bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amelioration of Glucolipotoxicity-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by a “Chemical Chaperone” in Human THP-1 Monocytes
Authors: Lenin Raji , Maria Mariawilliam Sneha , Agrawal Madhur , Balasubramanyam Jayashree , Mohan Viswanathan , Balasubramanyam Muthuswamy
Published: April 2012

Chronic ER stress is emerging as a trigger that imbalances a number of systemic and arterial-wall factors and promote atherosclerosis. Macrophage apoptosis within advanced atherosclerotic lesions is also known to increase the risk of atherothrombotic disease. We hypothesize that glucolipotoxicity might mediate monocyte activation and apoptosis through ER stress. Therefore, the aims of this study are (a) to investigate whether glucolipotoxicity could impose ER stress and apoptosis in THP-1 human monocytes and (b) to investigate whether 4-Phenyl butyric acid (PBA), a chemical chaperone could resist the glucolipotoxicity-induced ER stress and apoptosis. Cells subjected to either glucolipotoxicity or tunicamycin exhibited increased ROS generation, gene and protein (PERK, GRP-78, IRE1α, and CHOP) expression of ER stress markers. In addition, these cells showed increased TRPC-6 channel expression and apoptosis as revealed by DNA damage and increased caspase-3 activity. While glucolipotoxicity/tunicamycin increased oxidative stress, ER stress, mRNA expression of TRPC-6, and programmed the THP-1 monocytes towards apoptosis, all these molecular perturbations were resisted by PBA. Since ER stress is one of the underlying causes of monocyte dysfunction in diabetes and atherosclerosis, our study emphasize that chemical chaperones such as PBA could alleviate ER stress and have potential to become novel therapeutics.
Thoracic Saccular Aortic Aneurysm Presenting with Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy prior to Aneurysm Rupture: A Prodrome of Thoracic Aneurysm Rupture?
Authors: Ohki Masafumi
Published: April 2012

Left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy rarely results from cardiac disease. We present 2 cases of left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy caused by thoracic saccular aortic aneurysms. One patient suffered an aortic aneurysm rupture one month after the advent of hoarseness, necessitating emergency surgery with aortic arch replacement. The other patient underwent elective aortic arch replacement surgery. Both saccular aortic aneurysms protruded downward in the aortopulmonary window to compress the recurrent laryngeal nerves. This is only the 5th case report of the rare occurrence of acute recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy subsequent to saccular aneurysm rupture in the English literature. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy does not always indicate imminent aneurysm rupture, but should trigger awareness of a potential rupture in the near future. Left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy might be a prodrome of aneurysm rupture.
Zymophagy: Selective Autophagy of Secretory Granules
Authors: Vaccaro Maria I.
Published: April 2012

Timing is everything. That's especially true when it comes to the activation of enzymes created by the pancreas to break down food. Pancreatic enzymes are packed in secretory granules as precursor molecules called zymogens. In physiological conditions, those zymogens are activated only when they reach the gut, where they get to work releasing and distributing nutrients that we need to survive. If this process fails and the enzymes are prematurely activated within the pancreatic cell, before they are released from the gland, they break down the pancreas itself causing acute pancreatitis. This is a painful disease that ranges from a mild and autolimited process to a severe and lethal condition. Recently, we demonstrated that the pancreatic acinar cell is able to switch on a refined mechanism that could explain the autolimited form of the disease. This is a novel selective form of autophagy named zymophagy, a cellular process to specifically detect and degrade secretory granules containing activated enzymes before they can digest the organ. In this work, we revise the molecules and mechanisms that mediate zymophagy, a selective autophagy of secretory granules.
Salivary Protein Profiles among HER2/neu-Receptor-Positive and -Negative Breast Cancer Patients: Support for Using Salivary Protein Profiles for Modeling Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Streckfus Charles F. , Arreola Daniel , Edwards Cynthia , Bigler Lenora
Published: April 2012

Purpose. The objective of this study was to compare the salivary protein profiles from individuals diagnosed with breast cancer that were either HER2/neu receptor positive or negative.Methods. Two pooled saliva specimens underwent proteomic analysis. One pooled specimen was from women diagnosed with stage IIa HER2/neu-receptor-positive breast cancer patients (n=10) and the other was from women diagnosed with stage IIa HER2/neu-receptor-negative cancer patients (n=10). The pooled samples were trypsinized and the peptides labeled with iTRAQ reagent. Specimens were analyzed using an LC-MS/MS mass spectrometer.Results. The results yielded approximately 71 differentially expressed proteins in the saliva specimens. There were 34 upregulated proteins and 37 downregulated proteins.
2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol: A Pheromone Component of Conifer Bark Beetles Found in the Bark of Nonhost Deciduous Trees
Authors: Zhang Qing-He , Schlyter Fredrik , Birgersson Göran
Published: April 2012

