bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traffic noise correlates with calling time but not spatial distribution in the threatened poison frog Andinobates bombetes
Authors: Vargas-Salinas Fernando , Amézquita Adolfo
Published: March 2013

Acoustically communicating species have evolved adaptations that allow them to transmit information and overcome signal masking where their habitat is disturbed by anthropogenic noise. To investigate whether calling behaviour or spatial distribution is related to road traffic noise we studied the poison frog Andinobates bombetes in a mid-elevation forest remnant that has been exposed to heavy traffic noise throughout more than four decades. To test whether frogs avoid call during noise episodes generated by passing trucks, we compared background noise levels between calling and non-calling times. To test whether traffic noise is correlated with frogs spatial distribution, we measured frog abundance, ambient noise, and environmental covariates throughout a set of 24 sampling plots between 15 and 300 m from two forest edges, one bordered by the road and another one by an agricultural field. Frogs called more often when traffic noise level was lower. Frogs abundance was only marginally correlated with distance to noisy edges but was predictable from the abundance of bromeliad tanks, an alleged limiting resource for their reproduction. Apparently, to avoid calling during episodes with higher noise level allowed frogs to reduce the detrimental masking effects of anthropogenic noise; if so, it would explain why frog distribution is poorly correlated with distance to the noisy road.
Mass- and Elite-Based Strategies for Cooperative Development in Wartime Nationalist China: Western Views on the ‘Gung Ho’ Industrial Cooperative Experience
Authors: Clegg Jenny
Published: March 2013

This discussion examines wartime debates over the Chinese Industrial Cooperatives’ (CIC) ‘Gung Ho’ movement. The CIC experience provides a distinctive case study of mobilisation in Nationalist China at war, endeavouring to extend the momentum of the ‘great industrial migration’, as a force for social transformation, from the inland cities to the countryside. CIC was also to become a focus for overseas support for China’s resistance against Japanese invasion. The discussion reveals differences over elite- and mass-based strategies for cooperative development as revealed from Western inputs into the CIC debates, at the same time noting different ways in which foreigners sought to strengthen relations with wartime China. While CIC’s promoters reached beyond philanthropism towards a pragmatic solidarity, cooperative experts from the emerging international development community sought universal formulations for overseas assistance, advocating adherence to Western cooperative models, and reinforcing an elitist emphasis on expertise. CIC was to fall far short of its ambitions for a people’s cooperative movement as a permanent force for China’s democratic future. Here it is argued that under combined pressures of Guomindang (Nationalist Party, Kuomintang) statism and Western neocolonialism, CIC’s distinctive developmental strategy, based on the mobilisation of workers in cooperative self-help, was never allowed to fulfil its potential.
Avoiding Unwillingness: Addressing the Political Pitfalls Inherent in the Complementarity Regime of the International Criminal Court
Authors: Claire Brighton
Published: March 2013

The complementarity principle enshrined in the Rome Statute is the cornerstone on which the International Criminal Court is built. It holds the key to the ICC’s legitimacy, credibility, and ability to act. The complementarity regime was not truly tested until 2011 when the Kenyan Government challenged the admissibility of the ICC’s investigation into the widespread violence that followed the Kenyan general elections in 2007. Both the Pre-Trial Chamber and Appeals Chamber held that the Kenyan case was admissible on the basis that Kenya had not demonstrated sufficiently that it was carrying out national investigations, as required to render the case inadmissible. This paper presents an analysis of both Chambers’ decisions by reference to the role and function of the complementarity regime. It contends that the Chambers’ decisions appear to have been inappropriately influenced by political considerations and consequently failed to give effect to the principles underlying the complementarity regime itself.
Rethinking Children’s Citizenship
Authors: Bacon Kate , Frankel Sam
Published: March 2013

Exploring the meaning of citizenship presents an opportunity for considering the extent to which it embraces children’s role as meaning-makers. To what extent are children acknowledged as persons who have a role to play in defining values associated with citizenship? This paper examines some theoretical conceptualisations of citizenship and draws attention to children’s capacity to generate and negotiate social meanings. We argue that in order to effectively respect children as meaning-makers there needs to be some recognition that citizenship values are not simply a product of structure, a pre-defined status, shaped and managed by those in power, but also a product of agency. One important aspect of children’s participation and involvement in society is the contribution they make to defining and negotiating norms and values.
Improvement of soil release from polyester fabric with atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Gotoh Keiko , Yoshitaka Shiho
Published: March 2013

Polyester fabrics were exposed to an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) to improve their detergency performance. Surface characterization of the polyester fibers showed that wettability, surface free energy, and surface oxygen concentration increased after the APPJ treatment. The untreated and APPJ-treated polyester fabrics were soiled with carbon black, oleic acid, and stearic acid as model contaminants. The soiled fabric was washed together with the original fabric in the aqueous detergent solutions without and with mechanical action (shake or ultrasound). A washing test using a horizontal drum type washer in accordance with ISO 6330 was also performed to verify the efficiency of the APPJ treatment to polyester fabric in a domestic laundry. The soil removal from the fabric and redeposition onto the fabric were evaluated from the changes in the surface reflectance of the soiled and the original fabrics due to washing. As expected, the APPJ treatment was found to enhance soil removal and to prevent soil redeposition independent of detergent solution and mechanical action. When the polyester fabric after soiling was exposed to the APPJ, the increase in soil removal and the decrease in soil redeposition were remarkably observed compared with the APPJ exposure to polyester fabrics before soiling. Such detergency improvement by the APPJ was also observed for a cotton fabric soiled with stearic acid.
Industrial relations in merger integration
Authors: Falkum Eivind , Colman Helene Loe , Bråten Mona
Published: March 2013

