bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolated brachiocephalic artery dissection presenting as acute stroke
Authors: Mani Hariharasudan , Ahluwalia Sharat
Published: August 2015

Isolated brachiocephalic artery dissection is an extremely rare condition. Its presentation as an acute stroke can pose a significant diagnostic challenge in patients because of its rarity. We present a case of isolated spontaneous brachiocephalic artery dissection presenting as acute cerebrovascular accident. This case also illustrates the treatment dilemma brachiocephalic artery dissection can present, whether to choose antithrombotic/anticoagulation therapy and/or surgery, and also the dilemma in blood pressure management.
A case of atypicalBartonella henselaeinfection in a patient with methimazole-induced agranulocytosis
Authors: Kaysin Alexander , Viera Anthony J
Published: August 2015

Antithyroid medications such as methimazole and propylthiouracil are commonly used to treat hyperthyroid disorders. Thionamide-induced agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening potential side effect of these medicines. In addition to routine monitoring of blood counts, healthcare workers caring for patients on such medication need to be mindful of atypical presentations of acute agranulocytosis throughout the treatment course. The manifestations of underlying infectious aetiologies can be mistaken for more common illness and result in delayed diagnosis. We present a case of a 41-year-old woman receiving methimazole for Grave's disease, who presented to outpatient care with high fever, pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy and jaundice. After failing to respond to empiric antibiotics, a diagnosis of neutropenia was made and the patient was admitted for inpatient care with eventual recovery following a course of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. A diagnosis of atypicalBartonella henselaewas eventually made and treated appropriately. The patient was later discharged and underwent radioactive iodine ablation.
Tamoxifen-associated portal vein thrombosis causing severe oesophageal variceal bleeding
Authors: Hsu Andrew , Belkin Edward , Han Samuel , Pellish Randall
Published: August 2015

A 46-year-old woman with medical history of breast cancer on tamoxifen presented with syncope. On arrival to the hospital, the patient developed massive haematemesis and a subsequent esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed oesophageal varices without any known history of liver disease. Further evaluation identified portal vein thrombosis probably caused by tamoxifen use.
Timing of access to secondary healthcare services and lower extremity amputations in patients with diabetes: a case–control study
Authors: Buckley Claire M , Ali Fauzi , Roberts Graham A , Kearney Patricia M , Perry Ivan J , Bradley Colin P
Published: August 2015

Objective

To investigate the association between timing of patient access to secondary healthcare services for diabetes management and lower extremity amputation (LEA) among patients with diabetes.

Research design and methods

A case–control study was conducted in the secondary healthcare system in Ireland. Cases were 116 patients with diabetes who underwent a first major non-traumatic LEA between 2006 and 2012. Controls were 348 patients with diabetes, over 45 years, admitted to the same hospital as an emergency or electively, frequency-matched for gender, type of diabetes, and year. Data were collected for 7 years prior to the event year. ORs for LEA in patients with diabetes comparing early versus late referral from primary to secondary healthcare were calculated.

Results

Statistically significant risk factors associated with LEA in patients with diabetes included being single, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Documented retinopathy was a significant protective factor. In unconditional logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders, there was no evidence of a reduced risk of LEA among patients referred earlier to secondary healthcare for diabetes management.

Conclusions

Specialist referral may need to occur earlier than the 7-year cut-off used to demonstrate an effect on reducing LEA risk. Documented retinopathy was associated with reduced risk of LEA, most likely as a proxy for better self-care. Variation in the management of diabetes in primary care may also be impacting on outcomes. Efforts to develop more integrated care between primary and secondary services may be beneficial, rather than focusing on timing of referral to secondary healthcare.
Changes in cardiovascular health score and atherosclerosis progression in middle-aged and older persons in China: a cohort study
Authors: Gao Jingsheng , Bao Minghui , Liu Yan , Shi Jihong , Huang Zhe , Xing Aijun , Wang Yang , An Shasha , Cai Jun , Wu Shouling , Yang Xinchun
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a definition of 4 cardiovascular health behaviours and 3 health factors. On the basis of the 7 metrics, the cardiovascular health score (CHS) was used to estimate individual-level changes in cardiovascular health status. The aim of this study was to investigate whether changes in CHS (⊿CHS) at different time-points are associated with atherosclerosis progression in middle-aged and older persons.

Design

Prospective cohort study in China.

Settings

We defined 8 groups (≤−4, −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2 and ≥3) according to ⊿CHS. The impact of ⊿CHS on the change of brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (⊿baPWV) and atherosclerosis progression was analysed.

Participants

A total of 3951 individuals met the inclusion criteria (≥40 years old; no history of stroke, transient ischaemic attack or myocardial infarction) and had complete information.

Results

⊿baPWV decreased gradually (126.46±355.91, 78.4±343.81, 69.6±316.27, 49.59±287.57, 57.07±261.17, 40.45±264.27, 37.45±283.26 and 21.66±264.17 cm/s, respectively) with increasing ⊿CHS (p for trend<0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis suggested a negative relationship between these 2 variables, which persisted after adjustment for other risk factors. Each increase in CHS was associated with a reduced baPWV for 15.22 cm/s (B value −15.22, p<0.001).

