bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in GPBAR1 predisposes to quantitative changes in colonic transit and bile acid excretion
Authors: Camilleri Michael , Shin Andrea , Busciglio Irene , Carlson Paula , Acosta Andres , Bharucha Adil E. , Burton Duane , Lamsam Jesse , Lueke Alan , Donato Leslie J. , Zinsmeister Alan R.
Published: July 2014

The pathobiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is multifaceted. We aimed to identify candidate genes predisposing to quantitative traits in IBS. In 30 healthy volunteers, 30 IBS-constipation, and 64 IBS-diarrhea patients, we measured bowel symptoms, bile acid (BA) synthesis (serum 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one and FGF19), fecal BA and fat, colonic transit (CT by scintigraphy), and intestinal permeability (IP by 2-sugar excretion). We assessed associations of candidate genes controlling BA metabolism ( KLB rs17618244 and FGFR4 rs351855), BA receptor ( GPBAR1 rs11554825), serotonin (5-HT) reuptake ( SLC6A4 through rs4795541 which encodes for the 44-bp insert in 5HTTLPR), or immune activation ( TNFSF15 rs4263839) with three primary quantitative traits of interest: colonic transit, BA synthesis, and fecal BA excretion. There were significant associations between fecal BA and CT at 48 h ( r = 0.43; P < 0.001) and IP ( r = 0.23; P = 0.015). GPBAR1 genotype was associated with CT48 ( P = 0.003) and total fecal BA [ P = 0.030, false detection rate (FDR) P = 0.033]. Faster CT48 observed with both CC and TT GPBAR1 genotypes was due to significant interaction with G allele of KLB, which increases BA synthesis and excretion. Other univariate associations ( P < 0.05, without FDR correction) observed between GPBAR1 and symptom phenotype and gas sensation ratings support the role of GPBAR1 receptor. Associations between SLC6A4 and stool consistency, ease of passage, postprandial colonic tone, and total fecal BA excretion provide data in support of future hypothesis-testing studies. Genetic control of GPBAR1 receptor predisposing to pathobiological mechanisms in IBS provides evidence from humans in support of the importance of GPBAR1 to colonic motor and secretory functions demonstrated in animal studies.
Coronavirus-induced demyelination of neural pathways triggers neurogenic bladder overactivity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: McMillan Matthew T. , Pan Xiao-Qing , Smith Ariana L. , Newman Diane K. , Weiss Susan R. , Ruggieri Michael R. , Malykhina Anna P.
Published: July 2014

In the present study, we aimed to determine whether mice with coronavirus-induced encephalomyelitis (CIE) develop neurogenic bladder dysfunction that is comparable with the neurogenic detrusor overactivity observed in patients with multiple sclerosis. Adult mice (C57BL/6J, 8 wk of age, n = 146) were inoculated with a neurotropic strain of mouse hepatitis virus (A59 strain) and followed for 4 wk. Inoculation with the virus caused a significant neural deficit in mice with an average clinical symptom score of 2.6 ± 0.5 at 2 wk. These changes were accompanied by 25 ± 5% weight loss at 1 and 2 wk postinoculation ( P ≤ 0.001 vs. baseline) followed by a recovery phase. Histological analysis of spinal cord sections revealed multifocal sites of demyelinated lesions. Assessment of micturition patterns by filter paper assay determined an increase in the number of small and large urine spots in CIE mice starting from the second week after inoculation. Cystometric recordings in unrestrained awake animals confirmed neurogenic bladder overactivity at 4 wk postinoculation. One week after inoculation with the A59 strain of mouse hepatitis virus, mice became increasingly sensitive to von Frey filament testing with responses enhanced by 45% ( n = 8, P ≤ 0.05 vs. baseline at 4 g); however, this initial increase in sensitivity was followed by gradual and significant diminution of abdominal sensitivity to mechanical stimulation by 4 wk postinoculation. Our results provide direct evidence showing that coronavirus-induced demyelination of the central nervous system causes the development of a neurogenic bladder that is comparable with neurogenic detrusor overactivity observed in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Antagonism of the prostaglandin E2 EP1 receptor in MDCK cells increases growth through activation of Akt and the epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Taub Mary , Parker Robert , Mathivanan Paremala , Ariff Muhamad Asnawi Mohd , Rudra Trina
Published: July 2014

The actions of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the kidney are mediated by G protein-coupled E-prostanoid (EP) receptors, which affect renal growth and function. This report examines the role of EP receptors in mediating the effects of PGE2 on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell growth. The results indicate that activation of Gs-coupled EP2 and EP4 by PGE2 results in increased growth, while EP1 activation is growth inhibitory. Indeed, two EP1 antagonists (ONO-8711 and SC51089 ) stimulate, rather than inhibit, MDCK cell growth, an effect that is lost following an EP1 knockdown. Similar observations were made with M1 collecting duct and rabbit kidney proximal tubule cells. ONO-8711 even stimulates growth in the absence of exogenous PGE2, an effect that is prevented by ibuprofen (indicating a dependence upon endogenous PGE2). The involvement of Akt was indicated by the observation that 1) ONO-8711 and SC51089 increase Akt phosphorylation, and 2) MK2206, an Akt inhibitor, prevents the increased growth caused by ONO-8711. The involvement of the EGF receptor (EGFR) was indicated by 1) the increased phosphorylation of the EGFR caused by SC51089 and 2) the loss of the growth-stimulatory effect of ONO-8711 and SC51089 caused by the EGFR kinase inhibitor AG1478. The growth-stimulatory effect of ONO-8711 was lost following an EGFR knockdown, and transduction of MDCK cells with a dominant negative EGFR. These results support the hypothesis that 1) signaling via the EP1 receptor involves Akt as well as the EGFR, and 2), EP1 receptor pharmacology may be employed to prevent the aberrant growth associated with a number of renal diseases.
Automatic parameter estimation of multicompartmental neuron models via minimization of trace error with control adjustment
Authors: Brookings Ted , Goeritz Marie L. , Marder Eve
Published: July 2014

