bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Rate of Deformed Larvae among Gynogenetic Brown Trout (Salmo trutta m. fario) Doubled Haploids
Authors: Jagiełło Krzysztof , Zalewski Tomasz , Dobosz Stefan , Michalik Oliwia , Ocalewicz Konrad
Published: April 2017

Mitotic gynogenesis results in the production of fully homozygous individuals in a single generation. Since inbred fish were found to exhibit an increased frequency of body deformations that may affect their survival, the main focus of this research was to evaluate the ratio of individuals with spinal deformities among gynogenetic doubled haploids (DHs) brown trout as compared to nonmanipulated heterozygous individuals. Gynogenetic development was induced by the activation of brown trout eggs by UV-irradiated homologous and heterologous (rainbow trout) spermatozoa. The subsequent exposure of the activated eggs to the high hydrostatic pressure disturbed the first cleavage in gynogenetic zygotes and enabled duplication of the maternal haploid set of chromosomes. The survival rate was significantly higher among gynogenetic brown trout hatched from eggs activated with the homologous UV-irradiated spermatozoa when compared to DHs hatched from eggs activated by the heterologous spermatozoa. More than 35% of the gynogenetic larvae exhibited body deformities, mostly lordosis and scoliosis. The percentage of malformed brown trout from the control group did not exceed 15%. The increased number of deformed larvae among DHs brown trout suggested rather a genetic background of the disease related to the fish spine deformities; however, both genetic and environmental factors were discussed as a cause of such conditions in fish.
Changes in Retinal Function and Cellular Remodeling Following Experimental Retinal Detachment in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Barliya Tilda , Ofri Ron , Sandalon Shai , Weinberger Dov , Livnat Tami
Published: April 2017

Purpose.To explore functional electroretinographic (ERG) changes and associated cellular remodeling following experimental retinal detachment in a rabbit model.Methods.Retinal detachment was created in ten rabbits by injecting 0.1 ml balanced salt solution under the retina. Fundus imaging was performed 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days postoperatively. ERGs were recorded pre- and 7 and 21 days postoperatively. Eyes were harvested on day 21 and evaluated immunohistochemically (IHC) for remodeling of second- and third-order neurons.Results.Retinal reattachment occurred within two weeks following surgery. No attenuation was observed in the photopic or scotopic a- and b-waves. A secondary wavefront on the descending slope of the scotopic b-wave was the only ERG result that was attenuated in detached retinas. IHC demonstrated anatomical changes in both ON and OFF bipolar cells. Bassoon staining was observed in the remodeled dendrites. Amacrine and horizontal cells did not alter, but Muller cells were clearly reactive with marked extension.Conclusion.Retinal detachment and reattachment were associated with functional and anatomical changes. Exploring the significance of the secondary scotopic wavefront and its association with the remodeling of 2nd- and 3rd-order neurons will shade more light on functional changes and recovery of the retina.
Evolution of the Chinese Industry-University-Research Collaborative Innovation System
Authors: Zhao Jianyu , Wu Guangdong
Published: April 2017

The goal of this study was to reveal the mechanism of the Chinese industry-university-research collaborative innovation (IURCI) and interactions between the elements in the system and find issues that exist in the collaborative innovation process. Based on the theoretical perspective of innovation and complexity science, we summarized the elements of the IURCI as innovation capability, research and development (R&D) configuration, and knowledge transfer and established a theoretical model to describe the evolution of the IURCI system. We used simulation technology to determine the interactions among variables and the evolution trend of the system. The results showed that the R&D configuration can promote the evolution of innovation capability and knowledge transfer and that innovation capacity is the current dominant factor in the evolution of the Chinese IURCI system and is highly positively correlated with R&D configuration. The evolutionary trend of knowledge transfer was gentler, and its contribution to the evolution of the Chinese IURCI system was less than that of R&D configuration. When innovation, R&D configuration, and knowledge transfer are relatively balanced, the collaborative innovation system can achieve high speed and stable evolution.
Synchronous Carotid Bifurcation Endarterectomy and Retrograde Kissing Stenting of the Innominate and Left Common Carotid Artery in a Patient with a Bovine Aortic Arch
Authors: Robaldo Alessandro , Carignano Guido , Balderi Alberto , Novali Claudio
Published: April 2017

Management of the symptomatic multiple stenosis of supra-aortic vessels (MSSVs) in a “bovine” aortic arch (BAA) configuration is infrequently reported. The optimal treatment choice remains debatable. A successful hybrid treatment for a proximal critical stenosis of the innominate and left common carotid artery was performed in a high-risk patient with a tandem symptomatic lesion in the right carotid bifurcation and a concentric vulnerable plaque in the bovine trunk. This case supports the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a combined carotid bifurcation endarterectomy and retrograde kissing stenting of common carotid arteries with cerebral protection after evaluation of radiological, anatomical, and clinical parameters.
The Landscape of Randomised Controlled Trials of Therapies in Breast Cancer in Low and Middle Income Countries
Authors: Lynch-Kelly Katharine , Singer Matthew , Williams Norman R.
Published: April 2017

