bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTEN Mediates the Antioxidant Effect of Resveratrol at Nutritionally Relevant Concentrations
Authors: Inglés Marta , Gambini Juan , Miguel M. Graça , Bonet-Costa Vicent , Abdelaziz Kheira M. , El Alami Marya , Viña Jose , Borrás Consuelo
Published: April 2014

Introduction.Antioxidant properties of resveratrol have been intensively studied for the last years, bothin vivoandin vitro. Its bioavailability after an oral dose is very low and therefore it is very important to make sure that plasma concentrations of free resveratrol are sufficient enough to be active as antioxidant.Aims.In the present study, using nutritionally relevant concentrations of resveratrol, we aim to confirm its antioxidant capacity on reducing peroxide levels and look for the molecular pathway involved in this antioxidant effect.Methods.We used mammary gland tumor cells (MCF-7), which were pretreated with different concentrations of resveratrol for 48 h, and/or a PTEN inhibitor (bpV: bipy). Hydrogen peroxide levels were determined by fluorimetry, PTEN levels and Akt phosphorylation by Western Blotting, and mRNA expression of antioxidant genes by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results.Resveratrol treatment for 48 h lowered peroxide levels in MCF-7, even at low nutritional concentrations (1 nM). This effect was mediated by the activation of PTEN/Akt pathway, which resulted in an upregulation of catalase and MnSOD mRNA levels.Conclusion.Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant at nutritionally relevant concentrations by inducing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, through a mechanism involving PTEN/Akt signaling pathway.
Numerical Analysis of the Energy Improvement of Plastering Mortars with Phase Change Materials
Authors: Váz Sá A. , Almeida R. M. S. F. , Sousa H. , Delgado J. M. P. Q.
Published: April 2014

Building components with incorporated phase change materials (PCMs) meant to increase heat storage capacity and enable stabilization of interior buildings surface temperatures, whereby influencing the thermal comfort sensation and the stabilization of the interior ambient temperatures. The potential of advanced simulation tools to evaluate and optimize the usage of PCM in the control of indoor temperature, allowing for an improvement in the comfort conditions and/or in the cooling energy demand, was explored. This paper presents a numerical and sensitivity analysis of the enthalpy and melting temperature effect on the inside building comfort sensation potential of the plastering PCM.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis Risk of Common Topical Traditional Chinese Medicines Used for Skin‐Lightening: A Pilot Clinical Trial with 30 Volunteers
Authors: Tsai Kao-Sung , Lin Tzu-Chun , Wu Meng-Tse , Shen Jui-Lung , Mao Ming-Ya , Chen Huey-Yi , Chen Yung-Hsiang , Chen Wen-Chi
Published: April 2014

Topical traditional Chinese medicine‐ (TTCM‐) related contact dermatitis is not uncommon but ignored. Patch and photopatch tests using 6 individual herbal ingredients and Bai‐Zhi‐Kao (BZK; 白芷膏), a skin‐lightening TTCM preparation, were conducted on 30 participants. Twenty‐five subjects showed at least 1 positive reaction, including 6 (20.0%) participants who reacted to BZK. The majority reacted to Radix Ampelopsis japonica (Bai‐Lian; 白蘞) (60.0%), whereas few reacted to Rhizoma Bletilla striata (Bai‐Ji; 白芨) (16.7%), Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae (Bai‐Zhu; 白朮) (10.0%), Radix Angelicae dahuricae (Bai‐Zhi; 白芷) (3.3%), and Herba asari (Xi‐Xin; 細辛) (3.3%). In the photopatch test, 3 participants (10.0%) reacted positively to BZK and 10 to ≥1 constituent; however, all reacted to Radix Angelicae dahuricae (26.7%), Radix Ampelopsis japonica (13.3%), and Rhizoma Bletilla striata (3.3%). In contrast, no subjects showed positive reactions to Sclerotium Poria cocos (Bai‐Fu‐Ling; 白茯苓). Thus, BZK and its constituents might present potential latent risk of contact dermatitis owing to the possible presence of Radix Ampelopsis japonica and Radix Angelicae dahuricae. Furthermore, TTCMs, particularly cosmetic products, must be used carefully, with ample warning of potential contact dermatitis risk.
Effect ofToona microcarpaHarms Leaf Extract on the Coagulation System
Authors: Chen Hao , Jin Min , Wang Yi-Fen , Wang Yong-Qing , Meng Ling , Li Rong , Wang Jia-Ping , Gao Li , Kong Yi , Wei Ji-Fu
Published: April 2014

Toona microcarpaHarms is a tonic, antiperiodic, antirheumatic, and antithrombotic agent in China and India and an astringent and tonic for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and other intestinal infections in Indonesia. In this study, we prepared ethyl-acetate extract from the air-dried leaves ofToona microcarpaHarms and investigated the anticoagulant activitiesin vitroby performing activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT) assays. Antiplatelet aggregation activity of the extract was examined using adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, and thrombin as agonists, and the inhibitions of factor Xa and thrombin were also investigated. Bleeding and clotting times in mice were used to determine its anticoagulant activitiesin vivo. It is found thatToona microcarpaHarms leaf extract (TMHE) prolonged APTT, PT, and TT clotting times in a dose-dependent manner and significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by thrombin, but not ADP or collagen. Clotting time and bleeding time assays showed that TMHE significantly prolonged clotting and bleeding timesin vivo. In addition, at the concentration of 1 mg/mL, TMHE inhibited human thrombin activity by 73.98 ± 2.78%. This is the first report to demonstrate that THME exhibits potent anticoagulant effects, possibly via inhibition of thrombin activity.
Efficacy and Safety of Sitagliptin for the Treatment of New-Onset Diabetes after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Boerner Brian P. , Miles Clifford D. , Shivaswamy Vijay
Published: April 2014