The main research question in this article is how merger integrations are influenced by local industrial relations. These are explored and illuminated by combining perspectives on industrial relations and perspectives on mergers and acquisitions. The M&A field of research has been dominated by organization and management perspectives, and industrial relations are seldom brought into the studies. Studies in the field of industrial relations are mostly concerned with institutional levels. Qualitative data and analyses of four integration processes together with 108 personal interviews are presented. By focusing on industrial relations at local company levels in the integration of merging partners new insights are sought for both fields of research. Local implementations of industrial relations contribute to the explanation of integration outcomes. Merger integration implies the integration of different traditions of union and employee–management collaboration that in essence may merge the collaboration cultures into something new.
Viscoelastic Properties of Rodent Mammary Tumors Using Ultrasonic Shear-Wave Imaging
Authors: Wang Yue , Insana Michael F.
Published: March 2013

Images of tumor mechanical properties provide important insights into malignant-cell processes manifest by extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening and remodeling. This article presents a pilot study measuring in vivo mechanical-property characteristics of rodent mammary tumors using an ultrasonic shear-wave imaging technique. Shear waves are generated by a needle inserted into the tumor of anesthetized rodents that is vibrated harmonically between 50 and 450 Hz. Particle motion in the tumor associated with the radiation of cylindrical shear waves is imaged using pulsed-Doppler ultrasound techniques. Estimating the spatial gradient of shear-wave phase along the direction of propagation at frequencies in the measurement range yields shear-speed dispersion curves. Measured dispersion curves were fit to those predicted by three different rheological models to estimate the elastic and viscous coefficients of the complex shear modulus. The investigation was performed in vivo on four rat-mammary fibroadenoma tumors and five xenograft mouse-mammary carcinoma tumors. Each tumor was subsequently excised for histological imaging and composition analysis. Collagen composition was measured using hydroxyproline assays that were then correlated with mechanical measurements. The goal was to relate soft-tissue mechanical behavior to biological characteristics of tumor structures, specifically the collagenous ECM protein content. The choice of rheological model and the effects of artifacts induced by shear-wave reflections at internal tissue boundaries are carefully examined in this article. Addressing these issues is of great importance when selecting force-excitation methods and modulus estimation method to assess intrinsic tissue properties responsible for disease-specific elastographic contrast.
Tianditu: China’s first official online mapping service
Authors: Chen Yu-Wen , Yap Ko-Hua , Lee Joey Ying
Published: March 2013

Tianditu is China’s first state-sponsored web mapping service. Beijing considers Tianditu part and parcel of its burgeoning endeavor to build a ‘digital China’. The Chinese state created Tianditu to regain some of the ground lost when its monopoly on geographic information was effectively broken. This effort goes hand in hand with Beijing’s intention to compete with and shrink the space occupied by Google mapping services (Google Maps, Google Earth, etc.). Although Tianditu does bestow a certain degree of power on civilian users to interact with and explore geographic data, for political and social reasons the Chinese state tightly controls Tianditu. It is a tool that the regime uses to maintain political power and push ideologies it supports. This type of top-down reinforcement of static geographic knowledge is a far cry from the concept of civilian empowerment as understood in liberal democracies.
Automated biomanipulation of single cells using magnetic microrobots
Authors: Steager Edward B. , Selman Sakar Mahmut , Magee Ceridwen , Kennedy Monroe , Cowley Anthony , Kumar Vijay
Published: March 2013

Transport of individual cells or chemical payloads on a subcellular scale is an enabling tool for the study of cellular communication, cell migration, and other localized phenomena. We present a magnetically actuated robotic system capable of fully automated manipulation of cells and microbeads. Our strategy uses autofluorescent robotic transporters and fluorescently labeled microbeads to aid tracking and control in optically obstructed environments. We demonstrate automated delivery of microbeads infused with chemicals to specified positions on neurons. This system is compatible with standard upright and inverted light microscopes and is capable of applying forces less than 1 pN for precision positioning tasks.
Witnessing Violence Among High School Students in Thailand
Authors: Sherer Penchan , Sherer Moshe
Published: March 2013

The goal of this study was to explore the levels of witnessing violence among Thai youths and to examine whether a Western model of witnessing violence that relates to personal and family characteristics, peer relationships, own violence, violence in the family, violence in the school, and in the community, is appropriate for the Thai reality. The random sample consisted of 2,897 youths: 1,107 (38.2%) males and 1,722 (59.4%) females. Results indicated that witnessing violence rates among the Thai youths are high, but in general, quite similar to those reported in the west. The most frequently witnessed violent act was hitting and punching in school. Peer characteristics and their advice were the most related factor to witnessing violence followed by own violence activities, violence in the family, and the surrounding subsystems, supporting the similarities of the Thai reality to the Western one. No significant differences were indicated between the rural and inner-city settings. The results were interpreted in light of the cultural characteristics of Thailand.
Book Review: Fluid and Electrolytes in Pediatrics: A Comprehensive Handbook
Authors: Neal Antoinette M.
Published: March 2013

