bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Trends in the Monitoring and Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy in Young Adults
Authors: Raczyńska Dorota , Zorena Katarzyna , Urban Beata , Zalewski Dominik , Skorek Andrzej , Malukiewicz Grażyna , Sikorski Bartosz L.
Published: February 2014

The diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in young adults have significantly improved in recent years. Research methods have widened significantly, for example, by introducing spectral optical tomography of the eye. Invasive diagnostics, for example, fluorescein angiography, are done less frequently. The early introduction of an insulin pump to improve the administration of insulin is likely to delay the development of diabetic retinopathy, which is particularly important for young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The first years of diabetes occurring during childhood and youth are the most appropriate to introduce proper therapeutic intervention before any irreversible changes in the eyes appear. The treatment of DR includes increased metabolic control, laserotherapy, pharmacological treatment (antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory treatment, enzymatic vitreolysis, and intravitreal injections), and surgery. This paper summarizes the up-to-date developments in the diagnostics and treatment of DR. In the literature search, authors used online databases, PubMed, and clinitrials.gov and browsed through individual ophthalmology journals, books, and leading pharmaceutical company websites.
Larvicidal Activity againstAedes aegyptiand Molluscicidal Activity againstBiomphalaria glabrataof Brazilian Marine Algae
Authors: Guedes Elíca Amara Cecília , Carvalho Cenira M. de , Ribeiro Junior Karlos Antonio Lisboa , Lisboa Ribeiro Thyago Fernando , de Barros Lurdiana Dayse , de Lima Maria Raquel Ferreira , Prado Moura Flávia de Barros , Goulart Sant’Ana Antônio Euzebio
Published: February 2014

This study investigated the biological activities of five benthic marine algae collected from Northeastern Region of Brazil. The tested activities included larvicidal activity againstAedes aegypti, molluscicidal activity againstBiomphalaria glabrata,and toxicity againstArtemia salina. Extracts ofUlva lactuca(Chlorophyta),Padina gymnospora, Sargassum vulgare(Phaeophyta),Hypnea musciformis,andDigenea simplex(Rhodophyta) were prepared using different solvents of increasing polarity, including dichloromethane, methanol, ethanol, and water. Of the extracts screened, the dichloromethane extracts ofH. musciformisandP. gymnosporaexhibited the highest activities and were subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation in hexane and chloroform. The chloroform fractions of theP. gymnosporaandH. musciformisextracts showed molluscicidal activity at values below 40 μg·mL−1(11.1460 μg·mL−1and 25.8689 μg·mL−1, resp.), and the chloroform and hexane fractions ofP. gymnosporashowed larvicidal activity at values below 40 μg·mL−1(29.018 μg·mL−1and 17.230 μg·mL−1, resp.). The crude extracts were not toxic toA. salina, whereas the chloroform and hexane fractions ofP. gymnospora(788.277 μg·mL−1and 706.990 μg·mL−1) showed moderate toxicity, indicating that the toxic compounds present in these algae are nonpolar.
Maternal OGTT Glucose Levels at 26–30 Gestational Weeks with Offspring Growth and Development in Early Infancy
Authors: Liu Gongshu , Li Nan , Sun Shurong , Wen Jing , Lyu Fengjun , Gao Wen , Li Lili , Chen Fang , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Hou Lifang , Hu Gang
Published: February 2014

Aims. We aim to evaluate the association of maternal gestational oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose concentrations with anthropometry in the offspring from birth to 12 months in Tianjin, China.Methods. A total of 27,157 pregnant women underwent OGTT during 26–30 weeks gestation, and their children had body weight/length measured from birth to 12 months old.Results. Maternal OGTT glucose concentrations at 26–30 gestational weeks were positively associated with Z-scores for birth length-for-gestational age and birth weight-for-length. Compared with infants born to mothers with normal glucose tolerance, infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (impaired glucose tolerance/new diabetes) had higher mean values of Z-scores for birth length-for-gestational age (0.07/0.23; normal group −0.08) and birth weight-for-length (0.27/0.57; normal group −0.001), smaller changes in mean values of Z-scores for length-for-age (0.75/0.62; normal group 0.94) and weight-for-length (0.18/−0.17; normal group 0.37) from birth to month 3, and bigger changes in mean values in Z-scores for weight-for-length (0.07/0.12; normal group 0.02) from month 9 to 12.Conclusions. Abnormal maternal glucose tolerance during pregnancy was associated with higher birth weight and birth length, less weight and length gain in the first 3 months of life, and more weight gain in the months 9–12 of life.
A Single Institution’s Overweight Pediatric Population and Their Associated Comorbid Conditions
Authors: Bairdain Sigrid , Lien Chueh , Stoffan Alexander P. , Troy Michael , Simonson Donald C. , Linden Bradley C.
Published: February 2014