Conclusions

⊿CHS were negatively related to ⊿baPWV, which proved to be an independent predictor of the progression of atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older persons.

Trial registration number

Kailuan study (ChiCTR-TNC-11001489).
Environmental tobacco smoke and the risk of eczema symptoms among school children in South Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shirinde Joyce , Wichmann Janine , Voyi Kuku
Published: August 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between eczema ever (EE) and current eczema symptoms (ES) in relation to exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).

Design

A cross-sectional study using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire.

Setting

16 schools were randomly selected from two neighbourhoods situated in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Participants

From a total population of 3764 school children aged 12–14 years, 3468 completed the questionnaire (92% response rate). A total of 3424 questionnaires were included in the final data analysis.

Primary outcome

The prevalence of EE and current ES was the primary outcome in this study.

Results

Data were analysed using Multilevel Logistic Regression Analysis (MLRA). The likelihood of EE was increased by exposure to ETS at home (OR 1.30 95% CI 1.01 to 1.67) and at school (OR 1.26 95% CI 1.00 to 1.60). The likelihood of EE was lower for males (OR 0.66 95% CI 0.51 to 0.84). The likelihood of ES was increased by ETS at home (OR 1.93 95% CI 1.43 to 2.59) and school (1.44 95% CI 1.09 to 1.90). The likelihood of ES was again lower for males (OR 0.56 95% CI 0.42 to 0.76). Smoking by mother/female guardian increased the likelihood of EE and ES, however, this was not significant in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Symptoms of eczema were positively associated with exposure to ETS at home and school. The results support the hypothesis that ETS is an important factor in understanding the occurrence of eczema.
Laser capture microdissection as a tool to evaluate human papillomavirus genotyping and methylation as biomarkers of persistence and progression of anal lesions
Authors: Cornall Alyssa M , Roberts Jennifer M , Molano Monica , Machalek Dorothy A , Phillips Samuel , Hillman Richard J , Grulich Andrew E , Jin Fengyi , Poynten I Mary , Templeton David J , Garland Suzanne M , Tabrizi Sepehr N
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Anal squamous cell carcinoma is preceded by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and the cancer precursor, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Detection of specific HPV genotypes and HPV-related biomarkers may be an option for primary anal screening. However, more data on the natural history of HPV-related anal lesions are required. The outcomes from this study will enhance our understanding of the clinical and biological behaviour of HPV-related anal lesions and inform the development of future HPV genotype and/or biomarker screening tests.

Methods and analysis

HIV-negative and HIV-positive men who have sex with men, aged 35 years and over, recruited from community-based settings in Sydney, Australia, attend 6 clinic visits over 3 years. At the first 5 visits, participants undergo a digital anorectal examination, an anal swab for HPV genotyping and anal cytology, and high-resolution anoscopy with directed biopsy of any visible abnormalities that are suggestive of any abnormality suspicious of SIL. Tissue sections from participants diagnosed with histologically confirmed HSIL at the baseline clinic visit will undergo laser capture microdissection, HPV detection and genotyping, and quantitation of CpG methylation in baseline and follow-up biopsies. Histological and cytological findings in combination with HPV genotyping data will be used to identify persistent HSIL. HSIL will be stratified as non-persistent and persistent based on their status at 12 months. The performance of HPV genotype and methylation status in predicting disease persistence at 12 months will be assessed, along with associations with HIV status and other covariates such as age.

Ethics and dissemination

The St Vincent's Hospital Ethics Committee granted ethics approval for the study. Written informed consent is obtained from all individuals before any study-specific procedures are performed. Findings from this study will be disseminated to participants and the community through study newsletters, and through peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.
Exploring the concept of need in people with very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study
Authors: Kendall Marilyn , Buckingham Susan , Ferguson Susie , MacNee William , Sheikh Aziz , White Patrick , Worth Allison , Boyd Kirsty , Murray Scott A , Pinnock Hilary
Published: August 2015

Background

Despite apparent unmet needs, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rarely ask for help. We explored the concept of need from the perspective of patients, their family carers and professionals.

Methods

We recruited inpatients at two National Health Service (NHS) Lothian hospitals to a structured, holistic review of care needs delivered at home by a respiratory nurse 4 weeks postdischarge. Using semistructured interviews and group discussions, review notes and field-notes we explored the views of patients, carers and professionals on perceptions of need and the actions requested. Data were analysed thematically using Bradshaw's classification of need.

Results

14 patients, 3 carers, 28 professionals provided 36 interviews and 2 discussion groups. Few needs were identified by our intervention and few actions planned. Professionals identified ‘normative’ needs some of which had been addressed during routine discharge planning. Other needs (physical/psychological limitations, social/financial concerns, existential issues) were ‘felt’ by patients and carers but articulated in response to the researcher's questions rather than actively ‘expressed’. Patients often did not wish any action to address the problems, preferring care from family members rather than formal agencies. Many spoke of the over-arching importance of retaining a sense of independence and autonomy, considering themselves as ageing rather than ill.

