bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of Recycled Concrete in Marine Environment
Authors: Wang Jianxiu , Huang Tianrong , Liu Xiaotian , Wu Pengcheng , Guo Zhiying
Published: May 2013

Experimental work was carried out to develop information about mechanical properties of recycled concrete (RC) in marine environment. By using the seawater and dry‐wet circulation to simulate the marine environment, specimens of RC were tested with different replacement percentages of 0%, 30%, and 60% after immersing in seawater for 4, 8, 12, and 16 months, respectively. Based on the analysis of the stress‐strain curves (SSCs) and compressive strength, it is revealed that RC’ peak value and elastic modulus decreased with the increase of replacement percentage and corroding time in marine environment. And the failure of recycled concrete was speeded up with more obvious cracks and larger angles of 65° to 85° in the surface when compared with normal concrete. Finally, the grey model (GM) with equal time intervals was constructed to investigate the law of compressive strength of recycled concrete in marine environment, and it is found that the GM is accurate and feasible for the prediction of RC compressive strength in marine environment.
The Improvement of Quantum Genetic Algorithm and Its Application on Function Optimization
Authors: Wang Huaixiao , Liu Jianyong , Zhi Jun , Fu Chengqun
Published: May 2013

To accelerate the evolutionary process and increase the probability to find the optimal solution, the following methods are proposed to improve the conventional quantum genetic algorithm: an improved method to determine the rotating angle, the self-adaptive rotating angle strategy, adding the quantum mutation operation and quantum disaster operation. The efficiency and accuracy to search the optimal solution of the algorithm are greatly improved. Simulation test shows that the improved quantum genetic algorithm is more effective than the conventional quantum genetic algorithm to solve some optimization problems.
Probiotics in the Management of Lung Diseases
Authors: Mortaz Esmaeil , Adcock Ian M. , Folkerts Gert , Barnes Peter J. , Paul Vos Arjan , Garssen Johan
Published: May 2013

The physiology and pathology of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are closely related. This similarity between the two organs may underlie why dysfunction in one organ may induce illness in the other. For example, smoking is a major risk factor for COPD and IBD and increases the risk of developing Crohn’s disease. Probiotics have been defined as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host.” In model systems probiotics regulate innate and inflammatory immune responses. Commonly used probiotics include lactic acid bacteria, particularlyLactobacillus,Bifidobacterium, andSaccharomyces, and these are often used as dietary supplements to provide a health benefit in gastrointestinal diseases including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. In this respect, probiotics probably act as immunomodulatory agents and activators of host defence pathways which suggest that they could influence disease severity and incidence at sites distal to the gut. There is increasing evidence that orally delivered probiotics are able to regulate immune responses in the respiratory system. This review provides an overview of the possible role of probiotics and their mechanisms of action in the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.
Moscatilin Inhibits Lung Cancer Cell Motility and Invasion via Suppression of Endogenous Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Kowitdamrong Akkarawut , Chanvorachote Pithi , Sritularak Boonchoo , Pongrakhananon Varisa
Published: May 2013

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among cancer patients worldwide, and most of them have died from metastasis. Migration and invasion are prerequisite processes associated with high metastasis potential in cancers. Moscatilin, a bibenzyl derivative isolated from the Thai orchidDendrobium pulchellum, has been shown to have anticancer effect against numerous cancer cell lines. However, little is known regarding the effect of moscatilin on cancer cell migration and invasion. The present study demonstrates that nontoxic concentrations of moscatilin were able to inhibit human nonsmall cell lung cancer H23 cell migration and invasion. The inhibitory effect of moscatilin was associated with an attenuation of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), in which hydroxyl radical (OH∙) was identified as a dominant species in the suppression of filopodia formation. Western blot analysis also revealed that moscatilin downregulated activated focal adhesion kinase (phosphorylated FAK, Tyr 397) and activated ATP-dependent tyrosine kinase (phosphorylated Akt, Ser 473), whereas their parental counterparts were not detectable changed. In conclusion, our results indicate the novel molecular basis of moscalitin-inhibiting lung cancer cell motility and invasion and demonstrate a promising antimetastatic potential of such an agent for lung cancer therapy.
Assessment of the Effects of Access Count in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy on Renal Functions by Technetium-99m-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Scintigraphy
Authors: Demirtaş Abdullah , Caniklioğlu Mehmet , Kula Mustafa , Sofikerim Mustafa , Akınsal Emre Can , Ergül Mehmet Ali , Baydilli Numan , Ekemekçioğlu Oğuz
Published: May 2013

Objective. To determine the effects of percutaneous nephrolithotomy on renal functions by using DMSA scintigraphy while considering access counts. Material and Methods. A total of 37 patients who had undergone percutaneous nephrolithotomy were included. Preoperative DMSA scans were performed a day before the surgery, whereas postoperative scans were randomized by evaluating them before () and after () the 6th postoperative month. Twenty-six of 37 cases underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy with a single access site and 11 with multiple access sites. Results. There were no significant changes of total renal functions in the whole study group (). In the single access group, total functions were significantly elevated () In the multiple access group, while treated site functions were significantly decreased (), total functions did not change significantly (). There was an insignificant decrease in those evaluated before the 6th postoperative month () and an insignificant increase in the others (). Conclusion. We could not find a superiority of single access over multiple accesses. There is a temporary functional loss in the treated site.
Why Do Some Employees Fall into and Fail to Exit a Job-Lock Situation?
Authors: Huysse-Gaytandjieva Anna , Groot Wim , Pavlova Milena
Published: May 2013

