bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells induce efficient stimulation of antiviral immunity in the context of chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Martinet Jeremie , Leroy Vincent , Dufeu-Duchesne Tania , Larrat Sylvie , Richard Marie-Jeanne , Zoulim Fabien , Plumas Joel , Aspord Caroline
Published: June 2012

The immune control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is essential for viral clearance. Therefore, restoring functional anti–HBV immunity is a promising immunotherapeutic approach to treatment of chronic infection. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a crucial role in triggering antiviral immunity through their ability to capture and process viral antigens and subsequently induce adaptive immune responses. We investigated the potential of pDCs to trigger antiviral cellular immunity against HBV. We used a human leukocyte antigen A (HLA–A)*0201+ pDC line loaded with HLA–A*0201-restricted peptides derived from hepatitis B core/hepatitis B surface (HBc/HBs) antigens to amplify specific CD8 T cells

ex vivo

from chronic HBV patients and established a Hepato-HuPBL mouse model to address the therapeutic potential of the strategy

in vivo

. Stimulation of PBMCs or liver-infiltrating lymphocytes from HLA–A*0201+ chronic HBV patients by HBc peptide-loaded pDCs elicited up to 23.1% and 76.1% HBV-specific CD8 T cells in 45.8% of cases. The specific T cells from the “responder” group secreted interferon-γ, expressed CD107 upon restimulation, and efficiently lysed HBV antigen-expressing hepatocytes. Circulating hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) was found to distinguish the group of patients not responding to the pDC stimulation. The therapeutic efficacy of the pDC vaccine was evaluated in immunodeficient NOD-SCID β2m−/− mice reconstituted with HBV patients' PBMCs and xenotransplanted with human HBV-transfected hepatocytes. Vaccination of Hepato–HuPBL mice with the HBc/HBs peptide–loaded pDCs elicited HBV-specific T cells able to specifically lyse the transfected hepatocytes and reduce the systemic viral load.

Conclusion:

pDCs loaded with HBV–derived peptides can elicit functional virus-specific T cells. HBeAg appears to be critical in determining the outcome of immunotherapies in chronic HBV patients. A pDC-based immunotherapeutic approach could be of interest in attempts to restore functional antiviral immunity, which is critical for the control of the virus in chronic HBV patients.
Histopathological algorithm and scoring system for evaluation of liver lesions in morbidly obese patients
Authors: Bedossa Pierre , Poitou Christine , Veyrie Nicolas , Bouillot Jean-Luc , Basdevant Arnaud , Paradis Valerie , Tordjman Joan , Clement Karine
Published: June 2012

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent and being overweight is a significant risk factor. The aim was to build an algorithm along with a scoring system for histopathologic classification of liver lesions that covers the entire spectrum of lesions in morbidly obese patients. A cohort of 679 obese patients undergoing liver biopsy at the time of bariatric surgery was studied. An algorithm for segregating lesions into normal liver, NAFLD, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was built based on semiquantitative evaluation of steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, and lobular inflammation. For each case, the SAF score was created including the semiquantitative scoring of steatosis (S), activity (A), and fibrosis (F). Based on the algorithm, 230 obese patients (34%) were categorized as NASH, 291 (43%) as NAFLD without NASH, and 158 (23%) as not NAFLD. The activity score (ballooning + lobular inflammation) enabled discriminating NASH because all patients with NASH had A ≥ 2, whereas no patients with A < 2 had NASH. This score was closely correlated with both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (

P

< 0.0001, analysis of variance [ANOVA]). Comparison of transaminase levels between patients with normal liver and pure steatosis did not reveal significant differences, thus lending support to the proposal not to include steatosis in the activity score but to report it separately in the SAF score. In the validation series, the interobserver agreement for the diagnosis of NASH was excellent (κ = 0.80) between liver pathologists. There was no discrepancy between the initial diagnosis and the diagnosis proposed using the algorithm.

Conclusion:

We propose a simple but robust algorithm for categorizing liver lesions in NAFLD patients. Because liver lesions in obese patients may display a continuous spectrum of histologic lesions, we suggest describing liver lesions using the SAF score.
A model for evaluating the sustainability of community‐directed treatment with ivermectin in the African Program for Onchocerciasis Control
Authors: Okeibunor Joseph , Bump Jesse , Zouré Honorat G.M. , Sékétéli Azodoga , Godin Christine , Amazigo Uche V.
Published: June 2012

Onchocerciasis is controlled by mass treatment of at‐risk populations with ivermectin. Ivermectin is delivered through community‐directed treatment (CDTI) approach. A model has been developed to evaluate the sustainability of the approach and has been tested at 35 projects in 10 countries of the African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC). It incorporates quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, taking account of two factors identified as crucial to project sustainability. These are (i) the provision of project performance information to partners, and (ii) evidence‐based support for project implementation. The model is designed to provide critical indicators of project performance of the model to implementing, coordinating, and funding partners. The model's participatory and flexible nature makes it culturally sensitive and usable by project management. This model is able to analyze the different levels involved in project implementation and arrive at a judgment for the whole project. It has inbuilt mechanisms for ensuring data reliability and validity. The model addresses the complex issue of sustainability with a cross‐sectional design focusing on how and at which operational level of implementation to strengthen a CDTI project. The unique attributes and limitations of the model for evaluating the sustainability of projects were described. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement on cognition and blood biomarkers in older men: a randomised, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Harris Elizabeth , Macpherson Helen , Vitetta Luis , Kirk Joni , Sali Avni , Pipingas Andrew
Published: June 2012

Objective

Nutritional and vitamin status may be related to cognitive function and decline in older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nutritional supplementation on cognition in older men.