Objectives. The objectives of this study were to identify the randomised controlled trials in breast cancer occurring in low and middle income countries (LMICs) generally and within Sub-Saharan Africa specifically, to describe the current status and identify opportunities for further research in these areas. Materials and Methods. Data for this study were obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov. The search term “Breast Cancer Research” was used, and relevant information extracted and analysed. Results. 2414 trials were identified, of which 1099 were eligible for inclusion. 69 of these trials occurred in LMICs. Of the 52 LMICs globally, 30% were participating in breast cancer research. Of the 17 LMICs in Africa, 77% are situated in Sub-Saharan Africa; 23% were participating in breast cancer research, which accounted for 9% of total Sub-Saharan African studies. Conclusion. This study provides current evidence for the need for breast cancer research in LMICs globally and within Sub-Saharan Africa. Within LMIC regions where research is active, the type and numbers of studies are unevenly distributed. High quality research within such areas should be encouraged as the results may have both local and global applications, particularly in the provision of affordable health care.
SSRI Facilitated Crack Dancing
Authors: Doobay Ravi , Sun Lili , Shah Amish , Masuta Pardeep , Shepherd Zachary
Published: April 2017

Choreoathetoid movement secondary to cocaine use is a well-documented phenomenon better known as “crack dancing.” It consists of uncontrolled writhing movements secondary to excess dopamine from cocaine use. We present a 32-year-old male who had been using cocaine for many years and was recently started on paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for worsening depression four weeks before presentation. He had been doing cocaine every 2 weeks for the last three years and had never “crack danced” before this episode. The authors have conducted a thorough literature review and cited studies that suggest “crack dancing” is associated with excess dopamine. There has never been a documented case report of an SSRI being linked with “crack dancing.” The authors propose that the excess dopaminergic effect of the SSRI lowered the dopamine threshold for “crack dancing.” There is a communication with the Raphe Nucleus and the Substantia Nigra, which explains how the SSRI increases dopamine levels. This is the first documented case of an SSRI facilitating the “crack dance.”
The Value of Caspase-3 after the Application of Annona muricata Leaf Extract in COLO-205 Colorectal Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Abdullah Murdani , Syam Ari Fahrial , Meilany Sofy , Laksono Bayu , Prabu Oryza Gryagus , Bekti Heri Setiyo , Indrawati Lili , Makmun Dadang
Published: April 2017

Annona muricata, commonly known as soursop, contains annonacin, acetogenin, and polyphenol which are known to have chemopreventive effects on cancer. In this study, we tend to evaluate the apoptosis-inducing effect of soursop (Annona muricata) leaf extract on the colorectal cancer cell line COLO-205 through the activities of caspase-3 which is a marker of cell apoptosis. Cell cultures were incubated with soursop leaf with a concentration of 10 μg/ml and then compared with those of the incubated positive control leucovorin 10 μg/ml and placebo as a negative control. The apoptotic activity of caspase-3 was measured with ELISA. After the administration of each treatment in the colorectal cancer cell line COLO-205, the expression of caspase-3 activity was 1422 ng/ml after incubation with the extract of Annona muricata leaves, 1373 ng/ml after the administration of leucovorin, and 1297 ng/ml in the one with placebo. Annona muricata leaf extract elevated caspase-3 by 1.09 times compared to that of the pure cell line. Annona muricata leaf extract had a higher value of caspase-3 activity than leucovorin and placebo in the COLO-205 colorectal cancer cell line. These results may suggest that Annona muricata leaf extract had anticancer properties by enhancing caspase-3 activity which is a proapoptotic marker.
Galactocele in the Axillary Accessory Breast Mimicking Suspicious Solid Mass on Ultrasound
Authors: Farrokh Donya , Alamdaran Ali , Yousefi Farhad , Abbasi Bita
Published: April 2017

Galactoceles are the most common benign breast lesions during breastfeeding period that can mimic carcinomas. We report a galactocele with malignant appearance on ultrasound in the accessory breast. The patient was a 32-year-old lactating woman presented to our hospital for considerable swelling in the left axilla. Ultrasound examination revealed a hypoechoic mass with heterogeneous echogenicity and irregular shape and margins. Sonography-guided aspiration was performed. Aspiration of milky fluid and resolution of the axillary lump after aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of galactocele. Galactocele can present as a suspicious tumoral lesion in the axillary accessory breast and diagnostic aspiration can help in correct diagnosis of this rare lesion in the accessory breast.
Viability of Airborne Tumor Cells during Excision by Ultrasonic Device
Authors: Hashimoto Masakazu , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Tashiro Hirotaka , Kuroda Shintaro , Mikuriya Yoshihiro , Abe Tomoyuki , Tanaka Yuka , Ohdan Hideki
Published: April 2017