We describe a new technique to fit conductance-based neuron models to intracellular voltage traces from isolated biological neurons. The biological neurons are recorded in current-clamp with pink (1/ f) noise injected to perturb the activity of the neuron. The new algorithm finds a set of parameters that allows a multicompartmental model neuron to match the recorded voltage trace. Attempting to match a recorded voltage trace directly has a well-known problem: mismatch in the timing of action potentials between biological and model neuron is inevitable and results in poor phenomenological match between the model and data. Our approach avoids this by applying a weak control adjustment to the model to promote alignment during the fitting procedure. This approach is closely related to the control theoretic concept of a Luenberger observer. We tested this approach on synthetic data and on data recorded from an anterior gastric receptor neuron from the stomatogastric ganglion of the crab Cancer borealis. To test the flexibility of this approach, the synthetic data were constructed with conductance models that were different from the ones used in the fitting model. For both synthetic and biological data, the resultant models had good spike-timing accuracy.
Vestibulocollic reflexes in the absence of head postural control
Authors: Forbes Patrick A. , Siegmund Gunter P. , Happee Riender , Schouten Alfred C. , Blouin Jean-Sébastien
Published: July 2014

Percutaneous electrical vestibular stimulation evokes reflexive responses in appendicular muscles that are suppressed during tasks in which the muscles are not contributing to balance control. In neck muscles, which stabilize the head on the torso and in space, it is unclear whether similar postural task dependence shapes vestibular reflexes. We investigated whether vestibulocollic reflexes are modulated during tasks in which vestibular information is not directly relevant to maintaining the head balanced on the torso. We hypothesized that vestibulocollic reflexes would be 1) evoked when neck muscles are not involved in balancing the head on the torso and 2) invariant across synergistic neck muscle contraction tasks. Muscle activity was recorded bilaterally in sternocleidomastoid and splenius capitis muscles during head-free and head-fixed conditions while subjects were exposed to stochastic electrical vestibular stimulation (±5 mA, 0–75 Hz). Significant vestibular reflex responses ( P < 0.05) were observed during head-free and head-fixed trials. Response magnitude and timing were similar between head-free and head-fixed trials for sternocleidomastoid, but splenius capitis magnitudes decreased with the head fixed by ∼25% ( P < 0.05). Nevertheless, this indicates that vestibulocollic responses are evoked independent of the requirement to maintain postural control of the head on the torso. Response magnitude and timing were similar across focal muscle contractions (i.e., axial rotation/flexion/extension) provided the muscle was active. In contrast, when subjects cocontracted neck muscles, vestibular-evoked responses decreased in sternocleidomastoid by ∼30–45% ( P < 0.05) compared with focal muscle contractions but remained unchanged in splenius capitis. These results indicate robust vestibulocollic reflex coupling, which we suggest functions through its closed-loop influence on head posture to ensure cervical spine stabilization.
Hypersynchrony despite pathologically reduced beta oscillations in patients with Parkinson's disease: a pharmaco-magnetoencephalography study
Authors: Heinrichs-Graham Elizabeth , Kurz Max J. , Becker Katherine M. , Santamaria Pamela M. , Gendelman Howard E. , Wilson Tony W.
Published: July 2014

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive debilitating neurodegenerative disorder clinically manifest by motor, posture and gait abnormalities. Human neurophysiological studies recording local field potentials within the subthalamic nucleus and scalp-based electroencephalography have shown pathological beta synchrony throughout the basal ganglia-thalamic-cortical motor network in PD. Notably, suppression of this pathological beta synchrony by dopamine replacement therapy or deep-brain stimulation has been associated with improved motor function. However, due to the invasive nature of these studies, it remains unknown whether this “pathological beta” is actually stronger than that observed in healthy demographically matched controls. We used magnetoencephalography to investigate neuronal synchrony and oscillatory amplitude in the beta range and lower frequencies during the resting state in patients with PD and a matched group of patients without neurological disease. Patients with PD were studied both in the practically defined drug “OFF” state, and after administration of dopamine replacements. We found that beta oscillatory amplitude was reduced bilaterally in the primary motor regions of unmedicated patients with PD compared with controls. Administration of dopaminergic medications significantly increased beta oscillatory activity, thus having a normalizing effect. Interestingly, we also found significantly stronger beta synchrony (i.e., hypersynchrony) between the primary motor regions in unmedicated patients with PD compared with controls, and that medication reduced this coupling which is in agreement with the intraoperative studies. These results are consistent with the known functionality of the basal ganglia-thalamic-cortical motor circuit and the likely consequences of beta hypersynchrony in the subthalamic nucleus of patients with PD.
Periodic Solutions for Second Order Hamiltonian Systems with Impulses via the Local Linking Theorem
Authors: Bao Longsheng , Dai Binxiang
Published: July 2014

