bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Database of Plastid Protein Families from Red Algae and Apicomplexa and Expression Regulation of themoeBGene
Authors: Zverkov Oleg A. , Seliverstov Alexandr V. , Lyubetsky Vassily A.
Published: May 2015

We report the database of plastid protein families from red algae, secondary and tertiary rhodophyte-derived plastids, and Apicomplexa constructed with the novel method to infer orthology. The families contain proteins with maximal sequence similarity and minimal paralogous content. The database contains 6509 protein entries, 513 families and 278 nonsingletons (from which 230 are paralog-free, and among the remaining 48, 46 contain at maximum two proteins per species, and 2 contain at maximum three proteins per species). The method is compared with other approaches. Expression regulation of themoeBgene is studied using this database and the model of RNA polymerase competition. An analogous database obtained for green algae and their symbiotic descendants, and applications based on it are published earlier.
Proposal and Performance Evaluation of a Multicast Routing Protocol for Wireless Mesh Networks Based on Network Load
Authors: Oe Kiyotaka , Koyama Akio , Barolli Leonard
Published: May 2015

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) can provide wide range Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) area by connecting Access Points (APs) of WLANs with each other using radio communications. A routing protocol is very important to keep communication quality over radio multihop communications because radio waves are impacted much by surrounding environment. When we use multiuser shared applications like a video conference and an IP phone, it is predicted that large amount of traffic flows on network. Therefore, we should consider network loads to use these applications. In this paper, we propose a multicast routing protocol for WMNs which considers network loads and hop count. Furthermore, we evaluate performance by simulation. In the simulation results, we show that the proposed protocol has better performance than a conventional protocol (MAODV) at high loaded scenario.
Secretory Products ofTrichinella spiralisMuscle Larvae and Immunomodulation: Implication for Autoimmune Diseases, Allergies, and Malignancies
Authors: Sofronic-Milosavljevic Ljiljana , Ilic Natasa , Pinelli Elena , Gruden-Movsesijan Alisa
Published: May 2015

Trichinella spiralishas the unique ability to make itself “at home” by creating and hiding in a new type of cell in the host body that is the nurse cell. From this immunologically privileged place, the parasite orchestrates a long-lasting molecular cross talk with the host through muscle larvae excretory-secretory products (ES L1). Those products can successfully modulate parasite-specific immune responses as well as responses to unrelated antigens (either self or nonself in origin), providing an anti-inflammatory milieu and maintaining homeostasis. It is clear, based on the findings from animal model studies, thatT. spiralisand its products induce an immunomodulatory network (which encompasses Th2- and Treg-type responses) that may allow the host to deal with various hyperimmune-associated disorders as well as tumor growth, although the latter still remains unclear. This review focuses on studies of the molecules released byT. spiralis, their interaction with pattern recognition receptors on antigen presenting cells, and subsequently provoked responses. This paper also addresses the immunomodulatory properties of ES L1 molecules and how the induced immunomodulation influences the course of different experimental inflammatory and malignant diseases.
NK and NKT Cell Depletion Alters the Outcome of Experimental Pneumococcal Pneumonia: Relationship with Regulation of Interferon-γProduction
Authors: Christaki Eirini , Diza Evdoxia , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Papadopoulou Nikoletta , Pistiki Aikaterini , Droggiti Dionysia-Irini , Georgitsi Marianna , Machova Alzbeta , Lambrelli Dimitra , Malisiovas Nicolaos , Nikolaidis Pavlos , Opal Steven M.
Published: May 2015

Background. Natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells contribute to the innate host defense but their role in bacterial sepsis remains controversial.Methods. C57BL/6 mice were infected intratracheally with 5 × 105 cfu ofStreptococcus pneumoniae. Animals were divided into sham group (Sham); pretreated with isotype control antibody (CON) group; pretreated with anti-asialo GM1 antibody (NKd) group; and pretreated with anti-CD1d monoclonal antibody (NKTd) group before bacterial challenge. Serum and tissue samples were analyzed for bacterial load, cytokine levels, splenocyte apoptosis rates, and cell characteristics by flow cytometry. Splenocyte miRNA expression was also analyzed and survival was assessed.Results. NK cell depletion prolonged survival. Upon inhibition of NKT cell activation, spleen NK (CD3−/NK1.1+) cells increased compared to all other groups. Inhibition of NKT cell activation led to higher bacterial loads and increased levels of serum and splenocyte IFN-γ. Splenocyte miRNA analysis showed that miR-200c and miR-29a were downregulated, while miR-125a-5p was upregulated, in anti-CD1d treated animals. These changes were moderate after NK cell depletion.Conclusions. NK cells appear to contribute to mortality in pneumococcal pneumonia. Inhibition of NKT cell activation resulted in an increase in spleen NK (CD3−/NK1.1+) cells and a higher IFN-γproduction, while altering splenocyte miRNA expression.
A Novel Restraining Device for Small Animal Imaging Exams: Validation in Rabbits
Authors: Barbosa Carlos Henrique , Carvalho Antonio Carlos , de Souza Sérgio , Machado Fernanda , Guedes Fábio , Monteiro André , Schanaider Alberto
Published: May 2015

