bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Television advertising, not viewing, is associated with negative dietary patterns in children
Authors: Kelly B. , Freeman B. , King L. , Chapman K. , Baur L. A. , Gill T.
Published: August 2015

Background

Children's exposure to unhealthy food marketing is a contributor to poor diets and weight gain. Television food advertising, in particular, has been the focus of research and policy discussions.

Objectives

We aimed to quantify the specific impact of television advertising, as distinct from television viewing generally, on children's usual diet. Methods Four hundred seventeen Australian children aged 10–16 participated in an online survey, which assessed television viewing habits and consumption of 12 frequently advertised unhealthy foods/drinks. Consumption of these foods/drinks was dichotomized (less weekly, weekly or more) and summed (1 point for each item consumed weekly or more) to give cumulative consumption scores.

Results

After adjusting for age and socioeconomic status, there was strong evidence of an increase in unhealthy food score (P < 0.001), drink score (P = 0.002) and food/drink combined score (P < 0.001), with increasing commercial television viewing.

Conclusions

The link between television viewing and poor diet was strongest for children who watched the most commercial television, and those who were actually exposed to advertisements embedded within programs. This association between advertisement exposure and poor diet emphasizes the need for public policy intervention to reduce children's food advertising exposures.
Taxonomic revision of oil‐producing green algae, Chlorococcum oleofaciens (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae), and its relatives
Authors: Kawasaki Yuriko , Nakada Takashi , Tomita Masaru
Published: August 2015

Historically, species in Volvocales were classified based primarily on morphology. Although the taxonomy of Chlamydomonas has been re‐examined using a polyphasic approach including molecular phylogeny, that of Chlorococcum (Cc.), the largest coccoid genus in Volvocales, has yet to be reexamined. Six species thought to be synonymous with the oil‐producing alga Cc. oleofaciens were previously not confirmed by molecular phylogeny. In this study, seven authentic strains of Cc. oleofaciens and its putative synonyms, along with 11 relatives, were examined based on the phylogeny of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, comparisons of secondary structures of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and ITS2 rDNA, and morphological observations by light microscopy. Seven 18S rRNA types were recognized among these strains and three were distantly related to Cc. oleofaciens. Comparisons of ITS rDNA structures suggested possible separation of the remaining four types into different species. Shapes of vegetative cells, thickness of the cell walls in old cultures, the size of cells in old cultures, and stigma morphology of zoospores also supported the 18S rRNA grouping. Based on these results, the 18 strains examined were reclassified into seven species. Among the putative synonyms, synonymy of Cc. oleofaciens, Cc. croceum, and Cc. granulosum was confirmed, and Cc. microstigmatum, Cc. rugosum, Cc. aquaticum, and Cc. nivale were distinguished from Cc. oleofaciens. Furthermore, another related strain is described as a new species, Macrochloris rubrioleum sp. nov.
PfeT, a P1B4‐type ATPase, effluxes ferrous iron and protects Bacillus subtilis against iron intoxication
Authors: Guan Guohua , Pinochet‐Barros Azul , Gaballa Ahmed , Patel Sarju J. , Argüello José M. , Helmann John D.
Published: August 2015

Iron is an essential element for nearly all cells and limited iron availability often restricts growth. However, excess iron can also be deleterious, particularly when cells expressing high affinity iron uptake systems transition to iron rich environments. Bacillus subtilis expresses numerous iron importers, but iron efflux has not been reported. Here, we describe the B. subtilis PfeT protein (formerly YkvW/ZosA) as a P1B4‐type ATPase in the PerR regulon that serves as an Fe(II) efflux pump and protects cells against iron intoxication. Iron and manganese homeostasis in B. subtilis are closely intertwined: a pfeT mutant is iron sensitive, and this sensitivity can be suppressed by low levels of Mn(II). Conversely, a pfeT mutant is more resistant to Mn(II) overload. In vitro, the PfeT ATPase is activated by both Fe(II) and Co(II), although only Fe(II) efflux is physiologically relevant in wild‐type cells, and null mutants accumulate elevated levels of intracellular iron. Genetic studies indicate that PfeT together with the ferric uptake repressor (Fur) cooperate to prevent iron intoxication, with iron sequestration by the MrgA mini‐ferritin playing a secondary role. Protection against iron toxicity may also be a key role for related P1B4‐type ATPases previously implicated in bacterial pathogenesis.
Serum club cell protein 16 is associated with asymptomatic airway responsiveness in adults: Findings from the French epidemiological study on the genetics and environment of asthma
Authors: Rava Marta , Le Moual Nicole , Dumont Xavier , Guerra Stefano , Siroux Valerie , Jacquemin Benedicte , Kauffmann Francine , Bernard Alfred , Nadif Rachel
Published: August 2015

Background and objective

Club cell secretory protein (CC‐16) is a sensitive biomarker of airways epithelium integrity. It has gained interest as a biological marker in chronic lung diseases because of its presumed relationship to inflammation. Little is known about the association between CC‐16 serum level and asthma, lung function and airway responsiveness (AR).

