bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability-Indicating Assay for the Determination of Pentobarbital Sodium in Liquid Formulations
Authors: Ajemni Myriam , Balde Issa-Bella , Kabiche Sofiane , Carret Sandra , Fontan Jean-Eudes , Cisternino Salvatore , Schlatter Joël
Published: October 2015

A stability-indicating assay by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed for the determination of pentobarbital sodium in oral formulations: a drug used for infant sedation in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed-phase C18 column, using isocratic elution and a detector set at 214 nm. The optimized mobile phase consisted of a 0.01 M potassium buffer pH 3 and methanol (40 : 60, v/v). The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the run time of analysis was 5 min. The linearity of the method was demonstrated in the range of 5 to 250 μg/mL pentobarbital sodium solution (r2= 0.999). The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 2.10 and 3.97 μg/mL, respectively. The intraday and interday precisions were less than 2.1%. Accuracy of the method ranged from 99.2 to 101.3%. Stability studies indicate that the drug is stable to sunlight and in aqueous solution. Accelerated pentobarbital sodium breakdown by strong alkaline, acidic, or oxidative stress produced noninterfering peaks. This method allows accurate and reliable determination of pentobarbital sodium for drug stability assay in pharmaceutical studies.
Secure Data Distribution Scheme with Two-Hop Survival Strategy for Unattended WSNs
Authors: Cheng Wei , Li Yong , Jiang Yi , Yin Xipeng
Published: October 2015

For distributed data storage in Unattended Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs), security issues have been focused on by extensive researches in recent years. In this paper, an enhanced, reliable, and secure data distribution scheme based on erasure codes for UWSNs is proposed, which adapt the MOVE-ONCE survival strategy. In the proposed scheme, two-hop neighbor set has been utilized as data shareholders of data distribution. Through the analysis, we can find that there is more number of candidate secure data holders in two-hop neighbor set than one-hop neighbor set. Thus our new scheme could further enhance both probabilistic Backward Secrecy (BSe) and the reliability on data retrieval. Theoretical analysis and dense simulations show advantages of our new scheme which is compared with several previous related schemes proposed for UWSNs.
Correlation of Prehypertension with Left Ventricular Mass Assessed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Mousa Tarek M. , Akinseye Oluwaseun A. , Berekashvili Ketevan , Akinboboye Olakunle O.
Published: October 2015

Introduction. The purpose of this observational cross-sectional study was to assess left ventricular mass (LVM) in prehypertensive individuals in comparison to normotensives and to determine if central blood pressure (BP) correlates better with LVM index (LVMI) than brachial BP.Methods and Result. Brachial and central BP measurements were completed at first visit and at 4 weeks in 65 healthy volunteers who were at least 40 years old and not on medication. Subjects were divided into two groups of normotensives and prehypertensives based on JNC-7 criteria and LVM was obtained using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Prehypertensives had significantly higher LVMI compared to normotensives (P<0.01). Brachial and central BP also both positively correlate with LVMI (r=0.460,P<0.01;r=0.318,P=0.012, resp.) in both groups and neither method was superior to the other. After multivariate regression analysis and adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, prehypertension remained an independent determinant of LVM.Conclusion. Prehypertension is associated with cardiovascular target organ damage, and central BP was not superior to brachial BP or vice versa for association with LVMI.
Construction of Pancreatic Cancer Classifier Based on SVM Optimized by Improved FOA
Authors: Jiang Huiyan , Zhao Di , Zheng Ruiping , Ma Xiaoqi
Published: October 2015

A novel method is proposed to establish the pancreatic cancer classifier. Firstly, the concept of quantum and fruit fly optimal algorithm (FOA) are introduced, respectively. Then FOA is improved by quantum coding and quantum operation, and a new smell concentration determination function is defined. Finally, the improved FOA is used to optimize the parameters of support vector machine (SVM) and the classifier is established by optimized SVM. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, SVM and other classification methods have been chosen as the comparing methods. The experimental results show that the proposed method can improve the classifier performance and cost less time.
CD73 Predicts Favorable Prognosis in Patients with Nonmuscle-Invasive Urothelial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Wettstein Marian S. , Buser Lorenz , Hermanns Thomas , Roudnicky Filip , Eberli Daniel , Baumeister Philipp , Sulser Tullio , Wild Peter , Poyet Cédric
Published: October 2015

Aims. CD73 is a membrane associated 5′-ectonucleotidase that has been proposed as prognostic biomarker in various solid tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate CD73 expression in a cohort of patients with primary bladder cancer in regard to its association with clinicopathological features and disease course.Methods. Tissue samples from 174 patients with a primary urothelial carcinoma were immunohistochemically assessed on a tissue microarray. Associations between CD73 expression and retrospectively obtained clinicopathological data were evaluated by contingency analysis. Survival analysis was performed to investigate the predictive value of CD73 within the subgroup of pTa and pT1 tumors in regard to progression-free survival (PFS).Results. High CD73 expression was found in 46 (26.4%) patients and was significantly associated with lower stage, lower grade, less adjacent carcinoma in situ and with lower Ki-67 proliferation index. High CD73 immunoreactivity in the subgroup of pTa and pT1 tumors(n=158)was significantly associated with longer PFS (HR: 0.228;p=0.047) in univariable Cox regression analysis.Conclusion. High CD73 immunoreactivity was associated with favorable clinicopathological features. Furthermore, it predicts better outcome in the subgroup of pTa and pT1 tumors and may thus serve as additional tool for the selection of patients with favorable prognosis.
Acetabular Liner Dissociation following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Rare but Serious Complication That May Be Easily Misinterpreted in the Emergency Department
Authors: O’Neill Christopher K. J. , Napier Richard J. , Diamond Owen J. , O’Brien Seamus , Beverland David E.
Published: October 2015

