bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of different storage conditions and anticoagulants on the measurement of total and acylated ghrelin in dogs: a preliminary study
Authors: Tvarijonaviciute A. , Martínez‐Subiela S. , Ceron J. J.
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare different sample treatments and storage conditions in order to determine optimal conditions for total and acylated canine ghrelin measurement using ELISA assays. Under the conditions assessed in this study, total ghrelin concentration was stable when stored at room temperature or under cooled conditions (4°C) for approximately six hours regardless of the type of anticoagulant used. When samples were stored at under −20°C, three freeze/thaw cycles during storage did not alter total ghrelin concentration if serum or plasma treated with EDTA or with EDTA‐aprotinin is used. When samples were stored at under −80°C, no significant differences were observed after three freeze/thaw cycles in total ghrelin concentrations in serum or plasma treated with EDTA, EDTA‐aprotinin or heparin. While acylated ghrelin showed to be very instable, its analysis should be performed within an hour of sample collection or stored at −80°C preferably in serum in order to acquire accurate data. Addition of HCl did not improve total or acylated ghrelin stability. Furthermore, acidification of plasma samples decreased the stability of total ghrelin and impeded determination of acylated ghrelin with the ELISA used in this study.
Stable N and C isotopes in the organic matrix of fish otoliths: validation of a new approach for studying spatial and temporal changes in the trophic structure of aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Grønkjær Peter , Pedersen Jens B. , Ankjærø Torben T. , Kjeldsen Henrik , Heinemeier Jan , Steingrund Petur , Nielsen Jens M. , Christensen Jens T.
Published: January 2013

Stable isotope studies of long-term ecosystem change are often hampered by lack of archived tissue samples. Here, we provide a reliable method for extracting the organic matrix from fish otoliths, demonstrate differences in isotope values between the soluble and insoluble organic fractions, and provide the trophic enrichment factors (ε). The analyses were performed on otoliths from wild-caught adult Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and otoliths from a 6-month diet-switch experiment with juvenile cod. Acid hydrolysis of otolith powder followed by ultrafiltration enabled us to purify and separate the soluble and insoluble organic material. There was a significant 1.72‰ and 0.15‰ difference in δ15N and δ13C, respectively, between the soluble and insoluble organic fraction of the otolith. This emphasizes the need for separation of the two fractions before analysis. The diet-specific trophic enrichment (εotolith-diet) in the soluble fraction varied between −0.20‰ and 0.31‰ for nitrogen and between 0.09‰ and 0.23‰ for carbon. In conclusion, the organic matrix of otoliths provides an attractive archive of organic material for ecological stable isotope analysis that has the potential to provide important insights into historic changes in the trophic structure of aquatic ecosystems.
ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF STATISTICAL MECHANICS: A BRIEF REVIEW
Authors: SINGH NAVINDER
Published: January 2013

This work is dedicated to those who are genuinely interested in the foundations of statistical mechanics. Statistical mechanics is a very successful theory. The foundations on which it is based are radically different from the foundations of Newtonian mechanics. Probability and the law of large numbers are its fundamental ingredients. In this paper we will see how the statistical mechanical synthesis which incorporates mechanics (deterministic) and probability theory (indeterministic) works. The approach consists of replacing the actual system by a hypothetical ensemble of systems under same external conditions. From the most used prescription of Gibbs, we calculate the phase space averages of dynamical quantities and find that these phase averages agree very well with experiments. Clearly, actual experiments are not done on a hypothetical ensemble. They are done on the actual system in the laboratory and these experiments take a finite amount of time. Thus, it is usually argued that actual measurements are time averages and they are equal to phase averages due to ergodic hypothesis (time averages = phase space averages). The aim of the present review is to show that ergodic hypothesis is not relevant for equilibrium statistical mechanics (with Tolman and Landau). We will see that the solution for the problem is in the very peculiar nature of the macroscopic observables and with a very large number of degrees of freedom involved in macroscopic systems as first pointed out by Boltzmann and then more quantitatively by Khinchin. Similar arguments were used by Landau based upon the approximate property of "statistical independence". We analyze these ideas in detail. We present a critique of the ideas of Jaynes who says that the ergodic problem is a conceptual one and is related to the very concept of ensemble itself which is a by-product of the frequency theory of probability, and the ergodic problem becomes irrelevant when the probabilities of various microstates are interpreted with Laplace–Bernoulli Theory of Probability (Bayesian viewpoint).

At the end, we critically review various quantum approaches (quantum-statistical typicality approaches) to the foundations of statistical mechanics. The literature on quantum-statistical typicality is organized under four notions (i) kinematical canonical typicality, (ii) dynamical canonical typicality, (iii) kinematical normal typicality, and (iv) dynamical normal typicality. Analogies are seen in the Khinchin's classical approach and in the modern quantum-statistical typicality approaches.
MICRO-STRUCTURES OF HARD COATINGS DEPOSITED ON TITANIUM ALLOYS BY LASER ALLOYING TECHNIQUE
Authors: LI WEI , YU HUIJUN , CHEN CHUANZHONG , WANG DIANGANG , WENG FEI
Published: January 2013