Background. Obesity studies are often performed on population data. We sought to examine the incidence of obesity and its associated comorbidities in a single freestanding children’s hospital. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of all visits to Boston Children’s Hospital from 2000 to 2012. This was conducted to determine the incidence of obesity, morbid obesity, and associated comorbidities. Each comorbidity was modeled independently. Incidence rate ratios were calculated, as well as odds ratios. Results. A retrospective review of 3,185,658 person-years in nonobese, 26,404 person-years in obese, and 25,819 person-years in the morbidly obese was conducted. Annual rates of all major comorbidities were increased in all patients, as well as in our obese and morbidly obese counterparts. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) and odds ratios (OR) were also significantly increased across all conditions for both our obese and morbidly obese patients. Conclusions. These data illustrate the substantial increases in obesity and associated comorbid conditions. Study limitations include (1) single institution data, (2) retrospective design, and (3) administrative undercoding. Future treatment options need to address these threats to longevity and quality of life.
Cooperative Localization of Multi-UAVs via Dynamic Nonparametric Belief Propagation under GPS Signal Loss Condition
Authors: Wan Jiuqing , Zhong Liping , Zhang Fan
Published: February 2014

Self-localization is critical for many unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) tasks such as formation flight, path planning, and activity coordination. Traditionally, UAV can locate itself using GPS combined with some inertial sensors. However, due to the complex flight environment or failure of the GPS receiver, the UAV may lose its GPS signal and fail to locate itself, resulting in devastating consequence. In this paper, we will consider the problem of cooperative localization among multiple UAVs, in which the UAVs with failure of GPS receiver can help each other to locate themselves through mutual information exchanged based on the relative distance measurements. Specifically, we propose a dynamic Nonparametric Belief Propagation (dNBP) algorithm to calculate the posterior distribution of UAV's position conditioned on all observations made in the whole UAVs group. The dNBP is a natural combination of NBP with particle filtering, suitable for treating with the nonlinear model and highly non-Gaussian distributions arising in our application. Furthermore, dNBP provides the basis for distributed algorithm in which messages are exchanges between neighboring UAVs. Thus, the computational burden is distributed across UAVs. Simulations in Matlab environment show the effectiveness of our method.
The Mode of Action of Silver and Silver Halides Nanoparticles against Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells
Authors: Kudrinskiy A. A. , Ivanov A. Yu. , Kulakovskaya E. V. , Klimov A. I. , Zherebin P. M. , Khodarev D. V. , Le Anh-Tuan , Tam Le Thi , Lisichkin G. V. , Krutyakov Yu. A.
Published: February 2014

Silver and silver halides nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, AgCl, AgBr, and AgI) capped with two different stabilizers (sodium citrate and nonionic surfactant Tween 80) were obtained via sodium borohydride reduction of silver nitrate in an aqueous solution. The effect of the biocidal action of as-prepared synthesized materials against yeast cells Saccharomyces cerevisiae was compared to the effect produced by silver nitrate and studied through the measurement of cell loss and kinetics of K+ efflux from the cells depending on concentration of silver. The results clearly indicate that the silver ions either remained in the dispersion of silver NPs and silver halides NPs after their synthesis or were generated afterwards by dissolving silver and silver halides particles playing a major part in the cytotoxic activity of NPs against yeast cells. It was also supposed that this activity most likely does not relate to the damage of cell membrane.
Salvia miltiorrhizaInjection Ameliorates Renal Damage Induced by Lead Exposure in Mice
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Ma Juanjuan , Dong Weichong , Song Qiongtao , Zhang Jianping , Chu Li
Published: February 2014

Exposure to lead (Pb) can induce kidney injury and our recent studies have found thatSalvia miltiorrhiza(SM) injection, a traditional Chinese medicine, could protect against the organ injury induced by iron overload. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of SM injection on nephrotoxicity induced by Pb acetate in mice and to elucidate the potential mechanism(s). Healthy male mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, Pb, low-doseSalvia miltiorrhiza(L-SM), and high-doseSalvia miltiorrhiza(H-SM). SM injection dose dependently reduced the Pb accumulation in the kidney, decreased kidney coefficients, and ameliorated renal structure and function from the morphology analysis. Meanwhile, SM administration downregulated serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CR), decreased malondialdehyde (MAD) content, and increased activities of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the kidney homogenate. Moreover, SM injection reduced the level of renal apoptosis by immunohistochemical staining analysis. Our findings implicate the therapeutic potential of SM injection for Pb-induced nephrotoxicity, which were at least partly due to the decrease of Pb accumulation, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and suppression of renal apoptosis. These results provided preliminary experimental support for Danshen as a therapeutic drug for Pb poisoning diseases.
Quantitative Estimation of Temperature Variations in Plantar Angiosomes: A Study Case for Diabetic Foot
Authors: Peregrina-Barreto H. , Morales-Hernandez L. A. , Rangel-Magdaleno J. J. , Avina-Cervantes J. G. , Ramirez-Cortes J. M. , Morales-Caporal R.
Published: February 2014

Thermography is a useful tool since it provides information that may help in the diagnostic of several diseases in a noninvasive and fast way. Particularly, thermography has been applied in the study of the diabetic foot. However, most of these studies report only qualitative information making it difficult to measure significant parameters such as temperature variations. These variations are important in the analysis of the diabetic foot since they could bring knowledge, for instance, regarding ulceration risks. The early detection of ulceration risks is considered an important research topic in the medicine field, as its objective is to avoid major complications that might lead to a limb amputation. The absence of symptoms in the early phase of the ulceration is conceived as the main disadvantage to provide an opportune diagnostic in subjects with neuropathy. Since the relation between temperature and ulceration risks is well established in the literature, a methodology that obtains quantitative temperature differences in the plantar area of the diabetic foot to detect ulceration risks is proposed in this work. Such methodology is based on the angiosome concept and image processing.
A New High-Resolution Spectral Approach to Noninvasively Evaluate Wall Deformations in Arteries
Authors: Bazan Ivonne , Negreira Carlos , Ramos Antonio , Brum Javier , Ramirez Alfredo
Published: February 2014

