bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone Administration to Dairy Cows without a Corpus Luteum 4 Weeks after Calving Increases Reproductive Performance
Authors: Jeong JK , Kang HG , Hur TY , Kim IH
Published: June 2013

Contents

This field study investigated whether the administration of a single dose of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) to dairy cows without a corpus luteum (CL) 4 weeks after calving can improve reproductive performance. Holstein dairy cows underwent ultrasonography to assess the presence of ovarian structures at 29.2 ± 5.2 days post‐partum, and cows were divided into two main groups based on the presence (CL group, n = 230) or absence (non‐CL group, n = 460) of a CL. The non‐CL group was further randomly divided into two subgroups based on the administration of GnRH (non‐CL GnRH group, n = 230) or no GnRH (non‐CL control group, n = 230). Subsets of cows from non‐CL control (n = 166) and non‐CL GnRH (n = 175) groups received a second ultrasonography at 44.5 ± 5.4 days post‐partum to assess CL formation. The percentage of cows with CL at the second ultrasonography was greater in the non‐CL GnRH group (70.9%) than in the non‐CL control group (53.0%, p = 0.0006). The hazard of the first post‐partum insemination by 150 days in milk (DIM) was higher in the CL group than in the non‐CL control group (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.36, p = 0.001). The probability of a pregnancy to the first insemination was higher in non‐CL GnRH (odds ratio [OR]: 1.50, p = 0.04) and CL groups (OR: 1.55, p = 0.03) compared to the non‐CL control group. Furthermore, the hazard of pregnancy by 210 DIM was higher in non‐CL GnRH (HR: 1.30, p = 0.01) and CL (HR: 1.51, p = 0.0001) groups than in the non‐CL control group. In conclusion, administration of GnRH to dairy cows without a CL 4 weeks after calving was associated with an increase in ovulation and improved reproductive performance.
Red blood cell transfusion in critically ill children (CME)
Authors: Demaret Pierre , Tucci Marisa , Ducruet Thierry , Trottier Helen , Lacroix Jacques
Published: June 2013

Background

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are common in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). However, there are no recent data on transfusion practices in the PICU. Our objective was to determine transfusion practice in the PICU, to compare this practice with that observed 10 years earlier, and to estimate the compliance to the recommendation of a large randomized clinical trial, the Transfusion Requirements in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (TRIPICU) study.

Study Design and Methods

This was a single‐center prospective observational study over a 1‐year period. Information was abstracted from medical charts. Determinants of transfusion were searched for daily until the first transfusion in transfused cases or until PICU discharge in nontransfused cases. The justifications for transfusions were assessed using a questionnaire.

Results

Of 913 consecutive admissions, 842 were included. At least one RBC transfusion was given in 144 patients (17.1%). The mean hemoglobin (Hb) level before the first transfusion was 77.3 ± 27.2 g/L. The determinants of a first transfusion event retained in the multivariate analysis were young age (<12 months), congenital cardiopathy, lowest Hb level of not more than 70 g/L, severity of illness, and some organ dysfunctions. The three most frequently quoted justifications for RBC transfusion were a low Hb level, intent to improve oxygen delivery, and hemodynamic instability. The main recommendation of the TRIPICU study was applied in 96.4% of the first transfusion events.

Conclusions

RBC transfusions are frequent in the PICU. Young age, congenital heart disease, low Hb level, severity of illness, and some organ dysfunctions are significant determinants of RBC transfusions in the PICU. Most first transfusion events were prescribed according to recent recommendations.
Behaviour of Reinforced Concerete Infilled Frames Under Seismic Loads
Authors: Kadid A. , Noui S. , Zine A. , Yahiaoui D.
Published: June 2013

A significant portion of the buildings constructed in Algeria is structural frames with infill panels which are usually considered as non structural components and are neglected in the analysis. However, these masonry panels tend to influence the structural response. Thus, these structures can be regarded as seismic risk buildings, although in the Algerian seismic code there is little guidance on the seismic evaluation of infilled frame buildings. In this study, three RC frames with 2, 4 and 8 storey and subjected to three recorded Algerian accelerograms are studied. The diagonal strut approach is adopted for modeling the infill panels and a fiber model is used to model RC members. This paper reports on the seismic evaluation of RC frames with brick infill panels. The results obtained show that the masonry panels enhance the load lateral capacity of the buildings and the infill panel configuration influences the response of the structures.
Synthesis and Characterization of Doped and Undoped Nano-Columnar DLC Coating
Authors: Foo Jin Hoe
Published: June 2013

Amorphous carbon (a-C:H/a-C) or Diamond-like carbon (DLC), has a very high potential diverse engineering and medical application for high wear resistance and tribological performance. Naturally grown columnar DLC films is chemically modified by post-treatment via electron beam irradiation (EB-irradiation), through precise observation and characterization by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy. This nano-columnar a-C:H film has a unique nano-structure and mechanical properties. This nano-columnar structure is composed of graphitic inter-columnar network with amorphous carbon columns. Metallic doping into the inter-columns reflects positively on mechanical response by chemical modification with physical hardening.
2-D AUTOMATIC COMPOSITION OF NODAL VALUES FROM NUMERICAL MODEL USING SCRIPT PROGRAMMING
Authors: Heriansyah Rudi
Published: June 2013

