bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of the intrathoracic pressure regulator to lower intracranial pressure in patients with altered intracranial elastance: a pilot study
Authors: Kiehna Erin N. , Huffmyer Julie L. , Thiele Robert H. , Scalzo David C. , Nemergut Edward C.
Published: May 2013

Object

The intrathoracic pressure regulator (ITPR) is a novel noninvasive device designed to increase circulation and blood pressure. By applying negative pressure during the expiratory phase of ventilation it decreases intrathoracic pressure and enhances venous return, which increases cardiac output. It is possible that the ITPR may both decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) and increase cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) in brain-injured patients by decreasing cerebral venous blood volume and increasing cardiac output. The authors conducted an open-label, “first-in-humans” study of the ITPR in patients with an ICP monitor or external ventricular drain and altered intracranial elastance.

Methods

This prospective randomized trial commenced July 2009. Baseline hemodynamic variables and ICP were recorded prior to inserting one of the two ITPRs into the ventilator circuit based on a randomization scheme. Depending on the device selected, activation provided either −5 or −9 mm Hg endotracheal tube pressure. Hemodynamic and ICP data were recorded sequentially every 2 minutes for 10 minutes. The first device was turned off for 10 minutes, then it was removed and the second device was applied, and then the procedure was repeated for the second device.

Results

Ten patients with elevated ICP secondary to intracranial hemorrhage (n = 4), trauma (n = 2), obstructive hydrocephalus (n = 2), or diffuse cerebral processes (n = 2) were enrolled. Baseline ICP ranged from 12 to 38 mm Hg. With device application, a decrease in ICP was observed in 16 of 20 applications. During treatment with the −5 mm Hg device, there was a mean maximal decrease of 3.3 mm Hg in ICP (21.7 vs 18.4 mm Hg, p = 0.003), which was associated with an increase in CPP of 6.5 mm Hg (58.2 vs 64.7 mm Hg, p = 0.019). During treatment with the −9 mm Hg device, there was a mean maximal decrease of 2.4 mm Hg in ICP (21.1 vs 18.7 mm Hg, p = 0.044), which was associated with an increase in CPP of 6.5 mm Hg (59.2 vs 65.7 mm Hg, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates that use of the ITPR in patients with altered intracranial elastance is feasible. Although this study was not powered to demonstrate efficacy, these data strongly suggest that the ITPR may be used to rapidly lower ICP and increase CPP without apparent adverse effects. Additional studies will be needed to assess longitudinal changes in ICP when the device is in use and to delineate treatment parameters.
Suboccipital decompression during posterior cranial vault remodeling for selected cases of Chiari malformations associated with craniosynostosis
Authors: Scott William W. , Fearon Jeffrey A. , Swift Dale M. , Sacco David J.
Published: May 2013

Object

The optimal management of Chiari malformations in the setting of craniosynostosis is not well established. In this report the authors describe their outcomes with the combined technique of simultaneous suboccipital decompression (SOD) during posterior cranial vault remodeling (PCVR).

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing PCVR and simultaneous SOD. Demographic data, diagnosis, imaging studies, operative intervention, and clinical follow-up were evaluated.

Results

Thirty-four patients were identified as having undergone a simultaneous PCVR/SOD for Chiari malformation associated with craniosynostosis. Eighty-eight percent of these patients had syndromic, multisutural craniosynostosis, and the remaining patients had unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis. There were no postoperative complications as a direct result from this combined procedure. Two patients required a subsequent direct approach for decompression of the Chiari malformation. The interval between these subsequent surgeries was 3 years and 19 months.

Conclusions

Chiari malformations are commonly associated with syndromic, complex craniosynostosis and isolated lambdoid craniosynostosis. In appropriately selected patients, a combined posterior cranial vault enlargement and SOD of the foramen magnum is associated with a low complication rate and appears to be an effective procedure.
Design of a synthetic simulator for pediatric lumbar spine pathologies
Authors: Mattei Tobias A. , Frank Christopher , Bailey Joshua , Lesle Edna , Macuk Alyssa , Lesniak Matthew , Patel Ankit , Morris Martin J. , Nair Kalyani , Lin Julian J.
Published: May 2013

Object

Simulation has become an important tool in neurosurgical education as part of the complex process of improving residents' technical expertise while preserving patient safety. Although different simulators have already been designed for a variety of neurosurgical procedures, spine simulators are still in their infancy and, at present, there is no available simulator for lumbar spine pathologies in pediatric neurosurgery. In this paper the authors describe the peculiarities and challenges involved in developing a synthetic simulator for pediatric lumbar spine pathologies, including tethered spinal cord syndrome and open neural tube defects.

Methods

The Department of Neurosurgery of the University of Illinois at Peoria, in a joint program with the Mechanical Engineering Department of Bradley University, designed and developed a general synthetic model for simulating pediatric neurosurgical interventions on the lumbar spine. The model was designed to be composed of several sequential layers, so that each layer might closely mimic the tensile properties of the natural tissues under simulation. Additionally, a system for pressure monitoring was developed to enable precise measurements of the degree of manipulation of the spinal cord.