Acetabular liner dissociation is a rare complication of Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) which requires urgent revision surgery. A case is presented in which the correct diagnosis was not appreciated on two separate Emergency Department attendances. The typical symptoms, signs, and radiological features are outlined and the importance of considering a rare complication following a commonly performed procedure is highlighted.
The Effect of Telemedicine on Access to Acute Stroke Care in Texas: The Story of Age Inequalities
Authors: Albright Karen C. , Boehme Amelia K. , Mullen Michael T. , Wu Tzu-Ching , Branas Charles C. , Grotta James C. , Savitz Sean I. , Wolff Catherine , Sen Bisakha , Carr Brendan G.
Published: October 2015

Background. Ischemic stroke is a time sensitive disease with the effectiveness of treatment decreasing over time. Treatment is more likely to occur at Primary Stroke Centers (PSC); thus rapid access to acute stroke care through stand-alone PSCs or telemedicine (TM) is vital for all Americans. The objective of this study is to determine if disparities exist in access to PSCs or the extended access to acute stroke care provided by TM.Methods. Data from the US Census Bureau and the 2010 Neilson Claritas Demographic Estimation Program, American Hospital Association annual survey, and The Joint Commission list of PSCs and survey response data for all hospitals in the state of Texas were used.Results. Over 64% of block groups had 60-minute ground access to acute stroke care. The odds of a block group having 60-minute access to acute stroke care decreased with age, despite adjustment for sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, urbanization, and total population.Conclusion. Our survey of Texas hospitals found that as the median age of a block group increased, the odds of having access to acute stroke care decreased.
Gamma-Glutamyltransferase: A Predictive Biomarker of Cellular Antioxidant Inadequacy and Disease Risk
Authors: Koenig Gerald , Seneff Stephanie
Published: October 2015

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a well-established serum marker for alcohol-related liver disease. However, GGT’s predictive utility applies well beyond liver disease: elevated GGT is linked to increased risk to a multitude of diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and all-cause mortality. The literature from multiple population groups worldwide consistently shows strong predictive power for GGT, even across different gender and ethnic categories. Here, we examine the relationship of GGT to other serum markers such as serum ferritin (SF) levels, and we suggest a link to exposure to environmental and endogenous toxins, resulting in oxidative and nitrosative stress. We observe a general upward trend in population levels of GGT over time, particularly in the US and Korea. Since the late 1970s, both GGT and incident MetS and its related disorders have risen in virtual lockstep. GGT is an early predictive marker for atherosclerosis, heart failure, arterial stiffness and plaque, gestational diabetes, and various liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, other infectious diseases, and several life-threatening cancers. We review literature both from the medical sciences and from life insurance industries demonstrating that serum GGT is a superior marker for future disease risk, when compared against multiple other known mortality risk factors.
Chemokine Receptor Expression on Normal Blood CD56+NK-Cells Elucidates Cell Partners That Comigrate during the Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses and Identifies a Transitional NK-Cell Population
Authors: Lima Margarida , Leander Magdalena , Santos Marlene , Santos Ana Helena , Lau Catarina , Queirós Maria Luís , Gonçalves Marta , Fonseca Sónia , Moura João , Teixeira Maria dos Anjos , Orfao Alberto
Published: October 2015

Studies of chemokine receptors (CKR) in natural killer- (NK-) cells have already been published, but only a few gave detailed information on its differential expression on blood NK-cell subsets. We report on the expression of the inflammatory and homeostatic CKR on normal bloodCD56+lowCD16+andCD56+high  CD16-/+lowNK-cells. ConventionalCD56+lowandCD56+highNK-cells present in the normal PB do express CKR for inflammatory cytokines, although with different patternsCD56+lowNK-cells are mainly CXCR1/CXCR2+and CXCR3/CCR5−/+, whereas mostlyCD56+highNK-cells are CXCR1/CXCR2−and CXCR3/CCR5+. Both NK-cell subsets have variable CXCR4 expression and are CCR4−and CCR6−. The CKR repertoire of theCD56+lowNK-cells approaches to that of neutrophils, whereas the CKR repertoire of theCD56+highNK-cells mimics that of Th1+T cells, suggesting that these cells are prepared to migrate into inflamed tissues at different phases of the immune response. In addition, we describe a subpopulation of NK-cells with intermediate levels of CD56 expression, which we namedCD56+intNK-cells. These NK-cells are CXCR3/CCR5+, they have intermediate levels of expression of CD16, CD62L, CD94, and CD122, and they are CD57−and CD158a−. In view of their phenotypic features, we hypothesize that they correspond to a transitional stage, between the well-knownCD56+highandCD56+lowNK-cells populations.
Assessment of Nonverbal and Verbal Apraxia in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Presotto Monia , Olchik Maira Rozenfeld , Shumacher Shuh Artur Francisco , Rieder Carlos R. M.
Published: October 2015

