bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Model System for Concurrent Detection of Antigen and Antibody Based on Immunological Fluorescent Method
Authors: Cao Yuan-Cheng
Published: May 2015

This paper describes a combined antigen/antibody immunoassay implemented in a 96-well plate using fluorescent spectroscopic method. First, goat anti-human IgG was used to capture human IgG (model antigen); goat anti-human IgG (Cy3 or FITC) was used to detect the model antigen; a saturating level of model antigen was then added followed by unlabelled goat anti-human IgG (model antibody); finally, Cy3 labelled rabbit anti-goat IgG was used to detect the model antibody. Two approaches were applied to the concomitant assay to analyze the feasibility. The first approach applied FITC and Cy3 when both targets were present at the same time, resulting in 50 ng/mL of the antibody detection limit and 10 ng/mL of antigen detection limit in the quantitative measurements of target concentration, taking the consideration of FRET efficiency of 68% between donor and acceptor. The sequential approach tended to lower the signal/noise (S/N) ratio and the detection of the model antigen (lower than 1 ng/mL) had better sensitivity than the model antibody (lower than 50 ng/mL). This combined antigen/antibody method might be useful for combined detection of antigens and antibodies. It will be helpful to screen for both antigen and antibody particularly in the situations of the multiserotype and high-frequency mutant virus infections.
Ouabain Modulates Zymosan‐Induced Peritonitis in Mice
Authors: Leite Jacqueline Alves , Alves Anne Kaliery De Abreu , Galvão José Guilherme Marques , Teixeira Mariana Pires , Cavalcante-Silva Luiz Henrique Agra , Scavone Cristoforo , Morrot Alexandre , Rumjanek Vivian Mary , Rodrigues-Mascarenhas Sandra
Published: May 2015

Ouabain, a potent inhibitor of the Na+, K+‐ATPase, was identified as an endogenous substance. Recently, ouabain was shown to affect various immunological processes. We have previously demonstrated the ability of ouabain to modulate inflammation, but little is known about the mechanisms involved. Thus, the aim of the present work is to evaluate the immune modulatory role of ouabain on zymosan‐induced peritonitis in mice. Our results show that ouabain decreased plasma exudation (33%). After induction of inflammation, OUA treatment led to a 46% reduction in the total number of cells, as a reflex of a decrease of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which does not appear to be due to cell death. Furthermore, OUA decreased TNF‐α (57%) and IL‐1β (58%) levels, without interfering with IL‐6 and IL‐10. Also, in vitro experiments show that ouabain did not affect endocytic capacity. Moreover, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) shows that zymosan treatment increased (85%) NF‐κB binding activity and that ouabain reduced (30%) NF‐κB binding activity induced by zymosan. Therefore, our data suggest that ouabain modulated acute inflammatory response, reducing the number of cells and cytokines levels in the peritoneal cavity, as well as NFκB activation, suggesting a new mode of action of this substance.
In VitroandIn VivoCytogenotoxic Effects of Hot Aqueous Extract ofAchyrocline satureioides(Lam.) DC.
Authors: Cariddi L. N. , Sabini M. C. , Escobar F. M. , Bacchetti R. , Montironi I. , Merckis C. , Reinoso E. B. , Núñez Montoya S. , Zanon S. M. , Comini L. R. , Sabini L. I.
Published: May 2015

In this work we extend the toxicological studies of hot aqueous extract ofA. satureioides(As-HAE) evaluating cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We also determine genotoxic action of this extractin vivo. In addition, the extract was chemically characterized. Finally, we established a comparison with previous data of cold aqueous extract. The As-HAE induced cytotoxicity on PBMCs determined by trypan blue dye exclusion (CC50= 653 μg/mL) and MTT (CC50= 588 μg/mL) assays being more toxic than cold extract. However, As-HAE as well as cold extract did not induce apoptosis measured by Hoechst 33258 staining, TUNEL assay, and DNA fragmentation analysis. Thein vivomicronucleus test showed that As-HAE exerted cytogenotoxic effects on bone marrow of mice, contrary to what was observed with cold extract. The chemical study of As-HAE allowed identifying the flavonoids found in cold extract: luteolin, quercetin, and 3-O-methylquercetin, but at higher concentrations. We suggest that toxic effects induced by As-HAE could be due to high concentrations of these flavonoids. Given that As-HAE is the most used in folkloric medicine, its administration should be controlled in order to prevent potential cell damage.
Analytical Models for Gravitating Radiating Systems
Authors: Brassel B. P. , Maharaj S. D. , Govender G.
Published: May 2015

We analyse the gravitational behaviour of a relativistic heat conducting fluid in a shear-free spherically symmetric spacetime. We show that the isotropy of pressure is a consistency condition which realises a second order nonlinear ordinary differential equation with variable coefficients in the gravitational potentials. Several new classes of solutions are found to the governing equation by imposing various forms on one of the potentials. Interestingly, a complex transformation leads to an exact solution with only real metric functions. All solutions are written in terms of elementary functions. We demonstrate graphically that the fluid pressure, energy density, and heat flux are well behaved for the model, and the model is consistent with a core-envelope framework.
MicroRNAs in Kidney Transplantation: Living up to Their Expectations?
Authors: van den Akker Eline K. , Dor Frank J. M. F. , IJzermans Jan N. M. , de Bruin Ron W. F.
Published: May 2015

