bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VEGF Promotes Proliferation of Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Stem‐Like Cells through VEGF Receptor 2
Authors: Xu Chengshi , Wu Xing , Zhu Jianhong
Published: March 2013

Cancer stem‐like cells, which have been described as tumor‐initiating cells or tumor‐propagating cells, play a crucial role in our fundamental understanding of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and its recurrence. GBM is a lethal cancer, characterized by florid vascularization and aberrantly elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF promotes tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of human GBM stem‐like cells (GBSCs). However, whether and how VEGF contributes to GBSCs proliferation remain largely uncertain. In this study, human GBSCs were isolated from surgical specimens of glioblastoma and cultured in medium favored for stem cell growth. Neural Colony‐Forming Cell Assay and ATP assay were performed to measure GBSC proliferation under normoxia (20% O2) and hypoxia (1% O2). Our observations demonstrate that exogenous VEGF stimulates GBSC proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner via VEGF Receptor 2 (VEGFR2); while VEGF Receptor 1 (VEGFR1) has a negative feedback effect on VEGFR2 when cells were exposed to higher concentration of VEGF. These results suggest that suppressing VEGFR2‐dependent GBSC proliferation is a potentially therapeutic strategy in GBM.
The Diagnostic Significance of Coapplying a Rabeprazole Test with the SF-36 for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Feng , Jiang Yuanxi , Wang Chen , Yao Liwen , Wu Ping , Tong Yili , Sun Huihui , Xu Shuchang
Published: March 2013

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a diversity disease that affects life quality of people in the world. Due to the complicated pathogenesis and variations in clinical manifestations, there is still no true gold standard for GERD diagnosis, and it is still difficult to diagnose this disease in some patients. The proton pump inhibitor’s diagnostic test (the PPI test) is noninvasive, of low cost, tied to treatment, and widely accepted. Our aim is to evaluate the diagnostic significance of coapplying a rabeprazole test with the SF-36 for GERD in this study. Our study shows that the SF-36 in combination with the rabeprazole test can screen GERD patients and increase the sensitivity and specificity of GERD diagnosis through reference to the change in SF-36 score before and after the treatment (65 in the trial).
The Possible Neuronal Mechanism of Acupuncture: Morphological Evidence of the Neuronal Connection between Groin A-Shi Point and Uterus
Authors: Chen Chun-Yen , Chern Rey-Shyong , Liao Ming-Huei , Chang Yung-Hsien , Hsu Jung-Yu C. , Chien Chi-Hsien
Published: March 2013

Somatovisceral reflex suggested that the somatic stimulation could affect visceral function like acupuncture which treats diseases by stimulating acupoints. The neuronal connection between somatic point and visceral organ was not clear. Uterine pain referred to the groin region has long been recognized clinically. Wesselmann, using neurogenic plasma extravasation method, showed that uterine pain was referred to the groin region through a neuronal mechanism (Wesselmann and Lai 1997). This connection could be considered through the somatovisceral reflex pathway. However, the relay center of this pathway is still not clearly identified. In the present study, bee venom was injected in the groin region to induce central Fos expression to map the sensory innervation of groin region. Pseudorabies virus (PrV), a transneuronal tracer, was injected in the uterus to identify the higher motor control of the uterus. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed the Fos expression and PrV-infected double-labeled neurons in the nucleus of solitary tract (NTS), the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (DMX), and the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN). These results suggest a somatoparasympathetic neuronal connection (groin-spinal dorsal horn-NTS/DMX-uterus) and a somatosympathetic neuronal connection (groin-spinal dorsal horn-NTS-PVN-uterus). These two neuronal connections could be the prerequisites to the neuronal basis of the somatovisceral reflex and also the neuronal mechanism of acupuncture.
“Obese Equals Lazy?” Analysis of the Association between Weight Status and Physical Activity in Children
Authors: Kreuser F. , Kromeyer-Hauschild K. , Gollhofer A. , Korsten-Reck U. , Röttger K.
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Literature provides evidence that overweight children are more sedentary. To verify this generalized statement behavior patterns of overweight and nonoverweight children needs to be understood. Therefore, we investigated the distribution of sedentary and activity levels in a quantitative and qualitative way.Methods. Data was collected from 37 randomly selected nonoverweight and 55 overweight children. They were 8 to 11 years of age. Height and weight were measured and weight status was characterized by BMI (BMI-percentile, BMI-SDS). Daily PA (physical activity) was measured by direct accelerometry. Spare time and screen time entertainment were obtained by questionnaires.Results. The amount of time spent “passive” was significantly higher in overweight children, while nonoverweight children were more “active.” The multiple regression model shows a significant association between weight status (BMI-SDS) and activity parameters. Additionally, screen time entertainment was significantly related to BMI-SDS.Conclusion. The results support the statement that overweight children are less active than nonoverweight children. The high amount of PA seems to be an important factor to prevent overweight in children given that PA shows the highest correlation to weight status. Quantitative and qualitative measurements are needed for further analysis.
Site Assessment for Astroparticle Detector Location in Evaporites of the Polkowice-Sieroszowice Copper Ore Mine, Poland
Authors: Slizowski Jaroslaw , Pilecki Zenon , Urbanczyk Kazimierz , Pilecka Elzbieta , Lankof Leszek , Czarny Rafal
Published: February 2013

