bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of steady growth
Authors: Berg Jeremy
Published: August 2016

When the United States Congress returns from an August recess, it must take up appropriations bills, including those that fund science agencies. These bills will only focus on one fiscal year. Yet, almost all scientific projects require years to yield substantial progress. This timeline may favor longer-term budget allocation and other policy adjustments.
Pooled Nucleic Acid Amplification Test for Screening of Stool Specimens for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Jassem Agatha N. , Chou Frank Y. , Yang Cathevine , Croxen Matthew A. , Pintar Katarina D. M. , Paccagnella Ana , Hoang Linda , Prystajecky Natalie
Published: August 2016

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC)-associated enteric illness is attributed to O157 and non-O157 serotypes; however, traditional culture-based methods underdetect non-O157 STEC. Labor and cost of consumables are major barriers to implementation of the CDC recommendation to test all stools for both O157 and non-O157 serotypes. We evaluated the feasibility of a pooled nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) as an approach for screening stool specimens for STEC. For retrospective evaluation, 300 stool specimens were used to create pools of 10 samples each. The sensitivity was 83% for the preenrichment pooling strategy and 100% for the postenrichment pooling strategy compared with those for individual NAAT results. The difference in cycle threshold (

C
T

) between individual and pooled NAAT results for specimens was significantly lower and more consistent for postenrichment pooling (
stx
1
mean = 3.90,
stx
2
mean = 4.28) than those for preenrichment pooling (excluding undetected specimens;
stx
1
mean = 9.34,
stx
2
mean = 8.96) (
P
≤ 0.0013). Cost of consumables and labor time savings of 48 to 81% and 6 to 66%, respectively, were estimated for the testing of 90 specimens by the postenrichment pooled NAAT strategy on the basis of an expected 1 to 2% positivity rate. A 30-day prospective head-to-head clinical trial involving 512 specimens confirmed the sensitivity and labor savings associated with the postenrichment pooled NAAT strategy. The postenrichment pooled NAAT strategy described here is suitable for efficient large-scale surveillance of all STEC serotypes. Comprehensive detection of STEC will result in accurate estimation of STEC burden and, consequently, appropriate public health interventions.
CD95 Signaling Inhibits B Cell Receptor-Mediated Gammaherpesvirus Replication in Apoptosis-Resistant B Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Tan Lingbing , Zhang Chaocan , Dematos Julien , Kuang Linlin , Jung Jae U. , Liang Xiaozhen
Published: August 2016

While CD95 is an apoptosis-inducing receptor and has emerged as a potential anticancer therapy target, mounting evidence shows that CD95 is also emerging as a tumor promoter by activating nonapoptotic signaling pathways. Gammaherpesviral infection is closely associated with lymphoproliferative diseases, including B cell lymphomas. The nonapoptotic function of CD95 in gammaherpesvirus-associated lymphomas is largely unknown. Here, we show that stimulation of CD95 agonist antibody drives the majority of sensitive gammaherpesvirus-transformed B cells to undergo caspase-dependent apoptosis and promotes the survival and proliferation of a subpopulation of apoptosis-resistant B cells. Surprisingly, CD95-mediated nonapoptotic signaling induced beta interferon (IFN-β) expression and correlatively inhibited B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated gammaherpesviral replication in the apoptosis-resistant lymphoma cells without influencing BCR signaling. Further analysis showed that IFN-β alone or synergizing with CD95 blocked the activation of lytic switch proteins and the gene expression of gammaherpesviruses. Our findings indicate that, independent of its apoptotic activity, CD95 signaling activity plays an important role in blocking viral replication in apoptosis-resistant, gammaherpesvirus-associated B lymphoma cells, suggesting a novel mechanism that indicates how host CD95 prototype death receptor controls the life cycle of gammaherpesviruses independent of its apoptotic activity.

IMPORTANCEGammaherpesviruses are closely associated with lymphoid malignancies and other cancers. Viral replication and persistence strategies leading to cancer involve the activation of antiapoptotic and proliferation programs, as well as evasion of the host immune response. Here, we provide evidence that the stimulation of CD95 agonist antibody, mimicking one of the major mechanisms of cytotoxic T cell killing, inhibits B cell receptor-mediated gammaherpesviral replication in CD95 apoptosis-resistant lymphoma cells. CD95-induced type I interferon (IFN-β) contributes to the inhibition of gammaherpesviral replication. This finding sheds new light on the CD95 nonapoptotic function and provides a novel mechanism for gammaherpesviruses that helps them to escape host immune surveillance.
Monocytes but Not Lymphocytes Carrying HIV-1 on Their Surface Transmit Infection to Human TissueEx Vivo
Authors: Barreto-de-Souza Victor , Arakelyan Anush , Zicari Sonia , Margolis Leonid , Vanpouille Christophe
Published: August 2016

Unprotected sexual intercourse with HIV-infected men is the major cause of new infections. HIV virions are released into semen by various cells of the male genital tract, as well as by infected monocytes and lymphocytes present in semen. Some of these virions may attach to the surfaces of cells, infected or uninfected. We investigated whether cells carrying attached HIV on their surfaces can transmit infection. We addressed this question in a model system of human tissue exposedex vivoto monocytes and lymphocytes carrying HIV on their surfaces. We gamma irradiated the cells to prevent their productive infection. In spite of comparable amounts of HIV attached to monocytes and lymphocytes, only monocytes were capable of transmitting infection and triggering productive infection in tissue. This HIV-1 transmission was mediated by cell-cell contacts. Our experiments suggest thatin vivo, HIV attached to infected or uninfected monocytes, which far outnumber lymphocytes in HIV-infected semen, may contribute to sexual transmission of HIV from men to their partners.