Since the discovery of microRNAs, ample research has been conducted to elucidate their involvement in an array of (patho)physiological conditions. Ischemia reperfusion injury is a major problem in kidney transplantation and its mechanism is still not fully known, nor is there an effective therapy. Furthermore, no biomarker is available to specifically measure (ischemic) damage after kidney transplantation or predict transplantation outcome. In this review, we summarize studies conducted on microRNAs in renal ischemia reperfusion injury and kidney transplantation. Although the number of publications on miRNAs in different areas of nephrology is increasing every year, only a limited number of reports that address the role of miRNAs in relation to ischemia reperfusion injury or kidney transplantation are available. All reports up to June 2014 on microRNAs in renal IRI, kidney transplantation, and renal allograft status were included. Design of the studies was highly variable and there was limited overlap between microRNAs found in these reports. No single microRNA expression pattern could be found, although multiple microRNAs involved in the immune response seem to be altered after ischemia reperfusion injury and kidney transplantation. Although there is a growing interest in microRNA research in kidney transplantation aiming to identify biomarkers and therapeutical targets, to date, no specific microRNA has been demonstrated to be applicable as either one, mostly because of lack of specificity. More systematical research is needed to determine whether microRNAs can be applied as biomarker, therapeutic target, or therapeutic agent in kidney transplantation.
Free Floating Right Heart Thrombus Associated with Acute Pulmonary Embolism: An Unsettled Therapeutic Difficulty
Authors: Nkoke Clovis , Faucher Olivier , Camus Lise , Flork Laurence
Published: May 2015

Free floating right heart thrombus is a rare phenomenon in the context of acute pulmonary embolism and it is associated with a poor outcome. The increased use of echocardiography has led to an increased detection of right heart thrombi. However, optimal management of free floating right heart thrombus remains controversial with no clear consensus. We present the case of a 74-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with acute onset dyspnea on minimal exertion which had developed over a period of 1 day. A computed tomography of the chest demonstrated massive bilateral proximal pulmonary embolism. A bedside transthoracic echocardiography performed showed a moderately dilated, poorly functioning right ventricle with visible highly mobile serpiginous thrombus moving to and fro across the tricuspid valve. Thrombolytic therapy was immediately initiated with tenecteplase which resulted in excellent results. Although there is no clear consensus for the management of right heart thrombus associated with pulmonary embolism, thrombolysis is readily available and can be effective in carefully selected patients.
A Hybrid Program Projects Selection Model for Nonprofit TV Stations
Authors: Chang Kuei-Lun
Published: May 2015

This study develops a hybrid multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) model to select program projects for nonprofit TV stations on the basis of managers’ perceptions. By the concept of balanced scorecard (BSC) and corporate social responsibility (CSR), we collect criteria for selecting the best program project. Fuzzy Delphi method, which can lead to better criteria selection, is used to modify criteria. Next, considering the interdependence among the selection criteria, analytic network process (ANP) is then used to obtain the weights of them. To avoid calculation and additional pairwise comparisons of ANP, technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is used to rank the alternatives. A case study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model.
Response of Sugarcane in a Red Ultisol to Phosphorus Rates, Phosphorus Sources, and Filter Cake
Authors: Caione Gustavo , Prado Renato de Mello , Campos Cid Naudi Silva , Rosatto Moda Leandro , de Lima Vasconcelos Ricardo , Pizauro Júnior João Martins
Published: May 2015

We evaluated the effect of phosphorus application rates from various sources and in the presence or absence of filter cake on soil phosphorus, plant phosphorus, changes in acid phosphatase activity, and sugarcane productivity grown in Eutrophic Red Ultisol. Three P sources were used (triple superphosphate, Araxa rock phosphate, and Bayovar rock phosphate) and four application rates (0, 90, 180, and 360 kg ha−1 of P2O5) in the presence or absence of filter cake (7.5 t ha−1, dry basis). The soil P, the accumulated plant P, the leaf acid phosphatase activity and straw, the stalk productivity, the concentration of soluble solids in the juice (Brix), the juice sucrose content (Pol), and the purity were the parameters evaluated. We found that P applications increased levels of soil, leaf, and juice phosphorus and led to higher phosphorus accumulation and greater stalk and straw productivity. These levels were highest in the presence of filter cake. Acid phosphatase activity decreased with increasing plant phosphorus concentration. Phosphate fertilization did not show effect on sugarcane technological quality. We concluded that P application, regardless of source, improved phosphorus nutrition and increased productivity in sugarcane and, when associated with filter cake, reduced the need for mineral fertilizer.
Cytomegalovirus Uveitis with Hypopyon Mimicking Bacterial Endophthalmitis
Authors: Yoshida Atsushi , Obata Hiroto , Kawashima Hidetoshi
Published: May 2015

