bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of silodosin on detrusor overactivity in the male spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: Inoue Seiya , Saito Motoaki , Tsounapi Panagiota , Dimitriadis Fotios , Ohmasa Fumiya , Kinoshita Yukako , Satoh Keisuke , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: December 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Recently, several studies have suggested that detrusor overactivity (DO) is the result of bladder ischaemia. Hypertension could affect pelvic arterial blood flow, resulting in loss of smooth muscle in the bladder with resultant loss of bladder compliance. Spontaneously hypertensive rats are considered a valuable tool for exploring the pathogenesis of DO. Some reports indicate that α1 adrenoceptor antagonists improve chronic ischaemia of the lower urinary tract in patients with LUTS, with concomitant improvement of their symptoms as well as improvement of DO through an increased bladder blood flow (BBF) in the rat with bladder outlet obstruction. However, the mechanism of improvement of silodosin on storage or irritative symptoms is not well investigated and is still unclear.

Silodosin prevents hypertension‐related DO in the SHR via several possible mechanisms. One possible mechanism of the efficacy of silodosin to the DO includes the improvement of the BBF.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of the α1A selective adrenoceptor antagonist, silodosin, on hypertension‐related detrusor overactivity (DO) and its possible mechanism in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve‐week‐old male SHRs received treatment with silodosin (100 µg/kg perorally) once daily for 6 weeks; vehicle‐treated Wistar rats and vehicle‐treated SHRs were used for our study.

Six weeks after silodosin treatment, voiding functions were estimated by voiding behaviour and cystometric studies in all groups.

The bladder blood flow was measured by the hydrogen clearance method, and tissue levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Furthermore, the expressions of α1 adrenoceptor subtype mRNAs in the bladder were investigated by real‐time PCR method.

RESULTS

The SHRs showed significant increases in blood pressure, micturition frequency and tissue levels of NGF and CGRP in the bladder.

Moreover, the SHRs showed significant decreases in bladder blood flow and single voided volume estimated by both voiding behaviour and cystometric studies compared with those in the Wistar rats.

Six weeks of treatment with silodosin significantly ameliorated hypertension‐related alterations of these variables with concomitant small changes of blood pressure.

The expression levels of α1 adrenoceptor subtype mRNAs in the bladder were similar in all the groups and the rank order was α1A =α1D > α1B in all groups.

However, there were no significant differences in the expressions of α1A adrenoceptor mRNAs between any groups.

CONCLUSION

The data in the present study suggest that silodosin normalizes hypertension‐related DO in SHRs, which could be related to its effect on the increased blood flow in the bladder.
Implementing a smoking cessation program in social and community service organisations: A feasibility and acceptability trial
Authors: BRYANT JAMIE , BONEVSKI BILLIE , PAUL CHRISTINE , HULL PHILIP , O'BRIEN JON
Published: December 2011

Introduction and Aims. Novel ways of accessing and engaging smokers who are socially and economically disadvantaged may help reduce socioeconomic disparities in smoking rates. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of integrating smoking cessation support into usual care at a social and community service organisation (SCSO).

Design and Methods. One SCSO providing a Personal Helpers and Mentors program participated. Support workers were provided with training in 5A's, brief motivational interviewing and use of nicotine replacement therapy, and then recruited clients into a 6 month smoking program. Acceptability and feasibility was assessed prior to receiving training and at 3 and 6 month follow up for support workers, and at enrolment into the program and at 4 and 6 month follow up for clients.

Results. Six support workers (67%) and 20 of their clients (65%) took part. Overall acceptability of the program was high, particularly among clients. The amount of time spent talking about smoking increased from 3.8 min per visit at baseline to 15.5 min at 6 month follow up. There was a significant reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked from 20.5 cigarettes per day at baseline to 15 cigarettes per day at 6 month follow up (P = 0.04).

Discussion and Conclusions. SCSOs are both interested in and capable of providing smoking care and the majority of clients found the smoking cessation intervention acceptable and helpful. Given the demonstrated acceptability and feasibility of this approach, further research to determine the effectiveness of this approach is warranted.[Bryant J, Bonevski B, Paul C, Hull P, O'Brien J. Implementing a smoking cessation program in social and community service organisations: A feasibility and acceptability trial. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:678–684]
Extensive gaps and biases in our knowledge of a well‐known fauna: implications for integrating biological traits into macroecology
Authors: Tyler Elizabeth H. M. , Somerfield Paul J. , Berghe Edward Vanden , Bremner Julie , Jackson Emma , Langmead Olivia , Palomares Maria Lourdes D. , Webb Thomas J.
Published: December 2011

Aim  Ecologists seeking to describe patterns at ever larger scales require compilations of data on the global abundance and distribution of species. Comparable compilations of biological data are needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these patterns, but have received far less attention. We assess the availability of biological data across an entire assemblage: the well‐documented demersal marine fauna of the United Kingdom. We also test whether data availability for a species depends on its taxonomic group, maximum body size, the number of times it has been recorded in a global biogeographic database, or its commercial and conservation importance.

Location  Seas of the United Kingdom.