Method

The current study was an 8‐week, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind investigation into the effects of a multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement (Swisse Men's Ultivite®, Swisse Vitamins Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia) on cognitive performance in older men. Participants were 51 male individuals aged between 50 and 74 years, with a sedentary lifestyle. Cognitive performance was assessed at baseline and post‐treatment using a computerised battery of cognitive tasks, enabling the measurement of a range of attentional and memory processes. Blood measures of vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine were collected prior to and after supplementation.

Results

The results of this study revealed that contextual recognition memory performance was significantly improved following multivitamin supplementation (p < 0.05). Performance on other cognitive tasks did not change. Levels of vitamin B12 and folate were significantly increased with a concomitant decrease in homocysteine, indicating that relatively short‐term supplementation with a multivitamin can benefit these risk factors for cognitive decline.

Conclusion

Findings from this study indicate that daily multivitamin supplementation may improve episodic memory in older men at risk of cognitive decline. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow‐related disturbances in forested and agricultural rivers: influences on benthic macroinvertebrates
Authors: Li Fengqing , Cai Qinghua , Jiang Wanxiang , Qu Xiaodong , Jia Xinghuan
Published: June 2012

Flow disturbances and conversions of land‐use types are two major factors that influence river ecosystems. However, few studies have considered their interactions and separated their individual effects on aquatic organisms. Using monthly monitoring data from two streams with different land‐use types (i.e. forest and agriculture) in the subtropical Central China over three years, we accurately predicted the changes of macroinvertebrate communities under flood disturbances and land‐use type conversions. The dominant taxa and main community metrics significantly declined following flash floods. Several mayflies and chironomid had rapid rates of recovery, which could reach high abundance in three months after floods. And most of the community metrics recovered more rapidly in the forested river than that in the agricultural river. Stepwise multiple regression (SMR) models were used to investigate the relationships between biotic metrics and hydrological and temporal variables. For example, SMR revealed that floods reduced the stability of benthic communities, and the length of low flow period was of considerable importance to the recovery of the fauna. Two‐way ANOVA indicated that intra‐annual fluctuation had more (e.g. the total abundance and wet biomass), equal (e.g. total richness, EPT richness, percent EPT abundance, and Margalef index), or less (e.g. tolerant value) influence on macroinvertebrate communities than land‐use types. Consequently, the effects of floods on macroinvertebrates should be taken into account when macroinvertebrates are used as indicators for assessing river ecosystem. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of genetically modified Lactobacillus plantarum 590 on the gut health of sprague–dawley rats
Authors: Liu Hai‐Yan , Xu Wen‐Tao , Yuan Yan‐Fang , Cao Si‐Shuo , He Xiao‐Yun , Li Shuang‐Ying , Huang Kun‐Lun , Luo Yun‐Bo
Published: June 2012

Lp was a generally recognized as safe microorganism. Lactobacillus plantarum 590 was obtained by inserting nisI gene into Lp genome to help it tolerate higher concentration nisin. As the unintended effects of the genetically modified microorganism (GMM) are the most important barriers to the progress of GMM, we have performed a useful exploration to establish a new in vivo evaluation model for GMM from the point of view of intestinal health. In this study, Sprague–Dawley rats were orally administered with Lp 590 and Lp for 4 weeks. Fecal samples were collected to determine the number of beneficial bacteria Bifidobacterium and harmful bacteria Clostridium perfringens. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to detect the bacterial profiles of every group. Fecal enzyme activities and short‐chain fatty acids as main metabolites were also examined. Real time PCR (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze two proteins (ZO‐1 and occludin) and secretory immunoglobulin A to detect intestinal permeability and mucosal immunity, gut permeability and gut mucosal immunity were analyzed to see whether GM Lp 590 can induce changes of the gut health when compared with non‐GM Lp group, andeventually we concluded that there is no significant difference between GM Lp 590‐fed group and non‐GM Lp‐fed group. The conclusion of gut health test was comparable withthat from traditional subchronic test. Evaluation of intestinal health will be a new approach of assessing the safety of GMM. © 2012 IUBMB Life, 64(7): 617–627, 2012.
Gene expression analysis of toxicological pathways in TM3 leydig cell lines treated with Ethane dimethanesulfonate
Authors: Lee Eun‐Hee , Oh Jung‐Hwa , Lee Young‐Sook , Park Han‐Jin , Choi Mi‐Sun , Park Se‐Myo , Kang Seung‐Jun , Yoon Seokjoo
Published: June 2012

Ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS), a well‐known alkylating agent, selectively destroys Leydig cells. To clarify the molecular pathways underlying EDS action on Leydig cells, we analyzed gene expression profiles of an EDS‐treated TM3 Leydig cell line. In this study, we analyzed the representative canonical pathways and toxicity pathways/gene lists using the Ingenuity Pathways Analysis program. In TM3 cells, 677 and 6756 genes were identified as being up‐ or downregulated after 3 and 24 h EDS treatments, respectively, (>1.3‐fold changes, p < 0.05). Toxicological pathway analysis revealed that expression of genes related to Nrf2‐mediated oxidative stress response showed remarkable changes in early or later stage of EDS‐treated TM3 cells. Several genes related to steroidogenesis and apoptosis were also differentially expressed at 24 h in EDS‐treated TM3 cells. Overall, toxicological pathway analysis using gene expression profiling showed that oxidative stress might be an important factor in cell death in TM3 cells affected by EDS treatment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:213–223, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21409
Metabolism of the antibacterial triclocarban by human epidermal keratinocytes to yield protein adducts
Authors: Schebb Nils Helge , Buchholz Bruce A. , Hammock Bruce D. , Rice Robert H.
Published: June 2012

Previous studies of triclocarban suggest that its biotransformation could yield reactive metabolites that form protein adducts. Since the skin is the major route of triclocarban exposure, present work examined this possibility in cultured human keratinocytes. The results provide evidence for considerable biotransformation and protein adduct formation when cytochrome P450 activity is induced in the cells by 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin, a model Ah receptor ligand. Since detecting low adduct levels in cells and tissues is difficult, we utilized the novel approach of accelerator mass spectrometry for this purpose. Exploiting the sensitivity of the method, we demonstrated that a substantial portion of triclocarban forms adducts with keratinocyte protein under the P450 inducing conditions employed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:230–234, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21411
Fish Oil Recovery from Viscera of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) by Supercritical Fluid: An Optimization Approach
Authors: Ferdosh Sahena , Sarker Md. Zaidul Islam , Abd Rahman Nik Norulaini Nik , Selamat Jinap , Karim Md. Rezaul , Razak Tariq Abdul , Abd Kadir Mohd Omar
Published: June 2012

Fish viscera, a waste of fish processing industry, can be exploited as a source of PUFA‐rich fish oil for use in food or pharmaceutical industry and at the same time the environment can be protected from pollution by fish wastes. Fish oil was recovered from viscera of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), by different supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) e.g. continuous, co‐solvent, soaking, and pressure swing techniques and the yields were compared with that of the solvent extraction method. The SFE parameters such as pressure, temperature, and CO2 flow rate were optimised by employing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a view to maximize the oil yield and minimize CO2 consumption. The central composite rotatable design (CCRD) consisting of three variables provided 20 experimental settings. Multiple regressions determined the coefficients of the second‐order polynomial equation. The optimum parameters for all 4 techniques applied were found to be 35 MPa, 60 °C, and 2 mL min−1 with an Oil recovery ranging from 93 to 99%. The study demonstrated a lower CO2 consumption by the soaking and pressure swing techniques at the optimized conditions. Thus, the soaking and pressure swing techniques were most effective for extracting oil from fish viscera.
Perspectives on Hair Evolution Based on Some Comparative Studies on Vertebrate Cornification
Authors: ALIBARDI LORENZO
Published: June 2012

Hair evolution contributed to the biological success of mammals. Hair origin from synapsid scales is speculative and requires extensive modifications of the morphogenetic process transforming lens‐shaped dermis of scales into small dermal papillae in hair. Hair evolution from glands is hypothetical but is supported from studies on the signaling control of hair vs. glandular morphogenesis. Based on immunocytochemical and comparative studies, it is hypothesized that the onion‐like organization of hair derived from glandular pegs which central part produced lipids and some keratin. In a following stage, involucrin, trichohyalin, and keratins were produced in the central cells of the gland and formed a solid medulla surrounded by keratinocytes of the inner root sheath. The origin of this protohair was possibly related to increased concentration of beta‐catenin and other signaling molecules in epithelial cells following the evolution of a dermal papilla. The latter activated the keratogenic genes, already utilized in cells of the claws, in concentric layers of cells of the glandular peg. Lipidogenic genes were depressed. As new genes evolved in the genome of synapsids, new circular layers of keratinocytes containing specialized hard keratins and keratin‐associated proteins were formed around medullary cells. The new keratinocytes probably originated the cortex separating medulla from the external cells that became the inner root sheath. The hypothesis indicates that in a following stage, the medulla was obliterated or replaced by cortical cells while the external part of the cortex formed a cuticular surface due to the different growth rate with inner root sheath cells. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318B:325‐343, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activated mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway is involved in insulinoma tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhan Han‐Xiang , Cong Lin , Zhao Yu‐Pei , Zhang Tai‐Ping , Chen Ge , Zhou Li , Guo Jun‐Chao
Published: June 2012

Background

Insulinoma was a rare tumor and its pathogenesis was poorly understood. There had no study that focused on the role of mTOR signaling pathway in insulinoma tumorigenesis.

