bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Spinal Arthrodesis: From Preclinical Research to Clinical Scenario
Authors: Salamanna F. , Sartori M. , Brodano G. Barbanti , Griffoni C. , Martini L. , Boriani S. , Fini M.
Published: February 2017

The use of spinal fusion procedures has rapidly augmented over the last decades and although autogenous bone graft is the “gold standard” for these procedures, alternatives to its use have been investigated over many years. A number of emerging strategies as well as tissue engineering with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been planned to enhance spinal fusion rate. This descriptive systematic literature review summarizes the in vivo studies, dealing with the use of MSCs in spinal arthrodesis surgery and the state of the art in clinical applications. The review has yielded promising evidence supporting the use of MSCs as a cell-based therapy in spinal fusion procedures, thus representing a suitable biological approach able to reduce the high cost of osteoinductive factors as well as the high dose needed to induce bone formation. Nevertheless, despite the fact that MSCs therapy is an interesting and important opportunity of research, in this review it was detected that there are still doubts about the optimal cell concentration and delivery method as well as the ideal implantation techniques and the type of scaffolds for cell delivery. Thus, further inquiry is necessary to carefully evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of MSCs use in spine fusion.
From Rural to Urban: Archaeological Research in the Periphery of Huari, Ayacucho Valley, Peru
Authors: Valdez Lidio M. , Valdez J. Ernesto
Published: February 2017

For hundreds upon hundreds of years, humans lived in small settlements where most individuals, if not all, were linked by kinship ties. Many of these villages were occupied for generations and thus their occupants had a strong connection to the place. The villages were politically and economically autonomous, yet they were connected with adjacent villages by means of barter and intermarriage. Within a relatively short period of time, centuries-long occupied small villages were left vacant and replaced by fewer but much larger settlements identified as cities. In contrast to the rural based villages, cities began to house much larger numbers of residents, who not only were unfamiliar with each other but also were mainly concerned with their own well-being. Recent archaeological research carried out in the immediate periphery of Huari provides crucial information that indicates that the growth of Huari paralleled the abandonment of rural villages apparently in the midst of increasing conflict. The rural settlement of Huaqanmarka was occupied for several centuries, yet it was abandoned within a short period of time simultaneously with the desertion of other adjacent settlements.
Synergy of Genetic Algorithm with Extensive Neighborhood Search for the Permutation Flowshop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Chen Rong-Chang , Chen Jeanne , Chen Tung-Shou , Huang Chien-Che , Chen Li-Chiu
Published: February 2017

The permutation flowshop scheduling problem (PFSP) is an important issue in the manufacturing industry. The objective of this study is to minimize the total completion time of scheduling for minimum makespan. Although the hybrid genetic algorithms are popular for resolving PFSP, their local search methods were compromised by the local optimum which has poorer solutions. This study proposed a new hybrid genetic algorithm for PFSP which makes use of the extensive neighborhood search method. For evaluating the performance, results of this study were compared against other state‐of‐the‐art hybrid genetic algorithms. The comparisons showed that the proposed algorithm outperformed the other algorithms. A significant 50% test instances achieved the known optimal solutions. The proposed algorithm is simple and easy to implement. It can be extended easily to apply to similar combinatorial optimization problems.
A Parameter Perturbation Homotopy Continuation Method for Solving Fixed Point Problems with Both Inequality and Equality Constraints
Authors: Su Menglong , Shang Yufeng , Zhu Wenzhuang
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we propose a parameter perturbation homotopy continuation method for solving fixed point problems on more general nonconvex sets with both inequality and equality constraints. By adopting appropriate techniques, we make the initial points not certainly in the set consisting of the equality constraints. This point can improve the computational efficiency greatly when the equality constraints are complex. In addition, we also weaken the assumptions of the previous results in the literature so that the method proposed in this paper can be applied to solve fixed point problems in more general nonconvex sets. Under suitable conditions, we obtain the global convergence of this homotopy continuation method. Moreover, we provide several numerical examples to illustrate the results of this paper.
Research on Control Method of Keeping Flight Formation by Using SDRE on the Sun-Earth Libration Points
Authors: Zhenqi He , Ke Zhang , Meibai Lv
Published: February 2017

Keeping the flying formation of spacecraft is a key problem which needs to be solved in deep space exploration missions. In this paper, the nonlinear dynamic model of formation flying is established and a series of transformations are carried out on this model equation. By using SDRE (State-Dependent Riccati Equation) algorithm, the optimal control of flying formation is realized. Compared with the traditional control method based on the average orbit elements and LQR (Linear Quadratic Regulator) control method, the SDRE control method has higher control precision and is more suitable for the advantages of continuous control in practical engineering. Finally, the parameter values of the sun-earth libration point L2 are substituted in the equation and simulation is performed. The simulation curves of SDRE controller are compared with LQR controller. The results show that the SDRE controllers time cost is less than the LQR controllers and the former’s fuel consumption is less than the latter’s in the system transition process.
Bisphenol A Is More Potent than Phthalate Metabolites in Reducing Pancreatic β-Cell Function
Authors: Weldingh Nina Mickelson , Jørgensen-Kaur Lena , Becher Rune , Holme Jørn A. , Bodin Johanna , Nygaard Unni C. , Bølling Anette Kocbach
Published: February 2017

Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are common environmental contaminants that have been proposed to influence incidence and development of types 1 and 2 diabetes. Thus, effects of BPA and three phthalate metabolites (monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP)) were studied in the pancreatic β-cell line INS-1E, after 2–72 h of exposure to 5–500 μM. Three endpoints relevant to accelerated development of types 1 or 2 diabetes were investigated: β-cell viability, glucose-induced insulin secretion, and β-cell susceptibility to cytokine-induced cell death. BPA and the phthalate metabolites reduced cellular viability after 72 h of exposure, with BPA as the most potent chemical. Moreover, BPA, MEHP, and MnBP increased insulin secretion after 2 h of simultaneous exposure to chemicals and glucose, with potency BPA > MEHP > MnBP. Longer chemical exposures (24–72 h) showed no consistent effects on glucose-induced insulin secretion, and none of the environmental chemicals affected susceptibility to cytokine-induced cell death. Overall, BPA was more potent than the investigated phthalate metabolites in affecting insulin secretion and viability in the INS-1E pancreatic β-cells. In contrast to recent literature, concentrations with relevance to human exposures (1–500 nM) did not affect the investigated endpoints, suggesting that this experimental model displayed relatively low sensitivity to environmental chemical exposure.
Ranking Support Vector Machine with Kernel Approximation
Authors: Chen Kai , Li Rongchun , Dou Yong , Liang Zhengfa , Lv Qi
Published: February 2017

Learning to rank algorithm has become important in recent years due to its successful application in information retrieval, recommender system, and computational biology, and so forth. Ranking support vector machine (RankSVM) is one of the state-of-art ranking models and has been favorably used. Nonlinear RankSVM (RankSVM with nonlinear kernels) can give higher accuracy than linear RankSVM (RankSVM with a linear kernel) for complex nonlinear ranking problem. However, the learning methods for nonlinear RankSVM are still time-consuming because of the calculation of kernel matrix. In this paper, we propose a fast ranking algorithm based on kernel approximation to avoid computing the kernel matrix. We explore two types of kernel approximation methods, namely, the Nyström method and random Fourier features. Primal truncated Newton method is used to optimize the pairwise L2-loss (squared Hinge-loss) objective function of the ranking model after the nonlinear kernel approximation. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method gets a much faster training speed than kernel RankSVM and achieves comparable or better performance over state-of-the-art ranking algorithms.
Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell Devices Prepared with Composites of Conjugated Polymer and Zinc Oxide Nanorods
Authors: Truong Nguyen Tam Nguyen , Nguyen Hoa , Le Phuc Huu Tran , Park Chinho , Jung Jae Hak
Published: February 2017

ZnO nanorods (Nrods) with ~20–50 nm lengths were synthesized using an aqueous solution of zinc acetate and glacial acetic acid. Bulk heterojunction solar cells were fabricated with the structure of indium tin oxide (ITO)/polyethylenedioxythiophene doped with polystyrene-sulfonic acid (PEDOT:PSS)/ZnO-Nrods + polymer/electron transport layer (ETL)/Al. Current density-voltage characterization of the resulting cells showed that, by adding an ETL and using polymers with a low band gap energy, the photoactive layer surface morphology and the device performance can be dramatically improved.
A Review of mTOR Pathway Inhibitors in Gynecologic Cancer
Authors: de Melo Andréia Cristina , Paulino Eduardo , Garces Álvaro Henrique Ingles
Published: February 2017

The treatment of advanced gynecologic cancers remains palliative in most of cases. Although systemic treatment has entered into the era of targeted drugs the antitumor efficacies of current therapies are still limited. In this context there is a great need for more active treatment and rationally designed targeted therapies. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR is a signaling pathway in mammal cells that coordinates important cell activities. It has a critical function in the survival, growth, and proliferation of malignant cells and was object of important research in the last two decades. The mTOR pathway emerges as an attractive therapeutic target in cancer because it serves as a convergence point for many growth stimuli and, through its downstream substrates, controls cellular processes that contribute to the initiation and maintenance of cancer. Aberrant PI3K‐dependent signaling occurs frequently in a wide range of tumor types, including endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancers. The present study reviewed the available evidence regarding the potential impact of some mTOR pathway inhibitors in the treatment of gynecological cancer. Few advances in medical management have occurred in recent years in the treatment of advanced or recurrent gynecological malignancies, and a poor prognosis remains. Rationally designed molecularly targeted therapy is an emerging and important option in this setting; then more investigation in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway‐targeted therapies is warranted.
Acute Vision Loss Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Byrd Serena , Hussaini Adnan S. , Antisdel Jastin
Published: February 2017

