bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Interleukin-23 in the Early Development of Emphysema in HIV1+Smokers
Authors: Barjaktarevic Igor Z. , Crystal Ronald G. , Kaner Robert J.
Published: June 2016

Rationale.Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression is upregulated in alveolar macrophages (AM) of HIV1+smokers who develop emphysema. Knowing that lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of HIV1+smokers contains increased levels of inflammatory cytokines compared to HIV1−smokers, we hypothesized that upregulation of lung cytokines in HIV1+smokers may be functionally related to increased MMP-9 expression.Methods.Cytokine arrays evaluated cytokine protein levels in ELF obtained from 5 groups of individuals: HIV1−healthy nonsmokers, HIV1−healthy smokers, HIV1−smokers with low diffusing capacity (DLCO), HIV1+nonsmokers, and HIV1+smokers with lowDLCO.Results. Increased levels of the Th17 related cytokine IL-23 were found in HIV1−smokers with lowDLCOand HIV1+smokers and nonsmokers. Relative IL-23 gene expression was increased in AM of HIV1+individuals, with greater expression in AM of HIV1+smokers with lowDLCO. Infection with HIV1in vitroinduced IL-23 expression in normal AM. IL-23 stimulation of AM/lymphocyte coculturesin vitroinduced upregulation of MMP-9. Lung T lymphocytes express receptor IL-23R and interact with AM in order to upregulate MMP-9.Conclusion. This mechanism may contribute to the increased tissue destruction in the lungs of HIV1+smokers and suggests that Th17 related inflammation may play a role.
Topological Dual Systems for Spaces of Vector Measurep-Integrable Functions
Authors: Rueda P. , Sánchez Pérez E. A.
Published: June 2016

We show a Dvoretzky-Rogers type theorem for the adapted version of theq-summing operators to the topology of the convergence of the vector valued integrals on Banach function spaces. In the pursuit of this objective we prove that the mere summability of the identity map does not guarantee that the space has to be finite dimensional, contrary to the classical case. Some local compactness assumptions on the unit balls are required. Our results open the door to new convergence theorems and tools regarding summability of series of integrable functions and approximation in function spaces, since we may find infinite dimensional spaces in which convergence of the integrals, our vector valued version of convergence in the weak topology, is equivalent to the convergence with respect to the norm. Examples and applications are also given.
Is There a Relation between ABO Blood Groups and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Pemphigoid? A Case-Control Study
Authors: Bakhtiari Sedigheh , Toosi Parviz , Azimi Somayyeh , Esmaili Nafiseh , Montazami Ali , Rafieian Nasrin
Published: June 2016

Background.Relationship between blood groups and dermatologic diseases remains controversial and was not yet fully elucidated nor explained clearly. The aim of this study was to examine if any relation exists between different types of pemphigoid diseases and ABO blood group.Methods.In this case-control study, 159 pemphigoid patients and 152 healthy matched-controls were evaluated. All blood group (including Rh status) data for the study was obtained from the hospital medical records. Statistical comparisons were completed with chi-square test and logistic regression.Results.Blood group “O” was found in 32.9% of patients and 38.2% of control group. Blood group “A” was found among 30.8% of patients and 34.2% of control group, while group “B” was reported in 27.4% of cases and 21.1% of controls and “AB” was identified among 8.9% of patients and 6.6% of control group. 84.9% of patients were Rh positive, while in the control group 86.2% of patients were Rh positive. No significant differences were found regarding ABO blood groups (P=0.46) or Rh (P=0.76) between pemphigoid patients and control group. Also, older females had the higher risk of developing bullous pemphigoid.Conclusion.We found no relationship between ABO blood groups and pemphigoid disease.
Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants Used by the Basotho Tribe of Eastern Free State: A Review
Authors: Balogun Fatai Oladunni , Tshabalala Natu Thomas , Ashafa Anofi Omotayo Tom
Published: June 2016

Diabetes mellitus (DM) belongs to the group of five leading important diseases causing death globally and remains a major health problem in Africa. A number of factors such as poverty, poor eating habit, and hormonal imbalance are responsible for the occurrence of the disease. It poses a major health challenge in Africa continent today and the prevalence continues to increase at an alarming rate. Various treatment options particularly the usage of herbs have been effective against diabetes because they have no adverse effects. Interestingly, South Africa, especially the Basotho tribe, is blessed with numerous medicinal plants whose usage in the treatment of DM has been effective since the conventional drugs are expensive and often unaffordable. The present study attempted to update the various scientific evidence on the twenty-three (23) plants originating from different parts of the world but widely used by the Sotho people in the management of DM. Asteraceae topped the list of sixteen (16) plant families and remained the most investigated according to this review. Although limited information was obtained on the antidiabetic activities of these plants, it is however anticipated that government parastatals and scientific communities will pay more attention to these plants in future research.
FPGA-Aware Scheduling Strategies at Hypervisor Level in Cloud Environments
Authors: Orellana Julio Proaño , Caminero Blanca , Carrión Carmen , Tomas Luis , Tesfatsion Selome Kostentinos , Tordsson Johan
Published: June 2016

