bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voxel-level comparison of arterial spin-labeled perfusion magnetic resonance imaging in adolescents with internet gaming addiction
Authors: Feng Qi , Chen Xue , Sun Jinhua , Zhou Yan , Sun Yawen , Ding Weina , Zhang Yong , Zhuang Zhiguo , Xu Jianrong , Du Yasong
Published: August 2013

Background

Although recent studies have clearly demonstrated functional and structural abnormalities in adolescents with internet gaming addiction (IGA), less is known about how IGA affects perfusion in the human brain. We used pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling (ASL) perfusion functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure the effects of IGA on resting brain functions by comparing resting cerebral blood flow in adolescents with IGA and normal subjects.

Methods

Fifteen adolescents with IGA and 18 matched normal adolescents underwent structural and perfusion fMRI in the resting state. Direct subtraction, voxel-wise general linear modeling was performed to compare resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) between the 2 groups. Correlations were calculated between the mean CBF value in all clusters that survived AlphaSim correction and the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS) scores, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) scores, or hours of Internet use per week (hours) in the 15 subjects with IGA.

Results

Compared with control subjects, adolescents with IGA showed significantly higher global CBF in the left inferior temporal lobe/fusiform gyrus, left parahippocampal gyrus/amygdala, right medial frontal lobe/anterior cingulate cortex, left insula, right insula, right middle temporal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, left supplementary motor area, left cingulate gyrus, and right inferior parietal lobe. Lower CBF was found in the left middle temporal gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, and right cingulate gyrus. There were no significant correlations between mean CBF values in all clusters that survived AlphaSim correction and CIAS or BIS-11 scores or hours of Internet use per week.

Conclusions

In this study, we used ASL perfusion fMRI and noninvasively quantified resting CBF to demonstrate that IGA alters the CBF distribution in the adolescent brain. The results support the hypothesis that IGA is a behavioral addiction that may share similar neurobiological abnormalities with other addictive disorders.
Simultaneous model discrimination and parameter estimation in dynamic models of cellular systems
Authors: Rodriguez-Fernandez Maria , Rehberg Markus , Kremling Andreas , Banga Julio R
Published: August 2013

Background

Model development is a key task in systems biology, which typically starts from an initial model candidate and, involving an iterative cycle of hypotheses-driven model modifications, leads to new experimentation and subsequent model identification steps. The final product of this cycle is a satisfactory refined model of the biological phenomena under study. During such iterative model development, researchers frequently propose a set of model candidates from which the best alternative must be selected. Here we consider this problem of model selection and formulate it as a simultaneous model selection and parameter identification problem. More precisely, we consider a general mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) formulation for model selection and identification, with emphasis on dynamic models consisting of sets of either ODEs (ordinary differential equations) or DAEs (differential algebraic equations).

Results

We solved the MINLP formulation for model selection and identification using an algorithm based on Scatter Search (SS). We illustrate the capabilities and efficiency of the proposed strategy with a case study considering the KdpD/KdpE system regulating potassium homeostasis in Escherichia coli. The proposed approach resulted in a final model that presents a better fit to the in silico generated experimental data.

Conclusions

The presented MINLP-based optimization approach for nested-model selection and identification is a powerful methodology for model development in systems biology. This strategy can be used to perform model selection and parameter estimation in one single step, thus greatly reducing the number of experiments and computations of traditional modeling approaches.
Identification of genetic markers with synergistic survival effect in cancer
Authors: Louhimo Riku , Laakso Marko , Heikkinen Tuomas , Laitinen Susanna , Manninen Pekka , Rogojin Vladimir , Miettinen Minna , Blomqvist Carl , Liu Jianjun , Nevanlinna Heli , Hautaniemi Sampsa
Published: August 2013

Background

Cancers are complex diseases arising from accumulated genetic mutations that disrupt intracellular signaling networks. While several predisposing genetic mutations have been found, these individual mutations account only for a small fraction of cancer incidence and mortality. With large-scale measurement technologies, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays, it is now possible to identify combinatorial effects that have significant impact on cancer patient survival.

Results

The identification of synergetic functioning SNPs on genome-scale is a computationally daunting task and requires advanced algorithms. We introduce a novel algorithm, Geninter, to identify SNPs that have synergetic effect on survival of cancer patients. Using a large breast cancer cohort we generate a simulator that allows assessing reliability and accuracy of Geninter and logrank test, which is a standard statistical method to integrate genetic and survival data.

