bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pelvic Pseudotumor in a Nonhemophilic Patient: An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Gouse Mohamad , Livingston Abel , Barnabas Dan , Cherian Vinoo Mathew
Published: April 2015

Hemophilic pseudotumor is a rare complication of hemophilia, occurring in 1 to 2 percent of individuals with severe factor VIII or factor IX deficiency. A 35-year-old male presented with a swelling in the right lower abdomen for 3 months. There was no history of trauma. Examination revealed a swelling over the right iliac fossa. Right hip showed 30° flexion deformity. Blood investigations like complete blood count, APTT, PT, bleeding and clotting time, and fibrinogen were all normal. Plain radiograph and MRI showed a lytic lesion in the right iliac wing. Excision biopsy of the swelling showed organized hematoma with a fibrous capsule suggestive of a pseudotumor. Further haematological workup like factors VIII and IX was normal. At 2 years follow-up, there was no recurrence. We report this case of pseudotumour in patient without any bleeding disorder. Such case has not been reported in literature to the best of our knowledge.
Association between Arsenic Exposure and Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sung Tzu-Ching , Huang Jhih-Wei , Guo How-Ran
Published: April 2015

Studies on the association between arsenic exposure and diabetes mellitus (DM) yielded inconsistent results. Epidemiologic data on the associations between arsenic exposures via inhalation and DM are limited. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the risk of DM associated with arsenic exposure. We searched the related literature through a systematic approach and analyzed the data according to the exposure route (inhalation and ingestion). We used random-effect models to estimate the summary relative risks (RRs) for DM associated with arsenic exposure and usedI2statistics to assess the heterogeneity of studies. We identified 38 relevant studies, of which the 32 on the ingestion route showed a significant association between arsenic exposure and DM (RR = 1.57; 95% CI 1.27–1.93). Focusing on the 24 studies in which the diagnosis of DM was confirmed using laboratory tests or medical records, we found that the summary RR was 1.71 (95% CI 1.32–2.23), very close to the overall estimates. We concluded that ingested arsenic is associated with the development of DM, but the heterogeneity among the studies may affect the results.
Analysis of Anaphylactic Shock Caused by 17 Types of Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections Used to Treat Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Guo Yu-Jiao , Wang De-Wang , Meng Ling , Wang Yong-Qing
Published: April 2015

Several reports describing anaphylactic shock following treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases with Chinese herbal injections were described. Our analysis of these reports showed that anaphylactic shock caused by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injections for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is common but also sometimes fatal. Therefore, we proposed the following four suggestions for improving the clinical safety of delivering Chinese herbal injections and reducing the occurrence of allergic shock. First, patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are at high risk, so they should only be given TCM injections after a doctor’s diagnosis and approval. Second, people in allergic groups can suffer anaphylactic shock, so vigilance is important in the treatment of all age groups, although even more caution should be exercised when treating children or elderly people. In fact, TCM injections may not be appropriate for those age groups, so that they should be carefully considered before treatment. Third, no significant gender differences have been noted in patients with anaphylactic shock, so all patients should be carefully monitored, irrespective of gender. Fourth, the timeframe in which different drugs cause anaphylactic shock varies; thus, patients should be observed as long as possible.
[Retracted] Generating Personalized Web Search Using Semantic Context
Authors: Xu Zheng , Chen Hai-Yan , Yu Jie
Published: April 2015

The “one size fits the all” criticism of search engines is that when queries are submitted, the same results are returned to different users. In order to solve this problem, personalized search is proposed, since it can provide different search results based upon the preferences of users. However, existing methods concentrate more on the long‐term and independent user profile, and thus reduce the effectiveness of personalized search. In this paper, the method captures the user context to provide accurate preferences of users for effectively personalized search. First, the short‐term query context is generated to identify related concepts of the query. Second, the user context is generated based on the click through data of users. Finally, a forgetting factor is introduced to merge the independent user context in a user session, which maintains the evolution of user preferences. Experimental results fully confirm that our approach can successfully represent user context according to individual user information needs.
Uncertainty Analysis of the Potential Hazard of MCCI during Severe Accidents for the CANDU6 Plant
Authors: Park Sooyong , Ahn Kwang-Il , Song YongMann
Published: April 2015

This paper illustrates the application of a severe accident analysis computer program to the uncertainty analysis of molten corium-concrete interaction (MCCI) phenomena in cases of severe accidents in CANDU6 type plant. The potential hazard of MCCI is a failure of the reactor building owing to the possibility of a calandria vault floor melt-through even though the containment filtered vent system is operated. Meanwhile, the MCCI still has large uncertainties in several phenomena such as a melt spreading area and the extent of water ingression into a continuous debris layer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the MCCI in the calandria vault floor via an uncertainty analysis using the ISAAC program for the CANDU6.
Vitamin D and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Ardesia Marco , Ferlazzo Guido , Fries Walter
Published: April 2015

