bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prion Type-Dependent Deposition of
PRNP
Allelic Products in Heterozygous Sheep
Authors: Langeveld J. P. M. , Jacobs J. G. , Hunter N. , van Keulen L. J. M. , Lantier F. , van Zijderveld F. G. , Bossers A.
Published: October 2015

Susceptibility or resistance to prion infection in humans and animals depends on single prion protein (PrP) amino acid substitutions in the host, but the agent's modulating role has not been well investigated. Compared to disease incubation times in wild-type homozygous ARQ/ARQ (where each triplet represents the amino acids at codons 136, 154, and 171, respectively) sheep, scrapie susceptibility is reduced to near resistance in ARR/ARR animals while it is strongly enhanced in VRQ/VRQ carriers. Heterozygous ARR/VRQ animals exhibit delayed incubation periods. In bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) infection, the polymorphism effect is quite different although the ARR allotype remains the least susceptible. In this study, PrP allotype composition in protease-resistant prion protein (PrP
res
) from brain of heterozygous ARR/VRQ scrapie-infected sheep was compared with that of BSE-infected sheep with a similar genotype. A triplex Western blotting technique was used to estimate the two allotype PrP fractions in PrP
res
material from BSE-infected ARR/VRQ sheep. PrP
res
in BSE contained equimolar amounts of VRQ- and ARR-PrP, which contrasts with the excess (>95%) VRQ-PrP fraction found in PrP in scrapie. This is evidence that transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agent properties alone, perhaps structural aspects of prions (such as PrP amino acid sequence variants and PrP conformational state), determine the polymorphic dependence of the PrP
res
accumulation process in prion formation as well as the disease-associated phenotypic expressions in the host.

IMPORTANCE
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal neurodegenerative and transmissible diseases caused by prions. Amino acid sequence variants of the prion protein (PrP) determine transmissibility in the hosts, as has been shown for classical scrapie in sheep. Each individual produces a separate PrP molecule from its two PrP gene copies. Heterozygous scrapie-infected sheep that produce two PrP variants associated with opposite scrapie susceptibilities (136V-PrP variant, high; 171R-PrP variant, very low) contain in their prion material over 95% of the 136V PrP variant. However, when these sheep are infected with prions from cattle (bovine spongiform encephalopathy [BSE]), both PrP variants occur in equal ratios. This shows that the infecting prion type determines the accumulating PrP variant ratio in the heterozygous host. While the host's PrP is considered a determining factor, these results emphasize that prion structure plays a role during host infection and that PrP variant involvement in prions of heterozygous carriers is a critical field for understanding prion formation.
Single Mutations in the VP2 300 Loop Region of the Three-Fold Spike of the Carnivore Parvovirus Capsid Can Determine Host Range
Authors: Allison Andrew B. , Organtini Lindsey J. , Zhang Sheng , Hafenstein Susan L. , Holmes Edward C. , Parrish Colin R.
Published: October 2015

Sylvatic carnivores, such as raccoons, have recently been recognized as important hosts in the evolution of canine parvovirus (CPV), a pandemic pathogen of domestic dogs. Although viruses from raccoons do not efficiently bind the dog transferrin receptor (TfR) or infect dog cells, a single mutation changing an aspartic acid to a glycine at capsid (VP2) position 300 in the prototype raccoon CPV allows dog cell infection. Because VP2 position 300 exhibits extensive amino acid variation among the carnivore parvoviruses, we further investigated its role in determining host range by analyzing its diversity and evolution in nature and by creating a comprehensive set of VP2 position 300 mutants in infectious clones. Notably, some position 300 residues rendered CPV noninfectious for dog, but not cat or fox, cells. Changes of adjacent residues (residues 299 and 301) were also observed often after cell culture passage in different hosts, and some of the mutations mimicked changes seen in viruses recovered from natural infections of alternative hosts, suggesting that compensatory mutations were selected to accommodate the new residue at position 300. Analysis of the TfRs of carnivore hosts used in the experimental evolution studies demonstrated that their glycosylation patterns varied, including a glycan present only on the domestic dog TfR that dictates susceptibility to parvoviruses. Overall, there were significant differences in the abilities of viruses with alternative position 300 residues to bind TfRs and infect different carnivore hosts, demonstrating that the process of infection is highly host dependent and that VP2 position 300 is a key determinant of host range.

IMPORTANCE
Although the emergence and pandemic spread of canine parvovirus (CPV) are well documented, the carnivore hosts and evolutionary pathways involved in its emergence remain enigmatic. We recently demonstrated that a region in the capsid structure of CPV, centered around VP2 position 300, varies after transfer to alternative carnivore hosts and may allow infection of previously nonsusceptible hosts
in vitro
. Here we show that VP2 position 300 is the most variable residue in the parvovirus capsid in nature, suggesting that it is a critical determinant in the cross-species transfer of viruses between different carnivores due to its interactions with the transferrin receptor to mediate infection. To this end, we demonstrated that there are substantial differences in receptor binding and infectivity of various VP2 position 300 mutants for different carnivore species and that single mutations in this region can influence whether a host is susceptible or refractory to virus infection.
A rare case of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma in the setting of a newly diagnosed left atrial myxoma
Authors: Bolanos Alexander Javier , Dibu George , Burke Floyd W , Klodell Charles T , Li Ying , Rand Kenneth H , Lucas Alexandra Rose
Published: October 2015