Feld LG, Kaskel FJ eds. Fluid and Electrolytes in Pediatrics: A Comprehensive Handbook. New York: Springer; 2012. 408 pp. ISBN 978‐1‐60327‐224‐7.
Managing Sales Force Compensation
Authors: Madhani Pankaj M.
Published: March 2013

Sales force compensation is influenced by various factors of development and change occurring at the individual, product, organizational and environmental levels. Companies that adapt to changing circumstances are likely to be more successful. The sales compensation strategy should be realigned according to changes in those factors. When they are viewed from the life cycle perspective, it gives rise to career life cycle of sales employees, product life cycle, organizational life cycle and business life cycle. Compensation practices are being increasingly planned and managed in response to changing circumstances. Whereas in the past researchers focused almost exclusively on how changes in compensation practices affect employee performance or satisfaction, researchers are now beginnings to ask how organizational as well as environmental conditions shape compensation practices. This article discusses several factors affecting the design of sales compensation systems and proposes a life cycle and a business value–added framework for strategic compensation planning.
A flow rate equation for subsonic Fanno flow
Authors: Urata Eizo
Published: March 2013

The aim of this note is to obtain a flow rate equation for subsonic Fanno flow, which has a form similar to the flow rate equation for isothermal flow. When pipe dimensions and the proper values of pressures and temperatures at two sections along a pipe, namely P1, P2, T1 and T2 are given, the mass flow rate is obtained by simple substitution into the obtained formula. However, only three of the above four quantities are independently given, since the steady Fanno flow problem involves three first-order differential equations. Therefore, the problem has three degrees of freedom. The theory in this note shows an algebraic equation that determines the fourth quantity by using the given three quantities. The method for finding the mass flow rate and state variables of the gas in the pipe are substantially simplified compared with the commonly distributed method. The relative difference of mass flow rates between the subsonic Fanno and isothermal flows is smaller than 1% in practical combinations of P2 /P1 and the pipe-friction parameter fL/D.
Pediatric insecticide chalk exposures reported to Texas poison centers
Authors: Forrester Mathias B
Published: March 2013

The pesticide Miraculous Insecticide ChalkTM is illegal in the United States but can be obtained through a variety of sources. Because it is a stick similar in appearance to common blackboard chalk, children might play with it and put it in their mouths. All Miraculous Insecticide Chalk exposures involving children 5 years or younger reported to Texas poison centers during 2000–2010 were identified. The distribution by selected demographic and clinical factors was calculated. Of the total 188 exposures, the mean age was 1.5 years (range 6 months–5 years) and 60.6% were male. Ingestions were reported in 97.3% of the exposures, and these were reported to involve at most one stick of the chalk. The lowest exposure rates per 100,000 population of 5 years or younger were reported in the Public Health Regions in northern and eastern Texas (0.00–2.30) and the highest rates in the Public Health Regions in southern and western Texas (19.08–39.50). Of the 187 exposures not involving other substances, 96.8% were known or expected to result in at most minor effects, and 71.1% were managed on site (at residence).
Direct renin inhibition: extricating facts from façades
Authors: Juncos Luis
Published: March 2013

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) affects vascular tone, cardiac output and kidney function. By these means the RAS plays a key role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension. As a result, RAS inhibition is highly effective not only in lowering blood pressure but also in reducing kidney disease progression (particularly when associated with proteinuria) and cardiovascular events.

Among RAS blocking agents, direct renin inhibitors have shown not only excellent efficacy in hypertension control but also pharmacologic tolerance that is comparable with other renin–angiotensin suppressors. Indeed, aliskiren, the only direct renin inhibitor available is effective in controlling blood pressure as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, irrespective of patient’s age, ethnicity or sex. It is also effective in patients with metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes. Long-term studies comparing ‘hard endpoints’ of aliskiren therapy versus treatment with other RAS inhibitors, including cardiac and kidney protection, are currently ongoing. Combined with other antihypertensive agents, aliskiren not only improves their hypotensive response but may also lessen the adverse effects of other drugs. In high-risk patients, however, precautions should be taken when combining two or more renin–angiotensin inhibiting agents, as tissue perfusion may be highly renin-dependent in these patients and serious adverse side effects could take place.
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry versus quantitative ultrasonography in diagnosing osteoporosis in patients with refractory epilepsy and chronic antiepileptic drug use
Authors: Beerhorst Kim , Tan Joost , Tan In Yu , Verschuure Pauline , Aldenkamp Albert P.
Published: March 2013

Background:

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of calcaneal quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) as a screening method for increased risk of osteoporosis in a unique population of people with chronic epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID), and chronic use of antiepileptic drugs.

