bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Vibrio cholerae virulence regulatory cascade controls glucose uptake through activation of TarA, a small regulatory RNA
Authors: Richard Aimee L. , Withey Jeffrey H. , Beyhan Sinem , Yildiz Fitnat , DiRita Victor J.
Published: September 2010

Vibrio cholerae causes the severe diarrhoeal disease cholera. A cascade of regulators controls expression of virulence determinants in V. cholerae at both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels. ToxT is the direct transcription activator of the major virulence genes in V. cholerae. Here we describe TarA, a highly conserved, small regulatory RNA, whose transcription is activated by ToxT from toxboxes present upstream of the ToxT‐activated gene tcpI. TarA regulates ptsG, encoding a major glucose transporter in V. cholerae. Cells overexpressing TarA exhibit decreased steady‐state levels of ptsG mRNA and grow poorly in glucose‐minimal media. A mutant lacking the ubiquitous regulatory protein Hfq expresses diminished TarA levels, indicating that TarA likely interacts with Hfq to regulate gene expression. RNAhybrid analysis of TarA and the putative ptsG mRNA leader suggests potential productive base‐pairing between these two RNA molecules. A V. cholerae mutant lacking TarA is compromised for infant mouse colonization in competition with wild type, suggesting a role in the in vivo fitness of V. cholerae. Although somewhat functionally analogous to SgrS of Escherichia coli, TarA does not encode a regulatory peptide, and its expression is activated by the virulence gene pathway in V. cholerae and not by glycolytic intermediates.
The opening interrupter technique for respiratory resistance measurements in children
Authors: OSWALD‐MAMMOSSER Monique , CHARLOUX Anne , ENACHE Irina , LONSDORFER‐WOLF Evelyne
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  The interrupter resistance (Rint) can be calculated from various estimates of alveolar pressure based on mouth pressure during occlusion. We compared Rint, as measured by the opening interrupter technique (Rint1), and the linear back‐extrapolation method (Rint2), with the ‘gold standard’ airway resistance measured by plethysmography (Raw).

Methods:  The study included 32 asthmatic children and 11 children with cystic fibrosis, aged 5 to 18 years, who were categorized into non‐obstructed (NObs) (n = 27) and obstructed (Obs) (n = 16) groups. Spirometry and the three different resistance measurements were performed on all children. Rint1 and Raw were assessed after a bronchodilator (BD) test in 16 and nine children, respectively, in the Obs group.

Results:  Raw (0.48 ± 0.20 kPa.s/L) was lower than Rint1 (1.04 ± 0.34 kPa.s/L) and Rint2 (0.63 ± 0.18 kPa.s/L) (P < 0.001). Raw, but neither Rint1 nor Rint2, was significantly higher in the Obs group than in the NObs group (0.57 ± 0.23 vs 0.42 ± 0.16 kPa.s/L, P < 0.05). The differences Rint1‐Raw and Rint2‐Raw were correlated with FEV1/VC (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001), and Rint1‐Raw was correlated with height (P < 0.001). After BD significant changes in Rint1 and Raw were observed in 5/9 and 7/9 children, respectively.

Conclusions:  Rint2, as well as Rint1, may be underestimated in the most Obs children and may therefore fail to detect severe obstruction. Rint1 is likely to include a non‐negligible contribution from the tissue component, especially in the youngest children. Although not different between Obs and NObs children at baseline, Rint1 did detect bronchodilation in some Obs children.
Effects of changing reference values and definition of the normal range on interpretation of spirometry
Authors: BRAZZALE Danny J. , UPWARD Allyson L. , PRETTO Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  Recent spirometry reference studies are arguably the most valid ever performed and the ATS/ERS now recommend the National Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (NHANES) equations for North America. It is timely to consider adopting these reference values in Australasia; however, an evaluation of the consequences of such a change is required.

Methods:  We analysed data from 1108 patients tested in two pulmonary function laboratories in public hospitals. Lower limits of normal (LLN) were calculated using European Community for Steel and Coal (ECSC) (1993), Knudson (1983), NHANES (1999) and Health Survey of England (HSE) (2004) equations and used to define restriction (FVC < LLN) and obstruction (FEV1/FVC < LLN). This interpretative strategy was also compared with the GOLD definition of obstruction (FEV1/FVC < 70%).

Results:  Average age for all patients (50% female) was 60 years (range: 20–91). The mean predicted FVC from NHANES and HSE were similar and consistently higher than those from ECSC and Knudson (average 270 mLs). This translates into a 76% increase in the incidence of ‘restrictive’ interpretations using NHANES data compared with ECSC and Knudson, and a smaller increase of 40% for HSE. Using FEV1/FVC < 70% to diagnose obstruction in those over 65 years would result in false positive rates of approximately 28%. Using the same definition in a younger group (<50 years old) results in a false negative rate of approximately 14%.

Conclusions:  Changing to either NHANES or HSE predicted values will significantly increase the rate of ‘restrictive’ interpretation, and alter the rate of obstructive findings. The NHANES and HSE data confirm that using FEV1/FVC < 70% to define obstruction causes misdiagnosis in elderly and younger subjects.
Double inherited thrombophilias and adverse pregnancy outcomes: Fashion or science?
Authors: Larciprete Giovanni , Rossi Federica , Deaibess Therese , Brienza Letizia , Barbati Giulia , Romanini Elisabetta , Gioia Stefano , Cirese Elio
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To determine to what extent double inherited thrombophilias are associated with adverse obstetric complications correlated with fetoplacental insufficiency, such as preeclampsia, hemolytic anemia elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome, gestational hypertension, fetal growth restriction (FGR), intrauterine death (ID), abruptio placentae and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.