IMPORTANCEThe vast majority of new HIV infections occur through sexual transmission, in which HIV is transferred from the semen of an infected male to an uninfected partner. In semen, HIV-1 particles may exist as free-floating virions; inside infected cells; or attached to the surfaces of cells, whether they are infected or not. Here, we investigated whether HIV attached to the surfaces of monocytes or lymphocytes could transmit infection to human tissue. Incubation of human tissue with monocyte-attached HIV resulted in productive tissue infection. In contrast, there was no infection of tissues when they were incubated with lymphocyte-attached HIV-1. Our results highlight the important role that seminal monocytes may play in HIV transmissionin vivo, especially since monocytes far outnumber lymphocytes in the semen of HIV-infected individuals.
Pathogenicity and Transmission of H5 and H7 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Mallards
Authors: Pantin-Jackwood Mary J. , Costa-Hurtado Mar , Shepherd Eric , DeJesus Eric , Smith Diane , Spackman Erica , Kapczynski Darrell R. , Suarez David L. , Stallknecht David E. , Swayne David E.
Published: August 2016

Wild aquatic birds have been associated with the intercontinental spread of H5 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 (Gs/GD) lineage during 2005, 2010, and 2014, but dispersion by wild waterfowl has not been implicated with spread of other HPAI viruses. To better understand why Gs/GD H5 HPAI viruses infect and transmit more efficiently in waterfowl than other HPAI viruses, groups of mallard ducks were challenged with one of 14 different H5 and H7 HPAI viruses, including a Gs/GD lineage H5N1 (clade 2.2) virus from Mongolia, part of the 2005 dispersion, and the H5N8 and H5N2 index HPAI viruses (clade 2.3.4.4) from the United States, part of the 2014 dispersion. All virus-inoculated ducks and contact exposed ducks became infected and shed moderate to high titers of the viruses, with the exception that mallards were resistant to Ck/Pennsylvania/83 and Ck/Queretaro/95 H5N2 HPAI virus infection. Clinical signs were only observed in ducks challenged with the H5N1 2005 virus, which all died, and with the H5N8 and H5N2 2014 viruses, which had decreased weight gain and fever. These three viruses were also shed in higher titers by the ducks, which could facilitate virus transmission and spread. This study highlights the possible role of wild waterfowl in the spread of HPAI viruses.

IMPORTANCE
The spread of H5 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the Gs/GD lineage by migratory waterfowl is a serious concern for animal and public health. H5 and H7 HPAI viruses are considered to be adapted to gallinaceous species (chickens, turkeys, quail, etc.) and less likely to infect and transmit in wild ducks. In order to understand why this is different with certain Gs/GD lineage H5 HPAI viruses, we compared the pathogenicity and transmission of several H5 and H7 HPAI viruses from previous poultry outbreaks to Gs/GD lineage H5 viruses, including H5N1 (clade 2.2), H5N8 and H5N2 (clade 2.3.4.4) viruses, in mallards as a representative wild duck species. Surprisingly, most HPAI viruses examined in this study replicated well and transmitted among mallards; however, the three Gs/GD lineage H5 HPAI viruses replicated to higher titers, which could explain the transmission of these viruses in susceptible wild duck populations.
Antibiotic Bactericidal Activity Is Countered by Maintaining pH Homeostasis in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Bartek I. L. , Reichlen M. J. , Honaker R. W. , Leistikow R. L. , Clambey E. T. , Scobey M. S. , Hinds A. B. , Born S. E. , Covey C. R. , Schurr M. J. , Lenaerts A. J. , Voskuil M. I.
Published: August 2016

Since the discovery of antibiotics, mortality due to bacterial infection has decreased dramatically. However, infections from difficult to treat bacteria such as
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and multidrug-resistant pathogens have been on the rise. An understanding of the cascade of events that leads to cell death downstream of specific drug-target interactions is not well understood. We have discovered that killing by several classes of antibiotics was stopped by maintaining pH balance within the bacterial cell, consistent with a shared mechanism of antibiotic killing. Our findings suggest a mechanism of antibiotic killing that stems from the antibiotic’s ability to increase the pH within bacterial cells by disrupting proton entry without affecting proton pumping out of cells. Knowledge of the core mechanism necessary for antibiotic killing could have a significant impact on the development of new lethal antibiotics and for the treatment of recalcitrant and drug-resistant pathogens.
Investigating asthma comorbidities: a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: El Ferkh Karim , Nwaru Bright , Griffiths Chris , Sheikh Aziz
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Asthma is a common long-term disorder with a number of related comorbid conditions, which may affect asthma outcomes. There is a need for greater appreciation for understanding how these comorbidities interact with asthma in order to improve asthma outcomes.

