bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sensory Ecology of Ant Navigation: From Natural Environments to Neural Mechanisms
Authors: Knaden Markus , Graham Paul
Published: November 2015

Animals moving through the world are surrounded by potential information. But the components of this rich array that they extract will depend on current behavioral requirements and the animal's own sensory apparatus. Here, we consider the types of information available to social hymenopteran insects, with a specific focus on ants. This topic has a long history and much is known about how ants and other insects use idiothetic information, sky compasses, visual cues, and odor trails. Recent research has highlighted how insects use other sensory information for navigation, such as the olfactory cues provided by the environment. These cues are harder to understand because they submit less easily to anthropomorphic analysis. Here, we take an ecological approach, considering first what information is available to insects, then how different cues might interact, and finally we discuss potential neural correlates of these behaviors.
Invasion and Management of Agricultural Alien Insects in China
Authors: Wan Fang-Hao , Yang Nian-Wan
Published: November 2015

China is the world's fourth-largest country in terms of landmass. Its highly diverse biogeography presents opportunities for many invasive alien insects. However, physical and climate barriers sometimes prevent locally occurring species from spreading. China has 560 confirmed invasive alien species; 125 are insect pests, and 92 of these damage the agricultural ecosystem. The estimated annual economic loss due to alien invasive species is more than $18.9 billion. The most harmful invasive insects exhibit some common characteristics, such as high reproduction, competitive dominance, and high tolerance, and benefit from mutualist facilitation interactions. Regional cropping system structure adjustments have resulted in mono-agricultural ecosystems in cotton and other staple crops, providing opportunities for monophagous insect pests. Furthermore, human dietary shifts to fruits and vegetables and smallholder-based farming systems result in highly diverse agricultural ecosystems, which provide resource opportunities for polyphagous insects. Multiple cropping and widespread use of greenhouses provide continuous food and winter habitats for insect pests, greatly extending their geographic range. The current management system consists of early-warning, monitoring, eradication, and spread blocking technologies. This review provides valuable new synthetic information on integrated management practices based mainly on biological control for a number of invasive species. We encourage farmers and extension workers to be more involved in training and further research for novel protection methods that takes into consideration end users' needs.
Progress Toward HIV Eradication: Case Reports, Current Efforts, and the Challenges Associated with Cure
Authors: Martin Alyssa R. , Siliciano Robert F.
Published: November 2015

An estimated 35 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, yet a widely applicable cure strategy remains elusive. Recent case reports have suggested that curing HIV infection is possible, renewing excitement about research efforts. We describe those cases and discuss their relevance to the global HIV epidemic. We also review ongoing cure strategies that are transitioning from the lab to the clinic, and the assays and clinical assessments that can be used to evaluate cure interventions.
Evidence for hypothalamic ketone body sensing: impact on food intake and peripheral metabolic responses in mice
Authors: Carneiro Lionel , Geller Sarah , Fioramonti Xavier , Hébert Audrey , Repond Cendrine , Leloup Corinne , Pellerin Luc
Published: November 2015

Monocarboxylates have been implicated in the control of energy homeostasis. Among them, the putative role of ketone bodies produced notably during high-fat diet (HFD) has not been thoroughly explored. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of a specific rise in cerebral ketone bodies on food intake and energy homeostasis regulation. A carotid infusion of ketone bodies was performed on mice to stimulate sensitive brain areas for 6 or 12 h. At each time point, food intake and different markers of energy homeostasis were analyzed to reveal the consequences of cerebral increase in ketone body level detection. First, an increase in food intake appeared over a 12-h period of brain ketone body perfusion. This stimulated food intake was associated with an increased expression of the hypothalamic neuropeptides NPY and AgRP as well as phosphorylated AMPK and is due to ketone bodies sensed by the brain, as blood ketone body levels did not change at that time. In parallel, gluconeogenesis and insulin sensitivity were transiently altered. Indeed, a dysregulation of glucose production and insulin secretion was observed after 6 h of ketone body perfusion, which reversed to normal at 12 h of perfusion. Altogether, these results suggest that an increase in brain ketone body concentration leads to hyperphagia and a transient perturbation of peripheral metabolic homeostasis.
Equine hyperinsulinemia: investigation of the enteroinsular axis during insulin dysregulation
Authors: de Laat M. A. , McGree J. M. , Sillence M. N.
Published: November 2015