Methods:  Pregnant women coming to delivery were retrospectively divided into two groups: group A (controls) and group B (cases). Patients belonging to group B had one of the following: severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, gestational hypertension, FGR, intrauterine death, abruptio placentae of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. We detected methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) A1298C, MTHFR C677T, factor V Leiden, PAI‐1, mutant prothrombin G20210A, plasma homocysteine, antithrombin III, protein S and activated protein C resistance. Normal pregnant women or pregnant women with double defects were enrolled in this study.

Results:  The combination of MTHFR C677T mutation with PAI‐1 (5G/5G) mutation was significantly linked with the occurrence of ID. HELLP syndrome was significantly related to the simultaneous presence of factor VIII and X mutations. The combination of MTHFR C677T with factor VIII mutation and the combination of factor II and V mutations were significantly related to the occurrence of abruptio placentae. We found an association between double isoforms MTHFR mutation and FGR.

Conclusion:  It seems that some thrombophilias and a combination of thrombophilic factors carry a greater risk than others for a given adverse outcome. Further studies are needed to check the link between thrombophilic gene mutations and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as recurrent miscarriages and deep venous thrombosis.
Protection Against Nephropathy in Diabetes with Atorvastatin (PANDA): a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of high‐ vs. low‐dose atorvastatin1
Authors: Rutter M. K. , Prais H. R. , Charlton‐Menys V. , Gittins M. , Roberts C. , Davies R. R. , Moorhouse A. , Jinadev P. , France M. , Wiles P. G. , Gibson J. M. , Dean J. , Kalra P. A. , Cruickshank J. K. , Durrington P. N.
Published: September 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 100–108 (2011)

Aims To compare the renal effects of low‐ vs. high‐dose atorvastatin in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and optimally managed early renal disease.

Methods We compared the 2‐year progression of nephropathy in a double‐blind randomized controlled trial of atorvastatin 80 mg/day (n = 60) vs. 10 mg/day (n = 59) in patients with Type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria or proteinuria [mean (sd): age 64 years (10 years); HbA1c7.7% (1.3%), 61 mmol/mol (10 mmol/mol); blood pressure 131/73 mmHg; renin–angiotensin system blocker use > 80%; dual blockade > 67%] recruited from diabetes clinics in Greater Manchester.

Results Over (mean) 2.1 years of follow‐up, the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease estimated glomerular filtration rate declined by 3 ml min−1 1.73 m−2in the combined group. The mean (95% CI) between‐group difference during follow‐up was not significant [2.2 ml min−1 1.73 m−2(−1.1 to 5.4 ml min−1 1.73 m−2),P = 0.20] after adjusting for baseline differences in renal function; positive difference favours 80 mg dose. Similarly, there was no significant difference in creatinine clearance by Cockcroft and Gault [2.5 ml/min (−2.4 to 7.3 ml/min),P = 0.32]; serum creatinine/24‐h urine collections [4.0 ml/min (−4.8 to 12.7 ml/min),P = 0.38]; cystatin C (P = 0.69); or 24‐h urine protein or albumin excretion (P = 0.92;P = 0.93). We recorded no significant between‐group differences in deaths or adverse events.

Conclusions In patients with Type 2 diabetes with early renal disease, we found no statistical difference in renal function between those taking high‐ or low‐dose atorvastatin over 2 years. We cannot exclude a beneficial effect of < 1.6 ml min−1 1.73 m−2year−1on Modification of Diet in Renal Disease estimated glomerular filtration rate, or if blood pressure management or if renin–angiotensin system blocker use had not been optimized.
The consequences of complacency: managing the effects of unrecognized Charcot feet
Authors: Wukich D. K. , Sung W. , Wipf S. A. M. , Armstrong D. G.
Published: September 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 195–198 (2011)

Aims  Several authors have discussed an early prodromal state of neuroarthropathy (stage 0 Charcot) prior to the development of frank radiographic changes. However, very few reports are available that detail the outcomes of these patients. The purpose of this study was to report on the outcomes of patients with undetected early Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot.

Methods  Twenty patients, from two health science centres, were diagnosed retrospectively with stage 0 Charcot neuroarthropathy and were managed after referral from outside facilities. We evaluated any complications, including ulcer formation, infection, progression into active Charcot neuroarthropathy and the need for surgical reconstruction. Patients who did not progress to an active Charcot neuroarthropathy (Group I) were compared with those (Group II) who did progress to the destructive phase.

Results  The diagnosis of Charcot neuroarthropathy was missed in 19 of 20 patients prior to referral. The average delay in treatment in Group I was 4.1 ± 0.7 weeks compared with 8.7 ± 6.8 weeks in Group II (Mann–Whitney U‐test = 24.5, n1 = 15, n2 = 7, P < 0.05 two‐tailed). Sixteen of 22 feet (72%) developed a complication during their treatment course. Group II experienced more complications than Group I (66.7% compared with 14.3%). Overall, eleven of 22 feet (50%) required surgical treatment; however, no patient required an amputation during the follow‐up course.