New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is a common comorbidity after renal transplantation. Though metformin is the first-line agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in renal transplant recipients, metformin is frequently avoided due to concerns about renal dysfunction and risk for lactic acidosis. Therefore, alternative first-line agents for the treatment of NODAT in renal transplant recipients are needed. Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, has a low incidence of hypoglycemia, is weight neutral, and, in a small study, did not affect immunosuppressant levels. However, long-term sitagliptin use for the treatment of NODAT in kidney transplant recipients has not been studied. We retrospectively analyzed renal transplant recipients diagnosed with NODAT and treated with sitagliptin to assess safety and efficacy. Twenty-two patients were started on sitagliptin alone. After 12 months of followup, 19/22 patients remained on sitagliptin alone with a significant improvement in hemoglobin A1c. Renal function and immunosuppressant levels remained stable. Analysis of long-term followup (32.5±17.8 months) revealed that 17/22 patients remained on sitagliptin (mean hemoglobin A1c < 7%) with 9/17 patients remaining on sitagliptin alone. Transplant-specific adverse events were rare. Sitagliptin appears safe and efficacious for the treatment of NODAT in kidney transplant recipients.
Apoptotic and Inhibitory Effects on Cell Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells by Methanol Leaf Extract ofCostus speciosus
Authors: Nair Sandhya V. G. , Hettihewa Menik , Rupasinghe H. P. Vasantha
Published: April 2014

Costus speciosusis a medicinal plant commonly known as wild ginger distributed in South and Southeast Asian countries. Leaves of this plant are used for ayurvedic treatment regimes in malignancies and mental illness. Rhizome extract from the plant is used to treat malignancies, pneumonia, urinary disorders, jaundice, rheumatism, and diabetes. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of methanol extract of leaves ofC. speciosuson the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells and understand possible mechanisms of its action. Viability of HepG2 cells were measured by MTS assay after 24 h and 48 h treatment with extracts of 1, 10, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL concentrations. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry and caspase-3 induction. HepG2 cells treated with 100 μg/mL methanol leaf extract for 24 h displayed a significant reduction in cell viability(P≤0.05). The methanol extract perturbed cell cycle progression, modulated cell cycle and regulated, signal molecules were involved in induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Our findings indicate that phytochemicals of leaves ofC. speciosusshows potential for natural therapeutic product development for hepatocellular carcinoma. This is the first report to demonstratein vitroanticancer activity of leaf extract ofC. speciosusin relation to liver cancer.
Evaluation of Relationship between Water Absorption and Durability of Concrete Materials
Authors: Zhang S. P. , Zong L.
Published: April 2014

Environment has significant effects on the water absorption of concrete materials. This paper presents an experimental study of the influence of water absorption on the durability of concrete materials. A detailed analysis is also presented in order to establish useful relationship between them. Concrete specimens of different water absorption were prepared through different curing conditions, and results indicated that curing condition can significantly affect the surface water absorption. SEM photos also showed that different curing conditions caused different microstructure. After 28-days curing, compressive strength, permeability, sulfate attack, and chloride ion diffusion of concrete samples were investigated. As a result, both of surface sorptivity and internal sorptivity have no clear relationship with compressive strength. Results obtained also showed that only surface water absorption related to the performance of concrete including permeability, sulfate attack, and chloride ion diffusion. In addition, both impermeability and resistance to sulfate attack were linearly associated with surface sorptivity, and both correlation coefficients were not less than 0.9. Furthermore, chloride ion diffusion coefficient has exponent relation to surface water absorption with higher correlation coefficient. However, no apparent relationship was found between internal water absorption and durability like impermeability, resistance to sulfate attack, and chloride ion diffusion.
Identification and Preservation of Intestinal Parasites Using Methylene Blue-Glycerol Mount: A New Approach to Stool Microscopy
Authors: Khanna Vinay , Tilak Kriti , Rasheed Shihnin , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay
Published: April 2014

We have tried a new approach to routine stool microscopy by using a combination of methylene blue and glycerol in wet mount preparation of fresh faecal samples for the demonstration of medically important intestinal parasites. This combination was evaluated for finding differences in the details and clarity of morphology and internal structures of parasites under low- and high-power microscopy as compared to iodine and saline mount. It was further evaluated to estimate the time taken by methylene blue-glycerol mount to dry up as compared to iodine and saline wet mount.
Robotic Single-Site Surgery for Female-to-Male Transsexuals: Preliminary Experience
Authors: Bogliolo Stefano , Cassani Chiara , Babilonti Luciana , Gardella Barbara , Zanellini Francesca , Dominoni Mattia , Santamaria Valentina , Nappi Rossella Elena , Spinillo Arsenio
Published: April 2014

Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a part of gender reassignment surgery for the treatment of female-to-male transsexualism. Over the last years many efforts were made in order to reduce invasiveness of laparoscopic and robotic surgery such as the introduction of single-site approach. We report our preliminary experience on single-site robotic hysterectomy for cross-sex reassignment surgery. Our data suggest that single-site robotic hysterectomy is feasible and safe in female-to-male transsexualism with some benefits in terms of postoperative pain and aesthetic results.
The Beliefs of Third-Level Healthcare Students towards Low-Back Pain
Authors: Kennedy Norelee , Healy John , O'Sullivan Kieran
Published: April 2014

Objectives. Beliefs held by healthcare providers are part of the complex recovery of a patient with low-back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes and beliefs of Irish university healthcare students towards LBP. Methods. Physiotherapy (n=107), medicine (n=63), nursing, and midwifery (n=101) students completed the survey. Demographic data, LBP related beliefs [Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) and the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical subsection (FABQ-PA)] were collected. Results. Two hundred and seventy-one students responded (response rate 29%). Student physiotherapists had significantly lower FABQ (P<0.001) scores than medical (95% CI [−5.492, −1.406]) and nursing students (95% CI [−7.718, −22.307]). Physiotherapy students had significantly higher BBQ scores (P<0.0001) than medical (95% CI [1.490, 5.406]) and nursing students (95% CI [6.098, 11.283]). Beliefs of physiotherapy and medical students were significantly better among fourth-year year than first-year students (P<0.0001) but were not significantly different for nursing students (P=0.820
for FABQ and P=0.810 for BBQ). Conclusions. Physiotherapy students had more positive beliefs towards LBP than medical and nursing students. Physiotherapy and medical students’ beliefs towards LBP significantly improved over the course of their studies.
Biologic Propensities and Phytochemical Profile ofVangueria madagascariensisJ. F. Gmelin (Rubiaceae): An Underutilized Native Medicinal Food Plant from Africa
Authors: Ramalingum Nelvana , Mahomoodally M. Fawzi
Published: April 2014

Vangueria madagascariensis(VM), consumed for its sweet-sour fruits, is used as a biomedicine for the management of diabetes and bacterial infections in Africa. The study aims to assess the potential of VM onα-amylase,α-glucosidase, glucose movement, and antimicrobial activity. The antioxidant properties were determined by measuring the FRAP, iron chelating activity, and abilities to scavenge DPPH, HOCl,∙OH, and NO radicals. Leaf decoction, leaf methanol, and unripe fruit methanol extracts were observed to significantly inhibitα-amylase. Active extracts againstα-glucosidase were unripe fruit methanol, unripe fruit decoction, leaf decoction, and ripe fruit methanol, which were significantly lower than acarbose. Kinetic studies revealed a mixed noncompetitive type of inhibition. Leaf methanolic extract was active againstS. aureusandE. coli. Total phenolic content showed a strong significant positive correlation (r=0.88) with FRAP. Methanolic leaf extract showed a more efficient NO scavenging potential and was significantly lower than ascorbic acid. Concerning∙OH-mediated DNA degradation, only the methanol extracts of leaf, unripe fruit, and ripe fruit had IC50values which were significantly lower thanα-tocopherol. Given the dearth of information on the biologic propensities of VM, this study has established valuable primary information which has opened new perspectives for further pharmacological research.
NO2 Sensing Properties of WO3 Thin Films Deposited by Rf-Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Sharma Savita , Tomar Monika , Puri Nitin K. , Gupta Vinay
Published: April 2014

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin films were deposited by Rf-magnetron sputtering onto Pt interdigital electrodes fabricated on corning glass substrates. NO2 gas sensing properties of the prepared WO3 thin films were investigated by incorporation of catalysts (Sn, Zn, and Pt) in the form of nanoclusters. The structural and optical properties of the deposited WO3 thin films have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible spectroscopy, respectively. The gas sensing characteristics of all the prepared sensor structures were studied towards 5 ppm of NO2 gas. The maximum sensing response of about 238 was observed for WO3 film having Sn catalyst at a comparatively lower operating temperature of 200°C. The possible sensing mechanism has been highlighted to support the obtained results.
A Class of Steffensen-Type Iterative Methods for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Soleymani F. , Sharifi M. , Shateyi S. , Haghani F. Khaksar
Published: April 2014

A class of iterative methods without restriction on the computation of Fréchet derivatives including multisteps for solving systems of nonlinear equations is presented. By considering a frozen Jacobian, we provide a class ofm-step methods with order of convergencem+1. A new method named as Steffensen-Schulz scheme is also contributed. Numerical tests and comparisons with the existing methods are included.
Ependymoma and Carcinoid Tumor Associated with Ovarian Mature Cystic Teratoma in a Patient with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia I
Authors: Spaulding Reed , Alatassi Houda , Stewart Metzinger Daniel , Moghadamfalahi Mana
Published: April 2014

Ovarian teratomas rarely undergo new neoplastic transformation and account for a small percentage of malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms. Here we report a case of a 51-year-old woman with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN I) who was found to have an ependymoma and neuroendocrine tumor (trabecular carcinoid) associated with mature cystic teratoma of her left ovary. The ependymoma component displayed cells with round nuclei and occasional small nucleoli which were focally arranged in perivascular pseudorosettes and true rosettes. Rare mitoses were identified. No necrosis was present. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for S-100 and GFAP. The Ki67 proliferation index was very low (2-3%). In contrast, the endocrine tumor component was composed of small uniform cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, round nuclei, and speckled chromatin. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for synaptophysin and focally positive for chromogranin. This rare case illustrates that MEN I may have an influence on the pathogenesis of ovarian teratomas as they undergo malignant transformation.
Assessment of the Operating Temperature of Crystalline PV Modules Based on Real Use Conditions
Authors: Ciulla Giuseppina , Lo Brano Valerio , Franzitta Vincenzo , Trapanese Marco
Published: April 2014

