bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Interleukin‐6 Gene Promoter Polymorphism with Coronary Artery Disease in Pakistani Families
Authors: Satti Humayoon Shafiq , Hussain Sabir , Javed Qamar
Published: December 2013

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a well‐known inflammatory cytokine and suggested to be involved in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). IL‐6 gene expression has been investigated with controversy in CAD patients. This study investigates the association of the IL‐6 gene expression with CAD, the molecular basis for the regulation of interleukin‐6 expression in a Pakistani population. Our data show that the serum IL‐6 levels were increased in patients with CAD compared with healthy controls and that the IL‐6 gene polymorphism at ‐174 was more prevalent in CAD cases. There was a statistically significant association between the IL‐6 gene polymorphism and CAD, which may be associated with an increased risk for the disease. Moreover, circulating IL‐6 and hs‐CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with CC genotype (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, resp.). In a binary logistic‐regression model, an independent association was found between CAD and increased serum IL‐6 and hs‐CRP levels and ‐174G>C polymorphism. This is the first report on the IL‐6 expression and the IL‐6 gene polymorphism in patients with CAD from Pakistan, and hence it highlights a novel risk factor for the disease.
The Performance of Multimessage Algebraic Gossip in a Random Geometric Graph
Authors: Wang Gang , Lin Zun , Guan Wenyang , Wang Feng
Published: December 2013

Gossip algorithm has been widely regarded as a simple and efficient method to improve quality of service (QoS) in large-scale network which requires rapid information dissemination. In this paper, information dissemination based on algebraic gossip in a random geometric graph (RGG) is considered. The n nodes only have knowledge about their own contents. In every time slot, each node communicates with a neighbor partner chosen randomly. The goal is to disseminate all of the messages rapidly among the nodes. We show that the gain of the convergence time is [Formula: see text] with network coding. Simulation results show that these bounds are valid for the random geometric graph and demonstrate that network coding significantly improves the bounds with the number of users increasing.
Effects of Rapamycin Combined with Low Dose Prednisone in Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Li Jiaming , Wang Zhaoyue , Dai Lan , Cao Lijuan , Su Jian , Zhu Mingqing , Yu Ziqiang , Bai Xia , Ruan Changgeng
Published: December 2013

We conducted this randomized trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of rapamycin treatment in adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Eighty-eight patients were separated into the control (cyclosporine A plus prednisone) and experimental (rapamycin plus prednisone) groups. The CD4+CD25+CD127lowregulatory T (Treg) cells level, Foxp3 mRNA expression, and the relevant cytokines levels were measured before and after treatment. The overall response (OR) was similar in both groups (experimental group versus control group: 58% versus 62%,P=0.70). However, sustained response (SR) was more pronounced in the experimental group than in the control group (68% versus 39%,P<0.05). Both groups showed similar incidence of adverse events (7% versus 11%,P=0.51). As expected, the low pretreatment baseline level of Treg cells was seen in all patients (P<0.001); however, the experimental group experienced a significant rise in Treg cell level, and there was a strong correlation between the levels of Treg cells and TGF-beta after the treatment. In addition, the upregulation maintained a stable level during the follow-up phase. Thus, rapamycin plus low dose prednisone could provide a new promising option for therapy of ITP.
Framework for Secure Wireless Communication in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Usama Muhammad , Bin Muhaya Fahad T.
Published: December 2013

With large-scale and rapid development in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), there is great demand to adopt security mechanisms for secure wireless communication. WSNs have many fields of applications that are playing an essential role in increasing productivity and reducing cost. The restricted and constrained nature of sensors along with potentially dynamic behavior of WSNs demands the proper implementation of framework for secure communication in order to prevent attacker from illegally accessing or altering the transmission. We proposed a framework for secure wireless communication in WSNs which consists of four modules, that is, redundancy checker, message prioritization mechanism, malicious node verification, and malicious data verification. Detailed results of security and performance analysis have been realized for comparison and evaluation with complete implementation using NS2 network simulator. The proposed framework presents numerous interesting features which proofs acceptable performance for malicious node and data detection in WSNs.
Carotidynia Possibly due to Localized Vasculitis in a Patient with LatentMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection
Authors: Cassone Giulia , Colaci Michele , Giuggioli Dilia , Manfredi Andreina , Sebastiani Marco , Ferri Clodoveo
Published: December 2013

Carotidynia is a syndrome characterized by tenderness of the carotid artery near the bifurcation due to numerous, heterogeneous causes. Here we reported the case of a 31-year-old Moroccan woman with right-sided neck pain and tenderness with irradiation to ipsilateral ear, eye, and occipital region. Clinical symptoms and imaging findings were suggestive of primary variant of carotidynia syndrome. In particular, color-Doppler ultrasonography revealed a concentric wall thickening of the distal common carotid artery, while thoracic magnetic resonance showed localized perivascular enhancement of the soft tissue in the right medial-distal common carotid artery in T1-weighted images, without intraluminal diameter variation. Moreover, careful clinicoserological and imaging investigations (cranial, cervical, and thoracic angiocomputed tomography and magnetic resonance) excluded well-known disorders potentially responsible for carotidynia syndrome. The patient was scarcely responsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but clinical symptoms resolved after three months. Of interest, the patient showed latentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection (positive tuberculosis interferon-gamma release assay; QuantiFERON-TB Gold); this finding suggested a possible triggering role of mycobacterial antigens in the immune-mediated mechanism responsible for localized carotid injury.
Global Stability of HIV Infection of CD4+T Cells and Macrophages with CTL Immune Response and Distributed Delays
Authors: Elaiw A. M. , Abukwaik R. M. , Alzahrani E. O.
Published: December 2013

