bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Frequency of Clinic Visits Was Not Associated with Medication Adherence or Outcome in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Kluthe Cheryl , Tsui Jenkin , Spady Donald , Carroll Matthew , Wine Eytan , Huynh Hien Quoc
Published: February 2018

Background. Medication nonadherence is a challenge in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Poor adherence can result in disease flare-ups, disease complicationstherapy escalation, and the need for corticosteroids. The aim was to determine if clinic visit frequency was associated with treatment adherence. Methods. A retrospective chart review of patients attending the Edmonton Pediatric IBD Clinic (EPIC) at the Stollery Children’s Hospital from January 2012 to December 2013 was completed. Correlations were made between frequency of clinic visit, percentage of prescriptions filled, percentage of requisitioned blood work completed, rural or urban residence, and steroid-free remission status of patients for the 6 months after the chart review. Results. 127 patients were reviewed with 82 patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 46 with ulcerative colitis (UC) which included one IBD-Unclassified. Mean age at diagnosis is 9.17 years and median duration of follow-up is 3.2 years. Almost all patients on infliximab infusions received them “within window.” Immunomodulator median adherence rate was 88%. 5-ASA adherence was 82%. A median of 67% of patients had blood work completed as requested. Clinic visit frequency was not associated with adherence to blood work or to medications. Duration of disease was the only independent factor found to be associated with a reduction in blood work and immunomodulator adherence (“OR 0.86 and 95% CI: 0.74–0.99” and “OR 0.82 and 95% CI: 0.71–0.97”) per year, respectively. Patients who remained corticosteroid-free in the 6 months after the 2 years’ adherence review had an overall median medication adherence rate of 86% compared to only 53% for those who relapsed and required corticosteroids (p=0.01). Conclusion. Clinic visit frequency was not associated with patient adherence to medications or blood work. However, disease duration was found to be associated with medication adherence. Adherent patients were more likely to remain in steroid-free remission.
Comparison of Methods for Estimating Mechanical Properties of Wood by NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Schimleck L. R. , Matos J. L. M. , Trianoski R. , Prata J. G.
Published: February 2018

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy provides a rapid alternative to traditional methods of wood property assessment. For organizations who assess wood properties on a large scale, multisite, multispecies calibrations are of practical interest. We examined NIR spectroscopy for the estimation of density (at 12% moisture content), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and modulus of rupture (MOR) using clear wood samples obtained from several pine species (Pinus caribaeavar. bahamensis, var.hondurensis, and var. caribaea, P.chiapensis,P.maximinoi,P.oocarpa,P.taeda, andP.tecunumanii). We compared different methodologies for collecting spectra, that is, benchtop instrument versus benchtop fiber-optic probe and field portable fiber-optic probe, and different wood surfaces (radial and transverse). Calibrations based on the benchtop instrument were superior to those obtained using the fiber-optic probe systems. Difficulty with adequately representing the sample when collecting spectra using a fiber-optic probe and lower quality spectra explain the differences among the data sets. Spectra collected from radial and transverse surfaces provided similar calibration statistics. The calibrations obtained for density (R2 = 0.81, SECV = 38.5 kg/m3) and MOE (R2 = 0.81, SECV = 1124 GPa) using benchtop instrument spectra demonstrate that it is possible to obtain general calibrations for estimating the wood properties of a number of tropical, subtropical, and temperate pine species.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Human Placental Trophoblasts in Response to Infection with Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Tan Qianglai , Xu Feng , Xu Hengyi , Qiu Liang , Tao Xueying , Wei Hua
Published: February 2018

Increasing evidence suggests that Enterococcus faecalis strains can pass through placental barriers and cause adverse outcomes during pregnancy. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the interaction between E. faecalis and the host placental barrier has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we have used DNA microarray analysis to investigate the response of human placental trophoblast-like BeWo cells to infection with E. faecalis OG1RF. These results indicate that a total of 2191 genes in BeWo cells are differentially expressed in the presence of E. faecalis OG1RF, with 1357 genes being upregulated and 834 genes being downregulated. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are involved in apoptosis, stress and stimulus response, placental and embryonic development, immune response, and cell adhesion. Therefore, these results provide information on the molecular mechanisms that E. faecalis invasion can trigger to cause adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Effects of 4‐Week Intervention with Ulmus macrocarpa Hance Extract on Immune Function Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cho A Ra , Lee Sang Yeoup , Cho Young Hye , Kim Cheol Min , Kim Sung Goo
Published: February 2018

