bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulating the Balance of Th17/Treg via Electroacupuncture and Moxibustion: An Ulcerative Colitis Mice Model Based Study
Authors: Sun Jungang , Zhang Hejiaozi , Wang Chengyulin , Yang Mingxiao , Chang Shyang , Geng Yu , Yang Hui , Zhuang Zhiqi , Wang Xiang , Xie Lushuang , Huang Biao , Zhao Na , Zhou Wei , Cheng Xinhui , Cai Bei , Wu Qiaofeng , Yu Shu Guang
Published: December 2017

Aim. To investigate the relationship between the effects of electroacupuncture/moxibustion and the balance of Th17/Treg in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) and to preliminary compare the effects of the above two methods. Methods. DSS‐induced UC mice were treated by electroacupuncture and moxibustion. Disease activity index (DAI) was scored; intestinal pathological structure and ultrastructure were observed. The levels of IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and TGF‐β in plasma were measured by ELISA. The percentages of Treg and Th17 in spleen lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Also, the expressions of TLR2, TLR4, RORγt, and FOXP3 in the distal colon were detected by immunohistochemistry or western blot. Results. Both electroacupuncture and moxibustion can relieve UC. These effects are further supported by ELISA results. In addition, the ratio of Treg and Th17 in spleen lymphocytes and the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 are significantly improved. Also, the expression of RORγt and FOXP3 in distal colon were improved. Besides, the effect of moxibustion is better than that of electroacupuncture on TLR2, TLR4, and FOXP3 expression (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Both electroacupuncture and moxibustion may ameliorate UC by regulating the balance of Th17/Treg. Whether moxibustion has better efficacy than electroacupuncture needs further study.
Antibodies against Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharides and Natural Anti-Galactosyl (Alpha-Gal) in Patients with Humoral Immunodeficiencies
Authors: Kralickova P. , Kuhnova J. , Soucek O. , Vodarek P. , Zak P. , Simkovic M. , Motyckova M. , Smolej L. , Mala E. , Andrys C. , Krejsek J. , Thon V.
Published: December 2017

Humoral deficiencies represent a broad group of disorders. The aim of the study was to compare the levels of antibodies against pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides (anti-PCP) and natural anti-galactosyl (anti-Gal) antibodies in (1) patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), (2) patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), and (3) a healthy population and to explore their diagnostic and prognostic potential. Serum immunoglobulin levels and levels of anti-Gal IgG, IgA, and IgM and anti-PCP IgG and IgG2 were determined in 59 CLL patients, 30 CVID patients, and 67 healthy controls. Levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, anti-Gal IgA, anti-Gal IgM, and anti-PCP IgA were lower in CLL and CVID patients than in healthy controls (p value for all parameters < 0.0001). Decrease in the levels of IgA, IgM, anti-Gal IgA, and anti-PCP IgA was less pronounced in the CLL group than in the CVID group. IgA decline, anti-Gal IgA, anti-PCP IgA, and anti-PCP IgG2 were negatively correlated with CLL stage. We devise the evaluation of anti-Gal antibodies to be a routine test in humoral immunodeficiency diagnostics, even in cases of immunoglobulin substitution therapy. Significant reductions, mainly in anti-Gal IgA, IgM, and anti-PCP IgA levels, may have prognostic importance in CLL patients.
Coping with Complexity When Predicting Surface Roughness in Milling Processes: Hybrid Incremental Model with Optimal Parametrization
Authors: Beruvides Gerardo , Castaño Fernando , Haber Rodolfo E. , Quiza Ramón , Villalonga Alberto
Published: December 2017

The complexity of machining processes relies on the inherent physical mechanisms governing these processes including nonlinear, emergent, and time-variant behavior. The measurement of surface roughness is a critical step done offline by expensive quality control procedures. The surface roughness prediction using an online efficient computational method is a difficult task due to the complexity of machining processes. The paradigm of hybrid incremental modeling makes it possible to address the complexity and nonlinear behavior of machining processes. Parametrization of models is, however, one bottleneck for full deployment of solutions, and the optimal setting of model parameters becomes an essential task. This paper presents a method based on simulated annealing for optimal parameters tuning of the hybrid incremental model. The hybrid incremental modeling plus simulated annealing is applied for predicting the surface roughness in milling processes. Two comparative studies to assess the accuracy and overall quality of the proposed strategy are carried out. The first comparative demonstrates that the proposed strategy is more accurate than theoretical, energy-based, and Taguchi models for predicting surface roughness. The second study also corroborates that hybrid incremental model plus simulated annealing is better than a Bayesian network and a multilayer perceptron for correctly predicting the surface roughness.
Design of Internal Wire-Based Impedance Matching of Helical Antennas Using an Equivalent Thin-Wire Model
Authors: Savić Slobodan V. , Ilić Milan M. , Djordjević Antonije R.
Published: December 2017