Compared with some other species, insulin dysregulation in equids is poorly understood. However, hyperinsulinemia causes laminitis, a significant and often lethal disease affecting the pedal bone/hoof wall attachment site. Until recently, hyperinsulinemia has been considered a counterregulatory response to insulin resistance (IR), but there is growing evidence to support a gastrointestinal etiology. Incretin hormones released from the proximal intestine, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, augment insulin secretion in several species but require investigation in horses. This study investigated peripheral and gut-derived factors impacting insulin secretion by comparing the response to intravenous (iv) and oral d-glucose. Oral and iv tests were performed in 22 ponies previously shown to be insulin dysregulated, of which only 15 were classified as IR (iv test). In a more detailed study, nine different ponies received four treatments: d-glucose orally, d-glucose iv, oats, and commercial grain mix. Insulin, glucose, and incretin concentrations were measured before and after each treatment. All nine ponies showed similar iv responses, but five were markedly hyperresponsive to oral d-glucose and four were not. Insulin responsiveness to oral d-glucose was strongly associated with blood glucose concentrations and oral glucose bioavailability, presumably driven by glucose absorption/distribution, as there was no difference in glucose clearance rates. Insulin was also positively associated with the active amide of GLP-1 following d-glucose and grain. This study has confirmed a functional enteroinsular axis in ponies that likely contributes to insulin dysregulation that may predispose them to laminitis. Moreover, iv tests for IR are not reliable predictors of the oral response to dietary nonstructural carbohydrate.
Reducing Security Overhead to Enhance Service Delivery in Jini IoT
Authors: Kim Sung-Ki , Kim Byung-Gyu , Min Byoung-Joon
Published: November 2015

Jini security framework that is being maintained in Apache River project requires roughly 3 sequential tasks in every connection to cope with security threats in communication between clients and servers in the IoT sensor application. These tasks are sequentially proxy preparation, certification of identity and its credential for mutual authentication, and cryptographic operation for session encryption. Since the proxy preparation task is time spent on preparing a secure and trustable stub for both client/server sides, it is not one of the substantial communication-delay factors. We propose a method of improving proxy preparation reducing service connection delay by completing the preparation of mutual authentication data and session key while on proxy preparation task. Through experiments on a test-bed, we have confirmed that service connection delay time can be reduced by about 2.6 times in proportion to the message sizes through our proposed method. Our work presents an approach to reduce the additional overhead that would be paid for by applying the Jini security framework to the development of sensor application based on Jini IoT.
Clinicopathological Significance of MicroRNA-20b Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Regulation of HIF-1αand VEGF Effect on Cell Biological Behaviour
Authors: Xue Tong-min , Tao Li-de , Zhang Miao , Zhang Jie , Liu Xia , Chen Guo-feng , Zhu Yi-jia , Zhang Pei-Jian
Published: November 2015

miRNA-20b has been shown to be aberrantly expressed in several tumor types. However, the clinical significance of miRNA-20b in the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood, and the exact role of miRNA-20b in HCC remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of the expression of miR-20b with clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival of HCC patients analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Meanwhile, the HIF-1αand VEGF targets of miR-20b have been confirmed. We found not only miR-20b regulation of HIF-1αand VEGF in normal but also regulation of miR-20b in hypoxia. This mechanism would help the tumor cells adapt to the different environments thus promoting the tumor invasion and development. The whole study suggests that miR-20b, HIF-1α, and VEGF serve as a potential therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma.
A Fatal Twist: Volvulus of the Small Intestine in a 46-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Klein Jared , Baxstrom Kathryn , Donnelly Stephen , Feasel Patrick , Koles Paul
Published: November 2015

A 46-year-old woman presented to two emergency departments within 12 hours because of acute abdominal pain. Physical exam demonstrated tenderness and epigastric guarding. An ultrasound was interpreted as negative; she was discharged home. Later that evening, she was found dead. Postmortem exam revealed acute hemorrhagic necrosis of a segment of jejunum secondary to volvulus. Clinical clues suggesting presentations of small bowel volvulus are usually nonspecific; the diagnosis is typically confirmed at surgery. Her unremitting abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and absolute neutrophilia were consistent with an acute process. The etiology of this volvulus was caused by an elastic fibrous band at the root of the jejunal mesentery. While congenital fibrous bands are rare in adults, this interpretation is favored for two reasons. First, the band was located 20 cm superior to postsurgical adhesions in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Second, there was no history of trauma or previous surgery involving the site of volvulus.
The Role of the Endothelin System in the Vascular Dysregulation Involved in Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Sorrentino Francesco Saverio , Bonifazzi Claudio , Perri Paolo
Published: November 2015

Retinitis pigmentosa is a clinical and genetic group of inherited retinal disorders characterized by alterations of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium leading to a progressive concentric visual field restriction, which may bring about severe central vision impairment. Haemodynamic studies in patients with retinitis pigmentosa have demonstrated ocular blood flow abnormalities both in retina-choroidal and in retroocular vascular system. Moreover, several investigations have studied the augmentation of endothelin-1 plasma levels systemically in the body and locally in the eye. This might account for vasoconstriction and ischemia, typical in vascular dysregulation syndrome, which can be considered an important factor of reduction of the ocular blood flow in subjects affected by retinitis pigmentosa.
The Effects of Interpregnancy Intervals and Previous Pregnancy Outcome on Fetal Loss in Rwanda (1996–2010)
Authors: Habimana-Kabano Ignace , Broekhuis Annelet , Hooimeijer Pieter
Published: November 2015