By locally measuring changes on arterial wall thickness as a function of pressure, the related Young modulus can be evaluated. This physical magnitude has shown to be an important predictive factor for cardiovascular diseases. For evaluating those changes, imaging segmentation or time correlations of ultrasonic echoes, coming from wall interfaces, are usually employed. In this paper, an alternative low-cost technique is proposed to locally evaluate variations on arterial walls, which are dynamically measured with an improved high-resolution calculation of power spectral densities in echo-traces of the wall interfaces, by using a parametric autoregressive processing. Certain wall deformations are finely detected by evaluating the echoes overtones peaks with power spectral estimations that implement Burg and Yule Walker algorithms. Results of this spectral approach are compared with a classical cross-correlation operator, in a tube phantom and “in vitro” carotid tissue. A circulating loop, mimicking heart periods and blood pressure changes, is employed to dynamically inspect each sample with a broadband ultrasonic probe, acquiring multiple A-Scans which are windowed to isolate echo-traces packets coming from distinct walls. Then the new technique and cross-correlation operator are applied to evaluate changing parietal deformations from the detection of displacements registered on the wall faces under periodic regime.
Green Synthesis of Novel Jasmine Bud-Shaped Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Sampath Malathi , Vijayan Ramya , Tamilarasu Ezhilarasu , Tamilselvan Abiraman , Sengottuvelan Balasubramanian
Published: February 2014

Novel jasmine bud-shaped copper nanoparticles were synthesized by a green chemical reduction method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a capping agent, L-ascorbic acid (AA) as a reducing agent as well as antioxidant agent, isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH) as a reducing agent, and water as a solvent at 60–70°C (pH-7) in the presence of air. The UV-Vis absorption maximum obtained is 573 nm. The crystal lattice (fcc) structure of Cu Nps was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The novel jasmine bud shape was visualized in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The height of single copper nanobud was 6.41 nm as measured by atomic force microscope (AFM). The average particle size 6.95 nm is obtained by XRD results. Antibacterial activity of the Cu nanobuds was evaluated by testing against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria.
The Synthesis of Nanostructured WC‐Based Hardmetals Using Mechanical Alloying and Their Direct Consolidation
Authors: Al-Aqeeli N. , Saheb N. , Laoui T. , Mohammad K.
Published: February 2014

Tungsten carbide‐ (WC‐) based hardmetals or cemented carbides represent an important class of materials used in a wide range of industrial applications which primarily include cutting/drilling tools and wear resistant components. The introduction and processing of nanostructured WC‐based cemented carbides and their subsequent consolidation to produce dense components have been the subject of several investigations. One of the attractive means of producing this class of materials is by mechanical alloying technique. However, one of the challenging issues in obtaining the right end‐product is the possible loss of the nanocrystallite sizes due to the undesirable grain growth during powder sintering step. Many research groups have engaged in multiple projects aiming at exploring the right path of consolidating the nanostructured WC‐based powders without substantially loosing the attained nanostructure. The present paper highlights some key issues related to powder synthesis and sintering of WC‐based nanostructured materials using mechanical alloying. The path of directly consolidating the powders using nonconventional consolidation techniques will be addressed and some light will be shed on the advantageous use of such techniques. Cobalt‐bonded hardmetals will be principally covered in this work along with an additional exposure of the use of other binders in the WC‐based hardmetals.
A Fast Iterative Pursuit Algorithm in Robust Face Recognition Based on Sparse Representation
Authors: Jian Zhao , Luxi Huang , Jian Jia , Yu Xie
Published: February 2014

A relatively fast pursuit algorithm in face recognition is proposed, compared to existing pursuit algorithms. More stopping rules have been put forward to solve the problem of slow response of OMP, which can fully develop the superiority of pursuit algorithm—avoiding to process useless information in the training dictionary. For the test samples that are affected by partial occlusion, corruption, and facial disguise, recognition rates of most algorithms fall rapidly. The robust version of this algorithm can identify these samples automatically and process them accordingly. The recognition rates on ORL database, Yale database, and FERET database are 95.5%, 93.87%, and 92.29%, respectively. The recognition performance under various levels of occlusion and corruption is also experimentally proved to be significantly enhanced.
Role of Litter Turnover in Soil Quality in Tropical Degraded Lands of Colombia
Authors: León Juan D. , Osorio Nelson W.
Published: February 2014