Conclusions

Our results show that Geninter outperforms the logrank test and is able to identify SNP-pairs with synergetic impact on survival.
Effects of multimerization on the temporal variability of protein complex abundance
Authors: Häkkinen Antti , Tran Huy , Yli-Harja Olli , Ingalls Brian , Ribeiro Andre S
Published: August 2013

We explore whether the process of multimerization can be used as a means to regulate noise in the abundance of functional protein complexes. Additionally, we analyze how this process affects the mean level of these functional units, response time of a gene, and temporal correlation between the numbers of expressed proteins and of the functional multimers. We show that, although multimerization increases noise by reducing the mean number of functional complexes it can reduce noise in comparison with a monomer, when abundance of the functional proteins are comparable. Alternatively, reduction in noise occurs if both monomeric and multimeric forms of the protein are functional. Moreover, we find that multimerization either increases the response time to external signals or decreases the correlation between number of functional complexes and protein production kinetics. Finally, we show that the results are in agreement with recent genome-wide assessments of cell-to-cell variability in protein numbers and of multimerization in essential and non-essential genes in Escherichia coli, and that the effects of multimerization are tangible at the level of genetic circuits.
Evaluation of physicochemical and antioxidant properties of sourwood and other Malaysian honeys: a comparison with manuka honey
Authors: Moniruzzaman Mohammed , Sulaiman Siti Amrah , Khalil Md Ibrahim , Gan Siew Hua
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physical, biochemical and antioxidant properties of four Malaysian monofloral types of honey (gelam, longan, rubber tree and sourwood honeys) compared to manuka honey.

Several physical parameters of honey, such as pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), color intensity, total sugar and sucrose content, were measured. A number of biochemical and antioxidant tests were performed to determine the antioxidant properties of the honey samples. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels were determined using high performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The mean pH, moisture content, EC and TDS of Malaysian honey were 3.90 ± 0.12, 17.01 ± 3.07%, 0.59 ± 0.17 mS/cm and 294.87 ± 81.96 ppm, respectively. The mean color and HMF level was 102.07 ± 41.77 mm Pfund and 49.51 ± 0.12 mg/kg, respectively. Sourwood honey contained the highest contents of phenolics (580.03 ± 0.38 mggalic acid/kg) and flavonoids (156.82 ± 0.47 mgcatechin/kg) with high DPPH radical scavenging activity (59.26 ± 3.77%) as well as ferric reducing power [648.25 ± 0.90 μM Fe (II)/100 g]. Sourwood honey also exhibited the highest color intensity. Several strong positive correlations were observed amongst the different antioxidant parameters and the various antioxidant tests.

Conclusion

This is the first time that the antioxidant potential of both sourwood and rubber tree honeys have been reported. Our results indicated that Malaysian honey (specifically sourwood honey and longan honey) is a good source of antioxidants compared to Manuka honey.
Pathological assessments for the presence of hexanucleotide repeat expansions in C9ORF72 in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Davidson Yvonne S , Robinson Andrew C , Snowden Julie S , Mann David MA
Published: August 2013

Background

We have sought histological evidence, using TDP-43 and p62 immunohistochemistry, for the presence of expansions in C9ORF72 among 200 patients with pathologically confirmed AD.

Results

We noted TDP-43 pathological changes in hippocampus and temporal cortex in 45 (22.5%) of these patients, but did not detect any cases where p62 positive changes in hippocampus and cerebellum, considered pathognomic for C9ORF72 expansions, were present.

Conclusion

We conclude that expansions in C9ORF72 associated with AD are a rare occurrence, and in those instances in the literature where these have been reported, the presence of AD may in fact be coincidental and unrelated to the expansion.
Novel sorafenib analogues induce apoptosis through SHP-1 dependent STAT3 inactivation in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Liu Chun-Yu , Tseng Ling-Ming , Su Jung-Chen , Chang Kung-Chi , Chu Pei-Yi , Tai Wei-Tien , Shiau Chung-Wai , Chen Kuen-Feng
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling is constitutively activated in various cancers including breast cancer and has emerged as a novel potential anti-cancer target. STAT3 has been demonstrated to be a target of sorafenib, and a protein tyrosine phosphatase Src homology 2-domain containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) has been demonstrated to downregulate p-STAT3 via its phosphatase activity. Here, we tested the efficacy of two sorafenib analogues, SC-1 and SC-43, in breast cancer cells and examined the drug mechanism.

Methods

Breast cancer cell lines were used for in vitro studies. Cell viability was examined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and western blot. Signal transduction pathways in cells were assessed by western blot. In vivo efficacy of sorafenib, SC-1 and SC-43 was tested in xenografted nude mice.

Results

SC-1 and SC-43 induced more potent apoptosis than sorafenib, in association with downregulation of p-STAT3 and its downstream proteins cyclin D1 and survivin in a dose-dependent manner in breast cancer cell lines (HCC-1937, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, SK-BR3, MCF-7). Overexpression of STAT3 in MDA-MB-468 cells protected the cells from apoptosis induced by sorafenib, SC-1 and SC-43. Moreover, SC-1 and SC-43 upregulated SHP-1 activity to a greater extent than sorafenib as measured by in vitro phosphatase assays. Knockdown of SHP-1 by siRNA reduced apoptosis induced by SC-1 and SC-43. Importantly, SC-1 and SC-43 showed more efficacious antitumor activity and p-STAT3 downregulation than sorafenib in MDA-MB-468 xenograft tumors.