In 2005, a WHO consultation meeting on pregnancy intervals recommended a minimum interval of 6 months after a pregnancy disruption and an interval of two years after a live birth before attempting another pregnancy. Since then, studies have found contradictory evidence on the effect of shorter intervals after a pregnancy disruption. A binary regression analysis on 21532 last pregnancy outcomes from the 2000, 2005, and 2010 Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys was done to assess the combined effects of the preceding pregnancy outcome and the interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) on fetal mortality in Rwanda. Risks of pregnancy loss are higher for primigravida and for mothers who lost the previous pregnancy and conceived again within 24 months. After a live birth, interpregnancy intervals less than two years do not increase the risk of a pregnancy loss. This study also confirms higher risks of fetal death when IPIs are beyond 5 years. An IPI of longer than 12 months after a fetal death is recommended in Rwanda. Particular attention needs to be directed to postpregnancy abortion care and family planning programs geared to spacing pregnancies should also include spacing after a fetal death.
Turn Ratio, Substrates’ Permittivity Characterization, and Analysis of Split Ring Resonator Based Antenna
Authors: Olokede Seyi S. , Mohd-Razif Nurul A. , Mahyuddin Nor M.
Published: November 2015

The turn ratio, coupling space between sections, and substrate permittivity effects on spilt ring resonator (SRR) are investigated. The analysis of the presented SRR with respect to the effects of substrate and number of gaps per ring to further characterize its peculiarities is experimented with miniaturized capability as our intent. Six different SRRs were designed with different turn ratios, and the sixth is rectangular microstrip patch centre-inserted. Different numbers and gap sizes are cut on the SRRs while the gap spacing between the conductors of the SRR was varied to determine their effects taking cognizance of the effects of different substrates. The designs were investigated numerically using 3D finite integration technique commercial EM solver, and the resulting designs were prototyped and subsequently measured. Findings indicate that the reflection coefficient of the MSRR with centre-inserted patch antenna is better compared to MSRR without the patch antenna irrespective of the laminate substrate board, and so is its gain.
Developing an International Combined Applied Surgical Science and Wet Lab Simulation Course as an Undergraduate Teaching Model
Authors: Sideris Michail , Papalois Apostolos , Tsoulfas Georgios , Majumder Sanjib , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Koletsis Efstratios , Dedeilias Panagiotis , Lymperopoulos Nikolaos , Papagrigoriadis Savvas , Papalois Vassilios , Zografos Georgios
Published: November 2015

Background. Essential Skills in the Management of Surgical Cases (ESMSC) is an international, animal model-based course. It combines interactive lectures with basic ex vivo stations and more advanced wet lab modules, that is, in vivo dissections and Heart Transplant Surgery on a swine model.Materials and Methods. Forty-nine medical students (male,N=27, femaleN=22, and mean age = 23.7 years) from King’s College London (KCL) and Greek Medical Schools attended the course. Participants were assessed with Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS), as well as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Pairedt-test associations were used to evaluate whether there was statistically significant improvement in their performance.Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined applied surgical science and wet lab simulation course as a teaching model for surgical skills at the undergraduate level.Results. The mean MCQ score was improved by 2.33/32 (P<0.005). Surgical skills competences, as defined by DOPS scores, were improved in a statically significant manner (P<0.005for all pairedt-test correlations).Conclusions. ESMSC seems to be an effective teaching model, which improves the understanding of the surgical approach and the basic surgical skills. In vivo models could be used potentially as a step further in the Undergraduate Surgical Education.
Semi-Analytical Finite Strip Transfer Matrix Method for Buckling Analysis of Rectangular Thin Plates
Authors: Yao Li-Ke , He Bin , Zhang Yu , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2015

Plates and shells are main components of modern engineering structures, whose buckling analysis has been focused by researchers. In this investigation, rectangular thin plates with loaded edges simply supported can be discretized by semi-analytical finite strip technology. Then the control equations of the strip elements of the buckling plate will be rewritten as the transfer equations by transfer matrix method. A new approach, namely semi-analytical Finite Strip Transfer Matrix Method, is developed for the buckling analysis of plates. This method requires no global stiffness matrix of the system, reduces the system matrix order, and improves the computational efficiency. Comparing with some theoretical results and FEM’s results of two illustrations (the plates and the ribbed plates) under six boundary conditions, the method is proved to be reliable and effective.
Migration of the Anterior Spinal Rod to the Right Thigh, a Rare Complication of Anterior Spinal Instrumentations: A Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Gaston Camino Willhuber , Danilo Taype Zamboni , Guido Carabelli , Jorge Barla , Carlos Sancineto
Published: November 2015

Posterior and anterior fusion procedures with instrumentation are well-known surgical treatments for scoliosis. Rod migration has been described as unusual complication in anterior spinal instrumentations; migration beyond pelvis is a rare complication. A 32-year-old female presented to the consultant with right thigh pain, rod migration was diagnosed, rod extraction by minimal approach was performed, and spinal instrumentation after nonunion diagnosis was underwent. A rod migration case to the right thigh is presented; this uncommon complication of spinal instrumentation should be ruled out as unusual cause of sudden pain without any other suspicions, and long-term follow-up is important to prevent and diagnose this problem.
Vitamin E Supplementation Delays Cellular SenescenceIn Vitro
Authors: La Fata Giorgio , Seifert Nicole , Weber Peter , Mohajeri M. Hasan
Published: November 2015