We study the global stability of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection model with Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL) immune response. The model describes the interaction of the HIV with two classes of target cells, CD4+T cells and macrophages. Two types of distributed time delays are incorporated into the model to describe the time needed for infection of target cell and virus replication. Using the method of Lyapunov functional, we have established that the global stability of the model is determined by two threshold numbers, the basic reproduction numberR0and the immune response reproduction numberR0∗. We have proven that, ifR0≤1, then the uninfected steady state is globally asymptotically stable (GAS), ifR0*≤11, then the infected steady state with CTL immune response is GAS.
Urogenital Mycoplasmas and Human Papilloma Virus in Hemodialysed Women
Authors: Ekiel Alicja , Pietrzak Bronisława , Wiechuła Barbara , Aptekorz Małgorzata , Mazanowska Natalia , Rady Dominika , Kamiński Paweł , Martirosian Gayane
Published: December 2013

Bacterial infections, especially endogenous, are the frequent complications among hemodialyzed and renal transplant patients. In this study we assumed the prevalence of urogenital mycoplasmas and HPV among hemodialysed women. We examined 32 hemodialysed women aged 20–48 (mean 35.6 ± 8.23) and 100 healthy controls of the same ages. Two swabs were collected for detection of mycoplasmas and HPV. Culture of Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis was performed using Mycoplasma IST2 (bioMérieux, France), Identificaton of U. parvum and U. urealyticum was performed by Kong. Primers described by Jensen were used for M. genitalium. For detection of high‐risk HPV types Amplicor HPV (Roche Molecular System, CA) was used. Prevalence of urogenital mycoplasmas in the hemodialysed women (53.1%) was significantly higher (P = 0.0059), compared with controls (25%). In both groups, U. parvum was the most frequently isolated. Cooccurrence of urogenital mycoplasmas was shown in 75% of the HPV‐positive hemodialysed women and in 30.4% of HPV‐positive controls (P = 0.0461). Cooccurrence of urogenital mycoplasmas with HPV was significantly higher in hemodialysed women. The need to take into account these microorganisms in routine diagnostic, especially for hemodialysed patients, was demonstrated. Further studies to demonstrate the role of this cooccurrence in etiopathogenesis of infection in hemodialysed patients are required.
Contour Propagation Using Feature-Based Deformable Registration for Lung Cancer
Authors: Yang Yuhan , Zhou Shoujun , Shang Peng , Qi En , Wu Shibin , Xie Yaoqin
Published: December 2013

Accurate target delineation of CT image is a critical step in radiotherapy treatment planning. This paper describes a novel strategy for automatic contour propagation, based on deformable registration, for CT images of lung cancer. The proposed strategy starts with a manual-delineated contour in one slice of a 3D CT image. By means of feature-based deformable registration, the initial contour in other slices of the image can be propagated automatically, and then refined by active contour approach. Three algorithms are employed in the strategy: the Speeded-Up Robust Features (SURF), Thin-Plate Spline (TPS), and an adapted active contour (Snake), used to refine and modify the initial contours. Five pulmonary cancer cases with about 400 slices and 1000 contours have been used to verify the proposed strategy. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed strategy can improve the segmentation performance in the pulmonary CT images. Jaccard similarity (JS) mean is about 0.88 and the maximum of Hausdorff distance (HD) is about 90%. In addition, delineation time has been considerably reduced. The proposed feature-based deformable registration method in the automatic contour propagation improves the delineation efficiency significantly.
Stimulation of TLR4 by LMW-HA Induces Metastasis in Human Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma through CXCR7
Authors: Dang Shipeng , Peng Yongde , Ye Lei , Wang Yanan , Qian Zhongqing , Chen Yuqing , Wang Xiaojing , Lin Yunzhi , Zhang Xiaomei , Sun Xiyan , Wu Qiong , Cheng Yiji , Nie Hong , Jin Min , Xu Huanbai
Published: December 2013

In inflammatory sites, high molecular weight hyaluronan fragments are degraded into lower molecular weight hyaluronan fragments (LMW-HA) to regulate immune responses. However, the function of LMW-HA in PTC progression remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that receptor of LMW-HA, TLR4, was aberrantly overexpressed in PTC tissues and cell line W3. Exposure of W3 cells to LMW-HA promoted cell proliferation and migration via TLR4. Knockdown of TLR4 has provided evidence that TLR4 is essential for LMW-HA-induced CXCR7 expression, which is responsible for LMW-HA-induced proliferation and migration of W3 cells. In tumor-bearing adult nude mice, stimulation of LMW-HA on W3 cells promotes CXCR7 expression in tumor masses (P=0.002) and tumor growth (P<0.001). To further confirm our findings, we investigated the clinicopathologic significance of TLR4 and CXCR7 expression using immumohistochemistry in 135 human PTC tissues and 56 normal thyroid tissue samples. Higher rates of TLR4 (53%) and CXCR7 (24%) expression were found in PTC tissues than in normal tissues. Expression of TLR4 or CXCR7 is associated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis. Therefore, LMW-HA may contribute to the development of PTC via TLR4/CXCR7 pathway, which may be a novel target for PTC immunomodulatory therapy.
Glucocorticosteroid in Treatment of Severe Pneumonia
Authors: Ariani Felinda , Liu Kaixiong , Jing Zhang , Qu Jieming
Published: December 2013

