bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bauhinia variegata candida Fraction Induces Tumor Cell Death by Activation of Caspase-3, RIP, and TNF-R1 and Inhibits Cell Migration and Invasion In Vitro
Authors: Santos K. M. , Gomes I. N. F. , Silva-Oliveira R. J. , Pinto F. E. , Oliveira B. G. , Chagas R. C. R. , Romão W. , Reis R. M. V. , Ribeiro R. I. M. A.
Published: March 2018

Metastasis remains the most common cause of death in cancer patients. Inhibition of metalloproteinases (MMPs) is an interesting approach to cancer therapy because of their role in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), cell-cell, and cell-ECM interactions, modulating key events in cell migration and invasion. Herein, we show the cytotoxic and antimetastatic effects of the third fraction (FR3) from Bauhinia variegata candida (Bvc) stem on human cervical tumor cells (HeLa) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). FR3 inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, indicated by zymogram. This fraction was cytotoxic to HeLa cells and noncytotoxic to PBMCs and decreased HeLa cell migration and invasion. FR3 is believed to stimulate extrinsic apoptosis together with necroptosis, assessed by western blotting. FR3 inhibited MMP-2 activity in the HeLa supernatant, differently from the control. The atomic mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) characterization suggested the presence of glucopyranosides, D-pinitol, fatty acids, and phenolic acid. These findings provide insight suggesting that FR3 contains components with potential tumor-selective cytotoxic action in addition to the action on the migration of tumor cells, which may be due to inhibition of MMPs.
Clinical Characteristics of Aldosterone- and Cortisol-Coproducing Adrenal Adenoma in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Tang Lu , Li Xintao , Wang Baojun , Ma Xin , Li Hongzhao , Gao Yu , Gu Liangyou , Nie Wenyuan , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2018

Aldosterone- and cortisol-coproducing adrenal adenoma (A/CPA) cases have been observed in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). This study investigated the incidence, clinical characteristics, and molecular biological features of patients with A/CPAs. We retrospectively identified 22 A/CPA patients from 555 PA patients who visited the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital between 2004 and 2015. Analysis of clinical parameters revealed that patients with A/CPAs had larger tumors than those with pure APAs (P<0.05). Moreover, they had higher proportions of cardiovascular complications, glucose intolerance/diabetes, and osteopenia/osteoporosis compared to the pure APA patients (P<0.001). In the molecular biological findings, quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed similar CYP11B1 and CYP17A1 mRNA expressions in resected A/CPA specimens and in pure APA specimens. Western blot and immunochemical analyses showed CYP11B1, CYP11B2, and CYP17A1 expressions in both A/CPAs and pure APAs. Seventeen cases with KCNJ5 mutations were detected among the 22 A/CPA DNA samples, but no PRKACA or other causative mutations were observed. Each patient improved following adrenalectomy. In conclusion, A/CPAs were not rare among PA patients. These patients associated with high incidences of cardiovascular events and metabolic disorders. Screening for excess cortisol secretion is necessary for PA patients.
Long Noncoding RNAs in Yeast Cells and Differentiated Subpopulations of Yeast Colonies and Biofilms
Authors: Wilkinson Derek , Váchová Libuše , Hlaváček Otakar , Maršíková Jana , Gilfillan Gregor D. , Palková Zdena
Published: March 2018

We summarize current knowledge regarding regulatory functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in yeast, with emphasis on lncRNAs identified recently in yeast colonies and biofilms. Potential regulatory functions of these lncRNAs in differentiated cells of domesticated colonies adapted to plentiful conditions versus yeast colony biofilms are discussed. We show that specific cell types differ in their complements of lncRNA, that this complement changes over time in differentiating upper cells, and that these lncRNAs target diverse functional categories of genes in different cell subpopulations and specific colony types.
Di‐2‐pyridylhydrazone Dithiocarbamate Butyric Acid Ester Exerted Its Proliferative Inhibition against Gastric Cell via ROS‐Mediated Apoptosis and Autophagy
Authors: Guo Xingshuang , Fu Yun , Wang Zhuo , Wang Tingting , Li Cuiping , Huang Tengfei , Gao Fulian , Li Changzheng
Published: March 2018

Diversified biological activities of dithiocarbamates have attracted widespread attention; improving their feature or exploring their potent action of mechanism is a hot topic in medicinal research. Herein, we presented a study on synthesis and investigation of a novel dithiocarbamate, DpdtbA (di‐2‐pyridylhydrazone dithiocarbamate butyric acid ester), on antitumor activity. The growth inhibition assay revealed that DpdtbA had important antitumor activity for gastric cancer (GC) cell lines (IC50 = 4.2 ± 0.52 μM for SGC‐7901, 3.80 ± 0.40 μM for MGC‐803). The next study indicated that growth inhibition is involved in ROS generation in mechanism; accordingly, the changes in mitochondrial membrane permeability, apoptotic genes, cytochrome c, bax, and bcl‐2 were observed, implying that the growth inhibition of DpdtbA is involved in ROS‐mediated apoptosis. On the other hand, the upregulated p53 upon DpdtbA treatment implied that p53 could also mediate the apoptosis. Yet the excess generation of ROS induced by DpdtbA led to cathepsin D translocation and increase of autophagic vacuoles and LC3‐II, demonstrating that autophagy was also a contributor to growth inhibition. Further investigation showed that DpdtbA could induce cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. This clearly indicated the growth inhibition of DpdtbA was via triggering ROS formation and evoking p53 response, consequently leading to alteration in gene expressions that are related to cell survival.
Effects of 20 Hz Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Disorders of Consciousness: A Resting-State Electroencephalography Study
Authors: He Fangping , Wu Min , Meng Fanxia , Hu Yangfan , Gao Jian , Chen Zhongqin , Bao Wangxiao , Liu Kehong , Luo Benyan , Pan Gang
Published: March 2018

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been proposed as an experimental approach for the treatment of disorders of consciousness (DOC). To date, there has been little research into the use of rTMS in DOC and the therapeutic effects have been variously documented. This study aimed to examine the effects of 20 Hz rTMS on the electroencephalography (EEG) reactivity and clinical response in patients with DOC and to explore the neuromodulatory effects of high-frequency rTMS. In this randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study, real or sham 20 Hz rTMS was applied to the left primary motor cortex (M1) of patients with DOC for 5 consecutive days. Evaluations were blindly performed at the baseline (T0), immediately after the end of the 5 days of treatment (T1) and 1 week after the treatment (T2) using the JFK coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) and resting-state EEG. Only one patient, with a history of 2 months of traumatic brain injury, showed long-lasting (T1, T2) behavioral and neurophysiological modifications after the real rTMS stimulation. The 5 remaining patients presented brain reactivity localized at several electrodes, and the EEG modification was not significant. rTMS stimulation may improve awareness and arousal of DOC. Additionally, EEG represents a potential biomarker for the therapeutic efficacy of rTMS. This trial is registered with (NCT03385278).
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of R-High Density Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Wheat Straw Particleboard Dust and Basalt Fiber
Authors: Yu Min , Mao Haiyan , Huang Runzhou , Ge Zhenghao , Tian Pujian , Sun Lixin , Wu Qinglin , Sun Kai
Published: March 2018

The effect of individual and combined particleboard dust (PB dust) and basalt fibers (BFs) on mechanical and thermal expansion performance of the filled virgin and recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was studied. It was shown that the use of PB dust had a positive effect on improving mechanical properties and on reducing linear coefficient of thermal expansion (LCTE) values of filled composites, because the adhesive of the particle board held the wheat straw fibers into bundles, which made PB dust have a certain aspect ratio and high strength. Compared with the commonly used commercial WPC products, the flexural strength of PB dust/VHDPE, PB dust/RHDPE, and PB dust/VHDPE/RHDEPE at 40 wt% loading level increased by 79.9%, 41.5%, and 53.9%, respectively. When 40 wt% PB dust was added, the crystallization degree of the composites based on three matrixes decreased to 72.5%, 45.7%, and 64.1%, respectively. The use of PB dust can help lower the composite costs and increase its recyclability. Mechanical properties and LCTE values of composites with combined BF and PB dust fillers varied with PB dust and BF ratio at a given total filler loading level. As the BF portion of the PB dust/BF fillers increased, the LCTE values decreased markedly, which was suggested to be able to achieve a desirable dimensional stability for composites. The process provides a useful route to further recycling of agricultural wastes.
Incidence and Extent of Graft Extrusion following Meniscus Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Lee Dae-Hee
Published: March 2018

Background. The incidence and extent of graft extrusion after meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) may differ in patients undergoing medial and lateral meniscus transplantation due to the use of different surgical techniques. This meta-analysis was therefore designed to quantify the extent and incidence of graft extrusion after meniscus allograft transplantation. Methods. Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, all studies reporting absolute extrusion, relative percentage of extrusion (RPE), or frequency of major extrusions (>3 mm) on magnetic resonance imaging in patients undergoing medial or lateral MAT were included. Results. The pooled mean absolute extrusion following all MATs was 3.15 mm but was significantly greater following medial than lateral MAT (3.26 versus 3.01 mm; p=0.001). The pooled mean RPE following all MATs was 32.79% and was significantly greater after medial than lateral MAT (32.69% versus 28.81%; p<0.001). The pooled mean proportion of knees with major (>3 mm) extrusion was 53% (95% CI: 49% to 58%) and was significantly greater after medial than lateral MAT (61% versus 39%; p<0.001). Conclusion. Mean graft extrusion after arthroscopic assisted MAT using bony fixation was 3.2 mm, with major graft extrusion > 3 mm occurring in about 50% of transplanted menisci. Graft extrusion was significantly greater after medial than lateral MAT.
Chloride‐Binding Capacity of Portland Cement Paste Blended with Synthesized CA2 (CaO·2Al2O3)
Authors: Lee Yunsu , Kim Mingyun , Chen Zhengxin , Lee Hanseung , Lim Seungmin
Published: March 2018

A chloride‐binding capacity is the major factor to mitigate the ingress of chloride into concrete. This paper presents the chloride‐binding capacity of Portland cement paste containing synthesized CA2 (CaO·2Al2O3). The CA2 was synthesized in the high‐temperature furnace and characterized by X‐ray diffraction for inspecting the purity. The synthesized CA2 was substituted for Portland cement by 0%, 5%, and 10% by weight, and the NaCl solution was used as an internal chloride, which is assumed as a total chloride. The chloride‐binding capacity of cement paste was calculated from a water‐soluble chloride extraction method by the application of the Langmuir isotherm equation. And the hydration products were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. We demonstrate that the CA2 increases an AFm phase in the Portland cement system, and the incorporation of CA2 consequently enhances the chloride‐binding capacity of cement paste samples.
Metastasis to Paranasal Sinuses from Carcinoma of Prostate: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Barbosa Elio Bittar , Ferreira Evaldo César Macau Furtado , Mariano Fernanda Viviane , Altemani Albina Messias de Almeida Milani , Sakuma Emerson Taro Inoue , Sakano Eulalia
Published: March 2018

Metastasis from distant primary tumors is extremely rare in the paranasal sinuses with few hundred cases in the literature. Metastatic carcinoma of the prostate is even rarer, despite being one of the most common tumors, with only 24 cases published. In this article, we report a case of a 58-year-old male presenting with epistaxis and nasal obstruction as initial symptoms of a metastatic prostate carcinoma in the ethmoid cells and maxillary sinus.
Investigation on the Structural Behavior of Shear Walls with Steel Truss Coupling Beams under Seismic Loading
Authors: Deng Zhiheng , Xu Changchun , Hu Qiang , Zeng Jian , Xiang Ping
Published: March 2018

Based on existing experimental results, the finite element analyses were carried out on shear wall structures with steel truss coupling beams. This work studied the seismic behaviors and the working mechanism of the steel truss coupling beam at the ultimate state and put forward two parameters: the area ratio of web member to chord and the stiffness ratio of coupling beam to shear wall. The seismic optimum design method of the coupling beam was also proposed. Afterwards, a comparative analysis was implemented on the three‐dimensional shear wall model with steel truss coupling beams designed by the proposed design method. The results show that the structures designed by the proposed method have excellent seismic behaviors, the steel truss coupling beams have enough stiffness to connect shear walls effectively, and its web members have appropriate cross sections to dissipate seismic energy.
Diagnosis and Incidence of Spondylosis and Cervical Disc Disorders in the University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, in Years 2011–2015
Authors: Kolenkiewicz Małgorzata , Włodarczyk Andrzej , Wojtkiewicz Joanna
Published: March 2018

Background. Disorders connected with the musculoskeletal and central nervous system dysfunction are the most significant clinical problem worldwide. Our earlier research has shown that back and spinal disorders and lumbar disc disorders were most frequently diagnosed using MRI scanner at the University Clinical Hospital (UCH) in Olsztyn in years 2011–2015. We have also observed that another two diseases of spinal column, spondylosis and cervical disc disorders, were also very prevalent. The main objective of this work was to analyze the prevalence of spondylosis and cervical disc disorders in the study population diagnosed at UCH in years 2011–2015. Methods. The digital database including patients’ diagnostic and demographic information was generated based on MRI reports from years 2011–2015 and analyzed using SPSS software. Results. Within the study group (n=13298) the most frequently MRI-diagnosed diseases were musculoskeletal group (M00–M99; n=7711; 57,98%) and cervical disc disorders (M50; n=1659; 12,47%) and spondylosis (M47, n=611; 4,59%). More women (67%) than men (33%) were enrolled in the study, and the largest fraction of the study population was in the range of 51–60 years, with about 1/3 of cases of both diseases diagnosed in early age range of 31–40 years. Conclusion. Significant number of patients presenting with either of the spine disorders at the young age of 31–40 years points to the necessity of introducing methods preventing disorders of the vertebral column at younger age, preferably at school age.
Optimum Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients Requiring Long-Term Anticoagulation and Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Agarwal Nayan , Mahtta Dhruv , Rambarat Cecil A. , Elgendy Islam , Mahmoud Ahmed N.
Published: March 2018

Management of patients on long-term anticoagulation requiring percutaneous coronary intervention is challenging. Triple therapy with oral anticoagulant and dual antiplatelet therapy is the standard of care. However, there is no strong evidence to support this strategy. There is emerging data regarding the safety and efficacy of dual therapy with oral anticoagulant and single antiplatelet therapy in these patients. In this comprehensive review we highlight available evidence regarding various antithrombotic regimens’ efficacy and safety in patient with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with long-term anticoagulation therapy requirements.
Numerical Investigation on Head and Brain Injuries Caused by Windshield Impact on Riders Using Electric Self-Balancing Scooters
Authors: Shang Shi , Zheng Yanting , Shen Ming , Yang Xianfeng , Xu Jun
Published: March 2018

To investigate head-brain injuries caused by windshield impact on riders using electric self-balancing scooters (ESS). Numerical vehicle ESS crash scenarios are constructed by combining the finite element (FE) vehicle model and multibody scooter/rider models. Impact kinematic postures of the head-windshield contact under various impact conditions are captured. Then, the processes during head-windshield contact are reconstructed using validated FE head/laminated windshield models to assess the severity of brain injury caused by the head-windshield contact. Governing factors, such as vehicle speed, ESS speed, and the initial orientation of ESS rider, have nontrivial influences over the severity of a rider’s brain injuries. Results also show positive correlations between vehicle speed and head-windshield impact speeds (linear and angular). Meanwhile, the time of head-windshield contact happens earlier when the vehicle speed is faster. According to the intensive study, windshield-head contact speed (linear and angular), impact location on the windshield, and head collision area are found to be direct factors on ESS riders’ brain injuries during an impact. The von Mises stress and shear stress rise when relative contact speed of head-windshield increases. Brain injury indices vary widely when the head impacting the windshield from center to the edge or impacting with different areas.
Memristor‐Based Canonical Chua’s Circuit: Extreme Multistability in Voltage‐Current Domain and Its Controllability in Flux‐Charge Domain
Authors: Bao Han , Jiang Tao , Chu Kaibin , Chen Mo , Xu Quan , Bao Bocheng
Published: March 2018

This paper investigates extreme multistability and its controllability for an ideal voltage‐controlled memristor emulator‐based canonical Chua’s circuit. With the voltage‐current model, the initial condition‐dependent extreme multistability is explored through analyzing the stability distribution of line equilibrium point and then the coexisting infinitely many attractors are numerically uncovered in such a memristive circuit by the attraction basin and phase portraits. Furthermore, based on the accurate constitutive relation of the memristor emulator, a set of incremental flux‐charge describing equations for the memristor‐based canonical Chua’s circuit are formulated and a dimensionality reduction model is thus established. As a result, the initial condition‐dependent dynamics in the voltage‐current domain is converted into the system parameter‐associated dynamics in the flux‐charge domain, which is confirmed by numerical simulations and circuit simulations. Therefore, a controllable strategy for extreme multistability can be expediently implemented, which is greatly significant for seeking chaos‐based engineering applications of multistable memristive circuits.
The Influence of Education and Apolipoproteinε4 on Mortality in Community-Dwelling Elderly Men and Women
Authors: Appiah Duke , Baumgartner Richard N.
Published: March 2018

We investigated the risk of death in relation to the apolipoproteinε4 allele and evaluated how it interacts with education in 504 elderly adults (mean age 73 years, 65.3% women) who were enrolled in 1993 into the New Mexico Aging Process Study. During 9 years of follow-up, apolipoproteinε2 appeared to be associated with a lower risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30–1.71) compared to apolipoproteinε3 carriers in models adjusted for age, sociodemographic variables, medical conditions, adiposity, and lifestyle factors. The apolipoproteinε4 allele conferred almost a threefold elevated risk of mortality (HR = 2.76, CI: 1.42–5.37). An interaction between education and apolipoprotein e4 (p=0.027) was observed with the HR of mortality among e4 carriers compared to noncarriers being 1.59 (0.64–3.96) for those with ≥college education; 6.66 (1.90–23.4) for those with some college or trade; and 14.1 (3.03–65.6) for participants with ≤high school education. No significant interaction was identified between apolipoprotein E genotype and cognitive function for mortality risk. These findings suggest that genetic (apolipoproteinε4) and environmental (education) factors act interactively to influences survival in the elderly with higher education attenuating the adverse effect of apolipoproteinε4 on mortality.
Multiobjective Optimization Design of Time-Modulated Concentric Circular Ring Arrays
Authors: Liang Weilong , Wu Zhao , Zhang Li
Published: March 2018

A multiobjective approach based on the third evolution step of generalized differential evolution (GDE3) algorithm is proposed for optimizing the time-modulated array (TMA) in this paper. Different from the single-objective optimization, which optimizes a weighted sum of the peak sidelobe level (PSLL) and the peak sideband level (PSBL) of the array, the multiobjective algorithm treats the PSLL and the PSBL as two distinct objectives that are to be optimized simultaneously. Furthermore, not only one outstanding optimization result can be acquired but also a set of solutions known as Pareto front is obtained by using the GDE3 algorithm, which will guide the design of time-modulated array more effectively. Users can choose one appropriate outcome which has a suitable tradeoff between the PSLL and the PSBL. This approach is illustrated through a time-modulated concentric circular ring array (CCRA). The optimal parameters and the corresponding radiation patterns are presented at last. Experimental results reveal that the multiobjective optimization can be an effective approach for the TMA synthesis problems.
The Significance of Scalp Involvement in Pemphigus: A Literature Review
Authors: Sar-Pomian Marta , Rudnicka Lidia , Olszewska Malgorzata
Published: March 2018

Scalp is a unique location for pemphigus because of the abundance of desmogleins localized in hair follicles. Scalp involvement is observed in up to 60% of patients in the course of pemphigus. The lesions may occasionally lead to alopecia. Unforced removal of anagen hairs in a pull test is a sign of high disease activity. Direct immunofluorescence of plucked hair bulbs is considered a reliable diagnostic method in patients with pemphigus. Follicular acantholysis is a characteristic histopathological feature of pemphigus lesions localized on the scalp. Trichoscopy may serve as a supplementary method in the diagnosis of pemphigus. This review summarizes the most recent data concerning scalp involvement in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. A systematic literature search was conducted in three medical databases: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The analysis included literature data about desmoglein distribution in hair follicles, as well as information about clinical manifestations, histopathology, immunopathology, and trichoscopy of scalp lesions in pemphigus and their response to treatment.
Development of a Pain Measurement Device Using Electrical Stimulation and Pressure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Seung Ho , Kim Ok-Kyun , Baik Hyung-Hwan , Kim Ji-Hye
Published: March 2018