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress-induced damage, which is an important contributor to the progression of ageing. Ageing can be studiedin vitrousing primary cells reaching a state of irreversible growth arrest called senescence after a limited number of cellular divisions. Generally, the most utilized biomarker of senescence is represented by the expression of the senescence associatedβ-galactosidase (SA-β-gal). We aimed here to study the possible effects of vitamin E supplementation in two different human primary cell types (HUVECs and fibroblasts) during the progression of cellular senescence. Utilizing an unbiased automated system, based on the detection of the SA-β-gal, we quantified cellular senescencein vitroand showed that vitamin E supplementation reduced the numbers of senescent cells during progression of ageing. Acute vitamin E supplementation did not affect cellular proliferation, whereas it was decreased after chronic treatment. Mechanistically, we show that vitamin E supplementation acts through downregulation of the expression of the cycline dependent kinase inhibitor P21. The data obtained from this study support the antiageing properties of vitamin E and identify possible mechanisms of action that warrant further investigation.
Evaluation of the Nasal Surgical Questionnaire for Monitoring Results of Septoplasty
Authors: Haye Rolf , Tarangen Magnus , Shiryaeva Olga , Døsen Liv Kari
Published: November 2015

Monitoring the results of surgery is important. The otorhinolaryngology department of our hospital currently uses preoperative and postoperative versions of the Nasal Surgical Questionnaire (NSQ) for continuous evaluation of nasal septoplasty. In this study, 55 patients undergoing septoplasty answered the preoperative version twice to assess the NSQ’s test-retest precision, and 75 patients answered the preoperative questionnaire before and the postoperative one 6 months after surgery to evaluate the NSQ’s ability to detect change in symptoms following surgery. Both the pre- and postoperative versions of the NSQ use separate visual analogue scales (VAS) to assess nasal obstruction during the day, at night, and during exercise. Other nasal symptoms are graded as secondary outcomes using 4-point Likert scales. The mean VAS scores for the two preoperative obstruction ratings were not significantly different. The scores were significantly higher than in a normal population. There were also significant differences between preoperative and postoperative ratings. The mean pre- and postoperative scores at night for those who reported complete improvement were 66.1 and 8.4, substantial improvement 74.5 and 24.2, and no improvement 83.3 and 76.4. The NSQ reliably assesses nasal symptoms in patients and may be useful for both short and long term prospective studies of septoplasty.
Effects of Moulding Sand Permeability and Pouring Temperatures on Properties of Cast 6061 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Ajibola Olawale Olarewaju , Oloruntoba Daniel Toyin , Adewuyi Benjamin O.
Published: November 2015

Effects of moulding sand permeabilities prepared from the combinations of four proportions of coarse and fine particle size mixtures and pouring temperatures varied from 700, 750, and 800 (±10°C) were studied on the hardness, porosity, strength, and microstructure of cast aluminium pistons used in hydraulic brake master cylinder. Three sand moulds were prepared from each of the 80 : 20, 60 : 40, 40 : 60, and 20 : 80 ratios. The surfaces and microstructures of cast samples were examined using high resolution microscopic camera, metallurgical microscope with digital camera, and scanning electron microscope with EDX facilities. The best of the metallurgical properties were obtained from the combination of 80 : 20 coarse-fine sand ratio and 750 ± 10°C pouring temperature using as MgFeSi inoculant. An 8 : 25 ratio of coarse to fine grained eutectic aluminium alloy was obtained with enhanced metallographic properties. The cast alloy poured at 750 ± 1°C has a large number of fine grain formations assuming broom-resembling structures as shown in the 100 µm size SEM image.
Hepatoprotective Effect ofCitrus limonFruit Extract against Carbofuran Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors: Jaiswal Sunil Kumar , Gupta Vivek K. , Siddiqi Nikhat J. , Pandey Ravi S. , Sharma Bechan
Published: November 2015

Carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranol methylcarbamate), is known to induce oxidative stress and to cause inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. The present work was envisaged to evaluate the effect of carbofuran on redox indices and its interactions with hepatic markers in rat. The ameliorating effect ofCitrus limonfruit extract on carbofuran induced toxicity was also monitored. The results indicated that carbofuran treatment caused significant alterations in the levels of activities of AST, ALT, and LDH in liver tissues and serum. The levels of enzymatic oxidative stress markers such as SOD and catalase and nonenzymatic redox molecules such as total thiol, GSH, and protein thiol also showed significant perturbations in rat liver due to carbofuran treatment. The administration ofCitrus limonfruit extract, however, was able to markedly ameliorate the toxicity of carbofuran by protecting the levels of aforesaid biomarkers to near normal levels. The ameliorative effect ofCitrus limonfruit extract may be due to the presence of different antioxidants in it which may neutralize the ROS and RNS generated in the body tissue due to pesticide stress. These results suggested thatCitrus limonfruit extract may be utilized as a potential supplement in proper management of pesticide intoxication in association with relevant therapeutics.
Late Onset and Protracted Course of Steroid Refractory Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Gunes Gursel , Demiroglu Haluk , Goker Hakan , Malkan Umit Yavuz , Eliacik Eylem , Yayar Okan , Buyukasik Yahya
Published: November 2015