Conclusions

In contrast to professionally-defined ‘normative’ needs, patients rarely perceived themselves as needy, accepting their ‘felt’ needs as the result of a disability to which they had now adapted. Sensitive approaches that foster independence may enable patients to ‘express’ needs that are amenable to help without disturbing the adaptive equilibrium they have achieved.

Trial registration number

NCT01650480.
A systematic approach to the management of cholestatic pruritus in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Hegade Vinod S , Bolier Ruth , Oude Elferink Ronald PJ , Beuers Ulrich , Kendrick Stuart , Jones David EJ
Published: August 2015

Pruritus (itch) is an important symptom of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), an archetypal cholestatic liver disease. Cholestatic pruritus can be a debilitating symptom causing significant deterioration in patients’ quality of life. Effective management of pruritus in PBC involves awareness among clinicians to adequately assess its severity, and treatment with specific drug therapies in line with current practice guidelines. In PBC, antipruritic drugs are not universally effective and/or have significant side effects, and despite best efforts with various combinations of drugs, some patients remain significantly symptomatic, eventually opting for invasive or experimental treatments. Therefore, there is a clear unmet need for better alternative treatments for patients with refractory or intractable cholestatic pruritus. Recent advances in the understanding of pathogenesis of cholestatic pruritus and bile acid physiology have raised hopes for novel therapies, some of which are currently under trial. In this review, we aim to provide a practical guide to the management of this important and complex problem, discussing current knowledge and recent advances in the pathogenesis, summarise the evidence base for available therapeutic approaches and update potential novel future therapies for the management of pruritus in PBC.
Associations between fruit and vegetable consumption and depressive symptoms: evidence from a national Canadian longitudinal survey
Authors: Kingsbury Mila , Dupuis Gabrielle , Jacka Felice , Roy-Gagnon Marie-Hélène , McMartin Seanna E , Colman Ian
Published: August 2015

Background

Several cross-sectional studies have demonstrated associations between diet quality, including fruit and vegetable consumption, and mental health. However, research examining these associations longitudinally, while accounting for related lifestyle factors (eg, smoking, physical activity) is scarce.

Methods

This study used data from the National Population Health Survey (NPHS), a large, national longitudinal survey of Canadians. The sample included 8353 participants aged 18 and older. Every 2 years from 2002/2003 to 2010/2011, participants completed self-reports of daily fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, smoking and symptoms of depression and psychological distress. Using generalised estimating equations, we modelled the associations between fruit and vegetable consumption at each timepoint and depression at the next timepoint, adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results

Fruit and vegetable consumption at each cycle was inversely associated with next-cycle depression (β=−0.03, 95% CI −0.05 to −0.01, p<0.01) and psychological distress (β=−0.03, 95% CI −0.05 to −0.02, p<0.0001). However, once models were adjusted for other health-related factors, these associations were attenuated (β=−0.01, 95% CI −0.04 to 0.02, p=0.55; β=−0.00, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.02, p=0.78 for models predicting depression and distress, respectively).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that relations between fruit and vegetable intake, other health-related behaviours and depression are complex. Behaviours such as smoking and physical activity may have a more important impact on depression than fruit and vegetable intake. Randomised control trials of diet are necessary to disentangle the effects of multiple health behaviours on mental health.
Views of general practitioners on providing contraceptive advice and long-acting reversible contraception at the 6-week postnatal visit: a qualitative study
Authors: Lunniss Hannah , Cameron Sharon , Chen Zhong E
Published: August 2015

Background

Increased uptake of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) postpartum could prevent more unintended pregnancies and short inter-birth intervals. General practitioners (GPs) play a pivotal role in providing postpartum contraception at the 6-week postnatal visit.

Aim

To explore how GPs view their role in delivering postpartum contraception at the 6-week visit and on providing LARC at this time.

Methods

In-depth, semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 13 GPs in Edinburgh and the surrounding region in Scotland. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

All GPs confirmed that contraception was routinely discussed at the postpartum visit, although this was usually the last item covered. Most felt that while 6-weeks postpartum was adequate for most women to commence contraception, it was often too late for young mothers (aged under 20 years) or women from deprived areas. GPs provided prescriptions for oral contraception at this visit, but insertion of a contraceptive implant required a further appointment. For intrauterine contraception, women typically required two additional visits to the GP (for counselling and then insertion) or were referred to a local sexual health service. Some GPs saw their role as the main provider of postpartum contraception, whereas others felt they complemented the actions of midwives and health visitors.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that although contraception is discussed at a routine 6-week postpartum visit with a GP, there are delays for women wishing to commence LARC that create scope for unintended pregnancy. Strategies to facilitate access to LARC postpartum should be explored.
Dog‐appeasing pheromone collars reduce sound‐induced fear and anxiety in beagle dogs: a placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Landsberg G. M. , Beck A. , Lopez A. , Deniaud M. , Araujo J. A. , Milgram N. W.
Published: August 2015

