bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Differential Analysis of Propolis Using Surface Desorption Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Huang Xue-yong , Guo Xia-li , Luo Huo-lin , Fang Xiao-wei , Zhu Teng-gao , Zhang Xing-lei , Chen Huan-wen , Luo Li-ping
Published: August 2015

Mass spectral fingerprints of 24 raw propolis samples, including 23 from China and one from the United States, were directly obtained using surface desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (SDAPCI-MS) without sample pretreatment. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the most abundant signals were detected in the mass ranges of 70 to 500m/zand 200 to 350m/z, respectively. Principal component analyses (PCA) for the two mass ranges showed similarities in that the colors had a significant correlation with the first two PCs; in contrast there was no correlation with the climatic zones from which the samples originated. Analytes such as chrysin, pinocembrin, and quercetin were detected and identified using multiple stage mass spectrometry within 3 min. Therefore, SDAPCI-MS can be used for rapid and reliable high-throughput analysis of propolis.
Inhibition of Epithelial CC‐Family Chemokine Synthesis by the Synthetic Chalcone DMPF‐1 via Disruption of NF‐κB Nuclear Translocation and Suppression of Experimental Asthma in Mice
Authors: Rajajendram Revathee , Tham Chau Ling , Akhtar Mohamad Nadeem , Sulaiman Mohd Roslan , Israf Daud Ahmad
Published: August 2015

Asthma is associated with increased pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. The interaction between airway epithelium and inflammatory mediators plays a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma. In vitro studies evaluated the inhibitory effects of 3‐(2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1‐(5‐methylfuran‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (DMPF‐1), a synthetic chalcone analogue, upon inflammation in the A549 lung epithelial cell line. DMPF‐1 selectively inhibited TNF‐α‐stimulated CC chemokine secretion (RANTES, eotaxin‐1, and MCP‐1) without any effect upon CXC chemokine (GRO‐α and IL‐8) secretion. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that the inhibitory activity resulted from disruption of p65NF‐κB nuclear translocation without any effects on the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Treatment of ovalbumin‐sensitized and ovalbumin‐challenged BALB/c mice with DMPF‐1 (0.2–100 mg/kg) demonstrated significant reduction in the secretion and gene expression of CC chemokines (RANTES, eotaxin‐1, and MCP‐1) and Th2 cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13). Furthermore, DMPF‐1 treatment inhibited eosinophilia, goblet cell hyperplasia, peripheral blood total IgE, and airway hyperresponsiveness in ovalbumin‐sensitized and ovalbumin‐challenged mice. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the potential of DMPF‐1, a nonsteroidal compound, as an antiasthmatic agent for further pharmacological evaluation.
Size of the Optic Nerve Head and Its Relationship with the Thickness of the Macular Ganglion Cell Complex and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Enomoto Nobuko , Anraku Ayako , Ishida Kyoko , Takeyama Asuka , Yagi Fumihiko , Tomita Goji
Published: August 2015

Purpose. To evaluate the relationships among the optic nerve head (ONH) area, macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) thickness, circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness, and visual field defects in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods. This retrospective study included 90 eyes of 90 patients with POAG. The ONH area, rim area, mGCC thickness, and cpRNFL thickness were measured using optical coherence tomography. Mean deviation (MD) was measured using standard automated perimetry. The relationships among clinical factors including age, refraction, the ONH area, the rim area, the mGCC thickness, the cpRNFL thickness, and MD were evaluated using correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses.Results. The significant correlation of the ONH area with refraction (r=0.362,P<0.001), the mGCC thickness (r=0.225,P=0.033), and the cpRNFL thickness (r=0.253,P=0.016) was found. Multiple regression analysis showed that the ONH area, rim area, and MD were selected as significant contributing factors to explain the mGCC thickness and cpRNFL thickness. No factor was selected to explain MD.Conclusions. The ONH area, in other words, the disc size itself may affect the mGCC thickness and cpRNFL thickness in POAG patients.

Erratum to “Size of the Optic Nerve Head and Its Relationship with the Thickness of the Macular Ganglion Cell Complex and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma”
Intrusion Detection Algorithm for Mitigating Sinkhole Attack on LEACH Protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sundararajan Ranjeeth Kumar , Arumugam Umamakeswari
Published: August 2015

In wireless sensor network (WSN), the sensors are deployed and placed uniformly to transmit the sensed data to a centralized station periodically. So, the major threat of the WSN network layer is sinkhole attack and it is still being a challenging issue on the sensor networks, where the malicious node attracts the packets from the other normal sensor nodes and drops the packets. Thus, this paper proposes an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) mechanism to detect the intruder in the network which uses Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) protocol for its routing operation. In the proposed algorithm, the detection metrics, such as number of packets transmitted and received, are used to compute the intrusion ratio (IR) by the IDS agent. The computed numeric or nonnumeric value represents the normal or malicious activity. As and when the sinkhole attack is captured, the IDS agent alerts the network to stop the data transmission. Thus, it can be a resilient to the vulnerable attack of sinkhole. Above all, the simulation result is shown for the proposed algorithm which is proven to be efficient compared with the existing work, namely, MS-LEACH, in terms of minimum computational complexity and low energy consumption. Moreover, the algorithm was numerically analyzed using TETCOS NETSIM.
A Building-Block Favoring Method for the Topology Optimization of Internal Antenna Design
Authors: Chen Yen-Sheng
Published: August 2015