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). Occurring in 30% to 70% of patients, cGVHD has a median time to onset of 4 to 6 months and most cases present within 2 years after aHSCT. Here, we present a patient transplanted at the age of 55 who developed refractory cutaneous cGVHD more than 5.5 years after aHSCT.
Modeling and Simulation of Control Actuation System with Fuzzy‐PID Logic Controlled Brushless Motor Drives for Missiles Glider Applications
Authors: Muniraj Murali , Arulmozhiyal Ramaswamy
Published: November 2015

A control actuation system has been used extensively in automotive, aerospace, and defense applications. The major challenges in modeling control actuation system are rise time, maximum peak to peak overshoot, and response to nonlinear system with percentage error. This paper addresses the challenges in modeling and real time implementation of control actuation system for missiles glider applications. As an alternative fuzzy‐PID controller is proposed in BLDC motor drive followed by linkage mechanism to actuate fins in missiles and gliders. The proposed system will realize better rise time and less overshoot while operating in extreme nonlinear dynamic system conditions. A mathematical model of BLDC motor is derived in state space form. The complete control actuation system is modeled in MATLAB/Simulink environment and verified by performing simulation studies. A real time prototype of the control actuation is developed with dSPACE‐1104 hardware controller and a detailed analysis is carried out to confirm the viability of the proposed system.
Pulmonary Peripheral Carcinoids after Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia and Tumorlets: Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Abrantes Carlos , Oliveira Rui Caetano , Saraiva Joana , Bernardo João , Carvalho Lina
Published: November 2015

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) and tumorlets are neuroendocrine cells proliferations smaller than 5 mm. The former confines to bronchial/bronchiolar wall, while the latter broke through epithelial basement membrane. The authors present 3 cases of DIPNECH and tumorlets associated with a typical peripheral carcinoid tumor without underlying lung disease. The patients presented with nonspecific pulmonary symptoms: 3 females, 60, 72, and 84 years old, whose CT-scans showed well-defined pulmonary nodules, 2.2, 1.6, and 1.4 cm, respectively; first patient was submitted to lobectomy and the others underwent surgical biopsy. Whitish/brownish lobulated tumors corresponded to typical carcinoids (less than 2 mitoses/2 mm2and without necrosis); polygonal/elongated cells under lobular pattern expressed CD56, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CK7; Ki-67 positivity was between 1 and 3%. Bronchial/bronchiolar wall neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia and several neuroendocrine nodules under 5 mm, with identical morphologic and immunoexpression, were observed, without lung disease. Typical carcinoid associated with DIPNECH and tumorlets without other pulmonary diseases is rare. Sporadic cases may recall embryonal neuroendocrine differentiation potentiality to develop peripheral hyperplasia, most commonly in underoxygenated parenchyma. The described cases are elucidative of peripheral spectrum of neuroendocrine cell tumour evolution, reinforcing higher female incidence as in central carcinoids, still without a clear preneoplastic lesion.
The Adjuvant Activity ofEpimediumPolysaccharide-Propolis Flavone Liposome on Enhancing Immune Responses to Inactivated Porcine Circovirus Vaccine in Mice
Authors: Fan Yunpeng , Guo Liwei , Hou Weifeng , Guo Chao , Zhang Weimin , Ma Xia , Ma Lin , Song Xiaoping
Published: November 2015

Objectives.The adjuvant activity ofEpimediumpolysaccharide-propolis flavone liposome (EPL) was investigated in vitro and in vivo.Methods.In vitro, the effects of EPL at different concentrations on splenic lymphocytes proliferation and mRNA expression of IFN-γand IL-6 were determined. In vivo, the adjuvant activities of EPL, EP, and mineral oil were compared in BALB/c mice through vaccination with inactivated porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccine.Results.In vitro, EPL promoted lymphocytes proliferation and increased the mRNA expression of IFN-γand IL-6, and the effect was significantly better than EP at all concentrations. In vivo, EPL significantly promoted the lymphocytes proliferation and the secretion of cytokines and improved the killing activity of NK cells, PCV2-specific antibody titers, and the proportion of T-cell subgroups. The effects of EPL were significantly better than EP and oil adjuvant at most time points.Conclusion.EPL could significantly improve both PCV2-specific cellular and humoral immune responses, and its medium dose had the best efficacy. Therefore, EPL would be exploited in an effective immune adjuvant for inactivated PCV2 vaccine.
The Role of Organelle Stresses in Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: Implication for Treatment
Authors: Chang Yi-Cheng , Hee Siow-Wey , Hsieh Meng-Lun , Jeng Yung-Ming , Chuang Lee-Ming
Published: November 2015