Volatiles from bark of aspen,Populus tremulaL. and two species of birch: silver birch (Betula pendulaRoth.) and common birch (B. pubescensEhrh.), were collected by direct solvent extraction and aeration of both newly cut bark chips and undamaged stems in June 1998 and subjected to GC-MS analysis. The results showed the presence of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MB), one of the two principal aggregation pheromone components of the spruce bark beetle,Ips typographus, in bark extraction samples of all the three deciduous tree species tested. In addition, one more oxygenated hemiterpene, 3-methyl-3-buten-2-one, and (E)-3-penten-2-ol were also found in the bark extracts. Only trace amounts of MB were detected in some aeration samples of the fresh bark chips, and no MB was found from the aeration samples of undamaged stems at detectable levels. The occurrence of this compound was also confirmed in the bark of four exotic birch species:B. albosinensisSchneid.,B. ermaniiCham.,B. jacquemontiiSpach, andB. maximowiczianaRegel, but not yet in the European pines/spruces and the common yeasts. Our results raise major questions regarding the evolution, the tropospheric chemistry, and the ecological role of this hemiterpene alcohol. They also suggest that comparative studies on the biosynthetic pathways for MB in different sources would be of considerably evolutionary interest.
Life Span of Positive Solutions for the Cauchy Problem for the Parabolic Equations
Authors: Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: April 2012

Since 1960's, the blow-up phenomena for the Fujita type parabolic equation have been investigated by many researchers. In this survey paper, we discuss various results on the life span of positive solutions for several superlinear parabolic problems. In the last section, we introduce a recent result by the author.
Molecular Imaging in Tracking Tumor Stem-Like Cells
Authors: Xia Tian , Jiang Han , Li Chenrui , Tian Mei , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2012

Cancer remains a major public health problem in many countries. It was found to contain a subset of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are capable of proliferation and self-renewal, and differentiation into various types of cancer cells. CSCs often display characteristics of chemotherapy resistance and radiotherapy resistance. Numerous putative biomarkers of CSCs are currently identified including CD133, CD44, CD24, ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase), and ABCG2. Interestingly, no single marker is exclusively expressed by CSCs. Thus, the various combinations of different biomarkers will be possible to identify CSCs, and considerable work is being done to recognize new ones. In order to demonstrate the mechanisms of resistance and response to therapy and predict the outcome as well as prognosis, the ways to track and identify CSCs will be extremely important. The technologies of molecular imaging will reveal mechanisms of cancer progression and provide visual targets for novel therapeutics. Limited studies were investigated on the detection of various types of CSCs by molecular imaging. Although the tracking of circulating CSCs is still hampered by technological challenges, personalized diagnosis and therapies of cancers are expected to be established based on increased understanding of molecular imaging of cancer stem-like cells biomarkers.
Neonatal SSRI Exposure Programs a Hypermetabolic State in Adult Mice
Authors: Kummet Gary J. , Haskell Sarah E. , Hermann Gregory M. , Ni Charles , Volk Kenneth A. , Younes Areej K. , Miller Alise K. , Roghair Robert D.
Published: April 2012

Background. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy complicates up to 10% of pregnancies. During therapy, SSRIs exert pleiotropic antidepressant, anorexigenic, and neurotrophic effects. Intrauterine SSRI exposure has been modeled by neonatal administration to developmentally immature rodents, and it has paradoxically elicited features of adult depression. We hypothesized neonatal SSRI exposure likewise programs a rebound hypermetabolic state in adult mice.Methods. C57BL/6 pups were randomized to saline or sertraline (5 mg/kg/d) from P1–P14. Because estrogen increases tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) expression, a subset of female mice underwent sham surgery or bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). Metabolic rate was determined by indirect calorimetry.Results. In both male and female mice, neonatal SSRI exposure increased adult caloric intake and metabolic rate. SSRI-exposed female mice had significantly decreased adult weight with a relative increase in brain weight and melatonin excretion, independent of ovarian status. Cerebral cortex TPH2 expression was increased in SSRI-exposed male mice but decreased in OVX SSRI-exposed female mice.Conclusions. SSRI exposure during a critical neurodevelopmental window increases adult caloric intake and metabolic rate. Ovarian status modulated central TPH2 expression, but not adult energy balance, suggesting programmed neural connectivity or enhanced melatonin production may play a more important role in the post-SSRI hypermetabolic syndrome.
Efficacy and Safety of a Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula (RCM-104) in the Management of Simple Obesity: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Lenon George Binh , Li Kang Xiao , Chang Yung-Hsien , Yang Angela Weihong , Da Costa Clifford , Li Chun Guang , Cohen Marc , Mann Neil , Xue Charlie C. L.
Published: April 2012

Objective.This study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal medicine formula (RCM-104) for the management of simple obesity.Method.Obese subjects aged between 18 and 60 years were selected for 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to take 4 capsules of either the RCM-104 formula (n=59) or placebo (n=58), 3 times daily for 12 weeks. Measures of BW, BMI and WC, HC, WHR and BF composition were assessed at baseline and once every four weeks during the 12 week treatment period.Results. Of the 117 subjects randomised, 92 were included in the ITT analysis. The weight, BMI and BF in RCM-104 group were reduced by 1.5 kg, 0.6 kg/m2and 0.9% and those in the placebo group were increased by 0.5 kg, 0.2 kg/m2and 0.1% respectively. There were significant differences in BW and BMI (P<0.05) between the two groups. Eleven items of the WLQOQ were significantly improved in the RCM-104 group while only 2 items were significantly improved in the placebo group. Adverse events were minor in both groups.Conclusion. RCM-104 treatment appears to be well tolerated and beneficial in reducing BW and BMI in obese subjects.
Pathophysiological Changes to the Peritoneal Membrane during PD-Related Peritonitis: The Role of Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Yung Susan , Chan Tak Mao
Published: April 2012