Current open issues regarding cloud computing include the support for nontrivial Quality of Service-related Service Level Objectives (SLOs) and reducing the energy footprint of data centers. One strategy that can contribute to both is the integration of accelerators as specialized resources within the cloud system. In particular, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) exhibit an excellent performance/energy consumption ratio that can be harnessed to achieve these goals. In this paper, a multilevel cloud scheduling framework is described, and several FPGA-aware node level scheduling strategies (applied at the hypervisor level) are explored and analyzed. These strategies are based on the use of a multiobjective metric aimed at providing Quality of Service (QoS) support. Results show how the proposed FPGA-aware scheduling policies increment the number of users requests serviced with their SLOs fulfilled while energy consumption is minimized. In particular, evaluation results of a use case based on a multimedia application show that the proposal can save more than 20% of the total energy compared with other baseline algorithms while a higher percentage of Service Level Agreement (SLA) is fulfilled.
CryptosporidiumRemoval from Runoff by Active Carbon Filter with Coal Gangue
Authors: Lu Ping , Yuan Tao , Zhang Baojun
Published: June 2016

Transport ofCryptosporidiumin runoff will contaminate the surrounding water body.Cryptosporidium-sized microspheres and inactiveCryptosporidiumparvum oocysts removal using an active carbon (AC) filter with/without coal gangue from the runoff was evaluated. Chemical composition of coal gangue was determined, and its performance as a water treatment material was tested. Results showed SiO2was the dominant chemical component of coal gangue. Removal was only 20% for microspheres and 24% for oocysts by AC filtration alone. The removal for both was increased to more than 98% by addition of coal gangue powder to the filter. Furthermore, gangue reuse turned commercially worthless material to a water treatment material as well helping prevent gangue from occupying agriculture/industry land.
Clinical Significance of the Relationship between Progression-Free Survival or Postprogression Survival and Overall Survival in Patients with Extensive Disease-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Carboplatin plus Etoposide
Authors: Imai Hisao , Mori Keita , Watase Nodoka , Fujimoto Sakae , Kaira Kyoichi , Yamada Masanobu , Minato Koichi
Published: June 2016

Background. The effects of first-line chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) might be confounded by subsequent therapies in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Therefore, by using individual-level data, we aimed to determine the relationships between progression-free survival (PFS) or postprogression survival (PPS) and OS after first-line chemotherapies in patients with extensive disease-SCLC (ED-SCLC) treated with carboplatin plus etoposide.Methods. Between July 1998 and December 2014, we analyzed 63 cases of patients with ED-SCLC who were treated with carboplatin and etoposide as first-line chemotherapy. The relationships of PFS and PPS with OS were analyzed at the individual level.Results. Spearman rank correlation analysis and linear regression analysis showed that PPS was strongly correlated with OS (r=0.90,p<0.05, andR2=0.71) and PFS was moderately correlated with OS (r=0.72,p<0.05, andR2=0.62). Type of relapse (refractory/sensitive) and the number of regimens administered after disease progression after the first-line chemotherapy were both significantly associated with PPS (p<0.05).Conclusions. PPS has a stronger relationship with OS than does PFS in ED-SCLC patients who have received first-line chemotherapy. These results suggest that treatments administered after first-line chemotherapy affect the OS of ED-SCLC patients treated with carboplatin plus etoposide.
Nutritional Aspects of Essential Trace Elements in Oral Health and Disease: An Extensive Review
Authors: Bhattacharya Preeti Tomar , Misra Satya Ranjan , Hussain Mohsina
Published: June 2016

Human body requires certain essential elements in small quantities and their absence or excess may result in severe malfunctioning of the body and even death in extreme cases because these essential trace elements directly influence the metabolic and physiologic processes of the organism. Rapid urbanization and economic development have resulted in drastic changes in diets with developing preference towards refined diet and nutritionally deprived junk food. Poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, augmented vulnerability to various oral and systemic diseases, impaired physical and mental growth, and reduced efficiency. Diet and nutrition affect oral health in a variety of ways with influence on craniofacial development and growth and maintenance of dental and oral soft tissues. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) are treated with antioxidants containing essential trace elements like selenium but even increased dietary intake of trace elements like copper could lead to oral submucous fibrosis. The deficiency or excess of other trace elements like iodine, iron, zinc, and so forth has a profound effect on the body and such conditions are often diagnosed through their early oral manifestations. This review appraises the biological functions of significant trace elements and their role in preservation of oral health and progression of various oral diseases.
Identification of Redox and Glucose‐Dependent Txnip Protein Interactions
Authors: Forred Benjamin J. , Neuharth Skyla , Kim Dae In , Amolins Michael W. , Motamedchaboki Khatereh , Roux Kyle J. , Vitiello Peter F.
Published: June 2016