The type 2 diabetes pandemic in recent decades is a huge global health threat. This pandemic is primarily attributed to the surplus of nutrients and the increased prevalence of obesity worldwide. In contrast, calorie restriction and weight reduction can drastically prevent type 2 diabetes, indicating a central role of nutrient excess in the development of diabetes. Recently, the molecular links between excessive nutrients, organelle stress, and development of metabolic disease have been extensively studied. Specifically, excessive nutrients trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress and increase the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, leading to activation of stress signaling pathway, inflammatory response, lipogenesis, and pancreatic beta-cell death. Autophagy is required for clearance of hepatic lipid clearance, alleviation of pancreatic beta-cell stress, and white adipocyte differentiation. ROS scavengers, chemical chaperones, and autophagy activators have demonstrated promising effects for the treatment of insulin resistance and diabetes in preclinical models. Further results from clinical trials are eagerly awaited.
Fatigue Life Analysis of Rolling Bearings Based on Quasistatic Modeling
Authors: Guo Wei , Cao Hongrui , He Zhengjia , Yang Laihao
Published: November 2015

Rolling bearings are widely used in aeroengine, machine tool spindles, locomotive wheelset, and so forth. Rolling bearings are usually the weakest components that influence the remaining life of the whole machine. In this paper, a fatigue life prediction method is proposed based on quasistatic modeling of rolling bearings. With consideration of radial centrifugal expansion and thermal deformations on the geometric displacement in the bearings, the Jones’ bearing model is updated, which can predict the contact angle, deformation, and load between rolling elements and bearing raceways more accurately. Based on Hertz contact theory and contact mechanics, the contact stress field between rolling elements and raceways is calculated. A coupling model of fatigue life and damage for rolling bearings is given and verified through accelerated life test. Afterwards, the variation of bearing life is investigated under different working conditions, that is, axial load, radial load, and rotational speed. The results suggested that the working condition had a great influence on fatigue life of bearing parts and the order in which the damage appears on bearing parts.
Elevated Coexpression of KITENIN and the ErbB4 CYT-2 Isoform Promotes the Transition from Colon Adenoma to Carcinoma Following APC loss
Authors: Bae Jeong A , Kho Dhong Hyo , Sun Eun Gene , Ko Yoo-Seung , Yoon Somy , Lee Kyung Hwa , Ahn Kyu Youn , Lee Jae Hyuk , Joo Young Eun , Chung Ik Joo , Lee Sug Hyung , Kim Hangun , Kim Kyung Keun
Published: November 2015

Purpose and Experimental Design: The molecular events in the malignant progression of colon adenoma after loss of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) are not fully understood. KITENIN (KAI1 C-terminal interacting tetraspanin) increases the invasiveness of colorectal cancer cells, and we identified a novel EGFR-independent oncogenic signal of EGF that works under coexpressed KITENIN and ErbB4. Here we tested whether elevated KITENIN and ErbB4 contribute to further progression of intestinal adenoma following APC loss.

Results: The intestinal tissues of villin-KITENIN transgenic mice in which villin-driven KITENIN expression induces increased c-Jun expression exhibit mild epithelial cell proliferation but no epithelial lineage changes compared with those of nontransgenic mice. Among the four ErbB4 isoforms, JM-a/CYT-2 and JM-b/CYT-2 exhibited the highest AP-1 activity when cells coexpressing KITENIN and each isoform were stimulated by EGF. Interestingly, predominant overexpression of the ErB4-CYT-2 mRNA as well as increased EGFR expression were observed in intestinal adenoma of APCmin/+ mice, which makes the microenvironment of activated EGF signaling. When we crossed villin-KITENIN mice with APCmin/+ mice, intestinal tumor tissues in the crossed mice showed the characteristics of early-stage invading adenocarcinoma. In patients with colorectal cancer, ErbB4-CYT-2 mRNA expression was significantly greater in tumor tissues than in normal adjacent tissues, but no significant differences in tumor tissue expression were found between different colorectal cancer stages. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of KITENIN and that of ErbB4-CYT-2 were positively correlated in human colorectal cancer tissue.

Conclusions: Elevated coexpression of KITENIN and ErbB4-CYT-2 promotes the transition of colon adenoma to adenocarcinoma within an APC loss–associated tumor microenvironment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(5); 1284–94. ©2015 AACR.
A Presurgical Study of Oral Silybin-Phosphatidylcholine in Patients with Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Lazzeroni Matteo , Guerrieri-Gonzaga Aliana , Gandini Sara , Johansson Harriet , Serrano Davide , Cazzaniga Massimiliano , Aristarco Valentina , Puccio Antonella , Mora Serena , Caldarella Pietro , Pagani Gianmatteo , Pruneri Giancarlo , Riva Antonella , Petrangolini Giovanna , Morazzoni Paolo , DeCensi Andrea , Bonanni Bernardo
Published: November 2015