The aim of the work was to evaluate the possibilities of excavating a chamber for the Glacier detector, a cylinder with a 74 m diameter and 38 m height filled with 100 kT of liquid argon, in the Polkowice-Sieroszowice copper ore mine in the Legnica-Glogow Copper Area (LGOM). Two potential locations were analyzed in a rock salt layer more than 100 m thick at the depth of 1000 m and in the anhydrite layer of about 100 m thick at the depth of 650 m, both lying above the copper ore deposit. The numerical analyses, based on geological, geophysical, and geomechanical research, were carried out to determine the behavior of the system of the chamber and surrounding rock mass. Two creep laws have been adopted for rock salt in the numerical models, Norton and Lubby2. Their coefficients have been adjusted forin situmeasurements of the mine galleries convergence starting from the results of laboratory tests. Displacement and stresses of the rock salt in the chamber vicinity are much greater for the Lubby2 law. The displacements indicated at the chamber contour are the reason that the alternative location in the anhydrite layer was more advantageous.
Life Cycle and Suicidal Behavior among Women
Authors: Mendez-Bustos Pablo , Lopez-Castroman Jorge , Baca-García Enrique , Ceverino Antonio
Published: March 2013

It is nowadays accepted that, independently of methodological issues, women commit fewer suicides than men but make more frequent attempts. Yet, female suicidal risk varies greatly along the lifetime and is linked to the most significant moments in it. A wide analysis of the existing literature was performed to provide a narrative description on the evolution of female suicidal rates from childhood to old age, considering the milestones in their life history. A detailed analysis of gender differences in suicidal behavior is key to establish preventive measures and priorities. More specific studies are needed to adapt future interventions on female suicide.
Antioxidant Potential and Oil Composition of Callistemon viminalis Leaves
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Hassan Sadia , Rizwan Komal , Rasool Nasir , Riaz Muhammad , Zia-Ul-Haq M. , De Feo Vincenzo
Published: March 2013

The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant potential and oil composition of Callistemon viminalis leaves. GC‐MS analysis of the n‐hexane extract revealed the presence of 40 compounds. Leaves contained appreciable levels of total phenolic contents (0.27–0.85 GAE mg/g) and total flavonoid contents (2.25–7.96 CE mg/g). DPPH radical scavenging IC50 and % inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation were found to be in the ranges of 28.4–56.2 μg/ml and 40.1–70.2%, respectively. The haemolytic effect of the plant leaves was found in the range of 1.79–4.95%. The antioxidant activity of extracts was also studied using sunflower oil as an oxidative substrate and found that it stabilized the oil. The correlation between the results of different antioxidant assays and oxidation parameters of oil indicated that leaves′ methanolic extract, exhibiting higher TPC and TFC and scavenging power, was also more potent for enhancing the oxidative stability of sunflower oil.
Asymptotic Behavior of Densities for Stochastic Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Kitagawa Akihiro , Takeuchi Atsushi
Published: March 2013

Consider stochastic functional differential equations depending on whole past histories in a finite time interval, which determine non-Markovian processes. Under the uniformly elliptic condition on the coefficients of the diffusion terms, the solution admits a smooth density with respect to the Lebesgue measure. In the present paper, we will study the large deviations for the family of the solution process and the asymptotic behaviors of the density. The Malliavin calculus plays a crucial role in our argument.
Adaptive Current Control with PI-Fuzzy Compound Controller for Shunt Active Power Filter
Authors: Fei Juntao , Ma Kaiqi , Zhang Shenglei , Yan Weifeng , Yuan Zhuli
Published: March 2013

An adaptive control technology and PI-fuzzy compound control technology are proposed to control an active power filter (APF). AC side current compensation and DC capacitor voltage tracking control strategy are discussed and analyzed. Model reference adaptive controller for the AC side current compensation is derived and established based on Lyapunov stability theory; proportional and integral (PI) fuzzy compound controller is designed for the DC side capacitor voltage control. The adaptive current controller based on PI-fuzzy compound system is compared with the conventional PI controller for active power filter. Simulation results demonstrate the feasibility and satisfactory performance of the proposed control strategies. It is shown that the proposed control method has an excellent dynamic performance such as small current tracking error, reduced total harmonic distortion (THD), and strong robustness in the presence of parameters variation and nonlinear load.
Stoichiometry Control of ZnO Thin Film by Adjusting Working Gas Ratio during Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Chaoyang , Wang Dapeng , Li Zeming , Li Xin , Kawaharamura Toshiyuki , Furuta Mamoru
Published: March 2013

ZnO thin films were deposited on quartz glasses by a radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering. The mechanism for stoichiometry in the ZnO thin films was investigated by adjusting Ar/O2 working gas ratio during deposition. The optical emission spectroscopy (OES) in situ measurement revealed the kinetics species variation during rf plasma deposition process. It was found that the intensity of the excited atomic oxygen (O*) was increased with the oxygen ratio increasing, resulting in enhancing the oxidization effect during ZnO film fabrication. On the contrary, the intensities of atomic zinc emission were gradually decreased, resulting in the zinc ratio in the film were decreased with the oxygen ratio increasing. Therefore, it is possible to control the stoichiometry of ZnO film by simply adjusting the working gas ambient in the rf plasma deposition. The structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films were investigated as well.
Validation of a Prediction Rule for the Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients with Recent Onset Undifferentiated Arthritis
Authors: Bedran Zaida , Quiroz Cristian , Rosa Javier , Catoggio Luis J. , Soriano Enrique R.
Published: March 2013