Land degradation is the result of soil mismanagement that reduces soil productivity and environmental services. An alternative to improve degraded soils through reactivation of biogeochemical nutrient cycles (via litter production and decomposition) is the establishment of active restoration models using new forestry plantations, agroforestry, and silvopastoral systems. On the other hand, passive models of restoration consist of promoting natural successional processes with native plants. The objective in this review is to discuss the role of litter production and decomposition as a key strategy to reactivate biogeochemical nutrient cycles and thus improve soil quality in degraded land of the tropics. For this purpose the results of different projects of land restoration in Colombia are presented based on the dynamics of litter production, nutrient content, and decomposition. The results indicate that in only 6–13 years it is possible to detect soil properties improvements due to litter fall and decomposition. Despite that, low soil nutrient availability, particularly of N and P, seems to be major constraint to reclamation of these fragile ecosystems.
Improved Guided Image Fusion for Magnetic Resonance and Computed Tomography Imaging
Authors: Jameel Amina , Ghafoor Abdul , Riaz Muhammad Mohsin
Published: February 2014

Improved guided image fusion for magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging is proposed. Existing guided filtering scheme uses Gaussian filter and two-level weight maps due to which the scheme has limited performance for images having noise. Different modifications in filter (based on linear minimum mean square error estimator) and weight maps (with different levels) are proposed to overcome these limitations. Simulation results based on visual and quantitative analysis show the significance of proposed scheme.
Structural Studies of [(py)2CdFe(CO)4]3 and {(THF)5[CdFe(CO)4]3}
Authors: Anderson Bryce , Arif Atta M. , Ernst Richard D.
Published: February 2014

The structures of [(py)2CdFe(CO)4]3 and {(THF)5[CdFe(CO)4]3} have been determined (py = pyridine; THF = tetrahydrofuran). Each is composed of a six-membered ring having alternating cadmium and iron centers. The presence of the more strongly basic amine ligands in the former led to a greater contribution of an ionic resonance form, which resulted in overall longer Cd–Fe bonds and a greater contribution of a bicapped tetrahedral coordination geometry about iron. Thus, the Cd–Fe distances range from 2.5679(4) to 2.6501(1) Å for the THF complex versus 2.6445(8) to 2.6833(7) Å for the py complex. Similarly, the Fe–Cd–Fe and Cd–Fe–Cd angles for the THF complex fell in respective ranges of 139.03(2)–157.27(2)° and 84.41(1)–99.79(1)°, as compared to 135.31(3)–139.51(4)° and 102.52(3)–104.62(4)° for the py complex. The space group for the former compound is Pbcn, with a = 12.2678(2), b = 22.4601(5), and c = 17.0039(4) Å, while for the THF complex, the space group is P21/c, with a = 10.7297(2), b = 20.4961(2), c = 18.7464(3) Å, and β = 94.2715(6)°.
Small-Size Meandered Loop Antenna for WLAN Dongle Devices
Authors: Chen Wen-Shan , Cheng Chien-Min , Lee Da-Huei , Ciou Chun-Lin , Sin Wei-Syun , Cai Guang-Yuan
Published: February 2014

This paper proposes a loop-type USB dongle antenna, which is fabricated on a 1.6 mm thick FR-4 substrate for WLAN band systems. The front side of substrate consists of a 50-ohm coaxial line and a multiarm monopole antenna, while the back side has a meandered loop antenna connected to the ground by two via holes. The meandered loop resonates half-wavelength mode at about 2.4 GHz and its higher modes. The higher modes excited by the multiarm monopole form the 5.2 GHz frequency band. The bandwidth of the antenna covers the IEEE802.11 a/b/g WLAN applications. The overall dimensions of the antenna of 30 × 13.75 × 1.6 mm3with an antenna area of 7.5 × 13.75 mm2and a planar structure are exactly suitable for applying in dongle devices. The measured results of radiation patterns, antenna gain, and radiation efficiency are also proposed and discussed in the paper.
Hypoglycemia Is Independently Associated with Multidimensional Impairment in Elderly Diabetic Patients
Authors: Pilotto A. , Noale M. , Maggi S. , Addante F. , Tiengo A. , Perin P. Cavallo , Rengo G. , Crepaldi G.
Published: February 2014

Aim. To identify the characteristics associated with multidimensional impairment, evaluated through the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), a validated predictive tool for mortality derived from a standardized Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), in a cohort of elderly diabetic patients treated with oral hypoglycemic drugs.Methods and Results. The study population consisted of 1342 diabetic patients consecutively enrolled in 57 diabetes centers distributed throughout Italy, within the Metabolic Study. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), 65 years old or over, and treatment with oral antidiabetic medications. Data concerning DM duration, medications for DM taken during the 3-month period before inclusion in the study, number of hypoglycemic events, and complications of DM were collected. Multidimensional impairment was assessed using the MPI evaluating functional, cognitive, and nutritional status; risk of pressure sores; comorbidity; number of drugs taken; and cohabitation status. The mean age of participants was 73.3 ± 5.5 years, and the mean MPI score was 0.22 ± 0.13. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age, female gender, hypoglycemic events, and hospitalization for glycemic decompensation were independently associated with a worse MPI score.Conclusion. Stratification of elderly diabetic patients using the MPI might help to identify those patients at highest risk who need better-tailored treatment.
Studies on Characterization, Optical Absorption, and Photoluminescence of Yttrium Doped ZnS Nanoparticles
Authors: Viswanath Ranganaik , Naik Halehatty Seethya Bhojya , Somalanaik Yashavanth Kumar Gubbihally , Neelanjeneallu Prashanth Kumar Parlesed , Harish Khandugadahalli Nagarajappa , Prabhakara Mustur Channabasappa
Published: February 2014