Vitamin D deficiency has been recognized as an environmental risk factor for Crohn’s disease since the early 80s. Initially, this finding was correlated with metabolic bone disease. Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels have been repeatedly reported in inflammatory bowel diseases together with a relationship between vitamin D status and disease activity. Subsequently, low serum vitamin D levels have been reported in various immune-related diseases pointing to an immunoregulatory role. Indeed, vitamin D and its receptor (VDR) are known to interact with different players of the immune homeostasis by controlling cell proliferation, antigen receptor signalling, and intestinal barrier function. Moreover, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is implicated in NOD2-mediated expression of defensin-β2, the latter known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (IBD1 gene), and several genetic variants of the vitamin D receptor have been identified as Crohn’s disease candidate susceptibility genes. From animal models we have learned that deletion of the VDR gene was associated with a more severe disease. There is a growing body of evidence concerning the therapeutic role of vitamin D/synthetic vitamin D receptor agonists in clinical and experimental models of inflammatory bowel disease far beyond the role of calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism.
HPC Programming on Intel Many-Integrated-Core Hardware with MAGMA Port to Xeon Phi
Authors: Dongarra Jack , Gates Mark , Haidar Azzam , Jia Yulu , Kabir Khairul , Luszczek Piotr , Tomov Stanimire
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the design and implementation of several fundamental dense linear algebra (DLA) algorithms for multicore with Intel Xeon Phi coprocessors. In particular, we consider algorithms for solving linear systems. Further, we give an overview of the MAGMA MIC library, an open source, high performance library, that incorporates the developments presented here and, more broadly, provides the DLA functionality equivalent to that of the popular LAPACK library while targeting heterogeneous architectures that feature a mix of multicore CPUs and coprocessors. The LAPACK-compliance simplifies the use of the MAGMA MIC library in applications, while providing them with portably performant DLA. High performance is obtained through the use of the high-performance BLAS, hardware-specific tuning, and a hybridization methodology whereby we split the algorithm into computational tasks of various granularities. Execution of those tasks is properly scheduled over the heterogeneous hardware by minimizing data movements and mapping algorithmic requirements to the architectural strengths of the various heterogeneous hardware components. Our methodology and programming techniques are incorporated into the MAGMA MIC API, which abstracts the application developer from the specifics of the Xeon Phi architecture and is therefore applicable to algorithms beyond the scope of DLA.
Cryptanalysis and Improvement of the Robust and Blind Watermarking Scheme for Dual Color Image
Authors: Nan Hai , Fang Bin , Yang Weibin , Qian Jiye , Li Ming , Liu Yi , Zhang Yushu
Published: April 2015

With more color images being widely used on the Internet, the research on embedding color watermark image into color host image has been receiving more attention. Recently, Su et al. have proposed a robust and blind watermarking scheme for dual color image, in which the main innovation is the using of two-level DCT. However, it has been demonstrated in this paper that the original scheme in Su’s study is not secure and can be attacked by our proposed method. In addition, some errors in the original scheme have been pointed out. Also, an improvement measure is presented to enhance the security of the original watermarking scheme. The proposed method has been confirmed by both theoretical analysis and experimental results.
Influence of Immunogenicity on the Efficacy of Long-Term Treatment with TNFαBlockers in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis Patients
Authors: Arstikyte Inesa , Kapleryte Giedre , Butrimiene Irena , Venalis Algirdas
Published: April 2015

Objective. To analyze the clinical relevance of the levels of TNFαblockers and anti-drug antibodies (anti-drug Ab) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) treated with adalimumab (ADA), etanercept (ETA), or infliximab (INF) for a prolonged period of time.Methods. Clinical characteristics (disease activity, and adverse events), serum TNFαblockers, and anti-drug Ab levels were evaluated in 62 RA and 81 SpA patients treated with TNFαblockers for a median of 28 months.Results. Anti-ADA Ab were detected in 1 (4.0%) and anti-INF Ab in 14 out of 57 (24.6%) RA and SpA patients. Patient with anti-ADA Ab and 57.1% patients with anti-INF Ab were considered nonresponders to treatment. Anti-ETA Ab were not found in any of 61 ETA treated patients. Anti-ADA and anti-INF Ab levels differ between responders and nonresponders(P>0.05). Three (5.3%) patients with high serum anti-INF Ab levels developed infusion related reactions. Patients with anti-INF Ab more often required changing to another biologic drug (OR 11.43 (95% CI 1.08–120.93)) and treatment discontinuation (OR 9.28 (95% CI 1.64–52.52)).Conclusion. Patients not responding to treatment had higher serum anti-ADA and anti-INF Ab concentrations. Anti-INF Ab formation is related to increased risk of infusion related reactions, changing to another biologic drug, and treatment discontinuation.
A Secure and Effective Anonymous Integrity Checking Protocol for Data Storage in Multicloud
Authors: Song Lingwei , Zhao Dawei , Chen Xuebing , Cao Chenlei , Niu Xinxin
Published: April 2015

How to verify the integrity of outsourced data is an important problem in cloud storage. Most of previous work focuses on three aspects, which are providing data dynamics, public verifiability, and privacy against verifiers with the help of a third party auditor. In this paper, we propose an identity-based data storage and integrity verification protocol on untrusted cloud. And the proposed protocol can guarantee fair results without any third verifying auditor. The theoretical analysis and simulation results show that our protocols are secure and efficient.
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Gao Minjie , Yang Guang , Kong Yuanyuan , Wu Xiaosong , Shi Jumei
Published: April 2015

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic precursor stage of multiple myeloma (MM) characterized by clonal bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC) ≥ 10% and/or M protein level ≥ 30 g/L in the absence of end organ damage. It represents an intermediate stage between monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and symptomatic MM. The risk of progression to symptomatic MM is not uniform, and several parameters have been reported to predict the risk of progression. These include the level of M protein and the percentage of BMPC, the proportion of immunophenotypically aberrant plasma cells, and the presence of immunoparesis, free light-chain (FLC) ratio, peripheral blood plasma cells (PBPC), pattern of serum M protein evolution, abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cytogenetic abnormalities, IgA isotype, and Bence Jones proteinuria. So far treatment is still not recommended for SMM, because several trials suggested that patients with SMM do not benefit from early treatment. However, the Mateos et al. trial showed a survival benefit after early treatment with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in patients with high-risk SMM. This trial has prompted a reevaluation of early treatment in an asymptomatic patient population.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Lines: S100A2 as a Potential Candidate Protein Inducer of Invasion
Authors: Wasuworawong Kasima , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Paemanee Atchara , Jindapornprasert Kattaleeya , Komyod Waraporn
Published: April 2015

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a bile duct cancer, commonly found in Asia including Thailand and especially in the northeastern region of Thailand. To identify the proteins involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis of CCA, protein expression profiles of high-invasive KKU-M213 and low-invasive KKU-100 cell lines were compared using a comparative GeLC-MS/MS proteomics analysis. A total of 651 differentially expressed proteins were detected of which 27 protein candidates were identified as having functions involved in cell motility. A total of 22 proteins were significantly upregulated in KKU-M213, whereas 5 proteins were downregulated in KKU-M213. S100A2, a calcium-binding protein in S100 protein family, is upregulated in KKU-M213. S100A2 is implicated in metastasis development in several cancers. The protein expression level of S100A2 was verified by Western blot analysis. Intriguingly, high-invasive KKU-M213 cells showed higher expression of S100A2 than KKU-100 cells, consistent with proteomic data, suggesting that S100A2 may be a key protein involved in the progression of CCA. However, the biological function of S100A2 in cholangiocarcinoma remains to be elucidated. S100A2 might be a potential biomarker as well as a novel therapeutic target in CCA metastasis.
Does Moderate Intensity Exercise Attenuate the Postprandial Lipemic and Airway Inflammatory Response to a High-Fat Meal?
Authors: Kurti Stephanie P. , Rosenkranz Sara K. , Levitt Morton , Cull Brooke J. , Teeman Colby S. , Emerson Sam R. , Harms Craig A.
Published: April 2015

We investigated whether an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise in the postprandial period attenuates the triglyceride and airway inflammatory response to a high-fat meal (HFM) compared to remaining inactive in the postprandial period. Seventeen (11 M/6 F) physically active (≥150 min/week of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)) subjects were randomly assigned to an exercise (EX; 60%VO2peak) or sedentary (CON) condition after a HFM (10 kcal/kg, 63% fat). Blood analytes and airway inflammation via exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) were measured at baseline, and 2 and 4 hours after HFM. Airway inflammation was assessed with induced sputum and cell differentials at baseline and 4 hours after HFM. Triglycerides doubled in the postprandial period (~113 ± 18%,P<0.05), but the increase did not differ between EX and CON. Percentage of neutrophils was increased 4 hours after HFM (~17%), but the increase did not differ between EX and CON. Exhaled nitric oxide changed nonlinearly from baseline to 2 and 4 hours after HFM(P<0.05, η2=0.36). Our findings suggest that, in active individuals, an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise does not attenuate the triglyceride or airway inflammatory response to a high-fat meal.
Endothelial Dysfunction Correlates with Liver Fibrosis in Chronic HCV Infection
Authors: Barone Michele , Viggiani Maria Teresa , Amoruso Annabianca , Schiraldi Serafina , Zito Annapaola , Devito Fiorella , Cortese Francesca , Gesualdo Michele , Brunetti Natale , Di Leo Alfredo , Scicchitano Pietro , Ciccone Marco Matteo
Published: April 2015

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can exert proatherogenic activities due to its direct action on vessel walls and/or via the chronic inflammatory process involving the liver.Aims. To clarify the role of HCV in atherosclerosis development in monoinfected HCV patients at different degrees of liver fibrosis and with no risk factors for coronary artery disease.Methods. Forty-five patients were included. Clinical, serological, and anthropometric parameters, liver fibrosis (transient liver elastometry (fibroscan) and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI)), carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT), and brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) were assessed. Patients were divided into 3 tertiles according to fibroscan values.Results. Patients in the third tertile (fibroscan value >11.5 KPa) showed FMD values were significantly lower than second and first tertiles (4.7±1.7%versus7.1±2.8%,p=0.03). FMD values were inversely related to liver elastomeric values. c-IMT values were normal. The risk for endothelial dysfunction development in the third tertile (p=0.02) was 6.9 higher than the first tertile. A fibroscan value >11.5 KPa had a positive predictive power equal to 79% for endothelial dysfunction.Conclusions. HCV advanced liver fibrosis promotes atherosclerosis by inducing endothelial dysfunction independently of common cardiovascular risk factors.
Circadian Clocks and the Interaction between Stress Axis and Adipose Function
Authors: Kolbe Isa , Dumbell Rebecca , Oster Henrik
Published: April 2015

