bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time assessment of encapsulated neonatal porcine islets prior to clinical xenotransplantation
Authors: Kitzmann Jennifer P. , Law Lee , Shome Avik , Muzina Marija , Elliott Robert B. , Mueller Kate R. , Schuurman Henk‐Jan , Papas Klearchos K.
Published: October 2012

Kitzmann JP, Law L, Shome A, Muzina M, Elliott RB, Mueller KR, Schuurman H‐J, Papas KK. Real‐time assessment of encapsulated neonatal porcine islets prior to clinical xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 333–336. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Porcine islet transplantation is emerging as an attractive option for the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes, with the possibility of providing islets of higher and more consistent quality and in larger volumes than available from human pancreata. The use of encapsulated neonatal porcine islets (ENPI) is appealing because it can address islet supply limitations while reducing the need for anti‐rejection therapy. Pre‐transplant characterization of ENPI viability and potency is an essential component of the production process. We applied the validated assay for oxygen consumption rate normalized for DNA content (OCR/DNA) to characterize ENPI viability.

Methods:  ENPI of low viscosity and high m alginate were prepared according to standard methods and characterized at various culture time points up to 5 weeks.

Results:  The OCR/DNA (nmol/min·mgDNA ± SEM) of ENPI (235 ± 10, n = 9) was comparable to that of free NPI (255 ± 14, n = 13). After encapsulation, NPI OCR/DNA was sustained over a culture period of up to 5 weeks. The average OCR/DNA of ENPI cultured longer than 9 days was higher than that of freshly encapsulated NPI.

Conclusion:  This is the first characterization of ENPI by a validated and more sensitive method for product viability. The NPI encapsulation process does not compromise viability as measured by OCR/DNA, and ENPI can be cultured for up to 5 weeks with maintenance of viability. ENPI meet or exceed current adult porcine islet product release criteria (established at the University of Minnesota) for preclinical xenotransplantation in terms of OCR/DNA.
Hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced endothelial barrier failure: role of RhoA, Rac1 and myosin light chain kinase
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Schluter Klaus‐Dieter , Rohrbach Susanne , Rafiq Amir , Nazli Sabiha , Piper Hans Michael , Noll Thomas , Schulz Rainer , Gündüz Dursun
Published: October 2012

Key points

Hypoxia–reoxygenation induces loss of endothelial barrier function and oedema formation accompanied by a rise in intracellular Ca2+, an increase in myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, and RhoA/Rho kinase (Rock) signalling and an inactivation of Rac1.

Neither inhibition of RhoA/Rock signalling nor antagonising Ca2+ increase could protect against this hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced loss of barrier function.

Inhibition of MLC kinase (MLCK) abrogates hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced MLC phosphorylation and partially protects against hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced endothelial hyperpermeability.

Activation of Rac1 using a cAMP analogue, 8‐CPT‐O′‐Me‐cAMP, which specifically activates Epac/Rap1 signalling abrogated reoxygenation‐induced hyperpermeability. The data help us to better understand the role of Rho GTPases and contractile machinery in the regulation of endothelial barrier function during hypoxia–reoxygenation.

Abstract  Hypoxia–reoxygenation induces loss of endothelial barrier function and oedema formation, which presents a major impediment for recovery of the organ. The integrity of the endothelial barrier is highly dependent on its contractile machinery and actin dynamics, which are precisely regulated by Rho GTPases. Perturbed activities of these Rho‐GTPases under hypoxia–reoxygenation lead to derangement of the actin cytoskeleton and therefore may affect the integrity of the endothelial barrier. The aim of the present study was to analyse the role of these GTPases in regulating endothelial barrier function during hypoxia–reoxygenation in cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells and isolated perfused rat hearts. Hypoxia–reoxygenation induced an increase in albumin permeability of endothelial monolayers accompanied by an activation of the endothelial contractile machinery, derangement of the actin cytoskeleton and loss of VE‐cadherin from cellular junctions. Inhibition of contractile activation with ML‐7 partially protected against hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced hyperpermeability. Likewise, reoxygenation caused an increase in RhoA and a reduction in Rac1 activity accompanied by enhanced stress fibre formation and loss of peripheral actin. Inhibition of RhoA/rho kinase (Rock) signalling with RhoA or Rock inhibitors led to a complete depolymerisation and derangement of the actin cytoskeleton and worsened hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced hyperpermeability. Activation of Rac1 using a cAMP analogue, 8‐CPT‐O′‐Me‐cAMP, which specifically activates Epac/Rap1 signalling, restored peripheral localisation of actin and VE‐cadherin at cellular junctions and abrogated reoxygenation‐induced hyperpermeability. Similar results were reproduced in isolated saline‐perfused rat hearts. These data show that activation of Rac1 but not the inhibition of RhoA preserves endothelial integrity against reoxygenation‐induced loss of barrier function.
Ion channels in genetic and acquired forms of epilepsy
Authors: Lerche Holger , Shah Mala , Beck Heinz , Noebels Jeff , Johnston Dan , Vincent Angela
Published: October 2012