Materials and Methods

Expression of p‐mTOR and its downstream p‐P70S6K in insulinoma and normal pancreatic tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. In vitro study, an insulinoma cell line (INS‐1) was treated with inhibitors of mTOR (rapamycin) or dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor (NVP‐BEZ235), RT‐PCR, and Western blotting were applied to evaluate their influence on the expression of mTOR and P70S6K. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT test, cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, insulin secretion level was evaluated by GSIS method.

Results

Positive expression of p‐mTOR and p‐P70S6K was much higher in insulinoma tumor specimens than the normal pancreatic islet (P < 0.05). mTOR inhibitors can induce decreased expression of mTOR and P70S6K, which resulting in inhibiting INS‐1 cell proliferation, insulin secretion and inducing apoptosis. NVP‐BEZ235 had better influence on inhibiting the cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis than rapamycin.

Conclusion

mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway is involved in tumorigenesis of insulinoma, NVP‐BEZ235 and rapamycin offer a promising role as novel drugs in treatment of insulinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106: 972–980. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associations between interleukin‐6 gene −174 C/G and −572 C/G polymorphisms and the risk of gastric cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yin Yan‐Wei , Sun Qian‐Qian , Hu Ai‐Min , Wang Qi , Liu Hong‐Li , Hou Zhi‐Zhen , Zeng Yi‐Hua , Xu Rui‐Jia , Shi Long‐Bao , Ma Jian‐Bin
Published: June 2012

Background and Objectives

Epidemiological studies have evaluated the associations between interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) gene −174 C/G (rs1800795) and −572 C/G (rs1800796) polymorphisms and gastric cancer (GC) risk, but results and conclusions remain controversial. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the associations, we performed this meta‐analysis.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was conducted to estimate the associations between IL‐6 gene −174 C/G and −572 C/G polymorphisms and GC risk.

Results

Nine articles involving 13 studies were included in the final meta‐analysis, covering a total of 1,581 GC cases and 2,563 controls. For IL‐6 gene −174 C/G polymorphism, nine studies were combined showing no evidence for associations between IL‐6 gene −174 C/G polymorphism and GC risk. For IL‐6 gene −572 C/G polymorphism, four studies were combined. There was also lack of evidence for significant association between IL‐6 gene −572 C/G polymorphism and GC risk. In addition, the similar results were obtained in the subgroup analyses and cumulative meta‐analysis.

Conclusions

The present meta‐analysis suggests that IL‐6 gene −174 C/G and −572 C/G polymorphisms are not associated with GC risk. However, due to the small subjects included in analysis and the selection bias in some studies, the results should be interpreted with caution. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106: 987–993. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein adsorption on DEAE ion‐exchange resins with different ligand densities and pore sizes
Authors: Hui‐Li Lu , Dong‐Qiang Lin , Mi‐Mi Zhu , Shan‐Jing Yao
Published: June 2012

Ion exchange chromatography (IEC) is a common and powerful technique for the purification of proteins. The ligand density and pore properties of ion‐exchange resins have significant effects on the separation behaviors of protein, however, the understandings are quite limited. In the present work, the adsorption isotherms of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) were investigated systematically with series of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) ion‐exchange resins, which have different ligand densities and pore sizes. The Langmuir equation was used to fit the experimental data and the influences of ligand density and pore size on the saturated adsorption capacity and the dissociation constant were discussed. The zeta potentials and hydrodynamic diameters of proteins at different pHs were also measured, and the surface charge characteristics of proteins and the adsorption mechanism were discussed. The results demonstrated that the ligand density, pore size, and protein properties affect the protein adsorption capacities in an integrative way. An integrative parameter was introduced to describe the complicated effects of ligand density and pore size on the protein adsorption. For a given protein, the ligand density and pore size should be optimized for improving the protein adsorption.
A hydatid cyst in an unusual location—The infratemporal fossa
Authors: Nouroallahian Morteza , Bakhshaee Mehdi , Afzalzadeh Mohammad Reza , Memar Bahram
Published: June 2012

Hydatid disease is a considerable health problem worldwide, but hydatid cysts in the infratemporal region are extremely rare, even where the parasite is endemic. Here we report on a 17‐year‐old female who presented with a benign swelling in the infratemporal fossa. During surgery a cystic mass was discovered and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst. Although rare, a hydatid cyst should be considered in a differential diagnosis of benign swellings in the maxillofacial region. Physicians should exercise a high index of suspicion even in nonendemic locations.
Direct Biomolecule Binding on Nonfouling Surfaces via Newly Discovered Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of Lysozyme under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Yang Peng
Published: June 2012

When lysozyme is dissolved in a neutral HEPES buffer solution (pH = 7.4) with 0.001–0.050 M TCEP added, a fast phase transition process occurs and the resulting novel fiber‐like hierarchical supramolecular assemblies made by primary spherical‐particle aggregation can function as a “superglue” that binds strongly and quickly onto non‐fouling coatings. This binding is highly selective towards lysozyme, and excludes synthetic, chemical/physical activation/deactivation (blocking) steps. By using biotinylated lysozyme, such a phase transition quickly creates a perfect biotinylated surface on non‐fouling surfaces for avidin binding, showing great potential for the development of low‐cost and practical biochips.