Methods  We defined a demersal marine fauna of 973 species from 15 phyla and 40 classes using five extensive surveys around the British Isles. We then quantified the availability of data on eight key biological traits (termed biological knowledge) for each species from online databases. Relationships between biological knowledge and our predictors were tested with generalized linear models.

Results  Full data on eight fundamental biological traits exist for only 9% (n= 88) of the UK demersal marine fauna, and 20% of species completely lack data. Clear trends in our knowledge exist: fish (median biological knowledge score = six traits) are much better known than invertebrates (one trait). Biological knowledge increases with biogeographic knowledge and (to a lesser extent) with body size, and is greater in species that are commercially exploited or of conservation concern.

Main conclusions  Our analysis reveals deep ignorance of the basic biology of a well‐studied fauna, highlighting the need for far greater efforts to compile biological trait data. Clear biases in our knowledge, relating to how well sampled or ‘important’ species are suggests that caution is required in extrapolating small subsets of biologically well‐known species to ecosystem‐level studies.
Contribution of marine fisheries to worldwide employment
Authors: Teh Lydia C L , Sumaila U R
Published: December 2011

Marine fisheries contribute to the global economy, from the catching of fish through to the provision of support services for the fishing industry. General lack of data and uncertainty about the level of employment in marine fisheries can lead to underestimation of fishing effort and hence over‐exploited fisheries, or result in inaccurate projections of economic and societal costs and benefits. To address this gap, a database of marine fisheries employment for 144 coastal nations was compiled. Gaps in employment data that emerged were filled using a Monte Carlo approach to estimate the number of direct and indirect fisheries jobs. We focused on estimating jobs in the small‐scale fishing sector. We characterized small‐scale fishing as (i) primarily geared towards household consumption or sale at the local level; (ii) conducted at a low level of economic activity; (iii) minimally mechanized; (iv) conducted within inshore areas; (v) minimally managed; and/or (vi) undertaken for cultural or ceremonial purposes. In total, we estimated that 260 ± 6 million people are involved in global marine fisheries, encompassing full‐time and part‐time jobs in the direct and indirect sectors, with 22 ± 0.45 million of those being small‐scale fishers. This is equivalent to 203 ± 34 million full‐time equivalent jobs. Study results can be used to improve management decision making and highlight the need to improve monitoring and reporting of the number of people employed in marine fisheries globally.
High‐amylose rice improves indices of animal health in normal and diabetic rats
Authors: Zhu Lijia , Gu Minghong , Meng Xianglun , Cheung Stanley C.K. , Yu Hengxiu , Huang Jian , Sun Yun , Shi Yongcheng , Liu Qiaoquan
Published: December 2011

A high‐amylose rice with 64.8% amylose content (AC) was developed by transgenic inhibition of two isoforms of starch branching enzyme (SBE), SBEI and SBEIIb, in an indica rice cultivar. The expression of SBEI and SBEIIb was completely inhibited in the transgenic line, whereas the expression of granule‐bound starch synthase was normal. Compared with wild‐type rice, drastic reductions in both SBEs in the transgenic rice increased apparent AC in flour from 27.2% to 64.8%, resistant starch (RS) content from 0% to 14.6% and total dietary fibre (TDF) from 6.8% to 15.2%. Elevated AC increased the proportion of long unit chains in amylopectin and increased onset gelatinization temperature and resistance to alkaline digestion; however, kernel weight was decreased. A rat feeding trial indicated that consumption of high‐amylose rice decreased body weight gain significantly (P < 0.01); increased faecal mass, faecal moisture and short‐chain fatty acids; and lowered the faecal pH. An acute oral rice tolerance test revealed that the high‐amylose rice had a positive effect on lowering the blood glucose response in diabetic Zucker fatty rats. This novel rice with its high AC, RS and TDF offers potential benefits for its use in foods and in industrial applications.
JOB MARKET SIGNALLING WITH TWO DIMENSIONS OF PRIVATE INFORMATION
Authors: Zhang Wei
Published: December 2011

We study an extension of job market signalling by introducing another dimension of private information. When two dimensions of attribute are intertwined in parameterizing preferences, the single crossing property no longer holds globally. In seeking the equilibrium prediction, the intuitive criterion and then the more stringent perfect sequentiality refinement are applied. The result depends on the extent to which the second characteristic affects the ability of education to signal. If the effect is mild, the equilibrium acquired is comparable to the separating outcome of the unidimensional benchmark. Otherwise, pooling must occur. This demonstrates that the problem of information transmission is more acute in a multidimensional environment.
HOW DOES FOREIGN BANK OWNERSHIP IN THE BANKING SECTOR AFFECT DOMESTIC BANK BEHAVIOUR? A DYNAMIC PANEL DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: Lee Chien‐Chiang , Hsieh Meng‐Fen , Dai Hua‐Wei
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how foreign bank ownership in the banking sector affects domestic bank behaviour and whether this relationship depends on the economic and financial conditions of the host country. This paper contains 795 individual banks in 39 countries covering the period 1999–2006. Foreign ownership is calculated using bank level data as a proxy for the degree of foreign bank ownership in the banking sector. First, we find that foreign bank ownership is associated with a decrease in both the profitability and overhead expenses of the domestic bank after applying the system panel Generalized Method of Moments model. Second, a lower level of economic development of the host country enhances the positive effects of foreign bank ownership on the income, profit and cost of domestic banks. Third, financial development plays an important role in determining the effect of foreign bank ownership. Fourth, while the use of aggregate foreign ownership data may provide us with a big picture, it may not explain why individual banks in the same country perform differently, which this study will answer.
Linear Waves and Nonlinear Wave Interactions in a Bounded Three‐Layer Fluid System
Authors: Weidman P. D. , Nitsche M. , Howard L.
Published: December 2011

We investigate possible linear waves and nonlinear wave interactions in a bounded three‐layer fluid system using both analysis and numerical simulations. For sharp interfaces, we obtain analytic solutions for the admissible linear mode‐one parent/signature waves that exist in the system. For diffuse interfaces, we compute the overtaking interaction of nonlinear mode‐two solitary waves. Mathematically, owing to a small loss of energy to dispersive tails during the interaction, the waves are not solitons. However, this energy loss is extremely minute, and because the dispersively coupled waves in the system exhibit the three types of Lax KdV interactions, we conclude that for all intents and purposes the solitary waves exhibit soliton behavior.
Ghosts, Murderers, and the Semantics of Descriptions
Authors: Schoubye Anders J.
Published: December 2011

It is widely agreed that sentences containing a non‐denoting description embedded in the scope of a propositional attitude verb have true de dicto interpretations, and Russell's (1905) analysis of definite descriptions is often praised for its simple analysis of such cases, cf. e.g. Neale (1990). However, several people, incl. Elbourne (2005, 2009), Heim (1991), and Kripke (2005), have contested this by arguing that Russell's analysis yields incorrect predictions in non‐doxastic attitude contexts. Heim and Elbourne have subsequently argued that once certain facts about presupposition projection are fully appreciated, the Frege/Strawson analysis of definite descriptions has an explanatory advantage. In this paper, I argue that both Russell's analysis and the Frege/Strawson analysis face a serious problem when it comes to the interaction of attitude verbs and definite descriptions. I argue that the problem observed by Elbourne, Heim, and Kripke is much more general than standardly assumed and that a solution requires a revision of the semantics of definite and indefinite descriptions. I outline the conditions that are required to solve the problem and present an analysis couched in dynamic semantics which can provide a solution. I conclude by discussing some further issues related to propositional attitude verbs that complicate a fully general solution to the problem.
SHIFT WORKING AND TRADE IN LABOUR SERVICES WITH TIME ZONE DIFFERENCES
Authors: KIKUCHI TORU , VAN LONG NGO
Published: December 2011

Using a two‐factor (labour and capital), two‐good (shift‐working and non‐shift‐working commodities) model with two countries (Home and Foreign), which are located in different time zones, we highlight the impact of trade in labour services (via communications networks) on the comparative advantage of countries capable of such trade. It is shown that a comparative advantage in a shift‐working commodity is held by pairs of countries in different time zones and connected through a good communication network. Concerning factor prices, if the shift‐working commodity is capital (respectively, labour) intensive, the wage rate for day‐shift labour will decrease (respectively, increase) as a result of trade in labour services. It is also demonstrated that this labour service utilization is mutual: some of Home's day‐shift labour will be utilized for the Foreign night shift, and vice versa. Thus, periodic trade in labour services occurs across countries.
A Pricing Framework for Real Estate Derivatives
Authors: Fabozzi Frank J. , Shiller Robert J. , Tunaru Radu S.
Published: December 2011

New methods are developed here for pricing the main real estate derivatives — futures and forward contracts, total return swaps, and options. Accounting for the incompleteness of this market, a suitable modelling framework is outlined that can produce exact formulae, assuming that the market price of risk is known. This framework can accommodate econometric properties of real estate indices such as predictability due to autocorrelations. The term structure of the market price of risk is calibrated from futures market prices on the Investment Property Databank index. The evolution of the market price of risk associated with all five futures curves during 2009 is discussed.
The course and prognosis of pemphigus in 47 Tunisian patients
Authors: Khaled A. , Taazayet S. Ben , Ben Alaya N. , Souissi A. , Zeglaoui F. , Kaffel N. , Kharfi M. , Zermani R. , Fazaa B.
Published: December 2011

Background  Pemphigus is a severe and life‐threatening autoimmune bullous dermatosis.

Objective  We have analysed parameters that may influence prognosis of pemphigus (P).

Methods  It was a retrospective study (2002–2010), with pemphigus considered as severe if body surface involvement ≥30%. Disease control and relapse‐free survival (Kaplan–Meier) were analysed and compared according to several parameters (P < 0.05).