Abstract  Genetic mutations causing dysfunction of both voltage‐ and ligand‐gated ion channels make a major contribution to the cause of many different types of familial epilepsy. Key mechanisms comprise defective Na+ channels of inhibitory neurons, or GABAA receptors affecting pre‐ or postsynaptic GABAergic inhibition, or a dysfunction of different types of channels at axon initial segments. Many of these ion channel mutations have been modelled in mice, which has largely contributed to the understanding of where and how the ion channel defects lead to neuronal hyperexcitability. Animal models of febrile seizures or mesial temporal epilepsy have shown that dendritic K+ channels, hyperpolarization‐activated cation channels and T‐type Ca2+ channels play important roles in the generation of seizures. For the latter, it has been shown that suppression of their function by pharmacological mechanisms or in knock‐out mice can antagonize epileptogenesis. Defects of ion channel function are also associated with forms of acquired epilepsy. Autoantibodies directed against ion channels or associated proteins, such as K+ channels, LGI1 or NMDA receptors, have been identified in epileptic disorders that can largely be included under the term limbic encephalitis which includes limbic seizures, status epilepticus and psychiatric symptoms. We conclude that ion channels and associated proteins are important players in different types of genetic and acquired epilepsies. Nevertheless, the molecular bases for most common forms of epilepsy are not yet clear, and evidence to be discussed indicates just how much more we need to understand about the complex mechanisms that underlie epileptogenesis.
Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors improves the accuracy of coincidence detection by presynaptic mechanisms in the nucleus laminaris of the chick
Authors: Okuda Hiroko , Yamada Rei , Kuba Hiroshi , Ohmori Harunori
Published: October 2012

Key points

Interaural time difference (ITD) is a major cue for sound source localization and is processed by detecting a coincidence of bilateral excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the nucleus laminaris (NL) in birds.

The sharpness of coincidence detection (CD) depends on the speed and size of EPSPs. We found here a regulatory mechanism of EPSP size through the presynaptic mGluR activity.

The activation of mGluRs reduced the transmitter release and extent of excitatory postsynaptic current depression during tetanic stimulation, but improved the CD. Furthermore, the activity of mGluRs and their expression were graded along the tonotopic axis and were stronger toward the low frequency neurons of NL.

We proposed an idea that the presynaptic mGluRs may operate as a self‐regulatory mechanism to optimize the size of EPSP and have roles in sharpening the CD. This regulatory mechanism may underlie the sound source localization particularly during a long‐lasting sound in the NL.

Abstract  Interaural time difference (ITD) is a major cue for localizing a sound source and is processed in the nucleus laminaris (NL) in birds. Coincidence detection (CD) is a crucial step for processing ITD and critically depends on the size and time course of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). Here, we investigated a role of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in the regulation of EPSP amplitude and CD in the NL of chicks. A non‐specific agonist of mGluRs ((±)‐1‐aminocyclopentane‐trans‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid; t‐ACPD) reduced the amplitude and extent of depression of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) during a stimulus train, while the paired pulse ratio and coefficient of variation of EPSC amplitude were increased. In contrast, the amplitudes of spontaneous EPSCs were not affected, but the frequency was reduced. Thus, the effects of t‐ACPD were presynaptic and reduced the release of neurotransmitter from terminals in the NL. Expression of group II mGluRs was graded along the tonotopic axis and was stronger towards the low frequency region in the NL. Both group II (DCG‐IV) and group III (l‐AP4) specific agonists reduced EPSC amplitude by presynaptic mechanisms, and the reduction was larger in the low frequency region; however, we could not find any effects of group I‐specific agonists on EPSCs. The reduced EPSP amplitude in DCG‐IV improved CD. A specific antagonist of group II mGluRs (LY341495) increased the amplitude of both EPSCs and EPSPs and enhanced the depression during a stimulus train, indicating constitutive activation of mGluRs in the NL. These observations indicate that mGluRs may work as autoreceptors and regulate EPSP size to improve CD in the NL.
Proposed Metric for Evaluation of Solar Forecasting Models
Authors: Marquez Ricardo , Coimbra Carlos F. M.
Published: October 2012

This work presents an alternative metric for evaluating the quality of solar forecasting models. Some conventional approaches use quantities such as the root-mean-square-error (RMSE) and/or correlation coefficients to evaluate model quality. The direct use of statistical quantities to assign forecasting quality can be misleading because these metrics do not convey a measure of the variability of the time-series for the solar irradiance data. In contrast, the quality metric proposed here, which is defined as the ratio of solar uncertainty to solar variability, compares the forecasting error with the solar variability directly. By making the forecasting error to variability comparisons for different time windows, we show that this ratio is essentially a statistical invariant for each forecast model employed, i.e., the ratio is preserved for widely different time horizons when the same time averaging periods are used, and therefore provides a robust way to compare solar forecasting skills. We employ the proposed metric to evaluate two new forecasting models proposed here, and compare their performances with a persistence model.
Numerical Simulation of Flow Through Nuclear Fuel Bundles With Angular Misalignments
Authors: Bhattacharya A. , Yu S. D.
Published: October 2012

Comprehensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are developed and analyzed in this paper to study the three-dimensional flow through simulated nuclear fuel bundles with angular misalignments inside a pressure tube. The large eddy simulation (LES) scheme is employed to solve the large scale complex computational models with an aim to understanding the effects of the bundle-to-bundle angular misalignments on unsteady flow and flow-induced excitations on the fuel bundle structures. The proposed numerical scheme is validated with both numerical and experimental work available in the literature. Numerical results obtained from the current computational models indicate the presence of significant lateral or cross-flow in the bundle-to-bundle interface region for bundles with angular misalignments. The mean and the rms values of the lateral fluid excitations on the first bundle are found to be sensitive with respect to the change in angular misalignments between bundles.
Akt Phosphorylates the Transcriptional Repressor Bmi1 to Block Its Effects on the Tumor-Suppressing
Ink4a-Arf
Locus
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Fan , Yu Hao , Zhao Xinyang , Sashida Goro , Deblasio Anthony , Harr Michael , She Qing-Bai , Chen Zhenbang , Lin Hui-Kuan , Di Giandomenico Silvana , Elf Shannon E. , Yang Youyang , Miyata Yasuhiko , Huang Gang , Menendez Silvia , Mellinghoff Ingo K. , Rosen Neal , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Hedvat Cyrus V. , Nimer Stephen D.
Published: October 2012

Akt counteracts growth-promoting signals by stimulating the transcription of tumor suppressor genes.
Hedgehog Drives Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Andrianantoandro Ernesto
Published: October 2012

Noncanonical Hedgehog signaling increases glucose metabolism in muscle and brown fat.
Losartan-induced coronary artery spasm
Authors: Josefsson Johan , Fröbert Ole
Published: October 2012

We report a case of coronary artery spasm documented with angiography in a patient with severe chest pain, electrocardiographic ST-segment elevations and highly elevated troponin I. Symptom onset was 15 min after the patient's first-ever intake of losartan. Although parts of the clinical presentation suggested allergy or anaphylaxis, laboratory testing did not support this.
Antiviral therapy for prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Kimer Nina , Dahl Emilie Kristine , Gluud Lise Lotte , Krag Aleksander
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To determine whether antiviral therapy reduces the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis C.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials. Prospective cohort studies were included in sensitivity analyses.

Data Sources

Eligible trials were identified through electronic and manual searches.

Study Selection

Eight randomised controlled trials comparing antiviral therapy (interferon or pegylated interferon alone or with ribavirin) versus placebo or no intervention were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of studies and extracted data. Random effects meta-analyses were performed. Subgroup, sensitivity, regression and sequential analyses were performed to evaluate sources of intertrial heterogeneity, the risk of bias and the robustness of the results after adjusting for multiple testing.

Results

Random effects meta-analysis showed that antiviral therapy reduced the risk of HCC (81/1156 vs 129/1174; risk ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.81). In subgroup analyses, antiviral therapy was more beneficial (test for subgroup differences p=0.03) in virological responders (0.15, 0.05 to 0.45) than in non-responders (0.57; 0.37 to 0.85). No evidence of bias was seen in regression analyses. Sequential analysis confirmed the overall result. The sensitivity analyses showed that the cohort studies found that antiviral therapy reduced the risk of HCC. There was clear statistical evidence of bias in the cohort studies (p=0.02).

Conclusions

Antiviral therapy may reduce the risk of HCC in hepatitis C-related fibrosis and cirrhosis. The effect may be seen irrespective of the virological response, but is more pronounced among virological responders compared with non-responders.
Changes in peptidoglycan structure and metabolism during differentiation ofProteus mirabilisinto swarmer cells
Authors: Strating Hendrik , Vandenende Chris , Clarke Anthony J.
Published: October 2012

The O-acetylation of peptidoglycan in Gram-negative bacteria occurs specifically at the C-6 hydroxyl group of muramoyl residues. The level of peptidoglycan O-acetylation was found to decrease from 51% to 29% upon differentiation of Proteus mirabilis vegetative cells to swarmers. This decrease was accompanied by a change in the muropeptide composition of the peptidoglycan. In particular, the content of anhydromuropeptides increased, while the amount of Lys-Lys-muropeptides arising from bound lipoprotein decreased. These changes together with a shift in proportion of larger muropeptides suggested a decrease in average chain length of the muropeptides from swarmer cells. Zymography using SDS–PAGE gels containing either O-acetylated or chemically de-O-acetylated peptidoglycan was used to monitor the activity of specific autolysins during the differentiation of vegetative to swarming cells of P. mirabilis. A 43 kDa autolysin with increased specificity for O-acetylated peptidoglycan was detected in vegetative cells, but its activity appeared to decrease as the cells began to differentiate, while the levels of 3 other autolysins with apparent specificity for non-O-acetylated peptidoglycan increased. These changes are discussed in relation to the autolysin profile of the bacteria and the changes in peptidoglycan composition with cell differentiation.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON STRENGTH OF KNEE JOINT USING VARIOUS MATERIAL MODELS
Authors: YANG ZHENGZHI , DING ZHIWEI , LIU ZISHUN , SWADDIWUDHIPONG SOMSAK , TAN YI MIN , LEE KEVIN
Published: October 2012

In this study, we adopt different material models to study the strength and stiffness of menisci of the knee joint using finite element method. The three-dimensional (3-D) knee joint finite element model is constructed based on the Magnetic Resonance (MR) images of a human knee joint, and the strength of menisci is analyzed under a specific vertical loading case. In this paper we categorize and implement three types of appropriate material properties, namely isotropic linearly elastic, transversely isotropic elastic and isotropic hyperelastic for menisci of the knee joint. Different strain energy models are also studied and compared under hyperelastic category. The comparative study demonstrates that the hyperelastic model with Ogden form is more appropriate in modeling menisci of the knee joint. By referring to the test data of different material properties from earlier studies by various researchers, we hope to provide a comparative study leading to appropriate menisci material models and properties for finite element analyses of knee joint structures.
SHORT RANGE ORDERING AND LOCAL DISPLACEMENT OF ALLOYS STUDIED BY CVM
Authors: MOHRI TETSUO
Published: October 2012

Cluster Variation Method (CVM) is a powerful statistical mechanics means to investigate phase equilibria of an alloy. The advantageous feature of the CVM stems from the fact that wide range of atomic correlations which play an important role at the phase transition is efficiently incorporated into the free energy formula. Hence, configurational fluctuation can be systematically studied through the calculations of correlation functions in the real space and short range order diffuse intensity spectrum in the k-space. However, one of the deficiencies of the conventional CVM is the fact that local lattice distortion (local atomic displacement) is not correctly dealt with. In order to improve such shortcomings, Continuous Displacement Cluster Variation Method (CDCVM) has been developed. In the CDCVM, local lattice distortion is mapped onto the configurational freedom of a multi-component alloy on a rigid (uniformly deformable) lattice. With CDCVM, the applicability of CVM is enlarged and the calculations of diffuse intensity spectrum originating from local lattice distortion can be performed.
HIERARCHICAL CONFIGURATIONS FOR CROSS-CORRELATION INTERFEROMETERS WITH MANY ELEMENTS
Authors: KETO ERIC
Published: October 2012

Array configurations built on a hierarchy of simple elements have excellent properties for cross-correlation imaging interferometers including a smooth distribution of measured Fourier components, high angular resolution, low side lobes, and compact array size. Compared to arrays with a Gaussian distribution of antenna separations, hierarchical arrays (H-arrays) produce beams with higher angular resolution and a tighter concentration of the total power (encircled energy) within a smaller area around the main beam. An attractive feature of H-arrays is their simplicity. The relationships between the Fourier coverage and the array configuration are easy enough to understand that they can be adjusted to achieve different design goals without the need for numerical optimization. H-arrays will be useful for future multi-element interferometers.
Hyperaldosteronism as a Common Cause of Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Calhoun David A.
Published: October 2012

Resistant hypertension affects an estimated 10–15 million American adults and is increasing in prevalence. The etiology of resistant hypertension is almost always multifactorial, including obesity, older age, high dietary salt, chronic kidney disease, and aldosterone excess. Classical primary aldosteronism and lesser degrees of aldosterone excess, possibly originating from visceral adipocytes, contribute broadly to antihypertensive treatment resistance. Treatment of resistant hypertension is predicated on appropriate lifestyle changes and use of effective combinations of antihypertensive agents from different classes. Blockade of aldosterone with spironolactone has been shown to be particularly effective for treatment of resistant hypertension. The antihypertensive benefit of spironolactone is not limited to patients with demonstrable hyperaldosteronism but instead can be effective in resistant hypertensive patients regardless of aldosterone levels. Chlorthalidone is a potent, long-acting thiazide-like diuretic and should be used preferentially to treat resistant hypertension as it is superior to normally used doses of hydrochlorothiazide.
IgA Nephropathy: Molecular Mechanisms of the Disease
Authors: Mestecky Jiri , Raska Milan , Julian Bruce A. , Gharavi Ali G. , Renfrow Matthew B. , Moldoveanu Zina , Novak Lea , Matousovic Karel , Novak Jan
Published: October 2012

Studies of molecular and cellular interactions involved in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy have revealed the autoimmune nature of this most common primary glomerulonephritis. In patients with this disease, altered glycan structures in the unique hinge region of the heavy chains of IgA1 molecules lead to the exposure of antigenic determinants, which are recognized by naturally occurring antiglycan antibodies of the IgG and/or IgA1 isotype. As a result, nephritogenic immune complexes form in the circulation and deposit in the glomerular mesangium. Deposited immune complexes induce proliferation of resident mesangial cells, increased production of extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines, and ultimately loss of glomerular function. Structural elucidation of the nature of these immune complexes and their biological activity should provide a rational basis for an effective, immunologically mediated inhibition of the formation of nephritogenic immune complexes that could be used as a disease-specific therapeutic approach.
Cellular Heterogeneity and Molecular Evolution in Cancer
Authors: Almendro Vanessa , Marusyk Andriy , Polyak Kornelia
Published: October 2012