This work is based on micro-structural performance of the Ti–B4C–C laser alloying coatings on Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy. The test results indicated that laser alloying of the Ti–B4C–C pre-placed powders on the Ti–6Al–4V alloy substrate can form the ceramics reinforced hard alloying coatings, which increased the micro-hardness and wear resistance of substrate. The test result also indicated that the TiB phase was produced in alloying coating, which corresponded to its (101) crystal plane. In addition, yttria has a refining effect on micro-structures of the laser alloying coating, and its refinement mechanism was analyzed. This research provided essential experimental and theoretical basis to promote the applications of the laser alloying technique in manufacturing and repairing of the aerospace parts.
EXPLORING QUANTUM VACUUM WITH LOW-ENERGY PHOTONS
Authors: MILOTTI E. , DELLA VALLE F. , ZAVATTINI G. , MESSINEO G. , GASTALDI U. , PENGO R. , RUOSO G. , BABUSCI D. , CURCEANU C. , ILIESCU M. , MILARDI C.
Published: January 2013

Although quantum mechanics (QM) and quantum field theory (QFT) are highly successful, the seemingly simplest state — vacuum — remains mysterious. While the LHC experiments are expected to clarify basic questions on the structure of QFT vacuum, much can still be done at lower energies as well. For instance, experiments like PVLAS try to reach extremely high sensitivities, in their attempt to observe the effects of the interaction of visible or near-visible photons with intense magnetic fields — a process which becomes possible in quantum electrodynamics (QED) thanks to the vacuum fluctuations of the electronic field, and which is akin to photon–photon scattering. PVLAS is now close to data-taking and if it reaches the required sensitivity, it could provide important information on QED vacuum. PVLAS and other similar experiments face great challenges as they try to measure an extremely minute effect. However, raising the photon energy greatly increases the photon–photon cross section, and gamma rays could help extract much more information from the observed light–light scattering. Here we discuss an experimental design to measure photon–photon scattering close to the peak of the photon–photon cross section, that could fit in the proposed construction of an FEL facility at the Cabibbo Lab near Frascati (Rome, Italy).
HIGH-ORDER PHOTON-NUMBER CORRELATIONS: A RESOURCE FOR CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATIONS OF QUANTUM STATES
Authors: ALLEVI ALESSIA , OLIVARES STEFANO , BONDANI MARIA
Published: January 2013

We measure high-order correlation functions of detected-photon numbers in the mesoscopic regime by means of hybrid photodetectors. The analytical expressions for correlations are evaluated in terms of quantities that can be experimentally accessed by a selfconsistent analysis of the detectors' outputs. We demonstrate that high-order correlations can be used to characterize the nature of the optical states, for instance by better discriminating between classical and quantum behavior even in critical situations, such as multimode twin-beam state. The results are in very good agreement with the theory, both for classical states and quantum states.
ON APPLICATIONS OF PI-ALGEBRAS IN THE ANALYSIS OF QUANTUM CHANNELS
Authors: JAMIOŁKOWSKI ANDRZEJ
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we discuss some constructive procedures which can be used in characterizations of linear transformations which preserve the set of states of a fixed quantum system. Our methods are based on analyzing an explicit form of a linear positive map in its Kraus representation. In particular, we discuss the so-called partial commutativity of operators and its applications to investigation of decoherence-free subspaces. These subspaces can also be considered as a special class of quantum error correcting codes. Using the concept of standard polynomials and Amitsur–Levitzki theorem and other ideas from the so-called polynomial identity algebras (PI-algebras) we discuss some effective algorithms for analyzing properties of quantum channels.
OPTICAL PHONON EFFECT IN AN ASYMMETRIC QUANTUM DOT QUBIT
Authors: DING ZHAO-HUA , SUN YONG , XIAO JING-LIN
Published: January 2013

We investigate the eigenenergies and the eigenfunctions of the ground and the first excited states of an electron, which is strongly coupled to LO-phonon in an asymmetric quantum dot (QD) by using variational method of Pekar type. The present system may be used as a two-level qubit. When the electron is in the superposition state of the ground and the first excited states, the probability density of the electron oscillates in the QD with a certain period. It is found that the oscillation period is an increasing function of the transverse and the longitudinal effective confinement lengths of the QD, whereas it is a decreasing one of the electron–phonon coupling strength.
Mechanisms by which the orexigen NPY regulates anorexigenic α-MSH and TRH
Authors: Cyr Nicole E. , Toorie Anika M. , Steger Jennifer S. , Sochat Matthew M. , Hyner Samantha , Perello Mario , Stuart Ronald , Nillni Eduardo A.
Published: January 2013

Protein posttranslational processing is a cellular mechanism fundamental to the generation of bioactive peptides, including the anorectic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) peptides produced in the hypothalamic arcuate (ARC) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei, respectively. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) promotes positive energy balance in part by suppressing α-MSH and TRH. The mechanism by which NPY regulates α-MSH output, however, is not well understood. Our results reveal that NPY inhibited the posttranslational processing of α-MSH's inactive precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC) by decreasing the prohormone convertase-2 (PC2). We also found that early growth response protein-1 (Egr-1) and NPY-Y1 receptors mediated the NPY-induced decrease in PC2. NPY given intra-PVN also decreased PC2 in PVN samples, suggesting a reduction in PC2-mediated pro-TRH processing. In addition, NPY attenuated the α-MSH-induced increase in TRH production by two mechanisms. First, NPY decreased α-MSH-induced CREB phosphorylation, which normally enhances TRH transcription. Second, NPY decreased the amount of α-MSH in the PVN. Collectively, these results underscore the significance of the interaction between NPY and α-MSH in the central regulation of energy balance and indicate that posttranslational processing is a mechanism that plays a specific role in this interaction.
Expression of plasma membrane receptor genes during megakaryocyte development
Authors: Sun Sijie , Wang Wenjing , Latchman Yvette , Gao Dayong , Aronow Bruce , Reems Jo-Anna
Published: January 2013