The success of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is dependent on the structural and functional integrity of the peritoneal membrane. The mesothelium lines the peritoneal membrane and is the first line of defense against chemical and/or bacterial insult. Peritonitis remains a major complication of PD and is a predominant cause of technique failure, morbidity and mortality amongst PD patients. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, peritonitis resolves without further complications, but in some PD patients excessive peritoneal inflammatory responses lead to mesothelial cell exfoliation and thickening of the submesothelium, resulting in peritoneal fibrosis and sclerosis. The detrimental changes in the peritoneal membrane structure and function correlate with the number and severity of peritonitis episodes and the need for catheter removal. There is evidence that despite clinical resolution of peritonitis, increased levels of inflammatory and fibrotic mediators may persist in the peritoneal cavity, signifying persistent injury to the mesothelial cells. This review will describe the structural and functional changes that occur in the peritoneal membrane during peritonitis and how mesothelial cells contribute to these changes and respond to infection. The latter part of the review discusses the potential of mesothelial cell transplantation and genetic manipulation in the preservation of the peritoneal membrane.
Fixed‐Point Theorems for Multivalued Mappings in Modular Metric Spaces
Authors: Chaipunya Parin , Mongkolkeha Chirasak , Sintunavarat Wutiphol , Kumam Poom
Published: April 2012

We give some initial properties of a subset of modular metric spaces and introduce
some fixed‐point theorems for multivalued mappings under the setting of contraction type. An appropriate example is as well provided. The stability of fixed points in our main
theorems is also studied.
The Local and Global Existence of Solutions for a Generalized Camassa‐Holm Equation
Authors: Li Nan , Lai Shaoyong , Li Shuang , Wu Meng
Published: April 2012

A nonlinear generalization of the Camassa‐Holm equation is investigated. By making use of the pseudoparabolic regularization technique, its local well posedness in Sobolev space HS(R) with s > 3/2 is established via a limiting procedure. Provided that the initial value u0 satisfies the sign condition and u0 ∈ Hs(R)  (s > 3/2), it is shown that there exists a unique
global solution for the equation in space C([0, ∞); Hs(R))∩C1([0, ∞); Hs−1(R)).
Micellar LC Separation of Sesquiterpenic Acids and Their Determination in Valeriana officinalis L. Root and Extracts
Authors: Kulikov Artem U.
Published: April 2012

A simple micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) method was developed and validated according to ICH Guidelines for the determination of sesquiterpenic acids (valerenic, hydroxyvalerenic, and acetoxyvalerenic acids) in root and rhizome extract from Valeriana officinalis L. and valerian dry hydroalcoholic extract. Samples were analyzed on Nucleosil C18 column (, 5 μm) using an isocratic mobile phase which consisted of Brij 35 (5% (w/v) aqueous solution; pH  by phosphoric acid) and 1-butanol (6% (v/v)); UV detection was at 220 nm. Micellar mobile phase using allows to fully separate valerenic acids within 25 minutes. Linearity for hydroxyvalerenic, acetoxyvalerenic, and valerenic acids was 1.9–27.9, 4.2–63.0, and 6.1–91·3 μg.mL−1, and limit of detection was 0.14, 0.037, and 0.09 μg·mL−1, respectively. Intraday and interday precisions were not less than 2% for all investigated compounds. The proposed method was found to be reproducible and convenient for quantitative analysis of sesquiterpenic acids in valerian root and related preparations.
Chronic Cough, Reflux, Postnasal Drip Syndrome, and the Otolaryngologist
Authors: Sylvester Deborah C. , Karkos Petros D. , Vaughan Casey , Johnston James , Dwivedi Raghav C. , Atkinson Helen , Kortequee Shah
Published: April 2012

Objectives. Chronic cough is a multifactorial symptom that requires multidisciplinary approach. Over the last years, general practitioners refer increasingly more chronic cough patients directly to the otolaryngologist. The aim of this paper is to highlight the issues in diagnosis and management of chronic cough patients from the otolaryngologist perspective.Design. Literature review.Results. Gastroesophageal reflux and postnasal drip syndrome remain one of the most common causes of chronic cough. Better diagnostic modalities, noninvasive tests, and high technology radiological and endoscopic innovations have made diagnosis of these difficult-to-treat patients relatively easier. Multidisciplinary assessment has also meant that at least some of these cases can be dealt with confidently in one stop clinics.Conclusions. As the number of referrals of chronic cough patients to an Ear Nose Throat Clinic increases, the otolaryngologist plays a pivotal role in managing these difficult cases.
Does Vertebroplasty Affect Radiation Dose Distribution?: Comparison of Spatial Dose Distributions in a Cement-Injected Vertebra as Calculated by Treatment Planning System and Actual Spatial Dose Distribution
Authors: Komemushi Atsushi , Tanigawa Noboru , Kariya Shuji , Yagi Rie , Nakatani Miyuki , Suzuki Satoshi , Sano Akira , Ikeda Koshi , Utsunomiya Keita , Harima Yoko , Sawada Satoshi
Published: April 2012