Intratumor heterogeneity represents a major obstacle to effective cancer treatment and personalized medicine. However, investigators are now elucidating intratumor heterogeneity at the single-cell level due to improvements in technologies. Better understanding of the composition of tumors, and monitoring changes in cell populations during disease progression and treatment, will improve cancer diagnosis and therapeutic design. Measurements of intratumor heterogeneity may also be used as biomarkers to predict the risk of progression and therapeutic resistance. We summarize important considerations related to intratumor heterogeneity during tumor evolution. We also discuss experimental approaches that are commonly used to infer intratumor heterogeneity and describe how these methodologies can be translated into clinical practice.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: Why Gray and White Matter
Authors: Gheuens Sarah , Wüthrich Christian , Koralnik Igor J.
Published: October 2012

Since it was first described in 1958, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a demyelinating disease of the brain caused by the polyomavirus JC (JCV), has evolved tremendously. It was once considered a noninflammatory disease that affected exclusively oligodendrocytes and astrocytes in the white matter of immunosuppressed individuals and was almost always fatal. Today, we understand that PML can present during the course of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and that it affects a broader range of individuals, including patients with minimal immunosuppression and those who are treated with novel immunomodulatory medications. Furthermore, JCV-infected glial cells are frequently located at the gray matter–white matter junction or within the gray matter, causing demyelinating lesions within cortical areas. Finally, JCV variants can also infect neurons, leading to the recognition of two distinct clinical entities: JCV granule cell neuronopathy and JCV encephalopathy.
Neuronal Modulation of Airway and Vascular Tone and Their Influence on Nonspecific Airways Responsiveness in Asthma
Authors: Canning Brendan J. , Woo Ariel , Mazzone Stuart B.
Published: October 2012

The autonomic nervous system provides both cholinergic and noncholinergic neural inputs to end organs within the airways, which includes the airway and vascular smooth muscle. Heightened responsiveness of the airways to bronchoconstrictive agents is a hallmark feature of reactive airways diseases. The mechanisms underpinning airways hyperreactivity still largely remain unresolved. In this paper we summarize the substantial body of evidence that implicates dysfunction of the autonomic nerves that innervate smooth muscle in the airways and associated vasculature as a prominent cause of airways hyperresponsiveness in asthma.
Tilted Implants for Full-Arch Rehabilitations in Completely Edentulous Maxilla: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cavalli Nicolò , Barbaro Bruno , Spasari Davide , Azzola Francesco , Ciatti Alberto , Francetti Luca
Published: October 2012

Purpose. The aims of this study were to assess the treatment outcome of immediately loaded full-arch fixed bridges anchored to both tilted and axially placed implants in the edentulous maxilla and to evaluate the incidence of biological and prosthetic complications.Materials and Methods. Thirty-four patients (18 women and 16 men) were included in the study. Each patient received a maxillary full-arch fixed bridge supported by two axial implants and two distal tilted implants. A total of 136 implants were inserted. Loading was applied within 48 hours of surgery and definitive restorations were placed 4 to 6 months later. Patients were scheduled for followup at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and annually up to 5 years. At each followup plaque level and bleeding scores were assessed and every complication was recorded.Results. The overall follow-up range was 12 to 73 months (mean 38.8 months). No implant failures were recorded to date, leading to a cumulative implant survival rate of 100%. Biological complications were recorded such as alveolar mucositis (11.8% patients), peri-implantitis (5.9% patients), and temporomandibular joint pain (5.9% patients). The most common prosthetic complications were the fracture or detachment of one or multiple acrylic teeth in both the temporary (20.6% patients) and definitive (17.7% patients) prosthesis and the minor acrylic fractures in the temporary (14.7% patients) and definitive (2.9% patients) prosthesis. Hygienic complications occurred in 38.2% patients. No patients’ dissatisfactions were recorded.Conclusions. The high cumulative implant survival rate indicates that this technique could be considered a viable treatment option. An effective recall program is important to early intercept and correct prosthetic and biologic complications in order to avoid implant and prosthetic failures.
Stabilizing of Subspaces Based on DPGA and Chaos Genetic Algorithm for Optimizing State Feedback Controller
Authors: Hosseinpour M. , Nikdel P. , Badamchizadeh M. A. , Poor M. A.
Published: October 2012

The main purpose of the paper is to optimize state feedback parameters using intelligent method, GA, Hermite‐Biehler, and chaos algorithm. GA is implemented for local search but it has some deficiencies such as trapping into a local minimum and slow convergence, so the combination of Hermite‐Biehler and chaos algorithm has been added to GA to avoid its deficiencies. Dividing search space is usually done by distributed population genetic algorithm (DPGA). Moreover, using generalized Hermite‐Biehler Theorem can find the domain of parameters. In order to speed up the convergence at the first step, Hermite‐Biehler method finds some intervals for controller, in the next step the GA will be added, and, finally, chaos disturbance will help the algorithm to reach a global minimum. Therefore, the proposed method can optimize the parameters of the state feedback controller.
Pulmonary Complications in Patients with Severe Brain Injury
Authors: Lee Kiwon , Rincon Fred
Published: October 2012

Pulmonary complications are prevalent in the critically ill neurological population. Respiratory failure, pneumonia, acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), pulmonary edema, pulmonary contusions and pneumo/hemothorax, and pulmonary embolism are frequently encountered in the setting of severe brain injury. Direct brain injury, depressed level of consciousness and inability to protect the airway, disruption of natural defense barriers, decreased mobility, and secondary neurological insults inherent to severe brain injury are the main cause of pulmonary complications in critically ill neurological patients. Prevention strategies and current and future therapies need to be implemented to avoid and treat the development of these life-threatening medical complications.
The Job Satisfaction of Finnish Nursing Staff: The Development of a Job Satisfaction Scale and Survey Results
Authors: Kvist Tarja , Mäntynen Raija , Partanen Pirjo , Turunen Hannele , Miettinen Merja , Vehviläinen-Julkunen Katri
Published: October 2012

This paper describes the development of the Kuopio University Hospital Job Satisfaction Scale (KUHJSS) and the results of the survey. The scale was developed through a systematic literature review, and its validity and reliability were assessed using several psychometric properties including expert evaluation (n=5), a pilot survey (n=172), and exploratory factor analysis. The final version of KUHJSS included 37 items. A large sample psychometric evaluation was made by nursing staff (n=2708). The exploratory factor analysis revealed seven factors with modest internal consistency (0.64–0.92). The staff reported relatively high job satisfaction. The greatest satisfaction was derived from motivating factors associated with the work; the least, from the job's demands. Respondents who considered their working units to provide an excellent quality of care reported the highest job satisfaction in every subarea (P<.0001). The KUHJSS proved to be a reliable and valid tool for measuring job satisfaction in hospital care.
Features of Human Herpesvirus-6A and -6B Entry
Authors: Maeki Takahiro , Mori Yasuko
Published: October 2012

Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a T lymphotropic herpesvirus belonging to theBetaherpesvirinaesubfamily. HHV-6 was long classified into variants A and B (HHV-6A and HHV-6B); however, recently, HHV-6A and HHV-6B were reclassified as different species. The process of herpesvirus entry into target cells is complicated, and in the case of HHV-6A and HHV-6B, the detailed mechanism remains to be elucidated, although both viruses are known to enter cells via endocytosis. In this paper, (1) findings about the cellular receptor and its ligand for HHV-6A and HHV-6B are summarized, and (2) a schematic model of HHV-6A’s replication cycle, including its entry, is presented. In addition, (3) reports showing the importance of lipids in both the HHV-6A envelope and target-cell membrane for viral entry are reviewed, and (4) glycoproteins involved in cell fusion are discussed.
A Modified NM‐PSO Method for Parameter Estimation Problems of Models
Authors: Liu An , Zahara Erwie , Yang Ming-Ta
Published: October 2012

Ordinary differential equations usefully describe the behavior of a wide range of dynamic physical systems. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) method has been considered an effective tool for solving the engineering optimization problems for ordinary differential equations. This paper proposes a modified hybrid Nelder‐Mead simplex search and particle swarm optimization (M‐NM‐PSO) method for solving parameter estimation problems. The M‐NM‐PSO method improves the efficiency of the PSO method and the conventional NM‐PSO method by rapid convergence and better objective function value. Studies are made for three well‐known cases, and the solutions of the M‐NM‐PSO method are compared with those by other methods published in the literature. The results demonstrate that the proposed M‐NM‐PSO method yields better estimation results than those obtained by the genetic algorithm, the modified genetic algorithm (real‐coded GA (RCGA)), the conventional particle swarm optimization (PSO) method, and the conventional NM‐PSO method.
Training Self-Administered Acupressure Exercise among Postmenopausal Women with Osteoarthritic Knee Pain: A Feasibility Study and Lessons Learned
Authors: Zhang Yan , Shen Chwan-Li , Peck Kim , Brismée Jean-Michel , Doctolero Susan , Lo Di-Fan , Lim Yik , Lao Lixing
Published: October 2012

Background. Osteoarthritis (OA) is more prevalent in women, particularly after menopausal age. Women are more likely to seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches. We examined the feasibility of training self-administered acupressure exercise and assessed its impact on OA symptoms among women with knee OA.Methods. Thirty-six eligible postmenopausal women were randomly assigned in the acupressure exercise group (n=15) or the control group (n=21) for 12 weeks. Feasibility outcomes (e.g., compliance and adverse effects) and clinical outcomes (e.g., pain, stiffness, and physical function) were assessed. Data were collected at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Both per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis were employed.Results. The training materials were well received. The feedback from participants suggests that self-administered acupressure exercise is easy to learn and safe to perform at home, although no statistically significant results of the clinical outcome were observed. Our findings didn’t reveal superiority or inferiority of acupressure compared with usual care.Conclusion. Acupressure exercise is feasible to be trained among postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis. Due to the limitations of this study such as small sample size and high attrition rate, acupressure’s efficacy needs to be further explored in larger scale studies with more rigorous design.
Mycophenolate Mofetil-Related Enterocolitis and Weight Loss: A Pediatric Case Series
Authors: Dykes Dana M. H. , Moore Sean R. , Polk D. Brent , Rosen Michael J. , Wills Marcia L. , Morris Brian , Maclin Jeanine S. , Nogueira Janaina , Katz Avi , Hunley Tracey E. , Pugh Judith , Saeed Shehzad
Published: October 2012