We report a rare case of left atrial myxoma with concomitant classical Hodgkin's lymphoma in a 36-year-old woman with a non-significant medical history and 4 months of progressively worsening palpitations, dyspnoea on exertion, chest discomfort and fatigue. Outpatient echocardiography revealed functional mitral valve stenosis as a result of a large left atrial cardiac mass. Preoperative thoracic imaging revealed an anterior mediastinal mass with associated lymphadenopathy. The patient underwent successful resection of the anterior mediastinal mass and left atrial mass. Surgical pathology revealed myxoma in the left atrium and classical Hodgkin's lymphoma in the anterior mediastinum. Thus the patient was diagnosed with early-stage classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. This clinical vignette emphasises the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation in the setting of a newly discovered atrial tumour.
Does physiotherapy diagnosis of shoulder pathology compare to arthroscopic findings?
Authors: Magarey Mary Elizabeth , Jones Mark Alan , Cook Chad E , Hayes Michael George
Published: October 2015

Aims

To explore the ability of a physiotherapist, using a standardised musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment protocol, to accurately identify the structures potentially responsible for shoulder symptoms against a standardised arthroscopic shoulder diagnostic assessment, and to determine the physiotherapists’ ability to influence post-test diagnostic accuracy.

Study design

Consecutive case-based cohort study.

Subject selection

All participants were selected by two orthopaedic surgeons for arthroscopic investigation during a 6-month period.

Setting

Private orthopaedic clinic.

Method

All consenting participants selected for arthroscopic investigation were examined by the physiotherapist prior to arthroscopy. Presence and priority of impairments/diagnoses were recorded on a standardised form. Inter and intra-rater reliability and diagnostic accuracy were tabulated.

Statistical analysis

Proportional agreement on diagnostic incidence (broad) and priority (strict) using 2×2 contingency tables for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. Post-test probabilities were analysed to determine the influence of a positive or a negative finding.

Results

211 participants, aged 14–79 years were included. Overall prevalence of subacromial pathology was (77%) and, disorders of the passive restraints (29%). For both negative and positive findings, post-test probabilities were not notably altered; although positive findings yielded greater value in the decision-making modelling. The physiotherapist's ability to identify individual pathology (eg, tendon rupture vs tendinopathy, capsular vs labral) was lower than recognition of pathology within the broader diagnostic category.

Conclusions

The physiotherapist's ability to diagnose individual pathologies was inconsistent. Indirectly, this raises the issue of whether signs and symptoms identified under arthroscopic surgery are reflective of a lesion/pathology reflective of a specific tissue.
The acute:chronic workload ratio predicts injury: high chronic workload may decrease injury risk in elite rugby league players
Authors: Hulin Billy T , Gabbett Tim J , Lawson Daniel W , Caputi Peter , Sampson John A
Published: October 2015

Aim

Investigate whether acute workload (1 week total distance) and chronic workload (4-week average acute workload) predict injury in elite rugby league players.

Methods

Data were collected from 53 elite players over two rugby league seasons. The ‘acute:chronic workload ratio’ was calculated by dividing acute workload by chronic workload. A value of greater than 1 represented an acute workload greater than chronic workload. All workload data were classified into discrete ranges by z-scores.

Results

Compared with all other ratios, a very-high acute:chronic workload ratio (≥2.11) demonstrated the greatest risk of injury in the current week (16.7% injury risk) and subsequent week (11.8% injury risk). High chronic workload (>16 095 m) combined with a very-high 2-week average acute:chronic workload ratio (≥1.54) was associated with the greatest risk of injury (28.6% injury risk). High chronic workload combined with a moderate workload ratio (1.02–1.18) had a smaller risk of injury than low chronic workload combined with several workload ratios (relative risk range from 0.3 to 0.7×/÷1.4 to 4.4; likelihood range=88–94%, likely). Considering acute and chronic workloads in isolation (ie, not as ratios) did not consistently predict injury risk.

Conclusions

Higher workloads can have either positive or negative influences on injury risk in elite rugby league players. Specifically, compared with players who have a low chronic workload, players with a high chronic workload aremore resistant to injurywith moderate-low through moderate-high (0.85–1.35) acute:chronic workload ratios andless resistant to injurywhen subjected to ‘spikes’ in acute workload, that is, very-high acute:chronic workload ratios ∼1.5.
Dentofacial trauma and players’ attitude towards mouthguard use in field hockey: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vucic Strahinja , Drost Rosalin W , Ongkosuwito Edwin M , Wolvius Eppo B
Published: October 2015

Background

Dentofacial injuries are a risk while playing field hockey. Wearing mouthguards is recommended.

Objective

To synthesise findings on the prevalence and characteristics of dentofacial injuries sustained by field hockey players. We also investigated the prevalence of regular mouthguard use and players’ attitude towards use of mouthguard.