Objective. To assess the presence of nonverbal and verbal apraxia in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and analyze the correlation between these conditions and patient age, education, duration of disease, and PD stage, as well as evaluate the correlation between the two types of apraxia and the frequency and types of verbal apraxic errors made by patients in the sample.Method. This was an observational prevalence study. The sample comprised 45 patients with PD seen at the Movement Disorders Clinic of the Clinical Hospital of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Patients were evaluated using the Speech Apraxia Assessment Protocol and PD stages were classified according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale.Results. The rate of nonverbal apraxia and verbal apraxia in the present sample was 24.4%. Verbal apraxia was significantly correlated with education (p≤0.05). The most frequent types of verbal apraxic errors were omissions (70.8%). The analysis of manner and place of articulation showed that most errors occurred during the production of trill (57.7%) and dentoalveolar (92%) phonemes, consecutively.Conclusion. Patients with PD presented nonverbal and verbal apraxia and made several verbal apraxic errors. Verbal apraxia was correlated with education levels.
Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells on Transplantation: Immunotherapy Based on Second Signal Blockage
Authors: Silva Priscila de Matos , Bier Julia , Paiatto Lisiery Negrini , Galdino Albuquerque Cassia , Lopes Souza Caique , Fernandes Luis Gustavo Romani , Tamashiro Wirla Maria da Silva Cunha , Simioni Patricia Ucelli
Published: October 2015

Dendritic cells (DCs), the most important professional antigen-presenting cells (APC), play crucial role in both immunity and tolerance. It is well known that DCs are able to mount immune responses against foreign antigens and simultaneously tolerate self-antigens. Since DCs can be modulated depending on the surrounding microenvironment, they can act as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. However, the mechanisms that support this dual role are not entirely clear. Recent studies have shown that DCs can be manipulatedex vivoin order to trigger their tolerogenic profile, what can be a tool to be used in clinical trials aiming the treatment of various diseases and the prevention of transplant rejection. In this sense, the blockage of costimulatory molecules on DC, in the attempt of inhibiting the second signal in the immunological synapse, can be considered as one of the main strategies under development. This review brings an update on current therapies using tolerogenic dendritic cells modulated with costimulatory blockers with the aim of reducing transplant rejection. However, although there are current clinical trials using tolerogenic DC to treat allograft rejection, the actual challenge is to modulate these cells in order to maintain a permanent tolerogenic profile.
RNAseq by Total RNA Library Identifies Additional RNAs Compared to Poly(A) RNA Library
Authors: Guo Yan , Zhao Shilin , Sheng Quanhu , Guo Mingsheng , Lehmann Brian , Pietenpol Jennifer , Samuels David C. , Shyr Yu
Published: October 2015

The most popular RNA library used for RNA sequencing is the poly(A) captured RNA library. This library captures RNA based on the presence of poly(A) tails at the 3′ end. Another type of RNA library for RNA sequencing is the total RNA library which differs from the poly(A) library by capture method and price. The total RNA library costs more and its capture of RNA is not dependent on the presence of poly(A) tails. In practice, only ribosomal RNAs and small RNAs are washed out in the total RNA library preparation. To evaluate the ability of detecting RNA for both RNA libraries we designed a study using RNA sequencing data of the same two breast cancer cell lines from both RNA libraries. We found that the RNA expression values captured by both RNA libraries were highly correlated. However, the number of RNAs captured was significantly higher for the total RNA library. Furthermore, we identify several subsets of protein coding RNAs that were not captured efficiently by the poly(A) library. One of the most noticeable is the histone-encode genes, which lack the poly(A) tail.
Hybrid Fuzzy Centroid with MDV-Hop BAT Localization Algorithms in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: So-In Chakchai , Katekaew Weerat
Published: October 2015

Many applications employing wireless sensor networks have been available in real-world scenarios. Their popularity is due to distinctive characteristics, for example, small scale, multisensing capability, and cost-effective deployment. However, there are constraints including routing, reliability, and especially localization, in particular without the aid of global positioning services, the lack of satellite coverage. In addition, if embedded, the overhead will be increased with hardware costs and shortened battery life. Thus, a range-free-based localization scheme is promising and is being pursued as a cost-effective approach. Centroid is one of the pioneer low complexity range-free estimation algorithms, and DV-Hop is another algorithm that has no requirements for distance information. However, their main drawbacks are location estimation precision. Recently, a soft-computing-based approach used to address uncertainty and approximation has been proposed as a low cost solution to gain precision, and, therefore, this research investigates its integration and then proposes a novel hybrid localization algorithm utilizing key characteristics of Centroid and DV-Hop. This hybrid scheme employs an extra weight with signal normalization derived from a fuzzy logic function in Centroid. The research also integrates a BAT algorithm of the modified DV-Hop. These combinations demonstrate the effectiveness in the simulation and location error reduction with time complexity trade-off.
Production and Application of a Soluble Hydrogenase fromPyrococcus furiosus
Authors: Wu Chang-Hao , McTernan Patrick M. , Walter Mary E. , Adams Michael W. W.
Published: October 2015

