bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Auto-Regressive Logit Models to Forecast the Exceedance Probability for Financial Risk Management
Authors: Taylor James W. , Yu Keming
Published: January 2016

We present new auto-regressive logit models for forecasting the probability of a time series of financial asset returns exceeding a threshold. The models can be estimated by maximizing a Bernoulli likelihood. Alternatively, to account for the extent to which an observation does or does not exceed the threshold, we propose that the likelihood is based on the asymmetric Laplace distribution, which has been found to be useful for quantile estimation. We incorporate the exceedance probability forecasts within a new time varying extreme value approach to value at risk and expected shortfall estimation. We provide an empirical illustration using daily stock index data.
Oral manifestations in Kindler syndrome: case report and discussion of literature findings
Authors: Barbosa Nathalia Mocellin , Visioli Fernanda , Martins Manoela Domingues , Martins Marco Antônio Trevizani , Munerato Maria Cristina
Published: January 2016

Kindler syndrome is a rare genetic disorder showing some predominant clinical manifestations, for example, trauma‐induced blisters, progressive poikiloderma, skin atrophy, and photosensitivity. Oral manifestations are not commonly described and can be often misdiagnosed. This report describes the case of a female patient diagnosed with Kindler syndrome showing the classical clinical features affecting the skin, in addition to oral lesions manifesting as keratotic plaques and ulcers affecting the buccal mucosa, floor of the mouth, alveolar ridge, hard palate, and soft palate. An incisional biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnostic hypothesis of an autoimmune lesion possibly related with the syndrome. Knowledge about the possible manifestations of the Kindler syndrome is important to improve its management.
Do Frames Emphasizing Harm to Age and Racial‐Ethnic Groups Reduce Support for Voter ID Laws?*
Authors: Wilson David C. , Brewer Paul R.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Research suggests that issue frames emphasizing how voter ID laws might harm eligible voters can influence opinions toward the laws. This study examines the effects of frames emphasizing harm to specific groups of eligible voters—namely, elderly, college‐aged, African‐American, and Hispanic voters—on public support for such laws.

Methods

We analyze data from question wording experiments included in two state polls.

Results

We replicate the finding that emphasizing the harmful effects of the laws on eligible voters reduces support. We also find that a frame emphasizing harm to African Americans produces an additional reduction in support. Emphasizing harm to other specific groups (the elderly, college‐aged, or Hispanics) does not produce discernible effects beyond the general framing effect. Within group analyses by race, age and political predispositions reveal additional patterns of effects.

Conclusion

The results suggest political communication about specific groups can shift public opinion for voter ID laws.
Variation in intraoperative and postoperative red blood cell transfusion in pediatric surgery
Authors: Stey Anne M. , Vinocur Charles D. , Moss R. Lawrence , Hall Bruce L. , Cohen Mark E. , Kraemer Kari , Ko Clifford Y. , Kenney Brian D.
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative and postoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are relatively frequent events tracked in the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program‐Pediatric (ACS‐NSQIP‐P). This study sought to quantify variation in RBC transfusion practices among hospitals.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This is an observational study of children older than 28 days who underwent a general, neurologic, urologic, otolaryngologic, plastic, or orthopedic operation at 50 hospitals in participating in the ACS‐NSQIP‐P during 2011 to 2012. The primary outcome was whether or not a RBC transfusion was administered from incision time to 72 hours postoperatively. Transfusions of fresh‐frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, and platelets were excluded from data abstraction due the rarity of their administration. A multivariate hierarchical risk‐adjustment model estimated the risk‐adjusted hospital RBC transfusion odds ratio (OR) and designated hospitals by transfusion practice.

RESULTS

The mean RBC transfusion rate was 1.5%. Five preoperative variables were associated with greater than threefold increased odds of having an intraoperative or postoperative RBC transfusion; young age; 29 days to 1 year (OR, 5.9; p < 0.001) and 1 to 2 years (OR, 3.4; p < 0.001); American Society of Anesthesiologists Class IV (OR, 3.2; p < 0.001); procedure linear risk (OR, 3.1; p < 0.001); preoperative septic shock (OR, 14.5; p < 0.001); and preoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR, 8.1; p < 0.001). Twenty‐five hospitals had RBC transfusion practices significantly different than risk‐adjusted mean (17 higher and eight lower).

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative and postoperative RBC transfusion practices vary widely among hospitals after controlling for patient and procedural characteristics.
Supernatant protein biomarkers of red blood cell storage hemolysis as determined through an absolute quantification proteomics technology
Authors: D'Alessandro Angelo , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Hill Ryan C. , Hansen Kirk C.
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Laboratory technologies have highlighted the progressive accumulation of the so‐called “storage lesion,” a wide series of alterations to stored red blood cells (RBCs) that may affect the safety and effectiveness of the transfusion therapy. New improvements in the field are awaited to ameliorate this lesion, such as the introduction of washing technologies in the cell processing pipeline. Laboratory studies that have tested such technologies so far rely on observational qualitative or semiquantitative techniques.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A state‐of‐the‐art quantitative proteomics approach utilizing quantitative concatamers (QconCAT) was used to simultaneously monitor fluctuations in the abundance of 114 proteins in AS‐3 RBC supernatants (n = 5; 11 time points, including before and after leukoreduction, at 3 hours, on Days 1 and 2, and weekly sampling from Day 7 through Day 42).