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of a dog‐appeasing pheromone (DAP) collar in reducing sound‐induced fear and anxiety in a laboratory model of thunderstorm simulation. Twenty‐four beagle dogs naïve to the current test were divided into two treatment groups (DAP and placebo) balanced on their fear score in response to a thunderstorm recording. Each group was then exposed to two additional thunderstorm simulation tests on consecutive days. Dogs were video‐assessed by a trained observer on a 6‐point scale for active, passive and global fear and anxiety (combined). Both global and active fear and anxiety scores were significantly improved during and following thunder compared with placebo on both test days. DAP significantly decreased global fear and anxiety across ‘during’ and ‘post’ thunder times when compared with baseline. There was no significant improvement in the placebo group from baseline on the test days. In addition, the DAP group showed significantly greater use of the hide box at any time with increased exposure compared with the placebo group. The DAP collar reduced the scores of fear and anxiety, and increased hide use in response to a thunder recording, possibly by counteracting noise‐related increased reactivity.
Microarray analysis of pancreatic gene expression during biotin repletion in biotin-deficient rats
Authors: Dakshinamurti Krishnamurti , Bagchi Rushita A. , Abrenica Bernard , Czubryt Michael P.
Published: August 2015

Biotin is a B vitamin involved in multiple metabolic pathways. In humans, biotin deficiency is relatively rare but can cause dermatitis, alopecia, and perosis. Low biotin levels occur in individuals with type-2 diabetes, and supplementation with biotin plus chromium may improve blood sugar control. The acute effect on pancreatic gene expression of biotin repletion following chronic deficiency is unclear, therefore we induced biotin deficiency in adult male rats by feeding them a 20% raw egg white diet for 6 weeks. Animals were then randomized into 2 groups: one group received a single biotin supplement and returned to normal chow lacking egg white, while the second group remained on the depletion diet. After 1 week, pancreata were removed from biotin-deficient (BD) and biotin-repleted (BR) animals and RNA was isolated for microarray analysis. Biotin depletion altered gene expression in a manner indicative of inflammation, fibrosis, and defective pancreatic function. Conversely, biotin repletion activated numerous repair and anti-inflammatory pathways, reduced fibrotic gene expression, and induced multiple genes involved in pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function. A subset of the results was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR analysis, as well as by treatment of pancreatic AR42J cells with biotin. The results indicate that biotin repletion, even after lengthy deficiency, results in the rapid induction of repair processes in the pancreas.
Space-time models based on random fields with local interactions
Authors: Hristopulos Dionissios T. , Tsantili Ivi C.
Published: August 2015

The analysis of space-time data from complex, real-life phenomena requires the use of flexible and physically motivated covariance functions. In most cases, it is not possible to explicitly solve the equations of motion for the fields or the respective covariance functions. In the statistical literature, covariance functions are often based on mathematical constructions. In this paper, we propose deriving space-time covariance functions by solving “effective equations of motion”, which can be used as statistical representations of systems with diffusive behavior. In particular, we propose to formulate space-time covariance functions based on an equilibrium effective Hamiltonian using the linear response theory. The effective space-time dynamics is then generated by a stochastic perturbation around the equilibrium point of the classical field Hamiltonian leading to an associated Langevin equation. We employ a Hamiltonian which extends the classical Gaussian field theory by including a curvature term and leads to a diffusive Langevin equation. Finally, we derive new forms of space-time covariance functions.
Water window attosecond sources generation by using the multi-cycle time-delay two circularly polarized pulses
Authors: Feng Li-Qiang , Liu Hang
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a promising scheme is proposed to generate the water window isolated attosecond pulses from the high-order harmonics by using the multi-cycle time-delay two circularly polarized pulses. The results show that with the introduction of delay time of the two pulses, not only the harmonic cutoff is extended, but also the modulation on the harmonic spectrum is suppressed. Especially for the [Formula: see text] nm, [Formula: see text] nm and the [Formula: see text] nm two cases, a 341 eV and a 502 eV supercontinua including the whole water window region are obtained. Finally, by properly superposing the harmonics in the supercontinua regions, a series of sub-34as wavelength-tunable attosecond pulses in the water window region can be obtained.
The effect of oxygen vacancy on holes-induced d0 magnetism in CaTiO3 and CaZrO3
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Xi , Wang Dan , Tang Li-Ming , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: August 2015

Using the first-principles calculations, the holes-induced [Formula: see text] magnetism associated with oxygen vacancy [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] has been investigated. To obtain holes, the divalent calcium and tetravalent IVB-group ions are replaced respectively by the monovalent alkali, IB-group and trivalent III-group ions. It is found that the [Formula: see text] can enhance the magnetic moment of few acceptors-doped [Formula: see text], whereas it enhances the magnetic moment in most acceptor-doped [Formula: see text] except for La doping. Mainly, it is because the [Formula: see text] gives rise to no gap-states in [Formula: see text] but generates gap-states in [Formula: see text]. Based on the similar effect of [Formula: see text] on the band structure in [Formula: see text] or in [Formula: see text] (X = Ca, Sr, Ba), we suggest that there exists a similar effect of [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] magnetism in acceptor-doped alkaline titanium (zirconium) perovskites.
Modeling nuclear weak-interaction processes with relativistic energy density functionals
Authors: Paar N. , Marketin T. , Vale D. , Vretenar D.
Published: August 2015