Thioredoxin‐interacting protein (Txnip) acts as a negative regulator of thioredoxin function and is a critical modulator of several diseases including, but not limited to, diabetes, ischemia‐reperfusion cardiac injury, and carcinogenesis. Therefore, Txnip has become an attractive therapeutic target to alleviate disease pathologies. Although Txnip has been implicated with numerous cellular processes such as proliferation, fatty acid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, and apoptosis, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes are largely unknown. The objective of these studies was to identify Txnip interacting proteins using the proximity‐based labeling method, BioID, to understand differential regulation of pleiotropic Txnip cellular functions. The BioID transgene fused to Txnip expressed in HEK293 identified 31 interacting proteins. Many protein interactions were redox‐dependent and were disrupted through mutation of a previously described reactive cysteine (C247S). Furthermore, we demonstrate that this model can be used to identify dynamic Txnip interactions due to known physiological regulators such as hyperglycemia. These data identify novel Txnip protein interactions and demonstrate dynamic interactions dependent on redox and glucose perturbations, providing clarification to the pleiotropic cellular functions of Txnip.
A Challenging Giant Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans on the Face
Authors: Pérez Gimena Castro , Arias Cintia , Luna Paula , Sorín Irene , Mazzuoccolo Luis Daniel
Published: June 2016

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a malignant fibrohistiocytic tumor that appears exclusively on the skin. It is a low-grade malignant soft tissue tumor of subcutaneous tissues that has a propensity for local recurrence but seldom metastasizes. It may rarely occur on the head and neck accounting for less than one percent of total head and neck malignancies. We present a man with a giant DFSP on the face. Oncological, functional, and aesthetic aspects are set forth.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Diabetic Lower Limb Amputation: A Clinic-Based Case Control Study
Authors: Rodrigues Beverly T. , Vangaveti Venkat N. , Malabu Usman H.
Published: June 2016

Objective.The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for lower limb amputation in a specialist foot clinic-based setting.Methods.A retrospective quantitative study was conducted, using clinical and biochemical profiles of diabetic foot patients attending the High Risk Foot Clinic at The Townsville Hospital, Australia, between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013.Results.The total study sample included 129 subjects, comprising 81 males and 48 females with M : F ratio of 1.7 : 1. Twenty-three subjects were Indigenous Australians, representing 17.8% of the study population. The average age of the cohort was 63.4 years ± 14.1 years [CI 90.98–65.89]. Lower limb amputation was identified as a common and significant outcome (n=44), occurring in 34.1%, more commonly amongst the Indigenous Australians (56.5% versus 29.2%;p=0.94, OR 0.94). Risk factors most closely associated with amputation included diabetic retinopathy (p=0.00, OR 4.4), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (p=0.01, OR 4.1), Charcot’s arthropathy (p=0.01, OR 2.9), and Indigenous ethnicity (p=0.01, OR 3.4). Although average serum creatinine, corrected calcium, and glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (Hba1c) levels were higher amongst amputees they were statistically insignificant.Conclusions.Lower limb amputation is a common outcome and linked to ethnicity and neurovascular diabetic complications amongst subjects with diabetic foot ulcer. Further research is needed to identify why risk of lower limb amputation seems to differ according to ethnicity.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Idle Listening of IEEE 802.11 WLANs
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Park Eun-Chan
Published: June 2016

This paper aims to improve energy efficiency of IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLANs) by effectively dealing with idle listening (IL), which is required for channel sensing and is unavoidable in a contention-based channel access mechanism. Firstly, we show that IL is a dominant source of energy drain in WLANs and it cannot be effectively alleviated by the power saving mechanism proposed in the IEEE 802.11 standard. To solve this problem, we propose an energy-efficient mechanism that combines three schemes in a systematic way: downclocking, frame aggregation, and contention window adjustment. The downclocking scheme lets a station remain in a semisleep state when overhearing frames destined to neighbor stations, whereby the station consumes the minimal energy without impairing channel access capability. As well as decreasing the channel access overhead, the frame aggregation scheme prolongs the period of semisleep time. Moreover, by controlling the size of contention window based on the number of stations, the proposed mechanism decreases unnecessary IL time due to collision and retransmission. By deriving an analysis model and performing extensive simulations, we confirm that the proposed mechanism significantly improves the energy efficiency and throughput, by up to 2.8 and 1.8 times, respectively, compared to the conventional power saving mechanisms.
Endoscopic Observation of the Growth Process of a Right-Side Sessile Serrated Adenoma/Polyp with Cytological Dysplasia to an Invasive Submucosal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Omori Kaoru , Yoshida Kanako , Tamiya Sadafumi , Daa Tsutomu , Kan Masahiro
Published: June 2016

A sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) with cytological dysplasia in the right colon, which transformed to an invasive submucosal adenocarcinoma finally, was endoscopically observed in a 76-year-old woman. A whitish soft SSA/P (approximately 25 mm in diameter) was detected in the cecum. Biopsy samples were obtained from the small nodule, and the lesion was eventually diagnosed as an SSA/P with cytological dysplasia, considering endoscopic observations, among which the narrow-band imaging features suggested that the lesion was adenomatous, that is, a round-oval pattern, and hyperplastic, that is, comprising a circular pattern with dots and an invisible capillary vessel. After 11 months, an SSA/P had rapidly developed into a submucosal adenocarcinoma with lymphatic infiltrations, and the most aggressive deep invasion was observed in the central depression. This case suggests that right-side SSA/Ps with cytological dysplasia should be removed immediately, considering the potential for rapid progression to a larger size and eventually to deep and extensive cancer.
Analytical Models for the Response of the Double-Bottom Structure to Underwater Explosion Based on the Wave Motion Theory
Authors: Chen Yingyu , Yao Xiongliang , Xiao Wei
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper is to apply the elastic wave motion theory and the classical one-dimensional cavitation theory to analyze the response of a typical double-bottom structure subjected to underwater blast. The section-varying bar theory and the general acoustic impedance are introduced to get the simplified analytical models. The double-bottom structure is idealized by the basic unit of three substructures which include the simple panel, the panel with stiffener (T-shaped), and the panel associated with girder (I-shaped). According to the simplified models, the analytical models for the corresponding substructures are set up. By taking the cavitation effect into account, the process of fluid-structure interaction can be thoroughly understood, as well as the stress wave propagation. Good agreement between the analytical solution and the finite element prediction is achieved. On the other hand, the Taylor predictions for the panel associated with girder (I-shaped) including the effects of cavitation are invalid, indicating a potential field for the analytical method. The validated analytical models are used to determine the sensitivity of structure response to dimensionless geometric parametersα-k,β-k, andγ-k. Based on the dynamic response of the substructures, we establish the approximate analytical models which are able to predict the response of double-bottom structure to underwater explosion.
Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction Based onβ-Cyclodextrins/Acrylic Acid Modified Magnetic Gelatin for Determination of Moxidectin in Milk Samples
Authors: Shang Yinzhu , Luo Jing , Wang Peng , Zhao Xiaoya , Ye Cheng , Guo Shaofei
Published: June 2016

β-Cyclodextrins/acrylic acid modified magnetic gelatin was prepared and then employed as the magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) sorbent for extraction of moxidectin in milk samples. Due to the rigidity of hydrophobic cavity ofβ-cyclodextrins and carboxyl groups of acrylic acid, magnetic composites are prepared to form a complex with target molecules through various kinds of chemical reactions and then showed excellent extraction performance. This method exhibits the advantages of simplicity of implementation, short extraction time (5 min), low solvent consumption, and high extraction efficiency. A rapid, simple, and effective method for the analysis of moxidectin in milk samples was established by MSPE coupled with liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection. The limit of detection was 0.1 ng·mL−1and the recoveries from milk samples were in the range of 93.8%–112.5%. The relative standard deviation was not higher than 6.4%. In conclusion, magnetic solid-phase extraction is a simple and robust preconcentration technique that can be coupled to other analytical methods for the quantitative determination of target molecules in complex samples.
Response to Radioiodine Therapy for Thyrotoxicosis: Disparate Outcomes for an Indigenous Population
Authors: Tamatea Jade A. U. , Conaglen John V. , Elston Marianne S.
Published: June 2016

Despite 70 years of experience treating thyrotoxic patients with radioiodine not all patients are successfully treated by a single dose. Multiple factors predicting radioiodine efficacy have been reported. The aim of this study was to assess whether ethnicity was associated with radioiodine response. A retrospective review was performed of patients who received radioiodine therapy for thyrotoxicosis from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2010 and had follow-up available of a minimum of 12 months. 224 patients were included, 82.4% female, and 63.7% had Graves’s disease. Radioiodine failed in 21.5% of patients overall, with a higher failure rate in the indigenous population (35.2%). When controlling for other influencing factors by logistic regression, there continued to be an increased risk for the indigenous group (OR 2.82) and those treated with antithyroid drugs following radioiodine (OR 2.04). Younger age was also associated with an increased risk of failing radioiodine therapy (OR 0.97 for each year of age). Cure rates following radioiodine were lower for indigenes independent of factors known to affect radioiodine outcome. This is the first report demonstrating ethnicity as a possible independent variable for radioiodine efficacy. Further work is needed to investigate the cause of this difference.
Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, and Toxicological Evaluation of Traditional Herbs Used to Treat Sore Throat
Authors: Mehreen Arifa , Waheed Muzzamil , Liaqat Iram , Arshad Najma
Published: June 2016