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive medication utilized in the management of both autoimmune and solid organ transplant patients. Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal side effect of MMF, but more severe forms of GI symptoms are described in renal transplant patients with a distinct pattern of histopathologic change, similar to graft-versus-host disease or Crohn’s disease. This rare entity, commonly referred to as “MMF-related enterocolitis,” has been described in adult patients, mostly in renal transplant patients, and in only two pediatric renal transplant patients. In previously reported cases, symptoms and abnormal histopathology improve with dose reduction of MMF. We describe a series of three pediatric patients with varied underlying disease process who presented with severe diarrhea and histopathologic findings characteristic of MMF-related enterocolitis, who share a novel finding of weight loss as a complication of MMF-related enterocolitis in pediatric patients.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Metachronous Multisite Oligo-Recurrence: A Long-Surviving Case with Sequential Oligo-Recurrence in Four Different Organs Treated Using Locally Radical Radiotherapy and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Onishi Hiroshi , Ozaki Masatoki , Kuriyama Kengo , Komiyama Takafumi , Marino Kan , Araya Masayuki , Saito Ryo , Aoki Shinichi , Maehata Yoshiyasu , Tominaga Licht , Oguri Mitsuhiko , Watanabe Iori , Onohara Kojiro , Watanabe Meguru , Sano Naoki , Araki Tsutomu
Published: October 2012

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for oligometastases represents a recent trend in radiation oncology. While abundant data are available regarding the use of SBRT for the treatment of lung or liver oligometastases from various retrospective series and prospective trials, relatively little information has been accumulated for the treatment of oligometastases at sites other than the lungs and liver, particularly for sequential oligometastases in multiple organs. Oligometastases with primary lesions controlled is called “oligo-recurrence.” We describe herein the case of a lung cancer patient who developed repeated oligo-recurrence at multiple sites that were each controlled by radical radiotherapy and achieved long-term survival and discuss the merits of locally aggressive radiotherapy for this type of disease condition with reviewing the literature. Although further investigation should be undertaken to clarify the benefits, objectives, and methods of SBRT for the treatment of oligometastases, we believe utilization of SBRT may be worthwhile for patients with remote metastases who hope for treatment to acquire better local control and possible longer survival.
Amyloid Accumulation in the Toxic Nodule of the Thyroid Gland in a Patient with End Stage Renal Failure
Authors: Mousa Umut , Aktas Sema , Uner Halit
Published: October 2012

Amyloidosis is characterized by accumulation of amorphous, proteinaceous material in various organs and tissues of the body. Amyloid may accumulate in the thyroid gland in cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma and systemic amyloidosis. Amyloid accumulates extracellularly in the thyroid parenchyma and disrupts the normal follicular patterns. Most of the cases reported up to now were clinically euthyroid, but many presentation forms and overlaps have been reported. Herein we present a patient with toxic nodular goiter with amyloid deposition in the toxic nodule as well as the remaining thyroid tissue.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Postnatal Followup of Partial Trisomy 13q and Partial Monosomy 10p: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wei Yuan , Gao Xuefeng , Yan Liying , Xu Fang , Li Peining , Zhao Yangyu
Published: October 2012

We report prenatal diagnosis and postnatal findings of a fetus with partial trisomy of 13q21.33-qter and partial monosomy of 10p15.3-pter. The mother is a known carrier of a balanced translocation, t(10;13)(p15.3;q21.33), ascertained by history of one miscarriage and two neonatal deaths. The fetal karyotyping on cultured amniocytes showed 46,XX,der(10)t(10;13)(p15.3;q21.33). Oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) defined a 2.339 Mb distal deletion at 10p15.3 (chr10:126,161–2,465,089) and a 46.344 Mb duplication of 13q21.33–q34 (chr13:67,779,708–114,123,540). Ultrasound examination showed polydactyly and polyhydramnios in the fetus. After genetic counseling, the mother decided to continue the pregnancy, and follow-up ultrasound monitoring found no further abnormalities. A girl was delivered at 37+6weeks of gestation and was transferred to the intensive care unit for intermittent convulsions within 26 hours. She was diagnosed with neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and experienced several episodes of apnea in the following month. Her birth weight was 2900 g (10–25th centile) and at five months was 5500 g (5–10th centile). She had dysmorphic features and mild psychomotor retardation. A review of the literature found three previously reported cases with similar compound 10p/13q abnormalities. We discuss a two-step approach to assess fetal viability and phenotype using genomic information from partial trisomy and monosomy.
Regulation of Genes Involved in Carnitine Homeostasis by PPARαacross Different Species (Rat, Mouse, Pig, Cattle, Chicken, and Human)
Authors: Ringseis Robert , Wen Gaiping , Eder Klaus
Published: October 2012