Results

The designed prototype successfully simulated several scenarios commonly found in pediatric neurosurgery, such as tethered spinal cord, retethered spinal cord, and fatty terminal filum, as well as meningocele, myelomeningocele, and lipomyelomeningocele. Additionally, the formulated grading system was able to account for several variables involved in the qualitative evaluation of the technical performance during the training sessions and, in association with an expert qualitative analysis of the recorded sessions, proved to be a useful feedback tool for the trainees.

Conclusions

Designing and building a synthetic simulator for pediatric lumbar spine pathologies poses a wide variety of unique challenges. According to the authors' experience, a modular system composed of separable layers that can be independently replaced significantly enhances the applicability of such a model, enabling its individualization to distinctive but interrelated pathologies. Moreover, the design of a system for pressure monitoring (as well as a general score that may be able to account for the overall technical quality of the trainee's performance) may further enhance the educational applications of a simulator of this kind so that it can be further incorporated into the neurosurgical residency curriculum for training and evaluation purposes.
Persistent cough associated with osteophyte formation and vagus nerve impingement following cervical spinal surgery
Authors: Orhan Kadir Serkan , Acar Şenol , Ulusan Murat , Aydoseli Aydın , Güldiken Yahya
Published: May 2013

Persistent cough due to irritation of the vagus nerve by osteophytes resulting from cervical spinal surgery is a very rare condition. The authors report the case of a 49-year-old woman who presented with a persistent cough subsequent to cervical spinal surgery. One year after the initial operation, the patient underwent surgery to free the larynx from the prevertebral fascia and cut the pharyngeal plexus, but her symptoms persisted. In order to control the cough, she used a soft cervical collar with padding inserted in the left side so that the larynx would be pushed to the right, a solution she discovered on her own. Without the collar, she coughed uncontrollably.

A CT scan was performed and showed an osteophyte that had developed at the level of the prosthesis. Based on these findings, the authors hypothesized that the cough was caused by vagus nerve irritation due to the osteophyte. The osteophyte was resected and the vagus nerve was moved to a position anterior to the carotid artery and was isolated by means of an autogenous tensor fascia lata graft. The patient's symptom disappeared immediately after the surgery. At the most recent follow-up visit, 18 months after surgery, the patient was symptom free and was pursuing regular daily activities without using a cervical collar.
Clinical features and treatment outcomes of the spinal arteriovenous fistulas and malformations
Authors: Cho Won-Sang , Kim Ki-Jeong , Kwon O-Ki , Kim Chi Heon , Kim Jiha , Han Moon Hee , Chung Chun Kee
Published: May 2013

Object

Spinal vascular diseases, such as spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), perimedullary arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), and spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), are very rare. The authors analyzed the features and treatment outcomes of these conditions.

Methods

Data from 64 patients were retrospectively reviewed. There were 33 spinal DAVFs (1 patient had 2 lesions), 20 perimedullary AVFs, and 12 spinal AVMs. Clinical features, radiological findings, treatment results, and clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the diseases, subtypes, and treatment modalities. The median duration of follow-up was 20, 42, and 56 months for spinal DAVFs, perimedullary AVFs, and spinal AVMs, respectively.

Results

Spinal DAVFs showed faster progression of symptoms (median 5, 12, and 36 months for spinal DAVFs, perimedullary AVFs, and spinal AVMs, respectively) and worse neurological status at diagnosis (poor neurological status in 56%, 65%, and 33%, respectively). On MRI, signal voids were demonstrated in all except 1 spinal DAVF. At the last follow-up, 94% of spinal DAVFs, 68% of perimedullary AVFs, and 50% of spinal AVMs were completely obliterated. Favorable clinical outcomes were achieved in 91%, 95%, and 58%, respectively. In detail, the majority (78%) of spinal DAVFs were embolized, resulting in complete obliteration in 92% and favorable clinical outcomes in 92%. Most Type IVa and IVb perimedullary AVFs were surgically treated (71% and 88%), with complete obliterations of 86% and 71%, and favorable clinical outcomes in 100% and 86%, respectively. All Type IVc lesions were embolized with a low cure rate of 40%; however, clinical outcomes were satisfactory. Spinal AVMs were generally embolized (67%), and only glomus-type lesions attained a satisfactory cure rate (80%) and clinical outcome (100%).

Conclusions

Embolization produced satisfactory outcomes in spinal DAVFs and glomus-type spinal AVMs. Surgery is advantageous in Type IVa and IVb perimedullary AVFs. Palliative embolization can be effective in Type IVc perimedullary AVFs and juvenile spinal AVMs.
The Health Benefits and Challenges of Exercise Training in Persons Living with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bredin Shannon , Warburton Darren , Lang Donna
Published: May 2013

