bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dehydrogenation of Methylcyclohexane: Parametric Sensitivity of the Power Law Kinetics
Authors: Usman Muhammad R. , Cresswell David L. , Garforth Arthur A.
Published: August 2013

For heterogeneous catalytic reactions, the empirical power law model is a valuable tool that explains variation in the kinetic behavior with changes in operating conditions, and therefore aids in the development of an appropriate and robust kinetic model. In the present work, experiments are performed on 1.0 wt% Pt/Al2O3catalyst over a wide range of experimental conditions and parametric sensitivity of the power law model to the kinetics of the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane is studied. Power law parameters such as order of the reaction, activation energy, and kinetic rate constants are found dependent upon the operating conditions. With H2in the feed, both apparent order of the reaction and apparent activation energy generally increase with an increase in pressure. The results suggest a kinetic model, which involves nonlinear dependence of rate on the partial pressure of hydrogen and adsorption kinetics of toluene or some intermediate.
Hemostatic and Wound Healing Properties ofChromolaena odorataLeaf Extract
Authors: Pandith Hataichanok , Zhang Xiaobo , Liggett Jason , Min Kyung-Won , Gritsanapan Wandee , Baek Seung Joon
Published: August 2013

Chromolaena odorata(L.) King and Robinson (Siam weed) extract has been used to stop bleeding and in wound healing in many tropical countries. However, its detailed mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms by which Siam weed extract (SWE) affected hemostatic and wound healing activities. SWE promoted Balb/c 3T3 fibroblast cell migration and proliferation. Subsequently, we found that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the accelerating wound healing enzyme, was increased at the transcriptional and translational levels by SWE treatments. The HO-1 promoter analyzed with luciferase assay was also increased by treatment of SWE in a dose-dependent manner. This induction may be mediated by several kinase pathways including MEK, p38MAPK, AKT, and JNK. Quantitative real-time PCR using undifferentiated promonocytic cell lines revealed that thromboxane synthase (TXS), a potent vasoconstrictor and platelet aggregator, was increased and MMP-9, an anti platelet aggregator, was decreased in the presence of SWE. Our studies presented that SWE accelerated hemostatic and wound healing activities by altering the expression of genes, including HO-1, TXS, and MMP-9.
The Existence and Stability of Solutions for Vector Quasiequilibrium Problems in Topological Order Spaces
Authors: Song Qi-Qing
Published: August 2013

In a topological sup-semilattice, we established a new existence result for vector quasiequilibrium problems. By the analysis of essential stabilities of maximal elements in a topological sup-semilattice, we prove that for solutions of each vector quasi-equilibrium problem, there exists a connected minimal essential set which can resist the perturbation of the vector quasi-equilibrium problem.
Xanthine Oxidase Does Not Contribute to Apoptosis after Brain Hypoxia-Ischemia in Immature Rabbits
Authors: Moretti Anthony , Ramirez Alma , Mink Richard
Published: August 2013

Background. The mechanisms involving the initiation of apoptosis after brain hypoxia-ischemia through caspase activation are not fully defined. Oxygen free radicals may be an important mediator of caspase initiation with reactive oxygen species generated by xanthine oxidase (XO) being one potential source. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of XO in apoptosis after global cerebral injury. Methods. Immature rabbits were subjected to 8 minutes hypoxia and 8 minutes ischemia and then 4 hours of reperfusion. In one group (n=5), the XO substrate xanthine was infused to generate more oxygen free radicals to promote apoptosis while in another (n=5), the XO inhibitor allopurinol was given to reduce apoptosis by preventing free radical production (n=5). Control animals (n=4) received the vehicles. Caspase 3, 8, and 9 enzyme activities were measured in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, thalamus, and caudate. Results. Administration of xanthine increased (P<0.05) caspase 3 activity but only in the hippocampus, and pretreatment with allopurinol did not reduce it. No differences (P>0.05) were found in any other region nor were there any changes in caspases 8 or 9 activities. Conclusion. We conclude that XO is not a major factor in inducing apoptosis after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
A Novel Framework for the Identification and Analysis of Duplicons between Human and Chimpanzee
Authors: Chuang Trees-Juen , Wu Shian-Zu , Huang Yao-Ting
Published: August 2013

Human and other primate genomes consist of many segmental duplications (SDs) due to fixation of copy number variations (CNVs). Structure of these duplications within the human genome has been shown to be a complex mosaic composed of juxtaposed subunits (called duplicons). These duplicons are difficult to be uncovered from the mosaic repeat structure. In addition, the distribution and evolution of duplicons among primates are still poorly investigated. In this paper, we develop a statistical framework for discovering duplicons via integration of a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and a permutation test. Our comparative analysis indicates that the mosaic structure of duplicons is common in CNV/SD regions of both human and chimpanzee genomes, and a subset of core duplicons is shared by the majority of CNVs/SDs. Phylogenetic analyses using duplicons suggested that most CNVs/SDs share common duplication ancestry. Many human/chimpanzee duplicons flank both ends of CNVs, which may be hotspots of nonallelic homologous recombination.
Host-Microbe Interactions inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhang Rui , Hou Aixin
Published: August 2013