A class of second order impulsive Hamiltonian systems are considered. By applying a local linking theorem, we establish the new criterion to guarantee that this impulsive Hamiltonian system has at least one nontrivial T-periodic solution under local superquadratic condition. This result generalizes and improves some existing results in the known literature.
Usefulness of Anticoagulant Therapy in the Prevention of Embolic Complications in Patients with Acute Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Lee Seung-Jae , Oh Sam-Sae , Lim Dal-Soo , Hong Suk-Keun , Choi Rak-Kyeong , Park Jin-Sik
Published: July 2014

Background. The use of anticoagulant therapy (ACT) in patients with acute infective endocarditis (IE) remains a controversial issue. Our study attempts to estimate the impact of ACT on the occurrence of embolic complications and the usefulness of ACT in the prevention of embolism in IE patients.Methods. The present authors analyzed 150 patients with left-sided IE. Embolisms including cerebrovascular events (CVE) and the use of ACT were checked at the time of admission and during hospitalization.Results. 57 patients (38.0%) experienced an embolic event. There was no significant difference in the incidence of CVE and in-hospital mortality between patients with and without warfarin use at admission, although warfarin-naïve patients were significantly more likely to have large (>1 cm) and mobile vegetation. In addition, there was no significant difference in the incidence of postadmission embolism and in-hospital death between patients with and without in-hospital ACT. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, ACT at admission was not significantly associated with a lower risk of embolism in patients with IE.Conclusions. The role of ACT in the prevention of embolism was limited in IE patients undergoing antibiotic therapy, although it seems to reduce the embolic potential of septic vegetation before treatment.
Subjective Rationalizability in Hypergames
Authors: Sasaki Yasuo
Published: July 2014

A new solution concept for hypergames called subjective rationalizability is proposed. Hypergame theory is a game theoretical framework that deals with agents who may misperceive game structures and explicitly takes into account hierarchy of perceptions, that is, an agent’s view about another agent’s view and so on. An action of an agent is called subjectively rationalizable when the agent thinks it can be a best response to the other’s choices, each of which the agent thinks each agent thinks is a best response to the other’s choices, and so on. Then it is proved that subjective rationalizability is equivalent to the standard notion of rationalizability under a condition called inside common knowledge. The result makes the new solution concept a practical tool in hypergame analyses. Theoretically, it is characterized as such a concept that provides the precise implication, that is, predicted outcomes, of a given hypergame structure.
Clinical, Molecular, and Epidemiological Analysis of Dengue Cases during a Major Outbreak in the Midwest Region of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Braga Juliana Cristina Duarte , Silva Leandro César da , Tibúrcio Jacqueline Domingues , Silva Mirna de Abreu e , Pereira Lailah Horácio Sales , Dutra Karina Rocha , Ferreira Jaqueline Maria Siqueira , Lopes Débora de Oliveira , dos Santos Luciana Lara
Published: July 2014

This study aims to perform the first molecular and clinical-epidemiological analysis of dengue cases in Divinopolis, MG, Brazil. Data from 4,110 cases of dengue were accessed and 190 clinical samples were collected for molecular analyses. In this study, 2.7% of the men and 3.0% of the women were admitted to hospital. There was no association between gender and hospital admission. The symptoms observed in this study are according to the Health Ministry, but fever was present in 82.2% and not in 100% of cases. The chance of hospital admission was 1.55 higher in patients with any kind of bleeding (334) and 2.4% of individuals without bleeding were also hospitalized due to other warning signs. In the molecular analyses, 23% of the samples were positive for DENV. DENV-2 and DENV-3 were identified in 2010, DENV-3 in 2011, DENV-1 in 2012, and DENV-1 and DENV-4 in 2013. DENV detection was possible in samples with only one day of symptoms. This first report of dengue data in Divinópolis provided more insight into the viral types and effects of disease in the city, confirming the need for caution in assessing cases of suspected dengue and for revision of the criteria proposed by the Health Ministry to classify cases of the disease.
Narrow Band Region-Based Active Contours Model for Noisy Color Image Segmentation
Authors: Xie Xiaomin , Zhang Aijun , Wang Changming , Meng Xiangfei
Published: July 2014

A narrow band active contour model for color image segmentation is proposed, which applies local statistics to improve the robustness against noise. The crux of our approach is to use intensity mean of local region to define the force function within a level set framework, within which a narrow band is implemented to further improve the computational efficiency. In addition, the image is segmented from channel-to-channel, which shows superior performance when the intensities of the object and background are similar. Furthermore, a multichannel segmentation combination method is used to integrate the information of multiple level sets. The proposed model has been applied to both synthetic and real images with expected results, and the comparison with the state-of-the-art approaches demonstrates the accuracy and superiority of our approach.
Applying Theory to Understand and Modify Nurse Intention to Adhere to Recommendations regarding the Use of Filter Needles: An Intervention Mapping Approach
Authors: Cassista Julianne , Payne-Gagnon Julie , Martel Brigitte , Gagnon Marie-Pierre
Published: July 2014