Conclusions

Novel sorafenib analogues SC-1 and SC-43 induce apoptosis through SHP-1 dependent STAT3 inactivation and demonstrate greater potency than sorafenib in human breast cancer cells.
The Shock Index revisited – a fast guide to transfusion requirement? A retrospective analysis on 21,853 patients derived from the TraumaRegister DGU®
Authors: Mutschler Manuel , Nienaber Ulrike , Münzberg Matthias , Wölfl Christoph , Schoechl Herbert , Paffrath Thomas , Bouillon Bertil , Maegele Marc ,   The TraumaRegister DGU®
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Isolated vital signs (for example, heart rate or systolic blood pressure) have been shown unreliable in the assessment of hypovolemic shock. In contrast, the Shock Index (SI), defined by the ratio of heart rate to systolic blood pressure, has been advocated to better risk-stratify patients for increased transfusion requirements and early mortality. Recently, our group has developed a novel and clinical reliable classification of hypovolemic shock based upon four classes of worsening base deficit (BD). The objective of this study was to correlate this classification to corresponding strata of SI for the rapid assessment of trauma patients in the absence of laboratory parameters.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2011, data for 21,853 adult trauma patients were retrieved from the TraumaRegister DGU® database and divided into four strata of worsening SI at emergency department arrival (group I, SI <0.6; group II, SI ≥0.6 to <1.0; group III, SI ≥1.0 to <1.4; and group IV, SI ≥1.4) and were assessed for demographics, injury characteristics, transfusion requirements, fluid resuscitation and outcomes. The four strata of worsening SI were compared with our recently suggested BD-based classification of hypovolemic shock.

Results

Worsening of SI was associated with increasing injury severity scores from 19.3 (± 12) in group I to 37.3 (± 16.8) in group IV, while mortality increased from 10.9% to 39.8%. Increments in SI paralleled increasing fluid resuscitation, vasopressor use and decreasing hemoglobin, platelet counts and Quick’s values. The number of blood units transfused increased from 1.0 (± 4.8) in group I to 21.4 (± 26.2) in group IV patients. Of patients, 31% in group III and 57% in group IV required ≥10 blood units until ICU admission. The four strata of SI discriminated transfusion requirements and massive transfusion rates equally with our recently introduced BD-based classification of hypovolemic shock.

Conclusion

SI upon emergency department arrival may be considered a clinical indicator of hypovolemic shock in respect to transfusion requirements, hemostatic resuscitation and mortality. The four SI groups have been shown to equal our recently suggested BD-based classification. In daily clinical practice, SI may be used to assess the presence of hypovolemic shock if point-of-care testing technology is not available.
Casanovas are liars: behavioral syndromes, sperm competition risk, and the evolution of deceptive male mating behavior in live-bearing fishes
Authors: Bierbach David , Makowicz Amber M , Schlupp Ingo , Geupel Holger , Streit Bruno , Plath Martin
Published: August 2013

Male reproductive biology can by characterized through competition over mates as well as mate choice. Multiple mating and male mate choice copying, especially in internally fertilizing species, set the stage for increased sperm competition, i.e., sperm of two or more males can compete for fertilization of the female’s ova. In the internally fertilizing fish Poecilia mexicana, males respond to the presence of rivals with reduced expression of mating preferences (audience effect), thereby lowering the risk of by-standing rivals copying their mate choice. Also, males interact initially more with a non-preferred female when observed by a rival, which has been interpreted in previous studies as a strategy to mislead rivals, again reducing sperm competition risk (SCR). Nevertheless, species might differ consistently in their expression of aggressive and reproductive behaviors, possibly due to varying levels of SCR. In the current study, we present a unique data set comprising ten poeciliid species (in two cases including multiple populations) and ask whether species can be characterized through consistent differences in the expression of aggression, sexual activity and changes in mate choice under increased SCR. We found consistent species-specific differences in aggressive behavior, sexual activity as well as in the level of misleading behavior, while decreased preference expression under increased SCR was a general feature of all but one species examined. Furthermore, mean sexual activity correlated positively with the occurrence of potentially misleading behavior. An alternative explanation for audience effects would be that males attempt to avoid aggressive encounters, which would predict stronger audience effects in more aggressive species. We demonstrate a positive correlation between mean aggressiveness and sexual activity (suggesting a hormonal link as a mechanistic explanation), but did not detect a correlation between aggressiveness and audience effects. Suites of correlated behavioral tendencies are termed behavioral syndromes, and our present study provides correlational evidence for the evolutionary significance of SCR in shaping a behavioral syndrome at the species level across poeciliid taxa.
Social Behavior and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Angelman, Cornelia de Lange, and Cri du Chat Syndromes
Authors: Moss Joanna , Howlin Patricia , Hastings Richard Patrick , Beaumont Sarah , Griffith Gemma M. , Petty Jane , Tunnicliffe Penny , Yates Rachel , Villa Darrelle , Oliver Chris
Published: August 2013