Purpose. To assess differences in dose distribution of a vertebral body injected with bone cement as calculated by radiation treatment planning system (RTPS) and actual dose distribution.Methods. We prepared two water-equivalent phantoms with cement, and the other two phantoms without cement. The bulk density of the bone cement was imported into RTPS to reduce error from high CT values. A dose distribution map for the phantoms with and without cement was calculated using RTPS with clinical setting and with the bulk density importing. Actual dose distribution was measured by the film density. Dose distribution as calculated by RTPS was compared to the dose distribution measured by the film dosimetry.Results. For the phantom with cement, dose distribution was distorted for the areas corresponding to inside the cement and on the ventral side of the cement. However, dose distribution based on film dosimetry was undistorted behind the cement and dose increases were seen inside cement and around the cement. With the equivalent phantom with bone cement, differences were seen between dose distribution calculated by RTPS and that measured by the film dosimetry.Conclusion. The dose distribution of an area containing bone cement calculated using RTPS differs from actual dose distribution.
Epigenetics and Breast Cancers
Authors: Vo An T. , Millis Richard M.
Published: April 2012

Several of the active compounds in foods, poisons, drugs, and industrial chemicals may, by epigenetic mechanisms, increase or decrease the risk of breast cancers. Enzymes that are involved in DNA methylation and histone modifications have been shown to be altered in several types of breast and other cancers resulting in abnormal patterns of methylation and/or acetylation. Hypermethylation at the CpG islands found in estrogen response element (ERE) promoters occurs in conjunction with ligand-bonded alpha subunit estrogen receptor (Erα) dimers wherein the ligand ERαdimer complex acts as a transcription factor and binds to the ERE promoter. Ligands could be 17-β-estradiol (E2), phytoestrogens, heterocyclic amines, and many other identified food additives and heavy metals. The dimer recruits DNA methyltransferases which catalyze the transfer of methyl groups from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to 5′-cytosine on CpG islands. Other enzymes are recruited to the region by ligand-ERαdimers which activate DNA demethylases to act simultaneously to increase gene expression of protooncogenes and growth-promoting genes. Ligand-ERαdimers also recruit histone acetyltransferase to the ERE promoter region. Histone demethylases such as JMJD2B and histone methyltransferases are enzymes which demethylate lysine residues on histones H3 and/or H4. This makes the chromatin accessible for transcription factors and enzymes.
Panniculitis Is an Important Feature of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Pathology
Authors: Sharquie Khalifa E. , Hameed Ammar Faisal
Published: April 2012

Background. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an inflammatory parasitic infection characterized by superficial and deep perivascular infiltration with or without granuloma formation. Clinical diagnosis usually requires seeingLeishmaniabodies.Methods. We report two cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis with unusual histological finding of panniculitis. Case 1: a 36-year-old male presented with multiple ulcerative nodules involving the left leg for two months duration which was greatly responsive to antimony intralesional therapy. Case 2: A 45-year-old woman presented with painless nodules on her upper chest of a 10-week duration which were successfully treated with oral and topical zinc sulphate.Results. Diagnosis of both cases was confirmed by finding the Leishmania bodies with Gimesa stain in addition to the diffuse dermal inflammatory cellular infiltration of the dermis forming granulomatous dermatitis. Mixed cellular infiltration of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and plasma cells of the panniculus caused both septal and lobular panniculitis.Conclusion. Cutaneous leishmaniasis can cause panniculitis and this could be seen more commonly if deep biopsies were taken. So cutaneous leishmaniasis must be considered in evaluating pathology of panniculitis especially in endemic regions.
Releasing the Brake: Targeting Cbl-b to Enhance Lymphocyte Effector Functions
Authors: Wallner Stephanie , Gruber Thomas , Baier Gottfried , Wolf Dominik
Published: April 2012

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b is an established nonredundant negative regulator of T-cell activation. Cbl-b fine-tunes the activation threshold of T cells and uncouples T cells from their vital need of a costimulatory signal to mount a productive immune response. Accordingly, mice deficient incblbare prone to autoimmunity and reject tumors. The latter has been described to be mediatedviaCD8+T cells, which are hyperactive and more abundant in shrinking tumors ofcblb-deficient animals. This might at least also in part be mediated by resistance ofcblb-deficient T cells to negative cues exerted by tumor-associated immuno-suppressive factors, such as TGF-βand regulatory T cells (Treg). Experiments usingcblb-deficient T cells either alone or in combination with vaccines validate the therapeutic concept of enhancing the efficacy of adoptively transferred lymphocytes to treat malignant tumors. This paper summarizes the current knowledge about the negative regulatory role of Cbl-b in T-cell activation and its potential therapeutic implications for cancer immunotherapy.
Surgical Repair of Late Complications in Patients Having Undergone Primary Hypospadias Repair during Childhood: A New Perspective
Authors: Barbagli Guido , Sansalone Salvatore , Djinovic Rados , Lazzeri Massimo
Published: April 2012

Background. The repair of complications in patients who had undergone hypospadias repair is still an open problem.Patients and Methods. We conducted a retrospective study of patients treated for late complications after hypospadias repair. Study inclusion criteria were patients presenting urethral, corpora cavernosa deformity, and/or penile defects due to previous hypospadias repair. Exclusion criteria were precancerous or malignant lesions and incomplete data on personal medical charts. Preoperative evaluation included clinical history, physical examination, urine culture, residual urine measurement, uroflowmetry, urethrography, urethral sonography, and urethroscopy. The patients were classified into four different groups. Success was defined as a normal functional urethra, with apical meatus, no residual penile curvature or esthetic deformity of the genitalia.Results. A total of 1,176 patients were entered in our survey. Out of the 1,176 patients, 301 patients (25.5%) underwent urethroplasty (group 1), 60 (5.2%) corporoplasty (group 2), 166 (14.1%) urethroplasty and corporoplasty (group 3), and 649 (55.2%) complex genitalia resurfacing (group 4). Mean followup was 60.4 months. Out of the 1,176 cases, 1,036 (88.1%) were considered successful and 140 (11.9%) failures.Conclusion. The majority of patients (55.2%) with failed hypospadias repair require surgical reconstruction to fully resurfacing the glans and penile shaft.
Long-Term Survival of Young Stroke Patients: A Population-Based Study of Two Stroke Registries from Tartu, Estonia
Authors: Vibo R. , Schneider S. , Kõrv J.
Published: April 2012