Methods

Serum CC‐16 level was determined by latex immunoassay in 1298 participants from the French Epidemiological case‐control and family‐based study on Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA) (mean age 43 years; 49% men, 38% with asthma). Pre‐bronchodilator lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC) and degree of AR, expressed as a function of the dose–response slope to methacholine test were measured. Standardized residuals CC‐16 z‐scores were obtained by regressing CC‐16 level on the glomerular filtration rate. CC‐16 z‐scores were correlated with asthma, lung function and AR in participants with and without asthma.

Results

CC‐16 geometric mean level was 12.4 μg/L (range: 2.2–70.6 μg/L). In participants without asthma, lower CC‐16 z‐scores was associated with impaired FEV1/FVC% (β = 0.50 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.95) and with higher degree of AR (β = 0.24 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.39)). CC‐16 was not associated with impaired lung function or AR in participants with asthma.

Conclusions

Lower CC‐16 serum level was associated with impaired lung function and AR, suggesting that serum CC‐16 level may reflect early damages to the lung epithelium in adults without asthma.
Simulating cardiac ultrasound image based on MR diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Qin Xulei , Wang Silun , Shen Ming , Lu Guolan , Zhang Xiaodong , Wagner Mary B. , Fei Baowei
Published: August 2015

Purpose:

Cardiac ultrasound simulation can have important applications in the design of ultrasound systems, understanding the interaction effect between ultrasound and tissue and setting the ground truth for validating quantification methods. Current ultrasound simulation methods fail to simulate the myocardial intensity anisotropies. New simulation methods are needed in order to simulate realistic ultrasound images of the heart.

Methods:

The proposed cardiac ultrasound image simulation method is based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data of the heart. The method utilizes both the cardiac geometry and the fiber orientation information to simulate the anisotropic intensities in B‐mode ultrasound images. Before the simulation procedure, the geometry and fiber orientations of the heart are obtained from high‐resolution structural MRI and DTI data, respectively. The simulation includes two important steps. First, the backscatter coefficients of the point scatterers inside the myocardium are processed according to the fiber orientations using an anisotropic model. Second, the cardiac ultrasound images are simulated with anisotropic myocardial intensities. The proposed method was also compared with two other nonanisotropic intensity methods using 50 B‐mode ultrasound image volumes of five different rat hearts. The simulated images were also compared with the ultrasound images of a diseased rat heart in vivo. A new segmental evaluation method is proposed to validate the simulation results. The average relative errors (AREs) of five parameters, i.e., mean intensity, Rayleigh distribution parameter σ, and first, second, and third quartiles, were utilized as the evaluation metrics. The simulated images were quantitatively compared with real ultrasound images in both ex vivo and in vivo experiments.

Results:

The proposed ultrasound image simulation method can realistically simulate cardiac ultrasound images of the heart using high‐resolution MR‐DTI data. The AREs of their proposed method are 19% for the mean intensity, 17.7% for the scale parameter of Rayleigh distribution, 36.8% for the first quartile of the image intensities, 25.2% for the second quartile, and 19.9% for the third quartile. In contrast, the errors of the other two methods are generally five times more than those of their proposed method.

Conclusions:

The proposed simulation method uses MR‐DTI data and realistically generates cardiac ultrasound images with anisotropic intensities inside the myocardium. The ultrasound simulation method could provide a tool for many potential research and clinical applications in cardiac ultrasound imaging.
The Art of Athlete Leadership: Identifying High-Quality Athlete Leadership at the Individual and Team Level Through Social Network Analysis
Authors: Fransen Katrien , Van Puyenbroeck Stef , Loughead Todd M. , Vanbeselaere Norbert , De Cuyper Bert , Vande Broek Gert , Boen Filip
Published: August 2015

This research aimed to introduce social network analysis as a novel technique in sports teams to identify the attributes of high-quality athlete leadership, both at the individual and at the team level. Study 1 included 25 sports teams (N = 308 athletes) and focused on athletes’ general leadership quality. Study 2 comprised 21 sports teams (N = 267 athletes) and focused on athletes’ specific leadership quality as a task, motivational, social, and external leader. The extent to which athletes felt connected with their leader proved to be most predictive for athletes’ perceptions of that leader’s quality on each leadership role. Also at the team level, teams with higher athlete leadership quality were more strongly connected. We conclude that social network analysis constitutes a valuable tool to provide more insight in the attributes of high-quality leadership both at the individual and at the team level.
Carbapenems and Rifampin Exhibit Synergy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Kaushik Amit , Makkar Nayani , Pandey Pooja , Parrish Nicole , Singh Urvashi , Lamichhane Gyanu
Published: August 2015

An effective regimen for treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is comprised of multiple drugs that inhibit a range of essential cellular activities in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. The effectiveness of a regimen is further enhanced if constituent drugs act with synergy. Here, we report that faropenem (a penem) or biapenem, doripenem, or meropenem (carbapenems), which belong to the β-lactam class of antibiotics, and rifampin, one of the drugs that forms the backbone of TB treatment, act with synergy when combined. One of the reasons (carba)penems are seldom used for treatment of TB is the high dosage levels required, often at the therapeutic limits. The synergistic combination of rifampin and these (carba)penems indicates that (carba)penems can be administered at dosages that are therapeutically relevant. The combination of faropenem and rifampin also limits the frequency of resistant mutants, as we were unable to obtain spontaneous mutants in the presence of these two drugs. The combinations of rifampin and (carba)penems were effective not only against drug-sensitive
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
but also against drug-resistant clinical isolates that are otherwise resistant to rifampin. A combination of doripenem or biapenem and rifampin also exhibited synergistic activity against
Mycobacterium abscessus
. Although the MICs of these three drugs alone against
M. abscessus
are too high to be of clinical relevance, their concentrations in combinations are therapeutically relevant; therefore, they warrant further evaluation for clinical utility to treat
Mycobacterium abscessus
infection, especially in cystic fibrosis patients.
Dps and DpsL Mediate SurvivalIn VitroandIn Vivoduring the Prolonged Oxidative Stress Response in Bacteroides fragilis
Authors: Betteken Michael I. , Rocha Edson R. , Smith C. Jeffrey
Published: August 2015

Bacteroides fragilisis a Gram-negative anaerobe and member of the human intestinal tract microbiome, where it plays many beneficial roles. However, translocation of the organism to the peritoneal cavity can lead to peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscess formation, bacteremia, and sepsis. During translocation,B. fragilisis exposed to increased oxidative stress from the oxygenated tissues of the peritoneal cavity and the immune response. In order to survive,B. fragilismounts a robust oxidative stress response consisting of an acute and a prolonged oxidative stress (POST) response. This report demonstrates that the ability to induce high levels of resistance totert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) after extended exposure to air can be linked to the POST response. Disk diffusion assays comparing the wild type to a Δdpsmutant and a ΔdpsΔbfrmutant showed greater sensitivity of the mutants to tBOOH after exposure to air, suggesting that Dps and DpsL play a role in the resistance phenotype. Complementation studies withdpsorbfr(encoding DpsL) restored tBOOH resistance, suggesting a role for both of these ferritin-family proteins in the response. Additionally, cultures treated with the iron chelator dipyridyl were not killed by tBOOH, indicating Dps and DpsL function by sequestering iron to prevent cellular damage. Anin vivoanimal model showed that the ΔdpsΔbfrmutant was attenuated, indicating that management of iron is important for survival within the abscess. Together, these data demonstrate a role for Dps and DpsL in the POST response which mediates survivalin vitroandin vivo.

IMPORTANCEB. fragilisis the anaerobe most frequently isolated from extraintestinal opportunistic infections, but there is a paucity of information about the factors that allow this organism to survive outside its normal intestinal environment. This report demonstrates that the iron storage proteins Dps and DpsL protect against oxidative stress and that they contribute to survival bothin vitroandin vivo. Additionally, this work demonstrates an important role for the POST response inB. fragilissurvival and provides insight into the complex regulation of this response.
Myositis ossificans of the quadriceps femoris in a soccer player
Authors: Marques Jose Pedro , Pinheiro João Páscoa , Santos Costa Joana , Moura Diogo
Published: August 2015

A young soccer player was diagnosed with myositis ossificans 6 weeks after a muscle strain in the right thigh. Radiographic and sonographic investigations initially helped to confirm diagnosis and later supported clinical improvement. We present our approach to the case and discuss pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of this rare condition.
The SUSY Yang–Mills plasma in a T-matrix approach
Authors: Lacroix Gwendolyn , Semay Claude , Buisseret Fabien
Published: August 2015

In this paper, the thermodynamic properties of [Formula: see text] supersymmetric Yang–Mills theory with an arbitrary gauge group are investigated. In the confined range, we show that identifying the bound state spectrum with a Hagedorn one coming from noncritical closed superstring theory leads to a prediction for the value of the deconfining temperature [Formula: see text] that agrees with recent lattice data. The deconfined phase is studied by resorting to a [Formula: see text]-matrix formulation of statistical mechanics in which the medium under study is seen as a gas of quasigluons and quasigluinos interacting nonperturbatively. Emphasis is put on the temperature range (1–5) [Formula: see text], where the interactions are expected to be strong enough to generate bound states. Binary bound states of gluons and gluinos are indeed found to be bound up to 1.4 [Formula: see text] for any gauge group. The equation of state is then computed numerically for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and discussed in the case of an arbitrary gauge group. It is found to be nearly independent of the gauge group and very close to that of nonsupersymmetric Yang–Mills when normalized to the Stefan–Boltzmann pressure and expressed as a function of [Formula: see text].
Effect of Eyelid and Eyelash Occlusions on a Practical Iris Recognition System: Analysis and Solution
Authors: Al-Zubi Raed T. , Darabkh Khalid A. , Al-Zubi Nayel
Published: August 2015