A good understanding of how microbes interact with hosts has a direct bearing on our capability of fighting infectious microbial pathogens and making good use of beneficial ones. Among the model organisms used to study reciprocal actions among microbes and hosts,C. elegansmay be the most advantageous in the context of its unique attributes such as the short life cycle, easiness of laboratory maintenance, and the availability of different genetic mutants. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding host-microbe interactions inC. elegans. Although these investigations have greatly enhanced our understanding ofC. elegans-microbe relationships, all but one of them involve only one or few microbial species. We argue here that more research is needed for exploring the evolution and establishment of a complex microbial community in the worm’s intestine and its interaction with the host.
Global Existence and Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions to the Generalized Damped Boussinesq Equation
Authors: Wang Yinxia , Zhao Hengjun
Published: August 2013

We investigate the Cauchy problem for the generalized damped Boussinesq equation. Under small condition on the initial value, we prove the global existence and optimal decay estimate of solutions for all space dimensionsn≥1. Moreover, whenn≥2, we show that the solution can be approximated by the linear solution as time tends to infinity.
Lyme Carditis in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Ryan Matthew F. , Thorn Coben
Published: August 2013

We present a case of a 68-year-old man with a history of liver transplant and of chronic immunosuppression therapy who presented to the emergency department (ED) for fevers and worsening fatigue for two days. On further investigation, the patient was found to have a new first-degree heart block on his electrocardiograph. Coupled with the history of a recent tick bite, the patient was diagnosed with vector-borne carditis. Although the patient’s titers for various vectors remained negative, due to a long history of immunosuppression, he was treated for Lyme disease and his heart block completely resolved with antibiotic treatment. We describe details of the case as well as discuss the impacts of immunosuppression on vector-borne disease. Immunosuppressed patients represent a special population and can present with chief complaints made even more complicated by their medical history, and this case illustrates the importance of being mindful of how immunosuppression can affect a patient’s presentation. As the efficacy of antirejection medications improved, the ED may see an increasing number of patients with solid organ transplants. A greater understanding of this special patient population is key to formulating optimal treatment plans.
Research on the Static Recrystallization and Precipitation Behaviors of a V-N Microalloyed Steel
Authors: Zhao Baochun , Zhao Tan , Li Guiyan , Lu Qiang
Published: August 2013

Double compression tests were performed on a Gleeble-3800 thermomechanical simulator to study the softening behaviors of deformed austenite in a V-N microalloyed steel. The static recrystallization volume fractions were calculated by stress offset method, and the kinetic model of static recrystallization was constructed. The effects of temperature, strain, and time interval on the softening behaviors were analyzed, and the interactions between precipitation and recrystallization were discussed. The results show that the softening behaviors of the deformed austenite at lower temperature or higher temperature are markedly different. At the temperature of 850°C or 800°C, pinning effects of the precipitates play the main role, and the recrystallization process is inhibited, which leads to the formation of plateaus in the softening curves. An increase in strain promotes the precipitation and recrystallization processes while reduces the inhibition effect of precipitation on recrystallization as well.
Physiology of Glyphosate-Resistant and Glyphosate-Susceptible Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Biotypes Collected from North Carolina
Authors: Whitaker Jared R. , Burton James D. , York Alan C. , Jordan David L. , Chandi Aman
Published: August 2013

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) biotypes of Palmer amaranth are now commonly found across the southern United States. Experiments were conducted to characterize physiological differences between a GR biotype and a glyphosate-susceptible (GS) biotype from North Carolina. The GR biotype had an 18-fold level of resistance based upon rates necessary to reduce shoot fresh weight 50%. Shikimate accumulated in both biotypes following glyphosate application, but greater concentrations were found in GS plants. Absorption and translocation of14C-glyphosate were studied in both biotypes with and without an overspray with commercial glyphosate potassium salt (840 g ae ha−1) immediately prior to14C-glyphosate application. Greater absorption was noted 6 h after treatment (HAT) in GS compared with GR plants, but no differences were observed at 12 to 72 HAT. Oversprayed plants absorbed 33 and 61% more14C by 48 and 72 HAT, respectively, than plants not oversprayed.14C distribution (above treated leaf, below treated leaf, roots) was similar in both biotypes. Together, these results suggest that resistance in this biotype is not due to an altered target enzyme or translocation but may be in part due to the rate of glyphosate absorption. These results also are consistent with resistance being due to increased gene copy number for the target enzyme.
A Computational Approach towards the Understanding of Plasmodium falciparum Multidrug Resistance Protein 1
Authors: Patel Saumya K. , George Linz-Buoy , Prasanth Kumar Sivakumar , Highland Hyacinth N. , Jasrai Yogesh T. , Pandya Himanshu A. , Desai Ketaki R.
Published: August 2013

