferations and herald gross genomic instability as a mechanistic factor in tumor genesis. DNA-ploidy and -index were determined by flow cytometry in canine inflammatory or neoplastic mesenchymal tissues and related to clinico-pathological features, biological behavior and p53 gene mutational status. Half of all sarcomas were aneuploid. Benign mesenchymal neoplasms were rarely aneuploid and inflammatory lesions not at all. The aneuploidy rate was comparable to that reported for human sarcomas with significant variation amongst subtypes. DNA-ploidy status in canines lacked a relation with histological grade of malignancy, in contrast to human sarcomas. While aneuploidy was related to the development of metastases in soft tissue sarcomas it was not in osteosarcomas. No relation amongst sarcomas was found between ploidy status and presence of P53 gene mutations. Heterogeneity of the DNA index between primary and metastatic sarcoma sites was present in half of the cases examined. Hypoploidy is more common in canine sarcomas and hyperploid cases have less deviation of the DNA index than human sarcomas. The variation in the presence and extent of aneuploidy amongst sarcoma subtypes indicates variation in genomic instability. This study strengthens the concept of interspecies variation in the evolution of gross chromosomal aberrations during cancer development.
Azithromycin Synergistically Enhances Anti-Proliferative Activity of Vincristine in Cervical and Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Xuezhang , Zhang Yuyan , Li Yong , Hao Xiujing , Liu Xiaoming , Wang Yujiong
Published: December 2012

In this study, the anti-proliferative and anticancer activity of azithromycin (AZM) was examined. In the presence of AZM, cell growth was inhibited more effectively in Hela and SGC-7901 cancer cells, relative to transformed BHK-21 cells. The respective 50% inhibition of cell growth (IC50) values for Hela, SGC-7901 and BHK-21 were 15.66, 26.05 and 91.00 µg/mL at 72 h post incubation, indicative of a selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Cell apoptosis analysis using Hoechst nuclear staining and annexin V-FITC binding assay further demonstrated that AZM was capable of inducing apoptosis in both cancer cells and transformed cells. The apoptosis induced by AZM was partly through a caspase-dependent mechanism with an up-regulation of apoptotic protein cleavage PARP and caspase-3 products, as well as a down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins, Mcl-1, bcl-2 and bcl-X1. More importantly, a combination of AZM and a low dose of the common anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent vincristine (VCR), produced a selectively synergistic effect on apoptosis of Hela and SGC-7901 cells, but not BHK-21 cells. In the presence of 12.50 μg/mL of VCR, the respective IC50 values of Hela, SGC-7901 and BHK-21 cells to AZM were reduced to 9.47 µg/mL, 8.43 µg/mL and 40.15 µg/mL at 72 h after the incubation, suggesting that the cytotoxicity of AZM had a selective anti-cancer effect on cancer over transformed cells in vitro. These results imply that AZM may be a potential anticancer agent for use in chemotherapy regimens, and it may minimize side effects via reduction of dosage and enhancing the effectiveness common chemotherapeutic drugs.
Entropy and Gravity
Authors: Grøn Øyvind
Published: December 2012

The effect of gravity upon changes of the entropy of a gravity-dominated system is discussed. In a universe dominated by vacuum energy, gravity is repulsive, and there is accelerated expansion. Furthermore, inhomogeneities are inflated and the universe approaches a state of thermal equilibrium. The difference between the evolution of the cosmic entropy in a co-moving volume in an inflationary era with repulsive gravity and a matter-dominated era with attractive gravity is discussed. The significance of conversion of gravitational energy to thermal energy in a process with gravitational clumping, in order that the entropy of the universe shall increase, is made clear. Entropy of black holes and cosmic horizons are considered. The contribution to the gravitational entropy according to the Weyl curvature hypothesis is discussed. The entropy history of the Universe is reviewed.
‘Purpose’ as a Way of Helping White Trainee History Teachers Engage with Diversity Issues
Authors: Harris Richard
Published: December 2012

Based on a three year action research project, this study examines one strand of that research, namely the impact that ‘purpose’, i.e. exploring the range of rationales for studying a subject, has in helping white trainee teachers embrace cultural and ethnic diversity within their teaching. Through ‘purpose’ trainees explored different reasons why history should be taught (and by implication what content should be taught and how it should be taught) and the relationship of these reasons to diversity. Focusing on ‘purpose’ appears to have a positive impact on many trainees from white, mono-ethnic backgrounds, enabling them to bring diversity into the school curriculum, in this case history teaching. It offers one way to counter concerns about issues of ‘whiteness’ in the teaching profession and by teaching a more relevant curriculum has a potential positive impact on the achievement of students from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Integrated Simulation Model for Energy Security Evaluation
Authors: Prambudia Yudha , Nakano Masaru
Published: December 2012

Energy security is a difficult issue to evaluate due to its polysemic and multifaceted nature. Recent studies have evaluated energy security by considering a multitude of dimensions (i.e., availability, affordability, etc.). However, these works lack coherence, as performance in one dimension is not necessarily relevant to performance in others. Due to this consideration, an ex-ante evaluation (i.e., policy analysis) of energy security cannot be reliably performed. This paper proposes an integrated simulation approach to address this apparent shortcoming. We consider energy security performance as a feature that emerges from interactions between the components of energy security dimensions. Integration is completed by identifying and establishing relationships between these components. A model is developed for the simulation that uses system dynamics as a modeling tool. The evaluation of Indonesia’s energy security is presented as an example. It is found that the policies intended to improve Indonesia’s energy security may conflict with each other. Increasing energy production will maintain the performance of the availability dimension at a high level in the short term, but this benefit is outweighed by the resulting degradation to the performance of the acceptability dimension. Subsidy elimination will increase the availability of energy due to lower energy consumption at the expense of maintaining energy affordability for the public. This study shows that the interrelationships between the dimensions of energy security is an important aspect to consider in energy security evaluations, as they can reveal tradeoffs between policies and improve the reliability of analyses.
Food Security—A Commentary: What Is It and Why Is It So Complicated?
Authors: Gibson Mark
Published: December 2012

Every year over 10 million people die of hunger and hunger related diseases. Nearly six million of these are children under the age of five; that is one child’s death approximately every six seconds. Understanding how this still occurs amid the ever increasing social enlightenment of the 21st century—and under the auspices of a vigilant global developmental community—is one of the key challenges of our time. The science of food security aims to address such concerns. By understanding the multiplicity of the phenomenon, practitioners of global multilateral hegemony seek to shape appropriate policy to address these issues. The difficulty however is that the phenomenon is increasingly wrapped up inside an ever growing bundle of societal aspirations including inter-alia under-nutrition, poverty, sustainability, free trade, national self sufficiency, reducing female subjugation and so on. Any solutions therefore, involve fully understanding just what is indeed included, implied, understood or excluded within the food security catchall. Indeed, until such time as consensus can be found that adequately binds the phenomenon within a fixed delineated concept, current efforts to address the multitude of often divergent threads only serves to dilute efforts and confound attempts to once-and-for-all bring these unacceptable figures under control.
Uneven Magnitude of Disparities in Cancer Risks from Air Toxics
Authors: James Wesley , Jia Chunrong , Kedia Satish
Published: December 2012