The manipulation of glass ampoules involves risk of particle contamination of parenteral medication, and the use of filter needles has often been recommended in order to reduce the number of particles in these solutions. This study aims to develop a theory-based intervention to increase nurse intention to use filter needles according to clinical guideline recommendations produced by a large university medical centre in Quebec (Canada). Using the Intervention Mapping framework, we first identified the psychosocial determinants of nurse intention to use filter needles according to these recommendations. Second, we developed and implemented an intervention targeting nurses from five care units in order to increase their intention to adhere to recommendations on the use of filter needles. We also assessed nurse satisfaction with the intervention. In total, 270 nurses received the intervention and 169 completed the posttest questionnaire. The two determinants of intention, that is, attitude and perceived behavioral control, were significantly higher after the intervention, but only perceived behavioral control remained a predictor of intention. In general, nurses were highly satisfied with the intervention. This study provides support for the use of Intervention Mapping to develop, implement, and evaluate theory-based interventions in order to improve healthcare professional adherence to clinical recommendations.
Some Properties of Certain Class of Analytic Functions
Authors: Ezeafulukwe Uzoamaka A. , Darus Maslina
Published: July 2014

We obtain some properties related to the coefficient bounds for certain subclass of analytic functions. We also work on the differential subordination for a certain class of functions.
Relay Selection and Subcarrier-Pair Based Energy-Efficient Resource Allocation for Multirelay Cooperative OFDMA Networks
Authors: Hao Wanming , Yang Shouyi , Hao Wanliang
Published: July 2014

Energy-efficient resource allocation is investigated for a relay-based multiuser cooperation orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) uplink system with amplify-and-forward (AF) protocol for all relays. The objective is to maximize the total energy efficiency (EE) of the uplink system with consideration of some practical limitations, such as the individual power constraint for the users and relays and the quality of service (QoS) for every user. We formulate an energy-efficient resource allocation problem that seeks joint optimization of subcarrier pairing, relay selection, subcarrier assignment, and power allocation. Unlike previous optimization throughput models, we transform the considered EE problem in fractional form into an equivalent optimal problem in subtractive form, which is solved by using dual decomposition and subgradient methods. To reduce computation costs, we propose two low-complexity suboptimal schemes. Numerical studies are conducted to evaluate the EE of the proposed algorithms.
Multivariate Storage Degradation Modeling Based on Copula Function
Authors: Xiaogang Li , Peng Xue
Published: July 2014

A generalized statistical model is introduced in the paper to qualify the reliability of a dormant system which has multiple de-pendent performance characteristics (PCs). In the model, the univariate degradation process of each PC is governed by Wiener processes with time transformation, and multivariate copula function is used to describe the dependence among the PCs. The parameters of Wiener process and copula function in the model are supposed to depend on temperature and their relationship can be expressed by the transformation functions. Based on the CSADT data, the parameters in the model can be calculated by the maximum likelihood estimate. Then the transformation functions can be derived from these estimated values by the regression analysis. Particularly, as the storage temperature is not constant, the variation of the temperature is taken into consideration in the model. In the end, as an illustration for the given model, a case application is presented as an example.
Gate-Level Circuit Reliability Analysis: A Survey
Authors: Xiao Ran , Chen Chunhong
Published: July 2014

Circuit reliability has become a growing concern in today’s nanoelectronics, which motivates strong research interest over the years in reliability analysis and reliability-oriented circuit design. While quite a few approaches for circuit reliability analysis have been reported, there is a lack of comparative studies on their pros and cons in terms of both accuracy and efficiency. This paper provides an overview of some typical methods for reliability analysis with focus on gate-level circuits, large or small, with or without reconvergent fanouts. It is intended to help the readers gain an insight into the reliability issues, and their complexity as well as optional solutions. Understanding the reliability analysis is also a first step towards advanced circuit designs for improved reliability in the future research.
Numerical Study on Deformation and Interior Flow of a Droplet Suspended in Viscous Liquid under Steady Electric Fields
Authors: Wang Zhentao , Dong Qingming , Zhang Yonghui , Wang Junfeng , Wen Jianlong
Published: July 2014

A model based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method and leaky dielectric theory is established to predict the deformation and internal flow of the droplet suspended in another vicious fluid under the influence of the electric field. Through coupling with hydrodynamics and electrostatics, the rate of deformation and internal flow of the single droplet are simulated and obtained under the different operating parameters. The calculated results show that the direction of deformation and internal flow depends on the physical properties of fluids. The numerical results are compared with Taylor's theory and experimental results by Torza et al. When the rate of deformation is small, the numerical results are consistent with theory and experimental results, and when the rate is large the numerical results are consistent with experimental results but are different from Taylor's theory. In addition, fluid viscosity hardly affects the deformation rate and mainly dominates the deformation velocity. For high viscosity droplet spends more time to attain the steady state. The conductivity ratio and permittivity ratio of two different liquids affect the direction of deformation. When fluid electric properties change, the charge distribution at the interface is various, which leads to the droplet different deformation shapes.
Malignant Mesenteric Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasm Presenting as an Intra-Abdominal Fistula in a 49-Year-Old Female
Authors: Kapur Sakshi , Patel Napoleon K. , Levin Miles B. , Huang Richard
Published: July 2014