We evaluated autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characteristics and social behavior in Angelman (AS; n  =  19; mean age  = 10.35 years), Cornelia de Lange (CdLS; n  =  15; mean age  = 12.40 years), and Cri du Chat (CdCS, also known as 5 p-syndrome; n  =  19; mean age  =  8.80 years) syndromes. The proportion of individuals meeting the ASD cutoff on the Social Communication Questionnaire was significantly higher in the AS and CdLS groups than in the CdCS group (p < .01). The groups demonstrated divergent social behavior profiles during social conditions in which adult availability, adult familiarity, and social demand were manipulated. Social enjoyment was significantly heightened in AS, whereas social approaches were heightened in individuals with CdCS. Social motivation, social communication, and enjoyment were significantly lower in CdLS. The findings highlight the importance of detailed observation when evaluating ASD and social behavior in genetic syndromes.
Long-term Impact of Parental Well-Being on Adult Outcomes and Dementia Status in Individuals With Down Syndrome
Authors: Esbensen Anna J. , Mailick Marsha R. , Silverman Wayne
Published: August 2013

Parental characteristics were significant predictors of health, functional abilities, and behavior problems in adults with Down syndrome (n  =  75) over a 22-year time span, controlling for initial levels and earlier changes in these outcomes. Lower levels of behavior problems were predicted by improvements in maternal depressive symptoms. Higher levels of functional abilities were predicted by prior measures of and improvements in maternal depressive symptoms. Better health was predicted by prior measures of maternal depressive symptoms, paternal positive psychological well-being, relationship quality between fathers and their adult children, and improvements in maternal positive psychological well-being. Dementia status was also predicted by parental characteristics. The study suggests the importance of the family context for healthy aging in adults with Down syndrome.
Accuracy of Self-Reported Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening by Women With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Son Esther , Parish Susan L. , Swaine Jamie G. , Luken Karen
Published: August 2013

This study examines the accuracy of self-report of cervical and breast cancer screening by women with intellectual disability (n  =  155). Data from face-to-face interviews and medical records were analyzed. Total agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. Total agreement between self-report and medical record on receipt of both procedures was 75% for Pap test and 87% for mammography. Self-reported Pap tests and mammography showed >90% sensitivity, but specificity was low for both procedures (41% for Pap test, 30% for mammogram), indicating overreporting of receipt of Pap tests and mammography similar to women without disabilities. Clinicians and researchers are cautioned to corroborate self-reported data with other sources for patients and research participants with intellectual disability.
Multiplex Picodroplet Digital PCR to Detect KRAS Mutations in Circulating DNA from the Plasma of Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Taly Valerie , Pekin Deniz , Benhaim Leonor , Kotsopoulos Steve K , Le Corre Delphine , Li Xinyu , Atochin Ivan , Link Darren R , Griffiths Andrew D , Pallier Karine , Blons Hélène , Bouché Olivier , Landi Bruno , Hutchison J Brian , Laurent-Puig Pierre
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Multiplex digital PCR (dPCR) enables noninvasive and sensitive detection of circulating tumor DNA with performance unachievable by current molecular-detection approaches. Furthermore, picodroplet dPCR facilitates simultaneous screening for multiple mutations from the same sample.

METHODS

We investigated the utility of multiplex dPCR to screen for the 7 most common mutations in codons 12 and 13 of the KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) oncogene from plasma samples of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Fifty plasma samples were tested from patients for whom the primary tumor biopsy tissue DNA had been characterized by quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

Tumor characterization revealed that 19 patient tumors had KRAS mutations. Multiplex dPCR analysis of the plasma DNA prepared from these samples identified 14 samples that matched the mutation identified in the tumor, 1 sample contained a different KRAS mutation, and 4 samples had no detectable mutation. Among the tumor samples that were wild type for KRAS, 2 KRAS mutations were identified in the corresponding plasma samples. Duplex dPCR (i.e., wild-type and single-mutation assay) was also used to analyze plasma samples from patients with KRAS-mutated tumors and 5 samples expected to contain the BRAF (v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B) V600E mutation. The results for the duplex analysis matched those for the multiplex analysis for KRAS-mutated samples and, owing to its higher sensitivity, enabled detection of 2 additional samples with low levels of KRAS-mutated DNA. All 5 samples with BRAF mutations were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

This work demonstrates the clinical utility of multiplex dPCR to screen for multiple mutations simultaneously with a sensitivity sufficient to detect mutations in circulating DNA obtained by noninvasive blood collection.
Direction and Policies Needed to Support Hybrid Electric Car Research
Authors: Subekti Ridwan Arief , Hartanto Agus , Susanti Vita
Published: August 2013