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the long-term survival of young stroke patients in Estonia, analyse time trends of survival, and compare the results with other studies. We have used 2 population-based first-ever stroke registry data (1991–1993 and 2001–2003) to analyse the 1-, 5-, and 7-year outcome of young stroke patients by the Kaplan-Meier method of analysis. From the group of 1206 patients, 129 (11%) were aged under 55 years. The overall survival rate at 1, 5, and 7 years was 0.70 (95% CI 0.62–0.78), 0.63 (95% CI 0.55–0.72), and 0.61 (95% CI 0.53–0.70), respectively. The survival was significantly worse for patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (P<0.01) and for those aged from 45 to 54 years compared to the younger age group from 0 to 44 years (P=0.03). For patients with ischemic stroke, aged from 15 to 44 years, the 1-, 5-, and 7-year survival rate was 0.89 (95% CI 0.79–1.00), 0.75 (95% CI 0.61–0.93), and 0.75 (0.61–0.93), respectively. There was no difference in overall survival between the two studied periods. We report a low long-term survival rate among young stroke patients in Estonia. Increasing age and hemorrhagic stroke subtype were associated with lower survival. We have previously shown a worse outcome for 1-year survival compared to other studies and currently this trend continues for 5- and 7-year survival rates. In fact, these are the lowest survival rates for the combined and separate stroke subtypes reported so far.
Review of Recent Developments and the Future Prospective in West African Atmosphere/Land Interaction Studies
Authors: Xue Yongkang , Boone Aaron , Taylor Christopher M.
Published: April 2012

This paper reviews West African land/atmosphere interaction studies during the past decade. Four issues are addressed in this paper: land data development, land/atmosphere interactions at seasonal-interannual scales, mesoscale studies, and the future prospective. The development of the AMMA Land Surface Model Intercomparison Project has produced a valuable analysis of the land surface state and fluxes which have been applied in a number of large-scale African regional studies. In seasonal-interannual West African climate studies, the latest evidence from satellite data analyses and modeling studies confirm that the West African region has a climate which is particularly sensitive to land surface processes and there is a strong coupling between land surface processes and regional climate at intraseasonal/seasonal scales. These studies indicate that proper land surface process representations and land status initialization would substantially improve predictions and enhance the predictability of West African climate. Mesoscale studies have revealed new understanding of how soil moisture heterogeneity influences the development of convective storms over the course of the diurnal cycle. Finally, several important issues regarding the future prospective are briefly addressed.
Neural Functions of Matrix Metalloproteinases: Plasticity, Neurogenesis, and Disease
Authors: Fujioka Hiromi , Dairyo Yusuke , Yasunaga Kei-ichiro , Emoto Kazuo
Published: April 2012

The brain changes in response to experience and altered environment. To do that, the nervous system often remodels the structures of neuronal circuits. This structural plasticity of the neuronal circuits appears to be controlled not only by intrinsic factors, but also by extrinsic mechanisms including modification of the extracellular matrix. Recent studies employing a range of animal models implicate that matrix metalloproteinases regulate multiple aspects of the neuronal development and remodeling in the brain. This paper aims to summarize recent advances of our knowledge on the neuronal functions of matrix metalloproteinases and discuss how they might relate in neuronal disease.
New Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problem with Respect to Relaxed Semi‐Monotone Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Wangkeeree Rabian , Preechasilp Pakkapon
Published: April 2012

We introduce the new generalized mixed equilibrium problem with respect to relaxed semimonotone
mappings. Using the KKM technique, we obtain the existence of solutions for the generalized mixed equilibrium
problem in Banach spaces. Furthermore, we also introduce a hybrid projection algorithm for finding a common element
in the solution set of a generalized mixed equilibrium problem and the fixed point set of an asymptotically nonexpansive
mapping. The strong convergence theorem of the proposed sequence is obtained in a Banach space setting. The main
results extend various results existing in the current literature.
Procedural Pediatric Sedation by Nurses: Available, Competent, and Safe
Authors: Lavoie Laetiscia , Vezina Catherine , Paul-Savoie Emilie , Cyr Claude , Lafrenaye Sylvie
Published: April 2012

Sedation and/or analgesia are standard of care for pediatric patients during painful intervention or medical imaging requiring immobility. Physician availability is frequently insufficient to allow for all procedural sedation. A nurse-led sedation program was created at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) to address this problem.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of our program.Methods. A retrospective study of all the procedural sedations done over one year was performed. Complications were separated in four categories: (1) major complications (call for help; unexpected admission, aspiration, and code); (2) reportable sedation events (oxygen saturation <90%, bradycardia (more than 2 SD below normal for the age of the child), and hypotension (more than 2 SD below normal for the age of the child); (3) difficult sedation (agitation, inadequate sedation, and failure to perform the procedure), (4) minor complications.Results. 448 patients, 249 boys and 199 girls; received sedation for 555 procedures. Overall, 78% (432) of interventions were successfully accomplished: 0% of major complications, 8% of reportable sedation events; 5% of difficult sedation; 9% of minor complications.Conclusion. Our nurse-led sedation program compares favorably to other similar systems.
A Generalized Multiconductor Transmission Line Model and Optimized Method for the Solution of the MTL Equations
Authors: Jiao Chaoqun , Xia Zhanjun , Fu W. N.
Published: April 2012

A generalized multiconductor transmission line (MTL) model is developed for modeling of wide frequency transient response on busbars, cables and core-type transformer windings. Different from the traditional MTL model, the equations of the generalized MTL model are built in the cylindrical coordinate system beside rectangular coordinate system. Based on further discussion, it is found that generalized MTL model could be changed to MTL model where all lines have the same length as to the core-type transformer windings. Then, the optimized solution based on Time domain finite element method (TDFEM) is developed for the above MTL equations. It avoids numerical oscillation of the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The numerical results are in agreement with ones calculated by Bergeron's method and FDTD method.
β-Caryophyllene, a Compound Isolated from the Biblical Balm of Gilead (Commiphora gileadensis), Is a Selective Apoptosis Inducer for Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Amiel Eitan , Ofir Rivka , Dudai Nativ , Soloway Elaine , Rabinsky Tatiana , Rachmilevitch Shimon
Published: April 2012

The biblical balm of Gilead (Commiphora gileadensis) was investigated in this study for anticancerous activity against tumor cell lines. The results obtained from ethanol-based extracts and from essential oils indicated thatβ-caryophyllene (trans-(1R,9S)-8-methylene-4,11,11-trimethylbicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene) is a key component in essential oils extracted from the balm of Gilead.β-Caryophyllene can be found in spice blends, citrus flavors, soaps, detergents, creams, and lotions, as well as in a variety of food and beverage products, and it is known for its anti-inflammatory, local anaesthetic, and antifungal properties. It is also a potent cytotoxic compound over a wide range of cell lines. In the current paper, we found thatCommiphora gileadensisstem extracts and essential oil have an antiproliferative proapoptotic effect against tumor cells and not against normal cells.β-caryophyllene caused a potent induction of apoptosis accompanied by DNA ladder and caspase-3 catalytic activity in tumor cell lines. In summary, we showed thatC. gileadensisstems contain an apoptosis inducer that acts, in a selective manner, against tumor cell lines and not against normal cells.
Vehicles, Replicators, and Intercellular Movement of Genetic Information: Evolutionary Dissection of a Bacterial Cell
Authors: Jalasvuori Matti
Published: April 2012

Prokaryotic biosphere is vastly diverse in many respects. Any given bacterial cell may harbor in different combinations viruses, plasmids, transposons, and other genetic elements along with their chromosome(s). These agents interact in complex environments in various ways causing multitude of phenotypic effects on their hosting cells. In this discussion I perform a dissection for a bacterial cell in order to simplify the diversity into components that may help approach the ocean of details in evolving microbial worlds. The cell itself is separated from all the genetic replicators that use the cell vehicle for preservation and propagation. I introduce a classification that groups different replicators according to their horizontal movement potential between cells and according to their effects on the fitness of their present host cells. The classification is used to discuss and improve the means by which we approach general evolutionary tendencies in microbial communities. Moreover, the classification is utilized as a tool to help formulating evolutionary hypotheses and to discuss emerging bacterial pathogens as well as to promote understanding on the average phenotypes of different replicators in general. It is also discussed that any given biosphere comprising prokaryotic cell vehicles and genetic replicators may naturally evolve to have horizontally moving replicators of various types.
Ideal Theory in BCK/BCI‐Algebras Based on Soft Sets and 𝒩‐Structures
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Lee Kyoung Ja , Kang Min Su
Published: April 2012

Based on soft sets and 𝒩‐structures, the notion of (closed) 𝒩‐ideal over a BCI‐algebra is introduced, and related properties are investigated. Relations between 𝒩‐BCI‐algebras and 𝒩‐ideals are established. Characterizations of a (closed) 𝒩‐ideal over a BCI‐algebra are provided. Conditions for an 𝒩‐ideal to be an 𝒩‐BCI‐algebra are considered.
TLR4 and TLR9 Expression in Different Phenotypes of Rhinitis
Authors: Lauriello Maria , Micera Alessandra , Muzi Paola , Di Rienzo Businco Lino , Bonini Sergio
Published: April 2012

Background. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins, that represent a fundamental link between innate and adaptive immune responses.Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of TLR4 and TLR9 in the normal nasal mucosa and in the mucosa of subjects with different phenotypes of rhinitis.Methodology. A confocal analysis of TLR4 and TLR9 (co)expression was carried out on biopsies from the inferior turbinate obtained from 4 patients affected by persistent allergic rhinitis, 8 patients with chronic rhino-sinusitis, and 6 patients with vasomotor rhinitis The results were compared with those of specimens obtained from 4 subjects undergoing nasal surgery, but with signs of nasal inflammation.Results. TLR4 and TLR9 were expressed in the healthy nasal mucosa; TLR4 and TLR9 expression was significantly decreased in allergic rhinitis. TLR4 was over expressed in the epithelium of chronic rhino-sinusitis. Both TLRs were co-expressed in the sub-epithelial infiltrate of chronic and vasomotor rhinitis, even though this expression was higher in the former compared with the latter.Conclusions. This study indicates that TLR4 and TLR9 show a different pattern of expression in different phenotypes of rhinitis, possibly related to the type and severity of the disease.
Occurrence of Vanadium in Belgian and European Alluvial Soils
Authors: Cappuyns V. , Slabbinck E.
Published: April 2012