Methods:

A total of 205 patients from a long-stay care facility for people with epilepsy underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and QUS of the calcaneus. T-scores for both DXA and QUS were calculated and correlated.

Results:

A total of 195 patients (95.1%) were successfully measured with DXA and 204 (99.5%) with QUS. High correlations were found between DXA and QUS T-scores: r = 0.666 (QUS versus T-score total femur), r = 0.631 (QUS versus T-score femur neck) and r = 0.485 (QUS versus T-score lumbar spine). All correlations were statistically significant ( p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

QUS showed a strong correlation with DXA and proved to be a feasible measuring method in a population with ID and epilepsy. Including osteopenia in the screening process increases the sensitivity of QUS to identify those patients at risk for the development of bone diseases.
Fabrication of SiCp/Cu–Al electronic packaging material by pressureless infiltration method
Authors: Yang L , Zhang M
Published: March 2013

The SiCp/Cu–Al composites with 72·7 vol.-%SiC particles were prepared by pressureless infiltration, and Cu coated SiC particles (SiC/Cu composite powder) were used as reinforcements for aluminium matrix. The effects of moulding pressure, infiltration temperature and infiltration time on the infiltration depth were studied by orthogonal test. The morphology and phase structure of the composites were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that under moulding pressure of 10 MPa, infiltration temperature of 850°C and infiltration time of 3 h conditions, the SiCp/Cu–Al composite structure is uniform and dense without obvious porosity defects, and the thermal expansion coefficient is close to thermal expansion coefficient of the Turner model.
Mechanistic studies of intracellular delivery of proteins by cell-penetrating peptides in cyanobacteria
Authors: Liu Betty R , Huang Yue-Wern , Lee Han-Jung
Published: March 2013

Background

The plasma membrane plays an essential role in selective permeability, compartmentalization, osmotic balance, and cellular uptake. The characteristics and functions of cyanobacterial membranes have been extensively investigated in recent years. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are special nanocarriers that can overcome the plasma membrane barrier and enter cells directly, either alone or with associated cargoes. However, the cellular entry mechanisms of CPPs in cyanobacteria have not been studied.

Results

In the present study, we determine CPP-mediated transduction efficiency and internalization mechanisms in cyanobacteria using a combination of biological and biophysical methods. We demonstrate that both Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 strains of cyanobacteria possess red autofluorescence. Green fluorescent protein (GFP), either alone or noncovalently associated with a CPP comprised of nine arginine residues (R9/GFP complexes), entered cyanobacteria. The ATP-depleting inhibitor of classical endocytosis, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), could block the spontaneous internalization of GFP, but not the transduction of R9/GFP complexes. Three specific inhibitors of macropinocytosis, cytochalasin D (CytD), 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA), and wortmannin, reduced the efficiency of R9/GFP complex transduction, indicating that entry of R9/GFP complexes involves macropinocytosis. Both the 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan (MTT) and membrane leakage analyses confirmed that R9/GFP complexes were not toxic to the cyanobacteria, nor were the endocytic and macropinocytic inhibitors used in these studies.

Conclusions

In summary, we have demonstrated that cyanobacteria use classical endocytosis and macropinocytosis to internalize exogenous GFP and CPP/GFP proteins, respectively. Moreover, the CPP-mediated delivery system is not toxic to cyanobacteria, and can be used to investigate biological processes at the cellular level in this species. These results suggest that both endocytic and macropinocytic pathways can be used for efficient internalization of regular protein and CPP-mediated protein delivery in cyanobacteria, respectively.
The prognostic value of estrogen receptor beta and proline-, glutamic acid- and leucine-rich protein 1 (PELP1) expression in ovarian cancer
Authors: Aust Stefanie , Horak Peter , Pils Dietmar , Pils Sophie , Grimm Christoph , Horvat Reinhard , Tong Dan , Schmid Bernd , Speiser Paul , Reinthaller Alexander , Polterauer Stephan
Published: March 2013

Background

Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 (PELP1), a coregulator of the estrogen receptors (ERs) alpha and beta, is a potential proto-oncogene in hormone dependent gynecological malignancies. To better understand the role of PELP1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the protein expression and prognostic significance of PELP1 was evaluated together with ERalpha and ERbeta in EOC tissues.

Methods

The expression of PELP1, ERalpha, and ERbeta was characterized in tumor tissues of 63 EOC patients. The prognostic value was calculated performing log-rank tests and multivariate Cox-Regression analysis. In a second step, validation analysis in an independent set of 86 serous EOC patients was performed.

Results

Nuclear PELP1 expression was present in 76.2% of the samples. Prevalence of PELP1 expression in mucinous tumors was significantly lower (37.5%) compared to serous (85.7%) and endometrioid tumors (86.7%). A significant association between PELP1 expression and nuclear ERbeta staining was found (p=0.01). Positive PELP1 expression was associated with better disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.004) and overall survival (OS) (p=0.04). The combined expression of ERbeta+/PELP1+ revealed an independent association with better DFS (HR 0.3 [0.1-0.7], p=0.004) and OS (HR 0.3 [0.1-0.7], p=0.005). In the validation set, the combined expression of ERbeta+/PELP1+ was not associated with DFS (HR 0.7 [0.4-1.3], p=0.3) and OS (HR 0.7 [0.3-1.4], p=0.3).

Conclusion

Positive immunohistochemical staining for the ER coregulator PELP1, alone and in combination with ERbeta, might be of prognostic relevance in EOC.
Effect of Serenoa repens (Permixon®) on the expression of inflammation-related genes: analysis in primary cell cultures of human prostate carcinoma
Authors: Silvestri Ida , Cattarino Susanna , Aglianò AnnaMaria , Nicolazzo Chiara , Scarpa Susanna , Salciccia Stefano , Frati Luigi , Gentile Vincenzo , Sciarra Alessandro
Published: March 2013

Background

To analyze the expression at basal level of inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines and the activation status of the NF-κB pathway, together with the proliferation and apoptosis indexes in two widely used in vitro tumor models, the androgen-dependent human Prostate Cancer (PC) cell line LNCaP and the androgen-independent PC3 , and in primary cultures of human PC cells. To assess in these models and primary cultures, the effects of Serenoa repens (LSESr, Permixon®) on proliferation/apoptosis ratio, inflammation-related genes expression and NF-κB pathway activation.

Methods

The expression of IL-6, CCL-5, CCL-2, COX-1, COX-2, iNOS inflammation-related genes has been evaluated at the mRNA level in two in vitro human PC models (LNCaP and PC3 cell lines) and in 40 independent human prostatic primary cultures obtained from PC patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Tissue fragments were collected from both PC lesions and normal hyperplastic tissue counterparts for each case. All cultures were treated with two different amounts of Permixon® (44 and 88 μg/ml) for different time points (16, 24, 48 and 72 hours), depending on the cell type and the assay; the expression of inflammation-related genes, cell growth (proliferation/apoptosis ratio) and NF-κB activation has been analyzed in treated and untreated cells by means of semi-quantitative RNA-PCR, cell proliferation and immunofluorescence respectively.

Results

We detected a significant reduction (p <0.001) in PC and normal cells proliferation due to Permixon ® treatment. This result was related to an increase of the apoptotic activity showed by an increase in the number of anti-caspase-3 fluorescent cells. Almost all the inflammation-related genes (IL-6, CCL-5, CCL-2, COX-2 and iNOS) were expressed at the basal level in in vitro cultured cells and primary cultures and down-regulated by Permixon® treatment. This treatment interfered with NF-kB activation, detecting by the translocation of more than 30% of NF-κB p65 subunit to the nucleus.

Conclusions

The present study confirms the expression of inflammatory pattern in PC. We showed the effect of Permixon® on down-regulation of inflammatory-related genes in cell lines and in primary cultures. The inhibitory effect of Permixon® on cell growth could be partly associated to the down-regulation of inflammatory-related genes and to the activation of NF-κB pathway in prostate tissue.
Assessing sex assignment concordance with genotype and phenotype
Authors: Suresh Deepa , Crawford Jessica , Axelrad Marni E , Gunn Sheila K , McCullough Laurence , Smith O’Brian , Sutton Vernon R , Roth David , Karaviti Lefkothea P , Dietrich Jennifer E
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To catalogue patients with DSD and to assess the concordance of genotype and phenotype with sex assignment at birth compared to sex assignment before and following assessment by a Gender Medicine Team (GMT) at one institution, as an initial step in formulating standardized guidelines for management of these conditions.

Design

After obtaining IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted patients seen in the Gender Medicine Clinic (GMC) between 2006–2009 at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH), Houston, Texas. McNemar’s test and Kappa agreement provided associations of various factors with sex assignment at birth prior to GMT assessment and after GMT assessment.

Participants

Forty-seven patients seen in the GMC with confirmed DSD.

Results

Forty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients at the time of GMT evaluation was 9.1+/−6.1 years; 61.7% had male karyotype, and 38.3% had female karyotype; 51.1% had a male external phenotype, 42.6% had a female external phenotype, and 6.4% had phenotypic ambiguity. Sex assignment was concordant with genotype and phenotype in 63.8% and 86.4%, respectively of cases at the time of birth and in 76.6% and 97.7%, respectively, of cases after assessment by GMT.

Conclusion

Long-term outcomes are needed to establish standardized practice guidelines for decision-making.
Assessment and management of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in a reference center
Authors: Campo Ilaria , Mariani Francesca , Rodi Giuseppe , Paracchini Elena , Tsana Eric , Piloni Davide , Nobili Isabella , Kadija Zamir , Corsico Angelo , Cerveri Isa , Chalk Claudia , Trapnell Bruce C , Braschi Antonio , Tinelli Carmine , Luisetti Maurizio
Published: March 2013

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a term defining an ultra-rare group of disorders characterised by a perturbation in surfactant homeostasis, resulting in its accumulation within airspaces and impaired gas transfer. In this report we provide data from a cohort of PAP patients (n = 81) followed for more than two decades at the San Matteo University Hospital of Pavia, Italy. In agreement with other large series in PAP individuals, 90% of the study subjects were affected by autoimmune/idiopathic PAP, while the remaining subjects were divided as follow: congenital 1%, secondary 4% and PAP-like 5%. The disease affected males and females with a ratio of 2:1 and approximately one third of PAP patients were lifelong nonsmokers. Occupational exposure was reported in 35% of subjects in this series. With reference to the PAP clinical course, in 29 patients (7% with spontaneous remission) disease severity did not necessitate whole lung lavage (WLL) in the long-term follow up. On the other hand, 44 PAP patients underwent therapeutic WLL: in 31 subjects a single WLL was sufficient to provide long term, durable benefit, whereas 13 patients required multiple WLLs. The intra-patient mean interval between two consecutive WLLs was 15.7 ± 13.6 months. When baseline data among never lavaged and PAP patients lavaged at least once were compared, the need for lavage was significantly associated with serum biomarkers (CEA, Cyfra, LDH), lung function parameters forced vital capacity (FVC), and lung diffusing capacity (Dlco). We conclude that patient cohorts with an ultra-rare disease, such as PAP, referred to a single reference center, can provide useful information on the natural history and clinical course of the disease.
Genes involved in carnitine synthesis and carnitine uptake are up-regulated in the liver of sows during lactation
Authors: Rosenbaum Susann , Ringseis Robert , Most Erika , Hillen Sonja , Becker Sabrina , Erhardt Georg , Reiner Gerald , Eder Klaus
Published: March 2013

Background

Convincing evidence exist that carnitine synthesis and uptake of carnitine into cells is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARA), a transcription factor which is physiologically activated during fasting or energy deprivation. Sows are typically in a negative energy balance during peak lactation. We investigated the hypothesis that genes involved in carnitine synthesis and uptake in the liver of sows are up-regulated during peak lactation.

Findings

Transcript levels of several PPARα target genes involved in fatty acid uptake (FABP4, SLC25A20), fatty acid oxidation (ACOX1, CYP4A24) and ketogenesis (HMGCS2, FGF21) were elevated in the liver of lactating compared to non-lactating sows (P < 0.05). In addition, transcript levels of genes involved in carnitine synthesis (ALDH9A1, TMLHE, BBOX1) and carnitine uptake (SLC22A5) in the liver were greater in lactating than in non-lactating sows (P < 0.05). Carnitine concentrations in liver and plasma were about 20% and 50%, respectively, lower in lactating than in non-lactating sows (P < 0.05), which is likely due to an increased loss of carnitine via the milk.

Conclusions

The results of the present study show that PPARα is activated in the liver of sows during lactation which leads to an up-regulation of genes involved in carnitine synthesis and carnitine uptake. The PPARα mediated up-regulation of genes involved in carnitine synthesis and uptake in the liver of lactating sows may be regarded as an adaptive mechanism to maintain hepatic carnitine levels at a level sufficient to transport excessive amounts of fatty acids into the mitochondrion.
Trace determination of lenalidomide in plasma by non-extractive HPLC procedures with fluorescence detection after pre-column derivatization with fluorescamine
Authors: Khalil Nasr Y , Darwish Ibrahim A , Wani Tanveer A , Al-Majed Abdel-Rahman A
Published: March 2013

Background

Lenalidomide (LND) is a new potent drug used for treatment of multiple myeloma. For its pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic monitoring, a proper analytical method was required.

Results

In this study, a non extractive and simple pre-column derivatization procedures have been proposed, for the for trace determination of lenalidomide (LND) in human plasma by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Plasma samples were treated with acetonitrile for protein precipitation then treated with copper acetate to form stable complexes with the biogenic amines and mask their interference with the derivatization reaction of LND. Treated plasma samples containing LND was derivatized with fluorescamine (FLC) in aqueous media at ambient temperature. Separation of the derivatized LND was performed on Hypersil BDS C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm particle size) using a mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer (pH 4):methanol: tetrahydrofuran (70:10:20, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The derivatized samples were monitored at an emission wavelength of 495 nm after excitation at a wavelength of 382 nm. Under the optimum chromatographic conditions, a linear relationship with good correlation coefficient (r = 0.9997, n = 9) was found between the peak area and LND concentrations in the range of 2–100 ng/mL. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.8 and 2.30 ng/mL, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay precisions were satisfactory and the accuracy of the method was proved. The recovery of LND from the spiked human plasma was 99.30 ± 2.88.

Conclusions

The proposed method had high throughput as the analysis involved simple sample pre-treatment procedure and a relatively short run-time (< 15 min). The results demonstrated that the method would have a great value when it is applied in the therapeutic monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies for LND.
Dermal papilla cell number specifies hair size, shape and cycling and its reduction causes follicular decline
Authors: Chi Woo , Wu Eleanor , Morgan Bruce A.
Published: March 2013