RESULTS

Leukoreduction‐dependent depletion of plasma proteins was observed at the earliest time points. A subset of proteins showed very high linear correlation (r2 > 0.9) not only with storage time, but also with absolute levels of hemoglobin α1 and β, a proxy for RBC hemolysis and vesiculation. Linear regression was performed to describe the temporal relationship between these proteins. Our findings suggest a role for supernatant glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase; peroxiredoxin‐1, ‐2, and ‐6; carbonic anhydrase‐1 and ‐2; selenium binding protein‐1; biliverdin reductase; aminolevulinate dehydratase; and catalase as potential biomarkers of RBC quality during storage.

CONCLUSION

A targeted proteomics technology revealed novel biomarkers of the RBC storage lesion and promises to become a key analytical readout for the development and testing of alternative cell processing strategies.
Triplets with neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to antibodies against human platelet antigen 1a
Authors: Solh Ziad , Breakey Vicky , Murthy Prashanth , Smith James W. , Arnold Donald M.
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) has been reported only rarely in twins and not at all, to our knowledge, in triplets.

CASE REPORT

Nonidentical triplets were born with severe thrombocytopenia. Nadir platelet (PLT) counts were 17 × 109, 12 × 109, and 10 × 109/L. NAIT was confirmed by an incompatibility for human PLT antigen (HPA)−1a and the presence of maternal anti‐HPA‐1a. The maternal genotype was HPA‐1bb and the paternal genotype was HPA‐1aa; thus, all children were affected.

RESULTS

PLT counts for each infant improved with the administration of random‐donor PLT transfusions. All three infants also received intravenous immunoglobulin. None had major bleeding. A small isolated subependymal hemorrhage was found incidentally in one infant; this remained stable on repeat imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of triplets with NAIT. Anti‐HPA‐1a is sufficiently potent to affect three infants simultaneously. Random‐donor PLTs were effective in improving PLT counts in all three infants.
Analyzing the Stability Properties of Kaleidocycles
Authors: Safsten C. , Fillmore T. , Logan A. , Halverson D. , Howell L.
Published: January 2016

Kaleidocycles are continuously rotating n-jointed linkages. We consider a certain class of six-jointed kaleidocycles which have a spring at each joint. For this class of kaleidocycles, stored energy varies throughout the rotation process in a nonconstant, cyclic pattern. The purpose of this paper is to model and provide an analysis of the stored energy of a kaleidocycle throughout its motion. In particular, we will solve analytically for the number of stable equilibrium states for any kaleidocycle in this class.
A New Metric for Automated Stability Identification in Time Domain Milling Simulation
Authors: Honeycutt Andrew , Schmitz Tony L.
Published: January 2016

A new metric is presented to automatically establish the stability limit for time domain milling simulation signals. It is based on periodically sampled data. Because stable cuts exhibit forced vibration, the sampled points repeat over time. Periodically sampled points for unstable cuts, on the other hand, do not repeat with each tooth passage. The metric leverages this difference to define a numerical value of nominally zero for a stable cut and a value greater than zero for an unstable cut. The metric is described and is applied to numerical and experimental results.
A Kinematic Description of the Key Flow Characteristics in an Array of Finite-Height Rotating Cylinders
Authors: Craig Anna E. , Dabiri John O. , Koseff Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2016

Experimental data are presented for large arrays of rotating, finite-height cylinders to study the dependence of the three-dimensional (3D) mean flows on the geometric and rotational configurations of the array. Two geometric configurations, each with two rotational configurations, were examined at a nominal Reynolds number of 600 and nominal tip-speed ratios of 0, 2, and 4. It was found that the rotation of the cylinders drives the formation of streamwise and transverse flow patterns between cylinders and that net time–space averaged transverse and vertical flows exist within the developed flow region of the array. This net vertical mean flow provides an additional mechanism for the exchange of momentum between the flow within the array and the flow above it, independent from the turbulent exchange mechanisms which are also observed to increase by almost a factor of three in a rotating array. As an array of rotating cylinders may provide insight into the flow kinematics of an array of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), this planform momentum flux (both mean and turbulent) is of particular interest, as it has the potential to increase the energy resource available to turbines far downstream of the leading edge of the array. In the present study, the streamwise momentum flux into the array could be increased for the rotating-element arrays by up to a factor of 5.7 compared to the stationary-element arrays, while the streamwise flow frontally averaged over the elements could be increased by up to a factor of four in the rotating-element arrays compared to stationary-element arrays.
Truncation Design and Model Testing of a Deepwater FPSO Mooring System
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Ma Gang , Sun Liping , Kang Zhuang
Published: January 2016

Limitation of offshore basin dimensions is a great challenge for model tests of deepwater mooring system. The mooring system cannot be modeled entirely in the basin with a reasonable model scale. A classical solution is based on hybrid model tests for the truncated mooring system. An efficient truncation method is proposed in this paper taking advantage of the mechanical characteristics of catenary mooring system. Truncation procedures are presented both in vertical and horizontal directions. A turret moored floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) is analyzed, and its mooring system is truncated from the original 914 m water depth to 736 m and 460 m, respectively. Numerical simulations are performed based on catenary theory and lumped mass model to these three systems, including the original untruncated system and two truncated systems. The static characteristics and dynamic response are investigated, and the results are compared between the truncated and untruncated system, and good agreements are obtained, verifying the preliminary truncation design. Model tests are conducted to the three mooring system configurations in the deepwater basin of the Harbin Engineering University. The static and dynamic properties are found to be mostly consistent between the untruncated system and two truncated systems, except for some discrepancy in 460 m system. It indicates that the truncation design is successful when the truncation factor is large, while difference still exists when the truncation factor is small. Numerical reconstruction to the model test in 460 m and extrapolation to 914 m are also implemented. The results are found to be consistent with those in 914 m, verifying the robustness and necessity of the hybrid model testing, especially for the mooring system with large truncation.
New therapeutic approaches for the treatment of obesity
Authors: Saltiel Alan R.
Published: January 2016

Current and future pharmacological approaches to the treatment of obesity focus on the control of energy balance.
Complex effects of inhibiting hepatic apolipoprotein B100 synthesis in humans
Authors: Reyes-Soffer Gissette , Moon Byoung , Hernandez-Ono Antonio , Dionizovik-Dimanovski Marija , Jimenez Jhonsua , Obunike Joseph , Thomas Tiffany , Ngai Colleen , Fontanez Nelson , Donovan Daniel S. , Karmally Wahida , Holleran Stephen , Ramakrishnan Rajasekhar , Mittleman Robert S. , Ginsberg Henry N.
Published: January 2016

Targeting apoB synthesis with mipomersen (KYNAMRO) can be effective for lowering plasma levels of apoB lipoproteins without reducing the secretion of VLDL.
Advance warning
Authors: Bhatti Pamela
Published: January 2016

An algorithm transforms heart rate variability data into a warning sign for imminent epileptic seizure.
Hiding in plain sight
Authors: Bouvier Nicole M.
Published: January 2016

Even when it seems like we humans are winning against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
we probably aren’t.
A wealth of cells
Authors: Parekkadan Biju
Published: January 2016

Expanding hematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood with an aryl hydrocarbon antagonist could improve stem cell therapy.
Stemming the tide of ALS
Authors: Statland Jeffrey
Published: January 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells engineered to secrete neurotrophic growth factors appear to be safe and show modest benefit in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Fighting the Monster: Applying the Host Damage Framework to Human Central Nervous System Infections
Authors: Panackal Anil A. , Williamson Kim C. , van de Beek Diederik , Boulware David R. , Williamson Peter R.
Published: January 2016

The host damage-response framework states that microbial pathogenesis is a product of microbial virulence factors and collateral damage from host immune responses. Immune-mediated host damage is particularly important within the size-restricted central nervous system (CNS), where immune responses may exacerbate cerebral edema and neurological damage, leading to coma and death. In this review, we compare human host and therapeutic responses in representative nonviral generalized CNS infections that induce archetypal host damage responses: cryptococcal menigoencephalitis and tuberculous meningitis in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected patients, pneumococcal meningitis, and cerebral malaria. Consideration of the underlying patterns of host responses provides critical insights into host damage and may suggest tailored adjunctive therapeutics to improve disease outcome.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Diverse Origins Support Persistent Infection with Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus and Manifest Distinct Angiogenic, Invasive, and Transforming Phenotypes
Authors: Lee Myung-Shin , Yuan Hongfeng , Jeon Hyungtaek , Zhu Ying , Yoo Seungmin , Shi Songtao , Krueger Brian , Renne Rolf , Lu Chun , Jung Jae U. , Gao Shou-Jiang
Published: January 2016

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), a highly angiogenic and invasive tumor often involving different organ sites, including the oral cavity, is caused by infection with Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Diverse cell markers have been identified on KS tumor cells, but their origin remains an enigma. We previously showed that KSHV could efficiently infect, transform, and reprogram rat primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into KS-like tumor cells. In this study, we showed that human primary MSCs derived from diverse organs, including bone marrow (MSCbm), adipose tissue (MSCa), dental pulp, gingiva tissue (GMSC), and exfoliated deciduous teeth, were permissive to KSHV infection. We successfully established long-term cultures of KSHV-infected MSCa, MSCbm, and GMSC (LTC-KMSCs). While LTC-KMSCs had lower proliferation rates than the uninfected cells, they expressed mixtures of KS markers and displayed differential angiogenic, invasive, and transforming phenotypes. Genetic analysis identified KSHV-derived microRNAs that mediated KSHV-induced angiogenic activity by activating the AKT pathway. These results indicated that human MSCs could be the KSHV target cells
in vivo
and established valid models for delineating the mechanism of KSHV infection, replication, and malignant transformation in biologically relevant cell types.

IMPORTANCE
Kaposi’s sarcoma is the most common cancer in AIDS patients. While KSHV infection is required for the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma, the origin of KSHV target cells remains unclear. We show that KSHV can efficiently infect human primary mesenchymal stem cells of diverse origins and reprogram them to acquire various degrees of Kaposi’s sarcoma-like cell makers and angiogenic, invasive, and transforming phenotypes. These results indicate that human mesenchymal stem cells might be the KSHV target cells and establish models for delineating the mechanism of KSHV-induced malignant transformation.
The Adenovirus E4-ORF3 Protein Stimulates SUMOylation of General Transcription Factor TFII-I to Direct Proteasomal Degradation
Authors: Bridges Rebecca G. , Sohn Sook-Young , Wright Jordan , Leppard Keith N. , Hearing Patrick
Published: January 2016

Modulation of host cell transcription, translation, and posttranslational modification processes is critical for the ability of many viruses to replicate efficiently within host cells. The human adenovirus (Ad) early region 4 open reading frame 3 (E4-ORF3) protein forms unique inclusions throughout the nuclei of infected cells and inhibits the antiviral Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 DNA repair complex through relocalization. E4-ORF3 also induces SUMOylation of Mre11 and Nbs1. We recently identified additional cellular targets of E4-ORF3 and found that E4-ORF3 stimulates ubiquitin-like modification of 41 cellular proteins involved in a wide variety of processes. Among the proteins most abundantly modified in an E4-ORF3-dependent manner was the general transcription factor II–I (TFII-I). Analysis of Ad-infected cells revealed that E4-ORF3 induces TFII-I relocalization and SUMOylation early during infection. In the present study, we explored the relationship between E4-ORF3 and TFII-I. We found that Ad infection or ectopic E4-ORF3 expression leads to SUMOylation of TFII-I that precedes a rapid decline in TFII-I protein levels. We also show that E4-ORF3 is required for ubiquitination of TFII-I and subsequent proteasomal degradation. This is the first evidence that E4-ORF3 regulates ubiquitination. Interestingly, we found that E4-ORF3 modulation of TFII-I occurs in diverse cell types but only E4-ORF3 of Ad species C regulates TFII-I, providing critical insight into the mechanism by which E4-ORF3 targets TFII-I. Finally, we show that E4-ORF3 stimulates the activity of a TFII-I-repressed viral promoter during infection. Our results characterize a novel mechanism of TFII-I regulation by Ad and highlight how a viral protein can modulate a critical cellular transcription factor during infection.

IMPORTANCE
Adenovirus has evolved a number of mechanisms to target host signaling pathways in order to optimize the cellular environment during infection. E4-ORF3 is a small viral protein made early during infection, and it is critical for inactivating host antiviral responses. In addition to its ability to capture and reorganize cellular proteins, E4-ORF3 also regulates posttranslational modifications of target proteins, but little is known about the functional consequences of these modifications. We recently identified TFII-I as a novel target of E4-ORF3 that is relocalized into dynamic E4-ORF3 nuclear structures and subjected to E4-ORF3-mediated SUMO modification. Here, we show that TFII-I is targeted by E4-ORF3 for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation and that E4-ORF3 stimulates gene expression from a TFII-I-repressed viral promoter. Our findings suggest that the specific targeting of TFII-I by E4-ORF3 is a mechanism to inactivate its antiviral properties. These studies provide further insight into how E4-ORF3 functions to counteract host antiviral responses.
Dietary fat and corticosterone levels are contributing factors to meal anticipation
Authors: Namvar Sara , Gyte Amy , Denn Mark , Leighton Brendan , Piggins Hugh D.
Published: January 2016

Daily restricted access to food leads to the development of food anticipatory activity and metabolism, which depends upon an as yet unidentified food-entrainable oscillator(s). A premeal anticipatory peak in circulating hormones, including corticosterone is also elicited by daily restricted feeding. High-fat feeding is associated with elevated levels of corticosterone with disrupted circadian rhythms and a failure to develop robust meal anticipation. It is not clear whether the disrupted corticosterone rhythm, resulting from high-fat feeding contributes to attenuated meal anticipation in high-fat fed rats. Our aim was to better characterize meal anticipation in rats fed a low- or high-fat diet, and to better understand the role of corticosterone in this process. To this end, we utilized behavioral observations, hypothalamic c-Fos expression, and indirect calorimetry to assess meal entrainment. We also used the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, RU486, to dissect out the role of corticosterone in meal anticipation in rats given daily access to a meal with different fat content. Restricted access to a low-fat diet led to robust meal anticipation, as well as entrainment of hypothalamic c-Fos expression, metabolism, and circulating corticosterone. These measures were significantly attenuated in response to a high-fat diet, and animals on this diet exhibited a postanticipatory rise in corticosterone. Interestingly, antagonism of glucocorticoid activity using RU486 attenuated meal anticipation in low-fat fed rats, but promoted meal anticipation in high-fat-fed rats. These findings suggest an important role for corticosterone in the regulation of meal anticipation in a manner dependent upon dietary fat content.
Characterization of bladder and external urethral activity in mice with or without spinal cord injury—a comparison study with rats
Authors: Kadekawa Katsumi , Yoshimura Naoki , Majima Tsuyoshi , Wada Naoki , Shimizu Takahiro , Birder Lori A. , Kanai Anthony J. , de Groat William C. , Sugaya Kimio , Yoshiyama Mitsuharu
Published: January 2016

To clarify the lower urinary tract function in mice, we compared bladder and urethral activity between rats and mice with or without spinal cord injury (SCI). Female Sprague-Dawley rats and C57BL/6N mice were divided into five groups: 1) spinal intact (SI) rats, 2) SI mice, 3) pudendal nerve transection (PNT) SI mice, 4) spinal cord injury (SCI) rats, and 5) SCI mice. Continuous cystometry (CMG) and external urethral sphincter (EUS)-electromyogram (EMG) analyses were conducted under an awake, restrained condition. During voiding bladder contractions, SI animals exhibited EUS bursting with alternating active and silent periods, which, in rats but not mice, coincided with small-amplitude intravesical pressure oscillations in CMG recordings. In SI mice with bursting-like EUS activity, the duration of active periods was significantly shorter by 46% (32 ± 5 ms) compared with SI rats (59 ± 9 ms). In PNT-SI mice, there were no significant differences in any of cystometric parameters compared with SI mice. In SCI rats, fluid elimination from the urethra and the EUS bursting occurred during small-amplitude intravesical pressure oscillations. However, SCI mice did not exhibit clear EUS bursting activity or intravesical pressure oscillations but rather exhibited intermittent voiding with slow large-amplitude reductions in intravesical pressure, which occurred during periods of reduced EUS activity. These results indicate that EUS pumping activity is essential for generating efficient voiding in rats with or without spinal cord injury. However, EUS bursting activity is not required for efficient voiding in SI mice and does not reemerge in SCI mice in which inefficient voiding occurs during periods of reduced tonic EUS activity.
Endothelin therapeutics in cancer: Where are we?
Authors: Rosanò Laura , Bagnato Anna
Published: January 2016

In human cancers, the autocrine and paracrine loop mediated by the aberrantly activation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor (ET-1R) elicits pleiotropic effects, preferentially mediated by the scaffold protein β-arrestin 1 (β-arr1), on tumor cells and on the host microenvironment, providing a strong rationale for targeting ET-1 receptors. This review describes the most up-to-date preclinical and clinical results obtained by using ET-1 therapeutics. The previous negative clinical results of ET-1 therapeutics should not prevent us from setting the standard of this class of drugs for future well-designed clinical trials. The preclinical data obtained with the dual ETAR and ETBR antagonist macitentan indicate that this molecule, which targets cancer cells and tumor-associated microenvironmental elements, could be a cancer therapeutic option. The field of ET-1 therapeutics will be improved in the next decade, facilitated by the new knowledge on the genomic landscape of the human stroma and tumor, and by the low invasive approaches based on liquid biopsies for the discovery of predictive biomarkers. The information obtained from preclinical studies in patient-derived models and from the Cancer Genome Atlas will set the scene of precision medicine for cancer. Results from these studies are expected to open the possibility that ET-1R antagonists might be more efficacious as molecular cancer therapeutics, able to hamper the functional β-arr1-dependent signaling complexes, either alone or coupled with new targeted approaches.
The Association between Abnormal Long Noncoding RNA MALAT-1 Expression and Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Jun , Pan Yongsheng , Wu Jie , Zhang Cheng , Huang Yuan , Zhao Ruizhe , Cheng Gong , Liu Jinliang , Qin Chao , Shao Pengfei , Hua Lixin , Wang Zengjun
Published: January 2016

Previous studies have investigated that the expression levels of MALAT-1 were higher in cancerous tissues than matched histologically normal tissues. And, to some extent, overexpression of MALAT-1 was inclined to lymph node metastasis. This meta-analysis collected all relevant articles and explored the association between MALAT-1 expression levels and lymph node metastasis. We searched PubMed, EmBase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and OVID to address the level of MALAT-1 expression in cancer cases and noncancerous controls (accessed February 2015). And 8 studies comprising 696 multiple cancer patients were included to assess this association. The odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the strength of the association using Stata 12.0 version software. The results revealed there was a significant difference in the incidence of lymph node metastasis between high MALAT-1 expression group and low MALAT-1 expression group (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.15–3.28, P=0.013 random-effects model). Subgroup analysis indicated that MALAT-1 high expression had an unfavorable impact on lymph node metastasis in Chinese patients (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.01–2.46). This study demonstrated that the incidence of lymph node metastasis in patients detected with high MALAT-1 expression was higher than that in patients with low MALAT-1 expression in China.
Value of Functionalized Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Temporal Lobe Epilepsy on MRI
Authors: Fu Tingting , Kong Qingxia , Sheng Huaqiang , Gao Lingyun
Published: January 2016

Purpose.Although active targeting of drugs using a magnetic-targeted drug delivery system (MTDS) with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) is a very effective treatment approach for tumors and other illnesses, successful results of drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are unprecedented. A hallmark in the neuropathology of TLE is brain inflammation, in particular the activation of interleukin-1β(IL-1β) induced by activated glial cells, which has been considered a new mechanistic target for treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of the functionalized SPIONs with anti-IL-1βmonoclonal antibody (mAb) attached to render MRI diagnoses and simultaneously provide targeted therapy with the neutralization of IL-1βoverexpressed in epileptogenic zone of an acute rat model of TLE.Experimental Design.The anti-IL-1βmAb-SPIONs were studied in vivo versus plain SPIONs and saline. Lithium-chloride pilocarpine-induced TLE models (n=60) were followed by Western blot, Perl’s iron staining, Nissl staining, and immunofluorescent double-label staining after MRI examination.Results.The magnetic anti-IL-1βmAb-SPION administered intravenously, which crossed the BBB and was concentrated in the astrocytes and neurons in epileptogenic tissues, rendered these tissues visible on MRI and simultaneously delivered anti-IL-1βmAb to the epileptogenic focus.Conclusions.Our study provides the first evidence that the novel approach enhanced accumulation and the therapeutic effect of anti-IL-1βmAb by MTDS using SPIONs.
Hybrid Electromagnetism-Like Algorithm for Dynamic Supply Chain Network Design under Traffic Congestion and Uncertainty
Authors: Jouzdani Javid , Fathian Mohammad
Published: January 2016

With the constantly increasing pressure of the competitive environment, supply chain (SC) decision makers are forced to consider several aspects of business climate. More specifically, they should take into account the endogenous features (e.g., available means of transportation, and the variety of products) and exogenous criteria (e.g., the environmental uncertainty, and transportation system conditions). In this paper, a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model for dynamic design of a supply chain network is proposed. In this model, multiple products and multiple transportation modes, the time value of money, traffic congestion, and both supply-side and demand-side uncertainties are considered. Due to the complexity of such models, conventional solution methods are not applicable; therefore, two hybrid Electromagnetism-Like Algorithms (EMA) are designed and discussed for tackling the problem. The numerical results show the applicability of the proposed model and the capabilities of the solution approaches to the MINLP problem.
Interleukin-17AGene Variability in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Periodontitis: Its Correlation with IL-17 Levels and the Occurrence of Periodontopathic Bacteria
Authors: Borilova Linhartova Petra , Kastovsky Jakub , Lucanova Svetlana , Bartova Jirina , Poskerova Hana , Vokurka Jan , Fassmann Antonin , Kankova Katerina , Izakovicova Holla Lydie
Published: January 2016

Interleukin-17 contributes to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and chronic periodontitis (CP). We analyzedIL-17A−197A/G andIL-17F+7488C/T polymorphisms in T1DM and CP and determined their associations with IL-17 production and occurrence of periopathogens. Totally 154 controls, 125 T1DM, and 244 CP patients were genotyped using 5′ nucleaseTaqMan®assays. Bacterial colonization was investigated by a DNA-microarray kit. Production of IL-17 afterin vitrostimulation of mononuclear cells by mitogens and bacteria was examined by the Luminex system. Although no differences in the allele/genotype frequencies between patients with CP and T1DM + CP were found, theIL-17A−197 A allele increased the risk of T1DM (P<0.05). Levels of HbA1c were significantly elevated in carriers of the A allele in T1DM patients (P<0.05). Production of IL-17 by mononuclear cells of CP patients (unstimulated/stimulated byPorphyromonas gingivalis) was associated withIL-17AA allele (P<0.05).IL-17Apolymorphism increased the number ofTannerella forsythiaandTreponema denticolain patients with CP and T1DM + CP, respectively (P<0.05).IL-17Agene variability may influence control of T1DM and the “red complex” bacteria occurrence in patients with CP and T1DM + CP. Our findings demonstrated the functional relevance of theIL-17Apolymorphism with higher IL-17 secretion in individuals with A allele.
Involvement of HMGB1 in Resistance to Tumor Vessel-Targeted, Monoclonal Antibody-Based Immunotherapy
Authors: Pistoia Vito , Pezzolo Annalisa
Published: January 2016

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a member of the “danger associated molecular patterns” (DAMPs) than can localize in various compartments of the cell (from the nucleus to the cell surface) and subserve different functions accordingly. HMGB1 is implicated in maintenance of genomic stability, autophagy, immune regulation, and tumor growth. HMGB1-induced autophagy promotes tumor resistance to chemotherapy, as shown in different models of malignancy, for example, osteosarcoma, leukemia, and gastric cancer. To the best of our knowledge, there is virtually no information on the relationships between HMGB1 and resistance to immunotherapy. A recent study from our group has shed new light on this latter issue. We have demonstrated that targeting of tumor-derived endothelial cells with an anti-human CD31 monoclonal antibody in a human neuroblastoma model was unsuccessful due to a complex chain of events involving the participation of HMGB1. These results are discussed in detail since they provide the first evidence for a role of HMGB1 in resistance of tumor cells to monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy.
Biomechanical Performances of Networked Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate: Effect of Photoinitiator Concentration, Temperature, and Incubation Time
Authors: Khandaker Morshed , Orock Albert , Tarantini Stefano , White Jeremiah , Yasar Ozlem
Published: January 2016

Nutrient conduit networks can be introduced within the Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate (PEGDA) tissue construct to enable cells to survive in the scaffold. Nutrient conduit networks can be created on PEGDA by macrochannel to nanochannel fabrication techniques. Such networks can influence the mechanical and cell activities of PEGDA scaffold. There is no study conducted to evaluate the effect of nutrient conduit networks on the maximum tensile stress and cell activities of the tissue scaffold. The study aimed to explore the influence of the network architecture on the maximum tensile stress of PEGDA scaffold and compared with the nonnetworked PEGDA scaffold. Our study found that there are 1.78 and 2.23 times decrease of maximum tensile stress due to the introduction of nutrient conduit networks to the PEGDA scaffold at 23°C and 37°C temperature conditions, respectively. This study also found statistically significant effect of network architecture, PI concentration, temperature, and wait time on the maximum failure stress of PEGDA samples (Pvalue < 0.05). Cell viability results demonstrated that networked PEGDA hydrogels possessed increased viability compared to nonnetworked and decreased viability with increased photoinitiator concentrations. The results of this study can be used for the design of PEGDA scaffold with macrosize nutrient conduit network channels.
Salvage Procedure in Case of Urethrocavernous Fistula after Revision Surgery for Malfunctioning Three-Piece Penile Prosthesis
Authors: Caraceni Enrico , Marronaro Angelo , Leone Luca
Published: January 2016

Urethrocavernous fistula is a rare complication of penile prosthesis. Literature lacks any materials regarding this complication’s treatment. We report our experience with a 66-year-old man who developed urethrocavernous fistula after penile prosthesis implant. Our technique involves the careful closure of urethral and corpus cavernosum defects with application of TachoSil®above the sutures. After the salvage procedure, no recurrence of fistula occurred and patient was able to have sexual intercourse. We believe that our technique may be successfully used in case of urethrocavernous fistula after penile prosthesis implant.
Early and Long-Term Results of Stent Implantation for Aortic Coarctation in Pediatric Patients Compared to Adolescents: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Bondanza Sara , Calevo Maria Grazia , Marasini Maurizio
Published: January 2016

Background. Stents have become the treatment of choice for native aortic coarctation in adults and adolescents, but in pediatric patients insufficient data are currently available to identify the best therapeutic option.Methods. To compare the outcomes of pediatric and adolescent patients, we retrospectively evaluated early and long-term results of stenting for aortic coarctation in 34 patients divided into 2 groups (A and B) composed, respectively, of 17 children (mean age8.2±2.3, weight ≤30 kg) and 17 adolescents (mean age14.3±1.7, weight >30 kg).Results. No significant differences in outcome were found between groups immediately after the procedure. In all of our patients, peak systolic gradient pressure significantly decreased after stenting from43.7±12to1.7±3.1 mmHg in group A and from39.4±16.8to1.6±3in group B (p<0.0001). We observed early and late adverse events in both groups: early femoral vessel injury or thrombosis was more frequent in younger patients, as well as restenosis due to vessel growth requiring stent redilatations, often complicated by stent fractures. Data from long-term follow-up showed that, in younger patients, stress-related hypertension was more frequent.Conclusions. The procedure was immediately safe and effective in both groups. Pediatric patients must be accurately selected before stenting because they could probably need reinterventions and stents could impact on their future therapeutic perspectives.
Colonic Metastasis with Anemia Leading to a Diagnosis of Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jevremovic Vasa , Abboud Amer , Krauss Stuart
Published: January 2016

Metastasis occurs with 50% of lung carcinomas, most commonly to lymph nodes, adrenal glands, liver, bone, and brain. It is extremely rare for lung cancer to present with symptoms of a gastrointestinal metastasis and even more so pertaining to the colon. To the best of our knowledge, only 12 such cases have been reported in the literature. We describe a case of a 71-year-old female presenting with refractory iron deficiency anemia that was found to have a lesion in the transverse colon. Pathology revealed adenocarcinoma of the lung and a subsequent lung lesion was discovered in a retrograde fashion.
Imaging Findings of Plasmacytoma of Both Breasts as a Preceding Manifestation of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Park Young Mi
Published: January 2016

Breast plasmacytoma is an extremely rare tumor. It can occur as a primary isolated tumor or as an extramedullary manifestation in multiple myeloma. This report describes the unusual case of a primary extramedullary plasmacytoma that progressed to multiple myeloma within 15 months in a 35-year-old woman. The patient had been initially diagnosed with a primary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the epidural soft tissue at the cervical 6-thoracic 1 spine level and the stomach. The patient had received chemotherapy and the disease had been in remission. One year later, the disease recurred, affecting both breasts, right clavicle, and orbit. Three months later, the disease had progressed to multiple myeloma. I report this case, focusing on the findings of mammography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography of bilateral breast plasmacytoma, and provide a review of the literature.
Minilaparotomy Hysterectomy as a Suitable Choice of Hysterectomy for Large Myoma Uteri: Literature Review
Authors: Sato Kenichiro , Fukushima Yasuyoshi
Published: January 2016

The objective of this paper is to propose minilaparotomy hysterectomy as the suitable choice for large uterus on the basis of our experienced case of performed minilaparotomy hysterectomy to 4,500 g myoma uteri and review published cases about this clinical condition. We presented a 44-year-old woman (gravida 0, virgin) who consulted our hospital because of the chief complaints of abnormal genital bleeding and hypermenorrhea. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed that abdominal solid tumor reached over the navel. Her tumor was an indication of surgery; to do minilaparotomy hysterectomy with laparoscope was decided because her informed consent was obtained. A 6 cm transverse incision (Maylard incision) was made to the skin above the pubic hairline. At the end of surgery, the length of abdominal wound was 8.5 cm, operating time was 128 min, weight of resected myoma uteri was 4,500 g, and intraoperative blood loss was 895 mL. Blood transfusion was not done; postsurgical course was not a problem without anemia. We propose that a large uterine case in which it is difficult to perform vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy should be considered in order to select minilaparotomy hysterectomy up to around 5 kg weight of uterus, and the length of skin incision in minilaparotomy hysterectomy is necessarily <9 cm particularly in large uterus.
Albuterol Use in Children Hospitalized with Human Metapneumovirus Respiratory Infection
Authors: Rasmussen Lindsey K. , Schuette Jennifer , Spaeder Michael C.
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a paramyxovirus from the same subfamily as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and causes similar acute lower respiratory tract infection. Albuterol in the setting of acute RSV infection is controversial and has not yet been studied in HMPV. We sought to determine the frequency of albuterol use in HMPV infection and the association between albuterol administration and patient outcomes.Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study identifying all patients hospitalized in a tertiary care children’s hospital with laboratory-confirmed HMPV infection between January 2010 and December 2010.Results. There were 207 patients included in the study; 57% had a chronic medical condition. The median hospital length of stay was 3 days. Only 31% of patients in the study had a documented wheezing history, while 69% of patients received at least one albuterol treatment. There was no difference in length of stay between patients who received albuterol and those who did not.Conclusion. There is a high frequency of albuterol use in children hospitalized with HMPV infection. As with RSV, evidence may not support routine use of bronchodilators in patients with acute HMPV respiratory infection. Research involving additional patient outcomes and illness severity indicators would be useful in future studies.
Pneumatic Adaptive Absorber: Mathematical Modelling with Experimental Verification
Authors: Mikułowski Grzegorz , Wiszowaty Rafał
Published: January 2016

Many of mechanical energy absorbers utilized in engineering structures are hydraulic dampers, since they are simple and highly efficient and have favourable volume to load capacity ratio. However, there exist fields of applications where a threat of toxic contamination with the hydraulic fluid contents must be avoided, for example, food or pharmacy industries. A solution here can be a Pneumatic Adaptive Absorber (PAA), which is characterized by a high dissipation efficiency and an inactive medium. In order to properly analyse the characteristics of a PAA, an adequate mathematical model is required. This paper proposes a concept for mathematical modelling of a PAA with experimental verification. The PAA is considered as a piston-cylinder device with a controllable valve incorporated inside the piston. The objective of this paper is to describe a thermodynamic model of a double chamber cylinder with gas migration between the inner volumes of the device. The specific situation considered here is that the process cannot be defined as polytropic, characterized by constant in time thermodynamic coefficients. Instead, the coefficients of the proposed model are updated during the analysis. The results of the experimental research reveal that the proposed mathematical model is able to accurately reflect the physical behaviour of the fabricated demonstrator of the shock absorber.
Hydrophobic Coatings Composed by Cubic-Shaped CdO Nanoparticles Grown by a Novel and Simple Microwave Method
Authors: Rashidzadeh Mehrdad , Carbajal-Franco Guillermo , Tiburcio-Silver Arturo
Published: January 2016

Cube-shaped cadmium oxide (CdO) nanoparticles were deposited by a novel low cost microwave evaporation technique. High purity cadmium (Cd) flakes were placed in a microwave susceptor inside a commercial microwave oven. Metallic Cd was evaporated in less than 2 minutes and it was oxidized due to ambient oxygen. The CdO nanoparticles were deposited on a glass substrate placed few centimeters above the susceptor. The surfaces with nanoparticles were treated with a solution containing ethanol and phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES), and the hydrophobic properties of the as-synthesized and post-PTES-treated surfaces were studied. Morphological and structural information of the as-synthesized nanoparticles were investigated via SEM and XRD analysis. Contact angles (θC) for the as-synthesized CdO surfaces were about 112°, whereas, for ethanol/PTES-treated CdO nanoparticles surfaces, contact angles were improved to about 158°. Thus, ethanol/PTES-treated CdO nanoparticles obtained by this simple procedure showed superhydrophobicity properties of potential use in micro fluidic devices and some other applications in the future.
Azocasein Substrate for Determination of Proteolytic Activity: Reexamining a Traditional Method Using Bromelain Samples
Authors: Coêlho Diego F. , Saturnino Thais Peron , Fernandes Fernanda Freitas , Mazzola Priscila Gava , Silveira Edgar , Tambourgi Elias Basile
Published: January 2016

Given the importance of protease’s worldwide market, the determination of optimum conditions and the development of a standard protocol are critical during selection of a reliable method to determine its bioactivity. This paper uses quality control theory to validate a modified version of a method proposed by Charney and Tomarelli in 1947. The results obtained showed that using azocasein substrate bromelain had its optimum at 45°C and pH 9 (Glycine-NaOH 100 mM). We also quantified the limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantification (LoQ) in the above-mentioned optimum (0.072 and 0.494 mg·mL−1of azocasein, resp.) and a calibration curve that correlates optical density with the amount of substrate digested. In all analysed samples, we observed a significant decrease in response after storage (around 17%), which suggests its use must be immediately after preparation. Thus, the protocol presented in this paper offers a significant improvement, given that subjective definitions are commonly used in the literature and this simple mathematical approach makes it clear and concise.