One of the crucial and inherent issues in a practical iris recognition system is the occlusion that happens due to eyelids and eyelashes. This occlusion increases the complexity and degrades the performance of matching and feature extraction processes. Generally, two types of approaches have been proposed to solve this issue. The first approach requires generating an iris mask that indicates which part of the iris is useful and which others are occluded. However, in the second approach, a fixed region of interest (ROI) within the iris area is selected to avoid the regions of occlusion. In this paper, we experimentally study both approaches but due to the latter characteristic, which is its ability to simplify the matching and feature extraction processes, it has been adopted in our techniques used, specifically for iris segmentation, iris normalization, and feature extraction. Accordingly, for matching and feature extraction, the lower side of the pupillary region (i.e. the innermost 25% of the lower half of the iris ring) is found to be the best ROI. This small area of iris is almost free of eyelids and eyelashes and it contains abundant texture information. Interestingly, this selection of small area helps us in proposing a simple yet efficient technique for feature extraction, called mean-based feature extraction technique (MB-FET). This technique is based on analyzing the local intensity variations. The proposed technique achieves a lower processing burden than other traditional methods such as Fourier or wavelet decompositions (e.g. Gabor wavelet). In most traditional techniques, many parameters (e.g. five parameters for 2D-Gabor filter) must be optimally determined in advance to achieve an accurate feature extraction process. Unfortunately, these parameters may not match various variations in image capturing conditions (e.g. variations in illumination due to change in image capturing distance). Moreover, the basic functions of the traditional methods are fixed in advance (off-line) and do not necessarily match the texture of all irises in the database. However, for our proposed technique MB-FET, there is no need to determine in advance any parameter or basic function. MB-FET dynamically adapts its parameter (only one parameter) with intensity variations. The proposed technique generates a binary iris code, hence a simple and fast matching process is done using the Hamming distance. The experimental results using the CASIA iris database show that the proposed technique achieves promising results for a robust and reliable iris recognition.
Case-Based Reasoning Model with Genetic Algorithms, Group Decision-Making and Template Reduction
Authors: Yan Aijun , Song Hairuo , Wang Pu
Published: August 2015

Case retrieval, case reuse and case retention are critical to the reasoning performance of the traditional case-based reasoning (CBR) model. In this paper, the integrated use of template reduction technology (TR), genetic algorithms (GA), nearest neighbor (NN) rules and group decision-making (GDM) establishes the CBR-GDM model. First, the TR method of the case base is introduced. Then, an attribute weights optimization using GA is discussed in the case retrieval phase. After that, a case reuse method is carried out with NN and GDM. Finally, 10 data sets from UCI are used to carry out a comparison experiment by 5-fold cross-validation. The classification accuracy rate and the classification efficiency are analyzed under the small samples, before and after the data reduction. The results show that, combined with TR, GA and GDM, the pattern classification performance by CBR can be improved.
HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER ANALYSIS IN VARIABLE VISCOSITY PERISTALTIC FLOW WITH HALL CURRENT AND ION-SLIP
Authors: HUSSAIN Q. , HAYAT T. , ASGHAR S. , ALSAADI FUAD
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we investigate the effects of heat and mass transfer on peristaltic motion of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) viscous fluid in a symmetric channel in the presence of Hall and ion-slip currents, viscous and Joule dissipations, and variable temperature-dependent viscosity. The governing field equations are solved using series solution under the normal assumptions of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. The pumping characteristics are obtained using numerical integration. The results are critically analyzed for the physical parameters that characterize the peristaltic motion. These parameters include amplitude ratio, volume flow rate, viscosity parameter, Brinkman number, heat generation parameter, magnetic parameter, Hall parameter and ion-slip parameter. The results are presented graphically to understand the behavior of the field quantities and the physics of peristaltic transport of physiological and industrial fluids. Special emphasis has been given to analyze the effects of heat transfer with viscous and Joule dissipations — essentially the new features added in this study.
A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE GROWTH PLATE DESCRIPTION — A SIMPLE FRAMEWORK FOR CHONDROCYTES COLUMNAR ARRANGEMENT EVALUATION
Authors: GUEVARA JOHANA MARIA , CASTRO-ABRIL HECTOR ALFONSO , BARRERA LUIS ALEJANDRO , GARZÓN-ALVARADO DIEGO ALEXANDER
Published: August 2015

The growth plate is a cartilaginous structure located in the metaphysis of long bones, characterized histologically by its stratification and columnar arrangement. It is responsible for assuring longitudinal growth. Evaluation of growth plate histological characteristics has been traditionally performed using qualitative observation; however, some quantitative approaches have been reported using complex techniques. Here, we propose a simple quantitative images based analysis in order to evaluate objectively columnar arrangement within growth plate. For this, we defined six descriptors that were condensated in a geometric tensor. This tensor could be used as a single parameter to evaluate the growth plate organization. Validation of the tensor was performed with growth plate microphotographs of three healthy species (rat, pig and rabbit) and an abnormal one (Csf1tl/Csf1tl rat) found in specialized literature. According to our results, the descriptors and the tensor give a complete picture of the organization of the growth plate, reflecting the expected stratification and columnar arrangement of the cells within the tissue. This methodology could be a reliable tool for evaluation of growth plate structure for research and diagnostic purposes, taking into account that it can be easily implemented.
On the maximal length of consecutive zero digits of β-expansions
Authors: Tong Xin , Yu Yueli , Zhao Yanfen
Published: August 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a real number. For any [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the maximal length of consecutive zero digits between the first [Formula: see text] digits of [Formula: see text]’s [Formula: see text]-expansion. We prove that for Lebesgue almost all [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. Also the Hausdorff dimensions of the related exceptional sets are determined.
Permanence and almost periodic solution of a predator–prey discrete system with Holling IV functional response
Authors: Zhou Tiejun , Zhang Xiaolan , Xiang Meihong , Wu Zhaohua
Published: August 2015