Background. Laparoscopic surgery has become more widely used, but peritoneal dissemination and port-site metastasis have been reported to occur in these surgeries. One reason for these problems is the ultrasonically activated scalpel (UAS) used for laparoscopic surgery. This study aimed to investigate the viability of airborne cells released during cancer dissection using a UAS. Methods. Flank tumors measuring about 2 cm were induced in male NOD-Cg-Rag1tm1MomIL2rgtm1wjl/SzJ mice by subcutaneous injection of 1 × 106 HepG2 cells. Dissection was performed with UAS (in high or low power modes) and PowerStar bipolar scissors. The mist of released tissue was collected in cell culture medium. The viability of the cellular material was assessed with trypan blue exclusion cell counting, counting after immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometric analysis. Results. Large quantities of cellular debris were trapped in the tissue dispersed by both devices. In all experiments, there were significantly more viable cells produced by the UAS in high power mode. By using suction at the excision site, the number of viable cancer cells was reduced. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that viable cancer cells can be released into the nearby environment during tumor ablation with a UAS.
An Effective Conversation‐Based Botnet Detection Method
Authors: Chen Ruidong , Niu Weina , Zhang Xiaosong , Zhuo Zhongliu , Lv Fengmao
Published: April 2017

A botnet is one of the most grievous threats to network security since it can evolve into many attacks, such as Denial‐of‐Service (DoS), spam, and phishing. However, current detection methods are inefficient to identify unknown botnet. The high‐speed network environment makes botnet detection more difficult. To solve these problems, we improve the progress of packet processing technologies such as New Application Programming Interface (NAPI) and zero copy and propose an efficient quasi‐real‐time intrusion detection system. Our work detects botnet using supervised machine learning approach under the high‐speed network environment. Our contributions are summarized as follows: (1) Build a detection framework using PF_RING for sniffing and processing network traces to extract flow features dynamically. (2) Use random forest model to extract promising conversation features. (3) Analyze the performance of different classification algorithms. The proposed method is demonstrated by well‐known CTU13 dataset and nonmalicious applications. The experimental results show our conversation‐based detection approach can identify botnet with higher accuracy and lower false positive rate than flow‐based approach.
The Effects of Abandonment Options on Investment Timing and Profit Sharing of FDI
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Xue Minggao
Published: April 2017

The paper incorporates cooperative game theory into a real option method in a foreign direct investment setting and examines the operational decisions of a multinational corporation in a cooperative framework, where the corporation is endowed with an abandonment option and shares its profit with the host country. In particular, we investigate how the abandonment options affect the optimal investment timing and the optimal profit share of a foreign direct investment using a real option game method. We show that the flexibility of the abandonment option induces the corporation to investment earlier, which indicates the negative effects on investment trigger. The result is consistent with intuition since the abandonment option provides insurance and thus reduces the overall risk of the project. We also find that the introduction of the abandonment option reduces the optimal profit share in a cooperative framework and in turn the lower profit share increases the investment trigger, thereby having a positive effect on the investment threshold to hinder the investment. By numerical analysis, we find that the overall effect of the abandonment options is inversely related to the investment trigger. These findings provide quantitative analysis about the decisions regarding cooperation in international investment extraction projects.
Numerical Evaluation of Image Contrast for Thicker and Thinner Objects among Current Intraoral Digital Imaging Systems
Authors: Dashpuntsag Oyunbat , Yoshida Midori , Kasai Ryosuke , Maeda Naoki , Hosoki Hidehiko , Honda Eiichi
Published: April 2017

The purpose is to evaluate the performance of current intraoral digital detectors in detail using a precise phantom and new method. Two aluminum step wedges in 0.5 mm steps were exposed by two photostimulable phosphor plate (PSP) systems—one with automatic exposure compensation (AEC) and the other without AEC—and a CCD sensor. Images were obtained with 3 doses at 60 kV. The effect of metallic material also was evaluated. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for thinner steps and the low contrast value (LCV) for thicker steps were obtained. The CCD system was the best under all conditions (P<0.001), although the Gray value was sensitive to the dose, and the Gray value-dose relation varied greatly. The PSP system with AEC was superior to that without AEC for the LCV (P<0.001) but was inferior to it regarding the CNR (P<0.001). CNR and LCV in the PSP system without AEC were not affected by the metallic plate. Intraoral digital imaging systems should be chosen according to their diagnostic purpose. PSP system with AEC may be the best for detecting molar proximal caries, whereas the PSP system without AEC may be better for evaluating small bone regeneration in periodontal disease. The CCD system provided the best performance.
Electrical Stimulation for Wound-Healing: Simulation on the Effect of Electrode Configurations
Authors: Sun Yung-Shin
Published: April 2017

Endogenous electric field is known to play important roles in the wound-healing process, mainly through its effects on protein synthesis and cell migration. Many clinical studies have demonstrated that electrical stimulation (ES) with steady direct currents is beneficial to accelerating wound-healing, even though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, a three-dimensional finite element wound model was built to optimize the electrode configuration in ES. Four layers of the skin, stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis, and subcutis, with defined thickness and electrical properties were modeled. The main goal was to evaluate the distributions of exogenous electric fields delivered with direct current (DC) stimulation using different electrode configurations such as sizes and positions. Based on the results, some guidelines were obtained in designing the electrode configuration for applications of clinical ES.
A New Algorithm for Identifying Cis-Regulatory Modules Based on Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Guo Haitao , Huo Hongwei
Published: April 2017