Material and methods

A literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, OvidSP, Web of Science, Cochrane and Cinahl databases. Eligible studies were identified based on the title, abstract and full text of articles. If applicable, a random effects model was used to calculate the overall effect size; otherwise, pooled prevalence was reported.

Results

11 studies were eligible for the analysis. The average proportion of field hockey players who had sustained at least one dentofacial injury varied from 12.7% (95% CI 8.5% to 17.0%) among junior and senior players to 45.2% (95% CI 39.3% to 51.0%) among elite players. We did not observe any significant differences with respect to gender. In the 2000s, a significantly higher proportion of players regularly wore a mouthguard, 84.5% (95% CI 69.3% to 99.7%) as compared with players 20 years ago, 31.4% (95% CI 22.7% to 40.1%). The most common complaints about the mouthguard were that it was unnecessary and uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Dentofacial injuries pose a serious problem in field hockey and a substantial number of players do not regularly wear a mouthguard. Greater use of mouthguards would be expected to reduce dentofacial injuries in field hockey.
Engaging South Asian women with type 2 diabetes in a culturally relevant exercise intervention: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Natesan Alamelu , Nimbal Vani C , Ivey Susan L , Wang Elsie J , Madsen Kristine A , Palaniappan Latha P
Published: October 2015

Background

We examined the efficacy of a culturally relevant exercise program in improving glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among South Asian women with type 2 diabetes, compared with usual care.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled 8-week pilot study of Bollywood dance among South Asian women with type 2 diabetes. The intervention consisted of 1 h Bollywood dance classes offered twice per week. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c. The effect of attendance on this outcome was also examined.

Results

The intervention group demonstrated a decrease in HbA1c from baseline (−0.18% (0.2%); p=0.018) compared with a non-significant increase in the usual care group (+0.03% (0.2%)); p value for difference between groups was 0.032. Participants attending at least 10 of 16 sessions had a statistically significant reduction in weight (−0.69 kg (0.76 kg)) compared with those attending fewer sessions (+0.86 kg (0.71 kg)).

Conclusions

These results support culturally relevant dance as a successful exercise intervention to promote HbA1c control, compared with usual care.

Trial registration number

NCT02061618.
Validation of the multivariable In-hospital Mortality for PulmonAry embolism using Claims daTa (IMPACT) prediction rule within an all-payer inpatient administrative claims database
Authors: Coleman Craig I , Kohn Christine G , Crivera Concetta , Schein Jeffrey R , Peacock W Frank
Published: October 2015

Objective

To validate the In-hospital Mortality for PulmonAry embolism using Claims daTa (IMPACT) prediction rule, in a database consisting only of inpatient claims.

Design

Retrospective claims database analysis.

Setting

The 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample.

Participants

Pulmonary embolism (PE) admissions were identified by an International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition (ICD-9) code either in the primary position or secondary position when accompanied by a primary code for a PE complication. The multivariable IMPACT rule, which includes age and 11 comorbidities, was used to estimate patients’ probability of in-hospital mortality and classify them as low or higher risk (≤1.5% deemed low risk).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The rule's sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve statistic for predicting in-hospital mortality with accompanying 95% CIs.

Results

A total of 34 108 admissions for PE were included, with a 3.4% in-hospital case-fatality rate. IMPACT classified 11 025 (32.3%) patients as low risk, and low risk patients had lower in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.17, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.21), shorter length of stay (−1.2 days, p<0.001) and lower total treatment costs (−$3074, p<0.001) than patients classified as higher risk. IMPACT had a sensitivity of 92.4%, 95% CI 90.7 to 93.8 and specificity of 33.2%, 95% CI 32.7 to 33.7 for classifying mortality risk. It had a high NPV (>99%), low PPV (4.6%) and an AUC of 0.74, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.76.

Conclusions

The IMPACT rule appeared valid when used in this all payer, inpatient only administrative claims database. Its high sensitivity and NPV suggest the probability of in-hospital death in those classified as low risk by IMPACT was minimal.
Chronic kidney disease among adult participants of the ELSA-Brasil cohort: association with race and socioeconomic position
Authors: Barreto Sandhi M , Ladeira Roberto M , Duncan Bruce B , Schmidt Maria Ines , Lopes Antonio A , Benseñor Isabela M , Chor Dora , Griep Rosane H , Vidigal Pedro G , Ribeiro Antonio L , Lotufo Paulo A , Mill José Geraldo
Published: October 2015

Background

There is increased interest in understanding why chronic kidney disease (CKD) rates vary across races and socioeconomic groups. We investigated the distribution of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR) and CKD according to these factors in Brazilian adults.

Methods

Using baseline data (2008–2010) of 14 636 public sector employees (35–74 years) enrolled in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA)-Brasil multicentre cohort, we estimated the prevalence of CKD by sex, age, race and socioeconomic factors. CKD was defined as ACR≥30 mg/g and/or eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2. GFR was estimated by CKD epidemiology collaboration without correction for race. We used logistic regression to estimate the association of race and socioeconomic position (education, income, social class and occupational nature) with CKD after adjusting for sex, age and several health-related factors.

