bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins and Antibodies against Oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins as Potential Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Diakowska Dorota , Grabowski Krzysztof , Nienartowicz Mirosław , Zarębski Paweł , Fudalej Kamila , Markocka-Mączka Krystyna
Published: April 2015

Introduction. The aim of the study was evaluation of the diagnostic utility of serum oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL), antibodies against oxLDLs (o-LAB), and CEA as risk markers of colorectal cancer (CRC).Material and Methods. The serum levels of study factors were measured in 73 patients with CRC and in 35 healthy controls who were gender- and BMI-matched to the study group. Concentrations of oxLDL, o-LAB, and CEA were detected in ELISA tests. Serum lipids, lipoproteins, and glucose levels were also coestimated.Results. Age and o-LAB were significant factors of CRC presence, but results of logistic regression analysis showed that both were weak predictors of CRC risk. Concentration of o-LAB was significantly higher in colon cancer than in rectal cancer, especially when the cancer was located in the right section of colon. Serum CEA levels were significantly elevated in the advanced stage of disease, primary tumor progression, angiolymphatic invasion, and presence of distant metastasis.Conclusions. Obtained results have demonstrated that oxLDL and o-LAB were not satisfactory risk markers of CRC. Although significant relation between o-LAB level and CRC is observed, it may be rather the result of individual differences in the host immune responses against cancer.
Decentralized Control for the Interconnected Time-Delay Singular/Nonlinear Subsystems with Closed-Loop Decoupling Property
Authors: Hu Nien-Tsu , Wu Ter-Feng , Xu Sendren Sheng-Dong , Tsai Pu-Sheng
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the decentralized trackers using the observer-based suboptimal method for the interconnected time-delay singular/nonlinear subsystems with closed-loop decoupling property. The observer-based suboptimal method is used to guarantee the high-performance trajectory tracker for two different subsystems. Then, due to the high gain that resulted from the decentralized tracker, the closed-loop system will have the decoupling property. An illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control structure.
Statistical Analysis of Radio Propagation Channel in Ruins Environment
Authors: He Jiao , Li Er-Ping , Zhou Sai-Qiong , Liao Kun
Published: April 2015

The cellphone based localization system for search and rescue in complex high density ruins has attracted a great interest in recent years, where the radio channel characteristics are critical for design and development of such a system. This paper presents a spatial smoothing estimation via rotational invariance technique (SS-ESPRIT) for radio channel characterization of high density ruins. The radio propagations at three typical mobile communication bands (0.9, 1.8, and 2 GHz) are investigated in two different scenarios. Channel parameters, such as arrival time, delays, and complex amplitudes, are statistically analyzed. Furthermore, a channel simulator is built based on these statistics. By comparison analysis of average excess delay and delay spread, the validation results show a good agreement between the measurements and channel modeling results.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Clock Skew in IEEE 1588 with Fractional Gaussian Noise
Authors: Levy Chagai , Pinchas Monika
Published: April 2015

To support system-wide synchronization accuracy and precision in the sub-microsecond range without using GPS technique, the precise time protocol (PTP) standard IEEE-1588 v2 is chosen. Recently, a new clock skew estimation technique was proposed for the slave based on a dual slave clock method that assumes that the packet delay variation (PDV) in the Ethernet network is a constant delay. However, papers dealing with the Ethernet network have shown that this PDV is a long range dependency (LRD) process which may be modeled as a fractional Gaussian noise (fGn) with Hurst exponent (H) in the range of0.5<H<1. In this paper, we propose a new clock skew estimator based on the maximum likelihood (ML) technique and derive an approximated expression for the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) both valid for the case where the PDV is modeled as fGn (0.5<H<1). Simulation results indicate that our new clock skew method outperforms the dual slave clock approach and that the simulated mean square error (MSE) obtained by our new proposed clock skew estimator approaches asymptotically the developed CRLB.
Pharmacological and Genotoxic Properties of Polyphenolic Extracts ofCedrela odorataL. andJuglans regiaL. Barks in Rodents
Authors: Almonte-Flores Dulce Carolina , Paniagua-Castro Norma , Escalona-Cardoso Gerardo , Rosales-Castro Martha
Published: April 2015

Evaluation of the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity ofCedrela odorataL. andJuglans regiaL. bark extracts was performedin vitro.Juglans regiashowed greater extract concentration and higher antioxidant activity. Hypoglycemic activity in rats was assessed by generating a glucose tolerance curve and determining the area under the curve (AUC). Diabetes was later induced by an injection with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg of b.w.) and confirmed after 24 hours. The extract was administered (200 mg/kg b.w.) over 10 days, and blood glucose was monitored and compared with a control group. The glucose AUC showed a hypoglycemic effect ofJ. regiaandC. odoratain normal rats. Both extracts reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats. Polyphenolic extracts reduced cholesterol levels in a hypercholesterolemic mouse model and decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation. Polyphenolic extract doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. were administered alone or with cyclophosphamide (CPA) 50 mg/kg ip, which was used as a positive control. Analyses were performed using leukocytes in a comet assay after 4 and 24 h of treatment. Genotoxic effects were evaluated by the comet assay, which showed that whileJ. regiaextract had no effect,C. odorataextract induced slight damage at 200 mg/kg, with the formation of type 0 and 1 comets.
Reducing Subspaces of Some Multiplication Operators on the Bergman Space over Polydisk
Authors: Shi Yanyue , Zhou Na
Published: April 2015