Background: In addition to the hallmark cognitive and functional impairments mounting evidence indicates that schizophrenia is also associated with an increased risk for the development of secondary complications, in particular cardio-metabolic disease. This is thought to be the result of various factors including physical inactivity and the metabolic side effects of psychotropic medications. Therefore, non-pharmacological approaches to improving brain health, physical health, and overall well-being have been promoted increasingly. Methods: We report on the health-related physical fitness (body composition, blood pressure, heart rate, and aerobic fitness) and lipid profile of persons living with schizophrenia and effective means to address the challenges of exercise training in this population. Results: There was a markedly increased risk for cardio-metabolic disease in 13 persons living with schizophrenia (Age = 31 ± 7 years) including low aerobic fitness (76% ± 34% of predicted), reduced HDL (60% of cohort), elevated resting heart rate (80% of cohort), hypertension (40% of cohort), overweight and obesity (69% of cohort), and abdominal obesity (54% of cohort). Individualized exercise prescription (3 times/week) was well tolerated, with no incidence of adverse exercise-related events. The exercise adherence rate was 81% ± 21% (Range 48%–100%), and 69% of the participants were able to complete the entire exercise training program. Exercise training resulted in clinically important changes in physical activity, aerobic fitness, exercise tolerance, blood pressure, and body composition. Conclusion: Persons living with schizophrenia appear to be at an increased risk for cardio-metabolic disease. An individualized exercise program has shown early promise for the treatment of schizophrenia and the various cognitive, functional, and physiological impairments that ultimately affect health and well-being.
Current Therapeutic Strategies and Novel Approaches in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Ando Kosei , Heymann Marie-Françoise , Stresing Verena , Mori Kanji , Rédini Françoise , Heymann Dominique
Published: May 2013

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent malignant primary bone tumor and a main cause of cancer-related death in children and adolescents. Although long-term survival in localized osteosarcoma has improved to about 60% during the 1960s and 1970s, long-term survival in both localized and metastatic osteosarcoma has stagnated in the past several decades. Thus, current conventional therapy consists of multi-agent chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, which is not fully adequate for osteosarcoma treatment. Innovative drugs and approaches are needed to further improve outcome in osteosarcoma patients. This review describes the current management of osteosarcoma as well as potential new therapies.
SOC Based Battery Cell Balancing with a Novel Topology and Reduced Component Count
Authors: Xu Jun , Li Siqi , Mi Chris , Chen Zheng , Cao Binggang
Published: May 2013

This paper proposes a novel battery cell balancing topology with reduced component count and simplified control. The balancing algorithm is based on the state of charge (SOC) of each individual cell instead of cell voltage. The principle of the proposed topology is analyzed and verified through simulation and experiments. Then an experimental battery test workbench is established to validate the proposed balancing algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed balancing topology and associated algorithm can perform well in real applications.
Racial Exclusion in the Online World
Authors: West Rebecca , Thakore Bhoomi
Published: May 2013

As the internet has become an integral part of everyday life, it is understood that patterns of racial stereotyping and discrimination found in the offline world are often reproduced online. In our paper, we examine two exclusionary practices in an online environment for adult toy collectors: First, the exclusion of non-white individuals who are expected to form immediate friendships with other non-white members; and second, the essentializing of racial issues when concerns over the lack of racial diversity in the toys are discussed. This dismissal is often directly connected to non-white members’ decisions to no longer participate, resulting in a new form of segregation within virtual space.
Investigating the Tradeoffs between Power Consumption and Quality of Service in a Backbone Network
Authors: Sakellari Georgia , Morfopoulou Christina , Gelenbe Erol
Published: May 2013

Energy saving in networks has traditionally focussed on reducing battery consumption through smart wireless network design. Recently, researchers have turned their attention to the energy cost and carbon emissions of the backbone network that both fixed and mobile communications depend on, proposing primarily mechanisms that turn equipments OFF or put them into deep sleep. This is an effective way of saving energy, provided that the nodes can return to working condition quickly, but it introduces increased delays and packet losses that directly affect the quality of communication experienced by the users. Here we investigate the associated tradeoffs between power consumption and quality of service in backbone networks that employ deep sleep energy savings. We examine these tradeoffs by conducting experiments on a real PC-based network topology, where nodes are put into deep sleep at random times and intervals, resulting in a continuously changing network with reduced total power consumption. The average power consumption, the packet loss and the average delay of this network are examined with respect to the average value of the ON rate and the ON/OFF cycle of the nodes.
Generation of Magnetized Olfactory Ensheathing Cells for Regenerative Studies in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Tissue
Authors: Riggio Cristina , Nocentini Sara , Catalayud Maria , Goya Gerardo , Cuschieri Alfred , Raffa Vittoria , Del Río José
Published: May 2013

As olfactory receptor axons grow from the peripheral to the central nervous system (CNS) aided by olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), the transplantation of OECs has been suggested as a plausible therapy for spinal cord lesions. The problem with this hypothesis is that OECs do not represent a single homogeneous entity, but, instead, a functionally heterogeneous population that exhibits a variety of responses, including adhesion and repulsion during cell-matrix interactions. Some studies report that the migratory properties of OECs are compromised by inhibitory molecules and potentiated by chemical gradients. In this paper, we report a system based on modified OECs carrying magnetic nanoparticles as a proof of concept experiment enabling specific studies aimed at exploring the potential of OECs in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. Our studies have confirmed that magnetized OECs (i) survive well without exhibiting stress-associated cellular responses; (ii) in vitro, their migration can be modulated by magnetic fields; and (iii) their transplantation in organotypic slices of spinal cord and peripheral nerve showed positive integration in the model. Altogether, these findings indicate the therapeutic potential of magnetized OECs for CNS injuries.
Loss of Vps54 Function Leads to Vesicle Traffic Impairment, Protein Mis-Sorting and Embryonic Lethality
Authors: Karlsson Páll , Droce Aida , Moser Jakob , Cuhlmann Simon , Padilla Carolina , Heimann Peter , Bartsch Jörg , Füchtbauer Annette , Füchtbauer Ernst-Martin , Schmitt-John Thomas
Published: May 2013