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors are rare mesenchymal tumors arising from histologically and immunohistochemically distinctive perivascular epithelioid cells that express both myogenic and melanocytic markers. These tumors are known to arise from different organs in the body and usually have an unpredictable clinical course. We report a case of a 49-year-old female who presented with diffuse abdominal pain, fever, chills, and nonbilious vomiting for a day. Work-up revealed a mesenteric mass measuring13.5×7.7×9.5 cm, arising in the mesentery of the hepatic flexure, with adjacent gas suggestive of fistularization into the right colon. An exploratory laparotomy with resection of the mesenteric mass was performed, and the initial histopathology results were compatible with either an adenocarcinoma or a sarcoma; however, because of poor differentiation it was difficult to make a definitive diagnosis. However, final histopathology results revealed a malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (with reservation that a S100 negative metastatic melanoma must be excluded clinically). Following surgery the patient was started on everolimus, an m-TOR inhibitor, and has shown good response to this medication.
The Effectiveness of Functional Electrical Stimulation Based on a Normal Gait Pattern on Subjects with Early Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tan Zhimei , Liu Huihua , Yan Tiebin , Jin Dongmei , He Xiaokuo , Zheng Xiuyuan , Xu Shuwei , Tan Chunmei
Published: July 2014

Objective.To investigate the effectiveness of four-channel FES based on a normal gait pattern on improving functional ability in subjects early after ischemic stroke.Methods.Forty-five subjects were randomly assigned into a four-channel FES group (n=16), a placebo group (n=15), or a dual-channel group (n=14). Stimulation lasted for 30 min in each session with 1 session/day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. All subjects were assessed at baseline, at 3 weeks of treatment, and at 3 months after the treatment had finished. The assessments included Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI).Results.All 3 groups demonstrated significant improvements in all outcome measurements from pre- to posttreatment and further gains at followup. The score of FMA and MBI improved significantly in the four-channel group at the end of the 3 weeks of training. And the scores of PASS, BBS, MBI, and FAC in the four-channel group were significantly higher than those of the placebo group.Conclusions.This study indicated that four-channel FES can improve motor function, balance, walking ability, and performance of activities of daily living in subjects with early ischemic stroke.
The Influence of DNA Extraction Procedure and Primer Set on the Bacterial Community Analysis by Pyrosequencing of Barcoded 16S rRNA Gene Amplicons
Authors: Starke Ingo C. , Vahjen Wilfried , Pieper Robert , Zentek Jürgen
Published: July 2014

In this study, the effect of different DNA extraction procedures and primer sets on pyrosequencing results regarding the composition of bacterial communities in the ileum of piglets was investigated. Ileal chyme from piglets fed a diet containing different amounts of zinc oxide was used to evaluate a pyrosequencing study with barcoded 16S rRNA PCR products. Two DNA extraction methods (bead beating versus silica gel columns) and two primer sets targeting variable regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes (8f-534r versus 968f-1401r) were considered. The SEED viewer software of the MG-RAST server was used for automated sequence analysis. A total of 5.2×105 sequences were used for analysis after processing for read length (150 bp), minimum sequence occurrence (5), and exclusion of eukaryotic and unclassified/uncultured sequences. DNA extraction procedures and primer sets differed significantly in total sequence yield. The distribution of bacterial order and main bacterial genera was influenced significantly by both parameters. However, this study has shown that the results of pyrosequencing studies using barcoded PCR amplicons of bacterial 16S rRNA genes depend on DNA extraction and primer choice, as well as on the manner of downstream sequence analysis.
Identification and In Vitro Antimicrobial Susceptibility ofBrucellaSpecies Isolated from Human Brucellosis
Authors: Hashim Rohaidah , Ahmad Norazah , Mohamed Zahidi Jama’ayah , Tay B. Y. , Mohd Noor Azura , Zainal Sakina , Hamzah Hazwani , Hamzah S. H. , Chow T. S. , Wong P. S. , Leong K. N.
Published: July 2014

Brucellosis is a world-wide zoonotic disease with a major impact on the public health. Due to the high risk of laboratory acquired infection, limited laboratory investigations were performed on this organism, including detailed identification and susceptibility study.Brucella melitensisis the commonest aetiological agent for human brucellosis in this region. The in vitro susceptibility pattern against selected antimicrobial agents was assessed usingE-test. All isolates were noted to be sensitive to all the antimicrobial agents tested except for rifampicin where elevated MIC > 1 μg/mL was noted in 30 out of 41 isolates tested.
A Note on Parametric Surfaces in Minkowski 3-Space
Authors: Koc Ozturk Esra Betul
Published: July 2014

With the help of the Frenet frame of a given pseudo null curve, a family of parametric surfaces is expressed as a linear combination of this frame. The necessary and sufficient conditions are examined for that curve to be an isoparametric and asymptotic on the parametric surface. It is shown that there is not any cylindrical and developable ruled surface as a parametric surface. Also, some interesting examples are illustrated about these surfaces.
Pathogenesis of Chronic Urticaria: An Overview
Authors: Jain Sanjiv
Published: July 2014

The pathogenesis of chronic urticaria is not well delineated and the treatment is palliative as it is not tied to the pathomechanism. The centrality of mast cells and their inappropriate activation and degranulation as the key pathophysiological event are well established. The triggering stimuli and the complexity of effector mechanisms remain speculative. Autoimmune origin of chronic urticaria, albeit controversial, is well documented. Numerical and behavioral alterations in basophils accompanied by changes in signaling molecule expression and function as well as aberrant activation of extrinsic pathway of coagulation are other alternative hypotheses. It is also probable that mast cells are involved in the pathogenesis through mechanisms that extend beyond high affinity IgE receptor stimulation. An increasing recognition of chronic urticaria as an immune mediated inflammatory disorder related to altered cytokine-chemokine network consequent to immune dysregulation resulting from disturbed innate immunity is emerging as yet another pathogenic explanation. It is likely that these different pathomechanisms are interlinked rather than independent cascades, acting either synergistically or sequentially to produce clinical expression of chronic urticaria. Insights into the complexities of pathogenesis may provide an impetus to develop safer, efficacious, and targeted immunomodulators and biological treatment for severe, refractory chronic urticaria.
Non-Single-Valley Solutions forp-Order Feigenbaum’s Type Functional Equationf(φ(x))=φp(f(x))
Authors: Zhang Min
Published: July 2014

This work deals with Feigenbaum’s functional equationf(φ(x))=φp(f(x)),φ(0)=1,0≤φ(x)≤1,x∈ [0, 1], wherep≥2is an integer,φpis thep-fold iteration ofφ, andf(x)is a strictly increasing continuous function on[0, 1]that satisfiesf(0)=0,f(x)<x,(x∈(0, 1]). Using a constructive method, we discuss the existence of non-single-valley continuous solutions of the above equation.
Proof of Some Conjectures of Melham Using Ramanujan’s 1ψ1Formula
Authors: Sarmah Bipul Kumar
Published: July 2014

We employ Ramanujan's 1ψ1formula to prove three conjectures of R. S. Melham on representation of an integernas sums of polygonal numbers.
Daytime Sleepiness and Parkinson’s Disease: The Contribution of the Multiple Sleep Latency Test
Authors: Ataide Marcelo , Franco Clélia Maria Ribeiro , Lins Otavio Gomes
Published: July 2014

Background. Sleep disorders are major nonmotor manifestations of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is one of the most common symptoms.Objective. We reviewed a current literature concerning major factors that influence EDS in PD patients, using Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT).Methods. A Medline search found 23 studies.Results. The presence of EDS was observed in 12.7% to 47% in patients without complaints of daytime sleepiness and 47% to 66.7% with complaints of daytime sleepiness. Despite being recognized by several authors, major factors that influence EDS, such as severity of motor symptoms, use of dopaminergic medications, and associated sleep disturbances, presented contradictory data.Conclusions. Available data suggest that the variability of the results may be related to the fact that it was conducted with a small sample size, not counting the neuropathological heterogeneity of the disease. Thus, before carrying out longitudinal studies with significant samples, careful analysis should be done by assigning a specific agent on the responsibility of EDS in PD patients.
Mechanical Quadrature Method and Splitting Extrapolation for Solving Dirichlet Boundary Integral Equation of Helmholtz Equation on Polygons
Authors: Li Hu , Ma Yanying
Published: July 2014

We study the numerical solution of Helmholtz equation with Dirichlet boundary condition. Based on the potential theory, the problem can be converted into a boundary integral equation. We propose the mechanical quadrature method (MQM) using specific quadrature rule to deal with weakly singular integrals. Denote byhmthe mesh width of a curved edgeΓm  (m=1,…,d)of polygons. Then, the multivariate asymptotic error expansion of MQM accompanied withO(hm3)for all mesh widthshmis obtained. Hence, once discrete equations with coarse meshes are solved in parallel, the higher accuracy order of numerical approximations can be at leastO(hmax⁡5)by splitting extrapolation algorithm (SEA). A numerical example is provided to support our theoretical analysis.
Bioabsorbable Suture Anchor Migration to the Acromioclavicular Joint: How Far Can These Implants Go?
Authors: Medina Giovanna , Garofo Guilherme , D’Elia Caio O. , Bitar Alexandre C. , Castropil Wagner , Schor Breno
Published: July 2014

Few complications regarding the use of bioabsorbable suture anchors in the shoulder have been reported. What motivated this case report was the unusual location of the anchor, found in the acromioclavicular joint which, to our knowledge, has never been reported so far. A 53-year old male with previous rotator cuff (RC) repair using bioabsorbable suture anchors presented with pain and weakness after 2 years of surgery. A suspicion of retear of the RC led to request of a magnetic resonance image, in which the implant was found located in the acromioclavicular joint. The complications reported with the use of metallic implants around the shoulder led to the development of bioabsorbable anchors. Advantages are their absorption over time, minimizing the risk of migration or interference with revision surgery, less artifacts with magnetic resonance imaging, and tendon-to-bone repair strength similar to metallic anchors. Since the use of bioabsorbable suture anchors is increasing, it is important to know the possible complications associated with these devices.
Cutaneous Metastases from Primary Hepatobiliary Tumors as the First Sign of Tumor Recurrence following Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hauch Adam T. , Buell Joseph F. , McGowan Margit , Bhatia Parisha , Lewin Eleanor , Killackey Mary , Shores Nathan J. , Balart Luis A. , Moehlen Martin , Saggi Bob , Paramesh Anil S.
Published: July 2014