We report an 83-year-old immune-competent female with unilateral endophthalmitis extraordinarily caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). Since she was suspected of suffering possible bacterial endophthalmitis, she was referred to our hospital. At the first visit, hypopyon in the anterior chamber and the opacity of vitreous body were observed in the left eye. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the left eye was counting fingers and the intraocular pressure (IOP) was 20 mmHg. Bacterial and fungus culture of the aqueous humor revealed no infection. However, the density of corneal endothelial cell was less than the measurable range and CMV was detected by PCR of the aqueous humor. She was immune-competent and the data indicated neither systemic infections nor diseases. Systemic valganciclovir and corticosteroid were administered. After that, hypopyon in the anterior chamber and the opacity of vitreous body of the left eye were improved, and the BCVA of the left eye was 20/200 one year after the first visit. However, the inflammation of the anterior chamber recurred accompanied by elevated IOP after the discontinuance of administering valganciclovir. CMV-induced uveitis accompanied with hypopyon is quite rare. Therefore, it can be easily misdiagnosed as bacterial endophthalmitis.
Online Structural Health Monitoring and Parameter Estimation for Vibrating Active Cantilever Beams Using Low-Priced Microcontrollers
Authors: Takács Gergely , Vachálek Ján , Rohal’-Ilkiv Boris
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a structural health monitoring and parameter estimation system for vibrating active cantilever beams using low-cost embedded computing hardware. The actuator input and the measured position are used in an augmented nonlinear model to observe the dynamic states and parameters of the beam by the continuous-discrete extended Kalman filter (EKF). The presence of undesirable structural change is detected by variations of the first resonance estimate computed from the observed equivalent mass, stiffness, damping, and voltage-force conversion coefficients. A fault signal is generated upon its departure from a predetermined nominal tolerance band. The algorithm is implemented using automatically generated and deployed machine code on an electronics prototyping platform, featuring an economically feasible 8-bit microcontroller unit (MCU). The validation experiments demonstrate the viability of the proposed system to detect sudden or gradual mechanical changes in real-time, while the functionality on low-cost miniaturized hardware suggests a strong potential for mass-production and structural integration. The modest computing power of the microcontroller and automated code generation designates the proposed system only for very flexible structures, with a first dominant resonant frequency under 4 Hz; however, a code-optimized version certainly allows much stiffer structures or more complicated models on the same hardware.
Lipoma in the Corpus Callosum Presenting with Epileptic Seizures Associated with Expanding Perifocal Edema: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fuga Michiyasu , Tanaka Toshihide , Yamamoto Yohei , Hasegawa Yuzuru , Murayama Yuichi , Takahashi-Fujigasaki Junko
Published: May 2015

This report describes a rare case of a patient with lipoma presenting with epileptic seizures associated with expanding perifocal edema. The patient was a 48-year-old man who presented with loss of consciousness and convulsions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a calcified mass in the corpus callosum with perifocal edema causing mass effect. An interhemispheric approach was used to biopsy the mass lesion. Histological examination revealed typical adipose cells, along with hamartomatous components. These components contained neurofilament and S-100-positive structures showing marked calcification. Fibrous cells immunoreactive forα-smooth muscle actin and epithelial membrane antigen proliferated with focal granulomatous inflammatory changes. MIB-1 index was approximately 5% in immature cells observed in granulomatous areas. We thus suspected a coexisting neoplastic component. The residual lesion persisted in a dormant state for 2 years following biopsy. Surgical resection of a lipoma is extremely difficult and potentially dangerous. However, in the present case, the lesion was accompanied by atypical, expanding, and perifocal edema. Surgical treatment was inevitable for the purpose of histological confirmation, considering differential diagnoses such as dermoid, epidermoid, and glioma. In the end, anticonvulsant therapy proved effective for controlling epileptic seizures.
Identification of Repellent and Insecticidal Constituents fromArtemisia mongolicaEssential Oil againstLasioderma serricorne
Authors: You Chunxue , Guo Shanshan , Zhang Wenjuan , Yang Kai , Geng Zhufeng , Du Shushan , Wang Chengfang , Deng Zhiwei
Published: May 2015

The aims of this research were to determine the chemical composition and insecticidal and repellent activities of theArtemisia mongolicaessential oil againstLasioderma serricorneand to isolate active constituents from the essential oil. The essential oil ofA. mongolicawas obtained by hydrodistillation and 36 components were identified with GC-MS. Eucalyptol (39.88%), (S)-cis-verbenol (14.93%), 4-terpineol (7.20%), (−)-camphor (6.02%), andα-terpineol (4.20%) were found to be major components. With a further isolation process, five constituents obtained from the essential oil were identified as eucalyptol, verbenol, 4-terpineol, camphor, andα-terpineol. In the progress of assay, it showed thatL. serricorneadults had different sensitivities to the crude essential oil and isolated constituents. 4-Terpineol exhibited strongest contact activity againstL. serricorne, showing the LD50value of 8.62 μg/adult. Moreover, camphor andα-terpineol showed stronger fumigant activity (LC50=2.91and 3.27 mg/L air, resp.) againstL. serricornethan crude essential oil and other constituents. In addition, the essential oil, eucalyptol, verbenol, andα-terpineol showed comparable repellency againstL. serricorneadults. The results indicate that the essential oil and isolated compounds have potential to provide more efficient and safer natural insecticides or repellents for control of insects in food and Chinese medicinal materials preservation.
Hydrogen Sulfide as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Shufang , Pan Chuli , Zhou Feifei , Yuan Zhi , Wang Huiying , Cui Wei , Zhang Gensheng
Published: May 2015