This paper proposes a new design technique for internal antenna development. The proposed method is based on the framework of topology optimization incorporated with three effective mechanisms favoring the building blocks of associated optimization problems. Conventionally, the topology optimization of antenna structures discretizes a design space into uniform and rectangular pixels. However, the defining length of the resultant building blocks is so large that the problem difficulty arises; furthermore, the order of the building blocks becomes extremely high, so genetic algorithms (GAs) and binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) are not more efficient than the random search algorithm. In order to form tight linkage groups of building blocks, this paper proposes a novel approach to handle the design details. In particular, a nonuniform discretization is adopted to discretize the design space, and the initialization of GAs is assigned as orthogonal arrays (OAs) instead of a randomized population; moreover, the control map of GAs is constructed by ensuring the schema growth based on the generalized schema theorem. By using the proposed method, two internal antennas are thus successfully developed. The simulated and measured results show that the proposed technique significantly outperforms the conventional topology optimization.
ProSim: A Method for Prioritizing Disease Genes Based on Protein Proximity and Disease Similarity
Authors: Ganegoda Gamage Upeksha , Sheng Yu , Wang Jianxin
Published: August 2015

Predicting disease genes for a particular genetic disease is very challenging in bioinformatics. Based on current research studies, this challenge can be tackled via network-based approaches. Furthermore, it has been highlighted that it is necessary to consider disease similarity along with the protein’s proximity to disease genes in a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network in order to improve the accuracy of disease gene prioritization. In this study we propose a new algorithm called proximity disease similarity algorithm (ProSim), which takes both of the aforementioned properties into consideration, to prioritize disease genes. To illustrate the proposed algorithm, we have conducted six case studies, namely, prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. We employed leave-one-out cross validation, mean enrichment, tenfold cross validation, and ROC curves to evaluate our proposed method and other existing methods. The results show that our proposed method outperforms existing methods such as PRINCE, RWR, and DADA.
Efficacy and Safety of Sanfu Herbal Patch at Acupoints for Persistent Allergic Rhinitis: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Xiankun , Lu Chuanjian , Stålsby-Lundborg Cecilia , Li Yunying , Li Xiaoyan , Sun Jian , Ouyang Wenwei , Li Geng , Su Guobin , Lu Liming , Fu Wenbin , Wen Zehuai
Published: August 2015

Background. The Sanfu herbal patch (SHP) has been widely used to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) in China. SHP has been reported to be effective for managing the symptoms of AR, but the evidence suffers from methodological limitations. Therefore, we designed a three-armed, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SHP for persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR).Methods. The trial consists of 5 treatment sessions along with a one-year follow-up. This process is then repeated in the second and third years. Eligible participants diagnosed with PAR were randomized at a ratio of 2 : 2 : 1 into one of three groups: (a) SHP group; (b) placebo group; or (c) waiting-list group. The waiting-list group will receive no treatment in the first year but will receive SHP in the following two years. The primary outcome, total nasal symptoms score, is self-assessed at the beginning of each treatment session and during each annual follow-up. Secondary outcomes include the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, allergic rhinitis attacks, and relief medications. The trial will be stopped if early termination criteria are met during the interim analysis.Ethics. This protocol has been approved by site ethics committee (number B2014-014-01) and is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT02192645.
A Compact Experimental Planar Antenna with a USB Connector for Mobile Phone Application
Authors: Lin Cheng-Hung , Tiong Kwong-Kau
Published: August 2015

A practical antenna design combined with a universal serial bus (USB) connector in close vicinity is proposed. In the proposed arrangement, the antenna unit consisted of two planar inverted F antennas (PIFAs) placed on the two sides of the USB connector. The antenna is located at the bottom of the mobile phone to avoid the crowded space on the top side of the phone where various mobile phone accessories are usually assigned. A diplexer is incorporated in the unit to alleviate the adverse effect of the metal USB connector on the radiating efficiency of the antenna. A prototype antenna was fabricated and tested and showed good coverage for GSM850/900/1800/1900, UMTS2100, and LTE700/2500 multibands operation. The overall performances demonstrated the good design of the proposed unit for mobile phone application.
Anaphylaxis Preparedness among Preschool Staff before and after an Educational Intervention
Authors: Foster Ashley A. , Campbell Ronna L. , Lee Sangil , Anderson Jana L.
Published: August 2015