Airway diseases such as pneumonia constitute a major health burden on a global scale; untreated pneumonia may develop to severe pneumonia and consequently lead to to fatal episodes of mortality and morbidity. The balance between inflammatory mediators is key for the outcome of the pulmonary infection; elimination of invading pathogen was marked by the release of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators from alveolar macrophages and glucocorticoid steroids (GCs) acting on the inflammatory component. Treatments of severe pneumonia with GCs have been developing for years with inconclusive results. In many cases GCs have been administered empirically without clinical evidence. Recent studies assess beneficial impact on treatment of severe pneumonia by suggesting specific dosage, period of administration, and tapered dosage.
Assessment of Trihalomethane Formation in Chlorinated Raw Waters with Differential UV Spectroscopy Approach
Authors: Özdemir Kadir , Toröz İsmail , Uyak Vedat
Published: December 2013

In this study, the changes in UV absorbance of water samples were characterized using defined differential UV spectroscopy (DUV), a novel spectroscopic technique. Chlorination experiments were conducted with water samples from Terkos Lake (TL) and Büyükçekmece Lake (BL) (Istanbul, Turkey). The maximum loss of UV absorbance for chlorinated TL and BL raw water samples was observed at a wavelength of 272 nm. Interestingly, differential absorbance at 272 nm (ΔUV272) was shown to be a good indicator of UV absorbing chromophores and the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) resulting from chlorination. Furthermore, differential spectra of chlorinated TL waters were similar for given chlorination conditions, peaking at 272 nm. The correlations between THMs and ΔUV272 were quantified by linear equations with R2 values >0.96. The concentration of THMs formed when natural organic matter is chlorinated increases with increasing time and pH levels. Among all THMs, CHCl3 was the dominant species forming as a result of the chlorination of TL and BL raw water samples. The highest chloroform (CHCl3), dichlorobromomethane (CHCl2Br), and dibromochloromethane (CHBr2Cl) concentration were released per unit loss of absorbance at 272 nm at pH 9 with a maximum reaction time of 168 hours and Cl2/dissolved organic carbon ratio of 3.2.
Trajectory Optimization of Packet Ferries in Opportunistic Social-Based Machine-to-Machine Networks
Authors: Guan Xin
Published: December 2013

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is an emerging paradigm to connect a large number of devices through wireless technologies. In recent application scenarios, devices are normally carried by people in social contexts. Like the behavior of people, the moving activity of devices always happens in a specific area, which corresponds to some specific communities. How to guarantee the higher packet delivery ratio while reducing forwarding delay in such M2M networks is a challenging issue and has not been well addressed yet. In this paper, we put some special mobile devices (called postmen) in the opportunistic social-based M2M networks and their main responsibility is to carry packets for normal devices which belong to specific communities. Our work focuses on the optimization of the moving trajectory by considering the minimum transmission delay. We formulate the optimal issue into semi-Markov Decision Process model. The decision process includes two parts: packets-choosing strategy and trajectory of packet-ferrying determination strategy. By maximizing the individual reward of a postman, its optimal trajectory will be found. Furthermore, the proposed solution guarantees the packet delivery ratio and delay for isolated communities. Simulation results show that the proposed packet-ferrying solution outperforms the two existing ferrying solutions in terms of packet delivery ratio.
Protective Effects of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang against Polymicrobial Sepsis Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture in Rats
Authors: Wei Yufen , Shan Lei , Qiao Liming , Liu Runhui , Hu Zhenlin , Zhang Weidong
Published: December 2013

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a traditional formula that has long been used for treatment of inflammatory diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this study, we examined its protective effect against sepsis in an experimental septic model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in rats. The results demonstrated that prophylactic administration of HLJDT protected rats from CLP-induced lethality and ameliorated CLP-induced liver and lung injury. HLJDT treatment suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17A, indicating HLJDT could limit excessive inflammatory responses in septic condition. In addition, HLJDT facilitated bacterial clearance by increasing phagocytic activities of peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, HLJDT treatment reversed CLP-induced suppression of IFN-γexpression and blocked CLP-induced increase in IL-4 expression in spleens of rats at 24 h after CLP, indicating that HLJDT could reverse the shift from Th1 to Th2 response and promote Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1 predominance in septic rats. Moreover, HLJDT also inhibited the expression of IL-17A and ROR-γt in spleens of septic rats, indicating HLJDT is able to inhibit Th17 activation in septic condition. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the protective effects of HLJDT against sepsis and highlighted the potential of HLJDT as a medication for septic patients.
The Research and Application of Visual Saliency and Adaptive Support Vector Machine in Target Tracking Field
Authors: Chen Yuantao , Xu Weihong , Kuang Fangjun , Gao Shangbing
Published: December 2013