We consider the reducing subspaces ofMzNonAα2(Dk), wherek≥3,zN=z1N1⋯zkNk, andNi≠Njfori≠j. We prove that each reducing subspace ofMzNis a direct sum of some minimal reducing subspaces. We also characterize the minimal reducing subspaces in the cases thatα=0andα∈(-1,+∞)∖Q, respectively. Finally, we give a complete description of minimal reducing subspaces ofMzNonAα2(D3)withα>-1.
Cell Cycle-Driven Heterogeneity: On the Road to Demystifying the Transitions between “Poised” and “Restricted” Pluripotent Cell States
Authors: Singh Amar M.
Published: April 2015

Cellular heterogeneity is now considered an inherent property of most stem cell types, including pluripotent stem cells, somatic stem cells, and cancer stem cells, and this heterogeneity can exist at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels. Several studies have indicated that the stochastic activation of signaling networks may promote heterogeneity and further that this heterogeneity may be reduced by their inhibition. But why different cells in the same culture respond in a nonuniform manner to the identical exogenous signals has remained unclear. Recent studies now demonstrate that the cell cycle position directly influences lineage specification and specifically that pluripotent stem cells initiate their differentiation from the G1 phase. These studies suggest that cells in G1 are uniquely “poised” to undergo cell specification. G1 cells are therefore more prone to respond to differentiation cues, which may explain the heterogeneity of developmental factors, such as Gata6, and pluripotency factors, such as Nanog, in stem cell cultures. Overall, this raises the possibility that G1 serves as a “Differentiation Induction Point.” In this review, we will reexamine the literature describing heterogeneity of pluripotent stem cells, while highlighting the role of the cell cycle as a major determinant.
Mast Cell and Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Xu Yunzhi , Chen Guangjie
Published: April 2015

Mast cells are important in innate immune system. They have been appreciated as potent contributors to allergic reaction. However, increasing evidence implicates the important role of mast cells in autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Here we review the current stage of knowledge about mast cells in autoimmune diseases.
A Derivative-Free Mesh Optimization Algorithm for Mesh Quality Improvement and Untangling
Authors: Kim Jibum , Shin Myeonggyu , Kang Woochul
Published: April 2015

We propose a derivative-free mesh optimization algorithm, which focuses on improving the worst element quality on the mesh. The mesh optimization problem is formulated as a min-max problem and solved by using a downhill simplex (amoeba) method, which computes only a function value without needing a derivative of Hessian of the objective function. Numerical results show that the proposed mesh optimization algorithm outperforms the existing mesh optimization algorithm in terms of improving the worst element quality and eliminating inverted elements on the mesh.
Removal of Hg from Real Polluted Sediments Using Enhanced-EK Decontamination: Verification of Experimental Methods and Batch-Test Preliminary Results
Authors: Malarbì Danilo , Falciglia Pietro P. , Vagliasindi Federico G. A.
Published: April 2015

The aim of the research is to apply a biosurfactant-enhanced-EK technology to marine sediment contaminated by high level of Hg. In this work, data from batch-tests using different novel biosurfactant agents were reported. In addition, a dedicated EK bench-scale apparatus was designed and carried out. Technical test was also performed to evaluate the optimal operating features of the EK bench-scale apparatus, assessing the influence of applied voltage and treatment time on the current intensity and electroosmotic flow. Batch experiments were conducted using two sugar esters as biosurfactants and EDTA salt at different concentrations. Results showed that the maximum extraction efficiency was observed for the biosurfactant Olimpicon GC (15%), for which the Hg extraction was shown to be 3.6-fold higher than for 0.2 M EDTA. From technical tests, the observed reduction of current intensity and electroosmotic flow with time highlights the necessity of using conditioning agents during the treatment. Data demonstrates also the good working features of the experimental apparatus. Preliminary results show that EK treatment jointly with biosurfactants such as sugar esters could be a better choice for the remediation of Hg-polluted sediments. The results obtained are of scientific and practical interest and can be used for further researches.
Spin Flows in Magnetic Semiconductor/Insulator/Superconductor Tunneling Junction
Authors: Kitamura Michihide , Irie Akinobu
Published: April 2015