Hydrogen gas is a potential renewable alternative energy carrier that could be used in the future to help supplement humanity’s growing energy needs. Unfortunately, current industrial methods for hydrogen production are expensive or environmentally unfriendly. In recent years research has focused on biological mechanisms for hydrogen production and specifically on hydrogenases, the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the reduction of protons to generate hydrogen. In particular, a better understanding of this enzyme might allow us to generate hydrogen that does not use expensive metals, such as platinum, as catalysts. The soluble hydrogenase I (SHI) from the hyperthermophilePyrococcus furiosus, a member of the euryarchaeota, has been studied extensively and used in various biotechnological applications. This review summarizes the strategies used in engineering and characterizing three different forms of SHI and the properties of the recombinant enzymes. SHI has also been used inin vitrosystems for hydrogen production and NADPH generation and these systems are also discussed.
Mixed Ligand Complexes ofN-Methyl-N-phenyl Dithiocarbamate: Synthesis, Characterisation, Antifungal Activity, and Solvent Extraction Studies of the Ligand
Authors: Ekennia Anthony C. , Onwudiwe Damian C. , Ume Cyril , Ebenso Eno E.
Published: October 2015

A series of mixed ligand dithiocarbamate complexes with a general formula [ML2(py)2], where M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II), py = pyridine, and L =N-methyl-N-phenyl dithiocarbamate have been prepared and characterised by elemental analysis, FTIR and Uv spectroscopy, magnetic moment, and thermogravimetric and conductance analysis. The infrared spectra showed that symmetrical bidentate coordination occurred with the dithiocarbamate moiety through the sulfur atoms, while neutral monodentate coordination occurred through the nitrogen atom for the pyridine molecule in the complexes. The electronic spectra, elemental analysis, and magnetic moment results proved that the complexes adopted octahedral geometry. The conductance measurement showed that the complexes are nonelectrolytes proving their nonionic nature. The compounds were screened for three human pathogenic fungi:Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, andCandida albicans. The cobalt complex showed the best antifungal activity among the test compounds. Liquid-liquid extractive abilities of the ligand towards copper and nickel ions in different solvent media were investigated. The ligand showed a strong binding affinity towards the metals ions with an extractive efficiency of about 99%.
Differences according to Sex in Sociosexuality and Infidelity after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Moreno Jhon Alexander , McKerral Michelle
Published: October 2015

Objective. To explore differences according to sex in sociosexuality and infidelity in individuals with TBI and in healthy controls.Participants. Forty-two individuals with mild, moderate, and severe TBI having completed a postacute TBI rehabilitation program, at least six months after injury, and 47 healthy controls.Main Measures. Sociosexual Orientation Inventory-Revised (SOI-R) and Attitudes toward Infidelity Scale.Results. Overall, men score significantly higher than women in sociosexuality. However, there was a nonsignificant trend towards a reduction of sociosexuality levels in men with TBI. Infidelity levels were comparable in healthy controls and individuals with TBI. In individuals with TBI, less acceptance of infidelity was significantly associated with an unrestricted sociosexual orientation, but not in healthy controls.Conclusions. As documented in previous cross-cultural studies, men have higher levels of sociosexuality than women. However, men with TBI showed a tendency towards the reduction of sociosexuality. The possibility of a latent explanatory variable is suggested (e.g., post-TBI neuroendocrinological changes). TBI does not seem to have an impact on infidelity, but individuals with TBI who express less acceptance of infidelity also report a more promiscuous mating strategy regarding their behavior, attitudes, and desire. Theoretical implications are discussed in terms of evolutionary theories of human sexuality and neuropsychology.
PAS: An Efficient Privacy-Preserving Multidimensional Aggregation Scheme for Smart Grid
Authors: Zhu Hui , Liu Fen , Yan Rong , Li Hui
Published: October 2015

As a convergence of traditional power system engineering and information technology, smart grid, which can provide convenient environment of operation and management for the power provider, has attracted considerable interest recently. However, the flourish of smart grid is still facing many challenges in data security and privacy preservation. In this paper, we propose an efficient privacy-preserving multidimensional aggregation scheme for smart grid, called PAS. Without disclosing the privacy-sensitive information (e.g., identity and power consumption) of users, the operation center can obtain the number of users and power consumption at each step in different dimensions. Based on an improved Paillier cryptosystem, the operation center can acquire more valid information to regulate the generated energy, and an efficient anonymous authentication scheme is employed to protect the privacy of user’s identity from the regional center. Detailed security analysis shows the security and privacy-preserving ability of PAS. In addition, performance evaluations via extensive simulations demonstrate that PAS is implemented with great efficiency for smart grid in terms of computation and communication overhead.
An Optimization Method of Time Window Based on Travel Time and Reliability
Authors: Fu Fengjie , Ma Dongfang , Wang Dianhai , Qian Wei
Published: October 2015