Introduction. Children with severe food allergies may spend many hours in the preschool setting. Little is known about anaphylaxis recognition and management preparedness among preschool staff. The objective of this study was to assess anaphylaxis preparedness among preschool staff. Methods. Anonymous questionnaires were administered before and after a 40-minute educational seminar on anaphylaxis recognition and management. Results. In total, 181 individuals participated in the preintervention survey and 171 participated in the postintervention survey. The comfort level with recognizing anaphylaxis and administering an epinephrine autoinjector significantly increased after the intervention (P<.001 for both). Of the 5 steps needed to administer an epinephrine autoinjector, staff named a mean (SD) of 3 (1.3) steps in the correct order compared with 4.2 (1.1) steps after the educational intervention (P<.001). Conclusion. This study shows that a brief education intervention can significantly increase caregiver comfort regarding identifying anaphylaxis and administering an epinephrine autoinjector.
Orthotopic Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support in Cancer Survivors: Challenges and Outcomes
Authors: Ghosh Nina , Hilton John
Published: August 2015

Chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy (CCMP) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Compared to cardiomyopathy due to other causes, anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy is associated with a worse survival. As cancer survival improves, patients with CCMP can be expected to comprise a significant proportion of patients who may require advanced therapies such as inotropic support, cardiac transplantation, or left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Distinct outcomes related to advanced therapies for end-stage heart failure in this patient population may arise due to unique demographic characteristics and comorbidities. We review recent literature regarding the characteristics of patients who have survived cancer undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support for end-stage heart failure. The challenges and outcomes of advanced therapies for heart failure related specifically to anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy are emphasized.
ECMTADR: Energy Conservative Multitier Architecture with Data Reduction for Cluster-Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Cevik Taner
Published: August 2015

Regarding the energy shortage problem of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), various schemes and protocols are proposed to prolong the network lifetime. Data communication is undoubtedly the most important determinant for this energy scarce network type. In this paper, we propose a sophisticated architecture comprising data reduction, load balance, and topology control. Data reduction is ensured by the parameter spatial correlation proximity range (SCPR) that can be adjusted statically at the setup phase or dynamically revised depending on the necessities in the network. Four-layer virtual architecture is applied for implementing topology control. Furthermore, network area is partitioned into fixed-size hexagonal clusters. Depending on the regions in which the clusters take place, cluster heads (CHs) are elected from the respective subregions of the clusters. Load balance is achieved by considering residual energies and distances to the sink during both CH election and data transmission stages. Aggregated data in each cluster is transmitted towards the sink by using a load balancing single-hop intercluster routing protocol instead of direct transmission as offered in LEACH. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed architecture ECMTADR shows almost 50% better performance in terms of energy conservation and network lifetime when it is compared to LEACH and HEED.
Integration of DCE-MRI and DW-MRI Quantitative Parameters for Breast Lesion Classification
Authors: Fusco Roberta , Sansone Mario , Filice Salvatore , Granata Vincenza , Catalano Orlando , Amato Daniela Maria , Di Bonito Maurizio , D’Aiuto Massimiliano , Capasso Immacolata , Rinaldo Massimo , Petrillo Antonella
Published: August 2015

Objective. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of an imaging protocol combining dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in patients with suspicious breast lesions.Materials and Methods. A total of 31 breast lesions (15 malignant and 16 benign proved by histological examination) in 26 female patients were included in this study. For both DCE-MRI and DW-MRI model free and model based parameters were computed pixel by pixel on manually segmented ROIs. Statistical procedures included conventional linear analysis and more advanced techniques for classification of lesions in benign and malignant.Results. Our findings indicated no strong correlation between DCE-MRI and DW-MRI parameters. Results of classification analysis show that combining of DCE parameters or DW-MRI parameter, in comparison of single feature, does not yield a dramatic improvement of sensitivity and specificity of the two techniques alone. The best performance was obtained considering a full combination of all features. Moreover, the classification results combining all features are dominated by DCE-MRI features alone.Conclusion. The combination of DWI and DCE-MRI does not show a potential to dramatically increase the sensitivity and specificity of breast MRI. DCE-MRI alone gave the same performance as in combination with DW-MRI.
Brain-Specific Superoxide Dismutase 2 Deficiency Causes Perinatal Death with Spongiform Encephalopathy in Mice
Authors: Izuo Naotaka , Nojiri Hidetoshi , Uchiyama Satoshi , Noda Yoshihiro , Kawakami Satoru , Kojima Shuji , Sasaki Toru , Shirasawa Takuji , Shimizu Takahiko
Published: August 2015