The identification of the mutation causing the phenotype of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) model mouse, wobbler, has linked motor neuron degeneration with retrograde vesicle traffic. The wobbler mutation affects protein stability of Vps54, a ubiquitously expressed vesicle-tethering factor and leads to partial loss of Vps54 function. Moreover, the Vps54 null mutation causes embryonic lethality, which is associated with extensive membrane blebbing in the neural tube and is most likely a consequence of impaired vesicle transport. Investigation of cells derived from wobbler and Vps54 null mutant embryos demonstrates impaired retrograde transport of the Cholera-toxin B subunit to the trans-Golgi network and mis-sorting of mannose-6-phosphate receptors and cargo proteins dependent on retrograde vesicle transport. Endocytosis assays demonstrate no difference between wobbler and wild type cells, indicating that the retrograde vesicle traffic to the trans-Golgi network, but not endocytosis, is affected in Vps54 mutant cells. The results obtained on wobbler cells were extended to test the use of cultured skin fibroblasts from human ALS patients to investigate the retrograde vesicle traffic. Analysis of skin fibroblasts of ALS patients will support the investigation of the critical role of the retrograde vesicle transport in ALS pathogenesis and might yield a diagnostic prospect.
Mechanisms by Which Licochalcone E Exhibits Potent Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Studies with Phorbol Ester-Treated Mouse Skin and Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Murine Macrophages
Authors: Lee Han , Cho Han , Lim Do , Kang Young-Hee , Lee Ki , Park Jung
Published: May 2013

In this study we found that licochalcone E (LicE), a recently isolated retrochalcone from Glycyrrhiza inflata, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage models. Topical application of LicE (0.5–2 mg) effectively inhibited TPA-induced (1) ear edema formation; (2) phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), c-Jun, and extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2; and (3) expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 proteins in mouse skin. The treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with LicE (2.5–7.5 μmol/L) induced a profound reduction in LPS-induced (1) release of NO and prostaglandin E2; (2) mRNA expression and secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α; (3) promoter activity of iNOS and COX-2 and expression of their corresponding mRNAs and proteins; (4) activation of AKT, p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), SAPK/JNK and c-Jun; (5) phosphorylation of inhibitor of κB (IκB) kinase-αβ and IκBα, degradation of IκBα, translocation of p65 (RelA) to the nucleus and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor (NF)-κB; and (6) transcriptional activity of activator protein (AP)-1. These results indicate that the LicE inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1 transcriptional activity through the inhibition of AKT and MAPK activation contributes to decreases in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the inducible enzymes iNOS and COX-2.
Chemoresistance Is Associated with MUC1 and Lewis y Antigen Expression in Ovarian Epithelial Cancers
Authors: Zhang Danye , Gao Jian , Zhu Liancheng , Hu Zhenhua , Hou Rui , Liu Shuice , Tan Mingzi , Liu Juanjuan , Lin Bei
Published: May 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation and clinical significance between the expression of Mucin-1 (MUC1) and the Lewis y antigen with chemoresistance in ovarian epithelial cancers. Methods: Ovarian cancer patients (n = 92) treated at our hospital from May 2005 to July 2009 were divided, according to their treatment and follow-up outcomes, into a resistant group (n = 37) or sensitive group (n = 55). The expression of MUC1 and Lewis y antigen in ovarian cancer tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry and correlated with chemoresistance. Results: The positive rates of MUC1 and Lewis y antigen in the resistant group were both 91.89%, significantly higher than their positive rates in the sensitive group (65.45% and 69.09%, respectively, and both p < 0.05). MUC1 or Lewis y expression and the pathological stage of the tissue were independent risk factors for chemoresistance (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The increased expression of MUC1 and the Lewis y antigen is a significant risk factor for chemoresistance in patients with ovarian epithelial cancer.
Current Status of Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Velonas Vicki , Woo Henry , Remedios Cristobal , Assinder Stephen
Published: May 2013

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related death of men globally. Since its introduction, there has been intense debate as to the effectiveness of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test as a screening tool for PCa. It is now evident that the PSA test produces unacceptably high rates of false positive results and is not prognostic. Here we review the current status of molecular biomarkers that promise to be prognostic and that might inform individual patient management. It highlights current efforts to identify biomarkers obtained by minimally invasive methods and discusses current knowledge with regard to gene fusions, mRNA and microRNAs, immunology, and cancer-associated microparticles.
Early Exercise Protects the Blood-Brain Barrier from Ischemic Brain Injury via the Regulation of MMP-9 and Occludin in Rats
Authors: Zhang Yuling , Zhang Pengyue , Shen Xiafeng , Tian Shan , Wu Yi , Zhu Yulian , Jia Jie , Wu Junfa , Hu Yongshan
Published: May 2013