We propose a novel design of internal impedance matching networks for axial-mode helical antennas. This network comprises a single wire attached to the helix. One of the main challenges when designing an internal matching network is its strong electromagnetic coupling with the antenna. The matching network must hence be designed in the presence of the antenna, which slows down the design process. To overcome this problem, we formulate an equivalent thin-wire model of the complete helix, including the matching wire (matching network) and the dielectric support. This computationally low-demanding model can be analyzed extremely rapidly, yielding accurate results, which are in excellent agreement with alternative numerical solutions and measurements.
Capillary Water in Pericarp Enhances Hypoxic Condition during On-Tree Fruit Maturation That Induces Lignification and Triggers Translucent Flesh Disorder in Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostanaL.)
Authors: Noichinda Sompoch , Bodhipadma Kitti , Kong-In Siwaruth
Published: December 2017

Translucent flesh of mangosteen normally occurs during fruit ripening. Rainfall, after water stress, enhanced on-tree mature green fruit to develop translucent flesh disorder more frequently. Thus, this research pursued the effect of applied water on translucent flesh disorder development. The on-tree mature green stage fruits were selected and wrapped with 3 layers of fabric sheet. After that, water was continuously dropped (flow rate of 0.6 ml/min) on the wrapped sheet for 0, 1, and 2 days before picking. The results showed that duration time of water applying enhanced the increasing of water absorption significantly in peel. All of water-treated fruits ripened within 2-3 days after harvest and obviously had high lignin in secondary cell wall. It was hypothesized that lignification played an important role in hypoxia defense mechanism since the Na2CO3-SP fractionation extracted from alcohol insoluble residue (AIR) of translucent flesh aril was higher than those of normal aril. This Na2CO3-SP reinforced the strength of cell wall complexity as well as displaying the translucency character. Hence, we concluded that the capillary water (took place in intercellular air space of fruit pericarp) induced hypoxia tolerance mechanism that triggered translucent flesh disorder in mangosteen aril.
HaCaT Cells as a Reliable In Vitro Differentiation Model to Dissect the Inflammatory/Repair Response of Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Colombo Irma , Sangiovanni Enrico , Maggio Roberta , Mattozzi Carlo , Zava Stefania , Corbett Yolanda , Fumagalli Marco , Carlino Claudia , Corsetto Paola Antonia , Scaccabarozzi Diletta , Calvieri Stefano , Gismondi Angela , Taramelli Donatella , Dell’Agli Mario
Published: December 2017

Cultured primary human keratinocytes are frequently employed for studies of immunological and inflammatory responses; however, interpretation of experimental data may be complicated by donor to donor variability, the relatively short culture lifetime, and variations between passages. To standardize thein vitrostudies on keratinocytes, we investigated the use of HaCaT cells, a long-lived, spontaneously immortalized human keratinocyte line which is able to differentiatein vitro, as a suitable model to follow the release of inflammatory and repair mediators in response to TNFαor IL-1β. Different treatment conditions (presence or absence of serum) and differentiation stimuli (increase in cell density as a function of time in culture and elevation of extracellular calcium) were considered. ELISA and Multiplex measurement technologies were used to monitor the production of cytokines and chemokines. Taken together, the results highlight that Ca2+concentration in the medium, cell density, and presence of serum influences at different levels the release of proinflammatory mediators by HaCaT cells. Moreover, HaCaT cells maintained in low Ca2+medium and 80% confluent are similar to normal keratinocytes in terms of cytokine production suggesting that HaCaT cells may be a useful model to investigate anti-inflammatory interventions/therapies on skin diseases.
Pigmented Cells in the Pineal Gland of Female Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus): A Histochemical and Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Busolini Fabricio Ivan , Rodríguez Graciela Beatriz , Filippa Verónica Palmira , Mohamed Fabian Heber
Published: December 2017

The presence of pigment has been demonstrated in different nervous structures such as those of retina,substantia nigra, andlocus coeruleus. These pigments have also been described in the pineal gland of different mammal species. Histochemical and ultrastructural studies of the pineal gland of female viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus) were performed to analyze the presence of pigmented cells under natural conditions and to evaluate a probable relation between pigment content and glandular activity during pregnancy. The following techniques were applied: hematoxylin-eosin, phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin, Masson-Fontana silver, DOPA histochemistry, Schmorl’s reaction and toluidine blue. Estradiol and progesterone serum levels were determined by RIA. The ultrastructural features of the pineal pigment granules were also analyzed. Pigment granules were observed in a random distribution, but the pigmented cells were frequently found near blood vessels. The pineal pigment was histochemically identified as melanin. Differences in the amount of pigmented cells were found between pregnant and nonpregnant viscachas. The ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of premelanosomes and melanosomes. Estradiol and progesterone levels vary during pregnancy. In conclusion, the changes in the amount of pigment content and hormone levels may indicate that the pineal gland of female viscacha is susceptible to endocrine variations during pregnancy.
Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Mahajan Anshul , Mohanty Sujata , Ghosh Sujoy , Urs Aadithya B. , Khurana Nita , Gupta Sunita
Published: December 2017

Sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma which is characterized by a dysplastic epithelial component and a stromal element with invasive fusiform or spindle-shaped cells. The clinical and histopathologic characteristics make it very difficult to distinguish SC from epithelioid sarcoma (ES). We present a case of a 51-year-old man with a soft tissue mass in the oral cavity diagnosed as proximal variant of epithelioid sarcoma on incisional biopsy. A thorough radiologic examination was conducted to rule out the possibility of a primary elsewhere in the body. Supraomohyoid neck dissection, mandibular resection, and reconstruction with recon plates were carried out. Histopathologic examination was suggestive of epithelioid variant of SC which was contrary to the incisional biopsy report. The dilemma in diagnosis was resolved by observing the presence of invading atypical epithelial cells into the stroma confirming the epithelial origin of the tumor.
On Flows of Bingham-Type Fluids with Threshold Slippage
Authors: Baranovskii Evgenii S.
Published: December 2017

We investigate a mathematical model describing 3D steady-state flows of Bingham-type fluids in a bounded domain under threshold-slip boundary conditions, which state that flows can slip over solid surfaces when the shear stresses reach a certain critical value. Using a variational inequalities approach, we suggest the weak formulation to this problem. We establish sufficient conditions for the existence of weak solutions and provide their energy estimates. Moreover, it is shown that the set of weak solutions is sequentially weakly closed in a suitable functional space.
Ticagrelor-Induced Angioedema: A Rare and Unexpected Phenomenon
Authors: Seecheran Rajeev , Seecheran Valmiki , Persad Sangeeta , Lalla Sasha , Seecheran Naveen Anand
Published: December 2017

Angioedema can cause potentially life-threatening airway obstruction. This case report describes an exceedingly rare episode of ticagrelor-induced hypersensitivity reaction, manifesting as angioedema with periorbital and likely respiratory involvement. The heart team should be vigilant for this precarious condition which may require emergent airway management. Desensitization protocols and alternative regimens (e.g., clopidogrel, prasugrel, and addition of an adjunctive anticoagulant) should be considered when there is an absolute indication for antiplatelet therapy.
5G MIMO Conformal Microstrip Antenna Design
Authors: Wang Qian , Mu Ning , Wang LingLi , Safavi-Naeini Safieddin , Liu JingPing
Published: December 2017

With the development of wireless communication technology, 5G will develop into a new generation of wireless mobile communication systems. MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) technology is expected to be one of the key technologies in the field of 5G wireless communications. In this paper, 4 pairs of microstrip MIMO conformal antennas of 35 GHz have been designed. Eight-element microstrip Taylor antenna array with series-feeding not only achieves the deviation of the main lobe of the pattern but also increases the bandwidth of the antenna array and reduces sidelobe. MIMO antennas have been fabricated and measured. Measurement results match the simulation results well. The return loss of the antenna at 35 GHz is better than 20 dB, the first sidelobe level is −16 dB, and the angle between the main lobe and the plane of array is 60°.
Sacral Osteoneogenesis after Complete Sacrectomy in a Patient with Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Hockertz T. , Eberl W. , Velickovic M.
Published: December 2017

Ewing sarcomas are the second most common primary malignant bone tumors in childhood and adolescence which rapidly metastasize. Due to improvement of treatment options in recent years, the survival rate has significantly increased. Nevertheless, lethality is still high, and neurologic symptoms are frequent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a sacral osteoneogenesis after complete sacrectomy in a patient with Ewing sarcoma.
Novel Evaporation Process for Deposition of Kesterite Thin Films Synthesized by Solvothermal Method
Authors: Estrada-Ayub J. A. , Álvarez Contreras L. , Román Aguirre M. , Murillo Ramírez J. G. , Ochoa-Lara M. T. , Pizá-Ruiz P. , Aguilar Elguezabal A.
Published: December 2017

Kesterite, a quaternary compound of Cu2ZnSnS4, is a promising option as a material absorber to reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells. The solvothermal method is a way to synthesize nanoparticles of this material. In this work, once synthesized, particles were deposited on a substrate through evaporation, and their morphological, structural, and optical properties were studied. Results show that changes of precursor ratios during solvothermal synthesis result in a modification of particle morphology but not on its size. The deposition of already synthesized kesterite through evaporation preserves kesterite structure and permits the formation of a homogenous film on a substrate. Optical reflectance and transmittance measurements allowed estimating the band-gap energy between 1.41 and 1.46 eV for representative samples, which is near the optimum for the absorber material.
Helicobacter pyloriPathogenicity Factors Related to Gastric Cancer
Authors: Dadashzadeh Kianoosh , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Adamu Akyala Ishaku
Published: December 2017