Objectives

To systematically identify and map out key asthma comorbidities.

Methods

We will systematically search the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO and Google Scholar. Additional literature will be identified by searching the reference list of identified eligible studies and by searching the repositories of international conference proceedings, including ISI Conference Proceeding Citation Index, and ZETOC (British Library).

Dissemination

The findings from this systematic scoping review will be reported at scientific meetings and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Methods for a longitudinal cohort of refugee children in a regional community in Australia
Authors: Zwi Karen , Rungan Santuri , Woolfenden Susan , Williams Katrina , Woodland Lisa
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Few studies explore the long-term health and well-being of refugee children. A longitudinal cohort of refugee children was created to determine health and well-being outcomes over time. This article describes the methodology used to conduct this study, including sample characteristics and effectiveness of recruitment and retention strategies.

Participants

Newly arrived refugee children settling in a regional part of Australia aged 6 months to 15 years were recruited between 2009 and 2013 and 85% were followed for an average of 31 months.

Method and design

General practitioners conducted health and pathology examinations shortly after arrival. Additional follow-up assessments were conducted by the research team at an average of 13 months after arrival for the first (year 2) and 31 months for the second (year 3) assessment. Children under 5 years had developmental and children aged 4–17 years had social–emotional screening. Families were assessed for risk and protective factors using a structured interview and the Social Readjustment Ratings Scale. Parent experience of the research was explored.

Findings to date

Eligibility criteria were met by 158 of 228 (69%) newly arrived children, 61 of whom (39%) were enrolled. Retention was 100% (n=61) at year 2 and 85% at year 3. The study sample was younger than and had an over-representation of African refugees as compared to the eligible population. Parents reported that the research was respectful.

Future plans

This study demonstrates that a longitudinal cohort study in refugee children is feasible and acceptable, and retention rates can be high. The establishment of this cohort provides the opportunity to analyse valuable data about the early settlement experience, risk and protective factors and long-term health and well-being outcomes in refugee children. These are necessary to identify refugee children in need of additional support and to guide future service delivery.
Cat: The importance of a correct management and basic anaesthetic monitoring in a tension pneumothorax and tracheal foreign body
Authors: Cerasoli Ilaria , Polis Ingeborgh , Schauvliege Stijn , Van der Vekens Elke , Bosmans Tim
Published: August 2016

A six‐year‐old, male neutered, European domestic shorthair cat was presented at the emergency service of the Ghent University Small Animal Clinic with severe respiratory distress, subcutaneous emphysema and suspicion of an oesophageal foreign body reported by the referring veterinarian. After a radiographic study, a clinical examination suggested the presence of pneumothorax. Emergency thoracocentesis and thoracotomy were performed. Monitoring consisted of electrocardiography, capnography, pulse oximetry and non‐invasive blood pressure. Sudden damping, followed by disappearance of the capnography curve was recorded during anaesthesia despite the use of intermittent positive pressure ventilation. A tracheal foreign body was found and removed. No macroscopic lesion in the trachea was found. After thoracic drain placement, the cat recovered uneventfully. A rapid, multidisciplinary approach is required when severe tension pneumothorax is present and standard anaesthetic monitoring tools are useful in detecting and solving early complications.
One-pot cis-selective route to sugar-fused thiazines via a masking–unmasking strategy in basic ionic liquid
Authors: Rai Vijai K. , Kosta Rahul K.
Published: August 2016

A novel sequential Knoevenagel condensation, thia-Michael, and amino/mercaptoacetylative ring transformation reaction cascade for cis-selective synthesis of sugar-fused 1,3-thiazine is reported. The expeditious one-pot multicomponent annulation was performed using masked amino acid viz. 2-phenyl-1,3-oxazol-5-one or masked mercaptoacid viz. 2-methyl-2-phenyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-one, d-xylose/d-glucose, and N-aryldithiocarbamic acid in ionic liquid [bmim]OH. The acetophenone obtained as a by-product and [bmim]OH itself could be easily recycled for further use without loss of efficiency. The envisaged method is operationally simple, high yielding, and excellent diastereoselective in favor of the cis-isomer of fused thiazines.
Comparing the efficacy of linear programming models I and II for spatial strategic forest management
Authors: Martin Andrew B. , Richards Evelyn , Gunn Eldon
Published: August 2016

Contemporary strategic forest management goals have become increasingly complex in spatial definition and scale. For example, the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers Criteria and Indicators (CCFM C&I) includes metrics that are expressed at multiple levels of spatial resolution such as ecodistricts, watersheds, and vegetative communities. Supporting these criteria with aspatial models is sometimes difficult, and results are often not transferable to the actual forest. We describe a spatial Model I stand and prescription-based strategic forest planning model that includes spatial metrics in a realistic sized problem. We compare its formulation, capabilities, and computational efficiency with a Model II formulation using a case study on Nova Scotia’s Crown Central Forest. We demonstrate that the spatial Model I is better suited to support strategic forest management when spatial criteria are included.
FRACTAL DIMENSION ESTIMATION OF RGB COLOR IMAGES USING MAXIMUM COLOR DISTANCE
Authors: ZHAO XIN , WANG XINGYUAN
Published: August 2016

Natural images exhibit a high degree of complexity, randomness and irregularity in color and texture, however fractal can be an effective tool to describe various irregular phenomena in nature. Fractal dimensions are important because they can be defined in connection with real-world data, and they can be measured approximately by means of experiments. In this paper, we proposed a fractal dimension estimation method for RGB color images. In the proposed method, we present a hyper-surface partition method which considers the hyper-surface as continuous and divide the image into nonoverlapped blocks. We also defined a counting method in color domain. To validate the proposed method, experiments were carried on two types of color images: synthesized fractal images and natural RGB color images. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective and efficient. The behaviors of the proposed method on the rescale images are also shown in the paper. And it can be performed as a reliable FD estimation approach for the RGB color images.
Finite Element Seismic Response Analysis of a Reinforced Concrete Pier with a Fractured Fine Tetrahedron Mesh
Authors: Okazawa Shigenobu , Tsumori Takumi , Yamashita Takuzo , Tanaka Satoyuki
Published: August 2016

A seismic response analysis of a reinforced concrete (RC) pier has been undertaken using seismic waves recorded at the Takatori station during the southern Hyogo perfecture earthquake in 1995 in Japan. Distinguishing characteristics of this analysis are as follows. First, the RC pier has been modeled using the finite element method with a solid mesh. The analysis model has been generated using tetrahedral elements with node connectivity, not only in the concrete but also in the reinforcement steel. Also, an analysis has been undertaken on fracture treatments in the concrete. Using PDS-FEM, a system of suitable fractures in the concrete resulting from the seismic event can be simulated. Ultimately, a finite element model is established with a fine tetrahedron mesh with about 20 million elements. We calculate a seismic response analysis using the K computer at the RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science, and compare that result with a seismic experiment in E-Defense to confirm the computational approach.
Functional assessment of SLC4A11, an integral membrane protein mutated in corneal dystrophies
Authors: Loganathan Sampath K. , Schneider Hans-Peter , Morgan Patricio E. , Deitmer Joachim W. , Casey Joseph R.
Published: August 2016

SLC4A11, a member of the SLC4 family of bicarbonate transporters, is a widely expressed integral membrane protein, abundant in kidney and cornea. Mutations of SLC4A11 cause some cases of the blinding corneal dystrophies, congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy, and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. These diseases are marked by fluid accumulation in the corneal stroma, secondary to defective fluid reabsorption by the corneal endothelium. The role of SLC4A11 in these corneal dystrophies is not firmly established, as SLC4A11 function remains unclear. To clarify the normal function(s) of SLC4A11, we characterized the protein following expression in the simple, low-background expression system Xenopus laevis oocytes. Since plant and fungal SLC4A11 orthologs transport borate, we measured cell swelling associated with accumulation of solute borate. The plant water/borate transporter NIP5;1 manifested borate transport, whereas human SLC4A11 did not. SLC4A11 supported osmotically driven water accumulation that was electroneutral and Na+ independent. Studies in oocytes and HEK293 cells could not detect Na+-coupled HCO3− transport or Cl−/HCO3− exchange by SLC4A11. SLC4A11 mediated electroneutral NH3 transport in oocytes. Voltage-dependent OH− or H+ movement was not measurable in SLC4A11-expressing oocytes, but SLC4A11-expressing HEK293 cells manifested low-level cytosolic acidification at baseline. In mammalian cells, but not oocytes, OH−/H+ conductance may arise when SLC4A11 activates another protein or itself is activated by another protein. These data argue against a role of human SLC4A11 in bicarbonate or borate transport. This work provides additional support for water and ammonia transport by SLC4A11. When expressed in oocytes, SLC4A11 transported NH3, not NH3/H+.
Dysregulation of redox pathways in liver fibrosis
Authors: Torok Natalie J.
Published: August 2016

Reactive oxygen species are implicated in physiological signaling and cell fate decisions. In chronic liver diseases persistent and increased production of oxidative radicals drives a fibrogenic response that is a common feature of disease progression. Despite our understanding the biology of the main prooxidant enzymes, their targets, and antioxidant mechanisms in the liver, there is still lack of knowledge concerning their precise role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. This review will examine the role of physiological redox signaling in the liver, provide an overview on recent advances in prooxidant and antioxidant pathways that are dysregulated during fibrosis, and highlight possible novel treatment targets.
Aberrant fecal flora observed in guinea pigs with pressure overload is mitigated in animals receiving vagus nerve stimulation therapy
Authors: Phillips Campbell Regenia B. , Duffourc Michelle M. , Schoborg Robert V. , Xu Yanji , Liu Xinyi , KenKnight Bruce H. , Beaumont Eric
Published: August 2016