Thein vitroantibacterial activities of 29 traditional medicinal plants used in respiratory ailments were assessed on multidrug resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria isolated from the sore throat patients and two reference strains. The methanolic, n-hexane, and aqueous extracts were screened by the agar well diffusion assay. Bioactive fractions of effective extracts were identified on TLC coupled with bioautography, while their toxicity was determined using haemolytic assay against human erythrocytes. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of effective extracts was also performed. Methanolic extract of 18 plants showed antimicrobial activity against test strains.Adhatoda vasica(ZI = 17–21 mm, MIC: 7.12–62.5 μg/mL),Althaea officinalis(ZI = 16–20 mm, MIC: 15.62–31.25 μg/mL),Cordia latifolia(ZI = 16–20 mm, MIC: 12.62–62.5 μg/mL),Origanum vulgare(ZI = 20–22 mm, MIC: 3–15.62 μg/mL),Thymus vulgaris(ZI = 21–25 mm, MIC: 7.81–31.25 μg/mL), andZiziphus jujuba(ZI = 14–20 mm, MIC: 7.81–31.25 μg/mL) showed significant antibacterial activity. Alkaloid fractions ofAdhatoda vasica,Cordia latifolia, andOriganum vulgareand flavonoid fraction of theAlthaea officinalis,Origanum vulgare,Thymus Vulgaris, andZiziphus jujubaexhibited antimicrobial activity. Effective plant extracts show 0.93–0.7% erythrocyte haemolysis. The results obtained from this study provide a scientific rationale for the traditional use of these herbs and laid the basis for future studies to explore novel antimicrobial compounds.
Long-Standing Motor and Sensory Recovery following Acute Fibrin Sealant Based Neonatal Sciatic Nerve Repair
Authors: Perussi Biscola Natalia , Politti Cartarozzi Luciana , Ferreira Junior Rui Seabra , Barraviera Benedito , Leite Rodrigues de Oliveira Alexandre
Published: June 2016

Brachial plexus lesion results in loss of motor and sensory function, being more harmful in the neonate. Therefore, this study evaluated neuroprotection and regeneration after neonatal peripheral nerve coaptation with fibrin sealant. Thus, P2 neonatal Lewis rats were divided into three groups: AX: sciatic nerve axotomy (SNA) without treatment; AX+FS: SNA followed by end-to-end coaptation with fibrin sealant derived from snake venom; AX+CFS: SNA followed by end-to-end coaptation with commercial fibrin sealant. Results were analyzed 4, 8, and 12 weeks after lesion. Astrogliosis, microglial reaction, and synapse preservation were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Neuronal survival, axonal regeneration, and ultrastructural changes at ventral spinal cord were also investigated. Sensory-motor recovery was behaviorally studied. Coaptation preserved synaptic covering on lesioned motoneurons and led to neuronal survival. Reactive gliosis and microglial reaction decreased in the same groups (AX+FS, AX+CFS) at 4 weeks. Regarding axonal regeneration, coaptation allowed recovery of greater number of myelinated fibers, with improved morphometric parameters. Preservation of inhibitory synaptic terminals was accompanied by significant improvement in the motor as well as in the nociceptive recovery. Overall, the present data suggest that acute repair of neonatal peripheral nerves with fibrin sealant results in neuroprotection and regeneration of motor and sensory axons.
Influence of Cross-Diffusion on Slip Flow and Heat Transfer of Chemically Reacting UCM Fluid between Porous Parallel Plates with Hall and Ion Slip Currents
Authors: Ojjela Odelu , Kambhatla Pravin Kashyap , Naresh Kumar N. , Das Samir Kumar
Published: June 2016

The present paper deals with the Hall and ion slip currents on an incompressible unsteady free convection flow and heat transfer of an upper convected Maxwell fluid between porous parallel plates with Soret and Dufour effects by considering the velocity slip and convective boundary conditions. Assume that there are periodic injection and suction at the lower and upper plates, respectively. The temperature and concentration at the lower and upper plates change periodically with time. The flow field equations are reduced to nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using similarity transformations and a semi-analytical-numerical solution has been obtained by the differential transform method. The velocity components, temperature distribution, and concentration with respect to different fluid and geometric parameters are discussed in detail and presented in the form of graphs. It is observed that the Biot number increases the temperature and concentration of the fluid. Further, the concentration of the fluid is enhanced whereas the temperature decreases with increasing slip. The present results are compared with the existing literature and are found to be in good agreement.
Combinations of siRNAs against La Autoantigen with NS5B or hVAP-A Have Additive Effect on Inhibition of HCV Replication
Authors: Mandal Anirban , Ganta Krishna Kumar , Chaubey Binay
Published: June 2016

Hepatitis C virus is major cause of chronic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Presently available direct-acting antiviral drugs have improved success rate; however, high cost limits their utilization, especially in developing countries like India. In the present study, we evaluated anti-HCV potential of several siRNAs targeted against the HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NS5B and cellular factors, La autoantigen, PSMA7, and human VAMP-associated protein to intercept different steps of viral life cycle. The target genes were downregulated individually as well as in combinations and their impact on viral replication was evaluated. Individual downregulation of La autoantigen, PSMA7, hVAP-A, and NS5B resulted in inhibition of HCV replication by about 67.2%, 50.7%, 39%, and 52%, respectively. However, antiviral effect was more pronounced when multiple genes were downregulated simultaneously. Combinations of siRNAs against La autoantigen with NS5B or hVAP-A resulted in greater inhibition in HCV replication. Our findings indicate that siRNA is a potential therapeutic tool for inhibiting HCV replication and simultaneously targeting multiple viral steps with the combination of siRNAs is more effective than silencing a single target.
A New Class of Bifunctional Major Histocompatibility Class I Antibody Fusion Molecules to Redirect CD8 T Cells
Authors: Schmittnaegel Martina , Hoffmann Eike , Imhof-Jung Sabine , Fischer Cornelia , Drabner Georg , Georges Guy , Klein Christian , Knoetgen Hendrik
Published: June 2016