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), produced endogenously by the activation of two major H2S-generating enzymes (cystathionineβ-synthase and cystathionineγ-lyase), plays important regulatory roles in different physiologic and pathologic conditions. The abnormal metabolism of H2S is associated with fibrosis pathogenesis, causing damage in structure and function of different organs. A number ofin vivoandin vitrostudies have shown that both endogenous H2S level and the expressions of H2S-generating enzymes in plasma and tissues are significantly downregulated during fibrosis. Supplement with exogenous H2S mitigates the severity of fibrosis in various experimental animal models. The protective role of H2S in the development of fibrosis is primarily attributed to its antioxidation, antiapoptosis, anti-inflammation, proangiogenesis, and inhibition of fibroblasts activities. Future studies might focus on the potential to intervene fibrosis by targeting the pathway of endogenous H2S-producing enzymes and H2S itself.
Levothyroxine Augmentation in Clozapine Resistant Schizophrenia: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Seddigh Ruohollah , Azarnik Somayeh , Keshavarz-Akhlaghi Amir-Abbas
Published: May 2015

There are many reports that show different thyroid abnormalities in schizophrenia without clear establishment of their role in etiology and treatment outcome of schizophrenia. Among these reports, there are only a few that consider a role for thyroid hormones as augmenting agents in the treatment with antipsychotic drugs. This case report outlines symptom subsidence of a patient with clozapine refractory paranoid schizophrenia and normal thyroid function who added levothyroxine to clozapine and found that symptoms of psychosis returned once levothyroxine was discontinued. Although this observation needs to be confirmed in controlled clinical trials, we aimed to discuss possible hypothesized mechanisms underlying this observation.
Distance Variance Score: An Efficient Feature Selection Method in Text Classification
Authors: Wang Heyong , Hong Ming
Published: May 2015

With the rapid development of web applications such as social network, a large amount of electric text data is accumulated and available on the Internet, which causes increasing interests in text mining. Text classification is one of the most important subfields of text mining. In fact, text documents are often represented as a high-dimensional sparse document term matrix (DTM) before classification. Feature selection is essential and vital for text classification due to high dimensionality and sparsity of DTM. An efficient feature selection method is capable of both reducing dimensions of DTM and selecting discriminative features for text classification. Laplacian Score (LS) is one of the unsupervised feature selection methods and it has been successfully used in areas such as face recognition. However, LS is unable to select discriminative features for text classification and to effectively reduce the sparsity of DTM. To improve it, this paper proposes an unsupervised feature selection method named Distance Variance Score (DVS). DVS uses feature distance contribution (a ratio) to rank the importance of features for text documents so as to select discriminative features. Experimental results indicate that DVS is able to select discriminative features and reduce the sparsity of DTM. Thus, it is much more efficient than LS.
Late Nontraumatic Dissociation of the Femoral Head and Trunnion in a Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Parker Simon J. M. , Khan Wasim , Mellor Simon
Published: May 2015

Background. Modular total hip arthroplasties are increasingly popular because customisation allows optimal restoration of patient biomechanics. However, the introduction of component interfaces provides greater opportunities for failure. We present a case of late nontraumatic dissociation of the head-neck interface, more than 10 years after insertion.Case Description. A 58-year-old woman had a left metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty in 2002 for hip dysplasia. Following an uneventful 10-year period, she presented to hospital in severe pain after standing from a seated position, and radiographs demonstrated complete dissociation of the modular femoral head from the stem, with the femoral head remaining in its cup. There was no prior trauma or infection. Mild wear and metallosis were present on the articulating surface between the femoral head and trunnion. Soft tissues were unaffected.Discussion and Conclusions. This is the latest occurrence reported to date for nontraumatic component failure in such an implant by more than 7 years. The majority of cases occur in the context of dislocation and attempted closed reduction. We analyse and discuss possible mechanisms for failure, aiming to raise awareness of this potential complication and encouraging utmost care in component handling and insertion, as well as the long term follow-up of such patients.
Altered Expression Levels of MMP1, MMP9, MMP12, TIMP1, and IL-1βas a Risk Factor for the Elevated IOP and Optic Nerve Head Damage in the Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Markiewicz Lukasz , Pytel Dariusz , Mucha Bartosz , Szymanek Katarzyna , Szaflik Jerzy , Szaflik Jacek P. , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: May 2015

The aim of presented work was to analyze the impact of particular polymorphic changes in the promoter regions of the -1607 1G/2GMMP1, -1562 C/TMMP9, -82 A/GMMP12, -511 C/TIL-1β, and 372 T/CTIMP1genes on their expression level in POAG patients. Blood and aqueous humor samples acquired from 50 patients with POAG and 50 control subjects were used for QPCR and protein levels analysis by ELISA.In vivopromoter activity assays were carried on HTM cells using dual luciferase assay. All studied subjects underwent ophthalmic examination, including BCVA, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp examination, gonioscopy, HRT, and OCT scans. Patients with POAG are characterized by an increased mRNA expression ofMMP1,MMP9,MMP12, andIL-1βgenes as compared to the control group (P<0.001). Aqueous humor acquired from patients with POAG displayed increased protein expression of MMP1, MMP9, MMP12, and IL-1βcompared to the control group (P<0.001). Allele -1607 1G ofMMP1gene possesses only 42,91% of the -1607 2G allele transcriptional activity and allele -1562 C ofMMP9gene possesses only 21,86% of the -1562 T allele. Increased expression levels of metalloproteinases can be considered as a risk factor for the development of POAG.
Advances in Development of New Treatment for Leishmaniasis
Authors: de Menezes Juliana Perrone Bezerra , Guedes Carlos Eduardo Sampaio , Petersen Antônio Luis de Oliveira Almeida , Fraga Deborah Bittencourt Mothé , Veras Patrícia Sampaio Tavares
Published: May 2015