Objective. To develop, validate, and patent a Restraining Device for Small Animal Imaging Exams (RDSAIE) that allows exams to be comfortably conducted without risks to animals and professionals.Methods. A RDSAIE with a mobile cover and shelf was built with transparent acrylic material. A total of six anesthetized rabbits were used to perform the following imaging exams of the skull: Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Scintigraphy.Results. The device showed great functionality and full visibility of the animal behavior, which remained fully stabilized and immobilized in either the horizontal or vertical position without the need for a person to remain in the test room to assist them. The procedures were performed without difficulty, and images of good resolution and without artifacts were obtained.Conclusion. The RDSAIE is comfortable, safe, efficient, and ergonomic. It allows the easy placement of animals in different body positions, including the vertical, the maintenance of postural stability, and full visibility. It may be constructed for animals heavier than 4 kg and it is adaptable for translational studies inanima nobile.
Making Blood: The Haematopoietic Niche throughout Ontogeny
Authors: Al-Drees Mohammad A. , Yeo Jia Hao , Boumelhem Badwi B. , Antas Veronica I. , Brigden Kurt W. L. , Colonne Chanukya K. , Fraser Stuart T.
Published: May 2015

Approximately one-quarter of all cells in the adult human body are blood cells. The haematopoietic system is therefore massive in scale and requires exquisite regulation to be maintained under homeostatic conditions. It must also be able to respond when needed, such as during infection or following blood loss, to produce more blood cells. Supporting cells serve to maintain haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells during homeostatic and pathological conditions. This coalition of supportive cell types, organised in specific tissues, is termed the haematopoietic niche. Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are generated in a number of distinct locations during mammalian embryogenesis. These stem and progenitor cells migrate to a variety of anatomical locations through the conceptus until finally homing to the bone marrow shortly before birth. Under stress, extramedullary haematopoiesis can take place in regions that are typically lacking in blood-producing activity. Our aim in this review is to examine blood production throughout the embryo and adult, under normal and pathological conditions, to identify commonalities and distinctions between each niche. A clearer understanding of the mechanism underlying each haematopoietic niche can be applied to improvingex vivocultures of haematopoietic stem cells and potentially lead to new directions for transplantation medicine.
Graphene and Graphene Oxide Composites and Their Electrorheological Applications
Authors: Zhang Wen Ling , Liu Jingquan , Choi Hyoung Jin
Published: June 2015

Graphene oxide (GO) based composite systems have been fabricated and investigated as a novel electroresponsive electrorheological (ER) dispersed phase because of their proper electrical conductivity and polarizability for their ER application, in addition to graphene composites. This paper briefly reviews mechanisms of the fabrication of various graphene and GO based composites and their critical ER characteristics including flow curve, yield stress, and dynamic properties measured using a rotational rheometer. Relaxation time and achievable polarizability from dielectric analysis using a LCR meter are also discussed.
Filiform Polyposis Secondary to Colonic Tuberculosis Presenting as Acute Colo-Colonic Intussusception
Authors: Heng Jacob S. , Baird Alan , Novelli Marco R. , Davidson Robert N. , Bhutiani Rajinder P.
Published: May 2015

Filiform polyposis represents a rare but recognised manifestation on the varied spectrum of histopathology in colonic tuberculosis. We report a case of filiform polyposis secondary to colonic tuberculosis presenting as colo-colonic intussusception diagnosed on an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. The patient required urgent hemicolectomy and defunctioning ileostomy. Examination of the resected bowel lesions revealed filiform polyposis. Induced sputum samples from the patient grewMycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient recovered well from the surgery and received treatment for tuberculosis. At last follow-up, he was awaiting the reversal of his ileostomy. The protean nature of histological findings in colonic tuberculosis and other current diagnostic challenges are discussed. The importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for colonic tuberculosis and instituting early treatment is highlighted in this case.
Comparison of Specificity and Sensitivity of AMH and FSH in Diagnosis of Premature Ovarian Failure
Authors: Alipour Farzaneh , Rasekhjahromi Athar , Maalhagh Mehrnoosh , Sobhanian Saeid , Hosseinpoor Masoumeh
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Anti-Müllerian hormone represents the primitive follicular number and ovarian age. Low level of AMH is in relation to early menopausal state and decreased ovarian reserve. AMH level changes occur prior to FSH level in representing ovarian failure. The aim of this study is to compare sensitivity and specificity of AMH with FSH in diagnosis of POF.Material and Methods. This descriptive study is done on 96 patients referred to Dr. Rasekh Clinic. Serum level of AMH and FSH was measured at Day 3 (3rd day of menstrual cycle) and data were analyzed through SPSS 21 software.Results. Results of AMH and FSH serum level indicate that AMH has more sensitivity (80% versus 28.57%) and almost equal specificity (78.89% versus 78.65%) compared with FSH. Also negative predictive value of AMH (98.61%) and FSH (87.5%) is different. But positive predictive value is the same (17.39%). Diagnostic accuracy of AMH is more than FSH and has significant differences.Conclusion. According to the results of this study, AMH serum level is more sensitive than FSH serum level. Also AMH has more negative predictive value. Besides, this hormone can be measured at any time of menstrual cycle, against FSH. AMH seems to be more useful in early diagnosis of POF.
Effect of Sterols Isolated fromMyrtillocactus geometrizanson Growth Inhibition of Colon and Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Bolaños-Carrillo Mario Augusto , Ventura-Gallegos Jose Luis , Saldivar-Jiménez Arturo David , Zentella-Dehesa Alejandro , Martínez-Vázquez Mariano
Published: May 2015

Objective. To explore the effect of peniocerol and macdougallin on HCT-15 and MCF-7 cells proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and PARP cleavage.Methods. HCT-15 and MCF-7 cells were treated with various concentrations of peniocerol and macdougallin (10–80 μM) during 24 or 48 h. Crystal Violet Assay was used to evaluate the inhibition effect. Cell cycle regulation was examined by a propidium iodide method. Cell apoptosis was detected through both Annexin–V FLUOS/PI double-labeled cytometry assays and Western blot was applied to assess PARP cleavage.Results. Peniocerol and macdougallin induced growth inhibition and apoptosisin vitroin a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, peniocerol and macdougallin induced arrest of cell cycle-dependent manner and increased the proportion of cells in G0/G1phase. PARP cleavage in HCT-15 and MCF-7 cells was induced by treatment with peniocerol and macdougallin after 36 hours.Conclusions. Our results showed that the mechanism of cytotoxicity displayed by peniocerol and macdougallin is related to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in both cell lines. This is a significant observation because it helps to understand the way some oxysterols isolated fromMyrtillocactus geometrizansdevelop their biological activities against cancer cells.
Analytical Model of Subthreshold Drain Current Characteristics of Ballistic Silicon Nanowire Transistors
Authors: Xu Wanjie , Wong Hei , Iwai Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

A physically based subthreshold current model for silicon nanowire transistors working in the ballistic regime is developed. Based on the electric potential distribution obtained from a 2D Poisson equation and by performing some perturbation approximations for subband energy levels, an analytical model for the subthreshold drain current is obtained. The model is further used for predicting the subthreshold slopes and threshold voltages of the transistors. Our results agree well with TCAD simulation with different geometries and under different biasing conditions.
Exact Solution of the Curved Dirac Equation in Polar Coordinates: Master Function Approach
Authors: Panahi H. , Jahangiri L.
Published: May 2015

We show that the (2+1) curved Dirac equation in polar coordinates can be transformed into Schrodinger-like differential equation for upper spinor component. We compare this equation with the Schrodinger equation derived from shape invariance property of second order differential equations of mathematical physics. This formalism enables us to determine the electrostatic potential and relativistic energy in terms of master function and corresponding weight function. We also obtain the spinor wave function in terms of orthogonal polynomials.
Toward a Literature-Driven Definition of Big Data in Healthcare
Authors: Baro Emilie , Degoul Samuel , Beuscart Régis , Chazard Emmanuel
Published: June 2015

Objective.The aim of this study was to provide a definition of big data in healthcare.Methods.A systematic search of PubMed literature published until May 9, 2014, was conducted. We noted the number of statistical individuals(n)and the number of variables(p)for all papers describing a dataset. These papers were classified into fields of study. Characteristics attributed to big data by authors were also considered. Based on this analysis, a definition of big data was proposed.Results.A total of 196 papers were included. Big data can be defined as datasets withLog⁡(n*p)≥7. Properties of big data are its great variety and high velocity. Big data raises challenges on veracity, on all aspects of the workflow, on extracting meaningful information, and on sharing information. Big data requires new computational methods that optimize data management. Related concepts are data reuse, false knowledge discovery, and privacy issues.Conclusion.Big data is defined by volume. Big data should not be confused with data reuse: data can be big without being reused for another purpose, for example, in omics. Inversely, data can be reused without being necessarily big, for example, secondary use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) data.
Effects on Liver Lipid Metabolism of the Naturally Occurring Dietary Flavone Luteolin-7-glucoside
Authors: Sá Carla , Oliveira Ana Rita , Machado Cátia , Azevedo Marisa , Pereira-Wilson Cristina
Published: May 2015

Disruptions in whole-body lipid metabolism can lead to the onset of several pathologies such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The present study aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind the lipid-lowering effects of the flavone luteolin-7-glucoside (L7G) which we previously showed to improve plasma lipid profile in rats. L7G is abundant in plant foods of Mediterranean diet such as aromatic plants used as herbs. Results show that dietary supplementation with L7G for one week induced the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) and of its target gene carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT-1) in rat liver. L7G showed a tendency to decrease the hepatic expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), without affecting fatty acid synthase (FAS) protein levels. Although SREBP-2 and LDLr mRNA levels did not change, the expression of HMG CoA reductase (HMGCR) was significantly repressed by L7G. L7G also inhibited this enzyme’sin vitroactivity in a dose dependent manner, but only at high and not physiologically relevant concentrations. These results add new evidence that the flavone luteolin-7-glucoside may help in preventing metabolic diseases and clarify the mechanisms underlying the beneficial health effects of diets rich in fruits and vegetables.
Effects of the Variation of SUSY Breaking Scale on Yukawa and Gauge Couplings Unification
Authors: Sashikanta Singh Konsam , Nimai Singh N.
Published: May 2015

The present analysis addresses an interesting primary question on how do the gauge and Yukawa couplings unification scales vary with varying SUSY breaking scalesms, assuming a single scale for all supersymmetric particles. It is observed that the gauge coupling unification scale increases withmswhereas third-generation Yukawa couplings unification scale decreases withms. The rising of the unification scale and also the mass of the color triplet multiplets is necessary to increase the proton decay lifetime; the analysis is carried out with two-loop RGEs for the gauge and Yukawa couplings within the minimal supersymmetric SU(5) model, while ignoring for simplicity the threshold effects of the heavy particles, which could be as large as a few percentages.
Mean Expected Error in Prediction of Total Body Water: A True Accuracy Comparison between Bioimpedance Spectroscopy and Single Frequency Regression Equations
Authors: Seoane Fernando , Abtahi Shirin , Abtahi Farhad , Ellegård Lars , Johannsson Gudmundur , Bosaeus Ingvar , Ward Leigh C.
Published: June 2015

For several decades electrical bioimpedance (EBI) has been used to assess body fluid distribution and body composition. Despite the development of several different approaches for assessing total body water (TBW), it remains uncertain whether bioimpedance spectroscopic (BIS) approaches are more accurate than single frequency regression equations. The main objective of this study was to answer this question by calculating the expected accuracy of a single measurement for different EBI methods. The results of this study showed that all methods produced similarly high correlation and concordance coefficients, indicating good accuracy as a method. Even the limits of agreement produced from the Bland-Altman analysis indicated that the performance of single frequency, Sun’s prediction equations, at population level was close to the performance of both BIS methods; however, when comparing the Mean Absolute Percentage Error value between the single frequency prediction equations and the BIS methods, a significant difference was obtained, indicating slightly better accuracy for the BIS methods. Despite the higher accuracy of BIS methods over 50 kHz prediction equations at both population and individual level, the magnitude of the improvement was small. Such slight improvement in accuracy of BIS methods is suggested insufficient to warrant their clinical use where the most accurate predictions of TBW are required, for example, when assessing over-fluidic status on dialysis. To reach expected errors below 4-5%, novel and individualized approaches must be developed to improve the accuracy of bioimpedance-based methods for the advent of innovative personalized health monitoring applications.
Huge Intravascular Tumor Extending to the Heart: Leiomyomatosis
Authors: Doganci Suat , Kaya Erkan , Kadan Murat , Karabacak Kubilay , Erol Gökhan , Demirkilic Ufuk
Published: May 2015

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is a rare neoplasm characterized by histologically benign-looking smooth muscle cell tumor mass, which is growing within the intrauterine and extrauterine venous system. In this report we aimed to present an unusual case of IVL, which is originating from iliac vein and extended throughout to right cardiac chambers. A 49-year-old female patient, who was treated with warfarin sodium due to right iliac vein thrombosis, was admitted to our department with intermittent dyspnea, palpitation, and dizziness. Physical examination was almost normal except bilateral pretibial edema. On magnetic resonance venography, there was an intravenous mass, which is originated from right internal iliac vein and extended into the inferior vena cava. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a huge mass extending from the inferior vena cava through the right atrium, with obvious venous occlusion. Thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic MR showed an intravascular mass, which is concordant with leiomyomatosis. Surgery was performed through median sternotomy. A huge mass with 25-cm length and 186-gr weight was excised through right atrial oblique incision, on beating heart with cardiopulmonary bypass. Histopathologic assessment was compatible with IVL. Exact strategy for the surgical treatment of IVL is still controversial. We used one-stage approach, with complete resection of a huge IVL extending from right atrium to right iliac vein. In such cases, high recurrence rate is a significant problem; therefore it should be kept in mind.
Phylogeography ofPteronotropis signipinnis,P. euryzonus, and theP. hypselopterusComplex (Teleostei: Cypriniformes), with Comments on Diversity and History of the Gulf and Atlantic Coastal Streams
Authors: Mayden Richard L. , Allen Jason
Published: May 2015

The cyprinid genusPteronotropisis endemic to southeastern Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean of North America. Never before has the genus been demonstrated to be monophyletic. We investigate both the phylogenetic relationships and the phylogeography of some species in the genus using mitochondrial ND2 sequences. In no analysis is the genus resolved as monophyletic ifNotropis harperiis not included in the genus. Biogeographic and phylogeographic evaluations are conducted withPteronotropis, includingP. signipinnis,P. euryzonus, and theP. hypselopteruscomplex. Patterns of relationships and population genetic analyses support divergences within multiple clades both at the species level and within species that are tied to abiotic changes in the region. Replicated patterns across clades are observed, as well as patterns previously found in other taxa. Pteronotropis hypselopterus is likely not a natural grouping as populations from some drainages form clades more closely related to other species of the genus. The general patterns of relationships indicate likely cryptic species not currently recognized. Finally, the patterns of species relationships and clades and population structuring within species serve as another example of replicated divergences in the biodiversity east and west of the Mobile Bay.
The Variability of the Order Burkholderiales Representatives in the Healthcare Units
Authors: Voronina Olga L. , Kunda Marina S. , Ryzhova Natalia N. , Aksenova Ekaterina I. , Semenov Andrey N. , Lasareva Anna V. , Amelina Elena L. , Chuchalin Alexandr G. , Lunin Vladimir G. , Gintsburg Alexandr L.
Published: May 2015

Background and Aim. The order Burkholderiales became more abundant in the healthcare units since the late 1970s; it is especially dangerous for intensive care unit patients and patients with chronic lung diseases. The goal of this investigation was to reveal the real variability of the order Burkholderiales representatives and to estimate their phylogenetic relationships.Methods.16S rDNAand genes of theBurkholderia cenocepaciacomplex (Bcc) Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) scheme were used for the bacteria detection.Results. A huge diversity of genome size and organization was revealed in the order Burkholderiales that may prove the adaptability of this taxon’s representatives. The following variability of the Burkholderiales in Russian healthcare units has been revealed: Burkholderiaceae (Burkholderia,Pandoraea, andLautropia), Alcaligenaceae (Achromobacter), and Comamonadaceae (Variovorax). TheBurkholderiagenus was the most diverse and was represented by 5 species and 16 sequence types (ST). ST709 and 728 were transmissible and often encountered in cystic fibrosis patients and in hospitals.A. xylosoxidanswas estimated by 15 genotypes. The strains of first and second ones were the most numerous.Conclusions. Phylogenetic position of the genusLautropiawith smaller genome is ambiguous. The Bcc MLST scheme is applicable for all Burkholderiales representatives for resolving the epidemiological problems.
The Lung Immune Response to NontypeableHaemophilus influenzae(Lung Immunity to NTHi)
Authors: King Paul T. , Sharma Roleen
Published: May 2015

Haemophilus influenzaeis divided into typeable or nontypeable strains based on the presence or absence of a polysaccharide capsule. The typeable strains (such as type b) are an important cause of systemic infection, whilst the nontypeable strains (designated as NTHi) are predominantly respiratory mucosal pathogens. NTHi is present as part of the normal microbiome in the nasopharynx, from where it may spread down to the lower respiratory tract. In this context it is no longer a commensal and becomes an important respiratory pathogen associated with a range of common conditions including bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, and particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. NTHi induces a strong inflammatory response in the respiratory tract with activation of immune responses, which often fail to clear the bacteria from the lung. This results in recurrent/persistent infection and chronic inflammation with consequent lung pathology. This review will summarise the current literature about the lung immune response to nontypeableHaemophilus influenzae, a topic that has important implications for patient management.
Stress Distribution on Sandwich Structure with Triangular Grid Cores Suffered from Bending Load
Authors: Xu Cui , Yanjiao Huang , Shou Wang , Chun Lu , Luping Fang
Published: May 2015

Triangular grid reinforced by carbon fiber/epoxy (CF/EP) was designed and manufactured. The sandwich structure was prepared by gluing the core and composite skins. The mechanical properties of the sandwich structure were investigated by the finite element analysis (FEA) and three-point bending methods. The calculated bending stiffness and core shear stress were compared to the characteristics of a honeycomb sandwich structure. The results indicated that the triangular core ultimately failed under a bending load of 11000 N; the principal stress concentration was located at the loading region; and the cracks occurred on the interface top skin and triangular core. In addition, the ultimate stress bearing of the sandwich structure was 8828 N. The experimental results showed that the carbon fiber reinforced triangular grid was much stiffer and stronger than the honeycomb structure.
Treatment of Oroantral Communication Using the Lateral Palatal Sliding Flap Technique
Authors: Ribeiro Fernando Salimon , Toledo Cassio Torres de , Aleixo Michele Romero , Durigan Maria Cristina , Silva Willian Corrêa da , Bueno Samanta Kelen , Pontes Ana Emília Farias
Published: May 2015

Herein, we present a case of oroantral communication that was to be treated with clinical examination, tomography, and prototyping. A patient presented with oroantral communication with purulent exudation for 4 months, since the displacement of the dental implant and O-ring component to the maxillary sinus. Tomographic examination and prototyping revealed a 5 mm bone gap. The patient underwent local washes and antibiotic therapy. After local palpation, a bone defect detected by prototyping was suspected to be greater than that observed. For the surgery, a communication tunnel was made, and the bone defect was found to be 12 mm in diameter. A pedicle flap was raised on the palate, followed by sliding and suturing. No complications were observed during the postoperative period, and the suture was removed after a week. Four months later, communication did not resume, and the patient did not complain of pain, foul smelling, or purulent discharge and was satisfied with the outcome. The findings of this case suggest that the lateral sliding flap can be used as an efficient technique for closing oroantral communications. An accurate clinical examination is a critical tool that can be used instead of tomography and prototyping, which can be misleading.
Advanced Glycation End Products Enhance Macrophages Polarization into M1 Phenotype through Activating RAGE/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Jin Xian , Yao Tongqing , Zhou Zhong’e , Zhu Jian , Zhang Song , Hu Wei , Shen Chengxing
Published: May 2015

Atherosclerotic lesions are accelerated in patients with diabetes. M1 (classically activated in contrast to M2 alternatively activated) macrophages play key roles in the progression of atherosclerosis. Since advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are major pathogenic factors and active inflammation inducers in diabetes mellitus, this study assessed the effects of AGEs on macrophage polarization. The present study showed that AGEs significantly promoted macrophages to express IL-6 and TNF-α. M1 macrophage markers such as iNOS and surface markers including CD11c and CD86 were significantly upregulated while M2 macrophage markers such as Arg1 and CD206 remained unchanged after AGEs stimulation. AGEs significantly increased RAGE expression in macrophages and activated NF-κB pathway, and the aforementioned effects were partly abolished by administration of anti-RAGE antibody or NF-κB inhibitor PDTC. In conclusion, our results suggest that AGEs enhance macrophage differentiation into proinflammatory M1 phenotype at least partly via RAGE/NF-κB pathway activation.
Analyzing the Evolution and the Future of the Internet Topology Focusing on Flow Hierarchy
Authors: Nakata Yu , Arakawa Shin’ichi , Murata Masayuki
Published: May 2015

In the Internet, Autonomous Systems (ASes) exchange traffic through interconnected links. As traffic demand increases, more traffic becomes concentrated on such links. The traffic concentrations depend heavily on the global structure of the Internet topology. Therefore, a topological evolution considering the global structure is necessary to continually accommodate future traffic amount. In this paper, we first develop a method to identify the hierarchical nature of traffic aggregation on the Internet topology and use this method to discuss the long-term changes in traffic flow. Our basic approach is to extract the “flow hierarchy,” which is a hierarchical structure associated with traffic aggregation. Our results show that the current connection policy will lead to a severe traffic concentration in the future. We then examine a new evolution process that attempts to reduce this traffic concentration. Our proposed evolution process increases the number of links in the deeper level in the hierarchy, thus relaxing the traffic concentration. We apply our evolution process to the Internet topology in 2000 and evolve this scenario over 13 years. The results show that our evolution process could reduce the traffic concentration by more than half compared with that without our evolution process.
PTENSequence Analysis in Endometrial Hyperplasia and Endometrial Carcinoma in Slovak Women
Authors: Gbelcová H. , Bakeš P. , Priščáková P. , Šišovský V. , Hojsíková I. , Straka Ľ. , Konečný M. , Markus J. , D’Acunto C. W. , Ruml T. , Böhmer D. , Danihel Ľ. , Repiská V.
Published: May 2015

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a protein that acts as a tumor suppressor by dephosphorylating the lipid second messenger phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. Loss of PTEN function has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of different tumors, particularly endometrial carcinoma (ECa). ECa is the most common neoplasia of the female genital tract. Our study evaluates an association between the morphological appearance of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma and the degree ofPTENalterations. A total of 45 endometrial biopsies from Slovak women were included in present study. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples with simple hyperplasia (3), complex hyperplasia (5), atypical complex hyperplasia (7), endometrioid carcinomas G1 (20) and G3 (5), and serous carcinoma (5) were evaluated for the presence of mutations in coding regions ofPTENgene, the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor gene in endometrial carcinoma. 75% of the detected mutations were clustered in exons 5 and 8. Out of the 39 mutations detected in 24 cases, 20 were frameshifts and 19 were nonsense, missense, or silent mutations. Some specimens harboured more than one mutation. The results of current study on Slovak women were compared to a previous study performed on Polish population. The two sets of results were similar.
Lengths of Orthologous Prokaryotic Proteins Are Affected by Evolutionary Factors
Authors: Tatarinova Tatiana , Salih Bilal , Dien Bard Jennifer , Cohen Irit , Bolshoy Alexander
Published: May 2015

Proteins of the same functional family (for example, kinases) may have significantly different lengths. It is an open question whether such variation in length is random or it appears as a response to some unknown evolutionary driving factors. The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate existence of factors affecting prokaryotic gene lengths. We believe that the ranking of genomes according to lengths of their genes, followed by the calculation of coefficients of association between genome rank and genome property, is a reasonable approach in revealing such evolutionary driving factors. As we demonstrated earlier, our chosen approach, Bubble-sort, combines stability, accuracy, and computational efficiency as compared to other ranking methods. Application of Bubble Sort to the set of 1390 prokaryotic genomes confirmed that genes of Archaeal species are generally shorter than Bacterial ones. We observed that gene lengths are affected by various factors: within each domain, different phyla have preferences for short or long genes; thermophiles tend to have shorter genes than the soil-dwellers; halophiles tend to have longer genes. We also found that species with overrepresentation of cytosines and guanines in the third position of the codon (GC3content) tend to have longer genes than species with low GC3content.
Electrical Neuroimaging with Irrotational Sources
Authors: Grave de Peralta Menendez Rolando , Gonzalez Andino Sara
Published: May 2015