Megakaryocyte (MK) development is critically informed by plasma membrane-localized receptors that integrate a multiplicity of environmental cues. Given that the current understanding about receptors and ligands involved in megakaryocytopoiesis is based on single targets, we performed a genome-wide search to identify a plasma membrane receptome for developing MKs. We identified 40 transmembrane receptor genes as being upregulated during MK development. Seven of the 40 receptor-associated genes were selected to validate the dataset. These genes included: interleukin-9 receptor (IL9R), transforming growth factor, β receptor II (TGFBR2), interleukin-4 receptor (IL4R), colony stimulating factor-2 receptor-beta (CSFR2B), adiponectin receptor (ADIPOR2), thrombin receptor (F2R), and interleukin-21 receptor (IL21R). RNA and protein analyses confirmed their expression in primary human MKs. Matched ligands to IL9R, TGFBR2, IL4R, CSFR2B, and ADIPOR2 affected megakaryocytopoiesis. IL9 was unique in its ability to increase the number of MKs formed. In contrast, MK colony formation was inhibited by adiponectin, TGF-β, IL4, and GM-CSF. The thrombin-F2R axis affected platelet function, but not MK development, while IL21 had no apparent detectable effects. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was suppressed by IL9, TGF-β, IL4, and adiponectin. Overall, six of seven of the plasma membrane receptors were confirmed to have functional roles in MK and platelet biology. Also, results show for the first time that adiponectin plays a regulatory role in MK development. Together these data support a strong likelihood that the 40 transmembrane genes identified as being upregulated during MK development will be an important resource to the research community for deciphering the complex repertoire of environmental cues regulating megakaryocytopoiesis and/or platelet function.
Neoplastic Meningitis from Solid Tumors: A Prospective Clinical Study in Lombardia and a Literature Review on Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Silvani A. , Caroli M. , Gaviani P. , Fetoni V. , Merli R. , Riva M. , De Rossi M. , Imbesi F. , Salmaggi A.
Published: January 2013

Neoplastic dissemination to the leptomeninges is an increasingly common occurrence in patients with both haematological and solid tumors arising outside the central nervous system. Both refinement of diagnostic techniques (Magnetic resonance imaging) and increased survival in patients treated with targeted therapies for systemic tumors account for this increased frequency. Cerebrospinal fluid cytological analysis and MRI confirm clinical diagnosis based on multifocal central nervous system signs/symptoms in a patient with known malignancy. Overall survival in patients with leptomeningeal neoplastic dissemination from solid tumors is short, rarely exceeding 3-4 months. However, selected patients may benefit from aggressive therapies, Apart from symptomatic treatment, intrathecal chemotherapy is used, with both free (methotrexate, Thiotepa, AraC) and liposomal antitumor agents (liposomal AraC). Palliative radiotherapy is indicated only in cases of symptomatic bulky disease, surgery is limited to positioning of Ommaya recervoirs or C5F shunting. We report clinical data on a cohort of 26 prospectively followed patients with neoplastic leptomeningitis followed in Lombardia, Italy, in 2011. Prognostic factors and pattern of care are reported.
White Matter Lesion Assessment in Patients with Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Controls: Reliability Comparisons between Visual Rating, a Manual, and an Automatic Volumetrical MRI Method—The Gothenburg MCI Study
Authors: Olsson Erik , Klasson Niklas , Berge Josef , Eckerström Carl , Edman Åke , Malmgren Helge , Wallin Anders
Published: January 2013

Age-related white matter lesions (WML) are a risk factor for stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia. Different requirements are imposed on methods for the assessment of WML in clinical settings and for research purposes, but reliability analysis is of major importance. In this study, WML assessment with three different methods was evaluated. In the Gothenburg mild cognitive impairment study, MRI scans from 152 participants were used to assess WML with the Fazekas visual rating scale on T2 images, a manual volumetric method on FLAIR images, and FreeSurfer volumetry on T1 images. Reliability was acceptable for all three methods. For low WML volumes (2/3 of the patients), reliability was overall lower and nonsignificant for the manual volumetric method. Unreliability in the assessment of patients with low WML with manual volumetry may mainly be due to intensity variation in the FLAIR sequence used; hence, intensity standardization and normalization methods must be used for more accurate assessments. The FreeSurfer segmentations resulted in smaller WML volumes than the volumes acquired with the manual method and showed deviations from visible hypointensities in the T1 images, which quite likely reduces validity.
Progesterone and Related Compounds in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Basic and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Yeh Yao-Tsung , Chang Chien-Wei , Wei Ren-Jie , Wang Shen-Nien
Published: January 2013