Silybin-phosphatidylcholine is an orally bioavailable complex of silybin, a polyphenolic flavonolignan derived from milk thistle, endowed with potential anticancer activity in preclinical models. The purpose of this window of opportunity trial was to determine, for the first time in early breast cancer patients, the breast tissue distribution of silybin. Twelve breast cancer patients received silybin-phosphatidylcholine, 2.8 g daily for 4 weeks prior to surgery. Silybin levels were measured before (SIL) and after (TOT-SIL) enzymatic hydrolysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-MS/MS in biologic samples (plasma, urine, breast cancer, and surrounding normal tissue). Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline, before the last administration, and 2 hours later. All patients were fully compliant and completed the treatment program. No toxicity was observed. SIL and TOT-SIL were undetectable in baseline samples. Despite a high between-subject variability, repeated administration of Siliphos achieved levels of TOT-SIL of 31,121 to 7,654 ng/mL in the plasma and up to 1,375 ng/g in breast cancer tissue. SIL concentrations ranged from 10,861 to 1,818 ng/mL in plasma and up to 177 ng/g in breast cancer tissue. Median TOT-SIL concentration was higher in the tumor as compared with the adjacent normal tissue (P = 0.018). No significant change in either blood levels of IGF-I and nitric oxide or Ki-67 in tumors was noted. Silybin-phosphatidylcholine, taken orally, can deliver high blood concentrations of silybin, which selectively accumulates in breast tumor tissue. These findings provide the basis for a future phase II biomarker trial in breast cancer prevention. Cancer Prev Res; 9(1); 89–95. ©2015 AACR.
Fabrication of Alginate/Calcium Carbonate Hybrid Microparticles for Synergistic Drug Delivery
Authors: Peng Yan , Sun Hua-Yan , Wang Zong-Chun , Xu Xiao-Ding , Song Jin-Chun , Gong Zuo-Jiong
Published: November 2015

A hybrid drug delivery system coloaded with different drugs for synergistic drug delivery was developed. Alginate/calcium carbonate (CaCO3) hybrid microparticles (MPs) were fabricated via a facile coprecipitation method under mild conditions without using any organic solvent and surfactant. Due to the incorporation of negatively charged alginate chains onto the surface, the obtained hybrid MPs with spherical morphology showed good colloidal stability in an aqueous solution. An antitumor drug (doxorubicin, DOX) and a drug resistance reversal agent (verapamil, VP) were coloaded in the hybrid MPs simultaneously to obtain dual-drug-loaded MPs (DOX/VP/MP). Due to the presence of inorganic CaCO3 (∼54 wt%), the drugs could be loaded in the hybrid MPs with high encapsulation efficiency and the drug release could be effectively sustained. The cell growth inhibition of the drug-loaded MPs was evaluated in HeLa cells. An in vitro study showed DOX/VP/MP exhibited higher cell growth inhibition as compared with DOX monodrug-loaded MPs (DOX/MP). These results suggest the hybrid MPs can potentially be used as a synergistic drug delivery platform for cancer chemotherapy.
Cetuximab Plus Various Chemotherapy Regimens for Patients with KRAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Azadeh Payam , Mortazavi Nafiseh , Tahmasebi Arezoo , Hosseini Kamal Farnaz , Novin Kambiz
Published: November 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and hematologic toxicity of cetuximab combined with various types of chemotherapy regimens in patients with KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods: The response rate, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival of the patients were analyzed. Results: In total, 45 patients were included in the study. The overall response rate for the combination of cetuximab and FOLFOX, FOLFIRI and CAPOX was 20, 46 and 30%, respectively, but the differences were not statistically significant. The median PFS for the three groups were 8, 6 and 3.5 months, respectively, but again these differences were not significant. All-grade leukopenia and anemia for the cetuximab plus FOLFOX group were significantly higher than for the other chemotherapy regimens. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the combination of cetuximab and the three standard chemotherapy regimens resulted in the same outcomes in our patient population of mCRC, with higher hematologic toxicities among the FOLFOX subgroup.
Electrophysiological Detection of Scalar-Changing Perimodiolar Cochlear Electrode Arrays: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: Mittmann Philipp , Todt Ingo , Wesarg Thomas , Arndt Susan , Ernst Arneborg , Hassepass Frederike
Published: November 2015

The position of the cochlear electrode array within the scala tympani is essential for optimal hearing benefit. An intraoperative neural response telemetry ratio (NRT ratio; a threshold ratio of pairs of apical and basal electrodes) has been established, which can provide information about the intracochlear electrode array position. Out of a previous collective of 85 patients, the 6-month follow-up electrophysiological NRT data of 37 patients have been included in this study. Comparing the intraoperatively estimated NRT ratio with the 6-month follow-up NRT ratio, it remained unchanged intraindividually in 92% of cases. Within this group the NRT ratio and the intracochlear position of the electrode array matched in all cases. There were two newly occurring mismatches and one new match was observed. After a period of 6 months the NRT ratio remained unchanged in most cases and showed a good correlation with the intracochlear position of the electrode array.
Decision-Making Process Related to Participation in Phase I Clinical Trials: A Nonsystematic Review of the Existing Evidence
Authors: Gorini Alessandra , Mazzocco Ketti , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: November 2015