The dynamic change of urban road travel time was analyzed using video image detector data, and it showed cyclic variation, so the signal cycle length at the upstream intersection was conducted as the basic unit of time window; there was some evidence of bimodality in the actual travel time distributions; therefore, the fitting parameters of the travel time bimodal distribution were estimated using the EM algorithm. Then the weighted average value of the two means was indicated as the travel time estimation value, and the Modified Buffer Time Index (MBIT) was expressed as travel time variability; based on the characteristics of travel time change and MBIT along with different time windows, the time window was optimized dynamically for minimum MBIT, requiring that the travel time change be lower than the threshold value and traffic incidents can be detected real time; finally, travel times on Shandong Road in Qingdao were estimated every 10 s, 120 s, optimal time windows, and 480 s and the comparisons demonstrated that travel time estimation in optimal time windows can exactly and steadily reflect the real-time traffic. It verifies the effectiveness of the optimization method.
A Series of Imidazole Derivatives: Synthesis, Two-Photon Absorption, and Application for Bioimaging
Authors: Zhu Yingzhong , Xiao Lufei , Zhao Meng , Zhou Jiazheng , Zhang Qiong , Wang Hui , Li Shengli , Zhou Hongping , Wu Jieying , Tian Yupeng
Published: October 2015

A new series of D-π-A type imidazole derivatives have been synthesized and characterized. Two corresponding imidazolium salts (iodine and hexafluorophosphate) were prepared from the imidazole compound. Their electron-withdrawing ability can be largely tunable by salt formation reaction or ion exchange. UV-vis absorption and single-photon fluorescence spectra have been systematically investigated in different solvents. The two-photon cross sectionsδ2PAof the imidazole derivatives are measured by two-photon excited fluorescence (2PEF) method. Compared with those ofT-1(107 GM) andT-3(96 GM),T-2(imidazolium iodine salt) has a large two-photon absorption (2PA) cross section value of 276 GM. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity and applications in bioimaging for the imidazole derivatives were carried out. The results showed thatT-1can be used as a lysosomal tracker with high stability and water solubility within pHs of 4–6, whileT-2andT-3can be used as probes for cell cytoplasm.
Postmarketing Safety Study Tool: A Web Based, Dynamic, and Interoperable System for Postmarketing Drug Surveillance Studies
Authors: Sinaci A. Anil , Laleci Erturkmen Gokce B. , Gonul Suat , Yuksel Mustafa , Invernizzi Paolo , Thakrar Bharat , Pacaci Anil , Cinar H. Alper , Cicekli Nihan Kesim
Published: October 2015

Postmarketing drug surveillance is a crucial aspect of the clinical research activities in pharmacovigilance and pharmacoepidemiology. Successful utilization of available Electronic Health Record (EHR) data can complement and strengthen postmarketing safety studies. In terms of the secondary use of EHRs, access and analysis of patient data across different domains are a critical factor; we address this data interoperability problem between EHR systems and clinical research systems in this paper. We demonstrate that this problem can be solved in an upper level with the use of common data elements in a standardized fashion so that clinical researchers can work with different EHR systems independently of the underlying information model. Postmarketing Safety Study Tool lets the clinical researchers extract data from different EHR systems by designing data collection set schemas through common data elements. The tool interacts with a semantic metadata registry through IHE data element exchange profile. Postmarketing Safety Study Tool and its supporting components have been implemented and deployed on the central data warehouse of the Lombardy region, Italy, which contains anonymized records of about 16 million patients with over 10-year longitudinal data on average. Clinical researchers in Roche validate the tool with real life use cases.
Topographical and Tribological Characteristics of Asian Human Hair Cuticles
Authors: Chang Chia-Ling , Ho Tsung-Han , Fang Te-Hua
Published: October 2015

The topography and frictional force of Asian black male and female hair cuticles at different locations are determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and friction force microscopy (FFM). The frictional values, mapped for comparison with surface morphology, corresponded qualitatively with the structures’ plane surface characteristics. The results indicate that the hair surface was damaged and modified at different temperatures and heating times. The height of the female hair at a blowing temperature of 60°C after a duration of 2 min between the cuticle edge and cuticle surface was approximately 440–556 nm. The adhesion phenomenon occurs on the hair surface and interface. The cuticles do not vary after the heating; however, the hair damage sustained increases with serious deterioration.
Sorafenib Inhibition of Mcl-1 Accelerates ATRA-Induced Apoptosis in Differentiation-Responsive AML Cells
Authors: Wang Rui , Xia Lijuan , Gabrilove Janice , Waxman Samuel , Jing Yongkui
Published: October 2015

Purpose: All trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) is successful in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by inducing terminal differentiation-mediated cell death, but it has limited activity in non-APL acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We aim to improve ATRA therapy of AML by enhancing apoptosis through repression of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Mcl-1.

Experimental Design: APL and AML cell lines, as well as primary AML samples, were used to explore the mechanisms regulating differentiation and apoptosis during ATRA treatment. Stable transfection and gene silencing with siRNA were used to identify the key factors that inhibit apoptosis during induction of differentiation and drugs that accelerate apoptosis.

Results: In differentiation-responsive AML cells, ATRA treatment induces long-lasting repression of Bcl-2 while first upmodulating and then reducing the Mcl-1 level. The Mcl-1 level appears to serve as a gatekeeper between differentiation and apoptosis. During differentiation induction, activation of MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways by ATRA leads to activation of p90RSK and inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), which increase Mcl-1 levels by increasing its translation and stability. Sorafenib blocks ATRA-induced Mcl-1 increase by reversing p90RSK activation and GSK3β inactivation, maintains the repressed Bcl-2 level, and enhances ATRA induced apoptosis in non-APL AML cell lines and in primary AML cells.