The emergence of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum tremendously affected the chemotherapy worldwide while the intense distribution of chloroquine-resistant strains in most of the endemic areas added more complications in the treatment of malaria. The situation has even worsened by the lack of molecular mechanism to understand the resistance conferred by Plasmodia species. Recent studies have suggested the association of antimalarial resistance with P. falciparum multidrug resistance protein 1 (PfMDR1), an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter and a homologue of human P-glycoprotein 1 (P-gp1). The present study deals about the development of PfMDR1 computational model and the model of substrate transport across PfMDR1 with insights derived from conformations relative to inward- and outward-facing topologies that switch on/off the transportation system. Comparison of ATP docked positions and its structural motif binding properties were found to be similar among other ATPases, and thereby contributes to NBD domains dimerization, a unique structural agreement noticed in Mus musculus Pgp and Escherichia coli MDR transporter homolog (MsbA). The interaction of leading antimalarials and phytochemicals within the active pocket of both wild-type and mutant-type PfMDR1 demonstrated the mode of binding and provided insights of less binding affinity thereby contributing to parasite’s resistance mechanism.
An Intelligent Method of Product Scheme Design Based on Product Gene
Authors: Ai Qing Song , Wang Yan , Liu Quan
Published: August 2013

Nowadays, in order to have some featured products, many customers tend to buy customized products instead of buying common ones in supermarket. The manufacturing enterprises, with the purpose of improving their competitiveness, are focusing on providing customized products with high quality and low cost as well. At present, how to produce customized products rapidly and cheaply has been the key challenge to manufacturing enterprises. In this paper, an intelligent modeling approach applied to supporting the modeling of customized products is proposed, which may improve the efficiency during the product design process. Specifically, the product gene (PG) method, which is an analogy of biological evolution in engineering area, is employed to model products in a new way. Based on product gene, we focus on the intelligent modeling method to generate product schemes rapidly and automatically. The process of our research includes three steps: ( 1 ) develop a product gene model for customized products; ( 2 ) find the obtainment and storage method for product gene; and ( 3 ) propose a specific genetic algorithm used for calculating the solution of customized product and generating new product schemes. Finally, a case study is applied to test the usefulness of our study.
Parametric Instability of Square Laminated Plates in Hygrothermal Environment
Authors: Rath Manoj Kumar , Sahu Shishir Kumar
Published: August 2013

The present paper investigates the parametric instability of square laminated plates subjected to periodic dynamic loadings in hygrothermal environment. The effects of various parameters like the increase in static load factor and the degree of orthotropy of simply supported composite plates at elevated temperatures and moisture concentrations on the principal instability regions are investigated using finite element method. The effects of transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia are used to study the antisymmetric angle-ply square plates. A simple laminated plate model is developed for the parametric instability of square laminated plates subjected to hygrothermal loading. A computer program based on FEM in MATLAB environment is developed to perform all necessary computations. The results show that instability of square laminated plates occurs for different parameters with an increase in temperature and moisture environment. The onset of instability occurs earlier, and the width of dynamic instability regions increases with a rise in temperature and moisture for different parameters. The effect of damping shows that there is a finite critical value of dynamic load factor for each instability region below which the square laminated plates cannot become unstable.
Batch Adsorption of Maxilon Red GRL from Aqueous Solution by Natural Sugarcane Stalks Powder
Authors: El-Sayed Gamal Owes , Mohammed Talaat Younis , Salama Ashraf Abd-Allah
Published: August 2013

Sugarcane stalks powder was tested for its efficiency of removing a textile dye Maxilon Red GRL from aqueous solution. Different parameters affecting dye removal efficiency were studied. These parameters include contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, ionic strength, pH, and temperature. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to the equilibrium data. The data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm (). The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity () was found to be 20.96 mg/g at an initial pH of 7.2. The temperature variation study showed that dye adsorption is exothermic and spontaneous with increased randomness at the solid solution interface. The results indicated that sugarcane stalks could be an alternative for more costly adsorbents used for dye removal. The kinetic of the adsorption process followed the pseudo second-order kinetics model.
PPARγAgonists in Adaptive Immunity: What Do Immune Disorders and Their Models Have to Tell Us?
Authors: da Rocha Junior Laurindo Ferreira , Dantas Andréa Tavares , Duarte Ângela Luzia Branco Pinto , de Melo Rego Moacyr Jesus Barreto , Pitta Ivan da Rocha , Pitta Maira Galdino da Rocha
Published: August 2013

Adaptive immunity has evolved as a very powerful and highly specialized tool of host defense. Its classical protagonists are lymphocytes of the T- and B-cell lineage. Cytokines and chemokines play a key role as effector mechanisms of the adaptive immunity. Some autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are caused by disturbance of the adaptive immune system. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases have led to research on new molecular and therapeutic targets. PPARγare members of the nuclear receptor superfamily and are transcription factors involved in lipid metabolism as well as innate and adaptive immunity. PPARγis activated by synthetic and endogenous ligands. Previous studies have shown that PPAR agonists regulate T-cell survival, activation and T helper cell differentiation into effector subsets: Th1, Th2, Th17, and Tregs. PPARγhas also been associated with B cells. The present review addresses these issues by placing PPARγagonists in the context of adaptive immune responses and the relation of the activation of these receptors with the expression of cytokines involved in adaptive immunity.
A Novel Integral Operator Transform and Its Application to Some FODE and FPDE with Some Kind of Singularities
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Kilicman Adem
Published: August 2013

We introduced a novel integral transform operator. We proved the existence and the uniqueness of the relatively new operator. We presented some useful properties of the new operator. We presented the application of this operator for solving some kind of fractional ordinary and partial differential equation containing some kind of singularity.
Changes in the Bispectral Index in Response to Experimental Noxious Stimuli in Adults under General Anesthesia
Authors: Coleman Robin Marie , Tousignant-Laflamme Yannick , Gélinas Céline , Choinière Manon , Atallah Maya , Parenteau-Goudreault Elizabeth , Bourgault Patricia
Published: August 2013

Objective. Pain assessment is a major challenge in nonverbal patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Recent studies suggest a relationship between the Bispectral Index (BIS) and nociceptive stimuli. This study was designed to examine changes in BIS in response to experimental noxious stimuli. Methods. Thirty participants under general anesthesia were in this quasiexperimental, within subject, pre- and poststudy. In the operating room (OR), BIS was monitored during moderate and severe noxious stimuli, induced by a thermal probe on the participants’ forearm, after induction of general anesthesia, prior to surgery. Results. Significant increases in BIS occurred during moderate (increase from 35.00 to 40.00, ) and severe noxious stimuli (increase from 37.67 to 40.00, ). ROC showed a sensitivity (Se) of 40.0% and a specificity (Sp) of 73.3% at a BIS value > 45, in distinguishing a moderate from a severe noxious stimuli. Conclusion. BIS increased in response to moderate and severe noxious stimuli. The Se and Sp of the BIS did not support the use of the BIS for distinction of different pain intensities in the context of deep sedation in the OR. However, the results justify further studies in more lightly sedated patients such as those in the ICU.
Positive Solutions of a Two-Point Boundary Value Problem for Singular Fractional Differential Equations in Banach Space
Authors: Liu Bo , Liu Yansheng
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates the existence of positive solutions to a two-point boundary value problem (BVP) for singular fractional differential equations in Banach space and presents a number of new results. First, by constructing a novel cone and using the fixed point index theory, a sufficient condition is established for the existence of at least two positive solutions to the approximate problem of the considered singular BVP. Second, using Ascoli-Arzela theorem, a sufficient condition is obtained for the existence of at least two positive solutions to the considered singular BVP from the convergent subsequence of the approximate problem. Finally, an illustrative example is given to support the obtained new results.
Changing Trends in Oesophageal Endoscopy: A Systematic Review of Transnasal Oesophagoscopy
Authors: Sabirin Junainah , Abd Rahman Maharita , Rajan Philip
Published: August 2013

The safety, efficacy, and economic implications of using transnasal oesophagoscopy (TNE) are compared with conventional rigid or flexible oesophagoscopy for oesophageal disorders in otorhinolaryngology (ORL) clinics in this systematic review. Eleven electronic databases were searched for articles on transnasal oesophagoscopy. A total of 67 relevant titles were identified and 39 abstracts were screened of which 17 full- text articles were included in this report. There was fair level of evidence to suggest that TNE was effective for screening examination in patients with dysphagia, globus pharyngeus, and reflux symptoms and for detection of metachronous oesophageal carcinoma. TNE can also be used to biopsy suspicious lesions in the upper aerodigestive tract, placement of wireless pH capsule, transnasal balloon dilation of the oesophagus, secondary tracheoesophageal puncture, and management of foreign bodies. TNE was well tolerated and can be safely performed in an office setting with topical anaesthesia. Complications associated with TNE were mild and uncommon. There was evidence to suggest potential cost savings by performing TNE in the office setting compared with conventional investigation and examination for dysphagia. TNE may lead to a change in practice from investigation and treatment in the operating theatre or day care center to an office-based practice.
Large Time Behavior of the Vlasov-Poisson-Boltzmann System
Authors: Li Li , Jin Shuilin , Yang Li
Published: August 2013

The motion of dilute charged particles can be modeled by Vlasov-Poisson-Boltzmann system. We study the large time stability of the VPB system. To be precise, we prove that when time goes to infinity, the solution of VPB system tends to global Maxwellian state in a rateOt−∞, by using a method developed for Boltzmann equation without force in the work of Desvillettes and Villani (2005). The improvement of the present paper is the removal of condition on parameterλas in the work of Li (2008).
Kidney and Pancreatic Extramedullary Relapse in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Skeith Leslie , Lazo-Langner Alejandro , Mangel Joy
Published: August 2013

Extramedullary relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is rare and has been primarily reported in pediatric patients or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. We report a case of a 62-year-old woman who presented with relapsed ALL involving her kidneys, pancreas, and bone marrow 2 years after completing chemotherapy with a standard ALL protocol. Unfortunately, her extramedullary disease progressed despite treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of extramedullary relapse of B-cell ALL to the kidneys and pancreas occurring in an adult patient who had not previously undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. A literature review of kidney and pancreatic extramedullary relapse in ALL is also included.
A Design Method for Fault Reconfiguration and Fault-Tolerant Control of a Servo Motor
Authors: He Jing , Zhang Changfan
Published: August 2013