Ulmus macrocarpa extract has been shown to have immune‐related effects in animals, but no studies have yet been performed in humans. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of short‐term administration of Ulmus macrocarpa Hance extract (UME) on immune function biomarkers and its safety in human subjects. Fifty‐eight subjects were randomly assigned to a UME group or a placebo group. Subjects in the UME group were given 500 mg per day of UME orally for 4 weeks. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of tumor necrotic factor‐α increased only in the UME group at 1 week (P = 0.027). The MFI of interleukin‐2 decreased less significantly in the UME group than in the placebo group at 1 week (P = 0.028). However, unfortunately, at 4 weeks, no intergroup differences were detected in MFIs of cytokine. In conclusion, administration of UME for 1 week increased serum TNF‐α and sustains IL‐2 in human, which suggests that UME increases Th1‐related immune function in the short term in healthy people. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the results of this first‐stage study and further trials are required to decide on optimal dosage and duration of administration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02414412.
Tuberculous Enteritis Presenting as Acute Appendicitis and Perirectal Abscess
Authors: Okoro Kelechukwu U. , De La Espriella Maria Gomez , Grider Douglas J. , Baffoe-Bonnie Anthony W.
Published: February 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a wide variety of presentations. A rare occurrence is gastrointestinal tuberculosis. It may occur anywhere along the alimentary canal but usually occurs in the ileocecum with rare involvement of the appendix.
Transplantation of Human Amniotic Membrane over the Liver Surface Reduces Hepatic Fibrosis in a Cholestatic Model in Young Rats
Authors: Garrido M. , Escobar C. , Zamora C. , Rejas C. , Varas J. , Córdova C. , Papuzinski C. , Párraga M. , San Martín S. , Montedonico S.
Published: February 2018

Purpose. Biliary atresia precedes liver cirrhosis and liver transplantation. Amniotic membrane (AM) promotes tissue regeneration, inhibits fibrosis, and reduces inflammation. Here, we test amniotic membrane potential as a therapeutic tool against cholestatic liver fibrosis. Methods. Three groups of rats were used: sham surgery (SS), bile duct ligature (BDL), and bile duct ligature plus human amniotic membrane (BDL + AM). After surgery, animals were sacrificed at different weeks. Biochemical and histopathological analyses of liver tissue were performed. Collagen was expressed as a percentage of total liver tissue area. qPCR was performed to analyse gene expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (Tgfb1) and apelin (Apln). Statistical analysis performed considered p<0.05 was significant. Results. Groups undergoing BDL developed cholestasis. Biochemical markers from BDL + AM group improved compared to BDL group. Ductular reaction, portal fibrosis, and bile plugs were markedly reduced in the BDL + AM group compared to BDL group. Collagen area in BDL + AM group was statistically decreased compared to BDL group. Finally, expression levels of both Apln and Tgfb1 mRNA were statistically downregulated in BDL + AM group versus BDL group. Conclusion. AM significantly reduces liver fibrosis in a surgical animal model of cholestasis. Our results suggest that AM may be useful as a therapeutic tool in liver cirrhosis.
Extension and Application of Credibility Models in Predicting Claim Frequency
Authors: Xie Yuan-tao , Li Zheng-xiao , Parsa Rahul A.
Published: February 2018

In nonlife actuarial science, credibility models are one of the main methods of experience ratemaking. Bühlmann-Straub credibility model can be expressed as a special case of linear mixed models (LMMs) with the underlying assumption of normality. In this paper, we extend the assumption of Bühlmann-Straub model to include Poisson and negative binomial distributions as they are more appropriate for describing the distribution of a number of claims. By using the framework of generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), we obtain the generalized credibility premiums that contain as particular cases another credibility premium in the literature. Compared to generalized linear mixed models, our extended credibility models also have an advantage in that the credibility factor falls into the range from 0 to 1. The performance of our models in comparison with an existing model in the literature is also evaluated through numerical studies, which shows that our approach produces premium estimates close to the optima. In addition, our proposed model can also be applied to the most commonly used ratemaking approach, namely, the net, the optimal Bonus-Malus system.
“Brave Men” and “Emotional Women”: A Theory-Guided Literature Review on Gender Bias in Health Care and Gendered Norms towards Patients with Chronic Pain
Authors: Samulowitz Anke , Gremyr Ida , Eriksson Erik , Hensing Gunnel
Published: February 2018

Background. Despite the large body of research on sex differences in pain, there is a lack of knowledge about the influence of gender in the patient-provider encounter. The purpose of this study was to review literature on gendered norms about men and women with pain and gender bias in the treatment of pain. The second aim was to analyze the results guided by the theoretical concepts of hegemonic masculinity and andronormativity. Methods. A literature search of databases was conducted. A total of 77 articles met the inclusion criteria. The included articles were analyzed qualitatively, with an integrative approach. Results. The included studies demonstrated a variety of gendered norms about men’s and women’s experience and expression of pain, their identity, lifestyle, and coping style. Gender bias in pain treatment was identified, as part of the patient-provider encounter and the professional’s treatment decisions. It was discussed how gendered norms are consolidated by hegemonic masculinity and andronormativity. Conclusions. Awareness about gendered norms is important, both in research and clinical practice, in order to counteract gender bias in health care and to support health-care professionals in providing more equitable care that is more capable to meet the need of all patients, men and women.
Relationship between Angular Measurements and Facial Shape of Young Ivorians with Normal Dental Occlusion
Authors: Diomande Moussa , Beugre Jean-Bertin , Koueita Mariam Konaté Kady , Vaysse Frédéric
Published: February 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to perform an analysis of angular measurements (from both the full face and profile), according to shapes of the human face. Method. It was a descriptive and cross-sectional study of 108 black Ivorian subjects. For each subject selected, two standardized photographs (full face and profile) were taken, followed by anthropometric measurements. The data collected were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 statistics software for Windows. Results. In the present work, the faces were considered according to three particular qualifiers: broad face, medium face, and narrow face. Thus, 45.37% of the faces in this study were large, 31.48% on average, and 23.15% narrow. The interlabial angles of average face and long face were wider than that of large face with p<0.01. The angle of the facial width was higher for large face and average face, compared to narrow face (p<0.001). Conclusion. Median and bilateral angles lead to rational understanding of the various shapes of the human face.
Transduced PEP‐1‐Heme Oxygenase‐1 Fusion Protein Attenuates Lung Injury in Septic Shock Rats
Authors: Yan Xue-Tao , He Xiang-Hu , Wang Yan-Lin , Zhang Zong-Ze , Tang Jun-Jiao
Published: February 2018