Results

The prevalence of high ACR or low eGFR, in isolation and combined, increased with age, and was higher in individuals with lower socioeconomic position and among black individuals and indigenous individuals. The overall prevalence of CKD was 8.9%. After full adjustments, it was similar in men and women (OR=0.90; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.02) and increased with age (OR=1.07; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.08). Compared to white individuals, black individuals (OR=1.23; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.47), ‘pardos’ (OR=1.16; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.35) and Indigenous (OR=1.72; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.76) people had higher odds for CKD. Having high school (OR=1.15; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.34) or elementary education (OR=1.23; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.47) increased the odds for CKD compared to those having a university degree.

Conclusions

There were marked discrepancies in the increases in reduced eGFR and high ACR with age and race. The higher prevalences of CKD in individuals with lower educational status and in non-whites were not explained by differences in health-related factors.
Effect of a high and low dose of caffeine on human lymphocyte activation in response to antigen stimulation
Authors: Dulson Deborah K. , Bishop Nicolette C.
Published: October 2015

This study investigated the effect of caffeine on antigen-stimulated lymphocyte activation. Six males rested for 3.5 h after ingesting 0 (PLA), 2, or 6 (6CAF) mg·kg−1 body mass of caffeine. The number of antigen-stimulated NK CD69+ cells increased in 6CAF at 1 h compared with PLA (P = 0.021). Caffeine did not influence the number of antigen-stimulated CD69+ T cells or the geometric mean fluorescence intensity expression of CD69 on antigen-stimulated lymphocytes, suggesting caffeine has little effect on antigen-stimulated lymphocyte activation.
Nanocrystalline alloys: synthesis and characterization of non-stoichiometric Co2FeAl nanocrystals
Authors: Huynh Lana T. , Bonvicini Stephanie N. , Pinon Arthur C. , Trudel Simon
Published: October 2015

Non-stoichiometric Co2FeAl nanoparticles are formed by the in-solution thermal decomposition of the corresponding metal acetylacetonate complexes in the presence of capping ligands followed by reduction of the obtained material under an H2-containing atmosphere. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that sub-100 nm nanoparticles are obtained, with reasonable size control. Magnetic measurements indicate that the saturation magnetization, Bloch behavior, magnetization reversal, spin-wave stiffness, and exchange stiffness are all comparable to those observed for bulk and thin-film Co2FeAl, indicating that these nanomaterials are promising for use in nanoparticle-based spintronic devices.
Jet structure in heavy ion collisions
Authors: Blaizot J.-P. , Mehtar-Tani Y.
Published: October 2015

We review recent theoretical developments in the study of the structure of jets that are produced in ultra relativistic heavy ion collisions. The core of the review focusses on the dynamics of the parton cascade that is induced by the interactions of a fast parton crossing a quark–gluon plasma. We recall the basic mechanisms responsible for medium induced radiation, underline the rapid disappearance of coherence effects, and the ensuing probabilistic nature of the medium induced cascade. We discuss how large radiative corrections modify the classical picture of the gluon cascade, and how these can be absorbed in a renormalization of the jet quenching parameter [Formula: see text]. Then, we analyze the (wave)-turbulent transport of energy along the medium induced cascade, and point out the main characteristics of the angular structure of such a cascade. Finally, color decoherence of the in-cone jet structure is discussed. Modest contact with phenomenology is presented towards the end of the review.
Comparison of Bistable Systems and Matched Filters in Non-Gaussian Noise
Authors: Zhang Xinming , Yan Jianfeng , Duan Fabing
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we report that for a weak signal buried in the heavy-tailed noise, the bistable system can outperform the matched filter, yielding a higher output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or a lower probability of error. Moreover, by adding mutually independent internal noise components to an array of bistable systems, the output SNR or the probability of error can be further improved via the mechanism of stochastic resonance (SR). These comparison results demonstrate the potential capability of bistable systems for detecting weak signals in non-Gaussian noise environments.
Shadowing effects in Newton’s law from compact extra dimensions
Authors: Kleidis K. , Oikonomou V. K.
Published: October 2015

One problem that appears in theories with compact extra dimensions is the shadowing phenomenon, which makes it difficult to identify the topology and the geometry of the extra-dimensional manifold, if it exists. In this paper, we address this problem from the perspective of Newton’s law modifications caused by compact extra dimensions. After providing the modifications cause by some of the most phenomenologically interesting compact manifolds, we qualitatively study and compare the modifications that these manifolds cause to Newton’s law. As we demonstrate, the shadowing phenomenon persists in this approach too, and it seems that the shadowing phenomenon is grouped in “shadowing zones”. At these points, it is impossible to distinguish which compact space causes the modification of Newton’s law. However, away from the shadowing zones, the effects of the different compact manifolds are distinguishable. It is possible that these effects can be observed in the next generation of Newton’s law experiments.
Endothelin-1 and antiangiogenesis
Authors: Lankhorst Stephanie , Jan Danser A. H. , van den Meiracker Anton H.
Published: October 2015

Antiangiogenesis, targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has become a well-established treatment for patients with cancer. This treatment is associated with nitric oxide (NO) suppression and a dose-dependent activation of the endothelin system, resulting in preeclampsia-like features, particularly hypertension and renal injury. Studies in endothelium NO synthase (eNOS)-deficient mice and pharmacological treatment with endothelin receptor blockers and sildenafil indicate that an activated endothelin system, rather than NO suppression, mediates the side effects of angiogenesis inhibitors. Activation of the endothelin system is also observed in preeclamptic women, where it is related to the increased placental production of sFlt-1, the soluble form of the VEGF receptor-1. This receptor binds VEGF, thereby having the same consequences as antiangiogenic treatment with VEGF inhibitors. The side effects of antiangiogenic treatment in patients with cancer may be dose limiting, thereby impairing its therapeutic potential. In addition, because endothelin exerts proangiogenic effects, investigation of the effects of endothelin receptor blockade in patients with cancer treated with angiogenesis inhibitors is warranted.
Mechanisms of deep brain stimulation
Authors: Herrington Todd M. , Cheng Jennifer J. , Eskandar Emad N.
Published: October 2015

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is widely used for the treatment of movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia and, to a lesser extent, certain treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder. Rather than a single unifying mechanism, DBS likely acts via several, nonexclusive mechanisms including local and network-wide electrical and neurochemical effects of stimulation, modulation of oscillatory activity, synaptic plasticity, and, potentially, neuroprotection and neurogenesis. These different mechanisms vary in importance depending on the condition being treated and the target being stimulated. Here we review each of these in turn and illustrate how an understanding of these mechanisms is inspiring next-generation approaches to DBS.
Noise and Electrical Oscillations Generation during the Investigation of the Resistive Switching in the Yttria Stabilized Zirconia Films by Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Gorshkov Oleg , Filatov Dmitry , Antonov Dmitry , Antonov Ivan
Published: October 2015

The effect of resistive switching in the yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin films on Si substrates has been studied by Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy (CAFM). The resistive switching of the YSZ films from the low conductive state to the highly conductive one has been found to be associated with the increasing of the noise with broad frequency spectrum related to the redistribution of the oxygen vacancies in YSZ. The electrical oscillations in oscillation loop connected in series to the CAFM probe, the sample, and the bias source related to the excitation of the oscillation loop by the noise in the probe-to-sample contact film have been observed. The effect discovered is promising for application in the memristor devices of new generation.
Effect of Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B Phototherapy and Methotrexate on MicroRNA (146a) Levels in Blood of Psoriatic Patients
Authors: Ele-Refaei Asmaa M. , El-Esawy Fatma M.
Published: October 2015

Background. Recently, some miRNAs have been proven to show aberrant expression in psoriasis and play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.Objective. To find out whether NB-UVB or methotrexate treatment affects whole blood levels of human miRNA (146a) in patients with psoriasis and demonstrate its correlation with disease severity.Methods. Blood samples were obtained from healthy control and from psoriatic patients before and 12 weeks after treatment with NB-UVB, methotrexate. Quantification of human miRNA (146a) by Real Time PCR (RT-PCR).Results. Blood human miRNA (146a) levels were higher in patients with psoriasis than those in healthy controls (P=0.001); it had no significant positive relation with PASI scores in patients (r=0.2,P=0.107). Real Time PCR showed that, after 12 weeks of treatment with NB-UVB phototherapy or treatment with methotrexate, there was significantly decreased level of miR146a (P=0.001;P=0.002, resp.).Conclusion. The expression of miRNA146a is increased in whole blood samples from psoriasis patients, so we can evaluate its possibility to work as a future therapeutic objective in the treatment of psoriasis. With these markers, it is able to screen therapeutics effect or changes to a further aggressive treatment for psoriasis.
Rapid Exercise‐Induced Mobilization of Dendritic Cells Is Potentially Mediated by a Flt3L‐ and MMP‐9‐Dependent Process in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Deckx Nathalie , Wens Inez , Nuyts Amber H. , Lee Wai-Ping , Hens Niel , Koppen Gudrun , Goossens Herman , Van Damme Pierre , Berneman Zwi N. , Eijnde Bert O. , Cools Nathalie
Published: October 2015

In healthy individuals, one exercise bout induces a substantial increase in the number of circulating leukocytes, while their function is transiently suppressed. The effect of one exercise bout in multiple sclerosis (MS) is less studied. Since recent evidence suggests a role of dendritic cells (DC) in the pathogenesis of MS, we investigated the effect of one combined endurance/resistance exercise bout on the number and function of DC in MS patients and healthy controls. Our results show a rapid increase in the number of DC in response to physical exercise in both MS patients and controls. Further investigation revealed that in particular DC expressing the migratory molecules CCR5 and CD62L were increased upon acute physical activity. This may be mediated by Flt3L‐ and MMP‐9‐dependent mobilization of DC, as demonstrated by increased circulating levels of Flt3L and MMP‐9 following one exercise bout. Circulating DC display reduced TLR responsiveness after acute exercise, as evidenced by a less pronounced upregulation of activation markers, HLA‐DR and CD86, on plasmacytoid DC and conventional DC, respectively. Our results indicate mobilization of DC, which may be less prone to drive inflammatory processes, following exercise. This may present a negative feedback mechanism for exercise‐induced tissue damage and inflammation.
Vibrio alginolyticusAssociated Chronic Myringitis Acquired in Mediterranean Waters of Turkey
Authors: Citil Burak Ekrem , Derin Serhan , Sankur Funda , Sahan Murat , Citil Mahmut Ugur
Published: October 2015

