bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Lipid Regulation Mechanism of Polygoni Multiflori Radix in High‐Fat Diet Fed Rats
Authors: Lin Pei , He Yan Ran , Lu Jian Mei , Li Na , Wang Wan Gen , Gu Wen , Yu Jie , Zhao Rong Hua
Published: April 2014

Mechanisms of the water extracts of Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) and its processed products (PMRP) on liver lipid metabolism were observed in this paper. Aqueous extract of PMR and PMRP was given to nonalcoholic fatty liver model rats, respectively. PMR was better in reducing the contents of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) than PMRP and the positive control groups. In the aspect of regulating TG, medium dose PMR reduced the activity of diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) to 1536 ± 47.69 pg/mL (P < 0.001) and promoted the expression of hepatic lipase (HL) to 23.59 ± 0.2758 U/mL (P < 0.05). HL promotion ability of medium dose PMR was similar with the simvastatin positive control. Both medium and high dose of PMR showed significant alterations in TC, which were related to the downregulation effects on hydroxyl methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and upregulation effects on cholesterol 7‐alpha‐hydroxylase or cytochrome P450 7A (CYP7A). Quantitative relationships research indicated that the prominent effect on inhibiting the content of HMGCR (r = 0.756, P < 0.05) was strongly positive correlated with to the TC regulation effects. Effects of PMR on enhancing decomposition rate or reducing de novo synthesis rate of TG and TC were better than PMRP.
A New Type of Coincidence and Common Fixed Point Theorem with Applications
Authors: Singh Shyam Lal , Kamal Raj , De la Sen Manuel , Chugh Renu
Published: April 2014

Coincidence and common fixed point theorems for a class of Ćirić-Suzuki hybrid contractions involving a multivalued and two single-valued maps in a metric space are obtained. Some applications including the existence of a common solution for certain class of functional equations arising in a dynamic programming are also discussed.
Synthesis, Characterization, and X-Ray Structure of Bis(O-butyldithiocarbonato)bis(3-ethyl pyridine)nickel(II)
Authors: Kaur Inderjeet , Singh Kuldeep , Kaur Gurvinder , Sachar Renu , Gupta Vivek K. , Kant Rajni
Published: April 2014

A new series of additional complexes of bis(O-butyldithiocarbonato)nickel(II) with ethylpyridines have been prepared and characterized by physicochemical techniques like elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, TGA-DTA and UV-visible electronic spectroscopy, and IR-spectral data. The structure of [Ni(S2COC4H9)2(C7H9N)2] has been established by X-ray crystallography. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P1/n with unit cell parameters a=14.0721(6), b=7.0078(2), and c=15.3604(7) Å and α=90.00, β=108.065(5), and γ=90.00°. The Ni atom in the title complex is octahedrally coordinated within a trans-N2S4 donor set, with the Ni atom located on a centre of inversion. Crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined by full matrix least squares procedures to a final R-value of 0.0545 for 1984 observed reflections. The butyl chain is disordered over two sets of sites, with occupancy ratio of 0.572 : 0.427.
Improving Causality Induction with Category Learning
Authors: Guo Yi , Wang Zhihong , Shao Zhiqing
Published: April 2014

Causal relations are of fundamental importance for human perception and reasoning. According to the nature of causality, causality has explicit and implicit forms. In the case of explicit form, causal-effect relations exist at either clausal or discourse levels. The implicit causal-effect relations heavily rely on empirical analysis and evidence accumulation. This paper proposes a comprehensive causality extraction system (CL-CIS) integrated with the means of category-learning. CL-CIS considers cause-effect relations in both explicit and implicit forms and especially practices the relation between category and causality in computation. In elaborately designed experiments, CL-CIS is evaluated together with general causality analysis system (GCAS) and general causality analysis system with learning (GCAS-L), and it testified to its own capability and performance in construction of cause-effect relations. This paper confirms the expectation that the precision and coverage of causality induction can be remarkably improved by means of causal and category learning.
Effect of Eclipta prostrata on 11Beta‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Rat Liver and Kidney
Authors: Xu Chenshu , Wei Binghua , Fu Xiaohua , Luo Meijuan , Liu Shidai , Li Ruiming , Ren Bin , Tang Lei
Published: April 2014

Eclipta prostrata (EP) is often prescribed in combination with glucocorticoid to treat glomerular nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and IgA nephropathy in clinical practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Previous studies from our laboratory revealed that coadministration of EP significantly increased the plasma concentration of prednisolone while decreased the level of cotreated prednisone in rats. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. 11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD) belongs to the family of oxidoreductases that catalyze the interconversion of prednisone to active prednisolone. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of EP on the activity and expression of 11β‐HSD in rat liver and kidney. The results showed that oral administration of EP significantly increased the activity of 11β‐HSD I in the liver and 11β‐HSD II in the kidney by employing the microsomal incubation system. Moreover, gene and protein expressions of 11β‐HSD I and 11β‐HSD II were also increased in rat liver and kidney, respectively. These results suggest that the effects of EP on 11β‐HSD may attribute to the mechanism that administration of EP improves the efficacy and reduces adverse drug reactions of glucocorticoid in patients undergoing combinational therapy.
Essential Magnesium Alloys Binary Phase Diagrams and Their Thermochemical Data
Authors: Mezbahul-Islam Mohammad , Mostafa Ahmad Omar , Medraj Mamoun
Published: April 2014