A 41-year-old female with a history of uterine cancer and Celiac and Raynaud’s Disease presented to our institution with frequent migraines and nasal congestion. She underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and experienced acute unilateral vision loss postoperatively. Rapid recognition of the etiology and effective treatment are paramount given the permanent and irreversible vision loss that can result. Arterial vasospasm following FESS is rare. Patients with autoimmune diseases have perhaps an increased risk for vasospasm secondary to an increased vasoreactive profile. We present the first documented case of nitroglycerin sublingual therapy to successfully treat ophthalmic artery vasospasm following FESS. Nitroglycerin sublingual therapy is a promising treatment for ophthalmic vasospasm secondary to its ability to cross the blood-ocular barrier, its rapid onset of action, and its ability to promote relaxation of vascular smooth muscle.
Characterization of the Resistance and Force of a Carbon Nanotube/Metal Side Contact by Nanomanipulation
Authors: Yu Ning , Nakajima Masahiro , Shi Qing , Yang Zhan , Wang Huaping , Sun Lining , Huang Qiang , Fukuda Toshio
Published: February 2017

A high contact resistance restricts the application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in fabrication of field-effect transistors (FETs). Thus, it is important to decrease the contact resistance and investigate the critical influence factors such as the contact length and contact force. This study uses nanomanipulation to characterize both the resistance and the force at a CNT/Au side-contact interface inside a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two-terminal CNT manipulation methods, and models for calculating the resistance and force at contact area, are proposed to guide the measurement experiments of a total resistance and a cantilever’s elastic deformation. The experimental results suggest that the contact resistance of CNT/Au interface is large (189.5 kΩ) when the van der Waals force (282.1 nN) dominates the contact force at the interface. Electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID) is then carried out to decrease the contact resistance. After depositing seven EBID points, the resistance is decreased to 7.5 kΩ, and the force increases to 1339.8 nN at least. The resistance and force at the contact area where CNT was fixed exhibit a negative exponential correlation before and after EBID. The good agreement of this correlation with previous reports validates the proposed robotic system and methods for characterizing the contact resistance and force.
Methane at the NW of Weddell Sea, Antarctica
Authors: del Valle R. A. , Yermolin E. , Chiarandini J. , Sanchez Granel A. , Lusky J. C.
Published: February 2017

The presence of gaseous hydrocarbons (from methane to n-pentane) in the seabed sediments and the bubbling of methane may suggest the presence of gas accumulations in the substrate of the NW Weddell Sea, Antarctica. The release of methane from the frozen ocean substrate adjacent to Seymour Island would be linked to climate instability during Late Cenozoic, when vast areas of the Antarctic continental shelf were flooded during the marine transgression that occurred c. 18,000 years ago, after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). As the ice melted, the sea again occupied the regions which it had abandoned. As the transgression was relatively rapid, the sub-air relief was not destroyed but was submerged and the ground had frozen (permafrost) along with it. Thus, the heat flow from the sea to the marine substrate, now flooded, would have destabilized frozen gas accumulations, which were originally formed into terrestrial permafrost during the LGM, similarly to what would have happened in the Arctic.
A Single Image Deblurring Algorithm for Nonuniform Motion Blur Using Uniform Defocus Map Estimation
Authors: Chang Chia-Feng , Wu Jiunn-Lin , Tsai Ting-Yu
Published: February 2017

One of the most common artifacts in digital photography is motion blur. When capturing an image under dim light by using a handheld camera, the tendency of the photographer’s hand to shake causes the image to blur. In response to this problem, image deblurring has become an active topic in computational photography and image processing in recent years. From the view of signal processing, image deblurring can be reduced to a deconvolution problem if the kernel function of the motion blur is assumed to be shift invariant. However, the kernel function is not always shift invariant in real cases; for example, in‐plane rotation of a camera or a moving object can blur different parts of an image according to different kernel functions. An image that is degraded by multiple blur kernels is called a nonuniform blur image. In this paper, we propose a novel single image deblurring algorithm for nonuniform motion blur images that is blurred by moving object. First, a proposed uniform defocus map method is presented for measurement of the amounts and directions of motion blur. These blurred regions are then used to estimate point spread functions simultaneously. Finally, a fast deconvolution algorithm is used to restore the nonuniform blur image. We expect that the proposed method can achieve satisfactory deblurring of a single nonuniform blur image.
Iridoid Glycosides Fraction Isolated from Veronica ciliata Fisch. Protects against Acetaminophen‐Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Tan Shancai , Lu Qiuxia , Shu Yueyue , Sun Yiran , Chen Fang , Tang Lin
Published: February 2017

Veronica ciliata Fisch. has traditionally been used in Tibetan medicine for the treatment of hepatitis, cholecystitis, rheumatism, and urticaria. We analyzed the chemical composition of the iridoid glycosides fraction (IGF) isolated from V. ciliata and evaluated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. The IGF was separated by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) and the main compounds were identified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array. We determined the in vitro antioxidant ability of the IGF through radical scavenging assays and assessed the in vivo hepatoprotective potential in an acetaminophen‐ (APAP‐) induced acute liver injury murine model. The IGF was separated by HSCCC and three major iridoid glycosides (verproside, catalposide, and amphicoside) were identified as potent antioxidants and hepatoprotective compounds. Treatment with the IGF significantly suppressed the APAP‐induced elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α); improved serum total antioxidant capacity; decreased malondialdehyde formation; elevated superoxide dismutase and glutathione activity; and decreased expression of proinflammatory factors (TNF‐α, nuclear factor kappa B) in the liver. Finally, we examined the histopathology of resected livers for evidence of hepatoprotection. The protection conferred by the IGF may be related to the reinforcement of antioxidant defense systems.
An Experiment and Detection Scheme for Cavity-Based Light Cold Dark Matter Particle Searches
Authors: Bukhari Masroor H. S. , Shah Zahoor H.
Published: February 2017

A resonance detection scheme and some useful ideas for cavity-based searches of light cold dark matter particles (such as axions) are presented, as an effort to aid in the on-going endeavors in this direction as well as for future experiments, especially in possibly developing a table-top experiment. The scheme is based on our idea of a resonant detector, incorporating an integrated tunnel diode (TD) and GaAs HEMT/HFET (High-Electron Mobility Transistor/Heterogeneous FET) transistor amplifier, weakly coupled to a cavity in a strong transverse magnetic field. The TD-amplifier combination is suggested as a sensitive and simple technique to facilitate resonance detection within the cavity while maintaining excellent noise performance, whereas our proposed Halbach magnet array could serve as a low-noise and permanent solution replacing the conventional electromagnets scheme. We present some preliminary test results which demonstrate resonance detection from simulated test signals in a small optimal axion mass range with superior signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Our suggested design also contains an overview of a simpler on-resonance dc signal read-out scheme replacing the complicated heterodyne read-out. We believe that all these factors and our propositions could possibly improve or at least simplify the resonance detection and read-out in cavity-based DM particle detection searches (and other spectroscopy applications) and reduce the complications (and associated costs), in addition to reducing the electromagnetic interference and background.
Performance Evaluation of Pedestrian Locations Based on Contemporary Smartphones
Authors: Al-Azizi Jalal Ibrahim , Shafri Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd
Published: February 2017

Nowadays, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) unit is embedded in nearly every smartphone. This unit allows a smartphone to detect the user’s location and motion, and it makes functions, such as navigation, tracking, and compass applications, available to the user. Therefore, the GNSS unit has become one of the most important features in modern smartphones. However, because most smartphones incorporate relatively low-cost GNSS chips, their localization accuracy varies depending on the number of accessible GNSS satellites, and it is highly dependent on environmental factors that cause interference such as forests and buildings. This research evaluated the performance of the GNSS units inside two different models of smartphones in determining pedestrian locations in different environments. The results indicate that the overall performances of the two devices were related directly to the environment, type of smartphone/GNSS chipset, and the application used to collect the information.
Mechanical and Failure Criteria of Air-Entrained Concrete under Triaxial Compression Load after Rapid Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Authors: Cui Feng-kun , Shang Huai-shuai , Zhao Tie-jun , Fan Guo-xi , Ren Guo-sheng
Published: February 2017

The experiment study on the air-entrained concrete of 100 mm cubes under triaxial compression with different intermediate stress ratioα2=σ2D : σ3Dwas carried out using a hydraulic-servo testing system. The influence of rapid freeze-thaw cycles and intermediate stress ratio on the triaxial compressive strengthσ3Dwas analyzed according to the experimental results, respectively. The experimental results of air-entrained concrete obtained from the study in this paper and the triaxial compression experimental results of plain concrete got through the same triaxial-testing-system were compared and analyzed. The conclusion was that the triaxial compressive strength is greater than the biaxial and uniaxial compressive strength after the same rapid freeze-thaw cycles, and the increased percentage of triaxial compressive strength over biaxial compressive strength or uniaxial compressive strength is dependent on the middle stress. The experimental data is useful for precise analysis of concrete member or concrete structure under the action complex stress state.
Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury following Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Critical Issue for Clinicians and Forensic Pathologists
Authors: Neri Margherita , Riezzo Irene , Pascale Natascha , Pomara Cristoforo , Turillazzi Emanuela
Published: February 2017

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Reperfusion strategies are the current standard therapy for AMI. However, they may result in paradoxical cardiomyocyte dysfunction, known as ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI). Different forms of IRI are recognized, of which only the first two are reversible: reperfusion-induced arrhythmias, myocardial stunning, microvascular obstruction, and lethal myocardial reperfusion injury. Sudden death is the most common pattern for ischemia-induced lethal ventricular arrhythmias during AMI. The exact mechanisms of IRI are not fully known. Molecular, cellular, and tissue alterations such as cell death, inflammation, neurohumoral activation, and oxidative stress are considered to be of paramount importance in IRI. However, comprehension of the exact pathophysiological mechanisms remains a challenge for clinicians. Furthermore, myocardial IRI is a critical issue also for forensic pathologists since sudden death may occur despite timely reperfusion following AMI, that is one of the most frequently litigated areas of cardiology practice. In this paper we explore the literature regarding the pathophysiology of myocardial IRI, focusing on the possible role of the calpain system, oxidative-nitrosative stress, and matrix metalloproteinases and aiming to foster knowledge of IRI pathophysiology also in terms of medicolegal understanding of sudden deaths following AMI.
Beyond Cellular Green Generation: Potential and Challenges of the Network Separation
Authors: Filippini Ilario , Redondi Alessandro Enrico Cesare , Capone Antonio
Published: February 2017

This article introduces the ideas investigated in the BCG2 project of the GreenTouch consortium. The basic concept is to separate signaling and data in the wireless access network. Transmitting the signaling information separately maintains coverage even when the whole data network is adapted to the current load situation. Such network-wide adaptation can power down base stations when no data transmission is needed and, thus, promises a tremendous increase in energy efficiency. We highlight the advantages of the separation approach and discuss technical challenges opening new research directions. Moreover, we propose two analytical models to assess the potential energy efficiency improvement of the BCG2 approach.
A Review on the Progress of Ion-Engineered Water Flooding
Authors: Kilybay Alibi , Ghosh Bisweswar , Chacko Thomas Nithin
Published: February 2017

In the oil and gas industry, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) plays a major role to meet the global requirement for energy. Many types of EOR are being applied depending on the formations, fluid types, and the condition of the field. One of the latest and promising EOR techniques is application of ion-engineered water, also known as low salinity or smart water flooding. This EOR technique has been studied by researchers for different types of rocks. The mechanisms behind ion-engineered water flooding have not been confirmed yet, but there are many proposed mechanisms. Most of the authors believe that the main mechanism behind smart water flooding is the wettability alteration. However, other proposed mechanisms are interfacial tension (IFT) reduction between oil and injected brine, rock dissolution, and electrical double layer expansion. Theoretically, all the mechanisms have an effect on the oil recovery. There are some evidences of success of smart water injection on the field scale. Chemical reactions that happen with injection of smart water are different in sandstone and carbonate reservoirs. It is important to understand how these mechanisms work. In this review paper, the possible mechanisms behind smart water injection into the carbonate reservoir with brief history are discussed.
Data Analytics Based Dual‐Optimized Adaptive Model Predictive Control for the Power Plant Boiler
Authors: Tang Zhenhao , Zhang Haiyang , Che Ping , Cao Shengxian , Zhao Zhiyong
Published: February 2017

To control the furnace temperature of a power plant boiler precisely, a dual‐optimized adaptive model predictive control (DoAMPC) method is designed based on the data analytics. In the proposed DoAMPC, an accurate predictive model is constructed adaptively by the hybrid algorithm of the least squares support vector machine and differential evolution method. Then, an optimization problem is constructed based on the predictive model and many constraint conditions. To control the boiler furnace temperature, the differential evolution method is utilized to decide the control variables by solving the optimization problem. The proposed method can adapt to the time‐varying situation by updating the sample data. The experimental results based on practical data illustrate that the DoAMPC can control the boiler furnace temperature with errors of less than 1.5% which can meet the requirements of the real production process.
Influence of Synbiotics on Selected Oxidative Stress Parameters
Authors: Kleniewska Paulina , Pawliczak Rafał
Published: February 2017

The aim of the present study was to assess synbiotic (Lactobacillus casei + inulin) influence on oxidative stress parameters such as concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), glutathione, and free sulfhydryl groups content. Experiments were carried out on healthy volunteers (n = 32). The subjects were divided into women group (n = 16) and men group (n = 16) and randomly assigned to synbiotic and control groups. Blood samples were collected before synbiotic supplementation and after 7 wks, at the end of the study. The administration of synbiotic resulted in a significant decrease in MDA (p < 0.01), H2O2 (p < 0.01), and GSSG concentrations (p < 0.05) as compared with the control groups and significant increase in the concentrations of GSHt (p < 0.001), GSH (p < 0.01), and ‐SH group content (p < 0.05) versus control. Synbiotics containing L. casei plus inulin may have positive influence on selected oxidative stress markers.
Aspects of Carbon Monoxide in Form of CO‐Releasing Molecules Used in Cancer Treatment: More Light on the Way
Authors: Kourti Malamati , Jiang Wen G. , Cai Jun
Published: February 2017

Carbon monoxide (CO) has always been recognised as a toxic gas, due to its higher affinity for haemoglobin than oxygen. However, biological studies have revealed an intriguing role for CO as an endogenous signalling molecule, a gasotransmitter. CO is demonstrated to exert many cellular activities including anti‐inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antiproliferative activities. In animal studies, CO gas administration can prevent tissues from hypoxia or ischemic‐reperfusion injury. As a result, there are a plethora of reports dealing with the biological applications of CO and CO‐releasing molecules (CORMs) in inflammatory and vascular diseases. CORMs have already been tested as a therapeutic agent in clinical trials. More recently, an increased interest has been drawn to CO’s potential use as an anticancer agent. In this review, we will aim to give an overview of the research focused on the role of CO and CORMs in different types of cancer and expand to the recent development of the next generation CORMs for clinical application in cancer treatment.
Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles Coated with PEG/PEI for Biomedical Applications: A Facile and Scalable Preparation Route Based on the Cathodic Electrochemical Deposition Method
Authors: Karimzadeh Isa , Aghazadeh Mustafa , Doroudi Taher , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Kolivand Peir Hossein
Published: February 2017

Cathodic electrochemical deposition (CED) is introduced as an efficient and effective method for synthesis and surface coating of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). In this way, bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles were electrosynthesized through CED method from aqueous solution Fe3+ : Fe2+ chloride (molar ratio of 2 : 1). In the next step, the surface of NPs was coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) during the CED procedure, and PEG/PEI coated SPIONs were obtained. The prepared NPs were evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The pure magnetite phase and nanosize (about 15 nm) of the prepared NPs were confirmed by XRD and FE-SEM. The presence of two coats (i.e., PEG and PEI) on the surface of electrosynthesized NPs was proved via FTIR results. The percentage of polymer coat (37.5%) on the NPs surface was provided by TGA analysis. The high magnetization value, negligible coercivity, and remanence measured by VSM indicate the superparamagnetic nature of both prepared NPs. The obtained results confirmed that the prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles have suitable physicochemical and magnetic properties for biomedical applications.
Role Performance of Community Health Volunteers and Its Associated Factors in Kuching District, Sarawak
Authors: Chung Melvin Hsien Liang , Hazmi Helmy , Cheah Whye Lian
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was to assess the role performance among KOSPEN community health volunteer in Kuching district and its associated factors. This was a cross-sectional study, conducted in 21 localities in Kuching with a total of 210 respondents. Data were collected using validated interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The respondents comprised 55.2% females, 81.9% married, and 41.4% aged above 45 and above and 72.4% completed their education up to secondary school. The result revealed that 59.0% of the respondents agreed and understood their role performances. Multiple Logistics analysis revealed that factors associated with role performance were age group (p=0.003), education level (p<0.001), marital status (p=0.025), prestige and respect (p=0.012), being seen as “doctor” in community (p=0.003), job aids (p=0.009), training location (p=0.001), and supervision by community (p<0.001). To increase and maintain the work performance of CHVs, commitment from the government, policy makers, stakeholders, and the communities is required.
Piezoelectric Energy Generation from Vehicle Traffic with Technoeconomic Analysis
Authors: Najini Hiba , Muthukumaraswamy Senthil Arumugam
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a technical simulation based system to support the concept of generating energy from road traffic using piezoelectric materials. The simulation based system design replicates a real life system implementation. It investigates practicality and feasibility using a real-time simulation platform known as MATLAB-Simulink. The system design structure was proposed considering factors involved with the field of material sciences for piezoelectric generator modeling and field of power electronics for additional components in producing a realist outcome. It also ensures ease of vehicle performance, as this system utilizes energy source derived as kinetic energy released from vehicles into electrical power output, that is, obtained by harnessing kinetic energy due to strain of vehicles over asphalt road surface. Due to the real-time simulation platform, the system simulation predicts the effective global carbon footprint. In addition to evaluating technical viability, a technoeconomical business analysis provides a strategic perspective. By using the simulation based power generation results, an estimation of implementation cost and payback time in real life (for United Arab Emirates) was derived, hence validating and predicting real-time economic outcome. This is followed by a comparative study with other sources of renewable energy based on levelized energy cost factor that justifies the performance of the proposed system over other renewable energy sources, in support of providing an economical solution on reducing global carbon footprint.
Successful Treatment of a Bullous Pemphigoid Patient with Rituximab Who Was Refractory to Corticosteroid and Omalizumab Treatments
Authors: Bilgiç Temel Aslı , Bassorgun Cumhur Ibrahim , Akman-Karakaş Ayşe , Alpsoy Erkan , Uzun Soner
Published: February 2017

Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody which is an FDA-approved treatment of severe allergic asthma and inhibits IgE binding to FcεRI. According to increasing evidence of IgE inhibition, omalizumab was suggested as a therapeutic approach for bullous pemphigoid (BP). Rituximab has been reported to be effective in various autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune bullous dermatoses. A specific protocol for the use of rituximab to treat BP patients is not yet available. There are only small case series and case reports about the efficacy and safety of rituximab in BP. Here we present a young BP patient who responded well to rituximab therapy and was refractory to conventional and omalizumab therapies although he had elevated IgE levels and eosinophilia. Our case supports the knowledge about the effectiveness and safety of rituximab not only in pemphigus but also in BP. On the other hand, although it did not work in our case, omalizumab may be a potentially effective agent in some carefully selected patients with certain subtypes of BP.
The Dialysis Sodium Gradient: A Modifiable Risk Factor for Fluid Overload
Authors: Trinh Emilie , Weber Catherine
Published: February 2017

Background: Fluid overload in patients on conventional hemodialysis is a frequent complication, associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The dialysate sodium prescription is a potential modifiable risk factor. Our primary objective was to describe associations between dialysate-to-serum sodium gradient and parameters of fluid status. A secondary objective was to evaluate the 6-month risk of hospitalization and mortality in relation to sodium gradient. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 110 prevalent conventional hemodialysis patients at a single center. The associations of sodium gradient with interdialytic weight gain index (IDWG%), ultrafiltration (UF) rate, and blood pressure (BP) were analyzed. Results: The mean serum sodium gradient was 4.6 ± 3.6 mEq/L. There was a direct correlation between sodium gradient and IDWG% (r = 0.48, p < 0.01) as well as UF rate (r = 0.44, p < 0.01). In a logistic regression model, a 1 mEq/L higher sodium gradient was associated with increased risk of IDWG% >3% (OR 1.33, p < 0.01) and increased risk of UF rate >10 mL/kg/h (OR 1.16, p = 0.03), but there were no associations with intradialytic hypotension, intradialytic hypertension or BP. No significant differences were found with 6-month hospitalization or mortality risk in relation to sodium gradient. Conclusion: A higher sodium gradient was associated with significant increases in IDWG and UF rates, known to be associated with poor outcomes, but was not associated with intradialytic hypotension. Individualizing the dialysate sodium prescription to minimize sodium gap may lead to less fluid overload in conventional hemodialysis patients.
Oligometastatic Disease in the Peritoneal Space with Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Rau Beate , Brandl Andreas , Pascher Andreas , Raue Wieland , Sugarbaker Paul
Published: February 2017

Objectives: Treatment options for patients with gastrointestinal cancer and oligometastastic disease remain the domain of the medical oncologist. However, in selected cases, attempts to remove or destroy the tumor burden seem appropriate. Background Data: During the last decade, the treatment of localized and isolated tumor nodules, such as lung, liver or peritoneal metastasis, has changed. Previously, these patients with metastatic disease only received palliative chemotherapy. Combined treatment approaches and new techniques demonstrate that additional surgery to destroy or remove the metastases seem to be of major benefit to patients. Methods: The recently published important literature regarding peritoneal metastases and oligometastases in gastrointestinal cancer was analyzed. Results: The most important factor in the treatment of peritoneal metastases and in cytoreductive surgery is patient selection. Resection of peritoneal metastases should be considered. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is feasible. However, further results of randomized trials are necessary. Several randomized trials are on the way and will be available in 1-2 years. Systemic chemotherapy alone as an adequate management plan for all sites of metastatic disease is not compatible with a high standard of care. Formulating an optimal plan combining re-operative surgery with regional plus systemic chemotherapy is a necessary task of the multidisciplinary team. Conclusions: In oligometastastic disease of gastrointestinal cancer origin, the selection process is the most important factor for survival. Further studies are needed to determine optimal treatment options.
Underlying Mechanisms for Distant Metastasis - Molecular Biology
Authors: Pachmayr Eva , Treese Christoph , Stein Ulrike
Published: February 2017

Background: The formation of distant metastases constitutes a complex process with a variety of different genes and pathways involved. To improve patient survival, it is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms of metastasis to allow for targeted intervention. Methods: This review provides an overview of the general concepts of metastasis, focusing on the most important genes and pathways involved and on interventional strategies. Results: Cancer cells undergo different steps to form metastasis: most prominently, local invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, arrest at a distant organ site and extravasation, micrometastasis formation, and metastatic colonization. In order to pass these steps, different molecular pathways are of major importance: EGF/RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, HGF/Met, Wnt/β-catenin, and VEGF signaling. The HGF/Met regulator MACC1 and the Wnt signaling target S100A4 have been shown to play a major role in the metastatic process. Each gene and pathway provides an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Conclusion: Since metastasis represents a highly limiting factor in cancer therapy causing 90% of cancer deaths, it is imperative to reveal the underlying mechanisms. This is fundamental for uncovering prognostic markers and new targeted therapy options.
Dysregulation of the Expression of Asparagine-Linked Glycosylation 13 Short Isoform 2 Affects Nephrin Function by Altering Its N-Linked Glycosylation
Authors: Esposito Teresa , De Stefano Giovanni , Reccia Mafalda Giovanna , Di Lorenzo Ilaria , Napolitano Filomena , Scalabrì Francesco , Lombardi Alessia , Saleem Moin A. , Griffiths Lyn R. , Gianfrancesco Fernando
Published: February 2017

Background: N-linked glycosylation, which is a post-translational modification process, plays an important role in protein folding, intracellular trafficking and membrane targeting, as well as in regulating the protein function. Recently, we identified a missense variant (p.T141L) in the short isoform 2 of the X-linked gene asparagine-linked glycosylation 13 (ALG13-is2), which segregated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and PCCD in a large Australian pedigree; however, any evidence of its pathogenicity was demonstrated. ALG13 gene encodes, through alternative splicing, 2 glycosyltransferase isoforms, which catalyse the second sugar addition of the highly conserved oligosaccharide precursor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Mutations in the long isoform 1 were associated with epilepsy. Methods and Results: Here, we show a different expression of the 2 isoforms depending on the tissue. Specifically, the long isoform is highly expressed in lungs, ovaries, testes, cerebellum, cortex, retina, pituitary gland, and olfactory bulbs, while the short isoform is highly expressed in mouse podocytes and in human podocyte cell lines, at both mRNA and protein levels. The silencing of ALG13-is2 by specific siRNAs induces an altered N-linked glycosylation pattern of nephrin, as demonstrated by the presence of an additional immunostaining band of about 130 kD. In knock-down cells, immunofluorescence analysis shows perturbed organization of the cytoskeleton and altered localization of nephrin on the cellular membrane. We also demonstrated that the altered pattern of N-linked glycosylation induces an over-expression of binding immunoglobulin protein and calreticulin, suggesting ER stress. Conclusions: These results provide preliminary evidence that ALG13-is2 could be an important modifier of renal filtration defects.
24-Hour Contact Lens Sensor Monitoring of Intraocular Pressure-Related Profiles in Normal-Tension Glaucoma and Rates of Disease Progression
Authors: Hoban Katie , Peden Robert , Megaw Roly , Halpin Patricia , Tatham Andrew J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To determine the relationship between the rate of glaucomatous visual field loss and the amplitude of a 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP)-related profile measured using a contact lens sensor (CLS). Methods: This observational study included 22 patients with glaucoma and an IOP of consistently ≤21 mm Hg during office hours. All subjects underwent Goldmann tonometry, standard automated perimetry (SAP), dilated fundus examination, and had a CLS recording. A cosine function was used to obtain peak (acrophase), trough (bathyphase), and amplitude measurements. Prior rates of change in SAP mean deviation were calculated and compared to CLS parameters. Results: The patients had a mean (± SD) age of 66.6 ± 8.2 years (range 54-89 years). Mean follow-up was 6.6 ± 5.0 years with 8.3 ± 3.2 reliable SAP tests. The mean rate of change in SAP was -0.86 ± 1.0 dB per year (range -0.11 to -2.12 dB). Regression analysis suggested faster rates of prior visual field loss in eyes with higher-amplitude CLS curves, but this did not reach statistical significance (R2 = 0.174, p = 0.053). The CLS accurately identified waking and sleeping periods. 59.1% of eyes had a nocturnal acrophase (peaking between 23:00 and 07:00). There was no significant difference in rates of visual field change between patients with nocturnal or diurnal acrophase (-0.71 ± 1.17 and -1.07 ± 0.84 dB/year, respectively, p = 0.437). Conclusion: CLS recordings in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (defined by office hours IOP) indicated that 60% of patients had peak IOP during nocturnal hours, which may not be captured using conventional methods of IOP measurement. Novel parameters obtained using the CLS may provide information for predicting the risk of visual field changes for patients with glaucoma.
Maximizing Psychotherapy Outcome beyond Evidence-Based Medicine
Authors: Lambert Michael J.
Published: February 2017

Despite evidence that psychotherapy has a positive impact on psychological disorders, 30% of patients fail to respond during clinical trials, and as many as 65% of patients in routine care leave treatment without a measured benefit. In addition, therapists appear to overestimate positive outcomes in their patients relative to measured outcomes and are particularly poor at identifying patients at risk for a negative outcome. These problems suggest the need for measuring and monitoring patient treatment response over the course of treatment while applying standardized methods of identifying at-risk cases. Computer-assisted methods for measuring, monitoring, identifying potential deteriorators, and providing feedback to clinicians are described along with a model that explains why feedback is likely to be beneficial to patients. The results of 12 clinical trials are summarized and suggest that deterioration rates can be substantially reduced in at-risk cases (from baseline rates of 21% down to 13%) and that recovery rates are substantially increased in this subgroup of cases (from a baseline of 20% up to 35%) when therapists are provided this information. When problem-solving methods are added to feedback, deterioration in at-risk cases is further reduced to 6% while recovery/improvement rates rise to about 50%. It is suggested that the feedback methods become a standard of practice. Such a change in patterns of care can be achieved through minimal modification to routine practice but may require discussions with patients about their clinical progress.