bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voltammetric Determination of Anethole on La2O3/CPE and BDDE
Authors: Kowalcze Mateusz , Wyrwa Jan , Dziubaniuk Małgorzata , Jakubowska Małgorzata
Published: February 2018

In this work, DPV determination of anethole was presented using various carbon, two-diameter (1.5 and 3 mm) electrodes, that is, BDD, GC, CP, and CP doped by La2O3 and CeO2 nanoparticles. La2O3/CPE to our best knowledge was proposed first time. Cyclic voltammograms confirmed totally irreversible electrode electrooxidation process, controlled by diffusion, in which two electrons take part. The most satisfactory sensitivity 0.885 ± 0.016 µA/mg L−1 in 0.1 mol L−1 acetate buffer was obtained for La2O3/CPE with the correlation coefficient r of 0.9993, while for BDDE it was 0.135 ± 0.003 µA/mg L−1 with r of 0.9990. The lowest detection limit of 0.004 mg L−1 was reached on La2O3/CPE (3 mm), what may be compared with the most sensitive conjugate methods, but in the proposed approach, no sample preparation and analyte separation was needed. Anethole was successfully determined in specially prepared ethanol extracts of herbal mixtures of various compositions, which imitated real products. The proposed procedure was verified in analysis of commercial products, that is, anise essential oil, which contains a large concentration of anethole, and in alcohol drinks like Metaxa, Ouzo, and Rakija, in which the considered analyte occurs on trace levels. Structure and properties of the considered nanopowders and graphite pastes were investigated by EDX, SEM, and EIS.
Isolation and Determination of Fomentariol: Novel Potential Antidiabetic Drug from Fungal Material
Authors: Maljurić Nevena , Golubović Jelena , Ravnikar Matjaž , Žigon Dušan , Štrukelj Borut , Otašević Biljana
Published: February 2018

Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading world’s public health problems. Therefore, it is of a huge interest to develop new antidiabetic drugs. Apart from traditional therapy of diabetes, nowadays, importance is given to natural substances with antidiabetic potential. Fomes fomentarius is a mushroom widely used for different purposes, due to its range of already confirmed activities. Fomentariol is a constituent of Fomes fomentarius, responsible for its antidiabetic potential. In that respect, it is important to develop a method for isolation and quantification of fomentariol from fungal material, which will be simple and efficient. Multistep, complex extraction applied in the previously reported studies was avoided with ethanol, providing rapid single-step extraction. The presence of fomentariol in ethanolic extract was confirmed by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Semipreparative HPLC method was developed and applied for isolation from ethanol extract and purification of the active compound fomentariol. It was a gradient reversed-phase method with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water and total run time of 15 minutes. The amount of 6.5 mg of high-purity fomentariol was determined by quantitative NMR with toluene as internal standard. The isolated and determined amount of substance can be further used for the quantitative estimation of activity of fomentariol.
Collapse Analysis of Transmission Tower Subjected to Earthquake Ground Motion
Authors: Long Xiaohong , Wang Wei , Fan Jian
Published: February 2018

The collapse of transmission towers involves a series of complex problems, including geometric nonlinearity, material nonlinearity, dynamic nonlinearity, and the failure of members. Simulation of the process of collapse is difficult using traditional finite element method (FEM), which is generated from continuum and variation principle, whereas the finite particle method (FPM) enforces equilibrium on each point. Particles are free to separate from one another, which is advantageous in the simulation of the structural collapse. This paper employs the finite particle method (FPM) to simulate the collapse of a transmission steel tower under earthquake ground motions; the three-dimensional (3D) finite particle model using MATLAB and the 3D finite element model using ANSYS of the transmission steel tower are established, respectively. And the static and elastic seismic response analyses indicate that the results of the FPM agree well with those of the FEM. To simulate the collapse of the transmission steel tower, a failure criterion based on the ideal elastic-plastic model and a failure mode are proposed. Finally, the collapse simulation of the transmission steel towers subjected to unidirectional earthquake ground motion and the collapse seismic fragility analysis can be successfully carried out using the finite particle method. The result indicates that the transmission steel tower has better seismic safety performance and anticollapse ability.
A New Chaos-Based Color Image Encryption Scheme with an Efficient Substitution Keystream Generation Strategy
Authors: Fu Chong , Zhang Gao-yuan , Zhu Mai , Chen Zhe , Lei Wei-min
Published: February 2018

This paper suggests a new chaos-based color image cipher with an efficient substitution keystream generation strategy. The hyperchaotic Lü system and logistic map are employed to generate the permutation and substitution keystream sequences for image data scrambling and mixing. In the permutation stage, the positions of colored subpixels in the input image are scrambled using a pixel-swapping mechanism, which avoids two main problems encountered when using the discretized version of area-preserving chaotic maps. In the substitution stage, we introduce an efficient keystream generation method that can extract three keystream elements from the current state of the iterative logistic map. Compared with conventional method, the total number of iterations is reduced by 3 times. To ensure the robustness of the proposed scheme against chosen-plaintext attack, the current state of the logistic map is perturbed during each iteration and the disturbance value is determined by plain-pixel values. The mechanism of associating the keystream sequence with plain-image also helps accelerate the diffusion process and increase the degree of randomness of the keystream sequence. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme has a satisfactory level of security and outperforms the conventional schemes in terms of computational efficiency.
Honokiol Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Type 1 Diabetic Rats by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis through Activating the SIRT1‐Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhai Mengen , Li Buying , Liu Zhenhua , Li Kaifeng , Jiang Liqing , Zhang Meng , Yi Wei , Yang Jian , Yi Dinghua , Liang Hongliang , Jin Zhenxiao , Duan Weixun , Yu Shiqiang
Published: February 2018