Previous studies have paid little attention to the employees’ ability to exit a job-lock situation and factors that determine this ability. It remains unclear why some employees who experience job lock are able to exit this state while others remain in job lock. We use longitudinal data to identify employees who have fallen in the state of job lock and their subsequent behavior—exiting or remaining in job lock. By use of a first-order Markov transition models, we analyze the relevance of sociodemographic features, employment, occupational, sectoral, and contextual factors, as well as personality characteristics in explaining the transition or its absence. Overall the results show that both demographic factors and work-related aspects increase the likelihood that an employee enters the long-term job lock state (especially for older, married, full-time employed, those in a craft occupation and governmental sector, and in a region with high unemployment). Mental health problems and personality characteristics (low peak-end self-esteem and decisional procrastination) have a significant effect on the probability to stay in long-term job lock. On the contrary, having a managerial, service, or associate occupation, working in the private sector, and having promotion opportunities increase the chance of an exit from the state of job lock.
Optimizing Kernel PCA Using Sparse Representation-Based Classifier for MSTAR SAR Image Target Recognition
Authors: Lin Chuang , Wang Binghui , Zhao Xuefeng , Pang Meng
Published: May 2013

Different kernels cause various class discriminations owing to their different geometrical structures of the data in the feature space. In this paper, a method of kernel optimization by maximizing a measure of class separability in the empirical feature space with sparse representation-based classifier (SRC) is proposed to solve the problem of automatically choosing kernel functions and their parameters in kernel learning. The proposed method first adopts a so-called data-dependent kernel to generate an efficient kernel optimization algorithm. Then, a constrained optimization function using general gradient descent method is created to find combination coefficients varied with the input data. After that, optimized kernel PCA (KOPCA) is obtained via combination coefficients to extract features. Finally, the sparse representation-based classifier is used to perform pattern classification task. Experimental results on MSTAR SAR images show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Computational Nutraceutics: Chemical Reactivity Properties of the Flavonoid Naringin by Means of Conceptual DFT
Authors: Martínez-Araya Jorge Ignacio , Salgado-Morán Guillermo , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: May 2013

The M06 family of density functionals has been assessed for the calculation of the molecular structure and properties of the Naringin molecule. The chemical reactivity descriptors have been calculated through Conceptual DFT. The active sites for nucleophilic and electrophilic attacks have been chosen by relating them to the Fukui function indices and the dual descriptor f(2)(r). A comparison between the descriptors calculated through vertical energy values and those arising from the Koopmans′ theorem approximation has been performed in order to check for the validity of the last procedure.
Neurochemical and Behavioral Features in Genetic Absence Epilepsy and in Acutely Induced Absence Seizures
Authors: Bazyan A. S. , van Luijtelaar G.
Published: May 2013

The absence epilepsy typical electroencephalographic pattern of sharp spikes and slow waves (SWDs) is considered to be due to an interaction of an initiation site in the cortex and a resonant circuit in the thalamus. The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cationicIhpacemaker channels (HCN) play an important role in the enhanced cortical excitability. The role of thalamic HCN in SWD occurrence is less clear. Absence epilepsy in the WAG/Rij strain is accompanied by deficiency of the activity of dopaminergic system, which weakens the formation of an emotional positive state, causes depression-like symptoms, and counteracts learning and memory processes. It also enhances GABAAreceptor activity in the striatum, globus pallidus, and reticular thalamic nucleus, causing a rise of SWD activity in the cortico-thalamo-cortical networks. One of the reasons for the occurrence of absences is that several genes coding of GABAAreceptors are mutated. The question arises: what the role of DA receptors is. Two mechanisms that cause an infringement of the function of DA receptors in this genetic absence epilepsy model are proposed.
The Effects of Xuefu Zhuyu and Shengmai on the Evolution of Syndromes and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Unstable Angina Pectoris after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Wang Jie , Yang Xiaochen , Chu Fuyong , Chen Jianxin , He Qingyong , Yao Kuiwu , Teng Fei , Gao Yonghong , Xing Yanhui , Wu Aiming , Xing Yanwei
Published: May 2013

We evaluated the effects of the Xuefu Zhuyu capsule (XFZY) and the Shengmai capsule (SM) on the evolution of syndromes and inflammatory markers in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Ninety patients with UAP after PCI were randomly and equally assigned to three groups: the XFZY group, the SM group, and the placebo group, with 30 patients in each group. Six syndrome factors (including Qi deficiency, yin deficiency, yang deficiency, blood stasis, phlegm, and Qi stagnation) and 4 inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), endothelins-1 (ET-1), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), and homocysteine (Hcy)) were observed at week 0 and at the 1st, 4th and 12th weeks. In conclusion, the evolution of syndromes present in patients with UAP after PCI followed these trends (1) The deficiency syndromes gradually increased during a 12-week period, but the excess syndromes first gradually decreased and then mildly increased after PCI. (2) XFZY and SM can prevent excess syndromes from increasing in the later stages and prevent deficiency syndromes from increasing in all stages. (3) XFZY and SMcan reduce the levels of the inflammatory markers, especially in the later stages after PCI.
A Numerical Model of the Wave-Induced Currents in the Turbulent Coastal Zone
Authors: Fahmy O. , Fassieh K. M. , Zaki M. A.
Published: May 2013

A numerical model is developed, validated and applied to the turbulent coastal currents. The currents are driven by the sea surface slope and the radiation stresses of water waves. They are resisted by friction due to turbulent eddies and sea bottom. Thek-εmodel is used to model the turbulent stresses. Five simultaneous nonlinear partial differential equations govern the depth-averaged dynamics in the surf zone. An implicit finite-difference scheme is used to obtain an accurate numerical solution of the resulting initial-boundary value problem. It is tested against the case of straight coast with uniform bottom slope and a protective jetty. To investigate the actual wave-induced currents, the model is applied to simulate the currents for three real case studies. Results show that the model could be used to compute currents caused by the constructing coastal protection measures and could predict the locations of accretion and scouring.
Flash Electroretinography and Pattern Visual Evoked Potential Changes in Ocular Hypertension Patients
Authors: Çavdar Ercüment , Ozkaya Abdullah , Alper Burcu
Published: May 2013

Purpose. To evaluate the changes of flash electroretinography (fERG) and pattern visual evoked potentials (pVEP) in ocular hypertension (OHT) patients.Methods. Twenty-five OHT patients and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled for this cross-sectional study. Opthalmologic examinations, visual field tests, pVEP and fERG were performed. The main outcome measures were the differences between pVEP and fERG parameters.Results. The mean age of OHT patients and volunteers were 57 ± 12.25 years (range 30–65 years), and 53.25 ± 12.0 years (range 30–65 years), respectively. The mean amplitude of the pVEP was statistically lower in the OHT group (P< 0.05). Latency of the two groups was different; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). In fERG of OHT group, there was a significant decrease in the amplitude of the oscillatory potentials (Ops), and a significant delay in latency of rod and cone waves (allP< 0.05). There was no significant change in the flicker fERG waves between the two groups (P> 0.05).Conclusions. Although we found a decrease in Ops amplitude and a prolonged latency in flicker fERG, only the decrease in Ops amplitude was statistically significant between the two groups. The amplitude of Ops wave and amplitude of pVEP may reflect early glaucomatous damage in OHT patients.
Long-Term Survival of a Patient with Invasive Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder Managed by Combined S-1 and Cisplatin Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Hamakawa Takashi , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Naiki Taku , Kubota Yasue , Yasui Takahiro , Tozawa Keiichi , Hayashi Yutaro , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: May 2013

Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is extremely rare and patient survival is very poor. The disease usually presents at advanced stages because the cancer progresses rapidly. The only option for effective treatment is radical cystectomy, and no effective chemotherapy has been established for this variant. We report a case of signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder with a long-term survival of 90 months owing to radical cystectomy and combination adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 and cisplatin. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the long-term therapeutic activity of combination S-1 and cisplatin adjuvant chemotherapy against invasive signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
Comment on “Computed Tomography Evaluation of Craniomandibular Articulation in Class II Division 1 Malocclusion and Class I Normal Occlusion Subjects in North Indian Population”
Authors: Dixit Ashutosh , Birmani Gaunkar Ridhima , Arora Varun , Dixit Seema K. , Gupta Narendra Kumar , Chandra Pratik , Agarwal Bhaskar
Published: May 2013

Clear statement of objective, appropriate location of landmarks and removal of subjective bias in measurement is essential in all kinds of research, especially, orthodontics. The research design should be rationalistic, purposeful, and in accordance with the objectives of the study. In this communication, we highlight the errors in research design, measurement, analysis, and inferences drawn with the help of a published article as the primary source to explain these simple but useful points.
Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System: A Report of Three Cases from a Single Colombian Center
Authors: Coronel-Restrepo Nicolás , Bonilla-Abadía Fabio , Cortes Omar A. , Izquierdo Jorge H. , Shinchi Alberto M. , Bravo Juan C. , Tobón Gabriel J. , Cañas Carlos A.
Published: May 2013

The primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is an entity with a very low incidence and prevalence. It is not clear why the inflammatory process of this entity is limited to the cerebral vasculature without systemic manifestations. Its clinical manifestations are very heterogeneous and make clinical diagnosis difficult. In most cases, a brain biopsy is required. Only the clinical suspicion and the ability to recognize the possible clinical and imagenological patterns of presentation make an accurate diagnosis possible. The vast majority of the treatment recommendations are given by series of case reports. The following paper described the clinical, imagenological, and histopathological characteristics of three Colombian patients with PACNS. The strategic therapeutic used in shown.
Solving the Variational Inequality Problem Defined on Intersection of Finite Level Sets
Authors: He Songnian , Yang Caiping
Published: May 2013

Consider the variational inequalityVI(C,F)of finding a pointx*∈Csatisfying the property〈Fx*,x-x*〉≥0, for allx∈C, whereCis the intersection of finite level sets of convex functions defined on a real Hilbert spaceHandF:H→His anL-Lipschitzian andη-strongly monotone operator. Relaxed and self-adaptive iterative algorithms are devised for computing the unique solution ofVI(C,F). Since our algorithm avoids calculating the projectionPC(calculatingPCby computing several sequences of projections onto half-spaces containing the original domainC) directly and has no need to know any information of the constantsLandη, the implementation of our algorithm is very easy. To prove strong convergence of our algorithms, a new lemma is established, which can be used as a fundamental tool for solving some nonlinear problems.
Second-Order Consensus in Multiagent Systems via Nonlinear Protocol
Authors: Pan Huan , Nian Xiaohong , Guo Ling
Published: May 2013

This paper focuses on theoretical analysis of second-order consensus in multiagent system. As an extension of the general linear protocol, a nonlinear protocol is designed for multiagent system with undirected communication topology. The nonlinear protocol is also applied to achieve reference velocity consensus. Through choosing the appropriate Lyapunov functions and using LaSalle’s invariance principle, some consensus conditions are derived. Simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Phase I Study of Pazopanib in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors and Hepatic Dysfunction: A National Cancer Institute Organ Dysfunction Working Group Study
Authors: Shibata Stephen I. , Chung Vincent , Synold Timothy W. , Longmate Jeffrey A. , Suttle A. Benjamin , Ottesen Lone H. , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Kummar Shivaani , Harvey R. Donald , Hamilton Anne L. , O'Neil Bert H. , Sarantopoulos John , LoRusso Patricia , Rudek Michelle A. , Dowlati Afshin , Mulkerin Daniel L. , Belani Chandra P. , Gandhi Leena , Lau S. Cecilia , Ivy S. Percy , Newman Edward M.
Published: May 2013

Purpose: Pazopanib is a potent, multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor; however, there is limited information regarding the effects of liver function on pazopanib metabolism and pharmacokinetics. The objective of this study was to establish the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetic profile of pazopanib in patients with varying degrees of hepatic dysfunction.

Experimental Design: Patients with any solid tumors or lymphoma were stratified into four groups based on the degree of hepatic dysfunction according to the National Cancer Institute Organ Dysfunction Working Group (NCI-ODWG) criteria. Pazopanib was given orally once a day on a 21-day cycle. A modified 3+3 design was used.

Results: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled. Patients in the mild group tolerated 800 mg per day. The moderate and severe groups tolerated 200 mg per day. Pharmacokinetic data in the mild group were similar to the data in the normal group. Comparison of the median Cmax and area under the curve [AUC(0–24)] in the moderate or severe groups at 200 mg per day to the values in the normal and mild groups at 800 mg per day indicated less than dose–proportional systemic exposures in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment. This suggests that the lower maximum-tolerated dose in the moderate and severe group is not due to a decrease in drug clearance or alteration in the proportion of metabolites.

Conclusions: In patients with mild liver dysfunction, pazopanib is well tolerated at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved dose of 800 mg per day. Patients with moderate and severe liver dysfunction tolerated 200 mg per day. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3631–9. ©2013 AACR.
Inflammatory Monocyte Mobilization Decreases Patient Survival in Pancreatic Cancer: A Role for Targeting the CCL2/CCR2 Axis
Authors: Sanford Dominic E. , Belt Brian A. , Panni Roheena Z. , Mayer Allese , Deshpande Anjali D. , Carpenter Danielle , Mitchem Jonathan B. , Plambeck-Suess Stacey M. , Worley Lori A. , Goetz Brian D. , Wang-Gillam Andrea , Eberlein Timothy J. , Denardo David G. , Goedegebuure Simon Peter , Linehan David C.
Published: May 2013

Purpose: To determine the role of the CCL2/CCR2 axis and inflammatory monocytes (CCR2+/CD14+) as immunotherapeutic targets in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Experimental Design: Survival analysis was conducted to determine if the prevalence of preoperative blood monocytes correlates with survival in patients with pancreatic cancer following tumor resection. Inflammatory monocyte prevalence in the blood and bone marrow of patients with pancreatic cancer and controls was compared. The immunosuppressive properties of inflammatory monocytes and macrophages in the blood and tumors, respectively, of patients with pancreatic cancer were assessed. CCL2 expression by human pancreatic cancer tumors was compared with normal pancreas. A novel CCR2 inhibitor (PF-04136309) was tested in an orthotopic model of murine pancreatic cancer.

Results: Monocyte prevalence in the peripheral blood correlates inversely with survival, and low monocyte prevalence is an independent predictor of increased survival in patients with pancreatic cancer with resected tumors. Inflammatory monocytes are increased in the blood and decreased in the bone marrow of patients with pancreatic cancer compared with controls. An increased ratio of inflammatory monocytes in the blood versus the bone marrow is a novel predictor of decreased patient survival following tumor resection. Human pancreatic cancer produces CCL2, and immunosuppressive CCR2+ macrophages infiltrate these tumors. Patients with tumors that exhibit high CCL2 expression/low CD8 T-cell infiltrate have significantly decreased survival. In mice, CCR2 blockade depletes inflammatory monocytes and macrophages from the primary tumor and premetastatic liver resulting in enhanced antitumor immunity, decreased tumor growth, and reduced metastasis.

Conclusions: Inflammatory monocyte recruitment is critical to pancreatic cancer progression, and targeting CCR2 may be an effective immunotherapeutic strategy in this disease. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3404–15. ©2013 AACR.
Development of JAK2V617F-Positive Polycythemia Vera after Chemotherapy-Induced Remission of Primary Central Nervous System Diffuse Large B Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Elli E.M. , Belotti A. , Cecchetti C. , Realini S. , Fedele M. , Parma M. , Pogliani E.M.
Published: May 2013

The coexistence or the development of Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms after a lymphoproliferative disease in the same patient is an extremely rare event. We report the case of a 72-year-old man who developed JAK2V617F polycythemia vera 3 years after the diagnosis and treatment of primary diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the central nervous system. We also review the literature regarding the pathogenesis underlying the association of myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative chronic disorders.
The Concept of the Immune-Pineal Axis Tested in Patients Undergoing an Abdominal Hysterectomy
Authors: de Oliveira Tatsch-Dias Mirella , Levandovski Rosa Maria , Custódio de Souza Izabel Cristina , Gregianin Rocha Marcelo , Magno Fernandes Pedro Augusto Carlos , Torres Iraci L.S. , Hidalgo Maria Paz L. , Markus Regina P. , Caumo Wolnei
Published: May 2013

Objective: Activation of the immune-pineal axis induces a transient reduction in nocturnal melatonin in the plasma during the proinflammatory phase of an innate immune response to allow the proper migration of leukocytes to the lesion site. This transient reduction should be regulated by inflammatory mediators, which are responsible for the fine-tuning of the process. In the present study, we measured the pre- and postoperative serum concentrations of melatonin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and cortisol in women who underwent an elective hysterectomy and correlated the variation in melatonin with postoperative pain. Methods: We evaluated 12 women who had an abdominal hysterectomy. Blood was collected at 10.00 and 22.00 h 1 week and 1 day before the surgery, on the 1st and 2nd days after the surgery and at 22.00 h on the day of the surgery. Results: On the night after the surgery, there was no melatonin detected at 22.00 h. High TNF levels were accompanied by a lower nocturnal melatonin output, higher postoperative pain according to a visual analog scale and the request of higher doses of analgesics. In addition, low cortisol levels were accompanied by a lower nocturnal melatonin output. Conclusion: Our results confirm that the same antagonistic pattern between TNF and glucocorticoids observed in cultured pineal glands also occurs in humans. This integrative pattern suggests that the cross talk between the immune and endocrine system orchestrates longitudinal changes in pineal activity, reinforcing the hypothesis of an immune-pineal axis.
Sensory Conduction Study in Fisher Syndrome: Patterns of Abnormalities and Their Clinical Correlation
Authors: Lyu Rong-Kuo , Chang Kuo-Hsuan , Chu Chun-Che , Kuo Hung-Chou , Ro Long-Sun
Published: May 2013

Objective: To report sensory conduction findings in patients with typical Fisher syndrome (FS) and to determine if a specific pattern of sensory conduction abnormalities was present in such patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed results of sensory conduction studies of 55 FS patients and compared them with those obtained from 83 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Results: Mean median and ulnar sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitudes were lower in FS patients than in normal subjects, whereas sural SNAP amplitudes were not different between the two groups. Abnormal median/ulnar sensory responses (reduced SNAP amplitude or absent response) were more frequently observed than abnormal sural response. Normal sensory conduction results were found in 31 (56%) patients. Of the 24 (44%) patients with abnormal sensory findings, 18 (33%) had a sural-sparing pattern of abnormalities. Patients with impaired sensation had lower median and ulnar SNAP amplitudes than those without. Conclusions: Abnormal median and ulnar sensory responses were the most frequent sensory findings in FS. Findings of the sural-sparing pattern of abnormalities suggest distal sensory nerve involvement in these patients.
Two Novel GATA6 Mutations Cause Childhood-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Pancreas Malformation and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Gong Maolian , Simaite Deimante , Kühnen Peter , Heldmann Michael , Spagnoli Francesca , Blankenstein Oliver , Hübner Norbert , Hussain Khalid , Raile Klemens
Published: May 2013

Background:GATA6 mutations are the most frequent cause of pancreatic agenesis and diabetes in human sporadic cases. In families, dominantly inherited mutations show a variable phenotype also in terms of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic disease. We report two novel GATA6 mutations in an independent cohort of 8 children with pancreas aplasia or hypoplasia and diabetes. Methods: We sequenced GATA6 in 8 children with diabetes and inborn pancreas abnormalities, i.e. hypoplasia or aplasia in which other known candidate genes causing monogenic diabetes and pancreatic defects had been excluded. Results: We found two novel heterozygous GATA6 mutations (c.951_954dup and c.754_904del) in 2 patients with sporadic pancreas hypoplasia, diabetes and severe cardiac defects (common truncus arteriosus and tetralogy of Fallot), but not in the remaining 6 patients. GATA6 mutations in carriers exhibited hypoplastic pancreas with absent head in 1 patient and with increased echogenicity and decreasing exocrine function in the other patient. Additionally, hepatobiliary malformations and brain atrophy were found in 1 patient. Conclusion: Our 2 cases with novel GATA6 mutations add more phenotype characteristics of GATA6 haploinsufficiency. In agreement with an increasing number of published cases, the wide phenotypic spectrum of GATA6 diabetes syndrome should draw the attention of both pediatric endocrinologists and geneticists.
Impairment in Natural Killer Cells Editing of Immature Dendritic Cells by Infection with a Virulent Trypanosoma cruzi Population
Authors: Batalla Estela I. , Pino Martínez Agustina M. , Poncini Carolina V. , Duffy Tomás , Schijman Alejandro G. , González Cappa Stella M. , Alba Soto Catalina D.
Published: May 2013

Early interactions between natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DC) shape the immune response at the frontier of innate and adaptive immunity. Activated NK cells participate in maturation or deletion of DCs that remain immature. We previously demonstrated that infection with a high virulence (HV) population of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi downmodulates DC maturation and T-cell activation capacity. Here, we evaluated the role of NK cells in regulating the maturation level of DCs. Shortly after infection with HV T. cruzi, DCs in poor maturation status begin to accumulate in mouse spleen. Although infection induces NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production, NK cells from mice infected with HV T. cruzi exhibit reduced ability to lyse and fail to induce maturation of bone marrow-derived immature DCs (iDCs). NK-mediated lysis of iDCs is restored by in vitro blockade of the IL-10 receptor during NK-DC interaction or when NK cells are obtained from T. cruzi-infected IL-10 knockout mice. These results suggest that infection with a virulent T. cruzi strain alters NK cell-mediated regulation of the adaptive immune response induced by DCs. This regulatory circuit where IL-10 appears to participate might lead to parasite persistence but can also limit the induction of a vigorous tissue-damaging T-cell response.
Seliciclib Inhibits Renal Hypertrophy but Not Fibrosis in the Rat following Subtotal Nephrectomy
Authors: Nutter F. , Khwaja A. , Haylor J.
Published: May 2013

Background: 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy (SNx) is a non-immune stimulus used to induce renal fibrosis. The ability of seliciclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, to reduce kidney hypertrophy and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition has been examined in the SNx rat. Methods: Wistar rats were subjected to SNx under isoflurane anaesthesia. The acute effect of seliciclib 28 mg/kg (5 days) on compensatory renal growth (CRG), kidney protein and DNA was determined. In chronic studies albuminuria, hypertension and GFR were monitored. Ki67, apoptag and α-smooth muscle actin were determined by immunohistochemistry together with Masson's trichrome staining. The effect of a maximum non-hypotensive dose of seliciclib 28 mg/kg (8 weeks) was determined. Results: Acutely, the remnant kidney developed CRG. Seliciclib 28 mg/kg inhibited both CRG by 45% and increased kidney protein by 48% without affecting increased kidney DNA. Chronically, SNx rats developed albuminuria, hypertension, low GFR with increased tubulointerstitial cell proliferation, apoptosis, myofibroblast accumulation and enhanced ECM deposition. Seliciclib 28 mg/kg (8 weeks) had no effect on either renal function or renal pathology. Plasma concentrations of seliciclib exceeded 5 µM throughout the study. Conclusions: Despite inhibition of early renal hypertrophy, a maximum non-hypotensive dose of seliciclib 28 mg/kg had no impact on the progression of kidney fibrosis in the SNx rat.
Developmental Disturbances of a Maxillary Central Incisor due to Trauma to Its Predecessor: A Case Report
Authors: Karataş Merve Safa , Sönmez Işıl Şaroğlu
Published: May 2013

Objective: To report the effects of a primary tooth trauma on the underlying permanent tooth germ. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 12-year-old girl was referred to our clinic with a complaint of poor aesthetic appearance. The crown of the permanent maxillary left central tooth exhibited an increased clinical crown height with an ‘enamel hyperplasia' in the cervical third and had hypoplastic enamel with yellowish-brown discoloration extending from the middle third to the incisal edge. Radiographic examination revealed that the permanent maxillary left central tooth had abnormal root morphology with root dilaceration. The patient revealed a history of trauma at the age of 4 years. An aesthetic restoration with light-curing resin composite was performed on the vestibular surface of the maxillary left permanent central tooth. Conclusion: Sequelae of a primary tooth trauma on the permanent tooth were restored. We recommend that parents should be aware of the consequences of untreated trauma to a primary tooth. Educational and preventive programmes on dental trauma are required to educate parents about emergency knowledge and sequelae of dental trauma.
Sex-Biased Expression of Sex-Differentiating Genes FOXL2 and FGF9 in American Alligators, Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Janes D.E. , Elsey R.M. , Langan E.M. , Valenzuela N. , Edwards S.V.
Published: May 2013

Across amniotes, sex-determining mechanisms exhibit great variation, yet the genes that govern sexual differentiation are largely conserved. Studies of evolution of sex-determining and sex-differentiating genes require an exhaustive characterization of functions of those genes such as FOXL2 and FGF9. FOXL2 is associated with ovarian development, and FGF9 is known to play a role in testicular organogenesis in mammals and other amniotes. As a step toward characterization of the evolutionary history of sexual development, we measured expression of FOXL2 and FGF9 across 3 developmental stages and 8 juvenile tissue types in male and female American alligators, Alligator mississippiensis. We report surprisingly high expression of FOXL2 before the stage of embryonic development when sex is determined in response to temperature, and sustained and variable expression of FGF9 in juvenile male, but not female tissue types. Novel characterization of gene expression in reptiles with temperature-dependent sex determination such as American alligators may inform the evolution of sex-determining and sex-differentiating gene networks, as they suggest alternative functions from which the genes may have been exapted. Future functional profiling of sex-differentiating genes should similarly follow other genes and other species to enable a broad comparison across sex-determining mechanisms.
Nephronectin Expression in Glomeruli of Renal Biopsy Specimens from Various Kidney Diseases: Nephronectin Is Expressed in the Mesangial Matrix Expansion of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Nakatani Shinya , Ishimura Eiji , Mori Katsuhito , Fukumoto Shinya , Yamano Shotaro , Wei Min , Emoto Masanori , Wanibuchi Hideki , Inaba Masaaki
Published: May 2013

Background: In a previous proteomic study, we detected increased expression of nephronectin in the glomeruli from patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of the present study was to clarify the usefulness of determining glomerular expression of nephronectin in kidney disease. Methods: We performed immunohistochemical staining for nephronectin in renal biopsy specimens from patients with a variety of kidney diseases (n = 190). The percentage of nephronectin-positive areas in the glomeruli was analyzed using an image analyzer. Results: Nephronectin immunoreactivity was clearly, strongly positive in the mesangial expansion and nodular lesions of DN (n = 18), whereas nephronectin immunoreactivity was negative in IgA glomerulonephritis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis, minor glomerular abnormalities, crescentic glomerulonephritis, and other kidney diseases, such as amyloidosis and light chain deposition disease. Nephronectin was stained weakly in sclerotic lesions, such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and hypertensive nephropathy. The percentage of nephronectin-positive areas in the glomeruli from DN patients [15.1 ± 4.7% (n = 18)] was significantly higher than that for other kidney diseases [5.5 ± 3.6% (n = 172)] (p < 0.001). In multiple regression analyses, fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c were significantly associated with the increase in the percentage of nephronectin-positive areas in the glomeruli (β = 0.23, p < 0.001 and β = 0.16, p = 0.045, respectively). Conclusions: The expression of nephronectin was sufficient to discriminate DN from other kidney diseases with mesangial matrix expansion and nodular lesions. We consider that nephronectin staining could be helpful in the diagnosis of DN.
A New Chromosome Translocation t(7;16)(q31,q22) Change during an Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Relapse
Authors: Cao Y. , Yuan R. , Wang Y. , Chen R. , Huang M. , Zhou J.
Published: May 2013

The translocation t(15;17), which results in the PML-RARα fusion gene, is a characteristic chromosomal translocation in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). But additional chromosome aberrations in APL are increasingly recognized. Here, we report on a 16-year-old APL patient who had an fms-related tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and a 46,XY,t(15;17)(q22;q21)-16+mar karyotype at diagnosis. The patient achieved complete remission after induction therapy with all-trans retinoic acid and chemotherapy. But he soon relapsed presenting distinctive APL features in the bone marrow and leptomeninges and showing a chromosome translocation change involving chromosomes 7 and 16 besides t(15;17)(q22;q21). The new karyotype 46,XY,t(7;16)(q31;q22),t(15;17)(q22;q21) was determined. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a de novo APL with a chromosome translocation t(7;16)(q31,q22) together with a t(15;17)(q22;q21) and FLT3-ITD mutation.
An Updated Definition of Stroke for the 21st Century
Authors: Sacco Ralph L. , Kasner Scott E. , Broderick Joseph P. , Caplan Louis R. , Connors J.J. (Buddy) , Culebras Antonio , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , George Mary G. , Hamdan Allen D. , Higashida Randall T. , Hoh Brian L. , Janis L. Scott , Kase Carlos S. , Kleindorfer Dawn O. , Lee Jin-Moo , Moseley Michael E. , Peterson Eric D. , Turan Tanya N. , Valderrama Amy L. , Vinters Harry V.
Published: May 2013

Despite the global impact and advances in understanding the pathophysiology of cerebrovascular diseases, the term “stroke” is not consistently defined in clinical practice, in clinical research, or in assessments of the public health. The classic definition is mainly clinical and does not account for advances in science and technology. The Stroke Council of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association convened a writing group to develop an expert consensus document for an updated definition of stroke for the 21st century. Central nervous system infarction is defined as brain, spinal cord, or retinal cell death attributable to ischemia, based on neuropathological, neuroimaging, and/or clinical evidence of permanent injury. Central nervous system infarction occurs over a clinical spectrum: Ischemic stroke specifically refers to central nervous system infarction accompanied by overt symptoms, while silent infarction by definition causes no known symptoms. Stroke also broadly includes intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The updated definition of stroke incorporates clinical and tissue criteria and can be incorporated into practice, research, and assessments of the public health.
Dalfampridine Improves Sensorimotor Function in Rats With Chronic Deficits After Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Iaci Jennifer F. , Parry Tom J. , Huang Zhihong , Finklestein Seth P. , Ren JingMei , Barrile Dana K. , Davenport Matthew D. , Wu Rui , Blight Andrew R. , Caggiano Anthony O.
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—

Stroke survivors often have permanent deficits that are only partially addressed by physical therapy. This study evaluated the effects of dalfampridine, a potassium channel blocker, on persistent sensorimotor deficits in rats with treatment initiated 4 or 8 weeks after stroke.