The rising number of vehicles over the years has driven the increase of air pollution and fuel consumption. One of the solutions to overcome this problem is using hybrid electric car because it is environmentally friendly and efficient in fuel consumption. LIPI has conducted electric car research since 1997, but there were so many problems in its development that electric car can not be developed into a national industry scale. Therefore, it is important to conduct a study that maps the problems and finds the solutions to prevent the same failure of electric car commercialization process from happening to hybrid electric car . This study was done by collecting and analyzing the primary and secondary data through interviews, discussing electric hybrid car with stakeholders, and examining earlier study results and regulations. Based on this study, several policies to support sustainability research of hybrid electric car were proposed. Some recommendations were the making of national roadmap and regulation for the usage of hybrid electric car on the road. For policy makers at LIPI, a research focus, research coordination, and pre-commercialization program were recommended.
Modelling and Identification of Oxygen Excess Ratio of Self-Humidified PEM Fuel Cell System
Authors: Leksono Edi , Pradipta Justin , Tamba Tua Agustinus
Published: August 2013

One essential parameter in fuel cell operation is oxygen excess ratio which describes comparison between reacted and supplied oxygen number in cathode. Oxygen excess ratio relates to fuel cell safety and lifetime. This paper explains development of air feed model and oxygen excess ratio calculation in commercial self-humidified PEM fuel cell system with 1 kW output power. This modelling was developed from measured data which was limited in open loop system. It was carried out to get relationship between oxygen excess ratio with stack output current and fan motor voltage. It generated fourth-order 56.26% best fit ARX linear polynomial model estimation (loss function = 0.0159, FPE = 0.0159) and second-order ARX nonlinear model estimation with 75 units of wavenet estimator with 84.95% best fit (loss function = 0.0139). The second-order ARX model linearization yielded 78.18% best fit (loss function = 0.0009, FPE = 0.0009).
Design of a DC-AC Link Converter for 500W Residential Wind Generator
Authors: Muhida Riza , Zaidi Ahmad Firdaus A. , Tamsir Afzeri , Irawan Rudi
Published: August 2013

As one of alternative sources of renewable energy, wind energy has an excellence prospect in Indonesia, particularly in coastal and hilly areas which have potential wind to generate electricity for residential uses. There is urgent need to locally develop low cost inverter of wind generator system for residential use. Recent developments in power electronic converters and embedded computing allow improvement of power electronic converter devices that enable integration of microcontrollers in its design. In this project, an inverter circuit with suitable control scheme design was developed. The circuit was to be used with a selected topology of Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) to convert electricity generated by a 500W direct-drive permanent magnet type wind generator which is typical for residential use. From single phase AC output of the generator, a rectifier circuit is designed to convert AC to DC voltage. Then a DC-DC boost converter is used to step up the voltage to a nominal DC voltage suitable for domestic use. The proposed inverter then will convert the DC voltage to sinusoidal AC. The duty cycle of sinusoidal Pulse-Width Modulated (SPWM) signal controlling switches in the inverter was generated by a microcontroller. The lab-scale experimental rig involves simulation of wind generator by running a geared DC motor coupled with 500W wind generator where the prototype circuit was connected at the generator output. The experimental circuit produced single phase 240V sinusoidal AC voltage with frequency of 50Hz. Measured total harmonics distortion (THD) of the voltage across load was 4.0% which is within the limit of 5% as recommended by IEEE Standard 519-1992.
Investment, Dynamic Consistency and the Sectoral Regulator’s Objective
Authors: Brito Duarte , Pereira Pedro , Vareda João
Published: August 2013

This article explores the possibility of distorting the regulator’s objective function as a way of overcoming the dynamic consistency problem of regulatory policy toward investment. We derive general conditions under which having the legislator distort the regulator’s objective function away from social welfare allows increasing the range of parameter values for which it is possible to induce socially desirable investment. In particular, we show that when the regulator cannot commit to a regulatory policy, the legislator should give a relatively higher weight to the incumbent’s profit in the regulator’s objective function, if the incumbent invests, and a relatively higher weight to consumer surplus, if the incumbent does not invest.
Political Parties, Candidate Selection, and Quality of Government
Authors: Aragón Fernando M.
Published: August 2013

This article explores empirically the relation between political parties’ institutions and quality of government. I focus on procedures used to nominate presidential candidates given the importance of candidate selection in party politics. Using a panel dataset of Latin American countries, I find robust evidence of a positive relation between the use of democratic procedures, such as primaries, and quality of government. To shed light on the mechanism, I examine why parties use primaries. I find evidence suggestive that the results are mostly driven by the increase in political competition and candidates’ pre-electoral incentives.
Silver nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity, but not cell transformation or genotoxicity on Balb3T3 mouse fibroblasts
Authors: Broggi Francesca , Ponti Jessica , Giudetti Guido , Franchini Fabio , Stone Vicki , García César Pascual , Rossi François
Published: August 2013

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are one of the most common nanomaterials present in nanotechnology-based products. Here, the physical chemical properties of Ag NPs suspensions of 44 nm, 84 nm and 100 nm sizes synthesized in our laboratory were characterized. The NM-300 material (average size of 17 nm), supplied by the Joint Research Centre Nanomaterials Repository was also included in the present study. The Ag NPs potential cytotoxicity was tested on the Balb3T3 cell line by the Colony Forming Efficiency assay, while their potential morphological neoplastic transformation and genotoxicity were tested by the Cell Transformation Assay and the micronucleus test, respectively. After 24 h of exposure, NM-300 showed cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 8 µM (corresponding to 0.88 µg/mL) while for the other nanomaterials tested, values of IC50 were higher than 10 µM (1.10 µg/mL). After 72 h of exposure, Ag NPs showed size-dependent cytotoxic effect with IC50 values of 1.5 µM (1.16 µg/mL) for NM-300, 1.7 µM (1.19 µg/mL) for Ag 44 nm, 1.9 µM (0.21 µg/mL) for Ag 84 nm and 3.2 µM (0.35 µg/mL) for Ag 100 nm. None of the Ag NPs tested was able to induce either morphological neoplastic transformation or micronuclei formation.
Vitamin D, adipose tissue, and obesity
Authors: Marcotorchino Julie , Tourniaire Franck , Landrier Jean-François
Published: August 2013

Epidemiological studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and numerous pathologies such as cancers, immunity diseases, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Recent studies in vitro and in animal models demonstrated an impact of vitamin D on adipose tissue and adipocyte biology. Such observations are of particular interest and provide mechanistic explanations on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and obesity.
Adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic dysfunction: a clinical perspective
Authors: Tam Charmaine S. , Redman Leanne M.
Published: August 2013

Obesity is characterized by a state of chronic low-grade inflammation due to increased immune cells, specifically infiltrated macrophages into adipose tissue, which in turn secrete a range of proinflammatory mediators. This nonselective low-grade inflammation of adipose tissue is systemic in nature and can impair insulin signaling pathways, thus, increasing the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The aim of this review is to provide an update on clinical studies examining the role of adipose tissue in the development of obesity-associated complications in humans. We will discuss adipose tissue inflammation during different scenarios of energy imbalance and metabolic dysfunction including obesity and overfeeding, weight loss by calorie restriction or bariatric surgery, and conditions of insulin resistance (diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome).
Caveolae, lipid droplets, and adipose tissue biology: pathophysiological aspects
Authors: Martin Sally
Published: August 2013

Adipocytes are specialized cells that function to store energy in the form of lipids, predominantly triglycerides (TGs), and as a regulatory system contributing to metabolic homoeostasis through the production and secretion of hormones and cytokines. The regulation of lipid homeostasis by adipose tissue is an important aspect of whole-body metabolism. Owing to the central nature of adipose tissue in lipid metabolism, dysregulation has wide-ranging effects, contributing to disorders as diverse as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Excess lipids are stored in specialized organelles called lipid droplets (LDs). The surface of the lipid droplet can be considered a highly regulated membrane domain that both protects the contents of the LD from unregulated lipolysis and the cell from the cytotoxic effects of elevated free fatty acids. The surface of the LD is coated with a variety of regulatory proteins, either resident or transiently associated, including enzymes involved in the breakdown of TG, lipid transport proteins, and cofactors. Recent studies have begun to unravel the range of LD-associated proteins and to define their functional significance. Importantly, the involvement of LD proteins in pathophysiological disorders is beginning to be understood. This review will outline recent advances in defining the diversity of LD-associated proteins and their links to metabolic disorders including the integral membrane protein, caveolin-1 (CAV1). Analysis of the role of CAV1 in adipose tissue has highlighted the interconnectedness between the regulation of lipid storage and the function of the adipocyte plasma membrane.
The effects of the “physical BEMER® vascular therapy”, a method for the physical stimulation of the vasomotion of precapillary microvessels in case of impaired microcirculation, on sleep, pain and quality of life of patients with different clinical pictures on the basis of three scientifically validated scales
Authors: Bohn Wolfgang , Hess Lorenzo , Burger Ralph
Published: August 2013

As part of the statutory market monitoring of certified medical devices, 658 valid patient questionnaires were evaluated between April 2011 and March 2013. The questions consisted mainly of three scientifically recognized scales for assessing the changes of sleep, pain and quality of life in patients who had used the “physical BEMER® vascular therapy” for different diseases over 6 weeks. The result clearly shows that there are significant improvements in all areas surveyed through the application of this complementary treatment option, regardless of the underlying disease.
Tort Law and the Financial Crisis: Basic Questions
Authors: Karner Ernst
Published: August 2013

This article provides a short introduction to the present special issue of the Journal of European Tort Law, which aims to tackle the relationship of tort law and the financial crisis from a comprehensive, three-fold perspective by focusing on all the ‘main players’: banking institutions, the rating agencies and the supervisory authorities.
Screening of nanoparticle properties in microfluidic syntheses
Authors: Knauer Andrea , Koehler J. Michael
Published: August 2013

The possible diversity of nanoparticles is extremely high. This variability corresponds to a huge potential of possible functions in future materials and nanotechnical devices. Apart from rational designs, there is an urgent need for screening strategies for specific nanoparticle properties. Miniaturized screening techniques are challenged for efficient screening procedures. The review gives an overview on the possibilities of tuning and screening of nanoparticle properties and focuses on the application of microfluidic techniques for nanoparticle synthesis. Furthermore, the variation of parameters during the generation of nanoparticles and its connection with the resulting nanoparticle properties are highlighted as well. Among other microfluidic techniques, microsegmented flow is particularly promising for the synthesis of different types of homogeneous nanoparticles and offers interesting approaches for the screening of process parameters and nanoparticle properties. The tuning of reactant concentrations in the micro-flow-through synthesis of nonspherical silver particles and gold/silver core/shell particles and their effects on the shape, size, and optical parameters of the formed nanoparticles are given as examples for the application of microsegmented flow in the screening of nanoparticle properties.
Endoscopic fluorescence visualization of 5-ALA photosensitized central nervous system tumors in the neural tissue transparency spectral range
Authors: Loshchenov Maxim , Zelenkov Petr , Potapov Aleksandr , Goryajnov Sergey , Borodkin Alexandr
Published: August 2013

Background:

Fluorescence endoscopy systems for photosensitizer visualization have proved to be powerful tools for highlighting malignant tumor boundaries as well as detecting small, visually non-detectable, residual parts during photodynamic therapy. Most of these devices use excitation wavelengths in the blue visual spectrum range (405 nm) which limits the penetration depth in the tissue.

Objective:

In the study being presented in this article an apparatus and a method were developed for performing endoscopic fluorescence diagnostics of photosensitizer accumulation using excitation light in the red part of visual spectrum, i.e., 635 nm, which allows not only a deeper penetration of light into the tissue but also better scanning abilities and a higher diagnostic quality. Additionally, 635-nm radiation can penetrate thin layers of blood which appear during surgery.

Material and methods:

In order to use 635-nm excitation, a specially designed video endoscopy system was developed. The key feature of the video system is a dual camera video receiver where one sensitive B/W camera receives the fluorescence signal and a color camera receives the real-time image in natural colors during navigation. The software developed for the apparatus allows overlaying of the video output of fluorescence image on top of the conventional color image in real-time. The experimental setup and method were tested on Intralipid-based phantoms with protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) concentrations of 0.5–5 mg/kg, and then on two patients during surgery. The patients were administered 20 mg/kg 5-ALA photosensitizer 3 h before surgery according to standard practice of 5-ALA in neurosurgery.

Results:

The experiments demonstrate that the designed setup is sensitive enough for clear visualization of biological concentrations of PpIX in both phantoms with 0.5 mg/kg PpIX and previously photosensitized tissues of patients.

Conclusion:

Further prospective validation is needed to translate the results to clinical practice.
Guanosine Protects Neuronal PC12 Cells from Serum Deprivation-induced Cell Death
Authors: Thauerer Bettina , Baeumer Bastian E. , Fellner Lisa , Kuzdas Daniela , Ramberger Melanie , Baier-Bitterlich Gabriele
Published: August 2013

Survival of neurons is dependent on the presence of trophic and non-trophic factors. Previous findings showed that purine nucleosides have the potential to rescue cells from hypoxia-induced cell death. Here we demonstrate that purine nucleoside guanosine can efficiently rescue neuronal PC12 cells from serum deprivation-induced cell death. By means of Hoechst/propidium iodide staining and fluorescence analysis a 31.1% decrease of cell death was detected. These data support current efforts to propagate purine nucleosides as neuroprotective and neuroregenerative substances.
Forecast densities for economic aggregates from disaggregate ensembles
Authors: Ravazzolo Francesco , Vahey Shaun P.
Published: August 2013

We extend the “bottom up” approach for forecasting economic aggregates with disaggregates to probability forecasting. Our methodology utilises a linear opinion pool to combine the forecast densities from many disaggregate forecasting specifications, using weights based on the continuous ranked probability score. We also adopt a post-processing step prior to forecast combination. These methods are adapted from the meteorology literature. In our application, we use our approach to forecast US Personal Consumption Expenditure inflation from 1990q1 to 2009q4. Our ensemble combining the evidence from 16 disaggregate PCE series outperforms an integrated moving average specification for aggregate inflation in terms of density forecasting.
Breaks, trends and unit roots in commodity prices: a robust investigation
Authors: Ghoshray Atanu , Kejriwal Mohitosh , Wohar Mark
Published: August 2013

This paper empirically examines the time series behavior of primary commodity prices relative to manufactures with reference to the nature of their underlying trends and the persistence of shocks driving the price processes. The direction and magnitude of the trends are assessed employing a set of econometric techniques that is robust to the nature of persistence in the commodity price shocks, thereby obviating the need for unit root pretesting. Specifically, the methods allow consistent estimation of the number and location of structural breaks in the trend function as well as facilitate the distinction between trend breaks and pure level shifts. Further, a new set of powerful unit root tests is applied to determine whether the underlying commodity price series can be characterized as difference or trend stationary processes. These tests treat breaks under the unit root null and the trend stationary alternative in a symmetric fashion thereby alleviating the procedures from spurious rejection problems and low power issues that plague most existing procedures. Relative to the extant literature, we find more evidence in favor of trend stationarity suggesting that real commodity price shocks are primarily of a transitory nature. We conclude with a discussion of the policy implications of our results.
Faith and Fair Housing
Authors: Merritt Bruce G.
Published: August 2013