There are many commercial software to perform numerical modeling based on finite element (FEM) and finite difference (FDM) methods. It is often a requirement to the designer, that the values of the individual nodes in the numerical model are known. Usually, these softwares provide two methods to achieve this; firstly, by clicking directly onto the nodes of interest and secondly, by saving or exporting the whole nodal values to an external file. The former way is appropriate for models with small number of nodes, but as the number of nodes increases, it is no longer an efficient or effective way. Through the latter method, all nodal values are obtained, however the values are one-dimensional, and in some cases, only certain nodal values are required for presentation. In this paper, an algorithm for automatic composition of nodal values obtained from the second method mentioned above. The composed nodal values will be in two-dimensional form as this is the format used for uniform shaped model (square or rectangular). Since numerical softwares usually have facilities to save the data in a spreadsheet format, the proposed algorithm is implemented in this environment by using spreadsheet script programming.
Municipal Solid Waste Management in Malaysia: Current Practices, Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Samsudin Mohd Dinie Muhaimin , Mat Don Mashitah
Published: June 2013

Over the past decade, generation of municipal solid wastes (MSW) in Malaysia has increased more than 91%. However, MSW management in Malaysia can be considered relatively poor and disorganised. The most preferred of MSW disposal method in Malaysia is through landfilling due to several factors. This method is not sustainable and brings a lot of problems. This paper reviews the characteristics of Malaysian MSW, reports the current practices of MSW management, and provides some suggestions to improve MSW management system in Malaysia.
A Low Cost Stirring Platform with Integrated Temperature Control Scheme for Microbioreactor Operation
Authors: Zainal Alam Muhd Nazrul Hisham , Halimoon Hazwan
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we presented the establishment of a cheap and simple stirring platform integrated with on/off temperature controller for microbioreactor operation. The stirring platform was designed to provide necessary mixing via magnetic stirrer bar for a microbioreactor setup. The microbioreactor (volume ~ 300 mL) used in this investigation was fabricated out of the poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) polymer material via micromachining. The reactor was deliberately designed to work under bubble-free conditions and limited only to batch operation. The paper first described the details of the mechanical design of the stirring platform and the microbioreactor prototype used in the work. These include the dimensions of the reactor and the stirring platform, positioning of the sensors and actuators employed, wiring connections, and the process control algorithm. Secondly, experimental results obtained to assess the mixing quality of the reactor and to characterize the performance of the controller (stirring and temperature) in terms of control accuracy and system responses were presented. We show that by implementing a rather straight forward control algorithm, the mixing quality and the temperature of the microbioreactor can be accurately controlled within an acceptable range of the set point values and provide a good response (i.e. in the range of few seconds). Results also showed that (1) at agitation rate of 300 rpm, mixing time as fast as 3 seconds was obtained and (2) reactor temperature can be tightly controlled at ±0.15 oC of the set point value.
A Method to Construct Gene Regulatory Networks to Estimate and Calculate Time Delays
Authors: Mohamad Mohd Saberi , Suk Phin Chai
Published: June 2013

In general, the motive of this research is to infer gene regulatory network in order to clarify the basis consequences of biological process at the molecular level. Time course gene expression profiling dataset has been widely used in basic biological research, especially in transcription regulation studies since the microarray dataset is a short time course gene expression dataset and have lots of errors, missing value, and noise.  In this research, R library is implemented in this method to construct gene regulatory which aims to estimate and calculate the time delays between genes and transcription factor. Time delay is the parameters of the modeled time delay linear regression models and a time lag during gene expression change of the regulator genes toward target gene expression. The constructed gene regulatory network provided information of time delays between expression change in regulator genes and its target gene which can be applied to investigate important time-related biological process in cells. The result of time delays and regulation patterns in gene regulatory network may contribute into biological research such as cell development, cell cycle, and cell differentiation in any of living cells.
Development of a matched filter detector for acoustic signals at local distances from small explosions
Authors: Taylor Steven R. , Arrowsmith Stephen J. , Anderson Dale N.
Published: June 2013

A method for acoustic detection of small explosions at local distances is presented combining a matched filter with a p-value representing the conditional probability of detection. Because the physics of signal generation and propagation for small, locally recorded acoustic signals from small explosions is well understood, the single hypothesis to be tested is a signal corrupted by additive noise. A simple analytical signal representation is used where a known signal is assumed with parameters to be determined. The advantage of the approach is that the detector can be combined with other detectors that measure different signal characteristics all under the same unifying hypothesis.
A Human Right to Science
Authors: Chapman Audrey , Wyndham Jessica
Published: June 2013

The scientific community must inform UN efforts to promote universal access to the scientific enterprise and to benefits that ensue.
A TWO Hit Wonder for Melanoma Treatment
Authors: Oliver Trudy G.
Published: June 2013

A phase 1 clinical trial combining two immunotherapies improves response in advanced metastatic melanoma.
Autism in the Balance
Authors: Sohal Vikaas S.
Published: June 2013