A design scheme that integrates fault reconfiguration and fault-tolerant position control is proposed for a nonlinear servo system with friction. Analysis of the non-linear friction torque and fault in the system is used to guide design of a sliding mode position controller. A sliding mode observer is designed to achieve fault reconfiguration based on the equivalence principle. Thus, active fault-tolerant position control of the system can be realized. A real-time simulation experiment is performed on a hardware-in-loop simulation platform. The results show that the system reconfigures well for both incipient and abrupt faults. Under the fault-tolerant control mechanism, the output signal for the system position can rapidly track given values without being influenced by faults.
PSCA and Oct-4 Expression in the Benign and Malignant Lesions of Gallbladder: Implication for Carcinogenesis, Progression, and Prognosis of Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zou Qiong , Yang Leping , Yang Zhulin , Huang Jiangsheng , Fu Xi
Published: August 2013

PSCA and Oct-4 have been thought as markers of cancer stem cells. Although overexpression of PSCA and Oct-4 in cancer has been reported, little is known about the clinical and pathological significance with PSCA and Oct-4 expression in gallbladder adenocarcinoma. In this study, overexpression of PSCA and Oct-4 was detected in gallbladder adenocarcinoma (54.6% and 55.6%). Less expression of PSCA and Oct-4 was detected in the pericancerous tissues (19.6% and 21.7%), gallbladder polyps (13.3% and 13.3%), and gallbladder epithelium with chronic cholecystitis (14.3% and 14.3%). The overexpression of PSCA and Oct-4 was significantly associated with differentiation, tumor mass, lymph node metastasis, invasion of gallbladder adenocarcinoma, and decreased overall survival. Our study suggested that overexpression of PSCA and Oct-4 might be closely related to the carcinogenesis, progression, metastasis, or invasive potential and prognosis of gallbladder carcinoma.
Antibodies against Food Antigens in Patients with Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Authors: de Magistris Laura , Picardi Annarita , Siniscalco Dario , Riccio Maria Pia , Sapone Anna , Cariello Rita , Abbadessa Salvatore , Medici Nicola , Lammers Karen M. , Schiraldi Chiara , Iardino Patrizia , Marotta Rosa , Tolone Carlo , Fasano Alessio , Pascotto Antonio , Bravaccio Carmela
Published: August 2013

Purpose. Immune system of some autistic patients could be abnormally triggered by gluten/casein assumption. The prevalence of antibodies to gliadin and milk proteins in autistic children with paired/impaired intestinal permeability and under dietary regimen either regular or restricted is reported.Methods. 162 ASDs and 44 healthy children were investigated for intestinal permeability, tissue-transglutaminase (tTG), anti-endomysium antibodies (EMA)-IgA, and total mucosal IgA to exclude celiac disease; HLA-DQ2/-DQ8 haplotypes; total systemic antibodies (IgA, IgG, and IgE); specific systemic antibodies:α-gliadin (AGA-IgA and IgG), deamidated–gliadin-peptide (DGP-IgA and IgG), total specific gliadin IgG (all fractions:α,β,γ, andω),β-lactoglobulin IgG,α-lactalbumin IgG, casein IgG; and milk IgE, casein IgE, gluten IgE, -lactoglobulin IgE, andα-lactalbumin IgE.Results. AGA-IgG and DPG-IgG titers resulted to be higher in ASDs compared to controls and are only partially influenced by diet regimen. Casein IgG titers resulted to be more frequently and significantly higher in ASDs than in controls. Intestinal permeability was increased in 25.6% of ASDs compared to 2.3% of healthy children. Systemic antibodies production was not influenced by paired/impaired intestinal permeability.Conclusions. Immune system of a subgroup of ASDs is triggered by gluten and casein; this could be related either to AGA, DPG, and Casein IgG elevated production or to impaired intestinal barrier function.
Treatment of Recurrent Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder of the Central Nervous System with High-Dose Methotrexate
Authors: Twist Clare J. , Castillo Ricardo O.
Published: August 2013

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a frequent complication of intestinal transplantation and is associated with a poor prognosis. There is currently no consensus on optimal therapy. Recurrent PTLD involving the central nervous system (CNS) represents a particularly difficult therapeutic challenge. We report the successful treatment of CNS PTLD in a pediatric patient after liver/small bowel transplantation. Initial immunosuppression (IS) was with thymoglobulin, solucortef, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. EBV viremia developed 8 weeks posttransplantation, and despite treatment with cytogam and valganciclovir the patient developed a polymorphic, CD20+, EBV+ PTLD with peripheral lymphadenopathy. Following treatment with rituximab, the lymphadenopathy resolved, but a new monomorphic CD20−, EBV+, lambda-restricted, plasmacytoid PTLD mesenteric mass emerged. Complete response of this PTLD was achieved with 6 cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) chemotherapy; however, 4 months off therapy he developed CNS PTLD (monomorphic CD20−, EBV+, lambda-restricted, plasmacytoid PTLD) of the brain and spine. IS was discontinued and HD-MTX (2.5–5 gm/m2/dose) followed by intrathecal HD-MTX (2 mg/dose ×2-3 days Q 7–10 days per cycle) was administered Q 4–7 weeks. After 3 cycles of HD-MTX, the CSF was negative for malignant cells, MRI of head/spine showed near-complete response, and PET/CT was negative. The patient remains in complete remission now for 3.5 years after completion of systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy.Conclusion. HD-MTX is an effective therapy for CNS PTLD and recurrent PTLD that have failed rituximab and CHOP chemotherapy.
Cerebral Aneurysms: A Rare Feature of Behçet's Disease—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Younes Samia , Cherif Yosra , Mokni Narjes , Berriche Olfa , Zantour Baha , Boughammoura Amel , Frih-Ayed Mahbouba , Jerbi Saida , Sfar Mohamed Habib
Published: August 2013

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem vascular inflammatory disease with several clinical manifestations. Intracranial aneurysms are an extremely rare but nevertheless severe complication of BD. We report a case of a 44-year-old man. The diagnosis of BD was made based on the presence of recurrent oral aphthous ulcers and positive human leukocyte antigen (HLA-) B51 in the absence of evidence of other diseases. MRI showed an ancient ischemic right capsulolenticular lesion, subacute white matter hypersignals of the left capsule lenticular region, and multiple arterial aneurysms. The patient underwent two-month systemic high-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy associated with severe neurological deficiency upon admission and severe impairment upon discharge. A thorough review of the literature showed 20 case reports of intracranial aneurysms in BD.
Global Asymptotic Behavior of a Nonautonomous Competitor-Competitor-Mutualist Model
Authors: Fu Shengmao , Qu Fei
Published: August 2013

The global asymptotic behavior of a nonautonomous competitor-competitor-mutualist model is investigated, where all the coefficients are time-dependent and asymptotically approach periodic functions, respectively. Under certain conditions, it is shown that the limit periodic system of this asymptotically periodic model admits two positive periodic solutions(u1T,u2T,u3T),  (u1T,u2T,u3T)such thatuiT≤uiT  (i=1,2,3), and the sector{(u1,u2,u3):uiT≤ui≤uiT,  i=1,2,3}is a global attractor of the asymptotically periodic model. In particular, we derive sufficient conditions that guarantee the existence of a positive periodic solution which is globally asymptotically stable.
Association of a Common Variant at 10q26 and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Aggressiveness in Han Chinese Descent
Authors: Gu Xin , Huang Tao , Xu Ding , Duan Liujian , Jiao Yang , Kang Jian , Zheng S. Lilly , Xu Jianfeng , Sun Jielin , Qi Jun
Published: August 2013

Recent studies reported that rs2252004 at 10q26 was significantly associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk in a Japanese population and was subsequently confirmed in a Chinese population. We aimed to assess the relationship between this locus and risk/aggressiveness of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The current study included 426 BPH cases and 1,008 controls from Xinhua Hospital in Shanghai, China. All BPH patients were treated withα-adrenergic blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors for at least 9 months. Associations between rs2252004 and BPH risk/aggressiveness were tested using logistic regression. Associations between rs2252004 and clinical parameters including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), total prostate volume (TPV), total PSA (tPSA), and free PSA (fPSA) were evaluated by linear regression. Allele “A” in rs2252004 was significantly associated with increased risk for aggressiveness of BPH in a Chinese population (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.04–1.96,P=0.03). Patients with the genotype “A/A” (homozygous minor allele) had an increase of IPSS and TPV after treatment (P=0.045and 0.024, resp.). No association was observed between rs2252004, BPH risk, and baseline clinicopathological traits (AllP>0.05). Our study is the first to show that rs2252004 at 10q26 was associated with BPH aggressiveness and efficacy of BPH treatment.
Adequacy of Cancer Screening in Adult Women with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Christman Mitalee P. , Castro-Zarraga Margarita , DeFaria Yeh Doreen , Liberthson Richard R. , Bhatt Ami B.
Published: August 2013

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) face noncardiac healthcare challenges as the population ages. We assessed whether women with ACHD have comparable cancer screening rates to non-ACHD women in a cardiac practice and to the general population. We performed a retrospective review of 175 adult women seen in a cardiac care center in 2009–2011. Data on Pap tests, mammography, and colonoscopies, were collected through electronic medical records and primary care provider records. Adequate documentation was available for 100 individuals with ACHD and 40 comparator cardiac patients. The adequacy of screening was determined using guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society in 2010. Compared with the national average, ACHD patients had significantly lower rates of Pap tests (60% versus 83%, ) and mammography (48% versus 72%, ). Compared with non-ACHD women in the same practice, ACHD patients had consistently lower rates of mammography (48% versus 81%, ) and colonoscopies (54% versus 82%, ). As the population of ACHD individuals ages, attention to cancer screening becomes increasingly important but may be overlooked in this population. Primary care physicians and cardiologists should collaborate to ensure appropriate cancer screening for this growing population.
Sandwich Theorem of Cover Times
Authors: Shang Yilun
Published: August 2013

Based on a connection between cover times of graphs and Talagrand’s theory of majorizing measures, we establish sandwich theorems for cover times as well as blanket times.
A Stochastic String with a Compound Poisson Process
Authors: Fan Sheng
Published: August 2013

We investigate a compound Poisson infinite factor diffusion model which describes the relationship between the infinite-dimension random risk resource and the corresponding stochastic process. We derive the no-arbitrage condition on the drift of instantaneous forward rates in the compound model and study the impact of random jump on the price of the zero-coupon bond.
Hyperfractionated Thermoradiotherapy Is More Effective and Less Invasive Than Radiation or Chemoradiation in Heatable Cancers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bicher Haim I.
Published: August 2013

HTRT consists of daily hyperthermia treatments in conjunction with each radiation fraction. Radiation daily doses are progressively decreased from 180 to 100 cGy resulting in protracted treatment time that decreases the isoeffect biological equivalent dose by 15% to 25%. This decrease is compensated by the increased number of hyperthermia fractions which potentiates each radiation dose. Treatment is continued until an objective complete response is attained, or failure determined. Sixty breast patients, 35 head and neck, and 25 prostate patients were treated with a followup of two to five years. All patients were early stage (less than III). HTRT proved to be less toxic and more effective than radiation or chemoradiation therapies.
A Novel Approach for Treatment of an Unusual Presentation of Radicular Cysts Using Autologous Periosteum and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Combination with Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft
Authors: Patil Veena A. , Desai Manthan H. , Patil Veerendra S. , Reddy Kaveti Hanisha , Ganji Kiran Kumar , Danappanavar Prasanna M.
Published: August 2013

Radicular cysts are the most common cystic lesions affecting the jaws. They are most commonly found at the apices of the involved teeth. This condition is usually asymptomatic but can result in a slow-growth tumefaction in the affected region. The following case report presents the successful treatment of radicular cysts using autologous periosteum and platelet-rich fibrin with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft.
Crystal Structure of the FAD-Containing Ferredoxin-NADP+Reductase from the Plant PathogenXanthomonas axonopodispv. citri
Authors: Tondo María Laura , Hurtado-Guerrero Ramon , Ceccarelli Eduardo A. , Medina Milagros , Orellano Elena G. , Martínez-Júlvez Marta
Published: August 2013

We have solved the structure of ferredoxin-NADP(H) reductase, FPR, from the plant pathogenXanthomonas axonopodispv. citri, responsible for citrus canker, at a resolution of 1.5 Å. This structure reveals differences in the mobility of specific loops when compared to other FPRs, probably unrelated to the hydride transfer process, which contributes to explaining the structural and functional divergence between the subclass I FPRs. Interactions of the C-terminus of the enzyme with the phosphoadenosine of the cofactor FAD limit its mobility, thus affecting the entrance of nicotinamide into the active site. This structure opens the possibility of rationally designing drugs against theX. axonopodispv. citri phytopathogen.
Compression of the Superior Vena Cava by an Interatrial Septal Lipoma: A Case Report
Authors: Grech R. , Mizzi A. , Grech S.
Published: August 2013

Primary cardiac tumours are rare; their prevalence ranges from 0.0017% to 0.28% in various autopsy series. Cardiac lipomas are well-encapsulated benign tumours typically composed of mature fat cells, and their reported size ranges from 1 to 15 cm. They are usually seen in the left ventricle and the right atrium. Lipomas are true neoplasms, as opposed to lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum, which is a nonencapsulated hyperplastic accumulation of mature and foetal adipose tissue. Cardiac lipomas occur in patients of all ages, and the frequency of occurrence has been found to be equal in both sexes. Patients are usually asymptomatic, although the manifestation of symptoms depends upon both size and location of the tumour. We present the case of a patient with an interatrial septal lipoma, causing obstruction of the superior vena cava.
Multipulse Heteroclinic Orbits and Chaotic Dynamics of the Laminated Composite Piezoelectric Rectangular Plate
Authors: Yao Minghui , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates the multipulse global bifurcations and chaotic dynamics for the nonlinear oscillations of the laminated composite piezoelectric rectangular plate by using an energy phase method in the resonant case. Using the von Karman type equations, Reddy’s third-order shear deformation plate theory, and Hamilton’s principle, the equations of motion are derived for the laminated composite piezoelectric rectangular plate with combined parametric excitations and transverse excitation. Applying the method of multiple scales and Galerkin’s approach to the partial differential governing equation, the four-dimensional averaged equation is obtained for the case of 1 : 2 internal resonance and primary parametric resonance. The energy phase method is used for the first time to investigate the Shilnikov type multipulse heteroclinic bifurcations and chaotic dynamics of the laminated composite piezoelectric rectangular plate. The paper demonstrates how to employ the energy phase method to analyze the Shilnikov type multipulse heteroclinic bifurcations and chaotic dynamics of high-dimensional nonlinear systems in engineering applications. Numerical simulations show that for the nonlinear oscillations of the laminated composite piezoelectric rectangular plate, the Shilnikov type multipulse chaotic motions can occur. Overall, both theoretical and numerical studies suggest that chaos for the Smale horseshoe sense in motion exists.
Improvement of Paraneoplastic Limbic Encephalitis after Systemic Treatment with Rituximab in a Patient with B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Nogai Hendrik , Israel-Willner Heike , Zschenderlein Rolf , Pezzutto Antonio
Published: August 2013

Limbic encephalitis is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by diverse neurologic symptoms including mnestic disturbances, hallucinations, and seizures as well as behavioral symptoms like depression, personality changes, and acute confusional states resembling dementia. Several antibodies have been described in the pathogenesis of limbic encephalitis. It is often a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, or Hodgkin’s lymphoma among others. Here, we report a patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), presenting with otherwise unexplained neurologic symptoms consistent with limbic encephalitis. Despite intensive diagnostic procedures, no causing agent could be identified. Pleocytosis consisting of T cells was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We initiated anti-B-cell therapy with Rituximab for B-CLL with quick and durable resolution of symptoms. We speculate that disruption of interaction between autoreactive T and malignant B cells is responsible for the therapeutic effect of Rituximab.
Chemoimmunotherapy Using Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin and Interleukin-18 in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Phase I Dose-Escalation Study
Authors: Simpkins Fiona , Flores Aurea , Chu Christina , Berek Jonathan S. , Lucci Joseph , Murray Sharon , Bauman John , Struemper Herbert , Germaschewski Fiona , Jonak Zdenka , Gardner Olivia , Toso John , Coukos George
Published: August 2013

Recombinant interleukin (IL)-18 (SB-485232) is an immunostimulatory cytokine, with shown antitumor activity in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in preclinical models. This phase I study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and biologic activity of SB-485232 administered in combination with PLD in subjects with recurrent ovarian cancer. The protocol comprised four cycles of PLD (40 mg/m2) on day 1 every 28 days, in combination with SB-485232 at increasing doses (1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 μg/kg) on days 2 and 9 of each cycle, to be administered over five subject cohorts, followed by discretionary PLD monotherapy. Sixteen subjects were enrolled. One subject withdrew due to PLD hypersensitivity. Most subjects (82%) were platinum-resistant or refractory, and had received a median of three or more prior chemotherapy regimens. SB-485232 up to 100 μg/kg with PLD had an acceptable safety profile. Common drug-related adverse events were grade 1 or 2 (no grade 4 or 5 adverse events). Concomitant PLD administration did not attenuate the biologic activity of IL-18, with maximal SB-485232 biologic activity already observed at 3 μg/kg. Ten of 16 enrolled subjects (63%) completed treatment, whereas five (31%) subjects progressed on treatment. A 6% partial objective response rate and a 38% stable disease rate were observed. We provide pilot data suggesting that SB-485232 at the 3 μg/kg dose level in combination with PLD is safe and biologically active. This combination warrants further study in a phase II trial. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(3); 168–78. ©2013 AACR.
MELISSE, a large multicentric observational study to determine risk factors of venous thromboembolism in patients with multiple myeloma treated with immunomodulatory drugs
Authors: Rodon Philippe , Hulin Cyrille , Daley Laurent , Dauriac Charles , Hacini Maya , Decaux Olivier , Eisemann Jean-Claude , Fitoussi Olivier , Lioure Bruno , Voillat Laurent , Slama Borhane , Al Jijakli Ahmad , Benramdane Riad , Chaleteix Carinne , Costello Régis , Thyss Antoine , Mathiot Claire , Eileen Boyle , Maloisel Frédéric , Stoppa Anne-Marie , Kolb Brigitte , Michallet Mauricette , Lamblin Anne , Natta Patrick , Facon Thierry , Elalamy Ismail , Fermand Jean-Paul , Moreau Philippe , Leleu Xavier
Published: August 2013

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. We designed MELISSE, a multicentre prospective observational study, to evaluate VTE incidence and identify risk factors in IMiDstreated MM. Our objective was to determine the real-life practice of VTE prophylaxis strategy. A total of 524 MM patients were included, and we planned to collect information at baseline, at four and at 12 months, on MM therapy, on VTE risk factors and management. VTE incidence was 7% (n=31), including 2.5% pulmonary embolism (PE) (n=11), similar at four or 12 months. VTE was observed at all risk assessment levels, although the increased risk assessment level correlated to a lower rate of VTE, maybe due to the implemented thromboprophylaxis strategy. VTE occurred in 7% on aspirin vs 3% on lowmolecular- weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis, and none on vitamin K antagonists (VKA). New risk factors for VTE in IMiDs-treated MM were identified. In conclusion, VTE prophylaxis is compulsory in IMiDstreated MM, based on individualised VTE risk assessment. Anticoagulation prophylaxis with LMWH should clearly be prioritised in MM patients with high VTE risk, along with VKA. Further prospective studies will identify most relevant VTE risk factors in IMiDs-treated MM to select accurately which MM patients should receive LMWH prophylaxis and for which duration to optimise VTE risk reduction.