Vibrio alginolyticuswas originally classified as biotype 2 ofVibrio parahaemolyticus. Most clinical isolates are recovered from superficial wounds or the external ear infections.V. alginolyticusis acknowledged to be nearly nonpathogenic in humans. The reason for presence ofV. alginolyticus’s virulence is uncertain. We describe a chronic myringitis case in a 47-year-old female due toV. alginolyticus. According to her anamnesis, it was detected that she had sea bathing history in Mugla Coast in Turkey. Pure isolation ofV. alginolyticuswas obtained from external auditory canal’s culture. Investigation and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolate were performed by the automatized BD Phoenix system and Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, respectively. The bacteria were sensitive to all antibiotics. This case was presented to pay attention toVibrio alginolyticusinfections.
Certain Bound forq-Starlike andq-Convex Functions with respect to Symmetric Points
Authors: Ramachandran C. , Kavitha D. , Soupramanien T.
Published: October 2015

The aim of this paper is to establish the coefficient estimates for the subclasses ofq-starlike andq-convex functions with respect to symmetric points involvingq-difference operator. Also certain applications based on these results for subclasses of univalent functions defined by convolution are given.
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor: MRI and CT Findings
Authors: Kragha K. O.
Published: October 2015

This is a case report of a 56-year-old male with hypertension who presented with urinary retention and bowel incontinence. CT and MRI of the abdomen and pelvis showed a large complex cystic and solid enhancing mass in the right presacral space. Pathology biopsy result showed malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) with extensive necrosis. The diagnosis of MPNST is extremely difficult due to the lack of (1) conclusive immunohistochemistry or unique chromosomal anomaly, (2) universal distinctive histopathology, and (3) clinical criteria. The clinical, radiologic, and histologic presentation of MPNST is important in its diagnosis. A rare case of MPNST that produced urinary retention and bowel incontinence is presented that may aid clinicians in the diagnosis of this rare clinical entity. Motor weakness, central enhancement, and immunohistochemistry may assist in the diagnosis of MPNST and differentiation between benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor (BPNST) and MPNST.
Galectin-3 and Cyclin D3 Immunohistochemistry and Tumor Dimensions Are Useful in Distinguishing Follicular Oncocytic Carcinomas from Oncocytic Adenomas of the Thyroid
Authors: Cacchi C. , Arnholdt H. M. , Haas C. J. , Kretsinger H. , Axt L. , Märkl B.
Published: October 2015

Aims. Oncocytic (Hurthle) follicular cell tumors (OTs) of the thyroid are both adenomas (OAs) and follicular carcinomas (OCs). The routine diagnosis of these tumors can be problematic even after an accurate sampling and histological examination. Beside preoperative evaluation due to the tumor’s dimension several studies have been performed to find markers able to distinguish malignant from benign follicular tumors in the thyroid, with Galectin-3 being one of the most effective. Recently, some authors suggested cyclin D3 as adjunct to the diagnosis of the oncocytic lesions of the thyroid.Methods and Results. In this paper we assess the role of Galectin-3 and cyclin D3 in a well-selected group of follicular oncocytic tumors (14 OCs and 26 OAs). The diameter of each lesion was also evaluated. The combination of Galectin-3 and cyclin D3 has a good specificity (81%) and sensitivity (100%). Moreover, the maximum diameter (in cm) of OCs is greater than OAs (4.1 versus 2.3).Conclusions. We believe that the use of Galectin-3 and cyclin D3 in OTs of the thyroid can be a helpful panel in daily practice when histology is doubtful.
An Investigation of the Effect of Chitosan on Isothermal Crystallization, Thermal Decomposition, and Melt Index of Biodegradable Poly(L-lactic acid)
Authors: Cai Yan-Hua , Zhao Li-Sha
Published: October 2015

Biodegradable chitosan (CS) was introduced into another biodegradable poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) to prepare the PLLA/CS composites, and the effect of CS on thermal behavior and melt index of PLLA was investigated using modern testing technologies including optical depolarizer, thermogravimetric analysis instrument, and melt index instrument. The relevant testing results showed that both crystallization temperature and CS concentration affected the isothermal crystallization behavior of PLLA. Compared to neat PLLA, thet1/2of PLLA/5% CS decreased from 2991.54 s to the minimum value 208.76 s at 105°C. However, thet1/2of PLLA/CS composites in high crystallization temperature zone was different from that in low crystallization temperature zone. The increase of CS concentration and heating rate made the thermal decomposition temperature of PLLA/CS composites shift to higher temperature. The melt index results indicated that 3% CS made the fluidity of PLLA become better.
Knowledge and Practice of Clinicians regarding Syndromic Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Public Health Facilities of Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Addisu , Godana Wanzahun
Published: October 2015

Background. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are the leading causes of morbidity among young adults. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of clinicians regarding syndromic management of STIs in public health facilities of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. Facility based cross-sectional study with mixed methods of data collection was conducted in public health facilities of Gamo Gofa Zone. The study included 250 clinicians and 12 health facilities, 26 mystery clients were hired, and 120 STI patient cards were reviewed. Data was entered in EPI info version 7.0.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Results. Of the participated clinicians, 32 (12.8%) were trained on syndromic management of STIs. Highest knowledge of clinicians was for urethral discharge (27.2%). Professional category of clinicians and type of health facility (AOR = 0.194; 95% CI = 0.092, 0.412) were determinants of urethral discharge knowledge. Of the cards reviewed, only in 8.3% of cards and 19.23% of mystery clients did the clinicians correctly follow the guideline. Conclusion. Knowledge and practice of clinicians regarding syndromic management of STIs in study area were poor. Efforts should be made to increase the knowledge of clinicians by providing training on syndromic management of STIs and supportive supervision should be regular.
Propolis Ethanol Extract Stimulates Cytokine and Chemokine Production through NF-κB Activation in C2C12 Myoblasts
Authors: Washio Kohei , Kobayashi Mao , Saito Natsuko , Amagasa Misato , Kitamura Hiroshi
Published: October 2015

Myoblast activation is a triggering event for muscle remodeling. We assessed the stimulatory effects of propolis, a beehive product, on myoblasts. After an 8 h treatment with 100 μg/mL of Brazilian propolis ethanol extract, expression of various chemokines, including CCL-2 and CCL-5, and cytokines, such as IL-6, increased. This propolis-induced cytokine production appears to depend on NF-κB activation, because the IKK inhibitor BMS-345541 repressed mRNA levels of CCL-2 by ~66%, CCL-5 by ~81%, and IL-6 by ~69% after propolis treatment. Supernatant from propolis-conditioned C2C12 cells upregulated RAW264 macrophage migration. The supernatant also stimulated RAW264 cells to produce angiogenic factors, including VEGF-A and MMP-12. Brazilian green propolis therefore causes myoblasts to secrete cytokines and chemokines, which might contribute to tissue remodeling of skeletal muscle.
Ans, SProduction Inventory Controlled Self-Service Queuing System
Authors: Nair Anoop N. , Jacob M. J.
Published: October 2015

We consider a multiserver Markovian queuing system where each server provides service only to one customer. Arrival of customers is according to a Poisson process and whenever a customer leaves the system after getting service, that server is also removed from the system. Here the servers are considered as a standards, Sproduction inventory. Behavior of this system is studied using a three-dimensional QBD process. The condition for checking ergodicity and the steady state solutions are obtained using matrix analytic method. Unlike classical queuing models, the number of servers varies in this model according to an inventory policy.
A Chaotic Oscillator Based on HP Memristor Model
Authors: Wang Guangyi , Cui Mingzhang , Cai Bozhen , Wang Xiaoyuan , Hu Tiling
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes a simple autonomous memristor-based oscillator for generating periodic signals. Applying an external sinusoidal excitation to the autonomous system, a nonautonomous oscillator is obtained, which contains HP memristor model and four linear circuit elements. This memristor-based oscillator can generate periodic, chaotic, and hyperchaotic signals under the periodic excitation and an appropriate set of circuit parameters. It also shows that the system exhibits alternately a hidden attractor with no equilibrium and a self-excited attractor with a line equilibrium as time goes on. Furthermore, some specialties including burst chaos, irregular periodic bifurcations, and nonintermittence chaos of the circuit are found by theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. Finally, a discrete model for the HP memristor is given and the main statistical properties of this memristor-based oscillator are verified via DSP chip experiments and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) tests.
Computer Simulation of Amino Acid Oligomerization in Aqueous Solutions Induced by Condensing Agent
Authors: Lubov Maxim , Trushin Yuri , Eliseev Igor , Terterov Ivan , Dubina Michael
Published: October 2015

Physical features of the amino acid oligomerization were studied. Growth model of the L-Glu monomer chain induced by the condensing agent in the aqueous solutions with and without metal ions was proposed. Computer simulation of oligomerization process was conducted and from the comparison of the calculated and experimental data attachment energy of the Leuchs anhydride of L-Glu to the oligomer was estimated.
Multifunctional Silica Nanoparticles Modified via Silylated‐Decaborate Precursors
Authors: Abi-Ghaida Fatima , Clément Sébastien , Safa Ali , Naoufal Daoud , Mehdi Ahmad
Published: October 2015

A new class of multifunctional silica nanoparticles carrying boron clusters (10‐vertex closo‐decaborate) and incorporating luminescent centers (fluorescein) has been developed as potential probes/carriers for potential application in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). These silica nanoparticles were charged in situ with silylated‐fluorescein fluorophores via the Stöber method and their surface was further functionalized with decaborate‐triethoxysilane precursors. The resulting decaborate dye‐doped silica nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, solid state NMR, DLS, nitrogen sorption, elemental analysis, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Long-Term Wind Characteristics at Selected Locations in Mauritius for Power Generation
Authors: Dhunny A. Z. , Lollchund M. R. , Rughooputh S. D. D. V.
Published: October 2015