Relativistic energy density functionals have become a standard framework for nuclear structure studies of ground state properties and collective excitations over the entire nuclide chart. In this paper, we review recent developments in modeling nuclear weak-interaction processes: Charge-exchange excitations and the role of isoscalar proton–neutron pairing, charged-current neutrino–nucleus reactions relevant for supernova evolution and neutrino detectors and calculation of β-decay rates for r-process nucleosynthesis.
A New Homogenization Formulation for Multifunctional Composites
Authors: Li Eric , Zhang Zhongpu , Chang C. C. , Zhou Shiwei , Liu G. R. , Li Q.
Published: August 2015

Periodic microstructural composites have gained considerable attention in material science and engineering attributable to their excellent flexibility in tailoring various desirable physical properties. Conventionally, the finite element technique has been widely used in implementing the homogenization. However, the standard finite element method (FEM) leads to an overly stiff model which sometimes gives unsatisfactory accuracy especially using triangular elements in 2D or tetrahedral elements in 3D with coarse mesh. In this paper, different forms of smoothed finite element method (SFEM) are presented to develop new asymptotic homogenization techniques for analyzing various effective physical properties of periodic microstructural composite materials. A range of multifunctional material examples, including elastic modulus with multiphase composites, conductivity of thermal and electrical composites, and diffusivity/permeability of 3D tissue scaffold, has exemplified herein to demonstrate that SFEM is able to provide more accurate results using the same set of mesh compared with the standard FEM. In addition, the computational efficiency of SFEM is also higher than that of the standard FEM counterpart.
On Partitions of Unity Property of Nodal Shape Functions: Rigid-Body-Movement Reproduction and Mass Conservation
Authors: Liu G. R.
Published: August 2015

This paper discusses the Partitions of Unity (PU) property that is one of the most important properties of nodal shape functions used in various numerical methods via discretization, including element-based and/or meshfree methods, such as FEM, S-FEM, S-PIM, EFG, XFEM, etc. The significance of the PU property and the possible consequences of using shape functions that do not possess the PU property in a numerical method are examined in theory. It proves that the PU property is a necessary (not sufficient in general) condition to enable the basic feature of rigid-body-movement production for static problems, and it is both necessary and sufficient condition mass conservation for dynamic problems for solids. This paper offers a fundamental insight into the lack of essential solution properties when formulating a computational method based on discretization techniques with shape functions that do not possess the PU property.
Application of Fuzzy Time Series Approach in Electric Load Forecasting
Authors: Ismail Zuhaimy , Efendi Riswan , Deris Mustafa Mat
Published: August 2015

In electrical power management, load forecasting accuracy is an indispensable factor which influences the decision making and planning of power companies in the future. Previous research has explored various forecasting models to resolve this issue, ranging from linear and non-linear regression to artificial intelligence algorithm. However, the absolute percentage error has yet to significantly improve using these models. Through this paper, the fuzzy time series (FTS) model was suggested to obtain better forecasted values and increases the forecasting accuracy. This accuracy could be obtained by using effective length of intervals of the discourse universe. The yearly dataset of Taiwan regional electric load was used for this empirical study and the reliability of the proposed model was compared with other previous models. The results indicated that the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the proposed model (FTS) is smaller than MAPE obtained from those previous models.
Hypoxia: a key player in antitumor immune response. A Review in the Theme: Cellular Responses to Hypoxia
Authors: Noman Muhammad Zaeem , Hasmim Meriem , Messai Yosra , Terry Stéphane , Kieda Claudine , Janji Bassam , Chouaib Salem
Published: August 2015

The tumor microenvironment is a complex system, playing an important role in tumor development and progression. Besides cellular stromal components, extracellular matrix fibers, cytokines, and other metabolic mediators are also involved. In this review we outline the potential role of hypoxia, a major feature of most solid tumors, within the tumor microenvironment and how it contributes to immune resistance and immune suppression/tolerance and can be detrimental to antitumor effector cell functions. We also outline how hypoxic stress influences immunosuppressive pathways involving macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, T regulatory cells, and immune checkpoints and how it may confer tumor resistance. Finally, we discuss how microenvironmental hypoxia poses both obstacles and opportunities for new therapeutic immune interventions.
Deep proteomic profiling of vasopressin-sensitive collecting duct cells. II. Bioinformatic analysis of vasopressin signaling
Authors: Yang Chin-Rang , Raghuram Viswanathan , Emamian Milad , Sandoval Pablo C. , Knepper Mark A.
Published: August 2015

