bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic approach for type 1 diabetes mellitus using the novel immunomodulator FTY720 (fingolimod) in combination with once‐daily injection of insulin glargine in non‐obese diabetic mice
Authors: Tsuji Takumi , Inoue Mariko , Yoshida Yuya , Fujita Tetsuro , Kaino Yukikazu , Kohno Takeyuki
Published: September 2011

Aims/Introduction:  The therapeutic effectiveness against type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) of the novel immunomodulator FTY720 (fingolimod), alone and in combination with insulin glargine, was examined in the non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model.

Materials and Methods:  Female NOD mice that had developed DM spontaneously were divided into four groups: (i) an FTY720 (0.1 mg/kg, p.o., twice weekly)‐treated group; (ii) an insulin glargine (1.0 IU, s.c., once daily)‐treated group; (iii) a combination FTY720 + insulin glargine (0.1–1.0 IU, s.c., once daily)‐treated group; and (iv) a placebo (vehicle)‐treated group. Treatment was initiated at the time of onset of DM and continued for 70 days or until death. The therapeutic efficacy of FTY720, insulin glargine and FTY720 + insulin glargine was evaluated by measuring the ratio of insulin‐positive β‐cells/total islet area, the extent of islet inflammation (insulitis score), blood glucose levels, and serum C‐peptide levels.

Results:  Therapeutic administration of FTY720 to NOD mice with hyperglycemia (i.e. overt DM) significantly prolonged survival (P < 0.05 vs placebo). In the placebo group, all mice died within 63 days on the onset of DM; in contrast, 45% of FTY720‐treated mice survived during the observation period (up to 70 days after the onset of DM). Therapeutic administration of FTY720 in combination with insulin glargine to NOD mice with hyperglycemia further improved survival (P < 0.05) compared with either FTY720 or insulin glargine alone (i.e. 85% of FTY720 + insulin glargine‐treated mice survived to the end of the observation period). The efficacy of FTY720 in combination with insulin glargine was confirmed by histochemical, immunohistochemical and endocrinologic observations.

Conclusions:  Combination therapy with FTY720 plus insulin glargine is a promising candidate for the treatment of DM and may allow for a reduction in the frequency of insulin self‐injections. (J Diabetes Invest, doi:10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00160.x, 2011)
Association between insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome risk factors in Japanese
Authors: Yamada Chizumi , Moriyama Kengo , Takahashi Eiko
Published: September 2011

Aims/Introduction:  It is important to identify individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), namely those with insulin resistance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to find anthropometric and metabolic parameters that can better predict insulin resistance.

Subjects and Methods:  We selected 3899 individuals (2058 men and 1841 women), excluding those with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dL, on medication for hypertension, dyslipidemia or diabetes, and those with a history of advanced macrovascular disease. Using multivariate analyses, we selected components for obesity, lipids, and blood pressure based on the strength of their association with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR).

Results:  In multiple linear regression analysis, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglycerides (TG), high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (HDL‐C), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were selected in men and women, and the effect of BMI on HOMA‐IR outweighed that of WC. In multiple logistic regression analysis, BMI, TG, and SBP were significantly associated with HOMA‐IR ≥2.5 in both genders, but WC and HDL‐C were only selected in men. Combinations of BMI, TG, SBP, and FPG showed higher HOMA‐IR values than those of the existing MetS components, considered useful for the identification of individual with higher insulin resistance.

Conclusions:  Body mass index, TG and SBP were selected as components significantly related to insulin resistance. The selected components were fundamentally adherent to the existing MetS criteria, the only difference being the measure of obesity, in which a stronger association with insulin resistance was observed for BMI than WC. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00162.x, 2011)
Musculoskeletal disease and injury, now and in the future. Part 1: Fractures and fatalities
Authors: CLEGG P. D.
Published: September 2011

Orthopaedic injury is common in the racing Thoroughbred and is a cause of both economic loss to the industry, as well as being an obvious welfare issue. Fatal injuries sustained during racing are an obvious major concern and it is important that all is done to reduce their frequency. As a consequence of the importance of these causes of horse morbidity and mortality, the Horserace Betting Levy Board in the UK has invested considerable resources into research in recent years in this area in an attempt to decrease the frequency of such injuries. This review summarises current knowledge relating to epidemiological investigations relating to fractures, falling and fatalities in the racing Thoroughbred. Studies identify the importance of track surface conditions, the importance of pre‐existing orthopaedic pathology, as well as issues relating to the horse's past training and racing experience as important determinants of both injury and death. Such findings can now be used to develop interventions to reduce racehorse injury and death for the benefit of both the industry and the horse.
A cost-consequences analysis of an adherence focused pharmacist-led medication review service
Authors: Desborough James A , Sach Tracey , Bhattacharya Debi , Holland Richard C , Wright David J
Published: September 2011

Objectives

The aim of this project was to conduct an economic evaluation of the Norfolk Medicines Support Service (NMSS), a pharmacist-led medication review service for patients identified in primary care as non-adherent.

Methods

The cost-consequences analysis was based on a before and after evaluation of the NMSS. Participants completed a self-reported adherence and health-related quality of life questionnaire prior to the review, at 6 weeks and 6 months. Service provision, prescribing and secondary care costs were considered and the mean cost before and after the intervention was calculated.

Key findings

One-hundred and seventeen patients were included in the evaluation. The mean cost per patient of prescribing and hospital admissions in the 6 months prior to the intervention was £2190 and in the 6 months after intervention £1883. This equates to a mean cost saving of £307 per patient (parametric 95% confidence interval: £1269 to £655). The intervention reduced emergency hospital admissions and increased medication adherence but no significant change in health-related quality of life was observed.

Conclusion

The costs of providing this medication review service were offset by the reduction in emergency hospital admissions and savings in medication cost, assuming the findings of the evaluation were real and the regression to the mean phenomenon was not involved. This cost-consequences approach provides a transparent descriptive summary for decision-makers to use as the basis for resource allocation decisions.
Integrating Cancer Control into Global Health
Authors: Varmus Harold , Trimble Edward L.
Published: September 2011

The newly formed Center for Global Health at the National Cancer Institute seeks to control cancer in the world’s poorest countries.
A Sweet Success for Diabetes Research
Authors: Evans-Molina Carmella
Published: September 2011

A functional human pancreatic β cell line has been created using human fetal tissue and lentiviral technology.
Good Ideas Come in Small Packages
Authors: Hong David S.
Published: September 2011

A microRNA may provide the key to improving early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and predicting treatment outcome.
Sticky Electronics
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: September 2011

A flexible, miniature electronic device can be attached to the skin—just like a temporary tattoo—for sensing physiological signals.
Stress-Induced Loss of Heterozygosity in
Candida
: a Possible Missing Link in the Ability to Evolve
Authors: Rosenberg Susan M.
Published: September 2011

Diploid organisms are buffered against the effects of mutations by carrying two sets of each gene, which allows compensation if one is mutated. But recombination between “mom” and “dad” chromosomes causes loss of heterozygosity (LOH), stretches of “mom-only” or “dad-only” DNA sequence, suddenly revealing effects of mutations accumulated in entire chromosome arms. LOH creates new phenotypes from old mutations, drives cancer development and evolution, and, in a new study by Forche et al., is shown to be induced by stress in
Candida albicans
[Forche A, et al,
mBio
2(4):e00129-11, 2011]. Stress-induced LOH could speed evolution of
Candida
specifically when it is poorly adapted to its environment. Moreover, the findings may provide a missing link between recombination-dependent mutagenesis in bacteria and yeast, suggesting that both might be stress induced, both maximizing genetic variation when populations could benefit most from diversity.
A Gastric Pathogen Moves Chemotaxis in a New Direction
Authors: Sweeney Emily Goers , Guillemin Karen
Published: September 2011

For almost 50 years,
Escherichia coli
has been the model for understanding how bacteria orient their movement in response to chemical cues, but recent studies of chemotaxis in other bacteria have revealed interesting variations from prevailing paradigms. Investigating the human pathogen
Helicobacter pylori
, Amieva and colleagues [mBio 2(4):e00098-11, 2011] discovered a new chemotaxis regulator, ChePep, which modulates swimming behavior through the canonical histidine-aspartate phosphorelay system. Functionally conserved among the epsilonproteobacteria, ChePep is essential for
H. pylori
to navigate deep into the stomach’s gastric glands and may be an attractive target for novel antibiotics.
Children's and young people's experience of the National Health Service in England: a review of national surveys 2001–2011
Authors: Hargreaves Dougal S , Viner Russell M
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To investigate what data are available on the National Health Service (NHS) experience of children and young people (0–24 years), and how their experience compares with that of older patients.

Design and data selection

Review of 38 national surveys undertaken or planned between 2001 and 2011, identified by the Department of Health (2010). Detailed analysis performed on the most recent completed surveys covering primary, inpatient and emergency care, and children's services.

Results

Patients under 16 were included in 1/38 national surveys, comprising <0.6% of over 10 million respondents. The majority of young people aged 16–24 reported a positive experience of NHS care. However, satisfaction was lower than in older adults. 80.7% of 16–24 year olds reported good emergency department care, compared with 89.2% of older adults (Emergency Department Survey 2008, N=49 646, OR=0.51, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.55, p<0.001). In the Inpatient Survey 2009, 86.5% of 16–24 year olds reported good care, compared with 92.7% of older adults, (N=69 348, OR=0.51, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.57, p< 0.001). Satisfaction with primary care was reported by 83% of 18–24 year olds, compared with 90% of older adults (GP Patient Survey 2009–10 (N=2 169 718, OR=0.52, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.53, p<0.001). Young people also reported a poorer experience than older adults for their perceived involvement in care, having confidence and trust in their doctor and being treated with respect and dignity.

Conclusions

Despite the current focus on services for young people and the importance of patients' views in improving services, the voice of under 16s is not included in most national surveys. Despite high levels of overall satisfaction, young adults report a poorer experience of care than older adults.
Specification and other methods for determining morally relevant facts
Authors: Rauprich Oliver
Published: September 2011

Specification is an integral part of Tom L Beauchamp and James F Childress' principlist approach to biomedical ethics. At the same time, the authors give much space conceding to critics that the method has significant limits. Although their pointing to limitations is not unreasonable as such, the emphasis Beauchamp and Childress put on them does not serve countering the critics' view that specification is insufficient for its intended purpose in applied ethics. This paper defends specification against Carson Strong's critique, showing that his casuistic approach shares strong structural and functional similarities with specification. It concludes with the more general point that specification or some closely related method for determining morally relevant facts of concrete cases and issues is indispensable for any account of applied ethics. Beauchamp and Childress should endorse and defend specification more vigorously than they appear to do.
Evaluation of cerebral artery perforators and the pipeline embolization device using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Lopes Demetrius Klee , Johnson Andrew Kelly
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high resolution imaging of tissue; this technology has been validated using intra-arterial catheters in the evaluation of arterial anatomy, pathology and treatments. The perforating cerebral arteries and intracranial stents have not been previously visualized with an OCT catheter.

Methods

Using a standard transfemoral endovascular technique, a LightLab C7 Dragonfly catheter was inserted in the middle and posterior cerebral arteries of a fresh frozen cadaver. OCT images of the cerebral vessels and a deployed Pipeline Embolization Device were acquired using the LightLab C7-XR OCT Intravascular Imaging System.

Results

Distal cerebral artery access with the imaging catheter was feasible via the femoral artery using a distal access catheter instead of the standard monorail system used in coronary investigations. Imaging of perforators and stent struts had exceptional resolution.

Conclusion

The first use of a commercial OCT catheter in the evaluation of intracranial vessels using transfemoral endovascular techniques is described. Challenges of intracranial OCT include blood clearance and vessel tortuosity. This technology may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular disease in the future.
WEIGHTED NAÏVE BAYES FOR TEXT CLASSIFICATION USING POSITIVE TERM-CLASS DEPENDENCY
Authors: LI YANJUN , LUO CONGNAN , CHUNG SOON M.
Published: September 2011

Naïve Bayes is a simple and efficient classification algorithm which performs well on text classification, which is also known as text categorization. Many researches have been done to improve the performance of the naïve Bayes classifier by weighting the correlated terms, in order to relax the strong assumption of independence between terms. In this paper, we first introduce a new χ2 statistical data, denoted by Rw,c, which can measure positive term-class dependency accurately, and then propose a new weighted naïve Bayes classifier using Rw,c at the training phase. Experimental results with real data sets show that our weighted naïve Bayes classifier has much better performance than the basic naïve Bayes classifier in most cases.
Inhibition of apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter as a novel treatment for diabetes
Authors: Chen Lihong , Yao Xiaozhou , Young Andrew , McNulty Judi , Anderson Don , Liu Yaping , Nystrom Christopher , Croom Dallas , Ross Sean , Collins Jon , Rajpal Deepak , Hamlet Kimberly , Smith Chari , Gedulin Bronislava
Published: September 2011

Bile acids are recognized as metabolic modulators. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effects of a potent Asbt inhibitor (264W94), which blocks intestinal absorption of bile acids, on glucose homeostasis in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. Oral administration of 264W94 for two wk increased fecal bile acid concentrations and elevated non-fasting plasma total Glp-1. Treatment of 264W94 significantly decreased HbA1c and glucose, and prevented the drop of insulin levels typical of ZDF rats in a dose-dependent manner. An oral glucose tolerance test revealed up to two-fold increase in plasma total Glp-1 and three-fold increase in insulin in 264W94 treated ZDF rats at doses sufficient to achieve glycemic control. Tissue mRNA analysis indicated a decrease in farnesoid X receptor (Fxr) activation in small intestines and the liver but co-administration of a Fxr agonist (GW4064) did not attenuate 264W94 induced glucose lowering effects. In summary, our results demonstrate that inhibition of Asbt increases bile acids in the distal intestine, promotes Glp-1 release and may offer a new therapeutic strategy for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oil from the Peel of Chinese Torreya grandis Fort
Authors: Feng Tao , Cui Jian-jie , Xiao Zuo-bing , Tian Huai-xiang , Yi Feng-ping , Ma Xia
Published: September 2011

The composition of the peel essential oil of Torreya grandis fort obtained by cold pressing and steam distillation was determined by GC and GC/MS. 62 constituents accounting for 99.6% of the total pressed oil were identified while 59 compounds accounting for 99.4% of the steam distilled oil were identified. Limonene (35.6–37.1%), α-pinene (20.1–24.1%), and δ-carene (3.3–3.9) were the major constituents. Others include γ-carene (3.8-3.9%), germacrene D (2.5–2.9%), and β-farnesene (2.7-2.8%).
Biomedical Imaging Modality Classification Using Combined Visual Features and Textual Terms
Authors: Han Xian-Hua , Chen Yen-Wei
Published: September 2011

We describe an approach for the automatic modality classification in medical image retrieval task of the 2010 CLEF cross-language image retrieval campaign (ImageCLEF). This paper is focused on the process of feature extraction from medical images and fuses the different extracted visual features and textual feature for modality classification. To extract visual features from the images, we used histogram descriptor of edge, gray, or color intensity and block-based variation as global features and SIFT histogram as local feature. For textual feature of image representation, the binary histogram of some predefined vocabulary words from image captions is used. Then, we combine the different features using normalized kernel functions for SVM classification. Furthermore, for some easy misclassified modality pairs such as CT and MR or PET and NM modalities, a local classifier is used for distinguishing samples in the pair modality to improve performance. The proposed strategy is evaluated with the provided modality dataset by ImageCLEF 2010.
Metastatic Malignant Melanoma Mimicking Benign Breast Cysts
Authors: Lund-Iversen Marius , Håskjold Olav Inge , Dong Hiep Phuc , Berner Aasmund
Published: September 2011

Benign cysts are one of the most common mass-occupying lesions of the breast and are often investigated with triple diagnostic trial (clinical examination, radiology, and cytology). Malignant melanoma is one of medicine's imitators, and metastatic disease can mimic cysts. Thorough investigation of any breast mass is essential to clarify its nature.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Calf Muscle Localization
Authors: Bourdeanu Laura , Menon Rashmi , Somlo George
Published: September 2011

Although diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) usually occurs in the lymph nodes, approximately 30–40% of the time it can have an extranodal site of involvement and it can arise in nearly every body site such as intestine, bone, breast, liver, skin, lung, and central nervous system. Muscle involvement of DLBCL is especially uncommon, comprising 0.5% of extranodal NHL. We report a case of a 72-year-old man with extranodal DLBCL of a unique manifestation in the calf muscle, involving predominantly the gastrocnemius muscle. The patient achieved complete response and remained free of local recurrence or metastasis following diagnosis.
Stability of Admissible Functions
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: September 2011

By using the concept of the weak subordination, we examine the stability (a class of analytic functions in the unit disk is said to be stable if it is closed under weak subordination) for a class of admissible functions in complex Banach spaces. The stability
of analytic functions in the following classes is discussed: Bloch class, little Bloch class,
hyperbolic little Bloch class, extend Bloch class (Qp), and Hilbert Hardy class (H2).
A Tunable Wideband Frequency Synthesizer Using LC-VCO and Mixer for Reconfigurable Radio Transceivers
Authors: Ito Yusaku , Okada Kenichi , Masu Kazuya
Published: September 2011

This paper proposes a novel wideband LC-based voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) for multistandard transceivers. The proposed VCO has a core LC-VCO and a tuning-range extension circuit, which consists of switches, a mixer, dividers, and variable gain combiners with a spurious rejection technique. The experimental results exhibit 0.98 to 6.6 GHz continuous frequency tuning with −206 dBc/Hz of FoMT, which is fabricated by using a 0.18 μm CMOS process. The frequency tuning range (FTR) is 149%, and the chip area is 800 μm × 540 μm.
FeCr2O4 Nanoparticles as Anode Catalyst for Ethane Proton Conducting Fuel Cell Reactors to Coproduce Ethylene and Electricity
Authors: Li Jian-Hui , Fu Xian-Zhu , Zhou Gui-Hua , Luo Jing-Li , Chuang Karl T. , Sanger Alan R.
Published: September 2011

Ethylene and electrical power are cogenerated in fuel cell reactors with FeCr2O4 nanoparticles as anode catalyst, La0.7Sr0.3FeO3-δ (LSF) as cathode material, and BaCe0.7Zr0.1Y0.2O3-δ (BCZY) perovskite oxide as proton‐conducting ceramic electrolyte. FeCr2O4, BCZY and LSF are synthesized by a sol‐gel combustion method. The power density increases from 70 to 240 mW cm−2, and the ethylene yield increases from about 14.1% to 39.7% when the operating temperature of the proton‐conducting fuel cell reactor increases from 650 ∘C to 750 ∘C. The FeCr2O4 anode catalyst exhibits better catalytic performance than nanosized Cr2O3 anode catalyst.
Circuit Distortion Analysis Based on the Simplified Newton's Method
Authors: Gourary M. M. , Rusakov S. G. , Ulyanov S. L. , Zharov M. M. , Mulvaney B. J.
Published: September 2011

A new computational technique for distortion analysis of nonlinear circuits is presented. The new technique is applicable to the same class of circuits, namely, weakly nonlinear and time-varying circuits, as the periodic Volterra series. However, unlike the Volterra series, it does not require the computation of the second and third derivatives of device models. The new method is computationally efficient compared with a complete multitone nonlinear steady-state analysis such as harmonic balance. Moreover, the new technique naturally allows computing and characterizing the contributions of individual circuit components to the overall circuit distortion. This paper presents the theory of the new technique, a discussion of the numerical aspects, and numerical results.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Secondary to Chronic Constipation
Authors: Flageole Helene , Ouahed Jodie , Walton J. Mark , Yousef Yasmin
Published: September 2011

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as an elevated intraabdominal pressure with evidence of organ dysfunction. The majority of published reports of ACS are in neonates with abdominal wall defects and in adults following trauma or burns, but it is poorly described in children. We describe the unusual presentation of an 11-year-old boy with a long history of chronic constipation who developed acute ACS requiring resuscitative measures and emergent disimpaction. He presented with a 2-week history of increasing abdominal pain, nausea, diminished appetite and longstanding encopresis. On exam, he was emaciated with a massively distended abdomen with a palpable fecaloma. Abdominal XR confirmed these findings. Within 24 hours of presentation, he became tachycardic and oliguric with orthostatic hypotension. Following two enemas, he acutely deteriorated with severe hypotension, marked tachycardia, acute respiratory distress, and a declining mental status. Endotracheal intubation, fluid boluses, and vasopressors were commenced, followed by emergent surgical fecal disimpaction. This resulted in rapid improvement in vital signs. He has been thoroughly investigated and no other condition apart from functional constipation has been identified. Although ACS secondary to constipation is extremely unusual, this case illustrates the need to actively treat constipation and what can happen if it is not.
Oxidative Stress in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Shukla Varsha , Mishra Santosh K. , Pant Harish C.
Published: September 2011

It has been demonstrated that oxidative stress has a ubiquitous role in neurodegenerative diseases. Major source of oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) is related to mitochondria as an endogenous source. Although there is ample evidence from tissues of patients with neurodegenerative disorders of morphological, biochemical, and molecular abnormalities in mitochondria, it is still not very clear whether the oxidative stress itself contributes to the onset of neurodegeneration or it is part of the neurodegenerative process as secondary manifestation. This paper begins with an overview of how oxidative stress occurs, discussing various oxidants and antioxidants, and role of oxidative stress in diseases in general. It highlights the role of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The last part of the paper describes the role of oxidative stress causing deregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) hyperactivity associated with neurodegeneration.
Hemorrhagic Cystitis due to BK Reactivation in a Young Female Treated for Hodgkin-Disease
Authors: Le Calloch R. , Ianotto J. C. , Berthou C. , Tempescul A.
Published: September 2011

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a disease with a high rate of curability under classic chemo-radiotherapy regimes. Complications due to chemotherapy could include viral reactivation due to chronic lymphopenia. BK virus (BKV) is a polyoma virus belonging to the Papovaviridae family with antibody seroprevalences in healthy populations varying from 60% to 80%. Initial infections are asymptomatic usually occur in early childhood, after which the viruses remain latent in the kidneys or urothelium. Reactivation of BKV occurs in individuals with severe immunosuppression during HIV infections, transplantation or, exceptionally, after classical chemotherapy. BKV incidence is approximately 0% to 5% in immunocompetent individuals. Reactivation is associated with nephropathy and haemorrhagic cystitis. Herein, we present a case of a haemorrhagic cystitis due to BKV reactivation in a patient with Hodgkin's disease treated with chemotherapy.
Campylobacter fetusBacteremia Revealed by Cellulitis without Gastrointestinal Symptoms in the Context of Acquired Hypogammaglobulinemia: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Brah Souleymane , Chiche Laurent , Brun Marion , Schleinitz Nicolas , Harle Jean-Robert , Durand Jean-Marc
Published: September 2011

Campylobacter fetusbacteremia is rare and occurs mainly in patients with immunosuppression. This infection, which often involves secondary localizations has already been reported in some primary humoral immune deficiencies. We describe three cases of severe infection due toC. fetuswith cellulitis at presentation, but without any gastrointestinal symptoms, occurring in patients with acquired hypogammaglobulinemia.
Parameter Estimation of a Class One‐Dimensional Discrete Chaotic System
Authors: Liu Lidong , Hu Jinfeng , Li Huiyong , Li Jun , He Zishu , Han Chunlin
Published: September 2011

It is of vital importance to exactly estimate the unknown parameters of chaotic systems in chaos control and synchronization. In this paper, we present a method for estimating one‐dimensional discrete chaotic system based on mean value method (MVM). It is proposed by exploiting the ergodic and synchronization features of chaos. It can effectively estimate the parameter value, and it is more exact than MVM. Finally, numerical simulations on Chebyshev map and Tent map show that the proposed method has better performance of parameter estimation than MVM.
Preclinical Studies with Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Different Animal Models for Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Zucconi Eder , Vieira Natassia Moreira , Bueno Carlos Roberto , Secco Mariane , Jazedje Tatiana , Costa Valadares Marcos , Fussae Suzuki Miriam , Bartolini Paolo , Vainzof Mariz , Zatz Mayana
Published: September 2011

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been widely investigated for cell‐based therapy studies as an alternative source to bone marrow transplantation. Umbilical cord tissue is a rich source of MSCs with potential to derivate at least muscle, cartilage, fat, and bone cells in vitro. The possibility to replace the defective muscle cells using cell therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of progressive muscular dystrophies (PMDs), independently of the specific gene mutation. Therefore, preclinical studies in different models of muscular dystrophies are of utmost importance. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate if umbilical cord MSCs have the potential to reach and differentiate into muscle cells in vivo in two animal models of PMDs. In order to address this question we injected (1) human umbilical cord tissue (hUCT) MSCs into the caudal vein of SJL mice; (2) hUCT and canine umbilical cord vein (cUCV) MSCs intra‐arterially in GRMD dogs. Our results here reported support the safety of the procedure and indicate that the injected cells could engraft in the host muscle in both animal models but could not differentiate into muscle cells. These observations may provide important information aiming future therapy for muscular dystrophies.
Dexamethasone Prophylaxis in Pediatric Open Heart Surgery Is Associated with Increased Blood Long Pentraxin PTX3: Potential Clinical Implications
Authors: Lerzo Franco , Peri Giuseppe , Doni Andrea , Bocca Paola , Morandi Fabio , Pistorio Angela , Carleo Anna Maria , Mantovani Alberto , Pistoia Vito , Prigione Ignazia
Published: September 2011

Glucocorticoid administration before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can reduce the systemic inflammatory response and improve clinical outcome. Long pentraxin PTX3 is a novel inflammatory parameter that could play a protective cardiovascular role by regulating inflammation. Twenty-nine children undergoing open heart surgery were enrolled in the study. Fourteen received dexamethasone (1st dose 1.5 mg/Kg i.v. or i.m. the evening before surgery; 2nd dose 1.5 mg/kg i.v. before starting bypass) and fifteen children served as control. Blood PTX3, short pentraxin C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 receptor II (IL-1RII), fibrinogen and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) were assayed at different times. PTX3 levels significantly increased during CPB in dexamethasone-treated (+D) and dexamethasone-untreated (−D) subjects, but were significantly higher in +D than −D patients. CRP levels significantly increased both in +D and −D patients in the postoperative days, with values significantly higher in −D than +D patients. Fibrinogen and PTT values were significantly higher in −D than +D patients in the 1st postoperative day. IL-1RII plasma levels increased in the postoperative period in both groups. Dexamethasone prophylaxis in pediatric patients undergoing CPB for cardiac surgery is associated with a significant increase of blood PTX3 that could contribute to decreasing inflammatory parameters and improving patient clinical outcome.
Trigonometric Function Periodic Wave Solutions and Their Limit Forms for the KdV‐Like and the PC‐Like Equations
Authors: Zhengrong Liu , Tianpei Jiang , Peng Qin , Qinfeng Xu
Published: September 2011

We use the bifurcation method of dynamical systems to
study the periodic wave solutions and their limit forms for the KdV‐like equation ut + a(1 + bu)uux + uxxx = 0, and PC‐like equation vtt - vttxx - (a1v+a2v2+a3v3)xx=0, respectively. Via some special phase orbits, we obtain some new explicit periodic wave solutions which are called trigonometric function periodic wave solutions because they are expressed in terms of trigonometric functions. We also show that the trigonometric function periodic wave solutions can be obtained from the limits of elliptic function periodic wave solutions. It is very interesting that the two equations have similar periodic wave solutions. Our work extend previous some results.
Determination of the Burning Velocity Domain of a Statistically Stationary Turbulent Premixed Flame in Presence of Counter‐Gradient Transport
Authors: Sabel′nikov V. A. , Bruel P.
Published: September 2011

The present study aims at providing a complete picture of the various propagation scenarios that a statistically stationary turbulent premixed flame may possibly undergo. By explicitly splitting the scalar turbulent flux between its gradient and counter‐gradient contributions, the scalar governing equation is rewritten as an ordinary differential equation in the phase space. Then, an analysis of the characteristic equations in the vicinity of the reactants and products side is carried out. The domain of existence of the propagation velocity is then determined and positioned over the relevant Bray number range. It is shown in particular that when a counter‐gradient
transport at the cold leading edge of the flame is dominant, there still exists a possibility of observing a steady regime of propagation. This conclusion is compatible with recent experimental data and observations based on the analysis of direct numerical simulations.
Neoadjuvant Treatment in Rectal Cancer: Actual Status
Authors: Garajová Ingrid , Di Girolamo Stefania , de Rosa Francesco , Corbelli Jody , Agostini Valentina , Biasco Guido , Brandi Giovanni
Published: September 2011

Neoadjuvant (preoperative) concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has become a standard treatment of locally advanced rectal adenocarcinomas. The clinical stages II (cT3-4, N0, M0) and III (cT1-4, N+, M0) according to International Union Against Cancer (IUCC) are concerned. It can reduce tumor volume and subsequently lead to an increase in complete resections (R0 resections), shows less toxicity, and improves local control rate. The aim of this review is to summarize actual approaches, main problems, and discrepancies in the treatment of locally advanced rectal adenocarcinomas.
A Rare Fungal Infiltration of Lungs in a Healthy Young Girl
Authors: Gupta Rajesh , Goel Nidhi , Gupta Anupama , Gupta K. B. , Chaudhary Uma , Sood Sushma
Published: September 2011

Cunninghamella bertholletiaeis an opportunistic fungal organism found in soil and is a rare cause of human disease. The few reported cases ofC. bertholletiaehave involved immune compromised hosts. We report a case ofC. bertholletiaein an otherwise healthy patient presenting with persistent high-grade fever and pulmonary infiltration resistant to antibiotics. The organism is isolated through bronchoscopy and responded to broad spectrum antifungal. This is the first case ofC. bertholletiaereported in the literature in an immune competent individual.
An Iteration Method Generating Analytical Solutions for Blasius Problem
Authors: Yun Beong In
Published: September 2011

We derive a new iteration method for finding solution of the generalized Blasius problem. This method results in the analytical series solutions which are consistent with the existing series solutions for some special cases.
Total Vertex Irregularity Strength of the Disjoint Union of Sun Graphs
Authors: Slamin  , Dafik  , Winnona Wyse
Published: September 2011

A vertex irregular total -labeling of a graph with vertex
set and edge set is an assignment of positive integer labels
to both vertices and edges so that the weights calculated at vertices are
distinct. The total vertex irregularity strength of , denoted by is
the minimum value of the largest label over all such irregular assignment.
In this paper, we consider the total vertex irregularity strengths of disjoint
union of isomorphic sun graphs, , disjoint union of consecutive
nonisomorphic sun graphs, , and disjoint union of any two
nonisomorphic sun graphs .
Influence of Surface Biosolids Application on Infiltration
Authors: Zartman Richard E. , Moffet Corey A. , Wester David B. , Sosebee Ronald E. , Fish Ernest B. , Jaynes William F.
Published: September 2011

Biosolids from waste water treatment facilities applied to soils not only add plant nutrients, but also increase infiltration and decrease runoff and erosion. Wet biosolids from New York, NY, were surface applied at 0 to 90 Mg ha−1dry weight to soils near El Paso, Tex. Simulated rainfall intensities of 16.4 cm hr−1for 30 minutes applied to 0.5 m2soil plots yielded initial infiltration rates of ~16 cm hr−1for all plots. Biosolids applications extended the duration of the initially high infiltration rates. After 30 minutes, infiltration rates for bare soil were 3 cm hr−1without and 10 cm hr−1with 90 Mg biosolids ha−1. Applied biosolids, plant litter, surface gravel, and plant base contributed surface cover, which absorbed raindrop energy and reduced erosion. Biosolids increased cumulative infiltration on the vegetated, wet soils more than for the dry or bare soils. Biosolids increased cumulative infiltration from 2 to 6 cm on a bare gravelly soil and from 9.3 to 10.6 cm on a vegetated soil.
Antirheumatoid Arthritis Activities and Chemical Compositions of Phenolic Compounds-Rich Fraction fromUrtica atrichocaulis, an Endemic Plant to China
Authors: Wang Mengyue , Li Ke , Nie Yuxiao , Wei Yingfang , Li Xiaobo
Published: September 2011

Urtica atrichocaulis, an endemic plant to China, is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis even though its pharmaceutical activities and chemical constituents were not studied. Herein, we reported our investigations on the chemical compositions of the phenolic compounds-rich fraction fromU. atrichocaulis(TFUA) and their antirheumatoid arthritis activities. We found that the TFUA significantly inhibited the adjuvant-induced rats arthritis, carrageenin-induced rats paw edema, cotton pellet-induced mice granuloma, and the acetic acid-induced mice writhing response. Our phytochemical investigations on the TFUA resulted in the first-time isolation and identification of 17 phenolic constituents and a bis (5-formylfurfuryl) ether. The extensive HPLC analysis also revealed the chemical compositions of TFUA. Our further biological evaluation of the main phenolic components, individually and collectively, indicated that the antirheumatoid arthritis activities of TFUA were the combined effect of multiple phenolic constituents.
3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid, a Major Constituent of Brazilian Propolis, Increases TRAIL Expression and Extends the Lifetimes of Mice Infected with the Influenza A Virus
Authors: Takemura Tomoaki , Urushisaki Tomohiko , Fukuoka Mayuko , Hosokawa-Muto Junji , Hata Taketoshi , Okuda Yumiko , Hori Sachie , Tazawa Shigemi , Araki Yoko , Kuwata Kazuo
Published: September 2011

Brazilian green propolis water extract (PWE) and its chemical components, caffeoylquinic acids, such as 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,4-diCQA), act against the influenza A virus (IAV) without influencing the viral components. Here, we evaluated the anti-IAV activities of these compoundsin vivo. PWE or PEE (Brazilian green propolis ethanol extract) at a dose of 200 mg/kg was orally administered to Balb/c mice that had been inoculated with IAV strain A/WSN/33. The lifetimes of the PWE-treated mice were significantly extended compared to the untreated mice. Moreover, oral administration of 3,4-diCQA, a constituent of PWE, at a dose of 50 mg/kg had a stronger effect than PWE itself. We found that the amount of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) mRNA in the mice that were administered 3,4-diCQA was significantly increased compared to the control group, while H1N1 hemagglutinin (HA) mRNA was slightly decreased. These data indicate that PWE, PEE or 3,4-diCQA possesses a novel and unique mechanism of anti-influenza viral activity, that is, enhancing viral clearance by increasing TRAIL.
Chemoprevention of Breast Cancer by Fish Oil in Preclinical Models: Trials and Tribulations
Authors: Signori Carina , El-Bayoumy Karam , Russo Jose , Thompson Henry J. , Richie John P. , Hartman Terryl J. , Manni Andrea
Published: September 2011

Despite the perception that omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) protect against breast cancer, epidemiologic studies have yielded inconsistent results. Although preclinical data have been, in general, more supportive of a protective effect of n-3 FA on breast cancer, inconsistencies still remain, which preclude definite conclusions or in-depth mechanistic investigations despite 30 years of research in this area. In this review, we discuss key variables that may account for inconsistencies of results across preclinical studies and provide recommendations for future experiments testing the chemopreventive effect of n-3 FAs in breast cancer, as part of a multiagent approach under rigorously controlled conditions. Cancer Res; 71(19); 6091–6. ©2011 AACR.
Keystone Symposia 40th Season: MicroRNAs and Noncoding RNAs in Cancer
Authors: Wasik Kaja A. , Rebbeck Clare A.
Published: September 2011

This year's 40th season of Keystone symposia meetings was held in Banff, Alberta, Canada, on February 11–16 and sponsored by Astellas Pharma and Regulus Therapeutics. The meeting was organized by Gregory Hannon, Curtis Harris, and Martine Roussel and centered on microRNAs (miRNA), noncoding RNAs, and cancer. The meeting was grouped around the following topical areas: miRNA mechanisms, oncogenesis, immune response, angiogenesis and metastasis, cancer biomarkers, stem cells, and therapeutics. This report highlights findings and concepts presented during this meeting. Cancer Res; 71(19); 6102–5. ©2011 AACR.
BCL2 Predicts Survival in Germinal Center B-cell–like Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Treated with CHOP-like Therapy and Rituximab
Authors: Iqbal Javeed , Meyer Paul N. , Smith Lynette M. , Johnson Nathalie A. , Vose Julie M. , Greiner Timothy C. , Connors Joseph M. , Staudt Louis M. , Rimsza Lisa , Jaffe Elaine , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Delabie Jan , Campo Elias , Braziel Rita M. , Cook James R. , Tubbs Raymond R. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Armitage James O. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Chan Wing C.
Published: September 2011

Purpose: We have previously shown the prognostic significance of BCL2 expression in the activated B-cell–like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) patients treated with cyclophosphamide-Adriamycin-vincristine-prednisone (CHOP) or CHOP-like therapy. However, after the inclusion of rituximab (R) in the CHOP regimen, several conflicting observations about the prognostic value of BCL2 expression have been reported.

Experimental Design: We evaluated the R-CHOP cohort of 221 DLBCL cases with gene expression profiling data. BCL2 protein (n = 169), mRNA (n = 221) expression, and t(14;18) (n = 144) were correlated with clinical outcome. The CHOP cohort (n = 181) was used for comparative analysis.

Results: BCL2 protein expression has significant impact on overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in DLBCL (OS, P = 0.009; EFS, P = 0.001) and GCB-DLBCL (OS, P = 0.03; EFS, P = 0.002) but not in ABC-DLBCL in the R-CHOP cohort. The survival differences for EFS in GCB-DLBCL were still observed in multivariate analysis. At the mRNA level, this correlation was observed in EFS in DLBCL (P = 0.006), but only a trend was observed in GCB-DLBCL (P = 0.09). The t(14;18) was detected in 34% of GCB-DLBCL but was not associated with significant differences in survival. Gene enrichment analysis identified significant enrichment of the DLBCL “stromal-1” signatures and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1-α) signature in BCL2(−)GCB-DLBCL, whereas TFH cell signatures were enriched in BCL2(+)GCB-DLBCL.

Conclusion: The prognostic significance of BCL2 has changed after inclusion of rituximab in the treatment protocol and is observed in the GCB-DLBCL rather than the ABC-DLBCL. Although rituximab has benefited patients in both DLBCL subgroups, the BCL2(+)GCB-DLBCL seems to receive less benefit from this treatment and may require other novel therapeutic intervention. Clin Cancer Res; 17(24); 7785–95. ©2011 AACR.
Therapeutic Implications for the Induced Levels of Chk1 in Myc-Expressing Cancer Cells
Authors: Höglund Andreas , Nilsson Lisa M. , Muralidharan Somsundar Veppil , Hasvold Lisa A. , Merta Philip , Rudelius Martina , Nikolova Viktoriya , Keller Ulrich , Nilsson Jonas A.
Published: September 2011

Purpose: The transcription factor c-Myc (or “Myc”) is a master regulator of pathways driving cell growth and proliferation. MYC is deregulated in many human cancers, making its downstream target genes attractive candidates for drug development. We report the unexpected finding that B-cell lymphomas from mice and patients exhibit a striking correlation between high levels of Myc and checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1).

Experimental Design: By in vitro cell biology studies as well as preclinical studies using a genetically engineered mouse model, we evaluated the role of Chk1 in Myc-overexpressing cells.

Results: We show that Myc indirectly induces Chek1 transcript and protein expression, independently of DNA damage response proteins such as ATM and p53. Importantly, we show that inhibition of Chk1, by either RNA interference or a novel highly selective small molecule inhibitor, results in caspase-dependent apoptosis that affects Myc-overexpressing cells in both in vitro and in vivo mouse models of B-cell lymphoma.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that Chk1 inhibitors should be further evaluated as potential drugs against Myc-driven malignancies such as certain B-cell lymphoma/leukemia, neuroblastoma, and some breast and lung cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7067–79. ©2011 AACR.
GLIPR1 Tumor Suppressor Gene Expressed by Adenoviral Vector as Neoadjuvant Intraprostatic Injection for Localized Intermediate or High-Risk Prostate Cancer Preceding Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Sonpavde Guru , Thompson Timothy C. , Jain Rajul K. , Ayala Gustavo E. , Kurosaka Shinji , Edamura Kohei , Tabata Ken-ichi , Ren Chengzhen , Goltsov Alexei A. , Mims Martha P. , Hayes Teresa G. , Ittmann Michael M. , Wheeler Thomas M. , Gee Adrian , Miles Brian J. , Kadmon Dov
Published: September 2011

Background: GLIPR1 is upregulated by p53 in prostate cancer cells and has preclinical antitumor activity. A phase I clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and activity of the neoadjuvant intraprostatic injection of GLIPR1 expressing adenovirus for intermediate or high-risk localized prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods: Eligible men had localized prostate cancer (T1-T2c) with Gleason score greater than or equal to 7 or prostate-specific antigen 10 ng/mL or more and were candidates for RP. Patients received the adenoviral vector expressing the GLIPR1 gene by a single injection into the prostate followed four weeks later by RP. Six viral particle (vp) dose levels were evaluated: 1010, 5 × 1010, 1011, 5 × 1011, 1012, and 5 × 1012 vp.

Results: Nineteen patients with a median age of 64 years were recruited. Nine men had T1c, 4 had T2a, and 3 had T2b and T2c clinical stage. Toxicities included urinary tract infection (n = 3), flu-like syndrome (n = 3), fever (n = 1), dysuria (n = 1), and photophobia (n = 1). Laboratory toxicities were grade 1 elevated AST/ALT (n = 1) and elevations of PTT (n = 3, with 1 proven to be lupus anticoagulant). No pathologic complete remission was seen. Morphologic cytotoxic activity, induction of apoptosis, and nuclear p27Kip1 upregulation were observed. Peripheral blood CD8+, CD4+, and CD3+ T-lymphocytes were increased, with upregulation of their HLA-DR expression and elevations of serum IL-12.

Conclusions: The intraprostatic administration of GLIPR1 tumor suppressor gene expressed by an adenoviral vector was safe in men, with localized intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer preceding RP. Preliminary evidence of biologic antitumor activity and systemic immune response was documented. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7174–82. ©2011 AACR.