The discovery of cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) is the key to understanding mechanisms of transcription regulation. Since CRMs have specific regulatory structures that are the basis for the regulation of gene expression, how to model the regulatory structure of CRMs has a considerable impact on the performance of CRM identification. The paper proposes a CRM discovery algorithm called ComSPS. ComSPS builds a regulatory structure model of CRMs based on HMM by exploring the rules of CRM transcriptional grammar that governs the internal motif site arrangement of CRMs. We test ComSPS on three benchmark datasets and compare it with five existing methods. Experimental results show that ComSPS performs better than them.
Application of Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing Technique in Monitoring the Ground Deformation
Authors: Liu Jin , Wang Yong , Lu Yi , Wei Jihong , Kanungo Debi Prasanna
Published: April 2017

The monitoring of ground deformation is important for the prevention and control of geological disaster including land subsidence, ground fissure, surface collapse, and landslides. In this study, a distributed optical fiber sensing technique based on Brillouin Optical Time-Domain Analysis (BOTDA) was used to monitor the ground deformation. The principle behind the BOTDA is first introduced, and then laboratory calibration test and physical model test were carried out. Finally, BOTDA-based monitoring of ground fissure was carried out in a test site. Experimental results show that the distributed optical fiber can measure the soil strain during ground deformation process, and the strain curve responded to the soil compression and tension region clearly. During field test in Wuxi City, China, the ground fissures deformation area was monitored accurately and the trend of deformation can also be achieved to forecast and warn against the ground fissure hazards.
Delayed Awareness of the History of Barium Examination: Perforated Barium Appendicitis
Authors: Saigusa Susumu , Ohi Masaki , Oki Satoshi , Ichikawa Takashi , Kobayashi Minako , Inoue Yasuhiro , Miki Chikao
Published: April 2017

A 41-year-old man presented to our hospital with lower abdominal pain and a high-grade fever. Physical examination revealed rebound tenderness and guarding in the lower abdomen. Abdominal X-ray examination showed a radiopaque object in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) demonstrated that the object had a strong artifact with over 10,000 Hounsfield units, as well as ascites around the terminal ileum. We diagnosed acute peritonitis with a suspicion of the perforation due to unknown foreign body and performed an emergency laparotomy. Operative findings showed a contained perforation of a phlegmonous appendicitis, and appendectomy was performed. The resected specimen demonstrated that the appendix contained a fecalith, and histopathological examination showed the crystal structure of barium sulfate in the lumen of the appendix. Unfortunately, we did not obtain the history of screening for gastric cancer using a barium examination one month prior to our appendectomy. Our experience demonstrates the importance of establishing a history of barium examinations of the gastrointestinal tract in a patient with a radiopaque object in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen for early diagnosis of barium appendicitis. Additionally, early diagnosis of barium appendicitis may affect the selection of surgical procedures.
Naturally Occurring Canine Invasive Urinary Bladder Cancer: A Complementary Animal Model to Improve the Success Rate in Human Clinical Trials of New Cancer Drugs
Authors: Fulkerson Christopher M. , Dhawan Deepika , Ratliff Timothy L. , Hahn Noah M. , Knapp Deborah W.
Published: April 2017

Genomic analyses are defining numerous new targets for cancer therapy. Therapies aimed at specific genetic and epigenetic targets in cancer cells as well as expanded development of immunotherapies are placing increased demands on animal models. Traditional experimental models do not possess the collective features (cancer heterogeneity, molecular complexity, invasion, metastasis, and immune cell response) critical to predict success or failure of emerging therapies in humans. There is growing evidence, however, that dogs with specific forms of naturally occurring cancer can serve as highly relevant animal models to complement traditional models. Invasive urinary bladder cancer (invasive urothelial carcinoma (InvUC)) in dogs, for example, closely mimics the cancer in humans in pathology, molecular features, biological behavior including sites and frequency of distant metastasis, and response to chemotherapy. Genomic analyses are defining further intriguing similarities between InvUC in dogs and that in humans. Multiple canine clinical trials have been completed, and others are in progress with the aim of translating important findings into humans to increase the success rate of human trials, as well as helping pet dogs. Examples of successful targeted therapy studies and the challenges to be met to fully utilize naturally occurring dog models of cancer will be reviewed.
Epigenetic Manipulation Facilitates the Generation of Skeletal Muscle Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Akiyama Tomohiko , Wakabayashi Shunichi , Soma Atsumi , Sato Saeko , Nakatake Yuhki , Oda Mayumi , Murakami Miyako , Sakota Miki , Chikazawa-Nohtomi Nana , Ko Shigeru B. H. , Ko Minoru S. H.
Published: April 2017