Conclusions  This study reveals that outcomes of stage 0 Charcot neuroarthropathy feet depend on proper recognition and early management. To reduce the rate of future complications for Charcot foot should be the goal of all treatment.
The growing pains of family therapy in Singapore
Authors: Sim Timothy
Published: September 2010

Family therapy in Singapore is both short on history and overdue for development. Through in‐depth interviews with six experienced local family therapists and trainers, this article explores the challenges of family therapy development in Singapore, giving particular attention to practice, supervision, training, and research. Over time, family therapy practitioners in Singapore have gained insights in applying systemic ideas in this pluralistic society where there is a rich mix of race and ethnicity. This article highlights the contribution Singapore's experience of family therapy can make to a more global picture, in view of its rich multicultural context despite significant challenges.
Aberrant Asociality: How Individual Differences in Social Anhedonia Illuminate the Need to Belong
Authors: Silvia Paul J. , Kwapil Thomas R.
Published: September 2010

The need to belong, a fundamental concept in psychology, organizes a wide range of findings in the study of interpersonal relationships. We suggest that human belongingness needs can be illuminated by examining when they go awry. We review research on social anhedonia, a trait that involves a marked disinterest in interpersonal contact. Social anhedonia has a long history in clinical psychology, particularly in the study of schizotypy and schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders, but it is just starting to get attention from social and personality psychologists. Three lines of research—cross‐sectional studies of individual differences, longitudinal studies of risk for psychopathology, and experience‐sampling studies of interpersonal behavior—suggest that (1) social anhedonia represents genuine social disinterest, not merely shyness, introversion, or social anxiety, and (2) people high in social anhedonia have consistently poorer functioning, including a higher risk for developing schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders. Just as satisfied relatedness needs promote flourishing, dysfunctional social needs promote psychopathology.
Effects of justice and utilitarianism on ethical decision making: a cross‐cultural examination of gender similarities and differences
Authors: Beekun Rafik I. , Stedham Yvonne , Westerman James W. , Yamamura Jeanne H.
Published: September 2010

This study investigates the relationship between intention to behave ethically and gender within the context of national culture. Using Reidenbach and Robin's measures of the ethical dimensions of justice and utilitarianism in a sample of business students from three different countries, we found that gender is significantly related to the respondents' intention to behave ethically. Women relied on both justice as well as utilitarianism when making moral decisions. By contrast, men relied only on justice, and did not rely on utilitarianism when faced with the same ethical issues. Further, women's intention to behave was contextual, significantly affected by two national culture dimensions (uncertainty avoidance and individualism), whereas men's decisions were more universal, and not related to national culture dimensions.
Designable Integrability of the Variable Coefficient Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations
Authors: He J. , Li Y.
Published: September 2010

The designable integrability (DI) [51] of the variable coefficient nonlinear Schrödinger equations (VCNLSEs) is first introduced by construction of an explicit transformation, which maps VCNLSE to the usual nonlinear Schrödinger equations (NLSEs). One novel feature of VCNLSE with DI is that its coefficients can be designed artificially and analytically by using transformation. A special example between nonautonomous NLSEs and NLSEs is given here. Further, the optical super‐lattice potentials (or periodic potentials) and multiwell potentials are designed, which are two kinds of important potential in Bose–Einstein condensation and nonlinear optical systems. There are two interesting features of the soliton of the VCNLSEs indicated by the analytic and exact formula. Specifically, its profile is variable and its trajectory is not a straight line when it evolves with time t.
Economic security arrangements in the context of population ageing in India
Authors: Bloom David E. , Mahal Ajay , Rosenberg Larry , Sevilla Jaypee
Published: September 2010

The rapid ageing of India's population, in conjunction with migration out of rural areas and the continued concentration of the working population in the informal sector, has highlighted the need for better economic security arrangements for the elderly. Traditional family ties that have been key to ensuring a modicum of such security are beginning to fray, and increased longevity is making care of the elderly more expensive. As a result, the elderly are at increased risk of being poor or falling into poverty. In parallel with its efforts to address this issue, the Government of India and some of the Indian states have initiated an array of programmes for providing some level of access to health care or health insurance to the great majority of Indians who lack sufficient access. Formal‐sector workers have greater social security than those in the informal sector, but they only represent a small share of the workforce. Women are particularly vulnerable to economic insecurity. India's experience offers some lessons for other countries. Although there is space for private initiatives in the social security arena, it is clear that most such efforts will need to be tax‐financed. The role that private providers can play is substantial, even when most funding comes from public sources, but such activity will face greater challenges as more individuals seek benefits. India has also shown that implementation can often be carried out well by states using central government funds, with a set of advantages and disadvantages that such decentralization brings. Finally, India's experience with implementation can offer guidance on issues such as targeting, the use of information technology in social security systems, and human resource management.
The capacity of social security and health care institutions to adapt to an ageing world
Authors: Harper Sarah
Published: September 2010

Population ageing has been occurring in many countries within Europe, North America and elsewhere for a number of decades. However, recently the pace, size and global reach of such ageing has begun to be recognised, and the wider implications assessed. Population ageing poses a key policy challenge for social security and health care systems across the globe. Different governments will come to these considerations carrying with them contrasting demographic profiles, welfare regimes and institutional structures, and cultural systems. The future success of societies in their efforts to accommodate such demographic change will, to a large extent, rest with the capacity of social security and health care institutions to adapt to an ageing world.
Involvement of the 3′‐untranslated region of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene in activity‐dependent mRNA stabilization
Authors: Fukuchi Mamoru , Tsuda Masaaki
Published: September 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1222–1233.