Conclusions: Inhibition of Mcl-1 is required for apoptosis induction in ATRA differentiation-responsive AML cells. ATRA and sorafenib can be developed as a novel drug combination therapy for AML patients because this drug combination augments apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Clin Cancer Res; 22(5); 1211–21. ©2015 AACR.
Autoimmune Hemolysis: A Journey through Time
Authors: Freedman John
Published: October 2015

The existence of autoimmune diseases in humans has been known for almost 100 years. Currently, autoimmune pathogenesis has been attributed to more than 40 human diseases; yet it is still not clear what immune abnormalities conclusively prove underlying autoimmune pathogenesis. Hence, although much has been learned, research is still needed for complete elucidation of the mechanisms of the immune dysregulation in AIHA. Better understanding of the underlying mechanism(s) may allow for development of more specific therapies of these not uncommon and often difficult-to-treat disorders.
Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia Complicated by EDTA- and/or Citrate-Dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia
Authors: Salama Abdulgabar
Published: October 2015

Background: Pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is a well-known phenomenon. However, confusion may occur due to unusual characteristics. Case Reports: Two patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and long-lasting PTCP are described. Initially, only the diagnosis of ITP was confirmed. During observation, discrepancies were recognized between clinical findings and platelet counts. Re-examination resulted in the additional diagnosis of EDTA-dependent PTCP. Subsequently, the latter diagnosis was changed to citrate-dependent PTCP in both cases. Interestingly, PTCP was observed to change again and became recognizable in citrate or heparin, and only during the first 20-30 min following phlebotomy in EDTA specimens. Conclusion: The incidence of concomitant ITP with PTCP might be higher than previously reported, and PTCP may have variable dynamics and characteristics.
Fasciocutaneous Flap Reconstruction after Repair of Meningomyelocele: Technique and Outcome
Authors: Jabaiti Samir , Al-Zaben Khaled R. , Saleh Qussay , Abou Alrob Mohammad , Al-Shudifat Abdul Rahman
Published: October 2015

Aims: The objectives of this study are to describe our technique in meningomyelocele (MMC) repair, analyzing the results and complications, as well as to study the effect of delay in operation on the complication rate. Patients and Methods: Between March 1997 and October 2012, 48 patients with MMC were treated at Jordan University Hospital by a combined neurosurgical and plastic surgical team. Patients underwent neurosurgical repair of the neural elements and soft tissue reconstruction using local fasciocutaneous flaps. The patients were further divided into two subgroups (local or referrals from other hospitals). Results: Of all patients, 8 (16.6%) had postoperative complications. When the complication rate was compared between the two groups, in the first group, who had early repair, only 2 out of 19 patients had complications (10.5%), while in the second group, with delayed operation, 6 out of 29 patients developed complications (20.7%). The follow-up of all patients showed that the soft tissue cover maintained good durability with no skin breakdown. Conclusion: We recommend early MMC repair using this rather simple method to provide a reliable soft tissue coverage. A combined approach by a neurosurgical and plastic surgical team in the management of this challenging neonatal emergency is appreciated.
Dermoscopy of Targetoid Hemosiderotic Hemangioma: A Morphological Study of 35 Cases
Authors: Zaballos Pedro , Llambrich Alex , del Pozo Luis Javier , Landi Christian , Pizarro Angel , Vera Angel , Bañuls José
Published: October 2015

Background: Targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma is an uncommon, vascular, benign solitary lesion of lymphatic origin that can be misdiagnosed as other tumors including melanomas. Objectives: To evaluate the dermoscopic features of a large series of targetoid hemosiderotic hemangiomas. Methods: Digital dermoscopic images of 35 histopathologically confirmed cases of targetoid hemosiderotic hemangiomas collected from 7 hospitals in Spain and Italy were evaluated for the presence of dermoscopic structures and patterns. Results: The results of our study reveal that the presence of central red and dark lacunae and a peripheral circular reddish-violaceous homogeneous area is the most common dermoscopic pattern in targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma (71.4%). The targetoid hemosiderotic hemangiomas of our study were correctly diagnosed in 77% of cases. Conclusion: Dermoscopy is helpful in improving the diagnosis of targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma. However, attention must be paid to those cases that dermoscopically may show nontargetoid patterns, which often mimic other lesions, including melanoma.
Cancer-Associated Stroke: The Bergen NORSTROKE Study
Authors: Selvik Henriette Aurora , Thomassen Lars , Bjerkreim Anna Therese , Næss Halvor
Published: October 2015

Background: Underlying malignancy can cause ischemic stroke in some patients. Mechanisms include the affection of the coagulation cascade, tumor mucin secretion, infections and nonbacterial endocarditis. The release of necrotizing factor and interleukins may cause inflammation of the endothelial lining, creating a prothrombotic surface that triggers thromboembolic events, including stroke. The aims of this study were to assess the occurrence of cancer in patients who had recently suffered an ischemic stroke and to detect possible associations between stroke and cancer subtypes. Methods: All ischemic stroke patients registered in the Norwegian Stroke Research Registry (NORSTROKE) as part of the ongoing Bergen NORSTROKE study were included. Blood samples were obtained on admission. Stroke etiology was determined by the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria, and the severity of stroke was defined according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score. Information about cancer disease after stroke was obtained from patient medical records and The Cancer Registry of Norway. Results: From a total of 1,282 ischemic stroke patients with no history of cancer, 55 (4.3%) patients were diagnosed with cancer after stroke. The median time from stroke onset to cancer diagnosis was 14.0 months (interquartile range 6.2-24.5). Twenty-three (41.8%) patients were diagnosed with cancer within 1 year and 13 (23.6%) within 6 months. The most common cancer type was lung cancer (19.0%). By Cox regression analysis, cancer after stroke was associated with elevated D-dimer levels on admittance (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.01) and smoking (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Cancer-associated stroke is rare, and routine investigation for cancer seems unwarranted in acute ischemic stroke. However, in stroke patients with elevated levels of blood coagulation factors, C-reactive protein, higher age and a history of smoking, underlying malignancy should be considered. Our study suggests that an unknown stroke etiology does not predict malignancy.
Uso de tecnologias da informação e comunicação na educação em saúde. Problematização e desenvolvimento
Authors: Rocha Juan Stuardo Yazlle
Published: October 2015

É discutido o impacto das tecnologias da informação e comunicação na produção e distribuição de conhecimentos, na cultura e no ensino. A grande disponibilidade de informações, documentos e cursos gratuitos em todas as áreas e na saúde em particular impacta a educação. A emergência de novas demandas de formação e qualificação de profissionais que devem ser atendi-das representam novos desafios à forma de ensinar. Há crescimento das inte-rações entre alunos, docentes, conteúdos e os ambientes de atuação que re-querem do apoio de teorias explicativas acerca do aprendizado “online”. Diri-gentes acadêmicos reconhecem a importância das transformações e procuram promover novas estratégias educacionais. As ferramentas para a educação online estão presentes e são muito difundidas, mas há falta de preparação e treinamento dos docentes. Instituições de ensino nas ciências da saúde devem investir na preparação de recursos humanos além da infraestrutura tecnológica.
Esteatose hepática aguda da gravidez: relato de caso e revisão de literatura
Authors: Pinheiro Rômulo Pedroza , Brasil Ivelise Regina Canito , Bruno Shirley Kelly Bede , Esmeraldo Ticiana Mota , Castelo Branco Marina Madeira , Walraven Ricardo Bezerra
Published: October 2015

A esteatose hepática aguda da gravidez (EHAG) é uma complicação obstétrica rara e grave, que ocorre durante o terceiro trimestre de gestação. O objetivo deste estudo é o relato de caso de EHAG em paciente internada em hospital terciário. Gestante, 36 anos, na 37ª semana de gravidez previamente hígida até quatro dias antes da admissão hospitalar. Iniciou quadro de dor abdominal em epigástrio e hipocôndrio direito, icterícia progressiva, desidratação, febre e calafrios. Evoluiu com piora dos sintomas, hematêmese, hipotensão e hipoglicemia. A função hepática apresentava alterações. O coagulograma revelava tempo de protrombina e de tromboplastina parcial alargados. Os marcadores virais para hepatites A, B e C foram negativos. No pós-operatório imediato da Cesárea, a paciente evoluiu com distúrbio da coagulação, episódios de hipoglicemia, piora da icterícia e encefalopatia hepática, caracterizando o diagnóstico de insuficiência hepática aguda (IHA). Após quatro dias de tratamento da encefalopatia hepática houve melhora do sensório até apresentar-se consciente, orientada, sem flapping, apenas com tratamento conservador e não preencheu os critérios do King’s Collegue de indicação para transplante hepático. No 15o dia de internação tanto a paciente e filho encontravam-se bem. Com o conhecimento e diagnóstico de EHAG, no reconhecimento precoce de casos mais leves, incluindo interrupção precoce da gravidez por cesariana e grandes volume de plasma fresco congelado e albumina, alternadamente, o prognóstico de EHAG pode melhorar.
Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Soliman Elsayed Z. , Byington Robert P. , Bigger J. Thomas , Evans Gregory , Okin Peter M. , Goff David C. , Chen Haiying
Published: October 2015

Abstract—

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a marker of cardiac end-organ damage, is a common complication of hypertension. Regression of LVH is achievable by sustained lowering of systolic blood pressure (BP). However, it is unknown whether a strategy aimed at lowering BP beyond that recommended would lower the risk of LVH. We examined the effect of intensive (systolic BP<120 mm Hg), compared with standard (systolic BP<140 mm Hg), BP lowering on the risk of LVH in 4331 patients with diabetes mellitus from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) BP trial, a randomized controlled trial. The outcome measures were electrocardiographic LVH defined by Cornell voltage (binary variable) and mean Cornell index (continuous variable). The baseline prevalence of LVH (5.3% versus 5.4%;
P
=0.91) and the mean Cornell index (1456 versus 1470 µV;
P
=0.45) were similar in the intensive (n=2154) and standard (n=2177) BP-lowering arms, respectively. However, after median follow-up of 4.4 years, intensive, compared with standard, BP lowering was associated with a 39% lower risk of LVH (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.61[0.43, 0.88];
P
=0.008) and a significantly lower adjusted mean Cornell index (1352 versus 1447 µV;
P
<0.001). The lower risk of LVH associated with intensive BP lowering during follow-up was because of more regression of baseline LVH and lower rate of developing new LVH, compared with standard BP lowering. No interactions by age, sex, or race were observed. These results provide evidence that targeting a systolic BP of <120 mm Hg when compared with <140 mm Hg in patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus produces a greater reduction in LVH.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00000620
Les traces de l’iranien ancien *sikā- « pierre » dans la toponymie iranienne
Authors: Kirakosian Hasmik
Published: October 2015

The article examines different attestations of the Old Iranian lexeme *sikā- “sand, stone, break stone” in the Iranian place names. The author attempts to present a tentative list of place-names (river names) having as one of their components the regular reflex of the above-mentioned Old Iranian proto-form (i.e. sī < sīγ, or səγ). Among the mountain names with the same lexeme there is only one reliable form
Two new Terfezia species from Southern Europe
Authors: Bordallo Juan Julián , Rodríguez Antonio , Kounas Vasileios , Camello Francisco , Honrubia Mario , Morte Asunción
Published: October 2015

Two new species of Terfezia, Terfezia grisea and Terfezia cistophila, are documented from Spain and Greece, based on morphology and ITS-rDNA sequence data. Macro and micro descriptions with illustrations and ITS phylogenetic data for the two species are provided, which are discussed in relation to similar species in this genus and their host plants.
Issues to Be Addressed and Hopefully Resolved in the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial 2
Authors: Moore Wesley S.
Published: October 2015

The superiority of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) plus best medical treatment (BMT) over BMT alone for the management of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis is based on randomized controlled trials that recruited patients up to 30 years ago. Best medical treatment has improved considerably since that time with respect to stroke prevention. Furthermore, a new carotid intervention has emerged during the last 2 decades and has gradually become established, that is, carotid artery stenting (CAS). Consequently, the efficacy of current BMT alone needs to be compared not only with CEA plus BMT but also with CAS plus BMT to determine which strategy achieves the optimal stroke prevention rates. This article highlights the purpose of the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial (CREST) 2 and discusses the issues that CREST-2 will hopefully provide answers to.
Perceptions of Undocumented Status and Possible Selves Among Latino/a Youth
Authors: Gonzalez Laura M. , Stein Gabriela L. , Prandoni Juan I. , Eades Mark P. , Magalhaes Rossana
Published: October 2015

Although only a portion of Latina/o adolescents in the United States are undocumented, the social perception of legal status may influence Latina/o youth living in immigrant communities more broadly. This perception has implications not only for how Latina/o youth understand themselves but also for how they construct their aspirations. Qualitative interviews and consensual qualitative research protocols were utilized to understand how perceptions of legal status might change images of possible selves for 14 Latina/o adolescents in an emerging immigrant community. Students described their hopes and worries for themselves as well as the prospects for a “typical” Latina/o peer and an undocumented Latina/o peer. Themes show more hopefulness for students’ own sense of self, a mixed opinion on the possibilities for a “typical” peer, and a hopeless view of the future for an undocumented youth. Implications for promoting hopeful possible selves within the constraints of the social context are offered.
Open Economy Macroeconomics of Sectoral Interlinkage in a Developing Country
Authors: Ghoshal Pia , Goswami Bhaskar , Nag Ranjanendra Narayan
Published: October 2015

The article considers dual economy interlinkage between a capitalistically organized industrial sector and an agricultural sector. We construct a structuralist model of sectoral interlinkage to examine importance of the agricultural sector in a developing economy. We take agricultural output as fixed which, however, can change due to technological progress. The employment and output in the industrial sector are determined on the basis of profit maximization in presence of wage indexation. In this framework, under the assumption of fixed exchange rate regime, we examine the comparative static effects of rise in food production, rise in speculative hoarding of food and devaluation on macroeconomic variables, namely, industrial employment, output and inflation. The model has also been modified to consider effects of policy changes under flexible exchange rate regime.
TRIPS and the Balance between Private Rights and Public Well-being
Authors: Mukherjee Deeparghya
Published: October 2015

Adherence to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) has had varied impacts across the world, and concerns of adverse effects on public well-being, especially in the context of the pharmaceutical sector, are largely debated. In this article, we analyze the effects of TRIPS on public well-being in the context of the pharmaceutical sector. We look at the policies of China, India and Brazil (three major players in the global pharmaceutical industry) and their usage of the TRIPS flexibilities. China, which has not used the TRIPS flexibilities, has benefited from technology transfer and foreign direct investment (FDI) in research & development (R&D). The need for FDI in R&D in India and Brazil as potential destinations for research on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is brought out. We conclude that the effects of TRIPS on public well-being are critical for countries which do not have the ability to use the flexibilities. At a time when trade and investment treaties are mostly aimed at stricter commitments on intellectual property rights (IPR) than TRIPS, such countries need to negotiate appropriate investment and knowledge-sharing commitments from their developed counterparts so as not to be adversely affected by agreeing to demands on bending IPR laws.