Bifunctional antibody fusion proteins engaging effector T cells for targeted elimination of tumor cells via CD3 binding have shown efficacy in both preclinical and clinical studies. Different from such a polyclonal T-cell recruitment, an alternative concept is to engage only antigen-specific T-cell subsets. Recruitment of specific subsets of T cells may be as potent but potentially lead to fewer side effects. Tumor-targeted peptide–MHC class I complexes (pMHCI-IgGs) bearing known antigenic peptides complexed with MHC class I molecules mark tumor cells as antigenic and utilize the physiologic way to interact with and activate T-cell receptors. If, for example, virus-specific CD8+ T cells are addressed, the associated strong antigenicity and tight immune surveillance of the effector cells could lead to efficacious antitumor treatment in various tissues. However, peptide–MHC class I fusions are difficult to express recombinantly, especially when fused to entire antibody molecules. Consequently, current formats are largely limited to small antibody fragment fusions expressed in bacteria followed by refolding or chemical conjugation. Here, we describe a new molecular format bearing a single pMHCI complex per IgG fusion molecule characterized by enhanced stability and expression yields. This molecular format can be expressed in a full immunoglobulin format and can be designed as mono- or bivalent antibody binders. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2130–42. ©2016 AACR.
Dietary Carbohydrates and Childhood Functional Abdominal Pain
Authors: Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Shulman Robert J.
Published: June 2016

Childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) affect a large number of children throughout the world. Carbohydrates (which provide the majority of calories consumed in the Western diet) have been implicated both as culprits for the etiology of symptoms and as potential therapeutic agents (e.g., fiber) in childhood FGIDs. In this review, we detail how carbohydrate malabsorption may cause gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., bloating) via the physiologic effects of both increased osmotic activity and increased gas production from bacterial fermentation. Several factors may play a role, including: (1) the amount of carbohydrate ingested; (2) whether ingestion is accompanied by a meal or other food; (3) the rate of gastric emptying (how quickly the meal enters the small intestine); (4) small intestinal transit time (the time it takes for a meal to enter the large intestine after first entering the small intestine); (5) whether the meal contains bacteria with enzymes capable of breaking down the carbohydrate; (6) colonic bacterial adaptation to one's diet, and (7) host factors such as the presence or absence of visceral hypersensitivity. By detailing controlled and uncontrolled trials, we describe how there is a general lack of strong evidence supporting restriction of individual carbohydrates (e.g., lactose, fructose) for childhood FGIDs. We review emerging evidence suggesting that a more comprehensive restriction of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) may be effective. Finally, we review how soluble fiber (a complex carbohydrate) supplementation via randomized controlled intervention trials in childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders has demonstrated efficacy.
Oral Immunotherapy for Food Allergies
Authors: Feuille Elizabeth , Nowak-Węgrzyn Anna
Published: June 2016

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising investigational therapy for food allergy. Clinical trials in peanut, milk, egg, and wheat allergy provide evidence that OIT can effectively desensitize a majority of individuals to a food allergen. While a portion of subjects demonstrate sustained unresponsiveness, the majority regain sensitivity with allergen avoidance. The safety and tolerability of OIT continue to limit its use in some patients. Virtually all studies report adverse reactions that are more frequent during dose escalation but may also occur during maintenance therapy. Recent studies have identified adjunctive therapies (such as omalizumab) which may mitigate adverse effects. There is a paucity of data on the long-term safety and efficacy of OIT. Further study is required before OIT is ready for routine clinical practice. This review is intended to provide the reader with an up-to-date understanding of OIT, including its mechanisms, efficacy, safety profile, and potential utility in clinical practice.
Pituitary Antibodies in an Adolescent with Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency and Turner Syndrome
Authors: Pollock Allison J. , Seibert Tasa S. , Salvatori Cristiana , Caturegli Patrizio , Allen David B.
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Autoimmune hypophysitis (AH) is a rare inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland causing varying degrees of hypopituitarism and/or sellar compression. Cranial MRI remains the best noninvasive tool to diagnose AH, although a diagnosis of certainty requires pituitary biopsy. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of detecting pituitary antibodies for the diagnosis of AH. Methods: A 15-year-old female with Turner syndrome (TS), hypothyroidism, and ovarian failure presented acutely with hypocortisolism. Laboratory studies revealed secondary adrenal insufficiency. MRI showed a hypotrophic pituitary gland and loss of the posterior pituitary bright spot. To establish an autoimmune basis for the adrenal insufficiency, serum was analyzed by double indirect immunofluorescence for the presence of pituitary autoantibodies. Results: The patient's serum contained autoantibodies that recognized 36% of the adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting cells, suggesting that these adenohypophyseal cells were targeted by autoimmunity. The serum contained antibodies that identified the majority of the gonadotropin-secreting cells (FSH 77%, LH 65%). No recognition of GH-, prolactin-, and TSH-secreting cells was found. Preabsorption experiments showed that antigenic targets of autoantibodies were not anterior pituitary hormones themselves. Conclusion: Demonstration of circulating pituitary antibodies expands the diagnostic options for AH. In this adolescent with TS, positive and cell-specific pituitary antibodies suggested that AH was the cause of her secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Indoxyl Sulfate Downregulates Mas Receptor via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor/Nuclear Factor-kappa B, and Induces Cell Proliferation and Tissue Factor Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Ng Hwee-Yeong , Bolati Wulaer , Lee Chien-Te , Chien Yu-Shu , Yisireyili Maimaiti , Saito Shinichi , Pei Sung-Nan , Nishijima Fuyuhiko , Niwa Toshimitsu
Published: June 2016

Background/Aim: Angiotensin converting enzyme-related carboxypeptidase 2/angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis is protective in the development of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. This study is aimed at investigating whether indoxyl sulfate (IS) affects Mas receptor expression, cell proliferation and tissue factor expression in vascular smooth muscle cells, and if Ang-(1-7), an activator of Mas receptor, counteracts the IS-induced effects. Methods: IS was administered to normotensive and hypertensive rats. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were cultured with IS. Results: IS reduced the expression of Mas receptor in the aorta of normotensive and hypertensive rats. IS downregulated the Mas receptor expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HASMCs. Knockdown of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibited IS-induced downregulation of Mas receptor. Further, IS stimulated cell proliferation and tissue factor expression in HASMCs. Ang-(1-7) attenuated IS-induced cell proliferation and tissue factor expression in HASMCs. Ang-(1-7) suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and NF-κB in HASMCs. Conclusion: IS downregulated the expression of Mas receptor via AhR/NF-κB, and induced cell proliferation and tissue factor expression in HASMCs. Ang-(1-7) inhibited IS-induced cell proliferation and tissue factor expression by suppressing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65.
Guideline Adherence Regarding the Use of Expensive Drugs in Daily Practice: The Examples of Trastuzumab in Breast Cancer and Bortezomib in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Boons Christel C.L.M. , Wagner Cordula , Hugtenburg Jacqueline G.
Published: June 2016

Background: The present study was designed to obtain insights into guideline adherence regarding the use of expensive drugs in The Netherlands in daily practice and into the patients' perspective on the decision-making process. Material and Methods: A retrospective review of medical charts regarding the use of trastuzumab in early and metastatic breast cancer (EBC/MBC) and bortezomib in multiple myeloma (MM) was conducted. Prescription according to clinical practice guidelines was assessed. The review was supplemented with patient interviews. Results: Of 702 adjuvant-treated EBC patients, 97% had a documented human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing (23% HER2 positive). 92% (147/160) of the HER2-positive EBC patients were treated with trastuzumab. Of 594 MBC patients, 81% had a documented HER2 testing (19% HER2 positive). 82% (75/91) of the HER2-positive MBC patients were treated with trastuzumab. Of 68 MM patients, 50% were treated with bortezomib. Reasons not to treat were consistent with the guidelines. Patients were generally satisfied with the decision-making process; improvements in patient education were suggested (e.g., repeating the information given, adding information on side effects). Conclusions: Guidelines were generally well followed with respect to trastuzumab and bortezomib, indicating that funding did not influence the treatment decisions of physicians. In view of the growing numbers of both cancer patients and expensive new anticancer drugs, and increasing budget constraints, it is unclear whether the present-day policies will guarantee a similar level of guideline adherence. Patient involvement in decision-making could be increased by improving the patient education on treatment.
Safety of Denosumab Versus Zoledronic Acid in Patients with Bone Metastases: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Fengxia , Pu Feifei
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Bone metastases lead to local bone destruction and skeletal complications. Bisphosphonates, particlulaly zoledronic acid (ZA), play a central role in the treatment of bone metastases. Some studies have shown that denosumab may delay and prevent SREs in metastatic bone disease more effectively than ZA; therefore, we systematically reviewed and assessed the safety of denosumab and ZA. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science with Conference Proceedings, Elsevier, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched up to October 2015. 2 independent reviewers extracted data from each eligible study using a standard protocol, and both fixed-effects and random-effects models were used to analyze and evaluate the data extracted from eligible articles. Results: 6 randomized controlled trials enrolling 13,733 patients were included. Occurrences of adverse events were generally similar between the denosumab and ZA groups except anemia and anorexia in patients with bone metastases and back pain and bone pain. However, occurrences of serious adverse events such as hypocalcaemia , renal adverse events , and new primary malignancy were significantly different between the denosumab and ZA groups. Only the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw showed no significant difference between the denosumab and ZA groups in patients with bone metastases. Conclusion: Denosumab was safer in delaying or preventing skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastases and prevented pain progression compared to ZA in this meta-analysis.
DNA Bar-coding: A Novel Approach for Identifying an Individual Using Extended Levenshtein Distance Algorithm and STR analysis
Authors: C P Likhitha , P Ninitha , V Kanchana
Published: June 2016