Oxidative stress is believed to greatly contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neurodegeneration. Impairment of mitochondrial energy production and increased mitochondrial oxidative damage are considered early pathological events that lead to neurodegeneration. Manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD, SOD2) is a mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme that converts toxic superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. To investigate the pathological role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in the central nervous system, we generated brain-specific SOD2-deficient mice (B-Sod2−/−) usingnestin-Cre-loxpsystem. B-Sod2−/−showed perinatal death, along with severe growth retardation. Interestingly, these mice exhibited spongiform neurodegeneration in motor cortex, hippocampus, and brainstem, accompanied by gliosis. In addition, the mutant mice had markedly decreased mitochondrial complex II activity, but not complex I or IV, in the brain based on enzyme histochemistry. Furthermore, brain lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the B-Sod2−/−, without any compensatory alterations of the activities of other antioxidative enzymes, such as catalase or glutathione peroxidase. These results suggest that SOD2 protects the neural system from oxidative stress in the perinatal stage and is essential for infant survival and central neural function in mice.
First Report ofKlebsiella pneumoniae-Carbapenemase-3-ProducingEscherichia coliST479 in Poland
Authors: Ojdana Dominika , Sacha Paweł , Olszańska Dorota , Majewski Piotr , Wieczorek Piotr , Jaworowska Jadwiga , Sieńko Anna , Jurczak Anna , Tryniszewska Elżbieta
Published: August 2015

An increase in the antibiotic resistance among members of theEnterobacteriaceaefamily has been observed worldwide. Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods are increasingly reported. The treatment of infections caused byEscherichia coliand otherEnterobacteriaceaehas become an important clinical problem associated with reduced therapeutic possibilities. Antimicrobial carbapenems are considered the last line of defense against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Unfortunately, an increase of carbapenem resistance due to the production ofKlebsiella pneumoniaecarbapenemase (KPC) enzymes has been observed. In this study we describe the ability ofE. colito produce carbapenemase enzymes based on the results of the combination disc assay with boronic acid performed according to guidelines established by the European Community on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) and the biochemical Carba NP test. Moreover, we evaluated the presence of genes responsible for the production of carbapenemases (blaKPC,blaVIM,blaIMP,blaOXA-48) and genes encoding otherβ-lactamases (blaSHV,blaTEM,blaCTX-M) amongE. coliisolate. The tested isolate ofE. colithat possessed theblaKPC-3andblaTEM-34genes was identified. The tested strain exhibited susceptibility to colistin (0.38 μg/mL) and tigecycline (1 μg/mL). This is the first detection ofblaKPC-3in anE. coliST479 in Poland.
Multimodality Imaging in Cardiooncology
Authors: Pizzino Fausto , Vizzari Giampiero , Qamar Rubina , Bomzer Charles , Carerj Scipione , Zito Concetta , Khandheria Bijoy K.
Published: August 2015

Cardiotoxicity represents a rising problem influencing prognosis and quality of life of chemotherapy-treated patients. Anthracyclines and trastuzumab are the drugs most commonly associated with development of a cardiotoxic effect. Heart failure, myocardial ischemia, hypertension, myocarditis, and thrombosis are typical manifestation of cardiotoxicity by chemotherapeutic agents. Diagnosis and monitoring of cardiac side-effects of cancer treatment is of paramount importance. Echocardiography and nuclear medicine methods are widely used in clinical practice and left ventricular ejection fraction is the most important parameter to asses myocardial damage secondary to chemotherapy. However, left ventricular ejection decrease is a delayed phenomenon, occurring after a long stage of silent myocardial damage that classic imaging methods are not able to detect. New imaging techniques including three-dimensional echocardiography, speckle tracking echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance have demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting the earliest alteration of left ventricular function associated with future development of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy. Early diagnosis of cardiac involvement in cancer patients can allow for timely and adequate treatment management and the introduction of cardioprotective strategies.
Microparticles That Form Immune Complexes as Modulatory Structures in Autoimmune Responses
Authors: Burbano Catalina , Rojas Mauricio , Vásquez Gloria , Castaño Diana
Published: August 2015

Microparticles (MPs) are induced during apoptosis, cell activation, and even “spontaneous” release. Initially MPs were considered to be inert cellular products with no biological function. However, an extensive research and functional characterization have shown that the molecular composition and the effects of MPs depend upon the cellular background and the mechanism inducing them. They possess a wide spectrum of biological effects on intercellular communication by transferring different molecules able to modulate other cells. MPs interact with their target cells through different mechanisms: membrane fusion, macropinocytosis, and receptor‐mediated endocytosis. However, when MPs remain in the extracellular milieu, they undergo modifications such as citrullination, glycosylation, and partial proteolysis, among others, becoming a source of neoantigens. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), reports indicated elevated levels of MPs with different composition, content, and effects compared with those isolated from healthy individuals. MPs can also form immune complexes amplifying the proinflammatory response and tissue damage. Their early detection and characterization could facilitate an appropriate diagnosis optimizing the pharmacological strategies, in different diseases including cancer, infection, and autoimmunity. This review focuses on the current knowledge about MPs and their involvement in the immunopathogenesis of SLE and RA.
A Study of SUOWA Operators in Two Dimensions
Authors: Llamazares Bonifacio
Published: August 2015

SUOWA operators are a new class of aggregation functions that simultaneously generalize weighted means and OWA operators. They are Choquet integral-based operators with respect to normalized capacities; therefore, they possess some interesting properties such as continuity, monotonicity, idempotency, compensativeness, and homogeneity of degree 1. In this paper, we focus on two dimensions and show that any Choquet integral with respect to a normalized capacity can be expressed as a SUOWA operator.
Epicatechin Reduces Striatal MPP+-Induced Damage in Rats through Slight Increases in SOD-Cu,Zn Activity
Authors: Rubio-Osornio M. , Gorostieta-Salas E. , Montes S. , Pérez-Severiano F. , Rubio C. , Gómez C. , Ríos C. , Guevara J.
Published: August 2015