Leishmaniasis is a neglected infectious disease caused by several different species of protozoan parasites of the genusLeishmania. Current strategies to control this disease are mainly based on chemotherapy. Despite being available for the last 70 years, leishmanial chemotherapy has lack of efficiency, since its route of administration is difficult and it can cause serious side effects, which results in the emergence of resistant cases. The medical-scientific community is facing difficulties to overcome these problems with new suitable and efficient drugs, as well as the identification of new drug targets. The availability of the complete genome sequence ofLeishmaniahas given the scientific community the possibility of large-scale analysis, which may lead to better understanding of parasite biology and consequent identification of novel drug targets. In this review we focus on how high-throughput analysis is helping us and other groups to identify novel targets for chemotherapeutic interventions. We further discuss recent data produced by our group regarding the use of the high-throughput techniques and how this helped us to identify and assess the potential of new identified targets.
Hypocholesterolemic Effect andIn VitroPancreatic Lipase Inhibitory Activity of anOpuntia ficus-indicaExtract
Authors: Padilla-Camberos Eduardo , Flores-Fernandez Jose Miguel , Fernandez-Flores Ofelia , Gutierrez-Mercado Yanet , Carmona-de la Luz Joel , Sandoval-Salas Fabiola , Mendez-Carreto Carlos , Allen Kirk
Published: May 2015

Cholesterol control is fundamental for prevention of cardiovascular disorders. In this work, the hypocholesterolemic activity of an aqueousOpuntia ficus-indicaextract (AOE) was tested in triton-induced mice. The inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase enzyme was evaluatedin vitroby the same extract. Furthermore, polyphenol content of the extract was evaluated. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in three groups of mice by intraperitoneal administration of Triton WR-1339. After induction of hypercholesterolemia, the groups were treated with an AOE (500 mg/kg) and saline solution and the positive control group with orlistat, respectively. Cholesterol levels were measured 24 h later in peripheral blood. The levels of blood cholesterol after administration of AOE significantly decreased compared to negative control. The inhibitory activity of AOE on pancreatic lipase enzyme was evaluated at concentrations from 60 to 1000 μg/mL. The AOE inhibited the pancreatic lipase with an IC50= 588.5 μg/mL. The AOE had a high content of polyphenolic compounds. These results show that AOE is able to prevent hypercholesterolemia by pancreatic lipase inhibition, in part due to its polyphenolic compounds.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasites in Cats from China
Authors: Yang Yurong , Liang Hongde
Published: May 2015

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in cats from China was largely unknown prior to this study. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of intestinal parasites in cats from central China and also identify risk factors for parasitism. Fecal samples from 360 cats were examined using sugar flotation procedure and fecal smear test by microscope. Cats had mixed two or three kinds of parasites infections. Of the 360 cats feces, intestinal parasites positive feces were 149 (41.39%). 64 (17.78%) were infected withToxocara cati, 61 (16.94%) withIsospora felis, 41 (11.39%) withIsospora rivolta, 33 (9.17%) withParagonimus, 23 (6.39%) with hookworms, 11 (3.06%) withToxoplasma-like oocysts, 10 (2.78%) withTrichuris, 4 (1.11%) with lungworm, 2 (0.56%) withSarcocystis, and 1 (0.28%) withTrematode. The cats’ living outdoor was identified as risk factor by statistical analysis. These results provide relevant basic data for assessing the infection of intestinal parasites in cats from central region of China. In conclusion, there was high prevalence of intestinal parasites in cats from China.
Hydrogen Sulfide Prevents Advanced Glycation End-Products Induced Activation of the Epithelial Sodium Channel
Authors: Wang Qiushi , Song Binlin , Jiang Shuai , Liang Chen , Chen Xiao , Shi Jing , Li Xinyuan , Sun Yingying , Wu Mingming , Zhao Dan , Zhang Zhi-Ren , Ma He-Ping
Published: May 2015

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are complex and heterogeneous compounds implicated in diabetes. Sodium reabsorption through the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) at the distal nephron plays an important role in diabetic hypertension. Here, we report that H2S antagonizes AGEs-induced ENaC activation in A6 cells. ENaC open probability(PO)in A6 cells was significantly increased by exogenous AGEs and that this AGEs-induced ENaC activity was abolished by NaHS (a donor of H2S) and TEMPOL. Incubating A6 cells with the catalase inhibitor 3-aminotriazole (3-AT) mimicked the effects of AGEs on ENaC activity, but did not induce any additive effect. We found that the expression levels of catalase were significantly reduced by AGEs and both AGEs and 3-AT facilitated ROS uptake in A6 cells, which were significantly inhibited by NaHS. The specific PTEN and PI3K inhibitors, BPV(pic) and LY294002, influence ENaC activity in AGEs-pretreated A6 cells. Moreover, after removal of AGEs from AGEs-pretreated A6 cells for 72 hours, ENaCPOremained at a high level, suggesting that an AGEs-related “metabolic memory” may be involved in sodium homeostasis. Our data, for the first time, show that H2S prevents AGEs-induced ENaC activation by targeting the ROS/PI3K/PTEN pathway.
Phase II Study of Oral Tegafur/Uracil and Leucovorin plus Bevacizumab as a First-Line Therapy for Elderly Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mizushima Tsunekazu , Tamagawa Hiroshi , Matsuda Chu , Murata Kohei , Fukunaga Mutsumi , Ota Hirofumi , Hasegawa Junichi , Tsujie Masaki , Fukuzaki Takayuki , Hata Taishi , Takemasa Ichiro , Ikeda Masataka , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Nezu Riichiro , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki
Published: May 2015