A gene linked to autism can drive both pathological and compensatory changes in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity.
A Live Attenuated Human Metapneumovirus Vaccine Strain Provides Complete Protection against Homologous Viral Infection and Cross-Protection against Heterologous Viral Infection in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Liu Ping , Shu Zhou , Qin Xian , Dou Ying , Zhao Yao , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: June 2013

A live attenuated vaccine candidate strain (M2) of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was generated by removing the N-linked carbohydrate at amino acid 172 in the fusion (F) protein. Previously, replication of M2 in mouse lungs could be detected by molecular assays but not by viral titration. In the present study, the protective effects of M2 against infection by homologous or heterologous viruses were evaluated in BALB/c mice. Immunization with M2 produced a high titer of serum virus-neutralizing antibodies in BALB/c mice at 4 and 8 weeks postimmunization, with the titers against the homologous virus being higher than those against the heterologous virus. Challenges at 4 and 8 weeks postinoculation with M2 or wild-type virus led to no replication when mice were challenged with a homologous virus and extremely reduced replication when mice were challenged with a heterologous virus, as determined by the detection of viral genomic RNA copies in the lungs, as well as significantly milder pulmonary pathology. Thus, M2, with only one N-linked carbohydrate removed in the F protein, provides complete protection from homologous virus infection and substantial cross-protection from heterologous virus infection for at least 56 days after inoculation. This vaccine strain may therefore be a candidate for further preclinical study. Furthermore, this attenuating strategy (changing the glycosylation of a major viral protein) may be useful in the development of other viral vaccines.
Exploratory Study on Plasma Immunomodulator and Antibody Profiles in Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Ravindran Resmi , Krishnan Viswanathan V. , Khanum Azra , Luciw Paul A. , Khan Imran H.
Published: June 2013

Host immune responses toMycobacterium tuberculosisare generally able to contain infection and maintain a delicate balance between protection and immunopathology. A shift in this balance appears to underlie active disease observed in about 10% of infected individuals. Effects of local inflammation, combined with anti-M. tuberculosissystemic immune responses, are directly detectable in peripheral circulation, withoutex vivostimulation of blood cells or biopsy of the affected organs. We studied plasma immunomodulator and antibody biomarkers in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) by a combination of multiplex microbead immunoassays and computational tools for data analysis. Plasma profiles of 10 immunomodulators and antibodies against eightM. tuberculosisantigens (previously reported by us) were examined in active pulmonary TB patients in a country where TB is endemic, Pakistan. Multiplex analyses were performed on samples from apparently healthy individuals without active TB from the same community as the TB patients to establish the assay baselines for all analytes. Over 3,000 data points were collected from patients (n= 135) and controls (n= 37). The data were analyzed by multivariate and computer-assisted cluster analyses to reveal patterns of plasma immunomodulators and antibodies. This study shows plasma profiles that in most patients represented either strong antibody or strong immunomodulator biomarkers. Profiling of a combination of both immunomodulators and antibodies described here may be valuable for the analysis of host immune responses in active TB in countries where the disease is endemic.
Real-Time PCR as a Prognostic Tool for Human Congenital Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Costa Júlia Gatti Ladeia , Carneiro Ana Carolina Aguiar Vasconcelos , Tavares Alice Thomáz , Andrade Gláucia Manzan Queiroz , Vasconcelos-Santos Daniel Vitor , Januário José Nélio , Menezes-Souza Daniel , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio , Vitor Ricardo Wagner Almeida
Published: June 2013

Real-time PCR (qPCR) was positive in 72/150 (48%) blood samples of newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis. Among infants with active retinochoroiditis, 68% had positive qPCR results, while positivity was 29% (
P
= 0.009) in the absence of ocular involvement. Positive qPCR was associated with the presence of retinochoroidal lesions, with an odds ratio of 2.8.
SNaPBcen
: a Novel and Practical Tool for Genotyping Burkholderia cenocepacia
Authors: Eusebio Nadia , Coutinho Carla P. , Sá-Correia Isabel , Araujo Ricardo
Published: June 2013

Burkholderia cenocepacia
is the most prevalent and feared member of the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex in lung infections of cystic fibrosis (CF). Genotyping and monitoring of long-term colonization are critical at clinical units; however, the differentiation of specific lineages performed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is still limited to a small number of isolates due to the high cost and time-consuming procedure. The aim of this study was to optimize a protocol (the
SNaPBcen
assay) for extensive bacterial population studies. The strategy used for the
SNaPBcen
assay is based on targeting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in MLST genes instead of sequencing full MLST sequences. Nonpolymorphic and redundant MLST positions were eliminated, and a set of 24 polymorphisms included in the
SNaPBcen
assay ensures a high-resolution genomic characterization. These polymorphisms were identified based on the comparative analysis of 137
B. cenocepacia
MLST profiles available online (
http://pubmlst.org/bcc/
). The group of 81 clinical isolates of
B. cenocepacia
examined in this study using the
SNaPBcen
assay revealed 51 distinct profiles, and a final discriminatory power of 0.9997 compared with MLST was determined. The
SNaPBcen
assay was able to reveal isolates with microvariations and the presence of multiple clonal variants in patients chronically colonized with
B. cenocepacia
. Main phylogenetic subgroups IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC of
B. cenocepacia
could be separated by the Gl94R polymorphism included in the panel. The
SNaPBcen
assay proved to be a rapid and robust alternative to the standard MLST for
B. cenocepacia
, allowing the simultaneous analysis of multiple polymorphisms following amplification and mini-sequencing reactions.
The Measles Virus Hemagglutinin β-Propeller Head β4-β5 Hydrophobic Groove Governs Functional Interactions with Nectin-4 and CD46 but Not Those with the Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule
Authors: Mateo Mathieu , Navaratnarajah Chanakha K. , Syed Sabriya , Cattaneo Roberto
Published: June 2013