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by movement alterations caused by reduced dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nigrostriatal pathway, presumably by oxidative stress (OS). MPP+intrastriatal injection leads to the overproduction of free radicals (FR). The increasing formation of FR produces OS, a decline in dopamine (DA) content, and behavioral disorders. Epicatechin (EC) has shown the ability to be FR scavenger, an antioxidant enzyme inductor, a redox state modulator, and transition metal chelator. Acute administration of 100 mg/kg of EC significantly prevented (P<0.05) the circling MPP+-induced behavior (10 μg/8 μL). Likewise, EC significantly (P<0.05) reduced the formation of fluorescent lipid products caused by MPP+. MPP+injection produced (P<0.05) increased enzymatic activity of the constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS). This effect was blocked with acute EC pretreatment. Cu/Zn-dependent superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) activity was significantly (P<0.05) reduced as a consequence of MPP+damage. EC produced a slight increase (≈20%) in Cu/Zn-SOD activity in the control group. Such effects persisted in animals injured with MPP+. The results show that EC is effective against MPP+-induced biochemical and behavioral damage, which is possible by an increase in Cu/Zn-SOD activity.
Omega-3 PUFAs Lower the Propensity for Arachidonic Acid Cascade Overreactions
Authors: Lands Bill
Published: August 2015

A productive view of the benefits from omega-3 (n-3) nutrients is that the dietary essential omega-6 (n-6) linoleic acid has a very narrow therapeutic window which is widened by n-3 nutrients. The benefit from moderate physiological actions of the arachidonic acid cascade can easily shift to harm from excessive pathophysiological actions. Recognizing the factors that predispose the cascade to an unwanted overactivity gives a rational approach for arranging beneficial interactions between the n-3 and n-6 essential nutrients that are initial components of the cascade. Much detailed evidence for harmful cascade actions was collected by pharmaceutical companies as they developed drugs to decrease those actions. A remaining challenge is to understand the factors that predispose the cascade toward unwanted outcomes and create the need for therapeutic interventions. Such understanding involves recognizing the similar dynamics for dietary n-3 and n-6 nutrients in forming the immediate precursors of the cascade plus the more vigorous actions of the n-6 precursor, arachidonic acid, in forming potent mediators that amplify unwanted cascade outcomes. Tools have been developed to aid deliberate day-to-day quantitative management of the propensity for cascade overactivity in ways that can decrease the need for drug treatments.
Effect of Contact Time and Gas Component on Interfacial Tension of CO2/Crude Oil System by Pendant Drop Method
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Lifeng , Lun Zengmin , Lv Chengyuan , Wang Rui , Wang Haitao , Zhang Dong
Published: August 2015

Pendant drop method has been used to measure the equilibrium interfacial tension and dynamic interfacial tension of CO2/crude oil system under the simulated-formation condition, in which the temperature is 355.65 K and pressure ranges from 0 MPa to 30 MPa. The test results indicated that the equilibrium interfacial tension of CO2/crude oil systems decreased with the increase of the systematic pressure. The dynamic interfacial tension of CO2/original oil, CO2/remaining oil, and CO2/produced oil systems is large at the initial contact and decreases gradually after that, and then finally it reaches dynamic balance. In addition, the higher the pressure is, the larger the magnitude of changing of CO2/crude oil interfacial tension with time will reduce. Moreover, by PVT phase experiment, gas-oil ratio, gas composition, and well fluid composition have been got, and different contents of light components in three oil samples under reservoir conditions have also been calculated. The relationship between equilibrium interfacial tensions and pressures of three different components of crude oil and CO2system was studied, and the higher C1is, the lower C2–C10will be, and the equilibrium interfacial tension will get higher. Therefore, the effect of light weight fractions on interfacial tension under formation conditions was studied.
Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography of Preclinical Chloroquine Maculopathy in Egyptian Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Allam Riham S. H. M. , Abd-Elmohsen Mai N. , Khafagy Mohamed M. , Raafat Karim A. , Sheta Sherif M.
Published: August 2015

Purpose. To evaluate the role of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in early detection of Chloroquine maculopathy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.Methods. 40 left eyes of 40 female rheumatoid arthritis patients who received treatment chloroquine for more than one year were recruited in the study. All patients had no symptoms or signs of Chloroquine retinopathy. They were evaluated using SD-OCT, where the Central Foveal Thickness (CFT), parafoveal thickness and perifoveal thickness, average Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness, and Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) measurements were measured and compared to 40 left eyes of 40 normal females.Results. The mean CFT was found to be thinner in the Chloroquine group (238.15 µm ± 22.49) than the normal controls (248.2 µm ± 19.04), which was statistically significant (pvalue = 0.034). The mean parafoveal thickness was lesser in the Chloroquine group than the control group in all quadrants (pvalue<0.05). The perifoveal thickness in both groups showed no statistically significant difference (pvalue>0.05) in all quadrants. No significant difference was detected between the two groups regarding RNFL, GCC, or IS/OS junction.Conclusions. Preclinical Chloroquine toxicity can lead to early thinning in the central fovea as well as the parafoveal regions that is detected by SD-OCT.
Subtoxic Doses of Cadmium Modulate Inflammatory Properties of Murine RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Riemschneider Sina , Herzberg Martin , Lehmann Jörg
Published: August 2015

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that exhibits various adverse effects in the human and animal organism. Its resemblance to essential metals such as calcium, iron, and zinc leads to an unintended uptake in cells after intake through inhalation and ingestion. In this study we investigated the toxicity and the immunomodulatory potential of Cd in nonactivated and activated murine macrophages (i.e., cell line RAW 264.7). Cadmium alone caused a dose-dependent decreased viability of exposed cells. Subtoxic Cd concentrations delayed cell death in macrophages, resulting from cytotoxic storm, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), in response to their stimulation by bacterial antigens via pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs). In addition, production of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, the chemokine CXCL1 (KC), and NO was determined. We observed that proinflammatory IL-1βand also CXCL1 were highly upregulated whereas anti-inflammatory or regulatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 were suppressed by 10 µM Cd. Also production of antibacterial NO was significantly reduced through exposure to 10 µM Cd, maybe explaining better survival of macrophages. Additionally, we could show by analysis via ICP-MS that different effects of Cd in nonactivated and activated macrophages definitely did not result from different Cd uptake rates.
Effects of Chlorinated Polypropylene on the Conformation of Polypropylene in Polypropylene/Chlorinated Polypropylene/Polyaniline Composites
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Jia Yueyue , Zhang Zhiye , Wang Xinlong , Yang Lin
Published: August 2015

We investigated the changes in the conformation and crystalline structure of polypropylene (PP) using a combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) based on PP/chlorinated PP (CPP)/polyaniline (PANI) composites. The DSC heating thermograms and WAXD patterns of the PP/CPP/PANI composites showed that theβ-crystal was affected greatly by the CPP content. Characterization of the specific regularity in the infrared band variation showed that the conformational orders of the helical sequences in PP exhibited major changes that depended on the CPP content. Initially, the intensity ratio ofA840/A810increased with the CPP concentration and reached its maximum level when the CPP content was <13.22% before decreasing as the CPP content increased further. The effect of increased temperature on the conformation of PP was studied by in situ FTIR. Initially, the intensity ratio ofA999/A973decreased slowly with increasing the temperature up to 105°C before decreasing sharply with further increases in temperature and then decreasing slowly again when the temperature was higher than 128°C.
Three-Dimensional Modelling inside a Differential Pressure Laminar Flow Bioreactor Filled with Porous Media
Authors: Weyand Birgit , Israelowitz Meir , Kramer James , Bodmer Christian , Noehre Mariel , Strauss Sarah , Schmälzlin Elmar , Gille Christoph , von Schroeder Herbert P. , Reimers Kerstin , Vogt Peter M.
Published: August 2015

A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics- (CFD-) model based on a differential pressure laminar flow bioreactor prototype was developed to further examine performance under changing culture conditions. Cell growth inside scaffolds was simulated by decreasing intrinsic permeability values and led to pressure build-up in the upper culture chamber. Pressure release by an integrated bypass system allowed continuation of culture. The specific shape of the bioreactor culture vessel supported a homogenous flow profile and mass flux at the scaffold level at various scaffold permeabilities. Experimental data showed an increase in oxygen concentration measured inside a collagen scaffold seeded with human mesenchymal stem cells when cultured in the perfusion bioreactor after 24 h compared to static culture in a Petri dish (dynamic: 11% O2versus static: 3% O2). Computational fluid simulation can support design of bioreactor systems for tissue engineering application.
Green Tea Increases the Concentration of Total Mercury in the Blood of Rats following an Oral Fish Tissue Bolus
Authors: Janle Elsa M. , Freiser Helene , Manganais Christopher , Chen Tzu-Ying , Craig Bruce A. , Santerre Charles R.
Published: August 2015

Fish has many health benefits but is also the most common source of methylmercury. The bioavailability of methylmercury in fish may be affected by other meal components. In this study, the effect of green tea on the bioavailability of methylmercury from an oral bolus of fish muscle tissue was studied in rats and compared to a water treated control group and a group treated with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), a compound used medically to chelate mercury. Rats were given a single oral dose of fish tissue via gavage and one of the treatments. Rats were given access to food for 3 h at 12 h intervals. They were dosed with each of the treatments with each meal. Blood samples were collected for 95 hours. Green tea significantly increased the concentration of total mercury in blood relative to the control, whereas DMSA significantly decreased it. In addition, feeding caused a slight increase in blood mercury for several meals following the initial dose.
Lesser-Known Molecules in Ovarian Carcinogenesis
Authors: Lozneanu Ludmila , Cojocaru Elena , Giuşcă Simona Eliza , Cărăuleanu Alexandru , Căruntu Irina-Draga
Published: August 2015

Currently, the deciphering of the signaling pathways brings about new advances in the understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of ovarian carcinogenesis, which is based on the interaction of several molecules with different biochemical structure that, consequently, intervene in cell metabolism, through their role as regulators in proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Given that the ensemble of biomarkers in OC includes more than 50 molecules the interest of the researchers focuses on the possible validation of each one’s potential as prognosis markers and/or therapeutic targets. Within this framework, this review presents three protein molecules: ALCAM, c-FLIP, and caveolin, motivated by the perspectives provided through the current limited knowledge on their role in ovarian carcinogenesis and on their potential as prognosis factors. Their structural stability, once altered, triggers the initiation of the sequences characteristic for ovarian carcinogenesis, through their role as modulators for several signaling pathways, contributing to the disruption of cellular junctions, disturbance of pro-/antiapoptotic equilibrium, and alteration of transmission of the signals specific for the molecular pathways. For each molecule, the text is built as follows: (i) general remarks, (ii) structural details, and (iii) particularities in expression, from different tumors to landmarks in ovarian carcinoma.
Air Pollution by Hydrothermal Volcanism and Human Pulmonary Function
Authors: Linhares Diana , Garcia Patrícia Ventura , Viveiros Fátima , Ferreira Teresa , Rodrigues Armindo dos Santos
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to assess whether chronic exposure to volcanogenic air pollution by hydrothermal soil diffuse degassing is associated with respiratory defects in humans. This study was carried in the archipelago of the Azores, an area with active volcanism located in the Atlantic Ocean where Eurasian, African, and American lithospheric plates meet. A cross-sectional study was performed on a study group of 146 individuals inhabiting an area where volcanic activity is marked by active fumarolic fields and soil degassing (hydrothermal area) and a reference group of 359 individuals inhabiting an area without these secondary manifestations of volcanism (nonhydrothermal area). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were adjusted for age, gender, fatigue, asthma, and smoking. The OR for restrictive defects and for exacerbation of obstructive defects (COPD) in the hydrothermal area was 4.4 (95% CI 1.78–10.69) and 3.2 (95% CI 1.82–5.58), respectively. Increased prevalence of restrictions and all COPD severity ranks (mild, moderate, and severe) was observed in the population from the hydrothermal area. These findings may assist health officials in advising and keeping up with these populations to prevent and minimize the risk of respiratory diseases.
Growth, Development, and Mineral Nutrient Accumulation and Distribution in Tulip from Planting through Postanthesis Shoot Senescence
Authors: Niedziela Carl E. , Nelson Paul V. , Dickey David A.
Published: August 2015

Tulips were grown under field conditions from mid-November through early-June. Plants were harvested and dissected into eight organs on twenty-one dates. These parts were dried, weighed, and analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. A transition (as determined by curve join points) from a linear to a steep negative cubic response occurred prior to shoot emergence for N (82 days after planting (DAP)), at shoot emergence for K (93 DAP) and Ca (94 DAP), and after shoot emergence for Mg (102 DAP) and dry matter (118 DAP). A transition from a linear to a steeper linear response occurred at shoot emergence for P (93 DAP). Growth, organ development, and nutrient accumulation occurred continuously from planting to maturity (188 DAP), except for K which did not accumulate during the initial linear phase. Since the increase in accumulation of all five nutrients preceded the dry matter accumulation, these nutrients could be used as predictors in growth models. Practical implications from this study include the importance of maintaining soil Ca levels through liming and applying the N, P, and Mg as split applications with smaller rates at planting and larger rates at emergence. The entire K application may be applied at emergence.
Anti-Inflammatory Property ofPlantago majorLeaf Extract Reduces the Inflammatory Reaction in Experimental Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Hussan Farida , Mansor Adila Sofea , Hassan Siti Nazihahasma , Tengku Nor Effendy Kamaruddin Tg. Nurul Tasnim , Budin Siti Balkis , Othman Faizah
Published: August 2015

Hepatic injury induces inflammatory process and cell necrosis.Plantago majoris traditionally used for various diseases. This study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory property ofP. majorleaf extracts on inflammatory reaction following acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups, namely, normal control (C), APAP, aqueous (APAP + AQ), methanol (APAP + MT), and ethanol (APAP + ET) extract treated groups. All APAP groups received oral APAP (2 g/kg) at day 0. Then, 1000 mg/kg dose ofP. majorextracts was given for six days. The levels of liver transaminases were measured at day 1 and day 7 after APAP induction. At day 7, the blood and liver tissue were collected to determine plasma cytokines and tissue 11β-HSD type 1 enzyme. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of methanol, ethanol, and aqueous extracts were 26.74 ± 1.6%, 21.69 ± 2.81%, and 12.23 ± 3.15%, respectively. The ALT and AST levels were significantly higher in the APAP groups at day 1 whereas the enzyme levels of all groups showed no significant difference at day 7. The extracts treatment significantly reduced the proinflammatory cytokine levels and significantly increased the 11β-HSD type 1 enzyme activity (p<0.05). In conclusion, theP. majorextracts attenuate the inflammatory reaction following APAP-induced liver injury.
Selected Aspects in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Nagy György , Huszthy Peter C. , Fossum Even , Konttinen Yrjö , Nakken Britt , Szodoray Peter
Published: August 2015