Objectives. To validate van der Helm-van Mil score (vHvM) and new ACR/EULAR criteria for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA).Patients and Methods. Adult patients with UA (swelling ≥2 joints of less than 6 months duration, without diagnosis, and never treated with disease modifying drugs).Results. Ninety-one patients were included. Mean age: 55.6 years (SD: 17.4), 74% females. Median symptoms duration was 2 months (IR: 1–4 months). Mean van der Helm-van Mil score was 6.9 (SD: 2). After a mean followup of 6.2 months (SD: 6), 40.7% patients fulfilled ACR 1987 RA classification criteria, 28.6% fulfilled other diagnostic criteria, and 31% remained as UA. Receiver operator characteristic curve's (ROC's) area under the curve (AUC) for the vHvM score for diagnosis of RA was 0.83. A cutoff value of 6.94 showed sensitivity of 81% and 79.7% specificity. For the new ACR/EULAR criteria, the ROC AUC was 0.93, and a value equal to or greater than 6 showed 86.5% sensitivity and 87% specificity.Conclusion. van der Helm-van Mil prediction score and the new ACR/EULAR criteria proved to be valuable for the diagnosis of RA in patients with early UA.
Neolithic LBK Intrasite Settlement Patterns: A Case Study from Bylany (Czech Republic)
Authors: Květina Petr , Končelová Markéta
Published: February 2013

This paper could also be a contribution to a new concept for understanding space and time in Neolithic settlements. We abandoned the methodological concept of construction complexes of houses and used individual archaeological features as the basic analytical unit. The analysis of quantitative correlations of decorative style conducted on this basis produced five style groups; four of these belonged to a LBK style, and it was these that were spatially distinct at the Bylany settlement. The discovered spatial patterns of style correspond in general to the existing chronology of the site. This means that chronological horizons understood both as intervals on the time axis and as geographic units are not dependent on “construction complexes” or even on individual houses. The value of this study does not lie in a more detailed chronological division of the Neolithic settlement at Bylany, but in a confirmation of the robustness of its existing form; the study also draws attention to a possible problem in the concept of construction complexes.
Small-Molecule Hormones: Molecular Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Puzianowska-Kuznicka Monika , Pawlik-Pachucka Eliza , Owczarz Magdalena , Budzińska Monika , Polosak Jacek
Published: March 2013

Small-molecule hormones play crucial roles in the development and in the maintenance of an adult mammalian organism. On the molecular level, they regulate a plethora of biological pathways. Part of their actions depends on their transcription-regulating properties, exerted by highly specific nuclear receptors which are hormone-dependent transcription factors. Nuclear hormone receptors interact with coactivators, corepressors, basal transcription factors, and other transcription factors in order to modulate the activity of target genes in a manner that is dependent on tissue, age and developmental and pathophysiological states. The biological effect of this mechanism becomes apparent not earlier than 30–60 minutes after hormonal stimulus. In addition, small-molecule hormones modify the function of the cell by a number of nongenomic mechanisms, involving interaction with proteins localized in the plasma membrane, in the cytoplasm, as well as with proteins localized in other cellular membranes and in nonnuclear cellular compartments. The identity of such proteins is still under investigation; however, it seems that extranuclear fractions of nuclear hormone receptors commonly serve this function. A direct interaction of small-molecule hormones with membrane phospholipids and with mRNA is also postulated. In these mechanisms, the reaction to hormonal stimulus appears within seconds or minutes.
Surface Nanocrystallization of 3Cr13 Stainless Steel Induced by High‐Current Pulsed Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Han Zhiyong , Ji Le , Cai Jie , Zou Hui , Wang Zhiping , Guan Qingfeng
Published: March 2013

The nanocrystalline surface was produced on 3Cr13 martensite stainless steel surface using high‐current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) technique. The structures of the nanocrystallized surface were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Two nanostructures consisting of fine austenite grains (50–150 nm) and very fine carbides precipitates are formed in melted surface layer after multiple bombardments via dissolution of carbides and crater eruption. It is demonstrated that the dissolution of the carbides and the formation of the supersaturated Fe (C) solid solution play a determining role on the microstructure evolution. Additionally, the formation of fine austenite structure is closely related to the thermal stresses induced by the HCPEB irradiation. The effects of both high carbon content and high value of stresses increase the stability of the austenite, which leads to the complete suppression of martensitic transformation.
Examination of the Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Xenobiotic-Inducing Potential of Broccoli Extract and Various Essential Oils during a Mild DSS-Induced Colitis in Rats
Authors: Mueller Kristin , Blum Nicole Michaela , Mueller Andreas Stefan
Published: March 2013