Interests in wind energy have gained impetus in many developed and developing countries worldwide during the last three decades. This is due to awareness of the population about the depletion of fossil fuels as well as Government campaigns and initiatives to encourage the use of renewable sources of energy. This work focuses on the wind energy potential at two selected locations (Plaisance and Vacoas) in Mauritius. The emphasis is to assess whether small-wind turbines have a potential in these regions for generation of power for domestic applications. Such wind turbines can range in size from 400 W to 10 kW depending on the amount of electricity to be generated. The assessment is based on the correlation of the local wind speed data to a two-parameter Weibull probability distribution in order to effectively estimate the average wind power density of the sites. Nearly 40 years of mean wind speed data is utilized. Of the two sites investigated it is found that Plaisance yielded the highest wind velocity (as compared to Vacoas). The study also estimates the energy output of six commercial small-wind turbines of capacity ranging from 1 kW to 3 kW at these two sites, placed at multiple heights.
An Effective Big Data Supervised Imbalanced Classification Approach for Ortholog Detection in Related Yeast Species
Authors: Galpert Deborah , del Río Sara , Herrera Francisco , Ancede-Gallardo Evys , Antunes Agostinho , Agüero-Chapin Guillermin
Published: October 2015

Orthology detection requires more effective scaling algorithms. In this paper, a set of gene pair features based on similarity measures (alignment scores, sequence length, gene membership to conserved regions, and physicochemical profiles) are combined in a supervised pairwise ortholog detection approach to improve effectiveness considering low ortholog ratios in relation to the possible pairwise comparison between two genomes. In this scenario, big data supervised classifiers managing imbalance between ortholog and nonortholog pair classes allow for an effective scaling solution built from two genomes and extended to other genome pairs. The supervised approach was compared with RBH, RSD, and OMA algorithms by using the following yeast genome pairs:Saccharomyces cerevisiae-Kluyveromyces lactis,Saccharomyces cerevisiae-Candida glabrata, andSaccharomyces cerevisiae-Schizosaccharomyces pombeas benchmark datasets. Because of the large amount of imbalanced data, the building and testing of the supervised model were only possible by using big data supervised classifiers managing imbalance. Evaluation metrics taking low ortholog ratios into account were applied. From the effectiveness perspective, MapReduce Random Oversampling combined with Spark SVM outperformed RBH, RSD, and OMA, probably because of the consideration of gene pair features beyond alignment similarities combined with the advances in big data supervised classification.
The Novel Functions of the PLC/PKC/PKD Signaling Axis in G Protein-Coupled Receptor-Mediated Chemotaxis of Neutrophils
Authors: Xu Xuehua , Jin Tian
Published: October 2015

Chemotaxis, a directional cell migration guided by extracellular chemoattractant gradients, plays an essential role in the recruitment of neutrophils to sites of inflammation. Chemotaxis is mediated by the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway. Extracellular stimuli trigger activation of the PLC/PKC/PKD signaling axis, which controls several signaling pathways. Here, we concentrate on the novel functions of PLC/PKC/PKD signaling in GPCR-mediated chemotaxis of neutrophils.
The Protective Effects ofNigella sativaand Its Constituents on Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Khazdair Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2015

Nigella sativa(N. sativa) is an annual plant and widely used as medicinal plant throughout the world. The seeds of the plant have been used traditionally in various disorders and as a spice to ranges of Persian foods.N. sativahas therapeutic effects on tracheal responsiveness (TR) and lung inflammation on induced toxicity by Sulfur mustard.N. sativahas been widely used in treatment of various nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer disease, epilepsy, and neurotoxicity. Most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of some phenolic compounds especially thymoquinone (TQ), which is major bioactive component of the essential oil. The present review is an effort to provide a comprehensive study of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacological activities of the seeds of this plant on induced neurotoxicity.
A State-of-the-Art Review of the Sensor Location, Flow Observability, Estimation, and Prediction Problems in Traffic Networks
Authors: Castillo Enrique , Grande Zacarías , Calviño Aida , Szeto W. Y. , Lo Hong K.
Published: October 2015

A state-of-the-art review of flow observability, estimation, and prediction problems in traffic networks is performed. Since mathematical optimization provides a general framework for all of them, an integrated approach is used to perform the analysis of these problems and consider them as different optimization problems whose data, variables, constraints, and objective functions are the main elements that characterize the problems proposed by different authors. For example, counted, scanned or “a priori” data are the most common data sources; conservation laws, flow nonnegativity, link capacity, flow definition, observation, flow propagation, and specific model requirements form the most common constraints; and least squares, likelihood, possible relative error, mean absolute relative error, and so forth constitute the bases for the objective functions or metrics. The high number of possible combinations of these elements justifies the existence of a wide collection of methods for analyzing static and dynamic situations.