In 1964, a California ballot initiative, Proposition 14, aiming to rescind a recent fair-housing act, proved controversial. Supporters argued that property owners had a right to sell to whomever they wished. An undercurrent addressed the supposed deleterious impact to property values if minority families could move into white neighborhoods. Racist motives were denied. This article analyzes the divisive effects of the issue on one southern California church community as it pondered the role of organized religion in matters of social justice.
Intraoperative, postoperative and long-term oncosurgical safety of therapeutic mammaplasty
Authors: Romics Jr. László , Barrett Sophie , Stallard Sheila , Weiler-Mithoff Eva
Published: August 2013

Introduction: (Pre)malignant lesion in the breast requiring mastectomy conventionally may be treated with breast conservation by using oncoplastic breast surgical techniques, which is called therapeutic mammaplasty. However, no reliable data has been published so far as regards the oncological safety of this method. Aim: The aim of the authors was to analyse the oncological safety of therapeutic mammaplasty in a series of patients. Method: 99 patients were treated with therapeutic mammaplasty and data were collected in a breast surgical database prospectively. Results were analysed with respect to intraoperative, postoperative and long-term oncological safety. Results: Incomplete resection rate was 14.1%, which correlated with tumour size (p = 0.023), and multifocality (p = 0.012). Time between surgery (therapeutic mammaplasty) and chemotherapy was similar to time between conventional breast surgeries (wide excision, mastectomy, mastectomy with immediate reconstruction) and chemotherapy (mean 29–31 days; p<0.05). Overall recurrence rate was 6.1%, locoregional recurrence rate was 2% during 27 month (1–88) mean follow-up. Conclusions: Since literature data are based on relatively short follow-up and low patient number, it is highly important that all data on therapeutic mammaplasty is collected in a prospectively maintained breast surgical database in order to determine true recurrence after long-follow-up. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1291–1296.
Short and long term prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction. Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry
Authors: Jánosi András , Ofner Péter , Merkely Béla , Polgár Péter , Zámolyi Károly , Kiss Róbert Gábor , Édes István , Csapó Kálmán , Nagy Lajos , Lupkovics Géza , Herceg Béla , Tomcsányi János , László Zoltán , Vértes András , Simon János , Katona András , Juhász Ferenc , Bajkó Ferenc , Varjú Imre , Dinya Elek
Published: August 2013

Introduction: Mortality data of patients with acute myocardial infarction are incomplete in Hungary. Aim: The aim of the authors was to analyse the data of 8582 myocardial infarction patients (4981 with ST-elevation myocardial infarction) registered in the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Register in order to define the hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality. To evaluate the prehospital mortality of myocardial infarction, all myocardial infarction and sudden death were registered in five districts of Budapest. Method: Multivariate logistic regression was performed to define risk factors of mortality and the model were assessed using c statistics. Results: The hospital, 30-day and 1-year mortality of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction were 3.7%, 9.5% and 16.5%, respectively. In patients without ST elevation myocardial infarction these figures were 4%, 9.8% and 21.7%, respectively. The 1-year mortality of patients without ST elevation was higher than those of with ST elevation and the difference was statistically significant. Age, Killip class, diabetes mellitus, history of stroke and myocardial infarction were independent predictors of death. Coronary intervention improved the prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction significantly. Conclusions: The rate of pre-hospital mortality was considerably high; 72.5% of 30 day mortality occurred before admission to hospital. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1297–1302.
Quality of life and burden in carers for persons with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease receiving oxygen therapy
Authors: Cedano Simone , Bettencourt Ana Rita de Cássia , Traldi Fabiana , Machado Maria Christina Lombardi Oliveira , Belasco Angélica Gonçalves Silva
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE: to assess the quality of life and burden of caregivers to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients on Long-Term Oxygen Therapy and to investigate the factors influencing this burden. METHOD: this is an analytical, cross-sectional study of 80 persons with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Long-Term Oxygen Therapy who used the specialized outpatient center of the Federal University of São Paulo, and their carers. The following instruments were used: Medical Outcomes Studies 36 (SF-36), Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS) and the Katz Index, along with socio-demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: the most compromised scores on the carers' quality of life questionnaire were for Vitality and Mental Health. On the Caregiver Burden Scale, the domain which created the greatest burden for carers was the Environment. With the exception of Emotional Involvement, all the domains of quality of life were affected negatively by the domains of caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: it was shown that carers' quality of life was compromised and that they were overburdened with care tasks, confirming that assisting persons with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an important element in carers' quality of life.