Wild-type measles virus (MV) strains use the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM; CD150) and the adherens junction protein nectin-4 (poliovirus receptor-like 4 [PVRL4]) as receptors. Vaccine MV strains have adapted to use ubiquitous membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46) in addition. Recently solved cocrystal structures of the MV attachment protein (hemagglutinin [H]) with each receptor indicate that all three bind close to a hydrophobic groove located between blades 4 and 5 (β4-β5 groove) of the H protein β-propeller head. We used this structural information to focus our analysis of the functional footprints of the three receptors on vaccine MV H. We mutagenized this protein and tested the ability of individual mutants to support cell fusion through each receptor. The results highlighted a strong overlap between the functional footprints of nectin-4 and CD46 but not those of SLAM. A soluble form of nectin-4 abolished vaccine MV entry in nectin-4- and CD46-expressing cells but only reduced entry through SLAM. Analyses of the binding kinetics of an H mutant with the three receptors revealed that a single substitution in the β4-β5 groove drastically reduced nectin-4 and CD46 binding while minimally altering SLAM binding. We also generated recombinant viruses and analyzed their infections in cells expressing individual receptors. Introduction of a single substitution into the hydrophobic pocket affected entry through both nectin-4 and CD46 but not through SLAM. Thus, while nectin-4 and CD46 interact functionally with the H protein β4-β5 hydrophobic groove, SLAM merely covers it. This has implications for vaccine and antiviral strategies.
Morphology, Physiological Characteristics, and Complete Sequence of Marine Bacteriophage ϕRIO-1 Infecting Pseudoalteromonas marina
Authors: Hardies Stephen C. , Hwang Yeon J. , Hwang Chung Y. , Jang Gwang I. , Cho Byung C.
Published: June 2013

Bacteria of the genus
Pseudoalteromonas
are ubiquitous in the world's oceans. Marine bacteria have been posited to be associated with a major ancient branch of podoviruses related to T7. Yet, although
Pseudoalteromonas
phages belonging to the
Corticoviridae
and the
Siphoviridae
and prophages belonging to the
Myoviridae
have been reported, no
Pseudoalteromonas
podovirus was previously known. Here, a new lytic
Pseudoalteromonas marina
phage, ϕRIO-1, belonging to the
Podoviridae
was isolated and characterized with respect to morphology, genomic sequence, and biological properties. Its major encoded proteins were distantly similar to those of T7. The most similar previously sequenced viruses were
Pseudomonas
phage PA11 and
Salinivibrio
phage CW02. Whereas many elements of the morphology and gene organization of ϕRIO-1 are similar to those of podoviruses broadly related to T7, ϕRIO-1 conspicuously lacked an RNA polymerase gene. Since definitions of a T7 supergroup have included similarity in the DNA polymerase gene, a detailed phylogenetic analysis was conducted, and two major DNA polymerase clades in
Autographivirinae
and several structural variants of the
polA
family represented in podoviruses were found. ϕRIO-1 carries an operon similar to that in a few other podoviruses predicted to specify activities related to γ-glutamyl amide linkages and/or unusual peptide bonds. Most growth properties of ϕRIO-1 were typical of T7-like phages, except for a long latent period.
Prototype Foamy Virus Bet Impairs the Dimerization and Cytosolic Solubility of Human APOBEC3G
Authors: Jaguva Vasudevan Ananda Ayyappan , Perković Mario , Bulliard Yannick , Cichutek Klaus , Trono Didier , Häussinger Dieter , Münk Carsten
Published: June 2013

Cellular cytidine deaminases from the APOBEC3 family are potent restriction factors that are able to block the replication of retroviruses. Consequently, retroviruses have evolved a variety of different mechanisms to counteract inhibition by APOBEC3 proteins. Lentiviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) express Vif, which interferes with APOBEC3 proteins by targeting these restriction factors for proteasomal degradation, hence blocking their ability to access the reverse transcriptase complex in the virions. Other retroviruses use less-well-characterized mechanisms to escape the APOBEC3-mediated cellular defense. Here we show that the prototype foamy virus Bet protein can protect foamy viruses and an unrelated simian immunodeficiency virus against human APOBEC3G (A3G). In our system, Bet binds to A3G and prevents its encapsidation without inducing its degradation. Bet failed to coimmunoprecipitate with A3G mutants unable to form homodimers and dramatically reduced the recovery of A3G proteins from soluble cytoplasmic cell fractions. The Bet-A3G interaction is probably a direct binding interaction and seems to be independent of RNA. Together, these data suggest a novel model whereby Bet uses two possibly complementary mechanisms to counteract A3G: (i) Bet prevents encapsidation of A3G by blocking A3G dimerization, and (ii) Bet sequesters A3G in immobile complexes, impairing its ability to interact with nascent virions.
Spontaneous pneumothorax following caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Madan Karan , Singh Navneet , Jain Vanita , Aggarwal Ashutosh Nath
Published: June 2013