Determining the operating temperatureTcof photovoltaic panelsPVis important in evaluating the actual performance of these systems. In the literature, different correlations exist, in either explicit or implicit forms, which often do not account for the electrical behaviour of panels; in this way, estimatingTcis based only on the passive behaviour of thePV. In this paper, the authors propose a new implicit correlation that takes into account the standard weather variables and the electricity production regimes of aPVpanel in terms of the proximity to the maximum power points. To validate its reliability, the new correlation was tested on two different PV panels (Sanyo and Kyocera panels) and the results were compared with values obtained from other common correlations already available in the literature. The data show that the quality of the new correlation drastically improves the estimation of the photovoltaic operating temperature.
Reconfigurability Analysis Method for Spacecraft Autonomous Control
Authors: Wang Dayi , Liu Chengrui
Published: April 2014

As a critical requirement for spacecraft autonomous control, reconfigurability should be considered in design stage of spacecrafts by involving effective reconfigurability analysis method in guiding system designs. In this paper, a novel reconfigurability analysis method is proposed for spacecraft design. First, some basic definitions regarding spacecraft reconfigurability are given. Then, based on function tree theory, a reconfigurability modeling approach is established to properly describe system’s reconfigurability characteristics, and corresponding analysis procedure based on minimal cut set and minimal path set is further presented. In addition, indexes of fault reconfigurable degree and system reconfigurable rate for evaluating reconfigurability are defined, and the methodology for analyzing system’s week links is also constructed. Finally, the method is verified by a spacecraft attitude measuring system, and the results show that the presented method cannot only implement the quantitative reconfigurability evaluations but also find the weak links, and therefore provides significant improvements for spacecraft reconfigurability design.
Transverse Momentum Distributions in AuAu and dAu Collisions atsNN=200 GeV
Authors: Wang Li-Li
Published: April 2014

We study the transverse momentum distributions of identified particles produced in Au + Au and d + Au collisions atSNN=200 GeV. The Tsallis description is applied in the multisource model. The results are compared with the experimental data in detail. We obtain some information of the thermodynamic properties of matter produced in the collisions. The difference of the transverse momentum distributions in Au + Au and d + Au collisions is not significant.
Immobilization of a Plant Lipase from Pachira aquatica in Alginate and Alginate/PVA Beads
Authors: Bonine Bárbara M. , Polizelli Patricia Peres , Bonilla-Rodriguez Gustavo O.
Published: April 2014

This study reports the immobilization of a new lipase isolated from oleaginous seeds of Pachira aquatica, using beads of calcium alginate (Alg) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). We evaluated the morphology, number of cycles of reuse, optimum temperature, and temperature stability of both immobilization methods compared to the free enzyme. The immobilized enzymes were more stable than the free enzyme, keeping 60% of the original activity after 4 h at 50°C. The immobilized lipase was reused several times, with activity decreasing to approximately 50% after 5 cycles. Both the free and immobilized enzymes were found to be optimally active between 30 and 40°C.
Optimal Work Shift Scheduling with Fatigue Minimization and Day Off Preferences
Authors: Wang Ta-Chung , Liu Cheng-Che
Published: April 2014

Shift work disrupts the sleep‐wake cycle, leading to sleepiness, fatigue, and performance
impairment, with implications for occupational health and safety. For example, aircraft
maintenance crew work a 24‐hour shift rotation under the job stress of sustaining the
flight punctuality rate. If an error occurs during the aircraft maintenance process, this
error may become a potential risk factor for flight safety. This paper focuses on optimal
work shift scheduling to reduce the fatigue of shiftworkers. We proposed a conditional
exponential mathematical model to represent the fatigue variation of workers. The fatigue model is integrated with the work shift scheduling problem with considerations of
workers’ preferences of days off, company or government regulations, and manpower
requirements. The combined problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer program, in
which the shift assignments are described by binary variables. Using the proposed
method, we can find a feasible work shift schedule and also have a schedule that minimizes the peak fatigue of shiftworkers while satisfying their days off demands. Several
examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The Maximal Total Irregularity of Bicyclic Graphs
Authors: You Lihua , Yang Jieshan , Zhu Yingxue , You Zhifu
Published: April 2014

In 2012, Abdo and Dimitrov defined the total irregularity of a graphG=(V,E)asirrtG=1/2∑u,v∈VdGu-dGv, wheredGudenotes the vertex degree of a vertexu∈V. In this paper, we investigate the total irregularity of bicyclic graphs and characterize the graph with the maximal total irregularity among all bicyclic graphs onnvertices.
A New Method for Fracturing Wells Reservoir Evaluation in Fractured Gas Reservoir
Authors: Guo Jianchun , Xiao Yong , Zhu Haiyan
Published: April 2014