Pure ZnS and ZnS:Y nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical coprecipitation route using EDTA-ethylenediamine as a stabilizing agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were employed to characterize the as-synthesized ZnS and ZnS:Y nanoparticles, respectively. XRD and TEM studies show the formation of cubic ZnS:Y particles with an average size of ~4.5 nm. The doping did not alter the phase of the zinc sulphide, as a result the sample showed cubic zincblende structure. The UV-visible spectra of ZnS and ZnS:Y nanoparticles showed a band gap energy value, 3.85 eV and 3.73 eV, which corresponds to a semiconductor material. A luminescence characteristics such as strong and stable visible-light emissions in the orange region alone with the blue emission peaks were observed for doped ZnS nanoparticles at room temperature. The PL intensity of orange emission peak was found to be increased with an increase in yttrium ions concentration by suppressing blue emission peaks. These results strongly propose that yttrium doped zinc sulphide nanoparticles form a new class of luminescent material.
Renal Overexpression of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1αas Adaptive Response to a High Salt Diet
Authors: Della Penna Silvana Lorena , Cao Gabriel , Carranza Andrea , Zotta Elsa , Gorzalczany Susana , Cerrudo Carolina Susana , Rukavina Mikusic Natalia Lucía , Correa Alicia , Trida Verónica , Toblli Jorge Eduardo , Rosón María Inés , Fernández Belisario Enrique
Published: February 2014

In the kidney, a high salt intake favors oxidative stress and hypoxia and causes the development of fibrosis. Both atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) exert cytoprotective effects. We tested the hypothesis that renal expression of ANP and HIF-1αis involved in a mechanism responding to the oxidative stress produced in the kidneys of rats chronically fed a high sodium diet. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a normal salt (0.4% NaCl) (NS) or a high salt (8% NaCl) (HS) diet for 3 weeks, with or without the administration of tempol (T), an inhibitor of oxidative stress, in the drinking water. We measured the mean arterial pressure (MAP), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and urinary sodium excretion (UVNa). We evaluated the expression of ANP, HIF-1α, and transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) in renal tissues by western blot and immunohistochemistry. The animals fed a high salt diet showed increased MAP andUVNalevels and enhanced renal immunostaining of ANP, HIF-1α, and TGF-β1. The administration of tempol together with the sodium overload increased the natriuresis further and prevented the elevation of blood pressure and the increased expression of ANP, TGF-β1, and HIF-1αcompared to their control. These findings suggest that HIF-1αand ANP, synthesized by the kidney, are involved in an adaptive mechanism in response to a sodium overload to prevent or attenuate the deleterious effects of the oxidative stress and the hypoxia on the development of fibrosis.

Erratum to “Renal Overexpression of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α as Adaptive Response to a High Salt Diet”
Effect of Surrogate Aggregates on the Thermal Conductivity of Concrete at Ambient and Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Yun Tae Sup , Jeong Yeon Jong , Youm Kwang-Soo
Published: February 2014

The accurate assessment of the thermal conductivity of concretes is an important part of building design in terms of thermal efficiency and thermal performance of materials at various temperatures. We present an experimental assessment of the thermal conductivity of five thermally insulated concrete specimens made using lightweight aggregates and glass bubbles in place of normal aggregates. Four different measurement methods are used to assess the reliability of the thermal data and to evaluate the effects of the various sensor types. The concrete specimens are also assessed at every 100°C during heating to ~800°C. Normal concrete is shown to have a thermal conductivity of ~2.25 W m−1K−1. The surrogate aggregates effectively reduce the conductivity to ~1.25 W m−1K−1at room temperature. The aggregate size is shown not to affect thermal conduction: fine and coarse aggregates each lead to similar results. Surface contact methods of assessment tend to underestimate thermal conductivity, presumably owing to high thermal resistance between the transducers and the specimens. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the stages of mass loss of the cement paste correspond to the evolution of thermal conductivity upon heating.
Foodborne Infections and Intoxications in Hyderabad India
Authors: Sudershan R. V. , Naveen Kumar R. , Kashinath L. , Bhaskar V. , Polasa K.
Published: February 2014

Foodborne diseases are one of the health hazards and causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In India there are no systematic studies to understand the types of foods involved and the etiological agent causing the disease. Therefore, a pilot study was proposed to investigate the food poisoning cases, undertaken by the Ronald Ross Institute of Tropical Diseases, which is a referral hospital for foodborne diseases in Hyderabad. Food and stool/rectal swabs of the patients affected were collected for microbiological examination. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to express the statistical significance of the differences. Epidemiological, environmental, and laboratory components indicated that Staphylococcus aureus was the etiological agent in most of the cases and in one case Salmonella spp. were the main cause of food poisoning. This study indicated the need to take up foodborne disease surveillance under the Indian context and to identify the common high-risk food commodities for microbial contamination and identification.
Factorial Design Studies and Biopharmaceutical Evaluation of Simvastatin Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Improving the Oral Bioavailability
Authors: Krishnam Raju Kovoru , Sudhakar Beeravelli , Murthy Kolapalli Venkata Ramana
Published: February 2014

Statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which lower the cholesterol level through reversible and competitive inhibition; they are involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol and other sterols. Simvastatin exhibits poor oral bioavailability (<5%) and undergoes extensive microsomal metabolism by CYP enzymes. CYP3A4 is the major metabolizing enzyme that metabolizes lactone form of simvastatin and significantly lowers intestinal uptake. The hydrophobic properties of simvastatin prevent complete dissolution of the drug in the intestinal fluid which also contributes to its lower bioavailability. SLNs are alternative carrier system to polymeric nanoparticles. SLNs are in submicron size range (1–1000 nm). To overcome the hepatic first pass metabolism and to enhance the bioavailability, intestinal lymphatic transport of drugs can be exploited. In the present study, attempt has been made to prepare solid lipid nanoparticles of simvastatin to improve the bioavailability. SLNs of simvastatin were prepared with Trimyristin by hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication method. The SLNs were characterized for various physicochemical properties and analytical techniques like PXRD, DSC to study thermal nature and morphology of formulation and excipients. Promising results of the study indicated the applicability of simvastatin solid lipid nanoparticles as potential tools for improvement of bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
A Finite Difference Solution of a Simply Supported Beam of Orthotropic Composite Materials Using Displacement Potential Formulation
Authors: Deb Nath S. K.
Published: February 2014

Here an efficient displacement potential formulation based finite difference technique is used to solve the elastic field of a simply supported beam of orthotropic composite materials. A simply supported beam made of orthotropic composite material under uniformly distributed loading is considered and its elastic behaviors under such loading conditions are analyzed considering plane stress condition. The solutions of the problem satisfy the force equilibrium conditions as well as boundary conditions. For understanding the elastic behavior of a simply supported beam, the displacement and stress components of some important sections of the beam are shown graphically. Effects of different orthotropic composite materials on the solutions are also analyzed. Besides, at a particular section of the beam, the comparative analysis of the elastic field is carried out by using the FDM and FEM methods.
About Positivity of Green's Functions for Nonlocal Boundary Value Problems with Impulsive Delay Equations
Authors: Domoshnitsky Alexander , Volinsky Irina
Published: February 2014

The impulsive delay differential equation is considered(Lx)(t)=x′(t)+∑i=1mpi(t)x(t-τi(t))=f(t), t∈[a,b],  x(tj)=βjx(tj-0), j=1,…,k, a=t0<t1<t2<⋯<tk<tk+1=b, x(ζ)=0, ζ∉[a,b],with nonlocal boundary conditionlx=∫abφsx′sds+θxa=c,  φ∈L∞a,b;  θ, c∈R.Various results on existence and uniqueness of solutions and on positivity/negativity of the Green's functions for this equation are obtained.
Hexane Fractions of Bupleurum falcatum L. Stimulates Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Secretion through Gβγ‐Mediated Pathway
Authors: Shin Min-Hee , Choi Eun-Kyeong , Kim Ki-Suk , Kim Kang-Hoon , Jang Young Pyo , Ahn Kwang Seok , Chung Won-Seok , Cha Nam Hyun , Jang Hyeung-Jin
Published: February 2014

Bupleurum falcatum L. has been used traditionally as a medicinal herb in Korean medicine. The hexane fraction of BF (HFBF), which was profiled with Direct Analysis in Real Time‐Mass Spectrometry (DART‐MS), activates the secretion of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) in NCI‐H716 cells significantly. We performed a microarray analysis and GLP‐1 ELISA assay, as well as calcium imaging experiments with inhibitors, to investigate the mechanism of action of the HFBF. Through the microarray analysis, it was found that the ITPR2 gene that encodes the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor is up‐regulated and the HFBF induces cell depolarization by inhibiting the voltage‐gated channel expression in NCI‐H716 cells. In addition, we found that the intracellular calcium in NCI‐H716 cells, with Gallein, U73122, and 2APB as inhibitors, was decreased. These results suggest that the HFBF activates the GLP‐1 secretion through the Gβγ pathways in the enteroendocrine L cells after treatment with the HFBF.
Occurrence of Tertiary Lymphoid Tissue Is Associated with T-Cell Infiltration and Predicts Better Prognosis in Early-Stage Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Di Caro Giuseppe , Bergomas Francesca , Grizzi Fabio , Doni Andrea , Bianchi Paolo , Malesci Alberto , Laghi Luigi , Allavena Paola , Mantovani Alberto , Marchesi Federica
Published: February 2014

Purpose: Tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) play a key role in the clinical outcome of human colorectal cancer; however, the dynamics of their recruitment along colorectal cancer clinical progression have not been fully elucidated. Tertiary lymphoid tissue (TLT) is an ectopic organized lymph node–like structure that typically forms at sites of chronic inflammation and is involved in adaptive immune responses. Its occurrence in cancer is sporadically documented and its role and clinical relevance is largely unknown.

Experimental Design: The occurrence of TLT, the correlation with TILs, and the clinical relevance were evaluated retrospectively, in a cohort study involving a consecutive series of 351 patients with stage II and III colorectal cancer. The role of TLT in lymphocyte recruitment was assessed in a preclinical model of colorectal cancer.