Tunneling currents along the c-axis of the majority and minority spin electrons have been studied for a magnetic semiconductor (MS)/insulator (I)/superconductor (S) tunneling junction consisting of a Ga1−xMnxAs MS with x = 1/32, a nonmagnetic I with a realistic dimension, and a HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8.4 (Hg-1223) high-Tc S. The normalized charge and spin currents, QT,Cμ′Vex and QT,Sμ′Vex, and the flows of the majority ↑ and minority ↓ spin electrons, QT,↑μ′Vex and QT,↓μ′Vex, have been calculated at a fixed external voltage Vex, as a function of the magnetic moment μ′  (≡μ/μB) per a Mn atom which is deduced from the band structure calculations. It is found that the tunneling due to the minority spin electron dominates when μ′<2.4, but such a phenomenon is not found for μ′>2.4. We have pointed out that the present MS/I/S tunneling junction seems to work as a switching device in which the ↑ and ↓ spin flows can be easily controlled by the external magnetic field.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Display Impaired Function in Inhibiting Th17 Cells
Authors: Sun Yue , Deng Wei , Geng Linyu , Zhang Lu , Liu Rui , Chen Weiwei , Yao Genhong , Zhang Huayong , Feng Xuebing , Gao Xiang , Sun Lingyun
Published: April 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess multipotent and immunomodulatory properties and are suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of immune-related diseases. This study explored the function of bone marrow MSCs from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, focusing on immunomodulatory effects. RA MSCs showed decreased proliferative activity and aberrant migration capacity. No significant differences were observed in cytokine profiles between RA and control MSCs. The effects of RA MSCs on proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and distribution of specific CD4+T cell subtypes (Th17, Treg, and Tfh cells) were investigated. RA MSCs appeared to be indistinguishable from controls in suppressing PBMC proliferation, decreasing the proportion of Tfh cells, and inducing the polarization of Treg cells. However, the capacity to inhibit Th17 cell polarization was impaired in RA MSCs, which was related to the low expression of CCL2 in RA MSCs after coculture with CD4+T cells. These findings indicated that RA MSCs display defects in several important biological activities, especially the capacity to inhibit Th17 cell polarization. These functionally impaired MSCs may contribute to the development of RA disease.
The Achievement of a Zinc Oxide‐Based Homojunction Diode Using Radio Frequency Magnetron Cosputtering System
Authors: Chiu Hung-Jen , Chen Tai-Hong , Lai Li-Wen , Lee Ching-Ting , Hong Jhen-Dong , Liu Day-Shan
Published: April 2015

(Al + N)‐codoped p‐type zinc oxide (ZnO)/undoped n‐type ZnO homojunction structure was deposited onto Si (100) substrate by using radio frequency (rf) magnetron cosputtering system. Transparent indium tin oxide (ITO)‐ZnO cosputtered film was employed as the ohmic contact electrode to the n‐type ZnO film, and the specific contact resistance was optimized to 2.9 × 10−6 Ω cm2 after treating by a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) process at 400°C for 5 min under vacuum ambient. The ohmic contact behavior between the metallic Ni/Au and p‐ZnO film also was improved to 3.5 × 10−5 Ω cm2 after annealing at 300°C for 3 min under nitrogen ambient. The interfacial diffusion of these ohmic contact systems which led to the optimization of the specific contact resistances by the RTA process was investigated by the Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profile measurements. The diode characteristics of the resulting p‐ZnO/n‐ZnO homojunction structure realized with these ohmic contact electrodes were confirmed by current‐voltage (I-V) measurement, which performed a forward turn‐on voltage of 1.44 V with a reverse current of 1.1 × 10−5 A at −2 V.
Possible Immunosuppressive Effects of Drug Exposure and Environmental and Nutritional Effects on Infection and Vaccination
Authors: Huemer H. P.
Published: April 2015

A variety of drugs which are not primarily considered to be immunosuppressive agents have been
described to modulate the humoral and cellular immune response in humans or animals. Thereby
they may have an influence on the effectiveness and possible side effects of vaccines.
This mini review lists some of the different substance classes and also some of endogeneous, infectious,
nutritional, and environmental influences with suspected capability to interfere with immunizations.
Studies in most cases focused on substances with known immunosuppressive functions, but there is
growing evidence for immunomodulatory effects also of commonly used drugs with wide
distribution. In particular combinations of those antiproliferative and antiphlogistic side effects of
different substance classes have not been studied in detail but may substantially interfere with the
development of a functional humoral and cellular immune response. The drugs of importance
include antipyretics, anticoagulants, tranquilizers, and substances influencing lipid metabolism but
also commonly used drugs of abuse like alcohol or cannabinoids. Additional substances of environmental, nutritional, or microbiological origin may also play a role but their
combinatory/synergistic effects have been disregarded so far due to the lack of systematic data and
the complex study designs necessary to elucidate those complex epidemiologic questions.
Solving Reaction-Diffusion and Advection Problems with Richardson Extrapolation
Authors: Mona Tamás , Lagzi István , Havasi Ágnes
Published: April 2015

Richardson extrapolation is a simple but powerful computational tool to enhance the accuracy of time integration methods. In the past years a few theoretical and partly practical works have been presented on this method. Detailed numerical applications of this method, however, are rarely found in the literature. Therefore, it is worth investigating whether this promising technique lives up to the expectations also in practice. In this paper we investigate the efficiency of the Richardson method in one-dimensional numerical (reaction-diffusion) problems.
Enhanced Cysteinyl-Leukotriene Type 1 Receptor Expression in T Cells from House Dust Mite-Allergic Individuals following Stimulation with Der p
Authors: Thivierge Maryse , Turcotte Sylvie , Rola-Pleszczynski Marek , Stankova Jana
Published: April 2015

In order to determine the potential for allergen to modulate T cell expression of the CysLT1receptor and responsiveness to leukotrienes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from house dust mite-allergic or nonallergic individuals were incubated withD. pteronyssinusallergen (Der p). Baseline CysLT1expression was similar in both groups of donors, but Der p significantly enhanced CysLT1expression in CD4+and CD8+T cells of only allergic individuals and induced enhanced responsiveness of CD4+T cells to LTD4in terms of calcium mobilisation. This effect was prevented by the CysLT1antagonist MK571. Der p also induced IL-4 and IL-10 production, and neutralizing antibody to IL-4 prevented both the enhanced CysLT1expression and the enhanced responsiveness of T cells to LTD4induced by Der p. In allergic individuals, Der p also induced T cell proliferation and a Th2-biased phenotype. Our data suggest that, in allergen-sensitized individuals, exposure to allergen can enhance T cell expression of CysLT1receptors through a mechanism involving IL-4 production. This, in turn, would induce CD4+T cell responsiveness to cysteinyl-leukotrienes and Th2 cell activation.
Vertigo as a Predominant Manifestation of Neurosarcoidosis
Authors: Imran Tasnim F. , Nizami Sobia , Eyzner Igor , Mirani Neena , Hossain Tanzib , Fede Robert , Capitle Eugenio
Published: April 2015

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that affects multiple organ systems. Neurological manifestations of sarcoidosis are less common and can include cranial neuropathies and intracranial lesions. We report the case of a 21-year-old man who presented with vertigo and uveitis. Extensive workup including brain imaging revealed enhancing focal lesions. A lacrimal gland biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The patient was initially treated with prednisone, which did not adequately control his symptoms, and then was switched to methotrexate with moderate symptomatic improvement. Our patient had an atypical presentation with vertigo as the predominant manifestation of sarcoidosis. Patients with neurosarcoidosis typically present with systemic involvement of sarcoidosis followed by neurologic involvement. Vertigo is rarely reported as an initial manifestation. This case highlights the importance of consideration of neurosarcoidosis as an entity even in patients that may not have a typical presentation or systemic involvement of disease.
A Comparative Evaluation of Static Frictional Resistance Using Various Methods of Ligation at Different Time Intervals: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Natt Amanpreet Singh , Sekhon Amandeep Kaur , Munjal Sudhir , Duggal Rohit , Holla Anup , Gupta Prahlad , Gandhi Piyush , Sarin Sahil
Published: April 2015

Aim. To compare and evaluate the static frictional resistance offered by the four different types of ligation methods in both dry and wet conditions and at different durations when immersed in artificial saliva.Material and Methods. Alastik Easy to Tie modules, Super Slick Mini Stix elastomeric modules, Power “O” modules, and 0.009″Stainless Steel ligatures were used to compare the static friction using maxillary canine and premolar Preadjusted Edgewise brackets with 0.022″× 0.028″slot and 0.019″× 0.025″stainless steel wires.Results. The mean frictional resistance for Alastik modules was the lowest and that of Stainless Steel ligatures was found to be highest among the four groups compared and the difference among the four groups was statistically significant (P<0.005). The mean static frictional resistance in all groups under dry conditions was lower than that under wet conditions. No statistical significant differences were found when the groups were compared at different time periods of immersion in artificial saliva.Conclusion. This study concludes that the Alastik modules showed the lowest mean static frictional forces compared to any other ligation method, though no significant difference was found for different time periods of immersion in the artificial saliva.
NOD-Like Receptor Signaling in Cholesteatoma
Authors: Leichtle Anke , Klenke Christin , Ebmeyer Joerg , Daerr Markus , Bruchhage Karl-Ludwig , Hoffmann Anna Sophie , Ryan Allen F. , Wollenberg Barbara , Sudhoff Holger
Published: April 2015

Background. Cholesteatoma is a destructive process of the middle ear resulting in erosion of the surrounding bony structures with consequent hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, facial paralysis, or intracranial complications. The etiopathogenesis of cholesteatoma is controversial but is associated with recurrent ear infections. The role of intracellular innate immune receptors, the NOD-like receptors, and their associated signaling networks was investigated in cholesteatoma, since mutations in NOD-like receptor-related genes have been implicated in other chronic inflammatory disorders.Results. The expression of NOD2 mRNA and protein was significantly induced in cholesteatoma compared to the external auditory canal skin, mainly located in the epithelial layer of cholesteatoma. Microarray analysis showed significant upregulation for NOD2, not for NOD1, TLR2, or TLR4 in cholesteatoma. Moreover, regulation of genes in an interaction network of the NOD-adaptor molecule RIPK2 was detected. In addition to NOD2, NLRC4, and PYCARD, the downstream molecules IRAK1 and antiapoptotic regulator CFLAR showed significant upregulation, whereas SMAD3, a proapoptotic inducer, was significantly downregulated. Finally, altered regulation of inflammatory target genes of NOD signaling was detected.Conclusions. These results indicate that the interaction of innate immune signaling mediated by NLRs and their downstream target molecules is involved in the etiopathogenesis and growth of cholesteatoma.
Free DNA in Cystic Fibrosis Airway Fluids Correlates with Airflow Obstruction
Authors: Marcos Veronica , Zhou-Suckow Zhe , Önder Yildirim Ali , Bohla Alexander , Hector Andreas , Vitkov Ljubomir , Krautgartner Wolf Dietrich , Stoiber Walter , Griese Matthias , Eickelberg Oliver , Mall Marcus A. , Hartl Dominik
Published: April 2015

Chronic obstructive lung disease determines morbidity and mortality of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF airways are characterized by a nonresolving neutrophilic inflammation. After pathogen contact or prolonged activation, neutrophils release DNA fibres decorated with antimicrobial proteins, forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs have been described to act in a beneficial way for innate host defense by bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal actions. On the other hand, excessive NET formation has been linked to the pathogenesis of autoinflammatory and autoimmune disease conditions. We quantified free DNA structures characteristic of NETs in airway fluids of CF patients and a mouse model with CF‐like lung disease. Free DNA levels correlated with airflow obstruction, fungal colonization, and CXC chemokine levels in CF patients and CF‐like mice. When viewed in combination, our results demonstrate that neutrophilic inflammation in CF airways is associated with abundant free DNA characteristic for NETosis, and suggest that free DNA may be implicated in lung function decline in patients with CF.
Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells Is Activated in the Endothelium of Retinal Microvessels in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Zetterqvist Anna V. , Blanco Fabiana , Öhman Jenny , Kotova Olga , Berglund Lisa M. , de Frutos Garcia Sergio , Al-Naemi Raed , Wigren Maria , McGuire Paul G. , Gonzalez Bosc Laura V. , Gomez Maria F.
Published: April 2015

The pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains unclear but hyperglycemia is an established risk factor. Endothelial dysfunction and changes in Ca2+signaling have been shown to precede the onset of DR. We recently demonstrated that high extracellular glucose activates the Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NFAT in cerebral arteries and aorta, promoting the expression of inflammatory markers. Here we show, using confocal immunofluorescence, that NFAT is expressed in the endothelium of retinal microvessels and is readily activated by high glucose. This was inhibited by the NFAT blocker A-285222 as well as by the ectonucleotidase apyrase, suggesting a mechanism involving the release of extracellular nucleotides. Acute hyperglycemia induced by an IP-GTT (intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test) resulted in increased NFATc3 nuclear accumulation and NFAT-dependent transcriptional activity in retinal vessels of NFAT-luciferase reporter mice. In both Akita (Ins2+/−) and streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic mice, NFAT transcriptional activity was elevated in retinal vessels.In vivoinhibition of NFAT with A-285222 decreased the expression ofOPNandICAM-1mRNA in retinal vessels, prevented a diabetes driven downregulation of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in retina, and abrogated the increased vascular permeability observed in diabetic mice. Results identify NFAT signaling as a putative target for treatment of microvascular complications in diabetes.
New-Onset Panic, Depression with Suicidal Thoughts, and Somatic Symptoms in a Patient with a History of Lyme Disease
Authors: Garakani Amir , Mitton Andrew G.
Published: April 2015

Lyme Disease, or Lyme Borreliosis, caused byBorrelia burgdorferiand spread by ticks, is mainly known to cause arthritis and neurological disorders but can also cause psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety. We present a case of a 37-year-old man with no known psychiatric history who developed panic attacks, severe depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, and neuromuscular complaints including back spasms, joint pain, myalgias, and neuropathic pain. These symptoms began 2 years after being successfully treated for a positive Lyme test after receiving a tick bite. During inpatient psychiatric hospitalization his psychiatric and physical symptoms did not improve with antidepressant and anxiolytic treatments. The patient’s panic attacks resolved after he was discharged and then, months later, treated with long-term antibiotics for suspected “chronic Lyme Disease” (CLD) despite having negative Lyme titers. He however continued to have subsyndromal depressive symptoms and chronic physical symptoms such as fatigue, myalgias, and neuropathy. We discuss the controversy surrounding the diagnosis of CLD and concerns and considerations in the treatment of suspected CLD patients with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses.
How an Opportunistic Infection Can Mess with Your Brain and Take Your Breath Away: A Rare Case of Simultaneous Lung and Brain Abscess due toStreptococcus anginosus
Authors: Al-Saffar Farah , Torres-Miranda Daisy , Ibrahim Saif , Shujaat Adil
Published: April 2015

Streptococcus anginosus(S. anginosus) is considered a friendly bug and is a one of many different bacteria that constitute the normal flora of the oral cavity. Nevertheless, it has been infrequently associated with more invasive infections, like lung abscess. It is extremely rare to have multisystemic involvement withS. anginosusgroup. We present a unique case of pulmonary and brain abscess due toS. anginosusin an immunocompetent patient.
Antioxidative Diet Supplementation Reverses High-Fat Diet-Induced Increases of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Mice
Authors: Vargas-Robles Hilda , Rios Amelia , Arellano-Mendoza Monica , Escalante Bruno A. , Schnoor Michael
Published: April 2015

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that is characterized not only by excessive fat deposition but also by systemic microinflammation, high oxidative stress, and increased cardiovascular risk factors. While diets enriched in natural antioxidants showed beneficial effects on oxidative stress, blood pressure, and serum lipid composition, diet supplementation with synthetic antioxidants showed contradictive results. Thus, we tested in C57Bl/6 mice whether a daily dosage of an antioxidative mixture consisting of vitamin C, vitamin E, L-arginine, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid (corabion) would affect cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity. Obese mice showed increased serum triglyceride and glucose levels and hypertension after eight weeks of being fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Importantly, corabion ameliorated all of these symptoms significantly. Oxidative stress and early signs of systemic microinflammation already developed after two weeks of high-fat diet and were significantly reduced by daily doses of corabion. Of note, the beneficial effects of corabion could not be observed when applying its single antioxidative components suggesting that a combination of various nutrients is required to counteract HFD-induced cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, daily consumption of corabion may be beneficial for the management of obesity-related cardiovascular complications.
Prediction of a New Phase of CuxS near Stoichiometric Composition
Authors: Khatri Prashant , Huda Muhammad N.
Published: April 2015

Cu2S is known to be a promising solar absorber material due to its suitable band gap and the abundance of its constituent elements. Cu2S is known to have complex phase structures depending on the concentration of Cu vacancies. Its instability of phases is due to favorable formation of Cu vacancies and the mobility of Cu atoms within the crystal. Understanding its phase structures is of crucial important for its application as solar absorber material. In this paper, we have predicted a new crystal phase of copper sulfide (CuxS) around chemical composition ofx=1.98by utilizing crystal database search and density functional theory. We have shown that this new crystal phase of CuxS is more favorable than low chalcocite structure even at stoichiometric composition ofx=2. However, Cu vacancy formation probability was found to be higher in this new phase than the low chalcocite structure.
Integrative Analysis of CRISPR/Cas9 Target Sites in the HumanHBBGene
Authors: Luo Yumei , Zhu Detu , Zhang Zhizhuo , Chen Yaoyong , Sun Xiaofang
Published: April 2015

Recently, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system has emerged as a powerful customizable artificial nuclease to facilitate precise genetic correction for tissue regeneration and isogenic disease modeling. However, previous studies reported substantial off-target activities of CRISPR system in human cells, and the enormous putative off-target sites are labor-intensive to be validated experimentally, thus motivating bioinformatics methods for rational design of CRISPR system and prediction of its potential off-target effects. Here, we describe an integrative analytical process to identify specific CRISPR target sites in the humanβ-globin gene (HBB) and predict their off-target effects. Our method includes off-target analysis in both coding and noncoding regions, which was neglected by previous studies. It was found that the CRISPR target sites in the introns have fewer off-target sites in the coding regions than those in the exons. Remarkably, target sites containing certain transcriptional factor motif have enriched binding sites of relevant transcriptional factor in their off-target sets. We also found that the intron sites have fewer SNPs, which leads to less variation of CRISPR efficiency in different individuals during clinical applications. Our studies provide a standard analytical procedure to select specific CRISPR targets for genetic correction.
A Rare Case of Intraosseous Fibrolipoma of the Mandible: Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Castellani Andrea , Bocchialini Gabriele , Ferrari Luca
Published: April 2015

Lipomas are common soft tissue tumors. Intraosseous lipoma is a rare lesion that constitutes not more than 0.1% of bone tumors. It can occur anywhere in the body and there have only been a few cases found in the mandible. Intraosseous fibrolipoma of the jaw is an uncommon histological variant of the classic lipoma and to the best of our knowledge only one case has previously been reported in the literature. The cause of this lesion is uncertain. Clinically the lesion is generally asymptomatic and its radiographic feature is a well-defined radiolucency. Surgery is the treatment of choice. We present a case of an intraosseous fibrolipoma in the right mandibular ramus in a 25-year-old female.
Unsteady Flows of a Generalized Fractional Burgers’ Fluid between Two Side Walls Perpendicular to a Plate
Authors: Kang Jianhong , Liu Yingke , Xia Tongqiang
Published: April 2015

The unsteady flows of a generalized fractional Burgers’ fluid between two side walls perpendicular to a plate are studied for the case of Rayleigh-Stokes’ first and second problems. Exact solutions of the velocity fields are derived in terms of the generalized Mittag-Leffler function by using the double Fourier transform and discrete Laplace transform of sequential fractional derivatives. The solution for Rayleigh-Stokes’ first problem is represented as the sum of the Newtonian solutions and the non-Newtonian contributions, based on which the solution for Rayleigh-Stokes’ second problem is constructed by the Duhamel’s principle. The solutions for generalized second-grade fluid, generalized Maxwell fluid, and generalized Oldroyd-B fluid performing the same motions appear as limiting cases of the present solutions. Furthermore, the influences of fractional parameters and material parameters on the unsteady flows are discussed by graphical illustrations.
GC-FID and NMR Spectroscopic Studies on Gamma Irradiated Walnut Lipids
Authors: Sinanoglou Vassilia J. , Strati Irini F. , Kokkotou Katerina , Lantzouraki Dimitra , Makris Constantinos , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis
Published: April 2015

Walnuts have an excellent fatty acid profile, beneficial for coronary heart diseases. A diet rich in walnuts has shown to decrease the total and LDL cholesterol levels as well as lipoprotein levels. In this study, the effects of different doses ofγ-irradiation and different packaging conditions on proximate composition and fatty acid profile of walnuts (Juglans regiaL.) were investigated merging data from different spectroscopic techniques. Walnuts moisture, ash, fat, and protein content as well as fatty acid profile were evaluated immediately after irradiation. GC-FID results showed that SFA increased and MUFA and PUFA decreased with the increase of irradiation dose. Moreover, MUFA/SFA and PUFA/SFA ratios decreasedP<0.05compared to control samples. Furthermore, NMR spectroscopy was implemented to examine possible discrimination patterns based on irradiation dose and packaging. This approach revealed the role of PUFA decrease with the parallel increase of irradiation dose while indicating the protective role of vacuum and MAP compared to air packaging. In conclusion, at irradiation doses of up to 5 kGy, the walnuts retained the nutritional benefits of its fatty acids, in particular MUFA and PUFA. Concerning the different types of packaging, greater stability in the nuts was observed using MAP packaging.
Short Term Outcome of Anterior Lamellar Reposition in Treating Trachomatous Trichiasis
Authors: Ahmed Rania A. , Abdelbaky Sameh H.
Published: April 2015