Although gene transcription is controlled by neuronal activity, little is known about post‐transcriptional regulation in neurons. Using cultured neurons, we found that the half‐life of immediate‐early gene transcripts is prolonged or shortened by membrane depolarization. Focusing on the activity‐dependent stabilization of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA, we constructed a series of plasmids, in which the short 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of the BDNF gene was fused to the firefly luciferase gene, and found that the 3′‐UTR prevented destabilization of luciferase mRNA through Ca2+ signals evoked via depolarization. No such prevention was observed with the simian virus 40 late poly(A) site. The pre‐mRNA covering the entire short 3′‐UTR, where multiple poly(A) sites including novel ones are located, was stabilized. Deletion analyses of 3′‐UTR revealed a core region (about 130 bases long) and a complementary region to be responsible for the prevention, well consistent with the formation of an extended stem‐loop RNA structure and the production of poly(A) mRNAs. Thus, the mRNA stability is activity‐dependently controlled in neurons and distinct regions of the 3′‐UTR of BDNF mRNA are involved in stabilizing mRNA in response to Ca2+ signals, suggesting a primary role of the RNA secondary structure affecting the availability of poly(A) sites in activity‐dependent mRNA stabilization.
Conformational changes in extracellular loop 2 associated with signal transduction in the glycine receptor
Authors: Cederholm Jennie M. E. , Absalom Nathan L. , Sugiharto Silas , Griffith Renate , Schofield Peter R. , Lewis Trevor M.
Published: September 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1245–1255.

Ligand‐gated ion channels efficiently couple neurotransmitter binding to the opening of an intrinsic ion channel to generate the post‐synaptic potentials that are characteristic of fast synaptic transmission. In the Cys‐loop family of ligand‐gated ion channels, the ligand‐binding site is approximately 60 Å above the channel gate. Structural modelling of related proteins and mutagenesis studies led to the hypothesis that loops 2 and 7 of the extracellular domain may couple ligand binding to receptor activation. Mutating loop 2 residues of the glycine receptor to cysteine reveals an alternating pattern of effect upon receptor function. Mutations A52C, T54C and M56C produced a threefold right‐shift in EC50. In contrast, a 30‐fold right‐shift was seen for mutations E53C, T55C and D57C. Loop 2 conformational changes associated with ligand binding were assessed by measuring the rate of covalent modification of substituted cysteines by charged methane thiosulfonate reagents. We show for the first time state‐dependent differences in the rate of reaction. A52C and T54C are more accessible in the resting state and M56C is more accessible in the activated state. These results demonstrate that loop 2 does undergo a conformational change as part of the mechanism that couples ligand binding to channel opening.
Biochemical dissection of Anosmin‐1 interaction with FGFR1 and components of the extracellular matrix
Authors: Murcia‐Belmonte Verónica , Esteban Pedro F. , García‐González Diego , De Castro Fernando
Published: September 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1256–1265.

Anosmin‐1, defective in Kallmann’s syndrome, participates in the adhesion, migration and differentiation of different cell types in the CNS. Although not fully understood, the mechanisms of action of Anosmin‐1 involve the interaction with different proteins, being the interaction with fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and the modulation of its signalling the best studied to date. Using glutathione‐S‐transferase pull‐down assays we demonstrate that the FnIII.3 (Fibronectin‐like type III) domain and the combination whey acidic protein‐FnIII.1, but not each of them individually, interact with FGFR1. The interaction of the whey acidic protein‐FnIII.1 domains is substantially reduced when the cysteine‐rich region is present, suggesting a likely regulatory role for this domain. The introduction in FnIII.3 of any of the two missense mutations found in Kallmann’s syndrome patients, E514K and F517L, abolished the interaction with FGFR1, what suggests an important role for these residues in the interaction. Interestingly, the chemoattraction of Anosmin‐1 on rat neuronal precursors (NPs) via FGFR1 is retained by the N‐terminal region of Anosmin‐1 but not by FnIII.3 alone, and is lost in proteins carrying either one of the missense mutations, probably because of a highly reduced binding capacity to FGFR1. We also describe homophilic interaction Anosmin‐1/Anosmin‐1 via the FnIII repeats 1 and 4, and the interaction of FnIII.1 and FnIII.3 with Fibronectin and of FnIII.3 with Laminin.
Population persistence of the parasitoid fly Zaira cinerea (Fallén) (Diptera: Tachinidae) utilizing multiple host carabid beetles with different seasonality and quality
Authors: OHWAKI Atsushi , NAKAMURA Koji
Published: September 2010

