bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Proteome of Intracellular Shigella flexneri Reveals Pathways Important for Intracellular Growth
Authors: Pieper Rembert , Fisher C. R. , Suh Moo-Jin , Huang S.-T. , Parmar P. , Payne S. M.
Published: October 2013

Global proteomic analysis was performed withShigella flexneristrain 2457T in association with three distinct growth environments:S. flexnerigrowing in broth (in vitro),S. flexnerigrowing within epithelial cell cytoplasm (intracellular), andS. flexnerithat were cultured with, but did not invade, Henle cells (extracellular). Compared toin vitroand extracellular bacteria, intracellular bacteria had increased levels of proteins required for invasion and cell-to-cell spread, including Ipa, Mxi, and Ics proteins. Changes in metabolic pathways in response to the intracellular environment also were evident. There was an increase in glycogen biosynthesis enzymes, altered expression of sugar transporters, and a reduced amount of the carbon storage regulator CsrA. Mixed acid fermentation enzymes were highly expressed intracellularly, while tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle oxidoreductive enzymes and most electron transport chain proteins, except CydAB, were markedly decreased. This suggested that fermentation and the CydAB system primarily sustain energy generation intracellularly. Elevated levels of PntAB, which is responsible for NADPH regeneration, suggested a shortage of reducing factors for ATP synthesis. These metabolic changes likely reflect changes in available carbon sources, oxygen levels, and iron availability. Intracellular bacteria showed strong evidence of iron starvation. Iron acquisition systems (Iut, Sit, FhuA, and Feo) and the iron starvation, stress-associated Fe-S cluster assembly (Suf) protein were markedly increased in abundance. Mutational analysis confirmed that the mixed-acid fermentation pathway was required for wild-type intracellular growth and spread ofS. flexneri. Thus, iron stress and changes in carbon metabolism may be key factors in theS. flexneritransition from the extra- to the intracellular milieu.
Presence of Arp Specifically Contributes to Joint Tissue Edema Associated with Early-Onset Lyme Arthritis
Authors: Hove Petronella R. , Haldorson Gary J. , Magunda Forgivemore , Bankhead Troy
Published: October 2013

Antiserum to theBorrelia burgdorferiarthritis-related protein, Arp, has been shown to prevent or reduce arthritis in immunodeficient mice. To directly investigate the requirement for this lipoprotein in the generation of Lyme arthritis, we utilized targeted deletion to generate aB. burgdorfericlone that lacked only thearpgene locus. Infection of Lyme disease-susceptible C3H/HeN mice with thearpdeletion mutant demonstrated significantly reduced tibiotarsal joint swelling during the first 6 weeks of infection compared to a wild-type control. The severity of joint swelling was restored to wild-type levels in mice infected with anarpmutant clone complemented incis. Interestingly, the reduced swelling of joint tissues exhibited by mice infected with thearpdeletion mutant did not directly correspond to reduced underlying arthritis. Histopathology data at 2 weeks postinfection showed some reduction in arthritis severity caused by thearpmutant clone; however, by 8 weeks, no significant difference was observed between joint tissues infected by the wild-type orarpmutant clones. The spirochete load in the joint tissues of mice infected with thearpmutant was found to be greater than that exhibited by the wild-type control. Our findings demonstrate that this lipoprotein contributes to the generation of early-onset joint swelling and suggests thatarpexpression has a negative secondary effect on total spirochete numbers in joint tissues.
Potassium Uptake Systems in Staphylococcus aureus: New Stories about Ancient Systems
Authors: Gründling Angelika
Published: October 2013

Staphylococcus aureus
is a hardy organism that can survive high-salt conditions better than many other bacteria. This characteristic is thought to help
S. aureus
survive in the nares and on the skin of the human host and is used to selectively propagate and identify
Staphylococcus
species. However, the mechanism that allows
S. aureus
to tolerate such high-salt conditions is not well understood. A recent study in
mBio
by A. Price-Whelan et al. [mBio 4(4):e00407-13, 2013, doi:10.1128/mBio.00407-13] highlights the importance of potassium uptake in this process. This commentary provides a perspective of the study by Price-Whelan et al. as well as other recently reported work on potassium uptake and transport systems in
S. aureus
.
Self-reported time spent watching television is associated with arterial stiffness in young adults: the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study
Authors: van de Laar Roel J , Stehouwer Coen D , Prins Martin H , van Mechelen Willem , Twisk Jos W , Ferreira Isabel
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To investigate whether time spent watching television (a marker of sedentary behaviour) is associated with arterial stiffness, a major determinant of cardiovascular disease, and whether any such association could be explained by related deleterious levels of habitual physical activity (HPA) and/or other lifestyle and biological risk factors.

Methods

Prospective measures (ages 32 and 36 years) of television time and risk factors were retrieved from 373 participants (196 women) in whom stiffness of the carotid, brachial and femoral arteries was assessed by means of ultrasonography at age 36 years. Data were analysed with generalised estimating equations.

Results

Participants with stiffer carotid arteries spent more time (in min/day) watching television during the four preceding years than did those with less stiff arteries, as defined on the basis of the highest compared with the lowest gender-specific tertiles of the distensibility or compliance coefficients (reversed) or the Young's elastic modulus: +22.4 (95%CI 8.7 to 36.1), +18.4 (4.2 to 32.5) and +19.7 (6.0 to 33.4), respectively. These differences were independent of potential confounders, such as vigorous intensity HPA and other lifestyle risk factors, and could only in part (up to 31%) be explained by the adverse associations of television time with traditional biological risk factors. Qualitatively similar results were found for femoral, but not brachial, stiffness estimates.

Conclusions

Given the independent associations of time spent watching televisionandvigorous intensity HPA with arterial stiffness, our study suggests that not only promotion of physical activity,but alsodiscouragement of sedentary behaviours should be targeted in younger adults to prevent arterial stiffening.
Inhaled salbutamol does not affect athletic performance in asthmatic and non-asthmatic cyclists
Authors: Koch Sarah , MacInnis Martin J , Sporer Benjamin C , Rupert James L , Koehle Michael S
Published: October 2013

Rationale

Salbutamol may affect lung function and exercise performance differently in individuals with and without asthma.

Objectives

To compare the effects of inhaled salbutamol on lung function, exercise performance and respiratory parameters during cycling exercise in athletes with a positive response to a eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH+) and negative (EVH−) challenge, indicative of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Methods

In a randomised controlled trial with a crossover design, a total of 49 well-trained male athletes (14 EVH+ and 35 EVH−) performed two simulated 10 km time-trials on a cycle ergometer 60 min after the inhalation of either 400 μg of salbutamol or a placebo. Lung function, assessed by forced expiratory volume in 1 s, was measured immediately before and 30 min after inhalation. Performance was measured by mean power output.

Measurements & main results

Despite a significant increase in lung function after the inhalation of salbutamol compared to the placebo (p<0.001), salbutamol did not affect athletes’ perceptions of dyspnoea (p>0.05) or leg exertion (p>0.05) during exercise. Salbutamol did not affect mean power output: EVH+ and EVH− athletes averaged 4.0 (0.5) and 4.1 (0.5) W/kg after salbutamol and 4.0 (0.5) W/kg and 4.0 (0.4) W/kg after placebo, respectively (p>0.05 for each comparison).

Conclusions

The inhalation of salbutamol induced a significant increase in resting lung function in EVH+ and EVH− athletes but this improvement in lung function did not translate to improved exercise performance. Salbutamol had no discernible effect on key ventilatory and exercise parameters regardless of EVH challenge outcome.
A systematic review of air pollution and incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Teng Tiew-Hwa Katherine , Williams Teresa A , Bremner Alexandra , Tohira Hideo , Franklin Peter , Tonkin Andrew , Jacobs Ian , Finn Judith
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Studies have linked air pollution with the incidence of acute coronary artery events and cardiovascular mortality but the association with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is less clear.

Aim

To examine the association of air pollution with the occurrence of OHCA.

Methods

Electronic bibliographic databases (until February 2013) were searched. Search terms included common air pollutants and OHCA. Studies of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators and OHCA not attended by paramedics were excluded. Two independent reviewers (THKT and TAW) identified potential studies. Methodological quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

Of 849 studies, 8 met the selection criteria. Significant associations between particulate matter (PM) exposure (especially PM2.5) and OHCA were found in 5 studies. An increase of OHCA risk ranged from 2.4% to 7% per interquartile increase in average PM exposure on the same day and up to 4 days prior to the event. A large study found ozone increased the risk of OHCA within 3 h prior to the event. The strongest risk OR of 3.8–4.6% per 20 parts per billion ozone increase of the average level was within 2 h prior to the event. Similarly, another study found an increased risk of 18% within 2 days prior to the event.

Conclusions

Larger studies have suggested an increased risk of OHCA with air pollution exposure from PM2.5and ozone.
Impaired platelet-derived growth factor receptor expression and function in cultured lower esophageal sphincter circular smooth muscle cells fromW/Wvmutant mice
Authors: Bautista-Cruz Francisco , Nair Dileep G. , Lourenssen Sandra , Miller David V. , Blennerhassett Michael G. , Paterson William G.
Published: October 2013

We have previously demonstrated that lower esophageal sphincter (LES) circular smooth muscle (CSM) is functionally impaired in W/Wvmutant mice that lack interstitial cells of Cajal, and speculated that this could be due to altered smooth muscle differentiation. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is involved in the maturation and differentiation of smooth muscle. To determine whether PDGF expression and (or) function is altered in W/Wvmutant mice, PDGF-Rβ expression was measured using RT-PCR, qPCR, and immunocytochemistry, and Ca2+imaging and perforated patch clamp recordings performed in isolated LES CSM cells. RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry showed significantly reduced PDGF-Rβ expression in the LES from mutant as opposed to wild-type mice. Quantitative comparison of CSM cell numbers in histological specimens revealed a significantly increased average cell size in the mutant tissue. The specific PDGF-Rβ ligand, PDGF-BB, caused a significant increase in intracellular Ca2+in cells from the wild-type mice compared with the mutants. Using a ramp protocol, PDGF-BB caused a 2-fold increase in outward K+currents in cells from the wild-type mice, whereas no significant increase was measured in the cells from the mutants. We conclude that the expression and function of PDGF-Rβ in LES CSM from W/Wvmice is impaired, providing further evidence that LES CSM is abnormal in W/Wvmutants.
BOUNDEDNESS OF ENTANGLEMENT ENTROPY AND SPLIT PROPERTY OF QUANTUM SPIN CHAINS
Authors: MATSUI TAKU
Published: October 2013

We show that boundedness of entanglement entropy for pure states of bipartite quantum spin systems implies split property of subsystems. As a corollary, in one-dimensional quantum spin chains, we show that the split property with respect to left and right semi-infinite subsystems is valid for the translationally invariant pure ground states with spectral gap.
A HIERARCHICALLY SUPERIMPOSING LOCAL REFINEMENT METHOD FOR ISOGEOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: HAH ZOO-HWAN , KIM HYUN-JUNG , YOUN SUNG-KIE
Published: October 2013

In isogeometric analysis, the tensor-product form of Nonuniform Rational B-spline (NURBS) represents spline surfaces. Due to the nature of the tensor-product, the local refinement in isogeometric analysis has many issues to be resolved. Attempts have been made in this regard, such as T-splines and hierarchical approaches. In this work, a local refinement method for isogeometric analysis based on a superimposing concept is proposed. Local refinements are performed by superimposing hierarchically-created finer overlay meshes onto the regions of high error rather than a change of analysis basis (from NURBS to some other spline space). To employ the superimposing concept as a local refinement strategy in isogeometric analysis, a hierarchical framework to construct overlay meshes is developed, and compatibility conditions across the interfacial boundaries of different levels of meshes is discussed. Through numerical examples, the effectiveness and validity of the proposed method are demonstrated.
The immobilization of gold from gold (III) chloride by a halophilic sulphate-reducing bacterial consortium
Authors: Shuster Jeremiah , Marsden Sian , Maclean Lachlan C. W. , Ball James , Bolin Trudy , Southam Gordon
Published: October 2013

A consortium containing halophilic, dissimilatory sulphate-reducing bacteria was enriched from Basque Lake #1, located near Ashcroft, British Columbia, Canada to evaluate the role these bacteria have on the immobilization of soluble gold. The consortium immobilized increasing amounts of gold from gold (III) chloride solutions, under saline to hypersaline conditions, over time. Gold (III) chloride was reduced to elemental gold in all experimental systems. Salinity did not affect gold immobilization. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that reduced gold (III) chloride was immobilized as
c.
3–10 nm gold colloids and
c.
100 nm colloidal aggregates at the fluid–biofilm interface. The precipitation of gold at this organic interface protected cells within the biofilm from the ‘toxic effect’ of ionic gold. Analysis of these experimental systems using X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy confirmed that elemental gold with varying colloidal sizes formed within minutes. The immobilization of gold by halophilic sulphate-reducing bacteria highlights a possible role for the biosphere in ‘intercepting’ mobile gold complexes within natural, hydraulic flow paths. Based on the limited toxicity demonstrated in this experimental model, significant concentrations of elemental gold could accumulate over geological time in natural systems where soluble gold concentrations are more dilute and presumably ‘non-toxic’ to the biosphere.
Mining search and browse logs for web search
Authors: Jiang Daxin , Pei Jian , Li Hang
Published: October 2013

Huge amounts of search log data have been accumulated at Web search engines. Currently, a popular Web search engine may receive billions of queries and collect terabytes of records about user search behavior daily. Beside search log data, huge amounts of browse log data have also been collected through client-side browser plugins. Such massive amounts of search and browse log data provide great opportunities for mining the wisdom of crowds and improving Web search. At the same time, designing effective and efficient methods to clean, process, and model log data also presents great challenges.

In this survey, we focus on mining search and browse log data for Web search. We start with an introduction to search and browse log data and an overview of frequently-used data summarizations in log mining. We then elaborate how log mining applications enhance the five major components of a search engine, namely, query understanding, document understanding, document ranking, user understanding, and monitoring and feedback. For each aspect, we survey the major tasks, fundamental principles, and state-of-the-art methods.
A temporal pattern mining approach for classifying electronic health record data
Authors: Batal Iyad , Valizadegan Hamed , Cooper Gregory F. , Hauskrecht Milos
Published: October 2013

We study the problem of learning classification models from complex multivariate temporal data encountered in electronic health record systems. The challenge is to define a good set of features that are able to represent well the temporal aspect of the data. Our method relies on temporal abstractions and temporal pattern mining to extract the classification features. Temporal pattern mining usually returns a large number of temporal patterns, most of which may be irrelevant to the classification task. To address this problem, we present the Minimal Predictive Temporal Patterns framework to generate a small set of predictive and nonspurious patterns. We apply our approach to the real-world clinical task of predicting patients who are at risk of developing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The results demonstrate the benefit of our approach in efficiently learning accurate classifiers, which is a key step for developing intelligent clinical monitoring systems.
Reliable medical recommendation systems with patient privacy
Authors: Hoens T. Ryan , Blanton Marina , Steele Aaron , Chawla Nitesh V.
Published: October 2013

One of the concerns patients have when confronted with a medical condition is which physician to trust. Any recommendation system that seeks to answer this question must ensure that any sensitive medical information collected by the system is properly secured. In this article, we codify these privacy concerns in a privacy-friendly framework and present two architectures that realize it: the Secure Processing Architecture (SPA) and the Anonymous Contributions Architecture (ACA). In SPA, patients submit their ratings in a protected form without revealing any information about their data and the computation of recommendations proceeds over the protected data using secure multiparty computation techniques. In ACA, patients submit their ratings in the clear, but no link between a submission and patient data can be made. We discuss various aspects of both architectures, including techniques for ensuring reliability of computed recommendations and system performance, and provide their comparison.
Customized prediction of respiratory motion with clustering from multiple patient interaction
Authors: Lee Suk Jin , Motai Yuichi , Weiss Elisabeth , Sun Shumei S.
Published: October 2013

Information processing of radiotherapy systems has become an important research area for sophisticated radiation treatment methodology. Geometrically precise delivery of radiotherapy in the thorax and upper abdomen is compromised by respiratory motion during treatment. Accurate prediction of the respiratory motion would be beneficial for improving tumor targeting. However, a wide variety of breathing patterns can make it difficult to predict the breathing motion with explicit models. We proposed a respiratory motion predictor, that is, customized prediction with multiple patient interactions using neural network (CNN). For the preprocedure of prediction for individual patient, we construct the clustering based on breathing patterns of multiple patients using the feature selection metrics that are composed of a variety of breathing features. In the intraprocedure, the proposed CNN used neural networks (NN) for a part of the prediction and the extended Kalman filter (EKF) for a part of the correction. The prediction accuracy of the proposed method was investigated with a variety of prediction time horizons using normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE) values in comparison with the alternate recurrent neural network (RNN). We have also evaluated the prediction accuracy using the marginal value that can be used as the reference value to judge how many signals lie outside the confidence level. The experimental results showed that the proposed CNN can outperform RNN with respect to the prediction accuracy with an improvement of 50%.
Improving Motivation in eLearning
Authors: Guyan Matt
Published: October 2013

Learner motivation is an important aspect of the overall learning experience. This article looks at Ryan and Deci's self-determination theory and how satisfying learner's basic psychological needs can lead to greater internalization of their motivation towards eLearning courses.
TRP Channels and Pain
Authors: Julius David
Published: October 2013

Nociception is the process whereby primary afferent nerve fibers of the somatosensory system detect noxious stimuli. Pungent irritants from pepper, mint, and mustard plants have served as powerful pharmacological tools for identifying molecules and mechanisms underlying this initial step of pain sensation. These natural products have revealed three members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family—TRPV1, TRPM8, and TRPA1—as molecular detectors of thermal and chemical stimuli that activate sensory neurons to produce acute or persistent pain. Analysis of TRP channel function and expression has validated the existence of nociceptors as a specialized group of somatosensory neurons devoted to the detection of noxious stimuli. These studies are also providing insight into the coding logic of nociception and how specification of nociceptor subtypes underlies behavioral discrimination of noxious thermal, chemical, and mechanical stimuli. Biophysical and pharmacological characterization of these channels has provided the intellectual and technical foundation for developing new classes of analgesic drugs.
Pharmacological Evaluation and Antifertility Activity ofJatropha gossypifoliain Rats
Authors: Jain Sachin , Choudhary Gajendra Pratap , Jain Dinesh Kumar
Published: October 2013

Objectives. Pharmacological and antifertility activity evaluation ofJatropha gossypifoliain rats.Methods. The antifertility activity of the extracts ofJatropha gossypifoliain rats was evaluated using two experimental animal models. Estrogenic activity was evaluated in immature female rats using ethinyl estradiol as standard. Anti-implantation and early abortifacient activity was performed in female Wistar rats by determining the number of implantations and implantation resorptions.Results. In estrogenic activity evaluations, the ethanolic and aqueous extracts offered significant estrogen-like activity at 400 mg kg−1p.o. by increasing the uterine weight compared to vehicle control group. Ethanolic extract (400 mg kg−1, p.o.) treatment significantly decreased the number of implants and increased the number of resorptions compared to vehicle control group.Conclusion. The results of the present study provide the evidence of the anti-fertility activity ofJatropha gossypifoliaas claimed in the traditional use. The results are consistent with the literature reports related to the antifertility effect of flower extracts ofJatropha gossypifolia.
Depigmented Allergoids Reveal New Epitopes with Capacity to Induce IgG Blocking Antibodies
Authors: López-Matas M. Angeles , Gallego Mayte , Iraola Víctor , Robinson Douglas , Carnés Jerónimo
Published: October 2013

Background. The synthesis of allergen-specific blocking IgGs that interact with IgE after allergen immunotherapy (SIT) has been related to clinical efficacy. The objectives were to investigate the epitope specificity of IgG-antibodies induced by depigmented-polymerized (Dpg-Pol) allergoids and unmodified allergen extracts, and examine IgE-blocking activity of induced IgG-antibodies.Methods. Rabbits were immunized with native and Dpg-Pol extracts of birch pollen, and serum samples were obtained. Recognition of linear IgG-epitopes of Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 and the capacity of these IgG-antibodies to block binding of human-IgE was determined.Results. Serum from rabbits immunized with native extracts recognised 11 linear epitopes from Bet v 1, while that from Dpg-Pol-immunized animals recognised 8. For Bet v 2, 8 epitopes were recognized by IgG from native immunized animals, and 9 from Dpg-Pol immunized one. Dpg-Pol and native immunized serum did not always recognise the same epitopes, but specific-IgG from both could block human-IgE binding sites for native extract.Conclusions. Depigmented-polymerized birch extract stimulates the synthesis of specific IgG-antibodies which recognize common but also novel epitopes compared with native extracts. IgG-antibodies induced by Dpg-Pol effectively inhibit human-IgE binding to allergens which may be part of the mechanism of action of SIT.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisInfection following Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Boubaker Karima , Gargah Tahar , Abderrahim Ezzedine , Ben Abdallah Taieb , Kheder Adel
Published: October 2013

Introduction and Aims. Post-transplant tuberculosis (TB) is a problem in successful long-term outcome of renal transplantation recipients. Our objective was to describe the pattern and risk factors of TB infection and the prognosis in our transplant recipients.Patients and Methods. This study was a retrospective review of the records of 491 renal transplant recipients in our hospital during the period from January 1986 to December 2009. The demographic data, transplant characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, treatment protocol, and long-term outcome of this cohort of patients were analyzed.Results. 16 patients (3,2%) developed post-transplant TB with a mean age of 32,5 ± 12,7 (range: 13–60) years and a mean post-transplant period of 36,6months (range: 12,3 months–15,9 years). The forms of the diseases were pulmonary in 10/16 (62,6%), disseminated in 3/16 (18,7%), and extrapulmonary in 3/16 (18,7%). Graft dysfunction was observed in 7 cases (43,7%) with tissue-proof acute rejection in 3 cases and loss of the graft in 4 cases. Hepatotoxicity developed in 3 patients (18,7%) during treatment. Recurrences were observed in 4 cases after early stop of treatment. Two patients (12.5%) died.Conclusion. Extra pulmonary and disseminated tuberculosis were observed in third of our patients. More than 9months of treatment may be necessary to prevent recurrence.
Fibrinogen-InducedStreptococcus mutansBiofilm Formation and Adherence to Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lombardo Bedran Telma Blanca , Azelmat Jabrane , Palomari Spolidorio Denise , Grenier Daniel
Published: October 2013

Streptococcus mutans, the predominant bacterial species associated with dental caries, can enter the bloodstream and cause infective endocarditis. The aim of this study was to investigateS. mutansbiofilm formation and adherence to endothelial cells induced by human fibrinogen. The putative mechanism by which biofilm formation is induced as well as the impact of fibrinogen onS. mutansresistance to penicillin was also evaluated. Bovine plasma dose dependently induced biofilm formation byS. mutans. Of the various plasma proteins tested, only fibrinogen promoted the formation of biofilm in a dose-dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed the presence of complex aggregates of bacterial cells firmly attached to the polystyrene support.S. mutansin biofilms induced by the presence of fibrinogen was markedly resistant to the bactericidal effect of penicillin. Fibrinogen also significantly increased the adherence ofS. mutansto endothelial cells. NeitherS. mutanscells nor culture supernatants converted fibrinogen into fibrin. However, fibrinogen is specifically bound to the cell surface ofS. mutansand may act as a bridging molecule to mediate biofilm formation. In conclusion, our study identified a new mechanism promotingS. mutansbiofilm formation and adherence to endothelial cells which may contribute to infective endocarditis.
Synergistic Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Artesunate and CaptoprilIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Krusche Benjamin , Arend Joachim , Efferth Thomas
Published: October 2013

Inhibition of angiogenesis represents one major strategy of cancer chemotherapy. In the present investigation, we investigated the synergism of artesunate and captopril to inhibit angiogenesis. Artesunate is an antimalarial derivative of artemisinin from the Chinese medicinal plant,Artemisia annuaL., which also reveals profound anticancer activityin vitroandin vivo. Captopril is an angiotensin I-converting (ACE) inhibitor, which is well established in Western academic medicine. Both compounds inhibited migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)in vitro. The combination of both drugs resulted in synergistically inhibited migration. Whereas artesunate inhibited HUVEC growth in the XTT assay, captopril did not, indicating independent modes of action. We established a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay of quail embryos (Coturnix coturnixL.) and a computer-based evaluation routine for quantitative studies on vascularization processesin vivo. Artesunate and captopril inhibited blood vessel formation and growth. For the first time, we demonstrated that both drugs revealed synergistic effects when combined. These results may also have clinical impact, since cardiovascular diseases and cancer frequently occur together in older cancer patients. Therefore, comorbid patients may take advantage, if they take captopril to treat cardiovascular symptoms and artesunate to treat cancer.
Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Reinert Tomás , Baldotto Clarissa Serodio da Rocha , Nunes Frederico Arthur Pereira , Scheliga Adriana Alves de Souza
Published: October 2013

Bleomycin is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used to treat curable diseases such as germinative tumors and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The major limitation of bleomycin therapy is pulmonary toxicity, which can be life threatening in up to 10% of patients receiving the drug. The mechanism of bleomycin-induced pneumonitis (BIP) involves oxidative damage, relative deficiency of the deactivating enzyme bleomycin hydrolase, genetic susceptibility, and the elaboration of inflammatory cytokines. Ultimately, BIP can progress to lung fibrosis. The diagnosis of BIP is established by the combination of systemic symptoms, radiological and histological findings, and respiratory function tests abnormalities, while other disorders should be excluded. Although the diagnosis and pathophysiology of this disease have been better characterized over the past few years, there is no effective therapy for the disease. In general, the clinical picture is extremely complex. A greater understanding of the BIP pathogenesis may lead to the development of new agents capable of preventing or even treating the injury already present. Physicians who prescribe bleomycin must be aware of the potential pulmonary toxicity, especially in the presence of risk factors. This review will focus on BIP, mainly regarding recent advances and perspectives in diagnosis and treatment.
Demicellization of Polyethylene Oxide in Water Solution under Static Magnetic Field Exposure Studied by FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Calabrò Emanuele , Magazù Salvatore
Published: October 2013

FTIR spectroscopy was used to investigate the alterations of the vibration bands in the mid-infrared region of Polyethylene oxide in aqueous solution at 25 mg/mL concentration under exposure up to 4 h to a static magnetic field at 200 mT. FTIR spectroscopic analysis of PEO solution in the range 3500–1000 cm−1 evidenced the stretching vibrations of ether band, C–H symmetric-antisymmetric and bending vibrations of methylene groups, and the C–O–C stretching band. A significant decrease in intensity of symmetric and asymmetric stretching CH2 vibration bands occurred after 2 h and 4 h of exposure, followed by a significant decrease in intensity of scissoring bending in plane CH2 vibration around 1465 cm−1. Finally, the C–O–C stretching band around 1080 cm−1 increased in intensity after 4 h of exposure. This result can be attributed to the increase of formation of the intermolecular hydrogen bonding that occurred in PEO aqueous solution after SMF exposure, due to the reorientation of PEO chain after exposure to SMF. In this scenario, the observed decrease in intensity of CH2 vibration bands can be understood as well considering that the reorientation of PEO chain under the applied SMF induces PEO demicellization.
Effect of Continuous Agriculture of Grassland Soils of the Argentine Rolling Pampa on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen
Authors: Milesi Delaye Luis A. , Irizar Alicia B. , Andriulo Adrián E. , Mary Bruno
Published: October 2013

Long-term soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic nitrogen (SON) following cultivation of grassland soils (100/120-year tillage (T) + 20/30-year no tillage (NT)) of the Rolling Pampa were studied calibrating the simple AMG model coupled with the natural13C abundance measurements issued from long-term experiments and validating it on a data set obtained by a farmer survey and by long-term NT experiments. The multisite survey and NT trials permitted coverage of the history of the 140 years with agriculture. The decrease in SOC and SON storage that occurred during the first twenty years by a loss through biological activity was 27% for SOC and 32% for SON. The calibrated model described the SOC storage evolution very well and permitted an accurate simultaneous estimation of their three parameters. The validated model simulated well SOC and SON evolution. Overall, the results analyzed separately for the T and NT period indicated that the active pool has a rapid turnover (MRT ~9 and 13 years, resp.) which represents 50% of SOC in the native prairie soil and 20% of SOC at equilibrium after NT period. NT implementation on soils with the highest soil organic matter reserves will continue to decrease (17%) for three decades later under current annual addition.
Simplified Printed Log-Periodic Dipole Array Antenna Fed by CBCPW
Authors: Zhai Guohua , Cheng Yong , Yin Qiuyan , Zhu Shouzheng , Gao Jianjun
Published: October 2013

A novel simple approach for designing single-layer printed log-periodic dipole array (PLPDA) antenna fed by conductor-backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) is presented. The PLPDA antenna has the merits of wide bandwidth, low profile, and stable radiation pattern, which should be fed by the balanced line. The balanced line, created by the geometric features of the CBCPW, provides a balun with a considerably wide bandwidth with low profile, broad bandwidth, low insertion loss, and so forth. The prototype of the proposed CBCPW-fed printed log-periodic array at Ka band is designed and fabricated; the measured data are in good agreement with the simulated results.
Antibacterial Activity ofRhus javanicaagainst Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: You Yong-Ouk , Choi Na-Young , Kang Sun-Young , Kim Kang-Ju
Published: October 2013

In the present study, the leaves ofRhus javanica(R. javanica) were extracted with ethanol, and we investigated the antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract ofR. javanicaagainst methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA). Control groups were treated with media containing 0.1% DMSO. The ethanol extract ofR. javanicainhibited the growth of MRSA at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.2 mg/mL and inhibited acid production at concentrations higher than 0.1 mg/mL (P<0.05). MRSA biofilm formation was determined by scanning electron microscopy and safranin staining. The ethanol extract ofR. javanicainhibited the formation of MRSA biofilms at concentrations higher than 0.05 mg/mL. In confocal laser scanning microscopy, high concentration (0.4–1.6 mg/mL) ofR. javanicaextract showed bactericidal effect in a dose-dependent manner. In real-time PCR analysis,R. javanicaextract showed the inhibition of the genetic expression of virulence factors such asmecA,sea,agrA, andsarAin MRSA. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the strong presence of phenolics. These results suggest thatR. javanicamay be a useful medicinal plant for inhibiting MRSA, which may be related to the presence of phenolics in theR. javanicaextract.
Design of an Automatically Tuned Fuzzy Controller for a Truck and Multitrailer System
Authors: Ren T. R.
Published: October 2013

The use of a truck and multitrailer system is advantageous because of its ability to transport heavy and large parts with a single powered vehicle. On the other hand, when the system is deployed in an autonomous and unmanned scenario, it remains a challenging task to design a drive controller. Since the drive is only applied to the truck and motivated by successful cases of human expert drivers, a fuzzy controller is developed to generate speed and turn rate commands in order to steer the multi-trailer system to reach the target position with minimum position error. Furthermore, in order to make the controller design efficient and effective, the parameters in the fuzzy controller including the membership functions and rules are automatically tuned using the implementation of efficient particle swarm optimization algorithm instead of relying solely on human expert knowledge. Near-optimal parameters are then derived and adopted in the controller, and drive commands are then generated. The performance of the truck-and-multi-trailer system under fuzzy control is verified through simulation studies, and satisfactory results are obtained.
Removal of Methyl Violet 2B from Aqueous Solution UsingCasuarina equisetifoliaNeedle
Authors: Dahri Muhammad Khairud , Kooh Muhammad Raziq Rahimi , Lim Linda B. L.
Published: October 2013

One of the major contaminants of water bodies is dye pollutants that come from textile, paper, and leather industries. In this study,Casuarina equisetifolianeedle (CEN) is used to remove methyl violet 2B (MV) from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were done to investigate the contact time, effect of pH, initial dye concentrations, and temperature. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to describe the interaction between the adsorbate and adsorbent. The sorption mechanism was described using Lagergren 1st order, pseudo 2nd order, and Weber-Morris intraparticle diffusion models. FTIR spectroscopy was used to analyze the functional groups of CEN before and after sorption with MV. Optimal conditions were found to be at room temperature with 2 h contact time and no pH adjustment was needed. Experimental data was best fitted onto Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 164.99 mg/g, while pseudo 2nd order best described the experimental data for the kinetics study. Thermodynamic parameters such as change in Gibbs free energy (), enthalpy (), and entropy () were also investigated.
Changes of Regulatory T and B Cells in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma after131I Radioablation: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Jiang Lei , Zhan Yanxia , Gu Yusen , Ye Yi , Cheng Yunfeng , Shi Hongcheng
Published: October 2013

Introduction. Lymphocytic infiltration and specific lymphocytes subsets may play important roles in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) progression and prognosis. In this study, we try to understand the influence of131I radioablation on the important lymphocytes subtypes of regulatory T and B cells (Tregs and Bregs).Methods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 30 PTC patients before and after131I therapy, and 20 healthy donors were collected. The expression of Tregs (CD4+CD25+CD127-/low) and B cell (CD5+CD19+) and production and secretion of interleukin 10 (IL-10) were analyzed by FACS and ELISA assay, respectively.Results. For Tregs percentage in peripheral blood lymphocytes, there was no difference between pretreatment and control and between posttreatment and control. Compared with pretherapy, increased Tregs infiltration was noted in posttherapy (P<0.05). Although no difference was between pretreatment and control, compared with these two groups, decreased CD19+and CD5+CD19+B cell percentage in posttreatment was observed (P<0.05). Among these groups, no significant difference was displayed in intracellular IL-10 production and extracellular IL-10 secretion.Conclusions.131I Radioablation increased Tregs and decreased CD19+and CD5+CD19+B cells percentage after treatment. However, it has no effect on IL-10 and lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Therefore, longer follow-up of Tregs and Bregs should be further investigated.
Evaluation of Self‐Etching Adhesive and Er:YAG Laser Conditioning on the Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Contreras-Bulnes Rosalía , Scougall-Vilchis Rogelio J. , Rodríguez-Vilchis Laura E. , Centeno-Pedraza Claudia , Olea-Mejía Oscar F. , Alcántara-Galena María del Carmen Z.
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength, the adhesive remnant index scores, and etch surface of teeth prepared for orthodontic bracket bonding with self‐etching primer and Er:YAG laser conditioning. One hundred and twenty bovine incisors were randomly divided into four groups. In Group I (Control), the teeth were conditioned with 35% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds. In Group II the teeth were conditioned with Transbond Plus SEP (5 sec); III and IV were irradiated with the Er:YAG 150 mJ (11.0 J/cm2), 150 mJ (19.1 J/cm2), respectively, at 7–12 Hz with water spray. After surface preparation, upper central incisor stainless steel brackets were bonded with Transbond Plus Color Change Adhesive. The teeth were stored in water at 37°C for 24 hours and shear bond strengths were measured, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) was determined. The conditioned surface was observed under a scanning electron microscope. One‐way ANOVA and chi‐square test were used. Group I showed the significantly highest values of bond strength with a mean value of 8.2 megapascals (MPa). The lesser amount of adhesive remnant was found in Group III. The results of this study suggest that Er:YAG laser irradiation could not be an option for enamel conditioning.
Thermoelectric Properties of Carbon Nanotube and Nanofiber Based Ethylene‐Octene Copolymer Composites for Thermoelectric Devices
Authors: Slobodian P. , Riha P. , Olejnik R. , Kovar M. , Svoboda P.
Published: October 2013

Polymer composites have been created from multiwalled carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibers and ethylene‐octene copolymer. The composites have thermoelectric properties and exhibit thermoelectric effect, that is, the conversion of temperature differences into electricity. The thermoelectric efficiency of created composites with nanotube or nanofiber concentration of 30 wt% evaluated by a thermoelectric power at room temperature is 13.3 μV/K and 14.2 μV/K, respectively. The flexible thermoelectric device (thermopile) was constructed with three different composite legs to produce electric current and the output voltage was measured in the range of temperature difference from −15 to 25°C.
Characteristic Roots of a Class of Fractional Oscillators
Authors: Li Ming , Lim S. C. , Cattani Carlo , Scalia Massimo
Published: October 2013

The fundamental theorem of algebra determines the number of characteristic roots of an ordinary differential equation of integer order. This may cease to be true for a differential equation of fractional order. The results given in this paper suggest that the number of the characteristic roots of a class of oscillators of fractional order may in general be infinitely great. Further, we infer that it may also be the case for the characteristic roots of a differential equation of fractional order greater than 1. The relationship between the range of the fractional order and the locations of characteristic roots of oscillators in the complex plane is considered.
Concern about Falling in Older Women with a History of Falls: Associations with Health, Functional Ability, Physical Activity and Quality of Life
Authors: Patil Radhika , Uusi-Rasi Kirsti , Kannus Pekka , Karinkanta Saija , Sievänen Harri
Published: October 2013

Background: Fear of falling has been linked to activity restriction, functional decline, decreased quality of life and increased risk of falling. Factors that distinguish persons with a high concern about falling from those with low concern have not been systematically studied. Objective: This study aimed to expose potential health-related, functional and psychosocial factors that correlate with fear of falling among independently living older women who had fallen in the past year. Methods: Baseline data of 409 women aged 70-80 years recruited to a randomised falls prevention trial (DEX) (NCT00986466) were used. Participants were classified according to their level of concern about falling using the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to explore associations between health-related variables, functional performance tests, amount of physical activity, quality of life and FES-I scores. Results: 68% of the participants reported a moderate to high concern (FES-I ≥20) about falls. Multinomial logistic regression showed that highly concerned women were significantly more likely to have poorer health and quality of life and lower functional ability. Reported difficulties in instrumental activities of daily living, balance, outdoor mobility and poorer quality of life contributed independently to a greater concern about falling. Conclusions: Concern about falling was highly prevalent in our sample of community-living older women. In particular, poor perceived general health and mobility constraints contributed independently to the difference between high and low concern of falling. Knowledge of these associations may help in developing interventions to reduce fear of falling and activity avoidance in old age.
Chronische Krankheiten und der Wirt - Gesundung am Beispiel von Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose
Authors: Schmidt Johannes G.
Published: October 2013

Chronische Krankheiten sind zuerst oft der Ausdruck von Gesundungsvorgängen, welche die Oberhand gewinnen wollen. In der Altchinesischen Medizin wird der Mensch mit seinen spezifischen Schwächen als Wirt der Krankheit gestärkt, und der verbesserte Wirtszustand ermöglicht dann die Wende von einem klinisch ungünstigen zu einem klinisch gutartigen Verlauf. Bei Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose (MS) scheint der Schub ein Aufräum-Phänomen zu sein, wobei der Körper spontan Kälte und Nässe aus dem vitalen Zentrum wegbewegt. MS-Patienten zeigen in der Regel ein Syndrom aus lang dauernden Verdauungsstörungen, Schlafstörungen, Frieren und/oder Hitze, bei dem dann passager neurale Schädigungen auftreten. Wird das Gesundungsvermögen gestärkt - und nicht die Krankheit «kaltgestellt» -, kann der Körper die innere Kälte und Nässe unter anderem durch Schübe allmählich eliminieren und die Gesundheit wiederherstellen. Mit einem konsequenten Blick hin zur Gesundheit des ganzen Wirts und mit der Beschreibung und Klassifikation salutogener Prozesse könnte die Komplementärmedizin - vielleicht zusammen mit der Hausarztmedizin - ihre wichtige Rolle bekommen.
PET-Negative Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Williams Anja , Gutzeit Andreas , Germer Michael , Pless Miklos
Published: October 2013

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. PET/CT is a common diagnostic tool and is also used for therapy monitoring. GISTs typically show strong 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. Here we present two cases of GIST with unusually low/negative FDG uptake. FDG negativity does not preclude the diagnosis of a GIST.