Natural fracture is a geological phenomenon widely distributed in tight formation, and fractured gas reservoir stimulation effect mainly depends on the communication of natural fractures. Therefore it is necessary to carry out the evaluation of this reservoir and to find out the optimal natural fractures development wells. By analyzing the interactions and nonlinear relationships of the parameters, it establishes three‐level index system of reservoir evaluation and proposes a new method for gas well reservoir evaluation model in fractured gas reservoir on the basis of fuzzy logic theory and multilevel gray correlation. For this method, the Gaussian membership functions to quantify the degree of every factor in the decision‐making system and the multilevel gray relation to determine the weight of each parameter on stimulation effect. Finally through fuzzy arithmetic operator between multilevel weights and fuzzy evaluation matrix, score, rank, the reservoir quality, and predicted production will be gotten. Result of this new method shows that the evaluation of the production coincidence rate reaches 80%, which provides a new way for fractured gas reservoir evaluation.
Phytomelatonin: Discovery, Content, and Role in Plants
Authors: Arnao Marino B.
Published: April 2014

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indolic compound derived from tryptophan. Usually identified as a neurotransmitter or animal hormone, this compound was detected in plants in 1995. Interest in knowing the melatonin content of plants and its possible role therein is growing, as indicated by the increasing number of related publications. Melatonin is present in all plant species studied, with large variations in its level depending on the plant organ or tissue. It seems to be more abundant in aromatic plants and in leaves than in seeds. Regarding its physiological function in plants, melatonin shows auxin activity and is an excellent antioxidant, regulating the growth of roots, shoots, and explants, activating seed germination and rhizogenesis (lateral- and adventitious-roots), and delaying induced leaf senescence. Its ability to strengthen plants subjected to abiotic stress such as drought, cold, heat, salinity, chemical pollutants, herbicides, and UV radiation makes melatonin an interesting candidate for use as a natural biostimulating substance for treating field crops.
Treatment of Early-Stage Pressure Ulcers by Using Autologous Adipose Tissue Grafts
Authors: Marangi Giovanni Francesco , Pallara Tiziano , Cagli Barbara , Schena Emiliano , Giurazza Francesco , Faiella Elio , Zobel Bruno Beomonte , Persichetti Paolo
Published: April 2014

Assessing pressure ulcers (PUs) in early stages allows patients to receive safer treatment. Up to now, in addition to clinical evaluation, ultrasonography seems to be the most suitable technique to achieve this goal. Several treatments are applied to prevent ulcer progression but none of them is totally effective. Furthermore, the in-depth knowledge of fat regenerative properties has led to a wide use of it. With this study the authors aim at introducing a new approach to cure and prevent the worsening of early-stage PUs by using fat grafts. The authors selected 42 patients who showed clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of early-stage PUs. Values of skin thickness, fascial integrity, and subcutaneous vascularity were recorded both on the PU area and the healthy trochanteric one, used as control region. Fat grafting was performed on all patients. At three months, abnormal ultrasonographic findings, such as reduction of cutaneous and subcutaneous thickness, discontinuous fascia, and decrease in subcutaneous vascularity, all were modified with respect to almost all the corresponding parameters of the control region. Results highlight that the use of fat grafts proved to be an effective treatment for early-stage PUs, especially in the care of neurological and chronic bedridden patients.
Generation of Insulin-Producing Cells from Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Comparison of Three Differentiation Protocols
Authors: Gabr Mahmoud M. , Zakaria Mahmoud M. , Refaie Ayman F. , Khater Sherry M. , Ashamallah Sylvia A. , Ismail Amani M. , El-Badri Nagwa , Ghoneim Mohamed A.
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Many protocols were utilized for directed differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to form insulin-producing cells (IPCs). We compared the relative efficiency of three differentiation protocols.Methods. Human bone marrow-derived MSCs (HBM-MSCs) were obtained from three insulin-dependent type 2 diabetic patients. Differentiation into IPCs was carried out by three protocols: conophylline-based (one-step protocol), trichostatin-A-based (two-step protocol), andβ-mercaptoethanol-based (three-step protocol). At the end of differentiation, cells were evaluated by immunolabeling for insulin production, expression of pancreatic endocrine genes, and release of insulin and c-peptide in response to increasing glucose concentrations.Results. By immunolabeling, the proportion of generated IPCs was modest (≃3%) in all the three protocols. All relevant pancreatic endocrine genes, insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, were expressed. There was a stepwise increase in insulin and c-peptide release in response to glucose challenge, but the released amounts were low when compared with those of pancreatic islets.Conclusion. The yield of functional IPCs following directed differentiation of HBM-MSCs was modest and was comparable among the three tested protocols. Protocols for directed differentiation of MSCs need further optimization in order to be clinically meaningful. To this end, addition of an extracellular matrix and/or a suitable template should be attempted.
A Large French Case-Control Study Emphasizes the Role of RareMc1RVariants in Melanoma Risk
Authors: Hu Hui-Han , Benfodda Mériem , Dumaz Nicolas , Gazal Steven , Descamps Vincent , Bourillon Agnès , Basset-Seguin Nicole , Riffault Angélique , Ezzedine Khaled , Bagot Martine , Bensussan Armand , Saiag Philippe , Grandchamp Bernard , Soufir Nadem
Published: April 2014