Early exercise within 24 h after stroke can reduce neurological deficits after ischemic brain injury. However, the mechanisms underlying this neuroprotection remain poorly understood. Ischemic brain injury disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and then triggers a cascade of events, leading to secondary brain injury and poor long-term outcomes. This study verified the hypothesis that early exercise protected the BBB after ischemia. Adult rats were randomly assigned to sham, early exercise (EE) or non-exercise (NE) groups. The EE and NE groups were subjected to ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The EE group ran on a treadmill beginning 24 h after ischemia, 30 min per day for three days. After three-days’ exercise, EB extravasation and electron microscopy were used to evaluate the integrity of the BBB. Neurological deficits, cerebral infarct volume and the expression of MMP-9, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and occludin were determined. The data indicated that early exercise significantly inhibited the ischemia-induced reduction of occludin, and an increase in MMP-9 promoted TIMP-1 expression (p < 0.01), attenuated the BBB disruption (p < 0.05) and neurological deficits (p < 0.01) and diminished the infarct volume (p < 0.01). Our results suggest that the neuroprotection conferred by early exercise was likely achieved by improving the function of the BBB via the regulation of MMP-9 and occludin.
The Interaction of CuS and Halothiobacillus HT1 Biofilm in Microscale Using Synchrotron Radiation-Based Techniques
Authors: Lin Huirong , Chen Guangcun , Zhu Shenhai , Chen Yingxu , Chen Dongliang , Xu Wei , Yu Xiaohan , Shi Jiyan
Published: May 2013

In order to investigate the microbe-mineral interaction in the micro scale, spatial distribution and speciation of Cu and S in Halothiobacillus HT1 biofilm formed on a CuS surface was examined using synchrotron-based X-ray techniques. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) results indicated that Halothiobacillus HT1 biofilm formation gave rise to distinct chemical and redox gradients, leading to diverse niches in the biofilm. Live cells were distributed at the air-biofilm and membrane-biofilm interface. CuS was oxidized by Halothiobacillus HT1 biofilm, and copper penetrated into the biofilm. Sulfide was oxidized to cysteine (77.3%), sulfite (3.8%) and sulfonate (18.9%). Cu-cysteine-like species were involved in the copper homeostasis. These results significantly improve our understanding of the interfacial properties of the biofilm-mineral interface.
A New Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Peptide Isolated from Arca subcrenata
Authors: Chen Lili , Song Liyan , Li Tingfei , Zhu Jianhua , Xu Jian , Zheng Qin , Yu Rongmin
Published: May 2013

A new antitumor and antioxidant peptide (H3) was isolated from Arca subcrenata Lischke using ion exchange and hydrophobic column chromatography. The purity of H3 was over 99.3% in reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and the molecular weight was determined to be 20,491.0 Da by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The isoelectric point of H3 was measured to be 6.65 by isoelectric focusing-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Partial amino acid sequence of this peptide was determined as ISMEDVEESRKNGMHSIDVNH DGKHRAYWADNTYLM-KCMDLPYDVLDTGGKDRSSDKNTDLVDLFELDMVPDRK NNECMNMIMDVIDTN-TAARPYYCSLDVNHDGAGLSMEDVEEDK via MALDI-TOF/ TOF-MS and de novo sequencing. The in vitro antitumor activity of H3 was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The result indicated that H3 exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against HeLa, HepG2 and HT-29 cell lines with IC50 values of 10.8, 10.1 and 10.5 μg/mL. The scavenging percentage of H3 at 8 mg/mL to 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals were 56.8% and 47.5%, respectively.
CASMI: And the Winner is . . .
Authors: Schymanski Emma , Neumann Steffen
Published: May 2013

The Critical Assessment of Small Molecule Identification (CASMI) Contest was founded in 2012 to provide scientists with a common open dataset to evaluate their identification methods. In this review, we summarize the submissions, evaluate procedures and discuss the results. We received five submissions (three external, two internal) for LC–MS Category 1 (best molecular formula) and six submissions (three external, three internal) for LC–MS Category 2 (best molecular structure). No external submissions were received for the GC–MS Categories 3 and 4. The team of Dunn et al. from Birmingham had the most answers in the 1st place for Category 1, while Category 2 was won by H. Oberacher. Despite the low number of participants, the external and internal submissions cover a broad range of identification strategies, including expert knowledge, database searching, automated methods and structure generation. The results of Category 1 show that complementing automated strategies with (manual) expert knowledge was the most successful approach, while no automated method could compete with the power of spectral searching for Category 2—if the challenge was present in a spectral library. Every participant topped at least one challenge, showing that different approaches are still necessary for interpretation diversity.
Comparing Conventional and Supercritical Extraction of (−)-Mammea A/BB and the Antioxidant Activity of Calophyllum brasiliense Extracts
Authors: Gonçalves Renata , Lemos Caroline , Leal Ivana , Nakamura Celso , Cortez Diógenes , Da Silva Edson , Cabral Vladimir , Cardozo-Filho Lúcio
Published: May 2013

Calophyllum brasiliense is a rich source of bioactive coumarins, xanthones and biflavonoids. The aim of the study was to compare the phenol contents and the antioxidant activity of C. brasiliense extracts obtained by conventional and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) methods, as well as the quantification of crude extracts and (−)-mammea A/BB yields. Dichloromethane and hexane were used as solvents for the conventional extractions and SFE was developed using supercritical CO2; the kinetic curves were modeled using a second-order empirical model. The dichloromethane extract presented the best total yield, although it showed the lowest content of (−)-mammea A/BB. The concentration of the coumarin was considerably higher in extracts obtained by the supercritical fluid method and a higher antioxidant activity was assigned to extracts obtained by this technique. Concerning the total phenolic contents, both the dichloro-methane and the supercritical extractions produced satisfactory amounts. The SFE method proved to be more promising than conventional methods.
Macrocyclic Drugs and Synthetic Methodologies toward Macrocycles
Authors: Yu Xufen , Sun Dianqing
Published: May 2013

Macrocyclic scaffolds are commonly found in bioactive natural products and pharmaceutical molecules. So far, a large number of macrocyclic natural products have been isolated and synthesized. The construction of macrocycles is generally considered as a crucial and challenging step in the synthesis of macrocyclic natural products. Over the last several decades, numerous efforts have been undertaken toward the synthesis of complex naturally occurring macrocycles and great progresses have been made to advance the field of total synthesis. The commonly used synthetic methodologies toward macrocyclization include macrolactonization, macrolactamization, transition metal-catalyzed cross coupling, ring-closing metathesis, and click reaction, among others. Selected recent examples of macrocyclic synthesis of natural products and druglike macrocycles with significant biological relevance are highlighted in each class. The primary goal of this review is to summarize currently used macrocyclic drugs, highlight the therapeutic potential of this underexplored drug class and outline the general synthetic methodologies for the synthesis of macrocycles.
A Solid State Nanopore Device for Investigating the Magnetic Properties of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Park SangYoon , Lim Jaekwan , Pak Y. , Moon Seunghyun , Song Yoon-Kyu
Published: May 2013

In this study, we explored magnetic nanoparticles translocating through a nanopore in the presence of an inhomogeneous magnetic field. By detecting the ionic current blockade signals with a silicon nitride nanopore, we found that the translocation velocity that is driven by magnetic and hydrodynamic forces on a single magnetic nanoparticle can be accurately determined and is linearly proportional to the magnetization of the magnetic nanoparticle. Thus, we obtained the magneto-susceptibility of an individual nanoparticle and the average susceptibility over one hundred particles within a few minutes.
A Potentiometric Flow Biosensor Based on Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria for the Detection of Toxicity in Water
Authors: Zhang Qianyu , Ding Jiawang , Kou Lijuan , Qin Wei
Published: May 2013

A flow biosensor for the detection of toxicity in water using the ammonia-oxidizing bacterium (AOB) Nitrosomonas europaea as a bioreceptor and a polymeric membrane ammonium-selective electrode as a transducer is described. The system is based on the inhibition effects of toxicants on the activity of AOB, which can be evaluated by measuring the ammonium consumption rates with the ammonium-selective membrane electrode. The AOB cells are immobilized on polyethersulfone membranes packed in a holder, while the membrane electrode is placed downstream in the flow cell. Two specific inhibitors of the ammonia oxidation‒allylthiourea and thioacetamide‒have been tested. The IC50 values defined as the concentration of an inhibitor causing a 50% reduction in the ammonia oxidation activity have been measured as 0.17 μM and 0.46 μM for allylthiourea and thioacetamide, respectively. The proposed sensor offers advantages of simplicity, speed and high sensitivity for measuring toxicity in water.
Detection of Fibrinogen and Coagulation Factor VIII in Plasma by a Quartz Crystal Microbalance Biosensor
Authors: Yao Chunyan , Qu Ling , Fu Weiling
Published: May 2013

A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor with nanogram sensitivity has been constructed through a reasonable designing and biological processing of the piezoelectric quartz crystals. Due to its highly sensitivity, real time detection and low cost, the proposed QCM biosensor has a promising potential in blood coagulation research. In the current study, the QCM biosensor was used to determine the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) for 120 anticoagulated plasma specimens. A good linear relationship was found in a double-logarithmic plot of APTT versus fibrinogen concentration in the range of 1.58–6.30 g/L. For factor VIII, the detection range by the QCM biosensor is 0.0185–0.111 mg/L. The QCM biosensor results were compared with those obtained by commercial optical coagulometry and a good agreement (correlation coefficient is 0.949 for fibrinogen, and 0.948 for factor VIII) was reached. Furthermore, the QCM determination can be completed within 10 min. Our study suggested that the proposed QCM biosensor could provide for more convenient and time saving operations, which may be useful in clinical situations for rapid monitoring of anticoagulant therapy using small volume (20 μL) plasma specimens.
Adaptation Turning Points in River Restoration? The Rhine Salmon Case
Authors: Bölscher Tobias , Van Slobbe Erik , Van Vliet Michelle , Werners Saskia
Published: May 2013

Bringing a sustainable population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) back into the Rhine, after the species became extinct in the 1950s, is an important environmental ambition with efforts made both by governments and civil society. Our analysis finds a significant risk of failure of salmon reintroduction because of projected increases in water temperatures in a changing climate. This suggests a need to rethink the current salmon reintroduction ambitions or to start developing adaptive action. The paper shows that the moment at which salmon reintroduction may fail due to climate change can only be approximated because of inherent uncertainties in the interaction between salmon and its environment. The added value of the assessment presented in this paper is that it provides researchers with a set of questions that are useful from a policy perspective (by focusing on the feasibility of a concrete policy ambition under climate change). Thus, it offers opportunities to supply policy makers with practical insight in the relevance of climate change.
The Role of Deliberative Collaborative Governance in Achieving Sustainable Cities
Authors: Gollagher Margaret , Hartz-Karp Janette
Published: May 2013