Vasopressin controls osmotic water transport in the renal collecting duct through regulation of aquaporin-2 (AQP2). We carried out bioinformatic analysis of quantitative proteomic data from the accompanying article to investigate the mechanisms involved. The experiments used stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture in cultured mpkCCD cells to quantify each protein species in each of five differential-centrifugation (DC) fractions with or without the vasopressin analog 1-desamino-8-d-arginine-vasopressin (dDAVP). The mass spectrometry data and parallel Western blot experiments confirmed that dDAVP addition is associated with an increase in AQP2 abundance in the 17,000- g pellet and a corresponding decrease in the 200,000- g pellet. Remarkably, all subunits of the cytoplasmic ribosome also increased in the 17,000- g pellet in response to dDAVP ( P < 10−34), with a concomitant decrease in the 200,000- g pellet. Eukaryotic translation initiation complex 3 (eIF3) subunits underwent parallel changes ( P < 10−6). These findings are consistent with translocation of assembled ribosomes and eIF3 complexes into the rough endoplasmic reticulum in response to dDAVP. Conversely, there was a systematic decrease in small GTPase abundances in the 17,000- g fraction. In contrast, most proteins, including protein kinases, showed no systematic redistribution among DC fractions. Of the 521 protein kinases coded by the mouse genome, 246 were identified, but many fewer were found to colocalize with AQP2 among DC fractions. Bayes' rule was used to integrate the new colocalization data with prior data to identify protein kinases most likely to phosphorylate aquaporin-2 at Ser256 ( Camk2b > Camk2d > Prkaca) and Ser261 ( Mapk1 = Mapk3 > Mapk14).
Renal depletion ofmyo-inositol is associated with its increased degradation in animal models of metabolic disease
Authors: Chang H.-H. , Chao H.-N. , Walker C. S. , Choong S.-Y. , Phillips A. , Loomes K. M.
Published: August 2015

Renal depletion of myo-inositol (MI) is associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy in animal models, but the underlying mechanisms involved are unclear. We hypothesized that MI depletion was due to changes in inositol metabolism and therefore examined the expression of genes regulating de novo biosynthesis, reabsorption, and catabolism of MI. We also extended the analyses from diabetes mellitus to animal models of dietary-induced obesity and hypertension. We found that renal MI depletion was pervasive across these three distinct disease states in the relative order: hypertension (−51%) > diabetes mellitus (−35%) > dietary-induced obesity (−19%). In 4-wk diabetic kidneys and in kidneys derived from insulin-resistant and hypertensive rats, MI depletion was correlated with activity of the MI-degrading enzyme myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX). By contrast, there was decreased MIOX expression in 8-wk diabetic kidneys. Immunohistochemistry localized the MI-degrading pathway comprising MIOX and the glucuronate-xylulose (GX) pathway to the proximal tubules within the renal cortex. These findings indicate that MI depletion could reflect increased catabolism through MIOX and the GX pathway and implicate a common pathological mechanism contributing to renal oxidative stress in metabolic disease.
The fibroblast growth factor receptor mediates the increased FGF23 expression in acute and chronic uremia
Authors: Hassan Alia , Durlacher Karina , Silver Justin , Naveh-Many Tally , Levi Ronen
Published: August 2015

Serum FGF23 is markedly elevated in chronic kidney disease and has been associated with poor long-term outcomes. FGF23 expression is increased by activation of the FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) in rats with normal renal function and in vitro in bone-derived osteoblast-like cells. We studied the regulation of FGF23 by FGFR1 in vivo in acute and chronic uremia in mice and rats. Folic acid-induced acute kidney injury increased calvaria FGF23 mRNA and serum FGF23 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels at 6 h. The FGFR1 receptor inhibitor PD173074 prevented the folic acid-induced increase in both FGF23 mRNA and serum levels but had no effect on serum PTH levels. A more prolonged uremia due to an adenine high-phosphorus diet for 14 days resulted in high levels of FGF23 mRNA and serum FGF23 and PTH. PD173074 decreased serum FGF23 and mRNA levels with no effect on PTH in the adenine high phosphorus-induced uremic rats. Therefore, a derangement in FGF23 regulation starts early in the course of acute kidney injury, is in part independent of the increase in serum PTH, and involves activation of FGFR1. It is possible that FGFR1 in the osteocyte is activated by locally produced canonical FGFs, which are increased in uremia. This is the first demonstration that activation of FGFR1 is essential for the high levels of FGF23 in acute and chronic experimental uremia.
Assessment of regional ventilation and deformation using 4D-CT imaging for healthy human lungs during tidal breathing
Authors: Jahani Nariman , Choi Sanghun , Choi Jiwoong , Iyer Krishna , Hoffman Eric A. , Lin Ching-Long
Published: August 2015