Many physiological processes and most endocrine functions show fluctuations over the course of the day. These so-called circadian rhythms are governed by an endogenous network of cellular clocks and serve as an adaptation to daily and, thus, predictable changes in the organism’s environment. Circadian clocks have been described in several tissues of the stress axis and in adipose cells where they regulate the rhythmic and stimulated release of stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids, and various adipokine factors. Recent work suggests that both adipose and stress axis clock systems reciprocally influence each other and adrenal-adipose rhythms may be key players in the development and therapy of metabolic disorders. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of adrenal and adipose tissue rhythms and clocks and how they might interact to regulate energy homoeostasis and stress responses under physiological conditions. Potential chronotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of metabolic and stress disorders are discussed.
A Case of Newly Diagnosed Klippel Trenaunay Weber Syndrome Presenting with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Cebeci Egemen , Demir Secil , Gursu Meltem , Sumnu Abdullah , Yamak Mehmet , Doner Barıs , Karadag Serhat , Uzun Sami , Behlul Ahmet , Ozkan Oktay , Ozturk Savas
Published: April 2015

Klippel Trenaunay Weber syndrome (KTWS) is a rare disease characterized by hemihypertrophy, variceal enlargement of the veins, and arteriovenous (AV) malformations. Renal involvement in KTWS is not known except in rare case reports. Herein, we present a case of KTWS with nephrotic syndrome. A 52-year-old male was admitted due to dyspnea and swelling of the body for the last three months. The pathological physical findings were diffuse edema, decreased lung sounds at the right basal site, increased diameter and decreased length of the left leg compared with the right one, diffuse variceal enlargements, and a few hemangiomatous lesions on the left leg. The pathological laboratory findings were hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, increased creatinine level (1.23 mg/dL), and proteinuria (7.6 g/day). Radiographic pathological findings were cystic lesions in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, splenomegaly, AV malformation on the left posterolateral thigh, and hypertrophy of the soft tissues of the proximal left leg. He was diagnosed to have KTWS with these findings. Renal biopsy was performed to determine the cause of nephrotic syndrome. The pathologic examination was consistent with focal segmental sclerosis (FSGS). He was started on oral methylprednisolone at the dosage of 1 mg/kg and began to be followedup in the nephrology outpatient clinic.
Vitamin D Deficiency in HIV Infection: Not Only a Bone Disorder
Authors: Mansueto Pasquale , Seidita Aurelio , Vitale Giustina , Gangemi Sebastiano , Iaria Chiara , Cascio Antonio
Published: April 2015

Hypovitaminosis D is a worldwide disorder, with a high prevalence in the general population of both Western and developing countries. In HIV patients, several studies have linked vitamin D status with bone disease, neurocognitive impairment, depression, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, infections, autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. In this review, we focus on the most recent epidemiological and experimental data dealing with the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and HIV infection. We analysed the extent of the problem, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in HIV-infected subjects.
Interactions between MSCs and Immune Cells: Implications for Bone Healing
Authors: Kovach Tracy K. , Dighe Abhijit S. , Lobo Peter I. , Cui Quanjun
Published: April 2015

It is estimated that, of the 7.9 million fractures sustained in the United States each year, 5% to 20% result in delayed or impaired healing requiring therapeutic intervention. Following fracture injury, there is an initial inflammatory response that plays a crucial role in bone healing; however, prolonged inflammation is inhibitory for fracture repair. The precise spatial and temporal impact of immune cells and their cytokines on fracture healing remains obscure. Some cytokines are reported to be proosteogenic while others inhibit bone healing. Cell-based therapy utilizing mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is an attractive option for augmenting the fracture repair process. Osteoprogenitor MSCs not only differentiate into bone, but they also exert modulatory effects on immune cells via a variety of mechanisms. In this paper, we review the current literature on bothin vitroandin vivostudies on the role of the immune system in fracture repair, the use of MSCs in the enhancement of fracture healing, and interactions between MSCs and immune cells. Insight into this paradigm can provide valuable clues in identifying cellular and noncellular targets that can potentially be modulated to enhance both natural bone healing and bone repair augmented by the exogenous addition of MSCs.
Molecular Dynamics Study on the Effect of Temperature on the Tensile Properties of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes with a Ni‐Coating
Authors: Zhu Fulong , Liao Hengyou , Tang Kai , Chen Youkai , Liu Sheng
Published: April 2015

The effect of temperature on the tensile behavior of the armchair (6, 6) single‐walled carbon nanotubes with a Ni‐coating (SWCNT‐Ni) was investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) methods. The mechanical properties of SWCNT‐Ni and SWCNT were calculated and analyzed at different temperatures in the range from 220 K to 1200 K. From the MD results, temperature was determined to be the crucial factor affecting the mechanical properties of SWCNT‐Ni and SWCNT. After coating nickel atoms onto the surface of a SWCNT, the Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and tensile failure strain of SWCNT were greatly reduced with temperature rising, indicating that the nickel atoms on the surface of SWCNT degrade its mechanical properties. However, at high temperature, the Young’s modulus of both the SWCNT and the SWCNT‐Ni exhibited significantly greater temperature sensitivity than at low temperatures, as the mechanical properties of SWCNT‐Ni were primarily dominated by temperature and C‐Ni interactions. During these stretching processes at different temperatures, the nickel atoms on the surface of SWCNT‐Ni could obtain the amount of energy sufficient to break the C‐C bonds as the temperature increases.
Ciclamilast Ameliorates Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in a Rat Model
Authors: Zhang Zhi-cheng , Zhang Shui-juan , Jin Bo , Wu Yujin , Yang Xin-fu , Yu Bing , Xie Qiang-min
Published: April 2015

We assessed the effect of a novel and selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, ciclamilast, on chronic inflammation in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA), a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and acute inflammation in the rat and mouse model of carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis. Our results showed that daily oral administration of ciclamilast at 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg dose-dependently inhibited the increase in hind paw volume of rats with AIA. The inhibition of paw edema was associated with inhibition of both the production of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and cell infiltration assessed in subcutaneous paw tissue. Moreover, there was significantly less tissue destruction in the ciclamilast-treated rats compared to the vehicle-treated rats, as assessed by radiographic analysis and histopathological evaluation. In the two acute inflammation models, ciclamilast inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and inflammatory cell migration into the peritoneal cavity in mice in a dose-dependent manner. These results not only suggest that ciclamilast, as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), can attenuate RA but also provide proof of principle that a PDE4 inhibitor may be useful for the treatment of arthritis.
On the Propagation of Longitudinal Stress Waves in Solids and Fluids by Unifying the Navier-Lame and Navier-Stokes Equations
Authors: Barzkar Ahmad , Adibi Hojatollah
Published: April 2015

Propagation of mechanical waves’ phenomenon is the result of infinitely small displacements of integrated individual particles in the materials. These displacements are governed by Navier-Lame and Navier-Stokes equations in solids and fluids, respectively. In the present work, a generalized Kelvin-Voigt model of viscoelasticity has been proposed with the aim of bridging the gap between solids and fluids leading to a new concept of viscoelasticity which unifies the Navier-Lame and the Navier-Stokes equations. On solving this equation in one dimension, propagation of stress disturbance in the so-called “Kelvin-Voigt materials” will be studied. The model of these materials involves all the elastic and viscoelastic solids, as well as fluids and soft materials.
Therapeutic Targeting of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Inokuchi Mikito , Fujimori Yoshitaka , Otsuki Sho , Sato Yuya , Nakagawa Masatoshi , Kojima Kazuyuki
Published: April 2015

Chemotherapy has become the global standard treatment for patients with metastatic or unresectable gastric cancer (GC), although outcomes remain unfavorable. Many molecular-targeted therapies inhibiting signaling pathways of various tyrosine kinase receptors have been developed, and monoclonal antibodies targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) have become standard therapy for HER2-positive GC. An inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 or MET has also produced promising results in patients with GC. Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) play key roles in tumor growth via activated signaling pathways in GC. Genomic amplification of FGFR2 leads to the aberrant activation found in GC tumors and is related to survival in patients with GC. This review discusses the clinical relevance of FGFR in GC and examines FGFR as a potential therapeutic target in patients with GC. Preclinical studies in animal models suggest that multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including FGFR inhibitor, suppress tumor cell proliferation and delay tumor progression. Several TKIs are now being evaluated in clinical trials as treatment for metastatic or unresectable GC harboring FGFR2 amplification.
Revictimization of Violence Suffered by Those Diagnosed with Alcohol Dependence in the General Population
Authors: Moreira F. G. , Quintana M. I. , Ribeiro W. , Bressan R. A. , Mello M. F. , Mari J. J. , Andreoli S. B.
Published: April 2015

Objective. To verify the association between violence and alcohol dependence syndrome in sample populations.Method. Population-wide survey with multistage probabilistic sample. 3,744 individuals of both genders, aged from 15 to 75 years, were interviewed from the cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 2.1).Results. In both cities, alcohol dependence was associated with the male gender, having suffered violence related to criminality, and having suffered familial violence. In both cities, urban violence, in more than 50% of cases, and familial violence, in more than 90% of cases, preceded alcohol dependence. The reoccurrence of traumatic events occurred in more than half of individuals dependent on alcohol. In São Paulo, having been diagnosed with PTSD is associated with violence revictimization (P=0.014;Odds=3.33).Conclusion. Alcohol dependence syndrome is complexly related to urban and familial violence in the general population. Violence frequently precedes alcoholism, but this relationship is dependent on residence and traumatic events. This vicious cycle contributes to perpetuating the high rates of alcoholism and violence in the cities. Politicians ordering the reduction of violence in the large metropolises can, potentially, reduce alcoholism and contribute to the break of this cycle.
Alternating Coordinate-Momentum Representation for Quantum States Based on Bopp Operators for Modelling Long-Distance Coherence Aspects
Authors: Bakhoum Ezzat G. , Toma Cristian
Published: April 2015

This study presents an alternating coordinate-momentum representation for propagation and transition of associated wave function, based on Bopp operators and on a certain symbolic determinant corresponding to a set of two linear equations with null free terms. It is shown that this alternating representation can justify in a good manner the patterns created through reflection/refraction of waves on nonperfectly smooth interfaces and phase correspondence of diffracted beams without the need of supplementary support functions. Correlations with Lorentz transformation of wave functions by interaction with a certain material medium (the space-time origin of a wave-train being adjusted) are also presented, and supplementary aspects regarding the use of electromagnetic scalar and vector potentials for modelling evolution within this alternating representation are added.
Combined Effects of Pericytes in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Ribeiro Aline Lopes , Okamoto Oswaldo Keith
Published: April 2015

Pericytes are multipotent perivascular cells whose involvement in vasculature development is well established. Evidences in the literature also suggest that pericytes display immune properties and that these cells may serve as anin vivoreservoir of stem cells, contributing to the regeneration of diverse tissues. Pericytes are also capable of tumor homing and are important cellular components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we highlight the contribution of pericytes to some classical hallmarks of cancer, namely, tumor angiogenesis, growth, metastasis, and evasion of immune destruction, and discuss how collectively these hallmarks could be tackled by therapies targeting pericytes, providing a rationale for cancer drugs aiming at the TME.
Trigonella foenum-graceum(Seed) Extract Interferes with Quorum Sensing Regulated Traits and Biofilm Formation in the Strains ofPseudomonas aeruginosaandAeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Husain Fohad Mabood , Ahmad Iqbal , Khan Mohd Shahnawaz , Al-Shabib Nasser Abdulatif
Published: April 2015

Trigonella foenum-graecumL. (Fenugreek) is an important plant of the Leguminosae family known to have medicinal properties. However, fraction based antiquorum sensing and antibiofilm activities have not been reported from this plant. In the present studyT. foenum-graecumseed extract was sequentially fractionated and sub-MICs were tested for above activities. The methanol fraction of the extract demonstrated significant inhibition of AHL regulated virulence factors: protease, LasB elastase, pyocyanin production, chitinase, EPS, and swarming motility inPseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1 and PAF79. Further, QS dependent virulence factor in the aquatic pathogenAeromonas hydrophilaWAF38 was also reduced. Application ofT. foenum-graecumseed extract to PAO1, PAF79, and WAF38 decreased the biofilm forming abilities of the pathogens by significant levels. The extract also exhibited reduced AHL levels and subsequent downregulation oflasBgene.In vivostudy showed an enhanced survival of PAO1-preinfectedC. elegansafter treatment with extract at 1 mg/mL. Further, the major compound detected by GC-MS, caffeine, reduced the production of QS regulated virulence factors and biofilm at 200 µg/mL concentration indicating its role in the activity of the methanol extract. The results of the present study reveal the potential anti-QS and antibiofilm property ofT. foenum-graceumextract and caffeine.
A Parallel Community Structure Mining Method in Big Social Networks
Authors: Jin Songchang , Yu Philip S. , Li Shudong , Yang Shuqiang
Published: April 2015

Community structure plays a key role in analyzing network features and helping people to dig out valuable hidden information. However, how to discover the hidden community structures is one of the biggest challenges in social network analysis, especially when the network size swells to a high level. Infomap is a top-class algorithm in nonoverlapping community structure detection. However, it is designed for single processor. When tackling large networks, its limited scalability makes it less effective in fully utilizing server resources. In this paper, based on infomap, we develop a scalable parallel nonoverlapping community detection method, Pinfomr (parallel Infomap with MapReduce), which utilizes the MapReduce framework to solve the two problems. Experiments on artificial networks and real datasets show that our parallel method has satisfying performance and scalability.
Is Vitamin D Deficiency Related to Accumulation of Advanced Glycation End Products, Markers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Subjects?
Authors: Šebeková K. , Stürmer M. , Fazeli G. , Bahner U. , Stäb F. , Heidland A.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. In diabetes accumulated advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in the striking cardiovascular morbidity/mortality. We asked whether a hypovitaminosis D associates with an increased formation and toxicity of AGEs in diabetes.Methods. In 276 diabetics (160 M/116 F, age:65.0±13.4; 43 type 1,T1DM, and 233 type 2 patients, T2DM) and 121 nondiabetic controls (60 M/61 F; age:58.6±15.5years) routine biochemistry, levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3(25-(OH)D), skin autofluorescence (SAF), plasma AGE-associated fluorescence (AGE-FL),Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), soluble receptor for AGEs (sRAGE), soluble vascular adhesion protein-1 (sVAP-1), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and renal function (eGFR) were determined.Results. In the diabetics SAF and AGE-Fl were higher than those of the controls and correlated with age, duration of diabetes, and degree of renal impairment. In T2DM patients but not in T1DM the age-dependent rise of SAF directly correlated with hs-CRP and sVAP-1. 25-(OH)D levels in diabetics and nondiabetics were lowered to a similar degree averaging 22.5 ng/mL. No relationship between 25-(OH)D and studied markers except for sVAP-1 was observed in the diabetics.Conclusion. In diabetics hypovitaminosis D does not augment accumulation of AGEs and studied markers of microinflammation and oxidative stress except for sVAP-1.
Immune Disorders in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: What Do We Know So Far?
Authors: Pyzik Aleksandra , Grywalska Ewelina , Matyjaszek-Matuszek Beata , Roliński Jacek
Published: April 2015

This review of literature attempts to identify the factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto thyroiditis, an immune defect in an individual with genetic susceptibility accompanied with environmental factors. The frequency of Hashimoto’s disease is a growing trend and among Caucasians it is estimated at approximately 5%. The dysfunction of the gland may be clinically evident (0.1–2% of the population) or subclinical (10–15%). The pathology is diagnosed five to ten times more often in women than men and its incidence increases with the age (the peak of the number of cases is between 45 and 65); however, it can also be diagnosed in children. The pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is still not fully comprehended. In the etiology of Hashimoto thyroiditis excessively stimulated T CD4+ cells are known to play the most important role. Recent research has demonstrated an increasing role of newly discovered cells such as Th17 (CD4+IL-17+) or T regulatory cells (CD4+CD25+highFoxP3+) in the induction of autoimmune disorders. The process of programmed cell death also plays an equally important role in the pathogenesis and the development of hypothyroidism.
Impact of in vitro Costimulation with TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 Agonists and HIV-1 on Antigen-Presenting Cell Activation
Authors: Giraldo Diana Marcela , Hernandez Juan Carlos , Urcuqui Inchima Silvio
Published: April 2015

Objective: HIV-1 infects several immune cells including dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes, which contributes in both to dissemination of HIV-1 infection and induction of antiviral immunity. These cells produce high amounts of type I IFN and proinflammatory cytokines upon Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. During HIV-1 infection, an altered production of proinflammatory cytokines has been reported. However, the mechanisms underlying cytokine modulation have not been well described. Here, we evaluated the production of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs and monocytes costimulated in vitro with TLR agonists and HIV-1. Methods: Changes in cytokine expression by real-time PCR and activation of DCs and monocytes by flow cytometry were evaluated after costimulation with HIV-1 and TLR agonists. Results: We observed an upregulation of TNF-α expression after TLR4 stimulation, but a downregulation of IL-6 when TLR2/TLR9 were stimulated. Interestingly, the expression of CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules in monocytes and DCs were significantly increased in cells challenged with HIV-1 and TLR2/TLR4/TLR9 agonists. Conclusion: This regulation of TNF-α and IL-6 production and changes in the expression of costimulatory molecules can be critical in the context of HIV-1 infection, by favoring the antigen-presenting cell activation through the stimulation of TLRs.
Biomimetic Remineralization of Human Enamel in the Presence of Polyamidoamine Dendrimers in vitro
Authors: Chen Liang , Yuan He , Tang Bei , Liang Kunneng , Li Jiyao
Published: April 2015

Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, known as artificial proteins, have unique and well-defined molecular size and structure. It has previously been used to mimic protein-crystal interaction during biomineralization. In this study, generation 4.5 (4.5G) PAMAM with carboxylic acid (PAMAM-COOH) was synthesized and utilized to remineralize the surface of etched enamel in vitro. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy we observed that 4.5G PAMAM-COOH can be absorbed on the etched enamel surface and that it can induce the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals with the same orientation as that of the enamel prisms on longitudinal and transversal enamel surfaces. The self-assembly behavior of PAMAM in the mineralization solution was also investigated and the result showed that 4.5G PAMAM can assemble to microribbon structure similar to the behavior of amelogenins. Therefore, we concluded that 4.5G PAMAM-COOH assemblies can act as the organic template on enamel surface and in mineralization solution to control the nucleation site and morphology of new-grown crystals to form the biomimetic structure of human enamel, which may open a new way for repairing damaged enamel.
Ventriculobiliary Shunts, Another Option
Authors: Rivero-Garvía Mónica , Pancucci Giovanni , Morcillo Juan , Millán Ana , Márquez-Rivas Javier
Published: April 2015

The basic management of hydrocephalus includes shunts to the peritoneum and atrium. However, there are particularly complex patients in whom it is necessary to look for atypical places for implanting the distal catheter. Since 2000, 1,325 shunts have been implanted in pediatric patients. Only 3 patients required a ventriculobiliary shunt. We report 3 cases: a 7-year-old boy with a surgically treated complex heart disease, a 16-month-old girl with hydrocephalus secondary to a brain tumor and multiple bacteremias secondary to an infection of the central venous reservoir, and a 4-year-old girl with nonreabsorptive hydrocephalus caused by intraventricular bleeding due to premature birth, necrotizing enterocolitis and shunt infections with abdominal pseudocysts, which caused multiple abdominal septations and, finally, a nonreabsorptive peritoneum. At present, cases 1 [45 months after ventriculobiliary shunt (VBS)] and 3 (27 months after VBS) are symptom free, while case 2 (14 months after VBS) died of infectious respiratory complications. The gold standard for the treatment of nonreabsorptive hydrocephalus is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, the second option is a ventriculoatrial shunt, and the third option is uncertain. In our short experience, a ventriculo-gallbladder shunt is a good option when there is no abdominal hypertension.
Evaluation of a New Automated Processing System (TACAS™ Pro) for Liquid-Based Procedures
Authors: Kuramoto Hiroyuki , Sugimoto Naoko , Iwami Yoshiko , Kato Chizuyo , Hori Masuko , Iida Manichi
Published: April 2015

Objective: To evaluate a fully automated processing system (TACAS™ Pro) for liquid-based procedures (LBPs). Methods and Materials: Materials were 3,483 and additionally 502 specimens that were taken at Kanagawa Health Service Association. Specimens obtained with a Cervex-Brush® were first smeared to glass slides using one side of the brush and then processed to TACAS Pro. Results: (1) The microscopy watching time per normal case was 3.65 ± 0.85 min in the conventional procedure, whereas in the LBP it was 1.95 ± 0.60 min, and the latter reduced workload to 53%. (2) The handling time of TACAS Pro per day was 2 h and 25.8 min. The workload at a laboratory offset it and revealed the work saving to be 63.8%. (3) Unsatisfactory rates were 0% in the conventional procedure, whereas in the LBP it was 1.88% at first. The latter rate decreased to 0.5% after system improvement. (4) Specimens which may disturb microscopy analysis were found in 1.06%, including 3 cases of possible carry-over of cells to the following slides. An additional study with the revised system confirmed no carry-over. (5) Incidences of abnormal cytology were consistent between the two methods. Conclusions: The revised automated processing system TACAS Pro is a feasible and useful LBP and reduces the workload of cytology laboratories.
Cytoprotection of Human Endothelial Cells from Oxidant Stress with CDDO Derivatives: Network Analysis of Genes Responsible for Cytoprotection
Authors: Bynum James A. , Rastogi Ashish , Stavchansky Salomon A. , Bowman Phillip D.
Published: April 2015

Aim: To identify drugs that may reduce the impact of oxidant stress on cell viability. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with 200 nmol/l CDDO-Im (imidazole) and CDDO-Me (methyl) after exposure to menadione and compared to vehicle-treated cells. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were assessed, and gene expression profiling was performed. Results: CDDO-Im was significantly more cytoprotective and less cytotoxic (p < 0.001) than CDDO-Me. Although both provided cytoprotection by induction of gene transcription, CDDO-Im induced more genes. In addition to a higher induction of the key cytoprotective gene heme oxygenase-1 (38.9-fold increase for CDDO-Im and 26.5-fold increase for CDDO-Me), CDDO-Im also induced greater expression of heat shock proteins (5.5-fold increase compared to 2.8-fold for CDDO-Me). Conclusions: Both compounds showed good induction of heme oxygenase, which largely accounted for their cytoprotective effect. Differences were detected in cytotoxicity at higher doses, indicating that CDDO-Me was more cytotoxic than CDDO-Im. Significant differences were detected in the ability of CDDO-Im and CDDO-Me to affect differential gene transcription. CDDO-Im induced more genes than did CDDO-Me. The source of the differences in gene expression patterns between CDDO-Im and CDDO-Me was not determined but may be important in long-term use of this class of drugs.
Oral Fluoride Levels 1 h after Use of a Sodium Fluoride Rinse: Effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Authors: Vogel Gerald L. , Schumacher Gary E. , Chow Laurence C. , Tenuta Livia M.A.
Published: April 2015

Increasing the concentration of free fluoride in oral fluids is an important goal in the use of topical fluoride agents. Although sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common dentifrice ingredient, the influence of this ion on plaque fluid and salivary fluid fluoride has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SLS on these parameters and to examine the effect of this ion on total (or whole) plaque fluoride, an important source of plaque fluid fluoride after a sufficient interval following fluoride administration, and on total salivary fluoride, a parameter often used as a surrogate measure of salivary fluid fluoride. Ten subjects accumulated plaque for 48 h before rinsing with a 12 mmol/l NaF (228 µg/g F) rinse containing or not containing 0.5% (w/w) SLS. SLS had no statistically significant effect on total plaque and total saliva fluoride but significantly increased salivary fluid and plaque fluid fluoride (by 147 and 205%, respectively). These results suggest that the nonfluoride components of topical agents can be manipulated to improve the fluoride release characteristics from oral fluoride reservoirs and that statistically significant change may be observed in plaque fluid and salivary fluid fluoride concentrations that may not be observed in total plaque and total saliva fluoride concentrations.