It is unusual for pneumothorax to occur spontaneously during pregnancy. Its occurrence during or following caesarean section is extremely uncommon with only three other cases reported previously. In none of the reported cases, was the caesarean section performed under spinal anaesthesia. We report the successful management of a multigravida female patient, who developed spontaneous pneumothorax following caesarean section, performed under spinal anaesthesia. Tube thoracostomy was required for management and the patient had an uneventful recovery.
Asymptomatic non-union of capitate 14 years postfracture
Authors: Hamed Yosef , Ashwood Neil , Fogg Quentin , Galanopoulos Ilias
Published: June 2013

We report the unusual complication of non-union 14 years following a capitate fracture in a right-hand dominant man. Our patient fell and sustained an injury to his left wrist 14 years ago. At that time he had a swollen painful left wrist. His symptoms subsequently settled and he went back to his normal activities. He lost some power for bench-pressing and had slightly restricted range of motion but remained essentially pain-free. He presented 14 years later with another wrist injury when the original non-union was revealed.
Rachitic chest in a young adult male: Fanconi's syndrome—idiopathic type
Authors: Lo Tom Edward Ngo
Published: June 2013

Presented in this paper is a case of a 36-year-old Filipino man presenting with a chronic history of intermittent proximal muscle weakness and paralysis which was associated with failure to thrive, severe bony deformities, muscle wasting and multiple electrolyte abnormalities (hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia). Severe skeletal deformities led to a pathological fracture of the femoral bone and restrictive chest wall expansion during inspiration necessitating admission and consult at our institution. Correction of multiple electrolyte abnormalities was the mainstay of treatment for this case and resulted into full reversal of paralytic symptoms but skeletal and osseous abnormalities persisted. This case highlights the insidious course and subtle signs of Fanconi's syndrome leading to disfiguring skeletal deformities and abnormalities if not diagnosed early. Early suspicion and eventual diagnosis might be the key for these patients to have normal productive life devoid of crippling complications.
Small cell gall bladder carcinoma complicated by syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) treated with mozavaptan
Authors: Tamura Tetsuo , Takeuchi Kazuo
Published: June 2013

Small cell gall bladder carcinoma (Scc-GB) is a very rare entity. Although some cases present with endocrine manifestations, paraneoplastic hyponatraemia has been reported in only one previous case. Recently, the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) receptor antagonist mozavaptan has become available. Herein we report a case with Scc-GB complicated with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) treated with mozavaptan. A 47-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for hyponatraemia. Physical examination revealed elevated serum ADH, a gall bladder mass. She was clinically diagnosed with Scc-GB with SIADH as a paraneoplastic syndrome. Mozavaptan was used for SIADH. Serum sodium was quickly normalised after mozavaptan treatment. Two months later, metastasis to the subcutis of the abdominal wall was observed. The metastatic nodule was resected, and small cell carcinoma (Scc) was identified pathologically. Mozavaptan was effective for improvement of hyponatraemia in this patient with Scc-GB complicated with SIADH.
Diabetic ketoacidosis: an unusual presentation of acromegaly
Authors: Dosi Rupal V , Patell Rushad D , Shah Pratik J , Joshi Harshal K
Published: June 2013

Secondary diabetes mellitus is known to occur in acromegaly due to insulin resistance caused by growth hormone excess. However, diabetes in acromegaly usually does not lead to ketosis. We describe an unusual case of a patient that presented with diabetic ketoacidosis in the emergency room with thirst, polyuria and dyspnoea. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with a growth hormone-secreting pitutary macroadenoma as the underlying pathology; after initial stabilisation with insulin and fluids, the patient was successfully treated with trans-sphenoidal surgery.
Expression of stanniocalcin-1 in culprit coronary plaques of patients with acute myocardial infarction or stable angina
Authors: Lee Cheol Whan , Hwang Ilseon , Park Chan-Sik , Lee Hyangsin , Park Duk-Woo , Kang Soo-Jin , Lee Seung-Whan , Kim Young-Hak , Park Seong-Wook , Park Seung-Jung
Published: June 2013

Background

Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) is involved in fundamental biological processes such as angiogenesis, inflammation and wound healing, but little is known about its expression in human coronary atherosclerotic plaques or its relationship to plaque instability.

Objective

STC1 expression was examined in the culprit coronary plaques of 70 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n=49) or stable angina (n=21) who underwent directional coronary atherectomy.

Methods

The specimens were stained with H&E, STC1-specific antibodies, and endothelial cells, macrophages and smooth muscle cell markers.