Primary liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 85% to 90% of primary liver cancers. Major risk factors for HCC include infection with HBV or HCV, alcoholic liver disease, and most probably nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In general, men are two to four times more often associated with HCC than women. It can be suggested that sex hormones including progesterone may play some roles in HCC. Rather, very limited information discusses its potential involvement in HCC. This paper thus collects some recent studies of the potential involvement of progesterone and related compounds in HCC from basic and clinical aspects. In addition, two synthetic progestins, megestrol acetate (MA) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), will be discussed thoroughly. It is noted that progesterone can also serve as the precursor for androgens and estrogens produced by the gonadal and adrenal cortical tissues, while men have a higher incidence of HCC than women might be due to the stimulatory effects of androgen and the protective effects of estrogen. Eventually, this paper suggests a new insight on the associations of progesterone and related compounds with HCC development and treatment.
Pulmonary Innate Immune Response and Melatonin Receptors in the Perinatal Stress
Authors: Olegário Janaínna Grazielle Pacheco , Silva Marcos Vinícius , Machado Juliana Reis , Rocha Laura Penna , Reis Marlene Antônia , Guimarães Camila Souza de Oliveira , Corrêa Rosana Rosa Miranda
Published: January 2013

Objective. To analyze the cytokines of the innate immune pulmonary response and the capacity for local response to melatonin according to the perinatal stress.Methods. 49 cases of pediatric autopsies were evaluated, divided according to cause of death, perinatal stress, gestational age, and birth weight. The percentages of IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-1β, TNF-α, and melatonin receptor were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Results. The IL-6 expression was higher in the children showing chronic stress, anoxia, and infection. The IL-6 expression showed a progressive increase according to the relation between weight and GA. There was no significant difference in the expression of IL-1βand TNF-α. The CRP expression was higher in the cases showing chronic stress and premature cases. The expression of melatonin receptors was significantly higher in the cases showing chronic stress, being more evident in the cases showing infection.Conclusion. The cause of death and the type of stress influence the expressionin situof melatonin and cytokines of the innate immune pulmonary response. The evaluation of IL-6 and CRP may contribute to the understanding of the evolution of neonates with chronic stress. The greater sensitivity of the lung to melatonin in these cases may indicate an attempt at controlling the immunological response, in an attempt to diminish the harmful effects of stress.
Immunogenetic Study in Chinese Population with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Are There Specific Genes Recently Disclosed?
Authors: Zhai Jiayu , Rong Ju , Li Qiuxia , Gu Jieruo
Published: January 2013

Purpose. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic, autoimmune disease resulting in the destruction of the affected joints. Over the past 5 years, several new genes or genetic regions associated with AS have been identified in the Chinese population. This paper aims to discuss the major findings and related potential mechanisms of these studies in our population.Recent Findings. In recent years, due to the rapid advances in computational genetics and technology, there has been an increasing list of well-validated genes or genetic regions associated with AS susceptibility. So far, several genes or genetic regions have now been reported in the Han ethnic Chinese population, containing the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), ERAP1, IL-23R, 12q12, 2p15, 5q14.3, and so on. Different hypotheses for disease mechanisms have been investigated on the basis of the functional studies of these genes or genetic regions.Summary. This paper tries to summarize the association of several candidate genes with risk for AS in the Han ethnic Chinese population and aims to identify the novel inflammatory pathways and provide potential strategies for better therapies.
Giant Congenital Melanocytic Naevus with Proliferative Nodules Mimicking Congenital Malignant Melanoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature of Congenital Melanoma
Authors: Scalvenzi Massimiliano , Palmisano Franco , Cacciapuoti Sara , Migliaro Fiorella , Siano Maria , Staibano Stefania , Tornillo Luigi , Costa Claudia
Published: January 2013

Congenital malignant melanoma (CMM) is a rare condition that is defined as malignant melanoma recognized at birth. CMM may develop in utero in one of three ways: (1) transmission by metastasis through the placenta from a mother with melanoma; (2) primary melanoma arising within a giant congenital melanocytic naevus (GCMN); (3) primaryde novocutaneous CMM arising in utero. CMM can be confused clinically and histologically with benign proliferative melanocytic lesions such as giant congenital nevi. We describe the case of a patient presenting a GCMN with proliferative nodules, clinically and dermoscopically resembling a CMM, demonstrating the importance of caution in making a diagnosis of MM and highlighting the possibility that benign lesions as GCMN can mimic a malignant melanoma in this age group.
Effects of Clay and Moisture Content on Direct Shear Tests for Clay-Sand Mixtures
Authors: Dafalla Muawia A.
Published: January 2013

The direct shear test using shear box is commonly recommended by practicing geotechnical engineers to obtain the cohesion and angle of internal friction for granular soils. The clay liners involve sand as a main constituent with added clay of variable proportions. This research aims at investigating the reliability of using the direct shear test for different clay contents and different moisture contents using an adequate shearing strain. These factors were found to affect the bilinear trends of shear force versus horizontal displacement profile as well as vertical displacement versus horizontal displacement curves. The cohesion of the mixture was found to increase consistently with the increase of clay content. Increase in moisture content was found to cause a drop in both cohesion and angle of internal friction. These changes are not independent of the density state of clay-sand mixtures. Standard compaction properties for a range of clay-sand mixtures were investigated. This work provides the general trends expected in direct shear tests for clay-sand mixtures of variable clay and moisture contents.
Infectious Disease, Endangerment, and Extinction
Authors: MacPhee Ross D. E. , Greenwood Alex D.
Published: January 2013