This study examines race- and income-based disparities in cancer risks from air toxics in Cancer Alley, LA, USA. Risk estimates were obtained from the 2005 National Air Toxics Assessment and socioeconomic and race data from the 2005 American Community Survey, both at the census tract level. Disparities were assessed using spatially weighted ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and quantile regression (QR) for five major air toxics, each with cancer risk greater than 10−6. Spatial OLS results showed that disparities in cancer risks were significant: People in low-income tracts bore a cumulative risk 12% more than those in high-income tracts (p < 0.05), and those in black-dominant areas 16% more than in white-dominant areas (p < 0.01). Formaldehyde and benzene were the two largest contributors to the disparities. Contributions from emission sources to disparities varied by compound. Spatial QR analyses showed that magnitude of disparity became larger at the high end of exposure range, indicating worsened disparity in the poorest and most highly concentrated black areas. Cancer risk of air toxics not only disproportionately affects socioeconomically disadvantaged and racial minority communities, but there is a gradient effect within these groups with poorer and higher minority concentrated segments being more affected than their counterparts. Risk reduction strategies should target emission sources, risk driver chemicals, and especially the disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Risk Assessment and Hierarchical Risk Management of Enterprises in Chemical Industrial Parks Based on Catastrophe Theory
Authors: Chen Yu , Song Guobao , Yang Fenglin , Zhang Shushen , Zhang Yun , Liu Zhenyu
Published: December 2012

According to risk systems theory and the characteristics of the chemical industry, an index system was established for risk assessment of enterprises in chemical industrial parks (CIPs) based on the inherent risk of the source, effectiveness of the prevention and control mechanism, and vulnerability of the receptor. A comprehensive risk assessment method based on catastrophe theory was then proposed and used to analyze the risk levels of ten major chemical enterprises in the Songmu Island CIP, China. According to the principle of equal distribution function, the chemical enterprise risk level was divided into the following five levels: 1.0 (very safe), 0.8 (safe), 0.6 (generally recognized as safe, GRAS), 0.4 (unsafe), 0.2 (very unsafe). The results revealed five enterprises (50%) with an unsafe risk level, and another five enterprises (50%) at the generally recognized as safe risk level. This method solves the multi-objective evaluation and decision-making problem. Additionally, this method involves simple calculations and provides an effective technique for risk assessment and hierarchical risk management of enterprises in CIPs.
Contribution to Surface Water Contamination Understanding by Pesticides and Pharmaceuticals, at a Watershed Scale
Authors: Piel Stéphanie , Baurès Estelle , Thomas Olivier
Published: December 2012

This study aims at understanding the presence of regulated and emerging micropollutants, particularly pesticides and pharmaceuticals, in surface water, regarding spatial and temporal influences at a watershed scale. The study of relations between micropollutants and other water quality and hydroclimatic parameters was carried out from a statistical analysis on historical and experimental data of different sampling sites from the main watershed of Brittany, western France. The outcomes point out the influence of urban and rural areas of the watershed as well as the impact of seasons on contamination variations. This work contributes to health risk assessment related to surface water contamination by micropollutants. This approach is particularly interesting in the case of agricultural watersheds such as the one studied, where more than 80% of surface water is used to produce drinking water.
Sensing and Responding to UV-A in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Moon Yoon-Jung , Kim Seung , Chung Young-Ho
Published: December 2012

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause stresses or act as a photoregulatory signal depending on its wavelengths and fluence rates. Although the most harmful effects of UV on living cells are generally attributed to UV-B radiation, UV-A radiation can also affect many aspects of cellular processes. In cyanobacteria, most studies have concentrated on the damaging effect of UV and defense mechanisms to withstand UV stress. However, little is known about the activation mechanism of signaling components or their pathways which are implicated in the process following UV irradiation. Motile cyanobacteria use a very precise negative phototaxis signaling system to move away from high levels of solar radiation, which is an effective escape mechanism to avoid the detrimental effects of UV radiation. Recently, two different UV-A-induced signaling systems for regulating cyanobacterial phototaxis were characterized at the photophysiological and molecular levels. Here, we review the current understanding of the UV-A mediated signaling pathways in the context of the UV-A perception mechanism, early signaling components, and negative phototactic responses. In addition, increasing evidences supporting a role of pterins in response to UV radiation are discussed. We outline the effect of UV-induced cell damage, associated signaling molecules, and programmed cell death under UV-mediated oxidative stress.
Large-Scale Isolation of Microsatellites from Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis via a Solexa Genomic Survey
Authors: Xiong Liang-Wei , Wang Qun , Qiu Gao-Feng
Published: December 2012

Microsatellites are simple sequence repeats with a high degree of polymorphism in the genome; they are used as DNA markers in many molecular genetic studies. Using traditional methods such as the magnetic beads enrichment method, only a few microsatellite markers have been isolated from the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis, as the crab genome sequence information is unavailable. Here, we have identified a large number of microsatellites from the Chinese mitten crab by taking advantage of Solexa genomic surveying. A total of 141,737 SSR (simple sequence repeats) motifs were identified via analysis of 883 Mb of the crab genomic DNA information, including mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta- and hexa-nucleotide repeat motifs. The number of di-nucleotide repeat motifs was 82,979, making this the most abundant type of repeat motif (58.54%); the second most abundant were the tri-nucleotide repeats (42,657, 30.11%). Among di-nucleotide repeats, the most frequent repeats were AC motifs, accounting for 67.55% of the total number. AGG motifs were the most frequent (59.32%) of the tri-nucleotide motifs. A total of 15,125 microsatellite loci had a flanking sequence suitable for setting the primer of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To verify the identified SSRs, a subset of 100 primer pairs was randomly selected for PCR. Eighty two primer sets (82%) produced strong PCR products matching expected sizes, and 78% were polymorphic. In an analysis of 30 wild individuals from the Yangtze River with 20 primer sets, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2–14 and the mean allelic richness was 7.4. No linkage disequilibrium was found between any pair of loci, indicating that the markers were independent. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test showed significant deviation in four of the 20 microsatellite loci after sequential Bonferroni corrections. This method is cost- and time-effective in comparison to traditional approaches for the isolation of microsatellites.
A Comparative Analysis of the Photo-Protective Effects of Soy Isoflavones in Their Aglycone and Glucoside Forms
Authors: Iovine Barbara , Iannella Maria , Gasparri Franco , Giannini Valentina , Monfrecola Giuseppe , Bevilacqua Maria
Published: December 2012

Isoflavones exist in nature predominantly as glucosides such as daidzin or genistin and are rarely found in their corresponding aglycone forms daidzein and genistein. The metabolism and absorption of isoflavones ingested with food is well documented, but little is known about their use as topical photo-protective agents. The aim of this study was to investigate in a comparative analysis the photo-protective effects of isoflavones in both their aglycone and glucoside forms. In human skin fibroblasts irradiated with 60 mJ/cm2 ultraviolet B (UVB), we measured the expression levels of COX-2 and Gadd45, which are involved in inflammation and DNA repair, respectively. We also determined the cellular response to UVB-induced DNA damage using the comet assay. Our findings suggest that both the isoflavone glucosides at a specific concentration and combination with an aglycone mixture exerted an anti-inflammatory and photo-protective effect that prevented 41% and 71% of UVB-induced DNA damage, respectively. The advantages of using either isoflavone glucosides or an aglycone mixture in applications in the field of dermatology will depend on their properties and their different potential uses.
1-Benzyl-2-Phenylbenzimidazole (BPB), a Benzimidazole Derivative, Induces Cell Apoptosis in Human Chondrosarcoma through Intrinsic and Extrinsic Pathways
Authors: Liu Ju-Fang , Huang Yuan-Li , Yang Wei-Hung , Chang Chih-Shiang , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: December 2012

In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of a new benzimidazole derivative, 1-benzyl-2-phenyl -benzimidazole (BPB), in human chondrosarcoma cells. BPB-mediated apoptosis was assessed by the MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. The in vivo efficacy was examined in a JJ012 xenograft model. Here we found that BPB induced apoptosis in human chondrosarcoma cell lines (JJ012 and SW1353) but not in primary chondrocytes. BPB induced upregulation of Bax, Bad and Bak, downregulation of Bcl-2, Bid and Bcl-XL and dysfunction of mitochondria in chondrosarcoma. In addition, BPB also promoted cytosolic releases AIF and Endo G. Furthermore, it triggered extrinsic death receptor-dependent pathway, which was characterized by activating Fas, FADD and caspase-8. Most importantly, animal studies revealed a dramatic 40% reduction in tumor volume after 21 days of treatment. Thus, BPB may be a novel anticancer agent for the treatment of chondrosarcoma.
Polydopamine-Supported Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Nirasay Souryvanh , Badia Antonella , Leclair Grégoire , Claverie Jerome , Marcotte Isabelle
Published: December 2012

We report the formation of lipid membranes supported by a soft polymeric cushion of polydopamine. First, 20 nm thick polydopamine films were formed on mica substrates. Atomic force microscopy imaging indicated that these films were also soft with a surface roughness of 2 nm under hydrated conditions. A zwitterionic phospholipid bilayer was then deposited on the polydopamine cushion by fusion of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) vesicles. Polydopamine films preserved the lateral mobility of the phospholipids as shown by fluorescence microscopy recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments. Diffusion coefficients of ~5.9 and 7.2 µm2 s−1 were respectively determined for DMPC and DOPC at room temperature, values which are characteristic of lipids in a free standing bilayer system.
In Vitro Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity and GC-MS Analysis of Mazus goodenifolius
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Rasool Nasir , Bukhari Iftikhar , Shahid Muhammad , Zubair Muhammad , Rizwan Komal , Rashid Umer
Published: December 2012

The antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of Mazus goodenifolius (Hornem.) Pennell essential oil, methanol extract and some solvent-extracted subfractions of the latter were appraised. A qualitative, quantitative analysis of the classes of phytochemicals in the various fractions and GC-MS analysis of the essential oil was carried out. The activity of the plant extract and various subfractions against selected bacterial (Pasturella multocida, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal strains (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata and Rhizopus solani) was evaluated. The antioxidant activity was assayed using the DPPH radical scavenging and % inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation tests. In the DPPH radical scavenging test the IC50 values ranged from 7.21 to 91.79 µg/mL, and in the latter the range of % peroxidation inhibition was 35.42–93.48%. Protective effects of the absolute methanol extract, which had the highest content of phenolics and flavonoids, against H2O2 induced oxidative damage in plasmid pBR322 DNA was also evaluated, and it was found to offer some protection at the highest tested dose (1,000 µg/mL). Finally the cytotoxicity of the plant extract, fractions and essential oil was analyzed by examining haemolytic activity against human blood erythrocytes (RBCs), whereby the % lysis of RBCs was found to be in the range of 1.65 to 4.01%.
Development of a Novel, Fully-Automated Genotyping System: Principle and Applications
Authors: Suzuki Shun-ichi , Komori Mariko , Hirai Mitsuharu , Ureshino Norio , Kimura Shinya
Published: December 2012

Genetic testing prior to treatment, pharmacogenetic analysis, is key to realizing personalized medicine which is a topic that has attracted much attention recently. Through the optimization of therapy selection and dosage, a reduction in side effects is expected. Genetic testing has been conducted as a type of pharmacogenetic analysis in recent years, but it faces challenges in terms of cost effectiveness and its complicated procedures. Here we report on the development of a novel platform for genetic testing, the i-densyTM, with the use of quenching probe system (QP-system) as principle of mutant detection. The i-densyTM automatically performs pre-treatment, PCR and detection to provide the test result from whole blood and extracted DNA within approximately 90 and 60 min, respectively. Integration of all steps into a single platform greatly reduces test time and complicated procedures. An even higher-precision genetic analysis has been achieved through the development of novel and highly-specific detection methods. The applications of items measured using the i-densyTM are diverse, from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), such as CYP2C19 and UGT1A1, to somatic mutations associated with cancer, such as EGFR, KRAS and JAK2. The i-densyTM is a useful tool for optimization of anticancer drug therapy and can contribute to personalized medicine.
Design and Test of a Soft Plantar Force Measurement System for Gait Detection
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Zhao Yulong , Duan Zhengyong , Liu Yan
Published: December 2012