The efficient target tracking algorithm researches have become current research focus of intelligent robots. The main problems of target tracking process in mobile robot face environmental uncertainty. They are very difficult to estimate the target states, illumination change, target shape changes, complex backgrounds, and other factors and all affect the occlusion in tracking robustness. To further improve the target tracking’s accuracy and reliability, we present a novel target tracking algorithm to use visual saliency and adaptive support vector machine (ASVM). Furthermore, the paper’s algorithm has been based on the mixture saliency of image features. These features include color, brightness, and sport feature. The execution process used visual saliency features and those common characteristics have been expressed as the target’s saliency. Numerous experiments demonstrate the effectiveness and timeliness of the proposed target tracking algorithm in video sequences where the target objects undergo large changes in pose, scale, and illumination.
A Note on Hermite-Hadamard Inequalities for Products of Convex Functions
Authors: Chen Feixiang
Published: December 2013

We obtain some new Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for products of convex functions. We conclude that the results obtained in this work are the refinements of the present results.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Activity in Hypothermia and Rewarming: Can RONS Modulate the Beneficial Effects of Therapeutic Hypothermia?
Authors: Alva Norma , Palomeque Jesús , Carbonell Teresa
Published: December 2013

Hypothermia is a condition in which core temperature drops below the level necessary to maintain bodily functions. The decrease in temperature may disrupt some physiological systems of the body, including alterations in microcirculation and reduction of oxygen supply to tissues. The lack of oxygen can induce the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen free radicals (RONS), followed by oxidative stress, and finally, apoptosis and/or necrosis. Furthermore, since the hypothermia is inevitably followed by a rewarming process, we should also consider its effects. Despite hypothermia and rewarming inducing injury, many benefits of hypothermia have been demonstrated when used to preserve brain, cardiac, hepatic, and intestinal function against ischemic injury. This review gives an overview of the effects of hypothermia and rewarming on the oxidant/antioxidant balance and provides hypothesis for the role of reactive oxygen species in therapeutic hypothermia.
T Cell Vaccination Inhibits Th1/Th17/Tfh Frequencies and Production of Autoantibodies in Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Li Shan , Niu Xiaoyin , Xi Yebin , Deng Shaohua , Li Chengzhen , Zhao Qing , Chen Guangjie
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study is to determine whether the regulatory role of T cell vaccination (TCV) is through inhibition of Th1/Th17/Tfh and production of autoantibodies on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). First, CIA mice were treated with TCV. After disease onset, the incidence and severity of change in joint histopathology were evaluated. Mice in the TCV-treated group showed less disease severity and less infiltration of inflammatory cells in the joint sections. TCV decreased the frequencies of Th1/Th17/Tfh cells and related cytokines. Reduction of IL-21 may be associated with both Tfh and Th17, which further influence B cell and T cell responses. In addition, inhibition of Th1/Th17/Tfh frequencies led to the reduced expression of T-bet, RORα, RORγt, and Bcl6. Lastly, the proliferation of type-II-collagen-(CII-) specific T cells and the production of anti-CII antibodies were inhibited in the TCV-treated group. The results provide novel evidence that the therapeutic effects of TCV on CIA are associated with the inhibition of Th1/Th17/Tfh frequencies and autoantibodies production.
Effects of the Chinese Traditional Prescription Xiaoyaosan Decoction on Chronic Immobilization Stress-Induced Changes in Behavior and Ultrastructure in Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Liang Yuan , Guo Xiao-Ling , Chen Jia-Xu , Yue Guang-Xin
Published: December 2013

Xiaoyaosan (XYS) decoction has been widely used as a traditional medicine for treating stress and depression-related disorders in China for thousands of years.Aim of the Study. To observe the potential mechanism of XYS decoction’s antidepressant-like effect inα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors related to synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus rats induced by chronic immobilization stress (CIS).Materials and Methods. Animals were randomly divided into five groups: (1) control group; (2) sham-operated group; (3) CIS group, in which rats were conducted CIS for 21 days; (4) XYS decoction treatment group; (5) 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) positive group, in which the amygdala of CIS rats was unilaterally microinjected with a competitive glutamate receptor antagonist, CNQX. After CIS for 21 days, the open field test (OPT) and elevated plus-maze test (EPM) were measured, the ultrastructure of hippocampus CA1subregion was observed by the electron microscopy; both the GluR1 and GluR2 mRNA level of AMPA receptor subunits in hippocampus CA1subregion were detected by real-time qPCR.Results. Rats subjected to CIS exhibited increases in time in central zone and decreases in total distance traveled in the OPT. In the EPM, they also showed decreases in center zone time and entries, open arm time and entries, and an increase in close arm time. Ultrastructural damage in the hippocampus CA1was also observed. XYS decoction and CNQX showed significant improvement behavioral changes and the ultrastructural damage of the hippocampus CA1; XYS decoction also reversed CIS-induced decreases in GluR2 mRNA and increases in GluR1 mRNA in the hippocampus CA1as well as CNQX.Conclusions. XYS decoction may effectively produce an antidepressant-like effect, which appears to be involved AMPA receptors related synaptic plasticity of hippocampus.
Evaluating the Hemodynamical Response of a Cardiovascular System under Support of a Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device via Numerical Modeling and Simulations
Authors: Bozkurt Selim , Safak Koray K.
Published: December 2013