Background/Objective: Oral tegafur/uracil and leucovorin (UFT/LV) therapy is effective and safe for elderly patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there are few studies on the combination of bevacizumab with UFT/LV. This clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of UFT/LV plus bevacizumab as a first-line therapy for elderly patients with advanced or metastatic CRC. Methods: Forty patients with advanced or metastatic CRC aged ≥75 years were enrolled in this multicenter, open-label, single-arm phase II study. All patients received oral UFT (300-600 mg) and LV (50 mg) twice daily on days 1-21 and intravenous bevacizumab (5 mg/kg) on days 1 and 15 of a 4-week cycle (University Hospital Medical Information Network No. UMIN000003447). Results: The median follow-up period was 14.7 months. The response rate was 20.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.1-35.6], median progression-free survival was 8.9 months (95% CI: 5.3-11), and median overall survival was 21.7 months (95% CI: 13.7-23.4). The only grade 3 hematological toxicity was neutropenia (3.0%), and the incidence rates of grade 3 nonhematological toxicity were low at ≤10%. Conclusion: UFT/LV plus bevacizumab is a promising first-line regimen for elderly patients with advanced or metastatic CRC. The combination is well tolerated and efficacious.
Repeated Measurement of Crown-Rump Length at 9 and 11-13 Weeks' Gestation: Association with Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Nakamura Masamitsu , Hasegawa Junichi , Arakaki Tatsuya , Takita Hiroko , Hamada Shoko , Ichizuka Kiyotake , Sekizawa Akihiko
Published: May 2015

Aims: To clarify whether ultrasonographic measurements of crown-rump length (CRL) at 11-13 weeks - based on the number of gestational days determined using the CRL at 9 weeks - can predict fetal prognosis. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the association between fetal growth in the first trimester and fetal prognosis. Fetal growth in the first trimester was evaluated measuring CRLs at 11-13 weeks determined using the CRL at 9 weeks. The subjects were divided into short CRL (s-CRL) and normal CRL (n-CRL). The prognoses were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 126 patients in the s-CRL group and 1,130 patients in the n-CRL group were enrolled. Abortion occurred in 7.1% of s-CRL and 0.9% of n-CRL subjects (p < 0.001). Among the patients with chromosomal abnormalities, the incidence of trisomy 18 was significantly greater in s-CRL (4.8 vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001). Without abortion, placental weight, frequency of small for gestational age (SGA) and birth weight in s-CRL were significantly higher than those in the n-CRL group (12.8 vs. 3.6%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Measuring CRL at 9 weeks is useful for determining gestational days prior to measuring CRL at 11-13 weeks. After reconfirming the gestational age at 9 weeks, measuring CRL at 11-13 weeks is useful for predicting the incidence of trisomy 18 as well as SGA later in pregnancy.
Do Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Have Any Roles in Intrauterine Device Mechanism of Action? An Experimental Rat Study
Authors: Cakmak Bulent , Ozalp Sinan Sabit , Acikalin Mustafa Fuat , Nacar Mehmet Can
Published: May 2015

Objective: To assess leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression as markers of intrauterine device (IUD) efficacy in a rat model. Methods: Twenty nulliparous female Wistar rats were divided into two groups with 10 animals per group: group I (IUD) and group II (control group, no IUD). In group I, a 2-cm 3-0 silk suture was placed into one horn of the rat bicornuate uterus. On day 20 (after IUD insertion) rats were sacrificed and their uteri removed. The number of vessels and the distribution of LIF and VEGF were compared among the uterine horns. Results: There were no significant differences in LIF and VEGF expression in the groups and all horns (p > 0.05). The number of vessels was higher in the IUD+ horn than in the IUD- horn of group I and in the horn of group II (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of vessels between the IUD- horns of groups I and II (p > 0.05). Conclusion: LIF and VEGF expression did not correlate with IUD efficacy in a rat model. An IUD may increase the number of vessels in the uterine horn independent of VEGF expression.
As Working Memory Grows: A Developmental Account of Neural Bases of Working Memory Capacity in 5- to 8-Year Old Children and Adults
Authors: Kharitonova Maria , Winter Warren , Sheridan Margaret A.
Published: May 2015

Working memory develops slowly: Even by age 8, children are able to maintain only half the number of items that adults can remember. Neural substrates that support performance on working memory tasks also have a slow developmental trajectory and typically activate to a lesser extent in children, relative to adults. Little is known about why younger participants elicit less neural activation. This may be due to maturational differences, differences in behavioral performance, or both. Here we investigate the neural correlates of working memory capacity in children (ages 5–8) and adults using a visual working memory task with parametrically increasing loads (from one to four items) using fMRI. This task allowed us to estimate working memory capacity limit for each group. We found that both age groups increased the activation of frontoparietal networks with increasing working memory loads, until working memory capacity was reached. Because children's working memory capacity limit was half of that for adults, the plateau occurred at lower loads for children. Had a parametric increase in load not been used, this would have given an impression of less activation overall and less load-dependent activation for children relative to adults. Our findings suggest that young children and adults recruit similar frontoparietal networks at working memory loads that do not exceed capacity and highlight the need to consider behavioral performance differences when interpreting developmental differences in neural activation.
Ḥafṣa and al-Muṣḥaf: Women and the Written Qurʾān in the Early Centuries of Islam
Authors: Silzell Sharon
Published: May 2015