Cutaneous metastasis from hepatobiliary tumors is a rare event, especially following liver transplantation. We report our experience with two cases of cutaneous metastases from both hepatocellular carcinoma and mixed hepatocellular/cholangiocarcinoma following liver transplantation, along with a review of the literature.
Cam Drive Step Mechanism of a Quadruped Robot
Authors: Sun Qun , Wang Chong , Zhao Dongjie , Zhang Cuihua
Published: July 2014

Bionic quadruped robots received considerable worldwide research attention. For a quadruped robot walking with steady paces on a flat terrain, using a cam drive control mechanism instead of servomotors provides theoretical and practical benefits as it reduces the system weight, cost, and control complexities; thus it may be more cost beneficial for some recreational or household applications. This study explores the robot step mechanism including the leg and cam drive control systems based on studying the bone structure and the kinematic step sequences of dog. The design requirements for the cam drive robot legs have been raised, and the mechanical principles of the leg operating mechanism as well as the control parameters have been analyzed. A cam drive control system was constructed using three cams to control each leg. Finally, a four-leg demo robot was manufactured for experiments and it showed stable walking patterns on a flat floor.
Immunocontraceptives: New Approaches to Fertility Control
Authors: Kaur Kiranjeet , Prabha Vijay
Published: July 2014

The rapidly increasing global population has bowed the attention of family planning and associated reproductive health programmes in the direction of providing a safe and reliable method which can be used to limit family size. The world population is estimated to exceed a phenomenal 10 billion by the year 2050 A.D., thus presenting a real jeopardy of overpopulation with severe implications for the future. Despite the availability of contraceptive methods, there are over one million elective abortions globally each year due to unintended pregnancies, having devastating impact on reproductive health of women worldwide. This highlights the need for the development of newer and improved contraceptive methods. A novel contraceptive approach that is gaining substantial attention is “immunocontraception” targeting gamete production, gamete outcome, or gamete function. Amongst these, use of sperm antigens (gamete function) seems to be an exciting and feasible approach. However, the variability of immune response and time lag to attain titer among vaccinated individuals after active immunization has highlighted the potential relevance of preformed antibodies in this league. This review is an attempt to analyze the current status and progress of immunocontraceptive approaches with respect to their establishment as a future fertility control agent.
A Novel Regiospecific Synthesis of 1-Chloro-2-arylcyclohexenes
Authors: Krishnappa Lokesh , Suresh HariPrasad
Published: July 2014

An efficient high yielding chemoselective synthesis of eleven novel 1-chloro-2-arylcyclohexenes employing the Suzuki cross coupling of 1-bromo-2-chlorocyclohexene with eleven different aryl boronic acids and Pd(dppf)Cl2·CH2Cl2 catalyst is reported.
Effect of Sulfation on Zirconia-Pillared Montmorillonite to the Catalytic Activity in Microwave-Assisted Citronellal Conversion
Authors: Fatimah Is , Rubiyanto Dwiarso , Huda Thorikul
Published: July 2014

Preparation of sulfated zirconia-pillared montmorillonite was carried out in two steps; zirconia pillarization and sulfation to zirconia-pillared montmorillonite. The prepared materials were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), measurement of the specific surface area, total pore volume and pore size distribution by the N2adsorption method, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and surface acidity determination by using pyridine adsorption-FTIR analysis. The activity of the materials as catalysts was evaluated for a microwave-assisted conversion of citronellal. The results showed that the prepared materials had a physicochemical character that promoted high catalytic activity to convert citronellal. From varied Zr content and study of the effect of sulfation on the activity, it was found that Zr content and sulfation increase the surface acidity of the material as shown by the higher total conversion and tendency to produce menthol as a product of the tandem cyclization-hydrogenation mechanism.
Cyclosporin A Promotes Tumor Angiogenesis in a Calcineurin-Independent Manner by Increasing Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Zhou Alice Yao , Ryeom Sandra
Published: July 2014

The widely used immunosuppressant cyclosporin A, a potent calcineurin inhibitor, significantly increases the incidence of cancer in organ transplant patients. Calcineurin signaling is an important mediator of VEGF signaling in endothelial cells. Negative regulation of calcineurin by its endogenous inhibitor, Down Syndrome Candidate Region-1 (DSCR1), suppresses tumor growth and angiogenesis, in contrast to the effect observed after long-term cyclosporin A treatment. Despite the significance of calcineurin signaling in endothelial cells, the consequences of cyclosporin A on tumor angiogenesis have not been investigated. Using an in vivo model of skin carcinogenesis, prolonged treatment with cyclosporin A promoted tumor growth and angiogenesis. The addition of cyclosporin A to endothelial cells in vitro increased proliferation and migration in a calcineurin-independent manner and is associated with increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Co-treatment with antioxidants significantly abrogated cyclosporin A–induced endothelial cell activation. Furthermore, mice treated with antioxidants were protected against cyclosporin A–mediated tumor progression. Taken together, these findings suggest that cyclosporin A affects endothelial cells in a calcineurin-independent manner to potentiate tumor growth by promoting tumor angiogenesis through increasing mitochondrial ROS production. This work identifies a previously undescribed mechanism underlying a significantly adverse off-target effect of cyclosporin A and suggests that co-treatment with antioxidants would inhibit the tumor-promoting effects of cyclosporin A.