Reducing oxidative stress is a crucial therapeutic strategy for ameliorating diabetic myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Honokiol (HKL) acts as an effective cardioprotective agent for its strong antioxidative activity. However, its roles and underlying mechanisms against MI/R injury in type 1 diabetes (T1D) remain unknown. Since SIRT1 and Nrf2 are pivotal regulators in diabetes mellitus patients suffering from MI/R injury, we hypothesized that HKL ameliorates diabetic MI/R injury via the SIRT1‐Nrf2 signaling pathway. Streptozotocin‐induced T1D rats and high‐glucose‐treated H9c2 cells were exposed to HKL, with or without administration of the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527, SIRT1 siRNA, or Nrf2 siRNA, and then subjected to I/R operation. We found that HKL markedly improved the postischemic cardiac function, decreased the infarct size, reduced the myocardial apoptosis, and diminished the reactive oxygen species generation. Intriguingly, HKL remarkably activated SIRT1 signaling, enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, increased antioxidative signaling, and decreased apoptotic signaling. However, these effects were largely abolished by EX527 or SIRT1 siRNA. Additionally, our cellular experiments showed that Nrf2 siRNA blunted the cytoprotective effects of HKL, without affecting SIRT1 expression and activity. Collectively, these novel findings indicate that HKL abates MI/R injury in T1D by ameliorating myocardial oxidative damage and apoptosis via the SIRT1‐Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Effect of Acid Marination Assisted by Power Ultrasound on the Quality of Rabbit Meat
Authors: Gómez-Salazar Julián Andrés , Ochoa-Montes Diana A. , Cerón-García Abel , Ozuna César , Sosa-Morales Maria Elena
Published: February 2018

The consumption of rabbit meat is scarce in Mexico, despite its good taste and high protein content. Acid marination may be an option to introduce this meat into new markets and add value to this food. The use of ultrasound has been reported as an accelerator in the impregnation process and improving the product quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of acid marination assisted by power ultrasound on quality of rabbit meat. Marinating solutions were prepared with 70, 140, or 200 g NaCl/L, 3 g NaNO2, and 1.5% citric acid. Rabbit meat slices were immersed in every solution in static and ultrasonic bath at 40 kHz and 110 W of output power. Marinating time, NaCl concentration in the marinating solution, and US application increased weight losses and meat hardness but reduced water content, WHC, and pH. The color parameters L⁎ and a⁎ increased with the NaCl concentration in marinating solution and with the ultrasound application. NaCl content increased in meat with increased marinating time, NaCl concentration in marinating solutions, and higher rate in ultrasonic treatment. Application of ultrasound has high potential to be employed in the marinating of rabbit meat samples, diminishing the immersion time, and maintaining the quality.
Effects of Time-Compressed Speech Training on Multiple Functional and Structural Neural Mechanisms Involving the Left Superior Temporal Gyrus
Authors: Maruyama Tsukasa , Takeuchi Hikaru , Taki Yasuyuki , Motoki Kosuke , Jeong Hyeonjeong , Kotozaki Yuka , Nakagawa Seishu , Nouchi Rui , Iizuka Kunio , Yokoyama Ryoichi , Yamamoto Yuki , Hanawa Sugiko , Araki Tsuyoshi , Sakaki Kohei , Sasaki Yukako , Magistro Daniele , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: February 2018

Time-compressed speech is an artificial form of rapidly presented speech. Training with time-compressed speech (TCSSL) in a second language leads to adaptation toward TCSSL. Here, we newly investigated the effects of 4 weeks of training with TCSSL on diverse cognitive functions and neural systems using the fractional amplitude of spontaneous low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) with the left superior temporal gyrus (STG), fractional anisotropy (FA), and regional gray matter volume (rGMV) of young adults by magnetic resonance imaging. There were no significant differences in change of performance of measures of cognitive functions or second language skills after training with TCSSL compared with that of the active control group. However, compared with the active control group, training with TCSSL was associated with increased fALFF, RSFC, and FA and decreased rGMV involving areas in the left STG. These results lacked evidence of a far transfer effect of time-compressed speech training on a wide range of cognitive functions and second language skills in young adults. However, these results demonstrated effects of time-compressed speech training on gray and white matter structures as well as on resting-state intrinsic activity and connectivity involving the left STG, which plays a key role in listening comprehension.
Punica granatum L. Leaf Extract Attenuates Lung Inflammation in Mice with Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Rodrigues Pinheiro Aruanã Joaquim Matheus Costa , Gonçalves Jaciara Sá , Dourado Ádylla Wilenna Alves , de Sousa Eduardo Martins , Brito Natilene Mesquita , Silva Lanna Karinny , Batista Marisa Cristina Aranha , de Sá Joicy Cortez , Monteiro Cinara Regina Aragão Vieira , Fernandes Elizabeth Soares , Monteiro-Neto Valério , Campbell Lee Ann , Zago Patrícia Maria Wiziack , Lima-Neto Lidio Gonçalves
Published: February 2018