Recent studies in rodents convincingly demonstrated that PPARαis a key regulator of genes involved in carnitine homeostasis, which serves as a reasonable explanation for the phenomenon that energy deprivation and fibrate treatment, both of which cause activation of hepatic PPARα, causes a strong increase of hepatic carnitine concentration in rats. The present paper aimed to comprehensively analyse available data from genetic and animal studies with mice, rats, pigs, cows, and laying hens and from human studies in order to compare the regulation of genes involved in carnitine homeostasis by PPARαacross different species. Overall, our comparative analysis indicates that the role of PPARαas a regulator of carnitine homeostasis is well conserved across different species. However, despite demonstrating a well-conserved role of PPARαas a key regulator of carnitine homeostasis in general, our comprehensive analysis shows that this assumption particularly applies to the regulation by PPARαof carnitine uptake which is obviously highly conserved across species, whereas regulation by PPARαof carnitine biosynthesis appears less well conserved across species.
Approximate Closed-Form Formulas for the Zeros of the Bessel Polynomials
Authors: Campos Rafael G. , Calderón Marisol L.
Published: October 2012

We find approximate expressionsx̃(k,n,a)andỹ(k,n,a)for the real and imaginary parts of thekth zerozk=xk+iykof the Bessel polynomialyn(x;a). To obtain these closed-form formulas we use the fact that the points of well-defined curves in the complex plane are limit points of the zeros of the normalized Bessel polynomials. Thus, these zeros are first computed numerically through an implementation of the electrostatic interpretation formulas and then, a fit to the real and imaginary parts as functions ofk,nandais obtained. It is shown that the resulting complex numberx̃(k,n,a)+iỹ(k,n,a)isO(1/n2)-convergent tozkfor fixedk.
On Pure Hyperradical in Semihypergroups
Authors: Hila Kostaq , Naka Krisanthi
Published: October 2012

This paper deals with a class of algebraic hyperstructures called semihypergroups, which are a generalization of semigroups. In this paper, we introduce pure hyperradical of a hyperideal in a semihypergroup with zero element. For this purpose, we define pure, semipure, and other related types of hyperideals and establish some of their basic properties in semihypergroups.
Raman Spectroscopy of Iranian Region Calcite Using Pulsed Laser: An Approach of Fluorescence Suppression by Time-Gating Method
Authors: Soleimaninejad H. , Matroodi F. , Tavassoli S. H.
Published: October 2012

The effect of time-gating method in Raman spectroscopy for fluorescence suppression of Iranian region calcite is investigated. Experiments are done using an Nd:YAG laser with a pulse durations of 10 ns at wavelength 532 nm. Seven samples from different places are examined. In order to obtain the optimum gate width for fluorescence suppression, a series of experiments is carried out at different gate widths. Raman-to-fluorescence (R/F) and fluorescence-to-laser peak (F/L) ratios are compared at gated and nongated experiments. Applying the optimum gate width leads to an effective reduction of fluorescence background and improvement in both ratios of R/F and F/L. Raman signals of some samples in nongated experiments are completely hidden by fluorescence while emerged in gated experiments.
Spatial Analysis of Human Health Risk Associated with Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water: A Case Study of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Karim Zahida , Qureshi Bilal Aslam , Ghouri Ishtiaq
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to spatially analyze total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and health risk associated with TTHMs in drinking water of different densely populated towns of Karachi city. Lifetime cancer risk and hazard index of THMs through oral ingestion and dermal absorption were calculated and mapped using kriging as an interpolation method to evaluate the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk to human health in the study area. Lifetime cancer risk value due to the oral ingestion of TTHMs in different towns of the city was exceeded from 1.0 × 10−6, showing that residents of these towns were expected to be at higher cancer risk. The hazard index for different towns was found to be lower than unity, indicating that no adverse health effects are expected as a result of exposure to THMs.
Systemic Delivery ofSalmonella typhimuriumTransformed with IDO shRNA Enhances Intratumoral Vector Colonization and Suppresses Tumor Growth
Authors: Blache Céline A. , Manuel Edwin R. , Kaltcheva Teodora I. , Wong Andrea N. , Ellenhorn Joshua D.I. , Blazar Bruce R. , Diamond Don J.
Published: October 2012

Generating antitumor responses through the inhibition of tumor-derived immune suppression represents a promising strategy in the development of cancer immunotherapeutics. Here, we present a strategy incorporating delivery of the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium (ST), naturally tropic for the hypoxic tumor environment, transformed with a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmid against the immunosuppressive molecule indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (shIDO). When systemically delivered into mice, shIDO silences host IDO expression and leads to massive intratumoral cell death that is associated with significant tumor infiltration by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). shIDO-ST treatment causes tumor cell death independently of host IDO and adaptive immunity, which may have important implications for use in immunosuppressed patients with cancer. Furthermore, shIDO-ST treatment increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by infiltrating PMNs and, conversely, PMN immunodepletion abrogates tumor control. Silencing of host IDO significantly enhances S. typhimurium colonization, suggesting that IDO expression within the tumor controls the immune response to S. typhimurium. In summary, we present a novel approach to cancer treatment that involves the specific silencing of tumor-derived IDO that allows for the recruitment of ROS-producing PMNs, which may act primarily to clear S. typhimurium infection, but in the process also induces apoptosis of surrounding tumor tissue resulting in a vigorous antitumor effect. Cancer Res; 72(24); 6447–56. ©2012 AACR.