Due to the lack of other treatment options, patient candidates for participation in phase I clinical trials are considered the most vulnerable, and many ethical concerns have emerged regarding the informed consent process used in the experimental design of such trials. Starting with these considerations, this nonsystematic review is aimed at analyzing the decision-making processes underlying patients' decision about whether to participate (or not) in phase I trials in order to clarify the cognitive and emotional aspects most strongly implicated in this decision. Considering that there is no uniform decision calculus and that many different variables other than the patient-physician relationship (including demographic, clinical, and personal characteristics) may influence patients' preferences for and processing of information, we conclude that patients' informed decision-making can be facilitated by creating a rigorously developed, calibrated, and validated computer tool modeled on each single patient's knowledge, values, and emotional and cognitive decisional skills. Such a tool will also help oncologists to provide tailored medical information that is useful to improve the shared decision-making process, thereby possibly increasing patient participation in clinical trials.
Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Colon: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Park Peter Y. , Goldin Teresa , Chang John , Markman Maurie , Kundranda Madappa N.
Published: November 2015

Background: Colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) is the third leading cause of death in the United States. One of the histologic subtypes of CRC is signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC), which has a distinct molecular and tumor biology from that of adenocarcinoma. Primary SRCC diagnosed at an early stage is very rare as most cases are detected at an advanced stage. Therefore, overall prognosis of SRCC is poor. Case Presentation: A 36-year-old female presented to her primary care physician with new-onset progressive right lower quadrant pain without any significant past medical or family history. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast showed a 4.9 × 3.5 × 3.1 cm, lobulated, septated cystic mass arising from the cecum. The mass demonstrated wall enhancement and contained focal areas of coarse calcification. There was nodal involvement either locally or distally. The patient underwent right hemicolectomy, and pathology revealed a high-grade mucinous carcinoma with signet-ring cell variant invading through the muscularis propria and into the subserosal adipose tissue. The margins were negative for tumor, and no lymphovascular or perineural invasion was noted. None of the 14 resected pericolonic lymph nodes was positive for malignancy. Hence, she was staged as pT3, pN0, pMx-stage IIA. The appendix was not involved. Microsatellite instability testing showed the preservation of MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6 proteins by IHC and PCR. Carcinoembryonic antigen level was within normal limits. Due to the patient's young age, aggressive histology and microsatellite-stable status, adjuvant fluropyrimidine (5-FU)-based therapy with the single agent capecitabine was initiated. The patient completed 6 months of adjuvant therapy and has been disease free for approximately 18 months. Conclusion: Primary SRCC of the cecum is a rare disease. Given the poor prognosis of these patients, early-stage disease with microsatellite-stable patients should be considered for adjuvant 5-FU-based therapy in an attempt to prevent recurrence.
Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Breast: A Rare Breast Cancer Subtype - Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ratti Vilma , Pagani Olivia
Published: November 2015

Background: Glycogen-rich clear cell breast carcinoma is a rare histological breast cancer subtype. Its prognosis may vary depending on specific clinical and pathological characteristics such as low grade, strong positivity of estrogen receptor (ER) expression and early diagnosis. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with a bleeding 10-cm-diameter mass in the left breast. The histological examination showed a poorly differentiated tumor with malignant cells characterized by abundant clear cytoplasm. The diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma was based on the histological characteristics of the tumor, and a nonmammary origin was initially ruled out. The tumor was triple negative [i.e. ER, progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 negative]. Four months after the initial locoregional treatment, the patient developed lung and distant lymph node metastases. Conclusions: Glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare tumor. Early diagnosis, absence of lymph node metastases and ER/PR positivity are associated with a better prognosis, as in other common breast cancer subtypes.
Retrospective Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes After Combat Injury
Authors: Stewart Ian J. , Sosnov Jonathan A. , Howard Jeffrey T. , Orman Jean A. , Fang Raymond , Morrow Benjamin D. , Zonies David H. , Bollinger Mary , Tuman Caroline , Freedman Brett A. , Chung Kevin K.
Published: November 2015

Background—

During the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, 52 087 service members have been wounded in combat. The long-term sequelae of these injuries have not been carefully examined. We sought to determine the relation between markers of injury severity and the subsequent development of hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease.

Methods and Results—

Retrospective cohort study of critically injured US military personnel wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan from February 1, 2002 to February 1, 2011. Patients were then followed until January 18, 2013. Chronic disease outcomes were assessed by International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition codes and causes of death were confirmed by autopsy. From 6011 admissions, records were excluded because of missing data or if they were for an individual’s second admission. Patients with a disease diagnosis of interest before the injury date were also excluded, yielding a cohort of 3846 subjects for analysis. After adjustment for other factors, each 5-point increment in the injury severity score was associated with a 6%, 13%, 13%, and 15% increase in incidence rates of hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease, respectively. Acute kidney injury was associated with a 66% increase in rates of hypertension and nearly 5-fold increase in rates of chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions—

In Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the severity of combat injury was associated with the subsequent development of hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease.