bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrocorticographic activity over sensorimotor cortex and motor function in awake behaving rats
Authors: Boulay Chadwick B. , Chen Xiang Yang , Wolpaw Jonathan R.
Published: January 2015

Sensorimotor cortex exerts both short-term and long-term control over the spinal reflex pathways that serve motor behaviors. Better understanding of this control could offer new possibilities for restoring function after central nervous system trauma or disease. We examined the impact of ongoing sensorimotor cortex (SMC) activity on the largely monosynaptic pathway of the H-reflex, the electrical analog of the spinal stretch reflex. In 41 awake adult rats, we measured soleus electromyographic (EMG) activity, the soleus H-reflex, and electrocorticographic activity over the contralateral SMC while rats were producing steady-state soleus EMG activity. Principal component analysis of electrocorticographic frequency spectra before H-reflex elicitation consistently revealed three frequency bands: μβ (5–30 Hz), low γ (γ1; 40–85 Hz), and high γ (γ2; 100–200 Hz). Ongoing (i.e., background) soleus EMG amplitude correlated negatively with μβ power and positively with γ1 power. In contrast, H-reflex size correlated positively with μβ power and negatively with γ1 power, but only when background soleus EMG amplitude was included in the linear model. These results support the hypothesis that increased SMC activation (indicated by decrease in μβ power and/or increase in γ1 power) simultaneously potentiates the H-reflex by exciting spinal motoneurons and suppresses it by decreasing the efficacy of the afferent input. They may help guide the development of new rehabilitation methods and of brain-computer interfaces that use SMC activity as a substitute for lost or impaired motor outputs.
Mirror illusion reduces motor cortical inhibition in the ipsilateral primary motor cortex during forceful unilateral muscle contractions
Authors: Zult Tjerk , Goodall Stuart , Thomas Kevin , Hortobágyi Tibor , Howatson Glyn
Published: January 2015

Forceful, unilateral contractions modulate corticomotor paths targeting the resting, contralateral hand. However, it is unknown whether mirror-viewing of a slowly moving but forcefully contracting hand would additionally affect these paths. Here we examined corticospinal excitability and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) of the right-ipsilateral primary motor cortex (M1) in healthy young adults under no-mirror and mirror conditions at rest and during right wrist flexion at 60% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). During the no-mirror conditions neither hand was visible, whereas in the mirror conditions participants looked at the right hand's reflection in the mirror. Corticospinal excitability increased during contractions in the left flexor carpi radialis (FCR) (contraction 0.41 mV vs. rest 0.21 mV) and extensor carpi radialis (ECR) (contraction 0.56 mV vs. rest 0.39 mV), but there was no mirror effect (FCR: P = 0.743, ηp2= 0.005; ECR: P = 0.712, ηp2= 0.005). However, mirror-viewing of the contracting and moving wrist attenuated SICI relative to test pulse in the left FCR by ∼9% compared with the other conditions ( P < 0.05, d ≥ 0.62). Electromyographic activity in the resting left hand prior to stimulation was not affected by the mirror (FCR: P = 0.255, ηp2= 0.049; ECR: P = 0.343, ηp2= 0.035) but increased twofold during contractions. Thus viewing the moving hand in the mirror and not just the mirror image of the nonmoving hand seems to affect motor cortical inhibitory networks in the M1 associated with the mirror image. Future studies should determine whether the use of a mirror could increase interlimb transfer produced by cross-education, especially in patient groups with unilateral orthopedic and neurological conditions.
Delaying the onset of treadmill exercise following peripheral nerve injury has different effects on axon regeneration and motoneuron synaptic plasticity
Authors: Brandt Jaclyn , Evans Jonathan T. , Mildenhall Taylor , Mulligan Amanda , Konieczny Aimee , Rose Samuel J. , English Arthur W.
Published: January 2015

Transection of a peripheral nerve results in withdrawal of synapses from motoneurons. Some of the withdrawn synapses are restored spontaneously, but those containing the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), and arising mainly from primary afferent neurons, are withdrawn permanently. If animals are exercised immediately after nerve injury, regeneration of the damaged axons is enhanced and no withdrawal of synapses from injured motoneurons can be detected. We investigated whether delaying the onset of exercise until after synapse withdrawal had occurred would yield similar results. In Lewis rats, the right sciatic nerve was cut and repaired. Reinnervation of the soleus muscle was monitored until a direct muscle (M) response was observed to stimulation of the tibial nerve. At that time, rats began 2 wk of daily treadmill exercise using an interval training protocol. Both M responses and electrically-evoked H reflexes were monitored weekly for an additional seven wk. Contacts made by structures containing VGLUT1 or glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) with motoneurons were studied from confocal images of retrogradely labeled cells. Timing of full muscle reinnervation was similar in both delayed and immediately exercised rats. H reflex amplitude in delayed exercised rats was only half that found in immediately exercised animals. Unlike immediately exercised animals, motoneuron contacts containing VGLUT1 in delayed exercised rats were reduced significantly, relative to intact rats. The therapeutic window for application of exercise as a treatment to promote restoration of synaptic inputs onto motoneurons following peripheral nerve injury is different from that for promoting axon regeneration in the periphery.
Long Term Anticoagulation (4–16 Years) Stops Progression of Idiopathic Hip Osteonecrosis Associated with Familial Thrombophilia
Authors: Glueck Charles J. , Freiberg Richard A. , Wissman Robert , Wang Ping
Published: January 2015

In 6 patients with familial thrombophilia (5 Factor V (FV) Leiden heterozygotes, 1 with resistance to activated protein C (RAPC)), we prospectively assessed whether continuous longterm (4–16 years) anticoagulation would prevent progression of idiopathic osteonecrosis (ON), ameliorate pain, and facilitate functional recovery. Four men and 2 women (9 hips, 8 Ficat stage II, 1 stage I) were anticoagulated with enoxaparin (60 mg/day) for 3 months and subsequently with Coumadin, Xarelto, or Pradaxa, warranted by≥2 prior thrombotic events. Anticoagulation was continued for 4, 4, 9, 13, 13, and 16 years, with serial clinical and X-ray follow-up. On 4–16-years anticoagulation, 9 hips in the 6 patients (8 originally Ficat II, 1 Ficat I) remained unchanged, contrasted to untreated ON Ficat stage II, where 50%–80% of hips progress to collapse (Ficat stages III-IV) within 2 years after diagnosis. Within 3, 3, 3, 9, and 16 months after starting anticoagulation, 5 patients became pain-free and remained asymptomatic throughout follow-up; the 6th patient required Percocet for pain. There were no significant bleeding episodes. Long term (4–16 years) anticoagulation initiated in Ficat stages I-II of idiopathic hip ON in patients with FV-RAPC changes the natural history of ON, stopping progression, resolving pain, and restoring function.
Pan-Genome Analysis of Human Gastric PathogenH. pylori: Comparative Genomics and Pathogenomics Approaches to Identify Regions Associated with Pathogenicity and Prediction of Potential Core Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Ali Amjad , Naz Anam , Soares Siomar C , Bakhtiar Marriam , Tiwari Sandeep , Hassan Syed S , Hanan Fazal , Ramos Rommel , Pereira Ulisses , Barh Debmalya , Figueiredo Henrique César Pereira , Ussery David W. , Miyoshi Anderson , Silva Artur , Azevedo Vasco
Published: January 2015

Helicobacter pyloriis a human gastric pathogen implicated as the major cause of peptic ulcer and second leading cause of gastric cancer (~70%) around the world. Conversely, an increased resistance to antibiotics and hindrances in the development of vaccines againstH. pyloriare observed. Pan-genome analyses of the global representativeH. pyloriisolates consisting of 39 complete genomes are presented in this paper. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed close relationships among geographically diverse strains ofH. pylori. The conservation among these genomes was further analyzed by pan-genome approach; the predicted conserved gene families (1,193) constitute ~77% of the averageH. pylorigenome and 45% of the global gene repertoire of the species. Reverse vaccinology strategies have been adopted to identify and narrow down the potential core-immunogenic candidates. Total of 28 nonhost homolog proteins were characterized as universal therapeutic targets againstH. pyloribased on their functional annotation and protein-protein interaction. Finally, pathogenomics and genome plasticity analysis revealed 3 highly conserved and 2 highly variable putative pathogenicity islands in all of theH. pylorigenomes been analyzed.
Body Composition Indices and Predicted Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profile among Urban Dwellers in Malaysia
Authors: Su Tin Tin , Amiri Mohammadreza , Mohd Hairi Farizah , Thangiah Nithiah , Dahlui Maznah , Majid Hazreen Abdul
Published: January 2015

Objectives. This study aims to compare various body composition indices and their association with a predicted cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile in an urban population in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in metropolitan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2012. Households were selected using a simple random-sampling method, and adult members were invited for medical screening. The Framingham Risk Scoring algorithm was used to predict CVD risk, which was then analyzed in association with body composition measurements, including waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, waist-height ratio, body fat percentage, and body mass index.Results. Altogether, 882 individuals were included in our analyses. Indices that included waist-related measurements had the strongest association with CVD risk in both genders. After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic variables, waist-related measurements retained the strongest correlations with predicted CVD risk in males. However, body mass index, waist-height ratio, and waist circumference had the strongest correlation with CVD risk in females.Conclusions. The waist-related indicators of abdominal obesity are important components of CVD risk profiles. As waist-related parameters can quickly and easily be measured, they should be routinely obtained in primary care settings and population health screens in order to assess future CVD risk profiles and design appropriate interventions.
Int‐Soft (Generalized) Bi‐Ideals of Semigroups
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Song Seok-Zun
Published: January 2015

The notions of int‐soft semigroups and int‐soft left (resp., right) ideals in semigroups are studied in the paper by Song et al. (2014). In this paper, further properties and characterizations of int‐soft left (right) ideals are studied, and the notion of int‐soft (generalized) bi‐ideals is introduced. Relations between int‐soft generalized bi‐ideals and int‐soft semigroups are discussed, and characterizations of (int‐soft) generalized bi‐ideals and int‐soft bi‐ideals are considered. Given a soft set (α;S) over U, int‐soft (generalized) bi‐ideals generated by (α;S) are established.
Synthesis of β-SiC Fine Fibers by the Forcespinning Method with Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Salinas Alfonso , Lizcano Maricela , Lozano Karen
Published: January 2015

A rapid method for synthesizing β-silicon carbide (β-SiC) fine fiber composite has been achieved by combining forcespinning technology with microwave energy processing. β-SiC has applications as composite reinforcements, refractory filtration systems, and other high temperature applications given their properties such as low density, oxidation resistance, thermal stability, and wear resistance. Nonwoven fine fiber mats were prepared through a solution based method using polystyrene (PS) and polycarbomethylsilane (PCmS) as the precursor materials. The fiber spinning was performed under different parameters to obtain high yield, fiber homogeneity, and small diameters. The spinning was carried out under controlled nitrogen environment to control and reduce oxygen content. Characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show high yield, long continuous bead-free nonwoven fine fibers with diameters ranging from 270 nm to 2 µm depending on the selected processing parameters. The fine fiber mats show formation of highly crystalline β-SiC fine fiber after microwave irradiation.
Icariin Prevents Amyloid Beta-Induced Apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt Pathway in PC-12 Cells
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Wang Zhe , Sheng Chenxia , Peng Weijun , Hui Shan , Gong Wei , Chen Shuai
Published: January 2015

Icariin is a prenylated flavonol glycoside derived from the Chinese herbEpimedium sagittatumthat exerts a variety of pharmacological activities and shows promise in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of icariin against amyloid beta protein fragment 25–35 (Aβ25–35) induced neurotoxicity in cultured rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and explored potential underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that icariin dose-dependently increased cell viability and decreasedAβ25–35-induced apoptosis, as assessed by MTT assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, respectively. Results of western blot analysis revealed that the selective phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 suppressed icariin-induced Akt phosphorylation, suggesting that the protective effects of icariin are associated with activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. LY294002 also blocked the icariin-induced downregulation of proapoptotic factors Bax and caspase-3 and upregulation of antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2 inAβ25–35-treated PC12 cells. These findings provide further evidence for the clinical efficacy of icariin in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Shear Current Effects on Monochromatic Water Waves Crossing Trenches
Authors: Lee Jun-Whan , Park Koo-Yong , Cho Yong-Sik
Published: January 2015

The reflection coefficients of monochromatic water waves over trenches with shear current are estimated analytically. The diffraction of waves by an abrupt depth change and shear current is formulated by the matched eigenfunction expansion method. The proper number of steps and evanescent modes are proposed by a series of convergence tests. The accuracy of the predicted reflection coefficients is checked by estimating the wave energy. Reflection and transmission characteristics are studied for various shear current conditions. The different combinations of strength, width of shear current, and incident wave angle with constant water depth topography are examined. The optimal figure of the trench with shear current is obtained by estimating the reflection coefficients for various sloped transitions. The resonant reflection of the water waves is found by multiarrayed optimal trenches and the interaction of sinusoidally varying topography with shear current.
Conformational B-Cell Epitope Prediction Method Based on Antigen Preprocessing and Mimotopes Analysis
Authors: Sun Pingping , Ju Haixu , Zhang Baowen , Gu Yu , Liu Bo , Huang Yanxin , Zhang Huijie , Li Yuxin
Published: January 2015

Identification of epitopes which invokes strong humoral responses is an essential issue in the field of immunology. Various computational methods that have been developed based on the antigen structures and the mimotopes these years narrow the search for experimental validation. These methods can be divided into two categories: antigen structure-based methods and mimotope-based methods. Though new methods of the two kinds have been proposed in these years, they cannot maintain a high degree of satisfaction in various circumstances. In this paper, we proposed a new conformational B-cell epitope prediction method based on antigen preprocessing and mimotopes analysis. The method classifies the antigen surface residues into “epitopes” and “nonepitopes” by six epitope propensity scales, removing the “nonepitopes” and using the preprocessed antigen for epitope prediction based on mimotope sequences. The proposed method gives out the meanFscore of 0.42 on the testing dataset. When compared with other publicly available servers by using the testing dataset, the new method yields better performance. The results demonstrate the proposed method is competent for the conformational B-cell epitope prediction.
Global Exponential Stability of Learning-Based Fuzzy Networks on Time Scales
Authors: Chen Juan , Huang Zhenkun , Cai Jinxiang
Published: January 2015

We investigate a class of fuzzy neural networks with Hebbian-type unsupervised learning on time scales. By using Lyapunov functional method, some new sufficient conditions are derived to ensure learning dynamics and exponential stability of fuzzy networks on time scales. Our results are general and can include continuous-time learning-based fuzzy networks and corresponding discrete-time analogues. Moreover, our results reveal some new learning behavior of fuzzy synapses on time scales which are seldom discussed in the literature.
Comparative Performance of Hybrid and Elite Inbred Rice Varieties with respect to Their Source‐Sink Relationship
Authors: Haque Md Moinul , Pramanik Habibur Rahman , Biswas Jiban Krishna , Iftekharuddaula K. M. , Hasanuzzaman Mirza
Published: January 2015

Hybrid rice varieties have higher yield potential over inbred varieties. This improvement is not always translated to the grain yield and its physiological causes are still unclear. In order to clarify it, two field experiments were conducted including two popular indica hybrids (BRRI hybrid dhan2 and Heera2) and one elite inbred (BRRI dhan45) rice varieties. Leaf area index, chlorophyll status, and photosynthetic rate of flag leaf, postheading crop growth rate, shoot reserve translocation, source‐sink relation and yield, and its attributes of each variety were comprehensively analyzed. Both hybrid varieties outyielded the inbred. However, the hybrids and inbred varieties exhibited statistically identical yield in late planting. Both hybrids accumulated higher amount of biomass before heading and exhibited greater remobilization of assimilates to the grain in early plantings compared to the inbred variety. Filled grain (%) declined significantly at delayed planting in the hybrids compared to elite inbred due to increased temperature impaired‐inefficient transport of assimilates. Flag leaf photosynthesis parameters were higher in the hybrid varieties than those of the inbred variety. Results suggest that greater remobilization of shoot reserves to the grain rendered higher yield of hybrid rice varieties.
Improvement of the Magnetic Properties of Nanocrystalline Nd12.3(FeZrNbCu)81.7B6.0 Alloys with Dy Substitutions
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Guo Leichen , Guo Zhimeng , Dong Guangle , Sui Yanli , Chen Zhian
Published: January 2015

Nd12.3−xDyxFe81.7Zr0.8Nb0.8Cu0.4B6.0  (x = 0–2.5) ribbons have been prepared by melt‐spun at 30 m/s and subsequent annealing. The influence of addition of Dy on the crystallization behavior, magnetic properties, and microstructure were investigated. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a single‐phase material. Microstructure studies using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) had shown a significant microstructure refinement with Dy addition. Wohlfarth’s analysis showed that the exchange coupling interactions increased first with Dy content x increasing, reached the maximum value at x = 0.5, and then slightly decreased with x further increasing. Optimal magnetic properties with Jr = 1.09 T, Hci = 1048 kA/m, and (BH)max = 169.5 kJ/m3 are achieved by annealing the melt‐spun ribbons with x = 0.5 at% at 700°C for 10 min.
Successful and Safe Treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria with Omalizumab in a Woman during Two Consecutive Pregnancies
Authors: Ghazanfar Misbah Nasheela , Thomsen Simon Francis
Published: January 2015

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is an itching skin disease characterised by wheals, angioedema, or both present for more than six weeks. Omalizumab is a humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody recently approved for treatment of chronic urticaria. Several randomised controlled trials have investigated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of omalizumab for chronic urticaria. The safety of omalizumab in pregnancy is not known. We describe a female patient with chronic spontaneous urticaria who was treated with omalizumab continuously through two consecutive pregnancies with convincing results and no apparent toxicity.
T1Relaxation Measurement ofEx-VivoBreast Cancer Tissues at Ultralow Magnetic Fields
Authors: Lee Seong-Joo , Shim Jeong Hyun , Kim Kiwoong , Hwang Seong-min , Yu Kwon Kyu , Lim Sanghyun , Han Jae Ho , Yim Hyunee , Kim Jang-Hee , Jung Yong Sik , Kim Ku Sang
Published: January 2015

We investigatedT1relaxations ofex-vivocancer tissues at low magnetic fields in order to check the possibility of achieving aT1contrast higher than those obtained at high fields. TheT1relaxations of fifteen pairs (normal and cancerous) of breast tissue samples were measured at three magnetic fields, 37, 62, and 122 μT, using our superconducting quantum interference device-based ultralow field nuclear magnetic resonance setup, optimally developed forex-vivotissue studies. A signal reconstruction based on Bayesian statistics for noise reduction was exploited to overcome the low signal-to-noise ratio. The ductal and lobular-type tissues did not exhibit meaningfulT1contrast values between normal and cancerous tissues at the three different fields. On the other hand, an enhancedT1contrast was obtained for the mucinous cancer tissue.
Impairment of Neutrophil Migration to Remote Inflammatory Site during Lung Histoplasmosis
Authors: Medeiros Alexandra I. , Secatto Adriana , Bélanger Caroline , Sorgi Carlos A. , Borgeat Pierre , Marleau Sylvie , Faccioli Lúcia H.
Published: January 2015

Histoplasma capsulatum(Hc) induces a pulmonary disease in which leukotrienes promote activation and recruitment of effectors cells. It is also well-recognized that leukotriene B4(LTB4) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) induce leukocyte recruitment to inflammatory sites. We investigated the impact of pulmonaryHcinfection on PMN migration to a remote inflammatory site. Our results show that pulmonaryHcinfection impairs LTB4- or PAF-stimulated PMN recruitment to air pouch. Yet, remote inflammation did not modify PMN numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) ofHc-infected mice. Interestingly, the concomitant administration of PAF and LTB4receptor antagonists inhibited PMN recruitment to both BALF and the remote site, demonstrating cooperation between both mediators. Along that line, our results show that PAF-elicited PMN chemotaxis was abrogated in 5-lipoxygenase-deficient animals. These results suggest caution in the indiscriminate use of anti-inflammatory drugs during infectious diseases.
Molecular Signatures in the Prevention of Radiation Damage by the Synergistic Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine and Qingre Liyan Decoction, a Traditional Chinese Medicine, Using a 3-Dimensional Cell Culture Model of Oral Mucositis
Authors: Lambros Maria P. , Kondapalli Lavanya , Parsa Cyrus , Mulamalla Hari Chandana , Orlando Robert , Pon Doreen , Huang Ying , Chow Moses S. S.
Published: January 2015

Qingre Liyan decoction (QYD), a Traditional Chinese medicine, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) have been used to prevent radiation induced mucositis. This work evaluates the protective mechanisms of QYD, NAC, and their combination (NAC-QYD) at the cellular and transcriptional level. A validated organotypic model of oral mucosal consisting of a three-dimensional (3D) cell tissue-culture of primary human keratinocytes exposed to X-ray irradiation was used. Six hours after the irradiation, the tissues were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and a TUNEL assay to assess histopathology and apoptosis, respectively. Total RNA was extracted and used for microarray gene expression profiling. The tissue-cultures treated with NAC-QYD preserved their integrity and showed no apoptosis. Microarray results revealed that the NAC-QYD caused the upregulation of genes encoding metallothioneins,HMOX1, and other components of the Nrf2 pathway, which protects against oxidative stress. DNA repair genes (XCP,GADD45G,RAD9, andXRCC1), protective genes (EGFRandPPARD), and genes of the NFκB pathway were upregulated. Finally, tissue-cultures treated prophylactically with NAC-QYD showed significant downregulation of apoptosis, cytokines and chemokines genes, and constrained damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). NAC-QYD treatment involves the protective effect of Nrf2, NFκB, and DNA repair factors.
Millimeter Wave Treatment Inhibits Apoptosis of Chondrocytes via Regulation Dynamic Equilibrium of Intracellular Free Ca2+
Authors: Ye Jinxia , Wu Guangwen , Li Xihai , Li Zuanfang , Zheng Chunsong , Liu Xianxiang , Ye Hongzhi
Published: January 2015

The molecular mechanisms of TNF-α-induced apoptosis of chondrocyte and the role of Ca2+mediating the effects of MW on TNF-α-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying inhibiting TNF-α-induced chondrocytes apoptosis of MW. MTT assay, DAPI, and flow cytometry demonstrated that MW significantly increased cell activity and inhibited chromatin condensation accompanying the loss of plasma membrane asymmetry and the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results also indicated that MW reduced the elevation of [Ca2+]iin chondrocytes by LSCM. Moreover, MW suppressed the protein levels of calpain, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase-3, while the expressions of Bcl-2, collagen II, and aggrecan were increased. Our evidences indicated that MW treatment inhibited the apoptosis of chondrocytes through depression of [Ca2+]i. It also inhibited calpain activation, which mediated Bax cleavage and cytochrome c release and initiated the apoptotic execution phase. In addition, MW treatment increased the expression of collagen II and aggrecan of chondrocytes.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Kidney and Its Prognosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sahoo Tapan Kumar , Das Saroj Kumar , Mishra Chandraprava , Dhal Ipsita , Nayak Rohani , Ali Iftekhar , Panda Debashis , Majumdar Saroj Kumar Das , Parida Dillip Kumar
Published: January 2015

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the renal parenchyma is an extremely rare entity. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis is usually unsuspected due to the rarity and inconclusive clinical and radiological features. Most of the patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and are with poor outcome. Radical nephrectomy is the mainstay of the treatment. We reported a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the kidney in a 50-year-old female who presented with the right sided abdomen pain. The patient was treated with radical nephrectomy.
Synthesis, Characterisation, Crystal Structure, and Antimicrobial and Larvicidal Studies of [Cu(2,2′-bipy)2SO4]·3CH4N2O·2H2O
Authors: Santha Lakshmi Sundaramurthy , Samundeeswari Srinivasan
Published: January 2015

A pentacoordinated mononuclear copper(II) complex, namely, bis(2,2′-bipyridine)sulphatecopper(II) urea trisolvate dihydrate, has been synthesised and characterised by molar conductance and UV-Vis and FTIR spectra. The structure of the complex was unambiguously confirmed by single crystal XRD. The complex crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group C2/c, with the values a = 20.155(4), b = 20.858(4), and c = 14.425(3) Å; α = 90.00°, β = 96.51°, and γ = 90.00°; V = 6025(2) Å3 and Z = 8. The Cu(II) ion is coordinated to four nitrogen atoms of two bidentate 2,2′-bipyridine ligands (bipy) and by one oxygen atom of the sulphate group and displays distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The crystal packing is stabilized by inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The Cu(II) complex was screened for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans. Larvicidal activity of the synthesized copper(II) complex was carried out against larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles subpictus.
Workflow Modelling and Analysis Based on the Construction of Task Models
Authors: Cravo Glória
Published: January 2015

We describe the structure of a workflow as a graph whose vertices represent tasks and the arcs are associated to workflow transitions in this paper. To each task an input/output logic operator is associated. Furthermore, we associate a Boolean term to each transition present in the workflow. We still identify the structure of workflows and describe their dynamism through the construction of new task models. This construction is very simple and intuitive since it is based on the analysis of all tasks present on the workflow that allows us to describe the dynamism of the workflow very easily. So, our approach has the advantage of being very intuitive, which is an important highlight of our work. We also introduce the concept of logical termination of workflows and provide conditions under which this property is valid. Finally, we provide a counter‐example which shows that a conjecture presented in a previous article is false.
Sex-Differences in Renal Expression of Selected Transporters and Transcription Factors in Lean and Obese Zucker Spontaneously Hypertensive Fatty Rats
Authors: Babelova Andrea , Burckhardt Birgitta C. , Wegner Waja , Burckhardt Gerhard , Henjakovic Maja
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to identify sex-dependent expression of renal transporter mRNA in lean and obese Zucker spontaneously hypertensive fatty (ZSF1) rats and to investigate the interaction of the most altered transporter, organic anion transporter 2 (Oat2), with diabetes-relevant metabolites and drugs. Higher incidence of glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and protein casts in Bowman’s space and tubular lumen was detected by PAS staining in obese male compared to female ZSF1 rats. Real-time PCR on RNA isolated from kidney cortex revealed that Sglt1-2, Oat1-3, and Oct1 were higher expressed in kidneys of lean females. Oct2 and Mrp2 were higher expressed in obese males. Renal mRNA levels of transporters were reduced with diabetic nephropathy in females and the expression of transcription factors Hnf1βand Hnf4αin both sexes. The highest difference between lean and obese ZSF1 rats was found for Oat2. Therefore, we have tested the interaction of human OAT2 with various substances using tritium-labeled cGMP. Human OAT2 showed no interaction with diabetes-related metabolites, diabetic drugs, and ACE-inhibitors. However, OAT2-dependent uptake of cGMP was inhibited by furosemide. The strongly decreased expression of Oat2 and other transporters in female diabetic ZSF1 rats could possibly impair renal drug excretion, for example, of furosemide.
Electron Spin Resonance and Atomic Force Microscopy Study on Gadolinium Doped Ceria
Authors: Oliva Cesare , Orsini Francesco , Cappelli Serena , Arosio Paolo , Allieta Mattia , Coduri Mauro , Scavini Marco
Published: January 2015

A combined electron spin resonance (ESR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) study on Ce1−xGdxO2−x/2samples is here presented, aimed at investigating the evolution of the ESR spectral shape as a function ofxin a wide composition range. At lowx=0.02, the spectrum is composed of features atgeff≈2; 2.8; 6. With increasingx, this pattern merges into a singlegeff≈2broad ESR curve, which assumes a Dysonian-shaped profile atx≥0.5, whereas, at thesexvalues, AFM measurements show an increasing surface roughness. It is suggested that the last could cause the formation of surface polaritons at the origin of the particular ESR spectral profile observed at these high Gd doping levels.
Novel Insights on Nutrient Management of Sarcopenia in Elderly
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Faliva Milena , Monteferrario Francesca , Peroni Gabriella , Repaci Erica , Allieri Francesca , Perna Simone
Published: January 2015

Sarcopenia is defined as a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of muscle mass and strength. The more rationale approach to delay the progression of sarcopenia is based on the combination of proper nutrition, possibly associated with the use of dietary supplements and a regular exercise program. We performed a narrative literature review to evaluate the till-now evidence regarding (1) the metabolic and nutritional correlates of sarcopenia; (2) the optimum diet therapy for the treatment of these abnormalities. This review included 67 eligible studies. In addition to the well recognized link between adequate intake of proteins/amino acids and sarcopenia, the recent literature underlines that in sarcopenic elderly subjects there is an unbalance in vitamin D synthesis and in omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio. Given the detrimental effect of these metabolic abnormalities, a change in the lifestyle must be the cornerstone in the treatment of sarcopenia. The optimum diet therapy for the sarcopenia treatment must aim at achieving specific metabolic goals, which must be reached through accession of the elderly to specific personalized dietary program aimed at achieving and/or maintaining muscle mass; increasing their intake of fish (4 times/week) or taking omega-3 PUFA supplements; taking vitamin D supplementation, if there are low serum levels.
Analysis of the Intratumoral Adaptive Immune Response in Well Differentiated and Dedifferentiated Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma
Authors: Tseng William W. , Malu Shruti , Zhang Minying , Chen Jieqing , Sim Geok Choo , Wei Wei , Ingram Davis , Somaiah Neeta , Lev Dina C. , Pollock Raphael E. , Lizée Gregory , Radvanyi Laszlo , Hwu Patrick
Published: January 2015

Treatment options are limited in well differentiated (WD) and dedifferentiated (DD) retroperitoneal liposarcoma. We sought to study the intratumoral adaptive immune response and explore the potential feasibility of immunotherapy in this disease. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were isolated from fresh surgical specimens and analyzed by flow cytometry for surface marker expression. Previously reported immune cell aggregates known as tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) were further characterized by immunohistochemistry. In all fresh tumors, TILs were found. The majority of TILs were CD4 T cells; however cytotoxic CD8 T cells were also seen (average: 20% of CD3 T cells). Among CD8 T cells, 65% expressed the immune checkpoint molecule PD-1. Intratumoral TLS may be sites of antigen presentation as DC-LAMP positive, mature dendritic cells were found juxtaposed next to CD4 T cells. Clinicopathologic correlation, however, demonstrated that presence of TLS was associated with worse recurrence-free survival in WD disease and worse overall survival in DD disease. Our data suggest that an adaptive immune response is present in WD/DD retroperitoneal liposarcoma but may be hindered by TLS, among other possible microenvironmental factors; further investigation is needed. Immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint blockade, should be evaluated as a treatment option in this disease.
A Meta-Analysis of Risky Sexual Behaviour among Male Youth in Developing Countries
Authors: Berhan Yifru , Berhan Asres
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the association between risky sexual behaviour and level of education and economic status in male youth. Previous tests of the association of risky sexual behaviour with levels of education and economic status have yielded inconsistent results. Using data from 26 countries, from both within and outside Africa, we performed a meta-analysis with a specific focus on male youths’ risky sexual behaviour. We applied a random effects analytic model and calculated a pooled odds ratio. Out of 19,148 males aged 15–24 years who reported having sexual intercourse in the 12 months preceding the survey, 75% engaged in higher-risk sex. The proportion of higher-risk sex among male youth aged 15–19 years was nearly 90% in 21 of the 26 countries. The pooled odds ratio showed a statistically significant association of higher-risk sex with male youth younger than 20 years, living in urban centers, well educated, and of a high economic status. The overall proportion of condom use during youths’ most recent higher-risk sexual encounter was 40% and 51% among 15–19-year-olds and 20–24-year-olds, respectively. Our findings suggest that male youth’s socioeconomic status is directly related to the likelihood that they practice higher-risk sex. The relationship between income and sexual behaviour should be explored further.
Effects of Green Tea Extracts on the Pharmacokinetics of Quetiapine in Rats
Authors: Ezzeldin Essam , Asiri Yousif A. , Iqbal Muzaffar
Published: January 2015

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic, used clinically in the treatment of schizophrenia, acute mania in bipolar disorders, and bipolar depression in adults. In this study, the effect of green tea extracts (GTE) on the pharmacokinetics of quetiapine (substrate of CYP3A4) was investigated in rats. Male Wistar albino rats received GTE (175 mg/kg) or saline (control) by oral gavage for 7 days before a single intragastric administration of 25 mg/kg quetiapine. Plasma concentrations of quetiapine were measured up to 12 h after its administration by a validated ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy. Pretreatment with GTE produced significant reductions in the maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve of quetiapine by 45% and 35%, respectively, compared to quetiapine alone. However, GTE did not produce significant change in elimination half-life and oral clearance of quetiapine. This study concluded that GTE may decrease the bioavailability of quetiapine when coadministered.
A Feasibility Study into the Use of Three-Dimensional Printer Modelling in Acetabular Fracture Surgery
Authors: Yu A. W. , Duncan J. M. , Daurka J. S. , Lewis A. , Cobb J.
Published: January 2015

There are a number of challenges associated with the operative treatment of acetabular fractures. The approach used is often extensive, while operative time and perioperative blood loss can also be significant. With the proliferation of 3D printer technology, we present a fast and economical way to aid the operative planning of complex fractures. We used augmented stereoscopic 3D CT reconstructions to allow for an appreciation of the normal 3D anatomy of the pelvis on the fractured side and to use the models for subsequent intraoperative contouring of pelvic reconstruction plates. This leads to a reduction in the associated soft tissue trauma, reduced intraoperative time and blood loss, minimal handling of the plate, and reduced fluoroscopic screening times. We feel that the use of this technology to customize implants, plates, and the operative procedure to a patient’s unique anatomy can only lead to improved outcomes.
An Investigation of Abrasive Water Jet Machining on Graphite/Glass/Epoxy Composite
Authors: Doreswamy Deepak , Shivamurthy Basavanna , Anjaiah Devineni , Sharma N. Yagnesh
Published: January 2015

In the present research work, the effect of abrasive water jet (AWJ) machining parameters such as jet operating pressure, feed rate, standoff distance (SOD), and concentration of abrasive on kerf width produced on graphite filled glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite is investigated. Experiments were conducted based on Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal arrays and the process parameters were optimized to obtain small kerf. The main as well as interaction effects of the process parameters were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression models were developed to predict kerf width. The results show that the operating pressure, the SOD, and the feed rate are found to be significantly affecting the top kerf width and their contribution to kerf width is 24.72%, 12.38%, and 52.16%, respectively. Further, morphological study is made using scanning electron microscope (SEM) on the samples that were machined at optimized process parameters. It was observed that AWJ machined surfaces were free from delamination at optimized process parameters.
Deletion of Ovarian Hormones Induces a Sickness Behavior in Rats Comparable to the Effect of Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Azizi-Malekabadi Hamid , Hosseini Mahmoud , Pourganji Masoume , Zabihi Hoda , Saeedjalali Mohsen , Anaeigoudari Akbar
Published: January 2015

Neuroimmune factors have been proposed as the contributors to the pathogenesis of sickness behaviors. The effects of female gonadal hormones on both neuroinflammation and depression have also been well considered. In the present study, the capability of deletion of ovarian hormones to induce sickness-like behaviors in rats was compared with the effect lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The groups were including Sham, OVX, Sham-LPS, and OVX-LPS. The Sham-LPS and OVX-LPS groups were treated with LPS (250 μg/kg) two hours before conducting the behavioral tests. In the forced swimming (FST), the immobility times in both OVX and Sham-LPS groups were higher than that of Sham (P<0.001). In open-field (OP) test, the central crossing number by OVX and Sham-LPS groups were lower than Sham (P<0.001) while there were no significant differences between OVX-LPS and OVX groups. In elevated plus maze (EPM), the percent of entries to the open arm by both OVX and Sham-LPS groups was lower than that of Sham group (P<0.001). The results of present study showed that deletion of ovarian hormones induced sickness behaviors in rats which were comparable to the effects of LPS. Moreover, further investigations are required in order to better understand the mechanism(s) involved.
Efficient Multidimensional Top-kQuery Processing in Wireless Multihop Networks
Authors: Amagata Daichi , Sasaki Yuya , Hara Takahiro , Nishio Shojiro
Published: January 2015

Top-kqueries, which retrieve thekmost preferable data objects, have been receiving much attention. An emerging challenge is to support efficient top-kquery processing in a wireless distributed network. In this study, we investigated how to process multidimensional top-kqueries efficiently in a wireless multihop network. A major challenge for multidimensional top-kqueries is that answers for different users are typically different, because each user has a unique preference and search range. Meanwhile, it is desirable for wireless networks to reduce unnecessary traffic even if users issue top-kqueries with their own unique preferences. Therefore, we address the above problem and propose a top-kquery processing method in wireless multihop networks, calledClusTo. ClusTo performs a novel clustering scheme for multidimensional top-kquery processing and routes queries based on the cluster while guaranteeing the user’s specified search range. Moreover, ClusTo takes a dynamic threshold approach to suppress unnecessary query transmissions to nodes which do not contribute to top-kdata retrieval. Extensive experiments on both real and synthetic data have demonstrated that ClusTo outperforms existing methods in terms of traffic and delay.
Application of Two-Stage Cultivation for Exploring the Nutritional Requirements for Sporulation of Three Biocontrol Fungi
Authors: Gao Li
Published: January 2015

Fungicide was an important part in mycopesticides, which play an important role in pest management, while their mass production and commercialization faced problem. We found that the nutrition for mycelia growth and sporulation differences a lot. So, we developed “two-step method” to define the nutrition for sporulation in this paper. The results indicated that the novel method led to a great increase of spore yields for Beauveria bassiana (IBC1201), Lecanicillium lecanii (CA-1-G), and Pochonia chlamydosporia (HSY-12-14), respectively, of about 100, 2, and 16 times and, also reduced the cycle of mass production to 1/3 compared with common time for culturing.
Unilateral Optic Neuropathy and Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma following Snake Envenomation
Authors: Olcaysu Osman Okan , Cadirci Kenan , Altun Ahmet , Durur Karakaya Afak , Bayramlar Huseyin
Published: January 2015

Purpose. We aimed to describe a unique case in which a patient developed unilateral optic neuritis and angle-closure glaucoma as a result of snake envenomation.Case Report. Approximately 18 hours after envenomation, a 67-year-old female patient described visual impairment and severe pain in her left eye (LE). The patient’s best corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in the RE and hand motion in the LE. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed signs of neuropathy in the left optic nerve. In the LE, corneal haziness, closure of the iridocorneal angle, and mild mydriasis were observed and pupillary light reflex was absent. Intraocular pressure was 25 mmHg and 57 mmHg in the RE and LE, respectively. The patient was diagnosed with acute angle-closure glaucoma in the LE. Optic neuropathy was treated with intravenous pulse methylprednisolone. Left intraocular pressure was within normal range starting on the fourth day. One month after the incident, there was no sign of optic neuropathy; relative afferent pupillary defect and optic nerve swelling disappeared.Conclusions. Patients with severe headache and visual loss after snake envenomation must be carefully examined for possible optic neuropathy and angle-closure glaucoma. Early diagnosis and treatment of these cases are necessary to prevent permanent damage to optic nerves.
Traditional Chinese Herb Combined with Surgery versus Surgery for Varicocele Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dun Rong-liang , Yao Min , Yang Long , Cui Xue-jun , Mao Jian-min , Peng Yu , Qi Guang-chong
Published: January 2015

Objective. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herb combined with surgery for male varicocele infertility compared to surgery.Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) data of traditional Chinese herbs combined with surgery for male varicocele fertility versus surgery were collected by searching the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Chinese databases. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Handbook. Study outcomes were presented as risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data.Results. Seventeen of 72 potentially relevant trials met the inclusion criteria. The methodological qualities of the RCTs were low. Compared with the surgery group, the traditional Chinese herb combined with surgery group had superiority in pregnancy rate at 3-month (RR=1.76, andP=0.008), 6-month (RR=1.58, andP=0.0005), and 2-year (RR=1.58, andP=0.0005) follow-ups. No RCT was found to describe the side effects.Conclusion. On considering the low methodological quality of RCTs, there was no enough evidence on traditional Chinese herb with surgery for male varicocele infertility, and more high-quality RCTs of large sample sizes are required.
A Method of Calculating Motion Error in a Linear Motion Bearing Stage
Authors: Khim Gyungho , Park Chun Hong , Oh Jeong Seok
Published: January 2015

We report a method of calculating the motion error of a linear motion bearing stage. The transfer function method, which exploits reaction forces of individual bearings, is effective for estimating motion errors; however, it requires the rail‐form errors. This is not suitable for a linear motion bearing stage because obtaining the rail‐form errors is not straightforward. In the method described here, we use the straightness errors of a bearing block to calculate the reaction forces on the bearing block. The reaction forces were compared with those of the transfer function method. Parallelism errors between two rails were considered, and the motion errors of the linear motion bearing stage were measured and compared with the results of the calculations, revealing good agreement.