DNA bar-coding is a technique that uses the short DNA nucleotide sequences from the standard genome of the species in order to find and group the species to which it belongs to. The species are identified by their DNA nucleotide sequences in the same way the items are recognized and billed in the supermarket using barcode scanner to scan the Universal Product Code of the items. Two items may look same to the untrained eye, but in both cases the barcodes are distinct. It was possible to create DNA-barcodes to characterize species by analysing DNA samples from fish, birds, mammals, plants, and invertebrates using Smith-waterman and Needleman-Wunsch algorithm. In this work we are creating human DNA barcode and implementing Extended Levenshtein distance algorithm along with STR analysis that uses less computation time compared to the previously used algorithms to measure the differential distance between the two DNA nucleotide sequences through which an individual can be identified.
Dynamic control and Resource management for Mission Critical Multi-tier Applications in Cloud Data Center
Authors: Sahoo Choudhury Nishikanta , Goswami Veena
Published: June 2016

The multi-tier architecture style has become an industry standard in modern data centers with each tier providing certain functionality. To avoid congestion and to adhere the SLA under fluctuating workload and unpredictable failures of Mission Critical Multi-tier applications hosted in the cloud, we need a Dynamic admission control policy, such that the requests must be processed from the first tier to the last without any delay. This paper presents the least strict admission control policy, which will induce the maximal throughput, for a two-tier system with parallel servers. We propose an optimization model to minimize the total number of virtual machines for computing resources in each tier by dynamically varying the mean service rate of the VMs. Some performance indicators and computational results showing the effect of model parameters are presented. This model is also applicable to priority as well as real-time based applications in Cloud based environment.
WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram which is Best for Instant Messaging?
Authors: Sutikno Tole , Handayani Lina , Stiawan Deris , Riyadi Munawar Agus , Much Ibnu Subroto Imam
Published: June 2016

There are many free instant messengers available now which allow to communicate with friends with text, phone call, video, sharing of files, in group or not and keep contact with them even internationally. But only very few of the instant messengers have gained a popularity and attention. Recent studies have shown that the most popular instant messengers are WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram. Even, Facebook acquired WhatsApp due to have huge users. Viber is another messenger with many integrated features that allows the phone calls and sends the text messages for free and there is no subscription like WhatsApp. While Telegram offers the users an open-source platform with no ads, a clean fast interface, asks for no payments whatsoever and the biggest selling point is security. WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram which instant messenger is best? The popularity of Telegram has reached at the top of Google play store and become the most downloaded messaging app in the world today. But at the moment WhatsApp is still the winner!
Design of Multiplier for Medical Image Compression Using Urdhava Tiryakbhyam Sutra
Authors: Suma Suma , Sridhar V.
Published: June 2016

Compressing the medical images is one of the challenging areas in healthcare industry which calls for an effective design of the compression algorithms. The conventional compression algorithms used on medical images doesn’t offer enhanced computational capabilities with respect to faster processing speed and is more dependent on hardware resources. The present paper has identified the potential usage of Vedic mathematics in the form of Urdhava Tiryakbhyam sutra, which can be used for designing an efficient multiplier that can be used for enhancing the capabilities of the existing processor to generate enhance compression experience. The design of the proposed system is discussed with respect to 5 significant algorithms and the outcome of the proposed study was testified with heterogeneous samples of medical image to find that proposed system offers approximately 57% of the reduction in size without any significant loss of data.
A Thorough Insight to Techniques for Performance Evaluation in Biological Sensors
Authors: Meti Subhas , Sangam V G
Published: June 2016

The biological sensor has played a significant and contributory role in the area of medical science and healthcare industry. Owing to critical healthcare usage, it is essential that such type of sensors should be highly robust, sustainable under the adverse condition and highly fault tolerant against any forms of possible system failure in future. A massive amount of research work has been done in the area of the sensor network. However, works done in biological sensors are quite less in number. Hence, this manuscript highlights all the significant research work towards the line of discussion for evaluating the effective in the techniques for performance evaluation of biological sensor. The study finally explores the problems and discusses it under research gap. Finally, the manuscript gives highlights of the future direction of the work to solve the research gap explored from the proposed review of the existing system.
An Overview on Current Researches on Underwater Sensor Networks: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends
Authors: Amoli Pedram Vahdani
Published: June 2016

Nowadays, Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSN), in which data is collected through underwater sensors, have drawn lots of concern. Generally, wireless sensor network (WSNs) have important applications such as remote environmental monitoring and target tracking. This possibility is enabled by the available smaller and cheaper sensors. These sensors are equipped with wireless interfaces which they form a network. However, there are various problems specified to underwater environments, including the communication medium. Designs of these types of networks significantly depend on their application, and factors such as environment, design objectives of the application, cost, hardware and system constraints. The goal of this work is to review the literature on various aspects of UWSNs, and present an overview of several new applications and their challenges on UWSN. Publications are reviewed to show the statistics of published works in several aspects.