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common type of the heart failure which can be characterized by impaired ventricular contractility. Mechanical circulatory support devices were introduced into practice for the heart failure patients to bridge the time between the decision to transplant and the actual transplantation which is not sufficient due to the state of donor organ supply. In this study, the hemodynamic response of a cardiovascular system that includes a dilated cardiomyopathic heart under support of a newly developed continuous flow left ventricular assist device—Heart Turcica Axial—was evaluated employing computer simulations. For the evaluation, a numerical model which describes the pressure-flow rate relations of Heart Turcica Axial, a cardiovascular system model describing the healthy and pathological hemodynamics, and a baroreflex model regulating the heart rate were used. Heart Turcica Axial was operated between 8000 rpm and 11000 rpm speeds with 1000 rpm increments for assessing the pump performance and response of the cardiovascular system. The results also give an insight about the range of the possible operating speeds of Heart Turcica Axial in a clinical application. Based on the findings, operating speed of Heart Turcica Axial should be between 10000 rpm and 11000 rpm.
SHON Is a Novel Estrogen-Regulated Oncogene in Mammary Carcinoma That Predicts Patient Response to Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Jung Yewon , Abdel-Fatah Tarek M.A. , Chan Stephen Y.T. , Nolan Christopher C. , Green Andrew R. , Ellis Ian O. , Li Lili , Huang Baiqu , Lu Jun , Xu Bing , Chen Longxin , Ma Runlin Z. , Zhang Min , Wang Jingru , Wu ZhengSheng , Zhu Tao , Perry Jo K. , Lobie Peter E. , Liu Dong-Xu
Published: December 2013

Endocrine therapies are the primary systemic intervention for patients with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, a significant proportion of initially responsive ER+ tumors develop resistance, with relapses occurring in up to 50% of patients. Lack of reliable predictive biomarkers remains an unfilled need for enhanced clinical management of this disease. In this study, we address this need in identifying a novel estrogen-regulated gene called SHON (secreted hominoid-specific oncogene). Enforced expression of SHON in breast cancer cells increased their proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, SHON enhanced the oncogenicity of these cells in xenograft models of human breast cancer and was also sufficient to oncogenically transform MCF10A human mammary epithelial cells. Conversely, SHON attenuation mediated by RNA interference- or antibody-based methods reduced the oncogenicity of breast cancer cells. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the oncogenic transforming properties of SHON were mediated by BCL-2 and NF-κB. In primary clinical specimens, SHON was immunohistochemically detected in 62% of breast cancers, in which its expression was positively correlated with ER expression. In this setting, SHON expression predicted a favorable response to endocrine therapy in high-risk patients with ER+ breast cancer. Taken together, our findings identify SHON as a novel human oncogene with predictive utility in ER+ breast cancer, perhaps offering a simple biomarker to predict the therapeutic efficacy of antiestrogen therapy in patients with breast cancer. Cancer Res; 73(23); 6951–62. ©2013 AACR.
Metastasis Dormancy in Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiang H.-F. , Giuliano Mario , Trivedi Meghana V. , Schiff Rachel , Osborne C. Kent
Published: December 2013

About 20% to 40% of patients with breast cancer eventually develop recurrences in distant organs, which are often not detected until years to decades after the primary tumor diagnosis. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer, suggesting that ER+ cancer cells may stay dormant for a protracted period of time, despite adjuvant therapies. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to explain how cancer cells survive and remain in dormancy, and how they become reactivated and exit dormancy. These mechanisms include angiogenic switch, immunosurveillance, and interaction with extracellular matrix and stromal cells. How to eradicate or suppress these dormant cancer cells remains a major clinical issue because of the lack of knowledge about the biologic and clinical nature of these cells. Herein, we review the clinical manifestation of metastasis dormancy in ER+ tumors, the current biologic insights regarding tumor dormancy obtained from various experimental models, and the clinical challenges to predict, detect, and treat dormant metastases. We also discuss future research directions toward a better understanding of the biologic mechanisms and clinical management of ER+ dormant metastasis. Clin Cancer Res; 19(23); 6389–97. ©2013 AACR.
Strategies for a Direct Characterization of Phosphoproteins on Hydroxyapatite Surfaces
Authors: Sotres J. , Barrantes A. , Lindh L. , Arnebrant T.
Published: December 2013

We show in this work how systems formed by phosphoproteins on calcium phosphate surfaces can be directly characterized, in real time, in liquid medium, without the need for elution or labeling. Specifically, we show how this is possible by applying three different techniques: ellipsometry, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, and atomic force microscopy-based friction force spectroscopy. We apply these techniques to study two different model systems, i.e. those formed upon the adsorption of two model phosphoproteins (κ- and ß-casein) on hydroxyapatite (HA) surfaces. Information on the kinetics of adsorption, surface excess, viscoelasticity, water content, thickness of the layers, and protein-surface interaction is provided. Results indicate that both phosphoproteins form homogeneous elastic highly hydrated monolayers on the HA surfaces, the strength of ß-casein layers being higher by approximately a factor of 4. Based on the experimental results, models for the conformation of κ- and ß-casein molecules adsorbed on HA surfaces are proposed.
Splice Site Mutations in GH1 Detected in Previously (Genetically) Undiagnosed Families with Congenital Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency Type II
Authors: Kempers M.J.E. , van der Crabben S.N. , de Vroede M. , Alfen-van der Velden J. , Netea-Maier R.T. , Duim R.A.J. , Otten B.J. , Losekoot M. , Wit J.M.
Published: December 2013

Background: Congenital isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) is a rare endocrine disorder that presents with severe proportionate growth failure. Dominant (type II) IGHD is usually caused by heterozygous mutations of GH1. The presentation of newly affected family members in 3 families with dominant IGHD in whom previous genetic testing had not demonstrated a GH1 mutation or had not been performed, prompted us to identify the underlying genetic cause. Methods:GH1 was sequenced in 3 Caucasian families with a clinical autosomal dominant IGHD. Results: All affected family members had severe growth hormone (GH) deficiency that became apparent in the first 2 years of life. GH treatment led to a marked increase in height SDS. So far, no other pituitary dysfunctions have become apparent. In the first family a novel splice site mutation in GH1 was identified (c.172-1G>C, IVS2-1G>C). In two other families a previously reported splice site mutation (c.291+1G>A, IVS3+1G>A) was found. Conclusion: These data show that several years after negative genetic testing it was now possible to make a genetic diagnosis in these families with a well-defined, clearly heritable, autosomal dominant IGHD. This underscores the importance of clinical and genetic follow-up in a multidisciplinary setting. It also shows that even without a positive family history, genetic testing should be considered if the phenotype is strongly suggestive for a genetic syndrome. Identification of pathogenic mutations, like these GH1 mutations, has important clinical implications for the surveillance and genetic counseling of patients and expands our knowledge on the genotype-phenotype correlation.
Noninvasive Prenatal Testing for Whole Fetal Chromosomal Aneuploidies: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Trial in Taiwan
Authors: Shaw S.W. Steven , Hsiao Ching-Hua , Chen Chih-Yao , Ren Yuanyuan , Tian Feng , Tsai Chris , Chen Ming , Cheng Po-Jen
Published: December 2013

Objective: To evaluate the performance of noninvasive prenatal testing for all fetal chromosomal aneuploidies in an extremely high-risk group undergoing first trimester combined Down syndrome screening. Method: A multicenter cohort prospective study in Taiwan was performed between June and December 2012. Maternal plasma was collected and shotgun massive parallel sequencing was performed on each fetal chromosome. 201 Taiwanese pregnant women at >12 weeks' gestation from 11 medical centers were enrolled in this trial. The extremely high-risk group was defined as a Down syndrome risk cutoff >1:30 or nuchal translucency >3.0 mm (n = 100), while the low-risk group was defined as a Down syndrome cutoff <1:1,500 (n = 101). Amniocentesis confirmation was performed and birth outcome was also recorded. Results: There were 11 cases of trisomy 21, 8 cases of trisomy 18, 3 cases of trisomy 13, 1 case of trisomy 16, 3 cases of 45,X, and 1 case of 47,XYY detected prenatally in 100 extremely high-risk gravidas [n = 27/100 (27%)]. The overall autosomal or sex chromosome aneuploidy detection rate was 96% (27/28) because of an insufficient amount maternal plasma for one fetus with Turner syndrome. In the low-risk group, no chromosomal abnormalities were detected (specificity = 100%). There were no false-positive cases in this study. Conclusions: This first trial in Taiwan shows that noninvasive prenatal testing for whole chromosome aneuploidies can be efficiently applied in extremely high- and low-risk populations.
Interaction between Intradialytic Exercise and Hemodialysis Adequacy
Authors: Kirkman Danielle L. , Roberts Lisa D. , Kelm Marten , Wagner Jürgen , Jibani Mahdi M. , Macdonald Jamie H.
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: According to mathematical modeling, intradialytic exercise of sufficient intensity and duration implemented in the second half of dialysis should be as efficacious as increasing dialysis time for dialysis adequacy. This assumption has not been tested in vivo. Methods: In this controlled trial, 11 hemodialysis (HD) patients (mean (SD) age 56 (13) years) were recruited. Each patient completed three trial arms in a randomized order: routine care (CONT), increased HD time of 30 min (TIME), and intradialytic exercise (EXER), 60 min of cycling at 90% of the lactate threshold in the last 90 min of HD. The primary outcome was eKt/Vurea. Secondary outcomes included reduction and rebound ratios of urea, creatinine, phosphate and β2-microglobulin. Outcomes were calculated from blood sampling collected pre-, post- and 30 min post-HD and confirmed with dialysate sampling. Results: Exercise was not as efficacious as increased HD time for eKt/Vurea (EXER vs. CONT, mean change (95% CI): 0.03 (-0.05 to 0.12); TIME vs. CONT: 0.15 (0.05-0.26)). Exercise was less efficacious at improving reduction ratios of urea and creatinine. However, exercise was more efficacious than increased dialysis time for phosphate reduction ratio (EXER vs. CONT: 8.6% (0.5-16.7); TIME vs. CONT: 5.0% (-1.0 to 11.1)). Conclusion: This study utilized a rigorously controlled in vivo design to test mathematical models and assumptions regarding dialysis adequacy. Intradialytic exercise towards the end of HD cannot replace the prescription of increased HD time for dialysis adequacy, but may be an adjunctive therapy for serum phosphate control.
CERAD Neuropsychological Total Scores Reflect Cortical Thinning in Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Paajanen T. , Hänninen T. , Aitken A. , Hallikainen M. , Westman E. , Wahlund L.-O. , Sobow T. , Mecocci P. , Tsolaki M. , Vellas B. , Muehlboeck S. , Spenger C. , Lovestone S. , Simmons A. , Soininen H. ,   for the AddNeuroMed Consortium
Published: December 2013