Altered gut microbial diversity has been associated with several chronic disease states, including heart failure. Stimulation of the vagus nerve, which innervates the heart and abdominal organs, is proving to be an effective therapeutic in heart failure. We hypothesized that cervical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) could alter fecal flora and prevent aberrations observed in fecal samples from heart failure animals. To determine whether microbial abundances were altered by pressure overload (PO), leading to heart failure and VNS therapy, a VNS pulse generator was implanted with a stimulus lead on either the left or right vagus nerve before creation of PO by aortic constriction. Animals received intermittent, open-loop stimulation or sham treatment, and their heart function was monitored by echocardiography. Left ventricular end-systolic and diastolic volumes, as well as cardiac output, were impaired in PO animals compared with baseline. VNS mitigated these effects. Metagenetic analysis was then performed using 16S rRNA sequencing to identify bacterial genera present in fecal samples. The abundance of 10 genera was significantly altered by PO, 8 of which were mitigated in animals receiving either left- or right-sided VNS. Metatranscriptomics analyses indicate that the abundance of genera that express genes associated with ATP-binding cassette transport and amino sugar/nitrogen metabolism was significantly changed following PO. These gut flora changes were not observed in PO animals subjected to VNS. These data suggest that VNS prevents aberrant gut flora following PO, which could contribute to its beneficial effects in heart failure patients.
Antilipolytic and antilipogenic effects of the CPT-1b inhibitor oxfenicine in the white adipose tissue of rats
Authors: Sepa-Kishi Diane M. , Wu Michelle V. , Uthayakumar Abinas , Mohasses Arta , Ceddia Rolando B.
Published: August 2016

Oxfenicine is a carnitine-palmitoyl transferase 1b (CPT-1b)-specific inhibitor that has been shown to improve whole body insulin sensitivity while suppressing fatty acid (FA) oxidation and increasing circulating FA. Because the white adipose tissue (WAT) is an organ that stores and releases FAs, this study investigated whether oxfenicine-induced inhibition of FA oxidation affected adiposity and WAT metabolism in rats fed either low (LF) or high-fat (HF) diets. Following 8 wk of dietary intervention, male Sprague-Dawley rats were given a daily intraperitoneal injection of oxfenicine (150 mg/kg body wt) or vehicle (PBS) for 3 wk. Oxfenicine treatment reduced whole body fat oxidation, body weight, and adiposity, and improved insulin sensitivity in HF-fed rats. All of these effects occurred without alterations in food intake, energy expenditure, and ambulatory activity. In vivo oxfenicine treatment reduced FA oxidation and lipolysis in subcutaneous inguinal (SC Ing) adipocytes, whereas glucose incorporation into lipids (lipogenesis) was significantly reduced in both SC Ing and epididymal (Epid) adipocytes. In summary, our results show that oxfenicine-induced inhibition of CPT-1b markedly affects WAT metabolism, leading to reduced adiposity through a mechanism that involves reduced lipogenesis in the SC Ing and Epid fat depots of rats.
Whole‐Genome Expression Analysis and Signal Pathway Screening of Synovium‐Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Hou Jingyi , Ouyang Yi , Deng Haiquan , Chen Zhong , Song Bin , Xie Zhongyu , Wang Peng , Li Jinteng , Li Weiping , Yang Rui
Published: August 2016

Synovium‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (SMSCs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and show promise for therapeutic applications in RA. In this study, a whole‐genome microarray analysis was used to detect differential gene expression in SMSCs from RA patients and healthy donors (HDs). Our results showed that there were 4828 differentially expressed genes in the RA group compared to the HD group; 3117 genes were upregulated, and 1711 genes were downregulated. A Gene Ontology analysis showed significantly enriched terms of differentially expressed genes in the biological process, cellular component, and molecular function domains. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the MAPK signaling and rheumatoid arthritis pathways were upregulated and that the p53 signaling pathway was downregulated in RA SMSCs. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was applied to verify the expression variations of the partial genes mentioned above, and a western blot analysis was used to determine the expression levels of p53, p‐JNK, p‐ERK, and p‐p38. Our study found that differentially expressed genes in the MAPK signaling, rheumatoid arthritis, and p53 signaling pathways may help to explain the pathogenic mechanism of RA and lead to therapeutic RA SMSC applications.
Opinions and Practice of US-Based Obstetrician-Gynecologists regarding Vitamin D Screening and Supplementation of Pregnant Women
Authors: Mohamed Sara A. , Al-Hendy Ayman , Schulkin Jay , Power Michael L.
Published: August 2016

Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pregnant women. Recommendations for adequate levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and appropriate vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy differ between the Institute of Medicine and the Endocrine Society. Obstetrician-gynecologists must make clinical decisions in this environment of uncertain guidance. An online questionnaire regarding physician practice patterns for screening and supplementing pregnant women was administered to 225 randomly selected practicing obstetrician-gynecologists of whom 101 (45%) completed the questionnaire. A majority indicated that vitamin D insufficiency was a problem in their patient population (68.4%) and that most of their pregnant patients would benefit from vitamin D supplementation (66.3%). Half (52.5%) would recommend vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy to some patients, but only 16.8% to all. Only one in four (25.8%) routinely screen their pregnant patients for vitamin D status. Physicians who indicated that vitamin D status was a problem in their patient population were more likely to screen routinely (32.8% versus 9.7%,P=0.002) and believe their patients would benefit from supplementation (91.2% versus 16.1%,P=0.001). Opinion regarding supplementation levels and indicators of adequacy were split between the two competing recommendations, suggesting that clinical practice will likely remain variable across physicians, with uncertain public health consequences.
The Effect of Hyperhomocysteinemia on Motor Symptoms, Cognitive Status, and Vascular Risk in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kocer Bilge , Guven Hayat , Conkbayir Isik , Comoglu Selim Selcuk , Delibas Sennur
Published: August 2016

Factors related with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and the impact of HHcy in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are not well understood. We investigated the factors associated with increased levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and the relationship between HHcy and motor symptoms, cognitive status, and vascular risk in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Among 60 patients (29 males, 48.3%) with PD, the stage of the disease, the severity of clinical symptoms, and the patients’ cognitive status were measured using a modified Hoehn and Yahr Staging Scale (mHY), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II and III, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. Patients were also noted for having dyskinesia and hallucinations. Serum vitamin B12, folic acid, and plasma Hcy ​​levels were measured. Furthermore, the presence of vascular risk factors was recorded. Finally, we investigated carotid artery intima-media thickening and stenosis using colour Doppler ultrasonography as well as the presence of ischemic lesions using brain imaging techniques. Plasma Hcy ​​levels were higher with advanced age and in males. In addition, there was an inverse relationship between Hcy ​​and vitamin B12 levels. There was no correlation between HHcy and the stage of the disease, severity of motor symptoms, cognitive status as assessed by the MMSE, vascular risk factors, carotid artery atherosclerotic findings, and ischemic brain lesions. Plasma Hcy levels may rise due to several factors in PD. However, the resulting HHcy has no significant effect on the clinical picture in terms of motor features, cognitive status, and vascular diseases.
Modeling of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: An Overview of In Vivo Murine and Human Xenograft Models
Authors: Sontakke Pallavi , Jaques Jenny , Vellenga Edo , Schuringa Jan Jacob
Published: August 2016

Over the past years, a wide variety of in vivo mouse models have been generated in order to unravel the molecular pathology of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and to develop and improve therapeutic approaches. These models range from (conditional) transgenic models, knock‐in models, and murine bone marrow retroviral transduction models followed by transplantation. With the advancement of immunodeficient xenograft models, it has become possible to use human stem/progenitor cells for in vivo studies as well as cells directly derived from CML patients. These models not only mimic CML but also have been instrumental in uncovering various fundamental mechanisms of CML disease progression and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance. With the availability of iPSC technology, it has become feasible to derive, maintain, and expand CML subclones that are at least genetically identical to those in patients. The following review provides an overview of all murine as well as human xenograft models for CML established till date.
A Novel NDT Method for Coercive Force of Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel Applied in Cigarette Machines
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhan Jianbo , Yu Zhenhua , Yu Yao , Cheng Liang , Yue Baoshan , Ji Yafeng , Chen Shuzong , Wang Li , Chen Chen
Published: August 2016

Coercive force of grain-oriented electrical steel applied in cigarette machines is tested by a novel NDT method in which Barkhausen noise was applied. Linear relationship between coercive force and Barkhausen noise of conventional and high-permeability electrical steel was built and the precision of the model was verified. Experimental results show that the coercive force is linearly related to Barkhausen noise. The variation of coercive force with magnetic induction intensity increase was also interpreted in view of magnetic domain changing process, and the correlation formula derivation of MBN and coercive force domain wall was illustrated as well.
Optimized Virtual Machine Placement with Traffic-Aware Balancing in Data Center Networks
Authors: Chen Tao , Gao Xiaofeng , Chen Guihai
Published: August 2016

Virtualization has been an efficient method to fully utilize computing resources such as servers. The way of placing virtual machines (VMs) among a large pool of servers greatly affects the performance of data center networks (DCNs). As network resources have become a main bottleneck of the performance of DCNs, we concentrate on VM placement with Traffic-Aware Balancing to evenly utilize the links in DCNs. In this paper, we first proposed a Virtual Machine Placement Problem with Traffic-Aware Balancing (VMPPTB) and then proved it to be NP-hard and designed a Longest Processing Time Based Placement algorithm (LPTBP algorithm) to solve it. To take advantage of the communication locality, we proposed Locality-Aware Virtual Machine Placement Problem with Traffic-Aware Balancing (LVMPPTB), which is a multiobjective optimization problem of simultaneously minimizing the maximum number of VM partitions of requests and minimizing the maximum bandwidth occupancy on uplinks of Top of Rack (ToR) switches. We also proved it to be NP-hard and designed a heuristic algorithm (Least-Load First Based Placement algorithm, LLBP algorithm) to solve it. Through extensive simulations, the proposed heuristic algorithm is proven to significantly balance the bandwidth occupancy on uplinks of ToR switches, while keeping the number of VM partitions of each request small enough.
Protection of Pentoxifylline against Testis Injury Induced by Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia
Authors: Yao Chen , Li Gang , Qian Yeyong , Cai Ming , Yin Hong , Xiao Li , Tang Wei , Guo Fengjie , Shi Bingyi
Published: August 2016

To investigate the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on spermatogenesis dysfunction induced by intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) and unveil the underlying mechanism, experimental animals were assigned to Control, IHH+Vehicle, and IHH+PTX groups and exposed to 4 cycles of 96 h of hypobaric hypoxia followed by 96 h of normobaric normoxia for 32 days. PTX was administered for 32 days. Blood and tissue samples were collected 7 days thereafter. Serum malondialdehyde levels were used to assess lipid peroxidation; ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), superoxide dismutase, and catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities were assessed to determine antioxidant capacity in various samples. Testis histopathology was assessed after hematoxylin‐eosin staining by Johnsen’s testicular scoring system. Meanwhile, testosterone synthase and vimentin amounts were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Sperm count, motility, and density were assessed to determine epididymal sperm quality. IHH treatment induced significant pathological changes in testicular tissue and enhanced serum lipid peroxide levels, while reducing serum FRAP, antioxidant enzyme activities, and testosterone synthase expression. Moreover, IHH impaired epididymal sperm quality and vimentin structure in Sertoli cells. Oral administration of PTX improved the pathological changes in the testis. IHH may impair spermatogenesis function of testicular tissues by inducing oxidative stress, but this impairment could be attenuated by administration of PTX.
Effects of Functionalized Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Morphology and Properties of Phenolic Resins
Authors: Dai Jing , Peng Chao , Wang Fuzhong , Zhang Guangwu , Huang Zhixiong
Published: August 2016

Graphene nanoplatelets (Gnps) were covalently functionalized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) and noncovalently functionalized by Triton X-100, respectively. The morphology and structure of KH550 modified graphene (K-Gnp) and Triton X-100 modified graphene (T-Gnp) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron micrograph, and Raman spectrometer. The influences of K-Gnp and T-Gnp on thermal conductivity, fracture toughness, and thermal stability of the boron phenolic resin (BPR) were investigated. Both covalently functionalized K-Gnp and noncovalently functionalized T-Gnp not only improve the dispersion of Gnp in the polymer matrix but also increase interfacial bonding strength between the BPR matrix and Gnp, thus leading to the enhanced mechanical property and thermal stability of nanocomposites. Besides this, mechanical property and thermal stability of the BPR containing K-Gnp are superior to those of BPR containing T-Gnp.
Influence of Bearing Stiffness on the Nonlinear Dynamics of a Shaft-Final Drive System
Authors: Jinli Xu , Lei Wan , Wenxin Luo
Published: August 2016

The bearing stiffness has a considerable influence on the nonlinear coupling vibration characteristics of the shaft-final drive system. A 14-DOF nonlinear coupled vibration model was established by employing the lumped mass method so as to identify the coupling effects of the bearing stiffness to the vibration response of the shaft-final drive system. The engine’s torque ripple, the alternating load from the universal joint (U-joint), and the time-varying mesh parameters of hypoid gear of the shaft-final drive system were also considered for accurate quantitative analysis. The numerical analysis of the vibration response of the coupled system was performed and the experimental measurements were carried out for the validation test. Results show that, at the given driving speed, improving the bearing stiffness can reduce the vibration response of the given coupled system; however, when the bearing stiffness increases to a critical value, the effects of bearing stiffness on the vibration reduction become insignificant; when the driving speed changes, the resonance regions of the coupled system vary with the bearing stiffness. The results are helpful to determine the proper bearing stiffness and the optimum control strategy for the shaft-final drive system. It is hoped that the optimal shaft-final drive system can provide good vibration characteristics to achieve the energy saving and noise reduction for the vehicle application.
Acute and Fatal Isoniazid-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kabbara Wissam K. , Sarkis Aline T. , Saroufim Paola G.
Published: August 2016

This paper describes a case of an acute and fatal isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity and provides a review of the literature. A 65-year-old female diagnosed with latentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection was receiving oral isoniazid 300 mg daily. She was admitted to the hospital for epigastric and right sided flank pain of one-week duration. Laboratory results and imaging confirmed hepatitis. After ruling out all other possible causes, she was diagnosed with isoniazid-induced acute hepatitis (probable association by the Naranjo scale). After discharge, the patient was readmitted and suffered from severe coagulopathy, metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, hepatic encephalopathy, and cardiorespiratory arrest necessitating two rounds of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Despite maximal hemodynamic support, the patient did not survive. A review of the literature, from several European countries and the United States of America, revealed a low incidence of mortality due to isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity when used as a single agent for latentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection. As for the management, the first step consists of withdrawing isoniazid and rechallenge is usually discouraged. Few treatment modalities have been proposed; however there is no robust evidence to support any of them. Routine monitoring for hepatotoxicity in patients receiving isoniazid is warranted to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Successful Resection of Isolated Para-Aortic Lymph Node Recurrence from Advanced Sigmoid Colon Cancer following 156 Courses of FOLFIRI Regimen
Authors: Takeshima Kaoru , Yamafuji Kazuo , Asami Atsunori , Baba Hideo , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Takahashi Hidena , Takagi Chisato , Kubochi Kiyoshi
Published: August 2016