The hydroalcoholic extract of Punica granatum (pomegranate) leaves was previously demonstrated to be anti-inflammatory in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute peritonitis. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the pomegranate leaf hydroalcoholic extract (EAFPg) on the LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model. Male Swiss mice received either EAFPg at different doses or dexamethasone (per os) prior to LPS intranasal instillation. Vehicle-treated mice were used as controls. Animals were culled at 4 h after LPS challenge, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung samples were collected for analysis. EAFPg and kaempferol effects on NO and cytokine production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were also investigated. Pretreatment with EAFPg (100–300 mg/kg) markedly reduced cell accumulation (specially neutrophils) and collagen deposition in the lungs of ALI mice. The same animals presented with reduced lung and BALF TNF-α and IL-1β expression in comparison with vehicle controls (p<0.05). Additionally, incubation with either EAFPg or kaempferol (100 μg/ml) reduced NO production and cytokine gene expression in cultured LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Overall, these results demonstrate that the prophylactic treatment with EAFPg attenuates acute lung inflammation. We suggest this fraction may be useful in treating ALI.
Centralized Connectivity for Multiwireless Edge Computing and Cellular Platform: A Smart Vehicle Parking System
Authors: Shahzad Aamir , Choi Jae-young , Xiong Naixue , Kim Young-Gab , Lee Malrey
Published: February 2018

This study takes an intuitive step to develop the user‐convenient smart vehicle parking system (SVPS), a smart system able to manage the massive crowd of vehicles during parking searching and do the better jobs of parking reservation and management, with the shorter‐path processing tactics. For that, this study inclusively employed the mapping strategy, where the system parking points are prevalent, to assist the users to get the parking information fast and conveniently. This study is comprised of the several parking points systematically spread over the several locations and traceable over the available graphical map, and the overall information is easily accessible using smart devices. For parking information, a smart web application which is another important module of this study is designed, with which the SVPS system’s registered users are able to access all the services provided for smart vehicle parking searching and reservation in efficient and reliable ways. An integrated network approach, RFID (radio frequency identification) and wireless sensors network (WSN), called RF‐WSN, is employed to retrieve the real‐time information from the installed and configured sensor devices in RFID‐WSN network.
Effects of Bile Acids and Nisin on the Production of Enterotoxin byClostridium perfringensin a Nutrient-Rich Medium
Authors: Park Miseon , Rafii Fatemeh
Published: February 2018

Clostridium perfringensis the second most common cause of bacterial foodborne illness in the United States, with nearly a million cases each year.C. perfringensenterotoxin (CPE), produced during sporulation, damages intestinal epithelial cells by pore formation, which results in watery diarrhea. The effects of low concentrations of nisin and bile acids on sporulation and toxin production were investigated inC. perfringensSM101, which carries an enterotoxin gene on the chromosome, in a nutrient-rich medium. Bile acids and nisin increased production of enterotoxin in cultures; bile acids had the highest effect. Both compounds stimulated the transcription of enterotoxin and sporulation-related genes and production of spores during the early growth phase. They also delayed spore outgrowth and nisin was more inhibitory. Bile acids and nisin enhanced enterotoxin production in some but not all otherC. perfringensisolates tested. Low concentrations of bile acids and nisin may act as a stress signal for the initiation of sporulation and the early transcription of sporulation-related genes in some strains ofC. perfringens, which may result in increased strain-specific production of enterotoxin in those strains. This is the first report showing that nisin and bile acids stimulated the transcription of enterotoxin and sporulation-related genes in a nutrient-rich bacterial culture medium.
A New Method for Determining Optimal Regularization Parameter in Near‐Field Acoustic Holography
Authors: Xiao Yue
Published: February 2018

Tikhonov regularization method is effective in stabilizing reconstruction process of the near‐field acoustic holography (NAH) based on the equivalent source method (ESM), and the selection of the optimal regularization parameter is a key problem that determines the regularization effect. In this work, a new method for determining the optimal regularization parameter is proposed. The transfer matrix relating the source strengths of the equivalent sources to the measured pressures on the hologram surface is augmented by adding a fictitious point source with zero strength. The minimization of the norm of this fictitious point source strength is as the criterion for choosing the optimal regularization parameter since the reconstructed value should tend to zero. The original inverse problem in calculating the source strengths is converted into a univariate optimization problem which is solved by a one‐dimensional search technique. Two numerical simulations with a point driven simply supported plate and a pulsating sphere are investigated to validate the performance of the proposed method by comparison with the L‐curve method. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can determine the regularization parameter correctly and effectively for the reconstruction in NAH.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors after Childhood Cancer Treatment Are Independent of the FTO Gene Polymorphism?
Authors: Sawicka-Żukowska Małgorzata , Krawczuk-Rybak Maryna , Bernatowicz Paweł , Muszyńska-Rosłan Katarzyna , Konstantynowicz Jerzy , Łuczyński Włodzimierz
Published: February 2018