A predator–prey discrete-time model with non-monotone functional response and density dependence is investigated in this paper. By using the comparison theorem of the difference equation, some sufficient conditions are obtained for the permanence of the system with variable coefficients. At the same time, a set of sufficient conditions about permanent of the system with almost periodic coefficients is also set up, which utilizes almost periodic characteristics of the system. Furthermore, the criteria which guarantee the existence of a globally attractive positive almost periodic solution of the system is established. An example is given to illustrate the feasibility of the obtained results.
An Intelligent Wireless Sensing and Control System to Improve Indoor Air Quality: Monitoring, Prediction, and Preaction
Authors: Yu Tsang-Chu , Lin Chung-Chih
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study is to construct an intelligent wireless sensing and control system to address health issues. We combine three technologies including (1) wireless sensing technology to develop an extendable system for monitoring environmental indicators such as temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration, (2) ARIMA (autoregressive integrated moving average) to predict air quality trends and take action before air quality worsens, and (3) fuzzy theory which is applied to build an energy-saving mechanism for feedback control. Experimental results show the following. (1) A longer historical data collected time interval will reduce the effects of abnormal surges on prediction results. We find the ARIMA prediction model accuracy improving from 3.19 ± 3.47% for a time interval of 10 minutes to 1.71 ± 1.45% for a time interval of 50 minutes. (2) The stability experiment shows that the error rate of prediction model is also less than 7.5%. (3) In the energy-saving experiment, fuzzy logic-based decision model can reduce the 55% energy while maintaining adequate air quality.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations on Frost Heave in Porous Media
Authors: Ming Feng , Li Dong-qing
Published: August 2015

For the construction in cold regions, frost heave and thaw settlement are the two factors which must be taken care of. Considered that a saturated soil column was subjected to an overburden pressure to model the ice lens growing process. A typical process, which coupled water, heat, and stress that happened in a saturated freezing soil column, was simulated by the finite element software. We did the numerical simulation under the same conditions as the experiment tests and then compared the results from temperature, frost heave, frozen structure, water content, and water intake. Result shows that the simulation results match well with the experimental results, and the correctness of the mathematical model is validated. On that basis, frost heave amount under different conditions by changing the temperature boundary and loading boundary is obtained. The frost heave has an optimum temperature gradient. Under the optimum value, the frost heave amount increases with increasing temperature gradient. Above the optimum value, frost heave decreases with increasing temperature gradient. Increasing the overburden pressure, frost heave amount always decreases. These results can provide references for the constrictions in cold regions.
Tyrosine Kinase Ligand-Receptor Pair Prediction by Using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Yarimizu Masayuki , Wei Cao , Komiyama Yusuke , Ueki Kokoro , Nakamura Shugo , Sumikoshi Kazuya , Terada Tohru , Shimizu Kentaro
Published: August 2015

Receptor tyrosine kinases are essential proteins involved in cellular differentiation and proliferation in vivo and are heavily involved in allergic diseases, diabetes, and onset/proliferation of cancerous cells. Identifying the interacting partner of this protein, a growth factor ligand, will provide a deeper understanding of cellular proliferation/differentiation and other cell processes. In this study, we developed a method for predicting tyrosine kinase ligand-receptor pairs from their amino acid sequences. We collected tyrosine kinase ligand-receptor pairs from the Database of Interacting Proteins (DIP) and UniProtKB, filtered them by removing sequence redundancy, and used them as a dataset for machine learning and assessment of predictive performance. Our prediction method is based on support vector machines (SVMs), and we evaluated several input features suitable for tyrosine kinase for machine learning and compared and analyzed the results. Using sequence pattern information and domain information extracted from sequences as input features, we obtained 0.996 of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. This accuracy is higher than that obtained from general protein-protein interaction pair predictions.
Kushenin Combined with Nucleos(t)ide Analogues for Chronic Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Zhe , Ma Xiao , Zhao Yanling , Wang Jiabo , Zhang Yaming , Zhu Yun , Wang Lifu , Chen Chang , Wei Shizhang , Yang Zhirui , Gong Man , Shen Honghui , Bai Zhaofang , Guo Yuming , Niu Ming , Xiao Xiaohe
Published: August 2015

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Kushenin (KS) combined with nucleoside analogues (NAs) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB).Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of KS combined with NAs for CHB were identified through 7 databases. Frequencies of loss of serum HBeAg, HBeAg seroconversion, undetectable serum HBV-DNA, ALT normalization, and adverse events at 48 weeks were abstracted by two reviewers. The Cochrane software was performed to assess the risk of bias in the included trials. Data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3 software.Results. 18 RCTs involving 1684 subjects with CHB were included in the analysis. KS combined with NAs including lamivudine (LAM), entecavir (ETV), adefovir dipivoxil (ADV), and telbivudine (TLV) showed different degree of improvement in CHB indices. KS combined with NAs increased the frequency of loss of serum HBeAg, HBeAg seroconversion, undetectable HBV-DNA levels, and ALT normalization compared with single agents. It also decreased serum ALT and AST level after one-year treatment. However, KS combined with TLV did not show a significant difference in CHB indices. The side-effects of KS combined with NAs were light and of low frequency.Conclusion. KS combined with NAs improves the efficacy of NAs in CHB.
Pulmonary Embolism in a Sarcoidosis Patient Double Heterozygous for Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphisms and Factor V Leiden and Homozygous for the D-Allele of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene
Authors: El-Majzoub Nadim , Mahfouz Rami , Kanj Nadim
Published: August 2015