Phytogenic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are currently discussed as promising complementary agents in prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our study aimed to evaluate possible protective and curative effects of broccoli extract (BE) and of the essential oils of turmeric (Cuo), thyme (To), and rosemary (Ro) in a rat model with a mild dextran sulphate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis. Therefore Wistar rats were fed a diet without an additive (Con) or diets with the addition of BE, Cuo, To, and Ro during the whole experiment. Pretreatment with Ro, Cuo, and To increased the expression of the tight junction protein Cldn3. All additives reduced mRNA of VCAM-1 which plays a crucial role in the first state of inflammatory response. Only Ro pretreatment affected the expression of the antioxidant enzymes HO1, GPx2, and of glutathione-S-transferases. All additives counteracted the DSS-induced rise in COX2 and VCAM-1 expression. Colonic IL-10 was increased by Cuo, To, and Ro. During the recovery phase DSS pretreatment increased NFκB, VCAM-1, and MCP-1: This response was counter-regulated by all additives. We conclude that the phytogenic additives tested have a promising anti-inflammatory potential in vivo and a particular role in the prevention of IBD.
Simplified Robotics Joint-Space Trajectory Generation with a via Point Using a Single Polynomial
Authors: Williams Robert L.
Published: March 2013

This paper presents novel fourth- and sixth-order polynomials to solve the problem of joint-space trajectory generation with a via point. These new polynomials use a single-polynomial function rather than two-polynomial functions matched at the via point as in previous methods. The problem of infinite spikes in jerk is also addressed.
Large-Area Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Using Novel Antireflective Nanoabsorber Texturing Surface by Multihollow Cathode Plasma System and Spin-On Doping
Authors: Gangopadhyay Utpal , Jana Sukhendu , Das Sayan
Published: March 2013

We present 11.7% efficient p-type crystalline silicon solar cells with a nanoscale textured surface and no dielectric antireflection coating. We propose nanocrystalline-like textured surface consisting of nanocrystalline columnar structures of diameters from 50 to 100 nm and depth of about 500 nm formed by reactive-ion etching (RIE) in multihollow cathode system. This novel nano textured surface acts as an antireflective absorbing surface of c-Si abbreviate as ARNAB (antireflective nanoabsorber). Light shining on the surface of RIE-etched silicon bounces back and forth between the spikes in such a way that most of it never comes back. Radio frequency (RF) hollow cathode discharge allows an improvement of plasma density by an order of magnitude in comparison to standard RF parallel-plate discharge. Desirable black silicon layer has been achieved when RF power of about 20 Watt per one hollow cathode glow is applied for our multihollow cathode system. The RF power frequency was 13.56 MHz. The antireflection property of ARNAB textured surface has been investigated and compared with wet-textured and PECVD coated silicon samples. Solar cell using low-cost spin-on coating technique has been demonstrated in this paper. We have successfully achieved 11.7% efficient large area (98 cm2) ARNAB textured crystalline silicon solar cell using low-cost spin-on coating (SOD) doping.
NCK2 Is Significantly Associated with Opiates Addiction in African‐Origin Men
Authors: Liu Zhifa , Guo Xiaobo , Jiang Yuan , Zhang Heping
Published: March 2013

Substance dependence is a complex environmental and genetic disorder with significant social and medical concerns. Understanding the etiology of substance dependence is imperative to the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies. To this end, substantial effort has been made to identify genes underlying substance dependence, and in recent years, genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have led to discoveries of numerous genetic variants for complex diseases including substance dependence. Most of the GWAS discoveries were only based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a single dichotomized outcome. By employing both SNP‐ and gene‐based methods of analysis, we identified a strong (odds ratio = 13.87) and significant (P value = 1.33E − 11) association of an SNP in the NCK2 gene on chromosome 2 with opiates addiction in African‐origin men. Codependence analysis also identified a genome‐wide significant association between NCK2 and comorbidity of substance dependence (P value = 3.65E − 08) in African‐origin men. Furthermore, we observed that the association between the NCK2 gene (P value = 3.12E − 10) and opiates addiction reached the gene‐based genome‐wide significant level. In summary, our findings provided the first evidence for the involvement of NCK2 in the susceptibility to opiates addiction and further revealed the racial and gender specificities of its impact.
Potential Use of Atlantic Cod Trypsin in Biomedicine
Authors: Gudmundsdóttir Ágústa , Hilmarsson Hilmar , Stefansson Bjarki
Published: March 2013

Surface proteins of viruses and bacteria used for cell attachment and invasion are candidates for degradation by proteases. Trypsin from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) was previously demonstrated to have efficacy against influenza virusesin vitroand on skin. In this paper, cod trypsin is shown to be 3–12 times more effective in degrading large native proteins than its mesophilic analogue, bovine trypsin. This is in agreement with previous findings where cod trypsin was found to be the most active among twelve different proteases in cleaving various cytokines and pathological proteins. Furthermore, our results show that cod trypsin has high efficacy against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)in vitro. The results on the antipathogenic properties of cod trypsin are important because rhinovirus, RSV, and influenza are the most predominant pathogenic viruses in upper respiratory tract infections. Results from a clinical study presented in this paper show that a specific formulation containing cod trypsin was preferred for wound healing over other methods used in the study. Apparently, the high digestive ability of the cold-adapted cod trypsin towards large native proteins plays a role in its efficacy against pathogens and its positive effects on wounds.
In VitroandIn VivoEvaluation of Polyherbal Formulation against Russell’s Viper and Cobra Venom and Screening of Bioactive Components by Docking Studies
Authors: Sakthivel G. , Dey Amitabha , Nongalleima Kh. , Chavali Murthy , Rimal Isaac R. S. , Singh N. Surjit , Deb Lokesh
Published: March 2013

The present study emphasizes to reveal the antivenom activity ofAristolochia bracteolataLam.,Tylophora indica(Burm.f.) Merrill, andLeucas aspera S.which were evaluated against venoms ofDaboia russelli russelli(Russell’s viper) andNaja naja(Indian cobra). The aqueous extracts of leaves and roots of the above-mentioned plants and their polyherbal (1 : 1 : 1) formulation at a dose of 200 mg/kg showed protection against envenomed mice with LD50doses of 0.44 mg/kg and 0.28 mg/kg against Russell’s viper and cobra venom, respectively. Inin vitroantioxidant activities sample extracts showed free radical scavenging effects in dose dependent manner. Computational drug design and docking studies were carried out to predict the neutralizing principles of type I phospholipase A2(PLA2) from Indian common krait venom. This confirmed that aristolochic acid and leucasin can neutralize type I PLA2enzyme. Results suggest that these plants could serve as a source of natural antioxidants and common antidote for snake bite. However, further studies are needed to identify the lead molecule responsible for antidote activity.
Aggressive Multimodal Approach for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer and Long-Term Survival
Authors: Hussain Nasir , Mustafa Usman , Jung Su Hyeon , Gilman Alan D.
Published: February 2013

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) comprises 1-2% of all thyroid cancers and is one of the most aggressive cancers with a median survival rate of around four months. The average 5-year survival rate has been reported to be around 3.6%. In this paper, we have discussed management and prognostic variables of a patient with ATC who has survived for more than 5 years. A 59-year-old female was referred to our facility for an elective thyroid and parathyroidectomy for concerns of thyroid papillary cancer and hyperparathyroidism. At the time of surgery, the tumor mass had invaded the muscular layer of esophagus; radicle thyroidectomy parathyroidectomy along with removal of muscle layer of esophagus was performed, and diagnosis of ATC was made. The patient was treated with chemoradiation with a good treatment response and no recurrence of tumor for two and a half years until PET/CT followed by wedge biopsy of lung confirmed ATC recurrence. The patient was treated with another course of radiation treatment with a good treatment response. Since then, the patient has been following in our outpatient oncology clinic and has no evidence of tumor recurrence. Aggressive multimodal approach of combining radicle surgery with chemoradiation treatment in select patients of ATC with no distant metastasis helps improve prognosis.
Detection of Intracellular Factor VIII Protein in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Pandey Gouri Shankar , Tseng Sandra C. , Howard Tom E. , Sauna Zuben E.
Published: March 2013

Flow cytometry is widely used in cancer research for diagnosis, detection of minimal residual disease, as well as immune monitoring and profiling following immunotherapy. Detection of specific host proteins for diagnosis predominantly uses quantitative PCR and western blotting assays. In this study, we optimized a flow cytometry-based detection assay for Factor VIII protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). An indirect intracellular staining (ICS) method was standardized using monoclonal antibodies to different domains of human Factor VIII protein. The FVIII protein expression level was estimated by calculating the mean and median fluorescence intensities (MFI) values for each monoclonal antibody. ICS staining of transiently transfected cell lines supported the method's specificity. Intracellular FVIII protein expression was also detected by the monoclonal antibodies used in the study in PBMCs of five blood donors. In summary, our data suggest that intracellular FVIII detection in PBMCs of hemophilia A patients can be a rapid and reliable method to detect intracellular FVIII levels.
TEFTOM: A Promising General Trauma Expectation/Outcome Measure—Results of a Validation Study on Pan-American Ankle and Distal Tibia Trauma Patients
Authors: Suk Michael , Daigl Monica , Buckley Richard E. , Paccola Cleber A. J. , Lorich Dean G. , Helfet David L. , Hanson Beate
Published: March 2013

Background. In orthopedics, there is no instrument specifically designed to assess patients’ expectations of their final surgery outcome in general trauma populations. We developed the Trauma Expectation Factor Trauma Outcome Measure (TEFTOM) to investigate the fulfilment of patients’ expectations one year after surgery as a measure of general trauma surgical outcomes. The aim of this paper was to assess the psychometric characteristics of this new general trauma outcome measure. Methods. The questionnaire was tested in 201 ankle and distal tibia fracture patients scheduled for surgery. Patients were followed up for twelve months. The TEFTOM questionnaire was evaluated for its criterion validity, internal consistency, reproducibility, and responsiveness. Results. TOM showed good criterion validity against the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Scale (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.69–0.77). Internal consistency was acceptable for TEF (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.65–0.76) and excellent for TOM (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.76–0.85). Reproducibility was moderate to very good (intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) ≥0.67) for TEF and very good (ICC ≥0.92) for TOM. TOM also proved to be responsive to changes in patients’ condition over time (Wald test; P<0.001). Conclusions. TEFTOM is a promising tool for measuring general trauma outcomes in terms of patients’ expectation fulfilment that proved to be valid, internally consistent, reproducible, and responsive to change.
Paratesticular Liposarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Alyousef Haider , Osman Elsawi M. , Gomha Mohamed A.
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Liposarcoma is a rare pathological entity. By far it is the most common histological subtype of genitourinary sarcomas in adults. Approximately two hundred cases were reported in the literature. We are hereby presenting a case with a typical clinical scenario of paratesticular liposarcoma.Case report. A 75-year-old gentleman presented with a painless right hemiscrotal swelling that was progressively increasing in size over the last 6 years. Testicular tumour markers were negative. Imaging showed a heterogenous mass with fat component. Subsequently he underwent wide local excision that included the paratesticular mass along with the right testicle and all right inguinal canal contents up to the deep inguinal ring with the sparing of right illioinguinal nerve. Histopathological examination showed a well differentiated liposarcoma of the spermatic cord. He remained recurrence-free so far after 18 months of followup.Conclusion. Radical orchidectomy with wide local excision comprises the cornerstone of treatment of paratesticular liposarcoma. Due to the rarity of the disease there is no definite universal consensus of opinion as regards the role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Matrix Arrangement of Three-Dimensional Sheath Flow for Multiple Component Nanofibers
Authors: Yoon Dong Hyun , Nakahara Asahi , Jamshaid Afshan , Sato Hironobu , Sekiguchi Tetsushi , Shoji Shuichi
Published: March 2013