Magnesium-based alloys are becoming a major industrial material for structural applications because of their potential weight saving characteristics. All the commercial Mg alloys like AZ, AM, AE, EZ, ZK, and so forth series are multicomponent and hence it is important to understand the phase relations of the alloying elements with Mg. In this work, eleven essential Mg-based binary systems including Mg-Al/Zn/Mn/Ca/Sr/Y/Ni/Ce/Nd/Cu/Sn have been reviewed. Each of these systems has been discussed critically on the aspects of phase diagram and thermodynamic properties. All the available experimental data has been summarized and critically assessed to provide detailed understanding of the systems. The phase diagrams are calculated based on the most up-to-date optimized parameters. The thermodynamic model parameters for all the systems except Mg-Nd have been summarized in tables. The crystallographic information of the intermetallic compounds of different binary systems is provided. Also, the heat of formation of the intermetallic compounds obtained from experimental, first principle calculations and CALPHAD optimizations are provided. In addition, reoptimization of the Mg-Y system has been done in this work since new experimental data showed wider solubility of the intermetallic compounds.
Enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization-Based Feeder Reconfiguration Considering Uncertain Large Photovoltaic Powers and Demands
Authors: Hong Ying-Yi , Lin Faa-Jeng , Hsu Fu-Yuan
Published: April 2014

The Kyoto protocol recommended that industrialized countries limit their green gas emissions in 2012 to 5.2% below 1990 levels. Photovoltaic (PV) arrays provide clear and sustainable renewable energy to electric power systems. Solar PV arrays can be installed in distribution systems of rural and urban areas, as opposed to wind-turbine generators, which cause noise in surrounding environments. However, a large PV array (several MW) may incur several operation problems, for example, low power quality and reverse power. This work presents a novel method to reconfigure the distribution feeders in order to prevent the injection of reverse power into a substation connected to the transmission level. Moreover, a two-stage algorithm is developed, in which the uncertain bus loads and PV powers are clustered by fuzzy-c-means to gain representative scenarios; optimal reconfiguration is then achieved by a novel mean-variance-based particle swarm optimization. The system loss is minimized while the operational constraints, including reverse power and voltage variation, are satisfied due to the optimal feeder reconfiguration. Simulation results obtained from a 70-bus distribution system with 4 large PV arrays validate the proposed method.
Global Analysis of a Virus Dynamics Model with General Incidence Function and Cure Rate
Authors: Yang Yu
Published: April 2014

A virus dynamics model with logistic function, general incidence function, and cure rate is considered. By carrying out mathematical analysis, we show that the infection-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if the basic reproduction numberℛ0≤1. Ifℛ0>1, then the infection equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable under some assumptions. Furthermore, we also obtain the conditions for which the model exists an orbitally asymptotically stable periodic solution. Examples are provided to support our analytical conclusions.
A Novel Assembly Line Balancing Method Based on PSO Algorithm
Authors: Hu Xiaomei , Zhang Yangyang , Zeng Ning , Wang Dong
Published: April 2014

Assembly line is widely used in manufacturing system. Assembly line balancing problem is a crucial question during design and management of assembly lines since it directly affects the productivity of the whole manufacturing system. The model of assembly line balancing problem is put forward and a general optimization method is proposed. The key data on assembly line balancing problem is confirmed, and the precedence relations diagram is described. A double objective optimization model based on takt time and smoothness index is built, and balance optimization scheme based on PSO algorithm is proposed. Through the simulation experiments of examples, the feasibility and validity of the assembly line balancing method based on PSO algorithm is proved.
The Protective Effect of Aged Garlic Extract on Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drug‐Induced Gastric Inflammations in Male Albino Rats
Authors: Badr Gehan Moustafa , AL-Mulhim Jawaher Abdulaziz
Published: April 2014

Natural products have long gained wide acceptance among the public and scientific community in the gastrointestinal ulcerative field. The present study explore the potential effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) on indomethacin‐(IN‐) induced gastric inflammation in male rats. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 8) control group, IN‐induced gastric inflammation group via oral single dose (30 mg/kg to fasted rats) two AGE orally administered groups (100 and 200 mg/kg for 30 consecutive days) two AGE orally administered groups to rats pretreated with IN at the same aforementioned doses. The results declared the more potent effect of the higher AGE dose (200 mg/kg) as compared to that of the 100 mg/kg dose in the gastroprotective effects reflected by significant gastric mucosal healing of damage and reduction in the total microbial induced due to indomethacin administration. In addition to the significant effect to normalize the significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) values, and the significant decrease in the total glutathione (tGSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) values induced by indomethacin. The results support AGE antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial potency reflected by the healing of the gastric tissue damage induced by indomethacin.
Lipid and Protein Oxidation in Newborn Infants after Lutein Administration
Authors: Perrone S. , Tei M. , Longini M. , Santacroce A. , Turrisi G. , Proietti F. , Felici C. , Picardi A. , Bazzini F. , Vasarri P. , Buonocore G.
Published: April 2014

Objectives. To test the hypothesis that neonatal supplementation with lutein in the first hours of life reduces neonatal oxidative stress (OS) in the immediate postpartum period.Methods. A randomized controlled, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted among 150 newborns divided into control group, not supplemented (n=47), and test group, supplemented with lutein on the first day postpartum (n=103). Blood Samples were collected at birth from cord and at 48 hrs postpartum while routine neonatal metabolic screenings were taking place. Total hydroperoxide (TH), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were measured by spectrophotometry and data were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test and by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results. Before lutein supplementation, the mean blood concentrations of AOPP, TH, and BAP were 36.10 umol/L, 156.75 mmol/H2O2, and 2361.04 umol/L in the test group. After lutein supplementation, significantly higher BAP increment (0.17 ± 0.22 versus 0.06 versus ± 0.46) and lower TH increment (0.46 ± 0.54 versus 0.34 ± 0.52) were observed in the test group compared to controls.Conclusion. Neonatal supplementation with lutein in the first hours of life increases BAP and reduces TH in supplemented babies compared to those untreated. The generation of free radical-induced damage at birth is reduced by lutein. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT02068807.
Pars Plana Vitrectomy Combined with Focal Endolaser Photocoagulation for Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia
Authors: Terauchi Gaku , Matsumoto Celso Soiti , Shinoda Kei , Matsumoto Harue , Imamura Yutaka , Watanabe Emiko , Kondo Takaaki , Mizota Atsushi
Published: April 2014

Background. To report the outcome of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with intraoperative endolaser focal photocoagulation (PC) on eyes with idiopathic macular telangiectasis (MacTel) type 1.Methods. This was a retrospective study of two female patients with MacTel type 1 who were resistant to focal photocoagulation, sub-Tenon triamcinolone injection, and/or antiangiogenic drugs. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was determined, and fluorescein angiography (FA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed before and after surgery for up to 19 months.Results. After surgery, the BCVA gradually improved from 20/100 to 20/20 at 19 months in Case 1 and from 20/50 to 20/13 at 13 months in Case 2. Fluorescein angiography (FA) showed leakage at the late phase, and OCT showed that the cystoid macular edema was resolved and the fovea was considerably thinner postoperatively.Conclusion. Patients with MacTel type 1 who are refractory to the other types of treatments can benefit from PPV combined with intraoperative endolaser focal PC with functional and morphological improvements.
Low-Dose Tolvaptan for the Treatment of Dilutional Hyponatremia in Cirrhosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shen Guo , Gao Hainv
Published: April 2014

Dilutional hyponatremia is common in decompensated cirrhosis and can be successfully treated by tolvaptan, a vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist. Data were lacking regarding the effects of tolvaptan on cirrhotic patients with a Child-Pugh score of >10 and a serum sodium concentration of <120 mmol/L. We report a case of forties man with a 20-year history of chronic hepatitis B presenting with yellow urine and skin. Laboratory tests demonstrated prolonged prothrombin time, markedly elevated total bilirubin, severe hyponatremia, and a Child-Pugh score of >10. The patient was diagnosed with dilutional hyponatremia and was treated with recommended dosage tolvaptan at first. The serum concentration of sodium recover but the patient felt obviously thirsty. As the dosage of tolvaptan was decreased accordingly from 15 mg to 5 mg, the patient still maintained the ideal concentration of serum sodium. This case emphasizes that cirrhotic patient with higher Child-Pugh scores and serum sodium concentration of <120 mmol/L can be treated with lower dose of tolvaptan.
The Yin and Yang of Innate Immunity in Stroke
Authors: Xu Xiaomeng , Jiang Yongjun
Published: April 2014

Immune system plays an elementary role in the pathophysiological progress of ischemic stroke. It consists of innate and adaptive immune system. Activated within minutes after ischemic onset, innate immunity is responsible for the elimination of necrotic cells and tissue repair, while it is critically involved in the initiation and amplification of poststroke inflammation that amplifies ischemic damage to the brain tissue. Innate immune response requires days to be fully developed, providing a considerable time window for therapeutic intervention, suggesting prospect of novel immunomodulatory therapies against poststroke inflammation-induced brain injury. However, obstacles still exist and a comprehensive understanding of ischemic stroke and innate immune reaction is essential. In this review, we highlighted the current experimental and clinical data depicting the innate immune response following ischemic stroke, mainly focusing on the recognition of damage-associated molecular patterns, activation and recruitment of innate immune cells, and involvement of various cytokines. In addition, clinical trials targeting innate immunity were also documented regardless of the outcome, stressing the requirements for further investigation.
Differences in Swallowing between High and Low Concentration Taste Stimuli
Authors: Nagy Ahmed , Steele Catriona M. , Pelletier Cathy A.
Published: April 2014

Taste is a property that is thought to potentially modulate swallowing behavior. Whether such effects depend on taste, intensity remains unclear. This study explored differences in the amplitudes of tongue-palate pressures in swallowing as a function of taste stimulus concentration. Tongue-palate pressures were collected in 80 healthy women, in two age groups (under 40, over 60), stratified by genetic taste status (nontasters, supertasters). Liquids with different taste qualities (sweet, sour, salty, and bitter) were presented in high and low concentrations. General labeled magnitude scale ratings captured perceived taste intensity and liking/disliking of the test liquids. Path analysis explored whether factors of taste, concentration, age group, and/or genetic taste status impacted: (1) perceived intensity; (2) palatability; and (3) swallowing pressures. Higher ratings of perceived intensity were found in supertasters and with higher concentrations, which were more liked/disliked than lower concentrations. Sweet stimuli were more palatable than sour, salty, or bitter stimuli. Higher concentrations elicited stronger tongue-palate pressures independently and in association with intensity ratings. The perceived intensity of a taste stimulus varies as a function of stimulus concentration, taste quality, participant age, and genetic taste status and influences swallowing pressure amplitudes. High-concentration salty and sour stimuli elicit the greatest tongue-palate pressures.
Localization of Sound Sources in Underground Parking Lots
Authors: Lee Dong Myung , Jung Moo Kyung , Choi Chang Yong , Shi Hongchi
Published: April 2014

We present a localization of sound sources algorithm for underground parking lots and a compensation algorithm for enhancing localization of sound sources based on the least-squares method (LSM). The proposed localization of sound sources system is designed for the underground parking lots in apartments. The sound location algorithm is referred to as [Formula: see text], and the localization algorithm enhanced with the compensation algorithm is referred to as [Formula: see text]. We also present the performance comparison of the proposed algorithms under directions 135°, 180°, 270°, and 337.5°. The proposed compensation algorithm reduces the error of sound sources by 72.4% on average. The [Formula: see text] algorithm can be applied to the localization of sound sources system for underground parking lots as well as to various sound sources based applications due to its low cost.
Hamburger and Stieltjes Moment Problems for Operators
Authors: Lemnete-Ninulescu L.
Published: April 2014

Solutions to some operator-valued, unidimensional, Hamburger and Stieltjes moment problems in this paper are given. Necessary and sufficient conditions on some sequences of bounded operators being Hamburger, respectively, Stieltjes operator-valued moment sequences are obtained. The determinateness of the operator-valued Hamburger and Stieltjes moment sequence is studied.
Interaction of Dietary Fatty Acids with Tumour Necrosis Factor Family Cytokines during Colon Inflammation and Cancer
Authors: Hofmanová Jiřina , Straková Nicol , Vaculová Alena Hyršlová , Tylichová Zuzana , Šafaříková Barbora , Skender Belma , Kozubík Alois
Published: April 2014

Intestinal homeostasis is precisely regulated by a number of endogenous regulatory molecules but significantly influenced by dietary compounds. Malfunction of this system may result in chronic inflammation and cancer. Dietary essential n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and short-chain fatty acid butyrate produced from fibre display anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Both compounds were shown to modulate the production and activities of TNF family cytokines. Cytokines from the TNF family (TNF-α, TRAIL, and FasL) have potent inflammatory activities and can also regulate apoptosis, which plays an important role in cancer development. The results of our own research showed enhancement of apoptosis in colon cancer cells by a combination of either docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or butyrate with TNF family cytokines, especially by promotion of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and modulation of NFκB activity. This review is focused mainly on the interaction of dietary PUFAs and butyrate with these cytokines during colon inflammation and cancer development. We summarised recent knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in such effects and outcomes for intestinal cell behaviour and pathologies. Finally, the possible application for the prevention and therapy of colon inflammation and cancer is also outlined.
Variations in the Position and Length of the Vermiform Appendix in a Black Kenyan Population
Authors: Mwachaka Philip , El-busaidy Hemed , Sinkeet Simeon , Ogeng’o Julius
Published: April 2014

Background.Topography of the appendix influences its mobility, degree of mobilization of the cecum, and need for additional muscle splitting during appendectomy. Although appendectomy is a common surgical procedure, there is a paucity of data on its topography in black Africans.Methods.The position and length of the appendix and relation of the appendicular base with spinoumbilical line were determined in 48 cadavers obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Kenya.Results.The commonest appendicular types in males were retrocecal 10 (27%) while in females was subileal 4 (36.4%). The average length of the appendix was 76.5 ± 23.6 mm. The base of the appendix was located along, below, and above the spinoumbilical line in 25 (52.1%), 9 (18.8%), and 14 (29.2%) cases, respectively.Conclusion.The topography of appendix in Kenyans shows variations from other populations. Knowledge of these variations is important during appendicectomy.
Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Advanced Refrigerant Thermophysical Properties: Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Fadhilah S. A. , Marhamah R. S. , Izzat A. H. M.
Published: April 2014

In modern days, refrigeration systems are important for industrial and domestic applications. The systems consume more electricity as compared to other appliances. The refrigeration systems have been investigated thoroughly in many ways to reduce the energy consumption. Hence, nanorefrigerant which is one kind of nanofluids has been introduced as a superior properties refrigerant that increased the heat transfer rate in the refrigeration system. Many types of materials could be used as the nanoparticles to be suspended into the conventional refrigerants. In this study, the effect of the suspended copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles into the 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, R-134a is investigated by using mathematical modeling. The investigation includes the thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity, and heat transfer rate of the nanorefrigerant in a tube of evaporator. The results show enhanced thermophysical properties of nanorefrigerant compared to the conventional refrigerant. These advanced thermophysical properties increased the heat transfer rate in the tube. The nanorefrigerant could be a potential working fluid to be used in the refrigeration system to increase the heat transfer characteristics and save the energy usage.
Investigation of Anti‐Infection Mechanism of Lactoferricin and Splunc‐1
Authors: Tsou Yung An , Huang Hung-Jin , Lin Wesley Wen Yang , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: April 2014

The innate immune system is the first line in the defense system and prevents the body from further bacteria, virus, or fungal infections. Most of the innate immune system is relevant to mucosa immunity. Lactotransferrin is secreted from the human mammal breast duct epithelial tissue and strengthens infant immunity to defense with regard to outward pathogens. Splunc‐1 is also an innate material secreted from the soft palate, lung, nasal cavity epithelium, and mucosa. It helps with mucosa defense against bacterial, virus, and even fungus. LPS is the main etiology of Gram‐negative bacilla infection source. And studies of lactoferricin and slpunc‐1 both can combine with LPS and subsequently cause insults to the mucosa. Although, we know that both of them partake in an important role in innate immunity, we do not know the effects when they work together. In this study, we just overview silicon stimulation to examine the combination of Lactoferricin and Splunc‐1 and the effect with regard to LPS.
Preparation and Characterization of Au/Pd Modified‐TiO2 Photocatalysts for Phenol and Toluene Degradation under Visible Light—The Effect of Calcination Temperature
Authors: Cybula Anna , Nowaczyk Grzegorz , Jarek Marcin , Zaleska Adriana
Published: April 2014

Rutile loaded with Au/Pd nanoparticles was prepared using a water‐in‐oil microemulsion system of water/AOT/cyclohexane followed by calcination. The effect of calcination temperature (from 350 to 700°C) on the structure of Au/Pd nanoparticles deposited at rutile matrix and the photocatalytic properties of Au/Pd‐TiO2 was investigated in two model reactions (toluene degradation in gas phase and phenol degradation in aqueous phase). Toluene was irradiated over Au/Pd‐TiO2 using light emitting diodes (LEDs, λmax⁡ = 415 nm). The sample 0.5 mol% Pd/TiO2 exhibited the highest activity under visible light irradiation in gas and aqueous phase reaction among all photocatalysts calcined at 350°C, while the sample modified only with gold nanoparticles showed the lowest activity. The Au/Pd‐TiO2 sample calcinated at 350°C possesses the highest photocatalytic activity when degrading phenol under visible light, which is 14 times higher than that of the one calcinated at 450°C. It was observed that increasing temperature from 350 to 700°C during calcination step caused segregation of metals and finally resulted in photoactivity drop.
Caenorhabditis elegansas Model System in Pharmacology and Toxicology: Effects of Flavonoids on Redox-Sensitive Signalling Pathways and Ageing
Authors: Koch Karoline , Havermann Susannah , Büchter Christian , Wätjen Wim
Published: April 2014

Flavonoids are secondary plant compounds that mediate diverse biological activities, for example, by scavenging free radicals and modulating intracellular signalling pathways. It has been shown in various studies that distinct flavonoid compounds enhance stress resistance and even prolong the life span of organisms. In the last years the model organismC. eleganshas gained increasing importance in pharmacological and toxicological sciences due to the availability of various genetically modified nematode strains, the simplicity of modulating genes by RNAi, and the relatively short life span. Several studies have been performed demonstrating that secondary plant compounds influence ageing, stress resistance, and distinct signalling pathways in the nematode. Here we present an overview of the modulating effects of different flavonoids on oxidative stress, redox-sensitive signalling pathways, and life span inC. elegansintroducing the usability of this model system for pharmacological and toxicological research.
The Difference in Translaminar Pressure Gradient and Neuroretinal Rim Area in Glaucoma and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Siaudvytyte Lina , Januleviciene Ingrida , Ragauskas Arminas , Bartusis Laimonas , Meiliuniene Indre , Siesky Brent , Harris Alon
Published: April 2014

Purpose. To assess differences in translaminar pressure gradient (TPG) and neuroretinal rim area (NRA) in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG), high tension glaucoma (HTG), and healthy controls.Methods. 27 patients with NTG, HTG, and healthy controls were included in the prospective pilot study (each group consisted of 9 patients). Intraocular pressure (IOP), intracranial pressure (ICP), and confocal laser scanning tomography were assessed. TPG was calculated as the difference of IOP minus ICP. ICP was measured using noninvasive two-depth transcranial Doppler device. The level of significanceP< 0.05 was considered significant.Results. NTG patients had significantly lower IOP (13.7(1.6) mmHg), NRA (0.97(0.36) mm2), comparing with HTG and healthy subjects,P< 0.05. ICP was lower in NTG (7.4(2.7) mmHg), compared with HTG (8.9(1.9) mmHg) and healthy subjects (10.5(3.0) mmHg); however, the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The difference between TPG for healthy (5.4(7.7) mmHg) and glaucomatous eyes (NTG 6.3(3.1) mmHg, HTG 15.7(7.7) mmHg) was statistically significant (P< 0.001). Higher TPG was correlated with decreased NRA (r= −0.83;P= 0.01) in the NTG group.Conclusion. Translaminar pressure gradient was higher in glaucoma patients. Reduction of NRA was related to higher TPG in NTG patients. Further prospective studies are warranted to investigate the involvement of TPG in glaucoma management.
Cluster-Based Architecture for Range-Free Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Manisekaran S. V. , Venkatesan R.
Published: April 2014

In wireless sensor networks, the existing range-free localization techniques are based on either centralized approach or distributed approach. The centralized approach causes overhead, latency, and so forth, while the distributed approach is more complex. In order to overcome these issues, in this paper, we propose a cluster based architecture for range-free localization in wireless sensor network. Initially cluster-heads are selected based on the parameters such as link quality, residual energy, and coverage. An event based localization technique is applied to each cluster that involves straight line scanning of the clusters with deployed multiple sinks. The scanning process helps in estimating the location of target nodes with reference to the anchor nodes position. In case if any target node in the cluster is not localized, a distance based localization technique is executed that localizes the target node. By simulation results, we show that the proposed technique reduces the overhead and latency and increases the localization accuracy.
Expression of Mesothelioma-Related Markers in Meningiomas: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Abdelzaher Eman , Mohamed Abdallah Dina
Published: April 2014

Background. Meningiomas are common intracranial tumors. Recently, histogenetic and phenotypic similarities between meningiomas and mesotheliomas have been proposed. We were interested in whether these similarities are reflected on the immunohistochemical level, which would add new potentially diagnostic markers for meningiomas.Methods. The expression of mesothelioma-related markers (D2-40, Calretinin, Keratin 5/6, WT1, and Methotheioma-Ab1) was investigated in 87 cases of meningiomas and compared to EMA expression.Results. 73.6% of meningioma cases were grade I, 20.7% were grade II, and 5.7% were grade III. 83.9% of meningioma cases were classical and 16.1% had special nonmeningothelial features. D2-40 was expressed in 37.9% of cases and was significantly restricted to classical meningiomas. Calretinin and WT1 were negative while Keratin 5/6 and Mesothelioma-Ab1 were weakly expressed in classical variants (5.7% and 3.4%, resp.). EMA was consistently expressed in all cases. Its expression was significantly higher than that of mesothelioma-related markers; this held true also when D2-40 expression was considered separately.Conclusions. Mesothelioma-related markers are not extensively expressed in meningiomas, a finding that argues against their proposed histogenetic and phenotypic similarities. Compared to EMA, the significantly lower expression of mesothelioma-related markers and their restricted expression to classical meningioma variants hamper their potential future use as diagnostic markers for meningioma.
Local and Systemic Protumorigenic Effects of Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Derived GDF15
Authors: Bruzzese Francesca , Hägglöf Christina , Leone Alessandra , Sjöberg Elin , Roca Maria Serena , Kiflemariam Sara , Sjöblom Tobias , Hammarsten Peter , Egevad Lars , Bergh Anders , Östman Arne , Budillon Alfredo , Augsten Martin
Published: April 2014

The tumor stroma is vital to tumor development, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are among the abundant cell types in the tumor stroma, but the range of their contributions to cancer pathogenicity has yet to be fully understood. Here, we report a critical role for upregulation of the TGFβ/BMP family member GDF15 (MIC-1) in tumor stroma. GDF15 was found upregulated in situ and in primary cultures of CAF from prostate cancer. Ectopic expression of GDF15 in fibroblasts produced prominent paracrine effects on prostate cancer cell migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Notably, GDF15-expressing fibroblasts exerted systemic in vivo effects on the outgrowth of distant and otherwise indolent prostate cancer cells. Our findings identify tumor stromal cells as a novel source of GDF15 in human prostate cancer and illustrate a systemic mechanism of cancer progression driven by the tumor microenvironment. Further, they provide a functional basis to understand GDF15 as a biomarker of poor prognosis and a candidate therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 74(13); 3408–17. ©2014 AACR.
Metalloprotease-Mediated Tumor Cell Shedding of B7-H6, the Ligand of the Natural Killer Cell–Activating Receptor NKp30
Authors: Schlecker Eva , Fiegler Nathalie , Arnold Annette , Altevogt Peter , Rose-John Stefan , Moldenhauer Gerhard , Sucker Antje , Paschen Annette , von Strandmann Elke Pogge , Textor Sonja , Cerwenka Adelheid
Published: April 2014

Natural killer (NK) cells are potent immune effector cells capable of mediating antitumor responses. Thus, during immunoediting, tumor cell populations evolve strategies to escape NK-cell–mediated recognition. In this study, we report a novel mechanism of immune escape involving tumor cell shedding of B7-H6, a ligand for the activating receptor NKp30 that mediates NK-cell binding and NK-cell–mediated killing. Tumor cells from different cancer entities released B7-H6 by ectodomain shedding mediated by the cell surface proteases “a disintegrin and metalloproteases” (ADAM)-10 and ADAM-17, as demonstrated through the use of pharmacologic inhibitors or siRNA-mediated gene attenuation. Inhibiting this proteolytic shedding process increased the levels of B7-H6 expressed on the surface of tumor cells, enhancing NKp30-mediated activation of NK cells. Notably, we documented elevated levels of soluble B7-H6 levels in blood sera obtained from a subset of patients with malignant melanoma, compared with healthy control individuals, along with evidence of elevated B7-H6 expression in melanoma specimens in situ. Taken together, our results illustrated a novel mechanism of immune escape in which tumor cells impede NK-mediated recognition by metalloprotease-mediated shedding of B7-H6. One implication of our findings is that therapeutic inhibition of specific metalloproteases may help support NK-cell–based cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 74(13); 3429–40. ©2014 AACR.
Serum Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 Level Predicts Risk of Incident Cancers in Subjects with Type II Diabetes
Authors: Yu Tse-Ya , Li Hung-Yuan , Jiang Yi-Der , Chang Tien-Jyun , Wei Jung-Nan , Lin Chi-Ming , Chu Ching-Chi , Chuang Lee-Ming
Published: April 2014

Background: Serum vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) predicts cancer-related mortality in diabetic subjects. However, whether serum VAP-1 predicts cancer incidence or cancer progression remains unclear. We conducted a cohort study to investigate whether serum VAP-1 and related clinical variables predict incident cancers in type II diabetic subjects.

Methods: From 1996 to 2003, we enrolled 568 type II diabetic subjects who were free of cancer at baseline. Serum VAP-1 at enrollment was measured by time-resolved immunofluorometric assay. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. The subjects were followed until first occurrence of cancer or until December 31, 2011.

Results: During a mean follow-up of 11.3 years, 71 subjects developed incident cancers. The HRs for incident cancers in subjects with highest tertile of serum VAP-1 and in subjects with CKD were 2.95 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.31–6.63; P = 0.009] and 2.29 (95% CI, 1.18–4.44; P = 0.015), respectively, after multivariate adjustment. There was an interaction between serum VAP-1 and CKD on the risk of incident cancers (P = 0.01 for log-transformed VAP-1 × CKD). The relationship among serum VAP-1, CKD, and incident cancers was similar if death was considered in the competing risk models or if subjects with shorter follow-up period were excluded.

Conclusions: Higher serum VAP-1 and CKD can independently predict future development of cancers in type II diabetic subjects.

Impact: Physicians should be aware of the early signs of cancer in diabetic individuals with elevated VAP-1 or renal dysfunction. More aggressive treatment strategies might be considered. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(7); 1366–73. ©2014 AACR.
Variability in Assessing Treatment Response: Metastatic Colorectal Cancer as a Paradigm
Authors: Zhao Binsheng , Lee Shing M. , Lee Hyun-Ju , Tan Yongqiang , Qi Jing , Persigehl Thorsten , Mozley David P. , Schwartz Lawrence H.
Published: April 2014

Purpose: The cutoff values currently used to categorize tumor response to therapy are neither biologically based nor tailored for measurement reproducibility with contemporary imaging modalities. Sources and magnitudes of discordance in response assessment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are unknown.

Experimental Design: A subset of patients' CT images of chest, abdomen, and pelvis were randomly chosen from a multicenter clinical trial evaluating insulin-like growth factor receptor type 1–targeted therapy in mCRC. Using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), three radiologists selected target lesions and measured “uni” (maximal diameter), “bi” (product of maximal diameter and maximal perpendicular diameter), and “vol” (volume) on baseline and 6-week posttherapy scans in the following ways: (i) each radiologist independently selected and measured target lesions and (ii) one radiologist's target lesions were blindly remeasured by the others. Variability in relative change of tumor measurements was analyzed using linear mixed effects models.

Results: Three radiologists independently selected 138, 101, and 146 metastatic target lesions in the liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and other organs (e.g., peritoneal cavity) in 29 patients. Of 198 target lesions total, 33% were selected by all three, 28% by two, and 39% by one radiologist. With independent selection, the variability in relative change of tumor measurements was 11% (uni), 19% (bi), and 22% (vol), respectively. When measuring the same lesions, the corresponding numbers were 8%, 14%, and 12%.

Conclusions: The relatively low variability in change of mCRC measurements suggests that response criteria could be modified to allow more accurate and sensitive CT assessment of anticancer therapy efficacy. Clin Cancer Res; 20(13); 3560–8. ©2014 AACR.
Comparison of Body Surface Area versus Weight-Based Growth Hormone Dosing for Girls with Turner Syndrome
Authors: Schrier Lenneke , de Kam Marieke L. , McKinnon Rachel , Che Bakri Amalina , Oostdijk Wilma , Sas Theo C.J. , Menke Leonie A. , Otten Barto J. , de Muinck Keizer-Schrama Sabine M.P.F. , Kristrom Berit , Ankarberg-Lindgren Carina , Burggraaf Jacobus , Albertsson-Wikland Kerstin , Wit Jan M.
Published: April 2014

Background/Aims: Growth Hormone (GH) dosage in childhood is adjusted for body size, but there is no consensus whether body weight (BW) or body surface area (BSA) should be used. We aimed at comparing the biological effect and cost-effectiveness of GH treatment dosed per m2 BSA in comparison with dosing per kg BW in girls with Turner syndrome (TS). Methods: Serum IGF-I, GH dose, and adult height gain (AHG) from girls participating in two Dutch and five Swedish studies on the efficacy of GH were analyzed, and the cumulative GH dose and costs were calculated for both dose adjustment methods. Additional medication included estrogens (if no spontaneous puberty occurred) and oxandrolone in some studies. Results: At each GH dose, the serum IGF-I standard deviation score remained stable over time after an initial increase after the start of treatment. On a high dose (at 1 m2 equivalent to 0.056-0.067 mg/kg/day), AHG was at least equal on GH dosed per m2 BSA compared with dosing per kg BW. The cumulative dose and cost were significantly lower if the GH dose was adjusted for m2 BSA. Conclusion: Dosing GH per m2 BSA is at least as efficacious as dosing per kg BW, and is more cost-effective.
Protective Effects of Bexarotene against Amyloid-β25-35-Induced Dysfunction in Hippocampal Neurons through the Insulin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Dai Weiwei , Yang Jiajia , Chen Ting , Yang Zhuo
Published: April 2014

Background: Bexarotene, a retinoid X receptor agonist, has been shown to reverse neurodegeneration in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), accompanied by a decreased level of amyloid-β (Aβ), which is a hallmark of AD. However, the mechanism underlying this therapeutic effect may involve enhancing the sensitivity to insulin. Objective: This study was to test the hypothesis that bexarotene would protect against Aβ25-35-induced dysfunction through the insulin signaling pathway. Methods: Using a whole-cell patch clamp technique, the excitability and voltage-gated potassium currents of hippocampal neurons were examined in four groups of cells (control, Aβ, Aβ + bexarotene and bexarotene). Results: It was found that insulin increased the excitability of neurons. Bexarotene could enhance this effect and reverse the Aβ25-35-induced decrease in the firing rate of the action potential (AP). In addition, the properties of the single AP (sAP) and voltage-gated outward K+ currents were recorded, which finally showed similar changes to those in the firing frequency. Conclusion: The effects of bexarotene on Aβ-impaired excitability and sAP duration were mainly associated with K+ channels through insulin signaling pathway, which may be an additional mechanism underlying the protective effect of bexarotene on AD.
Reappraisal of Mechanical Exfoliating Cytology for the Detection of Peritoneal Dissemination during the Surgical Staging of Epithelial Ovarian Carcinomas and Borderline Tumours
Authors: Asai-Sato Mikiko , Oshiro Hisashi , Yamanaka Shoji , Inayama Yoshiaki , Hirahara Fumiki , Miyagi Etsuko
Published: April 2014

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the usability of peritoneal swabbing cytology (PSC) with cotton swabs as an effective method for the detection of peritoneal metastasis during the staging laparotomy of epithelial ovarian carcinomas and borderline tumours (EOC/BT). Study Design: One hundred and ninety-two patients with EOC/BT who underwent laparotomy at the Yokohama City University Hospital from 2004 to 2010 were analysed retrospectively. The positive rates of the PSC and ascites/peritoneal-wash cytology (A/PWC) were compared. Results and Conclusion: Both A/PWC and PSC were performed during laparotomy (n = 140). The rate of metastasis detection with A/PWC was significantly higher than with PSC (50.0 vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001 by χ2 test). The superior detection ability of A/PWC was observed regardless of the presence of macroscopic peritoneal metastasis in 56 cases with macroscopic peritoneal metastasis, with A/PWC detecting 80.3% of cases versus PSC detecting 37.5% (p = 0.013). In 84 cases without macroscopic peritoneal metastasis, A/PWC detected 29.8% of cases versus 9.5% with PSC (p = 0.003). Our results suggest that PSC is insufficient to evaluate the peritoneal metastasis for the surgical staging of EOC/BT. Other procedures such as subdiaphragmatic A/PWC should be included when possible to maximize the accuracy of diagnosis.
Pneumothorax following Endobronchial Valve Therapy and Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Severe Emphysema
Authors: Gompelmann Daniela , Herth Felix J.F. , Slebos Dirk Jan , Valipour Arschang , Ernst Armin , Criner Gerard J. , Eberhardt Ralf
Published: April 2014

Background: Patients who achieve significant target lobe volume reduction (TLVR) following endobronchial valve (EBV) treatment may experience substantial improvements in clinical outcome measures. However, in cases of rapid TLVR, the risk of pneumothorax increases due to parenchymal rupture of the adjacent untreated lobe. Target lobe collapse may be more likely in EBV-treated patients who have low collateral ventilation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pneumothorax on outcome following EBV treatment. Methods: Data from three prospective clinical trials (the US and European cohorts of VENT and the Multicenter Chartis study) were retrieved for the analysis. All patients had undergone chest X-ray within 24 h of EBV implantation to explore the presence of pneumothorax. TLVR was assessed at either 30 (Chartis study) or 180 days (VENT), and clinical outcome measures (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and 6-min-walk distance (6-MWD)) were assessed 180 days after implantation. Results: The overall rate of pneumothorax following valve therapy was 5.9% (25/421). Among these patients, 68% had a prolonged air leak for >7 days. However, patients who experienced a pneumothorax benefitted from EBV therapy, with a mean TLVR of 65% (n = 20). The mean percent change in FEV1 was 15 ± 15%, and the mean change in SGRQ was -7 ± 12 points. Conclusions: Although pneumothorax is a complication of EBV placement, it does not appear to have a negative impact on clinical outcome in terms of FEV1 and health-related quality of life.
A Case of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Presenting as Acute Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Saito Atsushi , Kawaguchi Tomohiro , Sasaki Tatsuya , Nishijima Michiharu
Published: April 2014

Dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) presenting with subdural hematoma is relatively rare. We report a case of dural AVF presenting as acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and provide a review of the literature. A 56-year-old man presented with disturbance of consciousness. Computed tomography demonstrated a right ASDH and a small right occipital subcortical hematoma. Cerebral angiography showed a dural AVF on the occipital convexity draining into the cortical veins. Emergent endovascular embolization was immediately performed and the shunt flow disappeared. Hematoma removal and external decompression were safely conducted. Combined therapy successfully recovered the patient's consciousness level. This rare case of dural AVF presenting with ASDH was treated with combined treatments of endovascular and open surgery.