Understanding and precise assessment of pain level are key factors in rehabilitation therapy. Pain is a complex and subjective experience that is affected by an individual’s emotion and health conditions. Various methods have been developed for quantitative evaluation of pain level; however, these methods have several drawbacks. In this work, we developed a pain measurement device for quantitative pain assessment. The system consists of two parts, a component for electrical stimulation and a pressure dolorimeter, for application of two different stresses. Regarding electrical stimulation, the degree of pain is assessed by the applied current. Skin resistance was also analyzed by applying current to remove the effects caused by skin conditions. The electrical stimulation did not induce any histological changes or inflammation in the tissues. Using the pressure dolorimeter, the pain level was assessed according to the degree of inflammation. This system could be used for the quantitative assessment of pain induced by inflammation, wounds, and other factors. Since the described system is the first of its kind, there are many problems that remain to be solved. However, with continuous development, our system could provide more accurate pain assessment by removing skin condition effects and through cross-validation.
Immunosuppressive Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Therapeutic Targeting in Lung Cancer
Authors: Ma Jie , Xu Huaxi , Wang Shengjun
Published: March 2018

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide due to its late diagnosis and poor outcome. Immunotherapy is becoming more and more encouraging and promising in lung cancer therapy. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are the main tumor suppressor factors, and the treatment strategy of targeting MDSCs is gradually emerging. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about the role of MDSCs in lung cancer. In view of the emerging importance of MDSCs in lung cancer, the treatment of targeting MDSCs will be useful to the control of the development and progression of lung cancer. However, the occurrence, metastasis, and survival of cancer is the result of multiple factors and multiple mechanisms, so combined treatments using different strategies will become the major therapy method for lung cancer in the future.
A One-Dimensional Magnetic Chip with a Hybrid Magnetosensor and a Readout Circuit
Authors: Sung Guo-Ming , Wang Hsin-Kwang , Gunnam Leenendra Chowdary
Published: March 2018

This work presents a one-dimensional magnetic chip composed of a hybrid magnetosensor and a readout circuit, which were fabricated with 0.18 μm 1P6M CMOS technology. The proposed magnetosensor includes a polysilicon cross-shaped Hall plate and two separated metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) to sense the magnetic induction perpendicular to the chip surface. The readout circuit, which comprises a current-to-voltage converter, a low-pass filter, and an instrumentation amplifier, is designed to amplify the output Hall voltage with a gain of 43 dB. Furthermore, a SPICE macro model is proposed to predict the sensor’s performance in advance and to ensure sufficient comprehension of the magnetic mechanism of the proposed magnetosensor. Both simulated and measured results verify the correctness and flexibility of the proposed SPICE macro model. Measurements reveal that the maximum output Hall voltage VH, the optimum current-related magnetosensitivity SRI, the optimum voltage-related magnetosensitivity SRV, the averaged nonlinearity error NLE, and the relative bias current Ibias are 4.381 mV, 520.5 V/A·T, 40.04 V/V·T, 7.19%, and 200 μA, respectively, for the proposed 1-D magnetic chip with a readout circuit of 43 dB. The averaged NLE is small at high magnetic inductions of ±30 mT, whereas it is large at low magnetic inductions of ±30 G.
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Reduces Neuronal Apoptosis in Rats after Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Injury via PI3K/AKT/eNOS Signaling Pathway
Authors: Nan Wang , Zhonghang Xu , Keyan Chen , Tongtong Liu , Wanshu Guo , Zhongxin Xu
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has neuroprotective effects and the ability to resist amyloidosis. This study observed the protective effect of EGCG against neuronal injury in rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and investigated the mechanism of action of PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway. Methods. Rat models of permanent MCAO were established using the suture method. Rat behavior was measured using neurological deficit score. Pathology and apoptosis were measured using HE staining and TUNEL. Oxidative stress and brain injury markers were examined using ELISA. Apoptosis-related proteins and PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway were determined using western blot assay and immunohistochemistry. Results. EGCG decreased neurological function score, protected nerve cells, inhibited neuronal apoptosis, and inhibited oxidative stress injury and brain injury markers level after MCAO. EGCG reduced the apoptotic rate of neurons, increased the expression of Bcl-2, and decreased the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax. After LY294002 suppressed the PI3K pathway, the protective effect of EGCG decreased after administration of PI3K inhibitors. Conclusion. EGCG has a protective effect on rat brain injury induced by MCAO, possibly by modulating the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway.
Immune Response and Evasion Mechanisms of Plasmodium falciparum Parasites
Authors: Belachew Esmael Besufikad
Published: March 2018

Malaria causes approximately 212 million cases and 429 thousand deaths annually. Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the vast majority of deaths (99%) than others. The virulence of P. falciparum is mostly associated with immune response-evading ability. It has different mechanisms to evade both Anopheles mosquito and human host immune responses. Immune-evading mechanisms in mosquito depend mainly on the Pfs47 gene that inhibits Janus kinase-mediated activation. Host complement factor also protects human complement immune attack of extracellular gametes in Anopheles mosquito midgut. In the human host, evasion largely results from antigenic variation, polymorphism, and sequestration. They also induce Kupffer cell apoptosis at the preerythrocytic stage and interfere with phagocytic functions of macrophage by hemozoin in the erythrocytic stage. Lack of major histocompatibility complex-I molecule expression on the surface red blood cells also avoids recognition by CD8+ T cells. Complement proteins could allow for the entry of parasite into the red blood cell. Intracellular survival also assists the escape of malarial parasite. Invading, evading, and immune response mechanisms both in malaria vector and human host are critical to design appropriate vaccine. As a result, the receptors and ligands involved in different stages of malaria parasites should be elucidated.
Peroxisomal Acyl‐CoA Oxidase Type 1: Anti‐Inflammatory and Anti‐Aging Properties with a Special Emphasis on Studies with LPS and Argan Oil as a Model Transposable to Aging
Authors: Vamecq Joseph , Andreoletti Pierre , El Kebbaj Riad , Saih Fatima-Ezzahra , Latruffe Norbert , El Kebbaj M’ Hammed Saïd , Lizard Gérard , Nasser Boubker , Cherkaoui-Malki Mustapha
Published: March 2018

To clarify appropriateness of current claims for health and wellness virtues of argan oil, studies were conducted in inflammatory states. LPS induces inflammation with reduction of PGC1‐α signaling and energy metabolism. Argan oil protected the liver against LPS toxicity and interestingly enough preservation of peroxisomal acyl‐CoA oxidase type 1 (ACOX1) activity against depression by LPS. This model of LPS‐driven toxicity circumvented by argan oil along with a key anti‐inflammatory role attributed to ACOX1 has been here transposed to model aging. This view is consistent with known physiological role of ACOX1 in yielding precursors of specialized proresolving mediators (SPM) and with characteristics of aging and related disorders including reduced PGC1‐α function and improvement by strategies rising ACOX1 (via hormonal gut FGF19 and nordihydroguaiaretic acid in metabolic syndrome and diabetes conditions) and SPM (neurodegenerative disorders, atherosclerosis, and stroke). Delay of aging to resolve inflammation results from altered production of SPM, SPM improving most aging disorders. The strategic metabolic place of ACOX1, upstream of SPM biosynthesis, along with ability of ACOX1 preservation/induction and SPM to improve aging‐related disorders and known association of aging with drop in ACOX1 and SPM, all converge to conclude that ACOX1 represents a previously unsuspected and currently emerging antiaging protein.
WHODAS 2.0 as a Measure of Severity of Illness: Results of a FLDA Analysis
Authors: Sedano-Capdevila Alba , Barrigón María Luisa , Delgado-Gomez David , Barahona Igor , Aroca Fuensanta , Peñuelas-Calvo Inmaculada , Miguelez-Fernandez Carolina , Rodríguez-Jover Alba , Amodeo-Escribano Susana , González-Granado Marta , Baca-García Enrique
Published: March 2018

WHODAS 2.0 is the standard measure of disability promoted by World Health Organization whereas Clinical Global Impression (CGI) is a widely used scale for determining severity of mental illness. Although a close relationship between these two scales would be expected, there are no relevant studies on the topic. In this study, we explore if WHODAS 2.0 can be used for identifying severity of illness measured by CGI using the Fisher Linear Discriminant Analysis (FLDA) and for identifying which individual items of WHODAS 2.0 best predict CGI scores given by clinicians. One hundred and twenty-two patients were assessed with WHODAS 2.0 and CGI during three months in outpatient mental health facilities of four hospitals of Madrid, Spain. Compared with the traditional correction of WHODAS 2.0, FLDA improves accuracy in near 15%, and so, with FLDA WHODAS 2.0 classifying correctly 59.0% of the patients. Furthermore, FLDA identifies item 6.6 (illness effect on personal finances) and item 4.5 (damaged sexual life) as the most important items for clinicians to score the severity of illness.
A Two-Phased Guidance Law for Impact Angle Control with Seeker’s Field-of-View Limit
Authors: Zhang Haoqiang , Tang Shengjing , Guo Jie , Zhang Wan
Published: March 2018

A two-phased guidance problem with terminal impact angle constraints and seeker’s field-of-view limit is addressed in this paper for a missile against a nonmaneuvering incoming target. From the conventional PN guidance without any constraints, it is found that satisfying the impact angle constraint causes a more curved missile trajectory requiring a large look angle. To avoid the look angle exceeding the seeker’s physical limit, a two-phased look angle control guidance scheme with the terminal constraint is introduced. The PN-typed guidance law is designed for each guidance phase with a specific switching condition of line-of-sight. The proposed guidance law is comprised of two types of acceleration commands: the one in the initial phase which aims at controlling the missile’s look angle to reach the limit and the other for final phase which is produced by switching the navigation gain. The monotonicity of the line-of-sight angle and look angle is analyzed and proved to support the proposed method. To evaluate the specific navigation gains for both initial and final phases, the scaling coefficient between them is discussed by solving a quadratic equation with respect to the initial navigation gain. To avoid a great abrupt acceleration change at the switching instant, a minimum coefficient is chosen. Extensive simulations are performed to validate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Comparison of Teratoma Formation between Embryonic Stem Cells and Parthenogenetic Embryonic Stem Cells by Molecular Imaging
Authors: Tao Hongyan , Chen Xiaoniao , Wei Anbang , Song Xianghe , Wang Weiqiang , Liang Lu , Zhao Qinjun , Han Zhibo , Han Zhongchao , Wang Xiaojing , Li Zongjin
Published: March 2018

With their properties of self-renewal and differentiation, embryonic stem (ES) cells hold great promises for regenerative therapy. However, teratoma formation and ethical concerns of ES cells may restrict their potential clinical applications. Currently, parthenogenetic embryonic stem (pES) cells have attracted the interest of researchers for its self-renewing and pluripotent differentiation while eliciting less ethic concerns. In this study, we established a model with ES and pES cells both stably transfected with a double-fusion reporter gene containing renilla luciferase (Rluc) and red fluorescent protein (RFP) to analyze the mechanisms of teratoma formation. Transgenic Vegfr2-luc mouse, which expresses firefly luciferase (Fluc) under the promoter of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (Vegfr2-luc), was used to trace the growth of new blood vessel recruited by transplanted cells. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) of Rluc/Fluc provides an effective tool in estimating the growth and angiogenesis of teratoma in vivo. We found that the tumorigenesis and angiogenesis capacity of ES cells were higher than those of pES cells, in which VEGF/VEGFR2 signal pathway plays an important role. In conclusion, pES cells have the decreased potential of teratoma formation but meanwhile have similar differentiating capacity compared with ES cells. These data demonstrate that pES cells provide an alternative source for ES cells with the risk reduction of teratoma formation and without ethical controversy.
Effects of Spine Motion on Foot Slip in Quadruped Bounding
Authors: Chen Dongliang , Li Ningjie , Liu Guifang , Chen Lei , Wang Yongyuan , Liu Chong , Zhuang Bo
Published: March 2018

Translation and bend of the spine in the sagittal plane during high-speed quadruped running were investigated. The effect of the two spine motions on slip between the foot and the ground was also explored. First, three simplified sagittal plane models of quadruped mammals were studied in symmetric bounding. The first model’s trunk allowed no relative motion, the second model allowed only trunk bend, and the third model allowed both bend and translation. Next, torque was introduced to equivalently replace spine motion and the possibility of foot slip of the three models was analyzed theoretically. The results indicate that the third model has the least possibility of slip. This conclusion was further confirmed by simulation experiments. Finally, the conclusion was verified by the reductive model crawling robot.
Ultrasound-Guided Prolotherapy with Polydeoxyribonucleotide for Painful Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Authors: Ryu Kyoungho , Ko Dongchan , Lim Goeun , Kim Eugene , Lee Sung Hyun
Published: March 2018

Background. Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a primary cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Several effective nonsurgical treatment methods have been described for chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy. Prolotherapy with polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which consists of active deoxyribonucleotide polymers that stimulate tissue repair, is a nonsurgical regenerative injection that may be a viable treatment option. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of PDRN in the treatment of chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy. Method. The records of patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy (n=131) were reviewed retrospectively, and the patients treated with PDRN prolotherapy (n=32) were selected. We measured the main outcome of the shoulder pain and disability index score on a numerical rating scale of average shoulder pain. Results. Compared with baseline data, significant improvements in the shoulder pain and disability index and pain visual analog scale scores were demonstrated at one week after the end of treatment, and at one month and three months later. Conclusions. PDRN prolotherapy may improve the conservative treatment of painful rotator cuff tendinopathy for a specific subset of patients.
Chlamydia pneumoniaeInfection Exacerbates Atherosclerosis in ApoB100only/LDLR−/−Mouse Strain
Authors: Lantos Ildikó , Endrész Valéria , Virok Dezső Péter , Szabó Andrea , Lu Xinjie , Mosolygó Tímea , Burián Katalin
Published: March 2018

Aims. Hyperlipidaemia model animals have been used to elucidate the role ofChlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn)infection in atherosclerosis. The aims of this study were to investigate the proatherogenic effect of multipleCpninfections in ApoB100only/LDLR−/−mice which based on lipid profile can be regarded as the most suitable mouse model of human hypercholesterolemia and to compare the lesion development to that in a major atherosclerosis model ApoE−/−mice.Methods and Results. Aorta samples of ApoB100only/LDLR−/−mice infected three times withCpnwere subjected to morphometric analyses. Morphometric evaluation disclosed thatCpninfections exacerbated atherosclerosis development in the aortic root and descending aorta of the mice fed with normal diet. Viable Cpn was detected in the ascending aorta by RT-PCR. Chlamydial 16SrRNA expression showed the presence of viableCpnin the aorta of infected animals. A similar rate of acceleration of atherosclerosis was observed when the infection protocol was applied in ApoB100only/LDLR−/−and in ApoE−/−mice.Conclusion. Similar to ApoE−/−mice, ApoB100only/LDLR−/−mice with more human-relevant serum lipoprotein composition develop increased atherosclerosis afterCpninfections; thus this mouse strain can be used as a model of infection-related atherosclerosis enhancement and can provide further evidence for the proatherogenic influence ofCpnin mice.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Fused with Tandem Collagen-Binding Domains from Clostridium histolyticum Collagenase ColG Increases Bone Formation
Authors: Sekiguchi Hiroyuki , Uchida Kentaro , Matsushita Osamu , Inoue Gen , Nishi Nozomu , Masuda Ryo , Hamamoto Nana , Koide Takaki , Shoji Shintaro , Takaso Masashi
Published: March 2018

Basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (bFGF) accelerates bone formation during fracture healing. Because the efficacy of bFGF decreases rapidly following its diffusion from fracture sites, however, repeated dosing is required to ensure a sustained therapeutic effect. We previously developed a fusion protein comprising bFGF, a polycystic kidney disease domain (PKD; s2b), and collagen-binding domain (CBD; s3) sourced from the Clostridium histolyticum class II collagenase, ColH, and reported that the combination of this fusion protein with a collagen-like peptide, poly(Pro-Hyp-Gly)10, induced mesenchymal cell proliferation and callus formation at fracture sites. In addition, C. histolyticum produces class I collagenase (ColG) with tandem CBDs (s3a and s3b) at the C-terminus. We therefore hypothesized that a bFGF fusion protein containing ColG-derived tandem CBDs (s3a and s3b) would show enhanced collagen-binding activity, leading to improved bone formation. Here, we examined the binding affinity of four collagen anchors derived from the two clostridial collagenases to H-Gly-Pro-Arg-Gly-(Pro-Hyp-Gly)12-NH2, a collagenous peptide, by surface plasmon resonance and found that tandem CBDs (s3a-s3b) have the highest affinity for the collagenous peptide. We also constructed four fusion proteins consisting of bFGF and s3 (bFGF-s3), s2b-s3b (bFGF-s2b-s3), s3b (bFGF-s3b), and s3a-s3b (bFGF-s3a-s3b) and compared their biological activities to those of a previous fusion construct (bFGF-s2b-s3) using a cell proliferation assay in vitro and a mouse femoral fracture model in vivo. Among these CB-bFGFs, bFGF-s3a-s3b showed the highest capacity to induce mesenchymal cell proliferation and callus formation in the mice fracture model. The poly(Pro-Hyp-Gly)10/bFGF-s3a-s3b construct may therefore have the potential to promote bone formation in clinical settings.
Current Therapeutic Strategies for Stem Cell-Based Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Nam Yoojun , Rim Yeri Alice , Lee Jennifer , Ju Ji Hyeon
Published: March 2018

The process of cartilage destruction in the diarthrodial joint is progressive and irreversible. This destruction is extremely difficult to manage and frustrates researchers, clinicians, and patients. Patients often take medication to control their pain. Surgery is usually performed when pain becomes uncontrollable or joint function completely fails. There is an unmet clinical need for a regenerative strategy to treat cartilage defect without surgery due to the lack of a suitable regenerative strategy. Clinicians and scientists have tried to address this using stem cells, which have a regenerative potential in various tissues. Cartilage may be an ideal target for stem cell treatment because it has a notoriously poor regenerative potential. In this review, we describe past, present, and future strategies to regenerate cartilage in patients. Specifically, this review compares a surgical regenerative technique (microfracture) and cell therapy, cell therapy with and without a scaffold, and therapy with nonaggregated and aggregated cells. We also review the chondrogenic potential of cells according to their origin, including autologous chondrocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells.
Inhibition of Protein Aggregation by Several Antioxidants
Authors: Hasanbašić Samra , Jahić Alma , Berbić Selma , Žnidarič Magda Tušek , Žerovnik Eva
Published: March 2018

Amyloid fibril formation is a shared property of all proteins; therefore, model proteins can be used to study this process. We measured protein aggregation of the model amyloid‐forming protein stefin B in the presence and absence of several antioxidants. Amyloid fibril formation by stefin B was routinely induced at pH 5 and 10% TFE, at room temperature. The effects of antioxidants NAC, vitamin C, vitamin E, and the three polyphenols resveratrol, quercetin, and curcumin on the kinetics of fibril formation were followed using ThT fluorescence. Concomitantly, the morphology and amount of the aggregates and fibrils were checked by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The concentration of the antioxidants was varied, and it was observed that different modes of action apply at low or high concentrations relative to the binding constant. In order to obtain more insight into the possible mode of binding, docking of NAC, vitamin C, and all three polyphenols was done to the monomeric form of stefin B.
6 ′‐O‐Galloylpaeoniflorin Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion‐Induced Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress via PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Activation
Authors: Wen Zhongmei , Hou Weichen , Wu Wei , Zhao Yang , Dong Xuechao , Bai Xiaoxue , Peng Liping , Song Lei
Published: March 2018

6 ′‐O‐galloylpaeoniflorin (GPF), a galloylated derivative of paeoniflorin isolated from peony root, has been proven to possess antioxidant potential. In this present study, we revealed that GPF treatment exerted significant neuroprotection of PC12 cells following OGD, as evidenced by a reduction of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, cellular injury, and apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, treatment with GPF increased the levels of phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt) and nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), as well as promoted Nrf2 translocation in PC12 cells, which could be inhibited by Ly294002, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K). In addition, Nrf2 knockdown or Ly294002 treatment significantly attenuated the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of GPF in vitro. In vivo studies indicated that GPF treatment significantly reduced infarct volume and improved neurological deficits in rats subjected to CIRI, as well as decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, which could be inhibited by administration of Ly294002. In conclusion, these results revealed that GPF possesses neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis after ischemia‐reperfusion insult via activation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway.