bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status of the Gastric Mucosa with Endoscopically Diagnosed Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Nonaka Kouichi , Ban Shinichi , Hiejima Yoshimitsu , Narita Rei , Shimizu Michio , Aikawa Masayasu , Ohata Ken , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Arai Shin , Kita Hiroto
Published: July 2014

Background. Since gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a mesenchymal submucosal tumor, the endosonographic, CT, and MRI features of gastric GISTs have been widely investigated. However, the GIST-bearing gastric mucosa status has not been reported. Objective. To characterize the GIST-bearing gastric mucosa status in terms of the degree of inflammation and atrophy, assessed endoscopically. Subjects and Methods. The subjects were 46 patients with submucosal tumors (histologically proven gastric GISTs) who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in our hospital between April 2007 and September 2012. They were retrospectively evaluated regarding clinicopathological features, the endoscopically determined status of the entire gastric mucosa (presence or absence and degree of atrophy), presence or absence and severity of endoscopic gastritis/atrophy (A-B classification) at the GIST site, and presence or absence of H. pylori infection. Results. Twenty-three patients had no mucosal atrophy, but 17 and 6 had closed- and open-type atrophy, respectively. Twenty-six, 5, 12, 1, 1, and 1 patients had grades B0, B1, B2, B3, A0, and A1 gastritis/atrophy at the lesion site, respectively, with no grade A2 gastritis/atrophy. Conclusion. The results suggest that gastric GISTs tend to arise in the stomach wall with H. pylori-negative, nonatrophic mucosa or H. pylori-positive, mildly atrophic mucosa.
Combined Analysis with Copy Number Variation Identifies Risk Loci in Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Xinlei , Chen Xianfeng , Hu Guohong , Liu Yang , Zhang Zhenguo , Wang Ping , Zhou You , Yi Xianfu , Zhang Jie , Zhu Yufei , Wei Zejun , Yuan Fei , Zhao Guoping , Zhu Jun , Hu Landian , Kong Xiangyin
Published: July 2014

Background. Lung cancer is the most important cause of cancer mortality worldwide, but the underlying mechanisms of this disease are not fully understood. Copy number variations (CNVs) are promising genetic variations to study because of their potential effects on cancer.Methodology/Principal Findings. Here we conducted a pilot study in which we systematically analyzed the association of CNVs in two lung cancer datasets: the Environment And Genetics in Lung cancer Etiology (EAGLE) and the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial datasets. We used a preestablished association method to test the datasets separately and conducted a combined analysis to test the association accordance between the two datasets. Finally, we identified 167 risk SNP loci and 22 CNVs associated with lung cancer and linked them with recombination hotspots. Functional annotation and biological relevance analyses implied that some of our predicted risk loci were supported by other studies and might be potential candidate loci for lung cancer studies.Conclusions/Significance. Our results further emphasized the importance of copy number variations in cancer and might be a valuable complement to current genome-wide association studies on cancer.
Side of Limb-Onset Predicts Laterality of Gray Matter Loss in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Qiuli , Mao Cuiping , Jin Jiaoting , Niu Chen , Bai Lijun , Dang Jingxia , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2014

Conflicting findings have been reported regarding the lateralized brain abnormality in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the probable lateralization of gray matter (GM) atrophy in ALS patients. We focused on the relationship between the asymmetry in decreased GM volume and the side of disease onset in patients with limb-onset. Structural imaging evaluation of normalized atrophy (SIENAX) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) were used to assess differences in global and local brain regions in patients with heterogeneous body onset and subgroups with different side of limb-onset. We found global brain atrophy and GM losses in the frontal and parietal areas in each patient group as well as left predominant GM losses in the total cohort. The intriguing findings in subgroup analyses demonstrated that the motor cortex in the contralateral hemisphere of the initially involved limb was most affected. We also found that regional brain atrophy was related to disease progression rate. Our observations suggested that side of limb-onset can predict laterality of GM loss in ALS patients and disease progression correlates with the extent of cortical abnormality.
Iron Metabolism Disturbance in a French Cohort of ALS Patients
Authors: Veyrat-Durebex Charlotte , Corcia Philippe , Mucha Aleksandra , Benzimra Simon , Mallet Cindy , Gendrot Chantal , Moreau Caroline , Devos David , Piver Eric , Pagès Jean-Christophe , Maillot François , Andres Christian R. , Vourc’h Patrick , Blasco Hélène
Published: July 2014

Objective.The aim of this study was to assess iron status in a cohort of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients compared to controls in order to evaluate these parameters as a risk factor or a modifying factor of ALS.Methods.We collected serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation coefficient (TSC) from 104 ALS patients at the time of diagnosis and from 145 controls. We reported phenotypic characteristics and evolution parameters such as ALSFRS-R and forced vital capacity at diagnosis and after one year of follow-up. In a first step we compared iron status between ALS patients and controls, and then we evaluated the relation between iron status and disease evolution of ALS patients using univariate and multivariate analysis.Results.We observed increased concentrations of serum iron (P=0.002) and ferritin (P<0.0001) and increased TSC (P=0.017) in ALS patients. We also showed an association between markers of iron status and high body weight loss in ALS patients. The multivariate analysis of survival highlighted a significant relation between ferritin level and disease duration (P=0.038).Conclusion.This is the first study showing a higher concentration of serum iron in ALS patients, strengthening the involvement of a deregulation of iron metabolism in ALS.
An Important Clue in the Sonographic Diagnosis of Internal Carotid Artery Agenesis: Ipsilateral Common Carotid Artery Hypoplasia
Authors: Kaya Omer , Yilmaz Cengiz , Gulek Bozkurt , Soker Gokhan , Cikman Gokalp , Inan Ibrahim , Demirduzen Selahaddin
Published: July 2014

A 42-year-old female patient, who had been diagnosed with an occlusion of her left internal carotid artery (ICA) following Doppler ultrasonographic (US) and digitally-subtracted angiographic (DSA) examinations performed in an outer healthcare center in order to eliminate the underlying cause of her complaint of amorosis fugax, later applied to our hospital with the same complaint. At Doppler US performed in our hospital’s radiology department, her right common carotid artery (CCA) was normal, but her left CCA was hypoplastic. The right internal artery (ICA) was validated as normal. At the left side, however, the ICA was apparent only as a stump and it did not demonstrate a continuity. The diagnosis of ICA agenesis was confirmed by the utilization of Doppler US, CT, and DSA imaging, and it was concluded also that ipsilateral CCA hypoplasia could be evaluated as an important clue to the diagnosis of ICA agenesis.
Analytical Analysis of Seismic Behavior of Cold-Formed Steel Frames with Strap Brace and Sheathings Plates
Authors: Gerami M. , Lotfi M.
Published: July 2014

Cold-formed steel frames (CFS) are popular all over the world. In this study, we have investigated 112 frames with different bracing arrangements and different dimensional ratios with different thicknesses of sheathing plates under cyclic and monotonic loading using Finite Element Nonlinear Analysis. We also evaluated seismic parameters including resistance reduction factor, ductility, and force reduction factor due to ductility for all specimens. On the other hand, we calculated the seismic response modification factor for these systems. The maximum modification factor among shear wall panels with sheathing plates related to GWB (gypsum wall board) specimen with thickness of 15 mm was 5.14; among bracing specimens in bilateral bracing mode related to B sample was 3.14. The maximum amount of resistance among the specimens with bilateral (2-side) bracing systems belongs to the specimen C (2-side double X-bracing) with the dimension ratio of 2 (4.8 m × 2.4 m) and resistance of 305.60 kN and also among the shear wall panels with sheathing plates, it belongs to DFP (douglas fir plywood) with a thickness of 20 mm and resistance of 371.34 kN.
Importance of Biofilms in Urinary Tract Infections: New Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Soto Sara M.
Published: July 2014

Bacterial biofilms play an important role in urinary tract infections (UTIs), being responsible for persistence infections causing relapses and acute prostatitis. Bacterial forming biofilm are difficult to eradicate due to the antimicrobial resistant phenotype that this structure confers being combined therapy recommended for the treatment of biofilm-associated infections. However, the presence of persistent cells showing reduced metabolism that leads to higher levels of antimicrobial resistance makes the search for new therapeutic tools necessary. Here, a review of these new therapeutic approaches is provided including catheters coated with hydrogels or antibiotics, nanoparticles, iontophoresis, biofilm enzyme inhibitors, liposomes, bacterial interference, bacteriophages, quorum sensing inhibitors, low-energy surface acoustic waves, and antiadhesion agents. In conclusion, new antimicrobial drugs that inhibit bacterial virulence and biofilm formation are needed.
Severe Hypercholesterolemia: A Unique Presentation of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Chudy-Onwugaje Kenechukwu , Anyadike Nnaemeka , Tsirlin Yuriy , Mayer Ira , Rahmani Rabin
Published: July 2014

We report a case of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with an unusual initial manifestation as severe hypercholesterolemia and obstructive jaundice in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1). NHL should be considered in the evaluation of obstructive jaundice alone or in combination with severe hypercholesterolemia. Relief of biliary obstruction led to the resolution of hypercholesterolemia in our 59-year-old male patient, followed by doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for the underlying lymphoma. NF 1 is a genetic condition that results from a defect in a tumor-suppressor gene and it is likely that this led to the development of NHL in our patient. It is important that clinicians are familiar with the gastrointestinal manifestations of NF 1, especially its association with intra-abdominal malignancies, when treating patients with a personal or family history. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of NHL presenting initially as severe hypercholesterolemia and it is also one of the few instances where NHL has been reported in association with NF 1.
PR3ANCA Related Cerebral Vasculitis in Ulcerative Colitis Presenting with Orbital Involvement: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Unnikrishnan Athira , Azodi Shila , Ansari Nadeem , Brown Megan , Kamnetz Joshua , Uchiyama Robert C.
Published: July 2014

PR3 ANCA is a classic marker of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). There have been several recent reports of increased prevalence of PR3ANCA in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, the clinical implication of which is not well defined. We are reporting a case of 27-year-old Caucasian male with 14-year history of UC presenting with unilateral proptosis, conjunctival congestion, and chemosis who developed acute hemiparesis within three days of hospital admission, followed by rapid neurological deterioration correlating with brain imaging findings. Serologically he had atypical PANCA with high PR3 antibody titer with a negative infectious workup. His cerebral angiogram was normal but the brain biopsy showed necrotizing vasculitis. He was diagnosed with PR3 ANCA mediated cerebral and orbital vasculitis associated with UC. Treatment was initiated with high dose steroids, plasmapheresis, and cyclophosphamide. He improved significantly with residual left hemiparesis.
Calculating the Number of Cluster Heads Based on the Rate-Distortion Function in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yang Mingxin , He Jingsha , Zhang Yuqiang
Published: July 2014

Due to limited resources in wireless sensor nodes, energy efficiency is considered as one of the primary constraints in the design of the topology of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Since data that are collected by wireless sensor nodes exhibit the characteristics of temporal association, data fusion has also become a very important means of reducing network traffic as well as eliminating data redundancy as far as data transmission is concerned. Another reason for data fusion is that, in many applications, only some of the data that are collected can meet the requirements of the sink node. In this paper, we propose a method to calculate the number of cluster heads or data aggregators during data fusion based on the rate-distortion function. In our discussion, we will first establish an energy consumption model and then describe a method for calculating the number of cluster heads from the point of view of reducing energy consumption. We will also show through theoretical analysis and experimentation that the network topology design based on the rate-distortion function is indeed more energy-efficient.
Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Atherosclerosis and Diabetic Macrovascular Complications
Authors: Chistiakov Dmitry A. , Sobenin Igor A. , Orekhov Alexander N. , Bobryshev Yuri V.
Published: July 2014

Age-related changes in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are associated with stress of this cell organelle. Unfolded protein response (UPR) is a normal physiological reaction of a cell in order to prevent accumulation of unfolded and misfolded proteins in the ER and improve the normal ER function. However, in pathologic conditions such as atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes, ER function becomes impaired, leading to the development of ER stress. In chronic ER stress, defective posttranslational protein folding results in deposits of aberrantly folded proteins in the ER and the induction of cell apoptosis mediated by UPR sensors C/EBPα-homologous protein (CHOP) and inositol requiring protein-1 (IRE1). Since ER stress and ER-induced cell death play a nonredundant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and diabetic macrovascular complications, pharmaceutical targeting of ER stress components and pathways may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular pathology.
Multisensory Integration and Internal Models for Sensing Gravity Effects in Primates
Authors: Lacquaniti Francesco , Bosco Gianfranco , Gravano Silvio , Indovina Iole , La Scaleia Barbara , Maffei Vincenzo , Zago Myrka
Published: July 2014

Gravity is crucial for spatial perception, postural equilibrium, and movement generation. The vestibular apparatus is the main sensory system involved in monitoring gravity. Hair cells in the vestibular maculae respond to gravitoinertial forces, but they cannot distinguish between linear accelerations and changes of head orientation relative to gravity. The brain deals with this sensory ambiguity (which can cause some lethal airplane accidents) by combining several cues with the otolith signals: angular velocity signals provided by the semicircular canals, proprioceptive signals from muscles and tendons, visceral signals related to gravity, and visual signals. In particular, vision provides both static and dynamic signals about body orientation relative to the vertical, but it poorly discriminates arbitrary accelerations of moving objects. However, we are able to visually detect the specific acceleration of gravity since early infancy. This ability depends on the fact that gravity effects are stored in brain regions which integrate visual, vestibular, and neck proprioceptive signals and combine this information with an internal model of gravity effects.
Tamponade or Filling Effect: Changes of Forces in Myopic Eyes
Authors: Semeraro Francesco , Morescalchi Francesco , Russo Andrea , Romano Mario R. , Costagliola Ciro
Published: July 2014

Myopia is the most common ocular abnormality. Its high and growing prevalence has contributed to a recent surge in surgical interest in the disorder, since retinal detachment in eyes with high myopia differs from that in emmetropic eyes or eyes with low myopia. The myopic eye, because of its specific anatomy, poses special challenges that need to be overcome to ensure the appropriate use of vitreous substitutes. However, intraocular tamponades have shown great potential for revolutionizing retinal detachment surgery and vitreomacular surgery in general in myopic eyes. We provide an updated review of the clinical use of vitreous substitutes in the myopic eye, paying particular attention to analyzing the ideal function of endotamponade agents and comparing the effects of these agents on the physical and biological properties of the eye.
Conservative Management of a Delayed Neovesicocutaneous Fistula
Authors: Kodama Koichi , Takase Yasukazu , Motoi Isamu
Published: June 2014

A neovesicocutaneous fistula is a rare complication after orthotopic bladder reconstruction, particularly in the late postoperative period. We report the case of a 59-year-old man who had undergone ileal neobladder construction 17 months previously. He presented with urinary retention concomitant with urinary tract infection due to a neovesicourethral anastomotic stricture. After a combination of transurethral catheter drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy for 3 weeks, the fistulous tract completely closed. Therefore, conservative treatment may be regarded as a valid option for a delayed neovesicocutaneous fistula.
Local Fractional Laplace Variational Iteration Method for Fractal Vehicular Traffic Flow
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Long-Fei , Zeng Sheng-Da , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2014

We discuss the line partial differential equations arising in fractal vehicular traffic flow. The nondifferentiable approximate solutions are obtained by using the local fractional Laplace variational iteration method, which is the coupling method of local fractional variational iteration method and Laplace transform. The obtained results show the efficiency and accuracy of implements of the present method.
Immunopathogenesis of Ocular Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Park Un Chul , Kim Tae Wan , Yu Hyeong Gon
Published: July 2014

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic recurrent systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology characterized by oral and genital ulcerations, skin lesions, and uveitis. The ocular involvement of BD, or Behçet’s uveitis (BU), is characterized by panuveitis or posterior uveitis with occlusive retinal vasculitis and tends to be more recurrent and sight threatening than other endogenous autoimmune uveitides, despite aggressive immunosuppression. Although pathogenesis of BD is unclear, researches have revealed that immunological aberrations may be the cornerstone of BD development. General hypothesis of BD pathogenesis is that inflammatory response is initiated by infectious agents or autoantigens in patients with predisposing genetic factors and perpetuated by both innate and acquired immunity. In addition, a network of immune mediators plays a substantial role in the inflammatory cascade. Recently, we found that the immunopathogenesis of BU is distinct from other autoimmune uveitides regarding intraocular effector cell profiles, maturation markers of dendritic cells, and the cytokine/chemokine environment. In addition, accumulating evidence indicates the involvement of Th17 cells in BD and BU. Recent studies on genetics and biologics therapies in refractory BU also support the immunological association with the pathogenesis of BU. In this review, we provide an overview of novel findings regarding the immunopathogenesis of BU.
Sex and Reproduction in the Transmission of Infectious Uveitis
Authors: Davis Janet L.
Published: July 2014

Current data permit only speculations regarding sex differences in the prevalence of infectious uveitis between women and men because uveitis case surveys do not uniformly report gender data. Differences in prevalence that are reported in the literature could relate to simple differences in the number of women and men at risk for infection or to biological differences between men and women. Compared to other types of uveitis, infectious uveitis may be directly related to occupational exposures or sexual behaviors, which differ between women and men, and may mask actual biological differences in susceptibility to ocular manifestations of the infection and its prognosis. In infectious uveitis for which there is no element of sexual transmission and data is available, prevalence of ocular disease is roughly equal between women and men. Women also have a unique relationship with infectious uveitis in their role as mothers. Vertical transmission of infections such as herpes simplex, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus can produce severe chorioretinitis in neonates.
On Stability of Open‐Loop Operation without Rotor Information for Brushless DC Motors
Authors: Wu Zhong , Lyu Haotun , Shi Yongli , Shi Di
Published: July 2014

Open‐loop operation mode is often used to control the Brushless DC Motors (BLDCMs) without rotor position sensors when the back electromotive force (EMF) is too weak due to the very low rotor velocity. The rotor position information is not necessary in this mode and the stator windings are supplied with voltages under a certain ratio of the amplitude to the frequency. However, the rotor synchronization will be destroyed once if the commutation instant is inappropriate. In order to improve the reliability of the open‐loop operation mode, a dynamic equation is established to represent the synchronization error between the rotor and the stator. Thereafter, the stability of the open‐loop control mode is analyzed by using Lyapunov indirect method. Theoretical analysis indicates that the open‐loop control mode is asymptotically stable only when the commutation instant of the stator current lags behind the ideal one suitably. Finally, theoretical analysis is verified through the experimental results of a certain BLDCM.
Perspectives for Titanium-Derived Fillers Usage on Denture Base Composite Construction: A Review Article
Authors: Elshereksi Nidal W. , Ghazali Mariyam J. , Muchtar Andanastuti , Azhari Che H.
Published: July 2014

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is an extensively used material in dentistry because of its aesthetics, processability, and reparability. However, PMMA is still far from being ideal in fulfilling the mechanical requirements of prosthesis. PMMA-based denture base polymers exhibit low fracture resistance and radiopacity behavior. Efforts to improve the mechanical and radiopacity properties of denture base materials through inclusion of silica-based fillers are ongoing. Although silane-treated siliceous fillers are commonly used, they are not sufficiently strong. They also exhibit cracks, which either cut through the glass fillers or propagate around the filler particles. This defect occurs when the dental composites are placed in aqueous oral environment because of the hydrolytic degradation of silica-based fillers and silane-coupling agents. The clinical problem of using silanes in adhesion promotion is bond degradation over time in oral environment. In addition, silanes do not bond effectively to nonsilica-based dental restorative materials. This review presents titanium-derived fillers as alternatives to siliceous fillers. Titanate-coupling agents are found to be effective couplers in treating Ti-based fillers because of their chemical compatibility and relatively high stability in aqueous environment.
Real-Time Terrain Storage Generation from Multiple Sensors towards Mobile Robot Operation Interface
Authors: Song Wei , Cho Seoungjae , Xi Yulong , Cho Kyungeun , Um Kyhyun
Published: July 2014

A mobile robot mounted with multiple sensors is used to rapidly collect 3D point clouds and video images so as to allow accurate terrain modeling. In this study, we develop a real-time terrain storage generation and representation system including a nonground point database (PDB), ground mesh database (MDB), and texture database (TDB). A voxel-based flag map is proposed for incrementally registering large-scale point clouds in a terrain model in real time. We quantize the 3D point clouds into 3D grids of the flag map as a comparative table in order to remove the redundant points. We integrate the large-scale 3D point clouds into a nonground PDB and a node-based terrain mesh using the CPU. Subsequently, we program a graphics processing unit (GPU) to generate the TDB by mapping the triangles in the terrain mesh onto the captured video images. Finally, we produce a nonground voxel map and a ground textured mesh as a terrain reconstruction result. Our proposed methods were tested in an outdoor environment. Our results show that the proposed system was able to rapidly generate terrain storage and provide high resolution terrain representation for mobile mapping services and a graphical user interface between remote operators and mobile robots.
Evaluation of Durability to Laundering of Triclosan and Chitosan on a Textile Substrate
Authors: Ranganath Anupama Sargur , Sarkar Ajoy K.
Published: July 2014

In a hospital environment, textile substrates have been implicated as a vector in the transmission of disease. To mitigate the harmful spread of disease via textile substrates, an effective measure is treatment of textiles with antimicrobial agents. The current investigation compares one of the most widely used chemically synthesized antimicrobial agents, triclosan with chitosan, a naturally occurring antimicrobial agent. For the study, samples of a common polyester/cotton textile used in hospital settings were treated with triclosan and chitosan based antimicrobial agents. Following treatment, the samples were analyzed for their effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using standard AATCC Test Methods. The efficacy of the treatment to laundering was then evaluated by subjecting the treated samples to 50 washings and repeating the tests against the challenge microorganisms. Data obtained were statistically analyzed at a 95% confidence interval. Results showed that before laundering both triclosan and chitosan treated samples were extremely effective as antimicrobial agents. After laundering, chitosan was less effective against E.coli but maintained efficacy against S. aureus. The effectiveness of triclosan was not adversely affected after the laundering treatments.
Corneal Decompensation after Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Authors: Ozkok Ahmet , Tamcelik Nevbahar , Ucar Comlekoglu Didar , Iskeleli Guzin
Published: July 2014

A 64-year-old Caucasian man referred for decreased vision after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Slit lamp examination revealed diffuse corneal edema. Despite intensive topical treatment including steroids, corneal edema did not resolve; on the contrary, it advanced to bullous keratopathy. Corneal edema after SLT is an exceptionally rare complication and in all of the previous reports edema resolved with medical treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report presenting persistent corneal edema after SLT.
Improved Cross Entropy Algorithm for the Optimum of Charge Planning Problem
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Qiqiang
Published: July 2014

To solve the charge planning problem involving charges and the orders in each charge, a traveling salesman problem based charge planning model and the improved cross entropy algorithm are proposed. Firstly, the charge planning problem with unknown charge number is modeled as a traveling salesman problem. The objective of the model is to minimize the dissimilarity costs between each order and its charge center order, the open order costs, and the unselected order costs. Secondly, the improved cross entropy algorithm is proposed with the improved initial state transition probability matrix which is constructed according to the differences of steel grades and order widths between orders. Finally, an actual numerical example shows the effectiveness of the model and the algorithm.
acACS: Improving the Prediction Accuracy of Protein Subcellular Locations and Protein Classification by Incorporating the Average Chemical Shifts Composition
Authors: Fan Guo-Liang , Liu Yan-Ling , Zuo Yong-Chun , Mei Han-Xue , Rang Yi , Hou Bao-Yan , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2014

The chemical shift is sensitive to changes in the local environments and can report the structural changes. The structure information of a protein can be represented by the average chemical shifts (ACS) composition, which has been broadly applied for enhancing the prediction accuracy in protein subcellular locations and protein classification. However, different kinds of ACS composition can solve different problems. We established an online web server named acACS, which can convert secondary structure into average chemical shift and then compose the vector for representing a protein by using the algorithm of auto covariance. Our solution is easy to use and can meet the needs of users.
The Sirtuin 3 Expression Profile Is Associated with Pathological and Clinical Outcomes in Colon Cancer Patients
Authors: Liu Chunyuan , Huang Zonghai , Jiang Hong , Shi Fujun
Published: July 2014

Aim.To investigate the correlation between Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression and the clinical outcome of patients with colon cancer.Methods. The tumor specimens from 127 patients with colon cancer were obtained for SIRT3 immunohistochemical staining. Patients were followed up. Inin vitrostudy, SIRT3 gene was inhibited to observe the effects of SIRT3 on the biological behavior of cultured colon cells.Results. The SIRT3 expression level was found to be significantly associated with the lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) and tumor stages (P<0.001). The colon cancer-specific survival was 64.6% among patients with high SIRT3 expressions and 88.6% among patients with low SIRT3 expressions (log-rankP=0.016). The overall survival was 80.2% among patients with low SIRT3 expressions and 55.9% among patients with high SIRT3 expressions (log-rankP=0.002).In vitrostudy showed that silencing of SIRT3 gene inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and cells migration but increased the apoptosis in the cultured colon cell lines.Conclusion. This study provides evidence supporting that SIRT3 is closely associated with the clinical outcomes of colon cancer. SIRT3 may be considered as a marker for colon cancer.
A Regularized Algorithm for the Proximal Split Feasibility Problem
Authors: Yao Zhangsong , Cho Sun Young , Kang Shin Min , Zhu Li-Jun
Published: July 2014

The proximal split feasibility problem has been studied. A regularized method has been presented for solving the proximal split feasibility problem. Strong convergence theorem is given.
Drug Delivery Nanoparticles in Skin Cancers
Authors: Dianzani Chiara , Zara Gian Paolo , Maina Giovanni , Pettazzoni Piergiorgio , Pizzimenti Stefania , Rossi Federica , Gigliotti Casimiro Luca , Ciamporcero Eric Stefano , Daga Martina , Barrera Giuseppina
Published: July 2014

Nanotechnology involves the engineering of functional systems at nanoscale, thus being attractive for disciplines ranging from materials science to biomedicine. One of the most active research areas of the nanotechnology is nanomedicine, which applies nanotechnology to highly specific medical interventions for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, including cancer disease. Over the past two decades, the rapid developments in nanotechnology have allowed the incorporation of multiple therapeutic, sensing, and targeting agents into nanoparticles, for detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer diseases. Nanoparticles offer many advantages as drug carrier systems since they can improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, modify pharmacokinetics, increase drug half-life by reducing immunogenicity, improve bioavailability, and diminish drug metabolism. They can also enable a tunable release of therapeutic compounds and the simultaneous delivery of two or more drugs for combination therapy. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the use of different types of nanoparticles for systemic and topical drug delivery in the treatment of skin cancer. In particular, the progress in the treatment with nanocarriers of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma has been reported.
Radius Constants for Analytic Functions with Fixed Second Coefficient
Authors: Nargesi Mahnaz M. , Ali Rosihan M. , Ravichandran V.
Published: July 2014

Letf(z) = z +∑n=2∞anznbe analytic in the unit disk with the second coefficienta2satisfyinga2 = 2b,0≤b≤1. Sharp radius of Janowski starlikeness is obtained for functionsfwhosenth coefficient satisfiesan≤cn+d  (c,d≥0)oran≤c/n  (c>0  and  n≥3). Other radius constants are also obtained for these functions, and connections with earlier results are made.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Actions of Vitamin D in Combating TB/HIV
Authors: Coussens Anna K. , Martineau Adrian R. , Wilkinson Robert J.
Published: July 2014

Tuberculosis (TB) disease activation is now believed to arise due to a lack of inflammatory homeostatic control at either end of the spectrum of inflammation: either due to immunosuppression (decreased antimicrobial activity) or due to immune activation (excess/aberrant inflammation). Vitamin D metabolites can increase antimicrobial activity in innate immune cells, which, in the context of HIV-1 coinfection, have insufficient T cell-mediated help to combatMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) infection. Moreover, maintaining vitamin D sufficiency prior to MTB infection enhances the innate antimicrobial response to T cell-mediated interferon-γ. Conversely, vitamin D can act to inhibit expression and secretion of a broad range of inflammatory mediators and matrix degrading enzymes driving immunopathology during active TB and antiretroviral- (ARV-) mediated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Adjunct vitamin D therapy during treatment of active TB may therefore reduce lung pathology and TB morbidity, accelerate resolution of cavitation and thereby decrease the chance of transmission, improve lung function following therapy, prevent relapse, and prevent IRIS in those initiating ARVs. Future clinical trials of vitamin D for TB prevention and treatment must be designed to detect the most appropriate primary endpoint, which in some cases should be anti-inflammatory and not antimicrobial.
Optimisation andIn VivoEvaluation of Pectin Based Drug Delivery System Containing Curcumin for Colon
Authors: Butte Kishor , Momin Munira , Deshmukh Hemant
Published: July 2014

The higher incidences of side effects of existing drugs have shifted researchers and clinicians to explore the dietary phytoconstituents for its therapeutic potentials. The present study is based on compression coated curcumin tablet for the colon. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin presents a bioavailability problem due to poor solubility. An inclusion complex was formed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin to enhance the solubility. In this study, the core tablet of curcumin inclusion complex was compressed between the layers of polymer blend of pectin and Eudragit S100. The 32full factorial design was utilised for optimization of the formulation. The polymer ratio (X1) and coat thickness (X2) presented significant effects on the selected responses, i.e., percent drug release after 4 hours (Y240) and difference in percent drug release between 4th and 6th hour (Ydiff) in presence of pectinase enzyme. The results revealed that higher coat weight (600 mg) and higher level of pectin ratio (70% w/w) protected the curcumin tablet till ascending colon. Thein vivostudies by roentgenography method using human volunteers supported these observations. Hence, it can be concluded that the combination of pectin and Eudrgit S100 makes the system biodegradable and pH dependent for targeting the drug to the colon.
Is There Deep-Seated Subsidence in the Houston-Galveston Area?
Authors: Yu Jiangbo , Wang Guoquan , Kearns Timothy J. , Yang Linqiang
Published: July 2014

Long-term continuous groundwater level and land subsidence monitoring in the Houston-Galveston area indicates that, during the past two decades (1993–2012), the groundwater head has been increasing and the overall land subsidence rate has been decreasing. Assuming that the hydraulic head in the aquifer will reach or exceed the preconsolidation level in the near future, will subsidence in the Houston-Galveston area eventually cease? The key to answer this question is to identify if there is deep-seated subsidence in this area. This study investigated the recent subsidence observed at different depths in the Houston-Galveston area. The subsidence was recorded by using 13 borehole extensometers and 76 GPS antennas. Four of the GPS antennas are mounted on the deep-anchored inner pipes of borehole extensometers. We conclude that recent subsidence (1993–2012) in the Houston-Galveston area was dominated by the compaction of sediments within 600 m below the land surface. Depending on the location of specific sites, the compaction occurred within the Chicot aquifer and part or all of the Evangeline aquifer. No measurable compaction was observed within the Jasper aquifer or within deeper strata. Deep-seated subsidence is not likely occurring in the Houston-Galveston area.
MicroRNAs: Novel Players in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapies
Authors: Oom Aaron L. , Humphries Brock A. , Yang Chengfeng
Published: July 2014

First discovered in 1993, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been one of the hottest research areas over the past two decades. Oftentimes, miRNAs levels are found to be dysregulated in cancer patients. The potential use of miRNAs in cancer therapies is an emerging and promising field, with research finding miRNAs to play a role in cancer initiation, tumor growth, and metastasis. Therefore, miRNAs could become an integral part from cancer diagnosis to treatment in future. This review aims to examine current novel research work on the potential roles of miRNAs in cancer therapies, while also discussing several current challenges and needed future research.
Antimetastatic Effects of Blocking PD-1 and the Adenosine A2A Receptor
Authors: Mittal Deepak , Young Arabella , Stannard Kimberley , Yong Michelle , Teng Michele W.L. , Allard Bertrand , Stagg John , Smyth Mark J.
Published: July 2014

Adenosine targeting is an attractive new approach to cancer treatment, but no clinical study has yet examined adenosine inhibition in oncology despite the safe clinical profile of adenosine A2A receptor inhibitors (A2ARi) in Parkinson disease. Metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and therefore we have studied experimental and spontaneous mouse models of melanoma and breast cancer metastasis to demonstrate the efficacy and mechanism of a combination of A2ARi in combination with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb). This combination significantly reduces metastatic burden and prolongs the life of mice compared with either monotherapy alone. Importantly, the combination was only effective when the tumor expressed high levels of CD73, suggesting a tumor biomarker that at a minimum could be used to stratify patients that might receive this combination. The mechanism of the combination therapy was critically dependent on NK cells and IFNγ, and to a lesser extent, CD8+ T cells and the effector molecule, perforin. Overall, these results provide a strong rationale to use A2ARi with anti-PD-1 mAb for the treatment of minimal residual and metastatic disease. Cancer Res; 74(14); 3652–8. ©2014 AACR.
TMEFF2 Deregulation Contributes to Gastric Carcinogenesis and Indicates Poor Survival Outcome
Authors: Sun Tiantian , Du Wan , Xiong Hua , Yu Yanan , Weng Yurong , Ren Linlin , Zhao Huijun , Wang Yingchao , Chen Yingxuan , Xu Jie , Xiang Yongbing , Qin Wenxin , Cao Weibiao , Zou Weiping , Chen Haoyan , Hong Jie , Fang Jing-Yuan
Published: July 2014

Purpose: The role and clinical implication of the transmembrane protein with EGF and two follistatin motifs 2 (TMEFF2) in gastric cancer is poorly understood.

Experimental Design: Gene expression profile analyses were performed and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to explore its gene signatures. AGS and MKN45 cells were transfected with TMEFF2 or control plasmids and analyzed for gene expression patterns, proliferation, and apoptosis. TMEFF2 expression was knocked down with shRNAs, and the effects on genome stability were assessed. Interactions between TMEFF2 and SHP-1 were determined by mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation assays.

Results: Integrated analysis revealed that TMEFF2 expression was significantly decreased in gastric cancer cases and its expression was negatively correlated with the poor pathologic stage, large tumor size, and poor prognosis. GSEA in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Jilin datasets revealed that cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA damage–related genes were enriched in TMEFF2 lower expression patients. Gain of TMEFF2 function decreased cell proliferation by increasing of apoptosis and blocking of cell cycle in gastric cancer cells. The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 was identified as a binding partner of TMEEF2 and mediator of TMEFF2 function. TMEFF2 expression positively correlated with SHP-1, and a favorable prognosis was more likely in patients with gastric cancer with higher levels of both TMEFF2 and SHP-1.

Conclusion: TMEFF2 acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer through direct interaction with SHP-1 and can be a potential biomarker of carcinogenesis. Clin Cancer Res; 20(17); 4689–704. ©2014 AACR.
Personalized Medicine for Patients with Advanced Cancer in the Phase I Program at MD Anderson: Validation and Landmark Analyses
Authors: Tsimberidou Apostolia-Maria , Wen Sijin , Hong David S. , Wheler Jennifer J. , Falchook Gerald S. , Fu Siqing , Piha-Paul Sarina , Naing Aung , Janku Filip , Aldape Kenneth , Ye Yang , Kurzrock Razelle , Berry Donald
Published: July 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to confirm our previous results that targeted agents matched with tumor molecular alterations were associated with improved outcomes compared with nonmatched therapy in patients with advanced cancer.

Experimental Design: Outcomes of patients who were referred for treatment on phase I clinical trials at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) from March 2011 to January 2012 were compared between those who had received targeted therapy and those for whom no targeted therapy was available. Two-month landmark analyses for overall and progression-free survival (PFS) combining previously published and validation cohort patient data were performed.

Results: In patients with one alteration, matched therapy (n = 143) compared with treatment without matching (n = 236) was associated with a higher objective response rate (12% vs. 5%; P < 0.0001), longer PFS (median, 3.9 vs. 2.2 months; P = 0.001), and longer survival (median, 11.4 vs. 8.6 months; P = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, matched therapy was an independent factor predicting response (P < 0.015) and PFS (P < 0.004). Two-month landmark analyses in the matched therapy group demonstrated that the median survival of responders was 30.5 months compared with 11.3 months for nonresponders (P = 0.01); and the median PFS was 38.7 months compared with 5.9 months, respectively (P < 0.0001). The respective values in the nonmatched therapy group were 9.8 and 9.4 months (P = 0.46) and 8.5 and 4.2 months (P = 0.18).

Conclusion: This validation analysis confirms our previous observations. In the matched therapy group, 2-month landmark analyses demonstrated that responders have longer survival and PFS than nonresponders. Clin Cancer Res; 20(18); 4827–36. ©2014 AACR.
Metformin and Cancer Risk and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Taking into Account Biases and Confounders
Authors: Gandini Sara , Puntoni Matteo , Heckman-Stoddard Brandy M. , Dunn Barbara K. , Ford Leslie , DeCensi Andrea , Szabo Eva
Published: July 2014

Previous meta-analyses have shown that the antidiabetic agent metformin is associated with reduced cancer incidence and mortality. However, this effect has not been consistently demonstrated in animal models and recent epidemiologic studies. We performed a meta-analysis with a focus on confounders and biases, including body mass index (BMI), study type, and time-related biases. We identified 71 articles published between January 1, 1966, and May 31, 2013, through Pubmed, ISI Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded), Embase, and the Cochrane library that were related to metformin and cancer incidence or mortality. Study characteristics and outcomes were abstracted for each study that met inclusion criteria. We included estimates from 47 independent studies and 65,540 cancer cases in patients with diabetes. Overall cancer incidence was reduced by 31% [summary relative risk (SRR), 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52–0.90], although between-study heterogeneity was considerable (I2 = 88%). Cancer mortality was reduced by 34% (SRR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.54–0.81; I2 = 21%). BMI-adjusted studies and studies without time-related biases also showed significant reduction in cancer incidence (SRR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.70–0.96 with I2 = 76% and SRR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.89–0.91 with I2 = 56%, respectively), albeit with lesser magnitude (18% and 10% reduction, respectively). However, studies of cancer mortality and individual organ sites did not consistently show significant reductions across all types of analyses. Although these associations may not be causal, our results show that metformin may reduce cancer incidence and mortality in patients with diabetes However, the reduction seems to be of modest magnitude and not affecting all populations equally. Clinical trials are needed to determine if these observations apply to nondiabetic populations and to specific organ sites. Cancer Prev Res; 7(9); 867–85. ©2014 AACR.