Oxidative stress and inflammation have been identified to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of lung injury induced by septic shock. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), an effective antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic substance, has been used for the treatment of heart, lung, and liver diseases. Thus, we postulated that administration of exogenous HO‐1 protein transduced by cell‐penetrating peptide PEP‐1 has a protective role against septic shock‐induced lung injury. Septic shock produced by cecal ligation and puncture caused severe lung damage, manifested in the increase in the lung wet/dry ratio, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. However, these changes were reversed by treatment with the PEP‐1‐HO‐1 fusion protein, whereas lung injury in septic shock rats was alleviated. Furthermore, the septic shock upregulated the expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and transcription factor NF‐κB, accompanied by the increase of lung injury. Administration of PEP‐1‐HO‐1 fusion protein reversed septic shock‐induced lung injury by downregulating the expression of TLR4 and NF‐κB. Our study indicates that treatment with HO‐1 protein transduced by PEP‐1 confers protection against septic shock‐induced lung injury by its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects.
Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma in a Country of Endemic Iodine Deficiency (1994–2013)
Authors: Der Edmund Muonir
Published: February 2018

Background. Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) has historically been linked to iodine deficiency. Although Ghana is among the iodine deficient regions of the world, the proportions, trends, and the clinical features of FTCs have not been studied as a single disease entity. The aim of this study was to determine the relative frequencies, trends, and the clinicopathological characteristics of FTCs among all thyroid malignancies in our institution.Materials and Methods. This was a retrospective study from January 1994 to December 2013. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 23 (Chicago) and Graph pad prism version 5.00.Results. Follicular thyroid cancer was the second thyroid malignancy (35.0%) and showed a gradual rise in relative proportions over the period. The male-female ratio was 1 : 1.5. The mean ages were 46.9 (SD ±17.3) for males and 46.4 (SD ±13.3) years for females. Enlarged palpable anterior neck swelling was the commonest symptom in males (86.7%) and females (91.3%) (P=0.730). Hurthle cell carcinoma was the commonest variant of FTC, with 26.7% males and 10.6% females (P=0.116). Distant spread was found in 23.3% of males compared to 19.1% of females (P=0.633). The common sites of distant spread were bones (57.2%) in males and cervical lymph nodes (44.4%) in females (P=0.106).Conclusion. Follicular thyroid cancer was the second common thyroid malignancy (35.0%) with a gradual rise in trend over the study period and male-female ratio of 1.5 : 1. Large anterior neck swelling was the commonest clinical presentation of FTC.
Using Physical Context-Based Authentication against External Attacks: Models and Protocols
Authors: Melo Wilson S. , Machado Raphael C. S. , Carmo Luiz F. R. C.
Published: February 2018

Modern systems are increasingly dependent on the integration of physical processes and information technologies. This trend is remarkable in applications involving sensor networks, cyberphysical systems, and Internet of Things. Despite its complexity, such integration results in physical context information that can be used to improve security, especially authentication. In this paper, we show that entities sharing the same physical context can use it for establishing a secure communication channel and protecting each other against external attacks. We present such approach proposing a theoretical model for generating unique bitstreams. Two different protocols are suggested. Each one is evaluated using probabilistic analysis and simulation. In the end, we implement the authentication mechanism in a case study using networks radio signal as physical event generator. The results demonstrate the performance of each of the protocols and their suitability for applications in real world.
Switched Cooperative Driving Model towards Human Vehicle Copiloting Situation: A Cyberphysical Perspective
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Dihua , Zhao Min , Chen Dong , Cheng Senlin , Xie Fei
Published: February 2018

Development of highly automated and intelligent vehicles can lead to the reduction of driver workload. However, it also causes the out-of-the-loop problem to drivers, which leaves drivers handicapped in their ability to take over manual operations in emergency situations. This contribution puts forth a new switched driving strategy to avoid some of the negative consequences associated with out-of-the-loop performance by having drivers assume manual control at periodic intervals. To minimize the impact of the transitions between automated and manual driving on traffic operations, a switched cooperative driving model towards human vehicle copiloting situation is proposed by considering the vehicle dynamics and the realistic intervehicle communication in a cyberphysical view. The design method of the switching signal for the switched cooperative driving model is given based on the Lyapunov stability theory with the comprehensive consideration of platoon stability and human factors. The good agreement between simulation results and theoretical analysis illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Using Complexity and Spectral Analyses of Noninvasive LDF Signals in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Hsiu Hsin , Hu Hsiao-Feng , Chang Yaw-Wen
Published: February 2018

This study performed skin‐surface measurements with the aim of verifying if complexity and spectral analyses applied to laser‐Doppler‐flowmetry (LDF) signals can be used to discriminate control subjects and patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and patients with premetabolic syndrome (pre‐MetS). The study participants (n = 142) were assigned to three age‐matched groups based on the application of MetS criteria. Beat‐to‐beat analysis was performed to obtain the mean blood flow (DC), and then approximate entropy (ApEn) values for the 10‐minute DC sequences (DC_ApEn) were calculated to evaluate the signal complexity. The wavelet transform was applied and yielded periodic oscillations with five characteristic frequency peaks (defined as FR1–FR5) whose relative energy contributions (RECs) were calculated. DC_ApEn was significantly smaller in MetS and pre‐MetS (with one or two Mets factors) patients than in controls, whereas there were no significant differences in DC. The REC of FR1 was significantly smaller while the REC of FR4 was significantly larger in pre‐MetS than in MetS. These results indicate the presence of significant differences in ApEn and spectral indexes, which may be partly attributable to changes in microcirculatory regulatory activities accompanying the progression of MetS. The present findings may be pertinent to the early detection of the microcirculatory impairments associated with MetS.
Intelligent Torque Vectoring Approach for Electric Vehicles with Per‐Wheel Motors
Authors: Parra Alberto , Zubizarreta Asier , Pérez Joshué , Dendaluce Martín
Published: February 2018

Transport electrification is currently a priority for authorities, manufacturers, and research centers around the world. The development of electric vehicles and the improvement of their functionalities are key elements in this strategy. As a result, there is a need for further research in emission reduction, efficiency improvement, or dynamic handling approaches. In order to achieve these objectives, the development of suitable Advanced Driver‐Assistance Systems (ADAS) is required. Although traditional control techniques have been widely used for ADAS implementation, the complexity of electric multimotor powertrains makes intelligent control approaches appropriate for these cases. In this work, a novel intelligent Torque Vectoring (TV) system, composed of a neuro‐fuzzy vertical tire forces estimator and a fuzzy yaw moment controller, is proposed, which allows enhancing the dynamic behaviour of electric multimotor vehicles. The proposed approach is compared with traditional strategies using the high fidelity vehicle dynamics simulator Dynacar. Results show that the proposed intelligent Torque Vectoring system is able to increase the efficiency of the vehicle by 10%, thanks to the optimal torque distribution and the use of a neuro‐fuzzy vertical tire forces estimator which provides 3 times more accurate estimations than analytical approaches.
Propolin C Inhibited Migration and Invasion via Suppression of EGFR‐Mediated Epithelial‐to‐Mesenchymal Transition in Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Pai Jih-Tung , Lee Yi-Chin , Chen Si-Ying , Leu Yann-Lii , Weng Meng-Shih
Published: February 2018

Controlling lung cancer cell migration and invasion via epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway has been demonstrated. Searching biological active phytochemicals to repress EGFR‐regulated EMT might prevent lung cancer progression. Propolis has been used as folk medicine in many countries and possesses anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. In this study, the antimigration and anti‐invasion activities of propolin C, a c‐prenylflavanone from Taiwanese propolis, were investigated on EGFR‐regulated EMT signaling pathway. Cell migration and invasion activities were dose‐dependently suppressed by noncytotoxic concentration of propolin C. Downregulations of vimentin and snail as well as upregulation of E‐cadherin expressions were through the inhibition of EGFR‐mediated phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in propolin C‐treated cells. In addition, EGF‐induced migration and invasion were suppressed by propolin C‐treated A549 lung cancer cells. No significant differences in E‐cadherin expression were observed in EGF‐stimulated cells. Interestingly, EGF‐induced expressions of vimentin, snail, and slug were suppressed through the inhibition of PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathway in propolin C‐treated cells. Inhibition of cell migration and invasion by propolin C was through the inhibition of EGF/EGFR‐mediated signaling pathway, followed by EMT suppression in lung cancer.
Preparation and Evaluation of Combined Detection of Norovirus GI and GII: An Innovative Fluorescent Particles Test Strip
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Peng Yanxia , Jiang Na , Shi Lei , Lin Jieping , Wu Ping , Pan Qingjun
Published: February 2018

This study was designed to prepare and evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a Norovirus GI and GII fluorescent particles combined detection test strip method. Using selected chromatographic materials and antibodies specific to Norovirus GI and GII, the Norovirus GI and GII fluorescent particles combined detection test strip (tested method) was prepared as a conventional double antibody sandwich. The samples assayed included cultured rotavirus and 465 specimens from patients with symptoms of gastrointestinal infection. Norovirus was detected using the tested method and a reference method (CerTest Norovirus GI-GII test card). The results indicated that the sensitivity of the tested method was 4 (for GI detection) or 8 times (for GII detection) greater than the reference method. Neither of the two methods cross-reacted with rotavirus and so on. For specimens, 29 were found to be negative by the reference method and positive by the tested method, and 8 were found to be negative by the tested method and positive by the reference method. Furthermore, a retesting of these samples by qPCR showed that 28 of the 29 were positive, and 3 of the 8 were positive. In summary, the Norovirus GI and GII fluorescent particles combined detection test strip was successfully prepared and had good detection performance.
Shade Trees Spatial Distribution and Its Effect on Grains and Beverage Quality of Shaded Coffee Trees
Authors: Silva Neto Francisco José da , Morinigo Kátia Priscilla Gomes , Guimarães Nathalia de França , Gallo Anderson de Souza , Souza Maicon Douglas Bispo de , Stolf Rubismar , Fontanetti Anastácia
Published: February 2018

Shading coffee trees has gained importance, especially among smallholders, as an option to improve the products’ quality, therefore acquiring place at the specialty coffee market, where consumers are willing to give bonus for quality. This work aims to evaluate the influence of shade trees’ spatial distribution among coffee trees’ agronomic characteristics, yield, and beans and cup quality of shaded coffee trees. The experimental design consisted of completely randomized blocks with six repetitions and four treatments: coffee trees on shade trees planting rows, distant one meter from the trunk; coffee trees on shade trees planting row, distant six meters from the trunk; and coffee plants between the rows of shade trees, parallel to the previous treatments. The parameters analyzed were plant height, canopy diameter, plagiotropic branches’ length, yield, coffee fruits’ phenological stage, ripe cherries’ Brix degree, percentage of black, unripe, and insect damaged beans, bean size, and beverage quality. Shade trees quickened coffee fruits’ phenological stage of coffee trees nearest to them. This point also showed the best beverage quality, except for overripe fruits. The remaining parameters evaluated were not affected by shade trees’ spatial distribution.
Profiling and Bioinformatic Analyses Indicate Differential circRNA and miRNA/isomiR Expression and Interactions
Authors: Guo Li , Zheng Liang , Zhao Yang , Wang Qianyun
Published: February 2018

As a novel class of noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to play a role in various biological processes. Some circRNAs may serve as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, regulating transcription or splicing. Herein, we investigated the expression profiles and interactions of miRNAs/isomiRs and circRNAs in male patients with esophageal cancer. We found that some miRNA genes generated two deregulated miRNA products (miR-#-5p and miR-#-3p), and these products were consistently abnormally expressed. Some circRNAs were predicted to be miRNA sponges for specific miRNAs. Some of these typically showed opposing expression patterns in cancer tissues: one upregulated and the other downregulated. Although fewer miRNAs were predicted to interact with circRNAs, the number of predicted interactions would be substantially increased if detailed isomiRs were involved. High sequence similarity across multiple isomiRs suggested that they might interact with circRNAs, similar to the interaction of homologous miRNAs with circRNAs. At the isomiR level, due to the characteristics of the sequences and expression patterns involved, the cross-talk between different ncRNAs is complicated despite simplification of the isomiRs involved through clustering. We expect that our results may provide methods for further study of the cross-talk among ncRNAs and elucidate their biological roles in human diseases.
Paraquat in Surface Water of Some Streams in Mai Chau Province, the Northern Vietnam: Concentrations, Profiles, and Human Risk Assessments
Authors: Thi Hue Nguyen , Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai , Nam Hoang , Hoang Tung Nguyen
Published: February 2018

The concentrations and profiles of paraquat, a kind of herbicide, were studied in water samples taken from a stream flowing through five villages of Mai Chau province, the Northern Vietnam, during dry and rainy seasons. In this study, paraquat was found at almost the sampling sites and showed an average concentration for paraquat to be 30.69 μg/L and with a maximum of 134.08 μg/L. The herbicide concentration tended to be the highest on the dry season because of the least rainfall and also the highest evaporation rate of water in the stream. For risk assessment of human health, a hazard index (HI) value was calculated for estimating the risk towards the residents. HQ in the dry and rainy season is from 0.0001 to 0.2448 and from 0.0001 to 0.0279, respectively. The results showed a minimum risk; however, there are concerns toward the danger of long-term exposure to the residents from the stream that could affect their life quality.
ROS‐Induced DNA Damage Associates with Abundance of Mitochondrial DNA in White Blood Cells of the Untreated Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Chestkov I. V. , Jestkova E. M. , Ershova E. S. , Golimbet V. G. , Lezheiko T. V. , Kolesina N. Yu , Dolgikh O. A. , Izhevskaya V. L. , Kostyuk G. P. , Kutsev S. I. , Veiko N. N. , Kostyuk S. V.
Published: February 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was (1) to examine the leukocyte mtDNA copy number (CN) in unmedicated (SZ (m−)) and medicated (SZ (m+)) male patients with paranoid schizophrenia (SZ) in comparison with the healthy male controls (HC) and (2) to compare the leukocyte mtDNA CN with the content of an oxidation marker 8‐oxodG in lymphocytes of the SZ (m−) patients. Methods. We evaluated leukocyte mtDNA CN of 110 subjects with SZ in comparison with 60 male HC by the method qPCR (ratio mtDNA/nDNA (gene B2M) was detected). SZ patients were divided into two subgroups. The patients of the subgroups SZ (m+) (N = 55) were treated with standard antipsychotic medications in the hospital. The patients of the subgroup SZ (m−) (N = 55) were not treated before venous blood was sampled. To evaluate oxidative DNA damage, we quantified the levels of 8‐oxodG in lymphocytes (flow cytometry) of SZ (m−) patients (N = 55) and HC (N = 30). Results. The leukocyte mtDNA CN showed no significant difference in SZ (m+) patients and HC. The mtDNA CN in the unmedicated subgroup SZ (m−) was significantly higher than that in the SZ (m+) subgroup or in HC group. The level of 8‐oxodG in the subgroup SZ (m−) was significantly higher than that in HC group. Conclusion. The leukocytes of the unmedicated SZ male patients with acute psychosis contain more mtDNA than the leukocytes of the male SZ patients treated with antipsychotic medications or the healthy controls. MtDNA content positively correlates with the level of 8‐oxodG in the unmedicated SZ patients.
Reconfigurable Network Stream Processing on Virtualized FPGA Resources
Authors: Chen Qianqiao , Mishra Vaibhawa , Nunez-Yanez Jose , Zervas Georgios
Published: February 2018

The software defined network and network function virtualization are proposed to address the network ossification issue in current Internet infrastructure. Network functions and services are implemented as software applications to increase the programmability of network. However, involving general purpose processors in data plane restricts the bandwidth of network services. Therefore, to keep both the bandwidth and flexibility, a FPGA platform is suggested as a reconfigurable platform to deliver high bandwidth virtual network functions on data plane. In this paper, the FPGA resource has been virtualized by interconnecting partial reconfigurable regions to deliver high bandwidth reconfigurable processing on network streams. With the help of partial reconfiguration technology, network functions on our platform can be configured without affecting other functions on the same FPGA device. The on-chip interconnect system is further evaluated by comparing with existing network-on-chip system. A reconfiguration process is also proposed and demonstrated that it can be performed on our platform. The process can happen in the real time of network services and it is able to keep the original function working during the download of partial bitstream.
Acute Toxicity, Antioxidant, and Antifatigue Activities of Protein‐Rich Extract from Oviductus ranae
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Yang , Zhu Kun , Dong Yao , Cui Hao , Mao Liping , Xu Xiaoxiao , Zhou Hongli
Published: February 2018

The paper investigated the preparation, amino acid composition, acute toxicity, and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant, coupled with in vivo antifatigue activities of protein‐rich extract of Oviductus ranae (PEOR). The results indicated that PEOR possesses high‐safety property with maximum tolerated dose (MTD) higher than 20 g/kg in mice, shows weak scavenging capacities against hydroxyl, superoxide anion, and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, as well as ferric‐reducing antioxidant power in vitro, but exerts strong antioxidant effect in ethanol‐induced oxidative stress mice model; it can decrease malonaldehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) formation and increase total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Besides the strong in vivo antioxidant activity, PEOR in a dose of 400 mg/kg also has antifatigue effect in mice, and it can prolong the exhaustive swimming time, reduce the elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood lactic acid (BLA) caused by intense exercise. The in vivo activity of PEOR may be contributed by its absorbed amino acids, due to the fact that eight antioxidant amino acids and twelve glucogenic ones were found in it. This study will provide an evidence for the clinical use of PEOR as a dietary supplement for antioxidant and antifatigue in the same oral dose (400 mg/kg).
Evaluation of Mediators Associated with the Inflammatory Response in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Authors: Bedini Nice , Cicchetti Alessandro , Palorini Federica , Magnani Tiziana , Zuco Valentina , Pennati Marzia , Campi Elisa , Allavena Paola , Pesce Samantha , Villa Sergio , Avuzzi Barbara , Morlino Sara , Visentin Maria Emanuela , Zaffaroni Nadia , Rancati Tiziana , Valdagni Riccardo
Published: February 2018

A recent “hot topic” in prostate cancer radiotherapy is the observed association between acute/late rectal toxicity and the presence of abdominal surgery before radiotherapy. The exact mechanism is unclear. Our working hypothesis was that a previous surgery may influence plasma level of inflammatory molecules and this might result in enhanced radiosensitivity. We here present results on the feasibility of monitoring the expression of inflammatory molecules during radiotherapy. Plasma levels of a panel of soluble mediators associated with the inflammatory response were measured in prostate cancer patients undergoing radical radiotherapy. We measured 3 cytokines (IL-1b, IL-6, and TNF alpha), 2 chemokines (CCL2 and CXCL8), and the long pentraxin PTX3. 20 patients were enrolled in this feasibility evaluation. All patients were treated with IMRT at 78 Gy. 3/20 patients reported grade 2 acute rectal toxicity, while 4/20 were scored as grade 2 late toxicity. CCL2 was the most interesting marker showing significant increase during and after radiotherapy. CCL2 levels at radiotherapy end could be modelled using linear regression including basal CCL2, age, surgery, hypertension, and use of anticoagulants. The 4 patients with late toxicity had CCL2 values at radiotherapy end above the median value. This trial is registered with ISRCTN64979094.
Expression of Pentose Phosphate Pathway-Related Proteins in Breast Cancer
Authors: Choi Junjeong , Kim Eun-Sol , Koo Ja Seung
Published: February 2018

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess the expression of pentose phosphate pathway- (PPP-) related proteins and their significance in clinicopathologic factors of breast cancer. Methods. Immunohistochemical staining for PPP-related proteins (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PDH], 6-phosphogluconolactonase [6PGL], 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase [6PGDH], and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 [NRF2]) was performed using tissue microarray (TMA) of 348 breast cancers. mRNA levels of these markers in publicly available data from the Cancer Genome Atlas project and Kaplan-Meier plotters were analyzed. Results. Expression of G6PDH and 6PGL was higher in HER-2 type (p<0.001 and p=0.009, resp.) and lower in luminal A type. 6PGDH expression was detected only in TNBC subtype (p<0.001). G6PDH positivity was associated with ER negativity (p=0.001), PR negativity (p=0.001), and HER-2 positivity (p<0.001), whereas 6PGL positivity was associated with higher T stage (p=0.004). The 562 expression profile from the TCGA database revealed increased expression of G6PDH and 6PG in the tumor compared with normal adjacent breast tissue. The expression of G6PDH was highest in HER-2 type. HER-2 and basal-like subtypes showed higher expression of 6PGDH than luminal types. Conclusion. PPP-related proteins are differentially expressed in breast cancer according to molecular subtype, and higher expression of G6PDH and 6PGL was noted in HER-2 subtype.
Patient-Related Determinants of Glycaemic Control in People with Type 2 Diabetes in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alramadan Mohammed J. , Afroz Afsana , Hussain Sultana Monira , Batais Mohammed Ali , Almigbal Turky H. , Al-Humrani Hassan Ahmad , Albaloshi Ahmed , Romero Lorena , Magliano Dianna J. , Billah Baki
Published: February 2018

The aim of this systematic review is to assess patient-related factors affecting glycaemic control among people with type 2 diabetes in the Arabian Gulf Council countries. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched from their date of inception to May 2016. Two researchers independently identified eligible studies and assessed the risk of bias. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. One study was population based, six recruited participants from multiple centres, and the remaining were single centred. The majority of the studies were of low to moderate quality. Factors associated with poor glycaemic control include longer duration of diabetes, low level of education, poor compliance to diet and medication, poor attitude towards the disease, poor self-management behaviour, anxiety, depression, renal impairment, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. Healthcare providers should be aware of these factors and provide appropriate education and care especially for those who have poor glycaemic control. Innovative educational programs should be implemented in the healthcare systems to improve patient compliance and practices. A variation in the results of the included studies was observed, and some potentially important risk factors such as dietary habits, physical activity, family support, and cognitive function were not adequately addressed. Further research is needed in this area.
Modelling Seismically Induced Mesothermal Goldfields along the Deep-Rooted Cadillac-Larder Lake Fault, Abitibi, Canada
Authors: Bedeaux Pierre , Rafini Silvain , Pilote Pierre , Daigneault Réal
Published: February 2018

Gold deposits are not uniformly distributed along major faults due to complex (and long-debated) interactions between seismicity, hydrothermalism, and structural heterogeneities. Here, we use static stress modelling (SSM) to quantitatively investigate these interactions, by exploring the role of Cadillac-Larder Lake Fault (CLLF) Archean seismicity in the genesis of the regional goldfields. Various rheological factors are evaluated for optimizing the models’ ability to reproduce known gold occurrences, regarded as the fossil primary markers of synkinematic hydrothermal systems. We propose that the marked structural heterogeneities of the CLLF induced persistent seismic segmentation and recurrent ruptures of the same fault windows that arrested on robust node points. These ruptures favour repeated occurrences of seismically triggered hydrothermalism along long-existing fluid pathways having an enhanced permeability and iterative ore formation into supracrustal discharge zones by means of episodic drops and build-ups of pressure. Two-dimensional SSM permits the predictive mapping of these high-potential zones. These modelled zones correlate positively with the actual observed gold distribution. We demonstrate that(1)the ruptures along the Joannes Segment arresting on the Davidson Fault and Lapa’s bend can explain the occurrence and location of the Rouyn and Malartic goldfields;(2)the models’ validity is improved by implementing regional geological constraints; and(3)the distant gold occurrences from the CLLF, including the Bourlamaque field, can be explained by doublet seismic events along the Rivière-Héva and Lapause subsidiary faults. Our results provide new perspectives from a fundamental standpoint and for exploration purposes.
A Comparative68Ga-Citrate and68Ga-Chloride PET/CT Imaging ofStaphylococcus aureusOsteomyelitis in the Rat Tibia
Authors: Lankinen Petteri , Noponen Tommi , Autio Anu , Luoto Pauliina , Frantzèn Janek , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Hakanen Antti J. , Aro Hannu T. , Roivainen Anne
Published: February 2018

There may be some differences in thein vivobehavior of68Ga-chloride and68Ga-citrate leading to different accumulation profiles. This study compared68Ga-citrate and68Ga-chloride PET/CT imaging under standardized experimental models.Methods.DiffuseStaphylococcus aureustibial osteomyelitis and uncomplicated bone healing rat models were used (n=32). Two weeks after surgery, PET/CT imaging was performed on consecutive days using68Ga-citrate or68Ga-chloride, and tissue accumulation was confirmed byex vivoanalysis. In addition, peripheral quantitative computed tomography and conventional radiography were performed. Osteomyelitis was verified by microbiological analysis and specimens were also processed for histomorphometry.Results.In PET/CT imaging, theSUVmaxof68Ga-chloride and68Ga-citrate in the osteomyelitic tibias (3.6 ± 1.4 and 4.7 ± 1.5, resp.) were significantly higher (P=0.0019andP=0.0020, resp.) than in the uncomplicated bone healing (2.7 ± 0.44 and 2.5 ± 0.49, resp.). In osteomyelitic tibias, theSUVmaxof68Ga-citrate was significantly higher than the uptake of68Ga-chloride (P=0.0017). In animals with uncomplicated bone healing, no difference in theSUVmaxof68Ga-chloride or68Ga-citrate was seen in the operated tibias.Conclusions.This study further corroborates the use of68Ga-citrate for PET imaging of osteomyelitis.
Targeting the SUMO Pathway Primes All-trans Retinoic Acid–Induced Differentiation of Nonpromyelocytic Acute Myeloid Leukemias
Authors: Baik Hayeon , Boulanger Mathias , Hosseini Mohsen , Kowalczyk Julie , Zaghdoudi Sonia , Salem Tamara , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel , Hicheri Yosr , Cartron Guillaume , Piechaczyk Marc , Bossis Guillaume
Published: February 2018

Differentiation therapies using all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) are highly efficient at treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, their efficacy, if any, is limited in the case of non-APL AML. We report here that inhibition of SUMOylation, a posttranslational modification related to ubiquitination, restores the prodifferentiation and antiproliferative activities of retinoids in non-APL AML. Controlled inhibition of SUMOylation with the pharmacologic inhibitors 2-D08 or anacardic acid, or via overexpression of SENP deSUMOylases, enhanced the ATRA-induced expression of key genes involved in differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in non-APL AML cells. This activated ATRA-induced terminal myeloid differentiation and reduced cell proliferation and viability, including in AML cells resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs. Conversely, enhancement of SUMOylation via overexpression of the SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc9 dampened expression of ATRA-responsive genes and prevented differentiation. Thus, inhibition of the SUMO pathway is a promising strategy to sensitize patients with non-APL AML to retinoids and improve the treatment of this poor-prognosis cancer.

Significance: SUMOylation silences key ATRA-responsive genes in nonpromyelocytic acute myeloid leukemias. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2601–13. ©2018 AACR.
EGF Receptor and mTORC1 Are Novel Therapeutic Targets in Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Chen Kenneth S. , Fustino Nicholas J. , Shukla Abhay A. , Stroup Emily K. , Budhipramono Albert , Ateek Christina , Stuart Sarai H. , Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Kapur Payal , Frazier A. Lindsay , Lum Lawrence , Looijenga Leendert H.J. , Laetsch Theodore W. , Rakheja Dinesh , Amatruda James F.
Published: February 2018

Germ cell tumors (GCT) are malignant tumors that arise from pluripotent embryonic germ cells and occur in children and young adults. GCTs are treated with cisplatin-based regimens which, while overall effective, fail to cure all patients and cause significant adverse late effects. The seminoma and nonseminoma forms of GCT exhibit distinct differentiation states, clinical behavior, and response to treatment; however, the molecular mechanisms of GCT differentiation are not fully understood. We tested whether the activity of the mTORC1 and MAPK pathways were differentially active in the two classes of GCT. Here we show that nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT, including embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, and choriocarcinoma) from both children and adults display activation of the mTORC1 pathway, while seminomas do not. In seminomas, high levels of REDD1 may negatively regulate mTORC1 activity. In NSGCTs, on the other hand, EGF and FGF2 ligands can stimulate mTORC1 and MAPK signaling, and members of the EGF and FGF receptor families are more highly expressed. Finally, proliferation of NSGCT cells in vitro and in vivo is significantly inhibited by combined treatment with the clinically available agents erlotinib and rapamycin, which target EGFR and mTORC1 signaling, respectively. These results provide an understanding of the signaling network that drives GCT growth and a rationale for therapeutic targeting of GCTs with agents that antagonize the EGFR and mTORC1 pathways. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(5); 1079–89. ©2018 AACR.