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The Role of CNTs in Promoting Hybrid Filler Networking and Synergism with Carbon Black in the Mechanical Behavior of Filled Polyisoprene
Authors: Galimberti Maurizio , Coombs Michele , Riccio Pierluigi , Riccò Theonis , Passera Simone , Pandini Stefano , Conzatti Lucia , Ravasio Andrea , Tritto Incoronata
Published: June 2012

The filler networking process promoted by multiwalled CNTs is studied in neat and CB‐filled poly(1,4‐cis‐isoprene) matrices. TEM analysis, tensile, dynamic‐mechanical, and electrical measurements reveal that the CNTs form a filler network at low concentration in neat PI and a continuous hybrid filler network at a lower CNT concentration in the presence of CB, with a remarkable increase of the nonlinear dynamic‐mechanical behavior of the nanocomposites at low deformation. A synergistic effect between CB and CNTs is demonstrated. The addition of CNTs to the CB‐filled PI matrix leads to initial modulus values much larger than those calculated by simple addition of the two initial moduli of the composites containing only CB and only CNTs, respectively.

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Kinetic Monte Carlo Studies on the Importance of the Reaction Scheme in Segmental Exchange of Copolymer Chains
Authors: Szymanski Ryszard , Sosnowski Stanislaw
Published: June 2012

Kinetic Monte Carlo studies (confirmed by integration of the corresponding differential equations) are used to demonstrate the fundamental differences between the two most often accepted schemes of segmental exchange. Modeling of reshuffling systems, originally composed of homopolymers of various $\overline {DP} _{{\rm n}} $, various mass distributions, and different compositions, is carried out until the equilibrium copolymers are obtained. It is shown that one of the schemes leads always to a random microstructure (Bernoulli statistics) whereas modeling of the other one indicates possibility of formation of all achievable distributions of comonomer units (from multiblock to nearly alternate). The concepts of the degrees of randomness and reshuffling are discussed and new definitions are proposed.

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Hand stereotypies distinguish Rett syndrome from autism disorder
Authors: Goldman Sylvie , Temudo Teresa
Published: June 2012

Background:

Rett syndrome (RTT) and autism disorder (AD) are 2 neurodevelopmental disorders of early life that share phenotypic features, one being hand stereotypies. Distinguishing RTT from AD often represents a challenge, and given their distinct long‐term prognoses, this issue may have far‐reaching implications. With the advances in genetic testing, the contribution of clinical manifestations in distinguishing RTT from AD has been overlooked.

Methods:

A comparison of hand stereotypies in 20 children with RTT and 20 with AD was performed using detailed analyses of videotaped standardized observations.

Results:

Striking differences are observed between RTT and AD children. In RTT, hand stereotypies are predominantly complex, continuous, localized to the body midline, and involving mouthing. Conversely, in AD children, hand stereotypies are simple, bilateral, intermittent, and often involving objects.

Conclusions:

These results provide important clinical signs useful to the differential diagnosis of RTT versus AD, especially when genetic testing for RTT is not an option. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
The role of androgens on hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α‐induced angiogenesis and on the survival of ischemically challenged skin flaps in a rat model
Authors: Shafighi Maziar , Olariu Radu , Brun Claudio , Fathi Ali R. , Djafarzadeh Siamak , Jakob Stephan M. , Hunger Robert E. , Banic Andrej , Constantinescu Mihai A.
Published: June 2012

Background:

Effects of androgens on angiogenesis are controversial. Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α promotes expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that stimulates angiogenesis.

Purpose:

This study investigates whether androgens stabilize HIF‐1α in endothelial cells, and androgen depletion decreases VEGF concentrations and skin flap survival.

Materials and Methods:

Male human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and HIF‐1α expression was measured. In male Wistar rats, standardized proximally based random pattern dorsal skin flaps (3 × 9 cm) were raised 4 weeks after orchiectomy and sham operation, respectively (n = 10, each). Flap VEGF concentrations (immunohistochemistry), perfusion (Laser Doppler), and viability (digital planimetry) were measured.

Results:

DHT induced HIF‐1α expression in HUVECs. Androgen depletion induced decreased VEGF expression (P = 0.003), flap perfusion (P < 0.05), and survival (44.4% ± 5.2%) compared to controls (35.5% ± 4.5%; P = 0.003).

Conclusion:

In vitro, androgens may stimulate HIF‐1α under normoxic conditions. In rats, androgen depletion decrease VEGF expression and flap survival. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 2012.
The gracilis myocutaneous free flap in swine: An advantageous preclinical model for vascularized composite allograft transplantation research
Authors: Leto Barone Angelo A. , Leonard David A. , Torabi Radbeh , Mallard Christopher , Glor Taylor , Scalea Joseph R. , Randolph Mark A. , Sachs David H. , Cetrulo Curtis L.
Published: June 2012

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has become a clinical reality, prompting research aimed at improving the risk‐benefit ratio of such transplants. Here, we report our experience with a gracilis myocutaneous free flap in Massachusetts General Hospital miniature swine as a preclinical VCA model. Fourteen animals underwent free transfer of a gracilis myocutaneous flap comprised of the gracilis muscle and overlying skin, each tissue supplied by independent branches of the femoral vessels. End‐to‐end anastomoses were performed to the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein, or to the femoral vessels of the recipients. Thirteen of fourteen flaps were successful. A single flap was lost due to compromise of venous outflow. This model allows transplantation of a substantial volume of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle. The anatomy is reliable and easily identified and harvest incurs minimal donor morbidity. We find this gracilis myocutaneous flap an excellent pre‐clinical model for the study of vascularized composite allotransplantation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 2013.
Expression of recombinant Ara h 6 in Pichia pastoris but not in Escherichia coli preserves allergic effector function and allows assessment of specific mutations
Authors: Zhuang Yonghua , Durrani Sandy , D. M. Hodges Brittany , Dreskin Stephen C. , Chen Xueni
Published: June 2012

Scope: Ara h 6 has recently been recognized as an important peanut allergen. Recombinant allergens have been used for analysis of IgE binding, but have not been used to analyze the allergic effector activity that is more relevant to allergic reactions.

Methods and results: Ara h 6 was expressed as a recombinant protein in both Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris (rAra h 6‐E. coli and rAra h 6‐Pichia, respectively). Effector activity was assayed by measuring degranulation of RBL SX‐38 cells sensitized with IgE from patients with severe peanut allergy. Compared to native Ara h 6 (nAra h 6), rAra h 6‐Pichia had intact effector function whereas rAra h 6‐E. coli had significantly reduced function. The lower effector activity in rAra h 6‐E. coli compared to nAra h 6 and rAra h 6‐Pichia did not appear to be due to differences in posttranslational modificatons (analyzed by mass spectrometry and staining for carbohydrates) and may be due to subtle alteration(s) of folding seen on CD analysis and on nonreduced gels. Finally, we introduced point mutations in four important IgE‐binding linear epitopes of Ara h 6 and found dramatically reduced allergic effector activity.

Conclusion: Our studies demonstrate the utility of fully functional rAra h 6‐Pichia as a starting point for analysis of specific mutations that adversely affect allergic effector function.
Dietary fat modifies the postprandial inflammatory state in subjects with metabolic syndrome: the LIPGENE study
Authors: Cruz‐Teno Cristina , Pérez‐Martínez Pablo , Delgado‐Lista Javier , Yubero‐Serrano Elena M. , García‐Ríos Antonio , Marín Carmen , Gómez Purificación , Jiménez‐Gómez Yolanda , Camargo Antonio , Rodríguez-Cantalejo Fernando , Malagón Maria M. , Pérez‐Jiménez Francisco , Roche Helen M. , López‐Miranda José
Published: June 2012

Scope

Our aim was to investigate whether the inflammatory state associated to metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients is affected by diets with different fat quality and quantity.

Methods and results

Seventy‐five subjects from LIPGENE cohort were included in this feeding trial and randomly assigned to one of four diets: high saturated fatty acids (HSFA); high monounsaturated fatty acids (HMUFA) and two low‐fat, high complex carbohydrate (LFHCC) diets, supplemented with long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LFHCC n‐3) or placebo (LFHCC), for 12 weeks each. A postprandial fat challenge, reflecting the intervention dietary fat composition, was conducted post‐intervention. The HMUFA diet significantly reduced postprandial nuclear transcription factor‐kappaB (NF‐kB) activity and the nuclear p65 protein levels relative to fasting values (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we observed a postprandial decrease in this protein with the HMUFA diet compared with the HSFA and LFHCC diets (p < 0.05). The postprandial response of inhibitory molecule from NF‐kB mRNA levels increased with the HMUFA diet compared with the HSFA and LFHCC n‐3 diets (p < 0.05). Postprandial tumor necrosis factor‐α and Metalloproteinase 9 mRNA levels were also reduced after the HMUFA diet compared with the HSFA diet (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the long‐term consumption of a healthy diet model with HMUFA attenuates the postprandial inflammatory state associated with MetS.
Design of compact planar antenna with dual notched bands using slotted rectangular patch for ultrawideband applications
Authors: Moradhesari Amin , Moosazadeh Mahdi , Esmati Zahra
Published: June 2012

A simple rectangular monopole antenna with dual band‐notched characteristics is proposed. The main features of the antenna are the compact dimensions and omnidirectional radiation across the whole band of operation. Dual band‐notched characteristics are achieved by two pair of mirror inverted L‐shaped slots at the two sides of the radiator. The measured results show that the proposed antenna operates over the frequency band between 2.5 and 11.9 GHz (131%), defined by VSWR < 2, except two frequencies notched bands of 3.25–4.25 GHz and 5.1–6 GHz. The designed antenna has a small size of 12 × 14 mm2. Experimental and simulated antenna results show that the proposed antenna has a desirable VSWR level, radiation pattern, and gain characteristics for ultrawideband frequency band range. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2053–2091, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26990
Dual‐band bandpass filter using integrated open loop resonators with embedded ground slots
Authors: Ghatak Rowdra , Pal Manimala , Sarkar Pankaj , Poddar D.R.
Published: June 2012

In this article, a dual‐band bandpass filter is proposed using two half wave length open loop resonators integrated in concentric topology. The outer set of resonators are realized to operate at lower pass band of 2.4 GHz which is coupled directly to input and output ports where as the inner set of resonators are designed at 3.5 GHz which is electromagnetically coupled to the outer resonator. To obtain wide passbands, enhanced coupling between the outer resonators is realized using ground slots just below the open loop sections of the resonators. The measured passband bandwidth at 2.45 and 3.5 GHz is 187 and 155 MHz respectively. Four transmission zeros, created due to source load coupling, are located close to the passband edges at 2.18, 2.68, 3.38, and 3.72 GHz to increase skirt selectivity. Over all filter dimension is 20 mm by 32 mm. An equivalent circuit model is developed that is in close agreement with full wave simulation and measured results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2049–2052, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26991
Design of coplanar waveguide ultrawideband bandpass filter using stub‐loaded resonator with notched band
Authors: Honarvar M. Amin , Sadeghzadeh R.A.
Published: June 2012

In the present research, a novel compact ultrawideband (UWB) bandpass filter on coplanar waveguide (CPW) is examined and implemented. Pairs of three stepped‐impedance open stubs are connected in shunt to a uniform high‐impedance line to form a multiple‐mode resonator (MMR). The physical dimension of the stepped‐impedance stubs is regulated to allocate the first four resonant modes of the MMR within UWB passband (3.1–10.6 GHz).Thus, through etching a complementary split ring resonator on the CPW feed line, the narrow notched band having admissible rejection level is made. Subsequent to obtaining the optimization parameters from the electromagnetic full‐wave simulation, the intended filter is fabricated. The level of agreement between the measured and the simulation results was excellent. The advantages of the proposed filter include compaction (0.55 λ), flat group delay with maximum 0.17 ns variation in the passband, low insertion loss, and good return loss as well as improved upper stopband. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2056–2061, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26992
Electromagnetic coupling through a dielectric layer with a left‐hand circular polarization
Authors: Serres A. , Fontgalland G. , de Farias J. E. P. , Baudrand H.
Published: June 2012

An analytical method to model an electromagnetic source with left‐hand circular polarization and the space distribution of the waves through a dielectric layer is presented. The modeling is based on the wave concept. Mathematical expressions for the transmitted and reflected waves are formulated in the frequency domain. An inverse Fourier modal transform is applied to obtain the three‐dimensional behaviors of the waves on the surface of the dielectric layer. The effects of the sources localization on the electromagnetic coupling are included. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2032–2035, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27001
Effects of bending on the performance of split ring resonators
Authors: Khaleel Haider R. , Al‐Rizzo Hussain M. , Rucker Daniel G.
Published: June 2012

In this letter, the bending effects on the performance of split ring resonators (SRRs), which is characterized by the effective electromagnetic constitutive parameters are investigated. This study is important since SRR is the basic bulk component of the left‐handed metamaterial, which plays a vital role in future's microwave and optical applications. Moreover, the performance of these artificial magnetic structures must be characterized under different bending conditions, which is essential to the design of flexible and conformal microwave and optical devices. This study reveals that bending of SRRs affects the retrieved values of the effective constitutive parameters which must be taken into consideration when designing metamaterials intended for flexible and/or conformal applications. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this kind of study is being reported for the first time in the field of microwave and metamaterial science. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2098–2101, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27011
Design and implementation of a high‐performance 60‐GHz CMOS slot antenna
Authors: Lin Chih‐Ying , Lin Yo‐Sheng , Lu Hsin‐Chia , Chang Yi‐Long
Published: June 2012

This article describes the design and implementation of a monolithic 60‐GHz millimeter‐wave planar CMOS slot antenna. A finite element method‐based three‐dimensional full‐wave electromagnetic solver, high‐frequency structure simulator, is used to simulate and optimize the performance of the antenna. The feeding network adopts the coplanar waveguide (CPW) structure, so the on‐chip antenna can be flip‐chip bonded to a CPW RO4003 conversion board for complete radiation‐pattern measurement. Nearly, omnidirectional operation is achieved by providing four major current paths in the shape of a cross for radiation. The measured input voltage standing wave ratio of the on‐chip slot antenna is smaller than 2 for frequencies 54.6–68.3 GHz. The measured maximum power gain is −0.74 dB at 60 GHz, one of the highest power gains ever reported for a CMOS antenna at 60 GHz. The chip area is only 1 × 0.8 mm2, i.e., 0.8 mm2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2061–2065, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27012
A novel compact triple‐passband filter design based on stepped impedance stub‐loaded resonators
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Su Tao , Zhao Chunsheng
Published: June 2012

This article presents a new compact triple‐passband filter using stepped impedance stub‐loaded resonators, which is based on even–odd mode analysis.The first and the third passbands are provided in even mode, whereas the second passband is produced in odd mode. Moreover, the bandpass filter (BPF) performance is good at 2.8, 3.9, and 6.7 GHz by tuning the physical length of high impedance part of the stub. Measurement results agree well with the full‐wave EM simulations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2106–2108, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27017
Multiband metamaterial structure: Butterfly‐pattern resonator
Authors: Du Guohong , Liu Changjun
Published: June 2012

This article presents a novel multiband metamaterial structure named butterfly pattern resonator (BPR).The effective medium parameters of this metamaterial are extracted from the full‐wave simulation, which shows that two resonances are caused by different magnetic modes with negative effective permeability and one another resonance is caused by electric mode with negative effective permittivity. The experiment results from a waveguide measurement system verify the multiresonant characteristics of the resonator. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2179–2181, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27027
A 3–5‐GHz ultrawideband CMOS transmitter using switched LC VCO
Authors: Ha Mincheol , Park Byungjun , Park Hyungchul , Eo Yunseong
Published: June 2012

A 3–5‐GHz CMOS ultrawideband (UWB) transmitter is implemented using 0.18‐μm CMOS technology.The transmitter is composed of switched LC VCO and digital pulse generator (DPG). The proposed DPG provides the short and tunable VCO switching pulse. The measured UWB center frequency range is 3.5–4.4 GHz with the trimmable capacitor bank of LC VCO, and the pulse duration is tunable from 1 to 3 ns by virtue of DPG. The measured energy efficiency per pulse is 5.8% and the power consumption is 0.22 mW at 10 Mbps without the buffer amplifier. The chip core size is 350 × 1000 μm2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2036–2039, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27031
A frequency agile active microstrip antenna for CP operation
Authors: Gautam A. K.
Published: June 2012

A frequency agile microstrip antenna for CP operation is presented. The frequency agility is achieved by symmetrical loading of two identical varactor diodes at the radiating edge of the patch, in which the operating frequency of the square microstrip antenna is electronically controlled by the reverse bias voltage of varactor, whereas circular polarization is achieved by four slits and a pair of truncated corners. Theoretical modal for an antenna is developed using modal cavity model and circuit theory concept. The results are validated with MOM‐based simulator and experimental results. A good agreement between the simulated, calculated, and experimental results is obtained. The tuning range is found to be 660 MHz (40.24%) and shows about 71% reduction in antenna size as compared to the conventional circular polarized antenna. Antenna shows consistent radiation characteristics for entire frequency tuning range. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2205–2209, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27033
Compact broadband branch‐line coupler with centrally loaded open‐stub and cascade transmission line
Authors: Su Tao , Zhao Chunsheng , Li Zhipeng
Published: June 2012

A novel design method for broadband branch‐line coupler using parallel capacitance and stepped impedance transmission line is presented in this article.The design uses centrally loaded low‐impedance wide open stub as capacitance, and the wavelength of the loaded stub is reduced. Two impedance transformation lines are added on both sides of this loaded stub to achieve a broader band. Simulation and experiment results validate that this method performs well in size reduction and band broadening. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2101–2103, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27037
Development of a novel broadband impedance matching network for 40 Gb/s electro‐absorption modulators
Authors: Han Wei , Daunt Chris , Yang Hua , Peters Frank H.
Published: June 2012

In this article, the equivalent circuit model of an electro‐absorption modulator (EAM) with planar isolated pedestal GSG contact is built to investigate the high‐speed performances. A novel broadband impedance matching method for the microwave packaging of the EAM is presented. With this matching network, RF return loss can be great suppressed in a wide frequency range up to 40 GHz, along with an extended 3‐dB bandwidth to 38.8 GHz. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2026–2032, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27040
Suspension Copolymerization of Vinyl Acetate and Methyl Methacrylate in the Presence of Amoxicillin
Authors: Oliveira Marco Antonio M. , Melo Príamo A. , Nele Márcio , Pinto José Carlos
Published: June 2012

The effects of amoxicillin on the course of vinyl acetate (VAc)/methyl methacrylate (MMA) suspension copolymerizations are analyzed. It is shown that the presence of the drug affects the morphology of the produced particles, although the interfacial tension is insensitive to modification of the drug concentration in the analyzed range (1–3 wt% of the aqueous phase). It is also shown that this drug interacts preferentially with VAc, causing an inhibitory effect on the rate of polymerization and enhancing the characteristic composition drift of VAc/MMA copolymerizations. Finally, it is shown that the presence of the drug leads to significant modifications of the molecular weight distributions of the final polymer material.

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