Isolated para-aortic lymph node (PLN) recurrence from colorectal cancer (CRC) is rare, with no currently validated treatments. Few reports have described the successful resection of isolated PLN involvement from CRC following chemotherapy. We report the case of a 63-year-old man who underwent sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer at our hospital. Pathological examination demonstrated advanced sigmoid colon cancer with metastatic involvement in both of the tested PLNs. Palliative chemotherapy was initiated four weeks after surgical resection, with administration of the FOLFIRI regimen. Four years after the operation, computed tomography (CT) revealed an enlarged PLN below the left renal vein. As PLN enlarged to 15 mm in the minor axis on a CT scan in 2014 after receiving a total of 156 courses of the FOLFIRI regimen, we considered the enlarged PLN to represent an isolated metastasis. Accordingly, lymph node resection was performed with microscopically negative margins. The patient maintained a good quality of life without any side effects throughout the whole course of his treatment and remains disease-free at 24 months without chemotherapy after resection of the isolated PLN. Curative resection following chemotherapy may improve survival of carefully selected advanced CRC patients with locoregional recurrence, such as isolated PLN involvement.
The Strategy and Early Clinical Outcome of Percutaneous Full-Endoscopic Interlaminar or Extraforaminal Approach for Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Kong Weijun , Liao Wenbo , Ao Jun , Cao Guangru , Qin Jianpu , Cai Yuqiang
Published: August 2016

Objective is to analyze the surgical strategy, safety, and clinical results of percutaneous full-endoscopic discectomy through interlaminar or extraforaminal puncture technique for LDH. Preoperative CT and MRI were analyzed, which were based on the main location of the herniated disc and its relationship with compressed nerve root. Sixty-two patients satisfied the inclusion criteria during the period from August 2012 to March 2014. We use percutaneous full-endoscopic discectomy through different puncture technique to remove the protrusive NP for LDH. Sixty patients completed the full-endoscopic operation successfully. Their removed disc tissue volume ranged from 1.5 mL to 3.8 mL each time. Postoperative ODI and VAS of low back and sciatica pain were significantly decreased in each time point compared to preoperative ones. No nerve root injury, infection, and other complications occurred. The other two patients were shifted to open surgery. No secondary surgery was required and 91.6% of excellent-to-good ratio was achieved on the basis of Macnab criteria at postoperative 12 months. Acquired benefits are fewer complications, rapid recovery, complete NP removal, effective nerve root decompression, and satisfactory cosmetic effect as well. This is a safe, effective, and rational minimally invasive spine-surgical technology with excellent clinical outcome.
Potential Nociceptive Regulatory Effect of ProbioticLactobacillus rhamnosusPB01 (DSM 14870) on Mechanical Sensitivity in Diet-Induced Obesity Model
Authors: Dardmeh Fereshteh , Nielsen Hans Ingolf , Alipour Hiva , Kjærgaard Benedict , Brandsborg Erik , Gazerani Parisa
Published: August 2016

Treatments for obesity have been shown to reduce pain secondary to weight loss. Intestinal microbiota, as an endogenous factor, influences obesity and pain sensitivity but the effect of oral probiotic supplementation on musculoskeletal pain perception has not been studied systematically. The present study examined the effect of a single daily oral dose (1 × 109CFU) of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosusPB01, DSM14870) supplement on mechanical pain thresholds in behaving diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and their normal weight (NW) controls. The mice (N=24, 6-week-old male) were randomly divided into four groups on either standard or high fat diet with and without probiotic supplementation. Both DIO and NW groups with probiotic supplementation maintained an insignificant weight gain while the control groups gained significant weight (P<0.05). Similarly, both DIO and NW probiotics supplemented groups demonstrated a significantly (P<0.05) lower sensitivity to mechanical stimulation compared to their corresponding control. The results of this study suggest a protective effect of probiotics on nociception circuits, which propose a direct result of the weight reduction or an indirect result of anti-inflammatory properties of the probiotics. Deciphering the exact underlying mechanism of the weight loss and lowering nociception effect of the probiotic applied in this study require further investigation.
Evaluation of Anterior Segment’s Structures in Tilted Disc Syndrome
Authors: Ozsoy Ercan , Gunduz Abuzer , Demirel Ersin Ersan , Cumurcu Tongabay
Published: August 2016

Purpose. To evaluate anterior segment’s structures by Pentacam in patients with tilted disc syndrome (TDS).Methods. Group 1 included forty-six eyes of forty-six patients who have the TDS. Group 2 including forty-six eyes of forty-six cases was the control group which was equal to the study group in age, gender, and refraction. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed in both groups. All cases were evaluated by Pentacam. The axial length (AL) of eyes was measured by ultrasound. Quantitative data obtained from these measurements were compared between two groups.Results. There was no statistically significant difference for age, gender, axial length, and spherical equivalent measurements between two groups (p=0.625,p=0.830,p=0.234, andp=0.850). There was a statistically significant difference for central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), and pupil size measurements between two groups (p=0.001,p=0.0001,p=0.003, andp=0.001). Also, there was no statistically significant difference for anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and lens thickness (LT) measurements between two groups (p=0.130,p=0.910, andp=0.057).Conclusion. We determined that CCT was thinner, CV was less, and ACA was narrower in patients with TDS. There are some changes in the anterior segment of the eyes with tilted disc.