Background. TheMC1Rgene implicated in melanogenesis and skin pigmentation is highly polymorphic. Several alleles are associated with red hair and fair skin phenotypes and contribute to melanoma risk.Objective. This work aims to assess the effect of different classes ofMC1Rvariants, notably rare variants, on melanoma risk.Methods.MC1Rcoding region was sequenced in 1131 melanoma patients and 869 healthy controls.MC1Rvariants were classified as RHC (R) and non-RHC (r). Rare variants (frequency < 1%) were subdivided into two subgroups, predicted to be damaging (D) or not (nD).Results. BothRandralleles were associated with melanoma (OR = 2.66 [2.20–3.23] and 1.51 [1.32–1.73]) and had similar population attributable risks (15.8% and 16.6%). We also identified 69 rare variants, of which 25 were novel.Dvariants were strongly associated with melanoma (OR = 2.38 [1.38–4.15]) and clustered in the sameMC1Rdomains asRalleles (intracellular 2, transmembrane 2 and 7).Conclusion. This work confirms the role ofRandralleles in melanoma risk in the French population and proposes a novel class of rareDvariants as important melanoma risk factors. These findings may improve the definition of high-risk subjects that could be targeted for melanoma prevention and screening.
Polarity Specific Suppression Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Tinnitus
Authors: Joos Kathleen , De Ridder Dirk , Van de Heyning Paul , Vanneste Sven
Published: April 2014

Tinnitus is the perception of a sound in the absence of an external auditory stimulus and affects 10–15% of the Western population. Previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left auditory cortex on tinnitus loudness, but the effect of this presumed excitatory stimulation contradicts with the underlying pathophysiological model of tinnitus. Therefore, we included 175 patients with chronic tinnitus to study polarity specific effects of a single tDCS session over the auditory cortex (39 anodal, 136 cathodal). To assess the effect of treatment, we used the numeric rating scale for tinnitus loudness and annoyance. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant main effect for tinnitus loudness and annoyance, but for tinnitus annoyance anodal stimulation has a significantly more pronounced effect than cathodal stimulation. We hypothesize that the suppressive effect of tDCS on tinnitus loudness may be attributed to a disrupting effect of ongoing neural hyperactivity, independent of the inhibitory or excitatory effects and that the reduction of annoyance may be induced by influencing adjacent or functionally connected brain areas involved in the tinnitus related distress network. Further research is required to explain why only anodal stimulation has a suppressive effect on tinnitus annoyance.
Maternal Characteristics of Women Exposed to Hypnotic Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonist during Pregnancy
Authors: Askaa Bjarke , Jimenez-Solem Espen , Enghusen Poulsen Henrik , Traerup Andersen Jon
Published: April 2014

Background. There is little knowledge regarding the characteristics of women treated with hypnotic benzodiazepine receptor agonists (HBRAs) during pregnancy. In this large Danish cohort study, we characterize women exposed to HBRA during pregnancy. We determined changes in prevalence of HBRA use from 1997 to 2010 and exposure to HBRAs in relation to pregnancy.Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort study including 911,017 pregnant women in the period from 1997 to 2010. Information was retrieved from The Danish Birth Registry and The Registry of Medicinal Product Statistics to identify pregnant women redeeming a prescription of HBRAs.Results. We identified 2,552 women exposed to HBRAs during pregnancy, increasing from 0.18% in 1997 to 0.23% in 2010. Compared to unexposed women, exposed women were characterized by being older, with higher BMI, in their third or fourth parity, of lower income and education level, more frequently smokers, and more likely to be comedicated with antipsychotic, anxiolytic, or antidepressant drugs (P<0.0001).Conclusion. Women using HBRAs during their pregnancy differ from unexposed women in socioeconomic factors and were more likely to receive comedication. The consumption of HBRAs was reduced during pregnancy compared to before conception.
A Harmony Search Algorithm for the Reproduction of Experimental Data in the Social Force Model
Authors: Alia Osama Moh'd , Shuaib Mohammed Mahmod
Published: April 2014

Crowd dynamics is a discipline dealing with the management and flow of crowds in congested places and circumstances. Pedestrian congestion is a pressing issue where crowd dynamics models can be applied. The reproduction of experimental data (velocity-density relation and specific flow rate) is a major component for the validation and calibration of such models. In the social force model, researchers have proposed various techniques to adjust essential parameters governing the repulsive social force, which is an effort at reproducing such experimental data. Despite that and various other efforts, the optimal reproduction of the real life data is unachievable. In this paper, a harmony search-based technique called HS-SFM is proposed to overcome the difficulties of the calibration process for SFM, where the fundamental diagram of velocity-density relation and the specific flow rate are reproduced in conformance with the related empirical data. The improvisation process of HS is modified by incorporating the global best particle concept from particle swarm optimization (PSO) to increase the convergence rate and overcome the high computational demands of HS-SFM. Simulation results have shown HS-FSM’s ability to produce near optimal SFM parameter values, which makes it possible for SFM to almost reproduce the related empirical data.
Evidence of HLA-DQB1 Contribution to Susceptibility of Dengue Serotype 3 in Dengue Patients in Southern Brazil
Authors: Cardozo Daniela Maria , Moliterno Ricardo Alberto , Sell Ana Maria , Guelsin Gláucia Andréia Soares , Beltrame Leticia Maria , Clementino Samaia Laface , Reis Pamela Guimarães , Alves Hugo Vicentin , Mazini Priscila Saamara , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila
Published: April 2014

Dengue infection (DI) transmitted by arthropod vectors is the viral disease with the highest incidence throughout the world, an estimated 300 million cases per year. In addition to environmental factors, genetic factors may also influence the manifestation of the disease; as even in endemic areas, only a small proportion of people develop the most serious form. Immune-response gene polymorphisms may be associated with the development of cases of DI. The aim of this study was to determine allele frequencies in the HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 loci in a Southern Brazil population with dengue virus serotype 3, confirmed by the ELISA serological method, and a control group. The identification of the HLA alleles was carried out using the SSO genotyping PCR program (One Lambda), based on Luminex technology. In conclusion, this study suggests that DQB1*06:11 allele could act as susceptible factors to dengue virus serotype 3, while HLA-DRB1*11 and DQA1*05:01 could act as resistance factors.
Neutron Radiation Tests about FeCr Slag and Natural Zeolite Loaded Brick Samples
Authors: Cay Vedat Veli , Sutcu Mucahit , Gencel Osman , Korkut Turgay
Published: April 2014

Neutron shielding performances of new brick samples are investigated. Brick samples including 10, 20, and 30 percentages of ferrochromium slag (FeCr waste) and natural zeolite are prepared and mechanical properties are obtained. Total macroscopic cross sections are calculated by using results of 4.5 MeV neutron transmission experiments. As a result, neutron shielding capacity of brick samples increases with increasing FeCr slag and natural zeolite percentages. This information could be useful in the area of neutron shielding.
Validation Study of Genes with Hypermethylated Promoter Regions Associated with Prostate Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Stott-Miller Marni , Zhao Shanshan , Wright Jonathan L. , Kolb Suzanne , Bibikova Marina , Klotzle Brandy , Ostrander Elaine A. , Fan Jian-Bing , Feng Ziding , Stanford Janet L.
Published: April 2014

Background: One challenge in prostate cancer is distinguishing indolent from aggressive disease at diagnosis. DNA promoter hypermethylation is a frequent epigenetic event in prostate cancer, but few studies of DNA methylation in relation to features of more aggressive tumors or prostate cancer recurrence have been completed.

Methods: We used the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip to assess DNA methylation in tumor tissue from 407 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy. Recurrence status was determined by follow-up patient surveys, medical record review, and linkage with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry. The methylation status of 14 genes for which promoter hypermethylation was previously correlated with advanced disease or biochemical recurrence was evaluated. Average methylation level for promoter region CpGs in patients who recurred compared with those with no evidence of recurrence was analyzed. For two genes with differential methylation, time to recurrence was examined.

Results: During an average follow-up of 11.7 years, 104 (26%) patients recurred. Significant promoter hypermethylation in at least 50% of CpG sites in two genes, ABHD9 and HOXD3, was found in tumors from patients who recurred compared with those without recurrence. Evidence was strongest for HOXD3 (lowest P = 9.46 × 10−6), with higher average methylation across promoter region CpGs associated with reduced recurrence-free survival (P = 2 × 10−4). DNA methylation profiles did not differ by recurrence status for the other genes.

Conclusions: These results validate the association between promoter hypermethylation of ADHB9 and HOXD3 and prostate cancer recurrence.

Impact: Tumor DNA methylation profiling may help to distinguish patients with prostate cancer at higher risk for disease recurrence. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(7); 1331–9. ©2014 AACR.
Carnitine and Cardiac Dysfunction in Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated with Anthracyclines
Authors: Armenian Saro H. , Gelehrter Sarah K. , Vase Tabitha , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Landier Wendy , Wilson Karla D. , Herrera Claudia , Reichman Leah , Menteer John-David , Mascarenhas Leo , Freyer David R. , Venkataraman Kalyanasundaram , Bhatia Smita
Published: April 2014

Childhood cancer survivors are at high risk of developing congestive heart failure (CHF) compared with the general population, and there is a dose-dependent increase in CHF risk by anthracycline dose. The mechanism by which this occurs has not been fully elucidated. Metabolomics, the comprehensive profile of small-molecule metabolites, has the potential to provide insight into the pathogenesis of disease states and discover diagnostic markers for therapeutic targets. We performed echocardiographic testing and blood plasma metabolomic analyses (8 pathways; 354 metabolites) in 150 asymptomatic childhood cancer survivors previously treated with anthracyclines. Median time from cancer diagnosis to study participation was 12.4 years (2.6–37.9 years); 64% were treated for a hematologic malignancy; median anthracycline dose was 350 mg/m2 (25–642 mg/m2). Thirty-five (23%) participants had cardiac dysfunction—defined as left ventricular end-systolic wall stress >2SD by echocardiogram. Plasma levels of 15 compounds in three metabolic pathways (carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism) were significantly different between individuals with cardiac dysfunction and those with normal systolic function. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, individuals with cardiac dysfunction had significantly lower plasma carnitine levels [relative ratio (RR), 0.89; P < 0.01] in relation to those with normal systolic function. These findings may facilitate the development of primary prevention (treatment of carnitine deficiency before/during anthracycline administration) and secondary prevention strategies (screening and treatment in long-term survivors) in patients at highest risk for CHF. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(6); 1109–14. ©2014 AACR.
Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Children Less than Three Years of Age: Five-Year Experience in 234 Cases
Authors: Wang Feng , An Heng-Qing , Li Jia , Tian Cui-Yun , Wang Yu-Jie
Published: April 2014

Objective: The treatment of infant renal stones is still a huge challenge to the urologist. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of the minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) method as a treatment for infant renal stones, and also to analyze the specific techniques and related complications of the procedure. Patients and Methods: From January 2008 to December 2012, 234 cases (72 girls and 162 boys, mean age 15.8 months, range 5-36 months) aged under 3 years and treated with MPCNL for renal stones were analyzed retrospectively. 125 cases were younger than 12 months, 67 cases were between 13 and 24 months and 42 cases between 25 and 36 months. The indications for MPCNL were (1) stone over 1 cm2, (2) hydronephrosis and (3) recurrent urinary tract infection. An initial percutaneous access to the targeted renal calyx was obtained through an ultrasound-guided peripheral calyceal puncture. Stones were fragmented by a holmium laser with a pediatric nephroscope via 14-F tract. Results: All the procedures were performed by single tract, and totally 247 tracts were established, including 245 14-F tracts, 1 16-F tract and 1 12-F tract, respectively. The stones were located in the left kidney (n = 91), right kidney (n = 105) and in both kidneys (n = 28), respectively. Regarding the puncture point, in 228 cases it was in the 12th subcostal space and in 19 cases in the 11th intercostal space. The distribution of target puncture calyx and the subsequent residual calculi were as follows: 39 cases in the upper calyx with 2 cases of stone residual, 148 in the middle calyx with 3 stone residuals, and 60 in the lower calyx with 2 stone residuals, respectively. As a result, completely stone-free state was achieved in 240 kidney units (97.2%). The mean operating time was 32.5 min. None of the patients required blood transfusion and no septic shock occurred after operation. A large quantity of washing fluid was infiltrated into the abdominal cavity in 3 cases. Conclusion: Using a single tract ≤14 F, MPCNL is a safe and effective procedure in the management of renal stones in infant less than 3 years old.
Effects of Fluoroquinolone Eye Solutions without Preservatives on Human Corneal Epithelial Cells in vitro
Authors: Oum Boo Sup , Kim Na Mi , Lee Jong Soo , Park Young Min
Published: April 2014

Aims: To evaluate the biologic effects of fluoroquinolone eye solutions without preservatives on cultured human corneal epithelial cells in vitro. Methods: We studied the effect of diverse generations of topical fluoroquinolones such as ofloxacin 0.3%, levofloxacin 0.5%, tosufloxacin 0.3%, moxifloxacin 0.5% and gatifloxacin 0.3% on cultured human corneal epithelial cells. MTT-based calorimetric assay, lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH) assay and scratch wound test were performed. Corneal epithelial cell morphologies were examined by performing inverted light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results: In all topical fluoroquinolones, the metabolic activity of the corneal epithelial cells decreased in a time-dependent fashion and the LDH titer increased with longer exposure times. Especially, the LDH titers significantly increased after exposure to moxifloxacin 0.5% and gatifloxacin 0.3% compared with controls. The migration rates of the corneal epithelial cells were faster in ofloxacin 0.3% or levofloxacin 0.5% than other fluoroquinolones. Severe cellular morphological damage was observed after exposure to moxifloxacin 0.5% and gatifloxacin 0.3%. Conclusions: As moxifloxacin 0.5% and gatifloxacin 0.3% induced the toxic effect to the corneal epithelial cells, compared with other fluoroquinolones, the 4th fluoroquinolone eye solutions should be carefully used in case of the corneal epithelium is damaged by long duration of treatment or overdosage.
Anatomic Variations of the Intrahepatic Bile Ducts: Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography in 1,011 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Uysal Fatma , Obuz Funda , Uçar Aysun , Seçil Mustafa , Igci Enis , Dicle Oğuz
Published: April 2014

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of anatomic variations of the hepatic duct bifurcation using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Methods: A total of 1,160 consecutive patients, referred to our department for MRCP due to suspected pancreatobiliary disease or before liver transplantation, were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 149 patients with less than optimal results due to imaging limitations or secondary differentiations of bile duct anatomy were excluded from the study. The final study population was composed of 1,011 cases. Results: Of the 1,160 patients, 149 were excluded from the analysis. Typical biliary anatomy was observed in 79.4% of cases, but female potential living liver donors more frequently presented an anatomic variation. Typical anatomy was present in 75.7% of the females and 85.3% of the males (p < 0.05). Out of the remaining 1,011 patients, 208 (20.57%) were diagnosed with different levels of various anatomic variations of the intra- and extrahepatic biliary ducts. Of the 208 cases with diagnosed variations, 204 (98.07%) and 4 (1.92%) turned out to have 1 and 2 different variations, respectively. The trifurcation variant was observed in 81 cases (8.01%), while 73 subjects (7.23%) had an aberrant right biliary duct draining into the common hepatic duct. A right dorsocaudal branch draining into the left hepatic duct was present in 42 cases (4.15%). Four cases (0.4%) had 2 different variations and 8 (0.8%) had uncommon anatomic variations. Conclusions: Typical intrahepatic biliary anatomy is present in about 80% of the inhabitants of the Aegean region of Turkey, but anatomic variants seem to be more frequent in females as compared to males. Trifurcation was the most common anatomic variation in our study population. The presence of an aberrant right hepatic duct emptying into the common hepatic duct was the second most common observation amongst our findings.