The study objective was to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients treated for childhood cancer (N=101) and to determine the involvement of clinical (cancer type and therapy) and/or genetic (FTO gene rs9939609 polymorphism) factors. Anthropometric features, laboratory findings, and standardized osteodensitometric indices (fat and lean mass) were considered. Overweight/obesity was found in 17.82% of the patients; however, central adiposity was found in as many as 42.5%. At least one abnormality in lipid metabolism was observed in 35.6%. Densitometry revealed elevated levels of fat mass in 44.55% of the patients. None of the parameters studied were associated with the FTO gene polymorphism. Standardized waist circumference was significantly higher in patients treated for leukemia than those treated for solid tumors (p=0.04). Our findings indicate a high rate of central adiposity among childhood cancer survivors, especially leukemia patients. The prevalence of risk factors of cardiovascular disease after anticancer therapy is not FTO gene polymorphism-dependent.
Preparation and Characterization of Keratin/Alginate Blend Microparticles
Authors: Srisuwan Yaowalak , Srihanam Prasong
Published: February 2018

The water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsification‐diffusion method was used for construction of keratin (Ker), alginate (Alg), and Ker/Alg blend microparticles. The Ker, Alg, and Ker/Alg blend solutions were used as the water phase, while ethyl acetate was used as the oil phase. Firstly, different concentrations of Ker solution was used to find suitable content. 1.6% w/v Ker solution was blended with the same concentration of the Alg solution for further microparticle construction. Results from scanning electron microscope analysis show that the microparticles have different shapes: spherical, bowl‐like, porous, and hollow, with several sizes depending on the blend ratio. FTIR and TG analyses indicated that the secondary structure and thermal stability of the microparticles were influenced by the Ker/Alg blend ratio. The interaction between functional groups of keratin and alginate was the main factor for both β‐sheet structure and Td,max values of the microparticles. The results suggested that Ker/Alg blend microparticles might be applied in many fields by varying the Ker/Alg ratio.
A Survey of Automatic Protocol Reverse Engineering Approaches, Methods, and Tools on the Inputs and Outputs View
Authors: Sija Baraka D. , Goo Young-Hoon , Shim Kyu-Seok , Hasanova Huru , Kim Myung-Sup
Published: February 2018

A network protocol defines rules that control communications between two or more machines on the Internet, whereas Automatic Protocol Reverse Engineering (APRE) defines the way of extracting the structure of a network protocol without accessing its specifications. Enough knowledge on undocumented protocols is essential for security purposes, network policy implementation, and management of network resources. This paper reviews and analyzes a total of 39 approaches, methods, and tools towards Protocol Reverse Engineering (PRE) and classifies them into four divisions, approaches that reverse engineer protocol finite state machines, protocol formats, and both protocol finite state machines and protocol formats to approaches that focus directly on neither reverse engineering protocol formats nor protocol finite state machines. The efficiency of all approaches’ outputs based on their selected inputs is analyzed in general along with appropriate reverse engineering inputs format. Additionally, we present discussion and extended classification in terms of automated to manual approaches, known and novel categories of reverse engineered protocols, and a literature of reverse engineered protocols in relation to the seven layers’ OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model.
NOSArmor: Building a Secure Network Operating System
Authors: Jo Hyeonseong , Nam Jaehyun , Shin Seungwon
Published: February 2018

Software-Defined Networking (SDN), controlling underlying network devices (i.e., data plane) in a logically centralized manner, is now actively adopted in many real world networking environments. It is clear that a network administrator can easily understand and manage his networking environments with the help of SDN. In SDN, a network operating system (NOS), also known as an SDN controller, is the most critical component because it should be involved in all transactions for controlling network devices, and thus the security of NOS cannot be highly exaggerated. However, in spite of its importance, no previous works have thoroughly investigated the security of NOS. In this work, to address this problem, we present the NOSArmor, which integrates several security mechanisms, named as security building block (SBB), into a consolidated SDN controller. NOSArmor consists of eight SBBs and each of them addresses different security principles of network assets. For example, while role-based authorization focuses on securing confidentiality of internal storage from malicious applications, OpenFlow protocol verifier protects availability of core service in the controller from malformed control messages received from switches. In addition, NOSArmor shows competitive performance compared to existing other controllers (i.e., ONOS, Floodlight) with secureness of network assets.
Systematic Evaluation of Chromatographic Parameters for Isoquinoline Alkaloids on XB-C18 Core-Shell Column Using Different Mobile Phase Compositions
Authors: Sowa Ireneusz , Zielińska Sylwia , Sawicki Jan , Bogucka-Kocka Anna , Staniak Michał , Bartusiak-Szcześniak Ewa , Podolska-Fajks Maja , Kocjan Ryszard , Wójciak-Kosior Magdalena
Published: February 2018

Chelidonium majusL. is a rich source of isoquinoline alkaloids with confirmed anti-inflammatory, choleretic, spasmolytic, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities. However, their chromatographic analysis is difficult because they may exist both in charged and uncharged forms and may result in the irregular peak shape and the decrease in chromatographic system efficacy. In the present work, the separation of mainC. majusalkaloids was optimized using a new-generation XB-C18 endcapped core-shell column dedicated for analysis of alkaline compounds. The influence of organic modifier concentration, addition of salts, and pH of eluents on chromatographic parameters such as retention, resolution, chromatographic plate numbers, and peak asymmetry was investigated. The results were applied to elaborate the optimal chromatographic system for simultaneous quantification of seven alkaloids from the root, herb, and fruit ofC. majus.
Germline Mutations in the Mitochondrial 2-Oxoglutarate/Malate Carrier SLC25A11 Gene Confer a Predisposition to Metastatic Paragangliomas
Authors: Buffet Alexandre , Morin Aurélie , Castro-Vega Luis-Jaime , Habarou Florence , Lussey-Lepoutre Charlotte , Letouzé Eric , Lefebvre Hervé , Guilhem Isabelle , Haissaguerre Magalie , Raingeard Isabelle , Padilla-Girola Mathilde , Tran Thi , Tchara Lucien , Bertherat Jérôme , Amar Laurence , Ottolenghi Chris , Burnichon Nelly , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Favier Judith
Published: February 2018