This study examines the ways male medieval Muslim writers portrayed Ḥafṣa bt. ʿUmar b. al-Khaṭṭāb (d. 45/665) and other seventh-century women and their roles as authorities and authenticators of the written word of God. By tracing Ḥafṣa’s ownership of the first complete written copy of the Muslim scripture, I identify the late third/ninth and fourth/tenth centuries as a period of conflict over the chain of transmission of the first Qurʾān. I argue that late third/ninth and fourth/tenth-century accounts of the collection and codification of the Qurʾān illustrate a conscious rewriting of Ḥafṣa’s role in those projects. I suggest that Ḥafṣa’s literacy may have been deemed a threat to the authenticity of the Qurʾān collected by Abū Bakr, resulting in a scholarly attempt to sever her from the codification project.
Colloquium 2 Commentary on Santas
Authors: Singpurwalla Rachel
Published: May 2015

How does Socrates conceive of the good of the city-state in the Republic? Does he conceive of the city as a kind of organic entity, with a good of its own that is independent of the good of the citizens? Or does he think the good of the city includes the good of the citizens. If so, how? Santas argues that the good of the city must include the good of the citizens. Specifically, he argues that the city is organized so that the citizens can attain a great good: the ability to do well the work for which they are best suited by nature and education. In these comments, I raise a challenge for Santas’s interpretation and I provide an alternative account of how the good of the city includes the good of the citizens. On my view, the city is organized so that all of the citizens can attain what is in fact the greatest good for the individual: virtue and the rule of reason.
Colloquium 3 Self-Knowledge in Plato’s Theaetetus and Alcibiades I
Authors: Giannopoulou Zina
Published: May 2015

In this work, I argue that in Theaetetus and Alcibiades I Socrates helps the eponymous characters to acquire self-knowledge by practicing dialectic as a divinely assisted art. In both dialogues, self-knowledge is cashed out as mental seeing and involves inspecting the contents of one’s soul and assessing their viability. The article uses the eye/soul analogy of Alcibiades I as a springboard for an examination of a dialectically induced self-knowledge in the dialogue and for a study of the manifestations of this practice in Theaetetus via Socratic midwifery.
Colloquium 4 Strange Encounters: Theaetetus, Theodorus, Socrates, and the Eleatic Stranger
Authors: Hyland Drew A.
Published: May 2015

This paper examines Plato’s Sophist with particular attention to the cast of characters and the most curious and complicated dramatic situation in which Plato places this dialogue: the dramatic proximity of surrounding dialogues and the impending trial, conviction, and death of Socrates. I use these considerations as a propaedeutic to the raising of questions about how these features of the dialogue might affect our interpretation of the actual positions espoused in the Sophist. One clear effect of these considerations will be to destabilize the commonly held view that in this dialogue Plato is “replacing” Socrates and Socratic aporia and questioning with the more didactic, formalistic, and doctrinal conception of philosophy espoused by the Eleatic Stranger.
Normativity as Pitfall or Ally?
Authors: Kaufman Tone Stangeland
Published: May 2015

When theologians, who care about church, spirituality, and theology, conduct empirical, ecclesiological studies, our underlying normative values impact the entire research process and results in unhelpful or helpful ways. In this article I propose that attending to precisely reflexivity might change our initial, naïve normativity from an implicit to an explicit normativity. I suggest that if these normative values are brought to the table, and self-critically and honestly reflected on, the initially naïve normativity can prove to be an interpretive key in unlocking the data, thus helping us understand the phenomenon under investigation in a more nuanced way. When making this claim, I mainly draw on my own empirical study on clergy spirituality in the Church of Norway (CofN), but also bring in the work of other scholars, and in particular Mary McClintock Fulkerson’s ethnographic work and “theology in four voices” proposed by the arcs team.
Two new species of Aspidistra (Asparagaceae, Nolinoideae) from northern Vietnam: A. clausa and A. triradiata
Authors: Vislobokov Nikolay Aleksandrovich
Published: May 2015

Aspidistra clausa and Aspidistra triradiata are described and illustrated as new species from northern Vietnam (Vinh Phuc province, Tam Dao National Park). Aspidistra clausa is similar to A. crassifila, but has narrower leaves (lamina 2.8–4.5 cm vs. 6–12 cm), perigone tube wide tubular vs. campanulate, appendages longer, stigma conical vs. mushroom-shaped. Aspidistra triradiata is similar to A. hainanensis, but flowers larger (1.8–2.4 cm long, Ø 1.8–2.8 cm vs. 1–1.2 cm long, Ø 1.3–1.5 cm), perigone urceolate, lobes with 4 verrucose keels, stigma with three purple radial lines.
A comparative study of Pleurosigma subrectum and P. acus (Bacillariophyta)
Authors: STERRENBURG FRITHJOF A.S. , STIDOLPH STUART R. , SAR EUGENIA A. , Sunesen Ines
Published: May 2015