Although the hair shaft is derived from the progeny of keratinocyte stem cells in the follicular epithelium, the growth and differentiation of follicular keratinocytes is guided by a specialized mesenchymal population, the dermal papilla (DP), that is embedded in the hair bulb. Here we show that the number of DP cells in the follicle correlates with the size and shape of the hair produced in the mouse pelage. The same stem cell pool gives rise to hairs of different sizes or types in successive hair cycles, and this shift is accompanied by a corresponding change in DP cell number. Using a mouse model that allows selective ablation of DP cells in vivo, we show that DP cell number dictates the size and shape of the hair. Furthermore, we confirm the hypothesis that the DP plays a crucial role in activating stem cells to initiate the formation of a new hair shaft. When DP cell number falls below a critical threshold, hair follicles with a normal keratinocyte compartment fail to generate new hairs. However, neighbouring follicles with a few more DP cells can re-enter the growth phase, and those that do exploit an intrinsic mechanism to restore both DP cell number and normal hair growth. These results demonstrate that the mesenchymal niche directs stem and progenitor cell behaviour to initiate regeneration and specify hair morphology. Degeneration of the DP population in mice leads to the types of hair thinning and loss observed during human aging, and the results reported here suggest novel approaches to reversing hair loss.
GATA factors efficiently direct cardiac fate from embryonic stem cells
Authors: Turbendian Harma K. , Gordillo Miriam , Tsai Su-Yi , Lu Jia , Kang Guoxin , Liu Ting-Chun , Tang Alice , Liu Susanna , Fishman Glenn I. , Evans Todd
Published: March 2013

The GATA4 transcription factor is implicated in promoting cardiogenesis in combination with other factors, including TBX5, MEF2C and BAF60C. However, when expressed in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), GATA4 was shown to promote endoderm, not cardiac mesoderm. The capacity of related GATA factors to promote cardiogenesis is untested. We found that expression of the highly related gene, Gata5, very efficiently promotes cardiomyocyte fate from murine ESCs. Gata5 directs development of beating sheets of cells that express cardiac troponin T and show a full range of action potential morphologies that are responsive to pharmacological stimulation. We discovered that by removing serum from the culture conditions, GATA4 and GATA6 are each also able to efficiently promote cardiogenesis in ESC derivatives, with some distinctions. Thus, GATA factors can function in ESC derivatives upstream of other cardiac transcription factors to direct the efficient generation of cardiomyocytes.
Hybrid treatment of an aortic arch aneurysm in a patient with a patent right and left internal mammary graft
Authors: Gemayel Gino , Murith Nicolas , Mugnai Damiano , Khabiri Ebrahim , Kalangos Afksendiyos
Published: March 2013

The aim of this report is to describe a known hybrid surgical and endovascular technique for aortic arch aneurysm repair in a special setting of a patient with previous coronary mammary bypass. We present a case of aortic arch aneurysm in a 66-year-old man with previous coronary bypass. He underwent a hybrid endovascular and surgical repair. All supraaortic vessels were debranched, keeping a continuous antegrade blood flow through the left and right internal mammary arteries to avoid myocardial ischemia. Endovascular treatment of aortic arch aneurysms is associated with less mortality and morbidity as compared with open surgery. The hybrid procedure with surgical debranching of the supraaortic vessels is the most commonly used method. In cases of previous coronary bypass with mammary arteries, care must be taken to maintain constant flow through the grafts during debranching.
A 6.5-cm pseudoaneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery managed by primary surgical repair
Authors: Dasari Bobby V M , Mullan Michael , Lau Louis , Loan William , Lee Bernard
Published: March 2013

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) aneurysms are rare but associated with significant mortality (25–40%) when complicated by rupture or thrombosis. Symptomatic SMA aneurysms, asymptomatic aneurysms of ≥2 cm size and pseudoaneurysms need intervention. We report a case of a 6.5-cm symptomatic SMA aneurysm managed by open surgical repair. At intraoperative exploration, the aneurysm was recognized to be a pseudoaneurysm with a narrow neck (1 mm defect in the native vessel) and was dealt by primary repair. Clinical presentation, the role of radiological investigations and management are discussed. Detailed preoperative assessment of the anatomical characters is essential in planning the intervention for SMA aneurysms. The required information can be obtained by selective interventional angiogram or computed tomographic angiogram with three-dimensional reconstruction. Multi-institutional prospective databases might provide better evidence regarding the timing of intervention, treatment modality, postinterventional follow-up and surveillance of patients with mesenteric aneurysms.
Cell-permeant peptide inhibitors of vasospasm and intimal hyperplasia
Authors: Osgood Michael J , Flynn Charles R , Komalavilas Padmini , Brophy Colleen
Published: March 2013

Outcomes from vein graft bypass are limited by graft failure, leading causes of which include intimal hyperplasia and vasospasm. intimal hyperplasia remains the most common cause of graft failure, but no therapeutic modalities have been shown to prevent intimal hyperplasia in humans. The small heat shock proteins are a class of naturally occurring proteins in vascular smooth muscle. These proteins have an integral role in maintenance of vascular tone and in cellular defense against various stressors. Transduction domains have enabled intracellular therapeutic delivery of peptide analogs of heat shock proteins, as well as peptide inhibitors of the kinases that phosphorylate these proteins. These cell-permeant peptides have been shown to prevent vasospasm and intimal hyperplasia in vitro. Since vascular bypass using vein grafts is analogous to autologous organ transplantation, ex vivo treatment of the vein graft with cell-permeant peptide inhibitors of vasospasm and intimal hyperplasia prior to implantation provides a unique opportunity for targeted treatment of the graft to improve patency.
Hemodynamic study of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis access
Authors: Chandra Ankur , Mix Doran , Varble Nicole
Published: March 2013