Multiple core-sheath flow was realized using matrix arrangement of 3D sheath flows. The sheath flow was hydrodynamically formed in a flow shift area which has symmetrical microgrooves on channel walls. Vertical and horizontal alignments of the sample streams are a key element of matrix configuration. The flow shift areas were connected in parallel to achieve horizontal alignment of the sheath flow. The cascade connection of the flow shift areas is used for vertical alignment of the sheath flow. In order to achieve matrix arrangement of core-sheath flow, combination of the parallel and cascade connections was utilized. In this work, the horizontal and vertical configurations of the 2-sample sheath flow were demonstrated. Two streams of the vertically aligned 2-sample sheath flow were joined horizontally, and, as a result, 4-sample core-sheath flow of matrix configuration was obtained successfully.
Fractal Oscillations of Chirp Functions and Applications to Second-Order Linear Differential Equations
Authors: Pašić Mervan , Tanaka Satoshi
Published: March 2013

We derive some simple sufficient conditions on the amplitude , the phase and the instantaneous frequency such that the so-called chirp function is fractal oscillatory near a point , where and is a periodic function on . It means that oscillates near , and its graph is a fractal curve in such that its box-counting dimension equals a prescribed real number and the -dimensional upper and lower Minkowski contents of are strictly positive and finite. It numerically determines the order of concentration of oscillations of near . Next, we give some applications of the main results to the fractal oscillations of solutions of linear differential equations which are generated by the chirp functions taken as the fundamental system of all solutions.
PET/CT Imaging in Oncology: Exceptions That Prove the Rule
Authors: Casali M. , Froio A. , Carbonelli C. , Versari A.
Published: February 2013

18F-FDG PET/CT is a diagnostic three-dimensional non-invasive device, routinely employed in neurology, cardiology, and oncology, and which contributes to patient care giving functional informations about glucose metabolism. In particular, staging, restaging, follow-up and response to treatment of tumors are the most common applications in oncologic field. Many neoplasms show increased glucose metabolism and consequent18F-FDG uptake. Nevertheless, some relative differentiated cancers, such as clear cell carcinoma of the kidney and bronchioloalveolar adenocarcinoma, show tipically faintly/no uptake resulting in a consequent negative PET/CT scan. This case report represents an extreme case in which three relative well-differentiated cancer forms, all characterized by low glucose metabolism, affect the same patient at the same time while18F-FDG PET/CT scan is negative.
Lung Cancer Associated with Neurofibromatosis Type I
Authors: Oikonomou Anastasia , Mikroulis Dimitrios , Mintzopoulou Paraskevi , Lukman Lawal , Prassopoulos Panos
Published: March 2013

Lung cancer associated with neurofibromatosis type I is considered very rare, and only a few case reports have been described in the literature. There is some evidence that a genetic linkage between neurofibromatosis and carcinogenesis in the lung may exist. We present a 42-year-old female, lifetime nonsmoker with a known history of neurofibromatosis type I, free of respiratory symptoms, who underwent a low-dose HRCT of the lungs to investigate any occult interstitial lung changes. A solitary ill-defined nodule of a ground-glass opacity was detected incidentally in the middle lobe with no associated lymphadenopathy or metastatic disease. Several thin-walled lung cysts were also seen in the lower lobes. Histological analysis of the nodule after middle lobectomy revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient did not receive systemic chemotherapy or radiotherapy. She was free of disease on 18-month followup.
BrdU Pulse Labelling In Vivo to Characterise Cell Proliferation during Regeneration and Repair following Injury to the Airway Wall in Sheep
Authors: Yahaya B. , McLachlan G. , Collie D. D. S.
Published: March 2013

The response of S‐phase cells labelled with
bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in sheep airways undergoing repair
in response to endobronchial brush biopsy was investigated
in this study. Separate sites within the airway tree of anaesthetised
sheep were biopsied at intervals prior to pulse labelling with
BrdU, which was administered one hour prior to euthanasia.
Both brushed and spatially disparate unbrushed (control) sites
were carefully mapped, dissected, and processed to facilitate
histological analysis of BrdU labelling. Our study indicated
that the number and location of BrdU‐labelled cells varied
according to the age of the repairing injury. There was little
evidence of cell proliferation in either control airway tissues
or airway tissues examined six hours after injury. However,
by days 1 and 3, BrdU‐labelled cells were increased
in number in the airway wall, both at the damaged site
and in the regions flanking either side of the injury. Thereafter,
cell proliferative activity largely declined by day 7 after injury,
when consistent evidence of remodelling in the airway wall could
be appreciated. This study successfully demonstrated the
effectiveness of in vivo pulse labelling in tracking cell
proliferation during repair which has a potential value in
exploring the therapeutic utility of stem cell approaches
in relevant lung disease models.
The Effects of Sex and Chronic Restraint on Instrumental Learning in Rats
Authors: McDowell Angela L. , Heath Kathryn M. , Garraghty Preston E.
Published: March 2013

Chronic stress has been shown to impact learning, but studies have been sparse or nonexistent examining sex or task differences. We examined the effects of sex and chronic stress on instrumental learning in adult rats. Rats were tested in an aversive paradigm with or without prior appetitive experience, and daily body weight data was collected as an index of stress. Relative to control animals, reduced body weight was maintained across the stress period for males (−7%, P≤.05) and females (−5%, P≤.05). For males, there were within-subject day-by-day differences after asymptotic transition, and all restrained males were delayed in reaching asymptotic performance. In contrast, stressed females were facilitated in appetitive and aversive-only instrumental learning but impaired during acquisition of the aversive transfer task. Males were faster than females in reaching the appetitive shaping criterion, but females were more efficient in reaching the appetitive tone-signaled criterion. Finally, an effect of task showed that while females reached aversive shaping criterion at a faster rate when they had prior appetitive learning, they were impaired in tone-signaled avoidance learning only when they had prior appetitive learning. These tasks reveal important nuances on the effect of stress and sex differences on goal-directed behavior.
Outcome and Structural Integrity of Rotator Cuff after Arthroscopic Treatment of Large and Massive Tears with Double Row Technique: A 2-Year Followup
Authors: Carbonel Ignacio , Martínez Angel A. , Aldea Elisa , Ripalda Jorge , Herrera Antonio
Published: March 2013

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome and the tendon healing after arthroscopic double row rotator cuff repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears.Methods. 82 patients with a full-thickness large and massive rotator cuff tear underwent arthroscopic repair with double row technique. Results were evaluated by use of the UCLA, ASES, and Constant questionnaires, the Shoulder Strength Index (SSI), and range of motion. Follow-up time was 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed on each shoulder preoperatively and 2 years after repair.Results. 100% of the patients were followed up. UCLA, ASES, and Constant questionnaires showed significant improvement compared with preoperatively (P<0.001). Range of motion and SSI in flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotation also showed significant improvement (P<0.001). MRI studies showed 24 cases of tear after repair (29%). Only 8 cases were a full-thickness tear.Conclusions. At two years of followup, in large and massive rotator cuff tears, an arthroscopic double row rotator cuff repair technique produces an excellent functional outcome and structural integrity.
Nrf2 Is Crucial to Graft Survival in a Rodent Model of Heart Transplantation
Authors: Wu Wei , Qiu Quan , Wang Huihui , Whitman Samantha A. , Fang Deyu , Lian Fangru , Zhang Donna D.
Published: March 2013

Currently, the sole treatment option for patients with heart failure is transplantation. The battle of prolonging graft survival and modulating innate and adaptive immune responses is still being waged in the clinic and in research labs. The transcription factor Nrf2 controls major cell survival pathways and is central to moderating inflammation and immune responses. In this study the effect of Nrf2 levels in host recipient C57BL/6 mice on Balb/c allogeneic graft survival was examined. Importantly, Nrf2−/−recipient mice could not support the graft for longer than 7.5 days on average, whereas activation of Nrf2 by sulforaphane in Nrf2+/+hosts prolonged graft survival to 13 days. Several immune cells in the spleen of recipient mice were unchanged; however, CD11b+macrophages were significantly increased in Nrf2−/−mice. In addition, IL-17 mRNA levels were elevated in grafts transplanted into Nrf2−/−mice. Although Nrf2 appears to play a crucial role in graft survival, the exact mechanism is yet to be fully understood.
A Case-Control Study between Gene Polymorphisms of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolic Rate-Limiting Enzymes and Acute Coronary Syndrome in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Song Zikai , Cao Hongyan , Qin Ling , Jiang Yanfang
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the polymorphisms of fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), and elongation of very long-chain fatty acids-like 2 (ELOVL2) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Chinese Han population. Therefore, we selected three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from these candidate genes and genotyped them using PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 249 ACS patients and 240 non-ACS subjects, as were Han Chinese ancestry. The results showed that rs174556 in theFADS1 gene is found to be in allelic association (P=0.003) and genotypic association (P=0.036) with ACS. The frequencies of rs174556 minor allele (T) in case group were obviously higher than in control group. The trans-phase gene-gene interaction analysis showed that the combined genotype of rs174556 (T/T) and rs3756963 (T/T) was associated with ACS (P=0.031). And the results suggest that, for rs174556 C>T, the CT/TT genotypes were more likely to lead in ACS in subjects with hypertension after correction of all risk factors (OR=4.236, 95% CI, 2.216–7.126). These findings suggest that the polymorphisms of rs174556 in theFADS1 gene are very likely to be associated with ACS in Chinese Han population, especially in subjects with hypertension.
A Phenylbutenoid Dimer,cis-3-(3′,4′-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3′′′,4′′′-Dimethoxystyryl] Cyclohex-1-ene, Exhibits Apoptogenic Properties in T-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells via Induction of p53-Independent Mitochondrial Signalling Pathway
Authors: Anasamy Theebaa , Abdul Ahmad Bustamam , Sukari Mohd Aspollah , Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Mohan Syam , Kamalidehghan Behnam , Azid Mohd Zulkhairi , Muhammad Nadzri Nabilah , Andas A. Reenaa Joys , Kuan Beng Ng , Hadi A. Hamid A. , Sulaiman Rahman Heshu
Published: March 2013

The current study was designed to evaluate thein vitrocytotoxicity effect of a phenylbutenoid dimer,cis-3-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3‴,4‴-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (ZC-B11) isolated from the rhizome ofZingiber cassumunaron various cancer cell line, and normal human blood mononuclear cells, and to further investigate the involvement of apoptosis-related proteins that leads, to the probable pathway in which apoptosis is triggered. Cytotoxicity test using MTT assay showed selective inhibition of ZC-B11 towards T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells, CEMss, with an IC50value of7.11±0.240 μg/mL, which did not reveal cytotoxic effects towards normal human blood mononuclear cells (IC50> 50 μg/mL). Morphology assessments demonstrated distinctive morphological changes corresponding to a typical apoptosis. ZC-B11 also arrested cell cycle progression at S phase and causes DNA fragmentation in CEMss cells. Decline of mitochondrial membrane potential was also determined qualitatively. In the apoptosis-related protein determination, ZC-B11 was found to significantly upregulate Bax, caspase 3/7, caspase 9, cytochrome c, and SMAC and downregulate Bcl-2, HSP70, and XIAP, but did not affect caspase 8, p53, and BID. These results demonstrated for the first time the apoptogenic property of ZC-B11 on CEMss cell line, leading to the programmed cell death via intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis induction.
A Suitable Polysulfide Electrolyte for CdSe Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Jun H. K. , Careem M. A. , Arof A. K.
Published: March 2013

A polysulfide liquid electrolyte is developed for the application in CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). A solvent consisting of ethanol and water in the ratio of 8 : 2 by volume has been found as the optimum solvent for preparing the liquid electrolytes. This solvent ratio appears to give higher cell efficiency compared to pure ethanol or water as a solvent. Na2S and S give rise to a good redox couple in the electrolyte for QDSSC operation, and the optimum concentrations required are 0.5 M and 0.1 M, respectively. Addition of guanidine thiocyanate (GuSCN) to the electrolyte further enhances the performance. The QDSSC with CdSe sensitized electrode prepared using 7 cycles of successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) produces an efficiency of 1.41% with a fill factor of 44% on using a polysulfide electrolyte of 0.5 M Na2S, 0.1 M S, and 0.05 M GuSCN in ethanol/water (8 : 2 by volume) under the illumination of 100 mW/cm2white light. Inclusion of small amount of TiO2nanoparticles into the electrolyte helps to stabilize the polysulfide electrolyte and thereby improve the stability of the CdSe QDSSC. The CdSe QDs are also found to be stable in the optimized polysulfide liquid electrolyte.
A 60 GHz Planar Diplexer Based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide Technology
Authors: Athanasopoulos Nikolaos , Makris Dimitrios , Voudouris Konstantinos
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a millimeter-wave, 60 GHz frequency band planar diplexer based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology. Diplexer consists of a pair of 5th-order SIW bandpass channel filters with center frequencies at 59.8 GHz and 62.2 GHz providing 1.67% and 1.6% relative bandwidths, respectively. SIW-to-microstrip transitions at diplexer ports enable integration in a millimeter-wave transceiver front end. Measurements are in good agreement with electromagnetic simulation, reporting very good channel isolation, small return losses, and moderate insertion losses in the passbands. The proposed SIW planar diplexer is integrated into a millimeter-wave transceiver front end for 60 GHz point-to-point multigigabit wireless backhaul applications, providing high isolation between transmit and receive channels.
Acromegaloid Facial Appearance: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ghazi Adline , Khosla Shikha , Becker Kenneth
Published: March 2013

Pseudoacromegaly is characterized by an acromegalic appearance without any abnormality of growth hormone function. It may be caused by several congenital and acquired conditions. One such condition is the acromegaloid facial appearance (AFA) syndrome. This condition has been described in approximately eight cases/families. It encompasses a spectrum of acromegaloid physical findings, normal growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor one (IGF-1) levels, and variable mode of inheritance. The most common physical findings are coarse facies, bulbous nose, and thickened lips. We present a case and a review of the literature on this illness. The patient is a 57-year-old woman who was referred to the endocrinology division for evaluation of suspected acromegaly. She had an acromegaloid appearance since birth as well as a terminal hypertrichosis. Her endocrine laboratory evaluation and chromosomal analyses were normal. AFA needs to be considered when evaluating any patient with pseudoacromegaly. Additional cases/families need to be identified in order to better understand the clinical spectrum, clinical implications, and mode of inheritance of AFA.