Sustainability issues involve complex interactions between social, economic, and environmental factors that are often viewed quite differently by disparate stakeholder groups. Issues of non-sustainability are wicked problems that have many, often obscure causes, and for which there is no single, straightforward solution. Furthermore, the concept of sustainability is itself contested. For example there are disputes over whether a strong or weak interpretation of sustainability should be adopted. In cities, as elsewhere, sustainability therefore requires discursive plurality and multiple sites of action. It is the thesis of this paper that effective problem solving, decision-making and enacting of a sustainability agenda require deliberative collaborative governance (DCG), a logical hybrid of the closely related fields of deliberative democracy and collaborative governance. We provide a provisional typology of different modes of deliberative collaborative governance, explaining each with a sustainability example, with a particular focus on DCG initiatives for planning in Western Australia. It is argued that the lens provided by such a typology can help us to understand the factors likely to promote better resolution of wicked problems and increased sustainability.
Pollination and mating systems of Apodanthaceae and the distribution of reproductive traits in parasitic angiosperms
Authors: Bellot Sidonie , Renner Susanne S.
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the study: The most recent reviews of the reproductive biology and sexual systems of parasitic angiosperms were published 17 yr ago and reported that dioecy might be associated with parasitism. We use current knowledge on parasitic lineages and their sister groups, and data on the reproductive biology and sexual systems of Apodanthaceae, to readdress the question of possible trends in the reproductive biology of parasitic angiosperms.

• Methods: Fieldwork in Zimbabwe and Iran produced data on the pollinators and sexual morph frequencies in two species of Apodanthaceae. Data on pollinators, dispersers, and sexual systems in parasites and their sister groups were compiled from the literature.

• Key results: With the possible exception of some Viscaceae, most of the ca. 4500 parasitic angiosperms are animal‐pollinated, and ca. 10% of parasites are dioecious, but the gain and loss of dioecy across angiosperms is too poorly known to infer a statistical correlation. The studied Apodanthaceae are dioecious and pollinated by nectar‐ or pollen‐foraging Calliphoridae and other flies.

• Conclusions: Sister group comparisons so far do not reveal any reproductive traits that evolved (or were lost) concomitant with a parasitic life style, but the lack of wind pollination suggests that this pollen vector may be maladaptive in parasites, perhaps because of host foliage or flowers borne close to the ground.
Measure for measure: Comparing morphological and biomass traits for sex allocation in two gynodioecious species
Authors: Sakai Ann K. , Weller Stephen G. , Campbell Diane R. , Culley Theresa M. , Dunbar‐Wallis Amy K. , Andres Allen M.
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the study: Sex allocation models assume male and female traits are measured in a common currency, allocation traits show heritability, and tradeoffs between investment in the two sexual functions occur. The potential for model predictions and genetic parameters to depend on the currency used is not well understood, despite frequent use of measures not in a common currency.

• Methods: We analyzed the relationship between common currency (biomass of carpels, seeds, and stamens) measures and morphological measures (numbers of ovules, seeds, and pollen) in Schiedea salicaria (12–13% females) and S. adamantis (39% females), two closely related gynodioecious species. Additionally, we compared heritabilities and genetic correlations for male and female allocation between these two types of measures.

• Key results: Ovule, seed, and pollen number show greater sexual dimorphism in S. adamantis than in S. salicaria. Most but not all morphological traits and analogous biomass traits are highly correlated with a linear relationship. Narrow‐sense heritabilities based on the two methods are often similar, but higher for ovule number than carpel mass and lower for anther number than stamen mass in S. adamantis. Neither trait type shows negative genetic correlations between male and female function.

• onclusions: Both trait types show greater sexual dimorphism in S. adamantis, and significant heritabilities suggest that morphological traits will continue to evolve with breeding system changes. Although most relationships between morphological and biomass traits are linear, curvilinear relationships for two traits suggest that caution is warranted if morphological and common currency traits are used interchangeably in fitness gain curves.
Methylidynetrisphosphonates: Promising C1 building block for the design of phosphate mimetics
Authors: Romanenko Vadim D , Kukhar Valery P
Published: May 2013

Methylidynetrisphosphonates are representatives of geminal polyphosphonates bearing three phosphonate (PO3H2) groups at the bridged carbon atom. Like well-known methylenebisphosphonates (BPs), they are characterized by a P–C–P backbone structure and are chemically stable mimetics of the endogenous metabolites, i.e., inorganic pyrophosphates (PPi). Because of its analogy to PPi and an ability to chelate metal ions, the 1,1,1-trisphosphonate structure is of great potential as a C1 building block for the design of phosphate mimetics. The purpose of this review is to present a concise summary of the state of the art in trisphosphonate chemistry with particular emphasis on the synthesis, structure, reactions, and potential medicinal applications of these compounds.
Le commerce agricole en Afrique de l'Ouest et du Centre : les frontières sont-elles abolies ?
Authors: Araujo Bonjean Catherine , Brunelin Stéphanie
Published: May 2013