Results  47 cases of pemphigus were collected, mean age 51 years ± 16.8 (F/H = 3.27). There were 30 pemphigus profundus and 17 superficial pemphigus. The median remission period was of 9 months (1.2 months–5 years). The mean healing time was of 40 days (6 days–4 months), which did not depend on type of P, its severity or infectious complications, whereas it was shorter in aged patient (≥65 years) compared to non aged ones (P = 0.018). 36.2% of patients had relapsed. Relapses were significantly more frequently observed only in the presence of mucosal involvement at presentation (P = 0.015). The median overall 1st relapse‐free survival was of 2.33 years. Only mucosal involvement at presentation was associated with a shorter median 1st relapse‐free survival time (1.28 years vs. 3 years) (P = 0.0017). Mortality rate was of 10.6% (n = 5); in four patients the death was directly related to pemphigus and occurred rapidly after the onset of lesions.

Conclusion  Our study illustrates the poor prognosis of pemphigus by a long duration to disease control, a high initial dose of oral steroid, a high rate of relapse and a short remission period. Only mucosal involvement at presentation was identified as a poor prognostic factor.
Lateral root initiation: one step at a time
Authors: De Smet Ive
Published: December 2011

Plant growth relies heavily on a root system that is hidden belowground, which develops post‐embryonically through the formation of lateral roots. The de novo formation of lateral root organs requires tightly coordinated asymmetric cell division of a limited number of pericycle cells located at the xylem pole. This typically involves the formation of founder cells, followed by a number of cellular changes until the cells divide and give rise to two unequally sized daughter cells. Over the past few years, our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms behind lateral root initiation has increased dramatically. Here, I will summarize these recent advances, focusing on the prominent role of auxin and cell cycle activity, and elaborating on the three key steps of pericycle cell priming, founder cell establishment and asymmetric cell division. Taken together, recent findings suggest a tentative model in which successive auxin response modules are crucial for lateral root initiation, and additional factors provide more layers of control.
A novel anti‐inflammatory role for spleen‐derived interleukin‐10 in obesity‐induced hypothalamic inflammation
Authors: Gotoh Koro , Inoue Megumi , Masaki Takayuki , Chiba Seiichi , Shimasaki Takanobu , Ando Hisae , Fujiwara Kansuke , Katsuragi Isao , Kakuma Tetsuya , Seike Masataka , Sakata Toshiie , Yoshimatsu Hironobu
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 752–764.

Obesity can be associated with systemic low‐grade inflammation that contributes to obesity‐related metabolic disorders. Recent studies raise the possibility that hypothalamic inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of diet‐induced obesity (DIO), while another study reported that obesity decreases the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in spleen. The following study examines the hypothesis that obesity suppresses the splenic synthesis of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)‐10, thereby resulting in chronic hypothalamic inflammation. The results showed that due to oxidative stress or apoptosis, the synthesis of splenic IL‐10 was decreased in DIO when compared with non‐obesity rats. Splenectomy (SPX) accelerated DIO‐induced inflammatory responses in the hypothalamus. Interestingly, SPX suppressed the DIO‐induced increases in food intake and body weight and led to a hypothalamic pro‐inflammatory state that was similar to that produced by DIO, indicating that hypothalamic inflammation exerts a dual effect on energy metabolism. These SPX‐induced changes were inhibited by the systemic administration of IL‐10. Moreover, SPX had no effect on hypothalamic inflammatory responses in IL‐10‐deficient mice. These data suggest that spleen‐derived IL‐10 plays an important role in the prevention of hypothalamic inflammation and may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and hypothalamic inflammation.
Pre‐synaptic dopamine D3 receptor mediates cocaine‐induced structural plasticity in mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons via ERK and Akt pathways
Authors: Collo Ginetta , Bono Federica , Cavalleri Laura , Plebani Laura , Merlo Pich Emilio , Millan Mark J. , Spano Pier Franco , Missale Cristina
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 765–778.

Exposure to psychostimulants results in neuroadaptive changes of the mesencephalic dopaminergic system including morphological reorganization of dopaminergic neurons. Increased dendrite arborization and soma area were previously observed in primary cultures of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons after 3‐day exposure to dopamine agonists via activation of D3 autoreceptors (D3R). In this work, we showed that cocaine significantly increased dendritic arborization and soma area of dopaminergic neurons from E12.5 mouse embryos by activating phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and thymoma viral proto‐oncogene (Akt). These effects were dependent on functional D3R expression because cocaine did not produce morphological changes or ERK/Akt phosphorylation neither in primary cultures of D3R mutant mice nor following pharmacologic blockade with D3R antagonists SB‐277011‐A and S‐33084. Cocaine effects on morphology and ERK/Akt phosphorylation were inhibited by pre‐incubation with the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor LY294002. These observations were corroborated in vivo by morphometrical assessment of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons of P1 newborns exposed to cocaine from E12.5 to E16.5. Cocaine increased the soma area of wild‐type but not of D3R mutant mice, supporting the translational value of primary culture. These findings indicate a direct involvement of D3R and ERK/Akt pathways as critical mediators of cocaine‐induced structural plasticity, suggesting their involvement in psychostimulant addiction.
The target‐specific transporter and current status of diuretics as antihypertensive
Authors: Ali Syed Salman , Sharma Pramod Kumar , Garg Vipin Kumar , Singh Avnesh Kumar , Mondal Sambhu Charan
Published: December 2011