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis. It presents in patients younger than 40 years of age. The lungs are the most commonly affected organ. Till the present day, there is no single specific test that will accurately diagnose sarcoidosis; as a result, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis relies on a combination of clinical, radiologic, and histologic findings. Patients with sarcoidosis have been found to have an increased risk of pulmonary embolism compared to the normal population. MTHFR and factor V Leiden mutations have been reported to increase the risk of thrombosis in patients. We hereby present a case of a middle aged man with sarcoidosis who developed a right main pulmonary embolism and was found to be double heterozygous for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and factor V Leiden and homozygous for the D-allele of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene.
Inferring the Origin of Metastases from Cancer Phylogenies
Authors: Hong Woo Suk , Shpak Max , Townsend Jeffrey P.
Published: August 2015

Determining the evolutionary history of metastases is a key problem in cancer biology. Several recent studies have presented inferences regarding the origin of metastases based on phylogenies of cancer lineages. Many of these studies have concluded that the observed monophyly of metastatic subclones favored metastasis-to-metastasis spread (“a metastatic cascade” rather than parallel metastases from the primary tumor). In this article, we argue that identifying a monophyletic clade of metastatic subclones does not provide sufficient evidence to unequivocally establish a history of metastatic cascades. In the absence of a complete phylogeny of the subclones within the primary tumor, a scenario of parallel metastatic events from the primary tumor is an equally plausible interpretation. Future phylogenetic studies on the origin of metastases should obtain a complete phylogeny of subclones within the primary tumor. This complete phylogeny may be obtainable by ultra-deep sequencing and phasing of large sections or by targeted sequencing of many small, spatially heterogeneous sections, followed by phylogenetic reconstruction using well-established molecular evolutionary models. In addition to resolving the evolutionary history of metastases, a complete phylogeny of subclones within the primary tumor facilitates the identification of driver mutations by application of phylogeny-based tests of natural selection. Cancer Res; 75(19); 4021–5. ©2015 AACR.
Regulation of Expression of Renal Organic Anion Transporters OAT1 and OAT3 in a Model of Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Preising Christina , Schneider Reinhard , Bucher Michael , Gekle Michael , Sauvant Christoph
Published: August 2015

Background: Recently, we gained evidence that impairment of rOat1 and rOat3 expression induced by ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) is mediated by COX metabolites and this suppression might be critically involved in renal damage. Methods: (i) Basolateral organic anion uptake into proximal tubular cells after model ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) was investigated by fluorescein uptake. The putative promoter sequences from hOAT1 (SLC22A6) and hOAT3 (SCL22A8) were cloned into a reporter plasmid, transfected into HEK cells and (ii) transcriptional activity was determined after model ischemia and reperfusion as a SEAP reporter gen assay. Inhibitors or antagonists were applied with the beginning of reperfusion. Results: By using inhibitors of PKA (H89) and PLC (U73122), antagonists of E prostanoid receptor type 2 (AH6809) and type 4 (L161,982), we gained evidence that I/R induced down regulation of organic anion transport is mediated by COX1 metabolites via E prostanoid receptor type 4. The latter signaling was confirmed by application of butaprost (EP2 agonist) or TCS2510 (EP4 agonist) to control cells. In brief, the latter signaling was verified for the transcriptional activity in the reporter gen assay established. Therein, selective inhibitors for COX1 (SC58125) and COX2 (SC560) were also applied. Conclusion: Our data show (a) that COX1 metabolites are involved in the regulation of renal organic anion transport(ers) after I/R via the EP4 receptor and (b) that this is due to transcriptional regulation of the respective transporters. As the promoter sequences cloned were of human origin and expressed in a human renal epithelial cell line we (c) hypothesize that the regulatory mechanisms described after I/R is meaningful for humans as well.
IL-29 Enhances LPS/TLR4-Mediated Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Xu Donghua , Yan Shushan , Wang Huijuan , Gu Bingjie , Sun Keyi , Yang Xiaofan , Sun Bin , Wang Xiaodong
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Interleukin-29 (IL-29), a critical member of type III interferons (IFNs) family, has been implicated in protecting against viral infection and modulating autoimmune inflammation. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a crucial role in synovial inflammation and may contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatology arthritis (RA). However, little is known about the modifying effect of IL-29 on TLR4-mediated inflammation in RA. We aim to investigate the potential association between IL-29 and TLR4 in RA. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum from 77 patients with RA and 70 controls were collected to determine levels of IL-29 and TLR4 mRNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Levels of IL-29 and TLR4 in synovial tissues and fluid from 25 RA patients and 24 controls were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or western blot assay, respectively. RAW264.7 cells were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or IL-29. The production of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8 as well as TNF-a and the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling were determined. Results: In comparison with controls, increased IL-29 was observed in PBMCs, synovial tissue, serum and synovial fluid of patients with RA. Besides, TLR4 was significantly elevated in PBMCs and synovium of RA patients. Moreover, IL-29 was positively associated with TLR4 in RA, suggested by Pearson's correlation analysis. When RAW264.7 cells were stimulated by LPS with or without IL-29 in vitro, IL-29 could enhance LPS-mediated TLR4 expression and the production of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-a in RAW264.7 cells via the activation of NF-κB signaling. Conclusion: The present study suggests, for the first time, that IL-29 can aggravate LPS/TLR4-mediated inflammation in RA depending on NF-κB signaling activation.
Transmission Disequilibrium Tests Based on Read Counts for Low-Coverage Next-Generation Sequence Data
Authors: Kim Wonkuk
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this paper is the introduction of new statistical methods for case-parent trio association studies based on the read counts that can be obtained from next-generation sequencing (NGS) experiments. This work focuses on the inclusion of low-coverage data into the case-parent trio design without genotype classification or imputation. Two different approaches are considered: (1) a likelihood-based approach implementing a 15-component parametric mixture model and (2) a model-free approach that applies non-parametric statistical methods to the ratios of the read counts to coverage. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performances of the proposed tests. In addition, the non-centrality parameters of the mixture likelihood-based tests are derived to determine sample sizes and coverage for a NGS experimental design. As an example, the sample sizes to maintain specified powers of a published adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) study are presented. The simulation results show that the tests using the genotypes classified by the maximum Bayesian posterior probability have significantly inflated type I error rates for low-coverage data. The tests using the posterior probabilities instead of the classified genotypes show lower power than the proposed tests. Generally, power for the likelihood-based approach is higher than that for the non-parametric ratio-based approach. For the AIS example, approximately 654 trios with 4× coverage are necessary to maintain 90% power when detecting an association of odds ratio 2 at a locus with a minor allele frequency of 0.35 at the level of significance α = 5 × 10-8. By comparison, approximately 416 trios with 25× coverage are required to maintain the same power with the same settings. The R and C source codes to calculate the proposed test statistics, the sample sizes and power can be obtained by contacting the author (wkim@cau.ac.kr).
Comparison of Microneedles and Adhesive-Tape Stripping in Skin Preparation for Epicutaneous Allergen Delivery
Authors: Spina Lara , Weisskopf Michael , von Moos Seraina , Graf Nicole , Kündig Thomas M. , Senti Gabriela
Published: August 2015

Background: Epicutaneous immunotherapy targets the network of dendritic cells in the epidermis. Allergen exposure of the dermal layers should be limited as these contain mast cells and blood vessels, which increases the risk for local and systemic allergic reactions. Methods: This intraindividually controlled trial included 20 subjects with birch pollen allergy. Three areas of the volar forearms were treated by repeated adhesive-tape stripping, single-prick lancet piercing and microneedle array application. Four 10-fold dilutions of allergen extract were applied to each area and the IgE-mediated immediate-phase reactions and cell-mediated eczema were assessed. Results: Allergen application after tape stripping led to an immediate-phase reaction in 2 subjects (10%) at the highest allergen concentration of 10 HEP/ml. Both prick needle and microneedle pretreatment resulted in immediate-phase reactions in all subjects (100%). The reactivity pattern, however, differed significantly: 95% of the reactions after pricking occurred at concentrations of ≤0.1 HEP/ml, whereas 50% of the reactions after microneedle preparation were noted at ≥1 HEP/ml. In 3 subjects (15%), eczema was observed on the microneedle-treated skin area. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Microneedles enhance stratum corneum penetration when compared to tape stripping. However, they do not resolve the problem of mast cell-mediated local reactions, possibly due to diffusion into the dermis. The occurrence of eczema after the microneedle treatment suggests induction of dendritic cell-mediated T cell responses. Therefore, skin preparation with microneedles may be a promising method for epicutaneous allergen immunotherapy.
Development of the Avian Dorsal Thalamus: Patterns and Gradients of Neurogenesis
Authors: Lynn Allison M. , Schneider Danielle A. , Bruce Laura L.
Published: August 2015

The dorsal thalamus is a region of the diencephalon that relays sensory and motor information between areas of the brain stem and the telencephalon. Although a dorsal thalamic region is recognized in all vertebrates and believed to be homologous, little is known about how the regions within it evolved and whether some or all regions within the dorsal thalamus are homologous among different vertebrate species. To characterize the gradients and patterns of neurogenesis of the avian dorsal thalamus, a single application of a low dose of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was delivered to each chick between embryonic day (E)3 and E8 (stages 21 and 34), and chicks were followed up to E8 or E10 (stage 34 or 36). Comparisons of anti-BrdU labeling patterns across the different injection days suggest that nearly all dorsal thalamic neurons are born early in chick embryogenesis, between E3 and E8. Furthermore, neurons in the lateral, dorsal, and posterior parts of the dorsal thalamus are generally born earlier than those in the medial, ventral, and anterior parts. Analyses of the birth dates for nine regions show that the general pattern of neurogenesis in the avian dorsal thalamus resembles that of homologous regions within the rodent thalamus, with the exception of the auditory region, the nucleus ovoidalis, which is born later than the mammalian auditory medial geniculate nucleus. The similar pattern of neurogenesis in birds and mammals may represent a highly conserved developmental pattern that was present in the common ancestor of living birds and mammals, or may represent independently derived states. Additional studies in reptiles and amphibians are needed to distinguish between these evolutionary histories.
Erythropoietin for the Repair of Cerebral Injury in Very Preterm Infants (EpoRepair)
Authors: Rüegger Christoph M. , Hagmann Cornelia F. , Bührer Christoph , Held Leonhard , Bucher Hans Ulrich , Wellmann Sven ,   EpoRepair Investigators
Published: August 2015

Background: Preterm infants suffering from intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental impairment. Observational data suggest that recombinant human erythropoietin (rEPO) improves long-term cognitive outcome in infants with IVH. Recent studies revealed a beneficial effect of early high-dose rEPO on white matter development in preterm infants determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Objectives: To summarize the current evidence and to delineate the study protocol of the EpoRepair trial (Erythropoietin for the Repair of Cerebral Injury in Very Preterm Infants). Methods: The study involves a review of the literature and the design of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of repetitive high-dose rEPO administration, enrolling 120 very preterm infants with moderate-to-severe IVH diagnosed by cranial ultrasound in the first days of life, qualitative and quantitative MRI at term-equivalent age and long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up until 5 years of age. Results and Conclusions: The hypothesis generated by observational data that rEPO may improve long-term cognitive outcomes of preterm infants suffering from IVH are to be confirmed or refuted by the randomized controlled trial, EpoRepair.
Eccrine Poromatosis: Case Report, Review of the Literature, and Treatment
Authors: Mayo Tiffany T. , Kole Lauren , Elewski Boni
Published: August 2015

Eccrine poromas arise from the intraepidermal region of the eccrine sweat duct and most often occur as a benign solitary tumor. There are few reports of the occurrence of multiple lesions, defined as poromatosis, which may present in patients who have undergone radiotherapy and/or polychemotherapy. We report the case of a 43-year-old male with a history of mantle cell lymphoma who had undergone 6 cycles of polychemotherapy. He presented to the dermatology clinic for multiple painful lesions on his palms and soles. Several biopsies were performed consistent with eccrine poromas. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of excision, imiquimod cream, and cryosurgery. This case adds to the literature regarding the pathogenesis and treatment options of eccrine poromatosis. Herein, we report a case of eccrine poromatosis that developed after 6 cycles of chemotherapy.
Pathological Effects of Obstructive Apneas During the Sleep Cycle in an Animal Model of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Lloyd Eric E. , Durgan David J. , Martini Sharyl R. , Bryan Robert M.
Published: August 2015

We tested the hypothesis that apneas during the sleep cycle exacerbate hypertension and accelerate changes that occur with cerebral small vessel disease. Obstructive sleep apnea was modeled by intermittent inflations of a chronically implanted tracheal balloon to occlude the airway during the sleep cycle (termed OSA) in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone (SHRSP) rats, a model of cerebral small vessel disease. SHRSP rats and their parent strain, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, were exposed to OSA for 2 weeks (from 9 to 11 or from 18 to 20 weeks). At 9 weeks, hypertension was developing in the SHRSP rats and was firmly established by 18 weeks. OSA exposure increased systolic blood pressure in SHRSP rats by ≈30 mm Hg in both age groups compared with shams that were surgically prepared but not exposed to OSA (
P
<0.05). OSA exposure also increased systolic blood pressure in WKY rats by 20 and 37 mm Hg at 11 and 20 weeks, respectively (
P
<0.05). OSA exposure in SHRSP rats compromised blood–brain barrier integrity in white matter at both 11 and 20 weeks of age when compared with SHRSP sham rats (
P
<0.05). Microglia were activated in SHRSP rats exposed to OSA but not in sham rats at 11 weeks (
P
<0.05). At 20 weeks, microglia were activated in sham SHRSP rats (
P
<0.05) compared with WKY sham rats and were not further activated by OSA. Neither was blood–brain barrier integrity altered nor microglia activated in any of the WKY groups. We conclude that OSA accelerates the onset of the cerebral pathologies associated with cerebral small vessel disease in SHRSP, but not WKY, rats.
Catalogue of Costa Rican Hepaticae and Anthocerotae
Authors: Dauphin Gregorio
Published: August 2015

This catalogue contains literature reports and new records of Costa Rican Hepaticae and Anthocerotae, proceeding from monographs, revisions, floristic inventories, ecological bryophyte studies and herbarium specimens. The nomenclature has been updated in several genera. A total of 582 hepatic and eight hornwort species are reported from Costa Rica. The present work adds 26 new species records, and excludes 49 dubious records. Three new synonyms are proposed: Taxilejeunea carinata Herzog (=Lejeunea anomala Lindenb. & Gottsche); Taxilejeunea standleyi Herzog (=T. obtusangula [Spruce] A. Evans) and Syzygiella gracillima Herzog (=S. perfoliata [Sw.] Spruce).