Methods—

Rats underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Sensorimotor function was measured using limb-placing and body-swing symmetry tests, which normally show a partial recovery from initial deficits that plateaus ≈4 weeks after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Dalfampridine was administered starting at 4 or 8 weeks after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in 2 blinded, vehicle-controlled studies. Plasma samples were collected and brain tissue was processed for histologic assessment.

Results—

Dalfampridine treatment (0.5–2.0 mg/kg) improved forelimb- and hindlimb-placing responses and body-swing symmetry in a reversible and dose-dependent manner. Plasma dalfampridine concentrations correlated with dose. Brain infarct volumes showed no differences between treatment groups.

Conclusions—

Dalfampridine improves sensorimotor function in the rat permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model. Dalfampridine extended-release tablets (prolonged release fampridine outside the United States) are used to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis, and these preclinical data provide a strong rationale for examining the potential of dalfampridine to treat chronic stable deficits in stroke patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01605825
Impact of Acute Cocaine Use on Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Chang Tiffany R. , Kowalski Robert G. , Caserta Filissa , Carhuapoma Juan Ricardo , Tamargo Rafael J. , Naval Neeraj S.
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—

Acute cocaine use has been temporally associated with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). This study analyzes the impact of cocaine use on patient presentation, complications, and outcomes.

Methods—

Data of patients admitted with aSAH between 1991 and 2009 were reviewed to determine impact of acute cocaine use (C). These patients were compared with aSAH patients without recent cocaine exposure (NC) in relation to their presentation, complications such as aneurysmal rerupture and delayed cerebral ischemia, and outcomes including hospital mortality and functional outcome.

Results—

Data of 1134 aSAH patients were reviewed; 142 patients (12.5%) had associated cocaine use. Cocaine users were more likely to be younger (mean age: C, 49±11; NC, 53±14;
P
<0.001). There were no differences in rates of poor-grade Hunt and Hess (4–5); (C, 21%; NC, 26%;
P
>0.05), associated intraventricular hemorrhage (C, 56%; NC, 51%;
P
>0.05), or hydrocephalus on admission Head CT (C, 49%; NC, 52%;
P
>0.05). Aneurysm rerupture incidence was higher among cocaine users (C, 7.7%; NC, 2.7%;
P
<0.05). The association of cocaine use with higher risk of delayed cerebral ischemia (C, 22%; NC, 16%;
P
<0.05) was not significant after correcting for other factors. Cocaine users were less likely to survive hospitalization compared with nonusers (mortality: C, 26%; NC, 17%;
P
<0.05); the adjusted odds of hospital mortality were 2.9 times higher among cocaine users (
P
<0.001). There were no differences in functional outcomes between the 2 groups.

Conclusions—

Acute cocaine use was associated with a higher risk of aneurysm rerupture and hospital mortality after aSAH.
Cyberbullying in Australia: Clarifying the Problem, Considering the Solutions
Authors: Srivastava Aashish , Gamble Roger , Boey Janice
Published: May 2013

With the increasing use of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), a new method of bullying has emerged known as cyberbullying. It is indeed ironic that the advancement in communication tools designed to improve the life of mankind is also the cause of much pain. More and more frequently we do read or hear of cases of young children being victims because of the misuse of ICT which have in some extreme cases led to them committing suicide. Unfortunately the ICT’s very nature of being accessible from anywhere and anytime, and its often anonymous nature makes it difficult to regulate what children say or do to each other. This paper discusses the scope of the cyberbullying problem amongst the young in Australia and considers what role the government, the courts and schools should play in detecting, deterring or preventing such conduct.
Passive victims or empowered actors: Accommodating the needs of child domestic workers
Authors: Scullion Dianne
Published: May 2013

Legal regulation of child employment takes a particular focus, with concern surrounding children’s right to protection from exploitative work. Using domestic work as a case study, this article demonstrates that there is little or no consideration of the possibility that children discovered in domestic work, are there as a result of their own autonomous decision to enter what they view as an employment arrangement. Instead, there is often an assumption that these children have been trafficked. A child’s right to be heard under Article 12, UNCRC, and their right to protection from exploitative employment under Article 32, UNCRC, are relevant to this discussion, as are the decisions made for the child on the basis of their best interests under Article 3, UNCRC. An alternative approach is suggested which may help to empower children, enabling well-informed employment decisions to be made, rather than only ever treating them as passive victims.
Skepticism and Objective Contexts: A Critique of DeRose
Authors: Mion Giovanni
Published: May 2013

In this paper I contrast my contextualist account of Cartesian skepticism with Keith DeRose’s account. I agree with DeRose that when the Cartesian skeptic and her opponent meet in the same context, their claims are truth-value-less. But I agree with him on the basis of a different conception of context sensitivity. According to DeRose, the content of context sensitive expressions in general, and of knowledge in particular, is personally indicated. By contrast, I think that the content of context sensitive expressions in general, and of knowledge in particular, is objectively determined by the goals of the conversation and the environment in which the conversation takes place.