bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Oxygen Therapy: Comparison of the German and British Guidelines
Authors: Magnet Friederike Sophie , Schwarz Sarah Bettina , Callegari Jens , Criée Carl-Peter , Storre Jan Hendrik , Windisch Wolfram
Published: February 2017

Background: The German guideline on long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) was published in 2008 by the German Respiratory Society (DGP), while the British Thoracic Society (BTS) published their most recent guideline in 2015. Objectives: The aim of the present article was to highlight the major areas of consensus and disagreement in the recently published BTS and DGP guidelines on LTOT. Methods: The BTS and DGP guidelines were directly compared in terms of congruencies and differences. A critical appraisal was then performed and authors' suggestions were provided. Results: The 2 guidelines are almost congruent in 2 major areas, namely, (1) the indication criteria for LTOT in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients at rest and (2) the recommended duration of LTOT over a 24-h period. However, 8 major areas in which the guidelines differ considerably were identified: (1) techniques for blood gas analysis; (2) timing of LTOT in stable patients; (3) LTOT in post-exacerbation COPD patients; (4) ambulatory oxygen therapy; (5) nocturnal oxygen therapy; (6) titration of oxygen flow rates; (7) follow-up visits; and (8) LTOT for patients who still smoke. Furthermore, the BTS guideline is much more detailed, includes more references (161 vs. 71) and is more up to date than the DGP guideline. Conclusion: There are major differences between the 2 guidelines. Many of the aspects raised by the BTS guideline appear to be reasonable with regard to the current literature, clinical experience and prescription practices. However, an international consensus on LTOT is lacking.
Camel Whey Protein Protects B and T Cells from Apoptosis by Suppressing Activating Transcription Factor-3 (ATF-3)-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Enhancing Phosphorylation of AKT and IκB-α in Type I Diabetic Mice
Authors: Badr Gamal , Sayed Leila H. , Omar Hossam El-Din M. , Abd El-Rahim Ali M. , Ahmed Emad A. , Mahmoud Mohamed H.
Published: February 2017

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with severe immune system complications. Camel whey protein (CWP) decreases free radicals (ROS) and modulates immune functions, but its effect on DM-impaired immune systems has not been studied. We investigated the impact of CWP on the immune system in a Type 1 diabetes mouse model. Methods: Three experimental groups were used: (1) non-diabetic control; (2) diabetic; and (3) CWP-treated diabetic mice. Results: Induction of diabetes by streptozotocin was associated with reduction of body weight and insulin level, increase in glucose level and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and reduction in IL-2 and IL-4 levels. Upregulated ATF-3 expression was followed by a marked elevation in ROS levels. Lymphocytes from diabetic mice exhibited increased apoptosis through decreased phosphorylation of AKT and IκB-α, increased infiltration of T cells in the spleen and thymus, and decreased B cell numbers in the spleen. Supplementation with CWP decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, ROS, and ATF-3 expression, and increased the levels of IL-4. Treatment with CWP decreased apoptosis by enhancing the phosphorylation of AKT and IκB-α as well as T-cell and B-cell distribution in the spleen and thymus. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the beneficial effects of CWP supplementation during diabetes on decreasing and orchestrating the redox status and subsequently rescuing the immune cells from exhaustion.
Autonomic Dysregulation, Cognitive Impairment, and Symptoms of Psychosis as an Unusual Presentation in an Anti-Aquaporin 4-Positive Patient
Authors: Ruiter Annabel M. , Meilof Jan F. , Somanje-Bolweg Rosemarijn R.J. , van Gorsel Erik , Kalkers Nynke F.
Published: February 2017

We present the unusual case of a patient with an aquaporin 4 antibody-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder who presented with autonomic dysregulation, cognitive impairment, and symptoms of psychosis. Only a few previous cases have been described with similar psychiatric symptoms. Brain MRI showed an abnormal hyperintense T2 signal of the hypothalamus and, to a lesser extent, a minor hyperintense signal of the right optic nerve. Her symptoms and MR abnormalities improved after high-dose methylprednisolone.
Post-Operative Cluster Headache Following Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Dirkx Thijs H.T. , Koehler Peter J.
Published: February 2017

Background: Secondary cluster headache following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a rare condition and may help us understand the pathophysiology of primary cluster headache. Summary: We describe 2 patients diagnosed with cluster headache, fulfilling the ICHD-IIIB criteria, following CEA. Neither of the patients had headache prior to surgery. They both responded to treatment with oxygen and verapamil. Recent medical literature does not describe any definite cases of cluster headache following CEA. Cluster-like headache has been reported in several studies in the 1990s. Recent studies in primary cluster headache patients show evidence for a central origin of cluster headache in which no peripheral drive seems necessary. Key Messages: Our findings may provide more insight into the pathophysiology and show how a peripheral cause may lead to cluster headache. We hypothesize a role of the trigemino-autonomic reflex. Damage to the carotid artery may activate this reflex and trigger cluster headache. Injury to the internal carotid artery may unleash attacks in patients who are predisposed to develop cluster headache. Further study on the subject is needed to resolve this issue.
Yellow Pattern 577-nm Micropulse Laser: Treatment of Macular Edema from Radiation Retinopathy – A Case Report
Authors: Wong James G. , Nguyen Trang T.H.
Published: February 2017

We report a case of a 60-year-old Asian male who developed radiation retinopathy 23 years after initial radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and was successfully treated with yellow pattern 577-nm micropulse laser. Secondary macular edema and visual acuity improved following a single treatment session with minimal scarring. Yellow pattern micropulse laser is a safe and effective treatment for macular edema secondary to radiation retinopathy.
Serum-Derived Hyaluronan-Associated Protein Is a Novel Biomarker for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoshiharu , Noda Hisatsugu , Okaniwa Noriko , Adachi Kazunori , Shinmura Tetsuya , Nakagawa Shoko , Ebi Masahide , Ogasawara Naotaka , Funaki Yasushi , Zhuo Lisheng , Kimata Koji , Sasaki Makoto , Kasugai Kunio
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims: We evaluated the role of serum-derived hyaluronan-associated protein (SHAP) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis and its potential as a novel IBD biomarker. Methods: We studied the SHAP expression in a mouse model of colitis and in human intestinal samples of IBD and compared serum concentrations with normal controls. Results: SHAP was expressed in the connective tissue derived from inflamed regions of the intestine. In mice, serum levels of SHAP-hyaluronic acid (SHAP-HA) were positively correlated with the histological damage of the colon (r = 0.566, p < 0.001). Serum concentration of SHAP-HA complex was significantly higher in patients with active ulcerative colitis than in those in remission, and this value was positively correlated with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and endoscopic damage (r = 0.568, p < 0.001; r = 0.521, p < 0.001, and r = 0.641, p < 0.001). In patients with Crohn's disease, the serum SHAP-HA level correlated only with TNF-α (r = 0.630, p = 0.002). Conclusion: SHAP is a novel IBD biomarker that is related to disease activity in certain types of colitis, and it may affect disease pathogenesis. Future studies are needed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this complex.
Prognostic Factors Associated with Preoperative Clinicophysiological Outcomes of Distal Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Suzuki Shuji , Kajiyama Hideki , Shimoda Mitsugi , Shimazaki Jiro , Koike Nobusada , Harada Nobuhiko
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims: Although biliary tract cancer is generally associated with a high mortality rate, patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma have better prognoses, compared to those with periampullary cancer. This study aimed to determine the preoperative clinicophysiological factors predictive of survival and recurrence in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: Forty-five patients (34 men) with distal cholangiocarcinoma who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2005 and 2013 were examined retrospectively at our center and associated hospitals. Clinicophysiological parameters included predictors of overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated and compared using log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard multivariate analyses were performed. Results: The mean patient age was 68.8 years (range 54-81 years). Patients had a median OS duration of 43 months, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of 91.1, 61.1, and 40.4%, respectively. Univariate analyses indicated that the body mass index, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and carcinoembryonic antigen level were independent prognostic factors for OS; however, only the CRP level remained an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis. Conclusions: A CRP level <0.3 mg/dL was predictive of a better outcome among patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma.
Adenovirus Vector Harboring the HBcAg and Tripeptidyl Peptidase II Genes Induces Potent Cellular Immune Responses In Vivo
Authors: Tan Quanhui , Ma Siyuan , Hu Jianjun , Chen Xiaohua , Yu Yongsheng , Tang Zhenghao  , Zang Guoqin
Published: February 2017

Background: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is associated with a weak but specific cellular immune response of the host to HBV. Tripeptidyl peptidaseⅡ (TPPⅡ), an intracellular macromolecule and proteolytic enzyme, plays an important complementary and compensatory role for the proteasome during viral protein degradation and major histocompatibility complex class I antigen presentation by inducing a specific cellular immune response in vivo. Based on a previous study, we aimed to explore the role of MHC class I antigen presentation in vivo and the mechanisms that may be involved. Methods: In this study, recombinant adenoviral vectors harboring the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and the TPPII gene were constructed (Adv-HBcAg and Adv-HBcAg-TPPII), and H-2Kd HBV-transgenic BALB/c mice and HLA-A2 C57BL/6 mice were immunized with these vectors, respectively. We evaluated the specific immune responses induced by Adv-HBcAg-TPPII in the HBV transgenic BALB/c mice and HLA-A2 C57BL/6 mice as well as the anti-viral ability of HBV transgenic mice, and we explored the underlying mechanisms. Results: We found that immunization with Adv-HBcAg-TPPII induced the secretion of the cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as the activities of IFN-γ-secreting CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells. In addition, HBcAg-specific CTL activity in C57/BL mice and HBV transgenic animals was significantly enhanced in the Adv-HBcAg-TPPII group. Furthermore, Adv-HBcAg-TPPII decreased the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA levels and the amount of HBsAg and HBcAg in liver tissues. Moreover, Adv-HBcAg-TPPII enhanced the expression of T-box transcription factor (T-bet) and downregulated GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) while increasing the expression levels of JAK2, STAT1, STAT4 and Tyk2. Conclusions: These results suggested that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway participates in the CTL response that is mediated by the adenoviral vector encoding TPPII. Adv-HBcAg-TPPII could therefore break immune tolerance and stimulate HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity and could have a good therapeutic effect in transgenic mice.
Spontaneous Splenic Infarcts in a Cirrhotic Patient with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Nehme Fredy , Rowe Kyle , Haris Ahmad , Nassif Imad
Published: February 2017

Spontaneous splenic infarction has been rarely reported as a complication of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. We describe the case of a 67-year-old female with past medical history of primary biliary cirrhosis presenting for a 1-day history of left upper quadrant pain. Investigations were in favor of splenic infarcts secondary to portal hypertension. The patient improved with conservative management and no recurrence was noted on further follow-up. Splenic infarction must be kept in mind when a patient with cirrhosis presents with left upper quadrant abdominal pain without a clear source.
A Change in Ocular Circulation after Photocoagulation for Retinopathy of Prematurity in a Neonate
Authors: Matsumoto Tadashi , Itokawa Takashi , Shiba Tomoaki , Hine Kotaro , Hori Yuichi
Published: February 2017

Background: The dilation of veins and tortuosity of arteries that occur in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are improved by therapy, and thus posttherapy changes in ocular circulation are also conceivable. We report a case of ROP in which we were able to measure the ocular circulation before and after photocoagulation therapy, using a laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) system that is modified for neonates. Case Report: A female infant was born at 25 weeks’ gestation with a birth weight of 808 g. We performed photocoagulation in both eyes at age 15 weeks, and we measured the ocular circulation with the “LSFG-baby” system before and at 12 weeks after the photocoagulation treatment. We also measured the mean blur rate (MBR) in the optic nerve head (ONH) and the relative flow volume (RFV) in the retinal vessels, and we examined the change rates from before to after treatment. The changing rate of the MBR-A (the mean of all values) in the ONH in the right and left eyes was 76.5 and 98.5%, respectively. The vascular RFV in the severe dilation and tortuosity quadrant also tended to decrease. Conclusions: Photocoagulation improved the dilation of veins and tortuosity of arteries and reduced the ocular blood flow in this neonate with ROP. The LSFG-baby system effectively and directly revealed the optic nerve and retinal blood vessels.
MiR-29b Downregulation Induces Phenotypic Modulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Implication for Intracranial Aneurysm Formation and Progression to Rupture
Authors: Sun Liqian , Zhao Manman , Zhang Jingbo , Lv Ming , Li Youxiang , Yang Xinjian , Liu Aihua , Wu Zhongxue
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims: Our previous microarray results identified numerous microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-29b, that were differentially expressed in the serum of intracranial aneurysm (IA) patients. The current study aimed to investigate whether miR-29b downregulation in IA could promote the phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) involved in the pathogenesis of aneurysm by activating ATG14-mediated autophagy. Methods: First, the levels of miR-29b and autophagy related genes (ATGs) between IA patients and normal subjects were compared. Next, we modified the level of miR-29b via lentivirus particles in the VSMCs and examined the effects of miR-29b on proliferation, migration, and phenotypic modulation of VSMCs from a contractile phenotype to a synthetic phenotype, as well as the levels of autophagy. Finally, the binding of miR-29b to the 3’UTR of ATG14 mRNA and its effects on ATG14 expression were analysed by a luciferase reporter assay and Western blot, respectively. Results: The level of miR-29b was decreased, and autophagy markers were increased in the IA patients compared to that of the normal subjects. Knockdown of miR-29b significantly promoted VSMCs proliferation and migration and, more importantly, induced the phenotypic modulation associated with autophagy activation, whereas miR-29b overexpression showed the opposite effects. The luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that ATG14 was a functional target gene of miR-29b. Notably, knockdown of ATG14 by siRNA apparently abrogated miR-29b inhibition-mediated phenotypic modulation. Conclusion: Downregulation of miR-29b induced VSMCs phenotypic modulation by directly activating ATG14-mediated autophagy, which is associated with the formation, growth and rupture of IAs.
SIRT1 Regulates the Inflammatory Response of Vascular Adventitial Fibroblasts through Autophagy and Related Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Wei-Rong , Li Ting-Ting , Jing Ting , Li Yan-Xiang , Yang Xiao-Feng , He Yan-Hao , Zhang Wei , Lin Rong , Zhang Ji-Ye
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims: Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that is essential for cellular survival, differentiation, and homeostasis. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a NAD+-dependent deacetylase, plays a pivotal role in modulation of autophagy. Recent studies found that autophagy was involved in the regulation of inflammatory response. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of SIRT1 on autophagy and inflammation, and whether autophagy can regulate the inflammatory response in vascular adventitial fibroblasts (VAFs). Methods: Cell autophagy was evaluated by fluorescence microscope and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of protein and mRNA were determined by Western blot analysis and real time-PCR. The production of cytokine was detected by ELISA. Results: TNF-α induced autophagy and increased SIRT1 expression in VAFs. SIRT1 activator resveratrol enhanced TNF-α-induced VAF autophagy. In contrast, SIRT1 knockdown attenuated VAF autophagy. Both the Akt inhibitor MK2206 and mTOR inhibitor rapamycin further increased TNF-α-induced VAF autophagy. Furthermore, SIRT1 knockdown increased Akt phosphorylation and inhibited the autophagy in VAFs. However, MK2206 attenuated the effect of SIRT1 knockdown on VAF autophagy. In addition, ingenuity pathway analysis showed that there is a relationship between cell autophagy and inflammation. We found that SIRT1 knockdown increased the expression of NLRP3 and interleukin (IL)-6 and promoted the production of IL-1β in VAFs. Further study showed that autophagy activation decreased the expression of NLRP3 and IL-6 and inhibited the production of IL-1β, whereas autophagy inhibition increased the inflammatory response of VAFs. More importantly, our study showed that autophagy was involved in the degradation of NLRP3 through the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Conclusion: SIRT1 not only regulates VAF autophagy through the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway but also suppresses the inflammatory response of VAFs through autophagy.
The Novel Long Noncoding RNA TUSC7 Inhibits Proliferation by Sponging MiR-211 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xu Jian , Zhang Rui , Zhao Jian
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims: The novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) tumor suppressor candidate 7 (TUSC7) has been reported as a potential tumor suppressor, while the functional role of TUSC7 is still unknown in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we characterized TUSC7 expression profile in CRC patients and investigated its biological function and potential molecular mechanism. Methods: RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, cell counter kit-8 assay, cell cycle assay, EdU assay, and western blot were performed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 18.0 software and p value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In a cohort of CRC patients, we found TUSC7 was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues (P < 0.01). Patients with high expression of TUSC7 had better survival than those with low expression of TUSC7 (HR = 0.342, 95% CI: 0.120-0.972, P = 0.044). Cell count kit 8 and EdU assays showed that ectopic expression of TUSC7 in HCT116 and SW480 cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation rate. After silence of TUSC7 with small interfering RNA, cell proliferation rate increased. Flow cytometry analyses revealed cycles were arrested at G1 phase after TUSC7 overexpression. We found there were 2 binding sites of miR-211-3p within the sequence of TUSC7 and TUSC7 expression level was negatively correlated with miR-211-3p. TUSC7 overexpression increased the expression level of CDK6, which is a downstream target of miR-211-3p, in both RNA and protein level. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay indicated that TUSC7 could sponge miR-211-3p. Conclusion: To summary, we demonstrated that TUSC7 is a potential tumor suppressor in CRC, and TUSC7 could inhibit CRC cell proliferation by completely sponging miR-211-3p.
Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Reduces Podocyte Adhesion via Downregulation of α3β1 Integrin
Authors: He Ping , Liu Dajun , Zhang Beiru , Zhou Guangyu , Su Xuesong , Wang Yanqiu , Li Detian , Yang Xu
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) is characterized by a reduced number of podocytes due to apoptosis and shedding from the basement membrane. However, the pathological mechanism of HBV-GN is unclear. We previously showed that hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) promotes apoptosis in tubular epithelial cells. In this study, we transfected podocytes with HBx and examined the effects on adhesion and apoptosis of these cells. Methods: Podocytes were transfected with pc-DNA3.1 (+)-HBx. One control group was not transfected and another control group was transfected with empty plasmids. Podocyte adhesion was assessed by a fluorescence assay, apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, and expression of α3β1 integrin was determined by western blotting and the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Activity of caspase-8 was measured by a spectrophotometric assay. Results: Relative to controls, podocytes with pc-DNA3.1(+)-HBx had reduced cell adhesion, increased apoptosis, reduced expression of α3β1 integrin, and increased caspase-8 activity. β1 integrin blockage reduced podocyte adhesion, but increased apoptosis and caspase-8 activity. Treatment of transfected podocytes with a caspase-8 inhibitor (Z-IETD-FMK) had no effect on the HBx-mediated integrin downregulation and reduced podocyte adhesion, suggesting that α3β1 integrin downregulaton is sufficient to alter cell adhesion. Conclusions: Our in vitro results indicate that HBx reduced podocyte adhesion and expression of α3β1 integrin, and increased apoptosis. Moreover, HBx-mediated downregulation of α3β1 integrin expression is sufficient to reduce podocyte adhesion. HBx-induced apoptosis of podocytes may contribute to HBV-GN.
Olive Oil-Supplemented Lipid Emulsion Induces CELF1 Expression and Promotes Apoptosis in Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Yan Jun-Kai , Zhu Jie , Gong Zi-Zhen , Wen Jie , Xiao Yong-Tao , Cai Wei , Zhang Tian
Published: February 2017

Background and Aims: Parenterally-administered lipid emulsion (LE) is a key cause of enterocyte apoptosis under total parenteral nutrition, yet the pathogenesis has not been fully understood. CUGBP, Elav-like family member 1 (CELF1) has been recently identified as a crucial modulator of apoptosis, and thus this study sought to investigate its role in the LE-induced apoptosis in vitro. Methods: Caco-2 cells were used as an in vitro model. The cells were treated with varying LEs derived from soybean oil, olive oil or fish oil, and changes in the apoptosis and CELF1 expression were assessed. Rescue study was performed using transient knockdown of CELF1 with specific siRNA prior to LE treatment. Regulation of CELF1 by LE treatment was studied using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. Results: All the LEs up-regulated CELF1expression and induced apoptosis, but only olive oil-supplemented lipid emulsion (OOLE)-induced apoptosis was attenuated by depletion of CELF1. Up-regulation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was involved in OOLE-induced CELF1 dependent apoptosis. The protein expression of CELF1 was up-regulated by OOLE in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but the mRNA expression of CELF1 was unchanged. Analysis by polysomal profiling and nascent protein synthesis revealed that the regulation of CELF1 by OOLE treatment was mediated by directly accelerating its protein translation. Conclusion: OOLE-induces apoptosis in Caco-2 cells partially through up-regulation of CELF1.
Hyper-Elongation in Colorectal Cancer Tissue – Cerotic Acid is a Potential Novel Serum Metabolic Marker of Colorectal Malignancies
Authors: Mika Adriana , Kobiela Jaroslaw , Czumaj Aleksandra , Chmielewski Michał , Stepnowski Piotr , Sledzinski Tomasz
Published: February 2017

Backgrounds/Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells show some alterations of lipid metabolism. Elongation of fatty acids (FA) has not been studied in CRC tissues thus far. The aim of this study was to verify if CRC specimens and normal colon mucosa differ in terms of their levels of very long-chain FAs, a product of FA elongation. Moreover, the expression of elongase genes has been studied in normal tissue and CRC. Finally, we searched for some specific products of FA elongation in serum of CRC patients. Methods: The specimens of normal colon mucosa and CRC were obtained from nineteen CRC patients differ in terms of FA elongation. We also searched for some specific products of FA elongation in serum of CRC patients and from healthy volunteers. Tissue and serum FA profiles were determined by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and the tissue expression of elongases (ELOVLs) was analyzed with real-time PCR. Results: Compared to normal colon tissue, CRC specimens showed significantly higher levels of 22-, 24- and 26-carbon FAs, stronger expressions of ELOVL1 and ELOVL6 (4- and 9-fold elevated respectively), and higher values of 18: 0/16: 0 elongation index. We also demonstrated presence of cerotic acid (26: 0) in serum of all CRC patients but in none of the healthy controls. Conclusions: CRC tissue seems to be characterized by enhanced FA elongation (hyper-elongation). Presence of cerotic acid in CRC patients sera and absence of this FA in healthy subjects points to this compound as a strong candidate for specific metabolic marker of colorectal malignancies.
Sensorless Control of a Fault Tolerant PMSM Drives in Case of Single-phase Open Circuit Fault
Authors: Saleh Kamel , Sumner Mark
Published: February 2017

This paper introduces a sensorless-speed-controlled PMSM motor fed by a four-leg inverter in case of a single phase open circuit fault regardless in which phase is the fault. To minimize the system performance degradation due to a single phase open circuit fault, a fault tolerant control strategy that includes taking appropriate actions to control the two remaining healthy currents is used in addition to use the fourth leg of the inverter.  Tracking the saliency is done through measuring the dynamic current responses of the healthy phases of the PMSM motor due the IGBT switching actions using the fundamental PWM method without introducing any modification to the operation of the fourth leg of the inverter. Simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy for sensorless controlling of a PMSM motor driven by a fault-tolerant four-phase inverter over a wide speed ranges under the case of a single phase open circuit.
Advance Technology in Application of Four Leg Inverters to UPQC
Authors: Rami Reddy K. Venkata , Gowri Manohar T. , Chandra Sekhar B.
Published: February 2017

This article presents a novel application of four leg inverter with conventional Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) Scheme to Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC). The Power Quality problem became burning issues since the starting of high voltage AC transmission system. Hence, in this article it has been discussed to mitigate the PQ issues in high voltage AC systems through a three phase Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) under various conditions, such as harmonic mitigation scheme, non linear loads, sag and swell conditions as well. Also, it proposes to control harmoincs with various artificial intelligent techniques. Thus application of these control technique such as Artifical Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic makes the system performance in par with the standards and also compared with existing system. The simulation results based on MATLAB/SIMULINKTM are discussed in detail to support the concept developed in the paper.
Inter-area Oscillation Damping using an STATCOM based Hybrid Shunt Compensation Scheme
Authors: Farzam Vahid , Mokhtarpour Ahad
Published: February 2017

FACTS devices are one of the latest technologies which have been used to improve power system dynamic and stability during recent years. However, widespread adoption of this technology has been hampered by high cost and reliability concerns. In this paper an economical phase imbalanced shunt reactive compensation concept has been introduced and its ability for power system dynamic enhancement and inter-area oscillation damping are investigated. A hybrid phase imbalanced scheme is a shunt capacitive compensation scheme, where two phases are compensated by fixed shunt capacitor (C) and the third phase is compensated by a Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) in shunt with a fixed capacitor (CC). The power system dynamic stability enhancement would be achieved by adding a conventional Wide Area Damping Controller (WADC) to the main control loop of the single phase STATCOM. Two different control methodologies are proposed: a non-optimized conventional damping controller and a conventional damping controller with optomised parameters that are added to the main control loop of the unbalanced compensator in order to damp the inter area oscillations. The proposed arrangement would, certainly, be economically attractive when compared with a full three-phase STATCOM. The proposed scheme is prosperously applied in a 13-bus six-machine test system and various case studies are conducted to demonstrate its ability in damping inter-area oscillations and power system dynamic enhancement.
Battery-equivalent DC Supply from Leakage Current: PV to Transformer-less Inverter Topology
Authors: Khan M. N. H. , Ahmad K. J. , Zahan M. S. , Hasan M. N.
Published: February 2017

Solar panels are highly used for electricity generation, which can be gotten through switching-based transformer-less inverters. Hence, grid system with no galvanic-isolation, is taking the peak level in the world, which is effective and delivers power with enhanced efficiency. The PV generation presented here is for stand-alone system installed in remote areas on when and as the resulting power gets connected to electronic load installation instead of being tied to the grid. In this paper will be discussed the use of leakage current. Transformer-less inverter topology for exploring the issue of common mode (CMV) voltage development, which can be utilized as a Battery-Equivalent DC Supply after adding on places as when found suitable for such installations.
Single-phase Multilevel Inverter with Simpler Basic Unit Cells for Photovoltaic Power Generation
Authors: Chye M. S. , Soo J. A. , Tan Y. C. , Aizuddin M. , Lee S. , Faddle M. , Ong S. L. , Sutikno T. , Leong J. H.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a single-phase multilevel inverter (MLI) with simpler basic unit cells. The proposed MLI is able to operate in two modes, i.e. charge mode to charge the batteries, and inverter mode to supply AC power to load, and therefore, it is inherently suitable for photovoltaic (PV) power generation applications. The proposed MLI requires lower number of power MOSFETs and gate driver units, which will translate into higher cost saving and better system reliability. The power MOSFETs in the basic unit cells and H-bridge module are switched at near fundamental frequency, i.e. 100 Hz and 50 Hz, respectively, resulting in lower switching losses. For low total harmonic distortion (THD) operation, a deep scanning method is employed to calculate the switching angles of the MLI. The lowest THD obtained is 8.91% at modulation index of 0.82. The performance of the proposed MLI (9-level) has been simulated and evaluated experimentally. The simulation and experimental results are in good agreement and this confirms that the proposed MLI is able to produce an AC output voltage with low THD.
Electric Power Converter with a Wide Input Voltage Range
Authors: Khokhlov Konstantin , Khokhlov Georgy , Ishchenko Aleksey , Cherepanov Alexander , Naronov Alexander
Published: February 2017

The electric power converter for downhole telemetry systems of oil-well pumps include a downhole block connected to the pump that contains electronic circuits required for the operation of the motor pump sensors and transmission of data about their condition to the surface are described. A few methods of electric power conversion for this purpose are considered. The circuit contained two steps of voltage converting are proposed. The electrical scheme of this method is presented in the article. Proposed method is simulated and verified experimentally. The input high supply voltage range (200-4200 V) without loss of efficiency (even temporary) was obtained. The results of simulation and experimental studies have shown very close results.
Enhanced Crowbar Protection for Fault Ride through Capability of Wind Generation Systems
Authors: Kalyani V. Mohana , Roselyn J. Preetha , Nithya C. , Devaraj D.
Published: February 2017

Due to increasing demand in power, the integration of renewable sources like wind generation into power system is gaining much importance nowadays. The heavy penetration of wind power into the power system leads to many integration issues mainly due to the intermittent nature of the wind and the desirability for variable speed operation of the generators. As the wind power generation depends on the wind speed, its integration into the grid has noticeable influence on the system stability and becomes an important issue especially when a fault occurs on the grid. The protective disconnection of a large amount of wind power during a fault will be an unacceptable consequence and threatens the power system stability. With the increasing use of wind turbines employing Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) technology, it becomes a necessity to investigate their behavior during grid faults and support them with fault ride through capability. This paper presents the modeling and simulation of a doubly fed induction generator according to grid code compatibility driven by a wind turbine connected to the grid. This paper analyses the voltage sag due to a three-phase fault in the wind connected grid. A control strategy including a crowbar circuit has been developed in MATLAB/SIMULINK to bypass the rotor over currents during grid fault to enhance the fault ride through capability and to maintain system stability. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies in DFIG based grid connected wind turbine system.
Modeling and State Feedback Controller Design of Tubular Linear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Komijani Hossein , Kazraji Saeed Masoumi , Baneshi Ehsan , Lariche Milad Janghorban
Published: February 2017

In this paper a state feedback controller for tubular linear permanent magnet synchronous motor (TLPMSM) containing two gas springs, is presented. The proposed TLPMSM controller is used to control reciprocating motions of TLPMSM. The analytical plant model of TLPMSM is a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system which is decoupled to some sub single-input single-output (SISO) systems, then, the sub SISO systems are converted to sub-state space models. Indeed, the TLPMSM state space model is decoupled to some sub-state spaces, and then, the gains of state feedback are calculated by linear quadratic regulation (LQR) method for each sub-state space separately. The controller decreases the distortions of the waveforms. The simulation results indicate the validity of the controller.
Infarcted Myocardium-Primed Dendritic Cells Improve Remodeling and Cardiac Function After Myocardial Infarction by Modulating the Regulatory T Cell and Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Choo Eun Ho , Lee Jun-Ho , Park Eun-Hye , Park Hyo Eun , Jung Nam-Chul , Kim Tae-Hoon , Koh Yoon-Seok , Kim Eunmin , Seung Ki-Bae , Park Cheongsoo , Hong Kwan-Soo , Kang Kwonyoon , Song Jie-Young , Seo Han Geuk , Lim Dae-Seog , Chang Kiyuk
Published: February 2017

Background:

Inflammatory responses play a critical role in left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) can modulate immune responses, inducing regulatory T cells in a number of inflammatory diseases.

Methods:

We generated tDCs by treating bone marrow–derived dendritic cells with tumor necrosis factor-α and cardiac lysate from MI mice. We injected MI mice, induced by a ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in C57BL/6 mice, twice with tDCs within 24 hours and at 7 days after the ligation.

Results:

In vivo cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and ex vivo histology confirmed the beneficial effect on postinfarct left ventricular remodeling in MI mice treated with tDCs. Subcutaneously administered infarct lysate–primed tDCs near the inguinal lymph node migrated to the regional lymph node and induced infarct tissue–specific regulatory T-cell populations in the inguinal and mediastinal lymph nodes, spleen, and infarcted myocardium, indicating that a local injection of tDCs induces a systemic activation of MI-specific regulatory T cells. These events elicited an inflammatory-to-reparative macrophage shift. The altered immune environment in the infarcted heart resulted in a better wound remodeling, preserved left ventricular systolic function after myocardial tissue damage, and improved survival.

Conclusions:

This study showed that tDC therapy in a preclinical model of MI was potentially translatable into an antiremodeling therapy for ischemic tissue repair.
Safety and Efficacy of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Patients With Severe Carotid Artery Stenosis Before Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Zhao Wenbo , Meng Ran , Ma Chun , Hou Baojun , Jiao Liqun , Zhu Fengshui , Wu Weijuan , Shi Jingfei , Duan Yunxia , Zhang Renling , Zhang Jing , Sun Yongxin , Zhang Hongqi , Ling Feng , Wang Yuping , Feng Wuwei , Ding Yuchuan , Ovbiagele Bruce , Ji Xunming
Published: February 2017

Background:

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) can inhibit recurrent ischemic events effectively in patients with acute or chronic cerebral ischemia. However, it is still unclear whether RIPC can impede ischemic injury after carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis.

Methods:

Subjects with severe carotid artery stenosis were recruited in this randomized controlled study, and assigned to RIPC, sham, and no intervention (control) groups. All subjects received standard medical therapy. Subjects in the RIPC and sham groups underwent RIPC and sham RIPC twice daily, respectively, for 2 weeks before CAS. Plasma neuron-specific enolase and S-100B were used to evaluate safety, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, and new ischemic diffusion-weighted imaging lesions were used to determine treatment efficacy. The primary outcomes were the presence of ≥1 newly ischemic brain lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging within 48 hours after stenting and clinical events within 6 months after stenting.

Results:

We randomly assigned 189 subjects in this study (63 subjects in each group). Both RIPC and sham RIPC procedures were well tolerated and completed with high compliance (98.41% and 95.24%, respectively). Neither plasma neuron-specific enolase levels nor S-100B levels changed significantly before and after treatment. No severe adverse event was attributed to RIPC and sham RIPC procedures. The incidence of new diffusion-weighted imaging lesions in the RIPC group (15.87%) was significantly lower than in the sham group (36.51%; relative risk, 0.44; 96% confidence interval, 0.20–0.91;
P
<0.01) and the control group (41.27%; relative risk, 0.39; 96% confidence interval, 0.21–0.82;
P
<0.01). The volumes of lesions were smaller in the RIPC group than in the control and sham groups (
P
<0.01 each). Ischemic events that occurred after CAS were 1 transient ischemic attack in the RIPC group, 2 strokes in the control group, and 2 strokes and 1 transient ischemic attack in the sham group, but these results were not significantly different among the 3 groups (
P
=0.597).

Conclusions:

RIPC is safe in patients undergoing CAS, which may be able to decrease ischemic brain injury secondary to CAS. However, the mechanisms and effects of RIPC on clinical outcomes in this cohort of patients need further investigation.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01654666
Age-Specific Trends in Incidence, Mortality, and Comorbidities of Heart Failure in Denmark, 1995 to 2012
Authors: Christiansen Mia N. , Køber Lars , Weeke Peter , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Jeppesen Jørgen L. , Smith J. Gustav , Gislason Gunnar H. , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Andersson Charlotte
Published: February 2017

Background:

The cumulative burden and importance of cardiovascular risk factors have changed over the past decades. Specifically, obesity rates have increased among younger people, whereas cardiovascular health has improved in the elderly. Little is known regarding how these changes have impacted the incidence and the mortality rates of heart failure. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the age-specific trends in the incidence and 1-year mortality rates following a first-time diagnosis of heart failure in Denmark between 1995 and 2012.

Methods:

We included all Danish individuals >18 years of age with a first-time in-hospital diagnosis of heart failure. Data were collected from 3 nationwide Danish registries. Annual incidence rates of heart failure and 1-year standardized mortality rates were calculated under the assumption of a Poisson distribution.

Results:

We identified 210 430 individuals with a first-time diagnosis of heart failure between 1995 and 2012; the annual incidence rates per 10 000 person-years declined among older individuals (rates in 1995 versus 2012: 164 versus 115 in individuals >74 years, 63 versus 35 in individuals 65–74 years, and 20 versus 17 in individuals 55–64 years;
P
<0.0001 for all) but increased among the younger (0.4 versus 0.7 in individuals 18–34 years, 1.3 versus 2.0 in individuals 35–44 years, and 5.0 versus 6.4 in individuals 45–54 years;
P
<0.0001 for all). The proportion of patients with incident heart failure ≤50 years of age doubled from 3% in 1995 to 6% in 2012 (
P
<0.0001). Sex- and age-adjusted incidence rate ratios for 2012 versus 1996 were 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.71;
P
<0.0001) among people >50 years of age, and 1.52 (95% confidence interval, 1.33–1.73;
P
<0.0001) among individuals ≤50 years of age; it remained essentially unchanged on additional adjustment for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. Standardized 1-year mortality rates declined for middle-aged patients with heart failure but remained constant for younger (<45 years) and elderly (≥65 years) patients. The prevalence of comorbidities (including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation) increased, especially in younger patients with heart failure.

Conclusions:

Over the past 2 decades, the incidence of heart failure in Denmark declined among older individuals (>50 years), but increased among younger (≤50 years) individuals. These observations may portend a rising burden of heart failure in the community.
Serum
N

1

‐Methylnicotinamide is Associated With Coronary Artery Disease in Chinese Patients
Authors: Liu Ming , Chu Jihong , Gu Yang , Shi Haibo , Zhang Rusheng , Wang Lingzhun , Chen Jiandong , Shen Le , Yu Peng , Chen Xiaohu , Ju Wenzheng , Wang Zhenxing
Published: February 2017

Background

We previously reported that serum
N

1

‐methylnicotinamide (me‐Nam), an indicator of nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase activity, is associated with obesity and diabetes mellitus in Chinese patients. However, whether nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase plays a role in human coronary artery disease (
CAD
) remains to be elucidated. We aim to investigate the associations of serum me‐Nam with
CAD
in Chinese patients.

Methods and Results

Serum me‐
NAM
was measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry in patients with (n=230) or without (n=103)
CAD
as defined by coronary angiography. The severity of
CAD
was expressed by number of diseased coronary arteries. Serum me‐Nam was higher (7.65 ng/
mL
versus 4.95 ng/
mL
,
P
<0.001) in patients with
CAD
than in those without. Serum me‐Nam was positively correlated with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and negatively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein before and after adjustment for potential confounding variables (
P
≤0.002). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, compared with those in the lowest tertile of serum me‐
NAM
levels, patients in the top tertile had the highest risks for
CAD
(odds ratio, 4.21; 95%
CI
, 1.97–8.97 [
P
<0.001]). After adjustment for potential confounding variables, serum me‐
NAM
was also increased from 0‐ to 3‐vessel disease (
P
for trend=0.01).

Conclusions

Serum me‐Nam is strongly associated with presence and severity of
CAD
, suggesting nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase as a potential target for treating atherosclerosis in humans.
Mild Hypokalemia and Supraventricular Ectopy Increases the Risk of Stroke in Community-Dwelling Subjects
Authors: Mattsson Nick , Kumarathurai Preman , Larsen Bjørn Strøier , Nielsen Olav Wendelboe , Sajadieh Ahmad
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is independently associated with the common conditions of hypokalemia and supraventricular ectopy, and we hypothesize that the combination of excessive supraventricular ectopic activity and hypokalemia has a synergistic impact on the prognosis in terms of stroke in the general population.

Methods—

Subjects (55–75 years old) from the Copenhagen Holter Study cohort (N=671) with no history of atrial fibrillation or stroke were studied—including baseline values of potassium and ambulatory 48-hour Holter monitoring. Excessive supraventricular ectopic activity is defined as ≥30 premature atrial complexes per hour or any episodes of runs of ≥20. Hypokalemia was defined as plasma-potassium ≤3.6 mmol/L. The primary end point was ischemic stroke. Cox models were used.

Results—

Hypokalemia was mild (mean, 3.4 mmol/L; range, 2.7–3.6). Hypokalemic subjects were older (67.0±6.94 versus 64.0±6.66 years;
P
<0.0001) and more hypertensive (165.1±26.1 versus 154.6±23.5 mm Hg;
P
<0.0001). Median follow-up time was 14.4 years (Q1–Q3, 9.4–14.7 years). The incidence of stroke was significantly higher in the hypokalemic group (hazard ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–3.28) after covariate adjustments, as well as in a competing risk analysis with death (hazard ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–2.04). Excessive supraventricular ectopic activity was also associated with stroke (hazard ratio, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–3.76). The combination of hypokalemia and excessive supraventricular ectopic activity increased the risk of events synergistically. Stroke rate was 93 per 1000 patient-year (
P
<0.0001) in this group (n=17) compared with 6.9 (n=480); 11 (n=81), and 13 (n=93) per 1000 patient-year in the groups without the combination.

Conclusions—

The combination of hypokalemia and excessive supraventricular ectopy carries a poor prognosis in terms of stroke.
Coprophilous ascomycetes with passive ascospore liberation from Brazil
Authors: MELO ROGER FAGNER RIBEIRO , MAIA LEONOR COSTA , MILLER ANDREW NICHOLAS
Published: February 2017

Ascomycetes with passive ascospore liberation fruiting on herbivore dung are discussed. A total of 270 samples of cattle, goat and horse dung were collected for 20 months along an edaphic and climatic gradient from the Atlantic Forest complex to the semi-arid Caatinga complex in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Thirteen species were identified and described. Lophotrichus bartlettii and Kernia nitida were the most frequently recorded species. Corynascus sepedonium, Leuconeurospora pulcherrima, Melanospora damnosa, M. zamiae, Mycoarachis inversa, Zopfiella erostrata and Zopfiella longicaudata are reported for the first time in Brazil. Descriptions, a photographic plate and an identification key to the studied species, along with a table with key characters of the most common genera of coprophilous ascomycetes with passive ascospore liberation are provided.