Purpose. To evaluate the outcome of anterior lamellar reposition (ALR) in treating trachomatous trichiasis.Methods. Patients with trachomatous trichiasis or entropion with short tarsus were treated by ALR between February 2009 and November 2013. This included splitting of the lid margin behind the aberrant lash line to separate the lid lamellae. The anterior lamella was recessed and fixated using 4/0 silk sutures. The extra lashes and their routes were excised. Sutures were removed by the 3rd week and patients completed 6 months of follow-up. Recurrence of ≤5 lashes was treated by electrolysis.Results. The study included 752 eyelids (445 patients; 58.4% females, 41.6% males), mean age 53.2 ± 6.9 y. 179 (25.1%) lids had entropion while 287 (64.5%) patients had corneal affection. By the third week, 2.66% lid had trichiasis while 30.8% had no rubbing lashes. By the 6th month, 14.9% of lids showed recurrence while 66.1% were completely cured (CI = 0.63–0.69) and 19% had partial success (CI = 0.16–0.21). Abnormal lid appearance persisted in 2.66% and 12.9% required another surgery.Conclusion. ALR is a good option for treating trachomatous trichiasis especially without cicatricial entropion. Excision of dysplastic lashes is thought to augment the surgical outcome.
Acceleration of Wound Healing byα-gal Nanoparticles Interacting with the Natural Anti-Gal Antibody
Authors: Galili Uri
Published: April 2015

Application ofα-gal nanoparticles to wounds and burns induces accelerated healing by harnessing the natural anti-Gal antibody which constitutes ~1% of human immunoglobulins.α-gal nanoparticles present multipleα-gal epitopes (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R), the carbohydrate ligand of anti-Gal. Studiedα-gal nanoparticles were comprised of glycolipids withα-gal epitopes, phospholipids, and cholesterol. Binding of anti-Gal toα-gal nanoparticles in wounds activates the complement cascade, resulting in formation of chemotactic complement cleavage peptides that induce rapid recruitment of many macrophages. The Fc/Fcγreceptors interaction between anti-Gal coatingα-gal nanoparticles and the recruited macrophages activates macrophages to produce cytokines/growth factors that promote wound healing and recruit stem cells. Studies of wound healing byα-gal nanoparticles were feasible inα1,3galactosyltransferase knockout mice and pigs. In contrast to other nonprimate mammals, these mice and pigs lack theα-gal epitope, and thus they are not immunotolerant to it and produce anti-Gal. Treatment of skin wounds and burns withα-gal nanoparticles resulted in 40–60% decrease in healing time in comparison with control wounds treated with saline. This accelerated healing is associated with increased recruitment of macrophages and extensive angiogenesis in wounds, faster regrowth of epidermis, and regeneration of the dermis. The accelerated healing further decreases and may completely eliminate fibrosis and scar formation in wounds. Since healing of internal injuries is mediated by mechanisms similar to those in external wound healing, it is suggested thatα-gal nanoparticles treatment may also improve regeneration and restoration of biological function following internal injuries such as surgical incisions, myocardial ischemia following infarction, and nerve injuries.
The Influence of Aluminum Tripolyphosphate on the Protective Behavior of an Acrylic Water-Based Paint Applied to Rusty Steels
Authors: Song Dongdong , Gao Jin , Shen Lin , Wan Hongxia , Li Xiaogang
Published: April 2015

The protective performance, in conditions of total immersion, of an acrylic water-based paint applied to rusty steel, has been studied using electrochemical techniques. There was no rust, blister, crack, or flake that occurred on coating after 500 h immersion. The data obtained have enabled the protective mechanism to be proposed. The specific pigments utilized in the formulation of the paint studied can release phosphates to form a protective layer on metal substrate, which can impede the access of aggressive species to substrate surface. The coatings performed electrochemical activity in the beginning of immersion; then the layer formed and resistance of coating increased.
A Rarely Seen Multilevel Thoracic Vertebral Fracture after a Nocturnal Hypoglycemic Convulsion Attack
Authors: Atalar Ebru , Gunay Cuneyd , Atalar Hakan , Tunc Tugba
Published: April 2015

A 49-year-old male presented with acute midthoracic severe back pain following a witnessed nocturnal convulsion attack. There was no history of trauma and the patient had a 23-year history of Type I diabetes mellitus. MRI scans of the thoracic spine revealed compression fractures at T5, T6, T7, and T8 vertebrae. The patient was treated conservatively. At 17 months after the initial diagnosis, the complaints of back pain had been resolved and the patient was able to easily undertake daily living activities. Hypoglycaemia is a common problem in diabetic patients treated with insulin. Convulsions may occur as a consequence of insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Nontraumatic compression fractures of the thoracic spine following seizures are a rare injury. Contractions of strong paraspinal muscles can lead to compression fracture of the midthoracic spine. Unrecognized hypoglycaemia should be considered to be a possible cause of convulsions in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. The aim of this report is to point out a case of rarely seen multilevel consecutive vertebrae fractures in a diabetic patient after a nocturnal hypoglycaemic convulsion attack.
Does High Thoracic Epidural Analgesia with Levobupivacaine Preserve Myocardium? A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Bektas Serife Gokbulut , Turan Sema , Karadeniz Umit , Ozturk Burcin , Yavas Soner , Biricik Dilan , Saydam Gul Sevim , Erdemli Ozcan
Published: April 2015