Background: Sensitive cognitive global scores are beneficial in screening and monitoring for prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). Early cortical changes provide a novel opportunity for validating established cognitive total scores against the biological disease markers. Methods: We examined how two different total scores of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) battery and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) are associated with cortical thickness (CTH) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and prodromal AD. Cognitive and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of 22 progressive MCI, 78 stable MCI, and 98 control subjects, and MRI data of 103 AD patients of the prospective multicenter study were analyzed. Results: CERAD total scores correlated with mean CTH more strongly (r = 0.34-0.38, p < 0.001) than did MMSE (r = 0.19, p = 0.01). Of those vertex clusters that showed thinning in progressive MCI, 60-75% related to the CERAD total scores and 3% to the MMSE. Conclusion: CERAD total scores are sensitive to the CTH signature of prodromal AD, which supports their biological validity in detecting early disease-related cognitive changes.
Glomerulopathy with Homozygous Apolipoprotein E2: A Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kawanishi Kunio , Sawada Anri , Ochi Ayami , Moriyama Takahito , Mitobe Michihiro , Mochizuki Toshio , Honda Kazuho , Oda Hideaki , Nishikawa Toshio , Nitta Kosaku
Published: December 2013

Most cases of type III hyperlipoproteinemia are accounted for by apolipoprotein E2 (apoE2) homozygotes, a genetic mutation of apoE (Arg158Cys). Glomerulopathy with homozygous apoE2 is rare and characterized by marked foam cell infiltration in the glomerular capillaries and mesangium. Here, we report 3 cases of apoE2 homozygote glomerulopathy diagnosed by renal biopsy and DNA analysis. All 3 cases were middle-aged or elderly males complicated with diabetes for at least a decade. The kidney biopsies showed massive foam cell infiltration in the glomerular capillaries and expanded mesangium accompanied by histological findings of diabetic glomerulosclerosis. The lipid profiles showed type III hyperlipoproteinemia and phenotypic/genetic analyses revealed homozygosity of apoE2. Two of the cases showed nephrotic proteinuria and progressed to renal failure in 3 and 8 years after the diagnosis of kidney disease.
Small Bowel Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Detected by Capsule Endoscopy
Authors: Igawa A. , Oka S. , Tanaka S. , Nakano M. , Aoyama T. , Watari I. , Aikata H. , Arihiro K. , Chayama K.
Published: December 2013

We report a rare case of metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to the small bowel that presented as a pedunculated epithelial polyp. A 60-year-old man with liver cirrhosis type B was treated for HCC (stage IVb) at our hospital. He had been admitted for melena and anemia. Capsule endoscopy was performed in this patient with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. It showed a polypoid lesion with bleeding in the ileum. Double-balloon endoscopy was performed. The lesion was determined to be a pedunculated polyp in the ileum. Histological examination of biopsy specimens showed tumor cells resembling HCC. We performed endoscopic mucosal resection for the lesion by double-balloon endoscopy to prevent bleeding from the tumor. The patient had no melena or anemia and his condition improved after endoscopic mucosal resection. However, he died of liver failure 2 months later.
Verrucous Carcinoma of the Esophagus: A Potential Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Ahmed Kabir , Timmerman Gary , Meyer Robert , Miller Tara , Mazurczak Miroslaw , Tams Kimberlee , Atiq Muslim
Published: December 2013

Verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma associated with human papillomavirus. We report the case of a 58-year-old female who presented with ongoing symptoms of dysphagia. On previous endoscopies she had been noted to have a large polyp-like mass involving the esophagus, with negative biopsies for malignancy. Repeat endoscopy with concurrent endoscopic ultrasound showed a large semi-pedunculated polyp in the distal esophagus and a hypoechoic, irregular mass involving the gastroesophageal junction with esophageal thickening. Deep layer biopsies showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with immunohistochemical staining positive for human papillomavirus. The patient was subsequently treated with chemo-radiation followed by esophagectomy.
A Large Hepatic Cyst with Obstructive Jaundice Successfully Treated with Single-Incision Laparoscopic Deroofing
Authors: Imamura Hajime , Kawashita Yujo , Koga Naoki , Sanada Yuichi , Azuma Takashi , Matsuo Shigetoshi , Eguchi Susumu
Published: December 2013

We herein present a case of hepatic cysts causing obstructive jaundice that was treated with single-incision laparoscopic deroofing. A 72-year-old female patient was referred to hospital due to a large hepatic cyst that compressed the intrahepatic bile ducts. The patient was scheduled to undergo single-incision laparoscopic deroofing. The EZ ACCESS™ oval type (Hakko Co. Ltd.) was placed at the umbilicus using a 25-mm incision with two 5-mm trocars. An additional 12-mm port was placed at the left epigastric region. We unroofed and excised the cyst wall using a vessel sealing system in liver segment 4. After surgery, the patient was found to be asymptomatic. The unroofed cysts were completely diminished. Notably, the remnant liver had fairly regenerated. The estimated regeneration volume of the normal liver was 153 cm3. To prevent surgical complications, clinicians should perform adequate management and use of devices. To prevent postoperative recurrence of cysts, performing complete deroofing is essential. Single-incision laparoscopic deroofing contributes to improving the quality of life of patients and should be considered a standard treatment.
Taxonomic novelties in Rhynchospora (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Silva da Silva Filho Pedro Joel , TREVISAN RAFAEL , BOLDRINI ILSI IOB
Published: December 2013