This paper discusses theoretical aspects of the modeling of the sources of the EEG (i.e., the bioelectromagnetic inverse problem or source localization problem). Using the Helmholtz decomposition (HD) of the current density vector (CDV) of the primary current into an irrotational (I) and a solenoidal (S) part we show that only the irrotational part can contribute to the EEG measurements. In particular we present for the first time the HD of a dipole and of a pure irrotational source. We show that, for both kinds of sources,Iextends all over the space independently of whether the source is spatially concentrated (as the dipole) or not. However, the divergence remains confined to a region coinciding with the expected location of the sources, confirming that it is the divergence rather than the CDV that really defines the spatial extension of the generators, from where it follows that an irrotational source model (ELECTRA) is always physiologically meaningful as long as the divergence remains confined to the brain. Finally we show that the irrotational source model remains valid for the most general electrodynamics model of the EEG in inhomogeneous anisotropic dispersive media and thus far beyond the (quasi) static approximation.
A New Variant of Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Nonampullary or Common Crus Canalolithiasis
Authors: Yetiser Sertac
Published: May 2015

Clockwise or counterclockwise, rotational, upbeating nystagmus is seen in patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo during left or right head-hanging test, respectively. Rotating of nystagmus in opposite direction to the ear tested or even reversal of initial positioning rotational nystagmus is not usual and has never been reported before. We propose a new variant of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo due to unusual behavior and location of the otoliths inside the membranous labyrinth. Unexpected rotational direction may lead to confusion about the site. The examiner should be aware of this abnormal or atypical variant of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Association betweenANKK1(rs1800497) andLTA(rs909253) Genetic Variants and Risk of Schizophrenia
Authors: Arab Arwa H. , Elhawary Nasser A.
Published: May 2015

Limited research has assessed associations between schizophrenia and genetic variants of the ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1) and lymphotoxin-alpha (LTA) genes among individuals of Middle Eastern ancestry. Here we present the first association study investigating theANKK1rs1800497 (T>C) andLTArs909253 (A>G) single-nucleotide polymorphisms in an Egyptian population. Among 120 patients with DSM-IV and PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) assessments of schizophrenia and 100 healthy controls, we determined the genotypes for the polymorphisms using endonuclease digestion of amplified genomic DNA. Results confirmed previous findings from different ethnic populations, in that the rs1800497 and rs909253 polymorphisms were both associated with risk of schizophrenia. Differences between the genotypes of cases and controls were strongly significant (P= 0.0005 for rs1800497 andP= 0.001 for rs909253). The relative risk to schizophrenia was 1.2 (P= 0.01) for the C allele and 0.8 (P= 0.04) for the G allele. The CC, GG, and combined CC/AA genotypes were all more frequent in cases than in controls. These results support an association betweenANKK1andLTAgenetic markers and vulnerability to schizophrenia and show the potential influence of just one copy of the mutant C or G allele in the Egyptian population.
Multi-Leu PACE4 Inhibitor Retention within Cells Is PACE4 Dependent and a Prerequisite for Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Couture Frédéric , Ly Kévin , Levesque Christine , Kwiatkowska Anna , Ait-Mohand Samia , Desjardins Roxane , Guérin Brigitte , Day Robert
Published: May 2015

The overexpression as well as the critical implication of the proprotein convertase PACE4 in prostate cancer progression has been previously reported and supported the development of peptide inhibitors. The multi-Leu peptide, a PACE4-specific inhibitor, was further generated and its capability to be uptaken by tumor xenograft was demonstrated with regard to its PACE4 expression status. To investigate whether the uptake of this inhibitor was directly dependent of PACE4 levels, uptake and efflux from cancer cells were evaluated and correlations were established with PACE4 contents on both wild type and PACE4-knockdown cell lines. PACE4-knockdown associated growth deficiencies were established on the knockdown HepG2, Huh7, and HT1080 cells as well as the antiproliferative effects of the multi-Leu peptide supporting the growth capabilities of PACE4 in cancer cells.
Thermal Spectroscopy and Kinetic Studies of PEO/PVDF Loaded by Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Gaabour Laila Hussein
Published: May 2015

Nanocomposites of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) without and with low content of single and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs-MWCNTs) were prepared and studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using different heating rate. TGA results indicate that the thermal stability of neat PEO/PVDF blend was improved with both heating rate and incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The degradation temperature for neat blend was lower than those of the nanocomposites after adding both SWCNTs and MWCNTs. As increase of heating rate, the onset of decomposition is irregularly moved to higher temperatures. This indicates that the thermal stability of the polymeric matrices has been improved after addition of CNTs. The residual weight of the samples left increased steadily with adding of both SWCNTs and MWCNTs. Kinetic thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy, enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy are evaluated from TGA data using Coats-Redfern model. The values of all parameters irregularly decrease with increasing of heating rate due to increasing of heating rate temperature, the random scission of macromolecule chain in the polymeric matrices predominates and the activation energy has a lower value.
Note on Quasi-Numerically Positive Log Canonical Divisors
Authors: Fukuda Shigetaka
Published: May 2015

We propose a subconjecture that implies the semiampleness conjecture for quasi-numerically positive log canonical divisors and prove the ampleness in some elementary cases.
Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation for Refractory Glaucoma in a Tertiary Hospital in Brazil
Authors: Abe Ricardo Yuji , Tavares Carla Melo , Schimiti Rui Barroso , Vasconcellos José Paulo Cabral , Costa Vital Paulino
Published: May 2015

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in patients with refractory glaucoma in a tertiary hospital in Brazil.Methods. Retrospective case series of patients who underwent AGV implantation. Primary outcome was to assess the rate of failure, which was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) in two consecutive visits greater than 18 or lower than 5 mmHg (criterion 1) or IOP greater than 15 or lower than 5 mmHg (criterion 2). The secondary outcome was to investigate risk factors for failure.Results. 112 eyes from 108 patients underwent AGV implantation between 2000 and 2012. Mean follow-up time was 2.54 (±1.52) years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed cumulative probabilities of success of 80.3%, 68.2%, and 47.3% at 1, 3, and 5 years using 18 mmHg as endpoint. When adopting 15 mmHg as endpoint, cumulative success rates were 80.3%, 60.7%, and 27.3% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis with generalized estimating equations revealed that African American ancestry and early hypertensive phase were risk factors for failure (P=0.001andP=0.002, resp.).Conclusion. A success rate of approximately 50% was obtained 5 years after the implantation of an AGV. African American ancestry and early hypertensive phase were associated with increased risk of failure.
Molecular Biogeography of Tribe Thermopsideae (Leguminosae): A Madrean-Tethyan Disjunction Pattern with an African Origin of Core Genistoides
Authors: Zhang Ming-Li , Huang Jian-Feng , Sanderson Stewart C. , Yan Ping , Wu Yu-Hu , Pan Bo-Rong
Published: May 2015

Thermopsideae has 45 species and exhibits a series of interesting biogeographical distribution patterns, such as Madrean-Tethyan disjunction and East Asia-North America disjunction, with a center of endemism in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau (QTP) and Central Asia. Phylogenetic analysis in this paper employed maximum likelihood using ITS,rps16,psbA-trnH, andtrnL-F sequence data; biogeographical approaches included BEAST molecular dating and Bayesian dispersal and vicariance analysis (S-DIVA). The results indicate that the core genistoides most likely originated in Africa during the Eocene to Oligocene, ca. 55-30 Ma, and dispersed eastward to Central Asia at ca. 33.47 Ma. The origin of Thermopsideae is inferred as Central Asian and dated to ca. 28.81 Ma.Ammopiptanthusis revealed to be a relic. Birth of the ancestor of Thermopsideae coincided with shrinkage of the Paratethys Sea at ca. 30 Ma in the Oligocene. The Himalayan motion of QTP uplift of ca. 20 Ma most likely drove the diversification between Central Asia and North America. Divergences in East Asia, Central Asia, the Mediterranean, and so forth, within Eurasia, except forAmmopiptanthus, are shown to be dispersals from the QTP. The onset of adaptive radiation at the center of the tribe, with diversification of most species inThermopsisandPiptanthusat ca. 4-0.85 Ma in Tibet and adjacent regions, seems to have resulted from intense northern QTP uplift during the latter Miocene to Pleistocene.
Ethnomedicinal Evaluation of Medicinal Plants Used against Gastrointestinal Complaints
Authors: Tariq Akash , Mussarat Sakina , Adnan Muhammad , Abd_Allah E. F. , Hashem Abeer , Alqarawi Abdulaziz Abdullah , Ullah Riaz
Published: May 2015

Aim of the present study was to document ethnomedicinal plants used against gastrointestinal complaints in five selected remote regions of Pakistan and to select potential medicinal plants for furtherin vitroandin vivoinvestigation. Data on ethnomedicinal plants and ethnographic profile of respondents was documented using semistructured questionnaires. The present study revealed utilization of 52 medicinal plants for the treatment of different gastrointestinal infections in studied regions. Apiaceae was the most dominant family reported to be used for the treatment of these infections (4 plants). Among all the plant parts fruit (24%), whole plants and leaves (23% each) were the most preferred plant parts used by the healers. Dosage of recipe was found to be related with the age of the patient. Highest degree of informant consensus was reported for vomiting, nausea (0.92 each), abdominal pain (0.9), and diarrhea (0.89).Withania coagulansscored highest FL value (86%) followed byMentha longifoliaandMelia azadirachtaranked second with FL value (75% each). Young generation was found to possess little traditional knowledge about utilizing plant recipes against these infections. Plants with high Fic and FL values should be subjected for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation for scientific validation.
Geometry of the Solutions of Localized Induction Equation in the Pseudo-Galilean Space
Authors: Aydin Muhittin Evren , Mihai Adela , Ogrenmis Alper Osman , Ergut Mahmut
Published: May 2015

We study the surfaces corresponding to solutions of the localized induction equation in the pseudo-Galilean spaceG31. We classify such surfaces with null curvature and characterize some special curves on these surfaces inG31.
Unusual Variant of Coronal Bladder Duplication Associated with Glans Diphallia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Khorramirouz Reza , Bagheri Amin , Kajbafzadeh Abdol-Mohammad
Published: May 2015

Bladder duplication is a rare congenital anomaly which occurs in the sagittal or coronal plane and it can be associated with other anomalies. It has been previously classified as complete duplication of the bladder and urethra or incomplete duplication with two bladders and common urethra. However, complete duplication of bladder with a single urethra has been rarely reported. Herein, we present a patient with a different variation of bladder duplication in the coronal plane with two urethras originating from the main bladder and associated glans diphallia.