Vanadium (V) is a naturally occurring trace element, but total concentrations in soils and sediments are also dependent on the parent material and might be influenced by anthropogenic activities (e.g., steel industry). Despite the fact that threshold values for V in soils and/or sediments exist in various European countries, in Belgium, V is not taken into account when the environmental quality of soils and sediments has to be evaluated, despite the existence of several (diffuse) sources for V. In the first part of the study, the occurrence of V alluvial soils in Belgium was compared with V concentrations in alluvial soils (floodplain soils) across Europe. By analysis of both the Belgian and European data, the relationship between physicochemical soil characteristics and total V concentrations was quantified and some areas polluted with V were detected. A regression equation, in which V concentrations in alluvial soils were expressed as a function of major element composition, was proposed for the Belgian and European data. Additionally, single extractions with CaCl2(0.01 mol L-1) and ammonium-EDTA (0.05 mol L-1) were used to estimate short- and long-term mobility of V in the alluvial soils.
Effect of Airflow Exposure on the Tear Meniscus
Authors: Koh Shizuka , Tung Cynthia , Kottaiyan Ranjini , Zavislan James , Yoon Geunyoung , Aquavella James
Published: April 2012

Purpose. To compare the effect of airflow exposure on the tear meniscus and blink frequency in normal and evaporative dry eye subjects.Methods.In 9 normal subjects and 9 short tear breakup time (SBUT) dry eye subjects, lower tear meniscus height (TMH) and area (TMA) and blink frequency were measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and after 5 minutes of airflow exposure (1.5±0.5 m/s).Results.In SBUT dry eyes, both TMH and TMA decreased significantly (P=0.027,P=0.027) with a significant increase of blink frequency after airflow exposure, while significant increase in TMA was found in normal eyes.Conclusion. Measurement of the tear meniscus with anterior segment OCT seems to be useful as a noninvasive and objective method for evaluating the effect of airflow on tear film.
Programmable Bio-Nano-Chip Systems for Serum CA125 Quantification: Toward Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics at the Point-of-Care
Authors: Raamanathan Archana , Simmons Glennon W. , Christodoulides Nicolaos , Floriano Pierre N. , Furmaga Wieslaw B. , Redding Spencer W. , Lu Karen H. , Bast Robert C. , McDevitt John T.
Published: April 2012

Point-of-care (POC) implementation of early detection and screening methodologies for ovarian cancer may enable improved survival rates through early intervention. Current laboratory-confined immunoanalyzers have long turnaround times and are often incompatible with multiplexing and POC implementation. Rapid, sensitive, and multiplexable POC diagnostic platforms compatible with promising early detection approaches for ovarian cancer are needed. To this end, we report the adaptation of the programmable bio-nano-chip (p-BNC), an integrated, microfluidic, and modular (programmable) platform for CA125 serum quantitation, a biomarker prominently implicated in multimodal and multimarker screening approaches. In the p-BNCs, CA125 from diseased sera (Bio) is sequestered and assessed with a fluorescence-based sandwich immunoassay, completed in the nano-nets (Nano) of sensitized agarose microbeads localized in individually addressable wells (Chip), housed in a microfluidic module, capable of integrating multiple sample, reagent and biowaste processing, and handling steps. Antibody pairs that bind to distinct epitopes on CA125 were screened. To permit efficient biomarker sequestration in a three-dimensional microfluidic environment, the p-BNC operating variables (incubation times, flow rates, and reagent concentrations) were tuned to deliver optimal analytical performance under 45 minutes. With short analysis times, competitive analytical performance (inter- and intra-assay precision of 1.2% and 1.9% and limit of detection of 1.0 U/mL) was achieved on this minisensor ensemble. Furthermore, validation with sera of patients with ovarian cancer (n = 20) showed excellent correlation (R2 = 0.97) with gold-standard ELISA. Building on the integration capabilities of novel microfluidic systems programmed for ovarian cancer, the rapid, precise, and sensitive miniaturized p-BNC system shows strong promise for ovarian cancer diagnostics. Cancer Prev Res; 5(5); 706–16. ©2012 AACR.
Global Variation in the Prevalence of Elevated Cholesterol in Outpatients With Established Vascular Disease or 3 Cardiovascular Risk Factors According to National Indices of Economic Development and Health System Performance
Authors: Venkitachalam Lakshmi , Wang Kaijun , Porath Avi , Corbalan Ramon , Hirsch Alan T. , Cohen David J. , Smith Sidney C. , Ohman E. Magnus , Steg Ph. Gabriel , Bhatt Deepak L. , Magnuson Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2012

Background—

Elevated serum cholesterol accounts for a considerable proportion of cardiovascular disease worldwide. An understanding of the relationship between country-level economic and health system factors and elevated cholesterol may provide insight for prioritization of cardiovascular prevention programs.