Background. Although the causal relationship betweenHelicobacter pyloriinfection and the development of gastric cancer is firmly established, the exact nature of the pathogenicity factors ofH. pylorithat predispose to gastric oncogenesis remains incompletely characterized. We investigated the association betweenH. pylorivirulence genotypes and disease in a well-characterized cohort consisting of 109H. pyloriisolates from gastric biopsies originating from patients.Methods. The prevalence of genotype was assessed by PCR and related to clinical histopathological parameters.Results. The relation ofbabA2andbabBnegative andiceA1positive genotype as a single genotype and the development of cases to GC was statistically significant (P<0.001). ThecagE,cagA, andiceA1were found more commonly in patients with GC as compared with the other groups. The relation of the presence oficeA1and the development of cases to GC was statistically significant (P=0.008), butbabA2andbabBalleles were not detected in these patients. These apparent negative associations were still statically significant (P=0  and 0.005).Conclusion. Our results show an elevated prevalence of infection withH. pyloristrains carrying known virulence genotypes with high genetic diversity. This highlights the importance of identifying gene variants for an early detection of virulent genotypes.
Refined Analysis of Fatigue Crack Initiation Life of Beam-to-Column Welded Connections of Steel Frame under Strong Earthquake
Authors: Qu Weilian , Zhao Ernian , Zhou Qiang
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a refined analysis for evaluating low-cycle fatigue crack initiation life of welded beam-to-column connections of steel frame structures under strong earthquake excitation. To consider different length scales between typical beam and column components as well as a few crucial beam-to-column welded connections, a multiscale finite element (FE) model having three different length scales is formulated. The model can accurately analyze the inelastic seismic response of a steel frame and then obtain in detail elastoplastic stress and strain field near the welded zone of the connections. It is found that the welded zone is subjected to multiaxial nonproportional loading during strong ground motion and the elastoplastic stress-strain field of the welded zone is three-dimensional. Then, using the correlation of the Fatemi-Socie (FS) parameter versus fatigue life obtained by the experimental crack initiation fatigue data of the structural steel weldment subjected to multiaxial loading, the refined evaluation approach of fatigue crack initiation life is developed based on the equivalent plastic strain at fatigue critical position of beam end seams of crucial welded connections when the steel frame is subjected to the strong earthquake excitation.
Application of Synthetic Polymeric Scaffolds in Breast Cancer 3D Tissue Cultures and Animal Tumor Models
Authors: Rijal Girdhari , Bathula Chandra , Li Weimin
Published: December 2017

Preparation of three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds from synthetic polymers is a challenge to most laboratories conducting biomedical research. Here, we present a handy and cost-effective method to fabricate polymeric hydrogel and porous scaffolds using poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) or polycaprolactone (PCL). Breast cancer cells grown on 3D polymeric scaffolds exhibited distinct survival, morphology, and proliferation compared to those on 2D polymeric surfaces. Mammary epithelial cells cultured on PLGA- or PCL-coated slides expressed extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their receptors. Estrogen receptor- (ER-) positive T47D breast cancer cells are less sensitive to 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-HT) treatment when cultured on the 3D porous scaffolds than in 2D cultures. Finally, cancer cell-laden polymeric scaffolds support consistent tumor formation in animals and biomarker expression as seen in human native tumors. Our data suggest that the porous synthetic polymer scaffolds satisfy the basic requirements for 3D tissue cultures both in vitro and in vivo. The scaffolding technology has appealing potentials to be applied in anticancer drug screening for a better control of the progression of human cancers.
Simulations and Experiments on Vibration Control of Aerospace Thin-Walled Parts via Preload
Authors: Wu Qiong , Li Lei , Zhang Yi-Du
Published: December 2017

Thin-walled parts primarily comprise the entire piece of rough machining, and the material removal rate can surpass 95%. Numerous components with thin-walled structures are preferred in the aerospace industry for their light weight, high strength, and other advantages. In aerospace thin-walled workpiece machining processes and practical applications, they are excited by the vibration. The preload changing the modal stiffness of the part is found and this change causes continuous changes in the natural frequency. Researching on the influence of pretightening force on dynamic characteristics of thin-walled components is highly significant for controlling vibration. In this study, the typical aviation thin-walled part is the research object. Finite element numerical simulation and experimental verification are employed to analyze the dynamic characteristics of 7075 aluminum alloy thin-walled plates under different preloads for exploring the relationship between natural frequency and preload. The relationship is validated by comparative results. Both the simulation and experimental results show that the natural frequencies of plates increase following the augmentation of the preload. Thus, this research introduces the method where vibration of aerospace thin-walled parts is reduced by preload. For practical engineering application, a program showing the relationship between natural frequency and preload is written using Visual Basic language.
A Robust Method for GPS/BDS Pseudorange Differential Positioning Based on the Helmert Variance Component Estimation
Authors: Deng Jian , Zhao Xingwang , Zhang Aiguo , Ke Fuyang
Published: December 2017

The use of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is entering a new era of joint positioning based on the use of multifrequencies and multimodes. Ensuring the correct weighting of observations from each system and satellite has become a key problem during real-time positioning. This paper addresses the issue of weights of observations as well as the quality control of GPS/BDS pseudoranges in the context of real-time relative positioning. Thus, in the first place, the Helmert variance component estimation (VCE) is used to determine the relative weighting of observations from the two systems, and then, we introduce robustness estimation theory and construct a new method. The method is resistant to the influence of outliers in the observations by selecting weight iterations. To do this, we selected GPS/BDS observation data at baseline lengths of 40 km, 46 km, and 64 km for verification and analysis. Experimental results show that, in terms of the relative positioning of medium-to-long baseline based on GPS/BDS pseudorange observations, when observed values incorporate large gross errors, our method can reduce the weighting of suspicious or abnormal values and weaken their impact on positioning solutions, so that the positioning results will not appear to have large deviation.
Chiari 1 Malformation in a Child with Febrile Seizures, Parasomnias, and Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Zaffanello Marco , Darra Francesca , Lo Barco Tommaso , Sala Francesco , Gasperi Emma , Piacentini Giorgio
Published: December 2017