Results

The baseline characteristics of the two groups of patients were largely similar. CD31-immunopositive and CD68-immunopositive areas, indicative of the presence of endothelial cells and macrophages, respectively, were proportionately larger while areas immunopositive for α-actin, as a smooth muscle cell marker, were proportionately smaller in the AMI group than in the stable angina group. The proportion of STC1-immunopositive areas was significantly greater in the AMI group than in the stable angina group (20.0% (8.2–29.0%) vs 8.8% (3.9–19.4%), p=0.022). Areas positive for STC1 were independently correlated with those immunopositive for CD31 (r=0.42, p<0.001) and CD68 (r=0.40, p<0.001). STC1 immunoreactivity co-localised with CD31-immunopositive and CD68-immunopositive cells.

Conclusions

STC1 is differentially expressed in the culprit coronary plaques of patients with AMI versus those with stable angina. STC1 may play a role in plaque instability.
Text-messaging to reduce missed appointment in a youth clinic: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Narring Françoise , Junod Perron Noëlle , Dominicé Dao Melissa , Camparini Righini Nadia , Humair Jean-Paul , Broers Barbara , Gaspoz Jean-Michel , Haller Dagmar M
Published: June 2013

Background

To assess the effectiveness of text-messages in reducing the proportion of non-attendance in a youth clinic of a University Hospital.

Methods

Patients who registered for an appointment and provided a mobile phone number were randomly selected to receive or not a text-message reminder before the planned appointment. A 10% reduction in the proportion of missed appointments was considered clinically and economically useful and the study was powered accordingly.

Results

The proportion of missed appointments was 16.4% (95% CI 13.1% to 19.8%) in the text-message group (N 462) and 20.0% (95% CI 16.6% to 23.4%) in the control group (N 529), showing no significant effect of the intervention (p=0.346).

Conclusions

In our primary care youth clinic, text-message reminders are not effective in reducing the proportion of missed appointments. This may in part be due to the fact that most patients are referred by a professional or by their parents and do not initiate appointments themselves.
Dexmedetomidine: a safe alternative to general anesthesia for endovascular stroke treatment
Authors: Whalin Matthew K , Lopian Susan , Wyatt Katleen , Sun Chung-Huan J , Nogueira Raul G , Glenn Brenda A , Gershon Raphael Y , Gupta Rishi
Published: June 2013

Background and purpose

There have been reports that general anesthesia (GA) is associated with worse clinical outcomes during intra-arterial treatment (IAT) for stroke. Since traditional sedatives carry the risk of respiratory depression, this retrospective study was designed to compare sedation with the α2adrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine (DEX) and with GA for IAT procedures.

Methods

We reviewed our institutional endovascular database of 216 consecutive patients who received DEX or GA for IAT of anterior circulation strokes between September 2010 and July 2012. The demographic, radiographic and angiographic variables between the GA and DEX groups were compared, as well as hemodynamic changes during the procedure. Binary logistic regression models were generated to determine the independent predictors of a favorable outcome (defined as a modified Rankin Score at 90 days of 0–2).

Results

83 patients had IAT performed under DEX sedation. Their demographic characteristics were similar to those given GA except that they were older and had less severe strokes. The GA group experienced greater variations in blood pressure, more hypotension with induction (54% vs 28%, p<0.001) and greater use of vasopressors (79% vs 58%, p<0.001). In our regression models, independent predictors of a good outcome included age, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS), successful reperfusion, lower baseline systolic blood pressure and higher blood pressures during the procedure. DEX was associated with a good outcome when models included NIHSS as the sole measure of stroke severity but was equivalent to GA when ASPECTS was added to the analysis.

Conclusions

DEX can be safely administered in patients undergoing endovascular reperfusion therapies. Further study is required to determine if outcomes are different among sedatives used during such procedures.
Theoretical studies of sulfite – sulfur dioxide clusters, SO32−(SO2)n: structure and stability of SnO2n+1 anions, n = 1–5
Authors: Chan Justin K. , Burrill Sonya , Grein Friedrich
Published: June 2013

Density functional calculations using the B3PW91 functional with the 6-311+G(3df) basis set were performed on the addition of n = 1–4 SO2 molecules to SO3− and SO32−. Geometry optimizations were performed for a large number of possible structures. At n = 4, the dianionic cluster becomes adiabatically more stable than the monoanionic one, with an adiabatic electron detachment energy of 0.30 eV. Monoanionic clusters are characterized by the O–S–O–SO3 moiety having long O–S bonds to SO2 molecules. Dianionic clusters, however, prefer S–S bonding of O3S–O–S(O) with SO2.
STERILE NEUTRINO PRODUCTION THROUGH A MATTER EFFECT ENHANCEMENT AT LONG BASELINES
Authors: BRAMANTE JOSEPH
Published: June 2013

If sterile neutrinos have a neutral coupling to standard model fermions, matter effect resonant transitions to sterile neutrinos and excess neutral-current events could manifest at long baseline experiments. Assuming a single sterile neutrino with a neutral coupling to fermionic matter, we re-examine bounds on sterile neutrino production at long baselines from the MINOS result Pνμ →νs < 0.22 (90% CL). We demonstrate that sterile neutrinos with a neutral vector coupling to fermionic matter could evade the MINOS limit, allowing a higher fraction of active to sterile neutrino conversion at long baselines. Scanning the parameter space of sterile neutrino matter effect fits of the LSND and MiniBooNe data, we show that in the case of a vector singlet coupling of sterile neutrinos to matter, some favored parametrizations of these fits would create neutral-current event excesses above standard model predictions at long baseline experiments (e.g. MINOS and OPERA).
A Computationally Efficient Approach to Trajectory Management for Coordinated Aerial Surveillance
Authors: Keller James , Thakur Dinesh , Dobrokhodov Vladimir , Jones Kevin , Pivtoraiko Mihail , Gallier Jean , Kaminer Isaac , Kumar Vijay
Published: June 2013