Results: In both human colorectal cancer and in a murine model of colorectal cancer, we identified organized TLT, highly vascularized (including high endothelial venules), and correlated with the density of CD3+ TILs. Intravenous injection in mice of GFP splenocytes resulted in homing of lymphocytes to TLT, suggesting an active role of TLT in the recruitment of lymphocytes to tumor areas. Accordingly, TLT density and TIL infiltration correlated and were coordinated in predicting better patient's outcome among patients with stage II colorectal cancer.

Conclusions: We provide evidence that TLT is associated with lymphocyte infiltration in colorectal cancer, providing a pathway of recruitment for TILs. TLT cooperates with TILs in a coordinated antitumor immune response, when identifying patients with low-risk early-stage colorectal cancer, thus, representing a novel prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 20(8); 2147–58. ©2014 AACR.
Myeloid Suppressors Decrease Melanoma Survival by Abating Tumor-Fighting T Cells
Authors: Kiessling Rolf , Mao Yumeng , de Coaña Yago Pico
Published: February 2014

Disseminated malignant melanoma has a poor prognosis. Immunotherapy based on cytokines or checkpoint inhibitors has a protracted beneficial effect in a select group of patients. Understanding the mechanisms that inhibit tumor-specific T cells will help the development of biomarkers to formulate therapy for this disease. Clin Cancer Res; 20(6); 1401–3. ©2014 AACR.
Method for the Analysis of Total Fluoride in Fluoride-Releasing Dental Varnishes
Authors: Carey C.M. , Coleman S.S.
Published: February 2014

Today's fluoride-releasing varnishes (F-varnish) contain a wide variety of ingredients which present analytical challenges for measuring their total fluoride content. This study reports improved methods to measure fluoride content in F-varnishes. Six different commercially available F-varnishes that contain difluorosilane (0.1% F) or NaF (2.26% F) alone or in combination with calcium-phosphates were analyzed. In a vial, 1-3 drops (0.05-0.15 g) of varnish product was dispensed, dissolved in chloroform, equilibrated in TISAB and analyzed via fluoride ion-selective electrode. The average weight percentage of fluoride for all F-varnishes containing NaF ranged from 2.03 to 2.24% F, which is within 90% of the declared label concentration of 2.26% F. Analysis of the difluorosilane-containing product required an additional hydrolysis step. ANOVA found no significant difference between the 5% NaF varnishes at p < 0.05. This method for fluoride analysis yields reliable and reproducible results and can be used for a wide variety of F-varnishes. The standard uncertainty for this method is ±4%. This method may become the basis for national and international standards that ensure the F-varnish products used in clinical practice have the fluoride content declared in the product literature.
Value for Money: Economic Evaluation of Two Different Caries Prevention Programmes Compared with Standard Care in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vermaire J.H. , van Loveren C. , Brouwer W.B.F. , Krol M.
Published: February 2014

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted during a 3-year randomized controlled clinical trial in a general dental practice in the Netherlands in which 230 6-year-old children (± 3 months) were assigned to either regular dental care, an increased professional fluoride application (IPFA) programme or a non-operative caries treatment and prevention (NOCTP) programme. Information on resource use during the 3-year period was documented by the dental nurse at every patient visit, such as treatment time, travel time and travel distance. Caries increment scores (at D3MFS level) were used to assess effectiveness. Cost calculations were performed using bottom-up micro-costing. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were expressed as additional average costs per prevented DMFS. The ICERs compared with regular dental care from a health care system perspective and societal perspective were, respectively, EUR 269 and EUR 1,369 per prevented DMFS in the IPFA programme, and EUR 30 and EUR 100 in the NOCTP programme. The largest investments for the NOCTP group were made in the first year of the study; they decreased in the second and equalled the costs of control group in third year of the study. From both medical and economic points of view, the NOCTP strategy may be considered the preferred strategy for caries prevention.
Strengthening of Oral Health Systems: Oral Health through Primary Health Care
Authors: Petersen Poul Erik
Published: February 2014

Around the globe many people are suffering from oral pain and other problems of the mouth or teeth. This public health problem is growing rapidly in developing countries where oral health services are limited. Significant proportions of people are underserved; insufficient oral health care is either due to low availability and accessibility of oral health care or because oral health care is costly. In all countries, the poor and disadvantaged population groups are heavily affected by a high burden of oral disease compared to well-off people. Promotion of oral health and prevention of oral diseases must be provided through financially fair primary health care and public health intervention. Integrated approaches are the most cost-effective and realistic way to close the gap in oral health between rich and poor. The World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Programme will work with the newly established WHO Collaborating Centre, Kuwait University, to strengthen the development of appropriate models for primary oral health care.
Is It Necessary to Send Gallbladder Specimens for Routine Histopathological Examination after Cholecystectomy? The Use of Macroscopic Examination
Authors: van Vliet Jaap L.P. , van Gulik Thomas M. , Verbeek Paul C.M.
Published: February 2014

Background/Aims: Gallbladder specimens are routinely sent for histopathological examination after cholecystectomy in order to rule out the presence of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). However, there is no evidence for the benefit of this costly practice. Our aim was to determine whether a selective strategy based on macroscopic appearance of gallbladder specimens is a reliable strategy to exclude them from histopathological examination. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from January 2007 until November 2011 in a large community hospital in the Netherlands. All gallbladder specimen reports (n = 1,393) after cholecystectomy were included and searched for abnormal findings. Reports were excluded when a full histopathological report was not available (n = 18). Results: Out of the 1,375 patients, 185 had a macroscopically abnormal gallbladder specimen. Of these patients, 6 had GBC. All patients with GBC had macroscopic abnormalities, giving a negative predictive value of 100% to exclude gallbladder specimens from histopathological examination based on macroscopic abnormalities. Conclusions: Based on our study it seems justified to exclude gallbladder specimens from histopathological examination based on the absence of macroscopic abnormalities. A more selective policy will reduce medical costs, saving EUR 1.3 million a year in the Netherlands alone, whilst maintaining patient safety.
Cognitive Impairment in Native Chinese with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Authors: Feng Li , Chen Ding Bang , Hou Le , Huang Lin Huan , Lu Shu Yang , Liang Xiu Ling , Li Xun Hua
Published: February 2014

Background: Previous studies have shown cognitive impairment in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). However, there is a lack of data on Chinese patients with SCA3. Method: We investigated 22 native Chinese with SCA3 and 18 controls matched for age, education as well as mental status. Cognitive assessments were carefully carried out to measure verbal fluency, memory, attention, executive function, visuospatial and visuoconstructive functions. Results: The most common impairments of cognition in native Chinese with SCA3 were disruption of phonemic verbal fluency and frontal executive dysfunction. Deficits in semantic fluency were detected in about 31.8% patients. Impaired visuospatial function and verbal memory were also found in native Chinese with SCA3. The degree of ataxia, CAG repeat length and education were found to correlate with cognitive performance. Multivariate binary logistic regression suggested that an oculomotor disorder and depression are predictors of cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Native Chinese with SCA3 had cognitive impairment of frontal executive function, temporal and parietal functions. An oculomotor disorder might be an index of cognitive dysfunction.
Clinical Value of the High Expression of Corticosteroid Receptor-Beta mRNA in the Nasal Mucosa of Steroid-Resistant Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Luo Hong , Zhang Jian-bin , Yu Ye , Liu Jun , Jiang Yan , Yan Neng-bing , Wang Peng-ju
Published: February 2014

Purpose: This study investigated clinical values of corticosteroid (CS) receptor α and β in the nasal mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) by determining CS receptor α and β mRNA expression following steroid treatment. Procedures: Among 120 outpatients, 65 had persistent AR, including 36 being sensitive to steroid treatment (steroid-sensitive group) and 29 being resistant to steroid treatment (steroid-resistant group). In addition, 30 patients with deflection of the nasal septum alone, which was corrected by surgery, were recruited as controls. Fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was used to quantify CS receptor α and β mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa of patients. Results: Results showed that CS receptor β mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa was significantly higher in the steroid-resistant group [(5.62 ± 1.28) × 102 copies/µg] compared with the steroid-sensitive [(4.62 ± 0.48) × 102 copies/µg, t = -6.67, p < 0.01] and control [(5.32 ± 0.55) × 102 copies/µg, t = -8.29, p < 0.01] groups. There were significant differences in the mRNA expression ratio of CS receptor α to β between the steroid-sensitive (658.32 ± 65.16) and steroid-resistant (525.70 ± 68.10) groups (t = 10.16, p < 0.01). Conclusion: A high level of CS receptor β mRNA but a low level of CS receptor α mRNA expression in patients with steroid-resistant AR indicates steroid resistance. CS receptor β plays a role in evaluating the effects of steroid therapy for AR.
Cross-Reactivity between Anisakis spp. and Wasp Venom Allergens
Authors: Rodríguez-Pérez Rosa , Monsalve Rafael I. , Galán Agustin , Perez-Piñar Teresa , Umpierrez Ana , Lluch-Bernal Magdalena , Polo Francisco , Caballero María Luisa
Published: February 2014

Background: Anisakiasis is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked fish or cephalopods parasitized by live L3 larvae of nematode Anisakis spp. Larvae anchor to stomach mucosa releasing excretion/secretion products which contain the main allergens. It has been described that nematode larvae release venom allergen-like proteins among their excretion/secretion products. We investigated potential cross-reactivity between Anisakis and wasp venom allergens. Methods: Two groups of 25 patients each were studied: wasp venom- and Anisakis-allergic patients. Sera from patients were tested by ImmunoCAP, dot-blotting with recombinant Anisakis allergens and ADVIA-Centaur system with Hymenoptera allergens. Cross-reactivity was assessed by IgE immunoblotting inhibition assays. Role of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) was studied by inhibition with bromelain and periodate treatment. Results: A total of 40% of wasp venom-allergic patients had specific IgE to Anisakis simplex and 20% detected at least one of the Anisakis recombinant allergens tested. Likewise, 44% of Anisakis-allergic patients had specific IgE to Vespula spp. venom and 16% detected at least one of the Hymenoptera allergens tested. Wasp venom-allergic patients detected CCDs in Anisakis extract and peptide epitopes on Anisakis allergens rAni s 1 and rAni s 9, whereas Anisakis-allergic patients only detected CCDs on nVes v 1 allergen from Vespula spp. venom. The only Anisakis allergen inhibited by Vespula venom was rAni s 9. Conclusions: This is the first time that cross-sensitization between wasp venom and Anisakis is described. CCDs are involved in both cases; however, peptide epitopes are only recognized by wasp venom-allergic patients.