This work describes a plantar force measurement system. The MEMS pressure sensor, as the key sensing element, is designed, fabricated and embedded into a flexible silicon oil-filled bladder made of silicon rubber to constitute a single sensing unit. A conditioning circuit is designed for signal processing and data acquisition. The characteristics of the plantar force sensing unit are investigated by both static and dynamic tests. A comparison of characteristics between the proposed plantar force sensing unit and a commercial flexible force sensor is presented. A practical experiment of plantar force measurement has been carried out to validate the system. The results demonstrate that the proposed measurement system has a potential for success in the application of plantar force measurement during normal gait.
Development of a Murine Model for Aerosolized Ebolavirus Infection Using a Panel of Recombinant Inbred Mice
Authors: Zumbrun Elizabeth , Abdeltawab Nourtan , Bloomfield Holly , Chance Taylor , Nichols Donald , Harrison Paige , Kotb Malak , Nalca Aysegul
Published: December 2012

Countering aerosolized filovirus infection is a major priority of biodefense research. Aerosol models of filovirus infection have been developed in knock-out mice, guinea pigs and non-human primates; however, filovirus infection of immunocompetent mice by the aerosol route has not been reported. A murine model of aerosolized filovirus infection in mice should be useful for screening vaccine candidates and therapies. In this study, various strains of wild-type and immunocompromised mice were exposed to aerosolized wild-type (WT) or mouse-adapted (MA) Ebola virus (EBOV). Upon exposure to aerosolized WT-EBOV, BALB/c, C57BL/6 (B6), and DBA/2 (D2) mice were unaffected, but 100% of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and 90% of signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat1) knock-out (KO) mice became moribund between 7–9 days post-exposure (dpe). Exposure to MA-EBOV caused 15% body weight loss in BALB/c, but all mice recovered. In contrast, 10–30% lethality was observed in B6 and D2 mice exposed to aerosolized MA-EBOV, and 100% of SCID, Stat1 KO, interferon (IFN)-γ KO and Perforin KO mice became moribund between 7–14 dpe. In order to identify wild-type, inbred, mouse strains in which exposure to aerosolized MA-EBOV is uniformly lethal, 60 BXD (C57BL/6 crossed with DBA/2) recombinant inbred (RI) and advanced RI (ARI) mouse strains were exposed to aerosolized MA-EBOV, and monitored for disease severity. A complete spectrum of disease severity was observed. All BXD strains lost weight but many recovered. However, infection was uniformly lethal within 7 to 12 days post-exposure in five BXD strains. Aerosol exposure of these five BXD strains to 10-fold less MA-EBOV resulted in lethality ranging from 0% in two strains to 90–100% lethality in two strains. Analysis of post-mortem tissue from BXD strains that became moribund and were euthanized at the lower dose of MA-EBOV, showed liver damage in all mice as well as lung lesions in two of the three strains. The two BXD strains that exhibited 90–100% mortality, even at a low dose of airborne MA-EBOV will be useful mouse models for testing vaccines and therapies. Additionally, since disease susceptibility is affected by complex genetic traits, a systems genetics approach was used to identify preliminary gene loci modulating disease severity among the panel BXD strains. Preliminary quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified that are likely to harbor genes involved in modulating differential susceptibility to Ebola infection.
Reversal of Diabetes in Mice with a Bioengineered Islet Implant Incorporating a Type I Collagen Hydrogel and Sustained Release of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Vernon Robert B. , Preisinger Anton , Gooden Michel D. , D'amico Leonard A. , Yue Betty B. , Bollyky Paul L. , Kuhr Christian S. , Hefty Thomas R. , Nepom Gerald T. , Gebe John A.
Published: December 2012

We have developed a bioengineered implant (BI) to evaluate strategies to promote graft survival and function in models of islet transplantation in mice. The BI, sized for implantation within a fold of intestinal mesentery, consists of a disk-shaped, polyvinyl alcohol sponge infused with a type I collagen hydrogel that contains dispersed donor islets. To promote islet vascularization, the BI incorporates a spherical alginate hydrogel for sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). BIs that contained 450–500 islets from syngeneic (C57B1/6) donors and 20 ng of VEGF reversed streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in 100% of mice (8/8), whereas BIs that contained an equivalent number of islets, but which lacked VEGF, reversed STZ-induced diabetes in only 62.5% of mice (5/8). Between these “+VEGF” and “–VEGF” groups, the time to achieve normoglycemia (8–18 days after implantation) did not differ statistically; however, transitory, postoperative hypoglycemia was markedly reduced in the +VEGF group relative to the –VEGF group. Notably, none of the mice that achieved normoglycemia in these two groups required exogenous insulin therapy once the BIs began to fully regulate levels of blood glucose. Moreover, the transplanted mice responded to glucose challenge in a near-normal manner, as compared to the responses of healthy, nondiabetic (control) mice that had not received STZ. In future studies, the BIs described here will serve as platforms to evaluate the capability of immunomodulatory compounds, delivered locally within the BI, to prevent or reverse diabetes in the setting of autoimmune (type 1) diabetes.
Clinical Outcome of Hepatocyte Transplantation in Four Pediatric Patients with Inherited Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Ribes-Koninckx Carmen , Ibars Eugenia Pareja , Agrasot Maria Ángeles Calzado , Bonora-Centelles Ana , Miquel Begoña Polo , Carbó Juan José Vila , Aliaga Ester Donat , Pallardó Jose Mir , Gómez-Lechón Maria José , Castell Jose V.
Published: December 2012

Hepatocyte transplantation (HT) has become an effective therapy for patients with metabolic inborn errors. We report the clinical outcome of four children with metabolic inborn errors that underwent HT, describing the cell infusion protocol and the metabolic outcome of transplanted patients. Cryopreserved hepatocytes were used as this allows scheduling of treatments. Functional competence (viability, cell attachment, major cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 activities, and urea synthesis) and microbiological safety of cell batches were assessed prior to clinical use. Four pediatric patients with liver metabolic diseases [ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, Crigler–Najjar (CNI) syndrome, glycogen storage disease Ia (GSD-Ia), and tyrosinemia type I (TYR-I)] underwent HT. Indication for HT was based on severity of disease, deterioration of quality of life, and benefits for the patients, with the ultimate goal to improve their clinical status whenever liver transplantation (LT) was not indicated or to bridge LT. Cells were infused into the portal vein while monitoring portal flow. The protocol included antibiotic prophylaxis and immunosuppressant therapy. After HT, analytical data on the disease were obtained. The OTC-deficient patient showed a sustained decrease in plasma ammonia levels and increased urea production after HT. Further cell infusions could not be administered given a fatal nosocomial fungus sepsis 2 weeks after the last HT. The CNI and GSD-Ia patients improved their clinical status after HT. They displayed reduced serum bilirubin levels (by ca. 50%) and absence of hypoglycaemic episodes, respectively. In both cases, the HT contributed to stabilize their clinical status as LT was not indicated. In the infant with TYR-I, HT stabilized temporarily the biochemical parameters, resulting in the amelioration of his clinical status while diagnosis of the disease was unequivocally confirmed by full gene sequencing. In this patient, HT served as a bridge therapy to LT.
Adult-Derived Human Liver Progenitor Cells in Long-Term Culture Maintain Appropriate Gatekeeper Mechanisms against Transformation
Authors: Scheers Isabelle , Maerckx Cedric , Khuu Dung Ngoc , Marcelle Sabrina , Decottignies Anabelle , Najimi Mustapha , Sokal Etienne
Published: December 2012