Infectious disease, especially virulent infectious disease, is commonly regarded as a cause of fluctuation or decline in biological populations. However, it is not generally considered as a primary factor in causing the actual endangerment or extinction of species. We review here the known historical examples in which disease has, or has been assumed to have had, a major deleterious impact on animal species, including extinction, and highlight some recent cases in which disease is the chief suspect in causing the outright endangerment of particular species. We conclude that the role of disease in historical extinctions at the population or species level may have been underestimated. Recent methodological breakthroughs may lead to a better understanding of the past and present roles of infectious disease in influencing population fitness and other parameters.
Impact of Real-Time Elastography versus Systematic Prostate Biopsy Method on Cancer Detection Rate in Men with a Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen between 2.5 and 10 ng/mL
Authors: Taverna Gianluigi , Magnoni Paola , Giusti Guido , Seveso Mauro , Benetti Alessio , Hurle Rodolfo , Colombo Piergiuseppe , Minuti Francesco , Grizzi Fabio , Graziotti Pierpaolo
Published: January 2013

The actual gold standard for the diagnosis of prostate cancer includes the serum prostate-specific antigen, the digital rectal examination, and the ultrasound-guided systematic prostate biopsy sampling. In the last years, the real-time elastography has been introduced as an imaging technique to increase the detection rate of prostate cancer and simultaneously reduce the number of biopsies sampled for a single patient. Here, we evaluated a consecutive series of 102 patients with negative digital-rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound, and prostate-specific antigen value ranging between 2.5 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL, in order to assess the impact of real-time elastography versus the systematic biopsy on the detection of prostate cancer. We found that only 1 out of 102 patients resulted true positive for prostate cancer when analysed with real-time elastography. In the other 6 cases, real-time elastography evidenced areas positive for prostate cancer, although additional neoplastic foci were found using systematic biopsy sampling in areas evidenced by real-time elastography as negative. Although additional studies are necessary for evaluating the effectiveness of this imaging technique, the present study indicates that the limited accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity do not justify the routine application of real-time elastography in prostate cancer detection.
Therapeutic Effects of Water Soluble Danshen Extracts on Atherosclerosis
Authors: Cho Yoon Hee , Ku Cheol Ryong , Hong Zhen-Yu , Heo Ji Hoe , Kim Eun Hee , Choi Dong Hoon , Kim Dongkyu , Kim Ae-Jung , Lee Cheol Soon , Jung Mankil , Lee Hyun Chul , Seo MiRan , Lee Eun Jig
Published: January 2013

Danshen is a traditional Chinese medicine with many beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms responsible for the antiatherogenic effect of water soluble Danshen extracts (DEs). Rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with DE. To evaluate the effects of DEin vivo, carotid balloon injury and tail vein thrombosis were induced in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and iliac artery stent was induced in New Zealand white rabbits. The inhibitory action of DE on platelet aggregation was confirmed with an impedance aggregometer. DE inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species, and the migration and proliferation of platelet-derived growth factor-BB stimulated VSMCs. Furthermore, DE prevented inflammation and apoptosis in HUVECs. Both effects of DE were reconfirmed in both rat models. DE treatment attenuated platelet aggregation in bothin vivoandex vivoconditions. Pretreatment with DE prevented tail vein thrombosis, which is normally induced byκ-carrageenan injection. Lastly, DE-treated rabbits showed decreased in-stent restenosis of stented iliac arteries. These results suggest that water soluble DE modulates key atherogenic events in VSMCs, endothelial cells, and platelets in bothin vitroandin vivoconditions.
Chronically Symptomatic Patients with Undetectable Gall Bladder on Ultrasonography Could Benefit from Early Cholecystectomy
Authors: Adams Stephen D. , Blackburn Simon C. , Adewole Victoria A. , Mahomed Anies A.
Published: January 2013

90 percent of symptomatic patients undergoing cholecystectomy have cholelithiasis with 10% categorized as asymptomatic cholecystitis. In both instances, the gallbladder is evident on ultrasonography. In children with symptomatic biliary dyspepsia, the decision to proceed to cholecystectomy is made difficult if choleliths are not seen on ultrasonography. This decision is made even more difficult if the gallbladder itself is not seen on repeated imaging. In a cohort of 54 cholecystectomies, 3 cases, with recurrent right upper quadrant pain and undetectable gallbladders on repeat ultrasonography, were identified. After prolonged observation all underwent successful cholecystectomy. Histology demonstrated a markedly fibrotic and thickened gallbladder in all. Given this experience, we suggest that nonvisibility of the gallbladder, in fact, maybe be a feature of a chronic acalculous cholecystitis. We advise consideration of cholecystectomy for chronic biliary dyspepsia where repeat ultrasonography fails to demonstrate a gallbladder.
The Prophylactic Use of Lipid Emulsion Therapy in the Excision of Invasive Malignant Melanoma under Local Anaesthetic in a Morbidly Obese Patient
Authors: Sharma K. S. , Lim P. , Brotherston T. M. , Smith P.
Published: January 2013

We present the first reported case of the prophylactic use of lipid emulsion therapy in the removal of an extensive, circumferential malignant melanoma in a morbidly obese patient, under local anaesthetic. The advantages of this technique allowed the patient to avoid intraoperative invasive monitoring and postoperative critical care admission and assisted during the operation by rotating her leg when needed. This is a useful technique that can be employed in urgent cases where there is a need to excise extensive skin malignancies in patients who are unsuitable for general or regional anaesthesia.
Transplantation of Nonexpanded Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction and Platelet-Rich Plasma for Articular Cartilage Injury Treatment in Mice Model
Authors: Van Pham Phuc , Hong-Thien Bui Khanh , Quoc Ngo Dat , Tan Khuat Lam , Kim Phan Ngoc
Published: January 2013

Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is commonly used in preclinical and clinical osteoarthritis as well as articular cartilage injury treatment. However, this therapy has not carefully evaluated the safety and the efficacy. This research aims to assess the safety and the efficacy of SVF combined with PRP transplantation. Ten samples of SVFs and PRPs from donors were used in this research. About safety, we evaluate the expression of some genes related to tumor formation such as Oct-4, Nanog, SSEA3, and SSEA4 by RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and tumor formation when injected in NOD/SCID mice. About efficacy, SVF was injected with PRP into murine joint that caused joint failure. The results showed that SVFs are negative with Oct-4, Nanog, SSEA-3, and SSEA-4, as well as they cannot cause tumors in mice. SVFs combined with PRP can improve the joint regeneration in mice. These results proved that SVFs combined with PRP transplantation is a promising therapy for articular cartilage injury treatment.
Verrucous Carcinoma of the Vulva: A Case Report
Authors: Boutas Ioannis , Sofoudis Chrisostomos , Kalampokas Emmanouil , Anastasopoulos Christos , Kalampokas Theodoros , Salakos Nikolaos
Published: January 2013

Verrucous carcinoma of the female genital tract is a rare lesion, primarily affecting postmenopausal women. We present a 78-year-old patient with verrucous carcinoma of the vulva, who was admitted to the “Aretaieion” Athens University Hospital. She had complained of vulvar itching during the last two years without visiting a specialist doctor.
Polyphenol E Enhances the Antitumor Immune Response in Neuroblastoma by Inactivating Myeloid Suppressor Cells
Authors: Santilli Giorgia , Piotrowska Izabela , Cantilena Sandra , Chayka Olesya , D'Alicarnasso Marco , Morgenstern Daniel A. , Himoudi Nourredine , Pearson Katie , Anderson John , Thrasher Adrian J. , Sala Arturo
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer whose high risk, metastatic form has a dismal outcome in spite of aggressive therapeutic interventions. The toxicity of drug treatments is a major problem in this pediatric setting. In this study, we investigated whether Polyphenon E, a clinical grade mixture of green tea catechins under evaluation in multiple clinical cancer trials run by the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD), has anticancer activity in mouse models of neuroblastoma.

Experimental Design: We used three neuroblastoma models: (i) transgenic TH-MYCN mouse developing spontaneous neuroblastomas; (ii) nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice xenotransplanted with human SHSY5Y cells; and (iii) A/J mice transplanted with syngeneic Neuro 2A cells. Mice were randomized in control and Polyphenon E–drinking groups. Blood from patients with neuroblastoma and normal controls was used to assess the phenotype and function of myeloid cells.

Results: Polyphenon E reduced the number of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, and inhibited the development of spontaneous neuroblastomas in TH-MYCN transgenic mice. In therapeutic models of neuroblastoma in A/J, but not in immunodeficient NOD/SCID mice, Polyphenon E inhibited tumor growth by acting on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and CD8 T cells. In vitro, Polyphenon E impaired the development and motility of MDSCs and promoted differentiation to more neutrophilic forms through the 67 kDa laminin receptor signaling and induction of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. The proliferation of T cells infiltrating a patient metastasis was reactivated by Polyphenon E.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the neuroblastoma-promoting activity of MDSCs can be manipulated pharmacologically in vivo and that green tea catechins operate, at least in part, through this mechanism. Clin Cancer Res; 19(5); 1116–25. ©2012 AACR.
The Effects of Aging on Acoustic Parameters of Voice
Authors: Dehqan Ali , Scherer Ronald C. , Dashti Gholamali , Ansari-Moghaddam Alireza , Fanaie Sepideh
Published: January 2013

Background/Aims: There are no studies of the phonatory parameters of elderly Iranian speakers. The purpose of this study was to obtain normative acoustic data for a group of elderly Iranian male and female speakers over 70 years of age. Four selected acoustic parameters [fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio] were obtained and compared to a group of young and middle-aged speakers. Methods: Subjects were 21 Iranian elderly men and 20 Iranian elderly women. The age range for both male (mean ± SD: 77.09 ± 5.84) and female subjects (77.55 ± 4.34) was 70–90 years. The control group consisted of 40 Iranian young and middle-aged adults who were 20–49 years old (20 men and 20 women). The age range for the females was 23–40 years (30 ± 4.76) and for the males it was 21–49 years (30.1 ± 8.51). Each subject phonated 5/a/vowels with constant pitch and loudness for at least 5 s. The mid 3-second portion of the tokens was analyzed using the Dr. Speech 4.3u software (subprogram: Vocal Assessment; Dr. Speech, Tiger Electronics, Seattle, Wash., USA). Results: F0 was greater for elderly males than for young and middle-aged males. Conversely, F0 was greater for young and middle-aged females than for elderly females. Average shimmer was significantly higher in elderly males than in elderly females. Likewise, jitter was significantly higher in elderly males than in elderly females. Both shimmer and jitter were significantly greater in elderly speakers than in the young and middle-aged speakers. In addition, the harmonics-to-noise ratio was significantly greater for young and middle-aged males and females than for elderly males and females. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that elderly Iranian speakers had significantly greater vocal instability than young and middle-aged Iranian adults, as measured by the selected acoustic parameters. As the elderly population in Iran and the world continues to increase rapidly, studies of this kind are needed for researchers, educators, and practitioners to better understand the effects of aging on all aspects of human speech-language communication. Voice is an important factor for communication, and its change with age alters the communication process.
Standardization of Nasometry for Normal Egyptian Arabic Speakers
Authors: Abou-Elsaad Tamer , Quriba Amal , Baz Hemmat , Elkassaby Rasha
Published: January 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to collect the normative values of nasalance for Egyptian Arabic speakers in different age groups, using Arabic speech samples in order to compare patients with disturbed nasality. Material and Methods: This study included 300 normal Egyptian volunteers divided into three groups according to their ages: group I = children (n = 92; age 3 years, 3 months to 9 years), group II = teenagers (n = 76; age 9–18 years) and group III = adults (n = 132; age above 18 years). The Nasometer II 6400 was used for the analysis of speech samples. All subjects were asked to perform four speech tasks that were based on the MacKay-Kummer SNAP Test-R and modified to be applicable to the Arabic language, especially to the Egyptian dialect. Results: The normative values for nasometric assessment in the different age groups were studied. The results demonstrated nasalance score variations according to age and gender. Most of the nasalance score norms of the Egyptian children demonstrated statistically significant differences when compared with the norms of children for the MacKay-Kummer Test-R. Conclusion: The Egyptian Arabic SNAP test is an easy, noninvasive and objective procedure that is suitable for all age groups.
Portal Pressure Regulation following Kupffer Cell Activation: Control of Prostaglandin Production by Heme Oxygenases
Authors: Steib Christian J. , Gmelin Leonore , Bilzer Manfred , Göke Burkhard , Gerbes Alexander L.
Published: January 2013

Background: Portal pressure (PP) results from the interplay of vasoconstrictors and vasodilators. Recently, we have shown that Kupffer cell (KC) activation increases PP. Aims: The role of the vasodilating compounds nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) was studied. The hypothesis of the present study was that these vasodilators counteract the PP increase following KC activation. Methods: Livers of rats weighing 180–200 g were isolated and perfused. KCs were activated by zymosan A (cell wall particles from yeast; 150 µg/ml). The effects of NO and guanylate cyclase (GC) were evaluated by the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME; 0.3 mM, and the GC inhibitor 4H-8-bromo-1,2,4-oxadiazolo(3,4-d)benz(b)(1,4)oxazin-1-one (NS-2028, 1.0 µM); the effects of the heme oxygenase (HO) derived compound CO were evaluated by direct administration of CO or inhibition of HO by zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX, 1.0 µM). Results: In isolated perfused rat livers, administration of L-NAME or NS-2028 further raised PP increase following KC activation. This effect could be reduced by the cGMP analogue 8-Br-cGMP. Inhibition of HO caused marked amplification of PP increase in zymosan-treated organs. CO prevented this PP increase cGMP independently. Interestingly, KC activation and simultaneous inhibition of HO augmented the production of prostaglandins D2 and F2α and of thromboxane A2. Accordingly, indomethacin blunted the increase of PP in zymosan/ZnPP-treated livers. Conclusions: NO restricts the initial PP increase after KC activation by GC-mediated cGMP. CO from heme degradation limits the increase of PP after KC activation eicosanoid dependently, but cGMP independently.
How Do We Apply Video-Assisted Retroperitoneal Necrosectomy with Minimal Access?
Authors: Wenning Anna Silvia , Angst Eliane , Lechleiter Antje , Brugger Jean-Jacques , Candinas Daniel , Gloor Beat
Published: January 2013

Background: The conservative treatment of acute necrotizing pancreatitis has greatly improved due to broad antibiotic treatment and improved organ support in intensive care units. Nevertheless, infected necrosis or persistent multi-organ dysfunction are predictors of poor outcome. In these patients, there is still a need to perform necrosectomy. Open surgery results in extensive operative trauma and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, several minimally invasive techniques have been developed recently. Retroperitoneal necrosectomy has been shown to be safe and to reduce morbidity and mortality compared to the open procedure. Methods and Results: In an instructive video, we show the technique of video-assisted retroperitoneal necrosectomy with minimal access, including the preoperative percutaneous drainage and several accesses to the necrosis. We discuss the indication for retroperitoneal necrosectomy as well as the optimal time point of the intervention. Conclusion: In the management of acute necrotizing pancreatitis, the multidisciplinary approach is crucial. The initial treatment by the intensive care units should be extended to intervention or surgery in case of infected necrosis or persistent multi-organ dysfunction. We show here a minimal access solution with the placement of a percutaneous drain followed by video-assisted retroperitoneal necrosectomy.
Switch to Biological Agent in Psoriasis Significantly Improved Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Real-World Practice
Authors: Norlin Jenny M. , Steen Carlsson Katarina , Persson Ulf , Schmitt-Egenolf Marcus
Published: January 2013

Background: Although clinical studies have shown efficacy of biological agents in moderate to severe psoriasis, observational studies of real-world effectiveness are rare. Objective: To analyse the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and quality of life by the EQ-5D questionnaire and dermatology quality of life index (DLQI) in psoriasis patients who switched from conventional systemic treatment to biological agents in clinical practice. Furthermore, to analyse patient groups with the highest benefit of biological agents. Methods: Longitudinal, observational study based on the Swedish National Registry for Systemic Treatment of Pso-riasis, PsoReg. Outcomes of biological-naïve patients who switched to a biological agent (n = 267) were analysed before switch and at the first follow-up. Results: Patients significantly improved in EQ-5D, DLQI and PASI (p < 0.001). Patients with DLQI ≥10 and/or PASI ≥10 had the greatest benefits from biological agents in terms of EQ-5D. Conclusions: Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis benefit from biological agents in clinical practice; the patients with the highest benefits were those with high pretreatment PASI and DLQI scores.
Ghrelin and Obestatin in Infants, Lactating Mothers and Breast Milk
Authors: Savino F. , Benetti S. , Lupica M.M. , Petrucci E. , Palumeri E. , Cordero di Montezemolo L.
Published: January 2013

Aim: To investigate the role of ghrelin and obestatin in infancy. Methods: We measured ghrelin and obestatin concentrations in blood samples of infants, lactating mothers, and in breast milk. Results: The median (interquartile range) serum ghrelin concentrations were 922.11 (868.44) pg/ml in infants, 667.88 (942.78) pg/ml in lactating mothers, and 526.4 (439.86) pg/ml in breast milk. The serum obestatin levels were 844.87 (805.14) pg/ml in infants, 759.105 (855.55) pg/ml in lactating mothers, and 846.6 (472.07) pg/ml in breast milk. A positive correlation was found for serum ghrelin concentrations in breastfed infants and lactating mothers (p < 0.001, r = 0.789), serum ghrelin concentrations in breastfed infants and in breast milk (p < 0.001, r = 0.581), serum ghrelin concentrations in lactating mothers and in breast milk (p = 0.021, r = 0.450), and serum obestatin concentrations in breastfed infants and in lactating mothers (p = 0.047, r = 0.609). Conclusion: We report for the first time the serum obestatin concentrations in infants and confirm the presence of correlations between ghrelin and obestatin in lactating mothers and breast milk. The correlations found early in infants’ life, when hormones begin to exert their effects on feeding behavior, suggest that they may be involved in these processes.
Cytomolecular Identification of Individual Wheat-Wheat Chromosome Arm Associations in Wheat-Rye Hybrids
Authors: Megyeri M. , Molnár-Láng M. , Molnár I.
Published: January 2013

Chromosome pairing in the meiotic metaphase I of wheat-rye hybrids has been characterized by sequential genomic and fluorescent in situ hybridization allowing not only the discrimination of wheat and rye chromosomes, but also the identification of the individual wheat and rye chromosome arms involved in the chromosome associations. The majority of associations (93.8%) were observed between the wheat chromosomes. The largest number of wheat-wheat chromosome associations (53%) was detected between the A and D genomes, while the frequency of B-D and A-B associations was significantly lower (32 and 8%, respectively). Among the A-D chromosome associations, pairing between the 3AL and 3DL arms was observed with the highest frequency, while the most frequent of all the chromosome associations (0.113/cell) was found to be the 3DS-3BS. Differences in the pairing frequency of the individual chromosome arms of wheat-rye hybrids have been discussed in relation to the homoeologous relationships between the constituent genomes of hexaploid wheat.
Treatment with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogues: Different Impact on Body Weight in Normal-Weight and Overweight Children
Authors: Wolters Barbara , Lass Nina , Reinehr Thomas
Published: January 2013

Objective: We studied the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) on weight gain as a possible side effect. Methods: We analyzed longitudinally changes in BMI-SDS in 92 children [median age 8.0 years (IQR 7.1–8.9), 88% females, mean BMI-SDS 0.69 ± 1.30] with idiopathic central precocious puberty or early puberty treated with GnRHa. Furthermore, 25 overweight children with GnRHa were compared to 25 overweight children without GnRHa matched by age, gender, degree of overweight, and pubertal stage. Results: The matched overweight children without GnRHa demonstrated a significant increase in their BMI-SDS in the course of 1 year (+0.18 ± 0.22). Normal-weight children treated with GnRHa demonstrated a significant increase in BMI-SDS in the course of 1 year (+0.32 ± 0.66) in contrast to overweight children treated with GnRHa who showed a stable BMI-SDS (–0.02 ± 0.27). This significant difference in changes in BMI-SDS between normal-weight and overweight children treated with GnRHa was also observed at the end of GnRHa treatment and 6 months later (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Change in weight status differed between overweight and normal-weight children during GnRHa treatment. We found no increased risk for the side effect of weight gain in overweight children treated with GnRHa.