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into essentially all cell types in the body. Such differentiation can be directed to specific cell types by appropriate cell culture conditions or overexpressing lineage-defining transcription factors (TFs). Especially, for the activation of myogenic program, early studies have shown the effectiveness of enforced expression of TFs associated with myogenic differentiation, such as PAX7 and MYOD1. However, the efficiency of direct differentiation was rather low, most likely due to chromatin features unique to hPSCs, which hinder the access of TFs to genes involved in muscle differentiation. Indeed, recent studies have demonstrated that ectopic expression of epigenetic-modifying factors such as a histone demethylase and an ATP-dependent remodeling factor significantly enhances myogenic differentiation from hPSCs. In this article, we review the recent progress for in vitro generation of skeletal muscles from hPSCs through forced epigenetic and transcriptional manipulation.
A Novel Three-Dimensional Vector Analysis of Axial Globe Position in Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Guo Jie , Qian Jiang , Yuan Yifei , Zhang Rui , Huang Wenhu
Published: April 2017

Purpose. To define a three-dimensional (3D) vector method to describe the axial globe position in thyroid eye disease (TED).Methods. CT data from 59 patients with TED were collected and 3D images were reconstructed. A reference coordinate system was established, and the coordinates of the corneal apex and the eyeball center were calculated to obtain the globe vectorEC→. The measurement reliability was evaluated. The parameters ofEC→were analyzed and compared with the results of two-dimensional (2D) CT measurement, Hertel exophthalmometry, and strabismus tests.Results. The reliability ofEC→measurement was excellent. The difference betweenEC→and 2D CT measurement was significant (p=0.003), andEC→was more consistent with Hertel exophthalmometry than with 2D CT measurement (p<0.001). There was no significant difference betweenEC→and Hirschberg test, and a strong correlation was found betweenEC→and synoptophore test. When one eye had a larger deviation angle than its fellow, its corneal apex shifted in the corresponding direction, but the shift of the eyeball center was not significant. The parameters ofEC→were almost perfectly consistent with the geometrical equation.Conclusions. The establishment of a 3D globe vector is feasible and reliable, and it could provide more information in the axial globe position.
Consensus Conditions for High‐Order Multiagent Systems with Nonuniform Delays
Authors: Shi Mengji , Qin Kaiyu , Li Ping , Liu Jun
Published: April 2017

Consensus of first‐order and second‐order multiagent systems has been wildly studied. However, the convergence of high‐order (especially the third‐order to the sixth‐order) state variables is also ubiquitous in various fields. The paper handles consensus problems of high‐order multiagent systems in the presence of multiple time delays. Obtained by a novel frequency domain approach which properly resolves the challenges associated with nonuniform time delays, the consensus conditions for the first‐order and second‐order systems are proven to be nonconservative, and those for the third‐order to the sixth‐order systems are provided in the form of simple inequalities. The method revealed in this article is applicable to arbitrary‐order systems, and the results are less conservative than those based on Lyapunov approaches, because it roots in sufficient and necessary criteria of stabilities. Simulations are carried out to validate the theoretical results.
Molecular Imaging to Predict Response to Targeted Therapies in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Leguerney Ingrid , de Rochefort Ludovic , Poirier-Quinot Marie , Ingels Alexandre , Violas Xavier , Robin Sandra , Opolon Paule , Dubuisson Rose-Marie , Pitre-Champagnat Stéphanie , Robert Philippe , Lassau Nathalie
Published: April 2017

Molecular magnetic resonance imaging targeted to an endothelial integrin involved in neoangiogenesis was compared to DCE-US and immunochemistry to assess the early response of three different therapeutic agents in renal cell carcinoma. Human A498 renal cells carcinoma was subcutaneously inoculated into 24 nude mice. Mice received either phosphate-buffered saline solution, sunitinib, everolimus, or bevacizumab during 4 days. DCE-US and molecular MRI targetingαvβ3 were performed at baseline and 4 days after treatment initiation. PI, AUC, relaxation rate variationsΔR2⁎, and percentage of vessels area quantified on CD31-stained microvessels were compared. Significant decreases were observed for PI and AUC parameters measured by DCE-US for bevacizumab group as early as 4 days, whereas molecularαvβ3-targeted MRI was able to detect significant changes in both bevacizumab and everolimus groups. Percentage of CD31-stained microvessels was significantly correlated with DCE-US parameters, PI (R=0.87,p=0.0003) and AUC (R=0.81,p=0.0013). The percentage of vessel tissue area was significantly reduced (p<0.01) in both sunitinib and bevacizumab groups. We report an early detection of neoangiogenesis modification after induction of targeted therapies, using DCE-US orαvβ3-targeted MRI. We consider these outcomes should encourage clinical trial developments to further evaluate the potential of this molecular MRI technique.
Transcriptional and Molecular Pathways Activated in Mesenteric Adipose Tissue and Intestinal Mucosa of Crohn’s Disease Patients
Authors: Coope Andressa , Pascoal Lívia Bitencourt , da Silva Francesca Aparecida Ramos , Botezelli José Diego , Ayrizono Maria de Lourdes Setsuko , Milanski Marciane , Camargo Michel Gardere , Planell Núria , Portovedo Mariana , Dias Cilene Bicca , Fagundes João José , Leal Raquel Franco
Published: April 2017

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, characterized by cytokine imbalance and transcription signaling pathways activation. In addition, the increase of mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) near the affected intestinal area is a hallmark of CD. Therefore, we evaluated the transcription signaling pathways and cytokines expression in intestinal mucosa and MAT of active CD patients. Ten patients with ileocecal CD and eight with noninflammatory diseases were studied. The biopsies of intestinal mucosa and MAT were snap-frozen and protein expression was determined by immunoblotting. RNA levels were measured by qPCR. The pIkB/IkB ratio and TNFαlevel were significantly higher in intestinal mucosa of CD when compared to controls. However, STAT1 expression was similar between intestinal mucosa of CD and controls. Considering the MAT, the pIkB/IkB ratio was significantly lower and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 was significantly higher in CD when compared to controls. Finally, the protein content of pSTAT1 was higher in MAT of CD compared to controls. These findings reinforce the predominance of the proinflammatory NF-kB pathway in CD intestinal mucosa. For the first time, we showed the activation of STAT1 pathway in MAT of CD patients, which may help to understand the physiopathology of this immune mediated disease.
The Effect of Surgical Intervention for Delayed Cervical Central Cord Syndrome
Authors: Liu Yanan , Wang Zongyi , Yang Shaofeng , Yang Huilin , Zou Jun
Published: April 2017

The authors retrospectively studied 11 patients with delayed cervical central cord syndrome (CCS) to investigate the efficacy of the surgical intervention on treatment for delayed CCS. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor scores, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, SF-36 scores, and neurologic status were analyzed preoperatively and at each time point of postoperative follow-up. The results show that patients with reversible spinal cord injury caused by delayed central cord syndrome can recover significantly after surgical intervention. Therefore, we suggest that surgical intervention is still the ideal choice for delayed cervical central cord syndrome.
Differential Expression of Serum Proteins in Rats with Allergic Asthma: A Study Based on the Nanoliter Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography Technique
Authors: Yan Xingke , Zhang Ao , Yu Lu , Chen Cheng , Cui Haifu
Published: April 2017

Objective. To investigate the pathogenesis of allergic asthma via the nanoliter two-dimensional liquid chromatography (nano-2D-LC) technique.Method. 24 Wistar rats were randomized into 3 groups: the blank-control group (A), the restrained group (B), and the asthma model group (C). The nanoliter two-dimensional liquid chromatography (nano-2D-LC) technique was used to study the differential protein expressions of the serum in asthmatic rats.Results. Compared with the restrained group, the data from the asthma model group displayed a distinctive peak, that is, peak number 13 (94.731 min). The data also displayed three missing peaks in the asthma group, that is, peak number 1 (77.489 min), peak number 2 (78.418 min), and peak number 5 (80.533 min), suggesting that the corresponding peptides might be related to the pathogenesis of asthma. Compared with the blank-control group, the restrained group showed 4 new peaks, that is, peak number 2 (78.418 min), peak number 4 (79.398 min), peak number 5 (80.533 min), and peak number 7 (81.824 min). The restrained group also displayed a missing peak, that is, peak number 3 (78.804 min), indicating that those 5 polypeptides might be related to the binding-induced stress stimuli.Conclusion. The study suggests that the pathogenesis of allergic asthma is closely related to abnormal levels of proteins; however, future animal experiments should identify the specific protein expressions caused by stress factors.
A Hybrid Multiobjective Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Cooperative Air Combat DWTA
Authors: Peng Guang , Fang Yangwang , Chen Shaohua , Peng Weishi , Yang Dandan
Published: April 2017

A hybrid multiobjective discrete particle swarm optimization (HMODPSO) algorithm is proposed to solve cooperative air combat dynamic weapon target assignment (DWTA). First, based on the threshold of damage probability and time window constraints, a new cooperative air combat DWTA multiobjective optimization model is presented, which employs the maximum of the target damage efficiency and minimum of ammunition consumption as two competitive objective functions. Second, in order to tackle the DWTA problem, a mixed MODPSO and neighborhood search algorithm is proposed. Furthermore, the repairing operator is introduced into the mixed algorithm, which not only can repair infeasible solutions but also can improve the quality of feasible solutions. Besides, the Cauchy mutation is adopted to keep the diversity of the Pareto optimal solutions. Finally, a typical two-stage DWTA scenario is performed by HMODPSO and compared with three other state-of-the-art algorithms. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the new model and the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Molecular Encapsulation of Herbicide Terbuthylazine in Native and Modifiedβ-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Garrido E. Manuela , Rodrigues Daniela , Milhazes Nuno , Borges Fernanda , Garrido Jorge
Published: April 2017

The herbicide terbuthylazine (TBA) is widely used for preemergence or postemergence control of many grass and broadleaf weeds and has, besides other issues, a poor aqueous solubility profile that results in reduced bioavailability. Cyclodextrins and modified cyclodextrins were considered, among other substances, appropriate agents for improving pesticide water solubility. Therefore, the inclusion complex formation of terbuthylazine withβ-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was studied to attain its aqueous solubility enhancement. Their characterization was accomplished with different analytical techniques, namely, by UV-Vis, DSC, FTIR, and1H NMR. From the analysis of the complexation performance of the herbicide it was concluded that the interaction of terbuthylazine with CDs leads to the formation of inclusion complexes with a stoichiometry of 1 : 1. The association constants of the TBA/β-CD and TBA/HP-β-CD complexes were determined by UV. The mean values obtained for the stability constants are 460.4 ± 26.5 and 532.1 ± 27.6 to TBA/β-CD and TBA/HP-β-CD, respectively.1H NMR data corroborate the formation of the TBA/β-CD and TBA/HP-β-CD complexes synthesized by the kneading method. A formulation incorporating TBA cyclodextrin complexes might lead to an improvement in terbuthylazine bioavailability. The development of TBA-CD formulations may be interesting since it would enable, through their inclusion into the hydrophobic cavity of CDs, enhancement of solubility, bioavailability, and stability of the herbicide.
An Improved Clutter Suppression Method for Weather Radars Using Multiple Pulse Repetition Time Technique
Authors: Yu Yingjie , Li Yong
Published: April 2017

This paper describes the implementation of an improved clutter suppression method for the multiple pulse repetition time (PRT) technique based on simulated radar data. The suppression method is constructed using maximum likelihood methodology in time domain and is called parametric time domain method (PTDM). The procedure relies on the assumption that precipitation and clutter signal spectra follow a Gaussian functional form. The multiple interleaved pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs) that are used in this work are set to four PRFs (952, 833, 667, and 513 Hz). Based on radar simulation, it is shown that the new method can provide accurate retrieval of Doppler velocity even in the case of strong clutter contamination. The obtained velocity is nearly unbiased for all the range of Nyquist velocity interval. Also, the performance of the method is illustrated on simulated radar data for plan position indicator (PPI) scan. Compared with staggered 2-PRT transmission schemes with PTDM, the proposed method presents better estimation accuracy under certain clutter situations.
Spatial-Temporal Instability of an Inviscid Shear Layer
Authors: Fu Qing-fei , Qin Li-zi , Yang Li-jun
Published: April 2017

In this work, we explore the transition of absolute instability and convective instability in a compressible inviscid shear layer, through a linear spatial-temporal instability analysis. From linearized governing equations of the shear layer and the ideal-gas equation of state, the dispersion relation for the pressure perturbation was obtained. The eigenvalue problem for the evolution of two-dimensional perturbation was solved by means of shooting method. The zero group velocity is obtained by a saddle point method. The absolute/convective instability characteristics of the flow are determined by the temporal growth rate at the saddle point. The absolute/convective nature of the flow instability has strong dependence on the values of the temperature ratio, the velocity ratio, the oblique angle, and M number. A parametric study indicates that, for a great value of velocity ratio, the inviscid shear layer can transit to absolute instability. The increase of temperature ratio decreases the absolute growth rate when the temperature ratio is large; the effect of temperature ratio is opposite when the temperature ratio is relatively small. The obliquity of the perturbations would cause the increase of the absolute growth rate. The effect of M number is different when the oblique angle is great and small. Besides, the absolute instability boundary is found in the velocity ratio, temperature ratio, and M number space.
Biofilm Analysis of Retrieved Dental Implants after Different Peri-Implantitis Treatments
Authors: Geremias Thaise C. , Montero Juan F. D. , Magini Ricardo de Souza , Schuldt Filho Guenther , de Magalhães Edival Barreto , Bianchini Marco A.
Published: April 2017

The aim of the current study was to analyse the planktonic growth of Streptococcus mutans on the surfaces of three implants retrieved after three different peri-implantitis treatments. Three implants from a male patient with high levels of bone loss were treated by mechanical debridement, chemical decontamination, and implantoplasty. After 4 months of follow-up, the implants were removed. The growth and biofilm formation were measured by spectrophotometry (OD630 nm) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), after 48 hours of incubation. Results showed an average of Streptococcus mutans planktonic growth over the implants of 0.21 nm (mechanical debridement), 0.16 nm (chemical decontamination), and 0.15 nm (implantoplasty). Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p<0.05 for chemical decontamination and implantoplasty). Implantoplasty and chemical decontamination showed the lowest levels of planktonic growth, indicating a possible influence of the modification procedures on the titanium surface on the initial biofilm attachment.
Opuntia spp.: Characterization and Benefits in Chronic Diseases
Authors: del Socorro Santos Díaz María , Barba de la Rosa Ana-Paulina , Héliès-Toussaint Cécile , Guéraud Françoise , Nègre-Salvayre Anne
Published: April 2017