Methods and Results—

Using hierarchical models, we examined the relationship between elevated total cholesterol (>200 mg/dL) in 53 570 outpatients from 36 countries, and tertiles of several country-level indices: (1) gross national income, (2) total expenditure on health as percentage of gross domestic product, (3) government expenditure on health as percentage of total expenditure on health, (4) out-of-pocket expenditures as percentage of private expenditure on health, and the World Health Organization indices of (5) Health System Achievement and (6) Performance/Efficiency. Overall, 38% of outpatients had total cholesterol >200 mg/dL (>5.18 mmol/L), and 9.3% of the total variability in elevated cholesterol was at the country level; this proportion was higher for patients with (12.1%) versus without (7.4%) history of hyperlipidemia. Among patients with history of hyperlipidemia, countries in the highest tertile of gross national income or World Health Organization Health System Achievement had lower odds of elevated cholesterol than lower tertiles (
P
<0.001, for both). Countries in the highest tertile of out-of-pocket health expenditures had higher odds of elevated cholesterol than those in the lowest tertile (
P
<0.001). No significant associations were found for patients without history of hyperlipidemia.

Conclusions—

Global variations in the prevalence of elevated cholesterol among patients with history of hyperlipidemia are associated with country-level economic development and health system indices. These results support the need for strengthening efforts toward effective cardiovascular disease prevention and control and may provide insight for health policy setting at the national level.
Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins in Chinese Men and Women
Authors: Yang Wenying , Xiao Jianzhong , Yang Zhaojun , Ji Linong , Jia Weiping , Weng Jianping , Lu Juming , Shan Zhongyan , Liu Jie , Tian Haoming , Ji Qiuhe , Zhu Dalong , Ge Jiapu , Lin Lixiang , Chen Li , Guo Xiaohui , Zhao Zhigang , Li Qiang , Zhou Zhiguang , Shan Guangliang , He Jiang
Published: April 2012

Background—

Because of rapid change in lifestyle risk factors, cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death in China. We sought to estimate the national levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins among the Chinese adult population.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a cross-sectional study in a nationally representative sample of 46 239 adults aged ≥20 years. Fasting serum total, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were measured by standard methods. The age-standardized estimates of total, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were 4.72 (95% confidence interval, 4.70–4.73), 1.30 (1.29–1.30), 2.68 (2.67–2.70), and 1.57 (1.55–1.58) mmol/L, respectively, in the Chinese adult population. In addition, 22.5% (21.8–23.3%) or 220.4 million (212.1–228.8) Chinese adults had borderline high total cholesterol (5.18–6.21 mmol/L), and 9.0% (8.5–9.5%) or 88.1 million (83.4–92.8) had high total cholesterol (≥6.22 mmol/L). The population estimates for borderline high (3.37–4.13 mmol/L), high (4.14–4.91 mmol/L), and very high (≥4.92 mmol/L) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were 13.9% (13.3–14.5%) or 133.5 million (127.0–140.1), 3.5% (3.3–3.8%) or 33.8 million (31.2–36.5), and 3.0% (2.8–3.3%) or 29.0 million (26.3–31.8) persons, respectively. In addition, 22.3% (21.6–23.1%) or 214.9 million (207.0–222.8) persons had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (<1.04 mmol/L). The awareness, treatment, and control of borderline high or high total cholesterol were 11.0%, 5.1%, and 2.8%, respectively, in the Chinese adult population.

Conclusions—

Serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were high and increasing in the Chinese population. Without effective intervention, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases may soar in the near future in China.
Role of Heart Rate Reduction in the Prevention of Experimental Heart Failure
Authors: Becher Peter Moritz , Lindner Diana , Miteva Kapka , Savvatis Konstantinos , Zietsch Christin , Schmack Bastian , Van Linthout Sophie , Westermann Dirk , Schultheiss Heinz-Peter , Tschöpe Carsten
Published: April 2012

To investigate whether heart rate reduction via I

f

-channel blockade and β-receptor blockade prevents left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, we studied ivabradine and metoprolol in angiotensin II–induced heart failure. Cardiac dysfunction in C57BL/6J mice was induced by implantation of osmotic pumps for continuous subcutaneous dosing of angiotensin II (1.8 mg/kg per day SC) over a period of 3 weeks. Ivabradine (10 mg/kg per day) and metoprolol (90 mg/kg per day), which resulted in similar heart rate reduction, or placebo treatments were simultaneously started with infusion of angiotensin II. After 3 weeks, LV function was estimated by conductance catheter technique, cardiac remodeling assessed by estimation of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammatory stress response by immunohistochemistry or PCR, respectively. Compared with controls, angiotensin II infusion resulted in hypertension in impaired systolic (LV contractility, stroke volume, end systolic elastance, afterload, index of arterial-ventricular coupling, and cardiac output;
P
<0.05) and diastolic (LV relaxation, LV end diastolic pressure, τ, and stiffness constant β;
P
<0.05) LV function. This was associated with a significant increase in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Increased cardiac stress was also indicated by an increase in cardiac inflammation and apoptosis. Both ivabradine and metoprolol led to a similar reduction in heart rate. Metoprolol also reduced systolic blood pressure. Ivabradine led to a significant improvement in systolic and diastolic LV function (
P
<0.05). This was associated with less cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, inflammation, and cardiac apoptosis (
P
<0.05). Metoprolol treatment did not prevent the reduction in cardiac function and adverse remodeling, despite a reduction of the inflammatory stress response. Behind heart rate reduction, additional beneficial cardiac effects contribute to heart failure prevention with I

f

-channel inhibition.