In continuation of an earlier paper on Pleurosigma species with an (almost) non-sigmoid valve and raphe sternum, a comparative study was made in LM and SEM of Pleurosigma subrectum and P. acus. For P. subrectum, slides and a subsample of the type material were examined. For P. acus no unmounted material permitting SEM investigation is extant; a sample containing specimens fully matching the type in LM was therefore used as epitype material for SEM. The original data on striation of P. acus are emended. No morphological differences indicating separate specific status of these two taxa were observed and P. acus is therefore here designated a heterotypic synonym of P. subrectum. From the data now available, this is a very widely distributed species. The study demonstrates the indispensable role of collections for investigations on the diversity and distribution of diatom species.
Impatiens dalaiensis (Balsaminaceae) a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Gogoi Rajib , BORAH SOURAVJYOTI
Published: May 2015

Impatiens dalaiensis Gogoi & Borah is described and illustrated from Arunachal Pradesh, India. In contrast to the morphologically similar I. graciliflora (fruits also clavate) and I. radiata (fruits linear-cylindrical), the new species exhibits flower buds with a distinct awn or appendage, lower sepal mouths with an awn or appendage, and the distal lobe of the lateral united petals long-lorate or ribbon-shaped, twisted.
Impatiens sahyadrica sp. nov (Balsaminaceae)—a new species from southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: HAREESH V. S. , Balakrishnan Sreekumar Vadakkethil , DANTAS K. J. , SUJANAPAL P.
Published: May 2015

Impatiens sahyadrica (Balsaminaceae), a new scapigerous balsam from Silent Valley National Park, southern Western Ghats is described and illustrated. The new species is phenotypically similar to I. lawsonii. However, it differs from the latter in its smaller flowers; oblong, free upwardly curved basal lobes of the lateral united petals; smaller dorsal auricle and curved spur. A detailed description, notes on distribution, biotic association and relevant taxonomic notes are provided along with colour photographs and illustrations.
Selected species of the family Diastylidae (Cumacea, Peracarida, Crustacea) from the deep-sea of the NW Pacific
Authors: MÜHLENHARDT-SIEGEL UTE , LAVRENTEVA ANNA V.
Published: May 2015

New species of the genera Diastylis, Divacuma and Leptostylis are described. Also a new species of the genus Pseudoleptostyloides, known from the Atlantic, is described for the NW Pacific. Additional information is given on Leptostyloides quadridentata.
Two new species of lizards of the genus Stenocercus (Iguania, Tropiduridae) from central Peru
Authors: KÖHLER Gunther , LEHR EDGAR
Published: May 2015

We describe two new species of Stenocercus from the Andes of central Peru (Departamento Ancash): Stenocercus amydrorhytus sp. nov. from elevations between 2810 and 3075 m and S. johaberfellneri sp. nov. from elevations between 3120 and 3200 m. Stenocercus amydrorhytus is most similar to S. ivitus, S. chrysopygus, S. melanopygus, S. modestus, S. orientalis, and S. stigmosus from which it differs in having a combination of 44–52 vertebral scales, 42–47 scales around midbody, 18–21 gulars, and 23–26 subdigital lamellae under fourth toe, the lateral nuchals less than half the size of dorsal nuchals, predominantly smooth dorsal head scales, a poorly developed oblique neck fold with a shallow or no mite pocket underneath, a uniformly gray venter in preservative in the only known adult male, and a tail length less than 70% of total length. Stenocercus johaberfellneri is most similar to S. latebrosus and S. ornatissimus from which it differs in having a combination of 47–53 vertebral scales, 46–53 scales around midbody, the presence of a postfemoral pocket in adult males, a throat pattern of bold black streaks or reticulations in adult males, a dusky or grayish venter in preservative without black spots or reticulations, and lateral nuchals less than half the size of dorsal ones.
Little Chinese Feet Encased in Iron Shoes
Authors: Kotef Hagar
Published: May 2015

This essay traces the evocations of the Chinese practice of foot-binding in Western political thought. I examine the changing deployments of the image: as a contrast to European freedom or as a mirror reflecting its own limitations. The bound feet not merely illustrate a lack of freedom through an image of disabled mobility. They also situate freedom within global (imperial) and gendered frameworks. Via a reading of the image and its contexts, we see that European freedom-as-movement emerged on the backdrop of two imperial contrasts: (1) images of nomadism (in the contexts of America, and later Africa and the Middle East), which are only marginally considered in this paper, and (2) an assumed stagnation, that presumably prevailed in the East. Yet surprisingly, the image was often evoked to say something about Europe itself, rather than about its “others.” Therefore, it also reveals the corporeal dimensions of a concept of freedom that has underlaid a long liberal tradition. The crushed and squeezed feet of girls in China thus marked both a gendered and an imperial divide between those who can move freely, and therefore rule, and those who cannot rule because of their lack of mobility; yet at the same time, it undid this division by allowing the East and its stationariness to permeate Europe through a multiply foreign body: feminized, racially alien, and geographically distanced.
Noah, the Eighth Proclaimer of Righteousness: Understanding 2 Peter 2.5 in Light of Genesis 4.26
Authors: Jensen Matthew D.
Published: May 2015

This article argues that the description of Noah as the eighth proclaimer of righteousness can be understood as an explicit reference to the number of generations from Enosh, which is the time when men ﬁrst began to proclaim the Lord’s name (Gen. 4.26). After critically reviewing three interpretations of ‘eighth’ (ὄγδοος) in 2 Pet. 2.5, and the suggested justiﬁcations for the description of Noah as a proclaimer of righteousness, the article examines Gen. 4.26 and the description of people proclaiming the Lord’s name for the ﬁrst time. It suggests that Noah is the eighth generation from Enosh to proclaim the Lord’s name.