Implications: Targeting the proangiogenic effects of cyclosporin A may be useful in the management of transplant-associated cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 12(11); 1663–76. ©2014 AACR.
Role of tumour necrosis factor receptor-1 and nuclear factor-κB in production of TNF-α-induced pro-inflammatory microparticles in endothelial cells
Authors: Lee Sung Kyul , Yang Seung-Hee , Kwon Il , Lee Ok-Hee , Heo Ji Hoe
Published: July 2014

Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is upregulated in many inflammatory diseases and is also a potent agent for microparticle (MP) generation. Here, we describe an essential role of TNF-α in the production of endothelial cell-derived microparticles (EMPs) in vivo and the function of TNF-α-induced EMPs in endothelial cells. We found that TNF-α rapidly increased blood levels of EMPs in mice. Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with TNF-α also induced EMP formation in a time-dependent manner. Silencing of TNF receptor (TNFR)-1 or inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in HUVECs impaired the production of TNF-α-induced EMP. Incubation of HUVECs with PKH-67-stained EMPs showed that endothelial cells readily engulfed EMPs, and the engulfed TNF-α-induced EMPs promoted the expression of pro-apoptotic molecules and upregulated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 level on the cell surface, which led to monocyte adhesion. Collectively, our findings indicate that the generation of TNF-α-induced EMPs was mediated by TNFR1 or NF-κB and that EMPs can contribute to apoptosis and inflammation of endothelial cells.
Optimisation of lupus anticoagulant tests: should test samples always be mixed with normal plasma?
Authors: Pennings Maarten , de Groot Philip , Meijers Joost , Huisman Albert , Derksen Ronald , Urbanus Rolf
Published: July 2014

Coagulation factor deficiencies are thought to interfere with the detection of the phospholipid-dependent coagulation inhibitor known as lupus anticoagulant (LA). Treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in particular, is thought to preclude accurate LA assessment. For this reason, the procedure to detect LA includes a mixing test, in which coagulation factor deficiencies are corrected by mixing samples with an equal volume of normal plasma. Despite these mixing tests, interpretation of LA test results is considered difficult in patients receiving high intensity VKA treatment. As a result, VKA treatment is often temporarily discontinued to allow LA assessment. However, whether coagulation factor deficiencies influence LA test results is unclear. We found that neither deficiency of a single coagulation factor, nor a functional coagulation factor deficiency due to high intensity VKA treatment, resulted in false positive dRVVT- or APTT-based (silica clotting time; SCT) LA test results. LA was readily detected in unmixed samples from VKA-treated LA-positive patients with both dRVVT and SCT reagents. VKA treatment caused an underestimation of the strength of the LA with SCT reagents, but did not lead to misclassification of LA status. Although mixing with normal plasma during both screen and confirm tests allowed more accurate assessment of the strength of the LA with SCT reagents in samples with an international normalised >2.5, the mixing procedure itself lead to misclassification of LA in weakly positive samples from patients not treated with VKA. Based on these findings, we conclude that mixing studies are not necessary during LA-assessment.
Treatment strategies and pregnancy outcomes in antiphospholipid syndrome patients with thrombosis and triple antiphospholipid positivity
Authors: Salvan Elisa , Ross Teresa Del , Gerosa Maria , Andreoli Laura , Maina Aldo , Alijotas-Reig Jaume , Carolis Sara De , Mekinian Arsene , Bertero Maria Tiziana , Canti Valentina , Brucato Antonio , Bremme Katarina , Ramoni Véronique , Mosca Marta , Poi Emma Di , Caramaschi Paola , Galeazzi Mauro , Tincani Angela , Meroni Pier Luigi , Ruffatti Amelia
Published: July 2014

Previous thrombosis, diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and triple antiphospholipid (aPL) antibody positivity have recently been found to be independent factors associated to pregnancy failure during conventional therapy in women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This study aimed to assess the effect of various treatment strategies on pregnancy outcomes in women with APS and the risk factors for pregnancy failure. One hundred ninety-six pregnancies of 156 patients diagnosed with APS were analysed: 118 (60.2%) of these had previous thrombosis, 81 (41.3%) were diagnosed with SLE, and 107 (54.6%) had triple aPL positivity. One hundred seventy-five (89.3%) were treated with conventional therapies (low-dose aspirin [LDA] or prophylactic doses of heparin + LDA or therapeutic doses of heparin + LDA), while 21 (10.7%) were prescribed other treatments in addition to conventional therapy. The pregnancies were classified into seven risk profiles depending on the patients’ risk factors – thrombosis, SLE, and triple aPL positivity – and their single, double or triple combinations. It was possible to find significant difference in outcomes correlated to treatments only in the thrombosis plus triple aPL positivity subset, and logistic regression analysis showed that additional treatments were the only independent factor associated to a favourable pregnancy outcome (odds ratio=9.7, 95% confidence interval= 1.1–88.9, p-value<0.05). On the basis of this retrospective study, we found that APS pregnant patients with thrombosis and triple aPL positivity treated with additional therapy had a significant higher livebirth rate with respect to those receiving conventional therapy alone.