The genus Rhynchospora Vahl has about 354 species with concentration in tropical America. In Brazil, Rhynchospora is the most abundant genus of the family, with 157 species, of which 40 are considered endemic. With the knowledge obtained in field trips, literature and herbaria reviewed, this work aims to contribute to the taxonomy of the genus Rhynchospora. As main results we highlight the synonymization of Rhynchospora glaziovii and R. floribunda, R. robusta and R. semihirsuta, and R. uniflora and R. biflora. A new description for R. conferta, which is a valid species and has been considered as a synonym of R. robusta, is also presented. During the review, we found a new record to Rio Grande do Sul, R. splendens. A diagnosis of all these species are provided, as well as new lectotypes and neotypes designations.
A new variety of Bauhinia bassacensis (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) from Great Nicobar Island, India
Authors: Tiwari Umeshkumar , K. Ravikumar , N. Balachandran
Published: December 2013

Bauhinia bassacensis var. nicobarica, described here as a new variety from Great Nicobar Island, India. Diagnostic characters for the variety nicobarensis include exstipulate leaves and obtuse lobes of leaflets, bracts ovate rusty tomentose, corolla deltoid and blade margin undulating and pods rusty tomentose. A comparative table with diagnostic morphological features to distinguish between the following three varieties of Bauhinia bassacensis: var. bassacensis var. backeri and var. nicobarica is provided. A detailed description with nomenclature, distribution, photographs and an illustration of the species is also provided.
A new species of Psydrax (Vanguerieae, Rubiaceae) from Luzon, Philippines including its conservation status
Authors: Arriola Axel Havana , Alejandro Grecebio Jonathan
Published: December 2013

Psydrax puberula, a new species from the Philippines is here described and illustrated. It can easily be distinguished from the currently recognized Malesian Psydrax with its puberulent compound umbellate inflorescences with 14–25 flowers as well as a puberulent fruit stalk and fruit. P. puberula is the second species of Psydrax in the Philippines.
Otatea ramirezii (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae) flower description and the importance of the Mexican national living bamboo collection
Authors: Ruiz-Sanchez Eduardo
Published: December 2013

Botanical gardens have several aims, among which is to increase awareness of plant diversity, to study it, and to conserve it. The Francisco Javier Clavijero Botanical Garden at the Instituto de Ecología, in Xalapa, Mexico, curates the Mexican national living national bamboo collection. In 2010 a new Otatea species was collected, described and cultivated in the living bamboo collection. Two years after being planted, this bamboo began to flower in the summer of 2012. I decided to visit the type locality and I found the entire population flowering. Based on collected specimens, the synflorescences and spikelets of Otatea ramirezii are described and these structures are compared with those of the known Otatea species described with flowers. The living national bamboo collection of Mexico is important for the preservation of native species and, given that the flowering cycles of most bamboo species are not known, for the documentation of their life cycles.
Twelve new Demospongiae (Porifera) from Chilean fjords, with remarks upon sponge-derived biogeographic compartments in the SE Pacific
Authors: HAJDU EDUARDO , DESQUEYROUX-FAÚNDEZ RUTH , CARVALHO MARIANA DE SOUZA , LÔBO-HAJDU GISELE , WILLENZ PHILIPPE
Published: December 2013

This article reports on 12 new species originating from the Chilean fjords region, namely Clathria (Microciona) mytilifila sp. nov., Haliclona (Reniera) caduca sp. nov., Latrunculia (L.) ciruela sp. nov., Latrunculia (L.) copihuensis sp. nov., Latrunculia (L.) verenae sp. nov., Latrunculia (L.) yepayek sp. nov., Myxilla (Burtonanchora) araucana sp. nov., Neopodospongia tupecomareni sp. nov., Oceanapia guaiteca sp. nov., Oceanapia spinisphaera sp. nov., Suberites cranium sp. nov. and Tethya melinka sp. nov. The material studied was collected between 5 and 30 m depth at latitudes comprised between 42º and 50ºS, and is part of a large collection of Chilean sponges gathered by an international team in a series of expeditions. Identification keys are provided for SE Pacific Suberites and Latrunculia, and the known species of Myxilla (Burtonanchora) and Neopodospongia. A trans-Pacific link to the New Zealand fauna was retrieved for the latter genus. Distribution ranges apparent from the materials studied here are judged too preliminary to allow any inference on biotic boundaries in the SE Pacific. A revision of earlier assertions about these biogeographic units and their boundaries concluded that very little support remains other than for existence of a Magellanic fauna. This is in part a consequence of revising the taxonomy of sponge species originally deemed to underpin these areas. Specifically, the former proposal of a Central to Southern Chile biogeographic unit (33–56ºS) has been markedly undone.