The currently available diuretics increase the urinary excretion of sodium chloride by selective inhibition of specific sodium transporters in the loop of Henle and distal nephron. In recent years, the molecular cloning of the diuretic‐sensitive sodium transporters at distal convoluted tubule has improved our understanding of the cellular mechanisms of action of each class of diuretics. Diuretics are tools of considerable therapeutic importance. First, they effectively reduce blood pressure. Loop and thiazide diuretics are secreted from the proximal tubule via the organic anion transporter‐1 and exert their diuretic action by binding to the Na+‐K+‐2Cl− co‐transporter type 2 in the thick ascending limb and the Na+‐ Cl− co‐transporter in the distal convoluted tubule, respectively. Recent studies in animal models suggest that abundance of these ion transporters is affected by long‐term diuretic administration. The WHO/ISH guidelines point out that diuretics enhance the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs and will most often be a component of combination therapy.
Impact of exercise on retinal microvascular regulation measured by dynamic vessel analysis in healthy individuals
Authors: Rueddel Torben , Kneser Matthias , Tost Frank
Published: December 2011

We assessed the acute impact of physical exercise on the retinal vessel diameter and the regulation of vasoconstriction and vasodilatation owing to flicker that has never been examined before. Forty young (mean age 24 years) healthy subjects (26 women and 14 men) had retinal examinations with dynamic vessel analysis prior and after (0·5, 1·5 and 2·5 h) intense exercise of 20 min. The measurements were always taken on continuous same eye, each with a 350‐s permanent dynamic vascular analysis including three cycles of 20 s with 12·5‐Hz flicker provocation of the retinal vessel analyser system (RVA) device. Blood pressure values were measured before and after the dynamic vessel analysis with a portable, automatic blood pressure monitor. Dynamic vessel analysis revealed that exercise had a substantial quickly and long‐lasting effect on arterial and venous diameter (F = 30·38 and 35·85, P<0·001) and arterial dilatation owing to flicker (F = 10·67, P<0·005). The effect of flicker on arterial constriction was not significant for all time periods (F = 0·26). Friedman test revealed that arterial constriction to flicker was significantly increased at 30 and 90 min (χ2 = 43·3 and 49·2, P<0·001). Exercise had a significant effect on venous constriction and dilatation owing to flicker (F = 11·14, P<0·001, F = 3·77, P<0·05). Our results demonstrate that the expected impact of exercise can be accurately assessed with the RVA. We therefore suggest that the RVA is a valid instrument to assess early structural and functional alterations in the retinal vascular system.
DCE‐MRI: a review and applications in veterinary oncology
Authors: Boss M. Keara , Muradyan N. , Thrall D. E.
Published: December 2011

Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) is a functional imaging technique that assesses the physiology of tumour tissue by exploiting abnormal tumour microvasculature. Advances made through DCE‐MRI include improvement in the diagnosis of cancer, optimization of treatment choices, assessment of treatment efficacy and non‐invasive identification of prognostic information. DCE‐MRI enables quantitative assessment of tissue vessel density, integrity, and permeability, and this information can be applied to study of angiogenesis, hypoxia and the evaluation of various biomarkers. Reproducibility of DCE‐MRI results is important in determining the significance of observed changes in the parameters. As improvements are made towards the utility of DCE‐MRI and interpreting biologic associations, the technique will be applied more frequently in the study of cancer in animals. Given the importance of tumour perfusion with respect to tumour oxygenation and drug delivery, the use of DCE‐MRI is a convenient and powerful way to gain basic information about a tumour.
Familial Eruptive Vellus Hair Cysts
Authors: RODGERS SARAH A. , KITAGAWA KEVIN , SELIM M. A. , BELLET JANE S.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Eruptive vellus hairs cysts are benign papules consisting of small cysts containing multiple vellus hairs. An eruption commonly develops on the chest and sometimes the upper extremities. These papules are asymptomatic or rarely pruritic. Only a few cases of familial association have been described. We report the development of eruptive vellus hair cysts on the trunk of an 8‐ and 12‐year‐old sister and brother.
Lipodystrophia Centrifugalis Abdominalis Infantilis: Report of four cases
Authors: WU MENG‐CHI , HSU CHAO‐KAI , LEE JULIA YU‐YUN
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Lipodystrophia centrifugalis abdominalis infantilis (LCAI) is a rare lipodystrophic disorder mainly affecting Eastern Asian children. We report the clinicopathologic findings of four Taiwanese children with LCAI in which local induration or ecchymotic changes preceded the skin depressions on the groin or abdomen.
Intralesional Phosphatidylcholine and Sodium Deoxycholate: A Possible Treatment Option for Nevus Lipomatosus Superficialis
Authors: KIM HEI S. , PARK YOUNG M. , KIM HYUNG O. , LEE JUN Y.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Treatment options are limited for classic nevus lipomatosus superficialis, in which clustered lesions present over a large area. We present a case of nevus lipomatosus superficialis that showed clinical and histological improvement after treatment with intralesional phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxy‐cholate.
Computational Model‐Based Design of a Wearable Artificial Pump‐Lung for Cardiopulmonary/Respiratory Support
Authors: Wu Zhongjun J. , Taskin M. Ertan , Zhang Tao , Fraser Katharine H. , Griffith Bartley P.
Published: December 2011

Mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are the only immediate options available for patients with respiratory failure. However, these options present significant shortcomings. To address this unmet need for respiratory support, innovative respiratory assist devices are being developed. In this study, we present the computational model‐based design, and analysis of functional characteristics and hemocompatibility performance, of an innovative wearable artificial pump‐lung (APL) for ambulatory respiratory support. Computer‐aided design and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)‐based modeling were utilized to generate the geometrical model and to acquire the fluid flow field, gas transfer, and blood damage potential. With the knowledge of flow field, gas transfer, and blood damage potential through the whole device, design parameters were adjusted to achieve the desired specifications based on the concept of virtual prototyping using the computational modeling in conjunction with consideration of the constraints on fabrication processes and materials. Based on the results of the CFD design and analysis, the physical model of the wearable APL was fabricated. Computationally predicted hydrodynamic pumping function, gas transfer, and blood damage potential were compared with experimental data from in vitro evaluation of the wearable APL. The hydrodynamic performance, oxygen transfer, and blood damage potential predicted with computational modeling, along with the in vitro experimental data, indicated that this APL meets the design specifications for respiratory support with excellent biocompatibility at the targeted operating condition.
The Type of Dietary Fat Modulates Intestinal Tight Junction Integrity, Gut Permeability, and Hepatic Toll‐Like Receptor Expression in a Mouse Model of Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Kirpich Irina A. , Feng Wenke , Wang Yuhua , Liu Yanlong , Barker David F. , Barve Shirish S. , McClain Craig J.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Interactions between the gut, immune system, and the liver, as well as the type of fat in the diet, are critical components of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The goal of the present study was to determine the effects of saturated fat (SF) and unsaturated fat (USF) on ethanol (EtOH)‐induced gut‐liver interactions in a mouse model of ALD.

Methods:  C57BL/6N mice were fed Lieber–DeCarli liquid diets containing EtOH and enriched in USF (corn oil) or SF (medium chain triglycerides:beef tallow). Control mice were pair‐fed on an isocaloric basis. Liver injury and steatosis, blood endotoxin levels, intestinal permeability, and tight junction (TJ) integrity, as well as hepatic Toll‐like receptor (TLR) gene expression, were evaluated.

Results:  After 8 weeks of EtOH feeding, liver injury and steatosis were observed in USF + EtOH group compared with control and SF + EtOH. Significantly increased intestinal permeability in conjunction with elevated blood endotoxin levels were observed in the ileal segments of the mice fed USF + EtOH. USF diet alone resulted in down‐regulation of intestinal TJ protein mRNA expression compared with SF. Importantly, alcohol further suppressed TJ proteins in USF + EtOH, but did not affect intestinal TJ in SF + EtOH group. The type of fat in the diet alone did not affect hepatic TLR expression. Compared with control animals, hepatic TLR (TLR 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9) mRNA expression was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in USF + EtOH, but not in SF + EtOH group. Notably, TLR5 was the only up‐regulated TLR in both SF + EtOH and USF + EtOH groups.

Conclusions:  Dietary fat is an important cofactor in alcohol‐associated liver injury. We demonstrate that USF (corn oil/linoleic acid) by itself results in dysregulation of intestinal TJ integrity leading to increased gut permeability, and alcohol further exacerbates these alterations. We postulate that elevated blood endotoxin levels in response to USF and alcohol in conjunction with up‐regulation of hepatic TLRs combine to cause hepatic injury in ALD.
ADH1B Polymorphism, Alcohol Consumption, and Binge Drinking in Slavic Caucasians: Results from the Czech HAPIEE Study
Authors: Hubacek Jaroslav A. , Pikhart Hynek , Peasey Anne , Kubinova Ruzena , Bobak Martin
Published: December 2011

Background:  Several genetic polymorphisms influence the risk of heavy alcohol consumption but it is not well understood whether the genetic effects are similar in different populations and drinking cultures, nor whether the genetic influences on binge drinking are similar to those seen for alcoholism.

Methods:  We have analyzed the effect of the Arg47His (rs1229984) variant within the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1B) gene on a range of drinking related variables in a large Eastern European Slavic population (Czech HAPIEE study), which recruited random samples of men and women aged 45–69 years in 7 Czech towns (3,016 males and 3,481 females with complete data). Drinking frequency, annual alcohol intake, prevalence of binge drinking (≥100 g in men and ≥60 g in women at least once a month) and the mean dose of alcohol per occasion were measured by the graduated frequency questionnaire. Alcohol intake in a typical week was used to define heavy drinking (≥350 g/wk in men and ≥210 g in women). Problem drinking (≥2 positive answers on CAGE) and negative consequences of drinking on different aspects of life were also measured.

Results:  The frequency of the His47 allele carriers was 11%. Homozygotes in the common allele (Arg47Arg), among both males and females, had significantly higher drinking frequency, and annual and weekly intake of alcohol than His47 carriers. The odds ratio of heavy drinking in Arg47Arg homozygotes versus His47 carriers was 2.1 (95% confidence intervals 1.1–3.2) in men and 2.2 (1.0–4.7) in women. In females, but not in males, Arg47Arg homozygotes had marginally significantly higher prevalence of binge drinking and mean alcohol dose per drinking session. There was no consistent association with problem drinking and negative consequences of drinking.

Conclusions:  The ADH1B genotype was associated with the frequency and volume of drinking but its associations with binge drinking and problem drinking were less consistent.
Risk Perception and the Economic Crisis: A Longitudinal Study of the Trajectory of Perceived Risk
Authors: Burns William J. , Peters Ellen , Slovic Paul
Published: December 2011

We conducted a longitudinal survey of public response to the economic crisis to understand the trajectory of risk perception amidst an ongoing crisis. A nation‐wide panel responded to seven surveys beginning in late September 2008 at the peak of the crisis and concluded in October 2009. At least 600 respondents participated in each survey, with 413 completing all seven surveys. Our online survey focused on perceptions of risk (savings, investments, retirement, job), negative emotions toward the financial crisis (sadness, anxiety, fear, anger, worry, stress), confidence in national leaders to manage the crisis (President Obama, Congress, Treasury Secretary, business leaders), and belief in one's ability to realize personal objectives despite the crisis. We employed latent growth curve modeling to analyze change in risk perception throughout the crisis. Our results suggest that, in general, people's perceptions of risk appear to decrease most rapidly during the initial phase of a crisis and then begin to level off. Negative emotion about the crisis was the most predictive of increased risk perception, supporting the notion of risk as feelings. Belief in one's ability to realize personal objectives was also predictive. Confidence in national leaders, however, was not predictive of perceived risk. Finally, our results demonstrate that groups may experience a crisis differently depending on a combination of personal characteristics such as gender, income, numeracy, and political attitude. Risk management and communication should work in sync with these mechanisms and differences across groups.
Role of Temporal Resolution in Selection of the Appropriate Strain Technique for Evaluation of Subclinical Myocardial Dysfunction
Authors: Negishi Kazuaki , Negishi Tomoko , Agler Deborah A. , Plana Juan Carlos , Marwick Thomas H.
Published: December 2011

Objective: To assess the effects of frame and volume rate on the concordance between two‐dimensional speckle tracking strain (2DS) and three‐dimensional speckle tracking strain (3DS), and between 2DS and triplane imaging of speckle tracking (Tri‐P). Methods: Global longitudinal strains (GLSs) derived from 2DS, 3DS, and Tri‐P were compared among 142 prospectively recruited patients who underwent evaluation of subclinical left ventricle (LV) function. Results: Feasibility to obtain GLS of 3DS was significantly higher than that of Tri‐P (76% vs. 47%, P < 0.001). The correlation between 2DS and 3DS was only modest (r = 0.47) whereas that of 2DS and Tri‐P was better (r = 0.67). The difference in frame/volume rate between two methods also affected their correlation. A volume rate between 34 and 50 volumes/sec had the highest correlation between 2DS and 3DS (r = 0.72). The correlation between 2DS and Tri‐P was better with a difference in frame‐rate ≤20 per second than with a difference >20 per second. Likewise, there was a better correlation between 2DS and 3DS when the difference between 2D frame rate and 3D volume rate was ≤40 per second, compared to when it was >40 per second. These associations differed from segment to segment and the apical segments had the highest correlation and the basal the lowest. Conclusions: The feasibility of each means of strain calculation showed important differences, with 2DS being the most attainable. Strain values were not interchangeable among 2DS, Tri‐P, and 3DS. Importantly, poor correlations seemed to be driven by differences in acquisition rate. Currently, 2DS offers the most robust measurement of subclinical myocardial dysfunction. (Echocardiography 2012;29:334‐339)
Causal Inference on Quantiles with an Obstetric Application
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Chen Zhen , Troendle James F. , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2011

Summary The current statistical literature on causal inference is primarily concerned with population means of potential outcomes, while the current statistical practice also involves other meaningful quantities such as quantiles. Motivated by the Consortium on Safe Labor (CSL), a large observational study of obstetric labor progression, we propose and compare methods for estimating marginal quantiles of potential outcomes as well as quantiles among the treated. By adapting existing methods and techniques, we derive estimators based on outcome regression (OR), inverse probability weighting, and stratification, as well as a doubly robust (DR) estimator. By incorporating stratification into the DR estimator, we further develop a hybrid estimator with enhanced numerical stability at the expense of a slight bias under misspecification of the OR model. The proposed methods are illustrated with the CSL data and evaluated in simulation experiments mimicking the CSL.
Direct Calculation of the Physical Properties of Sodium Borosilicate Glass from its Chemical Composition Using the Concept of Structural Units
Authors: Inoue Hiroyuki , Masuno Atsunobu , Watanabe Yasuhiro , Suzuki Keiichi , Iseda Toru
Published: December 2011

The physical properties of sodium borosilicate glasses were calculated directly from their chemical compositions in the whole glass‐forming region. These properties included molar volume, refractive index, thermal expansion coefficient, elastic moduli, and glass transition temperature. The physical property values corresponding to the structural unit were estimated and then the calculation was carried out by accumulating the physical property values depending on the chemical composition of the glass. In the case of sodium borosilicate glass, the structural units are BO3/2, BO4/2Na, BO2/2ONa, BO1/2O2Na2, SiO4/2, SiO3/2ONa, SiO2/2O2Na2, and SiO1/2O3Na3. To conduct the calculation, the structural units’ physical property values were estimated by analyzing experimental data extracted from the database of glass properties, INTERGLAD. The calculated values were similar to the experimental data in the whole glass‐forming region. Furthermore, the calculation method provided, quantitatively, the structural units’ contributions to the glass’ physical properties. This study demonstrates that using the concept of structural units to calculate the physical properties of sodium borosilicate glass is a simple and powerful predictive tool.
Low‐Temperature Preparation of Hierarchical Structure TiO2 for Flexible Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wu Congcong , Han Yongsheng , Jin Tetsuro , Chi Bo , Pu Jian , Jian Li
Published: December 2011

Photoanodes for flexible DSSC have been prepared through a chemical sintering method using hydrothermal cement at low temperature of 120°C. The addition of the hydrothermal cement can effectively increase the adhesion between the photoanode and flexible ITO‐PET substrate and build the interconnection between nanoparticles at low temperature for the fast transport of electrons. The flexible DSSC based on the photoanode obtains a relatively high photo‐to‐electric conversion efficiency of 4.0%. The method basing on the commercially available TiO2 with a small proportion of hydrothermal cement is suitable for roll‐to‐roll screen‐printing preparation, which is expected to be scaled up for mass production of high performance flexible DSSCs.
Microstructure and Photoluminescence Characterizations of Y3Al5O12:Ce Phosphor Ceramics Sintered with Silica
Authors: Nien Yung‐Tang , Lu Tzung‐Heng , Rao Bandi Vengala , Chen In‐Gann
Published: December 2011

The effects of silica additions (0.5–5 wt%) and sintering temperatures (980°C–1400°C) on the microstructure and photoluminescence (PL) of Ce‐doped Y3Al5O12 (YAG:Ce) phosphor ceramics were investigated in this study. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements showed the disappearance of silica (1 wt%) at 1200°C, indicating the incorporation of Si into YAG host and agreeing with the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results. Microstructures of YAG:Ce ceramics with various silica additions observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed an obvious increasing densification and grain growth for the samples of >2.5 wt% silica at 1400°C. PL analysis demonstrated a higher intensity with increasing the sintering temperatures and the amount of silica addition. Two reasons were supposed to induce this PL enhancement of silica‐treated YAG:Ce ceramics. First, Si will replace tetrahedral Al sites and induce a homogeneous diffusion as well as distribution of Ce dopant in the YAG host due to a smaller ionic radius of Si (0.026 nm) than that of Al (0.039 nm). Secondly, a liquid phase sintering will occur with the presence of silica in YAG:Ce, resulting in the densification of ceramics and an easier migration of Ce activators to inhibit the concentration quenching effect.
Erythropoietin attenuates the sequels of ischaemic spinal cord injury with enhanced recruitment of CD34+ cells in mice
Authors: Hirano Koji , Wagner Klaus , Mark Peter , Pittermann Erik , Gäbel Ralf , Furlani Dario , Li Wenzhong , Vollmar Brigitte , Yamada Tomomi , Steinhoff Gustav , Ma Nan
Published: December 2011

Erythropoietin has been shown to promote tissue regeneration after ischaemic injury in various organs. Here, we investigated whether Erythropoietin could ameliorate ischaemic spinal cord injury in the mouse and sought an underlying mechanism. Spinal cord ischaemia was developed by cross‐clamping the descending thoracic aorta for 7 or 9 min. in mice. Erythropoietin (5000 IU/kg) or saline was administrated 30 min. before aortic cross‐clamping. Neurological function was assessed using the paralysis score for 7 days after the operation. Spinal cords were histologically evaluated 2 and 7 days after the operation. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect CD34+ cells and the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Each mouse exhibited either mildly impaired function or complete paralysis at day 2. Erythropoietin‐treated mice with complete paralysis demonstrated significant improvement of neurological function between day 2 and 7, compared to saline‐treated mice with complete paralysis. Motor neurons in erythropoietin‐treated mice were more preserved at day 7 than those in saline‐treated mice with complete paralysis. CD34+ cells in the lumbar spinal cord of erythropoietin‐treated mice were more abundant at day 2 than those of saline‐treated mice. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor were markedly expressed in lumbar spinal cords in erythropoietin‐treated mice at day 7. Erythropoietin demonstrated neuroprotective effects in the ischaemic spinal cord, improving neurological function and attenuating motor neuron loss. These effects may have been mediated by recruited CD34+ cells, and enhanced expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor.