bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influenza Virus M2 Protein Ion Channel Activity Helps To Maintain Pandemic 2009 H1N1 Virus Hemagglutinin Fusion Competence during Transport to the Cell Surface
Authors: Alvarado-Facundo Esmeralda , Gao Yamei , Ribas-Aparicio Rosa María , Jiménez-Alberto Alicia , Weiss Carol D. , Wang Wei
Published: December 2014

The influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) envelope protein mediates virus entry by first binding to cell surface receptors and then fusing viral and endosomal membranes during endocytosis. Cleavage of the HA precursor (HA0) into a surface receptor-binding subunit (HA1) and a fusion-inducing transmembrane subunit (HA2) by host cell enzymes primes HA for fusion competence by repositioning the fusion peptide to the newly created N terminus of HA2. We previously reported that the influenza virus M2 protein enhances pandemic 2009 influenza A virus [(H1N1)pdm09] HA-pseudovirus infectivity, but the mechanism was unclear. In this study, using cell-cell fusion and HA-pseudovirus infectivity assays, we found that the ion channel function of M2 was required for enhancement of HA fusion and HA-pseudovirus infectivity. The M2 activity was needed only during HA biosynthesis, and proteolysis experiments indicated that M2 proton channel activity helped to protect (H1N1)pdm09 HA from premature conformational changes as it traversed low-pH compartments during transport to the cell surface. While M2 has previously been shown to protect avian influenza virus HA proteins of the H5 and H7 subtypes that have polybasic cleavage motifs, this study demonstrates that M2 can protect HA proteins from human H1N1 strains that lack a polybasic cleavage motif. This finding suggests that M2 proton channel activity may play a wider role in preserving HA fusion competence among a variety of HA subtypes, including HA proteins from emerging strains that may have reduced HA stability.

IMPORTANCEInfluenza virus infects cells when the hemagglutinin (HA) surface protein undergoes irreversible pH-induced conformational changes after the virus is taken into the cell by endocytosis. HA fusion competence is primed when host cell enzymes cleave the HA precursor. The proton channel function of influenza virus M2 protein has previously been shown to protect avian influenza virus HA proteins that contain a polybasic cleavage site from pH-induced conformational changes during biosynthesis, but this effect is less well understood for human influenza virus HA proteins that lack polybasic cleavage sites. Using assays that focus on HA entry and fusion, we found that the M2 protein also protects (H1N1)pdm09 influenza A virus HA from premature conformational changes as it transits low-pH compartments during biosynthesis. This work suggests that M2 may play a wider role in preserving HA function in a variety of influenza virus subtypes that infect humans and may be especially important for HA proteins that are less stable.
The clinical characteristics of patients with glaucoma presenting to Botswana healthcare facilities: an observational study
Authors: Jackson Daniel J , Razai Mohammad S , Falama Rosemary , Mongwa Matlhogonolo , Mutapanduwa Mishell , Baemisi Chao , Josiah Engelinah , Nkomazana Oathokwa , Lehasa Alice , Brealey Evelyn , White Andrew J , Jankowski Deborah , Kerr-Muir Malcolm G , Martin Keith R , Ngondi Jeremiah M
Published: December 2014

Objective

This study aimed to establish the clinical characteristics of patients with glaucoma attending eye care facilities in Botswana, and management of glaucoma among patients who received care in these facilities. The study also aimed to calculate the number of new diagnoses of glaucoma within the glaucoma service.

Design

A prospective, hospital-based, observational study.

Setting

A multicentre study was undertaken in government-run eye departments in Botswana from June to August 2012.

Participants

All patients with a diagnosis of glaucoma attending clinics at seven study sites were invited to participate.

Outcome measures

Examination findings, diagnosis and management were extracted from individual patient-held medical charts. Sociodemographic characteristics, patient knowledge and understanding of glaucoma were assessed through face-to-face interviews. In addition, details of outpatient attendances for 2011 were collected from 21 government-run hospitals.

Results

The majority of the 366 patients interviewed had a diagnosis of primary glaucoma (86.6%). The diagnoses were mainly made by ophthalmologists (48.6%) and ophthalmic nurses (44.0%). Many patients (38.5%) had been symptomatic for over 6 months before visiting an eye clinic. The mean presenting intraocular pressure was 28.2 mm Hg (SD 11.9 mm Hg). Most follow-up patients (79.2%) had not received surgery, however, many (89.5%) would accept surgery. Only 11.5% of participants had heard of glaucoma prior to diagnosis. Many participants (35.9%) did not understand glaucoma after being diagnosed. The majority (94.9%) of living first-degree relatives had never been examined. The number of newly diagnosed glaucoma cases for 2011 in the south of the country was 14.1/100 000; 95% CI (12.0 to 16.5), in the north it was 16.2/100 000; 95% CI (13.8 to 19.0).

Conclusions

Glaucoma is a significant burden that presents challenges to ophthalmic services in Botswana. Many patients have limited understanding of the condition and poor access to services. There is a need to develop a treatment infrastructure to include safe surgery and a reliable supply of effective medication.
The nonequilibrium quantum many-body problem as a paradigm for extreme data science
Authors: Freericks J. K. , Nikolić B. K. , Frieder O.
Published: December 2014

Generating big data pervades much of physics. But some problems, which we call extreme data problems, are too large to be treated within big data science. The nonequilibrium quantum many-body problem on a lattice is just such a problem, where the Hilbert space grows exponentially with system size and rapidly becomes too large to fit on any computer (and can be effectively thought of as an infinite-sized data set). Nevertheless, much progress has been made with computational methods on this problem, which serve as a paradigm for how one can approach and attack extreme data problems. In addition, viewing these physics problems from a computer-science perspective leads to new approaches that can be tried to solve more accurately and for longer times. We review a number of these different ideas here.
Integer Farkas Lemma
Authors: Chandrasekaran R.
Published: December 2014

Farkas type results are available for solutions to linear systems. These can also include restrictions such as nonnegative solutions or integer solutions. They show that the unsolvability can be reduced to a single constraint that is not solvable and this condition is implied by the original system. Such a result does not exist for integer solution to inequality system because a single inequality is always solvable in integers. But a single equation that does not have nonnegative integer solution exists. We present some cases when polynomial algorithms to find nonnegative integer solutions exist.
Theory and Computer Simulation of Quantum NEMS Energy Storage in Materials
Authors: Beznosyuk Serge A. , Zhukovsky Mark S. , Zhukovsky Tatyana M.
Published: December 2014

The theory of quantum relaxation of the nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) energy storage in materials is taken under consideration. By using the method of quantum NEMS kinetics (NK) the relaxation NEMS energy storage in the form of limited planes (100) Fe 172 cube in fcc iron crystal was studied. For comparison, the calculation a similar structure atomic cluster Fe 172 was carried out by the molecular dynamics method (MD) for temperature T = 293 K. Analysis of computer-related experiments have shown that the relaxation of the NEMS energy storage Fe 172 and the MD atomic cluster Fe 172 from an initial nonequilibrium state has significant differences both in the kinetics, and in a variety of structural transformations. It is shown that the iron MD cluster relaxation is insignificant and its final total binding energy per atom is 2 eV/at lower than the crystal one. The NK-method revealed that after relaxation there is a significant change in the shape and the pair radial distribution function of nuclei the NEMS energy storage. It significantly increases the binding energy up to 3.34 eV/at, which is only about 1 eV/at less than the binding energy of the crystalline iron. It is shown an opportunity to undergo a process of self-organization the NEMS energy storage through several intermediate metastable states. It is manifested that fluctuation rebuild the cube into a cuboid with a strong bending of the cube surfaces occurs at 20 ps of relaxation, and there is the second transformation being with trapezoid change of faces at 40 ps of relaxation process. This effect cardinally differentiates NK relaxation of the NEMS energy storage cube Fe 172 from MD relaxation of the atomic cluster Fe 172 in the crystalline iron.
Influence of a Short-Term Thermal Stress on the Performance and the Characteristics of Lithium Ion Cells
Authors: Bohn Pamina , Garnica Barragan Sergio , Komsiyska Lidiya , Wittstock Gunther
Published: December 2014

A new laboratory cell in two electrode arrangement has been developed for this study in order to perform in-situ short-term thermal stress tests on both electrodes. For this study commercially available LiCoO2 cathodes, graphite anodes and LP30 electrolyte has been used. A 60 seconds thermal stress with different temperatures ranging from 100 to 250 °C has been performed at the anode side after the cell formation and capacity tests. By comparison of the charge-discharge behavior of the cells before and after the thermal stress, capacity losses, increasing overvoltages and self-discharge have been observed as a function of the stress temperature. For detection of changes in the anode properties SEM, TGA and CT characterizations were used, and changes in the morphology and composition of the SEI layer were observed.
Analysis of Surface Deposit Formed on the Natural Graphite Negative Electrode in N, N-Diethyl-N-Methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl) Ammonium Bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) Amide Containing Lithium Ion
Authors: Ui Koichi , Karouji Tomohiro , Towada Jun , Shimada Kazuaki , Tsuda Tetsuya , Kadoma Yoshihiro
Published: December 2014

We investigated the charge-discharge characteristics of the natural graphite negative electrode in N, N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl) ammonium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) amide (DEME-TFSA) containing lithium ion as the electrolyte for non-flammable lithium-ion batteries. The charge-discharge tests showed that the discharge capacity was stably maintained at ca. 300 mAh g-1 until the initial 10th cycle and the charge-discharge efficiencies reached ca. 100% after the initial cycles. The FE-SEM / EDX mapping results showed that the surface deposit (O, F, and S) deriving from DEME-TFSA was formed during the 1st charge. The XPS analysis results indicated that the surface deposit would compose of LiF, O, and S. It was found that the LiF-based compound containing O and S as a surface deposit was formed on the natural graphite electrode due to the cathodic decomposition of the TFSA- anion as a side reaction during the 1st charge.
Comparative Study of the Properties of High Voltage Spinel Cathode Material Depending on the Method of Synthesis
Authors: Kazda Tomáš , Čech Ondřej , Vondrák Jiri , Straková Fedorková Andrea , Visintin Arnaldo , Čudek Pavel , Kašpárek Vít
Published: December 2014

The most widely used cathode materials for lithium-ion accumulators nowadays are based on LiCoO2, LiFePO4 or LiMnO4. These materials are supposed to be replaced by battery systems with new generation of cathode materials such as sulphur-based or high-voltage cathode materials in the future. This article is focused on the study of electrochemical properties of high voltage cathode material LiCr0.1Ni0.4Mn1.5O4 depending on the process of synthesis. The samples were prepared by solid state reaction method with the temperature as an independent variable where electrochemical charge/discharge capacity retention was observed during cycling and also during cycling at different C rate. The structure and thermal stability of the particles of the synthesized materials was also studied by SEM and TGA.
Intercalation of Lithium into Electrodeposited Microstructured Pb Layer
Authors: Kaválek Ondřej , Vondrák Jirí , Čudek Pavel
Published: December 2014

There were prepared lead electrode with electrochemical deposition. This electrode was used as cathode with LiCoO2 as anode in electrochemical cell. This measure simulated lithium-ion cell for studying intercalation of lithium.
Permittivity and Dynamic Viscosity Studies of Aprotic Solvents
Authors: Frk Martin , Máca Josef , Libich Jiri
Published: December 2014

Lithium ion batteries are commonly used around the world. In dependence on the batteries application it is possible to use them as stationary power sources, power mobile devices or as electro mobile propulsion. The batteries have to be safe in all conditions of use. That is the reason for do a research and innovation on materials which will increase the fire safety and lower the risk of burn or explosion. The main goal of this paper is to determine the influence of low flammable solvent dimethyl sulfone on permittivity with ethylene carbonate mixtures. The ethylene carbonate is the most used solvent for electrolytes in lithium ion batteries. In this work the relative permittivity, density and dynamic viscosity dependencies in temperature range 300 – 370 K are determined.
Comparative Study of Different Alkali (Na, Li) Titanate Substrates as Active Materials for Anodes of Lithium - Ion Batteries
Authors: Chauque Susana , Robledo Carla Belen , Leiva Ezequiel Pedro Marcos , Oliva Fabiana Yolanda , Cámara Osvaldo Raúl
Published: December 2014

The relationship between structure and lithium storage capacity of different titanate samples as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries is discussed. Li4Ti5O12, Na2Ti3O7 and Na2Ti6O13 were synthesized by solid-state reaction. The structure, surface and morphology of the samples were characterized by SEM, XRD and RAMAN spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance was studied by galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and rate capability. The lithium titanate presented the highest capacity of the three electrodes, together with the most reversible potential plateau at 1.6 V vs. Li+/Li0 and the best response in rate capability. Apparent diffusion coefficients of Li+ ions into the titanate matrices were obtained, showing the highest value for the lithium titanate compound. Between both sodium titanates, Na2Ti6O13 presented the highest specific capacity and the best discharge retention
Heat Transfer Fluids for Optimal Year-Round Operation of Solar Thermal Systems in Central Europe
Authors: Hylský Josef , Šimonová Lucie , Frk Martin , Šubarda Jiri , Kadlec Michal
Published: December 2014

In our work, we focused on the problems of heat transfer fluids, these systems are used commercially, and also to alternative heat transfer fluids, which could have the potential to succeed in solar thermal systems for optimal year-round operation. We focused on both the thermal and physical properties of these substances, and the environmental and economic aspects and all other important properties, such that the liquid should ideally have. All measurements and evaluation was conducted with a focus on Central Europe.
The Analysis of the Effect of Heat on Photovoltaic Cells in Thermophotovoltaic System
Authors: Šimonová Lucie , Kolář Jakub , Vyroubal Petr
Published: December 2014

In the following study, we therefore focused on how much the effect of temperature on thermophotovoltaic system for photovoltaic cells. Because the materials used in the manufacture of individual parts thermophotovoltaic system, they are usually very expensive, we performed a preliminary analysis of the effect of heat on the photovoltaic cells in thermophotovoltaic system.
Pulse Deposition of Zinc in Alkaline Electrolytes for Ni-Zn Secondary Batteries
Authors: Chladil Ladislav , Čudek Pavel , Novák Vitězslav , Dvořák Petr
Published: December 2014

Electrochemical deposition of Zn under the DC and various frequencies of pulse deposition modes was studied in pure 6 M KOH electrolyte saturated by zinc oxide. Current density was set up to the level of mossy deposit creation under DC condition. Morphology of deposit was visualized by scanning electron microscopy and the corrosion properties of the deposited layers examined by discharging/dissolution of the deposit after different open circuit voltage waiting times. Diffusion properties of layers in relation to their dissolution were studied by EIS and by anodic linear polarization measurements. The results show that the pulse deposition essentially influences the morphology of deposit along wide range of pulse frequencies 0.5 - 500 Hz.
Batteries Based on Sodium Intercalation
Authors: Sedlaříková Marie , Vondrák Jirí , Libich Jiri
Published: December 2014

The aim of this paper is survey of the intercalation electrochemistry of sodium with respect to its application in novel intercalation batteries. Some preliminary data of the system sodium - γ ΜnO2 are given together with the essentials of intercalation process and its thermodynamics.
New Electrochemistry for New Materials at CEITEC
Authors: Novák Vitězslav , Vanýsek Petr , Cihlář Jaroslav
Published: December 2014

A young research institute CEITEC (The Central European Institute of Technology) was established in Brno, Czech Republic. Its structure, mission and capabilities are outlined. Among the many research foci of the institute, the discussion is mostly focused on its the materials science focus and within it, electrochemistry.
TRPM7 regulates vascular endothelial cell adhesion and tube formation
Authors: Zeng Zhao , Inoue Koichi , Sun Huawei , Leng Tiandong , Feng Xuechao , Zhu Li , Xiong Zhi-Gang
Published: December 2014

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a nonselective cation channel with an α-kinase domain in its COOH terminal, known to play a role in diverse physiological and pathological processes such as Mg2+ homeostasis, cell proliferation, and hypoxic neuronal injury. Increasing evidence suggests that TRPM7 contributes to the physiology/pathology of vascular systems. For example, we recently demonstrated that silencing TRPM7 promotes growth and proliferation and protects against hyperglycemia-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Here we investigated the potential effects of TRPM7 on morphology, adhesion, migration, and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells and the potential underlying mechanism. We showed that inhibition of TRPM7 function in HUVECs by silencing TRPM7 decreases the density of TRPM7-like current and cell surface area and inhibits cell adhesion to Matrigel. Silencing TRPM7 also promotes cell migration, wound healing, and tube formation. Further studies showed that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is involved in the change of cell morphology and the increase in HUVEC migration induced by TRPM7 silencing. We also demonstrated that silencing TRPM7 enhances the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) in HUVECs, which might be involved in the enhancement of cell contractility and motility. Collectively, our data suggest that the TRPM7 channel negatively regulates the function of vascular endothelial cells. Further studies on the underlying mechanism may facilitate the development of the TRPM7 channel as a target for the therapeutic intervention of vascular diseases.
Tumor suppressors miR-143 and miR-145 and predicted target proteins API5, ERK5, K-RAS, and IRS-1 are differentially expressed in proximal and distal colon
Authors: Pekow Joel , Meckel Katherine , Dougherty Urszula , Butun Fatma , Mustafi Reba , Lim John , Crofton Charis , Chen Xindi , Joseph Loren , Bissonnette Marc
Published: December 2014

The colon differs regionally in local luminal environment, excretory function, and gene expression. Polycistronic microRNA (miR)-143 and miR-145 are downregulated early in colon cancer. We asked if these microRNAs (miRNAs) might be differentially expressed in the proximal vs. the distal colon, contributing to regional differences in protein expression. Primary transcripts and mature miR-143 and miR-145 were quantified by real-time PCR, putative targets were measured by Western blotting, and DNA methylation was assessed by sequencing bisulfite-treated DNA in proximal and distal normal colonic mucosa as well as colon cancers. Putative targets of these miRNAs were assessed following transfection with miR-143 or miR-145. Mean expression of mature miR-143 and miR-145 was 2.0-fold ( P < 0.001) and 1.8-fold ( P = 0.03) higher, respectively, in proximal than distal colon. DNA methylation or primary transcript expression of these miRNAs did not differ by location. In agreement with increased expression of miR-143 and miR-145 in proximal colon, predicted targets of these miRNAs, apoptosis inhibitor 5 (API5), ERK5, K-RAS, and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), which are cell cycle and survival regulators, were expressed at a lower level in proximal than distal colon. Transfection of HCA-7 colon cancer cells with miR-145 downregulated IRS-1, and transfection of HT-29 colon cancer cells with miR-143 decreased K-RAS and ERK5 expression. In conclusion, miR-143 and miR-145 and the predicted target proteins API5, ERK5, K-RAS, and IRS-1 display regional differences in expression in the colon. We speculate that differences in these tumor suppressors might contribute to regional differences in normal colonic gene expression and modulate site-specific differences in malignant predisposition.
Identification of New Metabolites of Bacterial Transformation of Indole by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Arora Pankaj Kumar , Bae Hanhong
Published: December 2014

Arthrobactersp. SPG transformed indole completely in the presence of an additional carbon source. High performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-glyoxylic acid, and indole-3-aldehyde as biotransformation products. This is the first report of the formation of indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-glyoxylic acid, and indole-3-aldehyde from indole by any bacterium.
Is There a Metamaterial Route to High Temperature Superconductivity?
Authors: Smolyaninov Igor I. , Smolyaninova Vera N.
Published: December 2014

Superconducting properties of a material such as electron-electron interactions and the critical temperature of superconducting transition can be expressed via the effective dielectric response functionεeff(q,ω) of the material. Such a description is valid on the spatial scales below the superconducting coherence length (the size of the Cooper pair), which equals ∼100 nm in a typical BCS superconductor. Searching for natural materials exhibiting larger electron-electron interactions constitutes a traditional approach to high temperature superconductivity research. Here we point out that recently developed field of electromagnetic metamaterials deals with somewhat related task of dielectric response engineering on sub-100 nm scale. We argue that the metamaterial approach to dielectric response engineering may considerably increase the critical temperature of a composite superconductor-dielectric metamaterial.
Interleukin-6 c.-174G>C Polymorphism and Periodontitis in a Brazilian Population
Authors: Gabriela Teixeira Fernanda , Mendonça Samir Andrade , Menezes Oliveira Kamilla , Barbosa dos Santos Djanilson , Miranda Marques Lucas , Mendonça Amorim Maise , de Souza Gestinari Raquel
Published: December 2014

Aim. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the teeth supporting structures, triggered by periodontal pathogens, and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Genes encoding molecules related to the immune response, such as cytokine, are the main candidates for polymorphisms analysis and may be possibly associated with this pathology. A G/C promoter polymorphism on the IL6 gene has been shown to affect basal IL-6 levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the IL6 c.-174G>C polymorphism and periodontitis in individuals from Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. Material and Methods. Three hundred and thirty individuals (134 cases, 196 controls) were genotyped for the IL6 c.-174G>C by MS-PCR technique. Concentrations of salivary IL-6 were determined by ELISA method. Results. The IL6 c.-174G>C polymorphism was associated with periodontitis when comparing the distribution of genotypes between patients with periodontitis and control subjects. The GC genotype appeared as a protective factor for periodontitis. Results showed increased levels of salivary IL-6 in periodontitis patients. Nevertheless, there was no relationship between the concentrations of IL-6 and genotypes when comparing the case and control groups. Conclusions. Our data indicate an association between IL6 c.-174G>C polymorphism and periodontitis and showed that IL-6 may be considered an important marker for periodontitis.
Long-Term Efficacy and Tolerability of Abdominal Once-Yearly Histrelin Acetate Subcutaneous Implants in Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Woolen Sean , Holzmeyer Cameron , Nesbitt Emily , Siami Paul F.
Published: December 2014

Objectives.Long-term assessment of the efficacy and tolerability of subcutaneous abdominal histrelin acetate implants that have been inserted for more than two years.Materials and Methods.Retrospective data collected over a six-year period at a single center from charts of 113 patients who received the subcutaneous abdominal histrelin acetate implant.Results.Following insertion of the first implant, 92.1% and 91.8% of patients had a serum testosterone level of ≤30 ng/dL at 24 and 48 weeks, respectively. Serum testosterone levels remained at <30 ng/dL for 96% of patients at two years and for 100% of patients at 3, 4, and 5 years. The testosterone levels remained significantly less than baseline(P<0.05). Six patients (5.3%) had androgen-independent progression when followed up on the long term, increasing the mean serum PSA at 3, 4, and 5 years to 35.0 µg/L(n=22), 30.7 µg/L(n=13), and 132.9 µg/L(n=8), respectively. The mean serum PSA was significantly greater than baseline during these years(P<0.05). Eight patients (7.1%) experienced minor, but not serious, adverse events from the histrelin acetate.Conclusion.Subcutaneous abdominal histrelin acetate implants are an effective long-term and well-tolerated administration method for treating patients with advanced prostate cancer.
A Nuclear Reactor Transient Methodology Based on Discrete Ordinates Method
Authors: Zhang Shun , Zhang Bin , Zhang Penghe , Yu Hui , Chen Yixue
Published: December 2014

With the rapid development of nuclear power industry, simulating and analyzing the reactor transient are of great significance for the nuclear safety. The traditional diffusion theory is not suitable for small volume or strong absorption problem. In this paper, we have studied the application of discrete ordinates method in the numerical solution of space-time kinetics equation. The fully implicit time integration was applied and the precursor equations were solved by analytical method. In order to improve efficiency of the transport theory, we also adopted some advanced acceleration methods. Numerical results of the TWIGL benchmark problem presented demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of this methodology.
Increased Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency in Obese Children with Both Celiac Disease and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Setty-Shah Nithya , Maranda Louise , Nwosu Benjamin Udoka
Published: December 2014

Background. It is unknown whether the coexistence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CD) increases the risk for vitamin D deficiency.Aims. To determine the vitamin D status and the risk for vitamin D deficiency in prepubertal children with both T1D and CD compared to controls, TID, and CD.Subjects and Methods. Characteristics of 62 prepubertal children of age 2–13 y with either CD + T1D (n=22, 9.9 ± 3.1 y), CD only (n=18, 8.9 ± 3.3 y), or T1D only (n=22, 10.1 ± 2.8 y) were compared to 49 controls of the age of 8.0 ± 2.6 years. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L, overweight as BMI of >85th but <95th percentile, and obesity as BMI > 95th percentile.Results. The 4 groups had no difference in 25(OH)D (ANOVAP=0.123) before stratification into normal-weight versus overweight/obese subtypes. Following stratification, 25(OH)D differed significantly between the subgroups (F(3,98)=10.109, ANOVAP<0.001). Post-hoc analysis showed a significantly lower 25(OH)D in the overweight/obese CD + T1D compared to the overweight/obese controls (P=0.039) and the overweight/obese CD (P=0.003). Subjects with CD + T1D were 3 times more likely to be vitamin D deficient (OR = 3.1 [0.8–11.9],P=0.098), compared to controls.Conclusions. The coexistence of T1D and CD in overweight/obese prepubertal children may be associated with lower vitamin D concentration.
Changing Trends in Use of Laparoscopy: A Clinical Audit
Authors: Khatuja Ritu , Jain Geetika , Mehta Sumita , Arora Nidhi , Juneja Atul , Goel Neerja
Published: December 2014

Aim.To find out the changing trends in indications for use of laparoscopy for diagnostic or operative procedures in gynaecology.Methods.This was a clinical audit of 417 women who underwent laparoscopic procedures over a period of 8 years from January 2005 to December 2012 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a tertiary care centre in Delhi.Results.A total of 417 diagnostic and operative laparoscopic procedures were performed during the period from January 2005 to December 2012. Out of 417 women, 13 women were excluded from the study due to inadequate data. 208 (51.4%) women had only diagnostic laparoscopy whereas 196 (48.6%) patients had operative laparoscopy after the initial diagnostic procedure. Change in trend of diagnostic versus operative procedures was observed from 2005 to 2012. There was increase in operative procedures from 10 (37.03%) women in 2005 as compared to 51 (73.91%) in 2012. The main indication for laparoscopy was infertility throughout the study period (61.38%), followed by chronic pelvic pain (CPP) (11.38%) and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) (9.4%).Conclusion.Over the years, there has been a rise in the rate of operative laparoscopy. Though the indications for laparoscopy have remained almost similar during the years, laparoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of CPP and AUB has now increased.
Research of Recognition Method of Discrete Wavelet Feature Extraction and PNN Classification of Rats FT-IR Pancreatic Cancer Data
Authors: Wan Chayan , Cao Wenqing , Cheng Cungui
Published: December 2014

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats’ normal and abnormal pancreatic tissues are determined directly by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy method. In order to diagnose earlier stage of SD rats pancreatic cancer rate with FT-IR, a novel method of extraction of FT-IR feature using discrete wavelet transformation (DWT) analysis and classification with the probability neural network (PNN) was developed. The differences between normal pancreatic and abnormal samples were identified by PNN based on the indices of 4 feature variants. When error goal was 0.01, the total correct rates of pancreatic early carcinoma and advanced carcinoma were 98% and 100%, respectively. It was practical to apply PNN on the basis of ATR-FT-IR to identify abnormal tissues. The research result shows the feasibility of establishing the models with FT-IR-DWT-PNN method to identify normal pancreatic tissues, early carcinoma tissues, and advanced carcinoma tissues.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Acetate Butyrate: A Review of the Preparations, Properties, and Applications
Authors: El-Sakhawy Mohamed , Kamel Samir , Salama Ahmed , Sarhan Hebat-Allah
Published: December 2014

Carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate (CMCAB) has gained increasing importance in several fields, particularly in coating technologies and pharmaceutical research. CMCAB is synthesized by esterification of CMC sodium salt with acetic and butyric anhydrides. CMCAB mixed esters are relatively high molecular weight (MW) thermoplastic polymers with high glass transition temperatures (Tg). CMCAB ester is dispersible in water and soluble in a wide range of organic solvents, allowing varied opportunity to the solvent choice. It makes application of coatings more consistent and defect-free. Its ability to slow down the release rate of highly water-soluble compounds and to increase the dissolution of poorly soluble compounds makes CMCAB a unique and potentially valuable tool in pharmaceutical and amorphous solid dispersions (ASD) formulations.
Near-Field Spherical Scanning Antenna Measurements: Probe Deconvolution and Sensitivity
Authors: Wittmann Ronald C. , Francis Michael H.
Published: December 2014

We define and calculate sensitivity for several actual and simulated probes. Probe sensitivity can have a significant impact on the measurement uncertainty associated with probe deconvolution in near-field spherical-scanning, antenna measurements.
Tetrahydrobiopterin Improves Endothelial Function in Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Qiongying , Yang Mina , Xu Han , Yu Jing
Published: December 2014

Background. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a cofactor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is reduced during the early stage of vascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetic vasculopathy, and even throughout the entire progression of atherosclerosis. Methods. A literature search was performed using electronic databases (up to January 31, 2014), including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), using an established strategy. Results. Fourteen articles were selected with a total of 370 patients. Ten of the fourteen studies showed a significant improvement in the endothelial dysfunction of various cardiovascular disease groups with BH4 supplementation compared with the control groups or placebos. Three studies showed no positive outcome, and one study showed that low‐dose BH4 had no effect but that high‐dose BH4 did have a significantly different result. Conclusions. This review concludes that supplementation with BH4 and/or augmentation of the endogenous levels of BH4 will be a novel approach to improve the endothelial dysfunction observed in various cardiovascular diseases. BH4 might be considered to be a new therapeutic agent to prevent the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease.
Laparoscopic versus Open Liver Resection: Differences in Intraoperative and Early Postoperative Outcome among Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma—A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Siniscalchi Antonio , Ercolani Giorgio , Tarozzi Giulia , Gamberini Lorenzo , Cipolat Lucia , Pinna Antonio D. , Faenza Stefano
Published: December 2014

Introduction. Laparoscopic liver resection is considered risky in cirrhotic patients, even if minor surgical trauma of laparoscopy could be useful to prevent deterioration of a compromised liver function. This study aimed to identify the differences in terms of perioperative complications and early outcome in cirrhotic patients undergoing minor hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with open or laparoscopic technique. Methods. In this retrospective study, 156 cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma were divided into two groups according to type of surgical approach: laparoscopy (LS group: 23 patients) or laparotomy (LT group: 133 patients). Perioperative data, mortality, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results. Groups were matched for type of resection, median number of nodules, and median diameter of largest lesions. Groups were also homogeneous for preoperative liver and renal function tests. Intraoperative haemoglobin decrease and transfusions of red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma were significantly lower in LS group. MELD score lasted stable after laparoscopic resection, while it increased in laparotomic group. Postoperative liver and renal failure and mortality were all lower in LS group. Conclusions. Lower morbidity and mortality, maintenance of liver function, and shorter hospital stay suggest the safety and benefit of laparoscopic approach.
Circulating MicroRNA Profiles Differ between Qi‐Stagnation and Qi‐Deficiency in Coronary Heart Disease Patients with Blood Stasis Syndrome
Authors: Hou Jincai , Wang Jun , Lin Chengren , Fu Jianhua , Ren Jianxun , Li Lei , Guo Hao , Han Xiao , Liu Jianxun
Published: December 2014

We compared the circulating microRNA profiles of Qi‐stagnation (QSB) and Qi‐deficiency (QDB) in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with blood stasis syndrome. Twenty‐nine CHD patients were divided into QSB group and QDB group. The analysis was carried out through comparing their circulating microRNA profiles and the following bioinformatics analysis. The number of differential miRNAs in QDB group was much more than that in QSB group. Functional annotations of the differentially expressed miRNAs target genes in the QSB group and QDB group were, respectively, related to regulation of cellular component organization, regulation of glucose metabolic process, and so forth and protein kinase cascade, phosphate metabolic process, and so forth. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the process Qi‐deficiency was associated with phagocytosis including endocytosis and mTOR signaling pathway. Specifically, pathway of cell adhesion molecules played the crucial role in the pathological process of Qi‐stagnation, with a unique upregulation except for pathways associated with cancer signal. MicroRNA‐gene‐net analysis indicated that let‐7c, miR‐4487, miR‐619, miR‐8075, miR‐6735, and miR‐32‐5p and miR‐17‐5p, miR‐130a, and miR 320 family had the most important and extensive regulatory function for Qi‐stagnation syndromes and Qi‐deficiency syndromes, respectively. Differentially expressed miRNAs and concerned pathways suggest different molecular mechanisms that may mediate the pathological process of QSB and QDB syndromes.
Construction and Analysis of the NCI-EDRN Breast Cancer Reference Set for Circulating Markers of Disease
Authors: Marks Jeffrey R. , Anderson Karen S. , Engstrom Paul , Godwin Andrew K. , Esserman Laura J. , Longton Gary , Iversen Edwin S. , Mathew Anu , Patriotis Christos , Pepe Margaret S.
Published: December 2014

Background: Many circulating biomarkers have been reported for the diagnosis of breast cancer, but few, if any, have undergone rigorous credentialing using prospective cohorts and blinded evaluation.

Methods: The NCI Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) has created a prospective, multicenter collection of plasma and serum samples from 832 subjects designed to evaluate circulating biomarkers for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. These samples are available to investigators who wish to evaluate their biomarkers using a set of blinded samples. The breast cancer reference set is composed of blood samples collected using a standard operating procedure at four U.S. medical centers from 2008 to 2010 from women undergoing either tissue diagnosis for breast cancer or routine screening mammography. The reference set contains samples from women with incident invasive cancer (n = 190), carcinoma in situ (n = 55), benign pathology with atypia (n = 63), benign disease with no atypia (n = 231), and women with no evidence of breast disease by screening mammography (BI-RADS 1 or 2, n = 276). Using a subset of plasma samples (n = 505) from the reference set, we analyzed 90 proteins by multiplexed immunoassays for their potential utility as diagnostic markers.

Results: We found that none of these markers is useful for distinguishing cancer from benign controls. However, elevated CA-125 does appear to be a candidate marker for estrogen receptor–negative cancers.

Conclusions: Markers that can distinguish benign breast conditions from invasive cancer have not yet been found.

Impact: Availability of prospectively collected samples should improve future validation efforts. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(2); 435–41. ©2014 AACR.
Mitochondrial One-Carbon Metabolism Maintains Redox Balance during Hypoxia
Authors: Martínez-Reyes Inmaculada , Chandel Navdeep S.
Published: December 2014

Summary: Mitochondria generate high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to activate protumorigenic signaling pathways. In parallel, the mitochondria must also increase their antioxidant capacity to lower ROS levels and prevent cancer cell death. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Ye and colleagues demonstrate that serine catabolism through one-carbon metabolism within the mitochondrial matrix is necessary to maintain this redox balance. Cancer Discov; 4(12); 1371–3. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Ye et al., p. 1406
The Antimicrobial Peptides Psoriasin (S100A7) and Koebnerisin (S100A15) Suppress Extracellular Matrix Production and Proliferation of Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Gauglitz Gerd G. , Bureik Daniela , Zwicker Stephanie , Ruzicka Thomas , Wolf Ronald
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: Keloids result from aberrations in the normal wound healing cascade and can lead to pruritus, contractures and pain. The underlying mechanisms of excessive scarring are not yet understood, and most therapeutic strategies remain unsatisfactory. Psoriasin (S100A7) and koebnerisin (S100A15) are released by keratinocytes during physiological wound healing. We found S100 production is markedly decreased in keloid scar tissue. The disturbed epidermal S100 expression might contribute to keloid formation; thus, we studied their effect on dermal fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Methods: S100 peptides, ECM regulation and distribution were analysed in normal and keloid tissue by quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunoblotting and immunofluorescent staining. Isolated dermal fibroblasts were incubated with S100 proteins, and the regulation of ECM and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β was determined using qPCR. Fibroblast proliferation and viability were determined by the 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine assay and crystal violet assay. Results: Keloid tissue featured a pronounced expression of ECMs, such as collagen types 1 and 3, whereas the production of psoriasin and koebnerisin was markedly decreased in keloid-derived cells and keloid tissue. Both S100 proteins inhibited the expression of collagens, fibronectin-1, α-smooth-muscle actin and TGF-β by fibroblasts. Further, they also suppressed fibroblast proliferation. Conclusion: Psoriasin and koebnerisin show antifibrotic effects and may lead to novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for fibroproliferative diseases. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Outcomes of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with Monosomal Karyotypes
Authors: Moon Joon Ho , Lee Yoo Jin , Seo Sang Kyung , Han Seo Ae , Yoon Joon Seok , Ham Ji Yeon , Suh Jang Soo , Sohn Sang Kyun
Published: December 2014

This study investigated the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with monosomal karyotypes (MK). A total of 114 AML patients who received allo-HCT were retrospectively analyzed. At the time of diagnosis, 13 patients were categorized with a favorable cytogenetic risk, 78 with an intermediate risk, and 23 with an adverse risk. MK was found in 12 patients among 23 with adverse cytogenetic risk. Pretransplant disease status was active disease in 5 cases (45.5%) in the adverse-risk without MK group, and 8 cases (66.7%) in the corresponding group with MK, 15 (19.2%) in the intermediate group and 4 (30.8%) in the favorable group. In multivariate analysis, active disease before transplant (hazard ratio, HR 3.913, p < 0.001), acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) ≥grade 2 (HR 1.908, p = 0.048) and chronic GVHD (HR 0.364, p = 0.001) affected overall survival (OS). The initial cytogenetic risk groups were not a significant risk factor for OS in allogeneic settings. The 2-year OS rate was 44.0 ± 15.9% without MK and 20.7 ± 17.9% with MK (p = 0.246). However, the OS rate was better for patients with chronic GVHD (p = 0.025). In conclusion, a survival benefit was observed for MK-positive patients with chronic GVHD in an allogeneic setting. However, the prognosis still remained poor for patients with MK. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Effect of Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery on Esophageal Motility
Authors: Fuchs Hans F. , Gutschow Christian A. , Brinkmann Sebastian , Herbold Till , Bludau Marc , Schröder Wolfgang , Bollschweiler Elfriede , Hölscher Arnulf H. , Leers Jessica M.
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: The effect of laparoscopic antireflux surgery on esophageal motility is incompletely understood, and any indication for this procedure in patients with motility disorder is disputed in literature. We evaluated the influence of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication on impaired esophageal motility. Methods: In this pathological manometric study, we divided the patients into two groups preoperatively: the hypomotility group (mean amplitude of esophageal contraction wave <40 mm Hg; HYPO group, n = 11) and the normal group (mean amplitude of esophageal contraction wave >40 mm Hg; NORM group, n = 43). The amplitudes of esophageal contraction waves 3 and 8 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter and the percentage of peristaltic contraction waves of the tubular esophagus were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. Results: In total, 54 patients with GERD underwent esophageal manometry before and 6 months after Nissen fundoplication. The length and pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter were increased in both groups postoperatively (p < 0.01). Patients in the HYPO group (n = 11) showed a statistically significant increase of mean amplitude of esophageal contraction (32.8 vs. 57.3 mm Hg; p < 0.01), while no change was found in the NORM group (n = 43). A total of 72% of patients with preoperative motility disorder showed normal postoperative manometry. Conclusion: Nissen fundoplication normalizes esophageal motility, especially in patients with preoperative hypomotility. Patients with impaired esophageal motility should not per se be excluded from antireflux surgery.