Zaira cinerea (Fallén) is a parasitoid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) that attacks adult carabid beetles. To better understand mechanisms of population persistence in this species, we examined seasonality of host beetle abundance, the frequency of parasitism, and the timing of fly eclosion. In addition, we evaluated host quality using numbers of larvae or puparia per individual beetle as a measure of quality. The fly parasitized only large carabids (≥15 mm body length); the lengths of fly puparia reached 7.4–10.8 mm during development in beetle abdomens, and larger hosts are likely essential. Of the 18 large carabid species collected in this study, we chose two, Carabus maiyasanus Bates and Leptocarabus procerulus (Bates), because they were large and abundant (87% of total catch). The two carabids had different phonologies; C. maiyasanus was abundant from spring to summer, and its abundance dropped sharply in autumn, while L. procerulus was abundant in autumn and rare from spring to summer except July. Parasitism was observed in all the months from May to November except June, and adult flies eclosed more than once a year (in early summer, late summer, and mid‐autumn), indicating that the species is multivoltine. Host quality of L. procerulus was higher than that of C. maiyasanus. Carabus maiyasanus was mainly used as a host from spring to summer, and L. procerulus was used in autumn. Thus, adult beetles of one or both species are available over most of spring, summer, and autumn, allowing population persistence of this fly species over time.
Consequences Arising From Elevated Surface Temperatures on Human Blood
Authors: Hamilton Kathrin F. , Schmidt Verena I. , Mager Ilona , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich
Published: September 2010

Heat in blood pumps is generated by losses of the electrical motor and bearings. In the presented study the influence of tempered surfaces on bulk blood and adhesions on these surfaces was examined. Titanium alloy housing dummies were immersed in 25 mL heparinized human blood. The dummies were constantly tempered at specific temperatures (37–45°C) over 15 min. Blood samples were withdrawn for blood parameter analysis and the determination of the plasmatic coagulation cascade. The quantities of adhesion on surfaces were determined by drained weight. Blood parameters do not alter significantly up to surface temperatures of 45°C. In comparison to the control specimen, a drop in the platelet count can be observed, but is not significantly temperature dependent. The mean mass of adhesions at 41°C increased up to 66% compared to 37°C. Thus, heat generated in electrical motors and contact bearings may influence the amount of adhesions on surfaces.
Prediction of Leakage Flow in a Shrouded Centrifugal Blood Pump
Authors: Teo Ji‐Bin , Chan Weng‐Kong , Wong Yew‐Wah
Published: September 2010

This article proposes a phenomenological model to predict the leakage flow in the clearance gap of shrouded centrifugal blood pumps. A good washout in the gap clearance between the rotating impeller surfaces and volute casing is essential to avoid thrombosis. However, excessive leakage flow will result in higher fluid shear stress that may lead to hemolysis. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed to investigate the leakage flow in a miniaturized shrouded centrifugal blood pump operating at a speed of 2000 rpm. Based on an analytical model derived earlier, a phenomenological model is proposed to predict the leakage flow. The leakage flow rate is found to be proportional to hα, where h is the gap size and the exponent α ranges from 2.955 to 3.15 for corresponding gap sizes of 0.2–0.5 mm. In addition, it is observed that α is a linear function of the gap size h. The exponent α compensates for the variation of pressure difference along the circumferential direction as well as inertia effects that are dominant for larger gap clearances. The proposed model displays good agreement with computational results. The CFD analysis also showed that for larger gap sizes, the total leakage flow rate is of the same order of magnitude as the operating flow rate, thus suggesting low volumetric efficiency.
Outline of the International Organization for Standardization Standard for Circulatory Support Devices (ISO 14708‐5)
Authors: Imachi Kou , Mussivand Tofy
Published: September 2010

The rapid progress of artificial heart and circulatory support devices enables us to apply them to severe heart failure patients. Many types of circulatory support devices have been developed in the United States, Europe, and Japan. This situation urged the establishment of an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard for the circulatory support devices. A new work, “Cardiac Ventricular Assist Devices,” was proposed to the ISO/TC150/SC6 (TC150: Technical Committee of Implants for Surgery, SC6: Sub‐committee of Active Implants) in 2000, and the work was finalized for publication at a 2009 meeting of the ISO/TC150 in Kyoto. In this article, the authors would like to introduce the ISO system and the outline of the ISO Standard for Circulatory Support Devices.
Evaluation of the Impeller Shroud Performance of an Axial Flow Ventricular Assist Device Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Su Boyang , Chua Leok P. , Lim Tau M. , Zhou Tongming
Published: September 2010

Generally, there are two types of impeller design used in the axial flow blood pumps. For the first type, which can be found in most of the axial flow blood pumps, the magnet is embedded inside the impeller hub or blades. For the second type, the magnet is embedded inside the cylindrical impeller shroud, and this design has not only increased the rotating stability of the impeller but has also avoided the flow interaction between the impeller blade tip and the pump casing. Although the axial flow blood pumps with either impeller design have been studied individually, the comparisons between these two designs have not been conducted in the literature. Therefore, in this study, two axial flow blood pumps with and without impeller shrouds were numerically simulated with computational fluid dynamics and compared with each other in terms of hydraulic and hematologic performances. For the ease of comparison, these two models have the same inner components, which include a three‐blade straightener, a two‐blade impeller, and a three‐blade diffuser. The simulation results showed that the model with impeller shroud had a lower static pressure head with a lower hydraulic efficiency than its counterpart. It was also found that the blood had a high possibility to deposit on the impeller shroud inner surface, which greatly enhanced the possibility of thrombus formation. The blood damage indices in both models were around 1%, which was much lower than the 13.1% of the axial flow blood pump of Yano et al. with the corresponding experimental hemolysis of 0.033 g/100 L.
Endocardial Blood Cyst: A Rare Site and Age of Presentation
Authors: Mori Fabio , Oddo Andrea , Fabbri Valentina , Perini Alessandro Paoletti , Stefano Pier Luigi , Taddei Gian Luigi
Published: September 2010

Cardiac blood cysts are rare findings in clinical practice. They usually involve the valves and are very uncommon in adult age. Their clinical manifestation varies broadly, as they can interfere with intracardiac flow, or even be completely silent. We report a case of a newly developed cyst of the atrial septum, incidentally detected by transthoracic echocardiography in a 69‐year‐old asymptomatic patient. The diagnosis was confirmed by postsurgery histopathological examination. (Echocardiography 2011;28:E50‐E52)
Assessment of the Left Ventricular Chamber Stiffness in Athletes
Authors: Popovic Dejana , Ostojic Miodrag C. , Petrovic Milan , Vujisic‐Tesic Bosiljka , Popovic Bojana , Nedeljkovic Ivana , Arandjelovic Aleksandra , Jakovljevic Branko , Stojanov Vesna , Damjanovic Svetozar
Published: September 2010

Since diastolic dysfunction is an early sign of the heart disease, detecting diastolic disturbances is predicted to be the way for early recognizing underlying heart disease in athletes. So‐called chamber stiffness index (E/e′)/LVDd was predicted to be useful in distinguishing physiological from pathological left ventricular hypertrophy, because it was shown to be reduced in athletes. It remains unknown whether it is reduced in all athletic population. Standard and tissue Doppler were used to assess cardiac parameters at rest in 16 elite male wrestlers, 21 water polo player, and 20 sedentary subjects of similar age. In addition to (E/e′)/LVDd index, a novel (E/e′)/LVV, (E/e′)/RVe′lat indices were determined. Progressive continuous maximal test on treadmill was used to assess the functional capacity. VO2 max was the highest in water polo players, and higher in wrestlers than in controls. LVDd, LVV, LVM/BH2.7 were higher in athletes. Left ventricular early diastolic filling velocity, deceleration and isovolumetric relaxation time did not differ. End‐systolic wall stress was significantly higher in water polo players. RV e′ was lower in water polo athletes. Right atrial pressure (RVE/e′) was the highest in water polo athletes. (E/e′lat)/LVDd was not reduced in athletes comparing to controls (water polo players 0.83 ± 0.39, wrestlers 0.73 ± 0.29, controls 0.70 ± 0.28; P = 0.52), but (E/e′s)/RVe′lat better distinguished examined groups (water polo players 0.48 ± 0.37, wrestlers 0.28 ± 0.15, controls 0.25 ± 0.16, P = 0.015) and it was the only index which predicted VO2 max. In conclusion, intensive training does not necessarily reduce (E/e′lat)/LVDd index. A novel index (E/e′s)/RVe′lat should be investigated furthermore in detecting diastolic adaptive changes. (Echocardiography 2011;28:276‐287)
Microstructure and Piezoelectric Properties of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–BaTiO3 Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics Modified by B2O3–CuO
Authors: Yan Kang , Matsumoto Kohei , Karaki Tomoaki , Adachi Masatoshi
Published: September 2010

A combined sintering aid mixture of B2O3 and CuO for lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics having the composition 0.95K0.5Na0.5NbO3–0.05BaTiO3 (KNN‐BT) is introduced. The effects of the sintering aid mixture of 0.6B2O3–0.4CuO on the sintering behavior, microstructure, and electrical properties of KNN‐BT are investigated. Adding 2 wt% of the sintering aid mixture can effectively broaden the narrow sintering temperature range having a size of 20°C to above 50°C and increase the grain size of samples as well as maintain the high density of samples sintered at a low temperature. The increase in grain size contributes to an improvement in electrical properties. High piezoelectric properties of d33=205 pC/N, kp=38.0%, Qm=119, ɛ33T/ɛ0=1254, and tan δ=0.0264 are obtained for a KNN‐BT‐2wt% (B2O3–CuO) sample sintered at 1120°C.
Preparation and Optical Property of Glass Ceramics Containing Ruby Crystals
Authors: Ueda Jumpei , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: September 2010

We have developed the glass ceramics containing ruby crystals by heat treatment of a Cr3+‐doped SiO2–Al2O3–Y2O3 glass at 1550°C. The shape of precipitated crystals in the glass matrix was rod type whose average width and length were around 10 and 200 μm, respectively. From an X‐ray diffraction measurement and an electron probe X‐ray microanalysis, it was confirmed that the rod crystals were α‐Al2O3. Intense emission bands of Cr3+ at 694 nm, called the R‐lines, were observed in the glass ceramics heat treated above 1300°C. In addition, the intense red luminescence was observed only in the α‐Al2O3 rod crystals by a photoluminescence mapping image.
Effects of BaCu(B2O5) Addition on Phase Transition, Sintering Temperature, and Microwave Properties of Ba4LiNb3O12 Ceramics
Authors: Fang Liang , Chu Dongjin , Li Chunchun , Zhou Huanfu , Yang Zhao
Published: September 2010

Polycrystalline sample of Ba4LiNb3O12 is synthesized in the temperature range of 1150°–1180°C by the conventional solid‐state reaction method. A phase transition from cubic to hexagonal perovskite is observed around 1160°C. It is noted that hexagonal phase of Ba4LiNb3O12 obtained at 1180°C could be stabilized at a considerably lower temperature (∼950°C) with BaCu(B2O5) (BCB) added. BCB addition effectively improves the densification of Ba4LiNb3O12 ceramic and significantly affects the microwave dielectric properties. When 4 wt% BCB is added, a dense ceramic can be sintered at 950°C with a ɛr of 34.5, a high Q×f of 29 600 GHz, and a low τf of 12.4 ppm/°C. Moreover, BCB‐added Ba4LiNb3O12 ceramics have a chemical compatibility with silver.
Proteomics and syndrome of Chinese medicine
Authors: Lu Chuan‐Li , Qv Xiao‐Ying , Jiang Jian‐Guo
Published: September 2010

Introduction

Proteomics and its adaptive multi‐disciplinary

Relationship between proteomics and syndrome of Chinese medicine

Applications of proteomics in syndrome

Problems and prospects

Syndrome of Chinese medicine is an understanding of the regularity of disease occurrence and development and its performance of symptoms. Syndrome is the key to recognize diseases and the foundation to treat them. However, because of the complexity of the concept and the limitation of present investigations, the research of syndrome is hard to go further. Proteomics has been received extensive attention in the area of medical diagnosis and drug development. In the holistic and systemic context, proteomics have a convergence with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome, which could overcome the one‐sidedness and singleness of TCM and avoid the complication and tedious processes. Chinese medicine has a wealth of experience and proteomics has a substantial research potential, the integration of the two aspects will bring a great enhancement of our knowledge of disease.
Protective effects of AMP‐activated protein kinase in the cardiovascular system
Authors: Xu Qiang , Si Liang‐Yi
Published: September 2010

Introduction

AMPK structure and function

Role of AMPK in the heart

Role of AMPK in endothelial cells

Role of AMPK in vascular smooth muscle cells

Role of AMPK in vascular angiogenesis

Role of AMPK in cardiovascular diseases

Conclusion and perspectives

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Recent studies of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), a highly conserved sensor of cellular energy status, suggest that there might be therapeutic value in targeting the AMPK signaling pathway. AMPK is found in most mammalian tissues, including those of the cardiovascular system. As cardiovascular diseases are typically associated with blood flow occlusion and blood occlusion may induce rapid energy deficit, AMPK activation may occur during the early phase upon nutrient deprivation in cardiovascular organs. Therefore, investigation of AMPK in cardiovascular organs may help us to understand the pathophysiology of defence mechanisms in these organs. Recent studies have provided proof of concept for the idea that AMPK is protective in heart as well as in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Moreover, dysfunction of the AMPK signalling pathway is involved in the genesis and development of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and stroke. The roles of AMPK in the cardiovascular system, as they are currently understood, will be presented in this review. The interaction between AMPK and other cardiovascular signalling pathways such as nitric oxide signalling is also discussed.
Echocardiographic prediction of patent ductus arteriosus in need of therapeutic intervention
Authors: Harling S , Hansen‐Pupp I , Baigi A , Pesonen E
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To evaluate the efficacy of various echocardiographic markers in predicting a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in need of treatment.

Methods:  Forty‐five preterm infants with a mean (SD) gestational age of 27.7 (1.9) weeks underwent echocardiography at a postnatal age of 24 ± 6 and 72 ± 6 h. Four echocardiographic markers were studied: ductus diameter, ductal flow Doppler curves, the left atrial to aortic root (LA/Ao) ratio and Doppler pixels representing ductal shunting.

Results:  Twenty‐eight infants had a PDA with a detectable left‐to‐right shunt. Of these, 12 (43%) were treated for a shunt through the PDA. Ductal diameter was the most accurate echocardiographic marker when it came to predicting a significant shunt, with a sensitivity of 89%, a specificity of 70%, a positive likelihood ratio of 2.97 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.16 at the age of 72 h. The efficacy of the method at 72 h of age was 84%. The corresponding efficacy of the pulsatile Doppler curve was 72%, percentage of green colour pixels 63% and the LA/Ao ratio 53%.

Conclusion:  Ductus diameter appears to be the most important variable in determining the need for therapeutic intervention for PDA in preterm infants.
Swedish translation and validation of the Pediatric Allergic Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PADQLQ)
Authors: Kiotseridis Hampus , Cilio Corrado M , Bjermer Leif , Aurivillius Magnus , Jacobsson Helene , Tunsäter Alf
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The aim of the study was to translate and validate the PADQLQ (Pediatric Allergic Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire), a disease‐specific quality of life questionnaire for the assessment of quality of life in children with pollen allergy.

Methods:  The PADQLQ was translated into Swedish according to guidelines. Children aged 7–18 with grass pollen allergy were included. Quality of life was assessed in parallel with ordinary symptom scales (VAS) before, during and after the pollen season.

Results:  A total of 98 children were included and 89 (91%) completed the study. The results for PADQLQ showed good cross‐sectional and longitudinal validity. The retrospective estimation after the season showed good consensus with the assessment during pollen season.

Conclusion:  Quality of life in children assessed with the PADQLQ (Pediatric Allergic Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire) is a reliable strategy for evaluating the burden of disease in children with pollen allergy and for the evaluation of treatment.
Complex Mutation and Weak Selection together Determined the Codon Usage Bias in Bryophyte Mitochondrial Genomes
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Jing , Jin Liang , Feng Xue‐Ying , Chen Jian‐Qun
Published: September 2010

Mutation and selection are two major forces causing codon usage biases. How these two forces influence the codon usages in green plant mitochondrial genomes has not been well investigated. In the present study, we surveyed five bryophyte mitochondrial genomes to reveal their codon usage patterns as well as the determining forces. Three interesting findings were made. First, comparing to Chara vulgaris, an algal species sister to all extant land plants, bryophytes have more G, C‐ending codon usages in their mitochondrial genes. This is consistent with the generally higher genomic GC content in bryophyte mitochondria, suggesting an increased mutational pressure toward GC. Second, as indicated by Wright's Nc‐GC3s plot, mutation, not selection, is the major force affecting codon usages of bryophyte mitochondrial genes. However, the real mutational dynamics seem very complex. Context‐dependent analysis indicated that nucleotide at the 2nd codon position would slightly affect synonymous codon choices. Finally, in bryophyte mitochondria, tRNA genes would apply a weak selection force to fine‐tune the synonymous codon frequencies, as revealed by data of Ser4‐Pro‐Thr‐Val families. In summary, complex mutation and weak selection together determined the codon usages in bryophyte mitochondrial genomes.
Freshwater Fish Gill Ion Transport: August Krogh to morpholinos and microprobes
Authors: Evans D. H.
Published: September 2010

August Krogh proposed that freshwater fishes (and other freshwater animals) maintain body NaCl homoeostasis by extracting these ions from the environment via separate Na+/NH4+ and Cl−/HCO3− exchangers in the gill epithelium. Subsequent data from other laboratories suggested that Na+ uptake was more probably coupled to H+ secretion via a vesicular proton pump (V‐ATPase) electrically coupled to a Na+ channel. However, despite uncertainty about electrochemical gradients, evidence has accrued that epithelial Na+/H+ exchange indeed may be an alternative pathway for Na+ uptake. The specific pathways for Na+ uptake may be species and environment specific. An apical Cl−/HCO3− exchanger is generally accepted for most species (some species do not extract Cl− from freshwater), but the relative roles of anion exchanger‐like (SLC4A1) vs. pendrin‐like (SLC26Z4) exchangers are unknown, and also may be species specific. Most recently, data have supported the presence of an apical Na+ + Cl− cotransporter (NCC‐type), despite thermodynamic uncertainty. Ammonia extrusion may be via NH3 diffusing through the paracellular junctions or NH4+ substitution on both basolateral and apical ionic exchangers (Na+ + K+‐ATPase; Na+ + K+ + Cl− ‐ cotransporter; and Na+/H+ exchanger), but recent evidence suggests that Rhesus‐glycoproteins mediate both basolateral and apical movement of ammonia.
Intrinsic properties of lumbar motor neurones in the adult G127insTGGG superoxide dismutase‐1 mutant mouse in vivo: evidence for increased persistent inward currents
Authors: Meehan C. F. , Moldovan M. , Marklund S. L. , Graffmo K. S. , Nielsen J. B. , Hultborn H.
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by a preferential loss of motor neurones. Previous publications using in vitro neonatal preparations suggest an increased excitability of motor neurones in various superoxide dismutase‐1 (SOD1) mutant mice models of ALS which may contribute to excitotoxicity of the motor neurones.

Methods:  Using intracellular recording, we tested this hypothesis in vivo in the adult presymptomatic G127insTGGG (G127X) SOD1 mutant mouse model of ALS.

Results:  At resting membrane potentials the basic intrinsic properties of lumbar motor neurones in the adult presymptomatic G127X mutant are not significantly different from those of wild type. However, at more depolarized membrane potentials, motor neurones in the G127X SOD1 mutants can sustain higher frequency firing, showing less spike frequency adaption (SFA) and with persistent inward currents (PICs) being activated at lower firing frequencies and being more pronounced.

Conclusion:  We demonstrated that, in vivo, at resting membrane potential, spinal motor neurones of the adult G127X mice do not show an increased excitability. However, when depolarized they show evidence of an increased PIC and less SFA which may contribute to excitotoxicity of these neurones as the disease progresses.
Mechanosensitive signalling in fish gill and other ion transporting epithelia
Authors: Marshall W. S.
Published: September 2010

Epithelia involved in vectorial salt transport respond to apical and basolateral changes in osmotic activity by moderating the transmural solute transport rate simultaneously with underlying volume regulatory mechanisms involved in regulatory volume increase (RVI) and decrease (RVD). This review examines rapid osmotic responses in salt secreting epithelia of marine and euryhaline teleost fish, with inclusion of recent results from other ion transporting epithelia that also respond rapidly to osmotic shock. Mitochondrion‐rich chloride secreting cells of marine teleost fish gills and skin, when exposed to hypertonic shock, activate NaCl secretion via phosphorylation of Na+,K+,2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC1) in the basolateral membrane and activation of anion channels in the apical membrane. Conversely, NaCl secretion is inhibited when chloride secreting cells are swollen osmotically. Mammalian airway epithelial cells also possess NKCC1 basally and apical anion channels [Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR)]; with hypotonic shock, this epithelium releases ATP and NaCl secretion is stimulated via purinergic receptors, while hypertonic shock inhibits Na+ uptake. In the eye, the ciliary epithelium activates Cl− channels in response to hypotonic shock as RVD, an effect that modulates transepithelial fluid transport rates. In the renal A6 cell line, K+ and Cl− effluxes activate during RVD and RVI Na+ transepithelial absorption. A common theme in these systems is ATP release in hypotonic shock with subsequent RVD‐effective mechanisms such as NKCC1 inhibition and K+ and Cl− efflux, but there are different effects of osmotic changes on transepithelial transport, apparently depending on the role of the epithelial system.