This study aims to assess regional ventilation, nonlinearity, and hysteresis of human lungs during dynamic breathing via image registration of four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) scans. Six healthy adult humans were studied by spiral multidetector-row CT during controlled tidal breathing as well as during total lung capacity and functional residual capacity breath holds. Static images were utilized to contrast static vs. dynamic (deep vs. tidal) breathing. A rolling-seal piston system was employed to maintain consistent tidal breathing during 4D-CT spiral image acquisition, providing required between-breath consistency for physiologically meaningful reconstructed respiratory motion. Registration-derived variables including local air volume and anisotropic deformation index (ADI, an indicator of preferential deformation in response to local force) were employed to assess regional ventilation and lung deformation. Lobar distributions of air volume change during tidal breathing were correlated with those of deep breathing ( R2 ≈ 0.84). Small discrepancies between tidal and deep breathing were shown to be likely due to different distributions of air volume change in the left and the right lungs. We also demonstrated an asymmetric characteristic of flow rate between inhalation and exhalation. With ADI, we were able to quantify nonlinearity and hysteresis of lung deformation that can only be captured in dynamic images. Nonlinearity quantified by ADI is greater during inhalation, and it is stronger in the lower lobes ( P < 0.05). Lung hysteresis estimated by the difference of ADI between inhalation and exhalation is more significant in the right lungs than that in the left lungs.
Predictive coding in autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Gonzalez-Gadea Maria Luz , Chennu Srivas , Bekinschtein Tristan A. , Rattazzi Alexia , Beraudi Ana , Tripicchio Paula , Moyano Beatriz , Soffita Yamila , Steinberg Laura , Adolfi Federico , Sigman Mariano , Marino Julian , Manes Facundo , Ibanez Agustin
Published: August 2015

Predictive coding has been proposed as a framework to understand neural processes in neuropsychiatric disorders. We used this approach to describe mechanisms responsible for attentional abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We monitored brain dynamics of 59 children (8–15 yr old) who had ASD or ADHD or who were control participants via high-density electroencephalography. We performed analysis at the scalp and source-space levels while participants listened to standard and deviant tone sequences. Through task instructions, we manipulated top-down expectation by presenting expected and unexpected deviant sequences. Children with ASD showed reduced superior frontal cortex (FC) responses to unexpected events but increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation to expected events. In contrast, children with ADHD exhibited reduced cortical responses in superior FC to expected events but strong PFC activation to unexpected events. Moreover, neural abnormalities were associated with specific control mechanisms, namely, inhibitory control in ASD and set-shifting in ADHD. Based on the predictive coding account, top-down expectation abnormalities could be attributed to a disproportionate reliance (precision) allocated to prior beliefs in ASD and to sensory input in ADHD.
Intradermal endothelin-1 excites bombesin-responsive superficial dorsal horn neurons in the mouse
Authors: Akiyama T. , Nagamine M. , Davoodi A. , Iodi Carstens M. , Cevikbas F. , Steinhoff M. , Carstens E.
Published: August 2015

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in nonhistaminergic itch. Here we used electrophysiological methods to investigate whether mouse superficial dorsal horn neurons respond to intradermal (id) injection of ET-1 and whether ET-1-sensitive neurons additionally respond to other pruritic and algesic stimuli or spinal superfusion of bombesin, a homolog of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) that excites spinal itch-signaling neurons. Single-unit recordings were made from lumbar dorsal horn neurons in pentobarbital-anesthetized C57BL/6 mice. We searched for units that exhibited elevated firing after id injection of ET-1 (1 μg/μl). Responsive units were further tested with mechanical stimuli, bombesin (spinal superfusion, 200 μg·ml−1·min−1), heating, cooling, and additional chemicals [histamine, chloroquine, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), capsaicin]. Of 40 ET-1-responsive units, 48% responded to brush and pinch [wide dynamic range (WDR)] and 52% to pinch only [high threshold (HT)]. Ninety-three percent responded to noxious heat, 50% to cooling, and >70% to histamine, chloroquine, AITC, and capsaicin. Fifty-seven percent responded to bombesin, suggesting that they participate in spinal itch transmission. That most ET-1-sensitive spinal neurons also responded to pruritic and algesic stimuli is consistent with previous studies of pruritogen-responsive dorsal horn neurons. We previously hypothesized that pruritogen-sensitive neurons signal itch. The observation that ET-1 activates nociceptive neurons suggests that both itch and pain signals may be generated by ET-1 to result in simultaneous sensations of itch and pain, consistent with observations that ET-1 elicits both itch- and pain-related behaviors in animals and burning itch sensations in humans.
Optimizing Construction Project Labor Utilization Using Differential Evolution: A Comparative Study of Mutation Strategies
Authors: Hoang Nhat-Duc , Nguyen Quoc-Lam , Pham Quang-Nhat
Published: August 2015

In construction management, the task of planning project schedules with consideration of labor utilization is very crucial. However, the commonly used critical path method (CPM) does not inherently take into account this issue. Consequently, the labor utilization of the project schedule derived from the CPM method often has substantial low ebbs and high peaks. This research proposes a model to obtain project schedule with the least fluctuation in labor demand while still satisfying the project deadline and maintain the project cost. The Differential Evolution (DE), a fast and efficient metaheuristic, is employed to search for the most desirable solution of project execution among numerous combinations of activities’ crew sizes and start times. Furthermore, seven DE’s mutation strategies have also been employed for solving the optimization at hand. Experiment results point out that theTarget-to-Best 1and a new hybrid mutation strategy can attain the best solution of project schedule with the least fluctuation in labor demand. Accordingly, the proposed framework can be an effective tool to assist decision-makers in the project planning phase.
An Experimental Realization of a Chaos‐Based Secure Communication Using Arduino Microcontrollers
Authors: Zapateiro De la Hoz Mauricio , Acho Leonardo , Vidal Yolanda
Published: August 2015