Opuntia species have been used for centuries as food resources and in traditional folk medicine for their nutritional properties and their benefit in chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. These plants are largely distributed in America, Africa, and the Mediterranean basin. Opuntia spp. have great economic potential because they grow in arid and desert areas, and O. ficus-indica, the domesticated O. species, is used as a nutritional and pharmaceutical agent in various dietary and value‐added products. Though differences in the phytochemical composition exist between wild and domesticated (O. ficus-indica) Opuntia spp., all Opuntia vegetatives (pear, roots, cladodes, seeds, and juice) exhibit beneficial properties mainly resulting from their high content in antioxidants (flavonoids, ascorbate), pigments (carotenoids, betalains), and phenolic acids. Other phytochemical components (biopeptides, soluble fibers) have been characterized and contribute to the medicinal properties of Opuntia spp. The biological properties of Opuntia spp. have been investigated on cellular and animal models and in clinical trials in humans, allowing characterization and clarification of the protective effect of Opuntia‐enriched diets in chronic diseases. This review is an update on the phytochemical composition and biological properties of Opuntia spp. and their potential interest in medicine.
Orbital T-Cell Lymphoma with Discrete Enlargements of All Extraocular Muscles Bilaterally in Patient with Moon Face Countenance
Authors: Kawakami Hideaki , Mochizuki Kiyofumi , Goto Hideko , Watanabe Naoki , Tanaka Takuji
Published: April 2017

Purpose. To report our findings in a case of orbital T-cell lymphoma in which all of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) were bilaterally and discretely enlarged and the patient had a moon face countenance.Case. A 59-year-old woman presented with visual disturbances in her left eye, hyperemia in both eyes, and a moon face countenance. Examinations showed limited upward gaze in the right eye, blepharoptosis, hypertropia, and limited downward and rightward gaze in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination showed only chemosis and hyperemia of both eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast revealed discrete enlargements of the muscle bellies in all EOMs without abnormalities of the orbital fat in both eyes. Blood examinations excluded thyroid- and IgG4-related ophthalmopathy, and EOM biopsy revealed peripheral T-cell lymphoma. After beginning aggressive chemotherapy, the enlarged EOMs, limited eye motility, and moon face countenance improved. Unfortunately, the patient died of sepsis during the chemotherapy.Conclusions. A lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of eyes with enlarged EOMs. Because lymphomas can lead to death, it is important for clinicians to consider lymphomas in eyes with enlarged EOMs.
How Arch Support Insoles Help Persons with Flatfoot on Uphill and Downhill Walking
Authors: Huang Yu-Ping , Kim Kwantae , Song Chen-Yi , Chen Yat-Hon , Peng Hsien-Te
Published: April 2017

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of arch support insoles on uphill and downhill walking of persons with flatfoot. Sixteen healthy college students with flatfoot were recruited in this study. Their heart rate, peak oxygen uptake (VO2), and median frequency (MDF) of surface electromyogram were recorded and analyzed. Nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis. The main results were as follows: (a) peak VO2significantly decreased with arch support insoles compared with flat insoles during uphill and downhill walking (arch support insole versus flat insole: uphill walking, 20.7 ± 3.6 versus 31.6 ± 5.5; downhill walking, 10.9 ± 2.3 versus 16.9 ± 4.2); (b) arch support insoles could reduce the fatigue of the rectus femoris muscle during downhill walking (MDF slope of arch support insole: 0.03 ± 1.17, flat insole: −6.56 ± 23.07); (c) insole hardness would increase not only the physical sensory input but also the fatigue of lower-limb muscles particularly for the rectus femoris muscle (MDF slope of arch support insole: −1.90 ± 1.60, flat insole: −0.83 ± 1.10) in persons with flatfoot during uphill walking. The research results show that arch support insoles could effectively be applied to persons with flatfoot to aid them during uphill and downhill walking.
Genomic and Molecular Screenings Identify Different Mechanisms for Acquired Resistance to MET Inhibitors in Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Gimenez-Xavier Pol , Pros Eva , Bonastre Ester , Moran Sebastian , Aza Ana , Graña Osvaldo , Gomez-Lopez Gonzalo , Derdak Sophia , Dabad Marc , Esteve-Codina Anna , Hernandez Mora Jose R. , Salinas-Chaparro Diana , Esteller Manel , Pisano David , Sanchez-Cespedes Montse
Published: April 2017

The development of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) limits the long-term efficacy of cancer treatments involving them. We aimed to understand the mechanisms that underlie acquired resistance (AR) to MET inhibitors in lung cancer. EBC1 cells, which have MET amplification and are sensitive to TKIs against MET, were used to generate multiple clones with AR to a MET-TKI. Whole-exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and global DNA methylation analysis were used to scrutinize the genetic and molecular characteristics of the resistant cells. AR to the MET-TKI involved changes common to all resistant cells, that is, phenotypic modifications, specific changes in gene expression, and reactivation of AKT, ERK, and mTOR. The gene expression, global DNA methylation, and mutational profiles distinguished at least two groups of resistant cells. In one of these, the cells have acquired sensitivity to erlotinib, concomitantly with mutations of the KIRREL, HDAC11, HIATL1, and MAPK1IP1L genes, among others. In the other group, some cells have acquired inactivation of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) concomitantly with strong overexpression of NRG1 and a mutational profile that includes changes in LMLN and TOMM34. Multiple independent and simultaneous strategies lead to AR to the MET-TKIs in lung cancer cells. The acquired sensitivity to erlotinib supports the known crosstalk between MET and the HER family of receptors. For the first time, we show inactivation of NF2 during acquisition of resistance to MET-TKI that may explain the refractoriness to erlotinib in these cells. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(7); 1366–76. ©2017 AACR.