Dialysis access failure and associated complications represent a major cause of morbidity in patients with renal failure. This is due to an incomplete understanding of the hemodynamics associated with both arteriovenous fistula (AVF) successes and complications. Several decades of research have been performed studying these complex hemodynamic changes. This review provides an overview of work undertaken in three key areas of AVF hemodynamic research: mathematical modeling, in vivo fluid dynamic measurements and in vitro fluid dynamic modeling. Current and future work is then summarized involving the application of a comprehensive, systematic study of dialysis access hemodynamics. The ultimate goal is the ability to predict clinical outcomes of dialysis access procedures through personalized, patient-specific surgical planning. If successful, this type of tool would allow surgeons to predict multiple-dialysis access intervention outcomes and choose a personalized approach to maximize success.
Cell-based interventions for therapeutic angiogenesis: review of potential cell sources
Authors: Brenes Robert A , Bear Mackenzie , Jadlowiec Caroline , Goodwin Matthew , Hashim Peter , Protack Clinton D , Ziegler Kenneth R , Li Xin , Model Lynn S , Lv Wei , Collins Michael J , Dardik Alan
Published: March 2013

Alternative therapies are currently being developed to treat patients with chronic limb ischemia who are unable to be revascularized in order to avoid amputation. Cell-based therapy using mononuclear cells is gaining attention as many clinical trials are currently underway. We review cell differentiation along with the different potential cell sources for use in therapeutic angiogenesis.
Embolic stroke after carotid artery ligation during carotid body tumor resection
Authors: Kim Hyangkyoung , Cho Yong-Pil , Moon Ki-Myung , Kwon Tae-Won
Published: March 2013

This report describes a case of a delayed cerebral embolic infarction, after internal carotid artery (ICA) ligation secondary to carotid body tumor resection. We describe a 34-year-old woman who underwent left ICA ligation during a large carotid body tumor surgery. Immediately after surgery, the patient was neurologically asymptomatic; however, she subsequently developed a cerebral embolic infarction nine hours postoperatively. After beginning antiplatelet therapy, all symptoms ultimately resolved, although over a gradual course. Since the ligation of the ICA can cause thromboembolic infarctions of the cerebrum, we contend that antiplatelet agents be administered to prevent and/or treat embolic strokes.
Aortic graft infection and mycotic aneurysm with Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus: two cases with favorable outcome of antibiotic treatment
Authors: Altreuther Martin , Lange Conrad , Myhre Hans Olav , Hannula Raisa
Published: March 2013

Infections with Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus are rare and are associated with contact with animals or animal products. There are very few reports about infected vascular grafts or aneurysms with this etiology. We present two patients. The first is a 77-year-old man with an infected bifurcated graft four years after an open operation for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The second is a 72-year-old man with a symptomatic mycotic AAA, treated with endovascular aneurysm repair. Both received prolonged treatment with bactericidal antibiotics and responded well. Follow-up time at present is 5.5 years for the first, and 4.5 years for the second, patient.
Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: report of two cases
Authors: Gemayel Gino , Murith Nicolas , Mugnai Damiano , Khabiri Ebrahim , Kalangos Afksendiyos
Published: March 2013

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome accounts for an important part of correctible causes of claudication and limb ischemia in young people. It is caused by an abnormal relation between the popliteal artery (PA) and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The diagnosis should be considered in any patient under 50 with calf claudication. The mainstay of treatment is prevention of PA fibrosis because if left untreated, the syndrome leads to irreversible damage to the PA with thrombosis and limb ischemia. We describe two cases of different types in 21- and 27-year-old males, respectively, and we review the literature about the presentation, diagnosis, classification and management of this entity.
Nutcracker syndrome: symptoms of syncope and hypotension improved following endovascular stenting
Authors: Daily Ryan , Matteo Jerry , Loper Todd , Northup Martin
Published: March 2013

‘Nutcracker syndrome’ encompasses classical symptoms of hematuria and flank pain resulting from the compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. In patients with unexplained left-sided hematuria, flank pain or non-specific abdominal pain, careful interrogation of diagnostic abdominal imaging should be performed to exclude the possibility of external compression on the left renal vein. The patient discussed in this case report is a 19-year-old woman with unilateral hematuria. Her symptoms started 13 months prior with nausea, lower abdominal pain and weight loss. Six months after the nausea began, she started having syncope, sometimes multiple episodes in one day. Syncope is one of the more rarely reported symptoms associated with nutcracker syndrome. As more cases are reported, endovascular repair is becoming an alternative treatment for nutcracker syndrome. The patient was treated with stenting of her left renal vein. At the three-week follow-up, she reported near resolution of nausea and abdominal pain. She had gained four pounds, no longer had gross hematuria and had had no episodes of syncope and her blood pressure had normalized. Endovascular specialists should be aware of the variety of symptoms that can occur with nutcracker syndrome, including syncope. The severity of these symptoms should guide the recommendation for intervention.