Security and secrecy are some of the important concerns in the communications world. In the last years, several encryption techniques have been proposed in order to improve the secrecy of the information transmitted. Chaos‐based encryption techniques are being widely studied as part of the problem because of the highly unpredictable and random‐look nature of the chaotic signals. In this paper we propose a digital‐based communication system that uses the logistic map which is a mathematically simple model that is chaotic under certain conditions. The input message signal is modulated using a simple Delta modulator and encrypted using a logistic map. The key signal is also encrypted using the same logistic map with different initial conditions. In the receiver side, the binary‐coded message is decrypted using the encrypted key signal that is sent through one of the communication channels. The proposed scheme is experimentally tested using Arduino shields which are simple yet powerful development kits that allows for the implementation of the communication system for testing purposes.
Adjunctive Pessary Therapy after Emergency Cervical Cerclage for Cervical Insufficiency with Protruding Fetal Membranes in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy: A Novel Modification of Treatment
Authors: Kosinska-Kaczynska Katarzyna , Bomba-Opon Dorota , Zygula Aleksandra , Kaczynski Bartosz , Wegrzyn Piotr , Wielgos Miroslaw
Published: August 2015

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive pessary therapy after emergency cervical cerclage (ECC) in improving perinatal outcome in cervical insufficiency with fetal membranes protruding into the vagina.Material and Methods. A retrospective analysis of patients treated at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, between 2008 and 2013. The study group consisted of 15 women treated with ECC and a pessary and the control group consisted of 17 patients treated with cerclage only.Results. The mean gestational age at delivery was significantly higher in the study group (34.7 versus 29.7 weeks,p=0.03). The period between cerclage insertion and delivery was significantly longer in the study group (82.9 versus 52.1 days,p=0.045). The mean neonatal birthweight and neonatal “discharge alive” ratio were higher in the study group, although not statistically significant (2550 g versus 1883 g,p=0.14, and 93.3% versus 70.5%,p=0.18, resp.). NICU hospitalization rates were comparable (33.3% versus 35.3%,p=0.9).Conclusions. Adjunctive pessary therapy allows delaying delivery in women treated with ECC due to cervical insufficiency with protruding fetal membranes. It also seems to improve neonatal outcome, although the differences are not statistically significant. Further prospective study is required to prove these findings.
Towards Independency Using LMN4DISABLED System for Disabled
Authors: Aly Wael Hosny Fouad
Published: August 2015

We propose a wireless based system to localize, monitor, and navigate people with a single type of disability. The proposed system is called LMN4DISABLED. Smartphone devices are used as interfaces for disabled people to communicate with the surrounding environments. This paper studies two types of disabilities (1) blind people and (2) people on wheelchairs with no mental deficiencies. Experiments are performed on a three-floor university building. Sensor nodes and cameras are distributed in all rooms and hallways. Dijkstra routing algorithm is used to select the appropriate route for each profile. New localization algorithm is used in the experiments. Experiments show that LMN4DISABLED outperforms reference experiments that are not using LMN4DISABLED by about 50.8% for different types of disabilities. When separating the performance of the blind disabled people from the performance of the people on wheelchairs, experiments show that the blind performance improved by 55% while wheelchair users improved by 47% when using the LMN4DISABLED system compared to basic reference experiments for the same people that did not use the LMN4DISABLED.
Bacoside A: Role in Cigarette Smoking Induced Changes in Brain
Authors: Vani G. , Anbarasi K. , Shyamaladevi C. S.
Published: August 2015

Cigarette smoking (CS) is a major health hazard that exerts diverse physiologic and biochemical effects mediated by the components present and generated during smoking. Recent experimental studies have shown predisposition to several biological consequences from both active and passive cigarette smoke exposure. In particular, passive smoking is linked to a number of adverse health effects which are equally harmful as active smoking. A pragmatic approach should be considered for designing a pharmacological intervention to combat the adverse effects of passive smoking. This review describes the results from a controlled experimental condition, testing the effect of bacoside A (BA) on the causal role of passive/secondhand smoke exposure that caused pathological and neurological changes in rat brain. Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke induced significant changes in rat brain histologically and at the neurotransmitter level, lipid peroxidation states, mitochondrial functions, membrane alterations, and apoptotic damage in rat brain. Bacoside A is a neuroactive agent isolated fromBacopa monnieri. As a neuroactive agent, BA was effective in combating these changes. Future research should examine the effects of BA at molecular level and assess its functional effects on neurobiological and behavioral processes associated with passive smoke.