The use of human liver progenitor cells in the development of clinical cell therapy depends on their constant availability and unaltered properties during culture. The present study investigates the effects of long-term in vitro culture on the specific characteristics of these cells and on their genetic stability. Adult-derived human liver progenitor cells (ADHLPCs) were isolated from 12 donors and cultured until senescence and cell death. Cells were analyzed at different time points for their phenotype stability and differentiation potential. In addition, growth characteristics, chromosomal karyotype, telomere maintenance mechanisms, and activity of cell cycle-related genes were studied. Finally, their in vivo tumorigenicity was investigated in a xenograft assay. The long-term culture of ADHLPCs revealed a variable proliferation capacity. Cells maintained their original phenotype and acquired hepatocyte-like metabolic functions after differentiation. Eight of the 12 cell populations grew fast (doubling time of 6.3 days) during a limited time period (mean, 116.2 days), and mainly presented normal cytogenetic features. The four other cell cultures presented an early decline in growth potential (doubling time of 28.6 days) and premature senescence. Chromosomal alterations were detected in three of four cultures at passage 6. Cytogenetic anomalies were not correlated with tumorigenic potential in vitro or in vivo, and expression of cell cycle-related genes was appropriately upregulated, inducing senescence. Although chromosomal anomalies may occur in long-term cell cultures, neither transformation nor alteration of their characteristics was noted during in vitro expansion. All ADHLPCs reached senescence and growth arrest. Presenescent ADHLPCs might therefore be considered as a suitable source for liver-based cell therapy.
Effect of Timing of Dialysis Commencement on Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Planned Initiation of Peritoneal Dialysis in the Ideal Trial
Authors: Johnson David W. , Wong Muh Geot , Cooper Bruce A. , Branley Pauline , Bulfone Liliana , Collins John F. , Craig Jonathan C. , Fraenkel Margaret B. , Harris Anthony , Kesselhut Joan , Li Jing Jing , Luxton Grant , Pilmore Andrew , Tiller David J. , Harris David C. , Pollock Carol A.
Published: December 2012

♦ Background

Since the mid-1990s, early dialysis initiation has dramatically increased in many countries. The Initiating Dialysis Early and Late (IDEAL) study demonstrated that, compared with late initiation, planned early initiation of dialysis was associated with comparable clinical outcomes and increased health care costs. Because residual renal function is a key determinant of outcome and is better preserved with peritoneal dialysis (PD), the present pre-specified subgroup analysis of the IDEAL trial examined the effects of early- compared with late-start dialysis on clinical outcomes in patients whose planned therapy at the time of randomization was PD.

♦ Methods

Adults with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 10 – 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 who planned to be treated with PD were randomly allocated to commence dialysis at an eGFR of 10 – 14 mL/min/1.73 m2 (early start) or 5 – 7 mL/min/1.73 m2 (late start). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

♦ Results

Of the 828 IDEAL trial participants, 466 (56%) planned to commence PD and were randomized to early start ( n = 233) or late start ( n = 233). The median times from randomization to dialysis initiation were, respectively, 2.03 months [interquartile range (IQR):1.67 – 2.30 months] and 7.83 months (IQR: 5.83 – 8.83 months). Death occurred in 102 early-start patients and 96 late-start patients [hazard ratio: 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79 – 1.37]. No differences in composite cardiovascular events, composite infectious deaths, or dialysis-associated complications were observed between the groups. Peritonitis rates were 0.73 episodes (95% CI: 0.65 – 0.82 episodes) per patient–year in the early-start group and 0.69 episodes (95% CI: 0.61 – 0.78 episodes) per patient–year in the late-start group (incidence rate ratio: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.86 – 1.65; p = 0.29). The proportion of patients planning to commence PD who actually initiated dialysis with PD was higher in the early-start group (80% vs 70%, p = 0.01).

♦ Conclusion

Early initiation of dialysis in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease who planned to be treated with PD was associated with clinical outcomes comparable to those seen with late dialysis initiation. Compared with early-start patients, late-start patients who had chosen PD as their planned dialysis modality were less likely to commence on PD.