Autoimmune processes can be found in physiological circumstances. However, they are quenched with properly functioning regulatory mechanisms and do not evolve into full‐blown autoimmune diseases. Once developed, autoimmune diseases are characterized by signature clinical features, accompanied by sustained cellular and/or humoral immunological abnormalities. Genetic, environmental, and hormonal defects, as well as a quantitative and qualitative impairment of immunoregulatory functions, have been shown in parallel to the relative dominance of proinflammatory Th17 cells in many of these diseases. In this review we focus on the derailed balance between regulatory and Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, we depict a cytokine imbalance, which gives rise to a biased T‐cell homeostasis. The assessment of Th17/Treg‐cell ratio and the simultaneous quantitation of cytokines, may give a useful diagnostic tool in autoimmune diseases. We also depict the multifaceted role of dendritic cells, serving as antigen presenting cells, contributing to the development of the pathognomonic cytokine signature and promote cellular and humoral autoimmune responses. Finally we describe the function and role of extracellular vesicles in particular autoimmune diseases. Targeting these key players of disease progression in patients with autoimmune diseases by immunomodulating therapy may be beneficial in future therapeutic strategies.
Novel Technique for Management of Axillary Hidradenitis Suppurativa Using Setons
Authors: Lajevardi Sepehr Seyed , Abeysinghe Jayantha
Published: August 2015

Management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) of the axilla which is nonresponding to conservative management presents a significant therapeutic challenge. Most surgical treatment options are associated with significant morbidities and prolonged hospital stay. We present a technique of management of HS using setons which is simple and allows the ongoing treatment to be done on an outpatient basis. Given the fact that HS is a chronic relapsing condition each recurrence may again be managed using this technique. This will allow the patients to manage their recurrences with minimal impact on their activities of daily living.
Rutting and Fatigue Cracking Resistance of Waste Cooking Oil Modified Trinidad Asphaltic Materials
Authors: Maharaj Rean , Ramjattan-Harry Vitra , Mohamed Nazim
Published: August 2015

The influence of waste cooking oil (WCO) on the performance characteristics of asphaltic materials indigenous to Trinidad, namely, Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA), Trinidad Petroleum Bitumen (TPB), and TLA : TPB (50 : 50) blend, was investigated to deduce the applicability of the WCO as a performance enhancer for the base asphalt. The rheological properties of complex modulus (G∗) and phase angle (δ) were measured for modified base asphalt blends containing up to 10% WCO. The results of rheology studies demonstrated that the incremental addition of WCO to the three parent binders resulted in incremental decreases in the rutting resistance (decrease in G∗/sinδ values) and increases in the fatigue cracking resistance (decrease in G∗sinδ value). The fatigue cracking resistance and rutting resistance for the TLA : TPB (50 : 50) blends were between those of the blends containing pure TLA and TPB. As operating temperature increased, an increase in the resistance to fatigue cracking and a decrease in the rutting resistance were observed for all of the WCO modified asphaltic blends. This study demonstrated the capability to create customized asphalt‐WCO blends to suit special applications and highlights the potential for WCO to be used as an environmentally attractive option for improving the use of Trinidad asphaltic materials.
An International Survey of Health Care Providers Involved in the Management of Cancer Patients Exposed to Cardiotoxic Therapy
Authors: Sulpher Jeffrey , Mathur Shrey , Lenihan Daniel , Johnson Christopher , Turek Michele , Law Angeline , Stadnick Ellamae , Dattilo Franco , Graham Nadine , Dent Susan F
Published: August 2015

Cardiotoxicity is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors. The objective of this international cardiac oncology survey was to gain a better understanding of current knowledge and practice patterns among HCPs involved in the management of cancer patients exposed to potentially cardiotoxic drugs. Between 2012 and 2013, we conducted an email-based survey of HCPs involved in the management of cardiac disease in cancer patients. 393 survey responses were received, of which 77 were from Canadian respondents. The majority of respondents were cardiologists (47%), followed closely by medical oncologists. The majority of respondents agreed that cardiac issues are important to cancer patients (97%). However, only 36% of total respondents agreed with an accepted definition of cardiotoxicity. While 78% of respondents felt that cardiac medications are protective during active cancer treatment, only 51% would consider prescribing these medications up-front in cancer patients. Although results confirm a high level of concern for cardiac safety, there continues to be a lack of consensus on the definition of cardiotoxicity and a discrepancy in clinical practice between cardiologists and oncologists. These differences in opinion require resolution through more effective research collaboration and formulation of evidence-based guidelines.