Comprehensive genetic analyses have identified germline SDHB and FH gene mutations as predominant causes of metastatic paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma. However, some suspicious cases remain unexplained. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing of a paraganglioma exhibiting an SDHx-like molecular profile in the absence of SDHx or FH mutations and identified a germline mutation in the SLC25A11 gene, which encodes the mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate/malate carrier. Germline SLC25A11 mutations were identified in six other patients, five of whom had metastatic disease. These mutations were associated with loss of heterozygosity, suggesting that SLC25A11 acts as a tumor-suppressor gene. Pseudohypoxic and hypermethylator phenotypes comparable with those described in SDHx- and FH-related tumors were observed both in tumors with mutated SLC25A11 and in Slc25a11Δ/Δ immortalized mouse chromaffin knockout cells generated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology. These data show that SLC25A11 is a novel paraganglioma susceptibility gene for which loss of function correlates with metastatic presentation.

Significance: A gene encoding a mitochondrial carrier is implicated in a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome, expanding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in paraganglioma. Cancer Res; 78(8); 1914–22. ©2018 AACR.
Foretinib Overcomes Entrectinib Resistance Associated with the NTRK1 G667C Mutation in NTRK1 Fusion–Positive Tumor Cells in a Brain Metastasis Model
Authors: Nishiyama Akihiro , Yamada Tadaaki , Kita Kenji , Wang Rong , Arai Sachiko , Fukuda Koji , Tanimoto Azusa , Takeuchi Shinji , Tange Shoichiro , Tajima Atsushi , Furuya Noritaka , Kinoshita Takayoshi , Yano Seiji
Published: February 2018

Purpose: Rearrangement of the neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase 1 (NTRK1) gene, which encodes tyrosine receptor kinase A (TRK-A), occurs in various cancers, including colon cancer. Although entrectinib is effective in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) metastases that express NTRK1 fusion proteins, acquired resistance inevitably results in recurrence. The CNS is a sanctuary for targeted drugs; however, the mechanism by which CNS metastases become entrectinib-resistant remains elusive and must be clarified to develop better therapeutics.

Experimental Design: The entrectinib-resistant cell line KM12SM-ER was developed by continuous treatment with entrectinib in the brain metastasis–mimicking model inoculated with the entrectinib-sensitive human colon cancer cell line KM12SM, which harbors the TPM3-NTRK1 gene fusion. The mechanism of entrectinib resistance in KM12SM-ER cells was examined by next-generation sequencing. Compounds that overcame entrectinib resistance were screened from a library of 122 kinase inhibitors.

Results: KM12SM-ER cells, which showed moderate resistance to entrectinib in vitro, had acquired the G667C mutation in NTRK1. The kinase inhibitor foretinib inhibited TRK-A phosphorylation and the viability of KM12SM-ER cells bearing the NTRK1-G667C mutation in vitro. Moreover, foretinib markedly inhibited the progression of entrectinib-refractory KM12SM-ER–derived liver metastases and brain tumors in animal models, predominantly through inhibition of TRK-A phosphorylation.

Conclusions: These results suggest that foretinib may be effective in overcoming entrectinib resistance associated with the NTRK1-G667C mutation in NTRK1 fusion–positive tumors in various organs, including the brain, and provide a rationale for clinical trials of foretinib in cancer patients with entrectinib-resistant tumors harboring the NTRK1-G667C mutation, including patients with brain metastases. Clin Cancer Res; 24(10); 2357–69. ©2018 AACR.
Lower Gastrointestinal Surgery: Robotic Surgery versus Laparoscopic Procedures
Authors: Baukloh Julia-Kristin , Perez Daniel , Reeh Matthias , Biebl Matthias , Izbicki Jakob R. , Pratschke Johann , Aigner Felix
Published: February 2018

Introduction: For a long time, the comprehensive application of minimally invasive techniques in lower gastrointestinal (GI) surgery was substantially impaired by inherent anatomical and technical complexities. Recently, several new techniques such as robotic operating platforms and transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) have revolutionized the minimally invasive approach. This review aims to depict the current state of the art and evaluates the advantages and drawbacks in regard to perioperative outcome and quality of oncological resection. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using the search terms ‘colorectal cancer', ‘rectal cancer', ‘minimally invasive surgery', ‘laparoscopic surgery', and ‘robotic' to identify relevant studies reporting on robotic surgery (RS) either alone or in comparison to laparoscopic surgery (LS). Publications on taTME were analyzed separately. Results: 69 studies reporting on RS with a total of 20,872 patients, and 17 articles on taTME including 881 patients, were identified. Conclusion: Both RS and taTME can facilitate a minimally invasive approach for lower GI surgery in an increasing number of patients. Furthermore, combining both techniques might become an auspicious approach in selected patients; further prospective and randomized trials are needed to verify its benefits over conventional laTME.
The Return of Fear: Variation of the Serotonin Transporter Gene Predicts Outcome of a Highly Standardized Exposure-Based One-Session Fear Treatment
Authors: Wannemüller André , Moser Dirk , Kumsta Robert , Jöhren Hans-Peter , Margraf Jürgen
Published: February 2018

Background: Methodological problems of existing research, such as the application of unstandardized treatments in heterogeneous samples, has hampered clear conclusions about the extent and direction to which allelic variation of the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5- HTTLPR) is associated with a differential response to psychological treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the 5-HTTLPR genotype on treatment outcome under highly standardized environmental conditions. Methods: We treated 222 medication-free adults highly fearful of spiders, dental surgeries or blood, injuries and injections with a highly standardized exposure-based 1-session treatment and genotyped them for the 5-HTTLPR. Participants' subjective fear was assessed before, immediately after treatment and at 7 months of follow-up. Results: There were no differences between 5-HTTLPR genotypes in treatment outcome effects at the immediate posttreatment assessment. However, we observed a highly significant genotype × treatment effect (p = 0.004) at the 7-month follow-up. Fear levels of homozygous S allele carriers differed from those heterozygous (p = 0.026) and homozygous (p = 0.012) for the L allele. Compared to posttreatment assessment, LL allele carriers exhibited a further fear decrease at the follow-up assessment. In contrast, SS allele carriers displayed a strong return of fear. Conclusions: Results suggest that genetic variation of the serotonin transporter is associated with differential stability of inhibitory learning processes, potentially reflecting heightened susceptibility for context-related processes that facilitate a return of fear in S allele carriers. If replicated, results suggest the 5-HTTLPR might represent a biomarker for the long-term outcome of brief exposure-based fear treatments and might inform genotype-based selection of psychotherapeutic interventions.
Survival Rate without Brain Abnormalities on Postnatal Ultrasonography among Monochorionic Twins after Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation for Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction with Concomitant Oligohydramnios
Authors: Ishii Keisuke , Wada Seiji , Takano Mayumi , Nakata Masahiko , Murakoshi Takeshi , Sago Haruhiko
Published: February 2018

Introduction: We aimed to clarify the survival rate without brain abnormalities (BA) after fetoscopic laser photoco­agulation (FLP) for monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations (MCDA) with selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) accompanied by abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler waveforms and isolated oligohydramnios in the sIUGR twin. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 52 cases that underwent FLP. The main outcome was survival rate without BA of the twins at age 28 days. BA was defined as severe intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia on postnatal ultrasonography. Results: Median gestational age at FLP was 20 (16–24) weeks. Ten cases were classified as type III based on Doppler for the UA. For all cases, including 20 cases of anterior placenta, FLP was completed without major intraoperative complications. Amnioinfusion was required in 49 cases for better fetoscopic visualization. Fetal loss occurred in 29 sIUGR twins and two larger twins, whereas one larger twin experienced neonatal death. Survival rates without BA were 44% (n = 23) for sIUGR twins and 94% (n = 49) for the larger twins. Discussion: FLP for MCDA with sIUGR presenting with oligohydramnios in the sIUGR twin might be considered a prenatal treatment option.
Infraorbital Nerve Located Medially to Postoperative Maxillary Cysts: A Risk of Endonasal Surgery
Authors: Kondo Kenji , Baba Shintaro , Suzuki Sayaka , Nishijima Hironobu , Kikuta Shu , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: This study aimed to examine variations in the location of the infraorbital nerve relative to postoperative maxillary cysts to assess the potential risk of nerve injury during endonasal marsupialization. Methods: Coronal computed tomography images of 130 patients (162 sides) with postoperative maxillary cysts who visited our clinic between 2003 and 2014 were reviewed from the viewpoint of the anatomical relationship between the infraorbital nerves and cysts. Results: The proportions of the six locations were as follows: upside 45.1% (n = 73), separate 13.0% (n = 21), medial 5.6% (n = 9), lateral 14.2% (n = 23), in-between 7.4% (n = 12), and unevaluable 14.8% (n = 24). The proportion of the cases with a potential risk of infraorbital nerve damage during endoscopic marsupialization, including medial, in-between, and unevaluable locations, was 27.8%. Retrospective chart review revealed that 2 patients with a postoperative maxillary cyst that were unevaluable complained of persistent postoperative hypoesthesia of the cheek. Conclusion: The anatomical relationship between the infraorbital nerve and postoperative maxillary cysts varied among patients, with approximately one-fourth of the patients being at risk of infraorbital nerve injury even during endoscopic procedures.
Consumption of Amaranth Induces the Accumulation of the Antioxidant Protein Paraoxonase/Arylesterase 1 and Modulates Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Activity in Plasma of Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats
Authors: Velarde-Salcedo Aída J. , Regalado-Rentería Evelyn , Velarde-Salcedo Rodrigo , Juárez-Flores Bertha I. , Barrera-Pacheco Alberto , González de Mejía Elvira , Barba de la Rosa Ana P.
Published: February 2018