Background. Our study aimed to compare HTEA and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in patients undergoing coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG), based on haemodynamic parameters and myocardial functions.Materials and Methods. The study included 34 patients that were scheduled for elective CABG, who were randomly divided into 2 groups. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with total intravenous anesthesia in both groups while intravenous PCA with morphine was administered in Group 1 and infusion of levobupivacaine was administered from the beginning of the anesthesia in Group 2 by thoracic epidural catheter. Blood samples were obtained presurgically, at 6 and 24 hours after surgery for troponin I, creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB), total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde. Postoperative pain was evaluated every 4 hours until 24 hours via VAS.Results. There were significant differences in troponin I or CK-MB values between the groups at postsurgery 6 h and 24 h. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure in Group 1 were significantly higher than in Group 2 at all measurements. Cardiac index in Group 2 was significantly higher than in Group 1 at all measurements.Conclusion. Patients that underwent CABG and received HTEA had better myocardial function and perioperative haemodynamic parameters than those who did not receive HTEA.
Analysis of a Low-Angle Annular Expander Nozzle
Authors: Schomberg Kyll , Olsen John , Doig Graham
Published: April 2015

An experimental and numerical analysis of a low-angle annular expander nozzle is presented to observe the variance in shock structure within the flow field. A RANS-based axisymmetric numerical model was used to evaluate flow characteristics and the model validated using experimental pressure readings and schlieren images. Results were compared with an equivalent converging-diverging nozzle to determine the capability of the wake region in varying the effective area of a low-angle design. Comparison of schlieren images confirmed that shock closure occurred in the expander nozzle, prohibiting the wake region from affecting the area ratio. The findings show that a low angle of deflection is inherently unable to influence the effective area of an annular supersonic nozzle design.
An Interesting Fistula Tract Presenting with Recurrent Gluteal Abscess: Instructive Case
Authors: Bayhan Gulsum Iclal , Metin Ozge , Ardicli Burak , Karaman Ayse , Tanir Gonul
Published: April 2015

A fistula extending from the gluteus to penis is an extremely rare entity. In this paper, we have highlighted novel variant of congenital penile to gluteal fistula complicated with gluteal and penoscrotal abscess in a previously healthy boy. A fistulous tract extending from the gluteus to penis has been shown by fistulogram. Bleomycin has been used in fistula tract with successful results in our patient.
Dynamic Analysis of a High-Static-Low-Dynamic-Stiffness Vibration Isolator with Time-Delayed Feedback Control
Authors: Wang Yong , Li Shunming , Cheng Chun , Jiang Xingxing
Published: April 2015

This paper proposes the time-delayed cubic velocity feedback control strategy to improve the isolation performance of High-Static-Low-Dynamic-Stiffness (HSLDS) vibration isolator. Firstly, the primary resonance of the controlled HSLDS vibration isolator is obtained by using multiple scales method. The equivalent damping ratio and equivalent resonance frequency are defined to study the effects of feedback gain and time delay on the primary resonance. The jump phenomenon analysis of the controlled system without and with time delay is investigated by using Sylvester resultant method and optimization method, respectively. The stability analysis of the controlled system is also considered. Then, the 1/3 subharmonic resonance of the controlled system is studied by using multiple scales method. The effects of feedback gain and time delay on the 1/3 subharmonic resonance are also presented. Finally, force transmissibility is proposed to evaluate the performance of the controlled system and compared with an equivalent linear passive vibration isolator. The results show that the vibration amplitude of the controlled system around the resonance frequency region decreases and the isolation frequency band is larger compared to the equivalent one. A better isolation performance in the high frequency band can be achieved compared to the passive HSLDS vibration isolator.
18F-FDG PET-CT in the Management of Patients Receiving Definitive Radiotherapy for Malignancies of the Head and Neck
Authors: Franc Benjamin L. , DeLemos Christi , Jones Christopher
Published: April 2015

The study investigated the utility and timing of 18F-FDG PET-CT to evaluate for residual/recurrent or metastatic HNC in patients treated with definitive intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with or without chemotherapy, planned with 18F-FDG PET-CT. The incidence and timing of locoregional recurrence, distant metastatic disease, new primary malignancies, and death were evaluated in 261 patients retrospectively. Findings were classified based on pathology or clinical follow-up and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FDG PET-CT were determined overall as well as at the time of each 18F-FDG PET-CT. The overall accuracy for 18F-FDG PET in the detection of residual/recurrent malignancy or metastatic disease was 96.4%. Of those in whom cancer recurred locally, 57% were identified based on physical examination and other imaging findings and 43% were identified initially on 18F-FDG PET-CT surveillance imaging when no disease was evident clinically. 18F-FDG PET-CT has a high diagnostic capability of detecting residual/recurrent malignancy or malignant metastatic disease in patients with HNC following IMRT ± concurrent chemotherapy, supporting 18F- FDG PET-CT’s use to evaluate patients for recurrent malignancy in the post-IMRT period, even without clinical evidence of disease.