Introduction. The type I is the most common Chiari malformation in children. In this condition, the lower part of the cerebellum, but not the brain stem, extends into the foramen magnum at the base of the skull leading to disturbances in cerebrospinal fluid circulation and to direct compression of nervous tissue. Case report. We describe a 4-year-old Caucasian female child with febrile seizures, headache, parasomnias, and a delay of speech. The child underwent a magnetic resonance imaging to investigate these neurological signs, disclosing a Chiari malformation type 1. The polysomnography showed a mild-moderate sleep-disordered breathing, increased number of central sleep apneas, and generalized spike waves at sleep onset. Conclusions. Seizures have been seldom described in CM1 patients. The main reasons for performing MRI in this case were frequent seizures, a delay of speech, and headache, leading to an unexpected diagnosis of CM1. Polysomnography detected a discrete SDB.
Emergence of Lassa Fever Disease in Northern Togo: Report of Two Cases in Oti District in 2016
Authors: Patassi Akouda Akessiwe , Landoh Dadja Essoya , Mebiny-Essoh Tchalla Agballa , Halatoko Wemboo Afiwa , Assane Hamadi , Saka Bayaki , Naba Mouchedou Abdoukarim , Yaya Issifou , Edou Kossi Atsissinta , Tamekloe Tsidi Agbeko , Banla Abiba Kere , Davi Kokou Mawule , Manga Magloire , Kassankogno Yao , Salmon-Ceron Dominique
Published: December 2017

Background. Lassa fever belongs to the group of potentially fatal hemorrhagic fevers, never reported in Togo. The aim of this paper is to report the first two cases of Lassa fever infection in Togo. Case Presentation. The two first Lassa fever cases occurred in two expatriate’s health professionals working in Togo for more than two years. The symptoms appeared among two health professionals of a clinic located in Oti district in the north of the country. The absence of clinical improvement after antimalarial treatment and the worsening of clinical symptoms led to the medical evacuation. The delayed diagnosis of the first case led to a fatal outcome. The second case recovered under ribavirin treatment. Conclusion. The emergence of this hemorrhagic fever confirms the existence of Lassa fever virus in Togo. After a period of intensive Ebola virus transmission from 2013 to 2015, this is an additional call for the establishment and enhancement of infection prevention and control measures in the health care setting in West Africa.
The Effect of On‐Pump and Off‐Pump Bypass Operations on Oxidative Damage and Antioxidant Parameters
Authors: Dogan Ayse , Turker Fevzi Sarper
Published: December 2017

Objective. The aim of the study is to determine the oxidative status in on‐pump and off‐pump coronary artery surgery and contribute to possible surgical choices in clinical practices in accordance with the information obtained as a result of this study. Methods. 52 patients undergoing open heart surgery (26 patients in on‐pump group and 26 patients in off‐pump group) were included in the study. MDA, GPx, GSH, CAT, and SOD were investigated in blood samples. Results. In the on‐pump group, it was determined that there were a significant increase in MDA level in the peroperative period compared to the preoperative and postoperative periods and a significant increase in GSH level in the postoperative period than in the preoperative period. Additionally, while there was a significant decrease in CAT activity in the postoperative period than in the peroperative period, there was a statistically significant increase in SOD enzyme activity in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative and peroperative periods. A statistically significant increase was observed in SOD enzyme activity in the postoperative period in on‐pump compared to off‐pump group. Conclusion. It is thought that this oxidative damage can be suppressed by administering a suitable antioxidant supplement in the preoperative and peroperative periods among patients undergoing the on‐pump operation.
Platelet Lysate: The Better Choice for Jaw Periosteal Cell Mineralization
Authors: Wanner Yvonne , Umrath Felix , Waidmann Marc , Reinert Siegmar , Alexander Dorothea
Published: December 2017

Previously, we demonstrated a high quality of minerals formed by serum-free cultured jaw periosteal cells (JPCs) by Raman spectroscopy but the mineralization extent was not satisfactory. In the present study, we analyzed the proliferation and mineralization potential of human platelet lysate- (hPL-) cultured JPCs in comparison to that of FCS-cultured JPCs. By cell impedance measurements, we detected significantly higher population doubling times of PL-cultured JPCs in comparison to FCS-cultured JPCs. However, this result was not based on lower proliferation activities but on diminished cell sizes which JPCs develop under PL cultivation. The measurements of the metabolic activities clearly showed significantly higher cell proliferation rates under PL culturing. Equivalent levels of the mesenchymal cell markers CD29, CD45, CD73, CD90, and CD105 were detected, but there were significantly increased MSCA-1 levels under PL cultivation. While JPCs only occasionally mineralize under FCS culture conditions, the mineralization potential was significantly stronger under PL cultivation. Moreover, in 4 of 5 analyzed patient cells, the addition of dexamethasone was proved no longer necessary for strong mineralization of PL-cultured JPCs. We conclude that in vitro cultivation of JPCs with platelet lysate is a suitable alternative to FCS culture conditions and a powerful tool for the development of high-quality TE constructs using jaw periosteal cells.
Integrative Analysis of miRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles in Calcium Oxalate Nephrolithiasis Rat Model
Authors: Lan Chuangxin , Chen Dong , Liang Xiongfa , Huang Jian , Zeng Tao , Duan Xiaolu , Chen Kang , Lai Yongchang , Yang Dong , Li Shujue , Jiang Chonghe , Wu Wenqi
Published: December 2017

The microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles and their biological functions in calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of kidney tissues in calcium oxalate stone rats. 16 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control group and stone-forming group. 24-hour urine samples and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical and histological determination after 4 weeks. MiRNA and mRNA microarray were applied to evaluate the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles. To validate the microarray results, the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed. A total of 38 miRNAs and 2728 mRNAs were significantly and differentially expressed in kidney tissues of stone-forming group versus control group. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that most of the target genes were enriched in terms of oxidation reduction, ion transport, inflammatory response, and response to wounding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of these targets highlights their critical role in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, gap junction, and chemokine signaling pathway. Furthermore, the reliability of the microarray-based results was confirmed by using qRT-PCR determination. The miRNA and mRNA expressions in calcium oxalate stone rat kidneys might provide a basis for further research on urolithiasis mechanism.
The Interrelation between Reactive Oxygen Species and Autophagy in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Fang Congcong , Gu Lijuan , Smerin Daniel , Mao Shanping , Xiong Xiaoxing
Published: December 2017

Neurological function deficits due to cerebral ischemia or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) have long been considered a thorny issue in clinical treatment. Recovery after neurologic impairment is fairly limited, which poses a major threat to health and quality of life. Accumulating evidences support that ROS and autophagy are both implicated in the onset and development of neurological disorders. Notably, oxidative stress triggered by excess of ROS not only puts the brain in a vulnerable state but also enhances the virulence of other pathogenic factors, just like mitochondrial dysfunction, which is described as the culprit of nerve cell damage. Nevertheless, autophagy is proposed as a subtle cellular defense mode against destructive stimulus by timely removal of damaged and cytotoxic substance. Emerging evidence suggests that the interplay of ROS and autophagy may establish a determinant role in the modulation of neuronal homeostasis. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are still largely unexplored. This review sets out to afford an overview of the crosstalk between ROS and autophagy and discusses relevant molecular mechanisms in cerebral ischemia, AD, and PD, so as to provide new insights into promising therapeutic targets for the abovementioned neurological conditions.
Shorter Path Design and Control for an Underactuated Satellite
Authors: Lee Jung-Hyung , Kim Donghoon , Kim Jichul , Oh Hwa-Suk
Published: December 2017

In the event of a control failure on an axis of a spacecraft, a target attitude can be achieved by several sequential rotations around the remaining control axes. For a spacecraft actuating with wheels, the form of each submaneuver should be a pure single axis rotation since the failed axis should not be perturbed. The rotation path length in sequential submaneuvers, however, increases extremely but is short under normal conditions. In this work, it is shown that the path length is reduced dramatically by finding a proper number of sequential submaneuvers, especially for the target attitude rotation around the failed axis. A numerical optimization is suggested to obtain the shortest path length and the relevant number of maneuvers. Optimal solutions using the sequential rotation approach are confirmed by numerical simulations.
The Spatial Relationship between Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Standardized Uptake Value of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Has a Crucial Influence on the Numeric Correlation of Both Parameters in PET/MRI of Lung Tumors
Authors: Sauter Alexander W. , Stieltjes Bram , Weikert Thomas , Gatidis Sergios , Wiese Mark , Klarhöfer Markus , Wild Damian , Lardinois Didier , Bremerich Jens , Sommer Gregor
Published: December 2017

The minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin) derived from diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of FDG-PET are markers of aggressiveness in lung cancer. The numeric correlation of the two parameters has been extensively studied, but their spatial interplay is not well understood. After FDG-PET and DW-MRI coregistration, values and location of ADCmin- and SUVmax-voxels were analyzed. The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for registration accuracy of sequential PET/MRI was 12 mm, and the mean distance (D) between ADCmin- and SUVmax-voxels was 14.0 mm (average of two readers). Spatial mismatch (D > 12 mm) between ADCmin and SUVmax was found in 9/25 patients. A considerable number of mismatch cases (65%) was also seen in a control group that underwent simultaneous PET/MRI. In the entire patient cohort, no statistically significant correlation between SUVmax and ADCmin was seen, while a moderate negative linear relationship (r=-0.5) between SUVmax and ADCmin was observed in tumors with a spatial match (D ≤ 12 mm). In conclusion, spatial mismatch between ADCmin and SUVmax is found in a considerable percentage of patients. The spatial connection of the two parameters SUVmax and ADCmin has a crucial influence on their numeric correlation.
Gauge-Singlet Vector-Like Fermion Dark Matter, LHC Diphoton Rate, and Direct Detection
Authors: Gopalakrishna Shrihari , Mukherjee Tuhin Subhra
Published: December 2017

We study a gauge-singlet vector-like fermion hidden sector dark matter model, in which the communication between the dark matter and the visible standard model sector is via the Higgs-portal scalar-Higgs mixing and also via a hidden sector scalar with loop-level couplings to two gluons and also to two hypercharge gauge bosons induced by a vector-like quark. We find that the Higgs-portal possibility is stringently constrained to be small by the recent LHC di-Higgs search limits, and the loop induced couplings are important to include. In the model parameter space, we present the dark matter relic density, the dark-matter-nucleon direct detection scattering cross section, the LHC diphoton rate from gluon-gluon fusion, and the theoretical upper bounds on the fermion-scalar couplings from perturbative unitarity.
Spleen-Preserving Surgery in Splenic Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Aday Ulaş , Bozdağ Emre , Gündeş Ebubekir , Gülmez Selçuk , Değer Kamuran Cumhur
Published: December 2017

Endovascular interventions are increasingly used in the treatment of a splenic artery aneurysm (SAA), which is a rare and life-threatening clinical disorder. However, in cases of SAA rupture, minimally invasive interventions are unsuitable, and open surgery remains the gold standard method. In open surgery, care should be taken to preserve the spleen and its immune function in cases where an arterial segment of sufficient length allows for reconstruction. An SAA was detected in a 51-year-old woman who presented to our polyclinic with left upper quadrant pain. An endovascular intervention was unsuccessful, and open surgery was performed. Approximately 5 cm of aneurysm in the middle segment of the splenic artery was treated by arterial anastomosis, and the spleen was preserved. The patient experienced no postoperative complications and remained asymptomatic at the seventh month of follow-up. The aim of this case report is to emphasize the importance of splenic sparing surgery in cases of SAAs.
Optimal Stochastic Control Problem for General Linear Dynamical Systems in Neuroscience
Authors: Chen Yan , Deng Yingchun , Yue Shengjie , Deng Chao
Published: December 2017

This paper considers a d-dimensional stochastic optimization problem in neuroscience. Suppose the arm’s movement trajectory is modeled by high-order linear stochastic differential dynamic system in d-dimensional space, the optimal trajectory, velocity, and variance are explicitly obtained by using stochastic control method, which allows us to analytically establish exact relationships between various quantities. Moreover, the optimal trajectory is almost a straight line for a reaching movement; the optimal velocity bell-shaped and the optimal variance are consistent with the experimental Fitts law; that is, the longer the time of a reaching movement, the higher the accuracy of arriving at the target position, and the results can be directly applied to designing a reaching movement performed by a robotic arm in a more general environment.
A Fatty Acids Mixture Reduces Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Infant Rats Mediated by GABAA Receptors
Authors: Bernal-Morales Blandina , Cueto-Escobedo Jonathan , Guillén-Ruiz Gabriel , Rodríguez-Landa Juan F. , Contreras Carlos M.
Published: December 2017

Fatty acids (C6–C18) found in human amniotic fluid, colostrum, and maternal milk reduce behavioral indicators of experimental anxiety in adult Wistar rats. Unknown, however, is whether the anxiolytic-like effects of fatty acids provide a natural mechanism against anxiety in young offspring. The present study assessed the anxiolytic-like effect of a mixture of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and linoleic acid in Wistar rats on postnatal day 28. Infant rats were subjected to the elevated plus maze, defensive burying test, and locomotor activity test. Diazepam was used as a reference anxiolytic drug. A group that was pretreated with picrotoxin was used to explore the participation of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors in the anxiolytic-like effects. Similar to diazepam, the fatty acid mixture significantly increased the frequency of entries into and time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus maze and decreased burying behavior in the defensive burying test, without producing significant changes in spontaneous locomotor activity. These anxiolytic-like effects were blocked by picrotoxin. Results suggest that these fatty acids that are contained in maternal fluid may reduce anxiety-like behavior by modulating GABAergic neurotransmission in infant 28-day-old rats.
An Analysis of a Semelparous Population Model with Density-Dependent Fecundity and Density-Dependent Survival Probabilities
Authors: Wikan Arild
Published: December 2017

A discrete age-structured semelparous Leslie matrix model where density dependence is included both in the fecundity and in the survival probabilities is analysed. Depending on strength of density dependence, we show in the precocious semelparous case that the nonstationary dynamics may indeed be rich, ranging from SYC (a dynamical state where the whole population is in one age class only) dynamics to cycles of low period where all age classes are populated. Quasiperiodic and chaotic dynamics have also been identified. Moreover, outside parameter regions where SYC dynamics dominates, we prove that the transfer from stability to instability goes through a supercritical Neimark−Sacker bifurcation, and it is further shown that when the population switches from possessing a precocious to a delayed semelparous life history both stability properties and the possibility of periodic dynamics become weaker.
Hypovitaminosis D and Its Associated Factors in North Algerian Postmenopausal Women: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Oussedik-Lehtihet S. , Haouichat C. , Hammoumraoui N. , Ducros E. , Gouhier-Kodas C. , Lancrenon S. , Djoudi H.
Published: December 2017

Purpose. As the vitamin D status of Algerian postmenopausal women was poorly described, this cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of low vitamin D status in a sample population. Secondarily, predictive factors of this hypovitaminosis D were explored.Methods. All the 336 selected women ≥ 45 years from Douera were interviewed to get anthropometric and lifestyle data, reproductive and medical history, medications, and calcium/vitamin D intakes. A blood sample was collected to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations.Results. Approximately 86% of subjects had low vitamin D status (<20 ng/mL). Mean 25(OH)D level was 14.4 ± 5.3 ng/mL with a clear seasonal dynamic and a significant negative correlation with PTH levels (r  = −0.15,p=0.006). A multiple regression analysis using the 25(OH)D cutoff value of 17 ng/mL instead of the generally admitted level of 20 ng/mL was performed to increase statistical power. Other seasons than summer (OR 4.159 and 95% CI 2.456–7.043), obesity (≥30 kg/m2, OR 1.826, 95% CI 1.081–3.083), and veiling (OR 3.526, 95% CI 1.090–11.400) were significantly associated with 25(OH)D concentrations <17 ng/mL.Conclusions. In North Algeria, the abundant sunlight appears insufficient to fully offset hypovitaminosis D risk factors in postmenopausal women, especially obesity and veiling. It suggests the major need to increase vitamin D supplementation in this subpopulation.
Extraosseous Multiple Myeloma: Case Report of Presentation in the Lower Extremity Soft Tissues with Literature Review
Authors: Ames Jeff , Al-Samaraee Ahmad , Takahashi Takashi
Published: December 2017

A rare presentation of extramedullary multiple myeloma in the soft tissues of the bilateral thighs prompted a literature review of published cases of extramedullary multiple myeloma (EM-MM) and solitary plasmacytomas to determine the relative anatomic distribution of these lesions. All available published cases in English were included in the analysis, dating back to 1966 and including 2,538 extramedullary myeloma or solitary plasmacytoma lesions. Analysis of the anatomic location of EM-MM lesions demonstrates the majority being in the upper airway (33.8%), soft tissues including retroperitoneum and abdomen (14.1%), gastrointestinal tract (10.3%), central nervous system, head and neck (16.0%), and GU (2.4%). We were able to find only 44 documented cases of extremity soft tissue lesions, comprising 1.7% of all lesions.
Influence of Chemical Admixtures on Fresh and Hardened Properties of Prolonged Mixed Concrete
Authors: Mohammed Tarek Uddin , Ahmed Tanvir , Apurbo Shibly Mostafiz , Mallick Tahir Absar , Shahriar Farhan , Munim Abdul , Awal Mohammad Abdul
Published: December 2017

Effects of different chemical admixtures on fresh and hardened properties of prolonged mixed concrete and their cost-effectiveness were investigated. Influence of sand to aggregate volume ratio, cement content, and use of chilled mixing water on the properties of prolonged mixed concrete was studied as well. Different concrete mixtures were prepared using five different types of chemical admixture (one water reducer based on lignosulfonate and four superplasticizers based on sulfonated naphthalene polymer, polycarboxylic ether, second-generation polycarboxylic ether polymer, and organic polymer), varying s/a ratio (0.40 and 0.45) and cement content (340 kg/m3 and 380 kg/m3) and using chilled mixing water. Slump tests were performed at 15-minute intervals to assess the fresh performance of each prolonged mixed concrete mixture. 100 mm by 200 mm cylindrical concrete specimens were prepared and tested for compressive strength, Young’s modulus, splitting tensile strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. Results indicate that concretes with sulfonated naphthalene polymer-based superplasticizer and second-generation polycarboxylic ether-based superplasticizer show best performances in both fresh and hardened states. Concrete with lignosulfonate-based water reducer exhibits poor performance in comparison with the concretes with superplasticizers. The cost per unit compressive strength of concrete with sulfonated naphthalene polymer-based superplasticizer is lower compared with the concretes with other types of chemical admixture.
Obesity Enhances the Conversion of Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells into Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblast Leading to Cancer Cell Proliferation and Progression to an Invasive Phenotype
Authors: Strong Amy L. , Pei Dorothy T. , Hurst Christian G. , Gimble Jeffrey M. , Burow Matthew E. , Bunnell Bruce A.
Published: December 2017

Obesity is associated with enhanced tumor growth and progression. Within the adipose tissue are adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) that have been shown to convert into carcinoma-associated fibroblast (CAFs) in the presence of tumor-derived factors. However, the impact of obesity on the ASCs and on the conversion of ASCs into CAFs has not been demonstrated. In the current study, ASCs isolated from lean donors (BMI < 25; lnASCs) were compared with ASCs isolated from obese donors (BMI > 30, obASCs). The contribution of tumor-derived factors on the conversion of ASCs to CAFs was investigated. Following exposure to cancer cells, obASCs expressed higher levels of CAF markers, including NG2, alpha-SMA, VEGF, FAP, and FSP, compared to lnASCs. To investigate the crosstalk between ASCs and breast cancer cells, MCF7 cells were serially cocultured with lnASCs or obASCs. After coculture with lnASCs and obASCs, MCF7 cells demonstrated enhanced proliferation and expressed an invasive phenotype morphologically, with more pronounced effects following exposure to obASCs. Long-term exposure to obASCs also enhanced the expression of protumorgenic factors. Together, these results suggest that obesity alters ASCs to favor their rapid conversion into CAFs, which in turn enhances the proliferative rate, the phenotype, and gene expression profile of breast cancer cells.