Time optimal path planning and trajectory management algorithms for air vehicles with limited on-board computing resources require an efficient approach to satisfy flight dynamic constraints needed to guarantee paths are feasible. B-spline curves enable compact definition of feasible airplane trajectories that are suited for on-board real-time computation. The design of a trajectory definition and management algorithm suited for a multi-agent persistent surveillance application is described. The proposed solution post-processes the output of a point-by-point path planner and converts it into a minimal representation. Key design requirements include minimization of mission execution time, ability to seamlessly redirect agents based on information acquired by sensor feedback, and robust adherence to mission and vehicle motion constraints. A simple coordinated aerial surveillance scenario is described and demonstrated using the algorithms presented.
Relationship of Mesozoic graben development, stress, shortening magnitude, and structural style in the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes
Authors: Tesón E. , Mora A. , Silva A. , Namson J. , Teixell A. , Castellanos J. , Casallas W. , Julivert M. , Taylor M. , Ibáñez-Mejía M. , Valencia V. A.
Published: June 2013

We use the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia as an example in early stages of inversion orogen showing still modest values of shortening. The style of deformation recorded in this orogenic chain seems to be strongly influenced by two main factors. The first is the pre-compression geometry of the rift basin, conditioning the strong heterogeneity imparted by a trough filled with Jurassic to Neocomian sediments limited by Precambrian and Palaeozoic high-angle walls. The second factor is the orientation of the stress regime with respect to the main normal faults during the inversion. If the stress field is of pure compression, the normal faults are not extensively inverted and the deformation is accommodated mainly in terms of footwall shortcuts. On the other hand, in transpressive regimes the inversion of the former normal faults is more common and the footwall shortcuts are not dominant structures. No significant lateral variations in tectonic shortening are found in the Eastern Cordillera. Finally we emphasize the role of buckle folds in the internal parts of the inversion orogens and give a cautionary note when interpreting these structures in terms of fault-related folding using the well-documented example of the Soapaga fault area.
A new aetosaur from the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation of the Eagle Basin, Colorado, USA
Authors: Small Bryan J. , Martz Jeffrey W.
Published: June 2013

A small aetosaur skull and skeleton and referred material from the Chinle Formation, Eagle Basin of Colorado, USA, is described as a new taxon,
Stenomyti huangae
gen. et sp. nov, distinguished from other aetosaurs by the following autapomorphies: three premaxillary teeth; four palpebrals; pronounced midline ridge on frontals and parietals; paired ridges flanking midline ridge on parietal and frontal; exclusion of quadratojugal from ventral margin of skull by contact between jugal and quadrate; exclusion of postorbital from infratemporal fenestra; infratemporal fenestra a horizontally oriented oval that embays the posterior edge of the jugal; retroarticular process longer than distance between articular glenoid and posterior edge of external mandibular fenestra; oval to irregularly shaped ventral osteoderms that do not contact each other. Paramedian and lateral osteoderms of
S
.
huangae
are nearly identical to those of
Aetosaurus ferratus
, and other shared cranial characters suggest that these taxa are closely related and lie outside the clade Typothoracisinae + Desmatosuchinae. This discovery indicates that other reports of
Aetosaurus
across Laurasia based on osteoderms should be reassessed. Similar confusion with the osteoderms of other non-typothoracisine/desmatosuchine aetosaurs such as
Aetosauroides
,
Stagonolepis
and
Calyptosuchus
suggests that osteoderms are not always reliable taxonomic indicators.
Growth curve of
Aetosauroides scagliai
Casamiquela 1960 (Pseudosuchia: Aetosauria) inferred from osteoderm histology
Authors: Taborda Jeremías R. A. , Cerda Ignacio A. , Desojo Julia B.
Published: June 2013

Recent palaeohistological studies on paramedian osteoderms of aetosaurs revealed the presence of growth lines (lines of arrested growth or LAGs) and a minimal or nonexistent secondary remodelling in the bone matrix of these elements. This feature allows the age of individuals to be estimated through growth line count. In the present contribution we study the growth curve of the South American aetosaur
Aetosauroides scagliai
. We estimated the age (obtained from LAG counting) and body size (body length and body mass were used as proxies) of different aetosaur specimens in order to reconstruct the growth curve of the South American species. The data obtained for
Aetosauroides scagliai
were compared with that of other aetosaurs, such as
Neoaetosauroides engaeus
,
Aetosaurus ferratus
,
Aetobarbakinoides brasiliensis
,
Typothorax coccinarum
and
Paratypothorax
sp. Our results indicate that, if body length is considered as proxy, all studied aetosaur specimens have a similar or almost identical growth rate. However, important variations arose among aetosaur taxa if body mass is considered as proxy, which would be related to a body morphology ranging from slender (e.g.
Aetobarbakinoides brasiliensis
) to very wide (
Typothorax coccinarum
) morphotypes. In comparison with extant pseudosuchians (i.e. crocodylians),
Aetosauroides scagliai
possesses a relatively lower growth rate.
Andesite petrogenesis by slab-derived plume pollution of a continental rift
Authors: Gómez-Tuena Arturo , Díaz-Bravo Beatriz , Vázquez-Duarte Alma , Pérez-Arvizu Ofelia , Mori Laura
Published: June 2013