L’objectif de cet article est de tester la présence d’obstacles aux échanges agricoles entre pays de l’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre. Malgré les avancées politiques et institutionnelles en faveur de la libre circulation des produits au sein des unions monétaires et douanières de cette zone, les enquêtes faites par des observatoires régionaux indépendants montrent qu’il subsiste de nombreux obstacles. Ces obstacles proviennent notamment de la mauvaise application des textes, de la faiblesse des infrastructures et de l’importance des risques, et sont difficilement mesurables. L’approche suivie consiste à estimer le coût additionnel de l’échange lié au passage d’une frontière à l’aide de tests de l’intégration spatiale des marchés. Il ressort de l’analyse conduite sur une base de données originale comprenant les prix de cinq produits agricoles sur 142 marchés répartis dans 15 pays trois résultats importants. Il apparaît d’abord que le passage des frontières reste coûteux, y compris au sein des pays de l’UEMOA. Toutefois, le coût associé au passage de la frontière est plus faible lorsque les deux pays partagent la même monnaie, ce qui est le cas des pays de l’UEMOA. Les résultats montrent également une diminution du coût de la frontière et des coûts de commercialisation liés à la distance entre 1990 et 2011. Classification JEL : F15, O13, O55
Décomposition des inégalités dans l'utilisation des soins de santé au Sénégal
Authors: Mané Papa Yona Boubacar
Published: May 2013

Cette étude cherchait à mesurer l’équité horizontale dans l’utilisation des soins de santé au Sénégal, en appliquant la méthode de décomposition de l’indice de concentration des inégalités. La distribution des soins, selon les besoins, devant suivre l’organisation hiérarchique présente dans le système de santé, nous avons distingué les soins reçus dans les hôpitaux des soins reçus dans les centres et postes de santé. Les résultats de cette première mesure montrent que d’importantes iniquités existent en faveur des populations de revenus supérieurs dans le bénéfice des soins dans les hôpitaux et les centres de santé. Les soins délivrés dans les postes de santé bénéficient plus aux populations pauvres. Constatant que plus de 22 % des patients souffrant d’une maladie sans invalidité sont soignés dans les hôpitaux et plus de 60 % des patients dont la maladie présente un niveau élevé d’invalidité sont soignés dans les postes de santé, nous avons procédé à des simulations sur l’affectation de ces patients aux structures de soins adéquates selon l’invalidité pour mesurer les effets du non-respect des règles d’adressage des patients sur l’indice d’équité. Avec ces réaffectations, l’iniquité dans les soins hospitaliers devient pro-pauvre et l’iniquité dans les postes de santé s’accentue en faveur de ces mêmes pauvres. L’iniquité dans les centres de santé reste en faveur des riches. Les résultats obtenus avec les simulations suggèrent que les iniquités telles qu’elles existent actuellement sont principalement dues au non-respect des règles de référencement dans le système de santé. La mise en place de la rigueur dans l’orientation des patients et une politique de sensibilisation de la population sur le référencement pourraient contribuer à rendre le système de soins plus équitable. Classification JEL : I12, I14, I18
Sur l'histoire, l'amour et la douleur dans les romans féminins croates
Authors: Jambrešić Kirin Renata
Published: May 2013

En partant du postulat de Mieke Bal selon lequel seuls les discours procédant de la mémoire culturelle (littérature, historiographie, ethnographie, etc.) ont la capacité de communiquer et de modifier les moments difficiles du passé sur lesquels pèse un tabou, l’auteure examine ici des tentatives de révision féministe du rôle apolitique et opportuniste des femmes croates pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, tel qu’il transparaît dans l’œuvre de deux romancières croates contemporaines.
« Comment doit-on être Croate ? » : effets centripète et centrifuge de la redéfinition d'identités collectives
Authors: Blagonić Sandi
Published: May 2013

La crise sociale et la reconstruction fondée sur le nationalisme de la société sur le territoire de l’ex-Yougoslavie vers la fin du xx e  siècle ont entraîné une redéfinition des identités collectives, plus spécialement ethno-nationales. En réaction au modèle de croatitude nouvellement établi en Istrie, la région croate la plus occidentale, une mobilisation sociale et politique régionale s’est fait jour. Le présent article interprète l’istrianité comme une articulation de l’altérité politique et, d’une manière générale, idéologique de l’Istrie face au centre, comme une sorte de résistance à ce que « Croate » commence à signifier.
La localisation du transnationalisme. Pratiques transfrontalières bosniaques et croates
Authors: Čapo Jasna , Halilovich Hariz
Published: May 2013

La translocalité explique mieux que la transnationalité la morphologie sociale et les réalités vécues par les populations de migrants, y compris les formes d’interaction sociale, de modèles d’organisation, de pratiques culturelles et d’autres activités mises en œuvre par rapport à leur patrie respective et à leurs compatriotes translocaux dans les autres pays. L’étude de ces pratiques chez les migrants bosniaques et croates montre que les lieux de culture et les identités locales matérialisées transcendent l’espace géographique et le temps chronologique – que la mobilité et l’attachement à une localité ne sont pas intrinsèquement contradictoires, mais peuvent être des processus complémentaires.