Background/Aim: Amaranth is a source of several bioactive compounds, among which peptides with inhibitory activity upon dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) have been reported. However, there is no information about the action of amaranth DPP-IV-inhibitory peptides using in vivo models. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of amaranth consumption on plasma and kidney DPP-IV activity as well the changes in plasma proteome profile of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic rats. Methods: Rats were fed for 12 weeks with a diet containing 20% popped amaranth grain. Kidneys and blood samples were collected for lipid profile, DPP-IV activity and expression, and proteomic analysis. Results: Total cholesterol and DPP-IV activity in plasma was increased in hyperglycemic rats, but this effect was reverted by amaranth consumption. Triacylglycerols were increased in the hyperglycemic group fed amaranth, and the highest levels of high-density lipoproteins were also observed in this group. These data correlated with the accumulation of apolipoprotein A-II in plasma. Accumulation of the antioxidant protein paraoxonase/arylesterase 1 in STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats was observed when amaranth was supplied in the diet. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which amaranth exerts its beneficial health action in a hyperglycemic state.
Chromosome Painting in Tyrant Flycatchers Confirms a Set of Inversions Shared by Oscines and Suboscines (Aves, Passeriformes)
Authors: Rodrigues Benilson S. , Kretschmer Rafael , Gunski Ricardo J. , Garnero Analia D.V. , O'Brien Patricia C.M. , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm , de Oliveira Edivaldo H.C.
Published: February 2018

Tyrannidae is the largest family of Passeriformes in the Neotropical region. However, despite an interesting chromosomal diversity, there are only few cytogenetic studies of this family, and most of these are based on conventional cytogenetics. Hence, we analyzed here the chromosomal diversity and karyotypical evolution of this group by chromosome painting in 3 different species - Pitangus sulphuratus, Serpophaga subcristata, and Satrapa icterophrys - and make comparisons with previous data. In addition to chromosome painting with Gallus gallus (GGA) and Leucopternis albicollis (LAL) probes, karyotypes were analyzed by conventional staining, C-banding, and FISH with 18S rDNA and telomeric probes. Although this family is characterized by extensive chromosomal variation, we found similar karyotypes and diploid numbers ranging from 2n = 80 in P. sulphuratus to 2n = 82 in S. subcristata and S. icterophrys. Constitutive heterochromatin was located centromerically in all 3 species. Clusters of 18S rDNA were present in 1 pair of microchromosomes, except in S. subcristata, where 2 pairs of microchromosomes were labeled. No interstitial telomeric sequences were detected. GGA and LAL whole-chromosome probes revealed the occurrence of fissions and both paracentric and pericentric inversions commonly seen in other Passeriformes. In general terms, tyrants show the typical karyotype found in Passeriformes, suggesting that the observed rearrangements occurred before the division of the suborders Oscines and Suboscines.
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Prevents the Oxidative Stress Induced Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Li Jiamin , Zhang Qingwei , Ren Cong , Wu Xianxian , Zhang Ying , Bai Xue , Lin Yuan , Li Mingqi , Fu Jiangbo , Kopylov Philipp , Wang Siqi , Yu Tingting , Wang Ning , Xu Chaoqian , Zhang Yong , Yang Baofeng
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been shown to take part in the generation and progression of diverse diseases, involving a series of changes leading to a loss of their endothelial characteristics and an acquirement of properties typical of mesenchymal cells. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a new therapeutic option that has been successfully used in fracture healing. However, whether LIPUS can inhibit oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell damages through inhibiting EndMT remained unknown. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of LIPUS against oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell damages and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: EndMT was induced by H2O2 (100 µm for seven days). Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were exposed to H2O2 with or without LIPUS treatment for seven days. The expression of EndMT markers (CD31, VE-cadherin, FSP1 and α-SMA) were analyzed. The levels of total and phosphorylated PI3K and AKT proteins were detected by Western Blot analysis. Cell chemotaxis was determined by wound healing and transwell assay. Results: LIPUS relieved EndMT by decreasing ROS accumulation and increasing activation of the PI3K signaling cascade. LIPUS alleviated the migration of EndMT-derived mesenchymal-like cells through reducing extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition that is associated with matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) proteolytic activity and collagen production. Conclusion: LIPUS produces cytoprotective effects against oxidative injuries to endothelial cells through suppressing the oxidative stress-induced EndMT, activating the PI3K/AKT pathway under oxidative stress, and limiting cell migration and excessive ECM deposition.
Anti- Versus Pro-Inflammatory Metabololipidome Upon Cupping Treatment
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wang Xiang , Yan Guifang , Lei Juan , Zhou Yu , Wu Lei , Wang Ting , Zhang Xiao , Ye Duyun , Li Yongsheng
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: This study aimed to explore the metabololipidome in mice upon cupping treatment. Methods: A nude mouse model mimicking the cupping treatment in humans was established by administrating four cupping sets on the back skin for 15 minutes. UPLC-MS/ MS was performed to determine the PUFA metabolome in mice skin and blood before and after cupping treatment. The significantly changed lipids were administered in macrophages to assess the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α by ELISA. Results: The anti-inflammatory lipids, e.g. PGE1, 5,6-EET, 14,15-EET, 10S,17S-DiHDoHE, 17R-RvD1, RvD5 and 14S-HDoHE were significantly increased while pro-inflammatory lipids, e.g. 12-HETE and TXB2 were deceased in the skin or plasma post cupping treatment. Cupping treatment reversed the LPS-stimulated IL-6 and TNF-α expression in mouse peritoneal exudates. Moreover, 5,6-EET, PGE1 decreased the level of TNF-α, while 5,6-EET, 5,6-DHET downregulated IL-6 production in macrophages. Importantly, 14,15-EET and 14S-HDoHE inhibited both IL-6 and TNF-α induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 17-RvD1, RvD5 and PGE1 significantly reduced the LPS-initiated TNF-α, while TXB2 and 12-HETE further upregulated the LPS-enhanced IL-6 and TNF-α expression in macrophages. Conclusion: Our results reveal the identities of anti-inflammatory versus pro-inflammatory metabolipidome and suggest the potential therapeutic mechanism of cupping treatment.
The Interaction of N-Acetylcysteine and Serum Transferrin Promotes Bacterial Biofilm Formation
Authors: Yin Supeng , Jiang Bei , Huang Guangtao , Zhang Yulong , You Bo , Chen Yu , Gong Yali , Chen Jing , Yuan Zhiqiang , Zhao Yan , Li Ming , Hu Fuquan , Yang Zichen , Peng Yizhi
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a novel and promising agent with activity against bacterial biofilms. Human serum also inhibits biofilm formation by some bacteria. We tested whether the combination of NAC and human serum offers greater anti-biofilm activity than either agent alone. Methods: Microtiter plate assays and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to evaluate bacterial biofilm formation in the presence of NAC and human serum. qPCR was used to examine expression of selected biofilm-associated genes. Extracellular matrix (ECM) was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The antioxidants GSH or ascorbic acid were used to replace NAC, and human transferrin, lactoferrin, or bovine serum albumin were used to replace serum proteins in biofilm formation assays. A rat central venous catheter model was developed to evaluate the effect of NAC on biofilm formation in vivo. Results: NAC and serum together increased biofilm formation by seven different bacterial strains. In Staphylococcus aureus, expression of genes for some global regulators and for genes in the ica-dependent pathway increased markedly. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, transcription of las, the PQS quorum sensing (QS) systems, and the two-component system GacS/GacA increased significantly. ECM production by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was also enhanced. The potentiation of biofilm formation is due mainly to interaction between NAC and transferrin. Intravenous administration of NAC increased colonization by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa on implanted catheters. Conclusions: NAC used intravenously or in the presence of blood increases bacterial biofilm formation rather than inhibits it.
Liver Plays a Major Role in FGF-21 Mediated Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Liu Mingyao , Cao Hongwei , Hou Yuting , Sun Guopeng , Li Deshan , Wang Wenfei
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: The liver is a vital organ in vertebrates and has a wide range of functions, including glucose absorption, glycogen storage and glucose production. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 is a metabolic regulator that is primarily produced by the liver. In this paper, we studied the effect of FGF-21 on glucose metabolism in the liver. Methods: The glucose uptake of cells was detected by 2-Deoxy-d-[3H] glucose; the synergy between insulin and FGF-21 was evaluated. The mRNA expression of GLUT1-4, G6Pase and PEPCK was detected by real-time PCR. Glycogen synthesis was examined by the anthrone method. Blood samples to monitor glucose in db/db diabetic mice were obtained by tail snip. Glucose metabolism in the liver and adipose tissues was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Results: In this study, FGF-21 stimulated glucose uptake by liver cells in both a dose and time-dependent manner, and at the same time, FGF-21 specifically stimulated GLUT1 expression in the liver cells. Furthermore, FGF-21 demonstrated a synergistic effect with insulin on glucose absorption, which is in accordance with enhanced GLUT-1 and -4 expression. Treatment with FGF-21 increased glycogen storage in liver cells. Consistent with in vitro results, FGF-21 lowered the plasma glucose level and stimulated GLUT1 expression and glycogen synthesis in db/db diabetic mice. Simultaneously, FGF-21 inhibited the gene expression of G6Pase and PEPCK. Conclusion: Our results suggest that FGF-21 clears up plasma glucose by stimulating glucose absorption in the liver of diabetic animals and decreases glucose release from the liver by inhibiting gluconeogenesis. Overall, these data indicate that the liver is an important target organ of FGF-21 to regulate glucose metabolism.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ DATA MINING ІЗ МЕТОЮ ДИФЕРЕНЦІАЛЬНОЇ ДІАГНОСТИКИ КОМОРБІДНИХ СТАНІВ ХРОНІЧНОГО ПАНКРЕАТИТУ Й АСКАРИДОЗУ НА ПІДСТАВІ ДАНИХ КЛІНІЧНОЇ СИМПТОМАТИКИ Й УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВИХ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ
Authors: Martsenyuk V. P. , Babinets L. S. , Dronyak Yu. V.
Published: February 2018

For diagnostics of chronic pancreatitis and ascaridosis comorbidity methodology of decision tree construction based on C5.0 algorithm is used. Data of both clinical symptomatology and ultrasonography can be applied. For each of types of researches and also for their totality a separate decision tree is built. The error of algorithm is investigated.
ІНФОРМАЦІЙНА, ВЕБ-, МОБІЛЬНО-ОРІЄНТОВАНА СИСТЕМА В ПРАКТИЦІ СІМЕЙНОГО ЛІКАРЯ
Authors: Kutakova O. V.
Published: February 2018

Rapid informatization of all life spheres poses challenges to the information technology introduction in the medical sector. The structuring of the family doctor's activities for further implementation of the web, mobile oriented information system in the practice of the family doctor is an important step for the development of this field of medicine. After all, this will help to structure the work of the doctor, support him in making decisions and give them the opportunity for continuous professional development.