The western Mexican subduction zone is characterized by steep subduction of the Rivera plate, and by the existence of a continental rift at the rear arc under which the slab rests at >300 km deep. Mafic magmatism at the volcanic front is potassic lamprophyric, interpreted to be influenced by deep and hot slab melts or supercritical fluids. In contrast, mafic rocks at the rear arc are intraplate-like basalts that derive from low extents of melting of a dryer mantle source. Although a transition from a volcanic arc front to an extensional rear arc is apparent, calc-alkaline andesitic stratovolcanoes with trace element characteristics that suggest a key role of residual amphibole have been constructed at the rear arc during the past ∼200 ka. Crystal fractionation of basalts and partial melting of crustal amphibolites are not viable mechanisms for andesites, whereas melting of slab amphibolites beneath the rear arc is also problematic because the oceanic plate rests too deep. We thus suggest that andesites are partial melts of rising diapirs made by mixtures of hydrous mantle, sediments, and possibly eroded crustal blocks, which detach buoyantly from the downgoing slab as discrete plumes that ‘pollute’ the upwelling regime of a continental rift.
Functional expression of smooth muscle-specific ion channels in TGF-β1-treated human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Park Won Sun , Heo Soon Chul , Jeon Eun Su , Hong Da Hye , Son Youn Kyoung , Ko Jae-Hong , Kim Hyoung Kyu , Lee Sun Young , Kim Jae Ho , Han Jin
Published: June 2013

Human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) have the power to differentiate into various cell types including chondrocytes, osteocytes, adipocytes, neurons, cardiomyocytes, and smooth muscle cells. We characterized the functional expression of ion channels after transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced differentiation of hASCs, providing insights into the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells. The treatment of hASCs with TGF-β1 dramatically increased the contraction of a collagen-gel lattice and the expression levels of specific genes for smooth muscle including α-smooth muscle actin, calponin, smooth mucle-myosin heavy chain, smoothelin-B, myocardin, and h-caldesmon. We observed Ca2+, big-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa), and voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) currents in TGF-β1-induced, differentiated hASCs and not in undifferentiated hASCs. The currents share the characteristics of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). RT-PCR and Western blotting revealed that the L-type (Cav1.2) and T-type (Cav3.1, 3.2, and 3.3), known to be expressed in vascular SMCs, dramatically increased along with the Cavβ1 and Cavβ3 subtypes in TGF-β1-induced, differentiated hASCs. Although the expression-level changes of the β-subtype BKCa channels varied, the major α-subtype BKCa channel (KCa1.1) clearly increased in the TGF-β1-induced, differentiated hASCs. Most of the Kv subtypes, also known to be expressed in vascular SMCs, dramatically increased in the TGF-β1-induced, differentiated hASCs. Our results suggest that TGF-β1 induces the increased expression of vascular SMC-like ion channels and the differentiation of hASCs into contractile vascular SMCs.
A new rodent model for obstructive sleep apnea: effects on ATP-mediated dilations in cerebral arteries
Authors: Crossland Randy F. , Durgan David J. , Lloyd Eric E. , Phillips Sharon C. , Reddy Anilkumar K. , Marrelli Sean P. , Bryan Robert M.
Published: June 2013

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which the upper airway collapses during sleep, is strongly associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Little is known how OSA affects the cerebral circulation. The goals of this study were 1) to develop a rat model of chronic OSA that involved apnea and 2) to test the hypothesis that 4 wk of apneas during the sleep cycle alters endothelium-mediated dilations in middle cerebral arteries (MCAs). An obstruction device, which was chronically implanted into the trachea of rats, inflated to obstruct the airway 30 times/h for 8 h during the sleep cycle. After 4 wk of apneas, MCAs were isolated, pressurized, and exposed to luminally applied ATP, an endothelial P2Y2receptor agonist that dilates through endothelial-derived nitric oxide (NO) and endothelial-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH). Dilations to ATP were attenuated ∼30% in MCAs from rats undergoing apneas compared with those from a sham control group ( P < 0.04 group effect; n = 7 and 10, respectively). When the NO component of the dilation was blocked to isolate the EDH component, the response to ATP in MCAs from the sham and apnea groups was similar. This finding suggests that the attenuated dilation to ATP must occur through reduced NO. In summary, we have successfully developed a novel rat model for chronic OSA that incorporates apnea during the sleep cycle. Using this model, we demonstrate that endothelial dysfunction occurred by 4 wk of apnea, likely increasing the vulnerability of the brain to cerebrovascular related accidents.